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.

Shade is still my personal favorite. All the hardships he has endured and terrifying situations yet his spirit remains unchanged.

Kenneth Oppel has tapped into the personality of these bats so accurately that after a life time of finding these creatures appalling one begins to truly care for these creatures. Each book continues to keep the reader at the edge of their seat not wanting to stop reading until the book is complete.

When I read "Firewing" I thought the premise dark and too much for our students to handle. I lent it to a couple of our "advanced" readers in Grade 7 who loved it and swore that all the other students could deal with the "underworld" concept.

I've also found that many readers, myself included, shied away from the fantasy genre. Now I often use this series as a way to introduce some students to this genre and most times they get hooked!!

I am waiting for my copy of "Darkwing" to arrive and know I will complete it in record time as I did the earlier stories.

I would love to win the ticket to attend Kenneth's reading and presentation but it would be wonderful for our new school's library to get the entire collection (the first one is looking pretty used).