Review: An Inheritance of Ashes by Leah Bobet

An Inheritance of Ashes by Leah Bobet.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: October 2015
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780544281110

Review: SQUAWK! SQUAWK! In An Inheritance of Ashes by Leah Bobet, it's 6 months after a violent war to kill an evil, dark god; but weeks after the war was won, the older sister Marthe, and the younger sister, Hallie, are both struggling hard to maintain their family, they wait for Marthe's husband to help them. They hire a veteran to help manage the farm. Meanwhile, strange, sometimes dangerous things happen. Birds with spider eyes circle the fields, ghostly messages are made in the lake, every phantom marching south to fight appears at her front gate.

An Inheritance of Ashes is recommended for kids in middle school years because this book contains some language, and contains vocabulary words for older children. I think this book was written to entertain an audience who enjoys mystery, thrillers, some action, and lots of details. I do think adults can enjoy this book too because this book is not childish, it really makes you nervous at some parts because you won't always be able to even guess what might happen and it can sometimes contain things for older audiences. This book is recommended for readers 12 and up, and for people who like complex. This is a splendid book for young adult readers.

Review written by Justin (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Clarion Books for providing a copy of An Inheritance of Ashes for this review.

Have you read An Inheritance of Ashes? How would you rate it?

Review: Party Games by R. L. Stein

Party Games by R. L. Stein. A Fear Street Novel.

St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: September 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9781250051615

Review: “I stood up straight. Two fat tree trunks rose in front of me, black against the purple black sky. I could barely see. I gazed around forcing my eyes to focus. ‘Brendan? Hey-Brendan’ I called in a hoarse whisper.”

In the city of Shadyside there is this girl named Rachel who’s 17 and she gets invited to Brendan Fear’s Birthday party (whom she has had a crush on since the 7th grade). She imagines the party to be a blast and for her to get to know Brendan but he’s is a Fear. Stories say that the Fear family and the location for the party is cursed. Will the party be an amazing time like she thinks?

Party Games, a Fear Street novel by R. L. Stein, is a terrific book. I recommend this book to 6th grade and up because there are some parts of the book that are scary - so don’t read before bed :). The book has appropriate words for 12 year olds and has some higher-level words. The story is written very well and is lively and full of action. The characters in the book are really believable and tell the story really well. The plot of the story is suspenseful and makes kids want to keep reading and find out what happens to the kids at the party. Overall I recommend this book to anyone who likes scary books.

Review written by Kristina (6th grade student).

We would like to thank St. Martin's Griffin for providing a copy of Party Games for this review.

Have you read Party Games? How would you rate it?

Review: Speak Up!: A Guide to Having Your Say and Speaking Your Mind by Halley Bondy

Speak Up!: A Guide to Having Your Say and Speaking Your Mind by Halley Bondy.

Zest Books
Publication Date: October 2015
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9781936976768

Review: Middle school is a tough time for nearly everyone, but it can be especially hard on girls. Either they are too shy, too nervous, or too afraid to say their mind. Speak Up! A Guide to Having Your Say and Speaking Your Mind by Halley Bondy will help resolve these issues and teach you why and how to courageously voice your thoughts to friends, family, teachers, bullies, and crushes. This awesome book is for ages 10 and up.

As suggested by the title, Speak Up! is about, well, speaking up. With bodies and minds shifting from kid to adult, it is sometimes difficult to break out of our shells and stand up for what's right. The book offers exercises to help empower people on this and other topics such as bullying, friends, and relationships (ooh!). In addition, it will show you ways to combat negative thoughts and similar obstacles. For example, the author had an eating disorder when she was in middle school. But she never spoke up about it, and it took a while, but she eventually got the help she needed.

Speak Up! is a truly amazing book. The vocabulary is fit for the intended reader age, and is easy to understand. Though published this year, I think it will be helpful for future generations to come. I would give this must-read 5 out of 5 stars for being an overall helpful resource to boosting self-esteem. So remember, you should always be confident to speak up for yourself.

Review written by Karla (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Zest Books for providing a copy of Speak Up!: A Guide to Having Your Say and Speaking Your Mind for this review.

Have you read Speak Up!: A Guide to Having Your Say and Speaking Your Mind? How would you rate it?

Review: We'll Never Be Apart by Emiko Jean

We'll Never Be Apart by Emiko Jean.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: October 2015
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780544482005

Review: We'll never be apart. The whole story revolves around this one line. It's a twisted and dark book that makes you keep reading it more and more. The book lures you in, makes you want to know what is going to happen at the end. What book am I talking about? We'll Never Be Apart by Emiko Jean of course.

We'll Never Be Apart is about a girl named Alice that has been sent to a mental asylum called Savage Isle. There, she meets Chase, a boy who is just like her: broken. Chase and Alice become friends and Alice soon learn to trust Chase. Alice has found it hard to trust people ever since her boyfriend, Jason and her twin sister, Cellie, betrayed her. Chase helps Alice figure out who she truly is and helps her realize that the people that she loved the most were evil. Alice also writes about her childhood problems her and her sister faced in her diary.

We'll Never Be Apart is a breath-taking book to read. But, make sure you're ages 12 and up because some content might be inappropriate for you. You also should make sure you are mature enough to handle this book because it will cover topics like murder and it'll use so-called "bad" words. If you're not ages 12 and up, ask your parents if you can read this book. While the story is taking place in the present, there are little excerpts of her childhood that help you understand the story more and help you connect with Alice's character. There are two "parts" or "tenses" in this story, so you need to make sure you are reading attentively because it's very easy to miss useful information while you're reading. We'll Never Be Apart is an amazing book that teaches you a lot of life lessons and morals. One of the morals was that you should never trust someone that easily or they might break you. Overall, this is a sterling book to read.

Review written by Heer (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of We'll Never Be Apart for this review.

Have you read We'll Never Be Apart? How would you rate it?

Review: Hide and Seek by Jane Casey

Hide and Seek by Jane Casey. A Jess Tennant Mystery.

St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: August 2015
List Price: $18.99
ISBN-13: 9781250040671

Review: Do you like engrossing, intriguing, mystery books? If you do, Hide and Seek by Jane Casey is the right book for you. In this novel, Jess Tennant, a regular high school girl, is faced with a humongous problem when one day, one of her classmates that she was supposed to meet at her town's library fails to show up. She tries her best to find her missing classmate, hurdling over obstacles like family, love life, and maybe even the law. Will she ever be able to solve this peculiar case?

Jess Tennant has always been sticking her nose into other people's lives. It's a curious habit she's always had. But one day, at a Christmas party in Port Sentinel, one of the girls that is in her history class, Gilly Poynter, harms herself at the party after another group of girls gang up on her. Later after that event, Gilly is paired with Jess for a project. They plan to meet at the library. The only thing is, Gilly never shows up. Jess starts to fuss about it, but police officer Dan Henderson, which coincidentally is also the father of her boyfriend, Will, says not to worry about it. But things start turning bad. Gilly never returns, and the whole town is searching for her. Jess desperately tries to find her dodging all kinds of complications along the way.

