Review: Dead Is Just a Dream by Marlene Perez

Dead Is Just a Dream by Marlene Perez. A Dead Is Novel.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: September 2014
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9780544336346

Review: What happens when a town and dark forces meet? In Dead is Just a Dream by Marlene Perez shows you what happens when just that occurs. There are seven other books in the series; anyone who likes this book would like to read the series.

It takes place in Nightshade, a small town in Northern California, and Nightshade is full of supernatural activities. And in this book it is the Mara, a white figure that is giving people nightmares that scare them to death. And it is up to the viragos to stop them, the viragos are a group of people to protect the town from the supernatural occurrences.

I suggest this book to anyone between the ages of nine and twelve. It has a creepy plot with a lot of action and full of fun. Dead Is Just a Dream is a quick read, entertaining, and just spooky enough to give you goose bumps. This book is filled with details, and very interesting. It's a great book right before Halloween. I loved the plot, loved the story line, and loved the characters. Easy read, quick read, and a whole lot of fun.

Review written by Patrick (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Dead Is Just a Dream for this review.

Have you read Dead Is Just a Dream? How would you rate it?

Review: Stubby the War Dog by Ann Bausum

Stubby the War Dog by Ann Bausum.

National Geographic Kids
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9781426314865

Review: Do you like Dogs? Well do you also like history, and conflict? ? If so Stubby the War Dog by Ann Bausum is the book for you.

The book all starts with a little puppy lost in the streets of Connecticut until a soldier going to war picked him up, trains him, and brings him to camp. He even learns how to salute to his general. Then went on the cruiser to Europe to fight in WWI (even though dogs are not allowed.) when they get there he is appointed mascot of the legion. He is so brave he even kills rival soldiers. He gets shot in no mans land and waits patiently, but will Stubby heal?

Stubby the War Dog is very interesting and action packed. I recommend this book to readers from the age of 10 to 13. The characters were explained enough to understand their personality and actions. Even if you don't like history you will like Stubby. The book gets a 5 star rating because I like history and I like fast moving action packed books. With a mixture of history, conflict, and cuteness I was amazed how a dog from 100 years ago is still getting written about today, this is the book for you.

I highly recommend this book for people age 10-13. But I think that anyone can be satisfied while reading this book.

Review written by Eric (6th grade student).

We would like to thank National Geographic Kids for providing a copy of Stubby the War Dog for this review.

Have you read Stubby the War Dog? How would you rate it?

Review: The Day the Stones Walked by T. A. Barron

The Day the Stones Walked by T. A. Barron.

Philomel Books
Publication Date: May 2007
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780399242632

Review: Can you imagine rocks that could walk or even move? Do you like short and entertaining stories? Then The Day the Stones Walked by T.A Barron is a book for you! The day the Stones Walked is a book about a young a young Native American boy in Hawaii. His name is Pico. His father has told him stories about stones walking but Pico doesn't believe his father. One day a great wave comes by and wipes out Pico. Will he ever get back to shore? Are there really rocks that can walk?

I recommend this to readers who are around the age of 8-10 years old. The Day The Stones Walked is an entertaining story. T.A Barron is one of my personal favorite authors for this type of genre. I'd say my favorite part is when the stone saves Pico from drowning after being wiped out by the ÒGreat WaveÓ. The overall plot of the story is well developed along with the characters they are well described. T.A Barron has made a lot of other books for example the Merlin series, The Hero's Trail, and Child of the Dark Prophecy to name just a few. I personally give this book a rating of 7 out of 10. Overall this book is great! The story is very entertaining. I really enjoyed it, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Review written by Aaron (6th grade student).

We would like to thank T. A. Barron for providing a copy of The Day the Stones Walked for this review.

Have you read The Day the Stones Walked? How would you rate it?

Review: Zoom In! Visual Illusions and Guessing Games by Ticktock

Zoom In! Visual Illusions and Guessing Games by Ticktock.

Ticktock Publishing
Publication Date: October 2014
List Price: $9.99
ISBN-13: 9781783251629

Review: Have you ever wondered what a butterfly would look like close up? Then Zoom In by TickTock is the perfect book for you because it shows you that and more.

In this book it brings the camera extremely close to something, and you get to guess what it is! Don't worry, it tells you the answer so you can see if you got it right.

Zoom In is a good book. It's fun to guess and also teaches you interesting facts. On the page after the close-up image it tells you what it is and information about the object. I also really like the close up pictures because they are challenging and can be really hard to guess. This book is good if your looking for something fun to do on a rainy day. Also, this book is best for you if you like interesting facts. Some of them I didn't even know so a lot of little kids probably won't know them either. Finally, Zoom In is best for children ages 6-8 because it would be fun for little kids to guess what the pictures are, and they would like to read the interesting facts because the facts would probably surprise them.

Review written by Alex (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock for providing a copy of Zoom In! Visual Illusions and Guessing Games for this review.

Have you read Zoom In! Visual Illusions and Guessing Games? How would you rate it?

Review: Oliver and His Egg by Paul Schmid

Oliver and His Egg by Paul Schmid. An Oliver Book.

Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9781423175735

Review: Have you ever wished for a friend who would go on adventures with you? If so then you can relate to the book Oliver and His Egg by Paul Shmid. It's a good book to read to a child who is six or seven years old.

Oliver imagines this egg will hatch and grow into his best friend. He believes that they will go on adventures to places. But then, he realizes he needs his other friends too. So he adds them in his imagination and they all go on exciting adventures together.

This is a great book for kids six or seven because it's not very hard to read. It uses basic words that a six or seven year old can read. Even a boy or girl can enjoy this book. They'll love the fact that this boy has an active imagination.

Review written by Isabella (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Disney Publishing Worldwide for providing a copy of Oliver and His Egg for this review.

Have you read Oliver and His Egg? How would you rate it?

Review: National Geeographic Kids 125 True Stories of Amazing Pets by National Geographic Kids

National Geeographic Kids 125 True Stories of Amazing Pets by National Geographic Kids.

National Geographic Kids
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9781426314599

Review: Do you like amazing animal stories? Well, then 125 True Stories of Amazing Pets is the book for you! This book is filled with exciting facts about some of the most unusual pets.

125 True Stories of Amazing Pets will blow your mind. This book proves that there are more animals that are amazing yet to be seen. This book has many subheadings that you can get the general idea what the stories are about. But the stories will yet amaze you. One of the stories had a bunny that was 4 feet tall. That's almost as tall as me!

This book would be great for 5-12 year olds. There may be a few hard words every now and then but it's not a big deal. It is a fascinating book so it won't creep them out or anything. Even if you don't like animals that much, you will like this. I recommend this book to everybody in the world because who doesn't find amazing things amazing?

Review written by Dye (6th grade student).

We would like to thank National Geographic Kids for providing a copy of National Geeographic Kids 125 True Stories of Amazing Pets for this review.

Have you read National Geeographic Kids 125 True Stories of Amazing Pets? How would you rate it?

Review: The Griffin and the Dinosaur by Marc Aronson with Adrienne Mayor

The Griffin and the Dinosaur by Marc Aronson with Adrienne Mayor.

National Geographic Kids
Publication Date: April 2014
List Price: $18.99
ISBN-13: 9781426311086

Review: Ancient Greeks believed in mythical creatures. One of the most fascinating is the griffin. Even though it's a myth, could it be linked to reality? Could there be griffins watching over us, flying high in the sky. Adrienne Mayor pursues the interesting topic in the book, The Griffin and the Dinosaur by Marc Aronson.

Adrienne Mayor has always been fascinated by the outdoors. The griffin also fascinated her. When Adrienne goes to Greece, she finds out the truth.

This book is perfect for 11-12 year olds. It has an interesting plot that develops in an interesting way. Younger readers may not find it pleasing because of its factual format and some of the vocabulary. This book is strongly recommended and is a great read for people who enjoy Greek mythology.

Review written by Michael (6th grade student).

We would like to thank National Geographic for providing a copy of The Griffin and the Dinosaur for this review.

Have you read The Griffin and the Dinosaur? How would you rate it?

Review: Why There is Always Room for Dessert? by Lynn Fielding

Why There is Always Room for Dessert? by Lynn Fielding.

The New Foundation Press
Publication Date: March 2014
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9780966687545

Review: If you've ever been full of dinner but always have room for dessert, you'll want to read Why There is Always Room for Dessert by Lynn Fielding which will answer this age old question.

