School Spirit by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

This book is first in the series, Suddenly Supernatural. It is about a seventh grade girl whose mother is a medium. When Kat turns thirteen, she finds herself seeing spirits. Namely, a seventeen-year-old flutist that needs help 'moving on'. The book is suspenseful while also mentioning the hardships of middle school. I think this book would interest female seventh-graders, especially if they like reading about the supernatural.

Annelisse W., grade 7

The Cay by Taylor Theodore

A 12-year-old has turned blind by a horrible hit by a German submarine and is stuck with an old Negro man. Now they're stuck on a tiny island with a blind boy and a man. I recommend this book for 3rd graders and up.

Kate I., grade 7

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

This is a tale of a girl, a mom that has died in a fire, a heartbroken father, and a little brother that has died while being born. The only happiness is Billie Jo's life. She plays her piano but she cant because her hand is wounded. Even worse dust storms are destroying crops and there's barely any food. Recommended for 4th or 5th graders.

Kate I., grade 7

So Totally Emily Ebers by Lisa Yee

Another book connected with two other books by Lisa Yee. The new girl Emily Ebers makes her first friend. Meanwhile, her friend has to tutor her worst nightmare. But wait! Emily is in love with her friend's worst nightmare! Emily's friendship may end pretty soon...

Recommended for 5th graders.

Kate I., grade 7

The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau

After the People of Ember surface to fresh air, they find the city of Sparks. The people of Sparks let them stay for six months until they learn how to survive alone. Soon complications and fights turn up due to someone who wants power and fame. This book is adventurous and hard to stop reading. This book is great for children who like going on adventures.

Symona S., grade 6

Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time by Lisa Yee

This book was the funniest book yet! This book is connected with the two other books by Lisa Yee. A boy named Stanford Wong is flunking school, so his mom hires a girl he hate, hate, hates! Meanwhile, she's friends with a girl Stanford is in love with! It's going to be a wild adventure!

Recommended for 5th graders.

Kate I., grade 7

The Dark Hills Divide by Patrick

Alexa Daley has dreamed of venturing beyond the protective walls when a powerful man dies a mysterious death, mysterious events are set in motion. This book can be too suspenseful sometimes. It is a powerful effect, but can be frustrating to the reader. This is a good book to any reader who likes adventure.

Annelisse W., grade 7

I Was a Rat! by Phillip Pullman

I Was a Rat! is a bout a rat who turns into a boy and is dubbed Roger. He keeps trying to tell people that he was a rat and is now a boy but everyone believes he is a rat monster. I recommend this book to anyone who can read and has heard Cinderella. It is similar to Oliver Twist.

Cory A., grade 6

Dog Lost by Ingrid Lee

The main idea of this book is that a boy named Mackenzie who gets a dog named Cash. His dad throws Cash out to live on his own. The negative part of this book is that he is forced to fight in illegal dog fighting. The positive part of this book is that Mackenzie and Cash are reunited. I would recommend this book for dog lovers. This book is for all ages.

Sheridan N., grade 6

Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney

This spooky story is about 13-year-old Tom, a seventh son of a seventh son and his apprenticeship to the spook. The spook's job is to save innocent people from boggarts, witches, and the dead. This story will have your heart racing for what will happen next. I enjoyed reading this book because it was very interesting to me. I think this would be a good book for 5th graders and up who are interested in spooky stories. I enjoyed this book and I think you will too!

Emily S., grade 6

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

I recommend this book to people who enjoy dragons and magic. This book is about a 15 year old boy named Eragon who finds a mysterious blue stone in the woods. Soon the stone hatches into a dragon and that changes his life forever. I recommend this book for 11 to 15 year old.

Max E., grade 6

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Mia is a freshman in high school. She is an average girl who just found out she is a princess. This book is good for kids 11 and up.

Mileena M., grade 8

Summer Ball by Mike Lupica

This is the sequel to "Travel Team". It continues the life of Danny Walker after his team won the championship. He goes to summer basketball camp now where he makes a lot of new friends including a kid younger than him. He gets better in basketball but gets this good coach who was good, but is mean to Danny. He makes Danny wonder about the big question. Should Danny keep playing basketball or quit? I recommend this book to basketball lovers and for kids 8 and up. You should read Travel Team before you read this though.

