Sunday, June 12, 2011

Publish Your Book Review Here


Use this link to publish your book reviews or simply become a follower of this blog and directly post your review here in the comment section. Perhaps your review will entice your classmates to read your book.

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/swyar/write.asp

19 comments:

  1. Loser by Jerry Spinelli
    Book Type: Realistic

    Review by: Robert M.
    New York, Grade 6

    Loser by Jerry Spinelli is a realistic fiction book that takes place during Zinkoff's elementary school years. People think Zinkoff is a loser because of his actions. He can't catch a ball, giggles at everything, and trips over his own feet. His dad owns all of the worst used cars in the world. Then one day a heroic act changes his life.

    I liked this because it shows that everyone can be a hero. I recommend Loser to everyone in grades 4-8.

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  3. This is the right review :)

    Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
    Book Type: Realistic

    Review by: Nicole P.
    New York, Grade 8

    The realistic fiction book Maniac Magee written by Jerry Spinelli is about a teenage boy named Jeffrey Magee (He later got the name ''Maniac''), who runs away after the tragic death of his parents. Maniac Magee finds a caring African American family who takes him under their wing. Maniac begins to notice the racism between the East End African Americans and the West End Caucasians, not wanting to put the family he was staying with at risk Maniac figures that he doesn't belong there. Once more Maniac Magee finds himself running and doing extraordinary things along the way such as hitting fast balls never to be hit before and spending night after night in the buffalo pen. But one night Maniac collapsed from starvation, an elderly man found Maniac and brought him to a supply room where Maniac and the old man live for almost a year until 5 days after Christmas the old man died in his sleep. Sleeping and eating wherever he could, Maniac was a lost soul just looking for an address he could once more call his own.

    In general I loved the book but there were some things that I wasn't a fan of such as, all the deaths and how the Author really didn't go into great depth with explaining Maniac’s emotions after the deaths. But otherwise it was a great book and I would definitely recommend this book to any Jr. High school student

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  4. The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney
    Book Type: Realistic

    Review by: Nicole P.
    New York, Grade 8

    The Face on the Milk Carton written by Caroline B. Cooney is about a teenage girl named Janie Johnson who one day glances at the missing little girl on the milk carton only to find that the featured 3 year old in the polka-doted dress kidnapped 12 years before from a New Jersey shopping center, was none other than herself. Janie felt as if her world was filled with nothing but lies which seemed to grow more and more as the days passed, until one day while bringing a box of old toys into her attic Janie discovers an old trunk with pictures and papers marked with the name Hannah But that's not all, she finds the polka-dot dress from the picture on the milk carton. Tired of the lies and secrets Janie storms into the house one evening demanding to know who Hannah is! After explaining that Hannah was their daughter and Janie's real ''Mother'' and that Janie's ''parents'' were actually her grandparents or so they thought. Still keeping the milk carton a secret from her parents, Janie doesn't believe her parents story, so she confides in her next door neighbor Reeve, who tells his soon to be a lawyer sister. After hearing his sisters theory that Hannah went to the shopping center took the three year old little girl for what the both thought was a harmless ride turned into a kidnapping, not knowing what to do she lied to her parents and told them that it was her own child and that she couldn't take care of her and be part of her cult and left. Having everyone convinced Janie and her ''parents'' make the chilling decision to call the 800 number.

    I liked the Face on the Milk Carton because it showed the emotions the characters were going through and kept you guessing the whole way through. I would certainly recommend this book to ages 12 and up.

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  5. The Legend Of Skull Cliff by Kristiana Gregory
    Book Type: Mystery & Adventure

    Review by: Mason C.
    New York, Grade 6

    The Legend of Skull Cliff written by Kristian Gregory is a mystery and adventure story. It takes place in Cabin Creek where Jeff,David,and Claire have many mysteries to solve. Their three dogs tag along on their many dangerous adventures. Our three detectives are trying to figure out how Willie went missing. Willie solves a mystery of his own, he learns a very valuable lesson to not fall for peer pressure.

    I liked this book because I really get involved in mysteries. I recommend this book to people who really like suspense because no matter how old you are if you enjoy mysteries you should read Cabin Creek the Legend of Skull Cliff.

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  6. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
    Book Type: Realistic

    Review by: Robert M.
    New York, Grade 6

    Bridge to Terabithia takes place in Terabithia.It is a realistic fiction by Katherine Paterson. It is about a boy who dreams of being the fastest kid in school. His name is Jesse Aarons. He went running around his family's cow pasture one day and met a girl or a boy, he thought. She said her name was Leslie Burke. A few days later on the first day of school Leslie shows up at Jess's 5th grade classroom. Then later at recess the boys have a race and Jess almost won but then Leslie showed up and beat him. On the way home Leslie tried to sit next to him but thankfully May Belle his little sister was there and Jess sat next to her instead. At home Jess and Leslie became friends and together they created Terabithia a magical kingdom in which they did anything they wanted. Terabithia is a place that little kids can go to get away from trouble. One day a terrible trajedy befalls and Jess realizes what a gift Leslie has given him.

    I liked this book because it shows what friendship can do for somebody I recommend this book for anyone who needs to escape real life worries

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  7. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
    Book Type: Mystery & Adventure

    Review by: Mark D.
    New York, Grade 8

    This tells the story of a 12 year old boy named Percy Jackson. I feel bad for him because he lives a terrible life. He got kicked out of every school he goes to because he has been accused of doing things to other students, he is doing terrible in school, and his stepfather hates him because he thinks he is a punk and a brat. The fact about his real father is unknown. The only thing Percy knows about him is that he left the day after Percy was born. At least he has a supporting mother. The weirdest thing about Percy's life is that he sees these strange things (ex: his teacher turned into a giant bird). He has been protecting his best friend Grover from any bullies. Grover soon tells him that he must watch over Percy. Apparently, Grover is a "Satyr", in human words he is a half goat/half human. Percy, Grover, and Percy's mom get attacked by a Minotaur (half man/half bull) and get knocked unconscious. He wakes up at a summer camp called Half Blood Hill. There he learns how to fight. He also meets a nice girl named Annabeth. He also meets a instructor named Luke. Then he is sent to Olympus. He is told that Poseidon is his father. Poseidon and Zeus have been fighting because someone stole Zeus's mighty lightning rod. Percy must find it before summer solace (the end of summer). Also he is told that "You will be betrayed by the one you call friend". His incredible journey brings him to believe that Luke was the one who betrayed him and was the thief. Luke sent the scorpions to attack Percy but he survived. Percy brought the lighting rod back to Zeus and spared Percy’s life. I liked the book because even though mind games were played on Percy, he still managed through. I am giving this book two thumbs up.

    I liked this because in one of the scenes from the story (SPOILER ALERT) Percy, Grover, and Annabeth go to this hotel in Las Vegas. It was a Hotel meant to be paradise, but also a trap to make him forget about his quest to retrieve the stolen lightning bolt. Someone said the year was 1989, but it wasn't, they just thought it still was. I liked this because basically, it means that the people who check in, forget about life. They forget about what to do, and day, time, and year it is. Time stands still even in paradise!

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  8. The Tales of the Odyssey Part One by Mary Pope Osborne
    Book Type: Legends, Myths, & Tales

    Review by: Mason C.
    New York, Grade 6

    The Tales of the Odessey by Mary Pope Osborne is a mythical story that takes place in Ithaca. It is interesting because there are monsters where Odysseus fought in many dangerous places. Some were the Sirens' waters, Cyclopses' cave, land of the lotus eaters, Charibdis and Scyllas cliffs, and the land of the dead.We can learn about bravery from Odysseus through his adventures and his fights.

    I liked this book because of all the dangerous adventures Odysseus encounters. I recommend this book to people who like mythology and adventures on the sea.

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  10. Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom
    Book Type: Funny

    Review By: Dominique M.
    New York, Grade 6

    One interesting thing about this book is that it take you on a jouney through good and bad times, funny and sad times, and a quest for George Clooney to marry her mom. Violet and her best friend Phoebe try to help Violet's mom snag the perfect man for her, and who is better than George Clooney.

    I really recommend this book because I had a lot of connections with the book. I think most kid would have some connections too!

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  12. Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen
    Book Type: Realistic

    Review by: Nicole P.
    New York, Grade 8

    Keeping the Moon is a remarkable book about a teenage girl name Nicole Sparks who goes to live with her Aunt Maria for the summer in North Carolina while her Mother tours Europe for her fitness program. While there, Colie meets her Aunt's hippie tenant Norman and neighbors Morgan and Isabel. During her stay there Colie gets a job at the Last Chance Bar and Grill where she become close friends with Morgan and Isabel who teaches Nicole the ropes of waitressing. After an old classmate Caroline Dawes shows up at the Last Chance and reminds Colie of her ''fat years'' Isabel takes Colie home and gives her a complete makeover. While doing so, Isabel gives Colie a few words of advice that Nicole will keep for the rest of her life. After building up confidence during her first ''chick night'' Colie finally stands up for herself against Caroline Dawes realizing that she was beautiful the whole time and that all she had to do was believe in herself and keep her head held high. As the summer winded down Norman asked Colie if he could paint a picture of her where she finds out that everyone has their problems. As Mira,Morgan,Isabel,Nicole,and Norman watched the Eclipse on one of Colie's last nights Nicole realizes that Isabel who she thought could never understand what she had been through, had been through it herself.

