Review: Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up by Mark Peter Hughes

Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up by Mark Peter Hughes. Sequel to Lemonade Mouth.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 2012
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385737128

Review: Drama and heartbreak is what you will read in Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up. Have you ever heard the saying "get your story straight?" Well, you will hear it in this book Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up by Mark Peter Hughes. In this story perspective is the key.

Imagine your life as a pop star! Dancing, lights, cameras, cover of magazines anything you can name. But imagine during a normal boring summer day the next day you would be famous. Well, in the story Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up it would happen to 5 teens Wen, Mo, Stella, Charlie, and Olivia. The biggest music director listens the Lemonade Mouth (the band name) and he loves it. He also talks about getting them a record label and everyone agrees. What the kids didn't know was they had to impress millions upon millions of fans waiting for them to sing on American Idol. Also, the book isn't just about music, its about drama/ heartbreaks too. A visitor comes from India and literally every girl in the book likes him and fight over himÉ who do you think will get him? Wen, Stella, or Olivia you will just have to read to find out.

I personally thought Lemonade Mouth wasn't the kind of book that would suit a person like me. But if you like a good drama, and a hip hop book then Lemonade Mouth is the book for you! I also think that Lemonade Mouth is good for young kids who love music because it has more of a hip hop flare to it with their band in the book. Lastly, another reason Lemonade Mouth is a good book is because the way the story is written is Phenomenal. For instance, it gives detail, and each person's speech and also it gives multiple opinions/ perspectives when something happens in the story.

Review written by Anish (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up for this review.

Have you read Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up? How would you rate it?

Review: Alvin Ho: Allergic to Babies, Burglars, and Other Bumps in the Night by Lenore Look

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Babies, Burglars, and Other Bumps in the Night by Lenore Look. An Alvnin Ho Book.

Schwartz & Wade Books
Publication Date: April 2013
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780375870330

Review: I never knew that a boy could be pregnant until I read the book Alvin Ho Allergic to Babies, Burglars, and Other Bumps in the Night, by Lenore Look. Apparently little boys can be sympathetically pregnant, especially when the expectant woman is his mom. Alvin is a second grade school boy who doesn't speak in public or school, but he sure has a lot to say. This new book in the Alvin Ho series is entertaining and includes a fun cast of characters including his family members, classmates, and teacher. The storyline keeps you involved even if you are not sure where it is headed!

In this installment of the series, Alvin is surprised to find out his Mom is pregnant. His older brother Calvin identifies his physical symptoms as pregnancy, and his teacher confirms that Alvin has sympathetic pregnancy. Alvin, thinking this is a real pregnancy, shares this with his friends who also believe they must be pregnant too since they share the same symptoms. His best friend, Flea, although he won't admit his best friend is a girl, helps him cope by giving him advice on what to expect with a new baby in the house. Encounters with his Grandpa (Gunggung), the Doctor, and a TV news crew add to the entertaining storyline. Without ruining the story, a string of burglaries, his Dad being out of town, and a report on the Haiti earthquake, all add to an interesting storyline that will keep you turning the pages until the end.

Alvin Ho allergic to Babies, Burglars, and Other Bumps in the Nightis intended for 6 to 10 year olds and that is an accurate assessment of the vocabulary and length. The author does a good job using current slang in the right way - not like a Mom or Dad might sound when saying ÒDa Bomb!Ó She does use phrases like "Super-duper" in a repetitive way that can be entertaining or irritating depending on the reader. What is amazing is how the author is able to read Alvin's thoughts like they probably really are in his head, but she uses vocabulary that keeps the reader entertained. After all who would want to read 177 pages of a second graders thoughts! Best of all the comic exaggeration is funny without going overboard. The pictures really help carry the story along and make the reading even more enjoyable and funny. The book goes along entertaining while also telling the story of Alvin dealing with such a significant life event as adjusting to a new sibling. I recommend this book for readers and I pursuing reading the other books in the series.

Review written by David (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Alvin Ho: Allergic to Babies, Burglars, and Other Bumps in the Night for this review.

