With open eyes now you may find
A place you must exit to enter.
Where one -
This book is fiction but a little realistic because this may happen in the future. The book is about a few kids who take tests for special oppertunities and get introduced to Mr. Benedict (good guy), then get sent to the ‘Instutute’ to be undercover agents. This book is great! read it!
There are alot of strengths in here but a couple weaknesses, such as that there are alot of downheartning moments. For example, when Milligan was captured. But there were alot of strengths in this book too, such as when everybody got a family. Another strength is that they found alot of vital info. For example, they discovered a secret room where there were news papers for the future. Another strngth is that there were alot of happy moments to make up for the sad ones. For examole, when they were having a snowball fight!
Hmmmm. I would reccomend this book to those who like adventure, mystery, action, and page turner books. This is a great book, so go read it...
NOW!!!!!
RATING: ***** = 5 star book!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Kingdom of Fantasy (Reviewed by Demetrius)
The Kingdom of Fantasy
By:Scholastic
Wow this place is beautiful.
This book is realistic fiction.For example there are talking animals.
He works as a manager at a news paper shop.He finds a magical music box.
Where he goes thru allot of kingdoms like dragons,pixies,witches,Noam's,trolls,mermaids and fairy's.
This book only has strengths.For example I liked all the kingdoms he went thru exspecailly the dragons.
Another strength is when he went to the kingdom of the mermaids because she wanted to Maire him a mouse
I would recommend this book to any one who likes magic or magical places or things.This book should be only for kids.For example adults will not understand the magical things that happen in this book
Demetrius
4/19/10
#24
Reading
By:Scholastic
Wow this place is beautiful.
This book is realistic fiction.For example there are talking animals.
He works as a manager at a news paper shop.He finds a magical music box.
Where he goes thru allot of kingdoms like dragons,pixies,witches,Noam's,trolls,mermaids and fairy's.
This book only has strengths.For example I liked all the kingdoms he went thru exspecailly the dragons.
Another strength is when he went to the kingdom of the mermaids because she wanted to Maire him a mouse
I would recommend this book to any one who likes magic or magical places or things.This book should be only for kids.For example adults will not understand the magical things that happen in this book
Demetrius
4/19/10
#24
Reading
Drums Girls & Dangerous Pie (Reviewed by Katie)
Book Review
Katie
4-18-10
Writing
Drums Girls & Dangerous Pie
By: Jordan Sonnenblick
“He’s……really……sick”
This book, Drums Girls & Dangerous Pie is a realistic fiction. Drums Girls and Dangerous Pie is realistic fiction because the story could happen to anybody but it probably didn’t happen in real life. Steven is a normal thirteen year old. He plays drums in the all-star band. He also has a crush on the hottest girl in school, Renee Albert. But when his constantly annoying brother, Jeffery gets very sick, he can’t be a normal teenager.
This book is impeccable. One of the strengths is that the book is very funny. For example, the book made my sides hurt because it was so funny! Another strength is that the book is soooooo touching. For example, Steven before used to be very annoyed by Jeffery, but they soon create a nice brotherly bond. One of the weaknesses is that sometimes it’s a little sad in parts. For example, I felt terrible in some parts. But no matter what happened, I loved the book and you should still read it.
I recommend this book to……anybody who doesn’t mind some sadness but can still have a laugh with an absolute impeccable book. I also recommend this book to second and third graders because I know it was quite easy for me. If you like touching, fun books you will love this book! But no matter what you like in a book this would be a great book for you because it is just that beast. you should definitely at least consider reading this book even if it is easy to read and even if it is sad at parts but just trust me. READ IT!!!
Katie
4-18-10
Writing
Drums Girls & Dangerous Pie
By: Jordan Sonnenblick
“He’s……really……sick”
This book, Drums Girls & Dangerous Pie is a realistic fiction. Drums Girls and Dangerous Pie is realistic fiction because the story could happen to anybody but it probably didn’t happen in real life. Steven is a normal thirteen year old. He plays drums in the all-star band. He also has a crush on the hottest girl in school, Renee Albert. But when his constantly annoying brother, Jeffery gets very sick, he can’t be a normal teenager.
This book is impeccable. One of the strengths is that the book is very funny. For example, the book made my sides hurt because it was so funny! Another strength is that the book is soooooo touching. For example, Steven before used to be very annoyed by Jeffery, but they soon create a nice brotherly bond. One of the weaknesses is that sometimes it’s a little sad in parts. For example, I felt terrible in some parts. But no matter what happened, I loved the book and you should still read it.
I recommend this book to……anybody who doesn’t mind some sadness but can still have a laugh with an absolute impeccable book. I also recommend this book to second and third graders because I know it was quite easy for me. If you like touching, fun books you will love this book! But no matter what you like in a book this would be a great book for you because it is just that beast. you should definitely at least consider reading this book even if it is easy to read and even if it is sad at parts but just trust me. READ IT!!!
Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree (Reviewed by Anisha)
Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out Of A Tree
Lauren Tarshis
“Mommy! She fell out of the tree! Emma-Jean Lazarus fell out of a tree!”
-Colleen
“Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell out Of a Tree” is a wonderful realistic fiction story because some of the events of the story can be real. When Emma –Jean discovers Colleen sobbing in the girls’ room at William Gladstone Middle School, she decides to help Colleen with her problem. Every February, the last weekend, Colleen goes with Kaitlin and her parents up to ski in Vermont. Colleen wants to go to the ski trip like she usually does every February but Laura plans to go this year. Laura is so powerful that she got Kaitlin to invite her instead of Colleen. So when Emma-Jean saw a flyer about the Boy’s Basketball Banquet, she writes a prank letter to Laura from the Boy’s Basketball Committee to have her dance on stage in front of the Boy’s Basketball Team. She knew Laura would give up the ski trip with Kaitlin and Colleen would be able to go. Emma-Jean’s life gets really messy, that’s for sure, just because she tries to help Colleen. What will happen if Laura finds out Emma-Jean wrote the letter?
This book has much strength. One strength is that the author gave a lot of details, such as details of the leprechaun dance. For example I could see a clear image in my mind of the girls, kicking their legs high in the air and shaking their shoulders and gyrating their hips. Another strength is that the author uses high vocabulary. For example she uses words like cellulite and nuptials. I believe that the author wrote a lot of details for the readers to understand the story much better.
This book is five out of five stars. I recommend this book to 4th graders and up because they would understand the book way better and the vocabulary. You’ll be amazed how Emma-Jean solves all the problems her friends face! You will totally love this book because I know I did!
Lauren Tarshis
“Mommy! She fell out of the tree! Emma-Jean Lazarus fell out of a tree!”
-Colleen
“Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell out Of a Tree” is a wonderful realistic fiction story because some of the events of the story can be real. When Emma –Jean discovers Colleen sobbing in the girls’ room at William Gladstone Middle School, she decides to help Colleen with her problem. Every February, the last weekend, Colleen goes with Kaitlin and her parents up to ski in Vermont. Colleen wants to go to the ski trip like she usually does every February but Laura plans to go this year. Laura is so powerful that she got Kaitlin to invite her instead of Colleen. So when Emma-Jean saw a flyer about the Boy’s Basketball Banquet, she writes a prank letter to Laura from the Boy’s Basketball Committee to have her dance on stage in front of the Boy’s Basketball Team. She knew Laura would give up the ski trip with Kaitlin and Colleen would be able to go. Emma-Jean’s life gets really messy, that’s for sure, just because she tries to help Colleen. What will happen if Laura finds out Emma-Jean wrote the letter?
This book has much strength. One strength is that the author gave a lot of details, such as details of the leprechaun dance. For example I could see a clear image in my mind of the girls, kicking their legs high in the air and shaking their shoulders and gyrating their hips. Another strength is that the author uses high vocabulary. For example she uses words like cellulite and nuptials. I believe that the author wrote a lot of details for the readers to understand the story much better.
This book is five out of five stars. I recommend this book to 4th graders and up because they would understand the book way better and the vocabulary. You’ll be amazed how Emma-Jean solves all the problems her friends face! You will totally love this book because I know I did!
Lost on a Mountain in Maine
Lost on a Mountain in Maine
Colin
“Will I ever see anyone ever again?” –Don
This book is nonfiction because the events and characters are real. Don Fendler lives with his mom and dad in Maine. One day Don goes hiking with some friends and his family. He decides to wander off. Unfortunately Don gets lost. So Don travels on a Mountain trying to find a camp or even stay alive. Does he make it out? Read to find out!
“Lost on a Mountain in Maine” was an amazing book. The author (Don) was very descriptive. For example he said the water was glistening and good enough to drink. Also it had a lot of suspense. I was biting my nails wondering if Don makes it out. Although the book’s really good the beginning was really long. For example nothing exciting happens, but it gets better.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes camping because hat happened to Don could happen to anyone who goes camping. Though I know everyone will love it.
