Diary of A Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Diary of A Wimpy Kid is about a kid named Greg Heffley. Greg Heffley is one of those kids that gets picked on a lot during the day. One day Greg heffley woke up because his brother Rodrick was yelling at him to wake up. Greg reminded himself it is the first day of school. Greg rushes up and gets changed, he runs down to eat cereal really quick. [Spoiler ALERT] Greg then sees that Rodrick was laughing. Greg now knew that Rodrick was playing a joke on him. Greg fights with his brother a lot. Greg then goes to school. The school is a complete chaos. Greg gets to class and he has to pick his seat. He picks his seat next to Rowley his best friend. The day goes by fast. For the rest of the book check it out at the library. 

I recommend this book to people who like a book about a funny school year. This is in the graphic novel section at the library. This is a graphic novel. The theme of this book is to always make good decisions at the first day of school and throughout the school year. Hope you read and enjoy the book!!!!!

Reviewed by Michael ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 950

I Funny: A Middle Schol Story by James Patterson

The story, ¨I Funny,¨ is about a kid named Jamie who is stuck in a wheelchair and is a comedian. Unfortunately, he is bullied by one of the tougher kids named Stevie Kosgrov, along with his friends. He was adopted by the Smiley family who never smiles or laughs. Later on, they adopted Stevie Kosgrov as well. To get away from the family and Stevie, he goes to his uncle’s diner where he tells jokes to their customers. Jamie’s uncle encourages him to enter a contest where you tell jokes and basically be funny.

Reviewed by Kevin ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 610

Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Trevor decides to try out a Social Studies extra credit assignment. This assignment requires him to change the world in some way. He remembers a riddle that his dad had told him one day and he got an idea. He would do something good for three people and he said that they didn't have to pay him back for what he did, instead they had to pay it forward. What this meant was that the three people that he helped were going to help three other people and those three people would help another three people, and so on. Unfortunately one of his random acts of  kindness turns into a disaster that no one saw coming. Read this book by Catherine Ryan Hyde to enjoy a book with a twist ending. 

Reviewed by Ana ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 610

Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Pay It Forward is about a young boy named Trevor. In his social studies class, his teacher gives out an extra credit assignment to make a plan to change the world. He comes up with the idea to do something nice for three people and then have those three people do something nice to another three people. His plan starts to work out well but then something really bad happens. This has a huge impact on everyone else even more. Pay it Forward is a really good book that keeps you emotional and interested to find out what happens next.

Reviewed by Arisbel ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 610

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

I honestly love this series. The series is well written and a good way to get involved with a book series that will keep you busy reading for a while. This story is about life in what seems like a future reference but could take place in the present day. Families are only allowed two children, a third child would be considered part of the shadow children. A third child that needs to be hidden from the Population Police. As the name suggests they make sure that the population in each house is under control. A child named Luke is part of the shadow children. He's never been able to go outside since they cut down the forest in his backyard. 

[Spoiler ALERT] 

One day he sees a girls face in the window of the Talbot's house, a face he's never seen before, a face he's certain needs to be hidden. He risks a lot going over to the house and meets her. Face with a name now. Her name is Jen. Jen Talbot is a shadow child along with Luke. Jen is a free spirit willing to risk it all and free shadow children. But is she willing to pay the price for freedom?  Read the Shadow Children series to get to go on a suspenseful adventure series written by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

Reviewed by Skyler ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 800

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

A 12 year-old girl named Willow is a genius. She absolutely loves nature and investigating skin diseases. Willow comforts herself by counting by 7s. Her favorite number is 7. Though, when her world comes crashing down, she is so traumatized that counting by 7s no longer comfort her.

Reviewed by Shelby ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 770

The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander

In this story their is a boy name Mac and he helps kids with problems but they have to pay him so he could do the job. Then He tries his best on helping kids with their problems but some of them could finish with mac and his helpers. I like this book because has action and I like how Mac tries different ways to earn money and not loose. I really recommend this book for kids that really love money and some action in the books.

Reviewed by Evyn ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 760

Middle School, Get Me Out of Here by James Patterson

This book is about a kid named Rafe khatchadorian. This is the second book in the series you should read the first book first (middle school the worst years of my life) in order to understand, but he his mom and sister moves in with their grandma in the city and he starts going to a arts school I cant tell much more without being a spoiler. 

