In the land of broken time

by Max Evan

illustrations by Maria Evan

translation by Helen Hagon

age range: 8 to 12 years old

Everything stars when a circus arrives to town and Christopher decides to sneak away at night to see it. There he meets Sophie, they are chased by a guard, and decided to hide in the basket of a hot air balloon. Afraid of being caught they undo the knot, and the balloon flies free caught in the wind. That's when Duke, a talking golden retriever who was sleeping in the basket, appears. All of this is exciting enough. Now imagine when they land in a strange place where time is broken...

In the land of broken time is a short fantastic novel in seven chapters full of action, and adorable characters. The themes are time and friendship. Information about how to measure time and how it affect us is exposed as part of the plot, and the way the characters love and take care of each other is beautifully touching. The illustrations are lovely, colorful, and add to the dreamy feeling of the story. I think this book is an interesting option for kids who love fantastic plots, time travel, and action. It is also a quick read. 

I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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by Denise Markell

Age range: 8 to 12 years old

Delacorte Books

Ted is a twelve years old boy who loves to play escape-the-room games in his computer. And he is really good at them. When his great uncle dies leaving a treasure for him to find, Ted will need all his skills to solve this real life challenge.

This book was such an enjoyable reading! It has lots of action, a trio of adorable friends, mysterious characters, treasure hunting, computer games, and literary quotes. It also approaches the topic of American soldiers of Japanese ancestry who fought during WWII in the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Infantry Regiment, as well as the internment of Japanese American in camps during that period. The plot is dynamic and consistent. The writing is very engaging, and I found myself widely smiling in many occasions. It also made me want to read some classic literary works mentioned in it, to learn more about this specific historic events, and, why no, try some escape-the-room computer games. (No. I have never played them).

The cover art by Octavi Navarro is wonderful, and I also liked the pages layout, which mirrors a computer game. If it looks so good in an e-book I guess the printed edition has to be just awesome.

There is a hint at the end of the book that suggest this might be the first one in a series. Am I right? I hope so!

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kittysaurus Rex

by Judge Kludge

Age range: middle grade.

Is there a greater dream for an aspiring paleontologist than find a new dinosaur?

Clara and Seke discover the fossils of an unknown dinosaur they called Kittisaurus Rex. But of course, nobody believes them, they are only 10 years old after all. The last chance they have to prove their theory is right seems to be to travel 145 millions of years ago and take a picture of Kittisaurus. But of course, dinosaurs' bones are safer than real, giant, fierce, alive ones!

Kittysaurus Rex is a funny story that counts with lots of action. Clara and Seke will have to not only face a real dinosaur, but also endure public disbelief, escape from an unscrupulous trillionaire, deal with ghosts, fight angry dogs, overcome a unconscionable brother, drive a travel machine/merry-go-round, and more.

The characters are adorable. You'll find names like Mr. Vulture, Dr. Hyberbole, Dr. Onomatopoeia, Mrs. Techty, and have an idea what to expect from them.

The end left me wanting to read more of this series. I'm glad to know Tri-pizza-tops, the second book in the series, is on its way!

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Labyrinth Society: the Versailles Vendetta

by Angie Kelly

Age range: middle grade

When Mia Cornell is sent to her new foster home at the Tarpley Estate, with Mrs. T. and her other three foster daughters: Tomi, Lily and Devon, she never guessed the adventures that were waiting for her. Before she could figure out what's going on in this house, where evidently everybody is keeping a big secret from her, she finds herself traveling through a labyrinth to the Versailles Palace in the hunt for a necklace which had belonged to Marie Antoniette. And this is only the beginning of a great adventure and, hopefully, a great series.

This is a fantastic story for middle grade kids, full of action, some historical info, and funny characters. Although the girls are supposed to be 12 years old, I couldn't stop thinking about them as 14 or 15 years old. But this didn't disturb the story at all. The book proved to be a page turner, and I'd be interested in know where the labyrinth takes those girls next time!

I received this book from the author via Pump up your Book in exchange for an honest review.

The Blood Guard

Reblogged from: Reviews in Chalk

Review:

The Blood Guard #1

By Carter Roy

THE BLOOD GUARD is a thriller for kids! It has surprises, turns and twists.
The action starts right away when Evelyn Ronan Truelove after a normal day at school finds himself running away with his mom who confess being part of The Blood Guard, a ancient organization who takes care of the thirty-six pure souls who keep the balance in the world.
When I first read the description of this book I was curious about how Ronan's mom image was presented. Is not common to see the moms being the heroin of a story. I really liked how she is portrayed. She is smart and skillful. She does her work responsibly and efficiently. She loves Ronan and has been preparing him for something very special.
I find the idea of "protect the pure" very interesting and symbolic. The notion of preserve what is good, the right, the pure, to make up for the bad, and this way make a better world made Mr. Roy win a point with me. I think is a noble idea to imprint in the kids.
It ends on a cliffhanger. Thankfully I have the second book in the series, THE GLASS GAUNTLET to start reading right away!
Age range: 9 to 13 years old.

Find the review of the second book in the series here.

I received this book through NetGalley.com in exchange for a honest review.