WINNERS!!

The Santa Trap by Jonathan Emmet (Pen)

 

Even though this is a picture book, I found it to be a unique,  intriguing story. And not only that, but it's a Christmas story as well, which can make any story fabulous. I recommend this book for all ages, and am sure it will become a Christmas favorite for everyone.

The story begins with Bradley Bartelby, who is cruel, merciless, and a menace to society. Even as a child, he was very, very bad. His parents, who are extremely wealthy, are so afraid of him they give him everything he wants. Everyone gives him everything he wants, in fact, except Santa Claus. Santa, despairing of Bradley's behavior, only gives him one present each year. Socks. Bradley is infuriated, and formulates a dastardly plot to get exactly what he wants, from whom he wants it from, for Christmas.

Read the rest of the story to find out what happens! Pick up this book in your local library or bookstore. You won't regret it!

Good luck and happy reading!

Pen

Wonder by R J Palacio reviewed by Anna

Wonder is about a guy named August whose face is deformed.  He lives with his sister, mom, and dad.  When he goes to school he is treated fine until a new guy named Julian teases him.
There are eight parts, each part is viewed by a different person.  This girl named Summer is the only person nice to him.  On Halloween August was too afraid to go out because he was scared of being teased by other kids.  That was only part 1, read the rest of the book to find out what happened.

Matailda by Roald Dahl reviewed by Anna

Matilda is very smart. She read all the kid books and even grown up books in the library! Matilda has very mean parents. They don't care about her at all. When school starts, Matilda meets her nice kindergarten teacher, Miss Honey. When Miss Honey finds out that Matilda is that smart she tells the Trunchebul. The Trunchebul is also very mean. She's meaner then Matilda's parents! Read the rest to find out what the Trunchebul does to Matilda.

THE WITCHES by Roald Dahl (Spencer 8)

This book was funny because the crazy things kept happening that made me laugh.  I like how the author wrote the book.  There are some tragic parts but they didn't ruin the book for me.  In the first 25 pages the main character's parents die.  Then there are a lot of things that happen.  This book made me laugh. 

Looking At Lincoln by Nettie

I read this to my almost 3 year old today.  Great art and a thoughtful, short introduction to Lincoln.  Enough facts to keep my 8 year old interested too.

CONTEST!

We started a contest Saturday.   Every child that writes a review will be entered in a drawing for $10!  I will draw two names and both winners will receive a $10 bill in the mail.  Thanks for contributing!

The Name of This Book is Secret (Annie 10)

The Name of This Book is Secret is a really good book.  I read it in a really short time because it was so exciting. The author was funny and he would interfere with the story and that made me laugh. 

This book was about a girl named Cassandra and a boy named Max-Ernest.  Read the book to find out how Max-Ernest got his name.  It is a really funny story.  They stumble upon a magician's notebook and end up in a crazy adventure.  I LOVED THIS BOOK.  I can't wait to read the rest in the series. 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone

Honestly, I think the first Harry Potter book is the scariest.It's about a guy Harry Potter that finds out he is a wizard. He meets a guy named Hagrid,Hagrid tells Harry about a school, Hogwarts,that's for wizards.Harry decides to attend, just to get away from his mean aunt and uncle.When he gets to Hogwarts, he finds out he is famous! Read it to find out the rest.

Ivy + Bean Book 1 by Annie Barrows (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

Ivy + Bean Book 1 is awesome! It's about Ivy and Bean. Bean was playing outside when her mother said, "Bean, you should play with Ivy." "No thanks", Bean replied. Her sister, Nancy was just as snappy. Ivy comes outside reading a book almost as big as herself. Bean thought that Ivy was a wimp. Bean, Nancy, and their mom go to the mall. Read to find numerous adventures that include spells, potions, and of course friendship.

The Boxcar Children #85: The Disappearing Staircase Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

The Boxcar Children #85: The Disappearing Staircase Mystery is an awesome book! It's about Henry, Jessie, Violet, Soo Lee, and Benny in a group called House and Hands. They're going to fix up the Bugbee Mansion. Mabel is the commander. Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner, Nan, and Brian all help. When they explore the house they notice that some doors lead to walls. They don't know that they have a mystery in their paths. Read to find out more.

RAMONA READS

We love our friend Ramona.  Two years ago when she was 10 she recommended we read these books.  I just found this going through old emails. 

Mandy
The princess school
Island of the blue dolphins
The mysterious benedict society
All of a kind family

Emily windsnap
Sisters Grimm
The phantom tollbooth
Molly moon
Olives ocean
The magician's nephew
The miss piggle wiggle treasury

Twelve dancing princesses

Fabelhaven Series

Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl is an amazing book. It's where Danny and his dad own a filling station where they wash and fix cars. They are very poor. One night Danny's dad goes out to poach Mr. Hazell's pheasants. Danny gets scared. He waits till morning. In the morning Danny's dad tells Danny what he was doing. "Last night I was in Hazell's Wood", Danny's dad said. "Hazell's Wood? But that's six and a half miles", Danny asked. Read the rest of the book. Read more about Danny and his dad.  