Hide and Seek is perfect for middle school readers. There are mature references and vocabulary, so I would not suggest younger ages read this story. Mystery lovers will adore this novel. The character's personalities are all unique, making the book even more enticing. The way Jane Casey wove the events in a cliffhanging way every chapter adds spectacular aspects. The sensational final conclusion of the book will leave readers in shock, in either a good or bad way, you can decide if you are determined to read it.

Review written by Katherine (6th grade student).

We would like to thank St. Martin's Griffin for providing a copy of Hide and Seek for this review.

Have you read Hide and Seek? How would you rate it?

Review: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan. Book 1 in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Series.

Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: October 2015
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9781423160915

Review: Do you like books full of adventure and excitement? What about books with humor and cool characters? Then you will love the book The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan about a boy named Magnus Chase.

Magnus needs to go on a mission to keep a monster from getting free and destroying everything. He needs assistance from the Norse gods on his journey. He makes other new friends to help him on his journey as well. There is one big problem though, Magnus just died.

The Sword of Summer is a book primarily intended for middle schoolers, however teens and adults would enjoy it as well. The Sword of Summer is a novel with harder words and no pictures. The Sword of Summer has many suspenseful situations and scenes full of action. I believe the moral of this story is that having help in something you need to do is easier than doing it alone. I really enjoyed reading The Sword of Summer and I think it is you will like it too.

Review written by Jessica (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Disney-Hyperion Books for providing a copy of The Sword of Summer for this review.

Have you read The Sword of Summer? How would you rate it?

Review: A Creature of Moonlight by Rebecca Hahn

A Creature of Moonlight by Rebecca Hahn.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780544109353

Review: Have you ever wondered what's behind those trees, beyond the mountains, in the deepest caves? Well you're about to find out and explore the secrets and stories of the woods by reading A Creature of Moonlight by Rebecca Hahn. Come along on Marni's journey to find where she belongs, to the forest or the cottage?

Marni is a flower girl who lives with her gramps in a cottage not far from her village. She has always wandered off into the forbidden forest behind her house; people have forbidden it because girls have been snatched away by the dragon. Marni is the dragon's daughter, daughter and the woods are calling even louder for her to home to her father. Marni's uncle is the king, and wants Marni's head for being the dragon's daughter. Her uncle killed her mother for carrying the Dragon's Daughter. Marni now wants vengeance for her mother's death, and the only way is to kill the king. Now the woods are coming in fast and Marni needs to make her decision. Which way she will go for her future? The princess or the Dragon's daughter in the woods?

A Creature of Moonlight is a perfect book for my grade level and age group. It is very enjoyable and a good book for my liking. I definitely recommend it to anybody and I want a second book! I would read it again! I think the plot is very creative and the charters to. Also the description is so real it's just as magical as the woods in the story!

Review written by Abbey (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of A Creature of Moonlight for this review.

Have you read A Creature of Moonlight? How would you rate it?

Review: No Such Person by Caroline B. Cooney

No Such Person by Caroline B. Cooney.

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 2015
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385742917

Review: Do you like to read books that keep you trying to figure out what actually happened in the mystery? If so, No Such Person by Caroline B. Cooney is a great book for you. No Such Person can most likely be enjoyed by kids 12+.

This book is about two sisters named Miranda and Lander Allerdon, that aren't very close. One summer everything seemed to be normal for them and their family, but Lander is arrested for murder, and soon after that everything went downhill.

I definitely recommend this book because it shares both views of the Allerdon sisters which keeps you trying to figure out the mystery. It is also a very unique book that is nothing like I have ever read before.

Review written by Molly (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of No Such Person for this review.

Have you read No Such Person? How would you rate it?

Review: In the Afterlight by Alexandra Bracken

In the Afterlight by Alexandra Bracken. Book 3 in The Darkest Minds Series.

Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: August 2014
List Price: $18.99
ISBN-13: 9781423157526

Review: Do you ever want to read a book that is fiction, with a lot of drama? Well, with the book, In The Afterlight, The Darkest Minds Series Book 3 by Alexandra Bracken, you will be able to read a fiction book, with a lot of drama. Make sure you read the first two books though, because this book will be very confusing without the knowledge of the other books.

This book is about a government attack on Los Angeles, with a lot of kids who travel north to regroup. Some kids are orphaned because of this attack, others are scarred for life, and most of them lost their parents and are relying on other kids to help them. There is a girl who is named Ruby, and the book is in her view. She is with a group called Children's League, and, when Children's League disbands, forms a group with an unlikely allegiance with Liam's brother, Cole. There are still thousands of Psi kids suffering, and getting abused in government "rehabilitation camps" all over the country. Their group is doing their best to try to free all of them to get them all back to their parents. Or put in communities where other adults will take care of the orphaned children 'till they are old enough to take care of themselves. But not everyone is supportive of the plan Ruby and Cole make and craft for months, to free all of the camps.

The age group that is best for In The Afterlight, is ages 12 years and up. Because of the violence, adult scenes, and swear words in this book, this book is best for Early Junior High, up to any age. This book is not for young children. In The Afterlight is fiction, and is sometimes confusing, because they use code words for different groups they make up. This book is 535 pages long so, for faster readers, it might only take a week, but if you are a slow reader that barely reads, it could vary from two weeks, to seven or eight weeks even. The format of the front of the plastic cover on the book would probably be appealing to most Junior High students, if you like to read. Overall, the topic, and most probably the format, would appeal to many readers.

Review written by Madison (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Disney-Hyperion Books for providing a copy of In the Afterlight for this review.

Have you read In the Afterlight? How would you rate it?

Review: HILO: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth by Judd Winick

HILO: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth by Judd Winick.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2015
List Price: $13.99
ISBN-13: 9780385386173

Review: Funny, exciting, crazy, and entertaining. All these characteristics are in the book Hilo The Boy Who Crashed Earth written by Judd Winick. You can read all about his adventure about how he fell through the sky! If you want to know all about Hilo. Make sure you read Hilo The Boy Who Crashed Earth.

Hilo The Boy Who Crashed Earth is all about a boy who unexpectedly shoots down through a portal, falls into Earth, and is found by a boy named D.J. He doesn't remember anything until he finally starts dreaming about what happened. In his dreams he starts visualizing his memories. He discovers that a meteor shower is really his enemy, Razor Wark. Razor Wark sends giant bugs and pieces to build a robot that will destroy Earth. Finally, Hilo defeats the robot made by the bugs, and travels back home through his portal. Hilo's friends, D.J and Gina think Razor Wark won't attack Earth. Hilo leaves his toe behind, so he can talk to D.J in case any dangers are coming to Earth. D.J and his friend Gina both are lead to a spot where they observe something vast and atrocious. If you want to find out more, read the book Hilo The Boy Who Crashed Earth.

