Ace, the Very Important Pig

 Sorting through all this took longer than expected.

Sorry folks.

King-Smith, Dick. Ace, the Very Important Pig. New York : Crown Publishers, 1990.

Plot: Ace, a few-day-old piglet, finds himself listening to Farmer Tubbs and understanding him completely. While many pigs have come and gone on the farm, Ace is the only one to ever comprehend the farmer. Determined to put his skill to use, the pig teaches the farmer to understand him. Such skills allow Ace to enter the house, make friends with the farmer's pets, go to the pub, and watch television. However, his talents eventually reach the media, earning permanent fame for the farmer.

Genre: Animals, Fiction

Reading Level: Grades 3-6; some references to drinking may make guardians uneasy, so be aware.

Similar Titles: Babe the Gallant Pig, Mercy Watson series

Personal Thoughts: The story offers an interesting follow-up to Babe the Gallant Pig. While Babe finds mention, he does not come into the story, although his grandson shows signs of his ancestor's intellect and determination. Also, other characters from the previous book find reference, but no direct appearances. As a result, the book seems almost more like a second title in a series rather than a direct sequel.

Some readers may find the drinking references odd. However, King-Smith uses them to teach a lesson about moderation without becoming heavy-handed.

The text won awards from the School Library Journal, Horn Book, and IRA/CBC.

Secret World of Arrietty

Secret World of Arrietty produced by Studio Ghibli, distributed by Disney.

Plot: Based on The Borrowers, The Secret World of Arrietty offers a Japanese-influenced retelling of the classic English story. Arrietty, the only daughter of two Borrowers, anticipates her first venture into the house. However, the sudden arrival of a young, ill boy threatens the plan. Her first trip ends abruptly when the boy spots her. He attempts to contact the family, despite their attempts to avoid him. Eventually, the trio have no other option. They must leave the house to avoid further detection. The boy may not be as malicious as they fear, though. Yet, despite his good and generous intentions, he may lead trouble to the Borrowers, particularly when the nosy maid becomes involved.

Genre: Anime, Movies, Fiction, Fantasy

Reading Level: Rated G

Similar Titles: The Cat Returns, Kiki's Delivery Service

Personal Thoughts: I liked the different cultures within the movie. Some viewers find the contrast forced or unsettling, but the blend of Western and Japanese styles enhances the setting of the film. Much of the animation attempts to follow the modern, Western style and, as a result, the art depicting backgrounds, furniture, light, and shadow allow an extreme focus to detail, enhancing the sense of smallness in Arrietty's world. However some aspects, particularly the character movement and eye design, maintain an anime-like appearance, allowing the film to focus on the expressiveness of the characters.

A Bear Called Paddington

Bond, Michael. A Bear Called Paddington. 1958.

Plot: At Paddington Station, Mr. and Mrs. Brown discover a small bear. While the bear describes his travels, Mrs. Brown finds a note requesting for assistance tied to his back. The Browns decide to adopt the brown bear cub, much to the delight of their children. The bear, named for the station where he was discovered, quickly creates new adventures when he fails to understand basic household items. The incidents continue through the subway stations, stores, shopping windows, beaches, and birthday parties. Paddington manages to earn some friends through his polite demeanor, kindly attitude, and bearish charm.

Genre: Animals, Everyday, Fiction

Reading Level: Winnie the Pooh, Roverandom, My Father's Dragon

Personal Thoughts: The book launched a fandom. Paddington's adventures eventually lead to a cultural phenomenon, creating toys, shows, books, commercials, and upcoming movies. The charm is understandable and relatable since the bear's adventures play on common everyday events, such as shopping or visiting the beach, with the not-so-everyday inclusion of a floppy-hatted, marmalade-loving bear.

Pippi Longstocking

Lindgren, Astrid. Pippi Longstocking. 1945.

Plot: Pippi Longstocking, a nine-year-old living without parents but with a monkey, decides to use the gold she gained through her travels to buy a horse and a house in a small Swedish village. She quickly becomes close friends with her two clean, well-mannered neighbors. Her exploits continue to gain the favor of her two friends, even if they alienate her from some other members of the village. Street-wise, tough, and determined, the raggedy girl conquers the police, school, orphanage, and thieves by overwhelming them with her common sense, deliberate justice, abnormal strength, and striking personality. Yet, she also helps the town through her fearlessness, and saves two boys from a fire and providing an even greater show than the circus. Pippi Longstocking arrives, and nothing will ever be the same.

