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kenzee06's review against another edition
2.0
*I won this book in a GoodReads Giveaway*
So I entered this giveaway in hopes of winning it for my niece (she's 8), and though Amazon says this is for 8-12 year old kids, I would say it's not for a child older than 9. It's cute - mostly - but it has some issues. There's some pretty big plot holes - and yes, even a child would recognize them. The primary one is of course the fact that they fly to Europe after school from New Jersey, and still arrive home by 5:30 PM. There is no explanation of how this happens and I'm sorry but the teacher would not be able to park his plane in the school parking lot. Now my big problem with this is the author literally has the kids point out this won't work...but then never explains! If you're not even going to attempt an explanation (a simple "it's magic" would work for kids), don't bring up the plot hole. Just because someone is young, doesn't make them stupid. My other big issue is that neither of our main characters trust the adult "Professor" who takes them on these adventures. They describe him as scary, and at one point, think he is going to kill them. But they still go with him. There's something really cringey about that to me and honestly, a bit concerning, that the author would promote running off with a strange adult you don't trust. It may just be a story - but that's not really a great message.
Overall, I wasn't thrilled. I did like the two main kids - Uchenna was brave and spunky and Elliot had a great sense of humor, and I also liked the concept. I just wish the execution was a bit better. I'll give it to my niece and see what she thinks.
Also, because it was an ARC, the art work was all missing - completely fair - and while I didn't take away any points for it not being there, I will say if it was good that might've increased the rating.
So I entered this giveaway in hopes of winning it for my niece (she's 8), and though Amazon says this is for 8-12 year old kids, I would say it's not for a child older than 9. It's cute - mostly - but it has some issues. There's some pretty big plot holes - and yes, even a child would recognize them. The primary one is of course the fact that they fly to Europe after school from New Jersey, and still arrive home by 5:30 PM. There is no explanation of how this happens and I'm sorry but the teacher would not be able to park his plane in the school parking lot. Now my big problem with this is the author literally has the kids point out this won't work...but then never explains! If you're not even going to attempt an explanation (a simple "it's magic" would work for kids), don't bring up the plot hole. Just because someone is young, doesn't make them stupid. My other big issue is that neither of our main characters trust the adult "Professor" who takes them on these adventures. They describe him as scary, and at one point, think he is going to kill them. But they still go with him. There's something really cringey about that to me and honestly, a bit concerning, that the author would promote running off with a strange adult you don't trust. It may just be a story - but that's not really a great message.
Overall, I wasn't thrilled. I did like the two main kids - Uchenna was brave and spunky and Elliot had a great sense of humor, and I also liked the concept. I just wish the execution was a bit better. I'll give it to my niece and see what she thinks.
Also, because it was an ARC, the art work was all missing - completely fair - and while I didn't take away any points for it not being there, I will say if it was good that might've increased the rating.
alyshadeshae's review against another edition
5.0
I love it! The moral lessons in the story are delightful. But I really love the tidbits it other languages and the included pronunciations and meanings of these bits.
angaramiel's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Another good middle grade book. I like that this one provided pronunciations for all of the words throughout. Also, I like the educational aspect of these books. Pretty good, fun, adventure story for kids. Slightly different in writing style than the first book, a bit more fantastical, a bit fewer ongoing jokes. But good, and with more background being shared, too.
jwinchell's review against another edition
5.0
Orry gives this book 5 stars! He liked the good surprises and the dragons. As Nic Stone would say, here we have a Black girl just living her life, chasing magical creatures. I like the short chapters.
mrprim's review against another edition
5.0
Got to teach my kid about linguistic suppression as a tool of cultural genocide.
ekimball's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
booksandpops4000's review against another edition
4.0
* I got this book for review of the publisher for my honest thoughts*
I thought this was a great follow up to the first book in this series. I loved the adventure in this story and also how the storyline expanded the world. I just found this to a fast pace adventure story and think younger readers will fly throughout. I think the many illustrations will also increase the joy for this series. I really loved the dynamic between the professor and the kids in this novel. I really want to keep on reading this series. It was a def a super fun adventure series with some history tossed in!
I thought this was a great follow up to the first book in this series. I loved the adventure in this story and also how the storyline expanded the world. I just found this to a fast pace adventure story and think younger readers will fly throughout. I think the many illustrations will also increase the joy for this series. I really loved the dynamic between the professor and the kids in this novel. I really want to keep on reading this series. It was a def a super fun adventure series with some history tossed in!
the_fabric_of_words's review against another edition
5.0
This book features a nutty professor-type who meets and finally is forced to acknowledge he trained his arch nemesis.
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
sean67's review against another edition
3.0
Second book in this series, and my review of book #1 pretty much applies to book #2 - average fare, pretty forgettable with I am sure a group of people who will be fans of it, whilst others will move on to other things.
jessalynn_librarian's review against another edition
4.0
More exciting than the first, Ben is really enjoying the series.