Customer Reviews

The White Gates

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is hard to find books for pre-teen boys to read and love. This book hit the mark. My son could not put the book down and commented that he wished the story would not end. He is very happy that a sequel could be in the works for the main character of the story. This book is highly recommended.

This book is a great story, and a great chapter book for someone looking for a book for a boy who likes reality fiction. Who wouldn't want to become a great snowboarder, solve a mystery, find friends and save his family? It is fun for adults, and would sound great read aloud. The town, the boarding, the mystery and each twist of the story is fantastic. I especially like the fact that it is a non-fantasy book, which appeals to a whole range of kids and parents. I think it is this year's best book.

I loved this book! The characters were believable and the plot exciting and compelling. I enjoyed waiting for it to play out. It it a well crafted book with an airtight plot and great pacing. Ms Ranthum has a great eye for details especially when it comes to her characters. She breathes life into them with her wonderful descriptions of how they look, move, gesture and interact with others and their dialogue is individualized, and full of character. Her supporting cast of grown-ups are equally well written. The references to classic literature made the book loads of fun from an adult perspective. Best of all, my kids loved this book, and are eagerly awating more books with Torin, Rain and Drake. I have high hopes that these three characters will be elevated in our house to the ranks of Harry Ron and Hermione, and Percy, Annabeth and Grover.

A friend (who is a mom of two children) recommended this book for both me and my 9 yr old son to read. Once I started to read it, I couldn't put it down. The mystery and colorfully quirky main characters captivated me. The author paints a vivid world for her reader - I didn't know much about snowboarding or what White Gates were and Ms. Ramthum managed to transform me into a snowboarder-wanna-be! My son is looking forward to reading it next and I am looking forward to our discussions about the mystery and choices the characters make.

There are so many reasons to love this book. It's an adventure involving snowboards, an avalanche, a curse, and a hidden valley. It's got memorable characters who spout dialogue that made me laugh. And the story will appeal to both boys and girls. But I think what I like best about it is the way it puts adventure together with soul. Tor, the main character, has moved from one world to another--San Diego to the mountain town of Snow Park, Colorado. There, he forms friends that end up making the difference between life and death. Tor must not only be resourceful and strong as he learns to snowboard, he must also reach within and be open to what his soul is telling him in order to save his life, solve a mystery, and change the history of the region. Highly recommended for readers 9 - 12 especially, and also for adults like me who enjoy well-written books for any age. (P.S.: I don't think the cover does justice to this title.)

I read out loud to my kids a lot, but as they got older it got harder to find a book that my young teenage sons would enjoy. This book was perfect! Great action and message to my kids. They were enthralled!