The Boxcar Children #6: Blue Bay Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

The Boxcar Children #6: Blue Bay Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner is an amazing book. Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are going to an unknown island in the Pacific Ocean with their grandfather, a sailor named Lars, and Benny's friend named Mike. They go on a boat called Sea Star. When they get there someone is there too. The person steals the sea biscuit, loses a button, moves a turtle shell, and makes something cool out of shells and rocks in a pond. Do you think they will find the mysterious person?

Secrets of the Crown by reviewed by Dallas (10)

A++!!!!!

It was a really good book. The story was about 3 magical animals who looked for the "Snow Leopard's Crown. "    They faced many challenges, including humungous gunnabeasts, vicious bounty hunters, and monstrous shadow hounds.  In the end, they found the crown and are therefore now able to defeat a treacherous Familiar and hare, Parkshia.   What I really enjoyed was the action and adventure of the story.

I look forward to reading the third book in the series.

The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids: Vampires Don't Wear Polka Dots by Debbie Dadey (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids: Vampires Don't Wear Polka Dots by Debbie Dadey is a very good book. It's about four kids named Liza, Melody, Howie, and Eddie. Liza loved school. Melody was a lot like Liza, but she wasn't as bossy. Howie liked school, too, but was smarter. Eddie loathed school in every way. He was the school bully. Liza, Melody, Howie, and Eddie had just gotten out out of second grade. Their old teacher Mrs. DeDe had quit all because of Eddie. On the last day of second grade Eddie had put shaving cream in Mrs. DeDe's desk's top drawer when she was getting a pen. The kids were talking and there were pieces of paper scattered al over the room. The doorknob turned and the class quieted down. When the door opened they saw that it was the principal with a very pale woman. The woman was wearing a pink polka dotted dress complete with a bright green brooch. She had painted her fingernails a bright green. She had green eyes and red hair. "Hello class, my name is Mrs. Jeepers," Mrs. Jeepers said. What do you think will happen next? You get to find out. 

The Secrets of Droon: The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet by Tony Abbott (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

The Secrets of Droon: The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet by Tony Abbott is a great book! It's about this kid named Eric. He invites over his friends Neil and Julie to play soccer. But Eric's mom says he has to clean the basement, the attic, and the front porch before he can play soccer. Neil comes in holding a soccer ball. They go downstairs to the basement. Julie comes in the basement door. They go to a world called Droon that is underground. They meet a princess named Kea. Can Kea bring them back to their world?

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The lion, the witch, and the wardrobe  is the second book in the Narnia series, but it sounds like the first. I really recomend this book. But younger kids may not understand it. By Anna

Warriors The Darkest Hour By Annie

This book is about Fireheart (now Firestar) trying to protect ThunderClan from Tigerstar's evil TigerClan. To add to his anxiety there's a prophecy "Two will become one, Lion and Tiger will meet in battle,and Blood will rule the forest. And, Oh Brother!, Tigerstar stupidly mingles with Scourge and his BloodClan and gets killed in the process. Now Firestar has BloodClan to deal with. What will Firestar do?

                                    Read to find out.............


                 I like this book because it was exiting and suspenseful.    Plus, it was really hard to put the book down. I read it in one day! I really liked this book.

The Magician's Elephant reviewed by Baxter ( age 7)

This is a great book for ages 7 and up.  I really liked it because it was dramatic.  This story is about a young boy who lives with his dead father's friend.  Peter is training to be a soldier.   He went to an oracle to see if his sister is alive.  The oracle tells him an elephant will lead him to his sister.  He finds out that an elephant dropped through the ceiling of the opera house.   Peter finds the elephant at the Countess's mansion, and meets the magician who conjured it.   Peter finds Adele, his missing sister, and the magician magics the elephant back to its home.

Let's get reviewing again! This weeks contest....

Everyone who reviews a book by next Saturday will be entered into a drawing.  I will draw 4 names and each winner will receive $5!


Annie and Spencer are LOVING a lot of books right now.  They are reading The Familiars together at night and they really love it.    Annie just finished the first WARRIOR series.  Together Annie and Spencer read  A Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom as well. Both children were disappointed with the ending to a Hero's Guide and they wish this was not a series.  They are not going to read the other books they say. 

Has anyone read APOTHECARY yet?  Annie started it and liked it but she was reading way too many books at the same time so we had to return it to the library.  We will check that out again.  It is about a 5th grader who has to move to London after the second world war because her father is being accused of being a communist.  Ask your parents what that all means:)!

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (post by Pen, age 13)

Artemis Fowl is a captivating, enchanting tale. Eoin Colfer makes the perfect blend of technology, magic, wit, and strangely endearing characters, despite their strong personalities. I'd recommend this book for anyone from age 9 to 13-years old.

