November 15th 2009
Who would lke this book? 6th graders who like the mysteries of Ancient Egypt and the spookiness of creepy museums at night.
Why? It’s 1906 in London and Theo Throckmorton, the 11-year-old daughter of archeologists and curators of the Museum of Legends and Antiquities, has her hands full. Theo is uniquely gifted in that she senses the evil curses inscribed into the ancient artifacts that her parents naively bring to London from the ancient tombs in Egypt. Theo does everything she can to protect her parents and herself, studying ancient texts to learn how to ward off the dark magic. Her parents’ work keeps them constantly busy, an extreme frustration to Theo, and they do not recognize her talents. When her mother arrives from her most recent expedition with a priceless Egyptian artifact, Theo plunges into an intriguing adventure full of mystery, suspense, and captivating details about Ancient Egypt. The power of this particular Egyptian artifact weilds influence over international affairs, so the stakes are high for Theo and the two secret societies that are vying for control over the artifact. I had a great time reading this book, which felt like an Indianna Jones ride to me.
The details: 343 p. 2007 Review by Samrarian
November 11th 2009
Review by Scott
Who would like this book? People who would like this book would be the kind that enjoy short stories and good literature.
Why? In the beginning, there is a poor old man who has not caught any fish for many days. In the middle, he sets out to sea for a few days. He has lots of adventures!
The details: 140 p. 1952 Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1953 Submitted by Scott
Coming soon to the Cal Young Library; it’s on the to-be-ordered list. ~ Sam
November 8th 2009
Who would like this book? Fans of action-packed spy thrillers, grades 5 and up.
Why? I,Q (Book One: Independence Hall) combines the rock-and-roll world of paparazzi and fame with the dark, complex world of conspiracies, terrorism, and spies. Told from the point of view of 15-year-old Q (short for Quest), I,Q is all action that doesn’t stop for reflection or serious character development. The plot setup pulled me right in. Q is agitated over his mother Blaze’s whirlwind romance and quick marriage to fellow rock star Roger Tucker. Roger’s daughter Angela shares Q’s lack of enthusiasm, especially because she is still grieving for her mother, a highly skilled CIA agent who was killed in the line of duty. The new parents have formed a band, Match, which is all the rage. The new family embarks on a yearlong tour in a tricked-out coach that Roger and Blaze insist on driving themselves. It doesn’t take long for them to break down and to be saved by a world-wise old roadie named Boone. The readers are tipped off at the start that something sinister is going to happen by short, italicized chapters by a mysterious spy that alternate with Q’s main experiences. As the two story lines intersect, the spy intrigue takes off and the skills of Angela and Q are put to the test. I hope that the second book in the series, The White House, gives more character development. I, Q is high on action, but unsatisfying when it comes to feeling for and with the characters. Sarah Weeks (author of So B. It) chose it as the 2009 Oregon Book Award for Young Adult Literature.
The details: 302 p. 2008 Submitted by Samrarian
October 15th 2009
Review by Dylan C.
Who would like this book? Anyone who likes adventure and suspense.
Why? I think people who like adventure should read this book because it has a ton of adventure. When Liz is in Elsewhere, she is always doing crazy and strange things. This book is exciting and only sometimes predictable. This book is funny, sad, and exciting!
The details: 272 p. 2005 Submitted by Dylan C.
October 15th 2009
Review by Madisyn
Who would like this book? People who like books that are adventurous and don’t like to put the book down. Ages 11 and up.
Why? I liked this book because it was adventurous, and I didn’t want to put it down. Tom Sawyer is a young boy who lives on the Mississippi River with his aunt, brother, and sister. Tom Sawyer is a bit of a trouble maker. Tom often plays with Huckleberry Finn, who is a homeless boy. Tom’s aunt doesn’t like it when Huck and Tom see each other. Watch out for Injun Joe!!!
The details: 294 p. 1876 (originally!) Submitted by Madisyn
October 15th 2009
Review by Michael F.
Who would like this book? People who like books with fast paced battle scenes, mythology, and great detail will love The Sea of Monsters.
Why? The Sea of Monsters ( a sequel to The Lighting Thief) is another fast paced adventure where Percy Jackson goes to the Sea of Monsters (Bermuda Triangle) to get the golden fleece to save Thalia’s tree and save Grover from a cyclops who thinks Grover is a female cyclops.
The details: 279 p. 2006 Submitted by Michael F.
October 13th 2009
Review by Chris H.
Who would like this book? People who like adventure and action books and are ages 10 to 100.
Why? This book has lots of short stories and exciting moments. The stories consist of people and their experiences with bears. There are some moments in this book that are pretty gruesome, so some people may not like that aspect of the book. There are also lots of funny stories about encounters with bears. For example there is a story about a bear that went to a church and fell asleep then woke up at the end and walked away. This book was very interesting and one of the best books I have read.
The details: 318 p. 1983 Submitted by Chris H.
October 5th 2009
Review by Michael R.
Who would like this book? People from 12 to very old would like this book.
Why? Mau is the only person left on his island when a tidal wave hits. He was on Boy Island when it hit, so he does not have a soul. The Sweet Judy crashes on the island and the only person left alive is a girl named Ermintrude (Daphne). Mau and Daphne start to learn each others’ languages and are soon able to understand each other fairly well. I think everyone should read this book.
The details: 367 p. 2008 Review by Michael R.
September 16th 2009
Who would like this book? People who are interested in mythology, fantasy, and fast paced fights - Lightning Thief is for you.
Why? The Lightning Thief is about a boy named Percy (Perseus) Jackson. He goes to a school for people who have problems learning. He’s Dyslexic and he has a short temper. His friend Grover turns out to be a Satyr and he brings him to Camp Halfblood. Chaos has been going on among the gods, so Percy has to retrieve the master bolt and return it to Zeus with his friends Grover and Anabeth.
The details:377 p. 2005 Submitted by Michael
August 30th 2009
Who would like this book? Readers, grade 6 through adult, curious for a remarkable adventure story set on a small island in an ocean somewhat like the Pacific written by a master of character, plot, style, and ideas will want to grab this book.
Why? The book opens with Mau, a boy in the midst of his Nation’s coming-of-age ritual. As he returns to his island home in a dugout canoe, anticipating the great feast and welcome that will include everyone on the island, a massive tsunami hits. Mau, alone in his boat, is the only survivor from his Nation. The tsunami has also driven a ship aground on the island, and the sole survivor is a young girl from what seems to be 19th century England. She quickly dispenses with her given name, Ermintrude, in favor of Daphne, which she likes much better. Though she tries to shoot Mau when she first sees him, they overcome their suspicions of each other, learn to communicate, and use their wits to help the odd assortment of refugees that arrive from nearby islands. Their efforts to understand each other and each other’s cultures lead each of them to greater knowledge about themselves and what is valuable in living. Daphne expects to be rescued by her father, a governor with an explorer’s heart and a distant claim to the throne, but as she settles into her new life as a nation builder, her hopes and dreams go through a change. Pratchett is a master story-teller, and with Nation, he is in top form. It is one of the ALA’s 2009 Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults. I agree whole-heartedly that it belongs there!
The details: 367 p. 2008 Review by Samraian