Friday, July 31, 2015

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
Revied by Hannah L.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

Thomas and his friends are sent from the building that they were brought to and are now in a part of the earth that has been destroyed by the sun flares, the scorch, and need to get through to a designated point north of a city full of cranks.

I liked everything about this book. I disliked how Teresa betrayed Thomas. The description of the cranks stood out. There are no quotes in this book. It is kind of like the first book.

I would recommend this book to anyone because its an awesome summer read. 

Thursday, July 30, 2015

The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak

The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak
Reviewed by Molleigh R.

Rating: 2/5-It was ok

Liesel Meminger, or in other words, "The Book Thief" is a young girl living in a town in 1939 Germany, stealing books with her best friend, Rudy. As she goes through many adventures and meets new friends, times of danger and sadness are approaching as WWII will leave her life never the same again.

The book's ending was too depressing. All the mixed adventure and drama was just too much. Yes, we see what happens to Liesel ad her friend Max, but what happens to the rest of the characters? And how does Liesel's life change after the twist ending? Does she get new friends? Does she still go to school? These are all unanswered. Still, Mark using the Reaper as the narrator shows that even death itself has a heart.

Recommendation for +15.  

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Liberty Porter First Daughter by Julia DeVillers

Liberty Porter First Daughter by Julia DeVillers
Reviewed by Isabella S.

Rating: 4/5-Loved It!

Liberty's Father is elected president. She is exploring the white house and discovering what it is like to be first daughter.

I liked the book because you learned about the government and the white house in a fun way. Also it is short so its good if you don't want to spend a long time reading it. This the only book I know that is like this. Making it very unique. What stood out to me about this was how short but good it was.
I would recommend this book who wants a quick fun read.

I definitely recommend this book to anybody.  

The Sisters Grimm The Problem Child by Michael Buckley

The Sisters Grimm The Problem Child by Michael Buckley
Reviewed by Brianna K.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

Daphne and Sabring Grimm are out on their adventure saving their parents, and on the way they find out who took them and why...

 What I liked about the book is that their is different kinds of twists on the fairytale characters ex.the big bad wolf likes to do yoga!! (That would also go with what makes the book so unique,and what stands out.) I honestly don't dislike anything in the book exept when my favorite characters get hurt. (But that makes it exiting so I don't care.) An awesome quote is "HA I always new that you secretly loved me!!" Books like this book is the other books in the series.

I would reccomend this book to others, but mostly to people who like mysterys because in this book there is plenty of those!!

Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero by William Kalush and Larry Sloman

Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero by William Kalush and Larry Sloman
Reviewed by William P.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

Have you wondered about Harry Houdini, the super magician? His milk-can escape, aviation, relations with the government and much more are packed in the 560 pages.

The book guides you through Houdini's childhood, jobfinding, road to millions, and death. Houdini started out poor, barely able to buy food and then turned into a millionare- the book tells you how he did it. It's great, and a good read. The book was pieced together from hundreds and hundreds of bits and pieces, and shows you it all. You will learn about Harry's wife, Bess, assistants and more. The writing is great, and I really do recommend this book to anyone.

The book is great. I AGAIN recommend this book to ANYONE, it was great. I'd give it a 20/10 at least. If you like biographies, this one of the best I've read.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Minions: The Deluxe Junior Novel by Little Brown, Co

Minions: The Deluxe Junior Novel by Little Brown, Co
Reviewed by Molleigh R.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

Meet Kevin, Stuart, and Bob: three minions who need to find a leader for their tribe. New villainess Scarlett Overkill is perfect, but the threesome need to steal the Queen of England's crown first!

The book is so funny and action-packed, even the slow-moving parts are funny. Most of the characters are hilarious, and the book is so different from the movie. Even better, the minion's past "bosses" and what happened to them (partly because of the minions) are so creative and comical. The pictures placed at random points help tell the story and describe the characters. Quite possibly the best part is when the minions meet The Nelsons. Okay, it was just plain-out funny.

The book is for all ages. Included within is a lesson on family and friendship, and the ending is the perfect end to the perfect book. 

Big Nate: Mr.Popularity by Lincolon Peirce

Big Nate: Mr.Popularity by Lincolon Peirce 
Reviewed by Molleigh R.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

Everyone's favorite troublemaker is back in a series of hilarious comic strips. Nate humorously runs for class president, restarts his band, and goes on other comical adventures.

