Book Reviews by Kids - July/August 2005

Dragon's Bait

by Vivian Vande Velde

One cold morning, Alys wakes up to discover that she has been falsely accused of witchcraft. After a trial, where practically everyone in her town testifies against her, she is tied up and left as a peace offering for the dragon that has been marauding the countryside. But when the dragon comes, he is not at all what Alys expects. He offers to help her get revenge on all those who wrongs her. Happily, she agrees. But, she soon comes to realize that revenge might not be what she really wants.

This book is really interesting. Full of rich detail that makes it easy to picture the scene vividly, and characters that leap off the page. This is a great fantasy that explores that fact that people, and dragons are not always as they seem.

Reviewed by Princess Toenails - age 15

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter was the boy who lived. He was the only person who had survived the attacks of Lord Voldemort. Now, after Voldemort has regained his body, Harry must take extra care in all he does while at school, where mysterious things are happening, as well as where he is getting help in Potions from a person Harry has never seen, called the Half-blood Prince. This exciting new entry in the Harry Potter series is a rush of excitement, fantasy, mystery, and suspense, all rolled into one great book. This book is sure to keep all readers on the edge of their seats, unable to put this wonderful book down.

Reviewed by Dude Man - Age 13

Charmed Life

by Dianna Wynn Jones

What would it feel like if your parents died? Or you had to live with your snottty sister who is a witch who keeps on doing very rude things to you like giving you cramps? Well that’s what Cat (Eric) Chant has to deal with every day of his life! He doesn’t mind! Then a very peculiar looking man comes and takes Cat and Gwendelon (Cats sister) to live with him in his castle. What will happen next? 

Reviewed by Peach - Age 10

Horrible Harry and the Dungeon

by Suzy Kline and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz

Harry was at school. Harry's class has a butterfly collection. Harry was always bad in class. One day a new teacher came to the school and if you were being bad you would have to go to the teacher and do your work there and eat lunch there. I really like how the class has a butterfly collection and that the book is about a boy that always gets in trouble.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 8