Review: Unlikely Heroes: 37 Inspiring Stories of Courage and Heart from the Animal Kingdom by Jennifer S. Holland

Unlikely Heroes: 37 Inspiring Stories of Courage and Heart from the Animal Kingdom by Jennifer S. Holland.

Workman Publishing
Publication Date: October 2014
List Price: $13.95
ISBN-13: 9780761174417

Review: Have you ever heard of a parrot saving a little girl from choking? Well, it happened. You can find this story and many more in the book Unlikely Heroes by Jennifer S. Holland. It contains 37 inspiring stories about animals coming to the rescue.

Unlikely Heroes. They aren't just firefighters or policemen. They are animals. In this book, they save their owners, children, or other animals. It really can open your eyes as you learn how amazing these animals really are. Unlikely Heroes is for animal lovers. Some animals in this book sacrificed safety or even life.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It would probably be best for a 6th grade or higher reading level. The stories are heart-warming and they are considerably long and with advanced vocabulary. But the stories are very memorable and unique. The way the stories are written in the book are so suspenseful and amazing. I found it astonishing how they are all true and animals do acts of bravery like this. It includes where and when each inspiring story happened. Good news for fans of this book- there are 2 other books, Unlikely Friendships and Unlikely Loves. Animals come around at the right time just to do something shockingly great. Every one of them contains someone in danger, and a little furry friend with a lot of heart.

Review written by Alison (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Workman for providing a copy of Unlikely Heroes: 37 Inspiring Stories of Courage and Heart from the Animal Kingdom for this review.

Have you read Unlikely Heroes: 37 Inspiring Stories of Courage and Heart from the Animal Kingdom? How would you rate it?

Review: Say it Ain't So by Josh Berk

Say it Ain't So by Josh Berk. A Lenny and the Mikes Book.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375870095

Review: Say it Ain't So is a book about three 7th grade boys that are, in way, detectives but also two of them are baseball players (Mike and Lenny). Mike and Lenny love baseball it is their dream to play professional baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies. Mike used to be a pitcher until he broke his arm; he is now the Schwenkfelder Mustangs' starting catcher after Davis Gannet (an 8th grader at Schwenkfelder Middle School) had stolen Kyle Webb's father's phone. Once his dad finds out that Davis stole his phone, he told Coach Zo, and Davis was kicked off the team. But there was another mystery on their hands; someone on the Griffith Griffins was sealing their secret system for relaying a pitch type. This could ruin them! But they found out that it's not one person, it's three!

The book is amazing I recommend this book for people in grades 6 through 8 because Say It Ain't So has some sophisticated wording here and there. I am not really into baseball but this book made me a little more interested. Say it Ain't So overall had a great storyline and well balanced characters. The genre of the book is mystery with realistic story tale elements. I'd say my favorite part of the story is when Mike, Other Mike, and Lenny figure out who is cheating and who stole the signs. It was a real game changer!

Review written by Aaron (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Say it Ain't So for this review.

Have you read Say it Ain't So? How would you rate it?

Review: Snap Decision by Nathan Whitaker

Snap Decision by Nathan Whitaker. The first book in the Truth, Lies, and Football Series.

ZonderKidz
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780310737001

Review: Boom! Bang! Hit! A whistle, with little time left in the 4th quarter in a football game at the other team's side of the field. Chase, the QB was deciding what play to do as they trailed. Then suddenly he says, hike. Nervously, Chase caught the ball, with his sweat dripping down his uniform. Looking, dodging, duckingÉthen the game ended. Half of the fans cheered, and the other half of the fans cried, as they were depressed. If you want to read more, check out Snap Decision by Nathan Whitaker.

In Snap Decision, the main character is Chase, the quarter back for the junior varsity team. His team is called the Carr Loggerheads. The day after Chase had played against the Raiders, his coach wanted him to tryout for varsity football with his friends Drew, Solomon, and Nick. Chase had thought about it, he tried out and made the team. The good thing is he had made the Varsity team, but he wasn't the starting Q.

