Sisters
By Raina Telgemeier
Reviewed by Serenity
Step into Raina’s world of her and her siblings on a wild road trip and see their child
hood growing up. “Sisters” is a fascinating comic book about a girl named Raina, who as a only
child really wanted a sister to play with. When Raina finally got that special wish she then
wished she could take it back. Having a baby sister was boring because Amara (the baby)didn’t
play the same things she did. Having a toddler sister was annoying because growing up Amara
always threw fits and temper tantrums.Eventually Will, their new baby brother ,came along.By
the time Amara was going into pre-teen Raina was already a teen so she didn’t even want to
spend time with anyone.
The book focuses on when their family went on their family week long road trip to
Colorado. Two months before the road trip Amara’s pet snake ,Mango, got loose in the car on
their way to the pet store and crawled into the middle of the seat and the seat cushion. Raina was
afraid of snakes so she didn’t want to sit in the front seat. Raina and her siblings really wanted
their dad to drive with them but them but he had work and him and their mom weren’t getting
along to much. Then after a long and wild car ride they arrived to Colorado and spent two days
with their cousins, which Raina and Amara didn’t really like hanging out with their cousins but
they made it through those two days and were back on the road.
On their way back home their car battery died and something worse so Raina and Amara
stayed in the car while their mom and Will find a ride to town to find a towing company. While
Raina and Amara waited for them to come back Mango comes out of the chair ,but they both
don't want to pick him up so they put him in a grocery bag. Raina and Amara get worried for
Will and their mom and they are hungry because they have been gone for four hours. When Will
and their mom get back they get really excited and relieved and tell their mom everything over
some Burger King. To find out more details about their trip and how their cousin's house was,
check out “ Sisters” By Raina Telgemeier.
That is how Raina survived the week long road trip,stuck in the car with her 2 siblings
and her mom. This book is a true story told by Raina herself about growing up with a brother and
sister. It shares childhood memories and all of the Telgemeier’s pets. I recommend this to any
kid 9-13 it's a really good book that is fun to read.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
The Graveyard Book
The Graveyard Book
By Neil Gaiman
Reviewed by Lily
Neil Gaiman is best known as an author of comic books, graphic novels, and fiction. One such novel, The Graveyard Book, published in 2008, was the first book to win both the Newbery and Carnegie awards. I had enjoyed one of his books in the past, so I was quite excited to begin reading a book of his once again. This book is full of twists and turns as it follows our protagonist, Nobody Owens, known as Bod.
The book begins with two year old Bod escaping his home at night, after a mysterious character simply known as The Man Jack murders his mom, dad, and sister. Bod escapes to a nearby graveyard, and it adopted and raised by the local ghosts. A mysterious resident of the graveyard named Silas, who is neither dead nor alive, appoints himself Bod’s guardian. He is given freedom of the graveyard, which assists him with many abilities that ghosts naturally have. Each chapter finds Bod two years older, resulting in you, the reader, watching him mature. This is a wonderful way to tell a story with a satisfying conclusion, closing one chapter of a person’s life, but still leaving room for the next. It doesn’t leave you begging for a sequel, rather leaving room for one.
Among the book's strengths are character development and scene layout. Bod’s character strengthens as well as weakens as he learns valuable lessons among his usual high jinks. The ghost characters are interesting, but not developed within the book as Bod is. On another note, we have the scene layout. The book sets the atmosphere for every scene so well, you imagine it as you read without having to even think about it. For example, the first scene in the book of Bod’s home is set up in a way that you follow Bod through the dark and empty house, as if you are seeing everything he sees.
Neil Gaiman is wonderful at writing in many genres, he has succeeded at comedy and slice of life in the past, but is also skilled at writing in the style of mystery. This book can be both scary and heartwarming at once, building up a great atmosphere. I felt deeply moved by the ending of the story, and I can guarantee you will feel the same when you choose to read The Graveyard Book.
By Neil Gaiman
Reviewed by Lily
Neil Gaiman is best known as an author of comic books, graphic novels, and fiction. One such novel, The Graveyard Book, published in 2008, was the first book to win both the Newbery and Carnegie awards. I had enjoyed one of his books in the past, so I was quite excited to begin reading a book of his once again. This book is full of twists and turns as it follows our protagonist, Nobody Owens, known as Bod.
The book begins with two year old Bod escaping his home at night, after a mysterious character simply known as The Man Jack murders his mom, dad, and sister. Bod escapes to a nearby graveyard, and it adopted and raised by the local ghosts. A mysterious resident of the graveyard named Silas, who is neither dead nor alive, appoints himself Bod’s guardian. He is given freedom of the graveyard, which assists him with many abilities that ghosts naturally have. Each chapter finds Bod two years older, resulting in you, the reader, watching him mature. This is a wonderful way to tell a story with a satisfying conclusion, closing one chapter of a person’s life, but still leaving room for the next. It doesn’t leave you begging for a sequel, rather leaving room for one.
Among the book's strengths are character development and scene layout. Bod’s character strengthens as well as weakens as he learns valuable lessons among his usual high jinks. The ghost characters are interesting, but not developed within the book as Bod is. On another note, we have the scene layout. The book sets the atmosphere for every scene so well, you imagine it as you read without having to even think about it. For example, the first scene in the book of Bod’s home is set up in a way that you follow Bod through the dark and empty house, as if you are seeing everything he sees.
Neil Gaiman is wonderful at writing in many genres, he has succeeded at comedy and slice of life in the past, but is also skilled at writing in the style of mystery. This book can be both scary and heartwarming at once, building up a great atmosphere. I felt deeply moved by the ending of the story, and I can guarantee you will feel the same when you choose to read The Graveyard Book.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
The New Girl
The New Girl
By Anastasia Suen and Jane Dippold
Review by Aaliyah
The experience of the book “ The New Girl” by Anastasia Suen and Jane Dippold, has been wonderful. Having twists, turns, and unbelievably exciting. You won't believe what happens yeah I know you think that this an ordinary book but every time you turn a page you find something new. This book takes you inside an adventurous place you’ve never been before. The journey from the page number 1 to page number 123 is an amazing experience.This Realistic Fiction book has something special with things that we all been through or haven’t but can relate. This book engages with kids that like books that aren’t too serious but this book isn’t to goofy. This book has a lot of jaw droppers and chuckles here and there.
The book is about girl who attends a new school and is having trouble fitting in and doesn’t really understand why. This book explains what kids that are new in school are being bullied. And this helps kids who have done things to new kids or just kids in general. And it can help the kids who have been bullied. I like this book because at the end it lets you choose what happens at the end.This helps elementary and middle school students engage in reading with this book because it is kind of impossible to be boring or students can relate.
The author added good enough detail that made me understand. The details aren’t too confusing nor too much detail that bores you. This also explains how i would recommend this for kids or preteens. This book leaves a positive ending. This book is nothing too sad. This book would probably be a little kiddish it depends who is reading some like serious some don’t.And thats why you should read the fabulous book The New Girl.
By Anastasia Suen and Jane Dippold
Review by Aaliyah
The experience of the book “ The New Girl” by Anastasia Suen and Jane Dippold, has been wonderful. Having twists, turns, and unbelievably exciting. You won't believe what happens yeah I know you think that this an ordinary book but every time you turn a page you find something new. This book takes you inside an adventurous place you’ve never been before. The journey from the page number 1 to page number 123 is an amazing experience.This Realistic Fiction book has something special with things that we all been through or haven’t but can relate. This book engages with kids that like books that aren’t too serious but this book isn’t to goofy. This book has a lot of jaw droppers and chuckles here and there.
The book is about girl who attends a new school and is having trouble fitting in and doesn’t really understand why. This book explains what kids that are new in school are being bullied. And this helps kids who have done things to new kids or just kids in general. And it can help the kids who have been bullied. I like this book because at the end it lets you choose what happens at the end.This helps elementary and middle school students engage in reading with this book because it is kind of impossible to be boring or students can relate.
The author added good enough detail that made me understand. The details aren’t too confusing nor too much detail that bores you. This also explains how i would recommend this for kids or preteens. This book leaves a positive ending. This book is nothing too sad. This book would probably be a little kiddish it depends who is reading some like serious some don’t.And thats why you should read the fabulous book The New Girl.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
By Jeff Kinney
Reviewed by Kiree
The book Diary of A Wimpy Kid was great! What was so interesting about it you may ask? If you’re teenager, even if you're older,you will enjoy this book. This book will make you feel like , a normal person. If you think you're the only person with really crazy flaws in the world, think again and take time to read this book. I am certain this book will make you feel happy while reading.
The book Diary of a Wimpy Kid is about kid named Greg Heffley. Greg wants to be like all of the other normal kids at the school but things do not seem to be working out very well for him. His best friend Rowley is also going through the same situation. They are both having a difficult time just being the average kid. Greg's mom wants him to stop playing video games so much and actually go play outside, like she used to do when she was younger. Greg's father wants him to do the same except, He wants him to do more like play football or, get a job, while Greg Just wants to play video games and be a normal kid like the other kids at his school. People from all over his town seem to be making it harder and harder for him to do so.
If I had to rate this book i would definitely rate it as 5 stars. I would rate this a 5 star nook because, in my opinion, it was very amusing and and it was an easy book to read. Once I started reading it, it was very difficult to stop. I would recommend this book to someone who likes a lot of pictures in their books. I would also recommend it as a guides on how be a normal teenager. I would not recommend this book if you enjoy reading serious stories. This book would not be recommended for anyone who wants to read a mature or higher age rated book.
This was a fun book to read and made me love reading even more than I already do. I believe once others take time to read it, they will agree. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is an excellent read for young and old.
By Jeff Kinney
Reviewed by Kiree
The book Diary of A Wimpy Kid was great! What was so interesting about it you may ask? If you’re teenager, even if you're older,you will enjoy this book. This book will make you feel like , a normal person. If you think you're the only person with really crazy flaws in the world, think again and take time to read this book. I am certain this book will make you feel happy while reading.
The book Diary of a Wimpy Kid is about kid named Greg Heffley. Greg wants to be like all of the other normal kids at the school but things do not seem to be working out very well for him. His best friend Rowley is also going through the same situation. They are both having a difficult time just being the average kid. Greg's mom wants him to stop playing video games so much and actually go play outside, like she used to do when she was younger. Greg's father wants him to do the same except, He wants him to do more like play football or, get a job, while Greg Just wants to play video games and be a normal kid like the other kids at his school. People from all over his town seem to be making it harder and harder for him to do so.
If I had to rate this book i would definitely rate it as 5 stars. I would rate this a 5 star nook because, in my opinion, it was very amusing and and it was an easy book to read. Once I started reading it, it was very difficult to stop. I would recommend this book to someone who likes a lot of pictures in their books. I would also recommend it as a guides on how be a normal teenager. I would not recommend this book if you enjoy reading serious stories. This book would not be recommended for anyone who wants to read a mature or higher age rated book.
This was a fun book to read and made me love reading even more than I already do. I believe once others take time to read it, they will agree. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is an excellent read for young and old.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
The Westing Game
The Westing Game
By Ellen Raskin
Reviewed by Katherine
I read the book The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. This was an amazing book that my brother recommended that I should read. I recommend this book to anyone who likes murder mysteries and suspenseful stories. I love reading those kinds of books, so, naturally, I liked this book even before I started it.
Sam Westing, the founder of Westingtown (in Wisconsin) and owner of Westing Paper Products Corporation, left his mansion to his sixteen heirs in his will, which was read after he was murdered. The heirs were Madame Hoo, Jake Wexler, Turtle Wexler, Flora Baumbach, Chris Theodorakis, Denton Deere, Sandy McSouthers, J.J. Ford, Grace Wexler, James Hoo, Crow, Otis Amber, Theo Theodorakis, Doug Hoo, Angela Wexler, and Sydelle Pulaski. All were chosen to play “The Westing Game”. The sixteen heirs were split into teams of two and given a set of clues and $10,000. The clues supposedly led to Sam Westing’s murderer. The clues were not clear; they seemed like random words just drawn out of a hat. The clues weren’t the only mysterious thing going on: four explosions occurred, Theo was playing a game of chess with an unknown opponent. The object of the Westing Game was to find the murderer without getting killed yourself. Who was setting off the bombs? Who was the mysterious chess opponent? And, most importantly, who killed Sam Westing?
This was one of the best books I have ever read because it was full of depth with plot twists that made me rethink everything that I thought I knew, like who set off the bombs and who everyone really was. This book really keeps you on the edge of your seat. It also was very funny, and a really hard book to put down.
By Ellen Raskin
Reviewed by Katherine
I read the book The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. This was an amazing book that my brother recommended that I should read. I recommend this book to anyone who likes murder mysteries and suspenseful stories. I love reading those kinds of books, so, naturally, I liked this book even before I started it.
Sam Westing, the founder of Westingtown (in Wisconsin) and owner of Westing Paper Products Corporation, left his mansion to his sixteen heirs in his will, which was read after he was murdered. The heirs were Madame Hoo, Jake Wexler, Turtle Wexler, Flora Baumbach, Chris Theodorakis, Denton Deere, Sandy McSouthers, J.J. Ford, Grace Wexler, James Hoo, Crow, Otis Amber, Theo Theodorakis, Doug Hoo, Angela Wexler, and Sydelle Pulaski. All were chosen to play “The Westing Game”. The sixteen heirs were split into teams of two and given a set of clues and $10,000. The clues supposedly led to Sam Westing’s murderer. The clues were not clear; they seemed like random words just drawn out of a hat. The clues weren’t the only mysterious thing going on: four explosions occurred, Theo was playing a game of chess with an unknown opponent. The object of the Westing Game was to find the murderer without getting killed yourself. Who was setting off the bombs? Who was the mysterious chess opponent? And, most importantly, who killed Sam Westing?
This was one of the best books I have ever read because it was full of depth with plot twists that made me rethink everything that I thought I knew, like who set off the bombs and who everyone really was. This book really keeps you on the edge of your seat. It also was very funny, and a really hard book to put down.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Star Crossed
Star Crossed
by Barbara Dee
Reviewed by Abigail
Crushes are never easy. Whether it being afraid, unsure, or just completely flustered all the time, there are never just a simple thing. Especially in 8th grade, where everyone is watching couples every move.
Star Crossed is a book about every typical 8th grade crush. Maddie’s story follows her, her friends Tessa and Lucy, and her crush the beautiful and kind Gemma. As Maddie struggles with her feelings for Gemma, opening night for the 8th grade play Romeo and Juliet comes ever closer. Maddie is cast as Romeo after another student drops out, leaving her next to her Juliet; Gemma. With all the stress of the play, her friends are starting to catch onto Maddie’s crush and are pressing her more and more about it each day.
The author Barbara Dee translates Shakespeare's beautiful story of Romeo and Juliet into a modern day love story. She used clever clues and brilliant writing to make a story that leaves you wanting more. My rating for this book is high, at least 9/10. My only criticism is that the story moves along a bit slow in the beginning, but overall really amazing. I highly recommend this book, especially if you’re looking for a casual queer story.
The books a little below 7th grade reading level, but it’s still an interesting story. I’m glad that there are more books like this where characters can have a same sex relationship without it being the main topic of the story. And the author's subtle hints and storytelling that leads the reader into a moment of realization whenever you see things meetup. In conclusion, I feel like this book is a great story of literature and cleverness, and recommend it to everyon
by Barbara Dee
Reviewed by Abigail
Crushes are never easy. Whether it being afraid, unsure, or just completely flustered all the time, there are never just a simple thing. Especially in 8th grade, where everyone is watching couples every move.
Star Crossed is a book about every typical 8th grade crush. Maddie’s story follows her, her friends Tessa and Lucy, and her crush the beautiful and kind Gemma. As Maddie struggles with her feelings for Gemma, opening night for the 8th grade play Romeo and Juliet comes ever closer. Maddie is cast as Romeo after another student drops out, leaving her next to her Juliet; Gemma. With all the stress of the play, her friends are starting to catch onto Maddie’s crush and are pressing her more and more about it each day.
The author Barbara Dee translates Shakespeare's beautiful story of Romeo and Juliet into a modern day love story. She used clever clues and brilliant writing to make a story that leaves you wanting more. My rating for this book is high, at least 9/10. My only criticism is that the story moves along a bit slow in the beginning, but overall really amazing. I highly recommend this book, especially if you’re looking for a casual queer story.
The books a little below 7th grade reading level, but it’s still an interesting story. I’m glad that there are more books like this where characters can have a same sex relationship without it being the main topic of the story. And the author's subtle hints and storytelling that leads the reader into a moment of realization whenever you see things meetup. In conclusion, I feel like this book is a great story of literature and cleverness, and recommend it to everyon
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
The Name of This Book Is Secret
The Name of This Book Is Secret
By Pseudonymous Bosch
Reviewed by Brandon
In this book the author does not tell you his name, which I mean is awesome.. After some pages you find that it is filled with hashtags. It’s background information, and he can’t tell us that/ The story follow Cass, if that even is her real name. Cass is a survivalist, and is always prepared She makes friends in school with a boy called Max-Ernst, who is not your typical Max. His parents are divorced but live in one house. His father and mother divided the house down the middle - one side's for the father, the other's for the mother.The mystery begins when the pair investigate a dead magicians house and finds his diary. There's a 400-year-old witch who's the main villain, named Mrs. Mauvais or The Golden Lady. The story has many turns. Much is up to the reader to take it as they wish. It has many thrilling adventures, like going to a spa where you bathe in gold to follow a kidnapped artist. Or the story about the Bergamo Brother’s (One is the magician) and how they have synesthesia. All to figure out the burning secret!
In my opinion this is a magnificent book. Very well crafted, and full of thrills. From the beginning it sucks you in and you keep reading. You want to figure the secret out, and so it keeps you on your toes. Twists and turns litter this story. A good book for thrill seekers and risk takers. I have read this book many times, and each time it’s still amazing. I am so happy that the secret doesn’t end in just one book. It;’s a 5 part series. A 4 more excellently crafted books to fill our readers desires.
By Pseudonymous Bosch
Reviewed by Brandon
In this book the author does not tell you his name, which I mean is awesome.. After some pages you find that it is filled with hashtags. It’s background information, and he can’t tell us that/ The story follow Cass, if that even is her real name. Cass is a survivalist, and is always prepared She makes friends in school with a boy called Max-Ernst, who is not your typical Max. His parents are divorced but live in one house. His father and mother divided the house down the middle - one side's for the father, the other's for the mother.The mystery begins when the pair investigate a dead magicians house and finds his diary. There's a 400-year-old witch who's the main villain, named Mrs. Mauvais or The Golden Lady. The story has many turns. Much is up to the reader to take it as they wish. It has many thrilling adventures, like going to a spa where you bathe in gold to follow a kidnapped artist. Or the story about the Bergamo Brother’s (One is the magician) and how they have synesthesia. All to figure out the burning secret!
In my opinion this is a magnificent book. Very well crafted, and full of thrills. From the beginning it sucks you in and you keep reading. You want to figure the secret out, and so it keeps you on your toes. Twists and turns litter this story. A good book for thrill seekers and risk takers. I have read this book many times, and each time it’s still amazing. I am so happy that the secret doesn’t end in just one book. It;’s a 5 part series. A 4 more excellently crafted books to fill our readers desires.
Friday, February 9, 2018
The Perfect Score
The Perfect Score
By Rob Buyea
Reviewed by Piper
If you like humor, and books with multiple views, you would like Rob Buyea’s new book; The Perfect Score. I really enjoyed this book, once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. This book is good for most ages and teaches us the real meaning in life is to help as much as possible without breaking any rules. Much like Because of Mr.Terupt, also by Rob Buyea, The Perfect Score has multiple views of different students that are all in Mrs.Woods sixth grade class.
In the bunch there is Randi whose mother is pressuring her to be the top gymnast and be on the A honor roll. Gavin, who loves football, has always had bad grades at school and feels as dumb as his father who dropped out of high school to be a plumber. Trevor tries to act tough and mean and doesn’t listen to anyone, but really he is just getting hurt by his older brother and his goons. Scott has a big heart and wants to help out everyone especially his grandfather, but his plans don’t go that well. Natalie is by far the most engaged person in the class, therefore the smartest. She wishes to become a lawyer and follows all the rules until the SAT’s that she feels she must break a few of them.
At first, most of the students didn’t like Mrs.Woods. She was a no-nonsense old lady that was strict but inside, very sweet. When she read all the kids were memorized and hated when reading time was over. When all the kids were getting used to Mrs.Woods and her spectacular reading, it was time to prepare the SAT’s.
Three months before the tests, the school feels that they need to prepare more. They took away the kids recess and reading time. All the students have something to lose if they don’t ace them, so they make up a plan. Will their plan succeed?
I really enjoyed The Perfect Score. This is the perfect size to read in about a month. I love the multiple views, it helps create the perfect story but not to complicated that you can’t understand it. I hope you get this book at the bookstore and library and enjoy it as much as I did.
By Rob Buyea
Reviewed by Piper
If you like humor, and books with multiple views, you would like Rob Buyea’s new book; The Perfect Score. I really enjoyed this book, once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. This book is good for most ages and teaches us the real meaning in life is to help as much as possible without breaking any rules. Much like Because of Mr.Terupt, also by Rob Buyea, The Perfect Score has multiple views of different students that are all in Mrs.Woods sixth grade class.
In the bunch there is Randi whose mother is pressuring her to be the top gymnast and be on the A honor roll. Gavin, who loves football, has always had bad grades at school and feels as dumb as his father who dropped out of high school to be a plumber. Trevor tries to act tough and mean and doesn’t listen to anyone, but really he is just getting hurt by his older brother and his goons. Scott has a big heart and wants to help out everyone especially his grandfather, but his plans don’t go that well. Natalie is by far the most engaged person in the class, therefore the smartest. She wishes to become a lawyer and follows all the rules until the SAT’s that she feels she must break a few of them.
