The Inquisitor's Tale: or The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz

The Inquisitor's Tale: or The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz is for fans of historical fiction stories. It is set in medieval times and holds very true to the religious and mythical tales that we learn about from that time period. Students will enjoy this quest story because it involves interesting characters with magical abilities. It is one of the Newbery Honor books of 2017. To be honest, I might suggest to start reading this book at the back. There you will find a section by the author that explains his research, the historical nature and setting of the book. It might help you to decide if the book is for you.

Reviewed by 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

The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone

In The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone, During World War II, 11 year old Felicity gets dropped off with her father’s family. Her uncle, granny, and aunt are very secretive with Felicity. They receive letters from her dad postmarked from Portugal, and there is someone referred to as Captain Derek in a secret room upstairs. Out of curiosity, Felicity joins forces with her cousin to find the answers to these mysteries.

This book is great for people who enjoy books about historical events. Also for people who enjoy a bit of mystery too. Personally I’m not really interested in Historical fiction books, but this book is an exception. Now that I’ve read this I hope to read more in the future. I hope you choose to read this amazing book as well!

~LivingTheTrashLife

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                                                                                                                    

Preachers Boy by Katherine Patterson

Katherine Patterson has done it again! I suggest you read one of her best sellers Preachers Boy. Preachers Boy is a realistic fiction story based in the year 1899, Vermont. I live in Rhode Island so that is actually not that far from me. Follow the story of Robby Hewit. A ten year old who is pretty mature for his age. In this story of mixed emotions you will feel happiness, sadness, and excitement. You may even learn a thing or two about the time period. So follow along as Robby deals with his family, bullies, and some homeless people who may just change his life. If you haven’t already, I definitely recommend this book.

Reviewed by: wowplayer

Penny From Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm

Penny From Heaven was written by Jennifer L. Holm. She also wrote the books, Our Only May Amelia, Trouble with May Amelia, and Turtle in Paradise. Two cousins, Penny and Frankie keep getting in trouble. They are always sneaking into people’s houses and looking for antiques. Then one day Penny and Frankie go to their Uncle Dominic’s meat shop and something terrible happens to Penny. If you want to find out what happened to Penny, read the book. Penny has to go to the hospital and has to stay there for a few weeks. Frankie was blaming himself about Penny’s accident. This book was really sad at the end. Then something good happens to Penny. Read the book to find out what happened to Penny. If you like happy endings, this is a good book for you. I truly loved this book. Penny was my favorite character because she is funny and adventurous. This book has to do with family and secrets. I would recommend this book for 5th and 6th graders.

Reviewed by: panda_bear_9

Behind the Bedroom Wall by Laura Williams

The book Behind the Bedroom Wall by Laura E. Williams is about a girl named Korinna Rehme and she is part of a Nazi Youth group.  She’s German and one night she hears noise behind the bedroom wall and she doesn’t know what it is.  If you read the book you can find out what is lying behind her bedroom wall and if you like books about Hitler you will definitely like this book.  This book is even coming to our library soon so if you want to check it out it’s a really good book.

Reviewed by sneakerhead23

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

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis is a winner of the Coretta Scott King award and a 2008 Newbery Honor book.  This story has a great mix of adventure, danger, and heart.  Elijah is an eleven year old boy living in Canada.  He was born in Canada after his parents fled from America to escape slavery.  Although he's never known what it was like to live like a slave, the adults who surround him all carry the weight of their past.  Elijah describes himself as a "fragile" boy.  He often runs into the woods hollering if something frightens him.  Before the story is over you will learn how Elijah must find his courage in order to help his friends and play his own part in helping someone find freedom.

Christopher Curtis does a great job bringing Elijah and his family to life.  As a reader, I really cared about what would happen to Elijah.  I found myself frightened for him, and even moved to tears as Elijah struggles to grow up and be brave.  If you enjoy historical fiction and adventure, you should check this one out!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin is one of the 2012 Newbery honor books.  It has illustrations that remind me of the Hugo Cabret book.  For those of you looking for a quick read, this is a good one.  The book takes place in Russia during the time of Stalin.  This was a very dangerous time to live in Russia when many people were locked up and executed by the government.  Sasha, the boy in the story has to face life without a mother, and the imprisonment of his father.  The story is very gripping and moves the reader quickly through Sasha's tough and frightening times.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos is the 2012 Newbery award winner. Jack Gantos is the author of the Joey Pigza books, so if you like those, you'll probably enjoy this one too.  The main character, named Jack, suffers from gushing nosebleeds every time he gets nervous.  Jack is growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania.  He gets involved in a summer mystery, while helping an elderly neighbor write obituary (death) notices and American history articles for the local newspaper.  This is a humorous story and has a cast of goofy characters that will make you smile.

Reviewed by Mrs. C.

Maggie’s Door by Patricia Reilly Giff

The book Maggie’s Door is by Patricia Reilly Giff.  The main characters are Nory and Sean, who are brother and sister and I like them because they have nice dialog.  This book is informational about immigration and sort of a mystery because Sean ends up getting lost. The story takes place in a poor section of Ireland but the brother and sister travel to America.  They ran away to find somewhere better to plant their crops. The theme is realistic and informational. The book is sort of sad.  I would recommend this book to ages 11- 13 if you like historical fiction.

