The Lost Years, Book One: The Lost Years of Merlin by T. A. Barron

Though the character Merlin is world famous as an ancient wizard, this story of his lost youth is original to the author.

Stichley's Rating:
Now this series of books has eleven in it, but when I first received my autographed ones that were in hardback there was only five.  This first book in the series is the beginning of Merlin discovering who he is and his past that he doesn't remember.  It is a great book for kids, teens, and adults.  

Instances of Swearing:

• Hell: 3
• Ass: 1
• God: 18
• Bastard: 2

Shades of Gray by Carolyn Reeder

The Civil War may be over, but for twelve-year-old Will Page, the pain and bitterness haven't ended. How could they have, when the Yankees were responsible for the deaths of everyone in his entire immediate family?
And now Will has to leave his comfortable home in the Shenandoah Valley and live with relatives he has never met, people struggling to eke out a living on their farm in the war-torn Virginia Piedmont. But the worst of it is that Will's uncle Jed had refused to fight for the Confederacy.
At first, Will regards his uncle as a traitor -- or at least a coward. But as they work side by side, Will begins to respect the man. And when he sees his uncle stand up for what he believes in, Will realizes that he must rethink his definition of honor and courage.

Stichley's Rating:
If your whole family was killed by the enemy you lost to would you be able to handle living with those who had refused to fight?  That is what this book is about.  Learning to forgive, and change the way that you see the world.

Instances of Swearing:

• None that we can remember

The Orphan Train Adventures, Book One: A Family Apart by Jean Lowery Nixon

When their mother can no longer support them, six siblings are sent by the Children's Aid Society of New York City to live with farm families in Missouri in 1860.

Stichley's Rating:
This first book tells the story of Francis and Petey in the family.  This was a book that my sister and I both enjoyed having read to us by are parents before bed every night.  As the children are forced to separate from their mother and each other they have to learn how to have new lives where not all are loved as they once were.

Instances of Swearing:

• None that we remembered

Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt

This beautifully written novel offers valuable insights into the difficulties faced by families and communities caught up in the political, economic, and personal upheavals of war. The events of the Civil War unfold Across Five Aprils in this moving story by Newbery Award winner, Irene Hunt. It is set in southern Illinois where Jethro Creighton, an intelligent, hardworking boy, is growing into manhood as his brothers and a beloved teacher leave to fight in the Union and Confederate armies. Hunt presents a balanced look at both sides of the conflict, and includes interesting information on lesser-known leaders and battles. Of course, Abraham Lincoln is a frequent topic of conversation, and Jethro even receives a letter from his fellow Illinoian.

Stichley's Rating:
This is a great story about a family and the times of the Civil War. It also shows how hard it was on people trying to decided which side was right and whether to fight for one side or the other.

Instances of Swearing:

• Hell: 1

Beyonders, Book One: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull

Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable—until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank to a place unlike anything he’s ever seen. In the past, the people of Lyrian welcomed visitors from the Beyond, but attitudes have changed since the wizard emperor Maldor rose to power. The brave resistors who opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail.

In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.

Stichley's Rating:
Another wonderful series from Brandon Mull.  I just finished this book and think that it is a good one.  Imagine a world where all people willing to fight for the right thing have already been crushed.  When something bad happens nobody does anything to stop it or help those in need because they are simply indifferent to the suffering of others.  Yet in this world there are still good people who try to help each other in small unnoticed ways.  While most of Brandon Mull's books are meant for children and teens I found it enjoyable as an adult as well.

Instances of Swearing:

• No swearing that we could detect.

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

On the Midwinter Day that is his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers a special gift -- that he is the last of the Old Ones, immortals dedicated to keeping the world from domination by the forces of evil, the Dark. At once, he is plunged into a quest for the six magical Signs that will one day aid the Old Ones in the final battle between the Dark and the Light. And for the twelve days of Christmas, while the Dark is rising, life for Will is full of wonder, terror, and delight.

Stichley's Rating:
While The Dark is Rising is technically the second book in the series by Susan Cooper I personally would recommend reading this book first.  This series was one of my all time favorites.  I have read it several times, but have met quite a few people who were put off from the series because they had a hard time getting into the first book.  When they read this book and then went back they found that it was much easier to get into the first book in the series.  This series mixes old English, King Arthurian Myths, and the battle between Light and Darkness making for an enjoyable and award winning series.