Artemis Fowl is a genius. Even from a young age, he showed intellectual superiority. Now, at age twelve, Artemis's extreme IQ surpasses everyone's in Europe. He is unique. But, unfortunately for the rest of the world, he is not on their side. He prefers to use his brain for criminal exploits. Artemis is also determined. Nothing can stop him from achieving what he's decided to apply his efforts to. So when Artemis decides that he wants to find a fairy and steal their gold, he is confident that his plan will go without a hitch, or else. And his accomplice, Butler, is going to do everything he can to help, which is a considerable amount of things. Butler is a giant. Figuratively. He is well over six feet, and more than 200 pounds of rock-hard muscle. And he is merciless. But Artemis must find the Faerie Book first. It's a sort of Bible, very sacred and well-protected. Artemis is forced to questionable resources to locate the Book. Artemis, who prides himself on having approximately no feelings whatsoever, proves to be so, and emerges victorious. So far, the plan is foolproof. But will Artemis's feelings survive a kidnapping, an unexpected attack, some extremely violent waste, and numerous perilously close attempts to endanger his plan?Will Artemis be able to outwit the enemy in time to attain the gold, or will he be defeated for the first time?

To find out more, pick up this book at your local library or bookstore. Fortunately, this book is only one of a suspenseful series, so those thirsting for more will be satisfied. Good luck and happy reading
Pen

This weeks winners are....

We finally did the drawing!

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert C. O'Brien (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh was an excellent book. It's about this family of mice. Their names are Mrs. Frisby, Martin, Cynthia, Teresa, and Timothy. "Children, wake up I have a surprise for you" Mrs. Frisby had said. Then came in Martin, then next came Cynthia, then Teresa. "Where is Timothy?" asked Mrs. Frisby. "Oh mother, Timothy says he is sick and he can't get out of bed" says Teresa. Read the book to find out more.

Warriors 4: Rising Storm by Annie ( 10)

                    

  Rising Storm is about when Fireheart is deputy after Tigerclaw was banished from Thunderclan. Fireheart suspects he is still in the forest waiting to strike It turns out he’s right and his clan suffers from Tigerclaw’s attacks. To make it worse a fire starts in the forest.

     This book wasn’t as good. Like most of the books it had some sad parts.  I still think you should still read it.

Warriors 1: Into the Wild by Spencer (8)

Into the wild is a great book. The more you get to the end the better the book gets.

The cats call cars monsters, the road the thunderpath, and people twolegs. The main character was a house cat named Rusty.  He always wondered what was behind the backyard fence.  One day he jumped over the fence and another cat named Smudge who lived in the garden next to his house asked where he was going.  Smudge told Rusty that there were a bunch of wild cats that ate birds and scratched their nails on bones, (which wasn't really true).  Then he went a little farther into the forest and then he saw another cat jump out of the bushes and Rusty started battling this cat.  After the battle he discovered that cat was a wild cat named Graypaw.  Immediately after that two cats came out of the bushes......

You'll have to read it to find out what happens next. 

Moonlight on the Magic Flute by Mary Pope Osborne (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

Moonlight on the Magic Flute by Mary Pope Osborne is a book that I enjoyed reading. It's about two children named Jack and Annie. Jack and Annie travel through time in a magic tree house. Jack and Annie are trying to get an artist to share his secrets with all the world. Jack and Annie are going to Vienna to a party. When Jack and Annie get to Vienna they run to a coach. Their driver's name is Josef. When Jack and Annie get to the party they meet two kids named Nann and Wolfie. Do you think Jack and Annie can find the artist in time?

Muggie Maggie by Beverly Cleary (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

Muggie Maggie is an awesome book. It's about this girl named Maggie Schultz. Maggie is in third grade. But Maggie doesn't know how to read or write cursive. Boys in fourth, fifth, and sixth grade say that third grade is the worst ever! Maggie's teacher is Mrs. Leeper. Mrs. Leeper, says that Maggie's cursive is so untidy that her name looks like "Muggie". Maggie has to go to the principal's office several times. Do you think that Maggie can get out of this trouble?

Warriors 5 A Dangerous Path ( Annie 9)

        This book is about Fireheart now deputy, trying to protect Thunderclan from Tigerstar's revenge. In the process protecting their camp from the "Pack",trying to survive wild dogs, and in the end figuring out the prophecy " Fire alone can save our clan."
                 The beginning is very slow. Don't skip it though. You won't know what's going on then. The end is super exiting though like most of the books there's sad parts. Over all I liked this book.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling (post by Pen, age 13)

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a charming collection of short stories that will appeal to Harry Potter lovers of any age. I found it to be quite intriguing. Not only the tales are enthralling, but, in addition, Albus Dumbledore's commentary at the end of each. This book certainly broadens your perspective of the wizarding world.

This assortment of tales includes 'The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,' 'The Fountain of Fair Fortune,' 'The Warlock's Hairy Heart,' 'Babbity-Rabbity and Her Cackling Stump,' and, last but most certainly not least, the infamous 'Tale of Three Brothers.' The first tale, 'The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,' tells the story of a greedy son who is insensitive to his neighbors' problems. The second, 'The Fountain of Fair Fortune,' tells of three hopefuls and a knight, each having suffered staggering losses, aspiring to reach the fountain, bathe in it's enchanted waters, and attain good luck. 'The Warlock's Hairy Heart' tells of a determined warlock who uses Dark Magic to remain emotionless through life's roller-coaster. 'Babbity-Rabbity and Her Cackling Stump' depicts a cunning charlatan, a foolish king, and a classic witch-burning situation. 'The Tale of the Three Brothers' is by far the most well known of the stories. It describes three brothers' attempts to outwit Death using tools of Death's own making. This accumulation of stories will keep you on the edge of your seat, breathless in anticipation of the next tale. J.K. Rowling, once again, works her magic, weaving an entrancing compilation of stories that will be sure to have attentive readers until the last page.

