Author: Carl Hiassen

Carl Hiassen is the author of many books such as 'Hoot,' 'Flush,' 'Scat,' and more recently, 'Chomp.' His books are about preserving wildlife, more specifically, The Everglades. Most of Hiassen's books also take place in Florida, USA, and they are extremely humorous and amusing.

Author: Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl is another one of my favorite authors of children's books. He has written so many classics. Some of my favorites include 'Matilda,' 'The Witches,' and 'The BFG.' He also wrote 'Esio Trot' and 'Fantastic Mr. Fox.' His most famous book is 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.'

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley M. M. Blume

This book is about a girl named Cornelia who has an extensive vocabulary. She is the daughter of two famous pianists and she is always compared by others to her parents. One day she meets her new neighbor who has traveled all around the world with her sisters. Cornelia becomes entranced with her neighbor and her sister's amazing adventures. They become great friends. This is an amazing story for children ages 8-14. Definitions are included in the book. Some things I liked about the book was that the character's personalities were very emphasized and the author's voice was very apparent in the story. The characters were over the top and their adventures very entertaining. Some of the things I didn't like were that it all seemed like most of it was sitting and waiting. I found myself skipping some of the adventures to find where the more interesting ones were. I was disappointed to find that there weren't any. Over all just an okay book. I would give it a 3 out of 5.

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass

This is an amazing book about a girl who is turning 11 and her party this year will the first one that she hasn't celebrated with her friend Leo. She learns that their parties are on the same night and instead of going to her party everyone is going to Leo's party. When she wakes up she finds that she will keep repeating her birthday until she and Leo are friends again. It is by Wendy Mass who I've mentioned in previous posts. It is a good book for children, ages 9-12. Some things that I liked about this book are that not everything turns out as easy as it seems for the two main characters. Some things that I didn't like were that after a while, the book became a bit boring. If you liked this book, I would definently recommend 'Every Soul a Star' by Wendy Mass. Sidney

Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi

From the author who wrote 'The Spiderwick Chronicles' series, 'Kenny and the Dragon' is a fictionary masterpiece filled with whim and bursting with delightful qualities. It is a story about a studious rabbit named Kenny who finds a peaceful dragon. The two quickly become friends but soon trouble arises when the townspeople become scared and angry by the arrival of the dragon. They hire Kenny's best friend to kill the beast. It is a story that would be particularly enjoyed by children ages 5 - 8. The things that I liked about this book are that it is very detailed and entertaining. It was fun to read and something that I would not normally have read. I am very glad that I did. I actually have no complaints for this book. A very fun read. 4 out of 5 stars.

Author: Dan Green

Dan Green is the author of several children's nonfiction books, such as 'Oceans: Making Waves!,' 'Human Body: A Book With Guts!,' and 'Algebra & Geometry: Anything But Square!.'  He gives each and every item a unique attitude, opinion, and characteristic. Writing witty books that contain memorable information, Dan Green is a one-of-a-kind author.

Dark Life by Kat Falls

This is a great book. It is very unique. Several books describe what might happen in the future but there hasn't been one that takes place underwater, that I've heard of. Earthquakes shattered the Earth and water flooded about half of the world. The people who live on land barely have a closet to themselves but this is the future, so people can live underwater, too. The kids who do are said to have almost magical powers. There are two main characters; a girl who comes to look for her older brother and a boy who lives underwater and whose home is threatened by outlaws. This is a book that shows you the beauty of deep underwater and makes the impossible possible. This book is good for children ages 8-13. Some things that I liked in this book are that it really captures the beauty of deep underwater. It's setting is made surreal through words, which I always look for and books. No complaints, here. An amazing books that I would give 5 out of 5 stars.

Author: Wendy Mass

Mass is an author who goes above and beyond in the world of fiction. 'The Candymakers' was what got me first interested in her as she spun a sugary, sweet tale that taught me not to judge a book by its cover.  It promised to be a delicious and mouth-watering tale (which it was) but was also a mystery where everything interlocked so well that it made you have an 'Aha!' moment.

Her next book, which I read, reached stellar heights. 'Every Soul a Star' was a tale of astronomical proportions that you just couldn't put down. Many friends have recommended that I also read her book: '11 Birthdays.'  I recommend this author to anyone who enjoys bright, vivacious books about stars, cake, and candy. Sidney

The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer

This is an amazing series! I think that it gets a bad reputation from the movies. Most people will be surprised to know that it is a pretty decent series. It is about a teenager who falls in love with a vampire and has to deal with the fact that her best friend is a werewolf. The vampire and werewolf hate each other. I would not recommend this book to anyone younger than 16 years old. Sidney

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

With all of the hype from 'The Hunger Games' movie, this has become a pretty popular book. It should be. Ms. Collins has outdone herself. This is an action adventure for almost all ages. The 'almost' comes from the fact that anyone younger than 11 should not read this book. However, it is such an amazing book because it keeps you on the edge of your seat and is a book you can't afford to miss. It is about what happens when Katniss goes back to the arena with Peeta and the effects of the growing revolution. An amazing book. It has so much feeling in the words. A job well done and a welcome addition to the world of literature. No complaints.

The Last Holiday Concert by Andrew Clements

Andrew Clements is one my favorite authors. He won me over for his work with 'Frindle' and 'Lunch Money' and also 'No Talking'. His books are entertaining and present life at school if the kids made all the rules. 'The Last Holiday Concert' goes beyond that. It is chaotic and you can't put it down. It is about the most popular kid in school. When he shoots a rubber band at his teacher, the teacher leaves it up to the students to plan the upcoming holiday concert. This book is great for children ages 8-11, or for anyone like me who enjoys Andrew Clements. If you enjoyed this book you should also read 'Frindle,' 'Lunch Money,' and 'No Talking.' One of the things I liked was that the book had a good story. Overall for me, the book hooked me for a while but it was just okay otherwise. I would give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Welcome to Sidney's Literary Review

Welcome to Sidney's Literary Review!

This site is for people of all ages interested in finding interesting books. Each review provides an overview and rating on the book as well as space to read comments from others who have read that book. You can also take surveys.

On average, I read 50 - 75 books per year. I hope to review these books for your benefit. Feel free to leave questions or ask me to review any books. I'll do my best to respond unless the comments are impossible or unreasonable.

Thank you for visiting! Sidney