Review: How Tia Lola Saved the Summer by Julia Alvarez

How Tia Lola Saved the Summer by Julia Alvarez. A Tia Lola Story.

Alfred A Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375867279

Review: Summer breaks are for relaxing and having fun, right? Miguel thinks the same thing until he learns that Tia Lola's lawyer, Mr. Espada, and his three daughters are coming to visit. How will Miguel survive? He's shorter and not too fond of girls. How Tia Lola Saved the Summer by Julia Alvarez is a great book. This book is one book in the Tia Lola series. You can read it without reading the rest of the series. Can Tia Lola, his wonderful aunt, save Miguel's summer break?

Miguel is a young boy in elementary school. School has just let out for the year and he's looking forward to a nice, long, relaxing summer. He's disappointed to find out that three girls are coming to stay with his family. After his parents went through a divorce, Miguel is suffering. Three girls certainly can't do much good! It's up to Tia Lola to save the summer. As it turns out, she does, creating a summer camp. Tia Lola gives everybody swords, and they learn to remind themselves that they can overcome everything by looking at their swords. The girls love it and Miguel finally gets his wish: to have a real father again. Victor, the widowed father of the girls, Victoria, Esperanza, and Cari, befriends Miguel's mother. He decides to come and live with them in Vermont. Maybe Miguel will have a father after all! Join, Miguel, Vicky, Essie, Cari, and their dog, Valentino, in Tia Lola's summer camp, where Miguel finally learns to enjoy his summer.

The author, Julia Alvarez, does an excellent job of writing How Tia Lola Saved the Summer. She writes with solid understanding of the predicament she's writing about. She truly gets into the story and makes the reader feel the tough situations that everybody is struggling through. Her exceptional characters made the story really interesting to read. Tia Lola has the true qualities of a perfect aunt. She's caring and solves everybody's problems. Each chapter is about somebody's problem that Tia Lola solves in an interesting way, reflecting the author's ability for writing. It's an excellent book. All of the events are based off of what you might see every day over summer break, including catching tadpoles in the pond. Join the girls for a packed summer filled with fun, just ready to burst. I think the book is wonderful, just waiting for a young reader to open it and travel to a different world. I rate How Tia Lola Saved the Summer four out of five stars.

Review written by Colleen (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of How Tia Lola Saved the Summer for this review.

Have you read How Tia Lola Saved the Summer? How would you rate it?

Review: The Screaming Stone by J. P. Osterman

The Screaming Stone by J. P. Osterman.

Infinity Publishing
Publication Date: April 2011
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9780741466051

Review: Every family has secrets, but the McCarten family has a few more than most. Irish folklore combined with lies and secrets that span generations comprise J. P. Osterman's middle-grade novel, The Screaming Stone . Marcie and her older, teenage cousin Robbie have a wild sense of adventure. Longing to be future spies, Robbie and Marcie work together to uncover their family's secrets in hopes that by finding the truth they will one day bring peace and order to the McCarten family.

Dysfunction lies deep in Marcie's family. Her mother suffers from untreated mental illness causing her to be distant and abusive. Under the care of her grandparents, Marcie finds solace, but it is not enough. Robbie, her closest ally, is a socially challenged teen. Although his awkwardness drives her crazy, he is the closest thing she has to a real friend. As the entire McCarten clan gathers together after the death of a relative, Robbie and Marcie stumble upon a key that might just unlock the secrets that haunt their family and find enough treasure to save their family's land. By studying Irish folklore and embarking on a treasure hunt, Robbie and Marcie find much more than they'd expected.

The Screaming Stone is an entertaining read for middle school children. Osterman uses Irish folklore well in helping to create a fascinating treasure hunt. Certainly the primary storyline is suspenseful as Marcie and Robbie hunt for hidden treasure. But, the supplemental storylines are equally compelling. Marcie's mother suffers from mental illness, though it is a mystery as to the source of her problems. Late in the story it becomes clear that she is schizophrenic, but there is a turning point in her life that seems to have put her over the edge. Part of the mystery is coming to terms with Marcie's mother and understanding the lies that have created her past. Plus, Robbie's character is interesting as well. The book never reveals what is behind Robbie's awkward behavior and mannerisms, but he seems to be somewhere on the autism spectrum. He is highly creative and inventive, but lacks the social skills needed to function in regular situations. Overall, these unique characters along with the mystery and suspense make The Screaming Stone a good book.

