Alba Arango's Blog
March 8, 2022
My review of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
7th grader Tristan Strong is struggling with the recent death of his best friend Eddie, yet he can’t get himself to open Eddie’s journal, the only thing he has from his late friend. But after he arrives at his grandparents’ Alabama farm, strange things begin to happen. Eddie’s journal is stolen by a doll (yes, a doll), so Tristan chases the strange creature and ends up in a strange world, one in which the inhabitants are the characters from stories his Nana used to tell him. Except, this wasn’t a story. This was real. And so were the characters. And right now, they were in the middle of a war.
What I liked: loved reading and learning about African mythology and southern black folklore. Tristan was a great protagonist, wanting to be a hero, but struggling with fear. I also loved the underlying themes spread throughout, including dealing with grief, feelings of not living up to parents expectations, etc.
What I didn’t like: the book was way too long. There were many scenes that I thought could’ve been shorter, and that made reading the book drag on sometimes, but the story itself was definitely interesting enough to keep me going.
Definitely worth a read.
4 out of 5 stars
What I liked: loved reading and learning about African mythology and southern black folklore. Tristan was a great protagonist, wanting to be a hero, but struggling with fear. I also loved the underlying themes spread throughout, including dealing with grief, feelings of not living up to parents expectations, etc.
What I didn’t like: the book was way too long. There were many scenes that I thought could’ve been shorter, and that made reading the book drag on sometimes, but the story itself was definitely interesting enough to keep me going.
Definitely worth a read.
4 out of 5 stars
February 3, 2022
My review of Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
When 13-year-old-Min discovers that her brother has gone AWOL from the Space Forces, she runs away from home to find him and clear his name. Using fox-magic (something her mom has always disapproved of), she shape-shifts and uses Charm, and finally ends up aboard her brother’s battle cruiser under the ruse of a “boy” named Jang. But as she (as Jang) gets closer to discovering the truth about what happened to her brother, she uncovers a web of secrets that puts her life, and the lives of her new friends, in danger.
What I liked: loved learning about Korean folklore (something I know very little about). The author weaves it effortlessly throughout the story. I also liked the diversity of characters, and the plot was very interesting. (Combining a space opera with Korean Folklore is super cool!)
What I didn’t like: for much of the book, the main character over uses her Charm gift… to the point that I began to wonder if she could actually use her brain to get out of difficult situations. The middle of the book is pretty slow, and bogged down with little scenes that don’t really add to the story.
All-in-all, a fairly good book.
3.5 out of 5 stars
What I liked: loved learning about Korean folklore (something I know very little about). The author weaves it effortlessly throughout the story. I also liked the diversity of characters, and the plot was very interesting. (Combining a space opera with Korean Folklore is super cool!)
What I didn’t like: for much of the book, the main character over uses her Charm gift… to the point that I began to wonder if she could actually use her brain to get out of difficult situations. The middle of the book is pretty slow, and bogged down with little scenes that don’t really add to the story.
All-in-all, a fairly good book.
3.5 out of 5 stars
January 3, 2022
My review of The Unicorn Rescue Society: the Basque Dragon by Adam Gidwitz and Jesse Casey
Elliot and Uchenna were recruited yesterday by their professor to join a super-secret society, one that keeps the creatures of myth and legends safe. Now today, one of those creatures is in danger.
When the two kids learn that a dragon—yes, a real dragon—has been kidnapped from the mountains of the Basque Country, they realize it’s up to them, and their goofy professor, to track down the missing creature, and find out who is responsible.
What I liked: fun adventure! I loved learning tidbits about the Basque people and culture. Great characters, including the villains, and nothing too scary, so appropriate for kids 7-10.
What I didn’t like: the beginning was a little too slow (I almost stopped after the first 20 pages). It definitely picks up later, but it took a bit to get to the adventure. But once it did, it was fun.
All-in-all, a cute read.
4 out of 5 stars
When the two kids learn that a dragon—yes, a real dragon—has been kidnapped from the mountains of the Basque Country, they realize it’s up to them, and their goofy professor, to track down the missing creature, and find out who is responsible.
What I liked: fun adventure! I loved learning tidbits about the Basque people and culture. Great characters, including the villains, and nothing too scary, so appropriate for kids 7-10.
What I didn’t like: the beginning was a little too slow (I almost stopped after the first 20 pages). It definitely picks up later, but it took a bit to get to the adventure. But once it did, it was fun.
