Beastly Beaman Claims His Prizes!

Greetings, all you reader guys! The third contestant in the World Series of Reading Contest came by last night to claim his well-deserved prizes. This mighty contestant is none other than Beastly Beaman, who sent us two reviews that covered seven books. He claimed two items out of the ultra-cool prize box, which were the books Questors by Joan Lennon and The Roar by Emma Clayton. (this book got the most comments I've ever had about a book)

Well done, BB! Please keep sending more of those great reviews. As I've said before, all reader guys are always on the lookout for new reads and who would be better to tell us about them than another boy? So keep them coming, BB!

Just in Time for the Holidays--Mighty Micah's Present!

Ho ho ho and happy holidays, guys! What a great piece of luck--one of our reader guys got an early present today. His name is Mighty Micah and he came to our Boys Read and Write Club over the summer. He also sent us a review of that terrific sci-fi book, The Roar by Emma Clayton. The Iron Guy, whose generosity is exceeded only by that of Santa Claus, has always said that the first time any boy sends in a book review, that boy gets a free book. So Micah came in today to claim his prize from our ultra-cool prize box. Of course, he went right away for the Calvin and Hobbs book, which he said was a favorite of his grandmother. (of course, a lot whole lot of guys like Calvin and Hobbs) As a holiday bonus, he also got a Capt'n Eli coloring book, which comes from the fabulously-cool Capt'n Eli series of graphic novels.

Mighty Micah and his free books

Congratulations, Micah! I hope you send in some more reviews soon. And, guys, this goes to show that other boys are excited about reading. It's proof positive that--

BOYS RULE! BOYS READ!

Reading is an occupation for MANLY MEN!!

All silliness aside, I really hope all of you have a great a great holiday season. And to make your season merry and bright, here's a video I shared a few years ago. Enjoy!

Our First Review From Mighty Micah!

Hey, reader guys everywhere. Have I got something exciting for you--our first review from Micah, the newest member of our very fun Boys Read and Write Club. If you remember, he picked three books to read and write about. And here's his reaction to the first one, The Roar by Emma Clayton. Let's hear what Micah (aka Mighty Micah) has to say:

The Roar is a fictional story placed in future London where the world is divided into two parts, over the wall, where poisonous dust and gas rule the Earth (or so they say), and behind the wall, which is further divided into two subdivisions,  the Shadows, the home of the poor, and the Golden Turrets, the home of the rich.   I liked The Roar because of the excitement throughout the book.  The Roar also contains hope directed toward a better life. 

Mika Smith was born in The Shadows and has lived there his entire life.  Ever since his sister Ellie disappeared one year ago, Mika has been hoping for a chance at a better life and that time is now.

Meanwhile, up in orbit aboard the space Station, The Queen of the North, Mal Gorman, a 108 year old walking zombie has finally struck gold, but what will he do with it. 


Pod Fighter, the tie between Mika and Mal Gorman has come out and now it is time for them to meet.

Thanks, Micah! (Hey--did you notice that the guy in the book is also named Mika?  Of course you did!) I enjoyed this book a whole, whole lot. And I wasn't the only one--that book got more comments than any other ever reviewed on this blog. It has excitement to the max along with thrilling pod fights, a thoroughly despicable villain and a deeply-held secret. Take a look at my original review and all the comments here.

The library system has plenty of copies of The Roar. And we also have copies of The Whisper, the sequel, which I haven't read. I haven't heard of Pod Fighter, though, Micah. Is that a new book? I heard Emma Clayton was going to make this a trilogy but I haven't found out anything about a new book. If you know, Micah, or if any of you reader guys know, please tell me in the Comment section below this post. And if you've read The Roar or The Whisper, let me know that too!

BTW, Micah, any time a guy writes in his first review, he gets a free book from our ultra-cool prize box. Come in any time and claim your book!

The King's Ransom, Big Johnson Bone, Alvin Ho and Other Books to Get Excited About!

Yes, yes, yes, guys, this is one exciting month! Not only have I read three terrific new books, but two my most eagerly-anticipated books of the year have come in. I'm talking, of course, about The Secret of Ashona by Kaza Kingsley and The Whisper by Emma Clayton. What??? Did you say you don't know about them?? Well, let the Iron Guy educate you! The first one is the latest book in the fan-tastic Erec Rex series and the second is the sequel to The Roar, which was one of the most thrilling sci-fi books I've ever read. You can see my review here and you'll also see that it got 7 comments, the most for any book ever reviewed on this blog. You can also click on the "Erec Rex" label under this post to see what I've written about those books and why I like them so much.

