Unwholly by Neal Shusterman

In the book Unwholly, Connor, Lev, and Risa move on from their adventure in the book Unwind. Along the way we meet Roland, Cam, and some minor characters. Connor leads the graveyard (An Area in the desert from Unwind.) Meanwhile Risa runs into the rewound Cam, Roland starts the stork club with exotic goals, and Lev meets a group of people that worship him.

Reviewed by Ben ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 860

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This book is about a girl named Katniss Everdeen. She spends most of her days out hunting in the woods for food for her family. She is very good with a bow and she pretty much never misses. Every year the capitol holds an annual hunger games in which one boy and one girl is chosen from each of twelve districts to fight in the hunger games.

In the hunger games all of the tributes have to fight to the death while also scavenging food and finding shelter. A boy named Peeta is the boy tribute from Katniss' district. Peeta has always liked Katniss but never wanted to tell her. There are twenty-four tributes in the hunger games but only one gets to leave alive. 

If you want to find out more then you will have to read the book. I personally loved this book and I recommend it to anybody who likes the Divergent series. I also recommend it to anyone who likes action packed books. At times this book can be slow but there are some very action packed sections.

Reviewed by Nicholas ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 810

The Accidental Genius of Weasel High by Rick Detorie

Larkin may have a weird life but he still has his "buddies." His annoying sister Kelly always has to make things more difficult for Larkin! But things take a turn when Larkin finds out his "girlfriend" likes someone that is not him. 

I thought that this book was very unique it's not like other books that have enormous turns in the story. It's simple and a really quick read! I would recommend this book! It's very simple for students to read. This book seems big and too hard but once you read it, you wish there was a second book.

Reviewed by Sandra ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 850

The Accidental Genius of Weasel High by Rick Detorie

The book The Accidental Genius of Weasel High is about a boy named Larkin who is having a lot of trouble being in high school. He thought that he had a girlfriend, but it turns out that she is his enemy Dalton's girlfriend. At home he has to deal with a sister that may turn your house upside down. None of these things are going to stop him from achieving his goals of becoming a movie producer. 

If I say anything else it may spoil the book. The genre of the book is realistic fiction. I would recommend this book to someone that likes funny books and likes the genre realistic fiction. I would give this book a 5.5 out of 10.

Reviewed by Sonal ~ 6th Grade

Lexile  850

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

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

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

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

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

So B. It by Sarah Weeks

So B. It is a wonderful book. The main character's name is Heidi and her mothers name So B. It. Heidi have a really good neighbor named Bernadette who takes care of Heidi and her mentally disable mom. Heidi wants to find more about her mom. Will she go on a long adventure or will she just stick to knowing what she knows.

Reviewed by Ava - 6th Grade

Lexile 860

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Heidi does not know who her father, and when is her birthday. In the apartment she finds a picture of a red sweater and she reads the hotel. She finds out the hotel in in New York and and goes looking for her biological mother.

Reviewed by Aaliyah - 6th Grade

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Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

Maniac Magee is a great book, I really enjoyed this book because there was a point to the story that built it all together. Also how this story was told and how the way its told makes it sound so realistic as if you were there. Its about this boy who has a very difficult life and he lives around the time were people were racist which made his choices much difficult , overall its a great story.

Reviewed by Dayanara - 6th Grade

Lexile 820

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The book Maniac Magee is about a boy named Jeffrey who lost both his parents. Jeffrey lived with his uncle and aunt they were not allowed to get divorced in their religion. They acted like they were and had two of everything and Jeffery got so mad one day about that so he ran away and never came back. Jeffrey's journey was a very long journey and he had fought through a lot in the journey, learned a lot.

Reviewed by Zil - 6th Grade

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Maniac Magee is living a normal life in a normal house until bad luck comes his way. His parents are dead, and he is now forced to live with his Aunt Dot and Uncle Dot. They are both are strict Catholics and hate each other but can not get a divorce. After a while this drives maniac insane and he runs away to live on his own. Join Magee on a wild and crazy adventure to survive on his own.

Reviewed by James - 6th Grade

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Manic Magee is a great story about young boy how runs away due his uncle and aunt.He does not understand what is gong on around him during the civil right act.He lives in the streets but gets expected in a home.

Reviewed by Jovana -6th Grade

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Maniac Magee is a boy. His name already tells who a little about him. He is a maniac. When he is dared to do something there is no turning back. Where he lives there are two streets there is East End and West End. He lived on west end. If you lived on East End you were dark skin if you lived on West End you were light skin. Maniac doesn't understand why blacks and white don't like each other

Reviewed by Michael - 6th Grade

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The book is intense and fun.

Reviewed by Flynn - 6th Grade

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Floors by Patrick Carman

Floors is a book about a boy named Leo who has to save a hotel called the Whippet Hotel with his friend Remi. He has to find four boxes that a mysterious man left him, and notes left by that same man giving directions on where to get the next box and on the last box, how to save the hotel that Leo has worked at with his dad for so long. 

I thought this book was pretty funny and it was entertaining to read. I recommend this book for people who like talkative robots, far from normal hotels, and/or weird plots. Those of you who like that kind of stuff, this book is definitely for you.

Reviewed by Leslie ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 870

The Hunger Games (book 1) by Suzanne Collins

One day there is a girl who was elected to be in the hunger games. There is one boy that likes this girl. He will do anything to be with here. If you want to now more read. It is really good to read. I would recommend this to my friends and family. I really like this book because it is a mystery and so you can go in to cliff hanger when you are reading.

Reviewed by Max ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 810

The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan (Ranger's Apprentice, book 2)

Warning: Please read book 1 before reading this one. I did a review on book 1 [click HERE for review] so be sure to see that. But I do recommend reading book 1 unless you like spoilers. 

Here we are book 2, we learned about the intense boar fight, Will and Horace making up there differences, and an ending that leads you reading book 2. Anyway we find out that the evil ex-baron Lord Morograth is up to something nasty. But we don't know what, so let's revisit our old friends Halt, Will, Horace, and Alyss. But this time we got some newcomers with Halt is Halt's former apprentice Gilan. The Ranger that is a master and bows and swords. We also later meet Evanlyn a babysitter that escaped something. Halt has to leave Gilan in charge with Horace and Will. But then Gilan leaves too to do something else. 

Horace and Will begin exploring as they try to find out what's wrong. This is also the time they meet Evanlyn. But we have a problem apparently Evanlyn was Princess Cassandra's (King Duncan's Daughter) babysitter. More on that if you read the book, anyway we are back with Will, Horace, Evanlyn. They find out a little more about what's been going on. This is the time you should flip to the map located either at the beginning or the end of the book (if you have it). Ok so The Mountains of Rain and Night is where Morograth is located. But what is next to that, It's Celtica and Southern Araluen. This is also where people have been disappearing. So Will, Horace, and Evanlyn go to The Mountains and find out something horrendous. Now you have to read the book there we'll find out what happened to Princess Cassandra (if she's not dead) followed by the horrendous thing Evanlyn, Will, and Horace discover. Then there is another part leading to the ending. So yeah enjoy reading the book.

Reviewed by Conrad ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 870

So B. It by Sarah Weeks

So B. It was an interesting book because a lot of people can connect to. The main character name was Heidi and Heidi doesn't have a mom that is well as in healthy. One rainy day her mom and her were found in a hallway by someone called Bernadette and then as time pass when she took them in they lived next door and Bernadette became like her aunt of some sort. Then when Heidi finds tapes of pictures and she goes around a town to find maybe her other family.

Reviewed by Giana ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 860

The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

This book is about a girl that runs away on her wedding day. Her name is Lia, and she runs away with her friend Pauline. She makes it to a village, were she meets Pauline's aunt, Berdi. They also meet some other people. Later on, two boys come into the Inn, and their names are, Kaden, the assassin who needs to kill Lia, and Rafe, the man Lia was supposed to marry. Lia falls in love with Rafe and Kaden, but then Kaden kidnaps Lia, and takes her away as his prisoner. 

I thought that this book was a very good book. It balanced romance, violence, and action. I would recommend this book to others, because it is very interesting, and it has a lot of suspense. Read the book to find out if Lia makes it out alive.

Reviewed by Anja ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 830

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter is a boy who was told that he was a wizard. When he was a little baby his parents were killed by a very evil wizard. He lived with his aunt and uncle. His room was very small because he slept in a tiny closet under the stairs. All of a sudden letters come in threw windows and doors and everywhere. He was invited to a place he had never dreamed of. He went to a school called Hogwarts. He met two friends. Hermione Granger and Ron Weasly. They stuck together and explored the school. They do many things like hatch a dragon egg, ride a broom stick for the first time and even befriend a giant. He finds not only friends, aerial sports and magic everywhere but a destiny that's been waiting for him. Only if Harry survives an encounter.

Reviewed by Zuzanna ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 880

Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson

Forge is the sequel to "Chains". The author gives you the other main characters point of view. Again she does not disappoint the reader. I learned so much about a soldier's and a slave's life during this time period.

Reviewed by Mrs. Larson

Lexile 820

I Am Number Four (book 1) by Pittacus Lore

I Am Number Four is an a amazing book where Four or John Smith is a alien from the planet Lorien. Nine of them came and three are dead. John and his guardian Henri hide from there enemy the Mogadorians that are trying to kill them.  John is in the process of developing his powers for example he can use his hands as flashlights or is fire/heat resistant. I would rate this book 9 out of 10. This is the first book of the series, Lorien Legacies and I look forward to reading the rest of the books.

Reviewed by Brendon ~ 8th Grade

Lexile 800