Sunday, October 23, 2016

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading by Tom Greenwald

This is a book for NON-READERS! Charlie is a kid who hates reading. This book teaches you how to not read. Charlie Joe Jackson has very sneaky schemes to get himself out of reading. The book includes 25 tips for how not to read. Explore the live of not reading with Charlie Joe Jackson's schemes. I recommend this book for 5th-6th graders
Annette W., 6th grade

Candymakers by Wendy Mass

This book is about four twelve-year-olds who get chosen to compete in the annual candy contest. They are: Logan, a candymaker's son; Daisy, a spy on a mission; Miles, a quiet, shy boy who is allergic to the weirdest things, and Philip, an ambitious, competetive boy who wants to be better than his brother. Together, they learn to trust and work together. This book is great for people who like mysterious stories. For ages 10 and up.
by Sarah, 6th grade

Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein

Bilbo Baggins was an ordinary hobbit until Ganldalf and 13 dwarves invite themselves into his hobbit-hole and convince him to go on an adventure to the mountain where Smaug the Dragon lives, and to reclaim the stolen gold. They meet Orcs, Elves, Spiders, Trolls, and many others, along the way. People who like adventure books will really like The Hobbit. I liked the Hobbit because of the adventure and suspense, but there are many enemies. For grades 5 and up.
by Sarah, 6th grade

Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson

Louise and Caroline are twin sisters, but are completely different. Louise feels like Caroline is like Jacob, loved, and that she, Louise, is like Isu, hated. Everything revolves around Caroline, and Louise feels despised when Caroline is sent to a music school. Louise is jealous and wants to go away from home. This book is very emotional and I liked the setting of the story. People who like strong, emotional books would like this book. For grades 6 and up.
by Sarah, 6th grade

One White Dolphin by Gill Lewis

Kara Wood's mother disappears, and Kara and her father owe more money than they can earn. Jake Evan's father is destroying the reef, and Kara is in trouble at school. Everything feels upside-down for Kara, until she sees an injured white dolphin! Kara meets a boy who doesn't walk well named Felix. Together they try to unlock Kara's mother's memory stick, and save the reef. I liked Kara's strong personality. This book is good for people who like marine biology. For grades 4 and up.
by Sarah, 6th grade

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

Have you ever felt sad because of a situation that has happened? Leigh shows his feelings by writing in his diary and writing a letter to Mr. Henshaw. His parents are divorced and he wants his Dad, but it isn't easy. In addition, he's having some problems with his lunchbox. He doesn't give up. He's trying to find solutions to all of his problems. This book is good for all ages. You will have sympathy if you've experienced the same problems.
by Junhyeong P., 6th grade

There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom by Louis Sachar

"The important thing is you tried." That's the theme of this book. Bradley Chalkers, the main character, does not want to be a friend with someone for any academic things. He always scribbles papers. After meeting with the school counselor, he is 180 degrees different. The school counselor gets the other students to talk about their concerns with her. Finally, they try to break their bias. Will it be successful?
by Junhyeong P., 6th grade

The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

After the god Apollo became a mortal, he must undergo a series of trials to regain his honor. The book is interesting, funny, and descriptive. I would recommend it to people who love mythology. It appeals to ages 9-14.
by Yousef K., 6th grade

The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan

The God of Chaos plans to take over the world and eat the sun. Carter and Sadie have to use dangerous means to stop him. The book is great and interesting. I recommend this book to anyone who likes cliffhangers. It appeals to ages 9-14.
by Yousef K., 6th grade

Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

After losing his memory, Percy Jackson wakes up to find himself in a Roman camp. That is where his quest begins. This book is full of adventures and unexpected events. Read this book if you love mythology. This book appeals to ages 9 and above.
by Yousef K., 6th grade

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

After their Dad unleashes the Egyptian gods, Sadie and Carter Kane have to save him from living legends. The book was great because the characters are hilarious. I recommend this book to anyone who likes mythology. The book appeals to ages 9-13.
by Yousef K., 6th grade

Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

After learning the Egyptian God of Chaos is rising, Carter and Sadie Kane awaken the only person who can stop him. The book is hilarious and makes you want to read on. People who like mythology should read this great book. It appeals to ages 9-13.
by Yousef K., 6th grade

Too Cool for School by Kristen Tracy

The main theme for this book is friendship. Some positive elements of the story are the concept, characters. I didn't like that the vocabulary isn't out there, and there is little description of where the character is. People who are popular or self-centered should read this publication. People who have friends will like it. The book is interested in how to deal and act with friends and family. I would recommend this book to people 7-13 years old.
by Katherine C., 6th grade

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

The main idea for this book is to remind yourself your siblings are very important and know they mean well. I loved how the story develops with their relationship through rough times. I loathed how the mom sometimes acted to the kids. I recommend siblings read this book and people who have friends. Ages 5 and up should read this book.
by Katherine C., 6th grade

The Selection: The Elite by Kiera Cass

The theme is to overcome obstacles. I loved that there is so much tension in the book between the elite. Although I loathed that when things are getting final, she does something that overrules that. I would recommend this book to people who like tension and competition. Ages 12 and up[ should read this book.
by Katherine C, 6th grade

Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #3 by Mary Rose Wood

Miss Lumey and her children are very bored. They are longing to go outside. So Miss Lumey decides to bring the children outside so they can study some birds. Soon, the children are screaming, "Lumawoo! Ostrich!" Miss Lumey finds an actual ostrich. Where did this come from? Are they ready to go on a trip to find it? Would they find something else too?
by Kiona D., 6th grade

Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #2 by Mary Rose Wood

Miss Ashton is a mess. She is stressed, sad, and also very, very, very mad. So Miss Lumey suggests she go to London. Miss Ashton was relieved to go on a trip. When Miss Lumey and the children arrive in London, they find a man named Simon. They become friends. Would they find trouble in London?
by Kiana D., 6th grade

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

The castle is able to move rooms. When Cecile's parents go out to celebrate, her older brother, Ron's graduation, they get attacked by some bandits. Everyone suspects they are dead, except the children at the castle. Who would take the throne? Are they really dead?
by Kiana D., 6th grade

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children#1 by Ransom Riggs

This book is for a person who loves mysteries. When Jacob was little, his grandfather told him stories. Jacob believed in them until he got older. In fact, he was mad that his grandfather lied to him. But did he? After his grandfather's death, he went to uncover the mystery. Would he be able to?
by Kiana D, 6th grade

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea

Mr. Terupt, a new teacher in Snow Hill School, teaches Luke, Peter, Jeffery, Jessica, Alexia, Anna, Danielle, and other students. In Because of Mr. Terupt, Luke, Peter, Jeffery, Jessica, Alexia, Anna and Danielle each have opinions about Mr. Terupt and life at home and school. Everyone loves Mr. Terupt, then one day, Mr. Terupt lets his class play in the snow outside. Peter made a snowball that turned into an ice ball in his pocket and threw it when he got mad. Unfortunately, Mr. Terupt got hit and got knocked into a coma. With other previous problems added to his hit, people wonder will he make it? This book is good for ages 9 and above.
by Olivia Y., 6th grade

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

The War that Saved My Life is about how a crippled girl and her brother's lives are changed during World War II. Ada, a crippled girl, felt like a trapped prisoner in her mother's one room apartment. Sitting by a window, Ada watches families, neighbors, and other villagers go by. She also watches her little brother, Jamie play with his friends after school. Ada's mom beats her for her club foot and doesn't care for her, but Ada's life changed when the bombing started. That was the reason that Ada and Jamie moved out of London. This bookd is good for ages 9 and above.
by Olivia Y., 6th grade

Mr. Terupt Falls Again by Rob Buyea

Previously Mr. Terupt fell into a coma. Now Mr. Terupt falls in love. This book is about how Mr. Terupt expresses his love towards a teacher at Snow Hill School. Mr. Terupt finds a way to propose to her at school. Mr. Terupt and soon to be Mrs. Terupt decide that Mr. Terupt's class will plan their wedding. This book is good for ages 8 and above.
by Olivia Y, 6th grade

Riding Freedom by Pam Munoz Ryan

Riding freedom is a bout a tough young girl who wants to escape the orphanage she has known for almost her whole life. Charlotte's friend, Hayward, gets adopted, and now Charlotte is alone, plus, Mr. Millshark and Mrs.Boyle want to keep her prisoner. Charlotte escapes with the help of Vern and Hayward and heads for California, where she finds a new life. This book is good for ages 9 and up.
by Olivia Y., 6th grade

Sunday, October 09, 2016

The Wish by Gail Carson Levine

Wilma Sturtz, a middle-schooler, goes to school feeling forgotten and unwanted. Then one day, everything changed. Wilma was riding a train to school, as usual, when she saw an old lady standing on the train and Wilma offered her the seat she had. When the lady sat down, she offered Wilma a wish for doing a good deed. Wilma wishes to become the most popular kid in Claverford. As soon as Wilma steps into school, people start to notice her, but will the wish last, and for how long? I recommend this book for ages 9 and up.
Olivia Y., 6th grade

Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

This is a beautiful and matter-of-fact book about China's older past. It shows the wide gap between the rich and poor and how those powerful will be overturned by the poor/weak. You will follow a farmer, Wang Lung, and his resourceful wife, O-Lan, in their struggles with famine, war, and children and family troubles. I would recommend this for history lovers and those trying to connect with Chinese culture.
Sharon L., 8th grade

Son by Lois Lowry

This is a sister book to The Giver. Claire grows up in the community and becomes a birth mother. However, she becomes attached to her only son and goes off on a search to find him. She learns love overcomes all.
Sharon L., 8th grade

Mr. Stink by David Walliams

A girl named Chloe is having a tough time. No friend, a perfect little sister, and weight problems. Worst of all... her mom seems to hate her. However, a tramp named Mr. Stink helped her learn the importance of family and being yourself. I recommend this to anyone.
Sharon L., 8th grade

The Year of the Three Sisters by Andrea Cheng

This is a heartwarming story about two girls, Anna and Andee, as they help their friend, Fan, get to America. Fan is Anna's pen pal who resides in China and is a migrant worker. She dreams of going to America, and her wish comes to Anna. Fan learns the importance of friendship and education and how to balance both. I recommend this for any reader!
Sharon L., 8th grade

Murder House by James Patterson

Two people with dark histories meet to solve a string of crimes committed by a challenging criminal.
Recommended for ages 15 and older
Arnav M., 6th grade

Almanac for Kids by Jacqueline Ball

Explore the past, present, and future of the world and learn more than you need to know by reading this book. You will find this book very interesting. Do you like video games? Do you like to know facts? Read this book because it contains much more information.
Annette W. 6th grade

Big Nate: Game On! by Lincoln Peirce

This is a very funny book. Big Nate explores different sports and learns new things about each sport. Nate goes through basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has to go through these sports with an enemy who steals his true love, Jenny.
Annette W. 6th grade

Two-Minute Drill by Mike Lupica

Scott is kind of a nerd who really enjoys football. He explores the adventure of having his own football field, and also having a great ability for kicking during a football game. Scott later becomes best friends with the star quarterback, Chris, after he stands up for Scott when somebody comes to bully him. He makes a deal with Chris, because Chris is not great at academics. Chris will teach Scott to play football and in exchange, Scott will teach him academics. I recommend this book to kids in 5th and 6th grade.
Annette W., 6th grade