Official Review: Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer
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Re: Official Review: Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer
Early in the first chapter, I decided that this book had to have been written by an eleven or twelve year old boy. After finishing about a quarter of the book, I decided to look up the author as I didn’t want to hurt the feelings of an older author. I was relieved to discover that Caleb was indeed 12 years old when he wrote this book!
Island Games: The Mystery of the Four Quadrants would make a great graphic novel. There is enough interesting action to attract the most reluctant readers. Knowing that the author was twelve when he wrote the book would also be a draw. As a librarian, I would use this book as a great example of the importance of reading, writing, art and what you can accomplish even when you are a kid.
I like the fact the grammar was left intact as Caleb wrote it. Kids, especially boys really talk the way Matthew and Ryan do in the book. Most would not notice the problems that would bother adults.
Island Games is a didactic adventure story about teamwork, cooperation, responsibility, and personal growth. The story ends suddenly without resolution, leaving the reader wondering what happens next. Kids with Internet access can get a free download of the lab adventure that neither boy remembers.
However, there is no conclusion from this adventure either! I think anyone reading this book will be anxious for a sequel to learn if the boys ever make it home.
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I was thinking the same thing. What a talented young man!Miriam Molina wrote: ↑05 Jan 2018, 00:54 A 12-year-old boy wrote this 4-star book without ANY grammatical errors. Shame on me! I can't even write a 500-word review flawlessly!
I am impressed with this boy and this book. I wonder how old Caleb is now. We may be looking at the next James Patterson.
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This storyline is so intriguing for a boy that age. It is so fascinating and one gets that urge to want to know more about the next chapter.Great piece!
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Oh thank god it's not just me. I just did a volunteer review for this book and for the first few chapters my critique notes were brutal. How on earth could an adult with any sort of professional writing experience do it like this? The further I got, though, the more I suspected that I was dealing with an actual kid, so I did some Googling and lo and behold, I was right! Once I got that out of the way, I found it much easier to read through the book and to sit back, relax, and enjoy it.Sandi wrote: ↑01 Feb 2018, 18:17 Island Games-by Caleb J. Boyer
Early in the first chapter, I decided that this book had to have been written by an eleven or twelve year old boy. After finishing about a quarter of the book, I decided to look up the author as I didn’t want to hurt the feelings of an older author. I was relieved to discover that Caleb was indeed 12 years old when he wrote this book!
So my review focused more on encouraging the writer's love of the craft itself. I figure most of the more specific issues I had with the book would probably resolve themselves in time as the author does more writing and gains more experience. I think it would be wonderful for him to find formal education in creative writing, as that would give him a great deal of professional training and more experience under his belt. I expect great things!
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Thanks toobriellejee wrote: ↑11 Feb 2018, 07:55 About to read this book and I was looking for a review of what am i getting myself into before reading it. This review got me excited. Thanks!