Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini by Sid Fleischman

This awesome biography takes you on a ride through Houdini's life as an escape artist. The king of handcuffs amazing stunts from jail braking to breaking handcuffs! I recommend this book for anyone who likes magic.

Nathan L.

Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg by Gail Carson Levine

Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg is about the fairies in Neverland. All fairies have a talent and Mother Dove helps them. Fairy dust helps Never fairies fly. When a hurricane arrives in the Neverland, Mother Dove's egg, the thing that keeps everything and everyone young, breaks. The only thing that can revive it is the imprisoned dragon, Kyto. He wants to trade, so 3 fairies go on quest to collect items to see if they succeed. Read the book!

Sherrilyn L.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Set in 18th century China, this novel portrays friendship between two girls from when they were young until elderly age. As friends, they experienced many things together, such as footbinding and they learned the secret language of women, nu shu. When they are in their later years, the were separated as they get married into different families. However, both keep in touch through a fan which they leave messages on. This is an interesting and intriguing novel. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in reading about history and friendship, from ages 14 and up.

My Brother Sam is Dead by James and Christopher Collier

This story takes place during the tie of the American Revolutionary War. Tim has an older brother named Sam who is a Rebel soldier. However, Tim's family has a tavern in Redding, a Tory (loyalist) country. One day, he gets into trouble and his life is in danger. Can Tim save his brother? This story tells all the specific details about life during the Revolutionary War and what different kinds of feeling that Tory, Rebel, and neutrals had. Because there is some violence and inappropriate words, I'd highly recommend this "5 star" book to grade 5 and up.

Jae W.

Two-Minute Mysteries by Donald J. Sobol

Solve 79 "two minute" mysteries that range from murder to stealing. Work with Dr. Haledjian and Inspector winters to solve the crime. At the end of each story, Dr. Haledjian makes a remark and a question is asked. Answers to the question are also supplied. The clues that are embedded into the stories are tricky so look carefully. Recommended for ages 10 and higher.

Learning the Game by Kevin Waltman

Nate is your normal high school kid who is struggling to get on the varsity basketball team. When his whole team gets invoved into a break-in, his whole life slowly falls apart. The negative element of the story is that he lies to everyone about the break-in. I recommend this book to 10 years old and above.

Trent K.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Billy gets a sickness common in all children, "puppy love". Billy's family is poor and can't afford red coon hounds. So Billy started to collect money himself for two years. He asked his grandpa to order them for him. Did he get what he wanted and cure his illness? There's one way to find out. Read the book!

Leeza K.

Sarah Bishop by Scott O'Dell

This is a book about a girl named Sarah Bishop who loses her father and brother during the Revolutionary War. This book has great literature and is an interesting book, but sometimes can be sad. This book is suitable for any child who is interested in history. This book is historical fiction so it will be a great book for people who like historical fiction.

Jordan K.

Marley & Me by John Grogan

This is a fun quick-read book about the autobiographical events of the author's wild, yet loveable pup, Marley. From being kicked out of obedience school to landing a role in a movie, the 97-pound labrador provides laughs as well as life-long lessons. Told through simple, witty narrative, all readers are sure to be touched by the world's worst dog, Marley. Recommended for 8th grade and above.

Hana K.

Once Upon a Curse by E.D. Baker

Hundreds of years before Princess Emma was born, an insulted fairy cast a curse on her ancestor Princess Hazel. The curse was all female descendants upon their sixteenth year could not touch a flower or all of their youth, kindness, and beauty would be erased. Almost sixteen herself, Emma has to find a way to reverse the curse. 4th to 8th grade

Harley J.

A Week in the Woods by Andrew Clements

This story is about a boy named Mark who is new to his school. He doesn't really fit in since he was really rich. He goes hiking for a week and on the first day, he takes the blame for bringing a knife to school for his friend. He runs away then and gets lost. His teacher then rescues him and he is safe.

Joey H.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

This book is a touching read. It follows one young girl's race to freedom. Lily Owens longs to find out about the truth of her mother's death and runs away to a laced listed on the back of mother's old possessions. It is a powerful tale of love, kindness, and the need of a mother's love.

Chloe H.

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

Prosper and Bo are orphans in Venice, Italy. Luckily, they have found refuge with runaways, Mosca, Ricco, and Hornet along with the famous thief lord. They will be captured, taken as hostage, and be rid from their hideout. I liked them all being runaways. This book is good for ages twelve and up.

Ben H.

The Printer's Devil by Paul Bajoria

This fantasy adventure takes place in London at the beginning of the industrial age. The main character, Moy, is an orphan who works as an apprentice to a grouchy old printer named Cramplock. Moy finds out about an underground criminal organization.

Mac G.

The Kid Who Became President by Dan Gutman

This book is about a kid who just became president of the United States of America. He is faced with many problems that he must decide what to do. But I won't tell you what the problem is. You should read the book yourself.

Jonathan G.

Pendragon: The Merchant of Death

Bobby Pendragon has just discovered that the girl of his dreams loves him back, when his Uncle Press takes him to a whole other world that needs their help. The first of this series is full of action, but the jumps between worlds is confusing at times. This book is made for Harry Potter lovers with a short attention span. Ages 11 -16.

Miranda G.

The Curious Incidents of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

This book is a fictional account of an autistic 15-year-old boy living in Swindon, England. It is the year 1998 (though it never directly says so in the book). Christopher Boone is a mathematical genius who has no understanding of human emotions. The book is written from Christopher's point of view, because according to the story the book was written by Christopher. This book is a realistic insight into the complications disabled people and the people around them have.

Elaine E.