Review: Togo by Kate Klimo

Togo by Kate Klimo. A Dog Diaries Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 2014
List Price: $6.99
ISBN-13: 9780385373357

Review: The book Togo is a good book starring a sled dog named Togo. This Dog Diaries story begins with a look at the end of Togo's adventure in an arena being praised by many humans. Togo is the runt of his litter until a woman comes to see him every day and feed him his milk. After a couple of months he becomes stronger and gets his opportunity to become a sled dog.

The author of the book Togo is Kate Klimo, and she has written over 25 books in her lifetime. She says that Togo is one of her favorites. This book is a good read for middle-school readers, and for any reader who loves dogs.

Review written by Gavin (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Togo? How would you rate it?

Review: Loud Awake and Lost by Adele Griffin

Loud Awake and Lost by Adele Griffin.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385752725

Review: My eyes are blurred again, my legs were clay, propelling me in a crude, choppy, animation from the lunch table, toward the tray drop, and then towards the exit doors. Loud, awake, and lost. Have you ever felt lost? You know the feeling; it's horrible like a spider crawling on your neck and frog in your throat. This book by, Adele Griffin is another riveting, suspenseful, and heartfelt book of hers. There is drama, trouble, and emotion. Loud, Awake, and Lost will keep you turning the pages and enduring each sentence by sentence.

Ember Leferrier is a normal, happy seventeen years old until her accident. A traumatic car crash leaves her broken inside and out. She spends long, and difficult months at Addington Hospital for her recovery. She feels safe and alone there - safe from everyone's sight and touch. But the day eventually comes; there was no stopping it. But although Ember dreads it, it is also exciting, at the same time. She has to go home. Going home means, she has to be put out, kicked out and thrown in a glass box for people to look at. When she gets home, her parents are the same; their house is the sameÉ as she remembered. But Ember lost some of her memory after the incident, so she can't quite figure out why her room has posters and things she doesn't remember getting. Waregirl posters? Who was that band?

When she goes back to school, she's told, "You shouldn't play down what you went through, or your injuries, or the whole survivor's guilt thing." Survivor's guilt? What survivor's guilt, no one was in the car but Ember. Or was there? Ember didn't get what her best friend Rachael said to her either, "I'm so glad your back. And the best part is I can tell it's the real you." What did Rachael mean? Was there another side of Ember that she forgot? Was she her Òother selfÓ before the incident. Ember realizes she doesn't know a lot of things. Was she alone in the accident, what was she like before the incident? Were there more secrets? It is too overwhelming for Ember too think about. Was her life before the accident really this complicated?

Loud, Awake and Lost is such a great book. Adele Griffin definitely paints the perfect picture in your head of what Ember is really going through. This is an emotional, suspenseful, and riveting book. There are twists and turns, and you just don't know what is going to happen next. If you love kinds of books that are mysterious and realistic fiction, then you'll love this book. This would be a book more suited for readers age 12 and up because of some adult language. It seems confusing but really, Griffin has done a great job at organizing and making what clear what poor Ember is going through. Ember doesn't even know herself anymore. "Who am I?" Ember would say. You'll just have to read and find out. I definitely recommend Loud, Awake, and Lost as an interesting and well-written book as like many books of Adele Griffin. Who is Ember Lefrrier? Maybe she will never know herself.

Review written by Jamie (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Loud Awake and Lost for this review.

Have you read Loud Awake and Lost? How would you rate it?

Review: The Magic Trap by Jacqueline Davies

The Magic Trap by Jacqueline Davies. A Lemonade War Book.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: April 2014
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780544052895

Review: When the going gets tough who can you rely on to make it better? Of course your mom and dad, right? Well not in this case! When young kids Evan and Jessie Treski are left alone by their parents and a massive Category 1 hurricane is coming, who do they rely on to make it better? Themselves, but can they make it through without their parents to guide them? If you want to find out if they will survive, read the book the Magic Trap written by Jacqueline Davies. This book is the 5th book in The Lemonade War Series.

When Mrs. Treski has to go away for a conference she had planned for months she arranges for her friend to watch Evan and Jessie. However, Mrs. Treski's friend get's in a car accident so Mrs. Treski starts to have second thoughts about the trip. Shortly although Evan and Jessie's dad is in the military, he shows up and is able to stay for a while. So since Evan has been working on magic for sometime now he shows his dad some tricks. Impressed, Mr. Treski decides that Evan needs to do a magic show on Memorial Day weekend. Since Memorial Day is very close they all practice, set the stage and advertise the magic show. This of course does not go on without a hitch, but that's the least of their problem. Evan and Jessie also have to worry about a Category 1 hurricane coming their way, and when the military calls, their dad has to leave them behind. So when the hurricane comes who can they rely on too keep them safe and to survive the hurricane? The answer is themselves of course! But can they survive this natural disaster?

The Magic Trap is such an amazing and exciting story. There are just millions of ways to describe the book. The plot is very well developed and very realistic for almost every part of the book. You can totally relate to this book in any way- from, being stuck in a scary problem like a hurricane, too being let down by someone who's very important to you. Davies writing brings the story to life, and it's easy to see how Evan or Jessie not just from my own experiences. Magic Trap is filled with descriptive words, original and realistic characters and a unique and powerful message. One of my favorite aspects about this book is that you don't have to read the first four books in the series. It all makes sense in one book and the books don't seem to rely on the last book to tell a whole new adventure! Additionally, Davies also added some very good plot twists in the book. For example, when their mother's friend ends up in a car accident resulting in a change of plan. This is a nice novel to read at an elementary school level because of the vocabulary. One good part about the chapters is that most of them are based on a ÒvocabularyÓ word and underneath you can find the definition. Which helps elementary school students learn more words and expand their vocabulary. Overall, The Magic Trap is a remarkable book to read to yourself or to young ones, so I recommended trying it and I'm sure you'll be satisfied with the results.

Review written by Ian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin for providing a copy of The Magic Trap for this review.

Have you read The Magic Trap? How would you rate it?

Review: At the Movies by Robin Caroll

At the Movies by Robin Caroll. A Samantha Sanderson Book.

Zondervan
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9780310742456

Review: Do you want to read something with action and mystery? Then Samantha Sanderson At the Movies by Robin Caroll is your book. It is the first book in the Samantha Sanderson Mystery series. The main characters are Samantha, Makayla, Lana, and Frank.

Samantha is a cheerleader and a reporter for the school newspaper. When she is at a local theater and a bomb is discovered she knows this could be her chance to become editor of the school paper. Then after the bomb is taken care of Samantha discovers her dad is running the case. This gives her a good enough reason to get that story for the paper even though the editor of the paper doesn't like her. While struggling to write her story, Samantha researches potential suspects. She hits a few nerves, and some of her blog entries are taken down. As if that's not bad enough, her dad wants to remove her from the assignment. Will Samantha crack the case of the movie theater bomb? Will her dad remove her from her first big assignment? Read Samantha Sanderson at the Movies to find out.

Samantha Sanderson at the Movies is a book with a lot of action and adventure. The book has medium level words so girl's ages 8-11 would appeal to it the most. The book has an easy to understand writing style. Samantha Sanderson at the Movies has great dialogue. The book has some mystery elements to it. I thought that some parts of the book were confusing. It can be use for reading aloud and other activities related. Samantha Sanderson at the Movies has some fear elements. The characters are easy to understand with their motives. The book has a great plot line with many events. This book is one that you will want to read again because it can relate to many things. Overall the book is a good read and will give you elements of fear, mystery, romance, action, and suspense.

Review written by Elizabeth (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Zonderkidz for providing a copy of At the Movies for this review.

Have you read At the Movies? How would you rate it?

Review: The Watcher in the Shadows by Chris Moriarty

The Watcher in the Shadows by Chris Moriarty. The Sequel to The Inquisitor's Apprentice.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: May 2013
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9780544227767

Review: Have you wondered what a magical murder would be like? Find out in The Watcher in the Shadows. Read about Sacha Kessler, Inquisitor Wolf, and Lily Astral as they unravel the mystery behind the killing of the Klezmer King.

After his very own electric tuxedo kills the Klezmer King, Sacha, Wolf, and Lily ask people if they know who killed him. When Maurice Goldfaden tells them that the Klezmer King's dresser, Sam Schlosky, might have been messing with the electricity and may have caused his death, they know they need to find Sam. They find that Sam travels with his aunt wherever she goes. So, Wolf looks for Sam in every corner of New York City. But finding Sam only creates more mystery. Will they even be able to solve the magical murder without finding more mystery around every corner?

The Watcher in the Shadows is primarily for young adult boys for it's dark plot and colorful language. The setting of New York City made the plot make sense because a lot of crimes happen in New York City. The writing style of the author made in seem suspenseful because some chapters ended in a cliffhanger. My favorite character is Sacha Kessler because he faces many problems and tries to solve most of them, even though he hasn't chosen to learn magic. The plot is great because even though it can be dark at times, the characters and mood of the book change throughout the story. I would recommend this book to be read by anyone who has a taste for the plot of the book.

Review written by Christian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin for providing a copy of The Watcher in the Shadows for this review.

Have you read The Watcher in the Shadows? How would you rate it?

Review: The How-To Handbook: 50 Essential Life Skills for Everyday Life by Martin Oliver & Alexandra Johnson

The How-To Handbook: 50 Essential Life Skills for Everyday Life by Martin Oliver & Alexandra Johnson.

Zest Books
Publication Date: April 2013
List Price: $10.99
ISBN-13: 9781936976348

Review: Can you do all of the simple things in life like wash a car or do the dishes? The How-To Handbook tells you how to do all of that and a lot more. It's ok if you don't know how to do simple tasks like that. That is what The How-To Handbook is here for. In The How-To Handbook by Martin Oliver and Alexandra Johnson, readers learn how to do simple chores like doing the laundry, making a smoothie, treating a burn, and wrapping a gift.

In The How-To Handbook there are a lot of different things under 6 categories. There is the Everyday Essentials, which explains how to catch a spider and prepare for a test. The next section is about looking (and smelling) good. This is where you are able to learn how to get a good night's sleep and to soak up the sun but not get burned. All of the other sections have similar topics that some people don't know how to do. This book is full of great tips and instructions of how to do the easy things in life that can sometimes become difficult. So if you don't know how to do something easy like wash your hands, don't feel bad for yourself, read The How-To Handbook to find out how.

I loved The How-To Handbook. This book has a lot of information. It gives really good details about how to make things a more easily. You should read this book if you need a refresher on how to do the basic things in life or if you just don't know how to do something like wash your car. Even if you think you know how to do all of the simple things, this book will show you at least one task that you thought you knew how to do but you really don't. No matter what you want to do when you get older, this book is great for you because it teaches what to do when there is a problem. In fact, it is a great book for anyone. No matter what you think about this type of book, The How-To Handbook really is a tool for learning about the simple things in life.

Review written by Sydney (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Zest Books for providing a copy of The How-To Handbook: 50 Essential Life Skills for Everyday Life for this review.

Have you read The How-To Handbook: 50 Essential Life Skills for Everyday Life? How would you rate it?

Review: Nick & Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab: A Mystery With Electromagnets, Burglar Alarms, And Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself by "Science Bob" Pflgufelder and Steve Hockensmith

Nick & Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab: A Mystery With Electromagnets, Burglar Alarms, And Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself by "Science Bob" Pflgufelder and Steve Hockensmith. A Nick & Tesla Book.

Quirk Books
Publication Date: October 2013
List Price: $12.95
ISBN-13: 9781594746482

Review: Do you like mysteries with electromagnets, burglar alarms, and other gadgets you can build yourself? Well then you will love Nick and Tesla's High Voltage Danger Lab by "Science Bob" Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith. This is the first book in the Nick and Telsa series.

So there are these two kids, Nick and Tesla, who go to live with their uncle Newt for the summer, while their parents go off to study soybeans. When they make it to Uncle Newts house they find a laboratory, which intrigues them. While visiting they meet knew friends and have a great adventure with many experiments that you can build yourself. It seems like an ordinary story, but there is a deep dark secret roaming within this book. To find out what it is, you'll have to read it yourself.

This is an amazing book. To start off, it gives instructions on how to build the gadgets that they build. With precise instructions on each step, they seem easy to build. Also it is kid friendly. There are descriptive words that might be a little scary but only words not actions. It is an easy read and is not very long at all. There are some pictures that might give readers a better image of what is happening. But some sections can be confusing if you read them too quickly, so it's important to go over them slowly, if you find them confusing. Finally it does leave you on a little cliffhanger at the end. It leaves many questions unsolved and starts many new mysteries. Overall Nick and Tesla's High Voltage Danger Lab is a great book for those mystery science fans out there.

Review written by Sean (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Quirk Books for providing a copy of Nick & Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab: A Mystery With Electromagnets, Burglar Alarms, And Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself for this review.

Have you read Nick & Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab: A Mystery With Electromagnets, Burglar Alarms, And Other Gadgets You Can Build Yourself? How would you rate it?

Review: Game Over, Pete Watson by Joe Schreiber

Game Over, Pete Watson by Joe Schreiber.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: March 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780544157569

Review: In this thrilling, extraordinary story, a normal geek, gamer named Pete Watson has to face the consequences of something he did not think would harm him in any way. In Game Over, Pete Watson, by Joe Schreiber, Pete has to face an abundant amount of difficulties throughout his marvelous adventure. The confused Pete looks for clues with his best friend Wesley Midwood and his sister, Callie Midwood. As they fight all these clever, mischievous plotting villains, he has to worry about other problems. Pete has so many problems to think about, he has to take them one at a time.

Pete Watson is just an ordinary kid who plays video games a lot. He isn't usually recognized for anything. People don't think about him because he is usually playing the video game BRAWL-A-THON 3000 XL! That's his favorite game on his top ten lists. All of this begins when he sells his dad's gaming system, the Command-Roid. What he doesn't know is what he has done. He doesn't know what info is inside, or if whatever inside it is important until, he meets the bug man and the super villain Miss Wertley. Once he sells that Command-Roid for $20, something terrible happens. People in suits in a black car kidnap his dad. They drive off without anyone knowing or seeing it. Pete tries to tell everyone, but the only one who will listen is his friend Westley and his sister Callie. Will Pete find his father? What is in the Command-Roid? Why is it important? Read the book to find out!

This book is honestly the best I have ever read. I personally liked this because it is a fictional story. I am not much of a fan of non-fiction stories. I also liked this because I like video games. I like how Jon Schreiber elaborated on the plot and made into such a phenomenal story. A sequel would be amazing. A sequel to Game Over, Pete Watson could be much more. It would be great to see new villains, a new friend, and new video games. The action, the plot, and the character personalities are what made me like this story so much. I absolutely died laughing at the story pictures. It helped me visualize what was going on. The parts that I liked best were when Jon Schreiber put in statements like "In the future version of this book, there would be a video showing this, but for now you just have a picture." Those parts are hysterical. Game Over, Pete Watson is great for particularly boys that are in middle and elementary school, but anyone into video games and digital monsters will love it. In my head, I've always been waiting for this type of book. Jon Schreiber did an extraordinary job on writing this story.

Review written by Kenneth (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin for providing a copy of Game Over, Pete Watson for this review.

Have you read Game Over, Pete Watson? How would you rate it?

Review: The Mirror of Fate by T. A. Barron

The Mirror of Fate by T. A. Barron. A Merlin Book.

Puffin Books
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $6.99
ISBN-13: 9780142419229

Review: Have you ever fought marsh ghouls, kings, giants and other wizards? I think not. In the book Merlin the Mirror of Fate, by T.A. Barron, Merlin is a destined to be the greatest wizard there ever was. He is a determined boy that is willing to get anything done- no matter the consequences he will get the job done. This book is the fourth book in the Merlin Series.

There is something strange happening on the mystical island of Fincayra and Merlin has found the problem. He has faced this place once before, and he doesn't want to face it again. It is the Haunted Marsh. He must visit frightening places and tackle challenges within him. He is on the verge of dying, and the mirror of fate can ultimately save his life. It is a portal of time, but very few people make it out of the portal. Many question remain, Will he make it out? Will he die? Find it out in Merlin the Mirror of Fate.

I love Merlin the Mirror of Fate. It has the most interesting plot I have ever read. It explains the story line and characters in the story so well, that I can picture the world of Fincayra in my mind. This book is intended, for, readers 10 and up. This book is definitely good for a boy, reader, but some girls who enjoy Merlin's fantasy world may love it as well. Every Merlin book is equally thrilling. If you see more literature by this T.A. Barron, make sure you read it. I recommend this series, and I recommend the author.

Review written by Matthew (6th grade student).

We would like to thank T. A. Barron for providing a copy of The Mirror of Fate for this review.

Have you read The Mirror of Fate? How would you rate it?

Review: The Seven Songs by T. A. Barron

The Seven Songs by T. A. Barron. A Merlin Book.

Puffin Books
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9780142419205

Review: Merlin has finally returned hope in Fincayra. But danger still lies waiting to strike, and the first to be hit is none other than Merlin's mother. Who is next? Can Merlin save his mother and Fincayra from certain doom? Will Merlin die on his quest? T.A. Barron will answer all in the 2nd book The Seven Songs from the Merlin Saga.

In the past, Merlin or Emirs the name he knew, had adventured to the land of Fincayra to find his past. He learned about it threw many trials, and changed from an ignorant boy to a sharp man. Since then the land changed from a dark, gloomy, and controlled place to a joyful one where everyone is able to talk, sing, and write freely. Merlin, now knowing his past, wants to bring Fincayra to its former glory.

This spellbinding book begins with Merlin thinking about his past, first Tuatha, his deceased grandfather and great wizard. He remembers him saving Rhia, his tree-like friend, from his father's hand Stagmar who is being controlled by the dark mastermind Rhita Gawr. Then he remembers when he was given the Flowering Harp to restore the lands that Rhita Gawr once controlled. But then he is interrupted with the thought of his mother, and his longing for her to join him. This drives Merlin to forget his duties and return her to Fincayra. As it turns out, this decision is a grave mistake because she has been cursed and is destined to die. So Merlin sets out on a quest to gain the secrets of the seven songs to go to Dagada for help. Will Merlin succeed, or fall to the life-changing challenges ahead? Will Merlin's mother die?