Reviewed by Jacob ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 680

Tell Me by Joan Bauer

The book Tell Me is an awesome book! Maybe I'm just saying this because I LOVE Joan. She has an aroma of beautiful spirits and great enthusiasm in her books. She always makes the main characters strong and trustworthy. But in this book she expanded her variety. She made this book a semi- mystery and drama. I think this book is for people who like drama and realistic books. In the book Anna a little actress has been having problems at home. [Spoiler ALERT] Anna’s mother eventually sent Anna to live with her grandma for a while, while she figures out problems with her recently bad tempered father. One day Anna was walking and saw a little girl get kidnapped! It’s up to her to find her and put the evil people who took her in prison. With the help of a horse, 2 dogs, a teenager, a couple middle-schoolers, and 2 people from the Cruddup clan. She can find her and rescue her.

Reviewed by Yinka ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 500

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea

There is a new teacher named Mr.Terupt. He is teaching a new 5th grade class. But also that he would take the blame for what the students have done. (Since because he new). He finds out a lot more about the class during the year. But then on 1 day while the entire class was out side there was trouble.

Reviewed by Patrick ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 560

Empty by Suzzane Weyn

This book is a good book. It introduces the characters and talks about a possible real world problem.

Reviewed by a 7th Grader

Lexile 790

Champion by Marie Lu

I would totally recommend this book to action and adventure lovers. I loved the action and adventure throughout the whole entire book. All of the twists and turns that Day and June go through. Such as almost getting killed a lot and getting captured.

Reviewed by Bradley ~ 7th Grade

Lexile 820

Tangerine by Edward Bloor

This novel has everything.  It has drama, comedy, dysfunction, sports, school life, different perspectives, well pretty much anything.  The main character is just a boy but he seems to be much brighter than all the adults.  There are also suspenseful mysteries interwoven that keep you wondering throughout the book.  Great Read!!! 

Reviewed by Mrs. Larson

Lexile 680

Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

Trial by Fire is a fantasy/sci-fi book written by Josephine Angelini. It came out recently and is the first book of a series/trilogy. This book is set in this time period and follows the main character- Lily Proctor. Lily is the girl with many allergies, sensitive to everything. Her severe allergies keep her from many things, from parties to friends. With her crazy mother that embarrasses her and her sister, Juliet, it’s a hard life. When her best friend becomes her boyfriend and she’s invited to a big party which she decides to go to, things start to turn up. But when she goes to the party and things start going downhill, she finds herself fed up with herself and her life. Remember when people say ‘be careful of what you wish for’? This is why. Lily gets transported to a different dimension where she meets a different version of herself, Lillian. Lillian is a powerful woman in this dimension and has a lot of influences. She is the rule. But she’s sick. Deathly sick. She needs Lily to take her place. Lily in this strange world that is nothing like hers, will have to deal with people that hate her so much they want to kill her, magic, and trying to find her way back to her own world. But after learning why the people despise her, what they fight for, and a new budding love, will she want to go back to her world that she belongs in? Find out in Trials by Fire. I thought that this was different and really interesting while I read it. It hooked me from the beginning and kept me to the end. If there is a sequel (which I think there will be), I’m totally checking it out. This book is a must read. I would for sure recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read and enjoys the fantasy genre. I can tell you now, you won’t be able to put the book down!

Reviewed by Marisa ~ 8th Grade

Lexile 800

Zach's Lie by Roland Smith

Zach’s Lie by Roland Smith is a nail-biter from the opening pages of the book. Zach and his mother and sister are held hostage by unknown men in the middle of the night.  They are threatened to be killed if they breathe one word about it to the police.  Zach’s father got mixed up with a drug cartel and was being held in jail at the time.  The cartel is worried that his father may give up too much information and will interfere with their business. It becomes a whirl-wind of adventure as Zach and his family must change their names, eye color, hair and become totally different people in a brand new place.  But will the cartel be able to track them down?  If you like realistic fiction with some great action, then read to find out!  

Reviewed by Mrs. Miller

Lexile 580

Wonder by R. J. Palacios

Have you ever read a book that taught you a lesson or was just the best book ever? Well this book is more than just good, it’s terrific and extraordinary. I think this is an excellent book for people who just love a heart warming story. Also, this book makes you wonder what is going to happen or what did happen. This book is about a boy named August Pullman. Auggie is the nickname his friends and family call him. Auggie lives with his older sister (Olivia) and Auggie calls her Via, his dog (Daisy), his mom, and his dad. Auggie was born with a syndrome. The best way that Olivia describes it is “Craniofacial Abnormality” face. August never went to school before and now his mom is ready for him to start 5th grade. Both parents are very worried, but ready for all the consequences that will happen. August at first does not want to go to school, but his mom made appointment for them to go see the school. The school principal of Beecher Prep middle school is Mr. Tushman. Mr. Tushman picked three kids at his school to show August around the school and be a buddy for a little while. The three kids Mr. Tushman choose where Charlotte, Jack Will, and Julian. When August and his mom got to the school and went inside, Mr. Tushman greeted them at his office. When the three kids saw August they were frightened a little and they were curious about what had happened to his face. Mr. Tushman told Charlotte, Jack, and Julian to take August on a tour of the whole school. During the tour, Julian was mean to August and Jack was nice. 

