July Reviews

Timmy the Ticked-Off Pony and the Poo of Excitement
​by Magda Szubanski 

Reviewed by Noah O'B. SCPS 

I think that this book is a great fiction story for people from ages 7-12.  
It's about a pony that was one of the most famous ponies in the world, until he poos everywhere and then nobody likes him, so he tries to find his passion to be famous again. 
I rate this book a 10/10. 

13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths 

Reviewed by Leo V. P. SCPS 

This book was very interesting to read. Because it wasn't too hard, and the word had good vocab really funny. I really think the adventures they got up to cool adventures think you should read this book because if you have no book to read this is a good one. 

65-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths 

Reviewed by Mitch K. SCPS 
​
This book is very interesting to read because the book was not too hard to read. It was interesting because it had a very nice tree house and they got up to some really cool adventures.  

Sapphire Battersea by Jacqueline Wilson 

Reviewed by Indy M. CLPS 

Sapphire Battersea is the next book in the Hetty Feather series. This is a tale of hardship and connection set in London during the early 1900's. This book would be suitable for tweens and teens, and it scores a 10 out of 10 in my book. 

Smile by Raina Telgemeier 

Reviewed by Rubygrace C. CLPS 

Raina and her friends think it would be a good idea to race to the front door of Raina's house after Scouts. While racing, Raina falls down and her two front teeth get broken, one falls out and the other gets pushed into her gums. Raina then goes through a lot of dental appointments to see if she can get her teeth back to normal. 

From Nerd to Ninja (Ninja Kid #1) by Ahn Do 

Reviewed by Nate C. SCPS 
 
This is an adventure action book is written by the one and only Ahn Do. 
On the first page of the book, we meet our main character Nelson aka Nerdy Nelson. 
Nelson wakes up to eat his special birthday boy breakfast only to see his greatest fear, A SPIDER, he quickly jumped out of his bed petrified and to his surprise, he does a double front flip? 
Nelson went out to the main living room to see a massive chocolate cake with a humongous wrapped present!  
But little did he know he would hear life-changing news! 

Emerald Star by Jacqueline Wilson 

Reviewed by Indy M. CLPS 
​
Emerald Star is the 2013 sequel to Sapphire Battersea. This story leads on from the last and involves Hetty's search for her mama in the tiny fishing town her mother grew up in. Although facing much hardship and cruelty, Hetty goes on and inspires many during her endeavours. 
This book truly brings the characters to life and is well worth your time and effort.  
A 10 out of 10 from me! 

Fullmetal Alchemist 3 in 1 Vol 1.
by Hiromu Arakawa 

Reviewed by Parker CLPS 

Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric are state alchemists. They have just been in a battle with a mysterious man called Scar who wants to eliminate all state alchemists. Unfortunately Scar broke Edwards’s robot arm and almost killed Alphonse. They had to visit Edwards’s mechanic to get his robot’s arm repaired.  
I rate this book 10/10 and recommend it for ages 10+. 

Hatchet​ by Gary Paulson

Reviewed by Isla C. SCPS

Hatchet is all about a boy called Brian, who travels to see his father for the first time since the divorce between his mum and dad. His plane crashed in a lake on the way and then for four months he had to fend for himself only surviving on lake water and berries.
I really enjoyed reading the suspense and excitement in this book and I think lots of children about 9,10 and 11 years old would too.
I rate this book a 8/10 because it kind of kept on repeating what it said and it kept going on and on about the same thing.

​My Sister Jodi by Jacquline Wilson

Reviewed by Indy M. CLPS
​
My Sister Jodi, by Jaqueline Wilson, is one of Jaqueline's best books in my opinion. This book tells the story of sisterhood and its importance. This book would definitely benefit older readers and would score a 10 out of 10.

