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4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh. My. Goodness.
I feel like this is one of those middle-grade novels that every child should read before they leave Middle School, it's that well done. Everything about it, the plot, the characters, the scenes, it's done so... perfectly. Now, no book is perfect, and while there are things I could nitpick, this book SHINES in comparison to other middle grade choices.
The standout is the main character. Chances are, if you're reading this book of your own free will, you'll probably relate to her in some way. Poppy Woodlock exemplifies the thoughts and emotions of so many of us, and her story is one of hope. She's someone who feels alone, who feels like no one understands her, and who retreats into the hiding space of her books. But she is so much more than that, and her journey to discover that is STUNNING. With every book, if the main character is a mind that's incredible to be a part of, then it will draw you in.
Samson, the title lion, honestly had me skeptical if I'd like how he fit in. But as the story progressed, I fell in love with him, as I'm sure so many have.
Also, this book has what could quite possibly be the most beautiful epilogue I've ever read in a children's book (I mean, it's a tough competition, but it's up there for sure), it's almost CINEMATIC ❤️
All in all, this is a beautiful story, I 100% recommend it. Also, I dare you not to fall in love with these characters. Just try.
I feel like this is one of those middle-grade novels that every child should read before they leave Middle School, it's that well done. Everything about it, the plot, the characters, the scenes, it's done so... perfectly. Now, no book is perfect, and while there are things I could nitpick, this book SHINES in comparison to other middle grade choices.
The standout is the main character. Chances are, if you're reading this book of your own free will, you'll probably relate to her in some way. Poppy Woodlock exemplifies the thoughts and emotions of so many of us, and her story is one of hope. She's someone who feels alone, who feels like no one understands her, and who retreats into the hiding space of her books. But she is so much more than that, and her journey to discover that is STUNNING. With every book, if the main character is a mind that's incredible to be a part of, then it will draw you in.
Samson, the title lion, honestly had me skeptical if I'd like how he fit in. But as the story progressed, I fell in love with him, as I'm sure so many have.
Also, this book has what could quite possibly be the most beautiful epilogue I've ever read in a children's book (I mean, it's a tough competition, but it's up there for sure), it's almost CINEMATIC ❤️
All in all, this is a beautiful story, I 100% recommend it. Also, I dare you not to fall in love with these characters. Just try.
Who are we without the stories we love? This is the question at the heart of Hartman’s debut novel and the one that Poppy must discover the answer to through a deal gone wrong with a water nymph. When Poppy’s family moves to Oregon to restore the Lark-Hayes Manor, she has a difficult time adjusting. Poppy lives in a world of books and magic, her favorite being the Narnia series, so when she discovers a water nymph living in the abandoned manor, she can’t believe her luck… magic does exist! In exchange for a real-life winged lion, Poppy gives the water nymph her own form of magic: her Narnia book. This seems like a great deal until one by one the books from Poppy’s house disappear and all memory of their stories along with them. Only Poppy is left to remember the stories that once existed as she watches those she loves most change overnight without the influence of the stories that once shaped them. Soon Poppy must choose: keep her winged-lion turned best friend, Sampson, or bring the books back?
As someone who does not normally read fantasy books, I truly enjoyed this one. There was just the right touch of magic and fantastical creatures mixed with real life. While I still have questions (why did the water nymph get banished to the human world? Who was the Lady of Lark-Hayes Manor and what was her story?), this was one of those books that provided a small escape from the world and wasn’t heavy to read, which was a pleasant change. It truly was just a nice book and one that I could see myself using as a read aloud in the classroom.
As someone who does not normally read fantasy books, I truly enjoyed this one. There was just the right touch of magic and fantastical creatures mixed with real life. While I still have questions (why did the water nymph get banished to the human world? Who was the Lady of Lark-Hayes Manor and what was her story?), this was one of those books that provided a small escape from the world and wasn’t heavy to read, which was a pleasant change. It truly was just a nice book and one that I could see myself using as a read aloud in the classroom.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
TL;DR: A girl learns not to make false deals with the fair folk. She realizes they are much better deal makers than she.
This is a fun book about the power of books and reading. It took me a while to get hooked. The first third of the book seemed a bit derivative with its strong direct and indirect references to The Chronicles of Narnia (well, and Faust). About half way through, the book found its own voice and plot, which helped carry it through.
Hartman employs many classic conflicts of middle grade (fitting in, trying to gain some independence from authority figures despite the limits placed on tweens, dealing with bullies, etc.) However, she uses fantasy to make these ordinary problems extraordinary. Magic doesn't always provide a quick fix; sometimes it creates additional layers of conflict. There is no such thing as an easy fix. That's a great lesson for people who don't have the aid of magic.
Hartman employs many classic conflicts of middle grade (fitting in, trying to gain some independence from authority figures despite the limits placed on tweens, dealing with bullies, etc.) However, she uses fantasy to make these ordinary problems extraordinary. Magic doesn't always provide a quick fix; sometimes it creates additional layers of conflict. There is no such thing as an easy fix. That's a great lesson for people who don't have the aid of magic.
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes