Review: Will Sparrow's Road by Karen Cushman

Will Sparrow's Road by Karen Cushman.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: November 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547739625

Review: Will Sparrow's Road, written by Karen Cushman, is the story of a boy by the name Will Sparrow who tries to survive life on the road. Alongside him, a few oddities take him in and help him realize that there is still hope in the world. Can Will, a liar and thief, learn to love and feel loved again after all he had experienced before?

In the beginning, Will belonged to an innkeeper. He has no family. Originally, he had a family, but his ale-sodden father sold him for ale. You might wonder about his mother. His father always told him that she ran away because of Will, but Will never believed him. As the plot moves on, Will decides to run away. When nighttime comes, he leaves, soundlessly, and hurriedly runs down the bumpy road. After a few days, Will finds a man who needs help, help to get money. However, after Will assists the man, he gets cheated! Will realizes that he must never trust anyone. Then he finds a fair that can support a house for him. Soon after, he meets a magician who offers to pay him for the work that he does for him once a day. After the fair ends, the magician, Master Tidball, leaves Will with an old, broken down man, who offers Will a dinner and two sixpence a day. When Will meets the man's co-workers, he wishes he that he had never made this agreement. A small man, who looked like a dwarf, and a half cat half girl creature are Will's companions. Can these hideous creatures become Will's family?

In Will Sparrow's Road, I liked it when the author included Latin such as, "Valete- farewell, ab imo pectore- from my heart, and suum cuique pulchritudine- to each his own beauty." This language made the story come alive because the setting is in England, somewhere around 1599. Also, in the beginning, the first couple chapters were slow moving, but as the book gradually went on, the story recovered. I enjoyed how the author used words like, "Nay and Ne'er," but I also got a little confused by the dialect sometimes. Will Sparrow's Road helped me realize how hard life was in the 1500s but also showed me that a wee little liar and thief, after all he has been through, can still learn how to love. All in all, I think this book deserves five stars.

Review written by Monica (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Will Sparrow's Road for this review.

Have you read Will Sparrow's Road? How would you rate it?

Review: What We Become by Jesse Karp

What We Become by Jesse Karp. A Companion to Those That Wake.

Harcourt Childrens Books
Publication Date: February 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547555003

Review: Do you like a good book full of violence and adventure? Then What We Become by Jesse Karp is the book for you.

In What we Become, one of the main characters is Mal. In the beginning of the story, Mal is being beat up by henchmen. Mal tries everything he can to attack, but they still win the hustle. After the fight, the henchmen drag Mal across the floor shattering his pants. The henchmen bring Mal to their leader to talk where he is left to sleep. When they leave, Mal tries to escape. But even if he escapes, he knows he has a difficult journey ahead of him.

What is next for Mal and will he ever escape the city and make is way back home? If you want to figure that out, read What we Become by Jesse Karp. I recommend this 5 star novel to any one who likes a good story and a little violence. The suspense will keep readers at the edge of their seats!

Review written by Eric (6th grade student).

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

Have you read What We Become? How would you rate it?

Review: The Boy in the Box: Master Melville's Medicine Show by Cary Fagan

The Boy in the Box: Master Melville's Medicine Show by Cary Fagan.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: October 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547752686

Review: "But I'm not dead!" So says Sullivan Mintz, the protagonist in The Boy in the Box: Master Melville's Medicine Show, the first book in a series by Cary Fagan. The book is about an eleven-year-old boy named Sullivan Mintz whose family owns the Stardust Home for Old People. Sullivan takes up juggling as a hobby after his best friend Manny, who is eighty-one years old, suggests it.

In the beginning of the story, Sullivan and his sister, Jinny, go to see a medicine show but Sullivan ends up getting kidnapped by Master Melville, the show's leader. When Sullivan asks Melville to let him go home, Melville tells him it's too late and shows him an article that says he drowned. Although everyone else in town thinks he is dead, Manny and Jinny go looking for Sullivan. Meanwhile, Sullivan meets new people who belong to the medicine show and develops a rivalry with Frederick, who is a magician. On the other had, Sullivan forms alliances with Clarence and Esmeralda. Will Sullivan accept his fate with the medicine show or will he try to escape? You'll have to read to find out.

In my opinion, The Boy in the Box: Master Melville's Medicine Show is written for fourth through seventh graders. I think that all the characters in the book were round, the changed and developed. Sullivan, Manny, Jinny, Clarence, Sullivan's friend Norville, and Esmeralda are also likeable. I feel there are not many flat characters. Also, I like how the author breaks each chapter into smaller sections, so you don't have to read an entire chapter about the characters. I think the plot was well developed as it is adventurous, fast-paced, and sometimes suspenseful. The book ends with a cliffhanger, and this will leave you wanting to read the second book. All in all, The Boy in the Box is a great book, and I would give it four out of five stars.

Review written by Luke (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Boy in the Box: Master Melville's Medicine Show for this review.

Have you read The Boy in the Box: Master Melville's Medicine Show? How would you rate it?

Review: One Came Home by Amy Timberlake

One Came Home by Amy Timberlake.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869259

Review: Are you the type of person who enjoys adventure, mystery, and a quest? Well, then One Came Home that is written by Amy Timberlake is just for you. ''A sister lost, a body found, and the truth buried.Ó Agatha runs off, and a body is found like hers and nobody know the truth. Will Georgie find her sister?

Is there truth? Will you find you're sister? Well, this is what Gerogie is faced to do. Agatha is a nature lover and wants to go to a university. All of a sudden there is a like a gathering of all pigeons, so many that if you tried to count them it would be impossible to count them all. As a result people from all over the country come here to visit this village. You would think this would be a good for the village so they could make more money, but certainly not for the Burkhardt family because Agatha runs off! The officer brings back a dead body with the clothes last worn by Agatha. Everybody thinks there is no doubt about it. Far form believing this is Gerogie. She is determined to find her sister. All she yearns to do is get her sister back. Will she find her sister?

One Came Home is a great book that it is a page-turning mystery. The setting is intriguing that because it takes place in village in America in 1871. Some characters that are interesting are Agatha and Gerogie. Agatha sees beauty in everything she sees unlike most people. Gerogie has a Springfield rifle and shoots freakishly accurate she is too good. This story would be certainly liked by everybody. I mean who doesn't like a page-turning mystery, quest, and adventure book? It is also thrilling. Even I yearned to find out if Gerogie would find her sister? This book is undoubtedly appropriate for all ages, so as a result it is a fantastic book. One Came Home deserves 5 stars because it's an amazing book that future generations will adore and enjoy.

Review written by Omar (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of One Came Home for this review.

Have you read One Came Home? How would you rate it?

Review: The Mourning Emporium by Michelle Lovric

The Mourning Emporium by Michelle Lovric. A Companion to The Undrowned Child.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2012
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385740005

Review: "There will be danger. We may be fighting for our lives, For Venice. For London, for our world if necessary." says eleven-year-old Teodora Gasperin, in The Mourning Emporium Review, the thrilling novel by Michelle Lovric, the second book in the Undrowned Child Series.

The Mourning Emporium Review begins with Venice being completely destroyed by an ice flood. Many people have died, and Teodora's or Teo's adoptive parents are missing. Teo immediately suggests that the evil Bajamonte Tiepolo is trying to once again destroy Venice just as in the last book. Then the reader is introduced to Teo's sidekick, Renzo, who is the Studious Son. Teo is the Undrowned Child; Renzo and he are both protectors of Venice. You will need to read the book to find out what happens to these boys who are left with no parents.

In my opinion, The Mourning Emporium is a great book because I love the setting, gritty London in the 1900's. Of course that might not appeal to everyone, but for me, the setting really enhanced the story. At some points during the book, the dialect does detract from the story. For example, when the boys are in London, the accents are extremely thick and the grammar is not proper. So it is difficult to understand some of the dialogue. In the book, a new character called Turtledove grabs Renzo and yells at him. Later in the dialogue, I find that Turtledove is a dog, which I didn't understand initially. Since Turtledove was doing very strange things, I needed to go back to see why that was happening. The dialect and grammar didn't detract in a major way, but I would've preferred that the characters speak more clearly. Unfortunately, the plot was very predictable and overused. Two kids save the world! We've all seen it. For example, the cruel captor on the Scilla Miss Uish is overthrown by the orphans. They throw her into the water butÉoh, surprise surprise! She gets away and joins Bajamonte Tiepolo in a boat full of ghost convicts.

On a positive note, Michelle Lovric does a great job with mystery. Because when a new mystery is introduced I feel fully engaged. In addition, parts of the book are very funny. The prime example for me is, "Despite being fully twelve years old, Teo could not resist sticking out her tongue at her captors." I feel that the characters always stay the same, no matter what. So the characters are static which makes it very frustrating reading sometimes. Overall, balancing the positives and the negatives, The Mourning Emporium is a good book, and I would recommend it for Grades 6-8 because of some gruesome and graphic scenes. I would give this book three out of five stars.

Review written by Luc (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Mourning Emporium? How would you rate it?

Review: Faces From the Past: Forgotten People of North America by James M. Deem

Faces From the Past: Forgotten People of North America by James M. Deem.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: November 2012
List Price: $18.99
ISBN-13: 9780547370248

Review: "When the earliest settlers died, so long ago, they were buried in caves or isolated graves. Later, others built burial mounds or cemeteries for their dead. Over time, many of the mounds were robbed and destroyed. Many early cemeteries disappeared from sight when makeshift grave markers blew away in the wind or decayed. No matter how they died, as time passed these people were forgotten." The book, Faces from the Past by James M. Deem, includes ten different nonfiction stories such as a selection about a Native American with dental problems and another story of a French sailor miles away from home.

