BEST ANIMAL BOOKS: Ages 9 - 12
Mossflower (Redwall, Book 2) by Brian Jacques and Gary Chalk
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher
(Year): Firebird (September 30, 2002)
Summary v.1
Mossflower by Brian Jacques is a story written prior to the book Redwall. It is about an animal, a wildcat to be exact, who takes over the ruling of Mossflower Woods. The wildcat rules the land with a paw of iron. Tsarmina take over to eliminate the current queens rule. The queen set out to destroy Mossflower Woods. Martin the mouse and Gonff are able to break out of the dungeon of the castle and overthrow the queen. The mole called Kinney also joins in their quest for freedom from the rule of terror to find Boar the Fighter. The boar is believed to live in Salamandastron to seek the help of the boar.
Summary v.2
This is a very interesting story of wild animals. It is a fitting tale for the youngsters who love animals and thrive on stories involving them and have very clear demarcation between good and bad. The story is about a wildcat which begins to rule the land of Mossflower Woods by being a tyrannical disciplinarian. The good mouse Martin, Kinney and Gonff take it upon themselves to rid Mossflower of the wildcat queen’s clutches and set out to find the wild boar living in Salamandastron, to help them. The book is both imaginative and simple in its use of language.
Summary v.3
Mossflower by Brian Jacques was written before the book Redwall was released. The story is about a wildcat. This animal decides to take over the ruling of Mossflower Woods. With very strong leadership skills, the wildcat rules the desired territory. Mossflower woods were threatened by the Queen who wanted to take over instead. Martin the mouse and Gonff were able to break out of the dungeon of the castle and stop the queen from taking over. Kinney the mole also joins them in their mission for liberation. It becomes very important to seek out boar the fighter. He can be found in Salamandastron.
Warriors: Into the Wild by Erin Hunter
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher
(Year): HarperCollins (January 21, 2003)
Summary v.1
A house pet Rusty, a little kitten visits the forest and becomes occupied with the fights that occur with warriors who considered themselves the kings and queens of the wild. He is later called Firepaw and becomes an apprentice to become a warrior. Along the road, he begins to understand the meaning of friendship, gains courage and also learns the hurt of betrayal. Rusty is able to become a warrior and learn what it truly means to earn this status in the wild. Firepaw helps the Thunder Clan cats to save their species from the potential harm of the Shadow Clan. He transformed into a brave warrior who fights for wellbeing.
Summary v.2
A domestic cat, Rusty, who wants freedom, escapes and meets other feline friends of Thunder Clan in a nearby forest. Here he is taught negative emotions like hate, contempt, jealousy, betrayal, revenge etc. He sees two of the tribes of cats vying with one another for ruling the forest and is accepted among them to be renamed Firepaw after his triumph over a well acknowledged warrior cat. Firepaw is transformed into a warrior and fights bravely against his rival tribe of cats, the Shadow Clan. The book is a delightful treat for all children and cat lovers of every age.
Summary v.3
Warriors: Into the Wild is a story about an indoor kitten named Rusty that visits the forest. He travels along and becomes occupied with all of the fights that occur. He is very interested in the warriors who considered themselves the kings and queens of the wild. Rusty is later called Firepaw and then becomes an apprentice to be just like the warriors. During his travels he begins to understand the real meaning of friendship. He manages to gain the courage and also learns about betrayal. Rusty is able to become a warrior and he finally learns what it truly means to earn that status in the wild. He transformed into a brave warrior who fights for wellbeing. Warriors: Into the Wild delves deep into emotions.
Martin the Warrior: A Tale from Redwall by Brian Jacques
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher
(Year): Firebird (February 9, 2004)
Summary v.1
Badrang is an evil tyrant who has many slaves. His goal is to build his tyrannical empire and rule over everything he can. Martin, who is one of his slaves, is a brave and big hearted soul who wishes to have freedom and give freedom to all of the people who live on the Eastern Sea. He wants to free the residents from the cruel ruler Badrang. Martin is willing to any length to accomplish his desire to end the cruelty and destruction the evil ruler throws at inhabitants. The brave mouse Martin also attempts to find and gain back the sword that was given to him by his father when he was a child but stolen by
Badrang.
Summary v.2
Bedrang, a stoat, is evil and has a number of slaves. He has built a strong fortress and wishes to dominate the world. His cruelty is disliked and Martin the mouse with a few others escapes his tyranny to gather an army to dethrone Dedrang. His hatred for the ruler is fanned by the fact that Bedrang had stolen his grandfather’s sword. Martin thus aspires to win freedom for self and all the people living in Bedrang’s kingdom on the Eastern Sea and to recover his sword. The book is exciting throughout with an undercurrent of compassion and brotherhood among slaves.
