sjjess's Profile
Reviews
August 27, 2015
I think my expectations were too high for this book. I think it is certainly important to give kids the opportunity to learn about and empathize with the experiences of the author. Because I have read some really amazing stories in which there are similar opportunities with regard to other subject matter ("Out of My Mind," "Fish in a Tree," for example), I thought this would be similar. I found this story interesting as an adult, but it seemed aimed at a much younger age group than 9--the story-teller and the language were very child-like. And, however educational and important this story is, it was simply not a page-turner for me. It was a fast read because it was simple, not because I had to keep going to find out what happened.
1 person found this helpful.
July 3, 2016
Great for older kids, not for younger ones
This movie is certainly terrific fun and has very likable main characters. I do not think the main review here described adequately, however, the extent of the violence in the movie. Not only is the action very intense, but the bad guys are very menacing and a lot of actual violence occurs. And knives are not just "wielded." My 6-year-old burst into tears when one of the heroes is actually stabbed by one of the bad guys, which you see, wound and all. It was very surprising when that happened in a movie rated for 5-year-olds. Just be aware.
September 24, 2012
So many better books out there.
Another parent said her son liked these books so I tried one out and I was appalled. The boys in this book have no redeeming qualities that I can make out. They are unkind to other children and adults alike. To call them "pranksters" is to laugh off a total lack of kindness, respect or empathy. Shouldn't kids be taught to consider the feelings of others? The ability to use funny potty language does not compensate for lacking a conscience.
June 26, 2015
Beautiful
I think that this story is harder on adults than children--most children's stories contrive a way to isolate the protagonist child so that he or she can go off and have an adventure. Here, Maniac's parents die before you or he get to know them, and then he stays with relatives in an unhappy-sounding marriage. But then he leaves! I think for adults it is hard to manage the amount of trust he is putting in strangers in order to survive and how alone in the world this boy is--what a sad life he has had! But for kids: thank heavens he got away from his weird relatives (like any fairy tale or Roald Dahl book). He's great--he can take care of himself, he runs fast, he catches footballs, he hits baseballs, he reads, he is so open to the world.
The whole story, which is set somewhat in the past (but not that far), is set up about the myth of Maniac told later. It describes his time in the town as though the story has been passed down by folks in the town and perhaps exaggerated. He appears to be a bit of a superhero, a bit alien, and so his outsider perspective and total confusion regarding the white-side-of-town/black-side-of-town is a great way for kids reading it to consider the topics. It *is* confusing and should not be taken as a matter of course. But it is not, by any stretch, the only thing going on in the story, so it is really a brilliant tale in many ways.
As a parent, I just ached for poor Maniac, alone in this world, so trusting, loving and open. I worried about choices he was making and was so proud of his mench-like qualities. But my son, while he certainly learned some valuable things, enjoyed a page-turner about a cool kid who was able to make a difference in a small town.
September 24, 2012
I am glad I discovered this series.
My son just turned six and is pretty sensitive, so I try to be careful with what he reads, especially since he is reading himself now. I think this book is a fun choice. The protagonist is heroic throughout the story in ways large and small (being a good friend, etc.). There is the mention of violence in the past (the dragon who ate the settlement), but you don't live it or emotionally experience it at all, other than to understand how large this dragon is, and the fact that this dragon has eaten people before. Unlike in Harry Potter, in which actions can have the consequences that someone you know dies, I feel like the author in this book deals with violence with a light touch. (Making it okay for a younger crowd.) It is a real page-turner, and the author tells you from the start that it will all come out fine.
June 26, 2015
Hilarious
I can't believe this book got only three stars from the CSM reviewer! This is one of the most hilarious books I have read in a long time, and it had charming friendship, a clever protagonist, world-saving heroics and lots of exciting (but not particularly scary) action. I could not put it down, and now my son can't, either!
My only small comment is that while I giggled practically every time the alien character was referred to as "J.Lo," my son, age 8, did not get this reference, and therefore saw no humor in it. A joke you have to explain is just not that funny. I am sure some kids would get the joke, but "J.Lo" is not a pop-culture reference that will reach everyone!
June 26, 2015
A Rich World and Fun Adventures
This series is marvelous! Other than Book 5, which was a bit slower than the rest (although my son loved it), my husband and I enjoyed them all. Familiar themes: boy with a destiny, magical powers and training, scary and slightly comedic bad guy(s), great characters. We all (my spouse and son) agree that the world, which feels older and more faraway, was richer, and the story more compelling and enjoyable than the Harry Potter series. The kids in this series learn from their mistakes and sometimes work together well with the adults to solve problems. (Though the adults are not always any better equipped.) Delightful page-turners!