Have you read Alvin Ho: Allergic to Babies, Burglars, and Other Bumps in the Night? How would you rate it?

Review: The Little Woods by McCormick Templeman

The Little Woods by McCormick Templeman.

Schwartz & Wade Books
Publication Date: July 2012
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869433

Review: Three girls disappear; their bodies are never found. The only connection is the woods - the woods behind St. Bede's Academy. McCormick Templeman has written a captivating novel of intrigue and mystery as Cally Wood tries to unravel the mystery behind the disappearances. This quest is personal, because one of those girls is her sister.

With a distraught home life, Cally uses her superior intelligence to gain a scholarship to transfer to St. Bedes in the middle of her junior year. The Academy is filled with other academically talented students, but they are different from Cally because they represent the highest echelon of society. Although challenging at first, Cally finds her way around the life of the rich with the extravagant parties and illicit romances. But that is not her goal. Her goal is to solve the mystery behind her sister's disappearance. A body has never been recovered, so Cally holds onto the hope that her sister is out there somewhere, but if she isn't, then Cally is prepared to hunt down a murder. Ten years separate the disappearance of Cally's sister and her friend from the latest disappearance of Iris, a somewhat quirky girl at St. Bedes. Cally encounters criticism, hate and love as she muddles her way through age-old clues in search of some answers. Can she solve the mystery before yet another girl disappears?

The Little Woods is a mysterious coming-of-age novel. Teenage girls will most definitely relate to Cally's character. Attending an elite academy and hanging with the rich, and being sought after by the cutest guys, what more could a girl ask for? But, most girls will more likely relate to the isolation and pain Cally feels as she hears girls gossiping, knowing she will never really "fit in." The characters in The Little Woods epitomize high school girls and the drama that undoubtedly ensues. Second to the social dynamics is a captivating mystery. The woods become a beacon of fear as students are not permitted to enter the them. The puzzles Cally encounters add a sense of intrigue. This combination of a mysterious disappearance, clues in the form of puzzles, and the social drama of St. Bedes, work together to create a novel that young adults will enjoy. However, had the mystery truly been at the forefront instead of the social dynamics, the novel would have been far more exciting and even disturbing. But if readers ignore the quote, "Unexplained disappearances. Suspicious deaths. There is something wrong with the woods behind St. Bedes," they will most certainly approach the novel with a more appropriate expectation. The quote presents a novel of fear and suspense, and that is not truly achieved. That being said, The Little Woods, is still a worthy young adult novel.

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

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

Have you read The Little Woods? How would you rate it?

Review: Anton and Cecil Cats at Sea by Lisa Martin and Valerie Martin

Anton and Cecil Cats at Sea by Lisa Martin and Valerie Martin.

Algonquin Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2013
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9781616202460

Review: Arghh Maties! The squawk of the pirate is what cat brothers Anton and Cecil hear frequently. In Anton and Cecil Cats at Sea by Lisa Marten and Valerie Marten, both cats are taken on a journey, one was unwillingly forced and the other set out to save him. The two creatures are very different from each other, one stocky, brave and adventurous, the other, slim, quiet, and reserved. However, They share a close bond that nothing can break, and when they are separated on two different ships, they are only focused on finding each other once more. Many dangerous encounters happen in this exciting, fun book, and both Anton and Cecil always try to keep going, in hope of reuniting with their much-missed sibling.

Anton and Cecil live in a peaceful and comfortable home. They have everything a cat would need, affection from people, a caring mother, and fresh food and water. Anton is a shy, quiet cat, who doesn't get into trouble. Cecil however, is an outgoing, carefree cat, with a thirst for adventure. The quietness and serenity of their home isn't enough to quench that thirst, Cecil wants more hustle and bustle. Both cats witness ships coming into port into their small town, and see the merciless sailors snatch cats into fishing nets and force them aboard. Anton is taken and put onto a ship, with no warning. He has seen Cecil go on small adventures on ships, and it always returns the day after, but this ship is big, and it's planning to be gone for a while. In a desperate attempt t save his brother, Cecil tries to jump onto the boat Anton is on but he doesn't make the leap. He waits for the next boat to arrive and boards that one to try to save his poor, lost brother. When the brothers go their separate ways in their ships, they face many difficulties. Fights with large, disgusting rats and storms that tear apart the ship are just a couple of the issues they have to face. They rely on the legend of "Where the eye sees the eye, the lost shall be found" which is told at home about how a cat's eye appears in the sky and watches over lost cats. The cats meet all sorts of creatures like vultures, dolphins, whales, and even mermaids along the way of their incredible journey. But will an old legend from home and a whole lot of faith get them out of this dilemma?

