Review: Water Balloon by Audrey Vernick Review: Water Balloon by Audrey Vernick

Water Balloon by Audrey Vernick.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547595542

Review: Water Balloon; doesn't it make you want to run around outside with your friends? Well, that's exactly what Marley used to do with her best friends every summer; at least, until her parents got divorced in Water Balloon by Audrey Vernick. This summer, Marley has to stay with her dad, who, ever since he and Marley's mom got separated, is the worst father ever. Ever since her parents' separation, Marley's dad has become boring and no longer does anything fun with Marley. To add to that, Marley's best friends are acting so rude ever since they became friends with all the kids in their Curtain Call group. As if that's not enough, Marley's dad gets her a job babysitting for twins, even though Marley has never babysat before! The upside, there's a boy; one who can make baseball actually seem interesting. This summer is going to be the worst of Marley's life- or is it?

Water Balloon deserves a 5 out of 5 rating. I loved this book and there are probably many older children who could compare this to their own lives and their personal experiences if their family has gone through this hardship as well. They will be able to better understand what Marley is going through. Throughout the story, Marley becomes more mature and she learns to deal with her family's problems better. I think that this is what Audrey Vernick was trying to show when she wrote this book. I personally think that this book is meant for young adult readers due to the content and the language that is meant for more mature readers. I think that this book would suit children in 7th or 8th grade, especially girls, because Marley is in 7th grade. These kids will probably be able to understand the story better from Marley's point of view.

Review written by Yahvi (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Water Balloon? How would you rate it?

Review: Biomimicry: Inventions Inspired by Nature by Dora Lee

Biomimicry: Inventions Inspired by Nature by Dora Lee.

Kids Can Press
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $18.95
ISBN-13: 9781554534678

Review: Biomimicry: Inventions Inspired by Natureis written by Dora Lee and illustrated by Margot Thompson. Biomimicry is a non-fiction book about nature's talent affecting human's inventions. It is not part of a series and the only characters are an assortment of animals and plants. Biomimicry is for people who are 8 years and over.

Biomimicry compares inventions inspired by plants and animals. For example, a shark's skin has groves that overlap each other so the water can move more easily instead of bumping against the water. Then in the 2000 Summer Olympics Games in Sydney Australia 28 of the 33 gold medal winners wore sharkskin-inspired swimsuits to boost their speed. Also, small like cockleburs inspired the invention of velcro. Even inspired by nature's nanotechnology, scientists will make artificial photosynthesis, for cheap clean power. Biomimicry can teach you about inventions that could happen in the future. Each page is filled with astonishing facts that are not known to many people.

I really admired Biomimicry: Inventions Inspired by Nature. I liked all the facts in the book. They were mostly something I didn't know and also some of the facts were worth to know in daily life or even for fun. I really didn't like that Biomimicry would discuss on inventions that did not already exist. I think there should be more inventions that are already here, active and not some going-to-happen stuff. Biomimicry is mainly for basic knowledge and knowing fun facts. Only people who wanted basic knowledge would want to read it. People who like non-fiction and a little science fiction should be interested. It may seem interesting to most while it may not interesting others so it depends on the reader.

Review written by Vraj (7th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Biomimicry: Inventions Inspired by Nature for this review.

Have you read Biomimicry: Inventions Inspired by Nature? How would you rate it?

Review: The Lost Songs by Caroline B. Cooney

The Lost Songs by Caroline B. Cooney.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2011
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739665

Review: Four kids. A list of songs. And the history of one student which brings them all together. In The Lost Songs by Caroline B. Cooney, it all starts when Doria Bell moves to South Carolina, shy, and unlike the outgoing people at her new school. She instantly develops a crush on Kelvin Hartley, who everyone knows and likes. Two of Kelvin's old friends were Cliff Greene and Lutie Painter. Opposite of Cliff, Lutie attempts to find out more about her mother, with a horrifying thought recurring in the back of her mind. Only one thing can comfort her-her lost songs.

When the professor who was searching for the 'lost songs' found the family name "Painter", he contacted Lutie's chorus director. Lutie refused to share the songs that ran in her family for decades. In despair, the chorus director went to Doria to try to weasel information, and the songs, out of Lutie. Now Doria wants to know, what are these songs? When a life ends, Lutie, Kelvin, Doria, and Cliff find themselves together with everyone's lives changing for the better.

This book was very meaningful because it was about the light and dark side of music and life. It showed how some family influences are not good, and that following in that path won't do you any good. But on a lighter note, music lovers would highly appreciate this book. The reference of two different kinds of loves for music is evident- one that is powered completely by passion, and one that is perfectionism. Whether you like singing, piano, or any kind of music form, you have to give The Lost Songs a chance. It's very beautifully written by a very talented author (Caroline B. Cooney), and I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Review written by Sahaj (7th grade student).

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

Have you read The Lost Songs? How would you rate it?

Review: The No. 1 Car Spotter: Best in the Village - Maybe in the World! by Atinuke

The No. 1 Car Spotter: Best in the Village - Maybe in the World! by Atinuke. A No. 1 Book.

Kane Miller
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $5.99
ISBN-13: 9781406320770

Review: How would you feel if you were able to know what kind of cars pass even before looking at them? The No. 1 Car Spotter: Best in the Village - Maybe in the World!, a No. 1 book by Atinuke is a great, quick read about family and caring for each other. Oluwalase Babatunde Benson (No.1 for short) is The No. 1 Car Spotter in the village, and maybe even the world. He lives in a small town in Africa with his huge family. There's Coca-Cola, Mama, grandmother, grandfather, Sunshine, Smile, Mama Coca-Cola, Beke, Bisi, Bola, Mama B, Auntie Fine-Fine, and much more! Meanwhile, No. 1's father is living in the city-- trying to make money for his loved ones.

When the citizens of No.1's small little village find that their cart has broken, no one can get their fruits, vegetables, toys, and other goods to the market, so it's up to Coca-Cola and him to save the day! When the women of the family need someone to go buy them beauty products, No.1 isn't afraid to do it for them! And finally, when grandmother is ill, and Papa needs wheelbarrows in order to make money for her to go to the care center, No.1 will surely give away his wheelbarrow for the sake of grandmother's life. Follow No.1 in all of his adventures to try and make everyone in his family- including himself the best they can be.

I rate The No. 1 Car Spotter 5 out of 5 stars because I loved the way that Coca-Cola and No.1 are so dedicated to help their family and to make their village better. No.1 is definitely a great role model! He shows respect and helpfulness in many ways throughout the story. This book is a great, enjoyable read for all ages. So don't wait, go read The No. 1 Car Spotter now; you won't regret it!

Review written by Sofia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of The No. 1 Car Spotter: Best in the Village - Maybe in the World! for this review.

Have you read The No. 1 Car Spotter: Best in the Village - Maybe in the World!? How would you rate it?

Review: Night of the Living Dust Bunnies by Erik Craddock

Night of the Living Dust Bunnies by Erik Craddock. A Stone Rabbit Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 2011
List Price: $6.99
ISBN-13: 9780375867248

Review: When it's Halloween anything can happen, and karma is at its strongest on that night. For instance, when you call someone ugly and call someone "dumb ears," you are definitely going to get your butt kicked by karma. Night of the Living Dust Bunnies written by Erik Craddock is a comedic adventure story that features many humorous characters. When Henri lets loose the dust bunnies, nobody is safe. Henri is mischievous and Dumb Ears is angry. That combination can never end well. Will they be able to save Halloween?

Night of the Living Dust Bunnies takes place mainly on Halloween but this Halloween has a twist when Henri accidently turns on the switch of an atomic lamp causing dust bunnies to reign through the night. Everybody in town is literally sucked into this mystery. The dust bunnies are mistaken for Halloween costumes, but not for long. These costumes eat people when they're hungry. Can the friends miraculously save the town?

Night of the Living Dust Bunnies has great potential for the right audience. The type of story is not one of my favorites; however fans of the Stone Rabbit series will not be disappointed. The recommended audience is an 8-10 year old reader who enjoys comedy. Night of the Living Dust Bunnies is a great book to put in libraries particularly for those reluctant readers, and it is a relaxing read. Night of the Living Dust Bunnies has an extremely fun twist and is a great graphic novel to use for a predicting activity as a teacher. It will make the children laugh at what actually happens, because the sophisticated predictions will look hilarious compared to the comedic text. The quote that I found crucial was when Henri said" Actually, I might have turned it on accidently after I finished scribbling in the dust all over Dumb Ear's house." This quote meant something to me because it represents how bad behavior leads to big mistakes. I find it important that this book also teaches morale, and is not only funny.Night of the Living Dust Bunnies is a quick read and is perfect for reading on Halloween night after trick-or-treating. Night of the Living Dust Bunnies is an overall fun, comedic adventure.

Review written by Joseph (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Night of the Living Dust Bunnies for this review.

Have you read Night of the Living Dust Bunnies? How would you rate it?

Review: The Magic Cake Shop by Meika Hashimoto

The Magic Cake Shop by Meika Hashimoto.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375868221

Review: I felt magical when reading The Magic Cake Shop by Meika Hashimoto! This book is filled with cakes, truffles, lollipops and gum that will make your mouth water. When Emma Burblee has to spend her summer away at her Uncle Simon's house, she meets Mr. Crackle, the head chef of the most popular cake shop in town. They then need to work together to spoil Uncle Simon's evil plan.

Emma can't take all the perfection. Her parents are snotty, rude, and rich. They want Emma to look her best all the time. When she finally has had it, her parents send her to Uncle Simon's house as punishment. Emma always either has to make her uncle food or run to the local cake shop (owned by Mr. Crackle) to fill up his dessert box, until she figures out Uncle Simon's evil plot which is to make even better desserts than Mr. Crackle, one of the best bakers in the world! When Emma ruins their most important ingredient, they purposely poison Mr. Crackle. He, Emma, and Albie go on one tough adventure in order to spoil the plan and cure Mr. Crackle!

I enjoyed this book a lot because of its positive message about how you can accomplish almost anything with teamwork. The Magic Cake Shop is a great story for all ages. Hashimoto did a great job writing this book; I didn't want to put it down! I loved how Mr. Crackle would always make fun of Uncle Simon for eating too much, and how Emma and Albie get to explore the secret rooms from the factory. It is full of fun and silliness that will make you giggle!

Review written by Sofia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Magic Cake Shop for this review.

Have you read The Magic Cake Shop? How would you rate it?

Review: Secrets of the Magic Ring by Karen McQuestion

Secrets of the Magic Ring by Karen McQuestion. Sequel to Celia and the Fairies.

AmazonEncore
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $8.95
ISBN-13: 9781612181424

Review: Have you ever imagined of one day possessing an object that would grant your dearest wish? In Secrets of the Magic Ring by Karen McQuestion, the sequel to Celia and the Fairies that depicts what happens in a world in habituated by fairies, a boy named Paul seems to have discovered a ring that is just that. In Secrets of the Magic Ring you will learn about the strange things that happen to Paul, as well as his friends and family, after his discovery of his new treasure, a magic ring. Secrets of the Magic Ring may be Karen McQustion's best book of all time.

It begins during the installation of Paul's new pool, generous gift for his 9th birthday from his Aunt Vicky, when he notices a square shaped object buried in the wall of ground. Once Paul learns of the object he decides to get it out of the ground and find out what it is. Unbeknownst to his parents, he retrieves the object only to be confronted by a strange boy named Henry, who demands to be given the new treasure, but is scared off by Paul's dog Clem. Within the Watchful Woods is the fairy Jasmine, whose job is to oversee Paul's family and it, is Jasmine who gets Clem to frighten Henry. Once Paul opens the box he finds a gold ring with a sparkling blue gem in the middle inscribed "Be Selfless." Within the middle of the ring is a rolled up piece of paper that tells Paul how it cold bestow the wearer their most fervently wished-for ability, and that there is only one use per wearer. Later, while wearing the ring Vicky falls into the pool and in an instant can swim, which she feared doing most of her life. Also, later when Clem retrieves the ring for Paul, he gains the ability to talk, and eventually Paul himself gains the ability to fly. The magic ring has amazing power, but is shrouded in mystery. Who really was Henry? What else will become of the ring, and the fairies that live in the woods? Read Secrets of the Magic Ring to find out!

Secrets of the Magic Ring is a great book for lovers of fantasy regardless of age. It deserves 5 out of 5 stars because of how it well depicts dreams coming true. For example, how almost ever y person feared to do something but could never will them self to do so and then by chance accomplishing it, like aunt Vicky did when she became a swimmer in an instant or how Clem could be understood and talk. Also, how at some point everyone has probably dreamed of flying, and how it came true for Paul. Additionally, this book provides vivid details about the settings and characters. For instance, "the weather was hot, but it was cool in the shade, and they could always use their wings to generate a slight breeze if need be." described how the weather was like for the fairies as they had a conversation about the ring. Secrets of the Magic Ring is a outstanding book to read any time anywhere.

Review written by Matthew (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Karen McQuestion for providing a copy of Secrets of the Magic Ring for this review.

Have you read Secrets of the Magic Ring? How would you rate it?

Review: Binky Under Pressure by Ashley Spires

Binky Under Pressure by Ashley Spires. A Binky Adventure.

Kids Can Press
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9781554535040

Review: Ashley Spires has yet again made another Binky adventure, and this adventure is titled Binky Under Pressure . It involves Binky and Gracie, two space cats. Binky is the main character and is a fat and lazy kitty. Gracie comes to Binky's space station to test him on his space cat survival skills.

The story begins with Binky. Binky has a very normal and routine life. He goes through the same schedule every day; he naps, eats, naps, bathes and naps some more. Gracie, on the other hand, has a very active life. She works as a F.U.R.S.T. (Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel) official. As a F.U.R.S.T. official she travels around the universe to test agents, such as Binky, on their space cat survival skills. When Gracie shows up at Binky's space station, Binky thinks that she is an alien. She seems too perfect. Gracie takes his food, litter, best friend and his human's attention. Binky gets mad. He figures out that Gracie is not an alien but a F.U.R.S.T. official and has come to test him. Will Binky pass his test? How would he handle an invasion?

Ashley Spires has outdone herself this time. Binky Under Pressure is awesome. Binky has a hard time with his test. During the test taking process, Binky tries many different ideas. The different ways that he goes about solving the problems that Gracie sends his way will bring a smile to your face. It will even make you laugh out loud. In the end, Binky and Gracie end up working as a team of sorts. I really enjoyed this science-fiction/fantasy book, and I look forward to reading another graphic novel on Binky.

Review written by Michael (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates for providing a copy of Binky Under Pressure for this review.

Have you read Binky Under Pressure? How would you rate it?

Review: Something to Hold by Katherine Schlick Noe

Something to Hold by Katherine Schlick Noe.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: December 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547558134

Review: Imagine living with people who are all different from you, people who don't like you very much and are cruel to you? Doesn't it sound a lot like Segregated America? In the story Something to Hold by Katherine Schlick Noe, Kitty has just moved to the Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon. It's 1962 and her father works for the government. Because of his government job, Kitty's family moves from place to place constantly.

During the time of Segregated America, African Americans were always treated unfairly by whites. In this story, Native Americans and whites are both being mistreated by each other; Native Americans because there are already fights going on between Native Americans and whites, and whites because there are very few whites living on the reservation. This is just one of the problems that Kitty and her family have to put up with in this story. The only reason why kitty's family is on the reservation in the first place is because kitty's dad is a fireman and they have to move from place to place depending on where the most fires are happening.

This story is very appealing, especially because it is based on the author's childhood. I think that Katherine Schlick Noe did an amazing job in writing this book. Because of her history, she is able to add exceptional insight into the experiences of whites living on a reservation. Personally, I think this book is intended for older readers due to the concepts of the story. Many young children would probably not be able to understand the problems and the conflicts between Native Americans and whites in the story, whereas older children would understand. I would rate Something to Hold 5 out of 5stars because it can educate you on the past of native Americans and whites in America. I loved this book and I think that others would feel the same. Once you start reading this entrancing book, you won't be able to put it down!

Review written by Yahvi (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Something to Hold? How would you rate it?

Review: Toys Come Home: Being the Early Experiences of an Intelligent Stringray, a Brave Buffalo, and a Brand-New Someone Called Plastic by Emily Jenkins

Toys Come Home: Being the Early Experiences of an Intelligent Stringray, a Brave Buffalo, and a Brand-New Someone Called Plastic by Emily Jenkins. A Toys Go Out Book.

Schwartz & Wade Books
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375862007

Review: Plush, Adventure, and Trials. Toys Come Home: Being the Early Experiences of an Intelligent Stringray, a Brave Buffalo, and a Brand-New Someone Called Plastic , a book written by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky, is an amazing book. It is the third book in the Toys Go Out series. The main character is an intelligent Stingray named StingRay.

