Scott's Take: I am Wonder Woman by Brad Meltzer

 

I am Wonder Woman by Brad Meltzer is very similar to the books, I am Batman and  I am Superman. This book in the Stories Change The World series for young readers, tells the origin of Wonder Woman along with heartfelt learning experiences for children.  So, you have all the classic bits regarding her training, meeting Steve Trevor, fighting in WW2, etc. Then a short section dealing with her modern villains and a wrap up of heroes along with a message about owning your power.

 

The origin section is a lot longer than the other books so the modern section is very short. The art remains in a cutesy style. This is another good children’s book in the series. I think this was the weakest of the series so far not because of Wonder Woman as a character but because of the short page count really hurt the pacing at the end. Hopefully, they will do more of these.

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3UCdHbp 

 

My reading copy came from the Forest Green Branch of the Dallas Public Library System.

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2023

Scott's Take: I am Superman by Brad Meltzer

I am Superman by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Ehiopoulous, is part of the Stories Change The World series for young readers. In this cute little artbook which is a fictional biography, the life of Superman is detailed and how what he learned as a child helped him become the hero he is now.     

The art is really fun and features a who’s who of villains and heroes in Superman’s life. There is plenty of heart and stuff for kids to learn. I enjoyed this fun little book.

There is also I am Batman by the same people out now and I am Wonder Woman coming out next fall.

  

My reading copy came from the Hapmton-Illinois Branch of the Dallas public Library System.

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2022

Barry’s New Book—THE BOY WHO ATE RAINBOWS

Barry has a new short story eBook for young readers titled THE BOY WHO ATE RAINBOWS. 

 

Synopsis: 

When Christina and her friends investigate the mysterious disappearance of a rainbow, they meet an unfriendly boy with a strange power in this children's fantasy story. 

The rainbow doesn't fade as rainbows normally do. This one mysteriously sinks away while Christina, Gordy, Sandy and Brian watch in amazed disbelief. When they decide to investigate the mystery, they meet Duncan, an unfriendly boy with a strange ability. Why does he do what he does--and how does he do it? Should they befriend him or beware? Find out in this fantasy story for young readers.

The book is $2.99 and is available at Smashwords as well as at Amazon.

Review: "The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: Kilroy Was Here" by Douglas Quinn

Cousin of Quinn Higgins, Summer McPhee, has plenty of adventures in her own right. She is also well known for helping people. The idea that she needs to help someone is not the first thought that crosses her mind when she is asked to report to the office.

The receptionist, Mrs. Salter, paged for her to come to the school office as she wants her help.  A new student, Jimmy Wade, is being assigned to her class at Ocracoke School. Jimmy is in a wheelchair permanently because of some health issues when he was born. Issues that, over the years, have caused some people to treat him poorly out of ignorance or a lack of understanding.  He and his dad have had some tough times and are hoping for a fresh start in all aspects on the island off the North Carolina coast. Since Jimmy is an expert maybe he can help with the school’s suddenly malfunctioning computer system and the strange message “Kilroy was here.”

The latest in this series for kids is another good one. In the style of the Quinn Higgins Boy Detective series important issues such as compassion, tolerance, and understanding of others are interwoven subtly into a mystery appropriate for young readers as well as adults. This book and series gently makes important points-- “teaching moments” in the popular phrase of the day-- while entertaining readers.  The action moves quickly forward in a matter of fact way while the characters get to know others and develop a greater understanding of why people act the way they do. This leads into understanding how at times they can help. The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: Kilroy Was Here by Douglas Quinn is another good one in the series where the titles can be read in order or as a stand alone.

The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: Kilroy Was Here

Douglas Quinn

http://obxwriter.webs.com/

AAS White Heron Press (Via CreateSpace)

ISBN #978-1493507047

November 2013

Paperback

128 Pages

$7.95

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2014

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Children's Book Review: "The Penguin Way" by Scott Gordon

An inspirational story aimed at very young children, The Penguin Way tells the tale of a penguin that does things no matter the odds or his abilities. No matter what the activity is, the little penguin does it to the best of his ability. In so doing he remains true to his own self. Perseverance to the best of their ability is the penguin way in this charming and positive read.

While more than half the book is taken up by ads, what is here in this short book is a fun positive read aimed at a three to six year old audience. The illustrations are simple and clever. The clear text works well for the intended audience though some words may be a bit tough for the young readers. The core message of staying positive, perseverance, and self-reliance is a good message for kids of all ages. Like Scott Gordon’s other books for children The Penguin Way works well and is worth your time.

The Penguin Way

Scott Gordon

http://segordon.blogspot.com/

Kindle E-Book

August 2012

(Estimated print length 42 pages)

$1.25

Material picked up during the author’s recent free book promotion for my objective review. The Penguin Way was read via the free “Kindle for PC” program.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2012

Children's Book Review: "Bubble Gum Princess" by Scott Gordon

This charming children’s book tells the tale of a young girl who someday will be all grown up with her own family.  In the meantime, the young girl is the narrator’s everything and every moment is precious. Who knows how long it will be before her Prince Charming arrives to take her to his castle in the sky. Despite the changes as you grow older:

“You’ll always be my little princess;

The little girl who chewed bubble gum

and got it in her hair.”

