Review: Soccer by Mary Pope Osborne

Soccer by Mary Pope Osborne. A Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $4.99
ISBN-13: 9780385386296

Review: Do you like soccer; want to know more about it? Well Soccer will teach you every last detail about soccer. Annie and Jack will find and discover new and amazing facts about soccer. Did you know that in China, the Chinese people were the ones who created the roots of soccer? Soccera nonfiction book by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce will answer the many questions kids ask about soccer today. Such as, who was the best soccer player? Who started soccer? What is the World Cup?

Soccer is filled with up-to-date information, photos, illustrations, and fun pieces from Jack and Annie, the Magic Tree House Fact Trackers are the perfect way for kids to find out more about the topics they discovered in their favorite Magic Tree House adventures. Soccer explains to young readers about the many facts about soccer.

At the end of the book, if you want to have more information about soccer, Jack and Annie explains the websites you could use, the books, also Jack and Annie teach how to use the websites and book properly. Also they give you some tips and pointers along the way at the end just to make sure they aren't forgetting anything.

I recommend for both boys and girls that are 7-10 years old. The reason I chose this age group was that this book is short. (123 pages) Soccer also has some challenging words for young readers. This book is an exciting and educational book that will teach and explain soccer to young readers.

Review written by Khushali (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Soccer? How would you rate it?

Review: The Gloomy Ghost by David Lubar

The Gloomy Ghost by David Lubar. A Monsterific Tale.

Starscape
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780765330802

Review: Do you like short spooky books? Well if you do then you will love The Gloomy Ghost written by David Lubar. In this book a boy named Rory has turned into a ghost; he is in the middle of life and death. He tries to tell his parents, but because he is a ghost, they can't hear him. The worst part is that if he doesn't hurry, he will stay a ghost forever. Do you think he will be able to turn back to human?

Rory is always getting into trouble. But one day he takes it way to far, he breaks the living room TV. He knows he is going to get in big trouble, so he hides in the bushes outside his house for a long time, until he gets hungry and eats the berries on his bush. Now he is feeling weirder than usual and suddenly he can't move. After a while, he realizes that he has become a ghost, he also realizes that the body he is looking at is his. Now he will do all it takes to show his family where he is and save himself from staying a ghost forever. Will he be able to save himself or will he stay ghost forever?

The Gloomy Ghost is perfect for children of age 8-12. They will love it. It is full of adventure, humor, and surprise, everything a child would love in a book. It is also easy to read and understand which is better, that way people will get the hang of it and love it even more. It is also a great book for 8-12 year olds because it is a short book, and I know some children miss great books because they are long, but this one is perfect size for upper elementary students. So check this book out because it is perfect for you.

Review written by Ashley (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Gloomy Ghost? How would you rate it?

Review: This or That by Crispin Boyer

This or That by Crispin Boyer.

National Geographic Kids
Publication Date: April 2014
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9781426315572

Review: Do you like puns, games and facts? If you do, This Or That, The Wacky Choices To Reveal The Hidden You by Crispin Boyer IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!

The point of the book is to pick one or the other, and then in the next page it shows a real life equivalent of it and facts about it. For example, Teleport or Virtual Reality and in the next page I'll talk about atom transportation and oculus rift. On some pages, if you picked this more than that you are adventurous. There are 9 chapters, and the first chapter, Power Up, is about superhuman powers. The second chapter, Good To Go, is about going to places. The 3rd chapter, Help Wanted, is about jobs. The 4th chapter, Gross Anatomy, is about weird body functions. The 5th chapter. Misadventures, is about exploring. The 6th chapter, Friend Zone, is about your social life. The 7th chapter, Mad Science, is about scientific concepts. The 8th chapter, Offbeat Facts, is about doing things that will scare you. The final chapter, Absurd Situations, is about crazy scenarios. In summary, the entire book is filled with fascinating choices.

In my opinion, this book is really interesting, and it made reading a fun experience. This book is for both boys and girls because there are female topics and male topics. Some of the vocabulary is very simple and some is higher level. The book also uses slang, for example, LOL and OMG. If a person doesn't understand slang, then they would not like this book. Anyone who enjoys reading thought-provoking facts will LOVE THIS BOOK!

