Kids Books - Stories

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

By Alvin Schwartz

This book is sooooo creepy! It's a great book for a sleepover party. It has such descriptive language that it would easily give you nightmares! It also has ideas to make up fun and creepy games! There are lots of different stories of murder's, animals, and VERY creepy people! ;)

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, Book 1)

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, Book 1)

By Suzanne Collins

"May the odds be ever in your favor!" After a bloody war, twelve districts rose from the ashes of what was formerly known as North America, lead by a glorious Capitol. As revenge for the districts' betrayal in the war, the Capitol requires one young man and woman from each district to participate in an annual televised fight to the death, commonly known as the 'Hunger Games.' And when Primrose Everdeen, an innocent twelve-year-old from District 12 gets selected to participate in the Hunger Games, her sister, Katniss, is shell-shocked - and in a life-changing decision, volunteers to take her place. Her fellow tribute from her district is announced as one Peeta Mellark, who helped Katniss and her family in their time of need.. and there will only be one survivor. In order to survive, they are presented to the frivolous citizens of the Capitol as "star-crossed lovers", and must play the part to stay alive.. together. Prepare for an action-filled adventure of betrayals, poisonous berries, unexpected allies, bloody deaths, wildfires, heartbreak, and maybe even true love..? I highly recommend this book - please give it a try! This book fit right in the "dystopia" label, honestly - even though I completely fell for this book my first time reading it, I grew a little more critical the next few times around.. I felt like the "star-crossed lovers" cliché didn't exactly "fit" Katniss and Peeta - I felt like Katniss would be better off with her sister, Prim, even in the absolutely terrible conditions of District 12 - that would have been a "happy ending" for her. Instead, Katniss is stuck in a confusing love triangle between basically useless Peeta and her long-time friend, Gale, and I feel like even though the bloody Hunger Games is supposed to be the "main" storyline of the series, the whole overwhelming romance thing just pushes everything else aside. Aside from the cheesy "romance" side of this series, I absolutely loved some parts of the book - the sacrifice Katniss made for Prim felt so.. so heartbreaking, but I was absolutely devastated when a specific friend of Katniss died in her arms.. The emotional aspect of such an event was so well captured in this book, how heartbreaking it would be to lose your family or friends.. I could not stop sobbing. This outshone the "romance" storyline for me, and now, I am happy to say that I believe that Suzanne Collins wrote an absolutely breathtaking novel.. thank you.

Amina's Voice

Amina's Voice

By Hena Khan

This is an awesome book about finding your voice by Hena Khan. Amina is super great at singing and has perfect pitch, but..........she has a case of serious stage fright. Her best friend Soojin keeps encouraging her to sign up for a singing solo in a class performance, but she just can't. Soojin is also acting different, she is thinking of changing her name to be more "American" at her family's ceremony to become citizens. Amina thought that having names that everyone messed up was kind of their thing. She couldn't see herself calling Soojin Fiona, Susan, or Melanie. Soojin is also becoming friends with Emily, who they used to not like at all because she would hang out with Julie, who always made fun of them. It isn't until after Amina's muslim church gets vandalized, that Amina realizes she has to stand tall and do what she loves to do, even if her Uncle, who her family is always trying to impress and has come for a visit, doesn't think she should. This was a very inspiring book with a good message, I would definitely put in on your "to read" list.

The Everafter War (The Sisters Grimm, Book 7) (Bk. 7)

The Everafter War (The Sisters Grimm, Book 7) (Bk. 7)

By Michael Buckley

I really think you should read The Everafter War in The sisters Grimm, actually I recommend reading all The sisters Grimm series book! Here are some things that are in The Sisters Grimm : Romance, Tragedy, Mystery, and fairy tale. But sometimes they twist fairy tales. And here is some information about Everafters if you don't know already: Everafters are basically people/fairy/ animals that are in fairy tales. Most everafters don't like The Grimm family because the Grimm family put a magical barrier in Fairyport Landing, so no everafters can leave the town Fairyport Landing. Everafters are usually around 460 years old, Everafters can choose when they want to stop and start growing so they won't look as old as they really are. I have read all the sisters grimm books many many time. In fact I have read this sisters grimm book 14 times, I read them over and over because you will never get bored of The Sisters Grimm!

Wings of Fire Book Four: The Dark Secret

Wings of Fire Book Four: The Dark Secret

By Tui T. Sutherland

If you like dragons or fantasy I do recommend this book. Wings of Fire: The Dark Secret is a must-read but I suggest reading the series in order if you haven’t already. I believe the author used this book to give more information about the Nightwings and Rainwings who both were not very involved in the war. This one had me hooked because of how much suspense there is leading to the climax. It felt like a movie, especially at the end. As Starflight was in the NightWing fortress, I was surprised he was able to survive with countless problems especially as Morrowseer was there. One of the most enthralling parts in the book was when Starflight discovered a helpful instrument while he was exploring the fortress with Fatespeaker. The discovery had been very useful while he was on the island. I wondered whether he would share his discovery or keep it hidden but ultimately he did what was best for the RainWings and the other dragonets. Near the ending of the book I was in complete shock when I heard the truth about the dragonet prophecy! It was like a snake had jumped out of the grass! Morrowseer explained the intentions behind dragonet prophecy and which tribe it would benefit. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games)

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games)

By Suzanne Collins

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins is a mesmerizing sequel that surpasses all expectations, delivering a heart-pounding narrative that will leave readers clamoring for more. From the moment I opened the book, I was immediately drawn back into the dystopian world of Panem, where the Capitol's tyranny looms large and the stakes are higher than ever. Collins wastes no time in thrusting us back into the action, seamlessly picking up where "The Hunger Games" left off and plunging us headfirst into a thrilling new adventure. What sets "Catching Fire" apart is its masterful blend of suspense, intrigue, and emotion. As Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark embark on their Victory Tour, we are treated to a deeper exploration of the world of Panem, from the opulent splendor of the Capitol to the impoverished districts struggling under its rule. Collins' world-building is rich and immersive, painting a vivid portrait of a society on the brink of rebellion. But it's not just the world-building that shines in "Catching Fire" - it's the characters. Katniss Everdeen continues to be a captivating and complex protagonist, grappling with the aftermath of her actions in the Hunger Games and the growing unrest in the districts. Her resilience in the face of adversity is nothing short of inspiring, and readers will find themselves rooting for her every step of the way. Peeta Mellark, too, undergoes a compelling character arc, wrestling with his feelings for Katniss and his own sense of identity in a world that seeks to manipulate and control him. The dynamic between Katniss and Peeta is electric, and their relationship forms the emotional core of the story, driving the narrative forward with its intensity and depth. And let's not forget the games themselves - the Quarter Quell is a stroke of genius on Collins' part, injecting new life into the series and raising the stakes to dizzying new heights. The arena is a mesmerizing and dangerous playground, filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. In conclusion, "Catching Fire" is a triumph of YA literature, a pulse-pounding sequel that surpasses its predecessor in every way. With its unforgettable characters, gripping plot, and dazzling world-building, it's a book that demands to be read and re-read. Whether you're a fan of dystopian fiction or simply love a good story, "Catching Fire" is not to be missed. Highly recommended.

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.

Dragon Pearl

Dragon Pearl

By Yoon Ha Lee

*NO CRITICAL SPOILERS* (Entirely subjective) Dragon Pearl is about a fantasy world taking place in space. And yes, I picked it up because it said, "Rick Riordan Presents" on the cover. In this world, humans coexist with "supernaturals" in space and the summary above pretty much gives the rest of the synopsis. A critical review: Kim Min is the protagonist of the book. As far as characters go, she's one of the most interesting in the whole book. The idea of a supernatural fox-pseudo human going to space to save her brother while is such an enticing premise that is fully realized in this book. She possesses many shades of grey that make the reader question her moral values and the decisions she makes, going so far as to have them decide whether she can even be considered a good character in the first place. She is determined, rebellious, and willing to do anything, even abuse her shapeshifting abilities to pose as another individual. She deceives her closest friends and infiltrates a private room to find information about where her brother (the main motive) has gone. The reader's choice to decide whether or not she can be forgiven gives the book a more immersive feel to it and makes her character more relatable. The most interesting thing about her is her grey shades that leave the reader One of the book's biggest strengths is its worldbuilding elements. The world itself is full of supernatural creatures and is so fully realized it feels almost real. Part of the reason for this is the fact that it's able to reflect real-world prejudices in a realistic manner that mirrors prejudices of our own. In this book, fox species are frowned upon as deceptive and cunning, and while it's a nice nod to Zootopia (ha), it manages to be different from that with its sci-fi theming and setting that takes place in the confines of a military-like spaceship. The Korean mythology that is implemented in this futuristic setting feels so incredibly creative and mind-blowing at times, as the parallels between the legends and the events of the book are so cleverly executed. However, there are some serious criticisms that I feel should be addressed about this book. The book seems to drag on and on forever and is riddled with poor pacing. Lots of patience is needed to go through this book as the "high-octane thrills" that are promised on the cover only come occasionally. This is likely due to the setting, which is restricted within the spaceship. Although Kim Min has lots of drive behind her, the rate at which the goals themselves are accomplished sometimes happens at a staggeringly slow pace. The characters spend lots of their time expressing their opinions on previous events in the book or spend a long time contemplating what to do. And when the destination is finally reached, it doesn't feel fulfilling. The brother Kim spends so many pages looking for is actually in the book for only twenty pages/ The first and last act of the book is where it truly manages to shine as that's where it feels most appropriately paced. Some side plots also unnecessarily intrude in the main story. Kim's two best friends, Haneul and Sujin, are not expanded to their full potential and while they start off strong, get less and less developed as the book drags on. The villain also feels one-dimensional at times, with the generic "I'll take over the world using this epic powerful item" trope. Even Jun, Kim's brother, struggles as a character with the same problems and lack of a proper arc. Jang, the ghost out for revenge, is the only other character that actually feels fleshed out enough. Overall, this book is good. That much is true. It has a fully-realized world and protagonist that is hindered by poor pacing and side characters. But hey. That's just my opinion. If you're patient, go enough and read it. 3/5.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Journal (Hunger Games)

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Journal (Hunger Games)

By Scholastic

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was the most amazing book I have ever read. I am a huge fan of the original trilogy, and I am so glad that this book not only did justice to it, but in my opinion was superior to it. I was at first skeptical at the idea of Coriolanus Snow, the villain, being the main protagonist, but after reading the entire book, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I will say, there are about five pretty slow chapters, but the chapters after that COMPLETELY make up for it. Getting a peek into the mind of Coriolanus Snow was so interesting, especially to see how he articulated his thoughts and put them into words. The ending left me wanting more, and I hope one day we find out what happened to Lucy Gray. I do think the ending was extremely creative on Suzanne Collin's part, how she left it up to the reader to decide what happened to Lucy. I also love the fact that it implies at the end that Snow ends up marrying Livia Cardew, because that just adds so many more layers to the original trilogy. In the original trilogy, Plutarch Heavensbee's assitant is someone named Fulvia Cardew, meaning if Snow married Livia Cardew, Fulvia is most likely related to him in some way. Another thing I loved about this book is the amount of characters that are related to the original trilogy characters, it really adds world building and interest to the story. It really shows how the wealthiest families stay the wealthiest, and how hardly anyone else climbs up to their level. It gives an example of aristocracy, and how Coriolanus was pressured ot keep the wealthy Snow dynasty going. I also love how different this generation of Capitol people and children see the Hunger Games, how different it is from the Capitol people and children in the original trilogy. In the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, everyone sees the Hunger Games as a form of power over the districts. While in the original Trilogy, everyone sees it as a harmless form of entertainment. This story just had so many layers, and I cried especially when Sejanus was executed. Suzanne Collins did an amazing job with making you love this character, and then another amazing job with writing his death as painfully as possible. Lucy Gray's character was also so cleverly written, with how intelligent she was. Another fun detail in this novel is Coriolanus's hatred for mockingjays, obviously connecting back to Katniss Everdeen being the "mockingjay" for the revolution in the original trilogy. In conclusion, I would HIGHLY recommend this book!

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games)

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games)

By Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins delivers a stunning finale to "The Hunger Games" trilogy with "Mockingjay," a gripping and emotionally charged masterpiece that will leave readers breathless until the very end. From the outset, "Mockingjay" plunges us back into the dystopian world of Panem, where Katniss Everdeen finds herself thrust into the heart of a revolution. Collins masterfully weaves together themes of power, rebellion, and sacrifice, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and deeply compelling. What sets "Mockingjay" apart is its unflinching portrayal of the consequences of war. As the rebellion intensifies and Katniss becomes the symbol of hope for a nation, we are confronted with the harsh realities of conflict: loss, betrayal, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Collins doesn't shy away from the complexities of war, and her characters grapple with their own moral dilemmas in a world where survival often comes at a great cost. At the heart of the story is Katniss Everdeen, a heroine whose strength and vulnerability captivate us from the very first page. As she navigates the treacherous landscape of revolution, Katniss undergoes a profound journey of self-discovery, grappling with her identity, her relationships, and her role in shaping the future of Panem. Her resilience in the face of adversity is both inspiring and heartbreaking, and readers will find themselves rooting for her until the very end. Collins' writing is as sharp and evocative as ever, transporting us effortlessly into the dystopian world of Panem. Her vivid descriptions and taut pacing keep the tension high throughout, culminating in a breathtaking finale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. "Mockingjay" is a testament to Collins' storytelling prowess, and it solidifies her place as one of the greatest YA authors of our time. In conclusion, "Mockingjay" is a triumphant conclusion to an unforgettable trilogy. With its richly drawn characters, powerful themes, and heart-stopping action, it's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Whether you're a fan of dystopian fiction or simply love a good story, "Mockingjay" is not to be missed. Highly recommended.

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