Christopher Francis (1) (1974–)

Review of eBook

Fourth grader Henry Horkeminder hates everything about school, especially seventh grader Duncan Myers who delights in making Henry’s life as miserable as possible. Unusually tall for his age, six-foot six-inch Henry isn’t like anyone else . . . and all he wants is to fit in with the other students.

One day Henry cuts his big, puffy hair, hoping his new look will help him make friends. But everyone is in the auditorium, listening to the mayor and the police warn the students about an ogre-beast. And, sadly, Henry discovers that his new haircut wasn't the secret to making friends after all.

And then an ogre-beast lumbers onto the school playground.

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This enchanting children’s chapter book addresses some serious issues facing children: having a poor opinion of yourself, being accepted by others, fitting in, bullying, being different. Young readers will easily relate to Henry and his problems.

Henry's solution --- going outside to talk to the ogre-beast --- helps the young reader discover that being different isn’t a bad thing and encourages them to look at their own differences in a new way. Young readers [and adults] are sure to find much to appreciate in this book that champions both courage and kindness.

Young readers will enjoy seeing the way Henry learns to accept himself as the story unfolds. When Duncan continues his bullying ways after Henry has spoken with the ogre-beast, the action of the other students is heartwarming.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.… (plus d'informations)

Review of eBook

Abigail is having bad dreams again. So Destiny and Paisley, members of the Dream Catchers Rescue Squad, have come to help. Destiny is as tall as a grape while Paisley is more like a raisin; still, when Abigail comes in from brushing her teeth, the two dream catchers hide so that she will not see them in her room.

When Destiny and Paisley jump into Abigail’s dream, their job is to turn it from a nightmare into a happy dream. Then Abigail will have the happy dream in her memory. But when Abigail’s dream turns positive, the Moon Drifters come to steal her good dream.

Can Destiny and Paisley help Abigail and keep the Moon Drifters from stealing her happy dream?

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This delightful tale takes young readers into dreamland, cleverly explaining how Destiny and Paisley enter Abigail’s dream through the dream hoop and help make her have happy dreams that she will remember. With its emphasis on facing fears, on helping others, on kindness and friendship, the story brings an important, uplifting message to young readers. Charming illustrations add to the story’s enchantment.

Although the target audience for this fantasy tale is readers ages six through nine, younger readers are likely to prefer to have someone read the book to them due to some slightly difficult vocabulary and the length of the book. Older readers who enjoy chapter books are sure to find much to appreciate in this delightful tale of bravery and friendship.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.… (plus d'informations)

Review of eBook

While walking home, Bailey and Margaret, both ten years old, spot a shiny thing in the sky. Following an explosion, black things drop to the ground. And then one of the alien creatures grabs them.

Why have they come to Earth? Could this be the end of the world?

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This clever middle-grade science fiction tale offers young readers an ingenious twist on the typical alien invasion narrative. Well-defined characters, believable ten-year-olds, and a surprise-filled plot work together to keep the young reader involved in the story.

Like most fifth graders, Bailey and Margaret are frightened and, at the same time, curious. And tucked into this delightful tale are some important lessons for the young reader, including the meaning of friendship, helping others, compassion, and kindness.

Middle-grade readers are the targeted audience for this story; although many book sites list the book as recommended for six- and seven-year-olds, it seems more appropriate for the older middle-grade reader.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.… (plus d'informations)

Review of eBook

Seventh-grader Aubrey Mia Vale, called “Dropzone” by the “popular” crowd [here known as the “Empire”], is at odds with her friend, Charlie Dean Baxter. Bullied by Megan Knight, the leader of the Empire girls, Aubrey doesn’t “fit in” with the popular crowd and struggles to find the place where she belongs.

One day, she is stunned to see a boy inside the plastic mirror hanging in her locker . . . a boy who tells her his world is collapsing and begs her for help. Fascinated by this communication, seemingly from another world, Aubrey finds herself apparently pulled through the mirror and into Truent’s world.

Can Aubrey find a way to save Truent and his friends before their planet, Othello-3, crumbles into nothingness? And will she be able to find her way back home?

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With friendship at the heart of this science fiction fantasy, the author takes aim at several issues facing middle school students. Sadly, the bullying Aubrey experiences is an all-too-real occurrence in many schools; readers are sure to empathize with Aubrey as the unfolding story reveals some of the less-that-kind treatment she receives.

Believable characters and a strong sense of place [both in the school and on Othello-3] anchor the narrative. The compelling plot takes several unexpected turns, keeping readers guessing as the telling of the tale brings some surprises.

Readers will find themselves pulled into Aubrey’s story; young readers are sure to relate to the characters. Unfortunately, the story ends on what seems like a cliffhanger; hopefully, the author has another Aubrey Vale book planned.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.… (plus d'informations)