Anton and Cecil is a fabulous book! It is very intriguing, suspenseful, and overall just amazing. The book was written intelligently, using words and phrases that were unique and drew the reader in, yet it was easy to understand. Even though two cats out at sea may not sound very relatable, the general idea of overcoming obstacles all in blind hope of accomplishing something (in this case finding each other) is something many people can relate to. For example, going into something like rock climbing like I did, without any experience and not knowing how it would work out is similar to this book. It's like it because I just hoped that I would do well but there was no way to really be sure, but I still tried it because I wanted to be good at it, like Anton and Cecil wanted to see each other. I'm sure many others can also relate to this idea. Also, the details were really awesome. Throughout the whole book I felt like I was right there on the ship with them, waiting out the storm, listening to the sailors' songs, and wishing for my sibling to be with me. The way the authors described the setting and surroundings made me feel like I could taste the salty air of the ocean and feel the light breeze. When you felt like you were right there with them, it made you want to keep reading! It got me interested because it felt like as I turned the page, I would find out my fate on the next page. This book also had very well developed characters. They each had very specific traits and personalities, so when one of them was in a situation where they had two choices, you could usually predict which they would choose. It was not, however, too predictable; you never knew the situation they could be thrown into next. The physical descriptions of Anton and Cecil were so well developed that you could picture exactly how they looked, even without a picture. The authors' words painted a picture in my mind very well so that I not only felt like I was there because of her description of the setting, but also because of how detailed the description of the characters is. All in all this book was absolutely amazing, and I definitely hope there's a sequel because I'm still very interested in the story. Throughout the story I felt like I got close to Anton and Cecil, like I became a friend to them, so I hope I can see more of their remarkable antics and adventures!

Review written by Savannah (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Algonquin Young Readers for providing a copy of Anton and Cecil Cats at Sea for this review.

Have you read Anton and Cecil Cats at Sea? How would you rate it?

Review: Kids' Baking: 60 Delicious Recipes for Children to Make by Sarah Lewis

Kids' Baking: 60 Delicious Recipes for Children to Make by Sarah Lewis.

Hamlyn
Publication Date: March 2013
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780600625162

Review: Step 1: Open up your book. Step 2: Follow the instructions. Step 3: Take your delicious treat out of the oven! Kids' Baking by Sara Lewis has 60 delectable recipes that anybody can make.

From cakes to cookies to more cakes to brownies and bars and bread, Kids' Baking has it all! There are tasty triple fudge brownies that will make your mouth water. There are so many different options to choose from. All the recipes look so scrumptious that you will want to bake them all! The cakes all looked really appetizing.

I had so much fun reading Kids' Baking. I love all the different types of food I can make. I wasn't expecting to have bread in the book and the bread looks really good. I actually made one of the recipes. It was really easy and simple to make and the outcome was delicious! Everybody loved them. They baked really quickly. This book is targeted for age's 8- 10 but anybody can make these recipes. Some are more difficult than others, but overall the recipes are fairly simplistic, which is good for the targeted audience. But, even so, anyone who loves to bake will enjoy Kids' Baking!

Review written by Lilia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Media Masters Publicity for providing a copy of Kids' Baking: 60 Delicious Recipes for Children to Make for this review.

Have you read Kids' Baking: 60 Delicious Recipes for Children to Make? How would you rate it?

Review: Faerieground Wish by Beth Bracken & Kay Fraser

Faerieground Wish by Beth Bracken & Kay Fraser. A Faerieground Novel.

