Review: Yankee Doodle Dandy by Callista Gingrich

Yankee Doodle Dandy by Callista Gingrich. An Ellis the Elephant Book.

Regnery Kids
Publication Date: October 2013
List Price: $14.95
ISBN-13: 9781621570875

Review: Do you want a book for little kids that will teach them about the American Revolutionary War? Well in Yankee Doodle Dandy (the third book in Ellis the Elephant series), Ellis the Elephant takes you on an amazing journey during the American Revolutionary War.

The book Yankee Doodle Dandy is about events before, during, and after the American Revolutionary war. Readers learn about exciting events such as the Boston Tea Party, and when Paul Revere warned the colonists that they were going to be attacked by Britain. These are just some of the things that you will learn and read about the American Revolutionary War with Ellis the Elephant.

Yankee Doodle Dandy is intended for readers age 6-9, because the character Ellis the Elephant makes it fun and easy to read and understand. The author put the time order of the story correctly so the cause and effect makes sense to the readers. So if a boy or a girl has a question about why things happened like they did in the story, it would be easy to find. If you want to get your children to learn about the American Revolution war this is the perfect book for them.

Review written by Ashley (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Regnery Kids for providing a copy of Yankee Doodle Dandy for this review.

Have you read Yankee Doodle Dandy? How would you rate it?

Review: Extreme Scientists: Exploring Nature's Mysteries From Perilous Places by Donna M. Jackson

Extreme Scientists: Exploring Nature's Mysteries From Perilous Places by Donna M. Jackson. A Scientists in the Field Book.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $9.99
ISBN-13: 9780544250031

Review: Have you ever thought of flying into the eyes of hurricanes, or going super deep into caves??? Well Paul and Hazel have, and those are their extreme jobs!

Paul Flaherty - fearlessly flying WD-3D planes into the massive and windy eyes of hurricanes. Hazel Barton - using a rope and lowering herself into the dangerous caves of the world. Steve Sillett - going from treetop to treetop on rope, discovering the secrets of the forest around him through the trees. High in the sky or below the ground, these three scientists put themselves at risk, but they are doing it to gain knowledge for the present as well as future generations.

Extreme Scientists: Exploring Nature's Mysteries From Perilous Places by Donna M. Jackson is a great book for anyone who likes to read about what other people do in their lives. Extreme Scientists might be for older kids because some of the words are a little hard to comprehend and understand. This action filled book tells the stories of three scientists' lives, their jobs, and why, how, and when they got these jobs. They explain the risks, but they also explain the rewards too. It is an informational book, but it is also entertaining to read. Jackson shares these stories in such an interesting way; it makes it fun to read about. I recommend this for anyone who likes stories of people's lives and just how extravagant they can be.

Review written by Faith (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Extreme Scientists: Exploring Nature's Mysteries From Perilous Places for this review.

Have you read Extreme Scientists: Exploring Nature's Mysteries From Perilous Places? How would you rate it?

Review: The Hero's Trail by T. A. Barron

The Hero's Trail by T. A. Barron.

Puffin Books
Publication Date: February 2007
List Price: $6.99
ISBN-13: 9780142407608

Review: If you're looking for a book about hardships that did not end in failure, then, The Hero's Trail by T.A. Barron is a perfect choice. It is about how people with diseases and just other problems in general don't let them give up. Even though them may be faced with ridicule, they showed determination.

In The Hero's Trail, it shows that someone with polio even turned out to be one of the fastest people in the worldÉmaybe even the fastest! Wilma Rudolph had polio, and she could walk and run like other kids did, unlike other people with polio. Soon she broke records and became the fastest woman in the world! But not all of the stories in this book are all about having a disease. The Hero's Trail is also about a man named Glenn Cunningham had been scorched by an old stove, and his legs were seriously scorched leaving almost no muscle remaining! The family and especially Glenn prayed that he would be able to walk and run again. He slowly felt feeling around his legs. He moved his toes and his knees. And soon he was walking around his room. Then he started breaking records. All of them were determined to keep on going. There are even more people in the book like, Sherwin Long and many other people that fought through.

This book should be told to everyone, in every age. But some of the vocabulary may be challenging for younger readers. But otherwise, this book is amazing. It has crazy stories of one of the most famous people ever! And they may have had things happen to them that you never knew about. But they fought through. And that is what I admire most about these people. And that is what I think that I what the author (T.A. Barron) is trying to get across: to determinate. Determination got them through their hardships. And Glenn Cunningham prayed to get better. And that is what I think is the best type of determination there is. And ever was! All of the people in this book wanted to conquer what had happened; and they did! Just with determination. They did anything they could in their power to fix it. I also love how some of the people didn't care what other people thought of him or her. They knew they were amazing. They knew they would conquer the disease and/or problem. And they did. This book is as amazing as the people in it. Buy it or check it out at your local library and enjoy!

Review written by Tommy (6th grade student).

We would like to thank T. A. Barron for providing a copy of The Hero's Trail for this review.

Have you read The Hero's Trail? How would you rate it?

Review: Promise Bound by Anne Greenwood Brown

Promise Bound by Anne Greenwood Brown. The Third Installment in her Mermaid Trilogy.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385743839

Review: There are creatures that can breathe in water. They call them mermaids. They're all around you, living next to you, eating with you. You don't know what they really are, and they don't mind. They practice their manors and await the real frenzy that enhances as you hit the water. In the thrilling closing to Lies Beneath and Deep Betrayal, Anne Greenwood Brown gives you Promise Bound, as serious as it sounds.

