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The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen
The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen by Cameron A. Straughan is a collection of twenty-three chronological short stories about the day-to-day life of Anthony Zen. As illogical as this book may seem, the character is not fazed by the absurd adventures he has to face on a daily basis. Anthony is a man who runs to work without pants, owns a cat named Monty that rings, and finds this wacky behavior normal. This humorous tale of a man who lives his life to the fullest is wildly creative and entertaining. This eccentric story is full of shenanigans and outrageous creatures. It is a creative tale with backward logic that makes you laugh.
The book is brimming with wildly imaginative shenanigans and outrageous creatures that are sure to keep readers entertained. The writing is sophisticated and free of grammatical errors, making it a joy to read. Although I think the book would benefit from illustrations, the quality of the writing and the depth of the characters is enough to engage readers and take them on a journey through Anthony’s surreal world.
While most books with eccentric worlds have a set of rules that guide the reader, The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen does not. The author adds details seemingly at random, leaving readers in a state of anticipation, never knowing what to expect next. This unpredictability adds to the entertainment value and keeps readers in suspense.
The book’s structure is broken up in a way where each chapter functions as its own individual story, but the book consistently follows Anthony’s overall narrative. This non-traditional approach to storytelling is refreshing and makes the book stand out.
The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen is a well-written and creative book that offers a unique take on storytelling. It is certainly an enjoyable one that will leave readers both amused and engaged.
Pages: 191 | ASIN : B088LQF344
Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case
Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case is a captivating tale that transports readers to 1932 Los Angeles. This engrossing story follows the journey of an 11-year-old girl named Sparky, a street-smart and resolute young girl who unwittingly becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a young blonde girl she found dead on a bench. The story begins on her birthday when she had saved up a box of sweets to celebrate her special day. However, her birthday takes a drastic turn when she finds herself accused of a crime she did not commit.
Author Rosalind Barden’s writing had me hooked from the first page, and Sparky’s character immediately drew me in. The author has done an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of the buildings and characters, making them easy to visualize. Tootsie’s character adds an interesting layer to the story, and her home is described in such detail that it feels like a character itself. The food Sparky is offered at Tootsie’s house is also beautifully described, making the reader’s mouth water. Sparky’s character is tough and independent, but the author has also demonstrated that she has a kind heart that she tries to keep hidden. This makes her a lovable character, and the reader cannot help but root for her as she tries to solve the case and live her life without fear. The mystery in this story is expertly crafted, pulling the reader in and keeping them gripped until the very end. The suspense is palpable, making it difficult to put the book down. I found myself constantly wanting to know what would happen next and how the story would unfold.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written, suspenseful mystery. Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case is a page-turner that will leave readers eager for more.
Pages: 218 | ASIN : B07H49P46T
Binny and the Moon Girl
A cat saved from a terrible accident longs for her own family. Binny, the striped tabby cat, is a survivor, caring for her human, widowed Mrs. Cobbler while keeping watch with her chapter of neighborhood animals. But one sultry night, Binny finds something extraordinary: a tiny life that seems to have fallen from the heavens themselves. Binny gives her all to protect the tiny life form, enlisting the help of her animal friends as well as Ariel, Mrs. Cobbler’s niece, who has the gift of understanding animal speech. Together, Binny and the others must use their wits to help the littlest life survive while evading the clutches of those who would harm the precious little Moon Girl.
Binny and the Moon Girl by R.Y. Suben is the compelling tale of Binny the cat and her quest to protect a mysterious life form. Written from the cat’s point of view, I loved the interaction between Binny and the other animals as they fight to protect the enigmatic Moon Girl. The story draws the reader in, and though this is a short tale, there is no lack of intrigue as the plot develops. The story to guard a little life is deep, and Binny’s first foray into motherhood is both tragic and endearing as the narrative reaches its peak. The author intentionally leaves Moon Girl’s description to a minimum to keep the reader intrigued, making this a read that is hard to put down. I was just as curious as Binny to find out what this life form was, but I also admired Binny for wanting to protect it. I felt the ending was abrupt, and I was left wanting to read more of this charming story at the end. However, the core of the narrative, the conflicts, and emotions of a young mother struggling to protect her child, shines to the very last pages of the story.
