Posted in Book reviews by kids

Book review: Wonder

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a childen's novel: Wonder by RJ Palacio

Wonder by RJ Palacio, Random House UK, ISBN 9780552565974

REVIEWED BY AZAADI KAUR, 8, USA

Azaadi Kaur reviewed her own copy of this book.

Wonder is a book about August Pullman, also known as Auggie. Auggie has an unusual face due to the many surgeries he has had. It is Auggie’s first time going to school. Auggie makes friends with two other kids who go to his school: Jack Will and Summer Dawson.

Julian Albans is an annoying kid who is in Auggie’s class and is really popular at school.

One Halloween, Auggie’s school lets the students wear costumes to school. Auggie was going as Boba Fett from Star Wars, but at the last minute Auggie changed into Bleeding Scream (also from Star Wars).

When Auggie walks into the classroom, there are three kids in costumes there: Darth Sidious from Star Wars and two mummies. They are all waiting for Boba Fett. Auggie knows this, so he wanders off to a different seat. 

Auggie overhears them talking:
"Why do you hang out with him so much?" asked Darth Sidious. Auggie knew it who it was. 
One of the mummies replied: "I don’t know, Mr. Tushman asked me to, and now August is following me around everywhere." The mummy shrugged.

Auggie recognized the shrug and the voice. This hurt Auggie’s feelings. He didn’t like that he said something mean about him. In the following weeks, Auggie showed some bravery, including standing up to some bullies. 

My favourite part of the book is when Auggie earns the award. I think that it shows that being brave always pays off.

I think that the message that this book is sharing with us is: Even if there is a difference in you or your family, never let embarrassment get the best of you, and always stand up for what’s right.

I recommend this book to ages 8+. If you read Wonder, I hope you enjoy it.

This is Azaadi Kaur’s first review for Alphabet Soup. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by kids

Book review: When You Reach Me

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When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, Text Publishing, ISBN 9781921656064

REVIEWED BY JIYA KAUR, 10, USA

Jiya reviewed her own copy of this book.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead is an exceptional realistic fiction story that will hold you on edge. When Miranda starts receiving inexplicable notes, she is perplexed. Who could be sending these notes and why? As 12-year-old Miranda navigates through sixth grade and friend drama, she uncovers secrets of the future through the messages.

My favourite part of this book is when Miranda reflects on her actions and realises that she has been mean to her classmate Julia. This moment marks a major transformation. I love that Miranda starts to change her actions to become a better person. My favourite quote from the book is “Sometimes, you never feel meaner than the day you stop being mean.”

If you are looking for a story that will make you feel the emotions that the characters feel, When You Reach Me might be the perfect book for you. It has very realistic characters who are easy to love.

This book is a blend of fiction, sci-fi, and mystery. I would rate this 4.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for readers ages 10 to 12.

This is Jiya Kaur’s first review for Alphabet Soup. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by kids

Book review: Save Me a Seat

Posted on by Alphabet Soup

Save Me A Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan, Scholastic Inc, ISBN 9780545846615

REVIEWED BY NYLA, 11, INDIA

Nyla reviewed her own copy of this title.

Save Me a Seat is a wonderful book by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan, and it is one of my absolute favourites, because, having moved countries myself, it is very relatable.

The two protagonists of this book are Ravi and Joe. Ravi had just moved to America from India, and, because of him being a star student and topper in his old school, he expects something about the same over here. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the case. Ravi is laughed at and provided with extra help he is sure he doesn’t need. Ravi is certain that one boy, Dillon, will be the perfect friend for him. What he doesn’t know is that Dillon isn’t who he seems.

Joe has APD and hates being put on the spot. He too goes for extra help, but things do not start off well between Ravi and Joe, due to the numerous differences between the two. Despite this, they are able to put aside their differences and work together to go against a common class bully.

This book is perfect for kids who enjoyed Finally Seen by Kelly Yang. It is also a great choice for kids who like books about moving and adjusting to new places. I would recommend this book to children ages 10+. One of my favorite parts would be around the ending, when Ravi tells the entertaining story about why he got the leeches for his personal reflection item. The authors did a wonderful job in showing Ravi’s thoughts about what he wanted to do but what he actually did. I especially enjoyed the unique way those thoughts are written: in the form of a short, numbered list.

This is Nyla’s second book review for Alphabet Soup. You can read another of her book reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by kids

Book review: The Table Cape Crusader

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The Table Cape Crusader (book cover)

The Secret Detectives Club: The Table Cape Crusader by Kate Gordon, Riveted Press, ISBN 9781764007153

REVIEWED BY JOHN, 8, WA

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

The Table Cape Crusader, is about an eleven-year-old boy called Rocko Jarvis and his friends Cosmo Calhoun and Mingus. The boys form the Secret Detectives Club to solve cases and have fun together. 

In this book they are trying to find out who is blackmailing everyone and sending them notes. The book is mysterious and funny, and I liked the twist at the very end which was just a little bit scary.

I think that this book would be good for kids aged 7 to 12 who like mystery books.

I can’t wait to read the next book!

John is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read an earlier review here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines.

Posted in Book reviews by Ella, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Behind the Screens

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a Behind the Screens by Niraj Lal and illustrated by Aśka

Behind the Screens: How the Internet Works & How to Make It Work For You by Niraj Lal, illustrations by Aśka, University of Queensland Press, ISBN 9780702268946

REVIEWED BY ELLA, 10, WA

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

Behind the Screens is about technology and how to navigate it. I really liked how detailed and kid-friendly the book is. 

