Book Review: The Inuk Mountie Adventure by Eric Wilson

Book:  The Inuk Mountie Adventure (A Tom Austen Mystery) by Eric Wilson, Harper Colins, 1996.

Synopsis:
What is the sinister conspiracy code-named CanSell, and how does it threaten Canada?  Is the nation's handsome Prime Minister really what he seems?  The truth is on a micro-cassette that Tom Austen must somehow find before a crucial vote by Canadians on the future of the country.  

While on a school trip to Gjoa Haven in the high Arctic, Tom unexpectedly learns the cassette might be closer than he thought.  Between drum dances and snowmobile chases across the tundra, Tom searches for the cassette and learns a valuable lesson from the Inuit about the futility of violence.

My Thoughts:
I saw Eric Wilson speak at the Word on the Lake conference in Salmon Arm, BC, and what a pleasure it was!  I loved hearing about his writing experiences and how he came to write Canadian mysteries for reluctant readers.  Wilson has a knack for combining action and adventure with Canadian history, geography, and politics in order to create fast paced and exciting books that kids will want to read.  I know that combination may sound preachy and unappealing, but it's not.

In The Inuk Mountie Adventure, Tom Austin gets caught up in looking for a micro cassette that will lead him to a killer and save Canada from the underhanded plans of a corrupt Prime Minister. 

Wilson paints a vivid picture of life in the far north and the culture of the people, as well as creates tension and mystery about who the killer is.  I like how Tom is clever and curious and is able to think on his feet.  I like that Tom makes mistakes, but is still able to move on.

There is a richness and a straightforwardness to this book that I think kids will love and will have them turning the pages to find out what will happen next.  I can see both boys and girls liking this book, as well as reluctant and non reluctant readers. 

Book Review: Jeremy and the Enchanted Theater by Becky Citra

Book:  Jeremy and the Enchanted Theater (Orca Echoes) by Becky Citra, Orca Book Publishers, 2005, 64 pages, middle school fantasy.

Source:  Library.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Something silver flashed in the corner of the roon. Jeremy stepped closer. A jagged lightning bolt glowed and shimmered. "Neat!" said Jeremy. He picked it up. It felt warm. His fingers tingled. "Put that down!" screeched Mr. Magnus. "Can't you read? DON'T TOUCH!" Everything swirled around Jeremy. Mr. Magnus cried, "He's not ready! He didn't read the rule book!" Jeremy should be at home eating his supper. Instead he has traveled through time with a cat named Aristotle to Mount Olympus, home of the Greek gods. Neither he nor Aristotle has any idea how to get home, let alone how to help Mr. Magnus lift Zeus's curse on his theater, where no play has been performed for years. Not knowing what else to do, Jeremy and Aristotle climb toward the summit, finding adventure all the way. Becky Citra is a primary school teacher and author of many widely read books for children.

My Thoughts:
My son in grade 3 read this to me over several nights as his home reading assignment.  The reading level was completely appropriate for him and the story kept his interest.

Book Review: The Great Ice Age by Geronimo Stilton

Book:  The Great Ice Age by Geronimo Stilton, Graphic Novel #5, Papercutz, 2010.  Children's fiction, 56 pages.
Source:  Purchased.

My middle child, who is in grade 2, loves graphic novels as well as Geronimo Stilton, so when I saw the new Geronimo Stilton graphic novels, I excitedly bought one for him.  He was thrilled with the book and promptly sat down and read it in about half an hour!

In this story, Geronimo and his friends travel back in time to the Ice Age in 37993BC in search of the Pirate Cats.  The Pirate Cats have mistakenly traveled to the Ice Age, but now that they are there, want to capture the Ice Monster that has been threatening the local Neanderthals and bring it to the future in order to become rich and famous.  Geronimo follow the cats in order to stop them from changing history.

I can certainly see the appeal for young readers, and even reluctant readers.  The story is fast paced and the vocabulary is easier than the traditional Geronimo Stilton books.  There is also the same cheesy Geronimo humour that kids love so much.

Throughout the book, there are little snippets of history explaining various things about the Ice Age, for example, who the Neanderthals were, saber tooth tigers, and what a Neanderthal settlement would have been like.  I found these interesting and just informative enough so as not to slow down the story.  I can imagine that kids would enjoy these bits of knowledge and feel like they learned something, while being entertained with the story.

I asked my son what he thought of the book and he said that his favourite thing is when they find out the truth about the Ice Giant.  Also, for him, graphic novels are just the best kind of books.

Does anyone have any favorite books for this age group?  We are always looking for new things to read.  Or maybe your favourite graphic novel?