The Horse Diaries

 The Horse Diaries

reviews by Grace Colwell

Elska, the first book in the series Horse Diaries, is about a horse that lives in Iceland with the Vikings. Elska makes friends with a girl named Amma, but Elska is gifted to a neighbor. Amma is saddened to hear that  Elska will be leaving. Can they still remain friends? In the book there were some fun facts about Iceland and the Vikings. I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Elska’s perspective.

Bell’s Star, the second book in the series Horse Diaries, is about a Morgan horse that works on a farm in Vermont. Star’s owner’s daughter, Katie, loves to ride fast on Star when she’s not working. But one day when cooling of in the river they spot a girl being swept downstream, as it turns out the girl is a slave trying to get to Canada. Will the girl ever get to freedom? I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Bell’s Star’s perspective.

Koda, the third book in the series Horse Diaries, is about a quarter horse who travels out west on a wagon train. The journey is hard and costly but the reward is great. Jasmine, Koda’s friend loses her way on the trail, everyone wonders if she is OK. I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Koda’s perspective.

Maestoso Petra, the fourth book in the series Horse Diaries, is about a Lipizzaner stallion who is training to preform moves only Lipizzaner’s can do. But when WWII invades Europe, the trainers don’t know if they can continue training or if their beloved Vienna will be bombed like so many other cities. I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Maestoso Petra’s perspective.

Golden Sun, the fifth book in the series Horse Diaries, is about an Appaloosa that lives with a tribe Nimi’ipuus. Golden Sun’s rider becomes a medicine man and he has to find a special root to make his friend get better. Can they find the root? I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Golden Sun’s perspective.

Yatimah, the sixth book in the series Horse Diaries, is about an Arabian horse that lives with humans, camels, sheep and goats. But when their camp is raided Yatimah realizes that she wants to be a raid horse too. Can she fulfill her dream? I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Yatimah’s perspective.

Risky Chance, the seventh book in the series Horse Diaries, is about a Thoroughbred racehorse that is very fast. But an accident changes his life. Will he ever love the racetrack again? I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Risky Chance’s perspective.

Black Cloud, the eighth book in the series Horse Diaries, is about a wild mustang, whose herd gets chased by humans. A lot of them die, who will be left? I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Black Cloud’s perspective.

Tennessee Rose, the ninth book in the series Horse Diaries, is about a Tennessee walker who lives in Alabama. When the civil war breaks out Rosie is chosen to be a generals mount. Will Rosie come back? I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Tennessee Rose’s perspective.

Darcy, the tenth book in the series Horse Diaries, is about a Connemara pony that works on a farm. Darcy loves to run, she later finds her speed useful when the doctor needs to be summand and a race needs won. Can Darcy get the doc. and win the race? I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Darcy’s perspective.

Jingle Bells, the eleventh book in the series Horse Diaries, is about a Clydesdale gelding that lives in the time when horses and wagons are being replaced by Henry Ford’s model T. Will Jingle still be needed? I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Jingle’s perspective.

Luna, the twelfth book in the series Horse Diaries, is about Frisian mare who joins the circus. Her favorite human is a little girl named May who wants to perform like her older sister. But her parents say she’s not strong enough. Can Luna and May prove that they are good? I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Luna’s perspective. 

Cinders, the thirteenth book in the series Horse Diaries, is about a Percheron mare who is training to become a fire horse. But everything she sees scares her, so the fire dog, Sparky, helps keep Cinders calm. But one night sparky’s gone, and Cinders is having to face the biggest fire Chicago has ever seen. Can she do it? I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Cinders’ perspective. 

Calvino, the fourteenth book in the series Horse Diaries, is about a Andalusian stallion that works on a cattle ranch who is later trained to dance with other horses. He does not see the point of these “silly” moves until he has to use them in a bullfight. Will Calvino survive? I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Calvino’s perspective.   

 Lily, the fifteenth book in the series Horse Diaries, is about a Welsh pony that loves to compete in the local Pony Club events. Then a snobby girl from London joins the Club and makes sure everyone knows she is the best ridder. Can Lily and her rider get thorough the wall the new girl makes? I enjoyed reading this book because it was from Lily’s perspective.     

