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Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, Aylea Stephens
Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, Aylea Stephens
Children's Book and Media Review
In 1926 New York, a young wizard from London arrives in New York City, accidentally bringing chaos with him in the form of a bottomless suitcase full of illegal magical creatures. Newt Scamander intends to release one of his creatures into the wild, but when his Niffler gets out and causes trouble in a bank he accidentally swaps suitcases with Peter Kowalski, a No-maj who accidentally unleashes more magical creatures into New York. Their troubles attract an ex-auror, Tina Goldstein, who wants to use Scamander as a way to get back into the good graces of the wizarding government. Meanwhile, …
Dreamland, Shelly Darrington
Dreamland, Shelly Darrington
Children's Book and Media Review
Odea Donahue has always been different. She and her mother are dreamwalkers--individuals who are able to visit the dreams of normal people. While on the surface this seems like an exciting superpower, Dea has to dreamwalk just to survive. The more time that passes between walks, the weaker and sicker Dea becomes, so visiting dreams became a necessity. Dea never questioned her mother’s strict rules of never interfering, never being seen, and never visiting the same person’s dream more than once, but things change when a boy named Connor moves to town. Dea finds herself drawn to him and his …
Gryphons Aren't So Great, Olivia Hales
Gryphons Aren't So Great, Olivia Hales
Children's Book and Media Review
Knight and his horse Edward spend their days leaping from the cliffs and diving into the lake in mock flight. But one day, Knight spots a gryphon and sets out to find him. Knight meets the gryphon (whom he dubs Griffy) in the forest, and takes off in real flight for the first time. Pretty soon, Edward finds he’s been replaced as Knight’s best friend by Griffy, since Knight and Griffy now spend all their time flying together. The next day as they are swooping about, Knight urges Griffy to fly as high as he can. But Knight starts to …
Mango And Bambang: The Not-A-Pig, Jess Verzello
Mango And Bambang: The Not-A-Pig, Jess Verzello
Children's Book and Media Review
Mango Allsorts is a girl who can do lots of things. She’s confident, kind, and capable. Mango lives with her very busy father in a very busy city, and even though she tries to be very busy herself, sometimes she feels lonely. That is until she meets Bambang, the tapir that has strayed far from his Malaysian jungle. In these four short stories, Mango and Bambang go on fun adventures and learn to overcome their fears together. They go swimming when Bambang is homesick for his pond, escape from the eccentric neighbor Dr. Cynthia Prickle-Posset, and perform at a concert …
The Rule Of Three #3: Will To Survive, Cynthia Frazier
The Rule Of Three #3: Will To Survive, Cynthia Frazier
Children's Book and Media Review
The exciting conclusion to The Rule of Three series finds the neighborhood of Eden Mills in a predicament. One of their own has gone rogue and he knows all about their fortifications, schedules, and vulnerabilities. Demands have come from the Division, ‘provide us with food or we will deliver children to your gate after we kill their parents before their eyes’. The people in the neighborhood are forced to think like their enemies to find a way to thwart this vicious scheme. Meanwhile, Adam and his airplane are key in efforts to form alliances with other communities to trade resources, …
The Rule Of Three #2: Fight For Power, Cynthia Frazier
The Rule Of Three #2: Fight For Power, Cynthia Frazier
Children's Book and Media Review
In this second book of The Rule of Three series, the people of Eden Mills are now 66 days into a world-wide blackout. The community continues to work together using their strengths and abilities to create a society that is as normal as possible in a dystopian situation. Herb the survival leader reveals a secret past that explains his knowledge and preparedness in the face of catastrophe. Sixteen-year-old Adam’s most important contribution to the safety of the neighborhood is his ability to fly reconnaissance in his ultra-light plane which allows advanced warning of dangers. But mysterious and troubling deaths and …
The Rule Of Three, Cynthia Frazier
The Rule Of Three, Cynthia Frazier
Children's Book and Media Review
When the lights went out in Adam Daley’s high school it wasn’t an ordinary power failure. As time went on it became apparent that any machine or service that relied on a computer for operation no longer functioned. The local police department, the survivalist neighbor next door, and the ability of a teenage boy to pilot an ultralight plane are the foundation of a plan for the safety and survival of 1600 people living in the Eden Mills neighborhood. Using the Rule of Three: you can live without air for three minutes, without water for three days, and without food …
Pendragon #6: The Rivers Of Zadaa, Torin Kelley
Pendragon #6: The Rivers Of Zadaa, Torin Kelley
Children's Book and Media Review
Bobby Pendragon is a Traveler. He hops between worlds that most do not even know exist. His mission: to stop Saint Dane from driving these territories toward chaos and destruction. This time Pendragon finds himself on the territory Zadaa, home of his fellow traveler and friend Loor. Two of the tribes of this territory, the Batu and the Rokador are about to go to war over a lack of water, which could lead to the destruction of everyone. Bobby doesn't start well and gets beat up by Saint Dane. Afterwards he decides that it would be a good idea to …
The Vengekeep Prophecies #2: The Shadowhand Covenant, Cynthia Frazier
The Vengekeep Prophecies #2: The Shadowhand Covenant, Cynthia Frazier
Children's Book and Media Review
Jasper Grimjax is entangled in another mystery. This one involves a secret society of master thieves that have disappeared, the unsolved theft of valuable relics, fantastical and deadly monsters, traps, ambushes, and magical potions along with tricks and cons. Thrown into the mix is Jasper’s former friend, Maloch, who likes to show his superiority in every way, and a brother and sister trying to get their parents out of prison for crimes they did not commit. Adventures abound as these four use their wits to solve the puzzle before it is too late.
