Category: Fiction

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.

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.

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/

The Mysterious Benedict Society – Book

The Mysterious Benedict Society, By Trenton Lee Stewart

the mysterious benedict society

Summary

The Mysterious Benedict Society is a book about a team of very intelligent kids. Only these few passed the test they were given to prove their worth. Because these children were the most brilliant and resourceful, they were given a secret mission. They needed to put an end to Mr. Curtain’s plot to brainwash the world and have everyone at his command. Each kid had different talents, but some of them didn’t get along. If they wanted to save the world, they would need to learn to work together as a team and respect each others’ differences.

Review

This is one of the best mystery novels I have ever read. It has everything: suspense, adventure, humor, and most of all, mystery!

All of the characters in this book are so charming, and they will steal your heart. Their little quirks and imperfections have such an impact on the way you imagine them; And the author beautifully captures it all. Constance seemed to really annoy me because of her personality, but she was the one I was most stunned by in the end.

I could not stop reading this, it had me hooked from the beginning – and kept me hooked. The author paints a clear picture in my head with his style of writing, and it makes it so much more fun to read. Some people are actually bothered by the length, but reading every single captivating detail the book has to give is worth it.

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/

Harry Potter Series

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, By J.K Rowling

(4/5) Ages 9+
Harry Potter

An unusual boy named Harry Potter has the ability to do magic. His parents were killed by the Dark Lord, Voldemort. Because of this, he is placed under the care of his mean aunt and uncle, by the headmaster of Hogwarts, Dumbledore. Harry grows up to go to the wizarding school Hogwarts. To him, his parents’ death is a mystery; And with his friends Ron and Hermione, Harry is on a mission to solve it!

For more like this:

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

Mind Reader Series

Mind Reader, My New Life, By Katrina Kahler

(5/5) Ages 9-12
Mind Reader

Mind Reader is a book about Emmie, who has a very unique talent, or gift, as her mother likes to call it. But for her, the mind-reading ability has brought nothing but chaos to her social life. That was when her mother decided to move, and this time, she was going to keep her ability a secret. It’s not that easy though, especially after she meets Millie and Jack. Millie’s oldest friend comes to visit, and that makes things especially hard. But Emmie doesn’t know how to control her powers and what to use them for when strange things start happening to her and her friends. . .

For more like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/katrina-kahler/

The Lost Girl, Bella’s Story

The Lost Girl, Bella’s Story, By Katrina Kahler

(5/5) Ages 9-12
The Lost Girl

The Lost Girl is about a girl named Bella, whose parents died in a car crash. It seemed that her whole world was falling apart, and it didn’t help when her social worker, Ms. Williams, announced that she would be moving into a foster home, with the Robinsons. From the start, they made a bad impression on Bella. They all seemed jealous of her inheritance, and her expensive clothes. Bella knew she needed to find a way out, and fast! When the new foster kid, Zye, comes along, she knows she just might escape! Find out what happens to Bella now!….

Why you should read this: It is an emotional story and will leave you wondering what happens after each book in the series.

For more like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/katrina-kahler/