The Grey King

The Grey King - Susan Cooper
Newbury Award Winner
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0-7011-5071-8

My rating: 2.5 out of 5

When I started reading this, I did not realize it was a part of a series. However, as I read it, it became apparent. I quickly became confused as to what exactly was going on and why things happened the way they did. I really wish the author would have included a short summary of the series so far, or at least explained things as the story went on. I found it very hard to continue reading this book because I had no idea what was going on. This was really my main reason for rating this book so low.

One thing that I think may turn kids away from this book is the large number of Welsh names and words. Although expanding vocabulary with foreign words can be good, the words are so alien looking and I am very certain children will have no idea how to pronounce them, especially without any sort of pronunciation key being provided.

I would like to think that, in context within the entire series, this book is pretty good. However, standing alone, "The Grey King" falls short and I doubt I would recommend it for students to read.