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The CMLD Kid’s Book Reviews Blog contains our insights on children’s and young adult books. Hope you find it both informative and entertaining.
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H.I.V.E.: Rogue
H.I.V.E.: Rogue by Mark Walden. Reviewed by Dillon Barrows with Jody Bachelder.
Under the influence of animus fluid, Otto is being controlled by Sebastian Trent to assassinate members of G.L.O.V.E. He must be stopped — but his friends know that he’s not evil, just not in control of his actions. Can they stop him before the other members of G.L.O.V.E. do? Another high intensity installment in this imaginative artificial intelligence series, sure to please the tech-savvy readers who have enjoyed the previous books.
The Dragon’s Tooth
The Dragon’s Tooth by N. D. Wilson. Reviewed by Dave Schumacher. Three teens (or nearly teens, one is 12) are whisked into the Order of Brendan after the motel they were operating burns up in a fantastic fire. Those in the order have been caretakers of secrets, criminals and relics of the past world. The teens are sent on quite fantastic missions all over the world, reminiscent of Riordan’s books. Though the adventures are entertaining they offer little meaning since the kids are so thinly characterized. Many readers will ask “Who cares?”.
Dust & Decay
Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry (sequel to Rot & Ruin). Reviewed by PM McDonough.
A few months after seeing the jet, Tom, Benny Nix, and Lilah are ready to head out into the Ruin to try to find if civilization has managed to survive anywhere. I loved this book and had to finish it in one reading. The author made no attempt to prettify this zombie-infested world and he left us with questions as to why some newly-dead do not reanimate.
Goliath
Goliath by Scott Westerfeld (Book 3 in the Leviathan Trilogy). Reviewed by Jody Bachelder
It’s rare that I read an entire series, but I had to know how Alek and Deryn’s story would finish. Westerfeld has thrown in some more real people (Nikola Tesla, William Randolph Hearst, and Pancho Villa, to name a few) which makes this alternate history/fantasy all the more interesting, but he gets bogged down in a lot of technical details that slow the action to a crawl in places. Though not quite as good as the first two in the series, it’s a pretty satisfying conclusion to the series. Just wish Westerfeld had a little more romantic sensibility!
Monsters of Men
Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness. Review by Rebecca McPhedran.
The third installment in the Chaos walking series. I found this book to be pretty good. I found that I couldn’t put the first two books down, but this one was a little harder to get through. Todd and Viola (the two heroes of the book) are mainly separated throughout most of the book. Todd spends his time with the dreaded Mayor/President of New Prentisstown. Viola is with the healer Mistress Coyle (who also happens to be a terrorist. The two sides are locked in a seemingly endless battle with the Spackle (the indigenous species of New World). Todd learns how to control his noise, and finds himself equal in power to the President. Now he must decide what to do with that power-use it for the good of the people, or use it to control them? This seems to be the never ending quest for Todd-to kill or not to kill. He is also faced with the decision to trust the President- with that decision-the course of human events could change forever. A good read. I would be interested in seeing this book made into a movie
All the Things You Are
All the Things You Are by Courtney Sheinmel. Review by Erin Brown. A gripping and emotionally-charged book -perfect for ages 12-14. Carly’s struggles with her family, while not commonplace, echo the difficulties of many young men and women. I would recommend this book to young teens.
The Death of Yorik Mortwell
The Death of Yorik Mortwell by Stephen Messer. Review by Germaine Bouchard. Following his death at the hands of another twelve year old, Yorik returns as a ghost to protect his sister from the same fate. He learns of ancient magical beings, both good and evil, who are trying to gain power at the estate. The book includes a map which gives the reader prior knowledge. This story is sure to be a big hit among fantasy readers. Awesome illustrations.
Louise the Big Cheese and the Back to School Smarty Pants
Louise the Big Cheese and the Back to School Smarty Pants
by Elise Primavera. Review by Becky Ranks
Loved this book – great message about high expectations in the classroom. The story was told in a humorous way that would be very engaging for students. Loved the short bios of famous straight A students in history.
No Two Alike
No Two Alike
by Keith Baker. Review by Becky Ranks
A very sweet, simple story about being alike, but different. Great for younger children with beautiful drawings of the natural world. Beautiful book in its simplicity.
The Worst Case Scenario Survive-Opedia: Junior Edition
The Worst Case Scenario Survive-Opedia: Junior Edition by David Borgenicht and others. Review by Becky Ranks
A neat pictorial encyclopedia of facts about natural disasters, wild animal encounters, travel dangers and extreme sports. Kids will love this as it is useful information about our dangerous world and how to survive it. Great!