Posted by Ruth
Categories: Adventure, All Ages, Fiction, Mysteries, Review
Tags:Animals, Dogs, Horses, Jim Kjelgaard, Out of Print
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Trailing Trouble is “an adventure-mystery about a young game warden, his pinto pony, and Smoky, the dog with ‘a nose for trouble.'” Many people think it would be a good idea to make a National Park of the Gistache, but somebody obviously doesn’t share their sentiments. Bad things start to happen, and Tom Rainse thinks that this is more than the usual small band of poachers…
Well, I can’t say much more, because, after all, this is a mystery. I wouldn’t want to spoil anything, would I? Another fun Kjelgaard book, overall. The dialogue between Tom and his friend, Buck, is very comical at times. I am sorry to say, though, that Trailing Trouble ends just as abruptly as some of the other Kjelgaards. The climax occurs at the third paragraph from the end. But that’s okay. It still works.
Posted by Jordan
Categories: Fiction, Older Readers, Review
Tags:Animals, Award Winner, Funny, Lizards, Louis Sachar, Snakes
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Camp Green Lake doesn’t really have a lake. And it’s not a fun camp. It’s a punishment camp for bad boys, where every boy digs a hole every day to build character. If you find anything interesting, you give it to the Warden. If she likes it, you get the day off. Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake for a crime he didn’t do. He doesn’t mind, because things like this are always happening to his family. They all blame it on his great-great-grandfather, who stole a pig, and seemingly caused the family bad luck. Somehow, the camp’s past is entangled with his family’s past, and with the past of Zero, a supposedly brainless camper.
If Holes sounds like a boring story, let me tell you, it’s not! This is an unbelievably tall tale that is amazingly believable. Sachar’s story is interesting, quirky, funny, and a bit tense. On the subject of tense, I would suggest that if you have anything against poisonous lizards that you don’t read this with the closet door open, at night, or anytime you might feel like you could be assaulted by lizards. The only big problem I found in Holes was a few places where the writing style changed.
Posted by Ruth
Categories: Adventure, All Ages, Fantasy, Fiction, Review
Tags:Animals, Dragons, Edward Eager, Time Travel
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Barnaby, Fredricka, Abbie, John, and Susan all love books. And they agree that the best kind of book is a magic book. One day at the library, they just so happen to find such a book. Though, of course, at the time, they don’t realize it. Then they find out that the book (you guessed it!) grants wishes. They take turns making wishes, and end up having to get themselves out of all sorts of trouble.
Another great Eager book. As in his others, the children have to figure out what rules the magic operates by, and how to use it to their best advantage. I also find it funny that the girl from the very end of Half Magic makes an appearance in this one.
Posted by Jordan
Categories: Adventure, Fiction, Older Readers, Review
Tags:Animals, Good Read Aloud, Indians, Quick Read, Scary, Scott O’Dell, Seafaring
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El Manta Diablo is nothing more than a scary story about a giant manta ray, right? When Ramon Salazar finds the largest pearl ever known, he is not so sure. An old Indian claims Manta Diablo will take back the pearl, and Ramon’s life.
I believe this story is a great example of why you shouldn’t be superstitious, however, the ending proves that Ramon doesn’t learn that lesson. Whatever. Scott O’ Dell has another winner, although a rather short one.
Posted by Rebekah
Categories: Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, Older Readers, Review
Tags:Animals, Christopher Paolini, Dragons, Inheritance Cycle, Long Read
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One day while hunting in the Spine, Eragon discovers a strange, blue stone. He takes it back with him to his Uncle Garrow’s farm, thinking it might be worth something. Little does he know that the seemingly innocent stone is one of the three lost dragon eggs in Alagaesia. When Saphira hatches, Eragon tries to keep her hidden. Then some mysterious, sinister strangers arrive asking questions. Garrow is seriously injured and Eragon finds himself to be a Dragon Rider. Determined to avenge his uncle’s near death, Eragon decides to track down the strangers and deal retribution. Accompanied by Brom, an old storyteller, who seems to know a lot about dragons, Eragon sets out on a quest that may claim his very life.
Hold on to your hats, folks. This may be a long review. Let’s see… Where to start. Eragon is a very entertaining book. The first time I read it, I had trouble putting it down. However, I recommend caution while reading this book. There are several things in it that I don’t agree with. Eragon’s willingness to steal some leather in the beginning, for example. Also, (and I’m not the only one to say this) the plot seems to be sort of a rehash of Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, while the writing style itself could be stronger. On a good note, Saphira has a real personality and there’s plenty of adventure.
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