I learnt a lot about tech and how to make it kid-safe, and also how to be safer on the internet. I think this book would be good for any kids who like tech and want to learn more about it, especially ages 9+. 

Read Alphabet Soup’s earlier interview with the author, Niraj Lal.

Ella is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read another review by Ella here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines.

Posted in Book reviews by kids, Petersham Public School NSW

Book review: Chippy Jackpot

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The cover of the children's book: Chippy Jackpot

Chippy Chasers: Chippy Jackpot by Sam Cotton, Puffin (Penguin Australia), ISBN 9780143778547

REVIEWED BY MARCO, 9, NSW

Meet the Chippy Chasers! Three seagulls Stanley, Stacey, Steve-o and Wormy the worm. One day the best chippy maker, Brock, comes to Sydney. The Chippy Chasers think up a great plan to steal some of the best chippies in the world. Will they get them or not?

Of course, the plan does not work as they hoped it would. The Chippy Chasers are forced to work with what they have and do things in unexpected ways, which are really fun.

I love this graphic novel because of the humour, and all the Australian slang the Chippy Chasers use like “maate”, “bruthaa” and “bin chicken”. Not only does it make me laugh, whenever I read it I think of how yummy all the chippies would taste.

This book is so funny that I will rate it 5 out of 5. It’s great for ages 7 to 10. If you like the TV show Bluey you will probably like this book. I actually think this book is even more funny and entertaining than Bluey.

We’re pleased to be sharing a series of book reviews by Petersham Public School students, NSW. This is Marco’s first review for Alphabet Soup. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by kids

Book Review. Valerie: Australia’s Bravest Sausage Dog

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Valerie: Australia's Bravest Sausage Dog

Valerie: Australia’s Bravest Sausage Dog by Lucinda Gifford, A&U Childrens, ISBN 9781761182594

REVIEWED BY ASHER, 5, WA

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

This book is about Valerie, who is a cheeky  and very brave sausage dog that steals a sausage then gets lost in the wild. She has an adventure. 

I really liked this book because of all the pictures, the picture with sausages in it was my favourite, and the one when Valerie rides a surfboard. It sounded nice to listen to because the story is so good and it has lots of rhyming words.

I can’t believe this is a true story. I hope she gets to go on more fun adventures. 

This is Asher’s first book review for Alphabet Soup. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by kids

Book review: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, One Rabbit, and a Very Interesting Boy

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, One Rabbit, and Very Interesting Boy

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall, Yearling (Penguin Random House), ISBN 9780593897232

REVIEWED BY NYLA, 10, INDIA

The book The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, One Rabbit, and Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall is the first in a series that will leave you scrambling to catch up.

The book features four sisters (Rosalind, the most responsible; Skye, the one with a high temper; Jane, the author of the family; and Batty, the youngest one) and a boy named Jeffrey. They meet in a very odd fashion, in which Skye unknowingly insults Jeffrey’s mother and falls on top of him.

Together, the five go through numerous adventures, including the rescuing of Batty from the attack of an angry bull, and soon develop a great bond. But when the sisters realise what their music loving friend, Jeffrey, is going through on account of his mum, the sisters know that they have to do something.

My favorite part is when Jeffrey’s mother insults Skye’s family. Skye doesn’t even hesitate for a second before charging in there to defend herself and the people who she loves most. I would recommend this book to children ages 9–12, and the author has done a wonderful job in adding several side challenges for the sisters and still ensuring that they still stood by Jeffrey’s side throughout.

This is Nyla’s first book review for Alphabet Soup. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by kids

Book Review: Hunted

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Wolf Girl 15: Hunted by Anh Do, illustrated by Chris Wahl, Allen & Unwin, ISBN 9781761182815

REVIEWED BY CHARLES, 11, WA

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

Wolf Girl 15 is an exciting adventure book. With simple words and quick pace, it’s impossible not to love the book!

The series is interesting and takes wild turns. The fact she can talk to dogs is amazing and the humour is hilarious. The plot fits perfectly with the other books and the illustration was done well. You generally feel for the character in the search for their parents.

Great book. Keep it up, Anh Do!

Wolf Girl 15: Hunted is out now. Ask for it at your favourite bookshop or local library.

This is Charles’s second book review for Alphabet Soup. You can read another of his book reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines.

Posted in Book reviews by kids, Petersham Public School NSW

Book review: The Kangaroo and the Porpoise

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's book: The Kangaroo and the Porpoise

The Kangaroo and the Porpoise, told by Agnes Lippo, compiled by Pamela Lofts, illustrations adapted from paintings of the story done by children at Belyuen School in the Northern Territory, Scholastic Press, ISBN 9781865046297

REVIEWED BY EVA, 8, NSW

This is a beautiful, Australian First Nations story from The Dreaming. It’s told by Agnes Lippo and compiled by Pamela Lofts. 

This is a story about how the porpoise came to live in the sea. I really liked this book because it talks about lots of unique, cute creatures and what they eat.  

I also liked how the kangaroo is trustable at the start and then changes at the end.      

I disliked how the story was a bit challenging sometimes, because I don’t like fighting among characters.

This book made me feel happy and sad at the same time! This is a good book for ages 3 to 8. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.  

We’re pleased to be sharing a series of book reviews by Petersham Public School students, NSW. This is Eva’s first book review for Alphabet Soup. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!