Category: My Book Reviews

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.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry – Book Review

Roll of Thunder, By Mildred T. Taylor

roll of thunder

Summary

Roll of Thunder is an amazing and realistic book that captures the lives of a black family during the 1930s. It is beautifully written, and talks about the hardships that African-Americans had to face. We follow the narrator, a 9-year old black girl named Cassie, who tells a story about racism, segregation, and racial injustices that occurred to her and her family; and how they tried to solve them.

Review

This book takes me through a whirlwind of emotions, and has me feeling sad, happy, and angry for the characters. There is a good combination of entertainment, humor, and drama, which grasps my interest right away. And even though the book is historic, the way the author expressed all the details in such an intriguing fashion had me hooked; which is what made me like it so much.

Overall, this is one of the best books on history that I have read, and it is definitely recommended. But, there are lots of people that might find it offensive because of the extreme racism; though you have to keep in mind that this is how it was like back then, and the book is just an honest story about all that.

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.

The Romeo and Juliet Code – Book Review

The Romeo and Juliet Code, By Phoebe Stone -Summary

the romeo and juliet code

Summary

The Romeo and Juliet Code is a charming story about a British girl named Felicity Bathburn Budwig. She has been dropped off in Bottlebay, Maine by her parents, during the war in England. They didn’t tell her anything, just left her with her strange Uncle Gideon, an Aunt obsessed with Romeo and Juliet, and some captain who won’t come out of his room.

Months pass as Felicity continues to live with the Bathburns, and she starts to notice strange things happening. Her uncle seems to be hiding letters from her – letters she’s sure are from her parents. A boy named Derek starts helping her with the mystery, and they grow to become friends. But what is Uncle Gideon hiding? Will they be able to crack the code? Where are her parents and will they ever come back?. . .

Review

Felicity (Flissy) is a charming little girl who is trying to make sense of the world around her. There are just too many questions about her parents. About the Bathburns. About the war. Too many new emotions and feelings about the sweet, handsome boy named Derek that she can’t decipher. Younger readers might be able to connect with Flissy’s emotions and feelings as they follow her on her journey to discovering the bold, daring Bathburn she really is.

Anyone who likes mystery will enjoy this book, and I definitely recommend this to them! Mystery, a little humor, and drama make the book worth reading, and it will appeal to readers with all kinds of different interests.

The Misadventures of Max Crumbly – Locker Hero

The Misadventures of Max Crumbly – Locker Hero By Rachel Renee Russell

The Misadventures of Max Crumbly - Locker Hero By Rachel Renee Russell

 The Misadventures of Max Crumbly – Locker Hero is about a middle school boy named Max. He has been home-schooled by his grandmother all his life, and now he is finally attending a real school. But his misadventures lead him to question that choice. He wishes he could become the hero he always wanted to be and get out of the mess he is in.

Unfortunately, Max’s uncanny, almost superhuman ability to smell pizza from a block away won’t exactly save any lives or foil bad guys. But that doesn’t mean Max won’t do his best to be the hero his school needs! . . .

This is recommended to all middle-schoolers and elementary students! Its a funny book about a boy’s adventurous story that might eventually lead to justice from both thieves and bullies.

For more like this: http://sagarikablogs.com/dork-diaries/

Dork Diaries – A Book Series

Dork Diaries, Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life, By Rachel Renée Russell

Dork Diaries
(4/5) Ages 8+
Dork Diaries

Dork Diaries is book series portraying the life of a eighth grade girl named Nikki Maxwell. She has left behind her old life and moved to attend a private school. She just wants to fit in, but when the school’s most popular girl becomes her enemy, she is labeled a dork and an outcast. Now her life is full of drama and chaos! . . .

Recommended for people interested in relatable books with humor and drama.

For more like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/drama/

Frindle -A Book

Frindle, By Andrew Clements

frindle
(4/5) Ages 9+
Frindle

Frindle is an entertaining book about a boy named Nick who is just living an everyday school life; All he wanted to do was brighten up the school. This was easy until Mrs. Granger arrived and took over. The new and stricter teacher is going to be tough to crack, but Nick can do it. At first, changing the word pen to frindle seemed like a harmless prank, until it got out of hand. . .

This book is recommended because it is entertaining and will have you hooked.

For more like this: http://sagarikablogs.com/category/4th-grade-must-reads/

Matilda – A Novel

Matilda, by Roald Dahl

(5/5) Ages 9+
Matilda

Matilda is a fascinating little girl, with the mind of a genius. But her parents couldn’t care less about her. At school, the only one who understands her is her teacher, Ms. Honey. The school’s headmistress, Miss Trunchbull on the other hand loathes her. Miss Trunchbull doesn’t care for her students at all. But once she discovers her unique power, Matilda has her mind set on teaching Ms. Trunchbull a lesson and bringing justice to the students.

Why you should read this: It is an interesting novel about a smart witted girl, who just wants to be loved.

For more like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/fantasy/