Book Reviews by Kids - May 2004

The Last Silk Dress

by Ann Rinaldi

The Last Silk Dress is about a girl named Susan. She lives in Virginia during the Civil War. One day by chance she meets her brother, Lucien. Lucien was banished from the family and is rumored to be an abolitionist. Now Susan is trying to sort out her confusing past and questioning her southern views of the war.

This book was very good. It had a lot of suspense and totally unexpected plot twists. It suck you into the story and lets you see the sights of the South and feel the feelings Susan feels. I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction.

Reviewed by Princess Toenails - age 13

Lord of the Nutcracker Men

by Iain Lawrence

Before Johnny's father goes away to fight in the "Great War" (WWII), he gives him an army of nutcracker soldiers. He is sent more soldiers from his dad while he's away and begins to have battles with them. But then he starts to notice something. The battles he has with nutcracker men are very similar to the ones his father really has. He begins to think he has godlike powers, but is then scared to have battles.

I really liked it how he didn't do many battles after. That was act of humility instead of going on a rampage against Germany. It is really neat too that it shows the affect of war on all kinds of people, which makes it a great book.

Reviewed by Dude Man - Age 12

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

by J.K. Rowling

This boy named Harry Potter goes to Hogwarts and while he's there he and everyone else thinks that this guy is trying to kill him. It's funny when Hermione hits Malfoy because she would never do that. If you like magical creatures, magic, and fantasy you should read this book. Whenever you start reading you can't stop..

Reviewed by Peach - Age 9

Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark

by Mary Pope Osborne  and illustrated by Sal Murdocca

Dinosaurs Before Dark is about these kids named Annie and Jack. They had this tree house and there were these books and they were magic books. If they wanted to go to a place in the book, they would open the book and make a wish. When the Tyrannosaurus Rex comes it makes me feel like a dinosaur. I also like this book because I like tree houses and dinosaurs.

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Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 7