Review: A Passion for Victory: The Story of the Olympics in Ancient and Early Modern Times by Benson Bobrick

A Passion for Victory: The Story of the Olympics in Ancient and Early Modern Times by Benson Bobrick.

Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2012
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9780375868696

Review: Historical, political, and competitive are three words that describe this detailed book written by Benson Bobrick. A Passion for Victory is historical because it covers ancient Greece and ancient Rome and the beginnings of the modern Olympics. A Passion for Victory is about politics because Germany hosted the summer Olympics in 1936. The Nazis were in control of Germany and Adolf Hitler wanted to show off. Germany had the finest Olympic Village and had a brand new stadium built 5 miles from Berlin. A Passion for Victory is also competitive because all the countries that compete in the Olympics try to get the most gold medals. Some countries hate each other so they just try to beat each other.

Ancient Greece started the Olympics as a peaceful contest between two rival city -states called Athens and Sparta. There was only one event, the two hundred yard foot race. Ancient Rome soon took over Greece and the first Olympics under Roman control occurred. Runners eventually ran naked because they believed that you would run faster naked because the clothes back then acted like a parachute. The Olympics added more events like long jump, javelin throw, discus, boxing, and wrestling. In 680 B.C. a chariot race was added in. Thanks to the Olympics, other sport championships were founded, these championships are, tennis opens, World Cup soccer tournaments, and Super Bowls. In 328 B.C. a man named Aegus won a two and one-fourth mile race and then ran sixty miles away to his home to tell everyone that he won. In 67 A.D. emperor Nero joined a chariot race and fell off in the beginning, but, bribed the judges to let him win. In 1912 a dominating American, Jim Thrope won many events, pole vault, long jump, and the discus throwing in the Olympics. In 1936 the summer Olympics were held at Berlin, Germany. Hitler was in charge of Germany by then. A new stadium was built along with a new Olympic village. Some Americans wanted to boycott because of the Nazi regime. Jessie Owens, a black runner for the U.S., dominated the 'white men races' according to Hitler. Jessie Owens performed so amazingly, that Adolf Hitler was embarrassed.

There are parts I like and do not like about A Passion for Victory. The good things are learning about the history of the Olympics and learning about sports. I enjoyed learning facts such as ÒIn 328 B.C., a man named Aegus won a 2 _ mile race, and then ran to his home, 60 miles away. He wanted to tell everyone what he had done. Then shortly after he got home, he died.Ó I also enjoyed learning about methods they used in their athletic events, such as ÒTo throw a discus an athlete has to put a discus under his/her forearm. An athlete put his/her fingers under the discus.Ó It tells you how to ride a chariot because it says ÒTo ride a chariot the rider has to hold on to all of the reins of the horses on your 'team'.Ó However, some parts are confusing because it says that a man named Aegus ran to his home 60 miles away. But my parents say that someone ran to tell people that someone else won, or, that someone ran to tell everyone that someone won a war. It just isn't consistent with other stories I've heard. I recommend A Passion for Victory to 4th grade up kids who like sports (probably boys) because younger readers might struggle with the vocabulary and information. Overall, A Passion for Victory is a well-rounded book, so I applaud the author.

Review written by Dalton (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of A Passion for Victory: The Story of the Olympics in Ancient and Early Modern Times for this review.

Have you read A Passion for Victory: The Story of the Olympics in Ancient and Early Modern Times? How would you rate it?

Review: His Name Was Raoul Wallenberg: Courage, Rescue, and Mystery During World War II by Louise Borden

His Name Was Raoul Wallenberg: Courage, Rescue, and Mystery During World War II by Louise Borden.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: January 2012
List Price: $18.99
ISBN-13: 9780618507559

Review: Would you be willing to stare death in the face to save somebody you didn't know? Raoul Wallenberg has done this every day of his life in Hungary during World War Two. In the book His Name was Raoul Wallenberg Louise Borden tells a great story of this hero,