This book is about two kids who are complaining about being full of vegetables but have plenty of room for dessert and don't know why. So they ask their mom and she doesn't know, so they ask their dad and he tells them a story about why there is always room for dessert.

This is a perfect book for kids ages 3-6 because they will find it very interesting. Parents might even enjoy it! After all, doesn't everyone have room for dessert? Lynn Fielding is a great children's book writer. Why There is Always Room for Dessert will fill the young readers minds with imagination as to why they always have room for dessert.

Review written by Max (6th grade student).

We would like to thank New Foundations Press for providing a copy of Why There is Always Room for Dessert? for this review.

Have you read Why There is Always Room for Dessert?? How would you rate it?

Review: Alphabetabum: An Album of Rare Photographs and Medium Verses by Vladimir Radunsky & Chris Raschka

Alphabetabum: An Album of Rare Photographs and Medium Verses by Vladimir Radunsky & Chris Raschka.

The New York Review Children's Collection
Publication Date: October 2014
List Price: $19.95
ISBN-13: 9781590178171

Review: Alphabetabum? I know what your thinking, 'What kind of title is that?' However, as soon as you open the first page in this unusual book you'll see why!

The book Alphabetabum by (Vladimir Radunsky and Chris Raskaca) create a book full of historical photographs with poems to follow how the child appears in the photo. Through the use of poetic of techniques, they both find a fun and creative why to amuse readers. This book is also a great way to learn about the fashion of the 19th century, so not only are you giggling at the rhymes, but also you are getting a history lesson. What a plus! I recommend this book for the ages of 12-13 since the sophisticated wording throughout this book may be challenging for younger children.

Review written by Arsima (6th grade student).

We would like to thank The New York Review Children's Collection for providing a copy of Alphabetabum: An Album of Rare Photographs and Medium Verses for this review.

Have you read Alphabetabum: An Album of Rare Photographs and Medium Verses? How would you rate it?

Review: Make Me A Princess by Nicola Baxter

Make Me A Princess by Nicola Baxter.

Ticktock Publishing
Publication Date: June 2014
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9781783250851

Review: Have you ever wondered why you see little girls running around in princess costumes on Halloween? Well, the best ones get their stylish look from the book Make Me A Princess by Ticktock. Make Me A Princess will leave little girls everywhere looking pretty as a princess, and it is perfect for the little princess in your life!

Make Me a Princess is a Do-It-Yourself book with tips on hairstyles, fashion, and many more tips that will leave your little girl as polite and pretty as a real princess. It includes hair treatments, styles for all seasons, and party tips. It even shows your little princess how to throw a party and always look her very best. So let your little girl be polite and pretty. She (and you) will be the envy of the neighborhood!

I think Make Me A Princess is a perfect book for princesses of all ages, but some younger readers might need help because the vocabulary is a bit advanced for younger readers. It has every princess tip a girl could ask for, and more! Mothers, Older Sisters, Aunts, and Grandmas, you may even get good fashion choices and advice from this book! Does she need help with manners? No problem! Fashion? Helps with that. Long story short, Make Me A Princess has it all! Little girls will love this book of pink, sparkles, and fashion! It will help your little princess with all her fashion needs.

This book is a good book for young girls. I think they will find it interesting because it is about things like fashion, palaces, carriages, and all things princess. It is also helpful for moms because it has easy 5- minute hairstyles for when you are running late. Parents could get great tips and tricks from this book for throwing the perfect princess party. It can also help young girls change their ÒGIMME THAT!Ó to ÒMay I please have that?Ó because it shows little princesses the magic words - please and thank you. In conclusion, this book is perfect for your little princess and you should buy it today!

Review written by Alison (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock Publishing for providing a copy of Make Me A Princess for this review.

Have you read Make Me A Princess? How would you rate it?

Review: Everything Mythology by Blake Hoena

Everything Mythology by Blake Hoena.

National Geographic Kids
Publication Date: March 2014
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9781426314988

Review: From the Cyclops to Poseidon, learn about all the beasts, gods, and goddesses of the ancient world. Surprises abound in this book, Everything Mythology, by Blake Hoena.

Everything Mythology includes many stories such as the battle of Ragnarok, in which the Norse gods fight their final battle. Learn about Arachne and how exactly she got turned into a spider. You'll also be able to find out where old temples for the gods were located as well as what people used for sacrifice. In Greek myths, you'll learn about the ups and down inside this big family including beasts and tricksters such as Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods to give to the suffering humans down on earth.

There are also a lot more mythological creatures, such as Satyrs and Garuda, a god and a bird! Some, like the Pegasus, even fly! There is so much more to learn in Everything Mythology, but I won't give it away!

I love this book because it tells about some of the biggest gods and goddesses from around the world, and even some you may not even know! My favorite is Garuda, the bird-like god. Also, I think that some people would like to read myths from foreign countries, such as the Anansi the spider, who tricks the sun god Nyame, into giving rain to the people down earth, which we can all be grateful for, especially in the summer! I recommend this book to 7-12 year olds and to anybody interested in mythology. I hope you enjoy!

Review written by Athira (6th grade student).

We would like to thank National Geographic for providing a copy of Everything Mythology for this review.

Have you read Everything Mythology? How would you rate it?

Review: Fashion Style Book by Bonnie Marcus

Fashion Style Book by Bonnie Marcus. A Bonnie Marcus Book.

Parragon
Publication Date: March 2014
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9781472338839

Review: Are you the kind of person who can't wait to choose your next outfit? Then Fashion Style Book by Robyn Newton, Gillian Henney, and Amy Marks is the perfect book for you. In this book you will travel through the wonderful world of fashion. You will learn about famous designers, fashion through times, and learn about key fashion must-haves.

In Fashion Style Book you will learn all about fashion in a few short chapters. The first chapter is about famous designers like Channel. Not only do you learn about how the designers became famous, you learn a short summery on there life before fame. The next chapter is about fashion through time. Do you ever wonder what people wore in the 1990's? You will find out that information and more in this book. You can travel through the greatest fashion times in history. The next chapter is about fashion must-haves and the different types of them. For example there is more than one type of denim jeans. Fashion Style Book will teach you the main types if denim jeans and what looks best with them. The next and last chapter has heaps of activities. There are two main activities. One is a quiz. The quizzes will help you find your inner fashion sense. The other main activity is creating your own designs. This chapter is great because you have 4 pages to place pictures that you have printed or cut out from a magazine. That is called a mood board. At the end of the book there is a fashion dictionary. That part of the book is there so you can fully understand what the world of fashion is talking about.

I recommend this book for girls ages 10-14. I chose that age range because of the vocabulary. This book has a high reading level. So it would not be good for younger kids because they might not be able to understand the vocabulary. They also may not be as interested in fashion as older girls are. I liked this book because it taught me how to look great while feeling comfortable. I also was also able to learn about designers I admire. This book would be great to read with friends. I think that Fashion Style Book is such a great book because you can be up to date with the latest fashion trends. Robyn Newton, Gillian Henney, and Amy Marks are amazing authors. I have never heard of these three authors but after they wrote this book, I will definitely look into more books written by any of them.

Review written by Kyra (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Parragon for providing a copy of Fashion Style Book for this review.

Have you read Fashion Style Book? How would you rate it?

Review: Dinosaur Wars: Deadly Dinosaurs Go Head to Head by Phil Manning & Peter Minister

Dinosaur Wars: Deadly Dinosaurs Go Head to Head by Phil Manning & Peter Minister. An Animal Wars Book.

Ticktock Publishing
Publication Date: August 2014
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9781783250479

Review: Imagine if you were able to see dinosaurs go head to head! Seeing the offender biting into the neck of a helpless dinosaur and seeing the defender fighting back to save himself from death would be exhilarating. If you love these types of books, then Dinosaur Wars is the perfect book for you! Written by Dr. Phil Manning and illustrated by Peter Minister, Dinosaur Wars is perfect for all the dinosaur lovers of the world!

Dinosaur Wars includes mini stories of a battle between two dinosaurs that pop up in the middle of interesting facts about the dinosaurs that battle in the book. First comes the battle, then the information, then another battle, and then more information and so on. There are stories like a Megalosaurus keeping a Camptoaurus cornered with an injury on its back, huddling to the wall of rocks, trying to escape. Or like when a Protoceratops loses her young to a duo of Velociraptors! At the back are the results of the fights! Amazing stories! But deadly attacks!

