Book Review: Brain Jack by Brian Falkner

Brain Jack
by Brian Falkner
Non-series

Random House Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-375-84366-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-375-84366-2
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $17.99

Review: Right now it could be going through your computer, looking at all your personal files. It could download a virus to your computer. It could do anything. Now I know what your thinking, "I have security, nothing can get through that." Oh but it can, it could even control you, and that's exactly what it will do. That is what fourteen year old Sam Wilson, the narrator of Brain Jack by Brian Falkner, found out.

Sam Wilson was just trying to get some new computer equipment, but ended up, "Bringing the United States to its knees." Sam starts out as one of the greatest computer hackers of the world. It is just after a nuclear bomb has hit Las Vegas and turns it into a giant poisonous dust bowl. This is the result of a huge terrorist attack. But right now Sam is just an average kid. Soon Sam hacks into a huge computer company in order to get the next coolest thing for computers, neuro headsets. These headsets are the most amazing man made headsets ever, because they allow you to connect to the internet literally through your head. You could surf the web without using a key board! You just think and whatever you think appears on the screen in your head. But there is a dark secret that goes with the headsets-; when you connect to the Internet it's like your brain is actually connected to the Internet. Unfortunately Sam hasn't figured this out yet. To find all this out, Sam goes on a dangerous adventure that involves being hunted down by pretty much the whole world. How will he survive all this?

Brain Jack is a thrilling and frightening adventure. The author did an amazing job with descriptions; you can see the whole story happening right in front of you. .I love the way the author leaves just the right amount of suspense. I literally could not put the book down. Sam's ways and opinions are very interesting throughout the book. Sam is a super intelligent boy who knows everything about computers. I am amazed at how much he knows about technology. I give the author a ton of credit for knowing all that stuff about computers. To sum it all up this book is an action- packed fight, with a side romance in it. Brain Jack would be a great read for anyone who loves action stories.

Review written by Savannah (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Brain Jack? How would you rate it?

Book Review: The Immortals by Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell

The Immortals
by Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell
Edge Chronicles

David Fickling Books
ISBN-10: 0-375-83743-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-375-83743-2
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $19.99

Review: It all begins in the city of Great Glade, and the story takes place on The Edge {A chunk of land flying in mid-air}. There is dust everywhere and the rock in the mines are so strange because the darkness makes the rocks shatter to the ground because of its weight. If the rock gets too bright, it will make the rocks explode! This is the setting of The Immortals (the final book in the Edge Chronicles) by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell, Nathaniel {or as he liked to be called, Nate} is a normal, wimpy, thirteen-year-old kid who's job is to keep the rocks dimly lit so they can be easily cut. He works in the mine to help his family. Rudd, his friend, is a fourteen-year-old muscle man who cuts the rocks in the mine. He gets the most pay because he does a lot of work. He started working in the mine at the age of eleven. Together, these two can practically do anything.

Another character is Commander Copperwood, and Nate and Rudd will stop at nothing to destroy him. Commander Copperwood is an evil character who kidnaps Rudd's parents! So, Nate and Rudd go around the world sailing on flying ships {Yes, flying ships} and run around the planet to hunt down Commander Copperwood. They experience crazy encounters like giant goblins and game shows that involve five ten-thounsand men phalanxes to hunt the people down. Will they ever catch onto Commander Copperwood? Will Rudd ever get his parents back?

Chris Riddell and Paul Stewart are the authors of this book who have a creative mind for the entire book. I loved this book. I liked how in a way, the characters were peers to me, so I can better understand how the character feels during various times in the story. I give this book a five out of five stars for all of the action going on throughout the story. The book is fully loaded with detailed photos so you can get an image of the characters looks.

Review written by Max (6th grade student).

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

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

Book Review: Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies

Miracle on 34th Street
by Valentine Davies
Non-series

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0-547-41442-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-547-41442-3
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $5.99

Review: Classical, well written, and a heart-warming story all describe Miracle on 34th Street. Valentine Davies out does himself with this fantastic novel. This book is as successful as it was in 1947, when it was first released. It is a Christmas classic, and it will be in that genre forever. Susan is a realistic girl who believes in no fairy tales or myths of any kind. She has no imagination to help her escape the real world. Doris Walker, Susan's mother, has the same beliefs. However, Fred Gayley is the exact opposite. Mr. Kris Kringle believes he is Santa Claus and agrees with Mr. Gayley. How will their world collide?

We start our story at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Mrs. Walker is trying to direct the parade when she finds out that her Santa Claus is intoxicated. When Kris Kringle reports to Mrs. Walker that her Santa Claus is not fit to be in the parade, she needs a last minute replacement for this imposter. Kris Kringle looks exactly like Santa because he is Santa! People think that he is mental because he believes that he Santa Claus. He spreads noncommercial Christmas spirit all over New York City. The whole city is in a state of shock by Macy's Christmas spirit. As the story progresses, Kris wins over the beliefs of Susan and Doris. The matter of Kris Kringle being Santa Claus goes to the courtroom after Mr. Sawyer becomes involved in the matter. Fred Gayley is in defense of Mr.Kringle. This crazy court ends in a happy way for all. Bit is he really Santa Claus?

I love the movie and anyone who does will have the same love for the book. This is a touching story about a little girl who has people teach her to believe. When many kids grow older, they do not believe in Santa. It is almost the same with Susan, except she is much younger. She is a skeptical child who does not believe in fairytales or magic. We can relate to the feeling when we get up on Christmas to find presents under the tree. Susan feels that for the first time in this book, getting the present she always had dreamed of for so long. The story teaches you a lesson too. "Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to." You need to love and have faith in people. Common sense and reality are not the only things in life. You need to imagine and think the unthinkable. Miracle on 34th Street moves through each scene nicely. Every detail ties to the plot and is wrapped in like a Christmas present. The characters develop through the story and you cannot help but fall in love with them. The ending to this story is not at all disappointing. I loved the way that they leave you wanting more. This book belongs in a five star book show.

Review written by Kathryn (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Miracle on 34th Street for this review.

Have you read Miracle on 34th Street? How would you rate it?

Book Review: The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles by Padraic Colum

The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles
by Padraic Colum
Looking Glass Library

Random House Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-375-86709-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-375-86709-5
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $10.99

Review: They had come into a country that was strangest of all countries, and amongst people that were the strangest of all peoples. This is exactly how I felt when I read the first chapter. I was completely confused. What is going on? I kept reading and was better able to understand the plot. The Golden Fleece is about Jason and the Argonauts. Jason and the Argonauts are aboard the Argo, on their quest for The Golden Fleece for Greece.

Jason must get The Golden Fleece, in order to have his father claim the throne again. Many heroes like Polydeuces and Orpheus willingly go aboard the Argo, to join in the quest of the Fleece. As this journey progresses, people join and depart from the Argonauts. The Argo has to stop at lots of islands and the most of the Argonauts gain love interests along the way. The Argonauts have to face multiple difficulties, including Cerberus (the three-headed dog) and the Maze of the Minotaur, where they eventually must face the Minotaur. Gods are helping even the most famous heroes in their time of need.

This 89 year-old book (as of 2010) has been loved by many people, especially kids. There is a plus point in every part of the story. When the characters mention a hero, it often includes the myth of the hero. This really helps when you have a limited knowledge of who the hero is. I also like that the dialogue reads as if you are in Ancient Greece. For example: "Oh, make haste, ye who can help me!" It helps that the pictures are very accurate because when I am confused about an action a character is doing, I can just look at the picture. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars because it took me longer than it usually does to get me hooked. There wasn't much action at the start, and I was kind of bored. Once I got to the action part of the story though, I started to really get engrossed in the book, as if I were watching a movie. The Golden Fleece is a really good book, and to people who read the Percy Jackson Series, they should read this book.

Review written by Sahaj (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles for this review.

Have you read The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea

Because of Mr. Terupt
by Rob Buyea
Non-series

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-385-73882-X
ISBN-13: 978-0-385-73882-8
Publication Date: October, 2010
List Price: $16.99

Review: Jessica, Alexia, Peter, Luke, Danielle, Anna, and Jeffrey- what do they all have in common? Mr. Terupt. Because of Mr. Terupt is an amazing novel that made me feel the pain, sorrow, and joy of all of the characters. Seven different characters tell the tales in this well- crafted story. Although this is only the first novel by Rob Buyea, he shows that he can tell a story. All of the different characters, Alexia, Jessica, Peter, Luke, Anna, Danielle, and Jeffery, all have a different take on what happens. You get to see the perspectives that different the people have on situations that present themselves. I put this in a category with school stories, stories that take place in any kind of classroom. In this, case a classroom where magic happens.

This book starts in September on the first day of school. Each character has a different reaction. Peter: "It's bad luck that we have to have teachers in this world, but since we're stuck with them, the best we can hope for is we get brand-new ones." Jessica: "The first day of school. I was nervous. Somewhat." Luke: "I like school. I'm good at it." Alexia: "I was like; I have a new guy for a teacher. That's so cool." Jeffrey: "The kids in my class are alright." Danielle: "School wasn't so great." Anna "I didn't say much in school and I never raised my hand." All the kids think that this year is going to be normal. They could not have been more wrong. A hospitalized teacher changes the grand scheme of the story. This teacher teaches the kids lessons that they had no clue about, by not saying a word. The presence of this man teaches the kids to stand u for themselves and have a new outlook on the world. Each character evolves throughout the story to create a cast that is truly special.

.I raved about this book to all of my family, and I do not think I have ever liked a book this much. I really enjoy how Rob Buyea tells the story through each of the character's eyes. I think it is cool how all of the characters connect to each other and share a common thought, Mr. Terupt. The bond between the kids grows stronger and stronger as the story progresses. Only on person could have such an influence, and that is Mr. Terupt. The author keeps the story moving even though he switches characters viewpoints. I was on my toes wondering about the fates of the characters all night. I had trouble putting it the book down to eat much less sleep, much less eat! I have a real connection to this book. The sorrow that the characters felt for their teacher reminded me of how I felt when my grandma was in the hospital. When the characters were sad, I felt sad, when the characters felt joyful, I felt joyful. The emotions that I felt while reading this story were very deep inside. Anyone who has felt love for someone in need will connect instantaneously with Because of Mr. Terupt. Just like Mr. Terupt I love happy endings. This book is no exception to the love of Mr. Terupt. The ending makes you want to know about the rest of the kids' schooling. I am hoping there is a sequel and if not I might write one myself. I love this book more than possible to put into words. I wish you could rate a book with six stars.

Review written by Kathryn (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Because of Mr. Terupt for this review.

Have you read Because of Mr. Terupt? How would you rate it?

Book Review: December by Gabrielle Lord

December
by Gabrielle Lord
Conspiracy 365

Kane Miller
ISBN-10: 1-935279-61-0
ISBN-13: 978-1-935279-61-7
Publication Date: December, 2010
List Price: $10.99

Review: The final month has arrived, and Cal has merely days now to uncover the Ormond Singularity. He desperately needs to find a way to Ireland so that he can somehow get closer to the mystery, but how can a wanted fugitive ever get out of the country? Well, Cal finds a way in December, the last book in the Conspiracy 365 series by Gabrielle Lord.

Cal, Winter, and Boges, through a stroke of luck and genius, fly to Ireland in hopes that by being there, they will be able to gather the remaining clues they need to uncover a treasure that is believed to be the treasure beyond all treasures. Along the way, they are unable to escape the people who all along have threatened their very existence. Plus, new enemies arise who pose an even bigger threat. As the body count is growing, is it possible that Cal can avoid being one of them? Cal finds himself in even more harrowing spots this month, and very oftentimes it seems like each day will be his last. But, Cal and his friends are determined - they just have no clue who they can trust anymore, and people who they believe to be allies, keep winding up dead! It's a race to the finish, but will Cal finish it alive?

Gabrielle Lord does not disappoint in her final installment in the Conspiracy 365 series. Decemberis a tad longer than other books in the series, but every page is filled with one hair-raising event after another. Readers will find their stomach in knots as they plow through page after page of exciting plot. The book ends with a 1 ½ page epilogue. Here is where Lord could have done more. Readers have been reading about Cal and his friends and family for an entire year. They've become entranced by Cal's journeys and he has nearly become "real" in their lives. A longer epilogue would have been much appreciated as dedicated readers hate to see the year come to a close. Nevertheless, the Conspiracy 365 series will always be the first series recommended to school libraries and middle school readers everywhere. In a world filled with technology where kids can become absorbed so easily in Wii or Xbox, it's comforting to know that there are writers out there who can break the mold and write a book, or even a series, that will have kids putting away the games, shutting off the computers, and absorbing themselves in a book!

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

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

Have you read December? How would you rate it?

Book Review: The Monkey King's Daughter by T. A. DeBonis

The Monkey King's Daughter
by T. A. DeBonis
The Monkey King's Daughter

DVTVFilm
ISBN-10: 0-967-80944-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-967-80944-1
Publication Date: May, 2009
List Price: $9.95

Review: Exciting… Loving… Adventurous… these are some words that help explain The Monkey King's Daughter, which is the first book in the series. This girl named Meilin is a normal teenage girl, all until her "ancient past catches up with her." In this fiction story Meilin and her Uncle Zhu Bajie enters a world or the past where all of the Chinese Myths come alive. Not only that, but Meilin has to save her mother because she got kidnapped. This story is heart- warming and almost inspires you.

In the beginning, Meilin is a normal, 13 year old girl, although Meilin has a mysterious past. Nobody will tell her anything about herself, like the fact she doesn't know who or where her father is or who her grandparents are. When the day comes that she turns 14, her life changes forever. She finally finds out about her ancient past, her father, and who she is, The Monkey King's Daughter. When Meilin's mom, Lijuan, gets kidnapped by a horrible king's servants, Meilin and Uncle Zhu Bajie have to go save her. Not only does Meilin get to be united with her father, she finally has the family she had been waiting for. This story is touching and adventurous combined into one.

The Monkey King's Daughter is very entertaining. The first chapter of the book mostly tries to explain Meilin's life and provide a background so readers are not confused later in the story. This is very important to have in a book because you don't want your reader asking too many questions and have the text too confusing to read. Also, I believe there are several of things readers can relate to in and the main character, Meilin, because she is a normal teenager. This is a great thing to have because the reader can understand how Meilin feels and it definitely helps the reader know what is going on and understand what he/she is reading. One other thing is I love how the main character changes throughout the text. In the beginning of the story, Meilin is a shy girl who is an outcast and gets picked on by this mean girl named Tiffany. Although, by the end of the book, Meilin is popular, significantly confident, and Tiffany doesn't bother her anymore. I believe the book is excellent.

The Monkey King's Daughter is fantastic and I give this book five stars.

Review written by Abigail (6th grade student).

We would like to thank T. A. DeBonis for providing a copy of The Monkey King's Daughter for this review.

Have you read The Monkey King's Daughter? How would you rate it?