Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Misadventures of Maude March by Audrey Couloumbus

Sallie March is an 11-year-old orphan who lives with her aunt Ruthie. That is, until her aunt is shot and killed by the famous Joe Harden, a book character. This sets off a chain of events that leaves Sallie's sister, Maude , a wanted criminal! I suggest this thrilling wild west story to kids ages 10 and up.

Katie L., grade 6

The Last Holiday Concert by Andrew Clements

When budget cuts are low, Hart Evens decides to play a trick on his music teacher. His music teacher gets really upset and tells the children that the concert was on their own. Hart Evens then takes charge and pulls the whole thing together and comes with a great concert. When Hart finds out that his music teacher is fired, he gets upset and mad. But it is too late.

Clara W., grade 6

As If Being 12 3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running For President! by Donna Gephart

Vanessa Rothrock has a hard life. She's dealing with her spelling bees, school, and most importantly, her mom running for president. Now, her mom has busy schedules and Vanessa is worried about her safety. I love the author's humor in this story. I Recommend this book to middle school girls.

Kayla T., grade 6

The Time Warp Trio: Me oh Maya by Jon Scieszka

One minute, Joe, Sam, and Fred are shooting hoops in Brooklyn. The next, they are playing ball for their lives. In this next exciting chapter of the Time Warp Trio, the book brings them back to ancient Chichen Itza, Mexico, and they are about to be the next blood sacrifice. They are rescued and have to make their way out of this one. I recommend this book to 4th through 6th graders.

Jacob M., grade 6

The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

The Amulet of Samarkand is about a young 11-year-old magician whose knowledge of magic is far beyond his years. With his knowledge, he summons a magical creature, a djinni, and tells him to steal an amulet from a powerful magician named Simon Lovelace. When Lovelace finds out, though, Nathaniel is in big trouble. Between magic and fires, Nathaniel will take you through the magic of The Amulet of Samarkand.

Yee-Sum, grade 6

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Love Me Tender by Audrey Coulumbis

Love Me Tender is about a 13-year-old girl who is going through a hard time in her life. Her dad, a past Elvis impersonator, runs off the enter a contest and she is left with her movie addicted mom and little sister. They have many twists and turns and eventually go on the road to visit her grandmother. I would say its good for anyone ages 10-12.

Isabel B., grade 6

A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle

A Door in the Wind is the second adventure about the Murry family. Meg, Calvin and Proginoskes are trying to save Charles Wallace. Charles falls ill with a deadly disease that cannot be cured with medicine. Meg, Calvin, and Proginoskes travel through strange planets and places to try to save Charles. This book was alright. I would recommend it to anybody who likes suspense and adventure.

Katherine C., grade 6

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko

Kirsten McKenna and Walker Jones are two different kids with two completely different lives. Kirsten's world is crumbling with only her little sister on her side. Walker is the only black kid in the seventh grade at his new private school. The two barely know each other, until the find out about a shocking family secret. this is an exciting story with humor and skill. Enjoyable!

Tei P., grade 6

The Secret School by Avi

The Secret School is about a girl named Ida Bidson. She wants to become a teacher and has to attend high school, but loses the chance when her school closes down. To go on, she organizes a secret school with her as the teacher. Avi has done a great job with the characters, but the plot is a tad bit boring. I would recommend this to readers who like happy endings.

Brandon K., grade 8

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

The "Septembers" have never ever EVER been apart from each other since the 16 summers they've lived. Only Carmen and Bridget were actually excited for the adventure that was about to unfold. Tibby finds a pair of jeans in Carmen's closet and tries them on. The other girls do so too. Magically, the pants fit each and everyone of them. It was decided the pants were going to be the girl's "journal" for that summer and the summers ahead.

Salamander Spell by E.D. Baker

This fairy tale is about Princess Grassina and her sister Chartreuse. Chartreuse is the eldest and is expected to have inherited magic from her parents. Her younger sister Grassina is more than tired of waiting. Little does she know, a few surprises await, her including magic and a little romance.

Julianne, grade 7

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The Great Brain by John D. Fitzgerald

Every kid in Adenville, Utah knows about the Great Brain. He's the smartest kid in town, not because of his grades in school, but because he's always two steps ahead of everyone else when it comes to making a profit. However, when the Great Brain teaches peg leg Andy to do chores and play games like other kids, he is faced with a choice. He can either use his great brain to help others or he can use it to make money. The Great Brain is an entertaining and fun book that carries an important message too.

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater

It is a fictional comedy filled with excitement. Mr. Popper's Penguins is about a nice house painter who has a wife and two kids, Bill and Janie Popper. But when Admiral Drake sends Mr. Popper a penguin, it gets difficult. And even more difficult when more penguins come. But to earn the money back, he finds a way to make the penguins perform. It's a happy happy story about family. I would recommend it for 9 and 10 year olds.

Meli N., grade 6

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

When a tornado tears through a small town in Kansas, a small girl and her dog are transported into a colorful world of magic and mystery. In the world of Oz, Dorothy and Toto find themselves meeting new friends and encountering difficult obstacles- all for the hope of returning home. This classic fantasy is recommended for all ages- or anyone with youth in their heart. Embark with Dorothy and her friends through this enchanting and magical journey.

Jasmine C., grade 7

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff

Every past summer, Lily has spent at her family's summer house in Rockaway Beach. But this summer of 1944, the war will change everything. Margaret, Lily's best friend has to move away, and worse, Lily's father is going away too.

Lily is lonely and bored until Albert, a refugee from Hungary, comes. They become friends and each find that the other tells lies. But only Lily knows that she has told the most terrible of them all- one that may cost Albert his life.

This book is recommended for girls and boys ages 10 and up.

Karen Z., grade 7

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester

Piper had a special ability. She could fly. She discovered it one day when she decided to jump off the roof. When she scares the community of her home, she is sent to a school for kids with special abilities. There, she finds a problem that only she can solve.

Julianne O., grade 7

The Puzzling World of Winston Breen By Eric Berlin

Winston loves puzzles and when he is stumped by a strange one, he finds out that there are more people with similar pieces, all looking for the same treasure. In a treasure hunt that takes them all over town, Winston and the rest of the group encounter puzzle after puzzle in a crazy search for treasure. I liked this book because it was fun and it had a lot of puzzles. I would recommend this book for 4th to 7th graders who like puzzles.

Scott K., grade 7

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman

The Schwa Was Here is about Calvin Schwa and his friend Ansty. Calvin isn't like any other kid, he's partially invisible. Ansty and him wanted to make some money and with the Schwa's help, they can do it. They took some dares until one dare changed their life. This was one of my favorite books I read this summer. I would recommend this book to pre-teens who love drama and a good laugh.

Katherine L., grade 6

The Number Devil by Hans Magnus Enzensberger

Robert finds math as a problem in his life. He hates his teacher for not letting him use a calculator. Eventually, the number devil shows up in his dreams. Each night, this devil reveals the true secrets of math. Does Robert still need a calculator? Readers of all ages will enjoy this fantasy.

Matthew C., grade 7

Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh

The Night Tourist is an exciting book about a teenage boy named Jack who encounters a near fatal accident. When his dad sends him to New York to see a weird doctor, he meets a girl named Euri. He hadn't been there for eight years since his mother had died. Euri offers Jack a tour of Central Station, however, Jack discovers is the underworld of New York City, where his mom should be if she hasn't moved on yet. Will Jack get to see his mother again? Recommended for 6th grade and up.

Emily S., grade 7

Porcupine by Meg Tilly

After her father died, 12-year-old Jacqueline (or Jack) Cooper could only watch as her mother crumbles under so much depression. Then suddenly she leaves Jack and her younger siblings, Simon and Tessa, across the country in their great-grandmother's run-down farm. Jack puts herself in the position of responsibility to care for the family and learns the true meaning of being together. A story with depth and great characters, this book is recommended to kids 10-14.

Te P., grade 6

Akiko: The Training Master by Mark Crilley

Akiko and her extra-terrestrial friends are off on yet another adventure! This time, they are going to a special training camp to become official space patrollers. However, Akiko has a very important question. Is her trainer purposely trying to flunk her? But the biggest one of all is, can they survive this?

Sara N., grade 7

Monday, November 08, 2010

The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley

Life hasn't been great for Sabrina and Daphne Grimm. After their parents disappeared, they've been sent to foster homes of every kind, all of them odd and foreboding. However, none was as odd as their grandmother Relda's. The sisters Grimm thought she was dead! I would suggest this book to people in middle school and also those who like fantasy.

Helena R., grade 7

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry

This book is about a young orphan named Peter and his mysterious new friend Molly and their adventure across the seas to Neverland. The ship stores a mysterious treasure that Molly seems to know of. As Peter tries to hunt down the treasure, so is the notorious Pirate Black Stache! A fast paced adventure story great for 4th through 7th graders.

Stolen Children by Peg Kehret

This book is about a girl Amy, who gets kidnapped along with Kendra, the girl she is babysitting. Amy has to care for the three-year-old Kendra, as well as come up with an escape plan. After many of her attempts fail, she is forced to do something that puts her life, as well as Kendra's, on the line.

Haley P., grade 6

Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman

Shawn McDaniel, a14-year-old boy, was physically and mentally disabled from birth. The problem is he thinks his dad wants to kill him not out of hate, but out of live. This story tells the reader about Shawn's live. It teaches readers about how sad a person's life could be. I recommend this book to preteens and higher due to some language in the book.

Alex N., grade 7

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Sisters of the Sword by Maya Snow

Kimi, the daughter of the Jito, needs to take revenge on the one who killed her father. She and her sister train to be samurai and try to find their mother and brother, who have mysteriously disappeared. A head-strong boy tries to get in Kimi's way but is helped by many friends she makes. What will happen next? Read this book to find out!

Brianne L., grade 8

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass

This book is about a 12-year-old boy named Jeremy who receives a box from his deceased father and is supposed to open it before his 13th birthday. However, he has to find four keys and with this adventure, he has to figure out what the meaning of life is. This book has foreshadow so pay attention!

This book is recommended to preteens. :)

Janna S., grade 8

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

Alyss of Wonderland had to escape because of her deranged Aunt Redd and went through the Pool of Tears and ended up along in Victorian England. The royal bodyguard, Hatter Maddigan, is out trying to find Alyss to bring her back to Wonderland to claim the throne for good. This book is very adventurous and suspenseful. The characters are interesting.

Milo M., grade 6

Taking Sides by Gary Soto

Lincoln Mendoza moved from his bad neighborhood where he would get into fights to a better neighborhood. In his new school, his basketball team has to face his former team with all his old friends, including his best friend. Lincoln also meets a girl at his new school. He doesn't want to beat his old team badly but also doesn't want to disappoint his new team. He moved because a burglar broke into their house and stole their things. This book is good at describing Lincoln's thoughts and feelings. I would recommend this to people who enjoy basketball.

Brian F., grade 8

Friendship According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

Humphrey has to make friends with a frog named Og. Humphrey thinks Og is very rude because he won't talk to him. This book is really funny and you learn about friendship. This book is great for kids all ages.

Kyle K., grade 6

Finally by Wendy Mass

"Finally" is about a girl named Rory Swenson. When she was young and she wanted something, her parents would always tell her to wait until she's twelve years old. When the day of her 12th birthday arrives, many funny and unexpected things start to happen. I would recommend this book to 5th to 7th graders who love suprises.

Jessica T., grade 7

The Time Travelers (Book 1 in Gideon Trilogy) by Linda Buckley-Archer

Peter Schock's twelfth birthday was suppose to be a perfect day with his dad. Instead, his dad gets an important call from work, Peter goes to a farm, then gets transported from the 21st century to 1763 with Kate Dyer from the farm. If you like historical stories, you can find out what happens to Peter and Kate!

Katie L., grade 6

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Clary Fray is a teenage girl who goes to Pandemonium Club, like always. But she hardly expects to witness a murder. But you can’t report a murder when nobody can see it but you, and the body just shrivels up! The people who killed the boy are Shadowhunters. They fight demons.

When Clary finds her mother missing, Clary is attacked by a demon. But why would demons go after a normal mundane teenager? With that Clary gets pulled deeper into the Shadowhunter world…

Katie N., grade 6

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Good Luck, Ivy

Ivy feels unlucky, her best friend is not across the street and the all city gymnastics and the family reunion is on the same day. She is not so good at the balancing. She thinks that going to the tournament is better than the family reunion. Then she thinks that she should go the family reunion. Find out what she ends up doing!

Clara W., grade 6

How to Survive Middle School by Donna Gephart

David Greenberg wants to be a star. He posts funny videos on Youtube. But, he also has problems. He has an ex-best friend, and a runaway mom. Will his dream come true? This book doesn't really tell you how to survive middle school that much.

I recommend this book for middle school boys and girls.

Kayla T., grade 6

A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck

This book is about a boy named Joey and his sister, Mary Alice. From 1929 to 1942, they go to Chicago to spend the summer with their Grandmother. Something funny and exciting happens every year, like seeing the sheriff in his underwear to scaring some boys with a dead mouse and a bottle with milk! I would recommend this book to 5th-7th graders who love adventures.

Jessica T., grade 7

Are You There God? It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume

This book is about a 12-year-old girl who just moved to New Jersey with her parents. When she got there, she met a girl named Nancy, who invited her into a secret club with her two friend's Gretchen and Janie. They were all learning about getting older and changing. Although she misses her grandma so much, she's still having fun. This book is a sweet fiction book about changes in life. I would recommend this book to a girl who is going into middle school and who is 11 or 12.

Meli N., grade 6