Name: Peter and the Starcatchers
ISBN: 9780786854455

Dave Barry

Ridley Pearson

Soon after Peter, an orphan, sets sail from England on the ship Never Land, he befriends and assists Molly, a young Starcatcher, whose mission is to guard a trunk of magical stardust from a greedy pirate and the native inhabitants of a remote island.

Peter and the Starcatchers

Kirsten Simkiss

This was a very interesting take on the Peter Pan origin story. I actually enjoyed it quite a bit once they got into the magic of the world and got Never Land set up as it was meant to be. I definitely feel this was worthy of 4 stars.

While most of the cast is still overwhelmingly male -Peter Pan and the Lost Boys are, after all, all boys - the addition of Molly to the story was a lot of fun. She was every bit Peter's equal in the story, if not generally more interesting because of her family duties.

I thought the take on the magic of Never Land and how it came to be was a lot of fun. I wouldn't have pegged it as belong star powered magic, and I was kind of sad that the island they wind up making into Never Land is still accessible from every coastline in the world. However, there are at least two other books in the series during which Never Land can be transferred to the general vicinity of the second star to the right.

I also look forward to Peter's friends earning flying powers as well. That was really my only complaint about the reworking of the magic. Normally, it's fairy dust and happy thoughts that make those who visit Never Land fly. However with this change, it seems to limit that aspect of the magic with it being a nonrenewable resource.

I guess I'll just have to see what the future stories hold!

I would recommend this to pretty much anyone. If you're looking for a family friendly chapter book to read to your kids, this one is family friendly and fun. However, there are elements to the story that only older readers will appreciate, such as nods to British imperialism and press ganging, hinted at sexual relationships between consenting adults, and alcohol references.

Lauren Robinson

Bestselling authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson turn back the clock and set their sights on younger readers teaming up for an action-packed prequel to J. M. Barrie's classic Peter Pan. Fast paced and brimming with seafaring adventure Barry and Ridley's modern update returns to preNever Land days quickly zeroing in on Peter now a "wayward boy" who finds himself aboard a ship (called the Never Land) with other chums from St. Norbert's. Soon Peter meets the headmaster's mysterious daughter and persuades her to reveal her secret about...

maddie

Sugar Perez Alcain

Abby Livesay

Peter, an orphan boy, and his friend Molly fight off thieves and pirates in order to keep the secret safe from the diabolical Black Stache.

Colin

When Peter Pan, along with his fellow orphans, boards the Never Land, it is only the start of his adventures. Befriending Molly, he discovers a treasure chest of starstuff - the most magical substance ever known to man. Peter and Molly must stop it falling into the hands of a dastardly pirate and his murderous crew.

Madison Craft

Peter, an orphan boy, and his friend Molly fight off thieves and pirates in order to keep the secret safe away from the diabolical Black Stache and his evil associate Mister Grin.