From School Library Journal
Grade 3-4-When their basketball court is vandalized, Ziggy and his three friends form the Black Dinosaurs to solve the mystery. Obviously intended to present positive role models and to create African American pride, the 11 short chapters are packed with black heritage. "Tuskeegee" and "Nigeria" become secret passwords, slave history is revealed by old Mr. Greene (who serves as the red herring), Jerome's grandmother furnishes African musical heritage, and Ziggy provides the Jamaican influence. Unfortunately, such grand designs often degenerate into didacticism resulting in characters who are too good to be true. And Mr. Greene, who is brusque with the boys almost to the point of rudeness at their initial encounter in the library, uncharacteristically becomes their great ally and confidant. And this after they frighten him terribly with a fake police raid! A minor flaw (but one that dinosaur experts will catch)-the apatasaurus is twice illustrated as a Tyrannosaurus rex. However, the plot moves quickly, Ziggy's character provides humor, and the situations will appeal to children. Simple vocabulary and large-print text are appropriate for reluctant readers.
Claudia Cooper, Ft. Stockton Independent School District, TXCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Product Description
DEM BONES GONNA RISE AGAINWith their neighborhood basketball court destroyed by vandalism, Ziggy, Rashawn, Jerome, and Rico don't know how they're going to spend summer vacation. Then Ziggy has a brilliant idea (Ziggy is always getting brilliant ideas) they can start a club, with secret meetings and code words and special treasures.
And so the four friends become the Black Dinosaurs, with a terrific clubhouse they build in Ziggy's backyard. But when the boys try to hide their treasures, they're swept up in a mystery more intriguing -- and scary -- than anything they could have imagined. Who could have buried a box of bones behind their clubhouse? And why is old Mr. Greene lurking around late at night, singing "Dem bones gonna rise again"? Trust Ziggy to come up with a daring plan to find some answers....
DON'T MISS ANY OF THE EXCITING ADVENTURES OF THE BLACK DINOSAURS