Young Quills reviews

Basleen’s review
What happens? Did you find the plot interesting?
In the plot, Boy and Secundus have to find 7 relics – Rib, Tooth, Skin, Dust, Skull, and Tomb from their place called Saint Peter’s Step.

Who are the main characters?
The main characters are Boy and Secundus.

Who was your favourite character? Why?
My favourite character is Boy because he can climb really good and he is also very friendly.

Did you like the book?
I loved the book.

What was your favourite part? Why?
My favourite part was when Secundus threw a baby then Boy caught the baby.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
This book was good but I recommend this book to years 5 and 6 because I was fine with this book though there were some hard words.

Star rating ★★★★★

Ruby Mai’s review
The Book of Boy is a very interesting book. My favourite character is Boy. My favourite scene is when Boy meets a pack of hounds. After some research, I found that a hound is a dog used for fighting. This book puts you into the boots of the main character, Boy, who is abused because of the hump on his back. Boy was neglected and no one wanted him until a man named Secundus (who was a pilgrim) helped him in many ways. I like the way Boy has the ability to talk to animals. The Book of Boy makes me feel like I am reading a Disney book, called The Hunchback of Notre Dame!!!

Improvements
Whilst reading this book, I found a few areas where the author could have improved their vocabulary. Although there are many captivating characters, I feel some are pointless.

Final thoughts
In conclusion, I would rate this a 7/10 book. This book is not suitable for children under 8, as younger children would find it confusing, like my 5-year-old brother who I would read this book to. All in all, this book is very emotional and captivating.

Ashleen’s review
What happens? Did you find the plot interesting?
Boy is an angel – he doesn’t know it. He meets Secundus, a pilgrim who came from hell. He is collecting 7 relics – Rib, Tooth, Skin, Dust, Skull, and Tomb.

Who are the main characters?
The main characters are Boy and Secundus.

Who was your favourite character? Why?
My favourite character is Boy because he is interesting and an angel.

Did you like the book?
Yes.

What was your favourite part? Why?
My favourite part is when Boy discovers he has wings.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
Yes, because it’s like a quest.

Star rating ★★★★★

Jack’s review
I think The Book of Boy was a really great book and I think it would be great for people who like slightly scary but lovely books. I felt that the boy in the book was brave and courageous and for this reason, I really liked the character. I would recommend this book to all my friends and I think girls and boys would like it just as much as each other.

Will’s review
The Book of Boy is a phenomenal book despite the fact that it’s hard to get into. Just read it a couple of times and it will be easy-peasy.

The person I disliked was that girl they met at Rome who really hated Boy.

After reading the book, I’ve learnt that apparently angels don’t eat or wee and that the plague was in 1350 because I thought it was in the 1500s.

I think the time it was set in made it very interesting because everyone was pretty poor with ripped tunics and ripped pants.

The most interesting bit was when wolves could be anywhere.

The bit that stands out the most is that Boy could talk to nearly any animal and he is actually an angel.

I would highly recommend it because it’s so interesting and nothing will bore you. I would recommend it for 9+ because there’s a lot of words you wouldn’t understand.

Phoebe’s review
Set in 1350, The Book of Boy is amazing and full of adventure. I would definitely recommend this book as it’s full of mystery and always keeps you on your toes. I would recommend this book to readers 9+.

The only bad thing about this book is the fact that I couldn’t put it down; I didn’t want to stop reading.

My favourite character, I think, would be a man named Secundus, he always has a trick up his sleeve and has a weird personality. He is very clever and always has a plan of action.

I cannot decide which character was my least favourite, they were all interesting but in their own way which improves the story.

I learnt that the plague didn’t just make people ill, it killed them and their lives. The fact that the language used was different to how they speak today is interesting. For example: ‘Twas = It was

Whenever you have found one of the relics in the book they are looking for you think: “yay” but then you remember that there are lots more to find, that’s what made the plot exciting for me.

Monet’s review
I didn’t enjoy reading this book because I struggled to understand the old English in it. However, I found Boy the most interesting character because he could communicate with the animals. I didn’t like the weasel because he tried to get Secundus and Boy caught.

From this book, I learned what a pilgrim is. A pilgrim is someone who takes people and goes on a journey to cure them. This particular time period hosted interesting characters like pilgrims. I found the plot very informative regarding this era.

The fact that Secundus and Boy never gave up trying to reach Saint Peter’s tomb was great. They were determined to do it even though Secundus was dying.

I would recommend this book to years 5 and 6 because the language in it was a bit too old for my age group.

Joe’s review
This was an interesting story because of the time it was set in. I felt sorry for Boy because it seemed like nobody really cared about him. But then Secundus came along and boy was needed.

I enjoyed reading about their adventures. I thought Secundus was quite determined and would do anything to get what he wanted. I learned a bit about how people would have travelled around and stayed at inns etc.

This book was interesting to read and I would give it 3 and a half stars.

Mia’s review
I really enjoyed The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock because it was full of adventure and was unpredictable. I did not think it would be as exciting as it was and I would recommend this book for years 9+.

My favourite character in the book was Boy because he was very brave and will obey orders from his master even if he doesn’t agree. I thought it was sad people where bullying him for being a hunchback/angel. Boy always succeeds. I liked that it was set in 1350, as there doesn’t tend to be many novels set in this time that children can read. I would rate this book 5 stars.

Amari D's review
It sounded like a religious book but it was good to read and exciting. It actually got really exciting. When you’re reading it you actually felt more adventurous. It sounds historical and factual like it really happened.

Even though his body didn’t get fixed the ending was happy.

There was a bit where he was begging for something but they said no, he said “I prayed, my hands on the tomb.”

It felt familiar like I’m the boy. I would recommend it to a brainy eleven year old boy or older.