Book Review: November by Gabrielle Lord

November
by Gabrielle Lord
Conspiracy 365

Kane Miller
ISBN-10: 1-935279-60-2
ISBN-13: 978-1-935279-60-0
Publication Date: November, 2010
List Price: $10.99

Review: Cal Ormond – wanted fugitive – continues to evade police and the criminals who want him dead in Gabrielle Lord’s 11th book in the Conspiracy 365 series, November. Sixteen-year-old Cal is able to make minimal progress in his ultimate quest – to uncover the secrets behind the Ormond Singularity in November. However, great progress is made in other areas. The mystery surrounding Cal’s “look alike,” Ryan Spencer is revealed as Ryan ends up saving Cal’s life in one of the countless times he’s near arrest or death. Plus, Eric Blair, the man Cal’s been trying to reach ever since this entire mystery began, finally meets face to face with him. Eric was the last person to be with Cal’s father before the mysterious illness took his life, and Cal quickly realizes that Eric is a greater part of the mystery than he had originally thought. Plus, the subplot involving Winter’s parents is also brought to a head as she finally discovers exactly how her parents died and what role Sligo had in their death. However, Winter may never be able to tell Cal. Somehow, Cal must find a way to Ireland and uncover the true mystery behind the Ormond Singularity. Can he do it before it’s too late? Everything will finally come to a much-awaited conclusion in the concluding installment of the Conspiracy 365 series – December!

Gabrielle Lord continues to blend intrigue, suspense, and compassion in November. This is certainly not a series to start midstream – readers must begin with January in order to fully understand the predicament that faces Cal. However, no reader will be disappointed. These eleven books have been the most exciting and entertaining young adult books I’ve read in a long time. I can barely contain my excitement to begin December! It’s been an exhilarating year as I’ve plowed through book after book in the Conspiracy 365 series. As the holidays approach, consider starting your middle school or early high school reader on a quest they will never forget by opening their eyes to January! But, be prepared . . . . they will not be satisfied until they’ve read all twelve books! Hats off to Gabrielle Lord for developing such an interesting plot that she’s able to stretch it out over 12 books in 12 months – never once sacrificing character development, plot or style.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of November for this review.

Have you read November? How would you rate it?

Book Review: The Wolf Tree by John Claude Bemis

The Wolf Tree
by John Claude Bemis
Clockwork Dark

Random House Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-375-85566-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-375-85566-5
Publication Date: August, 2010
List Price: $16.99

Review: Dangerous, fast-paced and terrifying! I read the amazing book The Wolf Tree by John Claude Bemis. The main characters are Ray Cobb, Sally (nicknamed Yote), Nel, Hethy, Quorl, B'hoy (a raven) and Conker. The Wolf Tree is the second book of "The Clockwork Dark series.

Ray, now a full-fledged Rambler, comes back to his hometown to be with his family. He finds out what happened to his family and friends while he was gone. After surprising Ray when he came from the forest coughing loudly, Bradshaw tells everyone about the 'Darkness' that is spreading. He coughs many times, getting louder and wetter until he finally coughs up some blood that lands on Ray's hand. Ray figures out that the 'blood' is an oil that ends up killing Bradshaw. Ray decides to go see the 'Darkness', but Nel makes him take Marisol with him to see it. Ray soon finds out that Gog's machine is making the deadly 'Darkness'. Ray's sister, Sally, makes friends and helps find the Wolf Tree. Conker needs a branch from the tree to repair the broken Nine Pound Hammer and destroy Gog's machine.

I really like this awesome book even though I had not read the first book in the series, The Nine Pound Hammer. I was a bit confused at the beginning of The Wolf Tree. After the first twenty pages, I was less confused. The book doesn't refer back to the first one, but just continues its own story. I like it a lot because it has a huge amount of action and adventure. One action part is when Quorl gets chased by all the other rougarou while he is trying to find the Great Tree to help himself and Sally's father. Books like this totally catch my imagination like when Ray goes into B'hoy's head and sees and hears as if he were the raven. I rate the book an awesome 10 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to people ages nine (9) or older because the book is somewhat odd and creepy.

Review written by Michael (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Wolf Tree for this review.

Have you read The Wolf Tree? How would you rate it?

Book Review: The Year Money Grew on Trees by Aaron Hawkins

The Year Money Grew on Trees
by Aaron Hawkins
Non-series

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0-547-27977-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-547-27977-0
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $16.00

Review: "It will be like money growing on trees," said Jackson Jones - at least he thought. However as you can see it is unrealistic. Money comes from really hard work. The amazing writer who made it all come together and seem like money really grows on trees in the novel, The Year Money Grew on Trees is Aaron R. Hawkins. Even though Jackson is just thirteen he gets a place in agriculture working in the bitter coldness of New Mexico making money grow on trees. The weird part is agriculture is not his thing and he never even expected it! So what will he do? Will he give up? Or keep going?

I don't want to ruin the thrill of this book but in summary, Jackson is walking home and Mrs. Nelson demands that he join her for some hot coco. Then, she starts to talk about how her husband died and how she might have cancer. Jackson has not a clue what to say, so he starts dazing off looking at his surroundings. Not knowing what to say or do, drenched in tears, Mrs. Nelson comes up with the most challenging question to ask Jackson, a question that would change is life forever. Read The Year Money Grew on Trees to find out exactly what Mrs. Nelson said and why Jackson agreed to such a life changing question.

Aaron R. Hawkins is a phenomenal writer and I am so lucky I had the opportunity to read one of his marvelous novels! The Year Money Grew on Trees has so much suspense, for example when Jackson was asked that mind challenging question by Mrs. Nelson that would soon change his life forever, I could not put the book down for days! Henceforth, I rate this book an outstanding five stars. Everything was perfect and written so well. I recommend this book for eight and up because some parts might be a little hard to understand for the younger ages. If you have the opportunity please read this book! Oh by the way if you read the book you will understand the title and have the knowledge that the impossible is possible!

Review written by Zain (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Year Money Grew on Trees for this review.

Have you read The Year Money Grew on Trees? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Thunder Rolling in the Mountains by Scott O'Dell & Elizabeth Hall

Thunder Rolling in the Mountains
by Scott O'Dell & Elizabeth Hall
Non-series

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0-395-59966-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-395-59966-2
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $17.00

Review: Heart- breaking, exciting, adventurous, loving… all of these describe Thunder Rolling in the Mountains. The book is very thrilling, and seems to be historical fiction and an adventure story wrapped into one! This book takes place during the Gold Rush of 1849. Sound of Running Feet (main character and narrator) is taken from her home in Wallowa. Next thing she knows there is war after war, many lives are lost, and she finds herself getting closer and closer to death. The book includes many adventures, sad losses, and historical battles. Thunder Rolling in the Mountains is an amazing book.

The book begins in a beautiful land with fast flowing rivers and long grass. There are tall and monstrous yet pretty mountains, and large, majestic animals grazing everywhere. This is the land of Wallowa, Sound of Running Feet's home. Sound of Running Feet and the tribe of Ne-mee-poo or as the Blue Coats call them, the Nez Perce tribe have been forced from their land and had to travel to the Old Lady's Country, or Canada. There are many battles on the way and family, friends, and neighbors died. "This hatred sickens my heart. All men were made by the same Great Spirit Chief is. Yet we shoot each other down like animals." The ending of the book is sad, and it brought tears to my eyes. Thunder Rolling in the Mountains is fascinating.

There were many things that caught my eye while reading the book. The text had many moods to it, but it mostly focused on depressing and exciting. I liked this because it made the book very surprising and alive. I believe Thunder Rolling in the Mountains is an unforgettable story about the "tragic defeat of the Nez Perce tribe, a classic tale of cruelty, betrayal, and heroism." I especially love how Scott O' Dell (author) adds romance with the young, independent and brave young woman, Sound of Running Feet, and Swan Necklace (Sound of Running Feet's fiancé). Their romance made me worry about what would happen between the two of them, and kept me wanting to read more. This book not only tells the story of the Ne-mee-poo or Nez Perce, but also of their customs and beliefs, their culture. An example of this is, "He was shot when he rode his horse close to the Blue Coats to show he was a brave man." Another example is how the text repeats often about how the Great Spirit Chief made everyone, and how the earth is our Mother. Thunder Rolling in the Mountains is definitely one of those books that you will finish in three days because you always want to keep reading it.

