ARC Review: The Collector

ARC Review: The Collector  

The Collector, by K.R. Alexandar, tells the story of siblings Josie and Annie are forced to move to their Grandmother’s house they begin to see bizarre things they hadn’t noticed in their previous visits. Grandma’s new set of rules being one of them, “Never leave your windows open after dark, No dolls in the house.” and “Never, ever go by the house in the woods”, these rules deeply unsettle them. That, however, isn’t the creepiest part, Grandma keeps mentioning a person, or thing, called Beryle. 

As Josie and her sister begin their enrollment in yet another year in school, they don’t make many friends. Except for one girl by the name of Vanessa, who is one the nicest people they had ever met. Vanessa invites them to her house, and under the pressure of not wanting to lose the only friendship they had, they follow her into the woods, the very woods their Grandmother forbade them from going into. As the story progresses these rules get broken, one by one, things soon escalate until Josie is faced with all of the consequences of her actions into one terrifying moment of shock and disbelief. 

The author writes it in a simplistic way that makes you want to read more by ending every chapter on a cliffhanger, for example, the end of chapter one “I swore I’d heard an old woman laughing.” He builds up suspense throughout the book as well, like when Annie brings home a doll from Vanessa, in fear Josie throws it out of the window, but it keeps coming back. I wouldn’t call it the greatest book of all time, but it is surely worth a read if you like horror, you could read this 217-page book in a day if you wanted to! There were some parts I didn’t expect, which was nice! 

Title: The Collector

Author: K.R. Alexander

Publisher: Scholastic

Reviewed By: Summer M.

ARC Review: Witch Born

ARC Review: Witch Born

The book Witch Born by Nicholas Bowling follows Alyce, the daughter of a witch, who’s been safely hidden away by her mother. When witch hunters come and kill her money, she is forced to run away from her home, with a letter from her mother that she’s supposed to deliver to a man named John Dee. She gets locked away in an insane asylum temporarily and meets a boy named Solomon while making her escape. He takes her to an inn, where she’s taken care of by the inn’s owner. She learns more about practicing witchcraft while searching for John Dee, along with the quest her mother left her. But she soon finds herself dipping into dangerous magic involving the dead.

My favorite character in this book is Alyce. She handles her situation well and she doesn’t give up on searching for her goal. She’s a mentally strong character, and she has some experience with witchcraft. She has a nice personality and is a relatable character. Though she makes some reckless decisions regarding dangerous witchcraft, she handles her other decisions well and recovers quickly from bad situations.I enjoyed reading this book because it has a great and interesting magic system and involves parts of actual history. The entire world, plot, and magic was very interesting. The author did a great job with the setting, too. It was very well written and it was an exciting read.

Title: Witch Born

Author: Nicholas Bowling

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Review By: Colette H.

      

ARC Review: Hey, Kiddo

ARC Review: Hey, Kiddo

Books are a line of communication with story to be told from the year 1345, to the magical lands of Hogwarts. Books have the power to transport you to new and different worlds. But the book Hey, Kiddo, transported me into the point of view of Jarrett Krosoczka. His life as a boy from when he was a kid, to graduation. His family life wasn’t too good either. He grew up up with his grandparents because his mom was a drug addict, in recovery for most of his childhood. This is what makes him grow up with trust issues, and have depression. At the same time the stories getting good it also,  touches upon sensitive topics such as depression and family life. Even though the book is a great read it helps you learn lessons, and learn from the author's mistake. The book illustrates the cause and effect of the people surrounding him to his own life. This book is at the cost of 6 dollars. If you asked me, that's a bargin for your money.

