sunnyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was such a fun book. I really liked the idea of a sketchbook coming to life, or well, being transported into a sketchbook. I also really, really loved that Kiki has OCD.
pib003's review against another edition
5.0
Kiki’s experience is an excellent, accurate portrayal of living with anxiety, and gives readers tools for coping. A very important and well-written book!
evamadera1's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I adored this book which surpassed my expectations which I had lowered a little after reading this author's adult work. The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life which adds a whole other dimension to the experience. Mandanna beautifully depicts the reality of an (undiagnosed) anxiety disorder, using it to create a complex character who comes fully into her own by accepting this as part of herself while building beautiful friendships along the way. I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel.
librarianlayla's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I adore that the author chose to accurately represent anxiety within their main character. There is a diverse selection of characters and a well fleshed out storyline.
mekeisha's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
makahakat's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
teaandspite's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this book more than I did. It falls into the major trap nearly all "I wish this character had existed when I was a kid" type books fall into though: it talks down to children.
I cannot stand books talking down to children. Kids aren't stupid! They understand a lot more than adults give them credit for. They can handle complex topics and difficult issues without being spoon-fed. This book spoon-feeds. Painfully. The anxiety/acceptance plot is so trite I can't imagine most kids being willing to put up with it. I know I wouldn't have at nine or ten.
It's too bad because the book starts off great. Kiki is fun and engaging when she's allowed to simply exist as a child with anxiety. It's when the book tries to insert fan-ish conversations about fantasy worlds and representation that everything falls apart. For instance, Kiki repeatedly beats herself up about not giving her made-up band of child heroes parents or guardians. This is not something most kids ever notice or care about. They're aware enough to understand that if Peter Pan had adult supervision they'd tell him that pirates are dangerous and to get away from that crocodile. Adults are the ones who write meta about parents in fantasy stories being criminally incompetent.
There's also a major plot hole in that Kiki, upon being taken into a world created by her own drawings, never stops to ask if she can just go back to her proper world and draw her band of heroes defeating the bad guy. It's a clear indication of Mandanna having no concept of how children think because that is literally the first question every child I know would ask. Give a reason it can't be done if you want, but you have to rule out the simplest, most obvious solution before moving on to the rest of the story. Especially in books for kids. There is no group of critics more capable of ripping apart an overly-complicated plot than 8-12 year old children.
That plot hole, combined with the overly didactic portrayal of anxiety and a cast of characters that never fully came to life, made the book slow to read. I like the idea. I like the intentions. But good intentions and a fun idea are not enough to make a book worth reading.
I cannot stand books talking down to children. Kids aren't stupid! They understand a lot more than adults give them credit for. They can handle complex topics and difficult issues without being spoon-fed. This book spoon-feeds. Painfully. The anxiety/acceptance plot is so trite I can't imagine most kids being willing to put up with it. I know I wouldn't have at nine or ten.
It's too bad because the book starts off great. Kiki is fun and engaging when she's allowed to simply exist as a child with anxiety. It's when the book tries to insert fan-ish conversations about fantasy worlds and representation that everything falls apart. For instance, Kiki repeatedly beats herself up about not giving her made-up band of child heroes parents or guardians. This is not something most kids ever notice or care about. They're aware enough to understand that if Peter Pan had adult supervision they'd tell him that pirates are dangerous and to get away from that crocodile. Adults are the ones who write meta about parents in fantasy stories being criminally incompetent.
There's also a major plot hole in that Kiki, upon being taken into a world created by her own drawings, never stops to ask if she can just go back to her proper world and draw her band of heroes defeating the bad guy. It's a clear indication of Mandanna having no concept of how children think because that is literally the first question every child I know would ask. Give a reason it can't be done if you want, but you have to rule out the simplest, most obvious solution before moving on to the rest of the story. Especially in books for kids. There is no group of critics more capable of ripping apart an overly-complicated plot than 8-12 year old children.
That plot hole, combined with the overly didactic portrayal of anxiety and a cast of characters that never fully came to life, made the book slow to read. I like the idea. I like the intentions. But good intentions and a fun idea are not enough to make a book worth reading.
aotales's review against another edition
5.0
This is such an amazing middle grade fantasy, that although has all the “typical” fantasy elements - magic, new worlds, an eclectic cast of young characters, and a “big bad”, Kiki Kallira reads wholly new and unique.
The writing is smooth, smart, and the plotting is perfectly paced for a read that is very difficult to put down! With a strong focus and discussion on anxiety this middle grade elevates itself by bringing great insights and conversations to middle grade readers, many of whom are experiencing similar emotions to Kiki in these pandemic times. Kiki is relatable, flawed, kind, and you root for her every step of the way.
Imaginative, funny, and compelling this delightful middle grade features a great core group - The Crow Club - of extremely likeable, fully realized characters that shine with their own unique voices. From kindly, talking lions, magical palaces, Gods and beings of Indian mythology, Kiki Kallira Breaks A Kingdom is a gripping, exciting, and emotional read, with an ending that is pitch perfect - no more, no less than necessary. Easily one of my favourite middle grade reads of 2021.
The writing is smooth, smart, and the plotting is perfectly paced for a read that is very difficult to put down! With a strong focus and discussion on anxiety this middle grade elevates itself by bringing great insights and conversations to middle grade readers, many of whom are experiencing similar emotions to Kiki in these pandemic times. Kiki is relatable, flawed, kind, and you root for her every step of the way.
Imaginative, funny, and compelling this delightful middle grade features a great core group - The Crow Club - of extremely likeable, fully realized characters that shine with their own unique voices. From kindly, talking lions, magical palaces, Gods and beings of Indian mythology, Kiki Kallira Breaks A Kingdom is a gripping, exciting, and emotional read, with an ending that is pitch perfect - no more, no less than necessary. Easily one of my favourite middle grade reads of 2021.