The book includes old jokes, such as Nate failing once more to have Jenny like him, and new ones, like his dad trying to catch a mouse. My favorite is when Nate's dad tries to catch a mouse. I also liked the strip when Nate meets Chester, the school bully, in detention. There is also a wide variety of characters with different personalities. This book is a keeper.

Anyone who has read any BIG NATE books will like this tale. Still, even readers new to the series will find Nate and his friends (and enemies) outrageously funny. 

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Reviewed by Emma M.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

This was about how Beatrice Prior depends on fitting in because if her secret of being divergent the consequences are unlimited. And there are only two people in the whole civilization who Know her secret, will they keep it?

I loved how there was a little love story in twined into the whole story. And how I had a feeling throughout the whole story that could this happen to our civilization? To admit there was nothing in this book I did not like. This book had many unique qualities such as, the adrenaline rush I had on each page I read. The happiness it had given me, and one more thing was that I had felt like Tris was right in front of me and that I felt like I was in the book with her. The thing that caught my attention was the word choice and the way she written the book in both her perspective and third person perspective. This book is like no other.

I recommend this book because it is my favorite book I have ever read! Plus, this is a great book if you are looking for a great action or adrenaline rush! Read IT!

Friday, July 17, 2015

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Reviewed by Hannah L.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

This book was about a group of boys that sporadically enter a maze in which they have to figure out a way to escape. With their memories erased and deadly monsters they use their intelligent minds to try to plan an escape.

I liked how two main characters are telepathic. This book didn't give me a reason to dislike anything. There is one thing that makes this book unique and that is the grievers, slimy, metallic, and loud. I do have a favorite quote and it is: "If you ain't scared, you ain't human." This book isn't like any other book I've read.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read because it is so descriptive that the reader can picture it in their head. 

Maximum Ride: School's Out- Forever by James Patterson

Maximum Ride: School's Out- Forever by James Patterson
Reviewed by William P.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

The second book in the Maximum Ride series, it certainly lives up to expectations. The flock are on their way to find information- where are their parents? However, Fang is slashed by Ari and hurt- badly.

Fang goes to the hospital- something the flock has only thought of in horror. But then a "FBI" higher-up takes them to her house- a picturesque farmhouse with a pond and everything. Thing is, when the flock leave to look for their parents at 12 AM, the woman is looking for them. Weird things pile up and burst at the end. Mrs. "FBI", indeed.

As usual, if you read the one before it, then get this. You won't understand a thing if you don't.


Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson
Reviewed by William P.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment kicks off a great series (and a long one, too!) with a huge bang. Maximum Ride is an avian/human blend, like her flock. Then, when Angel is kidnapped, the flock goes on a rescue mission- well, sort of.

The flock visits locations such as New York and Death Valley, giving you a bird's-eye view. They steal a car and cash, (the car was an extended rental and the cash was from a jerk, though) and find Angel. During their raid-gone-wrong, they find info about the Institute- what is it? The flock goes to New York to find out- and breaks into the Institute, finding it's another lab. They let everything out of their cages, and grab as much information as they can, then runs. [Ending censored]

I recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi, realistic fiction, fantasy etc, etc. 5/5. GET A COPY NOW!!! I COMMAND YOU!!!

Friday, July 10, 2015

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson
Reviewed by Anastasia A.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

Maximum Ride is a 14 year old girl who has been genetically modified to have wings. She is the leader of the Flock, a group of avian mutants like her. But when one of the flock is kidnapped, Max will do anything to get her back.

I thought the book (and the rest of the series) is something truly amazing. I've never read anything like it. It's the type of book that is addictive: the kind that makes you stay up late and read under the covers with a flashlight. The kind that makes you praise the day the author was born. Welcome to the Genius Fold, Patterson!

As for Max,well, she's THE character you want to be. Funny, Strong, Fierce, Smart, she's just amazing.

Oh yeah! This is the book to read! If you haven't read it, you are missing out! ON a scale of 1-10, it's a 15!!!!!!!!!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 3: The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 3: The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
Reviewed by William P.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

The third book in the Percy Jackson series is just as good as the previous one. After Thalia appears underneath the tree, Percy, Annabeth and Thalia go to investigate two new half-bloods, but soon find out that someone- or something- found them, too!