Raoul was born in August 1912, near Stockholm, Sweden. Because his father died from cancer before Raoul was born, his grandfather became his mentor. Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg was a man of bold ideas. From an early age, Raoul liked to read and draw and through that his parents discovered that he was colorblind. Raoul Wallenberg stood apart from his classmates because of his curiosity. His grandfather wanted him to become an independent citizen of the world so Raoul traveled to Turkey, England, and France, and found his talent for languages. Raoul studied architecture at the University of Michigan, discovering his talent in that too. After graduation, he traveled to South Africa, Palestine, Genoa, France, Athens, Egypt, and Haifa. When WWII's first shots were fired, Raoul was working in an import-export business. The War Refugee Board wanted a courageous man who spoke German or Hungarian and had been to Budapest to organize help for the Jewish people in Budapest. Raoul was the man for this job. To find out what happens to Raoul in his conquest to save the Jews, you should read this book.

I give this book 4 stars out of 5 because I generally like stories about wars. Even though I knew that Raoul's fate has not been found, I was still disappointed to be in the dark about his death, which made this 1 star short of perfect. Students 8 years old and older will enjoy reading His Name was Raoul Wallenberg, especially if they enjoy war stories. Louise Borden sets up the text of His Name was Raoul Wallenberg almost like a poem which adds a touch of creativity and breaks the text into easier to read phrases. Louise Borden included fascinating facts, like "he was given no clear instructions... and no one really knew how or if he could succeed." A task is hard enough when you are given specific instructions, even harder if you don't know what to do. Raoul had the creativity to make the schutzpass, a fancy document used to put Jews under the protection of the Swedish government. Reading this book made me want to meet Raoul Wallenberg because he was courageous, even though he had a disability, color blindness. He was as cunning as a fox in tricking his foes and he was brave to ignore the consequences of being caught helping to save thousands of Jewish lives. If you read this book, you may be able to come up with a theory of Raoul's outcome but I'm sure you'll be impressed with this detailed account of this World War II hero's life.

Review written by Ian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of His Name Was Raoul Wallenberg: Courage, Rescue, and Mystery During World War II for this review.

Have you read His Name Was Raoul Wallenberg: Courage, Rescue, and Mystery During World War II? How would you rate it?

Review: The Twinning Project by Robert Lipsyte

The Twinning Project by Robert Lipsyte.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: October 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547645711

Review: Have you ever wondered about the stories your parents told you? The ones where they told you about aliens? Did you laugh about them and think they were all a joke? The way you laughed at them will change after reading The Twinning Project! This story will make you question your doubts about aliens. Robert Lipstyle takes you on an adventure to a distant planet called Earth2 where two boys realize that they are twins, but they have been living worlds apart.

The story begins on Earth, with Tom, a boy who doesn't play by the rules of his school. When he is told to do something, he does not do it if he thinks it is stupid. After being expelled, Tom has to attend a new school, where he meets Alessa, a girl who is constantly being picked on by Britsky. Tom protects her from Britsky, the school bully, by using the same arsenal of weapons that got him expelled from his previous school. He is a one man war machine with all his gadgets, including a grease gun and a sling shot.

On Earth2 everything is set back 50 years in the past. There, Eddie, the twin brother of Tom, is living the good life of being a jock at his school. Eddie is just one minute younger than Tom, but he is the exact opposite, of Tom. Eddie loves sports, but Tom hates them. Tom is sneaky, but Eddie is honest. He follows the rules and always does what he is told to do. Nothing out of the ordinary happens except that both boys are able to chat mentally with each other. One day, Tom and Eddie discover each other in Tom's room on Earth.

Tom suspects weird activity is going on all around him, when, all of a sudden, the boys' grandpa says that the monitors or aliens have landed. Grandpa tells Tom to switch places with Eddie on Earth2. Then, two monitors, Dr.Traum and Merlyn show up. Although, they act just like humans, they both have green eyes that are used as a camera to show other monitors at home-base what is happening with Tom and Eddie on Earth and Earth2. Things get extremely complicated when Dr. Traum starts asking questions about Eddie. Both boys are having trouble adjusting to the new environment. What happens with Eddie? How will Tom and Eddie survive the monitors? Read Robert Lipstyle's The Twinning Project in order to find out.

