at
Weaknesses: Ah, poor Freddy. Just doesn't end well. Also, wasn't the very first Stormbreaker involved with evil video games? Oh, well. It's always a popular topic, so I didn't mind that much.
What I really think: Invariably, when I am suggesting Stormbreaker to a student, there is another student nearby who has read the series and pipes up that it is excellent. It still the number one book in my library over the last twenty years. If you work with middle grade readers and HAVEN'T read these books, you really need to pick up a couple of them. I'm particularly fond of Scorpia and Secret Weapon (and personally own TWO copies of the latter!).
Stormbreaker #1 (2000)
Point Blank #2 (2001)
Skeleton Key #3(2002)
Eagle Strike #4 (2003)
Scorpia #5 (2004)
Ark Angel #6 (2005)
Snakehead #7 (2007)
Crocodile Tears #8 (2009)
Scorpia Rising #9 (2011)
Russian Roulette (prequel, #10) (2013)
Never Say Die #11(2017)
Secret Weapon (2019)(short stories)
Nightshade (#12) (2020)
September 19, 2023 by Candlewick Press
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
Having read this author's Bake, Make, and Learn to Cook: Fun and Healthy Recipes for Young Cooks (which has my favorite illustrations; the teal and orange colors are fantastic) as well as Bake, Make, and Learn to Cook Vegetarian: Healthy and Green Recipes for Young Cooks, I was interested to see this volume of baked goods by Atherton, who apparently was a Great British Baking Show Winner. (I've never watched it, but I know there are a lot of avid fans.) This one, illustrated by Harry Woodgate, had a good variety of things to bake, including samosas and sausage rolls, proving that baking doesn't have to be all sweets.
The recipes are clear and concise, and there is the requisite overview of supplies, techniques, and ingredients at the beginning of the book. The baked goods do seem rather British (which only makes sense) and includes Hot Cross Hedgehogs, Chocolate Chip Buns, and some very convoluted things with bread dough, and well as a scone volcano that seemed reminiscent of Farrow's The Official Harry Potter Baking Book. The British don't make as many cookies as we do in the US because their biscuit manufacturing is so strong, but they do seem to like to spend a lot more time forcing bread dough into odd shapes than I do!
There's a nice cut up butterfly cake, although it has nothing on the Baker's Easy Cut-Up Party Cakes book, and a yummy looking Jam roll Swiss Roll that I might try even though rolling up the cake in a tea towel has always seemed like a difficult proposition! There's a custard cream recipe that also looks tempting, although I am unsure of why it was necessary to include canned corn in the recipe. The cookie options are heavy on bars. The birthday ombre cake on the cover is included in the chapter on Showstoppers, along with a cherry pie.
I always wanted to bake with my mother when I was growing up and still love to read cookbooks. This is a great choice for the budding baker in your life who will be glad to have a copy of this to shelve next to titles like Klutz Books' Magical Baking, Strand's Kids in the Holiday Kitchen, Williams' Spooky Snacks and Treats, and Goldman's fantastic Super Good Cookies for Kids.
I haven't read any of the Alex Rider books but enjoyed reading your review! And, thanks for the new baking book, one that will be enjoyed by my granddaughters! Have a good week ahead, Karen!
ReplyDeleteI have never been able to get my students to read the Alex Ryder series. Maybe it's me because I have not read them either, but this review is certainly persuasive! Our school district has a "Young Chef" competition, and I am always surprised (and thrilled!) at the participation. I do think there is a need out there for these kinds of books.
ReplyDeleteOh, my! I have probably bought twenty copies of STORMBREAKER in the last twenty years because they keep getting worn out. It's my absolute favorite book to hand to students. You should try at least one!
DeleteI haven't gotten woefully behind in this series but hope to take care of that slip during the coming year. Thanks for your insightful review and for reminding me about Smithers! Have a Happy MMGM!
ReplyDeleteWell, I definitely have to check out Stormbreaker! I don't know how I've missed it, but it sounds like one I need to get caught up on. :) Thanks for sharing your review-- I'm excited to check out the series.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I'm not familiar with the Alex Rider books, Karen—that's wild that there are so many, they've been published for so long, and so many young readers adore them! And the recipe book sounds like a delight for kids as well. Thanks so much for your thoughtful reviews!
ReplyDeleteThe only Alex Rider book I've read was Stormbreaker, and I made no comments on it once I was done. I read it way back when I was first teaching because I always read at least the first of every series. I will have to check out the baking book since I love to cook with my grandchildren when they are visiting. Would this work for primary students?
ReplyDeleteA couple of good ones this week. I think the baking book sounds great. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteALEX RIDER IS MY FAVORITE! I didn't read your review because I want to be surprised, but thank you for letting me know about the new one.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading :)