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Monday, July 20, 2015

Summer Camp Shakedown, by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

This book was awesome.  Other kids will love these books.  The series is great.  There is only 10 books but I wish there was more.

I liked this book because it was adventurous.

Two other books I would recommend are: Video Game Villain (Lunch Lady series) AND Bake Sale Bandit (Lunch Lady series)

My Happy Life, by Rose Lagercrantz

This story is about a little girls first day of kindergarten.  She was waiting for that day her whole life but, on that day she got a little nervous.  But then she was happy again and she made a new friend too.

I liked this book because it's so happy.

Sea Turtles, by Jen Destack

This book is about turtles and three facts are their shell is a skeleton.  They're endangered animals and they were alive with the dinosaurs.

I liked this book because it's cool.

Sister Magic: Mabel Makes the Grade, by Anne Mazer

This book was about a girl named Mabel and her little sister Violet.  It is a new school year.  Mabel is starting 3rd grade and Violet is starting Kindergarten.  Mabel is scared because she doesn't know if her little sister Violet will keep her magic away from school.  She finds out there was no magic the first day of school so she took Violet for ice cream.  The second day of school they did a mural on the wall.  Violet and Mabel's best friend Simone was Mabel's partner.  Mabel was upset because that day Violet used her magic.

I liked this book because it includes magic and sisters.  Mabel went into the grade my sister was just in.

Who Was Charles Darwin, by Deborah Hopkinson

This book lets me know all about him.  It's very interesting and it makes me want to be a better reader.

What Was D-Day?

I like the book because it tells me about history.  It also is a good history book and makes me smarter.

Who Was Christopher Columbus?, by Bonnie Bader

I like the book because you learn alot of facts.  I also like how he goes around the world and the book made me smarter.

The Call of the Wild, by Jack London

I like the book because there are dogs and I love dogs.  I also like the journey he takes and he becomes a ghost dog.

Big Nate, by Lincoln Peirce

I like the book because it is comical.  In the book Nate tries to make it through the school year.  I think Nate is an awesome character.


Princess Diaries, by Meg Cabot

This book was about a girl named Mia who found out she was the princess and heir to the throne of Genovia.  She has many problems which were increased by the news.

I liked this book because it is in diary form and the author really builds the characters well.

Two other books I would recommend are: My Bonny Light Horseman AND Princess in the Spotlight.

Kristy's Great Idea, by Anne M. Martin

In the book, Kristy's Great Idea, Kristy  thinks about starting a babysitting club.  Then Kristy asks all her friends if they want to do it and they say yes.  So they start a babysitting club and it turns out to be a big hit.

I liked this book because it was interesting.

Two other books I would recommend are: Drama AND Sisters.

Judy Moody Goes to College, by Megan McDonald

This book is about a girl named Judy Moody who needs a tutor for math.  Judy is definitely not thrilled when her parents tell her this.  But when she finds out that her tutor is a college student she realizes that having a tutor isn't so bad.

I liked this book because Judy Moody is just so funny.

Two other books I would recommend are: Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm AND The Best Friend Battle.

Nancy Drew and the Secret of the Old Clock, by Carolyn Keene

Nancy Drew, an 18 year old girl,loves to solve mysteries.  Her father, Carson Drew is a lawyer who helps Nancy with her cases.  In this book, Nancy is helping her father with a case he is dealing with, then suddenly goes missing!  Nancy has to find her father and crack the case before time runs out.

I liked this book because it is really exciting.

Two other books I would recommend are: Nancy Drew and The Hidden Staircase AND Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew

Bunnicula, by James Howe

A family found a bunny at the movie theater.  The movie was called Dracula so they named the bunny Bunnicula.

I liked this book because the bunny was a vampire.

Sister Magic: Violet Makes a Splash, by Anne Mazer

This book is about a girl named Violet and her older sister Mabel.  Violet has magic just like her Uncle Varten.  They are having a summer yard sale.  When Violet makes a pool the problem begins.  Mable worries people will find out about the magic. At the yardsale there is a pie contest.  Violet makes a blackberry surprise.  The surprise is blackbirds, like the nursery rhyme.

I liked this book because it is about how Violet doesn't know how to use magic and she causes problems for the family.

Scooby-Doo and the Witching Hour, by Sonia Sander

Scooby and the gang went to a Halloween party and searched for clues to solve the mystery of a witch.

I liked this book because the witch was a girl who wanted a water park.


Ever After High: A Wonderlandiful World, by Shannon Hale

It was about 4 girls (the main characters) Madeline Hatter, Cedar Wood, Lizzie Hearts and Kitty Cheshire.  Three out of four of the girls have parents from Wonderland (Madeline Hatter = Mad Hatter's daughter, Lizzie Hearts = Queen of Hearts daughter, Kitty Cheshire = Cheshire Cat's daughter).  Cedar Woods is daughter of Pinnochio. When their high school goes out of whack from the Jabberwocky turning all the students
into animals/objects that have to do with the story, it's up to the girls to slay the Jabberwocky and save Ever After High.

I liked this book because it was fantasy, that's a genre I enjoy most.  It was also kind of action packed.

Two other books I would recommend are: Alice in Wonderland AND Half Upon A Time.

This review was written and submitted by Sara.

Smile, by Raina Telgemeier

This is about a girl named Raina who was in sixth grade when she took a major fall and knocked her two front teeth out.  It then tells her story about her growing up and it includes all different kinds of procedures she needs to fix her teeth.

She has to go through root canals, braces (multiple times), head gear (night time only) and even a retainer.  Can Raina overcome all this treatment and surgeries but keep all her friends too?

I liked this book because it was a comic kind of book and it was based on real events.

Two other books I would recommend are: Flor & Ulysses AND Big Nate series.

This review was written and submitted by Sara.

Flora & Ulysses, by Kate DiCamillo

10 year old Flora Belle Buckman saves a squirrel, who she calls Ulysses, from losing his life after accidentally being sucked up by a vacuum.  She finds out that the squirrel isn't ordinary...it can type and fly!  Not only dealing with that Flora has to deal with her parents being divorced, not having her mother kill Ulysses, nice neighbors but her "annoying" great-nephew William Spiver and a bunch of crazy mischief and action packed things Ulysses can do.  Can Flora handle all the events going on in her life?

I liked this book because it also had a lot of different "cartoon" comic drawings inside.

Two other books I would recommend are:  Jake & Lilly AND Smile.

This review was written and submitted by Sara.

Nameless, by Lili St. Crow

You have never read Snow White like this.  When Papa Vultusino finds a little girl in the street, he adopts her as his own.  As Cami grows up, problems arise.  Can she stay even if she knows she's not family?

I liked this book because it gave a new twist on Snow White.

Two other books I would recommend are: Strange Angel AND Hush, Hush.

A.I. Love You (#7), by Ken Akamatsu

Hitoshi becomes Judge, Jury, executioner...at a sizzling-hot beach beauty contest!  The lucky lady will be going on a romantic trip with Hitoshi.

This review was written and submitted by Alicea.

OCD Love Story, by Corey Ann Haydu

When Bea meets Beck, she knows instantly that he's her kinda crazy.  Sweet, strong, kinda-messed up Beck understands her like no one else can.

This review was written and submitted by Alicea.

Arisa #11, by Natsumi Ando

Tsubasa thought she had finally reconciled with her twin sister only to watch her go back to Midoris side!


Tomboy, by Liz Prince

Liz uses her comic skills to explain how bullies, friendships, punk rock, gender and growth were a part of her life.

This review was written and submitted by Alicea.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Emerald Green, by Kerskin Gier

To the conlcusion of the Ruby Red trilogy, Gwen will face the mysterious Count Saint-German, who she believes is up to something.  When no one believes her it is up to her to stop him.  But can she?

I liked this book because it was suspenseful.

Two other books I would recommend are:  Hush, Hush AND The Klaato Diskos

The Homework Machine, by Dan Gutman

This book is about 4 kids who don't like doing their homework.  They make a homework machine that does homework for them.

I liked this book because 4 kids made a homework machine that works.

Two other books I would recommend are: Little Women AND the Harry Potter series.

This review was written and submitted by: Alexa

The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green

This book is about a girl named Hazel Grace who has lung cancer.  She doesn't want to do anything but sit inside.  But then one day her mom made her go to a support group for people with cancer.  Then she meets this boy named Augustus Waters who she likes.  He had a prosthetic leg because the cancer affected his leg.

