Friday, October 3, 2008

THE ALCHEMYST (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel) by Mixhael Scott

Sophie and Josh, normal teenage twins, are spending the summer in California with their aunt while their archeologist parents are off on another dig in the desert. They have each found a job to keep them busy, Josh in a bookstore and Sophie in a coffee shop across the street. One day a couple of men in sunglasses show up at the bookstore and nothing is ever the same again. Sophie and Josh are drawn into an adventure with 600 year old people all of whom look under forty and must help them save a book, which in the wrong hands, could destroy the world. During their adventures, they discover some magical things about themselves as well.

DAY OF TEARS by Julius Lester

Pierce Butler is the owner of a grand plantation and many slaves in the South. He is a fair and just slave owner, although slavery itself was not fair or just. When his wife leaves him to raise his two daughters on his own he begins to gamble away his fortune. One day his slaves discover that he has decided to sell them off, one by one, to pay off his debts. The final indignity is when Butler decides to sell Emma, nurse maid to his girls after promising her mother this will never happen. Emma and many of the others tell the story of their sale and life in a very moving way ending with Emma's granddaughter questions about her. If you'd like to know more about how tough it was to survive as a slave read DAY OF TEARS.

PARK'S QUEST by Katherine Paterson

Park cannot understand why his mom will never speak about his dad who was killed in Viet Nam. Life is tough for the two who live outside of Washington, D.C. where money is always tough to find. To escape from his questions about his dad and his rough life, Park immerses himself in the life of a knight in shining armor. One day Park finds out about a grandfather he has never met and gets permission from his mom to spend some time visiting him. Park's trip brings many surprises and he returns home at the end, a changed boy. Read PARK'S QUEST to get the juicy details.

PROJECT MULBERRY by Linda Sue Park

Julia and Patrick are best friends and members of the Wiggle Club at school. 'Wiggle' stands for Work Grow Give Live and the student members are involved in all sorts of projects involving animals and plants. After a great deal of discussion and dread on the part of Julia the two friends decide to raise silkworms for their entry into the state fair. Julia isn't happy about this since she is Korean American and really wants to do an "American" project. The title of the story comes from the fact that silkworms eat only mulberry leaves, something difficult to find in America. Between each chapter telling the exciting story of all Julia and Patrick go through to finish their project, is a discussion between Julia the character and Linda Sue Park, the author of the book, which adds some insight into Julia's feelings. Read PROJECT MULBERRY for a great story of two friends who will be friends forever, despite occasional disagreements.

SHOOTER by Walter Dean Myers

The idea for SHOOTER came from the shootings at Clumbine High School although the story is pure fiction. Walter Dean Myers is a great author who really understands the problems children face growing up, a fact which is obvious when you read SHOOTER. The book is written in question and answer format in the form of interviews of some of the students who participated in or were friendly with those involved in a school shooting. We learn to understand the characters and the reasons for what they do. Although sad and somewhat frightening, SHOOTER holds the readers' interest throughout the book. The book also contains a fascinating interview with the author.

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

North America in the future is a scarey place to live. There are twelve districts, not 50 states. The government is very cruel and keeps the citizens obeying by forcing competition among the districts. Every year each district must send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a fight to the death which is broadcast live to the rest of the citizens on TV, sort of like SURVIVOR. Each participant must find food and shelter and destroy the others in order to 'win' the game. Katniss, a hardworking sixteen year old who has supported her family by hunting and gathering edible plants since her dad died in a mining accident, jumps up and volunteers to take her six year old sister's place when her name is selected to participate in the 'games.' She encounters monsters, almost dies of thirst and heat or cold and makes friends with some of the people she must destroy. Read THE HUNGER GAMES for a truly exciting adventure story.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Now You See Her by Jacquelyn Mitchard

For Hope Shay the world is a stage. Acting is in her blood and it has been her dream ever since she can remember. Hope will do anything to get a starring role. She gets involved with her Romeo and her life will never be the same. Read this book to find out if she and Romeo live happily ever after.

Mrs. C

Upstate by Kalisha Buckhanon

Dear Natasha,
January 25, 1990

"Baby, the first thing I need to know from you is do you believe I killed my father?"

This book had me hooked from the very first sentence....Antonio is writing to his
girlfriend Natasha from prison and lives to hear from her. But he wonders, does
she believe he is guilty of murder. Find out about Natasha and Antonio's love
story and can it survive.

Mrs. C

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Twisted by: Laurie Halse Anderson

Tyler is a high school senior…somehow he never quite fit in. His family life is
difficult at best, his sister Hannah is going to be in high school with him this year.
She is excited because her brother now has “a reputation”. Hannah thinks it will
help her popularity. Tyler is always trying to do the right thing but sometimes
it is hard. He falls for Bethany, who happens to be the twin sister of Chip his
biggest rival and his father’s boss’s daughter. What is a guy to do…read Twisted
to find out if Tyler gets the girl and his rival!

Mrs. C

The House You Pass on the Way by: By: Jacqueline Woodson

Although Staggerlee has a big loving family she sometimes feels alone.
Her grandparents were famous entertainers but what is extremely
difficult is her mother is white and her father is African American and
they live in all black town. Staggerlee finally has a friend when her
cousin Trout comes to visit. Find out how Trout helps Staggerlee.... in
ways you might not imagine.

Mrs. C

Street Love by: Walter Dean Myers

Life sometimes can take you places you cannot imagine. Junice’s
mom is sentenced to 25 years in jail for selling drugs. Junice and her sister
Melissa wonder what will happen to them. Junice meets Damien a good boy
who makes her want more…can he help her find the happiness she desperately
wants!

Mrs. C

Friday, June 13, 2008

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows By: J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is an exciting novel where the first time ever Harry Potter does not return to Hogwarts. He goes on an intrepid journey to stop Voldemort from taking over the world. They go through events including werewolves and a wedding. Can Ron and Hermione help Harry save the world?
Jack

THE BATTLE OF THE LABYRINTH

The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan is about a teenage boy named Percy, his friend Annabeth, satyr friend Grover, and his half brother Tyson. The evil, banished Lord Cronus is rising again and the four friends must stop him with the help of their godly parents. The Battle of the Labyrinth is an action packed book full of suspense and hilarity. In order to save Mount Olympus and stop Cronus, Percy and his friends must enter the ancient Labyrinth, find the inventor Daedalus, and ask for his help in guiding an army through his maze. The friends must find him before their old enemy Luke does. If they don’t, it will be the end of western civilization and most importantly, time. If you are looking for an excellent book to read this summer, The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan is the book for you.

Joseph A.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

New Moon By: Stephanie Meyer

If you’re a person who likes romance and adventures then this is the book for you. It’s called New Moon. It’s about a girl named Bella the only thing that was important to her was her boyfriend, Edward Cullen. But little does she know that he’s too dangerous for her. She knows he is a vampire but refuses to act like she’s dating one. One day he promises her that he will never see her again then he just left her alone in the woods forever. Bella was miserable for months she was always hearing his voice. Then one day Edward hears that Bella died, (but she didn’t) so he fly’s to Italy to go see her. The suspense isn’t over yet read this book to find out what Edward will do and if Bella will ever get to see him.

Katherine

Marley and Me by:John Grogan

I read the book Marley and Me. It is a true story about a family and their wacky, insane dog. This family has to live life around a dog that causes nothing but destruction and chaos. If you enjoy twisted scenes and cute pictures Marley and Me is the perfect book for you. I feel very bad for the family because every time there were thunderstorms things went wrong, extremely wrong. I enjoyed it and so will you. I couldn’t even put the book down and when I finished it I had to read it again because it was so hilarious. If you want to find out about Marley strange life and what happens when there is a thunder storm, read Marley and Me, you will not regret it.

Jenna

The Invisible By: Mats Wahl

On a morning like any other, Hilmer Eriksson walks into his high school classroom only to discover that he has become invisible. No one can see him, hear him or touch him. That very morning a detective named Harald Fors comes to investigate the disappearance of the teenager. Little did he know that the as he’s traveling the village, investigating, Hilmer is not far behind. Always watching and listening but never seen or heard. How did he become invisible? Was it foul play like Fors suspects? What about the people and future that Hilmer was leaving behind? In this thrilling mystery, expect the unexpected and don’t pick this up if you’re looking for a light read.

Christina

“Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” By:Ryder Windham

Archeology, intrigue, greed, adventure! Indiana Jones is the star in this incredible quest for the Ark of Covenant. If you want to read about evil Germans, strange passageways, and incredible treasures, this book is the one for you! The story takes place in the Desert, to be more exact, Egypt! The beautiful desert is overcome by the Nazis, who are looking for the Ark of Covenant, but Indy will do whatever it takes to save the wooden, gold trimmed case with the Ten Commandments from Moses. While he is looking for it, he finds an old friend: Marion Ravenwood, Indy’s friend’s daughter. The beautiful Marion comes with Indiana to find the ark, plus, Sallah, a very rich man from Cairo helps them! With all these people, there’s no way Indiana Jones could fail!

Ziggy

Monday, May 12, 2008

Chasing Yesterday: #1 The Awakening by Robin Wasserman

In Chasing Yesterday a girl wakes up at an abandoned crash site with amnesia. She doesn’t remember anything and is sent to an orphanage center. There she meets a boy named Daniel who calls her J.D (Jane Doe) and they try to piece everything together. But soon her supposed mom comes to take her home. Now she has a completely different life. Her name is Alexa Collins, there are pictures of friends she can’t seem to remember, and she’s visiting this doctor but when her appointment is done, she can’t remember a single thing. Based on the information Daniel and she found out in at the center, J.D starts to understand what’s going on. Daniel and J.D plan to run away and never come back. But somehow their idea doesn’t go as planned.
Adline

Thursday, May 8, 2008

BEST FRIENDS FOR NEVER By Lisi Harrison

In this book Massy, Clair, Alicia, Dylan, and Kristen were best friends. But then they have a fashion show and spread apart. There is a new girl Olivia who is friends with Alicia and they team up for the fashion show and switch boxes for the results with Massy ,Clair, Dylan and Kristen who were another team. Read the book to find out the rest.

