Kai Chochinov writes:

The Silverwing books are truly unique pieces of literature. Kenneth Oppel has taken an entire cast of non-human characters, and made them human enough for all readers to understand and feel compassionate towards. Yet, at the same time he has not made them too human, so that the reader forgets that they are in fact bats. So, while reading these books I always felt the happiness, sadness and fear of its main characters, all of which are human emotions. While, at the same time I was concerned about such things as his flying ability, and whether the bugs he could see with his echo-vision would be enough to sustain him for the coming portion of his journey, all of which are bat characteristics. So, it was this fine balance of ‘human, but not too human’ that so many animal based children’s stories lack that has made the Silverwing Trilogy one of my favourite series of books.

Kayla Peters writes:

Dear Kenneth,
My name is Kayla Peters and I want to tell you what I love about the Silverwing trilogy. It is a very interesting trilogy and I especially liked the way that you worded the Silverwing book. One of my favourite things about authors is when they word a book so intensely that they make you feel as if you were the main character. You did exactly that. You are an amazing author. Silverwing was an outstanding book, especially when the annoying owls set their beloved home on fire. It was intriguing when the elder took Silverwing to the echoing walls. When you feel and hear all those years of stories, it makes you wonder just how long it takes to write such a moving book. Well, that’s why I love your wonderful trilogy and I would really like to read Darkwing. I’m sure it’s one of your best.

Donna Artimowich, Librarian at East Selkirk Middle School writes:

In working in a school library I have found that this particular series appeals to both our female and male students. After finishing the series myself, I have not only recommended the books to students frequently but we have had some very interesting discussions about the stories as well as characters.

more...

We've gotten our first entry in our Kenneth Oppel contest- and a particularly well written one at that!

Hannah E. Shirtliff writes:

How many people thought a book about bats would be boring, before they read Silverwing? I thought so. But it’s really the opposite. What I love most about Kenneth Oppel’s Silverwing trilogy is that it takes bats (as well as other night-time creatures), and gives them names, personalities, enemies, and history. A story that appears to be about a small bat named Shade soon becomes the story of a fight for survival-and the future of the world. Every book brings something new into the series, as readers (and Shade) find out more about the way things are in the world of bats. You even find yourself wondering if some things in the story might be true. And one thing’s for sure: You’ll never look at bats in the same way again.

Great entry, Hannah. We couldn't agree more.

Previously:

Kenneth Oppel Darkwing Contest in Winnipeg

Kenneth Oppel Coming to McNally Robinson

Darkwing Reviewed by Tracy Howard of McNally Robinson