Book Reviews by Kids - March 2004

Shadow Spinner

by Susan Fletcher and illustrated by Dave Kramer

Shadow Spinner is based on the story of Shahrazad and the Arabian Nights. When Marjan, a crippled slave girl, tells Shahrazad the story of Julnar, the mermaid, she tells it to the Sultan for her story that night. The Sultan remembers it from when he was a boy and wants to hear the rest of it. But Marjan doesn't know the rest. To find it, she must sneak out of the harem under the nose of the Sultan and his vicious mother, the Khatun. And if she fails, it could mean death for Shahrazad.

This book is one of my favorite books. I loved how it is so detailed and vivid. You can almost smell the spices and hear the tumult at the bazaar, and can almost see the silk skirts of the harem women. It's one of those books where you get sucked in and can't put the book down.

Reviewed by Princess Toenails - age 13

Magic Kingdom for Sale-- Sold

by Terry Brooks

When Ben Holiday sees the ad for a magic kingdom he thinks it's crazy, that is until he realizes that Rosens, the catalog, would not put anything in it that they could not sell. So, he buys it. Landover was just like the ad said, with magic and fairy creatures. But the army was disbanded, a dragon is destroying the countryside, and evil witch plans to destroy everything, a demon lord has challenged all kings to a duel, and to top it off the legendary Paladin will not come to his aid. With only a few faithful servants he must now figure out how to solve these problems. 

This is an exciting book with unexpected twists at every page, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book.

Reviewed by Dude Man - Age 12

The Field Guide (Spiderwick Chronicles Book 1)

by Holly Black and illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi

This book is about these kids that have to move to this creepy house. My favorite part is when this boy keeps on getting trouble for things he didn't do. The boy's brother and sister don't even believe that he didn't do the things they thought he did. I thought it was  a funny book.

Reviewed by Peach - Age 9

Football in Action

by John Crossingham

The book shows these football teams and football players. I like the middle of the book because it has one of my favorite football teams, the Cowboys. I like this book because I like playing football.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 6