Book Review – Survival Show (Survival Show, #1) by Juno Dawson

 

Survival Show by Juno Dawson is about a young woman, Taryn Beck, who joins a deadly singing competition to get medication for her sick brother.

Life has been tough for Taryn Beck and her family. She feels like they can never catch a break. The only refuge she has from reality is singing. She and her family live in a Scottish refugee camp after the war and devastating floods. Taryn, her sister, and their father are constantly trying to find ways to get enough money and medication to help her brother.

Taryn realizes that the only way out is to join a singing competition. She enters the popular television program Starmarker, where kids from the New Peace Global Alliance compete for the chance to join a pop group. The winners will live a life of luxury, fame, and money. However, entering the competition comes with deadly consequences. The lowest-ranking contestants after each round face public execution. Will Taryn have what it takes to win?

The book was an entertaining read, although it took me a little while to get into it. I didn't like the dystopian portion of the story or how the author changed basic, everyday things to make them seem more futuristic. I felt like some of these changes were unnecessary just to make things fit the post-apocalyptic setting. It would take me out of the reading experience because I would have to stop and figure out what the author was referring to.

I also felt like the world-building was confusing and not very well explained. I wasn't sure if everyone was struggling or if only a handful of people were living in poverty like Taryn and her family while others were marginally better off. It was hard to understand how the economy and class system worked and why some people would risk death when it seemed like they already had money and influence.

I felt like the game show was designed for people who had no other option but to risk their lives for money. The social class and power structure could have been explained better. For example, during the competition, Taryn mentions having a surplus of food and never having tasted a mango, but it didn't seem like the other contestants had the same experience. Some of the characters' motivations for joining the competition were eventually revealed, but some of them still felt superficial. If joining wasn't a matter of survival, why would they risk being killed?

Once I stopped thinking so much about those details, and the author moved away from focusing heavily on the world-building, it became easier for me to get into the story.

I was rooting for Taryn until the end. I felt like she went off the rails toward the end and kept making decisions without considering the consequences. It was frustrating that other people had to pay for her actions. Despite my issues with the book, I did enjoy it and thought it was a good read.

I was surprised to learn that this is the first book in a series, and I'm curious about what the second book will be about. I'm torn because while I enjoyed this book, I'm not sure I'm invested enough to continue with the series.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author.

Book Review – We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together by Katy S. Duffield

 

We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together by Katy S. Duffield is a picture book that introduces readers to different keystone animals and explains the important impact they have on other animals and their environments.

The book features beautiful, watercolor-style illustrations. It is very colorful, although it leans toward a darker palette that fits the natural subject matter. Each keystone animal is introduced with a short poem that describes the animal and explains the benefits it provides to its environment. In addition to the poem, there is a smaller, more detailed section that provides technical information about the animal, including why it is considered a keystone species.

I like that the book includes both the poems and the more detailed explanations because it allows young readers to grow with the book. Younger readers can enjoy the poems and illustrations, while older readers can explore the more detailed information. I think this gives the book lasting value and can help keep readers engaged with both the book and the environment.

I also liked that the book highlights animals that readers may not be familiar with. It can introduce children to species they might not otherwise encounter and encourage them to learn more about the role these animals play in their ecosystems.

At the end of the book, the author includes additional animals and plants for readers to research on their own or with an adult. I liked this addition, but I would have also liked to see some age-appropriate, environmentally friendly activities that children could do with adults to help protect their local environment.

Since I wasn't familiar with some of the animals featured in the book, I also would have liked to see resources where readers could learn more about keystone animals and plants in their own communities. I think children may feel more connected to environmental issues when they can see how they directly affect the places where they live.

I enjoyed the book. It is beautifully illustrated and educational, offering something for multiple generations. I think it would be a great way for children and adults to learn together about the important role keystone species play in keeping ecosystems healthy.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author.

Book Review - It's Almost Time for . . . Thanksgiving by Maisha Oso

 

It's Almost Time for . . . Thanksgiving by Maisha Oso is a picture book about one family's Thanksgiving traditions.

Thanksgiving is almost here, and everyone is excited. However, there is still plenty to do and prepare before the big day begins. The book highlights some of the fun things to look forward to, including a big feast, watching football, and spending time with family.

The book is beautifully illustrated and easy to follow. I liked the diversity of the characters and the inclusion of disability representation. The story follows one family throughout their Thanksgiving and shows how they spend the holiday together.

I thought the book was okay. I think it would have been a nice touch to include space for young readers to write about their own family traditions or Thanksgiving memories. That would have made the book feel more personal and turned it into a keepsake that families could revisit each year.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author.