Review: The Wavering Werewolf by David Lubar

The Wavering Werewolf by David Lubar. A Monsterific Tale.

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

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

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

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

Review written by Diana (6th grade student).

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

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

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: The Missing Chancleta and Other Top-Secret Cases by Alidis Vicente

The Missing Chancleta and Other Top-Secret Cases by Alidis Vicente.

Pinata Books
Publication Date: November 2013
List Price: $9.95
ISBN-13: 9781558857797

Review: In a world, where an eight-year-old detective has cases to solve... and assassins to findÉ she does what she can to solveÉ theseÉ cases.

The Missing Chancleta AND OTHER TOP-SECRET CASES By Alidis Vicente is a book that is about an 8-year-old girl, named Flaca that is a detective and loves to solve cases. In The Missing Chancleta AND OTHER TOP-SECRET CASES you get to know three epic mysteries being solved byÉ DETECTIVE FLACA! You don't get to decide who did the crime, but its fun to see WHOÉ WASÉ THEÉ CULPRET? She does the work in a fun way for kids to have fun while they read.

The Missing Chancleta AND OTHER TOP-SECRET CASES is good for kids 8 and up. You read better in Spanish? Hmmmmm, I hear this book is Spanish and English. This book would be interesting for kids that are interested in detective books. It is an amazing book that should be great for a kid that also wants a smile on their face.

Review written by Yesenia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Pinata Books for providing a copy of The Missing Chancleta and Other Top-Secret Cases for this review.

Have you read The Missing Chancleta and Other Top-Secret Cases? How would you rate it?

Review: Greenglass House by Kate Milford

Greenglass House by Kate Milford.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: August 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780544052703

Review: Mysteries. Spies. Action. That is the topic of this book, Greenglass House. Milo a regular boy that wonders about his past before he was adopted to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pine. Their family owns a hotel inn called The Greenglass House. It's a regular day, and Milo comes home from school. Glad that its winter vacation and that he is sure that no guests will come over. Then, he's surprised when he finds out that there are 7 guests! He had thought that he would have a relaxing vacation. Now, there is something that you must know about the Greenglass House. It's not a normal inn. If fact, most of the people that come are smugglers and illegal sellers. But, they don't mind. But these guests are definitely something else. One has blue hair, one has no emotion, and one even as snobby as a queen. Then, he finds a big, blue leather wallet that has a map inside. Then, another surprise! Meddy, the daughter of one of the maids, is interested in Milo's back life. As they try together to try to figure out the story behind the map, someone steals it and leaves a fake one! Now, they are in a hot pursuit of the thief AND the secrets behind the guests. Will Milo be able to step out of his comfort zone, or will they never know? I like Greenglass House because it teaches that sometimes, you have to be out of your comfort zone in order to do things. Milo is learning this when he has to work with someone he despises to uncover to truth to all these problems. I would recommend this book for 8 year olds to 12 year olds, and anybody who likes action or mysteries.

Review written by Athira (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Clarion Books for providing a copy of Greenglass House for this review.

Have you read Greenglass House? 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: Are you looking for a good mystery? Do you love to read about detectives? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you will definitely enjoy this book! In Agatha, Girl of Mystery: The Eiffel Tower Incident, by Sir Steve Stevenson, Agatha, Dash, and Chandler are on an epic adventure! This is the 5th book in the series.

In The Eiffel Tower Incident, a team consisting of Agatha (the mystery writer), Dash (the spy), and Chandler (the butler and former boxer), travel to Paris to solve a mystery! Because of Dash's carelessness, he has been put in charge of the case after he accidently injures the chief of spies. All three of them must work hard to catch the criminal who has killed Boris Renko in the Eiffel Tower! The team goes nonstop to find the murderer with only the slightest clue of Red Rose. Agatha, Dash, and Chandler race to find the suspect at the scene of the murder. After going to all the suspect's houses, the team figures out little clues step by step. If you'd like to find out how they solve the mystery, you'll just have to read the book!

