The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
by John Boyne
The story, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, is about a young 9 year old boy named Bruno. Bruno is forced to move out of his house in Berlin to another housed called "Out-With." At Out-with Bruno notices that out of his window there is a large fence that goes on as far as he can see. After figuring out that Bruno is going to be living at Out-with for a while he decides to go exploring. As he is exploring he finds a boy named Shmuel on the opposite side of the fence. Day after day Shmuel and Bruno sit and talk. One day Bruno discovers that he, his mother, and older sister are moving back to Berlin while his father stays at Out-with to work. Bruno tells Shmuel the bad news, and they decide to play together before Bruno has to go. Read to find out what happens to Bruno and Shmuel on their last day together.
-Brittany W.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
City of Bones
City of Bones
by Cassandra Clare
When Clary Fray and her friend Simon go to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, Clary starts to see people that no one else can see. Clary follows one of them into a storage room and she finds out that there are more of them. Next thing you know, she witnesses a murder, but the victim was actually a demon. The teens that killed it had odd markings on their skin and their names where Jace, Alec, and Isabelle. This is Clary's first encounter with the Shadowhunters who are demon killers. The weird thing is that only Clary can see them, so that means that she suddenly has the Sight. Soon after, Clary's mother is captured by the evil Valentine and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. The Shadowhunters want to know what is going on.
This novel is good for people who like mysterious things and a little bit of romance, but with bloodshed. The only thing that I don't like about it is that it is in third-person point of view and I would like it if it were in Clary's point of view. The reason for that is because she is the main character. Everything else is great to me, but you have to read it for yuorself so you have your own opinion.
-Emilio B.
by Cassandra Clare
When Clary Fray and her friend Simon go to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, Clary starts to see people that no one else can see. Clary follows one of them into a storage room and she finds out that there are more of them. Next thing you know, she witnesses a murder, but the victim was actually a demon. The teens that killed it had odd markings on their skin and their names where Jace, Alec, and Isabelle. This is Clary's first encounter with the Shadowhunters who are demon killers. The weird thing is that only Clary can see them, so that means that she suddenly has the Sight. Soon after, Clary's mother is captured by the evil Valentine and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. The Shadowhunters want to know what is going on.
This novel is good for people who like mysterious things and a little bit of romance, but with bloodshed. The only thing that I don't like about it is that it is in third-person point of view and I would like it if it were in Clary's point of view. The reason for that is because she is the main character. Everything else is great to me, but you have to read it for yuorself so you have your own opinion.
-Emilio B.
Blood is Thicker
The short novel Blood Is Thicker is about a 16-year-old boy named Hakeem, who discovers his dad has cancer. His dad can no longer work because he's so weak. Hakeem's family can no longer afford their home in Calafornia, so they move to stay with Hakeem's Aunt Lorrianne, Uncle James, and cousin Savon, in Detroit. Hakeem and Savon used to play together when they were younger, but Savon has changed. He has been coming home late, and hanging out with weird friends. Hakeem wants to know what he's doing.
This is a mysterious novel and can also get sad at some points. Hakeem has many emotions in the novel. He calms himself down when playing his guitar. Playing his guitar is also how he made his first friend in Detroit. Anika. He and Anika are friends, but then Anika moves away. Hakeem is not alone though. You'll have to read to find out why!
-Legacie B.
This is a mysterious novel and can also get sad at some points. Hakeem has many emotions in the novel. He calms himself down when playing his guitar. Playing his guitar is also how he made his first friend in Detroit. Anika. He and Anika are friends, but then Anika moves away. Hakeem is not alone though. You'll have to read to find out why!
-Legacie B.
Bud, Not Buddy
The book "Bud, Not Buddy" is about a little African American boy. His mother died when he was six years old, and his father left before he was born. After his mother died, he want to the foster home. He was adopted 4 times and sent back 3 times.The last family he went to was an All-American family. Well, after he got packed up to go ot his new family, he found a flyer of a group band and< the guy playing the cello, he thought was his father. So, after Bud escaped his adoptive parents and son's house, he ran away to Illinois, where he had to jump a train. When he was there, he went to a library and remembered a librarian who helped him a lot. Bud went there and asked the new librarian what happend to the old one. The new librarian said that she wasn't there anymore and had moved to Chicago, was married, and had a kid. Bud was shocked when he heard the news. After a while, he was going on the streets trying to get to Calafornia to see his dad. A car passed Bud and he got a lift from Mr.Lewis. Mr.Lewis was donating blood, and when he got Bud, he thought he was a vampire. So bud quickly locked the door and and grabbed his pocketknife from his suitcase that he had brought. Mr.Lewis told Bud to open the door, but he wouldn't because he thought Mr.Lewis would take his blood. So after a while, Mr.Lewis said he wasn't a vampire and he would explain everything if Bud just opened the door. But, Bud decided not to open it until Mr.Lewis bribed him with food. Bud was hungry so he agreed. After that Bud and Mr.Lewis went to Calafornia and outside Bud's dad's band house. You've got to read the book to find out what happens next!
-Nancy D.
-Nancy D.
The Forbidden City
I thought the book, The Forbidden City, was a great book. It was about a boy named Alex, and his father, Ted. They go on a business trip to Bejing, China. When the arrive, they are greeted by a chinese man named Lao Xu. While of their trip, Alex, his dad, and Loa Xu stay at "The Bejing Hotel". At the hotel, a man named Eddie Nowlan, who will be working with Alex's father is also staying with them at the hotel.
Alex notice's China time is VERY different than Canada time. After a few days in Bejing, he starts to learn a little bit of the Chinese language. If you want ot find out what happens to Alex, read The Forbidden City by William Bell.
-Ryan R.
Alex notice's China time is VERY different than Canada time. After a few days in Bejing, he starts to learn a little bit of the Chinese language. If you want ot find out what happens to Alex, read The Forbidden City by William Bell.
-Ryan R.
Eclipse
The book "Eclipse", is a book you'll never forget! This amazing author, Stephenie Meyer, captures peoples' hearts and never lets go. "Eclipse" involves a deep relationship between a vampire boy and an ordinary girl, and the way they risk their lives for one another. Once you read this book, it will make you laugh, maybe even cry, and make your heart stop. It also helps you understand the bond between love and friendship. Hope you enjoy it and get a bite out of it!
At first when I got this book, I thought it would be boring, and all about how the vampire attacks this person, and so on and so on. But when I opened this book, I realized it was much more than that. So next time you're at the library, pick up this book and tell me if you like it or not! Fang you later!
At first when I got this book, I thought it would be boring, and all about how the vampire attacks this person, and so on and so on. But when I opened this book, I realized it was much more than that. So next time you're at the library, pick up this book and tell me if you like it or not! Fang you later!
Black Duck
The novel Balck Duck by Janet Taylor Listle, makes history seem so close thay you could almost reach out and touch it. This novel is inspired by very real accounts of the Balck Duck, a legendary rum-runningboat taht worked the New England shores. When two bys find a dead body in an evening suit washed up on the shore, they are certain that it had to do with liquor. It is spring in 1929, and a lot of the community in involved in this situation. Rueben, one fo the voys, meets the captain of the Black Duck, the most elusive smuggling craft of them all, and it isn't long before he's keeping dangerous company.
I really enjoyed reading this book. You will experience a lot of emotions. It will make you laugh, make your heart skip a beat, or maybe even cry at some times. Most historical books may be boring, but this award-winning author makes sure you will fall in love with this story. I really enjoyed reading a novel and I am sure you will to!
-Gabrielle M.
I really enjoyed reading this book. You will experience a lot of emotions. It will make you laugh, make your heart skip a beat, or maybe even cry at some times. Most historical books may be boring, but this award-winning author makes sure you will fall in love with this story. I really enjoyed reading a novel and I am sure you will to!
-Gabrielle M.
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
This book is about a girl named Cammie who wants to have a normal life, but that's not possible because she's a spy! She goes to Gallagher Academy and is a CIA legacy. At her school (all girls), danger seems to follow. The school is going to host some mysterious guests which leads to trouble. The stakes for Cammie's school are higher than ever!
I thought this book was mysterious yet exciting. It ahd a great plot and fantabulous characters. The story went well with me because i'm a girl, and this book (I think) is for girls. The story makes you read the pages really fast and you don't want to stop reading! This was a really great book!
-Ahmaya S.
I thought this book was mysterious yet exciting. It ahd a great plot and fantabulous characters. The story went well with me because i'm a girl, and this book (I think) is for girls. The story makes you read the pages really fast and you don't want to stop reading! This was a really great book!
-Ahmaya S.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Cirque Du Freak #1
Cirque Du Freak is about two best friends, Darren Shan and Steve Leonard, who love horror films, books, and comics. One day another one of their friends finds out about a freak show called Cirque Du Freak. They pool their money together to by tickets, but can only buy two. They have a contest to see who goes out of the four friends. Darren and Steve win the contest and go. When they go they are amazed at what talents the performers do. They bought things that are from strange little people who don't talk. After the show Steve stayed behind and told Darren to go. Darren was suspicious so he stayed. He was not expecting what he saw Steve stay and do.
-Josh L.
-Josh L.
The Lightning Thief
Do you like the Harry Potter series? Do you enjoy learning about Greek mythology? Well then, be sure to pick up a copy of Rick Riordan's "The Lightning Thief"! Everything from the Minotaur from the satyr, every mythological story that you have learned about will be in this book. Enter Perseus Jacson(or Percy, for short), a normal 12 year old. Except that he has been kicked out of every school he's been to! He is not one to "fit in".
He lives only with his mom, for his father took a trip out on the sea, never to return...or at least that is what his mom says. However, how would he react if his father were OR IS the almighty god of the sea, POSEIDON!! And that's not all...everything goes haywire when Zeus, god of the sky, accuses Percy of stealing his master bolt, his most powerful weapon, capable of zapping lightning straight out of the sky. You'll just have to read to find out....
-Eugene Piol
He lives only with his mom, for his father took a trip out on the sea, never to return...or at least that is what his mom says. However, how would he react if his father were OR IS the almighty god of the sea, POSEIDON!! And that's not all...everything goes haywire when Zeus, god of the sky, accuses Percy of stealing his master bolt, his most powerful weapon, capable of zapping lightning straight out of the sky. You'll just have to read to find out....
-Eugene Piol
Monday, September 14, 2009
Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie
Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie
by Jordan Sonnenblick
Steven's life seems pretty typical for a middle school student; his days are filled with school, drums, his lifelong crush on Renee, and his annoying little brother. All of that changes when he finds out that his brother has been diagnosed with cancer. Over the course of his 8th grade year, Steven learns things about life that an eighth grader should not have to know. He becomes a protector of his brother and a shoulder to lean on for his weary mother, while still trying to maintain his everyday life. In doing all of that, he learns what life is really about.
Even though the book's plot is burdened with Jeffrey's sickness, there are some lighter subplots, like Steven's interest in and talent for playing the drums. The reader never loses the voice of the narrator, which is a true depiction of a middle school boy. This book is so laugh-out-loud funny that sometimes it's easy to forget that the narrator's brother has been diagnosed with leukemia.
A must read for everyone!
-Ms. Fields
by Jordan Sonnenblick
Steven's life seems pretty typical for a middle school student; his days are filled with school, drums, his lifelong crush on Renee, and his annoying little brother. All of that changes when he finds out that his brother has been diagnosed with cancer. Over the course of his 8th grade year, Steven learns things about life that an eighth grader should not have to know. He becomes a protector of his brother and a shoulder to lean on for his weary mother, while still trying to maintain his everyday life. In doing all of that, he learns what life is really about.
Even though the book's plot is burdened with Jeffrey's sickness, there are some lighter subplots, like Steven's interest in and talent for playing the drums. The reader never loses the voice of the narrator, which is a true depiction of a middle school boy. This book is so laugh-out-loud funny that sometimes it's easy to forget that the narrator's brother has been diagnosed with leukemia.
A must read for everyone!
-Ms. Fields
Monday, August 31, 2009
The House of the Scorpion
The House of the Scorpion
By Nancy Farmer
Matt has always known he was different: he doesn’t have a father, and the woman who acts like his mother tells him he has only been loaned to her for a short while. When Matt sees some other children, however, he learns the truth: he is a clone of the most powerful man in the country of Opium, and clones are considered less important than farm animals. Slowly, Matt begins to piece together the clues all around him, and when he discovers what his life is for, he can not accept the horrifying answer. This is a wonderful science fiction story set in the not too distant future, and as Matt overcomes more and more challenges, the reader can’t help but wonder when his luck will run out.
-Ms. McConnel
The House of The Scorpion revolves around Matt. A clone made from a high authority person in Mexico. His name is El Patron. When he is not around every body treats Matt like trash. But when he is around, the treat him was well as El Patron. In the book Matt, along with his favorite helper Rosa, tries to find what out what is means to be human. But is it possible that he is not a clone............the truth will change Mat forever. To find out the truth about Matt you have to read the book The House of the Scorpion
-S. Rauf
By Nancy Farmer
Matt has always known he was different: he doesn’t have a father, and the woman who acts like his mother tells him he has only been loaned to her for a short while. When Matt sees some other children, however, he learns the truth: he is a clone of the most powerful man in the country of Opium, and clones are considered less important than farm animals. Slowly, Matt begins to piece together the clues all around him, and when he discovers what his life is for, he can not accept the horrifying answer. This is a wonderful science fiction story set in the not too distant future, and as Matt overcomes more and more challenges, the reader can’t help but wonder when his luck will run out.
-Ms. McConnel
The House of The Scorpion revolves around Matt. A clone made from a high authority person in Mexico. His name is El Patron. When he is not around every body treats Matt like trash. But when he is around, the treat him was well as El Patron. In the book Matt, along with his favorite helper Rosa, tries to find what out what is means to be human. But is it possible that he is not a clone............the truth will change Mat forever. To find out the truth about Matt you have to read the book The House of the Scorpion
-S. Rauf
Chasing Vermeer
Chasing Vermeer
By Blue Balliett
What if some of the most famous paintings in the world were frauds? An art thief tells the world just that, after stealing a priceless painting by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. The thief leaves a ransom note, but they aren’t asking for money: they are asking museums all over the world to look at their art work and declare which works are not actually painted by Vermeer, and are just very good frauds. Sixth graders Calder and Petra team up in Chicago, Illinois, thinking they can find the stolen painting and solve the fraud issue all at the same time. Coincidences lead them along, but this mystery may have been more than they bargained for!
-Ms. McConnel
By Blue Balliett
What if some of the most famous paintings in the world were frauds? An art thief tells the world just that, after stealing a priceless painting by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. The thief leaves a ransom note, but they aren’t asking for money: they are asking museums all over the world to look at their art work and declare which works are not actually painted by Vermeer, and are just very good frauds. Sixth graders Calder and Petra team up in Chicago, Illinois, thinking they can find the stolen painting and solve the fraud issue all at the same time. Coincidences lead them along, but this mystery may have been more than they bargained for!
-Ms. McConnel
LeRoy and the Old Man
LeRoy and the Old Man
By W.E. Butterworth
When LeRoy witnesses a gang stabbing, his mother sends him to Mississippi to live with his grandfather until things calm down. At first, LeRoy thinks this is going to be awful, but his grandfather turns out to be more interesting than he expected. LeRoy learns to run a shrimp boat in the Gulf of Mexico and to drive a truck for the first time. LeRoy and his grandfather begin to form a tight bond, which is suddenly in danger of ripping apart when LeRoy’s father comes back into town and asks LeRoy to choose between what is right and what is easy. This is a great story about family and making the right choices when life is hard.
By W.E. Butterworth
When LeRoy witnesses a gang stabbing, his mother sends him to Mississippi to live with his grandfather until things calm down. At first, LeRoy thinks this is going to be awful, but his grandfather turns out to be more interesting than he expected. LeRoy learns to run a shrimp boat in the Gulf of Mexico and to drive a truck for the first time. LeRoy and his grandfather begin to form a tight bond, which is suddenly in danger of ripping apart when LeRoy’s father comes back into town and asks LeRoy to choose between what is right and what is easy. This is a great story about family and making the right choices when life is hard.
The Wright 3
The Wright 3
By Blue Balliett
Petra and Calder have solved mysteries before, but they have never been in such a creepy situation as this! With the help of Tommy, who has just moved back to town, the students begin investigating some strange happenings at an old house in their neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. The town wants to destroy the house, and the children are determined to solve the mystery and save the historic landmark: but what if the wrong people find out what they are doing?
-Ms. McConnel
By Blue Balliett
Petra and Calder have solved mysteries before, but they have never been in such a creepy situation as this! With the help of Tommy, who has just moved back to town, the students begin investigating some strange happenings at an old house in their neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. The town wants to destroy the house, and the children are determined to solve the mystery and save the historic landmark: but what if the wrong people find out what they are doing?
-Ms. McConnel
Crispin: The Cross of Lead
Crispin: The Cross of Lead
By Avi
Crispin finds his life turned upside down following the sudden death of his mother. Before, he had been a lonely boy without a father or a friend. Now, he is an orphan, running through the night, pursued by people who are determined to kill him: and he doesn’t know why. As he flees, he meets Bear, a traveling minstrel and entertainer, who begins to care for Crispin as if her were his own son. But who is Crispin’s father, and will he save him if he can be found? Or will Crispin end up facing the same fate as his mother: death?
-Ms. McConnel
By Avi
Crispin finds his life turned upside down following the sudden death of his mother. Before, he had been a lonely boy without a father or a friend. Now, he is an orphan, running through the night, pursued by people who are determined to kill him: and he doesn’t know why. As he flees, he meets Bear, a traveling minstrel and entertainer, who begins to care for Crispin as if her were his own son. But who is Crispin’s father, and will he save him if he can be found? Or will Crispin end up facing the same fate as his mother: death?
-Ms. McConnel
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
By Avi
Charlotte Doyle, a well-to-do teenager, finds her world torn apart when her family moves from England to America. Forced to sail after her family, she finds herself the only passenger on a sailing ship with secrets in every corner. There is a stowaway, a cruel captain, and a murder…which Charlotte faces trial for! Will she make it to America, or will she be lost at sea, killed by the crazed captain and the bloodthirsty crew?
-Ms. McConnel
By Avi
Charlotte Doyle, a well-to-do teenager, finds her world torn apart when her family moves from England to America. Forced to sail after her family, she finds herself the only passenger on a sailing ship with secrets in every corner. There is a stowaway, a cruel captain, and a murder…which Charlotte faces trial for! Will she make it to America, or will she be lost at sea, killed by the crazed captain and the bloodthirsty crew?
-Ms. McConnel
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
By John Boyne
When Bruno comes home to find the maid packing his belongings, he isn’t really sure what is happening. His mother tells him they will be moving, leaving Berlin at the command of the “Fury” to move to a place which Bruno calls “Out-with”. Bruno does not really understand why they have moved, nor does he understand why there is a large fence outside his window which separates his family from people called “Jews”. This story takes place during World War Two, but Bruno doesn’t really know about the war. He just knows he’s lonely…until he meets a boy on the other side of the fence.
-Ms. McConnel
By John Boyne
When Bruno comes home to find the maid packing his belongings, he isn’t really sure what is happening. His mother tells him they will be moving, leaving Berlin at the command of the “Fury” to move to a place which Bruno calls “Out-with”. Bruno does not really understand why they have moved, nor does he understand why there is a large fence outside his window which separates his family from people called “Jews”. This story takes place during World War Two, but Bruno doesn’t really know about the war. He just knows he’s lonely…until he meets a boy on the other side of the fence.
-Ms. McConnel
Artemis Fowl
Artemis Fowl
By Eoin Colfer
Boy genius Artemis Fowl doesn’t need to commit robbery: his family is one of the richest in the United Kingdom. Artemis turns to a life of crime simply to test his wits. But does he go to far when he steals from the Fairies, who work very hard to keep their existence secret from humans? With the help of his bodyguard, Butler, and Butler’s sister, Juliet, Artemis must outwit the Fairies or see his home, and possibly his life, destroyed. This book is the first in an exciting series packed with action, crime, and wonderful characters.
-Ms. McConnel
Artemis Fowl is a criminal mastermind, a genius, and he’s 12. Combining his 12 year old and adult personalities becomes very dangerous and at the same time useful. With the still childish belief in fairies he decides to capture one for its gold and simply to test his own genius. With the size of his intellect it isn’t long before a fairy, Captain Holly Short, is his prisoner. He soon learns that these aren’t your once upon a time kind of fairies but a super advanced race that means business. When Holly’s comrades come to save her everything doesn’t go quite as either side had planned.I have to admit, when I read the back and saw that it was another book about fairies, I wasn’t that excited. It wasn’t 20 pages before I didn’t want to put the book down. Yes, there are still fairies in the book but the way the author describes them I completely forget that he is talking about fairies. There is hardly a dull second throughout the book. There is always a new turn or twist to be had. The setting, characters, and actions are described so well I felt like I was watching a movie. Overall I would definitely recommend this book to fairy-tale lovers and sci-fi readers alike.
-E. Porter
By Eoin Colfer
Boy genius Artemis Fowl doesn’t need to commit robbery: his family is one of the richest in the United Kingdom. Artemis turns to a life of crime simply to test his wits. But does he go to far when he steals from the Fairies, who work very hard to keep their existence secret from humans? With the help of his bodyguard, Butler, and Butler’s sister, Juliet, Artemis must outwit the Fairies or see his home, and possibly his life, destroyed. This book is the first in an exciting series packed with action, crime, and wonderful characters.
-Ms. McConnel
Artemis Fowl is a criminal mastermind, a genius, and he’s 12. Combining his 12 year old and adult personalities becomes very dangerous and at the same time useful. With the still childish belief in fairies he decides to capture one for its gold and simply to test his own genius. With the size of his intellect it isn’t long before a fairy, Captain Holly Short, is his prisoner. He soon learns that these aren’t your once upon a time kind of fairies but a super advanced race that means business. When Holly’s comrades come to save her everything doesn’t go quite as either side had planned.I have to admit, when I read the back and saw that it was another book about fairies, I wasn’t that excited. It wasn’t 20 pages before I didn’t want to put the book down. Yes, there are still fairies in the book but the way the author describes them I completely forget that he is talking about fairies. There is hardly a dull second throughout the book. There is always a new turn or twist to be had. The setting, characters, and actions are described so well I felt like I was watching a movie. Overall I would definitely recommend this book to fairy-tale lovers and sci-fi readers alike.
-E. Porter
Al Capone Does my Shirts
Al Capone Does My Shirts
By Gennifer Choldenko
Moose hasn’t committed any crime, but he still finds himself forced to live on Alcatraz Island, America’s most famous prison and home to such criminals as the gangster Al Capone. While Moose just wants to play baseball and try to forget about living next door to criminals, his sister, Natalie, needs him to help her while she tries, fails, and tries again to be accepted into a school which can address her special needs. As if Natalie doesn’t make Moose stressed out enough, Moose gets roped in to some schemes with the other children on the island, including the sneaky daughter of the warden, Piper. It’s the Great Depression, and people are out of work everywhere. Will Moose be the reason his father loses his job? Will Natalie ever have a place she will feel at home? Will Al Capone break all the rules of the prison to help Moose? Read the book and find out!
-Ms. McConnel
By Gennifer Choldenko
Moose hasn’t committed any crime, but he still finds himself forced to live on Alcatraz Island, America’s most famous prison and home to such criminals as the gangster Al Capone. While Moose just wants to play baseball and try to forget about living next door to criminals, his sister, Natalie, needs him to help her while she tries, fails, and tries again to be accepted into a school which can address her special needs. As if Natalie doesn’t make Moose stressed out enough, Moose gets roped in to some schemes with the other children on the island, including the sneaky daughter of the warden, Piper. It’s the Great Depression, and people are out of work everywhere. Will Moose be the reason his father loses his job? Will Natalie ever have a place she will feel at home? Will Al Capone break all the rules of the prison to help Moose? Read the book and find out!
-Ms. McConnel
Dealing with Dragons
Dealing with Dragons
By Patricia C. Wrede
Princess Cimorene is anything but a typical princess: she won’t learn dancing, embroidery or etiquette, but she LOVES fencing, cooking, and juggling, all of which are not the proper activities for a princess, according to her parents. Finally, her parents go too far, and try to force her to marry a prince from a near-by kingdom. Cimorene takes her fate into her own hands and heads off to find the fierce dragons on the outskirts of the kingdom, thinking that if she is eaten, she won’t have to be married. Instead of frying her for dinner, the dragons allow her to live with them as their cook. This wonderful book is the first in a series of four, providing ample time for Cimorene to keep doing exactly what isn’t proper.
-Ms. McConnel
By Patricia C. Wrede
Princess Cimorene is anything but a typical princess: she won’t learn dancing, embroidery or etiquette, but she LOVES fencing, cooking, and juggling, all of which are not the proper activities for a princess, according to her parents. Finally, her parents go too far, and try to force her to marry a prince from a near-by kingdom. Cimorene takes her fate into her own hands and heads off to find the fierce dragons on the outskirts of the kingdom, thinking that if she is eaten, she won’t have to be married. Instead of frying her for dinner, the dragons allow her to live with them as their cook. This wonderful book is the first in a series of four, providing ample time for Cimorene to keep doing exactly what isn’t proper.
-Ms. McConnel
The Man who was Poe
The Man who was Poe
By Avi
When Edmund mysteriously loses first his mother, then his aunt, then his sister, he finds himself thrust into the dark city streets of Providence, alone and frightened. He encounters a very strange man who seems to want to help him to recover his family. Edmund has little choice but to work with this stranger, despite his seeming insanity. Edmund realizes that he is working with the great American writer, Edgar Allen Poe, but all is not as it should be. Is Poe using Edmund to create yet another tragic mystery story for his pen, or does he genuinely want to help the boy find his family while they are still alive? Edmund must decide to accept help from the only adult willing to listen, whatever the consequences, or set out to find his family alone, facing the unknown evils of the city.
-Ms. McConnel
By Avi
When Edmund mysteriously loses first his mother, then his aunt, then his sister, he finds himself thrust into the dark city streets of Providence, alone and frightened. He encounters a very strange man who seems to want to help him to recover his family. Edmund has little choice but to work with this stranger, despite his seeming insanity. Edmund realizes that he is working with the great American writer, Edgar Allen Poe, but all is not as it should be. Is Poe using Edmund to create yet another tragic mystery story for his pen, or does he genuinely want to help the boy find his family while they are still alive? Edmund must decide to accept help from the only adult willing to listen, whatever the consequences, or set out to find his family alone, facing the unknown evils of the city.
-Ms. McConnel
Murder on the Orient Express
Murder on the Orient Express
By Agatha Christie
A man with many enemies is murdered in the night on a train, and the train is stuck in a snow bank. The murderer can not escape, yet the train full of witnesses swear they saw someone running away. Pieces of the crime don’t seem to fit, however, and the detective Hercule Poirot starts putting the pieces together in a way that seems to make the passengers nervous. Who is the killer? And can Poirot solve the case before the killer selects another victim?
-Ms. McConnel
By Agatha Christie
A man with many enemies is murdered in the night on a train, and the train is stuck in a snow bank. The murderer can not escape, yet the train full of witnesses swear they saw someone running away. Pieces of the crime don’t seem to fit, however, and the detective Hercule Poirot starts putting the pieces together in a way that seems to make the passengers nervous. Who is the killer? And can Poirot solve the case before the killer selects another victim?
-Ms. McConnel
The Egypt Game
The Egypt Game
By Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Moving to a new town is never easy, but for April, who’s used to Hollywood, moving to live with her grandmother in a small apartment is a rough transition. April’s just waiting for her mother to send for her, once she gets her big break into the movies. In the meantime, April sticks out like a sore thumb at school: she wears big false eyelashes, and has a wild imagination. When April meets Melanie, she finds her match in imaginative powers. In a deserted old alley way, the two girls invite the Egypt Game: a world of make-believe and ancient Egyptian magic and mystery that grows increasingly real. More kids join the game, but then the unthinkable happens: a child in the neighborhood is murdered. Will one of the “Egyptians” be next? I loved this book when I was a student, and re-reading it reminded me just how exciting and suspenseful the story is!
-Ms. McConnel
By Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Moving to a new town is never easy, but for April, who’s used to Hollywood, moving to live with her grandmother in a small apartment is a rough transition. April’s just waiting for her mother to send for her, once she gets her big break into the movies. In the meantime, April sticks out like a sore thumb at school: she wears big false eyelashes, and has a wild imagination. When April meets Melanie, she finds her match in imaginative powers. In a deserted old alley way, the two girls invite the Egypt Game: a world of make-believe and ancient Egyptian magic and mystery that grows increasingly real. More kids join the game, but then the unthinkable happens: a child in the neighborhood is murdered. Will one of the “Egyptians” be next? I loved this book when I was a student, and re-reading it reminded me just how exciting and suspenseful the story is!
-Ms. McConnel
Dovey Coe
Dovey Coe
By Frances O’Roark Dowell
Dovey is 12 years old, a bit of a rebel, and on trial for murder. Her sister, Caroline, spent the summer being wooed by the richest boy in town, Parnell. Dovey hates Parnell, and has not made any secret of her feelings for him. Is it any wonder, then, that when she is discovered at the scene of the murder, she is the only suspect? Dovey is a great character who will jump off the pages of the book and into your mind. This book is a quick read, and very enjoyable.
-Ms. McConnel
By Frances O’Roark Dowell
Dovey is 12 years old, a bit of a rebel, and on trial for murder. Her sister, Caroline, spent the summer being wooed by the richest boy in town, Parnell. Dovey hates Parnell, and has not made any secret of her feelings for him. Is it any wonder, then, that when she is discovered at the scene of the murder, she is the only suspect? Dovey is a great character who will jump off the pages of the book and into your mind. This book is a quick read, and very enjoyable.
-Ms. McConnel
Tangerine
Tangerine
By Edward Bloor
Paul Fisher is legally blind, but that doesn’t stop him from playing soccer. With the help of extra strong glasses, Paul can see just fine, as long as you don’t sneak up behind him. A malicious “accident” caused Paul’s blindness, and readers are kept wondering what really happened until the end of the book. Paul’s brother, Eric, is a football star, and Paul’s parents don’t come to any soccer games because they are always cheering Eric on. In their new home of Tangerine, Florida, both boys start to grow and to create lives for themselves, but tragedy just keeps striking, like the lightning that kills a boy at football practice. This is a wonderful book for anyone who has ever felt just a little bit different.
-Ms. McConnel
Paul is a boy who moves from Houston, Texas to Tangerine, Florida. He is legally blind but can see with glasses. He lives in an expensive neighborhood and goes to an expensive school. Then, one rainy day, a big sink hole opened up and gobbled up the seventh grade trailers. He has to go to a much older, worn-down school. Paul wasn't always blind. He does not remember who or what made him blind. Does he find out?This is a story filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. If you hang on for the ride, you will be amazed at how it all turns out.
-L. Hall
"Tangerine" is a book about a kid named Paul Fisher. He has a brother who his dad watches play football all the time. Paul is blind, but he play soccer (goalie). At the beginning he is moving from Houston, Texas, to Tangerine, Florida. When he gets there many weird things happen. A kid on his brother's football team is struck down by lightning, and another boy, the inventor of the Golden Dawn Tangerine, is hit by someone and dies. While Paul is in Tangerine he finds out things about how we was blinded and more.If you want to find out more of what happens in "Tangerine", you'll have to read the book! This book has amazed me and made me want to keep it. When I got to the end, I wanted it to just keep going.
-J. Clemson
By Edward Bloor
Paul Fisher is legally blind, but that doesn’t stop him from playing soccer. With the help of extra strong glasses, Paul can see just fine, as long as you don’t sneak up behind him. A malicious “accident” caused Paul’s blindness, and readers are kept wondering what really happened until the end of the book. Paul’s brother, Eric, is a football star, and Paul’s parents don’t come to any soccer games because they are always cheering Eric on. In their new home of Tangerine, Florida, both boys start to grow and to create lives for themselves, but tragedy just keeps striking, like the lightning that kills a boy at football practice. This is a wonderful book for anyone who has ever felt just a little bit different.
-Ms. McConnel
Paul is a boy who moves from Houston, Texas to Tangerine, Florida. He is legally blind but can see with glasses. He lives in an expensive neighborhood and goes to an expensive school. Then, one rainy day, a big sink hole opened up and gobbled up the seventh grade trailers. He has to go to a much older, worn-down school. Paul wasn't always blind. He does not remember who or what made him blind. Does he find out?This is a story filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. If you hang on for the ride, you will be amazed at how it all turns out.
-L. Hall
"Tangerine" is a book about a kid named Paul Fisher. He has a brother who his dad watches play football all the time. Paul is blind, but he play soccer (goalie). At the beginning he is moving from Houston, Texas, to Tangerine, Florida. When he gets there many weird things happen. A kid on his brother's football team is struck down by lightning, and another boy, the inventor of the Golden Dawn Tangerine, is hit by someone and dies. While Paul is in Tangerine he finds out things about how we was blinded and more.If you want to find out more of what happens in "Tangerine", you'll have to read the book! This book has amazed me and made me want to keep it. When I got to the end, I wanted it to just keep going.
-J. Clemson
Julie of the Wolves
Julie of the Wolves
By Jean Craighead George
Miyax is a young Eskimo girl who is sometimes called “Julie” by her friends and teachers. She goes through a lot of hardship in her childhood: first, her mother dies, then, her father disappears on a hunting trip. Miyax is left with no choice but to marry her betrothed when she is thirteen. At first, she is happy in her new life, but when her husband attacks her, she makes up her mind to flee. Out alone on the Alaskan tundra, Miyax loses her way, and food is running out. Will she be able to convince a powerful wolf pack to adopt her as one of their own, or will she starve alone in the frozen north? This is a wonderful adventure novel.
-Ms. McConnel
By Jean Craighead George
Miyax is a young Eskimo girl who is sometimes called “Julie” by her friends and teachers. She goes through a lot of hardship in her childhood: first, her mother dies, then, her father disappears on a hunting trip. Miyax is left with no choice but to marry her betrothed when she is thirteen. At first, she is happy in her new life, but when her husband attacks her, she makes up her mind to flee. Out alone on the Alaskan tundra, Miyax loses her way, and food is running out. Will she be able to convince a powerful wolf pack to adopt her as one of their own, or will she starve alone in the frozen north? This is a wonderful adventure novel.
-Ms. McConnel
Inkheart
Inkheart
by Cornelia Funke
This book is a thrilling adventure about a 12-year-old girl named Meggie who becomes entwined in a story much like the ones she reads. Meggie lives a fairly regular life with her dad who restores books, when one night a strange man named Dustfinger appears on their doorstep. After her dad talks with the man he tells her that they are going to her great aunt's house. Dustfinger goes with them and while they are there her father is kidnapped. The next day, Dustfinger leads them to where he says her father was taken. It turns out to be a trap. Meggie is locked in the same cell as her father, and on that night she discovers that nine years earlier her father was reading aloud when Dustfinger and the villains who are responsible for their confinement appeared. Somehow, the characters came out of the book. For every character taken out of a book, something must go in. On that night so many years ago, Meggie's mother was trapped in the story that started the wild adventure that would change Meggie's life forever.I would say that overall Inkheart is a good novel. One of the big issues that I disliked was the length of the book. It had a good beginning and a great end, but the middle wasn't the best. Despite this, whenever there was an interesting part, the event seemed to jump right off the page. The characters in the book were well-developed and made you feel like they were real people. The ending was hands down the best part, with suspense and unseen events at every turn. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get lost in a story full of adventure.
-E. Porter
by Cornelia Funke
This book is a thrilling adventure about a 12-year-old girl named Meggie who becomes entwined in a story much like the ones she reads. Meggie lives a fairly regular life with her dad who restores books, when one night a strange man named Dustfinger appears on their doorstep. After her dad talks with the man he tells her that they are going to her great aunt's house. Dustfinger goes with them and while they are there her father is kidnapped. The next day, Dustfinger leads them to where he says her father was taken. It turns out to be a trap. Meggie is locked in the same cell as her father, and on that night she discovers that nine years earlier her father was reading aloud when Dustfinger and the villains who are responsible for their confinement appeared. Somehow, the characters came out of the book. For every character taken out of a book, something must go in. On that night so many years ago, Meggie's mother was trapped in the story that started the wild adventure that would change Meggie's life forever.I would say that overall Inkheart is a good novel. One of the big issues that I disliked was the length of the book. It had a good beginning and a great end, but the middle wasn't the best. Despite this, whenever there was an interesting part, the event seemed to jump right off the page. The characters in the book were well-developed and made you feel like they were real people. The ending was hands down the best part, with suspense and unseen events at every turn. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get lost in a story full of adventure.
-E. Porter
Inkspell
Inkspell
by Cornelia Funke
Even though a year has passed, Meggie still can't keep "Inkheart" off her mind. Dustfinger, who's been desperately searching for a way to get back into the book, has finally found a solution with a man who says he can read him back in. When this magical story teller intentionally leaves Farid, Dustfinger's apprentice, out of his promise, Farid goes in search of Meggie. With the opportunity in front of her, Meggie reads Farid and herself into the book with Orpheus's words. When that same crafty story teller, along with Basta and Mortola show up in Elinor's front porch, he reads Basta, Mortola, Resa, and Mo into the story, leaving him and a cumbersome thug alone with Elinor and Darius. while in the story, Mo is forced to take on a new role as the Bluejay. As all these newcomers to the story adapt and entwine themselves within the book, they discover that the story has derailed from its original track and has evolved in ways none of them could have imagined.Overall, I perceived "Inkspell" to be a thrilling and enticing adventure. I really liked how each chapter started with an excerpt from another story that still deals with the events of the chapter. The book is fairly long but is keeps you captivated with ever-changing scenes and plot events. I really liked how you got to see and understand more about the characters. Lastly, I thought the ending was adequate but it left me thirsting for the next book in the series.
