Book Reviews by Kids - January 2006

Gone with the Wind

by Margaret Mitchell

"Gone with the Wind", considered by many to be the greatest love story of all time, is the story of Scarlett O'Hara, a headstrong Georgian belle growing up during the Civil War. The story traces her hardships, trials, fears, loves, gains and losses, as she tries to gain everything she desires, only to find she has lost everything she loves. 

This book is not a classic for no reason. I could not put it down the entire time I was reading it. My copy is now filled with sticky notes where I have marked great quotes or concepts. It is a passionate, stirring book that will make you want to cry, to laugh, and to throw things at Scarlett as she moves from one man to another (okay, maybe you won't want to throw things). It is not only a good story, but a reflection on human nature itself. But, if you're just in it for the story, you'll get that too. 

Reviewed by Pirate Princess - age 15

The Tears of the Salamander

by Peter Dickinson

Young Alfredo was a young Italian boy who loved singing for the church choir. However, one sad day, Alfredo’s parents are killed in a fire at the family bakery, after which Alfredo’s uncle takes Alfredo to live with him. Soon after, he begins teaching Alfredo how to control the volcanic mountain they live on, so that one day he may become Master of the Mountain. However, one day while exploring the big house, he uncovers a terrible plot by his uncle that involves doing terrible things to Alfredo. He must now find a way to stop his uncle, but how can he when his powerful uncle is in control of the immeasurable power of the mountain? With an entirely original and exciting plot, and an enchanting mixture of friendship and betrayal, this book is one that will be impossible to put down.

Reviewed by Dude Man - Age 13

The Man who Walked between the Towers

by Mordecia Gerstein

The Man who walked between the towers is a book about a tight ropewalker who loves to do things that I think are kind of crazy, like walking on a thin cord between the Twin Towers. This book explains how he prepared for, did, and got arrested while tight ropewalking between the Two Towers. After he went to trial he was sentenced to perform for the children in the park. 

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Reviewed by Peach - Age 10

The Boxcar Children

by Gertrude Chandler Warner

There are these four kids who don't have parents and they are trying to find a house. They went to a bakery and asked the baker if they could stay on some benches. The baker said that they could sleep on the benches for one night. So they slept for a little then they woke up and heard the baker and the baker's wife saying that three of the kids would stay and do jobs and the other child would go to a children's home. So they ran away so the other kid would not go to a children's home. Then they went into these woods and found a boxcar then they went to a dump and got dishes for the food.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 8