July Reviews

​Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

Reviewed by Damika CariPS

This auto-biography is about Bethany Hamilton, a world-famous surfer. She explains her life as a young surfer, documenting her recovery after a shark attack, the adjustments she had to make with surfing, and her belief in God. In this story Bethany is out for a surf when a shark rips off her left arm, she is then sped off to hospital. Will Bethany make it and will she recover? This is an inspiring story full with girl power and spiritual belief.
I recommend this book for people 8-16, it’s a wonderful true story of faith, family and fighting for what you believe in.
I enjoyed this book and found it quite inspiring, I happily rate it 8/10.

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
​by Rick Riordan

Reviewed by Ember CariPS

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is a captivating adventure that takes readers on an enthralling journey through Greek mythology. The story centers around Percy Jackson, a dyslexic and ADHD-diagnosed teenager who discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, god of the sea. From the moment he steps into Camp Half-Blood, the safe haven for demigods, he's thrown into a world of danger and intrigue. Riordan's storytelling prowess shines as he seamlessly weaves ancient myths into the modern world, creating a unique and immersive experience for readers. The characters are well-developed, with Percy's witty and relatable narration adding a touch of humor to the plot. The friendship dynamics between Percy, Annabeth, and Grover are heartwarming and form the backbone of the book. The quest to retrieve Zeus' stolen lightning bolt takes readers on an action-packed rollercoaster ride across various iconic locations, with each chapter brimming with twists and turns. The way Riordan makes mythology accessible to younger audiences while also engaging adult readers is a testament to his skill as a writer. While Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is primarily a coming-of-age tale, it also explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery. It teaches important lessons about accepting one's identity and embracing uniqueness, making it not only an entertaining read but also an inspiring one. Overall, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is a must-read for anyone who loves mythology, adventure, and a dash of humor. Rick Riordan's masterful storytelling sets the stage for a thrilling series that will leave readers eager to delve further into the magical world of Camp Half-Blood.

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Reviewed by Zaiv CariPS

The BFG starts off with a ginormous tall human that apparently steals kids and eats them. One night the BFG stole a little girl and decided he wouldn't eat her. So, he took her to his cave in the giant lands and kept her safe from all the other giants. This little girl was like a little mouse to the enormous giant. Later on, in the book the giants get into a fight and try to eat the little girl but luckily they didn’t.
I think this book is recommended for Grade 3/4s and over.
I rate it 8/10. 

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Fazbear Frights #4: Step Closer by Scott Cawthorn

Reviewed by Shade CariPS

This is book is a horror story and has mentions of blood but it has no overly gory pictures. It is based off the five nights at Freddy’s series which has been stapled in gaming and writing history forever.
​This book does not really have much of a story line to do with the actual Five Nights At Freddy's since the books are just fillers because Scott quit the games. It is a long story with a twist ending that I will not spoil.
I recommend for ages 10-15.
I rate it 7.5/10.

Crash And Burn (Mud, Blood and Motocross #2)
​by Mick Wade

Reviewed by Angus CariPS

Crash and burn is a great book written by Mick Wade and the main character of is Nick Bishop. This book is about motorbikes and what teenagers get up to. It is entertaining and catchy.
I rate this book 10/10 because it is a great book. 
I recommend this book to aged 10 -14.

Kid President Totally Rules! by Jack Heath

Reviewed by Cooper M. CariPS

This book has a kid in it and he is Jaxxon. His class doesn’t like him but then he becomes president. The characters are really funny. It is a really good book.
I recommend this book for kids under 12 years old.
I rate it a 7/10 so far.

Daring Delly Going for Gold by Matthew Dellavedova ​

Reviewed by Remi B. CariPS

Daring Delly Going for Gold is about a Junior Basketball Tri-Nation Tournament that is hosted at Maryborough. Other basketball teams from across the world have come to play in the tournament. Some of the Maryborough Blazers are hosting kids from other teams, Delly gets a billet, it’s Max from America.
Who will win the tournament and how will Delly say bye to Max? This was an enjoyable and entertaining book. ​I like how the text has some real information in it.
I recommend this book  for ages 9-14.
I rate this book an 8.5 /10. 

