Adventure

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[|First Light by Rebecca Stead]
Posted by Karen Baker - January 15, 2008


 * Summary:** When twelve-year-old Peter and his family arrive in Greenland for his father's research, he stumbles upon a secret his mother has been hiding from him all his life, and begins an adventure he never imagines possible.


 * My Review:** I really liked this book! It’s a combination of adventure and science fiction with good characterizations - very engrossing. Two main characters – one female and one male (alternating chapters). Parts of the plot are somewhat implausible, but I think kids would get past that. Kids who like the //City of Ember// or //Gregor the Overlander// series would especially like this since it is also about a secret underground world.

[|The Lightning Thief] by Rick Riordan
Posted by Joanne Scolaro - October 27, 2008


 * Summary**: Percy, expelled from six schools for being unable to control his temper, learns the truth from his mother that his father is the Greek god Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half Blood where he is befriended by a satyr and the demigod daughter of Athena who join him in a journey to the Underworld to retrieve Zeus's lightning bolt and prevent a catastrophic war.


 * My Review:** Percy is a modern day Greek god - or godling as he is called. What a really clever and painless way to learn about Greek mythology - a great mix of adventure and fantasy. An exciting read with lots of sequels**.**

[|The Sword] by Da Chen
Posted by Joanne Scolaro - January 21, 2009


 * Summary:**When Miu Miu turns fifteen, she learns the truth about her father's violent death and discovers that she must avenge his murder before she can marry the man to whom she is betrothed. Based on a story told to the author by a former prisoner during China's Cultural Revolution.


 * My Review**: A good book for readers who are interested in the martial arts. Miu Miu is a clever, brave girl who has been trained as a martial arts fighter. There is a touch of romance as well. Although this is a short book, there is a lot of detail about life in rural China.