monarchbooks's reviews
506 reviews

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

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The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

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Pip's Adventure by Ashling Lindsay

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This is such a cute children's book with beautiful artwork that is perfect for the classroom setting when teaching about growing up and trying new things.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ashling Lindsay, and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review (Unpaid).
The Strangest Fish by Katherine Arden

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Such a cute story about accepting changes and adapting for them and it has wonderful artwork as well. I loved how detailed the fair was and the surprise of the dragon. Perfect for students. 

Thank you to NetGally, Katherine Arden, and Astra Young Readers for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review (Unpaid).
Six Times We Almost Kissed (And One Time We Did) by Tess Sharpe

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reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Oh my god I really didn't think it could be wrapped up nicely and yet Sharpe somehow did it 
A Tale Tale by Scott Sollers

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

While this book has an interesting thing to say about class and possibly slavery, I don't thing the message was clear and could be muddled in children's minds. Why did they only find they had enough space for the Have Nots when the creatures who did their chores were gone? The artwork was beautiful, but unfortunately I would not consider reading this to students. 

Thank you to NetGalley, IBPA, and Scott Sollers for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review (Unpaid). 
The Ghost and Mrs. McClure by Cleo Coyle, Alice Kimberly

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adventurous funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A little predictable but good none the less. 
The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

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0.25

Why in the world was half the book cut out
A Whole New World by Liz Braswell

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Kind of confused why Genie had to be a slave? Like wouldn't demands be considered wishes???
Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur

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emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A perfect blend of Taylor Swift and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and theater 

Edit: I also want to say that this shows great improvement in bisexual representation since Hang the Moon. I doubt my qualms back then even reached Bellefleur but the improvement is definitely seen.