Unsettled by Reem Faruqi

Unsettled by Reem Faruqi is a 2023 RICBA nominee. Unsettled is about a young girl named Nurah. She moves to the United States from Pakistan and is a Muslim. It is hard for her to feel like she fits in in Georgia, where there are very few people who look like her. But in the water, on the swim team, she hopes to be the best. She admires her big brother, who is a star swimmer. Until... something happens that throws both Nurah and her brother into the deep end of trouble.

This story deals with some difficult issues, such as bullying, sibling rivalry and betrayal. Everyone can relate to feeling different, alone, and unsettled. The story is told through simple, heart breaking poems.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro
 

In Earthquake Terror by Peg Kehret

In Earthquake Terror by Peg Kehret, a boy named Jonathan has to help his partially paralyzed six-year-old sister, Abby during an earthquake while their parents are at a hospital. I like how Jonathan sticks with Abby instead of leaving her. And I also like the brother and sister bond with Moose as well. 

I feel connected to my book because I have two brothers and we share an interesting bond. Also, our dog is a crazy boy like me and my siblings, except I'm not a boy. And also, I think it was funny what happened to their camper, but I'm not telling specifically what happened because I don't want to spoil it.

Reviewed by Xenaia

 

Earthquake Terror by Peg Kehret is a fiction book. There is a family going camping in California and some bad stuff happens to them. The mother hurt her ankle and the parents had to go to the hospital. There was a bad earthquake and a big tree fell. The children went and tried to find the bridge that they went over. They found the camper but it was destroyed. And more bad things happened… My favorite part of this book is when the earthquake happened because it was exciting. My favorite character is probably the dog because he saves Jonathan from drowning.

I’ve read many of her books before and they are very good! This book by Peg Kehret is my favorite. It reminds me of when there was a mini earthquake that happened. This also reminds me of having no pets in my house. I also love to camp with my family on long vacations. I really love this book, I recommend it if you like disaster stories.

Review by Shannyn

Took by Mary Downing Hahn

Took by Mary Downing Hahn is a deliciously scary book. It is one of the 2017 RICBA nominees. In the story, the Anderson family move from Connecticut to a farm in the rural town of Woodville, West Virginia. The children, Daniel and his little sister Erica, have a hard time fitting in at their new school. The children try not to complain, because Daniel's dad has had to find a new job here. Money is tight and his parents are on edge and bickering in a way they never did back in Connecticut. There are local stories about an old woman who lives in the woods at the top of Brewster's Hill. Daniel thinks they are just that, stories, until he starts seeing things along the edge of the field, near the entrance to the woods. Daniel is going to have to face his fears, because eventually he is the only one that can save his family.

I have had the pleasure of reading several of Mary Downing Hahn's ghost stories. Deep, Dark and Dangerous was my former favorite. She is a master in the genre and if you enjoy being spooked, this story will not disappoint you!

Mrs. Castro


In Took: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn, Old Auntie is a witch who lives near Daniel’s family’s new home. Daniel doesn't believe in her, but he is forced to think she is real when his little sister Erica, disappears. Has Erica been taken by Old Auntie? Will she be turned into  a slave for the next 50 years? Will Daniel be able to save his sister?

I liked this book because I love scary books. Scary books are more interesting. This cool book is a very scary book. Took reminds me of this other book I am reading called Goosebumps. It is also very interesting because people find stuff and they get lost in mazes. That's why I like this book.

Reviewed by
AwsomeCoolGurl911


       
       The book Took by Mary Downing Hahn is a story that is really good, but a scary story. I think it is just the right book for you if you like a good scare. This book leaves you on a lot of cliffhangers and I personally like that kind of book. I think the characters were misunderstood and not listened to as much as I would have liked them to be. The girl is named Erica and the boy’s name is Daniel. If only they would have listened to the boy on the bus, the family could have found Erica a lot faster. Old Auntie does not take any mistakes, she also will hurt you if you don't do something right. She will send her boy Killer Bones, a killer hog that is really scary and big.

Personally, I like this book because it makes you realize that you love your siblings a lot more than you thought. When you lose them you think you can never come out of your room and it would be even worse when you might just lose your sibling to an old witch, especially a witch named Old Auntie. There are a lot of things in your life that you think you could live without, but when you lose it you freak out. Like in the story, Daniel thinks he wants to be an only child, but when he loses the one sibling he has, he is not so sure anymore. That is why I like this book. It really makes you think.
                                                   -soccerstar7

Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson is an enlightening book.  Ari and her big brother Gage have been taken in by a woman who used to know their mother. When Gage wants to move out, Ari goes with him. Everything becomes very complicated as Gage tries to do his best for his little sister, juggling where they will stay each night. The author really lets you feel what it would be like to be a young girl who is homeless. Ari's life starts to unravel.  All the things that used to be easy become impossible tasks; eating, staying clean, getting her homework done. You will want to read this RICBA nominee to find out how it ends.