Colin
“Will I ever see anyone ever again?” –Don
This book is nonfiction because the events and characters are real. Don Fendler lives with his mom and dad in Maine. One day Don goes hiking with some friends and his family. He decides to wander off. Unfortunately Don gets lost. So Don travels on a Mountain trying to find a camp or even stay alive. Does he make it out? Read to find out!
“Lost on a Mountain in Maine” was an amazing book. The author (Don) was very descriptive. For example he said the water was glistening and good enough to drink. Also it had a lot of suspense. I was biting my nails wondering if Don makes it out. Although the book’s really good the beginning was really long. For example nothing exciting happens, but it gets better.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes camping because hat happened to Don could happen to anyone who goes camping. Though I know everyone will love it.
Titan's Curse (Reviewed by Edward Hribal)
Edward
4-27-10
#13
Book Review
Writing
“One shall fall by a parent’s hand.”
The continuing saga of Percy Jackson and the Olympians keeps getting better! The third book, “Titan’s Curse”, is probably the best so far in the series with the most action and suspense than the first two. If elite can describe a book, this is truly an elite book.
This book is fantasy fiction because most of the things in here, for example: zombies, flying horses, and sea cows are not real and probably won’t exist. Percy Jackson wants to save Annabeth from the unknown people that hold her, but the people in the quest don’t want him to come and they don’t know where to go. He follows the four that are in the quest, then decides to try and help them when he learns some information about Annabeth.
This book is incredible! So incredible I can’t name any weaknesses. One strength is the name of the chapters. For example, after seeing at the top of the page for chapter two “The Vice Principal Gets a Missile Launcher”, you know you want to keep reading! Another thing is its relation to the past two books, so if you started reading the series on this book, then you would still know what they were talking about. For example, a new character was introduced at the very last page of the second book, and in this book they tell you who she is and how she became a character.
I recommend this book to grades between third and sixth because a second grader would probably find most of the words too hard. They won’t understand the long detailed scenes plus the book will probably be too long for them. I give this book five out of five stars.
4-27-10
#13
Book Review
Writing
“One shall fall by a parent’s hand.”
The continuing saga of Percy Jackson and the Olympians keeps getting better! The third book, “Titan’s Curse”, is probably the best so far in the series with the most action and suspense than the first two. If elite can describe a book, this is truly an elite book.
This book is fantasy fiction because most of the things in here, for example: zombies, flying horses, and sea cows are not real and probably won’t exist. Percy Jackson wants to save Annabeth from the unknown people that hold her, but the people in the quest don’t want him to come and they don’t know where to go. He follows the four that are in the quest, then decides to try and help them when he learns some information about Annabeth.
This book is incredible! So incredible I can’t name any weaknesses. One strength is the name of the chapters. For example, after seeing at the top of the page for chapter two “The Vice Principal Gets a Missile Launcher”, you know you want to keep reading! Another thing is its relation to the past two books, so if you started reading the series on this book, then you would still know what they were talking about. For example, a new character was introduced at the very last page of the second book, and in this book they tell you who she is and how she became a character.
I recommend this book to grades between third and sixth because a second grader would probably find most of the words too hard. They won’t understand the long detailed scenes plus the book will probably be too long for them. I give this book five out of five stars.
Inkdeath (Reviewed by Bidisha)
Inkdeath
By Cornelia Funke
Bidisha
‘Piper, beware, your end is near, the Adder’s power dwindles. He writhes he goes in mortal fear, though nothing in his strength rekindles.'
Teenage Meggie Folchart is trapped in Inkheart with her family. She wants to go back home but two writers, Orpheus and Fenoglio, the only two people who can help her, won’t help her. So what will she do? Read the book to find out. This book is fantasy fiction, because it has events that can’t happen in real life.
The strength in this story is that there was a lot of suspense. For example, after every line that you read, you will be waiting for the next. Another strength is that there was strong vocabulary, like melancholy and optimistic. Some of the words were so tricky, that I looked in the dictionary. It helped.
I recommend this book to everyone. It’s sure to make them interested! The exciting plans in this book make people want to read more. It certainly put me under its inkspell. I encourage you to read this book if you like fantasy fiction. Also read the book Inkheart & Inkspell.
By Cornelia Funke
Bidisha
‘Piper, beware, your end is near, the Adder’s power dwindles. He writhes he goes in mortal fear, though nothing in his strength rekindles.'
