The Capture (Guardians of Ga'Hoole #1)

by Kathryn Lasky

As the Mom of a seven year old girl, I struggle to find "appropriate" books for us to read together.  She reads her own books, geared toward her reading level, but we always try to have a book that I read to her on the our plate.  These books are typically for older kids, but I feel exposing her to  ideas and words beyond  her reading level can only do her good!  My struggle is... I am tired of princesses and fairies!  She would never admit to it, but I have a sneaking suspicion she is tired of them too.

The Capture is the perfect compromise.  A book about kids (owlets) facing extreme danger and trying to solve a mystery with no help from adults (grown up owls).  If fits in with my daughters need for identifiable characters and an exciting story line.  I worried, at times, when I was reading this book to her, that she didn't really understand what was happening.  I would finish the chapter and ask her if she still liked the book.  Almost every night.  

Her answer was always, YES!  She asked questions about the characters, wondered what certain words were, and became righteously angry at a few plot points.   Soren and Gylfie became friends to her.  What more could I ask?  Well, I could actually ask for a book that I, as an adult, would enjoy at the same time.  Is that so hard?  From the choices I have seen out there, apparently it is.  But The Capture, pun intended, captured my interest and made me want to read each night.  We are looking forward to the next book, which I hope will enthrall my daughter as much as this one has.