Peter and the Starcatchers

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.

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean

Title: Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean

Author: Justin Somper

Summary: Twins Connor and Grace are freshly-made orphans after their storytelling father dies. Left with a tale of the ‘vampirates’ they set out onto the ocean to find a place to live. But a storm darkens their hopes as their boat is wrecked and they are separated – Connor is saved by a strong second-in-command – Cheng Li – of some not-so-honest pirates, and Grace by the mysterious boy Lorcan who never seems to go out into the sun… Will the two be able to find each other, let alone survive?

Who will like this book?: People out for a good pirate or vampire story that isn’t just about gore and violence. It holds some mystery, and is a great sea shanty as well.

If you like this, try this: The sequels, Vampirates: Tide of Terror and Vampirates: Blood Captain.

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