Lauren

Friday, May 2, 2008

There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom By:Louis Sachar

This book is about a kid named Bradley Chalkers. He tells many lies and picks fights with girls. His only friend is the new kid, Jeff Fishkins.They start out good, until things gets ugly. Bradley teachers are having a problem with him, they insist that he should see the new counsler, Carla. Carla likes Bradley and helps him do better in school. She knows Bradley can change but he is afraid to try. When Bradley feels that nobody in the school likes him, it’s hard for him to believe in himself.

My favorite part was when Bradley got beat up by this girl named Melinda and runs home crying. Then he lies and tells is mother his best friend, Jeff fishkins beat him up. Read this find out what happens next!

Jamal

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

SAMMY KEYES AND THE SKELETON MAN By: Wendelin van Draanen

Do you like mysteries? If you do Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man is the book for you. My favorite character is Sammy. Sammy is a girl about our age in middle school who lives with her grandmother .She lives with her grandmother because her mom went off to Hollywood to become a movie star, Sammy never met her. Sammy has to sneak in to the senior high-rise were her grandmother lives except children cannot live there so Sammy has to come up the secret way to get in. In this story Sammy and her friends, Dot and Mackenzie go trick or treating. Sammy and her friends were dared to go to the scariest house on the block. The Bushman’ house, this house was covered with the bushes that he had by the sidewalk. Sammy knocked on the door but nobody answered so she pushed it open. Good thing she did because the Bushman was tied up and there was a fire. He said something but Sammy could not understand Bushman said that some person in a skeleton suit tied him up. Sammy loves to investigate and try to figure things out so she said could we help you with anything and is anything missing. It was officer Borsch and Muscles Sammy’s least favorite cops that told her to stay out of it but she did not. To find out whom the Skeleton Man is, if Sammy is caught by Mrs.Graybill and has to go to an orphanage and to see what the Bushman’ real name is. So read this book today.

Nikki

Friday, April 25, 2008

THE JOURNEY (GUARDIANS OF GA' HOOLE) BY: KATHRYN LASKY

Soren, a barn owl, has finally escaped from St. Aggies, a dark prison where malevolent owls kidnap owlets and “moon blink” them, a form of hypnosis that makes the prisoners go crazy! He is on a journey with his best friends, Glyfie, Twilight, and Digger, to the Ga’ Hoole Tree. The tree is inhabited by an army of owls who rise up each night and do noble deeds. However, the journey to the Ga’ Hoole Tree will be their easiest test yet. Soren and his friends will soon realize that before they can become Guardians of Ga’ Hoole, they must first be put into “chaws”, a group in which owls learn various abilities and face great challenges. Here they are trained by their “rybs” (teachers). In their training they will do perilous tasks, learn many new skills, and maybe even discover what is the “you only wish”, which is an organization that could be far worse than St. Aggies. The most gripping part, however, is when Soren, Glyfie, Twilight, and Digger have a grueling battle against a “mobbing” of crows. It is obvious that after this battle, Soren discovers that flying in the day is far too dangerous because of these crows. Can Soren continue at this fast pace and accomplish all his tasks? Can he and his friends help fight the evil that lurks in the owl kingdom? Roller coasting your way through this book will be your ultimate read ,nail biting to the end I recommend you read the entire series of the Guardians of Ga’ Hoole.

By: Alexander

Friday, March 28, 2008

SCHOOLED by Gordon Korman

Schooled by Gordon Korman is about Capricorn Anderson who lived in a community with his grandma, Rain where war, TV, money etc. didn’t exist. When Rain falls off a tree and is rushed to the hospital, Cap has to stay with a guidance counselor and her teenage daughter. Cap is forced into the real world but has no idea what is going on. Cap doesn’t even know what a locker is! Meanwhile, Zach Powers a.k.a most popular kid in school and his friend Naomi are trying to make Cap’s days in school miserable but it doesn’t seem to be working because Cap has no clue of reality. After a while Naomi starts liking Cap and Cap becomes the most popular kid in school! Will Zach be pushed down to “loser” world with Hugh, the nerd (Cap’s old best friend, who liked Cap when he was a dork) or will they both try to fight back? Find out in this funny and entertaining book.
Natalia

A WALK TO REMEMBER by Christorpher Sparks

Have you ever experienced having the best thing that has happen to you and you love it very much and then it gets taken away? A Walk to Remember by: Nicholas Sparks was a sad love story that can make your feelings about high school children change. A Walk to Remember is about these young high school students Jamie and Landon who never believed that they would produce a very sweet friendship between them. But Although Landon and Jamie have a lot of differences they still try to be together. Jamie is a daughter of a reverend which means that she is usually talikng about holy and spiritual things. Landon dislikes talking about spiritual things when he isn't in the church. During the summer of 1959 they get a very horrible suprise. Find out what is the horrible surprise, you'll get goosebumps!

Lisa P

Princess in the Spotlight by Meg Cabot

Once you pick up the book Princess in the Spotlight by Meg Cabot you can not put it down. A girl named Mia who is the princess of Genovia hears an unexpected announcement from her mother, right when she thought she had everything under control with being the princess of Genovia. Then, her Grandmere schedules a national interview for the new crown princess of Genovia. All of a sudden Mia discovers love letters sent from a secret admirer. Mia hopes the love letters are from the boy she has loved for her whole life, her best friend’s brother, Michael Moscovitz. What unexpected announcement does Mia’s mom have to announce? What will happen when Mia gets interviewed on live TV? And most importantly who is Mia’s secret admirer? Read The Princess in the Spotlight to find out!

