Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Hard Luck, by Jeff Kinney is one of the best books I have ever read. The main character, Greg, is starting to lose his best friend Rowley, to his girlfriend. This is like a good vs. evil book, and the good is struggling to win. And, he meets his whole wild family, for the first time!  Will Greg get his friend back? What will happen when he meets his family? Find out in Diary of a Wimpy Kid Hard Luck. 

Personally, I loved this book all the way through. It reminds me of a cliffhanger making me think  I should continue. But the book was mostly funny, and filled with action. This is why I chose to review this story. I think you’ll like this book too.

Review by Burger King 11

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck by Jeff Kinney is about a boy named Greg that has a hard time in his life. He has so many problems!  One problem is school with his friend Rowley.  Rowley has a girlfriend and Greg gets jealous.  He also has a problem with his family.  His older brother Roderick always bullies Greg, and his little brother Manny gets Greg in trouble.  I’d like to have you read this book, because I liked this book and I hope you do too!

Reviewed by Football man               

Dork Diaries: Tales from a NOT SO FABULOUS Life, by Rachel Renee Russell

Do you like realistic fiction? If you do Nicki. J . Maxwell can help you out in Dork Diaries: Tales of the NOT SO FABULOUS Life, by Rachel Renee Russell.  Nicki is having trouble at her new school because her locker is located next to the meanest, biggest snob at Nicki’s school, Mackenzie. But her locker location is only the least of her problems. Throughout the year Mackenzie does whatever she can to make Nicki’s school year horrible, but one thing turns the tables.  There is a reading week field trip to NYC.  Nicki and her two best friends, Chole and Zoey are doing something unthinkable to impress the reading teacher. They are giving each other temporary tattoos with a pen.  The trend catches on with the most popular boys in school.  The girls are so excited by how many people want tattoos.  The girls start a business where they give people tattoos, but for each tattoo everyone has to donate two books. The business gets so popular that Mackenzie gets jealous. Nicki thinks that her year is turning around until the day of the art show.  Her perfect art piece that she was going to enter gets run over. She also thinks she is losing her friends to the CCP boys until she goes to check out the art show.  Will her pictures of all the tattoos that she gave to the students win a prize?  Looking at the project, Nicki completely forgets that her parents were transferring her to a different school.  Does she still want to leave?  I hope you decide to read this book. It’s really good and I guarantee you won’t want to put it down.

Reviewed by xsoccerstar1234 

The Mystery of the Griefer’s Mark by Winter Morgan

Do you like mystery books? Then you will love the Mystery of the Griefer’s Mark by Winter Morgan. The main characters in the story are Steve, Adam, Henry, Max, Lucy, and Kyra. Their friend Henry was sucked down the hole of a griefer.  The griefer was actually feeding Henry in a cage, so Steve, Adam, Max, Kyra and Lucy all go to the nether to go find Henry.  The griefer is stealing Steve’s sheep, Adam’s potion’s, Steve’s house, and Kyra’s house.  When they were all away the house was blown up and the potion’s were kept in a chest.  Will Steve find out who the griefer is or will the griefer “live On Forever”?  Read the book to find out who the griefer is, or even if they will find him.

Reviewed by football121

101 Facts about Hamsters by Julia Barns

The book 101 Facts about Hamsters, by Julia Barns, is a nonfiction book, and informational.  I chose this book because I love Hamsters and they are so cute and cuddly.  I have two of the cutest little hamsters in the world.  Let me tell you about this book. Hamsters are very nocturnal they sleep during the day and are active at night.  Hamsters do not like to get wet or they will get mad.  You must give a hamster food, water, a ball to play in, and some nice soft bedding.  You must clean their cage every week.  After a few weeks the hamster will get used to you and will be a great part of your family.  Give a hamster special care and treat it like your family.  That is all I am going to tell you about hamsters. This is a good book for ages 6+.  Find this book in your local library so you can learn about hamsters too.  The End.

Reviewed by American flag

Take Your Best Shot, by John Coy

If you like reading realistic fiction about basketball, then you should pick up the book Take Your Best Shot, by John Coy. The shot goes up and……. Sorry, can’t tell you.  This book is about a group of friends, whose names are Gig, Isaac, Diego, and Jackson.  This group of boys will always stick together as friends. While you are reading Take Your Best Shot you may have a lot of emotions.  Some of the emotions you may have are sad, but then it may get exciting and happy.  Some of the main parts in this story are when Gig’s dad gets in terrible trouble and the group of boys…..  Sorry can’t tell you.  If you want to know, you will have to read the book.  I was connected to this book because my aunt died and my whole family had to take our best shot to get through it.  The author, John Coy, has a message in this book.  The message is to always take your best shot in life and never give up.  I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by:  SWAG_2

Middle School: Get Me Out Of Here by James Patterson

Do you like realistic fiction books?  Then you should read Middle School: Get Me Out Of Here by James Patterson.   It is a good book.  Rafe, is the main character in the story and I like him because he is cool.  In the beginning, Rafe and his family were in Hills Village and all of a sudden Swifty’s  Diner burns down.   Rafe, his Mom and Georgia move to their grandma’s house.  Then Rafe gets in trouble when he goes to art school.  He and this kid named Matty pulled a prank on a student and he got kicked out of Art school. Will Rafe get back into art school?  Will they give him a second chance?  Find out in Middle School: Get Me Out of Here.  Read it; it’s a good book.