Review By: Anthony B,

I recently completed an advanced reader copy of Hey, Kiddo. It is an autobiographical graphic novel written and illustrated by Jarrett Krosoczka. Hey, Kiddo follows Jarrett from his birth and right up to his high school graduation. The novel demonstrates how Jarrett is able to overcome and mask the setbacks that were nearly completely out of his control. This novel does an excellent job at discussing very taboo topics such as parental separation and the effects that drug addiction not just has on you but also your family. Hey, Kiddo is more than your average graphic novel, it's more of an experience more akin to that of a major motion picture. With its rich storytelling and oddly creative plot driving Hey, Kiddo stands a novel that young and old can get themselves invested into. As soon as, Jarrett Krosoczka was born, his life was thrown into disarray. Even in his youth he knew that his mother was associating with some very suspicious people. With no father in sight, Jarrett’s mother is forced to raise him all on her own. But Jarrett isn’t her only burden, she was a crippling drug addict and her drugs seemed to control her life. Though soon, the rest of the Krosoczka family began to notice the problematic and dangerous environment young Jarrett was living in. So they take action and Jarrett came to live with his grandparents. Once this living situation change happens, Jarrett’s mother is sent to rehab by the grandparents. In rehab, she stays for a majority of Jarrett’s pre-adult life. But in her absence, he discovers his true passion, art. He loves drawing even at his young age and this passion soon develops into a talent. This talent soon becomes a way for Jarrett to ground himself and try to hide the absurdities of his home life. As Jarret goes through life he uses art to try and normalize himself in a sense. He attends classes and follows his passion as much as he can. But as he as he develops as a person, Jarrett starts to piece the shattered shards of his family together. Yet one thing stands in his way, his mother. To him, her trying to sandwich her way back into his life after never being there when he needed her most is worse than not being there in the first place. Follow Jarrett through his rollercoaster of childhood experience. Hey Kiddo by Jarrett Krosoczka is a 320-page emotional rollercoaster. The gripping storytelling is coupled with excellent illustrations that fit the mood and tone of the entire novel. Personally, I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. After only a few pages you become invested in both the conflicts and characters inside the story. From seeing Jarret evolve as a person as the world around him changes to seeing him.

Review By: Caleb C.

  Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka introduces a boy named Jarrett who is a young boy who has to deal with his mother being a drug addict, a missing father who he doesn't know and two grandparents that are raising him. He is recognized as an artist and he takes this as a good thing and he pursues this and he continues to draw and he visits his mother who is in rehab as he is old enough to drive.

Jarrett Krosoczka has had a rough life with his mom being a drug addict and a missing father and he has lived with his grandparents for most of his life and Jarrett has drawn his whole life from kindergarten to his adult life and he continues to do this as its a hobby he has. Jarrett has always wondered where his father was and when he gets a driver license, he finds his father and he connects with him and he finds out that he has two siblings that are young and he meets them and he eventually loves them. He visits his mom who has overcome her drug addiction and Jarrett realizes that his mom has gotten her life together and she even has a new boyfriend that Jarret likes. Jarrett's life of drawing really helped him get through obstacles that were pretty challenging.

The 322 book by Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a heartbreaking and loveable book that everyone should read. The novel I enjoyed a lot and for that I will give the book a 5/5 rating as this book can help others who have had similar things happen to them and this book is also amazing as it is Jarrett J. Krosoczka actual life.

Review By: Evan G.

Author: Jarrett J. Krosoczka 

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc 

Genre: Autobiography/ Graphic Novel

Release Date: October 9, 2018

ARC Review: That's Not What Happened

ARC Review: That’s Not What Happened by Kody Keplinger 

Lee lost her best friend Sarah in their school bathroom the day her school got shot up by a former student, 3 years ago. The Virgil County High School Massacre. But people still don't know the truth about what happened to Sarah. Everyone says that she died proclaiming her faith. But that’s not what happened. Lee and Kelly are the only ones who know what really happened to Sarah that day. Sarah’s parents are writing a book about their daughter and how she died by standing up for what she believes in. This book sparks Lee, to tell the truth on what really happened that day. What really happened to Sarah. Even if it means losing her friends or getting harassed. One of my favorite parts from the book is When they are talking about the victims of the shooting through the survivor's eyes. Another part of the book that I like is when the survivors write about what they think happened that day through their eyes. 

Recommendation: I recommend this book to everyone because I really show you the power of telling the truth. This book shows you the consequences of not telling the truth. This book also shows you the power of friendship. Throughout the book, her friends help her in times of need and also leave her sometimes. Lastly, this book is just overall really good. 

Author’s Website: www.kodykeplinger.com 

My Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2615580237

Title: That’s Not What Happened

Author: Kod Keplinger 

Published by: Scholastic 

Released on: August 28, 2018 

Review by: Danalys A.

