Book Reviews by Kids - January 2007

Veil of Darkness

by Greg Park

Jase is just a simple farm-boy living in the small town of Kindel’s Grove. At least, that’s what he thinks. After years of living on a farm with his mother, Brysia, Jase realizes that he has been Gifted with Ta’shaen, a form of magical powers. Now, with the help of the powerful Gideon Dymas, he must use his new powers to help destroy Throy Shadan, and his evil armies of both living and dead, and to heal the dying Earthsoul, the only thing from keeping Hell, and everything in it from breaking loose into the earth. Greg Park does an excellent job of writing this book, with completely original ideas, such as the ninja-like Shizu warriors and the evil, once-dead creatures known as Darklings. This extremely exciting book will have the reader stuck for hours on end without being able to look up.

Reviewed by Dude Man - Age 14

A Single Shard

by Linda Sue Park

Tree-Ear loves watching the potter Min's wheel spin round and round. Its one of his favorite pastimes. He has always imagined making a pot of his own but has never had the chance. One day while the potter is not home Tree-Ear sneaks into the workshop and starts picking up random pieces of pottery. While he is looking at a normal looking box Min storms into the workshop. Surprised at his strange visitor Min starts yelling. The startled Tree-Ear drops the box, embarrassed. Not having any way to pay for the shattered box, he volunteers to work for Min, hoping at the same moment that Min will teach him how to make a pot of his own. Instead of making pots he is set to the work of chopping fire wood or other hard tasks. One day the kings advisor comes to inspect the potters of the village, hoping to find one who is worthy of making pots for the king. Everyone is 99% sure Min will be able to because of his patience and perfected touch. But everyone soon finds out that another potter has thought of a new idea and is the only one using it. The Advisor decides to pick the other potter, but tells Min that if he can do a better job than the other potter he can make pots for the king instead. After many months Min finishes two pots that are worthy of the king and decides that Tree-Ear should take the long journey to the palace and deliver the pots to the advisor. Can Tree-Ear make the long journey to the palace while keeping the pots safe?

Reviewed by Peach - Age 11

Encyclopedia Brown Shows the Way

by Donald Sobol

In this book there is this city called Idaville. No one got away with breaking a law there. The reason why is because there was this one really smart ten year old boy named Leroy Brown but everybody called him encyclopedia because he was so smart that he was like an encyclopedia. This boy was a detective. People would give him twenty five cents if they had a case to solve. He also had a partner named Sally. She could beat up any boy in the school. But Encyclopedia was smarter than her so she didn't get as much money. Encyclopedia could prove almost anything and Sally always wondered about how he could prove all this. 

It was funny when this one guy was jealous so he tried to trick him. But he couldn't. Encyclopedia outsmarted him again. If you like detective books you should read this book.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 9