The Eiffel Tower Incident, is fun to read, and is mysterious at the same time. I really enjoyed the book. The author laid out the story very nicely. It is easy to read, and the chapters end at just the right times. For example, the author would end the chapter just before they are about to solve the crime, or right before they enter the murderer's house. I just couldn't put the book down. The entire mystery kept me on my toes and made me want to read more. I recommend this book to 9-11 year olds. The book's genre is realistic fiction. It is believable. This book is perfect for readers who are interested in mysteries.

Review written by Annika (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: Winter Sky by Patricia Reilly Giff

Winter Sky by Patricia Reilly Giff.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: January 2014
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375838927

Review: Winter Sky by Patricia Reilly Giff is a book that brings joy and fear for the character and reader. Siria is a brave, noble little girl who isn't one to be messed with. Her dad is a firefighter who has risked his life to save others.

Siria, named after a star only known to come out during winter, is the daughter of a brave firefighter. Her mom has died, and she is living with her Pop. He is brave, but Siria doesn't want him to get hurt. Every time the sirens go off, she rushes out to chase the big fire trucks so she can watch them and give them luck on the job. One day, her pop gets hurt, and Siria gets caught when she rushes to go see him. He is in the hospital until he can get better, which will be by Christmas Eve. In that time, she finds a puppy and solves a mysterious fire crime she accidentally blames on her friend.

Winter Sky is a great book for anyone who likes reading about action and mystery all in one. It seems like a good book for anyone who can understand the situation of the character. Even though she does get in trouble, it's for a good reason. It helps you see how it helps to be brave and not scared to do what you think is right. Sooner or later, it will all pay off, just like in the book Winter Sky by Patricia Reilly Giff.

Review written by Faith (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Winter Sky? How would you rate it?

Review: Loretta Mason Potts by Mary Chase

Loretta Mason Potts by Mary Chase. A Reprint of the Classic Novel.

The New York Review Children's Collection
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9781590177570

Review: Do you like mysteries? Do you like suspense? Well then, Loretta Mason Potts is the book for you! This book has both suspense and mystery. If you like both, well you're in for a ride.

There is this boy Colin and he is the oldest child in the Mason family. Or so he thinks. He goes to a market and finds out that he actually has a sister named Loretta Mason Potts. They say she is a really bad girl who would lie to circumvent the rules. One day, she comes to live at Colin's house. What Colin's mom doesn't know, is that Loretta is a thief and a liar. There is this dream that both Loretta and Colin have one night, and then it actually happens to happen in real life. What was the dream all about? Read the book for your self and find out!

I recommend Loretta Mason Potts to 9-12 year olds for the difficult words. Every page you read slowly builds suspense and you won't want to stop reading! If you've read Sherlock Holmes books, you're sure to love this book! So go and get a copy of this and read it now!

Review written by Dye (6th grade student).

We would like to thank The New York Review Children's Collection for providing a copy of Loretta Mason Potts for this review.

Have you read Loretta Mason Potts? How would you rate it?

Review: The Case of the Buried Bones by Lewis B. Montgomery

The Case of the Buried Bones by Lewis B. Montgomery. A Milo & Jazz Mystery.

Kane Miller
Publication Date: April 2014
List Price: $6.95
ISBN-13: 9781575656410

Review: Wait where is it? The time capsule is supposed to be here. In the book from the Milo & Jazz Mysteries, The Case of The Buried Bones by Lewis B. Montgomery, will Milo and Jazz be able to solve this 75-year-old case?

In Milo & Jazz Mysteries the Case of the Buried Bones, Milo and Jazz are solving the case of the missing time capsule. They keep getting tiny hints that they think are worthless. Will Milo and Jazz find the capsule or will Gordy the grandchild of the man who hid it find it first?

The Case of the Buried Bones is perfect younger chapter book readers because it has easy words. It only contains simple words and is just a fun book to read. The author makes the setting clear and stays on track. For example, he tells you right from the beginning that it takes place in Westview. The book has simple vocab but you can learn a couple of new words here and there. I like how the author wrote the book in third person because I know what everyone is thinking not just the main character. The main lesson in the book is don't always believe what you read because it may try to mislead you.

