Authors and Reading - Kids on the Net

A Series of Unfortunate Events is a section of 7 books. It is all about three children, the Baudelaire family by the names of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny whose parents have died in a tremendous house fire. In the first book they are then the responsibility of Mr Poe a bank worker who sends them to different guardians. In the first book the children are taken into care by Count Olaf, a robber out to steal the family fortune. He escapes but briefly.

After that the children go to different guardians and every time Count Olaf appears in a disguise. There are different books in this order The Bad Beginning,The Reptile Room, The Wide Window, The Miserable Mill, The Auste Acadamey, The Ersatz Elevator, The Vile Village. I would recommend these books to any child. But if you prefer happy books don't read these. I will give them a rating of 10 out of 10 because they are detailed suspense hooking books and they give you a small taster of what some children's lives are actually like and not to take for granted.
(July 2004)

Goodnight Mister Tom

Goodnight Mister Tom was written by Michelle Magorian.

The feelings of a boy were very strong, as he was an evacuee. At the beginning Mr Tom was very closed and personal, however he had lots of good feelings for the boy, William Beech. Michelle had written it as a normal life would lead, for it reached your emotions strongly. It makes you feel sympathetic and sorry for William, and makes you understand what has happened with Tom's life. With William's mother dying he grows more closer to Tom, further on he gets more happy and more capable with education.

Furthermore, William learns how to read and write as his mother didn't bother teaching him because she is more concerned with forcing him to believe and learn about God.
William is very different from other people, because he is very afraid and doesn't understand most things. His mother had hit him brutally for his sins, she also taught him that most normal things are bad things.
(July 2004)

Dustbin Baby, Jacqueline Wilson

I have read many Jacqueline Wilson books but this is one of my favourites.

Dustbin Baby tells of the life of a girl who was dumped in some back alley dustbin straight after her birth. Fortunately a worker at the pizza shop next door hears her crying and rescues her from the dark depths of the dustbin. She then grows up in care being bullied at school. She goes on a quest to find her rescuer and is successful.

This book is full of emotion and action. My rating for this book is 12 out of 10. I would recommend this book to 6 and over.
(July 2004)

The Illustrated Mum By Jacqueline Wilson

The Illustrated Mum is an exciting story with a lot of suspense, and it is a bit sad. Jacqueline Wilson makes her characters seem realistic and it hooks you into the story.

The Illustrated Mum is so good you can't put it down. It is a bit sad when Dolphin's mum paints herself fully white and has to go to hospital. Dolphin then goes looking for her dad Michael with her friend Oliver. Her dad works in a swimming baths, she phones all the swimming baths looking for him.
(July 2004)

Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson

Double act is a brilliant book, in my opinion Jacqueline Wilson's best. It was truly amazing the way she emphasised the characters' feelings, thoughts, and everything about the twins. It felt as if you could just jump into the book and shake hands with one of the characters because the way that they acted was so real. You could picture yourself in the dilemma that the characters had to face, although the problems were just everyday ones, but the way that Jacqueline had positioned them made them look deadly to their appearance.

Whatever people say about this book 9 times out of 10 they say it is fab and I definitely agree. It's like one of your normal days but then this problem comes along and the way the characters concluded these are amazing. And yes I would recommend it to anyone, no particular sex or age group. I think that anyone and everyone will love this book.

The way that the characters communicate it definitely seems real. Like I said the speech and the movement of the characters, it's like walking and talking with them.

The whole idea of the book is brilliant including the cover, the pictures and the everything. And as I said before I would reccomend this book to everyone!
(July 2004)

Double act by Jacqueline Wilson

Double Act is about a pair of twins that have to move from the city to the country side. The twins are called Garnet and Ruby. These ten year old twins are identical.
Ruby is the most scruffiest out of the twins. Garnet is always as neat as a new pin as her grandma used to say.
The twins had to move to the country side because thier dad has a book shop there.
The twins always acted the same, the same clothes and the same hair do until one day when Ruby wanted to be different, so she cut her hair.
(July 2004)

The Tin Princess by Phillip Pullman

The Tin Princess is brilliant for all ages. From the first few pages you will want to read on, it will hook you in straight away because of the immense detail. It all starts off when a lady called Adelaide has to go to Razkavia with her friend Herr Taylor and Frau Winter and her husband Prince Rudolf the Aldertrager (the eagle bearer) also the heir to the throne. They journey into the heart of the danger and where the dark forces are circling in.

It is an ace story if I rated it I would put it 10/10 because you will go off in so many places you can't imagine,
it will lead you into a dream.

The cover is a darkich with a kingdom and the alder flying above it and two people disappearing in the background wihich also wants to make you find out whats happening and the pictures inside leads you further like a path a path that goes on for ever.
(July 2004)

The Spiderwick chronicles by Tony Ditterlizzi and Holly Black

The Spiderwick Chronicles are a collection of five books, we think that they are really great because of the unexpected events and twist such, as in the first book one of the main characters Mallory gets all her hair tied to her bed and had big bruises on her arms, by a house elf called Thimbletack. The reason the elf did this is because all of the Grace family moved into their Aunt Lucinda's house which is old and half derelict.

