Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat

Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat is a Rhode Island Children's Book Nominee. It is the start of a series of stories about Lotus Island, where magical children learn to access their powers. The story begins with Plum talking to the plants and animals in her grandparents vegetable garden. Even the worms seem to listen to her. When she is invited to Lotus Island to train as a Guardian, she reluctantly leaves her grandparents. Plum struggles to find her inner animal and wonders if she really is destined to be a protector of the wild animals of the world.

I enjoyed this book, but definitely wish it would have continued. It is a taste of this magical world, that you don't want to end. I guess I will have to buy the next book in the series!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro
 

Shermy & Shake: The Not-So-Nice Neighbor by Kirby Larson

Shermy & Shake: The Not-So-Nice Neighbor by Kirby Larson is a RICBA nominee. It is about a boy named Shermy who has to deal with the grandson of his neighbor moving in for the summer. His name is Shake and he really bugs Shermy. Shake is always at his house, eating his food, and playing with his games. Thank goodness Shake will be leaving at the end of the summer. Right?!

This is a cute little book about friendship and how it can sometimes sneak up on you. It also helps kids reflect on their feelings about family differences. A quick read, check it out!

By Mrs. Castro
 

The Adventure is Now by Jess Redmen

The Adventure is Now by Jess Redmen is a 2023 RICBA nominee. Milton is off for an adventure on Lone Island with his uncle, in order to give his parents some time to figure out their problems. But Lone Island has some surprises in store, magical creatures, fantastical flora, if only Milton and his new friends can find them. They have to, because the island is in danger if they don't.

I love fantasy stories! In the story a group of kids have to follow clues left behind in a field guide. I loved the way the characters had to work together as a team to solve the puzzles. It reminded me of the levels in a video game or coding! I think this book would make a great movie.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro
 

A Dog’s Purpose by Cameron W. Bruce

In A Dog’s Purpose by Cameron W. Bruce the dog goes through four reincarnations. In the first reincarnation his name was Bailey and his owner’s name was Ethan. He loves Ethan. Ethan fell in love with this girl. Her name was Hannah and they dated for a while. Later Ethan found out that Hannah had a different boyfriend. Ethan was sad and  then he was lonely for a while, but at least he still had Bailey. Bailey gets sick so he didn’t have anybody. So then when Bailey dies he goes into a different dog. That was the first reincarnation.  Read to find out about his other reincarnations.

I like this book because I like dogs a lot. I don’t have a dog but I get to visit with my grandmother’s dog. Also, I like this book because it reminded me of my other grandmother’s dog who died on Christmas. That’s sad. But now I hope he might get reincarnated.
Review by mantha23

The Baby Sitters Club Kristy Ann Saves The Day by Raina Telgemeier

The Baby Sitters Club: Kristy Ann Saves The Day by Raina Telgemeier based on the novel by Ann M. Martin, is about a babysitters club who were all best friends and then got into a fight. It takes place in a school, and in a bunch of different houses. When they got in a fight they didn't speak for a very long time but they didn't want anybody to think anything was suspicious, so they acted like they were not in a fight. At the end they ended up adding a new member to the group named Dawn. She was a very nice girl who loved kids.

 I like this book because it is interesting and a very good book, I really enjoyed reading this book. My favorite part of the book was when they got back to being best friends. I think in conclusion that this is an amazing graphic novel and is one of a series of books.

Reviewed by smiles123

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

       Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate is about a boy named Jackson and his family. His mom and Dad and his sister and dog might have to live In a minivan again. They are falling into hard times with no more money to pay rent. Crenshaw is a cat, he's large, he’s outspoken, and he’s imaginary. He has come back into Jackson’s life to help him. Crenshaw is so real to Jackson that it’s like Crenshaw is alive. It’s like when he closes his eyes, then opens them Crenshaw is still there. The imagination of a big cat is kind of weird.

I like Crenshaw because this book shows a lot of empathy, and I have an imaginary friend. In this book it shows how strong Crenshaw is, even if he’s imaginary. For me I don’t like cats, but he’s a big cat so I like this cat. I like books like this because you can’t stop reading it because you want to know what happens next. I really wanted to know what happens to Jack’s family. I pretty much think this book is really good and it catches you and makes you not stop reading, so maybe you will like it too.