-E. Porter
by Cornelia Funke
Even though a year has passed, Meggie still can't keep "Inkheart" off her mind. Dustfinger, who's been desperately searching for a way to get back into the book, has finally found a solution with a man who says he can read him back in. When this magical story teller intentionally leaves Farid, Dustfinger's apprentice, out of his promise, Farid goes in search of Meggie. With the opportunity in front of her, Meggie reads Farid and herself into the book with Orpheus's words. When that same crafty story teller, along with Basta and Mortola show up in Elinor's front porch, he reads Basta, Mortola, Resa, and Mo into the story, leaving him and a cumbersome thug alone with Elinor and Darius. while in the story, Mo is forced to take on a new role as the Bluejay. As all these newcomers to the story adapt and entwine themselves within the book, they discover that the story has derailed from its original track and has evolved in ways none of them could have imagined.Overall, I perceived "Inkspell" to be a thrilling and enticing adventure. I really liked how each chapter started with an excerpt from another story that still deals with the events of the chapter. The book is fairly long but is keeps you captivated with ever-changing scenes and plot events. I really liked how you got to see and understand more about the characters. Lastly, I thought the ending was adequate but it left me thirsting for the next book in the series.
-E. Porter
Inkdeath
Inkdeath
by Cornelia Funke
Mo and his family have been living on a deserted farm ever since they escaped the Castle of Night, to hide from Adderhead. For them life is peaceful, but just about every night Mo is called by his fellow robbers to go and help a defenseless village as the Bluejay. His wife Resa is desperate for a way back to the real world, so she must sink as low as asking Orpheus, a man who almost killed Mo, to write her family back. He agrees, but only if Mo summons the White Women, Death's daughters, so he can talk with them. In a graveyard, Mo calls them. One by one they appear around him, and just like that he disappears in the midst of their shadowy bodies."Inkdeath" has definitely been my favorite book in the entire trilogy. Like the other two, it is a fairly long book, but it never drops your attention. There was not a dull moment in this story. Every time you think the story might be cooling down, a dramatic change pops out of nowhere that you would never have seen coming. Have you ever read a book that is so predictable that you fall asleep while reading? Well, "Inkdeath" will sure wake you up with all of its exciting twists and turns. All of the characters are described in such detail that they practically jump off of the page. The only bad part about this book was when I had to close the cover for the last time. I would definitely recommend "Inkdeath" to anyone who wants to dive into a thrilling story.
-E. Porter
by Cornelia Funke
Mo and his family have been living on a deserted farm ever since they escaped the Castle of Night, to hide from Adderhead. For them life is peaceful, but just about every night Mo is called by his fellow robbers to go and help a defenseless village as the Bluejay. His wife Resa is desperate for a way back to the real world, so she must sink as low as asking Orpheus, a man who almost killed Mo, to write her family back. He agrees, but only if Mo summons the White Women, Death's daughters, so he can talk with them. In a graveyard, Mo calls them. One by one they appear around him, and just like that he disappears in the midst of their shadowy bodies."Inkdeath" has definitely been my favorite book in the entire trilogy. Like the other two, it is a fairly long book, but it never drops your attention. There was not a dull moment in this story. Every time you think the story might be cooling down, a dramatic change pops out of nowhere that you would never have seen coming. Have you ever read a book that is so predictable that you fall asleep while reading? Well, "Inkdeath" will sure wake you up with all of its exciting twists and turns. All of the characters are described in such detail that they practically jump off of the page. The only bad part about this book was when I had to close the cover for the last time. I would definitely recommend "Inkdeath" to anyone who wants to dive into a thrilling story.
-E. Porter
Matilda Bone
Matilda Bone
By Karen Cushman
Matilda has been raised with all the education of a lady in the middle ages, but without love. An orphan in a large manor house, her only real companion has been the priest who has taught her about heaven and hell, saints and demons, and very little about the world around them. When the priest is called away, Matilda finds herself sent to Blood and Bone Alley, to live and work with a bonesetter named Red Peg. As Matilda tries to remain saintly and thoughtful, she is thrust into the world of medieval medicine, and is forced to rely on her own skills instead of her prayers. However, Matilda can’t quite reconcile her spiritual beliefs with the harsh world around her, and she continues to struggle with ideas of right and wrong. Matilda is a wonderful character, and she grows and evolves as the story progresses, becoming at last someone unique and original. This book is a fun story, with lots of interesting details about medicine and doctors in the middle ages, including lots of ideas that seem pretty silly to modern readers.
-Ms. McConnel
By Karen Cushman
Matilda has been raised with all the education of a lady in the middle ages, but without love. An orphan in a large manor house, her only real companion has been the priest who has taught her about heaven and hell, saints and demons, and very little about the world around them. When the priest is called away, Matilda finds herself sent to Blood and Bone Alley, to live and work with a bonesetter named Red Peg. As Matilda tries to remain saintly and thoughtful, she is thrust into the world of medieval medicine, and is forced to rely on her own skills instead of her prayers. However, Matilda can’t quite reconcile her spiritual beliefs with the harsh world around her, and she continues to struggle with ideas of right and wrong. Matilda is a wonderful character, and she grows and evolves as the story progresses, becoming at last someone unique and original. This book is a fun story, with lots of interesting details about medicine and doctors in the middle ages, including lots of ideas that seem pretty silly to modern readers.
-Ms. McConnel
Journey to the River Sea
Journey to the River Sea
By Eva Ibbotson
Although Maia is an orphan, she is surprisingly rich and well-off. When she is sent from her school in England to stay with distant relatives in Brazil, she prepares herself for an adventure on the banks of the Amazon river. Unfortunately, Maia’s relatives hate living in the jungle, and love keeping Maia cooped up inside. Her uncle collects glass eyes, her aunt has a desperate fear of insects, and her cousins, twin girls whom Maia had hoped would be her friends, are quite nasty and rude to her. If it weren’t for her governess, Minty, and the other friends she makes in Brazil, Maia would have a miserable time. When she meets a boy named Fin, Maia finds the adventure she was seeking, and it changes her life forever.
-Ms. McConnel
By Eva Ibbotson
Although Maia is an orphan, she is surprisingly rich and well-off. When she is sent from her school in England to stay with distant relatives in Brazil, she prepares herself for an adventure on the banks of the Amazon river. Unfortunately, Maia’s relatives hate living in the jungle, and love keeping Maia cooped up inside. Her uncle collects glass eyes, her aunt has a desperate fear of insects, and her cousins, twin girls whom Maia had hoped would be her friends, are quite nasty and rude to her. If it weren’t for her governess, Minty, and the other friends she makes in Brazil, Maia would have a miserable time. When she meets a boy named Fin, Maia finds the adventure she was seeking, and it changes her life forever.
-Ms. McConnel
I got a "D" in Salami
I Got a “D” in Salami
By Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
Hank is having a hard time at school, and he is determined to win the spelling competition to prove he isn’t stupid. Even though he spends lots of time studying, the words just don’t seem to stick in his brain, and his teacher sends him home with a “D” on his report card in spelling, and math, and reading. Hank doesn’t want to tell his parents about the report card, and somehow, it ends up in the meat shredder at his mom’s deli. Once Hank starts lying, though, things get out of control, and that shredded report card just may cost his mother her job. Hank is an incredibly relatable character, and the trouble he has in school will be recognized by many students.
-Ms. McConnel
By Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
Hank is having a hard time at school, and he is determined to win the spelling competition to prove he isn’t stupid. Even though he spends lots of time studying, the words just don’t seem to stick in his brain, and his teacher sends him home with a “D” on his report card in spelling, and math, and reading. Hank doesn’t want to tell his parents about the report card, and somehow, it ends up in the meat shredder at his mom’s deli. Once Hank starts lying, though, things get out of control, and that shredded report card just may cost his mother her job. Hank is an incredibly relatable character, and the trouble he has in school will be recognized by many students.
-Ms. McConnel
Everlost
EVERLOST
by Neal Shusterman
What if you woke up only to find out you were dead? Neal and Allie are both killed when the separate cars they are driving in collide head on. After nine months they wake up still wearing the clothes they were killed in and the chocolate candy Neal was eating smeared, eternally, all over his face. While they feel that nothing about themselves has changed they soon realize they no longer have to breathe, eat, or sleep. They also no longer feel pain except in their hearts and yearn for the lives they lost and the family and friends they loved. It seems like they are stuck between life and death like other kids in Everlost and if they are not careful they will sink into the ground and wind up in the center of the Earth to be lost forever. This book is a wonderful read from an author who has a great imagination and the talent to put his ideas into words.
-Mr. Tim Dale
by Neal Shusterman
What if you woke up only to find out you were dead? Neal and Allie are both killed when the separate cars they are driving in collide head on. After nine months they wake up still wearing the clothes they were killed in and the chocolate candy Neal was eating smeared, eternally, all over his face. While they feel that nothing about themselves has changed they soon realize they no longer have to breathe, eat, or sleep. They also no longer feel pain except in their hearts and yearn for the lives they lost and the family and friends they loved. It seems like they are stuck between life and death like other kids in Everlost and if they are not careful they will sink into the ground and wind up in the center of the Earth to be lost forever. This book is a wonderful read from an author who has a great imagination and the talent to put his ideas into words.
-Mr. Tim Dale
Scorpia
Scorpia
by Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider is the youngest agent in M16, a British intelligence agency. He is not allowed to tell anyone of his "other" life, not even his best friend Tom Harris. Alex seems to always find danger and is very good at getting out of it. People don't expect that from a boy that is only fourteen years old. In this adventure, Alex tried to find out the truth surrounding his father's death. He discovers more than he is ready to learn.Scorpia is the fifth book in a series by Anthony Horowitz.
-N. Heilman
by Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider is the youngest agent in M16, a British intelligence agency. He is not allowed to tell anyone of his "other" life, not even his best friend Tom Harris. Alex seems to always find danger and is very good at getting out of it. People don't expect that from a boy that is only fourteen years old. In this adventure, Alex tried to find out the truth surrounding his father's death. He discovers more than he is ready to learn.Scorpia is the fifth book in a series by Anthony Horowitz.
-N. Heilman
Teh Akhenaten Adventure
The Akhenaten Adventure
By P.B. Kerr
In this exciting fantasy novel, twins Phillipa and John discover that they posses certain extraordinary powers, not to mention deep connections with fire and the powerful creatures we know as genies, the Djinn. First, the twins travel to England to visit their strange uncle, Nimrod, and then they find themselves pulled to Egypt and even to the North Pole on an epic quest for something to tip the balance in the battle between good and evil. Villains are everywhere and no one can be trusted, as the twins find out the hard way. This book is the first in a series, so the adventures just keep coming. If you liked “The Lightning Thief” and “Harry Potter”, be sure to read this book!
-Ms. McConnel
By P.B. Kerr
In this exciting fantasy novel, twins Phillipa and John discover that they posses certain extraordinary powers, not to mention deep connections with fire and the powerful creatures we know as genies, the Djinn. First, the twins travel to England to visit their strange uncle, Nimrod, and then they find themselves pulled to Egypt and even to the North Pole on an epic quest for something to tip the balance in the battle between good and evil. Villains are everywhere and no one can be trusted, as the twins find out the hard way. This book is the first in a series, so the adventures just keep coming. If you liked “The Lightning Thief” and “Harry Potter”, be sure to read this book!
-Ms. McConnel
Becoming Naomi Leon
Becoming Naomi Leon
By Pam Munoz Ryan
Naomi and her brother Owen have been living quite happily with their Gram in the city of Lemon Tree. All that changes when Naomi’s mother comes back into the picture. After abandoning her children years ago, she suddenly wants Naomi to come live with her. In a fit of desperation, Gram decides that they must go look for the children’s father in Mexico, the father that neither Naomi or Owen remember at all. The journey takes them into Mexico, and Naomi begins to discover more about herself and her own dreams than she had thought possible: in fact, she realizes that she does have the heart of the lion she is named for. This is a beautiful book, and Naomi is a character you can really cheer for.
-Ms. McConnel
By Pam Munoz Ryan
Naomi and her brother Owen have been living quite happily with their Gram in the city of Lemon Tree. All that changes when Naomi’s mother comes back into the picture. After abandoning her children years ago, she suddenly wants Naomi to come live with her. In a fit of desperation, Gram decides that they must go look for the children’s father in Mexico, the father that neither Naomi or Owen remember at all. The journey takes them into Mexico, and Naomi begins to discover more about herself and her own dreams than she had thought possible: in fact, she realizes that she does have the heart of the lion she is named for. This is a beautiful book, and Naomi is a character you can really cheer for.
-Ms. McConnel
How to Steal a Dog
How to Steal a Dog
by Barbara O'Conner
At the beginning, there is a family that lives in their car. It's just the mom and her two kids, since the dad left a few months before. When the dad left, the family was living in an apartment, but he took all their money except for a jar filled with one dollar bills. Obviously, that wasn't enough to keep their apartment, so they ended up in the car. The daughter decides to steal a dog to collect the reward money and help her family.I think this book was very good. It was also exciting. Whenever she left to go steal the dog, you always wonder what will happen next. I also like this book because it tells about things that really happen in real life. Read this book to find out what happens!
-B. Clark
by Barbara O'Conner
At the beginning, there is a family that lives in their car. It's just the mom and her two kids, since the dad left a few months before. When the dad left, the family was living in an apartment, but he took all their money except for a jar filled with one dollar bills. Obviously, that wasn't enough to keep their apartment, so they ended up in the car. The daughter decides to steal a dog to collect the reward money and help her family.I think this book was very good. It was also exciting. Whenever she left to go steal the dog, you always wonder what will happen next. I also like this book because it tells about things that really happen in real life. Read this book to find out what happens!
-B. Clark
The Breadwinner
The Breadwinner
By Deborah Ellis
Parvana lives in modern Afghanistan, and her life has been shattered over and over again. First there were the bombings which forced her family to move and give up many of their belongings. Then, for no reason, the new government arrests her father, making the family virtually helpless. Because of the rules of the Taliban government, women can not work, and rarely leave the home. Parvana is young enough that she can pass for a boy, so her mother and sister help her to create a disguise so she can earn money to support them during their father’s imprisonment. As a boy, Parvana sees things she has never seen before, and even helps save the life of a stranger. This is a wonderful book which leaves the reader wanting to know more (and yes, there is a sequel!)
-Ms. McConnel
By Deborah Ellis
Parvana lives in modern Afghanistan, and her life has been shattered over and over again. First there were the bombings which forced her family to move and give up many of their belongings. Then, for no reason, the new government arrests her father, making the family virtually helpless. Because of the rules of the Taliban government, women can not work, and rarely leave the home. Parvana is young enough that she can pass for a boy, so her mother and sister help her to create a disguise so she can earn money to support them during their father’s imprisonment. As a boy, Parvana sees things she has never seen before, and even helps save the life of a stranger. This is a wonderful book which leaves the reader wanting to know more (and yes, there is a sequel!)
-Ms. McConnel
Incantation
Incantation
By Alice Hoffman
Imagine living all your life and never knowing your real name. Estrella deMadrigal grew up without knowing she had a different name, a dangerous name: a Jewish name. Estrella lives in Spain over 500 years ago, and at that time, people who were Jewish could be imprisoned, tortured, and even killed. Estrella lives her life blissfully unaware of the danger she and her entire family are in, until one day when everything changes. This is a powerful book about faith and intolerance, and Estrella is a brave and powerful character who confronts her changing world with heart.
-Ms. McConnel
By Alice Hoffman
Imagine living all your life and never knowing your real name. Estrella deMadrigal grew up without knowing she had a different name, a dangerous name: a Jewish name. Estrella lives in Spain over 500 years ago, and at that time, people who were Jewish could be imprisoned, tortured, and even killed. Estrella lives her life blissfully unaware of the danger she and her entire family are in, until one day when everything changes. This is a powerful book about faith and intolerance, and Estrella is a brave and powerful character who confronts her changing world with heart.
-Ms. McConnel
Something Upstairs
Something Upstairs
by Avi
As far as Kenny Huldorf was concerned, Los Angeles was a perfect place to live. All his life he had lived in perfect spring and summer-like weather. So moving to Providence, Rhode Island wasn't his idea of happiness. When Kenny got to the new house, he drifted from empty room to room. He remembers a feeling that the house somehow wasn't empty. He stepped into the attic and felt unease, then a faint rustling sound started. As Kenny was leaving, he saw a stain. As he looked at it, the thought came that it was blood, human blood.Tap. Tap. Kenny looks at the time. 2:35 a.m. He went into the attic. A boy was rising out of the stain on the floor! His name was Caleb, and he was murdered in 1800! Caleb asks Kenny to help him find his murdered and stop him from killing Caleb. Kenny is faced with the decision that will affect his life because he will have to travel back in time, and if he gets hurt or loses something, Kenny will be trapped in the past forever. Will Kenny help Caleb? Will he become a prisoner of the past?The only way to find out is by reading "Something Upstairs" by Avi.This book was suspenseful and unpredictable. At first I thought this book would be boring and Kenny would simply do something to save Caleb, but it had lots of twists in the story. I would recommend this book to someone who likes a good ghost story.
-O. Casbarro
by Avi
As far as Kenny Huldorf was concerned, Los Angeles was a perfect place to live. All his life he had lived in perfect spring and summer-like weather. So moving to Providence, Rhode Island wasn't his idea of happiness. When Kenny got to the new house, he drifted from empty room to room. He remembers a feeling that the house somehow wasn't empty. He stepped into the attic and felt unease, then a faint rustling sound started. As Kenny was leaving, he saw a stain. As he looked at it, the thought came that it was blood, human blood.Tap. Tap. Kenny looks at the time. 2:35 a.m. He went into the attic. A boy was rising out of the stain on the floor! His name was Caleb, and he was murdered in 1800! Caleb asks Kenny to help him find his murdered and stop him from killing Caleb. Kenny is faced with the decision that will affect his life because he will have to travel back in time, and if he gets hurt or loses something, Kenny will be trapped in the past forever. Will Kenny help Caleb? Will he become a prisoner of the past?The only way to find out is by reading "Something Upstairs" by Avi.This book was suspenseful and unpredictable. At first I thought this book would be boring and Kenny would simply do something to save Caleb, but it had lots of twists in the story. I would recommend this book to someone who likes a good ghost story.
-O. Casbarro
Charlie's Story
Charlie’s Story
By Maeve Friel
Charlie has spent her life being teased and tormented by her classmates, ever since they realized she was the famous “abandoned baby” who had been dumped by her mother in a train station. Charlie tries to cope with the cruelty of her classmates, but at the same time struggles with feelings of doubt and self-loathing. She wonders if it was her fault that her mother abandoned her, and her father and the rest of her family refuse to talk about her mother or Charlie’s life before being abandoned. Charlie must unravel her own history while learning to be brave against the face of impossible cruelty. Set in Ireland, this story presents a very real picture of the true dangers of bullying, and Charlie is a flawed and genuine heroine.