 

 

Mary Jemison Seneca Captive

 

Review by Nathan:

         This book based during the French and Indian War tells the story of a girl named Mary Jemison.  She and her family were taken captive by Indians and forced to march away from their home.  On the march the rest of her family was killed and scalped but Mary was spared.  She was then sold to two sisters who had lost a brother fighting the English. They treated Mary like family and she lived with them for awhile.  

        When she was 17 she was married to an Indian and they lived happily.  But her husband Sheninjee later took sick when she was going for a long visit with her adopted Indian sisters.  After she returned to her village some people tried to get her to come back to live with the whites but she refused even when this meant she would have to hide for periods of time.  

        She eventually remarried to Hogadowah but he went to fight in the Revolutionary War.  Then her village was burned by American Colonial forces.  With her children in tow she set out to a valley where she had found refuge before.  She lived there for many years (over thirty years) until 1831.  She died in 1833.

I enjoyed this story because it was a true story and some of it took place by where I live so I was able to relate.

 

Note: Please use your own discretion for having younger children read this book due to some content (being taken captive, scalping and killing of family, forced marriage, etc.)

Reading age range: 10+  Book Category: Based on a true story
Book format I used: Hardback

Doctor Dolittle

 

Review by Nathan:

This book is about a man named Dr. Dolittle who was a "people doctor" but after he began adopting and taking care of numerous animals, all but one of his patients left him.  He soon decided to become an "animal doctor" and he learned to speak animal languages.  A little ways into this career he receives a message for help from the monkeys in Africa to come and help them with an epidemic.  

            He encounters many adventures on his way to the monkeys, including getting ship wrecked and imprisoned by a king with bad memories of foreigners.  He eventually makes his way back to his home in Europe after a ship sinking, making a pirate become a farmer and finding a missing man.  And as some stories would put it "he lived happily ever after".

I enjoyed the humor in this book.

Reading age range:  11+ (may not be interesting later on)                                Book Category: Fiction

Book format I used: Paperback

We watched the movie (and this prompted me to read the book.)

The movie is quite different.  In the movie Dr. Dolittle has lost his wife and shut himself away from the world but is called upon by the queen, who is very sick.  He leaves reluctantly and goes to the castle where he decides to go in hunt of the Eden fruit to cure the queen.   He and his animal helpers are pursed by the accomplish of the person trying to take over the kingdom.  The diary he must get to show him the way to the fruit (which actually was his wife's-who died searching for the same fruit) is in the castle of a pirate.  He barely escapes there with his life and has to track down the accomplish to the cave where the fruit is.  In the cave there is a dragon the eventually allows Dr. Dolittle to get the fruit and they rush back to save the young queen just in time.

The movie is funny in it's own way but is not very close to the book.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Review by Nathan:
This book tells the story of a poor boy, Charlie Bucket.  In his town is the famous Willy Wonka chocolate factory.  No one has been allowed in the factory for a long time but now 5 lucky people will be able to go in if they find a golden ticket in a Wonka chocolate bar.  Charlie is not able to go out and buy five hundred like everyone else. But after he finds a dollar on the ground, he buys a chocolate bar with a golden ticket in it.
Charlie goes into the factory with the other four children.  The other children all get into some sort of trouble and soon only Charlie is left.  Mr. Wonka was hoping only one kid would not get into trouble so when he got older he could give the factory to him.

This is a very funny book.

Age Range: 8-~13   Book Category: Fiction

A Family Apart

Review by Nathan:

This book tells the story of six children who lived in New York with their mother (their father had died.)  Their mother eventually decids that a better life awaits her children out west.  So she sends them out on an Orphan Train.  This devastated the children and some were very angry.  Ma makes Frances the oldest promise to stick with Petey (the youngest) so Frances pretends to be a boy in hopes of being picked together.  They soon travel out west with a few adventures on the way.

Once there, they are broken up and taken to several families.  Frances in able to stay with Petey and all the children but Mike (oldest boy) find a good home. 

This is the first book in Orphan Train Adventures.  

I enjoyed this book especially since I like historical fiction.

Age Range:11+    Book Category: Historical Fiction

Daughter of Venice

Review By Nathan:

This book tells the story of Donata, a daughter of a nobleman in Venice.  She is hidden from the outside world going veiled through the canals on gondolas and not being able to see the true Venice.  One day after seeing a map of Venice, she decides to try to see the real Venice.  She later sneaks out multiple times disguised as a boy.  After a turn of events, she is told she will marry. But her parents confuse her abilities for those of her identical twin sister, Laura,  and only one of them will be able to marry!  She sets out on a daring plan to let her sister marry but if Donata succeeds, she will be sent to a convent like almost every other unmarried noble girl in Venice-and she is not sure she can stand that.

