"Flunked" disappointingly flunked at creating an interesting story. Flunked had a ton of potential to become a really magical story that could have been heart-tugging while also could have had room for witty dialogue. I was really excited to read this but it definitely didn't live up to my expectations. The description had me hyped for nothing. First, The storyline was flat and bland, and it seemed as if the author had a blurry idea of what they wanted their story to be but didn't spend much time organizing their thoughts. The plot was weak and predictable with no exciting twists. Next, I found it lacking a lot of chemistry between characters, and Flunked could really have used a lot more interaction and quip. I got the vibe that the author had read The School For Good And Evil and made a poor copy of it while trying to put a modern twist on it. Lastly, I couldn't connect with Gilly as a character. There just is nothing about her that makes her stand out as an individual; she's just a thief. Hopefully the next book will be more original.

Rebel Genius was a unique and enchanting, beautifully-woven story filled with art. It's packed with adventure and talent, and I couldn't stop myself from reading all the way to the final page. The characters were well-designed, but I got the feeling that we were really only focusing mainly on two characters and their perspectives, Giamoco and Zanobius; and I wasn't able to connect and sympathize with the other characters. Although an amazing book, the plot drags through some parts of the book, and dialogue is dragged on too long. But overall, the plot moves mostly smoothly, and DiMartino produces a spell-binding tale bursting with magic for all the artists out there.

I think you should make an all year program like this. I have really enjoyed it.

Reader, there's a reason that classics are classics; don't let their names fool you into thinking that only the grey-haired and elderly will enjoy them. There is something enchanting about the Tale of Despereaux. The simplicity is charming, and there is not a single chapter wasted talking about nonsense. Ms. DiCamillo gets straight to the point and the story goes by pleasantly well-paced. This tale about the true love of a mouse, the broken heart of a rat, the beauty of soup, and the wish of a maid with ears like cauliflower was truly delicious to read and is perfect for ALL audiences, from the young to the grey-haired and elderly. And such a meaningful message is delivered as well, a message that typically only the classic, down-to-earth stories tell. The message is: Life isn't fair. I feel that the more modern books tend to blur, smudge, or just completely hide that message with the words "and they lived happily ever after." But this book definitely hit the mark with a heart-warming tale of the tiniest mouse who refused to give in to the hopelessness and unfairness of the dark and instead chose to be a light.

Sword of the Rightful King was a well-woven, SPELL-binding, Arthurian tale; from the first chapter to the last, especially the first chapter, which immediately captures your interest. The whole book overall has a good rhythm and doesn't slow down midway through the book; instead it speeds up. The finishing chapters make you question everything you just read and then you think "how could I have missed THAT?" Full of plot twists and mystery. I love how it switches perspectives, and even though you think you know a character, you really only know as much as the other characters, which gives you the sense that you are IN the story and it is unfolding all around you. Ms. Yolen also pays great attention to the smallest details of the storyline, which I makes me enjoy the story all the more. I can smell the blood on the ground, hear the baying of the dying brachet, and feel the sword in my hand. The only thing I regret about reading this is that I am now hooked and there is no sequel. I suggest to ages 11 and up, as there is some mild language, but in all, it was "an old story but a good one."

Sword of the Rightful King was a well-woven, SPELL-binding, Arthurian tale; from the first chapter to the last, especially the first chapter, which immediately captures your interest. The whole book overall has a good rhythm and doesn't slow down midway through the book; instead it speeds up. The finishing chapters make you question everything you just read and then you think "how could I have missed THAT?" Full of plot twists and mystery. I love how it switches perspectives, and even though you think you know a character, you really only know as much as the other characters, which gives you the sense that you are IN the story and it is unfolding all around you. Ms. Yolen also pays great attention to the smallest details of the storyline, which I makes me enjoy the story all the more. I can smell the blood on the ground, hear the baying of the dying brachet, and feel the sword in my hand. The only thing I regret about reading this is that I am now hooked and there is no sequel. I suggest to ages 11 and up, as there is some mild language, but in all, it was "an old story but a good one."