Capstone Young Readers
Publication Date: April 2013
List Price: $12.95
ISBN-13: 9781623700034

Review: Imagine your friend betrays you or your friend wishes you away forever. Faerieground Wish by Beth Bracken and Kay Fraser is an exhilarating read with mystical creatures like fairies. It shows two perspectives, one in captivity, one trying to save the character in captivity. Test your self while reading. Would do the same for your best friend.

Soli and Lucy are best friends, and Soli is always in the shadows. Soli is quiet; she thinks this boy likes her and she likes him back. But one day she catches Lucy and him kissing in the hall and when Lucy tries to explain what happened, Soli wishes her away and the story of two friends begins.

Faerieground Wish by Beth Bracken and Kay Fraser is a story that adds a lot of fantasy to some reality and gives the reader a big thrill. It includes problems kids might have, as they get older. I give this book 5 stars because it provides the reader an actual place to see and imagine and immerses the reader in mystery. I would also recommend this book for girls in 7th grade through sophomore year of high school, because of the more mature story line. Over all Faerieground Wish is an excellent book. Have fun reading!

Review written by Karissa (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Media Masters Publicity for providing a copy of Faerieground Wish for this review.

Have you read Faerieground Wish? How would you rate it?

Review: Crafts for Kids by Gill Dickenson

Crafts for Kids by Gill Dickenson. A Craft Library Book.

Hamlyn
Publication Date: January 2013
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780600625148

Review: One adorable creation one after another little kids laughing and playing with their new piece of art. Crafts for Kids by Gill Dickinson is an adorable read. It shows great crafts for the young soul to enhance their creative mind and be able to express them selves in their art.

Crafts for Kids shows a variety of different crafts and some variations so you don't run out of ideas quickly. Also, it gives ideas for every season, each idea better than the last one. This book makes it simple to complete each craft by showing step-by-step instructions and it shows pictures to help explain for the visual learner. Some crafts you learn to make are fake flowers, straw people and many more.

Crafts for Kids is a book that I would recommend for any mother, daycare, or art teacher. It teaches kids how to express themselves through what they make. This book could be for any gender, and would be the most fun for kids' ages from 2 to 6 years old and their parents. So have fun, be creative, and be an artist!

Review written by Karissa (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Media Masters Publicity for providing a copy of Crafts for Kids for this review.

Have you read Crafts for Kids? How would you rate it?

Review: Deep Betrayal by Anne Greenwood Brown

Deep Betrayal by Anne Greenwood Brown. The Sequel to Lies Beneath.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 2013
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385742030

Review: Mermaids, danger, and family. All these details are in Deep Betrayal by Anne Greenwood Brown. In Deep Betrayal Lily and Calder are on another adventure but this time with her father. In the last book Lies Beneath Lily finds out that her father is a merman like Calder. Calder now must protect Lily and her father from his sisters- Maris and Pavati. They are looking for revenge for their sister's death. Once they learn that Lily is still alive, they grow even angrier. Now Calder has to be even more careful with Lily and her father because Maris and Pavati are looking for revenge. Eventually Lily and Calder go on a journey, a dangerous and exciting journey, looking for a magical creature. The culmination of the story is surprising and completely unexpected. Want to know the surprise? Read Deep Betrayal to find out what happens to Lily, Calder, and her father.

I loved Lies Beneath but Deep Betrayal by far is even better. Just the details are amazing. Anne Greenwood Brown is such an amazing writer, she writes incredible stories about adventures and journeys. People who love reading about mermaids or danger will love this book and the entire series because it has a combination of adventure and mermaids. I would recommend this book to anyone because of all the action in this story. Deep Betrayal is a fiction . Overall this story is a great read and anyone that reads this will be in for a treat because Deep Betrayal is in my top 5 books that I have read.

Review written by Skyler (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Deep Betrayal? How would you rate it?

Review: Titan Base by Eric Nylund

Titan Base by Eric Nylund. Book 3 of The Resisters Series.

