Review: Revenge by Gabrielle Lord

Revenge by Gabrielle Lord. A Conspiracy 365 Novel.

Kane Miller
Publication Date: March 2013
List Price: $5.99
ISBN-13: 9781610671606

Review: "There's another one! There's another one!" Conspiracy 365, one of the best middle-grade/young adult mystery series to be written in recent years has added another installment, Revenge, by Gabrielle Lord. Revenge takes off where the original series stopped. Cal has come out of his 365 days on the run and is trying to acclimate himself to "normal" life. Unfortunately the press makes that difficult. Told through the eyes of Boges, Revenge brings Cal's greatest adversary back to the forefront and engages Cal and his friends in another fight for their lives.

When Cal receives a mysterious not on his pillow, a sense of dread fills his soul. "30" is all it reads. When Cal's friends arrive at his house for movie night, they find that he's gone and they know right away that it's not over. Hiding from Cal's mom and the police, Boges, Winter, and Ryan are thrust into the most frightening 30 days of their lives.

The original Conspiracy 365 series is unbelievably gripping - propelling readers to get through the twelve books in record time. Revenge, though a good book, doesn't have that same effect. Whether it's the fact that it's told through Boges' eyes or the sense that there's no way any of this would really happen, Revenge falls short of the expectations of Conspiracy 365 fans. That being said, Lord does an exceptional job of bring the readers up to speed with what happened for the last twelve months of Cal's life without it seeming tedious, making it possible for Revenge to be read independent of the series. However, that is not recommended. It would be preferred that Revenge be a longer book to allow for a more developed plot and potential to build suspense. All in all, Revenge is a good book, but it's just not a great book. Readers of the Conspiracy 365 series should definitely pick up Revenge, but don't hold it to the same expectations.

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

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

Have you read Revenge? How would you rate it?

Review: A Matter of Days by Amber Kizer

A Matter of Days by Amber Kizer.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739733

Review: Did anyone survive the Bluestar? Can we get to Uncle Bean's place? Will we survive? young Nadia asks herself as she sets on a journey half way across America in A Matter of Days by Amber Kizer.

A Matter of Days is about a journey of clouded Nadia, her younger brave brother, lovable Twawki a dog they discovered, and a street-smart boy named Zack. Nadia's mom has died of a horrific military-made disease called the Bluestar. It has already killed 98% of the world's population but Nadia and her younger brother are snuck shots from their Uncle Bean the man who created the disease. Perplexed by the unpredictable journey they come across many endangerments and menacing people and know only to be a cockroach, which taught to them by their father in the means to survive like one or, by be one in a harsh environment. Will they make it to their Uncle's house in time to save their lives? You'll just have to find out yourself.

A Matter of Days is must-read, and intended for late elementary and middle school students. Trust me there is nothing unappealing about A Matter of Days. One ingredient of a book recipe includes plot and this book has a plot that is mystifying, suspenseful, and engaging. For example in one part, all of a sudden cougars appeared as the characters were sleeping and then Nadia wakes surprised and says "We have no chance to attack without moving towards the gun." And has no idea what to do but then hears barking. Also the book exemplifies descriptive language, for example in the beginning Nadia thinks this sadly as she leaves her home and sees her mom lie dead "Quiet. Peace. Finally. Exhaustion frayed my edges, fringed my cogent mind until world-hazed gray blue." Finally it includes suspense that makes you sit on the edge of your seat and eating your nails wondering what is going to happen. For instance when a stampede comes they turn off the car and then hear gunshots The reader experiences what Zack, Nadia, and Rab see and hear as they panicked in fear. In conclusion check out the outstanding A Matter of Days by Amber Kizer.

Review written by Tej (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of A Matter of Days for this review.

Have you read A Matter of Days? How would you rate it?

Review: Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic by Mark Tatulli

Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic by Mark Tatulli.

Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date: October 2013
List Price: $13.90
ISBN-13: 9781449435486

Review: Anything can happen with a little trust, coolness, and pixie dust! Well not exactly in Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic by Mark Tatulli where young Desmond learns a bit of a lesson and goes through a hard time in life.