In The Twinning Project I liked how the aliens are realistic and the characters are really believable. I had a clear image of the interactions between the aliens and the characters. The plot and characters are very descriptive and the author's writing style was full of action. However, there are some unrealistic parts to the plot. Many well-developed ideas by the author caused the reader to actually feel the adrenaline while reading. The story is completely action packed with a side of humor. Robert Lipstyle shows different perspectives by switching from one character's point of view to another's point of view throughout the story. This really helped me understand what was going on in the story since it took place on two planets. The plot is so suspenseful that, at times, I couldn't put the book down. I really enjoyed the ending. It is very satisfying for me, because I could imagine things that would really take place here on Earth. I look forward to more of Robert Lipstyle's books. You should add this unique sci-fi fiction themed book to your reading list!

Review written by Alex (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Twinning Project for this review.

Have you read The Twinning Project? How would you rate it?

Review: Diva by Jillian Larkin

Diva by Jillian Larkin. The Conclusion to the Flappers Series.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 2012
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385740418

Review: Humor, romance, and mystery are hiding in the 1920's New York, and also in the latest book in the Flappers series, Diva by Jillian Larkin. This story has all the main components needed in a romance novel. You'll fall in love with flappers Clara Knowles, Lorraine Dyer, and Gloria Carmody. These 3 glamorous women try to pull off one of their biggest over the top schemes yet.

Clara Knowles recently broke up with her handsome, charming and rich boyfriend, the love of her life, Marcus Eastman. Now he is already engaged to another young woman! Since Clara can't have her happily ever after, the least she can do is stop Marcus from marrying someone who isn't what he thinks she is. Clara wonders and questions Marcus's faith in her. After all, she lied to him countless times. Even worse, she can't stand her boss who keeps flirting with her, and her disgusting job of writing about celebrity gossip. Clara Knowles is going to have work with what she has, and somehow save Marcus.

Gloria Carmody was in jail for loving an African American and for killing a man who was about to shoot the love of her life, Jerome Johnson. Gloria is looking for help to get out of jail and get justice from her cousin, Clara Knowles. Now, Gloria has to work for the FBI to get back together with Jerome. A simple task from the FBI is making her life more difficult. More importantly, she wonders if she will ever see Jerome again.

Lorraine Dyer is cleaning up her act, turning over a new leaf. She attends a university across from the university where blonde and perfect Marcus Eastman lives. Normally, Lorraine Dyer would be staring holes into Marcus Eastman, but she decides that she will get to the bottom of things with Marcus's shady but gorgeous fiancŽe, Anastasia. There is only one problem with her figuring out Marcus's case, and it involves two people, Clara Knowles and Gloria Carmody.

Diva by Jillian Larkin is an entertaining book, focusing on each young woman's main problem and winding the three women and their problems together beautifully. Though I am not fond of or avid reader of romance novels, Diva still met my expectations. Jillian Larkin balanced the elements and made the reader want to keep reading to quickly find out what was going to happen next. No book can be perfect, and the only downfall to this book is the clichŽs. They kept reappearing throughout the story. For example, the characters act without thought, and their actions are a little too exaggerated. Yet I couldn't stop reading this compelling novel, Diva.

In conclusion, if you decide to read Jillian Larkin's, Diva, which I highly recommend, you will be lost amongst the maze of pages that submerge you in 1920's New York, ÒWhere love is hiding in every corner, music is thriving in every club, and, of course, anything goesÓ.

Review written by Sachi (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Diva for this review.

Have you read Diva? How would you rate it?

Review: White House Kids by Joe Rhatigan

White House Kids by Joe Rhatigan.

Imagine Publishing
Publication Date: July 2012
List Price: $14.95
ISBN-13: 9781936140800

Review: "Everyone who lives in the White House to some degree feels like they are living in a goldfish bowl," said Luci Johnson, daughter of Lyndon B. Johnson. White House Kids by Joe Rhatigan is full of quotes like this, along with educational and entertaining facts about the sons, daughters, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews of the American presidents.