Only a few elements of the story are somewhat bothersome. The time period of the story is unclear. Upon reading a novel such as this, it is automatically assumed it is current unless the author makes the time period evident. However, this is not the case here. For some reason, this was trying as a reader. It isn't until the book is nearly halfway over that it becomes clear that the story takes place in the late 1960's or early 1970's. This is evident when they visit the library and use the card catalog (something of which today's middle school students have no knowledge) and when they watch the Red Skelton Hour on television - which ended in 1971. It is uncertain why the author chose this time period for the novel, and for that reason it probably would be better received if it were current so kids could relate to the characters better. A time period for historical fiction should have a purpose. Plus, the inconsistencies in Robbie's character are frustrating. For example, he is clearly very bright and reads books from the adult reference section of the library, but yet he is unable to read common words. While in the library, Robbie says

"Here's a book called The First Book of Caves. The subject card says it has ill-us-tra-tra-"

"Illustrations," I said, reading beside him.

Robbie is too bright to not be able to read such a common word. His behavior is also very inconsistent, which could be related to his "issues", however since they are never really explained that is frustrating as well. Being that it takes place in the early 1970's, autism was not the common word that it is today which might explain the author's avoidance of labeling Robbie's behavior disorder. Plus, schizophrenia along with most mental illnesses was not as understood during that time period which might explain the lack of treatment Marcie's mother receives. But, in the end, these are somewhat trivial concerns because the mystery, family dynamics - particularly with the grandfather, and lore make The Screaming Stone a solid book for kids to enjoy.

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

We would like to thank Infinity Publishing for providing a copy of The Screaming Stone for this review.

Have you read The Screaming Stone? How would you rate it?

Review: The Door in the Forest by Roderick Townley

The Door in the Forest by Roderick Townley.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375856013

Review: An enchanted forest awaits readers in The Door in the Forest by Roderick Townley. Secrets lie beyond the door, as you can probably guess, hidden in the forest. Sure, you can find it, but the island it rests on is heavily guarded. Danny, Wesley, and Emily embark on a quest to get into the forest where magical events happen. Emily claims to have heard her mother talking to her at night. Is it true? Is her mother dead or alive? In The Door in the Forest, you can never tell what's going to happen next.

The Uncertainties are plaguing a small town called Everwood, where young Daniel and his brother Wesley live. Soldiers and people alike are arriving from the city for war. Soldiers are occupying the small farming town and driving the people out. They consume a huge amount of food and make the villagers angry. A new girl, Emily, arrives. With her, she brings new secrets that are revealed only to her closest friends, Danny and Wes. They find a sacred piece of paper that tells of a way to get onto the island, but a wicked and crazed captain takes it and it gets burned eventually. After getting onto the island, Emily is reunited with her mother, who was killed by the same soldiers who are occupying the town. Together, Daniel, Wes and Em come face to face with exotic creatures like white leapords and transforming cats that vanished a long time ago. Daniel soon realizes that the captain is trying to burn the whole town. Will Danny, Wes, and Em be able to do anything to stop him?

This is a very good, interesting book. The author wrote it with heaps of enthusiasm and did exceptionally well. It is a fascinating book about magical forests with transforming animals. However, I despise swearing, and there are several swear words throughout the book. But the author does a great job talking about wild creatures that don't exist. It is ery imaginative! Throughout the book, Roderick Townley does a really outstanding job using his imagination, and making the book appealing. He captures his reader's attention and makes them want to continue reading. I was entranced and I found the book irresistible. Enchanted forests don't really interest me, but if all the others were like this one, I'd definitely change my opinion. Like I said, Townley does a great job with his imagination, and the result is a magnificent book. Roderick Townley has a huge talent for writing, which was truly displayed in this book, The Door in the Forest. I'd rate it a four out of five stars.

Review written by Colleen (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Door in the Forest for this review.