I really liked this book. Ari is a very believable character. She is in 5th grade, but still plays with her paper dolls. She's not ready to grow up, but she might have too.

Mrs. Castro

Whatever After Sink or Swim by Sarah Mlynowski

Sarah Mlynowski writes amazing books. The books are filled with chapters that are so interesting and will draw you into the book. When you read Whatever After Sink or Swim, you can’t put it down!  Abby and her brother Jonah have a magic mirror in their basement that brings them to a fairy tale world, from Beauty and the Beast to the Little Mermaid!

In this book they go to the fairy tale land of the Little Mermaid. I have seen the movie the Little Mermaid. The sad thing is that mermaids aren't real. But I have been in the ocean before. Will Abby and Jonah save the Little mermaid?

By : Soccer_is_life_1234

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

In the book Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket, there are three children called the Baudelaire children. They are put in a very unpleasant situation. Their parents died in a very bad fire in their house. So now they have another guardian that watches them. They go through lots of stress. Read it and you’ll find out about this terrible guardian.

This story reminds me of my childhood. Not what was happening to the Baudelaire children, but I was always told tales. These tales were very mysterious, just like the one in this book. It keeps me curious. I honestly recommend you read this book. This book has unpleasant tales, but there was nothing stopping me from putting it down. There are very mysterious things happening every moment.

Review by Baller#30

The book I read was the Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, (Daniel Handler). This book is about the Baudelaire orphans Sunny, Klaus, and Violet whose parents have died. The children now live with a terrible man named Count Olaf who wants to take all their money. Read to find out if Count Olaf gets their money.

    What I liked about the book was that it was a page turner. It really made me want to keep reading.The book is one in a series so you could learn more about the characters and their problems.The reason why I liked this book was because I have a brother and a little sister and we are all curious about something different, just like they are in the book.

Reviewed by:Cheer123

The series of unfortunate events: Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket is about three children whose parents die and they move into a disgusting house with an evil man named Count Olaf. Count Olaf tries to steal the Baudelaire’s money.

I thought the book was very interesting and a bit creepy.  It was creepy because of all the things that Count Olaf did to the Baudelaire’s family. For example, He made Violet marry him so he could steal the money they had. Will they escape?

  By Domenator_D

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket is a thriller story. This book has so many twists and turns that you can never predict what is going to happen. It starts as a tragedy by losing something important, jumps to abuse, to horrible acting, and child like spying to save one another.

I like this book because I feel like I’m a little bit of each character. I think I can be quick on my feet and come up with inventive ideas like Violet. I am like Claus because we both like to study stuff and we are both cautious with stuff. Also, even though I am cautious I sometimes like to take risks.

Puppy98

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$

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

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

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins is book one of The Underland Chronicles. Suzanne Collins is the author of the Hunger Games series.  I really enjoyed this adventurous fantasy story.  Gregor and his funny little sister, Boots, fall through a grate in the laundry room of their apartment building in New York city and enter into a world that exists beneath the Earth's crust. There, in the Underland, they are met by huge cockroaches and enormous bats, strange pale people and their deadly enemies, the rats. How will Gregor get back home to his mother? She is surely frantic about his disappearance, especially after dealing with the disappearance of her husband, who has been missing for the past two years.

Suzanne Collins once again wrote an exciting story. Read it, then look for the rest of the series coming to our library shelves soon!

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

Judy Moody gets famous by Megan McDonald

Judy Moody gets famous is by Megan McDonald.  The main characters are Judy, Jessica, Frank, and Stink. The main idea is Judy wants to become famous. It takes place in school and out of school. The book is excellent because you don’t know if she becomes famous. Did she become famous? I would like to be famous. Would you like to be famous? I would recommend this book because it’s interesting.  If you like what I wrote then read the book to find out what happens!

