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Charlie Goes to School (Adventures with Charlie #1)
Charlie Goes to School (Adventures with Charlie #1)
Charles Schoen | 2014 | Children, Education
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Charlie Goes to School is a story based on a true story. It is about a little boy that has some special needs. The book focuses on what Charlie can rather than what he can not do. This is a good book for children and parents alike. An to show that being different is okay. They may look and do things a bit differently.

This book goes through the adventures that Charlie does to go to school. It shows and tells us how he goes about his day at school. It shows the help and friends he does have at school and in town. Some of his favorite things he likes to do and classes. The pictures are done well.

I love reading about different children and learning what they can do with their abilities, whether they are physical or mental. This book can teach children and parents that having someone with special needs can teach and inspire others how they do things.

This little boy is an inspiration and a charmer, just being himself, and his family accepts him for being him. If you love him and do what is best for him, that is all that matters. Charlie seems like he been happy and is learning to do some adventures of his own. This series is called “Adventures with Charlie” Charlie Goes to School. Charlie seems to join the fun of trying new things. What fun will you do on a school bus and at school?
  
The Figment Wars: Through the Portals
The Figment Wars: Through the Portals
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Figment Wars: Through The Portals by David R. Lord is a book that I hope to see a sequel to in the coming years. In fact, the ending of the book suggests at least a sequel if not an entire series. I just wonder how such stories can continue without becoming too far fetched or simplified by the children’s stabilizes in this book, but without giving too much away I have to stop there.

Thomas and his little brother Isaac are visiting their cousin Emily at her house and they are not exactly having a good time. At Emily’s house, the boys don’t even have a TV to watch and they are extremely bored. Then one afternoon when Thomas goes to the woods behind the house to get Emily for lunch something amazing happens. The trees themselves bend and move, forming a portal that all three children fall into. The portal transports the children into the Realm of Imagination, a place where all the things humans imagine come to life.

https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com/2019/07/review-figment-wars-through-portals-by.html

https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/figment-wars-through-portals
Almost as soon as the children arrive they are attacked by Monsters but luckily they are saved by Heroes and are taken to the Library in the Impossible City. It is here that they meet Belactacus who believes that the children are Real and not just confused imaginary friends. Sadly the Council who is in charge of the portals that allow beings in the Realm of Imagination to go to the Realm of Reality is corrupted and the children are denied a portal back home. Shortly after this decision Monsters attack the Impossible City and even overwhelm the Heroes. Now the children must find a way to stop the corrupted council member from bringing all the Monsters from human imagination to life in the Realm of Reality, home of the humans.

What I liked best might not seem like much but for a story such as this one, it makes a big difference. I liked how not only was the idea of the Realm of Imagination a great concept but the creation of the Realm was well explained. Also, some of the main people in the Realm were explained to be the result of collective consciousness in humans such as the standard idea of a mother figure which was a very nice touch. What I didn’t like was the budding relationship between Thomas and Emily’s old imaginary friend. I actually thought it was a little creepy. At times I found myself hoping that she would be able to become real and then I thought that it would be way too much like Thomas having a relationship with his cousin.

This book falls solidly into the YA or young adult group of readers. I know this is a broad group ranging from middle school and older, but this book is actually really good and I saw nothing that would make in inappropriate for young readers. The only thing to be careful about is if an advanced reader in elementary school wanted to read this book. I don’t know how well they would take to the idea that monsters such as the Boogeyman are real and just living in a different dimension so to speak. With all that being said I rate this book a 3 out of 4. Everything is extremely well thought out in this book. The idea of the Library and the collective consciousness of humans was amazing. The only reason why this book did not get a perfect rating is that I still felt like it was missing something that gave it that wonderful ability to really stand out, but few books have that.
  
The Snow Bear
The Snow Bear
Sean Taylor, Claire Alexander | 2017 | Children
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A sweet little story that sees the two children create a snowbear and then take it with them into the woods to play. Here their imagination takes hold and the adventure begins. What could be frightening for some little ones, this story has a safe ending and would be good for encouraging safe feelings.
My little one found it easy enough to read herself and spent time retelling the story from the images. Always a bonus.
  
A Little Princess
A Little Princess
Frances Hodgson Burnett | 2017 | Children
10
8.5 (31 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was one of my favorite stories growing up. I loved the movie as well. I loved reading it again it's a very emotional story and teaches children as well as adults that you should always be kind and help those who need to be helped. Even in your worst time there can be someone in a worst situation than you. I plan on reading it to my kids when and if I can eventually have them.
  
The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, #6)
The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, #6)
C.S. Lewis | 1955 | Children, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
7.5 (24 Ratings)
Book Rating
Two children from our world get tricked into traveling to magical worlds. But one stop is a world that is just forming and appears to be run by a lion.... A bit slow, and honestly I think it's best read in the order written (sixth), but still a fun tale filled with magic and adventure.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-magicians-nephew-by-c-s.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Let the Right One In (2008)
Let the Right One In (2008)
2008 | Drama, Horror, Romance
9
8.7 (10 Ratings)
Movie Rating
A great horror drama about a girl vampire who befriends a bullied boy in Sweden, A great foreign film done on a small budget that has some great cinematography I have to add. It can be a bit slow, it's more drama than horror action, but this makes certain scenes have more of an impact. One of the better vampire films around but the emphasis is on the relationship between the two children. Check it out!
  
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MrsSkefton (3 KP) created a post in Middle School English Teachers

Jul 25, 2018  
I guess most on here are in US? I’m a Teaching Assistant in Year 6 (UK). I cover teachers absence and admin time - often reading aloud to the class. Last year I worked with year 4 Monday pm and read Michael Morpurgo books including The Dancing Bear, Mr Nobody’s Eyes and Running Wild. I found them rather dry, hard to get engagement from the class. I am interested to hear recommendations for books for KS2 children.
  
Isle of Dogs (2018)
Isle of Dogs (2018)
2018 | Adventure, Animation
10
7.8 (39 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Clever (2 more)
Strong Japanese influence
Witty
Not a bad point, but its quite dark compared to Fantastic mr fox. Not recommend for young children. (0 more)
If you loved Fantastic mr Fox film, you'll love this
Wanted to watch this as soon as I heard they had produced anither film. Was really good I enjoyed all of it and will watch it again.
Not suitable for younger viewers due to some scenes dealing with suicide, death, and other adult themes.