[Spoiler ALERT] 

After the tour, August did not want to tell anyone about what Julian said. The school year started a few weeks later a Beecher Prep middle school. August was excited, but scared. His first day of school, he got stared at a lot, but otherwise it was good. August sat next to Jack in every class and they were buddies. At lunch time August was sitting at a table with a girl named Summer. Jack sat at a lunch table with his own friends, but not August. The school year went on and the school kids got used to August’s face and weren't staring that often. Then Halloween came and August loved Halloween very much. The principle let the students dress up in Halloween costumes, but the students had to follow the dress code directions. August told Jack he would dress up as “Boba Fett.” Halloween came, but August just changed into his bleeding scream costume. That custom had a mask and a robe. When he arrived, he over heard Jack and Julian talking. Jack was saying mean stuff about Auggie. Jack and August have not talk since then, but Jack does not have the slightest clue why. Everything was going fine, until Julian was teasing Jack about August. Jack punched Julian and knocked out his baby tooth. This lead to a friend war. After Jack punched Julian more and more gossip was told about Jack. That lead to friends turning their backs and being apart of Julian’s little friend side. At this point Julian and Jack where enemies. Then Jack explained everything to August and they became friends again. Jack began to sit with August and Summer at lunch. There was a field trip and August went. The field trip was to a camp overnight. Somethings didn’t go so well. Once they got home it was August’s graduation. August was happy the year was over he was going to return to Beecher Prep middle school next year. He is also happy he made a lot of friends at school that year.

Reviewed by Julia ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 790

How History is Invented: The Salem Witch Trials by Lori Lee Wilson

This book is about a village named Salem and witchcraft in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1692. The witchcraft there was very convincing people always think that when your crops dried out it was witchcraft or when a somebody murdered a person it was always behind witchcraft. In one famous Greek story a witch named Medea was a young beautiful daughter of a king. According to the myth, Medea helped Jason capture the Golden Fleece. The famous golden wool of a flying ram. Jason and Medea had two son and lived happily for 10 years. Then Jason fell in love with Glauke, the daughter of another king. Jason abandoned Medea to marry Glauke. Medea took revenge by murdering her own two sons with a knife so Jason would have no heirs. This book has a lot of stories about witchcraft and shows how it could have a huge impact on human mind. This book was interesting because it shows how a average person can actually be a killer. If your smart enough you could find out the clues and know the true before it's to late. I  would recommend his book to people who like Science fiction.

Reviewed by Stefan ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 

Who Was Anne Frank? by Anne Abramson

Anne Frank, is one of the most inspiring, most bravest fifteen year old girl that I ever read about! This is a biography on “Who Was Anne Frank”, By Anne Abramson and illustrated by Nancy Harrison. Anne Frank was born on June 12, 1929, in the city of Frankfurt, Germany, where her father’s family had lived for a very long time. Her father was very proud of being German. He expected his children to live in Germany, and their children after them. But that did not happen. The Franks’ lives were turned upside down in seconds. They had to flee from their country. They went into hiding for two years. They lost everything that was dear to them... all because they were Jewish, and a man named Adolf Hitler was in power. Hitler hated Jewish people. All Jewish people. Which led to the holocaust. While Anne’s mom, dad, and sister, were in hiding from Hitler’s soldiers. Anne started to write in her diary that she called “Kitty”. She told kitty everything-all about a boy she liked, books she enjoyed, how her day was. Everything. Kitty was a friend who never argued and always listened. And because of Anne’s diary, we have just a glimpse in the past. Anne Frank’s life was short though. She was only fifteen years old when she died in 1945. If you want to learn more about Anne Frank read the book. In memory of all the children who, like Anne, had their life ended in the war. I enjoyed this book because no matter what people did, Anne Frank always saw the bright side in everyone. In her diary she wrote,“In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” I think the theme is to be brave and to always look on the brighter side. I recommend this book to people who like to learn about history.

