Book Reviews
- Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor - K-2
- Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin - 6th Grade and Up
- I, Freddy by Dietlof Reiche - 3rd- 5th Grade
- Rune Warriors - Book Review by Adrian Lewis
Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor - K-2
Children's Literature - Robyn Gioia
When my little girl was five, she told me I did not dress her pretty enough.
She was a "fancy Nancy." Fancy Nancy is the heart and soul of all the little
girls out there who love frills, plumes, color, and loads of style. Everyday
things must be fancy. Nancy explains it this way, "I like to write my name
with a pen that has a plume. That is a fancy way of saying feather. And I
can't wait to learn French because everything in French sounds fancy." This
fascination leaves Nancy a little frustrated because her family just does
not understand. Lace-trimmed socks really do help her play better. And
sandwiches really do taste better with frilly toothpicks. Then she decides
it is time to teach her family how to be fancy. The story is delightful and
sure to tickle the fancy bone of all girls, young and old. The artwork is
eye candy for the heart. Nancy is an adorable young lady with curly hair,
frilly adornments, and a melting smile. She is someone you will fall in love
with. Each page contains a simple sentence illustrated by a whimsical scene.
2006, HarperCollins Publishers, Ages 4 to 8.
Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin - 6th Grade and Up
Publishers Weekly
Even readers who have strong views on what happens after death may find
themselves intrigued by the fascinating world of "Elsewhere," the place 15-
year-old Liz ends up after she is killed in a bicycle accident. A surreal
atmosphere permeates chapter one as Liz awakens on a ship (mostly occupied
by elderly people), unaware of its destination. Her situation gradually
comes into focus after she arrives at the island of Elsewhere and is greeted
by her grandmother, who died before Liz was born. Liz learns that the aging
process works differently in this land of the dead: instead of getting
older, humans (and animals) grow younger. When they reach infancy, they are
sent down the River to be reborn on Earth. In other ways, Elsewhere
resembles the world Liz left behind; residents work at jobs (although here,
everyone has a chance to pursue an "avocation... something a person does to
make his or her soul complete"), celebrate holidays and form friendships.
Liz also falls in love for the first time, while her grandmother (who has
progressed back to her thirties) becomes engaged to a famous rock star; and
readers will likely be intrigued by the "strictly forbidden" Well. Prudently
skirting the issue of God's role in Elsewhere (when she asks about God, Liz
is told simply "God's there in the same way He, She, or It was before to
you. Nothing has changed"), Margarettown author Zevin, in her first novel
for young people, bends the laws of physics and biology to create an
intricately imagined world. Ages 12-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business
Information.
I, Freddy by Dietlof Reiche - 3rd- 5th Grade
Gr 3-5-Freddy Auratus is an unusual hamster. Unlike his pet-shop mates, he
has ambitions beyond traditional cage life. He wants to explore the world
and resolves to attract the right buyer. His choice is Sophie, almost six, a
budding bookworm with the insight to consult a hamster-care book, and he
gradually teaches himself to read from her books. He even devises a secret
way to open the latch of his cage. But before he can do much exploring,
Sophie's mother proves allergic to hamster fur and plans to get rid of him.
He stows away with a visiting family friend, despite concerns about the
man's other pets. His two guinea pigs, Enrico and Caruso, are masters of low
comedy and excruciatingly bad songs, but, to Freddy's surprise, Sir William,
the cat, is a civilized fellow who quietly maintains order in the household.
Then, when the Master brings home a computer, Freddy resolves to learn to
write in hopes of communicating with the human world. Comparisons with
Beverly Cleary's Ralph S. Mouse (Morrow, 1982) are probably inevitable, but
Freddy is his own man-er, rodent. Illustrated with amusing black-ink
sketches, this engaging story will appeal to fans of animal fantasies.-
Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL Copyright 2003 Reed
Business Information.
Rune Warriors - Book Review by Adrian Lewis
Rune Warriors is a suspense filled action story about a boy who becomes a
warrior. During his journey he encounters many interesting events. He has
to fight and learn the ways of the Vikings. I recommend this book to anyone
who likes suspense thrillers, and is a fan of Vikings. It has everything!
Adventure, suspense, and bear meat! It is a great book for ages 10-12
years.