Curious? Read more once you pick up this book at your local library or bookstore.
Good luck and happy reading!
Pen

Ball Park Mysteries. Has anyone read them?

Ramona's World by Beverly Cleary (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

Ramona's World is an amazing book! It's about this girl named Ramona. Ramona is walks to school. Her teacher is Mrs. Meacham. She is a nice cheerful woman. She gives them papers bordered with dinosaurs. She tells them to write about himself or herself. This is what Ramona's says: "My name is Ramona Quimby. I have a baby sister. She is cute. She screems if she is hungry. Sometimes I sit on the coach and hold her. She can grab my finger. Mother says that I used to look like her. She says I can be her roll modle." Then  Ramona walks home to find her sister Beezus sitting on the couch. Read the book to find out more.

 

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

Charlotte's Web is a fantastic book! It's about this girl named Fern and her brother Avery and their mother and father. Fern and Avery's dad had gone to kill a pig. But luckily Fern stopped him and got the pig. Fern named the pig Wilbur. Fern fed him milk. Soon Fern had to give Wilbur away to her uncle, Mr. Homer. Fern saw Wilbur every day. She meets a spider named Charlotte. Read the book to find out about Fern, Wilbur, and Charlotte's lives.

No Talking by Andrew Clements (reviewed by Ginger, age 11)

 

No Talking was a very eventful story.  Laketon Elementary School 5th graders were called "The Unshushables". That's because they talked every second of the day. The girls and the boys both had leaders. Dave Packer for the boys, and Lynsey Burgess for the girls. Dave and Lynsey had been preparing for a report on India. Dave had been reading a book about India and had found out how Gandhi had won a war for India with just words. He read about how Gandhi had not talked for a while before he won the war. That's when Dave decided to experiment. In class when Mrs. Overby called on them he was disappointed because that would be the end of his experiment. When Dave opened his mouth to speak all that came out was coughing. At lunch Dave either nodded or shook his head in the lunch line. Finally he broke not talking. The girls and the boys decided to have a contest to see who talked the most. See for yourself to find out who the winner is! Read Andrew Clements' other books to get another good read.

The Woman Who Won Things by Allan Ahlberg (Reviewed by Kate Woodland age 7)

I really liked this book.  It is really funny because Gus and Gloria (9 year old twins) have a substitute teacher who carries around a big suit case with lots of different stuff in it like a sandwich maker and a small guitar.  Mrs. Gaskitt is the mom and keeps winning things without trying.  There is a little mystery  in the book too.  Things are disappearing!  The book is filled with lots of funny pictures too.

A Dog's Purpose by Bruce W. Cameron (Reviewed by Kenzie age 9)

A dog's purpose is one of my favorites. I could read it a hundred times and I would still want to read it again. It was light and funny, but sad too. The sequel, a dog's journey is also very good. I was very excited when I heard there was another dog's purpose coming out. A dog's purpose is about one dog who dies as a puppy, but then is re-born, again and again. In each life he learns something that will help  him in his next life.

The Year of the Rat by Grace Lin (reviewed by Ginger, age 11)

The Year of the Rat was an intriguing book. It is a biography about the author's life.  When Melody (Grace's friend) moves to California, the enemy moves in.  The enemy is Chinese and the principal has asked Grace's family to go have dinner with them. Grace then realizes that people have been mean to Dun-wei (the enemy). When Grace goes to school she tells her friends that she does not think it is nice to make fun of Dun-wei. Her friend Charlotte agrees and says that she will not call him names. The Year of the Rat had a very good moral. Grace Lin's other books are just as good.

Books; You lovin them? Want $$? Review the books you love!

All reviews submitted by next Thursday, August 16 will be entered for another drawing.

Again, we will draw four names and each winner will get a $5 bill!  Get reading.  Get writing! Have fun!

Surprise!

Everyone that wrote a post this week is getting Beatrix Potter and Harry Potter jelly beans. I bet most of have heard of Harry Potter but have you heard of Beatrix Potter? Beatrix was born 99 years before JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Both women were born in July in England. Both had big struggles before their books became famous.

Beatrix was born to a wealthy family but had a lonely childhood. Her parents sent her brother to boarding school so Beatrix was alone a lot. Her parents would take her out to the country and Beatrix loved to watch and take care of the animals out in the country. She started to draw the animals and kept practicing. She wrote Peter the Rabbit, inspired by all of the animals she watched. No one would publish it in the beginning but Beatrix did not give up. Eventually Peter the Rabbit was published and became very popular. Peter the Rabbit is still considered a classic. Annie, Spencer and I all like Beatrix Potter's story Squirrel Nutkin. It is a story rich in symbolism and therefore we did not understand it at first. We read more about Beatrix Potter and her life and understood more of the symbolism. Let us know if you have read any of her stories!

