Book Reviews by Kids - October 2003

My Brother Sam is Dead

by Christopher Collier

I read the book, My Brother Sam is Dead, by Christopher Collier. It is about a boy named Tim during the revolutionary war. His older brother, Sam, runs away from home to join the American army, but his father his fiercely opposed to the war, and is a loyalist.

This book is really good and also really sad. You see Tim's confusion and his sadness as he realizes there are never just two sides to an argument, and when he is forced to choose between his father and his brother.

Reviewed by Princess Toenails - age 13

Stormbreaker: An Alex Rider Adventure

by Anthony Horowitz

Alex Rider was a seemingly normal 14 year old boy until his uncle "supposedly" died in a car crash. He then investigates and goes to the dump to fin his uncle's car. He finds it, but it isn't smashed up like it should be. There was a bullet hole in the car's windshield. Afterwards, he visits the bank where the uncle "supposedly" worked. It was actually the headquarters of MI6. He finds out his uncle was a spy. He has to complete his uncle's mission where unknown surprises await. Gameboy bombs, smallpox, and so much more makes this a keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat book.

Reviewed by Dude Man - Age 11

Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine

by Barbara Park and illustrated by Denise Brunkus

It's Valentine's Day and everyone gets their cards, but Junie B. Jones can't find one of her cards. Then she finally finds it and it says it's from someone who likes her. It's funny when she figures out who likes her because he gets mad at her for taking it outside and that he used all his money to buy the card. I like the book because it's like she's telling the story and you can hear her voice. It's really funny that someone likes her. It's a good book and it has like a mystery to solve because you have to find out who likes her.

Reviewed by Peach - Age 8

David Gets in Trouble

by David Shannon

The boy gets in trouble for spilling on the rug. The boy gets in trouble for slipping on his skateboard. The boy gets in trouble for saying a bad word. I liked it when the boy says "I'm sorry" and "It was me", because he didn't lie.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 6