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I am a BIG fan of the Harry Potter series! It’s about this boy named Harry who lives with his mean aunt, uncle, and cousin. Then, on his birthday, he learns the truth about what really happened to his parents, and found out he was (and still is) a wizard! He gets to go to Hogwarts, a school for witchcraft and magic! On his first day, he picks Gryffindor, the brave, which is one of the four houses. He makes friends with Ron and Hermione, who are also in his house. He also learns about You-Know-Who, aka. Voldemort (who, by the way, has no nose 😂), and is determined to find out the secret behind the evil antagonist/villain. I would recommend this book, and the whole series to people who like fantasy and adventure! I’ve read all the books so far, and I’ll give it a five star! 🤩

Get ready to be wowed by Tui T. Sutherland's first installment in the "Legends" spin-off series! Told from the perspective of three different dragons- Clearsight the NightWing, Fathom the SeaWing, and Darkstalker himself, this beautifully crafted novel shows us what motivated Darkstalker to become the twisted dragon we know well as of the modern arcs. I absolutely adored every page of this book. It gave us rich insight to the history of Pyrrhia, from its normalization of animi to the fact that RainWings' powers were actually well-known, featured in the guide to the tribes, and feared by many. Despite Darkstalker's villainy, he was a character the reader could easily empathize with, and his backstory was fleshed-out, and, in the grand scheme of things, made sense. Clearsight was a lovely POV, although I'd like to get a bit more detail as to why her seer powers were so strong, and if it could happen again in the modern timeline. Fathom's character itself seemed a bit lacking, and it was rather reminiscent of Turtle- now we know why Darkstalker called him that when he summoned him in Talons of Power- but his chapters were filled with action, suspense, and emotion. His past trauma was something rarely explored in middle-grade books such as Wings of Fire, but it was executed wonderfully. The massacre scene was amazingly written, and gave me chills the first time I read it. The three protagonists worked wonderfully together, and Darkstalker's spiral into madness was gradual and extremely interesting to watch play out. I do wish Arctic's death was described in a bit more detail, although I have a hunch that if it was, this wouldn't be a middle-grade novel. Darkstalker's relationship with Whiteout was something I adored- Whiteout was one of my favorite characters, since neurodivergent characters are just so rare in Wings of Fire. She was nicely written and the detail about her scavenger doll was just adorable! Darkstalker's devotion to Foeslayer was also sweet- there is a SERIOUS lack of positive parent-child relationships in Wings of Fire. I liked how Indigo could see through Darkstalker from the start- it showed how Albatross made her far more vigilant. I never saw her plot twist coming! And, speaking of Albatross, he was a sinister character who, despite his early death, managed to be insanely well-written. The writing style of the book also seemed a lot more mature and serious than the main series, a change I personally enjoyed. If you're looking for a novel with dragons, morally gray main characters, and magic, Legends: Darkstalker should be your go-to (although I would recommend reading the main series, first!)

I saw this book and book 3 of this series at a used bookstore and I wanted to try them because I love Ann M Martin's other famous book series aka The Baby-Sitters Cub. For anyone who hasn't read this series yet, I'll give you a synopsis. Main street books are about Flora and Ruby Northrop who are two girls who've lost their parents in a car crash, and move to Camden Falls Massachusets with their grandmother, and the adventures they have with your friends. There are some complex topics, like a character's abusive alcoholic father which may be intense for some readers. All in all I recomend this book for ages 8+

This book reminds me why I always tell fellow readers to give young adult books a chance. The only complaint I have about The Candymakers is due to the fact that these books are unfortunately targeted towards young adult readers rather than adults that are young at heart. On that note, the only real problems I had were the same reasons this was not targeted to me. Again, unfortunately. The sentences were more concise and simple then I believe necessary for teens; there was a lot more telling than necessary, although there was notable detailed showing. Some of the plot was rather unbelievable; it all came together a little too easily. But, it is a fantasy world filled with candy, after all. How could I not fall in love with this book? The only other two fictional books that I have read set entirely in the Candy World are "True Confections" by Katherine Weber and, of course, "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl. And now this one, which holds its own among them. My favorite thing about this novel is its structure. The author is able to successfully write from different points of view- something many adult books cannot get right. Furthermore, these accounts are sold separately, in different chapters- a difficult thing to do. With impeccable exactitude, no facts, no details, none if the timeline, not the characters are mismatched. Readers get the feeling that they are experiencing the event as they switch between the four childrens' minds, each with their own secrets. They all have their own reasons for being there and all eventually really want to win competition. At first a few are enemies, but, of course, they eventually grow to really care about one another and sincerely can each other friends as they learn each other's secrets and inner thoughts. **** Spoilers **** Logan, The Candymaker's son, feels the need to prove to his parents that he is worthy of inheriting his father's position. He has no other friends because his parents have kept him sheltered since he was a young boy. During the annual factory picnic, he met Philip, who was touring the area. This was one of the first boys had met and he was excited to find a new friend. After playing like boys do around the candy factory for most of the day, they were at the chocolate vat when Phillip lost his toy truck in it. Not wanting to upset his friend and wanting to return it, he crawled into it. He ended up not getting it in time and scarring his entire face. He is still a very happy boy; it seems that he notices his scars far less than anyone else does. In fact, he often forgets that they are there. Daisy, who grew up in a special family- spies with all the technology and ninja moves- is on an assigned mission. She is there for reasons that at first she does only because she was told; until certain events cause her to truly consider what she is doing. And what is right and wrong. Finding and taking Life Is Sweet's secret ingredient with the goal to shut down the factory? Certainly in the latter category. Miles, whom carries a life jacket around everywhere and has taken an interest in the afterlife ever since he was out boating and watched a girl drown. He eventually funds or that girl was actually Daisy, who of course never died because she was utilizing her super powers. Last but not least, there is Philip, whom is extremely negative, pretentious, rude, and full of animosity as soon as he meets the others. We eventually find out that he is the former boy with the toy truck. As expected, he typically is not this type of guy. But as an equally lonely child, when he was erroneously informed by his father that he had been banned from the Life Is Sweet candy factory (he was actually invited back by the family), he is there to win the competition; to take Logan's thunder. I also loved his secret violin talents and music genius. Looking forward to reading her other books!

William Stanton, one of 8 siblings of the Stanton family who would turn 11 on one Midwinter day as he discovered that he's an "Old One" by his uncle, Merriman Lyon, so he set out on the quest to find six magical Signs of Power in order to able defeat the Dark. Despite the conflict between the both sides of good and evil, it's can be also very dangerous if Will isn't very careful with the important quest going on with the help from his uncle and siblings. This book would take you in different world, on the adventure with Will Stanton and you'll enjoy this as much as I do. - Happy Reading!

Geillis Ramsey, also known by simply Gilly, a young woman with the hope and dreams. But since her mother death one year after she enrolled in the university, Gilly had decided to resign and go on the different way, then since after her father's death, she felt alone but even feeling hopeless since she heard that her cousin, the only cousin that Gilly herself had known for her whole life, Geillis Saxon had passed away in her sleep. So, despite the three deaths that were close to Gilly, she went over to her cousin's Thornyhold, left in the will by Miss Saxon to Gilly as she started living there. Met a maid, Mrs. Agnes Trapp, who then became partly Gilly's friend, then met a young boy, William Dryden who has the different hobbies and dreams unlike other boys his age. But later on in the book, the possible murder would happen as the suspense is building up, also the love is in the air, too when Gilly had met a man, which is actually William's father. This book is possibly my favorite book written by Mary Stewart as its SO GOOD! - Happy Reading!

Christmas is almost here and the Heffley family is way behind on all things Christmas and they want to get away. Even though Greg thinks it's not a good idea as he is perfectly happy staying indoors by the fireplace all through Christmas break, his family decides to go to Isla de Corales for the Christmas and be away from the excruciating cold. They are all packed and they leave for the airport but without taking in consideration all the traffic they will get. They make it to the airport and hit snag after snag. After lots of bumps, they make it to Isla de Corales and instantly they feel better as the hot air hits them. But family holidays aren't family holidays until there is a lot of bickering and that's exactly what ensues. Greg's mother wants the family to spend time together but Greg's dad wants to do his own thing and Rowley wants to do his own thing too. Greg is looking to do lots of cool activities so that he can finally show Rowley that he had stellar time on his getaway. Let's just say that short of getting thrown in jail, the Heffley family gets in all sorts of trouble. I don't know what it is about the Heffely family holidays that they remind me so much of my family holidays. From not leaving for the airport in enough time to end up sitting on the plane in the middle of a different family to getting lost at the resort to birds eating our lunch to not be able to get a single decent family photo are all so relatable and not to mention hilarious. I loved this. 5 stars