I liked this book because it is about real people and their challenges.

My Bonny Light Horsemen, by L.A. Meyer

Jacky Faber was finally captured by British intelligence and instead of killing her made her a spy in France where she was to flirt with French officers to collect information.  When her cover was blown she disguised herself as a boy and joined the French Army as a messenger.  As a messenger she met Napolean Bonaparte and many other famous French military officers.

I liked this book because it is adventurous and unpredictable.  L.A. Meyer also builds characters better than any other modern author I know.

Two other books I would recommend are: Mississippi Jack AND The Hobbit.

Mississippi Jack, by L.A. Meyer

This book was about a girl named Jacky Faber who is running away from the English government.  In the process of getting to New Orleans she steals a boat from Mike Fink, gets tarred and feathered and learns how to gamble as a show girl.

I liked this book it is adventurous and unpredictable and the whole series flows together like one big book.

Two other books I would recommend are: Under the Jolly Roger AND In the Belly of the Bloodhound.

This review was written and submitted by Eve.

Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve, by Mary Pope Osborne

This book is about how, on Halloween, Jack and Annie have to bring order to a castle by finding the stone of Destiny, and defeating the Raven King.

I liked this book because it is a combination of so many different legends from different cultures it is something totally new!

Two other books I would recommend are: Leprechauns in Late Winter AND Museum of Thieves.

This review was written and submitted by Eve.

City of Lies, by Lian Tanner

This book was about Goldie Roth and her friends Toad-Sat and Bonnie who were kidnapped by a man named Horrow.  They were taken to the City of Spoke during the Festival of Lies, where the summoned or mysterious Big Lie, so they could escape.

I liked this book because it is adventurous and exciting.  The ending makes you want to read the next book.

Two other books I would recommend are: Museum of Thieves AND Lord of the Rings.

Princess in the Spotlight, by Meg Cabot

In this book Princess Mia finds out her mother's pregnant with her Algebra teachers baby, that she has a secret admirer, and that her grandmothers are working together to plan a huge celebrity wedding for her mom.

I liked this book because it is realatable and unrelatable: Mia has the problems of a normal girl and the weird problems of being a princess.

Two other books I would recommend are: Princess Diaries AND Greenglass House.


Stealing Freedom, by Elisa Carbone

Ann was born a slave and had a sister and a few brothers.  Ann wanted to be free with her mom and dad.  Ann ran away to Canada then lived with her Aunt and Uncle as a free woman then got married to a boy who she met in the town.  She lived with her masters and got married.

I liked this book because it is interesting to find out what happened during the time of slavery.

Two other books I would recommend are: Goodnight Kiss AND Charlie Bone.

This review was written and submitted by Lakhi.

Goodnight Kiss, by R.L. Stine

Jessica wanted to bet on who is the greatest at getting nectar.  Jessica bit Todd too much and he died.  Gabri died then Jessica got April and she turned into a vampire.

I liked this book because I like vampires.

Two other books I would recommend are:  Amazing Lizards AND Narnia.

This review was written and submitted by Lakhi.

Chocolate Covered Ants, by Stephen Manes

Adam got an ant colony for his birthday.  His brother made a bet that people would eat chocolate covered ants.  Adams brother won the bet but didn't get the money.

I liked this book because it's interesting and cool how Adam got an ant colony which I would like too.

Two other books I would recommend are: Stealing Freedom AND Chocolate Covered Ants.

This review was written and submitted by Lakhi.

Amazing Lizards, by Trevor Smith

Lizards have fights with other males  to win females.  They stand on their hind legs and wrestle.  Some lizards grow three tails or two by mistake.  Male chameleons are born with stumps that grow in to long horns.

I liked this book because it has fascinating facts on lizards that I never knew before.

Two other books I would recommend are: The Mindreader AND Goodnight Kiss.

This review was written and submitted by Lakhi.

The Mind Reader, by R.L. Stine

Ellie found a skeleton that had turned out to be Sallys' sister Melinda.  Ellie had visions and thought it was from Melinda, from beyond.  Ellie, Sally and Brett found out what happened to Melinda.

