Your reviews: highly commended
The following reviews were highly commended in the 2007 - 2008 gr8 txts competition:
Alone on a Wide Wide Sea by Michael Morpurgo (reviewed by Vishwas, Whitton School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
It is written from two perspectives. The first half is about the father's horrible childhood. The second half is about the daughter travelling half way round the world (Australia to England) to find her father's long lost sister.
What sticks out most in your mind...
The idea that the first half of the book is remembrance of the past. The second half is happening as you read.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (reviewed by Peter, Teddington School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
Artemis Fowl is definitely worth a try because although the plot is completely un-realistic, the author {Eoin Colfer} makes it seem utterly believable. With stunning character descriptions and plot line this book really makes you feel for the people involved, good or bad.
What sticks out most in your mind...
The character descriptions really stick out in your mind. The author adds just enough description to let the reader imagine the surroundings and characters but doesn't give too much away. He uses his descriptions to great effect in a story with many imaginary places.
Coming Back by David Hill (reviewed by Aggie, Teddington School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
Done in alternative narratives, a structure that immediately creates attention, Coming Back is a moving and compelling story of recovery. It is gripping and spell-bounding, making you want to read on. It is definitely worth reading. I would recommend this book for teenagers, as it does have some strong language, and would probably be mostly enjoyed by these ages.
What sticks out most in your mind...
The way the book's written makes the story unique as most stories are not written in alternative narratives. It is all about the aftermath of the car accident, the driver's guilt and the victim's recovery. It is a very emotional story. Not only about the loss of most of the girls senses and the fact that she is in a life-threatening situation, but it is also a story about friendship and forgiveness.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon (reviewed by Harry, Newland House School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
The novel, written in the first person, allows you to gain an insight into the life and mind of a boy with Asperger's syndrome. It describes how the boy's loving father copes with his condition. The book combines this relationship with a clever detective story and it is humorous and moving at the same time. The author is extremely plausible and others with Asperger's have appreciated his research and understanding of the condition.
What sticks out most in your mind...
The symptoms of Asperger's can seem very strange to the reader. For instance, the boy hates the colours yellow and brown and he can only obey instructions. His joy comes from maths and he applies logic to everything he does. He can't tell lies or jokes as he doesn't know how. He doesn't have friends as he can't relate to peoples emotions, which is difficult when he realises his father has kept an important truth from him.
Eragon by Christopher Paolini (reviewed by Hannah, Teddington School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
This book is worth reading because it is adventurous and magical. It also reflects on the writer, Christopher Paolini, who wrote it when he had graduated out of high school at the age of 15. It also lets you use your imagination so much that you feel like you're watching the story take place. This book is in a trilogy. This novel is a fantasy so you can relax.
What sticks out most in your mind...
Things about the book that stick out for me are that the dragon and the rider become family. As well as that, the description of the characters is so easily done. The ending to Eragon is very cleverly written because it makes you want to get out the next book. It is very easy to follow. Also there is a great pace. Eragon is one of my favourite books and I hope you will have a go at reading it.
First Term at Malory Towers by Enid Blyton (reviewed by Ursula, Waldegrave School for Girls)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
When I first heard of Enid Blyton, I thought she would be really old fashioned, and all her books would be boring. But there are actually really cool things, like playing tricks on teachers, and having midnight feasts. By the first line you're hooked, all of the kids in the book are just like us, but they do things we would never dare to do. Malory towers is the best that it gets.
What sticks out most in your mind...
That there is always someone stupid who thinks they are better or posher than the rest. Books like Malory towers you want to read over and over again.
Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie (reviewed by Jess, Teddington School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
This book is worth a try because it's very exiting and mysterious and you really want to know what happens next so you don't want to put it down. It is also very intense because there are people in disguise and they're sometimes very scary! I really enjoyed how the girl Lauren had a whole life before she came to live in England. I really enjoyed this book and I really recommend it.
What sticks out most in your mind...
The bit that sticks out most in my mind is when the boy and the girl get given a lift by a lady they think is a police woman in disguise and you don't know what is going to happen to them, then when she deserts them in the middle of no-where and you think they are going to die.
Horowitz Horror by Anthony Horowitz (reviewed by Paul, Teddington School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
Horowitz Horror by Anthony Horowitz is a very interesting book. It is definitely worth reading and it is aimed at young teenagers. It is full of tense situations, suspense and mystery. Most of the stories in it are good but one or two are a bit boring.
What sticks out most in your mind...
The best story in it from my point of view is Killer Camera. It is funny and interesting. The funniest part is when a boy finds the camera and takes a picture of the whole of London. What he doesn't know is that anything you take a picture of gets destroyed.
Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve (reviewed Felix, Teddington School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
A "gr8" book about a boy called Tom who lives in London, now as a moving city. I like the way the author describes how the world could be like in the future and names loads of cities in England that I can relate to. The story continues into three other books, one about his daughter so you can see how the characters grow. Almost every chapter ends in a cliff-hanger and I would definitely recommend this book.
