Big Game

June 1, 2015

Gr 5-8-Thirteen-year-old Oskari attempts an ancient test of manhood, hunting alone in the mountains of Finland. Instead, he witnesses a murder and becomes involved in a hunt bigger than he ever expected when the president of the United States is dropped down in a pod and Oskari rescues him. The interplay between the president and Oskari is funny, action packed, and tense. Preteens will relate to the messages in this inspiring tale and discover their strengths through Oskari's revelations. Michael Bakkensen narrates in a calm and relaxing manner. His voice is very clear, but there is not enough change in tone when the story gets suspenseful. The voice of the president sounds almost childlike, and the sounds of the helicopter are comical. VERDICT The voices would appeal to preteens, but older teens may find the narrator's voice somewhat monotonous. Teachers may use the audiobook and the available teachers' guide as a companion to a study of native peoples vs. industrialized nations.-Ellen Frank, Flushing High School Library, Queens, New York

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