Tag: book-review

Leviathan

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By Scott Westerfield

I’m sure you’ve read plenty of historical fiction about WWI, but you’ve never read one like this. I’m not sure it can even be classified as historical fiction. It’s more steampunk/sci-fi. But, it’s still set during WWI so I’m counting it as historical fiction. Please don’t be mad.

WWI is raging, but it’s not just Allies v. Central powers. It is Clankers v. Darwinists. The Clankers (the Central powers) use steam-powered mechanical giants to fight their side of the war. The Darwinists use genetically modified/engineered animals to fight.

I’m sure you think this is absolutely ridiculous. And yes, it is. On the surface, it’s probably one of the dumbest ideas that ever became a published series. But it is actually a really good book. It’s a lot more interesting than you would expect. Here’s a general rundown of the plot.

There are two main characters the Austro-Hungarian Prince Alek and the British airman Deryn, who’s actually a girl. They both have a lot of secrets and when they get caught up in the war, it’s a lot harder to hide them. When they finally meet, they end up on a crazy adventure all over the world.

Why should you read this book?

At first, you’re probably going to think that it’s weird. I definitely did. But, once you get into the book, you’ll really like it. It’s a fresh new take on WWI and you will not see other books like this one. If you are interested in steampunk, Darwinism, or WWI, you should try this book. You might really like it.

Who should read this book?

I read it in book club in 7th grade. In retrospect, it was maybe a little more suited to an older audience. But I still liked it. I think that a 7th grader could read this book and it wouldn’t hurt them, but an 8th grader might be able to appreciate it a little better.

General Stats:

  • Genre: historical fiction/steampunk – WWI
  • Book 1 of 3
  • Age: 7th-8th grade and above
  • My rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

A Single Shard

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By Linda Sue Park

12th century Thailand. A small village. An orphaned boy willing to do anything to get food. And a potter who’s getting older.

Tree-ear has lived under a bridge for almost his entire life, scrounging for scraps and trying to survive with his friend. It doesn’t look like he’s ever going to be anything else besides a beggar, until an opportunity presents itself to him. He begins to help Min the potter with his work. At first, it is difficult and grueling. Tree-ear spends all day digging up clay or gathering firewood. The potter is harsh and unfriendly. But Tree-ear loves pottery, and he will stop at nothing to earn his master’s trust and learn to create masterpieces of his own.

Soon, Tree-ear must embark on a journey to deliver some of Min’s pottery. If he can succeed at this task, then he too may be able to become a potter and make beautiful pots.

Why should you read this book?

I didn’t know anything about pottery before I read this book. I didn’t think it was something I would want to learn about, but after I read this book, I was fascinated. It was very interesting to learn about how pottery is made and all the steps and processes, and it wasn’t boring or slow. The author does a really good job of bringing you into the story and all the characters and descriptions feel very real. It’s a really good story, and definitely a frequent reread.

Who should read this book?

If you are interested in history or pottery or Thailand, you should read this book. Even if you’re not, you should still try it – it may change your mind. I think I read this book in 5th or 6th grade. There are some parts that are sad or could be upsetting, but those parts are handled very well. It’s a very quick and easy read.

General Stats:

  • Genre: historical fiction
  • Standalone
  • Age: 6th grade and above
  • My rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Words on Fire

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By Jennifer A Nielsen

If you’re on this website, I’m assuming that you like to read. So I’m sure that you will be appalled at the thought of a government that bans books. Not just suspicious or problematic books. All books. Now imagine that not only are books forbidden, but also your entire language. You can’t even speak it at home.

Living in Lithuania in 1893, Audra is in constant fear of the Cossacks. They are trying to erase all signs of the Lithuanian culture, including the language and the books. Of course, not everyone is going to agree with this. So when the Cossacks show up at Audra’s front door, her parents tell her to flee. And to deliver a mysterious package.

