Book Reviews

The Harry Potter Series: J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series has been one of the greatest literary phenomenons ever. The seven books of witchcraft and wizardry have been translated into more than 60 languages, sold hundreds of millions of copies, and have been made into hugely successful movies. Click above to link to J.K. Rowling's official Website.

• My opinion: This series of books can make even the most defiant child want to read. The series prompted the NY Times Best-Seller List to create a children's category, because Rowling's books were taking up too much room! I have read them all at least twice and I look forward to reading them again with my children (we start this summer). A must-read for anyone, young or old!

The Wizard of Oz : Oh, do you know this story? It's been loved in this country for a hundred years or so. It hasn't lost any of its charm or vividness. You may know the Judy Garland movie version and have never read the book. You don't know the whole story if that's the case. Dorothy and her friends, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, have more trials on their way to the Emerald City. Yet they are not being chased by the Wicked Witch of the West. She doesn't bother the group in the book until the wizard sends them to fetch her broomstick. You know what happen when they return to the Emerald City. But Dorothy still is not given the secret of the silver (yes, silver, not ruby) slippers. They still have to travel to the Land of the South and the China Dolls. Baum created a fantasy world for his family that has become a favorite classic. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a book to be enjoyed by all family members. It's a read-aloud to younger members, but can be read by children by the ages of eight to ten. Yet even an adult can still enjoy the book.

• My opinion: This is one of my all-time favorite books. When else can you visit cities where all the buildings and inhabitants are made of china, or a city where everyone must where googles (with green lenses) before they are allowed to enter? I think that there are so many people who have not enjoyed the wonders of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Ender's Game: Winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards, Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card revolves around a young boy, Ender Wiggin, who is selected to train to become a fleet commander to protect earth from an alien invasion. The training takes place at a distant Battle School in space where the young and brilliant Ender is repeatedly pushed to his limits to mold him into what he is needed to be, to become the next commander and win the war against the invaders.

• My opinion: I love this book! It takes a completely different approach to the future of warfare, while making the reader get a huge glimpse into the characters minds. This book takes politics to a completely different level.

Liz Petree
January 13, 2009

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