In Faces from the Past, all the bodies or groups of bodies were found in different ways. After the initial discovery of each body, archeologists would carefully remove the body, making sure not to damage the skeleton, and quickly study the remains. Sometimes they would also examine the coffin to help estimate how long ago the person died. As soon as the archeologists completed their examination, the skeleton would be sent to a group of anthropologists. Subsequently, the anthropologists would take their time studying the remains to determine details such as age, height, ancestry, and other information. In certain cases, the anthropologists asked sculptors to reconstruct the face of a skeleton they had found so that people could see what these people from long ago had looked like.

In my opinion, this book should be given five out of a five star rating because it does not just state information about the bodies that are found, it also provides much additional information. Historical information about the time of the person's death is always given. Additionally, at the beginning of every story, there is a paragraph about interesting things that scientists have determined happened to the person shortly before and after he or she died. Another reason for my rating is the excellent writing. Deem was very descriptive and clear in his writing. For example, in the sentence, "Although the fabric had disintegrated and the coffin wood had rotted, archeologists were able to find pieces of cloth and wood, handmade iron coffin nails, and small brass straight pins that had fastened the burial shrouds" he described the coffin very well and I easily created a vivid image in my head. I would recommend this book to both boys and girls 12 years and older because of the advanced vocabulary that Deem often uses. Overall, this book is a great read, and I encourage you to check it out too!

Review written by Kyle (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Faces From the Past: Forgotten People of North America for this review.

Have you read Faces From the Past: Forgotten People of North America? How would you rate it?

Review: Willa Bean's Cloud Dreams by Cecilia Galante

Willa Bean's Cloud Dreams by Cecilia Galante. Book 1 in the Little Wings Series.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 2011
List Price: $4.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869471

Review: Passion, depression, and joy are three words that describe Willa Bean Cloud Dreams, which is written by Cecilia Galante. This book contains passion because Willa Beans yearns to fly. She wants to achieve this because her best friend Harper is able to fly already. She keeps attempting to fly but she can't. Depression is expressed in this book because she always tries to fly, but she fails. She cries and cries and questions her family for advice, but none comes. She locates many other cupids flying but not her. Joy is is in this book because the person who discovers the solution is WILLA BEAN herself. She is glad to be able to fly because she attends flying classes in her Cupid Academy.

To begin with, they are not humans, but they are Cupids. Willa Bean is frustrated that she cannot fly and her first day of school is tomorrow, and she cannot fly! So, to attempt to fly before her school starts, she asks her best friend, Harper, to teach her to fly. However, none of her advice works. So, Willa Bean has to go through a whole day of school without being able to fly. At flying class everyone in her class is able to fly, but her classmate, Raymond, wasn't able to fly because he possesses heavy metal pins on his shirt. So, he had to take them off to fly. On the bus ride home Willa Bean figures out why she couldn't fly.

What I think about Willa Bean Cloud Dreams is that it is a very odd book for readers in fourth grade and up. The commendable sections that this book possesses are considered very addicting because the book is just adorable to younger children. I don't recommend this book for children above the fourth grade. This book is a well-written story and would not be understood by elder kids.

Review written by Dalton (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Willa Bean's Cloud Dreams for this review.

Have you read Willa Bean's Cloud Dreams? How would you rate it?

Review: Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier. The First Book in the Shadowfell Series.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869549

Review: "Keldec was crowned king in the year of my birth. By the time I was old enough to begin understanding what canny meant, I learned that fear turned friend into foe in an instant, and I learned to keep secrets," Neryn said. Shadowfell is a land far, far away, but this story is definitely not a fairytale. Juliet Marillier's book is not your typical lighthearted read.

The people are under the rule of a monstrous king called Keldec . He has spies and minions set all around his kingdom, and one wrong word could send you to your doom. There is some hope left though. There are some people in hiding with special abilities that could turn the tables on Keldec and his rule. One of those people is Neryn. She is off on a dangerous quest to make things right and take back her kingdom.

If you like books that are depressing and terrifying, then Shadowfell is the book for you. The book had details that were somewhat disconcerting. It was death scene after death scene, to the point that I didn't want to finish the book. Without giving away all of the story, I can say that there were at least seven characters that died without mentioning the battles that took place. The author may have been trying to give a clear view on the woeful tale of Neryn's kingdom, but I found it too depressing for me to handle. Many things the main character did ended in a tragedy; many friends she made turned against her, and even her dreams were crushed. The story was definitely meant for an older audience, such as at least 8th grade, because a lot of the concepts were hard to understand. I would strongly advise kids under age 10 not to read this book. A large number of the characters had accents, up to the point I just could not understand them and had to skip over that section of dialogue and hope that I didn't miss anything important. There was a character that I found out later was telling Neryn something important that would benefit her future, but I couldn't understand him. The accents definitely made the story seem real, but I would prefer to understand what I was reading. This novel definitely had adventure, but it was also very sad and heart wrenching. If you consider reading this book, don't be surprised by the details and situations you come across. The story was definitely powerful, but not exactly one of those books I would want to read over and over again. Overall, the book was very well written, but not suited for people looking for a lighthearted read.

Review written by Krista (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Shadowfell for this review.

Have you read Shadowfell? How would you rate it?

