Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

by Grace Lin

In this Newbery Honor book, a fantasy with elements of "The Wizard of Oz" and Chinese folklore, a young girl named Minli embarks on an epic journey to find the mythical Old Man of the Moon. 

I really liked where the mountain meets the moon because it is a lighthearted tale and has many characters. This book was written by Grace Lin. I recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure and fantasy. It has short chapters and many cliff hangers. I liked this book a lot, and I think a lot of people will too.

Review by Haley M. Grade 5

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a wimpy kid: Cabin Fever

Diary of a wimpy kid: cabin fever is about a middle school student named Greg. A snowstorm hits and EVERYTHING  bad seems to be happening to Greg. I really liked this book because of the fuuny characters and problems.

Here are some quotes from the book to give you a sneak peak!

“So I've started wearing sweatpants to bed because I really don't need Santa seeing me in my underwear.” 

“I've seen a lot of movies where a kid my age finds out he's got magical powers and then gets invited to go away to some special school. Well, if I've got an invitation coming, now would be the perfect time to get it” 

If you haven't already read this book, you should because it is great!

Review by Haley M. grade 5 

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

When You Reach Me 

Rebbecca Stead 

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead is an award winning novel for kids and teenagers. In this story, a girl named Miranda is getting notes from someone. The person remained a secret for a while. There were four notes in total. Miranda found them stuck in a book, a friend's backpack, her pocket, and inside a shoe. There was a homeless man who lived on the corner of Miranda's street; little did she know he would end up saving her life. Could he be the person sending her the notes? This was an amazing book and I recommend it to people who like to tie clues together.

Review by Olvia 

Confectionately Yours; Save The Cupcake! by Lisa Papademetriou

Save The Cupcake! is about a girl named Hayley who loves to bake cupcakes. Hayley faces some challenges, as her parents are divorced, her mom just lost her job, and the school board is planning to stop the distribution of sweets (mainly cupcakes) in the school. Hayley and her friend, Meghan will attempt to put a stop to it! Will they succeed? You'll have to find out! This book was very good in so many ways. One thing that I liked about the book is that every time Hayley talks about a cupcake, the author will put a recipe at the end of the chapter. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cupcakes and baking.

Review by Olvia, Grade 5.

My Life as a Stuntboy by Janet Tashjian

My Life as a Stuntboy by Janet Tashjian

     This book is about a boy named Derek. Derek is just a plain old boy who is spotted by a man named Tony. Tony hires him for a stunt double role in a movie. Lots of things happen on set (like spotting a huge star) and at home (with troubles of his pet monkey).  I liked this book because I can really picture the action. The author really brought out details. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action, monkeys, and a great book.

Review by Olvia, grade 5

The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin

The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin

The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin is a book about a dog named J.J. and a couple of chickens.  I picked this book because the author wrote 3 other books I liked when I was younger: Diary of a Spider, Diary of a Worm, and Diary of a Fly.  In this book, two chicks go missing.  J.J., Sugar, Dirt and, Moosh (Sugar, Dirt, and Moosh are chickens) have to find them.  Will they succeed?

I liked The Trouble with Chickens because it was very surprising. I liked J.J. because he didn’t like the chickens but agreed to help them.

I really liked the book.  I would recommend this book if you like books with a mystery or books that have dogs in them.                                                                                                                                                        

Review by Faye, Grade 5

Franny K. Stein, Attack of the 50-FT. Cupid by Jim Benton

Franny K. Stein, Attack of the 50-FT. Cupid by Jim Benton, is about a girl named Franny. Franny is a mad scientist. One day she went to school and had to find out how to make valentines. She was given a valentine that had a picture of Cupid on it to look at.  Igor, Franny’s dog, who was always trying to help, was playing with a ball that bounced away, hit a button, and made the Cupid on the valentine become real.  Cupid started shooting arrows at Igor but missed and hit a switch and made himself 50 feet tall.  Franny had to make herself 50 feet tall so she could stop Cupid.  Could she stop him?

One of my favorite parts of the book is when Franny rides a school bus like a skate board.  I like Franny because she has an interesting personality. She doesn’t know about a lot of normal things kids know about, like holidays, but can make a machine that will make her 50 feet tall.

I liked Franny K. Stein.  I would recommend this book if you like funny books.  If you don’t like books about mad scientists, you would not like this book.                                                                                                                             

Review by Faye, Grade 5

The Clue in the Old Album by Carolyn Keene

The Clue in the Old Album by Carolyn Keene

The Clue in the Old Album is a Nancy Drew mystery by Carolyn Keene. It is a great book about a detective who strives to find answers for a lady named Mrs.Struthers. Before Mrs.Struther's daughter died, a mystery began. When she was dying she said to find a certain doll for her daughter. That doll Nancy must find. I really liked reading this book because the plot thickened in every chapter. And the characters kept me guessing. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a good mystery!

Review by Haley M. Grade 5

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins is the third book of the Hunger Games series.  I wanted to read the book because the second book had a cliffhanger at the end and I wanted to see what happened.  Mockingjay continues the story of Katniss and her friends and family.  The Quarter Quell just ended and started a war against the Capitol and District 13.  Everyone, including Katniss, has just found out that District 13 really does exist.  Katniss has to decide if she wants to be the Mockingjay for District 13’s fight against the Capitol.  If she agrees, she can help the rebels by showing she is still alive and that District 13 is strong enough to beat the Capitol.  If she does it though, she will be in danger as well as her friends and family.

          I liked the book because it was an adventure with a lot of action.  In District 13 when they were having a lot of meetings before the war it was a little boring.  I liked Katniss, because she was willing to risk her life to save Panem.  I don’t know if I would be brave enough to do that.

          I would recommend the book and the whole series because of how amazing it was that Katniss survived the hard life of Panem.  People who don’t like violence should not read this book.                         

                              

                             

Review by Faye, Grade 5

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm 

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm, is a book in the time of the Great Depression.  I wanted to read this book because it looked the best on the summer reading list.  Turtle is the main character in this book.  Her mom got a housekeeping job but the person who hired Turtle’s mom did not like kids.  Turtle was sent to her aunt’s house in Florida.  There, she meets her cousins.  A lot is going on.  It’s hot, there’s hidden treasure to be found, and there’s a big storm on its way.

I liked the book because it had a lot of adventure in it.  It started out slow but got better. The real adventure starts when they go to find an island.  The boat gets lost with a big storm coming.  I liked Turtle because she was smart and responsible.

I would recommend this book because I would like to go on an adventure like that.  Turtle in Paradise reminded me a little of the movie The Goonies.  If you like adventure you will like this book.

Review by Faye, Grade 5

Guinea Dog by Patrick Jennings

Guinea Dog by Patrick Jennings

Guinea Dog by Patrick Jennings is a book about a kid named Rufus who really wants a dog.  His dad hates dogs and says "no dog".  Rufus’s mom compromises and comes home from work with a Guinea Pig.  Little did Rufus know that his Guinea Pig would act like a dog. 

            I liked the book because it had some really funny parts like when Fido, the Guinea Pig, was in Rufus’s back pack and she chased him at recess.  I liked Rufus because at first he wanted to get rid of Fido but he eventually came to love her and told his friends they couldn’t have her.

          I liked Guinea Dog.  I’d recommend this book if you like books that are funny or have dogs in them. 

             

Review by Faye, Grade 5

Gossip From the Girls Room by Rose Cooper

        I recently finished a great novel, Gossip From The Girls' Room. This book is about blogger, Sofia known as the blogtastic blogger. Sofia hangs around in the girls' room collecting gossip, mainly about her annoying classmate Mia St. Claire and her sidekick , Penelope .

       I liked this book a lot because it is in a journal form, like Dork Diaries and Diary Of a Wimpy Kid. Because it is written this way, it takes a short period of time to read. The author did a great job with getting the interest of kids. I would recommend this book to Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries fans or to anyone who wants to laugh!

       Review by Olvia, Grade 5     

Going for the Gold by Andrew Donkin

I recently finished reading Going for Gold!, written by Andrew Donkin. It is about the Olympics. Since it is going on in London this year, I wanted to tell you about it. Every two years the Olympics are held, switching between summer games and winter games. Every person's dream is to have a gold medal.

    The Olympics started in Athens, Greece in 1896. No women were allowed. If a women spectator was found, she was hurled off a nearby cliff. Things have come a long way since then! People come from all around the world to compete.

    There are many sports. The sports I enjoy watching the most are: gymnastics, track and field, swimming, soccer and diving. The Olympics are the biggest sporting event in the world!!

    I liked this book because it tells about  the history of the Olympics. It also tells about famous people that set world records and Olympic records. This book tells how much they practiced to be good at something. I would love to be in the Olympics. Wouldn't you?

    I would recommend it to people out there who are interested in the Olympics.

Reviewed by Mayuri V. Grade 4

My Last Best Friend by Julie Bowe

My Last Best Friend by Julie Bowe

I just finished reading a book called My Last Best Friend, written by Julie Bowe. This book is about a girl named Ida May who is in fourth grade. She goes to Purdee Elementary School in Wisconsin.  She really misses her best friend Elizabeth who moved away. Ida's enemy in school, Jenna, is really mean. She called Elizabeth “Elizabutt” and Ida “Iduh.”
     There is a new kid named Stacey Merriweather in school. She tells everyone  that she lives with a rich aunt, that her mom and dad interview people across the world, and that she has met the Queen of England. Everyone is drawn to her. Is she telling the truth?
     In school Ida puts secret letters for Stacey to see. She hides them behind the playground in the woods. Ida signs the letters as Cordelia. Stacey  knows about this. Meanwhile Jenna is busy talking and playing with her best friends- Brooke, Meeka, Jolene, and obviously Stacey. Why is Stacey friends with Jenna if she is so mean? Jenna is really bossy.
    Ida is thoughtful. She comes up with creative ideas. She is very good at drawing. Stacey is caring. She is also very nice, not like Jenna. I really thought this book was great because it was well written. Julie Bowe makes this book very understandable. You should read more of her books. I will too. It made me want to read more.


Review by Mayuri V. Grade 4 

The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers: A King' s Ransom By Jude Watson

The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers; Book 2: A King' s Ransom 

by Jude Watson

Spoiler alert! 

This review will reveal the ending of The Medusa Plot. 

I recently finished reading the book The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers; Book 2: A King' s Ransom By: Jude Watson. The story is about Amy and Dan Cahill as they struggle to find a lost map, missing for more than half a century! On top of that, the clock is ticking as the hostages (see Medusa Plot) start planning a method to escape. But new scares about their father may distract them and cost the hostages everything!  Will one hostage die? Will Amy and Dan save the day? You will have to read the next book.

This book is amazing. I can't think of a bad thing about it. The only thing you might not like about this book is that the ending is so suspenseful. So make sure you read number 3 right after. Other than that, just read the book!

Review by R.J.M. Grade 5

Tales Of A Sixth Grade Muppet By Kirk Scroggs

Tales of a Sixth-Grade Muppet by Kirk Scroggs

I recently finished reading a great book called: Tales Of A Sixth Grade Muppet By: Kirk Scroggs. The book tells the story of Danvers, a Sixth Grader whose hero is the Great Gonzo, but after being made fun of, all he wants is to be just like Gonzo. In case you don't know, Gonzo is a Muppet, so to be just like Gonzo Danvers would have to be a Muppet. And when he wakes up the next morning, he's a Muppet! Someone is up to something, because all the Muppet's are strangely appearing! But when he becomes a member of the Muppets, Danvers thinks being a muppet might not be so bad. But why are things appearing that weren't there before? How was Danver's transformed into a Muppet? You'll have to read the book to find out!

There are a lot of questions that this book didn't answer. I hope there is a second book. The book is good, so that would make me want me read a second, but I also want to read the end of the story. If you like the Diary of A Wimpy kid, then this book is right for you.

Review By R.J.M., Grade 5   

Emma Dilemma, the Nanny, and the Best Horse Ever by Patricia Hermes

Emma Dilemma, the Nanny, and the Best Horse Ever by Patricia Hermes

I recently finished reading Emma Dilemma, the Nanny, and the Best Horse Ever, written by Patricia Hermes. Emma has a really big family- 1 sister, McClain, the best brother in the world, Tim, the twins, Ira and Lizzie, their nanny, Annie, and their parents. Emma has 2 ferrets- Marmaduke and Marshmallow.  McClain has a fluffy cat and the family has a poodle- Woof.
    Emma has a dilemma. The horse she loves so much, Rooney, is about to get sold! Marcus, who runs the barn, doesn't want him anymore because he is so old. But Emma loves  Rooney so much, she will have to find a way to stop Marcus from selling Rooney. She has to come up with a plan- and fast!
    She thinks of buying Rooney with her allowance money. She keeps it a secret. There is a kid named Oliver coming with his parents to check out Rooney. Another problem Emma has is that her best-best friend, Luisa is moving away. They are moving because her dad had lost his job, so they didn't have enough money to keep the house.
    This book teaches you that you don't always get what you want. But sometimes you do. I like Emma because she is caring. At soccer camp she helped Luisa and her partner, Katie, get the soccer ball that some boys took away from them. Emma is also generous. She gave Marshmallow to Luisa to keep forever, because, Luisa loves Marshmallow so much.                                                                                  
    I really love this book and I would recommend it to people who really love animals.


Review by Mayuri V. (grade 4)

Beezus and Ramona By Beverly Cleary

Beezus and Ramona By Beverly Cleary

 

I recently finished reading the book Beezus and Ramona By Beverly Cleary. 

The book is about Beatrice, a girl who's nickname is Beezus, as she struggles to control her little sister's annoying, but comical, behavior. Ramona is her little sister. Ramona, in one part of the book, loves a book about the littlest steam shovel, whose name is Scoopy. Tired of reading this book so much, Beezus takes Ramona to the library to choose a new book. But Ramona's choice is another book with a steam shovel! After putting up with the book for two weeks, it's finally time to return it. But when Ramona writes scribbles on every page of the book, that complicates things. If they return the book, without telling about the scribbles, Beezus will loose her library card. If Mrs. Quimby, their mother, pays for the book, Ramona will learn that when she breaks the rules she gets what she wants!! There seems to be no solution! How can they get themselves out of this mess!?!

I really like this book. If this were a news paper report, I'd give it 4 and one half stars. It would be five stars, but for some reason they don't connect the stories enough. They shouldn't call the different stories 'chapters'. They are more like separate stories, not one long story. They only even speak about previous chapters a few times, and they are hard to see unless you pay close attention.  You should read the book, and while you are, don't look for spots where they talk about other chapters. It would take up most of your time while reading. 

Review by R.J.M, Grade 5

The Sisters Grimm: Tales from the Hood by Michael Buckley

The Sister`s Grimm: Tales from the Hood  By Michael Buckly           

          

 The Sister`s Grimm 6 was a mixed genre book. It included Mystery, Fantasy and Adventure. This book was about 2 sisters who solve fairytale mysteries together. In this book their family friend the big bad wolf is on trial for killing Little Red Riding Hood`s Grandma. Red Riding Hood is hard to get information from because after the Big Bad Wolf attacked her Grandma she went crazy. But in the end, they find out what really happened. Overall, I thought it was an amazing piece of writing and I hope you enjoy it too.

Review by Alexa M. Grade 5

Stir It Up by Ramin Ganeshram

Stir It Up by Ramin Ganeshram

 

I recently finished reading a book called Stir It Up, by Ramin Ganeshram. I wanted to read this book because it is about a girl who has a passion for cooking, and I love to cook.  This story is about a 13 year-old Trinidadian-Indian girl named Anjali Krishnan who lives in Manhattan, New York. Trinidad is an island-country off the coast of Venezuela in the Atlantic Ocean. She helps her dad and grandmother in their roti shop, Island Spice. Rotis are Indian flat bread made with whole wheat flour. Anjali's dream is to be a chef and have her own cooking show.  She finds out about a cooking contest called Super Chef Kids. Her cooking class teacher, Chef Nyla, encourages Anjali to do it. If she goes for the tryouts and wins, she gets her own cooking show!  The main characters in this novel are Anjali, her dad, grandmother, mom, cooking class teacher Chef Nyla and her friend Linc.
    Anjali finds out that the contest tryouts are on the same day as the Stuyvesant test, an important exam that her parents want her to take.  How do you think Anjali will manage if her parents say no to the contest? She might have a plan!  Anjali Krishnan is very serious about cooking. She really wants that show!
    This book is really interesting because it reminded me of the cooking show Chopped on Food Network.  I would recommend it for people who really love cooking. The book has some really cool Trinidadian-Indian recipes!!


Review by Mayuri V., Grade 4

Vanished By Sheela Chari

Vanished By Sheela Chari           

                Vanished was a mystery book about a girl named Neela. Neela plays an instrument from India called a Veena. One day her grandmother mysteriously sends Neela one of her Veenas. This particular one is very special because of its history. Neela is trying to get to the bottom of who keeps taking her Veena. She uncovers a lot more than that though. It was a very wonderful book that kept excitement flowing throughout. I hope you like it too.                

Review by Alexa M. Grade 5

The Sisters Grimm: The Everafter War by Michael Buckley

The Sisters Grimm: The Everafter War 

by Michael Buckley

               The Sister`s Grimm 7 was an extraordinary book. This one was about two sisters trying to help the good Everafters (fairytale people), fight the bad Everafters (The Scarlet Hand). The hideout where the girls and the good Everafters are staying has someone hiding amongst them who is a traitor. The girls also have to work hard to reveal the identity of the master of The Scarlet Hand. Toward the end of the story they come to a shocking conclusion. This story was a great one but, there is one thing I would change. That one thing is Biar Rose dying. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Review By Alexa M. Grade 5

Ivy and Bean: No News is Good News by Annie Barrows

 Ivy and Bean: No News is Good News by Annie Barrows

             

Ivy and Bean 8 was a realistic fiction book about 2 girls wanting wax from a cheese ball just like every other kid in their school. They need money because their parents won’t buy the cheese for them. Ivy and Bean decide to sell a newspaper about the street they live on, Pancake Court. Ivy and Bean couldn’t find any stories so they looked into people’s windows for help. When they delivered the newspaper to everyone who bought it, not everyone was happy. Overall, I thought Ivy and Bean 8 had a great beginning and middle, but not a solid end. The ending made it seem like Annie Barrows had a limit on pages. But that is just my opinion, so you might like it more.

 Review by Alexa M. Grade 5

Trouble-Maker by Andrew Clements

Troublemaker By Andrew Clements      

                                             

Troublemaker was an action packed, realistic fiction book filled with mischief and mayhem! This story tells you about how a boy named Clay (who loves trouble) changes when his brother comes back from jail. Once Clay’s brother sees he is just like him, he makes Clay promise not to get into more trouble. Mitch, Clay’s brother, tells him that jail is a terrible place and that he doesn’t want Clay to end up like him. It was very hard for Clay to do that though. One mistake got him in deep water. Overall, I thought Troublemaker was a phenomenal book full of adventure, trouble and tricks. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!:)

Review by Alexa M. Grade 5

13 Gifts by Wendy Mass

13 Gifts by Wendy Mass

I recently finished reading 13 Gifts by Wendy Mass. 13 Gifts is the third book in the wonderful Birthday series by Wendy Mass--which includes 11 Birthdays and Finally--and is a great story. It starts off with soon-to-be 13 year-old Tara Brennan helping Shelby Malone and her "DF"s (devoted followers) steal the principal's beloved goat the Friday night before the last two weeks of school. You're probably thinking, "That's ridiculous! Why would anybody want to steal a goat?" so I'll tell you why. Shelby promises Tara that if she steals the goat Tara will be able to sit with them for the last two weeks of school. So Tara agrees, and, after all, what could go wrong? The only person in the school is the night janitor who spends most of his time in the cafeteria, listening to music, and just mops the same spot on the floor over and over. But when Tara gets to the principal's office and grabs the goat and before she can run out, the words- "Unhand that goat!" drift in from the doorway. Before she can even think about it, Tara finds herself spraying pepper spray all over her principal. She gets suspended for the last two weeks of school, and her mother decides that instead of going with her mother and father to Madagascar she'll be staying with her Aunt Bethany, Uncle Roger, and her cousin Emily in their sleepy town of Willow Falls and that she's going in two days. If you've read the other two books in this series, you'd know that Willow Falls is where Angelina D'Angelo lives. Angelina is all about teaching life lessons and she has a thing with birthdays. Now, Tara's thirteenth birthday in on July 13, which just happens to be a Friday, and she just happens to be in Willow Falls on her birthday. And when Tara loses her mom's iPod and the $200 her parents gave her for the summer, Angelina sends her on quest to find some items by July thirteenth. Will Tara be able to find all of them in time?

Review by Sarah B. Grade 4

My Forever Friends by Julie Bowe

My Forever Friends by Julie Bowe

I wanted to read this book because my friend had recommended it to me and because  this book was about kids around my age. It is about two girls named Ida May and Stacey Merriweather. At the playground their two kind-of best friends, Jenna Drews and Brooke Morgan, are fighting. They will have to pick sides. Stacey picks Brooke. Will Ida pick Jenna or Brooke?
    What I liked about the book was that it taught you how to treat a friend and how to behave with friends. What I didn't like about the book is the way Jenna and Brooke were fighting. They were teasing each other and saying mean things that you should never say to a friend. Also, they were doing things that would hurt a friend's feelings. I liked when Brooke and Ida tried to think of things to make for Jenna even though they were fighting. That showed real friendship inside. The main character Ida May is caring and helpful.
    I very much liked this book and  would recommend it if you are in fourth or fifth grade because this book is about kids that age. PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!! IT IS AWESOME!!


Review by Mayuri V.,  Grade 4

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

I recently finished reading the book Spy School by: Stuart Gibbs. The story is about a 12 year old 7th grader named Ben Ridley, who gets drawn into the world of the CIA when a student at their top secret school gets killed, and he takes his place. Ben always wanted to be a spy, and thought it was amazing that the CIA wanted him to join. But soon he found out that he was just bait to catch a mole in the school, and that his life is in terrible danger! On top of that, if the mole is caught, he'll probably get sent back home! His only chance to stay a junior spy is to uncover and stop the mole's despicable plans.

I really hope this isn't the last book in the series. I won't tell you if he defeats the mole, but I will tell you that the mole is the only villain that they name in the book. But there are higher ups. The book leaves a lot of suspense at the end, so I hope the author makes another book. If you read about this book, then you probably think that spy school will be like Hogwarts or something like that. If you think that, you are wrong. Spy school is more of a military training base. Everything is cement. I'm not sure that was the right move to make. I think it would have been more interesting if they took the crazy high-tech route. It sounds like it's going to be a little funny, but it's not. It is actually a dark book. There are a few moments where you couldn't stop laughing, and a few characters that you can't get out of your mind, and a few that never cracked a joke and go straight to the trash can of your brain. While reading this book, prepare to be engrossed and slightly disappointed.

By: R.J. M., 5th grade

39 Clues: The Medusa Plot by Gordon Korman

I recently finished reading the book The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers: Book One: The Medusa Plot By:Gordon Korman. It was about the winners of the hunt for the 39 clues, Amy and Dan Cahill. They have been living in their grandmother’s mansion ever since they reunited all 5 branches together, or at least the children. Now, two years later, their lives become interesting again when the Cahills arch enemies, a group called 'Vespers', once again attack the Cahills. 7 members of the family are taken hostage (including both of Amy and Dan's legal guardians), and unless Amy and Dan complete an impossible ransom, one hostage will pay the ultimate price! The battle is heating up, and only one family can come out on top. The end of a 500 year old rivalry starts right now!

This book doesn't have an ending. The story goes on into the next book. If you're a big fan of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson that will probably feel strange. But, because the 39 clues books come out really close to one another, I started reading the next book in the series that day. It also reminds me of the end of the Vile Village, where the main characters are on the run from the police. If you like endings like that, then you should read this book. All 39 clue books leave you in suspense, like they were just the end of a section in a larger book. I would recommend this book to anyone, because the story line is so good. I do not like the ending of the story, but I'm not a big endings person. Story’s great, just make sure you have the second book on hand when you finish this one, or else you'll be wondering what happens next until you get book 2.

Review By R.J. M. Grade 5

On the Line by Jake Maddox

I read the book On The Line by Jake Maddox. I wanted to read the book because I read another book by Jake Maddox called Back up Goalie that was one of my favorite books. The book is about a boy who tries out for his school's football team. The main characters are Robby and Andy.  Andy is not one Robby's good friends.  They both make the team and play together.  Robby is the center and Andy is a running back.  At the beginning, Andy steps on Robby's hand and the coach blames Robby for having a bad snap.  One time Robby didn't snap the ball fast enough, so the quarterback pulled his hands away too fast and the ball fumbled.  The coach thought that Robby was the problem and he was moved to the defensive line. Robby became center tackle for most of the season, but in the last game, things changed and Robby got a second chance to help his team win. 

I really liked the whole entire book because I love football. I think the main character, Robby, is really cool because he has lots of perseverance.  

"A defensive player's hand shot out and caught a piece of Andy's sleeve, and another player slammed into him.  "Ahh!" Andy shouted.  Then Robby saw it.  The ball was falling to the ground.  Without thinking, Robby dove for it.  Players piled on, but Robby got there first.  He felt the ball against his chest.  "I got it!" he yelled.  "It's still ours!"

I would recommend this book to a friend because it is an exciting story about a boy who keeps trying and helps the team succeed.  I think a person who likes football would like this book.  

Andrew K. Grade 4

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

 A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

Follows Hansel and Gretel as they walk out of their own story and into eight more tales, encountering such wicked creatures as witches, along with kindly strangers and other helpful folk. Based in part on the Grimms' fairy tales Faithful Johannes, Hansel and Gretel, The seven ravens, Brother and sister, The robber bridegroom, and The devil and his three golden hairs.

I really liked this book for one reason mainly; the author. He would jump in and say his opinion on what was going on. He also would make sure the little kids were gone and out from under the bed. It really brought the humor to the story.  A short description of this book would be a modern twist on classic fairy tales. Another thing I really liked about this book is that each chapter is its own little story, each consecutively keeping the book going.  This is a great book but NOT FOR BEFORE BED!!!!

Review by Olvia, going into grade 5

In Business with Mallory by Laurie Friedman

     

    In Business with Mallory by Laurie Friedman  is a great book. It starts with Mallory watching her favorite show, Fashion Fran, and Mallory and Mary Ann are both watching the show and talking over the phone (In this book Mary Ann doesn't live next door). Fran shows an item called The Perfect Purse, a purse with ten different covers, and Mallory and Mary Ann both want it desperately, but the purse is a little pricey. They make a plan to both get one and wear it when Mary Ann comes to visit next weekend. Good news: Mary Ann's mom gets her one. Bad news: Mallory's mom doesn't get her one. So Mallory goes to Plan B. She picks up the phone and calls her Grandma. Mallory tells her grandmother all about the purse, expecting Grandma to buy it for her. Instead, Grandma tells her a story.

      "When I was a young girl, there was a doll I wanted... one day I tore a picture of the doll out of a magazine and showed it to my parents...They didn't get it for me, even though I begged and pleaded and promised I would do anything if they would just get me the doll... My parents told me the doll was very expensive, and that even though she was beautiful, she was a silly waste of money...I decided to buy the doll myself...I had to go to work to make enough money to buy the doll...I started a business going door to door selling oranges for a penny until I had enough to buy the doll" Mallory wonders what she could do. Her Grandma tells her, "Give it some thought. Talk to people. I'm sure you'll come up with something...Good luck, Honey Bee, and let me know what happens."

       Mallory tries four businesses, but they all become a flop. Mallory tries one more business and she works together with Mary Ann, and it's a success! But Mallory has barely enough money to buy herself the purse. And Max's, her brother's eleventh birthday is soon. Should she get the purse, or get her brother a present? She's worked so hard on getting it, and Mary Ann even helped. Meanwhile her neighbor, Joey Winston, is annoyed with Mallory. She's been so busy trying to get that purse that she doesn't even have time to skateboard. Will Mallory make the right decision on what to buy? Will she patch things up with Joey?

Review by Sarah B. Grade 4

Happy New Year, Mallory! by Laurie Friedman

I really liked Happy New Year, Mallory! by Laurie Friedman. 

It's about Mallory and Mary Ann's (Mallory's life long best friend and next door neighbor's) Winter/New Year's Reunion with her Camp Blue Lake--there's also another book about Camp Blue Lake called Campfire Mallory--friends, Carine and Taylor. Mallory's VERY excited for them to come--she hasn't seen them since last summer. She thinks this will be the best New Year's ever. 

       "I...love starting a new year. But this year, I... love it more than ever. NOT because Mom is having her special New Year's Eve dessert party...NOT because Max and I get to stay up until midnight and celebrate. NOT because Dad is buying blowers and shakers and hats for everyone... NOT because Grandma is here. And NOT even because it might snow... This year, I, Mallory McDonald, am... more excited than ever about starting a new year because this year my friends from summer camp are coming to stay at my house for a winter reunion."

      Mallory thinks nothing will stop her reunion from being absolutely perfect. WRONG! Mallory has a bad stomach ache and it gets worse and worse. The day Carine and Taylor come, Mallory's stomach ache is worse than ever. When the girls go outside in the snow, Mallory's stomach just can't handle it. Her mom calls the doctor. Mallory is horrified to find out the bad news: she has appendicitis. Mallory is rushed to the hospital, leaving her reunion behind. Mallory spent days planning out her reuinion and is super sad she's missing half of it for an operation. Will this really be the best New Year's ever?  

Review by Sarah B. Grade 4