In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 19th – April 25th), BookSpring is highlighting contributions from volunteers, who are critical to making our operations possible throughout the region of Central Texas. BookSpring’s temporary transition to working remotely has provided us with the occasion to spotlight volunteers who have made a digital impact in the effort to build literacy in children and families.
Cassandra Corrigan is another volunteer writer eager to share her children’s book reviews! View her take on the titles below:
The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan is a marvelous and interesting read for all ages. Whether you are a longtime fan of Riordan’s work or brand new to his extended universe, this book is great for anyone interested in Greek mythology or adventure.
The book follows the god Apollo, who has been cursed by his father to live as a mortal. He soon finds that his fate is entangled with that of Meg, a daughter of Demeter. But the Greek gods aren’t the only powers at play, and Apollo and Meg must stand against a new evil — one which hits very close to home for Meg.
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
Have you ever wondered what it must be like for the Pevensies to experience the fantasy of Narnia and then have to return to everyday life when they exit the wardrobe? Welcome to Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children, a special boarding house for those who have seen worlds beyond our own.
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire is a fascinating exploration into what it means to be a child of fantasy in a mundane reality for young adult readers. McGuire’s book is full of rich characters and world building to die for. Less than 200 pages long, this is great light reading for anyone who wants something short that they can devour in an afternoon or who needs a palate cleanser between heavier and denser reads. And, the story doesn’t end after just one book. Fortunately, if you can’t get enough of McGuire’s Wayward Children, there are currently four other short books to follow it, and the series is ongoing.
If you’re a fan of fantasy and fractured fairytales, be sure to check out Every Heart a Doorway!
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
Twelve-year-old Cassidy Blake isn’t like the other kids at her school. For one, her best friend is a ghost, but Cassidy’s parents get an offer to host a show about paranormal activity, things are about to get a little weird, even for her.
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab is a spooky and thrilling middle grade adventure that can be enjoyed by parents as well as their children. Nominated for the 2018 Goodreads Choice Awards for Middle Grade and Children’s books, this story does not disappoint!
Our main character, Cassidy Blake, is charmingly relatable with her enthusiasm for Harry Potter, comic books, and photography. Her adventures provide a light-hearted gateway for future horror fans and kids whose favorite holiday is Halloween.
Reminiscent to the Carmen Sandiego franchise’s way of weaving educational elements of world culture into narrative, in this book readers will be transported all the way to Edinburgh, Scotland (and then to Paris in book two, Tunnel of Bones!) as Cassidy learns about the city’s macabre history.
I found Cassidy’s debut to be un-put-down-able and can’t wait until I grab book two from my local library.
