This isn't my first time reading Deborah Hopkinson and I'm happy I picked this one up! It's a great mix of historical fiction and mystery.
The Plot to This isn't my first time reading Deborah Hopkinson and I'm happy I picked this one up! It's a great mix of historical fiction and mystery.
The Plot to Kill a Queen is a fictionalized account of the relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Mary Queen of Scots. The story also centers main character Emilia who is interested in having her writings performed on stage in the theater. Unfortunately, this dream is pushed to the side when Emilia discovers a plot to kill Queen Elizabeth I. Sent under disguise to figure out the true intentions of Mary Queen of Scots, Emilia quickly learned that things are never what they seem.
What Worked: I LOVED that Hopkinson wrote this as if readers are engaging with an actual play. It brings the character of Emilia to life and it's a fun way to play into her dreams of becoming a playwright. While Hopkinson does take some historical liberties with this text (i.e. Emilia would have never met a young William Shakespeare), it still provides enough historical accuracy to draw in the attention of younger readers. This book is proof that there is a way to draw students into the tidbits of history that are fun, engaging, and high stakes. The relationship between Elizabeth and Mary was truly strained, but adding in a few more high energy elements, Hopkinson is able to provide a history lesson with some added fun. I loved the moments where Emilia would break the fourth wall to give readers an aside about the current environment of play. It made me, as reader, feel more connected to her as a character.
Overall, this was a fast paced and fun read that explored one of my favorite periods of history. This is one that I would recommend to middle grade readers that love both historical fiction and mysteries!...more
Amy and the Missing Puppy is a fun introduction to a children's mystery book series. It follows main A really cute beginning to a chapter book series!
Amy and the Missing Puppy is a fun introduction to a children's mystery book series. It follows main character Amy and her friends during their spring break. When a community member's dog goes missing, Amy and her friends go on the hunt for the missing puppy. This is a great early chapter book for more independent readers. It includes illustrations that add to the overall reading experience. I definitely can see this being a book my little one will enjoy when she becomes an independent reader. I'll be continuing on with the series....more
This was such a cute introduction to a new and fun chapter book series!
Wednesday and Woof #1: Catastrophe is the first in a new series designated to HThis was such a cute introduction to a new and fun chapter book series!
Wednesday and Woof #1: Catastrophe is the first in a new series designated to HarperCollins' HarperChapters line which is aimed at creating chapter books for younger readers. This series follows a young backyard detective by the name of Wednesday and her co-detective Woof. In this first installment, the two are looking for Ms. Winter's missing cat. Full of beautiful illustrations and fun, if predictable, clues, this is sure to be a hit amongst younger readers. There is also great disability representation. Wednesday has juvenile arthritis and Woof is her service dog. While it isn't the center of the story, there are specific moments where Wednesday's father reminds her to take it easy or Woof will make sure that she's taking necessary breaks. I also loved that this book was encouraging to readers who may be diving into chapter books for the first time. At the end of each chapter, the reader is reminded of how far they've made it into and that they should feel proud and accomplished.
Overall, this was a fun read and I'm excited to dive into the next book in the series....more
Another great installment in the Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol series! This is easily becoming one of my favorite children's book series and I see why kidAnother great installment in the Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol series! This is easily becoming one of my favorite children's book series and I see why kids love them so much. This installment pretty much picks up where the last one left off. Readers get to see Andres' passion for riding bikes and the fun he wants to have at the bike park. Unfortunately, while there Andres learns that there is a particular jump in the park that no one can complete. Of course, it's a ghost who's messing things up. Readers follow Andres and Desmond as they attempt to solve the mystery. The ending is so incredibly cute and charming. What I love most about each one of these books is the illustrations and how Miedoso takes what would typically be scary and makes it fun and interesting for the reader. This one to share with readers young and old. If you haven't thought about giving these a try please consider it! You don't want to miss out on this AMAZING series....more
This was such a freaking cute read. I know that the kids at the library love it, so I wanted to give it a try and it didn't disappoint.
