Book Reviews by Kids - March 2008

Mississippi Trial: 1955

by Chris Crowe

16-year-old Hiram hasn’t been to his old home in Mississippi for years, finally his father gives him permission to go back there and visit his grandfather. However, soon after he arrives trouble begins to brew. He meets a young black boy about his age named Emmett Till who he soon becomes friends with. However, shortly after befriending him, Emmett is found dead, and Hiram suspects that he might have a clue as to who killed him. As a result, he is thrust into the madness of the trial, where he may have to provide evidence against people he’s known for years. 

Not only is this true story extremely fun to read, but it also teaches in a meaningful way the evils of racism and segregation. This book is a fun read for all ages that will also teach important values that every American should try to live by.

Reviewed by Dude Man - age 16

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

by Jessica Day George

Not wanted at birth the girl was never given a name, she was simply known as ‘the lass.’ She has always wanted her mother to be thankful that she, the lass, was alive, but her mother just thought of her as another mouth to feed. One day a great white bear inquired of her, wanting her to come and live with him in his palace. He promised her family untold riches, if she stayed but 1 year and 1 day in his palace. When she agrees she believes she is making the right decision for what a better way to prove herself to her mother. Although she is given every luxury imaginable in the palace she feels more like a prisoner than a guest and it’s not long before her “satisfaction” is turned into unease. One by one the servants start disappearing and she afraid that there’s more to the palace than she knows. In her quest to learn the truth a series of events take place, which involve saving the man she just discovered she loves. Can she do it? Can she save him? Read Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow to find out. 

I have heard many stories that are somewhat similar to this, but Jessica Day George did a very good job of making this story her own by adding unexpected twists and turns. I also liked how she mixed a couple different stories. It made the book very exciting.  

Reviewed by Peach - Age 13

In the Huddle with Steve Young

by Matt Christopher 

This book is about the life of Steve Young. Steve Young was a really good athlete. He was really good at football. Steve Young played for a lot of football teams. He started playing football when he was young. A couple of the teams he played for are BYU and the San Francisco 49ers. In his football career he won a lot of football games. Often times he didn't play as starting quarterback. A lot of the times he was a backup quarterback.

I liked it in the book when it talked about when there wasn't a lot of time left and Steve Young threw the ball and Touchdown!!! I also liked how I got to learn a lot of stuff that I didn't know before I read this book. If you like sports history, you'll love this book.

Reviewed by Sports Guy - Age 10

How to be a Good Dog

by Gail Page

It was about a dog named Bobo. He learned how to be a good dog. I like the part where Bobo did "sit", because he's doing funny things. I think its funny because Bobo's a dog and he eats cake. That's a bad thing because dogs can't eat sugar or they'll get sick. I think this book is kind of funny.

Reviewed by Dancing Flower - Age 6