Reviewed by Jasmine ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 660

A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer

The book i will be writing about is called A Child Called it, by Dave Pelzer. This book is about a 10 year old boy named Dave Pelzer who was brutally beaten and starved by his mother for a very long time. Ever since Dave was seven his mom made his life miserable. She makes him run to school every day so he wont get a chance to steal food from other kids lunches. Dave always stole food from the cafeteria but one day [Spoiler ALERT] he stole some sausages from the cafeteria and that same day his mother found out he was stealing food so when he came home from school his mother took him to the bathroom and made him throw up what he ate and he did as he was told but her mother went and got a plate picked up some barf and made him eat it and he did, he ate it all. If you want to know more you should read the book. 

The genre of this book is realistic fiction. I really enjoyed this book because the character dave he always gets up no matter how hard his mom hurts him or how long his mom waits to give him food he never gives up. He just picks up again and stays strong. I learned from this book that never give up always keep trying and just keep going no matter how hard things get just keep going. The main characters in this book are dave pelzer, and his mother. I would recommend this book to people who like Realistic fiction books.

Reviewed by Geyli ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 850

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney

The title of the book that I read is called Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney. The Genre of this book is fiction. Greg is in middle school and is a good kid but, nothing ever goes right for him and bad things always happen to him. In this story Greg goes on a miserable adventure. They go on a road trip that gets worse and worse. They got a pig, had problems with seagulls, had issues with another family and had problems at a water park. I enjoyed this book because it is funny and it reminds me of a show called The Middle. Just like this family, nothing ever goes right for the Heck family on The Middle. One time the Hecks tried to go to Disney World but, everything goes wrong. I would recommend this book to people who like to read funny stories and to people who like to read about a road trip going completely wrong.  

Reviewed by Aaron ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 1000

Big Nate In The Zone by Lincoln Peirce

It's about this kid named Nate wright and he goes to P.S. 38 with his friends and then Nate was having horrible luck. Then his friend chad gives him a lucky foot and that lucky foot change a lot of things like people gave him more respect and tryed to be like him.

Reviewed by Anthony ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 470

The Girl Who Was Supposed To Die by April Henry

The Girl Who Was Supposed To Die by April Henry is a fictional book. The book is about a girl who goes into a fugue state (amnesia caused by a horrendous experience) after being told that they killed her brother. [Spoiler Alert] They meaning the man in oxblood shoes, a man in brown boots, and the one person you would never expect, her supposed Aunt Elizabeth. The girl’s name is Cady. Cady is helped by a boy named Tyler or Ty. They are tracked by a cell phone Cady stole from the man she almost killed. Cady’s family is on the run without her, because by that time it was too late. Her parent’s job has been taken over by people who plan to sell a vaccine after they contaminate the air. All of the conflicts are external conflicts. I recommend this book to people who like to be surprised with every page they turn and people who enjoy horror books and the occasional twist. I also recommend this to people who like books with a happy ending and the occasional reading of how it felt to break the arm of someone you thought you killed. I enjoyed this book because there was action and confusion from the very first page. The book was also very entertaining and kept me wondering what was coming next.

Reviewed by Hailey ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 690

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 by Lauren Tarshis

In the book I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 by Lauren Tarshis a boy named Barry, and Barry's family tries to evacuate before Hurricane Katrina hits their home in New Orleans. But when Barry's little sister gets really sick, they're forced to stay home and wait for the storm to end. It was too late. Overnight the levees break, and now the world is full of destruction the water came into the Tuckers’ home. [SPOILER ALERT] The Tuckers went up into the attic and they stayed there until the dad remembered that there’s an ax that Gramps had put if there is a bad storm. So the dad went to the corner and made a hole with the ax up to the roof. The whole family went up to the roof. They almost had lost Cleo (his sister) because of the wind. Then, they lost Barry because of the wind. He got swept away by the flood waters, and away from his family. Do you think he can survive the storm — alone? The Genre of this book is Historical Fiction. I recommend this book to people who like adventure books and action. I enjoyed the book because it was very entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn’t put the book down.

