Category: Book reviews by kids

Posted in Book reviews by kids, competitions

Announcing our 2024 Young Book Reviewers’ competition

Posted on by Alphabet Soup

*NEW CLOSING DATE* Entries close 9 August 2024.

Three children sit on a step writing in notebooks.
Photo by Norma Mortenson on Pexels

Our Young Book Reviewers’ Competition is back! The comp is open to Australian residents aged 12 or younger. Entries must be submitted by a parent, guardian or teacher (with parents’ permission). Instructions for entry can be found on our website in Terms & Conditions.

To enter: Review a children’s book from any genre. There is no word limit for reviews.

ENTRY: FREE

PRIZES: 

All longlisted and winning reviews will be published at Alphabet Soup’s website: http://www.alphabetsoup.net.au.

Winner of the Junior category (students in Kindy, Preprimary, Year 1 and Year 2) will receive a $30 book voucher.

Winner of the Primary category (Year 3 and above) will receive a $50 book voucher.

The school that enters the highest number of reviews by students will also receive a prize.

Entries close 9 August 2024 and winners will be announced 30 August 2024.

Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by Gabriel, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Jack’s Island

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's book: Jack's Island by Norman Jorgensen

REVIEWED BY GABRIEL, 13, NSW

Jack’s Island by Norman Jorgensen, Fremantle Press, ISBN 9781760992958

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

Jack’s Island is a short novel by Norman Jorgenson featuring a boy named Jack. Along with his friends Banjo and Dafty, Jack finds himself causing mischief on their small island village off the coast of Australia during World War II. One day, whilst exploring near the cliffs, Jack and Banjo stumble across a Japanese helmet and a rifle. Could this discovery be the invasion they have been anticipating? With Pearl Harbor already bombed just north of their tight-knit island, they possibly face a dangerous situation.

The book is hard to put down due to its ability to capture the reader’s attention and hold onto it for the duration of the book. The characters from the Japanese soldier to trouble-maker Jack, adds an engaging storyline for the readers. Because of this, I confidently rate this book 4 stars out of 5.

I would recommend this book for children ages 8-12 as it is a fun read and suitable for their reading level.

Read the first chapter of Jack’s Island.

Jack’s Island is out now! Ask for it at your favourite bookstore or local library or order it online.

Gabriel is a regular book reviewer at Alphabet Soup. You can read more of his reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by Elizabeth, Book reviews by kids

Book Review: Maddy McAllister, Shipwreck Detective

Posted on by Alphabet Soup

REVIEWED BY ELIZABETH, 11, NSW

Maddy McAllister: Shipwreck Detective (Aussie STEM stars series), story told by Deb Fitzpatrick, Wild Dingo Press, ISBN 9781925893823

Elizabeth received a review copy of this book.

Six-year-old Maddy McAllister, a shipwreck detective, started her adventure in Wangi Falls – her favourite place to cool down. But then her parents took an unexpected turn. Maddy and her sister Ally changed schools and moved to Pine Creek for their father’s job. It was 225 kilometres from Darwin where they used to live. Then she moved closer to her grandparents because her father found a different job in Perth, which meant Maddy and Ally, could spend more time with their grandparents. Maddy’s grandad was always by her side ever since they moved to Perth, every step of the way, encouraging her every day. He told her stories all the time when they went on fishing trips which her grandad called “on the high seas”.

One day, her grandad told her a story about a shipwreck which made her curious. A few days later, she heard on the radio that there was going to be a lecture about a different shipwreck discovery. Little did she know that this lecture would change her life.

My favourite person in this book was Maddy’s grandad because he was encouraging and supportive of Maddy in every way he could. I can relate to this book because Maddy faced what I faced when I was six years old, which was to leave close friends and transfer to a new school and new town.

This book is by Deb Fitzpatrick who also wrote Ajay Rane that I have written a review for as well. I think that this book Maddy McAllister is interesting and inspiring.

I recommend this book for age seven plus and rate this book 10 out of 10.

Maddy McAllister: Shipwreck Detective is out now! Ask for it at your favourite bookshop or local library, or order it online.

Elizabeth is a regular reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by kids

Book review: The First Summer of Callie McGee

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel, The First Summer of Callie McGee by A.L. Tait.

REVIEWED BY MIA, 11, WA

The First Summer of Callie McGee by A.L. Tait, Scholastic Australia Pty Ltd, ISBN 9781760260163

Mia received a review copy of this book.

The First Summer Of Callie McGee is a fantastic book written by A.L Tait.

In this book Callie and her family friends go on a traditional trip to Sawyers Point.

