“Island, Book Three: Escape,” by Gordon Korman

“Island, Book Three: Escape,” by Gordon Korman is the third book in an exciting survival series about six teens marooned on a desert island.

Main characters Luke, Lyssa, Will, Ian, J.J. and Charla have survived for several weeks, marooned on a desert island that is also used as a base by a group of smugglers. By now they have taken care of their basic needs: food and water, but they are still in constant danger of being discovered by the smugglers.

What is more Will was shot in the leg by one of the smugglers who was trying to kill a wild boar. Now he is dangerously sick, with a high fever. The teens have a few medical supplies but they are hesitant to try to operate on Will. They need a doctor, but the nearest medical care is hundreds of miles away.

But then J.J. comes up with a daring plan. If he can stow away on one of the smugglers planes perhaps he can make it to the mainland and get help for the stranded group. But can he get help in time, and even more importantly, will he be caught by the smugglers?

“Island, Book Three: Escape,” is a great survival tale, though its plot is still feels a little overdone. Gordon Korman's story has an unbelievable storyline, but the action and suspense keep the story interesting. The characters are much more believable, however, with enough subtle details and character traits to keep their interactions surprising. Gordon Korman's “Island” series is a great story for young readers.

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Other Great Books by Gordan Korman:

“Island, Book Two: Survival,” by Gordon Korman

“Island, Book Two: Survival,” by Gordon Korman is the second book in an exciting survival series about six teens marooned on a desert island.

When Luke, Lyssa, Will, Ian, J.J. and Charla were enrolled in the Charting a New Course program for troubled teens they never would have imagined that it would lead to them being shipwrecked and marooned on a desert island.

After floating on an improvised raft for days without any supplies the teens' first concern is to find food and water. But even when they find fruit and water there are other issues they must face. Two of the teens were separated during the accident and probably died. What is more, Will has lost his memory during the traumatic disaster and he runs away from the small group or survivors convinced that they are lying to him when they try to tell him about the shipwreck.

As if that isn't enough the teens then discover that the seemingly desolate island they are living on is used as a base by smugglers who will stop at nothing to hide their lucrative, but illegal trade.

“Island, Book Two: Survival,” is definitely action packed, but as I read it I felt that Gordon Korman went a little overboard. As the book goes on the plot becomes more and more complicated until it begins to border on the ridiculous. But even if the plot is a little unbelievable, the characters are still very realistic and well balanced. I think that Gordon Korman's “Island” series will surely thrill young readers.

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“Island, Book One: Shipwreck,” by Gordon Korman

“Island, Book One: Shipwreck,” by Gordon Korman is the first installment of an exciting survival series about six teens marooned on a desert island.

The main characters are Luke, Lyssa, Will, Ian, J.J. and Charla. Each of them was enrolled in Charting a New Course, a special program for troubled teens. The six teens will be sailing a small schooner on a month long trip through the ocean off Guam.

At first it appears that the most difficult thing the teens will experience is getting along with each other and the boat's first mate, Mr. Radford, a bully who seems to get a thrill from making the kids work hard. But disaster strikes when a freak storm arises, damaging the ship and washing the captain overboard, never to be seen again. For a time the survivors attempt to save the ship, but when it becomes obvious that the ship is doomed Mr. Radford abandons the teens during the night, taking the life boat and most of the food provisions. Suddenly the teens are facing shipwreck in an ocean that is rarely frequented by planes or ships.

Gordon Korman's “Island, Book One: Shipwreck,” is definitely a thrilling story. The mixture of characters enlivens the plot with their social interactions. The novel's elements of danger and suspense make this story move quickly to its cliff hanger conclusion. I would definitely recommend Gordon Korman's “Island” series to young readers.

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“Paper Quake,” by Kathryn Reiss

“Paper Quake,” by Kathryn Reiss is a mystifying book with a highly complex plot.

The adventure begins when Violet and her two sisters discover an old letter in a crack in the wall of a building their parents bought to use as a shop. Strangely enough, the letter appears to be addressed to Violet, although it is certain the letter is many decades old. Soon scraps of letters and diary pages are turning up everywhere Violet goes. All of them seem to be either to Violet are about Violet.

As Violet and her sisters try to decipher the hidden messages and find out more about what they mean they discover a historical parallel that forebodes woe. Not only do the messages hint about a possible murder but they refer to a historical earthquake, while a string of earthquakes rattle present day San Francisco.

I enjoyed “Paper Quake” although its plot was a little weird. Gradually, though, Kathryn Reiss clears away the twists and turns until the books ultimate climax can be revealed. “Paper Quake” is an intriguing book, if a little bit strange.

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“Paint the Wind,” by Pam Muñoz Ryan

“Paint the Wind,” by Pam Muñoz Ryan is part orphan story, part horse story, and a good tale overall.

All that Maya has of her mother is a box full of faded toy horses and a single photograph. She lives with her grandmother, a selfish old woman who refuses to talk about Maya's mother even destroying everything that belonged to her and cutting her out of old photographs.

But when Maya's grandmother dies everything changes and she is taken to live with her mother's family. Living with them in the open country she learns more about her mother, and comes to love horses even as her mother did.

Interwoven throughout the novel is the tale of a wild horse, Artemisia, and her foal. Separated from her band, Artemisia must avoid wranglers, mountain lions and other dangers. Ultimately, though, Maya and Artemisia are combined when disaster strikes and each can help the other to survive.

“Paint the Wind” is a very well executed novel. Author Pam Muñoz Ryan has divided the book into four sections, “Walk,” “Jog,” “Lope,” and “Gallop.” I felt that this was an excellent device that mirrors Maya's release from her grandmother's confining restrictions. Free at last, she slowly opens up and moves on with her new life.