And the winners are...

Here we go with the drawing!

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume is a wonderful book. Inside the book there are 2 people, Peter and Fudge. Fudge is a 3 year old. Peter is 9 and in fourth grade. Every meal they drink Juicy-O. Then their dad invites over Mr. and Mrs. Yarby (the owners of Juicy-O). Personally Peter thinks that Fudge is annoying, but everybody else thinks he is a cute and wonderful baby. Why does Fudge get all the attention? Peter always thinks. Their dad loses his job for the Juicy-O company just because of Fudge. He gets a job for a toddle bike company. A month later it is Fudge's birthday! Fudge is excited! Read to find out more about Peter and Fudge!

The Sisters Grimm: The Fairytale Detectives by Michael Buckley (reviewed by Ginger age 11)

The Sisters Grimm is a thrilling fantasy. I was really glued to it once I got started. Sabrina and her sister Daphne are orphans. Their caretaker Ms. Smirt finds the worst foster parents for the sisters, until the sisters find out that they have a grandmother and that she is coming to get them. The sisters go with their grandmother and she takes them to a town in New York the sisters didn't even know existed. Follow Sabrina and Daphne through a fun filled fairytale full of dragons, giants, and fairytale characters. Read the other books in the series they are just as good!

Sleepy Hollow Sleepover by Ron Roy (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

Sleepy Hollow Sleepover by Ron Roy is a really good book! It's about these kids named Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose. They are in Tarrytown, NY. They are with Dink's dad. They go to a Halloween party. They meet police officers Officer Klevor, and Officer Reilly. There is a mystery that they have to solve. Can Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose solve the mystery?

The Familiars by Spencer ( Age 7 when he read it)

It is so funny that the whole adventure basically started because the main character was hungry. The main character is a cat.  A bluebird, a frog join the cat to rescue the wizards.  All of the animals have powers.

"Tonight on the Titanic" by Tate (age 8--soon!)

This is the 17th book of Magic Tree House.  It is about a brother & sister, named Jack and Annie, that go into a magic tree house and whisks them onto the titanic the day of the crash.  They went on the Titanic to find a present for a dog (who is really a person) to free it from a spell. They only have 3 hours and 20 minutes to find the present before the titanic sinks completely.  If you want to know how this book ends, I think this is the book for you.

THE EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION OF NICHOLAS BENEDICT ( Ages 8 and 10)

      Annie: This book is a prequel of the Mysterious Benedict Society ( it was written recently, published 5 years after the first book) and is about the founder of this society. Its about how Nicholas Benedict grew up. It is suspenseful, funny,and exiting. I really like this book

 Spencer: I liked this book because it is exiting, funny, attractive, and suspenseful. I liked it when Nicholas keeps outsmarting the bullies.

The BFG by Roald Dahl (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

The BFG by Roald Dahl is a fantastic book! It's about this little girl named Sophie. Sophie is in an orphanage. She gets captured by The BFG (The Big Friendly Giant). Sophie goes to Giant Country. Sophie learns that The BFG is The Big Friendly Giant. They drink Froscobottle. Each night Sophie and The BFG deliver dreams to children. The BFG shows Sophie the other giants the Childchewer, Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater, Bonecruncher, and the other giants. Read The BFG by Roald Dahl because it's a very cool book.

Holes by Louis Sachar (reviewed by Ginger, age 11)

Holes is a knee-slapper of a book. The main character Stanley Yelnats's parents were weird. Stanley's dad was trying to figure out how to recycle sneakers. Stanley had "stolen" a pair of sneakers but not any kind of sneaker it was a special pair of sneakers, so he ended up at Camp Green Lake. Stanley, on first meet, manages to get on the good side of Mr. Pendanski, the camp director. He also manages to get thrown down to the ground just on his first question to Armpit, another camper.  Go with Caveman (Stanley's earned nickname) on an adventure throughout Camp Green Lake, but you have to read it to find out!

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket is a very awesome book! It's about three orphans named Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudlaire. Violet is 14. Klaus is 12. And Sunny is 0. Their guardian is Count Olaf. Count Olaf is rude, violent, and bad smelling. He has a tattoo of an eye on his ankle and one eyebrow instead of two. Count Olaf doesn't wear any socks. He makes the Baudlaire orphans share a bedroom. Every morning they have hard chores to do. Instead of a closet there is a refrigerator box. Instead of toys there is a collection of rocks. There is a tower where the Baudlaire orphans are forbidden to go. All the books in The Series of Unfortunate Events are equally as good! Read about the Baudlaire orphans lives to see how they turn out!

Matilda by Roald Dahl (reviewed by Bud, age 7)

Matilda by Roald Dahl is a very entertaining book. It's about about this little girl named Matilda Wormwood. She's 3 years old. Her mother and father have never read 1 book! At dinner, lunch, and breakfast they sit in front of the T.V.. Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood are mean to Matilda because she reads and reads and reads. Matilda's father rips all the books in the house! Matilda goes to the library every day. Then school starts. Miss Honey her teacher is the nicest person she's ever met! Miss Honey changes Matilda's life. Read the book to find out how.

