This was rather long for a children's book, which is neither a good thing or a bad thing, just different. The main reason for this was because the universe was so large and dense that it took a very long time to explain the world in general. However, because the universe was so massive, there are many opportunities for the rest of the series to be even better than the first. My favorite part of the book by far was the characters. George was strong willed but not overbearingly so, Caleb was sweet and mysterious at the same time, and Milak was tiny but sarcastic and witty. These conflicting personalities and backstories was what made me intrigued. I also enjoyed the different elements of mythology or magic throughout the story and those backstories also intrigued me. However, I wished that there was a little more resolution for some of the main issues of the book, such as George's little brother. He was mentioned countless times throughout the story, but there is no resolution for his discovery by the end of the book other than basic information. I do understand that this is a trilogy, and this plot line was most likely drawn out for an even better ending of the last book in the trilogy. This was an awesome book overall, and I would definitely recommend it!

A unique read and stashed with some of the most creative world building I've ever encountered, "Zodiac" by Romina Russell is a book you don't want to miss. In the World of the Zodiac, your sign determines where you live, your personality, your looks, and your morals. Rho Grace, your typical 16-year-old who rocks playing the drums, lives on Cancer, a blue planet surrounded by water on all sides. One day, when she and her friends play in a concert, a huge "asteroid" supposedly destroys her home planet. With Cancer's guardian dead, Rho becomes the next Guardian because of her natural ability to "read the stars". But Rho starts seeing visions- visions of the legendary villain Ophicus and visions of a hidden thirteenth house. But as one of the youngest guardians in the galaxy and inexperienced at that, who would ever believe her wild stories? I would rate this book 4/5 stars because even though the plot was brilliant, I still felt that the character building needed some work; especially Rhoma Grace, who felt like an unreal, cliché character. Nonetheless, it is still a hard feat to be able to make a completely different world with different rules, physics, characteristics, etc, and at the same time be able to make the world very relatable to ours. I can't wait to read the sequel!

Patrick has always found it difficult to fit in, but he's never had to fit in with a whole different universe! When 12 year old Patrick Griffith is caught into another world, he must find his way through a new way of reading, government, and different names for everyday objects. In the meantime, while Patrick was transported into a new universe, some objects from other universes end up on Earth as well! As all three universes intertwine, it becomes clear that something is amiss. I personally loved Patrick's character, and he had a certain charm while still being sarcastic/sassy, and he wasn't washed out by the large cast of characters, plot lines, and universes. One criticism I would have is that on the world Patrick was transported too was slightly too different from Earth. I found it hard to follow at some points, and while the length of the book allowed for the necessary world building to occur, it dragged at some points as a result. In specific, when Ith changed the way that words were read, but yet had the same language, I found it slightly hard to believe. Overall, however, I found the world fascinating with intriguing characters and the author was able to balance the various plot lines very well!

Patrick has always found it difficult to fit in, but he's never had to fit in with a whole different universe! When 12 year old Patrick Griffith is caught into another world, he must find his way through a new way of reading, government, and different names for everyday objects. In the meantime, while Patrick was transported into a new universe, some objects from other universes end up on Earth as well! As all three universes intertwine, it becomes clear that something is amiss. I personally loved Patrick's character, and he had a certain charm while still being sarcastic/sassy, and he wasn't washed out by the large cast of characters, plot lines, and universes. One criticism I would have is that on the world Patrick was transported too was slightly too different from Earth. I found it hard to follow at some points, and while the length of the book allowed for the necessary world building to occur, it dragged at some points as a result. In specific, when Ith changed the way that words were read, but yet had the same language, I found it slightly hard to believe. Overall, however, I found the world fascinating with intriguing characters and the author was able to balance the various plot lines very well!

5 stars all the way. The plot was so complex and it really represented America's racial problems by using the schism between "predators" and "prey". I thought it was insanely creative and inspirational. It's definitely a movie for all ages and it was really enjoyable/ I didn't want it to end!

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen is a heart warming, 9/10, realistic fiction book about Jessica Carlisle, a girl who lost her leg in a bus accident. Despite this injury, she manages to push through high school. Even with the chances of her running career coming to an end Jessica perseveres through it all and manages to find a way to continue her dream of being a great runner. When Jessica is on a bus to a track meet and a man runs into the team, everything is in the panicking state. A girl had just died, everyone is scared, and of course, Jessica had lost her leg. This causes her to have struggles going up the stairs and even just going to the bathroom. But with the help of family, friends, and of course her dog, Sherlock, she stays strong. Then one day with the approach of her track coach comes an opportunity. The chance to run again. Jessica receives an idea that there is prosthetic leg that will help her run again. Read the book to see the wonderful journey that this amazing girl goes through. How hard she pushes, how much she has to handle, and how much the work pays off. Join her as she struggles through the dreaded days of high school with a heartbreaking disability. The Running Dream is great book for any middle schooler. The topic is mature and is a definite must read. The rating given to this book would be a 9/10 because of the amazing plot line and the details make it amazing