Reviewed by Adriana ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 590

Infinity Ring: A Mutiny In Time by James Dashner

In the book ¨Infinity Ring: A Mutiny In Time¨ by James Dashner, the main characters Dak, Sera and Rick go on an adventure of a lifetime. Dak and Sera are best friends and Dak’s parents are scientists. One time when Dak’s parents go on a trip, Dak steals the keys to their lab and Sera and he find the Infinity Ring. Dak and Sera learn that it is a time machine.  They are then taken to a secret facility by a secret society called The Historians. There they meet Rick, a kid who can speak 16 languages and works for the Historians. The Historians send Dak, Sera and Rick back in time to fix Breaks from ever happening. Breaks are things that should not have happened in the past. An issue in this book is when a time warden tries to kill Dak, Sera and Rick to stop them from helping Christopher Columbus. The reason I am sharing this book with you is I thought it was a great book with a great plot and some cool twists in the story.  The genre of this book is mystery and it has a lot of action. I think if you like mystery or action books you would just love to read this book.

Reviewed by Gavin ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 800

I SURVIVED The Shark Attack of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis

In the story there was a boy named Chet and he moved into a new house because his mom and dad got a new job in California. Chet made some friends there and so they were really nice to each other they meet everyday in his uncle's work and it was like a tradition to them. But then one day there was a thing in the newspaper that said that there had been a shark attack but no one believed it except for Chet. so one day his friends decided to play a prank on him. He got scared because that day...

Reviewed by Emily ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 610

Fighting Phantoms by M. Zachary Sherman

In the emergency ops Anne Donovan is a army surgeon who saves soldiers lives. Throughout the story she changes her position from a surgeon to a post ops medicine giver. When she was a post op worker she realizes a man she did surgery on and the man loved her. But after that she went on many different missions. But the one i’m going to tell you about is is burger hill behind enemy lines. So after she got off her shift on the top surgeons was about to leave for burger hill and she wanted to go but the other person said no but she didn't give so the other person had to say yes. At burger hill they had to perform major surgery like limb losing and severe injuries. [Spoiler Alert] At burger hill she saw the guy who loved her die.

Reviewed by James ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 790

Slob by Ellen Potter

Twelve-year-old Owen Birnbaum is the fattest kid in school. But he is also a kid who invents cool stuff like a tv that can see the past. But there is a lot of stuff he can't out think like who steals his Oreos or why the bully of the school runs from him. But one thing that hurts him the most is who killed his parents. This book is mainly about Owen and how he is like totally confused about how his sister joined a new club called G.W.A.B (girls who are boys) and suddenly wants to be called Jeremy, or how he is now an orphan that got adopted by the lady that took his emergency call. The genre of this book is it doesn’t matter what people think of you or what they say its what you think of yourself. I recommend this book to everybody because it is a good book and its not long and its a awesome book.

Reviewed by Hadeel ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 740

Runaway by Wendelin Van Draanen

Runaway by Wendelin Van Draanen is fiction. Holly Janquell has no parents and landed in foster care. She is careless with school, because her teachers don’t keep anything to themselves when it comes to her. The teachers - especially Ms. Leone don’t trust Holly. I recommend this book to everyone. I believe the themes are to not take for granted of what we have and that no matter what happens someone will take you under their wing. I recommend Runaway to everyone because, the whole book is formatted as a journal written to Ms. Leone and I felt like I wrote it, everybody will surely feel like they are in her shoes. 

[SPOILER ALERT]

Holly used to have good foster parents until she started misbehaving. Her current foster parents, the Benders lock her in a laundry room. She decides to runaway for the second time (the first time was with her previous foster parent.) She faces the conflict within herself and everything else in order to survive. (Holly VS. Herself) (Holly VS. Society) (Holly VS. Nature) (Holly VS. Character.) Holly decides she is a sea gypsy- not a homeless person. She also comes close to the cops in a school, which she was living in during the summer. Holly finds many shelters and groups, but there always ends up being conflict between them. Her groups and shelters have included a cave, in which she almost ruined her notebook and drowned in. On her road of survival she finds ¨Hog’s¨ things and takes them. She gets into deep trouble with his group. She barely made it away from them, but she did. She builds herself a home in order to keep safe and stay away from the group, which includes a creepy stalker covered in snake tattoos named Martin. Holly almost had to move because Sammy from a soup kitchen Holly goes to followed her to her house with her friends. Which doesn’t matter much because Martin ends up crushing it later. Sammy got Meg and Vera to take Holly under their wing. (Meg and Vera work at a dog grooming place.) (Holly LOVES dogs.) They ended up keeping Holly forever by talking to social services. Meg showed Holly her journal and visa versa. Finally, Meg talked Holly into sending a copy to Ms. Leone.

