Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

I would recommend this book. It is full of suspence and keeps you on your toes thinking about whats going to happen next. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a great read and wants something to do and think about for a long time. Eleanor & Park is definitely a book that you want to read.

-Isla

Midsummer's Night Mayhem by Rajani Larocca

If you could ask the author/illustrator of this book one question, what would it be, and why?

I would ask the author how she got the idea in the first place for this book. It has quite a complex plot and ties two things together that are most different, baking and Shakespeare's " Midsummer's Night Dream. The Idea is a great one and amazingly executed, if I were to try to write a story on the same topic, it would come out completely different. 

-Isla

The Donut Fix by Jessie Janowitz

One day I was just looking for a book and found the donut fix! Its really interesting! Its about someone who moves away and has to get comfortable in the place and into the place and how he does it is by making donuts. He tells you about his journey and its amazing!

-Edward

One on One by Andrea Montalbano

Describe a part of the book that made you feel something strongly (i.e. something that made you cry, laugh, get really angry, etc.).

One on One is a book that I won at soccer camp. It is part of a series of 3 and Andrea Montalbano (the author) is a very interesting person. She is an Olympic Gold Medalist and a World Cup Champion . She writes about how the main character (Chloe) is faced with some challenges at soccer camp. Bullies, Family, Friends and Coaches. She cleverly learns to be confident and strong. She has never been stronger. (And she plays soccer!) For example, Chloe's enemy (Skyler) is super mean and fouls Chloe and her best friends but, Chloe learns to stand up to her, no matter what. Skyler was super hard to not get angry at!

-Nico

Speak the graphic novel by Laurie Halse Anderson and illustrated by Emily Carroll

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

Spoilers?

I would definitely recommend this book, but I suggest you have to be okay with dark memories (such as rape, in this book), and read the actual book first, because even though the graphic novel is beautifully illustrated and everything, anything written in book form is usually better, in my opinion. It’s a really good book otherwise.

-Amy

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Honestly Neil Gaiman is (probably) my favorite author. Every single book i've read from him i've loved. Whenever i o to the library or just look around my house for a good book to read, his books are always my first pick. This book includes ghosts, murders and a boy named Nobody.

-7th grade

Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper

I was reading the blog page a few days ago and I came across a post by Clara. She wrote about how much she loved this book and I was pulled in to read it. It seemed just like my kind of book. Basically, there is a girl named, Melody. She is unable to walk or talk. Her family and a close family friend are very supportive to her and love her very much. They realize that melody is a smart girl and if she could find a way to express herself she would be a genius. So, they get her a machine which is able to talk for her with a simple click of her finger. She turns out to be an amazing person and has so much to say. Go MELODY! You rock this world. 

-Nico

Making Bombs for Hitler by Marsha Skrypuch

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

Making Bombs for Hitler is hands down my favorite book on the world. It drags so much emotion, love, and depression in to reading. It is set in the time of World War II. Since, I first read this book I have been obsessed with other World War II books and I love almost all of the other World War II books that I read. Making Bombs for Hitler, describes her life without her beloved family members and friends, labor camp work and hardships along with the battle to finding her long lost sister. Lida (the main character is so nice and I wish I could meet her. I would definitly reccomend this book!

-Nico

What else is new?

Everyone have a nice summer! (I am having a blast with soccer and dance camp!)

-Nico

The Hate You Give by: Angie Thomas

Describe a part of the book that made you feel something strongly (i.e. something that made you cry, laugh, get really angry, etc.).

The hate you give is an awesome book. It is one of my favorites from the beginning. Starr (the main character) is faced with many challenges such as her best friends dying along with family, friend, and relationships problems. She has to be brave and push through it. That is why I envy her and am excited to see the movie.

-Nico

Symptoms of Being Human By Jeff Garvin

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin is a thought-provoking book about closeted gender fluid teenager Riley, and their struggle to come out to believe in themselves, and come out. It is a very interesting read that exposes a part of the LGBTQ+ community that doesn’t usually get talked about. All the characters, but Riley in particular, are written very relatably, even though, in actuality, I haven’t ever experienced anything closed to anything Riley has. The whole book was very well written and describes gender fluidity in- what I thought- was very realistic light. Overall, I would recommend the book to anyone who wanted to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community, or was just looking for a good book.