Summary v.3
In this book, Badrang is a wicked dictator who has many slaves. With an evil goal to build his tyrannical empire and rule everything he can, there is someone that wants to see this end. One of his slaves named Martin wants to end the torture around him and free the people who live on the Eastern Sea. He wants everyone to not have to live in the cruel society Badrang created. If Martin can accomplish this feat he will have over turned the horrible treatment that the residents have had to face. Martin the Warrior is a courageous and exciting character.
Mattimeo (Redwall, Book 3) by Brian Jacques and Gary Chalk
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher
(Year): Firebird (March 31, 2003)
Summary v.1
Mattimeo wants to become the Defender of the Abbey just as his father once was. Mattimeo is the son of Cornflower and Matthais. Slagar is a cruel fox that is planning a terroristic attack on Redwall Abbey. The gang that works for the fox pretends to be a group of entertainers to forcefully gain custody of children to use them as slaves. The adults later realize their children are missing. Matthais find the search for the children to be a complicated. Mattimeo sets out with his army and uses his and their knowledge to escape from and overthrow the evil plans of
Slagar.
Summary v.2
This is an action packed novel, a famous animal fable with rich illustrations. It tells about Martimeo, who like his father, wants to safeguard the Abbey. Son of Cornflower and Matthais, Martimeo courageously stalls Slagar, the crafty, treacherous fox who wants to take children as slaves while planning a deceitful assault on Redwall Abbey. Fending off Slagar is a daunting task for the parents of kids when they are found missing. Martineo comes to their rescue and uses his skill and knowledge to nip Slagar’s designs in the bud. The plot is very intricately woven, is exciting and fast paced.
Summary v.3
It is important for Mattimeo to be like his father who was once Defender of the Abbey. His parents are Cornflower and Matthais. Slagar is an evil fox that wants to plan a malicious attack on Redwall Abbey. The group of criminals that work for the fox lies about being a member of entertainers that forcefully gain custody of children so they can be used as slaves. The adults later realize that the children are missing. Matthais finds the search for the missing kids to be more than he expected. Mattimeo sets out with his militia and uses their combined knowledge to escape and overthrow the cruel plans of Slagar.
Thoroughbred #01 A Horse Called Wonder by Joanna Campbell
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher
(Year): HarperEntertainment (August 15, 1991)
Summary v.1
Ashleigh Griffen and her family once owned a farm with breeding horses. When disease struck, their breeding farm was lost. The loss included Ashleigh’s horse Stardust. The girl and her family began another quest working at Townsend Acres breeding horses. Ashleigh was not please about moving to the place. A horse gave birth to a little foal that resembled her horse Stardust. The foal was very weak and needed attention so those around her didn’t believe the foal would survive. The girl was the only one who believed the foal would survive so she gave the foal lots of attention and nursed it. The horse was later named Ashleigh’s Wonder. Later, the foal contracts the flu but with Ashleigh and Charlie Burke helping her, she nurses the foal back to health again.
Summary v.2
This is a compassionate story of a girl of eleven summers who lived on a farm owned by her parents. Ashleigh Griffen adored horses and had one, called Stardust as her own. Alas, due to a deadly disease, the farm was devastated. The Griffen family was forced to take up managing a horse farm at Townsend Acres. Here Ashleigh meets a foal resembling Stardust. She immediately takes to him, showering him with all her love and attention. The young foal, however, is stricken with flu and had little hopes of survival had it not been for Ashleigh’s care and nursing.
Summary v.3
Long ago, Ashleigh Griffin and her family owned a farm with horses. There was an outbreak of disease among the horses and as a result their farm was lost. Stardust was among the horses that died. He was a special horse because he belonged to Ashleigh. The Griffin’s decided to start another venture by working at Townsend Acres breeding horses. Ashleigh did not want to move to this new place. A horse at Townsend Acres gave birth to a foal that looked a lot like her horse Stardust who passed away. The foal did not have enough strength and as a result he required plenty of attention. Everyone around the little foal did not believe he would survive. Ashleigh was the only one who thought the foal would make it so she gave the foal lots of attention and nursed it back to health. The baby horse was given the name Ashleigh’s Wonder. Later into the story, the horse is sick with the flu but with Ashleigh and Charlie Burke helping her, Wonder is taken care of and feels much better with a rapid recovery.
Salamandastron by Brian Jacques
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 356 pages
Publisher
(Year): Demco Media (December 1994)
Summary v.1
While those living in Redwall are enjoying the peace, Salamandastron is under siege by Ferhago the Assassin and his army. Urthripe is the Badger Lord of Fire Moutain. His daughter Mara is in danger. Lord Urthripe also had another daughter who was adopted but did not call him Father until after the lord’s demise. Martin, Samkim as well as Arula set out to locate Martin’s missing sword given to him by his father. Later, the sword that Martin the Mouse Warrior has been searching for is finally found. Martin and Samkin begin their search for Mara. Ferhago the Assassin is overthrown with the help of Mara, Urthripe and Mara as well as others from
Redwall.