Reviewed by #mr.awesome234

I Even Funnier by James Patterson

I Even Funnier by James Patterson is about the Funniest kid in New York (Jamie Grimm) who is trying to become the funniest kid in the world. But Jamie will face some huge problems in his way, like his Uncle will have a heart attack. Do you think Jamie will become the world’s funniest kid comic?

I loved this book because it was a funny exciting book. But I was a little mad because it left me on a cliffhanger. Still, I do recommend this book.

The Phenomenal One  


I am reviewing the book I Even Funnier by James Patterson.  I think it is a funny book.  My favorite character is Jamie because he has funny catch phrases.  There are problems with a bully who won’t stop bothering Jamie. You’re going to have to read the book to find out more.  I recommend this book because it will make you laugh.  Maybe you will read it, or maybe you already have.  That’s my review.

Reviewed by sdc12                                                                                          

                                                                                          

Loot: How to Steal a Fortune by Jude Watson

Do you know how to steal a fortune? Well Jules and March do.  In the story Loot: How to Steal a Fortune, by Jude Watson, Jules and March’s mother and father die, but they didn't know each other. Alfie died because his sister in law pushed him off a large building.  Before Alfie fell he tossed March a moonstone.  When March got home he found a backpack with clues inside.  Then Jules and March meet Izzy and Darius and they say they will help them steal a fortune.  Read this book if you want to know how to steal a fortune.

Reviewed by K.Staccs

As Simple as it Seems by Sarah Weeks

As Simple as it Seems might sound like a boring book but I promise that it's not.  The author, Sarah Weeks, wrote a realistic fiction book to try and relate to real life.  The main characters, Verbeana and Pooch become best friends.  Pooch runs into Verbeana at Bonners Lake and thinks that she is the ghost of Tracy Allen.  Verbeana decides to go along with Pooch.  At home, Verbeana finds out that her biological mother is an alcoholic, which is the reason she is so small.  She also finds out that her biological father is in jail for killing a man with his bare hands.  When Verbeana finds out what her biological parents were like, she becomes a totally different person and thinks that she is cruel and mean.  The theme of the book is to be yourself and let the nice of you shine through.  At the lake, Pooch and Verbeana fix up a boat.  Once they fix it up, they decide to go into the lake but keep a rope tied to a tree so they don’t go far.  The rope unties but you are going to have to find out what happens next when you read the book.  If you like emotional stories, I recommend this one.  I hope that you enjoyed this book as much as I did!  The characters found out that sometimes, life isn’t as simple as it seems!

Reviewed by typical02

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong, by Prudence Shen and Faith Erin Hicks

Do you like robots?  Well if you do, then Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong, by Prudence Shen and Faith Erin Hicks is the book for you.  This book is about how Charlie and the Cheerleaders need money to get new uniforms and a robot convention for the school.  They don’t have enough money, so they go into a robot rumble, which is what they fight their robot in.  They are doing good until the last fight. The people that they were going against might beat them.  Will they have enough money to pay for the uniforms and the robot convention?  I would refer this book to people that like robots.   So I hope you enjoy this.

Reviewed by person who likes xbox

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green is about a sixteen year old girl named Hazel Grace Lancaster who was diagnosed with cancer when she was thirteen years old.  One day her parents decided she was depressed because she spent most of her time inside, rarely went out, had a bad appetite, and read the same book over and over again.  Hazel’s doctor decided Hazel should go to a support group. Hazel refused to go, but she does to make her parents happy.  Little does she know she would never regret it when she meets Augustus Waters.

When I read “The Fault In Our Stars” I completely fell in love with this book and never stopped reading it.  While I’m reading it I’m laughing, I’m crying, I’m happy, I’m sad, this book gives me many emotions.  Personally I’m a huge fan of John Green’s books, but “The Fault In Our Stars” is my favorite book by him.  I also love the movie!

     @Band_Obsessed_123  


”Okay? Okay.” This is a famous quote from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.   If you like books on cancer or realistic fiction this is the book for you.  The main characters in the book are Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters.   Hazel has cancer in her lungs and Augustus has it in his leg and they had to remove his leg.  They met in a support group that’s in the basement of a church, which they call the Heart of Jesus.   Augustus falls in love with Hazel and they go to Amsterdam together to meet their favorite author.  Read more to find out more about what happens in their sad but funny love story.

