Children’s book reviews by Pierre Rosen of the Oakland Public Library
At First Bite
By Ruth Ames
In this latest installment of the Poison Apple series, our heroine is still adjusting to life as a vampire. This transition isn’t easy since a move to a new city means having to deal with a new school, new kids, and evil vampires on the loose.
This is a scary and fast paced book appropriate for girls ages 9-12 who might not be ready to tackle Twilight, but who enjoy books with a little more substance and dark humor.
Mrs. Katz and Tush
By Patricia Polacco
Part of coming to the library and reading books to your children is introducing them to new cultures and traditions that they might be unfamiliar with. It also provides you with an opportunity to read a book with the accent of a favorite actor, like Jerry Stiller, with a straight face. In this honey sweet children’s book, Polacco tells the story of Mrs.
Katz, a matronly Jewish widow, her cat, and the African-American boy who visits her. The book is beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written.
Be prepared to whip out your copy of “Joys of Yiddish” to explain such wonderful words like bubeleh and gefilte fish. This book is appropriate for ages 4 and up, but can be enjoyed by anyone with a soft spot for good literature.
Viking Warrior
By Judson Roberts
In this fictionalized Viking saga, we follow young Halfdan’s rise from slavery to freeman on his quest to recover his birthright. The story begins with the death of his father (and master) Hrorik. Set in the 9th Century, Roberts explores the Viking understanding of life, war, death and coming of age in historically accurate detail. The characters are richly
developed and the story sucks you right in.
While there is some violent content, Viking Warrior is a good read for boys aged 9 to 17 who enjoy fast paced, action filled books, especially if they have an interest in Viking culture and history.