Genre: Fiction, Adventure

Reading Level: Grades 4-8

Similar Titles: Ramona the Pest, Harriet the Spy

Personal Thoughts: The book offers the story of the ultimate vicarous character. Pippi enjoys riches, animals, strength, understanding, and freedom without work, school, or obligations, but she remains friendly, kindly, and just. While she runs in danger of becoming a "Mary Sue" (an unrealistic character with no faults), her flaws in social events and the stunned responses balance the character nicely. She remains cheerful, indomitable, and appealing.

At least five additional books and a number of films feature the protagonist.

As a side note, some of the more modern translations avoid potentially stereotypical terms, such as substituting "cannibal" for "native." Also, most modern covers do not picture the heroine with a gun in her hand, as my copy did.

The Cat Who Went to Heaven

Coatsworth, Elizabeth Jane. The Cat Who Went to Heaven. New York : Macmillan 1958.


Plot: A poor artist reluctantly yields to his housekeeper's desire to keep a small calico kitten. Despite the stigma against cats as unholy, Good Fortune (as the housekeeper calls her) shows pious tendencies, such as releasing sparrows and meditating before the household's shrine. When the artist receives a request from the local temple to paint a portrait of the dying Buddha, he pours his efforts, time, and very soul into the project that may establish him. Good Fortune watches and appears to encourage him, until she realizes he will not paint a cat. According to Buddhist belief, cats refused the teaching and cannot enter Nirvana. Yet, Good Fortune does not show anger or vindictiveness. Instead, she appears depressed and seems to cry. After spending days reflecting on the Buddha to create the portrait, the artist realizes the need for compassion. Despite the religious and economic pressures, he paints a cat in the picture, realizing it will cost him his future.

Or will it?

Genre: Fiction, Animals, Folklore

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: The Boy Who Painted Cats, King of the Wind

Personal Thoughts: According to some of the reviews on Amazon.com, some people find the Newbury Metal winner offensive because the people are mean to cats, the cat dies, and the people are exclusive. I think such reviews miss the point. Yes, the cat dies. Yes, people are mean to the cat. Yes, some kids probably will not like the book because of that. Yet, the story also brings up important concepts like mercy, compassion, and courage.

Often, people encourage each other to do the right thing through stories. The prince saves the princess. The girl stands up for herself. The little group changes the world. Such stories are good and should be told. Yet, it seems most tales neglect the cost of such actions, such as physical pain, social intolerance, and long-lasting consequences. To show compassion, the artist risks ridicule, poverty, and dishonor. Yet, he does not regret it. His actions were worth taking because they were right and compassionate, even if no one ever acknowledges or even understands them. Only after he runs the risk does he find the glory.

The story is not about one good cat. It is about realizing what is right and doing it, no matter the consequences.

Redwall

Jacques, Brian. Redwall. New York: Ace Books, 1989.

Plot: Matthias, a novice of Redwall Abbey, always loved hearing of the mouse warrior, Martin. Yet, as a member of an order of healing in a time of peace, he has no hope of experiencing battle. However, his life, and the life of every creature in Mossflower, becomes radically changed when Cluny the Scourge, a tyrannical rat, brings his army to the Abbey’s gates. Matthias discovers his hidden ability to lead, encourage, and fight through the influence of his friends, his mentors, and a young fieldmouse named Cornflower. Yet, to assure victory over the warlord, Matthias must find the lost sword of Martin and claim his destiny as defender of Redwall.

Reading Level: 6-8 grade

Genre: Adventure, Animals

Similar Titles: Mossflower, Nightshade City, Warriors series

Personal Thoughts: The first in the popular Redwall series, the novel provides a history of the abbey and its warriors. While the concept of animal stories tends to be dismissed as juvenile, the book also discusses topics such as responsibility, planning, justice, and hope creatively and believably. After reading a few more books from the series, loyal readers can recognize the beginnings of characteristic themes in the series, particularly riddles and multiple plotlines. The book provided a basis for a cartoon miniseries a few years ago. Apparently, the miniseries is now available on DVD.

