Literature Young Adult Fiction | Where Reading is a Treasure

bookreview

by Captain Lyaf Yarr, the pilot of this here vessel.

Title: The Boy Who Spoke Dog
Author: Clay Morgan
Page Count: 166
Format: Paperback
Grade Reading Level 6-8

Summary: Jack gets stranded on a mysterious island with nobody there except the sheep dogs. The dogs are getting attacked by the fangos at the same time and need help. When Jack and the sheep dogs meet they eventually become friends. Will Jack help the dogs defeat the fangos, and will he be rescued ? Or will he stay a true dog forever?

Why I Started This Book:

I read this book because my teacher assigned it to us in Reading Class. We divided the book up into eight sections and read one section a day until we were done. I read ahead of the class because I was interested in knowing the ending.

Likes:

I liked the adventure in this book. It was pretty cool that Jack, the main character was stranded on an island.
Also, I enjoyed Jack’s thoughts throughout the book as he worried about his rescue. It was pretty realistic I thought. I would be scared too!
The chemistry between Jack and the dogs was fun. There was a very strong friendship between them. They relied on one another.
The final battle between the fangos and the normal dogs was very thrilling. Fangos are sheep dogs that have killed at least one sheep.

Dislikes:

I didn’t like the ending of the book. It was a big let down, very anti-climatic after such a strong beginning and middle.
I disliked that there were so few characters. Most of the story’s interaction was between Jack and the dogs.
Jack went crazy by himself on the island which was kind of weird to me.
This book wasn’t what I would usually read and didn’t change my mind about that so it wasn’t my favorite. It was good to read once, but I would not read this again.

Buy: The Boy Who Spoke Dog by Clay Morgan

Book Rating: 2.5 Treasure Chests
tc25

The Boy Who Spoke Dog by Clay Morgan (2007, Hardcover)

US $3.00

3d 14h 14m

Originally posted 2009-09-07 17:36:34.

by First Mate Keira, guest reviewer

Title: I Learned a New Word Today… Genocide
Author: Elizabeth Hankins
Format: Paperback
# of Pages: 150 pages
Grade Reading Level: 5^th – 8^thgrade

Summary: Javier Mendoza is a 5^th grade student at Franklin D. Roosevelt Elementary. As part of an assignment for social studies he must keep a journal and tell what he learns about the new unit being taught by Mr. Steinberg, his social studies teacher. The unit is about genocide and specifically six genocides that happened in the last 100 years. It’s a fictional story filled with factual information.

Why I Read This Book:

This book was given to LYAF as an ARC. My sixth grade sister was going to read it but she found the subject too sad to really get into it for pleasure reading. I picked it up after that and read it over a couple of days.

Likes:

Elizabeth Hankins keeps everything age appropriate. There are no gory details. When things are tough she keeps it light by having Javier boil the topic down to its basic components: genocide is sad, evil, terrible, and devastating.
A lot of factual information is condensed into this 150 page book and through Javier’s definitions, reiterations, lists, and commentary one learns a lot. It will be easy for kids from 5^th grade to 8^th grade to understand.
Two of the things gone over in the book are how genocide starts and how it is hidden or glossed over by others.
It is a thinking book. Young and older readers will think about what genocide is and figure out how to spot it even when it’s not being labeled as genocide.

Dislikes:

I have only one dislike. Javier begins to question God’s presence in a world where genocide exists and He doesn’t stop it. Javier also questions whether or not God is good (page 58-59).

I was hoping at the end of the book Javier would come to a conclusion about both, but it was left unresolved and that really bothered me. I couldn’t tell why it was left that way even after Javier came to the conclusion he wanted to be a doer and not a watcher. What was the purpose?

One of the reasons for genocide listed in the book is religion and how people worshipped God. The book does say religion by itself does not cause genocide and Javier thinks if God is good and fair He would hate people fighting over Him. In my opinion genocide doesn’t happen because of God. It happens because there is a lack of Him, even and especially if people are using God as an excuse to do what they do.

In addition, faith groups are mentioned as great sources for good in the fight against genocide.

Still, I really wish once it had been brought up it had been dealt with more thoroughly. It is my only concern about the book because the message is unclear.

Last Minute Thoughts: Genocide is a sad topic and while the book a little heavy it is not overwhelmingly so for young kids. I think it would be a great companion for a unit study or in a literary group. I also think it would be a good book for adults looking to learn more about the subject without getting too wrapped up in the horrors involved. You can fill in the blanks well enough.

Buy: I Learned a New Word Today ... Genocide

Book Rating: 4 Treasure Chests

Keira runs a book review blog for readers by readers on romance novels entitled Love Romance Passion. She’s been reading romance since she was in her teens and began blogging about romance so she could share her passion for her favorite genre. She loves reading paranormal, Regency, historical America, and highlander most of all and completely adores blind and wounded heroes.

guestblog

by First Mate Keira, guest blogger

Here are the top ten kid friendly places to sit and read a book.