White House Kids includes four chapters. The first covers the first kids who lived in the White House, which is about the earliest presidents' kids. The second chapter is about media coverage and people's interest in the kids and First Ladies. As far back as the 1790s, a newspaper reports that Nelly and Little Wash, the Washingtons' grandchildren, went to a circus. After President Obama's inauguration, many people searched for coats just like the ones Malia and Sasha wore that day. Chapter three is about the fun that kids have in the White House. Many presidents' kids had lots of pets. Teddy Roosevelt's children had badgers, raccoons, pigs, parrots, baby bears, snakes, a one-legged rooster, and a kangaroo rabbit, among others. Chapter four is about the positives and negatives of living in the White House. Positives include not having to do chores; negatives include having Secret Service agents wherever you go.

People who like history and presidents and want to learn more about them and their families would like this book. Another thing I liked was the format of the book because it has extra facts about the First Ladies and what happened to the children after they left the White House. The many photos and pictures helped me understand some of the stories. I also liked the book because it was entertaining, and I learned something too. Having four chapters worked well for the organization of the book. I wanted to keep reading even though the book ended. White House Kids was one of the best books I've read about the U.S. presidents. I would give the book four stars out of five because I like the format of the book and it covers lots of families who made the White House their home.

Review written by Luke (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Charlesbridge Press for providing a copy of White House Kids for this review.

Have you read White House Kids? How would you rate it?

Review: Dead is a Killer Tune by Marlene Perez

Dead is a Killer Tune by Marlene Perez. A Dead Is Book.

Houghton Mifflin Children's Paperback
Publication Date: September 2012
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9780547608341

Review: Dead is a Killer Tune by Marlene Perez is the seventh book in the Dead is series. The series is about a freshman in high school, Jessica Walsh, who is also a virago, a female warrior. She must protect her hometown, in this case Nightshade, from danger.

Nightshade has different magical creatures such as werewolves and witches. At an estate sale in Nightshade, Jessica is looking for sheet music when a priceless flute is stolen. There are rumors that the flute belonged to the Pied Piper of Hamelin who led rats out of the city of Hamelin. When the city did not pay the Pied Piper, he lured away all the city's children. Soon after the rumors begin, a competition is being held at Nightshade called Battle of the Bands. As the competition gets closer to the end, some of the musicians start doing fatal things and claim they are compelled to do these things because of strange music they hear. Will Jessica and the rest of Nightshade's viragos be able to track them down?

All of the characters in Dead is a Killer Tune are very unique. For example, Jessica's best friend, Eva, loves horror movies and plans on making her own. Jessica's older brother, Sean, is a werewolf currently in college. Harmony is an interesting character who manages to get into difficult situations. Marlene Perez created suspense so that I couldn't put the book down. Overall, this book was very interesting and exciting and it is a great read for mystery and adventure fans.

Review written by Kyle (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Dead is a Killer Tune for this review.

Have you read Dead is a Killer Tune? How would you rate it?

Review: The Witch's Revenge by D. A. Nelson

The Witch's Revenge by D. A. Nelson.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385736312

Review: Flash! Poof! Zap! The Witch's Revenge is by D.A. Nelson is a fantasy book with talking dragons, rats and birds, wizards and witches.

In the story, Morag, a little girl, is having nightmares about Mephista, the witch, and her father, the Devlish, coming back to get her. So her friends Shona the dragon, Aldiss the rat, and Bertie the dodo bird try and help her. They think a visit to Montgomery the wizard could help her. As soon as they arrive they find the wizard in a strange state, staring at a tiny black tornado forming above him. Then, all of a sudden, he is sucked in to a mini-tornado. So Morag and her friends set out to find Montgomery. Soon they find out the only way to find their friend is to travel to the Dark Isle. Shortly after, they realize that they have to travel to the Dark Isles by boat. So they find a friend, Kyle, who has a boat. Quickly Morag finds out that Mephista wants to bring the Devlish, her father, back to life. Morag runs into a multitude of problems that put her life in danger.

The Witch's Revenge is a great book for all ages. I would rate this book four stars because the beginning is somewhat confusing, but the middle and the end of the book are great. After I read the beginning, I couldn't put the book down. I was on the edge of my seat! This book has suspense from the middle to the end. I was continually concerned for Morag, wondering what tragedy or calamity would happen next! All the characters are different and interesting, For example, Shona, the dragon, is scared when to stand up to people alone, but when one of her friends were in danger, she is confident and forceful. Aldiss the rat is always nervous, but he likes to lead the way. Bertie the dodo bird is rarely scared unless his life is in danger. Lastly, Morag is brave and scared when a normal person would be. I think that everyone who reads this book could relate to at least one of the characters in the book. The title, The Witch's Revenge, makes sense because Mephista is coming back for revenge on Morag. If you read this book you will not be sorry!

Review written by Katie (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Witch's Revenge for this review.

Have you read The Witch's Revenge? How would you rate it?

Review: Alice-Miranda on Vacation by Jacqueline Harvey

Alice-Miranda on Vacation by Jacqueline Harvey. An Alice-Miranda Book.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 2012
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739955

Review: The wondrous tale of Alice-Miranda on Vacation by Jacqueline Harvey is full of adventure, mischief, and just a hint of romance, all turning out as a dastardly scheme. The main character, Alice-Miranda is an outgoing 7 year old coming home for the holidays after a long first term at her boarding school. She may have a more exciting trip home than she has ever expected.

Alice-Miranda is thrilled to finally see her mother, Cecelia Highton-Smith, and spend the holidays with her best friend, Jacinta Headlington-Bear, after a long school term. Once she gets home, she visits everyone she had dearly missed including Mrs. Oliver and Shilly, both cooks and cleaners in large mansion where Alice lives. Her father also arrives home and greets her daughter. The next few days, Alice and Jacinta visited Alice's 2 cousins, Poppy and Jasper. Apparently, a rude boy by the name of Lucas had been staying with Poppy and Jasper, and Jacinta and Alice tried to find out more about him. There was eventually a surprise party for Alice's dear Aunt Charlotte, the girlfriend of the charming Lawrence Ridley in the mansion. An incident occurred on the night of the party when Mrs. Oliver took Aunty Gee, the Queen, into Mrs. Oliver's lab where she kept all her inventions and the most important formula to the FDF or Freeze-Dried Foods. Mrs. Oliver went out of the lab for a split second to grab the key to her invention but it was too lateÉAunty Gee had disappeared. She was taken by two strange men who wanted the formula to the FDF. The men meant to take Mrs. Oliver for the formula, but instead they took the Queen! Everyone was worried sick as to whether they would ever see dear Aunty Gee again. As the mystery continues, everyone wonders if Aunty Gee will eve be found!?!

Alice-Miranda on Vacation is a book that will leave readers in suspense. The descriptive setting of this story helped me create a mental picture. An example of the detail is found in the author's quote describing Alice's home, ÒA grand Georgian mansion set over four levels, including a labyrinth of cellars, Highton Hall sat atop a rise in the middle of a vast six-thousand-hectare estate.Ó I think readers can relate to the characters in the story; Alice is a very kind, adventurous girl who loves to just get into things! Jacinta is very kind and polite, but she is more cautious and not as mischievous as Alice! In my opinion, this book would appeal to a younger audience looking for a mystery and just an enjoyable read! The beginning is slow moving, but once you progress beyond the exposition, this story will definitely keep you in suspense. At a point when Mrs. Oliver was searching for Aunty Gee in the lab and found a strange clue, the author writes, ÓMrs. Oliver spied something under the bench. It was a white cloth- and not one she recognized. Oh no! Mrs. Oliver dropped the cloth and exhaled. I hope this isn't what I think it is. Hugh walked over to inspect it. What do you think it is? Chloroform, Mrs. Oliver replied.Ó I would give the selection Alice-Miranda on Vacation 4 stars for an intriguing end, descriptive characters, and a thrilling plot!

