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

Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff

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

Reviewed by -hkrocks7

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

By: BellaGrace29

Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn

Deep And Dark And Dangerous is written by Mary Downing Hahn. This book is not for people who don’t like mystery. This book is about an eleven year old girl named Ali. She finds a pictures in her attic which has her mother and aunt.But someone else in the picture and no one knows who. And Ali  wants to  find who is in the picture.She goes to a cabin where her mother used to live with her cousin and aunt and meets a suspicious girl. Is she friendly? Does she know about the photo? Who is she really? Check out the book to find out all of the books secrets.

       This book gave me the chills, but in an exciting way wanting to know what's next. I fell in love with the book in 2015 when I read it for the first time. I read it in my spare time during class and at home when I was bored in my room. I thought this book would be boring but you can’t  judge a book by its cover. If you don’t read the beginning or the end you will not get what is happening. When I read it the second time I accidently skipped a couple pages. I didn't get what was happening and that was my second time. I laughed out loud when I realized what I did. But, I truly love this amazing mystery book.

AwesomeA1

The book Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn, is a horror book and also suspenseful. I enjoyed this book because something was always happening and you want to read on, but unfortunately I only had a certain amount of time to read it each day in class so I took it home and read a lot of it. One of my favorite characters is Sissy because she is mean and funny about everything.  That is a good thing, but also bad because you can get in trouble for being mean. Ali is the main character.  She has a little cousin named Emma, who is scared and has bad dreams about someone scary who her mom and aunt hung out with when they were little. This girl had a tragic accident and died. Read this book to find out what happened to the girl and what they do to prevent being haunted.

Reviewed by monster123

Do you like ghost stories? Well, if so, you would love Deep and Dark and Dangerous. Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn is eerie and suspenseful.  A girl named Ali finds a torn photo of her aunt and mom at Gull Cottage. Who is the other girl? Her aunt Dulcie shows up to ask Ali if she wanted to go to Gull Cottage. Once she’s there things start getting strange. She finds out who the girl was in the torn photo, a dark secret about her aunt and mom, and more. I highly recommend this book for people who like ghost stories. Never mess with a ghost!

Reviewed by Bob 2

Deep And Dark And Dangerous is a thrilling and emotional story. A 13 year old girl named Ali goes to Gull Cottage Lake house with her aunt Dulcie and her 7 year old cousin Emma. After a couple of weeks staying at the lake house, Emma, her little cousin meets a 10 year old girl named Sissy, who Ali strongly dislikes until some secrets are uncovered…

Reviewed by Pinkxox003

Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Dawning Hahn is awesome. Deep and Dark and Dangerous will leave you at the edge of your seat.  Ali is 13 years old named and Ali’s cousin Emma go to Gull Cottage. There is a girl named Sissy and she is a bad influence.  Something goes wrong, but you will have to read to find out what it is.  Deep and Dark and Dangerous reminds me of a time my Aunt went to this lake house and there was something strange about that house.  Enjoy Deep and Dark and Dangerous.

Reviewed by Rocco06 J J

Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff

We finished reading Umbrella Summer just a little while ago.  I know it brought out strong emotions in me.  I laughed at Annie's worries, but wasn't able to finish reading it out loud to classes without sniffling my way through the ending.  How did this book make you feel?  Were you able to connect with the text in a special way?  Have you ever worried more than you should?