Throughout her journey, Audra learns of the secret resistant movement and realizes just how involved she already is. Her parents are prisoners, and she must rely on her wits and her newfound allies to save them.

Why should you read this book?

Before I read this book, I had no idea that there was a time when Lithuanian was banned in Lithuania. I didn’t know that people smuggled books around, and I certainly had no idea what the resistance movements were. Through this book, I discovered an entire area of history that I had never known about. Besides all the interesting historical background, it’s really well written. This was the first Jennifer A Nielsen book I read (a friend gave it to me) and recently I got the privilege of meeting her and she signed my copy (!!!).

Who should read this book?

Again, this is another book that deals with a time period were there was violence and danger, but it does a good job of handling it in a way that’s not graphic or disturbing. It was well written and very enjoyable. Any middle schoolers could read this.

General Stats:

  • Genre: historical fiction
  • Standalone
  • Age: 6th grade and above
  • My rating: ★★★★★

A Night Divided

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By Jennifer A Nielsen

World War Two has ended and Gerta thinks that everything will finally be alright. But living in East Berlin, she finds her world cut in two when the Berlin Wall goes up, splitting the city – and her family – in two.

She is left on the east side with her mother and one of her brothers. For a while, they survive, but as she gets older, the situation worsens. Soon, it becomes clear that in order to live, they have to leave. But how?

Then Gerta receives a mysterious message. Her father and brother are alive on the other side of the wall, and they want her to do something. She recruits her older brother for help and seeks to find a way to the west.

Why should you read this book?

If you like reading WWII stories but you’re looking for something a little different, read this book. It takes place during the cold war so you’ll get to experience that side of history as well. It’s a very classic Jennifer A Nielsen historical fiction in that it is told in first person from the perspective of a 12ish year old girl. No matter how similar her books can be to each other, this is one of my favorite books that she has written. I really liked how it has her family playing a large role – somehow, that’s become unusual.

Who should read this book?

While generally being pretty tame, this book does deal with Soviet East Germany during the Cold War, which was not a happy place. There are many references to the soldiers and punishment and what happens to people who break the rules. It’s not necessarily something to worry about if you’re used to historical fiction from this era, but it’s something to be aware of.

General Stats:

  • Genre: historical fiction – cold war
  • Standalone
  • Age: 7th grade and above
  • My rating: ★★★★★

The Mysterious Benedict Society

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By Trenton Lee Stewart

Do you like solving puzzles? Do you like mysteries? Do you wish you were extraordinary? If so, then you will love this book.

Reynie Muldoon is no ordinary boy. In fact, he has already gone beyond what the orphanage can teach him and is now studying under a private tutor. So when he discovers an ad for a special test in the newspaper, of course he wants to take it (Why would he want to take more tests? Don’t ask me I hate taking standardized tests).

So Reynie takes the test. And then another one. And then another one (at least they seem more fun then the SAT). Finally, he meets up with the other kids who have passed, and their benefactor. They must embark on a secret mission that only they can succeed at. Though they may not know yet how important it is, their mission could determine more than their own futures.

Why should you read this book?

If you like word games or puzzles where the answer is hidden in plain sight, you will love this book. It keeps you on your toes, and it’s really hard to put down. The characters are really fun, and you genuinely want them to succeed. And this is one of those books where, in the end, all the pieces really come together. You’ll be excited to read the next one.

Who should read this book?

I have to admit, this is one of the books that still gives me goosebumps when I read it. It’s very suspenseful, and even when nothing bad happens, you still think that it will happen. Content note: most of the book takes place in a school where children are not treated wonderfully by adults. They aren’t being horribly mistreated, but this isn’t a happy place, and they’re under intense mental pressure. It can be a little frightening at times. I think this was a book that I stayed up all night reading because I was genuinely nervous about what was going to happen. I would say that 7th graders could read this book.

General Stats:

  • Genre: sci-fi/dystopian/mystery
  • Book 1 of 4
  • Age: 7th grade and above
  • My rating: ★★★★★

The Giver

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By Lois Lowry

What if you lived in a world where everything was orderly and the same. Where life was structured and you didn’t have to worry about anything. Your future was planned out for you. That is the world that Jonas lives in. At first, everything seems perfect. He is about have his future determined for him, when, well, it doesn’t happen. Instead, he is apprenticed to the mysterious Giver, an old man who seems to have far more than the rest of society.

As Jonas learns about the world around him, he begins to see his society in a different light. Why is everything so structured? Who determines the rules? And where do people go when they’re Released? When danger threatens his family, Jonas must put everything he has learned to use to save the people he loves, if love can even exist in this world.

Why should you read this book?

I first read this book when I was in elementary school and have reread it quite frequently ever since. It is an amazing work of science fiction and a great introduction to the genre. If you’re looking for a quick read and an interesting plot, this book is the right one for you. It’s fairly light, but begins to introduce some heavier concepts that you can think about.

Who should read this book?

There are some darker themes in this book, but it shouldn’t really be that much of an issue for most readers. I would recommend this to 5th graders and above.

Note: The Giver is the first book in a series, but the other books are very different to this one. They are a lot darker and more disturbing and are not appropriate for middle schoolers. So please do not go and read the entire series if you like The Giver. Please wait until you are at least in high school, and maybe talk to your parents about it first.

General Stats:

  • Genre: sci-fi
  • Book 1 of 4 – see note above
  • Age: 5th grade and above
  • My rating: ★★★★★

The Wild Robot

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By Peter Brown

An island in the middle of a desolate ocean. Animals going about their daily tasks. Life is normal on the island, at least, until a savage storm sweeps by. When the animals come out to survey the damage, something is different. They are no longer alone on the island. A robot has arrived.

At first, Roz the robot has a hard time fitting in. The animals are afraid of her and she doesn’t know how to interact with creatures that aren’t other robots. But as she learns to fit in, she makes unusual friends. And one animal might begin to change her “life”.

But as the months pass, it becomes clear that not everything is going to end happily ever after. Maybe Roz will have to discover her mysterious past to be able to save her animal friends.

I love this book so much. My mom read the entire series out loud to my siblings and me several years ago and we loved it. It’s a really good story (even though the chapters are really short) and they made a movie out of the first book.

Why should you read this book?

If you like science fiction, but you want something tamer and less technical or science focused, then this is the book for you. Even though it’s a book about a robot, it’s really a book about fitting in and making friends. If you like animals, you should read this book. The animals are really great. And funny. You’ll like them.

Who should read this book?

Honestly, this book is probably appropriate for everyone. A first or second grader would probably be interested. But, that does not make it a less worthwhile book to read. When my siblings and I heard it for the first time I think we were probably spanned 3-13 and all loved it. You should read it. You will appreciate it. Go read it.

General Stats:

  • Genre: sci-fi
  • Book 1 of 3
  • Age: anyone!
  • My rating: ★★★★☆

We’re Not From Here

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By Geoff Rodkey

Where would humanity go if there was no Earth? Mars, of course. But what if Mars wasn’t working out anymore, what if it was overcrowded and people were getting upset? In that case, Planet Choom might be the only option. With breathable air and welcoming aliens, it seems like the perfect solution. Until humanity actually arrives and find that in the years of travel, things changed on Choom.

The Zhuri (the aliens that rule Choom) no longer like humans. They also don’t like lots of other things about humans, such as emotions, humor, and singing. It’s up to one family to change their minds about humanity or everyone will die. Oh, also, if Lan doesn’t figure out how to stop getting in trouble, bad things might happen as well.

Why should you read this book?

It’s really funny. It’s also a story about family and love and the desire to fit in on an alien planet that with creatures who hate you. It’s a story about a kid who’s never going to go back to earth, who just has to deal with life on a foreign planet around creatures that aren’t like him. It’s a story that ultimately revolves around acceptance – acceptance of others, acceptance of fate, and acceptance of yourself.