Have you read The Door in the Forest? How would you rate it?

Review: Game-Day Jitters by Rich Wallace

Game-Day Jitters by Rich Wallace. Kickers.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 2011
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780375857577

Review: Game-Day Jitters is an amazing book, written by Rick Wallace and is part of the Kickers series. Ben is the main character, who has some pre-game soccer jitters. This book is amazing because of the way Rick Wallace makes the story progress. Any sports fan, especially a soccer lover, would love Game-Day Jitters.

Nervousness and excitement describe Game-Day Jitters by Rick Wallace. Ben is a 10 year old soccer player who has a big semi-championship and then an even bigger championship if they win that one. Focus, pass, and play like a team is what Ben always tells his team, but Ben doesn't follow his own advice when they are playing in the championship. Ben also gets to competitive with sports and since he got so competitive he loses a friend that really understands his sports dilemma. His brother Larry is also big on sports like cross country and at his meet Ben learns the meaning of a true friendship. Is he to late though? Has he lost his best friend forever?

To sum it all up the whole story is about a boy and his troubles with friends and soccer. Rick Wallace is a excellent writer. To demonstrate the relationships between the characters, he wrote, "He did look over a few times and I mimicked his favorite gesture, beating my chest and pointing." It's easy to get a sense for how characters feel. Anyone who loves sports would love this book, but especially soccer fans. Game-Day Jitters reminds me of when I play soccer and get competitive with someone on the other team. So go out play sports and read this book.

Review written by Caitlin (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Game-Day Jitters? How would you rate it?

Review: Dead Rules by Randy Russell

Dead Rules by Randy Russell.

HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication Date: June 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780061986703

Review: Imagine dying during a freak accident and then finding yourself walking and talking at a school, with other people around you. Jana Webster, of Webster and Haynes, is 16 years old and has died in a bowling accident. But instead of going to heaven like she has always imagined, she wakes up in a school bus, in strange clothes with strange people around her. Dead Rules by Randy Russel tells the story of what Jana Webster is willing to do to get her true love, Michael, back. She would kill (literally) to have him.

The story begins with Jana waking up on the school bus. She doesn't know where she is, who she is with, or where she is going. All she knows is she wants back is her beloved Michael. He is the one she was destined to be with, that much she is sure of. But the longer she is at the horrible Dead School, the more she begins to fall in love with the forbidden slider, Mars. Jana tries to be reunited with Michael but none of her schemes seem to work. So out of depression Jana tries to KILL Michael so they will be reunited. Little does Jana know that Michael has moved on and although Jana doesn't want to admit it, she herself has moved on too.

Dead Rules by Randy Russel is a wonderful book that is perfect for middle school and high school students that shows what some people are willing to do for their loved ones. For me the book was amazing. It started off at a good pace but got a little slow towards the middle but the pace was brought back up towards the end. Something exciting was almost always having and the book is a little suspenseful and left the reader anxious to look ahead. Dead Rules is very creative and full of laughs. The characters go well together and compliment each other's personalities. I give the book four stars out of five and would recommend it to everyone!

Review written by Samantha (6th grade student).

We would like to thank JKSCommunications for providing a copy of Dead Rules for this review.

Have you read Dead Rules? How would you rate it?

Review: Young Fredle by Cynthia Voigt

Young Fredle by Cynthia Voigt.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375864575

Review: Imagine being a tiny mouse living in fear of almost everything but food. What would you do if your family pushed you out of your nest and someone carried you outside to the wild? A young mouse named Fredle experiences this exact event after becoming sick from a mysterious and delicious food in the top of the pantry. This is the first event in a book titled Young Fredle, written by Cynthia Voigt. And it is a very exciting adventure book written in such a way that you could see it happening any time from 150 years ago to present day.

When Young Fredle the mouse is kicked out of his nest to 'went' after becoming sick, he is taken outside the kitchen and the house. This is the most important event in his life for it is his greatest (and only) adventure ever and it teaches him many important things that save his life. Fredle is a large kitchen mouse with a very troublesome sweet tooth. I like Fredle a lot because he is very good at learning just like me, even though his family and friends do not allow any change in their lives. He meets many people like field mice, cats, and a group of raccoons who try to eat him. He also meets a large snake and loads of cellar mice along his journey to return home, but the big question is will Fredle survive the journey?

Cynthia Voigt used figurative language very well; she didn't overuse it so that it took away from the story and made it confusing, and she didn't use too little making the story boring. The book was written very well, it could have taken place nearly any time in history. This is a very good factor because if someone likes books from a certain time period, they can just think it is in that period. That will let them enjoy reading the book more than if the author told them that they disliked. The plot is also very good because throughout the story there are times of calm, of excitement and moments of breakthrough. Cynthia Voigt filled the genre very well by including all of the necessary elements of an adventure novel- excitement, setting change, and suspense. The hook however is not very exciting or interesting, but after the first or second chapter, it gets much more interesting. The author described things very well; I could easily tell where the characters were and what the location looked like. The book is very well paced; it is not too slow or too fast the entire time, and it varied in speed appropriately throughout the book. By the time you have gotten to the last chapter you have a pretty good idea of how the book will end. Overall, the book is great; though I am a bit too old for the book, I still liked it. From the point of view of my age (12), I would rate it an 8 out of 10. If I were 10, which is probably the best age to read the book, I would most likely give it 10 out of 10. Readers near the recommended age of 10 will like or even love Young Fredle.

Review written by Noah (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Young Fredle? How would you rate it?

Review: How Tia Lola Learned to Teach by Julia Alvarez

How Tia Lola Learned to Teach by Julia Alvarez. A Tia Lola Story.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2010
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375864605

Review: Did you ever think that one person had the ability to influence and change a whole town? How Tia Lola Learned to Teach by Julia Alvarez is a great book. This is the story of how Tia Lola influenced a whole town just by helping everyone out in a small way. This is an amazing story about how Tia Lola, Miguel and Juanita's aunt, arouse their whole town.

In the story "How Tia Lola Learned to Teach ," Tia Lola helps out their whole town in many ways. In the beginning of the story, Tia Lola is called to volunteer at Miguel and Juanita's (her niece and nephew) elementary school. At first, Tia Lola does not know what she is being asked to do there. She is needed to help teach Spanish at the school. She is worried that she will not be able to teach because she never went to school. She stopped going to school when she was very young. Tia Lola does not want to volunteer at the school now that she knows she will be teaching there. Will Tia Lola get her courage and go teach at the school?

One more way that Tia Lola helps out the town is by helping a friend with his restaurant. She cooks for the restaurant and she gives dance lessons. Every Friday night, she teaches the customers of the restaurant a very special Mexican dance. She also cooks original Mexican food for them. Some customers come just to eat the food and also to learn the dance. This is the most special night of the week at the restaurant. Everyone loves it!

Another way that Tia Lola helps out the town is by helping one of her niece's friends. With the help of her niece Juanita, Tia Lola gives Juanita's friend, Ofie, a half birthday party because she is not allowed to have birthday parties. They turn a Spanish holiday, the carnival, into her half birthday party. For the carnival, they need costumes, so Juanita gives Ofie her old Halloween costume to use.

Another exciting thing that happens in this story is that the United States Department of Immigration sends Tia Lola a letter saying she has to leave the country and go back to the Dominican Republic. This means that she can no longer live in the United States because her visa has expired. The whole town is sad because she has helped out everyone in the town in some way. The letter says that she must go to the immigration center that week and leave. When the rest of the town hears this, they try to think of a way to convince the people at the Immigration Center to let Tia Lola to stay. To do this they all go to the immigration center on the day that Tia Lola is being asked to leave, and they tell the judge there how much Tia Lola helped out the town. They think that by telling him this, it will convince him into letting Tia Lola stay.

This is the second story out of four Tia Lola stories. I thought that this story was great. If I had to rate this story, I would give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5. This was an enjoyable story, and I would recommend it for children of all ages. If you like this story, you should read the other Tia Lola stories by Julia Alvarez.

Review written by Yahvi (5th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of How Tia Lola Learned to Teach for this review.

Have you read How Tia Lola Learned to Teach? How would you rate it?