Bella at Midnight by Diane Stanley

Bella at Midnight was written by Diane Stanley.  Bella's mother dies during her birth and her father, who is a knight, can not bear to even look at her.  Her aunt takes her to a loving blacksmith's family to be raised by them.  Thinking she is the daughter of a peasant, Bella is happy through her childhood and even becomes best friends with Prince Julian.  All of that changes on the day she is sent for by her cruel father to return to her rightful place as the daughter of a knight.  What will her new family be like?  Will she be happy, or will she miss Julian and the family who has raised her?  What dangers will she face to help the people she loves?

 

I have always loved stories set in the times of kings and queens.  Adventure, magic, romance and danger combine to make this a great story.  You will cheer Bella on as a strong female character, who fights against the path her life has taken.  Once you read this book, it should remind you of another famous story.  Do you know which one?

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis is a winner of the Coretta Scott King award and a 2008 Newbery Honor book.  This story has a great mix of adventure, danger, and heart.  Elijah is an eleven year old boy living in Canada.  He was born in Canada after his parents fled from America to escape slavery.  Although he's never known what it was like to live like a slave, the adults who surround him all carry the weight of their past.  Elijah describes himself as a "fragile" boy.  He often runs into the woods hollering if something frightens him.  Before the story is over you will learn how Elijah must find his courage in order to help his friends and play his own part in helping someone find freedom.

Christopher Curtis does a great job bringing Elijah and his family to life.  As a reader, I really cared about what would happen to Elijah.  I found myself frightened for him, and even moved to tears as Elijah struggles to grow up and be brave.  If you enjoy historical fiction and adventure, you should check this one out!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E.L. Konigsburg

The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E.L. Konigsburg is a story about a 12 year old girl named Margaret Rose.  When we first meet Margaret she is at summer camp.  Margaret is bullied and picked on at camp until her Uncles come to her rescue. What Margaret does not know is her Uncles have been dealing with some bullies of their own, and they're going to need Margaret's help just as much as she needed their help.  I really liked this book.  Margaret is such a gutsy strong character I could not help cheering her on.  I could tell you more about this book, but in Margaret's own words, "I prefer not to."  ; )  I guess you'll have to read it for yourself!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, by Tom Angleberger

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, by Tom Angleberger is an entertaining book about a group of 6th grade friends.  The entire book is a series of stories written by members of the group.  Each friend tells his story about the advice they were given by Origami Yoda, a finger puppet made and worn by Dwight.  Dwight is an odd, but likable character, who seems to enjoy being different even though it often gets him trouble with both his friends and the teachers.  This book is the winner of the 2012 Rhode Island Children Book Awards.  That means, a lot of students read it, and liked it enough to vote for it.  Why don't you check it out?

Reviewed by Mrs.Castro

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is a really good book.  It's funny and has hilarious characters.  The main characters are Dwight, Tommy, Harvey, Rhondella, Sara and Keller.  They are also creative.  The book is about a kid who makes an origami version of Yoda and is answering questions for everyone.  It takes place in an average middle school.  The author's message is that everyone is different.  You'll get the message as you read it.  I would recommend this book for people who like comedy.

Reviewed by Coollegoguy

Anything but Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Anything but Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin is one of those books that you start reading and can't stop.  The book is about Jason, a 12 year old autistic boy who likes a girl that he met online.  The author does an amazing job of getting inside the head of her character and letting the reader understand the world from his point of view.  Jason is not typical and when you begin reading, you may think you and he have nothing in common.  However as you continue to read, you find out you really aren't that different from Jason.  If you've ever worried about fitting in, or how other people think about you, this is a wonderful read.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Shadows by Jacqueline West

The Shadows by Jacqueline West is the first book in a new series, The Books of Elsewhere.  I really enjoyed this book.  The main character, Olive moves into a new home on Linden Street with her super smart, mathematician parents.  The McMartin's were the former owners of the home, and they've left behind all of their furniture and their three cats.  Olive soon finds out this is not a normal house and there is absolutely nothing normal about the strange paintings that hang on the walls and refuse to be removed.  And wait, did something just move inside that picture???  Follow Olive into a new world, Elsewhere... if you dare.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Books of Elsewhere first book is The Shadows.  It is a book that will have you at the edge of your seat biting off all your nails down to the nub just to find out what happens next. When Olive Dunwoody moves into a large, stone house on Linden Street, she finds out the house is keeping secrets. She also finds out about the three cats and the paintings that won’t come off the walls in the hallway! And what about everything else in this house? Or what about Elsewhere?  Like it says on the back of the book, “This house is keeping secrets . . . be careful where you look!”

