Codes for Reviews

First Initial (Overall Rating):
E = Exceptional
VG = Very Good
G = Good
F = Fair
NR = Not Recommended

Second Initital (Reading Level):
A = Average Reading Level
E = Easy
M = Mature

“The views expressed are of individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of their respective institutions.”

For more information about YAR, please email Dora Ho at dorah2005@gmail.com


Tuesday, April 19, 2016

The Novice

Young Adult Fiction

G/A Matharu, Taran. The Novice.  R.R. Donneley & Sons, 2015. 350p.  978-1-250-06712-8. $18.99

As a baby orphaned, Fletcher, was taken in and raised by the town black smith. Helping his guardian sell his wears at the fair, Fletcher comes face to face with a war veteran with a journal from a battlemage. Fletcher helps the man out of a sticky situation with the town's bully only to find himself running for his own life. But before the warrior leaves, he gives Fletcher the journal. While reading the book, Fletcher accidentally summons a demon of his very own named Ignatius.  This leads him to Hominum and ultimately Vocan Military Academy, the school for battlemages. This world is filled with political and physical battles between the Elves, Dwarves and Humans; even though they battle amongst themselves they are all at war the orcs...with the machinations of humans being the most deadly threat, even among their own kinds. Dawn Fetcher, Inglewood Public Library

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

BOY'S BEST FRIEND

MIDDLE SCHOOL FICTION


F/E  Banks, Kate.  BOY'S BEST FRIEND.  Farrah Straus, 2015.  213p.  978-0-374-38008-3.  15.99.  Two sixth grade classmates (one of whom has recently relocated from another state) become science experiment partners.  For five weeks, week-ends excluded, Lester and George "test" their pets' telepathy.  Will their dogs anticipate their varied times of arriving home from school?  Both the experiment and its results are related to Rupert Sheldrake's adult title:  Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home.  Reading level is suitable for readers who are younger than the book's main characters.  Recommended as a quick, fun read for animal lovers.  Should also satisfy "book report" or "chapter book" reading assignments.  E.M. Roublow (ret.)