Review: Gingersnap by Patricia Reilly Giff

Gingersnap by Patricia Reilly Giff.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: January 2013
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375838910

Review: Drama, love, and belief are all words to describe the book, Gingersnap, by Patricia Reilly Giff. Gingersnap is a wonderful historical fiction book to read! When Jayna's brother goes off to war, everything changes. Little does she know that it will be the start of an adventure that will change her life.

Jayna is living alone with her older brother Rob who is 9 years older than her. They both are great cooks, but Jayna makes the best soups, and they both dearly treasure a cool stone that has a face-like image on it. Jayna calls it her lucky stone. When Rob leaves for war to be the cook on a destroyer ship for the soldiers, Jayna is forced to live with the neighbor next door whom she hates. But before he leaves, Rob shows Jayna an old recipe book that at one time, belonged to their mother, and their grandmother before that. Inside the front cover is the address of a bakery in Brooklyn where her grandmother supposedly works and lives. Inside the book are many soup recipes, and Jayna treasures the recipe book with her life. When Jayna receives devastating news about Rob, she thinks about traveling to Brooklyn to find her grandmother who, she learns, owns the bakery called Gingersnap, Jayna's nickname. But her grandmother doesn't know that Jayna exists. However, just before Jayna gets the news about Rob, a ghost starts talking to her, and as a result, off she goes with a small suitcase, the recipe book, a turtle she and Rob call Theresa, and the lucky stone, with only the voice to guide her along the way. She's in for multiple surprises along the way!

Gingersnap is amazing! It is so heartwarming and sweet; I couldn't put it down. I was able to relate to the characters so well it was almost as if they were real. The author wrote this book quite life-like because I could really feel Jayna's pain and happiness. I felt as if I was there watching Jayna, or even more, that I was Jayna. I recommend Gingersnap for ages 10+ because some of the words and actions may be confusing and hard to understand for younger readers. Either way, you should definitely read Gingersnap! I give this book 5 stars and two thumbs up!

Review written by Emily (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Gingersnap for this review.

Have you read Gingersnap? How would you rate it?

Review: Delusion by Laura L. Sullivan

Delusion by Laura L. Sullivan.

Harcourt Childrens Books
Publication Date: January 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547688367

Review: Can you escape a strait jacket in less than a minute? Can you make it seem like everything in the world disappear? Well, Fee and Phil, two illusionists perform these feats and more in Delusion, a fantasy story written by Laura L. Sullivan.

In the beginning, the two sisters, Fee and Phil, perform ÒmagicÓ in the hall of delusion. One night in the middle of one of Fee and Phil's acts, there was a German bombing. So Fee and Phil travel out to the middle of the country for safety. Shortly after arriving in the country, Phil venture out for a walk and find a College of Drycraeft, English School of Magic, where she finds her Òthought to be deadÓ brother inside. Fee and Phil know how to fight; they want to help win the war. They decide to try and team up with the magic school and teach them how to fight. Will they succeed?

I liked the fantasy Delusion, although I did think the beginning of the story is slow, hard getting into. If I were to rate this book overall, I would give it three stars out of five stars. I think this book is appropriate for sixth grade and older. Also, girls would prefer Delusion because it has a little romance in it along with fantasy. I appreciated how Fee and Phil have different personalities. For example, Fee cares about all living things, in the story they ate a pig they had been raising for a couple of months, and Fee was devastated to hear the news. Also Fee cared about the war, but not like Phil; the war was the only thing Phil could think about. Phil was more ready to take chances and do dangerous things than Fee. I found it fascinating in the beginning because people escaped from a strait jacket and made it seem like everything in the world disappeared. I think that's very cool that people can actually do that. Delusion is a good book that if you like fantasy and some romance. If so, you would definitely want to read Delusion!

Review written by Katie (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Delusion? How would you rate it?

Review: Bushman Lives! by Daniel Pinkwater

Bushman Lives! by Daniel Pinkwater.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: October 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547385396

Review: Do you enjoy funny, crazy stories? Recently, I read a book called Bushman Liveswritten by Daniel Pinkwater. The main character of the book is Harold Knishke, and he certainly is a unique character!

The story begins with Harold waking up in the middle of the night to find his friend, Geets Hildebrand, sitting on his carpet. They then drink to their hero, bushman the 427-pound gorilla that once lived in the Lincoln Park Zoo. Geets spend the night there and the next morning Harold's mother asks Geets what he plans to do over the summer. Geets says that he might join the navy. After breakfast Harold goes to his flute lesson where his music teacher literally tells him that he stinks, and then he offers to buy Harold's flute. Harold sells his flute and explores Chicago for the rest of the day. Toward the end of the day, Harold sees a boy his age pushing a stuffed gorilla down the street and the boy asks for Harold's help. The boy, Billy Zwieback, tells him that it's for his father's life drawing class. Harold accompanies Billy to the class and decides that he will become an artist. From that point, Bushman Lives is a fun and crazy story that will continually surprise you.

