The Hobbit reviewed by Marcus

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkin

Reviewed by Marcus

A young man named Bilbo Baggins, goes on an adventure of a lifetime, he’s going to help dwarves get there home back from a dragon named smaug a talking dragon guarding a pile of treasure & has killed Thorn Oakenshields father Thoran son of Thor.

They get attacked by giant spiders, they get captured,get out of jail,take a boat to the lonely mountain, find secret caves, Bilbo finds Smaug, Bilbo runs through a hall being destroyed by Smaug, then slay Smaug.

A lesson in this story is to be brave and stick up for yourself.

I think this book is good for for any age 9 & over, so I recommend you read this book if you are into action & adventure & mystery.

Bone #7 reviewed by Sal

Bone: Ghost Circles by Jeff Smith

Reviewed by Sal

“The only thing that could cause this much damage is a ghost circle.”

In Bone: Ghost Circles, The Bones Gran’ma Ben, Thorn, and their loyal rat creature cub venture on a journey through the mysterious ghost circles to the city of Athiea. Problem is, there’s a catch. If you step into a ghost circle, you’ll cease to exist.

This hilarious book contains a powerful lesson about journeying to the city of Athiea while trying to control Phoney Bone’s recklessly dangerous agenda on gold. I can assure you, this hilarious book will not disappoint.

At a time when you’re going somewhere, Ghost Circles taught me that the journey really is better than the destination. I highly recommend it for everyone age 7-13.

Double Fudge reviewed by Maisy

Double Fudge by Judy Blume

213 pages

Puffin Books               

2002

Reviewed by Maisy

    One of the issues in Double Fudge is embarrassment because when the “Natural Beauties” (Fauna and Flora, Peter’s cousins. That take turns talking for their younger brother Mini) sing in front of Peter’s school.  He feels “sick” and has to go to the nurse.  Another issue in Double Fudge is conflict.  I think this because when Fudge (Peter’s younger brother that is naughty and funny) finds out that someone else in his family has the same name as him.So he starts to fight with him.So he starts to fight with him.  Another issue in Double Fudge is honesty because when Mini(Fauna and Flora’s younger brother that is naughty and has the same personality as Fudge when he was little) “accidentally” lets Uncle Feather (Fudge’s mina bird that likes to speak French and likes to say bad words like:  “Bonjour stupid!”) out of his cage he admits that he did it.

    A summary of Double Fudge is in the the beginning Fudge discovered money by asking Peter (Fudge’s older brother that is intelligent and a great friend) how much New York City is.  And in the middle the Hatcher’s find their long lost cousins in D.C.  With a kid that has the exact same name as Fudge!  And close to the end Fudge, Mini, and Mrs.Osterman (a really nice woman and friendly to everyone) got stuck in the elevator on Halloween!

Double Fudge is a brilliant story that I recommend for all children around the world.  I especially recommend this story for all elementary school and middle school age children.

Shiloh reviewed by Harris

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

124 pages

reviewed by Harris 

11 year old Marty Preston really likes the outdoors he does not have a ton of friends around but he has some.He also likes to hunt for food for his family.Marty is really nice and fun.

Marty Preston really wants a dog but his parents can’t afford a dog.Finally Marty get’s a dog but his parents don’t know.He makes a pen for it down at the bottom of the hill so his parents won’t see it.The dog loves Marty and Marty loves him back.His owner Judd Travers is not treating him well so that is why he keeps coming to Marty’s because Marty treats him well.

Shiloh is a really enjoyable chapter book.Readers will learn that the message is courage and the theme is hard work pays off.

I highly recommend you to read the book Shiloh because it can teach you a lesson and it is a very enjoyable book.

Jake Drake Bully Buster reviewed by Lily

Jake Drake Bully Buster by Andrew Clements

reviewed by Lily

Jake Drake Bully Buster is a book about jake drake(the main character) always having bullies.

Fourth grader Jake Drake had bullies all his life, he had nose boy( when he was in kindergarten), he had Kenny Russell (when he was in miss lulu’s day care class), he had Antonio,then Jake Drake comes across this one bully Link (he was meaner than the rest).

