Book Reviews by Kids - June 2008

The Lighthouse Land

by Adrian McKinty

Jamie O’Neill is a boy living with his mother in New York City, barely having enough money to survive, when one day his mother receives a letter. It says that she has inherited an island just off the coast of Ireland from a relative she didn’t even know existed. While exploring the old abandoned lighthouse on the island, Jamie and his new friend Ramsay discover an old artifact, which allows them to travel instantaneously to a planet in an entirely different galaxy. There they meet an alien civilization similar to humans, only not as advanced, who’s peace is being threatened by the a neighboring country with seemingly limitless resources. Now the two boys must use their knowledge of 21st century technology to save their new friends and return home safely. 

In this novel for teens, Mckinty has done an excellent job of creating a believable extraterrestrial society and even more believable characters. Every individual in the book has very distinct and unique attributes that are obviously much more than just an average character in an average book. Aspects of the book such as that make it an extremely fun and exciting book to read. With its entertaining story and good ideals it sets, this book will be enjoyed by many.

Reviewed by Dude Man - age 16

The Grey King

by Susan Cooper

When Will Stanton came to Wales he didn’t know what he was getting into. All he knew was that he couldn’t remember something important. But when Will meets Bran, a strange boy who owns a white dog, he starts remembering. He remembers the legend, the legend of a golden harp hidden inside a hill. This legend also tells of a boy and a white dog with silver eyes. Together the two would find the harp. But that is not the only thing he remembers. He also remembers that he is the youngest of the Old Ones, dedicated to help save the world from the forces of evil, otherwise known as the Dark. As an Old One, it is Will’s task to retrieve the golden harp and awaken the six who must be awakened from their long slumber to prepare for the last battle between Light and Dark.

This book is very adventurous. There is magic, friends, enemies, and the struggle between good and evil. My favorite part in this book is when Bran, Will, and their dog go inside the Welsh hills to retrieve the harp. The reason for this is because of all of the struggles they have to go through to get there.  

Reviewed by Peach - Age 13

Measle and the Wrathmonk

by Ian Oglivy 

Measle and the Wrathmonk is about a boy whose parents died so someone named Basil Tramplebone had to take care of him. Basil has a train set that he plays with a lot, but never lets Measle play with it. See what happens when Measle tries to play with it while Basil is gone. This book has a lot of magical characters in it and a lot of cool action parts. I like this book because when you read it, it feels like you're in the book watching it happens.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 11

Mouse Paint

by Ellen Stoll Walsh

Mouse Paint is about three mice that find three jars of paint-- one red, one yellow, and one blue. They jumped into the jars and they mixed the paint to make different colors. It has mousies in it and I like mousies. I also like the colors they mix together. If you like mice, you should read it.

Reviewed by Dancing Flower - Age 6