Reviewed by makeup1321

Listen!, by Stephanie S. Tolan

“What you hear depends on how you listen,” is the message or theme in the story Listen!, by Stephanie S. Tolan.  In this story 12 year old Charley Morgan sees a wild dog in the woods during her walk and automatically feels a connection to it.  Charley decides to take on the task of taming the wild dog, which she names Coyote.  One part of the Taming, which is what Charley calls her task of taming Coyote over the summer, is taking long walks around Eagle Lake, where Charley lives.  On these long walks, not only is Charley getting closer to Coyote, but Charley finds ways to connect with her mother who died years ago in a plane crash.  Charley connects to her mother by just listening to nature and everything around her.  I liked this book because I enjoyed reading how Charley’s character kind of changed a little throughout the story, leading her to become a strong and determined character.  So read to find out how Charley does it and follow her on her journey through Eagle Lake.

Reviewed by  #magical_cupcakes

Holes by Louis Sachar

Holes by Louis Sachar is a book about teamwork that you can't stop reading. It’s about a boy who goes to a prison camp. Stanley, the main character is forced to dig holes from early in the morning to the hottest part of the day, even though he swears he is innocent of the crime they charged him with. It's hard for him to fit in since he is fatter than the others, so he works slower and has to work very hard to keep up. He grows tougher over time, loses weight, and gets faster and he’s able to do things that he wouldn’t have when he first got to camp.

I really like this book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a book about trying your best to complete your goals. My favorite thing about the book is how Stanley works very hard to keep up with the others and he ends up accomplishing goals that he didn’t even know were possible for him. This book reminds me a lot of people who have difficulties doing certain things or completing their goals. But if you try really hard you will complete anything you want. So why don't you read Holes I bet you’ll really like it.

Reviewed by cheer101

Holes, by Louis Sachar is a wonderful book!  It’s about a little boy named Stanley Yelnats.  Stanley’s family has bad luck. One day Stanley does something bad and he gets sent to camp.  It’s not an ordinary camp though.  They dig holes that are 5 foot by 5 foot deep.   At camp he tries to run away with his new friend that he met at camp.  The Warden does not like him and his friends are there too! At camp there was a car crash involved and more funny things.  It might be funny now but when the Warden comes around and finds out you will be praying for Stanley and his friends.  There are chapters where you want to cry, laugh, or even be scared for Stanley and his friends.  Over all this is a great book.  Read to find out what chapters are sad, scary, or funny.  I dare you not to laugh, or be frightened.

Reviewed by Gymnastics101

"There is no lake at Camp Green Lake".  Holes by Louis Sachar is an action and adventure story.  Stanley is a boy who is accused of stealing a pair of shoes.  He is sentenced for 18 months in camp green lake.  While there, he learns some very big secrets, like who framed him.  Once I was blamed for something I didn't do.  Has that ever happened to you?  I think this is a must read!

Reviewed by LIKE A BOSSSS!

If you like a book with action, adventure, and mystery then grab Louis Sachar’s, Holes. This book is all about a boy named Stanley Yelnats who got framed for something he didn’t do.  He was sentenced to a year in the hot sun in Texas at Camp Green Lake, but there’s no lake!  The kids are forced to dig a hole each day,  5 feet deep and wide.  The counselors say that they’re digging to become better men, but that’s not really the case.  The warden is looking for something but what?  Will Stanley uncover the secret of Camp Green Lake?  Read Louis Sachar’s, Holes to find out the rest.

Reviewed by Epzfinest94

Dr. Ernest Drake’s Dragonology Handbook by Ernest Drake, edited by Dugald Steer

Do you believe in dragons?  Do you want to find them?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should read Dr. Ernest Drake’s Dragonology Handbook.  This is the perfect book for a wanna-be dragonologist.  This book is informational and tells you pretty much everything you want to know about dragons.  These wonderful creatures come from all over the world!  Dragons are some of the cleverest creatures on Earth.  Want to know why they are clever?  They make it hard for people to find them, plus, they can find treasure.  When I read this book I was like “OMG!!!! This book is super duper super-duper super-duper super-duper epic!!!!!!!!!” and I was sooo excited. If you really like dragons, I definitely recommend this book.

Reviewed by DRAGON-NINJA

Bad Island by Doug TenNapel

The book Bad Island by Doug TenNapel, is so cool because it has the funniest characters.  Their names are Reese, Lyle, Janie, Mom, and Dad.  I think you would like the characters because they’re funny and weird.   They also help each other.  I liked when Reese and Dad saw a giant rock creature that was quick and had a high jump.  The book Bad Island is set on a mysterious island.  The author’s message for this book is to be careful what you do and work together.  Bad Island is exciting and very interesting because of all the weird creatures.  Another reason you should read Bad Island, is because it is a great graphic novel.  What do you think happens next?  Also what do you think the villains look like?

