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
 

Cilla Lee Jenkins, Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan

Cilla Lee Jenkins, Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan  is about a girl named Priscilla who is half Chinese and half American.  She is soon expecting a baby sister.  She doesn't want a sister because she thinks that her parents won’t pay attention to her anymore.  Her best friend is named Colleen, but they got into a fight.  Cilla’s favorite book is called Selena Moon And The Moonstone.  When it’s Cilla’s birthday she gets a very cool gift and everyone puts their hand print on it, but Cilla saves one section for her sister.  When her baby sister is born Cilla loves her even though she thought she wouldn’t.

I love this book! It reminds me of me and my brother because we didn’t want a little sister. Now we have one, but she’s not so little anymore, and we love her.  In the book the same thing happens. I’ve read this book 4 times and I still love it.  I can’t wait to get the second and third!  Maybe when MY sister learns to read she can read it for herself.  This is by far one of my favorite books.  If you like to read, write, and have fun, then I think this is the perfect book for you!

By: ILovedogs!2292

School’s Out by Johanna Hurwitz

The book School’s Out by Johanna Hurwitz is about how to take care of your siblings and care for them and help them. During summer vacation a kid named Lucas and his babysitter named Geniveive have to watch Lucas’s brothers named Marius and Marcus. One time both Marius and Marcus stepped in a container of paint and when they got out of the paint, the paint got all over the grass in the lawn. Afterwards the brother’s got inside and Lucas gave them a bath. One time Marius climbed under the seats at the movie and Lucas and Genevieve had to find Marius. Lucas had to climb under the seats and one time Lucas grabbed a random person's leg.    

I think this book is realistic because I have to take care of my siblings too. I also play games like football with my brothers. In the morning I help my brother get breakfast. I also help my brother put his jacket, gloves, and hat on in the morning.

Review by $XXQJBXX$

The Old Willis House by Mary Downing Hahn

In The Old Willis House by Mary Downing Hahn, Diana and Georgie have been living at the Old Willis Place for what feels like forever. There have been many people who watch over the land, but none like this caretaker. This one is different, he has a young daughter. Diana wants to meet her but Georgie tries to stop her because he’s afraid.  Will Diana defy her brother, and befriend the girl or will she also be too scared to break the rules? Find out in this spine-chilling story.

I enjoyed this story because it is full of suspense. Every time you read it leaves you wanting to read more. I enjoy that it is the perfect mixture of scary and interesting. Diana is around the same age as me so I like to see the similarities and differences. Don't rely on me to tell you, go read it yourself!

Review by ilovescarystories:0

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, was about a girl named Jessie and her brother Evan who had a Lemonade War. They had an argument because Evan wouldn’t play with Jessie any more and they agreed to have a Lemonade War. Who ever came up with a hundred dollars or more would win and get the loser's money. So they both had a lemonade stand with their friends, but they added some things to their lemonade stands, like face painting so they could get more money. Then, Evan stole his sister's money, because he knew he was going to lose. He accidently loses the money at his friend’s house. Do you think he is going to tell Jessie? Who do you think will win now?

I really liked this book. I just couldn’t keep my eyes off it. I really loved how there were a lot of cliffhangers, but I would appreciate if the story was told from Jesse's point of view or Evan’s point of view. The Lemonade War really reminded me of when I saw this movie of when two neighbors had a war on who had the best christmas lights.

Reviewed by: puppy1394

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

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

This book called Sisters by Raina Telgemeier is a very funny book to read. One part of it is about the sisters wanting pets. The first two pets were fish but one died, then they got a new one and then they all died. So they got a lizard and the lizard died. The mom and dad said “no more pets for now”.

     Also almost every time they do something they flashback to the past. Like when there was a snake in the car, she had a flashback. I like this book because it is funny and relatable. I also have a sister and something she does gets on my nerves. I do recommend this book and I would read it again and again.

Review by - I am people

I really enjoyed the book, Sisters by Raina Telgemeier! It was an amazing story and I think you should give it a chance too! It is a graphic novel and has lots of pictures.  It reminds me about my crazy sister and also my brother. They like to fight a lot and sometimes I wish they were not my siblings. But I love them very much! 

I liked the book, Sisters by Raina Telgemeier because of all of its twists and its characters. My favorite is Raina. The story starts out with Raina wanting to be a big sister and have someone to play with. Then she gets what she wants. The older sister is Raina and the younger one is Amara. They also have a little brother Will. Their mom and dad don’t get along very well and fight often. The family is going on a trip from California to Colorado. But the dad is not going in the car with Amara, Raina, Will, and Mom. He has to work so he will take a plane. 