Review written by Alex (6th grade student).

Have you read This or That? How would you rate it?

Review: The Bully Bug by David Lubar

The Bully Bug by David Lubar. A Monsterific Tale.

Starscape
Publication Date: September 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780765330826

Review: Do you like bugs? Do you like genetic mutations? Then this book is the book for you. The Bully Bug by David Lubar is a book about a boy named Lud that turns into an insect. Lud and his brother Bud are playing in their backyard when they decide to tip over an oven. They just happen to find a cereal box under it and Bud decides to open it and out comes a swarm of radioactive mimic beetles. They bit Lud and about three days later he turns into a bug. Lud needs help immediately. So he turned to an unlikely person for help. A nerd, and his name is Norman. Although Lud has beaten Norman up a countless number of times he still chooses to help him.

I loved The Bully Bug; it is amazing! The best part has to have been when the final transformation is in process. I recommend this book to people who like fantasy genres and people that are around the age of 9-10 because there are bigger words here and there but other wise the book is perfect for kids around that age. Although I don't usually enjoy fantasy books, this one surprised me. Usually when you think of fantasy you think of kingdoms and kings and queens, well this fantasy story is the complete opposite. It's just about a boy that lives in a small town and that he turns into a bug.

The book is really astounding! I want to read this book 15 times over. The book has so many fantasy like features it's incredible. The characters are really well developed. David Lubar's writing style makes The Bully Bug more interesting then it already is. The moral of the story is don't tip over ovens and open up the cereal boxes underneath them.

Review written by Aaron (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Bully Bug? How would you rate it?

Review: That's Creepy: Spine-Tingling Facts That Will Test Your Creep-Out Factor by Crispin Boyer

That's Creepy: Spine-Tingling Facts That Will Test Your Creep-Out Factor by Crispin Boyer.

National Geographic Kids
Publication Date: August 2013
List Price: $12.95
ISBN-13: 9781426313660

Review: Ghosts, witchcraft and vampires galore! This book, as you can probably guess, is about creepy things. It's called That's Creepy! by Crispin Boyer. It's a book about the weird, creepy, unexplainable things that are being discovered.

Take ghosts. There's the legless lord, who is seen in a photo, even though he's being buried only a few miles away. You'll also see the specter of the Scottish castle, whose picture was taken for a creepiest phantom picture. Vampires are some of the most famous of monsters. Take the classic, Dracula. Some people, when they are afraid of vampires attacking them, they will dig up graves of so-called ÒvampiresÓ and found blood oozing from their bodies. When they saw that, they would drive stakes into their bodies. But in reality, when a body decays, it will ooze out all of its fluids. Another big topic was witchcraft. Witchcraft was a really big thing back then because they believed that witches were really demons in disguise. Eventually it stopped, but people still have fun dressing up like witches on Halloween.

I loved That's Creepy; it's a great book for Halloween and a book that I would think is one of those books that you almost can never put down since it has a lot of great stories about all the spooky sightings around the world. I liked reading about the supernatural ghosts and how the different roles they play in stories. I would recommend this book to 7 year olds to teenagers, and anybody who likes to read a good scare!

Review written by Athira (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Media Masters Publicity for providing a copy of That's Creepy: Spine-Tingling Facts That Will Test Your Creep-Out Factor for this review.

Have you read That's Creepy: Spine-Tingling Facts That Will Test Your Creep-Out Factor? How would you rate it?

Review: Jennifer Murdley's Toad by Bruce Coville

Jennifer Murdley's Toad by Bruce Coville. A Magic Shop Book.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: November 2007
List Price: $6.99
ISBN-13: 9780152062460

Review: Do you like magic, toads or both? If so you should read about a schoolgirl that has a magic toad, in Jennifer Murdley's Toad written by Bruce Coville.