The varsity team had made it to the state championship game against the Flagler Engineers. In the 4th quarter down by 6 with very little time left, the starting QB, Tripp, got injured. It is Chase's turn to get in the game and pump up the team. He wondered which play to call and how to execute it, with the ball on the other teams field. Next, the game gets really exciting.

In my opinion, Chase is a great football player that never gives up. He is a huge role model to teach kids to focus on their goals. He is courageous, brave, and never has a doubt in his mind. When each chapter ended, everything was resolved. I didn't really like that because I wished the author had left me with a little suspense. The vocabulary was between a 5-6 grade levels, in my opinion, because all the words I had known. This book is a football, sporty, book. In my opinion this book is mostly for boys. Overall, Snap Decision is an entertaining book that teaches me anything can happen in the end. I would like to read this book again when I get older.

Review written by Krishaan (6th grade student).

We would like to thank ZonderKidz for providing a copy of Snap Decision for this review.

Have you read Snap Decision? How would you rate it?

Review: Red by Alison Cherry

Red by Alison Cherry.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2013
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385742931

Review: Have you ever had a big secret that if it got out would ruin your whole social life? In Red by Alison Cherry, Felicity does. But somehow someone gets to know Felicity's secret. Will this person spread the secret?

Red is about a girl named Felicity and her big secret that she relies on for a pageant coming up at school. But a blackmailer one day gives her a note that might change everything. Filled with mystery and suspense this book is a page-turner. I recommend this book for ages 12 and up because it uses some strong words and it might be hard for a kid to read.

Red is a great book for a girl or a boy. There are hard words throughout the book but there not super challenging. It is also a long book that is great for after school reading. I recommend this book to anyone who is twelve and up because it does have strong words but overall an amazing book.

Review written by Izzy (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Red? How would you rate it?

Review: Katie Woo Rules the School by Fran Manushkin

Katie Woo Rules the School by Fran Manushkin. A Katie Woo Book.

Picture Window Books
Publication Date: August 2012
List Price: $4.95
ISBN-13: 9781404879089

Review: If you're looking for a book that younger kids would enjoy then Katie Woo Rules the School by Fran Manushkin would be the perfect choice. In this book there is a girl named Katie Woo, and she goes through a lot in school. She has a lot of problems but always finds the answer in the end.

In Katie Woo Rules the School she is faced with four different challenges. In the first one she loses the class pet. In the second one she gets teased and called names. In the third one she lies to someone about taking his or her toy. And in the last one she wants to get the lead in the school play.

Katie Woo Rules the School is good for children ages 5-7. They would like this book because there are not many words per page, so it would be easy for them to read. The character in this book Katie, who is the main character who is in every book in the series. The words are very big on each page and they appropriate for young readers. Plus, the sentences are short and are written with small words like it, she, got, etc. The lesson taught is to never give up on a situation even if you feel like you have to. Most likely a girl would like this book because the main character is a girl and there is only really one main boy character. Because this book is about teaching lessons, little kids would know how to handle challenging situations. So if you need a book to teach lessons about real situations, Katie Woo Rules the School is the perfect book.

Review written by Kerstin (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Capstone Publishing for providing a copy of Katie Woo Rules the School for this review.

Have you read Katie Woo Rules the School? How would you rate it?

Review: The Hypnotists by Gordon Korman

The Hypnotists by Gordon Korman. Book 1 in The Hypnotists Series.

Scholastic
Publication Date: July 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780545503228

Review: Have you ever wondered how magicians hypnotize people by swinging pocket watches? If you have, then The Hypnotists by Gordan Korman is the perfect book because it reveals most truths about hypnotism while providing a good story.

This book follows a boy named Jackson, who has color changing eyes. Strange things keep on happening to Jackson, but he doesn't know why. Once Jackson finds out what has been happening to him, he can't handle it and has to take on a difficult foe to stop the chaos.