 

ARC Review: Don't Cosplay With My Heart

 Don't Cosplay With My Heart
by Cecil Castellucci

Don't Cosplay With My Heart is a story about a nerdy teenager named Edan Kupferman who decides to cosplay as Gargantua, her favorite character from the comic Team Tomorrow. When she is Gargantua she can be as loud and angry as she wants. Right now that costume is her sole comfort while her family is slowly falling apart, her best friend is away for the summer and her crush is being very confusing. Edan is trying to find her own Team Tomorrow in this crazy world. She is trying to figure out if she is strong enough to be her own hero or whether she can let others help her through her hardships.

My favorite character has to be Edan. I can identify with her in many ways and I feel a connection between me and what she is going through. Another reason I really like Edan is because of the way she handles situations that put her under stress, she keeps everything organized even if she is in a difficult situation. Edan is a very strong person despite the fact she is going through a lot and that is something that I deeply admire.

I enjoyed reading this book very much! My English teacher gave it to me knowing I am a big nerd for cosplaying and I was overjoyed. I enjoyed the lessons that Edan learned along the way and how she dealt with each situation. I also liked the wide range of emotions that were present during the story and how Edan described them to feel like. Overall I think that this is a great book for teens to read, especially if they are as nerdy as me!

Review by: Lilian B. 

ARC Review: The Beautiful Lost

Short Summary: The Beautiful Lost is about two teenagers, Maia a girl who’s gone through depression and almost committed suicide, and Billy, a boy who’s had a hard time going through foster care. Maia sets off to visit her mother in Canada. At the last minute Billy, her crush, goes with her. The two go on a road trip and both learn secrets about each other they never thought they would tell. Over time, the two realize that they might be more than friends.

Additional Information: I have a favorite character, and I really like this one! She has problems just like rest of us, and she’s human. The author didn’t make someone who has everything going her way. My favorite character’s name is Maia. She’s not perfect, which is what makes her relatable. She’s gone through a lot: her mom left, she attempted suicide, and is coping with depression. I know others who read this book will be able say that’s how they felt if they can connect with any characters. Maia wants to see her mom again, and she doesn’t like her stepmother. Maia’s struggles with life and is by far my favorite character and helped me enjoy the book even more.

Author’s Website: http://www.luannerice.net

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to seventh grade and up. I really enjoyed the book because I enjoy seeing the two people become more than friends throughout time. I also like that Luanne Rice created two flawed main characters. Both of them, not just one. She also made them go through real life experiences, such as foster care, divorce, a parent leaving and not communicating a lot, and depression. I give the book 5/5 stars because it is such an amazing book for all these reasons. You’ll want to keep reading and reading, and will be sad when it’s over.   

Disclaimer: *Our class received an ARC of this book to read and review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

Title: The Beautiful Lost

Author: Luanne Rice

Published By: Scholastic

Released On: June 27, 2017

Review by Mariela C.

ARC Review: All The Crooked Saints

All The Crooked Saints 

by Maggie Stiefvater

Miracles, the random occurrence of good luck that we hope for in desperate situations, are not always gained by a lucky break. The Soria family have been given the great ability to perform miracles and expel the darkness of other people. In Maggie Stiefvater’s All The Crooked Saints, the Sorias must take care of the pilgrims that stay to finish miracles, which they can't talk to, and they must also take care of themselves in the crazy world.

My favorite quote came from the point when as one of the Saints left because he was corrupted by darkness, his crush came after him, and she stated,  “I had to start somewhere. I can’t imagine him out here alone. And his family can’t help him. I can do something and so I will.”

The best character in the story has to be Joaquin because he is a risk taking rebel, and he has an illegal radio station in which he performs the miracle of good radio for everyone listening. He is a believable character because there are people who do bad things, like illegal radio, for the right reasons all the time. I think the author wrote this book to entertain. The very intriguing story and great character development pulled me right in, and I was quickly interested.. The plot can leave you on edge at any time with its depth and drama. The small hint of humor put the final touch on this great story. More info about the author can be found under www.maggiestiefvater.com.

I would recommend this book to people who love a deeper reads with slight bits of fantasy, from the shadowed plot and miracles. There is also a small romantic element between a couple of characters. I give it 4.3 out of 5 stars because of the deep plot and exciting, but short, spouts of adventure. This book is definitely worth a look.

*Our class received an ARC of this book to read/review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

Title: All The Crooked Saints

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Published by: Scholastic 

Released on: October 10, 2017

Review by: Charlie W.

Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Open Letter to Author J.K. Rowling

Dear J.K. Rowling,

  So much of my work can be credited to you...whatever the subject, whatever it's about. Your books were a turning point in my life. I first read the Harry Potter series in 6th grade, only two years ago, and I fell in love. I remember as a 4th/5th grader. I thought everyone was crazy for loving those “nerdy” books about magic, but I honestly had nothing to judge it about. My friends were the biggest motivation for me to start reading the books and I tried reading your first book of the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. At first I sped through it, trying to prove my friends wrong to show that I still didn't like them. I didn't understand it or take the time to try. So... I quit reading the series. One of the biggest mistakes of my life. Again, in 6th grade, I made my own decision to read the series again. I don't know what type of mystical force possessed me to, but I have to say that I'm grateful it did. Now I know to not question magic.

 Initially, the first book (the second time around) got me emotional. The story of a little boy being so mistreated was heartbreaking. That was the first exposure I'd had to that kind of tragedy. I'd always been stuck in that sort of safe bubble of innocence, but even though the story was fiction, I realized that was actually something that happened in different variations around the world. One of the biggest things, however that your books did for me was give strength. Each book showed a group of friends progressing together and getting stronger, also helping me realize the kind of relationships that were real in my own life. Friends fight and make up, but the biggest thing is that when they realize their mistakes, they grow stronger together. The whole idea of giving strength that I've proposed is not blown out of proportion as you may think. Young kids, no matter how fictional, can make a stand against whatever they choose, whether the evil in the world, or little conflicts around them. Sneakiness, breaking the rules, being “snitches”, and other shenanigans aren't a great lessons to learn, but overall help teach others the consequences that follow those actions along with all the other lessons.

 Next, I want to take a moment and remind you of a quote that you wrote in your book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, “Of course it's happening inside your head Harry, but why on earth should that mean it is not real?” This quotes sums up my love for your books with no question and that's why it's my favorite. To dream about something, there's always an aspect of reality that triggers it. It can happen both inside and outside your head, even if you may not really experience it yourself in reality. Strength and this type of friendship we as readers read in your book, may not necessarily happen to us, but we think and dream about it. It also is happening to others around us, and we should applaud them for tuning into that force inside them instead of degrading them and becoming jealous. That's why I had to reflect on one simple line that your mind imagined and made reality.

 Lastly, there is one final aspect of your books that shaped my childhood and still now as I grow older, and that is Magic. Such a wonderful and fantastic quality found even in the “muggle” world. Imagination brings great joy to people's lives and even though many say it is just part of your imagination, I say magic is real. There's a great deal of people behind me that I can guarantee would say the same exact thing, and if you asked them where they got that idea, they'd say your books. If I was to go about and define magic, there's a couple things I would say. Magic is the pure existence of hope, laughter, and a force that makes these things happen. Magic is something that makes out of the ordinary actions happen. Magic is Harry Potter. Your books have given me magic and so many others as well. We read the books to initially experience it, we watch the movies to experience it further, and we go to universal and to “Harry Potter World” to experience it even more, and that's the difference you've made.

 In conclusion, my only words are strength, hope, magic, happiness. I have become a more positive, optimistic, and caring person since reading the series, and that's made others around me happier too. With every one person that reads your books, 5 others at least experience the gifts of the books. I honestly from the bottom of my heart, from the love in all of my horcruxes, from the robe and wand in my room, my playing cards and games, my socks, and all of my Harry Potter merchandise, thank you for everything.

Thanks,

Sophia B.

ARC Review

The Lotterys Plus One

by Emma Donaghue

The book The Lotterys Plus One by Emma Donoghue, is a realistic fiction book about a very big and diverse family having to welcome a visitor into their everyday, crazy lives. Four parents, seven kids, and too many pets is the perfect recipe for a crazy household! The characters in this book are forced to welcome a grandfather of one of the fathers whom they'd never met before. They must cope with change and learn to accept that he's not leaving. The whole story revolves around one child named Sumac, who  just so happens to be my favorite. A lot like me, she takes charge and tries to stay organized for the whole family. I can relate, so I enjoyed reading about her. The author really entertained me and the book really touches the heart. To learn more about the author and her books, visit https://www.emmadonoghue.com/books/for-children/the-lotterys-plus-one.html.

I would recommend this book to younger readers, ages 8-12years old. The plot doesn't necessarily have enough action to suit children of an older age. For those ages, I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars. Those who like diversity and comedy will love this book!

