Wolf Brother (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness) by Michelle Paver

Wolf Brother (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness) by Michelle Paver. Recorded Books, 2005. Narrated by Ian McKellan.

Audience: Grades 5 through 8

My Rating: 4.5* of 5

Summary: 6,000 years in the past, twelve-year-old Tarak and his guide, a wolf cub, set out on a dangerous journey to fulfill an oath the boy made to his dying father--to travel to the Mountain of the World Spirit seeking a way to destroy a demon-possessed bear that threatens all the clans.

Comments: Read me a story, Gandalf! What reader could do better by this skillfully written adventure? Paver gives just enough detail to create the world, but not so much to slow the pace. The same goes for her explanation (or lack thereof) of the complex beliefs and practices of these ancient clans; we discover only what unfolds naturally in the story which is just enough to begin mapping this world while leaving the reader wanting more. I'm super sensitive about animals in books so I made a co-worker tell me what happens to Wolf right away.

Possessions: Unclean Getaway

Possessions: Unclean Getaway (bk. 1) by Ray Fawkes, 2010.

Meet Gurgazon the Unclean, the cuddliest little pit demon ever trapped in the Llewellyn-Vane House for Captured Spirits and Ghostly Curiosities! This pit demon may look just like a cute little 5-year-old girl, but it isn't interested in playing checkers with other ghosts. The Gurgazon is determined to escape! Will the house contain it? Or will the world of peace and friendly bunnies come to an end as the Gurgazon exacts its revenge?

BB: Fabulous, dark, demonic fun! Cute Pit Demon Gurgazon and Polly the Poltergeist had me giggling at the info desk! Great for graduates of Franny K. Stein, Series of Unfortunate..., or other sardonic stuff for tweens.

"Gurgazon is not entertainment! Gurgazon is your DOOM!"

Mwoo-ha-ha-ha!