Kids Books - Friendship

The Candymakers

The Candymakers

By Wendy Mass

This book reminds me why I always tell fellow readers to give young adult books a chance. The only complaint I have about The Candymakers is due to the fact that these books are unfortunately targeted towards young adult readers rather than adults that are young at heart. On that note, the only real problems I had were the same reasons this was not targeted to me. Again, unfortunately. The sentences were more concise and simple then I believe necessary for teens; there was a lot more telling than necessary, although there was notable detailed showing. Some of the plot was rather unbelievable; it all came together a little too easily. But, it is a fantasy world filled with candy, after all. How could I not fall in love with this book? The only other two fictional books that I have read set entirely in the Candy World are "True Confections" by Katherine Weber and, of course, "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl. And now this one, which holds its own among them. My favorite thing about this novel is its structure. The author is able to successfully write from different points of view- something many adult books cannot get right. Furthermore, these accounts are sold separately, in different chapters- a difficult thing to do. With impeccable exactitude, no facts, no details, none if the timeline, not the characters are mismatched. Readers get the feeling that they are experiencing the event as they switch between the four childrens' minds, each with their own secrets. They all have their own reasons for being there and all eventually really want to win competition. At first a few are enemies, but, of course, they eventually grow to really care about one another and sincerely can each other friends as they learn each other's secrets and inner thoughts. **** Spoilers **** Logan, The Candymaker's son, feels the need to prove to his parents that he is worthy of inheriting his father's position. He has no other friends because his parents have kept him sheltered since he was a young boy. During the annual factory picnic, he met Philip, who was touring the area. This was one of the first boys had met and he was excited to find a new friend. After playing like boys do around the candy factory for most of the day, they were at the chocolate vat when Phillip lost his toy truck in it. Not wanting to upset his friend and wanting to return it, he crawled into it. He ended up not getting it in time and scarring his entire face. He is still a very happy boy; it seems that he notices his scars far less than anyone else does. In fact, he often forgets that they are there. Daisy, who grew up in a special family- spies with all the technology and ninja moves- is on an assigned mission. She is there for reasons that at first she does only because she was told; until certain events cause her to truly consider what she is doing. And what is right and wrong. Finding and taking Life Is Sweet's secret ingredient with the goal to shut down the factory? Certainly in the latter category. Miles, whom carries a life jacket around everywhere and has taken an interest in the afterlife ever since he was out boating and watched a girl drown. He eventually funds or that girl was actually Daisy, who of course never died because she was utilizing her super powers. Last but not least, there is Philip, whom is extremely negative, pretentious, rude, and full of animosity as soon as he meets the others. We eventually find out that he is the former boy with the toy truck. As expected, he typically is not this type of guy. But as an equally lonely child, when he was erroneously informed by his father that he had been banned from the Life Is Sweet candy factory (he was actually invited back by the family), he is there to win the competition; to take Logan's thunder. I also loved his secret violin talents and music genius. Looking forward to reading her other books!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway

By JEFF KINNEY

Christmas is almost here and the Heffley family is way behind on all things Christmas and they want to get away. Even though Greg thinks it's not a good idea as he is perfectly happy staying indoors by the fireplace all through Christmas break, his family decides to go to Isla de Corales for the Christmas and be away from the excruciating cold. They are all packed and they leave for the airport but without taking in consideration all the traffic they will get. They make it to the airport and hit snag after snag. After lots of bumps, they make it to Isla de Corales and instantly they feel better as the hot air hits them. But family holidays aren't family holidays until there is a lot of bickering and that's exactly what ensues. Greg's mother wants the family to spend time together but Greg's dad wants to do his own thing and Rowley wants to do his own thing too. Greg is looking to do lots of cool activities so that he can finally show Rowley that he had stellar time on his getaway. Let's just say that short of getting thrown in jail, the Heffley family gets in all sorts of trouble. I don't know what it is about the Heffely family holidays that they remind me so much of my family holidays. From not leaving for the airport in enough time to end up sitting on the plane in the middle of a different family to getting lost at the resort to birds eating our lunch to not be able to get a single decent family photo are all so relatable and not to mention hilarious. I loved this. 5 stars

The Book of Heroines: Tales of History's Gutsiest Gals

The Book of Heroines: Tales of History's Gutsiest Gals

By Stephanie Warren Drimmer

that is SOOOO cool. i want to be in a heroine book some day. that book proves that all girls can change the WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! nothing is impossible for those who believe. DONT BE AFRAID TO............. SHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was afraid to shine for to long not any more!!!!!!! # girls RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

