Book Reviews by Kids - April 2008

Esperanza Rising

by Pam Munoz Ryan

When Esperanza's papa dies, she has to leave her privileged life in Mexico to find work in California. The squalid work camps and menial labor are a far cry from the luxury and royal treatment she is accustomed to. But as Esperanza grows into her new life, she learns that, as her Abuelita says, she can rise like the phoenix above her challenges. My favorite thing about this book was the fiery protagonist, Esperanza. It was fascinating watching her transition from a spoiled little girl to a strong young woman. The book's style was also beautifully descriptive, evoking the sights, sounds and smells of both the vineyards of Mexico and the labor camps of California.

Reviewed by Pirate Princess - age 17

Dragon's Keep

by Janet Lee Carey

Rosalind Pendragon is the princess of a small area of land, and is meant to restore glory and honor to their family’s name as the wizard Merlin predicted 600 years ago. However, when she was born, one of her fingers was that of a dragon. To keep it a secret she wears golden gloves at all times while her mother desperately looks for a cure. However, a dragon living nearby hears of her dragon finger, captures her, and takes her to be the nursemaid of his baby dragons. Now she must find a way to get away from the dragon and fulfill Merlin’s prophecy. Although this book has a little bit of a slow start, once you get into the book it’s nearly impossible to put down. It’s a very entertaining read for all ages that demonstrates well many lessons of life such as not judging people before you get to know them. This is a great book that everyone will enjoy.

Reviewed by Dude Man - age 16

Truckers

by Terry Pratchett

Masklin, the Nome, had always lived in the Outside, with the rain, the sun, and the moon. He always thought that he and his clan of less then ten nomes were the only nomes that existed. But when he comes along The Store he is surprised to find that there are thousands of tiny nomes living underneath The Store’s floorboards. To them The Outside, where Masklin grew up, is just a foolish old myth. But soon these tiny human like elfs are informed that their safe haven is about to be demolished. So it’s now up to Masklin to lead all of the nomes to the safety of the Outside, but first he has to convince them it exists. 
This book is very funny. It is entertaining thinking about the world in a “4-inch-tall” perspective, little things like books can be very frightening. My favorite thing in this book is how the nomes think about humans and our lifestyle. It is hilarious!.  

Reviewed by Peach - Age 13

The Journal of Patrick Seamus Flaherty: A United States Marine Corps

by Ellen Emerson White 

This book is the journal of Patrick Seamus Flaherty. This man was in the Vietnam War. He had friends with him in the Marines. A lot of his friends got killed in the war.

I like how it had a lot of detail of what was happening. From this book I learned a lot about what they do in the Marines. There were parts that were sad. There were also parts that were amazing. It tells a lot of history of the Vietnam War. This is one of my favorite books I have ever read.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 10

Plumeria Princess and Tutu's Magic Ukulele

by Cathy East Dubowski and illustrated by Don Robinson

Plumeria got to use her grandma Tutu's ukulele for the singing contest, but she lost it. I liked Plumeria because she's a good singer and she's pretty. I liked how she looked when she had her grass skirt on and the flower in her hair. It's a good book and you should read it.

Reviewed by Dancing Flower - Age 6