Book Trends: Young Adult and Children Book Reviews

Review: Who Dares? by Krista Blakeney Bell

2012-01-27T06:17:00.001-06:00

Who Dares? by Krista Blakeney Bell.

Kane Miller
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $4.99
ISBN-13: 9781610670470

Review: Who Dares is a realistic fiction book, by Krista Blakeney Bell. The main characters are Toby and Rhys who are in middle school. Who Dares is a good book that teaches you valuable lessons.

Toby and Rhys are off on an adventure, because of a dare. Rhys dares Toby to enter the Junior Surfing Competition, but he is better at tap dancing. In the end Toby ends up accepting the dare, but making a deal with Rhys for his benefits. Toby learns how to surf and Rhys learns not to keep his suspicions held within. They both experience true friendship not just with each other, but with an unexpected person, who they thought wasn't cool at first.

Krista Blakeney Bell's book, Who Dares , is great for teaching teenagers about speaking up and not hiding any crimes or suspicions of crimes. Like Toby and Rhys thought at first that Brandon was a trouble maker and in fact he was hiding something. For example, this book taught me that if I think someone committed a crime or will I should tell an adult or the authorities. I encourage preteens or teens to learn these lessons and read Who Dares . The book tells you that people can overcome their differences and become friends and no longer enemies.

Review written by Caitlin (7th grade student).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of Who Dares? for this review.

Have you read Who Dares?? How would you rate it?

Review: Shadow Magic by Kitty Wells

2012-01-25T06:29:00.001-06:00

Shadow Magic by Kitty Wells. A Pocket Cats Book.

David Fickling Books
Publication Date: July 2011
List Price: $13.99
ISBN-13: 9780385752008

Review: Ever thought of running off and dropping out of school? Ever imagined not having any friends to help you with homework? What about your cousin planning on dropping out of school because she and her parents move around the country so much, making it almost impossible for her to make friends? Maddy has small ceramic cats, and one big secret. Her ceramic cats can come to life as long there's a troublesome problem needs solving, and in Shadow Magic, by Kitty Wells, there is definitely a magical mess that Maddy and Nibs have to solve, in the second book in the Pocket Cats series.

In an earlier book in this series, Greykins, a nice, wise kitty who is about one inch tall, came to life. This time, it's Nibs's turn, and she hasn't been acting so friendly towards Maddy, if friendly at all. Maddy soon discovers that her cousin is planning on dropping out of school and running away. However, Maddy has no idea why. Is it because of something Maddy did or said? Has she offended her? There is only one way to find out, and that is... to spy! But will Maddy and Nibs be able to unite? Will they be too late to help Maddy's cousin? Will Maddy never see her cousin again? What would you do? Read Shadow Magic to ride the roller coaster of emotions, just the way I did as I read Shadow Magic.

Shadow Magic- what an intriguing title. I find it intriguing just because the word "shadow" sounds really cool. Plus, cats are such wonderful creatures, so I decided to give this book a try. To my great delight, it's an awesome book. It's very easy to understand, and you could easily understand the plot, even if you're starting with the second or third book in the series, Pocket Cats. Yes, this is the second book. I rate this book 5 stars because it helps kids to understand the values of friendship, as well as how necessary it is. Overall, this is a great book and should be recommended for kids ages 8-10 and up, for it's a very easy read and would increase their reading skills as they enjoy the thrills that Shadow Magic presents for all ages.

Review written by Tam (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Shadow Magic? How would you rate it?

Review: Rumors From the Boys' Room by Rose Cooper

2012-01-23T06:24:00.001-06:00

Rumors From the Boys' Room by Rose Cooper. A Blogtastic! Novel.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2011
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780385740845

Review: Hilarious, witty, and creative all describe the book Rumors from the Boys' Room. Rose Cooper does a great job portraying the strong emotions that the characters have for each other. The main character, Sofia, is a nosy seventh grade girl with a blog that she finds to be oh so popular but it is really is not as popular as she thinks. This is an anonymous blog, so no one in the school knows she is writing it! This fictional novel captures your mind while you read it. This is the second book in Blogtastic! The first book is called Gossip from the Girls' Room. What a great story from a great author.

Our story starts with our main character Sofia rethinking her ideas about blogging. She decides to only use rumors that she hears herself and publish them on her blog. Sofia's best friend Nona has this developing crush on the knew foreign exchange student named Lukas from Germany. Sofia, on the other hand, has a crush on a boy named Andrew. Although he has a crush on her arch nemesis, Mia St. Claire. Although this makes Sofia infuriated she has a school project that takes up much of her time. She blogs all about the gossip around school not always having the best sources or the most reliable information. In her mind, she thinks this will make her popular when she reveals her identity as the Blogtastic Blogger. This is a great way of showing exactly how rumors are spread though blogs and the internet.

I found Rumors from the Boys' Room to be a great way of showing how rumors can be spread way out of proportion. Things that are not true are often posted on blogs and sent in texts and after that, the whole world can read about them. Rose Cooper did a good job giving the characters real life emotions and really showing that through how they act and what they say. You can feel Sofia's hate for Mia by how she refers to her and how she talks about her. You can also tell how much she loves being Nona's friend by what she says about her in her journal. She also shows how characters grow and develop in their middle school years. Cooper displays how people change, as they grow older and what happens to many kids in middle school. There are some extremely funny jokes and great dialogue. Rose Cooper puts together an all-together great book that can be very real and and little bit of not real. It all comes together to make a truly spectacular book.

Review written by Kathryn (7th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Rumors From the Boys' Room for this review.

Have you read Rumors From the Boys' Room? How would you rate it?

Review: User Unfriendly by Vivian Vande Velde

2012-01-20T06:00:00.001-06:00

User Unfriendly by Vivian Vande Velde.

Magic Carpet Books
Publication Date: July 2012
List Price: $6.95
ISBN-13: 9780152163532

Review: Once again, we discover ourselves to be in the sanctuary of yet another Rassuman Gaming Center. And once again, we play a dangerous game, in medieval times. User Unfriendly, is written beautifully by Vivian Vande Velde. It is a dangerous story in which Arvin, Gianinne, Dominic, Shelton, Cleveland, Noah, Dawn Marie,and Arvin's mom play this dangerous medieval game, one they cannot leave unless they win. Everything goes perfectly fine at first, but that's just the beginning. It isn't long before everything goes horribly wrong...

...when Arvin's mother gets a terrible headache that cannot be relieved by magic. When the game characters start looping, saying things over and over again. When the group of warriors, thieves, and magic users discover they cannot leave this game unless they play it successfully. Unfortunately, that means they have to rescue Princess Dorinda from who-knows-what in who-knows-where. That is, if they were meant to save her after all. They might be led to another path, which they eventually have to take. Who knows? Meanwhile, Arvin's mother is slowly fading away, and might eventually disappear. Along their path, the group encounters a werwolf, goblins, orcs, sand hands, a stone troll, and a shape shifter. How will they solve this problem, and how did it come to be a problem in the first place? Really want to know? Read User Unfriendly yourself to find out.

I think this is a great book, with an incredible and slightly complicated plot. This is such an intriguing problem that needs to be solved, and the technology that painted the setting is just spectacular. The setting is more than a reader can ask for. It's this amazing countryside that gets you on the edge like, is that it? But then your blown away, because it's not just the countryside, it's the town in which if you leave, you cannot get back! I rate User Unfriendly 4.99 stars out of five stars. Not only is this book completely mind blowing, but Velde used such great terms to describe the settings! However, I feel that she didn't describe the characters enough. That is, because I had a difficult time visualizing the characters as I read. Did Arvin's character have a beard? Did Princess Dorinda have a lean body? Was Arvin's mother plump? Perhaps Shelton's a stubby little character. Or maybe his character always wears a bathrobe. I don't know, and I'd like to find out. It would be more reassuring for me to know what the characters looked like. However, all in all, this not only one of my new favorites, it's also a great book to read, and I advise you to read it, especially if you enjoy adventurous fun books.

Review written by Tam (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of User Unfriendly for this review.

Have you read User Unfriendly? How would you rate it?

Review: Charles Dickens and the Street Children of London by Andrea Warren

2012-01-18T06:17:00.001-06:00

Charles Dickens and the Street Children of London by Andrea Warren.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: November 2011
List Price: $18.99
ISBN-13: 9780547395746

Review: A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, are all familiar to people around the world All of those books were written by Charles Dickens. If you want to know more about Charles Dickens' life, look no further. Charles Dickens and the Street Children of London by Andrea Warren is a great book. It explains the source of all his book ideas.

1812, Portsmouth, England is where Charles John Huffman Dickens was born. Charles Dickens always wanted to go to school, but his father did not spend money wisely, and a result, he couldn't pay his debt and went to debtor's prison. Dickens sadly couldn't go to school because he was required to work at a factory to help his family pay off their debt. A few years later, Charles Dickens left the factory and went to school. However, he had to quit because his father went back to debtor's prison. As an adult, Dickens got a job as a critic reviewing plays. It was at this time when Dickens' friend told him there was a contest to write a book and the winning book would get published. Dickens decided to write a book, but because he was afraid the public would not like his book so he authored it as Boz. Little did Dickens know he would win the contest and become famous for The Pickwick Papers. Charles Dickens and the Street Children of London chronicles the life of Charles Dickens through his difficult youth and shows how The Pickwick Papers changed his life.

I give this book 4.3 star out of 5. Right when I read the first page, I was hooked instantly. This book informs readers about all of Dickens' life. Charles Dickens and the Street Children of London also the condition of poor people in London. In the back of the book, it lists all of Charles Dickens major works. The book also lets you know about Queen Victoria at the time while she ruled. It also lets you know about the legacy of the workhouse and child labor around the world today and how it affects children around the world. In the far back of the book you can see websites and other books on Charles Dickens. However you may not like how the book sometimes goes off topic to other people who helped London's poorest children. Nevertheless, you will want this book. If you have to do a project on a famous person, look no further and read this book on Charles Dickens. You want Charles Dickens and the Street Children of London, buy it NOW!

Review written by Max (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Charles Dickens and the Street Children of London for this review.

Have you read Charles Dickens and the Street Children of London? How would you rate it?

Review: The Frog Scientist by Pamela S. Turner

2012-01-16T05:38:00.001-06:00

The Frog Scientist by Pamela S. Turner. A Scientists in the Field Book.

Sandpiper
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9780547576985

Review: Saving the environment is a serious thing. These scientists try to save the environment to the maximum. The title of this book is The Frog Scientist. The main character is Tyrone Hayes, an environmental scientist who is studying effects of pesticides on amphibians. The author of this book is Pamela S. Turner, and the photographs are done by Andy Comins. This book is in a series called Scientists in the Field. There are more books just like this, such as The Snake Scientist.

This story is a unique tale following the work of Tyrone Hayes, who studies frogs to prove that pesticides are too dangerous to be used in nature. It starts out with a brief summary of his life up to his job, why he wants to work like this and how he did in college. Then it gets into his work. It tells in very good detail how the experiment works and how he performs it. He examines frog tissue from pesticide infected water and not pesticide infected water. Tyrone and his students collect their results, and then do their experiment over to make sure. The story is interesting and actually pretty exciting. The results are shocking, but you have to read the book to find out.

The Frog Scientist was a good book, and some of the things that I like the best about it are, the discoveries and great experiment descriptions. I liked the story of Tyrone and his road to success. What I didn't like is the grossness of a few images and descriptions. I think that some things are really gross and disturbing. Some people will not mind these pictures, but it is something to know about. Despite all of these small problems, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to protect nature. This book will appeal to these people a lot. Overall, I would rate this book an eight out of ten, because the disturbing facts and pictures brought it down a little. Read this book. It is a great story and I know that you will just love it.

Review written by Sean (7th grade student).

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

Have you read The Frog Scientist? How would you rate it?

Review: The Polar Bear Scientists by Peter Lourie

2012-01-13T05:32:00.001-06:00

The Polar Bear Scientists by Peter Lourie. A Scientists in the Field Book.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: January 2012
List Price: $18.99
ISBN-13: 9780547283050

Review: The sub-zero temperatures, high winds and the ice stretching out for miles in all directions may seem like a horrendous job for some people, but not the polar bear scientists. These people work in a barren landscape of snow and ice to protect and conserve the polar bears. In The Polar Bear Scientists, by Peter Lourie, you are brought into the world of the polar bear scientists in Barrow, Alaska. This non-fiction book leads you along three journeys of the polar bear scientists and has a lot of background information on the polar bears. It also includes many pictures to show you the brilliant landscape of ice and the magnificent polar bears.

The USGS (United States Geological Survey) has stationed a research base in Alaska, NARL (Naval Arctic Research Lab), to study the polar bears. The United States has been interested in polar bears since the 1960s when the species was threatened by hunting. Now, polar bears are being threatened by global warming, which is thought to be the cause of melting pack ice in the Arctic. Polar bears depend on the pack ice for hunting and without it, the population may decline. The scientists at Barrow are working hard to gather information that will teach us about the polar bear's health, how they react to climate change and how their environment impacts them. In The Polar Bear Scientists, you learn of two missions where this data is collected and analyzed. It is still unknown however, how much polar bears will be affected if the ice along the continental shelf melts.

One of my favorite things about this book is the descriptions of the Arctic and the polar bears. It helps you learn about the bears and helps you feel like you are on the Arctic pack ice with the scientists. On the other hand, what I dislike is that there is little excitement so the book goes at a medium pace. The beginning is slightly interesting; however, you do not get hooked until the middle where the author describes the polar bear captures. The beginning included the background on the polar bears and the polar bear scientists, which is important, but is not as intriguing as actually interacting with the polar bears. Another thing the author describes well is the polar bear scientists. The scientists who are described come from all different parts of the polar bear research project, so you get different points of views from each part of the project. The author also includes a glossary and a Polar Bear Field Guide so that you get a better understanding of the bears and their habitat. This is a fantastic section of the book for readers who do not have an expansive knowledge on polar bears or the Arctic. I rate this book an 8/10 because it is interesting, but did not go at a fast pace. To conclude, The Polar Bear Scientists by Peter Lourie is an amazing book about the adventurous lives of polar bear scientists.

Review written by Shannon (7th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Polar Bear Scientists for this review.

Have you read The Polar Bear Scientists? How would you rate it?

Review: Blood Wounds by Susan Beth Pfeffer

2012-01-11T05:57:00.001-06:00

Blood Wounds by Susan Beth Pfeffer.

Harcourt Childrens Books
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547496382

Review: Try having a killer on the loose that's your father knowing that he might kill you next. Blood Wounds By: Susan Beth Pfeffer is a story about a girl named Willa Coffey whose birthfather murders his step wife and two of his three daughters and has gone missing with another one of his daughters Krissi. Now Willa and her mother are on the lookout in case Dwayne "Budge" Coffey hoping to make them his next victims. Willa's life is completely turned upside down in "Blood Wounds" as everything she believes true to be different. Willa had no idea her biological father ever remarried' and she certainly had no idea that she had siblings, and now she realizes how little she really knew about her father.

Blood Wounds is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time you're reading it I know that because it sure kept me at the edge of mine. It was also thrill packed and very interesting to read. You can't tell what is going to happen next, and to me and a lot of other adventure seekers those are the best kinds of books out there. I also enjoyed how even though Willa's father is a murderer she doesn't feel any bit sorry for herself. She only feels sorry for her stepfamily that she never knew existed which makes her seem more real but less human. What I mean by that is of course someone in her pot would feel sorry for themselves which is what makes her human, what makes her seem inhuman is that she doesn't feel sorry for herself what person wouldn't feel sorry for themselves if their father is a killer? I also enjoyed how the book explains the situation really well so you can always understand what is happening I always knew what was going on, and was never once confused. Also I liked how Willa seems like someone who could be your best friend or someone you would meet on the street and would remember for the rest of your life even though there was no point in remembering that person. Also I liked how everyone seems like someone you would either know or would want to know.

I rate Blood Wounds ten out of ten because it is perfect for the age group it is listed for. It also truly shows how someone under that pressure and her age would react to the problem. I also enjoyed how real Willa is because her character struggles with her problems and resorts to cutting herself. The courage Willa shows when she asks for help and can be inspirational to someone who also cuts. Also it can help kids who have divorced parents to gain courage to tell their parents how they feel they are being treated, they could also can get the courage to ask them about their other parent like Willa does further in the story. Also I liked how this book makes you feel like you are right alongside Willa and her family. It was an amazing book to read and to write a review about. Blood Wounds is an amazing book to read because it is was jam-packed with action and adventure. That is why I rate this book a ten out of ten.

Review written by Mia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Blood Wounds for this review.

Have you read Blood Wounds? How would you rate it?

Review: The Phantom Tollbooth 50th Anniversary Edition by Norton Juster

2012-01-09T05:58:00.001-06:00

The Phantom Tollbooth 50th Anniversary Edition by Norton Juster.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2011
List Price: $24.00
ISBN-13: 9780375869037

Review: Norton Juster has re-released a book that will blow your socks off - The Phantom Tollbooth. In this classic tale, Milo, Tock (a helpful watchdog), and Humbug are on a mission to bring Rhyme and Reason back to Wisdom. Milo is a typical boy who is bored with school and bored with life. However, in The Phantom Tollbooth, Milo's world is turned upside down.

One afternoon, Milo comes home from school and finds a package with his name on it. He opens it and finds a note stating that the package contains a tollbooth that will take him to one of two places. He picks Dictionopolis. Milo gets into the provided car and begins his adventure. Milo quickly finds that something is not quite right in this new world. For instance, his car only goes if he is thinking. Eventually, however, Milo makes it to Dictionopolis where he is given the ultimate task to bring back Rhyme and Reason. However, both the King of Dictionopolis and the King of Digitopolis banished Rhyme and Reason, and Milo needs both their approval to bring Rhyme and Reason back. The Kings, however, haven't agreed on anything since they banished Rhyme and Reason. Will Milo be able to convince the warring brothers that Rhyme and Reason need to be released? What other adventures will Milo and his newfound friends face along the way?

The Phantom Tollbooth hooked me right from the beginning with all of its twists and turns. The author built up suspense by putting the three main characters into dangerous situations. I tried to guess what was coming next, but I was way off. He also uses a lot of figurative language. For example, Tock is a watchdog that has a body made out of a watch. I never wanted to stop reading. The craziness and excitement of this fantasy made it a must read. This book was one of the best books I have ever read.

Review written by Michael (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Phantom Tollbooth 50th Anniversary Edition for this review.

Have you read The Phantom Tollbooth 50th Anniversary Edition? How would you rate it?

Review: Circus Galacticus by Deva Fagan

2012-01-06T17:27:00.002-06:00

Circus Galacticus by Deva Fagan.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: November 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547581361

Review: I went galaxies and beyond when I read the book Circus Galacticus. I loved the book Circus Galacticus, written by Deva Fagan. The main characters are Trix and Nola. Trix is an orphan whose parents died when she was young, and Nola is a friend Trix makes when she boards the circus.

One day, Trix goes on a field trip to the circus with her orphanage group. At the circus, she abandons her class and falls into the circus through the Hall of Mirrors. Trix had read about the Hall of Mirrors on a poster hanging up at the orphanage before the circus, which is why she abandons the orphanage's group at the circus. After she falls into the circus tent, she meets Nola who is a tech; a tech is someone who helps with the technology of the show. To find out where someone will perform in the circus, they have to take tests and Mrs. Three decides where they will perform. Trix is placed as a clown, and this opens a world for her- here on Earth and then millions of galaxies away. Read Circus Galacticus to experience exploding chocolate desserts, space leeches, and many other oddities with Trix.

Circus Galacticus is an excellent book and deserves four out of five stars. I give it only four stars because the beginning is a little confusing. However, it is worth the little bit of confusing start. Once you get through the beginning you are sure to never want to stop reading. In the middle there are many amazing details. All of the details make you feel as if you are almost in the story. This book is a great book and shows you to always believe in your self. It also shows the meaning of friendship and to never give up. Deva Fagan is a truly amazing author. If you like Sci-Fi and adventure be sure to read Deva Fagan's book Circus Galacticus.

Review written by Hannah (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Circus Galacticus for this review.

Have you read Circus Galacticus? How would you rate it?

Review: Flat Broke by Gary Paulsen

2012-01-04T11:07:00.002-06:00

Flat Broke by Gary Paulsen. A Companion to Liar, Liar.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: July 2011
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780385740029

Review: Kevin, like all boys likes one special girl. With him telling lies all of the time, he now finds himself with no allowance for a month and completely out of money. In this stand-alone book, Flat Broke by Gary Paulsen, Kevin tries to come up with new ways of making some money. From baking brownies and cookies, to cleaning out garages, Kevin tries everything to make money. Before he knows it, he's got so many activities to handle that he can't keep track of them all. Kevin then learns that money isn't the key to everything.

Trying to impress the girl of his dreams is one thing, and losing his allowance for a month is another. When Kevin tries to start his own little businesses, he's busy all twelve hours of the day. He's renting out places, and helping other kids make some money so they can give him some of the profit. Kevin is making good money and everything is looking good until his workers leave and other people offer better deals than him. Kevin then learns the value of money, but is it too late?

I rate this book a seven out of ten. I prefer action and fantasy novels so Flat Broke really was not my type of book. However, I'm confident that others will love this book though. It is a story worth reading. One example that I liked most about this book is that it will teach you a lesson about the value of money. Like Kevin, readers will realize that money isn't everything, and that there are other more important things in life.

Gary Paulsen has written many other good books, and for people who enjoy a good realistic fiction novel with a solid moral, this one is certainly one of the best.

Review written by William (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Flat Broke? How would you rate it?

Review: Inheritance by Christpher Paolini

2012-01-02T06:29:00.001-06:00

Inheritance by Christpher Paolini. An Inheritance Cycle Book.

Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 2011
List Price: $27.99
ISBN-13: 9780375856112

Review: Have you ever traveled to a world beyond imagination? That world could be defined as Alagaesia. But right now it is at war. In Inheritance written by Christopher Paolini, also part of the four book Inheritance series, the Varden are trying to overthrow the almighty king Galbatorix. They have had a very long battle and it is finally wearing down. The battle is at the hardest stage for the Varden. They have to battle two of the strongest cities around. And then to cap it off, they have to beat Galbatorix and Shruikan. All races including humans, elves, dwarfs, urgals, and riders alike will fight for the Varden. But will this be enough to defeat the corrupted king and save Alagaesia?

Eragon is the last free dragon rider with his dragon Saphira, and Arya is a messenger. However, they all bow down to Nasuada. Because they have gone through many battles and won with her as leader. She has been the leader of the Varden ever since her dad died. Now the war is close to ending. With everybody on her side, she has won the battles with ease. But the main question is whether somebody could replace her. Because when Murtagh kidnaps Nasuada, Eragon is forced to take over. Can Eragon and Saphira win the biggest battle of them all, or will he die trying?

I rate Inheritance five out of five. Paolini is one of the top authors of all time. With his combination of creativity and details, he can go far. Inheritance is just his first homerun. I would even say this is the best book of the series. This book paints a picture bigger than the mind can see. When I met him, it showed me that he is a kind and inspired man. The Inheritance Cycle is just the spark of his certainly prolific writing career. Inheritance is a must read. It contains one of Eragon and Saphira's best adventures yet. Plus, the details that book contains will make you feel as if you are in the adventure yourself. This book can be thoroughly enjoyed at all ages. The quote "I just wanted to make him understand," said by Eragon means that he didn't even mean to kill Galbatorix. It also meant that he just wants to show Galbatorix how much pain he has caused and how he had been truly selfish. That quote painted a whole picture about how intense life is in Alagaesia. This book shows a whole lot about the adventure and how this really would represent Alagaesian history. Finally, Eragon's character is easy to relate to. He is a noble, courageous man who would sacrifice anything to free the people of Alagaesia. He is also a brave soldier who fights cleanly and will fight until his last breath. I hope this book inspires like Saphira's fires.

Review written by Joseph (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Joseph for providing a copy of Inheritance for this review.

Have you read Inheritance? How would you rate it?

Review: Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde

2011-12-30T06:47:00.001-06:00

Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde.

Magic Carpet Books
Publication Date: June 2004
List Price: $6.95
ISBN-13: 9780152051259

Review: Rassuman Gaming Center can be fun; however, it's also very dangerous. It depends if anybody breaks in and ruins the equipment. That happened only once, but of course, they had to be when Gianinne's hooked up to a game called Heir Apparent, which is also the title of this tragic, mysterious novel, written by Vivian Vande Velde.

Gianinne visits the Rassuman Gaming Center and all is fine, until some people - who are wrong to believe they are civilized- break into the control center, and alter the technology while Gianinne is hooked up to a game! As a result, she is trapped Heir Apparent, and she cannot get out unless she wins this impossible puzzle. That means Gianinne must find the magic ring, answer a sort of dwarf, troll, wizard thing and his stupid riddles, create a poem for the head-chopping statue, make dozens of ghosts disappear, and return to the barbarians the crown that turns objects into gold. Oh! Did I forget to mention that the crown is guarded by a man-eating dragon? And that Janine, Gianinne's character, has limited life... and time? Yeah, there are way too many ways to get killed. Unfortunately for Janine, this is her first time playing this game, so the odds are against her. Is it possible that she will win the game in the limited time she has? Or will she be mentally demented for the rest of her life? Read Heir Apparent to find out!

I personally, strongly, believe that I've been blessed with great books. Vivian Vande Velde is a better author than I can ever imagine. If there is a sequel to this book, I'll be sure that get my hands on it; I can promise anybody that. Not only does the book have a setting that in a technologically advanced world, Velde also manages to make it mimic medieval life too! However, as much praise I give, I still have to admit that I rate this book 4.999 stars. First of all, the characters are not developed enough for my liking. When I was trying to sketch the characters, I really struggled. It was like a mystery to me. On the other hand, I loved her writing style. For instance, "It was my fourteenth birthday, and I was arguing with a bus. How pathetic was that?" Another example of just plain fun writing is, "Just then, her desk dragon pooped on the desk. I should have taken it as an omen." She reveals a lot about her characters though the dialogue, "Ouch. Not a very good first impression on my family. And what was that awful smell? Oh yeah. That was me."

Review written by Tam (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Heir Apparent for this review.

Have you read Heir Apparent? How would you rate it?

Review: Dogs in the Dead of the Night by Mary Pope Osborne

2011-12-28T06:31:00.001-06:00

Dogs in the Dead of the Night by Mary Pope Osborne. A Magic Tree House Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780375868245

Review: Have you ever had to search for something small in a large, uncommon place? In the book, Dogs in the Dead of Night (Dogs in the Dead of Night #46 in Magic Treehouse series) by Mary Pope Osborne, brother and sister Jack and Annie have to travel back in time to the Swiss Alps during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte. Their task is to find a rare flower to save their friends. On their quest, they then meet a dog named Barry and offer to train him, but he runs away. Now they have a new task…. To find Barry!

Jack and Annie better prepare for the worst! After they are sent back in time to the Swiss Alps in search of a wild flower, Jack and Annie are caught up in an avalanche. Fortunately, they are rescued by monks and Saint Bernard's who live at a nearby monastery. It is there where Annie makes a big mistake. One of the mischief-making Saint Bernard's named Barry is causing ruckus around the monastery, so Annie offers to train him. While attempting to train him, Barry accidently rips up a book and runs away from the monastery out of shame. Scared and worried, Jack and Annie head out to search for Barry. Will Jack and Annie find Barry and the flower to save their friends?

Dogs in the Dead of Night is a very entertaining, funny book with many thrills. I liked how the author describes the characters emotions. For example when Barry tears up Jack's Alps book, Jack is enraged with anger as he walks in the room and sees the mess. I also really liked the setting of the story. For example, the Swiss Alps and the monastery are an unusual and interesting setting for the story. But the setting also gives it a twist because of the effect it had on the problems that jack and Annie faced. For example, when jack and Annie were searching for Barry, an avalanche occurred and became an obstacle. Although the book is fantastic, it seemed as if the book was rushed and before I knew it was already the ending. I this book would be for kids who are new to chapter books. All in all, I think that this book is great for a reader who loves good laughs and adventures. Dogs in the Dead of Night deserves 4 out of 5 stars.

Review written by Sam K. (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Dogs in the Dead of the Night for this review.

Have you read Dogs in the Dead of the Night? How would you rate it?

Review: Paintings from the Cave: Three Novellas by Gary Paulsen

2011-12-26T06:47:00.001-06:00

Paintings from the Cave: Three Novellas by Gary Paulsen.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780385746847

Review: Everyone always has something, some object, thought, or task, they do or think of to get away from unfortunate things in their lives. Whether it's loving animals, reading a book, or hiding somewhere; there is always something; that being said, what do you do to escape reality? I have read many Gary Paulsen books; therefore I know he's an unbelievably talented author. To me, Paintings from the Cave by Gary Paulsen is quite possibly one of his best novels yet. Like many of his books, the main characters include kids, teenagers, and or animals.

One aspect of this book is that it was divided into three stories. Each 40-64 page story includes three different characters: in the first story the main character is a boy named Jake, the second story is a girl named Jo, and in the third story's main character was a boy named Jamie. Each story is incredibly different however, all of the stories have one thing in common; they are all about kids facing difficulties within their families and aren't exactly living the life they would want to live. For instance, in the first book, Jake, who has always believed that if "you stop moving, you're done", lives with an aunt that is an alcoholic and doesn't pay any attention to him. Jake adapts this motto because of the fear he feels toward a character named Blade. Blade is a criminal, a drug dealer who scares the living daylights out of Jake, so Jake does everything in his power to avoid him. Blade is never arrested [not that the police wouldn't bother to show up to those run down apartments], and is always on the lookout for more henchmen to do his dirty work. Jake has learned to keep a low profile, but that isn't enough. The infamous criminal Blade wants him now. But the real question is, can he escape from Blade, or will he end up working for the criminal, like most of the other young kids in the apartment complex for the rest of his life? Read the Paintings from the Cave to find out.

Secondly, the next story is about a girl named Jo who like Jake isn't living how she would like to live. Joe lives in a trailer with her mom and dad who are horrific parents and alcoholics. They are constantly screaming at each other and fighting. Luckily, she too learns how to fly below the radar and passes by unnoticed. Joe's way to forget about her life is to surround herself with dogs of any kind. Like any other dog owner, Joe takes her dogs for daily walks. Unlike many dog owners however, she takes her dogs to the woods where she met another girl that love dogs just as much as she does, her name is Rose. Jo and Rose quickly became best friends but sadly isn't long before Joe discovers that Rose has been diagnosed with leukemia. The more time the girls spend together the more affectionate Joe's dogs become towards Rose. Rose is embarrassed by her illness and tries to isolate herself. Can their friendship be saved? Will Rose survive through her experience? Read the Paintings from the Cave to find out.

Lastly, the third and final story included in this book is about a girl named Jamie. Like the second story, this girl has a special love for dogs. Unfortunately Jamie and her older brother are being physically abused .so they decide to move out of that house. Her brother Erik is very serious and understands that in order to support his sister and himself he needs to work two jobs. Erik relentlessly works around the clock to provide and is very strict about money. In contrast, Jamie is loving and more of a free spirit. She finds herself drawn to a local dog park; where she spends the day sketching dogs. She is noticed by a volunteer from the pet shelter and is offered a deal. His offer is to give her ten dollars per portrait, he believes that her drawings will aid in finding dogs new homes. Things seem to be looking up for the siblings, or so it seems. Are Jamie and Erik really capable of balancing their new life? Can Eric keep working two jobs or will he start to crack? Will Jaime take the generous offer and sell her sketches? If you truly want to dig down deeper read Paintings from the Cave and find out what mysteries lay behind the cover of this book.

In closing, and as I mentioned earlier, I think Paintings from the Cave includes many elements essential for a great novel and is a ideal example of what young readers books should be like. One thing I was pleased about was the flow of the book, It is imperative that every book has a good flow and isn't choppy as many books are. Books that go too far off track always make me lose interest. Gary Paulsen has made himself of the best authors of all time. Paulsen has written brilliant book after book including Hatchet, Dog song, and The Rifle. Therefore, I agree with Publishers Weekly when they say "Paulsen writes another touching story about human kindness and humanity…… This emotional coming of - age journey about taking responsibility for one's own happiness and making personal connections will not disappoint". The reason I agree so greatly with Publisher Weekly on this particular quote is because Paulsen's books truly are touching are I can always count on his books to excite, inspire and certainly not disappoint me. Gary Paulsen has created a legacy and it is in fact an honor to be reviewing one of his books. To conclude, I am very eager to dive into another one of Gary Paulsen's epic works of art.

Review written by Kaleb (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Paintings from the Cave: Three Novellas for this review.

Have you read Paintings from the Cave: Three Novellas? How would you rate it?

Review: The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

2011-12-23T06:29:00.001-06:00

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan. A Heroes of Olympus Book.

Hyperion Books
Publication Date: October 2011
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9781423140597

Review: Do you ever wonder what it is like to be a child of a god? In The Son of Neptune written by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson has lost his memory. Percy has to fight monsters, go to a camp of warriors, and survive getting attacked by giants. And if you think that is hard, try making some friends along the way. Percy meets a few new people to the Heroes of Olympus series. Those people begin with Frank, Hazel, Octavian, Reyna, Terminus, and last but not least, the giants. But when Thanatos is captured by Gaea, and her son Alcaeus, It is up to Percy and friends to save the day. And what is worse than having a time limit. With the Feast of Fortuna coming up and an attack by a giant's army, will they escape this adventure with their lives?

The Romans and Greeks have never been friends. In The Lost Hero,the first book in the series, Jason is barely kept alive a result of conflict. In The Son of Neptune Percy could have been killed if hadn't been for Juno. They are also very similar. Jason is a son of a forbidden god and so is Percy. They meet up with the rivals to their gods and have to face-off with them. Percy and Jason have unique fighting strategies. Jason forces a god to teleport, but can Percy kill one? And how will the other similarities affect Percy's quest? Will those similarities save Percy and his friends?

The Son of Neptune is a tremendous book. It fills you with all sorts of emotions and surprises you every time you turn the page. This book can be viewed as many genres and is a book for all ages. If your friend says they can't read it because it is so long, then tell them that its length is what makes it so an excellent read. It tells of a great story and its many details keep you up to pace. This book is a must read and will also teach you Roman words. The Son of Neptune is one book that is perfect for a long trip when you can get brought up to date in Rick Riordan's novels. This book was one of the greatest I have ever read. In fact I cannot wait for Rick Riordan's next book. The Son of Neptune sets high standards for authors worldwide. Individual parts of the book shined the most. I would even say Athena's wisdom would be rivaled by Rick Riordan. The quote that I thought was important to the book was when Juno says, "So what will it be? Safety, or a future of pain and possibility?" That meant a lot to me because if he crossed over he could die and if he didn't, he would get chased by gorgons until they find his weak spot and kill him. So he has to make the choice that is better for everybody else. It also shows that he is as selfless as a true warrior that wants to win a battle even if it means he would sacrifice himself. "All hail Rick Riordan" will fill everybody's mind once they read The Son of Neptune.

Review written by Joseph (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Joseph for providing a copy of The Son of Neptune for this review.

Have you read The Son of Neptune? How would you rate it?

Review: The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster with annotations by Leonard S. Marcus

2011-12-21T06:02:00.002-06:00

The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster with annotations by Leonard S. Marcus.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2011
List Price: $29.99
ISBN-13: 9780375857157

Review: Fifty years ago, a young architect who was given a grant to write a children's book about urban planning & design felt as if he was "about to be buried alive under a mountain of facts." During an escape he met a young boy who was bound and determined to find, once and for all, the largest number. Completely amused by the young boy, this architect was filled with new life and a new idea for a book. Little did he know his book would still be celebrated fifty years later! This young architect was Norton Juster, and his novel is The Phantom Tollbooth - a book that has not only been a staple in classrooms across the country, but has also been made into a musical! Today, Leonard S. Marcus has made a classic even better. The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth is the original story supplemented by an intriguing introduction and hundreds of annotations.

The Phantom Tollbooth is an exercise in figurative language. It is the type of story that can be read over and over again at different stages of a reader's development and take on new meanings each time! Now with the annotated edition, the depth of understand a reader will have is astounding. Marcus' annotations are clearly the result of extensive research and richly support the text. He includes information that he learned as a result of interviews and his own analysis of the book. He also has incorporated actually copies of notes that Juster took when he was planning his novel. For example, in the story it says "Easy as falling off a log." Apparently Juster did an entire warm-up exercise to brainstorm idiomatic expressions that might lend themselves to comedy. A copy of his notes is included in the annotations! The annotations provide the reader with a much deeper understanding of the story and provide ideas for even further information. Juster uses verbal paradoxes throughout the novel, and Marcus offers a suggestion for further reading on such a literary style. As a teacher, The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth is essential to teaching the novel, however, even for the casual reader, the annotations will make an already amazing story even more thought-provoking and fascinating!

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth for this review.

Have you read The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth? How would you rate it?

Review: Show Time by Sue Stauffacher

2011-12-18T06:22:00.001-06:00

Show Time by Sue Stauffacher. An Animal Rescue Team Book.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 2011
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780375858505

Review: Have you ever had to deal with squirrels that were too friendly with people terrorizing a college and a veteran's facility and also winning a jump rope competition at the same time? Well, an ordinary girl named Keisha has to deal with both of these. In the book Show Time (from the Animal Rescue Team series) by Sue Stauffacher, squirrels had been scaring some of the students and staff at a local college and it's up to Keisha and the Animal Rescue Team to stop them! But Keisha also has a jump rope competition to win. Can she do it all?

Keisha Carter and her family's problems all change when they get a call from Mt. Mercy College, about squirrels frightening the students and staff! So the Animal Rescue Team (Keisha and her family) arrives at the scene to investigate. In order to gather up more clues about the situation, the team has to make some careful decisions about the squirrel situation. Meanwhile, Keisha has to deal with some of her own problems. The Grand River Steppers jump rope team has a chance of placing in the finals, but Keisha is so nervous that she keeps messing up her routine! While working on the squirrel situation, Keisha meets Sergeant Pinkham, a retired war veteran that is getting used to his new prosthetic. Keisha tells Sarge about her problems with her jump rope routine and her squirrel situation. He encourages her and tells her she will succeed but only if she stays focused and practices the routine. He just might be the person to help Keisha calm down, have fun and do well at the competition. Can Keisha get over her problems and do well in the competition? And will the team finish their problem with the squirrels?

Show Time is a great book for kids from 2nd to 4th grade. It is a book full of laughs and surprises that make the reader want to continue reading. A part of the book that made me laugh was when Razi was performing his tap dance routine at the school performance and he fell on his bottom! Also, I liked how the author made the reader think of how the characters were going to solve their problems and decisions. For example, when they first wet to the Mt. Mercy College they didn't know where to start with their investigation. This made me think of where would be a good place for them to look first. I did not like that in one chapter it would talk about the squirrel situation but in the next chapter it would be something different with a new place and new characters. All in all, I think this book is great for someone who loves a few jokes and many surprises. Show Time deserves 4 out 5 stars.

Review written by Sam K. (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Show Time? How would you rate it?

Review: Also Known as Rowan Pohi by Ralph Fletcher

2011-12-16T06:16:00.000-06:00

Also Known as Rowan Pohi by Ralph Fletcher.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: November 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547572086

Review: A once in a lifetime opportunity, an application to Whitestone Prep, and the hands of Bobby Steele. You'd never guess how it ends up. The author of, Also Known As Rowan Pohi, is Ralph Fletcher. Fletcher takes you on a wild and crazy adventure as we follow "Rowan Pohi."

Soon-to-be 16 year old Bobby Steele and his friends, (Marcus and Big Poobs) are sitting at their local hangout, IHOP, when they come across an application to Whitestone Prep. Whitestone is a very fancy private school where only rich kids go. But when the boys decide to mess around and send a fake application in, under the fake name Rowan Pohi, they end up in a sticky situation. The application is actually accepted! And Bobby decides to become Rowan Pohi! But Bobby decides not to tell any one that he is going to Whitestone. Now, Bobby doesn't have the best background either, so when he gets a chance he takes it. Bobby's father went to jail for hurting his wife a year ago. Now he is back, but his wife left. At first Bobby's plan is working well, he even develops a relationship with a few people. But, soon a school bully and his friends figure out his secret! With upset friends and a threatening school bully, what will Bobby do? Will he run away and hide? Or, will he stand up for himself?

Also Known As Rowan Pohi is a great book. It includes drama, comedy, and even a little romance. I love the character that Fletcher made. Bobby sounds like a regular boy just trying to get by. I also very much enjoyed the comedic feel that Fletcher gave it. It helps make the story more interesting. At the same time I would not let an under-aged child read this book because it does have some foul language. Other than that it's the perfect story. The graphics supplied in Also Known As Rowan Pohi allow you to imagine yourself there next to Bobby, experiencing what he experiences. As much as this book is funny, it is emotional as well. Fletcher's amazing detail makes you feel how Bobby feels. And when he's in trouble, you feel sympathy for him. I cherish that in books. One of my favorite things about fictional books is that you get to "live" out your fantasies through the characters. And that is exactly what happened in Also Known As Rowan Pohi. That is my favorite quality in a book. So, if you've got some extra time, pick up Also Known As Rowan Pohi, I think you'll enjoy it.

Review written by Savannah (7th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Also Known as Rowan Pohi for this review.

Have you read Also Known as Rowan Pohi? How would you rate it?

Review: The White City by John Claude Bemis

2011-12-14T06:52:00.001-06:00

The White City by John Claude Bemis. A Clockwork Dark Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780375855689

Review: A fantastic and adventurous tale, The White City, written by John Claude Bemis, is a blast of fantasy in the bustling city of Chicago. Action swarms around every corner as Ray and his friends fight off the darkness that could change the fate of the world. But as this daunting battle transforms to complete war, the World hangs on its final thread. No matter what the result of the war is, Ray's and Conker's lives are about to change forever.

As the Clockwork Series draws into its third book, Ray and his friends work together from both sides in order to bring down the Gog. Ray and Jolie chase after Ray's sister while searching for his father in the Gloaming. Conker and his friends are already in Chicago and are attempting to retrieve the Nine Pound Hammer. Although the numbers are against them, and most of Chicago is under the influence of the Gog, the Ramblers are determined to foil his evil plans. But Ray and Conker are quickly running out of time. The Gog's machine, the machine of death destroyed by John Henry, is almost rebuilt. Ray and Conker must drive the hammer into the machine's heart before it awakes. But killing the machine is not enough. In order for the machine to truly be destroyed forever, the idea of it must be destroyed as well. This means that the Gog must die as well. Will Ray and Conker be able to save the world, or will the world's final thread snap after their failure?

An amazing story of great courage and strength, The White City perfectly drew together American myths and legends into a fantastic fantasy. I would recommend this story and series to anyone who has an interest in fantasy or who wants to pick up a good book. I feel that The White City will attract readers ten and up mainly for its vocabulary. Before reading this series, I had no interest in mythology and very limited love for fantasy. By reading these books however, I have learned to give them a chance and have found that I enjoy them very much. I give this book five stars for its ties to mythology, fantasy, and historic America. John Claude Bemis is an inspiring author and I have high hopes that he will continue his writing career. In fact, I am positive that this is not the last time we will hear his name.

Review written by Brandon (8th grade student).

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

Have you read The White City? How would you rate it?

Review: The White Fox by James Bartholomeusz

2011-12-12T06:14:00.001-06:00

The White Fox by James Bartholomeusz.

Medallion Press
Publication Date: December 2011
List Price: $9.95
ISBN-13: 9781605424620

Review: Have you ever been out of this universe to a different planet and had to learn alchemy? Jack Lawson has this experience with his friend, Lucy. When the Cult of Dionysus, the people of dark alchemy, attacks Earth in search for the Door of Darkness, tragedy strikes the town of Birchford. Jack and Lucy flee Earth to go to the planet of Rauthr. After weeks of combat and alchemy training, Jack and Lucy meet up with the Cult once again. In this stand-alone book, The White Fox by James Bartholomeusz, will Jack survive?

Jack and Lucy barely survive on Earth. While traveling to Rauthr, a white fox follows him. Upon arriving there, Jack and Lucy meet elves and dwarves. They look for the leader of the Apollonians, Sardar, who guides the people of light alchemy. Jack and Lucy go through weeks of combat and alchemy training to prepare for battle. The Cult of Dionysus appears unexpectedly and battle takes place.

I rate this book a five out of five. The White Fox is very suspenseful, keeping me on the edge of my seat almost every second. I found it difficult to put the book down. "The beast's body fell into the heart of the volcano and its spirit was fused with the mountain itself." is an example of how the author's writing kept me captivated. The story is also OUTSTANDING. The various planets, creatures and state of involving alchemy are very interesting to me. I like how the author uses his imagination to create this extraordinary story. I would recommend this book to a friend, but only with a high reading level. There are a few words that I stumbled on, but managed to understand. The author should make a series of this story. There are no downsides to this book, being one of the best I have ever read.

In my opinion, The White Fox should win many awards. A good story lies within this book. It was very enjoyable to read and I will read it again.

Review written by William (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Medallion Press for providing a copy of The White Fox for this review.

Have you read The White Fox? How would you rate it?

Review: In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton

2011-12-09T06:45:00.001-06:00

In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton. A Goblin Wars Book.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: November 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547435602

Review: Imagine this: you have goblin blood inside you. There's no way to get it out, and you desperately want to get rid of it. Goblins are ready to kill, kill, KILL! You're a good person, and you're in love! But you have a decision ahead of you, that you can change your life. You could kill and pretend that you have no idea, or curl up in a ball and die. But, you can also fight the fight, even though it might be useless. Well, this is the situation that Teagan Wylltston faces, just inside the pages of In the Forest of the Night, from the Goblin Wars series, by Kersten Hamilton. This is, however, the second book, so consider reading the first book before reading this one.

Teagan (or Rosebud, as her dad formally calls her) has recently fallen in love with Finn. However, she cannot lead the life she wants, not until they banish all evil from Mag Mell, a magical place in which magical creatures roam. And she's is becoming sicker by the second, and it just so happens that the sickness is growing because of Fear Doirich. He's not bad, no, he's EVIL! But he's not the only one, Kyle, who's body is asleep in Mag Mell, is dangerous! He, too, is ready to kill, just like others who have goblin blood. The rest? You'll just have to read this book and find out.

For a series like this, I can't think of a better author than Kersten Hamilton. She used such descriptive phrases! In the Forest of the Night includes romance, adventure, and mystery. The combination of all three caused a lot of emotions to explode inside me. Excitement, anxiousness, and I constantly felt on the edge, as if I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book. If my memory was constantly being erased like Mr. Wylltston's memory, I would keep rereading this book. It's that good. At first, I didn't really understand the plot, because I had not read the first book, and maybe, if I looked at the cover closer, I would have noticed that it said "Book Two". However, this is not the first series that I've read the second book before the first one. I WILL, though, make sure that I read the first book, Tyger Tyger. And once the third book comes out, I'll make sure I'll read that one too. I rate In the Forest of the Night five stars.

Review written by Tam (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of In the Forests of the Night for this review.

Have you read In the Forests of the Night? How would you rate it?

Review: The Sign of the Black Rock by Scott Chantler

2011-12-07T06:36:00.001-06:00

The Sign of the Black Rock by Scott Chantler. A Three Thieves Book.

Kids Can Press
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $17.95
ISBN-13: 9781554534166

Review: There are many books about thieves, right? True, however, none of the thieves are like the ones we deal with in this story. These thieves are not the parkour action escape type. These thieves are actually much nicer ones. Scott Chantler has written an eye capturing graphic novel that will be good for a wide range of kids and adults. It is a fun and exciting read for a diverse group of people. The Sign of the Black Rock is the second book in the Three Thieves series. The main characters are the Three Thieves (a girl - Dessa, a norker-a small grumpy creature, and fisk- a very large and strong creature), and an innkeeper.

After attempting to steal from the queen's treasury, the 3 thieves, now fugitives are on the run to avoid being caught. It won't be too easy with the queen's dragons after them. They are even offering a "reward" for them. Eventually, they find themselves trapped. That happens after someone tricks them and they do not have Fisk to help them. The innkeeper does not really care for his wife Eudora, and puts her in charge of watching over the thieves but she and Dessa become friends. With dragons after them, escape is far away, but at the same time much closer than they think.

This book is filled with suspense which is one of the many things I enjoyed about this book. You never know what is going to happen next as the 3 fugitives are on the run to safety. The highlight of the book is definitely the suspense because for the most part you don't know what will happen next. Dessa has something "valuable" that was taken. She wants "it" so badly that she has to escape in order to get it. There are only a few negative parts about this novel which actually do not have to do with the storyline. An example of this is that the name of the book does not have anything to do with the story itself, so that kind of threw me off. A title I would suggest for this story is Thieves on the Run . This addition to the first book in the series is an attention-grabbing read. I recommend it to anyone 9-13 who is looking for a fascinating and fun, relaxing read. Overall, I feel this book is well written and entertaining. I rate it a solid 7 out of 10.

Review written by Sahil (7th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates for providing a copy of The Sign of the Black Rock for this review.

Have you read The Sign of the Black Rock? How would you rate it?

Review: Who Cares? by Krista Blakeney Bell

2011-12-05T06:35:00.001-06:00

Who Cares? by Krista Blakeney Bell.

Kane Miller
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $4.99
ISBN-13: 9780734404664

Review: Krista Blakeney Bell outdoes herself in this tale of secrets and surfers. Who Cares is a must-read, so start reading. Toby and Rhys are your average 14-year-old boys. They have hobbies of their own, families of their own, and of course…there's always that one big secret hiding behind the walls of every person. Toby attends an all-boys school, which makes his love for tap-dancing something he needs to keep quiet. Rhys, who goes to school with Toby, has a huge secret of his own, something no one can know about.

Toby and Rhys' moms are old friends from college. When they accidentally run into each other at the grocery store, things for Toby and Rhys get interest. Rhys' family owns a beach house in Lorne, and Toby's mom wants him to spend the week there while she's on a business trip in Hong Kong. Toby isn't too keen on the idea, but he goes along for his mother's sake. Toby and Rhys don't know each other very well. Other than the fact that they both enjoy surfing, they have nothing in common. But when Toby tells Rhys of his passion for tap-dancing, Rhys feels the need to keep his own secret far from the ears of his new friend. The only thing is…Rhys' secret is turning ugly, fast. And he has to get Toby out of Lorne before he discovers any more about it. Everyone has secrets. And one way or another, they always come out.

When I look at any other book I have ever read about the bond between children, this has to be one of the best. The author takes some of the most incomprehensible thoughts that almost all children have and turns it into a great novel. When someone tells you to read Harry Potter or something, don't listen. Read this book. Read it, memorize it, and learn all you can from the words of Krista Blakeney Bell. Because what I only just figured out as I closed the back of this book is that a true friend won't care about what secrets you have. Every time you start worrying about what they're going to think, they surprise you by flat out saying, "Who cares?"

Review written by Amber (7th grade student).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of Who Cares? for this review.

Have you read Who Cares?? How would you rate it?

Review: The Undrowned Child by Michelle Lovric

2011-12-02T06:29:00.001-06:00

The Undrowned Child by Michelle Lovric.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739993

Review: The city is sinking, the seagulls are murdering, and Teodora needs to hasten! In my opinion, The Undrowned Child written by Michelle Lovric is a very remarkable book. This thrilling book is about a thirteen year old girl named Teodora who isn't aware of the fact that she is already part of Venice history and more importantly doesn't even know that she was born in Venice. After begging her step-parents to take a trip to the strangely appealing city of Venice, she finally has the privilege of going to the slowly but surely sinking city. Being the bookworm she is, one of the first things Teodora does when she arrives in Venice is travel to the library. Unfortunately, she gets knocked down by a book [which as it turns out, is not a coincidence] gets awfully ill and enters a very peculiar world known as "between the linings" where only children, ghosts, and of course mermaids can she her. Luckily, she bears a book that gives her knowledge on how to overcome the challenges and tasks she will come across on her journey. She goes on a journey with a conceited; know it all, boy Renzo to attempt to revert Teodora to her ordinary life. But will she be able to overcome all the obstacles that await? Read The Undrowned Child to find out!

The Undrowned Child has a variety of great elements that I enjoyed. For instance, throughout the book, I felt like I was Teodora and was accompanying her in her journey. The book includes great tone and voice and I felt the energy as if I was traveling through the book. While reading the book, I was sucked into the excitement, feeling exactly what Renzo and Teodora felt. I also enjoyed the flow of the book. All of the events occurred in an order that made sense and was suitable to the reader. I agree with Jake Hope, Booksellers' Choice, when he said this book is "a stunning debut novel….. Part fairy tale, part historical fiction, this is writing that is alight and alive." Lastly, I favored the last chapter that includes facts about Venice. It includes sights you could still see in the ever so slightly sinking city of Venice and even more appealing facts of the ever so famous city. Therefore, The Undrowned Child is most definitely a book I'll never forget.

Review written by Kaleb (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Undrowned Child? How would you rate it?

Review: Ankylosaur Attack by Daniel Loxton

2011-12-01T06:19:00.001-06:00

Ankylosaur Attack by Daniel Loxton. A Tales of Prehistoric Life Book.

Kids Can Press
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9781554536313

Review: It was a morning long, long ago - millions of years before humans walked the Earth. As the first rays of sunlight shone through the trees, a young ankylosaur opened his eyes. He looked around. The cool morning air began to warm up. He turned his huge armored body to bask in the sun. So begins Daniel Loxton's book Tales of Prehistoric Life: Ankylosaur Attack. Ankylosaur Attack is the story of a young ankylosaur who meets an older ankylosaur who has been injured. Knowing that ankylosaurs prefer to be alone, he doesn't bother him. However, when a tyrannosaur appears on the scene, the young ankylosaur must think fast if he is to save the older ankylosaur and even himself!

Ankylosaur Attack is a beautifully illustrated book. The pictures pop off the page engrossing the reader into the adventures an ankylosaur experiences. The life-like portrayals of the animals strengthen the story considerably. However, it is not simply a book full of neat pictures. The story itself is both interesting and informative. Loxton weaves in facts about ankylosaurs in such a way that the reader learns about dinosaurs without feeling as if they are reading a nonfiction text. Plus, at the end of the story, Loxton includes a brief section in which both the ankylosaur and tyrannosaur are explained in a more traditional nonfiction format. Tales of Prehistoric Life: Ankylosaur Attack is a perfect book for any young dinosaur enthusiast because it is well-researched and has rich, vivid illustrations; plus it's a great story!

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Raab Associates for providing a copy of Ankylosaur Attack for this review.

Have you read Ankylosaur Attack? How would you rate it?

Review: A Plague Year by Edward Bloor

2011-11-30T06:21:00.001-06:00

A Plague Year by Edward Bloor.

Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375856815

Review: Meth, a dangerous drug, turns a small town upside down. In the story A Plague Year by Edward Bloor, Tom Coleman, a normal boy who works at a local food store living a typical life is experiencing some bizarre things. For example, people are stealing unusual items from stores and grocery carts have gone missing. But that isn't what is really happening. Meth users have gotten arrested throughout the town for using, selling and cooking's a result Zombies appear all over the town threatening the lives of the residents of Black Water. Tom realizes that his life, as well as his family's lives, is in danger. He knows he must do everything he can to protect them.

Black Water Pennsylvania changes after 9/11, with an increase in the usage of illegal drugs. Tom is forced to join a counseling group with his sister, Lily that is geared to training kids to avoid drugs. They then learn about all the different drugs that are a big problem. And soon realize how big of an issue meth usage has become. People everywhere are taking this mysterious drug, thinking it makes them feel amazing. But they soon learn that it doesn't. The euphoria only lasts for about a week or two, and then it terrorizes users for the rest of their lives. People everywhere are found dead because of meth including some of Tom's closest friends and family. With everything on the line, Tom has to help his family and friends avoid meth, because if they do they will be lost forever. With everything happening, the question for Tom is: can he survive A Plague Year?

A Plague Year is a great book full of drama and action with some thrilling twists that made me not want to put the book down. For example, when Tom is working at the Food Giant, two men in ski masks were trying to steal ingredients for meth and Tom has to face who were behind those masks. I also liked how the author makes every part of the book a never-ending thrill ride. I think this book would be good for kids in 6th grade and above because of the content. All in all, I think the book is great book for someone who loves crime, drama, and suspense all throughout the book. A Plague Year deserves 5 out of 5 stars.

Review written by Sam K. (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of A Plague Year for this review.

Have you read A Plague Year? How would you rate it?

Review: Dark of the Moon by Tracy Barrett

2011-11-28T10:40:00.002-06:00

Dark of the Moon by Tracy Barrett.

Harcourt Childrens Books
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547581323

Review: Tracy Barrett has created a new series that will surprise you - Dark of the Moon. Dark of the Moon is the first book in the series. The story starts with Ariadne who is preparing to become Goddess. Her brother named Asterion who is next in line to become the Minos, and her mother, Pasiphae, who is pregnant.

Ariadne's brother, Asterion, is locked under the palace. Ariadne's mother, Pasiphae, keeps Asterion confined under the palace by a magical ball of yarn that has many knots to make invisible binds that keep Asterion from roaming about the island. Children are brought to the palace by the guards to play with Asterion, who accidentally kills the children making other Greek communities think that Asterion is a monster living under the palace. Meanwhile, Pasiphae dies during the birth of her child-, and Ariadne is going to become Goddess following her mother's path. The ritual takes place shortly after Ariadne's mother dies. At the same time, the Minos is stepping down-, and Ariadne's brother, Asterion, is next in line to be the Minos. But, because of what he has done, the people do not want him to be Minos. Ariadne asks her friends to help Asterion escape from the city for his safety. Ariadne tries to help Asterion in a way you may never forget but something goes wrong.

Dark of the Moon really hooked me with all of its twists and turns. I always wanted to continue reading the book. The book is exciting because of the interesting characters that built up suspense. After the death of Pasiphae, everything that I was expecting changed. I could not predict what was going to happen next; I had to keep reading. I will never forget this Greek mythology book. It also has some fantasy in it. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.

Review written by Michael (7th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates for providing a copy of Dark of the Moon for this review.

Have you read Dark of the Moon? How would you rate it?

Book Trends Welcomes Author Tracy Barrett: A Student Interview

2011-11-28T10:40:00.000-06:00

Tracy Barrett holds a Bachelor's Degree with honors in Classics-Archaeology from Brown University and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Medieval Italian Literature from the University of California, Berkeley. Her scholarly interests in the ancient and medieval worlds overlap in her fiction and nonfiction works, which is certainly reflected in her new young adult novel Dark of the Moon (Harcourt Children's Books, September 2011 print and ebook editions). Sixth grade student Michael recently had the opportunity to ask the author a few questions about the book.

Have you ever been to Greece, is this what inspired you to write about Greek mythology?

Photo courtesy Tracy Barrett.
Photo credit John Russell.

I’ve been to Greece, but it didn’t inspire me to write books based on Greek mythology. It’s the other way around—my interest in the Classical world (ancient Greece and Rome), including Greek mythology, led me there! I spent my junior year of college at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome. We had a field trip to Greece, and when the field trip ended, it was spring break and I was on Crete, which was amazing. All the people I was with were classics majors so we spent the break wandering around the ancient Cretan ruins, trying to reconstruct what they must have looked like, and imagining the lives of the people who lived in them. The sand on most of Crete is black, by the way!

Why did you name the characters these names Ariadne, Asterion, and Pasiphae?

Their names come straight from the myth. “Ariadne” means “most pure” or “most holy,” “Asterion” has something to do with the stars (there’s probably some tie with the bull constellation, Taurus), and Pasiphaë means “she shines for all.” Many scholars think that this means that Pasiphaë was a title, not a name, for the priestess of the moon goddess or the incarnation of the moon goddess, Ariadne was the title of the priestess, and Asterion was the title of someone who incarnated the sun-god in the form of a bull.

Do you think that you could have written the book from a different place, time period, and point of view?

I have no doubt that someone could do that, but not me. At one point I tried to re-cast it in the modern day and had a great deal of trouble. I’m really interested in trying to reconstruct ancient cultures, and so I was happiest keeping the setting where the myth was born.

Why did you have Pasiphae die after she gave birth to Ariadne’s sister?

Pasiphaë disappears from the myth before the Minotaur is killed, and I had to explain that somehow.

Why did you have Ariadne tell Theseus that he should kill Asterion?

That was a hard call. I had set it up that Ariadne loved Asterion, and the myth says that she and Theseus fled after the Minotaur was killed. I couldn’t see her leaving Crete with someone she hated for killing her brother, and I didn’t want her to be kidnapped. This was her time for taking charge of her life, and being kidnapped is much too passive. The solution I came up with was that Ariadne approved of the mercy killing.

How did you decide that Theseus’s dad would jump off the cliff?

The myth says that Aegeus committed suicide by jumping off a cliff into the sea when he saw that his son’s ship was flying a black sail, which Theseus had told him would be a sign that he had been killed by the Minotaur. (This is one of the big problems I have with the version of the myth that we have, which is a Greek garbling of Minoan religion: How could you forget to take down a black sail if you knew it would make your father think you had been killed?) The way I had set up King Aegeus, he wouldn’t have done such a thing out of sorrow for the death of his son (whom he had sent to almost certain death—another problem I have with the myth: if Theseus had indeed been killed, it would hardly have been a surprise). The closest I could come to the myth and still stay true to my characters was for Aegeus to commit suicide rather than face the shame of being defeated in a duel.

Could there have been a way that Asterion could have gotten to Athens, and what is that way?

Oh, no. Not at all. The Minotaur is purely Cretan. Where the story we have most likely came from is that Greek travelers to Crete must have seen a priest wearing a mask shaped like the head of a bull taking part in religious ceremonies, and either misunderstood what was going on or deliberately made it out to be a barbaric ritual (the Minoans, who lived on Crete, were the Athenians’ big rival in the Aegean Sea, and they could have wanted to make them look bad). The Minotaur is Cretan, and could never have been possible anywhere else.

Why did you have the Goddess powers in yarn balls?

One of the most famous parts of the myth is when Ariadne gave Theseus a ball of yarn to help him find his way out of the labyrinth after killing the Minotaur. Women’s work in the ancient world, especially spinning and weaving, was a huge part of the economy and daily life, and there are many Greek myths about weaving and spinning. I wanted to make that ball of yarn have more importance than it had in the myth.

Did Ariadne’s ball of rope really rip the sail on the boat or was it the wind? Why did you make that choice?

I don’t know! What do you think? I made that choice because I wanted her to have some hand in her own destiny. The island of Naxos, where the myth says that Theseus abandoned Ariadne (and where she married the god Dionysus), turns out to be a very holy site in the religion of moon-goddess worship.

How long did it take you to write the book?

About two years, counting revisions.

When you started did you know what you were writing at the end when you were writing the beginning or was it a work in progress?

I hardly ever know the end of a book when I get started, which is why I don’t like to work with outlines. If I know too much of what’s going to happen, it feels like homework! I did know that Theseus had to kill the Minotaur, that Ariadne had to help him, that they had to leave Crete, and that Theseus had to leave Ariadne on the island of Naxos. Those were the basic elements in the myth that I couldn’t mess with. But the myth is very sparse on motivation, and that’s where I had to work the hardest—to make a very unlikely story emotionally believable.

Clearly, Dark of the Moon is based in Greek mythology, but did you use the myths more as a guide or do the story lines follow actual Greek myths?

The story line—the plot, the main characters, the setting—are from the myth. I invented almost everything else: details of the moon-goddess religion, the characters’ personalities, etc.

Review: Wisdom's Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

2011-11-28T06:09:00.001-06:00

Wisdom's Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547566870

Review: So you fall in love with someone who travels far, far away, what do you do? WRITE LETTERS! In Wisdom's Kiss, Fortitude, an orphaned maid falls in love with a boy named Tips, however, Tips decides to travel to earn money. The story of of their long-distance romance is written in letters, skits, and three knight's points of views. . .Wisdom's Kiss is another excellent novel written by Catherine Gilbert Murdock.

When Tips travels abroad, what do he and Fortitude(Trudy) do to keep their love alive? They write letters to each other, exchanging gifts, words, and thoughts. Princess Wisdom however, is a whole different story. She is another main character, and has a very important role to play. Wisdom is destined to always be the little sister of Montagne's queen, and is engaged to Lord Rodger, someone she loves and has accepted the proposal. Does she really love him though? Or is it just his attempts to woe her? Will either of the young women find their true love and uncover the truth about their destinies?

Murdock is a great, great, GREAT author! If I ever cross another of her books, I'll be sure to read it. To be able to write this book is a fascinating accomplishment. When I finished Wisdom's Kiss, I kept rereading the last page, just to make sure that that was really the ending. I didn't want to know it to be...I didn't want it to end. I doubt that with all the events in the book, there could be a sequel, but I want one anyway. I rate this book 4 out of 5. It was a really awesome book. It really is, but how it was told was kind of hard to understand at times. It was told through letters, skits, and knights, and that's really cool, but when I was reading it, I found it kind of hard to understand. I had to skip and reread a lot of parts, however, that might have also been my fault and not necessarily the fault of the author. But it is still worth mentioning. I didn't understand a lot of it, so when I got to the end of the book, I had to look through the book for clues as to how to understand how the story was organized. Finally, I found something useful, and I began to reread the book. The second time I read it, it made a LOT more sense to me. It was a good thing I found the information, because the story had such an intriguing plot! All in all, I highly recommend the book for advanced readers due to the complexity of the story line.

Review written by Tam (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Wisdom's Kiss for this review.

Have you read Wisdom's Kiss? How would you rate it?

Review: The Girl Behind the Glass by Jane Kelley

2011-11-25T06:21:00.001-06:00

The Girl Behind the Glass by Jane Kelley.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375862205

Review: Would you like to move out of your house? Your neighborhood? To a house that is haunted? This is what happened to 11 year old twins, Hannah and Anna in Jane Kelley's The Girl Behind the Glass. They have to move from Brooklyn, to a house on Hemlock Road because their older sister doesn't get into a decent private school. Now their life is going to go through some major changes that they are not ready for.

Hannah and Anna move to a house they are renting until the house they bought is ready. There are bats in the attic, mysterious winds, and a haunted closet. The twins want to use the houses' mysterious qualities against Selena, their older sister. But Selena and Anna start to adjust where Hannah does not. Hannah hears and sees strange things. Why is she the one that hears and sees all of these haunted and mysterious occurrences? Their mother considered them to be one person because they were so much alike and called them "HannahAnna." Hannah and Anna start to realize they are not one person, but two separate people. With all the noises and strange occurrences you start to try and figure out is someone or something trying to separate them and why.

While reading The Girl Behind the Glass by Jane Kelley, readers get involved with trying to figure out who is this ghost and why is this happening. Readers also are trying to gain an understanding about what families experience when life doesn't go the way they have planned. I would suggest this book to read as it is a book that always keeps readers wondering and interested because there are surprises in every chapter. I was interested in trying to figure out who the narrator is in the story. I think people from the age of 10 - 13 would enjoy this book. I rate this a 5 out of 5.

Review written by Cesco (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Girl Behind the Glass for this review.

Have you read The Girl Behind the Glass? How would you rate it?

Review: Penny Dreadful by Laurel Snyder

2011-11-23T06:14:00.001-06:00

Penny Dreadful by Laurel Snyder.

Yearling
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9780375861697

Review: It wasn't dreadful at all when I read Penny Dreadful by Laurel Snyder! In this story, 7-year-old Penelope Grey is bored and lonely with no one to talk to except her parents and staff until her family inherits a house in Tennessee, where everything changes. Her parents start out incredibly wealthy until Dirk, Penelope's dad, loses his job, causing the three to struggle with money and finding a home. After Penny moves, she meets friends that help her along the way and show her what it's like to live in Thrush Junction. There's Luella, the crazy, spunky risk taker with an attitude that will definitely make you giggle. Jasper is an animal lover, with a house that's practically an animal shelter. Last but not least, there is Duncan who has over-protective parents that think he's allergic to almost every food. The four friends do amazing things together throughout the book, which is the main reason why I loved it.

The story begins with Penelope Grey sitting in her huge mansion of a home with nothing to do at all except read her book. She's always bored and thinks she always will be. Penelope is a home-schooled girl with no real friends. She waits for her father to come home from work, and when he does, she gets a big surprise. Her dad has quit his job. She doesn't mind that her father has done that. At that time, she doesn't care at all. However, a couple weeks later, she notices the staff that works at her house starts disappearing one by one. That's when Penelope gets confused and worried. Penelope tries to figure out what is happening. After over hearing her parents talk, she concludes that they are running out of money, and that the family would all have to move. One day, her mother gets a letter from Thrush Junction, Tennessee. They are inheriting a house from a deceased family member. This is the perfect solution for them all. After they get to their new home, Penelope finds a box of Penny Dreadfuls and decided to change her name and go meet some new friends. They all have something fun to do every day, whether it is having worm races or going to the shop to buy penny candy. Along the way, she finds a box that includes the amount of debt that Penny's mother and father need to pay off. It is definitely a big amount. Then, Penny gets worried, and is determined to make the money herself. She just HAS to do something. She just can't think of anything, but with the help of her friends, they finally decide to go search for gold in a huge cave. Is Penny successful? Does her family succeed?

I rate Penny Dreadful a ten out of ten because I enjoyed all the adventure that was in the book. I also liked the fact that there is a lot of teamwork in the story, which I enjoyed as well, because it's one of the most important things that you need in life. I could not attempt to put down this book down once I started reading! Penny Dreadful is so interesting. It shows readers the importance of never giving up, just like Penny. It gives many life lessons in the book like these and more. Once I finished reading, I actually felt a little sad because I wanted to read more! I wouldn't say that there is any bad language, but this story involves mature situations like losing a house or money, and people tend to be frustrated in many parts of the book, therefore I think this should be for middle-school readers and older.

Review written by Sofia (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Penny Dreadful? How would you rate it?

Review: Following Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci

2011-11-21T06:08:00.001-06:00

Following Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci.

Harcourt Childrens Books
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780152047597

Review: Have you ever read a website and then wanted to track down a run away person? Well in the fantastic written book titled Following Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci that is the case. In this book there are two main characters named Mike Mavic and Ray Ann. Mike is a reporter he read a website titled ChistopherCreed.com. He and his girlfriend Ray Ann are investigating the case of Christopher running away from home. It starts in a small town in Indiana.

Mike is on the website he visits ChristopherCreed.com- which is run by the "famous" Torey Adams. So since the two college students are on break they decided that they should go to the town were Chris once lived and investigate. When they reach their destination, they are met by some high school students. Who tell them that if they wanted to try to find Chris they should go to Lighting Field where Chris' bother Justin is hanging out. This starts a surreal chain of events as Mike and Ray Ann embark on an adventure filled with death, mystery, and crazy people. If you want to figure out what happens looks like you are just going to have to read the book yourself.

Following Christopher Creed is an amazing book to read. I would recommend this book to anyone 14 and up. The reason I would recommend this book to this age level is because there are some words that aren't suitable for younger kids. So I highly recommend asking your parents to read a couple chapters so they know what kind of words are being used in the book, however the words are sometimes appropriate for the situation, but other times its just bad language. But besides that this book is the best book I have ever read. The plot is very tense which is my favorite type of book. I also think this book is thrilling because everyone in the book is only looking for one person Chris, and Chris is e-mailing Justin to look for him and he appears then vanishes. Even if you don't like mysteries or thrillers I think you will still love this amazing book. The reason is because at first before this book I really preferred sports books. But after I read this book I changed my opinion a lot. I hope that Carol Plum - Ucci makes more amazing books like this. From the beginning I thought this book would be a boring book, but that shows you can't judge a book by its cover. Lastly I think that Following Christopher Creed deserves a five out of five because of all the reasons I listed. So please just read the book- you won't be disappointed.

Review written by Ryan (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Following Christopher Creed for this review.

Have you read Following Christopher Creed? How would you rate it?

Review: The Battle for Tomorrow: A Fable by Dr. Stuart Jeanne Bramhall

2011-11-18T06:03:00.001-06:00

The Battle for Tomorrow: A Fable by Dr. Stuart Jeanne Bramhall.

Eloquent Books
Publication Date: April 2011
List Price: $18.95
ISBN-13: 9781612042190

Review: A book with so many life lessons and about this girl who is stuck in a rut is a good read for many ages is called The Battle for Tomorrow by Dr. Stuart Jeanne Bramhall, an author originally from the U.S. who moved to New Zealand. This book is about many good and just regular acts made by Angela Jones; a thirteen-years-old who had undergone her first abortion and soon decides to go Goth as well. Although this book isn't part of a series, it is phenomenal and I will reread it many times to come.

The Battle for Tomorrow is much more than a fable; it is also heart warming, tear-jerking, and suprising to many who will it, and its message rings true to all. The story takes place close to Washington D.C., as well as many other places like Africa for one chapter. Angela must help take care of her mother because her mother, Diane, is paralyzed on her whole right side and cannot speak as the result of a recent stroke just after Angela's 13th birthday. Due to the recent abortion, Ange takes a counseling class plus a pregnancy test weekly. Soon she starts to date a twenty-three-year-old political activist who soon opens up her eyes to see the importance of the urgent political and environmental issues facing humanity all around her; a bankrupt global economy, catastrophic climate change, and looming water, energy and food shortages. These crises are all around her, happening all throughout the book, all leading to alarming consequences for her new life as an adult.

I think many other people should read this book, especially readers age 13 and older, because it is filled with many life lessons throughout the plot of the story. It shares issues that are not only close to home, but also following what happens all over the world today. Sometimes teenagers don't listen, but maybe after reading this book, they will. The Battle for Tomorrow also explains many other things that can be good, bad, fun, or cool to do depending on the reader's interest. But the major reason this book should be recommended to people all over is because overall, this book is absolutely phenomenal. Since The Battle for Tomorrow is outstanding, I recommend it to all of you who are bored on vacations and days off. Read this book, and trust me; --- it will be outstanding and flabbergasting in many ways.

