Flights fantastic
Looking a great escape? Why not leave this world altogether? Our reviewers will take you to places that will thrill and intrigue you - places you never even imagined. (Luckily, the authors of these Paging All Readers picks did!)
Interesting Times: A Discworld Novel (see book cover)
By Terry Pratchett
(McArthur/Orion., 1994)
Reviewed by Micah, 9
What this book is about: The main story is about the Agaetian Empire. It is, sadly, very interesting. (The worst Agaetian curse is, “May you live in interesting times.”) Seven warlords are fighting. There's a revolution. A group of old men are trying to be civilized.
Where and when the story takes place: In Unseen University, and the Counterweight Continent. All I know about the time is the name of the century: The Century of the Fruitbat. The Agaetian Empire occupies most of the Counterweight Continent; its capital is Hunghang and the people are called the Hunghangese. It is the Discworld equivalent of China.
Why I liked this book: I liked this book because it has Cohen the barbarian, Rincewind the “Wizzard,” Mad Hamish, The Bursar, Mustrum Ridcully, Ponder Stibbons, the Deans . . . and they're all SO FUNNY!!!
The most interesting thing I learned from this book: In this book a new continent is introduced, the Counterweight Continent. I also learned that Terry Pratchett has a crooked sense of humour.
My opinion: This is THE book to read. It is very funny in parts, surprising in others, and the best book ever created!
The Secrets of Droon:
The Great Ice Battle (see book cover)
By Tony Abbott
(Scholastic, 1999)
Reviewed by Gail, 9
What this book is about: The main character is Eric, who started the whole problem by letting Lord Sparr into the palace. This was a mistake because Lord Sparr is evil and the enemy of Eric.
Where and when the story takes place: The time in the story doesn't matter because in Droon, no time passes. The place, however, is important because it's a secret place that Eric and his friends found! It also has magic and is the place where Eric got magic powers.
Why I liked this book: I like Droon books a lot because I like mystery, adventure, etc. This one reminds me of winter because it takes place in the snow.
The most interesting thing I learned from this book: If you make a mistake, don't be afraid of it.
My opinion: This book is excellent. It is a little scary but very good. I recommend it for all ages.
The Phantom Tollbooth (see book cover)
By Norton Juster
(Knopf, 1961)
Reviewed by Julie, 9
What this book is about: A boy named Milo thinks everything is just a waste of time. Then one day Milo finds a phantom tollbooth lying in his room. He doesn't know where it came from or if it was sent by a mysterious person. But when he enters it, he explores the world of Digitopolis to save two princesses. And from that, he learns that everything isn't a waste of time, and that there is more to the world than nothing at all.
Where and when the story takes place: This story takes place in the recent past. In Digitopolis, numbers are everywhere and in Dictionopolis, words reign. Milo also goes to many other places beyond the world that no one ever knows.
Why I liked this book: It is funny and sensational. It has many things that are weird: people eat words and dig for numbers. I really enjoyed it. (See Julie's illustration)
The most interesting thing I learned from this book: I learned many things from this book - such as new words. Most importantly, I learned the importance of life: if you waste it, you'll be nothing at all.
My opinion: I certainly would recommend this book to readers my age. It is cheerful and after I read just one sentence, I couldn't stop. It is one of the best books I've ever read!
The Serpent's Egg (see book cover)
By J. FitzGerald McCurdy
(McArthur/Saratime, 2001)
Reviewed by Ana, 9
What this book is about: A girl named Miranda has a normal life until a stranger comes and takes her to a secret world in Parliament Hill. Miranda finds out that only she can get the serpent's egg to save her world and the other, secret world.
Where and when the story takes place: The story takes place near the present in Ottawa and in the other world, Ellesmere.
Why I liked this book: It is magical and exciting. It keeps you in suspense until the very last page.
The most interesting thing I learned from this book: That J. FitzGerald McCurdy is a great author of quest stories.
My opinion: This book is suspenseful and has lots of action. It is an excellent book.
The Burning Crown (see book cover)
[Sequel to The Serpent's Egg]
By J. FitzGerald McCurdy
(McArthur/Saratime, 2002)
Reviewed by William, 10
What this book is about: The elven girl, Miranda, the boy Nick and the human girls Arabella and Penelope set out to stop Hate, the demon, from destroying everything. Meanwhile, Ellesmere is deciding who will be the next king. Hate tries to have her own men be king.
Where and when the story takes place: The time is in the present. The story takes place partly in Ottawa and partly in a magical universe - a universe where insane and evil creatures thrive.
Why I liked this book: I liked the magic and battles. There were hints of insanity and humour - such as when Mr. Little, a teacher, tripped and fell into some barf.
The most interesting thing I learned from this book: That awesome books like The Burning Crown have lots of detail and action.
My opinion: This book is awesome! It is so 100 percent excellent, I couldn't put it down until the end. I definitely recommend it to other readers my age.
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