Bob's Bests

As promised here’s the next installment of Bob’s Bests - so grab a copy and that’s your week’s reading sorted. Love the stunning cover to Day of Tears…

Day of Tears by Julius Lester. Pub. Hyperion Books for Children, New York. 2005

Highly emotive, thought provoking and dramatic, Day of Tears sits the reader down ringside to the biggest (and last) American Southern states slave auction before the Civil War, circa 1859. Relayed entirely through dialogue, each character brings a different perspective to the event, - and to slavery. This also extends post auction as each character reflects some years later on the events that transpired since that fateful day.

This book won the Coretta Scott King Award in 2005 and although it can be read in a few hours it is both unforgettable and extraordinary. Aimed at intermediate/secondary level readers, Days of Tears could also be adapted for the stage to brilliant effect.

The End or Book Thirteen by Lemony Snicket. Pub. Harper Collins, New York, 2006.

Many will say, thank heavens it’s over, (the Unfortunate Events series that is) and, well I have to agree. Again it’s the usual suspect’s, a scheming Count Olaf and the three Baudelaire orphans. This time they’re adrift a boat in the middle of the ocean when a storm deposits them on an island ruled by the weird mystic, Ishmael. Initially a strength of the series, Snicket’s word games here appear tedious and irksome. And while it has nowhere near the power or impact of the first three in the series I did finish the book just to see what happens, as no doubt thousands will (and also be sorry to see the last of the plucky orphans). Try it and see. Aimed at primary and intermediate children.