Would you like being friends with someone who fell from the sky and builds telescope in ten seconds? You can't be friends with him, but you can read about Hilo in this entertaining story. Hilo The Boy Who Crashed Earth

is an extraordinary graphic novel, and I loved it! In my opinion this book is mainly for kids from the ages 8-12, but if you are a little older and enjoy reading graphic novels Hilo The Boy Who Crashed Earth might be a good book for you. Hilo The Boy Who Crashed Earth helps you improve reading and fluency, but still entertains you with an intense climax. Some characters to look for in the story are Hilo and his friends D.J and Gina. Readers from ages 8-12 will love the character of Hilo because he is around their age and is a real comedian. In your lifespan you probably won't see people eating grass like a cow, but right here in the story Hilo eats grass right off the floor! How funny is that? If you want to know what is going on in the story, but aren't crazy about words then Hilo The Boy Who Crashed Earth tells a story through illustrations. The illustrations will help you understand what the plot is and how the characters feel. Also some people aren't very factual, but are all about entertainment then this book is probably a considerable book for them. It is tremendous for a person who loves entertainment because it leaves you on a cliffhanger and you feel like a character who is part of the story. This story explains to the readers that everyone is good at something, even you.

Review written by Adi (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of HILO: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth for this review.

Have you read HILO: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth? How would you rate it?

Review: The Big Baking Book by Ella's Kitchen

The Big Baking Book by Ella's Kitchen. An Ella's Kitchen Book.

Hamlyn
Publication Date: June 2014
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9780600628446

Review: Do you love to bake and try out new recipes? What about recipes that are healthy but still delicious? Then The Big Baking Book by Ella's kitchen is the book for you!

The Big Baking Book has 100 healthy and yummy recipes to make with your family. There are extra activities such as pictures you can color, crafts for the food you make and fun quizzes at the beginning of each chapter. Each chapter has a different subject such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and desserts.

The Big Baking Book is meant for preschoolers and adults. In The Big Baking Book, there is a recipe called the "Cheerful Monkey Cream Puffs" on page 136. I made these cream puffs and they had really easy instructions to follow. They also needed very little adult supervision with only an oven and heating some ingredients up on the stove. The puffs turned out delicious and they are also very healthy. I really enjoyed The Big Baking Book and I think you will too.

Review written by Jessica (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Hamlyn Books for providing a copy of The Big Baking Book for this review.

Have you read The Big Baking Book? How would you rate it?

Review: Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman

Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman. Sequel to Seraphina.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 2015
List Price: $18.99
ISBN-13: 9780375866579

Review: She can do what with her powers? I shouldn't be in disbelief because she has pulled the same trick on me. In the story Shadow Scale a character named Seraphina is looking for others of her kind. She is half dragon and half human. She thinks that she is the only of her kind. Then she meets others. She is then sent on a mission by the queen to find all 17 half dragons and bring them back before the dragon war spills south. On her journey she encounters many obstacles. She must overcome them because she needs to keep moving. She is expected to find all 17 half dragons in only a matter of a couple of weeks. Who knows what she will find? Who knows whom she will find?

Shadow Scale is a book for ages 12 and up. The enjoyment level is somewhere from advanced 6th graders and up. But the vocabulary and complicated plotline make it appropriate for 7th and 8th grade. I would recommend this book to you because I personally like fantasies and this is an amazing fantasy. This is a good book for you because the author gives such vivid details. Do you like action in a book? Then this is the book for you. It keeps you guessing. You never know what could be around the corner. Some words to describe this amazing book are, remarkable, action packed, suspenseful, unknowing, and enticing. This book is just an overall good book. I hope you like the book Shadow Scale. I thank to Rachel Hartman for writing Shadow Scale.

Review written by Alex (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Shadow Scale? How would you rate it?

Review: Daisy to the Rescue by Jeff Campbell

Daisy to the Rescue by Jeff Campbell.

Zest Books
Publication Date: October 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9781936976621

Review: Animals save people without being told to. Animals save people without being trained to. Animals save people out of the kindness, worry, and love in their heart. If you love this kind of reading then Daisy to the Rescue by Jeff Campbell is the book for you! Daisy to the Rescue is divided into four sections with mini stories in each. Each section is divided into different topics. For example, part one is about domestic companions that save humans lives. Part two is labeled, "TRAINED TO SERVE, INSPIRED TO HEAL." The third section is about wild animals saving people. Last but not least, part four is about legends and folktales. I enjoy Daisy to the Rescue because I like to read about animals. The short story this book is named after is about a dog named Daisy that detected breast cancer in a researcher that was studying this dog. Daisy got awarded the honor of being one of the world's first trained cancer-detection dogs, and an award for saving a pioneer researcher. Daisy is inspiring researchers to train more dogs so that they can detect cancer in people.

This book is geared towards people 10 years and up. I recommend Daisy to the Rescue to everybody because the stories are so heartwarming and courageous of animals. Daisy to the Rescue will make you shed tears over how amazing these animals are. They put their life on the line to save other people without being asked to. That is amazing! Animals are an amazing companion to all I truly recommend Daisy to the Rescue to everyone!

Review written by Lily (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Zest Books for providing a copy of Daisy to the Rescue for this review.

Have you read Daisy to the Rescue? How would you rate it?

Review: Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Trying to Save Them by Terri Farley and Melissa Farlow

Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Trying to Save Them by Terri Farley and Melissa Farlow.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: September 2015
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9780544392946

Review: Do you love horses and want to know what is happening to them? Would you like to try and help them? Then Wild at Heart by Terri Farley is the book for you!

Wild at Heart includes many different facts and stories about the things that are hurting horses. Find out why people do these things, how they do them and real life occurrences that the author, Terri Farley, actually saw! In Wild at Heart you can read about how people help these horses to save them. Will the horses be saved?

Wild at Heart is a book primarily for an audience ages 12 years old through adult. Wild at Heart has more difficult vocabulary and beautiful photographs that were taken by Melissa Farlow. In Wild at Heart, there are extra parts such as ÒEyewitnessÓ sections which tell about sightings the authors saw and stories about young people who help horses. You can tell that Terri Farley and Melissa Farlow have a passion for horses. I enjoyed reading Wild at Heart and I think you will too.

Review written by Jessica (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Trying to Save Them for this review.

Have you read Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Trying to Save Them? How would you rate it?

Review: The Christmas Tugboat: How the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Came to New York by George Matteson and Adele Ursone

The Christmas Tugboat: How the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Came to New York by George Matteson and Adele Ursone.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: October 2012
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780618992157

Review: HOOOONK! HOOOOONK! The big tugboat sounds as it nears the mark where the festive Christmas tree will stand tall. A little girl goes with her Mom and Dad on an exciting tugboat adventure. They go up the Hudson River to pick up a special surprise for the State of New York! It takes some time as they go back down the Hudson river, but as the family arrives in New York, the little girl stands and watches in the pilot house as the crowd goes by waiting for the tree to arrive at the special destination. But, will they make it without the tree falling off of the tugboat? The Christmas Tugboat: How the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Came to New York,, written by George Mason and Adel Urson and illustrated by James E. Ransome, is a childrenÕs book that will spread the Christmas Cheer!

The Christmas Tugboat is a great read aloud although some of the vocabulary is a higher level than the preschoolers who are the intended audience. The authors include words like barge and buoys. A dictionary reference or definition in the front or back of the storybook would have helped. The storyline in the book flows well and it makes sense of the events that are happening. However, in this case the illustrations in the book may have been a little too dark in color and too much in some areas for this specific age group. Also, the words could be a little clearer, they could have been bolded or lighter/darker. The Christmas Tugboat is a book that adults will enjoy to read to their child during the Christmas season.

Overall, I would not recommend this book to a little child because of some of the hard, challenging vocabulary and darker pictures. But, for an older audience, The Christmas Tugboat would be a good choice, and I recommend it to that age group.

Review written by Lily (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Clarion Books for providing a copy of The Christmas Tugboat: How the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Came to New York for this review.

Have you read The Christmas Tugboat: How the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Came to New York? How would you rate it?

Review: You Look Yummy! by Tatsuya Miyanishi

You Look Yummy! by Tatsuya Miyanishi. A Tyrannosaurus Series Book.

Museyon
Publication Date: November 2015
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9781940842066

Review: ROOAARRR!!!! YOU LOOK YUMMY! You Look Yummy! by Tatsuya Miyanishi is about a baby Ankylosaurus who thinks that a Tyrannosaurus is his daddy. Even though that the Tyrannosaurs knows that he is not his dad, they learn how to love each other. The baby Ankylosaurus wants to be like his dad, but the Tyrannosaurus knows that will never happen. But will Ankylosaurus know what Tyrannosaurus will do next???

I think that this book is made for kids from ages 4-6, but I recommend You Look Yummy! to all ages. There are quite a lot of pictures and not many words on a page; also, the words are not very hard, little children can easily figure out what they mean. And the only negative thing about this book is the setting, where it does not enhance any part of the story. The backgrounds are colored in bright colors (orange, red, yellow, etc.) that will capture the attention of young children and have them wanting to look longer before moving on to the rest of the book.

Review written by Ansh (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Museyon Books for providing a copy of You Look Yummy! for this review.

Have you read You Look Yummy!? How would you rate it?

Review: The Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition by Chris Van Allsburg

The Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition by Chris Van Allsburg.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: September 2015
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9780544580145

Review: Imagine being on a train in the middle of the night, and then all of a sudden you see lights, lots of them. Now imagine knowing that you will meet Santa Claus. You would want to explore, right? Well those are the exact thoughts that are going through Hero Boy and Hero GirlÕs minds in The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.

On Christmas Eve select children get the chance to see Santa Claus at the North Pole. two of the kids get lost in the North Pole they explore and see many things you wouldnÕt usually see. They see elves, some flying reindeer, and the elvesÕ homes. Hero Boy, towards the end of the book, gets to meet Santa Claus in person. He returns home on Christmas Day, and one of the presents he opens is a bell from SantaÕs sleigh. He now strongly believes in Santa and his elves.

The Polar Express is intended for ages 4-7, however this book can be read by anyone of any age. Although kids ages 4-7 would need help to read the book, it is children's fiction, so they would enjoy it most. For example the words outstretched and barren are words they wouldnÕt understand. The main characters in the book are Hero girl, Hero boy, and Billy. Together they go throughout the North Pole and see things you wouldnÕt normally see everyday, like elves and Santa Claus. The art in the book is very detailed and nicely done. However a younger child might think the paintings are a little busy, and because the book is during the night, the pictures are a little dark. These things might make the book seem a little overwhelming for them. Overall I do very much think that all ages would take pleasure in The Polar Express, it is a very well written book, and the pictures are fantastic.

Review written by Mekenna (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition for this review.

Have you read The Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition? How would you rate it?

Review: Penelope Perfect: A Tale of Perfectionism Gone Wrong by Shannon Anderson

Penelope Perfect: A Tale of Perfectionism Gone Wrong by Shannon Anderson.

Free Spirit Publishing
Publication Date: August 2015
List Price: $9.99
ISBN-13: 9781631980473

Review: Do picture books with bright colors and unique pictures excite you? What about books that are poetic? Then you will love the book Penelope Perfect by Shannon Anderson about a young girl named Penelope.

Penelope is a girl who thinks she has to be perfect all the time. Every day she goes through the same routine and does the same things at school and at home. Penelope has everything figured out from the start of the day to the end and is very neat. But everything changes when her alarm clock doesnÕt work one morning.

Penelope Perfect is a great read aloud for children who donÕt read yet or like picture books. Penelope Perfect has vibrant and colorful pictures and has a poetic structure to it. Penelope Perfect is a book full of excitement. I definitely recommend Penelope Perfect.

Review written by Jessica (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Free Spirit Press for providing a copy of Penelope Perfect: A Tale of Perfectionism Gone Wrong for this review.

Have you read Penelope Perfect: A Tale of Perfectionism Gone Wrong? How would you rate it?

Review: We're in the Wrong Book! by Richard Byrne

We're in the Wrong Book! by Richard Byrne.

Henry Holt and Co.
Publication Date: September 2015
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9781627794510

Review: Are you looking for a short children's book? If you are, WeÕre in the wrong book! by Richard Byrne is the best book to buy. This book, even though small, is fun for toddlers and preschoolers. It's great for read alouds and early readers. The characters are cute and they are fantastic for younger kids because theyÕre small and understandable. The entertainment is mostly for little kids. The colorful pictures help put together the plot and there fun to look at. The vocabulary is perfect for any young children. We're in the wrong book by Richard Byrne definitely deserves 5 stars.

We're in the Wrong Book is about two kids [Ben and Bella] who get knocked off their book and are lost jumping through pages trying to look for it. As they jump through pages they find many different books like mazes, biographies, and comics. You will have to read the book to see what happens next.

Review written by Angelina (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Henry Holt and Co. for providing a copy of We're in the Wrong Book! for this review.

Have you read We're in the Wrong Book!? How would you rate it?

Review: Across the Blue Pacific: A WWII Story by Louise Borden

Across the Blue Pacific: A WWII Story by Louise Borden.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: September 2015
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9780544555525

Review: The sub is missing. What happened? In the story Across the Blue Pacific by Loius Borden a girl named Molly is sharing her childhood memories of what happened to her in World War II.

Across the Blue Pacific is a higher-level reader childrenÕs book. The age for enjoyment is probably between 3rd grade and 5th grade. The vocab level is probably 4th grade and higher. The plot line however is for 2nd grade and higher. I would personally enjoy this book because it is a fun to read childrenÕs book, and because she is telling the story through her recollection so she can also add emotion. The moral of the story is even better than the book itself. It proposes that if there is a story worth telling again it is worth remembering. Overall I recommend you read Across the Blue Pacific because it is just a great easy read. A special thanks to Louis Borden for writing Across the Blue Pacific.

Review written by Alex (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Across the Blue Pacific: A WWII Story for this review.

Have you read Across the Blue Pacific: A WWII Story? How would you rate it?

Review: Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon by Catherine Thimmesh

Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon by Catherine Thimmesh.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: September 2015
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9780544582392

Review: 3,2,1 LIFT OFF!!! Have you heard about Apollo 11 but not known that much information about it, then this book is perfect for you then; it explains how the astronauts and the other 400,000 people managed to get a man to land on the moon. In 1969 three people managed to go to the moon through all the dangers of space with a lot of people on earth helping with the mission, and readers will learn about this experience in .Team Moon by Catherine Thimmesh, a book which is intended for readers in upper elementary and middle school (third grade and up), because of its length . The vocabulary is appropriate for kids of these ages because it has some complicated words Team Moon was written to inform people about Apollo 11 and how everyone involved managed to do it. I think that adults would enjoy it because it has a lot of information, good plot, and good pictures. The illustrations on the pages go perfectly with the text. For example while the reader is learning about lift off thereÕs a picture of the rocket ready for lift off. The astronauts aboard Apollo 11 were very brave and the people at mission control were very dedicated to the cause of getting Buzz, Neil, and Michael on the moon. I believe that Catherine Thimmesh put a lot of time, effort, and into writing researching Team Moon because it has a lot of facts, quotes from astronauts and NASA workers, and pictures behind the scenes of the Apollo 11 mission.

