Enchantment by Orson Scott Card

Reviewed by: Kimball, age 15

This book was a good read. The message is very pro-family, if not family-appropriate. I can tell there was a

lot of research put into this book, and the trivia was interesting. The story had lots of twists and surprises, and the characters were well-developed. I would recommend this book highly to anyone over 15. There are also a lot of different elements in this book; Blogger wouldn't me put in all the labels that applied.

Genre: Fantasy

Setting: Present day/ancient Russia

Introduction:

Ivan is a non-practicing Jewish boy in communist Russia. His family wants to go to America, so they pretend to be practicing Jews to get passports there. Before they leave, they stop at the home of their cousin Marek and live there until they can go to America. Ivan finds a mysterious part of the forest where there is a circular clearing of leaves, covering thin air and a sleeping princess on a pedestal, with some guardian rustling beneath them. Ivan flees, and the memory does not go away.
Now an adult in America, as well as a professional athlete, Ivan has a good life; he is engaged to a Jewish girl named Ruth, has a career in running and also archaeology. Ivan decides to go to Russia to write a comprehensive book on Russian legends, leaving his family behind until he can publish his book. While researching, he again finds the woods near his cousin Marek's home and the place from his childhood. Suddenly, Ivan finds himself fighting a giant bear, betrothed to a princess he doesn't want to marry, stranded in a land he knows next to nothing about with not even his clothes, and forced to prepare to battle a witch whom he has only heard of in legends.

Themes: bravery is more than not running away, know the meaning of true love, marriage is sacred

Recommended Age: 15 and up

Full Disclosure:

There are a lot of sex references and some nudity, as well as a sex scene (that describes the sensations rather than the actions, it's not completely graphic) and a near sex scene. There is also language.

Rating: 4 stars

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

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Reviewed by: Henry, age 13


Genre: Fiction

Time Period: Present Day (mostly)

Plot:
A teenage boy's grandfather, a Jewish holocaust survivor, is thought to have gone insane, claiming to see monsters and acting a little trigger happy. One day he calls the boy, Jacob, and when he arrives, he finds his Grandpa dying. Jacob thinks he sees a monster outside the window. Before he dies, the grandfather leaves strange last words, which Jacob is determined to decipher. They lead him to something he only dreamed about a little.

Themes: Your differences make you special, learn the stories of your ancestors    

Recommended Age: 12 and up

Full Disclosure:
Frequent swearing, 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

Sequels: Hollow City, Library of Souls