https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/abby-holly

I was thrilled to receive a new review of my MG/PT/YA Series, Abby & Holly School Dance from Readers’ Favorite.

Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers’ Favorite

School Dance by Janice Spina is book one in the new series, Abby & Holly. Some readers might already know the two girls from one of the author’s earlier books: they were first introduced in Book 5 of the Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series. However, you do not need any knowledge of that novel to understand what is happening in the new series. I never read the other book, and had no issues with understanding and enjoying the girls’ story. Abby and Holly are excited because the sixth grade school dance will be soon. They are wondering whether twin boys Derek and Davey will invite them to go with them, but soon they discover a bigger problem. A girl called Justine is being bullied in the meanest way – a way which threatens her health and mental well-being at the same time. The two girls decide to become friends with Justine and find a solution to the situation so that everyone can enjoy the ball. But it seems like the bullies have come up with a new plan just a few days before the ball!

While School Dance by Janice Spina is obviously aimed at younger readers, I did enjoy the light, but quite serious read. It took me back to my own school time, but bullying then was something nobody every really talked about. And not much was done about it. So it’s delightful to see books like this in which the characters make sure that one message comes across: Bullying, no matter the reason, is not okay. The story encourages kids to be brave and stand up for the victims, and it shows that everyone will have a lot more fun if they all just get along. The language and reading level is suitable for pre-teens and young teenagers. The topics will feel familiar to them and it will be easy for kids to be drawn into the plot. It’s also clever to use a bigger font and many white spaces to create a book that makes kids feel like they have read a couple hundred pages. It will feel like an achievement to them, and will encourage them to tackle even more books.

The reviewer captured, in her review, the essence of what I want readers to understand about my Series – that each of the Series books are stand alone books. There is an introduction in the front of each book giving the reader an overview of the characters. This enables them to understand the stories and characters so that they can pick up any book and begin reading and feel comfortable. Of course it is nice to begin at the beginning if you can but it is not necessary. These books are also crossover stories involving the characters from Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Books 1-5.

The girls, Abby & Holly, interact with the characters in Davey & Derek’s stories to add a little more mystery and fun as they solve these mysteries together.

I hope middle-graders, preteens and young adults along with their parents will enjoy these books. They carry life lessons that encourage and promote
in their readers good behavior, kindness to others, respect to elders, parents and each other.

Thank you for stopping by to read my new review. I appreciate your kind support and readership. I would love to hear from you about my books and welcome avidly reviews wherever you purchase my books.

All Jemsbooks are available by clicking on the covers to the right of this post or by going to Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Hurry and pick up your copy today.

REMEMBER: READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS.COM INTO 2019! HAPPY READING!

Please leave some love for authors by reviewing their books wherever you purchased them. We authors will love you back.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Blessings of the season and hugs,

Janice