Dinosaur Wars is an amazing guide for kids around the ages of 6 and up or even an amazing way to keep the young ones entertained with the awesomeness of dinosaurs! In Dinosaur Wars, kids are happy while they are learning about Dinosaurs or just reading about everyone's favorite giant lizards, fighting each other! Boys are positively going to love this book! Also girls with these types of interests will find this fascinating! Dr. Phil Manning and Peter Minister's Dinosaur Wars is an amazing book that everyone should know about!

Review written by Yesenia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock for providing a copy of Dinosaur Wars: Deadly Dinosaurs Go Head to Head for this review.

Have you read Dinosaur Wars: Deadly Dinosaurs Go Head to Head? How would you rate it?

Review: Jake's Bones by Jake McGowan-Lowe

Jake's Bones by Jake McGowan-Lowe.

Ticktock Publishing
Publication Date: March 2014
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9781848988521

Review: Have you ever wondered how the skeletal system of an animal looks? Jake did; he began collecting bones in a small village in Scotland. When he was 8 years old, he developed an interest in collecting bones.

In Jake's bonesJake collects all kinds of bones from a leopard to an alligator. Jake will teach readers all about his incredible collection of bones with his cool skeletons, including Oscar the hedgehog, Vulpie the fox, and George the deer. Readers will also learn specific bone parts, teeth, and antlers. Furthermore, readers will travel back in time and discover unique dinosaur bones as well as uncover weird bones that you didn't know existed! Be amazed by the biggest, smallest, and most bizarre bones on Earth!

If you are interested in bones and want to know more, then Jake's Bones by Ticktock is the perfect fit for you! I recommend this book for kids ages 10-12 because of the length, words choice, and good detailed facts used in this book. There is plenty of information, interesting details, and facts a young paleontologist can possibly ask for. Jake has information for all animals big and small. If you're a student and you have a report on bones, then Jake's Bones is a great, reliable source.

Review written by Christian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock for providing a copy of Jake's Bones for this review.

Have you read Jake's Bones? How would you rate it?

Review: Super Sleepover Secrets by Sasha Morton

Super Sleepover Secrets by Sasha Morton.

Ticktock Publishing
Publication Date: September 2014
List Price: $10.99
ISBN-13: 9781783251209

Review: Are you sure you're ready for the best and the most awesome sleepover ever? Super Sleepover Secrets explains how to do all of that and more! The Super Sleepover Secrets is the book for you if you like to be a girly girl and have makeovers and do other girly things. Don't worry, if you aren't too much of girly-girl, then just use some ideas or customize it. For example, painting your nails, doing hairstyles, baking treats, watching scary movies, decorating the invitation, etc. This is just some of the activities that this book consumes. Super Sleepover Secrets by Sasha Morton and Kat Kalindi Cameron, is for girls all over the world who want learn the special technique of super sleepovers.

In Super Sleepover Secrets there are a lot of different categories to chose from and follow. There is first, the intro, which explains how to set up the invitations to give the guests and some tips to start off with (not in detail). Next, there is Pampering Secrets. This section shows some pointers and tips on beauty treatments and explains how to do them. After that, the next section is about ways to entertain your guests (crafts). The section after is called Hair Heaven, which is all about hair. This section explains to you on how to do some fab hairstyles and how to also glam it up a bit. Finally, the last section is about food; you definitely need some tasty treats for you and your guests to munch on! This chapter shows how to make brownies, smoothies, etc. Now it is time to hit the couch with your snacks! Let the movie begin! This is the best part before you hit the bed; you and your friends can relax with a snack while the movie plays.

I love Super Sleepover Secrets because girls all ages can learn and host the best sleepover and learn a thing or two about responsibility. It also gives valuable tips and pointers on the side just to keep the reader on track and not left confused. You should read this book if you need a little help before the sleepover or if you have never hosted a sleepover before and you need a guide to help you. No matter what, Super Sleepover Secrets can help host the best and most awesome sleepover. Even if you are as old as thirteen, there is something in there for every type of girl.

