The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl

Reviewed by:Bronwen, age 8

the Magic Finger because it was pretty easy to read. It has no chapters at all. It is fantastic! There is so much imagination! 
It is by Roald Dahl, so it is amazing! when I read it changed my life with stories ! 

Genre: Fiction  

Setting: the Country

Introduction:the  Magic Finger is about a girl who has a magic finger and turns her friends into birds! They  make a nest and live in it then three giant ducks come and start living in their house!

 

Themes: Family, Friendship, 

Recommended Age: 7 and up, younger for read alouds

Rating: 5 stars

Other Books: The BFG,  The Twits, The Witches, and    George's Marvelous  Medicine, Matilda, James and The Giant Peach, and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory!

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Reviewed by: Bronwen, age 8 

I think you will love this book. It made me want to read more! It helps me want to be nicer to my siblings and family members.

Genre: Fiction

Setting: Giant Country and London, England

Introduction: A little girl named Sophie meets a friendly giant. He takes her to his home and she finds out that the other giants are much taller than her friendly giant. The other giants are also bullies who like to eat children. Sophie and the BFG try to trap the other giants so that they won't eat any more children.


Themes: Friendship, kindness, bullies, friends can be different

Recommended Age: 7-11

Rating: 5 stars

Other books : The Magic Finger, The Twits, The Witches, and    George's Magical Medicine, Matilda, James and The Giant Peach, and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.

Freedom Factor by Gerald R. Lund

Reviewed by: Kimball, age 15

This book was a great read. The speculation of an America with no Constitution was interesting and eye-opening. This book was written in the 80s and it's startling to compare times then to times now, even with the Constitution. It also gave important insight into political corruption and how politicians use each other. The protagonist's controversial political views are also interesting, and I found myself wondering if some people who read this book today would think that the amendment his party proposes in the beginning would be a good one to actually add to the Constitution, and have to read the rest of the book to learn why it would not be.

Genre: fiction

Setting: America

Introduction:

Bryce Sherwood is a dedicated proponent of the 29th amendment bill, proposed to "give government  back to the people." It would allow congress to pass a vote of no-confidence in the president and oust him if he creates an impasse between the legislative and executive branches. Sherwood does not realize how this affects the system of checks and balances, and believes the Constitution should be updated. But then he meets Leslie Adams-- a member of the Save the Constitution group and an outspoken opponent of the bill. Despite their differences, they find themselves falling in love. But Bryce hasn't changed his mind in the least, and so drastic measures are taken. Nathaniel Gorham, a little-known founding father from Massachusetts, comes from the spirit world to show Bryce the error of his ways. Gorham gets into Bryce's personal life-- he appears on Good Morning America in an episode only he can see, he shows up at dinner during an important speech he attends, and ultimately ruins his relationship with Leslie, all the time attempting to teach and lecture him about the bill's effects and the importance of the Constitution. When all else fails, Gorham transports Bryce to an alternate reality. Bryce doesn't know why things are so different: the police are so oppressive, the borders are different (the original colonies are no longer part of the United States) and the Declaration of Independence has a death sentence attached to it. When Bryce finally finds Gorham again, he learns the horrible truth about the universe he has been roughly ejected into: the Constitution of the United States was never ratified.

Themes: know when you're being used, the Constitution is vital to freedom, checks and balances hold the entire Constitution together

Recommended Age: 13

Rating: 5 stars

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

Reviewed by: Mom (does age matter?)

I struggled with the decision of whether or not to even read this book when the initial reviews were so negative. Like almost everyone else on the planet, I love To Kill a Mockingbird and admire Atticus Finch as a man of integrity. In the end, I felt I just had to read it, and I am glad I did. The writing was beautiful and the themes complex. I felt raw and hurt with Scout when she witnessed what she thought was a betrayal by Atticus of all they held dear. I really loved the way Harper Lee demonstrated the complexity of the issue to those in the South-- although I can't say that I hold similar views to those expressed by the inhabitants of Maycomb, I did get a better understanding of how and why they held these views. And though it wasn't tied up as neatly in the end as I would like, with my beloved Atticus being beyond reproach, I think that was part of the point. There is also much to discuss here about the struggles of the South for a century and more after the Civil War; the way of life that existed under slavery and then after the Emancipation of the slaves posed so many challenges to African-Americans that made unification and de-segregation an easier-said-than-done situation. (I'm not excusing racism here, only viewing the complexities of a civilization seeking to overcome it).  Those outside of the South found it much simpler and more clear-cut than those living in it. In truth, when solving society's problems, we often need the perspective of BOTH those outside of the situation and those in the midst of it to find a more useful and functional solution.

A major theme in the book was that no one is perfect; if we choose to idolize another human being, we will eventually be let down. Nelson Mandela said, "I'm no saint, unless you think a saint is a sinner who keeps on trying." We all are works in progress, and we all have need for mercy, even Atticus Finch. One of my take-aways was that after Scout was angry, after she felt betrayed and disillusioned and even hatred, she let herself try to understand another person's perspective. It seems that in our time there is much divisiveness, particularly between people of faith and secularists. Especially on social media, there are virtual lynch mobs, ad hominem attacks, righteous indignation, and so much vitriol spewed out upon those whom people do not understand. Our society instead needs more of listening to those with differing viewpoints and seeking to understand their perspective. This does not mean that we have to agree with everything they believe by any means. But as we seek to understand another, we see the good in them; we find the commonalities as well as the differences; instead of being sharply divided, we can agree to disagree and remember that their opinion on whatever subject is only a part of who they are-- and that is a work in progress. We all have need of mercy and grace extended to us, not only by the Savior, but by each other. If you are a believer (or seek to understand one,) you might appreciate this talk given in a recent LDS General Conference. As I listened to it again this morning, it reminded me so much of this book.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the book in the comments. If you disagree with me, I would still love to hear them, and hope that you will be able to be civil and seek to understand my perspective. I think that Harper Lee would expect no less.

Genre: Fiction

Setting: post WWII Alabama

Introduction: Jean Lousie Finch (aka Scout) returns to Maycomb for a visit. She is in her mid-20s and living in NYC. She is disturbed by the changes she finds there, particularly when it comes to racial tension and attitudes. Her perspective on her father (and ours) is challenged and altered.

Themes: racism, family, states rights vs. Federal government, the South, forgiveness, seeking to understanding those who are different, idolizing a person will let you down, grace, 

Recommended Age: 13 and up

Full Disclosure: There is some language. Frequent uses of the N word and several uses of the Lord's name in vain. The book deals with some big issues, so it is less about reading level and more about maturity to handle the issues discussed when determining a child's readiness to read this. Prepare to discuss the book with your child.

Rating: 4 stars

Other Books:  To Kill a Mockingbird

Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck

Reviewed by: Mom (does age really matter?)

Richard Peck had me laughing and engaged from the first chapter of this charming book. We listened to the audio version in the car and everyone enjoyed it (except the 2 year old, who likes to scream for music whenever we turn on our book). I loved that PeeWee wanted to be just like her big brother and yet could see glimpses of herself in the librarians who took her under their wing. Great message about girls being equal without being overbearing and insulting to men. Also lots about cars and racing to keep the boys engaged!

Genre: Historical Fiction

Setting: 1914 small town Indiana

Introduction:

 This delightful story of a young tomboy coming of age at the dawn of WWI, the automobile era, and the suffrage movement. Comedy abounds as their hick town in Indiana becomes the focus of 4 young heiresses who all want to be the town librarian and reform the citizens with books. Throw in a race that is an early version of the Indianapolis 500 and you have a book for everyone.

Themes: Women's rights, family, books inspire change, cars, Indianapolis 500

Recommended Age: 9 and up, but younger will enjoy the read aloud

Full Disclosure: The neighborhood bullies are violent and there may be a few parts that are scary to younger kids, but Peck keeps everything peppered with humor to lighten the mood.

Rating: 4 stars

Other Books:  

All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown by Sydney Taylor

Reviewed by: Bronwen, age 8

I enjoyed this book even more than the first book in the series, and I read it faster. I think that the characters and their personalities came through and I began to feel like they were people that I know. 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Setting: New York City, early 1900s

Introduction:

All-of-a-Kind Family is a family with five little girls, their mama and papa. They live in New York City and they are Jewish. They are kind to one another. Now they have a baby brother and they are all one year older than the first book.

Themes: loving families, working with each other, doing service, living your faith

Recommended Age: 7-9 years old, 5 and up for read-aloud

Rating: 5 stars

Other Books:  All-of-a-Kind Family, All-of-a-Kind Family Uptown, More All-of-a-Kind-Family, Ella of All-of-a-Kind Family

All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Talor

Reviewed by: Bronwen, age 8

This book is one of the best books I have read! I like that it's a family of all girls. It inspires me to be kind and more loving in my family, and to read more. I am also learning about Jews-- that they have different holidays, like Purim and Passover.

Genre: Fiction

Setting: New York City, early 1900s

Introduction:

All-of-a-Kind Family is a family with five little girls, their mama and papa. They live in New York City and they are Jewish. They are kind to one another. They sometimes do bad things but they correct them.

Themes: loving families, working with each other, doing service, living your faith

Recommended Age: 7-9 years old, 5 and up for read-aloud

Rating: 5 stars

Other Books:  All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown, All-of-a-Kind Family Uptown, More All-of-a-Kind-Family, Ella of All-of-a-Kind Family

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeliene L'engle

Reviewed by: Henry, age 13

A great book that has science and fantasy. I haven't read it in a long time, so I can't remember some, but I remember it was good. With cool time travel ideas, strange worlds, and interesting characters. This was my mom's favorite book as a kid, and she loved a lot of books. Read it.

Genre: Fantasy/ Science Fiction

Setting: Other worlds

Introduction:

A girl's father has not returned. He has not returned from a secret mission. They do not know if he's dead, because the government hasn't told them. He may still be alive. Meanwhile, she is living with her mother and brother. When three strange old ladies come into their lives and offer to help find their father, the girl and her brother follow them on an adventure they never would have dreamed of.

Themes: Family, kids, courage, 

Recommended Age:  9 and up

Full Disclosure: nothing I can think of

Rating: 5 stars

Other Books: A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time

"Shouldn't You Be in School?" by Lemony Snicket

Reviewed by: Henry, age 13

 The third book in the series, this one contains false accusations, mysterious organizations, faraway sisters, suspense, strangely familiar music and fires. Lemony Snicket has not even left Stain'd by the Sea and yet another strange thing has come up. There have been fires in the town and a teacher is convinced that school children are in danger. All along the way people keep being wrong. Wrong about masks,  wrong about melons, wrong about creatures, wrong about books, and wrong about Volunteer Fire Departments. With a few shocking secrets revealed. Amazing. I can't wait for the next.

Genre: Fiction

Setting: Stain'd by the Sea

Introduction:

Hangfire is still at large, working up some evil plot, no doubt. Lemony Snicket is called to investigate arson, a word which here means someone set fire to something and everybody gets scared. Unfortunately, his associate is literally the worst. She solves the case all wrong. Can Lemony Snicket and his friends solve it before Hangfire wins?

Themes: Family, cleverness, friends, trust

Recommended Age: 10 and up

Full Disclosure: Nothing

Rating: 5 stars

Other Books: "When Did You See Her Last",  "Who Could that be at This Hour?", "Why is this Night Different from All Other Nights?"

"When Did You See Her Last?" by Lemony Snicket

Reviewed by: Henry, age 13

Lemony Snicket has done it again with his witty jokes, strange mysteries, and even more odd characters, like two underage taxi drivers, two police officers who can't help bickering about everything, and a lady who is good with a knife. I loved it.

Genre: Fiction

Setting: A small not-seaside-anymore town called Stain'd-by-the-Sea

Introduction:

Another mystery has come up in Stain'd-by-the-Sea. A young scientist has gone missing. Lemony Snicket and his impossible chaperone, Theodora, are on the case. But Something else is brewing. Could this be connected to the Hangfire case?

Themes: Family, friends, cleverness solves the problem

Recommended Age: 10 and up, younger if read aloud.

Full Disclosure: Nothing I can think of

Rating: 5 stars

Other Books:  "Who Could that be at This Hour?", "Shouldn't you be in School?", "Why is this Night Different from All Other Nights?"

The Great Brain series by John D. Fitzerald

Reviewed by Ian, age 10

I thought it was an entertaining book full of crazy deals that only Tom could pull off.

Genre: Memoir/autobiography

Setting: rural Southern Utah, early 1900s

Introduction: J.D.'s brother, Tom, can swindle a man of anything. when a new teacher beats Tom for no reason, everyone knows he will regret it... Stories here from John D. Fitzgerald's childhood with a large family. Tom charges all the kids in town to come see their new flushing toilet and finds other ways to live up to his nickname, The Great Brain.

Themes: Kid power, family, smart is good, country life

Recommended Age: 9-13

Full Disclosure: Nothing objectionable

Rating: 5 stars

Other Books: More Adventures of the Great Brain, Me and My Little Brain, The Great Brain at the Academy, The Great Brain Reforms, The Return of the Great Brain, The Great Brain Does It Again, The Great Brain is Back.          

Shadow Puppets by Orson Scott Card

Reviewed by: Kimball, age 15

This is the third book in the Shadow saga by Orson Scott Card. It was a bit mushy at times but like a book with geniuses in it, it has puzzles for the reader to scratch their heads over as they watch the protagonists figure them out. My favorite one is the double email where the second half is entirely composed of scriptures. Orson Scott Card is a very clever author.