Toys Come Home is all about a female plush Stingray named StingRay and her life at a little girl's house. She meets many new friends, and ends up losing some. When StingRay first views the girl's house, she is clueless about everything. She is aided by Bobby Dot, also a new toy. As she goes through her life in the girl's house, she finds out everything is not easy. As the girl gets older in this book, StingRay learns many new rules about the house. Overtime, she meets new friends with whom she can proudly show her knowledge, such as Lumphy the stuffed buffalo, and Plastic the bouncing ball. So all in all, StingRay's life is very interesting.

I loved Toys Come Home . The only part that I disliked was that it was too short. It tells all about toys who are fictionally alive and how they live their lives. This book is mostly targeted to children, in that it is all about the secret lives of a child's toys. The thing that attracted me was how the toys come to life. They do many extraordinary actions that are hard to believe. One example is when Lumphy is battling Pumpkinfacehead, the cat, to save the toys. Filled with adventure, excitement, new friendships, and even sadness, Toys Come Home will touch the heart of anyone with an interest in extraordinary fictional stories. It will most likely catch the eyes and imagination of young children because they often imagine what their toys are doing when they are not around. So in conclusion, Toys Come Home is a fascinating and interesting novel.

Review written by Anjan (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Toys Come Home: Being the Early Experiences of an Intelligent Stringray, a Brave Buffalo, and a Brand-New Someone Called Plastic for this review.

Have you read Toys Come Home: Being the Early Experiences of an Intelligent Stringray, a Brave Buffalo, and a Brand-New Someone Called Plastic? How would you rate it?

Review: Dead is a Battlefield by Marlene Perez

Dead is a Battlefield by Marlene Perez. A Dead Is Book.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: March 2012
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9780547607344

Review: Zombies might not be the way you think they are. They might not have organs slipping out from inside them. Their body-parts might not fall all the time. Maybe they're not the bloody mess everyone thinks them to be, and they're not as easily recognized as those zombies you would find in old horror films. And when you think about it, witches might not be how you'd imagine either. They might not be green-skinned, and might not have ginormous warts growing on their noses. They might not wear black and make it obvious of what they truly are! That also brings us to the topic of vampires. Let's say they don't have fangs. Or that they can go into the sunlight, and they're immune to garlic. Maybe they don't wear cloaks, and aren't extremely pale. But then again, maybe they are. Marlene Perez filled the pages of Dead is a Battlefield with the complicated life of Jessica Walsh, and the other side of those night creatures you imagined under your bed at night. Dead is a Battlefield is the sixth book in the Dead Is series, however, it's also a new beginning. The first five books were centered around a girl named Daisy rather than Jessica. Dead is a Battlefield begins with Jessica Walsh and tells her story.

Life goes well for Jessica Walsh. She has the greatest best friend anyone can have, she's popular, and many guys have a thing for Jessica. Her crush, Dominic Gray, the new lead singer for the band Side Affects May Vary, even seems to like her back. She's also made friends with Raven Gray, who happens to be Dominic's younger sister. However, she's also a virago, a woman warrior who fights when her city is in trouble. In fact, both of them are, and neither of them like it too much. Also, Dominic (Dom) at times seems to be in love with another girl, Selena. Jessica is starting her freshman year at Nightshade High, and trying to forget the tragic accidents from the day of her older brother's Grad Night. And to top it all off, Jessica's best friend is lovesick over a guy who runs a perfume shop! You'd think that's normal, but the Look of Love perfume shop isn't just any perfume shop. There's trouble lingering all around it. Also, it seems like zombies are popping up everywhere in Nightshade! Will the virus spread before they discover how to stop the infection? Will they be able to save the citizens of Nightshade? Can Jessica's life get more complicated?

I really loved Dead is a Battlefield ; it's written beautifully! Basically, it centers around zombies and perfume, quite interesting if you ask me. It's so wonderful because Marlene Perez managed to combine the two, and they have almost no connection whatsoever. What an amazing plot! Zombies, witches, viragos, vampires, seers, and so many more! I'm so relieved that this is a series! There's not much that could make me happier. Therefore, I rate Dead is a Battlefield 10 out of 5 stars! Yes, it's that good of a book; probably even better. This is, after all, a book about zombies and a little special something that-I'm-not-going-to-include-in-here-and-ruin-your-adventure. Just saying. Overall, I really recommend Dead is a Battlefield to all kids and young adults. I had so much fun reading this book that I reread it again and again two times! (I'm almost done rereading it the third time) I'd like to share Dead is a Battlefield with all those eager readers looking for something new to read. I can't wait for the next book, Dead is a Killer Tune to come out, and I want to be the first to read it.