The sequence as published: Over Sea, Under Stone (Book One), The Dark is Rising (Book Two), Greenwitch (Book Three), The Grey King (Book Four), Silver on the Tree (Book Five)

Instances of Swearing:

• Ass: 1

Soup by Robert Newton Peck

When it came to getting the two of us in trouble, Soup was a regular genius....Soup was my best pal. His real and righteous name was Luther Wesley Vinson, but nobody called him Luther. He didn't like it. I called him Luther just once, which promoted Soup to break me of a very bad habit before it really got formed. As soon as the swelling went out of my lip, I called him Soup instead of Thoop.
Here are the stories of that friendship, and of the troubles--stories from a boyhood filled with barrels to roll in, apples to whip, windows to break, ropes to bind prisoners, acorn pepes, and ten-cent Saturday movies.

Stichley's Rating:
Based on the suggestion of our Librarian when I was a kid my family discovered the whole Soup series (now it's hard to find all of them in print).  They became some of our favorite books to have read to us before we went to bed at night.  For an adult or teen the just over 100 page book of Soup is an extremely fast read, but if you are going to read them to your kid it is worth it--Kids love them and you'll find yourself laughing.

Additional Soup books: Little Soup's Birthday, Little Soup's Bunny, Little Soup's Hayride, Little Soup's Turkey, Soup 1776, Soup Ahoy, Soup & Me, Soup for President, Soup in Love, Soup in the Saddle, Soup on Fire, Soup on Ice, Soup on Wheels, Soup's Drum, Soup's Goat, Soup's Hoop, Soup's Uncle

Instances of Swearing:

• Hell: 1
• Ass: 1

The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson

Hank has been accused of murder! In a fit of despair, Hank resigns his position as Head of Ranch Security and decides to join the outlaw coyotes. There he's known as Hunk (that's Hank in coyote language). Hank meets Missy Coyote, sister to Scraunch -- the meanest, roughest, toughest, most notorious coyote in the whole country. If Scraunch found Hank with his sister... Well, look out for trouble.

Stichley's Rating:
Hank the Cowdog is actually a series of books.  They are funny and candy books.  They are easy reads that you can get through in a hurry if your an adult, but as a kid they are a good read.  Hank will remind you of any happy go lucky mutt you know as you read the books.  He likes rolling in things that smell, and barking at things, and doing all things a dog loves... only it is funnier in these books than real life.

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards

The Whangdoodle was once the wisest, the kindest, and the most extraordinary creature in the world.Then he disappeared and created a wonderful land for himself and all the other remarkable animals -- the ten-legged Sidewinders, the little furry Flukes, the friendly Whiffle Bird, and the treacherous, "oily" Prock. It was an almost perfect place where the last of the really great Whangdoodles could rule his kingdom with "peace, love and a sense of fun" -- apart from and forgotten by people.

But not completely forgotten. Professor Savant believed in the Whangdoodle. And when he told the three Potter children of his search for the spectacular creature, Lindy, Tom, and Ben were eager to reach Whangdoodleland.

With the Professor's help, they discovered the secret way. But waiting for them was the scheming Prock, who would use almost any means to keep them away from his beloved king. Only by skill and determination were the four travelers able to discover the last of the really great Whangdoodles and grant him his heart's desire.

Stichley's Rating:
This by far one of the most imaginable and fun books I have ever read.  It is one of my all time favorites.  It is fun for kids and adults, but mostly it is just so unique and unexpected that it is a joy to read.  It is smart too, it doesn't play down to your intelligence even once.  There is no language either.

Martin's Mice by Dick King-Smith

Martin is a farm kitten who likes mice but not for dinner. Martin likes mice as pets. He catches a pregnant female, Drusilla, and keeps her in a discarded bathtub. As Martin grows up he learns about friendship, loyalty and responsibility; he is shattered when Drusilla escapes at the first opportunity. But not until he, too, is taken from his outdoor life and imprisoned as a pet in a luxurious apartment does Martin perceive the true meaning of freedom. King-Smith adds another winner to his distinguished body of work. The creatures that inhabit his rural universe, intent on their day-to-day lives (but occasionally aspiring to greatness), are sharply and believably characterized; the story is fast-paced and gripping.