-Ms. McConnel
By Maeve Friel
Charlie has spent her life being teased and tormented by her classmates, ever since they realized she was the famous “abandoned baby” who had been dumped by her mother in a train station. Charlie tries to cope with the cruelty of her classmates, but at the same time struggles with feelings of doubt and self-loathing. She wonders if it was her fault that her mother abandoned her, and her father and the rest of her family refuse to talk about her mother or Charlie’s life before being abandoned. Charlie must unravel her own history while learning to be brave against the face of impossible cruelty. Set in Ireland, this story presents a very real picture of the true dangers of bullying, and Charlie is a flawed and genuine heroine.
-Ms. McConnel
Money Hungry
Money Hungry
By Sharon Flake
Raspberry is obsessed with cash. She is constantly getting in trouble at school for her business ventures, including selling two-year old candy to her classmates. No one understands that to Raspberry, money is the only thing keeping her safe. She and her mother may live in an apartment now, but it wasn’t that long ago that they were living on the street. Will Raspberry’s “money hungry” behavior be enough to keep a roof over their heads, or will they end up on the streets…again? This is a powerful story with true-to-life situations and characters. A must-read novel!
-Ms. McConnel
By Sharon Flake
Raspberry is obsessed with cash. She is constantly getting in trouble at school for her business ventures, including selling two-year old candy to her classmates. No one understands that to Raspberry, money is the only thing keeping her safe. She and her mother may live in an apartment now, but it wasn’t that long ago that they were living on the street. Will Raspberry’s “money hungry” behavior be enough to keep a roof over their heads, or will they end up on the streets…again? This is a powerful story with true-to-life situations and characters. A must-read novel!
-Ms. McConnel
Elijah of Buxton
Elijah of Buxton
By Christopher Paul Curtis
Elijah is a particularly special boy in his town: he is the first person to be born free in the settlement of Buxton, Canada, where escaped slaves and free blacks from America make their home. Although Buxton is a safe-haven of education and equality, Elijah finds himself facing hatred and injustice each time he ventures into the larger world. Full of quaint stories about his childhood and passionate descriptions of the injustices of slavery, this is a wonderful historical novel with a character who is endearing, if a bit naïve about the world around him.
-Ms. McConnel
By Christopher Paul Curtis
Elijah is a particularly special boy in his town: he is the first person to be born free in the settlement of Buxton, Canada, where escaped slaves and free blacks from America make their home. Although Buxton is a safe-haven of education and equality, Elijah finds himself facing hatred and injustice each time he ventures into the larger world. Full of quaint stories about his childhood and passionate descriptions of the injustices of slavery, this is a wonderful historical novel with a character who is endearing, if a bit naïve about the world around him.
-Ms. McConnel
My Dog Skip
My Dog Skip
by Willie Morris
This is a wonderful autobiography about a young boy and his life journey accompanied by his faithful dog, Skip. The story begins with his childhood; he is given Skip as a gift from his parents. Skip is the most intelligent dog ever. He has taught Skip how to play football, go to get bologna from the deli, and he can even drive the old Desoto (with his master's help of course). As they are both getting older, the tales continue about their never-ending friendship. As the boy grows into a man and the puppy grows into a dog, they both grow bigger, older, and wiser. Skip is never forgotten by his owner, even when he goes off to college. Skip is left at home with the parents to be cared for. This is an awesome book for anyone to read. it is a great book on friendship and companionship. I loved it.
-O. Casbarro
by Willie Morris
This is a wonderful autobiography about a young boy and his life journey accompanied by his faithful dog, Skip. The story begins with his childhood; he is given Skip as a gift from his parents. Skip is the most intelligent dog ever. He has taught Skip how to play football, go to get bologna from the deli, and he can even drive the old Desoto (with his master's help of course). As they are both getting older, the tales continue about their never-ending friendship. As the boy grows into a man and the puppy grows into a dog, they both grow bigger, older, and wiser. Skip is never forgotten by his owner, even when he goes off to college. Skip is left at home with the parents to be cared for. This is an awesome book for anyone to read. it is a great book on friendship and companionship. I loved it.
-O. Casbarro
Darkside
Darkside
by Tom Becker
Darkside is an alternate version of London created during the Victorian era and currently ruled by descendents of Jack the Ripper. Jonathan ends up in this creepy world with only Carnegie, a werewolf detective, and Raquella, a servant girl to help him survive the dangerous inhabitants. For those of you who have enjoyed the "Cirque du Freak" series, another promising scary tale.
-Mr. Dale
by Tom Becker
Darkside is an alternate version of London created during the Victorian era and currently ruled by descendents of Jack the Ripper. Jonathan ends up in this creepy world with only Carnegie, a werewolf detective, and Raquella, a servant girl to help him survive the dangerous inhabitants. For those of you who have enjoyed the "Cirque du Freak" series, another promising scary tale.
-Mr. Dale
Epic
Epic
by Conor Kostick
A world of non violence with all disputes settled online in a role playing game in which all members of society participate. All the fights and battles take place within the game of Epic and when characters are killed in the game their controllers in the real world may be banished to the salt plains or deep into the coal mines.A group of kids, led by Eric, figure out some tricks to bring to the game and end up holding the fate of the world in their hands. Orcs, ogres, and other nasty creatures all try to keep our heroes from winning the game.This book is a page turner and fun to read. Just don't start reading it without a lot of free time ahead of you.
-Mr. Dale
by Conor Kostick
A world of non violence with all disputes settled online in a role playing game in which all members of society participate. All the fights and battles take place within the game of Epic and when characters are killed in the game their controllers in the real world may be banished to the salt plains or deep into the coal mines.A group of kids, led by Eric, figure out some tricks to bring to the game and end up holding the fate of the world in their hands. Orcs, ogres, and other nasty creatures all try to keep our heroes from winning the game.This book is a page turner and fun to read. Just don't start reading it without a lot of free time ahead of you.
-Mr. Dale
The Boys Start the War
The Boys Start the War
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Four brothers named Jake, Josh, Wally, and Peter had a great life until their best friends (who lived behind them) moved. The bad thng was three sisters named Beth, Eddie, and Caroline moved in. The boys played a trick on the girls, which made the girls play a trick on the boys. Their parents became friends, and the kids had to work together, which doesn't turn out very well.
-M. Curcio
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Four brothers named Jake, Josh, Wally, and Peter had a great life until their best friends (who lived behind them) moved. The bad thng was three sisters named Beth, Eddie, and Caroline moved in. The boys played a trick on the girls, which made the girls play a trick on the boys. Their parents became friends, and the kids had to work together, which doesn't turn out very well.
-M. Curcio
The Bad Beginning
The Bad Beginning
by Lemony Snicket
Three siblings Violet, Klaus, and Sunny were happy children until there was a fire that burned their house down and killed their parents. They were forced to live with their terrible uncle, Count Olaf. Until Violet was old enough, Count Olaf was in charge of all their parents' money, which isn't such a good thing. This is the first in the series that introduces the Baudelaire children and their troubles with Count Olaf.
-M. Curcio
by Lemony Snicket
Three siblings Violet, Klaus, and Sunny were happy children until there was a fire that burned their house down and killed their parents. They were forced to live with their terrible uncle, Count Olaf. Until Violet was old enough, Count Olaf was in charge of all their parents' money, which isn't such a good thing. This is the first in the series that introduces the Baudelaire children and their troubles with Count Olaf.
-M. Curcio
Clique
Clique
by Lisa Harrison
Massie Block is a rich 7th grader with three best friends. One day, her father's friend had to move into the Block's guest house, and he had a daughter named Claire. Claire is an everage girl with nothing in common with Massie. Massie makes some mistakes and her friends become freinds with Claire instead of her. Massie will try to win them back.
-M. Curcio
by Lisa Harrison
Massie Block is a rich 7th grader with three best friends. One day, her father's friend had to move into the Block's guest house, and he had a daughter named Claire. Claire is an everage girl with nothing in common with Massie. Massie makes some mistakes and her friends become freinds with Claire instead of her. Massie will try to win them back.
-M. Curcio
Once Upon a Marigold
Once Upon a Marigold
By Jean Ferris
Marigold is a princess, but she’s miserable because of a curse from her childhood. Christian is a runaway living in the forest with a troll for a father. Against all odds, these two form a friendship which will transform the lives of everyone in the kingdom. Written like a fairy tale, this is definitely not like any fairy tale you have ever read before. Sure there are trolls, evil queens, and even the tooth fairy, but there are also lots of dogs, flying machines, and twist after twist. This is an enjoyable read, and the characters are incredibly real.
-Ms. McConnel
By Jean Ferris
Marigold is a princess, but she’s miserable because of a curse from her childhood. Christian is a runaway living in the forest with a troll for a father. Against all odds, these two form a friendship which will transform the lives of everyone in the kingdom. Written like a fairy tale, this is definitely not like any fairy tale you have ever read before. Sure there are trolls, evil queens, and even the tooth fairy, but there are also lots of dogs, flying machines, and twist after twist. This is an enjoyable read, and the characters are incredibly real.
-Ms. McConnel
When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
By Kimberly Willis Holt
Zachary Beaver claims to be the heaviest boy in the world. He also claims to have travelled all over Europe, seeing sights and having adventures. The summer he comes to Texas as a one-act side show changes everyone in the small town of Antler. Things are changing fast, and not just because of Zachary. A local boy if fighting bravely in the battlefields of Vietnam, and a local woman runs off to make her fortune in Nashville, leaving her baffled husband and son behind. This book is wonderful story, even when it turns serious. Be warned, you may need Kleenex!
-Ms. McConnel
By Kimberly Willis Holt
Zachary Beaver claims to be the heaviest boy in the world. He also claims to have travelled all over Europe, seeing sights and having adventures. The summer he comes to Texas as a one-act side show changes everyone in the small town of Antler. Things are changing fast, and not just because of Zachary. A local boy if fighting bravely in the battlefields of Vietnam, and a local woman runs off to make her fortune in Nashville, leaving her baffled husband and son behind. This book is wonderful story, even when it turns serious. Be warned, you may need Kleenex!
-Ms. McConnel
Uglies
Uglies
by Scott Westerfield
In this world, once you turn sixteen you get to have an operation to make you look absolutely flawless. Right now, Tally is fifteen and is ready to be pretty: she will reach that point in a few weeks. Shay, Tally's new friend, wants to take risks and be adventurous. In other words, Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty at all. So Shay decides to run away. But Tally now has to do a not-so-simple task in order to become pretty: to locate Shay, bring her to the authorities, or never become the stunningly beautiful person she wants to be. Do you think she makes the right decision?This book is just great all around. It's truly hard to put this book down without knowing what's going to happen next. It is very exciting and not very hard to picture what's happening. This book would definitely be at the top of my list!
-N. Ortega
In the beginning of this book there is a girl that is ugly. She wants so bad to be a Pretty, something that she will become after a minor operation on her 16th birthday. Her best friend was a few months older than her and had already turned into a Pretty. The girl who is ugly decides to sneak into Pretty Town to see her friend. She gets in so much trouble while she is there. She meets someone new, and they become best friends. They do everything together. The weird thing is that they have the same birthday, so they will turn pretty on the same day. Read this book to see what happens on their journey to become Pretties!
-B. Clark
by Scott Westerfield
In this world, once you turn sixteen you get to have an operation to make you look absolutely flawless. Right now, Tally is fifteen and is ready to be pretty: she will reach that point in a few weeks. Shay, Tally's new friend, wants to take risks and be adventurous. In other words, Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty at all. So Shay decides to run away. But Tally now has to do a not-so-simple task in order to become pretty: to locate Shay, bring her to the authorities, or never become the stunningly beautiful person she wants to be. Do you think she makes the right decision?This book is just great all around. It's truly hard to put this book down without knowing what's going to happen next. It is very exciting and not very hard to picture what's happening. This book would definitely be at the top of my list!
-N. Ortega
In the beginning of this book there is a girl that is ugly. She wants so bad to be a Pretty, something that she will become after a minor operation on her 16th birthday. Her best friend was a few months older than her and had already turned into a Pretty. The girl who is ugly decides to sneak into Pretty Town to see her friend. She gets in so much trouble while she is there. She meets someone new, and they become best friends. They do everything together. The weird thing is that they have the same birthday, so they will turn pretty on the same day. Read this book to see what happens on their journey to become Pretties!
-B. Clark
Hope was Here
Hope was Here
by Joan Bauer
Hope and her aunt Addie have never really had a stationary home. Addie is a top-notch chef and Hope is a great waitress, yet the diners they work in seem to close, forcing them to move on. After an awful experience which left them both broke and disheartened, they move from New York to a small town in Wisconsin. At first, Hope is devastated by the loss of big city life and her friends, but she soon begins to find a place for herself in the new community.Packed with Hope's wonderful outlook on life, intrigue in the race for the local mayor, and the painful absence of Hope's parents, this novel is a wonderful, realistic read. Hope if a character who makes her own way and keeps smiling despite the curves life throws at her.
-Ms. McConnel
by Joan Bauer
Hope and her aunt Addie have never really had a stationary home. Addie is a top-notch chef and Hope is a great waitress, yet the diners they work in seem to close, forcing them to move on. After an awful experience which left them both broke and disheartened, they move from New York to a small town in Wisconsin. At first, Hope is devastated by the loss of big city life and her friends, but she soon begins to find a place for herself in the new community.Packed with Hope's wonderful outlook on life, intrigue in the race for the local mayor, and the painful absence of Hope's parents, this novel is a wonderful, realistic read. Hope if a character who makes her own way and keeps smiling despite the curves life throws at her.
-Ms. McConnel
Saga
Saga
by Conor Kostick
In the virtual world of Saga, Ghost is a fifteen-year-old airboarder, with a past she doesn't remember and strange abilities she is just beginning to use. She must be someone special because she is becoming involved in a battle with the warped leader of Saga - the Dark Queen. As the story of Ghost unravels Eric and his avatar, Cindella Dragonslayer, show up from Kostick's first book Epic.While this is an interesting story and one I wanted to finish I did not enjoy it as much as Epic.
-Mr. Dale
by Conor Kostick
In the virtual world of Saga, Ghost is a fifteen-year-old airboarder, with a past she doesn't remember and strange abilities she is just beginning to use. She must be someone special because she is becoming involved in a battle with the warped leader of Saga - the Dark Queen. As the story of Ghost unravels Eric and his avatar, Cindella Dragonslayer, show up from Kostick's first book Epic.While this is an interesting story and one I wanted to finish I did not enjoy it as much as Epic.
-Mr. Dale
Schooled
Schooled
by Gordon Korman
Capricorn Anderson has lived with his grandmother Rain on a commune his whole life. Suddenly, because of a fall and the need for his grandmother to be hospitalized, the home-schooled, long-haired, tie-dyed, corn-husk sandal wearer is dumped into a regular middle school. Talk about culture shock. Capricorn has lived his whole life without telephones, television, iPods, money, or friends.Because it is a tradition at Caverage to elect the weirdest kid in school to be eighth grade president, guess who fits the bill? Clueless about everything related to the position Capricorn still takes the job very seriously. So the evil kid's plans backfire as Capricorn in his totally naïve but personable way wins over the student body.A book which brings up serious questions about identity, bullying, and peer pressure with lots of humor and great characters.
-Mr. Dale
by Gordon Korman
Capricorn Anderson has lived with his grandmother Rain on a commune his whole life. Suddenly, because of a fall and the need for his grandmother to be hospitalized, the home-schooled, long-haired, tie-dyed, corn-husk sandal wearer is dumped into a regular middle school. Talk about culture shock. Capricorn has lived his whole life without telephones, television, iPods, money, or friends.Because it is a tradition at Caverage to elect the weirdest kid in school to be eighth grade president, guess who fits the bill? Clueless about everything related to the position Capricorn still takes the job very seriously. So the evil kid's plans backfire as Capricorn in his totally naïve but personable way wins over the student body.A book which brings up serious questions about identity, bullying, and peer pressure with lots of humor and great characters.
-Mr. Dale
The Order of Odd-Fish
The Order of Odd-Fish
by James Kennedy
This is a totally weird book. If you like fantasy that is completely crazy you will like this book. Jo, was left in a laundry room with a note pinned to her blanket which read, "This is Jo. Please take care of her. But beware. This is a DANGEROUS baby".And she is.The Order of Odd-Fish is an organization of knights whose main occupation is compiling disreputable and disputed facts for an encyclopedia which will never be written or published. Wasting time in creative ways, collecting facts, is an art form in Eldritch City and the more "dithering" done in the attempt to compile questionable "facts", the greater a Knight of the Order of Odd-Fish is considered to be. Jo lives in the same house as this crazy organization.Eldritch City, itself, is a strange and wonderful place with talking three-foot-tall cockroach butlers, centipede journalists, and flying armored ostriches to name only a few of the weird inhabitants. The Knight's house is in Eldritch City. As was said earlier, Jo is truly dangerous and you really want to read the book to find out why.
-Mr. Dale
by James Kennedy
This is a totally weird book. If you like fantasy that is completely crazy you will like this book. Jo, was left in a laundry room with a note pinned to her blanket which read, "This is Jo. Please take care of her. But beware. This is a DANGEROUS baby".And she is.The Order of Odd-Fish is an organization of knights whose main occupation is compiling disreputable and disputed facts for an encyclopedia which will never be written or published. Wasting time in creative ways, collecting facts, is an art form in Eldritch City and the more "dithering" done in the attempt to compile questionable "facts", the greater a Knight of the Order of Odd-Fish is considered to be. Jo lives in the same house as this crazy organization.Eldritch City, itself, is a strange and wonderful place with talking three-foot-tall cockroach butlers, centipede journalists, and flying armored ostriches to name only a few of the weird inhabitants. The Knight's house is in Eldritch City. As was said earlier, Jo is truly dangerous and you really want to read the book to find out why.
-Mr. Dale
Unwind
Unwind
by Neal Shusterman
In the future there has been a second civil war between those who are pro-life and those who are pro-choice. The war is ended by the two sides compromising on a "Bill of Life" that states all pregnancies must come to term; however parents and guardians have the right when their child is between the ages of thirteen and eighteen to "unwind" them. The child does not die. Each and every part is kept alive though in separate pieces. Eyes to someone, ears to another, skin to someone else. Once the parents have given their children up to unwinding it cannot be reversed. Connor discovers his unwinding when he finds holiday tickets to the Bahamas, which has everyone in his family's name on them except his own. Risa is an orphan and the orphanage is overcrowded so when she makes five mistakes during her piano recital she knows where she is headed. Lev is devout and when, he, as the tenth child in his family, is given to be a human tithe, a sacrifice to the unwinding, he enjoys the attention and is happy to fulfill what he thinks is his destiny.The three all meet when Connor decides to run rather than submit to his unwinding order and the book becomes the story of the three's attempts to continue to live their lives under the threat of unwinding.A thought provoking and challenging book.
-Mr. Dale
by Neal Shusterman
In the future there has been a second civil war between those who are pro-life and those who are pro-choice. The war is ended by the two sides compromising on a "Bill of Life" that states all pregnancies must come to term; however parents and guardians have the right when their child is between the ages of thirteen and eighteen to "unwind" them. The child does not die. Each and every part is kept alive though in separate pieces. Eyes to someone, ears to another, skin to someone else. Once the parents have given their children up to unwinding it cannot be reversed. Connor discovers his unwinding when he finds holiday tickets to the Bahamas, which has everyone in his family's name on them except his own. Risa is an orphan and the orphanage is overcrowded so when she makes five mistakes during her piano recital she knows where she is headed. Lev is devout and when, he, as the tenth child in his family, is given to be a human tithe, a sacrifice to the unwinding, he enjoys the attention and is happy to fulfill what he thinks is his destiny.The three all meet when Connor decides to run rather than submit to his unwinding order and the book becomes the story of the three's attempts to continue to live their lives under the threat of unwinding.A thought provoking and challenging book.
