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Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated Caught in a Cycle in Books
Apr 10, 2018
This children's book has its issues deciding what message it is really trying to give. The main theme is bullying is wrong, but it also gets mixed up with telling lies just makes things worse and while set in a zoo doing less that likely jobs make the whole thing difficult for it to give its message clearly and uncluttered by the extras.
A shame really, my daughter enjoyed it but didn't pick up the full message without some reinforcements.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher. and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
A shame really, my daughter enjoyed it but didn't pick up the full message without some reinforcements.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher. and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated The Unlikelies in Books
Jul 5, 2018
4.5/5* This book was such a pleasant surprise - randomly picking it up at the library (and reading 30 pages while standing there) I decided to take it home - I finished it within a day I was so addicted. The ragtag group of teens battling bullying and drugs - trying to find themselves through the summer. I think the hometown hero aspect was so fun, each person doing something great and trying to make a difference, learning not all choices are going to be cut and dry, and even the romance was great. Such an awesome book.
David McK (3185 KP) rated The Karate Kid (1984) in Movies
Jul 11, 2019 (Updated Aug 12, 2020)
"Wax on ... wax off"
Classic 1980s family movie, that is almost like a toned down version of Rocky, and that sees Mr Miyaga train Daniel(san) after he moves to LA and becomes the victim of High school bullying by the local 'in' crowd who also train at the local Doyo whilst a young Elisabeth Shue provides the love interest.
And, I've only just recently found out, the superlative scene where a drunk Mr Miyaga recounts the death of his wife and unborn son in an internment camp was nearly left on the cutting room floor!!
Classic 1980s family movie, that is almost like a toned down version of Rocky, and that sees Mr Miyaga train Daniel(san) after he moves to LA and becomes the victim of High school bullying by the local 'in' crowd who also train at the local Doyo whilst a young Elisabeth Shue provides the love interest.
And, I've only just recently found out, the superlative scene where a drunk Mr Miyaga recounts the death of his wife and unborn son in an internment camp was nearly left on the cutting room floor!!
This ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Bullying is a topic many authors try to tackle, usually ending up with the bullied overcoming their tormentors. But, as many people have experienced, that is not always the result in real life. Natasha A. Salnikova, on the other hand, produces an alternative solution, a solution that is almost too horrific to imagine.
Fifteen-year-old Corby Mackentile is the stereotypical victim for private school bullies; she is quiet, intelligent and overweight. Whilst mostly humiliating Corby because of her size, the bullies also use her own parents against her. Corby’s mother is a Boston TV Anchor and her father is a vegetarian Buddhist who also happens to own a butcher’s shop.
The butcher’s shop is a haven for Corby; she can escape there after school and not be intimidated by anyone. But when one of the horrible girls from school turns up at the shop after hours, a terrible accident occurs, which gives Corby a new solution to her bullying problem.
It is initially hard to get into the novel Mean Girl; the third person narrative distances the reader from the main character. Although many people may be able to relate to Corby’s situation, the incident in the shop changes her beyond recognition. In order to hide events from her parents, she becomes mean, rude and altogether an unpleasant person.
Until the feeble plot twist at the end of the novel, it is impossible to care much about what happens to Corby. Bullying is a terrible thing to experience but the way Corby deals with it is beyond tolerable.
Mean Girl is advertised as a psychological thriller; however, it appears to be lacking the thrilling aspect. Some may place the book in the horror genre but “horrifying” would be more appropriate. With some scenes containing gruesome details, it is overall not a very pleasant story to read.
Bullying is a topic many authors try to tackle, usually ending up with the bullied overcoming their tormentors. But, as many people have experienced, that is not always the result in real life. Natasha A. Salnikova, on the other hand, produces an alternative solution, a solution that is almost too horrific to imagine.
Fifteen-year-old Corby Mackentile is the stereotypical victim for private school bullies; she is quiet, intelligent and overweight. Whilst mostly humiliating Corby because of her size, the bullies also use her own parents against her. Corby’s mother is a Boston TV Anchor and her father is a vegetarian Buddhist who also happens to own a butcher’s shop.