Review written by Ethan (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon for this review.

Have you read Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon? How would you rate it?

Review: Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Trying to Save Them by Terri Farley and Melissa Farlow

Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Trying to Save Them by Terri Farley and Melissa Farlow.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: September 2015
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9780544392946

Review: Wild at Heart is an eye-opening book about the life of wild mustangs. The book reveals tragic events about the capture of wild mustangs. The beauty of a horse running free is a stunning sight, but when you see helicopters chasing a herd of mustangs into a trap, your heart can only break. When the helicopters are scaring the horses into a trap, they make the mustangs run for many miles so they are tired out. Unfortunately this kills many of the fouls before they are born. The older horses often canÕt run for that long and break their bones in the middle of the chase and often get stampeded over. When the horses are captured they are killed and used for meat and fur. There is so much information and events in this book the reader will be so interested they will not want to put it down.

Wild at Heart by Terri Farley is a book 5th graders and older should read. I donÕt think younger children should read this because of the sad acts of cruelty that happen to the mustangs. The vocabulary is also at a fifth grade level and above. The moral of the story is the history of the wild mustangs and how people are fighting to save them from a second extinction.

I love and ride horses, so horses are very dear to my heart. I found the pictures very beautiful. I was sad to read all the gruesome things people have done to mustangs over the years, but so happy to see there are people who are trying to save them.

Review written by Jenny (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Trying to Save Them for this review.

Have you read Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Trying to Save Them? How would you rate it?

Review: Curious George Goes to the Hospital by H. A. Ray

Curious George Goes to the Hospital by H. A. Ray. A Curious George Book.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: November 1973
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780395181584

Review: Do you have a curious preschooler running around your house? Have they ever eaten something they werenÕt supposed to out of curiosity? If so then your little one is going to love listening to you read Curious George Goes to the Hospital by H.A. Rey!

George is a very curious monkey. One day he noticed a box on the manÕs desk and he is so curious he just has to open it. There are strange looking objects in it that look like candy so he just has to try them. The next day his tummy is hurting so he goes to the doctor and has to get an X-ray. He will have to go to the hospital to for doctors to figure out whatÕs wrong with him. Will George be all right?

Curious George is perfect for Early elementary students. The words in the story are easy enough for young readers to read and understand. Curious George is very humorous and will make children laugh. George is relatable to kids because it teaches kids a lesson to laugh. The illustrations work very well with the writing and help the children understand the story. Although this book is a longer childrenÕs book please read it because it is an awesome book.

Review written by Kristina (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Curious George Goes to the Hospital for this review.

Have you read Curious George Goes to the Hospital? How would you rate it?

Review: Full Moon at the Napping House by Audrey Wood

Full Moon at the Napping House by Audrey Wood. Sequel to The Napping House.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: September 2015
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780544308329

Review: There is a house, a full-moon house, where everyone is restless. In the book, The Full Moon at the Napping House by Audrey and Don Wood is a story where there is a granny whoÕs wide-awake, a playful dog, a prowling cat, a worried mouse, and a fidgety child. But, none of them can sleep; even the full moon is awake! UntilÉ a small cricket appears.

The Full Moon at the Napping House is intended for first and second graders, but some adults like this book too! This story is a book with appealing painted pages and text. The Full Moon at the Napping House is a great read for bedtime stories with an interesting group of characters.

Review written by Ink (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Full Moon at the Napping House for this review.

Have you read Full Moon at the Napping House? How would you rate it?

Review: National Geographic Kids Weird but True! 6: 300 Outrageous Facts by National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids Weird but True! 6: 300 Outrageous Facts by National Geographic Kids.

National Geographic Kids
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 9781426314902

Review: Weird but True! Ripped from the Headlines by National Geographic Kids will take you into the book to learn strange and humorous facts from all over the world like glow in the dark piglets, cicada flavored ice cream, or even soccer-playing parrots! Weird but True! Ripped from the Headlines is a fun nonfiction book to read recommended for 2nd to 4th graders with weird facts that will amaze you with humorous attention grabbing pictures and illustrations that are all true! You are going to gasp when you see this book. This will encourage kids to read with all the funny and cool facts. Even adults will find this surprising, engaging, and humorous as well. The vocabulary is appropriate and mildly easy to read for the recommended audience, and the pictures appropriate as well. In Weird but True! Ripped from the Headlines, youÕll be amazed by weird headlines from all over the world! It tells you about foods, animals, or events; but with a crazy bend to it that you wonÕt believe. Read this book now to show everybody all these cool facts!

Review written by Erika (6th grade student).

We would like to thank National Geographic Kids for providing a copy of National Geographic Kids Weird but True! 6: 300 Outrageous Facts for this review.

Have you read National Geographic Kids Weird but True! 6: 300 Outrageous Facts? How would you rate it?

Review: Mr. Putter & Tabby Smell the Roses by Cynthia Rylant

Mr. Putter & Tabby Smell the Roses by Cynthia Rylant. A Mr. Putter & Tabby Book.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: September 2015
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9780152060817

Review: Don't roses smell so wonderful to you? If so then I have a recommendation for you! Mr. Putter & Tabby Smell The Rosesby Cynthia Rylant is what you're looking for. This is a wonderful book for young children who are looking for a great starter book to read. it is a short story about Mr. Putter and his Tabby that want to do something nice for Mrs. Teaberry, his friend, on her special day! What's better than going out to the conservatory?

The audience age level is 6-9, in Kindergarten, intended for both boys and girls who like a wonderful starter book. The characters include a silly bulldog that belongs to Mrs. Teaberry with a quiet Tabby that belongs to Mr. Putter who are two very caring friends. The pictures in this book help engage the child to find the pictures a nice extra touch to imagine the story. I think it is a great book for adult enjoyment and a great starter book for children and so as the parent sees the child engaging in reading more and going into more advanced books would be appealing to the parent.

Overall I think it is funny and a great starter book for young children. It is nice and easy too for kids who have trouble reading and for a parents that want to read with their child. I definitely recommend this book for any young readers. I personally think the illustrations and the charters are great! Wow Mrs. Teaberry and Mr. Putter look like they're having lots of fun, I'm sure you don't want to miss out on it! So dive right in and have fun reading your book!

Review written by Abbey (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Mr. Putter & Tabby Smell the Roses for this review.

Have you read Mr. Putter & Tabby Smell the Roses? How would you rate it?

Review: Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans by Don Brown

Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans by Don Brown.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: August 2015
List Price: $18.99
ISBN-13: 9780544157774

Review: Have you ever wanted to learn about New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit? With the book, Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans by Don Brown, you will be able to know what happened before, during, and after the hurricane hit New Orleans.