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephen Pastis

Reviewed by Leilah S. CariPS

Do you want a book about comedy and keeps you interested, well this is for you. This book is about a little boy and his assistant polar bear named Total. Timmy and Total own a detective agency, but not a very good one. You see Timmy isn’t very smart and neither is Total, so when they have to investigate something it never really works out.
I like this book because it is funny and keeps me interested by making a load of different things that happen so I want to see the end.
I recommend this book to people aged 7+ because it has some tricky words.
I rate this book a 9.5/10 because it is very entertaining.

Jangles: A Big Fish Story by David Shannon

Reviewed by Wyatt CariPS

This book is about when a teenager goes fishing one peaceful afternoon and gets pulled into the water by a massive fish. The fish shows the boy a special place.
I recommend this book for people aged 6+.
 loved it and I rate this book 9/10.

Move the Mountains: The Freedom Finders
​by Emily Conolan

Reviewed by Marley G. CariPS

Wow! What an amazing book! In this book you are the main character. You also get to choose your own adventure, some ways will lead to continues, some to  cliff-hangers, but if you choose wrong it may not end too well for you...
​In this book you are living in Italy with an amazing teacher Charlie. One day he decides to move back to Australia so you can choose to go there after him. But you may have to face some challenging adventures. Choose wisely.
This book is a big 10/10. I loved it because of all of the exciting new adventures.
I recommend this book for ages 10+ as there are challenging words and it may not be appropriate for younger ages.

​Heroes of Footy by Kevin Sheedy

Reviewed by Billy R. CariPS

Kevin Sheedy is guy who writes about AFL players old and young. He includes where they are from, what clubs they have played for and about their career goals, games and things they have won. He writes about players from many different clubs.
I love this book because it has also inspired me to train harder.
I recommend this book to people who love sport/AFL.
​I rate this book 10/10.

Baby-Sitters on Board! (The Baby-Sitters Club-Super Special #1) by Ann M. Martin

Reviewed by Peyton C. CariPS

This book is about a group of girls going on a river cruise together, they go on a big ship with their families, other adults and lots of kids!
The Baby-Sitters Club is a realistic fiction. This book is so fun to read with all of the detail, description and plot twists, leaving you curious of what comes next. All of the description and detail helps you visualize what is happening.
I recommend it for ages 11-15 because it has words younger kids might not understand and it could be boring for older kids over 15.
I rate this book a 9/10 because of all the plot twists and surprises!

Little Humpty by Margaret Wild

Reviewed by Harmony R. CariPS

Little Humpty has a hyperactive energy while, Big Humpty has a low energy but loves to see Little Humpty smile. Little Humpty and Big Humpty live in the desert with trees and no animals in view. Ann James left her sketches with that rough look, that helps bring out an artistic energy.
Overall I recommend Little Humpty to ages 5+.
I rate Little Humpty 8.5/10.

Mulga Bill's Bicycle by A.B. Patterson

Reviewed by Lillian H. CariPS

Mulga Bill’s Bicycle is a picture story book written by A.B. Patterson. In this story Mulga Bill buys himself a bicycle and then takes it for a ride. After that things don’t really go to plan. In Mulga Bill’s Bicycle the main character is Mulga Bill. His characteristics are that sometimes he is a bit of a bragger, he is also a happy man because he smiles a lot through the book until it gets closer to the end. This book is designed to entertain. It is a little funny at the start but gets a bit tense at the end.
I recommend this book for 7 years plus because there are a few tricky words and parts might not make sense.
​I rate this book 6/10.

Clinton Gregory's Secret by Bruce Whatley

Reviewed by Deegan H. CariPS
​
Clinton Gregory's secret is a picture story book. Illustrated and written by Bruce Whatley, this book is about Clinton's imagination. Clinton Gregory's secret has been nicely painted with lots of work. Bruce has painted tons of characters like the dragon on the front cover.
​This book is a nice addition to read, but I believe this book is more aimed at years 4-10.
This book is good, but its not for me, I rate it 3-5 stars.