When Donata sneaks out she not only sees the best of Venice but the worst of Venice.  This includes run ins with bullies and a couple mentions of the prostitution that plagued Venice.  She also develops a crush on a Jewish printer coworker.

Age Range:  11/12+   Book Category:Historical Fiction

The Tucket Adventures Series

Review By Nathan:
Francis Tucket is a teenage boy who is moving out west with his family.  On his 14th birthday, he is given a rifle and goes behind the wagon train to practice, but he gets too far behind and is kidnapped by Indians.  Thus starts the adventures of Tucket's life. 
              First in the Indian camp he meets a one armed man named Mr. Grimes who helps him escape the Indians.  Francis travels with Mr. Grimes for a while and learned a lot about how to survive in the west, but they eventually part ways.  Their paths will cross several more times.
              In the mean time, Tucket finds talkative Lottie and her brother Billy alone on the prairie.  He takes them in and starts towards Oregon in the hope of finding his family.  Along the way they end up getting involved in the American-Mexican War, get captured by bandits and find a mother-load of gold.  Eventually Mr. Grimes is killed and this effects Tucket deeply.  After a little while, he continues along his way to Oregon.  At the end of the book series, Tucket finds his family, marries Lottie and "lives happily ever after."

            I enjoy reading about the Wild West and I like the adventure in these books.

Note to Parents:
This book contains some bad language, violence (Tucket himself killed several people over the series) and Mr. Grime's death left Tucket depressed for a while until Mr. Grimes "showed up" and told him it was OK (Mr. Grimes death can also be a sad moment for the reader.)

Age Range:10 to 14  Book Category: Historical Fiction/Fiction

Another I read by Gary Paulson  Woodsong

Please feel free to leave a comment to tell what you thought of the review, the book or to suggest something for us to read and review.

The Good Master

Review by Nathan:
This book tells the story of a boy named Jancsi who is the son of a rancher in Hungary.  Jancsi has never gone further than the nearby village so he is very excited when his cousin, Kate, comes from the city.  But he is not prepared for his headstrong cousin.  This book tells about Kate's change from liking city life to loving country life and all the adventures that come along with it, from roundups to gypsies.

I enjoyed this book, especially when Kate came to like country life since I live in the country.

Age Range:  11+   Book Category: Fiction

The Night of the Full Moon

Review by Nathan:
This book tells the story of a girl in 1840 Great Lakes area named Libby.  She is friends with an Indian girl named Fawn.  One day Libby sneaks away to the Indian camp when they are having a celebration.  While she is there, soldiers come and force the Indians to leave and head west.  With the help of the tribe chief, Libby manages to get back home.

This short book is a perfect book for younger readers.  It was a quick read for me.

Age Range: 7-8 to 11   Book Category:  Historical Fiction

Kavik The Wolf Dog

Review by Nathan:

Andy lives in a remote village in Alaska and keeps a trap line.  One day when he is on the line, he runs across the plane wreck of Smiley who had been transporting the winning lead dog of the North American Dog Sled Race.  The dog named Kavik is found by Andy near the crash, still alive but barely.  He struggles to get Kavik home and even then people don't think he'll live.  Kavik makes a full physical recovery and his owner wants him back.  The owner, Mr. Hunter, takes him back down South but Kavik escapes and starts working his way up to Andy's village.  Will he survive the journey and if so will Mr. Hunter take him again?

I like Alaska and much of this book takes place in Alaska so I enjoyed it very much.

Age Range: 11+ (remember this is only a recommended age range)  Book Category:  Fiction

The Wolfling

Review By Nathan:

Robbie really wants a wolf pup to raise for his own, but there are some problems. He'd have to get the pup in the first place before someone kills it for a bounty plus his father is a farmer and a wolf could kill livestock.  He finally gets a wolf pup who he names "Wolf".  But the question is can Robbie train Wolf to stay out of trouble and will Wolf runaway someday?  And how is Inga, Robbie's good friend, tie in to this all?  Join Robbie and his 1870's town in their adventures.

I like to read about wolves and this time period in history so I very much enjoyed this book.