Who should read this book?

Aside from the theme that Earth has been destroyed and most of the human race is dead, it’s pretty tame. There are a few parts that could be seen as a little disturbing or frightening, but overall it’s not a scary book. I would say that 5th graders and above could read it.

General Stats:

  • Genre: Sci-fi
  • Standalone
  • Age: 5th and above
  • My rating: ★★★★☆

The Fog Diver

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By Joel Ross

Have you ever read a book that disturbs you deeply, but you also want to come back to it over and over again? For me, that’s this book. I legitimately forgot that this book existed for several years and now I’m dying to read it again – it’s that good. The Fog Diver is the perfect mix of comforting found family moments, creepy lore, and dangerous missions. It’s the kind of book that will make you look behind even if you’re sitting in your own bed.

Hundreds of years into the future, the Earth has been cloaked with fog. Dangerous fog. Fog that can kill you. Because of this, humanity has moved to the highest mountain tops, where a hierarchical society has immerged, with wealth living at the top and the undesirables living closest to the fog. Crews on skyships scavenge the fog for anything of value, looking for a way out of the slums.

Chess, Hazel, Swedish, and Bea make up one of these crews. On the outside, they may appear normal, but Chess is hiding something and they are hiding Chess. From who, you might wonder. When the crew discovers a very valuable treasure, eyes higher up turn towards them, and some realize that Chess is more than just a fog diver – he might be the solution to their problems.

Why should you read this book?

This book has super solid worldbuilding and character building. It also leans really strongly into the found family trope, which I really liked. It has just the right amount of humor mixed with creepiness to make it an excellent book.

Who should read this book?

I would recommend this book to older middle schoolers (7th or 8th graders) as it does have some scary parts. In my recollection, the second book is scarier than the first one, but there are some creepy things about the book. If you’re easily upset or get nightmares, maybe don’t read this book. For me, I liked how the scary bits added to the book, but that’s totally my own opinion.

General Stats:

  • Genre: Sci-fi/Dystopian
  • Book 1 of 2
  • Age: 7th or 8th grade and above
  • My rating: ★★★★★

Eager

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By Helen Fox

How would you like it if robots were able to do all of your menial tasks, take care of you little sibling, talk to you, and even become your best friend? For Fleur and Gavin, that’s normal. They talk to the house, discuss philosophy with a computer, and rely heavily on their robot butler, Grumps. So when he begins to run down and must be replaced, they’re less than pleased. The replacement: the experimental robot EGR3.

Know as Eager, EGR3 can learn from his experiences and even feel emotions. Quite strange for the human children, who avoid him at first. But as Eager seeks out more knowledge and strange humanlike robots begin to act suspiciously, Fleur and Gavin might need to rely on their robot friend more than they would like. As their adventure unfolds, Eager must answer one vital question: What does it mean to be alive?

Why should you read this book?

This is one of the only sci-fi books I’ve read where the robots aren’t just servants or evil creatures trying to take over the world – they’ve been developed to feel emotions and respond like humans. Maybe I haven’t read enough science fiction (I definitely haven’t) but I really liked the way the robots were depicted in this book. The characters were also relatable (even with them being futuristic) and very enjoyable. If you like robots and technology and humor, this is the book for you.

Who should read this book?

One of the main plot points of this book is the strange humanlike BDC4 robots and how suspiciously they are acting. At times, the story gets creepy, or even down right scary. But overall, the book is not a scary book, it more explores concepts and ideas that could be slightly disturbing. I would say that 5th graders are old enough to read this book.

Series:

There are two more books after this one, Eager’s Nephew and Eager and the Mermaid. I have only read Eager’s Nephew, and though I liked it, it was not as good as the first one. I have not read Eager and the Mermaid, but I assume that it will be along the same content lines.

General Stats:

  • Genre: Sci-fi
  • Book 1 of 3
  • Age: 5th grade and above
  • My rating: ★★★★★