Allison Wonderland * Sci-Fi, Fantasy, And Adventure All Meet And Make A Delightfully Entertaining Book
February 14th, 2025
In a world ravaged by ecological disaster and war, controlled by the AI-driven corporation known as GAMMA, a hidden realm endures—ruled with wisdom, magic, and resilience by the benevolent Once and Future Queen. Thirteen-year-old Allison is thrust into a universe of shifting realities and cryptic realms, guided by a mercurial White Rabbit, a mysterious Viking Sunstone necklace, and an array of newfound allies. On a quest to find her father—the inventor of an experimental virus capable of toppling GAMMA—Allison uncovers secrets that could change the fate of her world. As she faces dangerous foes, unexpected betrayals, and powerful revelations, she discovers she holds the key to restoring hope in a broken world. Welcome to Allison Wonderland—where magic, adventure, and destiny collide.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Josephine K. comments, “Allison Wonderland is a remarkable story! Sci-Fi, fantasy, and adventure all meet and make a delightfully entertaining book. I love the intricate and amusing descriptions of the people and places in the book.” Anna Clara B. adds, “I like the way the story is written, making us understand the plot which takes place in the future.” Kinsley H. wraps it up with, “Allison Wonderland is an unexpected take on Alice in Wonderland. Allison is a handicapped girl who makes the choice to fight the unknown in order to save the world. She is given the chance to walk again through an astral projection that allows her to leave her body behind.” See their full reviews below.
Allison Wonderland
By Josephine K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Allison Wonderland is a remarkable story! Sci-Fi, fantasy, and adventure all meet and make a delightfully entertaining book. I love the intricate and amusing descriptions of the people and places in the book. I also love each character’s individual personality and how that makes each one of them memorable.
The story follows Allison, a 13-year-old girl living in 2099 where the economic conditions are deteriorating. The AI robots are taking over the world, GAMMA, and threatening to destroy Wonderland. Allison has been called upon as the missing piece to destroying GAMMA once and for all. When one disaster leads to another, Allison gets caught up in a realm of down-right bombastic mayhem. From following a mysterious white rabbit to saving her android-infested world, Allison is in for an unforgettable adventure.
This book is delightful. I love how Allison is portrayed; she is smart, witty, and emotionally strong. You can see some of Allison’s personality traits in her mom, dad, and Aunt Genevieve, adding a layer of complexity to the characters. Reading the story through Allison’s eyes is comical because she makes witty jokes that tell us more and more about her character. The vocabulary is unique and challenging, adding a level of appeal to the lexophiles of the world. My favorite setting is when Allison is in The Last Train to Clarksonville Station because it is described with so much bizarre detail that it’s fun to imagine what it would look like. My favorite character is Puffin because she is hilarious and has a lot of charisma. She may be small but her personality definitely isn’t.
The book’s message is that your friends and family are always by your side through thick and thin. The story effectively conveys just how important family is. This is a positive and uplifting message that is thoughtful and relatable.
I give Allison Wonderland 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This book will be released later this yet; no date has been set.
Allison Wonderland
By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Allison Wonderland, a fantasy-sci-fi novella by J.R. Wood, is a quick trip through alternate realities and cryptic realms with an apocalyptic twist on the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland. I enjoyed this new view of Wonderland and all of its oddities.
This short novel is about a ravaged world that has been taken over by an AI-driven corporation called GAMMA. The once and future Queen provides salvation by creating a hidden realm full of magic and wisdom that is protected from the disaster outside its walls. Allison (with two L’s) is a wheelchair bound thirteen-year-old who has been chosen by her father to defeat GAMMA and restore a broken world.
Allison Wonderland is an unexpected take on Alice in Wonderland. Allison is a handicapped girl who makes the choice to fight the unknown in order to save the world. She is given the chance to walk again through an astral projection that allows her to leave her body behind. Alice, on the other hand, is suddenly thrust into Wonderland by accident and has to find her courage through trials and tribulations. She comes from a privileged world and is merely bored and looking for something to do.
Allison, like Alice, follows an unpredictable White Rabbit, falls through rabbit hole-like portals, encounters strange creatures, and gets to enjoy the enchantments of Wonderland. The text provides vivid details that are candy for the imagination and allow the mind to travel away from the descriptions of the original, famous tale. There are some details that are in stark contrast, like the queens. Allison gets the privilege of the once and future Queen who is both wise and kind, whereas Alice gets a crazy Queen of Hearts who enjoys beheadings. It was a lot of fun to read and look for parallels to the first version.
The message of this novella is that everyday people can be heroes. Readers get to follow a young girl who does not let her disability or a destroyed world stop her from making a difference. Parents should be aware that the text has a lot of advanced vocabulary, so it may be difficult for younger readers. There is no bad language; however, the content does include scary topics.
I give Allison Wonderland 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Its release information is not available at this time.
Allison Wonderland
By Anna Clara B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Allison Wonderland is an intriguing book that captured my attention from the first page. I like the way the story is written, making us understand the plot which takes place in the future.
The book talks about Allison, a balance beam athlete, who suffers an accident. In 2099, the world is upside down and she decides to go to Wonderland, where everything changes.
I like the book because from the first few pages it made me want to read until the end. I like science fiction books; it is one of my favorite genres. While I was reading, a special part captured my attention – the part when the phrase “one of all and all for one” is written, because this is something necessary for us, even if you want to be alone. We really need others in our adventures and special moments. The characters in the book are very well developed. Learning how to deal with different kinds of situations gives them maturity.
I like how the narrator tells us about their personalities. I can perfectly imagine the scenes exactly how they develop in my mind. For example, there’s a phrase about “a very skinny lady” that makes me visualize the character and the scene she is in. Another thing that I like is the way how the location is referred to – it’s so far from our reality and described in a way that intrigues me.
The book’s message is that we are not better alone; there’s always someone we can count on in our life. It also reminds us to be careful because the world can change suddenly.
A raw, intimate look at the Vietnam War’s impact on America. Through personal stories, the series examines the conflict’s far-reaching consequences and lasting influence on society as the 50th anniversary of Saigon’s fall approaches.
One of the documentary’s greatest strengths is its wide array of voices. From Bill Broyles, a former Marine turned Hollywood screenwriter, to Hilary Brown, ABC News’ first female foreign correspondent, and Melvin Pender, an Olympic gold medalist who served between deployments, the series provides a multifaceted look at the war’s impact. Even more striking are the perspectives of Viet Cong fighters and Vietnamese civilians, offering a crucial counterpoint to the American narrative. These voices help construct a more complete and deeply humanized understanding of the conflict.
This series really shows how the Vietnam War reshaped the United States in ways still felt today, from attitudes toward military intervention to the power of protest movements. For history enthusiasts, war documentary fans, or anyone seeking a deeply human look at one of the most defining conflicts of the 20th century, Vietnam: The War That Changed America is essential viewing.
Growing up in the Amazon rainforest gave Autumn the rarest of friendships – a lost jaguar cub she discovers named Hope. When a tragic event forces Autumn to leave Hope for the unknowns of New York City, she dreams for years of going back to the rainforest and her friend. Aged 14, and having grown accustomed to city life, Autumn discovers her childhood village is under threat from animal traffickers and decides she must return to the Amazon to her beloved jaguar. Anja – Autumn’s endearingly clumsy biology teacher – unsuccessfully tries to dissuade her from this reckless plan. Joined by Anja, Autumn embarks on a journey to reunite with Hope and save her from those who seek to destroy the rainforest and its wildlife.
Autumn and the Black Jaguar is a passionate tale of friendship that surpasses human boundaries. Told through a combination of flashbacks and present-day scenes, it shows how one girl, on a quest to save a jaguar, changes the mindset of an entire community.