Reviewed by parrotcarrots

 

Young Fredle by Cynthia Voight

Young Fredle by Cynthia Voight is a sweet book about a little kitchen mouse.  Poor Fredle (rhymes with metal) eats too much chocolate and gets kicked out of the nest because he's sick.  This is where Fredle's adventures begin.    As the reader you get to discover the world through Fredle's eyes, as he sees grass, and birds, and the stars for the first time.  Much of the world is very dangerous for a fat little kitchen mouse, so Fredle has to learn quickly how to survive without his family to rely on.  My favorite character in the book is Sadie.  She's one of the two dogs that live in Fredle's house.  She is ditsy and funny, and becomes a good friend to Fredle.  I'll bet you love her too!
Cynthia Voight's website
Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin is one of the 2012 Newbery honor books.  It has illustrations that remind me of the Hugo Cabret book.  For those of you looking for a quick read, this is a good one.  The book takes place in Russia during the time of Stalin.  This was a very dangerous time to live in Russia when many people were locked up and executed by the government.  Sasha, the boy in the story has to face life without a mother, and the imprisonment of his father.  The story is very gripping and moves the reader quickly through Sasha's tough and frightening times.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer

The series of Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer is about the life of a billionaire kid.  Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox faces a dilemma; his mom has to go to the hospital because of an internal organ eating disease.   I can’t recall the name of the disease.  (I really don’t get how she gets the sickness or if it is real, but otherwise just go with it).  Before his mom got sick, he went to Ireland where he met a fairy and captured it.  He was with his friends (Holly and Butler, the security guard).  They try to help do whatever they can to find a cure.  This reminds me of the time my mom came down with the flu.  She got better but it did take a while.   I would recommend this book to anyone that likes fiction, or if you like weird and awesome young adult books.

Reviewed by Deathninja

Heroes Don't Run by Harry Mazer

Heroes Don’t Run is a book by Harry Mazer that takes place in 1994. In the story the main character, Adam Pelko is the son of a lieutenant. Follow Adam through boot camp, war, and find out if he goes home hurt or if he fights through till the end.  I would recommend this book to a friend that likes books about war.  A personal connection I made was how my Pepa was in World War 2.  I wonder what it was like to be in a war like them.

Reviewed by :sk8551

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai is one of the 2012 Newbery Award Honor books.  (It is a very fast read, for those of you trying to finish your 25 books this year!)  It is written in a poetry format.  It is a fiction book, but the story line follows the author's own life story pretty closely.  In the book, the main character is a young girl growing up in Saigon, during the Vietnam war.  She ends up making it out safely with her mother and brothers, to end up living in Alabama.  The story lets you feel how difficult it would be to move from one country to another, be the new kid in school, and the first Asian the other children had ever seen.  There is a definite bullying theme that runs throughout the book.  Read it to find out how the character survives and adapts to her new home.

Reviewed by Mrs. C.

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos is the 2012 Newbery award winner. Jack Gantos is the author of the Joey Pigza books, so if you like those, you'll probably enjoy this one too.  The main character, named Jack, suffers from gushing nosebleeds every time he gets nervous.  Jack is growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania.  He gets involved in a summer mystery, while helping an elderly neighbor write obituary (death) notices and American history articles for the local newspaper.  This is a humorous story and has a cast of goofy characters that will make you smile.

Reviewed by Mrs. C.

Fish by Gregory Mone

Fish by Gregory Mone is a fun story.  You'll like it, especially if you like pirates.  The main character is nicknamed "Fish" because he loves to swim, at a time when most people didn't even know how to float.  He leaves his father's farm to make money for the family by working with his uncle, who is a city merchant.  Through a series of events, Fish ends up swabbing the decks of a pirate ship, dealing with bullies, and searching for treasure.  This book reminded me of the Pirates movies with Johnny Depp.  Complete with stinky feet and bad breath, this funny adventure will certainly entertain you.

Reviewed by Mrs. C.

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Do you like fantasy, mythology books?  Do you like Greek gods?  If so The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan is the book for you.  Percy Jackson is on a journey.  There is a battle against the Titans.  Percy and a group of young Demigods have to stop the Titans, led by Kronos, from taking over New York City and Mount Olympus. The setting of this story is Camp Half- Blood, a camp for young Demigods.  Then it goes into New York City.  Kronos wants to take over New York City and Percy tries to stop him.  Read to find out who wins the battle. There are 4 other Percy Jackson books in the series.  I would recommend this book for kids in 5th and 6^th grade.

Reviewed by Killer Wolves1

More Bones: Scary stories from around the world by Arielle North Olson & Howard Schwartz

More Bones: Scary stories from around the world by Arielle North Olson & Howard Schwartz has a short story about a small Kingdom placed in Hawaii. The main characters in this story are the Rainbow Maiden, the King, and a boy named Mahana.  There are scarier, exiting stories to creep you out and to keep your heart pounding in this exiting book.  If you like scary, horror, short stories this is the book for you.  And if you like this book, also try Ask the Bones, but remember you don’t always get what you wish for.  Read this book to find out more.

 

This book is reviewed by katmat20                                                               

The Unfinished Angel by Sharon Creech

The main characters in The Unfinished Angel by Sharon Creech are Zola and Eugenia.  They meet and Eugenia finds out she is an angel.  This story takes place in 1919 and some people can’t afford to take care of their kids so they put them in an orphanage or up for adoption.  Zola is on the way to the tower called Montagnola and sees an orphan and she really wants to help.   When Zola and Eugenia find the orphan she is homeless and on the side of the road.  The theme of this book is that you should be a good person and help people in need.  This book is interesting and exciting.  I saw a movie on Disney Channel and in it there was a girl who was sent to an orphanage.  The mother of the house wouldn’t let them have any toys and she hated Christmas.  The little girl had a figurine that her mother gave her and the house mother threw it in the fire.  I would recommend this book but it was not for me, because I kind of thought it was boring.  

By ILOVEYA99<3

Warriors by Erin Hunter

The series Warriors, by Erin Hunter, is recommended for children 4^th through 6^th.  The story of The New Prophecy takes place in a forest. The forest is divided into four Clans; water, wind, thunder, and darkness.  All has been peaceful between the Clan cats for many moons, but the peace will soon be a memory.  Four cats, one from each Clan, receive a message from Star Clan telling them the forest will soon crumble, along with the Clans, unless they reach the sun-drown place.  They set out on a journey. Will the cats be able to save their Clans, or will all be lost? This series contains six books, along with three other series, each containing six books.  I enjoy this series because it gives you a perspective a cat would have.  This series is not found in your school library.

Reviewed by WinterRose13

Robot by Roger Bridgman

Have you ever wondered about the amazing world of Robots?  I know I have.  Robots can do amazing human-like hobbies such as chess, art, and even music!  Roger Bridgman’s popular book Robot walks you through this world to find your robot buddy.  Robots take lots of scientific knowledge to create on one’s own.  And no, Robots probably will not destroy their creators!  Even though your buddy might be hard to create, the gift that comes along holds an outstanding future!  For many Scientists, robots that are genetically generated to fit human skills are known as “True Robots”.  Can you name some Non True Robot Machines?  Wish I could give you a hint, but you’ll need to read to find out what’s the difference between True Robots and non true, where the word “robot” came from, how to build a robot, when robots were first discovered, and MUCH MORE.  I recommend this book to people of every age who love Skill, Knowledge, and Classic Science.  Read Robot by Roger Bridgman!

SkittlePants10

Guinea Pigs by Mark Evans

Guinea Pigs is a book by Mark Evans which tells how to care for a guinea pig.  Guinea Pigs like their cages to be clean and they also LOVE to have fresh hay, pellets, and WATER.  There are a couple of different guinea pig breeds; some are Abyssinian, American, Agouti, Texel, Wavy Rexes, Shaggy Shelties, Silky Satins, Peruvians, and Crowning Crests.  Like all rodents guinea pigs’ teeth never stop growing, so you need to make sure your guinea pigs’ teeth aren’t too long or else your guinea pig will be unable to eat.   So make sure your guinea pig has hay, wood, apple or willow branches, or chewable tunnels.   This will make your guinea pig happy and healthy.  Also, I have 2 guinea pigs they are both baby guinea pigs and are both 1 year-old.  One is an Abyssinian named B, and the other one is an American Guinea Pig named DJ.   Hope You Enjoyed!  Question, do you like guinea pigs?
Reviewed by xxGuineapigloverxx     

            

Savvy by Ingrid Law

Savvy by Ingrid Law is an exciting, suspenseful, and fantastic book.  The setting is Hebron, in the middle of Nebraska and Kansas.  It’s a book about a magical power you obtain when you are thirteen, right on your birthday.  A girl named Mibs, her real name is Mississippi, has a birthday in a couple of days, so she will get her Savvy.  But her father got in a car accident and he is not awakening.  What will happen next?  Will her father survive the collision? I recommend this book for grades 4^th through 6^th .  This book can be found in your school library.