I really enjoyed Bushman Lives and am hopeful that a sequel will be written. The reason that I believe boys and girls in middle school will like it is because it is different, but in a good way. This book will constantly entertain you and will keep your interest. The characters are particularly lively. There are many different characters like None is the chicken man. He has a chicken in a little hat on his head, and it performs for him to make money. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that the chapters, and likewise the book, could have been longer. Overall, Bushman Lives was a very well written book, and I loved it.

Review written by Josh (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Bushman Lives!? How would you rate it?

Review: Lucy's Tricks and Treats by Ilene Cooper

Lucy's Tricks and Treats by Ilene Cooper. An Absolutely Lucy Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 2012
List Price: $4.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869976

Review: Do you like reading books about dogs, mysteries, and friendship? Well then this is the book for you! Lucy's Tricks and Treats by Ilene Cooper is the fifth book in the Absolutely Lucy series. It is about a boy named Bobby and his dog Lucy as they get ready with the whole town for Halloween.

Third grader Bobby and his beagle puppy Lucy are excited for Halloween to come. Bobby has even picked out a pirate costume for Lucy that matches his own pirate costume! Also, a new boy named Jack has just moved in, and Bobby can't seem to figure him out. One minute he can be very shy but at other times he's not. Something odd, though, is that just when Jack moves in, things start disappearing! For example, Bobby has brought in Lucy's pirate costume for show-and-tell day, and when he comes back from lunch, it is gone. Where has Lucy's pirate costume gone, and who took it? Why is Jack acting so different compared to the other students? What other surprises will Halloween bring? You'll just have to read the book to find out what happens next!

Lucy's Tricks and Treats is really cute and I enjoyed reading it. It is a perfect book for readers ages 7-10 because the reading level is most appropriate for that age level. The characters in this book have really inspiring actions towards friendship and loyalty. It teaches a good lesson about making friends and figuring out problems in a mature way. Readers will definitely relate to some of the characters' actions. I especially think that readers who have a dog will be able to relate to some of Lucy's actions. I rate Lucy's Tricks and Treats five stars for an inspiring tale about friendship, love, and fun.

Review written by Emily (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Lucy's Tricks and Treats for this review.

Have you read Lucy's Tricks and Treats? How would you rate it?

Review: The Opposite of Hallelujah by Anna Jarzab

The Opposite of Hallelujah by Anna Jarzab.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385738361

Review: Mischief, romance, and suspense describe this remarkable book, The Opposite of Hallelujah. In this Anna Jarzab gem, Carolina known as Caro Mitchell, is a quiet, spoiled girl. She considers herself an only child, and she likes it that way. After all, her much-older sister, Hannah, left home eight years ago and barely remembers her. Caro is mostly trying to understand her sister, and she will have to put unusual puzzle pieces together to find out what's disturbing Hannah.

In the beginning of this novel, Caro is a very self-centered girl living life as an only child. Subsequently, Caro's parents drop the bombshell that their older daughter, Hannah, is coming back to live with them. Hannah had left the family for eight years to become a nun. When she returns, she looks very emaciated, and this puzzles Caro. At this point, Caro feels as if a trespasser is destroying her family. Unable to understand her sister, Caro resorts to telling lies, and when those lies alienate her from her friends and family, Caro seeks help from an unknown source. Soon, Caro discovers a clue that could save Hannah from the dark secret that possesses her, and she begins to see her sister in a whole new light. Unfortunately, Hannah's mysterious secret is so deep and dark that it is ruining her health and life. Caro and her closest friends vow to do everything in their power to help Hannah and make her happy again. The question is: Will the powerful three friends be able to save Hannah? More importantly, will she ever lead a normal life?

In my opinion, Anna Jarzab's The Opposite of Hallelujah was an enjoyable mix of love, hurt, and anticipation that will leave readers attached to this novel! The setting in this story wasn't very descriptive. The characters, on the other hand, did keep me reading! The characters in this book were very round and well developed. For example, Erin, the protagonist's closest friend, was described as follows: "Erin is the reason why the word cute was invented. She personified it with her big blue eyes, pert nose, and diminutive height." Caro, in my opinion is also a very round character described as curious and intelligent. I can actually think of some of my close friends that could actually relate to these characters! Personally, this book would appeal to an older audience, probably ages 15-17 for alcohol reference, explicit language, and certain "scenes" inappropriate for younger readers. The Opposite of Hallelujah is a book that would probably be preferred by a girl audience, since the protagonist is a girl. TONS of thrills fill this book! For example, this made my heart beat faster: "The caller ID said "Mom." "Hey, Mom, what's up?" "Caro, I don't want to scare you, but we're at the hospital. It's Hannah I came home from work today and found her on the floor in her bedroom." That dialogue and scene was probably the best part where I was asking myself, "Would Hannah, Caro's sister, be okay? What's wrong with her?" This book never moved slowly it's truly a page-turner! The theme for this book, in my opinion, is "Never judge a book by its cover." I would give this book a rewarding five stars for its suspenseful romance and mischief, descriptive characters, intriguing plot, and the revelation of a true bond between sisters.