I would recommend “Paint the Wind,” as a good novel for horse lovers or anyone who wants to read a satisfying novel.

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Other Books by Pam Munoz Ryan:

“No Exit,” by J.B. Stephens

“No Exit,” by J.B. Stephens is the four book in the thrilling science fiction series “The Big Empty.”

The six teens managed to escape Novo Mundum after they discovered that a crazed scientist was using Novo Mundum as a base for his research in developing a deadly plague virus. Strain 7 already killed half of the world population, but Strain 8 is even more deadly.

When the six teens make it back to civilization, though, their problems aren't over yet. A small trading community at the edge of The Big Empty is completely wiped out by a mysterious disease. It appears that the Novo Mundum leader used it as a test area for Strain 8. With new information about the source of Strain 7 surfacing the teens make the ultimate sacrifice by returning to Novo Mundum. Will they be able to stop Strain 8 before it starts or will they be too late?

“No Exit,” by J.B. Stephens is simply amazing in its plot. The character relationships and subtly details make it deeply involving. In addition, “No Exit” has a shocking ending that is a cliff-hanger introduction to the next installment of “The Big Empty.” I really enjoyed this science fiction masterpiece, and would recommend the entire series to all science fiction fans.

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“Desolation Angels,” by J.B. Stephens

“Desolation Angels,” by J.B. Stephens is the third installment of the science fiction series “The Big Empty.”

When the six teens finally found Novo Mundum they though they had finally found Utopia. But soon their dreams of peace and security are shattered when they discover a shocking secret that threatens not only their lives but those of everyone alive: The leader of Novo Mundum has developed a deadly plague that could very well become a Strain 8.

To save the innocent members of Novo Mundum and the survivors who live outside of The Big Empty the six teens must flee Novo Mundum and find there way back to civilization. Pursued by soldiers from Novo Mundum they must survive the deadly winter weather and try to avoid The Slash, a renegade gang of guerrilla soldiers that are pillaging The Big Empty. Not only do they have to survive themselves but they must find some way to save the world from Strain 8.

J.B. Stephens has done wonders in “Desolation Angels.” Not only does this book continues the thrilling action and complicated relationship issues that characterize “The Big Empty” series, but it develops the suspense in a series of even more amazing cliff-hangers. The entire series is a must-read for any science fiction fan.

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“The Shakespeare Stealer,” by Gary Blackwood

“The Shakespeare Stealer,” by Gary Blackwood is the first book in “The Shakespeare Stealer” series, about a young boy who joins one of the most famous theater companies in history.

As an orphan, few opportunities were open to young Widge. His life changes completely when his master sells him to a mysterious man who wants to use Widge's most valuable skill, a technique of shorthand writing that enables him to write down passages as fast as they are spoken.

This new master sends him to London, with a dangerous job. Widge is to attend a performance of Shakespeare's Hamlet and copy down the entire play so that a rival theater company can perform it. When Widge enters the Globe Theatre he encounters something that he never experienced before. The players are welcoming and friendly, and soon they offer to take Widge on as an apprentice. Eager to become a player like them Widge accepts. But soon he is pressed on both sides. Will he steal Hamlet and thereby hurt his new friends, or will he risk angering his dangerous master, who is tracking him through London?

I really enjoyed “The Shakespeare Stealer.” The historical aspects of the story feel very well researched and the behind-the-scenes look at the Globe Theatre was quite unique. Gary Blackwood's story is at the same time both educational and enjoyable. The suspense and exciting plot are sure to thrill readers of all ages.

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“Through Time – Pompeii,” by Richard Platt and Manuela Cappon

“Through Time – Pompeii,” by Richard Platt and Manuela Cappon is the story of the Roman city of Pompeii through more than two thousand years of history.

This large, colorful book will appeal to junior readers while at the same time enriching their understanding of history and culture. “Through Time – Pompeii” uses aerial and panoramic views to show the city of Pompeii at different times in history. From Pompeii's beginning as a small village, through its growth under Roman control, to its destruction by the volcano Vesuvius "Through Time - Pompeii" uses detailed pictures show the people of Pompeii working, eating, and recreating. Through both the images and the explanatory text “Through Time – Pompeii” shows what life would have been like in this ancient city. Richard Platt and Manuela Cappon even show how Pompeii was rediscovered, excavated, and partially restored for tourists today.

Another focus of the book is highlighted in the subtitle: “One Roman City, One House...More than 200 Years of Change.” Not only does “Through Time – Pompeii” show the entire city of Pompeii, but it also shows one house in particular as it is passed from owner to owner. The detailed background behind this real historical house helps show how rich Roman citizens may have lived.

“Through Time – Pompeii” is an excellent nonfiction book for junior readers because it teaches about Roman history in an entertaining and involving way.

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“Book of a Thousand Days,” by Shannon Hale

“Book of a Thousand Days,” by Newberry Honor winning fantasy writer Shannon Hale is a retelling of a little known fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

The main character is Dashti, maid to the Lady Saren. When Saren goes against her fathers wishes and refuses to marry a man whom she fears her father locks her and Dashti into a tower for seven years. “Book of a Thousand Days,” is the journal in which Dashti writes about the loneliness she faces in the tower, and later, the danger that she must face outside it.

Shannon Hale writes a marvelous fantasy story, but I didn’t find “Book of a Thousand Days” to be as satisfying as her “Princess Academy,” or “The Goose Girl” series. However, I think that Hale did a good job recreating the story that the Brothers Grimm originally wrote.

If you are desperate to read a fantasy novel or if you just want to keep up to date with Shannon Hale’s fantasy book series, then you should read “Book of a Thousand Days.” Otherwise I wouldn't recommend that you read it.

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