Note to parents:

Inga's father drowned so Inga's mother is very worried Inga will die young and causes Inga to have somewhat of the same opinion.  Also Inga and Robbie kiss.

Age Range 12+   Book Category:   Historical Fiction

The Boy Who Dared

Review By Nathan:

This book is based on a true story and takes place during the Nazi regime.  It tells the story of  a German boy named Helmuth and his Mormon family.  Helmuth is the average teenage school boy until Hitler takes over the government.  He starts to realize that Hitler's regime tells lies to get the people to follow them.  He eventually decides to do something about it.. He secretly starts to write, type and distribute leaflets that point out Hitler's flaws.  When someone turns him in to the Gastopo, he is arrested and convicted.  Even though he is still a minor, he is sentenced to death.  This book goes between him on death row and his life before he is arrested.  

Note to Parents:  This book obviously takes place in Nazi Germany and mentions some of the cruelty that took place.   As I also mentioned, Helmuth was on death row and it describes prison life.  Please read more before having your child read this book.

Age Range: 13-15+   Book Category:Historical Fiction

See this Christian Site:   https://www.pluggedin.com/book-reviews/boy-who-dared/

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple

Review by Nathan:

California Whipple and her siblings follow their mother as she fulfills her dream to move out to California during the gold rush of 1849.  California (the girl) does not like being hauled out from Massachusetts to this barren land and being named after it.  On the top of her list of complaints is that there is no "lending library" which she hopes to remedy. She eventually gets used to the way of life but still wants to go back east.  She also changes her name to Lucy with some trouble from her family.  This book tells of her adventures and challenges from runaway slaves, to her brother's death and the entire town of Lucky Diggins burning.

I enjoyed reading this book especially since I like books set in the West during this period. In this book, Lucy was not the most respectful to her mother or always truthful.  Also, be sensitive to the language and lifestyle of the miners portrayed in this book.  

Age Range 12-18  Book Category: Historic Fiction

Another I read by Karen Kushman

The Midwifes Apprentice

A Gathering of Days

Review By Nathan:

             This book tells the story of a girl named Catherine in 19th century New England

 over several years.  This book, written in diary format, tells of Catherine and her family's hardships growing up without her mother in the country from the hard winters and strict school teachers to her best friend's death.  Eventually her father remarries and she faces the trouble that comes with a step mother.  At the end of the book Catherine goes to live with far away friends to help with their baby-leaving the reader to make up the rest of the story.

             This book gives you a peak into the life of people in the early 1800's which I enjoyed.

Age Range: 11-18  Book Category: Historical Fiction

Woodsong

Review By Nathan:

Woodsong tells the story of famous writer Gary Paulsen and his adventures with dogs and dog sledding.  It starts when he first gets a dog team to run a trap line. It tells of the lessons he has learned from dogs and what he has seen while sledding.  The book ends with the famous dogsled race, the Iditarod in Alaska which he finishes (a lot of racers do not.)

Note:

Sometimes when Paulsen is out sledding alone he starts to hallucinate due to severe conditions.

Age Range 13+ (Note this is only a recommended range-use your own judgment)

Book Category: True Story

The Bear-Originally Published as The Grizzly King

Review By Nathan:

This book by James Oliver Curwood is set in the Rocky Mountains of Canada.  It tells the story of Thor, a giant grizzly bear who makes these mountains his home.  It also tells us about two men named Bruce (the pro. hunter) and Jim (the naturalist) who invade Thor's kingdom and after seeing him they decide to hunt the magnificent Thor.  At this time Muskwa, a black bear cub who has just lost his mother is found by Thor and is taken under his "wing". 

               The hunters soon set dogs on Thor's trail and Muskwa is separated from the giant beast and captured by the hunters.  Thor escapes and they continue to hunt him while taming Muskwa.  At one point Jim is out for a walk and breaks his rifle.  Not long after this Thor finds him but leaves him be even though he could have easily killed his "enemy".  This changes Jim's outlook and the hunters move on leaving Muskwa.

Age Range:11+    Book Category: Historical Fiction

See also: This book by the same author Kazan

Kazan-Father of Baree

Review By Nathan:

This book is about a three quarters dog and quarter wolf named Kazan.  He joins a wolf pack and finds a mate who he knows as Gray Wolf  But  soon they run across some humans and Kazan joins with them.  His loyal mate stays at a distance.  Eventually Gray wolf has pups but they are soon killed and she is blinded by an attacking animal.  Several times Kazan has to make the hard decision of who to stay with- humans or his mate.  This book covers his happy times and his sad times as he walks the path of life.