I recommend this book, especially to someone looking for a short, thrilling book to read. I am sure that anyone that reads Thunder Rolling in the Mountains will feel the same way I do about this book. I give this book five stars.

Review written by Abigail (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Thunder Rolling in the Mountains for this review.

Have you read Thunder Rolling in the Mountains? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Shark Bait by Justin D'Ath

Shark Bait
by Justin D'Ath
Extreme Adventures

Kane Miller
ISBN-10: 1-935279-70-X
ISBN-13: 978-1-935279-70-9
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $5.99

Review: Tsunami! said Michi a young Asian boy who is about 10 years old. Sam looks behind him to see a twenty foot high wave. This book is titled Shark Bait, written by Justin D' Ath, and is the 3rd book in the Extreme Adventures series. The main characters are Sam Fox who is 12 and his new friend Michi. It is an amazing, breath taking and "martial arts" style book with a hint of humor like when Michi says "Indestructible" as he gasps for air.

Sam and Michi are sitting watching a little fish that looks like Nemo. When they get hit by a huge wave and get swept off land. They are floating a round trying to make it past many obstacles like sharks and even groups of sea snakes. When they finally reach land, it ends up being the wrong one! They find out that the island is being used to sell birds even a big cassowary. Read the book and find out about Michi and what happens next.

Shark Bait is a fantastic book. I liked the way Michi is able to do martial arts and beat a full grown man. Sam is also able to get the cassowary to help them but the bad part is that that probably would not happen in real life. The book is great, I was hooked before you can say jelly been. I was gluing my face to it when ever I could so I finished it very quickly. Before I started it I thought that my excitement level would stay at a 5, but it shot up to this 10. The ending is great but it is also the best part. So read and find out about all the wonders in this book.

Review written by Carson (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of Shark Bait for this review.

Have you read Shark Bait? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Lila and Ecco's Do-It-Yourself Comics Club by Willow Dawson

Lila and Ecco's Do-It-Yourself Comics Club
by Willow Dawson
Non-series

Kids Can Press
ISBN-10: 1-554-53438-0
ISBN-13: 978-1-554-53438-8
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $16.95

Review: We should make our own comics! This is exactly how Lila and Ecco (and maybe even Ruby!) feel in by Willow Dawson. Eleven year olds, Lila and Ecco (and you!) are learning about how to create comic books, step-by-step in this comic book. As they are learning about making a comic book, they decide to make one too. . .

As Lila and Ecco go to an annual comic convention, they run into a room in which a few artists are talking about the basics of comics and how to create comic books. The problem is that Lila and Ecco can't memorize all this on the exciting drive home- so they grab a booklet and follow the steps to make a comic. As the kids meet again, they start to make a comic book, following all the steps in order while taking care of Lila's younger sister, Ruby. As annoying as she is, she is being used to show examples of comic book traits in this how-to book.

Lila and Ecco's Do-It-Yourself Comics Club is a comic book that explains how to make a comic book. What I like about this book is that the characters are explaining how to make a comic book while pointing or demonstrating how it works. This book also shows some flashbacks while they are talking in case you forget something the character said earlier. One of the cool things I didn't notice at first is that the name of the chapters corresponds with what you are going to learn in that chapter. The focus of Lila and Ecco's Do-It-Yourself Comics Club isn't really the plot, it is how to make a comic book, therefore, the ending isn't mind-blowing, but it is still kind of surprising. If you like comic books or are interested in making a comic book, I suggest you read this book.

Review written by Sahaj (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates, Inc. for providing a copy of Lila and Ecco's Do-It-Yourself Comics Club for this review.

Have you read Lila and Ecco's Do-It-Yourself Comics Club? How would you rate it?

Book Review: ALVIN HO: Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects and Other Man-Made Catastrophes by Lenore Look

ALVIN HO: Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects and Other Man-Made Catastrophes
by Lenore Look
Alvin Ho

A Schwartz & Wade Books
ISBN-10: 0-375-86335-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-375-86335-6
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $15.99

Review: Caution: Paranoia reigns in Alvin Ho' life. This little boy's world is about to be turned upside-down. It's amazing to know what goes on in Alvin's head as he tries to solve his problems. The author of this book is Lenore Look. Alvin Hois about eight years old. This book falls in the comedy category. This is the third book in the Alvin Ho series.

