A book I have read this year is Peak by Roland Smith. Peak Marcello scales skyscrapers. Once Peak scales the skyscraper, he leaves his mark, a blue mountain, on the skyscraper. After climbing many skyscrapers Peak is caught, and his unreasonable mistake sends him to court. His life turns upside down when his dad gives him the opportunity of a lifetime, to climb Mount Everest. This book compels the reader to find out what will happen to Peak, and the thrilling novel sucks the reader in.
The age suggestion for the book is Young Adult, but Adults would also enjoy the exhilirating adventure of Peak Marcello. The published date of Peak is 8/1/2008.
A quote from the book Peak is...”My name is Peak. Yeah, I know, weird name. But you don’t get to pick your name or your parents.” One writer’s opinion on Peak was “Everything a great adventure story should be and a whole lot more-with powerful, unforgettable characters and a driving, can’t put down plot” Terry Trueman said this about the book Peak.
Peak by Roland Smith has won many awards. The awards include ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and A Junior Library Guild Selection. Another book by Roland Smith is Elephant Run.
My personal opinion on the book is that Roland Smith did an amazing job on the book. He wrote the book so that we could travel with Peak, and understand what Peak is feeling during his trip. I enjoyed the book, and I hope you read it, and enjoy it, too!
Recommended by Lucy Mulert.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur
What would you do it you were eleven years old and your mom left you
home along for weeks? Would you call someone to let then know that
your mother left you? I know that I would but in in the book Love, Aubrey
by Suzanne LaFleur, Aubrey a eleven year old girl gets abandoned
by her mother one morning. Her mother leaves while she is sleeping
so Aubrey has no idea where she went or why she went. Aubrey
does not call or tell anyone that she is staying home alone. Then, her
grandmother unexpectedly comes to Aubrey’s house to see Aubrey
and her mom. When Aubrey’s grandmother finds out that Aubrey’s
mother isn’t there, she calls the police to look for her and she takes
Aubrey home to live with her. Read this book to find out if they ever find
Aubrey’s mom. If they find her....Where did she go? Why did she go?
Love, Aubrey has not won any awards.
The recommended reading age is for ages 9 and up. Another book that LaFleur wrote is Eight Keys. If you read the book 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass, you will love
this book. A quote that I really like was part of the beginning. It said, “I
made all of my own meals. Crackers and cheese three times a day. I
watched whatever I wanted on TV all day.” Sarah Weeks, author of So
B. It, said, “LaFleur has a rare gift- an authentic middle grade voice.
Aubrey’s story is told with emotion, humor and best of all, love!” Booklist
said, “LaFleur proved she is an author to watch in this debut novel.” I
recommend this book to everyone!
Recommended by Brooke Kluesner
home along for weeks? Would you call someone to let then know that
your mother left you? I know that I would but in in the book Love, Aubrey
by Suzanne LaFleur, Aubrey a eleven year old girl gets abandoned
by her mother one morning. Her mother leaves while she is sleeping
so Aubrey has no idea where she went or why she went. Aubrey
does not call or tell anyone that she is staying home alone. Then, her
grandmother unexpectedly comes to Aubrey’s house to see Aubrey
and her mom. When Aubrey’s grandmother finds out that Aubrey’s
mother isn’t there, she calls the police to look for her and she takes
Aubrey home to live with her. Read this book to find out if they ever find
Aubrey’s mom. If they find her....Where did she go? Why did she go?
Love, Aubrey has not won any awards.
The recommended reading age is for ages 9 and up. Another book that LaFleur wrote is Eight Keys. If you read the book 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass, you will love
this book. A quote that I really like was part of the beginning. It said, “I
made all of my own meals. Crackers and cheese three times a day. I
watched whatever I wanted on TV all day.” Sarah Weeks, author of So
B. It, said, “LaFleur has a rare gift- an authentic middle grade voice.
Aubrey’s story is told with emotion, humor and best of all, love!” Booklist
said, “LaFleur proved she is an author to watch in this debut novel.” I
recommend this book to everyone!
Recommended by Brooke Kluesner
Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm
Today I’ll be recommending the book Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm. It’s about an 11 year old girl, Penny, who is living in 1953. She has great ideas of what she wants to do to have fun in the summer, but it seems like her mother is saying no to all of them. Worst of all her mom starts dating the milkman. How will she make this summer more fun? Well her troublemaker cousin, Frankie will try to help. Penny is a really great character who just wants to have fun, but will she have even less fun if she gets in trouble with Frankie? The recommended reading age is 10+. This book is most like Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson. I think Jennifer Holm writes most like Wendy Mass (She wrote Jeremy Fink and The Meaning of Life.) because they both write in the perspective of kids that are 11 and 12 and make it believable.
My favorite part from this book is “Nonny starts crying. “My Freddy good boy.” “That’s right,” Uncle Paulie says, a fat tear running down his cheek. “Regular party in here,” a voice says from the top of the stairs.” I like this part because it just shows how funny the book is. The author has also written Turtle in Paradise. This book has won a Newbery Honor and is a fast historical fiction read that will also count as award winning. The School Library Journal said, “Penny and her world are clearly drawn and eminently believable, made up of seamlessly interwoven details from everyday life.” So will Penny make this a great summer, or will her mother ruin it all?
Recommended by Laura Snyder
My favorite part from this book is “Nonny starts crying. “My Freddy good boy.” “That’s right,” Uncle Paulie says, a fat tear running down his cheek. “Regular party in here,” a voice says from the top of the stairs.” I like this part because it just shows how funny the book is. The author has also written Turtle in Paradise. This book has won a Newbery Honor and is a fast historical fiction read that will also count as award winning. The School Library Journal said, “Penny and her world are clearly drawn and eminently believable, made up of seamlessly interwoven details from everyday life.” So will Penny make this a great summer, or will her mother ruin it all?
Recommended by Laura Snyder
Sweet 16 by Kate Brian
The book, Sweet 16, by Kate Brian is a hilarious, engrossing book that will have you wondering if having it all is really all that it seems.
Everyone dreams of their Sweet 16 Party. Everyone including Teagan Phillips who has it all, the Vera Wang dress with the matching Jimmy Choos, an elite guest list, and a charming boyfriend. Other parties are cool but no one at Rosewood Prep will be able to match their party to what Teagan will host. She will have the most extravagant, expensive, and over the top sweet 16 party. She also is the most bratty and obnoxious person, but that doesn’t stop anyone from trying to get in to her party! On the big night she stumbles over some stairs and tumbles down into the county club wine cellar and blacks out. When Teagan comes back, she opens her eyes to a strange woman standing in front of her. This woman takes Teagan on a ride back in time to show her how she has made some people miserable and how she can change her life for the better. And if Teagan is lucky, this woman might be able to put the sweet back into sixteen.
This book is for girls ages 12 and up. I really enjoyed this book and so did many others. “An amazing novel that will truly give readers a better outlook on life - and how they are viewed by others,” stated Erika Sorocco. Kids Review commented, “It was a nice read and I recommend it to teenagers that would love to read a likable book that would give you a great moral.” Kate Brian is a New York Times Bestselling author. She has written many books including, Fake Boyfriend, The Private Series, and many others. This book has not won any awards but I think it is award worthy. I think that this book is similar to The Christmas Carol because Teagan is a really mean brat like Mr. Scrooge. They both see their not so bright futures and decide to change it. An excerpt from the book is, “Teagan looked up at the balloons. They really were kind of pretty. When she was little, balloons had been her favorite part of any birthday party. Her mother had always ordered so many helium balloons they crowded out the ceiling.” “The school is just fishing for another donation,” she said. This quote expresses her true feelings about some things. She is just too cool to say them! This book teaches a great moral that everyone should learn. Read to find out if spoiled and bratty Teagan Phillips can be changed for the better!
Recommended by Jenna Willer
Everyone dreams of their Sweet 16 Party. Everyone including Teagan Phillips who has it all, the Vera Wang dress with the matching Jimmy Choos, an elite guest list, and a charming boyfriend. Other parties are cool but no one at Rosewood Prep will be able to match their party to what Teagan will host. She will have the most extravagant, expensive, and over the top sweet 16 party. She also is the most bratty and obnoxious person, but that doesn’t stop anyone from trying to get in to her party! On the big night she stumbles over some stairs and tumbles down into the county club wine cellar and blacks out. When Teagan comes back, she opens her eyes to a strange woman standing in front of her. This woman takes Teagan on a ride back in time to show her how she has made some people miserable and how she can change her life for the better. And if Teagan is lucky, this woman might be able to put the sweet back into sixteen.
This book is for girls ages 12 and up. I really enjoyed this book and so did many others. “An amazing novel that will truly give readers a better outlook on life - and how they are viewed by others,” stated Erika Sorocco. Kids Review commented, “It was a nice read and I recommend it to teenagers that would love to read a likable book that would give you a great moral.” Kate Brian is a New York Times Bestselling author. She has written many books including, Fake Boyfriend, The Private Series, and many others. This book has not won any awards but I think it is award worthy. I think that this book is similar to The Christmas Carol because Teagan is a really mean brat like Mr. Scrooge. They both see their not so bright futures and decide to change it. An excerpt from the book is, “Teagan looked up at the balloons. They really were kind of pretty. When she was little, balloons had been her favorite part of any birthday party. Her mother had always ordered so many helium balloons they crowded out the ceiling.” “The school is just fishing for another donation,” she said. This quote expresses her true feelings about some things. She is just too cool to say them! This book teaches a great moral that everyone should learn. Read to find out if spoiled and bratty Teagan Phillips can be changed for the better!
Recommended by Jenna Willer
Operation Yes by Sara Lewis Holmes
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a parent in the Army? In Operation Yes by Sara Lewis Holmes, both Bo and Gari have a parent that is. Gari’s mom is an Army nurse who is suddenly deployed. With three weeks until her mom must leave, Gari is sent to live in North Carolina where her uncle, Bo’s dad, is in charge of a base. Gari does NOT want to go, but is sent anyway.
When Gari arrives in North Carolina, she is put in Bo’s classroom. Her new teacher is Ms. Loupe. She is quirky, fun, and she has a tattoo. Everyone in Room 208 LOVES The Taped Space, a rectangular box surrounding the entire front of the classroom. The Taped Space is a place where anyone can be anything: a prisoner of war, a diver in shark infested waters, or a rock star. Everything is perfect...until something happens to Ms. Loupe’s brother Mark who is stationed in Afghanistan. That thing changes everything in Room 208. No more improv in The Taped Space, which means school is just normal...school. The kids have to get Ms. Loupe back, but how? This process can only be described as Operation Yes.
Sara Lewis Holmes has only written one other book: Letters to Juliet which has won the Ursula Nordstrom Fiction Contest. The recommended reading age for Operation Yes is Young Adult. This book is unlike any other book that I’ve read. I can’t compare it to anything and I loved it! Sara Lewis Holmes’ writing style is like Mellissa De La Cruz’s style because the book goes from one main charecter to another without being confusing.
My favorite quote from this book is “Be careful what you say to others because everyone is fighting a great battle.” I like this quote because it is inspirational, and it has a lot of truth to it. American Library Association's Booklist says "...the entire tale is purest stagecraft: quick, funny, sad, full of heart, and irresistibly absorbing." Sara Stiles says, “I don’t know what i expected form this book, but I definitely loved it!”
I hope you all read this book and love it as much as I did!
Recommended by Theresa Brehm
When Gari arrives in North Carolina, she is put in Bo’s classroom. Her new teacher is Ms. Loupe. She is quirky, fun, and she has a tattoo. Everyone in Room 208 LOVES The Taped Space, a rectangular box surrounding the entire front of the classroom. The Taped Space is a place where anyone can be anything: a prisoner of war, a diver in shark infested waters, or a rock star. Everything is perfect...until something happens to Ms. Loupe’s brother Mark who is stationed in Afghanistan. That thing changes everything in Room 208. No more improv in The Taped Space, which means school is just normal...school. The kids have to get Ms. Loupe back, but how? This process can only be described as Operation Yes.
Sara Lewis Holmes has only written one other book: Letters to Juliet which has won the Ursula Nordstrom Fiction Contest. The recommended reading age for Operation Yes is Young Adult. This book is unlike any other book that I’ve read. I can’t compare it to anything and I loved it! Sara Lewis Holmes’ writing style is like Mellissa De La Cruz’s style because the book goes from one main charecter to another without being confusing.
My favorite quote from this book is “Be careful what you say to others because everyone is fighting a great battle.” I like this quote because it is inspirational, and it has a lot of truth to it. American Library Association's Booklist says "...the entire tale is purest stagecraft: quick, funny, sad, full of heart, and irresistibly absorbing." Sara Stiles says, “I don’t know what i expected form this book, but I definitely loved it!”
I hope you all read this book and love it as much as I did!
Recommended by Theresa Brehm
Guts by Gary Paulsen
The book I am reviewing is Guts by Gary Paulsen. It is an autobiography. It is about how many of the challenges Brian faces in many of Gary Paulsen’s other books such as Hatchet, Brian’s Winter, Brian’s Hunt and many more, have actually happened to him,and how he survived through these dangerous survival situations. I really liked this book and I also learned a lot of new things about survival.
One of my favorite quotes from this book is “I am living now on a sailboat in the Pacific Ocean and it is grand and beautiful and challenging, and full of mystery and, sometimes, deadly.” Kirkus Reviews says “It’s a patchwork, but an entertaining one, and as likely to win him new fans as to answer questions from his old ones.” The recommended reading age is 10-13,and this book has not won any awards. I think anyone who has read any of Gary Paulsens books should read this book to find out about this fascinating old author.
Recommended by Ross Wedewer
One of my favorite quotes from this book is “I am living now on a sailboat in the Pacific Ocean and it is grand and beautiful and challenging, and full of mystery and, sometimes, deadly.” Kirkus Reviews says “It’s a patchwork, but an entertaining one, and as likely to win him new fans as to answer questions from his old ones.” The recommended reading age is 10-13,and this book has not won any awards. I think anyone who has read any of Gary Paulsens books should read this book to find out about this fascinating old author.
Recommended by Ross Wedewer
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kinneally
A girl quarterback? Yes. Is she crazy? Not most of the time. In the book Catching Jordan by Miranda Kinneally, Jordan Woods is the starting quarterback for Hundred Oaks High School in Tennessee. She is also the team captain who gets lots of respect from the guys on her team. All is well until Tyler Green, who is an awesome quarterback, moves to town from Texas because his parents got in a car accident and he needs help taking care of his mother and sister. Ty is not only amazing at football, but he's hot too and the look of him takes Jordan out of her "zone." Jordan and Sam Henry have been best friends since they were seven years old. When Jordan and Ty become close, Henry gets really jealous, and even more when Jordan and Ty start dating. Henry goes without talking to Jordan for many days, until someone tells her that Henry has always wanted to be more that best friends with her. Jordan wonders why she never noticed that Henry liked her for more than a friend. Jordan has always wanted to play football for the University of Alabama, but when she goes for a visit, she realizes they're a bunch of jerks and has second thoughts about her dream.
