Crane

by Jeff Stone

Book Overview

Hok, a crane-style Kung Fu master, is also a master at hiding. For the past 12 years, she has hidden the fact that she is a girl. Now her rogue brother, Ying, and his army have placed a huge price on... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375830774
• ISBN13: 9780375830778
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.7" x 8.7"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

If do right, no can defense

All right, I confess -- I borrowed that line from Mr. Miyagi (in "The Karate Kid") describing "Crane technique." Anyway, my 10-year-old son and I are reading this series. We study Chinese martial arts, so when we came upon these books we had to buy them. While we've enjoyed each entry in the series, "Crane" adds another layer by introducing Western characters; the cultural interplay as written by Mr. Stone is interesting. The stories and characters are nicely constructed. Mr. Stone is adept at mixing compelling action with a strong plot (something sorely lacking in the most recent James Bond film, "Quantum of Solace"). But "The Five Ancestors" series is more than just entertainment; like all good writing, it makes the reader (here, school-age children) think. Each of the Five Ancestors faces moral dilemmas and has to make difficult choices. I think that the lessons taught in these books about loyalty, duty, perseverance, etc., are important for our children, and Mr. Stone's work here proves him to be an ally in reinforcing those ideals. Right now we're reading "Eagle" (Book 5) and are eagerly awaiting "Mouse." I hope that these books continue to sell; it's great to see authors of quality material succeed.

The Whole Series is marvelous

I have read the entire series so far, still haven't read Eagle but will get that soon! Each book has just pulled me right through from beginning to end, very enjoyable. Honor, survival and the martial arts - all good stuff.

Kids who love martial arts will relish this adventure.

Three companions head down the Yellow River to the underworld of a dangerous city, unaware that their youngest brother is being used as bait in a trap, in this exciting Kung Fu drama which adds to a series with the fourth out of five projected books. Hok has long hidden her identity, but when her old life causes complications in her new world, Hok finds herself allying with other young monks who must use their kung fu skills to survive. Kids who love martial arts will relish this adventure.

My son loves this series

My 10 year old has read each book in this series with relish and has now gone back to re-read them all. It has sparked his interest in reading after a lull, and he sped through them in no time. Now we just need to wait for thhe next one...

Crane

An awesome book with the Crane (Hok). It has double the action of Snake, and there are many unexpected turns in the story. I can't wait for Dragon.