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

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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 ****

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**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: All About Poop by Kate Hayes & Illustrated by Breanna Vaughan

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Book received at no charge by the publisher to facilitate my review. 

What boy or girl hasn't wondered about poop? Just the word is sure to elicit giggles from any group of children.

With fun, quick-witted rhymes, All About Poop answers the age old question of where poop comes from and why we make it. From the moment the book's star swallows his food, the process of forming poop and farts begins. The reader follows the simplified journey from esophagus, stomach and intestines and eventually to the sewer. Even the most serious minded can't help but laugh at the illustration of poop shapes that give pause to the curious minded without being too gross. 

The smelly gas that sneaks out in farts complete with sounds like "flap, pwip, and "squeep" add comical fun while the admonition that "poop has germs" remind youngsters of hygiene without taking away from the amusement. Author, Kate Hayes, lists five things to remember and some fun facts about poop at the end of the book. She reminds readers that it's not nice to talk about poop unless you're reading this book and it's one your child or student will definitely want to read. While getting educated, please remember number two and "Don't poop in your pants."

Rating: Highly Recommended ★★★★★

Publishing Information

Publisher: Pinwheel Books (Sept. 2012)

38 pages

ISBN: 978-0-985-4248-00

Ages: 3-7

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***FTC Disclosure: Book received at no charge to facilitate my review. No monetary compensation was received. Review based upon my actual experience.***

Out of Eden by Peter Johnson: Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate my review.


Since the divorce of his parents, seventeen-year-old Stony pulls away from his father and rarely talks to him. When his father and live in girlfriend, Sally, plan a vacation in New Hampshire for him and his sister Molly, Stony must counteract his father's hasty temper with his quiet strength in the face of evil as chilling as his grandmother's murder.

At the first rest stop on the way to their destination, Stony's dad gets into an argument with two frightening characters, Abraham and Leopold. Abraham's brutality does not compare to the religious fanaticism of Leopold who mark Stony and his family for extermination and hunt them down.

The hunt becomes more terrifying with brief glimpses into the mind of the psychotic killer, Leopold. Out of Eden offers a gripping look into the world of a psychopath with realistic violence too disturbing for a younger reader, but will keep the teen reader engrossed throughout the entire story.

Rating:  Recommended ****

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Namelos (February 1, 2014)
Ages: 14-18
ISBN: 9781608981618


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**FTC Disclosure:  I received the book at no charge to facilitate my review. No monetary compensation was received.

Karmack by J.C. Whyte: Book Review

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Ebook received at no charge for review purposes.

Curtis "Sully" Sullenburg and his band of tough guys have terrorized the school for years. Proud of his reputation as a bully, he not only picks on other kids but antagonizes his teachers as well. Sully's life turns upside down when he meets a short creature with a big nose he names Karmack. Soon after meeting Karmack Sully notices that every time he picks on somebody or pulls a prank, something bad happens to him in return. Not only do bad things happen to him but to the rest of his gang of bullies as well.

It turns out that Karmack is a creation of nature whose purpose is to restore balance. If he fails at his mission, Sully and his friends will meet their doom. Sully realizes he must change his ways and convince his friends to do the same. If only he weren't the only one to see Karmack, it would make his job a lot easier.

Those who have ever been bullied will enjoy the boomerang effect of bad deeds coming back to those who deserve them. Anyone who has played the part of bully will learn why their actions hurt. Strong characters, fun action and a bit of fantasy help the story progress without preaching. At times Karmack's written dialect slows the pacing, but all in all a solid middle grade story.

Rating:   Recommended ****

Publishing Information:

 MuseItUp Publishing (June 6, 2013)
ASIN: B00D91LYIY

140 Pages

Ages 8-12

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