Book Reviews by Kids - November 2007

Dread Locks

by Neal Shusterman

Parker Baer has everything, a supportive family, numerous talents, money, a huge house. He is also inexpressibly bored with his life. One day, he enters his room to find a golden-haired girl named Tara sleeping in his bed. (after sitting in his dad's chair and eating his sister's cereal...hmmmm, where have I seen this pattern before?) It turns out that Tara has just moved in to the house next door to the Baer's. Parker, entranced by Tara's exotic appearance and bizarre personality, starts hanging out with her. However, he soon notices that those who Tara chooses to spend time with begin developing strange habits: drinking gallon after gallon of milk, devouring dirt, and chowing down on kitty litter. Soon, Parker becomes entangled in the thrilling and terrifying adventure of a lifetime. Though the story of Goldilocks and the legend of Medusa may not initially seem like a probable match, Neal Shusterman blends them with decent results.  Though the ending seems kind of illogical and out of the blue, the rest of 
the story is a thrilling page-turner that will keep teens reading to the finish. 
Reviewed by Pirate Princess - age 16

Fahrenheit 451

by Ray Bradbury

In a future world where technology is extremely advanced, Guy Montag is a fireman. Only now, firemen don’t put out fires, they start them. Firemen are in charge of burning the house of anyone who possesses any books. The government has banned books, and it is illegal for anyone to read or even own them. However, after Guy meets a young girl named Clarissa, his views begin to change. On some of the raids, he starts sneaking books to his home where bit by bit he reads each one. He starts to realize the evil of what he does, and wants to do something to change it. This amazing book is packed full of action, drama, and pretty much everything you could want in a book. It’s fun to read, and just as fun to think about after you’re done reading. 

Reviewed by Dude Man - Age 15

Small Steps

by Louis Sachar 

It had been 2 years since Armpit was released from labor camp, Camp Green Lake. Now he is living in Austin, Texas trying to get life back to “normal”, but it’s a lot harder than it seems. He now has a reputation as a criminal and everyone expects the worst from him, even his parents. The only person who actually believes in him is his disabled ten-year-old neighbor, Ginny. Together they learn the hardships in life and also are learning to take “Small Steps”. 

Everything seems to be going in the right direction, at least until a friend from Camp Green Lake shows up with a “get-rich-quick” plan. The plan then leads from one thing to another, until Armpit has the one and only chance to meet the latest teen pop favorite, Kaira DeLeon. That was the start of an amazing adventure, an adventure that will change Armpit’s life forever. Read this book to find out what happened after the book “HOLES”.

Reviewed by Peach - Age 12

Bud, Not Buddy

by Christopher Paul Curtis

This book is about a kid named Bud. His mom died when he was little. He didn't know where his dad was. He got adopted then ran away to look for his dad. On the way to look for his dad a lot of funny things happen, and some sad things happen too. There were also some scary parts where I wondered what would happen next. It's a really good book. I didn't want to stop reading it.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 10