Follow Book Trends on Twitter (@book_trends) Follow us on Twitter (@book_trends)

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Review: The Song of the Quarkbeast by Jasper Fforde

The Song of the Quarkbeast by Jasper Fforde. The Chronicles of Kazam Book Two.

The Song of the Quarkbeast by Jasper Fforde

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: August 2014
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9780544336629

Review: Are you a fantasy type of reader? Then you will enjoy the book The Song of the Quarkbeast by Jasper F Forde. This is a story about magicians that have to do all the work for their manager. The Song of the Quarkbeast is about magicians of Kazam Mystical Arts Management. They have to put up with their sixteen-year-old manager that gives them a collection of things to do. Then this magical power that only comes once in a while, and is meant for the king, the king knows exactly how and that he can control magic everywhere. The magician's manager is what stands between the king and his plans. Jennifer the boss would have trouble with this. The king never gives up. The Song of the Quarkbeast should read by kid's aged 11-13. There are big words, stronger vocabulary and a lot of things going on at once. Like some people are at the shop doing their work, and then the book switches to the other characters in the story that are working outside of the shop. The Song of the Quarkbeast is a good fantasy book. The events in the story can't really happen. The setting of this book is realistic. The characters are at places that there can be. This book is magical too some it has to do with magic. This book should be told to either a boy or a girl. There isn't anything that makes the book entirely for a boy or entirely for a girl.

Review written by Alexa (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Song of the Quarkbeast for this review.

Have you read The Song of the Quarkbeast? How would you rate it?

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Review: The Ancient One by T. A. Barron

The Ancient One by T. A. Barron. A Heroic Adventures of Kate Book.

The Ancient One by T. A. Barron

Penguin Young Readers
Publication Date: September 1992
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9780441010325

Review: Join Jack and Annie as they take you through the wonderful world of Ninjas and Samurai. The book Fact Tracker: Ninjas And Samurai by Mary Pope Osborne is a companion to the book Night of the Ninjas by Mary Pope Osborne. People knew when a person was a ninja or when a person was a samurai.

In Fact Tracker: Ninjas And Samurai you can learn almost everything there is to know about both Ninjas And Samurai, from what they wear to there lifestyles. There are a few chapters that are about Samurai, and there are a few chapters that are about Ninjas. The first chapter was about how the Ninjas and Samurai came to be. The last chapter is about how the Ninjas and Samurai ended. Did you know that the Samurai lasted longer than the Ninjas?

Fact Tracker: Ninjas and Samurai is a great book for comparing and contrasting because it gives many facts about the ninjas and the samurai. I recommend this book for children ages 8+. Mary Pope Osborne has written many books in this series, which is called Magic Tree House. There is so much to learn from this book and it is a great companion the Night of the Ninjas. I hope to read many more books in the series by this wonderful author.

Review written by Carol (6th grade student).

We would like to thank T. A. Barron for providing a copy of The Ancient One for this review.

Have you read The Ancient One? How would you rate it?

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Review: The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy.

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780385376525

Review: Do you like funny books? If you do, then you might want to consider reading, The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher, by Dana Alison Levy because it'll have funny in it.

The Fletcher Family includes, Sam who is 12 years old and really into soccer, telling stories, and his phone. There's Jax, who is 10 years old and also plays soccer with his brother, Eli. Jax also has a project to do to interview a veteran. Eli is a genius, and the same age as Jax and goes to a gifted school. Then there is Frog who is 6 years old, he is very excited to go to kindergarten, and he has an imaginary pet cheetah and cares for him. They have two fathers; one is called Dad and another one is papa. They lived in a fun neighborhood until, one day, a new neighbor moves and that one person might just ruin everything. Now, they can't play soccer, they can't have fun parties, and they can't really do anything. Not even go on his lawn but, he happens to be a veteran and Jax attempts to interview him. That was much harder than he thought it'd be because first had to get the neighbor to like him before the interview. Will that ever happen? Well read the book and find out for yourself.

I recommend this book to about 11 year olds because it has some bad language in it. It was really only made to entertain and it certainly worked. The family acts like a regular family. Please get this book it is funny and amazing.

Review written by Dye (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher for this review.

Have you read The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher? How would you rate it?

Monday, April 27, 2015

Review: The Missing Marlin by David A. Kelly

The Missing Marlin by David A. Kelly. A Ballpark Mystery.

The Missing Marlin by David A. Kelly

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 2014
List Price: $4.99
ISBN-13: 9780307977823

Review: Is it a baseball? No, it's a fish. No it's a baseball fish! . This book The Ballpark Mysteries by David A. Kelly is about two detectives trying to find many of their uncle's missing fish. Can they do it?

In the Missing Marlin, Mike and Kate go to visit their Uncle Oliver in Florida, but something has gone wrong! Special fish have gone missing, and Kate says she saw a rare turtle. Is Uncle Oliver doing it, or is it a smuggler? Read the book to find out. In The Missing Marlin you will find a mystery followed by an adventure and you might pick up some tips on how to solve a mystery along the way.

The Missing Marlin is for 6-10 year olds because many kids start reading chapter books at this age, and this book is not too difficult and not too easy. The author states right at the start where the story takes place; this can help kids imagine the book in their heads, which will definitely make the child more interested in reading the book. For example this is from page one: His freckles stood out even more in the Florida sun. The book is written in third person, so you know how everyone feels - not just the main character. The book can teach many kids that even though they are young, they can still do anything, let alone solve a mystery! So if you're looking for a short but fun mystery or your first chapter book, this book is the one for you.

Review written by Jacob (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Missing Marlin for this review.

Have you read The Missing Marlin? How would you rate it?

Friday, April 24, 2015

Review: The Castle Crime by Ron Roy

The Castle Crime by Ron Roy. An A to Z Mysteries Super Edition.

The Castle Crime by Ron Roy

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 2014
List Price: $5.99
ISBN-13: 9780385371599

Review: If you like mysteries or are thinking about becoming a detective when you grow up, then you should read this book! A to Z mysteries: The Castle Crime by Ron Roy is an adventurous book with a mystery that will keep you entertained. Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose go on a trip they will never forget. This is the 6th book in the super edition series.

In The Castle Crime, Dink Josh and Ruth Rose travel to London! The kids get to explore several huge buildings like the Big Ben and Madame Tussauds. While Dink Josh and Ruth Rose were at Madame Tussauds, viewing the wax sculptures of famous people, a big story hits the news. Someone has stolen the queen's crown and necklace! Now Dink Josh and Ruth Rose won't stop until they find her jewels. If they are successful, Dink Josh and Ruth Rose will be rewarded 15,000 dollars! And the children might just meet some special people along the way. The real detectives are taking a while to find her jewels. But can the three kids help find Queen Elizabeth's jewels?

The Castle Crime is fun to read and is an interesting book. I would recommend it to early chapter book readers who like mysteries. It is simple enough for the younger kids to read and grasp the concept of the storyline. But the older kids will stay interested because of all the action in the book. It kept my interest because the author ended the chapters right before or after the kids found something interesting or solved the crime. It was hard for me to put the book down and I was always dying to find out what happened next! This book is realistic fiction. It is believable but didn't really happen. The Castle Crime kept my suspense and left me always wanting more. My favorite part of the book is when Dink Josh and Ruth Rose find their first clue. This book is adventurous, amusing, and exciting in all the finest ways! I hope you enjoy it too!

Review written by Annika (th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Castle Crime for this review.

Have you read The Castle Crime? How would you rate it?

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Review: Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly

Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly. Book One in the Waterfire Saga.

Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly

Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9781423133162

Review: If you like complicated fantasy books with mermaids and magic, I think you might like Deep Blue. If you read this book, get ready for all the juicy details in the book. Jennifer Donnelly, the author, wrote very descriptively, and she made the names of characters are fun and unique.

In Deep Blue, there is a girl named Serafina. She is a brave compassionate mermaid princess with a golden tail like her dad's. Serafina lives in Miromara. Her best friend Princess Neela comes to visit. Serafina and Neela had the same dream about the Iele, who are river witch mermaids, and have to find four other mermaids and look for them. In this book, there are six who ruled and Serafina, Neela, Ling, Ava, Becca, and Astrid are all descendants of them. There is a lot of action in this book, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat between chapters.

In my opinion, the details in the book were really enchanting. An example was how the mermaid's room seemed to awaken with her. I think this book is mostly for girls because of the fantasy and mermaids. I thought the beginning was a little bit complicated because I couldn't really understand who was talking or thinking. Some parts of the book were alarming like when they had to straiten Ling's arm to put the two broken bones back into place so they could heal more easily. Overall, I thought Deep Blue was a really interesting and worthwhile book to read with lots of twists and turns.

Review written by Gina (6th grade student).

Have you read Deep Blue? How would you rate it?

Monday, April 20, 2015

Review: Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve

Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve.

Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780385387880

Review: Oliver And The Seawigs, by Philip Reeves and Sarah McIntyre, is such an amazing book. It's an adorable book that will keep you entertained all the way through reading it.

In Oliver and the Seawigs, the Crisp family loves to explore. They are explorers and have been around the world to unknown places. When they decide to settle down at their home in Deepwater Bay, they notice something new. They find islands that were never there before. They go to explore the island and a few hours later, Oliver notices his parents have been lost at sea and plans to find them. In his search, he meets Iris the mermaid, Cliff and Thurlstone the Rambling Isles and goes on the biggest adventure with them.

Oliver and the Seawigs is a great book for anyone who loves to read fantasy. It seems to be a book for young readers. Oliver and the Seawigs is funny and written in a style that makes you feel what the characters are feeling. It was a short book with a fun story jam packed inside. Oliver and the Seawigs is definitely a book I recommend for any reader age 7 and up.

Review written by Faith (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Oliver and the Seawigs for this review.

Have you read Oliver and the Seawigs? How would you rate it?

Friday, April 17, 2015

Review: The Wavering Werewolf by David Lubar

The Wavering Werewolf by David Lubar. A Monsterific Tale.

The Wavering Werewolf by David Lubar

Starscape
Publication Date: January 2014
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780765330796

Review: When Norman goes on a fieldtrip to Miller Forest, he seems to get lost thinking about different sorts of fungi. Then he hears a half-growl, half-snarl sound. This is where The Wavering Werewolf by David Lubar becomes a real page-turner!

"Yeeyouch" It nipped my nose. Then it leaped away from me.Ó After Norman is bitten by a wolf from the forest, some strange things start happening---Better vision without his glasses, itchy skin, and he becomes more athletic. Norman starts to wonder about these changes and concludes his search with the keyword, werewolf. After a long time of convincing arguments, Norman manages to get his friend Sebastian to believe in this too. With his friend at his side, will Norman ever become human again? Will Norman be able to do this before the full moon? These are all great questions with astonishing answers only found in The Wavering Werewolf!

I would easily give this book a five star (out of five) rating! The Wavering Werewolf manages to keep me on the edge of my seat with its hilarious and amusing content! "He was encroaching my territory. I had to defend it. My hand curled into a claw. I hauled back and slashed across at the head of the invader." I think The Wavering Werewolf would be more appealing to people with interests in werewolves, action, and comedy. For people with those interests, I highly recommend The Wavering Werewolf by David Lubar. Once again, I would give this book five stars.

Review written by Diana (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Starscape/TOR for Teens for providing a copy of The Wavering Werewolf for this review.

Have you read The Wavering Werewolf? How would you rate it?

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Review: Dirty Rotten Pirates: A Revolting Guide to Pirates and Their World by Moira Butterfield

Dirty Rotten Pirates: A Revolting Guide to Pirates and Their World by Moira Butterfield.

Dirty Rotten Pirates: A Revolting Guide to Pirates and Their World by Moira Butterfield

Ticktock Publishing
Publication Date: August 2014
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9781783250486

Review: Do you like pirates? Do you want to learn more about them? Well, in Dirty Rotten Pirates by Moira Butterfield, you learn everything from typical pirates to the pirates you might not have thought existed. Buccaneers to Privateers, these pirates don't joke around; either do your job correctly or your life is in danger. This non-fiction book is phenomenal and has you staying up all night just to finish.

In Dirty Rotten Pirates there are pirates from Asia to Europe, and they raided and captured each other. Life was dirty and rotten for the average pirate. Barely a few pirates actually got rich and have a life of wealth. Rules were strict and either you followed them or received punishment. Punishment was brutal, being marooned, shot or worse. There weren't just one type of pirate; there were the proper pirates. But there are more. For example, there are many pirates from Asia, and also Vikings are also pirates. Pirates vary, as there are buccaneers- the typical pirates, and privateers- licensed pirates. A job of a pirate was very dangerous and could endanger the worker. For example, the Gun Master that is, the person who shoots and loads the cannons, had very dangerous job. Being injured was very bad, since germs weren't known at the time, and they didn't clean the tools used to remove limbs. So if the pirate didn't die from the surgery, they probably died from infection.