What sticks out most in your mind...
The part of the story that sticks out most in my mind is probably the last few chapters when London destroys itself with the "60 minute war" weapon, Meducer.
My So-Called Life by Joanna Nadin (reviewed by Amy, Orleans Park School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
It seems interesting to read a diary style book written about a "normal" life. It becomes quickly obvious however that it manages to be hilariously written and you can't stop giggling when you are reading it.
What sticks out most in your mind...
What sticks out most is one of the funniest parts of the novel. Rachel is sent away to the countryside to live by her mother, and the experience is not one to be missed.
Northern Lights (The Golden Compass) by Philip Pullman (reviewed by Emily, Christ's School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
I think this book is worth a try to read because it has cliffhangers at the end of nearly every scene and it really makes you read more to the next part. It's very interesting and fun to read - everyone should try reading it!
What sticks out most in your mind...
The characters stick out lots in my mind as they are very well described. Actually the whole story sticks out for me because it's great! Pus I think the daemons are very imaginative.
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman (reviewed by Fraser, Newland House School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
This fantasy adventure is a gripping, exciting read for both adults and children. The characters are all written in great depth and you can picture their personalities and images clearly. I would recommend this book to all my friends. When Lyra's (the main character) friend Roger disappears, her eventful search for him leads her to the frozen North, where a team of scientists are splitting children from their daemons- their souls in animal form.
What sticks out most in your mind...
I enjoyed this novel for its many graphic episodes, particularly when Iorek Byrnison, the bear, is fighting the bear-king and smashes his lower jaw clean off. I also enjoyed the relationships in the novel, most significantly that between Lyra and Iorek Byrnison which develops from one of fear to that of loyal friends through their shared experience.
The Pearl by John Steinbeck (reviewed by Dylan, Newland House School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
'The Pearl' has many turn of events, the mood goes from happy, to very happy, to sad/happy, to very un-happy. This could be enjoyed by girls and boys. The whole book is a metaphor. There is a lesson to be learnt and the book builds up deeper meaning. You can really get your teeth stuck into it if you read between the lines. The characters are strong. It is a short read with around 100 pages.
What sticks out most in your mind...
The way the story changed from the beginning. The violence starts half way through and goes up and up. Songs appear in the main character's heads even though it is in the third person. The traits of people are not just given away. You have to work to get them.
The Truth (Lionboy) by Zizou Corder (reviewed by Jack, Teddington School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
This book is worth a try because it is a really captivating book and it ends the Lionboy trilogy in a really satisfying way. It is a light-hearted, happy, funny and enthralling read. I really admired the main character, Charlie, who has the rare ability to speak to cats. Charlie comes across many obstacles in the adventure and he always chose the selfless option which we can all learn from.
What sticks out most in your mind...
The part that sticks out most in my mind is near the very end of the book on the Corporacy's island, San Antonio. The Corporacy was an evil company who stole people and animals with talent. At the very end the Circe (the circus ship that Charlie ran away from with the lions) comes to the island and everybody says what they want. Everyone is reunited including Charlie's family and it is an extremely happy ending.
Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver (reviewed by Dimitri, Newland House School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
This book is definitely worth a try as it has a compelling storyline in which two friends try to stop a demonic bear destroying the world. You can use your imagination to create pictures of the characters, and it's an extremely well written book that kept me gripped all the way through. The book was full of suspense and I'm desperate for the next one in the series. I thought it was a riveting read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
What sticks out most in your mind...
What sticks out in my mind the most are the parts when the author created gripping tension and suspense and used vivid description. For instance when Torak's father dies and when he meets Wolf, a lonely cub, after his den was destroyed by a flood. My favourite part is when Wolf's pack is killed and he thinks they are ignoring him. I enjoyed this because it gives an insight on how simple and funny Wolf is.
Z for Zachariah by Robert C O'Brien (reviewed by George, Newland House School)
Why do you think this book is worth a try...
Z for Zachariah is set in America, the home of Ann, a teenager and the apparent sole survivor of a nuclear holocaust. Whilst trying to live by continuing to keep the family farm running, her existence is threatened by the arrival of a stranger. Ann reads the stranger's character wrongly, and soon he makes an attempt on Ann's life. The innocent heroism of Ann, the main character and the fast-paced storyline keeps you enticed.
What sticks out most in your mind...
It's hard to forget Ann's fear when the stranger is tracking her after his failed attempt on her life, or her feeling of betrayal against her dog, who's unwittingly leading the stranger to her. Ann's character is hard to forget as she always has hope, and always acts honourably. Her ongoing struggle against the stranger finally comes to an end when she is forced to leave her farm, and her home. The open ending leaves the book in your thoughts.