Happy Tuesday to you all. Here are two quick mini-reviews for the two middle grade books I listened to this month. Both of them were great and I highly recommend them.
Let It Glow by Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy
Read by Gabi Epstein and Rebecca Soler
This was such a fun and cute holiday story. I loved the whole separated twins meeting and then switching places part of the story, but I also really enjoyed the holiday part of the story. Aviva was brought up Jewish, but they didn’t really celebrate any of the holidays. I loved how determined she was to learn more about her family’s faith and about Hanukkah. The idea that Christmas takes over every other holiday during December was handled well and with sensitivity. I also liked how the reader can learn about the holiday along with the twins. Holly’s family celebrates Christmas and I did enjoy learning about her family’s tradition surrounding it. Both girls learn quite a bit about each other’s holidays while getting to know each other’s families. I adored both families and loved the diversity of them. I also really liked how different the two girls personalities were. This is a great story with a lot of heart. The big reveal at the end was perfect, even though a couple of the family members figure it out ahead of time. A great middle grade holiday read that celebrates families and their holiday traditions.
The Court of the Dead by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro
Read by A.J. Beckles and Mieka Gavia
It was so much fun being back with the gang at Camp Jupiter. And so many new friends were introduced in this story, although you could say some were old enemies that are now friends. I loved how the monsters, sorry, mythics, are becoming good in these stories. I adored all of them and hope that we see them again in the next adventure. Of course it is always a good time when Nico and Will are involved. This was a more sedate story, there wasn’t a lot of action until the last third of the book. I think this was because of the fact that there wasn’t a quest this time. Nico and Will are just helping Hazel and Camp Jupiter adjust to their new friends the mythics. But there is a pretty good battle scene towards the end. I also enjoyed learning about some new minor gods, although strangely they were Greek not Roman? Oh well, I guess the two mythologies are similar enough that it is ok. It was also a lot of fun getting Hazel’s part of the story although that doesn’t happen until late in the story as well. If you are a fan of the series this is a must read. If you haven’t read any of the books, I wouldn’t suggest starting here, but start at the beginning with my favorite of the books, The Lightning Thief. You could possibly read it if you have watched the show though, but don’t expect to see Percy and the gang coming to the rescue.
If you enjoy middle grade, or you know a young person, you can’t go wrong with suggesting either of these book to them. They were both very enjoyable. Until next time…
Confessions of a Serial Reader 