​Once by Morris Gleitzman

Reviewed by Abi CLPS

Once is about this boy called Felix in World War 2 and he is starting to find his mum and dad. Felix doesn't know of the war going on, and has to work with what he's got.
Morris Gleitzman is an amazing author and as Once is the first of the Felix's story I know that rest will be great!
I recommend this book for ages 7 to 13 and give it 10/10. I love it!

Reviewed by Hannah CLPS

The main character is Felix. The book was about World War 2 and the Nazis were taking the Jews to the town. There were two other characters called Zelda and Barney they hid so the Nazis couldn't get them and take them to the city or the concentration camp.

Reviewed by Chev P. CLPS

This book is about the World War 2. I read this as a class novel.
I recommend it for ages 11 and up. 

​The Odd 1s Out: How to Be Cool and Other Things I Definitely Learned from Growing Up
by James Rallison

Reviewed by Lily K. SCPS

This comedy book is all about a boy called James and his hilarious and generally relatable life and childhood. The Odd 1s Out book also has a lesson each learned at the very end of a chapter. Sometimes it's kind of silly and he's just being honest and sometimes it is an actual lesson he has learned throughout his life. The author's books are also based on his YouTube channel which I have recently heard of from my friends. Has James done something crazy and dumb enough to stay with him his entire life?
​C’mon, read the book and find out about all of those crazy stories James has been through.

After by Morris Gleitzman

Reviewed by Indy CLPS

After is part of the Once Then Now series. I have recently finished this book. I enjoyed reading it thoroughly. It is a deeply saddening story but I couldn't seem to get enough of it. It is set in World War Two and written by Morris Gleitzman.
I recommend it for much older readers with knowledge of these things. Despite some of its faults, I  rate this book a 10/10!

Charlie and the Karaoke Cockroaches
​by Alan Brough

Reviewed by Lachlan BGS

This incredible book by Alan Brough is a great read. Alan Brough is an Australian comedian and author, and this book is a great read. Join Charlie and his friend Hils as they try to find a way to save some very rare insects - the karaoke cockroaches!
This book is incredibly funny and enjoyable as it is overflowing with comedy. You will be flooded with emotions like joy, worry, sadness, and definitely amusement!
I would rate this book a 8.5/10 because it is so funny and enjoyable to read. However, some might think that the amount of comedy in the book turns it in to a joke.
​I would say this book is good for the ages 9-13, as it isn't a really heavy read and is very enjoyable. I recommend this book for people looking for a comedy sci-fi read. this book was very enjoyable to read and I would read it again. Thanks for reading my book review!

​Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

Reviewed by Chev P. CLPS 

I read this book as a class novel last year and it is one of my favourite books. 

Hetty Feather by Jaqueline Wilson 

Reviewed by Indy M. CLPS 

Hetty Feather is a book set in the late 1800's and the early 1900's about a willful girl put in a foundling hospital who's had a tough run in life. I recommend this book for older readers and rate it a 9/10. 

Out by Angela May George 

Reviewed by Zachary SCPS 

Out is about a refugee camp where these people come from Sri Lanka and the girl had no dad and that’s all I read. 

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

Reviewed by Rubygrace C. CLPS 

Cat, Maya and their parents move to North California leaving all their friends behind. Everyone in the town seems to believe in ghosts.  
I recommend this book for ages 7 and up. 

​Harry Potter Order of The Phoenix
​by J. K. Rowling 

Reviewed by Isabella McM. SCPS 

On the 1st of September, Harry Potter boarded the train from platform 9¾ yet again to embark on the journey of his fifth year at Hogwarts. This is the fifth book of series of seven written by J.K Rowling. This is an intriguing series admired by children and adults alike. In this book Harry is faced with the trouble of the Dark Lord penetrating his mind, and almost suffering an expulsion. After the ministry started to interfere with Hogwarts, things were about to change. Read to find out what happens next. 
  