Elisabeth

Thursday, March 27, 2008

THE PRINCESS DIARIES by Meg Cabot

Mia Thermopolis is a five foot – nine, fourteen year old freshman, with size ten shoes, and does not have a boyfriend. Everyone at school thinks she is a freak because of this. Also, she has a crush on Josh Richter, the most popular boy in school. He is going out with Lana Weinberger, the most popular girl in school. Mia’s parents are divorced and her dad lives on Genovia. Her mom, Helen Thermopolis, is a painter and going out with Mr. Gianini, her Algebra teacher. Just as if that is not enough for her to handle, her dad tells her she is the princess of Genovia, and her grandma must give her princess lessons every day after school. How will Mia handle this? This is a great book and I highly recommend it!
Kaitlyn

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Zoey 101 Beach Party By: Jane Mason

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you went to boarding school? If you did you should read Zoey 101 Beach Party. You will hear about their classes, field trips and drama. My favorite part was when Quinn, a girl that is a “mad scientist” that lives in the dorm next to Zoey, made a new fruit. The new fruit was a mixture of banana and an apple. She calls it the Bannapple. I think it would taste good. Zoey has a lot of friends in her boarding school called Pacific Coast Academy (aka. PCA).Zoey’s dorm number is 101, she has two roommates their names are Nicole and Dana. Nicole is sweet and a girly girl. Dana is “a tough cookie” and sort of a “tom boy”. I saw the movie too, but nothing compares to the book .You should check it out!

Nikki

THE PRINCESS DIARIES By Meg Cabot

This book is about a girl named Mia Thermopolis who just recently figured out she is a princess! At first things go great for Mia she has friends who don’t know she’s a princess she has a loving family and she gets to live in the best place ever New York City, but everything isn’t going to well for Mia. Now she has to meet her grandmother (whom she isn’t to found of) after school for lessons, her best friend is starting to get a bit nosey, she isn’t the prettiest girl in school and she has a huge crush on two guys. All Mia wants to be is a regular teenager, but no she has to be Princess Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo. Not only that but she’s flunking Algebra! How will things end up when she goes to her princess lessons? Will the school find out if she’s a princess? Will Mia pass Algebra, and more importantly who will she go to the dance with? You can find all this out if you read the book.

Janina

Friday, March 14, 2008

STORMBREAKER by Anthony Horowitz

“Ding dong,” 14 year-old Alex Rider opens the door to see a policeman standing outside. He is shocked to hear that his uncle has died in a car accident. However, Alex disbelieves that it was an accident especially when the cop tells him that his uncle could have survived if he had his seatbelt on. Knowing that his uncle is fixed with the idea of having a seatbelt on at all times, Alex goes looking for his uncle’s broken down car. When he finds it, he is astonished and horrified to see the bullet holes in the car’s back window. This discovery leads him to finding out that his uncle worked for the British secret service, MI6. Before Alex knows it, he is sent by MI6 to complete his uncle’s mission and to find his killers. Suddenly, Alex finds himself up to his neck in intrigue. He’s up against some of the world’s greatest criminal masterminds and with the clock ticking; Alex is running out of time. So if you’re into espionage, action, adventure, and suspense, then hold your breath, tighten your seat belts, and get ready for the ride of your life; because this book does it all.

By: Alexander

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The Looking Glass Wars By: Frank Beddor

Do you remember the story of Alice in Wonderland? Well that was the myth. The truth behind Alice is all in the book, The Looking Glass Wars. It is about a girl named “Alyss”, who is the princess of the Hearts. In Wonderland, what ever you imagine comes true. Alyss has a big imagination, but that won’t save her for what’s about to come. Her evil Aunt Redd has killed her mom and dad; she must flee to Earth through the Pool of Tears. What happens when she is on Earth? Will she ever return? If so, will she be able to defeat her evil Aunt Redd? This book is full of suspense and action. Once you pick it up, you’ll never want to put it down.

Kristofor

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Stormbreaker By: Anthony Horowitz

Alex Rider is 14 years old. Even when the police tell him that his uncle died in a car accident, Alex Rider believes that’s a lie and the bullet holes in the back window of his uncle’s car supports his suspicions. However, none of this is more breathtaking for Alex then the fact that his uncle was actually a spy for MI6: Britain’s top-secret intelligence agency! Before Alex knows it, he is recruited to find his uncle’s killers and complete the mission his uncle started. Suddenly, Alex finds himself up to his neck in intrigue. He’s up against some of the world’s greatest criminal masterminds and with the clock ticking; Alex is running out of time. If he doesn’t reveal the secret of the computer before the launch, the world could be in jeopardy. So if you’re into espionage, action, adventure, and suspense, then hold your breath, tighten your seat belts, and get ready for the ride of your life; because this book does it all.