Callie’s character is a kind of nerdy goody-two-shoes. She is quiet, warm and kindhearted. Callie seems to be one of those girls though who wants to be a popular cool kid and thinks that she needs to have a cool name “CJ”. Callie’s real name is really Calliope-Jean!

Callie is constantly asking herself, what would CJ do? Callie finds herself in a variety of different situations where she must find her inner CJ.

Callie’s older friend Sasha is everything Callie dreams to be … she is cool, popular and pretty. When Sasha is told to go to the beach and watch all her cousins and the kids, instead she goes to hang out with a boy, Ned. Sasha puts Callie in charge but when one of the kids gets caught in a rip, Callie must once again think – what would CJ do?

Mitch’s parents and Callie’s parents are good friends, so Callie must deal with him and his cousin, Owen. The three of them find out there have been some robberies and a possible ghost sighting at Sawyers Point. Again, Callie had to find her inner CJ. Sasha goes missing one night and Callie, Mitch and Owen go out to find her.

Callie comes up against several situations where she must be brave or grown up and has to find her inner CJ. This book is definitely about the challenges of change and of growing up.

I recommend The First Summer of Callie McGee by A.L. Tait for ages 10+ because I think some of the concepts younger children wouldn’t understand.

I think this book is an amazing book that shows anyone can do or be anything.

The First Summer of Callie McGee is out now! Ask for it at your favourite bookstore or local library, or order online.

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

Posted in Book reviews by Gabriel, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Michelle Simmons, Quantum computing scientist

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
Michelle Simmons: Quantum Computing Scientist, story told by Nova Weetman

REVIEWED BY GABRIELLE, 13, NSW

Michelle Simmons: Quantum computing scientist, told by Nova Weetman, Wild Dingo Press, ISBN 9781925893496

Gabrielle received a review copy of this book.

Michelle Simmons: Quantum Computing Scientist is penned by Nova Weetman, recording the life of the Australian of the Year for 2019. It unfolds the remarkable journey of a young girl who develops into the unconquerable English chess champion and discovers her passion for quantum computing, eventually leading to a groundbreaking achievement—the construction of the first silicon based quantum computer. Alongside her triumphs, the narrative delves into the challenges faced by her brother, Gary, who struggles with Behçet’s syndrome, a rare and deadly blood disease.

When Michelle developed the idea of using silicon to manufacture millions of micro transistors to the atomic level, skeptics among the English scientific community dismissed it. Despite the prevailing belief that increasing the production of silicon wouldn’t yield significant benefits, Michelle found support for her vision in Australia. A multi-million-dollar project was started, demanding years of careful planning to ensure each component met the stringent standards, given that even the slightest imperfection could lead to failure. Ultimately, the first silicon quantum computer emerged—a machine capable of completing calculations in hours that would take a computer years.

I would rate this book 4.5 out of 5 for its touching narrative and the valuable moral lesson it imparts—that with dedication and persistence, the seemingly impossible can be achieved.

I recommend this book for readers aged 10 and above, especially those with an interest in robotics and science.

Take a sneak peek inside the book!

Gabriel is a regular book reviewer at Alphabet Soup. You can read more of his reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: My Strange Shrinking Parents

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's picture book: My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Sworder.

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 9, VIC

My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Sworder, Thames & Hudson Australia Pty Ltd, ISBN 9781760761233

Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book.

My Strange Shrinking Parents is a great book by Zeno Sworder. His book Is a fantastic read with an important moral at the end.

The moral of this book is the circle of love. This means that when you are younger your parents give to you by giving you good food, education, and their time. But when they grow older you give to them by giving them food, medical care, and time they need. My Strange Shrinking Parents do that. When they want their child to have something, but they don’t have enough money, they give height. An example is when the giving parents wanted their child to go to school but then they didn’t have enough money the principal said, ‘Three inches of height for each year of school’. Then there were uniforms, school books, and many more items, so again they gave away height. Once the young boy grew into a handsome man and had his children, he was responsible for looking after his parents. He used cedar branches to carve a wooden house with little furniture. His parents lived happily in there watching their son grow.

I think My Strange Shrinking Parents is a book for ages 6 to 10. It teaches you morals and important lessons. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars! It engages you through the perspective of the parents and the boy. The book makes a spectacular read.

Read some sample pages from the book.

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. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by Elizabeth, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Scout and the Rescue Dogs

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel: Scout and the Rescue Dogs. The cover illustration shows Scout (a girl with red hair) and six dogs of various breeds. In the background is a blue truck.

REVIEWED BY ELIZABETH, 11, NSW

Scout and the Rescue Dogs by Dianne Wolfer, illustrated by Tony Flowers, Walker Books Australia, ISBN 9781760655860

Elizabeth received a review copy of this book.