Review written by Jacob (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Kane Press for providing a copy of The Case of the Buried Bones for this review.

Have you read The Case of the Buried Bones? How would you rate it?

Review: Lost Children of the Far Islands by Emily Raabe

Lost Children of the Far Islands by Emily Raabe.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375870910

Review: Do you like mysteries and fantasy? Then you will enjoy the book Lost Children of the Far Islands Emily Raabe. It is a story about three children that go to the Far Islands to save their mother.

Lost Children of the Far Islands is about twins and their little sister that live in Maine when their mother becomes sick. She becomes sick because she is protecting her children from evil, so they go to the far islands and see their grandmother. Their grandmother is folk, which means that she can turn in to creatures and back to humans just like their mother. Then when the kids get there they have to battle a beast, but however kills the beasts will die. Will the kids make it alive?

Lost Children of the Far Islands should be a book for kids in grades 4-6, because it has some big vocabulary and there is a lot going on. So you have to be able to keep up. This book has a great mixture of fantasy and mystery, because the kids have to find out what happens to their mom and what the little sister is trying to say. The fantasy of the book is the way the folk can switch from animals to humans and the other way around. The setting of the book is realistic in the beginning because they are in the normal world and are at their house going to school and being normal people. Then the setting changes to a mysterious place in the wilderness. This is where they met their mother's side of the family. This book would mostly be recommended to a girl.

Review written by Alexa (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Lost Children of the Far Islands for this review.

Have you read Lost Children of the Far Islands? How would you rate it?

Review: The Case of the Stolen Sixpence by Holly Webb

The Case of the Stolen Sixpence by Holly Webb. Book 1 in The Mysteries of Maisie Hitchins Series.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: September 2014
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9780544339286

Review: Do you like mysteries and short chapter books? Well The Case of the Stolen Sixpence by Holly Webb, is the perfect book for you. In this book, 12-year-old Maisie Hitchins wants to become a famous detective like her idol, but she can't because she has to stay home to help her grandma out. Then all of a sudden two strange mysteries come to her. Will Maisie be able to solve these mysteries by herself?

Maisie Hitchins loves to hear about mysteries and likes to look for mysteries herself, but she doesn't have free time to do that. Instead she has to help her grandmother with chores. But then all of a sudden while buying food she finds a puppy almost half drowned. After that she is determined to find whoever tried to hurt the little creature. But a couple of days later another mystery comes in. Her friend George is fired from his job because he is accused of stealing money (sixpence) but he really didn't. So now Maisie has to do chores, help her grandmother, and find a way to escape from her house to solve two mysteries. Will Maisie be able to do all these things without getting caught and getting forbidden to solve the mysteries?

The Case of the Stolen Sixpence is intended to be for readers of age 7-10. The book is very easy to read and has easy vocabulary, so a reader 7-10 years of age can understand what is happening in the story. The way the mystery is solved step by step is very clever because the readers can understand how Maisie Hitchins solves it. Both of the mysteries are a little hard to solve but if you really like mystery books and finding out mysteries then try to solve both cases before Maisie does.

Review written by Ashley (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Case of the Stolen Sixpence for this review.

Have you read The Case of the Stolen Sixpence? How would you rate it?

Review: Dead Is Just a Dream by Marlene Perez

Dead Is Just a Dream by Marlene Perez. A Dead Is Novel.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: September 2014
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9780544336346

Review: What happens when a town and dark forces meet? In Dead is Just a Dream by Marlene Perez shows you what happens when just that occurs. There are seven other books in the series; anyone who likes this book would like to read the series.

It takes place in Nightshade, a small town in Northern California, and Nightshade is full of supernatural activities. And in this book it is the Mara, a white figure that is giving people nightmares that scare them to death. And it is up to the viragos to stop them, the viragos are a group of people to protect the town from the supernatural occurrences.

I suggest this book to anyone between the ages of nine and twelve. It has a creepy plot with a lot of action and full of fun. Dead Is Just a Dream is a quick read, entertaining, and just spooky enough to give you goose bumps. This book is filled with details, and very interesting. It's a great book right before Halloween. I loved the plot, loved the story line, and loved the characters. Easy read, quick read, and a whole lot of fun.

Review written by Patrick (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Dead Is Just a Dream for this review.

Have you read Dead Is Just a Dream? How would you rate it?

Review: Lord and Lady Bunny Almost Royalty by Polly Horvath

Lord and Lady Bunny Almost Royalty by Polly Horvath. The Sequel to Mr. and Mrs. Bunny Detectives Extraordinaire!.

Schwartz & Wade Books
Publication Date: February 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780307980656

Review: Have you ever dreamed about becoming royalty? If you want to be a prince or princess, a duke or duchess, the king or the queen, Mrs. Bunny, from Lord and Lady Bunny Almost Royalty written by Polly Horvath, knows how you feel. Lord and Lady Bunny Almost Royalty is the second book in the series; the first book is Mr. and Mrs. Bunny Detectives Extraordinaire.

Mrs. Bunny wants to be the queen, Madeline wants to go to an expensive school, Flo wants to sell candy, and Mildred wants to sell veggies. How can everyone get what they want? By going to England! There Mrs. Bunny can be crowned, and Flo can earn money by selling candy at the candy shop his relatives left for him. With the money Flo makes, Mildred can buy land to grow and sell veggies, and with the money Mildred makes, Madeline can go to college! But everyone will need a lot of help; luckily they have Catherine, Madeline's best friend, Mr. Bunny, Mrs. Bunny's husband, and Mrs. Treaclebunny, Mr. and Mrs. Bunny's annoying neighbor. So will Mrs. Bunny be queen? Will Flo's candy shop be successful enough so Mildred can buy the land? Will Mildred's veggies earn enough money so Madeline can go to college? The only way you will ever find out is by reading Lord and Lady Bunny Almost Royalty.

Lord and Lady Bunny Almost Royalty, as I mentioned earlier, is the second book in the series, the first book is called is Mr. and Mrs. Bunny Detectives Extraordinaire. You will miss a lot of the character development by skipping the first book, so you might want to start there. This book is recommended for ages 8 to 12 but some of the 8 and 9 year olds might have trouble understanding some of the more advanced vocabulary Mr. Bunny uses, but the older kids should be able to read and understand the whole story. Also, younger kids may not understand the monarchy roles or the people that are references such as Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth. This could cause a little confusion because in several of the 18 charters, they play an important role. So if they don't know the people, they won't understand they story. All together Lord and Lady Bunny Almost Royalty is a great book for a range of people, boys, girls, 8 year-olds to 12 year-olds, but is definitely more suited to advanced readers who have an interest in English royalty. Certainly the plot is one that any reader would love, so I recommend Lord and Lady Bunny Almost Royalty.

Review written by Ashley (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Lord and Lady Bunny Almost Royalty for this review.

Have you read Lord and Lady Bunny Almost Royalty? How would you rate it?

Review: The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780547959108

Review: Trust no one. In Joelle Charbonneau's gripping novel, The Testing, readers are taken on an adventure that will capture the attention of Hunger Games followers as well as readers who have embraced The Giver. Set in a future America, The Testing exposes a dystopian society in which the planet has been resorted to a barren land with crumbling buildings and minimal resources for survival.

Graduation day, a day when Cia no longer has to wear pink, a day when Cia will join the ranks of adults, a day which will change her life forever. It's been years since a graduate from Five Lakes Colony has been chosen for The Testing, but Cia hopes that this year she will be chosen to follow in her father's footsteps and have her chance to attend The Testing and be admitted into University. Cia however doesn't realize that her dream comes at a great cost. In fact, her dream can become a nightmare. The Testing is not like any other test - it's a test that can literally determine life or death. But once you're chosen, there is no turning back!

