Keep your ears open this week, as our roundup begins with a wonderful reviewing treat: an audio review! Monkton Prep School's reading group spoke enthusiastically about Rebecca Stead's Liar and Spy, praising the story though they felt the plot was rather slow-paced:
"the plot is very well structured, and ends with an interesting twist! … I would recommend this book to people who enjoy an exciting read and mysteries, but don't mind a slow read!"
Moving on now to a classic among our young critics, the Bulldog Bibliophiles wrote a delightful review of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck by Jeff Kinney. This hilarious, diary-style novel follows the misfortunes of Greg as he muddles his way through middle school.
"When Rowley gets a girlfriend, he ditches Greg. Greg now considers that finding new friends in middle school is hard, so he considers and thinks about what is going on around him, and then one day he finds a "magic" eight ball … Greg also joins the yearbook, and makes little funny twists. I think this book is really interesting, and has a really creative story. It has really good pictures, which I like a lot".
Another classic now, but something for our younger readers, bunkbedbobby wrote a truly terrific review of Shoes of Satin, Ribbons of Silk: Tales from the Ballet by Antonia Barber. This book features nine children's stories from the Nutcracker to the Song of the Nightingale.
"This book is also great because of the pictures. It has a lot of wonderful pictures to help you even act out one of you favorite scenes. One of my personal favourites in this book is the classic Nutcracker. It has so many good pictures and scenes. This book is the one you need!"
Returning to last week's first world war theme, and with anthropomorphic elements, Amazed Earthling sent in a fantastic critique of A Dog in No Man's Land by Damian Kelleher. This book follows the story of William Frewin, an underage soldier on the front line, who befriends a loyal companion, Scruff the dog.
"The historically based plot is full of detail about the period and I learned a lot of facts about the life in the trenches. I enjoyed it so much that I read it in one sitting … I found the story moving and it gave me a real feel for the life of a soldier in those circumstances a hundred years ago … It has a lot of detail and an emotionally gripping plot. Find out what happens to Billy and Scruff as the terrifying events in the trenches take hold. Will they survive the horrors of war? Read it – you will be glad that you did."
Finally, we end this week's roundup with a spine-chilling read. The Millennium RIOT Readers wrote a brilliant review of Web of Darkness by Bali Rai, a psychological horror story for teens in which schoolgirl Lily uncovers a murder mystery entwined within the depths of the internet.
"All in all this is a great suspenseful read. This [book has] an underlying darkness which keeps you reading frantically until you finish the very last word! I have recommended it already because I couldn't help myself – I had to share! 5/5 stars!"
A round of applause to all our site members for such excellent reviews! As always, if your review has been mentioned, email the children's books team and we will send you a prize in the post.
Happy reading!
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