Awards and Book Reviews: WINNER: 2008 ERIC HOFFER BOOK AWARD, NOTABLE FINALIST, ForeWord Magazine BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD, 2007 THE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW: CHILDREN'S BOOKWATCH, October, 2007 "Highly recommended for young adult library collections." ST LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT "[ZAN-GAH] is told with such verve, energy, and style that it will appeal to readers of all ages and sensibilities....Shickman's lively imagination is obvious on every page....The power of Shickman's words becomes apparent in the very first chapter....heart-pounding prose..."––Robert A. Cohn, Editor-in Chief Emeritus EPINIONS.COM "Fast-moving adventure story....Shickman's Website says he came up with the idea for [ZAN-GAH] while sharing a cave deep underground with hundreds of bats. It certainly might explain why he was able to so authentically and powerfully describe the settings found within the book. With any luck, he'll do some more spelunking and give us more of these adventuresome novels rich in language and history. " —Bridgette Redlass THE BISMARCK TRIBUNE (Citizen Reviewer) "ZAN -GAH is a very interesting, exciting and suspenseful book. During the book, I always felt a burst of emotions.....A wonderful book for all ages. I picked up this book and couldn't put it down until the end. If I had to read this book 1,000 more times, I would. I love this book...."—Madelyn H., age 12 Feature articles: ST LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, WEST END WORD, WATERLOO-CEDAR FALLS COURIER, DES MOINES REGISTER, SOUTHEAST MISSOURIAN Reader comments: “Allan Richard Shickman’s ZAN-GAH is a terrifically exciting adventure that will appeal to young adults and their elders too. Richly imagined and beautifully written, with characters and settings unlike any I’ve read, I believe ZAN-GAH will be read and reread for many years to come.”—SCOTT PHILLIPS, best-selling author of THE ICE HARVEST and COTTONWOOD “ZAN-GAH is one of the best books I ever read…a truly gripping book. The characters are so real I feel like I know them. It gets deep into the mind of not only one, but several of them. I give this book five stars. I could read it over and over.”—Sam L., age 13 I am a librarian at an elementary school and in this capacity I read hundreds of books each year. I am always excited to come across an unexpected gem as was the case with ZAN-GAH. A fifth grade student at school told me about this book and about how much he enjoyed it, so I decided to read it myself and was very glad I did. It is the story of Zan, a boy in his early teens living in prehistoric times, and the many adventures that shape the man he becomes. Through action that is exciting and believable Zan slowly changes into a young man whose choices change the course of his clan’s future. This is one of those books that has the rare combination of rich characters and a fast paced plot. I have already recommended this book to several of my big readers and each has had nothing but praise for it. I plan on putting ZAN-GAH on my short list of books for those kids who like historical fiction and those who enjoy realistic action books.––Joe Corbett, New City School Librarian "I always recommend books the entire family could read and discuss. ZAN-GAH is the perfect book, for boys, girls, teens, parents and grandparents. You will love it!"—Joan B., middle and high school reading teacher “ZAN-GAH was very interesting for a girl my age. I would read it again.”—Elaine H., age 15 "I read a lot of books, so I know a good book when I see one. ZAN-GAH is full of creativity and suspense. A wonderful book.”—Elan S., age 11 “I am going to ask my teacher to read it to the class.”—Rider S., age 12 "I read your book twice, I liked it so much. I am telling people I know to read it!!"––Christianne J., age 11 "Dear Aunt C., Thank you for the wonderful book...."—Taylor L., age 12 "My mom is always on me for not reading. It's always very hard for me to find a good book. But I think I've found a perfect book for me and that book is ZAN-GAH."—Marisa B., age 11 "We love ZAN-GAH at S. Middle School. It is always checked out of the library."—Pat L., Library Media Specialist "It really is quite an incredible book and many of the kids are enjoying it."—Kim J., Middle School teacher “In ZAN-GAH, I entered a world that was terrifying, yet beautiful. This book left me where the best novels aways do—wanting more.”—Bonnie M., teacher “There are parts of ZAN-GAH that I keep thinking about even though I read the story several months ago. I imagined it so much that it feels like I saw the movie of it too.”—Jonah H., age 10 “I dreamed about ZAN-GAH in the red terrain of the Land of Red Rocks. ZAN-GAH really seeped into me.”—Ally B, Jonah’s mom, psychologist “I felt transported into another time. I could not put ZAN-GAH down until I finished it, and I cried at the end. The words are delicious. For ages 11 to 111.”—Patricia G., English teacher "ZAN-GAH has valuable content for all ages, inculcating attitudes of loyalty, persistence, and caring. I liked it so much that I bought a copy for every student in the class.––Rosalie B., elementary teacher and volunteer with children "I read ZAN-GAH to a group of students up to age 13. Each and every one of them enjoyed the adventures of this brave boy. What courage and resourcefulness Zan exhibited to those children."—Donna H., teacher's aide "ZAN-GAH paints a detailed picture of the three societies in the book. The plotline is well developed."—Claire N., age 16 “At times, I felt that I was watching the story unfolding rather than simply reading it."—Hilarie N., Claire’s mom, academic administrator “ZAN-GAH is full of surprises. I enjoyed it, and so will young adult readers.”––Margaret M., lawyer "Jack is 12...and admits he does not do much 'extra' reading. However, after reading parts of ZAN-GAH, he thought that would be one book he would read."—Carlene G., Great-Aunt "I am a nurse practitioner and my brain is always in diagnostic mode. Dael definitely has post-traumatic stress disorder and maybe a smidge of bipolar disorder. Interesting reading, in fact I think I'll read it again."––Johnette R., nurse "ZAN-GAH is a fascinating and imaginative adventure story for the young folks, as well as the young at heart. It has all the elements that capture the imagination–danger, suspense, emotional turmoil, trials and tribulations, failure and success. This book would make an excellent action movie! My wife and I are giving our grandson a copy; he is sure to enjoy ZAN-GAH."––Robert P., watch and clock specialist "Everyone in our family has read this delightful book. It's chockful of mystery, excitement, intrigue. I heartily recommend it...." —Ola J., real estate agent "I am planning to purchase the book for my 12-year grandson. The story told of courage and adventure, with some good moralistic overtones–a coming of age story in a community/tribal setting."—Kathy W. "...Balances the adventure's frightening events with the sense of wonder in the beauty of the world...."—Cricket G., teacher "The author developed the setting, characters and plot quickly. Zan was born into conflicts, family against family and tribe against tribe."—David A., retired social worker "Can't wait for Zan-Gah's next adventure."—Anon. "I loved this book! It tells a great adventure story with vivid scenes, well-developed characters, and many surprises and twists along the way. I recommend it for readers of all ages."—Anon. "ZAN-GAH is an exciting tale, artfully told, about a boy-hero. Every sentence conjures images so vivid that I feel as if I saw a movie rather than reading a book."—Barbara D., a grandmother “I refused to turn off the lights because I was enjoying ZAN-GAH so much, and the next day ... I took it with me on the subway to get those last few pages in between Brooklyn and Manhattan. This 35 year-old loved it...I kept saying ‘I know it's supposed to be a children's book...but it's really, REALLY good!!!’”––Sadie N., yoga master "I loved reading ZAN-GAH! For me the book was more than just an adventure story. I felt like I was witness to an important moment in humanity's history."—David S., application developer "It is refreshing to see a book of this quality published for pre-teens and teens. It is age-appropriate in content, but still challenges the intellect of avid readers of this age group. I know several kids who will want to read ZAN-GAH" — Diane P., editor “I cried at the end.”—Burton S., age 69 |