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edshara's review against another edition
3.0
This book did a good job of focusing on how lies can get you in trouble and the importance of telling the truth. It also did a good job of discussing how not sharing the important things can be just as harmful as a lie.
The information about Hindu mythology was interesting, though at times, it felt just a tad rushed(I appreciated the glossary in the back though). The characters were likable and even though some of their personality traits seemed a little over the top, I didn’t find them annoying. My only real problem was, the book, seemed too long. The parts that I would have liked expanded were rushed, while others seemed to drag on.
I’m really interested to see, since their was some talk of the future, how or if the characters will grow as the series continues. Even though I gave this three stars I do feel it was an enjoyable read, but I did have to push through some parts. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
The information about Hindu mythology was interesting, though at times, it felt just a tad rushed(I appreciated the glossary in the back though). The characters were likable and even though some of their personality traits seemed a little over the top, I didn’t find them annoying. My only real problem was, the book, seemed too long. The parts that I would have liked expanded were rushed, while others seemed to drag on.
I’m really interested to see, since their was some talk of the future, how or if the characters will grow as the series continues. Even though I gave this three stars I do feel it was an enjoyable read, but I did have to push through some parts. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
astheplotthickens24's review against another edition
4.0
Your father wears a cross beneath his shirt, an agimat necklace passed down from his family in the Philippines.
You dont how much this means to me; reading my culture in one of my most anticipated book.
alexisdoingok's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
emilye3's review against another edition
4.0
Cute. Funny. Adventurous. Aru Shah is relatable and I think many kids would love this story.
chickchick22's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Very good and unique book!
evief_'s review against another edition
3.0
Great take on Hindu mythology. Incredible story line and character development.
literately's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book with my kids (ages 8 + 7) for our homeschool curriculum (Build Your Library).
I was SO EXCITED for this book based on the premise, and the fact that it delves into the Hindu belief system and Indian culture. To be honest, I was pretty disappointed when it comes to how those two subjects were represented in the book.
The book is written so casually, and so AMERICANIZED. But… Americanized in a very gen x or millennial generation mainstream way. The references often felt like they were more for adult readers than children. It made many elements of the story feel very superficial… lacking true depth and ignoring the rich cultural roots it was meant to be tied to.
While I was disappointed, overall my children did enjoy the story (although some chapters felt very long and dull while others crammed in a bunch of action into just a few short paragraphs). Along with the other books in our curriculum, I believe it helped introduce them to some beliefs and tales from Hinduism in a lighthearted way. Now when we explore these topics further, they will recognize them and it will be fun to expand on the imagery and concepts that were presented in this story.
Honestly, I’m not tempted to read the rest of the series or allow my 8 year old to keep reading until he is older.
I was SO EXCITED for this book based on the premise, and the fact that it delves into the Hindu belief system and Indian culture. To be honest, I was pretty disappointed when it comes to how those two subjects were represented in the book.
The book is written so casually, and so AMERICANIZED. But… Americanized in a very gen x or millennial generation mainstream way. The references often felt like they were more for adult readers than children. It made many elements of the story feel very superficial… lacking true depth and ignoring the rich cultural roots it was meant to be tied to.
While I was disappointed, overall my children did enjoy the story (although some chapters felt very long and dull while others crammed in a bunch of action into just a few short paragraphs). Along with the other books in our curriculum, I believe it helped introduce them to some beliefs and tales from Hinduism in a lighthearted way. Now when we explore these topics further, they will recognize them and it will be fun to expand on the imagery and concepts that were presented in this story.
Honestly, I’m not tempted to read the rest of the series or allow my 8 year old to keep reading until he is older.
millhl's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25