The Battle for Tomorrow received the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award which is given out to very few gifted authors. Dr. Stuart Jeanne Bramhall earned his award in the category of Juvenile Fiction. Bramhall has not always been an author: he is a retired psychiatrist who is using his exceptional writing skills to bring a very important message to young adult readers. I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars because of depth of the storytelling and exceptional voice used throughout the book.

Review written by Sam P (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Stuart Bramhall for providing a copy of The Battle for Tomorrow: A Fable for this review.

Have you read The Battle for Tomorrow: A Fable? How would you rate it?

Review: The Dragon in the Volcano by Kate Klimo

2011-11-16T06:01:00.001-06:00

The Dragon in the Volcano by Kate Klimo. A Dragon Keepers Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375866920

Review: Have you ever had an unusual friend? What about a dragon? The Dragon in the Volcano by Kate Klimo is the 4th installment of the Dragon Keepers series. The main characters are Jessie, Daisy, Emma, and more.

The Dragon in the Volcano is about two cousins, Jesse and Daisy, who are Dragon Keepers, and their pet dragon, Emma. Emma usually disappears when the cousins go to school, but she comes home all of the time. However, one day, when Jesse and Daisy come home from school, they find that Emma is missing! They ask for help from their friends and follow a trail of socks that Emma has left behind that leads into the Fire Realm. The Fire Realm is a magical realm where dragons and fire fairies live. Jesse and Daisy find Emma there, but she wants to mate and live in the Fire Realm. Can the cousins bring Emma back to their home or will they lose Emma in the Fire Realm forever?

The Dragon in the Volcano is an adventurous story! I really liked it because the plot of the book is very well done. When Jessie and Daisy found Emma in a volcano, I thought that she would go with them to her home. But, the plot twist excited me. I didn't know that Emma wanted to stay in the Fire Realm and not go with her friends. It was surprising to me. This book is equally compelling as the Magic Treehouse series. Kids should read this if they like magic, adventure, and lovable characters! The Dragon Keepers series is written for children ages 7 to 12.

Review written by Sharielle (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Dragon in the Volcano for this review.

Have you read The Dragon in the Volcano? How would you rate it?

Review: Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber

2011-11-14T06:56:00.001-06:00

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: October 2001
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547577388

Review: You'll find action explosions and more when you read Au Revoir Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber. It is a fast paced book that will have you hooked from page one all the way to the end. With twists and unexpected turns, Au Revoir Crazy European Chick is exciting and adventurous.

Au Revoir Crazy European Chick begins when foreign exchange student Gobija Zaksauskas asks Perry Stormaries to the prom. Perry doesn't know what he's in for. At the prom he's nearly mugged but amazingly, Gobi hurts the mugger and sends him to the Emergency Room. Subsequently, Perry finds out Gobi is actually an assassin and has five targets she must kill. As a result, this takes them to New York City. Even though Perry doesn't want to go, he follows Gobi. Perry's band is expecting him in New York but Gobi threatens to kill him if he doesn't help her find her targets. Will Perry help Gobi? What will happen to Perry? Find out these answers when you read Au Revoir Crazy European Chick.

Au Revoir Crazy European Chick gets five out of five stars. It has action on every page. This is a great book for people ten and older. You can sometimes relate to the characters and other times you can't because of all the action. Nevertheless, you won't want to miss a page. Because of all the action, you won't put this book down. Schreiber keeps readers on the edge of their seats because of his writing! "The glass shattered when the bomb hit the window" just makes readers get excited! It is great for any occasion, and it can be enjoyed anywhere. If you like action and adventure combined with some awesome espionage, you will want this on your bookshelf TODAY! This is by best-selling author, Joe Schriber, and Au Revoir Crazy European Chick will definitely not disappoint Schriber fans, and it is certain to gain even more fans.

Review written by Max (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick for this review.

Have you read Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick? How would you rate it?

Review: Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull & Kathryn Hewitt

2011-11-11T06:34:00.001-06:00

Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull & Kathryn Hewitt. Part of the Lives of the … Series.

Sandpiper
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780152046064

Review: Writing, Writing, Writing! Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies, (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull & Kathryn Hewitt is part of the Lives of the… series. This series' characters are 20 famous writers of varying genre and background.

Lives of the Writers is about what famous writers did when they weren't writing. Some writers that are included in the book are William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain, Edgar Allan Poe, and E.B. White, to name just a few. The focus of the book is to mostly show who these writers really were as "people" and what other people thought about them. It lets readers know how they began writing and answers questions about their very lives. Lives of the Writers provides information about their family and their life - from their birth to their death. In a fun way, it helps readers better understand these writers. It shows who they really were before they started writing poems or stories.

I think Lives of the Writers is AMAZING. I love how it shows all about different writers and their lives. I also like the descriptive stories about them. What I like most of all is their interests. They were all very different people and somehow each of them ended up becoming a notable writer. Each writer dealt with many problems in life, and they wrote stories and poetry based on their everyday life which eventually led each writer to become famous worldwide. Oddly enough, many people thought of them as unusual or in some cases, people just plain hated them. I just totally admire how all the craziness in their lives added up to creating a famous writer. An unusual life would equal a story. I think others should really read this book not only because it gives a lot of information about … Lives of the Writers, but it also shows how all the trials in life can come to greatness in this world. I certainly expect to read many more books in this series. I rate this book 5 out of 5. If you like comedies, tragedies and opinions, this is the book for you.

Review written by Anjan (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) for this review.

Have you read Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought)? How would you rate it?

Review: Mistress of the Storm by M. L. Welsh

2011-11-09T06:24:00.001-06:00

Mistress of the Storm by M. L. Welsh.

David Fickling Books
Publication Date: June 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385752442

Review: Have you ever desired to read a book that holds mystery, suspense, action, and fantasy? Well, Mistress of the Storm is the book to read! Mistress of the Storm is written by M.L. Welsh and is about Verity Gallant, just another unpopular girl, until one day when she receives an ancient book from a stranger along with a small, wooden ball. At school Verity has never been very well liked, but when she becomes friends with Henry and Martha, they work together to find out the information behind these mysteries. In their town, Wellow, they uncover little-known history, and the more they know, the more people get involved with the mystery.

Everything in Verity's life is unexpected. She finds out that her mother is pregnant soon after receiving the two gifts. Verity also finds out she's a natural at sailing. She has discovered that stories in her new book are actually true and not just legends. Plus, Verity has been noticing a boy following her. As if that is not enough, in the autumn, her unknown grandmother comes over after hearing about the pregnancy. A story that was written is destined to come true, and Verity has a big part in it. Everything is complicated, but Verity knows she can't give up, because if she does, she could lose her new sister and possibly more. Nothing is as easy as she imagines.

M.L. Welsh is an amazing author and makes you feel almost as if you're a part of the story. The characters are very well described; you could imagine their appearance exactly. The author is very imaginative to make up all of the characters, setting, and plot. The whole story is creative! Points of view are added, apart from Verity's, so readers can see what other think of a particular situation. Mistress of the Storm is very suspenseful and mysterious. Everything you know might be only what you think. Verity learns a lot about life in this book. She learns to sail, to stand up for herself, and to do what she feels is right.

Review written by Kelly (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Mistress of the Storm for this review.

Have you read Mistress of the Storm? How would you rate it?

Review: The Chronicles of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg

2011-11-08T11:34:00.000-06:00

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: October 2011
List Price: $24.99
ISBN-13: 9780547548104

Review: Harris Burdick has cast a long and strange shadow across the reading world, not unlike a man, lit by the moon, hiding in the branches of a tree, staring through a window and holding a rare and sinister object, who cast a long and strange shadow across your bedroom wall last night. And so begins Lemony Snicket's introduction to the long-awaited compilation book that brings some kind of closure to the illustrations that have puzzled readers for more than twenty-five years. The Chronicles of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg is a compendium of 14 amazing stories told by 14 highly-acclaimed authors.

In 1984, Chris Van Allsburg published a collection of illustrations with a most mysterious premise titled The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. This book was merely a collection of some of the most thought-provoking illustrations with a title and subheading. For example, one picture is of a woman getting ready to carve a pumpkin that is glowing. The title is "Just Desert" and the subheading is "She lowered the knife and it grew even brighter." Yes, the word is "desert" NOT "dessert." Teachers have been using The Mysteries of Harris Burdick for over two decades as creative writing prompts and springboards for problem-based learning activities. Now, Chris Van Allsburg has teamed together some of the best writers of this generation to bring words to these pictures. Some of the stories are funny, some are magical, some are thought-provoking, and some are just plain creepy.

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick is amazing. Certainly some stories are better than others; in fact a few are disappointing. But, most stories are simply astounding. As with any short story compilation, readers will prefer certain stories over others. The introduction by Lemony Snicket draws readers in immediately. As he says, "As you reread the stories, stare at the images, and ponder the mysteries of Harris Burdick, you will find yourself in a mystery that joins so many authors and readers together in breathless wonder." Having read the stories as a reader and as a teacher, most stories do not disappoint. After reading "Just Desert" to my 6th grade class on Halloween, they were beyond excited and sufficiently "creeped out" by the end. And, "The Third-Floor Bedroom" is filled with such symbolism and character development that we were able to spend an entire class period analyzing it! Readers have been creating their own stories to accompany the Harris Burdick illustrations, and it is so exciting to finally read what others have seen. Lemony Snicket says it best when he writes "the mysteries of Harris Burdick continue, and if you open this book, you will likely be mystified yourself."

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Chronicles of Harris Burdick for this review.

Have you read The Chronicles of Harris Burdick? How would you rate it?

Review: Gifts from the Gods: Ancient Words & Wisdom from Greek & Roman Mythology by Lise Lunge-Larsen

2011-11-07T06:45:00.001-06:00

Gifts from the Gods: Ancient Words & Wisdom from Greek & Roman Mythology by Lise Lunge-Larsen.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: October 2011
List Price: $18.99
ISBN-13: 9780547152295

Review: "How dare you shame the gods?" That's what the mortals in ancient Rome and Greece were often told by a god after a foolish thing that they had done. They can never escape from the gods and after they die, they are punished forever. The book, Gifts from the Gods by Lise Lunge Larsen is about words that we use in the present, but originated from ancient Greeks and ancient Romans. It takes the word, tells its definition, uses it in a sentence and then, tells the story of where the word came from. These stories involve the gods and usually a mortal who is foolish and does something they regret.

Gifts from the Gods is a really interesting book about Greek and Roman mythology. I like this book because of the way the author explains the stories and because I really like anything with Greek and Roman mythology. The book is educational, yet fun to read. I also like the book because it is simple, yet complicated. It tells the stories of heroes, gods and mortals. Readers are kept on the edge of their seats wondering what they will do next. The gods could punish the mortals or take pity on them. The hero might successfully battle or might be killed in the fight. The mortal could make a very wise decision or make the most ridiculous decision ever. The book always kept me guessing. It has taught me so many myths and words. I also loved hearing how alert some gods were, while other gods hardly noticed what happened. Some gods were mighty and all powerful, but some were often overlooked. It was intriguing to see how different the gods were from one another. My favorite goddess is Athena, the goddess of wisdom, war strategy and weaving. But the stories are not the only things I liked. The pictures are absolutely amazing. They almost seemed to move! At the end of every story, there is a short section that includes information about the story to help it make more sense.

Gifts from the Gods is a book that you should definitely read if you like mythology. It is a captivating book that I couldn't put down. Literally, I finished the book in a day. The author did an amazing job with this book, and it would satisfy anyone who is looking for a thrilling book. I recommend Gifts from the Gods to anybody, especially if they are interested in mythology. Lise Lunge-Larsen is a really creative author who did an astounding job writing this book. I give it five stars because that's exactly what this book deserves. It kept me hooked, amazed, entranced, etc. This should be read by many people, and I hope that happens. Gifts from the Gods will most definitely catch a reader's eye.

Review written by Abigail (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Gifts from the Gods: Ancient Words & Wisdom from Greek & Roman Mythology for this review.

Have you read Gifts from the Gods: Ancient Words & Wisdom from Greek & Roman Mythology? How would you rate it?

Review: R My Name is Rachel by Patricia Feilly Giff

2011-11-04T06:30:00.001-05:00

R My Name is Rachel by Patricia Feilly Giff.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375838897

Review: Ever wonder what it is like to live in the time of the Depression? Take an adventure with Rachel and learn all about the bitter life concealed in this time of sadness. R My Name is Rachel, By: Patricia Reilly Giff is a stunning book. It is an exquisitely written novel which I was very much pleased to have read.

The character around which the story revolves is Rachel, a brave and book loving girl who lives in the time of the Great Depression. Her family is forced to move away from the city to a lonely farm in the middle of nowhere. When Rachel's father is forced to leave to find work, Rachel finds herself in charge of her two siblings while her father is away from home. She does not expect some of the hardships she will be forced to endure along the way…

I loved R My Name is Rachel for the story keeps readers hooked while they continued wondering how three kids in the middle of nowhere are going to survive alone. This book informs readers of the hardships others had to face during the Depression while using a playful plot to keep the readers' focus. I recommend this book for readers over 8 years old who enjoy historical fiction. The content is appropriate for children and a very fun yet educational read.

Once again Giff has created another genius novel worthy of an award. Like her previous work it is an exceptional read! You will eagerly want to flip pages until you get to the end where the journey ends but as Rachel would say "Keep looking forward."

Review written by Adele (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of R My Name is Rachel for this review.

Have you read R My Name is Rachel? How would you rate it?

Review: Celia and the Fairies by Karen McQuestion

2011-11-02T06:08:00.003-05:00

Celia and the Fairies by Karen McQuestion.

AmazonEncore
Publication Date: November 2010
List Price: $7.95
ISBN-13: 9781935597285

Review: Have you ever been told stories, but cannot decide if they are true? In Celia and the Fairies , by Karen McQuestion, for Celia it's a whole different story, when her grandmother tells her stories about fairies from the Watchful Woods behind their house that she met at her age. Some of the amazing characters in this book include Mira, a fairy her grandmother saved from a shadow thing disguise as a coyote one day when she was Celia's age, Celia's bossy friend and neighbor, Paul, and his mean Aunt Vicky, owner of McClutchy Toys, which is trying to buy Celia's dad's toy company, Lovejoy World.

After, Celia hears her grandmother's stories, she sees the mysterious lights supposedly of the fairies and has dreams of Mira, exactly as her grandmother has described, telling her, "Vicky McClutchy must be dealt with, do you hear me? She's up to some evil, and you're the only one who can stop her, Celia." She is told to bring the flute out to the triple trees during the day where she will get further explanations. When she tells her grandmother, her grandmother shows her where she has hidden the magical flute, given to her by the fairies, that will grant the user one wish as long as it is not against the three rules. But for some reason there is only half of it, and she has to get the other half back from none other than Vicky McClutchy. Will Celia get the rest of the flute in time, and make the right wish to stop Vicky's evil plans?

Celia and the Fairies is an amazing book for all fantasy readers. I loved especially the suspense that kept me interested all the way. For example, it is especially suspenseful when Celia not only has to find the rest of the flute but must find a way to save her house. I also liked the detail the author put into the story, like how Mira is described from Celia's grandmother's past, "I saw her clearly, her face just like a human girl's, her wings fluttering as quickly as a hummingbird's, her dress shimmering like silk," and later in Celia's dream, "A fairy girl, a dazzling beauty with luminous wings and a dress trimmed in ruby colored jewels, fluttered inches from her face." I think this book would be a good book for all fantasy lovers regardless of gender or age. In all, Celia and the Fairies is a great read for just about anyone who enjoys fantasy at any time and deserves 5 out of 5 stars.

Review written by Matthew (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Karen McQuestion for providing a copy of Celia and the Fairies for this review.

Have you read Celia and the Fairies? How would you rate it?

Review: The Chamber of Five by Michael Harmon

2011-11-01T06:42:00.001-05:00

The Chamber of Five by Michael Harmon.

Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375866449

Review: Money. Money equals power, and power equals control, Jason, and our government makes sure it stays in the right hands. . . . The lines of power must be maintained, and we are the inheritors of that power, for the good of those who don't know any better. It's why we exist. It's why you were chosen. But, seventeen-year-old Jason Weatherby in Michael Harmon's novel, The Chamber of Five, doesn't agree, and he risks everything to prove that power belongs in the hands of many - not few.

Jason attends Lambert School for the Gifted, but he knows exactly why he was accepted, and it's not because he is anywhere near "gifted", unless that is if they consider his father's bank account as a measure of his IQ. As an influential senator, Jason's father has made sure his son has been always offered the best money could buy. But Jason wants none of it. As Jason struggles with an abusive father and a post in the Chamber of Five (the most influential decision-making body in the school) - a post he never wanted, he also grapples with his desire to change the Lambert School at it's very core. When Jason is given his task to "prove" his loyalty to the Chamber, he knows they have gone too far. Rather than destroy another's life as the Chamber has requested, Jason works from the inside out to destroy the very foundation of his school. He risks everything, including his relationship with his father and even nearly his life, when he sides with those who are truly gifted to stand up against the leaders of the school who are merely monetarily gifted.

The Chamber of Five is a fast-paced novel about the dangers of privilege. The leader of the Chamber, Carter, paints an alarming picture of a corrupt American government. He points out that "Only men who owned land could vote when our country came into being. A small percentage of the population controlled our 'republic' until the law was changed, and it's been a struggle ever since. Our forefathers knew that to give power to the man with nothing would be the beginning of the end for America." His words force the reader to really think about the lines that exist between the rich and the poor, between the leaders and the followers. Put in the context of a high school government, Harmon takes a certainly disturbing concern and brings it to an understandable and poignant level for middle and high school readers. The ultimate message revealed after Jason's quest is an important message for all readers. Certainly mature middle school and high school readers will finish The Chamber of Five with a new understanding, and possibly new fear of politics. Harmon has superbly brought the dark side of politics to the youth of today. By doing so, he might be positively influencing the politics of tomorrow.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

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

Have you read The Chamber of Five? How would you rate it?

Review: Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard

2011-10-31T06:53:00.002-05:00

Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard.

Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385740555

Review: There are so many great young adult books in the world, but this is one of the best books I have ever read. Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard is about two young men named Alex and Glenn who are trying to figure out if a teacher saw what happened the day their friend, Thomas, died at the river. That fateful day, Alex, Glenn and Thomas had been drinking- an act that would result in expulsion from school if it was ever discovered Thomas died as a result of diving off a rock while he was drunk. The alcohol in his system impaired his swimming, and he ultimately drowned. So in an effort to save them, Alex and Glenn make a very mean plan to find if the teacher really does know the truth about what happened down by the river.

There are many things in Paper Covers Rock that I enjoyed. Something that I liked was that Alex is a poem writer and that the author includes many creative poems in the book. Plus, at one point, Alex says" Truth: as essential as rain." This metaphorical writing is so powerful. I like it because everyone needs truth. If there wasn't truth, we would all be living in a world of lies. I also practically liked the fact that the book was written like a diary or notebook. Paper Covers Rock is really one of a kind, and in a good way.

I rate this book a ten out of ten because it is action packed and very interesting. I could not put Paper Covers Rock down once I began to read it. It had to be one of the best books that I have ever read. As I started earlier, I also liked the fact that the author gave the book a diary sort of feeling. There are also many creative parts like how the boys are plotting a plan against a teacher. Clearly, there are many things that I really did enjoy. Although this book is amazing and interesting, I believe that children of an older audience would enjoy this story more than the children of a younger audience because of the foul language used by the characters.

Review written by Mia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Paper Covers Rock for this review.

Have you read Paper Covers Rock? How would you rate it?

Review: From Pie Town to Yum Yum: Weird and Wacky Place Names Across the United States by Debbie Herman

2011-10-29T06:28:00.000-05:00

From Pie Town to Yum Yum: Weird and Wacky Place Names Across the United States by Debbie Herman.

Kane Miller
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9781935279792

Review: Have you ever thought of visiting Scratch Ankle, Alabama? How about Chilly, Idaho? Debbie Herman introduces readers to some of the most bizarre place names in the United States in From Pie Town to Yum Yum: Weird and Wacky Place Names Across the United States. After perusing Herman's book, readers will open their minds to some little-known, yet fascinating places that help shape America.

Herman begins her book with an overview of toponymy - the study of place names - and a brief history of the naming of towns along with the explanation that the book tries to "provide a range of reasons given for a place name, but doesn't claim to have given every one." However, From Pie Town to Yum Yum is quite an impressive list! Every state is included in the book with a highlighted city name along with other wacky town names in the state. Included in the state's information is an overview of the town name, brief information about the state, a fun map, the "lay of the land" and even ideas for a road trip! The information is really quite interesting - for example Eureka, California "meaning 'I found it!' in Greek, was so named in 1850 for the cry of gold miners striking gold."

From Pie Town to Yum Yum is simply fun. It is filled with entertaining, trivial information that will liven up any conversation! Plus Linda Sarah Goldman has added simple, yet clever illustrations that compliment the text perfectly. From Pie Town to Yum Yum is certainly not a book to sit down and read cover to cover, but rather it is perfect to have around on rainy days or road trips - or even on a coffee table to pick up and read whenever the minutes allow.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of From Pie Town to Yum Yum: Weird and Wacky Place Names Across the United States for this review.

Have you read From Pie Town to Yum Yum: Weird and Wacky Place Names Across the United States? How would you rate it?

Review: The Black Heart Crypt by Chris Grabenstein

2011-10-28T06:41:00.001-05:00

The Black Heart Crypt by Chris Grabenstein. A Haunted Mystery.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869006

Review: I can see them, my dad used to be able to see them, they speak to me and sometimes ask me for help. Yup, that is right; I can see and speak to ghosts. Hi, I am Zack Jennings. Welcome to my life. Although Zack looks like a normal kid, he is anything but. The book The Black Heart Crypt, the fourth book in the Haunted Mystery series by Chris Grabenstein, has action around every corner. It is the most suspenseful book I have ever read.

Halloween is nearly every child's favorite day of the year but not Zack. During Halloween, a few ghosts are after him and not only can they hurt, but they can also posses their living relatives. Zack knows that on Halloween the divide between the living and the dead is thin. Powerful ghosts can cross over and cause some serious trouble. So, for protection, he decides to stay near a big crowd, where most ghosts cannot hurt you. Unfortunately, an evil group of 13 ghosts by the name of Ickleby has something against the Jennings' family. The leader of the group is powerful enough to kill, even in a crowd. Azalea and Malik get sucked into this mess when they are with Zack on Halloween and the Icleby's are loose. Now they all have to survive the night.

It is amazing how well Chris Grabenstein pulled off this story. It seems so realistic even with ghosts and spirits walking around. This book is written from 5-6 different points of view. Some of the points of view are; Zack, the Icleby's, Azalea, Norman Ickes, Malik, and Zack's parents. I absolutely loved this book! The first page brings the reader right into the action. This is an excerpt from Page 1 of The Black Heart Crypt;

"Zack Jennings did not want to chase a slobbering black dog with glowing red eyeballs up into Haddam Hill Cemetery three nights before Halloween.

It was Zipper's idea."

As you can see you are launched straight into the action. In almost every chapter there is some kind of action or danger. Whether it's Zack, one of his friends, or some of his family, someone's usually in danger. The Black Heart Crypt is so good I did not want to put it down. When I finished I was left wanting to read more! I had never read a book written by Chris Grabenstein, but now I am compelled to read more of his books. If you like mystery, suspense, and a little bit of humor, then I would highly recommend this book. I rate The Black Heart Crypt 5 out of 5 stars. I hope Grabenstein writes a sequel to The Black Heart Crypt. I will caution you, there are lots of battle scenes and a few scattered killings.

Chris Grabenstein is the winner of the Agatha Award and the Anthony Award for earlier books in his Haunted Mystery series.

Review written by Donna (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Black Heart Crypt for this review.

Have you read The Black Heart Crypt? How would you rate it?

Review: The Giver: The Gift Edition by Lois Lowry

2011-10-26T09:11:00.000-05:00

The Giver: The Gift Edition by Lois Lowry.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: October 2011
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9780547424774

Review: Few books will touch the heart and stimulate the mind like The Giver by Lois Lowry. The Giver is one of those books that is cherished by its readers and honestly alters the way the reader views everything they once believed to be true in the world. Now, after nearly ten years, Houghton Mifflin has released The Giver: The Gift Edition which is bound to inspire and intrigue readers everywhere.

