Sabotaged by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Jonah is one of the missing. He is a missing child of history. He, with the assistance of his sister Katherine, must return the missing to the proper place and time to balance history. This time, they are headed to Roanoke colony to return Virginia Dare. This historical fiction book is filled with twists and turns that would interest all readers.

Daniel C., grade 7

Trouble-maker by Andrew Clements

The main idea of the book is that people can change. During the book a trouble-maker named Clay is inspired by his older brother and changes his attitude. Soon he starts doing better in school and is much happier with his overall appearance. I really enjoyed this book because it was well written, but I thought it could have used a better vocabulary. I would recommend this book to 5th and 6th graders.

Emily D., grade 7

Beauty: a Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley

After a major shipwreck in her father's business, Beauty's family is forced to move out of the city. In the country, Beauty soon discovers that the forest is enchanted. It is said deep in its bowels lies a castle, home to a ferocious beast. When Beauty arrives, she quickly learns that you cannot judge a book by its cover.

Although I was never one for fairy tales, McKinley's writing style simply glued my hands and eyes to the book. All ages.

Bethany C., grade 7

The Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson

DHI, which means Disney Host Interactive and Daylight Hologram Imaging, is a new technology that makes five young teens guide at the Magic Kingdom. However, this new technology also makes the teens turn into DHI at night. Where they find themselves at the Magic Kingdom fighting Disney villains and witches. I recommend this book to anyone who ever wondered what happens in Disney World at night.

Tiffany C., grade 7

Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

This is a sad tale about people whose lives intersect. Peter, the main character, wants to find his sister who his crazy caretaker says is dead. A magician who is desperate to have good magic tricks uses a magic spell that his teacher told him to only use in emergencies. When the magician uses the spell a giant elephant comes crashing through the rood and the adventures begin. I liked this book because it was so well written and the plot was fantastical. Even though this book was sad it had hope, and it is worth reading.

Jeremy B., grade 6

Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass

In this story, there are 3 kids that meet at a campground. There names are Ally, Bree, and Jack. At first they don't communicate well together because they all have different personalities but soon find out that they actually have a lot in common. They create a strong bond of friendship. I recommend this book for ages 10 to 13.

Audrey C., grade 6

How To Save a Life by Sara Zarr

This is a book about another tragic parents death/realistic fiction story taking place in Denver, Colorado. Jill MacSweeney and her mother Robin decide to adopt a baby from Mandy Kalinawki in Omaha. Mandy takes a train to the MacSweeney household and lives there until the baby is supposed to be born. Her life before that , when her mother and mother's boyfriend had been hard. She wishes different for her baby and for herself, but different is hard to find.

Tiffany C., grade 9

Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyul Choi

As a ten-year old girl living in Pyongyang, Korea, during the occupation of Japan in World War II, young Sookan experiences a tough childhood. Her family is forced to slave around for the Imperial soldiers. After the Japanese lose the war and retreat back to Japan, Russian soldiers and comrades occupy North Korea and "brainwash" the Koreans towards working for Mother Russia. Desiring freedom in the south, Sookan's mother begins plotting her family's escape, only to be caught by soldiers and sent back. Sookan and her brother reach the border, only to find their chance of crossing very slim. Will they make it to the south? Read this touching novel to find out. The theme of this novel is to be patient and endure. This book has lots of suspense and vivid descriptions that engage readers eight and up.

Caroline C., grade 6

The Wanderer by Sharon Creech

Sophie and her relatives are going on a boat trip to see Sophie's grandfather. On the way, they face a humongous wave, injuries and her annoying cousin Brian who thinks he knows everything. You see Sophie and her other cousin, Cody's side of the story. I think this is a good book for 5th graders who like adventures.

Faith W., grade 6

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is about an 11-year old boy named Harry who lives with his terrible aunt and uncle who have lied and told him his parents died in a car crash leaving him with a lightning shaped scar on his forehead. But now the truth comes out and Harry learns he is the most famous wizard ever. When Harry was a a baby, Lord Voldemort killed his parents but when he tried, Lord Voldemort could not kill Harry as a baby. Now he attends Hogwart's school for wizards with his new friends Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid. But something is hidden at Hogwart's and it is Harry's job to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

Maya W., grade 6

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

In The Trumpet of the Swan, Louis is a trumpeter swan, but he can't make a sound. Louis wants to impress his loved one, but can't attract her attention. What can he do? Will it work?

I recommend this book to people within the age of 8 and 12.

Madeleine W., grade 7

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly is a great book that pinpoints the idea of friendship and love. There are many great things about this book, except for some sections in this book which are sad. Anyone who likes supernatural books about angels would love this book. This book is more appropriate for ages 12+.

Kathy Z., grade 7

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

This is a historical-fiction book about a young boy named Helmuth who lives in Germany. Helmuth doesn't like Hitler so he goes to stand for what is right. This book is very detailed but parts of it are slow and don't have much action. I recommend this book for people who like history and World War II. Ages 10-12.

James Y., grade 7

Nobody's Princess by Esther Friesner

The book takes place in a world where beauty counts. But, Helen of Sparta doesn't just want to be beautiful, she also wants to be as strong and brave as her two brothers .She learns from a huntress, Atlanta, who Helen is fascinated by what she can do. I recommend this book to people who love adventure, and re-told Greek myths. For 6th graders plus.

Susan Y., grade 7