Reviewed by Frog Leg 752               

 

Matched by Ally Condie

“Do not go gentle into that good night.” This is the beginning of the poem Cassia’s grandfather gave her before he died.   In the book, Matched, written by Ally Condie, a girl named Cassia is given a choice. She must choose between a guy named Xander who is perfection,  and a guy named Ky who always has passion.  Ky isn’t a full citizen, he is an aberration who can’t be matched.  But someone put Ky into the matching pool.  During a hiking activity Ky and Cassia kiss.  Weeks later Cassia must sort people into two groups.  She has to sort Ky.  She thinks she puts him in the better group, but it isn't.  He gets sent away.  Everybody on the street must take a red tablet.  Cassia pretends to take it but right after she drops it.  Who will she choose?  Will she ever find Ky again?  Will Ky still be alive?  I recommend this book because it’s filled with passion, love, adventure, choice, and family. This book is not in your school library, because it is for young adults.  Check it out at Warwick Public.

Reviewed by gymnasticlover783

Matched by Ally Condie is about a 17 year old girl named Cassia Reyes, who is going to be matched at her matching banquet to the man she is going to marry. Suddenly her best friend Xander’s face wipes across the screen. Cassia thinks it's love at first sight but suddenly another face appears on the screen! Cassia is confused. Join her on the amazing journey of life against love in this amazing love triangle.

I think this is a great book for any age between 11 to 15. I think almost anyone can relate to Cassia ‘s crazy challenges!  There are many times where the book can cross between confusing, sad, happy, and crazy. I hope this book touches your heart as much as it did mine! And if you're thinking I am going to tell you the ending, well I’m not. You’re going to have to read it to find out!  

Reviewed by hockeystar_12

The Little Princess by Frances Hodgeson Burnett

The Little Princess by Frances Hodgeson Burnett is not a book for little kids like you would expect.  It is a wonderful, yet sad story about a rich young girl named Sara Crewe.  Sara’s father had to go to India because of his work, but the air was not healthy for kids to breath.  Sara’s father ends up enrolling 7-year old Sara in Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Girls, a boarding school in America.  Miss Minchin only favors Sara because of her father’s money, but what happens when Sara’s wealth disappears?  What will greedy Miss Minchin do to Sara?  Read about Sara Crewe and her mission to stay optimistic when she is forced to work as a maid, and is forbidden to talk to the other girls.  Later, Sara becomes good friends with Becky, the other maid who lives in the attic with Sara.  She teaches Becky how to pretend and tells her lots of wonderful and creative stories.   I have a very difficult challenge for you.   I challenge you to go read this classic book, and try not to cry.   I doubt you will be able to resist crying while you read this amazing story!   I hope you decide to accept my challenge.

Reviewed by Everythingthelighttouches_isyourland

Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Do you like funny and exciting books?  Well I've got one for you, the Mark of Athena, written by Rick Riordan.  In this book, demigods; Percy, Annabeth, Hazel, Frank, Piper, Jason, Leo, and a violent Satyr, Coach Hedge, journey around the world to defeat twin giants that are going to destroy and take over the world and wake their evil mother, the earth goddess Gaea.  A fight scene in the story reminds me of how characters fight in Star Wars.  The author’s message is that with teamwork you can accomplish many things.  I highly recommend this book to people who like fantasy and adventure.

Reviewed By: Pilot Kingsmen

The 39 Clues: Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

The 39 Clues: Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan is about two kids and their rich family who are trying to find the 39 clues. Who will be the first one to find the first clue in the whole family? This is a mystery book, adventure book, and part of a series.


This book reminded me of my family because they are competitive just like the family in the book. We all have a lot of fun playing games together as a family. If you like following clues, try this book.


Review by#soxgreenmonster

The 39 Clues: Maze of Bones, written by Rick Riordan, is about a person’s grandmother, who dies.  In her will she said, “You can have two millon dollars, or go on the clue hunt”.  The main characters,  Dan and Amy  take on the clue hunt challenge. 

I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery and suspense.  I’m trying to read all the 39 clues books and I really like this book.  I’m someone who does not like to read, but I like this series.

Reviewed by Bruinsswag12

Into the dark by R.L. Stein

Do you like bone chilling horror stories??  If you said yes, then Into the dark by R.L. Stein is a book for you.  Paulette, a blind teen girl falls in love with Brad Jones.  Paulette’s friends, Johanna and Emily, find out Brad is a secret robber, but Paulette does not believe them.  All throughout the story some weird things happen to Paulette and her friends try to explain to her it was Brad, but she still does not believe them.  After a while Brad starts to act weird and Paulette starts to believe what her friends said.  Has her love for Brad put her in danger?  You will have to read the book to find out…If you read this book you won’t regret it!  Hope you enjoyed!

