Today I am doing my book review on the book A Walk to Remember, by Nicholas Sparks. It is a fiction novel with a ton of suspense. The inspiration for this novel came from Nicholas Sparks's sister: her life and her courage. It is one of my favorite books yet.
It is about a seventeen-year-old boy who is considered cool in his school. That is until he does something that crosses the line. He goes to the dance with the Minister’s
daughter. As a kid, Landon used to make fun of Hegbert Sullivan, and up until that day, he still had made fun of him. When he falls for Jamie Sullivan, he never knew he would go this far for someone he loved. What does he do? What will people think of him? What do you think will happen? I really liked this book a lot because it was extremely heartfelt, and it was just so page turning! My reaction at the end was so emotional because it was so sad.
My favorite quote from this book is the very beginning. “When I was seventeen my life changed forever…. I’m fifty-seven years old, but even now I remember everything from that year, down to the smallest details. I relive that year very often in my mind, bringing it back to life, and I realize that when I do, I always feel a strange combination of sadness and joy… This is my story; I promise to leave nothing out.
First you will smile, and then you will cry- don’t say you haven’t been warned…
And so begins a tale of true love, first love, and everlasting love that you will never forget…”
“Sparks makes the story seem real, even as he makes his characters seem real. Part of the allure is that we want to believe that love can be pure and that good wins out in the end. Sparks helps us maintain that belief.” Says the Wisconsin State Journal. The Salisbury Post (North Carolina) says, “One of the books you’ll definitely want to read by a cozy fire in the winter… This book quickly joined Sparks’s others as highly acclaimed creations. And with fine reason. Take this “walk” with Sparks. You’ll be glad you did.”
Nicholas Sparks has also written Dear John, Message in a Bottle, The Last Song, and The Notebook. All of these have been made into movies, some of which you might have seen. I have seen the movie, The Last Song, but have not read the book. He has not won any awards, and the recommended age for this book is young adult to adult. It was copyrighted in 1999. I would say it is for both boys and girls because the main character is a boy, Landon. It is partially for girls because it is a romance novel mostly girls like to read.
Kirkus Reviews says: “Sparks (The Notebook, 1996; Message in a Bottle, 1998) carries on in his determined effort to make people cry, this time with an old premise, slow windup, and wobbly pitch. In 1958, high-school senior Landon Carter is 17. Even though his father is a US Congressman, Landon's best friends are on the taunting, swaggering side—football players and such, who hang around at the local drive-in and flaunt their disrespect. So it's strange indeed when Landon gets involved with the nicest girl in town—classmate Jamie Sullivan, who carries a Bible everywhere she goes, does endless good deeds, and is the only child of the widowed Rev. Hegbert Sullivan, the churchman whom Landon and gang love to throw taunts after from hiding places behind trees. But Landon has enrolled in a drama class (for the easy A), and that class is responsible for putting on the annual Christmas play, written by Hegbert, which will be special this year because the author's beloved daughter will have the female lead—she's an angel who ministers to a sorrow-filled widower. When Jamie asks Landon if he won't please be the male lead, what can he say? And what can he do, as rehearsals go on, when he starts not only respecting Jamie, but liking her? Embarrassing as it is before his friends, Landon starts helping her do good deeds, and, on performance night, seeing her true beauty for the first time, falls in love with her. Oh, say it isn't so—since great, deep sorrow lies ahead. For Jamie has a secret that, when she tells it to her loving Landon, explains everything—the Bible she carries, new meanings in the Christmas play, even Jamie's reasons for finding it really special this year. Sparks pulls out all the stops as Landon, from a vantage of 40 years later, tells the story out to its teary end. Weepy wisdom aimed at the holiday trade.”
Recommended by Isabel Brehm
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Million Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica
I am doing my book review on Million Dollar Throw. It is written by Mike Lupica. It is about a kid named Nate Brodie. He is a starting QB for his eight grade team. His friends cal him Brady because he has a great arm and loves Tom Brady. Nate is saving up his money to buy a football that is signed by Tom Brady that costs over 500 dollars. In it there is a chance to win a million dollars. He is doing better than ever before and then he starts losing it. Then he finds out that his best friend Abby is starting to lose her sight. Then out of the blue his dad loses his job. Now a million dollars could go a long ways. Soon he keeps doing worse and worse on the field. Read to find out if he makes the throw or if he misses. This is a suspenseful book that keeps you on the edge of your chair. I think this is a great book and it always keeps you wanting to read more. It is 256 page book but it goes by in a hurry.
This book hasn’t won any awards. The recomended reading age is 9-12. Other books by the same author are The Batboy, The Big Field, Travel Team and many more. These books are a like because they are about sports. Some Quotes are, "Lupica's football action engages, and his delineation of the athlete's thought process and emotional highs and lows of competition feels visceral and real." from Kirkus review. Another is, "Lupica delivers another smooth, well-paced, character-driven novel." from the School Library Journal. A quote from the book is,”I knew it was happening, but I didn’t want to believe it.”
Recommended by Frank Brehm
This book hasn’t won any awards. The recomended reading age is 9-12. Other books by the same author are The Batboy, The Big Field, Travel Team and many more. These books are a like because they are about sports. Some Quotes are, "Lupica's football action engages, and his delineation of the athlete's thought process and emotional highs and lows of competition feels visceral and real." from Kirkus review. Another is, "Lupica delivers another smooth, well-paced, character-driven novel." from the School Library Journal. A quote from the book is,”I knew it was happening, but I didn’t want to believe it.”
Recommended by Frank Brehm
Exposed by Kimberly Marcus
I am going to tell you about the book Exposed by Kimberly Marcus. This book is about a girl named Liz and her best friend Kate. They have a tradition that one Saturday a month they go over to each other's house and have a sleep over. One night of the sleep over when Liz was making fun of Kate’s boyfriend, they got into a horrible fight. When Liz realized that Kate wouldn’t talk to her anymore, Liz went upstairs to bed leaving Kate downstairs. Liz later realized that she made had a horrible mistake. This horrible mistake causes to break their friendship. Will LIz and Kate ever become friends again?
This 272 page book is written in poetry form so if you need a quick read pick this one! Exposed always found a way to make you want to keep reading. I think that I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5. This is a book that offers many different feelings when you are reading. Exposed is an awesome book and I really think that you should take my advice and read it!
I think this book reminds me of The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen. They are both about girls who have a really big problem in life and they don’t want to believe it is true. They both have to find a way to solve it. There is one other book written by Kimberly Marcus. It is called Scritch-Scratch a Perfect Match which is a picture book. I really think that Marcus should write more books for our age group because I really enjoyed this one! This book is recommended for young adults. This book has not won any awards.
A quote from the book is : “In the dim light of the darkroom, I'm alone, but not for long.