Reviewed by KlameRider442

Wish by Barbara O’Connor

The story, Wish by Barbara O’Connor, was about a girl named Charlie Reese, who has been wishing the same wish everyday ever since 4th grade. She always wishes the same wish, but doubts that it will ever come true. Will it?

I love the book because it is about a girl that has the same wish every day, but doesn’t think it will ever come true. I always make wishes, but sometimes they don’t come true. That is why I like this book, because it is very interesting! Also this book is one of the RICBA Nominees for 2017.

Review by WishGirl  

Hoop Girlz by Lucy Jane Bledsoe

In Hoop Girlz by Lucy Jane Bledsoe, River is obsessed with basketball. She would love to be in the WNBA when she grows up. One day River decides to tryout for the school team. River is heartbroken when she finds out that she does not make the A-team, but her best friend, Kammie did. The coach tells River she has potential and she is put on the B-team. The B-team is certainly inferior to the A-team until River’s brother becomes the coach of it. Later on, The A-team and the B-team play against each other in a tournament. Will the B-team win? Will River win MVP of the tournament? Read the book to find out!

I really enjoyed this book because of how River dealt with not making it on the A-team.  It really was a tragedy to her and she totally dealt with the situation in a calm, mature manner.  I can relate to this story because there are teams that I have tried out for that I did not make, and like River, It only made me try harder for the next time.

Reviewed by: AthleticGirl08

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

The book The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne is about a little boy named Bruno who lives in Berlin. He has a very happy life with his mother, father, sister, grandmother, and grandfather. But then his perfect life turned upside down. His father is a very important person in World World II, so he and his family had to move to a new place which was right next to a Concentration Camp. Bruno meets a little boy who is on the other side of the fence and Bruno is very confused why he is there.

Something that I loved about this book is the random illustrations of the camp and Bruno doing things in his new house. My favorite thing to read about is World War II. I did have a problem with the book though. I don’t like the ending because it’s a cliff-hanger, and they didn’t make another book to explain the ending.

Reviewed by Watermelon

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_

39 story treehouse book by Andy Griffiths

The 39 story treehouse book by Andy Griffiths, is a book about two boys named Terry and Andy that made a huge 39 story treehouse filled with inventions and everything you can imagine.  Terry  was finishing up building the last story of the house.  Mr. Big Nose wanted a book about Andy and Terry in two days but they didn't have that much time to make a funny and entertaining book. Terry showed Andy the invention he made which was a story machine.  The story machine made stories any kind of way.  The machine was making the book and Andy and Terry left the house to go see their friend. Once they got back home the machine locked Terry and Andy out and they couldn't get in. There was this man called the Un-inventor and he was on the moon because he almost un-invented the whole world!  They didn't care because they really needed him to un-invent the machine.

I liked this book because it was really funny and it was very entertaining.  I also thought it was cool because the un-inventor un-invented the whole world! It was awesome and all the characters were funny and entertaining. It was ALSO cool because they build a 39 story treehouse with everything you can imagine like a pool filled with sharks and a chocolate pool and EVERYTHING. I really liked this book and I hope you do too.

@chickenstrips

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

House of Robots by James Patterson

House of Robots by James Patterson is about a kid named Sammy who lives with robots. He is very unhappy that he has to live with robots but the one he hates the most is E. Sammy’s mom is making him go to school with E. One day when Sammy comes home he sees a box next to his door and when he opens it he finds parts of E. Sammy decides to have all the other robots try to find who destroyed  E. Will they ever find out who destroyed E? Read the book to find out.

I really liked this book. I liked it because the main character is funny. It reminds me of real life because some people get bullied a lot in school like Sammy does. I would recommend this book because it is very funny and exciting.

Reviewed by Camo_Cody

Big Nate Lives It Up by Lincoln Peirce

Big Nate Lives It Up by Lincoln Peirce is funny and it’s about friends in middle school. There’s a kid named Nate and he’s in middle school and he has two best friends. A new kid comes to school and the principal wants him to show the new kid around and wants Nate to be the new kid's friend. Nate also thinks the new kid is weird because he likes plants. Then Nate thinks he remembers him. He keeps on thinking he knows him from before but he’s not sure. At the end he remembers who he is. You can find out the rest in the book.  

I like this book because it’s in school and a situation can happen like this in real life. I relate to this book because I have friends and they’re funny. I also like art like he does. So I would recommend this book to my friends.

Reviewed by Derpy Squid

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.

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

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

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