-Mr. Dale
Lights Out: Terror Academy
Lights Out: Terror Academy
by Nicholas Pine
It's the end of the junior year for Mandy Roberts at Central Academy. Her father is the guidance couselor at the school. While at the graduation ceremony for the senior class there is a terrible accident and Mandy's father dies.With the help of her best friends, Steve and Tara, Mandy investigates her father's death herself. Central Academy gets a new and strange assistant principal that takes interest in Mandy's mom. They get engaged, and Mandy is very upset and suspicious of this man. Mandy and her friends do lots of investigating and find out many bad things about the assistant principal. Mandy and her mom find themselves in danger!"Lights Out" is the first book in the Terror Academy series by Nicholas Pine.
-N. Heilman
by Nicholas Pine
It's the end of the junior year for Mandy Roberts at Central Academy. Her father is the guidance couselor at the school. While at the graduation ceremony for the senior class there is a terrible accident and Mandy's father dies.With the help of her best friends, Steve and Tara, Mandy investigates her father's death herself. Central Academy gets a new and strange assistant principal that takes interest in Mandy's mom. They get engaged, and Mandy is very upset and suspicious of this man. Mandy and her friends do lots of investigating and find out many bad things about the assistant principal. Mandy and her mom find themselves in danger!"Lights Out" is the first book in the Terror Academy series by Nicholas Pine.
-N. Heilman
Alcatraz Smedry vs. the Evil Librarians
Alcatraz Smedry vs. the Evil Librarians
by Brandon Sanderson
This was a really funny book. It has some dark parts, but for the most part it's funny. The main character, Alcatraz (he thought his parents must've had a twisted sense of humor, and who could blame him, named after the most infamous prison?), has a "talent" for breaking everything he touches, even chickens! He has gone through about 27 foster families, but his life gets turned around on his 13th birthday when he gets a present from his parents. Naturally, he doesn't trust it at first-after all, his parents couldn't know where he was living all this time.When he opens the present, he finds a bag of sand. Then, someone knocks on the door. WHen he opens it, an old man who claims to be his grandfather comes in. Soon Alcatraz finds out almost everything he believed is a lie, such as only three continents, talking dinosaurs, Oculators and evil librarians. Also, the world is basically split into two types of places: Hushlands and Freelands. This is a great book, and I reccomend reading this and its sequel.
-L. George
by Brandon Sanderson
This was a really funny book. It has some dark parts, but for the most part it's funny. The main character, Alcatraz (he thought his parents must've had a twisted sense of humor, and who could blame him, named after the most infamous prison?), has a "talent" for breaking everything he touches, even chickens! He has gone through about 27 foster families, but his life gets turned around on his 13th birthday when he gets a present from his parents. Naturally, he doesn't trust it at first-after all, his parents couldn't know where he was living all this time.When he opens the present, he finds a bag of sand. Then, someone knocks on the door. WHen he opens it, an old man who claims to be his grandfather comes in. Soon Alcatraz finds out almost everything he believed is a lie, such as only three continents, talking dinosaurs, Oculators and evil librarians. Also, the world is basically split into two types of places: Hushlands and Freelands. This is a great book, and I reccomend reading this and its sequel.
-L. George
The Thief Lord
The Thief Lord
by Cornelia Funke
Prosper and Bo are two incredibly resourceful orphans. When they discover that their aunt wants to separate them, the brothers make their way to Venice, Italy, and find adventure and a new life. Living in an abandoned movie theater with three other children, Prosper and Bo are introduced to the mysterious world of the Thief Lord. Stealing from some of the wealthiest homes in Venice, the Thief Lord takes care of the children, letting them have the money he earns and using them to help prepare for robberies. But things start to unravel when a detective starts looking for Prosper and Bo, and nothing is as it seems. Magic creeps in unexpectedly, altering the lives of all the characters forever.This is a great story about childhood adventures with lots of surprises along the way.
-Ms. McConnel
by Cornelia Funke
Prosper and Bo are two incredibly resourceful orphans. When they discover that their aunt wants to separate them, the brothers make their way to Venice, Italy, and find adventure and a new life. Living in an abandoned movie theater with three other children, Prosper and Bo are introduced to the mysterious world of the Thief Lord. Stealing from some of the wealthiest homes in Venice, the Thief Lord takes care of the children, letting them have the money he earns and using them to help prepare for robberies. But things start to unravel when a detective starts looking for Prosper and Bo, and nothing is as it seems. Magic creeps in unexpectedly, altering the lives of all the characters forever.This is a great story about childhood adventures with lots of surprises along the way.
-Ms. McConnel
H.I.V.E
H.I.V.E
by Mark Walden
Before I start with this review, I would like to explain something. I will rate book on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 is the lowest and 10 being that highest. So at the ends of my reviews I will give a number. Now on to my review.....H.I.V.E. is about Otto Malpenze. A student who has an enormous gift for intelligence. But when he is kidnapped to H.I.V.E (or as it stands for) The Higher Institute for Villainous Education. Once at H.I.V.E. Otto sees some of its features. But when he learns that the has to stay here for 6 years, Otto refuses. But there is nothing he can do about it.....or is there? Join Otto with his Friends Wing and his other companions, as they attempt to be the FIRST STUDENTS EVER to escape form H.I.V.E. Will Otto make it out alive. Or will his brain fail him for the first time ever. Find out in H.I.V.E.
Review number: 8
-S. Rauf
Otto Malpenze was brought to the Higher Institute of Villainous Education against his will. Wing Fanchu is also kidnapped. Once they arrive Otto and Wing quickly become friends. Along with Shelby Trinity (world class thief) and Laura Brand (ultimate hacker), they plot to escape that infernal school.H.I.V.E. is the first book in a two part series that will have you awake at midnight.
-A. Ellis
by Mark Walden
Before I start with this review, I would like to explain something. I will rate book on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 is the lowest and 10 being that highest. So at the ends of my reviews I will give a number. Now on to my review.....H.I.V.E. is about Otto Malpenze. A student who has an enormous gift for intelligence. But when he is kidnapped to H.I.V.E (or as it stands for) The Higher Institute for Villainous Education. Once at H.I.V.E. Otto sees some of its features. But when he learns that the has to stay here for 6 years, Otto refuses. But there is nothing he can do about it.....or is there? Join Otto with his Friends Wing and his other companions, as they attempt to be the FIRST STUDENTS EVER to escape form H.I.V.E. Will Otto make it out alive. Or will his brain fail him for the first time ever. Find out in H.I.V.E.
Review number: 8
-S. Rauf
Otto Malpenze was brought to the Higher Institute of Villainous Education against his will. Wing Fanchu is also kidnapped. Once they arrive Otto and Wing quickly become friends. Along with Shelby Trinity (world class thief) and Laura Brand (ultimate hacker), they plot to escape that infernal school.H.I.V.E. is the first book in a two part series that will have you awake at midnight.
-A. Ellis
Tiger
Tiger
by Jeff Stone
Tiger is the first in the series. It introduces you into the world of KungFu, companionship, and secrets to be discovered. Fu, the tiger KungFu master, wakes up in the middle of the night to find that his grand master is dead and that his brother Ying wants the scrolls that can unlock secret training techniques. Ying killed the grand master to get the scrolls. Fu steals the scrolls and runs into the froest. Ying is after him! Read more to find out what happens!
-A. Ellis
Fu is a master of the tiger arts of Kung Fu. "Fu" means tiger in Cantonese. He and his four other brothers life at the Cangzhen Temple. The four are not really his brothers, but that is what they are called at the temple. The temple is under attack by their former brother Ying, which means "eagle" in Cantonese. The grand master tells them to spread, just as Ying kills him. All Ying wants are the Dragon Scrolls. Fu does not listen and goes back to get the scrolls. He fights a guy named Tonglong, which means "mantis" in Cantonese. Fu is able to knock him out and take the scrolls. Fu gets locked up after he hurts the son of the Major of a village. The Major calls Ying and takes the scrolls from Fu. A bunch of soldiers come and are taking Fu back to Ying when one of Fu's brothers, Malao ("Monkey") comes out. He has a bunch of monkeys with him to help get Fu out of the cage. They do. Read the book to find out more!This is a great book for kids who like series books. It has action and mystery, so read it and enjoy!
-D. Smith
by Jeff Stone
Tiger is the first in the series. It introduces you into the world of KungFu, companionship, and secrets to be discovered. Fu, the tiger KungFu master, wakes up in the middle of the night to find that his grand master is dead and that his brother Ying wants the scrolls that can unlock secret training techniques. Ying killed the grand master to get the scrolls. Fu steals the scrolls and runs into the froest. Ying is after him! Read more to find out what happens!
-A. Ellis
Fu is a master of the tiger arts of Kung Fu. "Fu" means tiger in Cantonese. He and his four other brothers life at the Cangzhen Temple. The four are not really his brothers, but that is what they are called at the temple. The temple is under attack by their former brother Ying, which means "eagle" in Cantonese. The grand master tells them to spread, just as Ying kills him. All Ying wants are the Dragon Scrolls. Fu does not listen and goes back to get the scrolls. He fights a guy named Tonglong, which means "mantis" in Cantonese. Fu is able to knock him out and take the scrolls. Fu gets locked up after he hurts the son of the Major of a village. The Major calls Ying and takes the scrolls from Fu. A bunch of soldiers come and are taking Fu back to Ying when one of Fu's brothers, Malao ("Monkey") comes out. He has a bunch of monkeys with him to help get Fu out of the cage. They do. Read the book to find out more!This is a great book for kids who like series books. It has action and mystery, so read it and enjoy!
-D. Smith
The Goodness Gene
The Goodness Gene
by Soma Levitin
It is the year 2305. The eastern continents (now called Dominions) are going through war and turmoil. The American Dominion is in much better shape. Synthetic food, dance domes, and other places flourish. Will is the son of the Compassionate Director. He lives in a world where childbirth happens in a lab and you don't know who your parents are. After an incident involving a mysterious girl named Leora, he realizes who he is and what he was made to do. All he hopes now is that he can stop himself from doing it. His actions will change his view of the world forever.
-A. Ellis
by Soma Levitin
It is the year 2305. The eastern continents (now called Dominions) are going through war and turmoil. The American Dominion is in much better shape. Synthetic food, dance domes, and other places flourish. Will is the son of the Compassionate Director. He lives in a world where childbirth happens in a lab and you don't know who your parents are. After an incident involving a mysterious girl named Leora, he realizes who he is and what he was made to do. All he hopes now is that he can stop himself from doing it. His actions will change his view of the world forever.
-A. Ellis
Climbing the Stairs
Climbing the Stairs
by Padma Venkatraman
In British-occupied India in 1941, girls don't have many options. Fifteen year old Vidya is an exception. Her father supports her dream of going to college. When tragedy strikes her family, Vidya and her family move into the home of relatives who are members of the strict Brahman class. In this family women live on the first floor and men on the second only mixing at meals when the women serve the men their food. Vidya's only escape from this world is up the stairs to her Grandfather's forbidden library. Climbing the Stairs, is a historical novel about finding oneself in time of political and social turmoil. It is an interesting look at a culture far different from out own.
-Mr. Dale
by Padma Venkatraman
In British-occupied India in 1941, girls don't have many options. Fifteen year old Vidya is an exception. Her father supports her dream of going to college. When tragedy strikes her family, Vidya and her family move into the home of relatives who are members of the strict Brahman class. In this family women live on the first floor and men on the second only mixing at meals when the women serve the men their food. Vidya's only escape from this world is up the stairs to her Grandfather's forbidden library. Climbing the Stairs, is a historical novel about finding oneself in time of political and social turmoil. It is an interesting look at a culture far different from out own.
-Mr. Dale
Friday, August 28, 2009
Standard Hero Behavior
Standard Hero Behavior
by John David Anderson
The town of Highsmith was once filled with heroes competing to wipe out the local goblin population, seek treasure, and go off on adventures. But now, the town has only one hero - Duke Darlinger, who has named the town "Darlington" after himself. Mason, a poor freelance bard-poet finds out a dreadful secret when he applies for work at Duke Darlinger's house. The town is in GRAVE DANGER. Armed with a borrowed sword, his best friend, Cowel, and a copy of Quayle's Guide to Adventure for the Unadventurous, the pair sets off on a desperate quest to find heroes to save their town.A book which, as you read, encourages smiles and sometimes outright laughter.
-Mr. Dale
by John David Anderson
The town of Highsmith was once filled with heroes competing to wipe out the local goblin population, seek treasure, and go off on adventures. But now, the town has only one hero - Duke Darlinger, who has named the town "Darlington" after himself. Mason, a poor freelance bard-poet finds out a dreadful secret when he applies for work at Duke Darlinger's house. The town is in GRAVE DANGER. Armed with a borrowed sword, his best friend, Cowel, and a copy of Quayle's Guide to Adventure for the Unadventurous, the pair sets off on a desperate quest to find heroes to save their town.A book which, as you read, encourages smiles and sometimes outright laughter.
-Mr. Dale
Tamar
Tamar
by Mal Peet
Tamar is the spy name of a man who parachuted into occupied Holland during World War II with another man code-named Dart to help the Dutch resistance against the Nazis. There is also a third person in the story, Marijke, who is loved by both men. Years later one of the two, asks his son to name his daughter Tamar, but doesn't tell him why. Tamar, when she is fifteen finds a box full of information and clues left behind by her grandfather before he died. As she pieces together his mysterious past, she is schocked to find out the truth about his actions during the war. The story goes back and forth between time periods from the action in Holland to Tamar's search for the truth in the present day.This book won the Carnegie Medal for best book last year in England. Not sure why. While it is an interesting read I found many of the characters unsympathetic. If you like to read stories about love, jealousy, and tragedy then this is one title you might like to try.
-Mr. Dale
by Mal Peet
Tamar is the spy name of a man who parachuted into occupied Holland during World War II with another man code-named Dart to help the Dutch resistance against the Nazis. There is also a third person in the story, Marijke, who is loved by both men. Years later one of the two, asks his son to name his daughter Tamar, but doesn't tell him why. Tamar, when she is fifteen finds a box full of information and clues left behind by her grandfather before he died. As she pieces together his mysterious past, she is schocked to find out the truth about his actions during the war. The story goes back and forth between time periods from the action in Holland to Tamar's search for the truth in the present day.This book won the Carnegie Medal for best book last year in England. Not sure why. While it is an interesting read I found many of the characters unsympathetic. If you like to read stories about love, jealousy, and tragedy then this is one title you might like to try.
-Mr. Dale
Jazmin's Notebook
Jazmin's Notebook
by Nikki Grimes
Jazmin's daddy loved jazz music, which is how she got her name. Jazmin loves music, but more than that, she loves writing: poetry, stories, journals, she simply can't get enough! Even though she has been in a series of foster homes and is now living with her older sister, Jazmin has a bright outlook on life and a strong desire to get out of the projects and really make something of herself one day.This is a wonderful, quick read about a character with a lot of spunk in some pretty awful situations. Jazmin is realistic, the kind of character you may wish you knew in real life. A powerful story.
-Ms. McConnel
by Nikki Grimes
Jazmin's daddy loved jazz music, which is how she got her name. Jazmin loves music, but more than that, she loves writing: poetry, stories, journals, she simply can't get enough! Even though she has been in a series of foster homes and is now living with her older sister, Jazmin has a bright outlook on life and a strong desire to get out of the projects and really make something of herself one day.This is a wonderful, quick read about a character with a lot of spunk in some pretty awful situations. Jazmin is realistic, the kind of character you may wish you knew in real life. A powerful story.
-Ms. McConnel
Maniac Magee
Maniac Magee
by Jerry Spinelli
Maniac Magee wasn't always called Maniac. His parents named him Jeffrey, but his parents died in a tragic accident when Jeffrey was only three years old. Jeffrey became known as Maniac because of his bravery and how fast he could run. All the kids wanted to be like Maniac, but no one knew the real truth: he was lonely, frightened, and living out on the streets.This is a fast read about a character who uses his negative circumstances to transform the lives around him for the better. Maniac crosses boundaries of class, race, and location to prove that people are people and home is a precious thing.
-Ms. McConnel
by Jerry Spinelli
Maniac Magee wasn't always called Maniac. His parents named him Jeffrey, but his parents died in a tragic accident when Jeffrey was only three years old. Jeffrey became known as Maniac because of his bravery and how fast he could run. All the kids wanted to be like Maniac, but no one knew the real truth: he was lonely, frightened, and living out on the streets.This is a fast read about a character who uses his negative circumstances to transform the lives around him for the better. Maniac crosses boundaries of class, race, and location to prove that people are people and home is a precious thing.
-Ms. McConnel
A Year Down Yonder
A Year Down Yonder
by Richard Peck
In the aftermath of the Great Depression, Mary Alice is sent to live in the country with her eccentric grandmother while her parents get back on their feet. Grandma is a woman to be feared, totally unpredictable and unconcerned with the impression she leaves on other people. At first, Mary Alice can't bear to be away from her life in Chicago, but living with Grandma in the middle of nowhere has certain advantages, like watching Grandma pull out her shot gun whenever things don't go her way.This is a delightful book with a realistic narrator and the feeling of a classic tall tale.
-Ms. McConnel
by Richard Peck
In the aftermath of the Great Depression, Mary Alice is sent to live in the country with her eccentric grandmother while her parents get back on their feet. Grandma is a woman to be feared, totally unpredictable and unconcerned with the impression she leaves on other people. At first, Mary Alice can't bear to be away from her life in Chicago, but living with Grandma in the middle of nowhere has certain advantages, like watching Grandma pull out her shot gun whenever things don't go her way.This is a delightful book with a realistic narrator and the feeling of a classic tall tale.
-Ms. McConnel
the Ear, the Eye, and the Arm
The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm
by Nancy Farmer
It is the year 2196. The technology of Zimbabwe has become very advanced: hover cars are the main for of transportation, and creatures like speaking monkeys run wild in the streets. This novel focuses on the three kidnapped children of a major military officer and their adventures, dangerous encounters, and near escapes. The detectives who have been hired to bring the children home are the Ear, the Eye, and the Arm. Each of these men have been genetically mutated and posses superhuman traits: the Ear has amazing hearing, the Eye can see at far distances, and the Arm can feel the emotions of the people around him as if they are his own. The three detectives make an almost unstoppable team, and you will stay on the edge of your seat waiting for the children to be rescued. This book focuses on adventure and mystery, with just a touch of science fiction elements.