As white turns to gray, Kate is with me.
The background of the dance studio blurred, so the focus is all on her
legs extended in a perfect soaring split.
The straight line to my squiggle,
my forever-best friend.”
Kirkus says “Accessibly poetic free verse. Realistically distressing. Well-honed.”
“Gripping and thoughtful, Exposed takes a penetrating look at how a single night can change you forever.” From Patricia McCormick, author of Sold, a National Book Award finalist.
Recommended by Sarah Kluesner
This 272 page book is written in poetry form so if you need a quick read pick this one! Exposed always found a way to make you want to keep reading. I think that I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5. This is a book that offers many different feelings when you are reading. Exposed is an awesome book and I really think that you should take my advice and read it!
I think this book reminds me of The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen. They are both about girls who have a really big problem in life and they don’t want to believe it is true. They both have to find a way to solve it. There is one other book written by Kimberly Marcus. It is called Scritch-Scratch a Perfect Match which is a picture book. I really think that Marcus should write more books for our age group because I really enjoyed this one! This book is recommended for young adults. This book has not won any awards.
A quote from the book is : “In the dim light of the darkroom, I'm alone, but not for long.
As white turns to gray, Kate is with me.
The background of the dance studio blurred, so the focus is all on her
legs extended in a perfect soaring split.
The straight line to my squiggle,
my forever-best friend.”
Kirkus says “Accessibly poetic free verse. Realistically distressing. Well-honed.”
“Gripping and thoughtful, Exposed takes a penetrating look at how a single night can change you forever.” From Patricia McCormick, author of Sold, a National Book Award finalist.
Recommended by Sarah Kluesner
The Lying Game by Sara Shepard
What if you and your lost lost twin were supposed to meet, but that day, your twin disappears?
I read the book The Lying Game by Sara Shepherd. it is another gripping series from her amazing writing style. There is a quote from the beginning of the book that I really like and it is, “We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.” -Kurt Vonnegut.
Emma and Sutton are twins that have never met. They don’t even know that they have a twin. Until a video gets released of Sutton getting strangled. Emma thinks Sutton’s still alive and goes from her horrible foster home in Las Vegas to Tuscon, Az. To go live with Sutton. When she gets there, She gets a note from the killer saying that she has to pretend to Sutton. Emma doesn’t even know Sutton’s sister’s name!
“Shepard keeps the action rolling and the clues confusing as she spends this installment uncovering the twins’ characters but not solving the murder yet.” that was many of the influential comments from Kirkus reviews. This book is recommended as a paranormal chick lit.(14 & up) again from Kirkus reviews. I could not find any authors who quoted on this book, or any awards(although it should). Sara Shepherd has also written the Pretty Little Liars Series. These books are similar to The Lying Game, in writing style only.
My favorite character is Sutton as a ghost following Emma around because you think Sutton would know all about her life and her murder. But she doesn’t . She doesn’t remember anything from her old life.
Recommended by Anna Luber
I read the book The Lying Game by Sara Shepherd. it is another gripping series from her amazing writing style. There is a quote from the beginning of the book that I really like and it is, “We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.” -Kurt Vonnegut.
Emma and Sutton are twins that have never met. They don’t even know that they have a twin. Until a video gets released of Sutton getting strangled. Emma thinks Sutton’s still alive and goes from her horrible foster home in Las Vegas to Tuscon, Az. To go live with Sutton. When she gets there, She gets a note from the killer saying that she has to pretend to Sutton. Emma doesn’t even know Sutton’s sister’s name!
“Shepard keeps the action rolling and the clues confusing as she spends this installment uncovering the twins’ characters but not solving the murder yet.” that was many of the influential comments from Kirkus reviews. This book is recommended as a paranormal chick lit.(14 & up) again from Kirkus reviews. I could not find any authors who quoted on this book, or any awards(although it should). Sara Shepherd has also written the Pretty Little Liars Series. These books are similar to The Lying Game, in writing style only.
My favorite character is Sutton as a ghost following Emma around because you think Sutton would know all about her life and her murder. But she doesn’t . She doesn’t remember anything from her old life.
Recommended by Anna Luber
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
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
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
Crash by Jerry Spinelli
I read the book Crash by Jerry Spinelli. It is about a 7th grade boy named Crash who is a great football player! one game he does something unremarkable on the football that the school has never seen I loved this part. He also does very dumb outside the football field to his week vegetarian neighbor, he bullies him. I was really sad when this happened! Crashes funny grandpa named Scooter moves in with them and the whole family loves him because of his jokes, smile, stories, company, and cooking. Something in the book really sad happens to Scooter I was scared when this tragedy happened.
In my opinion no book compares to this book or author except Time Green Football Genius because they are both about 7th grade football players who love the game. The age recommendation for this book is 12+. It was a Newberry Honor Winner. It was published in 1997. Publishers weekly said “Spinelli packs moral wallop, leaving it to the pitch-perfect narration to drive home his point.” There weren’t any quotes from other authors or in the book. So if you need 162 page amazing sports book the then Crash by Jerry Spinelli is the way to go!
Recommended by Ethan Kluesner
In my opinion no book compares to this book or author except Time Green Football Genius because they are both about 7th grade football players who love the game. The age recommendation for this book is 12+. It was a Newberry Honor Winner. It was published in 1997. Publishers weekly said “Spinelli packs moral wallop, leaving it to the pitch-perfect narration to drive home his point.” There weren’t any quotes from other authors or in the book. So if you need 162 page amazing sports book the then Crash by Jerry Spinelli is the way to go!
Recommended by Ethan Kluesner
56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number by Kostya Kennedy
I have chosen to do my book review on 56, Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number In Sports by Kostya Kennedy. This 368 page book is about Joe DiMaggio’s record-setting 56 consecutive games with a hit. It all starts on a May afternoon in Yankee Stadium in the year 1941. As Americans worry about the war that is going on in Europe, DiMaggio gets a hit in a game that is the hardly noticed beginning of the biggest baseball achievement of all times. It isn’t until he hits safely in 19 games that his streak is first really noticed. At the same time Lou Gehrig, the Iron Horse, died. As the streak extends, Joe feels more and more pressure on him. Kennedy includes parts about DiMaggio’s private life with his wife, Dorothy, and sections that talk about The View From Here, the improbability and odds of a 56 game hitting streak and other streaks.