All of a sudden, her life feels like a mess. Just a few months ago everything was going great. Jordan now has many decisions to make. Will she keep the position of starting QB or will Ty take her place? Will she choose to stay with Ty or fall for her best friend, Henry? Lastly, will she go to the college of her dreams or decide to go somewhere else?
This is by far the BEST book I've read all year!! If I had to rate this book from one to ten, I would definately rate it at a ten! I could not put this down and it takes a lot for me to say that about a book! In this book, you will read about teenage relationships, football, and of course drama. For anyone who liked the Dairy Queen series by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, you will love this! Murdock and Kinneally both have similar writing styles and they both write about girls playing football and falling in love. This book hasn't won any awards, but I really think it should! This is also Miranda Kinneally's first and only book as of right now. The recommended reading age for this book is ages 13 and up.
My favorite quote from the book is, "Later that night, I'm sitting on the dock, writing in my journal while watching the moon shining down on the algae-covered Lake Jordan. When I got home, I stripped out of that stupid grey dress and hurled it into the closet, where I found Henry's blue Converses nestled against a pair of my cleats. And then I noticed his Super Mario Bros. T-shirt, so I sat down in the closet and cried into Luigi's face. And then I realized how psycho that was, so I ran out to the lake. (After putting clothes on, of course.) As soon as my back was to the house, I started bawling. I don't know what's worse: me screwing up on the field and letting my team down, or knowing that Alabama never wanted me to play in the first place. Now, I keep opening and closing my cell phone. I want to call Henry so much. But why bother?" This tells about how Jordan is missing Henry so badly and that she is angry that Alabama never really wanted her to play for them.
A quote from a famous author about the book is, "Whoever said football and girls don't mix hasn't read Catching Jordan. I couldn't put it down!"
— Simone Elkeles, New York Times bestselling author of the Perfect Chemistry series
A quote about the book from a review source,"Catching Jordan is the chocolate cake you eat after a very fulfilling meal. I couldn't get enough of it and it ended way too soon. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone, because when you get right down to it, this book can be summed up in one word: AWESOMENESS!!!" -- A Cozy Reading Corner
Overall I think this is a fantastic book and you all should read it!
Recommended by Sarah Kluesner
All of a sudden, her life feels like a mess. Just a few months ago everything was going great. Jordan now has many decisions to make. Will she keep the position of starting QB or will Ty take her place? Will she choose to stay with Ty or fall for her best friend, Henry? Lastly, will she go to the college of her dreams or decide to go somewhere else?
This is by far the BEST book I've read all year!! If I had to rate this book from one to ten, I would definately rate it at a ten! I could not put this down and it takes a lot for me to say that about a book! In this book, you will read about teenage relationships, football, and of course drama. For anyone who liked the Dairy Queen series by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, you will love this! Murdock and Kinneally both have similar writing styles and they both write about girls playing football and falling in love. This book hasn't won any awards, but I really think it should! This is also Miranda Kinneally's first and only book as of right now. The recommended reading age for this book is ages 13 and up.
My favorite quote from the book is, "Later that night, I'm sitting on the dock, writing in my journal while watching the moon shining down on the algae-covered Lake Jordan. When I got home, I stripped out of that stupid grey dress and hurled it into the closet, where I found Henry's blue Converses nestled against a pair of my cleats. And then I noticed his Super Mario Bros. T-shirt, so I sat down in the closet and cried into Luigi's face. And then I realized how psycho that was, so I ran out to the lake. (After putting clothes on, of course.) As soon as my back was to the house, I started bawling. I don't know what's worse: me screwing up on the field and letting my team down, or knowing that Alabama never wanted me to play in the first place. Now, I keep opening and closing my cell phone. I want to call Henry so much. But why bother?" This tells about how Jordan is missing Henry so badly and that she is angry that Alabama never really wanted her to play for them.
A quote from a famous author about the book is, "Whoever said football and girls don't mix hasn't read Catching Jordan. I couldn't put it down!"
— Simone Elkeles, New York Times bestselling author of the Perfect Chemistry series
A quote about the book from a review source,"Catching Jordan is the chocolate cake you eat after a very fulfilling meal. I couldn't get enough of it and it ended way too soon. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone, because when you get right down to it, this book can be summed up in one word: AWESOMENESS!!!" -- A Cozy Reading Corner
Overall I think this is a fantastic book and you all should read it!
Recommended by Sarah Kluesner
Looking for Alaska by John Green
After The Hunger Games, I thought that there was no other book out there that could get my class as excited about coming in my room at the end of the day for read aloud time. The book Looking for Alaska by John Green proved me wrong! The unique set up of recounting the lives of the main characters, Pudge, The Colonel and Alaska, as defined by 'Before' and 'After' Alaska disappears leaves readers curious about what will happen on that fateful day from page one.
Looking for Alaska begins with our narrator, Pudge, leaving his typical teenage life with his parents to explore the "great perhaps" at boarding school. When he mets the Colonel and Alaska his first day on campus, his life is forever changed. He finally has close friends that he can count on and often gets into mischief with. They spend their days in class, studying/doing homework, pulling pranks and often getting into the kind of trouble teenagers are known for. Little did they know that the days 'After' would be drastically different than the 'Before' and that Alaska's disappearance would change their lives forever. John Green is a master at making the reader want to keep turning page after page until they finally resolve the storyline. The phrase page-turner has never been so appropriate.
This 256 page book is recommended for young adults. It has won multiple awards including Winner of the Michael L. Printz Award, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, An ALA Quick Pick, A Los Angeles Times 2005 Book Prize Finalist, A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age, A 2005 Booklist Editor's Choice and a 2005 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. Other books by John Green include An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Town and the soon to be released The Fault in our Stars.
Kirkus Reviews says "What sings and soars in this gorgeously told tale is Green's mastery of language and the sweet, rough edges of Pudge's voice. Girls will cry and boys will find love, lust, loss and longing in Alaska's vanilla-and-cigarettes scent." I completely agree with KLIATT's assessment that "The spirit of Holden Caulfield lives on." Anyone who has read The Catcher and the Rye and enjoyed JD Salinger's exquisitely told story of teenage angst amid the boarding school lifestyle will see the similarities within the innermost thoughts of Pudge and Holden. As Pudge first arrives at Culver Creek Boarding school his thoughts reflect these similarities, I'd never been born again with the baptism and weeping and all that, but it couldn't feel much better than being born again as a guy with no known past. Pudge enters boarding school as a nobody from any old public school in Florida and finds himself on the campus of Culver Creek, maturing into the man his previous life never allowed him to be. What did happen on the day Alaska disappeared? Only those adventurous enough to step inside John Green's world will find out.
Recommended by Ms. Steffen
Looking for Alaska begins with our narrator, Pudge, leaving his typical teenage life with his parents to explore the "great perhaps" at boarding school. When he mets the Colonel and Alaska his first day on campus, his life is forever changed. He finally has close friends that he can count on and often gets into mischief with. They spend their days in class, studying/doing homework, pulling pranks and often getting into the kind of trouble teenagers are known for. Little did they know that the days 'After' would be drastically different than the 'Before' and that Alaska's disappearance would change their lives forever. John Green is a master at making the reader want to keep turning page after page until they finally resolve the storyline. The phrase page-turner has never been so appropriate.
