Raising Rufus by David Fulk Book Review:

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ARC received at no charge to facilitate review.

To an eleven-year-old explorer named Martin, not much can top finding a frozen giant egg. Who cares if bullies taunt him and he disappoints his father because of his lack of interest in football? At least he has his egg to care for in his makeshift lab in his barn. As long as he has his outdoor world in Menominee Springs, Wisconsin to explore and such fabulous finds, he is perfectly content. Martin becomes the proud owner of what he thinks is a deformed lizard that hatches from the egg when it finally thaws. He's always wanted a pet but never expected his new lizard turns out to be a real dinosaur. The Tyrannasaurus Rex, Martin names Rufus, quickly attaches to his new owner.

While Martin takes on summer work to feed Rufus, he finds himself in over his head when he can't keep up with the ever growing appetite of his pet dinosaur. Even with the help of his new friend, Audrey, Martin can't keep his secret hidden. Together they race to keep Rufus from ending up as a freak side show in the town's theme park but in doing so, will Martin have to give up the pet he has come to love?

In his debut novel, Fulk keeps the reader laughing while tugging at the heartstrings in his coming of age tale. Any boy who has ever loved his pet won't be able to put the book down until he finds out what happens to Rufus. A delightful take on an age-old dilemma of love and loss.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (June 9, 2015)

ISBN-13: 978-0385744645

Pages: 252 (hardcover)

Ages 9-12

This book can be purchased at the following retailers:

Joshua and the Lightning Road by Donna Galanti: Book Review

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FTC Disclosure: Book received at no charge in exchange for honest review.

Joshua never understood why his grandfather repeatedly warned him about lightning. But when he and his best friend, Finn get too close to the windows during a terrible storm, his grandfather's warnings take on new meaning. In a flash of lightning, Finn is snatched through the window. A hand  grabs Joshua as well and the pair are taken to another realm where they must work as slaves to provide the energy to power the strange world.

Even worse, the two friends are separated and Joshua must devise a plan to find Finn. Together with his new friend, Charlie, they escape their work quarters only to find themselves on the Lightning Road in the face of a frightening "child collector" and beasts scarier than anything they could have imagined. Joshua must find courage he never knew existed to face the battle of his life against the fallen Greek Gods in the Lost Realm of Nostos. Will he have what it takes to rescue the kidnapped children and return them to earth?

Galanti creates a vivid mythological world with plenty of action that will keep the attention of the reader. At times terrifying, Joshua and the Lightning Road also touches on more heartwarming aspects like friendship and what it really takes to make a family. A solid recommendation for the fantasy, adventure fan. Strong, relatable characters and imaginative world building make this debut children's novel one you will hope will continue in a several book series.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Month9Books May 19, 2015

ISBN-13: 978-1942664048

Pages 278

Ages: 9-12

This book can be purchased through the following retailers: