Category: School - Blazer Tales

Blazer Tales

Welcome to BlazerTales... where it's all about the book reviews.

There are 4 ways to use this blog:
1) Scroll through to see a variety of books;

2) Click on the 3 lines at the top left to get a drop down menu of books broken down by grade levels;

3) Go to the search box and for title, genre, or subject; and

4) Go to Categories and search by subject matter.

***These reading levels are just a guide to help if needed. Please, please, please do not let any of these numbers deter you from reading whatever you want!!!***

Reviews Published

Professional Reader

10 Book Reviews

Outlaws by Jen Calonita

9/28/2019

Interest Level: 3-6; Reading Level: 4.7

What would you do if you were kicked out of school, banished to the middle of the forbidden forest, and brought shame to your family? This is what has happened to the Royal Academy Rebels - Devin, Sasha, Logan, Heath, and Raina - all because they disagreed with how the fairy godmother was running the academy. When this group of friends suspected that Olivina was in cahoots with certain villains, Olivina did the only thing she knows how to do when she is being opposed... banish them. This is not the first time she has banished someone from RA, but it is the first time she has done it as a group, and it is the first time she has done it to siblings of the royal court. When these five find themselves in the middle of the forest, they face many challenges. Devin thinks if they find Red Riding Hood then she can help them find a way to get back with their families and not bring shame to them. Not only do they find Red, they also find a group of others who have been banished from RA. Their first challenge is to get Sasha's article printed in the Happily Ever After Scrolls. This is a problem because the HEAS are published by ogres, not humans, and Olivina has her hand in everything that goes on there. Can they sneak in and get Sasha's article out to everyone and expose the wicked Olivina? Their second challenge is to sneak back into Royal Academy for the Masquerade Ball, one of the biggest balls of the year. Will these five misfit kids find a way to redeem their family name? Can they find a way to finally expose the evil Olivina? Or will Olivina win and the kids will be exiled from the school and their families forever? Read this incredibly exciting second installment to the Royal Academy Rebels series!!

There are not many books that grab me and won't let go, but this is one of them! If you have read my blogs before then you know that I am not a super fast reader. So when I say I read this book in just a few hours because I couldn't put it down, you know it's a great one! Jen Calonita weaves such an amazing story that includes Disney princes and princesses and fairy tale characters. The Royal Academy Rebels can not be missed!!! (and a quick note to Jen Calonita - please make a book three!! I am not ready for these characters to end! I want to see and hear more about them as they grow and develop in their talents!!)

Misfits by Jen Calonita

9/28/2019

Interest Level: 3-6; Reading Level: 4.4

If you were born to live one way but you but you grew up wanting to live another way, would you do what you thought was right, or would you follow your heart? For Princess Devin Nile, she would be happy living her life in the forest taking care of all the animals. Devin has a very unusual talent - she can talk to and understand animals. However, Devin is a princess and she is expected to go to RA, Royal Academy, where all of the prince and princesses go to learn the proper ways of royalty. From the moment Devin steps out of her pumpkin carriage and onto the Royal Academy campus, she does not fit in. She did not read and memorize the princess manual like all of the other girls so she seems to be breaking the rules left and right. For example, her first class is with Snow White and it is Creature Care. Devin is so excited because this is right up her alley, but when a dragon gets loose, according to the manual, Devin is supposed to sit back and wait for a prince save the day. So when Devin helps to get the dragon under control, she is given her first strike for not following the rules. Next, when all of the princesses are kidnapped and placed in a tall tower, being attacked by a dragon, and the tower is on fire, Devin tries to wait for a prince to come but once again, she jumps in to save the day. Strike two. If Devin gets strike three she will be kicked out of RA and her family will be humiliated, they will lose their place in society, and never be able to show their face again. Devin can not let that happen so she promises to be the perfect princess. Olivina, the fairy godmother, has made it very clear to Devin if she doesn't get in line she will be banished. Olivina has also threatened her roommates and friends - Heath and Raina White, Snow White's siblings; Sasha Briarwood, Princess Rose's sister; and Logan Nederlander. So when everyone is gathered in the ballroom and trouble comes once again, is Devin going to sit back and be the perfect princess she is supposed to be or is her instincts going to kick in? Will Devin get her third strike, get kicked out of RA, and bring shame to her family? Or will she sit back and let the princes take care of the situation? And what about Olivina, the fairy godmother? Is she on the good side or is something more sinister going on? Check out this amazing fantasy novel to find out the answers to these questions and so much more!!

This is one of my favorite books that I have read in a while! I love anything to do with Disney princesses and fairy tale characters. Jen Calonita brings a winner with her newest series, Royal Academy Rebels. I was listening to this book on my drive to and from work. I was in the middle of chapter 19 of 20 when I pulled up at work and I did not want to go in. I needed to finish this action-packed, edge-of-your-seat book. This book is incredible and when you get to the end you will have to read book 2, Outlaws! Do not miss the Royal Academy Rebels series!!!

The Great Jeff by Tony Abbott

2/9/2019

Interest Level: 3-6; Reading Level: 5.7

Have you ever wished that your friends knew what problems you were going through, yet at the same time you want to hide from your friends the problems you are going through? This is exactly what is happening to Jeff Hicks. Jeff spent his seventh grade year at St. Catherine's Catholic School with his best friend, Tom. Now Jeff begins his eight grade year in public school with no best friend. Jeff's parents have gone through a bitter divorce and they can not afford to pay for private school anymore. He has lost his beloved school, his best friend, his grandfather, and his parents, and things are still going downhill fast. His mom has started drinking more and more, so much that she has lost her job. She is months behind on their rent and Jeff is mortified when they get evicted. Jeff's dad is no help because he is about to have a baby with his new girlfriend. He doesn't have any extra money to spare. He develops a crush on a girl in his class, but how can he even talk to her when he is always dirty and smelly and unkept? Where will Jeff and his mom go now that she has no job, no money, and is an alcoholic? Will Jeff be able to continue at his school if he is homeless? And what about his former best friend, Tom Bender? When Jeff ends up standing in front of his house will they be able to mend their ways? Read this incredible book about family issues, homelessness, new friendship, old friendship, and endurance to keep things together when everything is falling apart.

This book will grab your heart, twist it, and then tear it into a million pieces. I was not a fan of Jeff in Firegirl, however my eyes were opened and many tears fell as I read Jeff's story. I know in my own school we have homeless families and it just breaks my heart what they have to go through every day just to come to school. Some kids have so much more to worry about in their lives than just homework. I want to just wrap my arms around the kids and hold them for a long time. I want to thank Tony Abbott for this incredible, eye-opening story that will stay with you for a very long time! This is a must read, do not miss book for 2019!

Firegirl by Tony Abbott

1/20/2019

Interest Level: 3-6; Reading Level: 4.1

Have you ever done the right thing even if it cost you a friend? Tom is a seventh grade kid in a Catholic school. His best friend, Jeff, is not the nicest kid around but it's his only friend. Tom has a huge crush on a girl in his class but he doesn't have the nerve to even talk to her. One day their teacher announces that a new student will join their class and she gives them a warning about her appearance. Jessica has been badly burned and the students have a very hard time accepting her. The students in the class do a very good job of ignoring her yet at the same time rumors fly about how she was burned. One day during their daily prayer Jeff refused to hold Jessica's hand because he is so repulsed by her. Jeff doesn't think anything about it but Tom feels sorry for Jessica. Since Tom lives a few houses away from Jessica, Mrs. Tracy asks him to take her homework to her after an extended absence. Tom learns a lot about Jessica that day and actually wants to consider her a friend. This does not go over well with Jeff and their friendship disintegrates. Will Tom really choose Jessica over Jeff? Will this cause problems with the other kids in the class? To save face, should Tom go back to ignoring Jessica like all the other? Read this incredible story about compassion, friendship, and the decision to do what is right no matter what it costs.

This book was published in 2006 and I missed it so many years ago. It was not until Tony Abbot send me his new book, The Great Jeff, that I read Firegirl. Since The Great Jeff is the story of Tom's friend, Jeff, I wanted to read Firegirl so that I would know what was going on. I am so glad that I didn't go one day longer without reading this book. In a time when kids who are different seemed to be picked on and bullied, this is a refreshing story of a kid who realizes that it is wrong, especially when Tom is a shy kid himself. Run out today to get this book so you will be ready for The Great Jeff!!

