Category: Book reviews by kids

Posted in Book reviews by kids, Book reviews by Marley

Book review: How to Have the Best School Year Ever

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A picture book: How to Have the Best School year Ever by Jess Sanders and art by Andrea Onishi.

How to Have the Best School Year Ever by Jess Sanders, with art by Andrea Onishi, Affirm Press, ISBN 9781923135949

REVIEWED BY MARLEY, 10, WA

The publisher provided a review copy of this title.

I think the book is great to start the school year with. Its great for setting goals and being motivated to achieve them. The book even has a resource section on how to support resilient kids. I think the book helps you along the way by building up your confidence for the school year and it teaches you that making mistakes is okay and when you make a mistake you try again and don’t give up. 

One part in the book stood out to me, it said ‘all that matters is you try your best, because when you try you grow, and growing is what school is all about.’ It made me feel motivated and I really felt the sentiment.

The illustrations are beautiful and the quality of the book itself feels really nice. I like the use of colour. It had lots of different texture. I also liked the diversity, not everyone has blonde hair or the same colour skin, and some people are in wheelchairs or have different cultures. It shows kids that having that kind of diversity is normal. I love that the teacher has diversity, normally it’s just the kids.

I think the book would be good for kids Year 1 and up, and it would really motivate shy kids and kids that don’t like going out of their comfort zone. It makes you think about what you want to achieve in the year, more like social skills rather than grades.

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

Posted in Book reviews by kids

Book review: Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady

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The cover of a children's biography: Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady by Dianne Wolfer.

Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady by Dianne Wolfer, Fremantle Press, ISBN 9781760995270

REVIEWED BY ARJAN, 12, NSW

The publisher provided a review copy of this title.

Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady is about the story of Robin Miller. Since birth, Robin’s life was filled with the art of aviation. In her childhood, she would come home to the sight of Catalina aircraft roosting on the River Swan.

In Robin’s time, many people said that aviation was a man’s job and women could not participate and contribute to it. This angered Robin and fuelled her to push to fly even more, until she bought her own plane.

I found the book motivating. If you really want something, even in the face of challenges and you work for it, you can achieve it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The description and the setting of the scenes really helped me picture Robin zooming over the Kimberly region in her little plane and vaccinating kids with anti-polio medicine dripped on sugar cubes, hence the name ‘sugarbird lady’. Anyone who likes adventure and aviation, this is the book for you.

In summary, I loved this book and the story itself. It’s a great book and I hope you will love it just like I did.

Arjan is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of his reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines.

Posted in Book reviews by kids

Book review: Darkstalker

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Wings of Fire Legends: Darkstalker by Tui T. Sutherland, Scholastic Inc, ISBN 9781338053623

REVIEWED BY SCARLETT, 10, QLD

Scarlett reviewed her own copy of this title.

Darkstalker is a book about dragons, and not just any old dragons. They are as complicated as we humans are.

It is a legend that happened 2000 years before the main Wings of Fire series, but I know it’s by far the best Wings of Fire book.

This book is about an Ice Wing Prince and a Night Wing who have eggs together and one of the eggs is … Darkstalker. One way or another he is going to change the dragon world forever whether it’s through tragedy or harmony but only he can decide …

If you want to know about the extraordinary terrain that the dragons live in, you can see it on the very well-drawn, detailed map at the front of the book. It’s enchanting to look at.

The characters are realistic and complex. The dragons seem like real people, especially Darkstalker. He has lots of different viewpoints and questions his view of the world. He is not one dimensional like superheroes often are. 

My favourite character is Whiteout. She is a unique and very interesting character. She shows emotional and social development as the story goes on. 

The author is very good at writing in first person, so everyone who reads it can understand the characters from the dragons’ own  point of view, not from the author telling us about them. 

The description in this book is exquisite. It is so immersive you will feel like you are really there. For example:

“… rain poured from a grumbling, fire-breathing sky.  The river at the bottom of the canyon swelled and roared and ate the walls, sending all the dragons who lived down there scrambling for higher ground. The wind was so fierce it seemed to be sent from vengeful Ice Wings to rip every Night Wing out of the sky.  It was veering quickly from a storm to a baby hurricane.”

This book is good for philosophical people, fantasy lovers, or people who are reading / have read the Wings Of Fire series before. 

I think this book is suited to mature 9–11-year-olds and above because there are some philosophical topics and diaologue that may be difficult to understand and some violence towards the end.

And I rate this book 10/10.

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

Posted in Book reviews by Ella

Book review: Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping

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The cover of Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping, a children's novel.

Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping by Craig Silvey, illustrated by Sara Acton, Allen & Unwin, ISBN 9781761181597

REVIEWED BY ELLA, 9, WA

The publisher provided a review copy of this title.

Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping is the sequel to Runt. I wanted to read it because I liked the first book, and I wanted to know what the second book would be like, and I thought it was just as good.

It is a mystery book, and Annie has to find Runt who has been dognapped.

It was interesting and funny, and I really like the illustrations and the ending. It was also fun to read about what had happened in the town since the first book. 

I think this book is best for age 7+, and for people who liked Runt. 

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

Posted in Book reviews by kids, Book reviews by Milan

Book review: Hover Car Racer

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The cover of an ebook for children aged 10+: Hover Car Racer by Matthew Reilly.

Hover Car Racer by Matthew Reilly, Pan MacMillan Australia, ISBN 9781743283707

REVIEWED BY MILAN, 10, NSW

Milan reviewed his own copy of this title.

Hover Car Racer is a science fiction novel written by Matthew Reilly. This book is about two brothers who dream of becoming the world’s best hover car team. A hover car is a futuristic vehicle that is similar to a regular car but flies above ground and can reach a potential speed of 770 km/h. The story is set in the future where the two main characters are in a National Championship in Sydney and follows their journey as they compete around the world. 

At the beginning, brothers Jason and the Bug are chosen to attend the International Race School after showcasing their skills. As the year progresses, the team is paired up with Sally McDuff, their new Mech Chief. Together they train and gradually improve in their pit stops, speed and accuracy.

I really enjoyed the journey Matthew Reilly described. It seemed very realistic because Jason had to face his fears and not everything went right for him. I have never read a science fiction book before this one and it was eye opening the way he described the futuristic scene. 

I think Matthew Reilly could improve the description of Ravi Gupta and his motivations behind becoming a gambler. Although I disliked this character, I would have appreciated understanding him better.

I would rate this book 4/5 stars because it was exciting, fun and engaging. The racing scenes made it an absolute page turner. I would highly recommend this book to readers keen for adventure and those who love science fiction books.

Milan is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read another of his reviews on 20 October 2025. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines.

Posted in Book reviews by kids

Book review: Snot Scary Jungle Stories

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The cover of Kev and Trev Book 2 by Kylie Howarth

Kev and Trev: Snot Scary Jungle Stories by Kylie Howarth, Affirm Press, ISBN 9781923022164

REVIEWED BY JOHN, 7, WA

The publisher provided a review copy of this title.

Kev and Trev: Snot Scary Jungle Stories is a graphic novel, the second Kev and Trev book. I liked this book even more than the first book because it is even funnier. This surprised me because I really liked the first Kev and Trev book!

Kev and Trev are on a jungle adventure to find pugorillas and other jungle animals and it is hilarious. There are so many funny moments and jokes.

The illustrations are really funny, I loved the jaguar, and I really liked the front cover, the sparkles are really cool and it looks really exciting and the book was really exciting too.

All ages would enjoy this book because young kids can look at the pictures and older kids will love the jokes! 

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

Posted in Book reviews by Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: The Riding Gallery

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The cover of a children's verse novel: The Riding Gallery

The Riding Gallery by Sally Murphy, illustrations by Martina Heiduczek, Walker Books Australia, ISBN 9781760657345

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 10, VIC

Alphabet Soup provided Aashi with a review copy of this book.

The Riding Gallery is a beautiful book that is written in verse. It is historical fiction with poems that bring it to life. The book, written by Sally Murphy, is set in St Kilda. St Kilda is a busy place, in Melbourne,  that is right by the sea shore. When you read the book you can almost feel the sand grind between your feet, and the sea roar. 

The book features a German engineer, Anton, with a dream. His dream is to build a steam powered merry-go-round. He works on it day and night, carving wood and painting the horses. As he works on it, he realises not everyone trusts him since he’s German.

Evelyn, is the daughter of a newsagent. She wrinkles her nose when her dad tells her they are moving to St Kilda. She is quite reluctant to move to St Kilda untill she hears that her neighbours have a son, her age.

There is also a boy named Rory. He is Evelyn’s neighbour. Rory has a hard time choosing what is right. He wants the Allies (Australia’s side) to win especially because all three of his brothers are fighting. Rory also thinks all Germans are bad, unlike Evelyn.