The Year of the Rat

Lin, Grace. The Year of the Rat. New York : Little, Brown, 2007.

Plot: The year of the rat promises to offer change. The changes, however, seem terrible. Grace's best friend, Melody, is moving from New York to California and a new family will live in her house. None of Grace's other friends seem to understand. If anything, they do not seem like friends anymore. Grace's talents seem like dead ends and school continues to get harder. Yet, perhaps the circumstances are not what the year needs to change. Grace may need to be the one that changes.

Genre: Asian-American, Coming of Age

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Year of the Dog, Frindle

Personal Thoughts: I like the book, but I'm not entirely sure if I would have liked it as a tween. True, I could relate to missing friends, wondering about my talents, and noting my peers' sudden interest in boys. Yet, I am not sure if I would like it as a tween. Still, it offers a realistic view of a growing up from a Taiwanese-American girl's perspective. Also, the girl actually sounds like a girl, not just an adult in a girl's situations.  

Life of Pi

Martel, Yann. Life of Pi. New York : Harcourt, 2001.

Plot: Pi, a bookish and religious boy, suddenly finds himself trapped in a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. While such a situation daunts everyone, he discovers he must adjust to an additional problem. He has a shipmate. Richard Parker, the only other survivor of the shipwreck, is a young adult Bengal tiger. Pi must survive the harshness of the ocean while keeping the wildcat at bay. Yet, strangely, Richard Parker, the greatest threat to his life, may prove to be the only thing saving him.

Genre: Fiction, Animals

Reading Level: Aimed at young adults; some of the religious arguments and gory scenes may be unsuitable for younger readers.

Similar Titles: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; Beatrice and Virgil: A Novel 

Personal Thoughts: The book falls squarely in the trendy-dramatic category popular with book clubs, both in libraries and on talk shows. Still, it presents a good story, even if the religious arguments smack of political correctness.

As a side note, many schools now use this as required reading. I think this is a terrible thing to do with this type of novel. If a reader chooses to read it, it will be tolerable and even enjoyable (like I mentioned once, it is one of my favorite novels). However, its charm quickly disintegrates if forced on readers, particularly due to its complex and controversial side-topics (religion and animal-keeping).

Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning

Snicket, Lemony. Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning. New York : Harper Collins Children's Books, 1999.

Plot: The Baudelaire children enjoy a happy life until their parents are, tragically, killed in a fire. The children will have access to the family fortune once Violet, the eldest, comes of age, much to the delight and frustration of Count Olaf, their new guardian. The count treats them cruelly, offering them little food, many chores, and no affection. Then, he abruptly starts to treat them better, especially Violet. He even allows them to participate in a play produced by his vile-looking theater group. However, Klaus, Violet's only brother, becomes suspicious of the marriage scene in the play, especially after he reviews a book on nuptial law.

Genre: Fiction

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Other titles in A Series of Unfortunate Events

Personal Thoughts: To be honest, I dreaded reading this book. I heard too many complaints about how dark and depressing the series was. Yet, after I read it, I liked it. I think the reason so many readers protest against the titles comes from the lack of a clear "happily ever after" at the end. However, the lack of a happy ending allows the story to gather interest and continue. Readers want to know what happens. They want to find out if the unfortunate events are all that await the protagonists. They want to know if they do get a happy ending. Even if they cheat and look at the synopsis of the last book in Wikipedia (why are you looking at me?) they still want to read the books and confirm, with their own eyes, what will happen to the kids. I do not have the time right now to read the entire series, but I will read the last book in the series and offer my review next week. BECAUSE I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!!

In 2004, Nickelodeon Movies produced a film based on this series. It got mediocre to good reviews.

Freak the Mighty

Philbrick, Rodman. Freak the Mighty. New York, N.Y. : Blue Sky Press, 1993.

Plot: Max is a big, slow, clumsy outcast. Kevin is a small, smart, crippled outcast. Yet, when they get together, they become more. They become Freak the Mighty, destroyer of dragons, bane of gangs, returner of purses, and swimmer of nasty mill ponds. The story follows the two misfits as they take on summer and, eventually, the school year. Ghosts from Max's family history threaten him, but with the help of Kevin, he escapes his homocidal father and confronts the death of his mother. Yet, when Kevin becomes increasingly weak and awaits a new biotic body being developed at a local hospital, Max begins to worry...