All right, enough about things I'm going to read. Here's some great stuff I've already enjoyed:

The King's Ransom by Jude Watson
This is the latest in the Cahills vs. Vespers series, which is a continuation of the great 39 Clues series. In this one, Vesper One, that totally evil leader of the Vesper family, still has seven of Amy and Dan Cahill's relatives and friends held hostage. Vesper One is ordering Dan and Amy to find an antique map as part of the ransom for the hostages. Of course, Vesper One doesn't give the directions to the map or how to retrieve it; the villain gives only the deadline. If it's not delivered before then...
This book has the thrills, spills, and action that you always find in this series but there is also a BIG surprise at the end that will hit you like an A-bomb!

Stupid Stupid Rat Tails: the adventures of Big Johnson Bone, frontier hero by Tom Sniegoski with artwork by Jeff Smith
This is one fun read! It's a graphic novel based on the Bone characters and it's seet in a time before the Bone series takes place. Big Johnson Bone is a frontier explorer in the Davy Crockett tradition. In other words, he's tough enough to ride tornadoes and ain't afraid of nuthin'! So when a tornado really does pick him up, he lands in a new valley. It turns out, however, that the woodland creatures in the valley are terrorized by the rat creatures. Well, who else would rescue them but Big Johnson Bone! So he strides up to the cave of the Rat Creature Queen--and gets swallowed by the Queen's giant son!! Can he survive? Well, getting eaten by giant ugly creatures is just a minor inconvenience for Big Johnson Bone! This is a rip-roaring good yarn. Included in this book is "Riblet", another story by Tom Sniegoski with artwork by Stan Sakai. In this one, the cute woodland animal creatures are playing until Riblet, the little pig, gets captured by the rat creatures. Isn't that terrible? Yes, it is--for the rat creatures! You'll laugh our loud at this one. I sure did!
PS: The illustrations in this book are in black and white, like the original Bone series. If you'd like to see them (and others) in color, be sure to check out Bone: Tall Tales by Jeff Smith and Tom Sniegoski.

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Dead Bodies, Funerals and Other Fatal Circumstances by Lenore Look
Alvin Ho, the second-grader who's afraid of everything, has to go to a funeral! Yipes! Alvin's grandfather's best friend died unexpectedly. His grandfather is very sad, of course, and Alvin tries to make him feel better by agreeing to go to the funeral. Everyone is very proud of Alvin but then the boy realizes something terrible--he's actually going to have to do it! Can he overcome his fears? For his grandfather's sake? This book is every bit as good as the other three Alvin Ho books (and that's saying a lot!) but in a different, more subdued kind of way. It isn't as bust-your-gut, laugh-out-loud funny as the others, except for one part I'll tell you about in a minute, but it will make you smile a lot and give some good insights into growing up. I liked it a lot and recommend it highly to all reader guys. And there is one part that did make me laugh uproariously. Alvin is too afraid to talk in school, so when his grandfather's friend dies, some kids think it's actually Alvin's grandfather! Will he ever tell what really happened? And if not...well, you got to read it to find out! It will make you laugh!! Besides, how could you resist a book in which the dad curses in mock-Shakespearean language? Listen to what he says while trying to fix the car: "Thou goatish crook-pated canker ratsbane...Thine horrid image doth unfix my hair." That's right--I told you that you'd laugh!

PS--the photos of the new Erec Rex book and The Whisper didn't turn out well, so I'm putting better pictures down here. Either the flash reflected off the covers or it was the glow of manliness that radiates from the Iron Guy.



All right, men, go find these books! And let us know what you think of them.

Avery Writes About The Roar

Hey-ho, reader guys, it's Carl and we've got a review of The Roar by Emma Clayton from our new friend Avery. Let's hear it, Avery:

The Roar is a really great book. I finished reading it about two days ago, and it led me to think... What if the world is just two steps away from The Wall and the YTF? I love a book that makes me consider what happens in the real world. This book I would recommend to anyone who wants a book that makes you wonder... Anyway, even without the afterthought, The Roar has a great plot line, lifelike characters, and a realistic point of view. This is a great sci fi book for anyone interested.

