Book Reviews by Kids - May 2009

Wolf Rider

by Avi

Andy Zadinski lives a normal life until one day he receives a disturbing phone call. An unknown caller tells him that he has just killed a woman named Nina Klemmer, a student at a nearby university. Scared, Andy goes to the police to report the incident. They thank him for the information, but they, as well as everyone else he talks to, dismiss the case as someone playing a practical joke. Andy however, won’t give up on it. Alone, he begins trying to find more information, discovering that Nina Klemmer is a real person only she is still alive. Thinking she is in danger, Andy works to discover and unveil the caller before he can actually murder Nina. However, while he may be helping Nina, he is also putting himself into far more danger than he realizes. 

This riveting tale of terror contains so much suspense that readers will be on the edge of their seat for hours, unable to tear themselves away. In addition, it shows the importance of values such as honesty and trust in a eerie, but effective way, making it even more exciting to read.

Reviewed by Dude Man - age 17

True North

by Kathryn Lasky

Lucy Bradford lives in Massachusetts as the youngest child in her family. She has grown up all her life learning to be proper and polite. Lucy tries to fit in with her older sisters, but even her mother admits she is a very different kind of girl. She likes adventures. At the same time Afrika, a fugitive slave girl, is fleeing the South with only the North Star as her guide. She has known a lifetime of hardship, cruelty and back- breaking work, and is willing to risk her life in order to gain her freedom. When Lucy discovers Afrika hiding in her grandfather’s old Grandfather Clock she decides she is going to do whatever she can to help Afrika gain freedom.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It really helped me realize what life was like for fugitive slaves and safe-House conductors. It also helped me to further understand the many difficulties in the underground railroad such as slave catchers, corrupt safe houses, and even sickness. I would definitely recommend it. 

Reviewed by Peach - Age 14

IQ

by Roland Smith 

The mom of Quest Munoz' step-sister is a secret service agent. When she goes missing, most people think she's dead. But Quest goes on a long adventure with his step-sister to look for her.

IQ is an exciting adventure with many twists and turns, and cool action. Some parts of the book were really intense. Some parts made it seem like it was going to end when it really didn't end. This is one of the most exciting books I have read.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 12

Giggle, Giggle, Quack

by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin

Farmer Brown goes on vacation and his brother, Bob takes care of the farm. Duck finds a pencil and paper and he writes silly notes on how to take care of the farm. Like one night is pizza night, or the pigs need a bath and to use Farmer Brown's best towels. It's really funny. They get to watch a movie.  

Reviewed by Dancing Flower - Age 7