-Ms. McConnel
by Nancy Farmer
It is the year 2196. The technology of Zimbabwe has become very advanced: hover cars are the main for of transportation, and creatures like speaking monkeys run wild in the streets. This novel focuses on the three kidnapped children of a major military officer and their adventures, dangerous encounters, and near escapes. The detectives who have been hired to bring the children home are the Ear, the Eye, and the Arm. Each of these men have been genetically mutated and posses superhuman traits: the Ear has amazing hearing, the Eye can see at far distances, and the Arm can feel the emotions of the people around him as if they are his own. The three detectives make an almost unstoppable team, and you will stay on the edge of your seat waiting for the children to be rescued. This book focuses on adventure and mystery, with just a touch of science fiction elements.
-Ms. McConnel
Fever 1793
Fever 1793
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Matilda is an adventuresome young girl. Her mom owns a busy coffee shop in Philadelphia in the 1790's. Philadelphia is suddenly hit with a plague of illness. What's even worse, Matilda's mom catches it. The she send Matilda and her grandfather to a farm, but her grandfather gets a summer sickness on the way. They are forced to stop till his illness blows over. Matilda catches the fever while looking for food away from her grandfather. Does he find her in time to get help? This is a thrilling story and it even has a little romance in it!
-L. Hall
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Matilda is an adventuresome young girl. Her mom owns a busy coffee shop in Philadelphia in the 1790's. Philadelphia is suddenly hit with a plague of illness. What's even worse, Matilda's mom catches it. The she send Matilda and her grandfather to a farm, but her grandfather gets a summer sickness on the way. They are forced to stop till his illness blows over. Matilda catches the fever while looking for food away from her grandfather. Does he find her in time to get help? This is a thrilling story and it even has a little romance in it!
-L. Hall
The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn
The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn
by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler
Seikei believes he has the heart of a Samurai warrior, but he will never be able to fight as one. In ancient Japan, you knew that the only job you would be able to do is that of your parents, and Seikei is the son of a merchant. But then, one night changes Seikei's destiny forever.After witnessing a ghostly crime, Seikei is employed by a retired Samurai to hunt down the thief and solve the case. Drawn into a world where nothing is as it seems, Seikei solves the crime but loses a valuable friend and mentor. Seikei also realizes that good and evil are not always clearly defined, and that sometimes a criminal can be more noble than a Samurai.This is a wonderful mystery story with a very surprising ending.
by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler
Seikei believes he has the heart of a Samurai warrior, but he will never be able to fight as one. In ancient Japan, you knew that the only job you would be able to do is that of your parents, and Seikei is the son of a merchant. But then, one night changes Seikei's destiny forever.After witnessing a ghostly crime, Seikei is employed by a retired Samurai to hunt down the thief and solve the case. Drawn into a world where nothing is as it seems, Seikei solves the crime but loses a valuable friend and mentor. Seikei also realizes that good and evil are not always clearly defined, and that sometimes a criminal can be more noble than a Samurai.This is a wonderful mystery story with a very surprising ending.
The Graveyard Book
The Graveyard Book
by Neil Gaiman
Nobody Owens has grown up in a graveyard. His family was murdered brutally when he was just a baby, but through luck and the interference of some kindly ghosts, Nobody was adopted by the graveyard community. His childhood is unusual to say the least: the only person alive among hundreds of dead souls, Nobody is well educated in history but misses out on simple things like companions of his own age and time period.Nobody can not remain safe and hidden in the graveyard forever, but the man who assassinated his family is still out there, hunting Nobody. Will the protection of the ghosts and the graveyard be enough, or will Nobody face the murderer before he has a chance to grow up?This book is a chilling fantasy with well-developed characters. It is the 2008 Newberry Award Winner.
-Ms. McConnel
This book is about a child that is raised by ghosts. There is a murderer after him that killed his family. The child grows up trying to be a ghost. He learns how to fade and has never met a living person until he's six. His teacher helps him understand that he is not an ordinary boy. This book is great for readers who like ghosts or mystery.
-C. McCoy
by Neil Gaiman
Nobody Owens has grown up in a graveyard. His family was murdered brutally when he was just a baby, but through luck and the interference of some kindly ghosts, Nobody was adopted by the graveyard community. His childhood is unusual to say the least: the only person alive among hundreds of dead souls, Nobody is well educated in history but misses out on simple things like companions of his own age and time period.Nobody can not remain safe and hidden in the graveyard forever, but the man who assassinated his family is still out there, hunting Nobody. Will the protection of the ghosts and the graveyard be enough, or will Nobody face the murderer before he has a chance to grow up?This book is a chilling fantasy with well-developed characters. It is the 2008 Newberry Award Winner.
-Ms. McConnel
This book is about a child that is raised by ghosts. There is a murderer after him that killed his family. The child grows up trying to be a ghost. He learns how to fade and has never met a living person until he's six. His teacher helps him understand that he is not an ordinary boy. This book is great for readers who like ghosts or mystery.
-C. McCoy
Day of Tears
Day of Tears
by Julius Lester
Told through monologues, dialogues, and theatrical scenes, this novel tells the story of the largest slave auction in America and the way the lives of the slaves sold at that auction changed forever. It follows Emma, a young girl born into slavery and sold from Georgia to Kentucky, her parents, and the people she encountered after being sold.Although this is a work of fiction, it is based in historical fact: in 1859 Pierce Butler sold off over 400 of his slaves (the largest slave auction in American history) to pay his gambling debts. This novel is a unique, powerful, and emotional look at a tragic slice of American history.
-Ms. McConnel
by Julius Lester
Told through monologues, dialogues, and theatrical scenes, this novel tells the story of the largest slave auction in America and the way the lives of the slaves sold at that auction changed forever. It follows Emma, a young girl born into slavery and sold from Georgia to Kentucky, her parents, and the people she encountered after being sold.Although this is a work of fiction, it is based in historical fact: in 1859 Pierce Butler sold off over 400 of his slaves (the largest slave auction in American history) to pay his gambling debts. This novel is a unique, powerful, and emotional look at a tragic slice of American history.
-Ms. McConnel
Beyond the Burning Time
Beyond the Burning Time
by Kathryn Lasky
Mary Chase lives a quiet life with her mother on a farm outside of Salem Village. The quiet is shattered in the fear and blood lust generated as the girls in Salem Village begin to accuse their neighbors of witchcraft. Mary is mesmerized by the evil powers at work, but her mother is skeptical of the proceedings. When her mother is accused of being a witch, Mary and her brother must decide if the charge is true or false, and how to stand against the town and save their mother.Filled with colorful characters and intense descriptions of the events of the Salem witch trials, this is a gripping historical novel.
-Ms. McConnel
by Kathryn Lasky
Mary Chase lives a quiet life with her mother on a farm outside of Salem Village. The quiet is shattered in the fear and blood lust generated as the girls in Salem Village begin to accuse their neighbors of witchcraft. Mary is mesmerized by the evil powers at work, but her mother is skeptical of the proceedings. When her mother is accused of being a witch, Mary and her brother must decide if the charge is true or false, and how to stand against the town and save their mother.Filled with colorful characters and intense descriptions of the events of the Salem witch trials, this is a gripping historical novel.
-Ms. McConnel
The City of Ember
The City of Ember
by Jeanne DuPrau
A mysterious happening occurs on Earth and makes it impossible for people to live there, thus forcing them to move underground. The underground city is powered by an over sized generator. It is only supposed to provide power for 200 years and time is racing. All the mayors in Ember had one thing in common, and that was the secret to Ember. The secret was inside the box in Lina's house. It is there because Lina is related to one of the former mayors who had passed away. Lina stumbles across it in her closet and realizes that there is a map. You can barely see what it says, but it's up to Lina and her best friend Boon to read it and maybe find a way out of Ember.
-N. Ortega
by Jeanne DuPrau
A mysterious happening occurs on Earth and makes it impossible for people to live there, thus forcing them to move underground. The underground city is powered by an over sized generator. It is only supposed to provide power for 200 years and time is racing. All the mayors in Ember had one thing in common, and that was the secret to Ember. The secret was inside the box in Lina's house. It is there because Lina is related to one of the former mayors who had passed away. Lina stumbles across it in her closet and realizes that there is a map. You can barely see what it says, but it's up to Lina and her best friend Boon to read it and maybe find a way out of Ember.
-N. Ortega
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul
by various authors
This is a nonfiction book about teens and their life stories. It helps teens know that they aren't alone and people have gone through tough situations that you may have been through and things turn out okay. This book is 100% by teens and for teens.I really like it because the stories are just so good and I can go on for hours reading them. Plus they aren't boring and have not just one problem to solve, but multiple ones on just about every other page of the book. I recommend this book to any teen who is looking for inspiration and hope, or even an adult to see that "if a teenager can do that, so can I."
-N. Ortega
by various authors
This is a nonfiction book about teens and their life stories. It helps teens know that they aren't alone and people have gone through tough situations that you may have been through and things turn out okay. This book is 100% by teens and for teens.I really like it because the stories are just so good and I can go on for hours reading them. Plus they aren't boring and have not just one problem to solve, but multiple ones on just about every other page of the book. I recommend this book to any teen who is looking for inspiration and hope, or even an adult to see that "if a teenager can do that, so can I."
-N. Ortega
Forged by Fire
Forged by Fire
by Sharon M. Draper
"Forged by Fire" talks about how a little kid who was left in the fire alone while his mom went to go and get drugs. A neighbor came to see the little kid and found him behind the couch passed out. Now Aunt Queen a loving aunt who always took care of Gerald must take him in while his mom gets sober. In the middle of the story a tragic death affects Gerald and he must live with his mom and angel Gerald’s little sister and her dad Jordan. Later in the story secrets are revealed about Jordan and he goes to jail for 10 years when he comes back he swears he has changed but Gerald still doesn’t trust him. By the end of the story Gerald finds Jordan going back to his old ways and he and Jordan have one final fight. But forget to cut off the stove and a fire irrupts. While some make it out others are forged by the fire!
-M. Jefferson
Gerald is a very smart and strong minded boy. When he was three years of age, his mother was a drug addict and abused him physically and mentally. Till one day when Gerald's mother was out, Gerald accidentally started a fire. When he went to the hospital, his aunt came in to comfort him. The doctors told her that he was going to have to go to child protective services, but she said no. Although she is in a wheel chair, she took Gerald home and raised him until he was 8, nurturing him into a respectful little boy. On his 9th birthday, the worst thing that could possibly happen does. His mother shows up, saying that jail changed her. She is married and has a wonderful job. While Gerald is looking at his aunt, puzzled, his mom tells him that she wants to take him home. Gerald is upset and hurt that this would all be thrown at him on his birthday. Gerald gets on his bike and leaves. His mother and her new husband, Jordan, get up and tell his aunt that they are going to leave for a little bit, and could she watch Angel, their new baby for them? When they leave, Gerald comes back. He is calm now, and tries to get to know his little sister. They go outside, but suddenly his aunt passes out from a heart attack and dies. Things continue to change for Gerald, and he faces tragedy after tragedy.I like this book a lot because it's sad but it can still happen to anyone, and many people can relate to it.
-M. Colon
by Sharon M. Draper
"Forged by Fire" talks about how a little kid who was left in the fire alone while his mom went to go and get drugs. A neighbor came to see the little kid and found him behind the couch passed out. Now Aunt Queen a loving aunt who always took care of Gerald must take him in while his mom gets sober. In the middle of the story a tragic death affects Gerald and he must live with his mom and angel Gerald’s little sister and her dad Jordan. Later in the story secrets are revealed about Jordan and he goes to jail for 10 years when he comes back he swears he has changed but Gerald still doesn’t trust him. By the end of the story Gerald finds Jordan going back to his old ways and he and Jordan have one final fight. But forget to cut off the stove and a fire irrupts. While some make it out others are forged by the fire!
-M. Jefferson
Gerald is a very smart and strong minded boy. When he was three years of age, his mother was a drug addict and abused him physically and mentally. Till one day when Gerald's mother was out, Gerald accidentally started a fire. When he went to the hospital, his aunt came in to comfort him. The doctors told her that he was going to have to go to child protective services, but she said no. Although she is in a wheel chair, she took Gerald home and raised him until he was 8, nurturing him into a respectful little boy. On his 9th birthday, the worst thing that could possibly happen does. His mother shows up, saying that jail changed her. She is married and has a wonderful job. While Gerald is looking at his aunt, puzzled, his mom tells him that she wants to take him home. Gerald is upset and hurt that this would all be thrown at him on his birthday. Gerald gets on his bike and leaves. His mother and her new husband, Jordan, get up and tell his aunt that they are going to leave for a little bit, and could she watch Angel, their new baby for them? When they leave, Gerald comes back. He is calm now, and tries to get to know his little sister. They go outside, but suddenly his aunt passes out from a heart attack and dies. Things continue to change for Gerald, and he faces tragedy after tragedy.I like this book a lot because it's sad but it can still happen to anyone, and many people can relate to it.
-M. Colon
Hattie Big Sky
Hattie Big Sky
by Kirby Larson
Hattie is sixteen, and not quite the girl next door. I guess you could say she's out of the box. Or maybe eccentric is a better word for her. Hattie is not always the best friend to the people who love her and has gone through many hardships. Her parents died when she was very young, and ever since she has been shipped from place to place to be with a new family member. Hattie is practically immune to it now...being the new kid, that is. However, Hattie receives a letter from an uncle she has never met offering her a place to stay. It sounds crazy, but all Hattie really wants is a home. So she jumps at the chance and off to Montana she goes. This is a great book for the avid reader. It takes you through a whirlwind of love, sorrow, and adventure. It is interesting to see how Hattie handles the tragedies that come, but even greater to see her realize that all she really needs are her friends.
-J. McVerry
by Kirby Larson
Hattie is sixteen, and not quite the girl next door. I guess you could say she's out of the box. Or maybe eccentric is a better word for her. Hattie is not always the best friend to the people who love her and has gone through many hardships. Her parents died when she was very young, and ever since she has been shipped from place to place to be with a new family member. Hattie is practically immune to it now...being the new kid, that is. However, Hattie receives a letter from an uncle she has never met offering her a place to stay. It sounds crazy, but all Hattie really wants is a home. So she jumps at the chance and off to Montana she goes. This is a great book for the avid reader. It takes you through a whirlwind of love, sorrow, and adventure. It is interesting to see how Hattie handles the tragedies that come, but even greater to see her realize that all she really needs are her friends.
-J. McVerry
Song of the Sparrow
Song of the Sparrow
by Lisa Ann Sandell
This wonderful book, written in free-verse, tells of the legendary King Arthur through the eyes of Elaine, a young girl growing up in Arthur's war camp. All the familiar elements of the story are present: Arthur, Lancelot, Gawain, and Merlin, not to mention the tensions created when Gwynivere arrives at the camp. The story is unique, despite the similarity it has to the traditional versions of the legend: Elaine is a spirited character who offers not only an intimate portrait of life in a medieval war camp, but also of the legendary figures she knows as older brothers.Blending myth with historical detail, this book is a delightful read for anyone with interest in the Arthurian legends, or for anyone looking for a strong female protagonist.
-Ms. McConnel
by Lisa Ann Sandell
This wonderful book, written in free-verse, tells of the legendary King Arthur through the eyes of Elaine, a young girl growing up in Arthur's war camp. All the familiar elements of the story are present: Arthur, Lancelot, Gawain, and Merlin, not to mention the tensions created when Gwynivere arrives at the camp. The story is unique, despite the similarity it has to the traditional versions of the legend: Elaine is a spirited character who offers not only an intimate portrait of life in a medieval war camp, but also of the legendary figures she knows as older brothers.Blending myth with historical detail, this book is a delightful read for anyone with interest in the Arthurian legends, or for anyone looking for a strong female protagonist.
-Ms. McConnel
Breaking Dawn
Breaking Dawn
by Stephanie Meyer
"Breaking Dawn" is the last book of the Twilight series. It’s about how Bella and Edward's wedding went and how she ends up, well, pregnant. It’s confusing because in the beginning it was Bella’s point of view and then around chapter four or five it’s Jacobs’s point of view. But then it switches back to Bella’s point of view. After Bella found out she was pregnant, she was horrified, and so was Edward. After a week, Bella was really sick and she almost died by keeping the baby. Then, after two weeks, she had the baby, and almost died. But, if it wasn’t for Edward, she would have. Read the book to find out more!
-C. McGee
Bella and Edward are getting married. And the honeymoon trip is going well until Edward notices that Bella is eating a lot lately. She was eating a lot of eggs: she had gone through cartons and cartons of eggs. So one day when Edward went hunting Bella went in her suitcase and found a pregnancy test. See, her sister in law packed her bag. She thought maybe, just in case, because you know they were on their honeymoon. So she took the test and the test can out positive. So when Edward arrived from hunting she told him and he kind of went in total shock. Because vampires were not suppose to have babies. But at the end of the book she almost died while having the baby but her Edward saved her. You have to read the book to find out what happen after Edward went in total shock.
-A. Caldwell
Bella was always in danger but now Bella, Edward, and the family are in more danger then ever! She has been wanting to become a vampire, she thought she was meant to be a vampire. She and Edward has been in-love for a very long time. But does that bring danger to the family? Well when Aro, the head vampire of the coven called, Volturi, comes to see if they have changed Bella, he gets a bigger surprise! What was that surprise? Will it bring Bella and Edward apart? Will they get through this together? Will they be together forever? Read Breaking Dawn to find out!
-A. Pepper
by Stephanie Meyer
"Breaking Dawn" is the last book of the Twilight series. It’s about how Bella and Edward's wedding went and how she ends up, well, pregnant. It’s confusing because in the beginning it was Bella’s point of view and then around chapter four or five it’s Jacobs’s point of view. But then it switches back to Bella’s point of view. After Bella found out she was pregnant, she was horrified, and so was Edward. After a week, Bella was really sick and she almost died by keeping the baby. Then, after two weeks, she had the baby, and almost died. But, if it wasn’t for Edward, she would have. Read the book to find out more!
-C. McGee
Bella and Edward are getting married. And the honeymoon trip is going well until Edward notices that Bella is eating a lot lately. She was eating a lot of eggs: she had gone through cartons and cartons of eggs. So one day when Edward went hunting Bella went in her suitcase and found a pregnancy test. See, her sister in law packed her bag. She thought maybe, just in case, because you know they were on their honeymoon. So she took the test and the test can out positive. So when Edward arrived from hunting she told him and he kind of went in total shock. Because vampires were not suppose to have babies. But at the end of the book she almost died while having the baby but her Edward saved her. You have to read the book to find out what happen after Edward went in total shock.
-A. Caldwell
Bella was always in danger but now Bella, Edward, and the family are in more danger then ever! She has been wanting to become a vampire, she thought she was meant to be a vampire. She and Edward has been in-love for a very long time. But does that bring danger to the family? Well when Aro, the head vampire of the coven called, Volturi, comes to see if they have changed Bella, he gets a bigger surprise! What was that surprise? Will it bring Bella and Edward apart? Will they get through this together? Will they be together forever? Read Breaking Dawn to find out!
