Tuesday, October 27, 2009

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

Monday, October 26, 2009

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

Saturday, October 24, 2009

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

Friday, October 16, 2009

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