Entries Categorized as 'Adventure'

Kentucky Frontiersmen

Our rating: ****

This book takes place in 1700’s Kentucky, which is called “Kain-tuck-ee” by characters in the book. Henry and those who live at the settlement of Wareville need to clear the land to plant fields. But they need food while their crops are growing. There are plenty of animals to hunt so they hunt for food. After three years, Shawnee Indians attack the settlement. The settlers drive off the Indians and decide to follow them to continue the battle.

I liked this book because I like books with adventure in them. I enjoyed the whole book a lot. It even has a sequel called The Riflemen of the Ohio.

James and the Giant Peach

Our rating: ***

When James Henry Trotter’s mother and father die, he is sent to live with his two aunts, Aunt Spiker and Aunt Sponge. His life with them is very unpleasant, until one day a queer old man gives him something that will change his entire life.

The cast of insects in this book is hilarious! Miss Ladybug is so very kind, the Centipede is a scamp, and the Earthworm is such a pessimist! This is one of my favorite Roald Dahl books. It ranks with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in my opinion. This is one of those books that is so different in parts, that the whole book is one big unbelievable (is it?), thoroughly-enjoyable, humorous, ride-of-your-life, one-of-a-kind story. (Whew, try saying that one fast!)

The Emerald City of Oz

Our rating: ***½

When Dorothy brings Uncle Henry and Aunt Em to the Emerald City of Oz, they begin a tour of the surrounding cities and people, encountering the Cuttenclips, the Fuddles, the inhabitants of Utensia, the Flutterbudgets, and many more. Meanwhile, the Nome King is furious over the loss of his magic belt, and begins gathering an army to dig an underground tunnel to the Emerald City and capture the entire population.

This isn’t my favorite Oz book, but the hilarious wordplays and puns are thicker than ever. Especially in Utensia. I think this one was intended to be the last Oz book, but L. Frank Baum was forced to write more by popular demand.

Bringer of Storms

Our rating: ****

Hold it right there! Before you read this review, I must warn you that it gives away something from the first book, Beyond the Summerland. So if you haven’t read the first book yet, don’t read any farther!!! And I mean that! I know it’s hard, but MOVE ON TO THE NEXT REVIEW! Okay, are you gone? Alright. For those of you who have read the first one, or are disregarding my warnings, go ahead and read.

Benjiah, son of Wylla and Joriaem, is now seventeen, and Wylla still has not told him that his father was a prophet of Allfather. Aljeron and Koshti are away in Shalin Bel, engaged in a seven-year war against Rhulalin, with the aim to bring him to justice. Little do they know what Malek is about to attempt, but the urgency of the situation is brought home when Valzaan discovers that Benjiah is The Chosen One.

There. Any of you who disregarded my instructions now have a pretty good idea of how Beyond the Summerland ends. I like this one better than the first. It’s really good. Oh, those of you who despaired with me over the abrupt ending in the first one, let me warn you: this one’s even worse.

Captains Courageous

Our rating: ****

Harvey is the fifteen-year-old stuck-up son of a rich American railroad owner. He’s on a large ship, going to Europe, and bragging about never being sick. Then he smokes a rather strong cigar, goes to the railing because he’s sick, and is swept overboard. Harvey is picked up by Disko Troop’s fishing vessel, the We’re Here. Disko won’t take him back to his home in New York, so Harvey’s stuck on the We’re Here for the rest of the fishing season.

Here’s a great example of why you shouldn’t be arrogant. It’s also a great way to understand the way the fishing industry operated in the late 1800s. The sailors talk a little funny, so don’t try to read it out loud unless you can do all those different accents!