At first, most of the students didn’t like Mrs.Woods. She was a no-nonsense old lady that was strict but inside, very sweet. When she read all the kids were memorized and hated when reading time was over. When all the kids were getting used to Mrs.Woods and her spectacular reading, it was time to prepare the SAT’s.
Three months before the tests, the school feels that they need to prepare more. They took away the kids recess and reading time. All the students have something to lose if they don’t ace them, so they make up a plan. Will their plan succeed?
I really enjoyed The Perfect Score. This is the perfect size to read in about a month. I love the multiple views, it helps create the perfect story but not to complicated that you can’t understand it. I hope you get this book at the bookstore and library and enjoy it as much as I did.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre
By Charlotte Bronte
Reviewed by Ellise
Being an orphan and being stuck with your crazy aunt and cousins at a young age seems bad enough. Imagine you then get sent to an extreme boarding school that you are stuck at for eight years. It all seems bad, right? It only gets crazier from there in Jane Eyre.
Jane starts life as an orphan with family issues. Her aunt sends her off to boarding school, where Jane adopts many new skills and endures lots of pain. After finishing school, Jane proceeds to find work as a governess under Mr. Rochester, working with the child he has taken in. Jane soon finds herself falling in love with her master, keeping her supplied with lots of pain and confusion.
Her story of love does not fail to amuse. Charlotte Brontë opens up a world of romance and confusion in this third edition of Jane Eyre. The reader gets to dive into a page-turner about Jane and her journey through life. The many plot twists and cliffhangers are guaranteed keep you interested. Jane founds out that Mr. Rochester is to be married, and it toys with her feelings. Many exciting things proceed to happen prior to the news of his engagement, including her (almost) getting married to Mr. Rochester.
Charlotte Brontë unveils many surprises and plot twists along the way, keeping you interested the whole way through. Jane runs away without any provisions and gets miles away from Thornfield (where she was a governess) to somebody’s doorstep. The man, St. John, decides to take her in, and Jane develops new relationships with these new friends. Jane goes to find Mr. Rochester, and yet another surprise is unveiled. Including Jane, the many diverse and interesting characters like Mrs Fairfax, Adelé, Mr. Rochester, Mrs. Reed, Bessie, St. John, and Diana make up this wonderful adventure through Jane’s life. Anyone who reads this is sure to be slightly, if not very, entertained and amused.
This book is highly recommended to anyone who likes reading of the secrets of somebody’s life, and who likes a good romance. Brontë’s style of writing could make the book a bit slow at times, but sticking it out until the good parts makes it all worth it. I highly enjoyed Jane Eyre, and I think anyone who enjoys reading will.
A fair warning to readers like me who are not really into reading long books: the book is over 450 pages long, so keep that in mind as you choose your next read. It should be no problem if you are willing to read a thrilling and enchanting life story that keeps you interested.
By Charlotte Bronte
Reviewed by Ellise
Being an orphan and being stuck with your crazy aunt and cousins at a young age seems bad enough. Imagine you then get sent to an extreme boarding school that you are stuck at for eight years. It all seems bad, right? It only gets crazier from there in Jane Eyre.
Jane starts life as an orphan with family issues. Her aunt sends her off to boarding school, where Jane adopts many new skills and endures lots of pain. After finishing school, Jane proceeds to find work as a governess under Mr. Rochester, working with the child he has taken in. Jane soon finds herself falling in love with her master, keeping her supplied with lots of pain and confusion.
Her story of love does not fail to amuse. Charlotte Brontë opens up a world of romance and confusion in this third edition of Jane Eyre. The reader gets to dive into a page-turner about Jane and her journey through life. The many plot twists and cliffhangers are guaranteed keep you interested. Jane founds out that Mr. Rochester is to be married, and it toys with her feelings. Many exciting things proceed to happen prior to the news of his engagement, including her (almost) getting married to Mr. Rochester.
Charlotte Brontë unveils many surprises and plot twists along the way, keeping you interested the whole way through. Jane runs away without any provisions and gets miles away from Thornfield (where she was a governess) to somebody’s doorstep. The man, St. John, decides to take her in, and Jane develops new relationships with these new friends. Jane goes to find Mr. Rochester, and yet another surprise is unveiled. Including Jane, the many diverse and interesting characters like Mrs Fairfax, Adelé, Mr. Rochester, Mrs. Reed, Bessie, St. John, and Diana make up this wonderful adventure through Jane’s life. Anyone who reads this is sure to be slightly, if not very, entertained and amused.
This book is highly recommended to anyone who likes reading of the secrets of somebody’s life, and who likes a good romance. Brontë’s style of writing could make the book a bit slow at times, but sticking it out until the good parts makes it all worth it. I highly enjoyed Jane Eyre, and I think anyone who enjoys reading will.
A fair warning to readers like me who are not really into reading long books: the book is over 450 pages long, so keep that in mind as you choose your next read. It should be no problem if you are willing to read a thrilling and enchanting life story that keeps you interested.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Pandora Gets Jealous
Pandora Gets Jealous
By Carolyn Hennessy
Reviewed by Lily
When I started reading Pandora Gets Jealous, I didn’t know what to expect. I had previously heard of the series from former classmates, but I hadn’t read any books by Carolyn Hennessy, the author of the book. I found that Pandora Gets Jealous is a very simple and interesting book to read. It’s the first in a series of books, all a rather action-packed and simple retelling of the Greek Myth of Pandora and the box of evils.
