student book reviews

This book explores the life of a boy named Tom at Central High School. A school nearby his experiences a
school shooting incident, and officials at Central become worried that it might happen again. Suddenly, Central
High is being patrolled by "grief counselors" who are making the students' privileges vanish. After a random drug
test, Tom's friend is sent away for behavior problems. Students disappear and no one knows why. Tom is just trying
to survive, but he also wants to solve this mystery and get behind it all. Is there a reason that the grief counselors so
paranoid? Who are they? What are they doing at Central High? And one has to wonder, why???

I liked this book because it was supensful (I literally couldn't put it down), and it was sort of a mystery but with
action. It has an unusual plot and since it is about teens it was easy to relate to.

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Title: Becoming Naomi Leon
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan

This story is about Naomi Soledad Leon Outlaw and her brother, Owen. They live together with their grandma, Gram, in a trailer called "Baby Beluga" in Avocado Acres Trailer Rancho. Naomi's mother suddenly appears out of nowhere and interrupts the Outlaws's life and wants to take Naomi away. Will Naomi ever find her father? Is her mother coming back good? Read this book to find out!

I really liked this book because it was easy to read, and because each character was very unique. Pam Munoz Ryan really brings each character to life.

Anyone who wants an easy read and would like to read about someone who conquers daily troubles in their life will like this book.

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Title: The Bridge to Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson

This is a breathtaking story, full of suspense and page turning moments. When Jess Arrons decides to become the fastest runner in his school, his plans are crushed by this new girl..... Leslie. But his contempt is quickly turned to adoration, as he gets to know this girl, and the beauty of friendship is demonstrated. The two create a magical land in which only the two reside in, and this fantastic fairy land helps them all. Then the greatest tragedy comes into their lives..............

I like this book because I think it is enormously interesting, and had me on a hook right away. This book also holds the crystal loveliness of someone who loves, and is loved.

Someone who enjoys a good laugh and a bunch of exciting new characters would definitely cherish this novel.

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Chicken Boy is about an independent kid growing up in the south with a withered family and no friends. He slacks in school and lives in a line of brothers known as the traditional "McCauleys" that were born to make trouble. Yet soon he makes a new friend... who's obsessed with raising chickens. When he least expects it, he gets caught up in the chicken business too.

I loved this book because of all the character that was built into it. You could really see how Tobin (the boy) changed with the help of one caring friend and some chickens. I personally love chickens and it was intriguing the way Tobin began to have a fondness for them too, from their head cocking to their pecking. I definitely would recommend it.

Any type of person could fall in love with this book due to the various perspectives of it and the different characteristics. It was very powerful to see the transformation from "Tobin McCauley, troublemaker" to "fastest kid in school, Chicken Boy."

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Title: The City of Ember
Author: Jeanne DuPrau

In the year 241 twelve-year-old Lina Mayfleet desperately wants to be a messenger while Doon Harrow desperately wants to be underground as a pipe works laborer. Their city, Ember, is having blackouts all the time now and he has some ideas about how to fix the electricity generator…which is underground. The city is also having major shortages of everything from pencils to food. The citizens are assigned jobs out of a hat at age twelve and Lina gets pipe works and Doon gets messenger. They switch!

I love this book because this book had twists and turns so it was so unpredictable. It also develops the characters well so you can really feel for them.

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Title: Dealing with Dragons
Author: Patricia C. Wrede

This book is about Princess Cimorene who was brought up in the Kingdom of Linderwall. She hated learning about the things that were proper for a princess to learn, like embroidery, dancing, drawing, and etiquette. And then, things got even worse because her parents told her she had to marry Prince Therandil, whom she hated. Cimorene decided to run away and get eaten by a dragon, but then she changed her mind and decided to become a dragon's princess.

I really liked this book (and series) because I love to read about dragons and wizards. Cimorene encounters many dragons and wizards, and some make trouble.

Anyone who wants to read about improper princesses, dragons, wizards, and other magical creatures should read this book/series.

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Title: Emako Blue
Author: Brenda Woods

This book is very different from others because of the culture in it. Since we live here in Palo Alto, out community is very nice and friendly. But where this book takes place, in South LA, there is a high crime rate and there are many gangs. Emako Blue was a talented young girl who had a promising future as a singer because of her beautiful voice. She was envied by many, loved by her friends (and the boys), and completely innocent. So why was she shot? Why was someone on the road to success killed so suddenly and without meaning? How come her future disappeared in the pull of one trigger? Read this short but deep novel to find out. What happened to Emako Blue?

For readers who enjoy short novels with a connection to real life, and what happens behind the scenes in less fortunate neighborhoods.

Book Review by: Yasmin A.

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Title: The Five Ancestors: Tiger Book 1

Author: Jeff Stone

The story begins when a young 12-year-old warrior named Fu is stuck in a barrel along with his four brothers. Each of the five brothers is named after an animal: tiger, monkey, snake, bird, and a dragon. They are hiding from a war in the Buddhist monk temple of Cangzhen, where a 16-year-old boy named Ying, who is trained as an eagle Kung Fu master, has come back to destroy the master of the temple who he thinks is responsible for the death of his best friend. Soon after, a soldier shoots the barrel in which the 5 brothers are hiding in and the barrel explodes and ejects them. However, before the soldier can do anything the master of the temple comes and kills the soldiers. As soon as the master kills the soldier, Ying comes and kills the master. After the 5 brothers run away and the adventure starts.

One of the best parts of the story is when thousands of monkeys fall from the sky and attacks the soldiers. The soldiers have a suffocating death by monkeys.

This is a great book if you like adventure, fighting, and humor. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy reading wild and crazy stories.

Book review by: Raphael B.

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Title: Frankenstein
Author: Mary Shelley

This intriguing novel is about a man named Frankenstein who one night in his lab creates a monster. He immediately regrets what he's done, for now the monster is causing nothing but harm to the townspeople. But its the cruel way the people treat him that makes him evil. Read this book to find out the fate of this horrible, or innocent, creature!

This book is full of intense high school literature and although it's hard to read, it's worth it. All of the events fill you with mixed emotions like anger and sympathy and as you read on, your emotions for each character change when you hear their own stories from their own perspectives. This book travels into the hearts of everyone in the book and soon you'll find yourself crying for someone and then hating them the next moment. With heart thumping events and tearful happenings, Frankenstein is sure to touch you in many ways. So if you love staying up late at night just to see what happens next or if you are in such suspense your heart practically bounces out of your chest, or if you just like fiction with a twist, Frankenstein is the perfect book for you!

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Title: Gay-Neck- The Story of a Pigeon
Author: Dhan Gopal Mukerji

Gay-Neck, a magnificent pigeon, flies through many tales of adventure, danger, and passion. Gay Neck, an only child, is a born leader. He must know how to lead his flock, dodge German planes and sharpshooters while caring for his wife and eight kids. He loses his mother when an eagle swoops down on the two, and his mother throws herself in front of her son. She loses her life, but in her dying moments tells Gay-Neck to fulfill his duty as a pigeon. Will he succeed? Read and find out!

I enjoyed this book because it was so interesting, so imaginative, and so detailed. The words fit the book perfectly, and you felt the book come to life!

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves birds, adventure, animals, and action!

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Title: Here Today
Author: Ann M. Martin

Here Today is about Ellie’s life in Spectacle during the year 1963. Many things happen, including, President Kennedy’s death, her mother being crowned Besetting Beauty, her classmates deciding to pick on her by slamming her and pretending she and her best friend (only friend) are invisible. When her mom decides to start her career in acting New York her life is changed forever.

I liked this book because it showed how life in 1963 was when I wasn’t alive yet. I liked how realistic the characters were and how detailed the setting was. It was so well written I felt like I was there.

This is a good book for people who like historical fiction and a bit of humor. It is perfect for 6th graders because Ellie (main character) is an average 6th grader in 1963.

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Title: Macbeth
Author: Shakespeare

A man named Macbeth is married to his abnormal wife, Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is very unnatural for she does not act like a woman but instead has a very barbaric, harsh, unloving manner. There are also three witches involved that tell Macbeth his prophecy; he will one day be the ruler of all. Soon Lady Macbeth persuades her husband to do whatever it takes to become King. Next thing you know, they won't stop at anything, and I mean anything, to keep them from becoming the most powerful...if it doesn't drive them crazy first.

This book is very wonderful because it's very suspenseful and deep. It will hold you in sorrow, confusion, depression, and horror. It is great to read if you have a lot of time and you're up to really challenging your brain. Macbeth uses old English so it can be hard to understand.

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Title: Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry

This book takes place during WWII when the Nazi's invade a little town of Denmark. Annemarie has to save her Jewish friend from the Nazi's and her family. This little girl from Denmark helps save three people's lives well building courage, bravery, and love.

I would recommend this book because it is a good book that describes another view of WWII to a sixth grader like me. It also has really tense parts that leave you hanging and urges you to keep on reading.

This book would be good for people who like fiction but also like to learn a fact or two when they read.

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Title: Perfect
Author: Natasha Friend

Perfect is about an 8th grader who’s family is suffering from the loss of their father. She uses bulimia as an excuse for her pain. When she starts taking “Group”, she
1) meets new friends, 2) meets a new part of herself that she never knew she had.

I liked this book because it takes a common eating disorder most girls have and lets readers know the effect of using it. It also talks about clichés and popularity in middle school.

This would be a great book for middle school age girls. It has a lot of good information about an eating disorder, popularity, and overcoming grief and loss. I loved it.

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Title: Princess and the Pauper
Author: Kate Brian

Julia Johnson's mother and herself live in an apartment and are low on money. When they receive the letter that if they don't pay the rent by next month or they will have to move out, they are a little worried. When Princess Carina comes to Julia's high school, everyone thinks they look alike. Princess Carina is willing to pay 10,000 for Julia to play Carina for a day...PRINCESS FOR A DAY! When trouble arrives how will they get home??

I liked the book because it is really interesting in the text and explains the theme thoroughly--be yourself!!

People who like fiction about princesses would love this book! Who doesn't want to be a princess for a day?!

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Title: Shades of Gray
Author: Carolyn Reeder

This book is about 12 year-old Will Page. He was sent to his Uncle Jed's house in Virginia after his mother, father, and sisters and brothers died. Will was not happy about this because his Uncle Jed had refused to fight in the war and was a traitor to the Confederacy. Will meets Hank, Amos, and Pat, and has some unlikely experiences with them. Will also learns to help work around the house with his cousin Meg. If you want to find out how Will adjusts to farm life, you should read this book!

I liked this book because I like reading about people adjusting to life that they weren't used to, so this book was perfect for me.

Anyone who wants to read an easy book and learn a few facts about the Civil War should read this informative book.

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Title: Shadow Horse
Author: Alison Hart

This book is about a girl who assaults a man for killing her favorite horse. 13 year old Jasmine Schuler is put on probation after she is found guilty in her first trial while her grandfather is put in a nursing home after a stroke. No one believes her side of the story and now it is up to her to prove that the killer is not her grandfather. She has to try and find someone who can help her solve the mystery.

I loved this book, because it is about horses and I love horses. I also like it because it is about a girl who believes she can solve the murder mystery even though everyone tells her to give up. But she keeps trying.

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Title: Squashed
Author: Joan Bauer

This book is about a 16 year-old girl named Ellie Morgan who lives in Rock River, Illinois. Ellie loves to grow pumpkins and enters the Rock River Harvest Fair and Pumpkin Weigh-in, hoping to beat Cyril Pool, four year champion. But when Ellie goes to see Cyril's pumpkin, she finds out that it is HUGE! Will Ellie beat Cyril in the competition? Will she catch the new boy, Wes's eye? Read this book and find out!

This is one of my favorite books because it’s about a character who anyone can relate to. This book is very interesting and not too long.

Anyone who likes to read about pumpkins and high school should definitely read this amazing book.

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Title: The Staircase
Author: Ann Rinaldi

This book takes place around the 1800’s. The main character's mother dies, and her father takes her on a trip out west with his niece who is a total brat. When they reach Santa Fe, her father abandons her there and leaves because he thinks it will be too dangerous. While she stays in Santa Fe, she becomes friends with this carpenter who's building this spiral staircase. Everyone hopes he will have it done by Christmas but at the pace he's going it doesn't look like it will happen. I am not going to tell you what happens with the girl, the man, the niece and the staircase though because you will have to read it for yourself.

I liked the book because it is based on a true event and has a heart-warming ending. I usually don't like historical fiction books but for me, this book was different.

I would recommend this book to historical fiction readers and people who like happy endings.

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Title: Stormbreaker
Author: Anthony Horwitz

Alex Rider was an average, everyday school boy living with his Uncle, Ian Rider. That is, until he is killed in
a car “accident “. Alex knows better that Ian couldn't have died this way, and when he sees the car his Uncle
was driving is riddled with bullet marks, Alex is soon caught in a mission with MI6 to stop a madman from
launching a toxic bio-weapon, and to claim vengeance over his Uncle.

I love how the author, Anthony Horwitz, keeps you glued to the book so you can find out what happens next.

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Title: The Second Summer of the Sisterhood
Author: Ann Brashares

This book takes place on the second summer of the sisterhood (their sixteenth summer). In this novel they experience change, a big deal of friendship, cliques, and who you can really trust as well as who really are your friends.

I liked this book because it shows how four 16 year old girls go through their average summer.

This is a good book for girls (maybe guys) who like to read about other people in present day.

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Title: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Author: Ann Brashares

This book is the perfect combination of friendship, fun, and laughter as these 4 girls go through a summer apart. They also experience death in the sisterhood as well as many happy thoughts. Though they have many good times together, it is when they are apart that makes them be closer.

The writing is really good. It explains everything that a normal 15 year old goes through in an interesting way. It makes you want to read the next book in the series.

Mostly girls would like this book . Also people who like to read about friendship and how important friends are.

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This book is about a girl named Zibby Thorne. Zibby goes to a dollhouse convention because her mom goes to them every year. Zibby didn't want to be there. She was walking around, but then she saw a dollhouse. She had $143.73. She knew it wasn't enough to buy the precious thing. Then, a bell in her head started to ring. She didn't know if it was in her head, or someone ringing a bell. Something told her to look at the dollhouse's price tag, and to her surprise, it cost $143.73. She thought it was a coincidence, so she bought it. Her parents helped her carry it to her room. She didn't even know why she bought it. She hated it. It also came with a porcelain doll that always had a frown. One day her mom and Zibby were at their house alone. Zibby went up to her room. The doll started talking to her in her in Zibby's head, and Zibby got really scared.

I recommend this book because it is very scary, and interesting. It lures you into the book and it makes you want to read it and read it. I never stopped reading it. I wouldn't recommend this book to people who get scared easily.

I think that the person who would read this book would have to like reading, because the book is really long. I also think that if you were interested in scary things, with twisted endings you would enjoy this book a whole lot.

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This Newbery Award winning book is about Garnet Linden, who during a very long drought, finds a very valuable pure silver thimble on a dried up river bed. Only a few hours after this discovery, the drought ends, raising the amount they would earn from the crop. After this, they find enough money to raise a new barn, raise a pig, find a new brother, and win a prize at a fair! Want to learn how this happens? Read this book!!!

I loved this book because it was descriptive; sort of like a fairy tale, and also shows you how farm life and fairs work.

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This book describes a young boy, named Young-Fu, who goes with his mother to the city of Chungking. The plan is to send Young-Fu to become an apprentice to Tang, a coppersmith. Life is hard, but good luck comes to Young Fu even though he faces danger and peril. Will he forever keep the favor of the gods, or shall he perish under the ya-men, Dragons, and soldiers? Will he lose his position as an apprentice and fall into the hands of poverty? Read this book to find out!

I very much enjoyed this book because it had a great shoreline, lots of dangerous adventure, many thrills, and luck throughout!

I would definitely recommend this book to someone who loves reading about ancient culture, China, adventure, or just a Newbery book!

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