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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
I loved this book as a kid. I recently learned there's a sequel, so I decided to re-read the Egypt Game before I read the sequel. I was worried that it wouldn't hold up to my childhood memories. I was especially concerned that the way the kids treat different cultures might come across as flat or awkward or, frankly, xenophobic or bigoted. I'm a lot more sensitive about that stuff these days. I won't champion this book as a bastion of cultural diversity, but I think it was okay / good enough in that regard. And the group of kids themselves are pretty diverse, right?
Anyway, things I love about this book:
1. the way it gives space for kids to be kids and figure out how you are growing up. i remember these feelings so strongly, being small and wondering about how you can learn to be big.
2. the power of imagination play.
3. how important rituals and mystery are, even/especially the ones you make up yourself.
4. egyptology, man.
5. the power of secret places!
6. the references to peace, freedom, equality and justice. kids need to hear that shit like it is everyday-worth-talking-about and it gives this book such a good 1960s California feel.
7. the kid friendships in this book are so good.
8. the kid-adult relationships in this book are also good!
I'm so glad I re-read it. I think the magic survived the test of time.
Anyway, things I love about this book:
1. the way it gives space for kids to be kids and figure out how you are growing up. i remember these feelings so strongly, being small and wondering about how you can learn to be big.
2. the power of imagination play.
3. how important rituals and mystery are, even/especially the ones you make up yourself.
4. egyptology, man.
5. the power of secret places!
6. the references to peace, freedom, equality and justice. kids need to hear that shit like it is everyday-worth-talking-about and it gives this book such a good 1960s California feel.
7. the kid friendships in this book are so good.
8. the kid-adult relationships in this book are also good!
I'm so glad I re-read it. I think the magic survived the test of time.
I love this book! I could never tell what was coming next!
I don't know how I missed reading this as a child. My 4th grade daughter suggested I read it. It was quite good.
This was a fun kids book that reminded me of my childhood in the sense of just going outside in the world and using my imagination. Kids these days are doing this less and less thanks to the internet and iPhones and iPads, which is such a shame. It makes me sad to think about it. Kids need to get out there, put down their phones, and just play!
That being said, this book was easy and moved quickly yet was oddly peppered with pretty dark moments. Some of them caught me off guard. But otherwise, a good book that I am sure I would've enjoyed as a child.
Here is my testimony to everyone: PLEASE KIDS, GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY!!!!
That being said, this book was easy and moved quickly yet was oddly peppered with pretty dark moments. Some of them caught me off guard. But otherwise, a good book that I am sure I would've enjoyed as a child.
Here is my testimony to everyone: PLEASE KIDS, GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY!!!!
I can’t remember who recommended this delightful book to me, but I owe whoever it was! What a treat to read this one. Full of adventure, imagination, a little danger, and mystery, this was the perfect fall read for me.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A childhood favorite that I "reread" on audiobook in preparation for next week's booktalks. I love it dearly, this story about imagination and friendship. The language and dialog is a bit dated, but I hope that kids everywhere are still creating elaborate make-believes.
The audiorecording is decent and I like Alyssa Bresnahan's solid narration. Her voice and speech patterns seem somehow classic, which is fitting for the story. There are some very long pauses in between chapters sometimes, which is a little distracting, but overall I enjoyed listening to this book.
The audiorecording is decent and I like Alyssa Bresnahan's solid narration. Her voice and speech patterns seem somehow classic, which is fitting for the story. There are some very long pauses in between chapters sometimes, which is a little distracting, but overall I enjoyed listening to this book.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
There are a lot of things to like about this book, but it is ultimately outdated. With a constant flood of new books for kids being published, I'm sure we could find a book with the same quality, but with a more modern edge (including updated word choices for minorities) and a bit more cultural respect.
Nostalgia is a powerful thing, so I don't begrudge adults returning to this old familiar book; but when it comes to putting this in a child's hands, I think there are better options.
Nostalgia is a powerful thing, so I don't begrudge adults returning to this old familiar book; but when it comes to putting this in a child's hands, I think there are better options.