In this thought-provoking novel, you are dragged back in time to the summer of 1941 to witness Joltin’ Joe’s terrific feat. You will experience the excitement from the whole country for two months during DiMaggio’s unrelenting streak. 56 has not received any rewards and there are no other books written by Kennedy. The recommended reading age isn’t specified, but I would say it is a young adult to adult novel. Richard Ben Cramer says, “Kennedy rescues The Streak from the numberish precinct of the record book and brings it back to the realm of drama which it dominated in 1941. He follows the ripples of DiMaggio’s doings to the wide world beyond baseball and delivers to us a tale that’s a delight.” Kirkus Reviews says, “Sports Illustrated senior editor Kennedy follows the days of Joe DiMaggio’s immortal hitting streak, evoking the mood of a long-gone America to which DiMaggio was a central figure.” If you liked the Baseball Card Adventures series by Dan Gutman including Mickey and Me then you might like this book even though it is more challenging. A quote from the book is “Muncrief looked over and saw Browns manager Luke Sewell emerging from the first base dugout. Was he coming to take Muncrief out of the game? Sewell had been on the St. Louis job for just a couple of weeks and he had an ornery side. ‘Walk him,’ Sewell said when he got out to Muncrief. The pitcher looked at his manager in surprise.” Is this the end of the streak? You have to read to find out. I highly recommend this book and I am sure you will like it.
Recommended by Christopher
In this thought-provoking novel, you are dragged back in time to the summer of 1941 to witness Joltin’ Joe’s terrific feat. You will experience the excitement from the whole country for two months during DiMaggio’s unrelenting streak. 56 has not received any rewards and there are no other books written by Kennedy. The recommended reading age isn’t specified, but I would say it is a young adult to adult novel. Richard Ben Cramer says, “Kennedy rescues The Streak from the numberish precinct of the record book and brings it back to the realm of drama which it dominated in 1941. He follows the ripples of DiMaggio’s doings to the wide world beyond baseball and delivers to us a tale that’s a delight.” Kirkus Reviews says, “Sports Illustrated senior editor Kennedy follows the days of Joe DiMaggio’s immortal hitting streak, evoking the mood of a long-gone America to which DiMaggio was a central figure.” If you liked the Baseball Card Adventures series by Dan Gutman including Mickey and Me then you might like this book even though it is more challenging. A quote from the book is “Muncrief looked over and saw Browns manager Luke Sewell emerging from the first base dugout. Was he coming to take Muncrief out of the game? Sewell had been on the St. Louis job for just a couple of weeks and he had an ornery side. ‘Walk him,’ Sewell said when he got out to Muncrief. The pitcher looked at his manager in surprise.” Is this the end of the streak? You have to read to find out. I highly recommend this book and I am sure you will like it.
Recommended by Christopher
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
Throwing Like a Girl by Weezie Kerr Mackey
Good Morning Class. Earlier this year I read the book Throwing like a girl, by Weezie Kerr Mackey. I thought it was a great book. Probably one of my favorites! I encourage you all to read this 271 page book. It is recommended for the young adult age group. It hasn’t won any awards.
I think this book would appeal more for the girls. She has an enemy, and she has a crush. But, when she fines out that they are brother and sister will she stop going after her crush? Will he stop going after her? She also joins the softball team, which helps her get over that she just moved from Chicago, to Texas. She ends up loving the sport and makes friends that love it too.
The School Library Journal says, “ Mackey's love of the game clearly comes through and the themes of friendship and sportsmanship are strong.” This book has won no awards. Some people say that this book is similar to the Dairy Queen series, though I have never read them. Weezie Kerr Mackey hasn’t wrote any other books. I wish she did though because I’m sure they would be just as great as this one!
Recommended by Lyvia Clasen
I think this book would appeal more for the girls. She has an enemy, and she has a crush. But, when she fines out that they are brother and sister will she stop going after her crush? Will he stop going after her? She also joins the softball team, which helps her get over that she just moved from Chicago, to Texas. She ends up loving the sport and makes friends that love it too.
The School Library Journal says, “ Mackey's love of the game clearly comes through and the themes of friendship and sportsmanship are strong.” This book has won no awards. Some people say that this book is similar to the Dairy Queen series, though I have never read them. Weezie Kerr Mackey hasn’t wrote any other books. I wish she did though because I’m sure they would be just as great as this one!
Recommended by Lyvia Clasen
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
I’m going to talk to you today about a book called The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch. It’s a page turning book about 2 normal kids, Cass, and Max Ernest, that one day discover something that you never want to find out about. It’s up to them to save hundreds of people from evil scientists. What will they do? What will happen?
I think this book is most like A Tale Dark and Grimm, even though I doubt there’s a book out there that is anything like this.
My favorite quote from this book is, “Mrs. Johnson who was a real stickler (a principle with principals she called herself), gave Cass a stern look. “What’s the magic word, Cassandra, whether you’re asking for an evacuation or a glass of water.”
“Please evacuate the school.” Said Cass impatiently.”
This book recommended for 9-12 year olds didn’t win any awards, but they were nominated for lots.
The Booklist called this book, “Equal parts snarky and delightful.”
Pseudonymous Bosch hasn’t written any books other than this series of 5.
Recommended by Laura Snyder
I think this book is most like A Tale Dark and Grimm, even though I doubt there’s a book out there that is anything like this.
My favorite quote from this book is, “Mrs. Johnson who was a real stickler (a principle with principals she called herself), gave Cass a stern look. “What’s the magic word, Cassandra, whether you’re asking for an evacuation or a glass of water.”
“Please evacuate the school.” Said Cass impatiently.”
This book recommended for 9-12 year olds didn’t win any awards, but they were nominated for lots.
The Booklist called this book, “Equal parts snarky and delightful.”
Pseudonymous Bosch hasn’t written any books other than this series of 5.
Recommended by Laura Snyder
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
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
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
I would like you all to read City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. This story takes place in New York City. Clary Fray has never known her father. Her mother Jocelyn tells her that he died right after she was born. Weird, right? Clary and her mother live in an apartment building upstairs from a fortune teller. Also, weird, right? Not as weird as what happens to Clary one Sunday afternoon at the Pandemonium Club. Clary is with her best friend Simon when two shadows follow a couple around the club. Clary isn’t worried... until one of the shadows pulls out a knife. She sends Simon off to get security, while she goes off to investigate. When Clary gets to where the couple went, she witnesses a murder. A murder with no blood and no body left behind, committed by three teenagers.
Swift as a flick of Isabelle's whip, Jace rolled over. There was a blade gleaming in his hand. He sank the knife into the boy's chest. Blackish liquid exploded around the hilt.
The boy arched off the floor, gurgling and twisting. With a grimace Jace stood up. His black shirt was blacker now in some places, wet with blood. He looked down at the twitching thing at his feet, reached down, and yanked out the knife. The hilt was slick with black fluid.
The blue-haired boy's eyes flickered open. His eyes, fixed on Jace, seemed to burn. Between his teeth, he hissed, "So be it. The Forsaken will take you all."
Jace seemed to snarl. The boy's eyes rolled back. His body began to jerk and twitch as he crumpled, folding in on himself, growing smaller and smaller until he vanished entirely.