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Similar Titles: Max the Mighty, Holes

Personal Thoughts: Another funny but sad book. The interactions between Max, Kevin, and the world at large are both humorous and believable. As a kid, I really enjoyed the book. Strangely, as an adult, the sadness in the book seems more powerful. It is strange. Adults (including myself, much to my frustration) often fear exposing children, teens, and tweens to sad or disturbing concepts, yet they often seem to cope with the issues better than "grown-ups" do. Not that I'm going to ask a kid to read something like Le Miserables or anything. I'm just surprised by their resilience.

The book was the inspiration for the movie, The Mighty. Even though the film bombed, it received high reviews.

Matilda

Dahl, Roald. Matilda. New York: Viking, 1988.

Plot: Matilda is extraordinary. At five and a half years old, she can read novels and multiply double-digit numbers. However, her parents think she is stupid, and they take every opportunity they can to tell her so. She eventually decides to discipline her parents through a series of pranks. The efforts seem rewarded, but they do not prepare her for Miss Tunchbull, her school headmistress. Unlike Miss Honey, Matilda's kindly teacher, the headmistress demands fearful submission through threats and violence. Faced with an injustice almost beyond her imagination, Matilda realizes she must use one of her unusual gifts to bring down Miss Tunchbull.

Genere: Fiction

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox,  The Twits

Personal Thoughts: While the context is, perhaps, unusual, the novel follows some of Dahl's favorite themes. An unlikely hero manages to overpower strong opponents to bring justice. Apparently, the novel was banned by several libraries, presumably for its reference to psychic power. It also became a basis for a movie in 1996. The film differs greatly from the novel and received mediocre reviews. However, some favor the movie, so it has become a minor cult classic.

Tintin: Volume 1

Rémi, Georges. Tintin: Volume 1. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1979.

Plot: World-famous detective and newsman, Tintin, and his dog, Snowy, leaves his native Belgium to clean up the corruption during America's prohibition. He manages to capture several notorious criminals after traveling through Chicago and the American Southwest. During his boat ride home, he becomes involved with drug smugglers. The smugglers use theft, kidnapping, and social influence to evade Tintin and Snowy. Eventually, the smugglers are all captured by Tintin or killed by their reckless attempts to escape. Yet, Tintin receives cryptic warnings about enemies at large in China...during the onset of World War II.

Genre: Comics, Adventure

Reading Level: Ages 8 and up, but originally intended for adults

Similar Titles: Tintin series, Bone

Personal Thoughts: I loved this series when I was younger. Now that I am older, I can enjoy the series more through historical context, but when I was little, I just thought the adventures of Tintin and Snowy were intriguing and fun. Apparently, though, the prejudice of the author, while acceptable if not expected from the culture at the time of the writing, led to the banning of Tintin's adventures in some institutions. Still, the series manages to secure a universal charm that continues to attract audiences worldwide. As such, the series provided a basis for animations, plays, radio programs, and an upcoming movie.

The Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers - #10 Blown Away

Dixon, Franklin W. The Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers - #10 Blown Away. NY: Aladdin Paperbacks, 2006.

Plot: Shortly after capturing a team of drug dealers, Joe and Frank, teen twin operatives for a government secret agency, receive a new mission. They must leave the snow of lake Tahoe for the sunny landscape of Arizona. A terrorist threatens a major resort with a bomb. The boys have until three o'clock to find the terrorist while maintaining their cover with the vacationers and keeping their search a secret from their mother. Could one of the two business tycoons at the resort have a grudge worth killing for? Will the boys find the bomb on time? Will their mother make them play Scrabble?

Genre: Mystery, Adventure

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Original Hardy Boys series, Nancy Drew series

Personal Thoughts: This is one of a series of updated Hardy Boys books. Many of the cultural, economical, and social references are up-to-date, allowing readers to gain easy understanding of the novels. I remember one of my teachers claiming the original Hardy Boys were the only books she could get chronically non-reading boys to enjoy. While the new version is certainly enjoyable, I think I need to get my hands on an original.

The Indian in the Cupboard

Banks, Lynne Reid. The Indian in the Cupboard. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1980.