The Hypnotisst is a good book. It has a lot of cliffhangers that are extremely suspenseful with unpredictable outcomes. This book is for ages 10-12 because it has some intense elements that younger children may not understand. The Hypnotists will keep you on the edge of your seat guessing what will happen next. This book is a great read for all genders that want to get good action story with a good twist.

Review written by Michael (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Michael for providing a copy of The Hypnotists for this review.

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

Review: Greenglass House by Kate Milford

Greenglass House by Kate Milford.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: August 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780544052703

Review: Mysteries. Spies. Action. That is the topic of this book, Greenglass House. Milo a regular boy that wonders about his past before he was adopted to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pine. Their family owns a hotel inn called The Greenglass House. It's a regular day, and Milo comes home from school. Glad that its winter vacation and that he is sure that no guests will come over. Then, he's surprised when he finds out that there are 7 guests! He had thought that he would have a relaxing vacation. Now, there is something that you must know about the Greenglass House. It's not a normal inn. If fact, most of the people that come are smugglers and illegal sellers. But, they don't mind. But these guests are definitely something else. One has blue hair, one has no emotion, and one even as snobby as a queen. Then, he finds a big, blue leather wallet that has a map inside. Then, another surprise! Meddy, the daughter of one of the maids, is interested in Milo's back life. As they try together to try to figure out the story behind the map, someone steals it and leaves a fake one! Now, they are in a hot pursuit of the thief AND the secrets behind the guests. Will Milo be able to step out of his comfort zone, or will they never know? I like Greenglass House because it teaches that sometimes, you have to be out of your comfort zone in order to do things. Milo is learning this when he has to work with someone he despises to uncover to truth to all these problems. I would recommend this book for 8 year olds to 12 year olds, and anybody who likes action or mysteries.

Review written by Athira (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Clarion Books for providing a copy of Greenglass House for this review.

Have you read Greenglass House? How would you rate it?

Review: So You Want to Work in Fashion? How to Break into the World of Fashion and Design by Patricia Wooster

So You Want to Work in Fashion? How to Break into the World of Fashion and Design by Patricia Wooster. A So You Want to Be A Book.

Aladdin
Publication Date: September 2014
List Price: $9.99
ISBN-13: 9781582704524

Review: Every person has a dream of what they want to be when they grow up. Some people want to be doctors, while others want to be chefs. But others have a dream of being in the fashion industry. So You Want To Work In Fashion by Patricia Wooster is perfect for people who want to fulfill that dream. In this book you will learn about all the different jobs in the fashion industry. This book includes interviews with young designers and types of jobs you can get in the industry. There are many different types of jobs in this business and not all of them are designing the clothing. If you are into watching reporters on the TV as they report the newest trends ,then you would have a good time in the fashion industry. Have you ever heard of Courtney Allegra? You most likely have not, because she is a young and new designer. In ÒSo You Want To Work In FashionÓ there are 12 chapters of all you need to know about working in the fashion business. Other jobs include designer, stylist, production, retail and public relations, and model and photographer. I know what you are thinking aren't stylists and designers the same thing? The answer is no.

In the beginning of the book you learn about the basics of each job. In this book you will also learn about what kind of degrees you will need for each job. Every chapter includes one or more interviews with young people with big dreams on becoming a famous designer. There is a quiz that may help you where your creativity would shine in. Then as the book gets going it tells about designing. If your dream is to make the sketches for the clothing than this job would be perfect for you. I will say this again designing and styling are different things, that is why there two different chapters for them. Public relations is a good job for you if you like numbers. Retail is a good job if you want to sell the newest clothing. If you want to report the newest fashion or maybe you want to write reviews in a magazine, than working in the media is the job for you.. If you want to be the person who walks down the runway in the designer's newest clothing, you would want to be a model. If you want to take photos of the people walking down the runway than you would make a great photographer. The best part of the book is about fashion as a career. You can learn about where to go to become better at your job and learn that fashion as a career is different than fashion as a hobby. If there was a word in the book that had something to do with the fashion world then it should be in the glossary.