Dirty Rotten Pirates was extremely interesting and kept me hooked every page throughout the book. I was very intrigued and wanted to know more and more about pirates. I learned so much; for example, I learned new famous pirates more than Black Beard. I even learned there were female pirates. This book I would recommend it to boys ages 9-12, since it's about pirates. The information in the book was very impressive and kept me reading. The artwork was very fun, goes with the information, and shows what pirates look like in an entertaining way. I was astonished at how the book showed real pirates living and working, and how descriptive it was. I learned so much about pirates just from one book. Dirty Rotten Pirates is an informational but entertaining book with great description and artwork. I hope you love it as much as I did.

Review written by John (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock for providing a copy of Dirty Rotten Pirates: A Revolting Guide to Pirates and Their World for this review.

Have you read Dirty Rotten Pirates: A Revolting Guide to Pirates and Their World? How would you rate it?

Monday, April 13, 2015

Review: A Girl's to Fitting in Fitness by Erin Whitehead & Jennipher Walters

A Girl's to Fitting in Fitness by Erin Whitehead & Jennipher Walters.

A Girl's to Fitting in Fitness by Erin Whitehead & Jennipher Walters

Zest Books
Publication Date: April 2013
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9781936976300

Review: Did you know that becoming fit will help you relieve stress? Well, if you don't believe me, read Chapter 8 in the amazing nonfiction book, A Girl's Guide to Fitting in Fitness by Erin Whitehead and Jennipher Walters. This book will help you become the healthy person you've always wanted to be while having some fun!

A Girl's Guide to Fitting in Fitness has many chapters. This first chapter, Why Getting Fit Matters, tells you the importance of why you need to get in shape. Basics of a Fitness Plan informs you on the fundamentals of your workout procedure. Eating Well mentions the things you should and shouldn't be eating while trying to become fit. You will find healthy breakfasts and morning exercise routines in chapter Waking Up to Exercise. Being Fit at School talks about joining a sports team at your school. On Weekends & During the Summer refers to how it is important to still workout and eat healthy but make the most of that free time. Next-level Fitness mentions how to become even healthier and slimmer by doing such as setting smart goals, joining a gym and doing high-intensity interval training once in a while. Stress-Busting Techniques mentions many effective methods to get rid of stress. This book includes all aspects of fitness.

In my opinion, A Girl's Guide to Fitting in Fitness is a useful source of information on getting real results. I recommend this 5-star book to girls ages 13-18 looking to get fit. My favorite chapter of this book is Stress-Busting Techniques because it definitely has an impact on my stress. I am very fond of this book because it gives me a lot of real-working techniques to get me fit and healthy. In summary, A Girl's Guide to Fitting in Fitness is unquestionably my favorite guide to working out!

Review written by Angelina (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Zest Books for providing a copy of A Girl's to Fitting in Fitness for this review.

Have you read A Girl's to Fitting in Fitness? How would you rate it?

Friday, April 10, 2015

Review: Raven in a Dove House by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Raven in a Dove House by Andrea Davis Pinkney.

Raven in a Dove House by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: April 2014
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9780544230163

Review: Imagine that you are at your aunt's house. You are watching the food, making sure it doesn't burn. Your cousin and his friend call you upstairs in the attic. When you go upstairs, they give you something very unexpected. That is just a part of the book Raven In a Dove House by Andrea Davis Pinkney.

In Raven In A Dove House, Nell was just a regular 12-year-old going to her aunt's house for the summer. She is happy that she was going to her aunt's house since she will be away from Brenda, her dad's girlfriend. Nell finally reaches her aunt's house, and after a few goodbyes, they finally went inside. Nell met her cousin, Foley, and his friend, Slade. One day, Nell was watching the food, making sure that it won't burn. Slade and Foley were in the attic counting worms. All of a sudden they both called Nell up stairs. Nell went upstairs, and Slade gave her something called a raven .25. They told her put it in her dollhouse. All of a sudden Nell doesn't trust anyone. She doesn't even trust herself! Will Nell trust anyone or herself ever again?

Andrea Davis Pinkney's writing will keep you glued to the book! You won't be able to stop turning pages because of all the events in the book. In my opinion, Raven in a Dove House is probably for ages 10 and older because in some scenes it feels like two people are flirting. There is also a weapon in the book, which probably wouldn't be appropriate for younger readers to read. The vocabulary in this book isn't complicated, although there is dialect. This book is good for both boys and girls. It would be good for a boy because most boys would like the fact that the narrative includes a weapon. There are also boy characters in the story, so there are many boy activities in the book. The book is good for girls because it is told from a girl's point of view, and there are events in the book that girls would like. I liked that this book was written in first person point of view so the narrator's feelings are explained more. Overall, Raven in a Dove House is a very good book.