Review written by Tam (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Dead is a Battlefield? How would you rate it?

Review: 47 Things You Can Do For The Environment by Lexi Petronis

47 Things You Can Do For The Environment by Lexi Petronis.

Zest Books
Publication Date: January 2012
List Price: $10.99
ISBN-13: 9780982732212

Review: Scientists have realized that the Earth is becoming warmer. Most of us are aware of this and know that there is something that everyone can do to create a change. In the introduction of 47 Things you can do For the Environment that is exactly what Lexi Petronis is telling the reader. This book is directed toward today's teens. A few people might wonder why this book is centered on teens; well this is Petronis' answer:

"Teens are strong, creative, and motivated. They're the doers and dreamers. They are also the ones that will inherit the planet. If change is going to happen, it has to start with them."

This book has eight chapters or sections, one for each part of your life. At Home, With Your Lifestyle, At School, With Technology, While Shopping, When Traveling, With Friends, and In the Community are the eight sections. Within each section are the everyday events and how to make them greener. Every single one of the 47 ways to change your life has an introduction that sometimes has a joke, but always something that is easy for the reader to relate. Then there is a section on how to do it, like how to throw a party green style. Sometimes there is a green box related to the topic that will tell you how you do not have to stop at recycling paper. A section that readers will find useful was the glossary at the back of the book. Throughout the book Petronis put websites with additional information on a certain topic. For example, you can check your carbon footprint on terrapass.com and tell you how to lower it. Also, at the back of the book is every single website that was mentioned throughout the book. At the back of this book there are source notes to where Petronis found every piece of her information by section. This book is directed toward teens but, it is actually for anyone who wants to learn more on how to help the environment. I rate 47 Things you can do For the Environment five out of five stars. It gives the reader 47 ways to help the environment. We may not be able to stop the rise in temperature, but we can at least slow it down. Lucky Petronis put her sources at the back of the book; the readers are certainly going to want to read more.

Review written by Donna (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of 47 Things You Can Do For The Environment for this review.

Have you read 47 Things You Can Do For The Environment? How would you rate it?

Review: Wherever You Go by Heather Davis

Wherever You Go by Heather Davis.

Harcourt Childrens Books
Publication Date: November 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547501512

Review: Have you ever felt like someone was watching you? Well if you're Holly Mullen, it's your dead boyfriend, Rob. Holly is an everyday girl who is just trying to help her family in their tough times. Suddenly, her life changes. Her amazing boyfriend Rob dies in a car crash. Holly is devastated, but somehow finds a way to carry on with her life. But when her Alzheimer stricken grandfather comes to live with her, life gets harder. She has to take care of him and her younger sister every second. To make matters worse, Holly's grandfather keeps claiming that he is seeing this mysterious person named Roberto ….

Ever since his best friend died in the crash, Jason has just wanted to find some comfort in his life. He has never missed anyone so much. His mom and dad are divorcing, and his other friend Mark hasn't really been there for him. Jason wishes he could talk to Rob and get his advice. Then, he finds Holly. He knows that she was Rob's girlfriend but that doesn't matter to him. Holly is everything that his old girlfriend, Faith, wasn't. Jason believes he has found his soul mate. He will do whatever it takes to keep this one ray of sunshine from disappearing.

Life is hard and so is death. Rob wanders the earth, wishing someone could hear and see him. He spends his days watching his family and friends. But one day, Rob's cold silence changes. A man in Holly's house can see and hear him! They have long talks every day in Italian. After a while, the man, named Aldo, asks him what he is still doing on Earth. Rob is surprised. He never thought about that. Together, Aldo and Rob team up to finish Rob's unfinished business so that he can find the light.

Wherever You Go is a great story to read. It is the heart-breaking story of one's struggles after the death of a friend. The book tells everything through the eyes of young love. It is a story about a young person who has died and another who barely survived a tragic accident. Although the book is a little slow at the beginning, it comes through in the end. The author really shows that it isn't easy to lose a loved one and that maybe it isn't easy for the one who is lost either. The book is so wonderful I almost cried at the end. It is just an unbelievable book. From the format of the story, to every period at the end of every sentence, Heather Davis tells the story in an interesting but sentimental way. The book really shows the true beauty of the light that so many people want to reach.

Review written by Abigail (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Wherever You Go? How would you rate it?