I very much enjoyed this book especially since I like wolves.

Age Range: 12+   Book Category: Historical Fiction

The School Story

Review by Nathan:

            This book by Andrew Clements is a must read for middle schoolers.  It tells the story of two middle school girls named Natalie and Zoe.  Natalie's dad died in an accident when she was younger and she misses him.  One day she decides to write a story loosely based on her own life to honor her father.  She shows the story to Zoe (her friend) who insist it is good enough to be published.  But Natalie's mom works as an editor and she tells Natalie that unless you have a good agent it is almost impossible to get your book published.

            The first thought is to tell her mom about the story and ask her mom to get the book published but this could cause accusations of favoritism.  So Zoe comes up with the daring idea to act as Natalie's agent.  But to go through with this plan they need to enlist the help of an adult. They get Ms. Clayton their English teacher to help them.  Soon the plan is under way but will it succeed?

Age Range 11+.  Book Category:  Fiction

Other books By Andrew Clement that are a must read:

Andrew Clements wrote a lot of books that take place is schools here are some of our other favorites.

The Keepers of the School (Series of 5)

The Landry News

Extra Credit

Frindle

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot

Review by Grace:

This book tells about researchers' mission to save the Kakapo parrots in Papa New Guinea. Researchers wake in the middle of the night to cheek on the parrots. There are very few of these flightless birds and so the ones that are still living are precious. The researchers put food near the parrot's nest and help the baby Kakapos live to the next day. This book was fun to read and the pictures were great.  

Brumby

Brumby 

Review by Grace:

      The brumbies of Australia once were wild and of mixed decent. They were captured for work then set free to roam once more. Horses from Europe were set free as well. This book shares with how brumbies fight to survive. Wild fire, drought, and starvation do not help them survive not to mention the men who want rid of them. But people with a heart for horses help heal their wounds and help them trust men, then the horses are adopted and cared for by loving hands. This book  is all about horses and I liked it since I like horses.

Seven Little Australians

Review by Nathan:

         This book is about a family of nine in Australia.  There is the father who is an army general and has little understanding of children and his new, young wife Esther.  The older six children's mother died and Esther is only mother to the youngest child nicknamed General.  The other children's nicknames are Meg 16, Pip 14, Judy 13, Nell 10, Bunty 6 and Baby 4.

         They are always getting in trouble.  Eventually Judy gets sent away to boarding school to hopefully stop the trouble.  After a little while there, she sneaks away and comes home.  Their father decides to send the entire family away to Esther's parents.  While there, the family enjoys themselves out in the country. But then disaster strikes when General toddles under a falling tree and Judy rushes to save him but as a result her back is broken and she soon dies.  This saddens the family and the books ends there.

         

This book is said to be the Cheaper by the Dozen of Australia but I don't think it as humorous.

Age Range: 12-18   Book Category:  Realistic Fiction

The Quest for the Tree Kangaroo

Review By Nathan:

This book is about scientist Lisa Dabeck and her group who study the tree kangaroos in Papua New Guinea.  Tree kangaroos are in the Kangaroo family but spend much of their time in the trees. This book documents  their day to day challenges, discoveries and joys.  This book really inspires people to get out and study God's Creation.

Lisa with a tree Kangaroo

Age range:  8+      Book Category:  Scientific Non-Fiction

Link for Wikipedia article on the species that Lisa studied.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matschie%27s_tree-kangaroo

Boy without Names

Review By Nathan:

             This book is about a boy named Gopal and his family of five, his parents and his younger brother and sister.  They live in a village in India.  But one year they are not able to get enough money from the onion crop they grew.  They are soon in debt and decide to go to the city of Mumbai where they have a family member who has done OK.  But on the way to the family member's house, they are separated from Gopal's father.  

              A little while after they make it to the relatives house (his father has still not shown up) Gopal is too trusting in a stranger boy and ends up kidnapped and forced to work in a bead frame "factory".  (really just a rundown house)  There are also several other boys that are forced to work.  They are not allowed to share their names let alone talk.  Gopal eventually brings the boys together by getting most of them to share their names and by telling stories.                                                                     But this is not enough for them to escape and Gopal takes a risk to hopefully help the police find them.  But their "boss" gets word of an impending police raid and hides them when the police come.  Will Gopal and the other boys be freed or will they be broken up and sent to factories all over the city?