​​Frog Finds A Place by Sally Morgan

Reviewed by Emilia CariPS

Frog Finds a Place is a story with the main character being a green frog who loves the moon and wishes to reach it. Frog Finds a Place is set in the rainforest or bush. It has beautiful drawings and the backgrounds are extraordinarily detailed. It has a very simplistic but adventurous story line and is very calm.
Overall I rate this story a 5 out of 5 stars.
I  recommend that all ages read this book.

One Minute's Silence by David Metzenthen

Reviewed by ​Raif W. CariPS

This book talks about the people from the past who sacrificed their lives for us. These soldiers really never slept, they were fighting day and night. Lest we forget.
I rate this book 9/10 because it has great factual history.
​I recommend this book for ages 9+.

Donald Loves Drumming by Nick Bland

Reviewed by Hunter T. CariPS

This story is about a rhino called Donald loves drumming but his family does not like it because it is noisy. So, he try’s new hobbies but fails. He does not give up trying new hobbies to do. He finds a new spot to play his drums and then he is a happy rhino again.
Donald Loves Drumming is set in his house and his backyard.  The story goes through a variety of emotions. Donald starts off happy because he gets to play his drums. Half way through the book he gets sad because he can’t play his drums because he was too loud. We can see that he is sad because he's sitting under a tree with tears in his eyes. Then he builds something that makes him happy.
​The theme of this book is to never give up on trying new things.
I would recommend this to all ages because it is a life lesson to never give up.
I rate this book a 9.5 out of 10 (or 4.5 out of 5 drums).

​Back on Country by Adam Goodes 

Reviewed by Jed CariPS

Back on Country is a Indigenous book written by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing.
This book is about people that live in the city that go and see their family and Elders in the country. This book is good for people who want to learn some Indigenous language.
Overall this is a happy book that I recommend to everyone.
I rate this book 6/10.

The Odd 1s Out by James Rallison

Reviewed by Maceo CLPS
​
This is an autobiography about a person who has learned a lot of things while growing up and can tell you about his humorous childhood.
I like this book because he gives you tips on school like how to get with the cool kids. He also tells you about all the embarrassing moments in his life. I rate this book 10/10.
I recommend this book for kids aged 9+.

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Reviewed by Levi CariPS

Rules is a realistic fiction novel about a girl named Catherine who struggles through her summer with troubles such as; David (her brother with autism), fear of embarrassment and boy problems. This book takes on some problems that you don’t tackle in day to day life. It’s nothing like I have ever read before and that’s what makes it so interesting to me.
This book isn’t about fairies and unicorns, its about real world problems. In my personal opinion I wish there was more books like this in the world because it goes to show that not everything is perfect.
All in all, I loved this book and rate it a solid 9.5/10.
I recommend it for children ages 12-15.

Hedgewitch by Skye McKenna

Reviewed by Eva D. BGS

This is a daring and hopeful story of a teenager named Cassie waiting for her mother to return while she is left at a boarding school. Suspecting something's not right, she escapes the school and discovers the witching world, where she trains and learns ways to get and find her mother.
I rate this book 10/10
​I recommend this book for grade 3 and above.

​Under the Moonlight by Susannah Crispe

Reviewed by Ember CariPS

The story is about a moose that tries to get away from a scary noise. The moose goes on an adventure confronting many challenges along the way. The main character in Under the Moonlight is a big, brown moose. The moose starts off being woken up by a frightful noise, stated on page 5 “A sharp noise awoke moose.” “Under the Moonlight he leapt up with fright.” Showing that moose is afraid. The moose goes on a journey trying to find a place where he feels safe, but he feels more comfortable when he finds a mouse that wants to be his friend. “He felt so much better with someone there”
This book is set in winter. There is snow on the ground and snowflakes falling from the sky. The mood changes throughout the book.  You can tell this by the look on the characters faces and the by the way the author phrases the words.
I like how this book shows that you don’t have to be afraid and that you are not alone.
I recommend this book to people aged 5-7 because it is easy-read and a fun story. 
I rate this book a 7/10.

