Category: Inspiring Stories

Pax- Book Review

Pax, By Sara Pennypacker

Pax book review

Summary

Pax is about a boy named Peter, who once found a fox and saved his life. They have been best friends ever since then. But one day, Peter’s father makes him get rid of the fox because a war was approaching. With regret, Peter has to set Pax free in the wild. He moves in with his grandpa – miles away from Pax. This story is about their journey to find each other again, and convince Peter’s father to let him keep the fox. 

Review

This book had me hooked from the beginning and was very engaging all throughout the story. But I did start to lose interest at some of the dull moments, which could have been written better; Though it was great overall.

The story alternates between Peter and Pax’s perspectives, and Pax’s POV chapters were definitely written more beautifully. It might be fiction, but it gives us a look into an animal’s thoughts and feelings.

Just like many people were probably disappointed by the ending, I was too. Some think it was better that way, but I don’t agree. I think it ruined the whole purpose of the story, which is why it might not be worth your read.

So even though this book wasn’t as good as it could have been, I still think that it deserves some stars.

Shiloh – Book Review

Shiloh, By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

shiloh

Shiloh is a book about a boy named Marty Preston, who finds a dog. He keeps the dog, and names him Shiloh. But when Marty finds out that the dog belongs to an abusive owner, he doesn’t want to give him up. So he starts to work for the owner to get Shiloh back. But the owner doesn’t seem trustworthy enough to keep his promise. How will Marty save the dog now?

This is such a heartwarming book to read. Great story about love, humanity, and doing the right thing. It is very well-written, and captures every detail. It has you waiting in suspense, wondering what’s going to happen next.

Marty’s determination and willingness to save Shiloh is what I really like about his character. It shows the true meaning of a man’s best friend. But there are a lot of underdeveloped characters in this story. For example, Marty’s friend, David Howard, is an important part of the book because he is one of the first to know about Shiloh; But, the book does not mention too much about this interesting character, which does upset me a little.

This book was sad, which is the case with most books about dogs, but it was amazing overall, and I enjoyed reading this very much.

Because of Winn-Dixie – Book Review

Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo

because of winn-dixie

Summary

Because of Winn-Dixie is a sweet, but sad story. It is about a girl named India Opal Buloni, who finds a funny-looking dog at the grocery store. She names him Winn-Dixie, and when she takes him home, her father the preacher doesn’t want to keep him. But eventually, the dog steals both of their hearts, and becomes Opal’s best friend – if not only. Opal has been lonely ever since her mother’s death, and the preacher avoids talking about her. Finding Winn-Dixie might have been the best thing that has ever happened to her, because the the lovable and charming dog makes everyone want to be friends with them. Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal might not be so lonely anymore.

Review

As I read this book, I fell in love with each and every character in it. I could connect with most of the characters and their actions or personalities. Readers can learn from the important morals that are found in the book, such as not judging people by their appearance, and to always think before you act. It teaches you about friendship, acceptance, love, and loss. This book is very beautiful, and kids will love it! Highly recommended to people of all ages.

The Trouble With Tuck -Book Review

The Trouble with Tuck, By Theodore Taylor

the trouble with tuck

Summary

The Trouble with Tuck is an inspiring story about a girl named Helen, who had a golden retriever named Tuck. Tuck is her best friend, and the joy of her life. They love each other, but Helen starts to notice something is wrong with him. It started out as not so much of a problem, but it became bigger. Tuck was losing his eyesight, and Helen wants to find a solution; She would do anything for him. He had saved her life twice, and now it was time to return the favor. Helen’s idea is so bold, so crazy -that it might just work.

Review

Helen’s determination and love for Tuck is what made me like this book so much, as well as the fact that it was based on a true story. This makes the book worth reading, because it is so honest and real. Helen has a lovely family who supports her, but even when they thought that Helen had tried enough, she never gave up. She kept trying, focusing on her goal, and doing what she knows is best for her dog. This is what I love about the character, and I think it sends out a positive message to children everywhere.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus -Book

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, by Dusti Bowling

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
(4/5) Ages 10+

In the Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, Aven Green has to leave behind her life and move to the hot desert in Arizona, where she had friends who didn’t care about her two missing arms. In fact, every time she was asked this question, she would tell a funny story about how she lost them. The truth is, Aven was born without arms. In Arizona though, people didn’t want to come near her. But then she met Connor, and they quickly became friends.

