mr. foster's book reviews

Mr. Foster’s Book Reviews, Class of 2010-2011

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CHECK OUT A VARIETY OF GENRES AND REVIEWS WRITTEN BY STUDENTS

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MR. FOSTER’S CLASS!


Fiction

Molly Moon

by Georiga Byng

A Review by Amanda E.

4 out of 5

In Molly Moon, written by Georiga Byng, a girl and a boy they are both orphans but really good friends. The boy gets adopted and moves to New York. Molly finds a book on hypnotizing and hypnotizes the orphan mother and the food lady to take Molly to the air port to go to New York from France to find her best friend. When she gets to New York she can only stay one night until she hypnotizes the guy at the counter to let her stay longer even though she does not have enough money to stay.

Molly is struggling with trying to keep the hypnotizing thing a secret. When Molly was doing her first show at the theater in New York, one young boy was not hypnotized because he was looking down reading his comic book. Molly hypnotized everyone because she was horrible at singing, dancing, and acting. Molly brought a dog along with her and the dog gets dog napped. Though the middle of the story to the end, Molly is looking for her dog napped dog and her best friend.

Molly has to face a dog napper / thief trying to find the hypnotism book that Molly has, that’s why the dog napper / thief stole her dog. Is Molly ever going to find her dog? Can Molly ever find her friend while she is trying ti find her dog napped dog? You will have to read the book to find out what happens next and what’s going to happen.

I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. It kept the reader wondering what’s going to happen next. Is Molly really going to do what she was told to do? How is her plan ever going to work? There are three other books of Molly Moon and they are big so they will keep you busy every second you read.

Fantasy


Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

by J.K. Rowling

A Review by Dominic B.

4 out of 5

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling, an 11-year-old boy named Harry Potter was never treated like a normal person ever since he was forced to live with his “perfectly normal” aunt, uncle, and cousin after his parents died when he was a baby. But Harry has kind of agreed; his whole life has had strange happenings whether it’s never having his hair short to making glass to a zoo habitat disappear by just being angry at his cousin. But then Harry learns he’s a wizard, and his whole life turns around.

After he learns, Harry goes on an epic adventure involving goblins, giant men, a talking hat, a troll, and much more. Harry also meets many new friends such as Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Rubeus Hagrid, and Albus Dumbledore; and enemies like Draco Malfoy, Severus Snape, and the most evil wizard of them all, Lord Voldemort. On his adventure Harry and his friends learn about the Sorcerer’s Stone, and that someones going to steal it. Who could it be?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is an amazing classic, and J.K. Rowling’s equally amazing style really helps. She makes it feel like your right at Hogwarts with astoundingly vivid descriptions and interesting speech patterns; such as how Hagrid speaks. It makes it very fun to read and very hard to put down.

I’ve rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. Rowling’s style and wonderful plot make this book astounding. Excellent cliffhangers put exciting ends to although lengthy chapters. The falling action is a bit to long, which lost it a star, but I immediately picked up the Chamber of Secrets either way.


Mystery

Stolen Children

by Peg Kehret

A Review by Zoey A.

4 out of 5

In the book Stolen Children, written by Peg Kehret, a girl named Amy went over to the Edgerton’s house to babysit. Everything was going perfect until the little girl named Kendra took a nap. What will Amy do when someone suspicious comes up to the door?

Amy has taken babysitting classes before, but none of them gave her the information on what to do if someone comes up to the door with a gun. Amy was tired because her dad had recently passed away, so she accidentally fell asleep while Kendra was taking her nap. Amy woke up to the sound of a car engine. Who were they? Why were they at the Edgerton’s house? Where had Kendra gone?

Peg Kehret makes her books with lots of action and drama. Her books are not like any other book you can just pick up off the shelf. Peg also includes lots of descriptive writing which creates an amazing picture in the readers mind. The author separated the book into different days that they had been kidnapped to help the reader out.

I rated this book 4 out 5 stars. I really enjoyed the book, but it had really long chapters. It surprised you whenever different things happened. Also, you never wanted to put the book down. Every page was detailed with descriptive writing, but every book could be just a little bit better.


Fiction

Wolves Beyond the Lone Wolf

by Kathryn Lansky

A Review by Ethan C.

4 out of 5

In Lone Wolves Beyond the Lone Wolf, written by Kathryn Lasky, it’s about a pup is considered to be malcadh, or cursed, if it is born with a physical flaw. When a pup is declared malcadh it is removed from the clan and left to die in the wild.

However, not all pups die. So begins the story of the wolf, Faolan-born with a splayed paw that has a swirled star on its foot pad. Faolan is declared cursed and left on a icy river. At this same river a female grizzly bear is mourning the loss of her cub. She comes across the wolf pup and begins caring for him as if he were her son. Find out what happens to Faolan. Does he survive or die?

The author Kathryn does a great job of keeping the readers on the edge of their seats by throwing great details. She also does a great job by throwing great information in the book. The book is fairly long with fantastic details.

I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. It kept me interested the entire way, and I really enjoyed it, but there’s always something new and better. I liked the way Lasky wrote the chapters, when you stop, you want to keep on reading because she leaves some cliffhangers in the book. This book is very exciting.


Science Fiction/Fantasy

The Maze Runner

by James Dashner

A Review by Mr. Foster

4 out of 5

In The Maze Runner, written by James Dashner, a group of boys (and one girl) are left alone in an environment called the “Glade”. A new child arrives through a mysterious hole/box every thirty days and everyone has immediately lost their memory from their previous life. The only way out for this group of children is to escape through a maze near the outskirts of the Glade, however, the complexity and arrangement of the maze changes every day.

Things are a somewhat of a struggle for the children until Thomas enters the Glade. Even with his memory erased, he manages to help the Gladers in many ways. For example, he would like to become a “runner”, someone who spends each day running through the maze looking for a way out. While Thomas and the Gladers are beginning to make some progress, a girl, Teresa, enters. Thomas realizes that they have a special connection. Can Teresa help the Gladers with an exit strategy? Has she been sent to the Glade for a specific reason?

Thomas and the other Gladers are faced with many challenges throughout the novel. Dashner does a great job of keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. He has elements of science fiction and fantasy in the novel, and when finished, one can’t wait to dive into The Scorch Trials, Dashner’s sequel to The Maze Runner.

I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. It kept me interested the entire way, and I really enjoyed how Dashner wrote short chapters that included cliffhangers at the end of most. Most of the time I don’t like how books conclude, but this ending slammed the reader with a shocking and exciting twist. I immediately picked up The Scorch Trials after reading The Maze Runner.


Fiction

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

by Wendy Mass

A Review by Ashleigh G.

4 out of 5

In Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, written by Wendy Mass; Jeremy, a 12 year old boy, and Lizzy, Jeremy’s best friend, receive a box on the front porch. It is supposed to have the “Meaning of Life” in it. Jeremy has no clue what the “ Meaning of Life” is. Jeremy and his best friend Lizzy face lots of adventures and challenges in this story.

Things get interesting when Jeremy and Lizzy try to open the box, they see 4 key holes and no keys. They are going to try to find all different types of keys to see if any will fit the key holes of the box. They go to all kinds of places around the world to try to find these keys. The box is from Jeremy’s dad, who gave it to him before he died. So who knows if his dad still has the keys in heaven? Lizzy thinks they are somewhere around the world. Will Jeremy find the keys that will fit? Or will he never know what the “Meaning of Life” is?

Mass does a great job of keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. I love how Wendy Mass made this book into all different moods, depending on how the characters are feeling. This book is a Fiction novel for kids/ preteens. When done one can’t wait to dive into more books by Wendy Mass. Such as The Candymakers, A Mango Shaped Space, Every Soul a Star, Finally, 11 Birthdays, Leap Day, and Heaven Looks a lot like the Mall.

I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. It kept me interested the entire way, and I really enjoyed how Wendy Mass wrote short chapters that made you want to keep reading to find the next part of the story. Most of the time I don’t like how books conclude, but this one was full of suspense, shock and excitement. I immediately picked up The Candy Makers, another book by Wendy Mass, after reading Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life.


Fantasy

Eragon

by Christopher Paolini

A Review by Max B.

4 out of 5

Eragon, is a book where an ordinary boy named Eragon finds an odd stone in a forest called the Spine. After he finds this stone, it turns out to be a dragon egg and hatches which makes him a dragon rider. But the evil king Galbatorix has other plans so then he kills Eragon’s uncle. Now Eragon is out for revenge.

The empire armies are moving and active and Galbatorix is taking action. When a hero emerges from a small town, his name is Eragon and he is out for revenge against the Ra’zac and the empire because they killed his uncle. With help from his friends Brom, Murtagh, and Arya that he makes along the way.

