“THE KINGDOM”
AUTHOR: Jess Rothenberg
GENRE: Middle-Grade Fantasy
AGES: 11+
RATING: 5 stars
SYNOPSIS:
“Welcome to the Kingdom… where ‘Happily Ever After’ isn’t just a promise, but a rule.” Glimmering like a jewel behind its gateway, The Kingdom is an immersive fantasy theme park where guests soar on virtual dragons, castles loom like giants, and bioengineered species––formerly extinct––roam free.
Ana is one of seven Fantasists, beautiful “princesses” engineered to make dreams come true. When she meets park employee Owen, Ana begins to experience emotions beyond her programming including, for the first time, love. But the fairytale becomes a nightmare when Ana is accused of murdering Owen, igniting the trial
of the century. Through courtroom testimony, interviews, and Ana’s memories of Owen, emerges a tale of love, lies, and cruelty––and what it truly means to be human.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM THIS BOOK:
“Stories can be rewritten. Reshaped. Retold.”
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK IS:
The concept of “The Kingdom!” I thought it was a very interesting twist on a classic theme park with the new inventive technology of the world the book takes place in.
MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK IS:
Ana! Her journey in discovering what it truly means to live speaks volumes about being human. She is a compelling and relatable character that I enjoyed reading about.
FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE:
“Dragon Pearl” by Yoon Ha Lee, “The Flinkwater Factor” by Pete Hautman, “Gallant” by VE Schwab
THREE MORE BOOKS TO TRY
“The Kissing Hand”
AUTHOR: Audrey Penn
AGES: 3 – 6
SYNOPSIS: School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary.
“Weird But True! World 2023: Incredible facts, awesome photos, and weird wonders―for this year and beyond!”
AUTHOR: National Geographic Kids
AGES: 8 – 12
SYNOPSIS: The kid-favorite series “Weird but True!” is busting out with an annual extravaganza of the wackiest, wildest, and downright weirdest wonders on planet Earth.
“Shoot Your Shot: A Sport-Inspired Guide to Living Your Best Life”
AUTHOR: Vernon Brundage Jr.
AGES: 11+
SYNOPSIS: “Shoot Your Shot” identifies the key principles that the world’s most elite basketball players have applied to their lives and explains in detail how you can use those same exact principles to help you navigate through life, accomplish your goals, and realize your dreams.
Avery Finley, 16, is an avid reader and book reviewer. When not reading, you can find her playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, or with one of her pets! Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @readbyfin.Avery Finley, 16, is an avid reader and book reviewer. When not reading, you can find her playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, or with one of her pets! Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @readbyfin.
