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
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