Official Review: Rory Aqua Adventure Man by Michelle Path

[Christina Rose]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Rory Aqua Adventure Man" by Michelle Path.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Rory is a toy who simply longs for a child to come along and choose him for a playmate. What kid wouldn’t want a fun summer toy that comes with his very own little surfboard? Sadly, though, Rory gets passed up day after day until he ultimately wakes up in the bargain bin. Before all hope is lost, six year old Emily decides that Rory is the toy she wants for her birthday.

Rory enjoys his new life with Emily, and even makes friends with her other toys. Soon, Rory even gets to accompany Emily to the beach. This is just the kind of adventure Rory was made for! What starts out as an exciting day of fun with Emily and her friend, soon takes a turn for the worst when Rory is somehow left behind and then gets carried out to sea. He knows he must find his way home, but has no idea where to even start. Will Rory ever find his happily ever after?

Rory Aqua Adventure Man is a fast-paced chapter book geared towards children ages seven years and older. Through the use of vivid descriptions and well-placed humor, author Michelle Path invites the reader to join Rory as he meets colorful new characters and finds himself in one sticky situation after another. There is never a dull moment in Rory’s story as he travels along through the water, jungle, and even ice.

The author has a great imagination, and the language she uses is absolutely suitable for the intended audience. I particularly enjoy the way the author weaves in important issues, such as the problem with pollution in our oceans. This is a great way to get important information out there to our youth in a manner they may enjoy.

I rate Rory Aqua Adventure Man 3 out of 4 stars, but would give 3.5 stars if I could. Minor polishing would be helpful, but there really are only a few errors. The constant references to Rory being a boy’s toy are slightly bothersome. I cannot tell if Michelle Path is poking fun of gender-specific toys, or if she is reaffirming the stereotypes. I think she is poking fun, but it is not quite clear. However, this is truly only minor, and the book is still quite enjoyable. It is a book I plan to keep for my boys to read when they get a little older. I would recommend this to readers in the 4th or 5th grade age range. I think those who enjoy the movie, Toy Story would particularly find enjoyment in reading this book. The author truly has a way of putting the reader right there in the story!

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Rory Aqua Adventure Man
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Like Christina Rose's review? Post a comment saying so!

[gen_g]

This sounds like a great read, although I would be slightly wary about the author's re-affirmation of of gender-specific toys. Thanks for the lovely review!

[Christina Rose]

This sounds like a great read, although I would be slightly wary about the author's re-affirmation of of gender-specific toys. Thanks for the lovely review!

Thank you for checking out my review! It was a fun read, and I did enjoy the book. While I don't think the author was actually reaffirming the stereotypes, I couldn't quite be sure. Thanks again!

[Samantha Simoneau]

I hope you're right about the author "poking fun" at toy-related gender stereotypes and not reinforcing them. In any case, this sounds like a good book to hang on to for my kids when they get older. Thanks for the recommendation!

[Christina Rose]

I hope you're right about the author "poking fun" at toy-related gender stereotypes and not reinforcing them. In any case, this sounds like a good book to hang on to for my kids when they get older. Thanks for the recommendation!

At one point, Rory feels bad for complaining to himself about being purchased for a girl when he thinks he's a boy's toy. So, I don't think it's the author's intention to reinforce the stereotypes. She may be doing just the opposite, I'm just not certain. My small issue was more with how often it was mentioned that Rory is a boy's toy.

It's a fast-paced book that probably won't take long to read through, so you could definitely check it out before letting your kids read it.

Thanks for your feedback, and for checking out my review!

[daniya__shah3]

This reminds me of Toy Story. Amazing review! It's intresting to see you viewpoint.

[Marissa Michael]

I love Toy Story movie! This book is surely to be read for my cute students.

[Christina Rose]

This reminds me of Toy Story. Amazing review! It's intresting to see you viewpoint.

Thanks so much! I was reminded of Toy Story, as well, which I enjoyed.

[Christina Rose]

I love Toy Story movie! This book is surely to be read for my cute students.

I enjoyed Toy Story, as well. I hope you and your students enjoy the book. Thanks for taking time to read my review and share your thoughts!

[Bianka Walter]

It's so important for a book like this to have some deeper teachings for kids. I love that the author included pollution issues as a bit of a learning tool. Kudos to her!
Thanks for the awesome review!

[Christina Rose]

It's so important for a book like this to have some deeper teachings for kids. I love that the author included pollution issues as a bit of a learning tool. Kudos to her!
Thanks for the awesome review!

I agree completely. There will always be children who naturally enjoy learning about such topics, and those who do not. Weaving them into a fun story is a great way to share important issues. Thank you for taking the time to check out my review, and for sharing your thoughts!

[Espie]

Thank you for your cheerful review. I am inclined to look forward to Rory's "happily ever after," too.

[Christina Rose]

Thank you for your cheerful review. I am inclined to look forward to Rory's "happily ever after," too.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review, and for sharing your feedback! I hope you’ll check out the book

[Espie]

Thank you for your cheerful review. I am inclined to look forward to Rory's "happily ever after," too.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review, and for sharing your feedback! I hope you’ll check out the book

No worries. My two boys are no longer within your recommended age group (they're 12 and 16). It's too early to say anuthing for my future grandkids, too. Nonetheless, thank you. I really love happy endings.

[Christina Rose]

Thank you for your cheerful review. I am inclined to look forward to Rory's "happily ever after," too.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review, and for sharing your feedback! I hope you’ll check out the book

No worries. My two boys are no longer within your recommended age group (they're 12 and 16). It's too early to say anuthing for my future grandkids, too. Nonetheless, thank you. I really love happy endings.

This ending has a bit of a twist, but it's happy nonetheless.