         I liked this book, especially in the way that Gopal was persistent.  This book also gives a look into the sad truth of child slavery.  I think this is a book people should read.  

Age Range: 12+      Book Category: Realistic Fiction

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Homeless Bird

                                                                Homeless Bird
Review by Grace:
     
               Homeless Bird is about a girl named Koly in India.  Koly is married to a boy named Hari and his mother is very rude to Koly who does most of the work. Koly is very good at embroidery so she makes quilts.  Not long after they are married Hari dies. When Hari's mother leaves Koly in the city of Vrindavan she goes to a widow's home and helps Raji learn to read. Then Koly gets a job as an embroiderer of saris. Raji and Koly get married and Raji added a room with two windows for her embroidery. I really enjoyed the details given in this story and I would read it again.

The Tale of Despereaux

Review by Nathan:

The Tale of Despereaux is a about mouse named as you might guess, Despereaux.  He lives in a castle with many other mice, but he is not like other mice.  He soon falls "in love" with the human princess named Pea.  Due to this, he is sentenced by the mouse council to be thrown in the dungeon which is filled with mice eating rats.  Meanwhile, a rat is planning to lock the princess in the dungeon.  Will Despereaux live and will the princess be freed?

This was a well written story but it was not one of my favorite stories.  (It was a "fairy tale" story.)

Age range:7-12    Book Category: Children's Fiction

Escape From Aleppo

Review by Nathan:

This book, which is based on a true story, is about a girl named Nadia who lives in Aleppo, Syria.  This story takes place between 2010 and 2013 during the reign of dictator Bashar al-Assad.  He is a cruel man who cares for himself not for his people.  In March 2011 when the people of Syria peacefully protest, he has his troops open fire on them.  In July 2012 the battle for the city of Aleppo between the government troops and the rebels start.  This is part of the ongoing Syrian civil war.  During October 2012 Nadia and her family's house in bombed.  She is separated from her family, but she continues to their planned meeting place.  But by the time she gets there, they had to leave to head to Turkey.  She meets up with a older man named Ammo Mazen.  He helps her and several other kids get to the Turkish border safely.

Note to Parents:
Obviously this book takes place during a war so it depicts and mentions some violent incidents.  There is minimal if any bad language.  Use your own discretion when reading this book please.

Estimated Age Range:  11+   Book Category: Historical Fiction

Extra Credit

                                                                     Extra Credit
                                                             By Andrew Clements
Review by Grace:

          Extra Credit by Andrew Clements is about a girl in Illinois named Abby Carson and a boy named Sadeed Bayat in Afghanistan. Abby is falling behind at school and needs some extra credit to pass the sixth grade. So her teacher gave Abby a pen pal poster project. But even though Sadeed is the best at English, it is not appropriate for a boy and a girl to correspond. So Sadeed writes the letter but his sister signs them. What will they learn about each other's country? Will Abby pass her grade?

Brotherband Chronicles

Review by Nathan:

The Outcast  (Aka Brotherband):
In this book Hal and the other unwanted boys at Hallasholm form their own Brotherband (ships crew in training.)  To become an actual ship crew they must succeed in their harsh training.

The Invaders:
Hal's Brotherband, the Herons, have passed their training and even beat the other boys.  But when they are given one of the most honored duties, they fail.  They let the Andomal (a precious amber stone) be stolen.  In order to redeem themselves they must track down the thief and get the Andomal back.

The Hunters:
The Herons are chasing down Zavac to get the Andomal back.  But first they must penetrate the pirate stronghold of Ragusa.  In the end it comes down to a duel between Hal's ship and Zavac's ship.

Slaves of Sorocco:
The Herons have gotten the Andomal back and now they are being dispatched to Araluen to work as the patrol vessel for the coast there.  They are soon hot on the tail of a slave ship who has taken several Araluen's captive.  The captain Tursgud was a childhood bully.  They must get the prisoners out of a large slave holding area.  But when their plan partly backfires it makes things more complicated.  Will they succeed with the help of Ranger Gilan or not?