Driving in Big Rig – Bill’s truck – Scout, who is in Year 7, and her dad deliver food to the dog shelters in Australia. Scout always wanted to own a dog herself after her mum passed away because dogs always reminded her of her mother. Her father allowed her to choose a dog, but Scout does not know which breed to choose because every dog is special in its own way. But bushfire season has sprung, and Scout discovers there are dogs in the dog shelter that no one wants. What will Scout do now with all the dogs and bushfire season?

What I found interesting was that Scout was being loving and kind to the people that were being disrespectful and rude to her. Two girls from school were laughing and mocking her but still she wrote a loving and generous letter and she forgave them.

I rate this book by Dianne Wolfer 10/10 because it is based on what happens in the bushfire season in Australia. This book has changed my perspective on what bushfires are really like such as how hard it is to live in the bush. 

Read an interview with Dianne Wolfer, author of Scout and the Rescue Dogs.

Elizabeth is a regular reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by Gabriel, Book reviews by kids

Book Review: Countdown to Yesterday

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel: Countdown to Yesterday by Shirley Marr

REVIEWED BY GABRIEL, 13, NSW

Countdown to Yesterday by Shirley Marr, Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, ISBN 9781761340598

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

Countdown to Yesterday by Shirley Marr introduces James, a 10–11-year-old boy whose world unravels when his parents suddenly divorce. The narrative unfolds with the aftermath of this disruption, as James grapples with the emotional fallout and the breakdown of the life he once knew.

Through Shirley’s skilful writing, the story delves into the mind of a young soul. “Countdown to Yesterday” becomes a heartfelt exploration of the fragility of happiness and the intricate interplay between past and present. Shirley’s narrative invites readers to empathise with James’ struggle while prompting reflection. He meets someone who has a time machine. But the past isn’t always what it seems. Layers and years of secrets buried in the past are uncovered.

With its relatability and emotional depth, Countdown to Yesterday is 5 out of 5 stars, leaving readers with a memorable and contemplative experience. I would recommend this book for children ages 9+ and who enjoy true stories with a touch of sci-fi.

Gabriel is a regular book reviewer at Alphabet Soup. You can read more of his reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's book: Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 9, VIC

Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt by Sharon Giltrow, illustrated by Thu Vu, Clear Fork Press, ISBN 9781950169887

Aashi received a review copy of this book.

Samara Rubin and The Utility Belt is a heartwarming story about a girl named Samara Rubin who is obsessed with geckos and faces bullying and teasing from her classmate, Toby King. Samara always wishes she could be granted one wish, standing up to Toby King.

On her eleventh birthday, Samara is gifted with a peculiar utility belt. It has strange tools called for example ‘The Restorer’ and ‘Cryptographic Sequencer’. But it comes with a catch, You have seven days to use all tools. You must meet this deadline. Otherwise …

I rate Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt 5 out of 5. It was a great book full of suspense and mystery, keeping you on the edge of your seat. It has a clear protagonist, kind and loving Samara, whose story is beautifully written. It also features an antagonist, Toby King, who adds depth to the story.

Overall, Samara Rubin and The Utility Belt is a charming and inspiring book that is perfect for young readers. It is a must-read for ages 8–11. I highly recommend it.

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. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Gangsta Granny

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel: Gangsta Granny

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 9, VIC

Gangsta Granny by David Walliams, HarperCollins, ISBN 9780007371440

Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book.

Ben’s granny is your typical granny. She knits, loves Murray Mints, has fake teeth, loves Scrabble, has white hair, and is obsessed with cabbage. Ben reckons she’s the most boring person in the whole, wide world. Ben goes to Granny’s every Friday after school while his parents go and watch Strictly Stars Dancing live. Ben’s parents love ballroom dancing and say they discovered their love of ballroom dancing too late, so they got boring jobs at a nail salon and a security guard at a shopping mall. They want Ben to be a professional ballroom dancer, but Ben has other interests like becoming a plumber.

When Ben goes to Granny’s one day, he goes to get a chocolate biscuit but finds something thrilling instead. He is mind-blown by this discovery and is determined to find out more about this mystery. Ben is on the case!

This fabulous tale by David Walliams is a stupendous book and I rate it 5 out of 5. Walliams has made a thrilling tale that has so many twists and turns. It kept me on the edge of my seat! It’s a great book and I recommend it for 6–9-year-olds, it will surely be loved by them. Once again it was a stupendous book, and you should surely read it. I hope you read Gangsta Granny as your next novel.

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. Happy reading!