First-rate reviews

Another Free Press Summer Reading Challenge for Kids is in the books, but before we turn the page completely, there are a few more reviews written by our young readers to share.

Participating readers were tasked to write down their thoughts about any of the books on the Summer Reading Challenge’s three reading lists; with a range of formats (novels, graphic novels, books with pictures), themes and reading levels to choose from, budding reviewers of all ages were eager to share their opinion.

Those registered for the challenge received reading resources and activities throughout the summer, from word searches or puzzles based on the content of the books to a set of discussion questions and, in one instance, a special video from an author.

There were also more creative activities meant to engage readers’ critical thinking skills, all of which were free to access for anyone who signed up for the challenge.

The first set of reviews was published July 25 and included five-star raves, thoughtful critiques and advice to other readers who are looking for their next page-turner. Similarly, this month’s submissions offer honest feedback and opinions supported by examples — two pillars of a great review.

Thanks to all who participated in the seventh Summer Reading Challenge for Kids! To see July’s reviews and for more info, visit Kids Book Club.

Super Villains in Training: The Fantastic Freeze Ray

By Kailei Pew, illustrated by Estrela Lourenço
Scholastic Canada, 80 pages, $11

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The Fantastic Freeze Ray was amazing! I liked when Vicky was going to get kicked out of SVT, but then she stayed.

I wish it made the cut to five stars, but it didn’t quite make the cut.

I wish it was like she was doing amazing, and then she did horrible in one of her classes, and then made it and stayed at SVT. Then it maybe would have been five stars.

★★★★ out of five stars

— Jack Marantz, age 7

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I Won’t Feel This Way Forever

By Kim Spencer
Orca Book Publishers, 192 pages, $15

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I Won’t Feel This Way Forever by Kim Spencer was a very good book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the second book in the series, though I read the first book before it, and was able to understand Mia’s (the main character) troubles with her friend.

I really like the memories Mia would remember. They told us lots about her childhood and were fun to read about. I also love the relationship Mia had with her grandma.

I could tell that they really cared for each other and that Mia felt very comforted when her grandma was around.

I thought it was nice that her grandma didn’t talk much, but Mia could tell how she felt by the “sparkle” in her eyes.

This book is also very relatable at points, especially when her grandma first comes back from the hospital and Mia asks if she needs anything before going to bed. Her grandma doesn’t, and Mia wishes she could do more to make her feel better.

When someone I care about is sick, I wish I could do more and take away their pain, which I imagine Mia was feeling.

Overall, this is a great book, and you must read it!

★★★★ out of five stars

— Lianne Beirnes, age 13

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Legendary Allies: The Healer and the Phoenix

By Linda Trinh, illustrated by Quynh Anh Nguyen
Annick Press, 172 pages, $14

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This was my favourite out of the four 7-9 books from the Summer Reading Challenge.

I liked it because the ally animals in their baby forms were really cute.

The main character, Mai, was really brave and didn’t give up.

I’m excited to read the other books in this series. I say you should definitely read this book.

★★★★★ out of five stars

— Dylan Willow, age 8

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The Case of the Movie Mayhem: A Mighty Muskrats Mystery

By Michael Hutchinson
Second Story Press, 152 pages, $13

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The Case of the Movie Mayhem by Michael Hutchinson is an OK story. There is a movie being shot on a small Indigenous reservation. It’s a big deal for the community because the movie is very popular and because it will give many people some well-paying jobs for the summer.

A truck with all the props is stolen which may shut down the movie and give the community a bad reputation in the future.

A group of kids, who call themselves the Muskrats, decide to try to solve the mystery, find the truck and who did it.

In the story we learn a lot about the characters and the Cree community. Sometimes I found the story hard to follow because it was talking about other things, not the mystery they were trying to solve.

I would not consider this book to be a real mystery novel like I was expecting, but parts of it were exciting, and it was informative.

I would give this book 3.5 stars because the storyline is different in different chapters, and it’s not a true mystery book.

★★★½ out of five stars

— Stephanie Boon, age 11

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Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Wapos’s Friendship Garden

By Sita MacMillan, illustrated by Azby Whitecalf
Annick Press, 160 pages, $11

I liked the lesson this book taught you: have patience.

This was a good story of friendship.

I also really liked that there was a list of Cree words and their definitions at the beginning.

I was able to flip back to it when I read a word I didn’t know.

★★★★★ out of five stars

— Dylan Willow, age 8

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Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham

By Ryan James Black
Penguin Young Readers Group, 288 pages, $14

The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham is magnificent! I loved the amazing plot, it includes astounding surprises and brief frights.

Here are some key elements that made me love this phenomenal story. The author (Ryan James Black) incorporates wonderful descriptions that spark the reader’s imagination throughout the book, such as: “my nostrils prickled. The air smelled like burnt ozone and foul spices.’’

He does a remarkable job of creating suspense throughout the entire book, making the reader even more intrigued in the already incredible plot. Every time a chapter ended, I was compelled to continue reading.

Another key element that helped me enjoy this book was the large amount of emotion. The emotions the main characters experienced throughout the entire book are shown in a way that helps the reader grasp the situation.

The author uses wonderful descriptions that showcase how the characters are feeling.

These factors solidified why I love this book. I can’t bring myself to rate it lower than five stars!!!

★★★★★ out of five stars

— Leah McLean, 11

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Collision

By Eric Walters and Danson Mutinda
Orca Book Publishers, 256 pages, $15

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This was my favourite book of the Free Press kids book club choices this summer. It was interesting to read about another small town in Canada and the big Saltys or Seamax boats and the canal.

I think the best part of this book was how the three friends, Daniel, Bol and Noah, grew so close together over a real tragedy.

Some parts were very sad, like when you learn about things Bol went through, but friendship and love showed that they would get through it all if they stick together and have each other’s back. They say that in the book.

You will have to read it to find out about why my mum cried. This was a good book, and I liked how it was written about some hard stuff.

★★★★ out of five stars

— Tannen J., age 11

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To Steal From Thieves

By M. K. Lobb
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 416 pages, $17

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I really like the book To Steal From Thieves by M. K. Lobb. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it, but it surprised me (in a good way of course)!!

I loved that Zaria and Kane both had very strong reasons for wanting the necklace for themselves. I don’t know who I was rooting for to get the necklace! This book kept me engaged right from the beginning, which I thought was great.

I enjoyed that Zaria kept bringing up the fact that people in Devil’s Acre were suffering to the people with money or who could help Devil’s Acre. It showed that she didn’t just care for herself, but everyone who was suffering, too.

I didn’t like that both Kane and Zaria chose to keep secrets from their best friends to “protect” them. Jules and Fletcher could only get hurt from the secret.

The writing was amazing, and the only thing I didn’t like about the book was what the characters chose to do, and that just means I was very invested.

Overall this was an amazing book, and I’ve already requested the next one from the library!

★★★★½ out of five stars

— Lianne Beirnes, age 13