Monday, April 11, 2011

The Dragon of Cripple Creek by Troy Howell

Kat Graham is captivated by the lore of gold.  When she and her family are on the way to the west coast, she talks her Dad into visiting Cripple Creek.  She had no idea what she would find...


Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams, sent me an ARC of this book for review (thank you).  The book is published in hardcover this month.  Check with your local bookstore to snag a copy.


Mr. Howell has created a very interesting character.  Kat's mother is ill and all their money has been used to pay for her care.  Her Dad is unemployed.  Her older brother is her good friend, but Kat wants to help in some way.  She's a good spirited, willful girl.  (A lot like me when I was growing up; I was a tomboy.)  It doesn't take long until you empathize enough with her to hope she can be successful in her endeavors.


However, who expected her to deviate from the mine tour route and fall down a closed of tunnel?  Or to find a dragon?


This story is written for ages 8-12, and it's fast paced, full of odd coincidences, and great fun to read.  If life is a bowl of cherries, Kat is finding some of the pits.  She perseveres and manages to come out at the end with wisdom and hope.  Don't we all wish it would be that way?


This is great for young ones that like action and fantasy.  Why not pick a copy for your young one?


If you would like the ARC I have, leave a comment here on my blog and then email me at info @ bookfaerie.com (remove the spaces) with your name AND address and the reason you would like to win.  I'll be drawing a name in about a week.


Happy reading!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Great to see your review! Troy Howell is coming to the James River Writers Conference in October so it's nice to have a heads up on his book. Thanks!

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