Reviewed by Oscar
Rating: High Five
Who I'd Recommend to: Fans of Archie's Alien Disguise, Geronimo Stilton, the Sword of Summer, and the Silver Chair.
Synopsis (from Amazon):
One day, Isaac Thompson is just your average fifth grader playing the part of a porcupine in the school play. The next, he has strayed into a mysterious subterranean realm that has been lurking beneath his school Castle Elementary and launches his quest to knighthood. When Isaac's little sister Lily goes missing from their school's creepy basement, he and his best friends Max and Emma set out in search of her. Their search takes them to the Underground, where they encounter an army of spear-wielding rats, a talking human-sized bat, and a thumb-nosed prison guard. But humans who stay in the Underground too long transform into weird, unpleasant creatures and are forced to work for the horrible Elf King. Can Isaac and his crew escape the Underground before it's too late for them to ever return home?
Rating: High Five
Who I'd Recommend to: Fans of Archie's Alien Disguise, Geronimo Stilton, the Sword of Summer, and the Silver Chair.
Synopsis (from Amazon):
One day, Isaac Thompson is just your average fifth grader playing the part of a porcupine in the school play. The next, he has strayed into a mysterious subterranean realm that has been lurking beneath his school Castle Elementary and launches his quest to knighthood. When Isaac's little sister Lily goes missing from their school's creepy basement, he and his best friends Max and Emma set out in search of her. Their search takes them to the Underground, where they encounter an army of spear-wielding rats, a talking human-sized bat, and a thumb-nosed prison guard. But humans who stay in the Underground too long transform into weird, unpleasant creatures and are forced to work for the horrible Elf King. Can Isaac and his crew escape the Underground before it's too late for them to ever return home?
Thoughts: This was a really fun, creative book! The writing is fast-paced and exciting, the type of book that instantly pulls you into the story and can keep you occupied for hours. I loved Max's character - he has one of my favorite personalities - and liked the touch of humor he added to the story. Isaac is an admirable, likable protagonist that I think most kids my age will be able to relate to. The story was incredibly interesting, and although it was also simple, I think all kids ages 6-11 will enjoy this book. In addition, I loved the creative twists throughout the story - the "Ear" and the "Acro-Bat" being some of my favorites. The high stakes felt very real, so the entire story, I was kept on the edge of my seat. This was a super quick read for me, but I still enjoyed it to the fullest and would definitely recommend it to reluctant readers. In fact, every teacher should have this book in his/her classroom, because it is such a great introduction to reading for kids. Fast-paced, exciting, likable characters, creative story... what more could I ask for? The whole idea of a hidden world under the ground was also very intriguing, something I think kids will really love - TALES OF A FIFTH GRADE KNIGHT had a Chronicles of Narnia feel to it. And the aspect of Isaac's school being an old castle was an awesome touch. Overall, a great book that I would wholeheartedly recommend to any kid my age.
NOTE: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
NOTE: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