Teenage Meggie Folchart is trapped in Inkheart with her family. She wants to go back home but two writers, Orpheus and Fenoglio, the only two people who can help her, won’t help her. So what will she do? Read the book to find out. This book is fantasy fiction, because it has events that can’t happen in real life.
The strength in this story is that there was a lot of suspense. For example, after every line that you read, you will be waiting for the next. Another strength is that there was strong vocabulary, like melancholy and optimistic. Some of the words were so tricky, that I looked in the dictionary. It helped.
I recommend this book to everyone. It’s sure to make them interested! The exciting plans in this book make people want to read more. It certainly put me under its inkspell. I encourage you to read this book if you like fantasy fiction. Also read the book Inkheart & Inkspell.
Twice Upon a Marigold (Reviewed by Angie)
Angie
Reading
Twice Upon A Marigold
Jean Ferris
Once she knew that the dogs hadn’t hurt Ed, she looked around and saw Christian (with relief), Swithbert (with affection), and Olympia-wait-Olympia?
-In the perspective of Marigold
The genre of this book is fantasy fiction because it includes dungeons, castles, treason, and many other “royal” types of things and these things only happen in fairytale world not the real world. King Christian and Queen Marigold want to continue enjoying their royal marriage life but horror arrives that Queen Olympia is back and she is as bossy and evil as before. The Zandelphia Palace and Beaurivage palace are all hoping it’s all a bad dream but dreams don’t exist when Olympia’s around. So, when everybody has had enough of her Queen Marigold and King Christian plot a rebellion to kick her off the throne. As this secretly goes on throughout the palace it’s finally the big day and…………you’ll have to read to find out!
One strength in this book is that it’s hilarious! The characters are funny or either act funny themselves! For example, Marigold is always trying to crack new knock-knock jokes (which are completely new in their world) and it’s funny because nobody gets when to say what or how it’s funny. Another strength in this book is how the author creates creative and crazy ideas and events. There are some things that make you think and try picturing them in your head because they’re so asinine. For example, there’s the Beaurivage Turret of Teeth and there’s when Olympia’s brain get’s turned around so that she’s totally transformed into this kind person named Angie. One weakness in this book is that the author stayed on one topic for a long time. For example, for at least three chapters there would be the same thing going on but the reader would sometimes want to get onto something new.
I recommend this book definitely to readers of Once Upon A Marigold; this sequel won’t let you down! This two thumbs up book will be enjoyed by anyone who’s a lover of fantasy, tragedy, and comedy. I would recommend this book mainly to girls who are in 4th grade and above because they will probably understand this book better. Anyway Twice Upon A Marigold should be on your summer reading list. BUT only read it after you’ve read Once Upon A Marigold.
Reading
Twice Upon A Marigold
Jean Ferris
Once she knew that the dogs hadn’t hurt Ed, she looked around and saw Christian (with relief), Swithbert (with affection), and Olympia-wait-Olympia?
-In the perspective of Marigold
The genre of this book is fantasy fiction because it includes dungeons, castles, treason, and many other “royal” types of things and these things only happen in fairytale world not the real world. King Christian and Queen Marigold want to continue enjoying their royal marriage life but horror arrives that Queen Olympia is back and she is as bossy and evil as before. The Zandelphia Palace and Beaurivage palace are all hoping it’s all a bad dream but dreams don’t exist when Olympia’s around. So, when everybody has had enough of her Queen Marigold and King Christian plot a rebellion to kick her off the throne. As this secretly goes on throughout the palace it’s finally the big day and…………you’ll have to read to find out!
One strength in this book is that it’s hilarious! The characters are funny or either act funny themselves! For example, Marigold is always trying to crack new knock-knock jokes (which are completely new in their world) and it’s funny because nobody gets when to say what or how it’s funny. Another strength in this book is how the author creates creative and crazy ideas and events. There are some things that make you think and try picturing them in your head because they’re so asinine. For example, there’s the Beaurivage Turret of Teeth and there’s when Olympia’s brain get’s turned around so that she’s totally transformed into this kind person named Angie. One weakness in this book is that the author stayed on one topic for a long time. For example, for at least three chapters there would be the same thing going on but the reader would sometimes want to get onto something new.
I recommend this book definitely to readers of Once Upon A Marigold; this sequel won’t let you down! This two thumbs up book will be enjoyed by anyone who’s a lover of fantasy, tragedy, and comedy. I would recommend this book mainly to girls who are in 4th grade and above because they will probably understand this book better. Anyway Twice Upon A Marigold should be on your summer reading list. BUT only read it after you’ve read Once Upon A Marigold.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Cicada Summer (Reviewed by James)
Cicada Summer
“I have been invisible ever since two years ago. Im invisible but everyone ignores me.”
Cicada Summer by Andrea Beaty is about a girl named Lily who wants to stay “invisible” but a girl named Tinny keeps talking to here and is annoying her so she starts to talk again.
This books has many strengths. Whenever the chapter ends you can’t stop thinking what is going to happen next. For example Pete’s door opens but then the chapter ends, I just couldn’t stop thinking about what is going to happen. This also has very good detail. For example when these old people bring a cake over instead of saying cake they say chocolate cake.
I have a high recommendation for this book. I recommend this book to grades 4-7, because events in this story wouldn’t make sense to younger children. Like when Lily pulls a wanted poster and it says wanted for armed robbery. They might think he robbed someone’s arm!!!!! I think you should read this book.
By,
James
“I have been invisible ever since two years ago. Im invisible but everyone ignores me.”
Cicada Summer by Andrea Beaty is about a girl named Lily who wants to stay “invisible” but a girl named Tinny keeps talking to here and is annoying her so she starts to talk again.
This books has many strengths. Whenever the chapter ends you can’t stop thinking what is going to happen next. For example Pete’s door opens but then the chapter ends, I just couldn’t stop thinking about what is going to happen. This also has very good detail. For example when these old people bring a cake over instead of saying cake they say chocolate cake.
I have a high recommendation for this book. I recommend this book to grades 4-7, because events in this story wouldn’t make sense to younger children. Like when Lily pulls a wanted poster and it says wanted for armed robbery. They might think he robbed someone’s arm!!!!! I think you should read this book.
By,
James
Mr. Louie is Screwy (Reviewed by Vishwesh)
Mr. Louie is Screwy!
By: Dan Gutman
Have you read “Mr. Louie is Screwy!”? If you did then stop reading this review immediately, if you didn’t then you can continue reading this review. This book is radical.
This book is realistic fiction because the stuff in this book could happen in real life. In the book there was a kid named A.J. who hates school. Its Valentines Day, the crossing guard (Mr. Louie) is going overboard! He put love potion in the drinking fountain, arranged a huge Valentines Day party (called “Klutzshock”) and even more. His teacher is going to get married, will A.J. and his friends stop the wedding? Read to find out.
This book has two strengths (that I can think of). The 1st strength is that the book is funny. It tells “no bell prize” instead of “Nobel prize”, and calls it “a prize to give to people who don’t have a bell”. The book tells a lot of stuff as the first rule of being a kid. For example it tells “Anytime you want to win an argument say you did something before the other person was born. It’s the first rule of being a kid.” And there are even more funny things. The 2nd strength is that the book has pictures. It’s nice to have pictures because books without pictures are boring.
I recommend this book to 2nd and 3rd graders because it is easy to read. For example the hardest word in this book is “sabotage”. And older kids would think its to easy to read. Younger kids can’t read that well. I rate this book 5 star! That is all I got to say about “Mr. Louie is Screwy!”
By: Dan Gutman
Have you read “Mr. Louie is Screwy!”? If you did then stop reading this review immediately, if you didn’t then you can continue reading this review. This book is radical.
This book is realistic fiction because the stuff in this book could happen in real life. In the book there was a kid named A.J. who hates school. Its Valentines Day, the crossing guard (Mr. Louie) is going overboard! He put love potion in the drinking fountain, arranged a huge Valentines Day party (called “Klutzshock”) and even more. His teacher is going to get married, will A.J. and his friends stop the wedding? Read to find out.
This book has two strengths (that I can think of). The 1st strength is that the book is funny. It tells “no bell prize” instead of “Nobel prize”, and calls it “a prize to give to people who don’t have a bell”. The book tells a lot of stuff as the first rule of being a kid. For example it tells “Anytime you want to win an argument say you did something before the other person was born. It’s the first rule of being a kid.” And there are even more funny things. The 2nd strength is that the book has pictures. It’s nice to have pictures because books without pictures are boring.
I recommend this book to 2nd and 3rd graders because it is easy to read. For example the hardest word in this book is “sabotage”. And older kids would think its to easy to read. Younger kids can’t read that well. I rate this book 5 star! That is all I got to say about “Mr. Louie is Screwy!”
Eldest (Reviewed by Bobby)
Eldest book review
Bobby
4-18-10
#21
reading
First off, this book is a great book because it has incredible feeling, some parts bring a tear to your eye, some are laugh out loud moments in the book, unthinkable places, radical events, and description that welcome’s you into the book.
Second off, this book is fiction because there is magic in the book like the word brisingr which summons fire. Also there are elves that live long. Another one is Dragons. Eragon wanted to stop Galbatorix from hurting the innocents. But he is powerful with a huge army. And there is no so yet.
Third off, this book is a great book because it has challenging words like blasphemy and heresy. So I had to use the dictionary a few times, but now I look smarter in my speech. Also there is great description like a river of tears instead of tears.
Finally, I would recommend this book to 10-13 year old children because there is advance vocabulary like saplings and genuinely which you might need to look up. Also there is violence that is not suitable for some children. Also this book is really long, and I love long books. That is why this book is a good read.
Bobby
4-18-10
#21
reading
First off, this book is a great book because it has incredible feeling, some parts bring a tear to your eye, some are laugh out loud moments in the book, unthinkable places, radical events, and description that welcome’s you into the book.
Second off, this book is fiction because there is magic in the book like the word brisingr which summons fire. Also there are elves that live long. Another one is Dragons. Eragon wanted to stop Galbatorix from hurting the innocents. But he is powerful with a huge army. And there is no so yet.
Third off, this book is a great book because it has challenging words like blasphemy and heresy. So I had to use the dictionary a few times, but now I look smarter in my speech. Also there is great description like a river of tears instead of tears.
Finally, I would recommend this book to 10-13 year old children because there is advance vocabulary like saplings and genuinely which you might need to look up. Also there is violence that is not suitable for some children. Also this book is really long, and I love long books. That is why this book is a good read.
The Hunger Games (Reviewed by Mary)
THE HUNGER GAMES
SUZANNE COLLINS
By: Mary
How different can it be from killing an animal? Gale asks me…
In the act, it’s not different at all.
But the aftermath of killing a person is worse than the aftermath of killing an animal.
Katniss Everdeen is sixteen and has entered her name in District 12’s reaping forty-two times. Her best friend, Gale, is eighteen and has entered his name seventy-three times. Her sister, Primrose (Prim) Everdeen, is twelve and has entered her name once. A reaping is when each of the 12 districts of Panem picks two names from a ball. One girl and one boy. The tributes must compete in a fight to the death called the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games are a reminder to the country of Panem that they must obey the capitol and that if they rebel, there will be another Dark Days. The Dark Days was a time when the whole country of America began to rebel against each other. If you are poor and need food, you may enter your name extra times each year. Each time you put your name in, you get grains and salt. Katniss has to enter her name 42 times this year to pay off for all of the grain and salt. When you turn twelve, you have to enter your name until you’re eighteen. At the reaping, Prim’s name is pulled. Katniss hurries up to volunteer and take her sister’s place. The next tribute is Peeta Mellark. She’ll always be in debt to Peeta. One day he practically saved her family’s life by giving them bread. Now she might have to kill him in the arena. When she gives her last good-byes, her sister makes her promise to try to win. And because it’s a promise to Prim, Katniss has to keep it.
There were absolutely positively definitely no weaknesses at all in this story! Suzanne gave it a twist by having it in the future but in present-tense. It’s written in first person so you feel like you are Katniss Everdeen defending your little sister, poaching with Gale, and fighting for your life. It creates a very, very, very engrossing tale. Stephanie Meyer said that she took it to dinner and read under the table just so that she wouldn’t have to stop reading. I know what she means. It’s almost to engrossing to be a book! She also uses good vocabulary like spontaneous. It also creates the best mental images. For example, “tendrils rolled out, stretching and pulling the fog, the edges rolling and curling like fingers…” See? I can think of all these strengths, but not a single weakness!
I recommend this book to anyone from 5th grade and up. It’s a bit mature. It’s very dark and suspenseful. And, it’s high vocabulary might be confusing to anyone younger than 11. If you need something to hook you up back into reading, this book will have you begging and pleading for more! Then I recommend reading the second book, Catching Fire, and then waiting for the third book to come out this August. I think that you’ll be just like the Capitol after reading The Hunger Games. Hanging in the air, begging for more, and on edge of your seats waiting with anticipation for the next tragedy. That’s why I recommend The Hunger Games to all of the people out there that are 11+.
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SUZANNE COLLINS
By: Mary
How different can it be from killing an animal? Gale asks me…
In the act, it’s not different at all.
But the aftermath of killing a person is worse than the aftermath of killing an animal.
Katniss Everdeen is sixteen and has entered her name in District 12’s reaping forty-two times. Her best friend, Gale, is eighteen and has entered his name seventy-three times. Her sister, Primrose (Prim) Everdeen, is twelve and has entered her name once. A reaping is when each of the 12 districts of Panem picks two names from a ball. One girl and one boy. The tributes must compete in a fight to the death called the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games are a reminder to the country of Panem that they must obey the capitol and that if they rebel, there will be another Dark Days. The Dark Days was a time when the whole country of America began to rebel against each other. If you are poor and need food, you may enter your name extra times each year. Each time you put your name in, you get grains and salt. Katniss has to enter her name 42 times this year to pay off for all of the grain and salt. When you turn twelve, you have to enter your name until you’re eighteen. At the reaping, Prim’s name is pulled. Katniss hurries up to volunteer and take her sister’s place. The next tribute is Peeta Mellark. She’ll always be in debt to Peeta. One day he practically saved her family’s life by giving them bread. Now she might have to kill him in the arena. When she gives her last good-byes, her sister makes her promise to try to win. And because it’s a promise to Prim, Katniss has to keep it.
There were absolutely positively definitely no weaknesses at all in this story! Suzanne gave it a twist by having it in the future but in present-tense. It’s written in first person so you feel like you are Katniss Everdeen defending your little sister, poaching with Gale, and fighting for your life. It creates a very, very, very engrossing tale. Stephanie Meyer said that she took it to dinner and read under the table just so that she wouldn’t have to stop reading. I know what she means. It’s almost to engrossing to be a book! She also uses good vocabulary like spontaneous. It also creates the best mental images. For example, “tendrils rolled out, stretching and pulling the fog, the edges rolling and curling like fingers…” See? I can think of all these strengths, but not a single weakness!
I recommend this book to anyone from 5th grade and up. It’s a bit mature. It’s very dark and suspenseful. And, it’s high vocabulary might be confusing to anyone younger than 11. If you need something to hook you up back into reading, this book will have you begging and pleading for more! Then I recommend reading the second book, Catching Fire, and then waiting for the third book to come out this August. I think that you’ll be just like the Capitol after reading The Hunger Games. Hanging in the air, begging for more, and on edge of your seats waiting with anticipation for the next tragedy. That’s why I recommend The Hunger Games to all of the people out there that are 11+.
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Heat (Reviewed by Drew)
Heat
By: Mike Lupica
Drew
8
4-25-10
Writing
The reason this book is called Heat is because of Michael Arroyo’s arm. Michael is the main character of this story. He is a nice kid from Cuba and loves baseball. Michael is a pitcher and his arm is amazing. With him, his team the Clippers are unstoppable. Until a kid named Justin almost ruins his career. What will Michael do?
The genre of this book is realistic fiction because all of the story could possibly happen. This story is about a boy named Michael Arroyo. He loves baseball. Michael is on a team called the Clippers. Michael is the star of the team. He lives with his brother Carlos and his foster mom. Michael’s team is about to be champs until one game. On the other team was a kid named Justin. Who couldn’t hit the ball when Michael was pitching. So at the end of the game, Justin and his dad went to the Little League Commissioner and argued that Michael was not 12 years old, and couldn’t play. Michael’s dad and mom died, so Michael didn’t have a birth certificate for proof to play. As Michael meets new friends they all try to help him. Will Michael ever play again or will he suffer from being on the bench every day!
One Strength of the book was the story line because the topic was baseball, which I find interesting. Another strength was when Michael became 3rd coach. I liked it because the story turned to baseball. One weakness of the story was the description of the characters. I didn’t get a full understanding of who they were.
I recommend this story to 3rd graders and older. I think it is great for 3rd graders that are at the age where they start liking sports. It is also a great book for adults if they like exciting sports books. So if you’re a sports fan go and read this THRILLER!
By: Mike Lupica
Drew
8
4-25-10
Writing
The reason this book is called Heat is because of Michael Arroyo’s arm. Michael is the main character of this story. He is a nice kid from Cuba and loves baseball. Michael is a pitcher and his arm is amazing. With him, his team the Clippers are unstoppable. Until a kid named Justin almost ruins his career. What will Michael do?
