Cinder by Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles, Book 1)

Cinder is about a 16 year old girl who is a cyborg and lives in the town of New Beijing. A deadly plague comes and people believe that the Lunars are doing it. Lunars live in a planet called Luna. They are ruled by Queen Lavana. Cinder's stepmother forces her to be a patient to find a cure to the plague. Cinder finds out Lavana is coming to New Beijing to marry Prince Kai. Will Cinder be able to save Kai and her town from the wicked queen? I recommend this book! Read the book to find out!

Reviewed by Elizabeth

Lexile 790

The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling

This book is made up of 5 short stories, and include Professor Dumbledore's notes, based off of the Harry Potter series. One of the story's is called The Wizard and the Hopping Pot. 

This story is about a kindly old wizard, who owned a cauldron he called his lucky cooking pot, and he helped everyone in the city, but when he died, he gave his cauldron to his only son. The son was not kind as his father. He wasn't helping the village when bad things happened, so one day, he found a package inside of the pot, with an old slipper, but thought nothing of it, and threw it back into the cauldron. When the wizard refused to help the villagers, the cauldron magically sprouted a brass foot, and made a lot of noise, and would leave the wizard alone. 

The stories contain magical aspects, and has a moral in each one. The genre is fantasy. I really like the book, because it has short stories, then Professor Dumbledore explained it, and you got to hear his thoughts. I would recommend this book to people who like the Harry Potter series.

Reviewed by Jenna ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 1290

See You at Harry's by Jo Knowles

It is a sad book :( it made me cry. It is really interesting YOU HAVE TO READ IT!!! The main character is Fern a young girl with a brother and a mean sister. and then there is Charlie the baby the center of everything. They are a great family but a problem happens in the book that separates there family apart. Fern is trying to make everything great again to be the old family they used to be.

Reviewed by Maritza ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 600

If You're Reading This by Trent Reedy

In the book "If You're Reading This" Mike's father died in a war when he was eight. Right before his sixteenth birthday, he starts receiving different letters claiming to be written by his dad. In each letter it has a mission like be nice to your mom and sister and get involved in a sport like football. Mike loves football but his mom doesn't let him play. He keeps receiving the letters and they don't have a return address label so he doesn't know who is sending them. Throughout the book he tries to figure out who is sending the letters. I would recommend this book to anybody who likes football and to anyone who is interested in realistic fiction. I loved this book! I couldn't put it down. It is one of the best books I have ever read!

Reviewed by Abby ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 700

The Strangers by Jacqueline West (The Books of Elsewhere, Book 4)

The book I read was The Strangers by Jacqueline West. This is the fourth book in "The Books of Elsewhere" series. This book (and series) revolves around a young girl by the name of Olive. She deals with not so normal events, varying from her house being magic, and having paintings in that very same house come to life. 

In this book, Olive was, again, trying to figure out the whereabouts of the main antagonist (Annabelle) of the series, as Annabelle was on the run and nowhere to be found. Olive's friends (Rutherford and Morton, and her three magic cats, Leopold, Horatio, and Harvey if that counts) were all trying to help her figure out how to find her. 

Annabelle wasn't the only person who went missing though; Olive's parents went missing as well, leaving Olive having to use her magic cats' and her friend's aid in trying to find them again, no matter what cost. 

This book was very interesting and entertaining, and the sense of tension and knowing that anything could happen at any moment in this book left me on the edge of my seat. I think people who generally enjoy fantasy plots and out of the ordinary events within books would enjoy this book, and really, the whole series itself (there are 5 books in this series; 1. The Shadows, 2. Spellbound, 3. The Second Spy, 4. The Strangers, and 5. Still Life).

Reviewed by Leslie ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 810

Legend by Marie Lu

Legend is a story about the plague-stricken future United States which is now split in two different countries at war! The Republic owns the western United States while the Colonies own the eastern United States. The new United States is also sinking into the ocean leaving most of the Colonies and western California under water. The two main characters are June and Day, both 15 years-old. 

June is a Republic prodigy and sweetheart. She was the first person ever to get a perfect score on the Republic's standardized military test. On the other hand, there is Day. He is the Republic's most-wanted criminal. Day is not a violent criminal but he just enjoys causing trouble for the Republic. 

One day, while checking on his family, Day realizes his younger brother, Eden, has caught the plague, a thriving disease causing countless deaths. So he decides to break into a Republic hospital to get plague serum to save Eden. A sudden change of events send Day and June winding down the same path of unexpected events and turns of fate. I would highly recommend this book to people who like science fiction, or people who enjoy a book series since this book is the first in a trilogy with Prodigy (book #2) and Champion (book #3) continuing the story.

Reviewed by Luke ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 710

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Love, loss, betrayal, and family. Jandy Nelson’s I’ll Give You The Sun is a combination of all four. This is a dramatic story told in two perspectives. Jude and Noah Sweetwine are twins and the best of friends. Jude always has Noah’s back. Noah is a shy artist, constantly needing his twin’s help. Noah loves his mother with all his heart, but his dad… not so much. Jude on the other hand is the favorite and loves both her parents. 

Their father is always trying to get Noah to swim, watch sports, wrestle, and basically become more manly. Noah just doesn’t work like that. He likes art… and boys. Jude loves surfing, swimming, and is a daring girl. 

One summer, Noah sees a moving truck next door. Next thing you know, him and the boy next door have a growing friendship, and possibly something more. The summer is going great, until the trip to the art museum. A drawing competition and an entry into art school pull the twins apart. Prepare to fall in love with the characters, the plot, and suffer many emotions. This story of reconnection will leave you wanting more.

Reviewed by Morgan ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 740

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Extra Credit by Tommy Greenwald

Its about a kid named Charlie Joe (main character) who is getting bad grades and he makes a deal with his parent on getting all As and 1 B or else he would have to go to a summer camp that he doesn't like.

Reviewed by David ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 630

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour By Morgan Matson

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour By Morgan Matson is a romance novel. In this book Amy and Roger are dating and they are going on a trip. They decide along the way that they should take a detour without telling their paranoid parents. After they finish their trip and get home they realize that they probably made one of the worst mistakes of their lives. What was the big mistake? Where will that take them next? I suggest to read this book because it has a great lesson. You should also read the sequel Second Chance Summer. Definitely read the book it is a great novel and you might be surprised in the end.

Reviewed by Megan ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 790

In the End by Demitria Lunetta (Book 2)

It's been three months since Amy escaped New Hope, and she's been surviving by herself with no one left. Like she did in the after. But one day, a voice hears from her earpiece. In a feeling voice, Kay, The guardian she used to work with. Amy had never wished to hear: Dr. Reynolds has Baby. It's a race against time. In order to save Baby, She'll have to go through Fort Black, A prison turned into a survival colony. Then she'll have to find Ken he holds the key to Baby's existence. She will have to go through one of the most dangerous and spooky places in the world. This is what happens in the end.

Reviewed by Tomas ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 660

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie

Sunshine Griffith lived a normal life in Austin,Texas but shortly after her 16th birthday, her and her mother moved north to Ridgemont, Washington. They moved in order for her mom to be closer to her new nursing job. While keeping up with school, Nolan, and bonding time with her mother, Sunshine must discover what/who is making her house paranormal. I absolutely loved this book and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good horror book.

Reviewed by Emily ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 790

A Cry From Egypt by Hope Auer

So in the beginning Jajah is a slave for the Egyptians, she is trying multiple ways to escape and not get caught. She joins forces with her family and friends to fight back! Want to know more? Read the book!

Reviewed by  Vlado ~ 6th Grade

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Hatchet is a about a boy,named Brian, who's plane crashes in the northern part of the Canadian woods and has to survive only with a hatchet. He learns that he can do more than he thinks. I recommend people who like descriptive writing. Hatchet is one of the best survival books out there.

Reviewed by  Salam ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 1020

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

The book Sisters is about 2 sisters that don't really get along and they have to go on a trip for one week and they can't even get along in dinner how are they going to survive in one week. When they are packing up the dad was nervous because it was their first time going without him. When they are on their way a storm begins and they have to stop and rent a room. I think this book is fun because they have to go thru a lot together. I would recommend this book because it's funny and because you can enjoy it.

Reviewed by Alexandra ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 290

Matched by Ally Condie

This story takes place in the "perfect" society, or at least, the government Officials think so. Everything, from the person you marry to the time you die is determined for you, and citizens barely have control over their own lives. Cassia, the main character, gets matched to her best friend, Xander, so the two of them have to get married in the future. At first, Cassia is really excited about the match. Now she'll get to spend the rest of her life with the guy she loves! 

But as the story unfolds, Cassia learns that her love for Xander isn't anything romantic. The two are the best of friends and would do anything to help the other, but Cassia realizes that she's falling in love with someone else: a boy from her village named Ky. The problem, though, is that Ky is an Aberration, so he is not allowed to be matched or married to anyone. (An Aberration is someone who has done something wrong, or in Ky's case, his parent did something wrong.) 