From the world of scalawags and rapscallions comes a boy named Desmond Pucket, a schoolboy of Cloverfield Junior High who just loves pranks and laughs. But after one frightful and menacing prank, which takes it too far, he is at risk and discovers himself in trouble and potentially not going to his 6th grade field trip to Crab Shell Pier. This is a horrible fate for Desmond, because this is where he DREAMS of riding Mountain Full of Monsters. Can he clean up his act while staying true to himself? You'll just have to find out in the rib-tickling book Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic.

Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic is hilarious and intended for elementary students. One great attribute of the book is that it exemplifies Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, which you know every kid adores because of the humor. Also Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic is really amusing because of the jokes, humorous illustrations, and funny pranks that play out while you read. For example, at one part, Desmond's mom comes and then all of a sudden an alien head pops out of his shirt! Another reason why Desmond Pucket in Monster Magic is a great story is that some kids may relate to the troublemaking of the main character and his friend. Readers quickly learn that two wrongs don't make a right. They also learn that it's important control yourself. One final great ingredient of the book is that it has a good vocabulary for elementary readers. Most words will be familiar, but there may be a few challenging ones that help them learn new words.

In conclusion, I recommend the great book Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic!

Review written by Tej (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Media Masters Publicity for providing a copy of Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic for this review.

Have you read Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic? How would you rate it?

Review: Alice Miranda Takes the Stage by Jacqueline Harvey

Alice Miranda Takes the Stage by Jacqueline Harvey. An Alice Miranda Book.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2013
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9780385743334

Review: Look at this, mummy; All those beautiful dresses, and we're almost the same size. I'm sure she won't notice if one or two goes missing, Sloane said. The book, Alice-Miranda Takes the Stage by Jacqueline Harvey is a tale about Alice- Miranda, Millie, and Sloane. This story tells their adventures at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies. This is the latest book in the series.

The girls of Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies start their school year when a new girl, Sloane Skyes, comes to school. Alice-Miranda is a rich girl who is kind and generous. She's kind to Sloane, but Sloane doesn't appreciate it. She has been at the school for several years. Many girls think Sloane is keeping a secret. Sloane's mother, September, wants Sloane to become friends with the wealthy kids. Sloane does have a secret, but she doesn't want anybody to know. Accidently, Alice-Miranda meets a new friend, Henrietta, who everyone in town thinks is a witch. Who could she be? Meanwhile, September and Sloane devise a plot. Will Alice-Miranda save the day before it's too late?

Alice-Miranda Takes the Stage is a tale of delight that would be appropriate for girls ages 8-11. An example of the feminine plot is "A new girl that's lovely. I can't wait to meet her. What is her name?" Anyone older than 10 or 11, might think the vocabulary is too easy. For instance, a character states, "Oh, I hope not. You know I can't stand horses. That won't be any fun at all." I enjoyed the book, even though it would switch the character's points of view often. That affected the story because I would be reading in Alice-Miranda's point of view. Then, in the next chapter, the author would switch to Sloane's point of view. When I realized this, the book was easier to read. I would guess ways to solve the mysteries. The characters have many different personalities, yet they still get along. I can relate to this. An example of the kind or abrupt language of the characters is "Are you lost? You're Sloane, aren't you. My name's Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones and I'm very pleased to meet you." Sloane said, "No, I'm not lost. I'm just waiting for, what's her name, Dinka or something." This dialogue reminds me of my friends because we are all different in the way we respond to situations. This book had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't wait to find out if September would get her way, or if Alice-Miranda would make things right. I liked the way the character's perception of others changed throughout the book. The author would have me thinking one idea, and then the plot moved in another direction. I certainly enjoyed Alice-Miranda Takes the Stage. The adventure, mystery, and dramaÉand I mean a lot of drama, will entertain upper elementary and middle school girls!

Review written by Madeline (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Alice Miranda Takes the Stage for this review.

Have you read Alice Miranda Takes the Stage? How would you rate it?

Review: Escape From the Pipe Men! by Mary G. Thompson

Escape From the Pipe Men! by Mary G. Thompson.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547859057

Review: Imagine a world where kids are on display at a museum É as a human exhibit! That is the case for Ryan and Becky. But when their father who works with aliens develops a serious, rare disease, will they be able to find the antidote and save their dad? Find out the answer and so much more in the falling-off-the-edge-of-your-seat book, Escape From The Pipe Men by author Mary G. Thompson. If you want to find out what happens read this book review.

Ryan and Becky have always been human but their dad works with aliens. Although it seems fascinating, they find out that being an alien zookeeper isn't all fun and games. What they do find out is that being an alien zookeeper can be as hard at times, but can't be as hard as this time. When a dangerous rare alien pokes Ryan and Becky's dad, will they be able to trace where he came from and find its leader? Throughout the novel, they meet a lot of aliens that give Ryan and Becky help. For example they are given this anxious calculator from a one-of-a-kind species that can open any portal to any planet, any time. But there's a catch. Will they be able to save their dad and travel the galaxy without facing to many problems?

What I like about Escape From The Pipe Men is that Mary G. Thompson has the book action packed with problems, cool characters, awesome new places and so much more. I also liked how Thompson is so imaginative in creating characters like Ol-tub-ila, a big purple blob with I think one eye. She creates a good visual image of the pipe men too, which are these long characters that have tons of eyes. Would you want one of those by you? I personally liked all the events that happen such as how Ryan and Becky get to fly in an amazing spaceship. It is also clever how any portals can take you thousands of miles away. At some points, Thompson's writing is not as action packed as others, but that is okay. Something that makes the book stand out from others is the setting because it takes place on a whole different planet. It is said in the book that the planet sticks out from others because there is a gigantic spaceship station with rare supplies. Moreover I also like the writing style Thompson uses because she cleverly adds unexpected surprises. The creative characters are the most impressive though. So if you want to find out if Ryan and Becky can save their dad Escape From The Pipe Men is perfect for science fiction reader and adventure readers.

Review written by Ian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin for providing a copy of Escape From the Pipe Men! for this review.

Have you read Escape From the Pipe Men!? How would you rate it?

Review: The Assault by Brian Falkner

The Assault by Brian Falkner. A Recon Team Angel Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2012
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780375871900

Review: What the heck is going on?

"We're sending them a message."

The Assault, written by Brian Falkner, is three intriguing books in one. The main characters are Lieutenant Chisnall, known as LT, Sergeant Brogan of the human race, and Lieutenant Yozi of the Bzadians.

To begin, Earth is invaded by aliens or as they call themselves, Bzadians. Civilians are forced to take refuge in the Americas, and Angel Team Four, a group of highly trained young recon units are sent to Australia or New Bzadi. They have a traitor on their team, but only the traitor and LT know that they have to infiltrate the main base of Uluru disguised as Bzadians, or as they like to call them "pukes". They make a very big enemy named Yozi who they tie to a tree because they thought it was unruly to kill an unarmed defenseless soldier. Was tying Yozi to the tree a good idea or the biggest mistake on the mission?

I would give The Assault four out of five stars. I enjoyed the author's writing style immensely. I was impressed by the amount of action and suspense, like at the end of the 1st book and beginning of the 2nd book, there was a raid starting but you didn't know whom the raid was from. Also, there were plenty of cliffhangers and many violent scenes. For example, in chapter 13 a bomb turns off the lights. In addition, I liked the descriptive words because it helped me picture and imagine the scene. This book would attract advanced 6th graders or 7th graders. Any older age would possibly think that the book is boring. I found Brian Falkner's writing style entertaining as he used war terms in the future and created futuristic weapons and machines. Overall, I thought that The Assault was a fascinating book.

Review written by Noah (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Assault? How would you rate it?

Review: Jack Strong Takes a Stand by Tommy Greenwald

Jack Strong Takes a Stand by Tommy Greenwald.

Roaring Book Press
Publication Date: September 2013
List Price: $151.99
ISBN-13: 9781596438361

Review: After Jack Strong goes from class to class and gets tired from all he has to do, will he stand up for himself by saying no? Will middle school student Jack Strong's rebellion to not be overscheduled work? Find out in the book Jack Strong Takes A Stand by the author of the Charlie Joe Jackson series Tommy Greenwald.

Jack Strong Takes A Stand is a book about an 11-year-old middle school student named Jack Strong. Jack has been taking classes that he has not liked for years, and he has been rushing from activity to activity to be ready for college. He does everything from practicing sports all the way to studying different languages. But one day after school Jack is super tired from school and he asks his parents if he can skip soccer practice just this once and they say no. That is it for Jack, and he starts a rebellion. But after a few days, will he get famous? Jack doesn't realize all the attention that can come from a rebellion though. Will he be able to handle it? But after all the fame and the family fighting are they able to put this aside for something more important?

Jack Strong Takes A Stand is a astonishing story. Greenwald has made all these characters realistic. For example his writing makes Jack sound very realistic because anyone who is so over scheduled with all those activities would be very frustrated just like how Jack feels in the book. Also Greenwald uses unexpected twist that keeps readers on their toes. It is very cool how Greenwald uses the imagination of a middle school kid. For example he used Jack's imagination to have a crush on Cathy Bellows. Another thing that was very realistic in the story is Jack's family. What is very realistic is that families fight just like Jack's family does also the kids want to stand up for what they believe or sometimes they will talk back just like Jack does. A few parts of the story are not as realistic such as how Jack can get famous from a school newspaper to being all the way on his favorite T.V. show just for rebelling. But really honestly I loved this story. It addresses an issue for kids today - being over scheduled. So if you are looking for a good book to curl up and read, try Jack Strong Takes A Stand by Tommy Greenwald.

Review written by Ian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Roaring Book Press for providing a copy of Jack Strong Takes a Stand for this review.

Have you read Jack Strong Takes a Stand? How would you rate it?

Review: The Morning Star by Robin Bridges

The Morning Star by Robin Bridges. Volume 3 of the Katerina Trilogy.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2013
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385740265

Review: Romantic, dangerous, thrilling! Robin Bridges, author of the Katerina trilogy, has finished her series with an amazing ending in the third book, The Morning Star. Katerina's secret has been revealed, but can she keep a handle over her necromancer abilities?

The wrath of the Lich Tsar, Konstantin, has returned in the body of Katerina's "beloved prince", Prince Danilo. Also arriving back into town is Grand Duke, George. Unfortunately the disease comes with him, but that doesn't stop him from requesting for Katerina's hand in marriage. But accepting the Grand Duke's offer does come with a price. If she is to be wed to him she must give up her medical degree for good. Even her love for the Grand Duke cannot stop her from her medical degree, so instead they go to Paris and try to wed in secret, but Konstantin has beat them there. Capturing the Princess and taking her with him all the way to Cairo, Egypt they try to find the ancient sword, the Morning Star. Unfortunately for Katerina, to get what they want she must travel into the Graylands, the land of the dead in order to get the morning star. They are not alone in this quest; they must find the ancient sword before the Black Lily's do. The Morning Star lies beyond the seven gates to heaven, which only the most experienced mages may venture. They seek the help of a god, but a god is not what they truly summon. Instead Katerina releases, upon Mala's death, Princess Cantacuzene who will kill anyone to get the sword she had once held in battle herself. It's up to Katerina to save her beloved world before The Lich Tsar destroys it.

This series is best for kids 10+. I only say this because it does get a bit gory in the end, and having a 9-year-old sister that gets scared at the sight of blood proves my point. If you like the more ancient time stories then you will love The Morning Star which is filled with vampires, necromancers, mages, princesses, princes, and Lick Tsars'. Also if you are a romance seeker then this book of a tragic difficult romance winding its way through the pages will keep you interested. The tension as George and Katerina's love suffers because of the disease he got is amazing. He wishes to marry Katerina to help his pain, but she refuses, saying she will not marry him until she finds a cure for him. Overall, The Morning Star is a fantastic book. If you don't believe me go read it for yourself. Just remember, the Konstantin waits for no one.

Review written by Emily (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Morning Star? How would you rate it?

Review: Deadly Animals: Ultimate Top Ten Meet the World's Most Dangerous Creatures by Ticktock

Deadly Animals: Ultimate Top Ten Meet the World's Most Dangerous Creatures by Ticktock.

Octopus Publishing Group
Publication Date: July 2013
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9781848987456

Review: Have you ever gone up to world's most deadly animals just to look at them? You can now because they are in a book! The book Deadly Animals Ultimate Top Tens by Tick Tock explains where they live and how deadly they are.

In Deadly Animals readers will learn that scary animals can live in land, air and water. Surprisingly, even dinosaurs make the top ten list! This book is very educational. Within the book, they list animals that are deadly, but not deadly enough like they explain how they rank the animals based on shape, fierceness of attack, how lethal they are, and what they eat. For example the Poison Dart Frog, he earns 7/10 for lethal power. This book is so interesting, it has every single little detail that you would need for a paper on a very deadly animal. This book isn't just good for education; it's also good for reading for fun. This would be great for an audience 11 to 15 years of age. Deadly Animals Top Tens would be amazing to have on your own bookshelf.

Review written by Tommy (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock for providing a copy of Deadly Animals: Ultimate Top Ten Meet the World's Most Dangerous Creatures for this review.

Have you read Deadly Animals: Ultimate Top Ten Meet the World's Most Dangerous Creatures? How would you rate it?

Review: Stronger Than Steel: Spider Silk DNA and the Quest for Better Bulletproof Vest, Sutures, and Parachute Rope by Bridget Heos

Stronger Than Steel: Spider Silk DNA and the Quest for Better Bulletproof Vest, Sutures, and Parachute Rope by Bridget Heos. A Scientists in the Field Book.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: February 2013
List Price: $18.99
ISBN-13: 9780547681269

Review: I'm sure you remember the movie Spiderman. If you have watched this movie, you have to remember his spider webs and how strong they were! Well, how realistic is Spiderman? Can a web really be that strong? If you want to know the answers, then you should read Stronger Than Steel written by Bridget Heos. This book will explain about spider webs; how they are made, what they really are, and what other animal can make them.

The whole book begins with one spider called the golden orb weaver spider. Readers learn how the male spider is much smaller than the female spider and that the female is the only one who spins silk. Throughout the rest of the book, readers will learn everything you ever wanted to know about spiders and their silk.

Overall Stronger than Steel is not as interesting as I had expected. I prefer action, which is not typically found in nonfiction books. However, as a nonfiction book, this is exciting and filled with a lot of valuable information. It is a good book for schools to have on hand for fun reading, but also to be used as a research tool.

Review written by Gavin (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Stronger Than Steel: Spider Silk DNA and the Quest for Better Bulletproof Vest, Sutures, and Parachute Rope for this review.

Have you read Stronger Than Steel: Spider Silk DNA and the Quest for Better Bulletproof Vest, Sutures, and Parachute Rope? How would you rate it?

Review: The Little Woman Wanted Noise by Val Teal

The Little Woman Wanted Noise by Val Teal.

New York Review Children's Collection
Publication Date: October 2013
List Price: $4.95
ISBN-13: 9781590177112

Review: Honk, Honk! The Little Woman Wanted Noise by Val Teal and illustrated by Robert Lawson is about a little, exhilarating, old woman who moves to a farm and creates the noises she misses from the city.

The Little Woman Wanted Noise is a charming book. The beginning is very descriptive and focuses on a happy, old woman who lives in the city where there is a lot of noise all around her. She doesn't mind, in fact she loves the noise. When her cousin calls saying he is moving away, he tells he that she could have the farm. This sounds like a great idea until she finds that she misses the city noises. So, the creative old woman recreates the city noises with animals on the farm; but something is still missing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The Little Woman Wanted Noise is an exceptional book for little kids. I'm certain that if I read it to little kids on my street, they would love it. Val Teal certainly writes very good children's books as can be seen in The Little Woman Wanted Noise. The intended audience is young children such as preschool. But even older kids, like me, will like the story as well. Robert Lawson contributes greatly as well, because his illustrations help bring the story to life. Overall, Val Teal's imagination in The Little Woman Wanted Noise goes wild, and I love that. Hopefully Val Teal will keep making books that kids love and will always love and keep making kids smile.

Review written by Christian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Media Masters Publicity for providing a copy of The Little Woman Wanted Noise for this review.

Have you read The Little Woman Wanted Noise? How would you rate it?

Review: Tides by Betsy Cornwell

Tides by Betsy Cornwell.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780547927725

Review: Love and truth, Selkies and humans. The Isles of Shoals is where this whole beautiful secret started. Noah Gallagher and his sister, Lo, go to an island cottage where their grandmother lives. She tells them fascinating stories about picturesque Selkies and appalling humans. One day, Noah's out running and he ends up trying to save a mysterious girl's life. Who is this girl and why is she so different? Betsy Cornwell has written this underwater story Tides.

