Zombie by Steve Barlow & Steve Skidmore #review #chooseyourdestiny #Chapterbooks #middlegrade

My review:

This is the second book I read in a series of books. In this one, the reader is a special agent of zombie hunters. (I do love a good zombie story!) The reader being tasked to save the world one chapter at a time. But wait! Each chapter is designed by choice of the reader, meaning one may skip from chapter 1 to chapter 44 depending all on choice, the choice the reader makes is their fate and ultimately the ending (or beginning) of the book. Or losing their brains? Oy!-

I love books like this because the reading keeps you engaged in the book. In this book I was chasing and defending the world against zombies. I have never figured out why we chase them exactly nor why we actually run from them but no matter! We have zombies on the loose here and we are choosing our fate to live another day!

I have no idea how the authors are able to keep the story lines from intertwining but they manage to do it and so can the reader. Kids who love: zombies, a good epic read, want to be a hero, or just like a good mystery, this is for you!

A plus about these books is they are also designed for kids who have issues with dyslexia. The print is bigger and more space between sentences.  AWESOME!

I want to note: as if the story lines in these books is not engaging enough, the covers are fantastic! It is why I picked them up to begin with.

I give this book 4 pumpkins.

Disclosure: I obtained this book from the local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors, Network

Find the authors:

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Alien by Steve Barlow & Steve Skidmore #ChooseYourDestiny #chapterbooks #Middlegrade #bookseries

 About the book:

You are the Monster Hunter, protector of the living, and nightmare of the paranormal. Aliens have landed and your specialist services are urgently required...

My review:

This is the first book I read in a series of books. In this one, the reader is a special agent of monster hunters. The reader is tasked with saving the world one chapter at a time. But wait! Each chapter is designed by choice of the reader, meaning one may skip from chapter 1 to chapter 44 depending all on choice, the choice the reader makes is their fate and ultimately the ending (or beginning) of the book.

I love books like this because the reading keeps you engaged in the book. In this book I was chasing and defending the world against aliens. As there are aliens in Area 51 (it mentions it in the book), who wouldn't want to save the world and be a personal hero. Ha!

I loved the authors were able to keep the story lines interesting and not convoluted. Kids who love: a good epic read, alien encounters, want to be a hero, or just like a good mystery, this is for you!

A plus about these books is they are also designed for kids who have issues with dyslexia. The print is bigger and more space between sentences. Win!

I give this book 4 pumpkins.

Disclosure: I obtained this book from the local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors, Network

Find the authors:

Amazon

Foster Freddy Wants A Family by Christina Donato #bookblitz

Foster Freddy Wants a Family is a heartfelt true story about resilience, second chances, and the journey to finding a forever home.

Freddy is a spirited rescue dog with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Though he can be stubborn, bossy, and sometimes a bit of a troublemaker, his playful nature and determination shine through—even as he faces serious medical challenges, including multiple surgeries.Author Share Link 

Christina J. Donato is an author with a background in creative writing, political science, and sociology. Raised on Long Island, New York, she later relocated to New England, where she built a career as a mainframe programmer.

Now based in Rhode Island, she shares her home with her husband and their dog, Nera.

Ms. Donato enjoys word puzzles, black-and-white movies, anything Beatles-related, being active in her church, practicing the frame drum, and hosting doggy playdates with Nera.

Her love of animals and deep appreciation for poetry and storytelling come together in her writing, where she highlights meaningful, real-life experiences with warmth and authenticity.

 

Contact Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lhapcjd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinajdonato

Nanny Ogg's Cookbook by Terry Pratchett #countdowntoHalloween2026 #magicalbeings #humor

About the book:

They say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach which just goes to show they're as confused about anatomy as they gen'rally are about everything else, unless they're talking about instructions on how to stab him, in which case a better way is up and under the ribcage. Anyway, we do not live in a perfect world, and it is foresighted and useful for a young woman to become proficient in those arts which will keep a weak-willed man from straying. Learning to cook is also useful.