Yearling
Publication Date: January 2013
List Price: $6.99
ISBN-13: 9780307978547

Review: There are probably many children who believe their parents are really aliens or at least controlled by aliens because of the things they make them do, but in the new book Titan Base it happens to be true. Author Eric Nylund has continued The Resisters series with the book Titan Base. Pre-teen Ethan Blackwood and his squadron of children once again must save humanity from the dastardly doings of the alien Ch'zar. What is interesting is how this book separates itself from the rest of the superhero and science fiction series out there with unique star characters, tools, and enemy tactics. This book is sure to keep the readers engaged in the story.

Titan Base continues the story of the post World War IV planet earth, where the adults are under mind control of the alien Ch'zar that resides in large carrier ships above the earth's atmosphere. Children are raised in towns that appear normal, but when they reach puberty they are sent to High School where they fall under the Ch'zar's mind power. Some adults, who have broken free and have to live under the earth's surface and help a small group of children in a fight against the Ch'zar. One of the newer members is Ethan Blackwood who is a Lieutenant on a special mission to find a home for the Resistance before the Ch'zar discovers their home base. Titan Base focuses on Ethan's accepting and understanding his job as a leader and all the various battles with the Ch'zar. Ethan's group encounters a robot run community, they find their hometown in turmoil, and they need to find medicine for one of their crew before she dies. Ethan and his sister, Emma, have unusual mental abilities that begin to surface, and they continue to cope with missing their parents while uncovering more information about them. All of this results in an extraordinary final battle.

Although this is the third in the book series, don't worry; the reader does not need to read the previous books to enjoy this one. One of the good things this author does is start a new story, provide background of the characters, their history, and keep it all interesting at the same time. There is no boring first chapter of review, like in some series books. This author (Eric Nylund) also keeps the reader engaged by providing a current action storyline while weaving throughout the action more details of the past and clues about what the future has in store. Also this book is not all action, the story gets into personal relationships between siblings, boys and girls affections, and self esteem. The cool ships that each person pilots are great. Each one is made like a different insect, such as a dragonfly, bee, ladybug, or wasp and each one has different abilities and weapons.

The best part of this book is the journey taken with Ethan Blackwood from doubting his ability to be a leader to defining the qualities that make him a good leader. Also that change is inevitable, and how one reacts to change will define his/her character. (Spoiler Alert!) When Ethan is put in a position where he has to choose between rescuing some children from his hometown or leaving them to fight the Ch'zar, the reader is there with him. "His duty to the Resistance was more importantÉ As a Lieutenant in chargeÉ He had people counting on him to save their lives, and he couldn't save them all. Authority. Responsibility. Accountability." Titan Base

Review written by David (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Titan Base? How would you rate it?

Review: Be Brave, Willa Bean! by Cecilia Galante

Be Brave, Willa Bean! by Cecilia Galante. Book 2 in the Little Wings Series.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 2011
List Price: $4.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869488

Review: The focus of Be Brave Willa Bean, which is written by Cecilia Galante, is Willa Bean has to be brave just as the title says. Wait, before I start, Willa Bean is a Cupid. Her friend, Harper, tries to persuade Willa Bean to fly. She has to fly up high where she has never been before. It is dark and Willa Bean is scared! Will she be able to accomplish these fear factors?

Be brave Willa Bean is about Willa Bean having to fly to a far away place to help her sister. This is foremost problem for Willa Bean. She is in the middle of a sleepover with her best friend, Harper. Willa Bean, only having attended one sleepover, doesn't know what to do during that night. When her friends go out with Willa Bean's sister, she steals a golden arrow from her dad. She accidently drops the arrow when her wings go crazy, and she falls down onto a cloud. This is when Willa Bean has to get the golden arrow, and she panics because no one besides her parents is allowed to grasp the golden arrows.

Be Brave Willa Bean is a good book for children under the age of 10. Willa Bean is a series character and readers will enjoy watching her tackle one adventure after the next. I can imagine younger readers rushing to get every book about Willa Bean. She is a cute, smart, and fun character that will appeal to early readers. Plus, the plot is ideal for younger readers as well. Overall, Be Brave Willa Bean is an excellent addition to a child's book shelf.

