Authors and Reading - Kids on the Net

The Redwall Series is a series that currently contains about 16 books. You might have seen or heard of the children's programme on TV. Yes, the children's programme is based on a couple of the books but the books are for older children, teenagers and even an adult or two.
Basically each story has a changing villain but the same good guys generally.
It is set in medieval times though with animals. Good against Evil type stories.
But each different type of animal in this book has their own characteristics. Hares are rather hungry all the time, shrews are argumentative, otters are seafaring, hedgehogs wrestle a lot, Badgers are fearsome and so on.
But the badguys are different. In the latest of his books the Leader "badguy" was a Wolverine. Most of the time it is a wildcat, stoat, weasel, ferret or fox.
The books are based around one place. Redwall Abbey. A place of peace but often under attack. As the abbey creatures consist mostly of peaceful animals they rely on there allies: Skipper of Otter and his crew, The Guosim (Guerilla Union of Shrews in Mossflower), the hares and Badger Lord (or Lady) at Mt. Salamandastron and any other willing creatures.
These books are full of songs, laughter, sadness, riddles and I highly recommend them to everyone.
(February 2005)

Holes by Louis Sachar

Hello, I'm Becky and I have just read Holes by Louis Sachar. I highly recommend this to anybody who loves reading and really for all ages between 6-14 it is really good.
It is about a boy called Stanley and he is accused of stealing a pair of sneakers (which he didn't). The judge gave him a choice of going to jail or Camp Green Lake. He pretended he was going to go to Camp fun and games (a little game he had made up when he was younger) but he knew it wasnt going to be like that. Every day the boys there have to dig a 5 foot deep hole in the blazing sunlight. Stanley had never done this before so he was left with sore blisters on his hands from the shovel. There is some mischief and other surprises on the way, as I dont want to give this brilliant book away. There is a lot of twists and I like the way the whole story fits into place. I think this is one of the best books I've ever read and as I've said I HIGHLY recommend it. I dont normally make a fuss over a good book but this was really good. I've started to have an interest in some of Louis Sachar's other books but I think Holes was definitely the best book.
Thanks to my teacher who introduced me to it. Thank again. Becky (January 2005)

Midnight by Jacqueline Wilson

Midnight was the worst book I've ever read. I pity anyone who picks it up. It's about a geeky old girl with two geeky friends and the geeky girl falls in luv with another geeky girl called Jasmin. I'm not only not going to recommend it I'm going to warn people (especially boys) not to read this book. (January 2005).

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Lemony Snicket tells the lovely, happy story of three children, Violet, Klaus and Sunny. Or not. When something disastrous happens to the Baudelaire mansion, the three now orphans, are sent to live with Count Olaf, an uncle of some sort. He is mean and spiteless, and doesn't care about the Baudelaires at all. He only cares about the enormous fortune left behind by the Baudelaire parents. He plans mischevous plan after plan, to try and claim the fortune, but does he succeed?
This is a brilliant book that I would read over and over again! I thoroughly recommend it! (January 2005)

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

The Series of Unfortunate Events books are the greatest books in the history of all the books I have ever, ever read. They might have dry humor included inside the numerous, luminous pages. But this does not change the ever-apparent fact that they have got a little bit of everything in them. Adventure, mystery, suspense, humor. You name it, it's got it.
I started out with my friend, Taylor's, advice and started with the first book in the series. At first I thought it was boring and I was going to drop it right away, but I then had second thoughts.
Now I am finished with the complete set and I recommend them wholly to anyone and everyone.

I wouldn't just say this about any book, but these books are fantastic!! My Mom even read them all and said they were phenomenal! Trust me, this is a "must read" !!!
(January 2005)

Alex Rider series (5 books) by Anthony Horowitz

Before I get into this book review I will give a powerful statement about this book

It was flabbergasting-absolutely spectacular! If you are aged 9-13 I highly recommend you read on.

It all started when a friend was beginning the series. Quickly he progressed and soon several of my friends had heard about the read from him. I didn't know what to expect until I got a sneak preview at his 10th birthday party.

In just a few short pages, I was hooked.

It's about a teenager called Alex Rider who's lost his mum and dad in a plane crash. Suddenly his uncle is killed in a car crash. As Alex goes to the bank company his uncle, Ian, worked in, Alex manages to hack in to his uncle's office, discovering that this was not a bank compony but the headquarters of MI6. Unluckily, by knowing this he is forced into missions and espionage-spywork.