-A. Pepper
Warriors: Into the Wild
Warriors: Into the Wild
by Erin Hunter
This cat named Rusty is getting bored with being a pet. He longs for the wilderness and its tasty treats. One day he decides to go hunting in the forest. He finds a mouse and is just about to pounce on it, when suddenly he gets knocked off his paws! Later he joins a bunch of cats that have weird beliefs. There turns out to be four other groups like that. Rusty is taken in with weary paws but eventually those paws turn welcoming. Having been a pet Rusty has to prove himself worthy to the cats and their leader! Find out what happens next by reading the book! This fantasy book is unique because it uses cats and they behave like humans, but despise us. Warriors are a thrilling series full of twists and turns! This is the first book in the Warriors series! If you like adventure and action this is a great book for you!
-L. HallRusty is a house cat. He has always wanted to go into the wild. One day, while ha was sitting on his fence that faces the forest, he saw a cat go by. The next day, he smells a mouse and goes into the forest to try and find it. As he kills it and is going to eat it, the cat that he saw the day before jumps on him and says, "this is Thunder Clan territory, you do not hunt here." They start to get in a fight when Rusty runs back to his fence. The other cat thinks he has won when Rusty turns around and runs at him. Rusty jumps on him and tackles him. The other cat says, "Get off!" Rusty listens to him, and they end up becoming friends. The other cat is named Graypaw. Graypaw ends up going back to his camp and telling his leader about Rusty. The next day, the leader goes and talks to Rusty. He goes with her to be in the Clan, and his new name is Firepaw. Read more to find out what happens!You should read this book because it is very good. It is also funny to read. It has lots of adventures, and do not forget the action! They have a lot of fights. So read this book!
-D. Smith
by Erin Hunter
This cat named Rusty is getting bored with being a pet. He longs for the wilderness and its tasty treats. One day he decides to go hunting in the forest. He finds a mouse and is just about to pounce on it, when suddenly he gets knocked off his paws! Later he joins a bunch of cats that have weird beliefs. There turns out to be four other groups like that. Rusty is taken in with weary paws but eventually those paws turn welcoming. Having been a pet Rusty has to prove himself worthy to the cats and their leader! Find out what happens next by reading the book! This fantasy book is unique because it uses cats and they behave like humans, but despise us. Warriors are a thrilling series full of twists and turns! This is the first book in the Warriors series! If you like adventure and action this is a great book for you!
-L. HallRusty is a house cat. He has always wanted to go into the wild. One day, while ha was sitting on his fence that faces the forest, he saw a cat go by. The next day, he smells a mouse and goes into the forest to try and find it. As he kills it and is going to eat it, the cat that he saw the day before jumps on him and says, "this is Thunder Clan territory, you do not hunt here." They start to get in a fight when Rusty runs back to his fence. The other cat thinks he has won when Rusty turns around and runs at him. Rusty jumps on him and tackles him. The other cat says, "Get off!" Rusty listens to him, and they end up becoming friends. The other cat is named Graypaw. Graypaw ends up going back to his camp and telling his leader about Rusty. The next day, the leader goes and talks to Rusty. He goes with her to be in the Clan, and his new name is Firepaw. Read more to find out what happens!You should read this book because it is very good. It is also funny to read. It has lots of adventures, and do not forget the action! They have a lot of fights. So read this book!
-D. Smith
Peaches
Peaches
by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Peaches is a great summer read, as it takes place during one juicy summer. Murphy, Leeda, and Birdie couldn’t be any different. Murphy is what you could call the wild child. She is always doing something a little bigger and better than everyone else. Murphy marches to the beat of her own drum and doesn’t listen to what other people think or feel. Then there’s Leeda. She’s perfect, well from the outside looking in at least. Leeda is pretty, popular, rich, but she lacks one thing. She feels she doesn’t have a family, and just wishes her mom would pay attention to her, even if it means giving up her title of queen bee around campus. And, finally Birdie. She lives on a peach orchard and would rather be with the animals and the fresh air then the people all around her. She feels like everything is turning upside down and the ice cream just isn’t helping anymore. Long story short, fate leads all three of them to a spring break and summer vacation on Darlington Peach Orchard. They all become the best of friends. The question is can their friendship stand the test of time, drama, and boys?
-J. McVerry
by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Peaches is a great summer read, as it takes place during one juicy summer. Murphy, Leeda, and Birdie couldn’t be any different. Murphy is what you could call the wild child. She is always doing something a little bigger and better than everyone else. Murphy marches to the beat of her own drum and doesn’t listen to what other people think or feel. Then there’s Leeda. She’s perfect, well from the outside looking in at least. Leeda is pretty, popular, rich, but she lacks one thing. She feels she doesn’t have a family, and just wishes her mom would pay attention to her, even if it means giving up her title of queen bee around campus. And, finally Birdie. She lives on a peach orchard and would rather be with the animals and the fresh air then the people all around her. She feels like everything is turning upside down and the ice cream just isn’t helping anymore. Long story short, fate leads all three of them to a spring break and summer vacation on Darlington Peach Orchard. They all become the best of friends. The question is can their friendship stand the test of time, drama, and boys?
-J. McVerry
Killing Mr.Griffin
Killing Mr. Griffin
by Lois Duncan
Brian Griffin is a strict and proper high school English teacher who never accepts late homework and is extremely tough on students, and gives projects every two days. His students want revenge, so a group of them decides to kidnap him. Mark Kinney is the most often singled out by Mr. Griffin, for example, when Mark does not seem to be listening, Mr. Griffin asks an unrelated question that no one in the class knows to test Mark and see if he notices this. Mark lives with his aunt and uncle. He and his friends, David ,president of the high school's senior class, Jeff ,a basketball player, and Betsy ,the head cheerleader decide to kidnap Mr. Griffin as a prank to scare the teacher and "teach him a lesson." Susan McConnell, one of the students involved in the kidnapping plan, acting as the decoy, is a good student in Mr. Griffin's class. She walks with him to the school parking lot, where Mark, David, and Jeff kidnap Griffin. They drive him to a secret place in the mountains. Mark wants Mr. Griffin to beg them for his freedom, as Mark had to beg to be able to retake Mr. Griffin's class when he was caught plagiarizing his term paper, but Mr. Griffin refuses, so Mark abandons him there, blindfolded and bound. When Susan and David return to check up on Mr. Griffin, they fine something much unexpected. Secrets are revealed and stories are unfolded and by the in of the story you find out who or what KILLED MR GRIFFITH.
-M. Jefferson
by Lois Duncan
Brian Griffin is a strict and proper high school English teacher who never accepts late homework and is extremely tough on students, and gives projects every two days. His students want revenge, so a group of them decides to kidnap him. Mark Kinney is the most often singled out by Mr. Griffin, for example, when Mark does not seem to be listening, Mr. Griffin asks an unrelated question that no one in the class knows to test Mark and see if he notices this. Mark lives with his aunt and uncle. He and his friends, David ,president of the high school's senior class, Jeff ,a basketball player, and Betsy ,the head cheerleader decide to kidnap Mr. Griffin as a prank to scare the teacher and "teach him a lesson." Susan McConnell, one of the students involved in the kidnapping plan, acting as the decoy, is a good student in Mr. Griffin's class. She walks with him to the school parking lot, where Mark, David, and Jeff kidnap Griffin. They drive him to a secret place in the mountains. Mark wants Mr. Griffin to beg them for his freedom, as Mark had to beg to be able to retake Mr. Griffin's class when he was caught plagiarizing his term paper, but Mr. Griffin refuses, so Mark abandons him there, blindfolded and bound. When Susan and David return to check up on Mr. Griffin, they fine something much unexpected. Secrets are revealed and stories are unfolded and by the in of the story you find out who or what KILLED MR GRIFFITH.
-M. Jefferson
Lost in the Shadows
Lost in the shadows
By Anne Scharff
This kid named Roylin Bailey goes to school one day and sees this pretty girl. Her name is Corie and Roylin really wanted her to be his girl. So during lunch he took her outside by this big tree. They ate lunch together under the tree. But he kind of lied to her by telling her he had lots of money and basically telling her that she can have whatever she would like. But he and his family were caught up with bills all the time. After school, he took Corie to the jewelry store because she wanted to show him this necklace that hopefully one day she could get. Once they got to the necklace the price was three-hundred dollars. Even though it was very expensive he had to find a way to get it to her. So he decided he would take it from a friend. But his friend disappears. If you want to know what happened to the friend, go get this book from your local library.
-A. Caldwell
By Anne Scharff
This kid named Roylin Bailey goes to school one day and sees this pretty girl. Her name is Corie and Roylin really wanted her to be his girl. So during lunch he took her outside by this big tree. They ate lunch together under the tree. But he kind of lied to her by telling her he had lots of money and basically telling her that she can have whatever she would like. But he and his family were caught up with bills all the time. After school, he took Corie to the jewelry store because she wanted to show him this necklace that hopefully one day she could get. Once they got to the necklace the price was three-hundred dollars. Even though it was very expensive he had to find a way to get it to her. So he decided he would take it from a friend. But his friend disappears. If you want to know what happened to the friend, go get this book from your local library.
-A. Caldwell
The Best Little Girl in the World
The Best Little Girl in the World
By: Steven Levenkron
Casey Powell is a young 17 year old girl, whose friends all are stuck on dieting and staying fit and healthy for their ballet class, while Casey doesn’t really worry about it. But one day, Casey’s ballet teacher tells her that she would be an excellent ballet dancer if she just dropped some weight. Casey really starts thinking about that especially when her friends laugh at her about her weight and her food choices. Casey decides that she will eat less and loose weight which leads to her becoming anorexic and bulimia. She now names herself Kessa. As you read this book you will see the troubles that she goes through and the help that she gets, but doesn’t want. When I started to read this book, I couldn’t put it down. I recommend this book for eighth graders and up only. It’s a really great book to read if you like drama.
-A. Houston
By: Steven Levenkron
Casey Powell is a young 17 year old girl, whose friends all are stuck on dieting and staying fit and healthy for their ballet class, while Casey doesn’t really worry about it. But one day, Casey’s ballet teacher tells her that she would be an excellent ballet dancer if she just dropped some weight. Casey really starts thinking about that especially when her friends laugh at her about her weight and her food choices. Casey decides that she will eat less and loose weight which leads to her becoming anorexic and bulimia. She now names herself Kessa. As you read this book you will see the troubles that she goes through and the help that she gets, but doesn’t want. When I started to read this book, I couldn’t put it down. I recommend this book for eighth graders and up only. It’s a really great book to read if you like drama.
-A. Houston
The Summer of the Swans
The Summer of the Swans
By: Betsy Byars
Sara Godfrey classifies herself as the most pitiful, ugliest fourteen year old girl. She basically spends her summer feeling sorry for herself and wishing she was more like her older sister. Sara hardly spends time thinking about anybody else’s problems because all she can think about is her ugly body, ridiculous hair and especially her big feet! She thinks she has the worst life and biggest problems, though she has a mentally challenged brother named Charlie. Charlie goes through problems everyday, but that does not even seem to cross Sara’s mind. At least until something happens with Charlie. This story is great to read because the average healthy American usually picks on mentally challenged people, but do not think about what they go through. It also will help you to understand to not worry so much about the misfits, (which we all have), and to start thinking more about the importance of life.
-A. Houston
By: Betsy Byars
Sara Godfrey classifies herself as the most pitiful, ugliest fourteen year old girl. She basically spends her summer feeling sorry for herself and wishing she was more like her older sister. Sara hardly spends time thinking about anybody else’s problems because all she can think about is her ugly body, ridiculous hair and especially her big feet! She thinks she has the worst life and biggest problems, though she has a mentally challenged brother named Charlie. Charlie goes through problems everyday, but that does not even seem to cross Sara’s mind. At least until something happens with Charlie. This story is great to read because the average healthy American usually picks on mentally challenged people, but do not think about what they go through. It also will help you to understand to not worry so much about the misfits, (which we all have), and to start thinking more about the importance of life.
-A. Houston
The Secret of Platform 13
The Secret of Platform 13
By: Eva Ibbotson
If you enjoy reading Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling, then you should love this book titled “The Secret of Platform 13”. This book is filled with mythical creatures and exciting adventures. When a queen organizes a group to rescue a missing prince named Raymond, the journey begins. The group consists of a giant, a fey, a young wizard and a young hag. They try to find Prince Raymond and take him back home, but it isn’t as easy as it seams. The Secret of Platform 13 is a great book for anyone to read with a big imagination.
-A. Houston
By: Eva Ibbotson
If you enjoy reading Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling, then you should love this book titled “The Secret of Platform 13”. This book is filled with mythical creatures and exciting adventures. When a queen organizes a group to rescue a missing prince named Raymond, the journey begins. The group consists of a giant, a fey, a young wizard and a young hag. They try to find Prince Raymond and take him back home, but it isn’t as easy as it seams. The Secret of Platform 13 is a great book for anyone to read with a big imagination.
-A. Houston
Tuck Everlasting
Tuck Everlasting
by Natalie Babbitt
"Tuck Everlasting" is a book about a family with a huge secret and a girl named Winnie. The family with the secret is the Tuck family. Winnie is a young girl who lives in a village called Tree Gap and her family has lived in the same house for a very long time. Winnie is used to staying inside her gate at her house. Beside her house is a forest that her family owns which contains a secret that nobody in her family knows about. Winnie has decided that she was going to run away. But the night before she does, a stranger comes and talks to her. The next morning she runs away into her forest. She hears a noise, it's Jesse Tuck, soon Mae Tuck is there too, and so is Miles. They decide to kidnap her and once they are far away they tell her their secret. But they don't know that a stranger is eavesdropping on them. The Tucks take Winnie back to their house and she spend the night, but many things go on before they get her home. The whole story is full of many more crazy things.I like this book because it's full of adventure. Lots of fairytale stuff goes on in this story and really crazy stuff that would never happen in real life. But this is a great book for anyone to read. Even some real life stuff goes on in this book, like when Winnie was kidnapped, and other dangerous stuff, but it's mostly fairy tale.
-L. Conyers
by Natalie Babbitt
"Tuck Everlasting" is a book about a family with a huge secret and a girl named Winnie. The family with the secret is the Tuck family. Winnie is a young girl who lives in a village called Tree Gap and her family has lived in the same house for a very long time. Winnie is used to staying inside her gate at her house. Beside her house is a forest that her family owns which contains a secret that nobody in her family knows about. Winnie has decided that she was going to run away. But the night before she does, a stranger comes and talks to her. The next morning she runs away into her forest. She hears a noise, it's Jesse Tuck, soon Mae Tuck is there too, and so is Miles. They decide to kidnap her and once they are far away they tell her their secret. But they don't know that a stranger is eavesdropping on them. The Tucks take Winnie back to their house and she spend the night, but many things go on before they get her home. The whole story is full of many more crazy things.I like this book because it's full of adventure. Lots of fairytale stuff goes on in this story and really crazy stuff that would never happen in real life. But this is a great book for anyone to read. Even some real life stuff goes on in this book, like when Winnie was kidnapped, and other dangerous stuff, but it's mostly fairy tale.
-L. Conyers
A Night in Terror Tower
A Night in Terror Tower
by R.L. Stine
Two kids named Eddie and Sue are on a trip to London. The kids are on a tour while their parents are at a meeting at their hotel. The kids are in a tour at Terror Tower, which used to be used for executions. The kids find it really familiar. When they meet a black man with a cape who tells them to follow him, it is revealed that he is a Lord High Executioner of the Tower.This book is awesome because it has horror and fiction in it. People should read it. I would rate this book a 10 out of 10. This book also talks about history and what life was like back in the 1700's.
-C. Smith
by R.L. Stine
Two kids named Eddie and Sue are on a trip to London. The kids are on a tour while their parents are at a meeting at their hotel. The kids are in a tour at Terror Tower, which used to be used for executions. The kids find it really familiar. When they meet a black man with a cape who tells them to follow him, it is revealed that he is a Lord High Executioner of the Tower.This book is awesome because it has horror and fiction in it. People should read it. I would rate this book a 10 out of 10. This book also talks about history and what life was like back in the 1700's.
-C. Smith
What My Mother Doesn't Know
What My Mother Doesn't Know
by Sonnya Sones
What I like most about this book is the way that it's set up. The whole story is told in free verse poem. The story is about a 14-year-old girl who falls in love not once, not twice, but three times. There are multiple stories leading up to the things that she does. This book is very entertaining and hilariously dramatic. The poems are from Sophie's point of view, and she writes about her life and how she is becoming more and more mature. This book is easy to relate to for your average middle to high school girl, or even if you are past college and just need a good flashback.
-N. Ortega
by Sonnya Sones
What I like most about this book is the way that it's set up. The whole story is told in free verse poem. The story is about a 14-year-old girl who falls in love not once, not twice, but three times. There are multiple stories leading up to the things that she does. This book is very entertaining and hilariously dramatic. The poems are from Sophie's point of view, and she writes about her life and how she is becoming more and more mature. This book is easy to relate to for your average middle to high school girl, or even if you are past college and just need a good flashback.
-N. Ortega
Animorphs: The Invasion
Animorphs: The Invasion
by K.A. Applegate
Young teenagers Jake, Marco, Rachel, Cassie, and Tobias go out and take a short cut behind the abandoned construction site where they discover an alien spacecraft: unbelievable! When an alien has his last fight with his enemies trying to save the world, he knows it's his time to die and he decides to give the young teenagers powers. These powers help them to change into any animal they touch: they are called Animorphs. Now they are no longer human, they are half-human and half-animal. Will they help save the alien? Read this book and find out their adventures.I picked this book because I wanted to find out what they will decide to do, and because I like reading about things that aren't realistic. You should try reading this book, it's very exciting!
-E. Fernandez
by K.A. Applegate
Young teenagers Jake, Marco, Rachel, Cassie, and Tobias go out and take a short cut behind the abandoned construction site where they discover an alien spacecraft: unbelievable! When an alien has his last fight with his enemies trying to save the world, he knows it's his time to die and he decides to give the young teenagers powers. These powers help them to change into any animal they touch: they are called Animorphs. Now they are no longer human, they are half-human and half-animal. Will they help save the alien? Read this book and find out their adventures.I picked this book because I wanted to find out what they will decide to do, and because I like reading about things that aren't realistic. You should try reading this book, it's very exciting!
-E. Fernandez
Blood is Thicker
Blood is Thicker
by Paul Langan
Hakeem and his family go to stay with his aunt, uncle, and younger cousin. They live in Detroit, Hakeem was coming from California . But when Hakeem and Savon (his cousin) were little they were the best of friends until Hakeem moved away. So Hakeem notices when he gets there that Savon was acting like he was against him. He was taunting him calling him “Cali Boy”. He was wondering why he was acting this way. Then he notices that Savon had all this jewelry and money and all these cd’s. Hakeem is under a lot of pressure right now plus his dad is sick with cancer. And he is thinking about telling his aunt and uncle about Savon. Read this book to find out what happens.
-A. Caldwell
by Paul Langan
Hakeem and his family go to stay with his aunt, uncle, and younger cousin. They live in Detroit, Hakeem was coming from California . But when Hakeem and Savon (his cousin) were little they were the best of friends until Hakeem moved away. So Hakeem notices when he gets there that Savon was acting like he was against him. He was taunting him calling him “Cali Boy”. He was wondering why he was acting this way. Then he notices that Savon had all this jewelry and money and all these cd’s. Hakeem is under a lot of pressure right now plus his dad is sick with cancer. And he is thinking about telling his aunt and uncle about Savon. Read this book to find out what happens.