Noah and his sister, Lo, are visiting their grandmother for the summer. Noah and Lo left the mainland to get away from their parents and their problems. Noah finally gets a job at an aquatic center on the island before he goes off to college in the fall. Noah enjoys running, so he does it every night after work. One afternoon, while Noah is out running he hears a person drowning, or so he thinks. He goes to where he hears the splashing and finds out it is a girl coming up the shore. She is different from other people and when she speaks to him her voice is firm but beautiful. It is the smoothest sound Noah has ever heard in his life. He learns more about this girl and something outrageous and horrible happens. But what possible thing could destroy this perfection?

Tides in one of the most creative stories I've ever read! The setting of deep blue water and still quiet islands makes this story very descriptive and it makes you feel at home. I am only a little like one character. Lo, Noah's sister likes art and drawing. I myself love to draw and be creative. Even though I don't have a connection, the characters are very interesting, especially the Selkies. They have the ability to change from a seal into a human and vice versa. Betsy Cornwell's writing style definitely makes the story move. The way she described the setting and the emotions of the characters in the book was amazing and her writing not only makes a picture in your head, but you can feel it too. When Noah and Lo's grandmother says, ÒNo one is happy in the inbetween.Ó Readers question what the inbetween is and who really isn't happy there? Read this dramatic story and find out! Tides is for girls between grades 6-8 and although it begins very relaxed, it becomes more unperceptive and tender. Tides is written in third person point of view which makes the reader more connected with the characters. This story taught me that love will find a way and to always follow my heart.

Review written by Ada (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Tides? How would you rate it?

Review: Frog Trouble by Sandra Boynton

Frog Trouble by Sandra Boynton.

Workman Publishing Company
Publication Date: September 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780761171768

Review: Sing along as you listen to the many songs in Frog Trouble. Sandra Boynton is the songwriter, but professional artists actually sing the songs. Frog Trouble is just one of the many great songs in this book.

Eleven songs comprise the book Frog Trouble. Each song is set to country music and is a long enough length to keep the audience entertained. There is also a little section in his book that has good country names for your pets. Finally this book is divided into three parts lyrics, music, and performers.

Any younger kids could enjoy Frog Trouble. It is a fun book because the readers can read along either in story format or with the actually music. Having the actual music is also fun for the young budding pianist. Also the language and the format of the book will be entertaining with the slang or country words. This would be a great book for the intended age group.

Review written by Sean (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Workman Publishing for providing a copy of Frog Trouble for this review.

Have you read Frog Trouble? How would you rate it?

Review: The Big Book of Dinosaurs by Ticktock

The Big Book of Dinosaurs by Ticktock.

Octopus Publishing Group
Publication Date: July 2013
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9781848987463

Review: What is the biggest dinosaur egg ever found? Can dinosaurs fly? Do dinosaurs hunt by smell? How long does the excavation of a dinosaur take? The answers to all the questions and more are discovered in the pages of The Big Book Of Dinosaurs by Dougal Dioxn. Learn almost everything about dinosaurs from the Tyrannosaurus Rex to the Micropachycephalosaurus, such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex having poison saliva and how the Micropachycephalosaurus got its name.

The Big Book Of Dinosaurs is an incredible non-fiction book. I don't love non-fiction, but this book is the exception. It contained hundreds of interesting facts I didn't know. However, one improvement for The Big Book Of Dinosaurs is pronunciations, as most of the words are very confusing. For example, the Micropachycephalosaurus is almost impossible to pronounce. Besides that, The Big Book Of Dinosaurs is a brilliant book with thousands of amazing facts that anyone would be surprised to hear. This book is a much more interesting and exciting way to learn than a huge boring textbook, which goes on and on with unimportant and dull facts.

Review written by Josh (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock for providing a copy of The Big Book of Dinosaurs for this review.

Have you read The Big Book of Dinosaurs? How would you rate it?

Review: Fast and Furious: On Land, In the Air, On the Water by Ticktock

Fast and Furious: On Land, In the Air, On the Water by Margaret Parrish.