Wonder was a book I first read 2 years ago, and over the years, I just couldn't stop re-reading it. The kids at my school call this book "childish", "horrible," and "weird just like the kid in the book." I think just the opposite. August is a normal kid on the inside, but not on the outside. His face has a 'deformity', which is pretty much one of the best words I could think of to describe it. Wherever he goes, people get frightened of him, scream, and run away. August always wanted a normal life and a normal face. August has always been homeschooled, but now he has to face a new challenge - actually going to school, surrounded by his peers. He was shown around by three of the 'nicest kids in school,' Jack, Julian, and Charlotte. August later finds out that Julian is not very nice at all. Once he starts going to school, August becomes best friends with Jack and people quickly start getting used to his face after weeks and months go by. He also becomes friends with Summer, and they make their lunch table, a "Summer-Only Table." At Halloween, August goes to school in a Bleeding Scream costume, when everyone thought he was going in a Boba Fett costume. August overhears Jack talking to Julian about their friendship. Jack said some very uncaring remarks about August, which he didn't really mean. But August got hurt and decided to not to be friends with Jack anymore. He was so hurt that he wanted to quit school, but his sister Via, convinces him not to. His sister Via was the one who had stuck up for him through thick and thin. Jack is very confused to why August doesn't talk to him anymore (since he didn't know it was August in the Bleeding Scream costume.) He asks Summer (who August had confided in) and Summer says, "Bleeding Scream," but Jack doesn't understand. Later, when Jack and August are paired for a science project. Jack pieces together the whole thing and realized that August was the person in the Bleeding Scream costume. Then, when Jack is talking with Julian and Julian calls August a freak, Jack punches Julian, defending his friend. Julian's mom takes it out on August instead, saying that August shouldn't even be in Beecher Prep. Meanwhile, August learns that Jack stood up for him and they become friends again. There are many characters, and each character takes a turn telling the story, so there are many chapters about the characters, side-stories, kind of. In these chapters, August and Via's dog, Daisy, dies. It is very sad and whenever I read it, I keep crying because of their sadness. Via also stars in a play and makes up with her friend Miranda, who she had separated from earlier in the book. Near the end of the book, the whole fifth grade (the grade that August is in) takes a trip to a nature reserve park. While August and Jack are in the woods, some seventh graders insult August, calling him "Gollum" and "Freddy Krueger", which was similar to the insults my friends said about August. Miles, Amos, and Henry, who were formerly friends with Julian, stood up for him. This reminds me when my friends and I all stood up against a bully, who was a common enemy. In the end of the book, we learn that Julian will not be returning to Beecher Prep in the fall. Also, as the school year finishes, there is an award ceremony. In the award ceremony, the principal gives a speech on how someone in this room accomplished great things, and overcame a lot of things. The last award in the book was given to August because he overcame everything, even with so many obstacles thrown in his way. I also want to give a special mention to the quotes in the back of the book, and one (said by August) especially moved me. "Everyone should get a standing ovation at least once in their life, because we all overcometh the world." It was beautiful. To conclude, this book moved me to tears. It was heartwarming, it was beautiful, it taught a wonderful lesson, got me emotional, was hilarious at some parts and was very touching. "This book is a wonder." - Myself.

12 year old Giacomo lives in a Renaissance-inspired world where art is feared and has been outlawed. Giacomo has been living on his own for several years after escaping the orphanage. He spends his days hiding in the sewers and evading Nerezza guards, the evil ruler of Virenzia. The only thing he actually does for fun is to draw in his sketchbooks. Then one day a Genius shows up-his Genius. This is extremely rare, as a Genius (which is a birdlike creature that represents an artist's creative spirit and essence) is supposed to come when you are a baby. Not to mention all the Geniuses are supposed to be extinct. He is even more surprised when three other kids show up to find him, also with a Genius each. They tell him about a secret studio where they are trained to use their energies as weapons. Giacomo thinks he has finally found a safe place. But an evil artist is looking for something, the three Sacred Tools. With them he could destroy the world. So Giacomo along with others must set off with their Geniuses to stop him. There were so many details about this world that I wouldn't know where to begin. I love how as the book goes on you learn little pieces that fit the whole puzzle together. I also loved the suspense and mystery, there was also a lot of action. There were very few, if any, dull moments in the book. Every scene had a purpose. There were some intense parts in this book. Part of the story is told by a man-made creature who has four arms, and his whole purpose is to follow the bidding of his master, which is usually to threaten or even kill somebody. Another aspect of the story revolves around the Lost Souls, which are the artists who are dead. Because of some of those parts I would recommend this book to middle grade and up, not elementary. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

I've read the book and seen the movie