City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

I enjoyed reading this book because of how caring the main character is to her baby sister. Next, I like how she enjoys running, just like me. Last, I like how she doesn't know what a lot of ordinary objects are, such as candles.
Nathan, 6th grade

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

The theme of this book is to never give up. Kyle and his team never give up on their goals. I recommend this book to people who like games, especially boys 8-10 years old.
MaryAnne Y., 6th grade

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

The main idea of this book is that people should be grateful for the kind of lives they have. For example, the main character, Carley, is a foster child. Her mother is in the hospital and her family is torn apart. The funny experiences she has with her best friend, Toni, are the positive elements in the book. This book would appeal to 6th graders.
Sydney M., 7th grade

Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen by Donna Gephart

Olivia knows trivia and Jeopardy is her favorite show. When she finds out she may be able to get on, she does everything she can to make her dreams come true! I recommend this book to 3rd-6th graders.
Sydney M., 7th grade

Scorpia by Anthony Horowitz

In the fifth book of the series, Alex Rider goes on a vacation to Venice, Italy, but finds an international terrorist group there named Scorpio. Once he finds out that the British Intelligence, M16, killed his own father, he gets angry and decides to join Scorpia. This book is really adventurous and exciting, but I think young kids can't read this because it has some bad language. I think 6th and 7th graders can read this.
Yohan C., 6th grade

Fire Within by Chris D'Lacey

David Rain is a college student who is a tenant at Liz and Lucy Pennykettle's home. Lis, mother of Lucy, is the maker of the famous Pennykettle clay dragons. When David moves in, he doesn't believe in dragons. But when Liz makes him a dragon and it comes to life, he starts seeing the magic and power of the mighty creatures. A mystery is started, and David must lean to truly believe in them and master the fire within. Recommended for ages 9-12
Grace L., 6th grade

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

Micah's grandpa has always told him stories about Circus Mirandus, a magical circus. But now Grandpa Ephraim is sick, and keeps telling Micah to find Circus Mirandus, and that he must believe. So Micah and his friend, Jenny, set out on a journey to find the peculiar circus, and to learn of its deep past with his now-dead Grandpa Ephraim. I truly enjoyed this story and it has a place in my heart. I recommend it to readers who love happy endings.
Grace L., 6th grade

Fire Star by Chris D'Lacey

David Rain has gone on a research trip to the Arctic. When he arrives to the Arctic, he learns the legend of the bears, and the mysterious item they hold. He begins writing about it, but he soon realizes his story is mirroring real life, leading him on a quest for the item. He races for the Tooth of Ragmar. David must put his life into the task, even if it means dying, for he knows an enemy is on the way. Will he save his world, or will the world he knows be destroyed? Recommended for ages 9-12
Grace L., 6th grade

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

I recommend Brown Girl Dreaming because is is a story that represents the meaning of love, pride, ans standing up for what you think is right. Brown Girl Dreaming is about the author, Jacqueline Woodson, and how she faced a childhood filled with prejudice for people who are a different color.
Grace L., 6th grade

Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

The theme of the book is how tough situations can make you stronger. The main character, Katie, goes through hard situations. Her sister betrays her to be with boys. She has no friends, is pressured about her grades, and then her beloved sister dies. The negatives of this book are when someone is misunderstood or made fun of. The positives are when Katie learns very important things in life. I would recommend this book to 5th graders and older readers.
Kelly M., 6th grade

Crossover by Kwame Alexander

The theme of this book is basketball and brotherhood. It's also about how winning isn't everything. The main character, Joshua, has a twin brother, Jordan. They both love basketball. Their lives are great, until this girl shows up. Soon, their dad gets ill and dies. Joshua learns that winning isn't everything. The negative parts of this book are when people gossip. The positives are forgiveness and love. I would recommend this to free-verse poetry overs in grades 3 and up.
Kelly M., 6th grade

Jake & Lily by Jerry Spinellli

Jake and Lily are twins. Lily feels dumped, because her brother, Jake, rides his bike with boys Lily hates. Then, something heart-breaking happens to Lily.
Stephanie L., 7th grade

Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo

The book is about a girl named Flora and a squirrel named Ulysses. They have amazing adventures together. When Ulysses gets captured, they have to find each other. Recommended for ages 8-12
Stephani L., 7th grade

Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yan Mah

An unwanted daughter is hated by her parents and siblings. She caused the death of her real mother, and her stepmother hates her. She goes through a lot of pain and sadness, but she is very smart, and leads her to be very successful. Recommended for ages 8-16.
Stephanie L., 7th grade

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert C. O'Brien

The book is about a humble lady mouse who is in trouble. The farmers are going to plow the field soon, so they have to move. The problem is, her son, Timothy, is very ill and delirious. He might die! So she asks the Rats of Nimh to help.This book is good for ages 9-13
Stephanie L., 6th grade

Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi

This book is about a boy named Crispin. He has only a cross of lead left from his mother. He doesn't know who his father is. He meets a guy named "Bear" (because of his size). They become friends over time. Later on, they move to another town. Unfortunately, the people living there are looking for him. Crispin almost gets caught many times, but he survives. Recommended for grades 6 and up
Jasmine K., 6th grade

Mouseheart by Lisa Fiedler

Three mice escape a boa constrictor and try to find their missing mother. Instead, they find a kingdom and one of the mice is a prince. I recommend this book for 3rd graders and up.
Sanjana K., 6th grade

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

This about a girl who used to live on a ranch with many acres. When her father dies, everything goes upside-down. She has to go to California and becomes a peasant.
Elizabeth B., 6th grade

Life on Mars by Jennifer Brown

Arty, who has a space-obsessed family, has big plans to discover life on Mars. When Arty's dad gets a job in Las Vegas, he realizes he won't be able to see the stars anymore. When his parents go looking for a house, Arty has to stay with a scary next-door neighbor. I recommend this book to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.
Reagan R., 6th grade

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead

George is a 7th grader when he meets 12-year old Safer. Safer says the man that lives next to him, named Mr. X, may be smuggling dead bodies. Safer draws George into his surveillance plan. Safer then urges him to break into Mr. X's home, but when George refuses, Safer goes alone. I believe 5th and 6th graders will enjoy this book.
Reagan R.. 6th grade

The Duel: The Parallel Lives of Alexander Hamilton & Aaron Burr by Judith St. George

This book explores the lives of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in a very interesting way. Hannah S., 6th grade

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Nine-year old Bruno's father was a German general during World War II. Because his father was promoted, Bruno and his family had to move to a house near a Jewish concentration camp. There, Bruno had no friends like he had in Berlin, so he decided to explore the area until he finds a boy his age, Shmuel -- wearing striped pajamas -- on the other side of the fence.
Jung L., 8th grade

Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

In 1932, Hitler created a camp for German children in Berlin called Hitler Youth. Hitler Youth was an organization for teenagers dedicated to Hitler. Hitler did not accept Jews or handicapped people for the camp. The youth were trained to get ready for war under Nazi command. Some boys agreed to be a part of the Holocaust. I was shocked how severely a bigot ignored human decency.
Jung L., 8th grade

Ever After High: Once Upon a Time: A Story Collection by Shannon Hale

I think this book's main idea is to be true and kind. Looks are not the only thing that matters. (This book is a story collection, so it has a lot of main ideas). I like one of the stories where someone who is chaotic feels fond of few people. I recommend this book to someone who knows Ever After High stories and who likes fairy tales.
Rebecca L., 6th grade

Ever After High: Dragon Games: the Junior Novel by Stacia Deutsch

I think the main idea of this story is that people don't change that easily, especially someone who is evil. I liked this story because there were some surprises. It didn't go as I expected. I recommend this book to 8-12-year olds.
Rebecca L., 6th grade

Storybook of Legends by Shannon Hale

I think the main idea of this book is that it's okay to rebel and walk your own way. I think this book also says that just because someone looks bad, or someone's parent or siblings are bad, it doesn't mean that person is evil or bad. I recommend this book to somebody who likes fairy tales and fantasy.
Rebecca L., 6th grade

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

This is a book of poems. I loved these poems because they were really funny. I liked "Smart. "It is about a boy who trades 1 dollar for 2 quarters because 2 is more than 1. It goes on and on, until he has 5 coins, all pennies. The other one I liked is "Sick." This one is about a boy who doesn't want to go to school, but then he notices it is Saturday.
Ian J., 6th grade

Chomp by Carl Hiaasen

The main idea of this story is that Wahoo's family does not have much money after the incident when an iguana fell on his father's head. I like this book because I learned a lot about wild and tame animals. I didn't like that there is violence toward animals in this book. I would recommend this book to 4th or 5th graders.
Ian J., 6th grade

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

This book is about not judging people because of their relatives. Ever since people learned Doug's brother was a criminal, they thought Doug had a twisted criminal mind too. But soon, people found out that Doug's brother had not robbed any stores, and everyone wanted to become friends with him. It sounds boring, right? But if you read it, you will have a shock! I would recommend this book to anyone.
Ian J., 6th grade

Crenshaw by K.A. Applegate

Crenshaw is about a boy who has an imaginary friend. Jack's mom and dad do not have jobs. Now they are almost poor. This book is great because it make me want to read more. I recommend this book to anyone who has an imagination, especially a big one. I think that 3rd-5th graders should read this book. The only reason I read this book is because my mom told me to read it. It turned out to be good!
Ian J., 6th grade