This 256 page book is recommended for young adults. It has won multiple awards including Winner of the Michael L. Printz Award, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, An ALA Quick Pick, A Los Angeles Times 2005 Book Prize Finalist, A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age, A 2005 Booklist Editor's Choice and a 2005 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. Other books by John Green include An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Town and the soon to be released The Fault in our Stars.
Kirkus Reviews says "What sings and soars in this gorgeously told tale is Green's mastery of language and the sweet, rough edges of Pudge's voice. Girls will cry and boys will find love, lust, loss and longing in Alaska's vanilla-and-cigarettes scent." I completely agree with KLIATT's assessment that "The spirit of Holden Caulfield lives on." Anyone who has read The Catcher and the Rye and enjoyed JD Salinger's exquisitely told story of teenage angst amid the boarding school lifestyle will see the similarities within the innermost thoughts of Pudge and Holden. As Pudge first arrives at Culver Creek Boarding school his thoughts reflect these similarities, I'd never been born again with the baptism and weeping and all that, but it couldn't feel much better than being born again as a guy with no known past. Pudge enters boarding school as a nobody from any old public school in Florida and finds himself on the campus of Culver Creek, maturing into the man his previous life never allowed him to be. What did happen on the day Alaska disappeared? Only those adventurous enough to step inside John Green's world will find out.
Recommended by Ms. Steffen
Trash by Andy Mulligan
Trash by Andy Mulligan transports you to an unknown city in Latin America, deep in the heart of political turmoil. Although none of the students in my class have ever lived a glamour lifestyle, the simple blessings we have in our every day life were made glaringly clear after reading the first chapter and being introduced to the main characters and their home built on a dumpsite. Raphael, Gardo and Rat’s daily lifestyle includes sifting through trash in hopes of finding something worth money that can help their family buy food. They encounter a multitude of challenges after finding a mysterious item in the trash that the police are eager to recover. What follows is a fast paced, engaging story involving stolen money, brutal violence, police and government corruption, as well as many more obstacles that arise as the boys try to solve the mystery. Although I would highly recommend this book, it is not light reading. There are many heavy topics that surface; I was constantly uncomfortable while reading the book, imagining the different scenarios these young boys were thrust into in order to survive.
The School Library Journal states, “Reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire, this unique adventure seamlessly incorporates secret codes, breathless getaways, corrupt bureaucrats, and a subtle moral about kids growing up in a town made of trash but deserving much better.” Trash is recommended for ages twelve to fifteen, but I think that many adults would have an eye opening experience reading this account of life in a Third World country. All too often we turn a blind eye to the injustices that are happening in the world. This novel challenges you not to look away, not to take for granted what you have in your life. Another novel written by Andy Mulligan is Return to Ribblestrop. A compelling quote from a letter in the novel is “I am writing this knowing that if it is in another man’s hands, then I am dead or soon to die. I took this money hoping that I would be the one to return it where it belongs, and I had my schemes for doing that. But I write as a dead man, I think: for they will not take me and let me live.” Who wrote this letter? Read this novel to discover the answer to that and many other questions brought about in the first chapter.
Recommended by Ms. Steffen
The School Library Journal states, “Reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire, this unique adventure seamlessly incorporates secret codes, breathless getaways, corrupt bureaucrats, and a subtle moral about kids growing up in a town made of trash but deserving much better.” Trash is recommended for ages twelve to fifteen, but I think that many adults would have an eye opening experience reading this account of life in a Third World country. All too often we turn a blind eye to the injustices that are happening in the world. This novel challenges you not to look away, not to take for granted what you have in your life. Another novel written by Andy Mulligan is Return to Ribblestrop. A compelling quote from a letter in the novel is “I am writing this knowing that if it is in another man’s hands, then I am dead or soon to die. I took this money hoping that I would be the one to return it where it belongs, and I had my schemes for doing that. But I write as a dead man, I think: for they will not take me and let me live.” Who wrote this letter? Read this novel to discover the answer to that and many other questions brought about in the first chapter.
Recommended by Ms. Steffen
Payback Time by Carl Deuker
Today I’m here to talk to you about the book Payback Time by Carl Deuker. It is a phenomenal suspenseful mystery/sports novel. This is by far my favorite book by Carl Dueker. It might even be my favorite sports novel of all time!
This book is about a young reporter named Mitch True. Mitch is the reporter for the sports section in his high school newspaper. Mitch isn’t thrilled about his new job because he doesn’t know that much about sports. That all ends when he figures out that the photographer for the sports is Kimi Yon, one of the most popular kids at school. When Mitch and Kimi arrive at the first football practice they notice something a little strange. They see a kid who throws like a champ, but when asked to show his skills to the coach, he goes flat. Mitch and Kimi look into this kid, and realized that they might have one of the biggest cases Lincoln High will ever witness.
When I finished this book I was really sad because it was over. I kept turning and turning the pages till there where no more left to turn. I loved how this book mixed sports action with mystery and suspense. I was constantly on the edge of my seat.
My favorite quote from this book was, “ When I was little my dad took me to see All The President’s Men at a theatre that shows old movies. I didn’t follow politics about Nixon and Watergate, but as I watched I knew I wanted to be a reporter.” I liked this quote because it shows how much Mitch wants to and how determined Mitch is to be a reporter.
"Told in the first person, the story is initially funny, but the humor is soon eclipsed by the suspenseful plot and the copious play-by-play football action. These elements work together to create a rousing climax, which is then followed by a softer and more reflective denouement. Nicely played. " Says Kirkus Reviews. The Bulletin raves "It's a solid Cooneyesque mystery/thriller, though, with enough straight-up gridiron action to draw a crowd, and it won't take much booktalking to sell middle-schoolers on this title."
Deuker (Gym Candy, 2003) really cranks up the suspense in his newest pageturner, combining a Seattle high-school football team’s march toward the state championship game with a school reporter’s investigation of an apparent ringer that the coach has slipped in to bolster the defense. Mitch doesn’t think much of his new assignment as sports reporter, but when he sees how Coach McNulty keeps Angel—a reclusive new student who shows star-quality abilities in practice—benched until late in each hard-fought game his suspicions are aroused. Thrilled to think that he has caught wind of an actual cheating scandal, Mitch digs into Angel’s past. What he discovers stirs up far more trouble than he has bargained for, and pitches him into a series of terrifying situations. The game action alone is riveting even for readers who don’t know a naked bootleg from a hook-and-ladder play, but Deuker enriches the tale with several well-tuned subplots and a memorable narrator/protagonist who turns a corner on his own self-image while weathering brutal tests of his courage and determination. Definitely one for the top shelf. Grades 7-10. --John Peters
Carl Deuker has also written Gym Candy, Runner, and High Heat, just to name a few. This amazing author has won many awards for several of his books such as the 2010 Popular Paperback for Young Adults, and the YA Book of the Year in five different states. Payback Time unfortunately not won any awards. The recommended reading age for this book is ages twelve and up. The copyright date for this book is 2010, so it is a rather new book. I would recommend this book to boys because it involves a lot of football and the book is seen from a boy’s point of view.
If you read this book I guarantee you will read right through the 294 pages it contains. So go ahead, give this awesome novel a try.
Recommended by Alex Merten
This book is about a young reporter named Mitch True. Mitch is the reporter for the sports section in his high school newspaper. Mitch isn’t thrilled about his new job because he doesn’t know that much about sports. That all ends when he figures out that the photographer for the sports is Kimi Yon, one of the most popular kids at school. When Mitch and Kimi arrive at the first football practice they notice something a little strange. They see a kid who throws like a champ, but when asked to show his skills to the coach, he goes flat. Mitch and Kimi look into this kid, and realized that they might have one of the biggest cases Lincoln High will ever witness.
When I finished this book I was really sad because it was over. I kept turning and turning the pages till there where no more left to turn. I loved how this book mixed sports action with mystery and suspense. I was constantly on the edge of my seat.
My favorite quote from this book was, “ When I was little my dad took me to see All The President’s Men at a theatre that shows old movies. I didn’t follow politics about Nixon and Watergate, but as I watched I knew I wanted to be a reporter.” I liked this quote because it shows how much Mitch wants to and how determined Mitch is to be a reporter.
"Told in the first person, the story is initially funny, but the humor is soon eclipsed by the suspenseful plot and the copious play-by-play football action. These elements work together to create a rousing climax, which is then followed by a softer and more reflective denouement. Nicely played. " Says Kirkus Reviews. The Bulletin raves "It's a solid Cooneyesque mystery/thriller, though, with enough straight-up gridiron action to draw a crowd, and it won't take much booktalking to sell middle-schoolers on this title."
Deuker (Gym Candy, 2003) really cranks up the suspense in his newest pageturner, combining a Seattle high-school football team’s march toward the state championship game with a school reporter’s investigation of an apparent ringer that the coach has slipped in to bolster the defense. Mitch doesn’t think much of his new assignment as sports reporter, but when he sees how Coach McNulty keeps Angel—a reclusive new student who shows star-quality abilities in practice—benched until late in each hard-fought game his suspicions are aroused. Thrilled to think that he has caught wind of an actual cheating scandal, Mitch digs into Angel’s past. What he discovers stirs up far more trouble than he has bargained for, and pitches him into a series of terrifying situations. The game action alone is riveting even for readers who don’t know a naked bootleg from a hook-and-ladder play, but Deuker enriches the tale with several well-tuned subplots and a memorable narrator/protagonist who turns a corner on his own self-image while weathering brutal tests of his courage and determination. Definitely one for the top shelf. Grades 7-10. --John Peters
Carl Deuker has also written Gym Candy, Runner, and High Heat, just to name a few. This amazing author has won many awards for several of his books such as the 2010 Popular Paperback for Young Adults, and the YA Book of the Year in five different states. Payback Time unfortunately not won any awards. The recommended reading age for this book is ages twelve and up. The copyright date for this book is 2010, so it is a rather new book. I would recommend this book to boys because it involves a lot of football and the book is seen from a boy’s point of view.
If you read this book I guarantee you will read right through the 294 pages it contains. So go ahead, give this awesome novel a try.
Recommended by Alex Merten
Football Champ by Tim Green
A book that I have read this year is Football Champ. It is written by Tim Green. This is a Footbal genius novel. This is also a book fo 8-12 year olds.This is about a kid named Troy. He is on the field and is calling all the right plays.The Falcons win again! After the game a reporter is following him around because he knows something is up. Soon he finds out that Troy is telling Seth the plays. Slowly the reporter is making a bigger and bigger story. Now that the story is broke lose, Seth and Troy’s jobs a on the line. Read to find out if they find a way to prove the reporter wrong or if they both lose their jobs. This is a suspensful book that will keep you reading until all 280 pages are done. I think this is a great book and is geared more toward boy but some girls might like too. I liked this because it is about football and relates to the NFL. The character also relates to my life because he is my age.
This book and author haven’t won any awards yet, but it is a New York Times bestselling author. A quotes from the book that Iliked was, “the noise washed over Troy, crashing from one end of the stadium to the other. I liked this part because it is telling the part were Troy throws a touch down pass. Some famous qoutes are,” Tim Green delivers another thriller with an insiders view of top sports action in this new adventure to Troy.” New York Times.”An engaging page-turner that’s full of play- by-play action.” Kirkus reviews “ A fast-paced read.” Time for kids
Recommended by Frank Brehm
This book and author haven’t won any awards yet, but it is a New York Times bestselling author. A quotes from the book that Iliked was, “the noise washed over Troy, crashing from one end of the stadium to the other. I liked this part because it is telling the part were Troy throws a touch down pass. Some famous qoutes are,” Tim Green delivers another thriller with an insiders view of top sports action in this new adventure to Troy.” New York Times.”An engaging page-turner that’s full of play- by-play action.” Kirkus reviews “ A fast-paced read.” Time for kids
Recommended by Frank Brehm
Lies by Michael Grant
My friends, I have come here to tell you about a thrilling book called Lies by Michael Grant. It is about a small southern California surfer town named Perdido Beach. In Perdido Beach, kids are stuck inside the FAYZ (Fallout Alley Youth Zone), where all the people above the age of 15 just disappeared. Some kids and animals have gotten odd mutations. The kids have been in the FAYZ for seven months and food, gasoline, and morals are running low. Everything, except weirdness. People are coming back from the grave, the Prophetess is telling people that you can leave the FAYZ by death, and people are turning into cannibals. The Human Crew are a bunch of kids who are the like the KKK to mutants. This 464 page book if full of many different characters, plot twists, and parts that will make you read till the wee hours of the morning. Will the Human Crew kill all the mutants? Will more people come back from the grave? Will people die just to get out of the FAYZ? What other mysteries does the FAYZ hold?
Young adults will fall in love with this fantasy/science fiction/suspense book. Stephen King said, “This is great fiction. I love these books.”
I love this book because there is a lot of action, a bundle of mutations, and it sparks so many questions it makes you want to keep reading. I think Michael Grant is like Stephen King because there is also a whole bunch of horror which Stephen King writes.
One of my favorite parts of this book is when there is a town council meeting and Howard, a drug and alcohol dealer, says “He wanted to go running home to Mommy, what can I say? Of course, it's hard for me to believe that anyone would choose to step out of the FAYZ. I mean, where else do you get to eat rats, use your backyard for a toilet, and live in fear for nineteen different kinds of scary?" This book was copyrighted in April 2010. The ALA Booklist said “Grant continues to hurtle through an endlessly fascinating (and increasingly grim) story line...” Michael Grant is a wonderful author. He has wrote more than 150 books. His most popular books are Gone, Hunger, and Plague, which are part of the Gone series. He has also wrote started to write the Magnificent 12 series, which consists of The Call and The Trap. None of these have one any awards.
All the characters come together to make a riveting story that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Will the Human Crew kill all the mutants? Will more people come back from the grave? Will people die just to get out of the FAYZ? What other mysteries does the FAYZ hold? Read this suspenseful novel to find out.
Recommended by Carl Schneider
Young adults will fall in love with this fantasy/science fiction/suspense book. Stephen King said, “This is great fiction. I love these books.”
I love this book because there is a lot of action, a bundle of mutations, and it sparks so many questions it makes you want to keep reading. I think Michael Grant is like Stephen King because there is also a whole bunch of horror which Stephen King writes.