Jonas lives in a world where becoming twelve is a turning point in an individual's life. At age twelve, Jonas receives his life assignment chosen for him by the Elders. Unlike his friends who are granted assignments such as Caretakers for the Old or Street Cleaners, Jonas is granted a mysterious assignment that requires utmost secrecy. Jonas goes on spending his days with a mysterious old man who has inexplicable knowledge that he imparts on Jonas. As his friends go on living as usual - without feelings, without fear and without choices, Jonas is on sensory overload. He soon realizes that his utopian society has deep hidden secrets that would bring chaos in a world of order if they were ever revealed.

The Giver, originally published in 1993, was awarded the 1994 Newbery Medal. This new Gift Edition provides what every reader of The Giver has hoped for - illustrations. The Giver is one of those rare books that evokes such powerful visualizations that readers are excited by the imagery and symbolism within the text. Bagram Ibatoulline has added exceptional illustrations that capture the essence of the story, and the illustrations can be instrumental in developing the symbolism within the text. Although the depth of The Giver has typically been appreciated more by advanced readers, the new gift edition will help bring home the essence of the book to all readers. The Giver is an amazing book - one that can be read over and over again, and the Gift Edition not only creates a fresh new look on a classic for a new generation, but it also touches the hearts of all fans because what we've imagined has finally been given life. Lowry fans will be thrilled to know that The Giver is in development for a movie premiere possibly in 2013.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Giver: The Gift Edition for this review.

Have you read The Giver: The Gift Edition? How would you rate it?

Review: Witch Catcher by Mary Downing Hahn

2011-10-24T07:01:00.001-05:00

Witch Catcher by Mary Downing Hahn.

Sandpiper
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $6.99
ISBN-13: 9780547577142

Review: With swirling colors that seem to merge into each other, the Witch Catcher caught the sunlight and sparkled with an additional influence on anyone who witnesses it and decides to obtain it. Twelve year-old Jen lead a perfectly normal life, that is, before her dad inherited an old mansion from her great-uncle. In Witch Catcher, written by Mary Downing Hahn, Jen must uncover more of this interesting, yet terrifying mystery, before she and her dad are harmed. One would stop to inquire themselves, "What is this Witch Catcher, and can it really influence her family by so much?"

Imagine uncovering a special something, but then this odd and puzzling woman comes and demands it from you. Well, that's exactly what happens to Jen. Strange things begin to happen as Jen discovers a colorful glass sphere. An old named Moura steals her father's heart, and has him wrapped around her pinkie finger, and if that isn't mystifying enough, she demands that the globe be given to her. If Jen doesn't oblige her, then she, and her father's lives will be at risk. What's the big deal with the Witch Catcher? Well, Jen has become close to it, and she enjoys the inspiration of having something that Moura desires. But will Jen's life really be at stake if she doesn't hand over the Witch Catcher? What does the Witch Catcher really mean to Moura? Is she not telling the whole truth?

Mary Downing Hahn is such a splendid and glorious novelist. My friends told me that she's one of their favorite authors when I described this book to them, and honestly, she's one of mine too. Behind every page is another page of terrific suspense, and within the suspense, is an original and intriguing adventure. Once you start the book, there's no turning away, not until you finish. I rate Witch Catcher, five stars. My favorite scene was when Jen carefully describes her mother, and the best she could commit to memory. Certainly, my favorite character is Jen, and I felt so bad for her, having to witness her mother's death, but to move and have her father fall in love with a dignified woman named Moura, who, in this case, is too dignified. PS. You will ask your parents to take you to the bookstore in five minutes to buy this book. Then you will sit/lay down and peacefully read Witch Catcher. If you don't, I still trust you to read the book sooner or later, because you're just going to surrender to my persuasion and to the effects of the Witch Catcher!

Review written by Tam (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Witch Catcher for this review.

Have you read Witch Catcher? How would you rate it?

Review: Calli Be Good by Michele Weber Hurwitz

2011-10-21T06:25:00.001-05:00

Calli Be Good by Michele Weber Hurwitz.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739702

Review: I struck gold when I read Calli Be Gold, written by Michele Weber Hurwitz. The main characters are Calli, her sister, brother, mom, dad, and Noah. Calli, an 11-year-old girl, isn't very busy in her life, but everyone else seems to be. Noah is a strange, young child Calli meets when she is at the skating rink waiting for her sister. This unusual friendship sparks and changes Calli's life forever.

In Calli Be Gold, Calli watches as her family bustles around everyday. Her sister and her brother are both in sports. Her sister, Becca is on the ice-skating team; her mom helps design costumes for the ice-skating team, and her brother, Alex is on the basketball team. Their new lives are so hectic; her mom color-coded sticky notes to keep track of everyone's busy schedule. In the story, Calli "meets" a boy under the hockey-foosball table while Becca is skating. Together Calli and Noah join a program called the Peers Helpers Program (PHP). Calli and Noah are paired with each other for PHP because Calli "knows" Noah. Although Noah is very quiet and likes to hide under his desk, after he gets to know Calli more Noah starts to talk to more often. Through the experience Calli learns a lot about herself and her friends.

Calli Be Gold is a truly excellent book, although there is a bit of a slow start. But it's worth hanging onto because towards the middle it becomes really interesting and I found myself not wanting to stop reading it. There are great details that help the reader create visual images while reading, and it also teaches a spectacular meaning of friendship. Michele Hurwitz is an amazing writer. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, because it is a great book but it did have a little bit of a slow start. I hope that Michele Hurwitz will write many more novels, and if she does, I will be sure to read them all, because she is such a talented writer!

Review written by Hannah (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Calli Be Good for this review.

Have you read Calli Be Good? How would you rate it?

Review: The Unknown Spy by Eoin McNamee

2011-10-19T06:19:00.001-05:00

The Unknown Spy by Eoin McNamee. A Ring of Five Book.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385738200

Review: When you are a spy and your school is in the underworld you are not considered a normal person. In The Ring of Five: The Unknown Spy written by Eoin McNamee Danny Caulfield is a student at Wilsons Spy Academy who is supposedly returning over the holidays. He and his friends have always been mischievous, and this semester is no different. But when they venture too far they find the groundbreaking truth. They are going on another mission and this time the future of the upper world depends on it. They have to find the treaty of stone against agents of a rivaling academy in a kingdom that migrates. Now Danny and Dixie have to venture into the Kingdom of Morne to save the two worlds. Will they rescue the stone treaty or will all hope be lost?

Dixie has the talent of teleporting and can move from place to place secretly. Les is a messenger and can fly like an angel. Toxique is an assassin but doesn't like to kill. Vandra is a "pshysick" and can heal people by sucking the poison out of them and can cure infections. While Vandra is stuck in the infirmary, Toxique is still trying to assassinate someone, and Les is not able to go into the upper world with his wings, Danny and Dixie set off on an adventure. The enemy has already launched their team and the race is on. Will Danny and Dixie make it there first?

Eoin McNamee is a spectacular writer and can write tremendous books. This action book will literally astound middle grade readers just like it astounded me. If he can write two phenomenal books then he can a accomplish a third…then a fourth… then a fifth… etc. If I could read this book, forget everything and read it again, I would do it a thousand times. The Ring of Five: The Unknown Spy is a must have. This book should be put in absolutely every library. I enjoyed reading this marvelous book and so will you. The quote I found fascinating was "Not as important as family," because Dixie was a friend but Lily was family. It made me think about just how important family is. That is also appealing because it lead Danny to a decision- making moment on whether to save Dixie or to run away with Lily. Danny is just a normal kid- with attributes that can relate to anyone. He is deceptive but doesn't always like to lie. Plus he is always fighting his temptation to join "The Ring". Danny also has a loving and good natured side. He would save his friend if it meant the end of the world. The Ring of Five: The Unknown Spy surprised me with its greatness and the mixture of mystery and adventure. This book's red herrings may confuse you but this book will never lose you. The Ring of Five: The Unknown Spy is truly incredible.

Review written by Joseph (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Unknown Spy? How would you rate it?

Review: The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive by Marty Rhodes Figley

2011-10-17T07:01:00.001-05:00

The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive by Marty Rhodes Figley. A History's Kids Heroes Adventure.

Graphic Universe
Publication Date: January 2011
List Price: $8.95
ISBN-13: 9780761370758

Review: The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive by Marty Rhodes Figley is a graphic novel and is a part of the History's Kid Heroes series. A young man named James Frorten wants to help America in the Revolutionary War, so he boards a ship called Royal Louis to help out aboard. Eventually the ship is captured by the British and he worries he will lose his freedom and never see his home again. When he is offered an amazing chance to get off of the Royal Louis, he considers his options and he declines.

In this book something caught my eye and it was when James Forten thought, "The Declaration said we had the right to be free and equal." It caught my eye because James was being made an offer but he denied it even though it seemed like a chance of a lifetime. Read The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive. It is a great book to read because it is very interesting and unique.

I rate The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive a ten out of ten because it is filled with many interesting facts, and it's exciting to know that the events in the book really happened many years ago in the past. The book is also greatly illustrated with excellent detail. It is interesting because when I finished reading it, I found that I learned some facts about the Revolutionary War that I didn't know about before. The book would definitely be enjoyed by younger children because of the illustrations and the easy-to-understand vocabulary. The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive is an amazing book to read and should be an important part of the library of any teacher of the Revolutionary War.

Review written by Mia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Renier Fee for providing a copy of The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive for this review.

Have you read The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive? How would you rate it?

Book Trends Welcomes Author Marty Rhodes Figley: A Student Interview

2011-10-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

Sixth-grade book reviewer Mia recently had the opportunity to ask author Marty Rhodes Figley some questions about her writing process, particularly with respect to her new graphic novel, The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive (Graphic Universe, January 2011 trade paperback).

• Why did you begin to write? At about what age did you want to become a writer?

I loved horses and wanted one from the time I was in first grade. We lived in a house in town with a small yard, so I knew my childhood dream wasn't going to come true. So I began writing horse stories. In them I experienced amazing adventures with my brave steed. The horse might be a palomino, a black stallion, a beautiful white mare, or any other horse I could imagine. That's when I realized how wonderful writing could be—and that I wanted to keep on creating my own special stories.

Photo courtesy Marty Rhodes Figley

• When did you write your first book?

I wrote many books when I was young, but the first one that was published was The Story of Zacchaeus in 1995.

• What is your favorite book that you have written so far?

I love all my books, but am always excited about the newest one. My picture book Emily and Carlo (read more about this at MartyRhodesFigley.blogspot.com), about the poet Emily Dickinson and her big, black slobbery dog, will be published in February 2012.

• Why do you like to write about history?

I think it's important to know about our past. If we know where we've been, we can more fully understand where we are going.

• Do you plan to write any other books?

I'm working on a book about an American Revolutionary War hero who was 6' 6'' tall and called the Virginia Giant. I'm doing the research now on the book.

• How did you know about James Forten and his life?

I read about him in a book about children who did amazing things during the American Revolutionary War. I was impressed by his acts of bravery during the war—when he was just fifteen-years-old.

• What inspired you to write The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive?

I wanted to share with young readers the story of James Forten. I loved writing about the marble game he played as a prisoner of war with the British sea captain's son. He could have let the captain's son win, but chose to play his best. This gained the captain's respect. James stood up for what he believed, even though it meant that he would be imprisoned on the horrific prison ship Jersey. When he was on the Jersey, he turned down a chance to escape and saved a friend's life. Over and over again this courageous teenager did the right thing. By writing this book, I hope James Forten will be honored and remembered.

Book Trends is excited to offer one of our readers a chance to win a copy of The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive courtesy of Renier Fee. Simply send a message to booktrendsgiveaway@gmail.com with the code BT7823 in the subject line, and you'll be entered to win. US residents only, one entry per person please. This giveaway ends October 21st, 2011.

Review: Here Lies Linc by Delia Ray

2011-10-14T07:03:00.001-05:00

Here Lies Linc by Delia Ray.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375867576

Review: Your dad is deceased, your mom won't talk to you and you are going to a weird private school? Can you imagine that? Well that is the life of Lincoln Crenshaw. In Here Lies Linc, by Delia Ray, Lincoln just transferred from a private school to a public school with bullies, jocks and all the popular girls life. Out of school is not great because his dad is dead, his mother is obsessed with graves and the grave yard is practically her home and their big fluffy, big, stupid dog is too lazy to do anything. He his home alone most days and does everything for himself. The new life for him isn't the best, but it's livable. What if your life was that could you live through that? Linc can live through any life.

Linc's mom, Lottie, doesn't have a healthy life. She knows the graveyard like the back of her hand. Most people don't live like that. Linc has gone to more cemeteries than he can count. Now that's just his family life. At school he tries to be a normal kid with a normal social life but that plan backfires when in one of his classes, his class is assigned a class project, a mandatory field trip to the local graveyard. Each student has to pick a grave to study and give a presentation. Lottie gives the tour around the graveyard and Linc doesn't like that. He goes and tells Lottie after school and Lottie doesn't want Linc to be angry so she tries to soothe him by helping him pick a special grave, the Black Angel. The grave is supposedly cursed. Can this cursed gave project be the key to happiness for once?

Overall, Here Lies Linc is an outstanding book. First of all, Linc is a great character. He loves helping people and can tackle whatever life throws at him. Delia Ray has created many interesting characters to compliment Linc's character such as Lottie who is a weird, but cool and funny mom. His dog who is lazy and fat contributes to the story by doing some humorous acts throughout the book. I think Here Lies Linc, by Delia Ray, is a great book for all ages. She blends together humorous scenes with each character along with caring, sentimental scenes. Kids of all ages should read the book, even adults!

Review written by Logan (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Here Lies Linc for this review.

Have you read Here Lies Linc? How would you rate it?

Review: Kitt Pirate: Snagletooth's Treasure by Ben Oliver

2011-10-12T21:44:00.002-05:00

Kitt Pirate: Snagletooth's Treasure by Ben Oliver.

Thunder Peak Publishing
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $5.99
ISBN-13: 9781937496067

Review: YARRR! Me hardies there be gold on this X. Kitt Pirate: Snaggletooth's Treasure by Ben Oliver, is a great book for kids nine and older. It is about a pirate named Kitt who goes on adventures.

Our journey begins with Kitt sailing on the sea. He then sees Snaggletooth's island where he anchors ship and delves into the jungle. Feeling they are being watched, they forge deeper and deeper until a gigantic spider attacks them. Luckily Kitt has a torch to disincarnate the spider allowing them to escape. Kitt soon makes it through the jungle to a bluff where a cave leading to Snaggletooth's Treasure lies and all the way to the den where his treasure is located. However it is guarded by an octopus that only gives them Snaggletooth's Treasure if they can beat him in a "riddle off." Will Kitt ever get Snaggletooth's Treasure? Will he beat the octopus in a riddle fight? If you get Kitt Pirate you will get these answers and more!

Kitt Pirate deserves five out of five stars. It has suspense, action and adventure. The suspense will keep you reading on the edge of your seat the whole way, and there is action on every page. Kitt Pirate is filled with adventure the whole way through. All three components re combined for the best book ever. You won't want to miss this book. If you like pirates, you'll love this book. Every seafaring captain should have Kitt Pirate on their bookshelf, mantle or anywhere! Go get Kitt Pirate: Snaggletooth's Treasure.

Review written by Max (6th grade student).

We would like to thank G3 Studios Publicity for providing a copy of Kitt Pirate: Snagletooth's Treasure for this review.

Have you read Kitt Pirate: Snagletooth's Treasure? How would you rate it?

Book Trends Welcomes Author Ben Oliver: A Student Interview

2011-10-12T21:41:00.000-05:00

Author Ben Oliver is making up stories almost every day of the week, thinking up exciting adventures and daring heroes. There is nothing more fulfilling for him than to put these stories into written words for others to read. Sixth grade student Max recently had the opportunity to ask him a few questions about his first book for kids, Kitt Pirate: Snaggletooth's Treasure (Thunder Peak Publishing, August 2011 print and ebook editions).

Since you're writing for children ages 9-12, tell us a little about what you were like as a child.

I grew up in the foothills of the Black Forest in Germany. It is a very rural and outdoorsy area that used to get completely snowed in during winters. So, I spent most of my summers hiking and adventuring in the forests, trying to learn more about the animal and plant life of the area, while also discovering and exploring caves and forgotten ancient ruins, some of which were still leftovers from the Roman Empire some 2000 years ago.

Photo courtesy Ben Oliver

My father instilled a love for books in me. He's always been a big reader himself, and during the cold winter months I would always spend a lot my free time reading.

Who was your favorite author as a child? What genre did you prefer?

When I was a child I loved adventure stories and mysteries. I remember that I was fascinated by the books of Jules Verne and his fantastic stories, like "Journey to the Center of the Earth" or "20,000 Leagues under the Sea".

I was also a big fan of a book series called "The Three Investigators" by Robert Arthur, which is a bit like "The Hardy Boys." This series got me interested in mysteries, and as I grew older I began to devour Agatha Christie's entire body of detective mysteries.

What was your inspiration for Kitt Pirate?

While my son, Lucas, went through elementary school I often helped in his school's library, something I enjoyed tremendously. There, I saw a lot of great books and stories and liked the idea of chapter books. I read a lot of Mary Pope-Osbourne's "Magic Treehouse" stories and liked the concept of short books that were adventurous and easy enough to be read by young readers without intimidating them.

One day, while seeing my son in his Halloween pirate costume, I thought to myself that stories about a young pirate captain who faces all sorts of adventures could actually be very interesting. And so, Kitt Pirate was essentially born.

Is this your first book? How long did it take to write Kitt Pirate?

Kitt Pirate is not my first book, although it is the first book I wrote for children. I have actually written ten more books that I published under a different name.

Writing Kitt Pirate did not take very long, two or three weeks, perhaps, but polishing it took a long time. When I first write a story, I usually just write things as they come to my mind. I do not worry about style or grammar too much. For me it is important to get my thoughts and the story into the computer before my ideas are lost.

Then I go through the book over and over again, and look at it from different points of view. I will read it and check only to see if the story flows properly, or if there are gaps that I need to fill. Then I will read it again and look only for word repetitions, for example, to make sure the writing stays interesting through the entire book. Then on another pass I will look at my sentences and make sure the grammar is good, and that sentences are not too long and that they are easy to understand. During another read I will look out for verbs, and in every sentence I will ask myself if there is a verb that may be stronger, that may say what I am trying to say better than the one I first wrote.

This takes a lot of time but with every step you can see the story get better until in the end I have a story that I feel is as good as it can be.

What are your plans for Kitt Pirate? Will he be back in more adventures?

I do have a number of more ideas for exciting adventures that Kitt and his crew could face but I have not started writing any of them yet. I am sure, however, that sometime soon, Kitt will come knocking on my door and tell me to get going. I am sure he won't be too happy to be the star of only one story, even if it is a mighty cool one.

Review: The Prairie Pet by Stacey Laura Lloyd

2011-10-07T09:01:00.001-05:00

The Prairie Pet by Stacey Laura Lloyd. A Hospital Critterz Book.

Strategic Media Group
Publication Date: January 2011
List Price: $6.95
ISBN-13: 9780982415702

Review: If you ever want to make a friend just draw one. See how some drawings with the help of some magic markers bring two people together for a worthwhile cause. The Prairie Pet written by Stacy Laura Lloyd is a book full of adventure with many surprises written for kids 8-10. It is a fantasy book of a lifetime. This is the first book in the Hospital Critterz series and it is filled with a lot of excitement and will keep readers interested throughout the whole book.

In The Prairie Pet, Lily and Max are patients in McPoppers Children's Hospital, but they are anything but friends. However Lily still keeps trying. She starts drawing pictures for Max. Max doesn't like them in the beginning and tells her never to come in his room. But then one night she is awakened by something strange. She realizes that there may be a little magic in the hospital. Will this realization bring Max and Lily together for an adventure?

Stacey Laura Lloyd is a great author who writes amazing books. I can't wait for any future books she might write. If I could make a list of the 100 best books this would be in the top ten. I hope she writes more books in the Hospital Critterz series so the world can have even more joy from her writing. I kept on looking at the note that said the riddle, "A farmer gets food straight from his land, and sometimes he needs a helping hand. But what do you do when a farmer is low? Dig deep inside you and something will grow." That quote had an impact on me because it is saying that everyone is special and anything is possible if you put your heart to it. Lily is a person everybody would want to be because she is pleasant, smart, and is always working for a better cause. She is somebody a lot of people can relate to. It is a good book to read at night because it leaves readers filled with positive thoughts. It is also a very relaxing book to most readers. This has little bit of each genre, but it is mostly fantasy. Any age group can enjoy this book full of surprises. If you like food and life then you will love this book. It is a cute story that will touch the hearts of anyone who reads it. I rate it five stars because this book blew my mind and will blow yours. If I was in a hospital and I read this book I would feel a lot safer and less afraid.

Review written by Joseph (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates for providing a copy of The Prairie Pet for this review.

Have you read The Prairie Pet? How would you rate it?

Book Trends Welcomes Author Stacey Laura Lloyd: A Student Interview

2011-10-07T09:00:00.002-05:00

Sixth grade student Joseph recently had the opportunity to ask Stacey Laura Lloyd, author of a new series of "Hospital Critterz" books, a few questions about her work. The first book in the series, The Prairie Pet (Strategic Media Group, January 2011 print and ebook editions), introduces Lily and Max, two eight-year-old patients at McPopper Children's Hospital, and their magical friends, the Hospital Critterz.

Photo courtesy Stacey Laura Lloyd

1. Did you pick the Old West setting and why did you pick it?

I picked the Old West because it’s an interesting time in American history, and I enjoyed incorporating new characters like Caleb and Tiny, as well as fun facts about farming, plowing, Buffalo Bill, and even buffalos!

2. How did you come up with the plot?

I wanted readers to go on an adventure with Lily, Max, and the Hospital Critterz that was full of excitement, riddles, humor, and fun. I also wanted to introduce readers to different characters and situations that they may not be familiar with, namely those in the hospital setting and on the prairie in the late 1800s.

3. When did you decide to be an author?

I have enjoyed writing ever since I was little. My mom is a children’s librarian and my dad is an author of business books, so I was always reading and writing. I also had wonderful teachers who encouraged me to write and instilled in me a love for books!

4. Who did you write this book specifically for?

Hospital Critterz: The Prairie Pet is for children ages 6-10, and the book speaks to young readers in many different ways. First, it’s an entertaining adventure with an exciting storyline and fun-loving characters that children enjoy. The book also helps ease children’s fears that they may have about the healthcare environment. And for children who are hospitalized, the book enables them to connect with Lily and Max on a deeper level because they share similar experiences, emotions, and surroundings.

5. When did you first meet Mike Singer?

I first met Mike Singer, the visionary behind the Hospital Critterz series, a couple of years ago, and I was truly inspired by his creativity, drive, and passion!

Review: I Love People by Francoize Boucher

2011-09-29T11:48:00.000-05:00

I Love People by Francoize Boucher.

Kane Miller
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9781610670128

Review: Who are people? Who are not? After crossing out all the phrases that are not people, the reader is left with "You, bored to death; a dead house plant; and a huge dead rat" epitomizing the disadvantage of isolation. This fun activity along with nearly 100 more is from I Love People - an activity book by Francoize Boucher that teaches readers how to love all people - including those that might be from another planet!

According to the author, in order to read I Love People, every reader needs to have the following on hand: "a very big heart, a full pencil case, and a taste for adventure." Readers embark on a journey "with twists and turns - to the land of love and friendship." This activity book is filled with eye-appealing activities written with kids in mind that focus on friendship, stress, valuing yourself, etiquette, and looking for the best in people. The activities would not only be great fun for any 8-12 year old child, but they would also be an excellent resource for teachers and counselors of that age group.

One example of how I Love People could be used in a classroom setting is the "Who would you like to be friends with?" section. Six characters are presented with varying appearance, interests, intelligence and attitudes. The ultimate goal is to teach readers how appearances can be deceptive and that friends should be picked for who they are instead of what they look like. Countless other pages can yield thought-provoking discussions as well. But most importantly, I Love People is a fun book filled with wisdom under the disguise of humor. Only on a few occasions did I find myself questioning the value of a few pages. For example, on the page, "What about You? What do you do for other people?" kids are instructed to make a list following some of the given examples. One example is "I punched . . . ." The moral at the end of the page is, "You see! All these people would be really sad if you weren't around." It seems unlikely that someone you punched would miss you. Certainly this was intended as humor, but developmentally, some children may not understand the humor. Nonetheless, I Love People does exactly what it sets out to do - it stimulates thinking, creates a few laughs, jumpstarts imagination, and helps kids to become the best person they can be. Kids will read and write . . . . and ultimate learn a great deal about themselves and the people all around them.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of I Love People for this review.

Have you read I Love People? How would you rate it?