The story follows Pandora, a student at the Athena Maiden Middle School, who one day brings a mysterious box to school for her project on the gods. The box was given to her father, Prometheus, by Zeus. However, the box is opened by two of Pandora’s classmates, Helen and Hippia, and it is revealed that seven evils are inside of the box. Pandora and her family are summoned to Mount Olympus, where Zeus orders Pandora to locate the evils and return them to the box. Zeus’s wife, Hera, gives Pandora a map to locate the evils, but first, she must find the key to decipher it. After discovering a way to read the map, Pandora sets off on her journey to retrieve the evils.
Pandora Gets Jealous has many strengths, including an easy to understand plot and well-developed characters. The storyline is a wonderful example of how sometimes, less is more. The story is not very complex, but it doesn’t linger on key events. The entire story is balanced out, switching between key events of the book and actions or descriptions in between. The characters feel real in their reactions to situations, and you can tell how they’re feeling without the book telling you.
On the other hand, the main weakness of the way the story is told is that it doesn’t take enough time to explain things. The story, in its most important scenes, only focused on the plot instead of explaining how the event occurred. I often found myself re-reading pages before important scenes thinking I missed a page, only to find that sometimes it switches from one event to another without anything in between two important chapters
In my opinion, Pandora Gets Jealous is a fairly good book. It has relatable characters and a well balanced story. It definitely has its moments, even though it is too fast paced at times. I would definitely recommend reading Pandora Gets Jealous or any of the sequels if you’re looking for an interesting story that grabs your attention and leaves you wanting more.
By Carolyn Hennessy
Reviewed by Lily
When I started reading Pandora Gets Jealous, I didn’t know what to expect. I had previously heard of the series from former classmates, but I hadn’t read any books by Carolyn Hennessy, the author of the book. I found that Pandora Gets Jealous is a very simple and interesting book to read. It’s the first in a series of books, all a rather action-packed and simple retelling of the Greek Myth of Pandora and the box of evils.
The story follows Pandora, a student at the Athena Maiden Middle School, who one day brings a mysterious box to school for her project on the gods. The box was given to her father, Prometheus, by Zeus. However, the box is opened by two of Pandora’s classmates, Helen and Hippia, and it is revealed that seven evils are inside of the box. Pandora and her family are summoned to Mount Olympus, where Zeus orders Pandora to locate the evils and return them to the box. Zeus’s wife, Hera, gives Pandora a map to locate the evils, but first, she must find the key to decipher it. After discovering a way to read the map, Pandora sets off on her journey to retrieve the evils.
Pandora Gets Jealous has many strengths, including an easy to understand plot and well-developed characters. The storyline is a wonderful example of how sometimes, less is more. The story is not very complex, but it doesn’t linger on key events. The entire story is balanced out, switching between key events of the book and actions or descriptions in between. The characters feel real in their reactions to situations, and you can tell how they’re feeling without the book telling you.
On the other hand, the main weakness of the way the story is told is that it doesn’t take enough time to explain things. The story, in its most important scenes, only focused on the plot instead of explaining how the event occurred. I often found myself re-reading pages before important scenes thinking I missed a page, only to find that sometimes it switches from one event to another without anything in between two important chapters
In my opinion, Pandora Gets Jealous is a fairly good book. It has relatable characters and a well balanced story. It definitely has its moments, even though it is too fast paced at times. I would definitely recommend reading Pandora Gets Jealous or any of the sequels if you’re looking for an interesting story that grabs your attention and leaves you wanting more.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
The Fault in our Stars
The Fault in our Stars
by John Green
Review by Rhagan
The marvelous book by John Green that shows you another side of a love story that does not have a happy ending.
The book is about hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters; they are two star-cross lovers who go on a journey to meet their favorite books an apperial afflicion author of Amsterdam. The only problem is Hazel grace has stage four lung cancer and she goes through her ups and down with Augustus to meet the author Peter Van Hoution.
John Green made everyone's heart break in this novel. Hazel Grace is a calm, non elaborate person but Augustus was the opposite he was elaborate and he has the best sense of humor and he was also an energetic guy.
This book was amazing in every single shape and form this book can be for tweens, teens, and adults and if you're in one of those groups I suggest you read it.
by John Green
Review by Rhagan
The marvelous book by John Green that shows you another side of a love story that does not have a happy ending.
The book is about hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters; they are two star-cross lovers who go on a journey to meet their favorite books an apperial afflicion author of Amsterdam. The only problem is Hazel grace has stage four lung cancer and she goes through her ups and down with Augustus to meet the author Peter Van Hoution.
John Green made everyone's heart break in this novel. Hazel Grace is a calm, non elaborate person but Augustus was the opposite he was elaborate and he has the best sense of humor and he was also an energetic guy.
This book was amazing in every single shape and form this book can be for tweens, teens, and adults and if you're in one of those groups I suggest you read it.
Friday, January 26, 2018
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
By C. S. Lewis
Reviewed by Jeremy
On the second book of the Chronicles of Narnia book series, we read about the journey of four siblings as they venture out in the snowy sheet of ice known as Narnia. The youngest sibling, Lucy is the first to discover the magical world, along with the stubborn and hotheaded Edmund, the second youngest. But even with Edmund’s teasing and other antics, it doesn't take the others long to finally discover the magical land of Narnia, while getting into pretty sticky situations in the process.
The story starts with a playful game of hide-and-seek inside of a professor’s weird house.
Lucy hides in the wardrobe, soon sinking into the wardrobe and ending up in Narnia. She soon
discovers a nice faun named Tumnus, who feeds her while simultaneously telling exciting
stories, and spares her life, knowing the evil queen wants a human like her as a stone statue.
Edmund soon goes with Lucy to the icy land and meets the evil queen who unusually cares for
him and feeds him high supplements of Turkish Delight. Full of food, he returns back home with
Lucy. When asked about the land due to Lucy mentioning it earlier, he replies by simply saying
it was just her imagination again, and Lucy is deeply hurt, knowing Edmund did see the place.
