Paper Towns by John Green

Paper Towns by John Green is a book about a boy named Quentin Jacobsen (Q) who has a crush on an adventurous girl named Margo Roth Spiegelman. One night Margo climbs through Quentin's bedroom window to get Q to follow her so she can get revenge on her cheating boyfriend. After their all-nighter of revenge Q returns to his high school to find that Margo left the Paper Towns and has left behind clues for Q and his friends to follow. Will Margo ever be found?

I really loved this book. John Green is a really good author. I suggest if you like to read novels you should check out John Green's books. I really like realistic fiction and all of John Green’s are realistic fiction. I also like novels. My favorite part of this book is when Q and Margo go off and have their night of revenge.

Reviewed by Fluffy_Bear_1010

Jake and Lily by Jerry Spinelli

Jake and Lily by Jerry Spinelli is about two twins that have a special connection. For example, whenever they would play hide and seek they always knew where the other one was. Also every time it was their birthday they woke up at the train station with the smell of pickles. I can explain why later, but when their birthday was coming up Lily hoped they would wake up in the train station again because she feels they have been drifting apart. Since Jake has lots of friends now, Lily thinks they're going to lose their special connection. Jake is friends with a boy that lives in their neighborhood, the one that Lily hates. When their papa moves into a house near them, he helps Lily try to find a ‘’life’’.        

         

     I really liked this book a lot. Once I started reading it, I have to say I could not stop. Its very interesting and amusing to read. My favorite part was the ending because it makes everything better about the whole book. This book is all about family and friends and I would recommend this book to almost anyone that likes books that are about family and friends!

Reviewed by Mickey Mouse's clubhouse.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling is one of the best books I've ever read. Harry Potter is not a normal boy. He is a wizard. His parents died when he was a one year old by the hand of Lord Voldemort. Harry’s mom gave up her life to save Harry, so when Voldemort tried to kill Harry it backfired. Now he is trying to find horcruxes to defeat Voldemort. Read the book to find out what happens.

This book reminds me that everything is not always going to be easy, but don’t give up. If you don’t try you’ll never succeed. This book reminds me that life is full of mistakes. If you don’t admit your mistakes you may lose something or someone.

Reviewed by Blackwidow004

Dear Dumb Diary, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jim Benton

Dear Dumb Diary, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened is written by Jim Benton. Jamey has her own diary about her life and she has her good days and her bad days. She writes everything down at school, and at home. She writes about her friends, her mom and her dad too. There is this girl, her name is Angeline. Jamey thinks she is a bad person, but maybe she is not, maybe she is really nice. Read to find out.

It is a very good book and that is why I am writing about it. Jamey likes school a lot and I like school too. I think it is very fun because you get to learn something new every day. It can be fun, if you make it fun. I like school because you learn something new every day and when you go to school, you get to see your friends every day.

Review by happyweels

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Fish in a Tree is written by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Fish in a Tree is about a girl named Ally with dyslexia. She has trouble learning in school and gets picked on because of it. A girl named Shay in her class bullies Ally. Then a new teacher comes to class and everything changes for Ally.

One thing we liked about the book was the close friendship that develops between Ally and her new friends. We also like how Ally learns to be strong. In the book Wonder, which we also read as a class, August was also bullied because of his disability. They both had to overcome their fear and stand up to the bully.

Reviewed by the Pesola’s Peaches. (You’ll have to ask us for the story on this later!)

Big Nate Strikes Again by Lincoln Peirce

In Big Nate Strikes Again by Lincoln Peirce, Nate, Teddy, and Francis all got assigned a project in their class. They hope to be together, but only Teddy and Francis got paired up together. Nate got paired up with Gina who is his ¨archenemy¨. He gets in trouble and was forced to go to the library but the librarian made him work and he actually ended up doing his part of the the project.

I really liked this book because it was very funny and interesting. For instance, Nate thought a baby picture was his crush, but it turns out it was Gina. His friends were teasing him because he said he would know that face anywhere. In my life at school I always have to work with people I don't like or don’t work well with, but I just try my best and try to get along with them.

Reviewed by, 401.lilsavage


Big Nate Strikes Again is a book written by Lincoln Peirce. I thought it was an amazing book with funny conversations. It is about a boy named Nate that goes to a school with his best friends Francis, and Teddy. One day the Fleece Ball signup results were taped on the wall. When they looked at it they realized that they had a perfect team, but one specific player made Nate almost jump out of his skin. His school enemy…. Gina!!!!

