Kids Books - Trending Books
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Classics of Modern Literature) (The Classics of Modern Literature)
By Ken Kesey
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a famous Oscar-winning movie, but the book on which it was based is a very different work. The story is centered around the lasting power of one person’s actions on people around him, after his arrival at a psychiatric ward. This new patient is Radle McMurphy, a redheaded troublemaker who starts fights to get away from the work farm. He is markedly different from everyone else who has walked through the double doors. Chief Bromden is half-Indian and exceedingly large and strong. Rather than inspiring fear and respect, he is pretty much ignored by everyone around him because of the assumption that he is deaf and dumb—making him the perfect narrator. His narration (not dumb but articulate) is unique because the symbolism doesn’t stay confined to some incorporeal place that is hidden by the author; it makes its way into the real world as concrete hallucinations. This means his reasoning is sometimes twisted, also that the comparisons he makes are remarkably apt. This is the genius of the book, the main thing Kesey was angry at the filmmakers for changing. Bromden tells the story of how, over the course of several months, McMurphy tries to overturn the stifling order created by Nurse Ratched—a microcosm of the Combine, which in Bromden’s mind, is the oppressive force that has infected society and taken away individuality and even humanity. Both his actions and her reactions escalate as the book progresses. It is a battle of wills, but also between order and disorder. As for the actual reading experience, the development of themes and symbols is surprisingly straightforward once you get past the first part. The pacing is close to perfect after Part One. This book lacks traditional chapters; instead it is divided into parts, an approach that honestly makes a lot of sense. This is also not a straightforward hero story, as the costs of rebellion are clearly shown. I think knowing this information adds to the suspense of the book, so I won’t count this as a spoiler.
The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5)
By Rick Riordan
The author could very well be the Greek God of Literature, given how great this book is! This series was at one point my favorite, and "The Last Olympian" was the best of the five! Percy Jackson is approaching 16 years of age, and the prophecy that defined the series up to now is threatening to be realized. But Kronos and his forces are far from being complacent; rather, their efforts to topple the gods to usher a new titanic age are only becoming more prevalent. The previous accomplishments and victories of Percy and his allies pale in comparison to the one they must confront now: an onslaught of of the Titans and their reinforcements. The demigods know there will be hardship in the process, but it's either suffering for chance at peace--or a complete alteration of their lives for the worse. All of the author's books were great in my opinion, but this one is particularly notable for its strong ending; so many series I've read have it where the first few books are entertaining, but the later ones decline in quality. "The Last Olympian" doesn't suffer from that problem; in fact, I believe it is better than any of its predecessors save "The Lightning Thief" (and that only because it starts the series off strong). It perpetuates the lovable parts of the core characters and plot, while introducing other elements than enhance the progression of the story. Percy, Annabeth, and their comrades and enemies are consistent in their personalities, and while there are some portions where nonsensical magic interferes with a logical storyline, the decisions made by the characters (and especially the prophetic choice itself) incorporate an engaging reality to the narrative. Yet I also appreciate the incorporation of mythological elements. While pure magic I do not particularly enjoy, having powers continues to open more possibilities to Percy and the other characters--vastly more than a normal person would be able to enjoy. Reading this book has also latently given me knowledge about Greek mythology, some of which I still use today. It incorporates emotional turns as well as lots of action, and neither gets tiring at any point throughout the novel. I would definitely recommend this to people seeking an enjoyable read while learning simultaneously; in terms of educational value in combination with entertainment, I would refer to this book above all others. But I would also recommend it to those looking for just pure exuberance: it accomplishes that wish, and much more!
The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3)
By Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, and Thalia Grace, daughter of Zeus, are sent to find two extremely powerful half-bloods in a military school. While trying to escort them to Camp Half-Blood, a manticore appears and ruins their plans. The iconic Hunters of Artemis come to their rescue, and the older of the two half-bloods, Bianca, decides to join them. While Kronos' army starts to build, a new prophecy arises. One that stated that the moon goddess, Artemis, is in danger, both campers and Hunters must unite. I feel that this, out of all five books, was the best. It stands out on its own. It really has depth to it, and I almost cried once or twice. But Percy, Annabeth, and Thalia have to get through it, otherwise the planet will be destroyed. New characters rise and fall, and the whole book is one big roller-coaster ride. This fantasy-mystery book will keep everyone hooked, even the mysterious General.
The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 2)
By Rick Riordan
This is the second book of the Percy Jackson series. A lot of important events happened in this stories. it started off with a competition, it showed that Percy Jackson had a new competitor, and she's the daughter of war, Clarisse. She's really tough, strong and clever, and very competitive, likes to tease Percy Jackson about that all he did (In the lightning thief serie) was because of luck. And then, he found out that he has a step brother, that is half god, half cyclops. During a usual day, they heard something huge, sounds like something is bumping the wall of Thalia (the daughter of Zeus). It brought a great disaster in the camp, because without that wall, anything, monsters, beasts can go in and destroy the half bloods. So they decided to send a group of the strongest kids to go find the golden fleece, known that it can heal anything. Although the directors sent Clarisse, and another half goat, but Percy thinks that he has the responsibility to save the camp, because of the prophecy he heard. And so he went on an adventure to find the golden fleece, to save the Olympus. It's also very intense to read, the scenes reveal in your eyes vividly, a really good book to read, it's also pretty funny. I really recommend this book the kids in any age, because it's not too hard, and it's interesting, have fun reading this fantastic book!
