Hawksmaid by Kathryn Lasky

Title: Hawksmaid
Author: Kathryn Lasky
Age Range: 10 and up
Reviewer: Rose
Note: This book will be released May 2010

With strong characters and a well-developed plot line, Hawksmaid pulls the reader into a new version of the story of Robin Hood. Seen through the eyes of Matty Fitzwalter (who would later take the name Maid Marian), Robert Woodfyn (later Robin Hood) and the hawks Matty learns to fly, this story tells of corruption, loyalty and coming of age. For an added twist, author Kathryn Lasky masterfully brings in the ancient art of falconry.

I found this book impossible to put down and very well done. My one problem with it was that when the author told the story from the hawks point of view they didn't seem very hawk-like. They were too pack-minded and hawks tend to be solitary birds. But other than that one detail this story was a great read.

Fly By Night

Title: Fly By Night
Author: Frances Hardinge
Age Range: 9-12
Reviewer: Sequoia LeBreux

“When words take flight, heroes are born”

Twelve-year-old Mosca Mye hasent got much. Her cruel uncle keeps her locked up in his mill, and her only friend is a goose named Saracan, who’ll bite anything in his path.

Meet Eponymouse Clent “a poet and storyteller, a creator of ballads and sagas” or as Mosca puts it he “tells lies for money.” With Clent came the adventure Mosca had been waiting for.

Mosca LOVES words, hearing Clent walk into her little town called Chough using word like “mendacity and mellifluous”. Mosca didn’t know what they meant,” but the words made shapes in her mind. She memorized them, and stroked them in her thoughts like the curved backs of cats. Words, words, wonderful words.”

Dive into a world were coffee houses can float down the river and mere posters can send a city screaming. Were the word “Birdcatcher” can make people run and cower and white takes on a whole new meaning!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Author: J.K. Rowling

Age Range:7+

Reviewer: Tiana Urey age 8 1/2

This is the first book in the Harry Potter series.

This book is about an eleven year old boy that finds out that he is a wizard and goes to a school called Hogwarts. Harry Potter is always in danger of a dark wizard by the name of Voldemort.

Luckily, Harry Potter has friends (Ron&Hermione) to help him.

I would highly recommend Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone because it has good characters.

It does contain some scary and gruesome images but is good.