Book Reviews by Kids - October 2007

So Yesterday

by Scott Westerfield

Unbeknownst to most world, there is a pyramid of "cool", that starts, spreads and filters trends to society. At the top of the trend are Innovators, the off-kilter individuals who come up with new trends. Next are the Trendsetters, those who spot these trends and display introduce them to the public. Hunter, a "cool hunter" employed by major corporations to spot new fads, is one of these Trendsetters. A phone call about some mysteriously awesome new shoes leads him into an abandoned building and right into the middle of an engima, as he and his Innovator friend Jen rush to solve a kidnapping and discover the truth about the "cool" pyramid."So Yesterday" was an action-packed, fascinating read that got me thinking for days. Scott Westerfeld masterfully causes readers to examine fads and trends in a way they might not have before, while giving a commentary on American consumerism. This is a fun, thought-provoking book for all. . 
Reviewed by Pirate Princess - age 16

Gideon the Cutpurse

by Linda Buckley-Archer

On a trip to visit some friends of his fathers, young Peter Schock, along with his new friend Kate Dyer, are accidentally transported back in time to 18th century England by an anti-gravity machine while chasing Molly, Kate’s dog. While there, they meet a man named Gideon Seymour who helps them along in their quest to find the anti-gravity machine and get back to the 21st century. However, the evil Lord Luxon and the Tar Man are also after the anti-gravity machine, and constantly are trying to outwit Gideon, Peter, and Kate in their search for the way home. 

This book does an amazing job of describing 18th century England, especially with the living conditions of prisoners, upper class, and everyone else. In addition, this book is just fun to read, and even funner to read again. 

Reviewed by Dude Man - Age 15

The Sisters Grimm

by Michael Buckley 

Sabrina and Daphne Grimm's life had always been normal. That is, until their parents mysteriously disappeared. They go from one foster home to another, each one worse than the last. Finally they are sent to their grandmother. Doesn't sound mysterious at all: to orphans going to live with their grandma. Except one thing, they had been told their "Granny Relda" was dead. But while they are living with her she reveals a secret, a secret that the girls' father had kept from them. The girls had two famous ancestors, the Brothers Grimm, whose classic book of fairy tales is actually a history book that contains magic all through the land of Everafter. Suddenly their grandmother is taken by a giant and the girls must use all they know of to help get her back. Read this exciting book to find out if they get their grandmother back.

Reviewed by Peach - Age 12

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

by Jeff Kinney

This book is a diary of a stick figure named Greg Heffley. It has lots of funny jokes. My favorite part is when Greg sneaks into where all his brother's music is and starts to listen to it but he didn't know everyone else in the house could hear it too. So, his brother got mad, and it was funny because he thought he was going to get away with it, but he didn't. This book is really funny.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 10