Official Review: Helix by Randal Betz Jr.

Please use this sub-forum to discuss both middle-grade and younger children's books, including picture books, easy readers, and children's chapter books. Topics for books aimed at children 12 and under go in this forum.
Forum rules
Authors and publishers are not able to post replies in the review topics.
User avatar
cpru68
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 1442
Joined: 14 Feb 2018, 19:21
Favorite Book: What My Dog Taught Me About Jesus
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 179
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cpru68.html
Latest Review: Heaven's Call by Roger Dawson
Reading Device: B00HCNHDN0

Official Review: Helix by Randal Betz Jr.

Post by cpru68 »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Helix" by Randal Betz Jr..]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


Helix Gets His Wheels is a children's story about a tortoise who has to join a new classroom and fit in. While that in itself is a challenge, Helix isn't like the other students. He has a disability that could potentially stop him from being a part of the group. However, Helix is surrounded by kind-hearted peers who immediately want him to feel welcome and included.

What I liked about this book, written by Randal Betz Jr., is that the main character has a positive outlook regarding his physical limitations. Helix doesn't say, "I can't", when asked to play at recess. He responds that he may not be able to, but he will try. He is not discouraged by his situation, and because of this, his classmates continue to invite him to participate in new activities. It sends a message to kids that if they project an upbeat attitude, others will respond in kind.

The camaraderie between the other pupils and Helix is refreshing. In most children's books, there is a bully present and an 'us' against 'them' mentality. This situation doesn't exist in the plot, and that is another excellent attribute of this one. Teamwork and banding together to solve a conflict is the theme.

The writing is simple and most suited for pre-school to early elementary grades. I like the idea of reading this to a group of children so that a discussion could follow about how Helix was treated to foster compassion for others.

I only found one small mistake, so it seems that the writing has been thoroughly edited. There isn't anything about this tale that I didn't like.

I am awarding this 4 out of 4 stars. Along with its important message of acceptance and inclusion, the detailed illustrations will capture the attention of young ones. The author has also included still life photography and information about various species of turtles. These were the inspiration for the characters in his story.

******
Helix
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Everything happens for a reason...
Miller56
Posts: 504
Joined: 22 Jul 2019, 19:30
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 61
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-miller56.html
Latest Review: Nightlord: Sunset by Garon Whited

Post by Miller56 »

Thanks for the review. This sounds like a great book to teach children acceptance and inclusion and also to inspire children to be the best they can be. I think this would be a great book to read to my grandchildren.
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11682
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Currently Reading: Believarexic
Bookshelf Size: 486
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Post by kandscreeley »

What a cute idea for a book. I love that Helix doesn't let his limitations stop him. What a message for kids. Thanks for sharing it with us.
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
User avatar
cpru68
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 1442
Joined: 14 Feb 2018, 19:21
Favorite Book: What My Dog Taught Me About Jesus
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 179
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cpru68.html
Latest Review: Heaven's Call by Roger Dawson
Reading Device: B00HCNHDN0

Post by cpru68 »

Miller56 wrote: 19 Dec 2019, 10:59 Thanks for the review. This sounds like a great book to teach children acceptance and inclusion and also to inspire children to be the best they can be. I think this would be a great book to read to my grandchildren.
It’s a sweet little book that I think little ones would enjoy. Thanks for reading my review.
Everything happens for a reason...
User avatar
cpru68
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 1442
Joined: 14 Feb 2018, 19:21
Favorite Book: What My Dog Taught Me About Jesus
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 179
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cpru68.html
Latest Review: Heaven's Call by Roger Dawson
Reading Device: B00HCNHDN0

Post by cpru68 »

kandscreeley wrote: 19 Dec 2019, 21:26 What a cute idea for a book. I love that Helix doesn't let his limitations stop him. What a message for kids. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thank you for reading my review :) This one is a good one for little ones.
Everything happens for a reason...
User avatar
LiLeaBrand
Posts: 6
Joined: 18 Dec 2019, 07:36
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 10

Post by LiLeaBrand »