Reviewed by -Kitten_Loves_Batman

Treasure Hunters, by James Patterson

Do you like books that are a little suspenseful, but exciting at the same time? Then Treasure Hunters, by James Patterson is the book for you! Mom is already missing when the family is treasure hunting and suddenly there is a really bad storm!  The kids fall asleep and when they wake up they can’t find their dad, who is an oceanographer, so they decide to go treasure hunting by themselves.  They find some treasure, but not as much as they do with their parents. Bick thinks their dad has been rescued by a helicopter, but no one knows. So they are on an adventure searching for their parents. Will they find their parents? Or are their parents dead? Read the book to find out!

Reviewed by IKnowFootball

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

“If you ain’t scared you ain’t human!”  That is a quote from my favorite book, The Maze Runner by James Dashner.  It is a realistic fiction based in the not so distant future.  In the story a group of teenage boys get stuck in a giant maze and they have no memory except their names.  When a girl arrives, chaos is inflicted and the monsters from inside the maze are unleashed.  If this review does its job you may want to read the rest of this phenomenal series.  Have you read the Hunger Games?  If so, you will love this exciting, action packed, and overall great book.

Reviewed by: zvxoh

Preachers Boy by Katherine Patterson

Katherine Patterson has done it again! I suggest you read one of her best sellers Preachers Boy. Preachers Boy is a realistic fiction story based in the year 1899, Vermont. I live in Rhode Island so that is actually not that far from me. Follow the story of Robby Hewit. A ten year old who is pretty mature for his age. In this story of mixed emotions you will feel happiness, sadness, and excitement. You may even learn a thing or two about the time period. So follow along as Robby deals with his family, bullies, and some homeless people who may just change his life. If you haven’t already, I definitely recommend this book.

Reviewed by: wowplayer

Crookedstar’s Promise by Erin Hunter

What’s in store for one of RiverClan’s greatest leaders, Crookedstar?  Here in Crookedstar’s Promise by Erin Hunter, his backstory starts from when he was just a tiny kitten.  In the beginning, Stormkit was just a kit who loved adventures.  When escaping the barrier of RiverClan’s camp.  Stormkit comes to the border with ThunderClan and comes face-to-face with the “terrifying” Goosefeather, ThunderClan’s Medicine Cat.  Stormkit turns tail and retreats from “The Battle”.  Stormkit loses his balance on a stepping stone when crossing the river back to camp and breaks his jaw.  He is renamed after his new appearance, now being called Crookedkit.  Follow Crookedkit as he regains the respect of his Clan, becomes an apprentice, a warrior, the deputy of RiverClan and maybe even leader.  Read in terror as Crookedstar tries to escape revenge from his Dark Forest mentor, Mapleshade.  She tries to teach Crookedstar to show no mercy.  Have you ever overcome your fears, like Crookedstar?  Erin Hunter has multiple messages in Crookedstar’s Promise, the first one is, “Don’t let others control you, be your own self.”  The other message is to overcome your fears.  Crookedstar is frightened of Mapleshade, but he cannot overcome her.  I recommend Warrior: Crookedstar’s Promise to readers looking for a well written fantasy book, an adventure story or just because they love cats!   

Reviewed By:  ThunderTheRainbowCat

Searching for Sky by Jillian Cantor

If you like adventure books, this book might be for you.  Searching for Sky by Jillian Cantor is very adventurous in its own kind of way.  Sky and River have both been on an island that they call “Ocean” ever since they were two years old.  Sky and River were taken to California by two men on a sailboat.  When they got to California they had no clue what a “normal” life was.  When they had lived on the island they had to do everything on their own.  This book relates to some real-life situations.  It relates to them because when Sky and River come to California, she gets very frustrated with herself because she doesn't know how to do basic things.  Just like some people that you know might not know how to do basic things. Hope you enjoy the book. What will happen next??

Reviewed by BostonStrong26

Spirit Animals: Wild Born by Brandon Mull

Spirit Animals: Wild Born by Brandon Mull is a good book. In Spirit Animals there are different continents, but not like ours. You enter a world called Amaya. Meet Meilin, Conor, Rollan, and Abeke.  Meet some of the Great Beasts; Briggan, Essix, Jhi, and Uraza.  As you travel with a wolf, falcon, panda, and leopard you will see they are the protectors of the world.  They face a challenge.  They will have to find Arax the ram and steal his shard.  Will they take it or will their lives be taken?  There’s a bump in the road for them, they have to face the bad guys named The Conquerors. Will you join them on this quest to find Arax the ram and take his shard?  I have one question for you, “Are You Wild Born?”  I hope you are able to read this book.  This book is not in your school library, but you can get it from Warwick Public and have fun reading. (This is book 1 in a series.)

BY: PIZZADUDE     

The Ice Dragon by George R.R Martin

The Ice Dragon by George R.R Martin is about a little girl named Adara.  When she was born the ice dragon came to town.  People say that the ice dragon came for her. The ice dragon came back every year in the winter.  One day Adara was playing in the snow, and this big thing flew over her.  She had No clue what it was.  She just went on playing.  Adara stopped playing and looked at it. Then the ice dragon saw Adara and flew down to her.  She was so scared she couldn’t move.  The ice dragon flew down to the ground right next to her. The town people saw and got guns and anything they could find to hurt the ice dragon.  Adara said, “NO, stop!!!  DON’T hurt it.” Then after petting the ice dragon she got on it.  I love this book because I love fantasy.  I hope you like it because I sure do!

Reviewed by soccerplayer

Michael Vey: Hunt for Jade Dragon by Richard Paul Evan

Michael Vey: Hunt for Jade Dragon by Richard Paul Evans is about the leader of the Electroclan. He has electric powers that always get stronger. Like me, Michael has Tourette's Syndrome. The Electroclan begin their adventure on Timepiece Ranch but end in war. Remember, any kid can be a successful leader!  If you read it I hope you enjoy!

Review by Drivenviper82

Almost Home by Joan Bauer

Almost Home By Joan Bauer is a book about a dog that is unwanted and homeless. A girl, Sugar, is wandering around with her mother, Reba. Sugar gets handed a puppy from a man running across town. He said that he did not want the dog so he gave it to Sugar. Sugar's father, Mr. Leeland, left her and her mother to be homeless. Mr. Leeland was a money gambler and left Reba to pay off his debts. Soon after, they are kicked out of their home. Sugar and her puppy, Shush, go into a foster home while Reba is out looking for something better for them. 

My connections to this book are that I also have a puppy. When I was very little, I also had a dad that left me. If you read this book you might get sad in the beginning, although it gets way happier. Read this, you won’t regret it!

     Reviewed by: Amaya 

“Home isn`t always a place you picture in your mind, home is a place in your heart.”  That’s what Sugar Mae Cole said after all she had been through, from her father leaving to her being homeless. In the story Almost Home by Joan Bauer, Mr.Leeland, Sugar`s father had been a money gambler and left Sugar and her mother, Reba alone to pay his debts. Soon enough they are kicked out of their home and become newly homeless. Sugar and her puppy Shush, go to a foster home while Reba attempts to make the situation better. Will Sugar and Reba find their home or has it been here all along? This story may be sad, but I really enjoyed the book. Not only does it tell a story, but it also encourages people to help the homeless. Think about it, then run, do not walk to your nearest library and take out this book today. You won`t regret it!

Reviewed by MICHYMEOWMEOW101

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K Rowling

If you thought Harry Potter was done then you were wrong. If you like things like adventure, shockers, magic, and fantasy then Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K Rowling, is your book and movie.

In this book, Harry gets into the Triwizard Tournament where he has to face 3 deadly and epic challenges that could get him killed ( But of course what Harry Potter book and movie do not have things that could get Harry killed? ) with his 3 other challengers Fleur Delacour, Viktor Krum, and Cedric Diggory.

This is the longest Harry Potter out of the series ( because there are 37 chapters and 735 pages). I read this Harry Potter book and man was it worth it. I feel like the Harry Potter books make the magic that everyone loves and puts all of that into books. So, what I like about this book is that it has everything magic and comedy.

By Luna Lovegood 

Do you like blood chilling, bone tickling, fantasy stories?  Then you will love Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K Rowling!  In this amazing book the great trio of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley are once again at Hogwarts.  It’s not safe though… The Triwizard Tournament has started again, with more protection than ever.  Nothing was supposed to go wrong, yet somehow Harry got entered into the tournament.  Was this just a coincidence or was something more sinister taking place?  All throughout the story when all seems well, problems arise. 

The book is teeming with excitement, action, suspense, sadness, and more.  People all around the world can relate to Harry because people thought he was doing something to show off, but he really wasn’t.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an exciting story full of action, adventure, and almost unbearable suspense.  So why don’t you read the book yourself.  Trust me you won’t be sorry. 

Reviewd by HotChickenBeast 

I reviewed this book because Harry Potter is active and he will always fight for the good guys. He has bravery and quick thinking so he would be good at being a leader. He can sometimes be impulsive and he has issues with authority. He is also a clutch in a crisis. My rating of the book is 10 out of 10, though if you don’t like adventures and magic this would not be good for you.

Weasley Wizard Wheezes

   

The Runaway King by Jennifer Nielsen

“I had arrived early for my own assassination.” That is the first sentence in The Runaway King by Jennifer Nielsen. After Jaron returns to Carthya he has a choice. He has ten days to surrender, or the pirates will destroy Carthya. That is the threat Jaron gets from Roden, who was once Jaron’s Friend, but now is his enemy. Jaron has to change back to Sage and leave the throne, join the pirates, and save the kingdom.

                How will Jaron save the Kingdom?

                Will Carthya Live?

                Read to find out! It is a real Adventure!

Reviewed by -NyanMEOWMEOW!

You Only Die Twice by Dan Gutman

If you like adventurous fiction you will love this book! This book can be scary and exciting. You Only Die Twice by Dan Gutman is a book about the main characters, Coke and Pepsi. They travel in an RV around the world for their summer vacation. The problem is Mr. Warsaw (their enemy) is getting married to Coke and Pepsi’s aunt.  Mr. Warsaw wants to get revenge on the kids by killing them, but the kids brought bombs and weapons to defend themselves. Mr. Warsaw disguises himself so he can fit in and the kids can’t see who he is.  I think the author’s message in the book is to never give up and always follow your dreams.  This book reminds me of Malala and when she never gave up on her dream of going to school. Why do you think they call it ``You Only Die Twice’’?  Well, if you want to know, you have to read the book.

Reviewed by: Omgsoftball

Asylum by Madeline Roux

Asylum, by Madeline Roux, is a wonderfully scary book. Dan, Abby, and Jordan meet each other at a summer program at New Hampshire College, but unfortunately, the dorms are being redone. The replacement dorms are in an old, abandoned asylum called Brookline. Abby decides to go exploring in the closed off main office and drags the boys with her. This is where the mystery starts to unfold. What happens next I shall not tell you, you must read the book to find out.

I guarantee that you will love the photos the author includes. They add a more realistic feel to the book. The photos make the book scarier just like Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. If you love scary mystery books you will love this book.  (This book is not in our school library.  It is recommended for grades 7-10, but if you check with your parents you can get it at the public library.)

Reviewed by smarticles_t

Rump by Liesl Shurtliff

Rump by Liesl Shurtliff is based on the story of Rumpelstiltskin.  What a wonderful spin on a well known tale.  I loved the characters in this magical 2015 Rhode Island Children's Book Award Nominee.   The author did a great job of adding a fresh perspective to the story.  I especially liked the gnomes and trolls.  I found it very amusing to imagine little gnomes running around delivering memorized messages to people, kind of like text messages sent by person.  A totally fun and surprisingly touching story of young Rump trying to find the rest of his name.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool

Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool is one of the 2015 Rhode Island Children Book Award Nominees.  Vanderpool has also written Moon Over Manifest, a Newbery Award book.   Navigating Early is a true adventure story that takes place in the mountains of Maine.  In Vanderpool's story, her character, Early Auden is fascinated with the story that the number pi (3.14...) tells him, about a boy named Pi.  When Jack Baker moves to Maine from Kansas, to attend a boarding school for boys after his mother's death, Early and Jack become friends.  Both of the boys have had to face the loss of beloved family members, Jack's mother, and Early's brother.  The story of Pi is set within the story of Early and Jack.  Early and Jack set out on a quest together to search for Pi, who is missing.  The quest is a dangerous one.  The boys will be threatened by frightening gun-toting men, hunted by dogs,  and faced with a huge bear.  Can the boys survive the wilderness and find what they have lost?  Read Navigating Early to decide if you want to vote for it in February of 2015.

At the end of the story the author references Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant: A Memoir by Daniel Tammet.  I was glad that I had already read this book and remember how fascinated I was by the author, who saw numbers in colors and sizes and shapes, just like Early Auden.   If you are interested in understanding someone who thinks differently than you, you can listen to Daniel Tammet giving a talk about how he sees numbers and words.  He shows paintings that express how numbers, including pi, look to him.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes is my new favorite book.  I just finished it and would highly recommend this 2014 Newbery Honor book as a read aloud for all second grade teachers.  I've read many books by Kevin Henkes and he delivers yet again with this sweet story about a little boy who is just beginning his second grade school year.  Written with depth of character and understanding of children we follow Billy through his year at school and learn quickly to love the characters that people his world; Mama, Papa, his sister Sal and his teacher Ms Silver.  Billy's problems are the kind every second grader can relate to, from his know-it-all classmate to his fear of public speaking, but the quiet, real way his worries are addressed by Henkes is masterful storytelling.  Once heard, you will not forget the voice of Billy Miller.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein was a delightful romp of the imagination.  Just in case you don't recognize the author Chris Grabenstein, he is the coauthor of I Funny, (a book that I can't seem to keep on the library shelf!)  Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library was chosen as the Kids Reading Across Rhode Island book for 2014.

Kyle Keeley and his friends enter an essay contest at school to win an overnight stay at the brand new library in their town, built by an accomplished game-maker Mr. Lemoncello.  Once inside the library, they are challenged to find a way out, but not by the doors they entered.  The library was built at the site of an old bank building, and the clues left by Mr. Lemoncello's band of accomplices play out like a giant board/video game.  Of course every story is best if there is an antagonist, and not everybody is ready to play nice.  If you like puzzles, detective stories and mysteries, you'll enjoy trying to figure out the picture puzzles in this book. As added fun, you'll come away with a list of great reads suggested by the zany Mr. Lemoncello, so keep a paper and pencil handy!