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)
By Rick Riordan
There are five books in the Percy Jackson series, and many more books in the series Heroes of Olympus, which is kind of the sequel series to Percy Jackson. Today I will be reviewing the first book. The first book is good, I guess, it's okay. But it didn't appeal to me that much. *SPOILERS BELOW So basically the story centers around a kid named Percy Jackson. Percy Jackson has been expelled from every school he's been to so far because of accidents, like landing the whole class in a shark tank in the aquarium. When his current school, Yancy Academy, goes on a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with his class, including his nemesis, Nancy and his best friend, Grover. His teacher, Ms. Dodds, turns out to be one of the Furies. The Furies are demons, basically, in Greek Mythology. His other teacher, Mr. Brunner, gives him a sword that can be disguised as a pen, called Riptide. Percy defeats Ms. Dodds and sends her back to Tartarus, which is the ultimate-horrible-place-to-go-when-you-die- place. Percy and his mom drive to Montauk Beach, but is met by Grover, who gives them a warning to go back. However, while driving, they are attacked by a Minotaur (monster that is half-bull, half-man.) He takes Percy's mom and Percy kills the Minotaur, before falling with exhaustion. Later, he and Grover are rescued and taken to Camp Half-Blood. While at Camp-Half Blood, Percy discovers that he is a demigod, a son of a mortal and one of the gods/goddesses in Greek Mythology. He also learns that Grover is a satyr (a mythical creature with horse-like features) and that Mr. Brunner is a centaur (half-horse, half-man). He also meets other demigods, like Annabeth, who is a daughter of Athena, Luke, who is a son of Hermes, and Clarisse, who is a daughter of Ares. Since no one knows who his god parent is, they place him in the Hermes cabin. Later, when they play a game of Capture the Flag, a trident appears above Percy, revealing that he is the son of Poseidon. Percy learns that Zeus, the king of the gods, thinks Poseidon used Percy to steal Zeus' lightning bolt, Zeus' chief weapon. The Oracle (a fortune-teller) tells Percy to return the stolen lightning bolt to Zeus to prove that he didn't steal it. Percy then has to go on an odyssey to find the lightning bolt with Annabeth and Grover. Percy, Annabeth and Grover defeat several mythological creatures, including the demon Medusa, who has snakes for hair. Now here's where it gets super confusing - at least for me. The trio find Hades, god of the dead, who has taken Percy's mom because he thinks Percy stole the Helm of Darkness (Hades' most powerful weapon). He says if Percy returns the Helm, Hades will return his mother. Percy realizes that Ares has all the stolen items. The backstory behind that is that when the lightning bolt was stolen, Zeus sent four of the most agile, quick, young and smart gods out to search for it, Apollo, Artemis, Athena and Ares. Only Ares found the true thief, Luke (the son of Hermes) but didn't turn him in. Instead Ares took the lightning bolt and the Helm of Darkness to start a war between the gods (because Ares is the god of war.) Percy challenges Ares to a duel, and surprisingly, wins. After getting all the items and returning them to their rightful owners, (and freeing his mother), Percy, Annabeth and Grover return to Camp Half-Blood. At Camp-Half Blood, Percy doesn't know that Luke is the thief (because Ares left that detail out) but Percy gets it quick enough when Luke tries to kill him with a scorpion. It is also revealed that Luke is a servant of Kronos, the King of the Titans, the enemy of the Gods. After all that, Percy decides to not stay at Camp Half-Blood year-round, only in the summer and to spend the rest of the year with his mother. Okay, here it is. There's a lot of five-star reviews, and I like this book. But it isn't one of my favorites because for one, the characters seem a bit one-sided. Percy's brave, Annabeth's witty, Grover's loyal. That was pretty much everything interesting about the characters. That kicked it down one star. The imagery and world building - amazing. Up one star. Descriptions were pretty good. Up one star. Managed to make my emotions go up and down and all around. One star more. One star less because it was so confusing and generally, I couldn't understand it near the end even though I have a solid base of Greek Mythology. It is a good book, I just feel it could use some improvement. But let's just say this - it's a book that stuck with me through and through and basically, it's worthy of putting on a special shelf on my bookcase. ~FelicisOwl
Dork Diaries 3 1/2: How to Dork Your Diary
By Rachel Renée Russell
I got this for my birthday and I loveto draw in it.I also like her other books too.They are similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid but I still liked this one too because it was aimed more for girls.
Boy-Crazy Stacey (The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix #7)
By Ann M. Martin
This is an amazing book! Go on Stacy's adventure as she finds her true love. She knows the boy Scott, who she loves loves her to. At least that is what she thinks. But one walk on the pier can change her love for Scott and change the world for her. Meanwhile Maryanne is not having a good time. While Stacy goes out to talk to Scott she's stack babysitting. She's getting all the work! They would get payed to babysit the Pikes and she felt like Stacy did none of it. Will Stacy find new love or still love Scott? Will Maryanne forgive Stacy? Join there adventure when you read this amazing book.
Claudia and Mean Janine: Full-Color Edition (The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix #4)
By M. Martin Ann, Ann M. Martin
I read this book and then re-read it again and again. Its a great little twist on the real babysitters club. The part with Mimi having a stroke made me cry just because of the detail and descriptions. It was a great read.
UnEnchanted (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale Book 1)
By Chanda Hahn
This book is the perfect mix of fairy tales and reality. It shows a girl liking a guy and him not liking her back. Something I can relate to often. It also shows betrayal, fear, new found identities, and a perfect dosage of "Hey, wake up!" I would recommend this book to anyone who would listen.
Rise of the Earth Dragon: A Branches Book (Dragon Masters #1)
By Tracey West
This is a great book about a boy who works with his mother on an onion farm. He then is summoned to the castle for an unknown reason. He then gets separated from his mom and is very scared. He then receives a part of the crystal that will help him bond with his dragon. But when he meets his dragon it looks like a giant worm. But things get worse. Thy get trapped in a tunnel with no way out! Can they get out, or will they fail?