How refreshing! A book for kids that doesn’t have a bully. You’re right, so many children’s books have that. I will definitely read this one, and add it to my list of books for my daughter to read. Well done on an excellent review.
User avatar
MsH2k
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 4723
Joined: 31 Jul 2019, 11:11
Favorite Book: Crushing
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 366
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-msh2k.html
Latest Review: Lilleah by eelonqa K harris

Post by MsH2k »

I like that this book doesn’t have a bully. That is a great way to focus on positive behavior. Thanks for your review!
"Knowing what must be done does away with fear."
Rosa Parks
Anon_Reviewer
Posts: 868
Joined: 22 Apr 2018, 10:01
Favorite Book: A Thousand Splendid Suns
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 146
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-anon-reviewer.html
Latest Review: Niching Up by Chris Dreyer
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU

Post by Anon_Reviewer »

Such an important message for the little ones! I would love to read this to my nieces. Also, kudos to the author for not including a bully. :wink2: Great review. Thanks!
User avatar
Kanda_theGreat
Posts: 1614
Joined: 09 May 2019, 06:04
Currently Reading: The Fox
Bookshelf Size: 167
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kanda-thegreat.html
Latest Review: Born To Survive by Kylie-Anne Evans

Post by Kanda_theGreat »

The fact that the book passionately advocates for equality moved me.
Thank you for the review.
Bet on Me! :idea:
User avatar
Stephanie Elizabeth
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 2989
Joined: 18 Jul 2018, 15:41
Currently Reading: We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
Bookshelf Size: 212
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-stephanie-elizabeth.html
Latest Review: Do You Remember Me? by Wm M Crouch

Post by Stephanie Elizabeth »

This sounds like an uplifting read for kids, especially those with disabilities! Thanks for the engaging review!
User avatar
Connie Otwani
Posts: 2185
Joined: 01 Nov 2017, 16:12
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 200
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cotwani.html
Latest Review: The Fisherman and his Foundlings by Phillip Leighton-Daly

Post by Connie Otwani »

Its good that children learn positivity, inclusion and teamwork at an early age. I like your idea of having the children discuss aspects of the story. Great review!
There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates’ loot on Treasure Island!
-Walt Disney
User avatar
Josephe-Anne
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 1247
Joined: 15 Jul 2019, 13:55
Favorite Author: George Orwell
Currently Reading: Not Fishy Enough
Bookshelf Size: 484
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-josephe-anne.html
Latest Review: Philosophy from the Mud by Erik Quisling
fav_author_id: 1746

Post by Josephe-Anne »

What a lovely review! :)
It's nice that the author chose to present characters who work together and have a positive attitude. This message of unity and inclusion is just what we need right now.
"A house without books is like a room without windows." :techie-studyinggray:
― Horace Mann
User avatar
Tbennett35
Posts: 2
Joined: 23 Dec 2019, 11:17
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Tbennett35 »

I will love o read this book to y kids and grandkids its a great book no bullying nor fail :oops2: in the book and by the way the ask me to read it to them over and over. :techie-studyingbrown:
User avatar
Kibet Hillary
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 3623
Joined: 26 Jul 2017, 01:48
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 3008
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kibet-hillary.html
Latest Review: A Conflicted Slaveholder by Marge Cambre

Post by Kibet Hillary »

This is a wonderful, informative, and educative read. Helix seems positive towards life despite his condition and I am sure this will be a grand lesson as well. Thanks for the review.
“It just hurts too much to admit what is wanted so badly when there’s no guarantee of its availability.”
- Dr. Larry Crabb
User avatar
LauraLeeWasHere
Posts: 242
Joined: 18 Aug 2019, 11:39
Favorite Author: Jess Lederman
Favorite Book: David Copperfield
Currently Reading: Relentless
Bookshelf Size: 182
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lauraleewashere.html
Latest Review: Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer
fav_author_id: 164792

Post by LauraLeeWasHere »

Another easy to read, straight forward, informative, intelligent review from someone who's opinion I am learning to trust more and more.

Thank you.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee
And they sang a new song saying,
"You are worthy to take the book,
and to open its to seals,
for You were slain and have redeemed us to God,
by your blood, out of every tribe and tongue and people and Nation." Rev. 5:9
NKJ & KJV
Post Reply

Return to “Children's Books”