Reviewed by CChipcookies1   

The Chilling Hour by Collin McDonald

Do you like twisted suspense stories that chill your bones?  Or stories that aren't what they seem?  Then I think The Chilling Hour by Collin McDonald is the right book for you.  In The Chilling Hour there are spooky, warped, thrilling short stories that make you scream.  I like this book because you don’t know where the plot is going to end.  Also because when I read this book the author hooked me by using dialogue.  In one of the stories in this book there’s a family of four on vacation stuck in a blizzard waiting for help.  Will they get out in time before the avalanche hits?  And are they lucky they met a guy named death?  I don’t know!  You find out!

Reviewed by killer kittens 226          

Trouble Maker by Andrew Clements

Do you like Realistic fiction?  Well Trouble-Maker by Andrew Clements is the book for you.  Trouble-Maker is about a boy named Clay and how he is not good at school and gets in trouble a lot and how everyone hates him.  His brother tries to change him from a bad person to a good person.  Can his brother change him from his old habits?  Will everyone at his school forgive him?  If you have read other books by Andrew Clements like Frindle, No Talking and Extra Credit, like I have, you’ll love this book. 

Reviewed by Run1246

The book Trouble-maker was written by Andrew Clements. I would definitely recommend this book to kids in grades 4-6.  If you like excitement and character changes, then this is the book for you! Well, first there was Clay.  He was exactly like his older brother Mitch, who was a “trouble-maker”.  Clay had bad friends, bad grades, and a bad attitude!  He was always getting into trouble with the principle Mr. Kelling.  But, Mitch changed after he went to jail, and doesn't want Clay’s fate to be like his.  Mitch wants Clay to change from bad to good. Will Clay listen to his brother, or end up getting into trouble for the rest of his life?  

Reviewed by _polar_bear___

Maggie’s Door by Patricia Reilly Giff

The book Maggie’s Door is by Patricia Reilly Giff.  The main characters are Nory and Sean, who are brother and sister and I like them because they have nice dialog.  This book is informational about immigration and sort of a mystery because Sean ends up getting lost. The story takes place in a poor section of Ireland but the brother and sister travel to America.  They ran away to find somewhere better to plant their crops. The theme is realistic and informational. The book is sort of sad.  I would recommend this book to ages 11- 13 if you like historical fiction.

Reviewed by spongebob22

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins is an action-packed sequel to one of my favorite books, The Hunger Games. In it, the main character and also the narrator (the Hunger Games series is written in first person), Katniss, has just finished the annual Hunger Games with her boyfriend Peeta. As a result of participating in the Hunger Games, they have to tour their country, Panem.  Since Katniss and Peeta were in the last Hunger Games, they’re going to be mentors for the next two tributes from their district, District 12. While on the tour, Katniss’ prep team is talking about this year’s uncommon Quarter Quell Games. Apparently, it’s very special to be a mentor in these Games, and it’s even more special for Katniss and Peeta because it’s their first year of mentoring.  Katniss and Peeta end up having a key role in these exceptional games… but not in the way they imagined.

The Hunger Games Trilogy is a love story mixed into an action/adventure series of overthrowing the evil Capitol. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good romance book, but also likes to read about adventure. I absolutely adored these books and I hope you do too.

Posted by: booklover77

This book is not going to be found in an elementary school library.  Ask your parents first if you want to read it.  The series is good, but does contain violence, so some parents may object. 

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

This book, Eragon, by Christopher Paolini is about a Dragon named Eragon. This book has magic and power. It is populated with dragons. I like this book because I like Dragons and magic. There are also different books in the series. My most favorite book in this collection is Eragon. 

I like this because they made it into a movie and the movie is on Disney+.  If you like novels and dragons, this book is for you. This book reminded me of my cousin because he likes dragons. The main character is Eragon the dragon. I think you should read this book because it is interesting, and it is a magical book. This is why I like this book and you might want to read it!              

