Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh
By: Robert C. O'Brien, Illustrated By: Zena Bernstein
Simon and Schuster's Children's Publishing
June 1998
Ages: 9-12
Pages: 233

Summary

Mrs. Frisby is a widowed mouse with four small children and a terrible dilemma. She must move immediately to their summer home or risk certain death; but her youngest son, Timothy is deathly ill with pneumonia and cannot be moved. So, in a twist of fate, Mrs. Frisby encounters the highly intelligent rats of NIMH and in turn for their help, she gives her services in return.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

I think anyone who enjoys adventurous books that have animals or some such creatures as the main character/hero would immensely enjoy this unique story.

What Problems could this book potentially cause?

I do not see this book causing any problems, only that it might make children raise questions about animal testing in different labs and other such situations.

My Reaction

I have not read this book in quite some time, so I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as though for the fist time. It's quite different for a tradiational children's novel and has a unique and interesting storyline that most authors could nor would ever think of putting down on paper.

Megan's Island

Megan's Island (Winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award)
By: Willo Davis Roberts
Simon and Schuster's Children's Publishing
April 1990
Ages: 8-12
Pages: 187

Summary

Megan is not all together surprised when her mother suddenly packs up all of their stuff and moves with Megan and her little brother, Sandy to a grandfather she barely knows. After all, Megan has moved dozens of times in her twelve years, but this time is different. Megan's mother is scared. They're running away from something...but what?

Who Would Benefit From Reading this Book?

I think that any young person who is interested in novels that are adventurous, engaging and realistic would love this book. It's a rare book that is able to make the situations and lives of two young children realistic and believeable.

What problems could this book potentially cause?

This book gets particularly suspenseful and dangerous in parts and this might disturb some younger readers.

What was your reaction to the book?

I came in contact with this book a few years ago when someone gave my family bag full of used books. It looked and sounded mildly interesting, so I read it and fell in love with it. It's a good read for someone who is looking for something quick and easy.

A Little Princess

A Little Princess, A Signet Classic
By: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Penguin Group
May 1995
Ages: ?
Pages: 222

Summary

Sara, aged ten, grew up in India and was a well-behaved, compassionate and loving child, despite being used to the luxuries and comforts that the incredibly wealthy enjoy. When her father, an office in the British Army, must go to war, he takes her to a boarding school "Miss Minchin's" in New York City. There Sara stays after she is orphaned and goes from an incredibly wealthy young lady with smarts, destined for greatness, to a penniless, scullery maid forced to do exhausting, back breaking work. But Sara does not lose hope as circumstances continue to deteriorate; she dreams harder and has more determination than ever that will bring her to what she is meant to be and the actual reality that lays before her.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

I think any young girl who has been through hard times would love this book. It's a sort of Cinderella story that has the ability to kindle the fire of hope in anyone who reads it.

What problems could this book potentially cause?

I personally do not see this book causing any immediate problems, only that Miss Minchin is particularly cruel. Some might not agree with this situation.

What was your reaction?

This was one of my favorite books growing up; its one of those kinds of books that you'll never forget once you've read it.

Inkheart

Inkheart
By: Cornelia Funke, Translated into English from German By: Anthea Bell
Scholastic Inc.
June 2005
Ages: 9-12
Pages: 534

Summary

Inkheart is a delicious literary feast of fantasty and adventure that will grab the attention of even those who are staunchly adverse to reading of any kind. Inkheart is about a girl named Meggie, and a father with an amazing talent and a terrible secret. One night, Mo unintentionally read one of the cruelest villains out of a book, sending his beloved wife into the book to take the villain's place. This event comes back to haunt him and his young daughter and suddenly they are thrust into a world where fantasty and reality blur the lines and they are in a race agaisnt time to save the only chance they have of saving everything that they hold dear, battling for their very livelihoods in the process.

Who would benefit from reading this book?

Anyone. Anyone who loves fantasty and adventure and a classic battle of good verses evil. The plot thickens and takes surprising twists with each page that is turned.

What problems could this book potentially cause?

In this book, the villian, Capricorn, is particularly cruel beyond what is normal for most villains. He is violent, commanding and unpredictable. He commands a band of followers and puts people to death and orders them to be tortured without even so much as a blink of an eye. Some people might be adverse to exposing themselves to this.

What was my reaction to this book?

I truly love and appreciate this book. It is one that I would and could read over and over again without getting tired of it. It has helped me through some particularly rough and rocky times and comforted me when nothing else could. It's a wonderful escape. A good vacation without ever having to leave the comforts of your own home.

The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery

The Elventh Hour: A Curious Mystery
Written and Illustrated By: Graeme Base
Abram's Books for Young Readers, New York
September 1997
Ages: 12 and up
Approx. 30 pages

Summary

This wonderfully unique book is about an elephant who is having his eleventh birthday party and wants to celebrate in style by having a costume party with a fabulous feast. But during the party activities someone consumes the entire feast! Peruse the illustrations as you read the book to find the clues in order to figure out the culprit! It's an amazing montage of mystery and "I-Spy"!

Who would benefit from reading this book?

Any pre-teen, child or adult who loves mysteries and "I Spy" will absolutely fall in love with this book. It has amazing words and illustrations that will completely captivate any reader who comes in contact with it.

What problems do you see this book causing?

As of right now, I do not forsee this book causing any problems.

What was your reaction?

I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book! And surprised at how HARD it is to find the clues! It's definitely a fun and time consuming challenge to figure out the culprit!

Parts

Parts
Written and Illustrated By: Tedd Arnold
Scholastic Inc.
October 2000
Ages: 3-8 years.
Approx. 15-20 pages

Summary

This book is about a young, five year old boy who fears he is falling apart at the seams until he learns that it is normal for teeth to fall out, for new hair to grow and for lint to be in his belly-button!

Who Would Benefit from reading this book?

I think virtually anyone would benefit from reading this book. It's witty and hilarious and helps young children become familiar with the different things that occur or happen to their growing bodies and that it's perfectly normal to have boogers!

What problems could this book cause?

I do not see this book causing any problems.

What was your reaction?

I LOVE this book. I always read it when I need a good laugh or someone in my life needs cheering up!

The Gingerbread Man!

The Gingerbread Man
Retold By: Jim Aytesworth, Illustrated By: Barbara McClintock
Scholastic Inc.
April 1998
Ages: 4-8 years
Approx. 20-30 pages

Summary

This is the classic story of the Gingerbread Man with an extended rhyming pattern and beautiful illustrations and text that suck you right into the classic adventure.

Who Would Benefit From Reading this Book?

Anyone who is a fan of the original classic would be most definitely be a fan of this version. Especially busy moms looking for an activity for their children to do, seeing as there is a delicious recipe for gingerbread at the end of the book!

What Problems do you see this book causing?

I do not see this book causing any problems.

What was your reaction?

I personally loved the book, the pictures and the recipe for gingerbread that is included, but I think that it might be a little difficult for young children to pay attention to, seeing as it drags on a little bit.