One day Jennifer Murdley has to wear her brother's underwear to school because all of hers are in the washer. Everything is going wrong for her until Jennifer ends up in this mysterious magic shop. She buys a toad from the shop because she thinks it will be good for her essay. Little does she know, that the little frog will change anything and in the end. She has to find a way to bring everything back to normal.

Jennifer Murdley's Toad is perfect for children children between ages 8-10, because it has good vocabulary and is easy to understand. The setting of this book is in a little town, and it's a very realistic setting throughout the entire story. They go to school like normal kids, but the one difference is Jennifer's magic toad starts trouble, which the younger readers will love. This story is a fantasy story with talking toads and a ÒmagicÓ shop that can move place to place, wherever the owner wants to go. Another interesting aspect is the characters in this story are very different from each other. Jennifer wants to be pretty like Sharra and her other friends. Sharra is a show off and acts like the boss. Ellen, Jennifer's best friend cannot keep a secret. Jennifer's little brothers are very weird and annoying. These characters are very original. Jennifer Murdley's Toad is recommended to a girl or boy.

Review written by Alexa (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Jennifer Murdley's Toad for this review.

Have you read Jennifer Murdley's Toad? How would you rate it?

Review: Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel

Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel. Book 1 in The American Fairy Trilogy.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $9.99
ISBN-13: 9780375873812

Review: Is she really only part human? Calliope LeRoux, a young girl of courage and determination, faces challenges, and that helps her find out who and what she really is. While Callie is living in Kansas, a lot of problems occur, but she somehow manages to work through these problems. They're not small problems, though. They're stranger problems than you'll ever hear about. Some are understandable. Others, not so much. If you're into mysteries, you should read Sarah Zettel's amazing fiction book, Dust Girl.

Callie LeRoux, living in the year of 1935 in Kansas as a young girl, goes through a lot of experiences, good and bad. Where she lives, there is barely any water. It hasn't rained for a long period of time. Kansas has been part of the Dust Bowl along with Indiana, Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma for 5 or 6 years. Callie lives in the Imperial Hotel in Slow Run, Kansas with her mother. Her father had left them, but he promised he'd be back, and her mama made a promise to wait there. Her papa is a black man, which makes her part black. That is why she has to give people a fake identity. Her fake name is Callie McGinty. That all changed on the 14th of April, on a Sunday, in 1935. That was the day a huge dust storm crossed over. That was the day her mom had just vanished. Then her journey begins. She meets a man named Baya. A while later, he vanishes, as well. She encounters a strange family, the Hoppers, who want a place to stay, and they choose to stay at the Imperial Hotel. Soon Callie discovers they're part fairy, but not the good kind. She tries to get away from the creatures. A boy she meets, Jack Holland, helps her do that. Soon they find themselves in the middle of nowhere. Eventually they meet a woman who can help them. They go on a journey together, a quest for Callie's momÉand dad. They face challenges, and soon Callie discovers who and what she really is.

Dust Girl is an interesting, mysterious book that anyone would enjoy. I recommend it for girls mostly, maybe 11 and up, because this book is about a young girl, very clever and decisive, going through problems and finding out that there is more to her and her family than she thought. The setting is really creative. The whole plot is brilliant, with humor, danger, mysteries, and adventure being brought into it. I enjoyed the book, and now it's your turn!

Review written by Kierra (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Dust Girl? How would you rate it?

Review: I'm Going to Catch My Tail by Jimbo Matison

I'm Going to Catch My Tail by Jimbo Matison.

Abrams Books
Publication Date: October 2014
List Price: $14.95
ISBN-13: 9781419713828

Review: Have you ever seen you cat run around and try to catch his tail? Then you will love I'm Going to Catch My Tail. I'm Going to Catch My Tail by Jimbo Matison is a hilarious picture book about a cat that wants to catch his tail.

The cat has a bad dream and so his tail wakes him up. Then the cat wants to catch his tail, he goes under the blankets, through mountains of toilet paper, and into a laundry basket but cat still can't catch his tail. What will this poor cat need to do to catch his tail?