A second grade boy named Alvin Ho must overcome his fear of all things and figure out a way to get his favorite deluxe Indian Chief outfit. Alvin is already a very nervous boy, so when he gets an invitation to a girl's birthday party, he gets himself into a big problem. Alvin's classmate, Bea, invites him to her birthday party-, and Alvin has never been to a girl's birthday party, so he's not sure what to do. So he goes to his cousin, Bucky, for advice. Bucky explains to Alvin how to act at a girl's party, but Alvin still doesn't feel ready. Besides this problem, Alvin must also figure out a way to get a most amazing deluxe Indian Chief outfit, which he wants to wear to Hobson's birthday party. Hobson is a boy in Alvin's class who is having his birthday party at the same time as Bea's. Suddenly, Alvin is faced with the biggest decision, should he go to Bea's birthday party or should he go to Hobson's party?

Alvin Ho is a fun-filled adventure with laughs. The book is written from a second grade boy's point of view, which makes it funny because they think differently. It is easy to understand how Alvin feels because we've all been second graders before. We have also faced tough decisions like Alvin has. I love how Alvin's character is a precocious, yet brave child. Readers are hooked on to the story right from the beginning. The plot relates to a second grade boy because that is who Alvin is and it makes sense to do it like that. I love the way that the author describes what Alvin is thinking. She makes it seem so realistic and cute. The characters in this story are interesting and very life-like, but in a little kid point of view. This book is a great book for any fun-loving people who like books with a lot of laughs.

Review written by Savannah (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of ALVIN HO: Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects and Other Man-Made Catastrophes for this review.

Have you read ALVIN HO: Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects and Other Man-Made Catastrophes? How would you rate it?

Book Review: RASCAL: A Dog and His Boy by Ken Wells

RASCAL: A Dog and His Boy
by Ken Wells
Non-series

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-375-86652-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-375-86652-4
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $16.99

Review: Dogs! More dogs! Even more dogs! Rascal: A Dog and His Boy, written by Ken Wells and illustrated by Christian Slade, is a story of a dog and his boy. It is a fun adventure for the whole family you can never stop reading. It is a short book, but it is guaranteed to keep you wanting to read more and more.

Rascal is an almost pure-bred beagle with a little of blue-tick. He lives on a farm with a mass of other dogs and a cat. So one day he gets adopted by a boy who loves critters. Meely (the boy) has had it tough as a kid. His mother died as a small child and his dad moved to Florida. As he finds out his foster parent got him a dog he gets excited. One day they go hunting and Rascal gets lost while chasing a bunny. Will the little puppy get back to his owner?

The book is amazing. It is basically the adventure of a dog and his boy. The book is fun because Rascal is the narrator. It's exciting because action and adventure comes to you. And it's hilarious because Rascal has a humorous personality. The story is good and the characters have different personalities. Rascal: A Dog and His Boy is a family fiction book that's fun for all ages. Rascal: A Dog and His Boy gets 5 out of 5 stars.

Review written by Jake (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of RASCAL: A Dog and His Boy for this review.

Have you read RASCAL: A Dog and His Boy? How would you rate it?

Book Review: The Study Train: Reunion of the Untouchables by Kurt Frenier

The Study Train: Reunion of the Untouchables
by Kurt Frenier
The Study Train

Eloquent Books
ISBN-10: 1-609-11884-7
ISBN-13: 978-1-609-11884-6
Publication Date: July, 2010
List Price: $10.95

Review: Adventure, sorcery, and mystery! The StudyTrain: Reunion of the Untouchables by Kurt Frenier is sure to capture readers' attention everywhere! Ethan is a lonely 17 year old boy who has no friends, lives in Switzerland, and his parents don't even know he's there. But when Ethan gets a letter asking him to come aboard the StudyTrain, his world changes forever. The StudyTrain: Reunion of the Untouchables is a fantasy novel and is the first in the The StudyTrain series.