​Maybe by Morris Gleitzman 

Reviewed by Indy  M. CLPS 

Chapter 1 to 5 are some of my favourite readings for this year. Maybe, by Morris Gleitzman, is part of my favourite series and I plan on reading the whole series. These books are set in World War Two and are both sad and gives a new view on life.  
This book is definitely for older readers.  
I rate it 9/10. If you’re up to it, reading this book is a great idea. 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
​by J. K. Rowling 

Reviewed by Riley C. CLPS  

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a book about this guy, Sirius Black escaping Azkaban. I really liked this book and I give it 10/10.  
I recommend this book for people who like the Harry Potter movies and have read the first 2 books. 

​Cop and Robber by Tristan Bancks 

Reviewed by Peyton CLPS 

This book is about a Nash, whose dad was a robber.
​I rate this book a 4/10 and recommend this book for readers aged 13+. 

Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow
by Siobhan Curham  

Reviewed by Chev P. CLPS 

Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow is a chapter book. To be honest, I really enjoyed it.  
I recommend this book for ages 11 and up. 

​Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Reviewed by Samuel CLPS

Sometime during war time in Copenhagen a 10 year old girl, named Annemarie, is frightened of the cold and scary soldiers that have taken over the city.

Reviewed by Dexter N. CLPS
Chapter 10.
Number the Stars is an interesting book that tells the story of a Jewish girl and her friend during World War II. In this particular chapter, Annemarie's Great-Aunt Birte dies and the Nazis come to investigate why so many people have entered the house. They want to open the casket, but Mama tells the Nazis that Great-Aunt Birte had died of typhus and that she may still be contagious.
I rate this book 7/10 and recommend it for ages 10+.

Reviewed by Hannah CLPS
I think this is a really great book and my dad likes it too.
​The characters are: Annmarie, Ellen, Kirste, Johansen and Peter.  I really think it's entertaining.  Lois Lowry did a great job on this book. I give this a 10/10.

Reviewed by Chev CLPS
I am currently almost finished this book with the class. Annemarie and her best friend Ellen have to leave Copenhagen to go stay with Annemarie’s uncle, her mums brother. Ellen is Jewish so they have to be careful of the Nazi soldiers.

The Big Book of Bart Simpson by Matt Groening

Reviewed by Manning SCPS

This book is just, how do I put it, a MASTERPIECE.
The pacing in each thrilling story kept me just wanting more, It's a comic book with an abundance of funny, suspenseful, and witty stories of the legend Bart Simpson. This book is so good because it's good for all ages alike. I even know some adults that would love this.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown 

Reviewed by Indy M. CLPS 

The Da Vinci code by Dan Brown is a widely popular thriller. This book is one of my personal favourites. It tells a story of Langdon and Sophie, on a wild goose chase to find the holy grail. Although tough to read it is well worth your time.  
I would recommend this for teens and up or very talented readers as many parts are in French and some parts are rather difficult. 
I would give this book an 8/10 due to lack of correct wording and punctuation in some parts. 

Please note: This book is aimed at older readers - Ballarat Libraries

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

Reviewed by Rubygrace C. CLPS 
 
​Raina, Amara, their little brother Will and their mum all go on a road trip to see their cousin's. In the beginning of Sister's Raina and Amara don't get along very well all until the three-week road trip. 

Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom by David Lewman

Reviewed by Nate SCPS

This book is a very scientific book based on the 2018 movie called Jurrasic World Fallen Kingdom. In the first few pages, we are introduced to our main characters, Dr Henry Wo, Clarie Deary, and Owen Grady on their mission to save "Blue" the Velociraptor from a volcano eruption on the tremendous island of Isla Nublar.
I love this book because when it comes to dinosaurs I'm kind of a nerd, I find them so interesting and also last Christmas my parents bought me the movie and it was fantastic.
I rate this book an absolute 10/10 and recommend this book to every dinosaur lover.
​I believe this book suits kids 10 and over.