The Haunted HouThis was such a freaking cute read. I know that the kids at the library love it, so I wanted to give it a try and it didn't disappoint.
The Haunted House Next Door is the very first book in the Desmond Cole series (it's currently at 18 books). Unlike the name of the series, the actual story follows a young boy by the name of Andres who moves into a new house in Desmond's neighborhood. At first, Andres tries to keep his distance from Desmond because he believes that Desmond is strange. However, before he knows it, he needs Desmond's assistance to help deal with a little problem AKA a ghost.
What Worked: So many things worked in this book! I can see why it has such great appeal amongst younger elementary readers. The story itself is fascinating and then the artwork just made the story even more fun. This is definitely for younger readers who enjoy longer books or reluctant readers who need just a tad more encouragement. The addition of the illustrations provide a certain level of comfort that transitional readers may need. Naturally, it was a quick read for me as an adult but I didn't enjoy it any less than. The contrasting between Desmond and Andres as characters was also something that I enjoyed about the text. They are polar opposites in terms of interests and they balance each other out. There is plenty of humor as well some gross moments that kids will enjoy.
Overall, I'm invested in finishing this series out. They are quick reads and fun. I definitely could see my own child reading this one when she gets older....more
This was a good middle grade mystery. I don't know what I was expecting, but I definitely wasn't expecting the book to be this engaging. I LOVED that This was a good middle grade mystery. I don't know what I was expecting, but I definitely wasn't expecting the book to be this engaging. I LOVED that there was so much rep for individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing. I definitely would recommend this to any child that is interested in mystery. I'll be doing a full review of this on my blog for the blog tour. I'll add it on here when it goes live. ...more
Okay so I will admit that this was not what I was expecting when it came to the 4th book of the series. I really enjoyed the first three and was expecOkay so I will admit that this was not what I was expecting when it came to the 4th book of the series. I really enjoyed the first three and was expecting some really interesting information when it came to Count Olaf and his schemes in this novel, but unfortunately that didn't happen. The writing was as good as always; however, the plot didn't draw me in like it usually does.
If you didn't know after another failed attempt at having a stable guardian the children are then sent to "live" at a lumber mill and they are placed under the guardianship of the lumber mill honor who's name is listed as "sir." What I didn't understand about this placement was why custody was even granted to "sir." I may have missed this part and if I did someone please let me know, but there was adequate explanation behind their living situations for each guardian up until now. I just didn't understand what part sir played in this whole guardianship situation. Another thing that bothered me was the fact that his head was simply a cloud of smoke. I mean did no adult find that to be a bit alarming? I think I would question a lot.
The best part of this novel was definitely watching Count Olaf dress in drag. That was hilarious and definitely made the entire novel. I kept thinking about how he was going to pull of the scheme in this novel and I must admit and completely forgot from my previous read how he ended up fooling the adults in this one. Other than that the writing was enjoyable, but I hope that the next book makes up for the lack of interesting plot in this one.
I'm also listening to each one of these books on audiobook and honestly I completely and totally enjoy listening to Tim Curry and Daniel Handler narrate these books. If you haven't had the chance to listen to them on audiobook definitely give it a try. ...more
This was just as great as the first time I read it! I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. Aunt Josephine was a trip. She really did make the eThis was just as great as the first time I read it! I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. Aunt Josephine was a trip. She really did make the entire story. I can't wait to continue on with my re-read of the series next year. ...more
It was my second time reading this and it was fantastic!! I really wanted it to work out with Uncle Monty but alas it is called the Series of UnfortunIt was my second time reading this and it was fantastic!! I really wanted it to work out with Uncle Monty but alas it is called the Series of Unfortunate Events ...more
Loved this book! I remember reading the series when I was younger, but I thought I would take the opportunity to read it again. I forgot how beautifulLoved this book! I remember reading the series when I was younger, but I thought I would take the opportunity to read it again. I forgot how beautifully written these books are!
Update: I loved this book and it's my 3rd time reading it!! Loved listening to it on audiobook with Tim Curry ...more
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