Now Cassia has to choose: will she follow the rules and be with Xander? Or will she rebel and find Ky, who she is really in love with? I really liked this book, it was very romantic and entertaining. I recommend this book to people who like stories that are dramatic, romantic, and heartwarming. This book is the first book in a trilogy. I haven't read the other two books yet, but I plan to at some point because this was a very good book. I hope you like it as much as I did!

Reviewed by Megan ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 680

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan (The Chronicles of Kane - Book 1)

The book is about two kids named Sadie and Carter and they live in separate houses and then one day they meet again and then they go to a museum and their dad dies also then they go live with there uncles and they can not believe that they are magicians and that there family has magic.

Reviewed by Alejandra ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 650

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

The genre of this book is a science fiction book. I would recommend it to anyone who likes dystopian books. This story is about a girl named Cia who lives in a place where they are trying to renew the corrupt land that was destroyed during the seven stages of war. Cia and her close friend Thomas, who she has feelings for, are chosen to compete in the testing. 

The testing was designed for the most intelligent high school graduates to decide who would be the next leaders of their Country, The United Commonwealth. Her father’s advice and past experiences suggest that the testing is not all what the government says it is. Cia must complete four tests and score high to beat the other competitors and get through or there is a penalty. All testers who make it through the four rounds are automatically excepted into the only college in the United Commonwealth. Those who do not make it through are punished. 

Read the book to find out what happens to Thomas and Cia in The Testing.

Reviewed by Bella ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 830

Matched by Ally Condie

In the society, you don't have a choice. The officials decide who you love, what you do, where you work, and when you die. Cassia gets Matched with her best friend, Xander, which is an event that does not occur very often. When she opens Xander's micro card, she doesn't see his face. She knows this person, and might now love him more than she did before. 

Will Cassia live her life lying to Xander, or will she go out and find this person? I recommend this book to people who like adventure, drama, and mystery. This book was filled with so many great literary terms. The author explained it so well that you could imagine the events happening. It as well shows us that it's not always easy to make choices, especially if they are life changing. This book was hard to put down.

Reviewed by Ciadany ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 680

Ungifted by Gordon Korman

Ungifted by Gordon Korman is about Donovan Curtis in 8th grade. He goes to your typical trashy middle school, Hardcastle. Donovan has quite a reputation, and it isn't a good one. He's known as a huge troublemaker along with his two friends, Daniel Sanderson and Daniel Nussbaum. 

One day, Donovan gets into detention on the day of a huge basketball game takes place, when the principal leaves Donovan unattended the Daniels break Donovan out of detention. Donovan comes upon the bronze statue of Atlas, and he randomly bangs it with a stick. When he does the statue breaks down and rolls down the hill it was placed upon and it rams into the gym. This destroys the gym which gets the superintendent involved. 

The superintendent writes down his name, to remember it, but there's a mixup. Instead of getting the punishment of his life, he gets into the Academy of Scholastic Distinction. At the Academy, Donovan meets many cool people. He meets a genius known as Noah, a try-hard named Abigail, a kind girl called Chloe, a gentle teacher nicknamed Mr.Oz and many more students. He stays here to hide from the superintendent's wrath, and wait until everything dials down. 

Read how Donovan and his friends help the Academy and how his consequences catch up with his actions.

Reviewed by Sarah ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 730

Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz

Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz is about a boy named Yanek Gruener. Yanek is a 10 year old Jewish boy who lives with his family in the 1930s in Poland. He lives in Krakow in an apartment flat during World War 2. It's a common topic, but no one believes the War will affect them seriously. 

One day Nazis invade Krakow, and change everyday life. It's not too bad, but still bad. Jews become isolated with a wall separated from the Poles. About 2 years later, Yanek's parents disappear and had probably gotten killed/executed by the Nazis. The Nazis later take Yanek to a concentration camp near Krakow, Plazow. At Plazow there is a ruthless Nazi called Amon Goeth, who randomly kills Jews for sport. 

Read this story to see how Yanek survives through 10 concentration camps in 6 years.

Reviewed by Sarah ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 760

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riodan (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard - Book 1)

Magnus Chase is a 16 year old boy who was made homeless at a young age after his apartment blew up and his mom was killed by wolves. He has been living on the streets of Boston with his other friends Blitz and Hearth who are a bit strange. When he learns that his uncle and cousin Annabeth are looking for him he goes on high alert. When he tries to loot his uncle's house he is confronted by him. His uncle is rambling about the gods of Asgard and Magnus's fate. 

[SPOILER ALERT!] 

He curiously goes with his uncle but when driving with him they are stopped by a fire giant who is terrorizing civilians. Magnus gets his sword he summoned from a river and fights the giant cutting off his nose in the process. He temporarily banishes the giant to another world but something bizarre happens to Magnus and finds out who his friends really are, and what is happening in the nine worlds.

Reviewed by Ryan ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 630

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancy

In the book The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey, Cassie, Ben, Teacup, Ringer, and Pound Cake. Have a goal to try to stop the aliens. The aliens have many plans to stop them like sending assassins and even CHILD BOMBS!!! As the group of kids try to get away they have various plans to stop the aliens and stay safe. In my opinion this is an amazing book and will keep you at the edge of your seat. SO go to your local libary and check out the Infinite Sea. But remember read book one, The 5th Wave first.

Reviewed by Evan ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 640

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau (Series, Book 1)

This book takes place in the future, in a world where a terrible war destroyed most of the planet. The government, called the United Commonwealth, plans to turn the earth into what it used to be. But they need help to do that. The United Commonwealth needs strong, fearless leaders who will lead the project well. But how are the leaders selected? They have to pass the Testing. The Testing is a dangerous, difficult process where candidates have to prove they are worthy to move on to the next phase. When only 20 people are left, those people will attend the University and receive a better education and have a chance to be a leader of the United Commonwealth in the future. 

To be selected to participate in the Testing, you have to be really smart and most likely do well in school. But once you're chosen, you have to participate or you will be killed. Cia Vale has dreamed to be chosen for the Testing. After she graduates school, she is thrilled to discover that she has been selected. However, her dad, who passed the Testing and attended the University, gives Cia advice that Cia didn't know would matter. Her dad told Cia to trust nobody. Cia's father doesn't remember anything about the Testing because once you pass, your memories are wiped, but he sort of remembers that the Testing was very dangerous. When Cia gets to the Testing Center, she soon finds that that was absolutely true. Dangers and even death are appearing in every situation. 

Can Cia pass the tests? Will she make it out alive? Read the book to find out. I really enjoyed this book. It was super exciting and suspenseful, and I couldn't put it down. If you like science fiction stories, you will love this book. Also, if you like books that are exciting and full of action, I recommend you read this one. I loved it, and I hope you will, too.

Reviewed by Megan ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 830

The Siege of Mackindaw by John Flanagan (Ranger's Apprentice - Book 6)

Hello! Welcome back to another review. Today I am reviewing Ranger's Apprentice Book 6 :: The Siege of Mackindaw by John Flanagan. Please read my reviews for books 1 thru 5 so this can make more sense. 

Read my reviews of book 1; book 2; book 3; book 4; and book 5

We all start with Will and John Buttle. John Buttle escapes from captivity from the Skandians. Will is disappointed and asks his friends to help him with Castle Mackindaw. They agree and so they set out. Meanwhile, Horace starts to arrive at Castle Mackindaw after he is sent to help. He meets John Buttle there who is now working for Sir Keren. Buttle gives Horace a job but Horace luckily declines. Horace finally meets up with Will and they have some coffee and check up on the recent happenings. Then Will introduces Horace to Malcolm (the so-called sorcerer) in Grimsdell Woods. 

Alyss is still imprisoned though and manages to send special messages to Will using a special code system only known by Couriers and Ranger Corps members. Will tells Malcolm about Sir Keren secret stone that hypothesis people to tell nothing but the truth. Alyss is able to get a stone from Malcolm and when she touches it and imagines Will (I don't know why), she can reverse the powers. She finds out the Scotti and Picta (two fiefs that are not good) have joined with Sir Keren and that they will be coming soon. 

So I'll leave it there.... Will Alyss ever be free? Will they stop the Scotti and Picta from ruining Mackindaw? Read the book find out more. Thanks for reading this review and I hope you consider reading the series.

Reviewed by Conrad ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 860

Unremembered by Jessica Brody

During the course of this year, I read a book called Unremembered by Jessica Brody. In the beginning of the story, a girl, supposedly named Violet had been found drifting in the Pacific Ocean, where a plane had crashed. When she was found, she was taken to the hospital right away. Everybody thought that she’d been on that plane. But how come she had been the only survivor, with no injuries whatsoever, except that she had lost all her memory and now has amnesia. Violet doesn’t know her name, so everybody calls her “Violet”, because she has purple eyes. 

She also doesn’t know her age, but she was tested and the doctors have proved that she is a 16 year old teenage girl. She doesn’t know who her family is, doesn’t know where she’s from, and she practically doesn’t know anything about the world or herself, but she can speak all sorts of languages, knows how to solve really complicated math problems, and runs faster than… anything! 