Summary v.2
Looking for the badger treasures, the cruel Weasel, Ferhago, attacks Salamandastron. Badger Urthripe is the king of Fire Mountain and has two daughters – one an adopted one. Mara, his daughter is in trouble. Martin, Samkin and Arula begin their quest of
retrieving the sword that rightly belonged to Martin. They are successful but while they are away, Ditcheye Fever strikes and Dumbell and Thrugg go looking for its cure – flower of Icetor. Samkin and Martin search for Mara who helps them defeat Urthripe. This is one of the most thrilling books in the Redwall series and ignites the imagination of its
readers.
Summary v.3
The residents of Redwall are living in a peaceful environment. However Salamandastron is taken over by Ferhago the Assassin and his soldiers. Urthripe happened to be the Badger Lord of Fire Moutain. Mara is in danger and she is his one of his daughters. His other daughter was adopted and did not acknowledge him as her father because of the evil scheming. Martin, Samkim, and Arula went out to find Martin’s lost sword which was given to him by his father. Martin the Mouse Warrior regains the missing sword that they have been searching for. Martin and Samkin begin their search for the daughter Mara. Ferhago the Assassin loses his power over the people with thanks to Mara and Urthripe. The residents of Redwall also helped to bring peace to the town.
Coming Home (Heartland #1) by Lauren Brooke
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher
(Year): Scholastic (June 1, 2000)
Summary v.1
Heartland is the name of a horse farm that tended to horses who were in need of attention and help. Amy and her mother worked at Heartland to help with the horses. During bad weather, Amy’s mother is tragically killed when a tree fell on their car. Amy’s sister Lou returns to help Amy with coping with the tragic loss. Amy then takes over to bring her mother’s goals into fruition by performing the same tasks her mother did. Lou makes an attempt to clean up the problems faced at Heartland and tries to put the business back up on its feet.
Summary v.2
Amy Fleming and her mother work at a farm called Heartland which tended to horses requiring attention. They toiled hard but tragedy struck and killed the mother as a tree fell on their car. Amy’s sister Lou comes to help her tide over the loss and also assist in giving an impetus to the slackening business. Amy puts in extra effort to help her mother’s dreams to be realized. This is a touching novel which teaches the reader how to overcome loss and get on with life and also the importance of human-animal rapport. It is an emotional depiction of great love.
Summary v.3
Heartland is a horse farm that houses sick and injured horses. Amy and her mother worked at Heartland to help take care of the horses that were in dire need of help. During a very stormy night, Amy’s mother is killed in a car accident when a tree falls onto her car. Amy has a sister named Lou that comes to stay with her to help her. Since the tragic loss, she gets help from Lou to cope with what happened. Amy does not want to see her mother’s dreams die so she decides to make them a reality by following the same routine that he mother would do. Lou helps by trying to run everything as they should be at Heartland so the business will continue to thrive.
The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher
(Year): Yearling (August 20, 1991)
Summary v.1
After Alec Ramsey’s ship was destroyed, he and Black remained stranded on an island. Both needed to turn to each other for support and develop a relationship based on love as well as trust. Both finally leave the deserted island and are rescued. They became friends with Henry Dailey who works with both of Alec and Black in order to race in competitions. The horse, with the help of Henry Daily became one of the extremely fast running horses in history. Black was entered anonymously into a race against two race winning horses, Sun Raider and Cyclone. This was an exciting and memorable race for all who were involved.
Summary v.2
Victims of a sea wreck, Alec Ramsay and a horse, Black, are washed ashore an island. Marooned, both develop a strong bond of
love and trust. After they are saved and return home, they befriend Henry Dailly who has a keen eye to recognize Black’s potential as a race horse. Together they train Black to become historically the fastest race horse that ever was. The thorough description of the horse, the races he participated and won is something to be read to be believed. The author has done a splendid job of writing a true literary masterpiece, timeless in every way.
Summary v.3
Alec Ramsey’s ship was destroyed but thankfully he has Black to help him during the horrible time. Black and Alec relied on each other for lots of support. It was very important for them to develop a relationship based on love and more importantly trust. The two finally leave the deserted island they washed upon and are rescued. Henry Dailey becomes a loyal friend to them. He works with Alec and Black in order to race in competitions. They have a horse that they train and he becomes the main one that is entered into competitions. With the help of their new friend they are able to win. Black was enters a race against two race winning horses, Sun Raider and Cyclone. It was a very emotional and rewarding race against the two winning horses. Will Black win?
