Book Reviews by Kids - January 2005

Metamorphosis

by Franz Kafka

Until Gregor Samsa turned into a bug, he led a relatively normal life. At least, if you can call it a life. He would wake up early each morning, spend the day working as a traveling salesman to pay off his parents' debt, and sleep almost every night in a hotel. When he was home, he spent his time advising his family on how to spend his money, and sleeping. Until the morning when he wakes up with a hard shell and six little legs. Now he can't go to work to support his parents and sister, he can't communicate with his family, and he's even having trouble getting out of bed. 

I thought that "Metamorphosis" was a very interesting story. Franz Kafka's dark novella about what makes us human was very thought provoking. It was interesting to watch Gregor's inner metamorphosis as he comes to realize what he had been missing in his own life. However, "Metamorphosis" has a lot of symbolism and can be very difficult to understand. It also deals with some very deep themes. I would not recommend it for anyone under the age of 13. 

Reviewed by Princess Toenails - age 14

The Hero and the Crown

by Robin McKinley

When Aerin finds a recipe for a “fire-proofing” potion, she knows she’s destined to be more than just a ruler of Damar. She begins taking part in Dragon-Slaying. However, the Northerners begin to prepare for war against the Damarians, while at the same time, Maug, the last of the Great Dragons, causes trouble with nearby villages. Aerin must now find a way to slay Maug, as well as find a way for her people to be saved from the wrath of the Northerners. This is a very well written book, with a very exciting plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat for hours on end. It has the good traits of fantasy, as well as being a very original idea. Many books are good, but few books are equal to the The Hero and the Crown.

Reviewed by Dude Man - Age 12

Snowmen at Night

by Caralyn Buehner and illustrated by Mark Buehner

What do snowmen do at night? Do they just sit there? No!!!! They go out and do snowmen things like drinking cold cocoa and having snowmen races. Everyone waits to spin and twirl on a sled on the hill. They ice skate and do snowmen tricks. Then they play snow ball (baseball with snow) then snowball turns into a snowball fight!! So if you’re snowman looks a little droopy then read this book to find out what he’s been doing..

Reviewed by Peach - Age 9

Harold and the Purple Crayon

by Crockett Johnson

There was a little boy and he loved coloring and his favorite color was purple. He was so good at coloring pictures. He just loved coloring. He could draw everything. He could draw dragons and stuff like that. My favorite part was how he could draw everything, cause like if you fell of a cliff you could draw a parachute to save yourself.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 7