First they find a riddle related to the hidden room, they go up into the hidden room by going in a dumbwaiter which is an old little lift that people used to transport food to all parts of the house. When Simon and Jared, who are identical twin brothers worked out the riddle they sent Jared up the Dumbwaiter and when he got up there in a room he couldn't see a door and found a chest with a hidden mystery inside, if you want to know what happens next you'll have to read it yourself. This is definitely a five star book.*****
(July 2004)

Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson

The Story Double Act is very interesting, especially when the twins always do things together like walk, talk, and act. Ruby is my favourite character because she is naughty, bossy, and shows of a lot, it is very funny. Then there is Garnet who is very quiet, intellegent, stays smart throughout the day, she copys Ruby all the time.
If I had to give the book a mark out of 10 I would give it a 10.
I like it when it shows you all the different kinds of twins, tall, small, pretty, plain, showy, boys, girly-girly, and shabby. I would recommend this book for children all kinds of ages, even adults would enjoy it too.
(July 2004)

The Choosen by Chaim Potok

The Choosen is about two Jewish boys and their fathers. When Rueven, a modern Jew, gets hit in the head with a baseball at a game by Danny, a Hadisic Jew, Rueven lands in the hospital. While there, Danny visits him. The two soon becomes friends, and this is the story about the trial and tears they go through together. And about how they live with their fathers.... Rueven's father writes articles that Danny's father does not always agree with, and Danny's father has raised Danny in silence. They never speak.

It's a great book, everyone who doesn't mind mid-way thick books and having to look in the dictionary a lot will fall in love with it.
(July 2004)

Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl

When Fantastic Mr Fox comes out of his hole the farmers shoot his tail off. The farmers start to dig a hole to find the fox next to the tree. The foxes dig downwards to escape. The foxes and other animale go to the farms and steal the farmers' chickens, potatoes, turkeys, cheese, and cider.

The main characters are Mr Fox and the three farmers called Farmer Bean, Farmer Boggis, and Farmer Bunce. The story is set in Mr Fox's hole and the farms.

Our favourite part is when the farmers dig for the fox but the foxes dig aswell and escape.

We give it 10 out of 10. It was an exciting, fun and an enjoyable book and you should read it. (May 2004)

George's Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl

The story is about a boy called George and he makes a marvellous medicine.
The main character is George and he is very cheeky to his nan.
The story is set at George's nan's house and it's dusty, old, small and ugly.
The main event is when George makes the medicine.
(May 2004)

Why Harry Potter is Losing Its Touch

This opinion is probably one in a million BUT I'm going to tell all you people out there the absolute truth, in my opinion anyway. Harry Potter is a book which everyone has hailed as one of the greatest books of our time. Unfortunately, I disagree with this.
As most people know JK Rowling has written 5 books. I thought the first couple were good but after that I believe she was clean out of ideas. The book has become too predictable the final twists are lame and unsatisfying.
All of you probably think I'm crazy but I don't think the books are a total waste of money, in fact I have read all the books despite favouring lots of different books.The whole wizard world idea is quite imaginative.
If anyone agrees with me PLEASE reply I desperately need back up! If anyone disagrees feel free to also reply.
BYE! (May 2004)

White Fang, Jack London

Jack London (1876-1916) wrote White Fang, and became famous on the wonderful book. Many people dont realize what it takes to write a book that good, and they dont realize how the author wrote it. Not literally, but how he thought of it.
Jack London was born on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco. He was deserted by his father, William Henry Chaney, and raised in Oakland by his mother Flora Wellman. In his book White Fang, the wolf White Fang was separated from his father and mother. There may not be much resemblance, though there is some.
The story White Fang is about an animal who is three quarters wolf and a one quarter dog who goes from life as an Indian sled dog to a fighting dog owned by a cruel man, to a loving owner who tries to show this maddened savage creature the meaning of love and kindness.
What is really unique about White Fang is that it tells of what might be going on in such a creature's head. It explains amazingly well, it makes you feel like you actually are White Fang. It tells of what it is like living in a den out in the wild, tells of how White Fang first understands the wild and what he learns about the law of life. It explains what his first impression of humans, and of the harsh environment of all the other puppies and such dogs in the camp. It is a wonderfully written book.
I would suggest this book, to anyone who likes long, thought provoking stories about dogs, wolves and the northlands.
(August 2004)

The Story of Ruby Bridges

The main characters of Ruby Bridges are Ruby, her parents, and her sister. Ruby Bridges is
ordered to attend an all-white school where white parents deny their children to go. Ruby Bridges and her mother, father, and sisters pray she will have the courage to attend. My favorite part is when Ruby prayed for the mob. I graded this book excellent because it shows character. (May 2004)