Review written by Khushali (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock for providing a copy of Super Sleepover Secrets for this review.

Have you read Super Sleepover Secrets? How would you rate it?

Review: Squirrels on Skis by J. Hamilton Ray

Squirrels on Skis by J. Hamilton Ray. A Beginner Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2013
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9780449810811

Review: When squirrels get Popsicle sticks and toothpicks, they become Squirrels on Skis. In this swirling whirling tale about squirrels racing on skis, author J. Hamilton Ray has written a kid friendly book based on a famous author, Dr. Seuss. A rhyming book as well, as can be swell little kids are sure to enjoy.

In this adventurous tale, people in the town see that there were squirrels on skis. First there is one, then 2, then 100. No one knows where the squirrels have found their skis, but it is up to Sally Sue Breeze to figure out this mystery. The mayor is about to send Stanley Powers to take the squirrels away, and Sally Sue Breeze does not want this to happen. Does Sally solve the mystery? You are going to have to read Squirrels on Skis by J.Hamilton Ray to find out.

The book Squirrel on Skis is great to teach little kids about going for what they believe in and thinking in their own way. I think that the author describes the setting very well. I also like that the author, J.Hamilton Ray was influenced by Dr.Seuss and is bringing books like that back. I love the rhyming, and little kids will love it too. This book is fun, interesting and teaches kids a lesson. Who wouldn't want this book? Sally Sue Breeze is a very well-rounded character. She sticks to one thing and doesn't give up on saving the squirrels - even though she has no clue at the beginning. This book will teach kids in a fun way. Squirrels on Skis is a fun rhyming book with easy words for kid to read, so what are to waiting for? Get Squirrels on Skis by J.Hamilton Ray.

Review written by Devanshi (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Squirrels on Skis for this review.

Have you read Squirrels on Skis? How would you rate it?

Review: Animals Everywhere! by Simon Abbott

Animals Everywhere! by Simon Abbott.

Ticktock Publishing
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9781783250776

Review: Have you ever wondered, how many animals there are and what they can do? In Animals Everywhere! by Simon Abbott, readers can learn about every animal they can imagine. If you want to know about a harp seal, or a polar bear it's there. This book is filled with all sorts of interesting facts about animals, habitats, and more!

In Animals Everywhere, you can learn about exciting facts about unusual animals, and what habitat they live in. For example, in the book you find out that, "Toucans have bills that can be longer than a banana!" You also learn that, "an ostrich egg is about as big as 24 hen's eggs." These are just two interesting facts from the book! If you want more facts like that, you'll just have to read Animals Everywhere!

Animals Everywhere! is a fantastic book about animals. I personally enjoyed it because it had a lot of amazing facts about animals. My favorite fact was that a gray wolf's howl could be heard up to 6 miles away. I also really liked the way the author organized the book. First of all, the author put the name of the habitat at the top of the page and had all the animals that lived there on that page. Animals Everywhere! is filled with a vast amount of wonderful pictures that kids would love! The pictures are drawn in a way that children would understand. Overall, the book has a great purpose to it, which is to inform and entertain kids about animals in a fun way that will make kids want to read more!

Review written by Annika (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock Publishing for providing a copy of Animals Everywhere! for this review.

Have you read Animals Everywhere!? How would you rate it?

Review: Aviary Wonders Inc.: Spring Catalog and Insruction Manual by Kat Samworth

Aviary Wonders Inc.: Spring Catalog and Insruction Manual by Kat Samworth.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: March 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780547978994

Review: Caw caw caaaw!!!!!

You don't hear that sound anymore, anywhere. Its 2031 and you are in the forest, yet there are no birds; they are goneÉÉÉÉ Extinct. In the book Aviary Wonders Inc.: Spring Catalog and Instruction Manual by Kate Samworth you will learn how to make your own bird using extra special premium parts! If you are looking for a book about birds and what can happen in the future, this is definitely a book for you.

Aviary Wonders explains what exactly can happen if we let the world's most amazing, precious creatures die out. This book focuses mostly on all the parts you can get and how exactly you are going to assemble your bird. You will be able to choose all the parts for your bird such as the beak, the wings, the tail, and even the body itself. It's like reading a 30-paged manual to bird building or watching a DIY video on Youtube.

