Book Reviews by Kids - January 2009

The Red Badge of Courage

by Stephen Crane

Henry Fleming is a young American boy fighting for the Union in the Civil War. As he first arrives to his battalion he is caught up in the excitement of “serving his country”, yet once he enters the battle himself he quickly sees war the as it really is. Faced by the fearsome armies of the Confederacy on one side, and his own fear and guilty conscience on the other, he must find way to survive the war and prove his worth as a soldier. This exciting book does a great job of showing the harsh realities of war in an exciting and entertaining way. Seeing Henry’s character progress the value of courage and bravery is truly discovered while entertaining the reader chapter after chapter.

Reviewed by Dude Man - age 17

The Giver

by Lois Lowry

Jonas lives in the perfect community. Life is safe and orderly. The rules of the community are strict and must be followed. Every part of an individual’s life is very carefully planned. The citizens rarely make decisions of their own. Everything, from occupations to spouses, is chosen for them. Nothing is unique in the society either. There is no weather, color, or even animals. Bringing up another’s differences is strongly discouraged.

When Jonas and his peers graduate from Elevens to Twelves in the December Ceremony, they receive their occupations, known as Assignments. Jonas, because of his intelligence, courage and ability to “See Beyond” is chosen to succeed the Receiver of Memories. When Jonas begins his assignment and and starts to gain wisdom he discovers his community is not as perfect as he thought. He realizes that aside from himself and the previous Receiver, no one in the community has any feelings. He also decides that it is unfair for the Committee of Elders to make all of the decisions for the whole society. Jonas must use his wisdom he has gained from the memories to save his people from their ignorance.

I really liked this book because it really made me think. It was also really interesting to think of a world where there was no color or weather. At first this book was hard to read because of the differences in culture, but after I got used to it I could hardly put it down. 

Reviewed by Peach - Age 14

Wolf Brother

by Michelle Paver 

A demon bear just attacked Torak and his dad. Torak's dad is badly hurt and is about to die. His dad tells him to run away as fast as he can. While he is running he hears his dad screaming for him to run faster. As he is running he meets a new friend. His new friend leads him to where he needs to go. While they are on their way they get captured. He tries to escape and he gets away but not before someone sees him. That person travels with him and helps him try to get rid of the demon bear. This is an awesome book.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 12

Splat the Cat

by Rob Scotton

Splat the Cat is about a cat name splat that goes to school. He puts a  mouse in his lunchbox, and the teacher says cats chase mice. The other cats chase the mice. But then the mouse helps the cat get their milk. It was really funny because then the cat didn't chase the mouse.

Reviewed by Dancing Flower - Age 7