One of my favorite parts of this book is when there is a town council meeting and Howard, a drug and alcohol dealer, says “He wanted to go running home to Mommy, what can I say? Of course, it's hard for me to believe that anyone would choose to step out of the FAYZ. I mean, where else do you get to eat rats, use your backyard for a toilet, and live in fear for nineteen different kinds of scary?" This book was copyrighted in April 2010. The ALA Booklist said “Grant continues to hurtle through an endlessly fascinating (and increasingly grim) story line...” Michael Grant is a wonderful author. He has wrote more than 150 books. His most popular books are Gone, Hunger, and Plague, which are part of the Gone series. He has also wrote started to write the Magnificent 12 series, which consists of The Call and The Trap. None of these have one any awards.
All the characters come together to make a riveting story that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Will the Human Crew kill all the mutants? Will more people come back from the grave? Will people die just to get out of the FAYZ? What other mysteries does the FAYZ hold? Read this suspenseful novel to find out.
Recommended by Carl Schneider
Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo
Have you ever wondered what heaven looks like? Today I will be recommending the book Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. Experience heaven first hand by a three year old boy, Colten. Colten’s family found out that after five days of Colten’s stomach hurting, he had a burst appendix. While Colten “left his body” during surgery he got to met Jesus and the angels. Although Colten’s heart never stopped beating, he still went to heaven for three minutes. I think that everyone who believes in God should read this book. This life changing novel will alter the way you look at heaven and God. You will never believe all of the things Colten saw in heaven! This convincing and powerful novel will make you want to go to heaven also. This heart touching will leave you thinking about it for days to follow.
This192 page book is recommended for young adults.This book has gotten a four star rating according to Barnes and Nobel. Unfortunately this novel has not won any awards. Other books by this author are Heaven is for Real for Kids. A picture book for children.
Don Piper (author of 90 Minutes in Heaven) declared, “You will be moved by the honest, simple, childlike accounts of a little boy who has been to heaven. It’s compelling and convincing. It’s a book you should read. If you’re ready to go to heaven, this book will inspire you. If you’re not ready for heaven, allow a little child to lead you. Like Colten says, Heaven Is For Real.” Once you read this book you will agree with this statement by Ron Hall, “A beautifully written glimpse into heaven that will encourage those who doubt and thrill those who believe.” Heaven is for Real ties with the book 90 minutes in heaven. Both of these books has the same storyline, going to heaven to see all the magical and majestic things. Two totally different people going to heaven, both with the same story to tell all! My favorite quote from this book is, “Colten turned his eyes up and to the right, the attitude of remembering. Well, they sang Jesus Loves Me and Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho. He said earnestly, I asked them to sing We Will Will Rock You, but the angels wouldn’t sing that!” I really like this quote because it makes me laugh that
Colten asked the angels to sing that song. Colten must have really liked that song. I wonder why the angels didn’t sing that song to him?
As soon as you start to read this book, you will not want to put it down. This is a very captivating novel that will hold your attention until you finish it. Will Colten be able to describe every thing he saw to his parents? Read to find out!
Recommended by Morgan Olsem
I would like to recommend the book Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo which was copyrighted in 2010. This book is #1 New York Times bestseller. I would recommend this book to boys or girls. This outstanding book is about a little boy named Colton’s experience of his trip to heaven and back. During an emergency appendectomy, Colton, as he described to his family, took a trip to heaven where angels sang to him and he got to meet people that he has never seen before. While Colton was in heaven, he got to meet his great-grandpa or ‘pop’ as he would describe it. He also got to meet his sister, who was miscarried in his mother’s stomach. Have you ever met or heard of someone that has gone to heaven and then came back? Read this awesome book to find out all about Colton’s experience.
When Colton first told his parents about his trip to heaven, this is one of the conversations he had with them, “Do you remember the hospital Colton?” Sonja said. “Yes mommy, I remember.” he said. “That’s where the angels sang to me.” “Compelling and convincing. It’s a book you should read.” Don piper author of 19 minutes states. This author has not written any other books. Overall, I think that this is a book that all of you should read.
Recommended by Maria Morrison
This192 page book is recommended for young adults.This book has gotten a four star rating according to Barnes and Nobel. Unfortunately this novel has not won any awards. Other books by this author are Heaven is for Real for Kids. A picture book for children.
Don Piper (author of 90 Minutes in Heaven) declared, “You will be moved by the honest, simple, childlike accounts of a little boy who has been to heaven. It’s compelling and convincing. It’s a book you should read. If you’re ready to go to heaven, this book will inspire you. If you’re not ready for heaven, allow a little child to lead you. Like Colten says, Heaven Is For Real.” Once you read this book you will agree with this statement by Ron Hall, “A beautifully written glimpse into heaven that will encourage those who doubt and thrill those who believe.” Heaven is for Real ties with the book 90 minutes in heaven. Both of these books has the same storyline, going to heaven to see all the magical and majestic things. Two totally different people going to heaven, both with the same story to tell all! My favorite quote from this book is, “Colten turned his eyes up and to the right, the attitude of remembering. Well, they sang Jesus Loves Me and Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho. He said earnestly, I asked them to sing We Will Will Rock You, but the angels wouldn’t sing that!” I really like this quote because it makes me laugh that
Colten asked the angels to sing that song. Colten must have really liked that song. I wonder why the angels didn’t sing that song to him?
As soon as you start to read this book, you will not want to put it down. This is a very captivating novel that will hold your attention until you finish it. Will Colten be able to describe every thing he saw to his parents? Read to find out!
Recommended by Morgan Olsem
I would like to recommend the book Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo which was copyrighted in 2010. This book is #1 New York Times bestseller. I would recommend this book to boys or girls. This outstanding book is about a little boy named Colton’s experience of his trip to heaven and back. During an emergency appendectomy, Colton, as he described to his family, took a trip to heaven where angels sang to him and he got to meet people that he has never seen before. While Colton was in heaven, he got to meet his great-grandpa or ‘pop’ as he would describe it. He also got to meet his sister, who was miscarried in his mother’s stomach. Have you ever met or heard of someone that has gone to heaven and then came back? Read this awesome book to find out all about Colton’s experience.
When Colton first told his parents about his trip to heaven, this is one of the conversations he had with them, “Do you remember the hospital Colton?” Sonja said. “Yes mommy, I remember.” he said. “That’s where the angels sang to me.” “Compelling and convincing. It’s a book you should read.” Don piper author of 19 minutes states. This author has not written any other books. Overall, I think that this is a book that all of you should read.
Recommended by Maria Morrison
Smile by Raina Telgemaier
Hello, the book I have chosen to share with you all today is Smile by Raina Telgemaier. This 214 page graphic novel is a very quick read for anyone. I think this book is pushed more toward girls than boys.
All Raina wants to be is a cool sixth grader. One night after girl scouts Raina starts to run home, when she trips and falls right on her face. When she does so, her two front teeth fall out. She finds one, but where’s the other one? The head straight to the dentist to find that her tooth when up into her gum. Frustrating years with braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and a retainer with fake teeth attached. While going through all of that she still struggles with boys, friends, and parents. This book, for me, was really easy to relate to because of all of the orthodontist issues she went through.
"Telgemeier's storytelling and full-color cartoony images form a story that will cheer and inspire any middle-schooler dealing with orthodontia." states Booklist.
The author’s writing styles seemed a lot like Vera Brosgol, the author of Anya’s Ghost. They are both really great graphic novel authors. Raina Telgemaier has not won any awards yet. She has also self-published mini-comics called Take-Out, a short story in Bizarro World for DC Comics a short story in Volume 4 of the Flight anthology, and four graphic novel adaptations of Ann M Martin’s The Baby-sitters club series. For Scholastic/Graphix she wrote Kristy's Great Idea, The Truth About Stacey, Mary Anne Saves the Day and Claudia and Mean Janine.
