Category: Book reviews by kids

Posted in Book reviews by Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage

The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage by Charlie Archbold, Text Publishing, ISBN 9781922790996

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 10, VIC

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

The Sugarcane Kids face a crisis: animals are mysteriously disappearing all over town, including Gloria, a beloved pet. Although the kids have their suspicions, the adults refuse to listen. It’s time for the kids to take matters into their own hands and embark on an adventure to solve the mystery.

The Sugarcane Kids and The Empty Cage is not just a story about solving a mystery; it’s a narrative that encourages young readers to take action, work together, and approach challenges with a growth mindset. This heartwarming tale will leave readers with smiles and a sense of hope that echoes long after they turn the final page. It’s a must-read for any young adventurer at heart!

The book is perfect for kids between 7 and 10 years old. I hope you get a chance to read this great story.

Happy Reading!

Read our earlier interview with the author.

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 kids, Book reviews by Marley

Book review: The Vanishing

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's nonfiction novel: The Vanishing by Mark Greenwood.

The Vanishing by Mark Greenwood, Fremantle Press, ISBN 9781760993962

REVIEWED BY MARLEY, 9, PALMYRA PRIMARY SCHOOL, WA

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

The Vanishing is a non fiction mystery book about Frederick Valentich going missing in his aircraft. He was a very kind person and his life was going very well for him and he was persistent and dedicated to becoming a pilot. One evening Frederick was meant to fly over Bass Strait but he and his plane vanished after he said he saw a UFO. He described it over the radio in his eerie last transmission as being ‘not an aircraft’.

People have lots of different theories about him going missing. One of them is being abducted by aliens, but his partner, Rhonda, says that he told her he would never board a UFO without her. Another theory is that he crashed into the water, but none of his aircraft pieces were found. There was also a photographer who took a picture that night of the sunset, where Frederick was flying, and it looks like a UFO hovering over his aircraft. 

I really enjoyed this book as there was so much information and investigation, and the story itself was really interesting. The cover is also really inviting – if I had seen this cover at the library I would have chosen it. This is the first investigative book I have read and it was a great experience getting to learn about the case and that it actually happened.

I think this book should be for nine or ten years and up because some of the words are really big and hard to read. I think anyone interested in mysteries and cold cases and the paranormal would enjoy this book very much.

Read a few pages of The Vanishing.

This is Marley’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: Penny Draws a Class Trip

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
Penny Draws a Class Trip by Sara Shepard

Penny Draws a Class Trip by Sara Shepard, Text Publishing, ISBN 9781922790712

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 10, VIC

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

Sara Shepard has written a great story about Penny Lowry, a girl who loves drawing and writing. Penny is 11 years old and in 5th Grade. She was delighted to find out that her class is going to meet and work with a best-selling author, Billy J Plumberry.

Penny is thrilled that she will be spending the weekend in the big city. Penny is also nervous about the different things in the city like falling pianos or aggressive pigeons.

The thing that worries Penny most is being Violet’s buddy. This means she will have to spend the whole trip with Violet. Violet Vance is her ex-best friend.

The story is very funny and heartwarming. I loved how Sara wrote the story through Penny’s eyes and how the doodles connect with the words.

I would recommend this book for 7–12-year-olds. I think this would also be a good class novel. I hope you read 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 Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: The Journey

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's book: The Journey by James Norbury.

The Journey by James Norbury, Penguin Books Ltd., ISBN 9780241585382

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 10, VIC

Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book.

James Norbury has written a fantastic story about Big Panda and Tiny Dragon. These best friends are always there for each other and help each other every day by being themselves.

Tiny Dragon and Big Panda live in a temple that had seen better days but they did not care. They had a fun and adventurous time in the temple until one day, Tiny Dragon said that he felt incomplete.

Big Panda said that it was time to go on a journey to clear some weeds by the riverbank so flowers could grow once again. Together these friends embark on a magical journey teaching them important lessons. Nothing can stop true friendship.

The book was wonderful and heartwarming. I rate it five out of five stars for it taught me many lessons. I loved reading the book and thinking about the questions that the friends asked. It was a great tale.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to choose their journey. James Norbury made this book for all ages and all the stories apply to anyone and everyone.

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: Camp Crypt

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel: Camp Crypt

Twisted Trails: Camp Crypt by Fionna Cosgrove, published by Fionna Cosgrove, ISBN 9780645723342

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 10, VIC

Aashi received a review copy of this title.

You pull off a prank, only meant to teach a boy a lesson, when the boy almost dies. The next thing you know, you are on a bus to a camp for youths who have committed crimes. You have no idea why your parents sent you to this camp, but you know you were not supposed to break someone’s neck.

At this camp, you notice some weird things, like why does the bus driver have horns or the camp director shimmer and glow? You have many ways to escape, others where you die.

Camp Crypt has twelve possible endings. I kept on trying to find a possible ending where everyone lives happily ever after. Whether you read very little or a lot you will still find satisfaction. The book keeps you on your seat and is a thriller.

I would rate the book 5 out of 5 because I thought it was great whether you made it out alive or not.  It was a fun book and I would recommend 9-12-year-olds to read it. Fionna Cosgrove has once again created such a wonderful book about wishes and pranks, vampires and criminals, and most importantly friendship and loyalty.

Camp Crypt is out now! Order a copy direct from the author.