Scorpion Mountain
The Herons are again called to Araluen not to patrol, but to protect Cassandra and track down who is behind the attempt to assassinate her.  They find their way to Scorpion Mountain, the base of the Scorpion Cult, where Gilan duels with their leader to end the threat to Cassandra.  Who will win?

The Ghostfaces:
The Herons are caught in a monster of a storm and are swept out into uncharted sea.  Then their water supply leaks and they are left with almost no water.  Hal makes a gamble and starts looking for land in the opposite direction they came from.  They finally sight land and make friends with the local natives.  Then a raiding tribe is heading towards them.  The Herons must mount a defense against this attack.  Will they succeed in protecting themselves and the tribe they are friends with?

The Caldera
Stig's(Hal's second in command) father shows up.  Hal's father stole money from his comrades and left Skandia.  Now he wants Stig and the Herons to help him find a kidnapped prince.  It turns out that Stig's father is the captain of a palace guard in Byzantos.  He was sick when the prince was captured but the Queen of Byzanto's is holding him responsible.  Hal and his crew decide to help Stig's dad.  But when they finally track down the pirates who kidnapped the prince they end up where a volcano is erupting.  Will they make it out alive?

Return of the Temujai:

The Temujai (horse riding fierce warriors) are trying to invade Skandia again.  Erak the ruler of Skandia sends the Heron (the boats and crews name) on a mission to make sure the Temujai are not going to invade Skandia via the Ice River.  It turns out they are and the Herons make a stand to stop them while Hal goes back to Hallasholm to get help.  The Herons are outnumbered hundreds to one and the Heron ship is badly damaged.  Will any one come out of this situation alive?

Note to Parents: Stories include mild violence and language.

Bulu African Wonder Dog

Review by Nathan:

Note:  This is a true story. 

Bulu was the runt of his litter in Zambia.  He is adopted by Steve and Anna Tolan who are starting a wildlife education center.  They are told that a pet dog will not survive in Zambia due to the many dangers, but the Tolans are determined.  Bulu eventually becomes wise in the ways of Africa and becomes a guard dog.   Bulu also becomes a foster parent to the many types of animals that are cared for by Steve and Anna.  Bulu has many life and death encounters with African wildlife  including a spitting cobra, elephant, crocodile and tetse flies.  But his worst encounter was with two lions when  Bulu stood against them to protect two of his warthog "daughters."   Will Bulu survive or not?

Personal review by Grace:

       The book Bulu is fascinating. As we read the book I looked forward with anticipation to see what adventurers lay ahead for Bulu and his friends. I also enjoyed a peek at South African life.    

Following is a map of the location of this true story.  The wildlife center is beside South Luangwa National Park.  Click on the map to see it up close.

This is the link for the wildlife education center that Steve and Anna run: https://www.chipembele.org/

Ryan and Jimmy And the Well That Brought Them Together

Review By Nathan:

Notes:  This is a complete review!  Also this is a true story.

When Ryan, a Canadian boy, was in first grade he learned about the shortage of clean water in Africa. He decided to do something about it. He started raising money to help drill a well in Africa. Eventually he saved enough money to have a well drilled. He wanted it drilled by a school so it was drilled by Agweo, Uganda. Soon Ryan became pen pals with a boy named Jimmy from Agweo. Ryan eventually got to go to Africa to see his well and Jimmy. It seemed all was going well for the village after Ryan left, that was until the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) raided the village and captured many younger boys including Jimmy. Jimmy managed to escape but it was not safe for him in Uganda anymore. So the long process to get Jimmy to Canada started. After many set backs Jimmy finally made it the Canada. Jimmy eventually got used to his life living with Ryan and his family and he enjoyed it.

To see the Ryan's Well Foundation's website click here.

 To see a Wikipedia article on Ryan click here

The Storyteller's Beads

Review by Grace:

          The Storyteller's Beads is about two girls named Rachel and Sahay. This book takes place in
Ethiopia, Sudan and Israel. It is based on a true story where Rachel and Sahay go through the mountains to get to the refugee camp and get away from the fighting. Sahay's Uncle and Rachel's brother go with them. Rachel is blind so her brother is her eyes. Later when Sahay's Uncle and Rachel's brother have to leave because of soldiers needed to fight, Sahay becomes Rachel's eyes. During the journey Rachel remembers the stories that go with each bead on the necklace her gramma gave her and the girls get courage from the stories they shared.