David and the Phoenix by Edward Ormondroyd
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 76 pages
Publisher
(Year): SMK Books (December 16, 2009)
Summary v.1
David moves to a new home located within the mountains. One day he set out to climb the mountain and found a Phoenix who is in hiding. The Phoenix has wings that have deteriorated over time from hiding from the unscrupulous scientist. David is a child who visits magical entities such as a Griffin and Banshees. He tries to avoid a troublesome scientist who wishes to destroy the Phoenix and use it to run scientific experiments. A large nest is being built for the Phoenix who is about to celebrate its 500th birthday. The child helps to protect the Phoenix from entities who may do harm.
Summary v.2
Shifting to a new home situated inside the mountains, David attempts climbing up only to discover an old and ailing Phoenix who is holed-up from a scientist wanting the bird for his experiment. David is believed to have certain magical powers of Griffin and Banshees. David helps the Phoenix to stay safe and away from the callous scientist. The Phoenix is 500 years old and David keeps all types of harms away from the Phoenix. The book is a wonderful fiction, much enjoyed by young and old alike. The close rapport between the Phoenix and David is truly moving and remarkable.
Summary v.3
David just moved to his new home, which is located in the high mountains. Upon setting out for a wild adventure he begins to climb up the mountain and discover a Phoenix who is in hiding. The Phoenix has wings that have weathered with time from hiding from the evil, mad scientist. David is a young boy that visits different magical entities such as a Griffin and Banshees. He does not want to bother the ill willed scientist that wishes to obliterate the Phoenix and use him to run many lab experiments. A huge bird nest is currently being constructed for the Phoenix who is going to be turning 500 years old. David hopes the help he is providing to protect the Phoenix from will work to keep him safe from entities wishing to do him harm.
A Dangerous Path (Warriors, Book 5) by Erin Hunter
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher
(Year): HarperCollins (May 24, 2005)
Summary v.1
The head of Thunderclan, Fireheart the cat must take on more tasks related to leading since the current leader, Bluestar, is in poor physical and mental state. A terroristic Tigerstar who is the leader of Shadowclan has many rebel animals. The current leader Bluestar is under the impression that her followers are responsible for betraying her and the Starclean have been led astray from her. The leader believes that Windclan members are planning to hunt in lands that belong to the Thunderclans. Bluestar then begins a battle and Fireheart must develop a method to avoid the outbreak.
Summary v.2
This is a warrior book but one of the best because it is adventurous to the core. The story revolves around Fireheart, the cat which is required to head the Thunderclan as its original leader, Bluestar, is physically and mentally ill. She believes that her clan has let her down. The fanatical leader of Shadowclan has several radicals in his clan. The legendry enmity between the dogs and cats is well portrayed in this excellent novel which reflects the hatred between them. With a tinge of romance, the story is replete with keen anticipation of what is to come next!
Summary v.3
The leader of Thunderclan is Fireheart. He is the cat that can take on more tasks related to leading a crew of people since the current lead man, Bluestar, is in no condition to do so. A malicious Tigerstar is the leader of Shadowclan which has many rebel animals. Bluestar leads the gain and is under the impression that the followers are the ones who betrayed her and the Starclean. This caused them to push themselves as far away from her as possible. The group leaders had no choice but to believe Windclan members are going to make a plan to hunt in the lands that rightfully belong to the Thunderclans. Bluestar starts a fight and Fireheart must come up with a plan to avoid the outbreak.
No Flying in the House (Harper Trophy Books) by Betty Brock and Wallace Tripp
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher
(Year): HarperCollins (January 2, 1998)
Summary v.1
Annabel Tippens is a little girl who has a companion dog called Gloria. She does not have parents to take care of her. A cruel cat tells Annabel that she is not a normal child and has part fairy features. She is able to do tasks that children are not able to do like flying. Annabel soon finds that it isn’t exactly easy being this way. The child is forced to make a choice between her loving, white dog companion and being a fairy. Will Annabel remain a fairy and sacrifice her dog Gloria or will she choose Gloria over being a fairy?
Summary v.2
The main character of this compelling novel is Annabel Tippins and her dog Gloria. Annabel is an orphan and loves Gloria a lot. One day a wicked cat tells Annabel that she is no ordinary girl but is gifted with magical powers of a fairy. Annabel is capable of accomplishing tasks that no other child can, like flying or kissing her elbow. She is asked to make a choice between being a fairy and foregoing her loving friend, Gloria or being with Gloria and sacrificing her powers of a fairy. The end is unexpected and has to be read and enjoyed.
Summary v.3
This is a story about Annabel Tippens. She is not your ordinary little girl. She is faced with a tough decision of being able to stay a fairy or give up her beloved pet dog named Gloria. Ever since she found out that she was not a normal child by a mean cat her life has not been the same. Annabel is able fly like a fairy and carry on with her everyday activities. Despite being a child with special characteristics she blends in well to her environment. The question still remains about what she will do. No Flying in the House is a great read.
|