The Seven Songs is an excellent book for elementary and middle-school students as it is not challenging to read and has a relatively easy vocabulary and plot structure. This book in fact will make readers sit on the edge of their seat waiting to see what happens next. Fantasy and magic lovers will enjoy this book like none other, due to its enchanting adventures throughout the land or into a mysterious realm of spirits. You readers think you can predict Merlin, well think again. The Seven Songs is full of surprises that can never be imagined. Also there is a very unique exposition where the setting of the story is the magical floating island Fincayra with dark hills, reflecting lakes, and unseen creatures. In addition the plot includes many twists and turns that make a coaxing atmosphere. Realistic fiction readers will enjoy this book too. It includes many challenges that are faced in real life such as dealing with your adamant sister, or sticking up for yourself. Plus The Seven Songs is in a series, so you can read many more of Merlin's adventures, and the excitement doesn't end. Just get The Seven Songs and other books in the series by T.A. Barron to start your reading adventure.

Review written by Tej (6th grade student).

We would like to thank T. A. Barron for providing a copy of The Seven Songs for this review.

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

Review: Below the Surface by Tim Shoemaker

Below the Surface by Tim Shoemaker. A Code of Silence Novel.

Zondervan
Publication Date: March 2014
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9780310735014

Review: You can bury fear, but that doesn't mean its dead. That's what Cooper, Hiro, Gordy, and Lunk find out on one long summer vacation. Below the Surface is a heart-pounding mystery that leaves you wanting way more than a simple ending. It is the 3rd book in the Code of Silence series written by Tim Shoemaker.

When these four friends who have already been witnesses to robberies and been kidnapped go on a vacation to relax, everything goes wrong. On the first day, the friends witness a murder and Hiro, a cop's daughter, goes right into action to prove who did it. Although her friends don't believe her and there is hardly any evidence, she is noticed by the killer and pulls her friends into danger. A car hits Cooper, and the friends are being stalked, but that's only the beginning. As the clues come together, someone is ready to make the situation even worse, with plans to kill Hiro. What happens to Hiro and her friends? You will have to find out!

I loved this book! It has everything - murder, mystery, and reality. The book shifts back and forth from the perspective one friend, or foe to another, every two or three chapters. Although the suspense is amazing, there are a few flaws. Although Below the Surface seems to drag on, there isn't much action until the end and the readers are left hanging, this still an amazing book. All in all, this book is great for teens and young adults ages 10 and up. The violence and suspense may be too much for some younger children. The book is enjoyable for both girls and boys, and the action and suspense will draw in any reader itching to solve a mystery. I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it!

Review written by Katlyn (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Zonderkidz for providing a copy of Below the Surface for this review.

Have you read Below the Surface? How would you rate it?

Review: Road Rash by Mark Huntley Parsons

Road Rash by Mark Huntley Parsons.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385753426

Review: Life in an awesome band isn't as awesome as it seems. Road Rash by Mark Huntley Parsons has Zach Ryan, a gifted teenage drummer, as the main character.

After being dropped from his band, a 17 year-old drummer, Zach Ryan, gets the chance to go on tour with the professionals. It feels great for him at first, but it becomes one tough time. He is in control of the drums, but off-stage the rivalries in his new group become hard to deal with. And the girl he left behind is now talking about another guy.

Overall, I found Road Rash to be decent, but there are some aspects that made this book less enjoyable. One reason I didn't enjoy Road Rash was because it seemed like it was full of stereotypes. For example, the way characters text to each other in the beginning was stereotypical. The book had them texting common abbreviations such as "thx" for thanks, or "u" instead of you. Also, the overuse of swearing was unnecessary. It felt fine at first, but then it just became old and used more for shock than literary value. However, even though I didn't enjoy Road Rash that much, I'm sure someone a bit younger than me might enjoy it- without the swearing.

Road Rash also had some aspects to it that made me enjoy it. One reason why I enjoyed Road Rash is that the book seemed realistic. While reading Road Rash, I felt like the story could have been real because of the character traits and storyline. All the characters seem believable. Another reason I enjoyed Road Rash was the storyline. I enjoy how things seem to be looking up for Zach, but then they completely backfire on him. Zach's life is going up and down. So in the end, Road Rash is a decent novel if you can get past all the stereotypes and unnecessary language.

Review written by Josh (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Road Rash? How would you rate it?