Written by: Emma Donoghue

Published by: Arthur A. Levine Books/ Scholastic

Released on: March 28, 2017

Review by: Sophie B.

*Our class received an ARC of this book to read/review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

ARC Review: Hear the Wolves

                                                                                         

Hear The Wolves

by Victoria Scott

Teen Poetic Reflections...

Time passes on the clock,

as Sloan’s family leaves her in shock.

Left by her mother as a child,

she's scared of being alone, yet not the wild.

She's not entirely lonesome, there's others in town.

You'd think just people, but wolves lurk around!

Ravenous and lost, wolves start more trouble.

Sloan’s well-thought up path starts to crumble.

An old woman who’s hurt,

a friend who's a flirt,

a very caring teacher,

a father who's  anything but a preacher,

a boy who's got some smarts,

and a dog called Farts,

make their way to the river,

and fight the  cold shiver.

Things get extremely rough,

but they must stay tough.

For they are in major haste,

since time cannot be in waste.

That's all I can tell you for now,

I know this will leave you saying, “Wow!”

Although it's meant for the youth,

it's great and that's the truth!

Well this has been my honest review,

goodbye and thank you!

The wilderness is the most unpredictable thing in the world, depending on who you are, yet it doesn’t bother Sloan. Hear the Wolves by Victoria Scott is phenomenally written and beautifully climatic about a young girl with an important fate. Left to die as a child by her mother in the woods, Sloan has always had a fear of being alone. In fact, she always had a mental “lasso” around someone, whether it’s her father or sister or friend, so she’s never in the path of isolation. Yet, that fear would be riled up like fuel to fire when what’s left of her family, as well as everyone but a few towns folk, leave for Vernon and leave her alone for what should have been a couple days. But nature didn’t agree with that. A monstrous blizzard approaches her hometown, Rusic, Alaska. It not only limits transportation, but wipes out the local population of wolves’ food source of rabbits. With snow drifts with the ability to freeze a person to death and rabid wolves on the hunt for food, the prodigy hunter, Sloan has to find all the other people in town to not only escape the blizzard and wolves, but to also get an injured friend to where the local doctor is in Vernon. Watch as Sloan races to save the abandoned townspeople and avoid the dangerous blizzard and wolves in Hear the Wolves.

I had been in a reading slump for a couple weeks, so when I saw my ELA teacher Mrs. Kelly post a photo on Instagram of the new Victoria Scott ARC, I knew I had finally found something I wanted to read. I love Victoria Scott’s style of writing. Her extremely descriptive chapters and amazing use of figurative language makes novels very action packed. There’s constantly something going on! That being said, this was the perfect book to get me out of my reading slump. My favorite character is Mrs. Wade. She is always so positive and makes an effort to be a mother figure for Sloan, even if she is in dire danger. Not only that, but she is incredibly smart. She always has an idea in even the most intense situations!

In all, I highly recommend Hear the Wolves by Victoria Scott. You’ll never put the book down and it’ll leave you with a perplexed mind and an overall accomplished feeling. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. So on March 28th, hopefully you’ll be able to see this  novel because it is really worth the read.

The link to her website is http://www.victoriascott.com/.

Review by Laney J.

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release Date: March 28, 2017
Pages: 240

*Our class received and ARC of this book to read/review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

ARC Review: The Baby

The Baby

by Lisa Drakeford

The Baby is written from the point of view of five friends and one life changing event at a birthday party. The five different perspectives are Olivia, Nicola, Alice, Jonty, and Ben. A little bit about each charter is Olivia is best friends with Nicola but is upset when her friend has a baby and finds out she cheated with her boyfriend. Nicola is Olivia's best friend and cheated on her boyfriend Jonty and had a baby Eliza. Alice is Olivia’s little sister and has a hard time making friends so she spends time with Nicola and her imaginary farm. Jonty is Olivia’s abusive boyfriend and supposedly the father of Eliza. And finally Ben is best friends with Olivia and Nicola and is the only one of Nicloa’s friends who supports through this tough time.The theme of this book is drama and realistic fiction.

