KIDS FIRST! Jury Blog

There’s a nip in the air and that means raking leaves, pumpkin picking and Trick or Treat. It also means ghosts and goblins and other scary things. Not really, especially if you are a canine-super sleuth with a feline assistant. My name is Upton Charles and I am a Bichon Frise (that’s “BEE-shon free-ZEY”), a little white dog, with well-honed detective skills. Together with Watson, and the entire Charles family we are surprised to find that a house in the neighborhood has been vacant for years, but it is being maintained like someone is living there. This can be a bit creepy, especially during Halloween. Join Upton in unraveling the mystery of the abandoned house in Super Scary.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Nyara A. comments, “Super Scary from the Upton Charles-Dog Detective seriesis a quick and charming story. The perspective of the dog makes one re-imagine the way our pets might think and communicate. I love the mixture of sass and charm that Upton brings to his narration.” See her full review below.

Upton Charles Dog Detective: Super Scary
By Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Super Scary from the Upton Charles-Dog Detective seriesis a quick and charming story. The perspective of the dog makes one re-imagine the way our pets might think and communicate. I love the mixture of sass and charm that Upton brings to his narration. My favorite parts of the book are when he outsmarts the many human friends in his life.

Super Scary follows a dog named Upton as he sleuths around to solve the mystery of an allegedly abandoned house. Upton and the book’s readers are spooked by the lights that are on, even when no one is home in this possibly haunted house. Although Upton continues with his daily, friend-filled life, he grows more and more curious about this unsolved mystery. Is Upton the only one who thinks this house is paranormal? Is this a mystery Upton must take upon himself to solve?

Because this book is told from the dog’s perspective, it is an easy and enjoyable tale for younger book-lovers. Each character in the story is unique and brings their own twists to this mystery. Upton is an easily likable protagonist that every reader will root for. Similarly, Upton’s friends, Phoebe and Watson are amiable and adorable! Although the book starts slowly, the reader never really knows what is going to happen next making it a page-turner. The language is understandable for kids over the age of seven, but some words may be difficult for kids under that age who are reading alone. A special part of this entire book series is that each chapter has a distinctive illustrated image that may be compelling to children.

This book caters to beginning readers who are looking for a fun and engaging story, especially to read with their families.

I give Upton Charles-Dog Detective: Super Scary 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 11. It is available online where books are sold.

Takes an illuminating, holistic look into the life and career of one of the world’s most iconic figures, Earvin “Magic” Johnson. This docuseries explores the remarkable accomplishments and global impact of Johnson’s life, both on and off the court. From his humble beginnings in Lansing, Michigan to becoming a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, he changed the conversation around HIV and transcended into a community activist and successful entrepreneur. Featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews with Magic, his family, powerhouses from business and politics, and those in his inner circle, the series will offer an unprecedented look at one of the biggest cultural icons of our era.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ethan P. comments, “I like They Call Me Magic because it is a four-episode docuseries about the life and career of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the five time NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers. The audience can appreciate Magic’s humbleness, sacrifices and challenges he went through in order to be the Legend he is today.” See his full review below.

They Call Me Magic
Ethan P., KIDS FIRST!, Film Critic, Age 13

I like They Call Me Magic because it is a four-episode docuseries about the life and career of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the five time NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers. The audience can appreciate Magic’s humbleness, sacrifices and challenges he went through in order to be the Legend he is today.

They Call Me Magic is about the beginning of Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s career as a basketball player, his journey from playing in high school, college, becoming an NBA All Star player, and a successful businessman and advocate for the minority communities. The audience will learn where his nickname Magic came from. What type of obstacles Magic had to go through to have the successful life he has today. He experienced racism, rivalry, jealousy, three engagements gone wrong with his actual wife, Cookie Johnson, he has the HIV virus and had to deal with the acceptance of his son, EJ Johnson, being homosexual and the repercussion that comes with it.

This Apple TV+ docuseries was directed by Rick Famuyiwa with editor Dirk Westervelt and cinematographer Rachel Morrison. The audience will enjoy listening to special guests narrating some of Magic Johnson’s highlight moments in his life. We get to see former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton expressing their admiration for Magic. Former basketball players like Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar talking about their personal experiences with Magic, inside and outside the basketball court. Jimmy Kimmel, Arsenio Hall, Samuel O’Jackson and Snoop Dog are also some of the celebrities expressing their admiration and narrating Magic’s influence in his community and globally. Today, Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a successful businessman, an advocate for HIV/AIDS patients and for the minority community. He owns several sports teams as well.

The moral of this docuseries is that things always happen for a reason and to never give up when situations in life get hard. Magic never thought that having the HIV virus will turn his life for good by educating the world about this illness. He shared his experience with the virus and taught the world that AIDS is not necessary a gay illness. Anyone can be contaminated by this virus.

I’d give They Call Me Magic 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, with adult’s supervision due to foul language. They Call Me Magic is available now on Apple TV+.