Book 25 of the Goosebumps series. This one is more comic book adventure versus straight horror. That said it was a fun story for those comic book loving middle-graders. The twist at the end is a nod to horror and allows for future novels.

This is a telling of Pinocchio if Isaac Asimov would have imagined it. Memorable characters and an adventure not too unlike any other but a twist on the puppets where the one human is the only one around. What it means to be human and that Jazz can fix anything. Well maybe not everything. The…

Book 20 of the Goosebumps series. This is a good ya horror story. It walks the line between scary and not too scary for younger readers. Even the twist brings more of a smile that fear, which leaves it with really good ending. Also, the mix of normal and supernatural is well done.

This Newbery award winning book is told a bit different than others. There are several rhyming sections to tell the story in a minimalistic manner. It is a realist fictional baritone that fits into life well enough to see it being true. The plot is predictable and straight forward while still allowing room for the…

Book 13 of the Goosebumps series. A fantastic ghost story that will give you all the excuses you need not to have piano lessons. This one has a strong horror component and it will done. I especially loved the “you’ve got great hands” repetition that fits so well with the ending. A real scary fun…

Another Newbery award winner and it is easy to see why. This is a coming of age book that has a very sweet ending. Very memorable characters, a bit of the mystic, and finding friends and the need to have those friends around you. Highly recommend!

This is the second book in the Doctor Dolittle series and the most famous of the offerings as this has the giant sea snail. The characters are timeless and the descriptions pull you right in and make you feel like you’re on a journey with the great naturalist that rivals the abilities of Sherlock Holmes,…

Albeit I’ve watched show about Doctor Dolittle I have never enjoyed the book. I love that it isn’t a magical way that he understands the animals, but hard work as he teaches himself to speak to the animals. Also, that he does not let money stop him from doing what he thinks is right. A…

Book 19 of the Goosebumps series. Ocean adventure in the hunt for mermaids. This one was not scary as much ocean adventure/diving and snorkeling. A good warning on people’s greed. I liked the non-Disney look at mermaids and enjoyed this story.

This 2024 Newbery award winning book will take you on an incredible journey. You will find amazing friends, loyal allies, and wonderful aged mentors. Embracing where life takes you and appreciating who/what you are. I really liked the choice to not explain the “enemy’s” motivation and just letting it be an interpretation. The final message…