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
 

The Creature from the Seventh Grade, Boy or Beast

The Creature from the Seventh Grade, Boy or Beast by Bob Balaban is about a boy that is in the seventh grade that gets bullied. He gets bullied because he is a short and skinny seventh grader. He doesn't do any sports so he gets made fun of then something happens. He becomes a dinosaur, everyone likes him and he is nice and might try a sport. 

I like the book because it is funny, cool and it is interesting. I connected with this book because I do not bully and I don't stand with bullying.

Reviewed by Jake the baseball god 

Auggie and Me by R.J. Palacio

I like Auggie and Me by R.J. Palacio very much for certain reasons. This book makes me feel like a better person just from reading it. Just treat people the way you want to be treated. In this book, this child named Julian is a very mean child and he bullied a child named Auggie. Auggie had disabilities and did not look like other children, but he was a very kind person. This book reminds me of a movie named a Wrinkle in Time because in the movie this person bullies another person for no reason, just like the book Auggie and Me. You should not do something bad, especially if there is no reason to do it.

Auggie and Me has things that will hurt other kids feelings but there is a lesson to learn. I think that you should treat people the way you would like to be treated. When I read this book it makes me feel like a better person. This book talks about very important things that maybe you will like to learn about to. This book shows hard feelings and maybe will hurt other feelings but is a good lesson to learn, this book is very good and I think that you should read it too.

Reviewed by rainbow

The Losers Club by Andrew Clements

The Losers Club by Andrew Clements is about a sixth grader named Alec Spencer who is in trouble again at school.... FOR READING! Yes, Alec is a sneaky reader, every time a teacher has his back turned, or her attention on something else, Alec has a book open on his lap and he is not paying attention in class. This time his parents have had enough, so he must promise to pay attention and stop reading in school, and since this is the start of a new school year, Alec does try to turn it around. At least he can read in peace during the after school program, when he starts his own reading club. He ingeniously names it the "Losers Club" hoping the name will keep anyone else from joining. Except he does need at least one other person to join in order to start his club, and that turns out to be Nina Warner. Nina is pretty and nice, and most importantly loves to read. But the school jock calls Alec "bookworm" and he seems to like Nina too. Then to make things worse, other kids start joining the club!

Clements is a great author for school stories. In The Losers Club he does a great job of capturing those first feelings of interest in girl/boy relationships. He also will give you a terrific list of books to read as Alec and his reading buddies talk about the titles they love. I hope you enjoy this RICBA Nominee for 2019.

Review by Mrs. Castro

Sidetracked by Diana Harmon Asher

Sidetracked by Diana Harmon Asher is a Rhode Island Children's Book Award Nominee for 2019.  Joseph, is a student who has difficulty paying attention in school. He is in 7th grade and has trouble making friends because he is different. His resource teacher Mrs. T. encourages him to sign up for the track team. A new girl in school, Heather joins the team too. Together they face the rigors of preparing for a competitive sport and the bullies that seem to dominate in all schools.

Oh wow! I loved this book. The characters are so likable, and well developed by the author that you will feel you know Joseph and Heather. Joseph has Attention Deficit Disorder and Asher seems to know just what it is like to be easily distracted. Full of humor and heart, this is an excellent read aloud for the start of school. This book encourages empathy, a respect for differences, and an understanding of what it is like to struggle to succeed. A great "do your best" lesson.

Review by Mrs. Castro

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez is the 2018 Kids Read Across Rhode Island book. The book is about a girl named Maria Luisa, but she likes to be called Malu. Malu calls her mom SuperMexican, because she feels that her mother pushes her to speak Spanish and wants her to learn about her Mexican background. When Malu has to move away from her dad and live with her mother in Chicago for two years, she is not happy. Some of the kids at her new school are not nice and they call her a "coconut", brown on the outside, white on the inside. They make fun of her because her Spanish isn't fluent and she dresses like a punk rocker. Malu struggles to fit in at her new school and still follow the first rule of punk, "Be yourself."

Sprinkled throughout the book are references to Punk music, which Malu loves, and copies of her zines. Malu's zines are small books she creates with text, drawings, and pictures cut from magazines. Malu uses the zines to explain how she is feeling. I thought this book was very interesting. I think you will enjoy how tough and resilient Malu is as she fights to find her place in the world. It would make a great beginning of the year Read Aloud for teachers. I am sure many students will want to create their own zines about their family cultures as an extension activity.

Review by Mrs. Castro

The Elementia Chronicles : Book Two, The New Order by Sean Fry Wolfe

In The Elementia Chronicles : Book Two, The New Order by Sean Fry Wolfe, the plot or problem is that there is a bad group of people who keep attacking the city where everybody lives. The group is mad because the lower level players are also in the city. They're more powerful and they want to kick them out.

My book reminds me of my old school, where if you were new you could not hang out with certain people, which was dumb. One time the older students that had been there longer, beat up the newer kids. I was one of the new kids. Read this book to find out what happens.