So You Want To Work In The Fashion Business is a great book and this book would be great to get for a person you know who loves fashion. If fashion turns out to be a job that you don't want, then you should know that So You Want To Work In The Fashion Business, is part of the Be What You Want series, and if they are anywhere as through as this one, then they worth the read. My favorite part of the book was the interviews because they featured teenagers and children that I would be able to relate to.

Review written by Kyra (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Beyond Words for providing a copy of So You Want to Work in Fashion? How to Break into the World of Fashion and Design for this review.

Have you read So You Want to Work in Fashion? How to Break into the World of Fashion and Design? How would you rate it?

Review: Still Life by Jacqueline West

Still Life by Jacqueline West. Volume 5 in The Books of Elswhere Series.

Dial
Publication Date: June 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780803736917

Review: A fantastic book series by Jacqueline West will leave you flipping the pages. The Books of Elsewhere: Still Life has a special twist that interests the readers. Olive's adventures will lead you to the next book. Olive is the girl in the story who is uncovering all the secrets behind Elsewhere; she is the character in this book that is the adventurer. This book focuses on a woman named Annabelle McMartin. Everyone knows she is dead, but Olive is determined that there is a big secret behind all of this.

Olive takes a trip to the local art museum; where she sees something, which is the most remarkable thing she has ever seen. This amazing sight takes Olive on a fascinating, unexpected journey. She uncovers secrets of Morton's mysterious vanished parents and finds out from the deepest darkest roots of Old Man McMartin's strange world.

For Still Life though, you need to finish the rest of the Elsewhere series before reading it. I haven't read this book series, so I didn't have too much of an idea who some these characters were. This book would be very exciting for the ones who have read so far the series.<.br>
Nonetheless, in this final book, Olive uncovers the full story of Elsewhere and the destruction of Elsewhere itself. Olive risks her own ability for the people of whom she loves. How long will she keep up with this? What will happen to her and what might she get herself into?

Review written by Khushali (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Penguin Young Readers Group for providing a copy of Still Life for this review.

Have you read Still Life? How would you rate it?

Review: The Secrets of Tree Taylor by Dandi Daley Mackall

The Secrets of Tree Taylor by Dandi Daley Mackall.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375868979

Review: You will be reading a review on one of the strangest mystery books ever written. This murder story might give you the chills. Dandi Daley Mackall wrote adventurous story of The Secrets of Tree Taylor in 2014. The book is about teenager Tree Taylor on her adventure to find out who killed Mr. Kinney. Sit is not that easy solving a mystery case so this 289 page book will make you want to find out who killed Mr. Kinney.

It all starts off with Tree Taylor waking up to a loud gunshot. She runs outside and stops when she sees that her dad is at the Kinney's house. He tells her to stay there, but then the police and ambulance arrive. Before she can react, Her friend Jack shows up and picks her up. She investigates and talks to Mrs. Kinney. She keeps investigating until Jack calls her saying that there has been a robbery at his place and he has killed the robber. Tree comes crying but the cops are talking to him like he is in trouble. He is. The whole robbery is a joke. She goes back to investigating and finds evidence at the Kinney's house. It is aÉ You have to read to find out.

I liked the fact that the book's characters are well developed. The plot of The Secrets of Tree Taylor is confusing and unrealistic that it made me not want to read it. If someone would play a prank about a robbery, he wouldn't just get away with that he would have to at least get consequences. Because I did not enjoy the plot, cold-hearted boy, and mischievous girl I do not recommend this book. However, if this type of mystery interests you, you might want to give it a try.

Review written by Eric (6th grade student).

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

Have you read The Secrets of Tree Taylor? How would you rate it?

Review: Cheesie Mack is Not Exactly Famous by Steve Cotler

Cheesie Mack is Not Exactly Famous by Steve Cotler. A Cheesie Mack Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 2014
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780385369848

Review: Do you like comedy, suspense, and adventure? Than Cheesie Mack is Not Exactly Famous is a perfect book for you.