    Keeping the Moon was definately my favorite book that I read this summer for the fact that almost every girl can relate to it! I would recommend this book to any seventh grade girl and up.

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  13. Lily's Crossing, by Patricia Reilly Giff
    Book Type: Realistic

    Review By: Dominique M.
    New York, Grade 6

    Lily's Crossing is about a girl named Lily. She always goes to her family's summer home in Rockaway New York. But, in 1944 World War Two is happening and her father is going overseas to fight in the war Lily will still visit her family's Rockaway home but things have changed. There isn't anyone Lily's age, the people are not the same. But, she meets a boy named Albert, and they formed a friendship. Although she will tell a lie that may change Albert's Life.

    I really hope people will read this book. You can picture yourself as lily or Albert and all the things they have gone though in their lives. Its about family, friendships, lies and how life is sometimes hard.

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  14. Rumble Fish by S. E. Hinton
    Book Type: Other

    Review by: Mark D.
    New York, Grade 8

    This book is based around Russell "Rusty" James and his addiction with gangs. Rusty thinks everything about the gangs is cool. His brother nicknamed "The Motorcycle Boy" hates the gangs, but his brother still believes in gang rules. Rusty had a fear of being alone because he had a bad family. His father was drunk and left him for three days as a kid. This makes him worried that other people will leave him and he will be alone. He realizes that he cant depend on his brother, Patty, Steve, or his father. For in the end, his brother dies, his father is an alcoholic, and the others leave and are addicted to drugs, and its Rusty who is alone once more.

    I like this book because it reminds me about "The Outsiders", the characters have the same conflicts with smoking, drugs, and alcohol, and the gangs.

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  15. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
    Book Type: Other

    Review by: Mark D.
    New York, Grade 8

    This story is about two friends George and Lennie, trying to raise enough money to buy their own land. Lennie is a big strong guy who is mentally disabled, he doesn't know how to communicate or act, he only remembers what George says, and he cant control his anger or his strength. George is like Lennie's big brother. He looks out for Lennie, and he takes care of him by finding jobs for them, teaches Lennie how to behave and tries to keep Lennie out of trouble. George promises Lennie the dream of them buying their own land, and Lennie can take care of the rabbits, unless Lennie does something bad. Unfortunately, Lennie does do some bad things that he cant control because of his disability, like he kills a puppy, and he accidentally kills a woman. George has always protected Lennie, but he cant always watch over him, especially when he is hurting people. George decided to kill Lennie, because he didn't want the others to kill him, he wanted him to know he was never mad at him and he never lost faith in him, and he wanted to tell Lennie he will have his dream even though he was about to die. This story is very sad because Georges final protection for Lennie was to kill his own best friend. I should also say that this book is for more "Mature" readers, because of Language, and Violence.

    I thought this book was very sad, and this book is amazing.

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  16. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children,By Ransom Riggs
    Book Type: Fiction

    Reveiw by: Dominique M.
    New York, Grade 6


    I though this book would be too peculiar, but it was really good. Its about a boy named Jacob who has a grandfather who told him stories about peculiar children in a world that doesn't exist...or does it? This book is about adventure, getting over your fears and finding out who you really are.

    I loved this book. It is a little creepy, so if you are the type to shy away from that, dont read it!

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  17. The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero by, Rick Riordan
    Book Type: Mythology/Fantasy and Adventure

    Review by: Elizabeth A.
    New York, Grade 8

    The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero is the first book in a new series by Rick Riordan. Riordan was inspired to write this series by his enthusiastic Percy Jackson and the Olympians fans who wanted to hear more about modern day Greek mythology and Camp Half-Blood. Even though this is only the first book in the series so far, it has already become majorly popular. The Lost Hero has been number one on several best seller lists including: Publishers Weekly, IndieBound, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. It was also awarded Barnes and Noble Best Book of 2010.

