Patty Michaels

Young Bumblebee fans get to know the popular Transformer better, while exercising their reading skills in a fun way.

While the first pages introduce Bumblebee (who he is and what he does) to young readers, the book takes a look at his new mission, since the Transformers War has ended. Where he is, what his task is, and what attitude he has toward this important mission come to light.

This is a read for young Transformer fans, and while it does introduce Bumblebee, it works best for those who already have a basic idea of who the character is. Those, who aren't already, at least, slightly knowledgeable about this series, will have troubles sinking in, though. This isn't a traditional story in so far that there isn't a continuous plot or adventure. Instead, it reads much like a briefing or an explanation over the situation. The family, lifestyle, and goals around the secret mission are explained as well as the negative attitude Bumblebee first has concerning his position. The book does end on a positive note, which fits well with this Transformers' personality and will have fans smiling.

The text is printed in a larger font and great for those readers, who already have a pretty good grip on their words. Each page holds a paragraph made with several sentences. The vocabulary, while fitting to the reading level, also adds in a couple more difficult terms to stretch those reading skills.

It's a lovely way to encourage kids to practice their word skills and is one I recommend to Bumblebee fans. I received an ARC and found this to be well suited to its purpose.… (plus d'informations)

First sentence: Are you ready for an amazing time-traveling adventure? We are going way back...to the fly 1990s! Lace up your Doc Martens as you learn about fabulous fads, fresh trends, and other majorly cool things that helped define the decade. Toys in the '90s were off the hook. Kids loved Beanie Babies, Tamagotchis, Furbies, and Tickle Me Elmo. The store Build-a-Bear Workshop debuted in 1997, letting kids make their own unique stuffed animals!

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction title for young readers. It has three chapters or sections: "Off-the-Chain Trends," "Super-Fresh Fashions and Fads," "You've Got Mail!" The book ends by encouraging readers to find someone who grew up in the 1990s to find out more about what life was like.

This one covers many of the same areas as the book on the 1980s. This could be helpful for young readers. There is some continuity.

My thoughts: Again, this one doesn't cover everything. But it does have substance. I like that it does cover many of the same topics and sub-topics as the book on the 1980s. So one could easily compare "phones in the 1980s" vs. "phones in the 1990s." "Video games in the 1980s vs. Video games in the 1990s."

I liked this one a little more, perhaps.… (plus d'informations)

First sentence: Let's go traveling back in time, way back...to the awesome 1980s! Get ready for a totally tubular ride as you learn about trends, fads, and other rad things that helped define the decade! Some of the most popular toys were Teddy Ruxpin, Transformers, Rubik's Cube, Cabbage Patch Kids, Simon, and Strawberry Shortcake.

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction title for young readers. It has three chapters or sections: "Totally Trendy!" "Far-Out Fashion and Fads," and "Say What?" The book ends by encouraging readers to find someone who grew up in the 1980s to find out more about what life was like.

My thoughts: Does this one cover everything there is to cover? No. Of course not! Does it cover a good amount? Probably yes. I thought it had substance. More substance than I was initially expecting. Yes, it tries a little too hard with the language. I didn't agree 100% with every single little thing. (Like the assertion that many TVs made in the 80s did not have remote controls.) Some of the photographs are misleading, in my opinion.

I do think the goal is to show how some things remain the same and how some things are very different.

Things that could have been included--but weren't--BARBIE, My Little Pony, Care Bears, Smurfs, Inspector Gadget, Muppet Babies, etc.… (plus d'informations)