Review written by Jillian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Alice-Miranda on Vacation for this review.

Have you read Alice-Miranda on Vacation? How would you rate it?

Review: Flying the Dragon by Natalie Dias Lorenzi

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Flying the Dragon by Natalie Dias Lorenzi.

Charlesbridge Publishing
Publication Date: July 2012
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9781580894340

Review: Do you like reading? If you do, then you might like the book, Flying the Dragon by Natalie Dias Lorenzi. It is the story of two distant families that have not seen each other for 12 years, until now.

Sorano, a 12-year-old girl who goes by the name of Skye, has had a great American style life. She attends school, has friends, and is even on a soccer team, but now she gets the news that she is able to join the All-Stars soccer team. Hiroshi, a 12-year-old boy who lives in Japan, is Skye's cousin. He is on summer break for school. So with his free time he flies his dragon kite. But not just for fun, for practicing because he is has registered for the annual kite championship. So these two kids are happy with what they are doing, but they don't know that that could all change. It changes because as Grandpa living in Japan grew older, he becomes so sick. The doctors said that they couldn't do anything to help. The Japanese doctors find help for Grandpa, but it is in America. So that means Hiroshi has to go too. In America, Skye is doing better than ever in soccer. When the news comes that Hiroshi's family is coming to America, she is ok with it until her parents tell her she would have to take Japanese classes to be able to talk to them. As Skye and Hiroshi get to know each other, they become good friends, but will they get to follow their individual dreams?

In my opinion, Flying the Dragon is entertaining and balances the action and events. This story has many messages about life, such as how life has ups and downs. Also, the book shows the reader that the downs in life can result in great friendships. I recommend this book for teens that enjoy realistic fiction.

Review written by Andy (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Charlesbridge Publishing for providing a copy of Flying the Dragon for this review.

Have you read Flying the Dragon? How would you rate it?

Review: The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle

The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle.

Graphia
Publication Date: September 2012
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9780547859262

Review: With the darkness coming, an Amish community is the last safe place on Earth. This is the storyline for the horrifying, action packed novel, The Hallowed Ones, written by Laura Bickle.

Katie is days away from her Rumspringa, the time when an Amish teen gets to experience the outside world. Then disaster hits when a helicopter crashes lands in the middle of a cornfield. News spreads that there are mass killings of people around the world. There is something out there. The Amish elders decree that no one comes in and no one goes out. When Katie finds a seriously injured man in the field, she doesn't listen to the rule, and secretly brings him to the community, but what else is she bringing with him?

The Hallowed Ones is amazing because it will fill you with suspense and at the same time, maintain a good pace from scene to scene. The style of writing is unique, very original, and very descriptive making you read on. The characters are very well developed, interesting and believable. The most memorable part cannot be revealed in this review! It will shock you. If you like action and adventure you have to read this book it will surprise you with its content. On the other hand, the beginning lacks action; the majority of the action is towards the end. However, once you get past the beginning there is nothing but exciting exploration. If you read this book, you have to be prepared to read a few boring parts, but then the adventure awaits you!

Review written by Gianni (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Hallowed Ones for this review.

Have you read The Hallowed Ones? How would you rate it?

Review: Precious Bones by Mika Ashley-Hollinger

Precious Bones by Mika Ashley-Hollinger.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385742191

Review: Precious Bones is a spectacular book written by Mika Ashley - Hollinger. The main characters are Bones, a ten-year-old girl, her friend, Little Man, her mom and her dad, Nolay. This book is full of adventure with a special blend of magic and mystery.

Just a regular day by the Florida swamp right? Well think again. It's the end of the summer of 1949 when, all of a sudden, a colossal storm hits the swamp flooding Bones's home. To make it even worse, Bones and Little man find out that there have been two murders in their community within two weeks. All the evidence is pointed directly to her father, Nolay. She hopes that people will see that her father is innocent. Bones decides to take care of this business once and for all.

