Journey of a Book-Addicted Librarian: November 2010

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.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Series: Extreme Adventures (Jnr Fic)

AUTHOR: Justin D'Aith ((NZ/Aust)
PUBLISHED: ~2005
SERIES: Extreme Adventures
FIRST BOOK: Shark Bait

REVIEW: Each short novel (~130pgs) revolves around one major obstacle/mission, with several smaller obstacles impeding success.
The main character, Sam Fox, faces various difficulties (fighting animals, a runaway hot air balloon, struggling to save his life, or the lives of his younger brothers, etc) which he must overcome.

AGES: 7-10
GENRE: Adventure
RATING: 4 - 4 1/2 stars