This is a great book and the moral is don't give up and you will get there.

The Diary of Strawbridge Place

Review By Nathan:

This book is about a Quaker family in Ohio who host a station on the Underground Railroad.They go  through a lot in the time the book covers.  First, there son is shot then there's suspicion that they are harboring runaway slaves from unwanted people.  They also lose there barn in a fire in order to keep the slaves safe.  In the end, the slaves escape.  This would be a good book for around 6th graders.  The book does mention some human suffering (involving slaves and their shot son) but it is minimal.

Redwall Series (Books 8 to 14)

Click HERE to read review for Redwall series books 1-7.

Review by Nathan:

Outcast of Redwall:

This book tells the story of Sunflash Mace and his enemy Swartt Sixclaw.  It also involves several members of Redwall Abbey.  The abbey leaders make a tough decision; to tell a young troublesome, murderous ferret he is not welcome at the Abbey.  In the end Sunflash and Swartt Sixclaw meet.

The Pearls of Lutra:

Emperor Ublaz is set on getting the six pearls of Lutra to finish his crown.  He sends many a ship to find them from his island home.  His soldiers kidnap the Abbey Abbot and are soon being pursued by Martin II and several others. A demand of the pearls of Lutra is made for the abbot release and several Abbey creatures set on a search to find them.   Meanwhile on the Emperors islands rebellion is breaking out.  Will the abbot and other Redwall creatures and their friends be safe or not?

The Long Patrol:

This book follows the story of young Tammo who wants to join the long patrol.  In the mean time the Redwall Abbey's South Wall is starting to sink and a vermin army is headed straight for Redwall.  The Long Patrol must stop this army before it gets to Redwall.  

Marlfox: 

The Marlfoxes are experts at camouflage.  They are ruled by Queen Silth who must be surrounded by beauty.  This causes them to try to force Redwall Abbey to give them things then they try to invade it.  When they steal something that is valuable to the Redwallers, they are pursued all the way into the great lake.

The Legend of Luke:
Martin in solemn, he wants to find out more about his father who he knows almost nothing about. He sets out with several friends to find out what happened to his father. The second part of the book tells the story of Luke, Martin's father, and his enemy Verdauga Greeneyes.

Lord Brocktree:
Ungatt Trunn, the wildcat, has his sights set on Salamandastron and only an old badger Lord Stonepaw and his elderly hares are still at Salamandastron.  Lord Brocktree is being drawn to Salamandastron along with his companion Dotti.  In the end a large battle takes place at Salamandastron and a few creatures will not survive.

The Taggerung:
A young otter is kidnapped by a band of vermin because he is the Taggerung to be (the strongest warrior in the land.)  He grows up named Tagg not knowing his true family.  He soon despises the way of vermin so he leaves the tribe.  He joins up with a mouse named Nimbalo to stop the vermin who are pursuing them.  They eventually make it to Redwall but Tagg is hit in the chest with an arrow. Will he survive or not?

Note to Parents:
Especially in the last two books there is an amount of predicting the future.  This plays an important part of the last book.  It did not bother me knowing that this is only a fictional story but you will want to use your own discretion.


Below is a list of the books in chronological order copied from https://www.librarything.com/series/Redwall%3A+Chronological+Order

Titles Order

Lord Brocktree by Brian Jacques 1

Martin the Warrior by Brian Jacques 2

Mossflower by Brian Jacques 3

The Legend of Luke by Brian Jacques 4

Outcast of Redwall by Brian Jacques 5

Mariel of Redwall by Brian Jacques 6

The Bellmaker by Brian Jacques 7

Salamandastron by Brian Jacques 8

Redwall by Brian Jacques 9

Mattimeo by Brian Jacques 10

The Pearls of Lutra by Brian Jacques 11

The Long Patrol by Brian Jacques 12

Marlfox by Brian Jacques 13

Taggerung by Brian Jacques 14

Triss by Brian Jacques 15

Loamhedge by Brian Jacques 16

Rakkety Tam by Brian Jacques 17

High Rhulain by Brian Jacques 18

Eulalia! by Brian Jacques 19

Doomwyte by Brian Jacques 20

The Sable Quean by Brian Jacques 21

The Rogue Crew by Brian Jacques 22


There are 8 more books in this series. I hope to be able to do a reveiw on those books also.


Please leave a comment to say what you thought about these books. Thanks.