This book reminds me of my life a bit because there’s always that one person that thinks they’re better just like Gina. So Nate reminds me of myself because I’m not the best when it comes  to school subjects like math, social studies, and ELA. Nate also reminds me of myself with the respect that he loves fun subjects like art.

What will Nate do to save his team? Find out by reading Big Nate Strikes Again!!!  

Reviewed by TC_Chocolate_Chips

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Drama by Raina Telgemeier is a graphic novel about Kali and she is going through             

drama with boys. While her and her friends act in plays she wants to get the lead in singing but she doesn't really have a chance. She starts to like a boy that she has been hanging out with for a while. If you want to know what happens next your gonna have to read the book.

This is a very good book and I would recommend this book to people who have been having a lot of drama in their life. I can relate to this book in real life because of school and singing for me and I’ve been having drama and things like that too.

Reviewed by-  Sprinkles

I like this book Drama by Raina Telgemeier because it tells about a teenage girl’s life and her friends and how they go through tough things and good things This book is a graphic novel. It is also a romantic story about a girl and a boy who like each other. This book got my attention and was very interesting to me. WOW! I didn’t know that reading was so fun, now I LOVE BOOKS!

Reviewed by YOLO#123

Seven Wonders the Colossus Rises by Peter Lerangis

Seven Wonders the Colossus Rises by Peter Lerangis is about an 11 year old kid named Jack who ends up in an unusual hospital in the middle of nowhere. Doctors say that he has a certain amount of time to live because of a reason I’m not going to spoil. Jack meets people that also have a short amount of time to live. Together they have to find items that could potentially save them.

I really like this book because it is entertaining. It is also action packed and full of interesting parts about survival and mystery. The character Jack is very smart and there is some tension between the characters.  I connect to Jack in this way. Jack is smart and can make friends easily and can think in ways that some people can’t.

Reviewed by Septiceye Sam

Stargazer by Patrick Carman

Stargazer by Patrick Carman is about Alexa, a girl who is on a ship with her father, Warvold, and her uncle, Roland. Also, there is a monster that is out for Alexa, and Alexa has to watch out for Abaddon’s sneaky little attacks all the time. Abaddon wants their treasure. Alexa, her father and her uncle are also trying to get back to the land of Elyon, which is their homeland where they actually live, but they had to go on a trip to try and lose Abaddon but it did not work because he followed them!   

  

I like this book a lot because it has a lot of adventurous scenes and mysteries.This book reminds me of a series called Magic Tree House. They are alike because Magic Tree House books are a lot like this book, they go on a lot of adventurous missions. I hope you consider reading Stargazer! If you think that this book sounds interesting wait till you actually read it!  

 Reviewed by:emoji girl7         

Funny Business edited by Jon Scieszka

Funny Business is a great book for anyone looking for a good laugh. It has tons of funny stories to entertain anyone, like a murderous turkey, a super hero school, or an alien ghost possessed biker that stole a kid’s room. I forgot to mention that it has a lot of different authors, so I can only really mention the editor, Jon Scieszka. In many ways it is an extremely funny and entertaining book.

I can relate to many of the stories in the book because they are stories about people doing stupid things with their friends, and I do a lot of stupid things with my friends. I’d gladly recommend this book to anyone with a sense of humor. Now GO AND READ IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

reviewed by : KTD GAMER

Big Nate and Friends by Lincoln Peirce is a great book full of humor and adventure. If you like comics, then this is the book for you. Nate is a boy in middle school and is on a wild adventure with his friends, Teddy and Francis. Nate wants to sell wall hangings but Arthur is selling more.  Nate has a huge ego, and thinks everything is about him. Nate is also supposedly the leader of his small group of friends. He hates school and the social studies teacher, Mrs Godfrey. Teddy is like Nate a bit, he also doesn't like school, but then again who does? He doesn’t have a huge ego like Nate though. Francis is very smart and likes to go to school and get good grades, unlike Teddy and Nate. So if you're looking for a funny book to read that has comics then this is the book for you and I suggest you read this.

I thought the book was funny and had its moments. My favorite part was when Nate went to a school meeting and he was a reporter for the school paper. He fell asleep so someone else saw him and wrote in the paper “Reporter from p.s 38 falls asleep during meeting” and I thought that was funny. You should definitely read the book.

Reviewed by goldenXnaruto

                                              

Middle School: My Brother Is a Big Fat Liar by James Patterson

Middle School: My Brother Is a Big Fat Liar by James Patterson, is a story about a girl named Georgia’s, 6th grade school year. Her brother Rafe had bullies that used to bother him, but now bully Georgia. So a girl named Rhonda mentors her so she can stand up to the bullies and have a good middle school childhood. Read to find out how her year was. Have fun reading this book!

I thought this was a great book. I have a few connections. I have an older brother. He warned me about middle school and he said it is going to be a bad year. Although I am now having a good year, I still wonder. Also, when I was in second or third grade instead, of being bullied I had a stuttering problem and I got called names because I stuttered. I got a reading mentor and fluency mentor, so I can speak more fluently. Now I can speak with more fluency, but I sometimes mess up with my words, but I don’t really care. Those are my personal connections with this book. Now, go read the book!

Reviewed By; FaZe G4MeR$

Middle School:Just My Rotten Luck by James Patterson

Middle School:Just My Rotten Luck is a good book. It was funny and exciting too. It is about Rafe Khatchadorian and his life. Rafe is in seventh grade and has trouble at school. He forgets his homework and gets detention. Before the school year starts, Rafe and his mom go to his school to talk with the principals. What I like best about the story is when Rafe joins the flag football team because Rafe NEVER liked sports. My sister at school gets bullied sometimes. She always tells her teachers about it, and the person who does it, gets in trouble. Will they let Rafe in the school? Read it to find out.

Reviewed by #Pats21

Girl Meets Ghost by Lauren Barnholdt

Girl Meets Ghost by Lauren Barnholdt is a book that you will fall in love with. Have you ever felt like someone is following you? Well Kendall Williams has, but she can see ghosts! A gymnast ghost keeps talking to her and Kendall is trying to help her move on. You would think it’s easy, but it isn’t when you're in a relationship. Kendall started seeing ghosts and talking to them when she was a baby. Her dad thought it was just a faze that she was going through, but she still sees them and it’s affecting her relationship with her friends and the boy she likes. When a ghost you can see starts coming into your school and your home, it gets pretty annoying. Nobody knows she can communicate with ghosts and she is trying to keep it a secret. You should totally read this book and find out how she keeps her friends together while helping a ghost.

I really like this book because it has a lot of gossip in it and I think this book is cool. What if you were trying to help a ghost so it can leave you alone. What would you do? This book reminds me of ghost hunters.You need to read this book and find out how she keeps her friends while she helps the ghost move on.

reviewed by xocheerleader15ox

A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

     A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen, is about a girl named Gerta and her family who wake up in the middle of the night when the Berlin Wall is being built. At the time, her father and little brother are out on a mission so they end up getting separated from the rest of the family. Gerta and her older brother Fritz decide they are going to try and escape by digging a tunnel underground while their mother is away visiting family. Along the way they face challenges and struggles.

    I really enjoyed this book because, it had some adventure and you never really knew what was going to happen next. My favorite part of this book was when Gerta started digging the hole underground because it was like she was just tired of everything that was going on and wanted to escape. I related to this book because it´s like when one of your friends move away and you want to find a way to be with them again.

Reviewed by: TronnorPanda11

Also Known As Harper by Ann Haywood Leal

Also Known As Harper by Ann Haywood Leal is a book about a girl named Harper and she has a true passion for writing and reading her own poems. Harper tried so hard to read her poems to people, but everytime she tried she failed. Then one day that changed. Harper had one true friend, but after a long time being friends they stopped hanging out. After that, Harper felt that her and Hemingway, her younger brother, would never make friends again. They moved into a hotel and after that move everything changed. Harper realized her life was not so bad after all. Read the book to find out what happened next!

Also Known As Harper is an excellent book. This book is funny and really sad. This book reminds me of another book called The Swift Boys And Me. The plot of the books are alike because they both have lost one of their parents and in both books they move. The main idea of the book was that you should keep trying and never give up. <3 span="">

Reviewed By Tiny Box Tim

I Totally Funniest by James Patterson

I Totally Funniest by James Patterson is a great book! In the story, the main character Jamie Grimm has been entered into a Planet's Funniest Kid competition by his Uncle. When Jamie returns home he starts to act like a jerk to his friends, so his friends don’t hang out with him anymore. Jamie also has to face major competition from Chatty Patty, Anthony, and Judy.This book reminds me of a vacation trip I went on to Disney, and once I was in an eating competition. I really like this book because the characters show great feeling and suspense. Read this book to find out if Jamie Grimm wins the Planet's Funniest Kid competition.  

Reviewed by: MoneyMan

Emily Windsnap and the Land of the Midnight Sun by Liz Kessler

Emily Windsnap and the Land of the Midnight Sun by Liz Kessler is a very adventurous book. Neptune has bad nightmares and sends Aaron and Emily to the land of the midnight sun to stop the evil force that is giving Neptune nightmares. While they are exploring, along the way, they meet some surprising creatures. They also meet Neptune’s brother in the book. By the end of this book, you will wish this was your normal everyday life, swimming and going on adventures.  If you are interested in adventure and mystery, this is the book for you. I really enjoyed this book, and so will you.  

reviewed by: CandyBarr13

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Smart Miss Know-It-All by Rachel Renee Russell

Dork Diaries, tales from a not-so-smart miss know it all by Rachel Renee Russell is a book about a girl named Nikki. She was being bullied by a girl named Mackenzie. A while later they all had to visit different schools for a week to see what it was like. Nikki went to this school and there was a girl named Taffy. At the time, Taffy was very nice and annoying and loved to take selfies. Later Nikki saw her frenemy Mackenzie. Mackenzie had two annoying people who Nikki called bullies. Nikki's annoying, pretending-to-be-nice-friend Taffy, became a really big bully. Nikki wished she was with her two friends and her crush, but instead she got seperated into a different school. Will Nikki become friends with her frenemy? Will she ever find out why Mackenzie is a bully? Will Nikki get back at Taffy? I like Dork Diaries. I read them all the time. I chose Dork Diaries because they are easy to read, interesting, and also funny. These books also show and tell you why not to bully and what the consequences are. Reviewed by scarykitty1478 

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Smart Miss Know-It-All is by Rachel Renee Russell. If you're a girl who likes to read about middle school, or reading diaries, or even writing a diary, then Dork Diaries would be a good book for you to read. There's a girl named Nikki Maxwell, she writes a diary about what’s been happening in her life through middle school and her horrible experiences with MacKenzie Hollister and her friends. Nikki has two best friends named Chloe and Zoe who help her through these experiences with Brandon (her crush) and MacKenzie. When Nikki wants to sign up for a part in writing the school newspaper with Brandon, a few things hold her back, including MacKenzie. If you want to find out what the problems were and how she dealt with them you're going to have to read and find out!

I personally liked this book because when I read the first book I had no idea what it was going to be about. I kept on reading to the end of Dork Diaries and I liked these books, because the books that I’ve read so far have been all happy endings. Also the author describes the place and what happened to Nikki so well it feels like you're actually there with her. If you read, or like Diary of A Wimpy Kid books, the Dork Diaries books are very similar.I really liked this book and I suggest you also read it if you're interested in these types of books!

Reviewed by Cupcakes and donuts

Middle School: Save Rafe by James Patterson

Middle School: Save Rafe by James Patterson is a great story for people who like realistic fiction. Rafe was at a school in the city, but the school is now closing. So he has to try to get back into his old school. He got kicked out of the old school because he doesn’t follow the rules. He has to go to this camp. In the camp it is really hard to pass. If he passes he will get back into the school. When he goes to talk to the principal he realizes that the old principal retired and the rude secretary is now the new principal. Plus, her sister is now the secretary. Her sister is also rude. Rafe’s luck is bad. So if you want to know more, then go read the book. If you don’t believe me, then read all the other books in the series. Just see how bad Rafe’s luck really is.                                                                           

Middle School: Save Rafe reminded me of the book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid because in that book a kid named Greg also has very bad luck. It is a series just like Middle School. I think that both books are very good.

Reviewed by Durantula

Brother From a Box by Evan Khulman

Brother From a Box by Evan Khulman  is a great book, especially if you're looking for a good adventure story with humor. Either way this story is about a boy named Matt, who gets a robot shipped from France that looks almost exactly like him. Matt needs his robot brother Norman, which is what Matt named the robot, to be able to fit in like the rest of the kids. Matt wants him to go to school, do normal things and speak English, not French like Norman first did. But there are a few issues, Matt and Norman encounter many problems as they try to fit in. When Matt seems to look out for his robot brother Norman, this reminds me of how I look out for my brother. Also this reminds me of when a new kid goes into a new school and has to try to fit in with the other kids in his school. I would suggest you read this book. It is a fun read and I enjoyed reading it. I hope you do as well.

Reviewed by: Right Twix or Left Twix

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff is a very moving book. The main character, Albie is a boy in fifth grade who is going through a tough time in his life. He has to start at a new school and he feels like he is just not good enough at anything. He has a lot of pressure on him to try and do better, but no matter how hard he tries it is always just almost good enough. My heart went out to the character of Albie. The author does a great job at making him a real person to the reader. When Albie is sad or frustrated, you are sad for him. When he is being bullied by the kids in his class, you are angry on his behalf. Fortunately, he has some true friends and people in his life that help him. This book would make a great teacher read aloud. Destined to generate discussions and to develop empathy in your students. One of the RICBA nominees for 2016.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro.

The Swift Boys and Me by Kody Keplinger

The Swift Boys and Me by Kody Keplinger is a RICBA nominee for 2016.  It is a very touching story of a young girl named Nola and her three neighbors Brian, Canaan, and Kevin Swift. Right at the beginning of the summer, Nola witnesses Mr. Swift, the boys' father driving away from the duplex where they live. Nola soon finds out something is very wrong next door. Nola expects the summer to be filled with fun with her three best friends, just like every summer she can remember. But this summer is a turning point in all of their lives, one where the children get caught up in problems they can't control.

I fell in love with the tragic story of Nola and Canaan. It is the story of a childhood romance, with raw emotions and true feelings, a real tearjerker. Keplinger does a terrific job giving her characters voice. When you finish the book you will feel like all the kids in the neighborhood are people you know and care about.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Swift Boys and Me by Kody Keplinger is a great story of a girl named Nola and her neighbors Brian, Canaan, and Kevin Swift and what they go through one summer. One night, Nola sees Mr. Swift ( the boy’s father)  drive away from their house. Everyone wasn't quite sure if he was ever coming back. But Nola discovers something that everyone else doesn't know. While her neighbors deal with their own problem, Nola has to deal with all sorts of new things happening in her life. Read this story to find out more!

I thought this book was awesome and I enjoyed reading this story very much! I recommend this book for grades 4-6. I love the author’s type of writing style too! The characters in this book remind me very much of other characters I have read about before, such as the main characters in Drama. If you haven’t read this book, you will enjoy it as much as I did!

Reviewed By: bubblegum-yum

The Swift Boys and Me by Kody Keplinger is a very heartwarming and emotional story about a girl named Nola who lives in a duplex with three boys named Kevin, Brian, and Cannan. One morning she witnesses their father drive away and never come back. Turns out the wave he gave her was a bigger goodbye than the boys ever got.

     I loved this story. There were ups, downs, sad and funny, but most of all touching moments. This book is great for any 6th or 7th grader. My favorite part was when Nola, Kevin, and Cannan snuck into their neighbor's yard and jumped on his trampoline without asking and used Kevin as a lookout! This book reminds me of when me and my friend got in a big fight and didn’t talk for a while but we are best friends now. Go check out this book for an amazing experience you'll never forget!

Reviewed by Cupcake _22

The Swift Boys & Me by Kody Keplinger is about a girl named Nola and the boys that live next door.  Nola tries to solve a problem to get her and the boys to be friends again and also to try to fix everything with their dad. There was some trouble with the boys. One of them is  sleeping at his friend’s house. One of the other brothers is being friends with the boys that bully Nola. Will he realize that he’s wrong and stand up for her against the bullies? Will he apologise for being mean to Nola and will she still be mad at him? Follow Nola on the amazing journey to get her friend’s dad back and face many crazy challenges!

It is a great book with a bunch of topics; drama, bullying, sadness, happiness. But it kind of is like real life because bullies, drama, feelings, sadness, and happiness are all a part of a regular life. This reminds me of a time me and a friend got into a fight. I think this is a good book for 4-6th graders because some people deal with this stuff every day.

Reviewed by dance star 13

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier is a book that may just come back to haunt you. It is one of the 2016 RICBA nominees. The author also wrote Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes. The Night Gardener is the story of Molly and Kip, two Irish children adrift in England. Molly, as the older sibling feels the responsibility of taking care of her disabled younger brother. She has found work for them at the home of the Windsors, Molly will work as a maid and Kip as the gardener. What they find when they get to the Windsor home is not what they expected. The Windsor family members are pale and gaunt. There seems to be something wrong with them. A giant tree grows next to the house and it's roots are everywhere, even in the very walls of the house. Is the tree magic? Is it good or evil? Late at night, when you're trying to sleep and you hear the rustle of leaves on the wind you'll think of this book. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Another Day As Emily by Eileen Spinelli

Another Day As Emily by Eileen Spinelli is a sweet little book for third grade and up. We are introduced to Suzy and her family through Spinelli's use of simple poetic language. Much of the book is filled with the day to day happenings of a young girl in a small town. Suzy loves to read, she loves to ride her bike and she loves baseball. But of course a book isn't a story unless there is a problem, so when Suzy feels left out and jealous of her little brother Parker she attempts to grab the attention of her friends and family in an unusual way. Teachers please note, this book would serve as a great introduction to poetry and is a 2016 RICBA nominee.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth

Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth was raw and gritty. Dealing with sensitive issues like mental health, foster care, homelessness and child abuse it is for the mature reader. That being said, the author weaves a realistic picture of life in the inner city of Newark, NJ. One of this year's RICBA nominees, Kinda Like Brothers tells the story of Jarrett, an 11 year old boy who lives with his mother. She is a foster mother and takes in babies who need special care. When she decides to foster 12 year old Kevon and his baby sister Treasure it is a new situation for Jarrett. He's gotten used to his mother caring for babies, but sharing his room, his school, and his friends with Kevon proves more than he can handle. Jarrett's blood is boiling and his temper is pushing him out of control.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Life of Zarf: the Trouble With Weasels by Rob Harrell

Life of Zarf: the Trouble With Weasels by Rob Harrell was an entertaining adventure and the first of a new series that is sure to be very popular. This fractured fairy tale is one of the RICBA 2016 nominees. Readers will love the funny comicstrip style drawings that add to the story of Zarf, a troll who is at the bottom of the popularity scale in his school. When he has a run in with Prince Roquefort, Zarf is left with his two only friends Kevin (a pig, and descendent of "The Three Little Pigs") and Chester (a not-so-funny court jester). Zarf's problems multiply as the prince challenges him to a joust, Snuffweasels capture the king, and Zarf ends up behind bars in the dungeon. Read to find out if the hot-tempered troll can save himself and the kingdom, and prepare to laugh a lot along the way.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Map Trap by Andrew Clements

The Map Trap by Andrew Clements will thrill Clements' fans and is one of the 2016 RICBA Nominees. Over the summer I listened to the audiobook available for download from the Warwick Public Library. Read by Keith Nobbs it was a wonderful rendition of the story. I can see this as a great read aloud for teachers, especially those wanting to introduce maps in a new and fun way. It all begins when Alton Barnes' parents name their yet unborn son from a map in the car on the way to the hospital. Alton grows up with a love of maps that even expands to include geocaching. If you don't know what geocaching is, read the book, there's a great explanation of this fun hobby. Alton loves making maps, but some of his maps are a bit unusual. For instance, the map he draws of his teacher's brain. When that map goes missing, Alton will do anything to get it back!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Odessa Again by Dana Reinhardt

Odessa Again by Dana Reinhardt is the ultimate do-over story. Odessa discovers a hidden magic in the attic of her new home that allows her to travel back in time to repeat the previous day. Odessa uses this magic to her advantage reversing mistakes she's made, like farting in front of the boy she "like-likes". When Odessa figures out that time is running out, and she won't be able to keep undoing her mistakes, she has to make every do-over count.

This is a cute story, it reminded me of the movie, Goundhog's Day. I thought the most interesting scenes surrounded Odessa's feelings about her father's upcoming marriage. Her parents are split up and Odessa really wishes they would get back together. Will she be able to rearrange the past to change her family's future? 

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney

The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney tells a story using poetry. Amira is a twelve year old girl living in South Darfur, Africa. She lives simply and happily with her Muma, Dando and little sister, Leila on their family farm. She loves to draw pictures with a stick in the sandy soil. Unfortunately, the peace will not last as her family gets caught up in a war that Amira can not understand. She must flee with the last of her village as she leaves her family home in ashes.

The story begins in 2003 and brings the conflicts between fighting factions in Africa to a personal, understandable level for students. Amira's story will help develop empathy in anyone who reads it. Although it is a story of fiction, the topics covered in the book; death, war, grief, refugee camps, and loss are very real. This would be an ideal read aloud with students. Plan on sharing Amira's drawings with your document camera. It is a story of war and hardship, but also a story of family and ultimately hope. RICBA nominee 2016

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick was an exciting book to read. This historical fiction book will definitely appeal to students who love adventure and are war buffs. Philbrick writes a lively tale about Homer, whose older brother Harold is illegally sworn into the Union Army by their crabby Uncle. Homer runs away to find his brother and bring him home. I really like Homer's personality. He is quite the storyteller and it's funny when he misleads the adults he encounters on his quest. As entertaining as this book was, it actually takes the Civil War battle scenes to an intense level. Be prepared to have your heart gallop along for the ride!                                                                                                                                    
Reviewed by Mrs. Castro