Return To Firetop Mountain by Ian Livingstone

Reviewed by Maison H. CLPS

This book is a fighting fantasy gamebook where you are the hero and you travel from place to place and gather loot.
Roll a dice, journey to the Firetop Mountain and fight the enemies you encounter, in this action-packed adventure to defeat the warlock.
If you like fantasy books then this one may be the one you're looking for.
​I would rate this book an 8/10.

​The Sword Of Shannara by Terry Brooks

 Reviewed by Manning M. SCPS

I have been reading this awesome book for months now and I have just finished. We meet our main character, Shea, who is a young man who lives with his brother Flick. In the adventure, they meet a wizard named Alallon who will help them make their way to the sword of Shannara which will eventually help them kill the goblin king.
What I loved about this book was the ability it had to keep you on the edge of your seat every step of the adventure. The author depicted every part of this book with excellent descriptions and meaningful words.
 would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a little challenge and I would probably revisit it in the near distant future.
​
Please note: This book is aimed at older readers - Ballarat Libraries

Rare Beasts by Charles Odgen.

Reviewed by Lachlan T. BGS

When Edgar and Allen decide that they could make their fortune by selling rare and exotic animals, they quickly get up to mischief in the town of Nods Limbs. Find out what has happened when one night, everybody in the town wakes up wondering where on earth their pets have gone?
This is a great read, because it will make you feel many different emotions. You will feel sad, happy, and scared, as Edgar and Allen get up to trouble.
I rate this novel a 5/10. It is good because it relates to mischief the average kid would get up too, but also a bit boring, as the plot is shallow and the book isn't very suspenseful.
The book is still good, being an easy night-time read, perfect for younger kids.
I recommend this book for ages 8-10, as it isn't a stressful book and the worlds are mostly easy.
Overall, this was a good book and I could read it again.

Then by Morris Gleitzman

Reviewed by Indy  CLPS

This story, although sad, is a compelling, addictive read with many twists and turns.
I would personally recommend this book for older readers and I would rate this  10/10.

Specky Magee and The Boots of Glory
​by Felice Arena and Garry Lyon

Reviewed by Ethan SCPS

I really like this book because it's about footy and footy is my favorite sport.
I have not finished this book yet, but have other Specky Magee books.

The Chime Seekers by Ross Montgomery

Reviewed by Lachlan T. BGS

When Yanni's baby sister is stolen by an evil Fairy, or Faerie, Yanni must venture into the land of Fae, in another dimension. With the help of Yanni's friend Amy, Yanni must complete tasks set by his sisters captor, Lorde Renwin. Set in the small town of Fallow Hall, this book is incredible. With many spine tingling moments, this is definitely an amazing story. Written beautifully, this novel will make you feel like you are in another world, a world full of talking toads, goblins, trolls and even a race of strange, underwater creatures. A thrilling adventure, this book will make you laugh, cry, and then do it all over again!
I rate this book a 7/10, as it is a great text with much suspense. However, this book can drag on a bit in parts, and can also be a bit scary for younger kids.
This novel is good for ages 10-14, as it is quite scary in some bits, and might give younger kids nightmares, but overall, I love this book and think its a great read. 

The Science Book by Miles Kelly Publishing

Reviewed by Kaelan P. CLPS

The Science Book by Miles Kelly Publishing is a very informative and interesting book about the universe, life and everything in between. I particularly enjoyed the part about Absolute Zero (-273.15°C) and how scientists cooled sodium gas to within half a billionth of a degree of Absolute Zero. At that temperature, all states of matter turn into a Bose-Einstein Condensate.
​I rate this book a 9/10 and recommend it for ages 11+

​Kid Normal and the Rogue Heroes (Kid Normal #2)
​by Greg James and Chris Smith.