Magyk by Angie Sage (post by Pen, age 13)

Magyk is an irresistible, delightful read with rollicking humor, playful characters, and magical mystique. It's a great read for ages 8-12 years, and is great when you want a substantial, fun book to occupy your time with on a lazy day.

It all begins with the Heap family. Sarah Heap, the mother, is overjoyed because she has just had a new baby boy. Not only that, but he is the seventh son of a seventh son, which is supposed to be incredibly magical. Not too long after, however, the matron midwife has some bad news. The baby has died. Sarah is distraught, and tries to revive her baby, but to no avail. The baby is wrapped up and taken away to be buried. Then, Silas Heap is out, and he finds a baby girl laying in the snow, swaddled in a blanket. Just as he picks her up, the Extra-Ordinary Wizard, Marcia Overstrand, tells him to never tell anyone about her, and to raise her as his own. Silas and Sarah comply happily, glad to have a baby again. Little Jenna, as she is named, lives a happy life. Then, on her tenth birthday, her whole world is turned upside-down. Marcia Overstrand is informed there was an assassin out to kill Jenna, and she goes to retrieve her. But in doing so, she has to tell the whole family everything. She reveals that Jenna is the long lost Princess. Jenna is shocked but meekly agrees when Marcia is forced to remove her to go to her tower, to the shock of her family. They pause only to retrieve a frozen sentry at the door. Silas and her brother Nicko, however, follows because Jenna did not get the chance to open her birthday present. The assassin comes soon afterward, in hot pursuit. They have no choice but to evacuate down the garbage chute, taking the sentry with them, or Boy 412, as he identifies himself as. The owner of the local coffee-shop lends them her boat, and not a moment too soon. The Hunter, in charge of finding Jenna, along with his Pack, follows in his bullet boat. Marcia is forced to do some difficult magic very quickly to conceal their location. They manage, eventually, to evade the Hunter and reach the island their great-aunt Zelda Heap inhabits. After some discrepancy trying to find her cottage, she welcomes them in and they get a good night's sleep. But they are not going to be safe forever. Will they manage to overpower their worst enemy, discover a long-lost family member, survive an awful patchwork quilt-esque jumpsuit, discover the island's secrets, learn to do magic, and finally be able to go back home again, safe?

Well, it's up to you to find out. Pick up this amazing read at your local library or bookstore.
Good luck and happy reading!
Pen

Half Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer (post by Pen, age 13)

Half Moon Investigations is a thrilling novel full of mystery, wit, and snark. I could not put this book down until I was done with it. It's great if you're a 9-12 year old and want a light yet substantial read. This book is a definite winner.

Fletcher Moon, a budding young detective who graduated top of his online detective's classes, is technically a certified detective, though no one will really hire him. He is determined to act as professional as possible, however, for the sake of his future reputation as a big private eye. Or, he will be big, once he hits his growth-spurt. Young Fletcher is unfortunately quite short, therefore earning himself the nickname, Half Moon, much to poor Fletcher's chagrin. After finding a truckload of lost items for third graders, Fletcher decides that he has graduated from petty, "I lost my doll" cases (which usually result in looking behind the couch and, voila! the doll) and has moved on to bigger and better things. He is ready for kidnappings, murder, stolen jewels, etc., all for a decent pay and not just a handful of gumdrops. So when his secret, snot-nosed snitch comes to him and reports a fight in the schoolyard at which his presence is required, Fletcher is apprehensive. It turns out to be Herod Sharkey, youngest of the town's most notorious criminal family, in a headlock with Bella Barnes, a giant sixth grader who claims that Herod stole her organizer. April Devereaux, the queen of pink, and her little cronies confront Herod and claim that they saw him steal the organizer. Everyone gangs up on Fletcher and uses peer pressure to convince him to find the organizer (or else!). Fletcher has to think quickly, but he uncovers the organizer in a cookie tin in the school's field of flowers. Herod unintentionally confesses, and Fletcher earns himself a trip to the principal's office because he was found in the field. Red Sharkey, Herod's older brother, is exasperated at Fletcher's detective work, and pick-pockets Fletcher while Fletcher is having a staring contest. Fletcher is appalled with himself for letting his guard slide. Then Fletcher is hired by April Devereaux to find a stolen item that she is convinced was taken by Red Sharkey, and Fletcher is wary. There is something strange going on in town, and for some reason, the youth are the targets. Fletcher, with the unknowing help of his police friend, uncovers even more theft cases and unexpected accidents that involve the youth, but is there even more to this case than even Fletcher suspects? Follow Fletcher through his adventures, including an unexpected arson charge, an unlikely ally, an even more unlikely enemy, a new middle name (and first and last name too), a little sneaking around, a tearful confession, and an unusual criminal in this roller coaster of a tale. Will Fletcher emerge victorious and solve the case(s)? Or will worse come to worse?

It's up to you to find out! Pick up this book at your local library or bookstore and enjoy the read!
Good luck and happy reading!
Pen

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko (post by Pen, age 13)

Al Capone Does My Shirts is an entertaining read that I would recommend for children ages 8-11 years. It is an infectious, humorous tale.

