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: Soccer on Sunday by Mary Pope Osborne

Soccer on Sunday by Mary Pope Osborne. A Magic Tree House Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780307980533

Review: If you're a fan of adventurous books, then Soccer on Sunday is the perfect book. In this addition to the Magic Tree House Chronicles, Jack and Annie go somewhere they have only dreamt of going.

In Soccer on Sunday, Jack and Annie go to Brazil to find the fourth secret of greatness. After going to the World Cup to see Pele play, they still can't find the secret. They spend the rest of their day with a new friend that might be able to help solve all their problems.

Soccer on Sunday is a great book for 7-10 year olds. It has a simple but entertaining plot that is perfect for young readers. Soccer on Sunday is written for children who are just starting to read chapter books, and the vocabulary is appropriate for that level. Jack and Annie are wonderful characters that will appeal to all readers. Plus, like every other Magic Tree House book, it is filled with adventure, excitement, and learning too.

Review written by Michael (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Soccer on Sunday? How would you rate it?

Review: Conspiracy 365: Malice by Gabrielle Lord

Conspiracy 365: Malice by Gabrielle Lord. A Conspiracy 365 Novel.

Kane Miller
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $5.99
ISBN-13: 9781610672191

Review: Cal, Winter, Ryan, and Boges have faced one daring adventure after another in the Conspiracy 365 series by Gabrielle Lord. In Malice, Winter has been given a threat in a note that merely says, "The Drowner . . . 30 days." She and her friends have thirty days to decipher the note and save themselves from the threats that continue to haunt the.

Malice takes readers to Perdita, a fascinating remote location where nothing is as it seems. She encounters mysterious people who her warn her every step of the way. Perdita, overgrown from years of abandonment, holds secrets Winter must uncover in order to save herself and her estate from the mysterious people who sent the note. She only has 30 days. Is it possible to put all the pieces together in that amount of time, or might Winter's time be up?

The Conspiracy 365 series is exceptionally well done. Every book in the twelve-month series has an independently engaging plot that all comes together in the 12th book. However, the supplemental books are not as strong. To fully appreciate the characters, it is important to read the original twelve books. If those books are skipped, the characters seem flat. Winter is one of the more unique characters from the series, so her character holds together the story quite nicely. The mystery of "The Drowner" is overall clever and gripping. That being said, Gabrielle Lord has an excellent series on her hands, and it's time to move on to a new series. There's only so many life-threatening situations these characters can withstand. A new Black Ops trilogy by Lord wil be an exciting new start!

Review written by Margo Nauert.

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of Conspiracy 365: Malice for this review.

Have you read Conspiracy 365: Malice? How would you rate it?

Review: The Scorpions of Zahir by Christine Brodien-Jones

The Scorpions of Zahir by Christine Brodien-Jones.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 2012
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739337

Review: Do you love stories about desert adventurers and huge animals? Well if you do then you should read The Scorpions of Zahir. The characters are Zagora, Duncan, Razziq, Mina, and Dr.Pym.

Zagora and her brother and embark on an adventure in the desert where Dr.Pym receives a letter from a lady named Olivia she tells him she is Pitblade's cousin. Olivia tells Dr.Pym that she needs help to find the long lost Oryx Stone. Intrigued by this quest, Dr.Pym takes his kids Zagora and Duncan to Morocco to help find the Oryx Stone. When they got there, Zagora finds the stone in a trunk in the attic, but she doesn't tell anyone. She has the stone the whole time and once they meet Olivia for dinner, Zagora finds out that Olivia is very mean. So Zagora decides to put a scorpion that she found on a stamp into Olivia's drink. When the scorpion touches the water it grows incredibly large. It doesn't take very long for Zagora to realize the evil lies within the scorpions and Olivia's evil plan. Can Zagora stop her in time? You'll have to read to find out!

I enjoyed The scorpions of Zahir in some parts more than others. Some of the book is filled with amazing details and awesome adventures, however, in other parts the story became boring, especially when the characters are just talking and not doing anything fun. I would recommend The Scorpions of Zahir for fourth graders or higher because there are a few higher-level vocabulary that might be challenging to younger readers. I think if someone wants to be an adventurer when they grow up, this book is perfect for them. The characters seem so real in this story because this could happen to anyone young or old. I love the part when Zagora finds he dad after looking for him non-stop. This story is heartwarming and makes you want to tear up sometimes. This story took me awhile to read because at times I lost interest. It may not be boring to other people. The adventure combined with mystery, suspense, heart-warming messages, and a few scary moments make The Scorpions of Zahir a worthy book to read.