Reviewed by Hailey ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 740

The One And Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

In the book Ivan the gorilla was sad because this guy he had animals in the mall and Ivan was one of those animals they had a little place to put them in. And Ivan was sad because he is the only gorilla there and he has two friends a elephant and a little wild dog and the wild dog always snuck in through a little crack that was on Ivan's plastic wall. And then one day the guy from the little zoo they had in the mall said that they were going to get a surprise tomorrow and when he said that Ivan was happy that another animal was coming to the mall so then the next day when they see a wood box in the little zoo and then when they open the door they see a little elephant come out. [Spoiler ALERT] In the end of the book 2 people took most of the animals that they had in the mall to take them into a real zoo and Ivan was happy because he would be with other gorillas. And  then one day when they took Ivan and some other animals to the zoo and when they got there they put Ivan with 3 female gorillas. At the end of the book Ivan was really happy that he was finally in a big zoo and he was happy also for his friend the little elephant and he could see her sometimes through his cage.

Reviewed by Miguel ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 570

I Funny: A Middle School Story by James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein

The previous book I just read is called I Funny by James Patterson. The Genre of this book is realistic fiction and comedy. The main character is Jamie. Jamie is a boy in a wheelchair who loves jokes. He’s basically the class clown but less annoying, throughout the book he tells humorous jokes. Jamie has his own view of things, for example, he lives in the place called Long Island near New York City, and he calls the morning joggers zombies because they look lifeless like zombies. He goes to two comedy clubs for this thing called The Worlds Funniest Kid. Jamie won the first competition. I’m going to tell you about the second one because it would give the story away. But this blogger said that the judges picked Jamie in pity because he was a cripple. Obviously this is a lie because Jamie is hilarious, and everyone of his friends thinks so to. And that rumor made Jamie feel really bad because he hates when people treat him different just because he is in a wheelchair. I think people who enjoy a good laugh and like pretty easy reads would enjoy this book.

Reviewed by Cory ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 610

I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011 by Lauren Tarshis

In the book I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011 there was a boy named Ben, and Ben and his family went to go to his Dads home town because before his dad died they were gonna take a trip to Japan. When they got there Ben and his brother Harry and his cat Nia were home alone and a terrible earthquake came. The next day a huge storm came and it was a Tsunami. [Spoiler ALERT] Bens family ran into a car and tried to drive away from the Tsunami, but then the next thing you know Bens family is gone and he is all alone. Will Ben ever find his family again? The genre of the story is Non-Fiction. I recommend this book to anyone who likes action, basically people in grades 4-8th. Lots of people would enjoy this story.

Reviewed by Emily ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 650

I SURVIVED The Attacks of September 11, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis

I read the book I Survived The Attacks of September 11, 2001, the genre is historical fiction. The main character is Lucas who loves to play football. In the story Lucas has to quit football because he has had 3 concussions in the past 2 years, so he went to his uncle who is a fire fighter to convince his parents to let him play football, but then a plane hits one of the towers, so his uncle had left him without an answer. To find out if Lucas keeps playing football, read the book to find out.

Reviewed by Wiktor ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 630

Who Was Bruce Lee? by Jim Gigliotti

This is a Non-Fiction book about the famous Bruce Lee. This book was to show Bruce’s life. Bruce was born in San Francisco in Chinatown on November 27, 1940. He was always a troublemaker as a kid, and fought a lot as a kid. Since his parents could not handle it anymore they sent him to the United States to live with his uncle. Did you know Bruce Lee’s Dad was an opera singer? Even as a kid Bruce loved to be in front of the camera. One day he played Kato in the TV series “The Green Hornet”. He also opened his Kung Fu studio. Bruce was in three movies. When Bruce as making his third movie he was going to direct, star and produce it he had a bad headache. When he took his medication to help get rid of his headache he passed out. When they got to the hospital he was pronounced dead at arrival. He was only 32 years old. I recommend this book to people that like the “Who Was” series.

Reviewed by Alfred ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 890

I Survived: The Great Chicago Fire, 1871 by Lauren Tarshis

I Survived: The Great Chicago Fire, 1871 is about the Great Chicago Fire that happened in 1871. Oscar is the main character of this book and his unique quality is being brave during the book Oscar brought out on how he was brave. I learned that fires are dangerous even when you have the best fire department in the world. This book changed the way I see Chicago, when I go to Chicago it is awesome and I never thought that such an important city can be destroyed now I know that huge cities like Chicago can get destroyed. The genre of this book is Historical Fiction. I enjoyed this book because it was about Chicago and how Chicago was in the old days. I recommend this book to people that like Chicago, History, or disasters that happened on the world.

