Official Review: Sally the Bold by Albert Alarcon Jr

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bookowlie
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Official Review: Sally the Bold by Albert Alarcon Jr

Post by bookowlie »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Sally the Bold" by Albert Alarcon Jr.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Sally the Bold by Albert Alarcon is a children’s picture book about the legend of Sally the Knight. Sally is a disabled female knight who has to contend with a beast named Max. While riding around in her wheelchair, the townspeople ask for her help as a “monster” is ruining their farms at night. Fortunately, Sally is very brave so she goes searching for Max. Will she find a way to stop him from wrecking the town?

Sally is portrayed as a fearless girl who finds creative ways to fix problems. I absolutely loved the dual concept of the main character being a female knight and someone who has a disability. Traditionally, men are shown as knights in children’s books so it’s nice to see a girl featured in this role. It also sends a strong message to kids that Sally doesn’t let her inability to walk stand in the way of accomplishing great feats.

The story is written in rhyme, with each set of two sentences rhyming. This was not immediately apparent in the PDF format I received. Since most of the pages contain only one sentence, the rhyme scheme is more noticeable on the pages that have two sentences or more. Young readers would likely appreciate the rhyming aspect more in the paper version of the book, as the pages would be in a side-by-side format.

Children would easily be able to follow the story. The two main characters are described well and there is a clear problem and resolution. A little humor is sprinkled into the interactions between Sally and Max, although the underlying theme of helpfulness permeates the story. There are a few advanced words (e.g.- protrude, corrective, and trampled), but that’s not necessarily a downside. In an otherwise simple story, teaching kids a few new words is an easy way to expand their vocabulary.

The colorful artwork has a handmade quality and adds a whimsical touch to the story. One minor gripe is that the formal-style font is bland and seems out of place against the bright illustrations; it would be better suited to an adult novel. I liked that the pictures of the beast are light-hearted so younger children could be entertained rather than scared. Sally is shown as a busy, helpful person even though she rides in a wheelchair. This sets a good example for children, that disabled people can lead active lives and help others.

This book has earned the highest rating, 4 out of 4 stars. It is a creatively written tale that would be a fine addition to any child’s bookshelf. I would recommend it to children ages 3-8, especially those who like unique characters. Sally is certainly not a traditional knight and Max is not a typical beast. It would be a good read-aloud choice for bedtime or class/library storytime, and emergent readers could read the book independently. Sally is a wonderful character and I hope the author decides to turn this book into a series.

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Sally the Bold
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Post by Rosemary Khathibe »

Sally seems like a very interesting character who is helpful and always find a way to fix problems despite her disability to walk. It's a very good moral for children. Enchanting review!
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Post by gali »

A children’s picture book about the legend of Sally the Knight sounds cute. The concept of a main female character with a disability convenes a great message to kids. The whimsical drawing is another plus. . Sally does sound like a wonderful character and one kids could relate to. Thank you for the great review!
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Post by AmySmiles »

A girl knight! How inspiring! I love the concept and I'm so glad to hear that this one get's the highest ranking. Great review!
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Post by bookowlie »

Thanks everyone for the nice feedback! Sally is a good role model for children.
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Post by kandscreeley »

I LOVE this! A disabled, female knight?! Fabulous. Sounds like a great book to teach children that you can do anything you set your mind to. Thanks for another great review. I love all these creative and wonderful stories that are coming out for kids.
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Post by BLINKYNOEL36 »

It sound's like a wonderful book . I have a seven year old who has speach difficulties and would probably benefit from reading such a short bit sweet story.
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Post by Ruba Abu Ali »

This book has all the elements needed to make it shine. I loved the story behind the book, and I think my little girl will enjoy it too. Thanks for the charming review.
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Post by Nazir11 »

It sound's like a wonderful book . I have a seven year old who has speach difficulties and would probably benefit from reading such a short bit sweet story.
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Post by Mindy Conahye »

This sounds like a lovely book. I like that the main character has a disability and she is going to help the others. It's a good lesson for kids to have. She is not letting anything hold her back, so children shouldn't either.
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Post by kfwilson6 »

I'm curious as to what type of "monster" Max is. This sounds like a wonderful tale. I love the female knight and her unique version of a steed.
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Post by Allyseria »

Thank you for your review! I think it's great that the main character is a disabled girl. It helps children become exposed to it at a young age and help them learn about disabilities and that it doesn't prevent you from doing things! It's a great message :)
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Post by Cecilia_L »

Based on your review, this sounds like a delightful children's book. I love the title, the strong female character, and the positive portrayal of someone who is physically challenged. Great review!
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Post by cpru68 »

Wow! It is so nice to see in this day and age a female character but also one who is not perfect! What a great message this book seems to send to young readers that strength and courage come from within and it doesn't matter what is on the exterior. This sounds like a great book for kids and adults! Great job on this review.
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Post by johncheruiyot »

This so captivating story for it is good for children and helps them as they grow to have good and strong characters such bravery and courage as portrayed in the story. Thus I recommend that youths and children keep in touch with the Book.
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