Book Review: Five, Six, Seven, Nate by Tim Federle

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Book received at no charge to facilitate my review.

Nate Foster returns fresh off his success of landing a part in a major production. He is about to see his Broadway dreams come true as he heads to New York City to join the cast of E.T.: The Broadway Musical. Cast as Alien Number Seven and E.T.'s understudy, Nate discovers rehearsals are not what he imagined. Not only that, but he must learn to deal with seasoned child stars, over zealous stage moms, and a director who never gets his name right.

While Nate learns to navigate the inner workings of putting together a Broadway musical, he poignantly begins the journey of coming of age with regards to his family relationships and his own sexuality. Full of the humor that made the first book so endearing, this novel elegantly delves deeper into Nate's inner character, which makes the reader love him even more. Theater lovers and those who feel like the underdog will cheer through every chapter.

Bravo to Nate who deserves a standing ovation.

Rating: Highly Recommended ★★★★★

Publishing Information

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers (Jan.21, 2014)

Pages: 304

Ages: 10-14

ISBN-13: 978-1442446939

 

Book can be purchased from the following retailers:

**I received the book at no charge from the publisher to facilitate my review.No monetary compensation was received.  As always, I retain the right to give a fair and honest review.**

Book Review: The Monster in the Mudball by S.P. Gates

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Book received at no charge from the publisher to facilitate review.

Though he has lived next door to Madilisto for years, eleven-year-old, Jin, had no idea of the power of her ancient African artifact, a ball of mud. But when his neighbor falls and the ball of mud escapes on two little feet, Jin's curiosity has him following it to the river. Much to his amazement, the mud ball uses those little feet to strangle small animals.

 Jin can hardly believe what he sees when the mud ball rolls into the river and hatches into the ferocious monster, Zilombo. Unfourtunately, Zlilombo has a penchant for babies and captures Jin's baby brother, Smiler. Jin gains an unlikely ally when Mizz Z, an inspector from the Risk Assessment Agency for Ancient Artifacts (RAAAA), shows up. From her, Jin learns the creature has weaknesses and together, they must discover which one will take the monster down and save his brother. Jin's older sister, Frankie, joins them in their quest to defeat Zilombo.

While interesting characters grace the pages, the multiple descriptions of the monster end up confusing the reader instead of painting a clear picture of what Zilombo looks like. Combine that with an unconventional start from an adult's point of view, and the young reader must work harder to put all of the pieces together. Nevertheless, the attempt at the Chinese-American multi-culture will delight those who share a mixed culture. Monster lovers will have no trouble putting the few weaknesses aside to cheer on Jin and his siblings. A solid fantasy adventure that delivers plenty of surprises.

Rating: Recommended ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:
Publisher: Tu Books (Sept. 17, 2013)
Ages: 8-12
Pages:  224
ISBN 13: 978-1-62014-141-0

This book can me purchased for the following retailers:

**I received the book at no charge from the publisher to facilitate my review. As always, I retain the right to give a fair and honest review.**

Book Review: Ignoramus by Karla Oceanak and Illustrated by Kendra Spanjer

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.


If it's not bad enough to have a middle name of Valentine in honor of the day he was born, Aldo Zelnick thinks it is worse to have a birthday on Valentine's Day. At 11-years-old, pink hearts, lace and getting lovey dovey tops the list of the all time worse things a boy would have to experience on his special day.

This year, Aldo refuses to let pink, romance, and girls ruin his party. He plans what may be the coolest party ever with hot wings, video games, wrestling, and if that wasn't enough, shooting bows and arrows for the main attraction.  

Everything goes as planned until his friend, Bee, who is a girl, decides she wants an invation to his party. This proves to be more than a minor inconvenience to Aldo who stands by his decision to only invite the guys. When he loses a contest to Bee, he gives up his sketchbook rather than let her crash his party. 

Much to the reader's amusement, Aldo must get himself out of the mess that ensues. It's called a comic novel for a reason and while humor spills from every page, Aldo learns a valuable lesson about friendship as well. The Aldo Zelnick comic series aims to tickle the reader's funny bone with a volume from every letter of the alphabet. Besides Ignoramus having plenty of side-splitting moments, the introduction of "I" words help build an impressive vocabulary. The comic illustrations add an array of fun. A must read for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Rating: Recommended ★★★★☆

Publishing Information
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Publisher: Bailiwick Press (Dec. 2013)
Pages: 150
ISBN: 978-1934649411   
This book can be purchased at the following retailers:

 

**I received the book at no charge from the publisher to facilitate my review. As always, I retain the right to give a fair and honest review.**

Dylan's Day by Tim Hutchinson: Book Review

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Book received at no charge from the publisher to facilitate review.

Dylan the loveable dog must plan his day.With so many things to do, it's hard to focus on his ultimate goal, to find "the big fat cat who lives next door." He sniffs out bread and windows, finds an old rope and a watering can. He follows balls and chases birds, but with all of Dylan's distractions, he still manages to focus on that fat cat.

Detailed illustrations add life to Dylan's silly adventures. The young reader will find something new each time he or she opens the book. What happens when Dylan does find the cat next door is sure to delight while teaching a subtle lesson that admitting fear is okay. The rhythm flows without feeling like forced rhyme. A solid read aloud book.

Rating: Recommended ★★★★☆

This book can me purchased for the following retailers:

**I received the book at no charge from the publisher to facilitate my review. As always, I retain the right to give a fair and honest review.**