Review: Revenge by Gabrielle Lord

Revenge by Gabrielle Lord. A Conspiracy 365 Novel.

Kane Miller
Publication Date: March 2013
List Price: $5.99
ISBN-13: 9781610671606

Review: "There's another one! There's another one!" Conspiracy 365, one of the best middle-grade/young adult mystery series to be written in recent years has added another installment, Revenge, by Gabrielle Lord. Revenge takes off where the original series stopped. Cal has come out of his 365 days on the run and is trying to acclimate himself to "normal" life. Unfortunately the press makes that difficult. Told through the eyes of Boges, Revenge brings Cal's greatest adversary back to the forefront and engages Cal and his friends in another fight for their lives.

When Cal receives a mysterious not on his pillow, a sense of dread fills his soul. "30" is all it reads. When Cal's friends arrive at his house for movie night, they find that he's gone and they know right away that it's not over. Hiding from Cal's mom and the police, Boges, Winter, and Ryan are thrust into the most frightening 30 days of their lives.

The original Conspiracy 365 series is unbelievably gripping - propelling readers to get through the twelve books in record time. Revenge, though a good book, doesn't have that same effect. Whether it's the fact that it's told through Boges' eyes or the sense that there's no way any of this would really happen, Revenge falls short of the expectations of Conspiracy 365 fans. That being said, Lord does an exceptional job of bring the readers up to speed with what happened for the last twelve months of Cal's life without it seeming tedious, making it possible for Revenge to be read independent of the series. However, that is not recommended. It would be preferred that Revenge be a longer book to allow for a more developed plot and potential to build suspense. All in all, Revenge is a good book, but it's just not a great book. Readers of the Conspiracy 365 series should definitely pick up Revenge, but don't hold it to the same expectations.

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

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

Have you read Revenge? How would you rate it?

Review: A Matter of Days by Amber Kizer

A Matter of Days by Amber Kizer.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739733

Review: Did anyone survive the Bluestar? Can we get to Uncle Bean's place? Will we survive? young Nadia asks herself as she sets on a journey half way across America in A Matter of Days by Amber Kizer.

A Matter of Days is about a journey of clouded Nadia, her younger brave brother, lovable Twawki a dog they discovered, and a street-smart boy named Zack. Nadia's mom has died of a horrific military-made disease called the Bluestar. It has already killed 98% of the world's population but Nadia and her younger brother are snuck shots from their Uncle Bean the man who created the disease. Perplexed by the unpredictable journey they come across many endangerments and menacing people and know only to be a cockroach, which taught to them by their father in the means to survive like one or, by be one in a harsh environment. Will they make it to their Uncle's house in time to save their lives? You'll just have to find out yourself.

A Matter of Days is must-read, and intended for late elementary and middle school students. Trust me there is nothing unappealing about A Matter of Days. One ingredient of a book recipe includes plot and this book has a plot that is mystifying, suspenseful, and engaging. For example in one part, all of a sudden cougars appeared as the characters were sleeping and then Nadia wakes surprised and says "We have no chance to attack without moving towards the gun." And has no idea what to do but then hears barking. Also the book exemplifies descriptive language, for example in the beginning Nadia thinks this sadly as she leaves her home and sees her mom lie dead "Quiet. Peace. Finally. Exhaustion frayed my edges, fringed my cogent mind until world-hazed gray blue." Finally it includes suspense that makes you sit on the edge of your seat and eating your nails wondering what is going to happen. For instance when a stampede comes they turn off the car and then hear gunshots The reader experiences what Zack, Nadia, and Rab see and hear as they panicked in fear. In conclusion check out the outstanding A Matter of Days by Amber Kizer.

Review written by Tej (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of A Matter of Days for this review.

Have you read A Matter of Days? How would you rate it?

Review: Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic by Mark Tatulli

Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic by Mark Tatulli.

Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date: October 2013
List Price: $13.90
ISBN-13: 9781449435486

Review: Anything can happen with a little trust, coolness, and pixie dust! Well not exactly in Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic by Mark Tatulli where young Desmond learns a bit of a lesson and goes through a hard time in life.

From the world of scalawags and rapscallions comes a boy named Desmond Pucket, a schoolboy of Cloverfield Junior High who just loves pranks and laughs. But after one frightful and menacing prank, which takes it too far, he is at risk and discovers himself in trouble and potentially not going to his 6th grade field trip to Crab Shell Pier. This is a horrible fate for Desmond, because this is where he DREAMS of riding Mountain Full of Monsters. Can he clean up his act while staying true to himself? You'll just have to find out in the rib-tickling book Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic.

Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic is hilarious and intended for elementary students. One great attribute of the book is that it exemplifies Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, which you know every kid adores because of the humor. Also Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic is really amusing because of the jokes, humorous illustrations, and funny pranks that play out while you read. For example, at one part, Desmond's mom comes and then all of a sudden an alien head pops out of his shirt! Another reason why Desmond Pucket in Monster Magic is a great story is that some kids may relate to the troublemaking of the main character and his friend. Readers quickly learn that two wrongs don't make a right. They also learn that it's important control yourself. One final great ingredient of the book is that it has a good vocabulary for elementary readers. Most words will be familiar, but there may be a few challenging ones that help them learn new words.

In conclusion, I recommend the great book Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic!

Review written by Tej (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Media Masters Publicity for providing a copy of Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic for this review.

Have you read Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic? How would you rate it?

Review: Alice Miranda Takes the Stage by Jacqueline Harvey

Alice Miranda Takes the Stage by Jacqueline Harvey. An Alice Miranda Book.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2013
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9780385743334

Review: Look at this, mummy; All those beautiful dresses, and we're almost the same size. I'm sure she won't notice if one or two goes missing, Sloane said. The book, Alice-Miranda Takes the Stage by Jacqueline Harvey is a tale about Alice- Miranda, Millie, and Sloane. This story tells their adventures at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies. This is the latest book in the series.

The girls of Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies start their school year when a new girl, Sloane Skyes, comes to school. Alice-Miranda is a rich girl who is kind and generous. She's kind to Sloane, but Sloane doesn't appreciate it. She has been at the school for several years. Many girls think Sloane is keeping a secret. Sloane's mother, September, wants Sloane to become friends with the wealthy kids. Sloane does have a secret, but she doesn't want anybody to know. Accidently, Alice-Miranda meets a new friend, Henrietta, who everyone in town thinks is a witch. Who could she be? Meanwhile, September and Sloane devise a plot. Will Alice-Miranda save the day before it's too late?

Alice-Miranda Takes the Stage is a tale of delight that would be appropriate for girls ages 8-11. An example of the feminine plot is "A new girl that's lovely. I can't wait to meet her. What is her name?" Anyone older than 10 or 11, might think the vocabulary is too easy. For instance, a character states, "Oh, I hope not. You know I can't stand horses. That won't be any fun at all." I enjoyed the book, even though it would switch the character's points of view often. That affected the story because I would be reading in Alice-Miranda's point of view. Then, in the next chapter, the author would switch to Sloane's point of view. When I realized this, the book was easier to read. I would guess ways to solve the mysteries. The characters have many different personalities, yet they still get along. I can relate to this. An example of the kind or abrupt language of the characters is "Are you lost? You're Sloane, aren't you. My name's Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones and I'm very pleased to meet you." Sloane said, "No, I'm not lost. I'm just waiting for, what's her name, Dinka or something." This dialogue reminds me of my friends because we are all different in the way we respond to situations. This book had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't wait to find out if September would get her way, or if Alice-Miranda would make things right. I liked the way the character's perception of others changed throughout the book. The author would have me thinking one idea, and then the plot moved in another direction. I certainly enjoyed Alice-Miranda Takes the Stage. The adventure, mystery, and dramaÉand I mean a lot of drama, will entertain upper elementary and middle school girls!

Review written by Madeline (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Alice Miranda Takes the Stage for this review.

Have you read Alice Miranda Takes the Stage? 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: The Assault by Brian Falkner

The Assault by Brian Falkner. A Recon Team Angel Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2012
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780375871900

Review: What the heck is going on?

"We're sending them a message."

The Assault, written by Brian Falkner, is three intriguing books in one. The main characters are Lieutenant Chisnall, known as LT, Sergeant Brogan of the human race, and Lieutenant Yozi of the Bzadians.

To begin, Earth is invaded by aliens or as they call themselves, Bzadians. Civilians are forced to take refuge in the Americas, and Angel Team Four, a group of highly trained young recon units are sent to Australia or New Bzadi. They have a traitor on their team, but only the traitor and LT know that they have to infiltrate the main base of Uluru disguised as Bzadians, or as they like to call them "pukes". They make a very big enemy named Yozi who they tie to a tree because they thought it was unruly to kill an unarmed defenseless soldier. Was tying Yozi to the tree a good idea or the biggest mistake on the mission?

I would give The Assault four out of five stars. I enjoyed the author's writing style immensely. I was impressed by the amount of action and suspense, like at the end of the 1st book and beginning of the 2nd book, there was a raid starting but you didn't know whom the raid was from. Also, there were plenty of cliffhangers and many violent scenes. For example, in chapter 13 a bomb turns off the lights. In addition, I liked the descriptive words because it helped me picture and imagine the scene. This book would attract advanced 6th graders or 7th graders. Any older age would possibly think that the book is boring. I found Brian Falkner's writing style entertaining as he used war terms in the future and created futuristic weapons and machines. Overall, I thought that The Assault was a fascinating book.

Review written by Noah (6th grade student).

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

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

Review: Jack Strong Takes a Stand by Tommy Greenwald

Jack Strong Takes a Stand by Tommy Greenwald.

Roaring Book Press
Publication Date: September 2013
List Price: $151.99
ISBN-13: 9781596438361

Review: After Jack Strong goes from class to class and gets tired from all he has to do, will he stand up for himself by saying no? Will middle school student Jack Strong's rebellion to not be overscheduled work? Find out in the book Jack Strong Takes A Stand by the author of the Charlie Joe Jackson series Tommy Greenwald.

Jack Strong Takes A Stand is a book about an 11-year-old middle school student named Jack Strong. Jack has been taking classes that he has not liked for years, and he has been rushing from activity to activity to be ready for college. He does everything from practicing sports all the way to studying different languages. But one day after school Jack is super tired from school and he asks his parents if he can skip soccer practice just this once and they say no. That is it for Jack, and he starts a rebellion. But after a few days, will he get famous? Jack doesn't realize all the attention that can come from a rebellion though. Will he be able to handle it? But after all the fame and the family fighting are they able to put this aside for something more important?

Jack Strong Takes A Stand is a astonishing story. Greenwald has made all these characters realistic. For example his writing makes Jack sound very realistic because anyone who is so over scheduled with all those activities would be very frustrated just like how Jack feels in the book. Also Greenwald uses unexpected twist that keeps readers on their toes. It is very cool how Greenwald uses the imagination of a middle school kid. For example he used Jack's imagination to have a crush on Cathy Bellows. Another thing that was very realistic in the story is Jack's family. What is very realistic is that families fight just like Jack's family does also the kids want to stand up for what they believe or sometimes they will talk back just like Jack does. A few parts of the story are not as realistic such as how Jack can get famous from a school newspaper to being all the way on his favorite T.V. show just for rebelling. But really honestly I loved this story. It addresses an issue for kids today - being over scheduled. So if you are looking for a good book to curl up and read, try Jack Strong Takes A Stand by Tommy Greenwald.

Review written by Ian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Roaring Book Press for providing a copy of Jack Strong Takes a Stand for this review.

Have you read Jack Strong Takes a Stand? How would you rate it?