The book also has some very interesting flashbacks. While Will, Raina, Amara, and Mom are getting into the car, Will and Amara are fighting over the passenger’s seat. Raina does not want it because of her past. Want me to tell you?  Well if you read the book you will find out! But when their mom’s car breaks down the mom brings Will to the side of the road and waits for someone to give them a ride, leaving Raina and Amara in the car. It gets pretty hot in the car. A man picks up Will and Mom then they drive away. And that is all I will tell you guys! Hope you guys will give it a try. Enjoy!

 Reviewed by Alexis

The book Sisters by Raina Telgemeier is about two sisters and their similarities and differences.  Raina couldn’t wait to be a big sister but when Arma was born she was a little disappointed and things weren't quite how she thought they  would be. Arma was always cranky and crying when she was little and she never wanted to  play with Raina. She always wanted to play alone. Then later on they had a baby brother and something was going on with their parents, so they realized they had to figure out a way to get along.  They start to get along but someone makes a smart comment and they get into an argument. Will  they realize  they have  to get along?

Personally,  I like the book Sisters because I like how they don’t like each other then they make their way back to being friends. My favorite part of the book is when they go on a trip and they have to get along because their parents aren’t getting along, so they know they have to get along.  It’s my favorite part of the book because I love how they realize hey are truly sisters. I really liked the book because I have two sisters and I didn’t know how to get along with them until I read this book. It is a wonderful book.

Review by-awesomesauce65

Sisters is by the author and illustrator, Raina Telgemeier. This book is about two sisters named Raina and Amara and they have a brother named Will. Raina is the oldest sibling. Amara is the second oldest and Will is the youngest. Amara loves to annoy Raina for fun. They all go on a road trip with their mom. They are going to Colorado. A big event in the story is that Amara gets bitten by a ton of mosquitoes. 

My favorite character is Raina. I relate to the book because I have siblings too and sometimes we do fight a lot. But I have 4 siblings, not just two. We do fight a lot,but we love each other. 

Review by : Myrical 

The book I will review for the blog is Sisters by Raina Telgemeier. Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you had a sister? Well Sisters is one of the books that Raina Telgemeier wrote about her childhood and in the book Raina and her little sister, Amara  fight on a family road trip and everyone is there, their mom, their little brother but not their dad. In the book you learn why the sisters fight so much. Read the book to find out more.

I like this book because I can relate to it. I don’t have any sisters but I always fight with my cousin, and we always make up. Well, almost always.

Review by BACON is best 🐷

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier is a very good book. It is about a girl named Raina and she wanted a sister. When she finally got one, as they got older, all they did was argue. Their mom wanted to visit their cousins because they had not seen them in ten years. Raina and her sister Amara live in Colorado and her cousins live in California. So for them to visit, they had to spend a week in the car traveling and they argued the whole time.

This relates to to me because when I am with my brother he always is annoying but I still love him because he is my brother. In the winter I go snowboarding with my mom and my grandparents and we take my brother sledding. The drive is three hours so he is a pain. This is how the book relates to me. This book also is almost like the book Smile, which is also by Raina Telgemeier.

Review by Horse Rider0

My book is Sisters, by Raina Telgemeier. The main character is Raina and she can’t wait to be a big sister! But then her sister Amara is born. Amara is cute, but she's also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Now Amara is born, things aren't quite how she expected them to be. Want to learn more? Read the book and find out what happens next!

What I liked about the book is that it is about sisters and I have two. I think it is a good book to read. Me and one of my sisters read it all the time. If I were to rate it, I would give it a 10. But you should read it and see for yourself.

Reviewed by Dog Girl


Sisters by Raina Telgemeier is a graphic novel and 2017 RICBA nominee. Sisters tells the story of Raina and Amara, her little sister. They are on a road trip from California to Colorado to visit their extended family.  Although the story takes place during the road trip, there are flashbacks to when Amara was first born and their early years together. The two girls have very different personalities and have trouble getting along with each other. All the things Raina thought they would do as sisters, dress up, dolls, etc. don't work out. Then they are stuck on a very long car ride together. Will they find a way to be loving sisters to each other?

Like Smile, Sisters is autobiographical in that it relays real happenings from the author/illustrator's own life story. It is funny and also touching. Telgemeier does a great job in examining the relationship between Amara and Raina. If you have a sister, and like graphic novels, this is the book for you!

Mrs. Castro

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

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.

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                                                                                                                    

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