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Chicken Chuck
“Every page is a whimsical visual treat.” School Library Journal, June 2000
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Firegold
Written by Dia Calhoun
Illustrated by Hervé Blondon
SW Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group
,
11/1/1999
"This is a wonderful first novel. Dia Calhoun has created a complete world in which the main character, Jonathon, struggles to come-of-age. The reader understands the society and its ‘rules' quickly since it shares with our own many of the same strengths (family love) and weaknesses (racial prejudice and superstition). The characters are well defined, especially Jonathon and his father. Jonathon is a sympathetic character with whom most readers can identify. His relationship with his parents is complex. He wants to succeed in his father's eyes. While he loves his mother, he fears she is the reason he is blue-eyed and fair-haired—the signs of being Dalriada and doomed to insanity.
"The reader is allowed to share Jonathon's fears and doubts as he tries to fit in, first with the Valley folk and then with the Dalriada. His confusion of being biracial in a world which is divided into Valley dweller and Dalriada rings true to real life. Just as Jonathon and the reader think he has resolved his quest for identity, the Dalriada shaman refuses to initiate him into the tribe because his heart is not whole.
"The book has plenty of action and several plot twists to keep readers interested. It is a wonderful book for multicultural units and for promoting discussion about people who must try to blend two cultures, religions, or ethnic backgrounds. Highly recommended."
Monterey Peninsula School District
,
10/1/1999
"Excellent.When farmboy Jonathon Brae first sees the Dalriadas, his first feelings are of fear. He has been taught from childhood to fear these fierce horse people from the mountains. However, circumstances force him to leave his home and travel to the mountains; and these people want to find out just who he is. Action-filled fantasy should appeal to readers looking for an unusual tale."
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