Monthly Archives: April 2015

In the Time of the Dragon Moon by Janet Lee Carey

15 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by in Fantasy, Young Adult

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in the time of the Dragon Moon

Although this is a third book by the author and follows the theme and characters of her previous two novels, it is more of a companion novel than a true series. It is not necessary at all to have read the other two books of Carey’s in order to enjoy this one.

This is a tale of a part native, part English girl, Uma Quareteney, who wants to become a healer like her native, Euit father; but her tribe does not recognize her abilities. An evil English queen forces Uma and her father leave their land to help her have a second child.  Since Uma’s land is threatened with destruction if the queen does not conceive, Uma must do her best to help the queen. She must use all her training and her supernatural powers to accomplish this. All of the court knows that a murderer is among them, but who – or what that is – has to be uncovered. Humans, fairies and dragons must all work together to hold back destruction of their lands.

This is an excellent fantasy.  It ties together bits and pieces of fairy tales, history, mythology, and Chinese folklore.The reader will get totally involved in the world that Carey has created.  All the characters are believable, and the plot will hold the reader’s interest until the very end.  I definitely recommend it for junior high and high school readers.

Soulprint by Megan Miranda

15 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by in Mystery and Suspense, Science Fiction, Young Adult

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soulprint

Miranda has given us a new take on reincarnation.  What if, instead of being reincarnated to be able to better one’s soul, everyone were reincarnated with the same soul they had before – evil traits and all.  Alina has spent her life on a secluded island – not for what she had done in her present life, but for what she did in a past life.  She is being secluded to protect others from her.  In her previous life she committed a serious crime and caused the death of a young man.  They know it was her because they were able to test her soul’s print through a lumbar puncture done 12 hours after she was born.  It matched the criminal’s print , and so Alina was separated from society for society’s sake.  Only, she has people who want her to be free, and they help her escape; but, can she trust those people?

I don’t believe in reincarnation, and I don’t think this book will influence young people to begin believing in it. If anything, it probably will have the opposite effect. So, Christian parents, rest easy in allowing your young ones to read this story. I am saying it is science fiction because of the “science” in it. It is also an exciting mystery/adventure tale.  It is sure to please readers in grade 10 and up. And, it would make a good movie.

Fun Book of Scary Stuff by Emily Jenkins.

12 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by in Children's Books

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Fun book of Scary Stuff

This is a cute book about a boy who is afraid of most everything.  His best friend, his dog, helps him to see that most of what he is afraid of hasn’t happened or can’t happen.  He learns that when you “turn on the light” that is understand what is real and what isn’t – the fear goes away.  I like this for a read-aloud for preschoolers and as a first reader for K-2.

Many children are afraid of things that they just really don’t know about, like witches and trolls and things in the dark.  This book helps them understand that our mind makes us think things are worse than they are.

My Name is Truth: the life of Sojourner Truth by Ann Turner

10 Friday Apr 2015

Posted by in Children's Books, History, Non-Fiction, Picture Books

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my name is truth

Finding non-fiction for young readers is sometimes challenging.  Finding good biographies about women is also a challenge. This book meets those challenges in an exceptional way. Sojourner Truth’s belief in God shines through clearly without being “preachy.” Her strength of character is obvious, but she is also shown as having fears and sometimes doubts about herself.  She is a very real woman.

Ann Turner tells the story of Sojourner Truth to younger readers using Truth’s own words.  James Ransome has done a fantastic job with the illustrations. Sojourner Truth was born Isabella Baumfree. She was one of at least 10 children born to her parents.  Her mother instilled in her a love for God and a good knowledge of right and wrong.

Her last owner was very cruel and worked Isabella like a draft horse because she was tall and strong. New York was set to abolish slavery in 1827 and her owner had told her that she would go free a year before that happened, but she was injured and her owner refused to let her go, so she escaped with her baby Sophia.

She had to leave her three other children with her former owner because she could not take all four of them on her flight to freedom.  When she found out that Mr. Dumont, her former owner has sold her son, Peter, she went to court and won his release. (This was the first case of its kind in the U.S.).

She took the name Sojourner Truth many years later and became a strong voice in the abolitionist movement and with William Lloyd Garrison to free all slaves.  I think the book will appeal to children of all ages; however, is specifically designed for grades 1-3. I would highly recommend its purchase for any elementary library.

Dragon of the Stars by Alex J. Cavanaugh

06 Monday Apr 2015

Posted by in Science Fiction, Young Adult

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dragon of the Stars Set in the far distant future, this science fiction tale is about a civilization on a planet similar to ours. It is part of an alliance of other planets that have agreed not to colonize or to enslave senescent being of other planets. Aden Pendar is a young lieutenant whose job it is to undertake a top secret mission to find a star ship called Dragon of the Stars. This ship was developed by scientists on his planet, but on its maiden voyage, the man who had developed it took off with it.  It supposedly has the ability to destroy any other starship, and other members of the Alliance are determined to keep it from being found. Aden eventually finds the ship after several close calls with Alliance ships.  But what he finds out about the ship and its inventor will leave the reader stunned. When I first began reading this book, I had trouble getting into it because of all the military and space jargon, I even began to wonder if it were worth my time to read it all.  Then, all of a sudden – there it was – a turning point that I had not expected and from that point on I couldn’t put it down.  Readers of science fiction will definitely enjoy.  I would recommend it for readers in 7th grade and up.