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Book Reviews

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The LIghtning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, book 1) by Rick Riordan

Hello there everyone! It's Randy the book report kid. I'm here to write a book review on a favorite of mine, The famous trilogy of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." I will add books 2 & 3 later.

Book One: Percy Jackson is a middle school flunker, and having ADD and Dyslexia doesn't help. He has been kicked out of all the public schools available. Little does he know, his real father is the sea god Poseidon. His mother and his friend Grover the Satyr (goat man) will bring him to a camp for half bloods, cleverly named Camp Half Blood. He goes on a quest as a dangerous child of one of the big three, Zeus, Poseidon and Hades. He must clear his mortal and godly name as the main suspect in the Heist of Zeus' thunderbolt. Will he survive? All the myths of the past come to life in the 21st century version of Rick Riordan's tale, The Lightning Thief.

Full Tilt by Neal Shusterman

I thought "Full Tilt" was an action-filled book.  It was exciting when Blake entered a new (amusement park) ride and how he figured out what they meant to him, and how he escaped. Karen A, age 15

Silent to the Bone by E. L. Konigsberg

This book was fantastic and I couldn't put it down.  These two boys, Connor and Branwell, are best friends. Suddenly Branwell stops talking, after he is accused by the "au pair" (nanny) that he dropped his baby sister. Connor knows he didn't do it, from something Branwell said to him, but will anyone else believe him? Stephanie D, age 17

Tightrope by Gillian Cross

This mystery book is suspenseful and interesting. A girl named Ashley has always been a good girl, but when she tells her thrilling secret to a friend, the word spreads.  Now she has a stalker and doesn't know what to do. Erin C, age 17

Dancing Naked by Shelley Hrdlitschka

A girl named Kia gets pregnant and is faced with a life-changing decision. After she chooses to have the baby, more painful choices await. This heartwarming novel brought tears to my eyes. Erin C, age 17

Framed (Luke Harding, Forensic Investigator series) by Malcolm Rose

It was a good book for people who like mystery stories, because Luke thought he had it, but he was wrong. He was in a race against time when he found out who was the murderer for all three killings. Alex B, age 13

Boomsday by Christopher Buckley

This book is basically a political comedy that brings up the issue of fixing Social Security, and comes up with a really weird solution. A good book, but not for all audiences. It does have some more mature content but not much. Overall good book and really funny. 4 stars out of 5. Cody A, age 15

The Vanishings (Left Behind: The Kids series) by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

Four kids find out that a lot of people are disappearing. They figure out that they have been left behind after the rapture. This book kept my eyes open and is very exciting. Kimmy E, age 12

Night by Elie Wiesel

This book is written by a man who survived the Holocaust. He goes back in time and writes from his point of view at that time. I liked it a lot because it taught me more, but it wasn't boring! And it was very interesting. Elie Wiesel is a great author, and I recommend this book to anyone, probably 7th grade and above. Emily C, age 14

Animal Farm by George Orwell

This book is about a farm where the animals hate humans, especially their "master." This book is about their plan to overpower people and live in a world where the animals make the rules. It was pretty good and easy to read. The characters are interesting. Erin C, age 17

DNAngel #3 by Yukiru Sugisaki [graphic novel-manga]

This is a good book about daisuke who transforms into a legendary thief called Dark, when he thinks about the girl he likes. Now it's St. White's Day and Dark is planning on stealing the Moon Mask. Miranda W, age 14

After by Francine Prose

The book is about what happens at a high school when another one gets shot up. But people start dying. I loved it. Seth, age 13

A Hole In the World by Sid Hite

Paul Shackleford gets sent to a relative's farm for lying.  He learns of family love and care. Karen A, age 15

The Pearl by John Steinbeck

It started when a family's baby got stung by a snake and then the man in the family, who lives in a poor village, found a pearl which made him think bad thoughts. Then he did bad things.  Rachel R, age 12

Kino finds a pearl and it has evil in it. He goes to the capital to sell it, but on his way something else happens.  I disliked this book because it barely had any dialogue in it. Joey C, age 12  [challenge to other readers: if you've read this book and you like it, give us YOUR review!]

Prom Crashers by Erin Downing

Four friends decide to crash a few proms while looking for a cute guy one of them wants to see again. Megan H, age 15

On the Head of a Pin by Mary Beth Miller

This is about 3 boys who accidentally kill a girl.  The story shows how they go through the book, how they feel. I liked how at the end they do the right thing, it's sad that some people are so set on being dishonest that they would have to kill them to tell the truth. Kaitlin Z, age 16

What Would Joey Do?by Jack Gantos

Imagine having two parents who were crazy. Your dad wants to win your mom back but she doesn't want him. Your grandma is about to die but won't until you make a friend. The only other person you know your age is a mean blind girl. This is exactly Joey's life. This book is very good and a cliffhanger. I recommend this book to anyone who reads. Mesha B., age 14

The Sword That Cut The Burning Grass: a Samurai Mystery by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler

About a boy who did believe and a man who is still a child. Shijia, age 15

The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn: a Samurai Mystery by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler

Great mystery book filled with Japanese facts. Shijia, age 15

Defining Dulcie   by Paul Acampora

This book was about a girl who lost her dad. She thought her mom was running away from life. Dulcie thought her life was so bad until she met a girl. Kaitlin Z, age 16

Lucas by Kevin Brooks

A new boy comes into an area where new people are not liked. Lucas meets this girl, and as the book goes on their relationship grows.  This was an amazing book! It made me cry. Kaitlin Z., age 16

Star Wars Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover

The story starts off with a dramatic space battle, has the death of two evils, the rise of two evils, and the birth of two heroes! Clay B., age 13

Star Wars Infinities: A New Hope (graphic novel)

This book series is interesting because the author makes a small change in the (original) story and sets off a different chain of events. Clay B., age 13

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen

Fun little mystery solved through the eyes of a seventh grader. Shijia, age 15

The Stones Are Hatching by Geraldine McCaughrean

Not sure what happens in the book. It's just plain weird!! Shijia, age 15

Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

This book is about a man named Santiago Nasar, whose death is foretold. He slept with Angela Vicario, who is marrying Bayardo San Roman. When he and Angela's twin brothers find out what has happened they set out to kill Santiago.  The story tells what everyone does and how the people change. I really liked reading this book. It was very interesting and easy to read. Erin C., age 16

The Waterless Sea (Chanters of Tremaris, book 2) by Kate Constable

The book is full of conflicts, both internal and external. From crossing the "waterless sea" (the desert) to saying no to the ones they love. Shijia, age 15

Orange Trees of Versailles by Annie Pietri

Fun little book about a plot to be queen, and how one young servant stopped it all. Shijia, age 15

Mimus by Lilli Thal

This book shows the best of people and the worst of people.  The book is about two kingdoms at war. When peace is finally in sight, Prince Florin and his father were tricked, and the father is locked in the dungeon. Florin is forced to become an apprentice to the court jester. What else can go wrong... Shijia, age 15

The Sphere of Secrets by Catherine Fisher

The book is full of danger and suspense. Shijia, age 15

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

At the beginning of the book, it is about a boy on a farm. To me, that's boring.But then he finds a dragon egg and it hatches for him!  It is a wonderful mix of fantasy and adventure. Be sure to read the sequel, Eldest! Randy H., age 12

Very good book. I loved the magic part of it. Very intriguing. Llwellynn M., age 14

Eldest by Christopher Paolini

Hi Everybody! It's me again, Randy H., and I'm back to review the sequel to Eragon, Eldest. Christopher Paolini has really outdone himself this time.The war between the Varden and Galbatorix's Empire continues as Eragon and Saphira travel to Du Weldenvarden to complete his training with the elves. Things have gone awry at Carvahall since Eragon left and Roran has to make a choice,his life or the safety of the town. There could be something happening between Eragon and Arya while the Varden Move to Surda.There are twists around every corner (even a gift from the dragons of old).

Fabulosity: What It Is and How to Get It by Kimora Lee Simmons

ADULT NONFICTION: 646.7008 S

This book was funny and Kimora talked about real issues. It was very different from what I expected. Anita S., age 14

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

Elsewhere is about a teen who dies and finds herself in a place where you age backwards until you become a baby again.  I loved this book, it was inspiring and extremely detailed and well thought up. Kristen M., age 12  **

Stuart Little by E. B. White

It's the adventure of Stuart Little, the mouse that has a people family. I really liked it. katy C., age 13

The Battle of Mogadishu: Firsthand Accounts from the Men of Task Force Ranger edited by Matt Eversmann and Dan Schilling

Nonfiction: 967.7305 B3363

Two MH-6 Black Hawks go down in Mogadishu, Somalia. SEALS, Rangers, Delta Force, and cadets are sent in to rescue any injured pilots. (True story) Cy S., age 13

Introducing . . . Sasha Abramowitz by Sue Halpern

This book is about a girl with a retarded  brother (he has Tourette's Syndrome) and college professors for parents, and the things she has to do for her brother. I liked how Sasha learned to accept her brother. Laura V., age 12

The Sands of Time by Michael Hoeye

This book is about mice who think cats don't exist. This was a funny book about the mice going on an adventure. Laura V., age 12

Cameras in Narnia: How the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Came to Life by Ian Brodie

This book tells about the making of the movie Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I never knew so much went into the making of a movie! I really enjoyed it, and learned a lot. Emily C., age 12

The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman

This story is about four kids who make a homework machine. It always gets the answers right. And it uses their handwriting. Because of the good grades, the teachers are suspicious...Laura V., age 12

Out of Order by Betty Hicks

This is about a family with divorced and remarried parents, and the problems they have. I liked how it was told from everyone's point of view. Laura V., age 12

Worlds Apart by Lindsay Lee Johnson

This is about a girl who must move when her father is sent to work for a hospital for mental people. She has to deal with the other children's reaction. It made me feel sorry for the girl. Laura V., age 12

Shug by Jenny Han

This is a book about a girl inmiddle school whose mom is a drunk. Everyone in school has a boyfriend but her. This was a good book about the changes of middle school. Laura V., age 12

The Princess and the Pauper by Kate Brian

It was a good book about two girls who look alike and switch places (like The Parent Trap), except one is a princess and the other lives in L.A. Nina T., age 13

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

The sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty.A book of magic in the modern day (1900's) world. Llwellynn M, age 14

The World of BMX by T.P. Partland and Tony Donaldson

It tells you about freestyling, doing different tricks in competitions. It also tells you about street and park riding. Very good if you like BMX. Ken S., age 18

Peer Pressure: How Can I Say No? by Kate Havelin

It's about being who you are, not having to do what others want. Different kinds of peer pressure are put down, and ostracization and guilt games, and how to deal with it. Ken S., age 18

To Cross a Line by Karen Ray

Egen Katz, a 17 year old, is a Jew in Germany who can't have a driver's license for the bicycle delivery job he has. He gets into an accident, and is caught driving without a license. He has to run away to Denmark...but will he reach the territory line? Llwellylnn M., age 14

Sabriel by Garth Nix

It is a tale of a young girl who is forced into a position that she knows nothing about. She has to defend people against the dead while trying to stay alive. It's a thrilling book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Anna B., age 15

Mister Monday (The Keys to the Kingdom series, book 1) by Garth Nix

Arthur Penhaligon gets pulled into a world where magic and stuff's real and he has to free the seven pieces of a will and bring peace to the House. Emily T., age 17

The Davinci Code by Dan Brown

This book is amazing. It's packed with suspense and plenty of action. If you like art history I would recommend this book! Tara E., age 15

T*Witches: Power of Two by H.B. Gilmour. Part of the T*Witches series. The story is about two girls who are very different and live on different sides of the country. They are twins and witches. Both of them are very powerful witches. But there is an evil warlock after them. Miranda W., age 12.

Black Taxi by James Moloney. A girl inherits her grandfather's car and cell phone while he is in prison. She ends up doing favors for older people, struggling between two guys, and figuring out who is threatening her grandfather over the phone. It's action-packed with a love story. Caitlin E., age 15.

Catherine's Heart by Lawanna Blackwell. Book 2 in the "Tales of London" series. This book was really interesting. (18 year old Catherine Rayborn goes off to college in Cambridge in 1880 and falls in love.) I enjoy reading books from history. It had a lot of interesting twists and turns. It was a little bit sad, but I like books like that. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. In fact, I have already recommended the author. Nicole T., age 15.

The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman. I liked the book because it has a good storyline all the way through. There are battles, humorous areas, and mythical creatures like talking polar bears in armor! It is a great story, but if you read it, you'll want to read the second and third in the trilogy (The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass). Zach E., age 13.

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

Harry Potter is an 11 year old wizard, and a legend. When he was just a baby, an evil sorceror Lord Voldemort killed his parents. He was left with only a lightning-bolt-shaped scar on his forehead.  As he enters the magical world for the first time, he is overcome by mystery and adventure, as he battles mean teachers, homework, and Voldemort himself. Angela K, age 12

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Order of the Phoenix I think is the turning point in the books because of everything that happens. I myself think it was the best book so far (probably until the 7th book comes out). She should keep up the good work. Justin G, age 12

The Iron Ring by Lloyd Alexander. I liked it because it is an adventurous fiction story of a king with a dream seeking out if it was real or not. I recommend it to readers who like adventures. Nathaniel E., age 11.

The Princess Bride by S. Morgenstern / William Golden. Do you like fencing, fighting, true love, and revenge? The story has it all. Leah K., age 13 says, "What I liked best was the mood of the book. Its mood was funny and suspenseful at the same time. I also liked how the characters had many adventures which made the story exciting. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense and love stories. I felt satisfied because The Princess Bride had a happy ending."

Princess in the Spotlight by Meg Cabot. What I liked best about this book was that it had no chapters and it was written in diary form. I learned many lessons from reading this book and one was not to jump to conclusions. In the story, Mia, the main character, jumped to many conclusions, and they were all wrong! This book jumps right into the action. I enjoyed this story and I hope you will too.by Marena T., age 11.

Garfield Beefs Up by Jim Davis. Garfield continues to show off his kind of humor by making fun of Jon, teasing Odie, and eating his favorite foods.Tiffany B., age 12 says, "This book was funny (very funny, in fact). Anyone who loves comics will enjoy this book."