In Part I of our YA Reads blog, we've gathered some reviews written by participants of our iRead programme: a summer reading programme for children aged 11 and 12 at the end of this school year.
Asterix and the Laurel Wreath by René Goscinny
Asterix and his friend, Obelix, accompany their chief to see his wife’s brother. Chief Vitalstatistix drinks “a drop too much” and in his drunken state, says that he is in a much better position than his brother-in-law and tells (to prove it) Homeopathix to come to his Gaulish village to taste a stew seasoned with Caeser’s laurel wreath. This leads Asterix and Obelix on an adventure in the city of Rome. They encounter slave-traders, palace cooks, the fiercest cut-throat gang in Rome, the Circus Maximus and its lions and, of course, Caesar! But, as always, it ends in a happy banquet under the twinkling stars of Gaul.
Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
A dragon called Firedrake, the rest of the pack and a brownie called Sorrel live in a (previously) unknown valley in Scotland. But when humans find and plan to destroy their home, Firedrake and Sorrel must find a new home. It’s a perilous journey but with the help of new friends, a homeless boy called Ben, a professor and his family, a rat called Lola, a dubidai brownie, a dracologist and many more, they grow closer and eventually find their new home. But on their trail is a dragon-like terror called Nettlebrand – an indestructible monster who will stop at nothing until all the dragons are GONE!! Firedrake discovers a way to melt Nettlebrand’s armour and, together with the help of new friends, they defeat him once and for all.
P.s. They also encounter a friendly sea serpent.
My Story: Roman Invasion by Jim Eldridge
Bran, a prince of the Carvetii tribe, longs to be a great warrior. But when an attack on the Romans fails, he is taken hostage. As he travels with the Romans, he witnesses their strength and power. The Romans believe that since he is their captive they will be safe, but attacks keep coming – and Bran is being hunted by a grief-stricken soldier. Eventually, the soldier dies, and Bran is freed. But he seeks to destroy the Romans – forever (he doesn’t – all the epilogue tells you is that he becomes king of his tribe and has three children).
My Royal Story: Catherine of Aragon by Alison Prince
Eva is a best friend and maid to Spanish princess Catherine of Aragon. She watches as Catherine is set to marry Arthur (son of Henry VII) but falls in love with his younger brother Price Harry. When Arthur dies, Catherine strives to marry Prince Harry – and succeeds. Then Eva meets the Court Jester whom she marries. She frets over Queen Catherine as Catherine leads the English troops to war and gives birth to a girl who (later – not in this book) becomes the infamous Bloody Mary. Eva also has a baby girl called Roseanna. Rose “for her pinkness and health and Anna because it is my mother’s name.”
Asterix and his friend, Obelix, accompany their chief to see his wife’s brother. Chief Vitalstatistix drinks “a drop too much” and in his drunken state, says that he is in a much better position than his brother-in-law and tells (to prove it) Homeopathix to come to his Gaulish village to taste a stew seasoned with Caeser’s laurel wreath. This leads Asterix and Obelix on an adventure in the city of Rome. They encounter slave-traders, palace cooks, the fiercest cut-throat gang in Rome, the Circus Maximus and its lions and, of course, Caesar! But, as always, it ends in a happy banquet under the twinkling stars of Gaul.
No comments:
Post a Comment