Book Reviews by Kids - July & August 2006

Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo

by Obert Skye

Hidden in the minds of man is a secret world, a world where there fantasies come true. This world is called Foo, and is the land where all of mankind's dreams really take place. It is a world of great beauty, but it also houses a great evil; an evil that threatens both Foo and reality. The key to saving both worlds lies in an orphan boy named Leven Thumps. Unfortunately, Sabine, and evil villain, and his shadows are trying very hard to convince Leven he's worthless. It is up to Leven's friends, Winter, Clover and Geth, and, most importantly, Leven himself, to help Leven realize his true potential and save this world, and the dreamworld called Foo.

When I starterd reading Leven Thumps, I was not entirely impressed. At a glance, many plot elements such as Leven's orphanness, the fact that he was raised by an aunt and uncle, and his destiny as the only one that could save the world, seemed to be pulled from other books. However, as I continued reading, I became hooked. The characters were ingenious and hilarious, especially Clover, the fuzzy creature with a love for talking candy, and Geth, a noble and valiant....toothpick. I also really enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek writing style. The plot was fairly creative, (though Leven deciding he is worthless and giving up got old after the first couple of times), and very action-packed. Though Leven Thumps is not likely to become a classic, it is a fun read.  

Reviewed by Pirate Princess - age 16

The Book of Three

by Lloyd Alexander

Taran was just an Assistant-Pig Keeper. But all of his life he had wanted more. Suddenly, one day while he is carrying out his duties, all of their livestock, including their pig that seems to have magical abilities, runs away in fright of some unseen thing. Taran pursues the pig, and plunges into an amazing adventure where he will have to fight enemies so terrible that they command the Cauldron-Born , creatures who used to be men, but then died, and were brought back to life as evil servants of an even eviler person. This is a wonderful tale of good and evil, friends and enemies, unexpected plot twists, and high intensity thrills. This fantastic book combines fantasy with old Norse mythology, making it one of the best books ever written. 

Reviewed by Dude Man - Age 14

Pleasing the Ghost

by Sharon Creech

Dennis, the 9 year old kid, keeps on being visited by ghost, but when his Uncle Arvie's ghost visits him and asks him to do 3 things for him, it's hard to understand him because he talks in sentences like this: "Dinosaur, Good Carpet!" which means Dennis, Good morning! Can Dennis figure out all of the things Arvie asks him to do and can he do them? Read the book Pleasing the Ghost by Sharon Creech to find out.

Reviewed by Peach - Age 11

Stuart Little

by E.B. White

There's family and their mom was going to have a baby. Their mom had a baby but it was a mouse and they named him Stuart. He was a lot of help to their family with ping pong. I liked it when Stuart got the ring out of the drain because I like to help.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 9