The Rapid Reader

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Black Pearl is a middle grade fiction novel by Scott O'Dell. It won a Newbery Honor in 1967. Ramon has always followed in his father's footsteps. Now he's sixteen years old and learning all about the pearl business. His dream is to find the biggest pearl of all. But when his dreams seem to come true, disaster strikes.  Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several deaths. Ramon is threatened with violence by another character. There are also a couple of suspenseful scenes with sea creatures.  Final Note: I've been working my way through the Newbery winners and honor books for several years now. I've come to find that age doesn't matter. A lot of these Newbery books, no matter how old, are still absolutely wonderful. This book was a quick read but still full of adventure. If young and middle grade readers can look past the old cover, I...

The Inquisitor's Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog is a middle grade fiction novel by Adam Gidwitz. It won the Newbery Honor for 2017. This is a brilliant story about three children, from all different backgrounds, and their magical abilities. Set during the Inquisition, the children are on the run from the king. Sex: None. Language: Mild. A couple of curse words here and there. William always refers to his donkey as "his ass" and Jeanne and Jacob find that hilarious. Alcohol/Drug Abuse: People are gathered together in a tavern to tell the story of the children. They often interrupt the story to request more ale from the innkeeper. A couple of characters are portrayed as drunk. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: William kills some attackers in the woods with a donkey's leg. Jacob's parents perish in a fire started by local teenage boys. Every time the kids are captured, they are led around by ropes around their necks. Mos...