BOOKS FOR CHILDREN: How do you know what's good?

While there are many places (especially on the internet) where you can read book reviews, how do you really know if it's a good book or not when a single book might receive anywhere from one to five stars?
The answer: read the reviews of a book-addicted teacher librarian.


NOTE:
** The age recommendations are guidelines only; whether or not a certain book is suitable for a particular child depends on multiple factors, including their maturity, reading level, interests, and in some cases their experiences.
** While the ratings are largely based on my own personal appreciation/enjoyment of the book, they are also influenced by my experiences as a teacher and the potential attraction for the target-aged child (acknowledging that what one child may love, another may find exceptionally boring). A rating of 5 indicates the book is likely to be popular with the majority.


Friday, June 25, 2010

Johnny Maxwell series

AUTHOR: Terry Pratchett (U.K.) (1990's)

NOTES: 3-book "Johnny Maxwell" series about Johnny and his friends comprising Only You Can Save Mankind, Johnny and the Dead, Johnny and the Bomb. Humorous (subtle jokes and extra-textual references), and easy to read.

ISSUES: death, friendship, trust, family, community.

PLOT: (Johnny and the Dead) Johnny, who can see dead people (but not in a creepy "I see dead people" way), tries to help the "ghosts" buried in his local cemetery when plans are made to redevelop the land.

AGES: 7-12 (younger children would need to be more advanced readers, and not too sensitive regarding the unknown and supernatural). Still enjoyable for older children and even adults.

GENRE: Fantasy, Horror, Humor RATING: 5 stars
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