Tag: juvenile fiction

Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander (J)

Time Cat

Time Cat

Lloyd Alexander (Juvenile Fiction)

Did you ever wonder where cats go when you can’t find them?  No matter how hard you look for them, they’ve simply disappeared only to reappear just as quickly.  According to Lloyd Alexander, they travel back in time.

Meet Jason and his cat, Gareth.  Like all cats, Gareth doesn’t have nine lives, but he can travel to nine different places in history.  Alexander gives us a fun and fanciful story through time as we follow Jason and Gareth to places such as ancient Egypt, Rome, Japan, and Peru and meet many notable historical figures along the way.  The book may be fantasy, but Alexander spent over a year in research to ensure historical accuracy.  Each adventure is a standalone story that is short enough to hold a younger reader’s attention, while long enough to offer a nice glimpse into the history of that time.

Time Cat wonderfully reflects the bond that humans have with their animals and how—throughout the ages—people have relied on their pets for protection, comfort, and companionship.  This book reinforces the value of friendship and loyalty, while it introduces young readers to the exciting world of history.

Rating: 4/5

 

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin (J)

The Westing Game

Ellen Raskin (Juvenile Mystery)

After missing for 13 years, millionaire industrialist Sam Westing is discovered dead in his bed.  Sixteen letters are hand delivered to each heir of his $200 million estate, thus setting in motion a most frantic and fantastic game.  The rules of Sam Westing’s game are simple: heirs compete in teams of two and, by using a unique set of clues, attempt to be the first to discover the identity of Westing’s killer.  The catch?  The murderer is one of them!

So begins Raskin’s classic mystery thriller that bombards readers with burglars, bombers, and bizarre characters.  The book’s initial pace allows readers to comfortably become acquainted with each character (16 is a lot to keep track of!) before zipping along at a whirlwind pace as situations become more perilous and characters grow more desperate to claim the coveted Westing Game prize.  Raskin gives us a whodunit that is a delightful, witty, and suspenseful read for any age.  Are you ready to play?

Rating: 4/5

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The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars (J)

The Summer of the Swans

Betsy Byars (Juvenile Fiction)

Fourteen-year old Sara Godfrey is having the worst summer of her life.  She hates her orange sneakers, she has the biggest feet in school, and don’t even mention her nose.  “I just feel like nothing,” she tells her sister.  But all that changes when her ten-year old brother, Charlie, goes missing.  Suddenly, Sara realizes what is truly important and what really matters.

Sara not only struggles with her own adolescent issues, but is dealing with an absentee father, meddling aunt, and a brother suffering from a mental impairment.  Byars accurately captures and conveys the angst, anger, and anxiety that most teens endure and provides readers with a realistic sense of Sara’s desperate desire to fit in, to be liked, and to be accepted.  More than just a coming-of-age book, The Summer of the Swans also provides an insight into Charlie’s mind and reveals his own desire for stability and security.  Byars shows us how love requires no words and perhaps is more accurately spoken not through the mouth, but by the heart.

Rating: 4/5

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo (J)

Tween & Teen Tuesday

Every Tuesday, we review either a juvenile (J) or young adult (YA) book

 

The Tale of Despereaux (J)

Kate DiCamillo

“This story begins within the walls of a castle, with the birth of a mouse.  A small mouse.  The last mouse born to his parents and the only one of his litter to be born alive.”

So begins DiCamillo’s beautiful and heartwarming tale of a mouse with a heart almost as big as his ears.  Despereaux Tilling loves music and stories.  He dreams of knights and princesses and faraway places.  After an unfortunate accident plunges the kingdom of Dor into darkness and despair, it will be up to this one small, unlikely hero—with such very large ears—to save the day.

DiCamillo weaves a wondrous and captivating story that will enchant readers both young and old.  With very short chapters, this book is ideal for younger readers or could be set on a nightstand for shared bedtime reading.

I hope that Despereaux not only finds a permanent place on your bookshelf, but in your heart as well.

Rating: 5/5

The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (J)

The Egypt Game

Zilpha Keatley Snyder (Juvenile Fiction)

April Hall is anything but a typical sixth grader.  Having a “movie star” mother, it is easy to understand why April prefers to be called April Dawn, wears false eyelashes, and sports a mile-high hairdo.  What in the world could she possibly have in common with Melanie Ross, a girl that lives in her same apartment building?  Why, ancient Egypt, of course!  Thus begins an amazing friendship that involves secrets, codes, ancient ceremonies, and danger.  This story not only provides readers with some history, but offers important lessons on inclusion, forgiveness, compassion, and courage.  SPOILER:  There is a part of the book that involves the murder of a child (no gory details), so parents should take this into account when dealing with sensitive  readers.

Rating: 4/5

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George (J)

My Side of the Mountain

Jean Craighead George (Juvenile Fiction)

When Sam Gribley decided to run away from his New York apartment and live in the Catskill Mountains, everyone laughed…even his own father.  But that is exactly what he did, armed with only a penknife, ball of cord, ax, flint and steel, and $40 from selling magazine subscriptions.  With grit, determination, skill, and courage, Sam not only survives on the mountain, but discovers things about himself that he never thought possible.  Beautifully detailed and crafted, My Side of the Mountain is a story for all ages and for all time.

Rating: 5/5