All-in-all, a cute read.
4 out of 5 stars
December 5, 2021
My Review of Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan
If you love Jules Verne, you’ll love this book. I like Jules Verne, and I liked this book.
Ana Dakkar is a freshman at the Harding-Pencroft Academy. While she and her classmates are en route to their freshman trials, they witness a horrifying event, one brought about by their school’s rival, the Land Institute. Ana will learn that the rivalry goes much deeper than a simple competition, and that her ancestry is a huge part of it. Now Ana and her mates are competing in the greatest race of their lives to save the world, and she will discover the true leader inside of her she never knew she had.
What I liked: great cast of characters. Interesting plot, very reminiscent of 20000 Leagues Under the Sea. I love that Ana’s character shows tremendous growth, and I appreciate the dynamic of the relationships, both with new friends and old ones. It was a fun read.
What I didn’t like: honestly, it was my least favorite of the Riordan books. It lacked the quirkiness of the mythological gods that all the others have that make them so great. It also took me a while to connect with Ana, and though I did eventually, I never fully connected with her, like I have with other protagonists in his books. I know it isn’t fair to compare, but it’s hard not to when I have loved all his others books so much.
However, despite it not being my favorite, it was still a good book, and a must read if you are a Jules Verne fan.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Ana Dakkar is a freshman at the Harding-Pencroft Academy. While she and her classmates are en route to their freshman trials, they witness a horrifying event, one brought about by their school’s rival, the Land Institute. Ana will learn that the rivalry goes much deeper than a simple competition, and that her ancestry is a huge part of it. Now Ana and her mates are competing in the greatest race of their lives to save the world, and she will discover the true leader inside of her she never knew she had.
What I liked: great cast of characters. Interesting plot, very reminiscent of 20000 Leagues Under the Sea. I love that Ana’s character shows tremendous growth, and I appreciate the dynamic of the relationships, both with new friends and old ones. It was a fun read.
What I didn’t like: honestly, it was my least favorite of the Riordan books. It lacked the quirkiness of the mythological gods that all the others have that make them so great. It also took me a while to connect with Ana, and though I did eventually, I never fully connected with her, like I have with other protagonists in his books. I know it isn’t fair to compare, but it’s hard not to when I have loved all his others books so much.
However, despite it not being my favorite, it was still a good book, and a must read if you are a Jules Verne fan.
3.5 out of 5 stars
October 6, 2021
My review of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
I would definitely put this at lower middle grade, 8-9 year olds.
When Dwight (the weird kid) makes an origami Yoda that somehow seems to predict the future and give advice, sixth-grade Tommy wants to know if Origami Yoda is for real. So, he begins an investigation. He asks everyone who’s been “helped” by this Yoda to tell him their story, which he writes down into a collection, and then he, and his cynical pal, Harvey, comment on each story. What Tommy really wants to know is… can he believe Origami Yoda’s advice to him? Should he ask Sara to dance?
What I liked: super cute story idea. Each chapter is a different kid telling their story, and you get to know the main characters through each story. The drawings are cute and not too many, so they don’t detract. The theme of friendship and acceptance is a plus. I also loved that there were directions for how to make my own origami Yoda at the end.
What I didn’t like: the ending was incredibly rushed. There were many characters that we were introduced to through the stories, and then everything just gets resolved in like 6 pages at the end.
Still, pretty cute read.
4 out of 5 stars
When Dwight (the weird kid) makes an origami Yoda that somehow seems to predict the future and give advice, sixth-grade Tommy wants to know if Origami Yoda is for real. So, he begins an investigation. He asks everyone who’s been “helped” by this Yoda to tell him their story, which he writes down into a collection, and then he, and his cynical pal, Harvey, comment on each story. What Tommy really wants to know is… can he believe Origami Yoda’s advice to him? Should he ask Sara to dance?
What I liked: super cute story idea. Each chapter is a different kid telling their story, and you get to know the main characters through each story. The drawings are cute and not too many, so they don’t detract. The theme of friendship and acceptance is a plus. I also loved that there were directions for how to make my own origami Yoda at the end.
What I didn’t like: the ending was incredibly rushed. There were many characters that we were introduced to through the stories, and then everything just gets resolved in like 6 pages at the end.
Still, pretty cute read.
4 out of 5 stars
September 6, 2021
My review of Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia
12-year-old Paola, or Pao as her friends call her, is a scientist. She relies on facts and science to explain the universe, and has no time (or patience for that matter) for her mom’s ridiculous superstitions. But when her best friend disappears, and a strange magical mist appears filled with not-so-human creatures, Pao finds herself confronting the monsters of her nightmares, and the reality that all her mom’s superstitious nonsense is real. She must race against time to save her friend from an evil even her mom’s stories couldn’t have prepared her for.
What I liked: entertaining story! The plot kept my attention, and the glimpse into Mexican folklore was fun and educational. The protagonist was great—a real spit-fire with a temper! The other characters were unique and total assets to the story.
What I didn’t like: The beginning was a little slow, and I found myself waiting for something more exciting to happen. There were also a few scenes in the middle that felt just too long. But, I’m glad I held in there, because it was definitely worth the read.
4 out of 5 stars
What I liked: entertaining story! The plot kept my attention, and the glimpse into Mexican folklore was fun and educational. The protagonist was great—a real spit-fire with a temper! The other characters were unique and total assets to the story.
What I didn’t like: The beginning was a little slow, and I found myself waiting for something more exciting to happen. There were also a few scenes in the middle that felt just too long. But, I’m glad I held in there, because it was definitely worth the read.
4 out of 5 stars
August 9, 2021
My review of Abigail's Curse by J.B. Cantwell
12-year-old Zander has a unique secret—he’s a parallel, a ghost-seer. The amulet he carries around his neck gives him the ability to obliterate the nasties (bad ghosts). But his whole world is thrown into chaos when Abigail arrives for her first day of school, bringing a trail of nasties with her. At first, Abigail defends the nasties, but when she accidently opens a gateway to a dark, sinister world, the two must work together to save the Earth.
What I liked: the two main characters are fun, and the tension between them, which develops into friendship, is nice. The plotline is easy to follow.
What I didn’t like: the story itself has potential, but falls very flat. There is no real climax, and the big “threat,” which isn’t even introduced until well past the half-way mark of the book, just kind of ends abruptly. Aside from the two main characters, the others are all very one-dimensional.
It was a decent enough read, one that may be better for younger middle grade (8-9 years old) that can handle some scary scenes.
3 out of 5 stars
What I liked: the two main characters are fun, and the tension between them, which develops into friendship, is nice. The plotline is easy to follow.
What I didn’t like: the story itself has potential, but falls very flat. There is no real climax, and the big “threat,” which isn’t even introduced until well past the half-way mark of the book, just kind of ends abruptly. Aside from the two main characters, the others are all very one-dimensional.
It was a decent enough read, one that may be better for younger middle grade (8-9 years old) that can handle some scary scenes.
3 out of 5 stars
July 2, 2021
My review of (Disney's) Fairest of All by Serena Valentino
I remember seeing this book at Disneyland when it first came out twelve years ago and thinking how clever the idea was. Now that I have actually read it, I have to say, it was as clever as I hoped it would be.
Fairest of All tells the story of how the Queen goes from being the meek, full of self-doubt daughter of a village mirror maker, to the evil, ultra-vain Queen of the land.
What I liked: pretty much everything. I loved the weaving of the Disney animated movie into the story, right down to the dialogue. The Queen’s character is well-developed, and the reader feels empathy toward the Queen as the tale unfolds, which makes for a wonderful villain.
What I didn’t like: not much. There was a bit of repetition as the Queen descends into evil, but it wasn’t enough to distract from the story.
A great read! I would recommend watching the original Snow White animated movie first before reading this book.
5 out of 5 stars
Fairest of All tells the story of how the Queen goes from being the meek, full of self-doubt daughter of a village mirror maker, to the evil, ultra-vain Queen of the land.
What I liked: pretty much everything. I loved the weaving of the Disney animated movie into the story, right down to the dialogue. The Queen’s character is well-developed, and the reader feels empathy toward the Queen as the tale unfolds, which makes for a wonderful villain.
What I didn’t like: not much. There was a bit of repetition as the Queen descends into evil, but it wasn’t enough to distract from the story.
A great read! I would recommend watching the original Snow White animated movie first before reading this book.
5 out of 5 stars
June 4, 2021
My review of Cora Flash and the Diamond of Madagascar by Tommy Davey
I would definitely consider this lower middle grade, for 8-9 year old kids. Maybe a good transition from chapter books.
