Review of Will of The Hill

[Priya Murugesan]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Will of The Hill" by Marshall Cobb.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Will of The Hill by Marshall Cobb is a humorous children's book that follows the adventures of a ten-year-old boy, Will Reese. It is the first book in the "Will of the Hill" series. The story revolves around Will, an ordinary fifth-grade boy who is very much into reading comic books. He shares his love for comics with his best friend, Dillon, and they both enjoy their time together reading their favorite comic, Edgar the Super Beetle. Will lives in an unusual town with a very odd lunchbox factory and attends an extraordinary school situated at the top of a hill (or a mountain, geographically) in a fantastic rocket-powered oversized bus, which is a frightening daily ordeal according to Will. When the story begins, we can see Will enjoying his peaceful life, reading comics. But all of that changes when Gertrude, nicknamed Intrude, decides to intervene in his life. Will is devastated when Gertrude threatens him that she will tell Ms. Early about his comic book stash unless he brings Dillon to her birthday party. How does Will handle the situation? Will he save his precious comic book stash or succumb to the threats of Gertrude? To know the answers, you have to grab a copy of the book and start reading!

I loved the various absurdities in the book, such as Frankenballs, a rocket-powered bus, a school on top of a hill, and a lunchbox factory. I enjoyed reading the narration of traveling to school on a rocket bus, which reminded me of a roller-coaster ride. It was amusing to read about the various checks and procedures that were diligently followed by the driver, students, and teachers. It was a cool concept created by the author and was described very well. The characters were also interesting: a bit introverted Will, intruding Gertrude, cute Dillon, always happy Mr. Joe, bossy Ms. Early, hair-conscious Randy, smart Daniella, nervous Mr. Claussen, Frankie the Nose, athletic Grace, and sinewy Jimmy.

The book touches on coming-of-age themes, such as puberty and crushes, mildly. It also hints a little about a secret plot by the government and the mystery surrounding the hill, which I felt would be interesting if developed further in the next installment of the series. I loved the illustration on the book cover, which was funky and vibrant. Including more illustrations throughout the book would enhance the reader's enjoyment.

I noted a few negative aspects while reading. Will is portrayed as a boy who doesn't follow healthy habits, such as brushing his teeth regularly or using soap for bathing. While this may be realistic, I feel it is not a good example for children who read this book. Also, bullying by Gertrude didn't sit well with me. Further, I found frequent mentions of boogers and nose-picking to be just gross and disgusting. But these are just my personal opinions. I also noted a few minor errors. So, for these reasons, I would like to rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this book to readers who love to read funny, irreverent stories set in unique and intriguing environments.

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Will of The Hill
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Sarah Zain]

The book was promising at first. But the negatives you mentioned are also deal breakers for me. Thank you for your honest analysis of the book Priya.

[Arshadq]

I would love to read the book and find out more about Will's journey. The negatives you mentioned might make me think, but I will still consider it. Thank you for your honest review!

[Priya Murugesan]

The book was promising at first. But the negatives you mentioned are also deal breakers for me. Thank you for your honest analysis of the book Priya.

Thanks, Sarah!

[Priya Murugesan]

I would love to read the book and find out more about Will's journey. The negatives you mentioned might make me think, but I will still consider it. Thank you for your honest review!

Thank you!

[Julie Marie Basil]

It sounds like this book would be enjoyed by middle-school aged children, but it would not be my cup of tea. Thank you for your thorough and honest review!

[Priya Murugesan]

It sounds like this book would be enjoyed by middle-school aged children, but it would not be my cup of tea. Thank you for your thorough and honest review!

Thanks for reading my review!

[Victor Nwabuisi]

This book sounds like a captivating read. I’m already curious about what kind of chaos Gertrude causes and what secrets the hill might be hiding. Thanks for the great review.

[Priya Murugesan]

This book sounds like a captivating read. I’m already curious about what kind of chaos Gertrude causes and what secrets the hill might be hiding. Thanks for the great review.

Thanks for reading my review!

[Seetha E]

I loved this book. Very informative and though gross at times, it conveyed the intended message very well. I loved reading your take on the book. Well-written and engaging!
Thank you for a great review @Priya Murugesan

[Priya Murugesan]

I loved this book. Very informative and though gross at times, it conveyed the intended message very well. I loved reading your take on the book. Well-written and engaging!
Thank you for a great review @Priya Murugesan

Glad that you loved this book!