Alexander

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Holes by Louis Sachar

The book I read was Holes. It was about a boy Stanley Yelnats who was charged with robbery when he did not commit the crime. So he was sent to a digging camp called Camp Green Lake. It was a camp designed to teach boys the hard life. In camp he meets his friends called Armpit, Zigzag, X-Ray, Zero, Squid, and Magnet. Soon when he was digging he finds something suspicious. It’s a bullet with KB marked on it. When he gives it to the Camp owner, Mr. Sir, he says to keep on digging in that area. Stanley thinks he may not just be digging for hardship. He thinks that they are digging for something important. Will Stanley ever find out what they are digging for? Will Stanley survive the hardships in Camp Green Lake? Well you have to read the book to find out.

Giulio

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

DIVA by Alex Finn

Do you like books about divas or just like to sing? This book is about a girl named Caitlin. She has many problems of her own, like her mom who is dressing like she is back in her teen years and is dating a married guy. Caitlin tries out for a performing arts school and makes it in. Her mom does not know that she tries and makes it in. Does Caitlin’s mom find out about her going to the school? Will Caitlin go? Read the book and find out.
Francesca

COME BACK BUDDY Liss Norton

Buddy was a dog that had run away from home. A girl named Andi had moved from Florida and she had to go to a new school. One night there was a thunder storm, and Buddy had a big fear of thunder storms. The front door was open and then Buddy ran out of the house. Then Andi went all over the town to try to find Buddy but no luck. She kept looking for weeks. If you want to see if Andi found her dog Buddy then you should read the book called
Come Back Buddy!
Courtney

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

IT'S NOT EASY BEING MEAN by Lisi Harison

What kind of books are you into? Well, if you are into suspense and humor then you will love the book It’s Not Easy Being Mean by Lisi Harison. The book is about Massie Block and her best friends called the Clique or the Pretty Committee, returning to the school OCD (Octavian Country Day). In the book some of the 7th grade girls, including Massie and her best friends, get a video from an 8th grade alpha named Sky Hamilton. Interestingly, the video tells the girls about a hidden key which they have to find. Whoever finds the key would be lead to a secret room in the school in which to hang out. There is one condition: confidentiality is of the utmost importance. None of the girls can talk to anyone about the secret key. From hereon the book holds you in suspense, but not without a lot of laughs. The book has also many funny parts. One of my favorite parts was when Massie, Dylan, and Alicia attempt to look pretty at a Tuesday afternoon soccer practice. The girls arrive wearing skirts and pretty tops. The coach was appalled and gave them five minutes to cover themselves up with towels. If they didn’t make it within five minutes, the whole team would have to sit out on Sunday’s game. “The only thing harder than getting in is staying in.” Will the Pretty Committee find the key and save their reputation for 8th grade? Well, you will have to read the book to find out.
Elisabeth

Friday, January 18, 2008

KINGDOM KEEPERS by Ridley Pearson

Did you ever want to be a hologram? What about in the night when your parent are sleeping travel to Disney World or even MGM studios? If you read Kingdom Keepers it tell you about a boy who can do all of that. The boy and his friends go on missions to figure out what the letters spell. They go on. Some of the missions are dangerous. When they went to a mission they left the girls. They said it was there turn. After the girls went in they had to go on a ride. They went on and it started to move. The girls were excited at first until they went into a room that looked like a rain forest. The doors closed and then water started gushing out. The girls started to panic when the water started to start rising up. The girls were thinking on how to open the door. Will the girls get out before they drown?
Kim

Tell it to Naomi By: Daniel Ehrenhaft

Do you like teen books? Well then this book is for you. This book is about this boy named Dave. You see Dave is in high school and he is a sophomore. He saw this girl named Celeste and fell in love with her. But you see the problem is that Celeste is a senior that transferred to his school. He really likes this girl but he's never really been good with girls. So when he finally meets her he has nothing to say than just some silly words like how are you and hi.. This book to me wasn't as great and exciting as some other books that I read but who knows you won't know if you like it or not unless you read this book. So take a chance and see if you like it or not. I didnt really like it but you maybe have a different taste in books so I recommend that you read this book.
Enesa

Dealing with Dragons By: Patricia C. Wrede

Cimorene is a princess, not a normal one. She takes fencing lessons and does every thing a prince should do. When her parents come to know of this they look for a prince Cimorene can marry. When they take her to prince Therandil, she runs away then next day and becomes one of the most powerful dragon’s princess. The dragon’s name is Kazul. She becomes friends with a jinn, witch, and another dragon’s princess. She also meets a wizard and finds out that they are going to poison the dragon king and help another dragon become king. The dragon who wants to become king has promised the wizards a very important treasure. To find out what happens to the king of dragons and to Kazul and Cimorene read Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede.
- Shikha

Chasing Yesterday #1 Awakening by Robin Wasserman

Chasing Yesterday #1 Awakening

The reason I am writing about this book is because I just couldn't stop reading it. In this book a girl named J.D doesn't know her past but she does know it's not so great. She took place in an explosion and when she wakes up she has no idea where she is and who she is. She is found and is brought to a hospital no one really knows her name but she likes J.D. When she gets out of the hospital she is sent to a kind of foster home. There her dreams haunt her but she doesn't know where they are coming from. Read this book to see what happens to J.D and if you like this book then get the second and third one I am sure it's even better.
I.A.

