Book Review: Epic Ellisons: Cosmos Camp by Lamar Giles 3 Stars *** (Middle Grade) (Fiction) (Fantasy) (2024)

Victoria and Evangeleen Ellison—nicknamed Wiki and Leen respectively—are twelve-year-olds twins living on an income producing farm in Logan County, Virginia. Leen was born laughing and that made Wiki cry seven minutes after her own entrance into the world. They look alike but they’re miles apart personality, interest, and skills wise. Both are geniuses with complementary strengths. The girls are famous for helping the legendary Alston boys defeat some mutant moles in this author’s series by the same name. They’ve never been apart and now look forward to separate lives as Leen is off to Cosmos Camp to learn all about space exploration and Wiki looks forward to helping out on the farm and a quiet, uneventful respite. So much for that idea …

Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on who’s speaking, Wiki wins a scholarship to attend Cosmos Camp. Their parents are thrilled for their newly found opportunity for alone time, and Wiki is forced to attend camp against her will. Upon arrival, the campers are greeted by Dr. Burr, ” … to welcome you, the greatest young scientific minds from across the country, to the fifth annual PeteyTech Cosmos Camp, where you’ll learn all about the various roles and research required for space exploration.” Dr. Burr is assisted by two robots as the campers donned their VR goggles (virtual reality) to hear a prerecorded message from the owners of the camp. Petey and Anna Thunkle. The girls receive a different message from the other campers. Anna Thunkle tells them that her husband is mysteriously missing and entrusts the twins with the task of secretly finding him without letting anyone know that he’s missing. Lots of AI (Artificial Intelligence) stuff going on here. You’ll never look at a vacuum cleaner in the same way again!

Needless to say, the girls accomplish their task and even manage to save the world from the clutches of evil. Will the girls return to the security of their life on the farm or … ?

I did not enjoy reading this book. It’s not real science fiction but more like fantasy. Yes, all the requisite stuff is in it but there’s no real understanding or explanation of laws of the universe. A thrill a minute filled with hyperbole, cliché and the unbelievable. Not fun for me as an adult and I know that I would not have liked this book as a kid. Fast and furious, filled with everything, including the kitchen sink. Too cutesy for my taste.

Please let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.net

I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.

All rights reserved 2024

The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle by Taryn Souders 4 Stars **** (MG) (Mystery) (2023)

Set in fictional Gifton, Georgia, young Grady puts his research skills to good use in solving the riddle of the lost treasure. As luck would have it, the passing of Eudora “Kooky” Klinch presents an unimagined opportunity. It turns out that Grady’s mother was a distant cousin of Eudora, and Grady, being a descendant, inherits a sampler (a piece of embroidery or needlework with designs using the alphabet, mottos, or special information) containing clues to a treasure. The sampler is accompanied by a note stating the sampler is a treasure map and Grady is determined to change his family’s future.

With the help of his friends Thad and Clemmie, Grady spends hours researching in the library, interviews experts and elderly neighbors, and digs for clues and treasure in the local cemetery. Then, there is the added bonus of the reader learning interesting and fun historical facts!

Grady’s mother passed away a few years earlier, leaving Grady and his father bereft. The father-son relationship was always difficult but deteriorates without Grady’s mother there to act as a buffer. The family is plagued by financial difficulties, especially since there are still medical bills that must be paid. Grady discovers that his father has not been able to keep up payments and they will soon lose their trailer home and will have to move out of town. Grady is determined to save the day! He will not stop until that treasure is found.

There is a lot of drama for a small town. Someone breaks into and ransacks Grady’s trailer. The elderly owner of the local antique store dies as a result of an apparent burglary. Grady is locked in a back room of the public library as fire rages. A surprising local resident has hidden motives.

There is a happy ending, although not the one the reader might expect.

Readers can have a lot of fun trying to solve the riddle on their own. There are sooo many clues any puzzle lover will enjoy playing detective. It does get confusing at times with all the characters, relationships, and possible motives, not to mention possible clues that aren’t (red herrings) which can get a little much. This being said, it’s easy for the reader to play detective with plenty of opportunities for researching right along with Grady.

Please let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.net.

I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.

All rights reserved 2024

Book Review: President of the Whole Sixth Grade by Sherri Winston 4 Stars **** (MG) (Fiction) (2016)

Sixth grader at Detroit, Michigan’s Blueberry Hills Middle School, Brianna Diane Justice is a feisty, entrepreneurial, capable, dynamic barrel of laughs. She’s been appointed president of the entire sixth grade and finds clear evidence that everyone doesn’t grow up at the same rate. Brianna and her dearest friends are now going in different directions while her goals are now more aligned with different classmates. Brianna’s old friends are suddenly chasing boys and the social climbing around the popular girls while Brianna is concerned with school fundraisers and school and community improvements. Brianna’s most important task is to raise $2,500 to cover the shortfall for “THE BIG” sixth grade class trip to Washington, D.C. or the trip would be canceled.

Brianna’s take-charge personality is in full swing. Her clipboard is filled with ideas for making money. One of the problems she encounters is the lack of maturity and work ethic of some of the other students. Some are even cheating elderly people out of money by lying about the price being charged to clean out their garages or mow their lawns. Sometimes, the police are called in to apprehend the culprits. Then, there are the haters and the saboteurs. Despite the number of setbacks, Brianna keeps coming up with ideas, and brainstorms with her classmates until their financial goal is met. Success at last!

They students go to Washington, D.C. where Brianna has a chance to meet and interview the First Lady and then, the President of the United States. She is thrilled beyond belief and takes this rare opportunity to ask these accomplished adults advice on achieving success in life. Brianna is an instant media sensation and a star in her hometown, especially after the president’s nephew kisses her after they have formed an instant bonding while stuck in a White House elevator together with a secret service agent.

This is a fun book filled with positive role models. Hard work, kindness, good character, and positive family and community values are praised. Brianna accepts that certain friendships have run their course and it’s time for new friends whose values and aspirations are more closely aligned with her new found maturity. And it’s OK when that happens. People evolve. Situations evolve.

Brianna is studying about Greek and Roman civilizations in school and draws comparisons to life in today’s world in her school and community. Interesting and educational.

This being said, Brianna’s actions, words, and ideas seem much too mature for a child her age. Some events in the book are overly contrived and not at all realistic. Readers, parents and teachers can feel secure in the messages expounding traditional values. The author understands kids with her characters using appropriate street dialogue to keep the story going. Fast-paced. Fun. A great read!

Please let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.net.

I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.

All rights reserved  2024

How James Patterson’s Recipe For Success Propelled Chris Tebbetts Into a Popular Middle School Series Author

Ever wonder why someone else accomplishes great things while the rest of us are struggling just to keep up? I decided to run this post again since I believe it contains valuable guidance for aspiring writers. Since I’m a firm believer in analyzing what makes a book excellent and/or popular, I chose to take a second look at the Middle School series by James Patterson & Chris Tebbetts illustrated by Laura Park. I will concentrate on the first of the series, “Middle School-the Worst Years of My Life”  where the story of sixth grader Rafael  (Rafe) Khatchadorian begins.

A successful series is dependent on a strong lead-off  book—in this case, “Middle School—The Worst Years of My Life.” Next in the series is “Middle School—Get Me Out of  Here”  which tells about Rafe’s experiences in a new school. The third book “How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli and Snake Hill” tells about summer camp followed by the “Save Rafe.” The overall themes deal with bullying and struggles to fit in. The mood is light and funny with a conversational style. Rafe is presented as a sympathetic character replete with charming personality flaws.

Let’s take a look at the recipe:

Collaborate: Combine two successful authors with complimentary skills.
Organize: Have James Patterson write a specific chapter outline so Chris Tebbetts can write the story. Slowly add Patterson’s ideas and revisions.
Point of View: First person; poke fun at teachers, administrators and school rules
Characters With Catchy Names:  English teacher/ Detention Monitor – Ruthless Donatello;   Vice-principal- Ida Stricker;   Bully- Miller the Killer;   Alter Ego/Imaginary Friend/ Brother-Leonardo the Silent  (notice shades of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
Chapter Length: 2-4 pages
Main character’s Motto: “Rules Are Made For Breaking”

Mysterious Character: Leonardo (Leo) – hints that he’s real, then an alter ego, then imaginary, then real but deceased
Secret Ingredient: Don’t hint that Leo is imaginary until chapter 25 but state  in chapter 75 he’s in fact, Rafe’s deceased brother,  whose memory Rafe’s keeping alive
Hook: Rafe is the author of this story while Leo is the illustrator; Leo sometimes controls the events according to what he decides to draw
Fantasize: Share wild daydreams and fantasies ex. Rafe imagines he’s in prison while in the principal’s office  and uses prison jargon and analogies                                                                                                                     Add Visual Interest: Lots and lots and lots of hilarious illustrations with speech blurbs and sound effects
Sprinkle Colorful Fanciful Language: “The Dragon Lady’s eyes ( Ms. Donatello) turn yellow. A long stream of fire comes shooting out her nose. I dive over a burning desk, roll. and jump back onto my feet.”

Add: A mother Rafe can love and trust ;  his mother’s live-in boyfriend who Rafe can hate                                                       
Add to Taste: name calling, shouting, conflict
Mix It Up: Use a variety of fonts, letter sizes, bold, italics, all caps, sound effects

Test: Add a pretend quiz to see if the reader is paying attention

Happy Ending: Rafe is expelled from school but is sent to Art school ( at the suggestion of the Dragon Lady, Ms. Donatello) where his talents can be developed  (hence, the second book in the series)                               Run a Contest: The winning  paragraph will appear at the beginning of the next book
Advertise: Tell about other available and upcoming books and include sample chapters

It all seems so simple, doesn’t it? So, how come we didn’t think of doing it?  It only goes to show that it’s as clear as the nose on your face, but everyone, obviously,  doesn’t see that nose in the same way. That’s where the genius comes in.

To experience life through Rafe’s eyes, watch this video.

 

Please let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.net

I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.

 

© 2014, 2021 All rights reserved. No part of this content may be  reprinted or used in any form without express permission from Elaine Donadio Writes.

 

Diary of An Awesome Friendly Kid—Rowley Jefferson’s Journal by Jeff Kinney

Book Review: Diary of An Awesome Friendly Kid—Rowley Jefferson’s Journal by Jeff Kinney (2018, 2019) (Chapter Book, Middle Grade) (Fiction) 5 Stars *****

 

It’s not often that I laugh out loud when reading a kid’s book. The author must have been quite the rascal as a child or knew a lot of kids who were. What’s different about this book is that it’s told from Rowley’s point of view, i.e., Greg Heffley’s best friend, instead of hearing the escapades from Greg himself as in much of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. This book has so many funny stories even reluctant readers will love it. Rowley vacillates between writing an autobiography about his own life and a biography about Greg’s life. As usual, Greg tries to control the situation, makes a lot of demands and rules, so Rowley reverts to writing about himself. The problem is Greg is such a huge part of Rowley’s life, it’s impossible to keep Greg out of his autobiography. All the fun, adventures, and mishaps come as a result of Greg’s overbearing, domineering, manipulating personality. Rowley’s parents don’t find Greg’s shenanigans amusing, “We do not like Greg.” So why is Rowley even friends with Greg? Because without Greg, Rowley’s life would be b-o-r-i-n-g and nobody wants that!

To give an idea of some of the pranks Rowley is subjected to: During a sleepover Rowley can’t leave the bedroom to use the bathroom and he can’t hear the music blasting on Greg’s side of the room because there’s an invisible force field across Greg’s  bedroom. Gullible Rowley believes this. Rowley is told he must pay to use water to brush his teeth and for electricity when in Greg’s room. Rowley is promised a load of leftover Halloween candy if he helps Greg with his front and backyard chores. Rowley is disappointed to find the huge bag is actually filled with empty wrappers and winds up with a measly amount to enjoy. Rowley is scammed again when he agrees to trade his beloved knight action figure for 99 cents. Greg makes Rowley smell his dirty socks, explaining that the deal was for 99 scents. Then Rowley’s beloved knight action figure disappears down Greg’s toilet. Rowley is stuck sitting at Greg’s kitchen table unable to move because Greg performs a magic trick by placing a glass of milk on Rowley’s outstretched hands, then walks out of the room, leaving Rowley no way to remove the glass because doing so would make the milk spill and the glass break. He’s finally saved when Greg’s mom walks into the room. Rowley is forced to make a secret code with Greg so Greg can cheat on a Math test. You get the idea.

This gives you a sampling of the funny scenes in the book with Rowley’s strings being pulled by the great manipulator Greg. Rowley is a willing participant so it doesn’t seem as if he’s a victim. Rowley often expresses his anger to Greg. He often is able to turn the tables and get Greg back. Rowley complains to Greg’s parents who chastise him for his bad behavior. Rowley’s parents make their disapproval known. It is clear that Greg’s behavior is not the right way to act, but without this nonsensical push and pull there would not be such a funny story. The pranks are harmless and silly.

 

Please let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.net

I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.

All rights reserved 2021

 

Book Review: Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

Book Review: Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros (2020) (Middle Grade) (Fiction)   3 Stars ***

Mature beyond his years, California-born seventh-grader Efrén Nava is propelled into a heart-breaking situation when his beloved illegal mother is abruptly arrested and deported by ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement), leaving Efrén to care for himself, his kindergarten-aged twin siblings, and the Nava one-room household, while his father works double shifts to earn the money necessary to pay transport for his wife’s return from Mexico.

Efrén’s head is jammed up. He’s been a serious student but his mother’s absence and the piled on responsibilities prove to be overwhelming. He decides to lie about his family situation in shame, not realizing that a number of his school friends are also experiencing family disruption. Efrén manages to pull it all off, and out of a sense of commitment to the illegal population of his neighborhood, eventually runs for a school office so he can act as a liaison to distribute immigration related information to help illegals.

Efrén must travel to Mexico to deliver money to the unreliable coyotes who are entrusted to smuggle his mother back across the California border. Unfortunately, the plan doesn’t work, so the Nava family has no choice (they think) but to start over.

The characters and dialogue are shallow. The analysis of the immigrant situation is naive and unsophisticated. The Mexican government is never held accountable or criticized for its cartel/drug lord run, out-of-control country. No one faults the coyotes for cheating and misleading desperate people. No one blames any Mexican for the violence they inflict upon innocent people. Only the United States government and its people are chastised.

This is truly a sad, broken system that needs improvement but the United States cannot and should not allow throngs of people to illegally cross its borders without accountability. The author places the onus on the American people and their government for not wanting their kind of people in the country. This is an immature and self-serving statement. There is no country in the world that allows people to cross its borders without declarations, documentation, valid papers, and permission.

My mother and grandparents were immigrants who legally entered this country, as did millions of others. They did not attempt to invade. I understand what motivates Efren’s family but I do not believe their rights and needs are more critical than any other ethnic groups. Just because they want to come to the US, does not mean they have the right to enter on their own terms.

As a mother and a grandmother, I would never expose my children to the inherent dangers and most certain separation awaiting children of illegals. If the decision is made to take the chance, then the responsibility for the outcome must rest with the parents.

Do I recommend this book? If you don’t mind the whiny narration and can focus on what can happen to families illegally living in the United States, then yes. If you’re looking for a mature depiction, then look elsewhere.

 

Please let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.net

I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.

All rights reserved 2021

 

Book Review: Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim

Book Review: Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim (2020) (Middle Grade) (Fiction) 4 Stars ****

Cute, sassy, eleven-year-old Yumi Chung has a dream to become a stand-up comedian. Problem? Living in the shadow of a perfect older sister, her Korean parents want her to do something important and high-level with her life, giving them bragging rights in their community. Set in Los Angeles, California, Yumi is torn between the traditional values her parents are trying very hard to instill, and her desire to be a modern American girl.

Yumi has a busy life. She helps out every day at her parents’ Korean Barbecue Restaurant but busy  has taken a sudden turn for the worse. “Ever since the new luxury high-rise condos went up all over Koreatown, foot traffic into our family restaurant has all but stopped. Dad blames the new people for hogging all the parking spots, driving up the rent, not supporting small businesses, and probably even causing global warming.”

Family money is tight, so Yumi is told she must study hard to win a scholarship to continue at Winston, her prestigious private school. Her parents enroll her in a three hour a day, five days a week study class to prepare for the SSAT test which she must ace with at least ninety-eighth percentile for her academic scholarship. Yumi is ambivalent about the school since the wealthy kids tease her about smelling like barbecued meat, giving her the nickname Yu-MEAT. As luck would have it, Yumi discovers The HaHa Club where a famous stand-up comedian is running classes for kids. With a case of mistaken identity working in her favor, Yumi attends these classes, learns to overcome her shyness and self-consciousness and attains her dream, rescuing her family’s business on the way. The only failure is not trying.

Yes, Yumi wins the scholarship but she’s now happy about it. “Even I’m surprised that Winston no longer scares me.  After scheming the entire summer to get out of returning, I realize that it wasn’t Winston itself that was holding me back. It was my fear of it. I imagine myself walking through Winston’s halls, and I know this year will be different because I’m not the same person I was last year. I’m ready to be heard. And I don’t need to go to a new school for that, because no matter where I go, I’m still going to get my new beginning, my fresh start. As the True Me.”

What I found surprising and disturbing about this book, is how easily Yumi and her sister lied to their parents about their whereabouts and pastimes. I don’t believe most parents would appreciate this quality in book characters, especially since there are no consequences for their actions. A guilt trip, reprimand, or punishment would probably help to make the case that ambitions are fine, but lying is not.

 

Please let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.net

I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.

All rights reserved 2021

 

Book Review: Mary Underwater by Shannon Doleski

Book Review: Mary Underwater by Shannon Doleski (2020) (Middle Grade) (Teen) 4 Stars ****

Thirteen-year-old eighth grader Mary Murphy has a problem. Her father leaves her scarred and black-and-blue whenever he decides he doesn’t like what she’s doing. Her mother doesn’t stand up to him to protect her daughter or herself. Although he’s often imprisoned for his abusive behavior, whenever he returns, Mary lives in fear for her well-being and most often sleeps at a neighbor’s house. She doesn’t want to admit to her friends, teachers or social worker what’s going on at home. She fears they will perceive her as a loser—that somehow, it’s her fault that her father physically abuses her. To find strength to get through the hard times, Mary carries a photo of Joan of Arc, the young girl who led the French army in a victory against the British, as inspiration. She looks to Joan and repeats her affirmation, “I am not afraid. I am not afraid. I am not afraid.”

With help and encouragement from her Aunt Betty, love interest Kip, and best friend Lydia, Mary is determined to build a submersible craft to journey the seven miles across Chesapeake Bay. A submarine scientist agrees to guide her, hands her the book he’s written on the subject, and tells her to get to it. With the money Mary makes at her summer job at the public library, she’s able to purchase the parts and material necessary to complete her project.

With her new found success, Mary feels her inner strength and remembering Joan of Arc, stands up to her father, leaves home with her mother’s blessing to live with her loving Aunt Betty and her wife, and reports the abuse to the social worker and the authorities.

Mary is bolstered by the love and support of those around her. Instead of contempt, they feel admiration for Mary’s desire to change her abusive situation and do everything they can to help her experience loving surroundings.

This book makes the point without being preachy or melodramatic. The author encourages Mary and other abused children to find an adult they can trust, and allow them to help improve the situation or, if need be, remove them from the destructive home environment.

Need help? Call Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child)

Interested in building an immersible craft? Remember, lack of oxygen has serious consequences. Don’t go it alone. Be safe with help from professional organizations: Seaperch.org, Psubs.org, facebook.com/piscessub. Play video games Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero. Read Manned Submersibles by R. Frank Busby.

 

Please let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.net

I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.