The butcher’s shop is a haven for Corby; she can escape there after school and not be intimidated by anyone. But when one of the horrible girls from school turns up at the shop after hours, a terrible accident occurs, which gives Corby a new solution to her bullying problem.
It is initially hard to get into the novel Mean Girl; the third person narrative distances the reader from the main character. Although many people may be able to relate to Corby’s situation, the incident in the shop changes her beyond recognition. In order to hide events from her parents, she becomes mean, rude and altogether an unpleasant person.
Until the feeble plot twist at the end of the novel, it is impossible to care much about what happens to Corby. Bullying is a terrible thing to experience but the way Corby deals with it is beyond tolerable.
Mean Girl is advertised as a psychological thriller; however, it appears to be lacking the thrilling aspect. Some may place the book in the horror genre but “horrifying” would be more appropriate. With some scenes containing gruesome details, it is overall not a very pleasant story to read.
Lindsay (1693 KP) rated The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels, Vol. 3: The Creepy Campers in Books
Aug 30, 2018
If you are looking for a book that will last a lifetime for your child or children? The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels is a good one to put on their bookshelf or bookshelves? This time i have read “The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels, The Creepy Campers”.
It about learning that cheating is not always the best to do. Kids feel the pressure sometime to win and then guess what happens. Sometimes kids start thinking that winning is everything. They may end up cheating from the pressure or the need to always win. Winning is not everything. It fine if you win fairly.
There are lessons on lying and bullying and intimidation. Michael is faced with this? What to do and how to go about it. Lying and bullying and intimidation is not all great either when it all winning and getting prizes.
This book teaches you that lesson. It as teachable moments for your child or children. It also mentions about “The Borrowed Bracelet” and “The Angry Alligator”. Those two are books 1 and 2 from this series “The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels.”
Children will enjoy the pictures throughout the book. These books are good for younger readers. Parents can read them to your child. This book is a fast read. The lesson is taught through the book.
It about learning that cheating is not always the best to do. Kids feel the pressure sometime to win and then guess what happens. Sometimes kids start thinking that winning is everything. They may end up cheating from the pressure or the need to always win. Winning is not everything. It fine if you win fairly.
There are lessons on lying and bullying and intimidation. Michael is faced with this? What to do and how to go about it. Lying and bullying and intimidation is not all great either when it all winning and getting prizes.
This book teaches you that lesson. It as teachable moments for your child or children. It also mentions about “The Borrowed Bracelet” and “The Angry Alligator”. Those two are books 1 and 2 from this series “The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels.”
Children will enjoy the pictures throughout the book. These books are good for younger readers. Parents can read them to your child. This book is a fast read. The lesson is taught through the book.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Swallows in Books
Jan 30, 2020 (Updated Jan 31, 2020)
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Lisa Lutz's latest, The Swallows, introduces Alex Witt, a teacher with a past. She is hired at Stonebridge Academy and asks her creative writing students to answer innocent questions so she can get to know them. "What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?" The answers surprise Alex. They are not innocent and reveal much more about the students and the school's activities than she expects. The students reveal online bullying and a private message board. She encourages the female students to fight back and fight they do.
While I have not worked at a boarding school, I have worked at urban schools. The online bullying and message board are all too real. So is the school's attitude that "boys will be boys". Lutz uses her characters to show the dark side of technology and teenagers. This is not a young adult book. It is a book for adults which is set in a school.
The writing in The Swallows is witty while covering dark topics. Lutz's word choices and writing style keep the book from being too dark.
I added several of Lutz's books, including the Spellman Files series, to my "want to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/30/20.
Lisa Lutz's latest, The Swallows, introduces Alex Witt, a teacher with a past. She is hired at Stonebridge Academy and asks her creative writing students to answer innocent questions so she can get to know them. "What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?" The answers surprise Alex. They are not innocent and reveal much more about the students and the school's activities than she expects. The students reveal online bullying and a private message board. She encourages the female students to fight back and fight they do.