GOOSEBUMPS EGG MONSTERS FROM MARS by R.L. Stine

Brandy Johnson, Dana's little sister wants and gets to have an egg hunt for her birthday. Her birthday is a disaster because there is an egg fight. Dana finds an extraordinary egg the size of a football. It is green and has veins all over it. He took it to Dr. Gray's science lab. Dana found out it might be from Mars. It fell through earth's atmosphere and should have burned up, but it didn't. Dr. Gray keeps Dana locked up with the martians they found. Will Dana get out? Read to find out.
Pia

Nothing But the Truth by Avi

The book I read was called Nothing But the Truth. In this story the main character, Phillip Malloy, was sent to the principle twice by both his homeroom and English teacher, Miss. Narwin, for singing along to the star spangled banner. On the last time he was sent to the principles office he was suspended, for what Mrs. Narwin called being disrespectful. Once home he meets with a reporter to tell her his interesting story. The next day the story is published and soon spreads all around the country to towns everywhere. The truth must be found out. Was Phillip simply being patriotic. Or was Mrs. Narwin being unfair? To find out read Nothing But the Truth.
Leah

Thursday, January 17, 2008

CANDYFLOSS By: Jacqueline Wilson

If you like a book on drama and about families then this book is for you. This book is about a girl named Floss, her mum, dad, step dad, and Tiger. It’s her birthday and she gets presents and a special surprise there going to Australia because her step dad’s job is branching out. When she finds out she tries to seem excited but inside she feels crushed she won’t be able to see her dad in six months. When she goes to school she tells her best friend Rhiannon, she’s very jealous and wants to go to Australia but can’t. She’s afraid that when she comes back Rhiannon won’t be best friends anymore. Floss doesn’t want to leave she thinks it’s far away from England to Australia. It’s hard to make a decision should she stay with her mum or dad. She thinks that her dad might feel alone and he might be depressed because his café is going down the drain. She knows that her mum won’t be alone because she has Tiger, and her step dad. She also doesn’t want to leave her dad by himself. Find out if she goes to Australia, if Rhiannon stays best friends with Floss, if the café goes back in business.
Kelly

THE TEN THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU by David Levithan

The book I’m currently reading is The 10 Thing’s I Hate About You.
This book is about two sisters in high school named
Kat and Bianca Stratford. Bianca is the most beautiful girl at Padua high. She is so sweet and nice all the boys what to be with her, but her fathers rules say she can’t date until Kat does. Sounds easy? Not so much Kat hate’s everyone except her best friend Mandela and someone who has her same interests as her. Patrick Verona, but would anyone give him chance? Since all the boy’s are dieing to go out with Bianca they will do anything to get Kat to go out. The new boy Cameron has the idea first, he will get Kat to go on a date with Patrick he thinks it’s brilliant until Patrick say “no”. Then Joey donner
(Class kiss up) pays Patrick to go out with her so how can he refuse? He can’t!
So now Patrick is the only boy at Padua high trying to get a date with Kat but will she say yes? But trouble strikes when Patrick starts to really fall for Kat and she starts to fall for him, but at the prom he is forced to confess the real truth to why he gave her a chance “at first” the too words Kat does not here “I dated you for money” Patrick says. Now that Kat knows the truth how will she react and how Patrick will announce he really has feelings for Kat. To find out read The 10 Things I Hate About You.

By: Kate

CASE CLOSED by Gosho Aoyama

Case Closed is a great anime. It is about a boy named Jimmy Kudo who is a junior high student. Although very young, he was relied on and asked to solve many hard cases for police. One day he gets himself in serious trouble. He was shrunk by a poison to look like a first grader! He changes his identity to Conan Edogawa knowing he has a high chance of getting murdered when people know he is Jimmy. He needs to find a sample of the poison so he can make a different medicine to make him grow, but before that he has to crack cases in his way.
Victor

Julie of the Wolves by: Jean Craighead George

Julie of the Wolves is a book about an Eskimo girl who gets lost in the Arctic. She tries to be friends with the wolves and be part of their pack. She depends on the wolves for food while she tries to make her way back home to her father. She has to depend on nature, the stars, and has to keep herself alive. Do you think she can make it? Do you think she has the guts to live with the wolves? If you want to find out you will have to read this book.
Konrad

IF A TREE FALLS AT LUNCH PERIOD BY GENNIFER CHOLDENKO

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period is a fantastic novel about two kids, Kristen, and Walk. For Kristen, life is just getting worse and worse, but her weight isn’t the only problem. Her parents might be getting a divorce; they barely utter a word to each other each day. That’s not all though. Her best friend in the whole world, Rory, has decided to try to be friends with some of the more popular people, even if that means being loyal to the snobby Brianna Hanna-Hines, and giving up her friendship with Kristen. At least she has her younger genius sister, Kippy, and her new friends to count on.
Walk, on the other hand, while being raised by a single mom, is an African American in his new white private school. The only reason he was sent there in the first place was that his mom thought he would turn out to be a screw-up, just like his cousin. Although he and his new friend Matteo are becoming very close pals, he can’t understand why Matteo will do absolutely anything Brianna wants him to.
When Kristen discovers one of her father’s secrets, her life, and Walk’s life get pretty twisted…
Elana

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Patiently Alice By: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

I think this is a great book because it is about a girl that her name is Alice. I feel bad for her because her mom died and her dad is getting married again. Her bother sometimes is mean to her and sometimes cares about her. I really like this book because the author really hooked me because she tells a lot of details about this book. She also wrote a lot of interesting stuff in this book. Alice best friends are Elizabeth and Pamela. Alice really wants long hair because she thinks having long hair is pretty. The beginning of the book was good but I like the end more because I thought it was more interesting. Patrick is Alice’s boyfriend and they are going to break up but, at the end they are really are not so that is why I think the end better. At the beginning Alice talks about her mom and I think that is sad because when a mom dies it is sad but then her dad is getting married again. she is not really sad because she always wanted a mother and now was going to get one. Alice goes to camp but things happen...find out what Latisha does to Alice. I think this is a really good book. This book is the best book I ever read.