Cheesie Mack is Not Exactly Famous is the fourth book in the Cheesie Mack series. In this book Cheesie and Georgie find an artifact that makes them famous. Meanwhile Georgie's dad is getting married, Georgie loses the ring, and Cheesie has trouble getting the correct copy of a Harry Potter book with J.K Rowling's signature after Cheesie's sister copies it. I encourage you to read the book to find out how Cheesie switched the Harry Potter books and if Cheesie and Georgie found the ring.

Cheesie Mack is Not Exactly Famous is intended for ages 10-12 because it has some harder words that I didn't know but it gives a definition on most of them. This book was a funny book and had pictures, lists, information that would be on Cheesie's website, and other areas like that to keep the book interesting. I also personally like how it tells multiple stories. It also refers back to stuff earlier in the book and stuff that happened in other books. Overall this book was really good so if you want to know how the rest of the story plays out you have to read it for yourself.

Review written by Alex (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Cheesie Mack is Not Exactly Famous for this review.

Have you read Cheesie Mack is Not Exactly Famous? How would you rate it?

Review: How to Slay a Werewolf: And Definitely Live to Tell the Tale by Martin Howard

How to Slay a Werewolf: And Definitely Live to Tell the Tale by Martin Howard. A Professor Van Helsing Guide.

Ticktock Publishing
Publication Date: November 2014
List Price: $6.99
ISBN-13: 9781783251131

Review: Have you ever wondered what it takes to slay a werewolf? If you have, then the book How to Slay a Werewolf is the book for you. It goes beyond the basics of slaying a werewolf. In How to Slay a Werewolf Professor Van Helsing doesn't just teach readers how to slay a werewolf, you'll also learn amazing tips and tricks of how to spot a werewolf, what their weaknesses are, what exactly is a werewolf, the transformation of a human to a werewolf, and much more! Get prepared to face the dangers of coming face to face with a werewolf. Learn the do's and don'ts of slaying a werewolf for the first time. Know what weapons do the most damage when slaying a werewolf.

If you're really interested in slaying werewolves then How to Slay a Werewolf by Ticktock is the best fit for you! I would recommend this book to reader's ages 8-10 because of the length, word choice, and low violence/gore used in this book. This book goes beyond standards to give you great details and facts on how to slay werewolves. Young readers will have a fun time reading this informational book on slaying werewolves. Check out How to Slay a Werewolf today!

Review written by Christian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock for providing a copy of How to Slay a Werewolf: And Definitely Live to Tell the Tale for this review.

Have you read How to Slay a Werewolf: And Definitely Live to Tell the Tale? How would you rate it?

Review: The Shade of the Moon by Susan Beth Pfeffer

The Shade of the Moon by Susan Beth Pfeffer. The Conclusion to the Life As We Knew It Series.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: September 2014
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9780544336155

Review: Have you ever been regretful of your actions or thought you hurt someone in a way that would fill you with guilt? Or have you been going over your life and seeing it as if the fate of your family is on you? If you have, you would be a lot like Jon, a boy in the story The Shade Of The Moon by Susan Beth Pfeffer who feels all of this and does what he can to keep the people he loves safe.

Jon is a slip, a person that was barely allowed to get into a home, of an enclave in Sexton, Tennessee where he lives with his stepmother Lisa and stepbrother Gabe. The people of these home areas are separated between grubs and clavers Lisa has to be evaluated which determines if she can stay or if she has to go and leave Jon and Gabe behind. To protect Lisa, Jon has to be the "best of friends" with a boy named Tyler, the boy whose father determines the outcome of the evaluation. The problem is that Jon falls in love with a girl named Sarah who believes that all humans are the same even if they are grubs or clavers. Since Tyler and his pals are clavers, which mean that they do not feel the same way as Sarah feels about grubs, they do not treat her well. Jon decides that after the evaluation, he will forget about Tyler and love Sarah. But if Tyler were to be treated this way, Sarah will pay a price. Can Jon protect Sarah and love her at the same time? Will he be able to save Lisa's evaluation? Or will the people haunt him as a girl named Julie haunts him?