Review written by Jillian (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Opposite of Hallelujah? How would you rate it?

Review: Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull & Kathryn Hewitt

Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull & Kathryn Hewitt.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: October 2000
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780547850696

Review: Do you enjoy reading about women and history? Well if you do Lives of Extraordinary Women by Kathleen Krull and Kathryn Hewitt is the book for you. The women they talk about are Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Isabella the first, Elizabeth the first, Catherine the great, Marie Antoinette, Victoria, Harriet Tubman, Jeannette Rankin, Eleanor Roosevelt, and many others.

Lives of Extraordinary Women shares stories about the lives of influential women who have important roles in making world. This book shares not only the greatness of each woman, but it also points out all the flaws. Most of these women in this book had flaws. For example Aung San Suu Kyi had problems with the law when she was locked into her house and she couldn't talk to anyone until she gave up to stop protesting. She never did and they finally let her go but they still keep an eye on her every now and then.

Overall, I enjoyed Lives of Extraordinary Women because it provides information about important women. However, at some parts I was bored and wanted to stop reading. It is not really a strong casual reading book. But, it is an excellent book for research. If I had to write a paper on an influential women, Lives of Extraordinary Women would be the first place I would start. I recommend this book for upper elementary and middle school readers because of the text complexity. Excellent pictures that would excite younger readers accompany the text, but it has valuable information for older readers. Again this book would be great for the research of the life of one of these women. So if you're interested in the history of important women then this book would be good for you.

Review written by Skyler (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) for this review.

Have you read Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought)? How would you rate it?

Review: The Wrap-Up List by Steven Arnston

The Wrap-Up List by Steven Arntson.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: January 2013
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780547824109

Review: "It wasn't easy at first," says GabrielaÉbut what she doesn't know is that it's not going to be the only thing not easy. Steven Arnston creates The Wrap-Up List, a book that will peak your curiosity with a suspenseful plot, a hint of romance, and a thrilling twist. Gabriela, the girl with seven days to live is the protagonist and is also a well- rounded character. The author has a lot of key elements in writing a book that will interest readers such as believable characters. Clues, mysteries, and secrets are waiting to be uncovered and revealed throughout this book.

Intriguing plot, creative characters, and a natural setting are the elements in this book. Imagine a 16-year old girl named Gabriela with her death at her fingertips. Gabriela is a normal teenager, but not for long. She receives a nerve-wrecking letter sent to her by Death. What's a Death, you ask? Well, it's a creature with a greyish silverfish skin and it's about 8 ft. tall with gills. Gabriela finds that she has precisely seven days to live and fulfill her wrap- up list, a list filled with her desires. In this case, it's a first kiss from her secret crush, Sylvester Hale. Also, she has other first kisses to make come true for her three best friends, Iris, Sareena, and Raahi. Gabriela has one last chance to figure out Death's weakness and trick him into letting her go. It's going to be a week requiring a fist full of cleverness, determination, and cooperation.

My personal opinion is that this book possesses almost all the significant features in a breathtaking book. The only part that I dislike in this book is the fact that when the book explains something like an object, it goes into too much depth; it feels like plodding. For instance, when Gabriela is driving to church, the car is very explained in detail. Otherwise, the rest of the book is wonderful. The plot is suspenseful and the action ties the book together. The characters are unique and fascinating. They are altogether very daring, skillful, and determined. For example, Iris, Gabriela's best friend, is superstitious, and she assumes everyone is heading for departure. Plus, the protagonist, Gabriela, has a different personality. She exhibits multiple qualities like generosity because she uses most of her wrap up list for her friends and is determined to find out Death's weakness. The author's writing style is very descriptive and lively, and the engaging dialogue motivates the reader to never stop reading. The Wrap- Up List deserves four stars out of five. The theme of this book can be applied to anyone: Life is like a roller coaster--- you never know what will happen next, so always be prepared!

Review written by Jill (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Wrap-Up List for this review.

Have you read The Wrap-Up List? How would you rate it?

Review: Luz Makes a Splash by Claudia Davila

Luz Makes a Splash by Claudia Davila. A Future According to Luz book.

Kids Can Press
Publication Date: August 2012
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9781554537624

Review: "There was a sign saying they own the property. I think they used the pond's spring to make soft drinks." Luz tells her mom and grandma about the events that were happening down at the pond. If you are a child who likes books that deal with an environmental issue, then Luz Makes a Splash, a children's book, written and illustrated by Claudia D‡vila is the book for you.

As the sun beats down on the city of Petroville, Luz and her friends, Roberto and Anika, go to cool off at the local pond. After they reach the pond, they've find that a nearby factory, Top Cola, has been sucking up the water in the spring that leads to the pond. Luz and the people of Petroville decide that they need to work together to save the pond and stop Top Cola.

In my opinion, Luz Makes a Splash is very interesting and it will motivate young readers to keep turning the pages. The plot is very realistic because it can happen anywhere at any time. Also, because of the fantastic details, this book makes me feel like I am a part of the story. Furthermore, there is much intriguing dialogue included in this novel, and this adds to the realism. However, a negative is that this book was written for younger children. I am in the sixth grade, and I found the pages too short. In addition, I felt like the pages needed to be longer in order to pull me into the story even more. Although this book is interesting, it is much too easy for me to read. I am the kind of person who likes to be challenged. Most of the vocabulary used in this book is fairly low leveled and not at all difficult. I strongly recommend Luz Makes a Splash to young children of both genders; however, I would not recommend this book to teenagers or adults.

Review written by Jessica (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates for providing a copy of Luz Makes a Splash for this review.

Have you read Luz Makes a Splash? How would you rate it?

Review: True Colors by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock

True Colors by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 2012
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375860997

Review: Have you ever felt like something's missing in your life? In the book True Colors by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock, Blue is taken care of by a old woman named Hannah. Blue doesn't have a mother and is trying to figure out who her mother is, and why she left Blue with Hannah. The mystery of Blue's birth mother will be solved along with many other mysteries.

Blue is a young 11-year-old girl who lives on a small farm town in Vermont. Even though Blue loves living with Hannah, she still has always wanted to meet her real mother. She tries to get answers to the questions that she has about her mom, but instead she discovers many clues that she doesn't understand at first. But after a disastrous event caused by two troublemakers, everything begins to make sense.

True Colors is a book that I would recommend for girls in 5th grade to 6th grade. I liked this story for a few reasons. First, because the story is very suspenseful. For example throughout the story I wondered why Blue's mother left her. Secondly, I really liked the main character Blue because she is caring and sneaky at the same time. An example of her sneakiness is when Blue gets a job just to try to learn more information about her mom. Lastly, I liked the setting because it takes place on a farm; I liked that because most books I've read are set in places like cities.

I really liked this book and was always looking forward to getting back to reading it. I highly recommend True Colors.

Review written by (th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of True Colors for this review.

Have you read True Colors? How would you rate it?

Review: The Warrior's Heart: Becoming a Man of Courage and Compassion by Eric Greitens

The Warrior's Heart: Becoming a Man of Courage and Compassion by Eric Greitens.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: October 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547868523

Review: Do you have what it takes to become a Navy SEAL? Do you want to know what being a Navy SEAL is like? Do you like memoirs? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you found the book for you! The Warrior's Heart is a memoir written by Eric Greitens, a former Navy SEAL.

Eric Greitens wants to test his strength and serve the country at the same time, so he joins the Navy SEALS. Prior to entering the Navy, he helped countries in need. When he entered the SEALS, he put himself through the toughest regimen that America has to offer. The question is: Will Eric Greitens have the strength, the will, and countless other attributes to push through the challenges and complete the requirements of the SEALS?

I personally love this book. I would strongly recommend this book to boys and girls in grades six and higher. Some readers may think that The Warrior's Heartstarts sort of slow but overall, the book is very fast paced and filled with action and lessons. The Warrior's Heart is about 260 pages, not too short and not too long. The author takes you through his life. For example, during college he travelled to many different countries helping the aid workers take care of orphans and refugees in search of safety. If you appreciate emotion, this book has some very sad moments. On the other hand, it also has some very happy moments. Mr. Greitens is very detailed, taking the reader through his training and the process of becoming a Navy SEAL. For example, while Eric is in his training, he explains every part of each exercise. I found it very interesting to read about his combat missions overseas. This book is meant to appeal to older mature audiences who can appreciate the rigorous training and combat required of Navy SEALS. There is nothing inappropriate in the book. To recap, The Warrior's Heart is a great book about one man and the Navy seals. I strongly suggest that you check out this book!

Review written by Jacob (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Warrior's Heart: Becoming a Man of Courage and Compassion for this review.

Have you read The Warrior's Heart: Becoming a Man of Courage and Compassion? How would you rate it?

Review: A Smidgen of Sky by Dianna Dorisi Winget

A Smidgen of Sky by Dianna Dorisi Winget.

Harcourt Childrens Books
Publication Date: November 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547807980

Review: Are you the type of person who just dives right into an excellent book about heartache and humor, on a long weekend? Well if so, A Smidgen of Sky by Dianna Dorisi Winget is the dream book for you! As you are reading you will witness Piper-Lee DeLuna attempt to sabotage her mother's wedding.

Piper-Lee is 10 years old, and she lives with her mother because her father disappeared when he was flying his plane four years earlier. Now her mama is getting married again, and Piper- Lee thinks it is disloyal to her father. She doesn't want a stepdad, and definitely not a bratty and obnoxious stepsister. Everything spirals out of control when Piper- Lee has a plan to sabotage the wedding by getting the wedding called off. But by the time Piper- Lee finally realizes what damage she has done its too late. What is she going to do?

A Smidgen of Sky has unique characters that made me want to keep reading. It teaches lessons, but is also extremely exciting. Some lessons are if you love someone you could do anything for them, or don't judge a book by its cover. This book is for all audiences but someone who is getting a stepparent, or stepsibling will appreciate the brilliant information the outstanding book provides. For someone who doesn't get along will their stepsiblings or stepparents, they can really relate to this story and maybe even learn how to get along with them. A Smidgen of Sky deserves 5 stars, because it is lively and full of action, which will make you want to keep reading.