The two oldest siblings, Susan and Peter shame him for reminding her of the place and saying it
was her imagination. They go visit the professor to see what's wrong with Lucy, and he reminds
them that there could be another world. As they return to the old house, a mean house tourist, Ms
Macready, returns with others. They dash away, hiding in the wardrobe, but discover Narnia.
Edmund reveals that he did see the place, and they shame him further, not talking to him on the
trip. They talk about the evil queen and finding the charred and destroyed the home of Tumnus,
finding out that he was taken to the Queen’s prison. They find a helpful beaver, who feeds them,
and talk about the brave Lion Aslan, the only one who can stop the queen. Edmund strays from
the group discovering a huge arch. He went inside, finding stone statues, and the queen who he
told everything the others were planning to do. Meanwhile, the others venture to the Stone Table
and look for Aslan.
By C. S. Lewis
Reviewed by Jeremy
On the second book of the Chronicles of Narnia book series, we read about the journey of four siblings as they venture out in the snowy sheet of ice known as Narnia. The youngest sibling, Lucy is the first to discover the magical world, along with the stubborn and hotheaded Edmund, the second youngest. But even with Edmund’s teasing and other antics, it doesn't take the others long to finally discover the magical land of Narnia, while getting into pretty sticky situations in the process.
The story starts with a playful game of hide-and-seek inside of a professor’s weird house.
Lucy hides in the wardrobe, soon sinking into the wardrobe and ending up in Narnia. She soon
discovers a nice faun named Tumnus, who feeds her while simultaneously telling exciting
stories, and spares her life, knowing the evil queen wants a human like her as a stone statue.
Edmund soon goes with Lucy to the icy land and meets the evil queen who unusually cares for
him and feeds him high supplements of Turkish Delight. Full of food, he returns back home with
Lucy. When asked about the land due to Lucy mentioning it earlier, he replies by simply saying
it was just her imagination again, and Lucy is deeply hurt, knowing Edmund did see the place.
The two oldest siblings, Susan and Peter shame him for reminding her of the place and saying it
was her imagination. They go visit the professor to see what's wrong with Lucy, and he reminds
them that there could be another world. As they return to the old house, a mean house tourist, Ms
Macready, returns with others. They dash away, hiding in the wardrobe, but discover Narnia.
Edmund reveals that he did see the place, and they shame him further, not talking to him on the
trip. They talk about the evil queen and finding the charred and destroyed the home of Tumnus,
finding out that he was taken to the Queen’s prison. They find a helpful beaver, who feeds them,
and talk about the brave Lion Aslan, the only one who can stop the queen. Edmund strays from
the group discovering a huge arch. He went inside, finding stone statues, and the queen who he
told everything the others were planning to do. Meanwhile, the others venture to the Stone Table
and look for Aslan.
I think this is a really good book to read. The plot unfolds well, with many twists to keep you reading. The characters are great, and Edmunds moments of betrayal and faithfulness to the evil queen are what keep me reading. The only problem I have with the book is that the author doesn't add many sensory details, which on some parts of the book have me lose a bit of interest. But it's a really good book otherwise and I really do recommend it.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
The Girl in the Well is Me
The Girl in the Well is Me
by Karen Rivers
Review by Olivia
Have you ever imagined falling into a well and being stuck in it for twenty-four hours? Well, in this spectacular novel, you will get to step into Kammie Summers trouble, she is stuck in a well and can’t get out! This wanna-be new student at school wants to be popular. She tries to join the popular girls club, but first she has to do a test to see if The Girls will let her join. The first test was to cut her hair so she could fit in with the rest of the club, the second test was to stand on the boarded up well and sing the national anthem. But, little did she know she would end up falling in!
In the anxiety filled novel, Kammie is stuck in a well, trying to figure out how to escape. But when she realizes there is no way of escaping, she gets flashbacks from when she was younger, thinking about bad situations that have happened and comparing to the situation she is in now. She also thought about how much happier her life was before her dad went to jail, and before she had to move to Texas, since the government had to take their house. Besides getting flashbacks in the well, she talked french to her imaginary goats who were at the bottom of the well. Will someone save her? Or will she die alone in the well? Read the book to find out!
This book was very fun to read and to find out how Kammie goes about her life stuck in a well. When reading the book you’ll get to explore all of her personal life and past experiences from childhood. I recommend this book to all readers who are in need of an adventurous and fun book
by Karen Rivers
Review by Olivia
Have you ever imagined falling into a well and being stuck in it for twenty-four hours? Well, in this spectacular novel, you will get to step into Kammie Summers trouble, she is stuck in a well and can’t get out! This wanna-be new student at school wants to be popular. She tries to join the popular girls club, but first she has to do a test to see if The Girls will let her join. The first test was to cut her hair so she could fit in with the rest of the club, the second test was to stand on the boarded up well and sing the national anthem. But, little did she know she would end up falling in!
In the anxiety filled novel, Kammie is stuck in a well, trying to figure out how to escape. But when she realizes there is no way of escaping, she gets flashbacks from when she was younger, thinking about bad situations that have happened and comparing to the situation she is in now. She also thought about how much happier her life was before her dad went to jail, and before she had to move to Texas, since the government had to take their house. Besides getting flashbacks in the well, she talked french to her imaginary goats who were at the bottom of the well. Will someone save her? Or will she die alone in the well? Read the book to find out!
This book was very fun to read and to find out how Kammie goes about her life stuck in a well. When reading the book you’ll get to explore all of her personal life and past experiences from childhood. I recommend this book to all readers who are in need of an adventurous and fun book
Friday, January 19, 2018
The Outsiders
The Outsiders
By S. E. Hinton
Reviewed by Sydney
Even though some times are tough, people can learn from them and Ponyboy has learned that throughout the book. He has witnessed the loss of his two closest friends and the tears of his friends and family. Also, Ponyboy has witnessed the death of someone in his rival gang, the Socials. Throughout the conflicts, Ponyboy understands that everyone has problems, that the Socials are people that have feelings too, and that love can be shown and take many forms.
Ponyboy first learns that Greasers and Socs both have problems. They are both disrespected and judged, Greasers and Socs have expectations; if they don’t follow them they are soft. “Greasers can’t walk alone too much or they’ll get jumped…” They are mistreated, misunderstood, misinterpreted, and sometimes judged by society. Socs have some of the same types of problems since their expectations are set high. Sometimes Socs are forced to go with the group; also Socs hate others because others hate them.
Ponyboy finally understands how labeling can cause hatred, fighting, rivalry, division, and killing. Ponyboy realizes that stereotyping and giving someone a label is wrong. He realizes that all the conflict and fighting between Greasers and Socs is bad and meaningless and that a place without conflict and division between people is a better place to be.
Ponyboy learns that even through tough times, everyone, including Greasers and Socials, has problems. Ponyboy Curtis learned that even love and care can take many forms. Ponyboy has been through some tough situations and has still learned many valuable lessons. Although no one would like to go through challenging events, people can still learn from those hard experiences.
The Outsiders was a really good book and it was really action-packed. Reading the book, I clearly understood what was going on in the story, Everything in the book was so well explained and detailed. After ending the book I still felt interested in Ponyboy’s life. I saw things from a different perspective, from Ponyboy’s way of life, living in a gang, being labeled as violent, and being judged by society.
By S. E. Hinton
Reviewed by Sydney
Even though some times are tough, people can learn from them and Ponyboy has learned that throughout the book. He has witnessed the loss of his two closest friends and the tears of his friends and family. Also, Ponyboy has witnessed the death of someone in his rival gang, the Socials. Throughout the conflicts, Ponyboy understands that everyone has problems, that the Socials are people that have feelings too, and that love can be shown and take many forms.
Ponyboy first learns that Greasers and Socs both have problems. They are both disrespected and judged, Greasers and Socs have expectations; if they don’t follow them they are soft. “Greasers can’t walk alone too much or they’ll get jumped…” They are mistreated, misunderstood, misinterpreted, and sometimes judged by society. Socs have some of the same types of problems since their expectations are set high. Sometimes Socs are forced to go with the group; also Socs hate others because others hate them.
“You would have saved those kids if you had been there,” I said. “You’d have saved them the same as we did.”
“Thanks grease,” he said trying to grin. Then he stopped, “I didn’t mean that. I meant, thanks, kid,”
“My name’s Ponyboy,” I said. “Nice talking to you Randy.”
Ponyboy finally understands how labeling can cause hatred, fighting, rivalry, division, and killing. Ponyboy realizes that stereotyping and giving someone a label is wrong. He realizes that all the conflict and fighting between Greasers and Socs is bad and meaningless and that a place without conflict and division between people is a better place to be.
Ponyboy learns that even through tough times, everyone, including Greasers and Socials, has problems. Ponyboy Curtis learned that even love and care can take many forms. Ponyboy has been through some tough situations and has still learned many valuable lessons. Although no one would like to go through challenging events, people can still learn from those hard experiences.
The Outsiders was a really good book and it was really action-packed. Reading the book, I clearly understood what was going on in the story, Everything in the book was so well explained and detailed. After ending the book I still felt interested in Ponyboy’s life. I saw things from a different perspective, from Ponyboy’s way of life, living in a gang, being labeled as violent, and being judged by society.
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Deliver us from Normal
Deliver
us from Normal
By
Kate Klise
Review
by Claire
This book is about a 11
year old boy named Charles Harrisong, who has a big family with 4 siblings and
2 hardworking parents. They live in a town called Normal, Illinois. Charles
thinks his family is by no means normal, they have a long list of ways to make
Charles feel embarrassed at school and other places whenever he ran into his
classmates.
Charles doesn’t like his
last name, the yellow brick house his parents rented with no air conditioning,
he also hates the cheap clothes that his mom buys at Bargain Bonanza all
because his classmates laugh at him. He is very nervous and tense at school and
sometimes he cries. His parents are working really hard to make ends meet
because of the size of the family how they are poor and look weird to others,
but in their hearts they are nice, loving family with good sense of humor. His
older sister Laura is a talented artist who is good at drawing and always
encourage Charles. His younger brother Ben talks in a hilarious way and makes
everyone laugh. His other 2 sisters Clara and Sally and nice and cute. His
parents are always supportive and protective of their kids. I think the family
is normal except for the fact they are struggling financially.
Charles's sister Laura
decided to run for 7th grade class president, which some cruel kids at school
made some really mean comments on Laura’s election posters, Laura was
heartbroken. The parents decided to leave Normal, and buy a boathouse in
Alabama. What will be their new life look like? How would they sail across the
ocean? Where would they end up with? You have to read the book to experience
excitement and frustration in their new adventure.
Kate tells us a story of
a 11 year old boy partly in hilarious way with some stressful and sad moments.
She makes us think about “What makes us normal?” Does money and owning stuff
makes us normal? Does being popular at school makes us normal? Or sticking with
your family no matter how poor and supporting each other is normal? This is a
sad story, but the author told it is a hilarious and a heartwarming way, I
definitely like this book.
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