Favorite Things by Sharon Mathers

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Mathers, Sharon. Favorite Things. 2023.

Summary

When Leo and his friends discover a hidden cave, they are excited to explore it. They stumble upon a real treasure chest and can’t believe their luck, but that’s not all they find in the cave. They soon learn it’s a magical chest with an incredible secret, a mysterious past, and an ancient message. To unravel the secret, they’ll need to work together, follow mysterious clues, and embark on a magical adventure unlike any other in this exciting fantasy novel for young readers.

Purchase Favorite Things on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3Y1IUXb

My Kid Review

I don’t see many fantasy novels for younger children so I am always a bit excited to find one. Favorite Things is the start of a fantasy series by Sharon Mathers. In this first volume we meet Leo and his friends and follow along as they explore a cave and find a magical treasure (and superpowers). Along the way the kids research to find out what the clues mean and to find out more about the community in which they live. 

Mathers has created characters that many readers will be able to relate to. Each of the friends has a different personality. Readers will be able to find one character that seems a lot like them. 

Favorite Things could easily be added to a K-12 Christian school library. The characters are about twelve years old but the story is written for children younger than that. The book  is appropriate for students who are starting to read chapter books or more reluctant readers in grades 2-5.

I received a complimentary copy of Favorite Things. This is my honest review.

Mathers, Sharon. Chosen of Belderohn. 2023.

Summary

As summer ends, Leo and his friends return to school where Ace shows off his untested superpowers, putting their discovery at risk. A school field trip reveals more about the creatures and legends of their hometown of Belderohn but also raises new questions. Gathering clues leads them to a mystery they must solve, a dangerous journey into a land of mythical beings, and the realization that their world is much bigger than Belderohn.

Purchase Chosen of Belderohn on Amazon – https://amzn.to/4ffzbTx

My Kid Review

Chosen of Belderohn is the second book in Sharon Mathers’ series Favorite Things. This book picks up right where book one leaves off. I would not recommend reading the books out of order as each book builds on the last. 

In Chosen of Belderohn the kids are learning more about their superpowers. As a former librarian, I really enjoyed that the kids leaned into research to learn more – both through books and through visiting museums. They find out more about legends of their area and discover how these legends might actually relate to their superpowers. 

Chosen of Belderohn  could easily be added to a K-12 Christian school library. The book is appropriate for middle to upper elementary students.

I received a complimentary copy of Chosen of Belderohn . This is my honest review.

Mathers, Sharon. The Far Island. 2024.

Summary

Allie worries that trolls followed them home on their last adventure. Ace would be okay with that because he’s anxious to be the superhero he was born to be, but he thinks Allie is wrong. Leta devises a plan to solve the problem, but Zea would prefer to visit Toby, the duck. None of it is making sense. If Allie is right, they will need help from Bob, but no one knows where he is.

With all that’s going on, Leo doesn’t sleep well. He dreams of terrifying mythical creatures, and he wonders if they will ever master their magical powers and finally become superheroes.

Purchase The Far Island on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3S7fF1z

My Kid Review

The Far Island is the third book in Sharon Mathers series Favorite Things. I highly recommend you read books one and two before this one as each book continues where the previous one left off. 

In this volume they revisit Whale Island in an effort to expand on their superpowers. They spend time with the previous chosen (kids with superpowers) and learn more about the creatures they have come in contact with as well as how to better use their powers. They also are given a task to complete (an epic quest if you will). 

This series does have many elements of fantasy – magic, mythical creatures, a quest, a journey and more. This would be a great series to introduce young children to the genre of fantasy.

The Far Island could easily be added to a K-12 Christian school library. This fantasy chapter book is appropriate for middle to upper elementary students.

I received a complimentary copy of The Far Island. This is my honest review.

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