FeedWacky Wednesday: Zan-Gah by Allan Richard Shickman (Book Giveaway)
October 13, 2010 in Book Club Possibility, High School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, Shickman Allan Richard, Wacky Wednesday, Young Adult Novels Tags: Allan Richard Shickman, books for boys, Tween novel historical fiction, Zan-Gah series
I am pleased to introduce to you two books for tween (young YA) readers that will appeal to boys (and girls, too!) and that are on a subject we don’t see very often–prehistoric adventure. I am also happy to let you know I have TWO books to giveaway to TWO lucky winners who leave a comment on this post. The publisher and author (Earthshaker books and Allan Richard Shickman) have provided these books. So, when you get finished reading all about these, please leave a comment below. If you don’t know any kids in this age group, consider donating a winning book to the library or a local school! Winners will be chosen randomly from comments on this post.
The first book is Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure. Here’s the description from the website: “A bad conscience and concern for Dael, his missing brother, cause Zan to begin a search which will lead him to captivity, conflict, love, and victory. In a time of war, the hero goes from an uncertain boyhood to a tried and proven manhood, and a role of leadership among his people. It’s about survival, discovery, a long search, and a good fight.”
In the second book of the series, Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country, the prehistoric adventure with our hero continues. Description from website: ” ‘Well past the middle of the night, Zan felt a shaking of his shoulder as he slept, and then an impatient foot kicking at him. Instinctively grabbing for his spear, he looked up and saw the orange glow of a torch; and as his eyes adjusted to the invading light, he recognized his brother’s ghastly face. Dael’s dangerous brow was furrowed, and the vein of his forehead bulged under the old scar. His teeth were clenched, and his eyes darted nervously back and forth. His every motion expressed a profound agitation, and Zan knew that what he had been dreading had come.
‘It is time, Zan. Let us go!’
‘Where? It’s dark!’
‘I want to find where the river comes from.’
The volcanic turbulence that shakes Dael’s mind carries him to vicious extremes. It is Zan’s task to calm his brother and lead him away from thoughts both destructive and self-destructive. But even the paradise of the Beautiful Country will not erase them.”
Don’t forget to check out the website for a sample chapter, a blog, and information for teachers. And don’t forget to leave a comment below for a chance to win one of these books. The contest will end Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. CST. It is open to U.S. and Canada residents only. And if all this information hasn’t already convinced you that these books are worth checking out, how about this? 
October 13th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Hi Margo,
This sounds like an exciting series for boys. I am really looking forward to reading them, and I hope I win one of them.
All the best,
Irene
October 13th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Margo,
These prehistoric adventure books sound compelling. I’d love to pass along a copy to a librarian I know, but I would definitely read it myself first.
Thanks for all your updates.
Dunnie
October 13th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
From Donna Volkenannt:
My grandson turns 12 next week and would love reading either book.
Thanks,
Donna Volkenannt
http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com
October 13th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
I love books that encourage my 10yr. old to read. I think this may be an enjoyable book for him.
October 13th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
It seems we’re making progress with Alex wanting to read for fun–he’s listening to the first Harry Potter book on CD and he already checked out the 2nd book (an actual book!) to read when he’s done with the CDs. I think he may enjoy these books too!
October 13th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Sounds like books both my boys and girls would enjoy. They are currently reading a prehistoric coming of age novel as part of their curriculum and most of them are enjoying it. Please enter me.
October 13th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
This look like something my 11 year-old son would love. Spears. Heroism. A good fight. Definitely something with high boy appeal.
–SueBE
October 13th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Margo – these books look intriguing. My youngest son is older than the demographic targetted but his reading skills are age-appropriate for this book. He’s recently caught the reading bug, so I’d love to add some fuel to that fire! (Mixing metaphors, I know!!) Thanks
October 14th, 2010 at 10:06 am
It’s thrilling to learn what books are available in this age group. Sounds like fun
reading. Thanks, Margo, for keep us all informed on the latest books.
June Sengpiehl jsseng629@yahoo.com
October 15th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Always hard to find books of interest to boys in this tween age, sounds like a wonderful adventure story that I would pass on to our local school/regional library
October 17th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Thank you so much to everyone who left a comment for this giveaway!
The winners are: SueBe and Donna. I know your boys will enjoy these books! 