One of the most impressive aspects of Autumn and the Black Jaguar is the character development of multiple people. Almost every character undergoes some kind of transformation. Autumn learns to ask for help when she needs it, and that, while she should trust her instincts, being careful is just as important as activism. Autumn’s father learns to let people in instead of pushing them away. Her teacher opens up and is forced to reenter the world and make friends. Even Autumn’s uncle Oré (Wayne Charles Baker) learns to take a stand when something is wrong, rather than sitting still. The cinematography is also worth mentioning – Autumn and the Black Jaguar takes place in a rainforest and we see many breathtakingly beautiful shots of the Amazon jungle and its wildlife, rivers and waterfalls.
Finally, the chemistry between Lumi Pollack and the real jaguar used for the film blows my mind. Before filming for Autumn and the Black Jaguar began, Pollack spent one year bonding with the jaguar, which is very apparent when they are on-screen together. Their interactions are very natural, and Pollack displays no fear or tension around the jaguar (which is really saying something, considering its size!). I was greatly moved by this touching story of one girl’s unwavering bond with an animal and how she uses it to make a change.
Autumn’s inspiring journey is a reminder to stand up for those who would do the same for you in your time of need – animals as well as people. Be there for those who have been there for you, because one day you could be depending on them to save you. Autumn and the Black Jaguar also highlights the importance of perseverance. Determination can be the difference between failing and making an impact, even when it seems like the cards are stacked against you.
Follows six overambitious middle schoolers tricked into attending a fake academic summer camp by a mad scientist. Now they’re stuck for three months on a wild tropical island with mind-reading manatees, giant fighting fungi and fashion-forward mutants, less academia than they’d hoped for but a lot more adventure.
Another great character is the Nannytee (episode 2) a Manatee that Dr. Lullah uses to get the kids out of her hair. Over the course of this episode we see a story arc for Dr. Lullah, from wanting to get away from the kids to risking the thing she spent all day working on for them. This episode also has a witty, cautionary tale of what might happen if you could actually attract an asteroid to Earth with your fingers. Pliny teaches Larry how to “noodle,” which is the art of fishing with your fingers, and Larry lets a little too loose. We see the characters grow and become new versions of themselves, because each character has their own story arc, even in the three episodes I watched.
This show has many good messages, including the importance of friendship and the idea that you can have fun while still being careful. Each message is pushed naturally and sinks into your mind very well, subtly teaching great lessons. However, if your child has a fear of suspenseful themes and some odd looking mutated characters; you may want to review the show before letting them watch it.
A sudden attack by Wulf, a ruthless Dunlending lord, forces Helm Hammerhand and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Helm’s daughter, Héra, must lead the resistance against a deadly enemy who’s intent on total destruction.
This movie takes place around 200 years before Bilbo Baggens finds the ring. There is a free spirited woman, Héra (Gaia Wise), who lives in the kingdom called Rohan. After years without seeing her childhood friend, Wulf (Luca Pasqualino), he and his father, Lord Thorne (Jude Akuwudike), return and Wulf asks for Héra’s hand in marriage. After a confrontation gone wrong between Wulf’s father and Héra’s father, Wulf swears revenge and starts a devastating war.
Initially, this film seems to be about how the men save the day while the women cower and hide. But, it turns out that this is a women’s empowerment story which explains that women are the past and the future. I commend Gaurav Sharma as the visual effect’s artist. The fire is very realistic as if it is running wild in the theater. In the two final battles between Héra and Wulf, I could barely contain my excitement as I fought the urge to say, “Yes! Girl power! Get him!”
My favorite part is when Héra comes out in a wedding dress to face Wulf and says “You may wear a crown but you are not a king!”
Amidst renovation of an old hotel, a divorcing couple’s marriage gets a chance when their kids find love letters from the past. Saving their parents’ marriage before a developer buys the hotel becomes the siblings’ mission.
Letters at Christmas is an incredible film about love and the hardships that come with it. With amazing acting, cinematography, and writing, this film not only got me in the Christmas spirit, but also brought up many more emotions.
One thing I adore about this film is the storyline about the writers of the found letters. That impacted me and I wanted the best for them, despite knowing how it turns out. The letters are written beautifully, especially one poem.