Review written by Skyler (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Scorpions of Zahir? How would you rate it?

Review: Sons of the 613 by Michael Rubens

Sons of the 613 by Michael Rubens.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: September 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547612164

Review: Do you like books with adventure and comedy? Then you should read Sons of the 613 by Michael Rubens!

The main character in the story is a boy named Isaac who is about to have his bar mitzvah. But then his parents abandon him; they leave him for a trip to Italy. His brother, Josh, who never lost a wrestling match and gets in bar fights, is put in charge. When his brother finds out that Isaac's tutor hasn't been showing up to teach him about his bar mitzvah, he decides Isaac shouldn't have to give a speech to become a man. Instead, he is given a quest involving many different challenges and hardships. Along the journey he gets into various, unusual situations. He starts to fall in love with his brother's friend, Lesley, goes to bars, and almost gets killed by dogs.

Sons of the 613 is literally the best book I have ever read! It has constant humor, action, and suspense and was very thrilling. It is written very well and would be appropriate for kids 14+ because it has some inappropriate parts. I give it 5 stars because it is a very great book that will keep you wondering until the end, with the constant question: Will Isaac survive?

Review written by Josh (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin for providing a copy of Sons of the 613 for this review.

Have you read Sons of the 613? How would you rate it?

Review: Sons of the 613 by Michael Rubens

Sons of the 613 by Michael Rubens.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: September 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547612164

Review: Sons of the 613 is written by Michael Rubens. Michael Rubens was a producer for an award-winning television show. Rubens' first adult novel was published last year. This is his first youth novel. The two main characters are Josh and his younger brother Isaac. Josh is an undefeated wrestler that has been in college and recently dropped out to pursue a different path. Josh has moved back into his parent's home with the rest of his family, Isaac and Lisa. Isaac is turning thirteen and is going to have his bar mitzvah which is a celebration when a boy becomes a man in the Jewish faith. Isaacs's older brother Josh has a different idea. Before Isaac can make his bar mitzvah, Josh develops his own Quest for his little brother to complete. If Isaac can complete the Quest he will be a man in his brother's eyes.

The whole family is home, including Josh who is home from college. Isaac is preparing for his bar mitzvah which is in three weeks. Isaac has been keeping a secret about his bar mitzvah though. The tutor that is supposed to help him hasn't been showing up for the class times. Isaacs's parents are going to Italy, and he is worried because he still has so much to learn for his bar mitzvah. When Isaac's parents leave Josh in charge, Josh sees that his brother is worried about his bar mitzvah and decides he will help. He helps Isaac become a man in the Jewish faith and in his own eyes. To make Isaac a man in his eyes, Josh puts him through a Quest that only an older brother can conjure up. Josh wakes him up early everyday and decides whether it should be a physical or mental day. Each day Josh has a different challenge he tells Isaac about. If Isaac can complete the challenge Josh will finally see him as a man. Can he complete the tests? If he can, is he going to finish them in time? And why did Josh put Isaac through the bone rattling Quest in the first place?

I really liked Sons of the 613. However, the book started out slowly. After a couple of chapters, however, it started to pull me back in. I enjoyed learning about the Jewish faith because it taught me to stay close to my family. I liked the detail that Michael Rubens put into the book as well. I especially liked the characters because Rubens put so much thought into their backgrounds. I wish that Rubens was able to get to the Quest in the book sooner though, and then I would have been more eager to complete the book in the beginning. Overall, I really enjoyed Sons of the 613.

Review written by Michael (7th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Sons of the 613 for this review.

Have you read Sons of the 613? How would you rate it?

Review: Empire of Ruins by Arthur Slade

Empire of Ruins by Arthur Slade. Book 3 of The Hunchback Assignments.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780385737869

Review: Empire of Ruins is the third installment of the Hunchback Assignments series written by Arthur Slade. The main character of the series is Modo who is a teenage spy and also a deformed shape-shifter.