I'm Going to Catch My Tail is a great book for 3-7 year olds. Little kids will love this book and they may even want to have their own cat. In I'm Going to Catch my Tail Jimbo Matison has written a great has engaging illustrations and a fun story line that preschool kids will want to read them over and over again.

Review written by Max (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Abrams Books for providing a copy of I'm Going to Catch My Tail for this review.

Have you read I'm Going to Catch My Tail? How would you rate it?

Review: Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osborne

Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osborne. A Magic Tree House Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2014
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9780385387583

Review: Traveling is fun. Traveling through time is even better! The Magic Tree House: Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osborne is for ealy chapter book readers, and it is an adventurous and interesting story. It is part of the Magic Tree House series with over 50 titles. This story will keep you wanting to know what is happening next.

Mummies in the Morning begins with Jack and Annie going up to their tree house where they start reading their Egypt book. Suddenly an Egyptian cat appears. Then the magic tree house spins and goes back in time to Ancient Egypt. They follow a cat into the Great Pyramid of Giza and get lost. A ghost of a past Egyptian queen comes across them and Jack and Annie are frightened. But the ghost helps them find artifacts and get out of the pyramid. The Royal Egyptian parade is approaching them. Will they get out on time?

Mummies in the Morning is good and very fast-paced. The plot is interesting and I like the actual parts of real history in it. They do not develop the ghost queen that much, but Jack and Annie are well-developed characters. I like how they look for real artifacts from actual history. They do not explain how the cat appears in the beginning because the tree house has not start spinning because that is how they travel in the book. I recommend Magic Tree House: Mummies in the Morning for kids ages 7-10.

Review written by Eric (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Mummies in the Morning for this review.

Have you read Mummies in the Morning? How would you rate it?

Review: National Geographic Kids Weird but True! 6: 300 Outrageous Facts by National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids Weird but True! 6: 300 Outrageous Facts by National Geographic Kids.

National Geographic Kids
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9781426314902

Review: Did you know that NASA is developing a printer that prints edible pizza? Did you know that 1.9 billion years ago planet Earth smelled like rotten eggs? These are just are just some of the weird but true facts in the book Weird but True these facts that will catch you in awe.

National Geographic Kids is at it again coming out with their sixth Weird but True book! This book has facts that will have you saying, unbelievable or no way but hasn't they all? Here is an example of why this book has some appalling facts! Did you know a prison in Brazil uses geese as an alarm system-they honk at anyone roaming the grounds! As you can see these books are easy and fun for kids to read. I think of them as scattered, colorful, yet informational encyclopedias.

I personally enjoy Weird but True book they have had me since 2nd grade! These books are easy to understand so I recommend the age range of 2nd grade and up. These types of books are what make reading fun; so personally I give this book a 10 out of 10. One reason is how tied in you get into the book; this book has so many fun facts to learn; you can finish this book in possibly a day; I know I did! Also it's exciting one is how much you take away from it. You can learn so much from this book I hope you will check it out.

Review written by Arsima (6th grade student).

We would like to thank National Geographic Kids for providing a copy of National Geographic Kids Weird but True! 6: 300 Outrageous Facts for this review.

Have you read National Geographic Kids Weird but True! 6: 300 Outrageous Facts? How would you rate it?

Review: Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects by Sophie Maletsky

Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects by Sophie Maletsky.

Zest Books
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9781936976546

Review: Imagine that you are a duct tape wizard. How fast could you make purses, pencil cases, bags and anything else you wanted? If you want to improve on your duct tape use, then you should read Sticky Fingers by Sophie Maletsky. This book teaches you the best tricks and tips to make the coolest duct tape creations. Sophie makes the duct tape book so interesting that everyone needs to get a copy. Sticky Fingers is a step-by-step duct tape book that helps you learn how to make duct tape projects. It is a must read book, and it could be yours! It's easy to pick up and hard to put down.

The book Sticky Fingers is a nonfiction book for simple to advanced duct tape projects. It even has a whole section for the last bit of duct tape on the roll. The projects vary from making pencil cases to making a full duct tape backpack! Making a duct tape would be great fun on a rainy day or anytime you're free. Also Sticky Fingers has tons of other great projects like wallets and purses. How would you like to learn how to make your customizable wallets or purses? The projects all have level ratings and the time amounts it will take you to complete the project. This book also includes instruction for how to organize your duct tape in the best ways you can think of. This is a tip and tricks book for duct tape lovers!