The cinematography is great – making everything look real, and still very pretty. The background music is well selected, adding to the holiday spirit. My favorite part is the relationship between the two parents. All of their scenes together feel extremely real, and the chemistry between them feels natural. The kids’ roles are well acted also, showing how parents’ relationships can affect their children. The ensemble works so well together that they feel like a real family.
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants! SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete Fourteenth Season is epic. SpongeBob is still the funniest sponge ever. In this season he gets into even more wacky situations and takes us along for the ride.
Season 14 also has a lot of heart. Even though there are lots of jokes and silliness, there are moments when SpongeBob shows that he cares about his friends, and that’s really sweet. He’s always there to help out, even when things go wrong. He’s a friendly sponge that won’t let anyone down. The animation is awesome – everything looks bright, colorful, and fun, just like I expect from Bikini Bottom. The underwater world feels really alive, and it is so cool seeing SpongeBob once again go on some crazy adventures in this new season. My favorite episode is “Snow Yellow and The Seven Jellies.” In this episode SpongeBob and his friends do a super funny twist on a classic fairy tale. Snow Yellow works for the queen and does everything she asks him, but SpongeBob is claimed “the squarest of them all’ so the evil Karen wants to claim Snow Yellow’s title and be the squarest queen of them all. All in all, this season is funny, and just plain awesome.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is a spin-off and sequel to Wizards of Waverly Place. The series follows an adult Justin Russo, living a normal life with his wife and two sons in Staten Island, until his sister Alex asks for help with a young wizard-in-training named Billie. He revives his magical skills in order to mentor the young girl, while balancing living a normal life and safeguarding the Wizard World’s future.
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is a comedic series, full of mystery and magic. I really like this show – it is fun and entertaining, while having a nostalgic feeling to it.
I really enjoy how this show feels so nostalgic. Growing up as a Disney kid, I constantly watched the Disney channel and loved Wizards of Waverly Place. Watching this spin-off reminded me of that same feeling I used to have when I was younger while watching the Disney channel. There is also the live audience aspect – hearing the laughs at the funny parts, and the “oohs” at the intense moments really adds to the show. It absolutely captures the essence of the old Disney channel, while still feeling new and fresh. Additionally, the storyline is enjoyable. Although this connects to an old show, it does not feel old. Each episode follows Billie’s journey and viewers get to experience her magic and watch her learn to navigate all of her skills in the real world.
I particularly enjoyed the first episode when we get to see all of Billie’s tricks. They take us back to the lair, where all the magic happens! Another standout in this show are the characters’ relationships with one another. For instance, Billie and Justin, despite just meeting, instantly form a tight bond. Justin acts as almost an older brother figure, helping Billie deal with her magic. There are many times when Billie doesn’t know how to control all of her powers, and just wants to use them for good. However, Justin teaches her that just because you have the ability to do something, doesn’t mean it’s always the right time to exercise that power.
Twelve-year-old Donn Fendler becomes trapped on a treacherous mountain when a fast-moving storm separates him from his family. With no food or proper clothing, he begins a desperate fight for survival in the unforgiving wilderness of northern Maine.
This movie is based on the true story of twelve-year-old Donn Fendler (Luke David Blumm). After getting separated from his hiking party, Donn gets lost on the highest mountain in Maine. All the odds are against him, so can he survive long enough to be found?
One of them, Ryan Cook, read the book in fourth grade and was lucky enough to receive a visit from Donn in his class, and from then on, he wanted to see a movie made from this story. The other producer, Dick Boyce, developed a fondness of the book from his father who tracked Donn’s story on the radio when it was happening. When a film had yet to be made, Cook and Boyce decided to make it themselves, and here we are.
There are quite a few tips that I learned from this movie that will be helpful if I ever find myself in the same situation as Donn. Luke David Blumm as Donn Fendler portrays Donn so well; I could really feel all his emotions. Paul Sparks, as his father, and Griffin Wallace, as his twin brother perfectly portray their roles. All of them together create an incredible tension that really drew me in emotionally to the story.