Stichley's Rating:
This is a fun story that is filled with lots of laughs.  The character of Mountain who just cannot stand the idea of eating the cute little mice is so much fun to read about.  In order to fulfill his dream of having a pet of his own he goes and captures himself a nice little mouse and does what he can to protect her from his parents and siblings, not even considering that he has taken her freedom away.  Anyone who has watched a cat at a window will understand what comes next in Martin's life.  The story is fun and as far as I can remember has no swearing in it.  It is by the author of Babe, which if you have not read I recommend as well (the book is much better than the movie).

Farworld, Book One: Water Keep by J. Scott Savage

Even though thirteen-year-old Marcus Kanenas is confined to a wheelchair, he sees himself as a survivor and a dreamer. In fact, his favorite dream is of a world far away, a world where magic is as common as air, where animals tell jokes, and where trees beg people to pick their fruit. He even has a name for this place Farworld. When Marcus magically travels to Farworld, he meets Kyja, a girl without magic in a world where spells, charms, and potions are everywhere, and Master Therapass, a master wizard who has kept a secret hidden for thirteen years, a secret that could change the fate of two worlds. But the Dark Circle has learned of Master Therapass's secret and their evil influence and power are growing. Farworld's only hope is for Marcus and Kyja to find the mythical Elementals (water, land, air, and fire) and convince them to open a drift between the worlds. As Kyja and Marcus travel to Water Keep, they must face the worst the evil Dark Circle can throw at them Summoners, who can command the living and the dead; Unmakers, invisible creatures that can destroy both body and soul; and dark mages known as Thrathkin S Bae. Along the way, Marcus and Kyja will discover the truth about their own heritage, the strength of their friendship, and the depths of their unique powers.

Stichley's Rating:
This is another candy novel. Even though it is an easy read it is a very enjoyable read.  I have yet to read the next book in the series, but I have purchased the second book.  The nice twist in this book is that you have two characters moving between two different worlds all while being tracked by an evil.  In one world Marcus is in unable to walk, and then the other is a world of magic where he finds himself able to move.  The story is entertaining even if some elements are similar to books that are fantasy that we have all read in the past.  The Elements are searched for through the book and this book is about searching for the water elements.

Instances of Swearing:

• I don't remember any swearing

Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson Terhune

Lad, a courageous and dignified 80-pound collie, lived in The Place. The Place was thick with woods, abounding with squirrels to chase, and a cool lake in which to plunge -- a beautiful kingdom -- and Lad was its undisputed king. Lad's loyalty to his chosen Master and Mistress knew no bounds. The stories in this book are all about Lad. Some will make you laugh out loud, some will make you cry. And when the book comes to its conclusion, you will know one thing for sure -- that Lad was a dog with a soul . . .

Stichley's Rating:
With summer break coming up for many kids I have been trying to put up more books that are directed towards kids.  This was another book that I loved as a kid.  Lad came out before Lassie ever did and was one of my first introductions to the Collie breed. The main reason I fell in love with the book was my cousins had a collie who was named Lad that I adored, though I adored every animal I came across as a kid.  These stories of Lad were first published in a magazine so each chapter can easily be taken separately making it easy to read and put the book down and run off to do something else.  The stories are fun, for the most part.  There are several other books that have been written by Terhune so if you enjoy this you can read more about his collies.

Instances of Swearing:

• Hell: 3
• God is used 16 times but not as a swear word

Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard

From the moment Danny sees the beautiful Irish setter, he knows Red is the dog for him. Fast and smart, strong and noble, Red is the only dog Danny wants by his side. Soon, neither boy nor dog can stand to be apart. Together Danny and Red face many dangers in the harsh Wintapi wilderness that they call home. But the greatest test of their courage and friendship will come from an enemy more cunning than any they've known before--a bear who is the undisputed king of the wilderness, a savage killer called Old Majesty.

Stichley's Rating:
I went through a massive animal craze as a kid.  I think I read every single animal book that the librarian could find me at the county library.  Some of them were the books by Jim Kjelgaard.  These books are good for any animal lover.  Unfortunately they are not as easy to find as when I was a kid.  I looked online a bit trying to track down a copy in the local library and ultimately had to get it from amazon because they didn't have any books by Kjelgaard.  These books are almost all about Danny and his Irish setters.  Either Red himself or his pups.  The first in the series is this one.  They are fun, easy reads that all dog loving kids should love.