Reviewed bye: Coffee Queen

If you like fantasy, dragons, elves, Lord of the Rings, and action, is the book for you!  Eragon is about a boy who wanders into the dark, dangerous Spine and finds a weird blue stone. Suddenly his life changes during the night making him have a big secret that he cannot keep for long until the Urgals find him and bring him to the nasty king Galbatorix. Now because of Eragon all of Agleasia might be in trouble! I love how in fantasies anything is possible. Find out what happens in Christopher Paolini’s action packed tale.              

Reviewed by pencilshavings64

The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman

The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman is about Sam, Kelsey, Judy, and Brenton.  They are put into a squad called “The D Squad” and become friends when they begin to use the homework machine.  The homework machine is a machine that will do your homework if you put your homework inside.  Do they get caught? I thought this book was funny, I would recommend this book to kids in elementary school!

“SOCCER ST4R”

Crispin at the Edge of the World by Avi

Crispin at the Edge of the World by Avi is about a boy named Crispin and a man named Bear who are being chased by the town government. When they are in their travels, they meet a young girl named Troth. Troth lives with an old lady in the woods. After the old lady is beaten to death, Troth, Crispin, and Bear head off to a faraway place .The book is sad and adventurous. This book is good for anybody who wants a sad but adventurous story.

Reviewed by Yankees09

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli is an amazing story about a little boy who loses his way.  This is an adventurous and exciting book.  This boy loses his mother and father in a train accident.  The boy’s name is Jeffery Lionel Magee, but people call him Maniac.  His Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan take him in but they are always fighting.  Maniac ends up running away because he’s sick and tired of them bickering.  On Maniac’s wild running journey he runs into the east end where he meets Amanda Beale a girl who loves books.  Amanda brings Maniac home one night to have dinner and her family loves him.  When Amanda’s father tries to bring Maniac to his own home, Amanda’s family ends up finding out Maniac doesn’t have a home.  Their family decides to take him in because they feel bad he lost all the family he had.  At many points in this book Maniac changes households.  Will he find out where he belongs in life? You will have to read the book to find out more.  I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who wants to read an adventurous story.

Reviewed by pickles 101 <3

A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck

In A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck, Mary Alice goes to grandma`s in Chicago in the summertime.   When you read this book you have to keep reading.  I don’t like reading, but when I read this book I could not stop reading.  The book's dialogue and how the characters came in to the story was really good.  Mary Alice goes to a school where the boys and girls are separated. The story takes place during the Great Depression, but it's fiction. If you like fiction books, read this book.  

Reviewed by Bruins 33  

Soccer Chick Rules by Dawn FitzGerald

The main characters in the book  are Tess, Bo, Ibby, and Jillian. Tess’s school was going to cancel sports for the semester due to budget cuts.  Tess believes that there is no reason to go to school if there aren’t any sports to look forward to afterward.  So she goes to a levy meeting after school to raise money through door to door canvassing.  There’s just one problem, her arch enemy Jillian is plotting revenge when Tess goes against the law.  Will Tess be able to raise profits and save sports, or will Jillian stand in her way? I recommend this book to my friend iloveya99 and to anyone else who has a love of sports.     

Reviewed by Misc

Touch Blue by Cynthia Lord

Touch Blue by Cynthia Lord is about a girl named Tess who lives on an island in Maine called Bethsaida.  Tess and her family find out that Maine is going to shut down the island’s one room school house where Tess’s mom works.  Her family would have to move to the mainland to live.  The only way they can stay on the island is if the population went up.  To increase the population some of the people on the island adopt foster kids. Tess and her family adopt Aaron.  At first Aaron does not like the family and wants to run away to find his mom, but if Aaron does run away then all of the children at the island would have to go to the mainland for school.  This book reminds me of an island I’ve been to and makes me think about what it would be like for me to live on an island.   If you like a book that is realistic fiction then you’d like this book.

By cupcakequeen4ever

Touch Blue by Cynthia Lord is about a family who lives on an island in Maine.  The school on the island needs more students to stay open.  To keep the school open some of the families on the island take in foster children.  One family takes in a teenage boy named Aaron.  Aaron misses his mom, so him and a girl named Tess from the family that adopted Aron, come up with a plan to get Aaron to see his mom.  Read Touch Blue to find out their plan and how it worked out.  I recommend you read Cynthia Lord's Touch Blue.

Reviewed by Kapxo

Kenny and the Dragon by Tony Diterlizzi

Kenny and the Dragon by Tony Diterlizzi was a really great book.  You might know TONY DITERLIZZI by “Spiderwick” because he helped make that book with Holly Black.  Well back to my book, lets see, this book is really good because Kenny(the bunny) lives on a farm and one day his dad smells smoke, so he goes to check it out and he finds out there was a Dragon living in a cave (his name is Grahame).  The dad runs home and yells, “WE NEED TO MOVE NOW!!!!!!!!!”  And his wife says, “Honey calm down, now tell me what happened.” So while Kenny’s dad is saying what happened, Kenny goes to check it out.  He finds out that Grahame is really nice.  Grahame tells Kenny how he came to the world of animals.  One day there was an earthquake and he fell in a HUGE crack in the ground.  He lived on lava rocks until he NEEDED to get out, so he dug and dug till he came to a cave, A.K.A Kenny’s farm. Read to find out what happens next.  

Reviewed by gibby22

Strange Happenings by Avi

Strange Happenings by Avi is a book that is scary, but yet weird.  Strange Happenings isn’t your plain old peculiar story, that all falls together in the end, no sir it has more than one story, and the only thing they have in common is that they’re all strange.  The first story starts off with a boy and a cat and things take a very unusual twist and end up even creepier.  My favorite story in Strange Happenings is Babette the Beautiful.  It’s a great story about a beautiful girl and her life. The rest of the book is your job to find out.  I recommend the book if you like bizarre messed upped stories.

Reviewed by: softballplaya88

Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath

The book Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath is great.  It’s about a girl named Primrose Squarp.  One day her parents get lost at sea, everyone thinks they are long gone.  Primrose is heartbroken.  She must stay with her Uncle Jack who lives in a gym.  For a while she lives with Miss Perfidy.  Miss Perfidy was her neighbor.  After her parents got lost {at sea} everyone thought she was suicidal.  She got in an accident and lost her pinky toe.  Primrose’s only friend is Mrs. Bowser.  If you’re an only child and sometimes feel lonely, this is a great book for you.  If you want to know what happens to her parents read this book to see what happens.  Will they come back or are they long gone?

Reviewed by PIGGY123.

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt

In The Underneath by Kathi Appelt, Ranger is a bloodhound that was abused by a cruel man named Gar Face.  I don’t recommend this to fourth graders because it has cruelty to animals.  Some fifth and sixth graders might be able to read it.  A cat comes to the underneath and has kittens.  The momma cat was drowned by Gar Face.   A kitten was lost and the other cat is with Ranger.  One time I was reading it and pictured my pets in such a cruel place.  Did the stranded cat come home?  Was Ranger saved by the cats?  Find out in THE UNDERNEATH.

Reviewed by Magnet 

A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck

A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck is an excellent book.  It’s all about two children going to an Illinois town and visiting their grandmother.  They end up doing some crazy things.  For example, when Mary Alice, Joey, and their grandmother trespass into a field and end up seeing the sheriff in his underwear.  Sometimes I go to my grandmother’s house, but we don’t do much.  If you like books that have adventurous stories you should read this one.   I would recommend this book.    

Reviewed by Yes123

The Haunted House by Jane Yolen and Martin H.Greenberg

If you are a person that likes scary but not too scary books, then The Haunted House, by Jane Yolen and Martin H.Greenberg is the book for you.  The setting of the book is in an old rundown house.  In the story, there is more than one main character.  There are several ghosts that haunt the house.  Each ghost scares people in their own way.  The book starts off with a girl named Lyssa and her parents, when they move into the haunted house.  The first night when Lyssa goes to sleep, she hears a noise in the basement.  She just ignores it, but then she hears it again.  So she starts to get scared.  She thinks she hears a dog crying.  She gets out of bed to go get her parents who were sound asleep, but then she decides to check it out herself.  When she goes to the basement, she sees…?  Read this book to find out what she finds.  I would recommend this book to kids age 9-11.

Reviewed by Master1283

Lost and Found by Andrew Clements

The book ¨Lost and Found¨ by Andrew Clements is about twin boys, Ray and Jay. Jay is sick on the first day of middle school and Ray realizes that one of the files that had all their personal or school information was lost. Once he sees his file he realizes that they put both of the files together. He tells his brother. They play with it and switch staying home every day for a long time. They hide it from friends, their parents and teachers.  Read the book to find out what happens to Ray and Jay.