Modo has heard rumors of the mysterious God Face. They say it is extremely powerful and makes everyone who looks upon it mad. Modo's mission is to go into the Australian jungle to find the God Face and bring it to the British Empire. But, missions like these aren't always that easy. First of all, does the God Face even exist? Also, Modo and his partner, Octavia, are being followed by the evil Clockwork guild. Their leader, Miss Hakkandottir, has some new weapons: poisonous mechanical falcons! But that's not all, there's also an assassin and jungle tribes to look out for. Will they be able to get the artifact in time? Or will their failure lead to their deaths.

Empire of Ruins is an amazing, action-packed adventure! It thrilled me and was the book I've been looking for. Empire of Ruins had just the right amount of fighting and a great setting for the story. The setting helped give a feeling of suspense because the thick jungles in Australia give a perfect hiding spot for Modo's enemies. Also, the characters are very exciting and different. In some books, a spy is usually very fit and has no powers except for a few spy gadgets. However, Modo is a hunchback who can shape-shift. This was very surprising for me. I recommend this book to tweens who love to read action-adventure novels. It's sure to be a heart stopping story. The only problem I personally had was that there was very little romance. But other than that, it was exceptional! I would rate this book 9 out of 10 stars.

Review written by Sharielle (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Empire of Ruins? How would you rate it?

Review: Abe Lincoln At Last! by Mary Pope Osborne

Abe Lincoln At Last! by Mary Pope Osborne. A Magic Tree House Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 2011
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780375868252

Review: Time travel, Abraham Lincoln, a magic tree house and more! Abe Lincoln At Last! by Marry Pope Osborn is a good book. It will make you want to read to the whole Magic Tree House series. This is book 41 in the Magic Tree House series.

In the start of the book, Jack and Annie wake up and go directly to the magic tree house from where they are whisked away to the White House where they meet brothers Willie and Tad. Willie and Tad take Jack and Annie to see Abraham Lincoln, but Jack and Annie are suddenly teleported away to the woods where they meet an orphan named Sam. Sam is tragically hit by a horse and gets a concussion. Will Jack and Annie help Sam or will they go try to meet Abraham Lincoln? Find out by reading Abe Lincoln At Last!.

Abe Lincoln At Last! deserves 3.5 out of 5 top hats. Kids 2nd through 3rd grade would love this book. The words are easy to read, so younger kids will have an easy time reading the book. There are no swearing words so that is a plus for parents who are looking for an age appropriate book. The book is quick read for anyone 9 and older. There is a lot of action in the book so look forward to that. On the downside though, there is very little humor. To somewhat understand the beginning, you need to read books 40 and 39. Overall, Abe Lincoln At Last! is a good book. It deserves 3.5 out of 5 top hats and is great for long car trips, to read if you have nothing else to read and is great for book reviews.

Review written by Max (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Abe Lincoln At Last! for this review.

Have you read Abe Lincoln At Last!? How would you rate it?

Review: Ice Island by Sherry Shahan

Ice Island by Sherry Shahan.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 2012
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780385741545

Review: Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you were on a frozen island, and you only had some dogs, a few supplies, and your brain to stay alive? Now, imagine doing this at the age of 13! This exhilarating experience is exactly what the main character does in the book Ice Island . Sherry Shahan has written a thrilling novel that will definitely keep you on your toes the entire time. This book is not part of a series. The main character in the novel is 13 year old Tatum.

Here we have Tatum, an Alaskan teenager that is visiting an island called "Santa Ysabel". This remote, frozen island is completely covered in solid ice-hence the title Ice Island . Here on this island she meets a Siberian Yupik boy named Cole. They both share the dream of racing in the Iditarod, an intense competition in which the participants race across the majority of Alaska on dog sleds. One morning Tatum and Cole head out on a run just for some fun with two dog teams. Then disaster begins to strike. A crazy blizzard hits and the two find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere. Now they must rely on their training to get them through this. The Alaskan wilderness is not the ideal place to be trapped! With no roads, houses, or people for several miles, they must use their quick thinking to find help while dealing with unhealthy huskies, subzero temperatures, crazy exhaustion, and a very low food supply. Help is a long distance away; will Tatum and Cole make it?

Overall, this was an impressively written novel. There were many positive things about the book. A good thing is how incredibly vivid the imagery is. The author makes everything that happens immediately appear in your head as if you were there. I think one reason for this great detail on the character's thoughts and feelings are the author's personal experiences. Sherry Shahan has actually been to Alaska several times, and has even participated in the Iditarod. She knows how the characters might feel and what they would do because of personal experiences. It takes a lot of creativity to write a book like this. Any story that is about the Alaskan wilderness has to be very creative, because few people are experts on this. The one thing that some people might feel challenging is some of the terminology used. The two dog mushers infrequently use terms to trigger the dogs' actions. Also, one of the characters is a Yupik, so there are some Yupik terms like "quyana" (the Yupik word for 'thank you') used. There is a glossary in the back of the book which explains what these words mean, so this was not a problem for me. This may concern some people since you have to flip back and forth to get the definition. I would recommend this book to middle school and high school students because they would relate to this book the most. This book would still be a great read for anybody that is interested. All in all, this book is an amazing read. I enjoyed it tremendously. I have never rated a book a 10 before, but this book is one of the best books I have ever read. I rate it a perfect 10 out of 10!

Review written by Sahil (7th grade student).

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

Have you read Ice Island? How would you rate it?

Review: The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. A Looking Glass Library Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 2012
List Price: $10.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869617

Review: Imagine living in the jungle, where the thick trees tower above your head and the green undergrowth stretches forever across the forest floor. Imagine growing up with wolves, and despite their rough play and superior attitudes, you love them as your family. Despite how many friends you have, danger is lurking behind every corner and some will not rest until they find you. This is the life of young Mowgli in Ruyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. When you read this book you will join the many jungle adventures of Mowgli and his many friends.

An important thing to know is that The Jungle Book is a combination of the original The Jungle Book, The Second Jungle Book and the short story "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi". The first stories are about young Mowgli, who is a boy who is abandoned by his parents as they fled from the fierce tiger, Shere Khan. A kind wolf family from the Seeonee wolf pack, Baloo (a bear who teaches the law to the cubs of the pack) and Bagheera (a black panther) decide to take him in. By doing so, they take Mowgli out of the way of Shere Khan, who is set out to kill Mowgli. The next few stories are about his time with men when he was cast out of the pack. Later, he returns to the jungle and is eventually faced with the decision of staying in the jungle or joining men. Throughout his life, he faces many adversities and his arch nemesis, Shere Khan. With the help of the pack, Baloo, Bagheera, and an old snake named Kaa, he learns the ways of the jungle and where he truly belongs.

After reading this collection of stories, I believe that the new edition of The Jungle Book is a good read. Mowgli is an interesting character to follow at first because of his curiosity and love of adventure. Once Mowgli grows up and gains power, he becomes more dislikable because of his arrogant manner and his belief that he is superior to all in the jungle. As for the dialogue, it is a little choppy, especially being part old English and part not. It also may be because most of the characters refer to themselves in third person and that Mowgli and the animals do not have good grammar. The plot of most of Mowgli's stories is interesting and takes you on exciting adventures. Most of them start slow, but then grow increasingly exciting as they go on. Because of this, the story goes at a medium pace. Despite this, the plots are well described and so are the different characters that are involved in them. Being that the plot changes every chapter, I was never truly hooked into the book. I rate this book a 7 out of 10 because parts of it were interesting, but I never was drawn into it. To conclude, The Jungle Book is a good novel to read for all middle school students.

Review written by Shannon (7th grade student).

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

Have you read The Jungle Book? How would you rate it?

Review: The Magic Cake Shop by Meika Hashimoto

The Magic Cake Shop by Meika Hashimoto.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375868221

Review: I felt magical when reading The Magic Cake Shop by Meika Hashimoto! This book is filled with cakes, truffles, lollipops and gum that will make your mouth water. When Emma Burblee has to spend her summer away at her Uncle Simon's house, she meets Mr. Crackle, the head chef of the most popular cake shop in town. They then need to work together to spoil Uncle Simon's evil plan.

Emma can't take all the perfection. Her parents are snotty, rude, and rich. They want Emma to look her best all the time. When she finally has had it, her parents send her to Uncle Simon's house as punishment. Emma always either has to make her uncle food or run to the local cake shop (owned by Mr. Crackle) to fill up his dessert box, until she figures out Uncle Simon's evil plot which is to make even better desserts than Mr. Crackle, one of the best bakers in the world! When Emma ruins their most important ingredient, they purposely poison Mr. Crackle. He, Emma, and Albie go on one tough adventure in order to spoil the plan and cure Mr. Crackle!

I enjoyed this book a lot because of its positive message about how you can accomplish almost anything with teamwork. The Magic Cake Shop is a great story for all ages. Hashimoto did a great job writing this book; I didn't want to put it down! I loved how Mr. Crackle would always make fun of Uncle Simon for eating too much, and how Emma and Albie get to explore the secret rooms from the factory. It is full of fun and silliness that will make you giggle!

Review written by Sofia (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Magic Cake Shop? How would you rate it?

Review: Outlaw by Stephen Davies

Outlaw by Stephen Davies.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: November 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547390178

Review: "Grunt, grunt. Come on…I'm almost there." Outlaw, by Stephen Davies is a book filled a variety of scenes keeping you on the edge of your seat. Outlaw is a story about a teen boy named, Jake Knight, who is an Outlaw. Outlaw is a book for all ages and I think it should be shared worldwide. So if you are looking for a book filled with brother-sister love, some action and some surprises, Outlaw is the book for you.

Jake Knight, a 15-year-old, has just broken into a jail. His dean realizes this and Jake is expelled from the school for several weeks and must travel to Burkina Faso in Africa to where his parents live. Not only is Jake a young scamp, but he actually has a special talent too. Jake is able to run up walls. He learns most of his skills from YouTube. For example, he learns several electronic tricks, like how to charge his phone without electricity, which might just come in handy. He thinks this suspension from school and going to Africa is going to simply be a fun-filled vacation under the sun. But throughout his travel to Africa, kidnappers, terrorists and Yakuuba Sor - the most wanted kidnapper in Africa - await him. Jake will have to use his knowledge and special skills to get out of these situations. Will he be successful? If you want to see you'll have to read Outlaw and of the best books ever written!!!

Stephen Davies has written a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You'll be also biting your nails half the time. Outlaw is an amazing book filled with a big variety of subjects: death, betrayal, love and happiness. If you want to go sit down and read a great book, Outlaw is the book for you. Overall, Outlaw is an interesting book to me since I love action and adventure. Jake is the type of character that is just like my favorite. This setting in Africa propelled to me into learning Africana language and places in Africa. Since Africa has some boundaries, Jake can climb right above them giving him a fast advantage to move around Africa. So I think Africa is a great setting for this type of character. Outlaw is an amazing book. Don't waste any time - go read Outlaw now!!

Review written by Logan (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Outlaw? How would you rate it?

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

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: Rip Tide by Kat Falls

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 Bloomswell Diaries by Louis L. Buitendag

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?

Book Review: Spider Bite by Justin D'Ath

Spider Bite
by Justin D'Ath
Extreme Adventures

Kane Miller
ISBN-10: 1-61067-010-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-61067-010-4
Publication Date: March, 2011
List Price: $5.99

Review: The red and orange flames of the engine were flaring into the balloon making us go higher and higher. This book titled Spider Bite, was written by Justin D' Ath and is the 5th book in the Extreme Adventure series. It is a realistic fiction book that is frightening, moving and thrilling. The main character is Sam Fox, a 12 year old boy with a strong will.

A red headed lady is stuck in a tree from a balloon crash, so Sam climbs the tree and gets the balloon out but, the engine lights back up with Jordan and Harry, Sam's little twins, and suddenly they are flying away. They get higher and higher, but Sam gets in and steers it. Jordan gets bitten by a Sidney funnel web in the balloon. It is a very dangerous spider. Sam has to get Jordan to the hospital, but Sam steers the balloon to close to a plane and gets blown off course. They end up at the zoo in the bear pit. He climbs out and goes through many different animal pits until he finely finds the antivenin. But, it just may be too late.

Around the first few pages I was already hooked. My excitement filled my own body with anticipation. The hurry and tension got higher and higher with each page, and the better it got the faster I read so I was reading pretty fast and I was kind of disappointed when I was done. The ending made me want to read more and see if the brothers ever get reunited. The genre is realistic fiction because this could have happened to anybody in Australia. Sam demonstrated good inferring and thinking skills. Sam's main goal was to land until Jordan got bitten and changed course for the hospital. Next chance I get, I am getting the next book in the Extreme Adventure series.