-A. Caldwell
Into the Mist
Into the Mist
by Patrick Carmen
The book is about two boys that want to escape an orphanage that's like a prison. They head to a city that they think the orphanage owner won't find them. They meet this person that has a way to a magical realm. The boys want to find a tower that will lead them to their father.I think that this is a good book because it's got an interesting story line and amazing places. "Into the Mists" is a perfect book if there's nothing to read or do.
-C. McCoy
by Patrick Carmen
The book is about two boys that want to escape an orphanage that's like a prison. They head to a city that they think the orphanage owner won't find them. They meet this person that has a way to a magical realm. The boys want to find a tower that will lead them to their father.I think that this is a good book because it's got an interesting story line and amazing places. "Into the Mists" is a perfect book if there's nothing to read or do.
-C. McCoy
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: Volume Two
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul Volume two
By: Jack Canfield,Mark Victor Hansen, Kimberly Kirberger.
To me, there has never been a book so real. Chicken Soup is truly the antidote for any girl’s issue. This book publishes the real life testimonies of girls and even guys all over the world. It will make you laugh, and make you cry, but nevertheless you will get something out of this book. It includes stories of love, hardships, losing people close to you, your self image, and everything in between those four. Chicken soup is a must read and will be sure to lift your spirit. If you read it and end up falling in love, there are always opportunities to write the authors. Who knows, your story may end up in the next Chicken Soup.
-J. McVerry
By: Jack Canfield,Mark Victor Hansen, Kimberly Kirberger.
To me, there has never been a book so real. Chicken Soup is truly the antidote for any girl’s issue. This book publishes the real life testimonies of girls and even guys all over the world. It will make you laugh, and make you cry, but nevertheless you will get something out of this book. It includes stories of love, hardships, losing people close to you, your self image, and everything in between those four. Chicken soup is a must read and will be sure to lift your spirit. If you read it and end up falling in love, there are always opportunities to write the authors. Who knows, your story may end up in the next Chicken Soup.
-J. McVerry
The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux
by Kate DiCamillo
Despereaux is a little mouse who has very big dreams. He is not like the rest of the mice. He says he wants to be a knight in shining armor and to save the awaiting princess. In this case, the princess is a real human, and his family doesn't like that. Since he is such a disgrace, he decides to do something horrible (I'm not going to tell you what).Every story has a villain, and in this one it's a rat who is just like Despereaux, but evil. He wants to prove to the other rats that he can be tough too, so he finds this girl who is nearly dead and was sold by her father to an evil farmer. Since she wants to be a princess so bad, the rat has an offer. If you want to know the rest, you'll have to read!
-R. Gorrin
by Kate DiCamillo
Despereaux is a little mouse who has very big dreams. He is not like the rest of the mice. He says he wants to be a knight in shining armor and to save the awaiting princess. In this case, the princess is a real human, and his family doesn't like that. Since he is such a disgrace, he decides to do something horrible (I'm not going to tell you what).Every story has a villain, and in this one it's a rat who is just like Despereaux, but evil. He wants to prove to the other rats that he can be tough too, so he finds this girl who is nearly dead and was sold by her father to an evil farmer. Since she wants to be a princess so bad, the rat has an offer. If you want to know the rest, you'll have to read!
-R. Gorrin
Goosebumps: Welcome to Horrorland
Goosebumps: Welcome to Horrorland
by R.L. Stine
When the Morris family are going on a trip to the zoo gardens, the car breaks down. They had to walk to find a phone. On the way, the Morris family finds an amusement park called Horrorland. A monster comes up out of nowhere and tells them that there are no phones in Horrorland. The Morris family buy four tickets to Horrorland, and they see another monster holding a head. The head says, "stay away from the guillotine ride, it has sharp turns." The Morris family realize that Horrorland has no lines, no crowds, and heart stopping rides...but something is wrong.I like this book because it has adventure in it. "Horrorland" is a 10 out of 10 because you will like it if you give it a chance. R.L. Stine should write more books involving Horrorland!
-C. Smith
by R.L. Stine
When the Morris family are going on a trip to the zoo gardens, the car breaks down. They had to walk to find a phone. On the way, the Morris family finds an amusement park called Horrorland. A monster comes up out of nowhere and tells them that there are no phones in Horrorland. The Morris family buy four tickets to Horrorland, and they see another monster holding a head. The head says, "stay away from the guillotine ride, it has sharp turns." The Morris family realize that Horrorland has no lines, no crowds, and heart stopping rides...but something is wrong.I like this book because it has adventure in it. "Horrorland" is a 10 out of 10 because you will like it if you give it a chance. R.L. Stine should write more books involving Horrorland!
-C. Smith
Goosebumps: Welcome to Dead House
Goosebumps: Welcome to Dead House
by R.L. Stine
Josh and Amanda's dad just bought a really old house in Dark Falls. After they get there, Josh and Amanda see no one outside. Josh stays in the car with the dog. Amanda finds her room, but she starts to hear weird noises. One day, Josh and Amanda's parents go to a party, but after a few hours, they never came back. Josh, Amanda, and their real estate agent went to a cemetery to look for them, and Josh ran into a gravestone with the real estate agent's name on it.This is a great mystery story to read, because Josh and Amanda's parents seem to be kidnapped by a ghost. Did the whole town once live in the same old house? Everything is spooky in "Welcome to Dead House".
-C. Smith
by R.L. Stine
Josh and Amanda's dad just bought a really old house in Dark Falls. After they get there, Josh and Amanda see no one outside. Josh stays in the car with the dog. Amanda finds her room, but she starts to hear weird noises. One day, Josh and Amanda's parents go to a party, but after a few hours, they never came back. Josh, Amanda, and their real estate agent went to a cemetery to look for them, and Josh ran into a gravestone with the real estate agent's name on it.This is a great mystery story to read, because Josh and Amanda's parents seem to be kidnapped by a ghost. Did the whole town once live in the same old house? Everything is spooky in "Welcome to Dead House".
-C. Smith
Sweet Valley Hight- #26-Hostage
Sweet Valley High- #26-Hostage
by Francis Pascal
Regina Morrow has returned unexpectedly to Sweet Valley from Switzerland where she is supposed to be getting her hearing restored, when Elisabeth finds out (Regina’s best friend) she figures Regina's there to surprise her boy friend,but to her surprise he didn’t even know she was in town. Therefore, they call the Morrow house, where a strange woman says that no one is home and is Regina ’s aunt, she is watching the house. Elisabeth is suspicious and worried considering the things she just got through and decides she is going to Regina ’s house again to see what is wrong, as the gate was locked and that is arousing her suspicions. A weird woman answers the door, says Regina is not there, and slaps the door in Liz’s face. Then Elizabeth sees that Regina has entered the foyer! The woman harshly tells Regina ” I thought I told you to stay upstairs”, and Regina ” helplessly” goes up the stairs. Jessica tells Elizabeth she does think that maybe something is wrong at the Morrows’. Jessica has a plan that the twins could ask Eddie Strong, the delivery dude, when he is next due to deliver something at the Morrow house, and they could sneak a note in with the package delivered. In addition, Jess says they could ask Eddie about making the delivery for him. Jess says Bruce can pretend to be the delivery boy. Jessica gets the idea that they can sneak the note for Regina into a fashion magazine, and figures the strange lady won’t pick it up,so they do this and Regina gets the package and they set up a plan by the end of the story a lot is revealed and a lot of relief and satisfaction justice will be served.
-M. Jefferson
by Francis Pascal
Regina Morrow has returned unexpectedly to Sweet Valley from Switzerland where she is supposed to be getting her hearing restored, when Elisabeth finds out (Regina’s best friend) she figures Regina's there to surprise her boy friend,but to her surprise he didn’t even know she was in town. Therefore, they call the Morrow house, where a strange woman says that no one is home and is Regina ’s aunt, she is watching the house. Elisabeth is suspicious and worried considering the things she just got through and decides she is going to Regina ’s house again to see what is wrong, as the gate was locked and that is arousing her suspicions. A weird woman answers the door, says Regina is not there, and slaps the door in Liz’s face. Then Elizabeth sees that Regina has entered the foyer! The woman harshly tells Regina ” I thought I told you to stay upstairs”, and Regina ” helplessly” goes up the stairs. Jessica tells Elizabeth she does think that maybe something is wrong at the Morrows’. Jessica has a plan that the twins could ask Eddie Strong, the delivery dude, when he is next due to deliver something at the Morrow house, and they could sneak a note in with the package delivered. In addition, Jess says they could ask Eddie about making the delivery for him. Jess says Bruce can pretend to be the delivery boy. Jessica gets the idea that they can sneak the note for Regina into a fashion magazine, and figures the strange lady won’t pick it up,so they do this and Regina gets the package and they set up a plan by the end of the story a lot is revealed and a lot of relief and satisfaction justice will be served.
-M. Jefferson
Animorphs: The Predator
Animorphs: The Predator
by K.A. Applegate
They can't tell you who they are or where they live: it's too risky for them. They can't trust anyone anymore. A boy named Marco never wanted the power to morph, he just wants to be normal and be himself, but he has no choice anymore. He has to help his friends Jake, Rachel, Cassie, an Tobias destroy the Yeerks. Marco is too worried about his dad, the only family that Marco has left. Marco knows that if something happens to him his dad will be alone, but something seems to change Marco's mind. The Yeerks have a bit of a surprise waiting for Marco, and of course it's not nice. Now Marco wants to fight.I liked reading this book because you never know what's going to happen next. It's full of adventure. Every time you flip the page you can't help but keep reading to find out what is going to happen next.
-E. Fernandez
by K.A. Applegate
They can't tell you who they are or where they live: it's too risky for them. They can't trust anyone anymore. A boy named Marco never wanted the power to morph, he just wants to be normal and be himself, but he has no choice anymore. He has to help his friends Jake, Rachel, Cassie, an Tobias destroy the Yeerks. Marco is too worried about his dad, the only family that Marco has left. Marco knows that if something happens to him his dad will be alone, but something seems to change Marco's mind. The Yeerks have a bit of a surprise waiting for Marco, and of course it's not nice. Now Marco wants to fight.I liked reading this book because you never know what's going to happen next. It's full of adventure. Every time you flip the page you can't help but keep reading to find out what is going to happen next.
-E. Fernandez
Warriors: The Darkest Hour
Warriors: The Darkest Hour
by Erin Hunter
FireHeart us a warrior cat that used to live with a human. He didn't know how to live in the wild or hunt. He stays with the Thunder Clan, who live in the forest. He learns that there are five clans and that they are neutral until war. FireHeart gains experience on how to survive and fight.
-C. McCoy
by Erin Hunter
FireHeart us a warrior cat that used to live with a human. He didn't know how to live in the wild or hunt. He stays with the Thunder Clan, who live in the forest. He learns that there are five clans and that they are neutral until war. FireHeart gains experience on how to survive and fight.
-C. McCoy
Coraline
Coraline
by Neil Gaiman
Coraline is a very active and curious girl. She just moved into a new home with her mother and father, and she already doesn't like it. Her neighbor upstairs is a weird man who is obsessed with his pet rats. Although she does enjoy being at her other neighbors' home, Miss Forcible and Miss Spink. They are old women who always talk about the days when they were young actresses on the go. Even though Coraline loves spending time with them, she can't always go to their house. So in her spare time she explores outside and watches T.V. Now, Coraline isn't fond of doing this every day and tries to find other things to do in her free time. She isn't in school yet so there is nothing else to do, and her parents are always busy and telling her to go play. So one day Coraline finds a secret door in the spare bedroom and asks her mom about it. Her mom said she didn't know much about the house but she gave Coraline the key to the secret door. When her mom is out grocery shopping and her dad is working she opens the secret door. There in the door is a mirror image of her world, but much better. There's a cat there that leads her through an adventure as she finds out that this amazing world is all a set up. She has to now fight her way back into the real world.This book is amazing because it has a lot of adventure that will knock your socks off.
-M. Colon
by Neil Gaiman
Coraline is a very active and curious girl. She just moved into a new home with her mother and father, and she already doesn't like it. Her neighbor upstairs is a weird man who is obsessed with his pet rats. Although she does enjoy being at her other neighbors' home, Miss Forcible and Miss Spink. They are old women who always talk about the days when they were young actresses on the go. Even though Coraline loves spending time with them, she can't always go to their house. So in her spare time she explores outside and watches T.V. Now, Coraline isn't fond of doing this every day and tries to find other things to do in her free time. She isn't in school yet so there is nothing else to do, and her parents are always busy and telling her to go play. So one day Coraline finds a secret door in the spare bedroom and asks her mom about it. Her mom said she didn't know much about the house but she gave Coraline the key to the secret door. When her mom is out grocery shopping and her dad is working she opens the secret door. There in the door is a mirror image of her world, but much better. There's a cat there that leads her through an adventure as she finds out that this amazing world is all a set up. She has to now fight her way back into the real world.This book is amazing because it has a lot of adventure that will knock your socks off.
-M. Colon
The Skin I'm In
The Skin I'm In
by Sharon Flake
This book is about Maleeka. Maleeka is very uncomfortable about her skin. She is very dark and kids make fun of her for it. They make up names, jokes, and comments about everything about her. Not only is she mad about her skin, but her mother also sews her clothes. Her mother isn't very good at sewing, but she started to sew when Maleeka's father died. It seems that everything went wrong in Maleeka's life when she lost her father. Before that happened, Maleeka loved her skin, her father made her feel beautiful. Also there was enough money for her to buy clothes. The only reason Maleeka won't say anything to her mother about the clothes it that she knows sewing is the only thing holding her together after her father's death. There are four main people in Maleeka's life at school. Char, Midd Saunders, Caleb, and John-John. Char is one of the people who give Maleeka problems. Maleeka met her when she went up to Char and asked her to make her cool, offering to do her homework in exchange. At first Char laughs, but then she thought about it and agreed. The next day she brings in clothes for Maleeka, tells her that she always has to stand with her and her back-up crew, Raina and Raise. Char tells Maleeka to do the twins homework, too.Miss Saunders is a new teacher, who in most students' eyes is very rich. Many people notice that she is big, but they mostly notice this big white birthmark on her face. She gets made fun of just like Maleeka does. Even though Maleeka doesn't like her, she helps Maleeka along with her struggles and helps her to understand that her skin is beautiful.I like this book because it can relate to many kids that are made fun of. I also like this book because Maleeka likes to read, and so do I.
-M. Colon
by Sharon Flake
This book is about Maleeka. Maleeka is very uncomfortable about her skin. She is very dark and kids make fun of her for it. They make up names, jokes, and comments about everything about her. Not only is she mad about her skin, but her mother also sews her clothes. Her mother isn't very good at sewing, but she started to sew when Maleeka's father died. It seems that everything went wrong in Maleeka's life when she lost her father. Before that happened, Maleeka loved her skin, her father made her feel beautiful. Also there was enough money for her to buy clothes. The only reason Maleeka won't say anything to her mother about the clothes it that she knows sewing is the only thing holding her together after her father's death. There are four main people in Maleeka's life at school. Char, Midd Saunders, Caleb, and John-John. Char is one of the people who give Maleeka problems. Maleeka met her when she went up to Char and asked her to make her cool, offering to do her homework in exchange. At first Char laughs, but then she thought about it and agreed. The next day she brings in clothes for Maleeka, tells her that she always has to stand with her and her back-up crew, Raina and Raise. Char tells Maleeka to do the twins homework, too.Miss Saunders is a new teacher, who in most students' eyes is very rich. Many people notice that she is big, but they mostly notice this big white birthmark on her face. She gets made fun of just like Maleeka does. Even though Maleeka doesn't like her, she helps Maleeka along with her struggles and helps her to understand that her skin is beautiful.I like this book because it can relate to many kids that are made fun of. I also like this book because Maleeka likes to read, and so do I.
-M. Colon
Bridge to Terabithia
Bridge to Terabithia
by Katherine Paterson
This is a book about a boy from Virginia who makes a new friend. Back in the woods they create a fairy tale place which they name Terabithia. They go there everyday after school and create lots of fairy tale creatures. One day the boy goes to a museum with his teacher and something terrible happens to his friend. He doesn't want to believe it, but then he realizes that it is for real. He decides to fix up Terabithia and then he takes his little sister there.This is a good book because it has lots of fairy tale stuff in it, and is very sad at the end. But it's great because of the imaginary land called Terabithia!
-L. Conyers
by Katherine Paterson
This is a book about a boy from Virginia who makes a new friend. Back in the woods they create a fairy tale place which they name Terabithia. They go there everyday after school and create lots of fairy tale creatures. One day the boy goes to a museum with his teacher and something terrible happens to his friend. He doesn't want to believe it, but then he realizes that it is for real. He decides to fix up Terabithia and then he takes his little sister there.This is a good book because it has lots of fairy tale stuff in it, and is very sad at the end. But it's great because of the imaginary land called Terabithia!
-L. Conyers
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Little Brother
Little Brother
by Cory Doctorow
A near-future terrorist attack on San Francisco's Bay Bridge leads to the arrest and detention of Marcus by the Federal government. The fear and humiliation he experiences when he is questioned are detailed and convincing. These experiences lead him to take a stand and become a leader of the resistance and a civil rights activist.This thriller shows how one can defend themselves digitally from the government's efforts to spy on you. Although the flow of the story is often broken up by Marcus's explanations of RFD cloners, cryptography, and Bayesian math it is a fascinating tale deserving of its choice as one of the ten best books for youth in 2008. A great read.
-Mr. Dale
Marcus Yallow is not the average San Fran teenager. He is a hacker, and a highly skilled one at that. After ditching school, San Francisco is blown up by terrorists. Marcus is unfortunately at the wrong place at the wrong time. They find all his gear and believe he and his friends Darrel, Van, and Juloup are the ones responsible. Of course, they are not, but the Department of Homeland Security thinks they are. Get ready for a techy adventure that will blow your mind by the time you read the first page.
-A. Ellis
by Cory Doctorow
A near-future terrorist attack on San Francisco's Bay Bridge leads to the arrest and detention of Marcus by the Federal government. The fear and humiliation he experiences when he is questioned are detailed and convincing. These experiences lead him to take a stand and become a leader of the resistance and a civil rights activist.This thriller shows how one can defend themselves digitally from the government's efforts to spy on you. Although the flow of the story is often broken up by Marcus's explanations of RFD cloners, cryptography, and Bayesian math it is a fascinating tale deserving of its choice as one of the ten best books for youth in 2008. A great read.
-Mr. Dale
Marcus Yallow is not the average San Fran teenager. He is a hacker, and a highly skilled one at that. After ditching school, San Francisco is blown up by terrorists. Marcus is unfortunately at the wrong place at the wrong time. They find all his gear and believe he and his friends Darrel, Van, and Juloup are the ones responsible. Of course, they are not, but the Department of Homeland Security thinks they are. Get ready for a techy adventure that will blow your mind by the time you read the first page.
-A. Ellis
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