When the trio reach the school, Grover meets them in the hall. A teacher confronts them, and Percy notices that his eyes are two different colors. They go to the dance hall (a school dance is in progress) and locate the kids: Nico and Bianca. Then, they see the same teacher take the kids, and follow. As they enter the hallway, spikes hit their coats, pinning them to the wall! After some action, the "teacher" grabs Annabeth and jumps off a cliff. Percy goes crazy and sneaks onto a quest to find her, and then the speedometer goes up to 265.7...

I would recommend this book. Heck, go get it now! Why are you still reading? Go get it if you've read the other books, but without those, you're going to be lost.

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson  with Susy Flory
Reviewed by Max K.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

This story is about Michael and his dog Roselle trying to get out of the building after the 9/11 attack. He has several stairs to go down to escape with his guide dog.

This is a awesome story. I never read anything like it before. I liked how his guide dog stayed calm and tried to help him out of the building.Michael was very focused on also staying calm.I thought it was interesting . I learned things about blind people that I didn't know they could do.I never knew a dog could be so smart. I think other people in the summer reading club would also like this book.

Yes I would recommend it to others in the summer reading club. I also feel if you like dog stories you would enjoy this book.I also thought it was interesting learning about someone with disabilities and challenges.I don't know anyone that is blind.

Countin by 7s by Holly Sloan

Countin by 7s by Holly Sloan
Reviewed by Niamh M.

Rating: 4/5-Loved it

Willow is a girl who is odd to her classmates, as she enjoys gardening and diagnosing medical (particulary skin) issues. She has difficulty coping with her peers, but she loves her family. But when her parents die in a car crash, everything changes.

Counting by 7s in a wonderful book, with Willow as an interesting protagonist. I was a bit annoyed with the school counsler, for being annoying. Counting by 7s... it just symbolizes many things. Some people may think that Willow has a bit of a mental disorder, but that just adds to the plot. I can't give away to much. *groan* I also found this book quite similar to Out of My Mind by Sharon Creech, as both of the 11-year-old female protagonists cope with some of the same issues.

Anyone who needs to grieve a loss or just somebody who wants to read a great book, then they should most definitly pick up Counting by 7s.

Can I play too? by Mo Willems

Can I play too? by Mo Willems
Reviewed by Isabella S.

Rating: 4/5-Loved it

Gerald and Piggie are playing catch.

They are playing catch and Snake wants to play too. Gerald and Piggie want to play with him but he doesn't have arms. But they try any way. Snake gets hit with a lot of tennis balls. Snake is ok through. They toss Snake instead of a ball so they can all play.

If your looking for a quick funny read then one of these Mo Willem books is for you.

Complete book of Horses and Riding by Judith Draper, Debby Sly, and Sarah Muir

Complete book of Horses and Riding by Judith Draper, Debby Sly, and Sarah Muir
Reviewed by Isabella S.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

How to care for horses, how to tack up, how to groom, different breeds etc.

I liked how much information the book gave me. Also I liked how it was set up. It was like other books I have read because it gave information about horses like a book about horses should. I have learned a lot form this book. Also it shows you how to do different tasks like grooming a horse, tacking up, etc.

This is the perfect book if you want to know about horses or more about horses. Every thing is easy to find because of the way its set up. I love this book it's amazing 

Canterwood Crest book one take the reins by Jessica Burkhart

Canterwood Crest book one take the reins by Jessica Burkhart
Reviewed by Isabella S.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

The book is about a girl named Sasha Silver who is starting at Canterwood Crest Academy, a bording school with her horse, Charm. In the book you read about Sasha's adventures through seventh grade.

I loved this book because its about horses which I love. Also she is only two years older then me so I can relate to her. One thing that makes this book unique is that it is a drama mixed with horses making it a realistic fiction. This is one of my favorite lines from the book it is also the first line: "My parents' SUV rolled onto the schools parking lot, past the imposing, ivy-covers wrought gates." I liked following Sasha through her time at Canterwood.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes horses or drama. It has lots of horse related subjects so if you like any of that this is the perfect book for you.

Mom's Cancer by Brain Fies

Mom's Cancer by Brain Fies
Reviewed by Molleigh R.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

When a woman in her 50s gets stage 4 lung cancer with a brain tumor, you think it's a story on death. It soon becomes a story of determination, family, and hope.

The book is so much different then other cancer stories. It is not only true, but gives you a perspective on what cancer is like, such as gaining weight from medications to cut down from chemo side effects. It also shows internal struggle, such as fights and confusion in the difficult process. Brain also tells about his family, like his seclusive stepdad and hi little sisters, one who's mean ad bossy and the other with mental confusion after a series of car accidents. The ending is what makes the book unique and different. It is clearly not one that will make you cry at the ending.

