Peter and the Starcatchers (Starcatchers Series #1)

written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

illustrated by Greg Call

grades: 4-6

Peter is a lost and lonely orphan who has been put on the ship The Neverland in order to become a servant in the court of the evil King Zarboff. When Peter discovers a mysterious trunk aboard the ship, he takes it upon himself to discover its secret. Little does he know, but the trunk will change his life forever.

The adventurous prequel to Peter Pan is fast paced and exciting. Authors Barry and Pearson answer the questions of how Captain Hook lost his hand, how Peter learned to fly, and how he ended up on an island with mermaids, a group of boys, and pirates. Consider this book only if you have plenty of time and a very comfy chair!

Pacific Crossing

by Gary Soto

Ages 10+

Lincoln Mendoza has an opportunity to leave San Francisco for the summer and spend it in Japan.  Lincoln thinks that Japan only has Martial Arts, but learns about Japan's history, family life, baseball, and traditions.  As he learning from his host family, they want to learn about him.  He tries to find a way to explain what it means to be both Mexican and American to his host family. 

This book reminds me of the "The new Karate Kid" movie.  A young boy travels to a foreign country and then finds himself while learning new things about where he is living.

The Twits

by Ronald Dahl

Ages 8+

Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the nastiest, meanest, ugliest, and smelliest people in the world.  They hate everything except playing jokes on each other, catching birds to make bird pie, and making the Muggle-wumps (caged monkeys) stand on their head all day.  Finally, the Muggle-wumps have had enough and seek revenge.

I normally enjoyed Ronald Dahl.  This book has highs and lows for me.  It is typical interesting Dahl book, but I didn't enjoy how mean the Twits are others.  If you are concerned with your child reading about bad behavior this book may not be for your children.  It is funny, but didn't finish the book feeling good.