Book+Reviews

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Book review**The Kite Rider by [|Geraldine McCaughrean] (2001)** **H** ave you watched a kite flying recently? Can you visualize one now, bucking around in the wind, sailing and diving? Now, can you imagine being up there with it, riding the kite? That is what the boy, Haoyou, does in this amazing story set in thirteenth century China. What happens to get Haoyou up there in the clouds? Well, It's a fantastic story of revenge and double dealing, and obedience to one's elders, and it all begins with the terrible sudden death of Haoyou's father. Haoyou's father is a poor seaman, but he has a beautiful wife, and is the envy of many because of her. It is envy that makes Di Chou, the first mate, send Haoyou's father up into the sky on the wind tester, to test the omens for their next voyage. That is a kind of kite riding too, but Haoyou's father dies of fright. And no sooner is Haoyou's father out of the house, than Di Chou turns up to propose marriage to Haoyou's newly widowed mother. This sets the scene for the story to really begin, because Haoyou goes to extraordinary lengths to shanghai evil Di Chou on the eve of his wedding day. He has the invaluable help of his cousin, Mipeng, for this daring plan. You could say the plan works, because between them, they certainly get rid of Di Chou for a few months. On the other hand, you could say the plan has unexpected consequences, because The Great Miao, circus master of the Jade Circus, sees something of Haoyou's antics, and comes to claim him for the circus. The Great Miao turns Haoyou into Qiqi. It meant 'Up-in-the-Air', and the citizens of Dagu had never seen the like. The fact that the performance could only take place on windy days did not lessen Qiqi's value to the Jade Circus. For people came to the circus to see the flying boy and, if they were not able to see him, came again to salve their disappointment. The Great Miao plans to take the Jade Circus to perform for the great Kublai Khan himself, the new Mongol conqueror of China. It's lucky for Haoyou that his lovely cousin, Mipeng, travels with him, because he needs a fair amount of looking after in the extraordinary adventures that befall a circus kite rider! But who exactly is The Great Miao? And does he really want to perform for the Kublai Khan? Or not? You'll have to read this book if you want to know the truth. I loved this book. It has all the life and excitement of ancient China, from the foul-smelling waterfront at Dagu, to the fabulous Jade Circus with the its Chinese acrobats and Mongol horsemen, to the magnificence of the Kublai Khan's summer camp. Highly recommended!

What you say
[|What do **you** think about ‘The Kite Rider’?] John, from U.K, United Kingdom, on 28th November 2005. Rating: 9/10 I thought that it was very interesting and was very imaginative and used lovely adjectives. personnely I enjoyed reading it in school doing all the different parts my favourite one being Di-Chou because he is verydevious Chance McCroskey, boy, age 13, United States, on 17th November 2005. Rating: 10/10 I thought this book was interesting in a good way. I liked the characters, mainly Haoyou. but in all i really enjoyed the book. I thought it was one of the best books ever written. Lucy M, girl, London, United Kingdom, on 14th November 2005. Rating: I think this book is awesome! It filled me with tension and I was dying to know what would happen next. I especially enjoyed the description of, near the beginning, Hayou and his mother and daughter are in the house when it is going up in flames and all the kites get out. I think it is HILARIOUS when Uncle Bo blames everyone except Di chou for the fire! It was very vividly described at the very beginning of the book and Hayou's father was riding the kite; it was very moving! I would really recommend that you read this book as it is very well written.

Dannielle Rigby AllStars 4, Jess Wing Defence. by Clare Renner

National Library Box

By Megan McDonald
This is a Great book to just have a nice quick read i enjoyed it and it was a funny book and also had a few giggles were involved. and now im going to read Judy Moody gets famous the next book out!!! if you want a funnie nice and easy bok read Judy Moody.