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Wonder what your kids are coming across in the books they're reading? Bookalachi is your source for parent reviews of kid and teen books! More than a just a synopsis; we look at the content (e.g. social themes, drug/alcohol use, violence, sweary words, etc) and give parents the 411 on content.


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Recent Reviews

Book Review: Cosmic

July 17, 2010

CosmicA likeable character, unusual and very interesting story. Likely a better fit for closer to 10 and 11 year-olds, due to just a few bits of mature content.

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Book Review: The Secret Year

July 15, 2010

The-Secret-YearMature content in terms of language and sexual activity. Feels fairly real-to-life for older teens, likely won’t be news to them, but it is fairly mature. I may have said that already…

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Book Review: Gifted - Out of Sight, Out of Mind

June 30, 2010

Out-of-Sight-Out-of-MindAn interesting premise of what happens when a popular girl transports into the life of a non-popular girl. This first book in the series isn’t particularly dark, though there are some social circumstances with parents to be aware of.

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Book Review: The Death Defying Pepper Roux

June 29, 2010

goA disturbing premise, but an intrepid hero who has an interesting story. Some significant content to be aware of-likely not a good fit for kids under age 11, and a mature 11 at that.

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Book Review: Eighth Grade Bites

May 18, 2010

Eighth-Grade-BitesNot a lot of content to worry about for this age-group, but because the main character is 13, it will primarily appeal to kids 13 and under. While this book is mild on content (and likely okay down to age 11 or 12), it is a bit of a ‘gateway substance’ for a genre that can go quite dark. Likeable teen boy characters.

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Book Review: Deep and Dark and Dangerous

May 3, 2010

Deep-and-Dark-and-DangerousDespite the premise of the story, not a lot of content. It’s a ghost story about a child who drowns. It’s not particularly creepy, but it is scary. (Note: I read it at night and it gave me nightmares, but I’m sensitive to such things. :) It may whet your kid’s appetite for more horror stories, and most are not as mild as this one. If your child is not sensitive about ghosts, the content is mild enough that it’s likely okay for kids down to age 12.

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Book Review: Conspiracy 365 March

May 2, 2010

goNo new content worry about in this 3rd installment of the series. Please read the previous reviews in this series to get a good feel fo rit.

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Book Review: Witch and Wizard

April 27, 2010

Witch-and-WizardAn interesting story with an interesting premise. Okay for precocious readers, likely down to age 12, though keep an eye on the review. The thinly-disguised list of banned music/art/books at the end of the book will delight teens.

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Book Review: Morning Girl

April 23, 2010

Morning-GirlThis is a really lovely story, one that both boys and girls will like (told from the perspective of a sister and a brother). A strong family story and a beautiful view on a simpler time with a family who loves each other and acknowledges each other’s differences. The reference in the synopsis to a ‘threatened way of life’ is because of the islands discovery by Columbus in the last page of the story. A note at the end of the book by Columbus implies that he is intent on capturing the people to be servants.

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Book Review: Wings

April 23, 2010

goThe main character is in peril, chased by some pretty evil bad guys. Adults are not protective of the children in the story. Some unresolved family issues (why does Edward’s aunt not want to give him a home?). Edward is brave and clever. The story is likely okay for most 9-12 yo’s, though kids sensitive to `evil’ scariness might want to wait ’til they’re closer to 11 or 12.

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