The book is great for people who need strength and determination in their lives. "Mom's" determination and bravery will inspire and touch readers. In other words, Mom's Cancer is a brilliant piece of art that belongs on ay bookshelf.

"Can I See Your I.D? True Stories of False Identities" by Chris Barton

"Can I See Your I.D? True Stories of False Identities" by Chris Barton
Reviewed by Aleksandra H.

Rating: 3/5-Like it

The book was about people who pretended to be people they weren't and using fake names and ages.

I liked how the author included several peoples stories in one book. Each chapter was about a different person and there was an afterward section and timelines about each criminal. I have read a couple books like this one but can't remember what the titles were. I loved how the author made you feel like you are the criminal. I liked how he choose criminals who did different things.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes non-fiction, mystery, and crime.  

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Reviewed by Max K.

Rating: 3/5-Like it

The book was about a girl and a dog who met each other. Then she took the dog home.

I liked the part when Opal met Winn Dixie in the store. I didn't like the part when the dog ran away. I liked the part when Opal met lots of new people with the help of the dog. I liked the part when Opal had a party and invited her friends. I liked the part when the girl's dad let her keep the dog. I really liked this book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dogs.

Monday, July 6, 2015

The Zodiac Legacy Convergence by Stan Lee, Stuart Moore, Andie Tong

The Zodiac Legacy Convergence by Stan Lee, Stuart Moore, Andie Tong
Reviewed by Hannah L.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

 Steven is on a field trip with his class and at their destination his life changes after his curiousity gets the better of him, tries to act heroic when someone screams. His plan doesn't go as he thought, he gets powers by mestake, goes to live withe strangers who are trying to help man kind, and finds him self in the middle of a globle chase.

I liked how Stevens life changed for the better. There was nothing I disliked about this book. I wouldn't say that there is anything unique about this book but I still think it is a wonderful book to read. There is one thing that stands out in this book and that is the friendship that Steven develops throught the story. There are no quotes in this story therefore I do not have a favorite quote. this is the first book that i've read that envolves people that have powers.

I would recomend this book to people who like superheroes because the main charecters are kinda super heroes.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 2: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 2: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
Reviewed by William P.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

The second book in the Percy Jackson tirade does not disappoint! Fans of the first one (probably) lined up like the iPhone 6 fanatics!

The book lines up right next to #1! Perfect as a sequel! The camp needs help, Thalia's tree is dying. If that happens, the half-bloods are toast! A quest is issued, but Chiron was... Fired? An underworld prisoner takes his place and is influenced by the activities director, who isn't just a director here. Chariot racing with evil birds, daughter of the god of war out to save the camp.. What else can go wrong? Luke is assembling Kronos in a coffin aboard his evil cruise liner. Oh. Great. Nobody also comes back, readers of the Odyssey. Hope someone gets that. Oh well.

I "totally" recommend this to readers of the first. I encourage you to read #1 first, though. Just a saying. If you read the series AFTER PJ&TO, then... Why? Just why. Anyway, a great book! A must read.
10/10

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 1: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 1: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Reviewed by William P.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

Percy Jackson is a great twist on the Greek (and, later on, Roman) gods. Percy's a New York teenager, supposedly having ADD and a couple of other disorders. But his life changes once he... Turns his pre-algebra teacher to dust?

Percy's just a normal 14 year old. He doesn't know that he's the son of a god. So what happens when his math teacher turns into an evil bat with a craving for Percy? He splits her/it in two, of course. Poof! Dust. Percy's sword is now a pen. He thinks it's a dream, but his friend is a terrible liar. He finds out, although nobody else even knows the teacher's name! She was replaced instantly by a blonde Percy has never seen before. Percy doesn't tell his mom, and when they start off for the beach, the fatal mistake is shoved into motion. Grover knocks on the cabin door in the middle of a hurricane, and Percy's mom is terrified- He says, "It followed me!" She runs to the car- her 'husband' Gabe's prize Camaro- and floors it. There's a soggy shape in the rearview. Not quite human. Just then, lightning strikes the roof of the car, and Percy's world goes upside-down.

I would DEFINITELY recommend this book. Trading card enthusiasts, perk up: a new chance for your own new cards. No idea. If you like mystery, fantasy and suspense, jump in.
"10/10"


Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Reviewed by William P.