At first the similarities to The Hunger Games are concerning. It's easy to wonder if The Testing will be able to stand on its own. But although the premise is similar, The Testing is different enough to thoroughly entice readers. Although the character dynamics are well written, it's the plot twists and clever "tests" that will keep readers enthralled all the way to the end. Surprises are found at every corner and when it seems everything is figured out, another plot twist takes readers in a different direction. The dystopian society with references to the infrastructure of today's world also brings enough familiarity to the setting to further draw readers into a world that has been created after the Seven Stages of War. Overall, The Testing is an amazing book that brings trust and loyalty into question making the reader constantly wonder if anyone in The Testing can really be trusted. The Testing is the first book in a series and readers will want to jump right into the second book, The Testing: Independent Study.

Review written by Margo Nauert.

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

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

Review: The Magic Trap by Jacqueline Davies

The Magic Trap by Jacqueline Davies. A Lemonade War Book.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: April 2014
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780544052895

Review: When the going gets tough who can you rely on to make it better? Of course your mom and dad, right? Well not in this case! When young kids Evan and Jessie Treski are left alone by their parents and a massive Category 1 hurricane is coming, who do they rely on to make it better? Themselves, but can they make it through without their parents to guide them? If you want to find out if they will survive, read the book the Magic Trap written by Jacqueline Davies. This book is the 5th book in The Lemonade War Series.

When Mrs. Treski has to go away for a conference she had planned for months she arranges for her friend to watch Evan and Jessie. However, Mrs. Treski's friend get's in a car accident so Mrs. Treski starts to have second thoughts about the trip. Shortly although Evan and Jessie's dad is in the military, he shows up and is able to stay for a while. So since Evan has been working on magic for sometime now he shows his dad some tricks. Impressed, Mr. Treski decides that Evan needs to do a magic show on Memorial Day weekend. Since Memorial Day is very close they all practice, set the stage and advertise the magic show. This of course does not go on without a hitch, but that's the least of their problem. Evan and Jessie also have to worry about a Category 1 hurricane coming their way, and when the military calls, their dad has to leave them behind. So when the hurricane comes who can they rely on too keep them safe and to survive the hurricane? The answer is themselves of course! But can they survive this natural disaster?

The Magic Trap is such an amazing and exciting story. There are just millions of ways to describe the book. The plot is very well developed and very realistic for almost every part of the book. You can totally relate to this book in any way- from, being stuck in a scary problem like a hurricane, too being let down by someone who's very important to you. Davies writing brings the story to life, and it's easy to see how Evan or Jessie not just from my own experiences. Magic Trap is filled with descriptive words, original and realistic characters and a unique and powerful message. One of my favorite aspects about this book is that you don't have to read the first four books in the series. It all makes sense in one book and the books don't seem to rely on the last book to tell a whole new adventure! Additionally, Davies also added some very good plot twists in the book. For example, when their mother's friend ends up in a car accident resulting in a change of plan. This is a nice novel to read at an elementary school level because of the vocabulary. One good part about the chapters is that most of them are based on a ÒvocabularyÓ word and underneath you can find the definition. Which helps elementary school students learn more words and expand their vocabulary. Overall, The Magic Trap is a remarkable book to read to yourself or to young ones, so I recommended trying it and I'm sure you'll be satisfied with the results.

Review written by Ian (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Magic Trap? How would you rate it?

Review: At the Movies by Robin Caroll

At the Movies by Robin Caroll. A Samantha Sanderson Book.

Zondervan
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9780310742456

Review: Do you want to read something with action and mystery? Then Samantha Sanderson At the Movies by Robin Caroll is your book. It is the first book in the Samantha Sanderson Mystery series. The main characters are Samantha, Makayla, Lana, and Frank.

Samantha is a cheerleader and a reporter for the school newspaper. When she is at a local theater and a bomb is discovered she knows this could be her chance to become editor of the school paper. Then after the bomb is taken care of Samantha discovers her dad is running the case. This gives her a good enough reason to get that story for the paper even though the editor of the paper doesn't like her. While struggling to write her story, Samantha researches potential suspects. She hits a few nerves, and some of her blog entries are taken down. As if that's not bad enough, her dad wants to remove her from the assignment. Will Samantha crack the case of the movie theater bomb? Will her dad remove her from her first big assignment? Read Samantha Sanderson at the Movies to find out.