Reviewed by littledog2008

Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi

Amulet book 1, The Stonekeeper is written and illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi. This book is about a family of 4 who got into a car accident and the car fell over a cliff. The dad got killed. So a few years later the mom and the 2 kids move to this new house in this new town .In the house they find an amulet that brings them to this mysterious place. Read to find out what the place is! I like this book because it’s a graphic novel and I love graphic novels. I also like Amulet books because they are very interesting. This is my favorite Amulet book because this is the only Amulet book where they go to a mysterious place. Reviewed by funnykid98


The book that I read was Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi. This book is about a girl who found a mysterious necklace in her Grandpa’s old house. She lives with her mom and brother. But when she puts the necklace on she has a choice to be its master or not. She doesn't know that it can lead her into danger for her family and her. Along the way she found some friends to help her. If you want to solve this mystery just keep on reading!                        

In my opinion I love the book. It is so fun to uncover the mysteries that they have for you. I think it  is a great book and I think everyone else will love it too!! I Also, I have a connection to make it is kinda like me and my sister, we found a weird necklace at the beach. We showed my mom but we had to put it back in the water where we found it.

                                                                                                         

Review By PuppyLover_1130


Amulet: The Stonekeeper is by Kazu Kibuishi.  The story begins with a girl named Emily, she is with her mom and dad. They were getting her brother from the arcade. But they were in a car crash and their dad died. This book will take you to other worlds as you travel with the characters. I really enjoyed this book and I hope you do too.

Reviewed by Birdman28

The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

I love Rick Riordan’s new book The Throne of Fire.  It won't disappoint anyone who has read any other of Rick Riordan’s books.  The characters, Carter and Sadie, are so realistic with all their hate, love, and self-doubt.  Unlike other books, this takes place all over the world. They are fighting against Apophis, the chaos snake, and his evil minions.  Also they have a few days time to find the three parts of the book of Ra, wake Ra, and repeat the day cycle.  I wound recommend this book to every Rick Riordan fan and action fan alike!

Reviewed by Big-dog7

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

The Red Pyramid is written by Rick Riordan.  Rick Riordan also wrote the Percy Jackson series.  The main characters are Sadie and Carter Kane.  They are both teenagers and they found out that they have magic powers . They came from London to New York on a magic boat.  Their dad gets captured by the Egyptian god of destruction.  I think the book is very entertaining and if you're interested in myths I think you would like this book.  Will they save their dad?         

Reviewed by Cement head 

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis

If you like gutsy girl characters, The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis might be the book for you.  Set in the time of the Great Depression, you can revisit Deza Malone, who Curtis introduced in his Newbery Medal winning book Bud, Not Buddy.  The book revolves around Deza, a plucky, smart, African American girl.  Her family is beset with problems, but it seems that nothing makes Deza stop fighting back, not bullies, not moving away, not illness, not poverty.  Read along and watch her triumph over the issues of her time.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes is Jonathan Auxier's first novel and it's a good one.  If you like fantasy books, as I'm sure you know I do, you'll like this one.  Honestly it took me a little while to get in to it.  I think I was grossed out by the beginning of the book, when it explains that Peter Nimble is blind, found as an infant floating on the sea with his eyeballs pecked out by a raven.  See what I mean, gross!  But there is a reason for everything in a book and in the end you'll understand the strange beginning.  This is an adventure story, Peter, a thief and orphan is sent on a quest to find someone who needs his help.   He must follow the clues left on a note that was placed in a bottle and sent adrift on the sea.  There is magic and mystery, danger and swashbuckling fight scenes, monsters and of course a maiden in distress.  Are you interested yet?

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable by Dan Gutman

What better time to read then during a blizzard?  So, for the Blizzard of 2013, I cracked open Dan Gutman's, The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable.  It's about a pair of twins, brother (Coke) and sister (Pepsi).  I know, funny names, right?  They are two really smart kids who are targeted by a dangerous group of adults who are trying to kill them.  Their parents are oblivious to the danger they are in, and set out on a cross country road trip.  Thinking they'll be safe once they leave their hometown, the kids have no idea that trouble will follow.  I personally enjoyed following the kids' road trip on the map, as they dodged danger in real places from West to East across the U.S.  Lots of adventure involved in this book and there is an ending that will make you want to read the next Genius Files book, because this is the first in a series.  We have a ton of Gutman books in the library, so if you like his style of writing, you'll enjoy this too.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Wishes, Kisses and Pigs by Betsy Hearne

Wishes, Kisses and Pigs by Betsy Hearne is mostly about a little girl named Louise who tries to learn magic and spells.  Did she turn her brother into a pig?  What will break the spell?  Why is her father missing?  Can her mother help?  You'll have to read the book to find out.

Reviewed by pupcup123