Review written by Dalton (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Be Brave, Willa Bean! for this review.

Have you read Be Brave, Willa Bean!? How would you rate it?

Review: The Giant Pencil by Connor Wilson

The Giant Pencil by Connor Wilson.

Magic Dream Publishing
Publication Date: August 2012
List Price: $12.95
ISBN-13: 9781937148126

Review: Connor Wilson, a mere 9 years old, has demonstrated incredible talent in the publication of his first book, A Giant Pencil. As officially the youngest traditionally-published fiction writer, Wilson will undoubtedly reach the hearts of both young and old in his book.

A Giant Pencil incorporates ideas from Harold and the Purple Crayon as he traces a day in the life of a typical boy. Billy is a grumpy boy. He, like many boys, feels as if the whole world it against him. He feels that his family does not want him, the kids at school do not want him around, his teacher is mad at him, and even the lunch lady doesn't like him. When Billy thinks he just can't stand it anymore, he finds a pencil - a giant pencil that falls from the sky that will change everything! But, is change always good? Billy quickly finds out.

Absolutely charming is how readers will describe A Giant Pencil. People one day or another all feel like the world is filled with others who are against them, and this feeling of doom is particularly strong in children. Children everywhere have complained that someone doesn't like them, or that someone is ignoring them, or that someone is mad at them, and for a child that is devastating. Billy's journey with the giant pencil teaches children a powerful lesson about life, one that every child and adult alike need to remember. Connor Wilson has a bright future ahead of him. He has a knack for the written word and is someone who will undoubtedly connect with a younger audience. It is refreshing to have a book written for children from the viewpoint of a child. Because Wilson is living life as a child and writing for children, he most certainly will share a book that will appeal to the mind of a child. But what Wilson also did, is he wrote a book that will appeal to all readers. Well done, Connor!

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

We would like to thank Maryglenn McCombs for providing a copy of The Giant Pencil for this review.

Have you read The Giant Pencil? How would you rate it?

Review: Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker

Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker. A Code of Silence Novel.

ZonderKidz
Publication Date: March 2013
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9780310734994

Review: Picture yourself taking a leisurely bike ride with your cousin just after sunset. You see a man in a van that looks like he needs help. Your cousin rushes over to him on his bike. Suddenly, the man has a taser on your cousin, throws him in the van, and speeds away. You are peddling as fast as you can but you can't catch up to the speeding van. You get only one good look at the man before he speeds away with your cousin, unconscious inside the van. There's been a kidnapping, and you don't know if you will ever see your cousin again. You are Cooper, the kidnapped boy's cousin. Everything was fine until the kidnapping. Cooper, Hiro, and Lunk have the entire town searching. One week later, everybody is still searching day and night for Gordy. No ransom call has come. Gordy may be dead. In Back Before Dark, by Tim Shoemaker, Cooper is on the search with Lunk and Hiro to find his beloved cousin, Gordy.

Back Before Dark is amazing! It is jam-packed with action and adventure. I never wanted to put it down. You won't be bored with this book! I loved how the author shows different perspectives, such as Gordy, Cooper, and the kidnapper. It was interesting to see what they were thinking. I like books written this way because then it doesn't leave me asking questions that can't be answered, only inferred, such as, "What did the kidnapper think of the situation?" Back Before Dark is very realistic, and I could clearly picture it happening in real life. I also could envision everything in my head perfectly because it is described so vividly. I give Back Before Dark 5 stars!

Review written by Emily (6th grade student).

We would like to thank ZonderKidz for providing a copy of Back Before Dark for this review.

Have you read Back Before Dark? How would you rate it?

Review: Bloodlines: Heart of War by M. Zachary Sherman

Bloodlines: Heart of War by M. Zachary Sherman. A Bloodlines Novel.

Capstone Young Readers
Publication Date: February 2013
List Price: $7.95
ISBN-13: 9781623700027

Review: Wheew! Pop! Boom! These are sounds you usually hear if you are a Donovan. Blood Lines: Heart of War is an action-packed, thrilling set of stories. The Donovan family is depicted from 1938-2011 as different generations of family members engage in war. M. Zachary Sherman tells stories of courage, strength and bravery.