Samantha Sanderson at the Movies is a book with a lot of action and adventure. The book has medium level words so girl's ages 8-11 would appeal to it the most. The book has an easy to understand writing style. Samantha Sanderson at the Movies has great dialogue. The book has some mystery elements to it. I thought that some parts of the book were confusing. It can be use for reading aloud and other activities related. Samantha Sanderson at the Movies has some fear elements. The characters are easy to understand with their motives. The book has a great plot line with many events. This book is one that you will want to read again because it can relate to many things. Overall the book is a good read and will give you elements of fear, mystery, romance, action, and suspense.

Review written by Elizabeth (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Zonderkidz for providing a copy of At the Movies for this review.

Have you read At the Movies? How would you rate it?

Review: The Watcher in the Shadows by Chris Moriarty

The Watcher in the Shadows by Chris Moriarty. The Sequel to The Inquisitor's Apprentice.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: May 2013
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9780544227767

Review: Have you wondered what a magical murder would be like? Find out in The Watcher in the Shadows. Read about Sacha Kessler, Inquisitor Wolf, and Lily Astral as they unravel the mystery behind the killing of the Klezmer King.

After his very own electric tuxedo kills the Klezmer King, Sacha, Wolf, and Lily ask people if they know who killed him. When Maurice Goldfaden tells them that the Klezmer King's dresser, Sam Schlosky, might have been messing with the electricity and may have caused his death, they know they need to find Sam. They find that Sam travels with his aunt wherever she goes. So, Wolf looks for Sam in every corner of New York City. But finding Sam only creates more mystery. Will they even be able to solve the magical murder without finding more mystery around every corner?

The Watcher in the Shadows is primarily for young adult boys for it's dark plot and colorful language. The setting of New York City made the plot make sense because a lot of crimes happen in New York City. The writing style of the author made in seem suspenseful because some chapters ended in a cliffhanger. My favorite character is Sacha Kessler because he faces many problems and tries to solve most of them, even though he hasn't chosen to learn magic. The plot is great because even though it can be dark at times, the characters and mood of the book change throughout the story. I would recommend this book to be read by anyone who has a taste for the plot of the book.

Review written by Christian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin for providing a copy of The Watcher in the Shadows for this review.

Have you read The Watcher in the Shadows? How would you rate it?

Review: Nick & Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab: A Mystery With Electromagnets, Burglar Alarms, And Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself by "Science Bob" Pflgufelder and Steve Hockensmith

Nick & Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab: A Mystery With Electromagnets, Burglar Alarms, And Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself by "Science Bob" Pflgufelder and Steve Hockensmith. A Nick & Tesla Book.

Quirk Books
Publication Date: October 2013
List Price: $12.95
ISBN-13: 9781594746482

Review: Do you like mysteries with electromagnets, burglar alarms, and other gadgets you can build yourself? Well then you will love Nick and Tesla's High Voltage Danger Lab by "Science Bob" Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith. This is the first book in the Nick and Telsa series.

So there are these two kids, Nick and Tesla, who go to live with their uncle Newt for the summer, while their parents go off to study soybeans. When they make it to Uncle Newts house they find a laboratory, which intrigues them. While visiting they meet knew friends and have a great adventure with many experiments that you can build yourself. It seems like an ordinary story, but there is a deep dark secret roaming within this book. To find out what it is, you'll have to read it yourself.

This is an amazing book. To start off, it gives instructions on how to build the gadgets that they build. With precise instructions on each step, they seem easy to build. Also it is kid friendly. There are descriptive words that might be a little scary but only words not actions. It is an easy read and is not very long at all. There are some pictures that might give readers a better image of what is happening. But some sections can be confusing if you read them too quickly, so it's important to go over them slowly, if you find them confusing. Finally it does leave you on a little cliffhanger at the end. It leaves many questions unsolved and starts many new mysteries. Overall Nick and Tesla's High Voltage Danger Lab is a great book for those mystery science fans out there.

Review written by Sean (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Quirk Books for providing a copy of Nick & Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab: A Mystery With Electromagnets, Burglar Alarms, And Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself for this review.

Have you read Nick & Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab: A Mystery With Electromagnets, Burglar Alarms, And Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself? How would you rate it?

Review: Below the Surface by Tim Shoemaker

Below the Surface by Tim Shoemaker. A Code of Silence Novel.

Zondervan
Publication Date: March 2014
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9780310735014

Review: You can bury fear, but that doesn't mean its dead. That's what Cooper, Hiro, Gordy, and Lunk find out on one long summer vacation. Below the Surface is a heart-pounding mystery that leaves you wanting way more than a simple ending. It is the 3rd book in the Code of Silence series written by Tim Shoemaker.

When these four friends who have already been witnesses to robberies and been kidnapped go on a vacation to relax, everything goes wrong. On the first day, the friends witness a murder and Hiro, a cop's daughter, goes right into action to prove who did it. Although her friends don't believe her and there is hardly any evidence, she is noticed by the killer and pulls her friends into danger. A car hits Cooper, and the friends are being stalked, but that's only the beginning. As the clues come together, someone is ready to make the situation even worse, with plans to kill Hiro. What happens to Hiro and her friends? You will have to find out!

I loved this book! It has everything - murder, mystery, and reality. The book shifts back and forth from the perspective one friend, or foe to another, every two or three chapters. Although the suspense is amazing, there are a few flaws. Although Below the Surface seems to drag on, there isn't much action until the end and the readers are left hanging, this still an amazing book. All in all, this book is great for teens and young adults ages 10 and up. The violence and suspense may be too much for some younger children. The book is enjoyable for both girls and boys, and the action and suspense will draw in any reader itching to solve a mystery. I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it!

Review written by Katlyn (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Zonderkidz for providing a copy of Below the Surface for this review.

Have you read Below the Surface? How would you rate it?

Review: Foul Trouble by John Feinstein

Foul Trouble by John Feinstein.

Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869648

Review: Have you ever been put in a place when you had to make a decision that would affect your whole future and career? Well, two eminent high school basketball players named Terrell Jamerson and Danny Wilcox find themselves in such a situation. In Foul Trouble by John Feinstein, two extremely talented high school basketball players face the quandary of picking which NCAA college to go to. The overflow of coaches from varying colleges after a very tiring basketball game doesn't sound terribly enjoyable for Terrell and Danny. The two best friends go through tough challenges but they go together in unity and conquer those obstacles.

Terrell Jamerson is the total star of the team. His extraordinary dribbling, his almost unerring shots, and his personality are what everyone likes about him, especially the coaches. Danny Wilcox is the team's point guard. He is the one who gets the ball to the net. Basically, he runs the offensive line. Terrell is the one everyone is talking about and Danny just keeps getting asked questions about Terrell in their interviews. Through challenges with jealousy, distrustful friends, and the stress of making a life-changing decision, the two very close companions plow through all the challenges no matter what lies ahead.

Foul Trouble is fantastic for people who love basketball! My favorites parts of the story are when they are playing the their intense games. Feinstein's writing makes you imagine that you are watching the games on the bench. John Feinstein does a terrific job illustrating the exciting games through descriptive words that hook you into the story. I enjoyed it so much that I would definitely read a sequel of what happens to them in college. Another trait I like about John Feinstein is his ability to take a "basketball" book and make it so much more. I really enjoy when a story is not just about one thing, and Feinstein does an excellent job incorporating side stories that do not take away from the primary plot. In my opinion, I get entertained when there is a side plot. Or in this case, the life outside of basketball. This is an outstanding book for middle school and high school readers! Foul Trouble would be fantastic for boys and girls who love basketball. I suggest all basketball lovers to read this astonishing, well-written novel written by John Feinstein.

Review written by Kenneth (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Foul Trouble? How would you rate it?