While I have not worked at a boarding school, I have worked at urban schools. The online bullying and message board are all too real. So is the school's attitude that "boys will be boys". Lutz uses her characters to show the dark side of technology and teenagers. This is not a young adult book. It is a book for adults which is set in a school.
The writing in The Swallows is witty while covering dark topics. Lutz's word choices and writing style keep the book from being too dark.
I added several of Lutz's books, including the Spellman Files series, to my "want to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/30/20.
Lindsay (1693 KP) rated The Sprightly Carrot's Dream in Books
May 25, 2021
Are you looking for a cute spring story for your children or child? One that may deal with a significant issue that comes away gently but deals with the problem. I thought this was a fun and lovely story about the persuasion of what you wanted. But also, bullying does not always get your way. The Sprightly Carrot's Dream is the book to get.
Children will learn some suitable life lessons about bullying and learn about gardening; Children will learn about kindness and friendship. I did see this throughout the book. I wonder what Spright will do to achieve this dream? Will he get his goal, or will he not.
Sometimes being what you are is essential, and enjoying that. Children will learn something about carrots and also about flowers. Will Dave get what is coming to him? The way he acts and does not like Spright for some reason.
Parents will love this book on their children's bookshelves as it does teach some lessons about some fun things. Parents and children can learn about carrots and learn something about carrot roots and what they might make. You will be surprised.
The author does a beautiful job with this. I even learned something about carrot roots and what could happen. I thought the story was sweet. The pictures are beautiful as we
Children will learn some suitable life lessons about bullying and learn about gardening; Children will learn about kindness and friendship. I did see this throughout the book. I wonder what Spright will do to achieve this dream? Will he get his goal, or will he not.
Sometimes being what you are is essential, and enjoying that. Children will learn something about carrots and also about flowers. Will Dave get what is coming to him? The way he acts and does not like Spright for some reason.
Parents will love this book on their children's bookshelves as it does teach some lessons about some fun things. Parents and children can learn about carrots and learn something about carrot roots and what they might make. You will be surprised.
The author does a beautiful job with this. I even learned something about carrot roots and what could happen. I thought the story was sweet. The pictures are beautiful as we
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Raindrop in Books
Apr 27, 2018
These stories were very cute, the illustrations were wonderful, and parts of them had great messages for kids about bullying, being on earth for a reason, and responsibility. However the philosophy behind them is all wrong. The philosophy consists of “oneness with everything” and “made of the same energy” and “we are Divine presence,” and “we are truth” and “Makes no difference the religion”. It is a worldly viewpoint, and I do not come from that viewpoint.
Again, there some great messages in these books, but I personally won’t be sharing them with the children in my life because of the strength of the new-age views that shine through.
Again, there some great messages in these books, but I personally won’t be sharing them with the children in my life because of the strength of the new-age views that shine through.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Sun and the Moon in Books
Apr 27, 2018
These stories were very cute, the illustrations were wonderful, and parts of them had great messages for kids about bullying, being on earth for a reason, and responsibility. However the philosophy behind them is all wrong. The philosophy consists of “oneness with everything” and “made of the same energy” and “we are Divine presence,” and “we are truth” and “Makes no difference the religion”. It is a worldly viewpoint, and I do not come from that viewpoint.
Again, there some great messages in these books, but I personally won’t be sharing them with the children in my life because of the strength of the new-age views that shine through.
Again, there some great messages in these books, but I personally won’t be sharing them with the children in my life because of the strength of the new-age views that shine through.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Birds and the Frogs in Books
Apr 27, 2018
These stories were very cute, the illustrations were wonderful, and parts of them had great messages for kids about bullying, being on earth for a reason, and responsibility. However the philosophy behind them is all wrong. The philosophy consists of “oneness with everything” and “made of the same energy” and “we are Divine presence,” and “we are truth” and “Makes no difference the religion”. It is a worldly viewpoint, and I do not come from that viewpoint.
Again, there some great messages in these books, but I personally won’t be sharing them with the children in my life because of the strength of the new-age views that shine through.
Again, there some great messages in these books, but I personally won’t be sharing them with the children in my life because of the strength of the new-age views that shine through.