The StudyTrain is a magical school aboard a flying train that travels across the world teaching special children to become amazing leaders. Ethan is accepted to go to school aboard the StudyTrain for 8 years. Lord Althulos, the headmaster is very pleased with Ethan's academics aboard the train so he puts Ethan in charge of the delivery room. The delivery room is the place where all information on past students is located. But when Ethan discovers the untouchables, a group of past students that became evil, he starts to become evil. Ethan's dark fire makes him able to do sorcery like flying and able to control minds. But when the leader of the untouchables, Krixit, starts communicating with Ethan, terrible things start to happen.

This book is amazing!!! I loved all the characters. They were all unique. I liked Lord Althulos the best. He's always making witty jokes throughout the book. Also, you get hooked right when Ethan steps on the train. I wish that Parker, Ethan's friend, wasn't evil. That's because I thought that Parker was going to help Ethan not become malicious. This novel is exciting and suspenseful. I couldn't put it down. I would rate this book 5 stars! This story is excellent for Harry Potter lovers! I can't wait for the sequel.

Review written by Kyle (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Kurt Frenier for providing a copy of The Study Train: Reunion of the Untouchables for this review.

Have you read The Study Train: Reunion of the Untouchables? How would you rate it?

Book Review: The Wyverns' Treasure by R. L. LaFevers

The Wyverns' Treasure
by R. L. LaFevers
Nathaniel Fludd Beastologist

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0-547-31618-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-547-31618
Publication Date: October, 2010
List Price: $16.00

Review: Fire, Dragons, and two beastologists. Wyverns' Treasure is the third book in the Nathaniel Fludd Beastologist series. The main character is Nathaniel who likes being called Nate. He is youngest Fludd and that last descendent of the first Fludd, who seeks to carry out the family tradition. The Wyverns' Treasure is mainly for children 13 and younger. This book is an excellent book for people who like mythical creatures like dragons. Flight of the Phoenix and Wyverns' Treasure are fictional books that involved some realistic things.

Aunt Phil and Nate get back to the house to find that it has been searched. Nate feels that something is missing then realizes that it is the dodo bird. Aunt Phil and Nate search the hose until they find the dodo bird hiding under the table. They find out who the intruder looks like and guess it is the descendent of the black sheep of the family, Obediah Fludd. Then Aunt Phil tells Nate that they are going to search Nate's house in case his parents left some important piece of evidence about where the Book of Beasts a book that holds vital information about all that creatures went. They find out that their parents' house had also been searched because of the mess the searcher had left. They find nothing at all that is important that could help them uncover the location of the Book of Beasts. When they were there they get a message from Cornelius which says that the caretakers at Wells are having trouble with the wyverns, a type of dragons. When Nate got there he meets the furious creatures and finds out that there has been an intruder in the Wyverns' Cave. It is the beastologists job to take care of the problem.

I enjoyed the book very much. The author made the characters have funny or serious roles in the story. This is good because a character without an exciting or cool role is boring. The first book inspired me to read the other books in the series. If anyone hasn't read the first book or second the author describes the characters at the start of the book in what their nature or feeling is. The illustrator did a great job illustrating. She drew all the illustrations very well. I think the books start to get more exciting as the newer ones come in the series. I think this because the second book Basilisk's Lair was better than the first book. The Wyverns' Treasure is better than the Basilisk's Lair. This book is the best one from the first and second book because it has more action. Also there is a time when you don't know what going to happen. I rate this book 10 out of 10; what do you rate it?

Review written by Vraj (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Wyverns' Treasure for this review.

Have you read The Wyverns' Treasure? How would you rate it?

Book Review: The Day of the Pelican by Katherine Paterson

The Day of the Pelican
by Katherine Paterson
Non-series

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0-547-18188-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-547-18188-2
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $16.00

Review: Imagine being in the center of a war and having to leave your home so you don't get killed! The Day of the Pelican by Katherine Paterson is an extremely heartbreaking story that anybody would love to read. A young girl named Meli Lleshi and her Albanian family is told by her uncle that if they stay in their house they will be killed by Serbians oppressors. They only believe him when Meli's brother is kidnapped by Serb's. Now it is in their hands to get away from the war, but it just keeps following them. This novel is an amazing story because something new happens on every page. Once you get in you won't be able to get out.