Soon Anton’s ride is complete. At first, everyone is excited about the new ride. But when the war starts, things change. People get scared. They think Anton is bad, even though he has done nothing wrong. Evelyn tries to understand. Rory feels confused and worried about his brothers. Some people are still kind, but others are not. 

Will Anton’s ride become a hit or go down in flames? Will Rory’s brothers make it home? Will Evelyn find friends?

The book is beautifully written. It gives insights for all the characters and their feelings. The pictures by Martina Heiduczek give a great visual interpretation.  I would recommend the book for anyone in upper primary school. 

Aashi is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her book reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines.

Posted in Book reviews by kids, Book reviews by Milan

Book review: The Light in Everything

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The cover of a children's novel: The Light in Everything by Katya Balen and illustrated by Sydney Smith.

The Light in Everything by Katya Balen, illustrated by Sydney Smith, Bloomsbury Publishing (AUS), ISBN 9781526622983

REVIEWED BY MILAN, 10, NSW.

Milan reviewed his own copy of this title.

The Light In Everything is a very intriguing fictional novel written by Katya Balen. The story is set in a seaside cottage. Here we meet Zofia and her dad, Marek, as well as Tom and his mum, Fiona. Each chapter switches perspectives between Zofia and Tom. Their personalities are the polar opposite of each other. Tom is a shy, timid boy who has trouble trusting others due to a traumatic experience with his father. Zofia, on the other hand, is an energetic, confident girl who has a close relationship with her dad and finds it difficult to share his attention. As the story progresses, Marek and Fiona fall in love and the families move in together which poses many challenges. The four of them quickly discover their differences and this causes tension in their relationships. Later, Fiona and Marek have a baby who is born with complications which forces Tom and Zofia to spend more time together.

Overall this was a very engaging book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really liked the description of the pain Zofia and Tom were going through. The language she used made me feel as if I was really there and experiencing their emotions. One of the quotes I really liked was “The sea is bright today. Far out towards the inky horizon are little licks of white foam that mirror the lazy clouds above them.” This quote shows us how powerful Katya Balen’s descriptions are and it made me imagine how the characters might feel. 

One thing I didn’t like was how ruthless Fiona’s last husband was and how brutal he was towards Tom. The quote “I tell her that Dad used to hurt us and now he’s in prison but I’m still afraid” shows the impact Tom’s dad made on him. This made me empathise with Tom but I also found it difficult to read because it made me feel fearful. I thought that the end was quite predictable and I usually prefer a twist at the end of a book. 

I would rate this book 4/5 stars and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy a heartfelt story about relationships and family.

This is Milan’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: Zoe the Beach Dragon

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The cover of a book: Zoe the Beach Dragon

Dragon Girls: Zoe the Beach Dragon by Maddy Mara, Scholastic Inc, ISBN 9781760265151

REVIEWED BY SCOUT, 8, QLD

Scout reviewed her own copy of this title.

Zoe the Beach Dragon by Maddy Mara is part of the ‘Dragon Girls’ series. I love that there are lots of animals like turtles and seals and lots more in this series. 

In this book Zoe and her friends, Grace and Sofia, have to stop the Firesparks and their leader, the Fire Queen, from making the water disappear. They also need to save the ocean leaders like the turtle leader and the dolphin leader. 

I think kids who like dragons and are aged 8, 9 and 10 would maybe like this book. I would give this book 10/10 stars. 

This is Scout’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: The Wonder Brothers

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The cover of The Wonder Brothers by Frank Cottrell-Boyce and illustrated by Steven Lenton.

The Wonder Brothers by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton, Pan Macmillan UK, ISBN 9781529048315

REVIEWED BY SCARLETT, 10, QLD

Scarlett reviewed her own copy of this book.

The Wonder Brothers is a book about three kids named Brodie, Nathan and Middy and Brodie’s unusual rabbit, Queenie, who decide to go to see the famous magician called Perplexion at his last show.

They climbed on a truck because they thought they were going to meet Perplexion at the airport on his way to Las Vegas for his final show. They end up stuck in Las Vegas, find out something mysterious about Perplexion and then have to find their way back to Blackpool.

I like this book because it is about kids, travelling, magic and it is very funny. I like the bit where they arrive in Las Vegas and don’t know where they are. They think they are in Paris and then they think they’re in Egypt because they see an Eiffel Tower and some pyramids. That is one of the funniest parts of the book. 

I recommend this book for 8-15 year olds, I think they would really like it.  I rate this book 9 out of 10. I didn’t rate it 10 out of 10 because I wish there more great books in the series so I can read more about the Wonder Brothers. 

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