The age group that is best for Drowned City is 9 Ð 13 year olds. Because of the more challenging vocabulary, it is best if the readers are in late Elementary School, and Early Junior High. Young children would not like Drowned City because people, animals, and pets are dying. Drowned City is nonfiction,the illustrations help to explain the book because if the book just says, ÒSome gun-toting business owners arrive to protect their shops and offices.Ó Would you know what they meant by that one sentence? If not then you need the picture. The picture shows that there is a shop owner in front of his shop with a gun, and a sign that says, ÒYou Loot, I SHOOTÓ. This book is a graphic novel, so even though it looks long, it is a fifteen-minute read at the most. The graphic novel format might also appeal to middle-school readers. Overall, the format and topic is sure to strike interest in many readers.

Review written by Madison (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans for this review.

Have you read Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans? How would you rate it?

Review: Search and Spot Animals by Laura Ljungkvist

Search and Spot Animals by Laura Ljungkvist. A Search and Spot Book.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: October 2015
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780544540057

Review: Have you wanted to find a great book that has many different pages full of hidden animals to find? Search and Spot Animals by Laura Ljungkvist is a fun book that has many different pages full of hidden animals to find. It is a book that can most likely be enjoyed by kids under the age of seven. Search and Spot Animals can also help kids learn, because it challenges their mind.

I think parents would also like it because most parents want their kids to learn and also have fun at the same time, and that is exactly what this book provides. I definitely recommend this book, and if you want a fun book to read that has lots of animals hidden in nature, this is definitely the book you want since it has a little surprise hidden throughout the pages.

Review written by Molly (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Search and Spot Animals for this review.

Have you read Search and Spot Animals? How would you rate it?

Review: Butterfly Park by Elly MacKay

Butterfly Park by Elly MacKay.

Running Press
Publication Date: May 2015
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9780762453399

Review: Have you ever read a book about butterflies? Even though you most likely have, you have probably not read one like this. Butterfly Park by Elly Mackay is the tale of a tiny girl. Her story involves a loss, but also a fresh beginning in her new home. This realistic fiction picture book is full of life-to-life connections, especially for the children that have experienced having a home in a new neighborhood. However, how will she settle in when there is nothing she is used to?

In Butterfly Park there is a girl that thinks her new home will be nothing like her old home back in the countryside, but she is mistaken. Luckily for her, the home she moves into is right next to a butterfly park! She feels like she can still be connected to nature. But there is one problem. The butterfly parkÉ is empty! She discovers that there are no fluttering insects anywhere. She makes an effort to capture some to put in the park, but they all soar away. Will she be able to occupy the deserted park? What if she never can?

Butterfly Park is a very good book for young ages, especially for preschoolers and young elementary students. The plot is not very complicated, and is appropriate for youthful minds. The vocabulary is also unchallenging, perfect for children who are just developing reading skills. If I was still a child, I would very much enjoy this book as a bedtime story. The illustrations are colorful, bright, very detailed, and cut out of actual paper, making the artwork even more unique. Great effort was put into writing this heartwarming story.

Review written by Katherine (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Running Press Books for providing a copy of Butterfly Park for this review.

Have you read Butterfly Park? How would you rate it?

Review: I am Lucille Ball by Brad Meltzer

I am Lucille Ball by Brad Meltzer. An Ordinary People Change the World Book.

Dial Books
Publication Date: July 2015
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780525428558

Review: I am Lucille Ball is all about a girl that dreams of being an actor. Everyone doubts her because of how different she is. Nobody accepts her into schools to be an actor. Soon one person recognizes her talents and her dream comes true. She stars in musicals and shows. Finally one of her shows I Love Lucy aired on CBS on October 15, 1951. Everything started falling into place for Lucy, but to find out what happens next read I am Lucille Ball.

Funny, weird, different, and exciting. Those are only some of the fun and happy characteristics of Lucille Ball. If you love comics and books that will still help you learn to read then, I am Lucille Ball is a perfect book for you. Also if you are a kid who loves pictures, then I am Lucille Ball is more than just pictures, the pictures help make a picture in your mind! ItÕs like a picture making another picture! How crazy is that? Plus if you donÕt find a lot of books with funny scenes, but you are dying to find one, I am Lucille Ball is the best book for that. This book is perfect for kids from kindergarten-3rd grade, and some older kids may like it, it. I am Lucille Ball doesnÕt have a high vocabulary level so it is perfect for newer readers. Adding on to why this book is so great is the fact that kids will love the character because she looks like a little girl in the pictures, but is really 17! These are all very entertaining, but donÕt forget that this is nonfiction a story and was all about Lucille BallÕs real life. Most importantly do not forget that his book is trying to tell people that if you fail donÕt stop, keep on trying.

Review written by Adi (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Dial Books for providing a copy of I am Lucille Ball for this review.

Have you read I am Lucille Ball? How would you rate it?

Review: Touch the Brightest Star by Christie Matheson

Touch the Brightest Star by Christie Matheson.

Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: May 2015
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780062274472

Review: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. YouÕve must have heard that phrase many times in your childhood while you read nursery books. Although that book was great, I have a better book to share with you.

The book, Touch the Brightest Star by Christie Matheson is an amazing book to read aloud to your children. Touch the Brightest Star is about you touching different object like, stars and animals. Touch the Brightest Star doesn't really have a storyline; it's more of an interactive book. Because Touch the Brightest Star is so interactive and has easy vocabulary to understand, it's primarily intended for toddlers. It is also intended for you to read Touch the Brightest Star at bedtime because that contributes to the story's plot.

Touch the Brightest Star really doesn't have a moral like most other books do; the author mainly wrote this book for your child to have fun. Also, if you want your child to improve on listening skills, this is a wonderful book for you. The illustrations are very calming and relaxing, not immensely overwhelming because this is a bedtime book. Overall, this is a pleasant interactive bedtime book for toddlers.

Review written by Heer (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Greenwillow Press for providing a copy of Touch the Brightest Star for this review.

Have you read Touch the Brightest Star? How would you rate it?

Review: Those Darn Squirrels! by Adam Rubin

Those Darn Squirrels! by Adam Rubin.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: September 2008
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780547007038

Review: Those Darn Squirrels is about old man Fookwire, who is lonely but loves to paint the beautiful birds. But what will old man Fookwire do when the birds, and annoying squirrels fly south for the winter? Find out what happens in Those Darn Squirrels Fly South.

Early elementary children will love Those Darn Squirrels Fly South, because of the adorable eye popping illustrations,-and simple but interesting plot. The words will be mostly familiar to them, but there are some new vocabulary words for the reader. The illustrations are absolutely amazing, with bold bright colors, and hilarious details. Adults will love reading Those Darn Squirrels to their kids, and will be hearing Òread it again!Ó soon. This story shows that being nice, and having new friends I important. Despite needing a little more humor as far as the writing, if you read them Those Darn Squirrels you will have some captivated kiddos.

Review written by Emma (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Clarion Books for providing a copy of Those Darn Squirrels! for this review.

Have you read Those Darn Squirrels!? How would you rate it?