Review: Little Lucy by Ilene Cooper

2011-09-26T06:35:00.001-05:00

Little Lucy by Ilene Cooper. A Step Into Reading Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 2011
List Price: $3.99
ISBN-13: 9780375867606

Review: Everyone loves a cute little puppy - especially one as cute as Lucy in Little Lucy by Ilene Cooper. Little Lucy is a Step Into Reading book Step 3. Little Lucy is an adorable story about the adventures of a beagle as she travels with her family to the lake. Lucy experiences new sights, sounds, and sensations! She loves spending time with Bobby, but when he finds that she doesn't like the lake, Lucy gets tied up so that Bobby can swim. However, being tied up doesn't stop Lucy. She is able to unhook her leash and go off to explore on her own. She finds interesting bugs, hopping frogs, and rolling hills. But, eventually Lucy wanders too far. How will she be able to find her way back home?

Little Lucy is a perfect book for early readers. Any reader would be able to build an emotional tie with Lucy. She is simply charming. She's the puppy every child hopes to have. Filled with sensory imagery, the adventure in the story will certainly appeal to young children. Plus, the fear of a dog running away is real - and Little Lucy ties everything together bringing the readers to a happy ending. The writing is developmentally appropriate, with just enough challenging words, and the superb illustrations by John Kranzler help to round out the story and assist students in reading the text. The Step Into Reading books have been quality early reader books for generations, and Little Lucy is no exception.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

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

Have you read Little Lucy? How would you rate it?

Review: Sleeping Bootsie by Maribeth Boelts

2011-09-23T09:07:00.002-05:00

Sleeping Bootsie by Maribeth Boelts. A Step Into Reading Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2011
List Price: $3.99
ISBN-13: 9780375866784

Review: Fairies, magic, spells and . . . . kittens? Sleeping Bootsie by Maribeth Boelts is a charming book for early readers. It is part of the Step Into Reading series Step 3. Meg, a young maiden who works in a castle longs for a friend. One day, she finds the best friend in an unexpected place - her laundry basket! Sleeping Bootsie, an adorable kitten is welcomed into the castle by the Queen who makes Bootsie Meg's charge. She throws a ball, inviting all the fairies who cast wonderful spells on Bootsie. One fairie, however, is not invited - the evil fairie. The Silver Fairy comes anyway though and casts an evil spell on Bootsie. As the King & Queen do everything to avoid the Silver Fairy's spell - eternal sleep at the touch of water, it ends up affecting the entire land. However, despite all the precautions, when Bootsie finally falls victim to eternal sleep, will they ever be able to find a way to bring Bootsie back?

Sleeping Bootsie has everything that young readers enjoy - they love castles, fairies, and kittens! The story is charming and has enough depth to it to maintain the interest of stronger readers. Context clues are used throughout the book to assist readers in understanding challenging words. Plus, difficult words are repeated often, helping to increase vocabulary. Patricia Cantor also adds exceptional illustrations to assist students in understanding the plot. The Step Into Reading series is a wonderful series for young readers, and Sleeping Bootsie captures the attention of the readers through a loveable character, relatively familiar plot, and exciting castle life.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

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

Have you read Sleeping Bootsie? How would you rate it?

Review: Lexie by Audrey Couloumbis

2011-09-21T11:46:00.002-05:00

Lexie by Audrey Couloumbis.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375856327

Review: Lexie has spent every summer for as long as she can remember at her family's home at the shore. This summer is going to be different. There are so many things going on in ten-year-old Lexie's life. Her parents recently got divorced and she is going on the yearly family vacation without her mom this summer. This year her dad is bringing his new girlfriend Vicky and her two sons Ben and Harris along. Now, Lexie will have to put up with, Ben -a teenager and Harris (Mack) - a toddler, throughout her vacation. Lexie, by Audrey Coloumbis, is a great book and is a must read.

On her vacation Lexie ends up doing some fun things with everyone that she didn't expect. One time, Ben finds a sand shark in a pool that somebody made in the sand. Ben calls Lexie to help him and together they dig a canal so that the shark can get back in the water. Another time, Lexie takes Harris beachcombing with her. They set out to search for any interesting things along the shore. Harris finds a lot of different items and Lexie keeps him company. One thing they find is a sand dollar that is dead. They bury it and go home to show everyone their discoveries. These are just a few of the fun things that Lexie does on her vacation with Vicky, Ben, and Harris. What are some of the other adventures she has down by the shore? That's for you to find out!

I think that in this story Coloumbis is trying to show that you can have fun where it is least expected. I think that Lexie is a very heartfelt book and it is meant for all ages. It is an easy read and young children will enjoy it as well. This story would be especially enjoyed by children Lexie's age because it is told from Lexie's point of view. In my opinion, Lexie deserves a 5 out of 5 star rating. I loved the way the author made me feel as if I were there in the story. This was a very interesting book and it kept me reading until the end. I have a feeling that you will feel the same about it.

Review written by Yahvi (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Lexie? How would you rate it?

Review: When Life Gives You O.J. by Erica S. Perl

2011-09-19T10:06:00.002-05:00

When Life Gives You O.J. by Erica S. Perl.

Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375859243

Review: Have you ever wanted a dog? Then just get a practice dog! When Life Gives You O.J. by Erica S. Perl, may be the best book of our time. It will keep you interested the whole way.

It is the story of a young girl named Zelda, who has always wanted a dog. So her grandpa, Ace gives her an orange juice carton and says it is a practice dog. Zelda must take care of the 'dog', feed the dog, help the dog go to the bathroom and so on. As her story goes on she meets a young boy named Jeremy. Jeremy is the only person that learns about her practice dog other than her family. Zelda eventually gets tired of O.J. and throws it away. Not so long afterwards Zelda's life takes a turn for the worst. Her grandpa has a heart attack. She blames herself, and since she has thrown O.J. away, she feels she has no one. What will happen to Ace? Will Zelda ever get her dog?

When Life Gives You O.J. is a FANTASTIC book. Zelda grows from to hating O.J to loving him. Zelda is easy to relate to because she wants a dog like a lot of people. It can be funny, suspenseful, and just plain great. It deserves 5 out of 5 stars. It will interest any age group. It will interest any age group, not just kids but even adults to. This is an important sign in a book when it can be enjoyed by several generations. This is also a great book for dog lovers. Everyone should read this book. When Life Gives You O.J. is a great book to read on lazy days, car trips, at the beach and, just for fun.

Review written by Max (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of When Life Gives You O.J. for this review.

Have you read When Life Gives You O.J.? How would you rate it?

Review: Skary Childrin and the Carousel of Sorrow by Katy Towell

2011-09-15T10:19:00.002-05:00

Skary Childrin and the Carousel of Sorrow by Katy Towell.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375868597

Review: When they cross the room, the watching girls' index fingers follow them. Maggie, Adelaide, and Beatrice have suffered endless teasing and name calling, and they are known as "Scary Children" by their classmates. The book, ! Skary Childrin and the Carousel of Sorrow by Katy Towell, centers around three girls and their unnatural talents. When the citizens of Widowsbury start vanishing, the outcasts must unite and with the help of Steffen, try to find out what has happened to them, and how to bring them back. Will these unlikely heroines be able to find the lost citizens and bring them back, or will they be sucked up in the abductions too?

Adelaide has the startling characteristics of a werewolf. She can scent people from about ½ a mile away, distinguish substances clearly from about a ¼ mile away, and hear people from over a mile away. Maggie, on the other hand is uncomfortably strong. I'm talking strong as in she can carry a whole mantelpiece jam-packed of enormous heavy dictionaries in one hand, and without breaking a sweat either. Beatrice, claims to see ghosts, and oddly enough, has befriended some dead animal spirits. If they are to find out where their beloved librarian has gone, they're going to have to unite and travel the path in which many have taken before their death. Will they be able to find out what has happened to their librarian, and will they be able to rescue here before it's too late? How much longer will they have until their taken away too?

Katy Towell, is a great writer, and if she can accomplish this mind-blowing book, I can guarantee that she's able to create another one just as marvelous. Skary Childrin is something I'd like to keep reading. This book, ! Skary Childrin and the Carousel of Sorrow , is an amazing, book, and I'm hoping that Katy Towell will write a sequel. I loved her descriptive words and I'm pretty sure that she loved every page, because I did. In the book the page I kept flipping back to was the page that had the song, "Scar-y chil-dren, Scar-y chil-dren, Where are they? Where are they? You can't run from Maggie! Adelaide will smell thee! Beatrice cries! Then you die!!" It is sung to the tune of "Frere Jacques". My favorite character is Adelaide, because I thought she is most like me, no, not with the werewolf stuff, or the teasing, or saving the world. But the temper, the screaming, and the crying are all behaviors I possess on weekly biases. Well, maybe not the screaming and crying, mostly just the temper. If I become a librarian, I would put at least 4-5 copies of this book in the library. Anyhow, I rate Skary Childrin and the Carousel of Sorrow 5 stars, because of how well the girls work together and how this is a gripping modern-day mystery.

Review written by Tam (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Skary Childrin and the Carousel of Sorrow for this review.

Have you read Skary Childrin and the Carousel of Sorrow? How would you rate it?

Review: First Pitch: How Baseball Began by John Thorn

2011-09-09T07:12:00.002-05:00

First Pitch: How Baseball Began by John Thorn.

Beach Ball Books
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9781936310050

Review: The crowd goes wild in the bottom of the 9th inning when the home-team favorite is up to bat and a crack resonates throughout the park. As the heroes of young and old run around the bases, the crowd rises to their feet applauding the hit that won the game. It's difficult to not be affected by the fever in a ballpark. It's nearly impossible to ignore the excitement when a home team heads to the World Series. But, does anyone know how it all began? Unlike basketball, baseball "was not invented in a day, a week . . . . or a decade. It was not created by one person or even on small group. In fact, it was not invented at all; it changed, just like children do, in tiny, barely noticeable bits, along the way to being all grown up." Fortunately John Thorn decided that baseball fans needed to know the history behind the sport, so he wrote First Pitch: How Baseball Began .

Thorn takes readers through baseball's murky past and highlights the remarkable developments and alterations that have shaped baseball today. As a perfect way to engage readers, Thorn begins with a story - the tale of two Abners in Cooperstown, New York 1839. Thorn then takes readers through a historical look at the major events that shaped baseball today. He highlights the effect of cholera on athletics, as well as delving deeper into history - all the way back to the ancient world! But he then continues sharing fable and fact to finally uncover the best known history of baseball.

First Pitch: How Baseball Began is an enthralling look at baseball. Kids (and adults alike) will love to read Thorn's book because it is written in a youth-friendly style and is complimented by engaging pictures and artifacts. True baseball fans will love the depth of research and suggestions for further reading and research, but all readers will have a greater respect for baseball and its place as America's National Pastime. It is fascinating to see how so much of what people believed to be true about baseball's history is indeed fiction, but fortunately Thorn does an excellent job setting the record straight. Thorn was named the Official Historian, Major League Baseball - and after reading his work, it's clear that he has earned his title.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Raab Associates for providing a copy of First Pitch: How Baseball Began for this review.

Have you read First Pitch: How Baseball Began? How would you rate it?

Review: Passion by Lauren Kate

2011-09-07T20:41:00.002-05:00

Passion by Lauren Kate. A Fallen Novel.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2011
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739160

Review: Luce and Daniel - destined to love one another no matter what, but cursed so that their love can never evolve. Before Luce and Daniel met at Sword & Cross, they had lived many lives - always falling in love only to have Luce ignite in flames when their love grew too strong. In the third book in the Fallen series, Passion by Lauren Kate, Luce embarks on a quest back in time to see once and for all if there is any hope of her unlocking the curse that condemns their love.

Luce would die for Daniel, and since the dawn of time, Luce has continued to die over and over again. But, Daniel, a fallen angel, lives on and on only to relive the romance, love and ultimate pain once she's gone. Luce knows there is a curse, but its origins are a mystery to her. But something seems different in this lifetime, and Luce is determined to find a way to break the curse. Unfortunately, the only way to do that is to go back in time and see for herself how it all began. Luce travels via Announcers from one life to another - spanning thousands of years and across the globe - reliving the passion and the death over and over again. As she travels back in time, Daniel, along with Cam and the other angels, frantically race after her hoping to stop her from altering the past. How far will she have to go before she finds the truth? And what will happen if she is able to rewrite history? It could be far worse than anyone imagined.

Lauren Kate has hit a goldmine with the Fallen series, and Passion is certainly no disappointment. The overall premise of the novel is fascinating - visiting past lives and having the opportunity to see yourself in a different time and place. Passion takes readers to pivotal periods in history spanning civilizations across the globe. The cultural lessons alone are captivating! Readers are given an inside look at who Luce and Daniel were before they met them at Sword & Cross. Plus, some of the questions that have plagued readers are finally answered. However, new questions will arise, and readers will yearn for the next book to end the confusion. That being said, it is essential that readers begin with Fallen and read the series in order in order to fully appreciate Passion. However, it will certainly be worth the effort! The exciting conclusion to the series, Rapture, is expected to be released summer 2012.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

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

Have you read Passion? How would you rate it?

Review: Seven Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes by Amber Kizer

2011-09-05T20:18:00.002-05:00

Seven Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes by Amber Kizer. A Gert Garibaldi book.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385734325

Review: Well, I guess everyone's life is full of ordinary catastrophes. These are mine. Hi I'm Gert Garibaldi. Welcome to my crazy life. The life of a teenager can sometimes be summed up as a compilation of catastrophes - ordinary catastrophes, and Gert's life is no different. In Seven Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes , Amber Kizer's sequel to Gert Garibaldi's Rants and Raves: One Butt Cheek at a Time , Gert faces one catastrophe after another as she navigates herself through the nucleus of catastrophes - high school.

Gert is just like any other high school student. She must tackle complex homework assignments, deal with boys, family, a job, her friends and as if that's not enough, Gert must plan for her future! Gert has a boyfriend. This should make her lucky, right? Not if he kisses like a vacuum cleaner! And what does that say about Gert if she doesn't like kissing her boyfriend? And how sad is it that "said boyfriend" dumps Gert? Then, while Gert is dealing with this boy crisis, her father ends up hospitalized giving her far more responsibility at home than she might be ready to handle. Getting fired from her barely-minimum-wage, grease-infested job doesn't help the situation either. Fortunately, Gert has wonderful friends who divert her attention from her personal catastrophes to engage her in wacky schemes that ultimately involve her in more drama. And seriously, how is a girl who is putting one fire out after another even supposed to think about her future?? Well, Gert somehow finds a way - though she leaves a few bumps and bruises along the way.

Seven Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes is a hysterical look at adolescence that teenage girls will stay up all night reading. Most of the novel is written from the frantic perspective of Gert. Readers are drawn in on the first line when Gert says, "Oh, Holy-Mother-of-High-Heels-and-Dropping-Balls, what does a girl wear to a New Year's Eve party?" The candid prose engages readers throughout the novel and keeps them chuckling along the way. Then interspersed between chapters are Gert's "Rants". For example, her first rant is about the word "orchard" (which is really an analysis about the etymology of the word "date" and how a "wizened piece of fruit" has become associated with boys and girls). These are somewhat random, and oftentimes humorous, rants that are presented in a handwritten form to take on the appearance of a diary of sorts. The reader feels as if Gert is talking (or ranting) to her - -making readers want to respond and carry on the conversation! Readers will fall in love with Gert and her sarcastic outlook towards life. Although it is not essential to read Gert Garibaldi's Rants and Raves: One Butt Cheek at a Time before reading Seven Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes, if it is even half as entertaining as this book, it is certainly recommended. Gert Garibaldi is a little bit of every high-school girl out there, and she'll touch the hearts of readers everywhere. Hopefully Amber Kizer won't stop here, but will instead continue sharing Gert's world with teenage readers far and wide.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Seven Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes for this review.

Have you read Seven Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes? How would you rate it?

Review: Daughter of Xanadu by Dori Jones Yang

2011-09-02T06:21:00.001-05:00

Daughter of Xanadu by Dori Jones Yang.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 2011
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739238

Review: Do like historical fiction books? If you do, then Daughter of Xanadu is the book for you. Written by Dori Jones Yang, this book is about a Mongolian girl who wants to win honor for her royal family. Can she do it? If it is possible, will she?

15-year-old Emmajin Beki wants one thing above all others: she wants to be in the military. For hundreds of years, the fierce Mongol soldiers have been feared. Emmajin longs to be riding along with all of the strong and loyal soldiers. The emperor, Khubilai Khan, is Emmajin's grandfather, and he places her in the military. Among the other soldiers, there is a merchant named Marco Polo. Emmajin adores this foreigner and falls in love with him. Everyone warns her to stay away from this strange man. The Great Khan asks Emmajin to listen to Marco and uncover the weaknesses of Marco's homeland, Venezia because the Mongols plan to take over Venezia. Emmajin faithfully does this for the Khan, but Marco realizes her deception. She explains this to him and they eventually trust each other again, but Emmajin has a choice to make. Will she stay loyal to her people or help the merchant that she loves?

Dori Jones Yang does an excellent job writing Daughter of Xanadu. It is based off of history and is quite accurate. Chinggis Khan, Tolui Khan, Mongke Khan, Khubilai Khan, Dorji Khan, Chimkin Khan, and Temur Khan are all real people that did live in the Mongolian Empire and did serve as emperors. Three of the Khan's grandchildren are fictional characters. Emmajin, her sister Drolma, and her cousin Suren, are all false. In the story, only Chinggis Khan, Tolui Khan, and Khubilai Khan have been emperors so far. Yang writes with enthusiasm and makes this book very interesting. I would highly recommend it for middle school and high school readers. This is probably one of the best books I've ever read. I rate Daughter of Xanadu by Dori Jones Yang 5 out of 5 stars.

Review written by Colleen (7th grade student).

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

Have you read Daughter of Xanadu? How would you rate it?

Review: The Medusa Plot by Gordon Korman

2011-08-31T04:00:00.005-05:00

The Medusa Plot by Gordon Korman. A 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers Book.

Scholastic Press
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780545298391

Review: Imagine that all at the same time your closest relatives and friends are kidnapped. The only way to prevent them from being hurt is to follow orders given by an anonymous person. In the first book of the Cahills vs. Vespers series, The Medusa Plot written by Gordon Korman, Amy and her younger brother Dan face this problem.

All at once, members from all of the Cahill clans are taken by a mysterious organization called the Vespers. Ever since the time of Gideon Cahill the Vespers have been after the family. The leader, Vesper One, gives Amy and Dan instructions which if followed will keep their family alive. Unable to turn to the police, they turned to their family, who struggle to work together and has argued for years. With the little help they get, they go to Florence, hoping to appease the Vespers and keep their family alive.

The Medusa Plot follows the first 39 Clues series and to better understand it I suggest that you read the other 39 Clues books. If you read this book first, then it will spoil the ending of the tenth book in the first series. All of the characters are exciting, none of them with the exact same personalities. The plot and action are described fully and make you feel like you are with the characters. With some of the character's lives on the line there is a high level of suspense throughout the entire book. The genre of the book is realistic fiction but there is an extremely low chance of any of the events in this book happening. The pace is very fast and you get hooked right away on the first page. I rate this book a 10/10 and I rate the entire 39 Clues series a 10/10. After you read this book you will be hooked onto the entire series.

Review written by Shannon (7th grade student).

We would like to thank Scholastic for providing a copy of The Medusa Plot for this review.

Have you read The Medusa Plot? How would you rate it?

Review: The Resisters by Eric Nylund

2011-08-29T06:04:00.001-05:00

The Resisters by Eric Nylund. A Resisters Novel.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 2011
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9780375868566

Review: Halo author and game developer, Eric Nylund, has created a new series that will astound missle grade readers - The Resisters. The Resisters is the first book in the series.

Ethan Blackwood has finished his soccer game and is at his victory party. He is taking care of garbage when the milk truck pulls up next to his house and the people inside abduct him. When he wakes up, he realized they have taken him into a camouflaged base inside the mountain. Everyone puts on big robot suits, and although Ethan doesn't want to, he does just in time - because a huge robotic spider comes smashing right into the mountain. Then suddenly Ethan is lifted up off the ground and thrown off the cliff. He doesn't think that he can fly, but he hopes he can and wills the bug to do something and suddenly it sprouts wings. It is a wasp. He flies back to town, crash lands and goes home. In the morning he is taken away and sent to boarding school. On the bus ride he finds out that all the parents are controlled by aliens. In fact, everyone past puberty is controlled by them! So, he realizes that it is up to the kids to destroy the mother ship. He breaks out and runs to the wasp. He makes a quick stop at his house, but his family is gone. Will he find his family? Is he going to save the world alone?

The Resisters hooked me right at the beginning and it is great all throughout it. My excitement grew and grew with every page. Everything was great about it. It has everything a book should have - awesome characters, thrilling suspense, and a meaningful plot. It is hard to pull yourself away from it once you get started. There is a surprise around every corner and you can never guess what is going to happen next. This is one science fiction book you will definitely not forget. In fact, you'll be anxiously awaiting the next book in The Resisters series!

Review written by Carson (7th grade student).

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

Have you read The Resisters? How would you rate it?

Review: Rip Tide by Kat Falls

2011-08-26T06:43:00.001-05:00

Rip Tide by Kat Falls. An Al Roker Book Club Selection.

Scholastic Press
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780545178433

Review: The beautiful ocean. A home to many things. Fish live in the ocean as well as plants and of course, pioneers. Wait, pioneers? Yes! In Rip Tide by Kat Falls, you will discover what it's like to live on the bottom of the ocean! Rip Tide is only one of many adventures for 15 year old Ty's in the Dark Life series.

Ty is not your average boy. Now because Ty is born on the bottom of the ocean, he possesses something called a Dark Gift. He sends out clicks of sonar (like a bat) and receives a mental picture back! This gift is very useful when in the ocean. Ty and his best friend Gemma like to explore the ocean a lot. Well, at least Ty does. There was an incident with Gemma, so she doesn't enjoy the ocean as much as she used to. Anyway, one day Ty and Gemma are in a trash vortex looking for a place to hitch the submarine. Ty gets his swim gear on and goes into the ocean where he finds a good place. But once Ty looks at it more closely, he discovers that it is really a township (floating building) chained to the ocean floor! Ty is going to unlock the ship when a "red devil" charges at him! Ty manages to stop the "red devil" and its pack from eating him and unhitches the township. Once Gemma and Ty reach the surface, they turn in the ship to the Seaguard. Meanwhile, his parents have a meeting to sell crops to a surf named Drift, and Ty wants to be there. Ty makes it to the meeting just in time to see his parents being kidnapped by Drift! Pioneers are not very reliable or trustworthy people, and Ty tries to stop them, but he can't. Now only two questions cross his mind: Why is Drift kidnapping his parents? And where is he taking them? Gemma and Ty decide to try looking for them. While doing this they come across many challenges and rewarding experiences. Will Ty ever find his parents?

Rip Tide is an amazing book! It is action packed, suspenseful, and even a little romantic. I love how Ty is willing to do anything for his friends and family. I also enjoy the idea of getting to live underwater. It's like you're actually living a fairy tale life. But one of the best parts of Rip Tide is the wonderful descriptions of the terrible and great creatures of the deep. They are really fantastic; it's as if you're watching the movie right before your eyes. Gemma and Ty's bravery ties the book together and completes the story. Rip Tide is for people who are ready for adventure and suspense!

Review written by Savannah (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Scholastic for providing a copy of Rip Tide for this review.

Have you read Rip Tide? How would you rate it?

Review: The Branding by Micaela Wendell

2011-08-24T07:02:00.001-05:00

The Branding by Micaela Wendell.

Bell Bridge Books
Publication Date: January 2011
List Price: $10.95
ISBN-13: 9781611940091

Review: A quest and a curse, both doom Morwen Aleacim, a teenage elf, to death. Morwen is the main character in The Branding , and lives in the village of Aren. The Branding is a captivating tale and from the first sentence it keeps you on your toes until the very last page. The Branding is a great read for anyone who likes fantasy. For example, there are wizards and elves going on quests. Morwen, goes on a quest to get a hideous curse off of her that only the wizard king can remove.

The Branding is about quests, curses, and doing what everyone else wants even if you don't like it. As an example, the elders of Aren want Morwen to act like a girl instead of like her tomboy self. She wants to learn to fight but the law forbids it. So a real human swordsman offers to help her fight. His name is Armando. The training takes place when everyone is sleeping. Later on in the story, Morwen and her sister Brynn are trapped by a dark wizard named Tobais. Morwen gives up her life and freedom in order to save her sister from the same fate. Then Tobais brands her once he lets her sister go. When The Branding takes over her body, Morwen will become a servant to Tobais forever. After that she sets out on a quest to try and remove the curse. On her way she meets Alan a handsome elf. Together they pursue her quest and make new friends and enemies.

Captivating, thrilling, and exciting are the words I would use to describe The Branding . After reading The Branding , it makes you want to read the sequel Micaela Wendell is writing. The Branding is a great read from beginning to end. Micaela Wendell is a very talented author. The story flows smoothly from one idea to the next. For example, in The Branding Micaela Wendell wrote "... 'You'll be transformed into a puppet for me to use at my disposal!' He cackled maliciously, and then silence. Morwen shot upright, leaving a puddle of icy sweat soaking her pillow. 'I must have taken a nap when we got back from town and had a bad nightmare.'" This piece of the story shows how her writing flows from one idea to the other. I recommend The Branding to whoever likes fantasy stories.

Review written by Caitlin (7th grade student).

We would like to thank BelleBooks for providing a copy of The Branding for this review.

Have you read The Branding? How would you rate it?

Review: Kiss of Death by Lauren Henderson

2011-08-22T06:52:00.005-05:00

Kiss of Death by Lauren Henderson. A Scarlett Wakefield Mystery.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385737791

Review: Engrossing is a great word to describe Kiss of Death by Lauren Henderson. From the first word of the book, readers are completely engrossed in the story. Kiss of Death is the fourth book in the Scarlett Wakefield series. Readers might want to read the first three books in the series. They are Kiss Me Kill Me, Kisses and Lies, and Kiss in the Dark. Kiss of Death is an amazing book about life, love, and death.

Kiss of Death is about Scarlett's fairly complicated life. For starters, her boyfriend rides away on his motorcycle because of family problems. Then Scarlett is nearly killed by someone and is upset and brakes up with Jase her now ex-boyfriend. Then she goes to a party with her friend where they run into her ex-boyfriend who saves her from plummeting to her death. Who is trying to take her life? Will she live long enough to figure out her romantic troubles?

Kiss of Death is a great book. Anyone who likes realistic fiction, romance, and mystery would die to read this book. This is because Scarlett's life gets pretty complicated in this book. The nonstop action and suspense keeps readers engaged from page one all the way to the end. Also Lauren Henderson is an awesome author because of all the twists of events. Readers are kept on their toes never quite sure what is going to happen next.

Review written by Caitlin (7th grade student).

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

Have you read Kiss of Death? How would you rate it?

Review: The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson

2011-08-17T12:39:00.002-05:00

The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780385737456

Review: A doll that can talk to children in only their minds sounds pretty odd, right? Well that's exactly what The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson is. This book is quite possibly one of the greatest books I have ever read. It is 201 pages long and is based on actual dolls that arrived in the United States from Japan.

The Friendship Doll begins with a doll named Miss Kanagawa being created in Japan. She, along with 57 other dolls, are transported to America as a sign of friendship to the American children. Miss Kanagawa is presented to New York City in the year 1927, and she awakens the heart of little Bunny. When Miss Kanagawa awakens children, she can speak to them through thoughts. Her thoughts tell them the right thing to do and through her thoughts she bonds with the children.

Miss Kanagawa connects with the following children: Bunny, Lois, Willie Mae, and Lucy. Bunny, wanting no more than love from her parents, wishes to cause her classmate Belle Roosevelt embarrassment when she officially presents the doll to New York. Lois is a girl from Chicago and gets the wonderful gift to go to the Chicago World's Fair. While there, she meets Miss Kanagawa, who helps her decide to think of her friend instead of herself. Willie Mae is a little girl, living in Kentucky, who loves to read. When the opportunity to read to a wealthy (and quite rude) elderly lady comes up, she takes it to support her family. Yet Willie Mae is not the one whose heart is awakened, it is someone else's. And through tragedy, Miss Kanagawa learns a great meaning of love. Lastly comes Lucy. Lucy is a little girl whose mother died, forcing her father and her to make the great move to California. Lucy and her father change through their trip when unexpected turns come, but Lucy keeps a brave face. Miss Kanagawa, at a museum, touches Lucy. However, when Japan bombs Pearl Harbor, Miss Kanagawa is shut away. Even the Great Depression couldn't keep Miss Kanagawa from touching the hearts of people. But, WWII is different. Eventually, Lucy's grandson finds Miss Kanagawa in present-day, and the awakening begins again.

The Friendship Doll is based on the true story of how dolls from Japan arrived to America. Even though 58 dolls arrived in America, 13 are nowhere to be found. The author used magnificent time transitions in this book. The setting and plots are perfectly woven together, like the fact that the book takes place in the Great Depression makes the emotional sense of the book quite interesting. Through this book, I found myself learning lessons from the characters and even feeling touched by Miss Kanagawa herself. All in all, this book is a must read for readers everywhere who want to know the true meaning of friendship.

Review written by Amber (7th grade student).

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

Have you read The Friendship Doll? How would you rate it?

Review: The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

2011-08-05T17:07:00.003-05:00

The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan. a Forest of Hands and Teeth Book.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 2011
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385738590

Review: What would you do if you knew you had only a few days left to live? This haunting question plagues Annah as she battles for not only her life, but for the lives of all other living people in Carrie Ryan's third installment in her Forest of Hands and Teeth series - The Dark and Hollow Places. In this dystopian novel, Annah must come to terms with her past - leaving her sister in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, the horrific scars she endured from the barbed wire, and her uncertain feelings for Elias after he left to join the Recruiters - if she has any hope of ever having a future.

Annah's world ended when Elias left to join the Recruiters, and the longer he stays away, the more she realizes she's on her own - alone to try to escape the horrors of the Return. Over time, Annah becomes self-sufficient and learns secrets to avoiding the Horde and the Unconsecrated. However, a hole exists in her soul without Elias. In many ways she's as dead and void of life as the desolate world that surrounds her. But, when she runs into Catcher, a boy who in many ways reminds her so much of Elias, she finds that there might be a little life still left inside her. Catcher, however, is mysterious and comes to Annah with not only hope, but also heavy laden with secrets that cloud his past and more importantly link to her past as well. As Annah's feelings for Catcher grow, it becomes very clear that her past will come back to haunt her and she just might have to decide what she would do if she only had a few days left to live.

Carrie Ryan blends horror and romance in such a way that will capture the hearts of young adult readers. The Forest of Hands and Teeth series is about a dystopian world in which people don't merely die, but they come back to haunt and feed off the blood of the living. To truly understand the world in which Annah lives, as well as the characters and challenges they face, it is critical to start at the beginning of the series. However, readers will be excited they did! The Dark and Hollow Places is thought-provoking and makes readers take a look at the world in which they live. When Annah is trying to make sense of her world, she says, "Maybe, I just wonder sometimes if that's why all this happened. If there wasn't enough good in the world and that's what caused the Return. People got greedy and selfish with their lives and were unwilling to let it go in the end when it was time." Readers can't help but wonder what the lasting effects of a greedy world will be - and maybe seeing Annah's world is enough to make people think twice about how they live. Also, the character dynamics are well developed. Annah is a complex character that grows exponentially throughout the series. She makes realizations in The Dark and Hollow Places that show a wealth of maturing, plus her relationships with Elias, her sister, and of course Catcher, light the pages on fire. The story is complex, yet so compelling, readers find themselves reading into the wee hours of night - and then checking under the bed for an Unconsecrated! Although there does not seem to be a sequel in the making, it certainly seems like Annah's story is not finished - which will certainly make Carrie Ryan fans very happy!

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Dark and Hollow Places for this review.

Have you read The Dark and Hollow Places? How would you rate it?

Review: Flying Feet by Patricia Feilly Giff

2011-08-01T06:24:00.002-05:00

Flying Feet by Patricia Feilly Giff. A Zigzag Kids Book.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: April 2011
List Price: $11.99
ISBN-13: 9780385738873

Review: When it comes to athletes, dancers, or singers, there is always an invention in mind. If you are looking for a book that has many different inventions - with a twist - then the book Flying Feet by Patricia Reilly Giff and illustrated by Alasdair Bright is right for you. In this hilarious third book in the Zigzag Kids series, a young boy named Charlie and his friends Mitchell, Habib, Gina, Sumiko, and Destiny do everything they can do to get a school holiday to occur. But, along the way, they face many different challenges that block them from doing it.

Charlie loves making inventions. But most of them don't really work. However, he's determined to be able to make an invention with shoes that will help him be able to walk up a wall. He's hoping this invention will be the one that makes everyone at Zigzag Afternoon Center think he's as good as his big brother. When the art teacher gets sick and is not able to plan the school holiday, Charlie finds out there is something else he can do to be special. He works with his friends to help make sure the art teacher's holiday can really happen. Flying Feet is filled with fun, and it will become a quick favorite for early readers.

Flying Feet is a great book for early chapter book for readers ages 6 to 9 year olds. It has silly and entertaining illustrations in it. Plus every page is filled with silly occurrences and excitement as the reader wonders what will happen next. Finally, the printing in this book is also larger for younger readers, and the cover is very colorful and shows that the characters in the story are excited to do something really fun. Right away early chapter book readers will be excited too!

Review written by Andrea (7th grade student).

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

Have you read Flying Feet? How would you rate it?

Review: FLIP by Martyn Bedford

2011-07-29T06:33:00.002-05:00

FLIP by Martyn Bedford.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: April 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739900

Review: Flip by Martyn Bedford is an amazingly suspenseful book that is packed with marvelous description. This book is a fantastic book for readers who enjoy extraordinary happenings. Martyn Bedford has created a spine tingling story that keeps the reader going through the book. 14 year old Alex wakes up one school day, but not in his body. What he does and what he learns may cause nightmares.

Alex wakes up on the wrong bed in the wrong room in the wrong house. His first thought is that he is in his best friend's house, David. Suddenly he hears the noise of a lady calling him down using the name "Philip." When he looks down, he sees that he is not in his body! He goes to school as Philip Garamond, but he is clueless. On the first day, he takes some of Philip's money and goes to the train station where he is caught by one of Philip's school teachers and is taken to school. There he is forced to go to classes and deal with Philip's friends and even more complicated his two girlfriends. In his attempts to contact home, he learns that his real body is in a coma. Desperately, Alex searches the web for answers to the body switch. He learns that Philip and he were both born on the same day, in the same hospital, at the same time. He finds a solution. Alex is one of the many people who have had their souls switched! But, the question is . . . can he get it back?

Martyn Bedford has nailed this thriller with a soul whose will to live has no limit. The details on every page give you the feeling that you are a part of the journey. This book traps you in its suspense and keeps you reading from the first page. The characters in this book are also very interesting because with the problem of a different body Alex also has to deal with his love life which I think is a fantastic twist. I think Martyn Bedford really captured the essence of teenage life in this book and expressed the problems in a great way. The writing in Flip is very creative, and this creative plot makes this book better than many. The way Alex thinks changes throughout the story like a child growing and developing. He goes from wondering if he should attempt to go back and risk a life or if he should live in the body he now inhabits. To conclude, the ending of this book is very captivating like the grand finale of a firework show. At this point there is no stopping until the book is complete. All the major events lead up to an amazing climax which is unpredictable. Readers will race to the end, but I hope Martyn Bedford's creative writing does not.

Review written by Ravi (6th grade student).

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

Have you read FLIP? How would you rate it?

Review: The FitzOsbornes in Exile by Michelle Cooper

2011-07-27T06:21:00.003-05:00

The FitzOsbornes in Exile by Michelle Cooper. One of The Montmaray Journals.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 2011
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780375858659

Review: Historical, enjoyable, and suspenseful all describe The FitzOsbornes in Exile. This amazing book by Michelle Cooper tells the story of a teenage royal girl, named Sophie, who is exiled out of her beloved country. She tries to make her way in a new world. The second book in The Montmaray Journals series highlights a never before seen way of thinking about World War II. This historical fiction book is about a time when the world was upside down, and Michelle Cooper shows the world a new way of thinking about international affair.

The story begins when the Germans bomb the beloved island of Montmaray. The royal family has to evacuate and moves to England to live with their Aunt Charlotte. As they live in England, many problems present themselves. The marriage season is a difficulty while Sophie and Veronica look for husbands. Veronica is chased by a crazy person who wants her not alive but dead. The campaign to help Montmaray does not go well until certain pieces of evidence come to the eyes of the people running the campaign. While the Germans are bombing the nation of Guernica, refugee children come to live in the second house that the FitzOsbornes own. Many difficulties block Sophie and her crew but she works through it nonetheless. One moment and one speech could change the entire campaign for Montmaray. Will the campaign work or will it fail to do what is right for Montmaray.

The FitzOsbornes in Exile is a book that is a must read for anyone looking for a good book. It informs the reader of what life was like in the1930's and 40's. This unique blend of historical fact and amazing fiction creates the world in which Sophie FitzOsborne lives. Places and events that occurred are all true but the country of Montmarary is not. Michelle Cooper brings together truth and fiction to create a breathtaking book. This different perspective lets the reader look into what life was like during a war of astronomical importance. The preparation for the war and the tearing apart of families is explained in a new fashion. Life still goes on but just not quite in the same way. This book shows how difficult it was to be a civilian in a time of war. The FitzOsbornes in Exile shows what women were expected to do. How the women had very little political power and were perceived as much lower than men and that they could not possibly be equal to a man. The way that women's ideas were taken back then is really emphasized, and I liked that. The FitzOsbornes in Exile engulfed me in its pages and took me away to the place of the characters. I had to rip myself away from the book so that I could do what needed to be done (like homework). The story showed me that there is always more than one way of looking at a situation. Who knows? Maybe one will be the right way. The FitzOsbornes in Exile deserves every star in the sky but since only five are allowed, five will have to do!

Review written by Kathryn (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The FitzOsbornes in Exile for this review.

Have you read The FitzOsbornes in Exile? How would you rate it?

Review: I So Don't Do Famous by Barrie Summy

2011-07-25T04:00:00.001-05:00

I So Don't Do Famous by Barrie Summy. An I So Don't Mystery.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $18.99
ISBN-13: 9780385737906

Review: "This is the worst vacation of my life." Is this what comes into mind when you think of an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles, California? To Sherry Baldwin, it is in I So Don't Do Famous by Barrie Summy. Sherry is the main character in all of the books in the I So Don't Do series. Sherry is an average 13-year-old with her best friend Junie and a ghost police mom as her sidekicks. Sherry's father has remarried to her former teacher, 'The Ruler'. She also has a boyfriend named Josh.

When Sherry wins a magazine contest on an essay about true love, her prize is a vacation to L.A. Sherry really wants her ghost mom to come too, but she has to have a reason. So, while Sherry's mom works on the death of Marilyn Monroe, Sherry & Junie try to solve the case of the magazine editor's missing purse. Being a large magazine company and a famous person, the editor is outraged. Will Sherry save the day? She is expected to, being a natural detective, but Sherry feels guilty. She feels as if she walked the thieves to the purse. On top of it all, her relationship with Josh is falling apart. How did Marilyn Monroe die? What will happen between Sherry and Josh? Most importantly, who stole the purse? All questions are answered in I So Don't Do Famous.

I absolutely love this book for so many reasons. One is that I've read the three previous books, I So Don't Do Mysteries, I So Don't Do Spooky, and I So Don't Do Makeup. Though it would be convenient, you don't have to read these books in order. Another factor of why I love I So Don't Do Famous is the lovable characters. You can completely relate to Sherry's problems and thoughts. Junie could be even your own best friend because of her qualities. Also, the setting is described in a great way, making a whole new meaning of 'show, don't tell'. You could easily get sucked into Sherry's life and what she does. When I sat reading this book for about an hour, I looked up and was confused for a second about where I was. I was so intrigued with I So Don't Do Famous, that I completely forgot what was going on. Last but not least, the way Barrie Summy narrates this book is perfect. She sounds exactly like a 13-year-old throughout all of the books in the series. If you like mysteries and realistic fiction with a hint of the supernatural, I suggest you read I So Don't Do Famous, which is a great book. I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

Review written by Sahaj (7th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of I So Don't Do Famous for this review.

Have you read I So Don't Do Famous? How would you rate it?

Review: Rotters by Daniel Kraus

2011-07-22T05:59:00.001-05:00

Rotters by Daniel Kraus.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385738576

Review: A sixteen-year-old boy who is invisible and likes it that way is thrown into the most unlikely situation when his mother is struck down by a truck and he is left to the "care" of his unknown father in Rotters by Daniel Kraus. Imagine the most dysfunctional father, the most horrendous school, and the most bizarre people, and there you have this chilling coming-of-age novel.

Joey's Crouch is a relatively normal straight-A kid living with his single mom in Chicago. He keeps to his trumpet, his studies, and his one friend. It's not much of a life, but it's enough for Joey. But, one afternoon the worst happens - his mother is hit by a truck. Before long, Joey's life is turned upside down. He must leave the city he calls home and head to rural Iowa to live with the father he's never known. As if that's not bad enough, when Joey arrives, he is not welcomed by anyone. He must find his way to his new home - which is empty - and new school - which is worse than he could ever imagine. Joey quickly finds he must make it on his own. It doesn't take Joey long to realize that something just isn't quite right. Aside from the fact that his father is never home, the dilapidated home reeks and he has no food, bed, or clean clothes. Joey is tormented by not only kids, but also teachers at his new school. Plus, his one and only friend in Chicago wants to move on - without Joey. When Joey realizes what his father really does for a living, he begins the most horrific training ever so he can follow in his father's footsteps and be the best grave robber ever.

Daniel Kraus has woven together a tale of adolescence, a tale of grave-robbing, and a tale of death in Rotters. Joey Crouch is a relatively typical adolescent. He's smart, talented, and desperately in search of an identity. His character could easily be used in a study of adolescent development and how adversity can mold a person. It is maddening how such a turn of events can take a boy with such potential and turn him to a life of crime. Desperate for that identity, he finds it among the grave robbers - and ultimately from the most unstable robber of them all. Watching Joey evolve as a character is not only fascinating, but also frightening. The unlikely subject of grave-robbing adds an interesting twist to the story. What a horrible "profession". If nothing else, readers of Rotters will be sure to plan their burial well! It appears to be a sickening, though lucrative career. Finally, Kraus deals with death with a poetic prose that sends chills down the reader's spine. When Joey is left on his own he recalls the last time he was alone - when he stood above his mother's open casket and saw a spider. Kraus wrote, "I thought again of the spider that had watched her from the funeral home ceiling. I imagine it swinging down on gossamer and catching a lucky breeze. I saw it dancing over her folded hands, racing past her necklace, and defying gravity to scale her upturned chin before disappearing inside her, where it would live out its life." Clearly, readers with weak stomachs should stay clear of Rotters! But those readers who enjoy the morose will find Rotters an interesting read. Though it does not entrance the reader, it does build up enough suspense and is just enough unsettling to make readers keep turning pages until they reach the end.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

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

Have you read Rotters? How would you rate it?

Review: Flip Flop! by Dana Meachen Rau

2011-07-20T04:08:00.002-05:00

Flip Flop! by Dana Meachen Rau. A Step Into Reading Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $3.99
ISBN-13: 9780375865831

Review: Summertime is time for ice cream, beaches, and swimming which is exactly what readers will find in Dana Meachen Rau's book Flip Flop! Two little girls have a hard time deciding what to do on a summer day. They try to decide between swimming, ice cream, and doing cannonballs along with all sorts of other summer fun. Throughout the story, the two girls have an entertaining time coming up with new and exciting things to do.

Flip Flop! is a Step Into Reading book Step 1 which is intended for preschool - kindergarten readers. First, the pictures by Jana Christy add a lot to the book. The colorful drawings show the reader what is happening in the story which helps early readers with comprehension. Plus, the drawings are silly which makes the story fun. Also, the author uses easy words that are repeated. This makes it a good book for children who are just learning how to read. Most the words are one syllable which helps the readers sound out the words too. Plus, all the activities that the girls do as well as how the illustrations and words show excitement will have young readers excited too. Finally, there are two pages of stickers in the back of the book that will definitely add more fun to reading.

Review written by Andrea (7th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Flip Flop! for this review.

Have you read Flip Flop!? How would you rate it?

Review: The Bloomswell Diaries by Louis L. Buitendag

2011-07-18T06:37:00.002-05:00

The Bloomswell Diaries by Louis L. Buitendag.

Kane Miller
Publication Date: March 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9781935279822

Review: Imagine your life, only two days after your parents leave you with your uncle, you read the newspaper with a nice cup of tea and see an article about your parents' death. This is the life of Benjamin Sebastian Bloomswell in The Bloomswell Diaries by Louis L. Buitendag who is a great author who put many of the elements to create a great book into one.

The story begins in England, a nice and cozy place to relax and enjoy yourself. Ben's life never happens to change though considering he isn't allowed to leave the house when his parents aren't home (which they never are). His parents always have important meetings to go to for business, ones that Benjamin cannot attend. Now, Ben's life finally has a chance to change as he must go live with his Uncle Lucas in New York City, while his sister Liza goes to Switzerland for a school.

Benjamin has never been separated from his sister, and the only thoughts he ever has are about her and about his parents; he never worries about himself first. Then, one day, he gets taken by a police officer and is thrown in a mysterious building - one without any friendly invitation. Doors and windows are cracked and broken, there are creaky floorboards and stair steps - all the things you need for a haunted house. When Benjamin realizes he's in an orphanage, countless questions come to mind. How did it come to this? Why did he have to go to New York (the only question he wonders too)? How is his sister doing? Where is Uncle Lucas?

The Bloomswell Diaries is a book that in not only filled with suspense, but it also incudes a little humor and plenty of imagery to make it feel like you are the main character. Once I started reading, I just couldn't stop! The book is very well detailed, creating strong mental images of all the places Benjamin visits throughout the book. This helps to make the story feel more realistic and compelling. The Bloomswell Diaries is an awesome book, and I would recommend it to any middle school reader.

Review written by Max (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of The Bloomswell Diaries for this review.

Have you read The Bloomswell Diaries? How would you rate it?

Review: The Mask Wearer by Bryan Pero

2011-07-15T06:21:00.001-05:00

The Mask Wearer by Bryan Pero. An Amos Daragon Fantasy.

Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739030

Review: Adventure, excitement, and dedication are the three words that describe Amos Daragon: The Mask Wearer. The Mask Wearer is the first book in the Amos Daragon series. The main character is Amos Daragon and he is an intelligent boy who has outsmarted two lords/kings. The author of this book is Bryan Perro.

Amos Daragon was just a farm boy whose parents have lived under Lord Ednof's rule. Amos has helped his family survive by bringing them the food he hunts. His parents work under Ednof's rule so they pay their debt by working hard. Then one day when Amos is off doing his daily work to collect food, he ends up into talking to a mermaid who asks Amos to deliver a message to her friends. So he sets off on his journey where he faces many dangers and makes new friends. Along the way, he ends up saving guy's childhood which had been taken away. He also, fools a King and plays smart with an innkeeper and a leader.

I really appreciated Amos Daragon: The Mask Wearer. The characters are funny and smart. The main character even outsmarts a few people. Also, in the story there are mythical creatures from various early cultures like the Greek, Irish, Egyptian, the Middle Eastern and Europe. There was a lot of adventure and action. One example is a small battle at the end. There was a lot of suspense when medusa set off to trick the Mask wear. The character became more heroic at the end of Amos Daragon: The Mask Wearer. I admired the book very much.

Review written by Vraj (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Mask Wearer? How would you rate it?

Review: Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

2011-07-13T06:10:00.001-05:00

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey.

Alfred A. Knopf Book for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375866661

Review: A robbing, thieving and smoking teen comes to a window. A murderer is revealed. And the love and life of another teen is told. This all happens in Jasper Jones, a story written by the fabulous author, Craig Silvey. The main character in Jasper Jones is Charlie Bucktin, a literature loving thirteen-year old. He is the main character in this exciting mystery.

Late at night, Charlie Bucktin wakes up to the soft tapping on his window. He looks out and is surprised to see Jasper Jones, a notorious neighborhood thief. He follows him, hoping for a popularity boost but finds a dead girl. Charlie is immediately tied in with a murder case - a murder case that Jasper Jones insists that they try and solve. Charlie is scarred but still tries to live on his life. He finds the girl of his dreams, Eliza Wishart and supports his best friend Jeffrey Lu, as he tries to join the cricket team. Although the story is about his life too, the main plot is the murder of Laura Wishart. Will they solve the murder, will Charlie get the girl, and will his life go unscathed? You are going to have to read Jasper Jones to find out.

What I liked about Jasper Jones is the diversity of the story. It switches between a mystery to the life of Charlie Bucktin and back. However, sometimes it drags on with too many descriptions, making Jasper Jones boring at times. But for the most part, it is packed with action, so Jasper Jones can never be too boring. The characters are fully developed, so it is easy to understand their problems, and their way of tackling the problems. The dialogue of the story is simple and easy to understand. There is an abundant use of swear words, though, and controversial topics being discussed. If this bothers you, I don't think that this is the book for you. The plot is a multiple-problem plot, and all problems are resolved, in an easy to understand logical fashion. Although Jasper Jones can slow down at times because of over explaining, it is still interesting and is a fast read. The excitement level starts high but gradually decreases as the mystery decreased and the life story of Charlie Bucktin increased. The excitement increases again at the end, though, when some unexpected things happen. On a scale of one through five, I rate this book a three and a half because it is a good read but not quite as good as other books that I have read and enjoyed more than Jasper Jones. In conclusion, Craig Silvey is a great author and if your basic requirements of a book fit this, Jasper Jones is right for you.

