Review of Splash Adventures

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Dimi1
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Review of Splash Adventures

Post by Dimi1 »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Splash Adventures" by Janice M Pulsifer.]
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3 out of 4 stars
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Splash Adventures by Janice M. Pulsifer is the story of an eighth grader that will soon become a ninth grader who moves to a new neighborhood with his family and tries to fit in. James or Jimmy is an energetic kid that needs to make new friends and achieve his goal of getting a new bike with his own money. His target will lead him to get a part-time job in a nearby art gallery and getting involved in a mystery concerning some artworks and the waterpark that is about to be built and where his father is the construction foreman.

The book has an easy flow that anyone could follow. The wording seems simple and straightforward, and the storyline seems to follow the classic recipe of success consisting of decisive moments, rising action and a climax before concluding. Given these attributes, we are speaking about a pleasant reading for most readers. In addition, I noticed some minor grammar/ spelling errors, so the book seems well edited.

Despite the strengths identified above, I disliked the fact that there is, practically, no insight into characters. Considering that the book addresses teenagers aged 14 or more, one would expect at least its central character, i.e., Jimmy, to be further explored so as for children of the same age to be able to empathize with the character. We only get to know his reactions to incidents, and we fail to see his character as a whole and in relation to his family, friends and boss, which would probably justify his reactions and would lead readers to connect emotionally with him. All other characters involved are not developed at all. In addition, the book seems a bit superficial and doesn’t pass a particular message or value. The author surely gives a bit of mystery and a glimpse of noble values of honesty and consistency, but bits and glimpses, by definition, are never enough. In general, my feeling is that the book is rushed although the story seems interesting. Given that teenage bookworms are used to longer readings with a lot more details and new worlds introduced, I think that the author should probably further process it.

Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars for being a pleasant and straightforward reading and for having minor errors. One star was deducted because its characters and plot seem underdeveloped and because it doesn’t seem to pass any value to the point teenagers will keep it and live with it, which I find critical for children’s books addressing the particular age group.

Since the book speaks about an eighth grader that is going to be a ninth grader, it addresses young teenagers aged 14 or more. It’s an unstressed reading with a decent storyline, so, based solely on these strengths, young teenagers could give it a shot.

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Splash Adventures
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Astral Magi
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Post by Astral Magi »

Although the character development might not be great, I think teenagers may well enjoy it. Thank you for a lovely review.
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Deprise Evans
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Post by Deprise Evans »

I love the overall concept of this book. My little cousin is a young teenager (started 7th grade this year) and is an avid reader. I feel like she would love this book! Thank you for your great review!
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Lauren Hanna
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Post by Lauren Hanna »

The cover of this book caught my attention. I'm disappointed to see the characters were underdeveloped, but hopefully, teenagers will still enjoy it. Thank you for your honest review.
Nkgchidimma080
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Post by Nkgchidimma080 »

I think teenagers would love to read this book,nice review.
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Reader-247
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Post by Reader-247 »

I agree with you about the details and the character develoment, both are imperative for tender minds. Great review! :)
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Post by NetMassimo »

Despite the limited character development, this still seems like a nice novel that can be enjoyed by readers in their early teens. Thank you for your great review!
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Post by Honest-reviewer »

Story of a teenager with adventure seems interesting. I surely want to read this book. Thanks for your brilliant review!
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Post by Raluca_Mihaila »

It seems like a pleasant read for teenagers. Thank you for your objective review!
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Post by Priya_Singh »

This books seems really interesting. Thank you for your informative and insightful review!
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Post by markodim721 »

I like that wording is simple and straightforward. I really thought the book would have one or more main characters around which the whole plot would unfold.
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Kaushiki Parihar
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Post by Kaushiki Parihar »

The book seems interesting, however, it's awful that the characters and plot is underdeveloped. Great review!
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Katie Blackmore
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Post by Katie Blackmore »

Many children are uprooted and moved to completely new environments where they struggle to fit in and make new friends. I am happy that the author provides a space for teenagers to relate to and feel understood. It is pitty about the character development. Well done on the honest and well-written review.
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Astral Magi
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Post by Astral Magi »

A pity about the character development. Regardless, it sounds like a great read for children. Thanks for a great review.
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Ellylion
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Post by Ellylion »

Flat characters sound really discouraging. Thank you very much for your honest and insightful review!
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