Interworld

I just finished another Neil Gaiman book called Interworld. Actually, he wrote this one with Michael Reaves. This is a fun book and a pretty quick read. It's about a kid who discovers the ability to walk between different dimensions. All the worlds have similarities but vary a bit due to the different decisions people make. The worlds exist on an arc that ranges from worlds ruled by scientific rules to the other end where the worlds are ruled by magical rules. He has to hurry up and figure out how to use his talents before he's captured by people who wants to pull those powers from him. Fun read.

The Magic Half

The Magic Half is a very quick read. It is the story of Miri who is the middle child stuck between two sets of twins. She feels un-special in comparison to her twin siblings who strike people as unique. While moping one day she finds herself sucked into the past and meets a girl her age who is in desperate need of her help. Now Miri just has to figure out how to help this girl and still be able to get back to her family.

I found this in the local bookstore. It was reviewed and recommended by one of the employees. I thought it was a fun little story but certainly not a classic. There is no particular lesson to be culled here, it's just a quick adventure. My 9 year-old daughter, Brynne, just read the book and she really liked it.

When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me pays direct homage to Madeleine L'engle's "A Wrinkle in Time". It is a quick read and a simple story that involves middle school kids. The main character, Miranda, begins to receive mysterious notes that appear to be preparing her for something that will take place in the future. The author of the notes is attempting to elicit her help in doing one thing and it seems like an odd request.

The story takes place in New York City and some of the surrounding characters are strange but there isn't anything particularly disturbing. One character, a homeless man, appears to be mentally unstable but doesn't do anything that would frighten a young reader.

I enjoyed the story. It's not a classic in the sense that I would take it with me to an island but it's a 3 star time-filler read if your child is looking for something to read.