Thanks, Avery! The Roar has generated more discussion lately than just about any other book. And with good reason! It's got a slam-bang good plot with vivid setting and characters but also gives you a lot to think about. Not many books do that! If you guys want to see what I and other guys have said about this terrific book, click on the "The Roar" label under this post. And if you live in the Charlotte area, Avery, come in to the Imaginon library and claim your free book.

Toby Writes About The Roar

When I got in today, after spending the weekend settling an argument between Darth Vader and Mace Windu (those two never get along), I found a really great comment from our new friend Toby. He wrote about a really terrific book, The Roar by Emma Clayton. It's an amazing book that I reviewed way back last April. (check out my original review here) Let's hear what Toby has to say:

this book was wikid

i dont like books that muuch but i couldent put it down i really want there to be another book as it was so good and as she left the story at the end sayin how the children remember the dream

she has to make another one.

Thanks, Toby!! Wasn't that a fantastic book? I couldn't put it down either. And, yes, there is supposed to be another one! The tentative title is The Whisper and she's working on it now. I don't know when it will come out but I will watching and waiting for it!

Toby, you made my day!! I just LOVE hearing from guys about the books they like. Especially if you're a guy who doesn't like books that much. Maybe our blog can help you find more. There are some really great links about good reads on the left-hand side of this blog. Start with the Guys Read link at the top of the Links section. Good luck and let us hear from you again!

Carl

PS--if you want another book you can't put down, let me recommend The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. I know there's a movie of it coming out soon, but this one is the best!!!

Logan Writes About The Roar

Hey, all you about-to-go-back-to-school guys in blogville, our friend and reader guy Logan sent us a review of The Roar by Emma Clayton:

I loved this book and it made me think alot about how the author left open in the end. It made me wonder if there could possibly be a sequel to this book. But the thing about this book is that even if emma clayton doesn't write a sequel to this book she gave us the seeds to comtemplate whether mika and ellie will survive through this new future and actually made this evn more exciting. Do you know if for sure if there is going to be a sequel or be made into a trilogy for sure? Oh and I think I figured out who the Green man was but I'm not sure entirely but the way the author put the quote in at the end fits the book's entire meaning that the author is trying to express throughout the book!

Thanks, Logan! You said exactly what I thought--the open ending really did make you think about how Mika and Ellie would survive in their new world and how they would change that world. A really good read. Check out my original review here. And remember, Logan, if you really think you know who the Green Man is and how he fits into the meaning of this book, come on down to Imaginon, tell me and I'll give you a special prize package! (especially if you let me video the discussion)

Carl

PS--will there be a sequel? Just found out there will! It''l be a two-book series instead of a trilogy! Oh, boy!! Can't wait!

Lord Vader Writes Again!! And A Review of The Roar By a New Friend!!

Our old friend Lord Vader has written to us after a long absence. I heard he's been very busy the last few months, so it's good to hear from him again. Let's hear what Lord Vader has to say:

I'm sorry I missed this one, it looks like it was fun. (he meant the last Star Wars camp)It's been a long time since I blogged, but I have two I have three I want to review. I read "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" Both had good battle scenes - I liked the Half Blood scene better though. I didn't like that 2 characters I liked got killed though (I won't say who they were, but I was so mad). I also read "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Demigod Files" This one I really liked. I like how Percy can appear cool and calm even when he is scared. I liked the interviews and well as all the stories. It was nice to have something to read while waiting for the next Percy Jackson book.

Thanks, Lord Vader! We're always glad to hear about good battle scenes. And The Demigod Files rocked! Yes, Percy is remarkable for staying cool in the face of danger. Wait until you read The Last Olympian to see how cool and calm he can be! Have you seen the Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince movie? Has anyone else? Is it good? Let us know!

And, just this morning, we received a review of The Roar by Emma Clayton by our new friend coolcats137:

This book was Amazing. It kept me "on the edge on my seat" When i picked it up i figured it would another story about world domination or something like that so The Roar wasn't the best title if u ask me but still it was amazing if u like reading about action sci fi mystery and politics all in one this book is for you.I read this book in a matter of days. Not saying it was a easy level book ,but it it wasn't a to much of a challenge for a person of a reading level of 8th-9th grade level.