White Fang, Jack London

This is the story written by the author Jack London, the title being White Fang. Jack London (1876-1916) wrote White Fang, and became famous on the wonderful book. Many people dont realize what it takes to write a book that good, and they dont realize how the author wrote it. Not literally, but how he thought of it. Jack London was born on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco. He was deserted by his father, William Henry Chaney, and raised in Oakland by his mother Flora Wellman. In his book White Fang, the Wolfe White fang was separated from his father and mother. There may not be much resemblance, though there is some.
The story White Fang is about an animal who is three quarters wolf and a one quarter dog who goes from life as an Indian sled dog to a fighting dog owned by a cruel man, to a loving owner who trys to show this maddened savage creature the meaning of love and kindness. What is really unique about White Fang is that it tells of what might be going on in such a creature's head. It explains amazingly well, it makes you feel like you actually are White Fang. It tells of what it is like living in a den out in the wild, tells of how White Fang first understands the wild and what he learns about the law of life. It explains what his first impression of humans, and of the harsh environment of all the other puppies and such dogs in the camp. It is a wonderfully written. I would suggest this book, to anyone who likes long, thought provoking stories about dogs, wolves and the northlands. (May 2004)

Ribeye the Bullbarian by Harry Mclaughlin

This was an awesome book. I really enjoyed the characters. Ribeye is a barbarian searching for his famous long lost dad and Cubesteak is his brother. I really thought Cubesteak was cool because he was always more smart than the other kids. He always
had a way to trick the kids out of something he needed. But he was also nice too. Ribeye teaches him how to use a sword so they can fight bad guys like Kama the bodyguard of Filet Mingon, Ribeye's girlfriend.
The story starts with Ribeye and Cubesteak trying to find their dad but they get caught up in helping save the world when an evil wizard named Suvlaki steals the Jewel of Baloni (which is really an alien that can grant wishes) who tries to take over the
world with it. The Jewel grants wishes and he uses it for bad stuff like hurting people and blowing up buildings and stuff. Ribeye and Cubesteak try to get it back from him and have to fight dragons, sharks and pirates along the way to stop Suvlkai from taking over the world.
The names of the cities are funny too like Bananstan,
Chimichanga, Pastafazool and Bullbaria. these are all names of foods which is funny because all the names of the characters are foods, Ribeye, Cubesteak, Fillet Mignon and even Suvlaki which is
a greek food.
There are a lot of pictures as well, and they are really well drawn too. I read in the back of the book that the guys that made this book worked on Rugrats, Pinky and the Brain, Animaniacs, Johnny Quest and the Wild thornberries (which is one of my favorite shows) I also found that there is a website with games and cartoons of Ribeye which is cool too. you can see it at http://www.zaptoons.com I hope you like it and take care, -Ralph
(May 2004)

White Oleander; A Story about Self-Discovery

White Oleander is a wonderful book that I have read over and over again. It is about one special girl who is forced to think she is not special by many other adults around her. Her name is Astrid.
Astrid is a 12-year-old artist, whose mother is strong in heart and in mind and kills a boyfriend for cheating on her. Her mother is sent to jail and Astrid is left at the mercy of all around her. She is taken up and sent to live in foster care.
One home in particular is Claire's home. She is a married actress and she really wants a child badly. When she takes in Astrid, although, she is mentally unstable. She treats Astrid well until the end of their time together (read the book to find out what happens!).
In some homes, Astrid lives well and is happy and in some other homes, she is starved and abused. But in the movie, they leave out a lot of good (not necessarily happy) parts. The movie is good but not as nearly as good as the book. The book has like three more homes and it has better descriptions and its poetic lines just almost bring you to tears.
The story is sort of depressing because Astrid is treated like an inanimate object in some places. It really makes you think how lucky you are if you have real parents to love you. You should really pick up this book by Janet Fitch.
(May 2004)

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushman

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple is about a young girl from Massachusetts who moves to the Wild Wild West with her mother, brother, and 2 younger sisters. Also in the book you will hear Lucy mourning about her red-haired father. When they arrive in Lucky Diggins California Lucy is displeased. Lucy's mother loved California so much her mother named her daughter California Mourning Whipple. She later changes her name to Lucy Whipple. Her mother owns a bording house, and Lucy sells pies to save up, and leave Lucky Diggins, California. Will Lucy decide to stay? To find out read The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushman. I rate this book a 10 out of 10. Excellent book! Get reading!!! (May 2004)

Harriet's Hare- Dick King Smith

Very bold, black writing. I suppose quite babyish for us older ones, but then again VERY understandable!
The author could have made the hare come from an existing planet and not from Pars! I mean it could have been at least Mars!
I do not wish to nag or whine but the author could do with some rethinking of this book!
April 2004

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A Series Of Unfortunate Events : Lemony Snicket

Goodnight Mister Tom

Dustbin Baby, Jacqueline Wilson

The Illustrated Mum By Jacqueline Wilson

Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson

Double act by Jacqueline Wilson

The Tin Princess by Phillip Pullman

The Spiderwick chronicles by Tony Ditterlizzi and Holly Black

Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson

The Choosen by Chaim Potok

Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl

George's Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl

Why Harry Potter is Losing Its Touch

White Fang, Jack London

The Story of Ruby Bridges

White Fang, Jack London

Ribeye the Bullbarian by Harry Mclaughlin

White Oleander; A Story about Self-Discovery

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushman

Harriet's Hare- Dick King Smith