It So Happens by Finzo

​Reviewed by George D. CLPS

This children's book is absolutely the strangest book that I have ever read and probably the strangest book you will ever read too (I had this read to me when I was a kid and when you read books when you are older it is just more weird).
It all starts at the house of the hero of the our story. His name is Algernon and he rolls his dice to see what he will do today. He will go bear hunting! On his way he finds a magical moustache-bearing rabbit riding a 7 foot tall fish who can tangle his tongue and gets upset easily (don't tell him I said that or else he will cry). Algernon meets the rabbit and he tries to shoot it with his single barrel flintlock and the the rabbit uses his magical incantations to summon a mountain between them and he runs away with his tongue twisting sensitive 7 foot tall fish (try and say that 10 times fast). Algernon wanders up the mountain to find a bear. Instead he finds a Swiss witch who turns people into stools (except only Dutch people because of their excellent diet).
I am sorry that I have to end the story here but I can't give away all the book :(
I rate the book 10 /10 because it is excellent. Reading it  when I am older made me laugh because it got read to me when I was younger. 
I  recommend it to anyone who wants a laugh - the end is the best! :)

Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Re-turn
​of Tippy Tinkletrousers by Dav Pilkey

Reviewed by Emmett L. CariPS

This is the ninth installment of Captain Underpants. George and Harold encounter a tiny, mad scientist named Tippy Tinkletrousers who originally had a giant robot suit. However, he lost the top part of his robot suit and now his big robot suit has turned into just robot legs.
I rate this a 10/10 for its humor.
I recommend this book to people who just want a laugh.

​Minecraft: The Island by Max Brooks

Reviewed by Paul A. CariPS

Minecraft: The Island is about a man waking up in the world of Minecraft with amnesia next to an island. Our survivor friend must do everything he can to survive his island prison. He must escape attacks of the undead, dodge exploding creepers, run from deadly creepy crawly spiders and more.
This story comes from the author of World War Z.
I recommend this book to kids 10 and over and rate it 10/10.

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang

Reviewed by Luke CariPS

Grumpy Monkey is a very good book to read anywhere in the world because it is very funny and entertaining to read. 
I recommend it for all ages. 
I rate it a strong10/10.

​Hold your Head High, Little Giraffe
​by Catherine Lukas

Reviewed by Sienna M. CariPS

This book is about a giraffe and gazelle that go for a run to the water hole. The main characters are Ginny the giraffe and her friend Emma a dainty gazelle. Ginny the giraffe is insecure at first “Oh how I wish I could run like that” explained the giraffe. Emma the gazelle is a very open and supportive friend to Ginny. The author has set this book in the savannah. The landscape of this book has lots of dry grass as on page 3 the author has said “over the dry grass”. This book goes through a variety of moods. The giraffe starts off sad as she is insecure but later on happier as her friend Emma cheers her up.
I think the author Catherine Lukas has done a wonderful job on making this appropriate for all ages.
I recommend this to all ages.
I rate it 8/10 as it encourages people who read it to always love yourself.

Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories 
by Jeff Kinney

Reviewed by Maceo R. CLPS

Do you think you're brave enough to enter a humorous but odd imagination? If you are, then you have to read this book!
There's multiple stories that will get you up out of your seat and there are big twists that you will never see coming.
I really liked this book because there are a bunch of stories that are funny and scary.
I rate this book 9/10.
I reccomend this book for kids aged 8+

Macca's Christmas Crackers by Matt Cosgrove

Reviewed by Grace S. MPS

Macca LOVES Christmas Day, but what he likes most about Christmas is finding his friends a PERFECT Christmas gift!!!! But then, oh no! Macca doesn't have any money is his piggy bank so Macca can't buy his friends a gift! Then one of his friends, named Al, says to him that he doesn't need to waste money on a friend, he can make a gift instead!!!
I rate this a 10/10 because the book is amazing!!!!
I recommend this book to children in Prep - Grade Three.