Review: Full Moon at the Napping House by Audrey Wood

Full Moon at the Napping House by Audrey Wood. Sequel to The Napping House.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: September 2015
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780544308329

Review: Funny, rambunctious, and different. ÒEveryone is restlessÓ in The Full Moon at the Napping House in this sequel by Audrey Wood. That is until the cricket chirps a soothing melody, the Òfull moon song, that soothes the mouse, that calms the cat, who gentles the dog, who snuggles the boy, who hugs the granny, in the dreamy bed, in the full moon house, where no one now is restless.Ó You will find that each one of these characters has a different and unique personality.

As a fan of the first book by Audrey Wood when I myself was very young, this is an adorable story of the exact opposite chain of reactions. In the Napping House everyone is disturbed and jumps out of bed while trying to nap. In a Full Moon at the Napping House a friendly cricket soothes them all like a childÕs lullaby. This is an awesome sequel that will be enjoyed by any gender as a bedtime story read from their parents. Children in preschool through kindergarten will love this book, the vocabulary is great for this age group, and as youÕll notice as you read through The Full Moon at The Napping House it is calming and humorous, and not complicated for the little ones.

Review written by Sammy (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Full Moon at the Napping House for this review.

Have you read Full Moon at the Napping House? How would you rate it?

Review: Soccer by Mary Pope Osborne

Soccer by Mary Pope Osborne. A Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $4.99
ISBN-13: 9780385386296

Review: Do you like soccer; want to know more about it? Well Soccer will teach you every last detail about soccer. Annie and Jack will find and discover new and amazing facts about soccer. Did you know that in China, the Chinese people were the ones who created the roots of soccer? Soccera nonfiction book by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce will answer the many questions kids ask about soccer today. Such as, who was the best soccer player? Who started soccer? What is the World Cup?

Soccer is filled with up-to-date information, photos, illustrations, and fun pieces from Jack and Annie, the Magic Tree House Fact Trackers are the perfect way for kids to find out more about the topics they discovered in their favorite Magic Tree House adventures. Soccer explains to young readers about the many facts about soccer.

At the end of the book, if you want to have more information about soccer, Jack and Annie explains the websites you could use, the books, also Jack and Annie teach how to use the websites and book properly. Also they give you some tips and pointers along the way at the end just to make sure they aren't forgetting anything.

I recommend for both boys and girls that are 7-10 years old. The reason I chose this age group was that this book is short. (123 pages) Soccer also has some challenging words for young readers. This book is an exciting and educational book that will teach and explain soccer to young readers.

Review written by Khushali (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Soccer? How would you rate it?

Review: The Gloomy Ghost by David Lubar

The Gloomy Ghost by David Lubar. A Monsterific Tale.

Starscape
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780765330802

Review: Do you like short spooky books? Well if you do then you will love The Gloomy Ghost written by David Lubar. In this book a boy named Rory has turned into a ghost; he is in the middle of life and death. He tries to tell his parents, but because he is a ghost, they can't hear him. The worst part is that if he doesn't hurry, he will stay a ghost forever. Do you think he will be able to turn back to human?

Rory is always getting into trouble. But one day he takes it way to far, he breaks the living room TV. He knows he is going to get in big trouble, so he hides in the bushes outside his house for a long time, until he gets hungry and eats the berries on his bush. Now he is feeling weirder than usual and suddenly he can't move. After a while, he realizes that he has become a ghost, he also realizes that the body he is looking at is his. Now he will do all it takes to show his family where he is and save himself from staying a ghost forever. Will he be able to save himself or will he stay ghost forever?

The Gloomy Ghost is perfect for children of age 8-12. They will love it. It is full of adventure, humor, and surprise, everything a child would love in a book. It is also easy to read and understand which is better, that way people will get the hang of it and love it even more. It is also a great book for 8-12 year olds because it is a short book, and I know some children miss great books because they are long, but this one is perfect size for upper elementary students. So check this book out because it is perfect for you.

Review written by Ashley (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Starscape/TOR for Teens for providing a copy of The Gloomy Ghost for this review.

Have you read The Gloomy Ghost? How would you rate it?

Review: Parched by Melanie Crowder

Parched by Melanie Crowder.

Harcourt Childrens Books
Publication Date: June 2013
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780547976518

Review: If you like dogs and suspenseful stories, then Parched is the book for you. Parched, by Melanie Crowder is a realistic fiction book and is about a dog and its journey with the small group of kids. The small group of friends needs to survive in a harsh barren land. But the dog is older and might not make the journey. These friends need to find food to eat and take care of a dog. Can they survive?

Parched begins with group of teenage kids playing with the dog having fun and just being kids. But they have to use what they can to survive. All they have is a dog that keeps them company. They start moving in search for a more civilized area with pre-made food and purified water but they will have little success. They have to struggle in the wild and collect food for themselves and the dog. They are running low on supplies and the dog is getting older. Will they find civilized land? Will they survive?

I think Parched is okay because the book is very suspenseful and you want to know what will happen. But I think that the plot would be uninteresting to a 6th grader like me because the book moves slowly so they can find food and other objects. The characters personalities are all kind of the same and no one has their unique traits like in real life fore example no one is more funny or serious than the other person. This book can happen in real life but the way they describe the land and the setting makes it sound like a science fiction novel instead of a realistic fiction book. I think the book is best for middle school readers that like a suspenseful story with not much action.

Review written by Eric (6th grade student).

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

Have you read Parched? How would you rate it?

Review: Bad Luck Girl by Sarah Zettel

Bad Luck Girl by Sarah Zettel. Book 3 of the American Fairy Trilogy.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869402

Review: Step into the world of the fairies in Bad Luck Girl by Sarah Zettel. It's about a girl named Callie who's the daughter of a fairy prince of the Midnight Throne. Because her dad is the only fairy in the family, she's half fairy and half human. Eventually, her mom, dad, and she are together in the bustling city of Chicago. But being the daughter of a fairy prince isn't all it seems to be when she starts a war between the Sunlit fairies (another ruling kingdom) and the Midnight Throne fairies (where her dad's from, and essentially where she's from.) It started when Callie shoots the daughter of the king of the Sunlit Kingdom, Ivy. When the king hears of the news, he decides to wage war. Callie's dad reveals that his kingdom and the other kingdom are always ready to get up and fight, but they are just waiting for the moment. Callie takes her family and her best friend Jack (who knows about her dad being a fairy) into safety. But it isn't so easy, as a group of fairies called the Halfers are interested in the problem. The Halfers are, like Callie, half human. But they are also half whatever, such as half clock, half book, etc. But they all have magic within them. Soon, despair arrives and Callie is the only one who can save her family, Jack, the Halfers , and the Midnight Throne kingdom. Unfortunately, nobody in the fairy world believes that the girl who caused the war can fix it, and her name in the fairy world becomes the Bad Luck Girl. Is Callie going to live up to her nickname, or is she going to fight for her life and many others?

I like this book because it talks about believing in yourself when times are tough and knowing that inside everybody lies the courage to do anything. -Nothing's impossible if you say it isn't- is the lesson that Callie learns, and its one that can save her life. My favorite part is when she finally musters up the courage and goes to face her fate head on. It is a fantasy book, but I think that even if some people don't like fantasy books, this book is a lot more than that. I would recommend this book for 9 year olds and beyond, and anybody else who likes fantasy and/or adventure books.

Review written by Athira (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Bad Luck Girl for this review.