Review written by Katie (6th grade student).

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

Have you read A Smidgen of Sky? How would you rate it?

Review: Wild Horse Scientists by Kay Frydenborg

Wild Horse Scientists by Kay Frydenborg. A Scientists in the Field Book.

Houghton Mifflin
Publication Date: November 2012
List Price: $18.99
ISBN-13: 9780547518312

Review: Are you curious about wild horses? Do you want to read about them and the scientists who work hard out on the field with them to study and protect them? Then I am sure that you will enjoy reading Wild Horse Scientists , a nonfiction book by Kay Frydenborg. This very enjoyable book is full of fascinating facts about wild horses and the jobs of the scientists who study them.

Around 1971 a law was passed that gave wild horses almost total protection from human destruction. Later that year, a great biologist named Jay Kirkpatrick was asked to find a way to make wild horses stop reproducing. Jay was sure that he could. He did not know that it would take him so long or that his first try would fail very badly. Wild Horse Scientists provides much information about the ancestors of wild horses, their location today, and debate over control of them.

In my opinion, the most appropriate audience for this book is people who are interested in research about wildlife and the evolution of horses. If you are interested in biology and horses, this would be a fantastic book for you. Wild Horse Scientists has a lot of interesting information about horses, their origins and evolution, the different types, the story of how man changed its history, and the present state of the wild horse. For example, the oldest known ancestor of the horse is a rabbit like creature that lived about 55 millions years ago. The author provides excellent and detailed information. For instance, she defines the difference between horses and ponies, which is that ponies have shorter legs and thicker fur. This book contains pages of interesting information such as telling that horse was still wild about 6,000 years ago in Europe and Asia, until some brave men tamed them around 4,300 B.C. The book states that presently, wild horses can be found in the US, at Assateague State Park, on the coast of Maryland. The horses are managed and observed by scientists, but people can also go and watch them. The author writes about the debate as to whether wild horses should be removed from their land and placed in adoption. Many people disagree with these actions because they feel that it is inhumane to control the horse population in this manner. This book not only provides information about the horses themselves, but it will also motivate the reader to want to learn more about wild horses, and perhaps visit them at one of the state parks where they are running wild.

Review written by Ignacio (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin for providing a copy of Wild Horse Scientists for this review.

Have you read Wild Horse Scientists? How would you rate it?

Review: Will Sparrow's Road by Karen Cushman

Will Sparrow's Road by Karen Cushman.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: November 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547739625

Review: "I care for no one but myself and nothing but my belly!" says Will Sparrow. However, that soon begins to change as the events in Will Sparrow's Road come together to help form a beautiful companionship between the troubled characters of this wonderful story about a lost boy, by Karen Cushman.

Will Sparrow, the protagonist, is a young rejected boy, but a sly liar and thief as well! All he ever wanted was to run away and be free, free from the innkeeper his father has sold him to for nothing but ale! He soon learns he is going to be sold into the city by that horrible innkeeper to be a chimney sweep. "Nay! Ne'er!" protests Will. Finally, he escapes and finds himself free and alone on the road toÉwell, somewhere better than where he is now. Unfortunately, that hope of a comfortable life is far from where he currently stands. Along the way, Will meets Nell Liftpurse, a liar and thief who stole his only food! Farther along, he meets the Tooth Puller, another liar and thief who broke his promise of providing a meal for Will! Can Will Sparrow trust any man to take him in? Is he going to survive in such a cruel world alone on the road to what seems like nowhere?

In the beginning, the story progressed a little slowly as Will trudged along the boring road, but soon it sped up and kept me hooked as he encountered buffoonish children, and people who he found just as thieving as he was! Karen Cushman was able to create such original and well-developed characters. For example, Will is a young liar and thief, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a heart as big as anyone else's. Also, his new friend, Grace Wyse, has the bravery of a knight in shining armor! However, she is no ordinary girl, for she lives with the face of a cat, and was sold to her owner, Master Tidball, by her mother when she was young. Despite the circumstances, she walks through the town with her face held high. Cushman's story also has an incredible setting: Elizabethan England at the end of the 1500s. This setting gives the story a very unique language consisting of words such as "nay, aye, sooth, and certes." Also, glimpses of Latin throughout the story such as, "cave et cura", meaning Òand take care". Although the meaning of these words is sometimes difficult to understand, the dialect keeps you engaged in the story because of how different the words are from today!

In conclusion, I would definitely rate this book with 4 out of 5 stars because although it was slow in the beginning, the story comes through with incredibly interesting and dynamic characters. In addition, the plot and setting tie together so well to form a completely amazing story! Check out Will Sparrow's Road at your earliest convenience!

Review written by Gianna (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Will Sparrow's Road for this review.

Have you read Will Sparrow's Road? How would you rate it?