This was okay, but I hated all the lying and felt like the seriousness and consequences of doing so was glossed over. Other than that, it was an enjoyThis was okay, but I hated all the lying and felt like the seriousness and consequences of doing so was glossed over. Other than that, it was an enjoyable read. The "magical time-travel" bits were well done, but still too much for my daughter to fully buy into, even for the sake of the story. A nice read-aloud book, with some decent life lessons. Loved Claire and both my daughter and I feel she should get her own book next! :)...more
A middle grade story that I read aloud to my 9 year old. It was well written for this age group, tackling some tough issues with scenarios and discussA middle grade story that I read aloud to my 9 year old. It was well written for this age group, tackling some tough issues with scenarios and discussions that highlighted the types of struggles and questions that kids might have regarding loss of a parent, autistic siblings, animal cruelty, step-parents or blindness....all issues dealt with in this story in a very straightforward, but sensitive way. A well written story that easily held my daughters attention and taught us both about some tough life challenges....more
A hilarious, middle grade book that reminded me of The Godfather. Not as violent and graphic, of course, but still more physical than my 9 year old daA hilarious, middle grade book that reminded me of The Godfather. Not as violent and graphic, of course, but still more physical than my 9 year old daughter and I was used to in our read-aloud-before-bed selections. It was appealing and exciting, though, and covered some issues that just don't come up over dinner usually, yet still need to be discussed. Bullying, gambling, fighting, low income families, lying, cheating, etc. were all touched upon for a juvenile audience. Overall, entertaining, with enough action to keep the pages turning, well written and great for the middle grade age group....more
This was a thought provoking book that I read to my 9 year old daughter a few chapters at a time before bed each night. She enjoyed it very much and IThis was a thought provoking book that I read to my 9 year old daughter a few chapters at a time before bed each night. She enjoyed it very much and I liked how it dealt with very real and difficult issues with sensitivity, humor and straightforward discussion....more
I had not read any of this author's previous books, but this one really intrigued me when I read the synopsis. It turned out to be a very entertainingI had not read any of this author's previous books, but this one really intrigued me when I read the synopsis. It turned out to be a very entertaining read.The setting was believable but original. I felt I could clearly envision both the fictional island and water horses. The invented words and just the entire world that was created for the reader made it kind of magical to me. This tale is really about so much more than the water horse races and that's a really good thing. The emotional back stories and a few different characters besides the main ones having their own chapters really rounded out the story in a very readable, relatable way. It is engrossing, surprisingly funny in a few instances, and full of heart. I totally recommend this to anyone looking for a story to lose themselves in and be swept away into a wild, emotional adventure.