It all begins with "Moose" Flanagan moving, along with his family, to Alcatraz. Life on Alcatraz isn't easy from the start. Moose is forced to leave his friends, his school, and his old life back at what he still considers home. They moved because his mother hoped his older sister Natalie, a heavily disabled girl, would make it into the Esther P. Marinoff school, a highly specialized academy for children with disabilities. The school had a system that improved its students immensely. The problem was, the age cutoff. Natalie had been turning ten for years, much too old for the school, and however much Moose's mother pretended, everyone knew it. His dad was having to work two jobs to support the family, and Moose wasn't getting much quality time anymore, to his dismay. Moose is immediately invited to the prison warden's home to be initiated. The island's non-criminal occupants have almost as many rules to abide by as the criminals, including not mentioning the famous criminals inside the prison for fear of unwanted publicity, a rule that the Warden's dangerously pretty and arrogant daughter disobeys frequently, though the Warden is unaware and continues to think that his daughter, Piper, is perfectly well-behaved and brilliant in every way. When Piper creates a plan to make profit and get kids laundry done at the same time, Moose refuses to take part in it, because it involves Al Capone, the most famous criminal inside the Alcatraz walls. However, Moose finds a new friend, and someone to play baseball with. But with problems with Natalie, a spot of trouble with the Warden, an encounter with a criminal, and another encounter with a criminal's mother, will Moose stay strong and maybe even begin to accept Alcatraz as his home?

Once again, you can pick this book up at your local bookstore or library.
Good luck and happy reading!
Pen

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (post by Pen, age 13)

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a mesmerizing and classic read that will leave you begging for more. Luckily, there is more to be read, because it is only one in a seven book series called The Chronicles of Narnia. This book will have you on the edge of your seat until the end. I especially recommend it for any children ages 9-12 years. Younger children may find the language a bit advanced and hard to understand, but still enjoyable, and older children can still read this as well.

It all begins with siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie. The children are sent to live with Professor Digory Kirke in his enormous house. The moment they set foot in the house, they are ecstatic. The house holds so many possibilities: unexplored rooms, many curious artifacts to examine, and outdoors, beautiful scenery to enjoy and play in. The Pevensie's are very satisfied, until, one rainy day, they are forced to stay inside. The children begin to play hide and seek, and Lucy decides to hide in a wardrobe. She thinks that no one will find her in the wardrobe, pushing to the back through a sea of fur coats. However, once she reaches where the back should be, there isn't one. Instead, at the end of the wardrobe is a snow-covered world. Lucy wonderingly walks into this world, her footsteps crunching in the snow, gazing at the forest all around. She then approaches, of all things, a lamp post. She is so busy gazing at the lamp post in the middle of the woods with curiosity that she runs into a faun, causing him to drop his things. Lucy is delighted at this turn of events, and especially thrilled when he invites her back for tea. They have a delicious tea with many various kinds of toast, and she is there for hours, when the faun begins to sob, lamenting his fate. He was being forced to lure innocent children in to kidnap them for the White Witch, a most evil lady. Lucy comforts him, but she is worried about what is to happen to her. In the end, though, the faun lets her go, keeping her handkerchief as a souvenir. Lucy goes back through the wardrobe, wondering if her siblings missed her, and if they were worried. She finds them in another room, proclaiming herself back. Her brothers and sister are very confused, for to them, she had only seemed to be away for a couple moments, and they were still searching for her. She claimed that she had been away for hours in a hidden world at the back of the wardrobe, but when she went to show them, the world was inaccessible. Her siblings begin to think that she is crazy, and worry incessantly. But Edmund is not very worried, and his beastly side emerges when he begins to make fun of poor Lucy, to the annoyance of Peter, who was very protective. He and Susan take a visit to the professor's office, asking about Lucy's condition. But the professor does not believe that Lucy is crazy, quite the contrary, in fact. He believes that she is quite sane, saner than most, even, shocking Peter and Susan, who are still a bit skeptical, as well as Edmund, who refuses to even take the professor's opinion into account when informed. Then, Edmund accidentally stumbles upon the world, which is called Narnia, himself. But he does not find the good faun, unfortunately. He is taken into the company of the White Witch when he runs into her sledge. She feeds him candy, wheedling information out of him, and trying to appear as nice as possible. She is thrilled to hear of his three other siblings, and Edmund, unaware of ulterior motives, believes that she is an amazing person and vows to tell Lucy that her faun is bad. But the candy, enchanted as it was, made Edmund feel sick and nasty. When he meets Lucy and accompanies her out of Narnia, once they emerge and Lucy triumphantly tells Susan and Peter that she wasn't joking, Edmund has been there too, Edmund hides the truth and denies it, denouncing her as delusional. Lucy is extremely dejected, crying off and on for days on end. But when a party of tourists comes to visit the house, which is extremely old and historical, the children need a place to hide. In a burst of inspiration, Peter suggests the wardrobe, forgetting the whole Narnia dilemma. They push to the back of the wardrobe, where they find Narnia in its full glory. Peter apologizes profusely to Lucy, while Susan looks on in wonder and Edmund tries to appear unimpressed. They bundle themselves in fur coats, and their real adventure begins. Will they be able to survive a traitorous visit to the dark side, a betrayal of trust, a treacherous journey, a grueling battle, an unexpected calling, a resurrection, and bitter cold?