Review by Mashedpotato92

Brave Like My Brother by Marc Tyler Nobleman

Brave Like My Brother by Marc Tyler Nobleman is a 2018 RICBA Nominee. This is a story told through the letters that Joe sends to Charlie, his little brother. Joe is a soldier stationed in England after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. He is going through training and Joe's letters takes the reader right up to the day before D-Day when the Allied troops invaded Normandy to fight against the Nazis.

This is also a story about an older brother who is trying to help his little brother with his own battle against the bullies that bother him at school. The book has plenty to offer, especially to war buffs. I especially liked that the story was told through letters and I would advise you not to skip the author's note at the end, it was very interesting and informative.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks

Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks is the 2017 Read Across Rhode Island book for kids. It is a great story that takes place over the course of the first week of school. The chapters alternate between two 5th grade student's points of view. Joe is a big boy who loves food but hates loud noises and feels misunderstood. Ravi is the new student in class. He's from India, where he was considered smart and popular, but his efforts in an American school keep backfiring on him as he struggles to fit in. Then of course there needs to be an antagonist in the story. He is named Dillon. Dillon is a bully and wow what a bully! Will the boys be able to survive the year? I think they'd be happy if they could make it through a week!

What a great story to teach empathy and to help teachers understand their classes from the perspective of their students. I think this would make a terrific first week read aloud. The book flies by and I can guarantee great discussions and new understandings will come from reading it.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk is a 2017 Newbery honor book and so it was on my must read list. The story is set in Pennsylvania farm country, which is where I grew up. The main character's name is Annabelle and she is 12 year's old. It is 1943 and Annabelle goes to school in a one room school house with her two little brothers. Everything is fine until a girl named Betty moves in with her grandparents and starts at the school with Annabelle. Betty turns out to be a mean, violent bully and Annabelle has to try and protect her brothers and herself from Betty's threats.

This story was very suspenseful. Betty is a scary, violent bully and the author does a great job at pacing the book to heighten the tension. There is another character with whom Annabelle and Betty interact. His name is Toby. He is a war veteran who lives alone in the hills and doesn't really talk much to anyone. Because of the rumors Betty spreads about Toby, when she turns up missing Toby is blamed for her disappearance. Annabelle can't believe Toby would hurt anyone, but she's not sure. She needs more time to figure it all out. You will race through the pages of this book with your heart pounding! I know I did!

Teachers this would be a great read aloud and discussion book.

Mrs. Castro

Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper

Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper is historical fiction. Stella is a young African American who lives in North Carolina during a time when whites and blacks lived separately. Along with dealing with segregation, Stella witnesses shadowy attempts to frighten her family and the families of her neighbors to keep the men in the neighborhood from exercising their right to vote.

Although this story takes place in America's past, it is a time we should not forget. Much of this story about voter suppression and the Ku Klux Klan is very scary. But Stella is a very courageous character and although I was afraid for her as I read, I was also encouraged and hopeful because of her strength. This is a great lesson about standing up to the bullies of the world, both in the past and in the present day.

Mrs. Castro

Riley Mack by Chris Grabenstein

Have you ever got in trouble for helping people? Riley Mack by Chris Grabenstein, is about a fifth grader who helps those who are in need of help. A kid named Jamal gets bullied a lot in school by a sixth grader named Gavin Brown, but Gavin Brown’s father is the sheriff of the town. So when his dad is in the army in Afghanistan, he has to be a man and help others who are in need, alone with his friends, and no adults.

             I like this book because I can relate to it. Grownups do not listen to me at times, they never believe me. I try to help people, but normally succeed.

Reviewed By  _PotLag_

Hundred Percent by Karen Romano Young

Hundred Percent by: Karen Romano Young. Tink and Jackie hate middle school drama. Jackie, the drama queen gets into fights and tries all kinds of ways to get out of them, but just makes it worse. Tink tries to help, but Jackie doesn’t listen. Will Jackie get out of the middle school fights? Read on to find out what they will do to battle the crazy and hectic 6th grade drama. It is problematic.
I love this book. The pictures, the people and the setting are realistic. The book teaches you never to worry about problems that may happen as a 6-7th grader. This book is mature. Some language may not be for a young child. This book has a great star rating from me it is 3.64. Middle school may be difficult but try until you succeed.

Candyapple_006

Out of my Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Out of my Mind by Sharon M. Draper is a heartwarming book. Melody, a ten year old girl, has cerebral palsy and gets bullied a lot in school. She has many adventures and hard times but she tries to live her life to the fullest. When she gets a tool to help her talk, her life changes forever.

This is an AMAZING book. It actually made me shed some tears. Melody is an inspiration, she goes through many hard times yet she stays so strong. I wish I could meet her but she is not real. The author, Sharon, is an amazing writer and did a terrific job on this book.  In our school we have a girl that has similar disabilities like Melody. She has similar ways of life and certain ways to do things too. They both are very strong people that have showed me how to have hope in some really hard situations. I hope that one day you will read this book too!

- Top.llama

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

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.

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               

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

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

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