Book Reviews by Kids - April 2009

The Dirt Eaters

by Dennis Foon

Roan is a young boy in the village of Longlight, a peaceful village hidden from the rest of the war-ravaged world. However, one day a group of raiders destroys the village killing everyone except Roan and his sister Stowe who is taken captive by the marauders. Alone and afraid Roan finds his way to Saint, a man leading a religious group known as the Brothers while he waits for the day he can exact his revenge upon the destroyers of his home. As he learns from them he finally begins to be happy again, until he discovers a terrible secret the Brothers are hiding. Roan flees from the Brothers and heads into a wasteland known as the Devastation. He eventually finds a village where he meets Alandra, the village healer. Alandra teaches Roan how to enter a place known as the Dreamfield where he must quickly learn new skills and powers to evade the Brothers as well as to save the children of his knew village from new dangers. 

This gripping book does an excellent job of showing a fabulous story in an extremely fun and exciting way. Showing the dire consequences of war and hate, this fantastic book keeps readers engaged for hours at a time.

Reviewed by Dude Man - age 17

The Devil's Breath

by David Gilman

Max Gordon attends Dartmoor High School, a boarding school focused “on vigorous physical activity and no nonsense education”. One night while Max is on a midnight run, an assassin ambushes him. Because of his physical ability and the help of the military training base next door he is able to get away, but barely. Within 24 hours he also learns his father, last seen in Namibia, is missing. Max is devastated and knows his attack and his missing father are somehow related. Then he does the only thing he can, he travels to Africa to find his missing father. With the help of his newly found friend, Koga, Max will search to the ends of Africa to uncover the mystery, even if it means death.

The Devil’s Breath is a very exhilarating book. It is full of adventure and surprises. It is so exciting to be able watch as the pieces of this puzzle slowly start to fit together. 

Reviewed by Peach - Age 14

Dragon Keeper

by Carole Wilkinson 

Ping was a slave in China that worked for the imperial dragon keeper. Ping hated her life as a slave. She wanted to escape but was afraid of being out away from the palace. Because she was afraid she might be killed, Ping escaped with a dragon. Ping and the dragon go on a long and exhausting adventure to the ocean. The dragon said the ocean would grant you one wish. They meet many challenges along the way. This book is full of action and is really exciting

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 12

Llama Llama Misses Mama

by Anna Dewdney

It's about a Llama. He goes to school. It's his first day and he misses mom. At lunch his teacher says, "Your mom will come back after school." So he wasn't sad and played with everybody. I liked the pictures. Some were kind of funny, especially the expressions on people's faces.  

Reviewed by Dancing Flower - Age 7