In bed. Morning or night, one of the best places to read is in your bed! You are your most relaxed and it’s extremely comfortable. Stack up those pillows or crawl under the bedclothes for some truly exceptional reading time.
At the park. Make a picnic and bring a large blanket, find a nice spot and settle in for a lazy day. A calm overcast day is best for eyes and hair. You won’t tire easily and you won’t be distracted by flipping pages and clinging hair caused by the wind.
In a library. It’s fairly quiet in a library and there are usually places for settling in with a book. Some have little nooks and others have open reading lounges. Find yourself a spot and crack open a book!
On a couch. Like your bed, the couch is a nice and comfy spot to sit/rest and read a book. Armrests make great pillows.
In a tent. Whether this tent is in your room or outside camping, a tent is a great reading space. You’re enclosed and away from prying eyes. It’s private and cozy. You’re cut off from the real world and given all the space you need to enter a book world.
In a tree house. For the same reasons as a tent, plus it’s super cool. Who doesn’t like a tree house? It’s a special secret place just for you.
In the bathtub. Get clean and get time to read at the same time! Add some bubbles or bath salts and you’re really having a party… a party for one, but still as fun!
At a friend’s house. Reading at a friend’s is awesome because you get to hang out in quiet companionship. This is a great way to pass time together without being too involved with each other. You’re not alone, but you’re not required to talk either.
In the car. You spend a lot of time in the car. Open that book and fill those empty wasted minutes spent traveling by traveling to another world.
By the pool. Dangle your feet in the water or lie out on your towel. Both are great for reading. Bring a cool drink to quench your thirst and have fun!

Keira runs a book review blog for readers by readers on romance novels entitled Love Romance Passion. She’s been reading romance since she was in her teens and began blogging about romance so she could share her passion for her favorite genre. She loves reading paranormal, Regency, historical America, and highlander most of all and completely adores blind and wounded heroes.

Originally posted 2009-10-08 03:50:31.

buriedtreasure

by Captain Lyaf Yarr

A lot of kids I know don’t like to read. They say “why should I read? It’s just a waste of time!” I firmly believe kids should read and not just because I like to do so. Here are my top 7 reasons why kids should read.

1. Kids should read because it improves their vocabulary. Don't believe? Keep an eye out for a post on how Twilight can do that in the near future. Are you thinking you learn vocab in school, so why learn more? Your vocabulary improves faster by reading than if you didn't and you not only are smarter you sound it too.
2. Reading saves energy. It's true! If you choose to read over watching television or playing video games you're saving energy that you would be wasting. So read or pick something that doesn’t waste any electricity.
3. Reading also helps you with other skills such as visualizing. Use that imagination!
4. Kids should read because they will learn interesting, and useful information for an assignments or for fun. For example: books are always my first choice for writing papers. I have learned how fireworks were invented, all about the earth’s layers, Claude Monet, and much much more.
5. Reading helps kids write better. For example you could say, “The cat ran up the tall tree because she was scared;” or “The cat scurried up the towering tree because she was frightened.” Now which one do you think is most interesting? If you guessed the second one you are correct!
6. Reading provides characters as role models and teach kids about social situations too. Let's say there’s a bully at school and a kid is having trouble with this bully. That kid then reads Harry Potter and stand up for himself like Harry does to Malfoy. Neat!
7. My seventh and final reason why kids should read is because, it sets an example for other kids. I love to read, it makes me sad to think a lot of kids are missing out on the stories that have made such an impact on me. So grab your library card and go book browsing!

Originally posted 2009-09-17 03:22:56.

guestreview

by First Mate Keira, guest reviewer.

Title: The Lightning Thief
Author: Rick Riordan
Narrator: Jesse Bernstein
# CDs / Minutes: 8 CDs (10 hours, 12 minutes)
Format: Unabridged Audio CDs
Grade Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Audio Preview: Download Clip (Right click, save as.)

Summary: Percy Jackson is your average kid, except as he’s about to find out, he’s the son of a Greek god. This would explain his dyslexia and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). It’s a sign of his heritage. All offspring of the gods are marked by it, their natural language being ancient Greek. If finding out he’s a demigod isn’t strange enough, Percy discovers he’s been setup to take the blame of stealing Zeus’ master lightning bolt. The only way to prove his innocence is to go on a quest and retrieve it. The odds don’t look so good for Percy.

Why I Started This Book:

I’ve been seeing the title of this book in many places and decided what better way to be introduced to it officially than by audio cd? I knew nothing going into the book.

Likes:

Percy is average. His learning disabilities apply to the English language but come in handy in other ways.
If you want a way to learn about Greek mythology that’s fun and easy to understand, Percy Jackson and his quest to discover the lightning thief, is a good way to go. No need to remember the “uses.”
The Greek gods will exist as long as Western culture exists. They are not meant to be metaphysical God. They are simply humanlike immortals.
Jesse Bernstein, the reader, sounds exactly like how I imagine a 12 year old boy like to sound. He has excellent kid voices.

Dislikes:

I’m coming from finishing Artemis Fowl, boy genius, and I can’t help but cringe at some of the inane questions/comments/concerns Percy brings up.
I am definitely too old to enjoy this book fully. This series is designed to teach children about the Greek mythology which I already know quite a bit about having learned about them in high school. It really struck a nerve when Percy had a semester if not a year in real school studying the myths and he didn't recognize Medusa when he stumbled upon her statue warehouse! Grr…
I was able to figure out the Oracle’s prophecy within a chapter of having heard it. I had two ideas and the first was right.
The only voice Jesse Bernstein narrated that gave me any pause was his voice for Zeus. It was very weird. I was not a fan.

Buy: The Lightning Thief (audio book), The Lightning Thief (paperback), Lightning Thief (Deluxe Edition), Percy Jackson and the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-3)

Book Rating: 2.5 Treasure Chests for anyone over the age of fourteen. 4 Treasure Chests for those under fourteen.
tc25

Keira runs a book review blog for readers by readers on romance novels entitled Love Romance Passion. She’s been reading romance since she was in her teens and began blogging about romance so she could share her passion for her favorite genre. She loves reading paranormal, Regency, historical America, and highlander most of all and completely adores blind and wounded heroes.