Article • 13 February 2019

Real readers review: The Whispers

We asked young Kiwi readers all over NZ to read and review Greg Howard’s magical and mysterious middle grade novel – here’s what they had to say!

‘I think the author described everything really well and still kept an amazing storyline. It was a complex storyline but it was easy to understand and follow.’

Alexander, age 9, Christchurch

‘[The Whispers] is a great book to read if you're looking for a new and reasonably challenging book. The book is about Riley is a very wistful boy who experiences friendship and grief throughout the book along with hope and powerful moments of realization. I liked how the author made you feel as if you had been plopped on the spot and were watching it happen with your own eyes.’

Caoimhe Costello, age 10, Auckland

‘The author did really well describing things, and I loved his phrases! I think this would be a big crowd- pleaser with ages 9+, Mum read it and she loved it too! I, for one, loved the Whispers. It’s a sad, amazing, mysterious, scary book.’

Lena, age 9, Christchurch

‘I like how the main character Riley has a word-of-the-day desk calendar and knows all the exact dictionary meanings to the words on his bedroom wall. I found it interesting to see how the author built into the story a chance for the readers to meet new words, and understand their meanings.

I would recommend this book to keen readers who love a good mystery. The age group I would recommend this book to is 9-12 years as it has longer words and some are difficult to read. If you find the words tricky, make sure you keep reading as lots of the excitement happens at the very end!’