Reviewed by spongebob22

Crispin at the Edge of the World by Avi

Crispin at the Edge of the World by Avi is about a boy named Crispin and a man named Bear who are being chased by the town government. When they are in their travels, they meet a young girl named Troth. Troth lives with an old lady in the woods. After the old lady is beaten to death, Troth, Crispin, and Bear head off to a faraway place .The book is sad and adventurous. This book is good for anybody who wants a sad but adventurous story.

Reviewed by Yankees09

A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck

In A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck, Mary Alice goes to grandma`s in Chicago in the summertime.   When you read this book you have to keep reading.  I don’t like reading, but when I read this book I could not stop reading.  The book's dialogue and how the characters came in to the story was really good.  Mary Alice goes to a school where the boys and girls are separated. The story takes place during the Great Depression, but it's fiction. If you like fiction books, read this book.  

Reviewed by Bruins 33  

Night Journeys by Avi

Night Journeys is a fast paced historical fiction novel by Avi, with exciting moments, fast turnarounds, and suspense.  Peter York, an orphaned 12 year old, is the main character.  On the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania in 1768 he is involved in a search party to find two runaways. When he is stranded on an island in the Delaware River with a girl, he finds out that she is one of the runaways. But he isn’t certain that he should capture her. Will he? You should find out. If you like books by Avi I recommend you try this one.

Reviewed by sailing1

Something Upstairs by Avi

Something Upstairs by Avi is about a boy named Kenny who moved to a new neighborhood in Providence, RI.  Kenny discovers that there is a ghost (Caleb) in his closet. The ghost cannot leave the small room.  The ghost is a slave and got murdered a long time ago.  Kenny helps Caleb find his murderer.  By doing that, Kenny mysteriously gets sent back in time.   Did Kenny find the murderer?  Does he get back in his own time?  I love this book!!!

Reviewed by:  Shadow Dragon 29 


Do you like mystery books?  If you do, then the book Something Upstairs by Avi is perfect for you.  Something Upstairs is a fiction, mystery and kind of a scary book. In the story Kenny has just moved to Providence and is settling in a new home, his room is also in the attic. While he is in his room he notices a strange door. He has no idea what’s in it and he is very curious. So at nighttime he walks up to the door and finds… Read this book to find out what he finds.  I recommend this book through the grades of 3rd through 6^th.  You can also find this book in your school library.                                


Reviewed by TheAwesomeGuy123                                                                                                                                                                                            

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

The Boxcar Children is a mystery book about four orphan children.  They are all alone with no home and no one to rely on, and nowhere to go except to their grandfather.  They have never met him and they think he will not like them. The children think he will not like them because before their parents died their grandfather did not like their mother. The children, Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny all cherish and immensely care about each other.  Since they have nowhere to go, they find a nearby bakery to sleep at overnight.  After the rest of the children fall asleep, Jessie and Benny overhear the baker talking to the baker’s wife. They are discussing taking away Benny and sending him to a children’s home and making Henry, Jessie, and Violet work at the bakery.  The children will never leave one another behind.  The children get a tiny bit of sleep and then run away overnight, so they will all be together and no one will be separated and nothing will come between their extremely close family.  How will they stay safe, healthy, and find any shelter?  If you would like to find out how they can accomplish these huge goals all alone, you should definitely read this book!  Also this book took place in the United States past when people rode horse and buggy or train, so by reading this you might also find out some awesome things about the olden days!

This review was written by: Jdrewbiebs        

Happy Birthday, Samantha! by Valerie Tripp

The genre of this story is historical fiction.  The main character is Samantha, and yes, I do like her. This book is interesting. In the book they are celebrating Samantha’s birthday. They are outside at Samantha’s mansion, when Eddie, the boy next door, ruins the ice cream by putting salt in it.  Samantha’s family makes it up to her by taking her to a famous ice cream shop in New York City.  You’ll have to read the book to find out all the adventures they have in New York.

Reviewed by Cupcake13

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn is a historical fiction story. It has three main characters. They are Florence, Sophia, and James. This story is about a girl named Sophia who used to live with her uncle, but one day she died. It starts off a long time ago in the nineteenth century in London.  Florence is an orphan. Her uncle finally takes Florence to live with him. After she arrived she was walking around looking for her room, when suddenly in the hall she felt like someone was watching her…..! What comes next?!  After I finished this book I felt like I wanted to read it all over again and again! I hope you want to do the same. Mary Downing Hanhn is a great author.  She wrote other good books, like Deep, Dark and Dangerous. That’s my second favorite book! The reason why I chose this book is because I love ghost stories.  Even though they don’t frighten me this book might frighten you!!! My two favorite characters are Florence and Sophia. Who are yours!? Tell me what you think about this book by just reading my post on this blog! Remember this book might not be in your school library, but it should be in the public library. J

Written by, Bieber125

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

Turtle in Paradise is one of the 2011 Newbery honor winners.  The author also wrote two other books that received Newbery honors, Our Only May Amelia and Penny from Heaven.  The setting for the book is Key West in Florida during the depression.  Turtle's mom is a housekeeper and when she gets a job with a woman who doesn't like children, she chooses to send her daughter Turtle to stay with her sister, Turtle's aunt. 

I think I liked this book because of Turtle's character.  She's a tough little girl, who lives in a tough world.  But true to her name, she has a soft inside.  This is really a book about family; cousins, aunts and uncles, grandmothers, mothers and fathers.  Turtle has to deal with all of them, and all of the complications that stem from family relationships.  Read this book and I guarantee you'll find yourself cheering for Turtle.

If you would like to listen to a short excerpt from this book, click on the link for my podcast Podcast of Turtle in Paradise  hosted at Podomatic.