Librarians might enjoy Escape as a read aloud to see how many of the title and author references their students can get.  Chris Grabenstein is definitely tipping his hat to our profession with this one!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Doll Bones by Holly Black

Doll Bones by Holly Black is one of the 2014 Newbery Honor books and a wonderfully creepy ghost story.  I loved this book.  I'm a big fan of ghost stories and this is a well told tale with plenty of adventure and suspense. The book is about three friends, Poppy, Alice and Zach.  The three enjoy playing an imaginative storytelling game together, but Zach's father feels that Zach is too old for this now that he is in middle school and tries to put an end to his play.  In their imaginative game, a china doll in Poppy's mother's cabinet plays the role of a sinister queen.  The creepy looking doll becomes the center of the story when Poppy dreams that the doll is possessed by a young girl and needs to be buried so that the ghost can rest.  Until it is buried, Poppy warns that the ghost will haunt the three friends.  Is there truth to Poppy's assertions, or is Poppy just trying to get Zach to play the game again?  Zach doesn't know what to believe until...  Yeah, you know, read it and find out.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The book “Doll Bones” by Holly Black is a really awesome book.  There are three friends who like to play with action figures, and there is a bone china doll in a cabinet which they pretend is a glass tower when they are playing.  Then one night Poppy has a dream of the doll before it was a china doll.  Read the book to find out their epic journey.      

I really like the book “Doll Bones”.  I can relate to it because, I like to have adventures like Poppy, Zach, and Alice.  Also, the doll was really creepy but when other people read the book they might think it’s creepy and scary but I like slightly scary books.  

Review by IS

Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo

Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo is the delightful winner of the 2014 Newbery Award.  DiCamillo is one of my favorite authors.  She wrote Because of Winn-Dixie, and The Tale of Despereaux, to name two of her most popular novels.  Flora and Ulysses has easily become another one of my personal favorites.  It is a simple story, rich in vocabulary and peopled with funny, quirky characters.  Flora is a young girl whose parents are separated.  She befriends a squirrel, named Ulysses, who had been accidentally vacuumed up by her neighbor, Tootie.   The poor squirrel seems near death, until Flora takes charge of the situation with CPR and mouth to mouth resuscitation.  Yes, mouth to mouth resuscitation - on a squirrel!  The ensuing, rollicking, comical, wondrous adventures of Flora & Ulysses begins.  Pick up a copy as soon as possible and read this one out loud with your classes. They will love it!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Paperboy by Vince Vawter

Paperboy by Vince Vawter is a special story.  It is about a boy who has a speech problem, he stutters.  The story is based in the southern United States during the time when African Americans and whites were segregated.  There are a lot of themes that the author focuses on, from race relations, to bullying, to family relationships.  But in the end, it really is a story about a boy who is struggling to understand the grownup world he is living in.

Although his stuttering is so bad he can't even tell people his name,Vince Vawter does an excellent job of giving a voice to the main character of the story.   I really wanted him to win out over his problems and was routing for him throughout the book.  There are many memorable characters in this story.  I loved the special relationship the main character had with his "Mam", the black woman who takes care of him and his family.  You can tell Mam would do anything for him, and he would do anything for her. Read this Newbery honor book to find out about their lives and the troubles they must face.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Ungifted by Gordon Korman

Ungifted by Gordon Korman is a funny cause and effect story.  Ungifted was a RICBA nominee in 2014.  Read it to find out what happens when Donovan, an impulsive likable main character, whacks a statue's butt.  Events are sent "rolling" as Donovan tries to keep from getting into trouble.  The humor of this book lies in the author's ability to keep Donovan dodging, as he tries to avoid one kind of problem or another.  Korman is the author of Swindle and Zoobreak.  Ungifted is similar to each of those books, and like them, it is centered on a group of students trying to navigate the adult world of rules.  Read and enjoy!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead

Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead is the third of Stead's books.  I've read the other two, Light, and the Newbery Medal winner, When You Reach Me.  I enjoyed both, but I think Liar and Spy may have just become my favorite.  Stead does a great job creating a cast of very quirky characters.  They instantly become very real to the reader and you care about their struggles.  The story takes place in Brooklyn, NY and alternates between a school setting and an apartment building.  The main character, Georges, has just moved from the home he grew up in, to an apartment nearby because his father was laid off from his job.  As Georges struggles with the bullies in school, his loner status, and his mother's absence, he is distracted by his funny new neighbor Safer.  They start a Spy Club together and begin to keep an eye on one of the mysterious tenants in the apartment building where they live.

I truly loved the characters in this book and Stead does such a masterful job at creating a story line steeped in mystery, that I hesitate to say much about the plot.  I'll just say that there is mystery, danger, friendship, spies, humor and sadness all rolled together in a great story.  Liar and Spy is one of the 2014 RICBA Award Nominees.  You still have time to read it and see if it would get your vote!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro