The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the best books in this series that I've read so far. The funny road trip of the Heffley family will definitely make anyone laugh including that part where Manny won that pig. I thought that pig will never be reunited with Manny but in the end, that pig saved them.

Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of the best parts of this book is when Greg and Rowley are bullied by a kid who's in kindergarten. The part where Greg found out that his younger brother Manny is the culprit behind their lack of electricity is really hilarious. Can't believe that kids younger than Greg can pull this kind of action against adults. hahaha!

The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't approve how Greg treats his best-friend Rowley but after all what happened, at least they back as being friends in the end. I like how Greg's Gammie advised him not to hurry growing up and just enjoy his time as a teen now. Young readers of this series also must remember the lessons hidden behind the funny stories in this series because they are written especially for them.

Dog Days by Jeff Kinney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was expecting that this 4th book could have loads of funny stories of Greg with a dog(s). I know expected too much but despite that, I did enjoy the diary entries written. I was just a little disappointed that Greg and his family didn't have that many happy memories with Sweetie while the dog is with them. But at least, his Grandma was able to keep the dog in the end. Maybe some are not really a dog person/people after all.

The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Actual rating: 4.5 (round off to 5)

I was torn between giving this 4 and 5 stars so I thought I just rate it in between. I like this series but this particular installment didn't make me burst out laughing, unlike the first two books. This issue tackles Greg's being wimpy in sports and being not man enough so I can't relate that much. Maybe male readers and followers of this series could appreciate this 3rd book.

Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anyone who has a sibling or siblings could relate to Greg in this 2nd installment. Aside from Manny, Rodrick is one of my favorite character in this series. Rodrick could be a little pain in the ass for Greg but behind his facade, he cares and love for his younger brothers even though he just doesn't want to admit it.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've read the first five book in this graphic novel series way back then and I re-read them now so I can finally write a review. This series is one of my favorite because of how hilariously the experiences of Greg in middle school, neighbors and with his family were written. I can't speak for others but I could only guess that whoever dislikes this has no funny bone in them.

Trampoline Boy by Nan Forler

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Trampoline Boy is a cute tale about a boy who loves to bounce on the trampoline every day. The first lesson that this book wants to convey to young readers is that you should never cease doing what you love. The bouncing of the boy on the trampoline is sort of a subliminal message of trying to achieve one's dream. While the other kids who always see the trampoline boy are like those who might deter to obtain your goal. Trampoline boy ignoring them teaches kids that you should never listen to what they say. Instead, it should serve as a motivation to continue what you are doing.

The second lesson that I think this book wants to impart is through the girl named Peaches, who can be read in the latter part of the story. Trampoline Boy stopping and leading Peaches to the trampoline means helping others to attain what they desire. Lastly, no man is an island, therefore, it is more fun if you have a companion while trying to reach that dream of yours.

Sea of Strangers by Lang Leav

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Indisputably Sea of Strangers is the best book of Lang Leav that has published so far. There are a lot of surprisingly remarkable poems and prose in this collection; some of these that catch my attention are Keys to the Kingdom, Witness, Reclaiming the Sky, The Fisherman, and Take Back Your Power.

If you are a fan of Lang Leav or just enjoys a good poetry book, then you must not miss the chance to check out this wonderful compilation.

The Splendid Baron Submarine by Eric Bower

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although that The Splendid Baron Submarine is already the second book in The Baron Inventions series, this is a standalone novel and readers could still able to follow on who is W.B. and his family is. Aside from the Baron's fun adventures, this book is also filled with hilarious experiences and banters of their family.

This is a light-read because I was able to finish this within 5 hours; I was still craving for more right after I'm through with this. I' will also try to check out the first and the upcoming third book in this series because I like Bower's way of writing: comical and light yet, it provides useful information about some historical facts and inventions in the past.

The Tomorrows by Curt Pires

MY RATING: 1 of 5 stars

I've tried to finish this graphic novel, but I just can't go on. I was not impressed by the illustrations, and most especially on the story and its pacing. The best to describe this is that it is quite pretentious or gaudy; it fails to deliver thus it became tasteless.

