MIDDLE GRADE BOOK REVIEW: MARIE CURIOUS GIRL GENIUS SAVES THE WORLD BY CHRIS EDISON

 

MARIE CURIOUS GIRL GENIUS SAVES THE WORLD

 BY CHRIS EDISON 

MIDDLE GRADE BOOK REVIEW 9+

A whizz kid is thrown into a exciting world of science, inventions and saboteurs. A brilliant and imaginative start to a middle grade series for science lovers. 

Marie wins a place at a prestigious science camp in California run by the mysterious Sterling Vance.

In camp Marie is surrounded by like minded students all desperate to win the secret competition with their inventions. But some students will do anything to win including sabotaging their opponents. Can Marie work out who is her friend of foe? Can she and her new friends stop a computer virus being unleashed on the world?

I especially loved the references to famous scientists which kids can look up and all the cool gadgets and inventions in the futuristic camp. This super smart adventure is perfect for those who have a passion for STEM subjects and I can't wait for the next in the series.

About the book

50% Girl power + 50% Genius = 100% Awesome! A brilliant new series with a heroine who uses her science smarts – and her girl squad – to save the world from evil, one invention at a time.

Young inventor Marie can’t believe her luck – she’s spending her summer holidays in California, at the high-tech headquarters of Vance Corps! She and the other super-clever campers get to build robots, do super-cool science experiments and test out awesome gadgets. But not everyone is a happy camper . . .

Someone is sabotaging their robots, so Marie and her new friends team up to catch the culprit. Can Marie outsmart an evil engineer intent on causing a global disaster?

BOOK REVIEW: DO NOT DISTURB DRAGONS BY MICHELLE ROBINSON

DO NOT DISTURB DRAGONS BY MICHELLE ROBINSON 

CHILDREN FANTASY 8+

BLOOMSBURY 

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#BOOKREVIEW
princess Grace and Portia are two royal sisters who do not like the rules of their Kingdom which are there to protect the dragons who protect them and bring them luck. These two independent sisters are not afraid to challenge the rules and fulfil their dreams of becoming knights like the boys. I loved their anarchic world and the rebellious retelling of the classic Princess and dragon stories. They have to train a unicorn (Poop being a personal favourite ) give the slip to a very loyal and cute troll.
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Most hilarious is that dragons have sparkly poo and if they poop on you it is thought to be good luck! What little girl is not going to love these strong princesses, unicorns with attitudes sparkly dragons and loyal trolls.? Get ready for these princesses ride to victory and show the boys they're just as good 😉 shows hints of the paperback princess and Alanna the song of the lioness series. But this definitely falls into its own category and I absolutely loved it. A great read for the summer holidays. 8+ #mglit

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..Two intrepid girls go from ladies-in-waiting to knights in action when they rip up the rule book and go in search for adventure and dragons! Out in July 9th .
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..#bookstagram #bookstagramfeature #coverkidsbooks #instabook #kidslit #newbook #bookblogger #bookstagram #bookstagramfeature #coverkidsbooks #instabook #kidslit #newbook #newfictions #newfiction #gifted

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Book Review The Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency

by L.D. Lapinski 

WHEN 12-YEAR OLD Flick stumbles into a magical travel agency and meets Jonathan her world changes forever. Flick discovers she has a hidden talent for seeing magic others cannot and it enables her to travel to magical worlds through suitcases. but the world's are falling apart and together they must save them and find Jonathan's missing father. 

#themagicfarawaytree meets #drwho with a bit of Narnia. And I hope the author does not mind but it immediately reminded me of watching Mr Ben as he travelled to different parts of the world 🥰 this is a unique and exciting quest that children will be thrilled to explore. they will love all the imaginative worlds and eclectic cast and the children's growing friendships. It is a whirlwind tour that you will not want to miss. Brilliant. Can't wait for the next one 🥰

Book Description 

‘Assured, witty and inventive. This debut has “future classic” written all over it.’ – The Guardian

Pack your suitcase for a magical adventure! Perfect for fans of The Train to Impossible Places and The Polar Bear Explorers’ Club.

At the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, each suitcase transports you to a different world. All you have to do is step inside . . .

When 12-year-old Flick Hudson accidentally ends up in the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, she uncovers a fantastic secret: there are hundreds of other worlds just steps away from ours. All you have to do to visit them is jump into the right suitcase. Then Flick gets the invitation of a lifetime: join Strangeworlds’ magical travel society and explore other worlds.