Generously, my friend lended me the first in the growing series: Stormbreaker. And it was amazing-every page full of action, no errors or plot flaws. And the most interesting point is that Anthony puts a great deal of research into every book, ensuring that it seems realistic. So I was kind of studying and reading every night.

I'm a fast but careful reader, so I finished the book in a matter of days. However, I put down Stormbreaker feeling satisfied. In no time I had purchased the next book:Point Blanc. And so it continued every book the same, very good, standard.

For:
Skeleton Key,
Eagle Strike and
Scorpia

His books get a little bigger as they go along, but he doesn't go wild.

Despite the great review, little kiddies be warned, since the books contain some swear words, and a few of those slightly-scary-little-bit-violent chapters.

I give the Alex Rider series a thumbs up, and I hope you'll be off to your local library and straight to the children's fiction aisle, 'cause there'll be five treats waiting to be read.
(January 2005)

Midnight by Jaqueline Wilson

Midnight is the best book I've ever read. It's about a girl called Violet and her good-looking brother, Will. Apart from her two dorky friends, Will is the only one she can turn to, but she's partly afraid of him. Then, Jasmine comes along, but is Jasmine's friendship true? I strongly recommend this book! (January 2005)

Questions for Jacqueline Wilson

To Jacqueine Wilson: why can't you come to Croydon? I so so want to meet you. I want to know how to write personal letters to you. I have so many questions to ask you please please write back!!! You are the best author I know. The best book I've read is The Lottie Project as a matter of fact I can't choose because they're all so good! I love writing too but do not want to be an author. I would like to become a teacher where I can help other children to become writers/authors.
Yours sincerely
Georgina
(December 2004)
(Editor's note: You can write to authors via their publishers' addresses. Not all authors reply, but Jacqueline Wilson likes to reply to children. Be different, write something different, unusual about yourself.)

The Saga of Darren Shan by Darren Shan

The Saga of Darren Shan is about a boy who's a half-vampire and his very dark and secretive, yet good-hearted vampire mentor, Larten Crepsley. In this series, vampires aren't the least bit evil; they only drink enough blood from they're victims to servive, and they never kill. I used to be a big fan of Harry Potter before I found the first book in this series at my school's library. Though a little dull in the first couple of chapters, I couldn't stop thinking about the book afterwards and all thoughts of Harry Potter were practically wiped from my mind! Now I own the whole series and I've never found anything better!
I highly recommend these books to the people who think that Harry Potter is losing its touch, as long as reluctant readers or people who are just looking for a good thriller! Please reply and tell me what you think of the series! (December 2004)

Deltora Quest: Return to Del

Lief, a boy from the city Del, Barda the palace guard and Jasmine the wild girl have almost completed their long quest to restore the Belt of Deltora and free Deltora from the evil Shadow Lord. The only thing they have to do now is to find the true heir of the king Endon.

Lief, Barda and Jasmine's eighth adventure begins in the Valley of the Lost, where they lifted the curse of the Guardian. Now they have to find the true heir of Endon. The lost people of Tora,who inhabit the valley, Doom the traveller, Dain, a young Toran boy and Steven, a salesperson, are determined to help the three companions. Finally, they come up with a secret plan. Three decoys were to lead the servants of the Shadow Lord while Lief, Barda and Jasmine searches for the heir. But on the way, something goes very wrong. When the three companions were at the side of a road, trying to get past some Grey Guards, they get attacked by vicious carnivorous plants called Grippers. Lief and Jasmine escape with small wounds, but Barda gets mortally injured. Lief, Jasmine and Barda himself have to use all of their wits, courage, strength and friendship in order to save to save Barda's life and to save Deltora from the Shadow Lord's dark clutches, once in for all.