Plot: Omri does not especially care for his brother's birthday gift. The gift, found in a rubbish heap in an alley, is a white, mirrored cupboard. Still, he likes playing with plastic figures, so he places a small Indian in the cupboard and locks it with a key of his mother's. When he opens the cupboard the next day, he is shocked to discover the toy has become a tiny, real, live Indian. While Omri treasures his discovery, the world of full-sized people is no place for a toy-sized one. Such a world becomes more complicated when Patrick, Omri's best friend, uses the cupboard on a plastic cowboy...

Genre: Fantasy

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Return of the Indian in the Cupboard, The Borrowers, James and the Giant Peach

Personal Thoughts: I was really surprised by the positive response I got from this title at work (I read during my breaks). Apparently, both tween boys and tween girls enjoy the novel. I am also a little surprised, given the stress on political correctness, that the book continues to gain favor. Granted, the book is (in my opinion) not racist, but it seems like whenever a question of race arises, books tend to get blacklisted quickly. Anyway, the novel is apparently still used in middle school lessons throughout the country. It provided the basis for a movie in 1995 (with mixed reviews) and launched a series of sequels. 
 

Misty of Chincoteague

Henry, Marguerite. Misty of Chincoteague. Chicago: Rand McNally & Company, 1847.

Plot: After helping their grandfather raise wild ponies only to loose them when they are sold, Paul and Maureen decide to raise the money to get their own pony. A pony that will stay and never be taken away. However, they do not want any pony. They want Phantom, a three-year-old mare famous for her ability to avoid wranglers. While Paul is determined to capture her, he and his sister need to raise the money to buy her from the wranglers. They manage to, thanks in part to Phantom's little piebald foal...

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Fiction, Animals

Similar Titles: King of the Wind, Black Beauty, Where the Red Fern Grows

Personal Thoughts: Where the Red Fern Grows without the tragedy. Seriously.

Like Where the Red Fern Grows, the novel starts with a childhood desire for a pet. It develops into a quest to earn the money to purchase said pet. However, it also requires action, in this case, a willingness to participate in the wrangling and horse sale. Unlike Where the Red Fern Grows, the book ends happily, with the children enjoying their pet while accepting the loss of Phantom (do not worry, she returns to the wild; unlike the plot present in most pet stories SHE DOES NOT DIE).

My only complaint is the fact that the book should have been titles Phantom of Assateague. Most of the book focuses on Phantom. Misty only gets a few pages of her own story in the novel.

Anyway, the book also provided the basis of a movie in 1961 (it got mixed reviews) and received a Newbury Honor in 1948.

The Secret Garden

Burnett, Frances H. The Secret Garden. Philadelphia: Lippincott 1962.

Plot: Bratty Mary Lennox finds herself shipped to her uncle's manor after her parents die in colonial India. She does not fit into the manor's household, but she did not fit in well in India, either. Still, she enjoys exploring the garden, especially after she hears about a garden hidden and locked away. With the help of an energetic robin, she discovers the garden, which brings her and the other unwanted members of the manor together. They rebuild the garden and manage to solve the mystery behind the garden's original disappearance.

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Fiction

Similar Titles: The Little Princess, Ann of Green Gables, Little Women

Personal Thoughts: Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present the rarely-seen school book with a happy ending. Seriously, nearly every required reading novel from fifth grade onwards seems to end with the character losing a pet, mother, father, and/or friend. Then people wonder why kids suddenly stop reading. Okay, the rant is now done.

Anyway, the book manages to offer a mystery without the usual spies, skeletons, or murders. Instead, it presents a realistic look at manor life in the Victorian era from the perspective of a child. The characters are flawed, but endearingly so. Tragedies occur, but they do not remain crippling, figuratively or otherwise. The ending manages to be happy, but not sappy. This was one of the few books I enjoyed from my tween school years. As a side note, the story provided a basis for at least two films and a musical.

Manga Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing

Appignanesi, Richard. Manga Shakespear: Much Ado About Nothing. New York: Amulet Books, 2009.

Plot: A manga adaptation of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. The play/story follows two distinct plots. For the first, the shrewd Beatrice and witty Benedick continue their battle of words, even in the presence of Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon. Determined the two should stop their fight, the prince and friends of the pair trick them into believing they love each other - as they really do. While the merry deception takes place, Don John, Don Pedro's evil brother, plans to ruin the happiness of his royal relative. He convinces the prince and Claudio, the prince's major domo, that Hero, Claudio's betrothed, is having an affair. The rumors and lies come together to form one of Shakespeare's most famous comedies.