But, unknown to Flick, the world at the very centre of it all, a city called Five Lights, is in danger. Buildings and even streets are mysteriously disappearing. Once Flick realizes what’s happening she must race against time, travelling through unchartered worlds, seeking a way to fix Five Lights before it collapses into nothingness – and takes our world with it.

A magical adventure for 9+ readers that will take you to whole new worlds.

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My Top Picks: Magical Middle Grade Books

This week I am picking three magnificent magical middle grade reads. All Out Now!!

WILDE BY ELOISE WILLIAMS

CHILDREN 9+

Wilde is forced to live with her aunt in Witch Point and start a new school. She is desperate to fit in but strange things keep happening. Why do birds follow her? How is the legend of the witch called Winter connected to her family? Who is threatening the pupils with curses? Children will love the rebellious Wilde and her quest to find her place in the world. A spookily good adventure that will hold children spellbound. Bewitching.

Firefly PB £6.99

VIPER'S DAUGHTER BY MICHELLE PAVER

CHILDREN 9+

A much anticipated return to the Wolf Brother adventure series. Torak and Renn having being living peacefully in the forest with their pack brother Wolf. But Renn must go in search of the truth of her heritage before she destroys them all. Michell has again created a riveting and atmospheric adventure set in a primitive and feral world. You will love the adventure, the friendship and the poetic description of the worlds along their quest. The author clearly takes a great interest in the natural surround and it is fascinating to read her descriptions of the wilderness as they seek their friends and try to escape evil demons. It can be read as a stand-alone as well as part of the wolf brother series. Highly recommended .

 Head of Zeus HB 12.99 

THE CUT-THROAT CAFE BY NICKI THORNTON

CHILDREN 9+

Seth and his talking cat Nightshade arrive in a magical town of Gramichee to learn magic. But when apprentices are attacked will he be next? Seth always seems to trust the wrong people! I was enchanted by the magical town and its curious shops and intrigued by the cauldron of eccentric characters. This whodunnit will keep you guessing until the end as it casts its spell. Lots of red herrings! This can be read as part of the magical mystery series of a stand alone. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter. 

Chicken House PB £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW April 18-19 2020

This week my children's book reviews in the South Wales Evening Post include an epic young adult historical fantasy set in the French Revolution, a picture book adventure about a little dog set in Rome, a hilarious coming-of-age welsh adventure as well as an enchanting Victorian quest for middle grade readers. Enjoy.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

DANGEROUS REMEDY BY KAT DUNN

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Camille a daughter of the French Revolution leads a band of outcasts to rescue a girl with strange powers. The friends uncover devious plots and treachery in the action-packed historical adventure. Will they pick love, loyalty or their country? Sizzling with tension this dazzling story with fantastical twists blends science with magic and power with romance to reach an explosive finale. Frankenstein meets The Musketeers. C'est Magnifique!

Head of Zeus HB £12.99

PAOLO EMPEROR OF ROME BY MAC BARNETT & CLAIRE KEANE

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Paolo the dachshund is trapped in a hair salon. One day he escapes and drinks in the wonderful sights of Rome. He visits the theatre, the coliseum, fights fearsome cats and rescues a nun. Even when Paolo is rewarded with a plush apartment all he desires is freedom. This inspiring tale of a big-hearted dog captures the importance of freedoms we usually take for granted. The beautiful and bold illustrations encapsulate La Dolce Vita in Rome.

HB Abrams Books for Young Readers, £12.99

THE SUPER MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF FREDDIE YATES BY JENNY PEARSON & ROB BUDDULPH

CHILDREN 8+

Freddie loves facts. They don't let you down. Freddie is on a quest to find his father in Wales with two friends but he sets off a chain of events which forces them on the run. They enter an onion eating competition and meet a sheep called Sheila. A heart-warming and hilarious adventure of three boys, one summer holiday and a few miracles thrown in. For fans of David Walliams and Frank Cottrell Boyce.

PB Usborne £6.99

THE VANISHING TRICK BY JENNI SPANGLER

CHILDREN 9+

Leander is an orphan so when the mysterious Madame Pinchbeck promises him a job and home in return for his mother's locket he agrees. But it's a trap. Leander is imprisoned in an enchanted prison with two other stolen children, Charlotte and Felix. It's a race against time to escape. A magical Victorian adventure full of peril, friendship and hope. Children will be hooked by their daring quest against a spectacularly menacing villain.

PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW April 11-12 2020

This week my children's book reviews include for Easter a spookily good middle grade adventure about a young witch, a picture book full of rabbits about appreciating family, a charming seaside adventure for young readers and a timeless romantic coming-of-age drama.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

WILDE BY ELOISE WILLIAMS

CHILDREN 9+

Wilde is forced to live with her aunt in Witch Point and start a new school. She is desperate to fit in but strange things keep happening. Why do birds follow her? How is the legend of the witch called Winter connected to her family? Who is threatening the pupils with curses? Children will love the rebellious Wilde and her quest to find her place in the world. A spookily good adventure that will hold children spellbound. Bewitching.

Firefly PB £6.99

RABBIT! RABBIT! RABBIT! BY LORNA SCOBIE

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Rabbit loves being the only child in the family. But Rabbit's parents have a BIG surpise. Home is going to become a lot more crowded! Maybe their neighbourly fox can help? An hilarious tale about learning to appreciate your family even at it's most chaotic. It's bouncing with energetic and colourful illustrations that children will delight in. Perfect for a time when we need to appreciate each other even if living in close quarters! Adorable for Easter.

Scholastic PB £6.99

A SEA OF STORIES BY SYLVIA BISHOP & PADDY DONNELLY

CHILDREN 5+

Roo loves visiting Grandpa in his cottage next to the sea. But the beach has become too difficult for him to visit any more. Instead, he tells Roo stories of finding treasure and exciting sea rescues. Can Roo help her Grandpa visit his favourite cove again? A gloriously illustrated hardback book for early readers and bedtime. It demonstrates the importance of close relationships between family and how storytelling can be an inspiration. A little gem.

Stripes HB £7.99

HELLO NOW By JENNY VALENTINE

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Jude moves to the seaside with her mum is dumped by another boyfriend. Novo appears like a comet out of nowhere and changes everything for Jude. Love and destiny bound up in time. But will it pull them apart or keep them together? An epic romance that reads like a modern-day fable. The poetic love story shows the importance of living in the moment. Lose yourself in its embrace. Entrancing.

Harper Collins PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 21-22 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a riveting sci-fi middle grade adventure, a charming board book exploring farm life plus two more middle grade reads including a collection of classic stories featuring brave girls and an insightful road trip across the south in America 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE BIGWOOF CONSPIRACY BY DASHE ROBERTS

CHILDREN 9+

Twelve-year-old UFO-obsessed Lucy Sladan is investigating unexplained disappearances in her home town Sticky Pines. She teams up with a strange thirteen-year-old boy called Milo to uncover the mystery. But what happens when they discover a huge hairy creature! A quirky cast of characters and bizarre occurrences will keep the kids hooked. A hilarious and exciting new sci-fi series that has a wide appeal. Stranger Things meets The Goonies.

Nosy Crow PB £6.99

WHAT CAN YOU SEE? ON THE FARM BY MARIA PERERA & KATE WARE

BOARD BOOK 3+

Explore a farmyard with charming peep-through pages and layered landscapes. Children will love spotting and counting the different animals, vehicles and food on each page. It is also peppered with facts. Find out what a baby pig and cow is called. Count how many chicks are on the page. The bold colours and sturdy pages are perfect for curious fingers. A great way to occupy an hour or two.

HB Little Tiger £7.99

FAVOURITE STORIES OF COURAGEOUS GIRLS BY VARIOUS

CHILDREN 8+

A wonderful collection of inspirational stories about brave girls who face up to fear and fight against unfairness. Children will be introduced to some of the best-loved heroines in children's' books. From Jo March cutting her hair to raise money to Anne of Green Gables saving her friends life. Each chapter has an introduction before the satisfying extract. This is a lovely gift to share on Mothers Day and will encourage children to explore the classics.

Hodder PB £6.99

CLEAN GETAWAY BY NIC STONE

CHILDREN 9+

Eleven-year-old Scoob and his Grandma are going on a spontaneous road trip in her new camper van across America. Armed with the Green Book showing the 'safe' places for African Americans Scoob soon learns nothing is what it seems. When the past meets the present, family secrets are exposed Scoob is getting more of an education that he realised. This entertaining road trip is a heartwarming and thought-provoking family drama that highlights prejudice in American history.

Knights Of PB £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 14-15 2020

This week my children's book reviews include the hilarious return of Thimble the monkey for young readers and a picture book celebration of women who are trying to save the planet. Also included is a middle grade adventure about a newly recruited eco detective who must save endangered animals and a searing drama for teens dealing with bullying and suicide. 

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THIMBLE WONGA BONKERS BY JON BLAKE & MARTIN CHATTERTON

CHILDREN 7+

While Jams Mum visits a spa his Dad and Thimble the monkey are left home alone. When Thimble goes bananas and loses their shopping money they must hatch a plan. Will Dad really sell Thimble to his evil publisher?Can Jams save the day? A hilarious madcap adventure that is bursting with quick-fire humour. Children will love the continuing riotous adventures of Jams and Thimble accompanied by fun black and white illustrations. Perfect so share.

Firefly PB £5.99

FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO SAVED THE PLANET BY KATE PANKHURST

CHILDREN 5+

A new addition to this awesome series about inspirational women who have dedicated their lives to conserving and protecting the earth. Isatou Ceesay from Gambia helped women become financially independent while teaching them to recycle. Maria Telkes developed solar energy. Jane Goodall still fights for the rights of chimpanzees today. Families and classrooms will be fascinated by the discoveries, inventions and innovations these extraordinary women have made to make the world a better place.

Bloomsbury PB £6.99

AGENTS OF THE WILD: OPERATON HONEYHUNT BY JENNIFER BELL & ALICE LICKENS

CHILDREN 8+

School girl Agnes is recruited by a determined elephant Shrew called Attie to join SPEARS: The Society for the Protection of Endangered and Awesomely Rare Species. She is whisked off to the Brazilian rainforest to save an endangered dance-loving bee named Elton. Children will love following Agnes on her hilarious mission while learning facts along the way. Every page is covered in dynamic green and black illustrations perfect for this new wildlife loving series. Ideal for young eco-warriors.

Walker PB £6.99

AND THE STARS WERE BURNING BRIGHTLY BY DANIELLE JAWANDO

YOUNG ADULT 14+

When fifteen-year-old Nathan's older brother Al takes his own life his whole world falls apart. Nathan and his friend Megan are determined to find out the truth and keep his memory alive. An evocative and heart-rending drama about loss, understanding and the importance of reaching out when you least want to. A powerful and hard-hitting story that can be used to invite discussion and a positive response to the weaponising of social media by bullies.

Simon & Schuster PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MARCH 7-8 2020

This week my children's book reviews include a fabulous Parisien middle grade mystery, a classic feminist picture book, a guide to making the world better and a riveting dystopian adventure for teens.

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE PEAR AFFAIR BY JUDITH EAGLE

CHILDREN 9+

Nell is determined to find her adored missing au pair Perrine. Nell will even travel with her ghastly nouveau riche parents to Paris to find her. When she arrives Nell finds herself embroiled in another mystery surrounding the suspicious closures of famous bread shops. Children will love exploring Paris with Nell and her new friends who live under the city streets while seeking out clues. A gripping and entrancing quest for true friendship. C'est délicieux!

Faber PB £7.99

THE PAPER BAG PRINCESS BY ROBERT MUNSCH & MICHAEL MARTCHENKO

PICTURE BOOK 4+

This special 40th Anniversary hardback celebrates the classic feminist fairytale with a foreword by Chelsea Clinton. Princess Elizabeth is about to marry her prince when a dragon kidnaps him and burns down her castle. With only a paper bag to wear she sets off to rescue him only to be told she looks a mess! Where will her heart truly lead her? Children will delight in the surprise ending and the delightful characterful illustrations. A classic.

Annick Press HB £12.99

HOW TO MAKE A BETTER WORLD BY KEILLY SWIFT

CHILDREN 7+

You have the power to change the world. But how and in what way? A fun and inspiring practical guide to how young people can help the planet and people around them. Find out how to volunteer, help the environment, start a campaign or help with the plastic problem. Children and families can discover tips, projects and role models through the easy to digest text and colourful illustrations. Inspirational for both home and school.

DK HB £10.99

THE LOOP BY BEN OLIVER

YOUNG ADULT 14+

Sixteen-year-old Luka will be executed in the Loop, a prison controlled by artificial intelligence unless he submits to medical experiments. A detonator is sewn into his heart. Will he ever be free? Is there more danger outside than in? Can he stop all humankind being deleted? A fascinating concept and world that doesn't seem that far away. It raises questions about the power we give technology. A gripping dystopian thriller for fans of Maze Runner and Divergent.

Chicken House PB £7.99