From the category archives:

Genre

Book Review: The Death Defying Pepper Roux

June 29, 2010

goA disturbing premise, but an intrepid hero who has an interesting story. Some significant content to be aware of-likely not a good fit for kids under age 11, and a mature 11 at that.

Read the full review →

Book Review: Deep and Dark and Dangerous

May 3, 2010

Deep-and-Dark-and-DangerousDespite the premise of the story, not a lot of content. It’s a ghost story about a child who drowns. It’s not particularly creepy, but it is scary. (Note: I read it at night and it gave me nightmares, but I’m sensitive to such things. :) It may whet your kid’s appetite for more horror stories, and most are not as mild as this one. If your child is not sensitive about ghosts, the content is mild enough that it’s likely okay for kids down to age 12.

Read the full review →

Book Review: Conspiracy 365 March

May 2, 2010

goNo new content worry about in this 3rd installment of the series. Please read the previous reviews in this series to get a good feel fo rit.

Read the full review →

Book Review: Witch and Wizard

April 27, 2010

Witch-and-WizardAn interesting story with an interesting premise. Okay for precocious readers, likely down to age 12, though keep an eye on the review. The thinly-disguised list of banned music/art/books at the end of the book will delight teens.

Read the full review →

Book Review: Morning Girl

April 23, 2010

Morning-GirlThis is a really lovely story, one that both boys and girls will like (told from the perspective of a sister and a brother). A strong family story and a beautiful view on a simpler time with a family who loves each other and acknowledges each other’s differences. The reference in the synopsis to a ‘threatened way of life’ is because of the islands discovery by Columbus in the last page of the story. A note at the end of the book by Columbus implies that he is intent on capturing the people to be servants.

Read the full review →

Book Review: Wings

April 23, 2010

goThe main character is in peril, chased by some pretty evil bad guys. Adults are not protective of the children in the story. Some unresolved family issues (why does Edward’s aunt not want to give him a home?). Edward is brave and clever. The story is likely okay for most 9-12 yo’s, though kids sensitive to `evil’ scariness might want to wait ’til they’re closer to 11 or 12.

Read the full review →

Book Review: The Maze of Bones

April 9, 2010

The-Maze-of-BonesHistorical and geographical references, ‘National Treasure’ for kids. The family members are pretty hostile to each other. Grownups and authority figures are not portrayed particularly well. Kids will like the adventure in the book.

Read the full review →

Book Review: By Darkness Hid

April 8, 2010

By-Darkness-HidFantastic read, no content to worry about for the intended age-group or younger. Engaging hero and storyline.

Read the full review →

Book Review: The Sea of Monsters

April 8, 2010

The-Sea-of-MonstersCheck out the review of ‘The Lightening Thief’ for more info on the series. This book was milder in comparison, so no worries if your child did fine with Book 1. In addition to watching Percy continue to grow as a hero, there are two strong female teens who may be a draw for readers who are girls.

Read the full review →

Book Review: Beautiful Creatures

April 3, 2010

Beautiful-CreaturesA fairly mild book for the supernatural genre. Had a lot of Civil War history and history of the South. It’s interesting as the story is told from the first person perspective of a teen boy.

Read the full review →