Ken Spillman

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Jake's Great Game was not so great. Jake and his friend Jonah started playing soccer at the same time, but Jake was easily discouraged. Jonah seemed to do well from the beginning, while Jake struggled to do the basics. He often complained, and even thought it was his cleats at one point.

Instead of his father and grandmother using these moments as teaching opportunities, they simply pat his head and say it will get better with practice. While that may be true, I feel like author missed a chance to include deeper discussions on how Jake was feeling. His concerns didn't feel important.

The story would also bounce from one thing to the next with very little transition. I think a lot could have been done with Jake's story, but instead we see him dislike a sport until he eventually does something that's rewarded. I would hope a child enjoyed the game because it was fun, and not just because they excelled at it.… (altro)

This is the latest instalment of the Jake's series and it is another fun read. In this short chapter book Jake and his classmates are all watching and talking about the TV show, Junior Chef. Jake is initially not interested, but when he finally gives it a chance, he loves it. He and nana begin to experiment in the kitchen and he actually makes a few dishes that he and his father enjoy. When his school decides to hold their own Junior Chef competition, Jake is selected as one of his grade level contestants. He wants to make the most creative meal he can think of...but of course it does not go according to plan! I actually cringed just a little when he talked about his recipe. I liked Jake's creativity and ingenuity, and how he and his family were able to laugh off his mistakes in the end. A great chapter book for children ages 8 to 12. I think this book will especially appeal to boys. Should be in all school and class libraries.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.… (altro)