Children's Book Review Tuesdays: Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise

Book Title: Dying to Meet You

Series Title: 43 Old Cemetery Road (Book 1)

Author: Kate Klise

Publish Date: April 6, 2009

Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

Enter at your own risk: You might just DIE laughing.

The best-selling author Ignatius B. Grumply moves into the Victorian mansion at 43 Old Cemetery Road, hoping to find some peace and quiet so that he can crack a wicked case of writer's block.

But 43 Old Cemetery Road is already occupied--by an eleven-year-old boy named Seymour, his cat, Shadow, and an irritable ghost named Olive.

And they have no intention of sharing!

Why I Read this Book: I saw this at my local Goodwill and thought that it would be wonderful for Dewey's Readathon that I participated in last week.

 

Review

This book was pun-y!  Dying to Meet You is written in the form of letters and newspaper articles.  It contains incredibly cute illustrations.  This book would be perfect for anyone wanting a fun read that makes you laugh out loud.  It is a perfect read for Halloween.  It teaches you the importance of being nice and helping others.  I hope that I can read the rest of the series very soon!

 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any

Overall Rating: 5/5

Book Review (NO SPOILERS): Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

This is my spoiler free review of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.  If you would like to see my discussion post (with spoilers), please follow this link (coming next week).

Book Title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Author: J.K. Rowling

Publish Date: June 30, 1997

Genre: Middle Grade Urban Fantasy

Plot (from Goodreads):  

When a letter arrives for unhappy but ordinary Harry Potter, a decade-old secret is revealed to him that apparently he's the last to know. His parents were wizards, killed by a Dark Lord's curse when Harry was just a baby, and which he somehow survived. Leaving his unsympathetic aunt and uncle for Hogwarts, a wizarding school brimming with ghosts and enchantments, Harry stumbles upon a sinister adventure when he finds a three-headed dog guarding a room on the third floor. Then he hears of a missing stone with astonishing powers which could be valuable, dangerous, or both.

Why I Read this Book: I am re-reading this whole series this year.

 

Review

Oh man!  I love this series!  I just re-read this book and I am so glad that I did.  J.K. Rowling has one of the most entertaining writing styles that I have ever come upon.  She adds humor and serious topics to a epic adventure story.  She takes a simple story and makes it into something epic.  I love all of the characters and I love the wisdom that Dumbledore gives.  This book introduced me to fantasy novels and this has been my favorite genre since then.

 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any

Overall Rating: 5/5

Children's Book Review Tuesdays: I Know My Dad Loves Me by Scott A. Williams

Book Title: I Know My Dad Loves Me

Author: Scott A. Williams

Publish Date: October 1, 2004

Genre: Middle Grade

Plot (from Goodreads):  

Ten-year-old Dale yearns for his father's love. Although smaller than the other kids and afraid of getting hurt, Dale tries out for Pee-Wee Football in hopes of winning his father's approval. He makes the team and in his first game catches the winning touchdown, yet Dale still doesn't get what he longs for the most: To hear his father say "I love you." "I Know My Dad Loves Me" explores the desire all boys have to know their fathers love them, and the struggle fathers experience in expressing that love. Through persistent questioning and the emotional toll of his grandfather's death, Dale tries to get his father to say "I love you" before it's too late.

Why I Read this Book: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.  This in no way influenced my review.

 

Review

A great first chapter book for children, this book addresses the topic of affection displayed between father and son.  Oftentimes, it is hard for men to express how they feel.  Men are often expected to be strong and not show emotion.  This book, written in the voice of a ten year old child, displays how not showing affection can damage the relationship between parents and children.  It also shows how females, not just men, can be great athletes.

The writing style of this middle grade novel is perfect for children.  The only negative comment I have about this book is that it incorrectly states how to get to heaven; it says that good deeds can gain you entrance to heaven, but the only way to get to Heaven is through admission of sins and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 7-10

Overall Rating: 4/5