The author provides a compelling story, immersive plot, and engaging characters; Binny and the Moon Girl is suitable for ages ten and up. An interesting out-of-the-box tale that fits nicely in an afternoon, this deep story of survival and a mother’s love is a great choice for animal lovers of all kinds.
Pages: 102 | ASIN : B0BJLDXCNP
The Jediran Quest
Pre-teen Braven of Delta Colony looks forward to the class field trip on the planet of Jedira. Alongside his mother, chief botanist of the colony, Braven plans to explore and catalog the flora of the mysterious Towers, one of the few places on Jedira where plant life truly flourishes. But when an unexpected problem prevents Braven’s mother from accompanying him, the field trip begins to go sideways. Arriving at the Towers, Braven and his classmates are soon thrown into an epic quest, as the serenity of Jedira is shattered by an unimaginable threat. Together, Braven and his fellow companions must work together to overcome the odds if they have any hope of survival.
The Jedira Quest by Cal Davis is an exceptional tale of teamwork in the face of danger. Thrown into deadly survival situations with no guidance and few supplies, Braven and his cohorts must use every ounce of wisdom they possess in order to overcome the challenges they face. A story of travel and ingenuity, friendship and endurance, this incredible science fiction narrative contains echoes of prehistory as the preteens’ journey on Jedira continues.
This highly engaging story has perfect pacing, with the preteens facing regular challenges without the narrative becoming cluttered. The characters are each unique and lend their own abilities to the team. Stalwart Braven, wise Jauris, shy Whisper, brave Khara, steady Zhan, and roguish twins Dirk and Kirk all have a part to play as the quest develops. There are moments of laughter and serious intensity as the story weaves together, leading this remarkable quest to a satisfying conclusion.
This captivating story is a well-crafted tale that shines brightly like the two moons of Jedira. With its action-packed narrative, exceptional depth, and plot that resonates with themes of friendship and survival, The Jedira Quest is a must-read for science fiction fans. It is suitable for middle-grade readers and above who enjoy a thrilling and exciting adventure. Author Davis provides readers with excellent storytelling, perfect pacing, and compelling characters.
Pages: 168 | ASIN : B0B3V7PDZ6
Firefly
Firefly: Let There Be Light by Sean Coons presents a middle-grade adventure with a meaningful lesson within. When a mischievous firefly named Flash learns how to illuminate and fly for the first time, he makes reckless decisions and invites trouble into his town. As a result of his latest stunt, he unintentionally unleashes a tyrannical dragonfly attack in Temple Hollow. At the same time, he and his friends find themselves stranded in a dangerous desert in Texas. Amidst the mysterious desert, he inspires a motley crew of misfits to help him get home, but is he prepared for all the challenges that lie ahead?
Sean Coons has written an enticing tale with amusement suitable for children of all ages. He has interwoven real life with his fictional world of insects by setting this story in existing US towns. Various insects make up the exciting cast in Coons’ book, and he has used dialects of different languages to make this book even more enjoyable.
The author engages his fictitious cast in scenarios that illustrate real-life lessons, such as the battle between good and evil, democracy and tyranny, the importance of friendship, and, most importantly, the cost and consequences of actions. Flash’s wild and daredevil-like spirit will enthrall young readers, and when they watch him own up to his reckless decisions and do everything in his power to correct them, they will likely want to do the same. In addition, several riveting plot twists will pique children’s interests and keep them engaged throughout the story and into the exciting finale.
Firefly, written by Sean Coons for his son, is a middle-grade chapter book that kids worldwide can relate to and enjoy. Filled with fatherly advice and love, this coming-of-age story is an incredible adventure with humor and words of wisdom that will delight the whole family.
Pages: 317 | ASIN : B0BSBVJK2Z
The Essence of Az
Ruben J. Burciaga’s The Essence of Az takes readers on a magical journey through the mythical land of Az. The story follows Ruben, a young boy who is swept away into this fantastical world and meets a magical being with no name. In order to discover his destiny, Ruben embarks on a quest to the city of Ezmeralda and seeks the help of the Great Wizard of Az, who turns out to be more than meets the eye. With the help of new friends, Ruben is able to overcome obstacles and fulfill his dreams.