Very good , coolcats! Yes, this book did have it all--action, sci-fi, more action, politics, more action, mystery, more action. A really good read. Not perfect, in my opinion, but really, really good. Check out my review here. If you live in the Charlotte area, coolcats, come to Imaginon and claim your free book. Don't forget that my review said that I'd give a prize package to anyone who'd come here, talk with me the ending (especially if you let me video that discussion) But if you don't want to, that's cool too. But I hope you'll get your free book.

Thanks for all the comments, everyone. Keep sending them!

Carl

The Roar by Emma Clayton

Wow, guys, this book really hit me hard! I finished it on Monday but had to take a couple of days and think about it before writing about it. Not many books will make you do that.

The story takes place in the not-so-distant future. All the animals on earth have been killed off because of the terrible Animal Plague, when all the animals stared attacking and killing all the people. Not only were all the animals killed but all the trees, forests, and habitats destroyed so the animals would have no place to live. All the people on Earth were moved to England and placed behind The Wall to keep them safe from animals. Of course, there's not enough room for everyone, so they have to build cities on top of cities. The poorest live in the Shadows, under the foundations of the new cities, while the richest live in the Golden Turrets on top.

Pretty bleak, huh? Well, into that world are born twins, Ellie and Mika Smith. Mika lives with his parents in the poorer areas above The Shadows. Ellie died a year ago--or so they believe. The truth is that Ellie was captured by the bad guys. The book begins as Ellie escapes in a pod fighter and tries to go back to her family because she's learned The Secret, but then......well, if I told you, you'd know what happens, wouldn't you? You're just going to have to read it yourself to find out! But I guarantee that you'll be in for a wild ride! There is enough action to please the most die-hard fan!! You'll get so pulled into the story that you'll spend every spare minute reading to find out what going to happen to Ellie and Mika. And the author does keep you in a lot of suspense! You've got chases with pod fighters, attacks by killer animal borgs, strange mental powers, and deadly secrets. Emma Clayton has written a book that really gets a hold of you! It really had a hold on me!!!

Until---

The end.The end didn't quite satisfy me. The author put a twist at the end and I thought the book would go in a whole different direction. The rest of the story would have been more interesting if she'd stayed with it, but she went back to the original direction of the story and I was disappointed. Does this sond confusing? Well, I can't tell any more without giving away major secrets. (That means you'll have to read it and find out!) Does that mean I didn't like the book? Well, no. I was just disappointed.

BUT-----

I didn't stay disappointed. As I said, this book was so powerful, that I had to sit and think about it for a while. And after that, I realized that the author was trying to make some points with this book. AND, in order to make those points, she HAD to end this book that way. As I see it, Emma Clayton wanted to make a point about the ecology (which I totally agree with) and some about politics and economics (which I totally disagree with). Are you interested NOW?? Go find it and read it!

In fact, I'd love to hear what YOU think about it!! In double fact, I'll give a prize package to any guy who'll write about all this or come to Imaginon and talk wtih me about it. Especially if you let me video the discussion and put it on the blog. OK??? ESPECIALLY if you can tell me how the poem at the end helps the author make her point. And Extra Espescially if you can tell me who the Green Man is and why he's important to the author's point. Got that?

There aren't many books that could create this much talk. And there aren't many books that I'd write this much about. Many books that are full of action don't you think and a lot of those that make you think may not have much action. This is one of the few that does both. And to think that this is Emma Clayton's first book!!!!!!!

Carl
PS--The Roar has one of the most spectacularly BAD buys I've ever seen, Mal Gorman. Even his first name means "bad." Literally. Go find a dictionary and see.

The only other action-packed book that made me stop and think was The Black Pearl by Scott O'Dell. Terrific book.

This One Sounds Good

Hey, guys, cyber kid 303 has written another review of a very interesting-sounding book:

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor is a great book. It is about Georgina Hayes, her brother, her mom and her dad. Her dad left the family and her mom can't pay the bills. They get kicked out of their apartment and are living in their car. Georgina hatches a plan to steal a dog and collect the reward money. Does their dad come back? Does their mom get a job? Do they move out of the car and into a house? Is the dog mean and dangerous? Do evil spiders take over the world? Read and see what happens.

OK, guys, go check this one! cyber kid has not been wrong yet.

Sorry my posts are so short these days--we're pretty busy. I'm reading a REALLY good one now--The Roar by Emma Clayton. I'm only in chapter 3 and already there's been an escape from a space station, a pod fighter chased by police pods, a deep dark Secret, and two spectacularly-bad bad guys! I'll let you know all about it when I'm done.

Carl