JACK LONDON A BIOGRAPHY by Daniel Dyer

I chose the book Jack London a Biography by Daniel Dyer because I read a book he wrote called THE WILD LIFE. It was interesting because it was about a man lost in Antarctica. Jack London wrote 40 books before he died. Jack lived in West Oakland where he lived from 1888 to 1890. I thought it was impressive that Jack wrote 40 books before he died. He had trouble writing some of his books because he didn’t know how to write some words. I also learned that Jack only attended one year of high school. Jack also had a 30-foot sailboat that he used for hunting ducks. He also had two daughters by his first wife. He got married on April 23, 1907. So if you like to read a great Biography of any of your favorite authors or even Jack London, you’ll enjoy this book.

Anthony

The Big Friendly Giant By: Roald Dahl

The book The Big Friendly Giant is a really good book for kids I have read it several times. This book is about a girl named Sophie she is a 7 year old she lives in a very small house, she lost her parents in a car accident. This giant called the big friendly giant comes along and finds Sophie. Sophie goes with the big friendly giant’s home and something happens and you won’t it! Read the book to find out what happens to Sophie.

If you like book’s that are long and fun this is the book for you.

Bryana

THE SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS by Lemony Snicket

The book The Series of Unfortunate Events Book 9, by Lemony Snicket is the kind of book that is adventurous, spine tingling, and mysterious. If you are a kid who needs an amazing book you’re reading the right blog! The 9th book is about three siblings, (Violet, Klaus, and Sunny) who have to survive getting killed by an evil man named Count Olaf. They have to disguise themselves to get away from Count Olaf, try to see if their parents are alive, and save their fortune that their parents left behind. The kids have to fight for their lives, to find very important information that can save their lives. Read this book to find out how the story goes, and see if they can save their lives, and survive on their own without getting caught.
Nikki

GARFIELD BEEFS UP by Jim Davis

I read Garfield Beefs Up by Jim Davis. This book is so funny and it has tons of funny jokes. It’s a story about Garfield, his owner Jon, and his lovable dog Odie. Each page is a different story and sometimes it continues the story. Also Garfield tells such a funny joke about anything in that book. Trust me, it’s going to be a laugh. Mostly it makes fun of Garfield’s weight. The book shows him on front doing exercise. But trust me he will never do that. So it’s a funny and confusing book.
Gustavo

SAFE AT HOME By: Sharon Robinson

If you like sports this is the book for you. This book is about a boy who loves to play basketball. The boy’s name is Jumper. Jumper’s mom moved from Connecticut to Harlem, New York. She wanted Jumper to go to a baseball camp. But Jumper does not know how to play. Read how a boy lives with no dad and is trying to make friends with a bully and learns how to play baseball.
By: Jirani

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

THE LOST BOY David Pelzer

This book is a sequel to the book A Child Called IT. A boy named Dave runs away from the house at age 9 because his mom abused him every single day. Dave seems to think no one can help him until one day at school they reported Dave because of his conditions. He came to school with “clothes” that look like rags! He had purple and pink scratches and bruises all over his body and he had an unpleasant smell. They put Dave in an adoption center with two people that are very nice to him. Then one day he had to go to court and he was going to see his mom… Dave didn’t look forward to it, But instead his mom tells him to be good and don’t get in to trouble. Years pass and Dave is in high school. He went walking and bumped into his little brother Russell. Dave just looked at Russell and saw pink and purple bruises, scratches, the clothes, and the smell. Dave started to say “She… you …..” Russell just gave him a sad face. If you had any questions from the book A Child Called It, this book will answer everything.
By, Katherine

Stormbreaker by: Anthony Horowitz

Imagine this, you have no parents, you are told they died in a plane crash, and you only live with your uncle and a housekeeper. You wake up in the night by the sound of the police and they tell you your uncle died in a car accident. The next day you find out that your uncle was actually a spy working for a secret agency called M16. They recruit you and now you are on a mission about one of the richest men in the world, he will donate millions of extraordinary computers to London, and M16 thinks this is suspicious. This is the life of Alex rider. Enter the world of suspicious criminals, the most lethal assassins, and the work of an everyday teenager!

Ziggy

Princess in the Spotlight by: Meg Cabot

Mia thought that her life couldn’t get any more complicated. But she was wrong. First her mother has a very unexpected announcement. Then her grandmother arranges national TV interview that shows the America’s brand new princess. Third, she’s been getting anonymous love letters from a secret admirer. On top of all that she’s a princess of an entire country.