This book is a refreshing take on mythology as it draws from Aztec mythology rather than the more familiar Greek mythology. The author also inserts themselves into the story, acting as the reader’s personal tour guide through this enchanting world. While the plot may be similar to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, it is essential to note that this is not necessarily negative. The Essence of Az presents a unique take on the classic plot and offers new characters and challenges for readers to enjoy. Although the book may be geared towards a younger audience, the language used throughout is complex and engaging, making it an excellent read for young adults as well. The author’s use of unique vocabulary and euphemisms may require some extra effort to understand, but it adds to the richness of the story.
The Essence of Az is a captivating and imaginative read that will transport middle-grade and young-adult readers to a world of magic and adventure. This book is a true gem in the genre of young adult and children’s literature that will give new audiences a chance to experience the wonder of magic self-discovery while learning some important life lessons as well.
Pages: 150 | ISBN : 1436341833
No Cyberbullies
No Cyberbullies is a tremendously informative book for parents, educators, and adults who care about children’s well-being. The author, at length, writes about child bullying, discussing issues like the types of bullying, conditions that lead to bullying, and aspects like culture, religion, social conditioning, and appearance, among other central topics. In his book, author Brian Parkin brings to light the menace of bullying and gives a practical guide on handling bullied kids and their bullies.
One key point in this book is that we need more awareness about bullying to not just children but adults responsible for their care. Not every child that bullies others does it because they enjoy it; instead, it is a way of dealing with past or current traumas. The author does not in any way condone bullying, nor does he side with the vice. Instead, Brian Parkin educates and encourages parents, teachers, and guardians to investigate the root source of the problem.
How does bullying start? Even before writing about what makes bullies get into that behavior, the author started the book by writing about the history of bullying. He writes about how bullying has existed for centuries and how bullied children have endured the issue. The author mentioned the book Tom Brown’s Schooldays by Thomas Hughes as a good reference material with examples of school bullying, a book everyone should read.
This book is short, but the knowledge is immense. One of my favorite chapters is chapter 15. Parkin has notes to help you with what to do about cyberbullying in school. The author has well-written notes for victims of cyberbullying, the parents, school teachers, headmasters or principals, and cyber bullies themselves. Every message is well-packaged, and the text is concise and easy to follow. Chapter 16 was another great chapter, as the author brought a legal angle. There is plenty of advice on one’s legal rights if they are being bullied, and the author used simple language to cater to readers of all levels. Chapter 16 will be helpful to victims and their families as not many people are aware that one can take a legal approach when it comes to bullying.
No Cyberbullies is an eye-opening book that I recommend to all readers. Everyone needs to lend a hand to put a stop to this behavior. The anonymous effect of bullies online is a problem that needs to be dealt with, and this is why lawmakers should be among the first to stop cyberbullying witnessed in various parts of the world. This book can be a great starting point for policymakers and enforcers.
Pages: 90 | ASIN : B00I9FKOZE
Alliteration Boosts Communication
Alliteration Boosts Communication: The ABCs of Vocabulary, written by Larry Carey, is a unique children’s book that teaches kids about alliteration. This is done with cleverly written sentences and brightly colored illustrations. The artwork by Wheeler Lentz is the first thing that jumped out at me and is sure to draw in children right away.
Each letter of the alphabet is represented with a mix of humorous, serious, and spiritual phrases. In addition, the author has included dictionary definitions and pronunciation of many of the alliteration words that younger elementary students might not have heard before. This is a great way to teach the language concept of alliteration but also improve their vocabulary and help them communicate better.
One thing that stands out to me is the diversity that is shown in this children’s book. Having different cultures represented is key to reaching children and teaching them that they matter. When they feel a connection to the book, the lessons have a greater chance of sticking with them. This book is written for children from preschool through middle grades. Visiting the author’s website will give teachers and parents age-appropriate activities they can include with the book.
Alliteration Boosts Communication: The ABCs of Vocabulary is a well-written and engaging children’s book that is suitable for classrooms across a wide range of ages. Children and adults will enjoy looking at the illustrations and following along as they expand their vocabulary and learn ways to improve their communication skills.
Pages: 28 | ISBN : 166784279X
LITERARY TITAN 