There are many reasons to enjoy reading Precious Bones. In particular, I like the part where Bones tries not to worry about her father, Nolay, going to jail. Also, I appreciated the part where when they finally use their hope and faith to plead Nolay innocent. It is a good cause to fight for, especially since she loves him so much.

However, there are some parts that I did not enjoy. I didn't like the part where Bones's mom would have to pay three hundred dollars to bail Nolay. To me, that isn't a realistic bail fee. Furthermore, I didn't like when Nolay chased away the Yankee real estate man with a gun. To me, that is probably why the police think Nolay was guilty of the murders. All in all, I would recommend Precious Bones to anyone who enjoys a book filled with adventure.

Review written by Bianca (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates for providing a copy of Precious Bones for this review.

Have you read Precious Bones? How would you rate it?

Review: The Broken Lands by Kate Milford

The Broken Lands by Kate Milford. A Companion to The Boneshaker.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: September 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547739663

Review: The Broken Landsis written by Kate Milford. The main characters are a fifteen year old boy named Sam and a fifteen year old girl named Jin. It is the prequel to The The Boneshakers.

The Broken Lands is about a boy named Sam, who plays cards for a living and lives on Coney Island. He accidentally meets a Chinese girl named Jin, and this sets the stage for the story. Jin's job is to set off fireworks. In the beginning of the story, Jin finds a body, and then passes out when she goes to buy fireworks. When she wakes up, she is with Sam and his adult friends. They find another body behind the Broken Lands Hotel, and they discover in their meeting that one of the adults has a story that relates to the problem. A man named Jack was not allowed to enter God's or the Devil's realm. The Devil gave Jack a piece of coal and told him to create his own place with it. Crossroads are powerful places and the bridge being built between New York and Brooklyn grows stronger by the day. Two creatures that work for Jack try to claim the Crossroads, and then the story gets exciting.

I really enjoyed The Broken Lands. It was a thrilling, action packed story about fighting and saving an 1877 version of New York and Brooklyn. I appreciate electrifying books, and this was no exception. I was not bored reading this thrilling novel. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who enjoys books like The Broken Lands. The only negative is that the book was slow at the beginning, but after a few chapters, the pace quickened. This book held me hostage for the majority of time I was reading it; it was impossible to put it down. The Broken Landswas one of the best books I have ever read, and I look forward to reading The Boneshakers.

Review written by Kyle (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin for providing a copy of The Broken Lands for this review.

Have you read The Broken Lands? How would you rate it?

Review: That One Spooky Night by Dan Bar-el

That One Spooky Night by Dan Bar-el.

Kids Can Press
Publication Date: September 2012
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9781554537518

Review: Do you believe in witches, sea-monsters, mermaids or even vampires? Do you want to read a quick story about them? If so, try That One Spooky Night by Dan Bar-el. This graphic novel is illustrated by David Huyck, and it contains three short stories that portray how spooky all of them can be on one unusually scary night. In the first story, the reader meets Giselle, who can't decide what to be for Halloween. Next, Anthony and his brother, Alexander, are transported to a world they never knew existed. Then, in the final story, a group of girls discover some unlikely friends.

In "Broom with a View", the first story, Giselle has trouble deciding what she will be for Halloween. After she finally makes a decision, something strange happens and her spooky night begins. You'll just have to read in order to find out about what tricks or treats follow. The second story, "10,000 Tentacles under the Tub", is about the spooky adventure that Anthony and Alexander encounter in their bathtub. After a wild and playful Halloween night, they discover something unusual in the tub. How will they handle what they find lurking below? Read this story to reveal their findings. In the final story, "The Fang Gang", what do you get when you taunt girls about their Halloween costumes? A scare, that's what! When a group of girls gets frightened, they improve their costumes to scare those who dare to taunt them. On their journey they run into a frightening bunch called the Fang Gang. What will happen when they meet these friends or foes? Read "The Fang Gang" to uncover it all.

