Homeschool Friday - Spider-Man the Amazing Story

Homeschool Friday is a feature here at Somewhere Only We Know that showcases books my family reads during homeschool and provides a mini-review for each.

Spider-Man the Amazing Story

By: Catherine Saunders

Publication: January 1, 2006 by Dk Pub

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Level-1 Reader, Early Reader, Superhero

Source: Personal Library

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Goodreads description--Describes how Peter Parker became Spider-Man and tells what his amazing secret powers are.

DK rates Spider-Man The Amazing Story as a Level-1 Beginning to Read book. My son when he was reading level-1 books was always intimidated by this book. It is the average length of a level-1 reader, but I will say that some of the words were bigger than I was expecting from level-1, so I let him wait until he was reading level-2 books to kind of force this one on him. (For example: ordinary, heights, radioactive, exhibition, poison, fantastic, skyscrapers, wrestling, television, burglar, identity, costume, building, strength, Scorpion). If it were one or two words, I wouldn't have questioned it, but there was a challenging word for a level-1 reader on every page. We don't want to discourage readers even while pushing them a little.

The book tells the basic story of Spider-Man/Peter Parker. There's no new revelations. It talks about who Peter Parker was before, how he became Spider-Man, and how he changed after becoming Spider-Man. I liked that he has a story that goes from being picked on by others at school to using his new skills to save people and catch bad guys. What I didn't love and don't see as necessary in a book designed for roughly six-year-olds was the hyper sexualization of Mary Jane. She's wearing a lace-up shirt that emphasizes her breasts and narrows down to a taper into her pants were you can see flesh at her hip. In the next picture, She is clinging to Spider-Man while wearing low-rise jeans and a shirt that shows about 5+ inches of her belly, hip and back, all while showing the V of her abdominal muscles/hip bone and emphasizing the round shape of her butt. I just don't think this was necessary for a young children's book. Also, Aunt May looks positively diabolical and scary. These are some odd choices for a level-1 reader if you ask me.

I don't mind challenging a child to push beyond what they might think they are capable of, and I don't know how DK chooses to rate their leveled readers. I thought some of the words included were a little more challenging for a level-1 book. But the biggest draw back to me was the odd illustrations which depicted Aunt May almost as evil and Mary Jane as hyper-sexualized. Spider-Man The Amazing Story gets 2.5 Stars. Have you or your child read Spider-Man The Amazing Story? What did you think? Let me know!

All Things Halloween Review - Divine Rivals

Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment, # 1)

By: Rebecca Ross

Publication: April 4, 2023 by Wednesday Books

368 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Source: Borrowed from the e-library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again…

All eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow wants to do is hold her family together. With a brother on the frontline forced to fight on behalf of the Gods now missing from the frontline and a mother drowning her sorrows, Iris’s best bet is winning the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

But when Iris’s letters to her brother fall into the wrong hands – that of the handsome but cold Roman Kitt, her rival at the paper – an unlikely magical connection forms.

Expelled into the middle of a mystical war, magical typewriters in tow, can their bond withstand the fight for the fate of mankind and, most importantly, love?

An epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.

Divine Rivals is a YA fantasy where the world the characters live in is at war. This a war between two gods that were once asleep. We don't really understand the war yet, but we have gotten a little mythology surrounding the gods in the story, so I imagine we will learn more as the story progresses.

Iris's brother has gone to fight in the war. She dropped out of school and has joined a newspaper in hopes of becoming a columnist. But she's in competion for the role. And her mother has become an alcoholic. Iris has also been writing letters to her brother but he hasn't written her back.

Roman is in competition with Iris for the columnist role. And we learn pretty quickly that he's been receiving letters written by Iris to her brother magically. He decides to take a risk and write her back without telling her who he is. Roman's father is attempting to control his life. He is setting up an arranged marriage. And the columnist position is what his father wants for him.

Eventually both characters end up writing for a rival newspaper as war correspondents. As they grow closer together in both real life and through their magical letters, we begin to wonder how Iris will respond when she finds out the truth. And what has happened to Iris's brother that has kept him from responding to her letters.

Divine Rivals was a sweet book that hooked me so quickly. I listened to the audiobook and finished in in less than 24 hours. It helped that I was able to listen during a large stretch of a day we had off school. The dual narrators (Rebecca Norfolk & Alex Wingflield) did a great job. Rebecca Norfolk did get to narrating quickly at times that had me hearing "Raymon" instead of "Roman" at times. I wondered if I was hearing her incorrectly, or if she was messing up. Either way, I am giving Divine Rivals 4 Stars. Have you read or listened to Divine Rivals? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

All Things Halloween Review - Ruby Red

Ruby Red (Ruby Red Trilogy, # 1)

By: Kerstin Gier

Published: May 10th 2011 by Henry Holt (first published January 6th 2009)

330 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Source: Christmas gift from my friend Paula

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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Goodreads description--Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

My friend Paula actually gifted me Ruby Red more than ten years ago back before I was a mom and still worked at the same office as her. She read the series and enjoyed it. But to be honest, time travel books are ones that I often struggle with. As a matter of fact, I never seek them out. Even when some of my favorite authors go that route, I end up not reading those books. But Paula and I usually end up liking the same books, so I finally decided to see if the e-library had a copy of the audiobook, and they did.