I love this book, and I think all of you will like it too. This book is great for ages 6 and up. It will inspire you to create your own types of great duct tape projects. This book has many fun and amazing things that I could not think of. Every little kid should own this book. I give it 4 stars for the creativity and the awesome descriptions that little kids would understand. I think it has awesome projects that you will be amazed with. Little kids would also understand what the author is trying to tell them, especially all the tips. Enjoy the book Sticky Fingers!

Review written by Olivia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects for this review.

Have you read Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects? How would you rate it?

Review: The Perfect Place by Teresa E. Harris

The Perfect Place by Teresa E. Harris.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: November 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547255194

Review: Treasure is a 12-year-old girl who has courage and strength. Her father left her, her mother, and her 7-year-old sister Tiffany alone. Treasure feels like since her father left she has taken over the role of a parent. She walks Tiffany to school everyday, buys the groceries, and makes sure that there is food on Tiffany's plate. Treasure's father is somewhere out there and she wants to find him. When Treasure's mom takes her to her Great aunt's house -a place she thought she would never go- Treasures life is turned upside down. Will Treasure ever turn it around again?

In The Perfect Place by Teresa E. Harris, Treasure learns that she has to find happiness; happiness will not always come to her. Treasure and Tiffany are left in the dust when their father leaves them with their mother. Leaving the apartment is not easy; the only way for them to get out is to sneak out at night because Treasure's mom is not paying the bills. Treasure's dad has left her family many times before, but he had never been gone for this long. Will Treasure be able to escape from her life? Will she ever be able to find her? Treasure has been forced to grow up to fast and leave her childhood behind.

The Perfect Place is a great book for someone who enjoys books that include surprising endings. I enjoyed this book so much because of its moral, which is you have to find happiness; happiness will not always come to you. Thanks to Theresa E. Harris I now know that if I wish for it, I can find happiness. This book has some rough language so I recommend it for ages 12 and up. The Perfect Place is such an amazing book from its details to its characters to its moral. I hope to find more books written by Theresa E. Harris.

Review written by Kyra (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Perfect Place? How would you rate it?

Review: Get Outside Guide by Nancy Honovich and Julie Beer

Get Outside Guide by Nancy Honovich and Julie Beer.

National Geographic Kids
Publication Date: April 2014
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9781426315022

Review: Ready to have fun anywhere you go? If you are, then take the National Geographic Kids Get Outside Guide by Nancy Honovich and Julie Beer with you. It will provide you with many different ways to have fun.

In The Get Outside Guide, you will find plenty of games and projects like an underwater telescope. Also you can see if you can find the animals that are shown in the book. The Get Outside Guide helps readers find way to have fun anywhere from the beach to your own back yard. If you are going camping or hiking you might as well bring this book along.

This book is for anyone that likes going outside or is bored and wants something to do. The Get Outside Guide gives you plenty of situations such as if you are at the beach it shows you how to build a sand castle. The author provides plenty of facts about animals and the instructions to make projects are very clear and easy to read. The text is fairly easy to read and no confusing lines too. With The Get Outside Guide, you will leave the phone and other electronics and enjoy the outside. You will have plenty of activities to do and maybe even a little competition. Now go get the book and add some fun into your life.

Review written by Jacob (6th grade student).

Have you read Get Outside Guide? How would you rate it?

Review: Family Ties by Gary Paulsen

Family Ties by Gary Paulsen. A Kevin Spencer Book.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780385373807

Review: Do you like books about family mess-ups, and about teenage situations? Well then Family Ties is a great book for you written by Gary Paulsen. In this book Kevin Spencer a fourteen-year-old boy, is considered a family man. He also has a girlfriend of his own. But when his uncle comes, he now has to plan a wedding for them. But with his own troubles, and activities at school, will he be able to do it?