I love the author's original ideas about children on Halloween. In my opinion, the best part of That One Spooky Night is that it is a graphic novel. The illustrations help make the characters believable and well-rounded. Unfortunately, there are confusing subplots within the three short stories. Many times, I had to re-read some parts of the stories because I thought I had missed a page. However, the theme is unique for a Halloween comic. The author's writing style is descriptive and original, with an immediate comedic effect. In my opinion the stories are a little predictable, because the reader can pretty much sense what comes next. I recommend this book to all graphic novel fans, because overall it was a great book.

Review written by Alex (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates for providing a copy of That One Spooky Night for this review.

Have you read That One Spooky Night? How would you rate it?

Review: Diary of a Parent Trainer by Jenny Smith

Diary of a Parent Trainer by Jenny Smith.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2012
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780385741989

Review: If you think you know how to train your parent, then you're WRONG! An exciting new book that is funny and crazy by Jenny Smith is perfectly titled Diary of a Parent Trainer. A shocking twist comes into Katie Sutton's normal life when her mother starts dating a new man after her dad dies.

Katie Sutton is just a normal teenager with two best friends, Hannah (who is also Katie's cousin), and Louise (whose nickname is Loops because she has long curly hair). Katie's family and friends live in a small town named Brindleton. Katie thinks she's a pro at operating grown-ups, but she begins to doubt herself once she can't ÒcontrolÓ her mom. But she blames Stuart, her mom's new boyfriend, because she claims that her mom has been acting differently ever since she started seeing Stuart. Katie and Mandy try to get rid of Stuart by doing many things he doesn't like and by trying to annoy him so he will break up with their mom. Katie tries to use her operating ÒskillsÓ to control her mom so she can get her to do something that Stuart won't like. But, will it work or will it make things worse?

I really enjoyed reading Diary of a Parent Trainerand I couldn't wait to read what was going to happen next. It is a good book for girls that enjoy humor. I think the people who read this book should probably be 6th graders- 8th graders. There are a lot of good parts in the book, but one that I really like is when Hannah and Loops forgive Katie for betraying Loops. It is very emotional and really drew me into the book. Another part of the book I like is when two girls named Leanne and Shannon (Katie's other cousins that are very mean to her) started to torment her, as usual. Although Katie and her friends are outnumbered when this happens, more and more of Katie's friends come to defend her, until Katie's friends outnumber Leanne and Shannon's friends. This part of the story shows that your friends will always have your back and I really liked reading that part. In the end Katie learns that being a parent trainer is not as easy as she thought and she realizes that she is happiest when her mom is happy too.

Review written by Lindsey (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Diary of a Parent Trainer for this review.

Have you read Diary of a Parent Trainer? How would you rate it?

Review: Secrets from the Sleeping Bag by Rose Cooper

Secrets from the Sleeping Bag by Rose Cooper. A Blogtastic! Novel.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 2012
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780385742467
Review: Humor, romance, and more humor are all words to describe this book! Secrets from the Sleeping Bag by Rose Cooper is a novel you must read!! Sofia is NOT looking forward to going to summer camp. Little does she know the surprise that she's in for! Journey through all of Sofia's crazy adventures at Camp Krakatow and maybe have a laugh while you're at it, too!

Sofia Becker is not happy about having to go to summer camp for four weeks. What makes it worse is that she has the meanest counselor and she has no friends in her cabin. She does like seeing the cute boys though and there is one she has a crush on. Luckily, she has her diary for writing all her adventures. Things at Camp Krakatow just aren't normal, especially for Sofia. Can she survive?

Secrets from the Sleeping Bag made me laugh out loud! It was so fun to read about all of Sofia's adventures. This book is very well written and I loved it! It has extremely creative ideas and I think readers will be able to relate to some of their own summer camp experiences. Secrets from the Sleeping Bag is appropriate for all audiences but I think it would grab the attention of kids between ages 8-12 most. I give Secrets from the Sleeping Bag five stars for its humor and creativity! You must read this book! You will love it!
Review written by Emily (6th grade student).
We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Secrets from the Sleeping Bag for this review.

Have you read Secrets from the Sleeping Bag? How would you rate it?