I liked this book because I like the mystery to find out who killed Melinda.

Two other books I would recommend are:  Goodnight Kiss AND Narnia.

This review was written and submitted by: Lakhi.

Fearsome Reptiles, by Camilla De la Bédoyère

Puff Adders puff up their bodies to scare attackers.  Komodo dragons bite prey and inject venom.  Tiapans have enough venom to kill 250,000 mice, 150,0000 rats and 100 people.

I liked this book because it had interesting facts on awesome predators.

Two other books I would recommend are:  Animorphs (series) AND Fearsome Reptiles.

This review was written and submitted by Lakhi.

A.I. Love You, book #8, by Ken Akamatsu

The web of mystery surrounding Twenty's not-so-sunny past is finally revealed!  Also, when Hitoshi's cousin comes to Japan she wants to take him to America.

This review was written and submitted by Alicea.

Friday, July 10, 2015

The Magician's Nephew, by C.S. Lewis

I liked this book because the story was fun and I liked how the characters are very cool.  Aslan creates a world called Narnia.  Also some characters represent people in the real world.

I liked this book because it was adventurous.

Two other books I would recommend are: Freckle Juice AND Cam Jansen.

The Grimm Legacy, by Polly Shulman

The original Grimm Tales had so many cool things!  Rhyming mirrors, an instant feast and so much more.  Who wouldn't want that?  That's what Elizabeth Rew gets to do when her social studies teacher recommends her for a position at the New York Circulating Materials Repository.  She starts out as a page for ordinary (ish) departments.  Fellow pages Marc, the school basketball star, sweet Anjiali, and critical and skeptical Aaron are all worried when thievery occurs with magical and dangerous objects.  While managing everything else, Elizabeth is determined to crack the case.  Could someone within be the traitor?

I liked this book because many fairy tales are mentioned.  Muliple conflicts keep pages turning.

Two other books I would recommend are: A Tale Dark and Grimm trilogy, AND The Wells Bequest.

This review was written and submitted by: Camille.

Guinness World Records 2015, by Guinness World Records

The 60th year of world records collected into a novel is out!  The "diamond" edition book has plenty of new record breaking features.  I enjoyed the flashbacks to the state of records in 1955 and 1965.  This showed how amazing things have (or have not) changed over the years.

However, I did notice a typo on page 493 concerning WNBA, CT Sun, and Tina Charks.  This book is great for  wowing your friends with out of this world factoids.

I liked this book because a lot of random yet ordered facts are good for a laugh.

Two other books I would recommend are: Guinness World Records (any year) AND Ripley's Believe It Or Not.

This review was written and submitted by Camille.

How To Ruin Your Life, by Carolyn Mctighe

P.J. and her best friend run track. P.J. notices how good her bestie is she gets jealous.  This jealousy threatens to ruin her life (or friendship).  This book talks about and is very helpful to keep your life straight.

I liked this book because it was very cool and different and it's like a life lesson.

Two other books I would recommend are: Mistress of the Storm AND Bully-Be-Gone.

Bully-Be-Gone, by Brian Tacang

Millicent is an inventor.  A skilled one too.  Bat, her friends are giving up on her because many inventions failed.  She now needs to work hard to help her friendships and inventor future stay in hand.

I liked this book because it was interesting.

Two other books I would recommend are: It's Halloween I'm Turning Green AND Detective Camp.


Liesl & Po, by Lauren Oliver

Liesl's father died and ever since her step mother locked her up in an attic.  Then about a week later a ghost named Po from the "other side" appeared and her journey began!

This book was very entertaining.  I found it just as fun as watching tv.

I liked this book because it was similar to Cinderella which is like my favorite fairytale.

Two other books I would recommend are: Claws AND Cinder.


Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter is on his way to see the Quidditch World Cup with his friend Ron Weasley adn Ron's family.  The Dursley's are astonished by the way the Weasley's came in such a manner-by Floo powder.  Harry is super excited for the match!  But who will win the cup?

I liked this book because it is funny and is always keeping me on my toes!  I would recommend this book for strong readers and fantasy lovers.

Two other books I would recommend are:  Almost Home AND Dritta My Home Girl.