In this book, a lot of odd things happen that you could never think up. But Christopher does a great job with it. He is so descriptive you can see Eragon take off on his dragon, Saphira. He has a element of fantasy in his book. I liked the book so much afterward I went straight to Eldest, the second book in the inheritance cycle.

I’ve rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. It could be a 5 out of 5 stars, but in parts it’s boring and dull. But when the action picks up, it’s impossible to put down. All in all its a very good book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy, action, and adventure.


Fiction

Zach's Lie

by Roland Smith

A Review by Luke A.

4 out of 5

Zach’s Lie, by Rolland Smith, is about a kid named Zach and his dad gets in trouble and his family has to attend a safety program. They all go through big changes that will change their life. They will try their best to get adjusted to their new life.

This kids dad gets in to trouble and his family gets sent into a safety program but the person who wants their dad finds them and is going to do some bad stuff unless his dad does something for them. The dad is trying to fix this with the police but he wont say a thing until he knows for a fact that his family is safe. So his family moves to a hole new place and change their identity like hair color and eye color. But that seems not enough to keep the enemies away.

Zach and his family go through some tough things. I for one love how the author just made this book just to capture you. The author must have put lots and lots of thought in this book. It just takes your breath away, you will not believe what happen in this book you may not be able to put the book down.

I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. It just blows your mind away and it will make you keep reading. Like if you think you are at a bad spot in the book something just comes out of know were and smacks you in the face. It is one for sure the best books I read.


Science Fiction

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins

A Review by Morgan G.

4 out of 5

In The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, there are twelve districts that people live in. Once a year, the Capitol of all the districts randomly chooses twenty four kids out of a hat to go into what they call the Hunger games. Only one out of all twenty four kids will make it out alive.

Everybody in each district worries that their name will be pulled out of the hat, but some have to worry more than others. Every name goes into the hat once at first. If you are poor, low on food, and need something to eat fast, you can enter your name in another time in exchange for food. That makes a higher chance of your name being pulled, and some had to risk that for their families health, including Katniss Everdeen. Has she risked too much? Has she put her family in danger?

The author, Suzanne Collins, did a really nice job writing this book by using lots of detail to create a good picture in your mind. She also did a good job with leaving the reader hanging and also having you on the edge of your seat. She makes you never want to stop reading.

I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed this book and it always kept me hanging and anticipated. There are a lot of reasons why I rated this book a 4 instead of something lower. One reason is because every chapter had a surprising twist at the end, which makes you never want to put the book down. I liked how you could also always tell how each character was feeling because of the great description. I know anyone who reads this book will not be disappointed.


Mystery

The Westing Game

by Ellen Raskin

A Review by Jack G.

4 out of 5

In “The Westing Game,” by Ellen Raskin, 16 residents are invited to Sam Westing’s will reading. No one has ever heard of Sam Westing. At the reading they find out that they are entered into a game. All 16 residents are separated into teams of 2, and whichever team wins gets $10,000.

Also at the reading, the teams are given 2 clues each, for example, “Majesty” or “Purple.” No one has any idea of what they mean. Then, they find out that the clues lead to who killed Sam Westing, the answer to the game. And one of the 16 residents is the killer. Who would want to kill such a kind and gentle man like Sam? Who will win? Find out in “The Westing Game.”

Raskin’s writing style was done very well. In the middle of the book I knew the answer, or so I thought. Because Raskin kept adding details that kept me on the edge of my seat. Also, I really liked the characterization in the book. Raskin had very unique personalities that made it very interesting. For example, Turtle, a 12 year old girl, is always kicking people, or Doug, a teen-age boy, is always running. Every single character has there own perspective on the game.

I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. Although the beginning was slow, the ending had an unexpected twist. It was the best ending of a book I’ve ever read. I was reading the whole night long . It was, overall, a great read.


Fiction

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

by Wendy Mass

A Review by Avery N.

4 out of 5

The book Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, written by Wendy Mass, is all about a boy named Jeremy and his best friend Lizzy. A few weeks before Jeremy’s 13th birthday, he receives a box from his Dad who has passed away many years ago. Jeremy’s dad made him an unique box for Jeremy to open on his 13th birthday. The box comes with a letter. The letter says that when he opens the box he will find the meaning of life, but the only way to open the box is to find the 4 keys that fit in the key-holes on the box. One problem, the 4 keys are nowhere to be found.

It starts out hard for Jeremy and Lizzy when they cannot find the keys. With Jeremy’s birthday coming up, it starts to get a little overwhelming when they can’t find the keys anywhere. Lizzy and Jeremy are both set out to find the keys but Lizzy takes charge. Jeremy has always has wanted to stay close to home and Lizzy is not afraid to explore. The two also get in trouble when they tear apart an office to find the keys. The kids get arrested and are asked to do community service with an interesting and slightly odd man named Mr. Oswald. This seems like a bad start, but is it?

Jeremy and Lizzy are faced with a huge problem throughout the whole story. Wendy Mass does a great job of surprising the reader and keeping them interested. The book is fiction but also a bit of realistic fiction. The characters are very real and so is the setting. But the main idea of the story is very interesting and hectic. When you are finished with the book you wish there was a sequel!

The rated this book is a 4 out of 5 stars because when things got complicated, I didn’t understand some parts and that made me confused about the book because I didn’t understand what was going on. The entire book had twists and turns throughout the whole thing. I like how the author put interesting twists into the book. When things seem impossible the characters turn around and shock you with a big surprise. I really enjoyed how this book ended.


Adventure Fiction

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

by Kate DiCamillo

A Review by Holly J.

4 out of 5

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, written by Kate DiCamillo, a rabbit made of china glass that goes on an adventure. On his way he learns how to love and care and feel for others, even though he’s a toy, and sometimes he wishes he could cry. He goes through some rough times but he can’t do anything about it.

This book is about a rabbit made of china glass who is accidentally throne of a ship. While he’s on the adventure of his life he meet some people who he starts to love and care for. He just wishes he can be with them but, something is always getting in his way.

DiCamillo does an amazing job of keeping the reader wondering what’s going to happen next. I would know because I read it about 12 times. That’s what the author does, he makes you want to read it over and over again. Trust me you will love it, because I did and it is my favorite book of all time. The author is an award winning author of the new bell prize.

The reason I chose 4 out of 5 stars. Is because it is the best I’ve read but, I personally think she could use more information in lots of chapters. She did a amazing job with making the reader feel emotion. You will enjoy it because you will laugh, cry and love.


Fiction

The Candymakers

by Wendy Mass

A Review by Sierra H.

4 out of 5

In The Candymakers, written by Wendy Mass, four children from Spring Heaven have been selected to compete in the national candy-making contest of a lifetime. These children are nowhere near ordinary. They all have something very unique about them, whether it’s being a FBI agent, or a super genius wearing a tie, there is something suspicious about these kids. You might ask yourself, what makes these four kids so special that their essays have been selected over hundreds of others?

There is Logan, the candymakers son, who can detect the color of chocolate by the feel alone. Miles, the boy who is allergic to rowboats and the color pink. Daisy, the cheerful girl who can lift a fifty-pound lump of taffy as if it was a feather. And last, but not least, Philip, the suit-and-tie-wearing boy who’s always scribbling in a secret notebook. The contestants face off in a battle of wits and sugar, but soon they realize that things are not what they seem, and they find themselves in a candy-filled world of surprises, suspense and mouthwatering creations. Who will make a candy more delicious than Oozing Crunchorama or the Neon Yellow Chew? Why do they each want to win the contest so badly, that they are willing to risk everything?

In this charming and cleverly crafted story, award winning author, Wendy Mass cooks up a mysterious tale of friendship, and juicy revelations. Wendy’s creativity clearly shows through this book. While reading, you can visualize yourself in the wild action taking place in this novel. The hectic and crazy events throughout the book seem real, thanks to Mass.

I have rated this book 4 out 5 stars. It kept me interested throughout the story. I was always curious and wondering what was going to happen next. I couldn’t ever put down the book. Most of the time, I don’t like the endings of books but this one really caught my eye. I really hope they make a sequel to this book. I recommend this novel to anyone. Enjoy!


Fantasy

The Warrior Heir

by Cinda Williams Chima

A Review by Mason M.

4 out of 5

In “The Warrior Heir”, written by Cinda Williams Chima, a teen named Jack Swift has been taking a special heart medicine his whole life. One day, he forgot to take it, and he felt great the whole day. As a very young child, he had heart surgery, the medicine keeps him alive, or does it? You will find out if you read “The Warrior Heir”, by Cinda Williams Chima.