The genre of this book is realistic fiction because all of the story could possibly happen. This story is about a boy named Michael Arroyo. He loves baseball. Michael is on a team called the Clippers. Michael is the star of the team. He lives with his brother Carlos and his foster mom. Michael’s team is about to be champs until one game. On the other team was a kid named Justin. Who couldn’t hit the ball when Michael was pitching. So at the end of the game, Justin and his dad went to the Little League Commissioner and argued that Michael was not 12 years old, and couldn’t play. Michael’s dad and mom died, so Michael didn’t have a birth certificate for proof to play. As Michael meets new friends they all try to help him. Will Michael ever play again or will he suffer from being on the bench every day!
One Strength of the book was the story line because the topic was baseball, which I find interesting. Another strength was when Michael became 3rd coach. I liked it because the story turned to baseball. One weakness of the story was the description of the characters. I didn’t get a full understanding of who they were.
I recommend this story to 3rd graders and older. I think it is great for 3rd graders that are at the age where they start liking sports. It is also a great book for adults if they like exciting sports books. So if you’re a sports fan go and read this THRILLER!
The Lemonade War (Reviewed by Lauren)
The Lemonade War Lauren 4/25/10
By: Jacqueline Davies
“It might be hot, but this means war!”
The genre is realistic fiction because everyone can have a lemonade stand. One hot blazing summer afternoon Evan and Jessie’s air conditioner breaks. The guy from “Sears” has to come and install a new one. Evan runs to his friend Scott’s house to start a lemonade stand. Then Jessie is left alone. She goes to see to see if her friend Meghan can play. Then sooner or later the war begins. They were competing to see who can raise the most money.
I’d like to discuss a weakness of this book. For example the story line skipped around so it was difficult to get to know the characters. My strength is that at every chapter there’s a chapter heading including a definition. Like in Chapter 6 “Underselling”. The definition is “(v). Pricing the same goods for less than the competition.
I recommend this book to 4th-5th graders because they might be able to understand the book, but I didn’t. I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars because I couldn’t understand some parts. For example I thought that the plot was moving around in different directions. There wasn’t a good flow to the storyline.
By: Jacqueline Davies
“It might be hot, but this means war!”
The genre is realistic fiction because everyone can have a lemonade stand. One hot blazing summer afternoon Evan and Jessie’s air conditioner breaks. The guy from “Sears” has to come and install a new one. Evan runs to his friend Scott’s house to start a lemonade stand. Then Jessie is left alone. She goes to see to see if her friend Meghan can play. Then sooner or later the war begins. They were competing to see who can raise the most money.
I’d like to discuss a weakness of this book. For example the story line skipped around so it was difficult to get to know the characters. My strength is that at every chapter there’s a chapter heading including a definition. Like in Chapter 6 “Underselling”. The definition is “(v). Pricing the same goods for less than the competition.
I recommend this book to 4th-5th graders because they might be able to understand the book, but I didn’t. I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars because I couldn’t understand some parts. For example I thought that the plot was moving around in different directions. There wasn’t a good flow to the storyline.
Fire: Reviewed by Teddy
David is a 20 year old tenant living Liz Penny kettle’s house. Liz is a potter that makes clay dragons and sells them. Her daughter Lucy is obsessed with squirrels and asks David to catch one for her. Eventually strange things start happening like the fact that Liz doesn’t even use a kiln or that dragons keep moving. Whenever Lucy tries to say something, her mom cuts her off. What are those two hiding?
This story is fiction because clay dragons cannot come alive. David wants to know what the pennykettle’s are hiding. But they won’t tell him the truth. So he investigates the dragons and finds out that they are alive.
A strength of this story is that it has more than one plotline. For example, when I would get tired of one plotline, another would come up. A weakness of this story is that it gets really slow and would talk about every single day. For example, David would type a few paragraphs of his story, go do his laundry, and go out to lunch.
I recommend this book to people under 13 because it has a lot of little kid concept and jokes. I rate this book three stars.
*****
The Fire Within
Teddy 4-18-10 15 reading
This story is fiction because clay dragons cannot come alive. David wants to know what the pennykettle’s are hiding. But they won’t tell him the truth. So he investigates the dragons and finds out that they are alive.
A strength of this story is that it has more than one plotline. For example, when I would get tired of one plotline, another would come up. A weakness of this story is that it gets really slow and would talk about every single day. For example, David would type a few paragraphs of his story, go do his laundry, and go out to lunch.
I recommend this book to people under 13 because it has a lot of little kid concept and jokes. I rate this book three stars.
*****
The Fire Within
Teddy 4-18-10 15 reading
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