-Koki

The Moon Within by Aida Salazar

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

I would recommend this book to my friend. Why I am recommending this book to my friend is because I like Celi. I liked Celi because in the problems that she had she solved them the best she could. I also liked what happened at the moon ceremony.

-Jyzelle

Love You Like A Sister by Robin Palmer

Describe a part of the book that made you feel something strongly (i.e. something that made you cry, laugh, get really angry, etc.).

Love You Like A Sister is about a girl named Avery. Avery's parents got divorced when she was 2. It had always been just very and her mom until one day Avery's dad emails her telling her that he's engaged and Avery has three soon-to-be stepsisters. Avery's dad and soon-to-be stepmom, Lana, want the girls to work together to find something old, something new, something used, and something blue for the wedding. Avery hopes that the girls will all get along as well as sisters. But not all of the girls are trying to get along with Avery. Avery realizes that getting along with the girls might be harder than she thought.

-Clara

The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse

What would you like to tell us about the book?

I loved The Music of Dolphins. The story is about a girl who is found near an island. The girl's ne name is Mila. Mila has been living with dolphins ever since she was a toddler in a plane crash, at least that's what the government thinks. Because Mila has been living with dolphins almost her whole life, she doesn't know how to talk, how to do things, or what most things are. Mila has to be taught everything. Mila loves her new life with Sandy and Doctor Beck her two helpers, but Mila also misses her home with the dolphins. Mila has to find a way to get the best of both worlds.

-Clara

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

What would you like to tell us about the book?

Out of My Mind is really interesting book. The main character is Melody, a girl who can't walk, talk, or use her hands. Melody has so many things she wants to say. She describes words as snowflakes drifting through her head, and building up into big snowdrifts. I would definitely recommend Out of My Mind to anyone who likes stories about kids who have some sort of disability and to anyone who likes books about kids proving themselves. I think Out of My Mind is a good book for kids 9+ to read.

-Clara

The Selection by Kiera Cass

What would you like to tell us about the book?

The Selection by Kiera Cass is about a girl named America Singer who out 35 was chosen to win Prince Maxon's heart. But she had planed her life with her secret love Aspen. The more time she spends with Maxon the deeper she falls in love with him. Will she stick with what she planed with Aspen or will she drift away to live as a queen? Find out in the book. Also read the rest of the series to find out if she will be queen or not.

-Adiba

Slider by Pete Hautman

If you could rewrite one part of the story, what would you change?

I just feel like the end of the book was a little rushed--I would've loved to see what David has done with his life after the eating contest, and what he has been doing instead of speed-eating during that time to high school (?) to college. And I want to know what happened to Mal! I want to know if he is talking more. And how Cyn and HeyMan are working out.

-Amy

A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

After reading this book, I thought it was a decent book. This book is about a girl named Felicity Pickle and her family. Felicity travels all over the world, always staying at one place for a few days, and then leaving to find a new home. When Felicity comes to the place where her mom grew up in, the Midnight Gulch, she realizes that this place is filled with magic and her ancestors were magical people. But, she hears a rumor about a curse traveling among families. She tries to break this curse and gets help along the way from many people. She thinks she can finally have hope in staying at Midnight Gulch, where she can have a chance to call this place home. This book wasn't a great book because I thought that the main idea wasn't that appealing to me, although some parts of the book were very interesting. So, you could take a chance and read this book if you are looking for something that is involves a magical mystery.

-7th grade

Varjak Paw by S.F. Said

Describe a part of the book that made you feel something strongly (i.e. something that made you cry, laugh, get really angry, etc.).

One part of the book that made me feel strongly was when one cat started crying about another cats disappearance. This was surprising to me because the cat is usually really harsh and it seems that she doesn't care about anyone, but this part in the book tells the reader otherwise.

-Isla

The Nameless City series by Faith E. Hicks

If you could ask the author/illustrator of this book one question, what would it be, and why?

I would ask the author how she got the Idea for the Nameless City series. I would ask her this because I am Always amazed how detailed and how well put together books are, so I like to know how the author gets the idea of such great books, on a topic of which I could and would never think of.

-Isla

My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier

What would you want to see happen to the characters after this book (or the last of the series) ends?