Like other books from this author, approximately half the book consists of ads for other products.  The storyline is simple and straightforward fitting the targeted age group and the images are a nice touch. The princess images completely fit the storyline and age group and showcase a little variety.

This fun children’s book has received some criticism regarding cleavage in the illustrations. One wonders what the fuss is about because the comments do not really reflect the book in any way, shape, or form. This is a fun book filled with no deeper meaning or images than love.

Bubble Gum Princess

Scott Gordon

http://segordon.blogspot.com/

Kindle E-Book

April 2012

(Estimated print length 31 pages)

$0.99

Material picked up during the author’s recent free book promotion for my objective review. Bubble Gum Princess was read via the free “Kindle for PC” program.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2012

More reviews and news at ... http://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/

Review: "The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: The Midnight Skulker" by Douglas Quinn

Author Douglas Quinn introduces a new series aimed primarily at girls ages 8-12 with The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: The Midnight Skulker.  This is a series spun off from the book The Adventures of Quinn Higgins Boy Detective: The Cave of Blackbeard’s Treasure where

Summer McPhee was introduced.  Summer lives on Ocracoke Island on the outer banks of North Carolina with her mom.

Her biggest problem as the book opens is that it is Spring Break and she has a school writing assignment. She is supposed to write a short story over the break and is stumped. She is saved from thinking about it when a friend calls and wants to hang out. Summer meets up with her friend Angie and soon learns a classmate, Missy, has been arrested and is accused of stealing clothes.

Missy has trouble at school because of bullies and some issues at home. Missy’s life was hard enough and things are much worse now as she’s been arrested for stealing clothes off the line hanging in somebody’s yard. Ultimately she may be removed from her home and wind up in juvenile detention. Summer decides there is something very wrong and decides to look into things.

Despite the twists and turns of the case and the law of unintended consequences, Summer remains convinced Missy is innocent. Proving Missy innocent is going to take some time and is no sure thing in this fast fun read.

This new series features all of the positive hallmarks of the Quinn Higgins: Boy Detective series. Summer is, like Quinn, a young person that helps the kids being picked on, is supportive of others, and has a positive outlook. The hot button topic of the day--- bullying--- is subtly addressed here as well as a couple of issues very relevant to kids at this age group. Along with the subtle lessons at work behind the scenes there is a strong obvious mystery at work here for young minds to ponder.

While aimed at the 8-12 year old girl group, this book truly knows no gender. Just like the series for boys, this new series for girls works for any reader. As always the book is well written with no loose storylines, grammar issues, or technical flaws. Both series feature books that parents and caregivers can not only read and enjoy but have no concerns regarding reading material, language, themes, behavior of characters, etc. Single parents are shown in a positive light where they are in charge and respected. A fast fun read that imparts a little knowledge along the way while entertaining readers of all ages.

The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: The Midnight Skulker

Douglas Quinn

AAS White Heron Press (via CreateSpace)

April  2012

ISBN# 978-1470181260

Paperback

115 Pages

$6.95

Material once again supplied by the author’s publicist, Donna Higgins Colson, on the author’s behalf.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2012

Review: "The Adventures of Quinn Higgins: Boy Detective--The Case of the Haunted House" by Douglas Quinn

The Adventures of Quinn Higgins: Boy Detective--The Case of the Haunted House is third in this series authored by Douglas Quinn. It is the start of a new school year for Quinn Higgins who is looking forward to the fifth grade and seeing his best buddy, Reginald Robinson, known to all as Reggie.  It has been a long summer with the visit with Dad and Quinn hasn’t seen Reggie in months. It is a new year and the dynamic duo is back together and in action.

Unfortunately a couple of the same old problems exist in the forms of Hunter Sparks and Billy Tadwell.  After interrupting their latest game of making fun of the new kid, Demian, Quinn “Boy Detective” and Reggie quickly make friends with him. Adding him to the mix with Quinn’s new neighbor Vaughn Taylor means the group is now four strong.  Before long at Demian’s suggestion the group decides they should be known as “Quinn and the three Musketeers.”

When not in school or having fun with his buddies, Quinn decides to start poking around the old abandoned house at the end of the road.  Vaughn is convinced the house is haunted.  Quinn decides to investigate using his detective kit and quickly determines something is going on. The real question is what and how much danger the four boys will get into to find out.

Important life lessons have always been a part of this series in the guise of fiction and that is true here with the storyline regarding bullying. Subtly woven into the story the painful subject matter of bullying and why some do it is addressed in such a way that it won’t turn off the audience the book is aimed for with heavy handed lecturing. Aimed for young readers, the book gently deals with the important issue of bullying while also providing a solid mystery/adventure style read.

Like the two previous books in this series, there is an adventure here and a quest to find out what is going on. The author keeps the action moving forward at a rapid clip to hold young minds while entertaining them with a case that is resolved in unexpected ways.  Creating another entry in a series that just keeps getting better while also still skillfully teaching life lessons, author Douglas Quinn has created another good one.

Next in this series is The Case of Blackbeard’s Treasure released last month.

The Adventures of Quinn Higgins: Boy Detective--The Case of the Haunted House

Douglas Quinn

AAS White Heron Press (via CreateSpace)

October 2011

ISBN# 978-1466348844

Paperback

112 Pages

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2012