Meg Cabot entertains us with the sequel to the Princess Diaries series. Welcome back all the characters you love and hate: Mia, Grandmere, Mr. Gainini, Tina Hakim Baba and many others. Princess in the Spotlight is exciting, romantic and will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.

Emily

Gracie’s Girl By: Ellen Wittlinger

Bess is entering the sixth grade, and she wants to change herself and really get through to people. But she is going to do it by wearing wacky clothes. Pretty soon, Bess realizes that this isn’t working for her, so she stops. Bess’s mom works at the shelter, and every Saturday she brings food for all the homeless people that live there. But Bess thinks all the people at the shelter are creepy, and they definitely do smell bad. But Bess’s mind is soon changed when she gets to know an old homeless woman names Gracie. As Bess learns that you can’t help it if bad fortune comes your way, it doesn’t make you a bad person, she starts to help Gracie by bringing her food whenever she has time. She even let Gracie sleep at ‘The Zone’, a storage shelter at her school. Well, the school didn’t really know about that, but at least it would be safer than outside.
Bess continues helping Gracie and pretty soon is nicknamed “Gracie’s Girl” by Gracie. But as it grows colder, Bess is afraid that what she is doing isn’t enough to save Gracie. When tragedy strikes, Bess learns that she helped Gracie, and whatever had come had to come, and she must realize she helped Gracie survive and stay healthy enough to live for a lot longer than Gracie could have on her own. Bess learns that by helping the needy, you yourself feel better, because you know you are doing a kind thing and making another feel happy.

Naina

Thursday, January 10, 2008

The Doll People by: Ann M. Martin

The Doll People was about a doll family who was alive. They would move around and have so much fun. But they could only do that when their owner Kate was asleep. The doll family was a family of mama Doll, Papa Doll, Nanny Doll, Uncle Doll, Annabelle Doll, Bobby Doll, and Baby Betsy. When Annabelle discovers a journal of her missing Aunt, Annabelle decides to set out to find her. When a new family moves in her whole life changes. Will she find her missing Aunt Sarah?
Jenna A.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

The Jade Dragon By: Carolyn Marsden

The Jade Dragon is a book about a Chinese-American girl named Ginny. Ginny wants to make friends with another Chinese classmate, but isn’t sure how to approach her. Finally, Ginny is invited to Jennifer’s house. She learns her friend is adopted from China by her American parents. Therefore the original customs and traditions that Ginny is used to, Jennifer has no clue about. In a holiday party Jennifer suddenly asks Ginny if she can take home a jade dragon from Ginny’s decoration cabinet. What should Ginny say? Should she give away her mom’s most prized possession to keep her friend or lose her friend and protect her family heirloom?

Sana

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Me, Mop, and the MoonDance Kid By: Walter Dean Myers

In my book, the three main characters have wacky nicknames. They were chosen by themselves. Anyway the three of them are in the Dominican Academy Adoption Center. The MoonDance kid and T.J are brothers. Their mom died when they were young, and Mop (a girl) is their best friend. They always play baseball in their spare time. They are all good. But three months later a cool family adopted the MoonDance kid and T.J. Sadly, Mop is still not adopted yet; they still always keep in touch though. T.J and the MoonDance kid asked their mom if they could play for a team called the elks. She said “yes”. And Mop’s noun teacher said she could join too since she likes community things. They play for the elks which not such a good team. The coaches are named Marla and Jim. They are married. The coaches are extremely nice! The three of them have won some games and lost some too. They go through a lot of hard work to be great. They make some errors and they do great things in games. Bad news is in a few weeks the academy is going to move to Riverhead; it’s 12 thousand miles from there. Will Mop head out to Riverhead and not be friends with T.J and the MoonDance kid or will she get adopted and still be best friends. Also will the team get to the playoffs and win the champs! Well if you read this funny, sad, exciting and blissful book, the secrets will be unlocked. So read Me, Mop, and the MoonDance Kid

Chris

Simply Alice by: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

After the first break up, Alice didn’t know how it was going to be without Patrick. But when she gets more involved with the school it seems that her life is too busy for Patrick. As Alice spends most of her time with the school, she doesn’t have time for her friends, Pamela and Elizabeth. Alice’s new friend, Faith, is not able to letting go of her relationship with her abusive boyfriend. Someone has been sending Alice e-mails without signing his name. When she doesn’t know if she should be looking for that admirer, she also observes how her brother, Lester, has a crush on his graduate school professor. Finally, when Alice completes her first year of high school, she learns that there is life after Patrick, and jealousy can affect anyone. Read on and find out what happens to Alice, Lester, Patrick, the secret admirer, and Alice's new friend.

Anne

Friday, January 4, 2008

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Liesel Meminger was a nine year old German girl whose brother died on the way to the home of her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Huberman. Germany was not a desirable place to be in the 1930’s because of the war. Liesel finds a way to escape these dark times through books. The man who dug her brother’s grave possessed the first stolen book. From there, with the help of her loyal friend, Rudy Steiner, Liesel stole books from anywhere and anyone she could find. How was Liesel to know that these books would one day save her life from the terrible fate that will change Germany forever? The perspective of the narrator and the bits of humor about this devastating time period makes this ambitious and sad book readable and immensely enjoyable for all who enjoy a positively brilliant book.

Christina