This book didn’t have a lot of quotes but my favorite part of this book is when she gets a little cast on her teeth and could say her s’s for a day or so. I think all of you should read this book especially if you are looking for a book to finish really quickly to reach 40 books.
Recommended by Claire Nieman
All Raina wants to be is a cool sixth grader. One night after girl scouts Raina starts to run home, when she trips and falls right on her face. When she does so, her two front teeth fall out. She finds one, but where’s the other one? The head straight to the dentist to find that her tooth when up into her gum. Frustrating years with braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and a retainer with fake teeth attached. While going through all of that she still struggles with boys, friends, and parents. This book, for me, was really easy to relate to because of all of the orthodontist issues she went through.
"Telgemeier's storytelling and full-color cartoony images form a story that will cheer and inspire any middle-schooler dealing with orthodontia." states Booklist.
The author’s writing styles seemed a lot like Vera Brosgol, the author of Anya’s Ghost. They are both really great graphic novel authors. Raina Telgemaier has not won any awards yet. She has also self-published mini-comics called Take-Out, a short story in Bizarro World for DC Comics a short story in Volume 4 of the Flight anthology, and four graphic novel adaptations of Ann M Martin’s The Baby-sitters club series. For Scholastic/Graphix she wrote Kristy's Great Idea, The Truth About Stacey, Mary Anne Saves the Day and Claudia and Mean Janine.
This book didn’t have a lot of quotes but my favorite part of this book is when she gets a little cast on her teeth and could say her s’s for a day or so. I think all of you should read this book especially if you are looking for a book to finish really quickly to reach 40 books.
Recommended by Claire Nieman
Notes From the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick
Hello Classmates, today I would like to recommend the book Notes From the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick. The recommend reading age is young adult. Jordan Sonnenblick has never won any awards on his books. Some of the books he has written are Drums, Girls, And Dangerous Pie, Ever After Ever, and Zen and the Art of Faking it.
Notes From the Midnight Driver is about a boy named Alex. He drove to his fathers house and was underage and drank. While backing up from the driveway he backs into his neighbors yard. By the time he gets out of the car the cops were already there. Alex gets 100 hours of community service because he got caught for drinking and driving. He chooses to work in a nursing home with Sol Lewis. This old guy who has emphysema, played guitar in his younger ages. Alex also plays guitar and Sol gives him some lessons and he preforms in front of the nursing home patients. Read to find out what Sol teaches Alex and find out the little bond Sol and Alex make. I like Sol the best because even though he is in a nursing home is always very happy! :) The plot in this book takes place a lot at Alex’s house and the nursing home.
Have you ever wanted to read a book and put your body in someones shoes? This is a book for you. This book explains everything very well, it feels like you are right there. This book reminded me of Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by the same author. It reminds me of this because it talks about a boys life and the troubles he has because of one thing that happened. In Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie it talked about a boy and his life because his little brother got cancer. In Notes from the Midnight Driver it talks about Alex and his life because he got caught drinking and driving. “Readers will be nodding with recognition, sighing in sympathy, and gasping with laughter-often on the same page,” quoted The Horn Book, starred review. My favorite part of this book would be the back because I would have never picked this book up from the front cover. Since I read the back it made me get into it.
“Alex Peter Gregory, you are a moron!” Laurie slammed he palms down on my desk and stomped her foot. I get a lot of that. One car crash. One measly little car crash. And suddenly, I am some kind of convicted felon. My parents are getting divorced, my dad is shacking up with my third-grade teacher. I might be in love with a girl who could kill me with one finger, and now I am sentenced to baby-sit some insane old guy. What else could possibly go wrong? This is the story of Alex Gregory, his guitar, his best pal Laurie, and the friendship of a lifetime that he never would have expected. So just remember never to judge a book by its cover. Hope you all read this book!
Recommended by Megan Maahs
Notes From the Midnight Driver is about a boy named Alex. He drove to his fathers house and was underage and drank. While backing up from the driveway he backs into his neighbors yard. By the time he gets out of the car the cops were already there. Alex gets 100 hours of community service because he got caught for drinking and driving. He chooses to work in a nursing home with Sol Lewis. This old guy who has emphysema, played guitar in his younger ages. Alex also plays guitar and Sol gives him some lessons and he preforms in front of the nursing home patients. Read to find out what Sol teaches Alex and find out the little bond Sol and Alex make. I like Sol the best because even though he is in a nursing home is always very happy! :) The plot in this book takes place a lot at Alex’s house and the nursing home.
Have you ever wanted to read a book and put your body in someones shoes? This is a book for you. This book explains everything very well, it feels like you are right there. This book reminded me of Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by the same author. It reminds me of this because it talks about a boys life and the troubles he has because of one thing that happened. In Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie it talked about a boy and his life because his little brother got cancer. In Notes from the Midnight Driver it talks about Alex and his life because he got caught drinking and driving. “Readers will be nodding with recognition, sighing in sympathy, and gasping with laughter-often on the same page,” quoted The Horn Book, starred review. My favorite part of this book would be the back because I would have never picked this book up from the front cover. Since I read the back it made me get into it.
“Alex Peter Gregory, you are a moron!” Laurie slammed he palms down on my desk and stomped her foot. I get a lot of that. One car crash. One measly little car crash. And suddenly, I am some kind of convicted felon. My parents are getting divorced, my dad is shacking up with my third-grade teacher. I might be in love with a girl who could kill me with one finger, and now I am sentenced to baby-sit some insane old guy. What else could possibly go wrong? This is the story of Alex Gregory, his guitar, his best pal Laurie, and the friendship of a lifetime that he never would have expected. So just remember never to judge a book by its cover. Hope you all read this book!
Recommended by Megan Maahs
Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
I am doing my book review on Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. It is a realistic fiction that is 64% geared for boys and the rest girls. The copyright date is 1993. It also has 149 pages that are waiting to be turned.
The plot is about two boys named Max and Kevin met for the first time when they were both in day care. Max was an angry kid called Kicker because he kicked everyone, while Kevin called himself Robot Man because of the leg braces he had to wear. Then Kevin stopped coming to day care, and the boys lost contact until they saw one another briefly in third grade.
The summer before eighth grade, Kevin and his mother moved in next door to Max’s grandparents’ house, where he lived in the basement. The boys meet again when Max helps Kevin get his mechanical bird from the tree where it is stuck. The two boys became Freak the Mighty.
It was going as good as the Cardinals are right now until rumors spread about how Kevin’s dad Killer Kane escapes out of prison. What will Kevin do? What will Max do? Read this extremely, awesome, extrordinary, fun Newberry Award winning book.
Kirkus Reviews says that “This book is one that everyone at the middle school level should be forced to read.”
“The only real treasure is in your head. Memories are better than diamonds and nobody can steal them from you” from The Last Book in the Universe
Rodman Philbrick also wrote The Young Man in the Sea.
Recommended by Graham Vaughan
The plot is about two boys named Max and Kevin met for the first time when they were both in day care. Max was an angry kid called Kicker because he kicked everyone, while Kevin called himself Robot Man because of the leg braces he had to wear. Then Kevin stopped coming to day care, and the boys lost contact until they saw one another briefly in third grade.
