Book Review: Bugged! How Insects Changed History by Sarah Albee and Illustrated by Robert Leighton

Tweet

Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Throughout history, humans have been getting sick and grossed out by bugs, literally. In fact, bugs have destroyed entire empires. Do you have the insatiable curiosity that wants to find out how bugs make people sick? Do you want a look into what famous person may have died from a mosquito bite? Did you know that bugs might have taken down entire armies. If you want to find the relationship to bugs and diseases, you may just be the next budding epidemiologist.

Reader take warning: Sara Albee does not write for the squeamish. In fact, she warns the faint of heart to stay away from the "TMI" side boxes but who can resist a "Pox Box" that reveals, "More awful tropical afflictions?" With all of the creepy illness causing parasites and horrible diseases spread by mosquitos, the reader will never want to skip hand washing and mosquito repellent again.

The reader can't help but getting the the creepy, crawlies from reading about bugs but their intrigue will help them push past the stomach jitters to delve into the fascinating historical facts.

Rating: Recommended ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (April 2014)

ISBN: 978-0-8027-3422-8

Ages: 10-14

Book Review: Diego's Dragon Book One Spirits of the Sun

Tweet

Book received at no charge for review purposes

Eleven-year-old, Diego Ramirez becomes the envy of his school when he wins a writing contest and receives a coveted dragon statue handed out by Nathan Sullivan, the author who set up the contest. Though his tight knit Latino family proudly celebrates his success, they don't see what he does in the dragon he names Magnifico.

Magnifico slowly comes to life. At first his antics, like moving into a different place, seem harmless. But his tricks become more intense which frightens Diego. With the help of his friend Racquel, they try to get rid of Magnifico. However, Diego finds he has more control over the dragon as he discovers his bloodline, who he truly is and strength he didn't know he had.

Author Kevin Gerard ends up successfully weaving in a backstory with Diego's brother that seems confusing at first. Strong characters make Diego's Dragon Book One: Spirits of the Sun a solid introduction to a promising fantasy adventure series.

Rating: Recommended ****

This book can be purchased from the following retailers:

**This book was received at no charge to facilitate my review. No monetary compensation was received. As always, I retain the right to give an honest review.

Book Review: Double Vision by F.T. Bradley

Tweet

Lincoln Baker's recent field trip to a chicken farm with his class ends up a disaster when he carries his wild antics a bit too far. When the farmer slaps his family with a lawsuit, Linc worries that his parents will have to work the rest of their lives to pay the damages. Linc jumps at the chance to bail his family out of the mess he created by agreeing to attend "boot camp" with two secret agents who show up at his door. The agents promise to make Linc's troubles disappear if he does as they tell him.

Boot camp for Linc ends up a secret mission across the world in Paris, France posing as his look alike agent, Benjamin Green. It turns out Ben is missing and the "evil Mona Lisa" has disappeared as well. Linc befriends Francoise, the daughter of the baker's family who owned the painting. Together they must solve the clues her father leaves behind before the painting falls into the hands of double crossing agents and is used for evil purposes.

Though the premise feels like a watered down version of the Da Vinci Code, Bradley redeems with  a strong protagonist middle grade boys will easily relate to. The young reader probably won't even notice the Da Vinci comparison. Plenty of action will keep the young reader glued to the pages, rooting for Linc at every turn. A strong female side kick make Double Vision an action adventure that will appeal to the female mystery lover as well. RECOMMENDED ages 8-12.

Publishing Information

Publisher: Harper/Harper Collins (Oct. 2012)
Pages: 277
ISBN: 978-0-06-210437-3

This book can be purchased from the following retailers:

**I received the book at no charge for review purposes only which I in turn gave away. No monetary compensation was received.