I’ve done this before under the same name for picture books, and figure this might work for books I don’t have all that much feeling for either way. Ya’ll know what mini-reviews are by now, so I’ll just launch into it.
Boom
Title: Boom!
Author: Mark Haddon
Synopsis: Boom is a middle grade novel about two young best friends, Charlie and Jim. They believe that their teachers are talking smack about them in the staff room, so they bug the staff room. Instead, they discover that their teachers are aliens. Adventures ensue.
My thoughts: I enjoyed the made up language and humor in Boom! However, I felt a bit old for this book. I never felt that special bond or connection that I do with books that will stick with me. I do think Boom! would work for a younger audience, but alas it was not the perfect read for me. However, it wasn’t a terrible read either.
Disclosure: Received for review
Other Reviews:
The Novel World
Westwood Children’s Department
Purchase Boom here.
Radiance
Radiance
Title: Radiance
Author: Alyson Noel
Synopsis: Radiance is the first of a companion series to Noel’s Immortals series. Riley is the younger sister of Ever from the Immortals series. Riley is dead, and lives in this place called Here which I think is almost Heaven but not quite. Anyways, she finds out that she can’t live rent-free in Here and must perform a job. That job is soul catching meaning when ghosts are chilling out on Earth, Riley helps them to cross over to Here.
My thoughts: I liked Riley’s attitude. She isn’t about to be walked all over by some dorky guy in a tie aka Bohdi her mentor. She takes on the job of Soul Catcher with aplomb. I felt that Radiance was too short for me to fall in love, but I wouldn’t mind checking out Evermore and the Immortals series. I do think I would have really enjoyed Radiance when I was in sixth grade. Definitely a good middle grade book to start kids on the paranormal path.
Disclosure: Received for review.
Other Reviews:
Book Chic Club
The Bookologist
The Naughty Book Kitties
Purchase Radiance here.
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I think Boom! sounds hilarious. I really liked his Curious Incident book, but this one sounds COMPLETELY different than that one. Is it mostly fun and silly, or is there more going on there?
Thanks for linking to my review! You’re so sweet. Glad to hear you enjoyed Radiance; you should definitely check out Shimmer if you get the chance.
oh man, Boom sounds fun. also, it’s named Boom which is good enough for me. thanks for the reviews! :]