The Story Of The Avengers (World Of Reading Level 2), Liz Kazandzhy
The Story Of The Avengers (World Of Reading Level 2), Liz Kazandzhy
Children's Book and Media Review
With supervillains wreaking havoc wherever they go, there needs to be superheroes to stop them! And thankfully there are, as Thor keeps the peace on his own planet and several other heroes on Earth fighting the bad guys—Hulk with his awesome strength, Iron Man with his powerful blasts, and Ant-Man and Wasp with their special abilities. One day, Thor’s jealous brother Loki wants to fight Thor and draws him in by framing Hulk on Earth. The other superheroes rush to fight the Hulk, but Thor quickly steps in and tells them who the real culprit is. Together they not only …
Journey, Abigail Packard
Journey, Abigail Packard
Children's Book and Media Review
A little girl in a big city just wants someone to spend some time with her, but her family members are all busy with their own activities. The girls discovers, amidst her bleak surroundings, a bright red crayon. But it is no ordinary crayon; it is a magical crayon that transports her into another world, full of color and far off places. She journeys through a forest, finds a castle-city, and follows a bright purple bird, all the while coloring bright red tools in the moment she needs them. The bird is captured by an evil emperor and his soldiers. …
Journey #2: Quest, Abigail Packard
Journey #2: Quest, Abigail Packard
Children's Book and Media Review
Quest picks up where Journey left off: with the boy and the girl riding their magic-drawn bicycle down the street. But it begins to rain and they find cover under a bridge. Out of the blue, a door appears on the wall of the bridge and a king steps out handing them a map. He is dragged away by the evil emperor’s soldiers and he drops his orange crayon. The boy and girl follow them back through the door and begin a quest to find the other three magical crayons. They journey underwater to the ruins of a grand aquatic …
Five Kingdoms #4: Death Weavers, Tessa Mcmillan
Five Kingdoms #4: Death Weavers, Tessa Mcmillan
Children's Book and Media Review
Leaving Constance in the safety of Zeropolis’s Unseen, Cole and his friends enter Necronum. At holy or haunted locations within the kingdom, the spirits of the dead (known as echoes) and the souls of the living (bright echoes) can traverse between reality and the afterlife (the echolands). Following clues from an echo named Sando, Cole’s party learns that Honor and Destiny are trapped within the echolands. However, Sando deceives Cole and imprisons Mira, Jace, and Joe’s bright echoes. Sando is a henchman to Nazeem, the evil originator and leader of the shapecrafting movement. With Hunter and Dalton watching over the …
Bink And Gollie, Abigail Packard
Bink And Gollie, Abigail Packard
Children's Book and Media Review
Bink and Gollie are two inseparable, roller-skating, adventure-taking friends; but they are also both very different. In this charming beginner’s chapter book, DiCamillo and McGhee tell three stories of Bink and Gollie and how they compromise so that they are both happy. Flamboyant socks, far-away adventures in the Andes, and a new fishy friend are the center of the three separate chapters. In the end Bink and Gollie, despite their differences, realize that their friendship is really something special for the both of them.
Beneath #2: Above, Tessa Mcmillan
Beneath #2: Above, Tessa Mcmillan
Children's Book and Media Review
On the run since their escape from the Deep; Pat, Coop, and Kate plan to reunite in Oregon. However, their reunion is postponed when Alex Dane—Lod’s brother who helped the teens escape—shows up and tasks Kate to shadow Lod’s members that are gathering in the area. Alex, Pat, and Coop follow Kate’s trail so they can understand Lod’s next move and then notify the authorities. Kate lets herself get captured by Lod’s minions, but she tries to earn their trust so she can hide her involvement with Alex, Pat, and Coop. Eventually she is found out and Pat, Coop, and …
Stick And Stone, Jess Verzello
Stick And Stone, Jess Verzello
Children's Book and Media Review
Unlikely friendships are often the best coincidence. Being lonely is no fun, but when Stick and Stone meet they make a great pair. Protecting each other, relaxing on the beach, and exploring new places are just a few of this duo’s adventures. One day, a storm hits and sweeps Stick away leaving Stone to search for his new friend. Stone eventually finds Stick stuck in a puddle and soon rescues his new friend. Stick and Stone may be sad alone, but their friendship is a perfect ten.
The Secret Life Of Pets, Charlotte Esplin
The Secret Life Of Pets, Charlotte Esplin
Children's Book and Media Review
Max is used to being his owner's one and only dog - they are best friends and he is completely loyal to her. One day everything changes when Katie brings home a stray dog she picked up at the pound. The two butt heads during a walk and end up being captured by the pound. Here they encounter a crazy bunny that has begun an army of lost pets who want to kill their owners. To try and get away from this group, the pair become close friends and realize that living together won't be so bad after all.
Pokémon Go, Shelly Darrington
Pokémon Go, Shelly Darrington
Children's Book and Media Review
Pokémon Go is a location-based app by Niantic released for Android and iOS model phones. It is a game in which the user catches, trains, and battles with Pokémon. Pokémon, or “pocket monsters,” were first seen in games developed for the Nintendo Game Boy, but quickly grew in popularity, leading to a card game, an anime, and many more games since. Pokémon Go is the newest release of the franchise, and is very different from everything that came before it. The game mechanics make it possible for Pokémon to become a bigger part of everyday life. Using your phone’s GPS, …
I Am Princess X, Whitney Troxel
I Am Princess X, Whitney Troxel
Children's Book and Media Review
Libby and May became friends almost accidentally. Due to a broken limb and asthma, neither of the girls could participate in their elementary P.E. class. Instead they spent their time entertaining kindergartners by drawing a picture of a princess with sidewalk chalk. But unlike most princesses, this princess had blue hair, wore red chucks, and wielded a purple katana. They dubbed her Princess X. The creation of Princess X was also the start of Libby and May’s friendship. From that point on they were inseparable. They created thousands of Princess X stories and comics and stood by each other through …
Finding Serendipity, Corie Darrington
Finding Serendipity, Corie Darrington
Children's Book and Media Review
Finding Serendipity follows Tuesday McGillicuddy on a daring quest to find her mother, famous author, Serendipity Smith. Just as she is finishing the latest book in her famous Vivienne Small series, Serendipity goes missing from her writing room. Tuesday, along with her dog Baxterr, set off to solve the mystery of her disappearance. While investigating her mother's writing room, Tuesday starts to type out her story on her mother's typewriter and is carried off to a secret land just for authors. Upon arrival, she meets a librarian, who sets Tuesday on her way. However, rather than creating her own world, …
Withering-By-Sea, Tessa Mcmillan
Withering-By-Sea, Tessa Mcmillan
Children's Book and Media Review
While residing at a health resort with her three stingy aunts, Stella Montgomery witnesses the murder of an elderly hotel patron, Mr. Filbert. But before his death, Mr. Filbert entrusts Stella with an ancient bottle to keep away from his murderer—a magician known as The Professor. The Professor forces his young assistant, Ben, to use his seer-ability to discover the bottle’s location. When Stella’s part is revealed, The Professor kidnaps Stella and holds her at the local theater. Stella tricks The Professor’s goons and finds sanctuary with two theater performers: Mr. Capelli and the dancer, Gert. But before Stella is …
The Three Musketeers, Carlie Smith
The Three Musketeers, Carlie Smith
Children's Book and Media Review
Though he sets off on his adventure on an embarrassingly yellow horse, the feisty and gallant D'artagnan is determined to find dignity by joining the French king’s special guard, the Musketeers. Initially, his chances seem limited when he challenges the legendary Athos, Porthos, and Aramis to duels his first day, but he later gains their friendship. Together they fight the schemes of Cardinal Richelieu for the king and honor. The foursome become entangled in a plot involving the Queen of France and her English lover, the Duke of Buckingham. D’artagnan falls in love with the queen’s maid Constance Bonacieux, and …
The Somewhat True Adventures Of Sammy Shine, Tessa Mcmillan
The Somewhat True Adventures Of Sammy Shine, Tessa Mcmillan
Children's Book and Media Review
Jimmy has built a flight-ready, small aircraft, and he’s itching for a test pilot. So, he steals Hanks’ pet mouse, Sammy Shine. But the launch goes awry when Jimmy accidentally destroys the plane’s remote. Sammy takes over the controls, but he eventually crashes inside the wild Great Woods. Once there, Sammy meets a mouse clan and their friendly leader, Osmund. Osmund believes Sammy is magical because of his airplane, but warns that Mustela, the evil weasel, will want it to take over the woods. When Sammy’s aircraft disappears and Mustela isn’t to blame, Sammy searches for Goggles, an old and …