All rights reserved 2020

 

Book Review: The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Book Review: The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O’Shaughnessy (2020) (Middle Grade) (Fiction)         4 Stars ****

Eleven-year-old Maybelle Lane lives in the Pelican Park Trailer Court in Louisiana with her beloved mother. Since Maybelle’s mom works two jobs, Maybelle spends a lot of time alone or just running away from the neighborhood bullies. One of Maybelle’s hobbies is recording different sounds from nature or everyday life. With her acute sense of hearing, Maybelle recognizes the voice of her never-in-the-picture father, a DJ and advice-giver for a Nashville radio station. “And that’s when I heard it. The sound of my fate coming up to meet me.”

Maybelle’s mother always insists that Maybelle’s father is not interested in meeting her. When a Nashville singing contest is announced and Maybelle’s father is to be one of the judges, she secretly plans to travel to Nashville to enter the contest and meet her absentee father for the first time. Misdirected by his radio advice-giving persona, Maybelle believes that her father will be thrilled to meet her. But, how to make this happen? Hmmm.

As Fate intervenes, Maybelle’s mom is offered a singing/guitar playing gig for a few weeks on a cruise ship between Miami and the Bahamas. Their neighbor, strict, widowed teacher Mrs. Boggs, offers to watch Maybelle. Somehow, Mrs. Boggs agrees to take Maybelle to Nashville for the contest, using her RV as transportation, never knowing about Maybelle’s plan to confront her father. Since Mrs. Boggs only drives two-three hours a day and needs her afternoon naps, the trip takes six days. Young, troubled neighbor Tommy O’Brien tags along for a trip of a lifetime. The three travel companions each change for the better as they learn to share their problems and responsibilities, open their hearts and minds, become less rigid, take chances, overcome fears, and help build one another’s self-esteem. Together, the trio conspire to covertly rescue an abused dog, as each one contributes to its recovery and well-being.

Yes, Maybelle does sing in the contest and does meet her father, but nothing turns out as Maybelle envisions. With new attitudes propelling them to the future, all of their lives change for the better.

A charming, relatable story for young readers as characters experience disappointments and loss, but still pick themselves up to start over again.

The only thing I do not like is how the author uses this platform to encourage and condone same sex relationships. I do not believe this ideology should be presented to young children. This is an adult life style decision which should not be proselytized to impressionable young readers.

 

Please let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.net

I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.

All rights reserved 2020

 

Book Review: Bloom (The Overthrow Book 1) by Kenneth Oppel

Book Review: Bloom (The Overthrow Book 1) by Kenneth Oppel (2020) (SciFi) (Middle Grade) 3.5 Stars  *** 1/2

How would you react if you discovered you’re half human and half Alien? And that your mother was abducted but has no memory of the missing hours of her life? You would think with a plot like this, the reader would be on the edge of their seats. No such luck. Instead, ho-hum, sluggishly we roll along.

Canadian high school student Anaya Riggs and her friends Petra and Seth find themselves embroiled in an alien plot to take over the world. Aliens send three types of plants to Earth to reconnoiter and begin the destruction of earthlings—animals are not exempt!  Our three main characters have been plagued throughout their lives by unusual allergies and reactions: Anaya, extreme facial acne and swelling, and a vestigial tail; Petra is allergic to water and begins to grow alligator skin; Seth’s arms are marked by scars from which feathers grow and when unattended, sprout into wings.

Near the end, they are happy to know other people just like them exist on Earth: “… it was different now, knowing. They weren’t solitary freaks. There were kids the same age, with the same feathers and claws and hair and skin and tails. The same ability to jump high, or slash things apart. Or swim underwater.”

Grass and crops are invaded by cryptogenic plants (not a real word) which destroy human and creature food supplies, swallow living things whole, use acid to burn bodies, and strangle unsuspecting victims entangled in their fiercely growing branches. The story line picks up in the last quarter of the book—too little, too late. The characters are one-dimensional. The plot is largely unbelievable. Most of the characters are blasé and intellectual rather than repelled. It reads more like a newspaper account of sequentially ordered events rather than a scary, emotional, hold-your-breath story.

Naturally, this trio is destined for bigger and better things! This is the first book in a series of three. I hope the other books have more suspense, character development, and drawn out plot points to convey the horror of the situation.

 

Please let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.net

I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.

All rights reserved 2020