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adventurous
emotional
funny
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
Gosh I think this is one of my favorite Rick Riordan Presents yet! Aru Shah is a relatable MC: she feels like an outcast and tries to do everything to fit in, even twisting truth to do so. In an attempt to impress her classmates, she unwittingly unlocks a Hindu god's jail and releases him. Chaos, adventure, and tests of integrity ensue.
Her warrior sister, the talking pigeon, the depressed House, the twist at the end... I loved it all!
Her warrior sister, the talking pigeon, the depressed House, the twist at the end... I loved it all!
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-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
What a delightful book! It’s got action, it’s got heart, it’s got redemption, it’s got mythology. I laughed out loud so many times and I appreciate the subtle jokes inserted for the grown ups. I can’t wait to read this one with my 5th graders and I can’t wait to read the next ones in the series.
Fun and light adventure story based on Hindu mythology. The quest is the primary focus but there is enough background for those completely unfamiliar with Indian culture to learn while they read. As an adult, I found the animal sidekick annoying (like Mushu from Milan), but my middle grader enjoyed it so it spoke to the right audience. The emotional journey of the main characters was well done and the last chapter is setup for the sequel.
I would happily hand this to a young elementary student who is an advanced reader to independently read or as a family read aloud for any age. The tension is very light and even more sensitive kiddos would be ok.
Idea/quotes I want to remember:
Chapter 9, not a spoiler: someone mentions a curse that you never remember how strong you are until someone reminds you. Seems like all people have a bit of this “curse”.
I would happily hand this to a young elementary student who is an advanced reader to independently read or as a family read aloud for any age. The tension is very light and even more sensitive kiddos would be ok.
Idea/quotes I want to remember:
Chapter 9, not a spoiler: someone mentions a curse that you never remember how strong you are until someone reminds you. Seems like all people have a bit of this “curse”.
adventurous
funny
fast-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:
Complicated
While I think this is a book with a lot of potential and strong elements, I found myself really bored with it overall. I don’t know if it was a consequence of not liking the audiobook’s narrator or just how it was written in general, but it just didn’t grab me.
I do think this is a really good book for introducing a younger audience to another culture. I also think it does a really good job of introducing the different ways racism/xenophobia can present to a younger audience. The concepts were easy to grasp and clear.
I think it just felt too slow and meandering. In the 4 hours (39%) I listen it felt like nothing much had happened. I’m willing to give the book the benefit of the doubt. It might have been a combination of an unenjoyable audiobook narrator paired with a slower paced middle grade book, but I don’t find it compelling enough to continue.
I do think this is a really good book for introducing a younger audience to another culture. I also think it does a really good job of introducing the different ways racism/xenophobia can present to a younger audience. The concepts were easy to grasp and clear.
I think it just felt too slow and meandering. In the 4 hours (39%) I listen it felt like nothing much had happened. I’m willing to give the book the benefit of the doubt. It might have been a combination of an unenjoyable audiobook narrator paired with a slower paced middle grade book, but I don’t find it compelling enough to continue.
Moderate: Racism, Xenophobia
Minor: Violence
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I kind of liked this book. I really liked Subala (Boo). I also liked the Palace of Illusions.
This is going to be a book that we will hear about at the library I work at, I hope. I can see this getting as popular as Percy Jackson in time. I loved a lot of the little jokes thrown in for adults, and the book was super fun to read. I will be suggesting this a lot this summer.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Moderate: Bullying, Sexism, Transphobia, Classism
Minor: Racism