Reviews from Customers at Amazon
Buy, Beg for, Borrow, or Just Plain STEAL This Book!, November 28, 2006
I began reading fantasy and science fiction when I was in the 4th Grade. By the time my one year of college came, I was really ready for more interesting adult fare. I picked up The Lord of the Rings in 1973, and have read it every year since that time. All in all, I am a big fan of these genres. But there was always one vexation, which, while slight in my youth, has become more vexing as time passed. That vexation is that, in most all of the fantasy and speculative fiction, very few are about or contain characters who are, people of color. That is to say, people of color besides white people.
I know that white folks will think this sounds strange, but think about it for a minute. One of the reasons Amy Wachspress' book works for me is that, being Black, I finally found a story that had people in it who actually look and talk like me. That is very cool. Beyond that, because Wachspress doesn't make a big deal of the characters' ethnicity, the book is a whacking good read, with lots of action and character development. It also uses the language beautifully, with characters using their own patois as they would in normal speech, but also with descriptions that are at once haunting and appropriate. Although I'm 51 years old, I never tire of going on a great adventure. This is one book I'm really proud to put my bookplate on. I am looking forward to reading it to my wife, and (in about a thousand years, should my son ever get around to having some) my grandchildren. Children and adults, I think, will really love this book. If you liked Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, you will really love Shakabaz! Way to go, Amy!
Great read, for adults too!, November 29, 2006
How refreshing to read an adventure tale that does not depend on cliched British medieval imagery! While the main characters act and speak like contemporary urban children, the plot includes travel to mystical foreign lands, talking animals, magical powers, a conflict between the forces of good and evil, and other hallmarks of a traditional hero's journey.
And how many children's fantasy/adventure stories feature main characters that are not white? I don't think I fully realized the extent of this omission until reading "The Call to Shakabaz," in which the characters are all African American. Most books in the genre feature white protagonists, while enemies and/or inhabitants of exotic lands are frequently people of color.
But you shouldn't read this book just because it's "politically correct," but because it's GOOD! Once I began, I could not put it down. I cared about the characters, and couldn't wait to see how they worked their way out of tight and dangerous spots.
Parents, uncles and aunties, public and school librarians, buy this book!
We loved this book, November 29, 2006
I just finished reading this book aloud to my 6 and 9 year old boys, and we all loved it. How refreshing to find a fantasy that incorporates a lot of our family values without being stuffy or self-conscious or overbearingly "PC." The wonderful dialogue and narrative sweep you along, making it a great read for kids who are into adventure. We can't wait to read the sequel!