Brian F., grade 7

Outcast of Redwall by Brian Jacques

Outcast of Redwall talks about an evil ferret called Swartt Sixclaw who captures a young badger and a kestrel. The two animals help each other to escape from the camp. While escaping, the vermins attack and the young badger injures Swartt Sixclaw's left paw. They both want revenge on each other declaring each other mortal enemies. Also, there are thrilling events that happen throughout the story. I recommend readers 8 and up to read this amazing book.

Matthew N., grade 6

Gods of Manhattan by Scott Mebus

Thirteen year old Rory Hemessy is a regular boy until he meets Hex the magician who opens his eyes to Manhattan. Enemies and friends are revealed. This book is very descriptive and is an enjoyable read. I recommend this book to people who like fantasy. Grades 5 and up.

Ethan N., grade 7

The Book Without Words by Avi

Sybil is a small girl who has been adopted by a very old man by the name of Thorston. She finds him dead but his last words tell her to find a child with green eyes and keep the book away from the man with green eyes. Will Sybil find out what Thorston actually meant?

Brianne, grade 7

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart

This book is about four kids who try to rescue their friend, Mr. Benedict. They follow clues that were left behind which lead them to take a ship, a train, and a boat to an island where they try to rescue him. The clues were fun to solve and made the book even more enjoyable. I think someone who likes adventure books will like this book.

Scott K., grade 6

Crispin: At the Edge of the World by Avi

Crispin and his juggling companion, Bear, have run away from deadly assassins willing to kill them. Bear tries to teach Crispin how to fend for himself, make his own decisions, and to respect God and be free of sins. Eventually they are spotted by unknown natives that provide them shelter for awhile. After being spotted by the assassins again, Crispin and Bear run away with the tribe reject, Troth. Together the three of them start their epic adventure through dangers. This book has a motivating ending and should be read by people who like epics.

Ryan N., grade 8

Travel Team by Mike Lupica

This book is about a little kid who has a great basketball playing dad. His dad's career was ended early though. Danny, the main character, got cut from this team called the Vikings for being too small. He and his dad made a new team named the Warriors. His father had left him and his mom after the accident so this was great bonding experience. His father got into another car accident. They made Danny the coach. In the end, he and his team beat the Vikings with Ty, a great player who was on the Vikings. I recommend this book to people who like basketball and it is for ages 10 and above.

Brian F., grade 7

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

This is an adventurous book about a fantastic submarine that travels the unknown at extraordinary depths. Now a science professor is stuck on it. Can he escape? Find out in this great book for everyone who likes adventure.

Symona S., grade 6

Which Witch? by Eva Ibbotson

This book is zestly and great for Harry Potter fans. Arriman the Awful, the handsomest wizard has decided to marry, so her creates a contest. It would be who would perofrm the deadliest deed. Belladonna, the smallest wtich desperately wants to marry him, but there's one problem, she's a good witch. But she'll do anything to win Atriman's heart! Recommended for 4th or 5th graders.

Kate I., grade 7

The Mysterious Case of the Allbright Academy by Diane Stanley

Franny, Zoe, and J.D. Sharp are sent to the Allbright Academy, but Franny notices something sstrange about the students. They're all perfect! After a while, even she stops feeling the urge for junk food and has the urge to keep all things she sees neat and tidy. This book makes you feel grateful not being perfect. This is a good book for anyone who enjoys books.

Annelisse W., grade 7

Haunted: A Tale of the Mediator

In this book, there is a girl named Susanna Simon who can see ghosts. It isn't scary unless you are scared easily. "Suze" moves from New York to California and in her new house is a ghost. There is also a ghost at her school who wants REVENGE. It's a pretty good book. I recommend it to ages 14 and over. Read the book to find out the rest.

Cory A., grade 6

Baseball Spark Plug by Zack Zanger

This book is about a boy named Eddie who goes to a new baseball team. The negative part of this book is that all of the other boys on Eddie's team are mean to him. The positive part of the book is that at the end, everyone is nice to Eddie. I recommend this book to people who like baseball. This book is for all ages.

Sheridan N., grade 6

Captains Courageous by Rudyard Kipling

I recommend this book because it's fun to read. There is adventure and fun through the whole book. The characters have nice, good personalities. The book has a good plot and descriptions. The theme is about a rich kid who learns how life is when you are poor.

Gabe R., grade 6

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

When Marcus and his friends are caught in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack in San Francisco and interrogated without stop for days on end, the Department of Homeland Security sends them away with a message. Tell anyone what happens and we will hunt you down. Soon, San Francisco is a police city with outrageous and unfair treatment of its inhabitants. Marcus and his friends go after the unfair government to try and sort out this mess. This is an amazing book with lots of technology and action. Ages 13 and up.

