Samantha Sanderson: At the Movies by Robin Caroll (Samantha Sanderson; 1)

The Synopsis:

“The first book in an exciting new series about a girl with dreams to become an investigative journalist, each book promises to touch on a crime straight from the headlines, while also tackling tough issues faced by middle-schoolers everywhere.
A new addition to the Faithgirlz! trusted brand of books introduces readers to Sam Sanderson, an independent, resourceful, tech-savvy cheerleader and aspiring journalist, and Sam’s best friend Makayla. They’re ordinary 7th graders who enjoy shopping, texting, and going to the mall-along with sniffing out the next big mysteries to report in the school paper.
In this first book of the series, Sam gets the lead on a developing and controversial story when an explosive device is discovered in a local movie theater-controversial because this movie theater has recently come under attack by a renowned, outspoken atheist, for allowing a local church to show Christian movies at the theater. Sam’s family has always been strong in their walk with the Lord, and Sam knows what she believes, but for the first time her faith is really put to the test, especially when she compromises her ethics as a journalist when she reports on the case her father is overseeing for the police.”

I received this book from Book Look Blogger Review Program for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

Review:

Samantha Sanderson is a very well written book, having good Christian morals throughout the story and showing perseverance in pursuing ones dreams. However, Samantha is not a very likable character. All she seems to care about is how being the most popular journalist for the school paper will get her the attention of the cute boys of the school.

She is very disrespectful to her father, ignoring his suggestive authority entirely. I say “suggestive authority” because the father never actually takes authority with his daughter, he only suggests that she stop writing about a particular case, only suggests that she stay out of trouble, and only suggests that she stop making up stories that could possibly ruin his reputation, never telling her when enough is enough and putting a stop to her nonsense. The mother is hardly ever around in the book, because she is travailing for her work, so therefore I did not see much family time or many family activities.

The story-line was kind of intriguing, but yet repetitive, therefore not holding my attention. Though I am not in middle school, I honestly do not think any of the middle school girls I know would like this book, therefore I do not recommend it.

-Guest review from MaKenzie Gray.