One day, they found an old shed, with Aven’s initials and a photo of a girl that looked exactly like Aven! Who was she? While investigating, they met a new friend, and found the biggest secret in Aven’s life….

Why you should read it: It’s an inspirational mystery, and totally worth your time!

For more like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/inspiring-stories/

Out of my Mind

Out of my Mind, by Sharon M. Draper

(4/5) Ages: Any
Out of my Mind

In Out of my Mind, a girl named Melody Brooks was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, meaning she can’t walk, she can’t talk, and has no control over her body whatsoever. She’s the smartest girl in her school, but no one knows it. But an opportunity for her to show who she really is comes up, and people start becoming more comfortable with her. Then she gets her first device, a Medi-Talker, designed for kids just like her. With this, Melody Brooks is not going to back down, ever again! She’s ready to show the world what they should really see her for.

Why you should read this: It is inspiring and will leave you wondering just how hard it is for disabled kids/people.

More like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/inspiring-stories/

Restart

Restart, by Gordon Korman

Restart

Restart is a book about a boy named Chase Ambrose. Chase really took one to the head, after an accidental fall from his bedroom window. He has amnesia, and can barely remember his own name, or his mother. But, at school, some kids are clearly afraid of him, and some treat him like a hero. So, it’s up to Chase to find out what kind of person he is, and start his life all over again, changing things as he goes, starting with himself. . .

This is such an amazing, heartfelt book, and I definitely recommend it.

For more like this:

http://booksandgaming.com/category/inspiring-stories/

El Deafo

El Deafo, By Cece Bell

(5/5) A hilarious story!

At first, she’s ashamed. Ashamed of her hearing disability. She wasn’t born like this. At the age of six, her hearing started to worsen, until she needed a huge hearing aid that was strapped to her chest. But after starting school, Cece makes friends, and learns the meaning of friendship. At school, she learns to convert her disability into a superpower for herself. There is no stopping El Deafo now, as her hearing aid, the thing she was ashamed of, is now her most special possession, as well as her new superpower! Ultra hearing is just one thing she can do…

This story is so hilarious, and it was a joy to read!

Wonder – Book Review

Wonder, By  R. J. Palacio

Wonder

Summary

Wonder is about a boy who has a condition that affects his face. He had always been homeschooled, but one day his parents decided to send him to a real school. The story portrays Auggie’s experience in middle school, and what he learned during these times. He faces the difficulties of many fake friends, bullies, and much more. It takes a while, but he does finally find his place and make his first true friend – and enemy.

Review

Wonder changed how I look at people who are ‘different’ because it teaches us that everyone in the world is unique, but you can’t just determine that by looks. This book and every character in it – especially Auggie – stole my heart. I loved how most of the characters changed for the better by the end. Some didn’t, and I loved that too, because at least the book was realistic about it. The POV also alternates between the characters, which makes it interesting to read.

The whole story has different themes displayed throughout, all of them coming to one central message. Younger readers can find these positive themes as a role model.

Overall, I give this book five-stars because it has everything, tearjerkers, drama, good themes, realism, and humor.

Inspiring Stories

These book reviews are my all time favorites, because of the stories. All of these stories are inspiring and can really change how a person looks at the world…

Wonder, By R.J. Palacio

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 11-115548_star-5-star-rating-transparent-hd-png-download-1.png
Five-stars!

Reading Wonder has changed the way I look at people who are ‘different’. This is a book about a kid named Auggie who has a facial disorder called Treacher Collins syndrome. Because of this syndrome, Auggie gets teased and pointed at by so many people. But he makes his first true friend and enemy when he starts school. This book talks about Auggie’s experience in middle school, and how some people didn’t want anything to do with him. This book teaches us that everyone in the world is unique, but you can’t just determine that by looks. I give this book five-stars because it has everything, tearjerkers, drama, happiness, friendship, and comedy.

El Deafo, By Cece Bell

(5/5) A hilarious story!

At first, she’s ashamed. Ashamed of her hearing disability. She wasn’t born like this. At the age of six, her hearing started to worsen, until she needed a huge hearing aid that was strapped to her chest. But after starting school, Cece makes friends, and learns the meaning of friendship. At school, she learns to convert her disability into a superpower for herself. There is no stopping El Deafo now, as her hearing aid, the thing she was ashamed of, is now her most special possession, as well as her new superpower! Ultra hearing is just one thing she can do…

This story is so hilarious, and it was a joy to read!