Monday, April 10, 2023

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Unicorn Island: Beyond the Portal by Donna Galanti

 

In the final book in this series, Sam is tying to distract herself now that she knows her mother disappeared through a portal on Unicorn Island ten years ago. Could her mother still be alive? It’s consuming all her thoughts, so she decides to learn everything she can about her new role as a unicorn protector. With the help of her friend, Tuck, she explores a book and uncovers a hidden code, explaining more about the portal. Sam and Tuck know going through the portal would be extremely dangerous, and they also know neither of their parents would allow it. But, they can’t resist the urge to find out more. How else will they know if Sam‘s mother is still alive. They decide to go through the portal, with Barloc (a unicorn) as their guide. They all know it is dangerous to bring a unicorn through the portal, because the portal was created years ago to save the unicorns who were being hunted in another world. What if they are still being hunted today? Is Sam‘s mother still alive, and if she is will they even be able to find her? Once they go through the portal will they be able to get back? 

It’s always a good feeling when the final book in a series or trilogy wraps everything up. Unicorn Island: Beyond the Portal does just that! I was so happy that all my questions were answered by the end of the story. I liked seeing the way Sam grew as a character from when we first met her. I’m glad she has such a good friend in Tuck. They help each other come to conclusions and decisions, each bringing something different to their friendship. This book will be a huge hit with anyone who likes unicorns, adventures, or other worlds. I would recommend this book to kids in second grade and up. I think it’s awesome that the series can be found online on Epic Books for kids and it’s available in hardcover. My copy is beautiful, and I love the illustrations. They are bright and colorful! Having them periodically throughout the book was an additional treat to look forward to while I was reading. The three books in this series have been a fun adventure! Although this series may be over, I’m looking forward to the next book by Donna Galanti.

Has anyone else read Unicorn Island: Beyond the Portal? Or have you read another book by Donna Galanti? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Reading!
L




For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.