Review written by Sean (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Jasper Jones? How would you rate it?

Review: Alice-Miranda at School by Jacqueline Harvey

2011-07-11T06:24:00.002-05:00

Alice-Miranda at School by Jacqueline Harvey.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739931

Review: Jacqueline Harvey has done an excellent job writing Alice-Miranda at School. Alice- Miranda has some tough problems to face at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies. No only is she the youngest girl there, but Alethea is a huge enemy to avoid. The headmaster also personally despises Alice-Miranda, and sets up challenges to try to defeat her. How will she endure harsh treatment and challenges and still find a way to make it out on top?

Alice-Miranda's family has all attended Winchester-Downsfordvale Academy. It's a family tradition. When young Alice arrives, she's determined to make friends, which isn't the easiest to do. Everybody in the school hates Alethea, and she hates Alice-Miranda. The headmaster also sets up extreme challenges for her. She doesn't like Alice-Miranda because she likes to brighten everybody's mood and she's too bold. Alice-Miranda has to pass an extremely hard test, a 5-day hike through the wilderness, and a sailboard race against the school champion, which happens to be Alethea. Alice-Miranda also discovers that most people at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies are unhappy. The gardener can't plant flowers, the cook can't get to go on vacation, and the students are afraid of the headmaster. They've never seen her. On the hike, somebody from the wilderness follows Alice-Miranda and makes noises at night. Who is he? Can she pass the challenges and truly earn her rightful place at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies?

Jacqueline Harvey did an excellent job writing Alice-Miranda at School. She has done a great job portraying each of the characters' personalities. She understands the problems that most young girls face. Often, other bullies scare them, but not Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith Kennington-Jones. She defeats hate by love. All the teachers soon like her and she makes numerous friends with people all over the academy. Harvey illustrates a story in which Alice-Miranda has to overcome unfair challenges to show the headmaster, Miss Grimm, that she really does belong at the academy. Harvey writes with enthusiasm and develops each character's enthusiasm levels due to Alice-Miranda. Read Alice-Miranda at School to find out how a young girl of 7, Alice-Miranda, brightens the mood and makes her stay enjoyable at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies. This was an excellent book and I rate it five out of five stars.

Review written by Colleen (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Alice-Miranda at School? How would you rate it?

Review: The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall

2011-07-08T06:19:00.001-05:00

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall. A Penderwick Adventure.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375858512

Review: Imagine that you are carefree and have only a little responsibility, but it changes all in a few days. You now are in charge of two little sisters and anything can happen. They can fall onto sharp rocks, drown, fall in love, or even blow up! Skye is worried about all of these things happening in The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall. This is the third book in the Penderwicks series.

Ever since their mother died, Rosalind, being the older sister, has been in charge. While their dad and his new wife go on a honeymoon and Rosalind goes on a vacation to New Jersey, Skye is left in charge of her two younger sisters, Jane and, Batty. When they go on a trip to Maine with their Aunt Claire, and best friend Jeffery, they are prepared for the worst. As Skye tries to keep order, Jane is having her own problems with a writer's block. This all changes when she falls in love with a boy named Dominic. Meanwhile, Batty is making new friends and learning how she can trust Skye as the OAP (Oldest, Available Penderwick). The girls are trying their hardest to have fun in Maine, even though their family is so far apart.

One of my favorite things about this book are the characters. All of the Penderwick's have strong personalities, and none of them are the same. What I also like is how the accidents happen unpredictably, which makes the book more exciting. The author uses very descriptive figurative language, making it feel as if the reader is in Maine with the Penderwicks. Another thing I like is seeing a different side of Skye, who usually is not as caring or as thoughtful of her family and sisters. The genre of this book is realistic fiction, even though the girls' adventures don't happen to everybody. The ending almost wrapped up the entire story, but there may be a fourth book coming out in the series. Since I read the first two books in the series, I was hooked right away and finished it in about three days. The book goes at a medium pace with a little bit of suspense at certain parts of the book. I rate this book a 10/10 because I never became tired of it. If you have not read the first two books you do not need to read them first, but I suggest you do because they are also very well-written and you gain background knowledge on the family. If you are looking for a book about love, friends, family and a little adventure, I recommend you read The Penderwicks at Point Mouette.

Review written by Shannon (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Penderwicks at Point Mouette for this review.

Have you read The Penderwicks at Point Mouette? How would you rate it?

Review: FLESH AND BLOOD SO CHEAP: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy by Albert Marrin

2011-07-06T05:52:00.001-05:00

FLESH AND BLOOD SO CHEAP: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy by Albert Marrin.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 2011
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9780375868894

Review: Oh, God! That bread be so dear, and Flesh and Blood So Cheap! said Jacob Riis in the book How the Other Half Lives. The people of the Triangle Fire were trapped in their bureau with doors locked as they burned in the flames. Flesh and Blood So Cheap by Albert Marrin is the nonfiction and poignant story of innocent people dying because a cheap business owner locked the doors of the Triangle Waist Company.

Imagine working, about to leave to go to your family and go have a fun time, when a fire suddenly ignites and your life is over. This is what happened to many immigrants in the Triangle Fire. Immigrants came from all over the world and lived in New York City. They went through many exams at Ellis Island in hopes of finding a better life. As more people came to America, the more business was needed. People began to buy pre-made clothes instead of tailor-made clothes. This is because locals wanted cheaper clothes that are effortless to find. The Triangle waist company was very successful. The workers made countless pieces of clothing every day. But, the working conditions were extremely harsh. Rooms were hot and dirty, workers were compressed together as they toiled, and wages were small. Then one day the terrible fire started. Numerous people died. Many were trapped within the building. Even though the fire department arrived, they were too late. The workers were ultimately killed because a business owner locked his doors. As the quote said before, Flesh and Blood So Cheap . By this I mean that the owner didn't care about the lives of people but instead the money that he earned by locking the doors of the building. Also, all the outcomes led to one conclusion, misery.

I found this book to be very interesting. One reason is because until now, I had never heard of the Triangle Fire. Also, it was one of the most gigantic holocausts in New York with a large death rate. Although I liked the book, I did find the tempo of the book to be slow. By this I mean that the story took a long time to finish. I also found the way the story was written to be a bit confusing at times. For an example the beginning when the author was explaining immigration was puzzling because his wording was weak. Overall I would give the story four stars. I found Flesh and Blood So Cheap a great book to use for a school report.

Review written by Kyle (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of FLESH AND BLOOD SO CHEAP: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy for this review.

Have you read FLESH AND BLOOD SO CHEAP: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy? How would you rate it?

Review: A Million Miles from Boston by Karen Day

2011-07-04T05:35:00.001-05:00

A Million Miles from Boston by Karen Day.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: April 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780385738996

Review: A Million Miles from Boston by Karen Day is a good read for anybody, mostly people who have gone through huge changes in their perfect world. The book's main character is Lucy, a girl who lives in Boston, Massachusetts. Lucy is just leaving Taylor Elementary school and heading to David Middle School for seventh grade. To take the stress off of a new school, she goes to Pierson Point up in Maine during the summer. Lucy's mother had died of cancer when she was six, but she knew one thing for sure; her mother loved Maine, and her dad loved her mom.

Yet now, her dad is trying to replace her mom with the PT, Lucy's nickname for her soon-to-be step-mom. She smiles too wide, she's too klutzy, and her teeth are insanely big. Lucy can't stop thinking of all the things that are wrong with the PT. But she has no idea what type of pain the PT went through before she met her dad. Not only is that going wrong, but one of the worst boys in Lucy's whole school now owns a house in Pierson Point. She's started a camp for all of the younger kids, but Ian's ruining the whole thing. Lucy's dog, Superior, is getting old to a point of sadness, (and more scared of fireworks as the years go on). Nothing is turning out right for Lucy. She can't accept the fact that her dad is getting married to the PT, or that she won't ever fit in with the older girls who work at the shop, or that she likes Ian. The Big House might come down, even though it's near a hundred years old, because Ian's dad says it has water damage. Even her little brother, Bucky, likes all of the new changes happening in their lives. But Lucy doesn't at all. Maine is her safety shelter, a place where nothing changes for her, ever. She never has to worry about anything going away or being replaced, about what other people think about her or how she'll get to a class six hallways away in less than two minutes. Maine is her place. Her place. And no one, not ever the PT or Lucy's dad, can take that away from her.

I liked the book, plain and simple. It had many morals to it, like don't judge a book by the cover, or go with the flow. But it shows that good can come out of change…it just takes good people to see it. It really touched me to read this book because I understand some of the changes that Lucy is going through. I understand what it's like to have "your place" and no one else's invaded by an outsider. I know what it's like when one of your parent's get's married or re-married. I know what it's like to lose a loved one or just be waiting and knowing that your dog is going the wrong way in life. But sometimes you just have to learn that changes are the best part of life. A Million Miles from Boston was kind of a comparison to a farm story, it was out in the country and it had loads of lessons to be learned. You kind of had to be a understanding or relating person to really get the story. All in all, I think this book is great.

Review written by Amber (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of A Million Miles from Boston for this review.

Have you read A Million Miles from Boston? How would you rate it?

Review: Timeless by Alexandra Monir

2011-07-01T05:17:00.002-05:00

Timeless by Alexandra Monir.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385738385

Review: Timeless is an inviting book that turns out to be an amazing book, written by Alexander Monir. In this book the main character, Michele Windsor, has a very sad tragedy occur to her at the beginning. When Michele's mother is taken away, her life is turned upside down, but she grows as a person, Timeless shows that people can overcome any obstacle that is tossed their way. Also, Timeless' is a modern-day romance, and because of all the mixed emotion in the story, Timeless is an incredible book because of all the mixed emotions.

Timeless is an inspiring and motivating story of a young girl who wasn't who she thought she was. Michele Windsor once believed she was an ordinary girl that had a rich family she was never allowed to meet. Before Michele was even born, her dad mysteriously disappeared and no one knew what happened to him. After tragedy takes away Michele's mom she goes to live with her grandparents that she has never even met. It is not long before Michele gets the impression that her grandparents don't like her, possibly because they didn't like her father so why should they like her? Also she learns some information about herself and her father that she never thought that she would know or even existed. She also meets a lot of her relatives in a way no one would ever believe. That is because what she can do hasn't even been discovered by scientists.

Never in a million years did I think that Timeless would be one of the best books that I have ever read. That is because Alexander Monir is a very descriptive writer. For example she wrote, "The glass revealed a girl identical to Michele with the same chestnut hair, ivory skin, and hazel eyes; even wearing the same color of dark denim jeans and black tank top." That piece was only just from the second sentence! That goes to show how good of a descriptive writer Monir is. This is because it is only the first page and you have a really good feel for the story. The way the book develops is amazing. Timeless reminds me of a time when I read the Twilight series and realizing Jacob and Bella could never be together. That how it was the same with Michele and Philip. Philip is Michele's true love, but tthey can never be together. So to sum it up this book is amazing, because of the story development and the very descriptive writing. So go out and by this book so you understand what this story is about.

Review written by Caitlin (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Timeless? How would you rate it?

Review: How Tia Lola Saved the Summer by Julia Alvarez

2011-06-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

How Tia Lola Saved the Summer by Julia Alvarez. A Tia Lola Story.

Alfred A Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375867279

Review: Summer breaks are for relaxing and having fun, right? Miguel thinks the same thing until he learns that Tia Lola's lawyer, Mr. Espada, and his three daughters are coming to visit. How will Miguel survive? He's shorter and not too fond of girls. How Tia Lola Saved the Summer by Julia Alvarez is a great book. This book is one book in the Tia Lola series. You can read it without reading the rest of the series. Can Tia Lola, his wonderful aunt, save Miguel's summer break?

Miguel is a young boy in elementary school. School has just let out for the year and he's looking forward to a nice, long, relaxing summer. He's disappointed to find out that three girls are coming to stay with his family. After his parents went through a divorce, Miguel is suffering. Three girls certainly can't do much good! It's up to Tia Lola to save the summer. As it turns out, she does, creating a summer camp. Tia Lola gives everybody swords, and they learn to remind themselves that they can overcome everything by looking at their swords. The girls love it and Miguel finally gets his wish: to have a real father again. Victor, the widowed father of the girls, Victoria, Esperanza, and Cari, befriends Miguel's mother. He decides to come and live with them in Vermont. Maybe Miguel will have a father after all! Join, Miguel, Vicky, Essie, Cari, and their dog, Valentino, in Tia Lola's summer camp, where Miguel finally learns to enjoy his summer.

The author, Julia Alvarez, does an excellent job of writing How Tia Lola Saved the Summer. She writes with solid understanding of the predicament she's writing about. She truly gets into the story and makes the reader feel the tough situations that everybody is struggling through. Her exceptional characters made the story really interesting to read. Tia Lola has the true qualities of a perfect aunt. She's caring and solves everybody's problems. Each chapter is about somebody's problem that Tia Lola solves in an interesting way, reflecting the author's ability for writing. It's an excellent book. All of the events are based off of what you might see every day over summer break, including catching tadpoles in the pond. Join the girls for a packed summer filled with fun, just ready to burst. I think the book is wonderful, just waiting for a young reader to open it and travel to a different world. I rate How Tia Lola Saved the Summer four out of five stars.

Review written by Colleen (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of How Tia Lola Saved the Summer for this review.

Have you read How Tia Lola Saved the Summer? How would you rate it?

Review: The Screaming Stone by J. P. Osterman

2011-06-28T14:22:00.003-05:00

The Screaming Stone by J. P. Osterman.

Infinity Publishing
Publication Date: April 2011
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9780741466051

Review: Every family has secrets, but the McCarten family has a few more than most. Irish folklore combined with lies and secrets that span generations comprise J. P. Osterman's middle-grade novel, The Screaming Stone . Marcie and her older, teenage cousin Robbie have a wild sense of adventure. Longing to be future spies, Robbie and Marcie work together to uncover their family's secrets in hopes that by finding the truth they will one day bring peace and order to the McCarten family.

Dysfunction lies deep in Marcie's family. Her mother suffers from untreated mental illness causing her to be distant and abusive. Under the care of her grandparents, Marcie finds solace, but it is not enough. Robbie, her closest ally, is a socially challenged teen. Although his awkwardness drives her crazy, he is the closest thing she has to a real friend. As the entire McCarten clan gathers together after the death of a relative, Robbie and Marcie stumble upon a key that might just unlock the secrets that haunt their family and find enough treasure to save their family's land. By studying Irish folklore and embarking on a treasure hunt, Robbie and Marcie find much more than they'd expected.

The Screaming Stone is an entertaining read for middle school children. Osterman uses Irish folklore well in helping to create a fascinating treasure hunt. Certainly the primary storyline is suspenseful as Marcie and Robbie hunt for hidden treasure. But, the supplemental storylines are equally compelling. Marcie's mother suffers from mental illness, though it is a mystery as to the source of her problems. Late in the story it becomes clear that she is schizophrenic, but there is a turning point in her life that seems to have put her over the edge. Part of the mystery is coming to terms with Marcie's mother and understanding the lies that have created her past. Plus, Robbie's character is interesting as well. The book never reveals what is behind Robbie's awkward behavior and mannerisms, but he seems to be somewhere on the autism spectrum. He is highly creative and inventive, but lacks the social skills needed to function in regular situations. Overall, these unique characters along with the mystery and suspense make The Screaming Stone a good book.

Only a few elements of the story are somewhat bothersome. The time period of the story is unclear. Upon reading a novel such as this, it is automatically assumed it is current unless the author makes the time period evident. However, this is not the case here. For some reason, this was trying as a reader. It isn't until the book is nearly halfway over that it becomes clear that the story takes place in the late 1960's or early 1970's. This is evident when they visit the library and use the card catalog (something of which today's middle school students have no knowledge) and when they watch the Red Skelton Hour on television - which ended in 1971. It is uncertain why the author chose this time period for the novel, and for that reason it probably would be better received if it were current so kids could relate to the characters better. A time period for historical fiction should have a purpose. Plus, the inconsistencies in Robbie's character are frustrating. For example, he is clearly very bright and reads books from the adult reference section of the library, but yet he is unable to read common words. While in the library, Robbie says

"Here's a book called The First Book of Caves. The subject card says it has ill-us-tra-tra-"

"Illustrations," I said, reading beside him.

Robbie is too bright to not be able to read such a common word. His behavior is also very inconsistent, which could be related to his "issues", however since they are never really explained that is frustrating as well. Being that it takes place in the early 1970's, autism was not the common word that it is today which might explain the author's avoidance of labeling Robbie's behavior disorder. Plus, schizophrenia along with most mental illnesses was not as understood during that time period which might explain the lack of treatment Marcie's mother receives. But, in the end, these are somewhat trivial concerns because the mystery, family dynamics - particularly with the grandfather, and lore make The Screaming Stone a solid book for kids to enjoy.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Infinity Publishing for providing a copy of The Screaming Stone for this review.

Have you read The Screaming Stone? How would you rate it?

Review: The Door in the Forest by Roderick Townley

2011-06-27T05:54:00.001-05:00

The Door in the Forest by Roderick Townley.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375856013

Review: An enchanted forest awaits readers in The Door in the Forest by Roderick Townley. Secrets lie beyond the door, as you can probably guess, hidden in the forest. Sure, you can find it, but the island it rests on is heavily guarded. Danny, Wesley, and Emily embark on a quest to get into the forest where magical events happen. Emily claims to have heard her mother talking to her at night. Is it true? Is her mother dead or alive? In The Door in the Forest, you can never tell what's going to happen next.

The Uncertainties are plaguing a small town called Everwood, where young Daniel and his brother Wesley live. Soldiers and people alike are arriving from the city for war. Soldiers are occupying the small farming town and driving the people out. They consume a huge amount of food and make the villagers angry. A new girl, Emily, arrives. With her, she brings new secrets that are revealed only to her closest friends, Danny and Wes. They find a sacred piece of paper that tells of a way to get onto the island, but a wicked and crazed captain takes it and it gets burned eventually. After getting onto the island, Emily is reunited with her mother, who was killed by the same soldiers who are occupying the town. Together, Daniel, Wes and Em come face to face with exotic creatures like white leapords and transforming cats that vanished a long time ago. Daniel soon realizes that the captain is trying to burn the whole town. Will Danny, Wes, and Em be able to do anything to stop him?

This is a very good, interesting book. The author wrote it with heaps of enthusiasm and did exceptionally well. It is a fascinating book about magical forests with transforming animals. However, I despise swearing, and there are several swear words throughout the book. But the author does a great job talking about wild creatures that don't exist. It is ery imaginative! Throughout the book, Roderick Townley does a really outstanding job using his imagination, and making the book appealing. He captures his reader's attention and makes them want to continue reading. I was entranced and I found the book irresistible. Enchanted forests don't really interest me, but if all the others were like this one, I'd definitely change my opinion. Like I said, Townley does a great job with his imagination, and the result is a magnificent book. Roderick Townley has a huge talent for writing, which was truly displayed in this book, The Door in the Forest. I'd rate it a four out of five stars.

Review written by Colleen (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Door in the Forest for this review.

Have you read The Door in the Forest? How would you rate it?

Review: Game-Day Jitters by Rich Wallace

2011-06-24T05:08:00.001-05:00

Game-Day Jitters by Rich Wallace. Kickers.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 2011
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780375857577

Review: Game-Day Jitters is an amazing book, written by Rick Wallace and is part of the Kickers series. Ben is the main character, who has some pre-game soccer jitters. This book is amazing because of the way Rick Wallace makes the story progress. Any sports fan, especially a soccer lover, would love Game-Day Jitters.

Nervousness and excitement describe Game-Day Jitters by Rick Wallace. Ben is a 10 year old soccer player who has a big semi-championship and then an even bigger championship if they win that one. Focus, pass, and play like a team is what Ben always tells his team, but Ben doesn't follow his own advice when they are playing in the championship. Ben also gets to competitive with sports and since he got so competitive he loses a friend that really understands his sports dilemma. His brother Larry is also big on sports like cross country and at his meet Ben learns the meaning of a true friendship. Is he to late though? Has he lost his best friend forever?

To sum it all up the whole story is about a boy and his troubles with friends and soccer. Rick Wallace is a excellent writer. To demonstrate the relationships between the characters, he wrote, "He did look over a few times and I mimicked his favorite gesture, beating my chest and pointing." It's easy to get a sense for how characters feel. Anyone who loves sports would love this book, but especially soccer fans. Game-Day Jitters reminds me of when I play soccer and get competitive with someone on the other team. So go out play sports and read this book.

Review written by Caitlin (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Game-Day Jitters for this review.

Have you read Game-Day Jitters? How would you rate it?

Review: Dead Rules by Randy Russell

2011-06-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

Dead Rules by Randy Russell.

HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication Date: June 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780061986703

Review: Imagine dying during a freak accident and then finding yourself walking and talking at a school, with other people around you. Jana Webster, of Webster and Haynes, is 16 years old and has died in a bowling accident. But instead of going to heaven like she has always imagined, she wakes up in a school bus, in strange clothes with strange people around her. Dead Rules by Randy Russel tells the story of what Jana Webster is willing to do to get her true love, Michael, back. She would kill (literally) to have him.

The story begins with Jana waking up on the school bus. She doesn't know where she is, who she is with, or where she is going. All she knows is she wants back is her beloved Michael. He is the one she was destined to be with, that much she is sure of. But the longer she is at the horrible Dead School, the more she begins to fall in love with the forbidden slider, Mars. Jana tries to be reunited with Michael but none of her schemes seem to work. So out of depression Jana tries to KILL Michael so they will be reunited. Little does Jana know that Michael has moved on and although Jana doesn't want to admit it, she herself has moved on too.

Dead Rules by Randy Russel is a wonderful book that is perfect for middle school and high school students that shows what some people are willing to do for their loved ones. For me the book was amazing. It started off at a good pace but got a little slow towards the middle but the pace was brought back up towards the end. Something exciting was almost always having and the book is a little suspenseful and left the reader anxious to look ahead. Dead Rules is very creative and full of laughs. The characters go well together and compliment each other's personalities. I give the book four stars out of five and would recommend it to everyone!

Review written by Samantha (6th grade student).

We would like to thank JKSCommunications for providing a copy of Dead Rules for this review.

Have you read Dead Rules? How would you rate it?

Review: Young Fredle by Cynthia Voigt

2011-06-20T05:51:00.000-05:00

Young Fredle by Cynthia Voigt.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375864575

Review: Imagine being a tiny mouse living in fear of almost everything but food. What would you do if your family pushed you out of your nest and someone carried you outside to the wild? A young mouse named Fredle experiences this exact event after becoming sick from a mysterious and delicious food in the top of the pantry. This is the first event in a book titled Young Fredle, written by Cynthia Voigt. And it is a very exciting adventure book written in such a way that you could see it happening any time from 150 years ago to present day.

When Young Fredle the mouse is kicked out of his nest to 'went' after becoming sick, he is taken outside the kitchen and the house. This is the most important event in his life for it is his greatest (and only) adventure ever and it teaches him many important things that save his life. Fredle is a large kitchen mouse with a very troublesome sweet tooth. I like Fredle a lot because he is very good at learning just like me, even though his family and friends do not allow any change in their lives. He meets many people like field mice, cats, and a group of raccoons who try to eat him. He also meets a large snake and loads of cellar mice along his journey to return home, but the big question is will Fredle survive the journey?

Cynthia Voigt used figurative language very well; she didn't overuse it so that it took away from the story and made it confusing, and she didn't use too little making the story boring. The book was written very well, it could have taken place nearly any time in history. This is a very good factor because if someone likes books from a certain time period, they can just think it is in that period. That will let them enjoy reading the book more than if the author told them that they disliked. The plot is also very good because throughout the story there are times of calm, of excitement and moments of breakthrough. Cynthia Voigt filled the genre very well by including all of the necessary elements of an adventure novel- excitement, setting change, and suspense. The hook however is not very exciting or interesting, but after the first or second chapter, it gets much more interesting. The author described things very well; I could easily tell where the characters were and what the location looked like. The book is very well paced; it is not too slow or too fast the entire time, and it varied in speed appropriately throughout the book. By the time you have gotten to the last chapter you have a pretty good idea of how the book will end. Overall, the book is great; though I am a bit too old for the book, I still liked it. From the point of view of my age (12), I would rate it an 8 out of 10. If I were 10, which is probably the best age to read the book, I would most likely give it 10 out of 10. Readers near the recommended age of 10 will like or even love Young Fredle.

Review written by Noah (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Young Fredle? How would you rate it?