​Sam, Grace and the Shipwreck ​by Michelle Gillespie

Reviewed by Maddi C. CariPS

This book is about a shipwreck that later sinks down under water. Grace and Sam show their bravery and try their very best to help as many people as they can while on horseback.
There are two main characters in this book Sam, the older man, and Grace, a young girl that is ready to give anything a go. Sam is worried that she is going to get hurt as she has still got her whole life ahead of her. “Just be careful on that Smiler horse,” he says on page 28.
This book is set on Calgardup beach with paddocks connected and a house connected to the paddocks. While they are saddling up the horses they move into the barn that is near the house.
In the book they move to the beach were the book is mostly set as they are trying their hardest to help people. They gallop back and forth a few times while going over sand dunes.
The mood in this book is very suspenseful and quite serious. You can tell in the illustrations as they are quite dark and words like “The boy sobs in fear”. You can just read and tell that it is a quite dark and serious story. I think that the main theme of this story is putting others before yourself “Sam and Grace plunge their horses into the surf” or “We have to help them” Grace yelled. You can see from the pictures how they are in the water putting others safety before theirs.
They later got two medallions for their bravery.
Sam, Grace and the Shipwreck is an awesome book. It really shows how much some people care.
I rate this book a solid 9/10.
I would definitely recommend it for ages above 8.

The Witches by Roald Dahl

Reviewed by Audrey CLPS

The Witches is written by the amazingly talented Roald Dahl. Right now you could be sitting right next to a witch, that is because they’re so hard to catch. They look the exact same as an every day lady you would see in the street but no, they are the complete opposite. This amazing book is about a young boy who lives with his Grandmama because his parents tragically died in a terrible car accident. But lucky for him Grandmama knows everything to know about witches. But what happens when Boy encounters the Grand High Witch?
This book is fantastic! I loved the adventures boy and Grandmama had.
I would recommend this book for all ages.
I rate it a 10/10.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Reviewed by Evie BuniPS

I love this book! I loved reading this when I was younger and I still love reading it today because this book is so simple, but so good. This book is also very well illustrated.
I recommend this book to younger readers because it is better to read it when you are young.
​I rate it  10/10.

Bad Guys: Episode 1 by Aaron Blabey

Reviewed by Evie BuniPS

I loved the Bad Guys book. Book One was just the introduction and had the characters  starting to help out to try to become the good guys, not the bad guys.
The main reason I liked this book was because it was good to read, meaning it was easy to read, and it didn’t jump to the next thing, but also it didn’t explain every detail. It had lots of interesting characters and pictures. The pictures match what  happens in the book, so I would definitely recommend this book to mainly younger kids.
I thought this book was lovely and rate it 8.5/10.

Cool School by John Marsden

Reviewed by Maceo R. CLPS

Could you survive your first day at your new and weird school? If you think you can, then this book will be a great book for you. This book is a choose your own adventure book. It has lots of twists and turns. You could find yourself at every single AFL game where your team always wins,or you could find yourself in the middle of the school that is burning down all around you.
I liked this book because you would never know whats coming next.
I rate this book 9/10.
I recommend this book for children aged 8+

​Welcome to Tokyo (Paris Takes Over the World #3)
by Kyla May

Reviewed by Imogen J. BGS

Paris takes over the world is a very cute book. It is a story but it has lots of facts about Japan in it. Paris goes to all different places with Kimiko, but then Kimiko lost her backpack. Kimiko and Paris become best friends.
I rate this book a 10/10.
​I recommend this book for ages 7+.

A Clue for Clara by Lian Tanner

Reviewed by Iris M. BGS

Clara the chook wants to be a famous detective but no one takes her seriously. One day the local policeman comes to visit Clara, who is friends with his daughter, Olive.
Clara just might be able to solve the mystery of the stock thefts with help from Olive.
I rate this book 10/10 because it is really funny.
​I recommend this book for 7 to 10 year olds.