Max's life is a bit out of control. His mom is very sick, his dad has stopped working to take care of her and as a result they aren't paying their bills. When his mom and dad leave to seek treatment, Max is left with his cousin Alex. As they are looking for things to sell to try to pay the bills they stumble upon an old chest and document left by none other than Jules Verne, a distant relative. But Max isn't the only one interested in the chest, document, and the treasure it promises. As Alex and Max embark on a worldwide journey they discover that Jules Verne's works may have not all been fantasy and a storybook villain may also have a relative.
There was lots of action and adventure here. Lots of dead beat parents lately - just leaving Max with bills left unpaid. But, kids won't mind. It is the first in a series so some things were left unfinished.
Olive is under a lot of pressure. She loves to sing but her mom, a former musician and actress, makes so many demands. When a audition goes wrong, Olive runs away and discovers a vintage theater where she sings her heart out. Much to her surprise the theater owner, Maude, asks Olive to be in her play. As things get worse at home, Olive spends more and more time at the theater with her new family. But a runaway who hangs around the theater warns her that not everything is as it seems. Has Olive found her true family or is it all an illusion?
Deliciously creepy!!! I wish there had been a bit more back story of Maude and also Olive's dad but other than that I really liked it.
When it is Renaissance Faire season, Imogene's whole family gets involved. Her dad is an actor, he mom has a shop, and this year Imogene gets to be a squire which means mainly helping her dad and scooping up horse droppings. But still, she gets to be involved, play with kids. For the most part she loves this part of her life.
But, Imogene made a big decision this year. Instead of being homeschooled she is going to attend middle school. She doesn't know exactly how to fit in, make friends, and navigate the pitfalls. Can Imogene learn to fit in and be true to herself?
I loved this!!! It is a glimpse into Renaissance Faire culture but so much more. It tackles middle school issues in a fresh way. The illustrations are charming. What a winner!
Katie and Ana have just started to be friends. They are getting used to each other and learning to trust but it's hard when they both has issues with trusting others.
Katie was adopted and has always wondered about her birth parents. But it seems like her adopted parents know things they aren't telling her. And they are so protective because of her heart issues.
Ana's family was perfect until her hockey playing dad left them when he joined another team. Now her mom is a mess. Ana is trying to keep things going for her brother and take care of her mom. When her Babushka comes to help Ana is more confused and angry than ever.
Can the two girls learn to trust each other and fix their families?
Overall I liked this but I think I wanted a bit more at the end. When there was an accident I felt some anticipation for a bigger ending and then...
I am not really sure how I feel about this. It was definitely unique and humorous in places but it was also pretty odd.
Jack Bokimble has an interesting talent. He can control his shadow. His shadow can touch things, feel things, carry things and can move around wherever it is projected. Jack thinks it is pretty cool and feels like his shadow is his best friend. But, when he tries to share this unique talent with people outside his own family they are afraid of him. So how to proceed? Ignore his talent or use it for good?
So... I think they are some kids who will like this quirky book so I am debating whether to purchase...
Brittany's life is not what she would like it to be. Her new teacher wants her to see a bright future but it's hard when you are living in poverty in Chicago. Her mom's boyfriend is abusive, her beloved Grannie is getting old and forgetful, her brother is sickly, and her mom is scared and tired. When her Grannie gets a letter from her younger brother in Alabama, Brittany starts developing a Plan B.
What happens is... once the doors open, once there seems to be a possible way out, once hope becomes evident... then things can start changing.
It has been a year since Rosie's papa had a stroke. A year that she has lived with her grandfather. A year since her mom gave away her dog. A year of anger, disappointment, and bad grades. All along Rosie has been trying to find her dog Augustus.
There were parts I liked - Rosie's dedication to her dog mainly but... Rosie was not very nice and overall she didn't seem to grow much. I also didn't like the "retribution" given to a town bully with no consequence. I also wish the father had played a bigger role because even when she finally went to see him there wasn't much about it.