Family is important to Kevin; he's always bringing the family together. One Sunday afternoon while the Spencer family is minding its own business, uncle Will comes. It turns out that uncle Will comes to tell the Spencer's that he has gotten married. Nobody knew about their marriage and they want to see them get married in person, so they decide to make a new wedding. Since everybody is busy, Kevin has to plan it all on his own. Will he be able to do it while having schoolwork and his teenage problems? And will he be able to make it the special wedding he wants it to be?

Family Ties is intended to children 10-14 years of age. It has a few words young children might not understand and there are some feelings that older children can relate to better than younger readers. This story is great for young adults (10-14) because it has humor and excitement young adults will love. It is also filled with a range of emotions. Family Ties will catch your attention, and you will not want to put the book down. But if you don't believe me get it for yourself and have a great time reading Family Ties.

Review written by Ashley (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Family Ties? How would you rate it?

Review: The Fire Wish by Amber Lough

The Fire Wish by Amber Lough.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385369763

Review: Have you ever wondered what it was like to switch places with someone you've never even met? The Fire Wish by Amber Lough is the one to read for anyone who loves fantasy books!

The Fire Wish starts off in India, where there's a great war between the mystical jinni and the humans. A girl from a tribe near Baghdad named Zayele was picked (more like forced) by her father to be the bride of the prince of Baghdad. Najwa is one of the mystical jinni who wants to be one of the people in the Corps to fight in the war (they also grant and make wishes). While Zayele is on her way to the city of Baghdad to marry the prince, she wishes to run away and go back home. But Najwa appears and Zayele catches her to make a wish. Zayele wishes to have them switch roles and Najwa grants that wish. Want more? If so, then you'll just have to read this novel!

The Fire Wish is recommended for anyone who loves fantasy/fiction books. I loved how Lough incorporated humans and fairy-like people such as Najwa which for me, makes this such an interesting book! The book also includes two-sided perspectives, which can be confusing at first, but you'll get it once you know what's going on. It shows you that even though you want something, it doesn't really mean that it'll come out the exactly how you wanted it to go. You probably wouldn't even know how to solve it. I loved this book, and hopefully, others will read it too!

Review written by Carol (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Fire Wish? How would you rate it?

Review: Percy Jackson's Greek Gods by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson's Greek Gods by Rick Riordan.

Disney Publishing Worldwide
Publication Date: August 2014
List Price: $24.99
ISBN-13: 9781423183648

Review: Imagine yourself as a Greek God's child, and you're about to tell about all your aunts and uncles who they were when you were not even thought of yet. Percy Jackson from Percy Jackson and the Olympians gives his amusing reviews on all of his aunts and uncles who are Olympians. Percy Jackson's Greek Gods by Rick Riordan is written in the perspective of Percy Jackson. Apollo jumps up, turns to his mother and says, ÒI need a bow and arrow, asap!Ó He was just born, and he was demanding bows and arrows! Then he shoots Hera with the arrows! This is just a small excerpt from Percy Jackson's Greek Gods.

Mythology is the key to this book. Percy Jackson gave reports on Hestia, Demeter, Persephone, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, Zeus, Athena, Aphrodite, Ares, Hephaestus, Apollo, Artemis, Hermes and last but not least, Dionysus. These are the Greek Gods. The Greek Gods control basically the whole Earth. He enjoyed writing about his aunts, uncles and his own dad. I'm not going to tell you who his dad is; you need to read it to find out! No going on the Internet. He tells about how the Greek Gods were born and how they grew up to be adults. The setting is Mount Olympus. All the gods are normally on Olympus. In Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, there is a dice roll between the three most powerful gods. Whoever gets the lowest dice roll gets the gloomy underworld. Whoever gets 3-4 in the dice roll gets the sea. Whoever gets 5-6 gets the sky. The youngest brother, Hades got the underworld. The middle brother, Poseidon, got the sea. The oldest, Zeus got the sky and he became the ruler of the heavens. If you think about it, the dice roll wasn't fair. That's why Hades gets mad and wants- guess what? - Revenge.