My review:

This is not just any old cookbook! Oh, no, this is a cookbook wrapped up in old time advice, and good ole' fashion humor. I loved it! Nanny Ogg is one if the local witches, from a fantasy world unknown to this reader, that dishes out some fine recipes around her town that honestly, she has pinched from other people...um, and other creatures. I do respectfully use this term loosely.

The "dishes" if you can really call them that, range from deep-sea blow fish (sans the blow fish) to recipe for a cheese sandwich that call to order out pizza.  She has no problem describing the people that are contributed to these delights' sans at times, not giving proper credit.

In addition to this already humorous book, one finds themselves learning about proper etiquette at different settings and who is to be invited to such events. She is clear to say that witches do as they like but that others must adhere to certain rules. These rules may include a good ole' fight complete with weaponry.

Overall, I laughed out loud many times as I read this book and maybe learned a thing or two. I especially learned that if you meet a troll, do not shake his hand. Rather you are to pound him on his head. I will then have a friend for life! Make sure you always bring a good ham roll.

5 Pumpkins!

Disclosure: The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:

Amazon

The Ghost Train by Cath Jones #review #chapterbooks #CountdowntoHalloween2026

About the book:

Dan loves trains, so when he and his mom move into an old railway station it's a dream come true! he's even more amazed when, one night, an ancient train signal flickers to life...and a ghostly steam train chugs by his window.

My review:

I am certainly a train lover and a ghostly Halloween enthusiast, so reading this book was a delight. What fun it would be to live in an old train station!

It was cute to find out how the kid, Dan, discovered family that he was related to by riding the ghost train that came every night. The whole story was about family, friendship, and somewhat about responsibility.

I would have liked to have seen a little more substance to the story but considering it is a chapter book; it was okay too. The pictures were cute and added to the story.

I give this book 3 1/2 pumpkins.

Disclosure: I obtained this book at a local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ with yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network.

Find the author:

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A Light in the Autumn Night by Frances Tosdevin and Sophia O'Connor #childrensbooks #countdowntoHalloween2026 #Autumn

About the book: 

A gentle tale about overcoming fear, the comfort of friendship, and how even the smallest light can shine the brightest when it's shared.

My review:

This book is totally about facing your fears, in this case what goes bump in the night. The character of mole shuts himself in his cozy home in order to block out his fear of the dark. However, creatures arrive dressed in costumes not only asking for treats but for light to find their way. This shared experience prompts mole to go out and at the same time, face those fears.

What a beautiful book this is!  Even though the book is Autumn and Halloween centered, it gives such a greater message of being kind, sharing your wealth, and more importantly sharing yourself (the light) when possible. Children will certainly get the dual messages. It is a book to be shared by all.

Done in muted colors and Autumn colors this is a terrific book to add to your home and school collections. Such a winner of a book and great lessons!

5 big lighted pumpkins!

Disclosure: This book was obtained at a local library. The views here are 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Find the authors:

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Beastopia by Chrissie Sains #middlegrade #countdowntoHalloween2026

 

About the book:

The curse of the 10th birthday is about to strike when family pets disappear. But where do these animals go and why? Digby Griffin, his sister Mog, and best friend, Tai are about to find out and discover Beastopia.

My review:

When I began reading this book, it started out a bit slowly. It described the family and their pets and that they simply disappeared on the happenstance of a 10th birthday. Weird! As pages went on, a weird washer turned portal and kind of an underworld became apparent as to where these animals had disappeared to.

I enjoyed finding out about their alter status and how they remained it what was called Beastopedi The children had special roles and how those came about is the meat of the book. Of course I am not going to reveal that. Read the book!

A few illustrations in black and white are dispersed throughout the book. They do not really lend much to the book but are well placed. This book is meant for upper elementary. If you or your kids like fantasy creature and what they do, this book is for you!

I give this book 31/2 pumpkins.

~Michelle, Reading Authors Network