This book reminds me of the book ¨Trading Faces¨. Trading faces is very similar to this book, ¨Lost and Found¨. In the book ¨Trading Faces¨ two girls switch places to avoid being humiliated.  In ¨Lost and Found¨ they do trade places too.  If you liked one of these books, then you probably will like the other one.

-Kitty4523


In Lost and Found by Andrew Clements, Ray and Jay are new to the town and are starting a new school.  Ray is sick so Jay has to start the first day without his twin.  Back in his old school, everyone had always mistaken Ray as Jay, or Jay as Ray.  Jay was thrilled that Ray wasn’t there, not to be mean, but he knows the first day would be a drag.  Jay quickly discovers a major mistake: no one seems to know that Jay has a twin brother named Ray.  Ray doesn’t have a locker, is not on the attendance list, and doesn’t have a student folder.  Jay wanted to tell them they made a big mistake, but then thinks of a way the mistake would be fun and the lost information would be very useful.  Read the book to know what happens next.  Will Jay and Ray get in trouble, or will nobody notice?  If you love books that are sneaky and mysterious, this book is the right one for you.

 ~Reviewed by Star

Lost and Found by Andrew Clements is a book about twin boys named Jay and Ray. They moved, and now they have to go to a new school. Ray is sick so Jay has to go to the new school alone. When Jay goes to school and arrives. They do attendance and he doesn’t hear Ray’s name. He doesn't hear Ray’s name in any of his other classes either. Later in the story, he finds a note in his lunch bag… it says “Tell the principal that you have a twin brother and he is sick.” He doesn't tell the principal. What’s going to happen next? Read the book to find out.

           I really enjoyed this book. I think everyone should read this. But don’t ever not tell your principal if you have a twin at home who is sick! If you lie, or not tell anyone something important, there are always consequences. This book makes you learn about not lying and telling the truth. The theme if the story is to tell the truth, and to do the right thing.

Reviewed by Dancer022

Alice in Lace by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

The book Alice in Lace by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is about friends who are named Alice, Patrick, Elizabeth, and Pamela.  They are taking a class about thinking ahead or critical choices.  Their assignments are a little wacky but they have fun doing them and bump into some problems on the way.  Like when…oh wait, you are going to have to read it yourself.  This book is funny and will keep you hooked.  I hope when I am in 8^th grade it will be as fun as their school.  I would recommend this book to 5^th, and 6^th grade girls and boys.  

Reviewed by fashionesta7  

Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff

Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff is a heart-warming book about a little girl who is over-protected because her brother died from getting hit with a hockey puck.  The story takes place in the summer.  Annie, the little girl, goes on many adventures.  An old lady, who moves in across the street shares many stories with her.  The author’s message is to always “close your umbrella”.  If you read the book, you will find out what “close your umbrella” means.  I would recommend this book to whoever likes a sad book but something with a little humor.  I have had someone die in my family and I remember them by keeping some of their stuff.  If you experienced death in your family, don’t let it go to your heart!  Always believe they are there!  This is one of my favorite realistic fiction books.  I hope to find more books in my school library from Lisa Graff!!        

Reviewed by -hkrocks7

Umbrella Summer is a fantastic story.  This story is about a girl named Annie and her best friend Rebecca.  Annie worries about everything from bicycle riding, to diseases and bug bites.  But one thing changed Annie’s whole life, her brother.  Annie’s brother Jared plays hockey.  He was hit in the chest with a hockey puck, and the doctor said that he would just have chest pains but he wouldl be fine. But everything was not fine, because Jared died.  Everyone keeps telling Annie not to worry so much, including her new neighbor across the street, whose house Rebecca thinks is haunted.  It turns out that the lady named, Petunia, is very nice.  I recommend this book because it is a book that you can just keep on reading forever, and it is very funny and in some parts, sad.

By: BellaGrace29

The Field Guide by Tony Diterrlizzi and Holly Black

The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide by Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black is an exciting adventure that will make you want to read more!  Jared, Simon, and their sister Mallory moved into their new house but right after they do, strange things start to happen.  Jared and Mallory were exploring the house when they found a room that was very strange.  In the room Jared found a book about fairies.  After he found the book he told his brother and sister, but they didn’t believe him and Mallory said the book was for babies and that she didn’t believe in fairies.   Jared said he kind of believed Simon about real fairies.  I think that if anyone likes adventures and fantasy you will love this book and the series! 