Dalisay na Ligaya by Victoria Amor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hindi ko pa nababasa ang unang book sa series na ito na "Ligayang Dalisay" ni Vanessa. Ito kasi ang una kong nakita sa bookstore at wala ang unang book noong time na binili ko 'to. Pero kahit na hindi ko pa nababasa ang naturang libro ay hindi naman ako nahirapan na baka may mga detalye sa unang book na dapat kong malaman. Sa latter part ng book ay nalaman ko na ang kambal ay parang poles apart sa personality dahil kung si Ligaya ay may bubbly personality, si Dalisay naman ay may pagka-mahinhin at bookworm.

Medyo nahabaan lang din ako sa part kung saan ay nasa pangangalaga ni Darius si Dalisay. Feeling ko kasi ay parang dragging scenes yun sa book dahil sa naghihintay ako na kailan ba magkakaroon ng action packed scenes. Kaso sa dulo lang nagkaroon nung hinihintay ko at parang napaka-ikli lang. Halos parang wala ngang ginawa ang kambal noong time na yun dahil sa nagtago lang sila at parang naghintay lang na ma-save.

Kung nagkaroon ng mas madami-daming action-packed scenes na hinahanap ko ay baka nabigyan ko pa ito ng rating na perfect 5 stars.

Emmeline Pankhurst by Lisbeth Kaiser

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book that I've read from Lisbeth Kaiser's Little People, Big Dreams series. I never knew who Emmeline Pankhurst is, but because of this book, I learned a lot from this amazing and one of the notable women during the early 20th century in England.

I commend everyone for the publication of this book series because they are both informative and inspirational not only to the young readers but also to adult readers.

Northstars Volume 1: Welcome to Snowville! by Jim Shelley

MY RATING: 5 of 5 stars

While reading this, I was thinking of giving this four stars. However, when the dragon Winter Wyvern was summoned by Krampus, I know that five perfect stars are more appropriate to rate this entertaining comic series written by Jim and Haigen Shelley.

Holly and Frostina are both likable characters but for me, I think the dragon is the best character because of how funny he is. I can't wait for the second volume of this and hope I can read more of Winter Wyvern in that installment.

Home Sweet Home by Mia Cassany

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Home Sweet Home is a children's storybook that was written by Mia Cassany and illustrated by Paula Blumen. It was first published in Spanish; and now, thanks to The Quarto Group for this English version because kids and adult readers can finally able to see and understand this book.


I love how each city was described through the pets' perspectives. Moreover, the matching illustrations are really adorable; how I wish that there are more Asian countries added in this book, especially Singapore, Thailand, or South Korea.

Monet: Itinerant of Light by Salva Rubio

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While I was reading this memoir of the famous impressionist painter, Oscar Monet, I remember what my parents said when I was thinking of taking up BFA in college: "What will you end up? A painter? There's no money in painting." And that's what Monet experienced several times as a painter during that time.

Monet's life was never that easy ever since he decided to pursue his painting career. There were times that he can't provide for his family that he usually borrows from his good friend Bazille. Giving up painting always crossed his mind and just look for another job so he can able to support his growing family. Despite these difficulties, those who can see his paintings will not see any trace of these — as a large number of his works are quite the opposite because they are picturesque, lively and rich in color.

If you know who this brilliant painter is and want to take a glimpse of his life story, you must check out this graphic novel because it provides us a vivid picture of it.

Macaroni ! by Vincent Zabus

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Macaroni! is a graphic novel that is based on the real story of Ottavio Rosetto: an Italian who became a miner in Belgium. The narrative spans through three-generations and depicts about the hardships of those who worked in the mines and the ghosts of the past.

Ottavio, or Romeo’s grandpa in the story, is an Italian immigrant who chose to become a miner in order to support her wife and son. Throughout the story, his past haunts him that makes him a bitter and an always irritated man. But the visit of Romeo has opened the door to the life and struggles his grandpa has encountered.

The story of Macaroni! will teach us about empathy and love for our family, and on how we should try to reach out to our older relatives, just like our grandparents. We should spend some time getting to know them because not only we can learn a lot from their experiences in life, but caring for them is a way of respect and showing our gratitude for all of what they have sacrificed.

Gordon: Bark to the Future! by Ashley Spires

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Adventures of the agent dog Gordon in this graphic novel will entertain not only young readers but the adult readers as well. It is really funny how Gordon think and act, especially on what he thinks the aliens that invade their space. I had a great time reading this short but quite comical story of his escapade, and I'm sure that there will be more positive feedback from other readers.