Review written by Sabeen (6th grade student).

Have you read Raven in a Dove House? How would you rate it?

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Review: Love Me by Rachel Shukert

Love Me by Rachel Shukert. A Starstruck Novel.

Love Me by Rachel Shukert

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385741101

Review: Amanda Farraday is broken! She just broke up with the famous writer, Harry Gordon. Amanda tries her best to convince Harry to take her back. Meanwhile, Margo Sterling has everything anyone would dream of. She is famous, she has the looks and the one and only Dane Forrest, but believe it or not, Margo's personal life just might end her career. Gabby Preston's life isn't going so well either. She's not so healthy with alcohol and pills, and her relationship with bad-boy Eddie Sharp is just starting to take off. The book Love Me by Rachel Shukert is the sequel to Starstruck.

In Love Me, each character's problems get even worse than they were originally. Amanda continues to try to convince Harry to take her back, but he isn't interested. Margo has some problems with Dane that she has to work out. Gabby cannot control her drinking, and it's not so easy when you're dating a bad boy like Eddie Sharp. The lives of each character are organized in separate chapters, one chapter it might be about Amanda, the next it might be focused on Margo.

Readers will not be able to stop reading due to the outstanding writing of Rachel Shukert. I encourage everyone to read this book because the climax and other elements of the story keep you attached to the book. I think girls would like this book because they might be able to relate to the storyline more than boys. I really liked this book because each girl approaches her problems differently. This book had a very satisfying ending and I'm sure most readers would agree. The author is so descriptive with her writing; it makes you feel as if you are in the story. This is the best book I have ever read by far. I would recommend it to anyone who likes realistic fiction because overall it is a great book, and I loved it. Readers who are looking to dive into a good book just found one. Love Me by Rachel Shukert is one of the most interesting books I have ever read.

Review written by Rija (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Love Me? How would you rate it?

Monday, April 6, 2015

Review: Krabat and the Sorcerer's Mill by Otfried Preussler

Krabat and the Sorcerer's Mill by Otfried Preussler. A Reprint of the Classic Novel.

Krabat and the Sorcerer's Mill by Otfried Preussler

The New York Review Children's Collection
Publication Date: September 2014
List Price: $17.95
ISBN-13: 9781590177785

Review: Ker-chunk! Ker-chunk! The mill goes on. Have you ever been turned into a raven at the blink of eye? Imagine being trapped in a creepy mill with a malevolent and mysterious owner. In the book, Krabat And The Sorcerer's Mill, the main character, Krabat, was created with careful consideration by the author of this wild adventure, Otfried Preussler. He used creative ways to bring this book to life, and make the readers lose their wits in this grand story.

Krabat And The Sorcerer's Mill has many twists and turns in the entire entrancing book. Krabat reaches a village called Schwarszkollm with two of his companions. For the past few nights, Krabat hears mysterious voices in his dream and hesitates on what will be the wisest decision to make about these strange voices. Should he tell his companions? He finally decides to follow the voices and he gets swayed around to an old mill that none of the villagers dare to go by. Knocking on the door of the mill, he thinks the mill is abandoned. So he decides to slip into the dark mill. He sees a light in a room, far back in the mill. The only source of light is a single candle. The candle is sitting inside a human skull, with a book on the bottom. With the little candlelight, Krabat sees a man with an eye patch muttering strange words in gibberish. Krabat tries to rush out of the mill, but before he has the chance, a cold and firm hand lays on his shoulder. The man with he eye patch is staring right at him! Before he knows it, Krabat is working at this mill with eleven journeymen accompanying him. They work the mill ground and repair the mill. For the first few weeks, Krabat feels safe, and thinks the apprenticeship is a great opportunity. He finally realizes that this is no ordinary mill and something wrong is happening when he is introduced to black magic by the master, the person with the eye patch. He also finds out that every year one miller dies and another one comes. What will happen to Krabat? Will Krabat die next?

