Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

1989

A simple, yet beautiful, story about the saving of a Jewish family from Nazi Forces as told from the point of view of ten year old, Annemarie Johansen.

I learned a few new things in this book...

Danish fishermen hid Jews in secret compartments on their boats and ferried them across the water to Sweden.

Danish scientists invented a substance that temporarily disabled a dog's sense of smell so they would be unable to smell people hidden away.

The ingenuity people used to save Jewish friends, neighbors and strangers inspires me.


What initially drew me to this book is that Number the Stars won the John Newbery Medal in 1990.


The John Newbery Medal?

The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the most distinguished American children’s book published in the previous year.

The Medal has existed since 1922 and, according to the web, is the best known and most discussed book award in the United States.

Personally, I think winning the Newbery Medal is what every author dreams of.

One day I'd like to collect and read all the winners. For a complete list see here.

Reading on…  

Point Blank: an Alex Rider adventure

by Anthony Horowitz
2001

The Alex Rider series has captured son #1's attention.

Secret missions,
Spy Gadgets,
Daring escapes,

These books have it all.


I picked up Point Blanc, the second in the series, earlier this week and right from page one I was hooked.
I could feel my blood pressure rising with each page.


Sent to investigate a suspicious boarding school in the French Alps, fourteen year old British spy, Alex Rider, got way more than he bargained for.


Point Blanc was no ordinary school.
Dr. Grief was no ordinary principal.



If you're looking for a new series for your pre-teen boy, this is it.


I do have one mild complaint, however.
I read somewhere that author, Anthony Horowitz, says none of his main characters have parents because kids can't have fun when their parents are around.

As a parent, I truly hope this is not true.


What I do hope, however, is that my son stays put on his Alex Rider kick.



Reading on...