While she was in the hospital, the doctors were trying to find out who her family was, but nobody claimed that they knew her. One of the nurses told Violet that some families came in and out saying that they knew her, but when they were interviewed they knew nothing about the LOCKET. So after a while she was sent to live with a foster family, Heather (mom), Scott (dad), and Cody (brother). Something strange that kept happening was that Violet kept seeing this unknown boy who claimed to know her. He started to tell her a lot of things that explained most of the things Violet was questioning. He told her things about the locket, Violet's real name, and he also said that they were in love. 

READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! To conclude, I thought that this book was AMAZING. It was great. I loved the entire series! (Unremembered, Unforgotten, and Unchanged). I would totally recommend this book to anybody who likes a little bit of science fiction, mystery, and romance. Overall, I thought that this book was great and that anybody would enjoy it!

Reviewed by Erica ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 610

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

In the novel Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline, we meet the main characters Molly and Vivian. They are both orphans at the time, but many years apart. Molly is in high school and Vivian is 91 years old. Vivian tells her story as an orphan, while Molly helps clean her attic. You learn the hard times they both go through, and how similar it is being an orphan in 1920's to now. When you finish reading this book you feel that it is complete. Like you have no questions. Like everything ended the way it should have. 

I recommend this book to everyone, but there are some parts of the book that are a little intense so some people might not like it.

Reviewed by Alyssa - 7th Grade

Lexile 890

Matched by Ally Condie

In a society, officials decide. Who you love, where you work, when you die. The main character is Cassia. At her matched ceremony, she is matched with Xander. When she looks in his micro card, his face disappears and someone else she knows and slightly loves pops up. Can she face that she has been matched and the decision has been made? Read to find out! 

I recommend this wonderful book to those who like mysteries and drama. This book is heartwarming and is very sad by the events that occur. Personally, I couldn't put this book down because the author uses great words and I can imagine the events happening.

Reviewed by Bhumi - 6th Grade

Lexile 680

The Fill-in Boyfriend by Kasie West

When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend dumps her at prom, she is forced to find a fill-in one because her friend/enemy thinks Bradley is fake. He is real... though he is not hers anymore. She finds a cute boy though he won't tell her his name. Gia is madly head over heels in love with him. Will she be able to tell him the truth or will he always remain the mysterious fill-in Bradley?

Reviewed by Bhumi - 6th Grade

Lexile 550

The Sorcerer of The North by John Flanagan (Ranger's Apprentice - Book 5)

Welcome back! Today I'll be reviewing Ranger's Apprentice Book 5: The Sorcerer of The North. Instead of leaving right off of Book 4, we are starting when Will is finally a full fledged Ranger with his Silver Oakleaf. He is assigned a mission in Seacliff Fief. QUICK CHECK UP: A FIEF IS KINDA LIKE A COUNTRY OR A STATE PLEASE READ THE BOOKS AND/OR MAPS FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THAT.

Read my reviews of book 1; book 2; book 3; and book 4

During Will's amazing travel, he meets a bloody dog on the side of the road. He takes her in and stitches her up. He puts her on the back of Tug (Will's horse). Once Will makes it to the land of Seacliff he is greeted with odd glances and voices. A few weeks after Will first moved into Seacliff he started to notice the lack of training and responsibility in the fief. He meets up with Alyss (Will's life long and friend. She is also a courier), and they discuss the mission Will was assigned. They later find a man named John Buttle (who is the one who injured the dog) and overhears their conversation. Will (with his awesome Ranger senses) finds out of John's presence and knocks him out.

Later after that Will travels to the Ranger's Gathering Grounds (a camp where all the rangers meet). Here he meets up with Halt (his former mentor) and Crowley (the Ranger Corps leader). They tell him to go under disguise as a jongleur (a guy that goes around towns playing music). This way Will can gather information about Norgate Fief. Lord Syron in Castle Macindaw (the castle of Norgate) has fallen very ill and people have blamed a mysterious "sorcerer". He meets up with Orman(Lord Syron's son and temporary ruler) who finds out Will is a ranger. He tells him that the "sorcerer" in Grimsdell Woods is to blame. So Will heads out with Orman's assistant, Xander, to Grimsdell Woods. Alyss is also there (disguised as Lady Gwendolyn) and stays around the castle. Then suddenly John Buttle walks in (remember him?) and finds Alyss. So he captures her and takes her to Keren (a guy who is planning to rule Castle Macindaw. He is also to blame for the poisoning of Lord Syron). Keren hypnotises Alyss to take all the secrets out of her, and after a 2nd attempt, it worked. Now with Will gone in Grimsdell Woods, and Alyss captured.

This leaves us to the rest of Book 5 and the setup for Book 6:The Siege of Macindaw. Thanks for reading this review and be sure to check out the series and my other reviews to understand this series better.

Reviewed by Conrad ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 850