This book includes 7 members of the Donovan family. In WW2, Michael is a paratrooper on D-Day and Aaron is a saboteur. In the Korean War, Everett is a captain in the Marines and Tony is an engineer who must repair a vehicle to get his fellow soldiers to safety. In the Vietnam War, Verner is an air force pilot supporting the Marines, and Anne is a medic in the nurse corps. Lester is a Navy SEAL serving in Afghanistan and later the Iraq War.

I rate Blood Lines: Heart of War five stars out of five. I think this deserves five stars because it was full of action, so it wasn't completely anti-climactic. This action is appealing to me because my interest in military history. To add to that, there is a sense of family tradition when they go into combat. I like that the Donovans go into the armed forces because of their ancestors, and they do it without complaining, and even when it isn't required. Finally, I learned that warfare is more complex than just two men fighting. This book reveals the truth; you might not even have essentials like food, or water. All in all, Blood Lines: Heart of War appeals to ages ten and up because of violence.

Review written by Ian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Media Masters Publicity for providing a copy of Bloodlines: Heart of War for this review.

Have you read Bloodlines: Heart of War? How would you rate it?

Review: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375870897

Review: Intensity, a fast pace, thrilling, unthinkable. These words describe the events of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library. Chris Grabenstein includes all the necessary elements for an entertaining realistic fiction book.

When Kyle finds out that the world famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, has designed the new library and is hosting a lock-in, he wants to be there. He soon finds out he has gotten himself into something greater than just a library lock-in when he is pitted against 11 other contestants in a race to win the role of promoting Lemoncello gear. The contestants must find clues to solve puzzles in order to escape from the library. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library is a 5 star book because the suspense kept me reading until the end. I wanted to find out if Kyle would win or not. The clues were elaborate and challenging to figure out, and the characters, events and setting are very realistic. The details are so vivid; it was as if I was standing there watching Kyle the whole time. All in all, Chris Grabenstein's book Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library is fun and action-packed, suitable for kids ten and up.

Review written by Ian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates for providing a copy of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library for this review.

Have you read Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library? How would you rate it?

Review: The Lightning Dreamer: Cuba's Greatest Abolitionist by Margarita Engle

The Lightning Dreamer: Cuba's Greatest Abolitionist by Margarita Engle.

Harcourt Childrens Books
Publication Date: March 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547807430

Review: Picture yourself at the age of 13. In your country, you are banned from being able to think. You don't go to school; you aren't allowed to. You can't write; you aren't allowed to. You can't read books; you aren't allowed to. But you defy that rule. Running out to the garden at nighttime when everybody's asleep just so you can read what happens to the witch and the troll. This is the life of Tula, a Cuban abolitionist who doesn't believe that every rule should be followedÉ.
In The Lightning Dreamer, by Margarita Engle, Tula does NOT want to live a normal life, the way every other girl lives in Cuba. Because, every other girl in Cuba is either a slave or not allowed to do anything but sit and clean the house. Tula goes out into the night to read books while her parents are asleep. Her job of keeping up with the tutor, secretly reading books, and trying to free the little slaves is quite a handful for a thirteen-year-old girl, especially when your mother is watching you like a hawk.

The Lightning Dreamer is very good. I enjoyed reading it a lot. I think this book gives a lot of inspiration to girls around Tula's age in saying that they could do anything if they tried. It doesn't matter about their age. This book was written through poetry, so it was a very interesting and a refreshing way to read a good book. The Lightning Dreamer also shows different perspectives of the characters. For example, it showed what Tula is thinking, and then on the next page what her brother thinks of the situation. I would recommend this book to anybody, for it is a great read for all ages.

Review written by Emily (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin for providing a copy of The Lightning Dreamer: Cuba's Greatest Abolitionist for this review.

Have you read The Lightning Dreamer: Cuba's Greatest Abolitionist? How would you rate it?