Why did the body disappear? Where did it go? And why, when Simon comes back with a beefy security guard, can’t anyone else see the teenagers that are right in front of their eyes?
My favorite character is Clary. She won’t stop at anything to find out the truth of what is really going on. But what is really going on? Clary is determined to discover the truth, even when something happens to Simon that even Clary can’t reverse. What happened to Simon, and will anything ever be the same again?
City of Bones is the first book in the Mortal Instruments Series. The other books in this series are called City of Ashes, City of Glass, and City of Fallen Angels. I recommend these books to everyone in this room because they will keep you on the edge of your seats. These books are published for young adults. Though these books have not won any awards, I believe they should have. Stephanie Meyer, author of Twilight, agrees with me. She says, “The Mortal Instruments is a story world that I love to live in. Beautiful!” I think anyone here would enjoy this book as much as I have because it’s enthralling, adventurous, and sometimes, just plain silly read that will keep you on the tips of your toes while reading it, just as it did me. Kirkus Reviews says, “Readers of urban fantasy will devour this deliciously overwrought adventure.”
I love Cassandra Clare’s writing style. It reminds me of Melissa De La Cruz’s own writing style. In both the Mortal Instruments series and the Blue Bloods Series, the books come from the perspective of different people, without being confusing.
I think you should all read City of Bones because it is very suspenseful, and you won’t want to ever put it down.
Recommended by Theresa Brehm
Swift as a flick of Isabelle's whip, Jace rolled over. There was a blade gleaming in his hand. He sank the knife into the boy's chest. Blackish liquid exploded around the hilt.
The boy arched off the floor, gurgling and twisting. With a grimace Jace stood up. His black shirt was blacker now in some places, wet with blood. He looked down at the twitching thing at his feet, reached down, and yanked out the knife. The hilt was slick with black fluid.
The blue-haired boy's eyes flickered open. His eyes, fixed on Jace, seemed to burn. Between his teeth, he hissed, "So be it. The Forsaken will take you all."
Jace seemed to snarl. The boy's eyes rolled back. His body began to jerk and twitch as he crumpled, folding in on himself, growing smaller and smaller until he vanished entirely.
Why did the body disappear? Where did it go? And why, when Simon comes back with a beefy security guard, can’t anyone else see the teenagers that are right in front of their eyes?
My favorite character is Clary. She won’t stop at anything to find out the truth of what is really going on. But what is really going on? Clary is determined to discover the truth, even when something happens to Simon that even Clary can’t reverse. What happened to Simon, and will anything ever be the same again?
City of Bones is the first book in the Mortal Instruments Series. The other books in this series are called City of Ashes, City of Glass, and City of Fallen Angels. I recommend these books to everyone in this room because they will keep you on the edge of your seats. These books are published for young adults. Though these books have not won any awards, I believe they should have. Stephanie Meyer, author of Twilight, agrees with me. She says, “The Mortal Instruments is a story world that I love to live in. Beautiful!” I think anyone here would enjoy this book as much as I have because it’s enthralling, adventurous, and sometimes, just plain silly read that will keep you on the tips of your toes while reading it, just as it did me. Kirkus Reviews says, “Readers of urban fantasy will devour this deliciously overwrought adventure.”
I love Cassandra Clare’s writing style. It reminds me of Melissa De La Cruz’s own writing style. In both the Mortal Instruments series and the Blue Bloods Series, the books come from the perspective of different people, without being confusing.
I think you should all read City of Bones because it is very suspenseful, and you won’t want to ever put it down.
Recommended by Theresa Brehm
The Compound by S.A. Bodeen
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to live underground? Well, in this engrossing thriller, readers will slowly discover that the Compound is not what it seems. Written by S.A Bodeen, The Compound is truly a book that will have readers turning the page until the end!
Eli, his two sisters, and his mom and dad have lived in the Compound for six years. They know the world they left behind is gone, but something isn’t right. No one is happy and no one is telling the truth.
The name of my book is The Compound by S.A Bodeen. This book is about a boy named Eli whose father puts him and his two sisters an there mother in the compound. They’re four stories below ground and they have been in it for 6 years. Eli is fed up and wants to leave and never look back. Will his dad let him out or will he have to crack the code himself, to save himself and his family. You will have to read this breath taking 245 page book to find out what happens. This book was copyrighted in 2008. The reading age for this book is young adult but I think that adults would like it to. A little part from this book is: “I held my breath and shut my eyes the IM conversation was on the screen for dad to see. Then it click and the battery was dead!”
“The audience will feel the pressure closing in on them as they, like the characters, race through hairpin turns in the plot toward a breathtaking climax” says Publishers Weelkly.
Recommended by Owen Murphy
Eli, his two sisters, and his mom and dad have lived in the Compound for six years. They know the world they left behind is gone, but something isn’t right. No one is happy and no one is telling the truth.
When problems arise in this intricately planned compound that terrorize their haven and their sanity, Eli begins to wonder if he would be better off outside. Everyone thought their dad built this to keep them safe, but are they safe - or sorry? Read to find out what will happen to Eli and his family. Will they ever know the whole truth about what happened on the day that began their worst nightmare? Will they even make it out alive? This is truly a captivating story about what some people would do to have all the power and money in the world.
I think this book ties in with the book The City of Ember seris. In both stories the plot is underground, the problem is they are starting to lose food and other resources, and both characters want to get out. If you have read this book you sure will enjoy The Compound! This book is recommended for Young Adults. S.A Bodeen has also written The Gardener. It has four out of five stars from the customers on the Barnes and Noble website. It hasn’t won any awards. Publisher’s Weekly declares that it is “ A high-wire act of a first novel, a thriller that exerts an ever-tighter grip on readers.” Booklist acknowledges “Debut novelist Bodeen effectively builds the claustrophobic suspense with each chapter as readers slowly discover the Compound is not the refuge as it seems,” To me the most riveting quote is “ T.S. Elliot was wrong. My world ended with a bang the minute we entered the Compound and that silver door closed behind us.” I believe this quote shows emotion on how he thought his world ended. If my world ended I wouldn’t be thinking of what T.S. Elliot thought but of what’s going to happen to me now! This book masters the brilliance of what people do to protect their own self and their own family. This a thought provoking book that both girls and boys would fall for!
Recommended by Jenna Willer
The name of my book is The Compound by S.A Bodeen. This book is about a boy named Eli whose father puts him and his two sisters an there mother in the compound. They’re four stories below ground and they have been in it for 6 years. Eli is fed up and wants to leave and never look back. Will his dad let him out or will he have to crack the code himself, to save himself and his family. You will have to read this breath taking 245 page book to find out what happens. This book was copyrighted in 2008. The reading age for this book is young adult but I think that adults would like it to. A little part from this book is: “I held my breath and shut my eyes the IM conversation was on the screen for dad to see. Then it click and the battery was dead!”
“The audience will feel the pressure closing in on them as they, like the characters, race through hairpin turns in the plot toward a breathtaking climax” says Publishers Weelkly.
Recommended by Owen Murphy
Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen
The book I recommend that all of you should read is Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen who is a New York Times Best-Selling Author. It is about a girl whose name is Colie who is living with her rather quirky aunt for the summer because her mom is traveling the world to sell her weight loss products. Colie is very insecure about herself because of her earlier years of being overweight. So she doesn’t know what will happen when she goes to live in a complete new community and she’s scared of what people will think of her there. While she’s living there she meets two girls who try teaching her to have self respect. One of the things they tell her is, “Colie, you should never be surprised when people treat you with respect, you should expect it. Self Respect, Colie. If you believe in yourself up here it will make you stronger than you could ever imagine.” I really liked reading all of the advice they gave Colie. Another quote from the book that I really enjoyed was something Colie’s mother told her while she was talking on the phone with her. She said, “But then, somewhere along the way, I started to believe in myself. I think that being brave and self confident doesn’t necessarily start inside, honey. It starts with the rest of the world and leads back to you.” Does Colie take the advice from her friends? or does she continue to keep the attitude she already has? You must read this heart-touching novel to find out.
The recommenced reading age for this book is young adult. Other books by Sarah Dessen include The Truth About Forever, What Happened to Goodbye, Along for the Ride, and many, many more. Kirkus Reviews says, ”Dessen continues her run of engagingly cast stories about women helping each other through life-altering experiences. Former fat girl Colie Sparks arrives in her aunt’s small town physically fit but still bowed by memories of years of humiliation. Under the influence of eccentric Aunt Mira’s rock-steady self-assurance, witnessing a marvelously contentious friendship between twenty-something waitresses Morgan and Isabel, and becoming aware of shy, artistically gifted Norman—who goes from being “so not the guy for me,” to one whose smiles she feels “all the way to my toes”—Colie passes in subtly marked stages to the point where she can let her past go, although not before exacting exquisite revenge on one of her past tormenters. Rich in sharply observed relationships, deftly inserted wisdom, romances ending and beginning, and characters who are not afraid to pick themselves up and try again, Dessen’s tale will leave readers thoughtful, amused, reassured—and sorry when it concludes.”
The recommenced reading age for this book is young adult. Other books by Sarah Dessen include The Truth About Forever, What Happened to Goodbye, Along for the Ride, and many, many more. Kirkus Reviews says, ”Dessen continues her run of engagingly cast stories about women helping each other through life-altering experiences. Former fat girl Colie Sparks arrives in her aunt’s small town physically fit but still bowed by memories of years of humiliation. Under the influence of eccentric Aunt Mira’s rock-steady self-assurance, witnessing a marvelously contentious friendship between twenty-something waitresses Morgan and Isabel, and becoming aware of shy, artistically gifted Norman—who goes from being “so not the guy for me,” to one whose smiles she feels “all the way to my toes”—Colie passes in subtly marked stages to the point where she can let her past go, although not before exacting exquisite revenge on one of her past tormenters. Rich in sharply observed relationships, deftly inserted wisdom, romances ending and beginning, and characters who are not afraid to pick themselves up and try again, Dessen’s tale will leave readers thoughtful, amused, reassured—and sorry when it concludes.”
Recommended by Becca Kennedy
Thursday, October 6, 2011
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
Thursday, September 29, 2011
If A Tree Falls At Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko
Hello classmates, today I am going to be encouraging you to read the book, If A Tree Falls At Lunch Period. This fabulous book is by: Gennifer Choldenko. I think everyone should read this book because it is an awesome book. It is about how these two kids Kristin and Walk. They meet up on the first day of school, and right away they are best friends. They get in trouble together, learn together, and laugh together! But there’s a secret Kristin is leaving out. Could it ruin Walk and Kristin’s friendship? Read to find out what might happen.
A quote from this book was, “If you don’t like the way the world is you have an obligation to change it, you just have to do it one step at a time.” This quote was written by: Marian Wright Edelman.
The recommended reading age is 12 and up. This book has not won any awards. If you liked the book, Al Capone Does My Shirts. Then you’ll sure love this book!
Recommended by Lisa Schroeder
Friday, September 16, 2011
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
Good morning classmates! Today I will be talking to you about the book Beauty Queens by Libba Bray. I believe any girl in her right mind should love this book. This 400 page book is laugh out loud hilarious! You won’t believe some of the things the girls come up with. It all starts out with a plane full of Miss Teen Dream Contestants crashes into a unknown island. When the girls wake up they realize there is very few girls alive. After a few days of not being rescued the Miss Texas decides that the girls need to stop wallowing around in their own misery. Eventually and after very many mishaps the girls make the island into their own paradise. Everything going just swell. Until.... one day Miss Texas runs out of the jungle and shouts out, “Danger,” then drops to the ground. What will happen to Miss Texas? What secrets is the island holding? What secrets are the girls holding?
This book is appropriate for ages 12 and up and was published in May of 2011. The Washington Post says- The snappy dialogue, plot surprises, and strut-their-stuff characters lend a playful but no less profound tone to Bray’s theme of self empowerment. Libba Bray has also wrote the Gemma Doyle trilogy and Going Bovine which has received the Prinz award.
Here is one of my favorite parts of the book. “Ohmigosh. No food at all.” Tiara sank down on the sand as if the full weight of the predicament had hit her. She blinked back tears. And then the megawatt smile that belonged on cereal boxes across the nation reappeared. “I am going to be so superskinny by pagent time!”
I highly recommend this book. It is a must read for any girl who just wants a fun book. What will happen to Miss Texas? What secrets is the island holding? What secrets are the girls holding?
Recommended by Megan Stecklein
Friday, May 20, 2011
The Iliad by Homer
I read the book The Iliad , by Homer. He also has written the Odyssey. The recommended age is adult. This book is a master piece in literature. Homer’s unique writing style and his masterful craft for telling stories is remarkable. “ The Iliad is a classic tale of intrigue. The poet tells the great story of troy and it’s downfall.” said by unknown reader at borders website. The Argrives have traveled along way away to rescue Helen. An all out war is about to break lose between them and the Trojans. All because of one single woman. The war will lose countless lives and families will be ruined. So read to find out if this war will brake lose.
Recommended by Johnny Molony
Recommended by Johnny Molony
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
I’m reading Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Everything is different for Katniss Everdeen and Petta Malark since they won the hunger games. Her best friend is now a stranger. District 12’s new head peacekeeper has changed everything for worse. Whippings are now regular and the peacekeepers are in forcing the rules to a harsh standard. Even the president wants her head and new talks of uprisings in the districts has only made it worse. Katniss has only the winners tour to convince the world that she is madly in love with Petta or else she could her kiss her life and her family good bye. After all else fails. The president has something else planned for her. A task thought she would never have to do again. “In honor of the quarter quill victors from each district will play. Showing that even the strongest districts is nothing compared to the capitols power. They have to back to the arena”. That makes the old one seem like child’s play. With fiercer competitors and a stage that has the most horrifying traps planned for them. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good book with a twist in every chapter. New York times magazine says, “Collins has done that rare thing. She has written a sequel that improves upon the first book”.
Recommended by Johnny Molony
Recommended by Johnny Molony
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Hate List by Jennifer Brown
I read Hate List by Jennifer Brown. It is about a girl named Valerie Leftman, a girl whose boyfriend was the shooter in a school shooting. He killed people from his and Valerie’s hate list, and then killed himself. Valerie didn’t know he was planning this, even though all the signs were there. She tried to stop him, and ended up getting shot in the leg trying to save someone who had teased her for years, and was on her hate list. Everyone reacted differently. Some people believed she was a hero, and other people believe that the shooting was all her idea. Either way, going back to school to finish her senior year is one of the hardest things she’s ever had to do. She will have to deal with her relationships with her family, former friends, and Jessica, the girl whose life she saved. Because of Valerie’s family problems, she has to deal with many of these issues only with the help of Dr. Hieler, her therapist. Dr. Hieler is one of my favorite characters in the book because he truly cares about Valerie. This book is about Valerie’s journey through this tragedy. Will Valerie ever move on with her life? Will she mend her relationships? Read to find out.
School Library Journal recommends this book for grade 8 and up, and that it is, "Startling, powerful, and poignant." Publishers Weekly says, "[A] riveting debut." I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this topic.
School Library Journal recommends this book for grade 8 and up, and that it is, "Startling, powerful, and poignant." Publishers Weekly says, "[A] riveting debut." I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this topic.
Recommended by Anne Marie Greenwood
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
I read the book The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. This book is about 14 year old Susie Salmon, who has been killed. Susie narrates the book from heaven. It tells the story of how her death affected friends, family, and neighbors. Susie knows who killed her, but will her family ever find out?
Aimee Bender, author of An Invisible Sign of My Own, says, “The Lovely Bones is the kind of novel that, once you’re done, you may go visit while wandering through a bookstore and touch on the binding, just to remember the emotions you felt while reading it. Intensely wise and gorgeously written, The Lovely Bones is a heartbreaking page-turner. I envy the reader who is about to jump into the world of Susie Salmon and her incredible family.”
I would recommend this book to you if you like creepy and sorrowful books. With many twists, this book will keep you reading.
Recommended by Anne Marie Greenwood
I read the book The Lovely Bones by: Alice Sebold. It is about a girl named Susie Salmon who was murdered by a man named Mr. Harvey. She is telling her gruesome tale from her own place in heaven. An unknown reviewer on Amazon.com said, “The Lovely Bones is one of those books you can pick up and not want to put down again until you finish. At roughly 325 pages, this novel demands to be read on a plane, or on the beach, or when you have good chunks of time available to sit with it. Don't frustrate yourself by allowing a half hour here and there.This is one book that deserves its spot on the bestseller list.” My favorite line of the book is, “My name is Salmon, Susie Salmon. Like the fish.” and “Ways to kill a person is an old joke in heaven. I always chose the icicle because your weapon melts away.” The recommended reading age is: Teens-Young Adults.
Recommended by Lisa Greenwood
Aimee Bender, author of An Invisible Sign of My Own, says, “The Lovely Bones is the kind of novel that, once you’re done, you may go visit while wandering through a bookstore and touch on the binding, just to remember the emotions you felt while reading it. Intensely wise and gorgeously written, The Lovely Bones is a heartbreaking page-turner. I envy the reader who is about to jump into the world of Susie Salmon and her incredible family.”
I would recommend this book to you if you like creepy and sorrowful books. With many twists, this book will keep you reading.
Recommended by Anne Marie Greenwood
I read the book The Lovely Bones by: Alice Sebold. It is about a girl named Susie Salmon who was murdered by a man named Mr. Harvey. She is telling her gruesome tale from her own place in heaven. An unknown reviewer on Amazon.com said, “The Lovely Bones is one of those books you can pick up and not want to put down again until you finish. At roughly 325 pages, this novel demands to be read on a plane, or on the beach, or when you have good chunks of time available to sit with it. Don't frustrate yourself by allowing a half hour here and there.This is one book that deserves its spot on the bestseller list.” My favorite line of the book is, “My name is Salmon, Susie Salmon. Like the fish.” and “Ways to kill a person is an old joke in heaven. I always chose the icicle because your weapon melts away.” The recommended reading age is: Teens-Young Adults.
Recommended by Lisa Greenwood
Thursday, May 12, 2011
The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
The Uglies By Scott Westerfeld was a pretty good book, except for the beginning was boring. If you are a type of person that like the suspense to build up, then you should definately read this book. I will read the back.
“Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license -- for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.
But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world -- and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all.”
Will Tally ever turn pretty? Shay runs away, and makes Tally have to decide to turn on her friend, or never become pretty at all. This book is for a young adult, like us! I would suggest this book because it keeps you interesting after a rough spot in the first chapter or so, and because the ending of this book is very very good.
Recommended by Cole Otting
Point Blank by Anthony Horowitz
Point Blank, written by Anthony Hororwitz, is the second book in the Alex Rider series. This book is for kids between the ages of 10-14. I think this is a really good book and keeps you at the edge of your seat. ALA booklist says: Slambang action.
An investigation into a series of mysterious deaths leads agents to an elite prep school for rebellious kids, MI6 assigns Alex Rider to the case. Before he knows it, Alex is hanging out with the sons of the rich and powerful, and something feels wrong. These former juvenile delinquents have turned well-behaved, studious—and identical—overnight. It's up to Alex to find out who is masterminding this nefarious plot, before they find him.
This book is a little bit confusing, but at the end you will be very pleased-with a twist. One of my favorite quotes from this book is “And when I do rule the world, dear Alex, you will be eleminated!” Can Alex survive the school? Read the book to find out!
Recommended by Cole Otting
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
I read the book Where The Red Fern Grows by: Wilson Rawls. In the book Where The Red Fern Grows it’s about a boy and two dogs. I really liked this book because this is some thing i do. The boy named billy is like me enjoys to hunt coons. Quote "'I thought about that, Papa,' I said, 'but I made a bargain with my dogs. I told them that if they would put one in a tree, I'd do the rest. Well, they fulfilled their part of the bargain. Now it's up to me to do my part, and I'm going to, Papa. I'm going to cut it down. I don't care if it takes me a year.'" - Wilson Rawls, Where the Red Fern Grows. I recommend this book for the ages of ten and older. He also wrote the Summer of the Monkeys. It takes place in the ranged dark hills and river bottoms of the wild country. The main part is about Billy and his dogs with his Grampa. The book is filled with, adventure, contests, fights, and death, After saving for two years Billy earns enough money to buy two hound pups, Ol'Dan and Li'l Ann. What do you think if you only made 50 dollars in two years and never spent any of it.
Back of Book: Billy, Old Dan and Little Ann -- a Boy and His Two Dogs...
A loving threesome, they ranged the dark hills and river bottoms of Cherokee country. Old Dan had the brawn, Little Ann had the brains -- and Billy had the will to train them to be the finest hunting team in the valley. Glory and victory were coming to them, but sadness waited too. And close by was the strange and wonderful power that's only found.
An exciting tale of love and adventure you'll never forget.
Holes by Louis Sachar
I read Holes by Louis Sachar. Its about a boy that is sent to a desert detention camp where he joins the job of digging holes for some reason. Stanley Yelnats was given a choice. My favorit qoute is when the judge said, "You may go to jail, or you may go to Camp Green Lake." Stanley was from a poor family. He had never been to camp before. So Stanley Yelnats seems to serve an easy sentence, which is only fair because he is as innocent as you or me. But Stanley is not going where he thinks he is. Camp Green Lake is like no other camp anywhere. Its a place that has no lake and nothing that is green. It is a place that once held the largest lake in Texas, but today it is only a scorching desert wasteland, dotted with countless holes dug by the boys who live at the camp. At Camp Green Lake, the warden makes the boys build character by spending all day, every day, digging holes five feet wide and five feet deep. It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the big scary warden is searching for something, and before long Stanley begins his own search for the truth.
Recommended by Royce Demmer
Monday, May 9, 2011
Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen
I read the book Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen. This engaging, poignant book is an amazing read for young adults. This book tells the story of Auden living with her divorced father and stepmother. Living in the small town of Colby is a new experience for her, because she has never really had a childhood, taking care of her irresponsible parents. I will no read the back of the book. Once Auden meets Eli he shows her everything she has missed out on as a kid, like food fights, hot dog parties, and even riding a bike. He gets her to look at life in a whole new way. I really enjoyed this book because I loved the easy-going summery feel the author writes with. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “After he said this I realized, being amazing isn’t easy. Eli worked hard to get where he is. And now it was my turn to give it what I got.” Sarah Dessen always throws little strokes of genius in there like that, and I really like that about her writing. The Washington Post says, “Captures that sense of summer as a golden threshold between past regrets and future unknowns, a time that shimmers with the sweet promise of now.” Do not miss out on this incredible read by Sarah Dessen.
Recommended by Catherine McCoy
Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles
I read the book Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles. This book is recommended for ages 8 through 13. This heartwarming, incredible story will touch your heart and tell you what a true friend is. In this story, Comfort is someone who has a very dismal life, working in her family funeral home. She has to learn to be strong and deal with her emotions. This is what the back of the book says: read back of the book.
This book has won plenty of awards, such as a Golden Kite Honor Book, and a National Book Award Finalist. I recommend this book for anyone who has ever dealt with losing a loved one, it is truly amazing. Also look for Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles.
This book has won plenty of awards, such as a Golden Kite Honor Book, and a National Book Award Finalist. I recommend this book for anyone who has ever dealt with losing a loved one, it is truly amazing. Also look for Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles.
Recommended by Catherine McCoy
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
The book I read was The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen. This engaging, credible book will make you keep reading more and always making predictions. This book is recommended for ages twelve and up. This book tells the story of Macy, and her adventures with the Wish Catering Crew. This is what the back of the book says: (read the back of the book.)
This is one of my favorite quotes from the book:
This is one of my favorite quotes from the book:
“Look when I was in the hospital, right after the accident, they thought I was going to die. I was pretty screwed up, you know.” Kristy said, “Then, life was very short, literally. But now that I’m better, it seems so long I have to squint to see even the edges of it. It’s all in the view, Macy. That’s what I mean about forever, too. For any one of us our forever could end in an hour, or a hundred years from now. You can never know for sure, so make it count.”
I like this because it teaches you to live everyday like you may never live tomorrow.
I recommend this book and also check out others by this author, such as This Lullaby, Dreamland, and Just Listen.
Recommended by Catherine McCoy
Friday, May 6, 2011
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
Aries Rising by Bonnie Hearn Hill
This quarter I read the book Aries Rising by Bonnie Hearn Hill. It is about a girl named Logan and her friends Paige and Chilli. The three girls are busy trying to uncover the mystery behind Fearless Astrology.The girls find out many ways to get who and what they want. Logan uses it to get her lifetime crush and a spot in a famous summer writing camp. But what will happen when Logan’s plan to discover The Gears backfires? Will she be able to keep her promise? Will The Gears ever be stopped? You will have to read to find out.
This book is recommended for young adults. More books in this series is Taurus Eyes and Gemini Night. An annomous reviewer says, “I just finish this book, and I loved it. Great character's, and fantastic storyline. I can't wait for the sequel!”
My favorite quotes from this book, is actually from a different book. They are from Fearless Astrology. They are at the beginning of each chapter, so I will only say one. “No one needs to fear the stars, they don’t limit our destiny, only point out possibilities.” I feel like this says it all, no one can say who your going to be, only you can decide that. I think if you enjoy looking at you horoscope once and a while, you will enjoy this book.
Recommended by Deann Ostwinkle
This book is recommended for young adults. More books in this series is Taurus Eyes and Gemini Night. An annomous reviewer says, “I just finish this book, and I loved it. Great character's, and fantastic storyline. I can't wait for the sequel!”
Publisher’s Weekly says “Aquarius Logan McRae is a high school sophomore in Terra Bella Beach, CA and has been working all semester to impress her teachers in order to get into the summer writing camp she desperately wants to attend. But when this ordinary girl finds an extraordinary book, Fearless Astrology, her life is changed forever. Applying what she’s learned about the zodiac, she lands her own column in the school paper and a date with the hottest guy in school! But when Logan threatens to catch the members of a secret society called The Gears, who have been vandalizing school property by reading the stars, she quickly learns that she is in over her head. Will Logan be able to catch The Gears, save her love life, keep her newspaper column, and get into the writing camp of her dreams all through the use of astrology?”
The back of Aries Rising says, “My favorite quotes from this book, is actually from a different book. They are from Fearless Astrology. They are at the beginning of each chapter, so I will only say one. “No one needs to fear the stars, they don’t limit our destiny, only point out possibilities.” I feel like this says it all, no one can say who your going to be, only you can decide that. I think if you enjoy looking at you horoscope once and a while, you will enjoy this book.
Recommended by Deann Ostwinkle
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The World's Dumbest Criminals Jr. Edition by Daniel Butler and Alan Ray
I read The World’s Dumbest Criminals Jr. Edition :by Daniel Butler and Alan Ray. This book is about criminals all over the world that make mistakes with their crimes. In the book there are trivia questions of America’s Dumbest Criminals the T.V. show. This book is different than most books it has many stories and all of them are under three pages long. Most of the stories are funny and it’s a quick read. I think all the guys and some of the girls in here would enjoy this book. The reading age is young adult. My favorite part in the book is the world’s fastest cop and the story of the criminal syphoning gas from a trailer. I enjoyed these stories because they are two of the more funny stories in this book. The publisher said, “This hysterical collection of stories of actual crimes committed by clumsy crooks and fumbling felons will have you laughing out loud at painfully dumb attempts at crime.” One reader said it was the funniest book they ever read.
Recommended by Mitchell McAndrew
Recommended by Mitchell McAndrew
The Fugitive Factor by Gordon Korman
I read The Fugitive Factor by: Gordon Korman. It is the second book in the On the Run series. In the first book the two kids, Aiden & Meg’s parents are accused of selling information to terrorists. The are put in prison and given life. The kids are put in a juvenile correction center on a farm. they are trying to prove that the parents are innocent. In this book they are trying to do that also, but there is someone who was payed to kill them. An anonymous reader said, “That some parts are funny, some parts are scary, and just plan cool. If you are interested in adventure books. Then this is a book for you!” The reading age is 9-12 so it’s a quick read. My favorite quote from this book is, “She pulled a box of matches out of her pocket, struck one, and held it to the corner of the yellow pages under the nightstand. There was an instant combustion. She climbed onto the bed and held the blazing directory like a torch to the smoke alarm.” I like this quote because I think that it was funny that she would do that in a hotel.
Recommended by Mitchell McAndrew
Recommended by Mitchell McAndrew
Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson
I just read the book Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson. Kisses and Lies is the second book in the series about Scarlett Wakefield. Scarlett is still trying to find Dan McAndrew’s killer, and her and her new best friend Taylor McGovern are on the killer’s path. Their curiosity leads them to many strange places, and they will do whatever it takes to find out who killed Dan. This mission is risky, and Scarlett may find herself the next target of a murderer!
Kirkus Review said “Scarlett’s voice peppered with the usual teen angst and snark....skillfully sets the tone for this frothy whodunit... Filled with duplicitous debaters, homicidal siblings, all-night parties an lots of designer name-dropping” School Library Journal said “With just the right balance of action and relationship drama, this book hits the target for libraries with strong chick-lit or mystery fans.”
Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson is a book a lot of girls would enjoy reading if you enjoy mysteries. The suggested age range for Kisses and Lies is Young Adult. It is the second book in the mysterious series of Scarlett Wakefield.
Recommended by Lucy Mulert
Kirkus Review said “Scarlett’s voice peppered with the usual teen angst and snark....skillfully sets the tone for this frothy whodunit... Filled with duplicitous debaters, homicidal siblings, all-night parties an lots of designer name-dropping” School Library Journal said “With just the right balance of action and relationship drama, this book hits the target for libraries with strong chick-lit or mystery fans.”
Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson is a book a lot of girls would enjoy reading if you enjoy mysteries. The suggested age range for Kisses and Lies is Young Adult. It is the second book in the mysterious series of Scarlett Wakefield.
Recommended by Lucy Mulert
Three Days by Donna Jo Napoli
I’m doing a book review on Three Days, by Donna Jo Napoli. Its about a 11 year old girl Jackie, who is on a vacation with her dad in Italy. They are on their way back to the hotel, when her dad suddenly dies in the car. A car pulls over and they kidnap her. Then they take her back to the house. They try to really nice to her, but she is super mad at them. In the end there is a big twist that will surprise you. This book is great if you are looking for a short and easy read. The recommended reading age for this book is 9-12. The Kirkus Review said, “While perhaps emotionally convincing within the terms of the story, it nevertheless strains credulity to the limit in every other way. Still, if readers are sufficiently grabbed by Jackie's ingenuous voice and her remarkable predicament, they may be willing to forgive the contrivance for the experience.”
Recommended by Bryce McAndrew
Recommended by Bryce McAndrew
Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
I read the book Battle of the Labyrinth, by Rick Riordan. It is book #4 of the Percy Jackson series. I chose this book because it’s full of action and I read and liked the first 3 books. Percy is the son of the sea god, Poseiden. He is a half-blood. Half human, half god. A half-bloods job is to destroy monsters, save the gods, and stay alive. Most of this happens during quests. Which are missions that normally help the gods. In the Battle of the Labyrinth, Percy’s friend Annabeth get’s her first quest since she first came to camp, seven years ago. Her mission: get to the center of the Labyrinth and talk Daedulus into helping them save the camp from the Titan army. Can she make it to the center before the titans?
A quote from the book is “So many betrayals. I had hoped Quintus would prove a friend. it seems my judgement was bad.” this shows that the half-bloods are struggling to stay together. The age level for this book is anonymus. Kirkus reviews says to ‘look no further for the next Harry Potter. Meet Percy Jackson, as a lot of fans already have.’
Recommended by Alan Klostermann
A quote from the book is “So many betrayals. I had hoped Quintus would prove a friend. it seems my judgement was bad.” this shows that the half-bloods are struggling to stay together. The age level for this book is anonymus. Kirkus reviews says to ‘look no further for the next Harry Potter. Meet Percy Jackson, as a lot of fans already have.’
Recommended by Alan Klostermann
Boys Will Be Boys by Jeff Pearlman
I’m doing a book review on the book, Boys Will Be Boys, by Jeff Pearlman. It’s a book about of the highs and lows Dallas Cowboys during the 1990’s. They started off as the worst team in the NFL, but then the new owner Jerry Jones bought them and they became really good. They won 3 super bowls and became America’s Team. While they are doing so good, a lot of illegal things were going on. Lots of people get arrested for drugs and other things. They going from being the worst team, to the best team, and then the worst team again. “Jeff Pearlman has written a rip-roaring book filled with terrific reporting and vibrant prose. To Appreciate football’s modern era in all its crazy glory, you’ve got to read Boys Will Be Boys. It’s a flat-out winner,” said Selena Roberts of Sports Illustrated. The recommended reading age for this book is young adult. A quote from the book is “There, dangling in his right hand, was a pair of silver scissors, bits of shredded brown skin coating the tips.” The recommended reading age for this book is young adult.
Recommended by Bryce McAndrew
Recommended by Bryce McAndrew
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