Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure by Allan Richard Shickman

Title: Zan_Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure
Author: Allan Richard Shickman
Publisher: EarthShaker Books
Publication Date: July 15, 2007
paperback, 148 pages
ISBN: 0979035708 (ISBN13: 9780979035708)


Summary:
The hero, Zan-Gah seeks his lost twin in a savage prehistoric world, encountering suffering, captivity, conflict, love, and triumph. In three years, Zan-Gah passes from an uncertain boyhood to a tried and proven manhood and a position of leadership among his people. Themes: survival, cultures, gender roles, psychological trauma, nature's wonders and terrors.


After I read this book for review, I did something I don't normally do. I read it to my children.  This book was written for children and I thought what would be better than not only getting an adult perspective but also that of a child. I've learned that just because I like it, doesn't mean my kids will like it.  So I enlisted the help of my two kids to help me review this book. 
My opinion: I like Zan-Gah. This book was packed full of adventure. The main character Zan-Gah is a courageous boy. He leaves on a journey to find his twin, who has been missing for years.  He encounters all sorts of obstacles along the way. I loved seeing Zan-Gah mature throughout the story.  His character growth was the most interesting part of the story to me.  Zan-Gah's survival skills are throughly tested throughout this book. He has ongoing faith and a will to survive that is inspiring. I also loved the setting. It was harsh and beautiful at the same time.  Allan Shickman did a fantastic job describing the scenes.  The supporting characters were also very well written. I can't think of one thing that I didn't like about this book. 


Kids opinion: Both kids liked this book. My son's favorite part was the action. It kept him interested throughout the book. His favorite character is Zan-Gah. He thought Zan-Gah was very brave.  My daughter's favorite part was when Zan-Gah killed the lion. She was thrilled by that part of the story. Her favorite character is Lissa-Na. She thought Lissa-Na was not only smart but brave as well. 


I was thrilled to share this book with my children. Sometimes I have trouble finding books that I think my son will like. I knew that in the past he's been interested in reading about prehistoric times, so I thought this book would be perfect. I was right.  I was even more thrilled that my daughter liked it as well.  I definitely recommend this book. There is some violence in this book. However I didn't think it was out of place, after all Zan-Gah lived in harsh times.  I used this as an opportunity to talk to my kids and explain about what was going on in the book.  We will definitely read the next book Zan-Gah and the Beautiful County.  So look for that review in the upcoming weeks.


If you would like to find out more about Zan-Gah go to www.zan-gah.com


*picture and summary taken from Good Reads
**My thanks to Allan Shickman and EarthShaker Books for providing me with a copy to review.  This in no way influenced my opinion.