This review was written and submitted by Marvel.

Project Mulberry, by Linda Sue Park

Julia became friends with Patrick because of a vegetable called kimchee, a long, leafy, cabbage with spices on it.  Julie HATES it, but Patrick is the complete opposite.  Now Patrick and Jules (as Patrick calls Julia) are going to raise silkworms for their WIIGIE project. But they also need a mulberry tree so they can feed it to the silkworms.  But WHO are they going to get it from?

I liked this book because it's funny and I can really focus on what the story is mainly about.

Two other books I would recommend are: Every Little Thing AND Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.

This review was written and submitted by Marvel.

Massachussetts, by Trudi Strain Trueit

Want to travel to Massachussetts?  It's beauty is sure to catch your eye.  From rolling hills to fertile valleys,  reaching thick forests.  Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Massachussetts at 3,491 feet to the Atlantic ocean, the lowest point at sea level.  Other facts: Boston is home to the Boston Red Sox.  Then travel to Cape Cod for vacation.

I liked this book because it is a great informative book and a great resource for projects like state reports and other social studies.

Two other books I would recommend are: The Angel Tree AND Harry Potter and the Prisoner Azkaban.

This review was written and submitted by Marvel.

Tales From a No-So-Happ Heartbreaker, by Rachel Renee Russell

Nikki is super nervous to ask Brandon to the Sweetheart Dance.  He's been acting, well, ODD.  When Nikki sadly crosses off each number on her "How To Know If a Guy Is Just NOT Into You" list, she feels as if Brandon likes Mackenzie.  But does he really?  Biggest deal is, how does Nikki ask Brandon to the dance?

I liked this book because I like how this book is written as Nikki's writing in her own book.

Two other books I would recommend are:  Dork Diaires: Tales from a Not-So Graceful Ice Princess AND Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Long Haul.

Wonder, by R.J. Palacios

This book is about a kid entering the 5th grade.  His name is August.  But he is kinda different.  He has to go through 5th grade with his different face.  Read the book to find out how he does it.

I liked this book because it talks about not judging a book by its cover and it talks about friendship.

Two other books I would recommend are: Ella Enchanted AND Matilda.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Arisa, book 7, by Natsumi Ando

While pretending to be Arisa, Tsubasa has promised to meet with the person only known as "K"-someone who may or may not  hold the secret of the kings identity.

I liked this book because it is a mystery.

This review was written and submitted by Alicea.

A.I. Love You, book 3, by Ken Hamatza

When Saati goes to rescue her older sister from the clutches of a scam artists computer security system, she comes face-to-face with none other than the virus Peter 4.

I liked this book because it's fiction...you can't really jump into a computer.

Arisa, book 5, by Natsumi Ando

Twin sisters Arisa and Tsubasa are separated from their parents after they divorce.  But after Arisa's suicide attempt, Tsubasa is determined to go undercover and find out who's the king.

I liked this book because it was a mystery.

Two other books I would recommend are:  A.I. Love You AND Arisa (series)

Arisa, book 6, by Natsumi Ando

Shizuka, the one in a wheel chair, blames her misfortune on Arisa.  Shizuka keeps the three cell phones thinking that  she will find the king.

I liked this book because it's a mystery.

Math Wizadry For Kids, by Margaret Kenda

This fun math how-to guide is so much math, but even people hating arithmetic will find it entertaining.  Learn geometry with drawing. Little kids will love drawing an isoceles triangle in their own sand box.  Love to write or sing?  Maybe counting metrical feet will inspire you.  Games around the world can connect back to math.

Many diverse concepts can be made interesting when you think of it a different way.  This book just is plain fun to skip around and read.

I liked this book because it has many activities.

This review was written and submitted by Camille.

Greek Myths, by Rob Shone

In a condensed version of 3 myths, Jason and the Argonauts, Icarus, and The Labors of Hercules, Greek legends are given a new life in a fairly accurate retelling.  The comics are very well-drawn.  I would have liked a comic featuring more gods and goddesses and conflicts between them.  I would recommend this book for kids ages 8-10.

I liked this book because of the intricate pictures.  I disliked it due to the condensed style and how you can be confused as you do not know the stories background.

This review was written and submitted by Camille.