Gweneth is a sixteen year old girl that has always known that the time traveling gene runs in her family, but it was supposed to come to her cousin Charlotte, not her. Yet Gweneth ends up with the gene and not Charlotte afterall. Charlotte has spent her entire life preparing for this, and Gweneth has not. It doesn't help that Gweneth is being paired up with Gideon who she has a little crush on, but he has some kind of relationship with Charlotte.

Gweneth's mother has kept her true date of birth a secret because she was hoping to spare Gweneth the time traveling world. Her mother seems to think that there's something to be afraid of. Not to mention that one of Gweneth's ancestors has defected from the group and stolen a major artifact needed in the time traveling process. Gweneth doesn't know the truth about any of it. Why did Lucy steal the cronograph? What does St. Germain really want? What happens with the cronograph is sealed with the blood of all twelve time travelors. What is being hidden from her? And who are the real bad guys?

Ruby Red is a book that I'm definitely glad I listened to on audio. The romance is slow burn and barely there at this point. You know it's building from what is hinted at, but if you're looking for action or a romance driven plot you will be disappointed. I know my friend, Paula, read the whole series, so I do plan to continue with the series, but at this point, I don't have any free holds with the elibrary, and I've got 6 weeks until my next hold is up. Plus I'd rather snag the 2nd book in the Divine Rivals series as my next hold. But I have been holding onto this series for over 10 years as it is. It isn't going anywhere. I'm giving Ruby Red 3 Stars. Have you read or listened to Ruby Red? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

Homeschool Friday - Gwen Tells Tales

Homeschool Friday is a feature here at Somewhere Only We Know that showcases books my family reads during homeschool and provides a mini-review for each.

Gwen Tells Tales (Good News for Little Hearts)

By: Edward T Welch

Illustrated By: Joe Hox

Publication: October 4, 2021 by New Growth Press

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Animals, Picture Books, Christian, Manners

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--This colorful, beautifully illustrated children’s book invites children ages four through seven into Gwen Raccoon’s world to learn alongside her how to have the courage to always tell the truth. Gwen Raccoon is embarrassed when she gets a failing grade on a math test. But that’s not the big problem: the big problem is that she is cultivating the habit of lying to do what she wants and cover up her mistakes. Gwen’s lies pile up. But when Mama confesses her own failure to tell the truth, Gwen gains the courage to confess and ask forgiveness of Jesus and of those she has lied to. Edited by Edward. T. Welch, Gwen Tells Tales helps young readers see how God always accepts us when we confess sin and repent; and further, how he gives us the humility to speak the truth when it’s hard. A special section at the end of the book guides parents in helping their children be truth-tellers. Also included is a tear-out page of Back Pocket Bible Verses to remind children and adults that God’s forgiveness is always available to cleanse us from sin; and the Holy Spirit always gives strength to speak the truth. Gwen Tells Tales is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series, bringing gospel help and biblical counsel to families. Based on CCEF’s model of hope and help, each story focuses on an animal family’s real-life issues, encouraging young readers toward a growing relationship with Jesus in the midst of challenging circumstances. Each individual story guides parents toward meaningful conversations with their kids, based on what Scripture has to say about living by faith in everyday life.

I absolutely love the Good News for Little Hearts series. There's always a Scripture where a book dedication usually stands. Gwen Tells Tales features Ephesians 4:25, "So you must stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth because we all belong to each other in the same body." Gwen Tells Tales is 32 pages long, but of course, it isn't an AR book so finding an exact book level for reading purposes would just have to be a guess, but I would put these books on par with the Berenstain Bears which ranges from a level-2 to a level-4. Either way, this is a book that I've read to my kids, not a book that my kids have grabbed for supplemental reading purposes (at least so far).

The book starts with Monday morning where Gwen is excited to go to school because she is the smartest 4th grader in Mukberry Meadow. Mama reminds Gwen and Gus that she and Papa have their cornhole game that night and wouldn't be home until 9 after Gwen and Gus are in bed. She also reminds Gwen of her math test tomorrow and that tonight is Gwen's last tie to study, so no screens allowed. Gwen isn't worried about failing her test so she let's Mama's instruction go in one ear and out the other. When Mama and Papa head out to their game, Gwen goes to get on her device, but Gus reminds her of the rule. She blows him off. Gwen plays until 8:45 so she won't get in trouble when Mama and Papa come home. But the next day at school, Gwen is confused by the test. She doesn't recognize the work she's expected to do. Then she remembers that she was sick two days last week, and this must have been taught while she was out. On the way home from school, Gwen pulls out her graded test and sees "Failing grade. Parent signature required." When she gets home, Gwen decides that she's going to have to copy Mama's signature on the paper herself. Unfortunately, Miss Minnick, the teacher, runs into Mama at the market and asks how Gwen has been doing since Tuesday's test. The truth comes out. Immediately after, Mama runs into a friend from the cornhole game and Mama fibs a little about practice to get a high score.

Gwen asks Mama on the way home from the market why she lied to Mrs. Squirrel about practicing cornhole. Mama realizes that she was wrong and needs to straughten things out. She then asks Gwen why Miss Minnick thinks that she signed Gwen's tests. Mama, Papa, and Gwen discuss the test and Gwen's lack of studying, plus her screen time. And Gwen asks for forgiveness. Mama tells Gwen that following Jesus doesn't mean that we don't mess up and do wrong things from time to time. Papa chimes in that we do ask Jesus for help and forgiveness. Mama gives Gwen a piece of paper with 1 John 1:8-9 written on it.

At the end of the book is a section to parents about helping children with lying. And then finally, there are four "Back Pocket Bible Verses" that you can pull out and give to your child/children for when it's hard to tell the truth. Psalm 34:12-13, Hebrews 4:13, 1 John 1:8-9, and Psalm 32:5.

Picture books that teach about Biblical character in a way that children can understand and apply in their lives are among my top favorite books. This entire series is great. Gwen Tells Tales gets 5 Stars. I love how it shows how one lie often leads to another. Have you or your child read Gwen Tells Tales? What did you think? Let me know!

All Things Halloween Review - Rebel Witch

Rebel Witch (Crimson Moth, # 2)

By: Kristen Ciccarelli

Publication: February 18, 2025 by Wednesday Books

464 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magic

Source: Borrowed from the e-library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A WITCH...
Rune Winters is on the run. Ever since the boy she loved, Gideon Sharpe, revealed who she was and delivered her into enemy hands, everyone wants her dead. If Rune hopes to survive, she must ally herself with the cruel and dangerous Cressida Roseblood, who’s planning to take back the Republic and reinstate a Reign of Witches—something Cressida needs Rune to accomplish.

A WITCH HUNTER...
Apparently it wasn’t enough for Rune to deceive Gideon; she’s now betrayed him by joining forces with the witch who made his life a living hell. Gideon won’t allow the Republic to fall to the witches and be plunged back into the nightmares of the past. In order to protect this new world he fought for, every last witch must die—especially Rune Winters.

AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE...
When Rune makes Gideon an offer he can’t refuse, the two must pair up to accomplish dangerous goals. The more they’re forced into each other’s company, the more Gideon realizes the feelings he had for Rune aren’t as dead and buried as he thought. Now he’s faced with a terrible choice: sacrifice the girl he loves to stop a monster taking back power, or let Rune live and watch the world he fought so hard for burn.

In Kristen Ciccarelli's Rebel Witch, the exciting conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology, love has never been so deadly.

I listened to Rebel Witch on audio. It is the second book in the Crimson Moth series and is a true enemies-to-lovers book. Rune is a witch during a time when witches are hunted. More specifically, hunted by Gideon. He was hurt by a witch who trapped and tortured him. He has been searching for the Crimson Moth, whom he suspected to be Rune. He pretended to court her in hopes of unmasking her. Yet he began to develop feelings for her. Rune knew Gideon was trying to find the Crimson Moth. So she knew he likely wouldn't actually want to be with her if he learned the truth of who she is. Yet, she has always had a crush on Gideon. And getting to know him better didn't help that at all. In the end, Gideon and Rune are both betrayed by the other by the time we start this second book.

Cressida was one of the queens of the previous regime before witches began to be hunted. She is supposed to be dead. But she is the one who trapped and tortured Gideon, and she wants him back. Yet she was posing as Rune's best friend and ultimately saved Rune's life. Rune is now trapped and indebted to her. Cressida is using Rune in a marriage alliance with another kingdom in order to get an army to take back her own, with plans to resurrect her sisters. Rune has got to get free of Cressida and this marriage alliance. Despite saving dozens of witches, Rune is ready to find somewhere she can simply survive. She takes a chance on Gideon not being able to kill her and ties her fate to his. Gideon must redeem himself. He was fooled by Rune once before, and he can't let himself be fooled again.

Rune and Gideon have to depend on each other to survive. Both are traitors. Both are being pursued by others. And both have betrayed the other. How can they trust each other? Will feelings win out, or will one or both of them realize they simply cannot trust the other? Rebel Witch was a great conclusion to this duology. It answered all of my questions. I wanted to keep listening when I was forced to put it down. Even still, I managed to finish it in two days before we started back to school after Christmas break.

Rebel Witch was a thrilling ride. I enjoyed the stakes and the hills and valleys. I might have even teared up once. I can't remember specifically. I didn't highlight any quotes since I listened to this one. But I rooted for Rune and Gideon the entire way, and I wasn't disappointed. Rebel Witch gets 4 Stars. Have you read or listened to Rebel Witch? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.