Peter and the Starcatchers September 23, 2008

Title: Peter and the Starcatchers

Author: Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

Summary: Peter and his group of fellow orphans are on the ship Never Land headed towards becoming slaves to an evil King who wants his hands on more than just some orphan boys. On the journey, he meets Molly, an unusual girl, who eventually confides in him the importance of a trunk stashed away on board. Soon enough the notorious pirate Captain Stache comes looking for the trunk, endangering Molly’s father in the process, as well as everyone on the Never Land.  The story takes off as Peter discovers what mysteries are within the trunk–and just how far Stache is willing to go to get his hands on it.  From two different writers, the pieces come together in a new telling of how the famous Neverland came to be along with its hero Peter Pan.

Who will like this book?: Obviously if you’re into Peter Pan (or love Disney themes), this is the book to read. It’s readable for children and anyone who’s ever imagined something extraordinary will find enjoyment in reading this.

If you like this, you should try: The second and third books in the series–Peter and the Secret of Rundoon and Peter and the Shadow Thieves - as well as Peter Pan in Scarlet by Geraldine McCaughrean and Scott M. Fischer and Capt. Hook: The Adventures of a Notorious Youth by J. V. Hart and Brett Helquist.

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader.

The Battle of the Labyrinth May 2, 2008

Title: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth

Author: Rick Riordan

Summary:  If you haven’t read the books in the Percy Jackson series, I only have one question for you: In the name of the gods, what are you waiting for! In this fourth volume, Percy, a young demi-god (half-human, half-god son of Poseidon), and his friends continue their quest to stop the rise of the evil lord Kronos, a titan older than the Olympian gods. This time they take the battle underground, into the famous labyrinth of Daedalus. I can’t say too much without giving the details away, but rest assured, there are appearances by cool new characters, Olympian gods and very smelly ancient monsters. Believe me when I say the book is as pulse-poundingly exciting and hilarious as the first three books in the series

Who will like this?:  This is a great series for kids still stuck in Harry Potter withdrawal, or with an interest in mythology - the author packs in enough monsters and magic to keep even a mythology buff on their toes!

If you like this, try this: The Helen of Troy stories by Esther M. Friesner, Nobody’s Princess and Nobody’s Prize. Pandora Gets Jealous by Carolyn Hennesy. Nightsong and Can’t Catch Me by Michael Cadnum.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

The Lion Hunter March 19, 2008

 

Title: The Lion Hunter: Mark of Solomon Part One

Author: Elizabeth E. Wein

Summary: Telemakos, a young prince of Aksum, Africa (and grandson to King Arthur of Britain) is still recovering from the horrors he endured as a government spy when he is horribly wounded by the pet lions he had trained for the emperor. But that is only the beginning of his tale: When it is feared that his identity has been revealed to Aksum’s enemies, he and his baby sister Athena are sent to live abroad with Abreha, the king of Himyar. Just as Telemakos begins to feel safe, his world is turned upside down again when he realizes that Abreha is keeping secrets of his own.

This book carries on the story from an earlier trilogy by the author, but you don’t need to read them to get into Telemakos’ story. He is a hero with real problems who has to work very hard to overcome his past injuries, both physical and emotional. While it is a fantasy book, it also provides some history of an era that people often don’t learn about - ancient Ethiopia and Arabia. And the character of baby Athena (as far as I’m concerened) is one of the coolest kids in books today. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, The Empty Kingdom.

Who will like this book?: People interested in King Arthur, mythology, or looking for a fantasy that isn’t too far-fetched or out-of-this-world.

If you like this, try this: Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Sandell, the Arthur books by Kevin Crossley-Holland, The Winter Prince, also by Elizabeth E. Wein.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian