Tag Archives: Kid’s Corner

Kid’s Corner Book Review: The Sword in the Tree

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Book Review

The Sword in the Tree

by: Clyde Robert Bulla
ReadyReaderOne says: 3 stars
StarReader says: 5 Stars

In the days of King Arthur there stood a mighty oak tree within the walls of a castle. Peace reigned in the castle until the fearsome night when Lionel, longlost brother of Lord Weldon, returned to cause trouble and unhappiness.

It was then that Shan, the son of Lord Weldon, took on the duties of a knight and hid the sword in the hollow of the giant oak. The days that followed were filled with adventures that tried the courage of the young boy.

Shan was surprised by bearded robbers in the woods. He met noble knights in plumed helmets, and eventually he even made a trip to high-towered Camelot. His story is filled with the pageantry and color of England in King Arthur’s time. It creates a vivid picture of the Knights of the Round Table and the wisdom of King Arthur himself.

Mr. Bulla captures the spirit of those romantic days in a straightforward, exciting manner. The result is another delightful book for his wide audience of young readers. Paul Galdone’s vigorous illustrations are as evocative as the text.

ReadyReaderOne says:

This book, The Sword in The Tree, by Clyde Robert Bulla, is a great read.

The book was filled with adventures, sword fights, castles, kings and knights in shining armor. Although I would have liked more, I do recommend it for younger kids who like knights and castles.

StarReader says:

The Sword and the Tree is about a boy who saves a kingdom. I especially liked the part when the robbers showed a little kindness to Shan and his mom.

This book is filled with excitement, surprises, and sword fights. This is a great book for kids who like knights, battles, and saving the day.

Kid’s Corner Book Review: The Bronze Bow

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Book Review by ReadyReaderOne

The Bronze Bow

By Elizabeth George Spear

5 Stars

5 out of 5 stars 

He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. –from the Song of David (2 Samuel 22:35)
The Bronze Bow, written by Elizabeth George Speare (author of The Witch of Blackbird Pond) won the Newbery Medal in 1962. This gripping, action-packed novel tells the story of eighteen-year-old Daniel bar Jamin—a fierce, hotheaded young man bent on revenging his father’s death by forcing the Romans from his land of Israel. Daniel’s palpable hatred for Romans wanes only when he starts to hear the gentle lessons of the traveling carpenter, Jesus of Nazareth. A fast-paced, suspenseful, vividly wrought tale of friendship, loyalty, the idea of home, community . . . and ultimately, as Jesus says to Daniel on page 224: “Can’t you see, Daniel, it is hate that is the enemy? Not men. Hate does not die with killing. It only springs up a hundredfold. The only thing stronger than hate is love.” A powerful, relevant read in turbulent times.

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare was very thought provoking.  

I highly recommend this book for readers who can dig deeper than just the surface story.

A Jewish boy, name Daniel, has a hatred for the Romans because of an incident that happened to his parents. This hatred leads to him making selfish decisions. He meets two people who become great friends and make a vow to defeat the Romans who have infiltrated their town.

Daniel later meets a man who preaches in the synagogue about love and this makes Daniel confused. Daniel has to learn that fighting is not the solution to his problems. 

This story teaches that getting even isn’t the way to become free. Love is more powerful than hate. My favorite character, Daniel, has an anger problem like me and he overcomes his problems which helped me see mine.