Review: Robots Rule! by C. J. Richards

Robots Rule! by C. J. Richards. A Junkyard Bot Book.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: November 2014
List Price: $13.99
ISBN-13: 9780544339351

Review: Robots Rule! For one town robots are not a convenience they are mandatory and for George Gearing they are his friends. Robots Rule by C.J Richards was well written, interesting, and really grabbed my attention. The book takes place in a town called Terabyte Heights and everybody has robots to help them with everyday chores or just to look cool but for George Gearing it is more than that.

George and his buddy Jackbot are friends. They do every thing together. They go fishing, play basketball, and play baseball they are best friends. George enjoys fixing robots that other people consider junk, but his Uncle Otto thinks George should work at the junkyard instead. But when his Jackbot is kidnapped George's life changes and the only question is, why would someone kidnap Jackbot?

I recommend Robots Rule to anyone that has an imagination because this book put a picture in my mind that was better than a movie. Great book, great setting, great plot, and perfect for young readers. Robots Rule will make you starve for a second book, really creates a big suspension it is a page-turner I started it reading it in the morning and did not put it down till it was done that night.

Review written by Patrick (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Robots Rule!? How would you rate it?

Review: Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight by Tony DiTerlizzi

Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight by Tony DiTerlizzi. A Star Wars Book.

Disney Press
Publication Date: October 2014
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9781484706688

Review: KA-BOOM! Do you like action books? If so, then the graphic novel Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight by Tony Diterlizzi is the one for you. Join Luke in a fast-paced escape to save his friends.

In this story, Luke Skywalker, using his X-wing fighter, has to escape the Imperial TIE fighters alone to get to the desert planet Tatooine to release his friends who are being held captive. When they shoot his snow speeder, he comes crashing down into the snow bank to face one of the Imperials' walkers. Will Luke ever arrive in Tatooine? If so, will he be able to release his friends? Or will the Imperial fighters defeat him? You have to read to find out!

This graphic novel is interesting because of all the action that's happening. The writing style of the author, who uses a lot of onomatopoeia, keeps the story suspenseful, like when he uses words like "CRASH!" "ZAP! ZAP! ZAP!" and "WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!" The descriptive language about the technology (X-wing fighter, torpedoes, etc.) also makes the story more enjoyable. For example, the author wrote, ÒLaser bolts shot at Luke's squadron from everywhere at once. Ships on both sides erupted in fiery explosions.Ó I recommend this book to boys ages 9-12 because of the detailed third person writing style and the intense action. The main character is a brave boy, Luke, too. If you're a Star Wars fan, you'd like this graphic novel, too!

In conclusion, Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight is jam-packed with action, onomatopoeia, and more. BOOM! BOOM! Ahh! Gotta run!

Review written by Madison (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Disney Book Group for providing a copy of Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight for this review.

Have you read Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight? How would you rate it?

Review: The Winter of Robots by Kurtis Scaletta

The Winter of Robots by Kurtis Scaletta.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780307931863

Review: What was that, asks Jim.

"What are you talking about?" asks Oliver. I bet you've had a time when you felt that you absolutely needed to know something. The Winter of the Robots is an adventure, with a lot of questioning and teamwork. Written by The Minnesota Reader's Choice Award winner, Kurtis Scaletta, this book is sure to pique your curiosity.

The Winter of the Robots is about a middle school kid named Jim. He has always done the science fair with is friend, Oliver and they have always built a robot. But after Jim is tired of being the little helper, he dumps his best friend and chooses a girl named Rocky instead. Jim and Rocky decide to do their project on otters, and they spot some by the river that is by the old abandoned Nomicon site. When they go set up cameras in the abandoned site, they find out it is not really abandoned. Something is living in this junkyard-something big, heavy and who totally does not want them visiting its junkyard. They find out they are fighting robots, and they know that the only thing strong to beat a robot is another robot. Can Jim, Rocky and Oliver put their feelings aside and defeat these massive robots, with Oliver's smarts, Rocky's Skills and Jim's Programming?

Winter Of The Robots is a very well written book. Scaletta has packed this book filled with so much action at every corner that you are just dying to see what is next. I never could put this down; it was so fascinating and so entertaining to see what would happen next. I also like how Scaletta got into the whole robot thing and made the characters knowledgeable using robot vocabulary like ultra sonic sensors, connector cables and so much more. He also did a good job with description, for example when he described the robot in Jim's perspective, he used really descriptive words like "intense" that made me actually get a clear picture of what they are going up against. The Winter of the Robots has a little bit for everyone, it has adventure, fantasy, robots, and middle school students are especially able to relate to concepts in the book.

Review written by Ian (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Winter of Robots? How would you rate it?

Review: Paradox by A.J. Paquette

Paradox by A.J. Paquette.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869624

Review: Does living on another planet with limited food and water appeal to you? Paradox is written by A.J. Paquette. It is not in a series and the main characters are Todd and Amy. This book will delight young readers who like adventure.

A group of colonists go to an extraterrestrial planet called Paradox many light years away. During this time, Amy, the main character, lost every bit of memory she had. Todd, her friend and she go out adventuring, since most of the remaining colonists died except for two other ones. They don't think there is any animal life on the planet, but it gets suspicious once the others fall in a trance. Something is going to happen, but nobody knows what.

What I liked about this book is that it can leave you on pins and needles, and the reader will wonder what happens next. In my opinion, a person older than 10 may be more interested into a different type of adventure, and this book is a bit too simple for older children. The author also is a little too dramatic, but many little kids have a big imagination at one point. An example of the drama is "Still the measured drop is glorious. It echoes the thrum of her heart, the pounding in her ears. It's freefell." Many children younger than 10 would like this dramatized action. The book seems relatively short, and lots of younger children would prefer smaller books, while older children would prefer larger books. Something I did like about this story it its descriptive details about the environment; it illustrates how it might be. For instance, in page 122 it states, "Rolling purple blue sand dunes." Overall, the book was entertaining, but not suitable for readers over 10 years old.

Review written by Danilo (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Paradox? How would you rate it?

Review: How to Make Friends and Monsters by Howard Boward

How to Make Friends and Monsters by Howard Boward.

ZonderKidz
Publication Date: August 2013
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780310736073

Review: Do you know how it feels to be oppressed? Well, Howard Boward, the main character of How to Make Friends and Monsters does, he experiences it every day. Being called How-Lame or How-Weird everyday by the UPs (the Uber Populars) doesn't feel good, until he becomes one because of an accidental experiment creating his powerful, giant, hairy monster named Franklin Stein that eventually becomes his best friend. Ron Bates wrote this diverting, attention-grabbing book. Howard Boward's journey from How-Lame to How-Cool is an incredible time for him. It is like a dream for him but how will it change his friendship with others?

Howard Boward is a boy who hasn't always been a very popular person. He wants to be an Uber Popular. Just when you think that a nerd has no chance of being popular you are wrong. Howard decides to actually make a friend with animal DNA, wonder putty, and some weird chemicals. When Howard looks back at the blob, he notices it changing. In a few days, the blob turns into the giant but nice monster named Franklin Stein. Franklin and Howard become best friends, but getting popular gets to Howard, leading him to forget about him. Franklin feels double-crossed so he goes to live with Uncle Ben. When Howard asks to borrow Reynolds' phone he calls Uncle Ben and asks to talk to him. Franklin says 'hi' but he refuses to talk further. Then, Howard accidentally calls Crystal, who is a major gossiper. She over-hears that Franklin is a monster, and Howard tells her not to tell anyone. She wouldn't if he created a monster for her. He does, but Crystal tells the other UPs, and now, all of them want one. He makes them, but they want to give them back. He knows he can't care for giant animals, so he refuses. Then, the UPs bring Howard to The Palace, which is their hideout. What will happen to Howard? Will anyone save him? Read the book to find out!

This book, in my opinion, was fantastic! I really liked how it's not realistic! I like books that have super-powers, monsters, aliens, and other fake things. Giant monsters are better than boring stories about history. I loved how they kept pushing the story further, instead of stopping it short. It would be interesting it if there was a sequel of this book; it would be great. What is great about this book is that it has a theme to it. It shows friendship is important. It also shows that you need to be loyal to people to remain friends. It also shows that people can change: good to bad, or bad to good. It doesn't matter if you have popular friends or not only the real friends matter the most. True friends stick with you no matter what. Some parts in the book I didn't like because they were confusing because Howard uses Reynolds' phone to call Uncle Ben, what I didn't get is, how does Reynolds have Crystal's number? He wasn't popular. This book's story line is really meant for boys. Most girls aren't interested in monsters, science, fires, and football, but most guys love those things. You should read the book if you like fictional things. This book isn't meant for serious people. I personally liked the storyline. It was action, sci-fi, and adventure. This book is one of the best I have read! A great audience for this book would be for kids around ages 9-12 because it is engaging, but it is also a long book to read. Or those kids who like to play with toy monsters, who like science, and whoever likes creating things. So, if you like any of those things, you should read How to Make Friends and Monsters by Ron Bates! Enjoy your journey!

Review written by Kenneth (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Zonderkidz for providing a copy of How to Make Friends and Monsters for this review.

Have you read How to Make Friends and Monsters? How would you rate it?

Review: Joshua Dread: The Nameless Hero by Lee Bacon

Joshua Dread: The Nameless Hero by Lee Bacon. A Joshua Dread Book.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385741866

Review: How does it feel to be famous superhero? Can things too out of hand? Lee Bacon's genius book, Joshua Dread: The Nameless Hero starts off with Joshua receiving an invitation to Gyfted & Talented, a mysterious program for children with superpowers.

Joshua's entire summer plan is turned upside down as he goes through training to help him prepare for the battle against the man who wouldn't want anything more than to have Joshua dead. That man is Phineas Vex, who is thought to have been dead. As he prepares for battle, Joshua and his friends Sophie and Milton get more than they bargained for as they discover the secrets behind Gyfted & Talented.

When I picked up Joshua Dread: The Nameless Hero, I expected another one of those stereotypical superhero stories. I was VERY wrong. Joshua, the main character, doesn't even know he possesses superpowers or a 'gyft'. Both of his parents are super villains, which makes his life even more bewildering and comedic because most of their inventions horribly fail. Also, I love that every chapter ends in suspense, though some chapters may have tried a little too hard in order to create suspense. Joshua Dread is the perfect book for boys ages 9-13 because it has a lot of action packed scenes involving super heroes. This book starts off with every character seeming like they have a secret, but as you read you learn more and more about them, readers may even feel a connection with them. I don't want to give anything away for the readers planning on reading this book, but I wasn't expecting that plot twist at the end. Now I'm stuck impatiently waiting for the next bookÉ if there is one.

Review written by Josh (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Joshua Dread: The Nameless Hero for this review.

Have you read Joshua Dread: The Nameless Hero? How would you rate it?

Review: Task Force by Brian Falkner

Task Force by Brian Falkner. A Recon Team Angel Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2013
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780449812990

Review: Imagine if you were 17 years old and the fate of the world was in your hands. In Task Force by Brian Falkner, that is exactly what happens to Lieutenant Ryan "Lucky" Chisnall and his elite squad of teenage soldiers. Together they form Recon Team Angel, and their mission is not an easy one.

In 2012, a group of aliens called Bzadians came to Earth to destroy the human race. Over the last 25 years, the Bzadians have taken over most of Europe, Asia, and Australia. Australia is now called New Bzadia and is the Bzadian's main headquarters. The Bzadians are perched in Russia waiting for the Bering Strait to freeze over so they can take over their final conquest-the Americas. If they succeed, the human race will be wiped out.

Chosen for their intellectual and physical abilities, Chisnall and his team have been surgically modified to resemble the Bzadians. With their knowledge of Bzadian language and culture, they are able to blend in behind enemy lines. The only hope for saving the human race is to invade New Bzadia and sneak in a fleet of the remaining world's military. If they are able to cut off the alien army's fuel and supplies, humanity might just have a chance.

This is book two in Brian Falkner's Recon Team Angel series. Even those who haven't read book one, The Assault, will be able to jump right into Task Force. Teenagers and young adults alike will be riveted by this military recount of their special mission. Follow the team as they evade capture, interact with the alien species, and put their lives on the line over and over again. It's hard to keep in mind that the members of Team Angel are merely children, with their innate military skills and ability to think clearly under pressure. Readers will feel the excitement of every small battle and feel the tension that mounts, as they get closer to their objective. Will the human race survive? Will our heroes survive? These questions are in your head until the very end.

Review written by Christian (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Task Force? How would you rate it?

Review: Escape From the Pipe Men! by Mary G. Thompson

Escape From the Pipe Men! by Mary G. Thompson.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547859057

Review: Imagine a world where kids are on display at a museum É as a human exhibit! That is the case for Ryan and Becky. But when their father who works with aliens develops a serious, rare disease, will they be able to find the antidote and save their dad? Find out the answer and so much more in the falling-off-the-edge-of-your-seat book, Escape From The Pipe Men by author Mary G. Thompson. If you want to find out what happens read this book review.

Ryan and Becky have always been human but their dad works with aliens. Although it seems fascinating, they find out that being an alien zookeeper isn't all fun and games. What they do find out is that being an alien zookeeper can be as hard at times, but can't be as hard as this time. When a dangerous rare alien pokes Ryan and Becky's dad, will they be able to trace where he came from and find its leader? Throughout the novel, they meet a lot of aliens that give Ryan and Becky help. For example they are given this anxious calculator from a one-of-a-kind species that can open any portal to any planet, any time. But there's a catch. Will they be able to save their dad and travel the galaxy without facing to many problems?

What I like about Escape From The Pipe Men is that Mary G. Thompson has the book action packed with problems, cool characters, awesome new places and so much more. I also liked how Thompson is so imaginative in creating characters like Ol-tub-ila, a big purple blob with I think one eye. She creates a good visual image of the pipe men too, which are these long characters that have tons of eyes. Would you want one of those by you? I personally liked all the events that happen such as how Ryan and Becky get to fly in an amazing spaceship. It is also clever how any portals can take you thousands of miles away. At some points, Thompson's writing is not as action packed as others, but that is okay. Something that makes the book stand out from others is the setting because it takes place on a whole different planet. It is said in the book that the planet sticks out from others because there is a gigantic spaceship station with rare supplies. Moreover I also like the writing style Thompson uses because she cleverly adds unexpected surprises. The creative characters are the most impressive though. So if you want to find out if Ryan and Becky can save their dad Escape From The Pipe Men is perfect for science fiction reader and adventure readers.

Review written by Ian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin for providing a copy of Escape From the Pipe Men! for this review.

Have you read Escape From the Pipe Men!? How would you rate it?

Review: Strangelets by Michele Gagnon

Strangelets by Michele Gagnon.

Soho Press
Publication Date: April 2013
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9781616951375

Review: Three unconnected teens around the world plunge into death at precisely the same time find themselves in an abandoned hospital with no understanding of their whereabouts or how to leave. Strangelets by Michelle Gagnon explores an alternate reality in which the earth has been nearly destroyed, and a horror awaits those that try to fight the evil that lies beyond the hospital doors.

Sophie, Declan, and Anat awake in separate rooms in a stark hospital that has long since been abandoned. Discovering that three other teens are also held hostage in the hospital, they all set out together to find a way past locked doors. Once they reach the outside world, they find that it is not what they expect. Instead of the green, grassy earth with wildlife and beautiful architecture, they are faced with destruction. It becomes abundantly clear that something or someone has brought them together, but why? Off in the distance, a horrifying sound emanates. It is the sound of a beast - a beast with the power to kill and the need to consume human flesh. Trying to make sense of their purpose and the world that surrounds them, the six teens head out on a terrifying quest for answers. But, will the answers be ones they want to hear?

Michelle Gagnon has written an intriguing alternate-reality novel. Teens will find themselves identifying with the main characters who experience the breadth of human emotions as they seek answers. A love triangle, a boy seeking his father, and angry teens just wanting to return to their real lives are easy characters to appeal to the target audience. Some characters however are nearly annoying. It doesn't take long before readers wish the beasts would remove Anat from the story. Undoubtedly, Gagnon created Anat to add dissonance between characters. But, the dissonance may have been too much. Additionally, Gagnon creates a world that can only be found in a nightmare. Readers will find themselves gripping onto the book as they forge ahead into the wee hours of the night awaiting the anticipated moment when all the questions will be answered and life will return to normal. A complex science lies at the center of the explanation, which might be confusing for readers; however, it is the only logical way to explain their fate. Strangelets is the epitome of creepy and weird, and it is perfect for teens who enjoy reading horror novels that stretch beyond reality.

Review written by (th grade student).

We would like to thank Soho Press for providing a copy of Strangelets for this review.

Have you read Strangelets? How would you rate it?

Review: The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick

The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick.

Algonquin Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2013
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9781616202200

Review: Do you like stores of adventure? If you said yes, well than I have a story for you. The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick is full of adventure.

A boy named Edward begins the adventure. One day he is going to school like a normal kid would and he finds a rock, but all around things start disappearing. So actually what he just picked up was a time fetch. When you wake it up to early in its hibernation, bad things would happen. All around Edward are sidewalks disappearing and kids to. All that is left is Edward. And so Edwards adventure begins.

The Time Fetch is a fantastic book for young readers because it has all the right qualities. One, it has good story, Two, it had a good adventure, and three, it is filled with action. This book also reminded me about this one time when it was my responsibility to do something. I would give or recommend this book to anybody that likes a good adventure.

Review written by Eric (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Algonquin Young Readers for providing a copy of The Time Fetch for this review.

Have you read The Time Fetch? How would you rate it?

Review: Titan Base by Eric Nylund

Titan Base by Eric Nylund. Book 3 of The Resisters Series.

Yearling
Publication Date: January 2013
List Price: $6.99
ISBN-13: 9780307978547

Review: There are probably many children who believe their parents are really aliens or at least controlled by aliens because of the things they make them do, but in the new book Titan Base it happens to be true. Author Eric Nylund has continued The Resisters series with the book Titan Base. Pre-teen Ethan Blackwood and his squadron of children once again must save humanity from the dastardly doings of the alien Ch'zar. What is interesting is how this book separates itself from the rest of the superhero and science fiction series out there with unique star characters, tools, and enemy tactics. This book is sure to keep the readers engaged in the story.

Titan Base continues the story of the post World War IV planet earth, where the adults are under mind control of the alien Ch'zar that resides in large carrier ships above the earth's atmosphere. Children are raised in towns that appear normal, but when they reach puberty they are sent to High School where they fall under the Ch'zar's mind power. Some adults, who have broken free and have to live under the earth's surface and help a small group of children in a fight against the Ch'zar. One of the newer members is Ethan Blackwood who is a Lieutenant on a special mission to find a home for the Resistance before the Ch'zar discovers their home base. Titan Base focuses on Ethan's accepting and understanding his job as a leader and all the various battles with the Ch'zar. Ethan's group encounters a robot run community, they find their hometown in turmoil, and they need to find medicine for one of their crew before she dies. Ethan and his sister, Emma, have unusual mental abilities that begin to surface, and they continue to cope with missing their parents while uncovering more information about them. All of this results in an extraordinary final battle.

Although this is the third in the book series, don't worry; the reader does not need to read the previous books to enjoy this one. One of the good things this author does is start a new story, provide background of the characters, their history, and keep it all interesting at the same time. There is no boring first chapter of review, like in some series books. This author (Eric Nylund) also keeps the reader engaged by providing a current action storyline while weaving throughout the action more details of the past and clues about what the future has in store. Also this book is not all action, the story gets into personal relationships between siblings, boys and girls affections, and self esteem. The cool ships that each person pilots are great. Each one is made like a different insect, such as a dragonfly, bee, ladybug, or wasp and each one has different abilities and weapons.

The best part of this book is the journey taken with Ethan Blackwood from doubting his ability to be a leader to defining the qualities that make him a good leader. Also that change is inevitable, and how one reacts to change will define his/her character. (Spoiler Alert!) When Ethan is put in a position where he has to choose between rescuing some children from his hometown or leaving them to fight the Ch'zar, the reader is there with him. "His duty to the Resistance was more importantÉ As a Lieutenant in chargeÉ He had people counting on him to save their lives, and he couldn't save them all. Authority. Responsibility. Accountability." Titan Base

Review written by David (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Titan Base? How would you rate it?

Review: Lenny Cyrus School Virus by Joe Schreiber

Lenny Cyrus School Virus by Joe Schreiber.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: April 2013
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780547893150

Review: There is a boy named Lenny Cyrus who has a big crush on a girl named Zooey and has a best friend named Harlan. He also has created a virus that infected the whole middle school with his own knowledge. You might be thinking, "How could a boy infect everybody at school?" Well with all the knowledge he has, it would be pretty easy in Lenny Cyrus School Virus by Joe Schreiber.

Lenny Cyrus is a kid in middle school with two Nobel Prize winning parents. He also has a photographic memory. But none of that can prepare him for dealing with girls! , So he can remember a lot of things. He has a huge crush on this girl, Zooey Andrews, and has had one since he was 8. And when they first met, it was when she was defending him from a bully. From that point on she liked her, but he never knew if she liked him back and was just too nervous and shy too ask her or even talk too her. Today she is still at her school and is directing her own play that is a musical with horror with Christmas, called Escape Claus. His friend Harlan was his very best friend and only friend, but Harlan has helped Lenny through the rough times he has went through.

Since he really likes Zooey Andrews and he was really smart, he decided to make a machine to shrink himself and go inside the her body to go to her brain and make her love him. During the adventure he gets help from some bacteria and other virus to get him to the brain through the blood stream. Also, because of Lenny, she has to miss her own play because of this virus that Lenny has caused because of what he does and it could infect the whole school. You'll just have to find out in Lenny Cyrus School Virus. Now, with Lenny's brilliance, he creates a virus that he hopes will bring him closer to Zooey and convince her to love him. But, can a virus ever really be good?

Lenny Cyrus School Virus by Joe Schreiber is a really good book with a lot of interesting points in the book. The book also has a lot of details, which helped imagine the book even though it had very few pictures. Lenny Cyrus also made the book learn in a story about bacteria and other germs in your body. The book also has points where there are a lot of words that most younger people will not understand. But, overall the book is very good.

Review written by Luis (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Lenny Cyrus School Virus for this review.

Have you read Lenny Cyrus School Virus? How would you rate it?

Review: Proxy by Alex London

Proxy by Alex London.

Philomel Books
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780399257766

Review: What if the only person you could trust is the person who is trying to kill your friend? That is exactly what Proxy by Alex London is about. Sydney is a proxy to one of the most well known accountant's son, Knox, who is the patron of Sydney. Everything that Knox does wrong or bad, and the punishment is then forced upon Sydney. So when Knox gets into a car crash with a girl named Marie, all debts are over and it's a life for a lifeÉ Or is it?

Marie is a "cause girl" which means that she is fighting for a cause. That cause is to change the whole proxy/patron system into something where everyone is equal. This is an unbelievably dangerous task to change what everyone knows to be true. Eventually, they realize that Sydney is the key to ending the social system that they know. They also figure out the key is in his blood, but Sydney isn't the only person with the blood running through his veins. One of them must dieÉ who is the other person that holds the key to changing the system? And who will die to change the lives of everyone else?

Proxy by Alex London is honestly one of the most inspiring and amazing books I have ever read. While taking place in a confusing, technological futuristic time, London captivates really ties everything together at the end, ending with a suspenseful and fortifying ending that no one would have expected. Although everyone would enjoy the story line, the language and central plot is best suited to middle school readers and above. London captivates readers with the conflict of "good v. evil" and the enticing topic of a dystopian futuristic life involving technology combined with the past and of what happens today, slavery. While incorporating the often problems found in poverty and the privileges of living in the upper city part of state, I found myself imagining a city like Los Angeles. I often found myself comparing the life of the past, present, and what the future might be like. London keeps you guessing and you don't completely get the answer until the end, which then brings up more questions, so this makes you literally unable to put the book down. Through all the happiness, desperation, and tears I had, I regret nothing. Proxy really makes you not take things for granted and appreciate the way life is now, also making you want to take good care of the future to make sure the world never has to go through the things that Sydney, Marie, and Knox have to go through everyday. I give Proxy 5 stars and two thumbs hoping Proxy will fly off of shelves in June of 2013.

Review written by Abby (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Proxy? How would you rate it?

Review: Flutter by Gina Linko

Flutter by Gina Linko.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869969

Review: Have you ever read a book about some thing very unusual but is fun to read? The story Flutter by Gina Linko is exactly like that. The book Flutter is about a girl with a special ability to mentally and physically travel to another dimension. Along the way she meets a guy named Ash and falls in love with him. I personally like reading about science fiction so I really enjoyed Flutter. It starts off a little slow in the beginning, not a lot happening, but then it picks up towards the middle of the story causing you to not want to put the book down.

The main character in this story is Emery Land who is an 18 year-old girl that experiences what they call, "loops" or seizures where she travels to another dimension. Her father who is a scientist is always trying to figure out why she is having these loops. Emery gets sick of it and wants to live life like every body else. Because of this, she escapes to the town of Esperanza where she meets some interesting people. She meets one boy named Asher Clarke who known a secret that has gone on for years that helps Emery figure out why she is having her loops.

Over all, Flutter is a very good book that gives a lot of suspense towards the end. Flutter has a very high vocabulary and strong language, which means it is most appropriate for readers age 13 and older because of the dialogue. I give Flutter a four out of five stars because it is very entertaining to read but the language was unnecessary and kind of made me uncomfortable. It gives so much detail about Emery's life that it feels like you are there with her experiencing every moment of it. All in all, if you are looking for a good book, check out Flutter.

Review written by Morgan (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Flutter? How would you rate it?

Review: Super by Matthew Cody

Super by Matthew Cody. Sequel to Powerless.

Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375868948

Review: Do you love fantasies and wish you could have super powers? Then you have to read Super. The book Super by Mathew Cody is a terrific book and one of the best I've ever read. I loved the book! Mathew Cody also wrote the book Powerless and if you have ever read that book, Super is the sequel to that book. Although Powerless is a Fantastic book, I'd have to say Super is even better! The book is called Super because all the characters have super powers. Eric, can fly and has super strength. His friend, Rohan, has super senses. Daniel, the main character, doesn't appear to have any powers that come naturally to him, but can he steal powers?

Super was well written and had many magnificent qualities. For example, as you read the book, you experience many different emotions and really care what happens to the characters. I found myself thinking: "Wow, what if he gets hurt?" or "I was really not expecting that!" Also, this book has many complications like defeating their enemy once again, deciding who to trust and what to trust them with, trying to stay united as one and agreeing with each other instead of fighting and arguing. Also, all the kids, Daniel, Eric, Rohan, Luisa, and Mollie, go on a journey to end the Shroud once and for all, but are they able to? All of these different twists and complications make the book even more exciting and very hard to stop reading!

Overall, I give Super 5 stars out of a possible 5 stars. I loved this book and recommend this book to anyone who is between the ages 8-15. This is because this book doesn't have any bad language or hard words that an 8 year old wouldn't be able to understand. Also, since it is so exciting, kids up to 15 years old wouldn't find it boring. To find out more, Read the story Super.

Review written by Anthony (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Super? How would you rate it?

Review: What We Become by Jesse Karp

What We Become by Jesse Karp. A Companion to Those That Wake.

Harcourt Childrens Books
Publication Date: February 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547555003

Review: Do you like a good book full of violence and adventure? Then What We Become by Jesse Karp is the book for you.

In What we Become, one of the main characters is Mal. In the beginning of the story, Mal is being beat up by henchmen. Mal tries everything he can to attack, but they still win the hustle. After the fight, the henchmen drag Mal across the floor shattering his pants. The henchmen bring Mal to their leader to talk where he is left to sleep. When they leave, Mal tries to escape. But even if he escapes, he knows he has a difficult journey ahead of him.

What is next for Mal and will he ever escape the city and make is way back home? If you want to figure that out, read What we Become by Jesse Karp. I recommend this 5 star novel to any one who likes a good story and a little violence. The suspense will keep readers at the edge of their seats!

Review written by Eric (6th grade student).

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

Have you read What We Become? How would you rate it?

Review: The Twinning Project by Robert Lipsyte

The Twinning Project by Robert Lipsyte.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: October 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547645711

Review: Do you like to read books about two earths? Well, then you'll like The Twinning Project by Robert Lipsyte. In the There are two main characters, Tom and Eddie. Tom gets in trouble a lot and he makes gadgets. Eddie is really good at sports, and unlike Tom he doesn't get into trouble.

The plot of The Twinning Project is that Tom and Eddie are twin brothers, but not on the same planet. Tom is living on Earth One, and Earth one is the original earth. On the other hand, Eddie is on Earth Two, the second earth. The only problem is that Eddie's earth is 50 years behind Tom's earth. That means that Eddie doesn't have the things Tom has and isn't familiar with the devices Tom has. They soon learn that there really is a planet two and one, so they switch places with each other. People called watchers are on both earths looking for Tom and Eddie. Read the book to find out what treacherous situations the boys face!

I really liked about the adventure in this book. Also, I enjoy the plot, two brothers on a different earth. Another feature that I like about the book is that Tom and Eddie are being chased by the watchers. The action component makes the book exciting. In my opinion, this book is 5 stars and two thumbs up!

Review written by Amit (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Twinning Project? How would you rate it?

Review: The Twinning Project by Robert Lipsyte

The Twinning Project by Robert Lipsyte.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: October 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547645711

Review: Have you ever wondered about the stories your parents told you? The ones where they told you about aliens? Did you laugh about them and think they were all a joke? The way you laughed at them will change after reading The Twinning Project! This story will make you question your doubts about aliens. Robert Lipstyle takes you on an adventure to a distant planet called Earth2 where two boys realize that they are twins, but they have been living worlds apart.

The story begins on Earth, with Tom, a boy who doesn't play by the rules of his school. When he is told to do something, he does not do it if he thinks it is stupid. After being expelled, Tom has to attend a new school, where he meets Alessa, a girl who is constantly being picked on by Britsky. Tom protects her from Britsky, the school bully, by using the same arsenal of weapons that got him expelled from his previous school. He is a one man war machine with all his gadgets, including a grease gun and a sling shot.

On Earth2 everything is set back 50 years in the past. There, Eddie, the twin brother of Tom, is living the good life of being a jock at his school. Eddie is just one minute younger than Tom, but he is the exact opposite, of Tom. Eddie loves sports, but Tom hates them. Tom is sneaky, but Eddie is honest. He follows the rules and always does what he is told to do. Nothing out of the ordinary happens except that both boys are able to chat mentally with each other. One day, Tom and Eddie discover each other in Tom's room on Earth.

Tom suspects weird activity is going on all around him, when, all of a sudden, the boys' grandpa says that the monitors or aliens have landed. Grandpa tells Tom to switch places with Eddie on Earth2. Then, two monitors, Dr.Traum and Merlyn show up. Although, they act just like humans, they both have green eyes that are used as a camera to show other monitors at home-base what is happening with Tom and Eddie on Earth and Earth2. Things get extremely complicated when Dr. Traum starts asking questions about Eddie. Both boys are having trouble adjusting to the new environment. What happens with Eddie? How will Tom and Eddie survive the monitors? Read Robert Lipstyle's The Twinning Project in order to find out.

In The Twinning Project I liked how the aliens are realistic and the characters are really believable. I had a clear image of the interactions between the aliens and the characters. The plot and characters are very descriptive and the author's writing style was full of action. However, there are some unrealistic parts to the plot. Many well-developed ideas by the author caused the reader to actually feel the adrenaline while reading. The story is completely action packed with a side of humor. Robert Lipstyle shows different perspectives by switching from one character's point of view to another's point of view throughout the story. This really helped me understand what was going on in the story since it took place on two planets. The plot is so suspenseful that, at times, I couldn't put the book down. I really enjoyed the ending. It is very satisfying for me, because I could imagine things that would really take place here on Earth. I look forward to more of Robert Lipstyle's books. You should add this unique sci-fi fiction themed book to your reading list!

Review written by Alex (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Twinning Project? How would you rate it?

Review: Yesterday by C. K. Kelly Martin

Yesterday by C. K. Kelly Martin.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375866500

Review: “Winston Churchill said, ‘Sure I am of this, that you have only to endure to conquer. You have only to persevere to save yourselves.’ I swear his words will be running around in my head for the next fifty years at least." These are the thoughts of sixteen-year-old Freya Kallas - the protagonist in Yesterday, a new dystopian thriller by C. K. Kelly Martin.

Freya Kallas of 2063 is living in a world that has been dramatically affected by the lack of attention paid to the environment in the 20th and early 21st centuries. She lives in a land that is no longer the United States, but is rather the United North America - a result of dwindling governments. In the UNA, climate has been dramatically altered, and coastal destruction has left much of North America desolate. Her world is fearing ecoterrorism, facing the rise of the robot, and a plunge into a virtual world. Family structures have been altered, and as a result of the Bio-net, typical health issues become nearly non-existent. One night, however Freya is fearing for her brother’s life when the SecRos remove her and her mother, give them an injection, and when Freya wakes up, she has no recollection of 2063, but she knows something is not quite right with her life in 1985. Nothing seems real to her until she sees a mysterious boy. But how does she tell him that he’s the subjects of her dreams of a life so far removed from there. How does she tell a total stranger that he’s the only true reality for her?

Martin has written a fantastically unique thriller. 2063 is close enough that readers will fear what could be in their future if changes do not happen today, and the disconnect that Freya feels is utterly believable. Yesterday draws readers in from the first page and keeps them wanting more. Although readers can begin to predict how Freya (and Garren) are transported back in time, the way in which their situation is handled by friends and foe is unpredictable, keeping readers tense and in fear until the very end. While readers are learning about Freya and her adjustments to a new school and a new life and watching her transform into something she’s not merely to have something that seems “real" in her life, readers become more and more passionate about her and her quest to find something that feels right. So when she meets Garren, readers have an investment in Freya’s character and every action becomes personal. Readers will find themselves cheering for her, fearing with her, and crying with her as she faces the most difficult time in her life. Yesterday is filled with enough suspense, mystery, and passion to enthrall any young adult reader.

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

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

Have you read Yesterday? How would you rate it?

Review: Every Day by David Levithan

Every Day by David Levithan.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780307931887

Review: "I didn’t think of myself as a boy or a girl -- I never have. I would just think of myself as a boy or girl for a day. It was like a different set of clothes." David Levithan has taken a unique look at adolescence through his novel Every Day - a story about A.

Every night A goes to sleep, and every morning A wakes up in someone else’s body. A is used to this as it’s been the routine since birth. However, when A wakes up in Justin’s body, everything changes. Through Justin, A meets Rhiannon -- a beautiful yet unhappy girl who changes the way A looks at the world. Because of Rhiannon, A finds the rules begin to change. No longer can A avoid being noticed. No longer can A not interfere. And most importantly, no longer can A avoid becoming too attached -- because A is in love. Even if A is able to reach out to Rhiannon and convince her that although he changes daily, he wants to be with her always, how can two people really be together when one of them can never predict who or where he’ll be in the morning?

Creative doesn’t begin to describe Levithan’s latest novel. Every Day centers around a theme of love and the sacrifices people make for love. Never, however, has that theme been exemplified in such a unique fashion. Through A’s life, readers’ eyes are opened to so many different lifestyles. Every Day chronicles 40 days in A’s life, and with each day comes new challenges. A experiences a drug addict, a suicidal teen, a family with strict rules, a family with no rules. It’s like experiencing 40 unique characters in one! Aside from the obvious storyline, readers enjoy the little snippets of every life A enters. While inhabiting the lives of these different teens, readers learn more and more about A’s character, and they will find themselves wishing as much as A that he and Rhiannon can find a way to be together. Every Day is not only a fascinating exploration into character study, but it is also a love story that will leave readers wanting more. Young adult readers will not be disappointed!

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

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

Have you read Every Day? How would you rate it?