Review written by Carson (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of Spider Bite for this review.

Have you read Spider Bite? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Man-Eater by Justin D'Ath

Man-Eater
by Justin D'Ath
Extreme Adventures

Kane Miller
ISBN-10: 1-61067-011-6
ISBN-13: 978-1-61067-011-1
Publication Date: March, 2011
List Price: $5.99

Review: Imagine being stuck in Africa and forced to face killer hippos, elephants, crocodiles, ivory hunters, and a man-eating leopard. For half the time your only companion is a ten-year-old boy with a spear, otherwise you are alone. You get squirted in the eye with snake venom and you can barely see. What would you do in a situation like this? This is all Man-Eater is about. Man-Eater, written by Justin D'Ath, is the sixth book in the Extreme Adventures series. Sam Fox is in Africa for a youth conference and when his bus leaves him in the wild with an angry elephant, things go wrong. This is when all of the action begins in this fiction adventure story.

After getting left behind by the bus to face an angry elephant, Sam crawls down in a hole to protect himself from the elephant. This is where he gets squirted in the eye with venom from a snake and almost completely loses his vision. This becomes a constant problem for Sam, besides him being alone in the wild in Africa. Sam hears a car driving down the road but soon realizes that these men are Ivory Hunters and illegally hunt elephants for their tusks. They also leave Sam behind, and he soon finds a river to clean his eyes out, knowing hyenas are watching him down by the road. Then, after thoroughly cleaning his eyes, he sees the hippos. Escaping the hippos is how he runs into the crocodile. After he escapes the crocodile, he finds two Masai brothers that treat his eye and run a farm by themselves. One of the brothers, Olki, says he will go with Sam to the village and get his eye cured if the wants to keep his vision. The only problem is to get to the village, you need to go through the jungle. When in the jungle, Sam and Olki face many creatures and eventually become heroes.

I love Man-Eater. What I like about this book is as quickly as in the fourth paragraph action and problems start stirring up. This means the reader doesn't need to read a chapter all about the character or background before getting to the action. Also, Man-Eater includes multiple facts about the animals Sam goes against in the text. " It was a honey badger… they are the meanest animals in the world. Even though they're no bigger than corgis, honey badgers have been known to chase lions from their kills." I love this because not only am I reading a fiction adventure story, but I'm also learning some information from it. Next, I love the creative solutions the author thought of to get Sam out of trouble. I would never have thought of doing what Sam does for a solution to some of the situations. This is a fantastic book that anyone would enjoy reading.

I rate Man-Eater with five stars.

Review written by Abigail (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of Man-Eater for this review.

Have you read Man-Eater? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Hacking Timbuktu by Stephen Davies

Hacking Timbuktu
by Stephen Davies
Non-series

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0-547-39016-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-547-39016-1
Publication Date: November, 2010
List Price: $16.00

Review: Gigantic amounts of gold, a mysterious clue about where it's hidden, and an extremely brave thief. Does this intrigue you? This is only a glimpse of what Hacking Timbuktu is about. Stephen Davies has written a brilliant novel about stealing, hacking, parkour, and chasing. This non-series book focuses on the characters Danny Temple and Omar (Grimps) Dupont as they go on many thrill-seeking adventures.

Tons of gold has been stolen by Akonio Dolo. Several members of KOAD or the Knights of Akonio Dolo have unsuccessfully been trying to recover the hidden gold for many years. Then, pro praceurs Danny and Omar attempt to get the treasure, but the only clues left are number squares. Unfortunately, they have been taken from the Timbuktu computer by Moktar Hasim, the leader of KOAD. One of their journeys leads them to meet the Dogon street boys who play a strong part in helping them travel safely through the caves. After traveling around through many adventures, Danny eventually thinks the stash of gold has been hidden in a cave where the Dogon bury their dead. As he explores the cave, he stumbles upon a secret door that reveals something that instantly changes Danny's mood.

