The Nightsiders #2: Vault of Shadows by Jonathan Maberry: Book Review

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Book received at no charge for book review consideration.

The leader of the Orphan Army, eleven-year-ol Milo Silk, has just escaped the evil Huntsman. Together with a Evangelyne the werewolf girl, Shark and his other friends, Milo faces the task of keeping the Heart of Darkness along with the Dissosterin crystal egg safe. The vengeful Huntsman, Queen Mab with her group of fairies, and the zombielike holo men could all destroy Milo and his friends.

After a rescue mission gone wrong in which many innocent lives are lost and the Heart is fractured, Milo and his group set out to find the Heir of Gadfellyn Hall .The quest makes them question the cost of war. Not only has Milo lost many of his friends, but he must face another boy in his troubling dreams. Plenty of action combined with aliens, zombies and magic make for a page turning novel the preteen and teen will have a hard time putting down. Along with the action, it will also leave the reader questioning the purpose of war. 

Rating:★★★★★

Publishing Information

Simon & Schuster Book for Young Readers (August 30, 2016)

Author: Jonathan Maberry

ISBN 9781481415781

Ages 8-12

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Picture Book Review: Be the Change: A Grandfather Gandhi Story

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Ashram life seems easy enough when the purpose is to live simply and nonviolently. While Arun has no trouble with most of the eleven vows of ashram living, he has a hard time with the vow not to waste. He can't understand how throwing away a worn-down pencil can hurt anyone, let alone lead to violence.

As Arun follows his grandfather and hears him speak about passive nonviolence, he struggles to understand the meaning behind it and how a worn-down pencil applies. In time, learns that every act affects others and the world around him in small ways. His grandfather tells him, "Be the change you wish to see in the world, Arun." These words remind him to think always about his actions and how they can bring about peace.

The mixed media illustrations with striking colors may catch the attention of the young reader while the concepts explored may teach a better lesson with the guidance of an adult. A great story for the child and parent to experience together.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Atheneum (August 30, 2016)

By Arun Gandhi and Bethany Heeds

Illustrated by Evan Turk

ISBN: 978-1481442657

Ages: 4-8