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 Anwen, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Leo and Ralph

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel: Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas

Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas, UQP, ISBN 9780702266218

REVIEWED BY ANWEN, 10, WA

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

Leo and Ralph is a wonderful book to read if you’re looking for a story about best buds doing whatever they can to be with each other. This book contains lots of plot twists so get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions and feeling like you’re part of the story fighting to stay with your best friend.

Leo is a little boy who is very interested in astronomy and has an alien friend named Ralph. I connected with Leo because I think it’s important to have someone who helps you when you’re feeling down. In this story, Leo and Ralph get separated and the writing really makes you feel their anguish.

I found the writing style easy to read and understand and it really helped me to create a detailed picture in my mind.

I think that this book is overall really good and suitable for all ages, but especially good for children who are just starting to read chapter books because the writing style is simple but there are some big words that provide a good challenge. I recommend this story if you are looking for a drama-filled, relatable read about the struggles of long-distance relationship.

Take a peek inside Leo and Ralph at the publisher’s website.

Anwen is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her reviews here. If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by Elizabeth, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Into the Blue

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel showing two children swimming wearing snorkels

Into the Blue by Cristy Burne, Fremantle Press, ISBN 9781760993870

REVIEWED BY ELIZABETH, 11, NSW

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

For his school holiday, Blair went snorkelling at the beach with his cousin. Blair walked into the ocean slowly as he spat into his snorkelling mask. He and his  cousin, Drew, slowly explored the area around them, but as he was snorkelling just above a shipwreck, he noticed something precious he had  in his hand was missing. Frantically he looked around, carefully pushing the sand away from the ocean floor to find this precious thing. Will he find it, or will he never see it again?

Into the Blue by Cristy Burne is an amazing book because this shows the authentic character of  Blair and what really happens when he owned up and admitted that he lost something that was not his. I like this book a lot because it shows that you should not keep a secret when you have done something wrong.

I rate this book a nine out of ten because there was a moral to the story and I appreciated how Blair tried to resolve the problem. This is an inspiring book  that 7–10 year olds should read.

Into the Blue 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 Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Real Friends

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham, Roaring Brook Press, ISBN 9781626727854

Aashi reviewed her own copy of this graphic novel memoir.

REVIEWED BY AASHI, AGE 10, VIC

Meet Shannon, a girl who has four siblings and lives in a squishy, noisy house. She wants her best friend, Adrienne, all to herself. She has a challenging middle school, trying to fit in. Shannon has problems with finding people to play with, every day.

Jen, the leader of Shannon’s unstable friendship group, always has lining where she orders her favourites to her least favourites. Everybody in the friendship group must always listen to Jen, or else. One day, Shannon had enough! She was ready to make a revolution, but would it work?

Shannon enjoys playing imaginary games, with herself or others. Everyone loves the games except for Jennifer, Jen’s best friend. Jennifer has never liked Shannon, and never will. Jennifer gossips and is mean to Shannon for no reason, could things get worse?

Real Friends is an inspiring book showing love and loyalty. This is a great book, showing how Shannon keeps hope, even when things get tough.  I would recommend Real Friends for young readers who enjoy friendship and drama.

Take a sneak peek inside 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 Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Remarkably Ruby

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
Remarkably Ruby by Terri Libenson

Remarkably Ruby by Terri Libenson, HarperCollins US, ISBN 9780063139183

Aashi reviewed her own copy of this graphic novel.

REVIEWED BY AASHI, AGE 10, VIC

Remarkably Ruby is a book about Ruby and Mia, two girls who used to be friends.

Ruby is a kind and shy girl who loves poetry. Ruby has irritable bowel syndrome, which means she must go to the bathroom at random times! It is hard for her to make friends as people tease her for rushing to the bathroom. She wants friends and to show people who she is.

Mia is a girl who is popular and outgoing. She is even running for school president. She is nice, sporty, smart and a perfect candidate for school president. She soon starts to notice how her friends are leaving her out and doing after-school activities without her.

Do Ruby and Mia need each other? Are they destined to be friends forever?

The book is very nice and inspiring. It shows true teamwork and kindness, even after fights and disputes. I would recommend the book to anyone who loves friendship and inspiring stories. The age group is 8-14 as it is a fantastic read.

Ask for Remarkably Ruby at your favourite bookshop or local library.

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: A Pinch of Magic

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison

A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison, Simon and Schuster, ISBN 9781471124297

Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book.

REVIEWED BY AASHI, AGE 10, VIC

Meet the Winddershin sisters, Betty, Fliss and Charlie, girls who have a taste for adventure. Betty is an adventurist and wants to explore the world. Fliss is very pretty but has a mind of her own. Charlie is always hungry and loves animals.

These girls have never been outside their home island, Crowstone. Most people who live in Crowstone are descendants of people locked up in prison or families who want to move closer to the prison.

Betty, whose birthday is on Halloween, decides to leave Crowstone and go to a nearby island to see a fair on Halloween night. She takes Charlie with her but soon discovers a curse haunting Winddershin females for years.

A Pinch of Magic is a very interesting story full of forgiveness, trust and loyalty. The book kept you on the edge of your seat as the girls went through life-or-death situations. I recommend it for 9-12-year-olds as it is a fantastic read. The author, Michelle Harrison, did a great job in keeping the readers entertained and suspenseful. It is a truly inspiring book for young people.

I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars as it is a great book for anyone who loves adventure.

Ask for A Pinch of Magic at your favourite bookshop or local library.

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!