The Blackthorn Key

Image from: http://books.simonandschuster.ca/The-Blackthorn-Key/Kevin-Sands/Blackthorn-Key/9781481446518

by Kevin Sands

I was excited to read this book because I have seen it all over the place and I wasn't disappointed. The main character, Christopher, is an apothecary's apprentice. Unfortunately, apothecaries all over the city are being murdered and it isn't long before Christopher's beloved master is the next victim.

Using the puzzles and clues that his master left behind, Christopher, along with his friend Tom, must find out who is behind the horrible murders and decide whether he wants to share the power that lies behind his master's hidden discovery.

I would recommend this book to Grade 5-7. It is a quite violent in the last couple of chapters but the overall story, character development, etc. is GREAT! As an added bonus, Kevin Sands is a Canadian author so I am hoping this one will be on Silver Birch or Red Maple next year!

Fuzzy Mud

Image from: www.louissachar.com

By Louis Sachar

I picked up this book because we had to study Louis Sachar for Battle of the Books and I was curious if it was any good, considering I wasn't a big fan of the title. I am, however, a big fan of Louis Sachar in general and have read Holes and Sideways Stories many, many time.

Anyway, Fuzzy Mud is the story of Tamaya Dhilwaddi and Marshall Walsh, who end up taking a detour through the woods and find themselves in some serious trouble. Another boy, Chad Hilligas, has decided to beat up Marshall and hunts them down in the woods. As they are fighting, Tamaya picks up some weird mud and throws it at Chad's face. He backs off and leaves.

Tamaya and Marshall make their way home. That night, Tamaya's hand starts to get a rash. She realizes it's from the mud she picked up and that her skin is flaking off. Tamaya ends up going to school the next day where she learns that Chad is missing. She realizes it is up to her to find him and that he is probably in really bad shape since the mud went all over his face. She sets out to find him and the adventure continues from there.

I don't want to say too much more about this one because I don't want to give it away but it was a good read, freakier than I thought it would be, but good. I would recommend this book for Grade 4-6.