Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien

An odd book, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien is another story with anthropomorphized rats and mice.  This seems to be overdone a bit, but the story itself is interesting enough with an inventive reason as to why these mice and rats seem so human.

Leaf piece: A mother mouse and her children are in danger of losing their home (and their lives) until the wise healer mouse advises her to meet the frightful Rats of NIMH. 

B         [Story/Plot B; Characters B+; Content B; Setting B+]

Genre/Subject: Child Fiction/Fantasy; Animals

Additional Note: Newbery Award Winner: 1972; AR Level 5.1

Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card

Pathfinder is well done, but darkly lonely and sad, which is par for Orson Scott Card (at least in the books that I have read.)  This book has great story movement and character building, and an interesting (if slightly predictable) conclusion.

Leaf piece: A boy goes on an adventure to save his universe (a.k.a. String Theory), while discovering and nurturing hidden -and unusual- talents in himself and his friends.

A         [Story/Plot A; Characters A-; Content B+; Setting A]

Genre/Subject: Teen Fiction/SciFi

Additional Note: AR Level 6.3