Octopus Publishing Group
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $9.99
ISBN-13: 9781848987333

Review: Vroom Vroom, Whoosh Whoosh, Pshh Pshh is what I hear and see when I read Fast and Furious by Tick Tock Publishers, a descriptive and informative book where readers learn about radical planes, rapid cars or motorcycles, and rocket-fast boats.

The book includes exciting facts about major mods of transportation. In example the F-117A Nighthawk or the bandit, a plane that is made to jam enemy radar signals and for a fact its engine would let it go to a speed of Mach 1! Also from the many cars comes the powerful Bugatti Veyron 16.4, a car that could actually fly if it weren't for clever aerodynamics. It may seem dangerous since it can go faster than 250 mph but thanks to safety technology you are secure. Or maybe you might like boats more like the gigantic Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carrier which is one the biggest warship ever built and can hold up about a small town and this still doesn't even include pilots or soldiers, also this ship doesn't need to be refueled for 20 years and can be used for 50 years. These are just some of the amazing facts it gives about these vehicles. Fast and Furious won't make you be bored after ten minutes since it's short like any other vehicle book because of its variety that includes these, and other planes, automobiles, or boats.

Fast and Furious is great for early elementary students because of its action-packed vehicles. It's exactly what a little boy would adore. Also all the information which it gives, for example on all the pages it includes all its statistics and facts, it also includes eye-popping pictures, which grasp what it is trying to say, also the book includes many descriptive and helpful words {i.e. example the plane goes faster than the speed of sound or the ship can hold up to a town and more!} that lets you see the picture clearly and understand which helps kids bring their imagination and reading skills to full extent, and it captures attention without the obvious and typical unnecessary violence. On the other hand though the vocabulary is to challenging for the intended reader, for instance Mach 1 or stats, and there weren't more illustrations of soaring planes going into action in an emergency or a rescue boat out at sea which would also add to the excitement. However, overall this is a successfully written book for the young readers.

Review written by Tej (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock for providing a copy of Fast and Furious: On Land, In the Air, On the Water for this review.

Have you read Fast and Furious: On Land, In the Air, On the Water? How would you rate it?

Review: The One and Only Willa Bean by Cecilia Galante

The One and Only Willa Bean by Cecilia Galante. A Little Wings Book.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 2012
List Price: $4.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869501

Review: Picture this, a girl with crazy hair, her best friend Harper, and has a pet owl- all in a realistic fiction book. Does that sound like a book you would want to read? Keep reading to get a better vision of her. The One and Only Willa Bean, the 4th book of the Little Wings series written by Cecilia Galante and illustrated by Kristi Valiant is a book young children would enjoy as they follow the fun events in Willa Bean's life.

One of Willa Bean's favorite phrases to say is, "Nope, nope, nope-ity, nope," she says that instead of just saying no which helps her show her fun character. She is a cupid; all cupids get a flying friend who comes from Earth. Willa Bean has a pet owl named Snooze. Snooze is a pygmy owl that came from France so he speaks some French along with good English. Willa Bean finds out that there is a new girl, Lucy, in her class. She brings her flying friend to school and it turns out that Lucy has a long-eared owl. Willa Bean thinks 'onlies' are the best and she doesn't like it when there is another owl in the classroom. Willa Bean tries to focus on Nobel Nimbus Day but she can't so she just focus on the present and is excited for Nobel Nimbus Day but something happens that changes everything and that is what you will find out if you read the book.

In The One and Only Willa Bean, each chapter ends in the perfect spot to make the readers come back and finish the book. It is also stunning how she made things in the book seem bigger or smaller. For example, Willa Bean's owl is smaller than Raymond's lighting bug when in real life that isn't true. It makes the text better and creates more problems that make Willa Bean's character becomes stronger at over coming obstacles that get in her way. The One and Only Willa Bean is enjoyable for any age, early chapter readers, particularly girls will like this book because the characters are all cupids. Boys you may not be as interested, with the main character girl cupid. Lastly all of the characters are well developed and has a strong plot. Overall this book is very well written and good for younger readers who love realistic fiction.

Review written by Sydney (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The One and Only Willa Bean for this review.

Have you read The One and Only Willa Bean? How would you rate it?