Stephen Davies does not disappoint us in his writing of this novel. The vividly described action makes you feel like you're actually participating in everything that happens in the story. Each of Danny and Omar's exciting adventures help lead the reader to the ending. Every adventure they experience keeps the reader on the edge of their seat wanting to find out what they will do next. Stephen Davies wraps up the story brilliantly with an unexpected ending in a way no one could have guessed. There are many different aspects of the book which most people can relate to such as gymnastics, action, history and battle. One thing I didn't enjoy was, considering how frequently the boys travelled, it was unclear as to exactly what country they were in at times. Also, French and Arabic terms and phrases are used throughout the book. Some examples of these are salam alaykum (an Arabic greeting) and mon ami (french for my friend). I recommend this book to anyone age 11 or older because of the novel's in-depth adventures and use of different languages. I rate this book a strong 9 out of 10.

Review written by Sahil (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Hacking Timbuktu? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Hide and Seek by Sue Stauffacher

Hide and Seek
by Sue Stauffacher
Animal Rescue Team

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-375-85849-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-375-85849-9
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $12.99

Review: In Hide and Seek by Sue Stauffacher, the main characters are Keisha and her Animal Rescue Team. Her Animal Rescue Team is a very helpful business that helps animals in need of help. Hide and Seek is the 3rd book in the Animal Rescue Team series.

Keisha and her friends are getting ready for the spooky and fun Halloween when the phone rings. The caller says that a deer has been spotted with a strange, round, orange object on its head. Who would ever see a deer with that on its head? Now the Animal Rescue Team has to try to catch that fast deer and get that round object off of its head. Can they do it? Keisha and her friends decide to walk and try to find tracks (from the deer). Suddenly they see this deer and..........Read Hide and Seek to find out what happens!

Hide and Seek is a very good book, and I think you should read it too. If you like action and weird happenings then Hide and Seek is the book for you!! This book is for younger readers, but it is fun for higher level readers, too! This book will keep you laughing. Wait until you find out what happens at the end!

Review written by Michaela (5th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Hide and Seek for this review.

Have you read Hide and Seek? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Scorpion Sting by Justin D'Ath

Scorpion Sting
by Justin D'Ath
Extreme Adventures

Kane Miller
ISBN-10: 1-935-27971-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-935-27971-6
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $5.99

Review: Image that you are in an unknown cave and the ceiling of the cave just collapsed… you have to stomp through millions of the largest scorpions you have ever seen… you are getting chased by what you think are terrorists… you are stranded in the middle if the desert… what would you do? In this adventure story this all happens to a fourteen year old boy named Sam. I love this book, the Scorpion Sting, which is part of the Extreme Adventures series. This is the fourth book in the series, and I cannot wait to read the rest!

As the story begins, the ceiling of the cave falls and although Sam isn't injured, his brother, Nathan, is terribly hurt. Nathan put his life in Sam's hands to go find help before its too late, but it isn't as easy as it sounds. Sam has to walk through millions of HUMONGOUS scorpions, save a baby kangaroo, avoid being eaten by ferocious dogs, run away from terrorists, and still find a way to save his almost-dead brother along the way. When all seems lost, he meets this boy that is about Sam's age. This boy saves Sam's life, although this boy will need saving somewhere farther into Scorpion Sting. This book is definitely a book that will keep you on your toes and always wanting more and more.

Scorpion Sting is outstanding, wonderful, action-packed, and more. I love how the author makes the main character, Sam, always think about what to do and know exactly what to do in tough situations. I also believe that having another character, such as a teenage boy, come along sometime within the text is very clever. This teenage boy knows the area very well and can almost get the two boys out of trouble. While this boy is trying to lead himself and Sam to safety, he accidentally leads them into a life threatening situation by accident. I love how the text always keeps the reader wondering and guessing. "They were dressed as United States soldiers and carried automatic weapons with state-of-the-art, infrared night sights. It didn't make sense. There wasn't a war on." Statements like these always had me hungry to keep reading on. You may also think that the whole book will be named after what it looks like on the cover, but it really is not. The title is named after a very important event or situation in the book which you do not find out until the end.

Scorpion Sting is very exciting, surprising, and adventurous. I have nothing but good things to say about this book. I would definitely recommend this book to young readers like me. I give this book five stars.

Review written by Abigail (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates, Inc. for providing a copy of Scorpion Sting for this review.

Have you read Scorpion Sting? How would you rate it?