I personally loved the book because I love mythology and humor. I love to read every single book from Rick Riordan, he tells his story in such detail. I can always picture what is happening. I find that very hard for someone to do, so I applaud him. This book informed me about the Greek Gods and mythology that I didn't know. Even if you think you know a lot about Greek mythology, you probably didn't know the vast amount of detail that Riordan includes in his book. Percy uses descriptive verbs such as trembled and shook with fear. Sometimes it gets confusing with all the marriages, so you might want to write them down. This would be a boy and girl book. I recommend the book for kids ages 10-13 because of length of the book and the sophisticated vocabulary. Overall, Percy Jackson's Greek Gods will be enjoyable for most upper elementary and middle school readers.

Review written by Sara (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Disney Publishing Worldwide for providing a copy of Percy Jackson's Greek Gods for this review.

Have you read Percy Jackson's Greek Gods? How would you rate it?

Review: October Ogre by Ron Roy

October Ogre by Ron Roy. A Calendar Mystery Book.

Stepping Stone Books
Publication Date: August 2013
List Price: $4.99
ISBN-13: 9780375868887

Review: Do you like a spooky, suspenseful story that is just right for Halloween season? If so, then Calendar Mysteries: October Ogre by Ron Roy is just right for you. It is a great mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You'll also be frightened with scary ogres, witches, and ghosts.

Take a frightening adventure with Bradley, Brian, Nate, and Lucy, four friends that go to a hotel that has been transformed into a haunted house for Halloween. They have to try to take a candy basket that is protected with spooky things. If they do so, they'll get a special prize. They have noticed that every child that goes in does not come out. This gets Nate really frightened. They enter the haunted house and follow the green footprints that the ogre at the entrance tells them. They decide to spit up into pairs and see if they find the candy. Soon Brian disappears and the rest of the kids get scared. Will they ever find their friend and get out of this house?

I recommend Calendar Mysteries: October Ogre for kids 6-8 years old because the story is not intended to scare you in any way. It's written so that you could be on the edge of your seat wondering what will come next. It is also a short seventy-page book that is perfect for new chapter book readers. This book has some funny parts and suspenseful parts that get you wondering, Where did he go? It is a great book that I would recommend to any person that loves a good mystery. If your looking for a interesting mystery than check out Calendar Mysteries: October Ogre by Ron Roy today!

Review written by Christian (6th grade student).

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

Have you read October Ogre? How would you rate it?

Review: The Eiffel Tower Incident by Sir Steve Stevenson

The Eiffel Tower Incident by Sir Steve Stevenson. An Agatha: Girl of Mystery Book.

Grosset & Dunlap
Publication Date: March 2014
List Price: $5.99
ISBN-13: 9780448462233

Review: Do you like mystery novels? Well, this is the book for you. They are on a mission on who killed the Russian diplomat and to save dash's career as a detective. In Agatha the Girl of Mysteries: the Eiffel Tower Incident, by Sir Steve Stevenson and Stefano Turconi brings mystery into a whole different place on the other side of the world.

Agatha, who is the mystery girl in her family, Dash who is the detective in the family, Chandler who is Agatha's helpful butler, and their cat, Watson are on a mission to find the murderer who killed the Russian diplomat in at the Eiffel Tower. With only the diplomat's final words "Red Rose", they try to hunt down the culprit. They first think it is a brand of wine, but they have no luck with that. After they notice the two pictures in the newspaper, their adventure begins.

If you are a mystery lover you should read Agatha's whole series. This book I would recommend for ages 10-12 because even though it looks like an easy book, there are challenging words in there. I liked this book because each page has something good or entertaining to read. Her clues and ideas are constantly bringing her into different situations and different places. Agatha will continue her journey soon in Sir Steve Stevenson and Stefano Turconi's next book.

Review written by Khushali (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Penguin Young Readers Group for providing a copy of The Eiffel Tower Incident for this review.

Have you read The Eiffel Tower Incident? How would you rate it?

Review: Miles from Nowhere by Amy Clipston

Miles from Nowhere by Amy Clipston. The Final Book in the Roadside Assistance Trilogy.