The Baby is set across five months and each month being from a new perspective. This is a good way to really get the thoughts from each character in the novel. One of my favorite quotes from this novel is “Only five weeks ago she was getting ready for Oliva’s party...Now there is a stack of nappies in the corner”(Drakeford 39). This quote really spoke to me as the reader because it shows how much can change in just a few weeks or even days. My favorite character in the story is Alice because I really feel sympathy for her having a hard time making friends and always being bullied in school. Alice is a very shy girl who spends most of her time alone or reading books in the library trying to avoid, and whenever she tries to make friends she always embarrasses herself. This character was very believable and easy to relate to even if you aren’t like her almost everyone has experienced what she has.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys drama and realistic fiction books because at some points of the book it is easy to relate to one of the characters and the book itself. Overall, I give this book 5 stars it was truly a wonderful story and easy to follow along to as well as great characters.

This book is available to purchase on October 25, 2016.

Review by: Maddie H.

Publisher: Scholastic

*  Our class received an ARC of this book to read/review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

ARC Review: The Scourge

The Scourge

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

In the novel The Scourge by Jennifer A. Nielsen, a deadly plague has broken out that hasn't been scene for 300 years. Ani Mells is tested for the Scourge and found positive meaning she will be going to the island where all the victims live out their lives. Ani starts to discover things that point towards a terrible plot happening on the island and what she finds out will shock her entire country.

In the book Ani Mells is a citizen of Keldan and lives with the river people. She is a troublemaker in every sense of the word. Not only does she wreak havoc within the river people but also in the towns. The river people are not welcomed among the townspeople and this is where Ani usually runs into problems, but that doesn't stop her from showing up anyway.

The book is filled with astonishing quotes and powerful statements. One of my favorites is “we are the Scourge, and we're going home.” I like this quote because for years Ani and her people had been oppressed by the governor and her soldiers. I think at this moment it shows that Ani isn't going to take it any more. This moment is where she takes back everything the government stole from the river people.

Nielson uses lots of descriptive language and writing strategies to fully explain the plot. The plot continuously twists and turns and moves in all sorts of directions. All this leads up to an epic ending for an amazing book. I would definitely recommend this book because it's one of the best books I've read in awhile. I would recommend it to people who enjoy adventure books and books about rebelling against the evil in your life. I would rate this book about a 4.5!

The link to her website is http://www.jennielsen.com.

Review by MollyL.

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release Date: August 30, 2016

Pages: 368

*Our class received and ARC of this book to read/review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

Another Review...

I just finished reading was The Scourge, by Jennifer A Nielsen. 15 year old Ani Mells lives in Keldan, where a disease is taking over called the Scourge. One who gets the Scourge will be taken away from their families to go to the Scourge Colony, where victims can live the rest of their days in peace. When Ani and her best friend Weevil get the disease, they find something out about the Scourge. Can they find a way to sneak past the wardens and get back to Keldan, to warn Keldan about the truth of the Scourge.

My favorite character in the novel was definitely Ani. In a way, she reminds me of Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games. Fans of that book will love the Scourge. Ani is a young girl, but she has a really snappy attitude. She fights for what she wants, and is right, and always finds herself in a big pile of trouble. Throughout the book, she's constantly getting into trouble, but hopefully it pays off in the end. The character was definitely believable because she showed traits that I love to see in characters.

In closing, many readers find this book amazing, including me. Fans of the Hunger Games, Divergent, and Under the Never Sky will be on the edge of their seats with this novel. It truly is awesome.

Review by TaraT.

ARC Review: The Singing Bones

The Singing Bones

by Shaun Tan

 Imagine yourself in an exciting and enchanting world, filled with scary new stories on each page. The book, The Singing Bones, by Shaun Tan, is a mixture of dark and creepy fairy tales. Each page contains a new and haunting story with a dark twist to it. The genre of this book is thriller and fantasy. My personal favorite quotation from this story is, “Finally, she came to the forbidden door. She wanted to walk past, but curiosity got the better of her.” In this story, a young girl finds a door that she is not allowed to enter. After entering, she ends up dying, since her curiosity is what killed her. 

My favorite character in this book is Death. Death is creepy and chilling. His presence scares many people and makes everyone on edge. This character is believable because when someone dies, people get scared and worried. The purpose of the author writing this book was to entertain. 

I would highly recommend this book because it is a very entertaining and exciting book. Also, it is an easy read. I would give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. For additional information: http://www.shauntan.net/books.html In conclusion, The Singing Bones is an extremely enjoyable and thrilling book.

Publisher: Scholastic

Release Date: October 11, 2016

Pages: 192

Age Range: 12-17 Years

Review by Adriana S.

*Our class received an ARC of this book to read/ review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.