Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

This book is about a boy who is bored with Life and takes a magical tollbooth to a different land and meets all these odd creatures. Milo and his friends settle differences and other crazy things. I think it's a very good book and recommend this book for all ages. I also think it's funny and has good illustrations.

Roan M., grade 6

Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini by Sid Fleischman

This awesome biography takes you on a ride through Houdini's life as an escape artist. The king of handcuffs amazing stunts from jail braking to breaking handcuffs! I recommend this book for anyone who likes magic.

Nathan L.

Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg by Gail Carson Levine

Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg is about the fairies in Neverland. All fairies have a talent and Mother Dove helps them. Fairy dust helps Never fairies fly. When a hurricane arrives in the Neverland, Mother Dove's egg, the thing that keeps everything and everyone young, breaks. The only thing that can revive it is the imprisoned dragon, Kyto. He wants to trade, so 3 fairies go on quest to collect items to see if they succeed. Read the book!

Sherrilyn L.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Set in 18th century China, this novel portrays friendship between two girls from when they were young until elderly age. As friends, they experienced many things together, such as footbinding and they learned the secret language of women, nu shu. When they are in their later years, the were separated as they get married into different families. However, both keep in touch through a fan which they leave messages on. This is an interesting and intriguing novel. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in reading about history and friendship, from ages 14 and up.

My Brother Sam is Dead by James and Christopher Collier

This story takes place during the tie of the American Revolutionary War. Tim has an older brother named Sam who is a Rebel soldier. However, Tim's family has a tavern in Redding, a Tory (loyalist) country. One day, he gets into trouble and his life is in danger. Can Tim save his brother? This story tells all the specific details about life during the Revolutionary War and what different kinds of feeling that Tory, Rebel, and neutrals had. Because there is some violence and inappropriate words, I'd highly recommend this "5 star" book to grade 5 and up.

Jae W.

Two-Minute Mysteries by Donald J. Sobol

Solve 79 "two minute" mysteries that range from murder to stealing. Work with Dr. Haledjian and Inspector winters to solve the crime. At the end of each story, Dr. Haledjian makes a remark and a question is asked. Answers to the question are also supplied. The clues that are embedded into the stories are tricky so look carefully. Recommended for ages 10 and higher.

Learning the Game by Kevin Waltman

Nate is your normal high school kid who is struggling to get on the varsity basketball team. When his whole team gets invoved into a break-in, his whole life slowly falls apart. The negative element of the story is that he lies to everyone about the break-in. I recommend this book to 10 years old and above.

Trent K.