Reviewed by Lachlan T. BGS

Murph Cooper looks ordinary, and...well... perhaps he is. But if there's one thing that isn't normal, it Murph's friends. Do you want to know why? Well Murph's friends are superheroes! Join Murph, Nellie, Billie, and Marie, as they fight the baddest supervillain known to hero-kind. One problem - Murph doesn't have a superpower. Will this stop Murph from defeating the supervillain, or will Murph, against all odds, prevail? You'll have to read to find out!
This book will take you on a emotional journey as Murph and his friends struggle to stop evil forces beyond imagination. Read as the characters are plummeted down into darkness and despair, and lifted up, up, up and into excitement and happiness.
This book is like an undiscovered gem, and I have read it multiple times. It never bores me and I am sure many would feel the same way.
This incredible novel is good for ages 9- 13, as it is suspense filled and funny, but also is very long and has some big words.
I rate this book a 9.5/10. 
​Thanks for reading my book review.

Ninja Dogs! (Ninja Kid 8) by Anh Do

​Reviewed by Oliver H. BGS

It is about a kid called Nelson Kane also known as Ninja Kid. It also is about how the pets in town are missing and all the owners in town meet up to find their pets.
I liked this book because it had a cute dog in it.
​I rate it a 7.8/10.

​The Wishing Spell (Land Of Stories #1)
​by Chris Colfer

Reviewed by Jesse Y. BGS
​
Alex and Conner are siblings. Lately their life hasn't been great to them, because they lost their father, but all of that is about to change. In their childhood their grandma told them stories about fairies, and princes. But one night the book starts glowing the next thing they know they're in it. This story puts them on adventure of a lifetime with trolls, frogs and evil queens. This book for me shows a lot of perspective of all the characters we know in fairy tales. There are a lot of twists in the story and it is full of friendship.
I would recommend this book for ages of 10 - 12.
I would rate it an amazing 10/10.

The Enchantress Returns (Land of Stories#2)
​by Chris Colfer

Reviewed by Jesse Y. BGS

Alex and Conner are back. One year after the incredible events, their lives have gotten worse. Alex is worried about her grandma because she hasn't seen her in a year. Alex and Conner can't believe their mum has moved on with an other person. They want to go back to the Land of Stories more than ever. But what lies ahead... the curse on Sleeping Beauty's land has come back.
This book is one of the best sequels I've read because it really shows how Alex and Conner have aged and adapted to everything, and the use of language has helped keep this story moving.
I would recommend this book to ages 10- 12.
I rate it 10/10.

​Squidge Dibley Destroys the School by Mick Elliot

Reviewed by Indie F. CLPS

Everything changes when a new student arrives at the school.
It was a funny book.
I recommend this for all ages.
I rate it 8/10.

​Kobe Bryant by Jeff Savage 

Reviewed by Charlie C. SCPS 

This book is about Kobe Bryant the superstar basketballer. You should read this book because it's very interesting and you can learn about basketball. The book was really good because you can learn how to cool down and be calm when you’re stressed.  

Diamond by Jaqueline Wilson 

Reviewed by Indy M. CLPS 

Diamond is the story of a little acrobatically talented girl who gets sold to the circus. Despite all of her troubles she remains willful and positive, especially when she meets one special person called Hetty Feather!  
Jaqueline Wilson sure knows how to make these two girls come to life. 
I rate this 9 /10. 

​Matilda by Roald Dahl 

Reviewed by Rubygrace C. CLPS 

I loved reading Matilda very much.  Matilda has always been one of my favourite books to read. It's very interesting to hear about how a girl, as young as four, could read full books.  
I recommend this book for people 9 and over. 

​Puppy Alert  (EJ Spy #4) by Susannah McFarlane

Reviewed by Hannah CLPS 

It's a good book and it's very fun to read. There is this girl that rescues animals and yes, it's a very fun book. 
I recommend it for 6 to 11 years old. 
I rate it 10/10.  

​Little Stars by Jaqueline Wilson 

Reviewed by Indy M. CLPS 

Little Stars follows on from Diamond and the Hetty Feather series. One of my favourite parts of this book was when the author (Jaqueline Wilson) explains their performance at the theatre they worked at.  
This book scores high from me and would suit older readers best.