When Meli hears the news on the Serbian oppressors from her uncle, she does not want to believe him. But, once her brother is kidnapped, she realizes he is right. Now they are moving to their uncle's house but they change their plans because they are told that the Serbs were already there. They drive to a camp ground far north where the KLA lives hoping to get a good place to live. There they live in the freezing winter in a small crowded tent. They soon learned that Milosevic, the Serbian president, has called back most of his army, so Meli and her family go back to her uncle's house. One day while they are doing their chores Mehmet (Meli's brother) gets news that America is going to bomb the Serb's. This angered the Serbians, and they started burning all the farms they could find, and Meli's family was forced to leave. After escaping to a refugee camp, they decided to leave and head to America! But, the war continued to follow them on 9/11 came! Day of the Pelican is a good lesson to kids on never giving up in life.

This is the first Katherine Paterson book I have read, and it is amazing. The author makes something new happen on every page. This book makes me want to read all the Katherine Paterson books ever published. Day of the Pelican contains strong details to help readers imagine the scene in their head and feel how the characters feel. It is powerfully emotional and finely crafted for any aged readers. The Day of the Pelican is like The Giant Drop, things just keep on going downhill for Meli and her family but eventually things get better, very much like how The Giant Drop must eventually go up. This book gets right to the point from the first page and the events are perfectly described. You will be on the edge of your seat while you read the descriptive novel. The Day of the Pelican has won the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature award. Katherine Paterson is also the author to The Bridge to Terabithia so if you liked that book, you might like this one. Katherine Paterson has done a wonderful job showing the troubles in the war, as well as the depth emotion a war-torn family must feel. You might want to keep a tissue box close at hand when you read.

Review written by Ravi (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Day of the Pelican for this review.

Have you read The Day of the Pelican? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Flight of the Phoenix by R. L. LaFevers

Flight of the Phoenix
by R. L. LaFevers
Nathaniel Fludd Beastologist

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0-547-23865-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-547-23865-4
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $5.99

Review: Mythical, Desperate, Miserable. Flight of the Phoenix. is by R.L Lafevers. This book is the first book of the Nathaniel Fludd Beastologist. series. Nathaniel Fludd is the main character who really likes drawing. The book is mainly for children 13 years or younger who love mythical creatures who live like any ordinary animal.

Nathaniel Fludd has been waiting for his parents for more than three years. He is staying with Miss Lumpton when a lawyer declares his parents lost at sea. The lawyer sends Nathaniel to his closest relative, the last living beastologist. While he's there, he learns some basic knowledge about his family. One thing is that they all were explores and mapmakers. He finds out that he has to carry out his family's tradition and become a beastologist. So with his new relative he goes to Arabia to see the birth of a phoenix because it only happens every 5 years. In the middle of their plane trip they have technical difficulties because something got into their propeller! What is that something? And, will they ever get to Arabia?

I was delighted by the Flight of the Phoenix. ; it is a very excellent book. The author made Nathaniel look like an ordinary boy who was not familiar with a mythical creature like a real person. There is nothing funny or exciting in the first chapter but by the end of chapter two, it gets more exciting. The author described the characters without actually telling someone their nature like writing "this guy is an always cheerful person." She described the character by their actions. The author did not make the story overly heartbreaking in spite of the fact that the boy lost his parents. She made it a little sad so that someone that has a "delicate heart" would cry over it. The author made Greasle, Nate's temporary pet, very funny in her manner of speech and in what she says. For example, when Nate clumsily sits down on an open airplane she says "Hey, watch what you are doing you big dolt." Also, if you have an imagination, depending on her size you could make her voice sound small and thin. The author made Grease look weird too. This was shown in the illustrator's great drawings which show what the scene is like so the author doesn't have to describe the scene too much. I encourage you to read the books in the series as well. This book is a very good and interesting book to read.

Review written by Vraj (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Flight of the Phoenix for this review.

