Showing posts with label middle school. tween read. Show all posts
Showing posts with label middle school. tween read. Show all posts

Early Book Review: Gnome-a-geddon by K.A. Holt

Gnome-a-geddon by K.A. Holt is currently scheduled for release on May 2 2017. Buck is a super fan of the book series, The Triumphant Gnome Syndicate. He knows all the trivia. The properties of the Troll Vanquishing Mace, and even what kind of snack Custard, the Gnome of the West, prefers. But when the book’s author disappears in a cloud of smoke at the release party for book three, and Buck’s little sister disappears into a bottomless dumpster, Buck realizes that the world of gnomes and trolls might really exist. What the heck? As it turns out, the real Custard (don’t call him that) needs Buck’s help to find the Troll Vanquishing Mace. And Buck needs to find his sister. So Buck and his best friend Lizzie set off on an adventure that would make any fan’s head spin. But not everything is as Buck expected—it seems the books did not tell the whole truth about this not-so-make-believe world. Buck soon discovers that real life doesn’t work like a story, and the heroes and villains might not be who they seem. Holy trolls! What’s a super fan to do? Buck is about to fulfill the ultimate fantasy: going on adventures with his favorite characters, and getting the chance to save the world. Assuming he can figure out whose side he’s really on.

Gnome-a-geddon is a book with a fairly unique concept. While there have been a few books that share a few characteristics, I really felt like this book took it in a slightly different direction. I liked that our main characters change and grow, both in self awareness and in ability to look at things differently. Buck is a good kid, who cares about those around him but with the natural craving to be special and a hero like his favorite book and game characters. He tries to be a good person, even while dealing with his craving to be more. Lizzie is a smart, strong, and independent girl with a good instinct about people and situations. They make a good team, especially when they listen to each others and those around them. I liked that the good guys and the "bad" guys are all ambiguous. No one character is all good or bad, and the idea of moving past prejudice and generalizations about any person is key in the entire story. I think the idea of unexpected heroes and strengths was very well done and just might have younger readers open to accepting help and seeing skills in others that they might otherwise dismiss. I am very interested in seeing more from the author, maybe in this same world, in the future.

Gnome-a-geddon is an entertaining and enjoyable read with a fun concept. I think there is a wide range of middle grade readers that will enjoy this read and be looking for more.

Book Review: This is Not the Abby Show by Debbie Reed Fischer

This is Not the Abby Show by Debbie Reed Fischer is a charming middle grade novel. Abby is twice exceptional—she is gifted in math and science, and she has ADHD. Normally, she has everything pretty-much-sorta-kinda under control. But when Abby makes one HUGE mistake that leads to “The Night That Ruined My Life" and lands in summer school. Abby thinks the other summer school kids are going to be total weirdos. And what with her parents’ new rules, plus all the fuss over her brother’s bar mitzvah, her life is turning into a complete disaster. But as Abby learns to communicate better and finds friends who love her for who she is, she discovers that her biggest weaknesses could be her greatest assets.
This is Not the Abby Show is a wonderful coming of age story about a young girl that just happens to have ADHD. She faces the family trouble and social conflicts that most children do, along with the self doubt and struggles. However, she has the added challenge of ADHD. It does not define her, but it is a part of her. I loved her personality and how hard she works to be a good person, and the best Abby she could be. I found the book to be heart warming and relatable- and I think that anyone that feels like an outsider will relate to the story as well. Young readers with ADHD might see something of themselves in Abby, but like the book points out every person, regardless of diagnosis, is different. The secondary characters felt just as real as Abby. I thought all of the situations, conflicts, and resolutions were very realistic and well done. It stayed with me long after I finished the book. 


This is Not the Abby Show is a realistic, heart warming story about a girl finding her talents and forging new friendships while facing the daily struggles of ADHD. I think this is a great read for those facing similar challenges and for those that love someone facing them. I thought the authors notes afterward were also particularly helpful for adults that want to help and understand.