    Although Percy Jackson is mentioned in The Lost Hero, he is no longer the star of the book (In fact, he has even gone missing). Now there are three new main characters, demigods named Jason, Piper, and Leo, who must go on an adventure to save the goddess Hera (even though all of them seem to have a second goal in mind). The task doesn’t seem easy from the beginning, especially when they are told to “beware the earth,” but when the trio starts the quest they learn that surviving will be near impossible. The end of the book leaves you on a cliff hanger knowing that this is only the beginning of their journey and that the next “Great Prophecy,” is already taking place.

    Since this book has three main characters, it is told in the third person and focuses on a different character every two chapters. I enjoyed this setup a lot because it allows you to see all the situations in the story from different points of view. I also admire the way Riordan was able to create different personalities and problem solving skills for each of the three demigods. I feel this skill was necessary to write a book with three points of view. I would defiantly suggest this book to anyone who likes adventures or Greek mythology. I am looking forward to the sequel The Heroes of Olympus: The Son of Neptune.

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  18. The Cronus Chronicles: The Immortal Fire by, Anne Ursu
    Book type: Mythology/Fantasy and Adventure

    Review by: Elizabeth A.
    New York, Grade 8

    The Cronus Chronicles: The Immortal Fire was written by Anne Ursu (who is also the author of The Cronus Chronicles: The Shadow Thieves and The Cronus Chronicles: The Siren Song). These books are the first fantasy books that Anne Ursu has ever written. “At the time I started reading kids books for fun,” she says. “I thought, ‘Why don’t I try to do this and just have fun and tell a story?’ This was the result and it was one of the most fun writing experiences of my life.” Anne Ursu continued to write more fantasy books, and has had much success with them.

    Although The Immortal Fire uses modern day Greek mythology like the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, they are actually quite different. The Immortal Fire portrays all the Greek gods as self centered and uncaring. The main characters, Charlotte Mielswetzski and Zachary (Zee) Miller, start off in the book wanting to join a god fighting group called the Prometheans. Unfortunately, when they get close to accomplishing this, they are forced to stay locked up in a building since they are “too young”. While they are there they find a boy named Steve who makes them realize that they have a much bigger mission than to just help the Prometheans. The fate of humanity is in their hands.

    I would suggest The Immortal Fire to anyone who is into Greek mythology. It is extremely captivating and a great finish to The Cronus Chronicles series, although I am not very fond of the writing setup of the book. It is written in the second and third person and changes from one character’s point of view to another’s without warning. This made it hard for me to follow. Besides this, the rest of Ursu’s writing is fantastic. I love all the humor she includes in the book. My favorite part is when Philonecron says, “Oh, Zero. He is not you, I must admit. He does not have your bravery, your nobility, your je ne sais quoi, and all he talks about is some magical place called ‘Canada.’”

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  19. The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid by, Rick Riordan
    Book type: Mythology/Fantasy and Adventure

    Review by: Elizabeth A.
    New York, Grade 8

    The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid is the first book in an Egyptian mythology series written by Rick Riordan. When The Red Pyramid first came out, one million copies were made due to Riordan’s popularity as a Greek mythology author. When asked why he decided to undertake Egyptian mythology, he claimed that, “In my classroom, there was only one thing that was more popular than Ancient Greece, and that was Ancient Egypt.” The Red Pyramid became a Best Book of 2010 for the School Library Journal.

    The Red Pyramid has two main characters, Carter Kane and Sadie Kane, who are siblings that only get to see each other twice a year. Carter travels the world all the time with their father while Sadie lives in England with their grandparents. One Christmas Eve, their father took them on a trip to a museum where everything seems to go wrong. Soon they not only learn that Egyptian mythology is real, but that they are also an essential part of keeping the balance of it. Now, not only do they have to go on a nearly impossible mission without any proper training, but failing isn’t an option if they wish to preserve the world.

    Rick Riordan took a new approach in writing The Red Pyramid by introducing it as a tape recording narrated by Sadie and Carter. It is written in first person and is narrated by the other sibling every two chapters. Occasionally they interrupt each other’s part of the story like someone would do in an actual tape recording, making the book believable as well as comical. An example of this is when Carter says, “I had a new shimmering golden form with wings instead of arms. I was some kind of bird. [No, Sadie, not a chicken. Will you let me tell the story, please?]” He later says, “And I know that doesn’t make sense, but my face felt like my normal face, as if that part of me hadn’t transformed into a bird. [Fine, Sadie. Call me the Carter-headed chicken. Happy?]”

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