Jack finds that things are clearer and more in - focus when not on his medicine. He wants to stop taking it altogether, but his Mom and Aunt said no. One day, he invited his two best friends on a trip with his Aunt Linda. But when they get there, they all find out a weird secret that Jack himself didn’t even know. Jack will face many hardships and they will be quite odd.

Jack and his friends encounter some strange things in this novel. I like how Cinda puts a lot of suspense into her books. Also, I like how there are some scary and exciting parts in the books. This 3 - book series is mostly fantasy, which I like. Lastly, I like how they put the fantasy into real life in the book. I like how Cinda also makes the characters go to real places like London and Ohio.

I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. It was always suspenseful or very interesting. Also, I’ve always been a fan of fantasy, that helped the rating. Right when I got done with the first book I went to the library and got the second. I recommend this series to any fantasy lovers, this was one of my favorite books I’ve ever read.



The Scorch Trials

by James Dashner

A Review by Kellan H.

5 out of 5

In the Scorch Trials written by James Dashner the rest of the Gladers have to travel through a city full of cranks. Just like in the Maze Runner these kids are left alone and have to survive. They have to travel through treacherous journeys on the way to the safe Haven. This is a cure for people that have the flare.

The tasks that these kids go through are very dangerous. Thomas and the other Gladers memories are still wiped. Before they had gotten to the Scorch they had been given the flare a very deadly disease. Just like in the Glade Thomas and Teresa share a special connection but that connection has been taken away by wicked.

I think James Dashner is one of those authors that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I read the book.I think that Dashner had a great thinking strategy of coming up with a book like The Scorch Trials.

I have rated this book 5 out of 5 stars because James Dashner is one of those authors that that when I read the first book it makes me want to read the sequel. I also loved that Dashner had short chapters and had twists at the end of all of them. Dashner had created some characters that some other authors didn’t.


Mystery

The Island (Book #1)

by Gordon Korman

A Review by Cindy G.

4 out of 5

In The Island, written by Gordon Korman, there are these two kids that get into this big fight and get sent on this ship for discipline. The kids meet other friends on the ship like normal kids. One problem is that they bleed a lot from the sail’s rope from trying to fix the sail. The rope is to rough and pointy.

Luke and Lyssa are having a big adventure on the boat. They are stuck working and cooking the food. They are just talking to a few people on there free time. It is a big adventure when they start to drown so they have to do every thing they can to try to stay up above ground.

Gordon Korman did a great job with this story. Keeping any reader wanting to read more and more of the book . He makes the book exciting. People want to know what will happen to people in the book.

I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. The book was great. It told about adventure, and being on a ship to work all the day. Nobody would want to be on that boat.


Horror

Morpheus Road

by DJ MacHale

A Review by Sean O.

5 out of 5

In Morpheus Road By DJ Machale is where the kid named Marshall and his best buddy Cooper are enjoying the summer. But when Marshall’s Dad leaves for Los Vegas, he decides to stay home. While home alone he starts hearing this weird dripping noise, and this muffling noise on his door. But when he goes downstairs to check it out, he sees an image that he’ll never forget...

After he sees that image he has too try to make it go away but he finds out it has powers and it makes him see things that aren’t really there. And when his best friend has gone missing he gets really mad! So will he find his best friend? Or will this thing take over his life? When he goes up too Cooper’s lake house he realizes that this monster is more powerful than he expected..

In this book DJ Machale does a great job of keeping you on the edge of your seat, and when you end a chapter he makes you wanna keep reading. And there are short chapters so you can read more chapters without reading that many pages. He does a great job of explaining the emotion and terror in the book.

I have rated this book a 5 stars out of 5 stars because this book does a great job of making you keep reading. If you love horror you will love this book! And it does a amazing job of keeping you guessing whats going to happen next. Also if there is a second book it will be better.


Science Fiction

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins

A Review by Shannon R.

4 out of 5

In The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, there are twelve districts. No more states, just districts. Every year, each district picks one girl and one boy to compete in the annual Hunger Games. The last on alive wins.

When you are in the Hunger Games, you are competing against twenty-three other kids who want the same thing as you; the title and the fame, but most importantly not to get killed. But, before the games begin, the kids have to go through some training. The trainers teach you how to shoot bow-and-arrows, use knives, and most importantly, win. After the training is done, they get dropped off in an arena. That’s where the games begin. Who will die? Who will win the fame and glory?