The summer before eighth grade, Kevin and his mother moved in next door to Max’s grandparents’ house, where he lived in the basement. The boys meet again when Max helps Kevin get his mechanical bird from the tree where it is stuck. The two boys became Freak the Mighty.
It was going as good as the Cardinals are right now until rumors spread about how Kevin’s dad Killer Kane escapes out of prison. What will Kevin do? What will Max do? Read this extremely, awesome, extrordinary, fun Newberry Award winning book.
Kirkus Reviews says that “This book is one that everyone at the middle school level should be forced to read.”
“The only real treasure is in your head. Memories are better than diamonds and nobody can steal them from you” from The Last Book in the Universe
Rodman Philbrick also wrote The Young Man in the Sea.
Recommended by Graham Vaughan
Trapped by Michael Northrup
I recently read the book Trapped by Michael Northrup. I liked this book because of the connections I can make with the characters. It’s about Scotty Weems and 6 other kids that are snowed in at their school. They all are waiting for their rides when a horrible blizzard sweeps New England. They’re not scared at first but as the hours pass and the snow gets higher they all are wondering when the snow will stop and when they’ll be rescued. Will the live or perish in the sheer cold, you’ll have to read to find out!!!! My favorite quote from the book is “School, practice, homework, whatever. Excuse me for not watching the stupid Weather Channel”, I like this quote because my friends always wonder why I don’t watch the news. The appropriate reading age is young adult. The Booklist says “It’s a setup just plausible enough to give you chills. A nor’easter, which will ultimately be known as the worst blizzard in U.S. history, sweeps into a rural New England community, trapping seven kids inside their high school for days. Northrop begins with some dark foreshadowing—“Not all of us made it”—which makes the students’ gradual realization of their predicament all the more frightening. First the snow piles up past the windows; then the water pipes freeze; then the roof starts making ominous noises. What begins as a sort of life-or-death The Breakfast Club (there’s the delinquent, the pretty girl, the athlete, and so on) quickly turns into a battle for survival. The book is too short; in many ways, that’s a compliment. Northrop establishes so many juicy conflicts and potential disasters that you long to see them carried out to their full, gruesome potential. Instead, the book ends right when it’s hitting its stride—but there’s no denying that the pages turn like wildfire.”
Recommended by Nolan Kennedy
Recommended by Nolan Kennedy
The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau
The People of Sparks is a thrilling science fiction novele by Jeanne DuPrau, book of the Ember series #2. Doon and Lina went on an adventure to discover new land and found a city miles from where they traveled. After a cliff hanger in The City of Ember It picks right back up in The People of Sparks. Doon and Lina had led there whole town to safety. Something people have been dreaming for years. After the People of Ember are welcomed to the new town with shelter, food, and with only a limited amount of resources that will help them surive things quickly go wrong.Conflicts arrive between the to after vandilisim is discovered within the town. From vandillism to violenice battle is broke out among the groups. Lina sneaks away and when she comes back she’s welcomed with a surpise. With a shocking twist in the end readers will be amazed. After years and years thing are revealed to the towns. Something that could change eveything.
Some of my favorite quotes are: “The City of Ember? What’s that? I’ve never heard of it”
and “"Remember the city, the city remember Where treasure is hidden under the ground
The city, the city, always remember”
I think this book is best for ages 9-12 years old but is a fun, adventurous, easy read for young adults.
Publishers Weekly: In this ambitious sequel to The City of Ember, "DuPrau offers a thought-provoking novel about brinkmanship and the way societies can plant the insidious seeds of war,"
“DuPrau clearly explores themes of nonviolence and when to stand up for someone else”-School Library Journal
“The fast paced tale of post-Apocalyptic strife will resonate with new and returning fans alike”-Kirkus Reviews
I recamend this book for anyone that loves adventurous and books packed full of surprises. And for a quick read!
Recommended by Ashley Botsford
Some of my favorite quotes are: “The City of Ember? What’s that? I’ve never heard of it”
and “"Remember the city, the city remember Where treasure is hidden under the ground
The city, the city, always remember”
I think this book is best for ages 9-12 years old but is a fun, adventurous, easy read for young adults.
Publishers Weekly: In this ambitious sequel to The City of Ember, "DuPrau offers a thought-provoking novel about brinkmanship and the way societies can plant the insidious seeds of war,"
“DuPrau clearly explores themes of nonviolence and when to stand up for someone else”-School Library Journal
“The fast paced tale of post-Apocalyptic strife will resonate with new and returning fans alike”-Kirkus Reviews
I recamend this book for anyone that loves adventurous and books packed full of surprises. And for a quick read!
Recommended by Ashley Botsford
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
For the past two years, The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins has captivated the audiences in my classroom. My first group of 8th graders to read this novel with me anxiously raced back to my classroom at the end of the day to see what was in store for our multidimensional characters. This unique series takes place in the future in an area once known as North America. The people are now under the control of the Capitol, which is ruled by sinister people who force each District to send one boy and one girl to participate in The Hunger Games. The children sent to The Hunger Games are forced to fight to the death on television while the whole nation of Panem watches. Readers will fall in love with the main characters, Katniss and Peeta, as they journey from District 12 into the cruel and harsh circumstances of The Hunger Games. Who will make it out alive? You will have to read to find out what happens to our beloved characters.
The follow up books in the series, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, are equally engaging. Suzanne Collins has also written the Underland Chronicles series. This book is recommended for young adults and has earned four and a half out of five stars from the customers on the Barnes and Nobles website. Kirkus Reviews states that the book showcases “impressive world-building, breathtaking action and clear philosophical concerns.” The New York Times calls this book “brilliantly plotted and perfectly paced.” To me, one of the most gripping quotes from the book is “Whatever words they use, the real message is clear. Look how we take your children and sacrifice them and there’s nothing you can do.” I believe this quote shows how destructive and inhumane their government is throughout this series. This book brilliantly shows how the human spirit can endure the presence of evil and try to overcome the obstacles life presents. A must read for both young adults and mature readers!
Recommended by Ms. Steffen
The follow up books in the series, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, are equally engaging. Suzanne Collins has also written the Underland Chronicles series. This book is recommended for young adults and has earned four and a half out of five stars from the customers on the Barnes and Nobles website. Kirkus Reviews states that the book showcases “impressive world-building, breathtaking action and clear philosophical concerns.” The New York Times calls this book “brilliantly plotted and perfectly paced.” To me, one of the most gripping quotes from the book is “Whatever words they use, the real message is clear. Look how we take your children and sacrifice them and there’s nothing you can do.” I believe this quote shows how destructive and inhumane their government is throughout this series. This book brilliantly shows how the human spirit can endure the presence of evil and try to overcome the obstacles life presents. A must read for both young adults and mature readers!
Recommended by Ms. Steffen
Welcome!
Welcome to our 6th Grade Book Reviews website!
To view the 8th Grade Book Reviews website filled with book recommendations from former students, click on: http://seton8thgradebookreviews.blogspot.com/
I will begin the year with previous book reviews that I have written, along with a few reviews copied from the 8th Grade Book Reviews website to give you some ideas for books to add to your 'Books to Read' list in your Reading Journal. Happy Reading!
To view the 8th Grade Book Reviews website filled with book recommendations from former students, click on: http://seton8thgradebookreviews.blogspot.com/
I will begin the year with previous book reviews that I have written, along with a few reviews copied from the 8th Grade Book Reviews website to give you some ideas for books to add to your 'Books to Read' list in your Reading Journal. Happy Reading!
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