Rave Reviews: Winter Publication
By Jonah S.
burning fireplace background by Getty Images Pro (Rawf8) Created in Canva
It’s winter. For many of you, it is cold outside. You may find yourself inside by the fireplace while a furious blizzard rages outside, needing something to do. I can help you! Why not read a book? As always, talk with your parents before reading the material.
Books
Name of Book: The Green Ember (series)
Author: S.D. Smith
Age Recommendation: 10+
Content Synopsis: Heather and Picket are young rabbits who lead a happy life in the land of Natalia. Unfortunately, their life is turned upside down when their home is burned down by the Morbin Blackhawk’s servants. They then find themselves on a journey in which they discover places and people they would never have imagined meeting. Their lives will be changed forever.
Why You Should Read this Book: This book is great for younger readers looking to read something with substance. The author does a great job of engaging the reader, even though the book is on the shorter side. If you enjoyed The Wingfeather Saga, you might enjoy this series. The story itself is quite engaging. There are several mysteries in particular that, when solved, were quite surprising.
Name of Book: The Inheritance Cycle (Series)
Author: Christopher Paolini
Age Recommendation: 14+
Content Synopsis: The country of Alagäesia is controlled by the Empire. People have come to accept this; however, it can be a harsh life. Eragon lives in a small poor village in the outer parts of Alagäesia. While life can be hard here, most people in this village are grateful to be there because the empire mostly overlooks them. However, when Eragon stumbles across a dragon egg, his life changes forever, for he has become one of the last remaining dragon riders to exist in Alagäesia.
Why You Should Read this Book: I feel this book series is not talked about enough as it should be. It is honestly one of the better fantasy novels I have read. It is very reminiscent of series such as The Lord of the Rings but also maintains its own identity. The great focus on dragons in this book is what makes it particularly stand-out, having them at the center of its story and lore. I highly recommend it to those who like the fantasy genre.
Name of Book: A Little Princess
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Age Recommendation: 13+
Content Synopsis: Sara is not actually a princess, but her father treats her like one. She and her family lived in India where her father had invested greatly in diamond mines. After her mother died, however, her father eventually made the decision to send her back to England for school. At first, all seemed well. Sara enjoyed school and made many friends. Nevertheless, when her father dies suddenly of jungle fever, all of her life becomes far from perfect. In fact, now that she does not have any money, the school’s mistress treats Sara terribly. With nowhere else to go, Sara ends up becoming a maid for her school.
Why You Should Read this Book: This book is really good. When I first read it, it took me by surprise. I was not really expecting I would enjoy it. However, I really did. The author does a great job of making you feel for Sara and the injustice of the situation. The fact that I found myself burning with anger many times is a testimony to the author’s ability to influence my emotions with his writing. This book also has a very heartwarming message. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books such as Anne of Green Gables.
Name of Book: Sherlock Holmes (Series)
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Age Recommendation: 15+
Content Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes is a brilliant detective. He has a knack for figuring out things using the process of deduction. Many people come from near and far for his help on many different cases. Whether it is the mysterious Red-Head League, an ominous black dog that haunts Baskervilles, or a murder that just does not add up, Holmes is ready to crack the case.
Why You Should Read this Book: These books are a masterclass in mystery novels. Every single Sherlock Holmes book I have picked up, pulls me in like a fish caught on a hook. Many authors of classical literature I find to be a bit of a bore. Jules Verne, for instance, has a knack for being overly descriptive and as a result, loses the reader rather quickly. Doyle does not do this. In fact many of Sherlock Holmes great escapades take the format of a short story, making for nice bite-sized reads. Particular standouts include The Hound of the Baskervilles, “The Red-Headed League,” “The Speckled Band,” and A Study in Scarlet.
Columns: ⭐Reviews
Jonah S. has been at NorthStar Academy for the past two years. He lives in the Middle-East with his younger brother and parents. Some of the things he enjoys includes reading, writing, playing video games, watching movies, and building legos. He also enjoys music, viola being his primary instrument.