I think Krabat And The Sorcerer's Mill is a very interesting fictional book about magic, trickery, mystery, humor, and romance. I loved the twists when you think something happened, but it isn't what it appears to be. For example, one of the journeymen tries to kill himself, but it didn't turn out how he interpreted. I loved how the author tries to use older time language to capture you in the book with dialect from the journeymen. The author uses some words, like hastily and linger, that might be hard for some sixth graders, but if you're advanced in reading, this is perfect for you. In my opinion, this book would be appropriate for either boys or girls because it has elements that would appeal to both genders. Girls might like the story line about the romance between Krabat and his secret lover. On the other hand, boys are usually more interested in the adventure and excitement of this book. I seriously couldn't put the book down. While reading this book, I found it almost impossible to resist knowing the end. The book features many mysteries. On countless occasions I would try guessing what was on the next page of the book. The wittiness of the book is also extraordinary. I especially liked Krabat's dreams about the eleven crows and what they symbolized. In conclusion, this book is perfect for almost any sixth grader, and can be associated with many genres that make it suitable for almost anyone. Krabat And The Sorcerer's Mill totally exceeded my expectations and I give it a ten out of ten.

Review written by Pavel (6th grade student).

We would like to thank The New York Review Children's Collection for providing a copy of Krabat and the Sorcerer's Mill for this review.

Have you read Krabat and the Sorcerer's Mill? How would you rate it?

Friday, April 3, 2015

Review: Divided by Elsie Chapman

Divided by Elsie Chapman. The Sequel to Dualed.

Divided by Elsie Chapman

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780449812952

Review: In Elsie Chapman's Divided, West Grayer has finished killing people. The board just wants her to kill only one more person. She has won against her alternate, a twin who wasn't raised or lived with her. West now wants to go on with her life, after showing how she has a good chance of having promising future in front of her.

In the story, the board is making West a deal so that they can convince her to kill only one more time. The deal that they are making is too good to pass. The deal is worth killing someone. When West is on her mission to kill the person they want her to kill, she realizes that she is way too focused on the deal the people in the board made with her. She recognizes the person she is supposed to kill is a ghost from when she was younger, long ago. When West finally realizes that the board was actually lying to her about everything all along, she decides that she must not complete her current mission, to kill the ghost from when she was younger. Instead, she must replace it with a new mission. Her new mission is to find out the truth about her past, so that she can make sure that she will have a good, bright future ahead. Will West do whatever it takes to save her loved ones and her future? Will the board do whatever it takes to keep West from finding out the truth behind their big lie?

Elsie Chapman has taken suspense, thrill, and action, and filled every page of Divided with them. She left me with many cliffhangers throughout the book. I really like this book, because of how suspenseful the plot is. I often found myself at the edge of my seat, while reading Divided. I recommend this book to 5th graders and up, because the plot may be a bit complicated or confusing for younger kids. Also, this book will appeal to readers that are really into thrillers and suspense. Overall, Divided was a really good book, with a really great story.

Review written by Amanda (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Divided? How would you rate it?

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Review: Pieces of Me by Amber Kizer

Pieces of Me by Amber Kizer.

Pieces of Me by Amber Kizer

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385741163

Review: NO! I screamed, leaping at my body, trying to force myself back inside. To open my eyes. To talk. To live. Donate my organs? I wasn't meant to serve. I AM HERE. YOU JUST CAN'T TAKE MY PIECES. You can't make me. The nurse was in the corner trying to explain to Jessica's little brother that she's brain dead. Her mother cried and her father tried to comfort her. She's gone now, real gone. This is merely a short passage from Pieces of Me by Amber Kizer.

After the most absolute terrible thing happened to Jessica Chai, she got into a car. Later that same day, she got into a huge car accident and was pronounced brain dead. Her soul watched over her and did everything she could to wake her up. Nothing. After awhile, her parents finally said yes to letting their daughter be an organ donor to those in need. Leif, all his life, thought everything revolved around sports. Turns out it didn't. He then realizes he can't let his parents push him around anymore, and he must stand up for himself, and find whom the REAL Leif is. Vivian, although she has cystic fibrosis that will end her life prematurely, chooses to look at the world as a rainbow and struggles to stay alive to the break of daylight. Misty is living in a horrible home environment and has liver failure. This library refugee might be finding her first love, but it's a whole lot of pain to handle everything or even live until tomorrow. Samuel, a 17-year-old, is so big on faith and focuses on setting aside all the bad things in life; he focuses on the bright and positive side. He can't have a dark secret, can he? Somehow all of these teenagers' lives are intertwined when their cell memories cross over, and they give Jessica the greatest gift of all.

Amazing! This book is hands down one of the most realistic, tragic, happy stories I have ever read. It has an incredibly interesting and heartwarming plot, and it illustrates of how real teenagers live their lives. Although this book sounds and is incredible, I would not recommend it for anyone under age 13. I would recommend it for teenagers, a more mature audience.

Review written by Lucy (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Pieces of Me? How would you rate it?