Suzanne Collins does an amazing job of keeping the readers on the edge of their seats. I’m telling you, you just absolutely can not put this book down! She knows how to make you want to read more and more to find out what happens next. Collins’ writing is so well described that you feel like your actually there in the scene. I can’t wait to dive into Collins’ second and third books, Catching Fire and The Mockingjay.

I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars because of its intensity. The Hunger Games is so intense because the kids are literally out to kill each other! It’s every man for themselves. The Hunger Games is probably one of the best books that I have ever read. If you choose to read it, you won’t be disappointed.


Fantasy

Gone

by Michael Grant

A Review by Hunter S.

4 out of 5

In the book Gone, by Michael Grant, everyone over the age of 15 disappears. Nobody knows what to do. Some kids start to cry and some run out of their school to try to find their parents.

The main characters, Sam, Astrid, Quinn & Edillio find a wall while trying to find Astrid’s younger brother, Little Pete. Once they come back to Perdido Beach, kids from the school for troubled children comes. Their “ Leader” Caine decides to become the mayor of Perdido Beach. Where are the parents? Why is this big wall surrounding Perdido Beach? Most of these you will ask questions will be answered in Gone.

Sam, Astrid, Quinn & Edillio are faced with some tough problems that they have to solve. Grant does a great job on keeping people on the edge of their seats. The element of sci-fi and fantasy are included in his book. And once done with Gone you will want to pick up his next book, Hunger.

I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. It kept me wanting to read more and more until I was done. It has tons of cliffhangers and dangers in this book. Most of the time people don’t like how books end. But this is a book that has a very good ending that you will want to go right to Hunger.


Historic Fiction

The Diving Bell

by Todd Strasser

A Review by Cassy W.

5 out of 5

In The Diving Bell, written by Todd Strasser, a girl named Culca wants to be a diver. In her Mexican culture, it is not sanitary for girls to dive.

The boys dive for pearls to trade withe other people. Culca is a girl and she wants to dive. One day, a horrible storm comes and all of the houses are blown over. It rains so their only choice is to go to a church on the top of a hill so she meets a preacher who teachers her how to speak English. And he takes her to the Spaniards fort to get food for her village and trade pearls for needed things. One day, her brother and the other divers in the village are taken by the Spaniards. The Spaniards set the whole village on fire. Culca’s brother and the others are forced to dive for gold on the ocean floor but it is to deep it is not possible for them to dive in shark invaded waters.

I think that Todd Strasser did a great job at the end of chapters to make you want to keep reading. The thing I like about his books is that his writing is based on real things that happened!

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars because I learned things that I did not know. One other thing that interested me was how he made the book so interesting to make you want to read more.


Nonfiction

Fallout

by Ellen Hopkins

A Review by Sky S.

5 out of 5

In Fallout, written by Ellen Hopkins,three kids are talking about how life without their mother is. The kids all live in different cities and one different state. The kids have never heard of each other, except for one, he is a radio host who is actually kind of famous to everyone. One girl lives in California and the other two live in Nevada.

The one girl is adopted and moved around continuously. The second girl is more like a rebel,because she sneaks out a lot to go with her boyfriend. The third kid is a boy,who is a radio host. He lives with his girlfriend at her dorm room at her college. The kids names are Autumn, Summer, and Hunter. How could the three kids meet their mother? Or will they?

Hopkins did a great job with this book,I say it was the best in the series,which is only a series of six. The poetry format is very nice,it is put into different shapes sometimes,like a s or a line. There are some hard,long words but they can be managed and read easily when figured out.

I have rated this book 5 out of 5 stars because the poetry format makes a quick,easy read. What happens to one of the girls is shocking and sad. Autumn also loses her boyfriend and baby in a car crash on the way to her grandma’s house. Other books by Hopkins are also very good. I picked up the books before Fallout,Glass and Burned,after reading Fallout.


Historic Fiction

Maniac Magee

by Jerry Spinelli

A Review by Zach S.

4 out of 5

In Maniac Magee, written by Jerry Spinelli, the book takes place in the past. Magee is a freak athlete that does unbelievable things. Also Magee’s parents died in a train accident when he was young. So Magee is homeless and runs from town to town on his own. Magee stops in these two very different cities.

Magee stops in this one town and meets this girl before school started. She gave Magee a book that was very important to her to let him read. The side Magee met the girl on is primarily African American, and right on the other side of the road most of the people are mainly white. Magee meets these two really nice families who he lives with. But the families live in different towns. And one town wanted him to leave, and the other wanted him to stay. Magee doesn’t want to pick. Instead he tries something that’s never been done. Maniac Magee tries to bring the towns together. Can he do it?

In Maniac Magee, Spinelli does a great job of keeping the reader on their toes. There are a lot of unexpected things that happen during the book. Like the book will be going along and then something will happen that you don’t expect. With short chapters and a lot of action. Maniac Magee was an enjoyable book.

I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. Every chapter has a lot of action and unexpected things that happened that often ended in cliff hangers. I also rated it 4 out of 5 stars because it tells a great story. This is a great book and I would recommend reading it.


Fantasy

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

by C.S Lewis

A Review by Laura P.

4 out of 5

In the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe four kids are forced to leave home and live with a grumpy old professor out in the country side due to the war. While in the country side, the youngest of the four , named Lucy, discovers a wardrobe.

Life is different for the children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy while living with an old, grumpy professor,until a wardrobe is discovered. In the back of this wardrobe a magical world named Narnia awaits. As Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy discover more of this magical world, they discover that it is more than a forest inside a closet, it is a whole world, with a queen and everything.

Lewis does an amazing job of keeping the reader wanting to read more. Lewis also does a good job of making an amazing fantasy world, named Narnia. There are some spots where one can get confused, but it was an amazing read.

I’ve rated this book 4 out of 5 stars, because this amazing book kept me on the edge of my seat. Now I can’t wait to read the sequel to this book, Prince Caspian and all the other books in this amazing, awesome series.



Uglies

by Scott Westerfield

A Review by Elise S.

4 out of 5

In book one of the Uglies series, written by Scott Westerfield, all kids under 16 years of age live in a town together called Uglyville. When they turn 16, they get on a bus to go to the hospital in Prettytown and get the surgery that makes them pretty. After the surgery, their minds have been changed to be locked into a permanent and ignorant mindset they call being bubbly-minded.

Tally Youngblood is an “ugly” who lives in Uglyville. She meets a girl named Shay, only weeks before her 16th birthday. Shay wants Tally to run away with her, without getting the surgery. Tally has spent her whole life dreaming and waiting for her 16th birthday, so she can become a pretty. What will she choose? Her newfound best friend or her new life and body that is ahead of her?

Tally is faced with many decisions throughout the book. Scott Westerfield does a great job of surprising you, using a futuristic world full of things you could never imagine. The author has crafted this story with cliffhangers at the end of chapters that keep you anticipating what will happen next. Westerfield keeps you entertained and wanting to read Pretties, which is book # 2 in this series.

I have rated this book a 4 out of 5 stars. It kept me interested the whole time, with breathtaking scenes and surprises throughout the book. It has elements of science and adventure, twisting the story even more. Once done with Uglies, one will immediately pick up Pretties.



Mockingjay

by Suzanne Collins

A Review by Hannah W.

5 out of 5

In the Mocking Jay,written by Suzanne Collins Katniss Everdeen had just surived the Quarter Quell.She and Petta now face going back bobmed home,District 12.Then The Capitol has captured Petta,but with the help of District 13 and Katniss's friends and family they could be able to save the remaining Districts,eachother,and thier minds.

After Katniss and Petta won the Quarter Quell they were faced to go back home to District 12 after it was bombed by President Snow.Katniss,now out for revenge against President Snow finds that Petta has been captured by The Capitol,but also that an uprising is occuring.She finds that District 13 was never gone.The whole communtiy was hidden underground,plotting their ultimate revenge they help Katniss's friends,family,and companionsWill The Mocking Jay survive?Will Petta be saved?Who will win?Will President Snow be stopped?Who will win the battle of Katniss's life?

Collins' style of writting was a very unique style.She Left hard to put down cliffhangers on every page.It was also very descriptive.She made me feel as if I were Katniss.Every single word was easy to understand in the book as well.

I rated The Mocking Jay five out of five stars, because of how enjoyable it was to read!It was defenitly keeping me on my toes(Suspense wise).I could never predict what would happen next! I couldn't even put the book down!I hated that this was the end of the series and that all of the great stories that Katniss could tell were over,but it was a fantastic read for me and all others who dare to read it!