I would want to see what happens to Rosa and Che after they have moved back to Sydney Australia. The author ends with a cliff hanger and I really want to see if Rosa gets better, If Sojourner and Che keep in contact and finally if David comes back.

-Isla

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

What would you like to tell us about the book?


As you can guess by the title, this book has to do with owls. It's about a young boy named Roy Eberhardt who, while getting his faced squashed into the school bus's window, notices a boy wearing no shoes or backpack who was running away from the bus. He follows him and gets lead into a crazy adventure that includes alligators in a bathroom,poisinous snakes with sparkly tails and (the moment you've all been waiting for) burrowing owls!

-7th grade

Falling Up by Shel Silverstein

What would you like to tell us about the book?

For those who know "A Light in the Attic" this is like a sequel. There isn't really a story but it is composed of many different, funny poems that keep you wanting to read them again and again. Tis is actually the third time I read this book!

-7th grade

Watch Us Rise By Ellen Hagan and Renee Watson

If you could rewrite one part of the story, what would you change?

(I'll try not to spoil much)
I would rewrite a theme, where Jasmine gained a new attitude towards life. It didn't really show through the rest of the book besides one chapter where it was more important for her to be confident of herself. I think adding parts or evidence that she had really developed as a person would have made her character stronger, especially concerning what happened to her to want to be more confident in the first place. I think it just would have made the book better as a whole. That said, I really did enjoy this book and the plot and the writing, and pretty much everything about it!! It was a great suggestion, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to sit down with a book full of kids addressing social issues.

-Emilia

Moxie By Jennifer Mathieu

What would you like to tell us about the book?

This might be my favorite book ever, I read it way to much.
Really, I never get tired of this book. This is the hundredth time I've read Moxie most likely, and I am still just as intrigued and pulled in by this book as the first time I read it. This book takes place in Texas, where Viv Carter is fed up with her school and the people in it, because of the sexist comments, rules, and behavior she goes through every day. So she makes some anonymous zines (little newsletters), where she can rant and call people to action against not only the students behavior, but the teachers as well. And it really explodes from there.

Great book, 10/10.

-Emilia

What Else is New?

I am enjoying the start of summer.

-James

What Else is New?

Bored out of my mind :)

-8th grade

Hey, Kiddo By Jarrett Krosoczka

What would you like to tell us about the book?

I read this graphic novel because I had to for school, but I ended up liking it a lot. The subtitle of this book is “How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt With Family Addiction”, to give you a taste of what this book is about. The mood of this book is not very happy, but more somber. The colors used are mostly grey and a dark orange, creating a more serious tone in the drawings as well as the words. It talks about the author’s childhood, growing up with his grandparents instead of his mother, who suffers from drug addiction. I loved this book because of the writing and art that together make an interesting and important story.

-8th grade

Warcross by Marie Lu

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

I would recommend Warcross by Marie Lu because of its sophisticated plot. When I read the book, its unpredictable story line made it hard to put down. In the book the main character, Emika, is engrossed in Warcross, an advanced virtual reality game that takes part in many aspects of her world. Emika only lives with her sister in New York and struggles to make ends meet. Because the police are overwhelmed with the amount of criminals in the city, they put rewards out for capturing certain criminals. Emika is a bounty hunter hoping to be successful and receive enough money to live. As the book continues, Emika begins to find out more about Warcross and her life takes a new turn. Often in the book, I felt I knew what was going on but when the page turned, everything was flipped upside down. If you like mysteries and books with questions about moral values, this is a great book for you. Reading Warcross was a great start to my summer and I hope that many other people will enjoy it too.

-James

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 1&2

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

These books are good for any occasion! These books are about a lot of strong and powerful women and how they made an impact. These books are great for any age and VERY empowering! I totally recommend these books.

-6th grade

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

Would this book make a good movie? Why or why not? If yes, who should play the lead?

if you want to read this book, read the first book 'A Great and Terrible Beauty' first.
This would make a good movie because:
since this book is taking place in around the 80s-90s, the style of clothing would be awesome, and
the magic stuff would be fascinating to make and
the story plot is the best!! The author make you think that at first, but then as the story goes on, you start questioning the whole book and finally it makes sense!

-Amy

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

I would recommend this book to people who like fantasy drama and adventure because in the land of Quill creativity is a crime. Two twins Alex Stowe and Aaron Stowe are going to be chosen to be a Wanted or Unwanted. Alex (an Unwanted) and his friends find out about Artime a world of creativity and meets Mr Today. Alex and his friends had many amazing and dangerous adventure afterward.

-Adiba

Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman

Would this book make a good movie? Why or why not? If yes, who should play the lead?

I don't believe this book would make a good movie because what's special about how the author wrote it was that each chapter was how someone else felt, what they did. For example, if Sae Young was the main character in the first character then the second chapter would have a different main character like Virgil. in the end they all tie up together but it would be too confusing if it was a movie.

-7th grade

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling

What would you like to tell us about the book?

I personally liked the book and i understand why the first three years were barely even mentioned but i would love it if there were a whole new series about Albus( Harry's son ) and Scorpius( Malfoy's son ) instead of just one book. the story itself was intresting and kept me wanting to read more.

-7th grade

Blended by Sharon Draper

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

This book is so good! Basically, a girl named Isabella Badia Thornton has divorced parents. Her dad is African American, and her mom is Caucasian. She stays with her mom then stays with her dad. What is her true identity? Read the book to find out! Some content not suitable for younger children.

-6th grade

A Summer to Die by Lois Lowry

Describe a part of the book that made you feel something strongly (i.e. something that made you cry, laugh, get really angry, etc.).

This book was really good but also really sad. It is about a girl who's sister gets really sick and has to be in hospital. It made me cry because of all the hard emotions both girl's have to go through.

-6th grade

Everday by David Levithan

If you could ask the author/illustrator of this book one question, what would it be, and why?

If I could ask the author of this book - David Levithan - one question, it would be how he came up with the idea of this book. It's about a person named themselves A, and every day, they wake up in a new body. One day, A wakes up and meets a girl, Rhiannon, who A takes to the beach. A wants to stay with her, but can't, so A decides to tell her about how he wakes up every morning in a new body. One day, A wakes up in the body of Nathan, who, when he wakes up the following morning, thinks he was possessed by a demon.

-6th grade

What Else is New?

Lot's of good books have been coming out lately so make sure to check them out at the library or online!

-Hazel

Blended by Sharon Draper

What would you like to tell us about the book?

Blended, by Sharon Draper follows the life of Isabella, an 11 year old girl with extraordinary piano talent, and divorced parents with different skin colors. Isabella's mom is white, and her dad is black. When Isabella switches from her mom's house to her dad's house and vice versa each week, she switches nicknames. backpacks, houses and more. Isabella struggles with being a "mixed kid" and is still figuring out what this means to her when some scary things like an event in school and a life-threatening mistake the police make about Isabella and her new step-brother happen. I recommend this book to middle-school kids who like realistic fiction and lovable characters. It's a good read.

-Hazel

Young Lincoln by Jan Jacobi

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

I really enjoyed the book Young Lincoln by Jan Jacobi. It was very interesting to me to find out about Abraham Lincoln’s life before he became president. For example, I did not know that he did not get along well with his father. I would highly recommend it to other 6th graders.

-6th grade

Tokyo City Trails by Anna Claybourne

What would you like to tell us about the book? 

I really enjoyed the book Tokyo City Trails. It was very interesting to me as I love learning about other cities and places. I am also going to Japan with my family over summer break so I enjoyed learning about some cool things we might do there. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes learning about the world!

-6th grade

What Else is New?

This summer I am planning to write a novel.

-Ella

Louisiana's Way Home by Kate Dicamillo

Would this book make a good movie? Why or why not? If yes, who should play the lead?

This book would make a great movie. Kate Dicamillo includes so many visual elements in this story like a boy with a crow on his shoulder or a walrus like minister. Movies are all visual and sound. Kate Dicamillo also gives each character their own way of talking and that really brings them to life. Louisiana's Way Home would make a great movie and I highly recommend the book.

-Ella

Loot by Jude Watson

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

I loved this book! It was about a son of a world famous thief, who has to finish some of the greatest jewel thefts of all time after his father dies. Along the way he meets some awesome people and finds out a lot about himself that he hadn't known before! Overall I would definitely recommend this book as it has a mixture of adventure and emotion.

-6th grade

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind by William Kamkwamba

What would you like to tell us about the book?


This book is about a young boy named William Kamkwamba who lives in Malawi, a small country in the center of Africa. His family lives off of their animals and crops but this particular year, there is a terrible drought. The whole of Malawi is affected and many die including one of Williams best friends, Kamba, a hunting dog. How will William help his family and make sure they survive.

-7th grade

Waste of Space by Stuart Gibbs

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

This book was a thrilling action book full of many adventures. It is about a boy named Dashiell Gibson who lives on the moon in the Moon Base Alpha with other families. This was supposed to be a fun and exciting place to live, but it's not. Everything turns out to be horrible and people start getting poisoned by a mysterious murderer. I loved Waste of Space which is the 3rd book of an awesome series. I would definitely recommend this book for people who love adventure books and people who enjoy mysteries as well. There are also 2 other books that are part of this series and you should read them as well. Enjoy!

-7th grade

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

I recommend this book to anyone who loves magic and adventure/action, but this is the 7th book of the series so i would read the series in order. Why i recommend it is because it keeps you interested till' the end and it is very difficult to choose a favorite character.

-7th grade

Avatar The Last Airbender North And South Part Three by Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino

If you could rewrite one part of the story, what would you change?

I would change the "romantic" part of the book because Katara and the Avatar keeps kissing, and feeding each other.

-Ashley

52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody

What would you like to tell us about the book?


Lexington (Lexi, Lex, etc.) is a daughter of a multibillionaire. when she turns 18, she gets about 25 millions dollars. 4 days before her 18th birthday however, she crashes her car into a convince store and has to do 52 low-wage jobs for every week of the year. its a heartwarming story and I strongly recommend it

-Amy

The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

Describe a part of the book that made you feel something strongly (i.e. something that made you cry, laugh, get really angry, etc.).

I know this is a reality for many children in India. And that makes me angry. Children should be in a home, where they don't have to worry about food, money, and work. If the children felt unsafe so that they ran away from their homes to find a better life themselves, the adults aren't really doing anything.

-Amy

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

What books would you recommend to the main character of the book and why?

I’d recommend The Prince And The Dressmaker by Jen Wang to Melody the main character because the prince in The Prince And The Dressmaker is transgender, and. The prince, Sebastian, goes through a lot of hard times because he is the only child and his father, the king expects a lot from him, and he feels like he is a secret and goes through hard times, but Melody has a lot of disabilities that makes her life much harder, but she is also really smart! They both goes through a very hard times so I would recommend this book to Melody.

-Ashley

Silent to the Bone by E.L. Konigsburg

What would you like to tell us about the book?

Warning: spoilers may or may not be included. This book makes me mad sometimes because clearly, Branwell did nothing wrong, and it was not his fault that the Nicole (Nikki) went into a coma! The babysitter, (or something in French) should take care of the children, not smoke and bathe—they are getting PAID for that! Just because the babysitter wasn’t paying attention to a 6 months old infant doesn’t mean she’s can blame everything on Bran and put him in a a behavioral center?

-Amy

Firestar's Quest by Erin Hunter

If you could rewrite one part of the story, what would you change?


This will make no sense if you haven’t read this book but I would totally change the part when rats starts to talk to the cats. There’s a reason there’s cats and rats!


I recommend the series though.

-Amy

Almost Home by Joan Bauer

Would this book make a good movie? Why or why not? If yes, who should play the lead?

I think this book will make a good movie because there are lots of ups and downs and you never know what’s going to happen.


-Amy

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

What books would you recommend to the main character of the book and why?

The Bible. The fact that she is attending a Christian School and has not read a bible is just sad. And I bet she’ll learn more then she can ever learn in the realms.

-Amy

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?


I would recommend this book to people who like intense books because it's amazing how Suzy (main character) can change because of someone so close. Suzy Swanson lives with her mom. Because of an accident that occurred during the summer Suzy stopped talking as much. In her silent adventure Suzy learns more and more about jellyfish and is trying to prove that the accident was caused by a jellyfish. She travels across the globe secretly to meet someone who she thinks would answer her question and make her feel like she belongs.

-Adiba