Rating: 4/5-Loved it!

The second installment in the Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire doesn't disappoint. Katniss won the first Games against all odds, WITH another person, which is the rarest thing yet. President Snow ain't likin' it. Quick fix to his problem? Katniss, there's a new type of Games, and you're invited!

Katniss is plunged back into the world of death and destruction of the Games. As people gather around the TVs, let the games begin! The Quarter Quell is a special type of Games that happens every 25 years. Supposedly, a box of cards with rulings for special Games was made, to be used with each Quarter Quell. So, isn't it such an incredible coincidence that this 25 years around the VICTORS are going back in? Katniss has her own pen now, and no way is Haymitch going to be let in. Peeta and Katniss go back again... With a remarkable twist at the end!

I'd definitely recommend this to readers of The Hunger Games. You can't miss it. The twist at the end is so.. Twisty that you never see it coming. (Maybe you can... A bit... Uhh, just forget what I said...) I'd get this ASAP if you just heard about it or just finished book one.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Reviewed by William P.

Rating: 4/5-Loved it!

The Hunger Games is a great book for those who like sci-fi and the like. It takes you to the perspective of Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl in District 12. Plagued by the Capitol's elite Peacekeepers, the starving people have no rights. But, however, if that wasn't bad enough, there's a special holiday that comes every year...

The 'holiday' is called the Hunger Games. The upper districts who mine for diamonds and jewels actually train young people to kill. They volunteer for whoever is unlucky enough to be picked. The other districts are starved and whoever's picked just gets sent off to their death. Katniss's boyfriend, Gale, meets her out in the woods to do some hunting daily. It's illegal, but Katniss and Gale don't care. Katniss doesn't realize that her bow skills will save her life later on. Just imagine her surprise when her sister, tiny Prim, is picked to go to the Games. Katniss volunteers before anyone can speak, and goes up onstage. Everyone is shocked. Nobody volunteers in District 12. The coal miners are all worked to death, and even if they wanted too, only children under 18 are allowed in the gates of death. Katniss gets to the horrible Capitol, and then prepares to go into the ring...

I would recommend this book to some. It's good for those who aren't too "hippie", because a lot of blood is shed in the telling. So it's not for a five year old. No swearing or cussing is included, and it's not too gorey in the details. Again, I'd recommend this to SOME. Not all, just some. Over and out!

Stella Batts Needs a New Name by Courtney Sheinmel

Stella Batts Needs a New Name by Courtney Sheinmel
Reviewed by Kristina O.

Rating: 4/5-Loved it!

The book was about Stella and she wanted to change her name because Joshua called her Smella.Her friends and classmates wanted to change their names.

My opinion is for the book to have more pages.I like that that it says hard words and says what it means.It tells how it is like for your parents to own a candy store.The lesson is to be yourself and not change anything.There are friendly characters and mean characters.This what i thin of the book.

I would recommend this book to my friend because it tells a lot about candy and my friend loves candy.

The Sisters Grimm The Fairy tale Detectives by Michael Buckley

The Sisters Grimm The Fairy tale Detectives by Michael Buckley
Reviewed by Brianna K.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing!

Two little girls parents went missing, so for 2 years they were in a orphanage. Then an old woman claiming to be their grandma (Who is supposed to be dead) takes them, where they become fairy tale detectives.

I liked this book because I like fiction and also how a old woman they don't know just sweeps them off their feet thinking that the kids will know who she is and what she does... Basically the idea of them not knowing if she is their real grandma, because of the weird things she eats and wears. There is nothing that I didn't like about this book! The twists on the classic fairy tales makes this a very interestingly unique book and I have never read anything like it!

I would definitely recommend this book for others to read, especially those who like books about fantasy, because this book is filled with it.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Reviewed by Walter N.

Rating: 5/5-Amazing! 

It's about a middle school student , Percy Jackson , who finds out he's a half-blood. Half-man half-god , who is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt!

I loved how it is an action pack thriller, and at the same time you learn some of the myths and characters from mythology. Like for instance , Zeus , Poseidon and Hades. I really didn't dislike anything from the book. It is very well scripted, action-packed and educational! I think its unique because it is based off mythology, not something you read about every day. Fav quote: 'If my life is going to mean anything, I have to live it myself.'

I'd definitely recommend this book to others , including the 2 series that follow. I'd recommend this book to people that are in between the ages 10-15. Its a great novel, you wont want to put this book down and keeps you entertained all the way through the book!