Description: The Adventure of a Lifetime
Ten-year-old Mu, orphaned as a toddler, has lived his entire life in the heart of Africa. For as long as he can remember, he has served in the household of a great-uncle where he is unloved and ignored. In his drudgery-filled life, Mu has little hope of happiness and little hope that anything will ever change. But one day everything does change. On his way to draw water one morning, Mu is astonished when a chameleon greets him by name and announces that they will embark on a quest together. And what a quest it turns out to be! Mu faces danger and finds unexpected allies as they journey through an everchanging landscape. Through his adventure, Mu learns many things about himself. Along with Mu, you will walk through Africa, encountering good and evil. Read carefully and you just may find out who you are too.
For 8-14 year olds
My Thoughts: This book certainly has it merits, mostly in setting. For any parent wishing to give their kids a view of life outside their own everyday world, A Chameleon, a Boy, and A Quest is perfect. Written by a mother who lived in this environment, the story has a full and colorful setting, depicting life as it often is in African villages. As well, it manages to teach lessons that are often difficult for children to except from their parents, instead presenting it from the mouth of a wise chameleon. For children who are used to dogs and cats, the book offers a large array of foreign animals for them to picture.
Yet at times I found myself wondering if a child would fully understand the story. It uses a lot of "big words", some of which I had trouble with (particularly "gesticulating"), and referenced animals that I have never heard of. The back cover describes the novel as being for young adults as well, which works vocabulary wise, but I'm not sure that many teenagers would enjoy a book about a talking chameleon and a ten year old boy.
If you're looking for a book that challenges your children (or yourself) to improve their vocabulary and learn about new cultures, this book is perfect. But if you want a book your child can read and enjoy all on their own, I'm not sure this is it.
I received this book through Litfuse in exchange for an honest review.
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