Have you read Flight of the Phoenix? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Scorpion Sting by Justin D'Ath

Scorpion Sting
by Justin D'Ath
Extreme Adventures

Kane Miller
ISBN-10: 1-935-27971-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-935-27971-6
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $5.99

Review: Image that you are in an unknown cave and the ceiling of the cave just collapsed… you have to stomp through millions of the largest scorpions you have ever seen… you are getting chased by what you think are terrorists… you are stranded in the middle if the desert… what would you do? In this adventure story this all happens to a fourteen year old boy named Sam. I love this book, the Scorpion Sting, which is part of the Extreme Adventures series. This is the fourth book in the series, and I cannot wait to read the rest!

As the story begins, the ceiling of the cave falls and although Sam isn't injured, his brother, Nathan, is terribly hurt. Nathan put his life in Sam's hands to go find help before its too late, but it isn't as easy as it sounds. Sam has to walk through millions of HUMONGOUS scorpions, save a baby kangaroo, avoid being eaten by ferocious dogs, run away from terrorists, and still find a way to save his almost-dead brother along the way. When all seems lost, he meets this boy that is about Sam's age. This boy saves Sam's life, although this boy will need saving somewhere farther into Scorpion Sting. This book is definitely a book that will keep you on your toes and always wanting more and more.

Scorpion Sting is outstanding, wonderful, action-packed, and more. I love how the author makes the main character, Sam, always think about what to do and know exactly what to do in tough situations. I also believe that having another character, such as a teenage boy, come along sometime within the text is very clever. This teenage boy knows the area very well and can almost get the two boys out of trouble. While this boy is trying to lead himself and Sam to safety, he accidentally leads them into a life threatening situation by accident. I love how the text always keeps the reader wondering and guessing. "They were dressed as United States soldiers and carried automatic weapons with state-of-the-art, infrared night sights. It didn't make sense. There wasn't a war on." Statements like these always had me hungry to keep reading on. You may also think that the whole book will be named after what it looks like on the cover, but it really is not. The title is named after a very important event or situation in the book which you do not find out until the end.

Scorpion Sting is very exciting, surprising, and adventurous. I have nothing but good things to say about this book. I would definitely recommend this book to young readers like me. I give this book five stars.

Review written by Abigail (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates, Inc. for providing a copy of Scorpion Sting for this review.

Have you read Scorpion Sting? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Three Black Swans by Caroline B. Cooney

Three Black Swans
by Caroline B. Cooney
Non-series

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-385-73867-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-385-73867-5
Publication Date: August, 2010
List Price: $17.99

Review: Guessing who she was had been fun. Knowing might be a disaster Three girls are feeling this way and do not know what to do. Missy Vianello and Claire Linnehan decide to do a video for the school for a class "hoax" project. As it gets posted on YouTube, the sophomore girls are surprised, excited, and just a little bit worried. In Three Black Swans by Caroline B. Cooney, you'll be with Missy, Claire (and maybe even someone else!) following their every scary move.

No one understands how poor Missy feels. She is best friends with her cousin Claire. She senses something when she is with her cousin and Missy can not explain. Missy is determined to find out. She uses a school project, to create a hoax, to uncover the truth and to prove to everyone that she is right-something weird is going on-but how is Missy to explain? As she tells Claire, she laughs it off, claiming it impossible. Missy will find out-and so will everyone else.

I really love this realistic fiction book. Further into the book, you start understanding why it is titled Three Black Swans. I have also read a few other books by Caroline B. Cooney, and this one, by far, was the best. I like how the story keeps moving along. This story is told in a cool way, because there are four points of view. With these views, it is easy to tell how one is feeling. Many people will read this book and fall in love with it. Also, I think the below fact will help you as you read the book:

"Black Swans-events that are hugely important, rare and unpredictable, and explainable only after the fact." I really liked this book and I recommend that you read this too.

Review written by Sahaj (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Three Black Swans for this review.

Have you read Three Black Swans? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Dead is Just a Rumor by Marlene Perez

Dead is Just a Rumor
by Marlene Perez
Dead Is

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0-547-34592-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-547-34592-5
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $7.99

Review: Who could be writing these things on the wall about me? What is going on with Circe, and how will I deal with my father? are questions I would be asking if I were Samantha in the book. "Dead is Just a Rumor " a book of suspense, thrill, and humor, written by Marlene Perez. This is the third book in the Dead Is series. The main characters throughout the series are Daisy and Samantha. The name of the series is "Dead is". The characters are in high school and around the age 16.