The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane by Julia Nobel

1/20/2019

Interest Level: 5-8; Reading Level: 4.8

Imagine your dad disappeared ten years ago and your mom is too busy with her work to deal with you. This is Emmy's life! On her third birthday her dad went missing and is presumed dead. Her mother writes parenting books and is now starting a reality television show in which she has to go from family to family helping them with their children. Since her mom won't be around she is sending Emmy to a boarding school in England. Emmy is used to moving schools because anytime a school drops a point, she gets pulled out for a better school, but half way around the world? Emmy's first impression of the school is not a good one when she meets her roommate, who had the room to herself until Emmy came along. These two do not hit it off and Emmy is expecting to not be accepted by everyone. She couldn't be more wrong. She very quickly makes best friends with Lola and Jack. These three become inseparable and it's a good thing because mysterious notes about Emmy's father start being left for her about her father. She soon finds out that her dad went to Wellsworth and he has a very dark past at this school. As Emmy and her friends start to investigate a secret order of men things start to become very dangerous. Will Emmy find out the mystery of her dad? Is he dead or alive? Will Emmy survive when the powers higher than her try to stop her investigation? Read this incredible book to find out what happens!!

This books was absolutely amazing! It was full of mystery, suspense, and a friendship that will stop at nothing to help each other. I have mentioned in my blogs before that I am a slow reader. To say that I read this book in a 24 hour period says a lot about it. I could not put it down. The writing was magnificent!! I wanted to go to Wellsworth and become friends with these kids! Towards the end of the book I wanted to finish it so bad to find out how it ends, but at the same time I didn't want the book to end!! I am so in love with this book and I can not wait for the second book to come out!! This is a 2019 book that you can not miss!!

Ruby in the Sky by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo

1/6/2019

Interest Level: 3-6; Reading Level: 4.7

Imagine that your mom moves you around from place to place to place and each one is going to be your "forever home". Ruby wants her forever home to be back in the home where she last shared with her dad, but her mom has brought Ruby back to her own home town. She once again promises Ruby that this will be their forever home but within a week of being there her mom gets arrested and things are not looking good. Ruby knows there is no point in making friends because they will not be there for long, however she didn't expect to meet Abigail. Abigail is the old, crazy lady that lives in the shed next to her house and feeds the birds. Rumor around town is that she killed her husband and daughter many years ago. Ruby sees a different side of her but she can't deal with it because she has her own problems. She is trying to avoid a huge biography project since she knows that they will be moving soon and won't be there to present it. Her teacher, Mr. Andrews, and the kid trying to be her friend, Ahmad, think otherwise. Will this home actually be their forever home? Will Ruby expose Abigail for who she truly is or will Abigail's pain be more than she can bear? What happens with Ruby's mom's arrest and will she ever take Ruby back to the only home that she knew? Read this incredible book to find out what happens with Ruby and those around her!

Ruby in the Sky is a phenomenal book about love, loss, friendship, and overcoming when all the odds are against you. Ruby shows us all that even though we may be lonely and in pain ourselves, there can be others that need our help. No matter what kind of walls we put up around ourselves, those walls can be broken down for a new beginning. This book has such an amazing message and does not need to be missed!!!

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez

12/18/2018

Interest Level: 5-8; Reading Level: 5.2

Have you ever felt a little different from the people around you, including your family? This is exactly how Malú feels, especially around her "SuperMexican" mom. Malú (short for Maria Luisa) loves punk rock, wearing t-shirts and shorts, and skateboarding; she absolutely hates cilantro (what person of Mexican descent hates cilantro??). Malú's parents are divorced and she feels more comfortable with her dad who owns a record store than her mom who is a college professor. The huge problem facing Malú right now is that her mom is moving them away for a new job. She will lose her dad and her friends. Starting over at a new school is hard enough, but when you look and dress different than everyone else, it is a bazillion times harder. Malú has decided that she will not be happy with this move, no matter what. Malú is very unhappy, and to make matters worse, on the first day of school, she offends the the school's queen bee and gets in trouble for violating the dress code. Little does she know, but by violating the dress code, she finds some of her very best friends in the process. Will Malú ever be happy in her new home? Does her dream of being in a punk rock band die with the move, or is it just the beginning? Read this incredible story of family, friendship, and overcoming all odds to find yourself.

I absolutely loved this story! Malú teaches the reader how to continue to be yourself even when the majority is against you. This book also teaches you that true friendship can be bent, but not broken and that family is always there for you no matter what. Do not miss this amazing story!!

Operation Frog Effect by Sarah Scheerger

11/25/2018

Interest Level: 3-6; Reading Level: 4.7

Have you ever had a teacher that was completely awesome and made a huge impact on your life? At White Oak Elementary School, Ms. Graham is that teacher and the impact is made on eight very different students. Emily doesn't understand why her two best friends, Aviva and Kayley, won't talk or sit with her on the first day of fifth grade. Kayley actually doesn't like Emily and is extremely stuck up. Sharon doesn't seem to have a voice because she always seems to get interrupted and corrected when talking. She also describes herself as weird and a loner. Blake doesn't have many friends and likes to express himself through his drawings. Henry is a big cut-up and wants to be a famous movie writer/director of comedies one day. Kia comes from a big family and the thing he loves to do the most is read. Cecilia has only been at White Oak a year and she misses her Abuelita back in Mexico so much that she writes her letters teaching her English. Lastly, Aviva misses her best friend, Emily, but she has her reasons for dissing her and befriending Kayley. These kids don't always get along but a classroom assignment brings about new friendships and some bitter competition between table groups. However, when one group assignment goes terribly wrong, they all must team together to save themselves and their beloved teacher. Will they be able to come together to save Ms. Graham's job? Will they be able to put their differences aside to get this done? Read this incredible story to find out how this story plays out.

This books is so amazing! It is written from eight different perspectives in letter form, including one in graphic novel form. Ms. Graham is an inspirations teacher and the affect she has on her students makes me want to be a better teacher. Do not miss this story of friendship, coming of age, and how powerful students voices truly can be.

I Walk With Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët

11/21/2018

Interest Level: K-3

What would you do if you saw someone being bullied? Would you jump in and help or would you walk away? In this wordless story a new girl at school gets bullied and no one comes to her aid. However, one little girl sees everything that happens and it really bothers her all through the night. Will she do what is right or will she stand back and let the bully win? Read this incredible wordless book about trying to fit in, being new to a school, hurtful words, and finding friendship!

Secrets and Scones by Laurel Remington

11/8/2018

Interest Level: 3-6; Reading Level: 4.6

Imagine that your mom is a famous blogger and everyone reads her posts, including all the kids at your school. Now imagine that every small, embarrassing detail about your life gets splashed across that blog. This is the life that Scarlett lives. So how does she combat this humiliating torture? She does nothing. She quits all of her clubs, sports, after-school activities, even her friends. She does absolutely nothing to be noticed. The problem is that her mom is so absorbed in her new blog fame that she doesn't see her children right under her nose. One day her elderly neighbor falls and gets rushed to the hospital. That night Scarlett hears a noise from her house and thinks she has come home and needs help. She sneaks out to find a key under the mat, a very hungry cat in the house, and one of the most incredible kitchens she has ever seen. It is like magic when she discovers an old, handmade, incredible cookbook, a kitchen stocked with so many ingredients, and a desire to teach herself how to cook. After days of sneaking over to the neighbors house to cook she is caught by the new girl at school who just happens to show up with her real estate aunt. Together these girls create a cooking club and a friendship, but they have to keep it a secret from her blogging mom. When their secret gets leaked out to others, including Scarlett's arch-nemesis, will this jeopardize the club? What happens with the owner of the house comes back and finds them in her kitchen? Also, what about the elderly woman's nephew who wants to put her in a retirement home and sell the house? There are so many things going against the cooking club. Will it survive? What about the friendship Scarlett has made? Read this incredibly sweet story of family, friendship, and how first impressions may not always be what they seem.