The Shade Of The Moon is intended for children 12 and up because of the foul language that can be found in this book and the more mature actions. It is a good book for all kinds of children, but people interested in romance might like this more than others. This is a really good fantasy book that shows people to do the right thing even in tight situations and that love always finds a way.

Review written by Yesenia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Shade of the Moon for this review.

Have you read The Shade of the Moon? How would you rate it?

Review: Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky.

Hyperion
Publication Date: November 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9781423185277

Review: Have you ever wondered if you were not actually you, well Grayson did? In Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polansky, Grayson thinks he is a girl because he draws princesses and draws with pink sparkly pens. Grayson had a fear if someone knew his little secret. Did Grayson revile his secret? You will have to find out in Gracefully Grayson.

12-year-old Grayson fights the challenge of being who he is. He always ate lunch in the library until Amelia came to his school. He started eating in the cafeteria when she came along. HE was still afraid of all the people in the room. Just all to hide his secret. Grayson was a boy that felt like a girl and acted like a girl. He needed self-confidence to believe in who he is. She hated track pants and loved dresses. She knew that she was a girl inside. At the end she did a great job in the school play and her family and friends understood her better.

Gracefully Grayson is a wonderful book to teach kids about a sensitive issue and self-confidence. Grayson fights his own challenges but kids can relate to him. Kids can learn to believe in there selves. This is a very descriptive book that has very original characters. This book filled with real life plots that kids can relate from. This book shows that you don't have to be who people want you to be. You can be someone else. Grayson liked to draw girly things and that was when he learned that he was acting like a girl. That's why he never really ate lunch with everyone. He was too afraid to. This book shows how to make things better by fighting your challenges and he did that by trying out the school play and wanting to play the girl role. I would recommend this book for kids 10-13 because it is a novel and it has somewhat hard words. Also because it is about a boy that is a girl inside. One other theme is to believe in your self. Grayson wanted to believe in himself but was too afraid to, but not in the school play. This is a very good book and you should read it.

Review written by Devanshi (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Hyperion for providing a copy of Gracefully Grayson for this review.

Have you read Gracefully Grayson? How would you rate it?

Review: The Eiffel Tower Incident by Sir Steve Stevenson

The Eiffel Tower Incident by Sir Steve Stevenson. An Agatha: Girl of Mystery Book.

Grosset & Dunlap
Publication Date: March 2014
List Price: $5.99
ISBN-13: 9780448462233

Review: Are you looking for a good mystery? Do you love to read about detectives? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you will definitely enjoy this book! In Agatha, Girl of Mystery: The Eiffel Tower Incident, by Sir Steve Stevenson, Agatha, Dash, and Chandler are on an epic adventure! This is the 5th book in the series.

In The Eiffel Tower Incident, a team consisting of Agatha (the mystery writer), Dash (the spy), and Chandler (the butler and former boxer), travel to Paris to solve a mystery! Because of Dash's carelessness, he has been put in charge of the case after he accidently injures the chief of spies. All three of them must work hard to catch the criminal who has killed Boris Renko in the Eiffel Tower! The team goes nonstop to find the murderer with only the slightest clue of Red Rose. Agatha, Dash, and Chandler race to find the suspect at the scene of the murder. After going to all the suspect's houses, the team figures out little clues step by step. If you'd like to find out how they solve the mystery, you'll just have to read the book!

The Eiffel Tower Incident, is fun to read, and is mysterious at the same time. I really enjoyed the book. The author laid out the story very nicely. It is easy to read, and the chapters end at just the right times. For example, the author would end the chapter just before they are about to solve the crime, or right before they enter the murderer's house. I just couldn't put the book down. The entire mystery kept me on my toes and made me want to read more. I recommend this book to 9-11 year olds. The book's genre is realistic fiction. It is believable. This book is perfect for readers who are interested in mysteries.

Review written by Annika (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Penguin Young Readers Group for providing a copy of The Eiffel Tower Incident for this review.

Have you read The Eiffel Tower Incident? How would you rate it?