Reviewed by Constantine ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 730

Diary of The Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney

The book I read is Diary of The Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. This book is fiction. I liked this book because it was funny and it had some adventure in it. The theme of the story is that truth isn't what you think it is. In the book Diary of The Wimpy Kid the issue is that Greg suddenly finds himself dealing with the pressures of boy girl parties, increased responsibilities, and even the awkward changes that come with getting older all without his best friend, Rowley, at his side. I recommend this book to boys and girls who like laughter.

Reviewed by Hugo ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 1000

I Survived: The Great Chicago Fire, 1871 by Lauren Tarsis

This story takes place in Downtown Chicago,were young Oscar moves to Chicago, right when the GREAT FIRE happened. his dad has died in a snow blizzard and all he has left of his father is a badge of when he was a police man, fighting crime. until something happens to it, he needs to find his father's badge in one of the biggest fires in U.S history, will he find it or will he fall from the fire read the book to find out.  this type of book is for people that like the history of great fires, or Chicago history, or people that just want to read a book fast, if you are one of those people you should read this book.

Reviewed by Daniel ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 730

One Handed Catch by M. J. Auch

I read the book One Handed Catch by MJ Auch. The book is about a person named Norman who is eleven years old. He lost his hand in an accident in his family’s meat store. Then after he lost his hand, he wanted to play baseball. Read the book to find out if he makes his school’s team. The theme of the book is to never give up. The genre of the book is fiction. I enjoyed the book because I like sports. I would recommend this book to 6th graders and people who like sports.

Reviewed by David ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 710

Dork Diaries: Tale from a Not-So Graceful Ice Princess by Rachel Renee Russell

This quarter I read “Dork Diaries:Tales from a Not-So Graceful Ice Princess” by Rachel Renee Russell and the genre of this book is realistic fiction because the story can sometimes come to life. The book is about a girl name Nikki who is supposed to ice skate for a charity and there are a lot of problems in between and mostly all the problems are caused by her enemy Mackenzie who is very popular at school and messes around with  Nikki to make her life as miserable as it can get. The theme of this book is to never give up because you can accomplish many things. I recommend this book to girls because it is a girly book and I recommend this book to girls ages 9-13 years of age.

Reviewed by Denise ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 750

I Survived: The Attacks of September 11, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis

In the story there is a boy named Lucus that loved to play football and he got a concussion from football so his parents had to take him to the doctors. The doctor said if he continued to play football he can get serious head injuries in the future. Lucus' uncle was the person that taught Lucus to play football so lucus didn't know if he wanted to play football or not so he went to ask his uncle about  it but while he was there the attacks from 9/11 started. Will lucus be able to ask his uncle about football and will he ever play again?

Reviewed by Genesis ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 630

Eleventh Grade Burns by Heather Brewer

The book I will be writing about is Eleventh Grade Burns by Heather Brewer. The genre is fantasy fiction. I enjoyed this book because the main character Vlad has some really cool powers. For example, Vlad has vampiric strength, he can throw someone to a tree and kill them. He also has vampiric speed, he is super duper fast. The last power that Vlad has is that he can fly. He mostly goes to this place called the belfry. He goes there to be alone and read his fathers journal. The main issue in the story is that Vlad, Henry, and his Uncle Otis have to battle this evil vampire D’Ablo, Henry is best friend and his drudge which is a vampire's slave. His Uncle Otis is…. well is uncle, which is also a vampire. The characters are Vlad, Henry, Otis, Nelly, and D’Ablo, there are other characters but I can’t tell you you’ll have to read it and find out. The one character i didn’t tell you about this one other character, Nelly. She is Vlad's aunt that brings him bags of blood from her job, she is a nurse so she gets donated blood from there. I recommend this book to people that like vampire, gore, and fantasy.

Reviewed by Chase ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 770

Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz

Prisoner B-3087 is about a normal Polish family living in a small town that's in Poland. Then one day in their town a team of Nazi soldiers and tanks and came to their town and held their town occupied under forced Nazi rules during WWII. The main character's name is Yanek and he doesn't posses any unique qualities. In Prisoner B-3087 I didn't really learn anything new in the story. It also didn't change the way I think of WWII. In my opinion people who like WWII would love Prisoner B-3087. Also in my opinion I think this book would be a ten out of ten. The funny part about the book is when Yanek thought he was about to be gassed but instead of gas cold frigid water came out of the old shower head. The sad part in the book was when the people Yanek knew were all taken away or brutally murdered by the Nazi.

Reviewed by Alec ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 760

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

This book follows a girl named Celaena Sardothian who is a slave in the Salt Mines and is also an assassin. One day when she is working she is sent for by her overseer to meet with the prince of the land. He then tells her that if she competes in a competition with 24 other people she will become the King's champion. Then after 4 years she can win her freedom back. 

This book kept me up all night reading and I mean i literally stayed up till around 1 in the morning every night while reading this book. I definitely recommend this but if you don't like gory books don't read it. This book has a lot of action, adventure, mystery, and romance. You should also pick up its sequel "Crown Of Midnight" which is equally as good.

Reviewed by a 6th Grader

Lexile 790

The Hobbit by J. R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit is about a home-loving hobbit then a pack of 13 dwarfs and a wizard come to his house and are asking for a burglar and asking him for an adventure the wizard knows the hobbit well since he visited Shire many times, but now he is asking for his help for the dwarfs so he go’s with the company he goes into many troubles from trolls to goblins, then Bilbo meets a creature called Gollum, the creature riddle him and if he fails the Gollum kills him if he succeeds the creature shows him the way, but then Gollum wanted to answer a riddle Bilbo (the hobbit) accidentally asks “What do I got in my pocket” [SPOILER Alert] Gollum doesn’t answer correctly but Bilbo found out he had a ring then Gollum thinks that Bilbo has his “precious” (ring) and attacks Bilbo runs and runs he is tired but then Bilbo slips and the ring flies into his finger then he disappears he finds out that the ring made him invisible and then Gollum follows the path to escape and without knowing he leads Bilbo out Bilbo escapes from the goblins guarding and Gollum then he finds his friends far and takes of the ring then he reappears and everybody is shocked to see him the most is Gandalf the wizard so Thorin Oakenshield, Kili, Fili, Balin, Dwalin, Oin Gloin, Dori, Nori, Ori, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur (The 13 dwarfs) then they travel through a forest where Beorn a skin changer lives he helps the company he gives them food water and bows then they set out again but to Mirkwood where evil crept with 8 legs as so the company gets caught by a colony of spiders they get weaved to a web but without Gandalf, Bilbo anyways puts on the ring and rescues them but more and more spiders come then the wood-elves appear when the dwarfs are out bilbo still has the ring on as the dwarfs are captured he follows them he goes behind the gates he was in the elven king’s (Thranduil) palace he memorizes where the dwarfs cells are and one day he rescues them with barrels they escape without notice as they go down the stream they enter the long lake so close to Erebor their destination and they go to the lake towns master and say that they need ponies ( usual for dwarf and hobbit)and a boat so he lends them as they enter Erebor they get into the secret door on the side of the mountain (again usual for dwarfs) as they enter they see mountains of gold, silver, and gems they go inside but they have been caught the dragon Smaug was awake and so he attacked them they ran and ran hid so then the dragon was mad he didn’t eat in ages so he decided to go attack lake-town as he left the dwarfs took sword armor so they were ready for the dragon what the dwarfs didn’t know the dragon has been slayed a man named bard shot the dragon with a black arrow from his kin then the dragon fell on lake town and the villagers knew they have lost their town so they moved to Dale with their ally’s support (the wood elves) went to dale right next to the entrance to erebor, ravens came and told them that the people of lake town want gold for their city but the elves had a difference the elven king forgave them for the escape but he demanded white gems but the dwarves said no the a new chapter began a war with Men and elves against dwarves no Dwarfs from the iron hills cam yes but it was a war with Men ,Elves , Dwarfs against Goblins and wargs armies fought once it ended the goblins surrendered and only 10 instead of 13 dwarfs were left Kili, Fili died to save Thorin but Thorin died once they died and then the goblins surrendered and then the hobbit and the dwarfs said goodbye then Bilbo got paid as his award and paid the elven king a necklace for using his food the elven king thanked him and Bilbo returned to shire and became a legend in shire. 

MORE: The Movies are good I watched them First for visuals, Lord of the Rings next series

Reviewed by Eryk ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 1000

I Survived The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 by Lauren Tarshis

The book that I read is called I Survived The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 by Lauren Tarshis. It is historical fiction. I liked this book because it has a mystery with a little of adventure. Also it has a great ending to it (Read the book to find out the ending). Last I liked this book is because it shows to never give up and i think that what the author was trying to say is to never give up on what you do because you have made it so far. I learned to never give up on anything. This book changed the way i think about giving up on something. I recommend this book to people who like mystery and adventure.

Reviewed by Jovanni ~ 6th Grade

Lexile 610