Kids' Book Reviews from Dalton Free Public Library

"The Worry Website" by Sally Gottlieb

Sally G — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:47:44 GMT

“The Worry Website” by Jacqueline Wilson is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Every chapter has a different narrator in third grade and the same class. They type their worries up on a website the teacher has made and the teacher and classmates send comments. Each chapter is about the narrator’s worry. Like Greg and his worry, (which is “I have a girlfriend and I don’t know if I should tell anyone”) Holly and her worry (which is “I sometimes wish I had a mom”) and many more. Personally, my favorite character is Lisa. She is my favorite because she is shy, gentle, and a good artist. Her worry is “I wish my dad would be a lot nicer to my mom.” So if you need a book I would recommend this one!

I am Spartapuss by Robin Price

Mindy — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:08:22 GMT

If you like puns and ancient Roman history, do I have some tales (tails) for you. British author Robin Price is having a field day with I am Spartapuss, Catligula, and Die Clawdius. The books are a silly romp through the courts and coliseums of an imaginary Feline Empire. Along the way though, pick up some interesting factoids about the spas, bath houses, and eating habits of regular Roman citizens. Steeped in satire and silliness one reviewer called these 'Brilliant fantasy. "Gladiator" with cattitude!' - Andrew Penman, The Daily Mirror

"When I Crossed No-Bob by Margaret McMulllan

Mindy — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:03:42 GMT

Fans of Elizabeth Winthrop's 2005 book Counting On Grace will recognize another strong female protagonist in McMullan's Addy O'Donnell. Twelve-year-old Addy is fostered out after her parents disappear. Her mother has gone off to Texas in search of true love and her father is simply gone. Placed with a loving family, Addy is overcoming her impoverished past when her father returns and takes her back to No-Bob. No-Bob is a collection of hovels in a forgotten part of Mississippi where the O'Donnell clan has long established themselves as "the meanest folks" around. Set in the rural South ten years after the Civil War, Addy's poor white relatives pit themselves against the newly-freed blacks. Addy's struggle to grow up straight and strong against such overwhelming poverty of spirit is richly imagined. This is not an easy book but McMullan captures the struggle to leave one life in search of another, better life and to reconcile our deepest and most complex feelings about family.

"Rex Zero and the End of the World" by Tim Wynne Jones

Mindy — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:46:49 GMT

For one week in October of 1962, the world held its collective breath while the United States and Russia faced off over the issue of missile installations in Cuba. The Cold War threatened to become "hot" in a dangerous way. People were frightened, thinking the stand-off might end in nuclear war. Families stocked up their private bomb shelters and towns ran air-raid drills for their school children. We ducked under our school desks, covering our heads and wondered where our parents would be when the bombs dropped. But up north in Canada, they take things more in stride and Rex Zero's parents reassure their children with humor and quiet forbearance --- "things," they say, "will work out."
Tim Wynne Jones captures the daily rhythms of 11-year old Rex's life through that brief period of time. Using a subplot involving an escaped panther, a daring new girl who breaks into the boys' club, an aging WWI hero, and a smattering of French to challenge the reader, Jones explores the deeper issues of war and peace, bravery and bravado, foolishness and forgiveness. This book is not for every reader but for children who want to know more about surviving tough times with their humanity and sense of humor intact , it is a thought-provoking read. Related titles might be Avi's Don't You Know There's a War On? and Meg Rosoff's young adult novel How I Live Now.

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Mindy — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:50:29 GMT

You are young, freeborn, and black --- living in a small village just north of Detroit, Michigan over the border in Canada just before the Civil War. Your village is called Buxton Mission of Raleigh. Founded by a white minister, your town is a haven for slaves from the southern United States who make their way along the Underground Railroad. Scarred by years of slavery, your elders keep a close watch over you but revel in your natural born freedom. But beyond the safe confines of your village, the "paddy rollers" or slave hunters can still slip by the border and take you back into bondage. How much will you parents tell you about their early lives? When will you be grown-up enough to share their bitter history? What does it mean to be free? What would you risk to help a neighbor?

Considered for the prestigous Newbery Award, Elijah of Buxton is a powerful piece of historic fiction. Carefully researched and beautifully written, it is a natural starting point for older children studying our nation's sad dependence on free black labor. In Elijah you will find a playful boy growing into a hero. Christopher Paul Curtis won the Newbery Award for Bud, Not Buddy and honor recognition for his first novel The Watsons Go to Birmingham --- 1963.

"Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine

Munchy — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 07:00:06 GMT

I finished reading the book Ella Enchanted and it was DEFINETLY one of my all time favorite books! I really recommend it. You can feel whats going on, and picture the characters like you right there. I traveled to the land of Frell, a funeral, and a evil stepmothers house all while sitting on the couch. Submitted by Munchy

Hatchet

Miranda — Thu, 17 May 2007 12:57:38 GMT

By Gary Paulson

Brian's parents have been divorced for a while, so going back and forth is nothing new to him. However, on his plane flight to Alaska to meet his father, something happens that nobody would ever be prepared for , no matter how much they travel. The pilot has a heart attack. Brian has to do his best to land the plane in the wilderness with only the dead pilot as his only comfort. Amazingly, he succeeds, but where does that leave him? In the wild with a hatchet his mom gave and his wits. Can he survive until someone cames for him? If they come?

Dragon Rider

susannah — Thu, 17 May 2007 12:46:35 GMT

Firedrake the dragon was content to live in his valley home, until in was invaded by humans, who wanted to flood it! He and his brownie,(a furry, cat-like creature,) named Sorrel will try to find a magical place nobody thinks exists. On the way they meet a boy named Ben. What will happen? Will they ever find a safe place for all the dragons in time?