Junior Review: Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg

Title: Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Publisher: Disney Press
Reading Level: 9-12
Pages: 208
Rating: 5/5

Fairy Haven is abuzz with news about its latest arrival, Prilla. It's bad enough that she has no idea what her special talent is, but some of her behavior is remarkably, well, human. Prilla is heartbroken that she does not seem to fit in. She desperately needs help from Mother Dove, the most important creature in Neverland, who created and cares for the magical egg that prevents all who live in Neverland from growing old and dying. But tragedy strikes as the island is hit by a hurricane, and the Never egg is destroyed. Mother Dove must pick three fairies to set out on a dangerous quest to repair the egg. She chooses Rani, the best water-talent fairy; Vidia, the most selfish, but fastest fast-flying-talent Fairy; and, to everyone's surprise, Prilla. The three embark on a journey filled with danger, sacrifice, and adventure.

Lizzy's Review:
In the beginning of the book we learn that a baby's first laugh becomes a fairy.  I love this.  I have 2 younger brothers and I remember each time they had their first laugh.  I wonder if it made a fairy?  Here's 3 things I liked about the book:  first, I like that it's about fairies.  They each have a special talent.  The second thing I liked about this book is that you get to meet a new character, Mother Dove.  She's not in any of the movies and she's so important.  The third thing I liked is that the story felt so real.  And the illustrations are gorgeous!  I also loved that the fairy Prilla thinks that a kid (they are called "clumsy's" to the fairies) is a fairy!  Pick yours up at the bookstore today, you're going to want to buy this one. Bye,see you next Thursday!

Review: I Am Number Four

Title: I Am Number Four
Author: Pittacus Lore
Publisher: Penguin
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 440
Rating: 4/5

Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know. They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all. I am Number Four. I am next.

Review:
I had never heard of this book, but I got to talking with a local book seller and we seem to let each other know of new and notable titles. She brought I Am Number Four to my attention. The book didn't come out for another 2 months, but I got online and checked out the first few chapters. The movies rights were bought by Steven Spielberg! Um...it MUST be good if the movie is being made before the book has even been published. So, I was there on release day to get my copy and see what this sci-fi book was all about.

I'm not a sci-fi person. At least I didn't think I was. My mom has been urging me to give the genre a chance and that I would be surprised at what I find. So, I thought I Am Number Four would be a perfect way to get my feet wet, and boy was I glad!

It's not too sci-fi-ish (I know that's not a word, but I can't think of anything that described it better than that). It kept me interested in the characters and their quest to stay hidden. I read it quickly and felt the momentum the whole time. Really great read! I'll urge all of you to give it a try!

Quote:
"I am an alien, I have extraordinary powers, with more to come, and I can do things that no human would dream of, but I still look like a fool."

The movie comes out Feb 2011!!
Starring Alex Pettyfer!