Instances of Swearing: 

• Bitch is used 6 times but it is in the proper context of a female dog.

Adventurers Wanted, Book One: Slathbog's Gold by M. L. Forman

The sign is small, tucked into the corner of Mr. Clutter s bookshop window: Adventurers Wanted. Apply Within. No one but fifteen-year-old Alex Taylor even seems to notice it is there. And for Alex, who has wished for a change in his life, it is an irresistible invitation. Upon entering Mr. Clutter s shop, Alex is swept away to a faraway land filled with heroic warriors, mysterious elves, and hard-working dwarves. Alex becomes the eighth man in a band of adventurers seeking the lair of Slathbog the Red an evil dragon with a legendary treasure. Along the way, Alex and his new friends must battle dangerous trolls and bandits, face undead wraiths, and seek the wisdom of the Oracle in her White Tower. Alex's adventure takes him to distant and exotic lands where he learns about courage, integrity, honor, and, most important, friendship.

Stichley's Rating:
This story is just easy reading and fun.  There is not any real bad guy, or distinct evil antagonist that can be pointed at through the book.  The character often has everything go his way, but if you read future books you will see how this easy reading story is setting up the scenario for the future books.  Think as this book as the prelude to the story and it makes a lot more sense than as a book on its own.  Just as many books published by Shadow Mountain it is a candy novel.  I found the later books in the series more enjoyable than this first one but this one essential to understanding the background of future books.

Experiment 429's Rating: THUMBS UP

Instances of Swearing:

• I don't remember any swearing, just action adventure.  

Leven Thumps, Book One: The Gateway by Obert Skye

Fourteen-year-old Leven Thumps (a.k.a. "Lev") lives a wretched life in Burnt Culvert, Oklahoma. But his life is about to change and his destiny be fulfilled as he learns about a secret gateway that bridges two worlds -- the real world and Foo, a place created at the at the beginning of time in the folds of the mind that makes it possible for mankind to dream and hope, aspire and imagine. But Foo is in chaos, and three transplants from that dreamworld have been sent to retrieve Lev, who alone has the power to save Foo.

Enter Clover, a wisecracking, foot-high sidekick; Winter, a girl with a special power of her own; and Geth, the rightful heir to Foo. Their mission: to convince Lev that he has the power to save Foo. Can this unique band of travelers help Lev overcome his doubt? Will Lev find the gateway in time? Or will Sabine and his dark shadows find the gateway first and destroy mankind?

Stitchley's Rating:
This is an easy read and is supposedly written for 8-12 year olds.  Now I am far beyond that age group but I very much enjoyed this book. This book is all about dream, and how important our dreamings and imaginings are to our every day lives and what we are capable of becoming because of those dreams. The characters are imaginative and the story itself is unique.  While it is not a perfect book it is one that I found I liked enough that I have since purchased all of the following novels.  Some parts are a little predictive, but it was written for a younger age group.  It is written with a great deal of humor, descriptive language, and color.  

Instances of Swearing

• I do not recall any instances of swearing

Beauty & A Dog Called Kitty by Bill Wallace

A Horse Named Beauty

She was an old horse, but she still had a lot of life in her. And she was the best friend Luke needed after the pain of his parents' divorce and the move to Oklahoma to live with his difficult grandfather. Luke could have had a younger horse, one better able to keep up with a boy's adventures. But it was Beauty that Luke loved. He found himself sharing his hopes, dreams, and fears with the old horse. With Beauty, Luke was finally able to enjoy life again.

Until one night, in a wild storm, Beauty escapes from the corral into a terrible trap, and Luke is faced with the most difficult decision he's ever had to make.

Stichley's Rating:
This was one of my favorite books as a kid. I think I read it a half a dozen of times at least.  Every time I read it I cried too.  I still cry when I read it. It is a great book about a boy and his horse.  I chose to post it with A Dog Called Kitty because to me these books are linked.  I think that any of Bill Wallace's books would be great for teens and read most of them when I was a teen.  I don't remember any swearing in this book.

The puppy was small and fuzzy, with a friendly, wagging tail -- and Ricky was afraid of him!
No wonder, since he was attacked by a dog when he was just a baby. So when a stray puppy comes sniffling around the farm, Ricky tells it to get lost.
But the puppy keeps trying to play with Ricky. And every time Ricky's Mom feeds the cats, the little dog comes running. The cats aren't sharing their food, however, and the poor pup is slowly starving.
If Ricky doesn't overcome his fear, the little puppy may die -- but if he lets himself get close enough to feed it, he may find the best friend he's ever had!

Stichley's Rating:

I was never a kid to fear any animal so I read this book and was shocked to imagine anyone could possibly be afraid of a little dog--My Dog was probably 30 kg when I was 10 so how could a small puppy be scary?  I read the book and loved it from beginning to end.  It was probably my first book I read of Bill Wallace and one of the first books that I read and actually really enjoyed. I had a hard time finding books that I liked as a kid and teenager and this was one that first got me interested in reading. Once again, I don't recall any swearing in this book.

Pillage by Obert Skye

When fifteen-year-old Beck Phillips travels by train to the secluded village of Kingsplot to live with his wealthy but estranged uncle, Beck discovers some dark family secrets. A buried basement, a forbidden wall, an old book of family history with odd references to... dragons? Beck's life is about to be changed forever in this suspenseful tale about the destructive nature of greed and the courage to make things right. Pillage is filled with Mr. Skye's signature humor as well as some very intense moments. including a surprising ending, that will keep readers young and old engrossed and entertained.

 Stichley's Rating:

This book was completely different from what I was expecting.  It was different from every other dragon book I have ever read.  I enjoyed it, but it was not the intelligent dragon that I was thinking there would be.  I don't want to say much.  Obert Skye's book is not that long and as an adult you can read it in just a couple of sittings, but it is one that is fun to read to younger kids.  I really don't remember there being any swearing or anything inappropriate.  The only thing that would make it hard for real little kids is the concepts of the greed and courage, and some destruction that occurs in the book.

Erec Rex, Book One: The Dragon's Eye by Kaza Kingsley

Life is not easy for twelve-year-old Erec Rex. His single mother can barely support her six adopted kids. And they've moved into an apartment so tiny that Erec sleeps with the washing machine. Worse, there is a strange force within Erec that is making him do odd things. His urge to obey these thoughts grows -- until it becomes impossible to resist them. 

Then one morning, Erec's mother is missing. The force inside Erec commands him to find her, leading him on an adventure that will change him forever. When he arrives in Alypium, a hidden world where old knowledge of magic is kept, Erec learns that his mother and the entire kingdom are in peril. And he might be the only one who can save them.

Stitchley's Rating: 

This books falls in what I would call candy novels.  It is easy to read, short, entertaining, but nothing very deep.  It is perfect for early teens in my opinion.  While it has the classic good vs evil it doesn't really have anything in it that a true evil would have.  It is fun.  It is one of the many books that have come out of the Harry Potter craze, but I enjoyed it all the same.  It has action scenes and the words are a little to hard for little kids so probably a PG type of book for only that reason.

I do not recall any suggest situations or instances of swearing.

The BFG, by Roald Dahl

Captured by a giant!

The BFG is no ordinary bone-crunching giant. He is far too nice and jumbly. It's lucky for Sophie that he is. Had she been carried off in the middle of the night by the Bloodbottler, or any of the other giants—rather than the BFG—she would have soon become breakfast. When Sophie hears that the giants are flush-bunking off to England to swollomp a few nice little chiddlers, she decides she must stop them once and for all. And the BFG is going to help her!

Stitchley's Rating:

The only reason I give this a PG is because there is some talking of eating if children by the other giants.  It is a fun book that most children should have absolutely no problem with.  I read it and had it read to me as a kid.  I still listen to it on Audible since I find it to extremely enjoyable to listen to as an Adult even.  If you have any problem with an occasional stinker joke then you might not get all the humor of the BFG, but if you haven't lost that sense of humor yet you'll get it.

Don't recall any language.

The Prydain Chronicles, Book One: The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander

Taran dreams of adventure, but nothing exciting ever happens to an Assistant Pig-Keeper, until his pig runs away. A chase through the woods leads Taran far from home and into great danger, for evil prowls the land of Prydain. With a collection of strange and wonderful friends whom he meets on his journey, Taran finds himself fighting so that good may triumph over evil, and so that his beloved home will not fall to a diabolical fiend.

Stichley's Raiting:
Did not catch any swearing as I read through this book.  Would only give it PG for action adventure and some intense sequences near the end.  Loved Gurgi.