Hook of a Book

In today’s episode, I review 365 Days to Alaska, a listener request sent in from Lucy. When Rigel has to leave her home in Alaska, she makes a pact with her dad: If she can stick it out for one year in Connecticut, he’ll bring her home. Can Rigel do it? If you have a listener request you want me to review, email me at hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. You can also send in a voice message. To stay up-t...

In today’s episode of Hook of a Book, I review a wonderful story by E.L. Shen—The Comeback! Maxine is a wonderful ice skater, but she isn’t so good at standing up to bullies. When a mean boy starts bullying Maxine about her Chinese heritage, Maxine has trouble standing up to him. She also wants to place at the regional ice skating competition, but a new girl, Hollie, is also trying to place, and H...

In today’s episode of Hook of a Book, I review Katherine Applegate’s book, Wishtree, a listener request sent in from two sisters, Sophie and Olivia. Red is a tree that is very old. Red has witnessed many things in life, but when a new family moves into the neighborhood, Red finds that people aren’t kind to them. If you have a book you want me to review on the show, you can email me at hookofabookp...

Hey, listeners! In today’s episode of Hook of a Book, I review Barbara Dee’s Halfway Normal. When Norah Levy completes her two-year treatment for leukemia, she can’t wait to get back to school. She soon realizes that it isn’t easy readjusting back into her normal life—and when she is moved to eighth grade math and science, she meets a cute boy who doesn’t know about her leukemia, but Norah finds t...

Today, I will be reviewing The List of Things That Will Not Change, by Rebecca Stead. When 10-year-old Bea hears that her dad is getting remarried, she is super excited. But, will anything go as planned? Bea’s future sister doesn’t seem to like her, and that makes Bea sad. Thank you to Maeve for requesting this book! If you have a book you want me to review on the show, email me at hookofabookpodc...

Sideways Stories from Wayside School is a book that is funny, sweet, and it has been read for decades. I love this series for younger kids, and I still reread it! These books tell the story of Mrs. Jewel’s class, and their school that was built the opposite way it should have been. I enjoy the humor, the creative chapters, and the unique writing voice Louis Sachar gives the books. Have a great wee...

Hello, and welcome back to Hook of a Book! Today, I’ll be reviewing an anonymous listener request: Tune it Out! It’s about a girl named Lou. I LOVED this book, and I hope that you enjoy it, too! If you have a book you want me to review on the show, email me at: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. See you next week!

What would you do if you just learned that you had to be the governess to children who were raised by....wait for it....wait for it....wolves! Today, I will be reviewing The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place with my cousins, Nora and Malen. This series follows Miss Penelope Lumely, a 15-year-old girl in the 1800s who has just graduated from Swanburne Academy. She soon learns that she will be g...

Hello, folks! In today’s episode, I review From the Desk of Zoe Washington, a listener request sent in from Norah. I love this book a lot! When Zoe Washington finds out that her dad was sent to prison wrongly, she decides to try to free him, all while trying to get on the Food Network’s baking show, Kids Bake Challenge. Can she do both? This book is super interesting, and again, thank you Norah fo...

In this novel, told in verse, readers get a peek into the eyes of Jude, a young Syrian refuge coming to America for the first time. As Jude starts a new school, takes ESL classes, and tries to explain to people that she wears a hijab by choice, she learns that not everyone is as accepting as she had thought. Is America really the place that Jude had thought it was? If you like acting, you’ll enjoy...

In today’s episode, I review the book Blended, by Sharon M. Draper. I have received two separate listener requests for this book—one from a listener named Chelsey, one from a listener named Claire. I also have a guest review today—I invited my friends Anne, Audrey, and Mackenzie to review this book with me. As always, if you have a book request, email me at: hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. Have a gr...

Today, I’ll be reviewing From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E.L. Konigsburg. When Claudia runs away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she and her younger brother, Jamie, find themselves stuck in a mystery that they absolutely have to solve! If you have a book you want me to review on the show, email me at hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com. Until next week, stay safe, stay healthy...

In this book, Aven Green, age 13, shares her life’s story after being born without arms. When her parents take a job at Stagecoach Pass, a rundown amusement park, her life changes forever. I loved this book, and I got two listener requests, one from a girl named Caroline and one from a girl named Sienna. Thanks, Caroline and Sienna! Remember, if you have a book you want me to review on the show, e...

This is a trailer episode, to give you a gist of what my podcast, Hook of a Book, is about!

Out of My Mind, by Sharon M. Draper, is a book about a girl with cerebral palsy. Melody is starting fifth grade, and when she finds a device that allows her to speak, she learns that not everyone is ready to hear her voice. Some kids are mean, and Melody has to overcome her unique challenges. Again, if you have a book that you want me to review on the show, email me at hookofabookpodcast@gmail.com...

Hey guys! This is a double episode, and a listener request from a girl named Julia. The Front Desk series is about a girl named Mia, who immigrated from China a few years ago. Now she helps her parents out at the Calivista Motel, where she manages the front desk. But, it’s hard work, and can Mia keep up with the customers? Again, thank you Julia for requesting this episode, and I am so excited for...

Hello, guys! By the way, I’m not tricking you with the title of this episode. That really is the title! Anyways, in this episode of Hook of a Book, I review Pseudonymous Bosch’s mystery, The Name of This Book is Secret. I hope you enjoy!

In this episode of Hook of a Book, I review Wonder, a book about a boy with extreme facial differences. This book is very moving, and I hope you feel inclined to read it!

Today, I’ll be reviewing my favorite book of all time...The Thing About Jellyfish, by Ali Benjamin. When Suzy’s best friend drowns, Suzy sets out to find out if it really was a natural drowning...or did it have something to do with jellyfish? I hope you enjoy!

This time, on Hook of a Book, I review the book The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, with my two oldest cousins, Nora and Malen Mano. Enjoy!

In the first episode of Hook of a Book, I will be reviewing Kristen Levine’s Lions of Little Rock!