Zondervan
Publication Date: April 2015
List Price: $9.99
ISBN-13: 9780310736707

Review: God puts special people in our lives for a reason. In Amy Clipston's Miles from Nowhere you will read about how one girl, Chelsea Morris, finds herself as she follows her heart. This book will lift up your heart about faith towards you beliefs and trust in other people.

Chelsea Morris plans on having the perfect summer. She has a part time job at the Fork & Knife where her boyfriend works, and she is the head designer for the community production of Grease. Everything seems to be going swell for Chelsea. But then table's turn at the Fork & Knife, the main cook Maggie, just recently had a baby and now is on maternity leave. Todd parents own the Fork & Knife and he is also Chelsea's boyfriend. This was a totally bummer for Chels is pretty upset about this because this is the last summer before they headed off to state university; and she wanted to spend some quality time with her boyfriend. Being the unselfless girl she is supported him with his full time job but this meant he couldn't be part of the production of Grease. Which also leads back to spending less time with each other. As she spends her time at the playhouse she met a boy named Dylan a sophomore at the university. Everyday they have met each other's eyes but never spoke to each other. Eventually though Dylan asks her and her assistant designer to come to a cast party. This one cast party starts a chain of events that changed Chelsea. Now she is now breaking the rules at the theater, her new personality is interfering with her job and her relationship; she has now transformed into the party animal; drinking, ditching her brothers, hanging out with friends instead of doing her priorities. No one seems to know who Chelsea is anymore. Will Chelsea ever find her way back to her true self? Or has she become her true self? Find out the rest in Miles from Nowhere.

This is a spectacular novel. I am an Amy Clipston fan; I have read most of her book and they all relate to the same thesis, to having faith in your beliefs. This book really pulled me compared to her other novels this one has a plot teens can relate to finding who you are within a difficult situation. The plot is well organized, not messy or rushed. I enjoyed the main character, Chelsea's, her personality. She is able to relate in a way that teens can see themselves in. For example, her friends support when she needs it the most; they helped her with finding herself. I recommend Miles from Nowhere for 12-15 year old girls because girls can gather a stronger moral from a girl's point of view.

Review written by Arsima (6th grade student).

We would like to thank ZonderKidz for providing a copy of Miles from Nowhere for this review.

Have you read Miles from Nowhere? How would you rate it?

Review: Three Bird Summer by Sara St. Antoine

Three Bird Summer by Sara St. Antoine.

Candlewick Press
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780763665647

Review: The idea of a neighbor girl filled me with dread, Adam said in the car driving to his grandma's cabin. The book, Three Bird Summer, written by Sara St. Antoine, contains many outstanding adventures. The main character, Adam, finds notes in his Grandma's cabin saying there is a hidden treasure, and he needs the new neighbor, Alice, to help him. Will Alice try to find it with him? Will they spy the treasure? Read Three Bird Summer to find out!!

For as long as he could remember, Adam went to his grandma's cabin in the summer with his crazy cousins who always pulled pranks on him, his Mom, and Dad. This year, only his mom and he were going because in the winter his parents got divorced. He soon found out that a new neighbor moved in next door to Grandma's, and her name was Alice. He thought she was going to be just like the popular girls at school, but it turned out that she was different than them and wanted to be friends with him. Soon, he started finding notes in his room saying there was a treasure nearby. He needed Alice to help him find it. Many exciting adventures followed, and if you want to know what happened, read the book to find out!!

I think the book Three Bird Summer is really great. It always left me thinking, and I could NOT set it down. I just wish the book were longer because it was incredible. I would love it if there were another book, maybe even a whole series!! I think both boys and girls would like it because it's about camping and going on interesting expeditions. It is very adventurous. I think it is for grades 4-8 because even though it is 246 pages; the vocabulary words aren't too difficult or too easy. If you love camping and going exploring, I would really recommend reading this book.

Review written by Mia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Candlewick Press for providing a copy of Three Bird Summer for this review.

Have you read Three Bird Summer? How would you rate it?