Module 8- Mystery: Hostage by Willo Davis Roberts

*Summary:

Kaci loves to read books with tons of action and adventure, but when this adventure enters her own life she is not so thrilled. Kaci's family is moving away from the home where he has grown up because the neighborhood is getting "too dangerous." The new home where they are moving is in a beautiful neighborhood that seems safe, calm, and quiet. The only thing wrong with the new house is the pesky next door neighbor who is in everyone's business. One day, Kaci has to run home from school to get her allergy medication in the middle of the day and it met with surprise by a group of robbers who are in her home. Kaci is taken hostage, along with her next door neighbor. The book follows Kaci throughout her ordeal and Kaci and the neighbor are eventually found unharmed.

*Bibliography:

Roberts, W. D. (2000). Hostage. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

*My Rating:

I thought this book was okay. As a kid, I probably would have liked this book, but as an adult I found the story line rather predictable. There were some moments of suspense, but these were short-lived. Also, I did not find the main character all that lovable. The book was good, but not great, to me.

*Reviews:

Gr 4-7-Kaci's family's new house has everything-bathrooms and bedrooms for everyone, room for her brother's grand piano-and a sense of security lacking in her old community. Shortly after the move, Kaci goes home in the middle of the school day to get her allergy medication and stumbles upon a burglary in progress. The robbers kidnap her, and when a nosy neighbor suspects that something is wrong and tries to help, they take her as well. At first, Kaci discounts Mrs. Banducci's ability to help them escape, but quickly discovers that the elderly woman not only has some good suggestions, but also helps the girl keep up her courage. By the time they are rescued, the two have become friends and Kaci has discovered the value of faith and resourcefulness. Roberts blends an exciting, well-crafted plot with strong characters. As in Pawns (Atheneum, 1998), her emphasis on friendship, trust, and respect between older adults and teenagers provides a welcome change from much young adult literature. Without being preachy, she also introduces the idea of a sustaining faith in God. Fast paced and entertaining.-Janet Hilbun, formerly at Sam Houston Middle School, Garland, TX

Hilbun, J. (2000). Hostage. School Library Journal, 46(2), 125-126. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/211723757?accountid=7113

**BEST BOOK REVIEW EVER…NOT JUST DIGGING FOR BROWNIE POINTS PROFESSOR HILBUN ;)  

 

*Uses in a library:
This book could be used in a library scavenger hunt. Library patrons could search for clues that include excerpts or quotes from the book.