Nonfiction

Chasing Lincoln's Killer

by James L. Swanson

A Review by Josh L.

4 out of 5

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer is about a man named Abraham Lincoln who was elected for president. There was a man named James Wilkes Booth who hated Abraham Lincoln. He developed a plan to kill Abraham Lincoln.

James Wilkes Booth’s plan was to get a gang to kill Abraham Lincoln inside the theater. On April 14,1865 James Wilkes Booth woke up on a good Friday morning. It was now time for James Wilkes Booth to kill Abraham Lincoln at midnight at Ford’s Theater. James Wilkes Booth had a horse at the back of the theater for his runaway. Then he saw a soldier guarding the back stage door. James Wilkes Booth was very nervous that he would not get through. The soldier let him through. He was ready to kill Abraham Lincoln. He pulled out his pistol and aimed at his head. He pulled the trigger and shot Abraham Lincoln in the head. He ran to his horse for his runaway. He galloped on his horse and escaped the assassination.

The author gives you some back round information. So later in the book a surprise would come. The author’s style keeps you reading from suspension, surprise, and actions in the book.

I think this book should be rated 4 out of 5 stars. This book is interesting and has a lot of action and violence. This book is really good for Historic Fiction and Non Fiction.


Fiction

The Invention Of Hugo Cabret

by Bryan Selznick

A Review by James C.

5 out of 5

The book The Invention of Hugo Cabret is written by Brian Selznick. This book is about a young boy named Hugo who finds a strange machine. He is determined to find out what it does. You will be surprised as to what it does, when you read this book.

After Hugo’s dad dies he finds a strange machine that did not work. He found it in his dad’s shop. He wouldn't give up until he fixed it and found out what it did. What do you think it will do? Talk? Draw? Write? Dance?

This author is very unique because he will leave the reader in suspense. He does a good job making sure the reader has a clear picture of what he is reading. His words make it easy to understand.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I gave it this rating because it wasn’t treacherous to read. This book is not hard to read kids will be able to understand what they are reading. I recommend this book to any one who likes to read. This author made good use of pictures and words.


Mystery

Stolen Children

by Peg Kehret

A Review by Camryn M.

4 out of 5

I read the book Stolen Children by Peg Kehret. In this book the Edgertons have one little girl named Kendra. Kendra has a little stuffed cat named Tubby who she has to be with all to be with all the time. They live in a mansion in California by the beach.

Mrs. Edgerton needs a baby-sitter while she has to go to the hospital. She found a girl named Amy who was about 15 years old. Amy said yes, she was very excited, but she didn’t know that the Edgertons lived in a mansion. When Amy got there, she put Kendra down for a nap. While Kendra was napping Amy accidentally fell asleep. As soon as Amy woke up she went to get Kendra up from her nap. When Amy got into Kendra’s room she noticed Kendra was gone. Amy checked everywhere in the house. Then Amy thought she heard an engine outside. She looked outside and there a van was with Kendra in it! Who were they? What will Amy do? Will Kendra be okay?

Kendra and Amy are faced with many challenges. Kehret does a great job with keeping the reader in suspense, and making the reader not want to put the book down. Also, the book was divided into separate days which really helped me understand the book better.

I have rated this book a 4 out of 5 stars. This book kept me interested 99 percent of the time. Although it was a good book it had long chapters. After reading this book I immediately picked up another mystery.


Realistic Fiction

The Million Dollar Shot

by Dan Gutman

A Review by Mitchell C.

4 out of 5

In the Million Dollar Shot, written by Dan Gutman, these two kids go to school together. Then they saw a contest that said you can win a million dollars if you make a basket at Madison Square Garden, but their mom and dad work for the guy that is running it so they can’t run. One day they came home and they got fired so they ran and won.

Eddie Ball and his mom do not have a lot of money so he ran for this contest. If he makes a basket he wins a million dollars. Well he won. Right after that he got his friends dad to help train him. Eddie got really good. Around one week before the event the guy that was running it wanted to bribe him to quite. Will he take the bribe? If he does not take the bribe will he make the shot?

In the book Dan Gutman does a great job to make you turn the page. For example when Eddie is in trouble he leaves you hanging. That happens a lot at the end. He also has short chapters. That’s good because you feel like you have read a lot.

I have rated this book a 4 out of 5 because of how the author created the characters. I also rated it like this because of the events that happened. He always keeps your heart pounding. Finally because its a nice easy read.

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