The Maze Runner (Maze Runner, Book One)

The Maze Runner (Maze Runner, Book One)

By James Dashner

"This is the last one" they said when they sent up the first girl to ever be in the maze. Will they make it out???? The book that I recently read is called The Maze Runner by James Dashner. It is the first book in a series and was published in 2009. The book is written for a young adult audience and contains dystopian and science fiction elements. The book was super intense book with a lot of action and challenges to escape the deadly maze. Overall, I rate this book a 9 1/2 out of 10. In the book, The Maze Runner, the glade known as the middle of the maze is run by 2 of the main characters, Ably the leader and Newt the second person in charge. One day, a boy named Thomas was sent up into the maze not remembering anything at all, except for his name. Thomas was just a boy, but he was different than all the other boys in the maze. He was smarter he remembered things that they didn't. Thomas was also a good leader to the group. Since Thomas was super athletic and brave, he became one of the maze runners. A few days after Thomas' arrival into the maze, a girl named Teresa came to the maze, and she was the first girl ever there. She arrived with a note stating this is the last one. After a couple of days running the maze, Thomas noticed a pattern with the changes in the maze. Also, he thought he might have found a possible way to use this pattern to get out of the maze. In the book, one of my favorite parts was the layout of the maze. Most of the glade was a flat open field and a small portion of it was a forest. In the maze, there were scary obstacles and tough deadly things like traps that could kill people as well as the grievers. Another one of my favorite parts was when the doors were about to close one night. Thomas ran through and had to survive the entire night in the maze. This was really action packed and kept me interested. The novel reminded me of the movie the Hunger Games, because they had to survive a tough world and many different things could kill them. For example, a scientist in the book who controls the maze tries to attack the children in the maze. This is similar to when they shot fireballs at the main character Katniss and tried to hurt her in the hunger games. In addition, in the Maze Runner, the scientist intentionally left the doors open. He was trying to hurt the people of the maze by a letting in the Grievers. So, the book and movie both had some of the same elements. I have read other books like this and this was defiantly one of my favorite books out of all of them. I highly recommend this book to people who read the book the Hunger Games or divergent and if you like books that are dystopian.

The Girl Who Could Fly

The Girl Who Could Fly

By Victoria Forester

Piper McCloud could fly. This the reason her overprotective parents kept her shut away from the rest of Lowland County. She was always on the farm, except for Sunday, when she was rushed in and out of church. She wasn't even allowed to go to school! She was homeschooled (like me!). Until one day she decided she wanted to fly. She took a leap of faith... right off the roof! She flew! She practiced flying everyday, until... the Lowland County picnic. Her parents were letting her go! She couldn't wait to make friends, eat ice cream, and play with other kids her age. But then, during the game of baseball put on by the kids of Lowland County, Piper ran to catch the ball. It was just a bit to high and so... she flew. She caught the ball but nobody cheered wasn't this what they wanted? The people who had seen her fly told everyone, and when Letitia Hellion found out, she knew Piper just had to come to I.N.S.A.N.E. , her school for gifted children. Piper doesn't hesitate in saying yes, but Letitia now asks her not to fly for a while. If Letitia was helping her, why would she ask her not to do her favorite thing in the world? This book was AMAZING! You can really relate to Piper! It was a beautiful book that kept grins and tears on my face! I recommend it to absolutely anyone and everyone, no matter how old or young! Seriously, read it! Like right now.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6)

By J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter starts another year at Hogwarts, knowing it will never be the same. Voldemort's reign of terror is in full force. Dumbledore has been mysteriously leaving Hogwarts for personal business. And we have yet another Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. This time it's... SNAPE! Dumbledore has held Snape from teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts for a long time, but there is no other choice. Meanwhile, Dumbledore has recruited a new Potions teacher. Professor Horace Slughorn. Harry finds the old potions book of The Half-Blood Prince. With the new tips and tricks The Prince provides, he quickly becomes a potions whiz. The potions book not only holds tips for potions, but also made-up spells. Harry is brought with Dumbledore on a mission. A mission to find Horcruxes. Harry and Dumbledore come back, only to find Death Eaters in Hogwarts! What will happen next? You'll have to read the book to find out. I cried while reading this book. I LOVE HARRY POTTER!!!!! This book was absolutely stunning! This is my fourth time reading it, but my first time reviewing it. I love how J.K. Rowling is able to convey a story line that makes you think without getting you frustrated or confused. If the Harry Potter universe somehow came to life, I know Hermione and I would become instant BFF's. This book is great. Everyone should read it, especially if they like fantasy, but even if they don't they should give it a try!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)

By J. K. Rowling

I haven't read this series in... forever... I read the whole series when I was in third grade... (PRESENT) but I was looking at my mini library... and I saw the thick hardcover book(I even blew out the dust on the cover :P)... and it brought back so many memories :)... I remembered watching the awesome movies (Emma Watson and the twins lol), and going to Orlando to go the World of Harry Potter... NOTE: YOU HAVE TO DRINK THE BUTTERBEER... IT'S AMAZING...I really wished they have something like this in Cali... but I heard they are going to make a Harry Potter World in Universal *squeal* and I am soooooooooooooooooo excited :-D... but now I'm kinda getting off topic... so back to the subject... I blew the dust... and I started reading it over... and this is a *a kind of a SPOILER* So Dumbledore passed away *sobbing* from Snape; and now there are so many sacrifices to protect Harry from the evil Voldemort... Like Mad Eye had passed away *tears* and one of the twins (Fred and George [my fave/hilarious characters] ) got really hurt... by using a potion to look like Harry...but they do arrive at the Burrow.... Anyways they are looking for the Hocruxes to officially get rid of Voldemort for good... Later on a wizard tell Harry, Ron, and Hermoine about the Deathly Hallows... So honestly I really do not want to spoil anything... but here it goes... a lot happens... so most of it there's a lot of action where some people (SPOILER) gets tortured... SPOILER: Also Snape was actually one of the good guys (my suspicion was actually correct... Some of my friends who read these series thought I was crazy :D) *yay...* Anyways they are still looking for the remaining Hocruxes... Will Harry and his friends find the Horcruxes before it is too late? Will Harry defeat Voldemort for good or will he strike back? Well it is up to you to read and find out... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE READ THIS AMZING BOOK AND SERIES FROM THIS REALLY TALENTED AUTHOR!!! Hope you enjoy :-D!!!!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

By J.K. Rowling

How do you think it would feel to be the only one to stop a being of pure evil? In the book Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling.The protagonist is Harry Potter a teenage wizard boy who lives with his aunt and uncle. They treat him like he doesn’t even exist and his room is a cupboard under the stairs. The reason he lives with these horrible people is because his parents died at the hand of the antagonist Voldemort the greatest evil in the wizarding world. I find the book very interesting and descriptive. The author did a very well job making this book and this series in general. There are parts that made me quite sad as important things went on. Such as how someone very dear to Harry died right in front of him or how he has to struggle through having a very mean and evil teacher controlling Hogwarts. There are a lot of twists and times where you don’t know what to expect. J.K. Rowling created pure perfection in a paper back cover that will most likely live on and entertain many generations to come and withstand the test of time. Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix was a very thick book with eight hundred seventy pages and definitely not the last nor biggest book in the series. So far this book is my favorite and I recommend it to anyone looking for a great and long read. I believe J.K. Rowling did a amazing job in describing areas, characters and magical creatures in the book and the whole series. I also believe that this is straight from the heart and mind of the author and will inspire many whether it be adult or child to pursue their dreams and to never give up on what they believe in. The characters are all filled with such description from the way they speak to their dreams that they wish to come true. When you first introduced to characters you get a description of what their wearing, what they look like and how they seem to appear in stater. The ending was both wrapped up well and made me want to read more from the other books. I know I will feel sad when I finish the last two books, but I will feel happy to have read these books. I suggest this book to someone between the ages of 7 to adult because this book has odd words some people may not be able to pronounce.

Swim That Rock

Swim That Rock

By John Rocco, Jay Primiano

This book looks so good for kids like late elementary schoolers and middle schooners.

Because Of Winn-Dixie

Because Of Winn-Dixie

By Kate DiCamillo

I thought this book was good but not usually the type of book I would read. It has good storytelling but doesn't have a lot of action scenes. When I was reading it I felt bored sometimes because nothing excited was happening in that part. I liked this book because it always had questions running wild in my head. It is a book about a girl named Opal that just moved to a new town with her father. She feels very alone because she has no friends and her father is spending to much time on his job and not enough on her. Then she encounters a dog named Winn-Dixie and he changes her life. One of the things I most disliked about this book is I felt it took too long to get the climax and that the climax was really the only part with a lot of action and was exciting. The book itself is more intriguing than excited. One of the things I liked most about the book was how it always made me guess if something were to happen next or what was happing with a character that made him/her the way they are. I also liked how they kept teasing the return of a certain character and the result of the tease. All things considered, I would say the good thing outweighs the bad and it wasn't perfect so I think a 4-star rating if fair.

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