::: I loved this book. I think it was the best book in the Deltora Quest series because all the big secrets were revealed and everything came to a conclusion. I think this book really grabbed my interests. I think people who love fantasy will love this book, but anyone who likes to read will enjoy the story. I'd rate this book nine decillion stars out of ten. (to anyone who is wondering, decillion is a number with thirty-three zeros.)
(December 2004)

Jenny Dale, Billy the brave puppy

Book Review on Billy the Brave Puppy.
Hi everyone this is the fourth time I have written a book review, its just because I have read many books that are good. Billy the brave puppy is one of them because I think its really good Because it has interesting pictures and clever words that describe it. I hope you've all read it because it is so fascinating and adventurous. Let the book guide you on your journey to a land you will never have seen before. (December 2004)

Colin the clumsy kitten by Jenny Dale

Hi every one, I am doing this book review because I read such a wonderful book. Colin is a really clumsy kitten. He knocks down flower pots, he gets in a tangle with some wool and he even breaks a little china cup. But is Colin really a clumsy kitten? Well just wait and see. This amazing book by Jenny Dale is a ten out of ten and nine stars I would say. Michelle is out and a couple of robbers come in. What's Colin going to do now? You've got to find out. Jenny Dale is an awesome author and writes some wonderful books for children. She has really such intrest and talent all around the country and mayby in the world. Her books are stuff like Billy the brave puppy, Lucy the lonely kitten and Nipper the noisy dog. The books are probably suitable for five years and over for young and good readers. Well I'll not tell you that much information so you might want to find out what happens to Colin (if you want to).
(December 2004)

Husky in a Hut /Lucy Daniels

Hello every one, I think you've all read Husky in a Hut but if you haven't well better catch up because it's really great!!! Lucy Daniel is one of the best authors in the world. I would give this book a ten out of ten. Husky in a Hut is the best book I've read so far. I collect all Animal Ark books and Dolphin Diaries because they are just so cool. If you have in mind that you want to read this book or other Lucy Daniels books then grab them now at Waterstones. These are the main characters Mandy Hope, Adam Hope, Emily Hope, Pani Nanogak and Simonie Nanogak. Yes I know there is a lot of main characters but it's true there all there. The writing is perfect for me even though I need glasses sometimes. The blurb is fascinating because it tells you where Mandy is going but not particulary where. And guess what poor Nanook the husky is badly injured and can Mandy make her better in time? Who knows. You'll have to find out and see. Well I'm not going to tell you that information on this book because I want you to find out the rest. (December 2004)

Street Child By Berlie Doherty

When I first heard about the book it sounded very exciting and adventurous.
The characters are called Jim, Rosie, Shrimps, Mrs Jarvis (before she dies), and his two sisters (before they were taken away) Grimy Nick and Barney.
When I read the end of one of the chapters it makes me want to read more and at the end of nearly every chapter it leaves you in suspense.
The cover is interesting to look at and would grab your attention. There are no pictures inside but that's just as good because then there is a longer story than there would have been. The words are easy to read but that's okay because then it fits more of the story on to the page.
I would rate this book 10/10. I would recommend the book. I think that this book would be read by both boys and girls because there is nothing that says it's just for boys or just for girls, so I think it's for both genders.
(Dec 2004)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K Rowling

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is about Harry Potter's 5th adventure at Hogwarts, although there seems not to be one main plot.

Firstly, the good points:
J.K Rowling really does encourage the imagination, bringing every small detail to life inside your head. I'm sure I was glued to the book several times as a picture was animated clearly in my mind. The character's are balanced-some funny, some clever etc. I have to state J.K Rowling is very smart when it comes to basic storylines, she twists them and proves you wrong. But then there are bad points.

I just have a feeling she's losing that little bit of magic that makes every book extremely satisfying when completed. It's like she's lowering her writing standards. Then there's the legnth-it was ridiculous! For the first few hundred pages it seemed the book was going nowhere.

However, this is a kind of book that is really oppinion that decides whether you like it or not. I was let down by J.K Rowling, but you could enjoy it.
(December 2004)

Deltora Quest: City of Rats by Emily Rodda

Lief, Barda and Jasmine are on a perilous quest to recapture the seven stolen gems of the magic belt of Deltora: an amethyst, a topaz, a diamond, a ruby, an opal, a lapis lazuli and an emerald. They must trek through dangerous lands and defeat evil monsters in order to collect all seven gems. Right now Lief, Barda and Jasmine are looking for the third gem: the opal. To find the opal they must journey to the forbidden City of the Rats and survive through the many dangers they will encounter there.

As Lief, Barda and Jasmine were walking to The City of the Rats, they get caught in a trap that the eleven children of the evil sorceress Thaegan had sprung. Lief, Barda and Jasmine merely defeats Thaegan's children and continues on their quest. But many other dangers lurk at their heels. When their special steeds, muddlets, unexpectedly leads them to a mysterious village of some sort, they soon get into huge trouble. It turns out that strange beings called Ra-Kacharz live in the village. They have many odd laws that even newcomers from the outside world has to obey. Even when Lief, Barda and Jasmine escape from the Ra-Kacharz village, their dangers aren't over. In the City of the Rats the three companions will encounter a giant snake named Reeah, a swarm of hungry rats and an epic battle. Finding the opal demands lots of courage, knowledge and friendship and Lief, Barda and Jasmine will be lucky to live to tell the tale.

I think this was an incredible book. Emily Rodda is one author who makes her books come alive as you read each word. City of Rats was one book where magic is reality and giant snakes or fire beads are just the beginning. This book will appeal to anyone that's 9 to 13 years of age. I would especially recommend it to any fans of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. Overall I would rate this book FIFTY MILLION STARS out of five.
(November 2004)

The Great Ghost Rescue

The Great Ghost Rescue by Eva Ibbotson

If you were a ghost, you wouldnt mind where you lived would you? But if you really were a ghost and someone took over your house and you went in search of another, it wouldnt be as easy as you thought!
This book is about a family of ghosts who go in search of a new home after theirs is taken over. On their way they meet a real human who actually believes in ghosts and decides that they should take the problem of there being no place for ghosts to live, to the head of England, the Parliament.
Will the group of ghosts make it to the head, and if they do, convince them to make a place for ghosts to live in peace without being disturbed?
I think that this is an awesome; book and it is good for all ages.
Eva Ibbotson is one of my favorite authors she writes fiction and fantasy, but they are all good.
(October 2004)

Matilda Bone

Matilda Bone by Karen Cushman

Leaving your loved one seems bad, but leaving your loved one and joining someone who has nothing in common with you is just awful.
Matilda is a young girl who had to leave the temple, her home since she was eight, when her master, a Saint, left her for London.
Matilda now lives with Peg, the bonesetter, a woman who is neither holy or a woman of knowledge. Peg understands that Matilda is not used to these ways but will she change Matildas lifestyle to one like her own? Will the Saint return to Matilda and bring her back to the temple to continue her learning and prayers?
This book gives you a really good idea of what the medieval times were like, so if you really like history this would be a great book for you. I thought the setting was good in this book and the same with plot but it could get rather confusing for young kids. (October 2004)

Walk Two Moons

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

The barn, the house, the swimming hole, and the fence that marks Sals property are all haunted by Sals mother's face. As Sal battles the sadness of her mother leaving her alone only with her father, she is also forced to move from her most favorite place in the whole world, a farm in Bybanks, Ky. Will Sal face the awful thought that her mother may never return or will she believe that one day her mother will come home?
This book is about a 13 year old girl, who is traveling across the country with her grandparents to see her missing mother in Lewiston, Idaho. As they are traveling Sal begins to tell the story of her friend Pheobe. Pheobe is one of Sals only friends whose mother has also strangely left the family. Will she return to the family, just like Sal hopes her own Mother will?
As Sal and her Grandparents travel closer to Lewiston, Idaho, something strange starts to happen to Gram. Will she be okay too?
This book shows why friendship and family love is so important because one day somebody you love may just not be there anymore.
(October 2004)

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Eragon is a fifteen-year old boy that lives in the magical land of Alagaesia. He lives on a farm with his uncle, Garrow. Then one day, Eragon finds a strange blue stone by the mountains, and decided to sell it next morning. But that night, something strange happens. A blue dragon hatches out of the egg! Soon Eragon and the dragon, whom he calls Saphira, sets of on a dangerous quest to defeat the evil king Galbatorix, who rules over many parts of Alagaesia. Eragon and Saphira will discover allies in strange places, wierd and wonderful creatures, courage they never knew they had and a hidden destiny that changes their lives.

This was an AWESOME book. It contained many details and the characters each had very noticeable personalities. The action rarely stopped and when it did discoveries and other exciting events usually made up for the lack of action. Overall I would give this book a TRILLION stars out of ten.
(October 2004)

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The REDWALL Series by Brian Jacques