The plot of this is book very interesting. Daisy needs to find out exactly who or what is writing things on the girls and boys bathroom walls about her. But, in the mean time, Daisy wins cooking lessons with the "world famous" chef, Circe Silver tongue! Wait that is a good thing, right? Isn't that what all of the cooking lovers would want? Well that's what Daisy first thought, but boy was she wrong. Daisy is in for a rude awakening with Circe Silver tongue!

I liked that the author wrote the book so that people in middle school as well as high school could relate to the book. I also liked was how the author made the main character (Daisy) not afraid to say or do anything. But, it did feel like the author was sort of rushing the story. She could have slowed down a little. Plus, the story was all over the place. For example, I would read a problem with the chef (Circe), and then there would be a problem with the writing on the bathroom wall. So basically, the author kept on switching from this problem to that problem in each sentence. This does get confusing. I think some people might stop reading this book because it does take a while in for it to get good. But, I would give this book a try, and if you like it, there are other books in the series.

Review written by Bianca (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Dead is Just a Rumor for this review.

Have you read Dead is Just a Rumor? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Tower of Treasure by Scott Chantler

Tower of Treasure
by Scott Chantler
Three Thieves

Kids Can Press
ISBN-10: 1-554-53414-3
ISBN-13: 978-1-554-53414-2
Publication Date: August, 2010
List Price: $17.95

Review: Imagine, three people trying to break into the Queen's tower of treasure. As you may have guessed it wouldn't work out perfectly. Tower of Treasure by Scott Chantler is a graphic novel when Dessa, a tightrope walker, is traveling with the circus and needs to make a big choice. This is the 1st book in the Three Thievesseries. Will they break in and make it to the top of the tower?

A girl named Dessa who happens to be traveling with the circus has a few friends who have an idea, but this may give them trouble later on. She is persuaded to break into the queen's Tower of Treasure. She goes with Topper, but is not very happy about it, although she still goes. They get into a little trouble along the way. Draining systems, chains, and all the queen's men may try to stop Dessa and her friends. Do they get away or will they be trapped forever?

I did not enjoy Tower of Treasure as much I thought that I might have. There wasn't much suspense, making it way to easy to put down. I might suggest Tower of Treasure to kids that are younger. Nonetheless, I did find the character of Topper to be funny. He is very full of himself and thinks that he is the most important person in the world. I laughed when he had lines like "my head is as good as three heads." The end was kind of annoying because it was sort of a "to be continued" which is frustrating because I want to know what happens. Overall, I rate Tower of Treasure two stars because although there are a few funny moments, I wasn't overly thrilled with Tower of Treasure.

Review written by Kathryn (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates, Inc. for providing a copy of Tower of Treasure for this review.

Have you read Tower of Treasure? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Crazy by Han Nolan

Crazy
by Han Nolan
Non-series

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN-10: 0-15-205109-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-15-205109-9
Publication Date: September, 2010
List Price: $17.00

Review: Do you enjoy depressing stories? Then I suggest reading Crazy by Han Nolan. I thought the book was interesting. In the beginning, the book didn't really pull me, but as I went along, it gradually got pulled me in. The story line is amazing because many unusual events happen. Firstly, Jason's mom has just died and he is trying to ignore thinking of his mom. Next, Jason has to take care of his mentally ill dad. Plus, Jason has just become friends with Shelby, Haze, and Pete, the first friends he's made in 4 years. And, as you go on in the book, you see Jason's life only gets worse.

Ever since Jason's mom died, Jason's dad's mental state gets worse. Jason and his dad live in their unheated house which is horrible since the story takes place in the winter. As a result, Jason must fend for himself and his dad. To find out more on how he lives like this, you must read this book!

Crazy is a great read for anyone who likes to cuddle up with a good book and read for hours. I wouldn't suggest this book to young readers because there are many mature moments in this book. But it can be enjoyed by middle school students, high-level readers, and adults too!!! This book is an easy book to understand and love. Some parts are a little confusing, but as you go along, you start to understand everything. I think this book will touch somewhere special in your heart and you will read this book nonstop. In the very end, this was a very touching read. Read it...

Review written by Krystyna (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Crazy for this review.

Have you read Crazy? How would you rate it?