Reading Level: Ages 10-15

Genre: Manga, Shakespeare

Similar Titles: Manga Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Manga Shakespeare: The Temptest

Personal Thoughts: Shakespeare fans, you knew this was coming. The Bard has found his way into musicals, comic books, movies, and puppet shows. It was only a matter of time before it reached the medium known as manga. Actually, the illustrations serve the story well. The illustrator captures the emotions of the characters in a tangible and visually pleasing manner. I doubt the manga will convince non-Shakespeare readers to like the play, but it will please those who enjoy it.

Where the Red Fern Grows

Rawls, Wilson. Where the Red Fern Grows. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1961.

Plot: Billy desperately wants a pair of dogs. However, he does not want the typical sheepdogs or mutts common near his farm in the Ozarks. He longs for a pair of raccoon-hunting hounds. His parents cannot afford them, though. After finding a hunting catalog offering two dogs for fifty dollars, he begins to save money with work and a prayer. Eventually, he buys his dogs, and the three become inseparable. The dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, manage to out-hunt every other hound in the area and eventually perform excellently in a hunting contest. However, like many animal stories, the dogs cannot last forever...

Reading Level: 9-12 years

Genre: Fiction, Animals, Coming of Age

Similar Titles: Shiloh, Because of Winn-Dixie

Personal Thoughts: I had to read this when I was about 11. Although I remember liking it as a tween, it made me almost cry as an adult. The result is typical of dog books since, to paraphrase Marley & Me, dogs don't live as long as people. While the sad ending may discourage younger readers, the novel provides a story about patience, hope, love, and loyalty.

Smith of Wooton Major/Farmer Giles of Ham

Tolkien, J.R.R. Smith of Wooton Major/Farmer Giles of Ham. New York : Ballantine Books, 1949.

Plot: A two-story book. The first story describes the adventures of a young man in the town of Wooton Major. He unknowingly becomes the heir to a remarkable passport to the land of fairies. Unlike the pixies of today, the fairies contain great power, but subtle gifts. The second story is the saga of an unlikely hero. When a farmer manages to drive off a giant, he becomes a local celebrity. However, the hero status has unexpected demands, especially when a dragon shows up.

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction

Reading Level: 11 years and older

Similar Titles: The Hobbit, Chronicles of Narnia, The Last Unicorn, The Reluctant Dragon

Personal Thoughts: The stories are a "lite" version of Tolkien. Even though they are less involved, they still contain Tolkien's solid storytelling abilities. The first story bears a surreal, bigger-than-life setting of the average moving alongside the extraordinary. By contrast, Farmer Giles of Ham reveals a popular unexpected-hero vs. cowardly villains saga. Overall, they provide a heavier read than a fairy tale, but a lighter story than most fantasy novels.

Day of the Djinn Warriors

Kerr, Philip. Children of the Lamp: Day of the Djinn Warriors. New York : Orchard Books, 2008.

Plot: Following their adventures in India, Phillipa and John Grant, djinn twins, discover that their mother has left their household and mortal father to fulfill an oath to become the Blue Djinn, the supreme leader of the djinns. To become the Blue Djinn, she is forced to abandon all previous relations and emotions, so she can judge completely without bias. The twins, with their uncle Nimrod, set out to find Faustina, the true heir of the Blue Djinn. In the process of finding her, though, the twins discover something strange occurring in the world of spirits. Meanwhile, Dybukk, Faustina's brother, finds himself working his way into fame and fortune as he uses his magic to amaze Las Vegas and the world. Yet, his stunts may be used by a foe of the twins to commit an atrocity never before witness by the world of mortals or spirits.

Reading Level: 11-14 years old, but enjoyable for older readers

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction

Similar Titles: Harry Potter, Dragon Chronicles, Percy Jackson

Personal Thoughts: Like most of the series, Day of the Djinn Warriors provides a solid, over-the-top action story. The locals and humor remind readers of Indiana Jones, while the concepts and characters recall Harry Potter. While the read is enjoyable, the length and the diction may be daunting to younger readers. Still, it manages to provide a good story.