11-year-old Cora Flash is taking her first solo train trip up to Topaz Mountain. On the way, she meets and befriends a small group of travelers. All is well until a valuable diamond is stolen, and the culprit must be one of the group. As the investigating detective begins his interrogations, Cora realizes the man may be on the wrong track, and it may be up to her to find the thief and the diamond before it’s too late.
What I liked: cute mystery, with a Murder on the Orient Express motif (minus the murder). It’s a fast read with identifiable characters. I lik
What I didn’t like: the beginning is slow, not much really happens, and the mystery itself doesn’t begin until the end of chapter 4. But what bothers me the most is the way Cora talks—she speaks like an adult. No 11-year-old that I know says things like “I made a mental note of this trivial detail” or “I woke up in the morning feeling refreshed” or “my hunch was incorrect.” Her speech throws her character off, like she should be quite a bit older, but her actions are definitely those of an 11-year-old.
3.5 out of 5 stars
11-year-old Cora Flash is taking her first solo train trip up to Topaz Mountain. On the way, she meets and befriends a small group of travelers. All is well until a valuable diamond is stolen, and the culprit must be one of the group. As the investigating detective begins his interrogations, Cora realizes the man may be on the wrong track, and it may be up to her to find the thief and the diamond before it’s too late.
What I liked: cute mystery, with a Murder on the Orient Express motif (minus the murder). It’s a fast read with identifiable characters. I lik
What I didn’t like: the beginning is slow, not much really happens, and the mystery itself doesn’t begin until the end of chapter 4. But what bothers me the most is the way Cora talks—she speaks like an adult. No 11-year-old that I know says things like “I made a mental note of this trivial detail” or “I woke up in the morning feeling refreshed” or “my hunch was incorrect.” Her speech throws her character off, like she should be quite a bit older, but her actions are definitely those of an 11-year-old.
3.5 out of 5 stars
May 4, 2021
May Review: The Magical Reality of Nadia
Great story about friendship, prejudice, and empathy.
Nadia can’t wait for the first day of sixth grade. Not only is she excited to learn more facts (she is, after all, a member of the “Nerd Patrol”), but she had also spent the summer getting a fashion upgrade with her cousins back in her homeland of Egypt. But the first day of school brings two very unexpected surprises: 1) a new kid named Jason shows up, and makes some subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) prejudiced remarks about her culture; and 2) her Egyptian amulet begins to glow, revealing a very magical secret—an ancient Egyptian teacher, trapped inside.
What I liked: great story about the complexities of friendship, the realities of prejudice/racism, and the triumph of empathy. The characters are believable (including the bully) and each learn valuable lessons as the story unfolds. The relationships between the characters are not perfect, they are flawed and realistic which I love. I also loved all the random facts Nadia mentioned throughout the book.
What I didn’t like: honestly, the element of magic felt a little forced in the story. I felt like the author wanted the Egyptian teacher to be like the genie in Aladdin, but he came across as unnecessary to the story, and even detracted a little from it. I would’ve preferred his character to be a real person. I also did not like the Prologue—it could’ve easily been woven into the story itself—as I would’ve preferred Nadia to be the first character I met.
Still, the premise was great, and the story of standing up to bullies and prejudice, and showing empathy, is definitely worth the read.
4 out of 5 stars
Nadia can’t wait for the first day of sixth grade. Not only is she excited to learn more facts (she is, after all, a member of the “Nerd Patrol”), but she had also spent the summer getting a fashion upgrade with her cousins back in her homeland of Egypt. But the first day of school brings two very unexpected surprises: 1) a new kid named Jason shows up, and makes some subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) prejudiced remarks about her culture; and 2) her Egyptian amulet begins to glow, revealing a very magical secret—an ancient Egyptian teacher, trapped inside.
What I liked: great story about the complexities of friendship, the realities of prejudice/racism, and the triumph of empathy. The characters are believable (including the bully) and each learn valuable lessons as the story unfolds. The relationships between the characters are not perfect, they are flawed and realistic which I love. I also loved all the random facts Nadia mentioned throughout the book.
What I didn’t like: honestly, the element of magic felt a little forced in the story. I felt like the author wanted the Egyptian teacher to be like the genie in Aladdin, but he came across as unnecessary to the story, and even detracted a little from it. I would’ve preferred his character to be a real person. I also did not like the Prologue—it could’ve easily been woven into the story itself—as I would’ve preferred Nadia to be the first character I met.
Still, the premise was great, and the story of standing up to bullies and prejudice, and showing empathy, is definitely worth the read.
4 out of 5 stars