Aviary Wonders is great for any person with a big love for birds. Although it is quite sad because all birds are extinct, this is a lesson to anybody who litters, because what they are doing right now can impact all sorts of animals very badly and can lead to their extinction.

Some of the vocabulary in this book may be a bit hard for smaller children, but this book is for everyone, no matter how young or old. That being said, this book is for anyone, but honestly recommend this book for kids anywhere from 9-12 years old. The information inside is just as amazing as the topic of the book, birds. Take a long and amusing adventure to the future and find out what can happen if we don't care for the beautiful animals of the Earth. You can get this book at a library near you, and when you do, enjoy every word of it.

Review written by Julie (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin for providing a copy of Aviary Wonders Inc.: Spring Catalog and Insruction Manual for this review.

Have you read Aviary Wonders Inc.: Spring Catalog and Insruction Manual? How would you rate it?

Review: Everything Dinosaurs: Chomp on Tons of Earthshaking Facts and Fun by Blake Hoena

Everything Dinosaurs: Chomp on Tons of Earthshaking Facts and Fun by Blake Hoena.

National Geographic Kids
Publication Date: March 2014
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9781426314964

Review: Carnivores rampaging herbivores; dinosaurs doing what they have to in order to survive. Learn about all of this and more when you read Everything Dinosaurs by Blake Hoena.

Everything Dinosaurs teaches you about some dinosaur superstars such as the Microraptor. It also looks into different ages which build off of larger periods of time. For example, the Jurassic Period is in the Mesozoic Era. Readers will also learn who, who dug them up. In addition, Everything Dinosaurs will also teach you about fossils and archaeology. For instance, you will learn about types of fossils, who, and how they dig them up!

This book can be for anyone, but mostly younger kids. The book is also very factual and I recommend Everything Dinosaurs to people who like dinosaurs and archaeology. It's perfect for anyone who likes to learn about the past, through logical or factual books!

Review written by Carol (6th grade student).

We would like to thank National Geographic for providing a copy of Everything Dinosaurs: Chomp on Tons of Earthshaking Facts and Fun for this review.

Have you read Everything Dinosaurs: Chomp on Tons of Earthshaking Facts and Fun? How would you rate it?

Review: Patriotic Pals: Tales of Civil War Dogs by Chris Stuckenschneider

Patriotic Pals: Tales of Civil War Dogs by Chris Stuckenschneider.

Reedy Press
Publication Date: August 2013
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9781935806516

Review: Boom! There goes the bullet along with Brutus. Although it is dangerous, to Brutus it is like a game (luckily he never caught any bullets). The book Patriotic Pals: Tales of Civil War Dogs by Chris Stuckenshneider, is about dogs that helped in the Civil War.

In Patriotic Pals, Chuck and his poodle friend (Chuck is also a dog) go on a road trip to many historical museums and military parks. There they find many different dogs that have helped in the war. For example, one dog Brutus collected bullets, and he alarmed the regiment when enemies were nearby. In Patriotic Pals you will find interesting facts about different dogs that helped and served in the Civil war.

Patriotic Pals is intended for ages 8-10 because it contains some words that may be difficult for younger children. The author also makes the setting very clear. For example, on page one the book states the dogs are at the Missouri History museum in St. Louis. Patriotic Pals provides many descriptive words that help readers understand the book even more. I love how the author wrote the story in first person, which makes it far more interesting than it would have been in 3rd person. Learning about the role of dogs in the Civil War makes for a unique story. Readers can learn how helpful everyone, including dogs, was in the Civil War. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn facts about the different roles of dogs in history.

Review written by Jacob (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Reedy Press for providing a copy of Patriotic Pals: Tales of Civil War Dogs for this review.

Have you read Patriotic Pals: Tales of Civil War Dogs? How would you rate it?

Review: My Big Fast Car Book by Ticktock

My Big Fast Car Book by Ticktock.

Ticktock Publishing
Publication Date: April 2014
List Price: $9.99
ISBN-13: 9781783250462

Review: Do you like looking at fast cars and envy the people who have them? If so this is the book for you. It shows a couple of the fastest cars in the world. You see muscle cars, hot rods, and sport cars all made by top of the line retailers.

My Big Fast Car Book has a lot of interesting facts; did you know that a Bugatti Veyron goes 267mph and costs 2 million dollars, and that the most expensive car sold for 35 million dollars? These are some of the things that I liked about My Big Fast Car Book. This is one of my favorite picture books I have ever read; this book shows the price of fancy cars, how fast they go, and what they look like.

I recommend My Big Fast Car Bookto preschoolers and nearly anybody under the age of 10 who loves cars because it is filled with cool cars and a lot of details.

Review written by Patrick (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock Publishing for providing a copy of My Big Fast Car Book for this review.

Have you read My Big Fast Car Book? How would you rate it?

Review: Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight by Tony DiTerlizzi

Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight by Tony DiTerlizzi. A Star Wars Book.

Disney Press
Publication Date: October 2014
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9781484706688

Review: KA-BOOM! Do you like action books? If so, then the graphic novel Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight by Tony Diterlizzi is the one for you. Join Luke in a fast-paced escape to save his friends.

In this story, Luke Skywalker, using his X-wing fighter, has to escape the Imperial TIE fighters alone to get to the desert planet Tatooine to release his friends who are being held captive. When they shoot his snow speeder, he comes crashing down into the snow bank to face one of the Imperials' walkers. Will Luke ever arrive in Tatooine? If so, will he be able to release his friends? Or will the Imperial fighters defeat him? You have to read to find out!

This graphic novel is interesting because of all the action that's happening. The writing style of the author, who uses a lot of onomatopoeia, keeps the story suspenseful, like when he uses words like "CRASH!" "ZAP! ZAP! ZAP!" and "WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!" The descriptive language about the technology (X-wing fighter, torpedoes, etc.) also makes the story more enjoyable. For example, the author wrote, ÒLaser bolts shot at Luke's squadron from everywhere at once. Ships on both sides erupted in fiery explosions.Ó I recommend this book to boys ages 9-12 because of the detailed third person writing style and the intense action. The main character is a brave boy, Luke, too. If you're a Star Wars fan, you'd like this graphic novel, too!

In conclusion, Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight is jam-packed with action, onomatopoeia, and more. BOOM! BOOM! Ahh! Gotta run!

Review written by Madison (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Disney Book Group for providing a copy of Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight for this review.

Have you read Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight? How would you rate it?

Review: My Bibi Always Remembers by Toni Buzzeo

My Bibi Always Remembers by Toni Buzzeo.

Disney Publishing Worldwide
Publication Date: September 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9781423183853

Review: Is your grandma the best? If so read about the adventure of a little baby elephant, Tembo, and his family In the book My Bibi Always Remembers by Toni Buzzeo and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka.

One day thirsty little Tembo hears her grandma Bibi, calling. When Bibi calls, Tembo knows to come. Tembo goes on an adventure to search for wetlands and water with his family. But then Tembo gets distracted and decides to go to the jackalberry tree and play. When Tembo notices they are gone, she squeals and waits until Mama comes back to get him at which pint they continue their journey. But then Tembo wanders off again and this time chases storks. Then again when Tembo realizes they are gone, Tembo squeals and waits. Tembo continues to wander off, and her family has to return for her. But in the end, Tembo learns how much he wants to be like Bibi because she always remembers the way.

My Bibi Always Remembers should be told to kids in grades 1-3, because the vocabulary is simple. Also I think that it is unique that the author chose to write about a grandmother unlike other books that are written about a mom or dad. The book, My Bibi Always Remembers is a cute story. The setting of the book is very realistic, and the main character is adorable. The author is a very descriptive writer. For example, when Tembo starts the journey they walk step by step and one by one and when Tembo had berries she has a mouthful of berries. The plot of the story is very reasonable and realistic because the elephant family is in a very dry place in the wilderness with no water around. So they all go to search for some wetland and water. This lesson teaches kids a very important lesson. Kids should not wander around without an adult supervising. Also, it's important to stick on task and do what you have to do or go where you have to go. A boy or girl could be recommended to this children book.

Review written by Alexa (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Disney Publishing Worldwide for providing a copy of My Bibi Always Remembers for this review.

Have you read My Bibi Always Remembers? How would you rate it?