Reviewed by: Swaggerboy56 

Have you ever read the book Spiderwick 1: The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizz and Holly Black?  It’s a book about three siblings Jared, Mallory and Simon Grace.  They live in the old Spiderwick house. Upstairs in the library, Jared finds a book filled with facts on fairies, elves, and mythical creatures.  They lose the book and go on a crazy adventure to find it.  On the way they come across some weird things. To find out what happens, read the next book in the series!  

Reviewed by 1D143

Emily's Fortune by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Emily’s Fortune by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is a book about a girl named Emily who is trying to get to a town called Redbud.  The only reason why she even wants to go to Redbud is because both of her parents died and she doesn’t want to go with her Uncle Victor.  The only time Emily met her uncle, he asked her mom for money and left.  Emily travels with her turtle, Rufus.  Along the way, Emily meets a boy named Jackson, who ends up coming along with Emily on their very exciting journey.  One day, Emily and Jackson were walking along; they came across a piece of paper nailed to the wall. It said that Emily was worth ten million dollars!!!  Read on to find out if Uncle Victor finally catches Emily.  I would recommend this book to readers who like detailed action books. It’s also a RICBA nominee for 2012.  You can find this book in the school library.

Reviewed by Floortile68

The Fabled Fifth Graders of Aesop Elementary School by Candace Fleming

The Fabled Fifth Graders of Aesop Elementary School is written by Candace Fleming.  In this fictional story, Mr. Jupiter’s class is very enthusiastic when in school.  It is their last year in Aesop elementary.  They’re at the top of the school but their behavior isn’t that perfect when in their class specials. They always act up and never listen to the teacher.  They get wild in music, they fool around at lunch, and they get a very creepy substitute. The author’s message is to get the reader to learn about the behavior in Mr. Jupiter’s class. When I was in fifth grade, my class was always fooling around and talking.  I would recommend The Fabled Fifth Graders of Aesop Elementary School because it hooked me right away. This is one of the Rhode Island Children Book Award Nominees for 2012.  It is funny and exciting.  I would recommend this book to kids in grades 4 through 6. 

Reviewed by puppies gone wild

Football Hero by Tim Green

Football Hero by Tim Green is a good book.  It’s about a boy named Ty who lives with his uncle and aunt.  He wants to join the football team on his birthday so he can be like his bro because his brother is so famous. During a game something happens that is good. You have to read the rest to find out.  I connected to this book because I play football and learned about the mafia in school this year.  This is a book you'll have to look for in the public library.

User name: Mamaluigi35

Guardians of Ga’Hoole: The Shattering by Kathryn Lasky

Guardians of Ga’Hoole: The Shattering by Kathryn Lasky is the 5th book of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series. Eglantine the barn owl and her hallow mates Primrose and Ginger live in the Great Ga’Hoole tree. When Eglantine starts having nightmares, her brother Soren and his friends get worried, then get even more worried when Eglantine and Ginger run away, and Primrose gets kidnapped [or owl napped]! The whole Ga’Hoole tree goes in search of them, only to find Soren’s evil sister-in-law Nyra is behind this. Will Nyra’s sinister plan succeed? Read the story to find out! The book may have talking owls that have learned to control fire, read, and write, make weapons and armor, but it still has lots of owl information. Since it’s the 5th book of a 15 book series, you might want to read the first four. If you like violence, or want to read a book about owls, the Guardians of Ga’Hoole trilogy is perfect for you!

By, Guardians 101

Behind Enemy lines by Bill Doyle

Behind enemy Lines: Under Fire in the Middle East is written by Bill Doyle. If you’re the type of kid who does not like reading at all, this book is the paperback for you.  This is the second book in the Behind Enemy Lines series, the first one blew me away and the second one was astounding.  Each book is different and has many different stories of diverse military soldiers.  In one chapter there is a soldier who is blown up 3 times by I.E.D (improvised explosive devises).  He was told he couldn’t look for any more I.E.Ds.  He was told to go home, but he wanted to work more.  Read the book to see if he goes home.  In another chapter a bomber goes to a military base where three dogs jump on him then the bomber blows up his suitcase bomb.  Find out if the dogs are okay.  Like Bill Doyle says, this book is about real heroes who risk it all for their country.  The soldiers in the book had to have their names changed so military information can be kept a secret, other than that all of the stories are completely a mind blowing, heart stopping, jaw dropping true story.  Not yet in your school library, check the public library for this book.

Reviewed by saint power