Posts Tagged ‘Title E’

Shadow of the Dragon (Book Two Elspeth) (Ages 9-12)

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

+ + + + Shadow of the Dragon (Book Two Elspeth)
Author:  Kate O’Hearn
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books (May 21, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 034094529X
ISBN-13: 978-0340945292

Book description: One day, a young girl astride a twin-tailed dragon will destroy the monarchy and change the world for ever …Kira and Elspeth have already broken FIRST LAW many times over. Now outlawed and running for their lives they are determined to stand amongst the men and fight the unjust FIRST LAW that binds the kingdom. But cruel Lord Dorcon still stands in their way and the heat of his chase is stronger than ever. Strong and determined, Kira has done all that she can to protect and shield her younger sister. But now it’s time for Elspeth to grow up. When Paradon’s muddled magic sends them travelling through time to different eras, new challenges and terrifying threats await the separated sisters. Especially to Elspeth, left all alone to navigate a past world long before the rule of King Ardon and FIRST LAW. And all the while in a strange, alien world of the future, Kira must find a way to get back to Elspeth and reunite her family once again. A prophecy to fulfil. A cruel monarchy to upend. The battle continues …

Book review: This is the second book in the Shadow of the Dragon series.  I have not read the first book, but after reading the second book I will be keeping my eyes open for the first book, Shadow of the Dragon (Book One Kira).

Here’s the breakdown:

Hook/Setting: The opening picks up where the first book left off and I think that the setting is described very well, I can picture the various scenes in my head without trouble.

Character(s): This story focus on Kira’s youngest sister, Elspeth. I like Elspeth, she is a kind girl who wants things to be fair and just. She loves animals and has a unique controlling ability over them and they try to rescue her when she is in trouble. There is a variety of characters new and old in this story that bring the story along nicely.

Events/Plots: The plot is original and interesting. There is suspense and mystery throughout the story and secrets are revealed. This book is easy to get into.

Reader Excitability/Overall Presentation: I would recommend this book to those who have read the first book and to people who enjoy stories with dragons, animals, and people who never lose hope.

Review by N.C., 15-yrs old.


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Bushfire Rescue (Extreme Adventures) (Ages 9-12)

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

+ + + Bushfire Rescue
Author:  Justin D’ath
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 121 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279335
ISBN-13: 978-1935279334

Book description: It’s the holidays and Sam Fox has gone to the high country to stay with his grandparents. While trying to stop cattle rustlers from stealing a stud bull, an injured Sam is isolated in the mountains during a horrific bushfire. To survive, he must rely on his courage; ingenuity, and the help of Chainsaw – a mad old rodeo bull!

Book review: Bushfire Rescue is the second book in the Extreme Adventures series, and is well, another extreme adventure for young Sam Fox.

Here’s the breakdown:

Hook/Setting: The story is like a snowball rolling down a hill, it keeps getting faster and faster. The setting is diverse and well done.

Character(s): Sam is back along with some new characters, mainly animals.  I grew attached to Sam’s horse, Susie, but there’s also an ex-rodeo bull, wild horses, kangaoroos, and a series of birds.

Events/Plot: The plot is intense and the action doesn’t end until the book does.   From falls to landslides to bushfires, it’ll be a miracle if Sam lives to be thirty.

Reader Excitability/Overall Presentation: The story is unique and as good as the first book.  I would recommend this book to Extreme Adventures fans and anyone who wants an hour of action.

Review by N.C., 15-yrs old.

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Crocodile Attack (Extreme Adventures) (Ages 9-12)

Monday, March 1st, 2010

+ + + Crocodile Attack (Extreme Adventures)
Author: Justin D’Ath
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 121 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279327
ISBN-13: 978-1935279327

Book description: A robber has kidnapped Sam Fox and his cousin Nissa during a tropical cyclone. When the getaway car crashes into the raging Crocodile River, Sam and Nissa must face one ordeal after another to survive against incredible odds. Sam fights to keep his head above water and Nissa out of the jaws of certain death. As the waters rise and the crocodiles close in, Sam must push himself to the limits of endurance.

Book review: Crocodile Attack is a short, fast-paced action book that can be read easily within an hour.   It is the first book in the Extreme Adventures series.

Here’s the breakdown:

Hook/Setting: The story starts pretty fast, the main character’s cousin is kidnapped in a store robbery by page 5. The setting is sweet and simple.
Character(s): The main character, Sam Fox, is a believable young boy who is dedicated to protecting his two-year-old niece, Nissa.  I like that D’Ath had Nissa speak like a young child actually does, she mixes her Ss up with her Ts.

Events/Plot: The plot is fast-paced with one action scene after another. Sam is definitely pushed to his limits as he tries to protect himself and his young cousin.

Reader Excitability/Overall Presentation: Some events seem a little far-fetched, but the book is a cliff hanger all the way through. I would recommend this book to children who love adventure stories.
Review by N.C., 15-yrs old.


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An Egret’s Day (Ages 4-8)

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

+ + + An Egret’s Day
Author:  Jane Yolen
Photographer:  Jason Stemple
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 30 pages
Publisher: Wordsong; 1 edition (April 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590786505
ISBN-13: 978-1590786505

Book description: Photographs, poetry and a smattering of facts describe the life and essence of the egret.

Book review: Stunning photography and wonderfully crafted poetry harmonize making this book a celebration of the egret.  This is a great way to present poetry to the younger set.  Facts about the egret are included and make this book a great springboard for a thematic unit for the homeschooled.

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