Jensen H., grade 8

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George

It was a great book. The book was about an Eskimo girl that escaped from a terrible life. She went into the wilderness to get on a plane to San Francisco. Then she started torun out of food. So she communicated with wolves to get food. Then she continued on her journey to find her father. I like the story, but it got confusing. I think anybody over age ten would like it.

Naomi G., grade 6

Good Enough by Paula Yoo

This book is about a girl that strives to do her best- getting into all the best colleges and practicing hard on her violin. At her violin admission test, her eyes catch a boy... I would recommend this book to middle school students.

Evelyn F., grade 9

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

Charlotte's Web is a good book and it will make you happy in some parts but then sad in some other parts. This book is mainly about a pig that is just a baby that will be killed. But a little girl will save his life. So this book is about a road to friendship between a girl and a wonderful pig.

Gabby M., grade 6

The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo

The main idea of this book is about friendship. Rob Horton, the main character, is quiet, funny, and curious. The new girl, Sistine Baily is outgoing, bossy, and friendly. They are totally opposite people but they make the best of friends. Rob discovers that some things can't be locked up forever. This book might be for ages 10 and up or to anyone who enjoys a good story about friendship.

Bianca B., grade 6

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

This book is about a boy named Matt Cruse who works on a luxury airship as a cabin boy. After he met the granddaughter of a man he tried to save, his life completely changed. Soon enough, he is seeing mystical creatures never seen by humans. I really think the adventurous and mysterious touche pulled me towards the book. I would recommend this book to advanced readers, ages 11 and up.

Projit B., grade 6

A Mango Shaped Space by Wendy Mass

This book has a character that has a big secret that makes her feel like a freak. Then her secret is out and wants to find out more about herself and her ability to see the strange things she sees. But soon she forgets about everyone else, like her family and friends, and she must try to undo it.

Sarah G., grade 6

Music (Eyewitness) by Neil Ardley

I liked this book becasue it gives you a little information about numerous instruments. From the North American Indian rattle drum to the Japanese shaksharchi. Little or small, big or vast, long or wide, any instrument you could ever think of is there in the book. I recommend this book to those who are interested in musical instruments. This book is for any age.

James S., grade 6

The Ghost Children by Eve Bunting

This book is about a boy named Matt and his little sister Abby. They have to move to their Great Aunt Grenda's house because their parents died. But their Aunt Grenda has 7 life-sized dolls and she acts like they are real children. At first, Matt thinks it's make believe, but then he starts seeing the dolls move and talk. Matt is scared to death. What will he do? This book is for third graders and on. It is a bit scary.

Stelanie T., grade 6

The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers

A little bluebear is lost in the Zamonian Ocean, until he is rescued by some mini pirates from a giant wave. Unfortunately, the baby bluebear eventually grows so big that he is in danger of sinking the ship. So the mini pirates abandon him on an island. Now this bluebear must find his true home. There were plenty of exciting times when the bluebear became crowned "the King of Lies" and other times when he was in peril danger. I recommend this book to 6-9th graders who like a fictional, long story with plenty of twists and turns.

Sara N., grade 6

Savvy by Ingrid Law

It is a well written book about the Beaumont family having savvies. A savvy is a talent that you get when you turn 13. When Mibs Beaumont's birthday is around the corner, something terrible happens to Mr. Beaumont. Find out how Mibs deals with having her savvy and her dad. I recommend this "Newbery Honor" book to kids who are looking for a good book to read.

Katherine S., grade 7

Holes by Louis Sachar

This story is about a boy named Stanley. He had to go to Camp Green Lake because he found somebody's shoes and thought it belonged to nobody so he took them. He made a lot of friends at the camp and had to dig holes. The positive part of the book is that he doesn't tell lies. I would recommend this book for 6th and 7th grade to read.

Jocelyn J., grade 6

Here Today by Ann M. Martin

In 1963, a girl named Eleanor Dingman's, mother won a contest. That's when her life went upside down. Her mother moved, she was bullied, and scary things were happening on her street. This book tells the story of a hard life but it is very well written. I recommend this book to kids 10 years old and above.

Evelyn B., grade 6

Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet by Herri L. Smith

This book is about a girl named Ana Shen growing up, graduating from high school and having to deal with cultural differences. The dad of the Japanese boy she liked insulted her family. Her grandmothers don't get along because one is Chinese while the other is African American. They don't get along because they compete to see whos cooking is better and the better grandma. I recommend this book to girls ages 10 and up.

Samantha W., grade 7

Old Yeller by Fred Gipson

I recommend this book because it teaches us about love and care for a dog. It's a heartwarming tale between Travis, a 14 year old, and a dog. They go together hunting but the dog gets bitten by a wolf while protecting Travis' family. Travis has no option but to shoot him in fear of rabies. Travis, in tears, kills the dog but realizes that he needs to move on and so he did while placing the dog in his heart. I recommend this book for 11-13 year old kids.

William J., grade 7

The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket

This book is about 3 orphans. You probably know their names, Violet, Klaus, and Sunney. After their Uncle Monty has died, they go live with their Aunt Josphine. As soon as they get there, things get strange. No ovens are allowed on. There are many more but if you want to find out, I'm afraid you're going to have to read the book. I recommend this book for ages 10-15.

Laurie S., grade 7

Ark Angel by Anthony Horowitz

Ark Angel is about Alex Rider's adventure to save Earth, again. After being shot in the chest, Alex is sent to a hospital and is in the room next to Paul Previn. With his quick thinking mind, Alex is able to save Paul from his kidnappers. In return, Alex gets to spend a vacation with Paul. Alex soon realized a plot that will kill millions and must risk his life to stop it. I enjoyed this book becasue of the action and suspense and disliked the predictability of the story. Recommended for James Bond lovers and ages 12 and above.

Zachary D., grade 8

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

Alanna wants to become a knight, but girls are forbidden to be warriors. By switching places with her brother Thom, Alanna gets her wish. She dresses herself up as a boy called Alan. To learn how to be a knight, she must start as a page and learn and master weapons, combat, magic, and polite behavior. I like how Alanna tries her hardest at everything. I also like how the events in this book make you want to read some more! I recommend this book to girls age 10-13 who enjoy adventure books.

Book 1 in the Song of the Lioness series

Maakie W., grade 6

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter is in his thrid year at Hogwarts school of witch craft and wizardry. Sierrus Black, who was i nAzkaban for killing 13 people with one curse, escaped leaving the guards thinking he was attempting to murder Harry Potter. This book is beautifully writeten and keeps you reading. Anyone can read the first Harry Potter book, and if you do read it, you must read the rest.

Adam S., grade 7

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Hugo, a 13 year old boy, lives in the wall of a Paris train station. He likes mechanics. His whole life is a secret. When he meets an old man and a girl, his life is changed. This mystery makes you want to read more. The pictures in the book give you a better understanding of the book. I would recommend this book to people who like mysteries or secrets. Other than that, I would recommend it to almost anybody who can read.

Keven S., grade 6

Truth Cookie by Fiona Dunbar

Lulu Backer, 13, finds herself in a pack of lies that her father's girlfriend brought. And then her father's girlfriend, Varaminta started to be mean to Lulu and very nice to her father. Lulu knows that Varaminta was up to something. She overhead the dangerous truth one day and tried to make her father believe her, but how? Magically, she found a way of making truth cookies. This book is a very interesting book and I recommend it to all girls under 18.

Madeline H., grade 6

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Being Greg Heffley can really stink, especially when everyone thinks he has the cheese touch. We find him telling us readers about his life from those crazy teenagers who are after Greg and his friends to chasing kindergarteners with worms. This is all told through his diary! I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good laugh!

Jasmine C., grade 6

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

This is the last book in the series and you may only be able to understand this if you read the previous books. This one is Harry's last year at Hogwarts. He tries to discover love and deep magic without the support of Dumbeldore. He eventually faces off with Voldemort. The positive elements are this book is very detailed, but that makes it long. Any age can read this book and should read the first six books before reading this one.

Christopher L., grade 7

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This book is about a land that used to be North America- a post-apocalyptic place called Panem that consists of 12 districts and is controlled by a ruthless Capitol. To keep the districts in line, a boy and a girl are chosen by lottery from each district to fight to the death on live t.v. in the Hunger Games every year. This game takes place and a girl named Katniss Everdeen takes her sister's place. This novel is a good mix of action and romance. A positive aspect is that Katniss must weigh survival against humanity and life vs. love if she wants to be the winner. An awesome read!!

Rhian M., grade 8

Princess Academy by Shanon Hale

In princess academy, Miri, a mountain girl has to go to a school to become a princess so one of them can go and be the prince's wife. Miri doesn't want to go and be a lowlander. She uses her wit and smarts to find her way in her outcast life. This book is great for humorous people.

Denise H., grade 6

Merlin's Dragon by T.A. Barron

Basil is an odd little creature, half-lizard, half-bat, that lives in the Woodroot. His whole aim in life was to survive until he began to discover the magic within him. He is haunted by dreams of a creature, that looks awfully like him, that attacks the powerful wizard Merlin. Questioning who he is (and wondering if he is the evil thing that attacks Merlin), he sets off on a quest to warn Merlin that will test how strong Basil's magic really is.

Lexie S., grade 7

Millicent Min by Lisa Yee

This book is about an eleven year old girl who is going to be a senior in high school. I really don't think there are any negative points in this book. I really like how Millicent is telling the story like it is a journal. I would recommend reading this to anybody who likes to read and enjoys a good book.

Hanna C., grade 7

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

Bud, an orphan who never met his father, decides to find him. He thinks it is Herman E. Calloway, but how Herman really is related to him is very surprising. This book will take you onto a journe ywith Bud as he experiences hardships, but finally finds his family in the end. This book is good for 6th and 7th graders.

Olivia C., grade 6

Well Witched by Frances Handinge

Ryan and his friends Josh and Chelle took some coins that were in the well. The well wish got furious and wanted revenge. Now, Ryan, Josh, and Chelle have powers. Powers that nobody ever wants. This book is amazing! I think people who like fantasy or exciting books will love this book.

Emily, grade 6

The Maze of Bones (Book 1 in 39 Clues Series) by Rick Riordan

This book is about a boy, Dan Cahill, and his older sister, Amy Cahill. They go on an adventure becasue of the death of their grandma. It was called the 39 clues and they were given 39 clues, but they had to find the clues by themselves. It was a matter of life, death, and ricehs of the most powerful family in the world, the Cahills. If you love action and good literature, read the 39 Clues!

Karen H., grade 7

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Ever since that incident in the summer, Melinda hasn't talked. She holds a secret, a very scary secret, but the whole school hates her. After the traumatizing incident in the summer at the after school bash, Melinda calls the police, ruining the party and losing her friends.

But what is so bad to have done that, to arrest dozens of students, to never speak again? I liked it very much and it should be aimed at older teens.

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

This book is about a 15 year old boy named Cole Matthews. He wears handcuffs quite often. But when the Cole cracks the skull of a young boy named Peter, he gets a harsher punishment. This time he does not chose to get to sail, he goes to tan abandoned Alaskan island where a white spirot bear lives. When Cole fights it, he rocks every bone in his body, but feels a strange peace! Does the bear cool down his anger or is Cole on his own?

Animesh M., grade 6

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

This story is about a little girl and her family traveling out west to work for a living. This book is a historical fiction story though based on the author's real life. I recommend this book to girls ages 7 - 12.

Karen Z. grade 6

Heartbeat by Sharon Creech

Heartbeat is about a girl who loves to run alone or with her friend barefoo. Then they find out that her other is pregnant and her whole world changes. This book is for 11 - 13 age range.

Isabelle E., grade 6

The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

The main idea of this book is really just about finding your higher power. Lucky goes on a sad and exciting adventure to find her higher power, but in the end she finds that she does not need to find her higer power. She has her friends and family, what more could she need? This book would probably appeal to ages 10 -14 because it is a little bit advanced for younger people.

Talia P., grade 6

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson is a troublemaker that always is getting blamed but has never gotten blamed for anything as big as stealing Zeus' lightning bolt! Now Percy has 10 days to find it and return it to Zeus. This book is a great page turner! Anyone could read this book from ages 9 - 20! Will Percy get the bolt to Zeus in time?

Jenna, grade 6

A Dog's Life by Ann M. Martin

This book is about a dog named squirrel and her life. The positive part of this book is learning that even if you are alone, you can still be happy. The negative part of this book is when squirrel's mother disappears. I would recommend this book to dog lovers. I think ages 7 12 should read this book.

Shira N., grade 6

Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

This book is about a boy who is bored with Life and takes a magical tollbooth to a different land and meets all these odd creatures. Milo and his friends settle differences and other crazy things. I think it's a very good book and recommend this book for all ages. I also think it's funny and has good illustrations.

Roan M., grade 6