Have you read Bad Luck Girl? How would you rate it?

Review: Lenny Cyrus School Virus by Joe Schreiber

Lenny Cyrus School Virus by Joe Schreiber.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: April 2013
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780547893150

Review: Have you ever wondered if you could change the way a person thinks about you? Lenny has, in Lenny Cyrus: School Virus, Lenny, a teenage boy has had a crush on Zooey since third grade but he can't get her to feel the same way about him. He believes that he can make his way into her brain and change the way she feels about him.

Lenny, a super smart boy that has two Nobel Prize winning parents decides that he will take matters into his own hands. He uses a shrinking device to make him super small and with the help of his friend Harlan he is able to make it into Zooey's Diet Coke. Zooey, not noticing, drinks the Diet Coke, and Lenny makes it into Zooey's body. Lenny's goal is to get to Zooey's brain in less than six hours and make her feel the same way for him before he runs out of oxygen in his gas tank. Lenny makes a deal with a bacteria named Astro to get him to the brain safely without any virus or bacteria discovering Lenny. Things are starting to get very strange, Zooey starts feeling sick, and she is feeling a mood of love towards people. Will Lenny and Zooey survive this crazy experiment?

Lenny Cyrus: School Virus is intended for readers ages 10-13 because this book has many words in a page and it has many pages. This is a great book for reading in spare time. This book has some challenging scientific words that could be hard for young readers to pronounce and define. This book also has very exciting parts that will have you not want to stop reading. Lenny Cyrus: School Virus makes the impossible sound possible. Check out Lenny Cyrus: School Virus today!

Review written by Christian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Lenny Cyrus School Virus for this review.

Have you read Lenny Cyrus School Virus? How would you rate it?

Review: Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting by Erin Dionne

Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting by Erin Dionne. A 14 Day Mystery.

Dial
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780803738720

Review: If you want a book that gives you mystery and adventure in one book, Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting by Erin Dionne is perfect. Ollie gets sent to summer camp to stay out of trouble after busting some criminals, but that's harder than it sounds. Ollie is soon mixed up in yet another attention grabbing adventure.

In Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting, Ollie gets sent to summer camp to follow an F.B.I agent's orders: stay out of trouble, but Ollie finds that harder than expected. Ollie has to find a way to not draw attention to himself after busting a stolen art crime. Camp proves to be more fun than Ollie thought, and he gets caught up in all sorts of trouble.

Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting is a great book for kids 10-11 years old. It has some references to stronger language, which is intended for more mature audiences. The book also has some elements that smaller children wouldn't understand. Besides that, the book is very child friendly. The plot develops in a very intense way and has a lot of cliffhangers. Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting is perfect for someone that wants a mystery, adventure, and a bit of comedy rolled all in to one.

Review written by Michael (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Penguin Young Readers Group for providing a copy of Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting for this review.

Have you read Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting? How would you rate it?

Review: Hollywood, Dead Ahead by Kate Klise

Hollywood, Dead Ahead by Kate Klise. Book 5 in the 43 Old Cemetery Road Series.

Harcourt Childrens Books
Publication Date: April 2013
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780547852836

Review: Lights, camera, action! Ignatius B. Grumply, Olive C. Spence and Seymour Hope are all set for Hollywood to make their book 43 Old Cemetery Road a new blockbuster film! Film producer Moe Block Buster is sure to make them stars, and the movie a big hit! But all goes wrong with one signature Mr. Grumply is sure too regret. Read on Hollywood, Dead Ahead!

The trio is packing up for Hollywood where their smash hit 43 Old Cemetery Road will hope to become a topper on the movie charts. Furthermore, the rode to fame took it's turn for the worst; the group has just found out that Olive will not be incorporated in the film nor Seymour. Mr. Grumply sorrowful of his mistake promises Olive the best of their trip to L.A; but poor Ignatius couldn't keep that up. Aforementioned, Olive would not be featured in the film, though Ivana Oscar has replaced her she is singed in to a one terrible contact. Olive finds out that Ivana is signed into a death clause, therefore saying that she would have to die with natural or unnatural causes. Want to find out the rest of the ghastly story well read on in Hollywood, Dead Ahead!

Hollywood, Dead Ahead is a fantastic book! The creators are very creative with their characters and the wondrous journeys the trio takes. Their books have humor a bit of suspense as well, which keeps you engaged throughout the book. Overall, I did enjoy this book and I feel the age range of 7-12 would fit their interest level.

Review written by Arsima (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Hollywood, Dead Ahead for this review.

Have you read Hollywood, Dead Ahead? How would you rate it?

Review: Under the Light by Laura Whitcomb

Under the Light by Laura Whitcomb.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication Date: May 2013
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9780544302945

Review: Have you ever wondered if ordinary people had the power to shift out of their bodies? To be able to roam the earth as ghosts? Well if you were wondering that, the answer is obviously yes! If you had the power to bend light or stop time would you do it? These are just a fraction of the questions you will encounter while you read this amazing book called Under The Light by Laura Whitcomb.

Now you are probably asking yourself, What? Bending light? Stopping time? That is impossible! or is it? In this magical book, a young teenage girl named Jenny faces many problems. Her mom is way too religious and her dad hates the fact that she is growing up into a woman. Throwing away preciouses artifacts such as clothes and jewelry into the black bag because her parents think that it is to adult like or inappropriate for her age is really bad luck. Even if its just hoop earrings or brown panty hoses, or a black scarf! Having such strict parents might seem like the worst thing in the world, but it is actually a good thing. She thought living was a bust and a waste of time, until Helen arrived. At first she did not know who or what Helen was, what she did know was that once Helen came, she ruined everything. What will a person do to see his or her love again? That's one question that Helen did not mind asking. A person will do anything to see his or her loved on again, even if it meant invading the space and ruining the life of a hopeless teenager that has already had enough bad luck in her life. Helen is a ghost, she needed a body to see and touch the face of her long lost loved one. After Helen takes over Jenny's body, Jenny is now left to fly the world as a spirit, not a ghost. Along the way of finding herself a spirit shelter, she notices her body jumping and dancing with another boy at ballet, but she was too heavy, but then she finally realizes, as a spirit, no boy will ever pick her up. She is abandoned, with nobody to help her find her way, nobody to guide her, nobody to help her get her body back.

This book is great for anybody enjoys reading everything about love, revenge, and fighting for your rights and your freedoms. If you like spirits, ghosts, and phantoms, this is a very good book for you too. This book has a medium level of swears and bad words that may be inappropriate or unsafe for children. In some parts of the book the main characters tend to swear in times of need or during challenging times. This book is great for teenagers and young adults, and if you don't mind the swearing, this can also be a good book for kids. If you are a parent trying to buy a book for a child's birthday and are thinking of purchasing this book, be aware of the swear content. The author who wrote this book made it very serious so if you are a childish and immature person, than this book is not the best choice for you. Float along with Jenny's scared spirit and help her get back her body. Watch over her like her guardian ghost Helen. Stand with Jenny as she fights for her rights. But whatever you do, don't let get sucked into the dark and evil void, or else she will be lost forever.

Review written by Julie (6th grade student).

Have you read Under the Light? How would you rate it?