Book Reviews by Kids - April 2004

Crispin: The Cross of Lead

by Avi

"Asta's Son" is what he has been called all his life. He has never had a name. He has never had anything. And he is being hunted. After the death of his mother, he was told by the priest that he had a name, Crispin. Then, he is accused of theft and murder, and declared a wolf's head, meaning anyone may kill him. Crispin flees the village and runs into a huge juggler named Bear. Bear teaches Crispin how to juggle, sing, and how to be himself.

This book was very suspenseful and full of plot twists. It was very interesting to watch Crispin transform from a humble serf to a confident, free thinking young boy. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about medieval England or anyone who likes adventure and suspense.

Reviewed by Princess Toenails - age 13

Eragon

by Christopher Paolini

When a a fifteen year old boy named Eragon discovers a highly polished blue stone he thinks that it might buy some food for his family. But when the stone hatches and brings a baby dragon, he falls upon a legacy centuries old. With only the dragon and an old storyteller, he must decide which side to join, the empire or the Varden. Either way shows enormous difficulties and responsibilities People are not who they seem. Betrayal is in their midst. Evil is rising. This is an awesome fantasy that will suck you right into the story and won't let you put it down.

Reviewed by Dude Man - Age 12

Angels Don't Know Karate (Adventures of the Bailey School Kids)

by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones

There are these kids and they want to find out if their new crossing guard is an angel. My favorite part is when their crossing guard makes this mean guy calm down and act like he's in love with her. The crossing guard keeps stopping people from doing mean things. All of those parts are funny.

If you like Bailey School Kids books, then you should read this book and if you like mystery story books you should read it.

Reviewed by Peach - Age 9

If You Take a Mouse to School

by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond

There was a boy and a mouse and they went to school. The mouse was in the lunchbox because he wanted to have cookies and a sandwich. 

The mouse used all of the boy's pencils. The mouse did a really messy science experiment. The boy and the mouse skateboarded. I like skateboarding too. They played soccer. It was funny when the mouse tried to kick the ball, but he couldn't. It's funny.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 6