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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Well, this was fun. I was expecting it to be more magical—like Set would come alive or something. But lack of magic aside, it was good. I skipped ahead at one point (a habit I am trying to break) and accidentally read the sneak peak of first chapter of the sequel, The Gypsy Game. I didn't realize it at the time, so I was a little disappointed when I got to the end.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
This was one of my favorite books in elementary school. Years later, I still love it. I think it's the magic and the wonder the characters feel and see when they're in Egypt. I can feel it along with them. And for an overworked college student, that little bit of magic can make a huge difference.
It was fascinating to reread a book I remember adoring from middle or elementary school... and to discover while rereading it, I remember NOTHING about it. I can definitely see why 11 year old me would have loved it. I know it helped spur my love for Ancient Egypt, despite the fact there’s only minimal Egyptian information in these pages (probably really created my love of a mystery novel more than anything). I believe it was assigned reading concurrent with a Social Studies unit on Ancient Egypt (you know, the only time we EVER studied any African history in my public school education). The cast of kids in this book is diverse, and that’s great to see with a publication date of 1967.
April is a snooty only child whose mother rarely pays attention to her. Her mother leaves her with her grandmother where she meets Melanie who is friendly and likes everyone. They become friends and make up incredible stories and play wild games - one of which is the Egypt game. They play in an abandoned lot where they find a bust of Nefertiti. Soon other kids join in the game. Then strange things begin happening and they are afraid there is a murderer in the neighborhood whose victims are children. A wonderful story!
I liked this story. It had a great combination of the realistic fiction genre, a little suspense, and Egyptian culture. It kept me interested.
There is one thing I must say. It may not be the most important thing in the world, but I found the illustrations really ugly. They weren't really my taste, but it shouldn't take away from the story. Although, the illustrations were much smoother on the front cover.
There is one thing I must say. It may not be the most important thing in the world, but I found the illustrations really ugly. They weren't really my taste, but it shouldn't take away from the story. Although, the illustrations were much smoother on the front cover.
My kids are enjoying this audiobook, but I'm not a fan of the narration. It's too slow and lacking in animation to hold my interest. I thought I didn't like the story, but when left the audio to the kids and started reading the book on my own, I enjoyed it much more. Review of the non-audio book to follow.
A re-read from my childhood. It was a favorite back then and still delightful to me now.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes