Book Reviews

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Rules:  by: Cynthia Lord

This book is about a girl named Catherine who has a younger brother with autism.  She and her family create rules for social behaviors, so that he understands what is appropriate.  He struggles to follow the rules, and often times Catherine feels exasperated by his behavior.

A new girl moves in next door, and Catherine desperately wants to have her as a new friend.  She fears how she will be perceived knowing her brother is different.  In her journey, she meets a boy who has a dramatic effect on her life.  Read to find out more!

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

Review by: Hailey L.

This book is about a boy named Harry Potter.  He lives with his aunt and uncle and his cousin.  Harry doesn't like living with his uncle but he has no other choice.  He ends up getting lots of letters from a place he's never heard of.  Harry is only eleven years old and he discovers he is a wizard.  This is one of the best books I've read.  I recommend reading it if you like adventures.

The Running Dream By: Wendelin Van Draanen

Review by: Mikala D.

This book is about a girl that loved to run, and then something stranged happened.  She lost her leg in an accident and cound't run ever again.  She wanted to give up so badly, but she realized giving up would be a mistake.  She then got a prosthetic leg that helped her to walk.  She was able to not give up on her dream of running.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid  By: Jeff Kinney

Review by:  Marcelo M.

This book is a great book for kids who don't like long books.  The book is about a kid named Greg and this is his diary.  He says what happens to him each day.  It is a fun book. I recommend it for kids who are learning English because it has pictures that help you understand.  Big Nate books are also good for learning English.

23 Crow's Perch   By: Jason Strange

Reivew by: Eduardo S.

This book is a great book because it is a suspenseful story.  A kid named Henry just moved to an old apartment and when night falls, strange things happen.  When night falls, lights flicker, and he hears strange noises.  What he doesn't know is that a family of two died in the same apartment!  Is it haunted?  You have to read to find out!

The Bad Beginning by: Lemony Snicket

Review by: Stephanie G.

This book is a creepy book!  There are three kids whose parents have died.  They are sent to live with a man called Count Olaf.  What they don't know is he wants to kill the kids, so he can get their money!  I recommend this to anyone who loves reading creepy stories.  This book is part of a series.

The Maze Runner  by: James Dashner

Review by: Liz P.

I highly recommend the book The Maze Runner to people to love action and suspense.  This book is about the main character, Thomas, who wakes up not knowing where he is.  He has to learn to live under the rules of many other boys who also don't have their memories.  A boy and Thomas try to escape the maze and fight the grievers.  That's only the start!  I really recommend this book to people who are interested in science fiction.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas  by: John Boyne

Review by: James H.

I highly recommend this book.  It is about a boy that moves to a concentration camp, away from his friends.   He meets this kid in the camp.  They later become friends.  This book has a meaningful lesson...just because someone is different, that doesn't mean you can't be friends with them.  This book has happy and sad moments.  The boy in the Striped Pajamas could be one of your favorite books!

So B. It by: Sarah Weeks

Review by: Amanda J.

I would highly recommend the book So B. It to anyone who is looking for a good book.  It is about a girl named Heidi who lives with her mom and her neighbor.  Heidi's mom is disabled and can't say many things but she says one thing, soof!  Heidi is very curious about what the word means so she goes on a long adventure to find out the meaning.  When you read this book, it pulls you in with many emotions and has you wanting to read more.

Taking Sides by: Gary Soto

Review by: Giana V.

I highly recommend this book to all kids.  The fictional story is about a Hispanic boy named Lincoln Mendoza who is a basketball player.  He has to move to Sycamore because his family got robbed in their old house.  This means he also has to change schools.  He does not want to play basketball against his old school, but he wants to be loyal to his new team.  Overall, this book is very entertaining and it's an extremely fast read.


Sisters  by: Raina Telgemeier

Review by: Briseydi A.

I highly recommend the book, Sisters, to kids of all ages because it's very funny and relate-able.  The book is about two sisters that go on a trip together with their mom and little brother, Willy.  The books is also based on a true story about the author.  It's written in "comic" form.

The Outsiders by: S. E. Hinton

Review by: Celine F.

I highly recommend this book to anyone of any age. The book,  The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, is about a family of three (all brothers) in their crazy, gang filled, violent, action filled, dramatic, life. The book kept me at the edge of my seat with the amazing imagery and figurative language. The book consists of everything a book should: sadness, happiness, drama, love, and action! Once again I highly request The Outsiders to everyone, and it will for sure be your next favorite book. 

Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper

Review by:  John C.

The book, Tears of a Tiger, is a great book because it can give lessons on some people to never drink and drive. The book is about a high school basketball star, Andy, and his friend that went out one night after winning their game. They went out to drink and have fun but after a couple drinks they drove home and crashed. The driver, Andy, killed his best friend in the accident. Everyone tries to help Andy feel better about his friend’s loss but nothing helps. Later, Andy takes some of his own actions too far.

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

This book takes place during World War II in London.  Ada is a girl who has a deformed foot and lives with her mother and brother.  Her mother is very abusive to her.  When the opportunity comes for her to leave London with her brother for the countryside, she takes it!  During World War II, children were sent out of London to live with adults int he country.  It was thought this would keep them safer during wartime.  Ada finds herself with a caring woman who helps her realize her own potential.  It is clear why this book was considered a Newbery Honor book!  Check it out today!

Enchanted Air: A Memoir by Margarita Engle

This book is a fantastic read!  It has won several awards, and it's clear why.  The words on the page are beautiful, and it is a book entirely written in verse.  This is a memoir written by a woman sharing her experiences growing up in the 1950's.  Margarita is a young girl whose mother is from Cuba and father is American.  She lives in California, but spends summers in Cuba.  She describes herself as having an "invisible twin," being torn between two cultures.  The book takes a dramatic turn when the Cuban Missile Crisis begins.  She watches events unfold on TV, and wonders how her family will handle the challenge.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

This heart-warming book about Ivan the gorilla who is forced to live in a dilapidated cage is a must read for anyone who loves animals! The reader begins to see the world through the eyes of an animal living in captivity. Ivan must find a way to help the other animals find freedom from the cruelties of living in a world where he is on display in a cage.


I recommend this book because it reminds us of the importance of friendship and love. You will leave this book wanting to do more to protect animals in our society. Check it out today!