Month: May 2019

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Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead

Because I loved Rebecca Stead’s novel, When You Reach Me, I picked up Bob, hoping I would like it just as much.  Yes and no.

By page 11, ten-year-old Livy is talking about zombies. Hmmm. I don’t do zombies. I don’t like dark, ugly, creepy stories.  But the cover was so cute. It didn’t seem to be about the walking dead. I soldiered on.

And I’m glad I did.

Bob is a sweet, fantastical fairy tale and well worth the read as we follow the theme of searching for home and family.

Synopsis

Livy has returned to visit her grandmother in Australia after not seeing her for five years. All she remembers is that something important is in her bedroom closet.

Bob is… I don’t know how to describe Bob. Sort of like ET in a chicken suit? He has remained in the closet, waiting for Livy for five long years. When the two meet again, he must teach her all the things she forgot, and now that she’s older, she may be able to help him find his mom.

As they search for clues together, Livy realizes no adults ever see Bob, even when he’s caught out in the open. Unlike other stories, though, the authors leave it up to the reader whether he is a figment of children’s imaginations or absolutely real.

Pros

  1. The theme. Everyone loves a story where the main character is trying to get home.
  2. Livy’s and Bob’s voices. While Livy is always respectful of others, the voice inside her head has an appealing sassy style. And Bob is analytical. He’s had plenty of time to think.

Cons

  1. Other reviewers have found the story confusing, and I agree there are elements that made me stop and go back and make sure I understood what happened ten pages previous.
  2. While the ending is satisfying and logical (for a fantasy), it still falls a little flat. I love the last line though.

Discussion Questions

  1. Who or what is Bob?
  2.  Why can’t grown-ups see Bob?
  3. What is the connection between the drought and Bob?
  4. Do you think Bob and Livy will meet again?

Conclusion

As you can see, even with a couple of “cons,” I’m still willing to give this a 4.5 because the main characters are so endearing.  Definitely worth getting to know them!

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Pirate’s Wager by Kathrese McKee

Pirates. Life on the high seas. Betrayal. Held for ransom. Pirate’s Wager fulfills the dream of every reader who loves swashbuckling adventure.

SYNOPSIS

Thirteen-year-old Samazor struggles to find shelter and food in Port Azor, but when his father loses a bet with an infamous pirate captain, Samazor loses his freedom. Life on a pirate ship is full of danger. Who can the boy trust? Any mistake will be costly. As Samazor struggles to survive, he learns about brotherhood.

PROS

1. Pirate’s Wager is a novella, a prequel to McKee’s Mardan’s Mark series, so it’s a short, easy read.

2. Every chapter is filled with adventure. The story rarely slows down for the reader to catch a breath.

CONS

1. This is my own personal pet peeve. When a novella is written and a series follows, I hate the “carrot” that is dangled in front of me. I finish the story, and I know there is more—just buy the next book. But I want the book now!

2. Again, for me, I want the depth of detail in a full-length novel, but for many young readers, they will be satisfied with the surface action of a good adventure story.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Samazor’s father was not a good parent. Why do you think Sam loved his father in spite of all his imperfections?

2. Did any of the pirates have some good character qualities? If you think so, who can you name, and why did you choose him?

3. Would you have made the same decision as Samazor at the end of the book?

CONCLUSION

If you enjoy epic fantasy adventure, Pirate’s Wager along with its companion Mardan’s Mark series is a good choice for you.