Falling in love is a roller coaster. Caldor and Lily never think that it would go down, but when it does, they crash. Lily has taken the duty of guarding Nadia's pendant, but that includes sleeping through the dead mer's memories. Stuck to the conclusion that Nadia wants Caldor to find his real parents, Lily makes a tough decision that could end it all. All the while though, trouble is brewing when mortal, Jack, takes the responsibility of Pavati's new child. And the two mer sisters quarrel for the leadership of the clan and the loyalty of Lily and her father.

Any young adult readers will melt into the book and experience the journey right along with Lily and Caldor. Through heart-breaking break-offs, turf wars for leadership, and emotional conflicts, come along with Caldor and Lily as they figure out what life is all about. You race right along with them on the beaches, in the waters, and through all the dangers the fighting mer's put them through. Go through Lily's experiences, Caldor's choices, and the decision that seals their fate.

Review written by Emily (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Promise Bound? How would you rate it?

Review: Dirt Bikes, Drones, and Other Ways to Fly by Conrad Wesselhoeft

Dirt Bikes, Drones, and Other Ways to Fly by Conrad Wesselhoeft.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: April 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780544232693

Review: Have you ever had to go through grief and pain? In Dirt Bikes, Drones, and Other Ways to Fly by, Conrad Wesselhoef, A teenager named Arlo has to get over grief when his mom dies. How will he get over the grief? Will he suffer or prosper? Follow Arlo and his epic stunts in Dirt Bikes, Drones, and Other Ways to Fly!

Five months ago Arlo's mom had died. When she had one to the shop to get Arlo's sister Purple Gatorade, some lunatic shot her. Siouxsie (Arlo's little sister) is still grieving because she took it harder then Arlo did, Arlo loves his mom, but he has different ways to deal with the grief. He rides his dirt bike, and he plays a game called Drone Pilot. When Arlo beats the top player in it, a person from the Air Force, he gets a message from someone who works with the Air Force. Because of Arlo's amazing score in Drone Pilot, he is invited to join the Air Force in Texas. This opens Arlo up to many challenges; one of which is to beat all the other pilots in the trial.

Dirt Bikes, Drones, and Other Ways to Fly is a great book. I love the tragic scenes and the action that filled the pages of this book. It shows a relationship between tragedy and action. It is nice to know how all people have different ways to deal with grief; people should know that there isn't one "right" way. I recommend this book to people 12 and up. The book isn't appropriate for younger kids because of the language. A boy might like the book more than the girl because it is mostly about motorcycles, drones and much other action filled objects. This book has many stunts in it, and some end up good while others end up bad. In essence, Dirt Bikes, Drones, and Other Ways to Fly, combines a perfect balance of action and tragedy.

Review written by Matthew (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Dirt Bikes, Drones, and Other Ways to Fly for this review.

Have you read Dirt Bikes, Drones, and Other Ways to Fly? How would you rate it?

Review: Atlantis Rising by T. A. Barron

Atlantis Rising by T. A. Barron. An Atlantis Trilogy Book.

Philomel Books
Publication Date: September 2013
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780399257575

Review: In the magical land called Ellegandia, a boy named Promi survives by stealing cakes, pastries, and all sorts of sweets. When Promi steals a cake from the Divine Monk, his entire life is turned upside down. He is thrown into a dangerous dungeon, and learns of a prophecy. A prophecy that tells of someone just like him, who will bring an end to all magic. Promi wants nothing to do with this, yet he is pulled him into a battle not only on Earth, but also within the spirit realm. T.A Barron tells of the adventures of Promi in Atlantis Rising.

Atlantis Rising was amazing the entire time. Right from the start, I was hooked. Whenever something needed explaining, it was done in an exciting style. Anytime the book got boring, it quickly jumped back into action, opening my eyes and mouth even wider. For example, when Promi is having a conversation with a monk in the dungeon, the conversation ends abruptly by a scream that echoes through the corridors. Furthermore, I was astonished by the description in this book. For instance, in the forest, the leaves are mysteriously described as their color changes. Also, the characters in this book are very well developed, and you instantly form some connection to them. (Whether it be good or bad.) For example, the monk, Bonlo, has a very short part in the story, but has a big impact. Bonlo tells about a prophecy in the land of Ellegandia before he leaves the story. Boys and girls of all ages would enjoy Atlantis Rising. It is full of diverse, exciting moments, but still has a fantastic storyline.

Review written by Josh (6th grade student).

We would like to thank T. A. Barron for providing a copy of Atlantis Rising for this review.

Have you read Atlantis Rising? How would you rate it?

Review: The Tyrant's Daughter by J. C. Carleson

The Tyrant's Daughter by J. C. Carleson.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780449809976

Review: Are you interested the Middle East and conflict? Then The TyrantÕs Daughter by J.C. Carleson is the book for you. The main character in the book is Laila.

Laila lives like royalty until the day her father dies when sheÊmoves to America and everything changes. In her home country, her father had run the country, but when she, her mother and her little brother Batsien moved to America she hasnothing. Laila eventually meets friends and her life gets better. These men visit her house and then her mother starts getting gifts and money. Then she hears about these poor people who are supplying money for them. She knows she has to stop this plot before it is to late. She also meets a guy and wonders if he is right for her. Will Laila stops her mothers plan in time? Will she get the guy that she likes?

The TyrantÕs Daughter is a book that boys and girls ages 10-12 will enjoy. The book has some high level words. Boys may not be as interested in all the romance, however a girl might enjoy this element. The plot has elements of war, action, mystery, and romance. The storyline is good because you can see how the main character is feeling throughout the story. Some parts of the story are a little hard to understand. The TyrantÕs Daughter has a complex plot, and sometimes the events arenÕt always clear. The characters however are easy to understand, and their motives are clear. The TyrantÕs Daughter also gives insight into a world that is foreign to so many Americans. It is a good choice for a thought provoking novel.

Review written by Elizabeth (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Tyrant's Daughter for this review.

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