Genre: Sci-fi

Setting: Present-day Earth, Space

Introduction:

Peter Wiggin is now Hegemon of Earth-- and now he's rescued Achilles, the most dangerous, psychotic ex-street urchin from a Chinese prison camp. Peter thinks he can use him to his own purposes and keep him from killing anyone, but Bean knows better. Achilles is a monster who kills anyone who sees him helpless; to have him rescued from a prison (earning his "gratitude") is to have a death sentence. As Achilles corrupts the Hegemony from under Peter's stubborn, arrogant nose, Bean and Petra resign from the Hegemony and go into hiding from Achilles. Bean has a rare condition called Anton's Key-- he is the most brilliant person on Earth, but now he is also one of the tallest, when he used to be the smallest. His brilliance costs him years of his life; he'll just keep growing and growing until he dies around twenty. He doesn't want to have children and leave Anton's Key in their DNA-- but Petra has other plans and knows that everyone must leave a legacy in their children. And Achilles knows that if any of Bean's children have Anton's Key, they will be the most powerful humans on Earth, and he can't let an opportunity like that get away from him.

Themes: Family is the meaning of life, know thine enemy, 

Recommended Age: 14 and up

Full Disclosure:

There is swearing in this book. There are also sex references, but no actual sex (Bean is trying to have kids by testing the embryos in a lab and implanting the ones without Anton's key in his wife to be born, so that he doesn't pass on his curse.)

Rating: 4 stars

Other Books:  Ender's Shadow, Shadow of the Hegemon, Shadow of the Giant, Ender in Exile, Shadows in Flight

The Westing Game

Reviewed by: Ian, age 10

I loved it! It was hard trying to find out who was the murderer. I couldn't stop reading it until I found out.

Genre: Fiction

Time Period: No particular time

Introduction: Uncle Sam Westing is dead. One of the heirs is the murderer. So says his will. He has set up a game to reveal who the murderer is.

Themes: Money corrupts people, family, smart is good, overcoming hard things can make your life better, teamwork

Recommended Age:10 and up ( I read it when I was younger and didn't enjoy it as much as I do now.)

Full Disclosure:Nothing to see here

Rating:4  stars

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Reviewed by: Kimball, age 15

Christopher Paolini wrote this book when he was my age. Now, I can claim to have written two (unpublished) manuscripts before turning 15, but Eragon is close to 600 pages (my manuscripts are about 100 pages each) and way better than anything I could write. He's a fantastic fantasy writer. I loved this book.

Genre: Fantasy

Setting: Alagaesia, medieval period

Introduction:

When courier elf Arya is ambushed in the forest, she teleports her precious cargo a safe distance away. It is found by a farmboy named Eragon while he is hunting. At first believing it to be a large precious stone, he is surprised when the "stone" hatches and a dragon emerges. Eragon raises the baby dragon as best he can and forges a telepathic link with it. However, the dragon is growing fast and gets harder to hide, until Saphira (the dragon) carries him off and his house is attacked by mysterious creatures called the Raz'ac and burned, killing his uncle and destroying the farm. With the help of old storyteller and dragon expert Brom, Eragon sets out on a quest to find the creatures and avenge his uncle and gets caught up in a full-scale rebellion against their tyrannical king, who happens to be one of the last Riders and one of the most evil men in Alagaesia.

Themes: Power is within oneself, never underestimate your elders, bear your name well

Recommended Age: 11 and up

Full Disclosure:

This book has some unintuitive pronunciations, be sure to check the guide.

Rating: 4 stars

Other Books:  Eldest, Brisingr, Inheritance

Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls

Reviewed by: Henry, age 13

A preposterous storyline with a touching moral. This book is good if you like perfectly good plans which are thwarted  in silly ways, action, ponies, Where the Red Fern Grows, or monkeys.

Genre: Fiction

Setting: Modern Era, Cherokee country.

Introduction:

A young farm boy on Cherokee land is playing in the wooded ravine by his house when he sees something strange. A monkey! It yells at him and he gets out of there fast. When he talks to his grandpa, he learns that there is a reward for returning them to the circus they escaped from. And it will be enough buy a pony, which he has dreamed of riding for quite a while. But catching a monkey turns out to be harder than he thought...

Themes: Determination, Family love, Cleverness, Caring for less fortunate

Recommended Age: 10 and up, younger if read aloud

Full Disclosure: The monkeys get him drunk at one point, but he feels terrible afterward

Rating: 5 stars

Other Books:  I don't think this is a series, but it is written by the same author as Where the Red Fern Grows.

"Who Could That Be at This Hour?" by Lemony Snicket

Reviewed by: Henry, age 13

For all those who enjoyed Lemony Snicket's humor in A Series of Unfortunate Events, this book is amazing. Almost thirteen year old Lemony Snicket is called on a mission to return an strange object. But who is the real owner? This is a crazy mystery with lots of humor and characters that only Lemony Snicket could invent (A word which here means: make up random things and decide they are amazing), including a condescending chaperone, a librarian who is bad at eavesdropping, a reporter for a newspaper that went out of business, and a bratty boy with a slingshot that he uses to shoot birds (and people sometimes). A great read.

Genre: Fiction

Time Period: present/recent past

Introduction:

Lemony Snicket, a boy with an interesting education, is trying to solve a mystery with his hypocritical and not too smart chaperone who always seems to avoid telling her first name. He is hired to return a small statue of something that looks like the most terrifying (a word which here means: spiky and deadly and freaky) seahorse which you can see at the top right corner of the cover page. It is a very strange town which mainly runs a ink business that's running out of ink and is next to a strange forest of seaweed which somehow manages to stay erect and thriving without water. And there is something suspicious going on.

Themes: cleverness solves the problem, promise keeping, family

Recommended Age: 10 and up, younger as read-aloud

Full Disclosure: Nothing comes to mind.

Rating: 5 stars

Other Books:  "When Did You See Her Last?", "Shouldn't You Be in School?", "Why is This Night Different From All Other Nights?" are the other books in the series.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Reviewed by: Michal, the mom (does age matter?)

This exquisite book was one that I wanted to immediately re-read once it was finished. It tells the story of its two main characters so beautifully and poignantly. The ending wasn't what I had hoped for, but did feel like the right ending, if that makes any sense. I am glad to have read it.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Time Period: World War II

Introduction:

The book tells the story of two people who seem completely unconnected, but artfully connects them throughout their experiences. One is an orphan boy growing up in Nazi Germany, the other a blind girl in Paris. The author jumps around in time and between the two characters, but it works.

Themes: family, light, overcoming, racism, war, 

Recommended Age: 14 and up

Full Disclosure:

There is occasional swearing and one minor character who makes a few crass (sexual) comments. There is some violence, although not as much as you would expect for a book about war. Some heavy content, thus the older recommendation.

Rating: 5 stars

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

Reviewed by: Henry, age 13

This book is a good read with spooky photographs here and there. It was one of those books I couldn't put down. (Partly because every time I did, Kimball stole it.)

Genre: Fiction

Time Period: World War II

Plot:
Jacob and his newfound friends are trying to fix Miss Peregrine, who is stuck in bird form. Unfortunately, they are also on the run. The wights are trying as hard as they can to stop them. But Jacob is having so moral conflict. Does he belong with his family, or the other peculiars. The window of opportunity for him to go back is closing.

Themes: Your differences make you special, family.

Recommended Age: 12 and up

Full Disclosure:
Frequent swearing (Less than first book.), includes romance, death, photos (no nudity or immodesty, but some of them are creepy enough to give you nightmares!) Moms: I went through with a black pencil and scribbled over the swearing, which I recommend you do before your kids read it!

Rating: 3.5 stars, 4 with the language edited

Others in series: Miss Peregrine's home for Peculiar Children, Library of Souls

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Reviewed by: Bronwen, age 8

I love this book because it inspires me to read more. It has one other book about Charlie called the Great Glass Elevator. I hope you read this book.

Genre: Fiction

Time Period: not specified

Introduction:
A poor boy finds the golden ticket and wins the prize of touring a secretive chocolate factory. Unlike the other children who win, Charlie is polite, kind, and generous. He is rewarded for these values.

Themes: goodness is rewarded, kid power, integrity, family

Recommended ages: 8 and up, 5 and up as a read-aloud

Rating: 5 stars

Other Books by Roald Dahl: James and the Giant Peach, The Witches, Matilda, The BFG, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Magic Finger

The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh

Reviewed by: Bronwen, age 8

Sarah Noble had faith in God that she would safely find a home with her father for their family. If you have courage and faith, you can be led the right way. Even though Sarah was only 8, she went to help her father. I liked that because I am 8. I also learned that it takes bravery to do hard things. Sarah had to trust and look up to others to help her while she waited for her father to return with their family. I hope you read this book.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Time Period: Pre-Revolutionary War (1707)

Introduction:
Eight year old Sarah Noble goes to the woods with her father to build a house on land that they bought from the Indians. Her mother and siblings stayed behind while they built the house. Sarah makes friends with the Indian children. Based on a true story.

Themes: faith, courage, family, friendship, we can love people who are different

Recommended ages: 7 and up, 4 and up as a read-aloud

Rating: 4 stars