Ravenspire #1: The Shadow Queen, Aylea Stephens
Ravenspire #1: The Shadow Queen, Aylea Stephens
Children's Book and Media Review
Lorelai is a princess on the run from the evil queen who used her magic to enslave the kingdom and take control over Lorelai’s father. Using her own magic and the help of her younger brother and the man who has helped them survive for years as fugitives, Lorelai plans to defeat Queen Irina. Her challenge increases when Queen Irina makes a deal with Kol, the heir to the throne of a neighboring kingdom called Eldr. Kol needs magic to protect his kingdom against the ogres invading it, so he promises to bring Queen Irina Lorelai’s heart in exchange for …
Railhead, Rachel Wadham
Railhead, Rachel Wadham
Children's Book and Media Review
Crossing the Great Network of trains that hurtle through the gates between planets and stealing what he needs to survive is just the way Zen wants to spend his time until the mysterious Raven hires him for a job. Revealing that Zen holds just the right DNA necessary for him to breach security on the Emperors impenetrable train, Raven is sure Zen has what it takes steal an enigmatic object from the trains art collection. Knowing this job will set his family up for life Zen agrees, but things don’t go as planned leaving Zen facing danger at every turn. …
Disney Magic Kingdoms, Aylea Stephens
Disney Magic Kingdoms, Aylea Stephens
Children's Book and Media Review
Most people don’t get to tell Disney how to design their parks, but in this game players can create their own Disney theme park with the help of their favorite characters. A curse has been cast over the Magic Kingdoms, but by unlocking characters and completing quests players can get rid of the curse and built a kingdom full of their favorite rides from the parks and locations from the movies of the characters. The characters currently able to be unlocked are from Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Wall-E, Peter Pan, Tangled, and Mickey and his friends. Players collect magic from …
Witherwood Reform School #2: Lost And Found, Tessa Mcmillan
Witherwood Reform School #2: Lost And Found, Tessa Mcmillan
Children's Book and Media Review
While lost in their Marvin-mindset, Tobias and Charlotte are attacked in their room by a creature who supposedly protects the Witherwood grounds. Soon after Charlotte is whisked off to the girls’ dormitory leaving Tobias imprisoned in his confining cot accommodations. However, Tobias stumbles upon his secret notations and injuries himself out of Marvin’s mental hold. With a clear head, Tobias searches for his sister and a way out. During his explorations, he meets three sane students who also want to escape: Keith, Meghan, and Patrick. Meghan shocks Charlotte out of her hypnotic state and Charlotte joins their group in planning …
The Croods, Kiersten Carr
The Croods, Kiersten Carr
Children's Book and Media Review
The Croods are a family of cavemen who survive in a harsh, hostile world by following strict rules enforced by their patriarch, Grug. As long as they stay in the cave, avoid anything new, and “never not be afraid,” Grug believes they will be safe. Eep, his teenage daughter, is sick of these limitations and feels that something in their lives is missing, leading her to frequently butt heads with her father. When the Crood’s cave is destroyed in an earthquake, they must team up with a inventive cave boy named Guy and his pet sloth, Belt, in order to …
The Psi Chronicles: Freakling, Torin Kelley
The Psi Chronicles: Freakling, Torin Kelley
Children's Book and Media Review
Taemon is a boy with incredible powers. In fact, everyone in his city grows up with psi: the ability to move objects with their minds. Everything is great, until one day, Taemon suffers an accident that traumatizes him to the point of losing his psi. When it is discovered that he no longer has psi, he is exiled to a colony where no one has psi and everyone works with their hands. It takes some getting used to, but Taemon begins to enjoy his stay and is impressed by the kindness of the "powerless" people. But soon, Taemon accidentally leaks …
Pendragon: The Merchant Of Death, Torin Kelley
Pendragon: The Merchant Of Death, Torin Kelley
Children's Book and Media Review
When Bobby, a normal kid of fourteen, suddenly disappears, his friends have absolutely no idea what had happened. That is, until Bobby magically sends them a journal telling them about his adventures. Bobby had left with his Uncle Press to go save a people that was suffering from oppression on a world in a different time and space. He must learn to adapt quickly to the challenges that lay ahead of him and combat the evil Saint Dane, a man with no other objective than to cause chaos. Bobby soon learns that his job is to not only save a …