It's up to you to find out! C.S. Lewis creates a magical tale of magic, friendship, trust, and bravery in the face of danger that will have you clamoring for more. Pick it up at your local library or bookstore today!
Good luck and happy reading!
Pen

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (posted by Pen, age 13)

The Hunger Games is an action-packed page turner that is highly recommended for ages 11 and up. Anyone underneath that age may be slightly unprepared to read it, so it is not ideal for anyone under the minimum age. I really enjoyed this book because it manages to blend together with perfect balance copious amounts of intense action, a pinch of romance, a dystopian society and a politically meaningful message.

Katniss, the heroine of this story, is used to fending for herself. Ever since her father died in a mining accident and her mother became closed off to the world from grief, there has been no one capable to provide for the family. So Katniss, a highly capable hunter with a bow and arrow, has been feeding herself and her family for years, with the help of her best friend, Gale. But nothing could prepare her for what happens next. Each year, the tyrannical Capitol chooses two tributes, one male and one female, from each of the twelve districts, to serve in the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is a fight to the death. The tributes are sent to an arena to fight each other until only one tribute remains. That tribute is then declared the victor, and brings honor and glory to their district. Each year, the districts are forced to do this, against their will. But they have no choice. They are slaves to the Capitol, their only purpose to provide necessities, and, in instance of the Games, entertainment. On reaping day, the odds are not in Katniss's favor. She has more entries in the drawing than most, because of her efforts to take tesserae to keep her family fed. Never would she have dreamed that her little sister, with one slip in the drawing, would be picked. In shock, Katniss volunteers to take her place. To her displeasure, the boy who had given her bread when she had been the most hungry is the second tribute. Favors like that do not go forgotten in the eternally hungry District Twelve. But can Katniss remember that throughout her time in the arena? A blood-thirsty band of Careers, the treacherous and hypocritical actions of the boy, an unexpected alliance, many brutal killings, a rule change, dehydration, starvation, and a play for the cameras threaten to push this out of her mind. Katniss is counting down the days, and tributes are dwindling. Will the favor be repaid, or will Katniss die trying?
It's up to you to find out! Pick up The Hunger Games at your local library or bookstore, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
Good luck and happy reading!
Pen
P.S. This is also part of an amazing series. It is imperative in this case as well that you read them in order! Have fun!

HAS ANYONE READ THESE BOOKS? Send a review!

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (post by Pen, age 13)

Anne of Green Gables is a particularly enchanting read. It is a very classic, humorous, and charismatic story, suitable for girls ages 10-13 years old. 

  The story begins with our spunky, talkative, and quick-tempered heroine, Anne Shirley. An orphan, Anne (spelled with an e) has been shunted from foster home to foster home, accepted as help but never really loved. She is absolutely entranced and delighted by the prospect of at last being accepted into someone's home. However, when soft-spoken, unassuming, elderly Matthew Cuthbert comes to pick her up, he is first astounded, then appalled at the thought of what his unmarried, stern sister will say when he brings Anne home, because they had wanted to adopt a boy so he could help with the farming. However, Matthew doesn't have the heart to inform Anne of this fact, as she is so eager to be accepted, and also because he can't get a word in edgewise. Marilla, his sister, is speechless at first when Anne comes into the house, but then she recovers her voice enough to scold Matthew, crushing Anne's  hopes and dreams in the process. Anne is very dejected at the thought she might not be allowed to stay, but luckily, Marilla takes a strange liking to her, and allows her to stay. Anne is thrilled, and revels in the beauty of Green Gables, Matthew and Marilla's house. She is determined to prove her worth, and gets into all kinds of scrapes. Marilla begins to teach her many lessons, including how to pray, cook, clean, iron, make beds, and many more things. Anne proves herself to be very accident prone and adventurous. She makes a new "bosom friend," Diana, and a new mortal enemy, Gilbert Blythe. She attends school, forms a writing club, starts a fiery feud with the schoolteacher, mourns over her hair, freckles, and clothes, rejoices in her shapely nose, and makes many, many mistakes, learning in the process. She has many adventures, and discovers that she at last has a family in Matthew and Marilla. But however she changes, she always emerges as the same spunky, irrepressible Anne Shirley.

Good luck and happy reading! 

Pen
P.S. If you enjoy this book, it is only part
of a really entertaining series, so feel free
to read the books preceding it! Also, it is
highly recommended that you read the series
in order.

 

Warriors 3 Forest of secrets by Annie (age 9)

This book is about Fireheart (the main character) and Graystripe (his best friend) doing everything they can do to figure out what really happened in the battle of Sunning Rocks.
              The beginning is stressful to me and there is some sad parts. Fireheart's nephew Cloudkit later Cloudpaw continues to be hilarious.  Over all its a good book.