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lyndiane's review
5.0
I don't often read books written for 12-year old readers, as most of them have the ghastly tendency of being either shamefully patronising or excruciatingly childish (forgive the adjectives). It is therefore refreshing to encounter an author who understands that the average 12-year old has a well-developed intellect and is capable of understanding rather complex situations.
The aspect of a poverty-stricken child-headed household is sensitively portrayed, as is the desperate situation of severe and long-term depression caused by inconsolable grief. The author is very wise not to create a victim mentality for Chris (this is done far too often these days, and is the cause of a great deal of harm in our world), and deftly manages to introduce a moral dilemma with a nasty little conflict; do you obey an instruction or do you keep a promise?
This would make an excellent book to use in class as part of a reading exercise and group discussion
The aspect of a poverty-stricken child-headed household is sensitively portrayed, as is the desperate situation of severe and long-term depression caused by inconsolable grief. The author is very wise not to create a victim mentality for Chris (this is done far too often these days, and is the cause of a great deal of harm in our world), and deftly manages to introduce a moral dilemma with a nasty little conflict; do you obey an instruction or do you keep a promise?
This would make an excellent book to use in class as part of a reading exercise and group discussion
lauralynnwalsh's review
4.0
This one of those books that is a bit too dark for my personal tastes, but it really drew me in. And the sequel already set up. I almost wish I weren't looking forward to the next one.
onemanbookclub's review against another edition
3.0
Check out my blog, One Man Book Club
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
You know what I loved most about this book? All the passionately-positive reviews its received from an army of middle grade and junior high school fans. If they feel so strongly about The Ability, that's all that matters.
What I have to say doesn't.
It doesn't matter that the writing is unimaginative, the characters are one-dimensional, or that it condescends to it's target audience.
Because the kids love it.
And that makes it awesome.
Fun, exciting, clean. Appropriate for all ages. I'm not going to read book two unless one of my young readers requests it, but the reports are that it's even better than book one. So read on!
Happy Reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
You know what I loved most about this book? All the passionately-positive reviews its received from an army of middle grade and junior high school fans. If they feel so strongly about The Ability, that's all that matters.
What I have to say doesn't.
It doesn't matter that the writing is unimaginative, the characters are one-dimensional, or that it condescends to it's target audience.
Because the kids love it.
And that makes it awesome.
Fun, exciting, clean. Appropriate for all ages. I'm not going to read book two unless one of my young readers requests it, but the reports are that it's even better than book one. So read on!
Happy Reading!
lhawk1's review
5.0
OH, wow. I loved this book so much! It was absolutely fantastic and irresistible! I've missed middle-grade fiction!
libscote's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book about "the ability" that you have when you are 12. I can really see kids enjoying this book and hoping that they too will have the ability when they are twelve.
crookedfern's review
4.0
( 4.5 stars )
An excellent, entertaining middle grade book! Can't wait to read Mindscape!
An excellent, entertaining middle grade book! Can't wait to read Mindscape!
hazeltine's review
4.0
Would definitely put this in the category of "What to read after Harry Potter". Clearly this author was influenced by JK Rowling, but after reading so many disappointing middle grade novels it was a delight to find this.
booksandbosox's review against another edition
2.0
http://librarianosnark.blogspot.com/2013/05/review-ability.html