Link would tug on his ear and call him fake instead of jake. Than Jake got so mad at Link that he began to bully (his little sister) Abby. Meanwhile, Link’s little sister (Linda) was bullying (Abby had gave Jake some advice for Jake it was good advice but it did not work).

At times where kids are getting bullied there is Jake Drake Bully Buster, a wonderful book that I highly recommend for 1st and 2nd graders. Jake Drake Bully Buster tells a story of conflict this is important because if you have a conflict you could listen to Jake Drake's rules and if you like this book there is a whole series.

Shiloh reviewed by Lucas

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

A Dell Year Book

144 pages

1991

reviewed by Lucas

    11 year old Marty Preston is not the luckiest man ever.  But when Shiloh comes, Marty can’t stand to see him lonely and abandon.  Then when Marty takes Shiloh home, his parents don’t allow him.

Unexpectedly Shiloh’s owner finds Shiloh and Marty finds out that Shiloh’s owner abuses him.  Judd {Shiloh’s owner} takes him and Marty has dreams about the dog and wonders how he is getting hurt.  Judd says he doesn’t abuse animals but Marty sees Judd shoot a deer out of season.

Judd is a kind of person who is non-respectful because he smokes and abuses animals.  Marty loves the dog so much that he disobeys his parents.  Marty is a kind of person who wants things to happen that are not going to happen.  Judd is the kind of person who is greedy because his exact words were “I want him back by Sunday”.

Along with the sadness in this book, Shiloh has many twists and turns that will leave you heart-broken.  Adventure is another part of this book.  This book has a lesson of standing up for yourself.

            {Ages 9 and older}

Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm reviewed by Cameron

Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm by Megan McDonald

reviewed by Cameron

The lesson Megan McDonald is trying to teach you is,that don’t be mean to others and always be yourself. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm is my favorite book because all things lucky happen to her,she makes funny jokes,and weird things happen to her that are funny. But in the end of the story she takes care of a pig.and every part in the story something funny happens. So if you like funny books you’ll like Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm.

In Judy Moody the Bad Luck Charm, Judy finds a penny, every time she rubs it good luck happens to her. I think judy moody is brave. Because she goes through hard things.I notice in the book that megan mcdonald uses craft moves like tiny actions so they are important.

Another craft move Megan McDonald uses is inner thought so you know what the person is thinking. And a lucky thing that happens to her is that she beats the claw, and she was the first one to beat the claw, she beat the claw 3 times! I highly recommend Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm because they are funny stuff for example babysitting a pig. And they are great for kids.

I think that a lot of kids will like Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm because alot of my friends like the book,and they also tell funny jokes like Judy Moody. It makes me laugh. And Judy Moody is just like my friend Maisy she makes me laugh a lot. And my friends Maddie and Ellie. And there's alot of friendship in Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm. Judy Moody changes feelings a lot. I wonder if Judy Moody has trouble fitting in.

The Tiger Rising reviewed by Maia

Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo

Candelwick Press 2001

Reviewed by Maia

“He took a breath. He opened his mouth and let the words fall out.

‘I know where there’s a tiger’ Sistine stood in the drizzly rain, her eyes fierce.” This is a strong story about a tiger who creates a bold friendship between Rob and Sistine. From this life-changing experience, both Rob and Sistine learn a valuable lesson.

After Rob Horton meets Sistine Bailey, a strong friendship forms. Rob shows Sistine the tiger in the woods and she is surprisingly interested in the tiger. Sistine will never give up to make something happen. With the great similarities and teamwork of Rob Horton and Sistine Bailey, anything is possible.

Readers will feel like they are inside the story with Rob and Sistine. Throughout the book, Rob begins to understand that somethings-like memories, heartache, and tigers-can’t be locked up forever.

The author, Kate DiCamillo, did an excellent job hooking the reader to this powerful story. As a National Book Award Finalist book, The Tiger Rising left me attached to the  touching book.

I highly recommend this book for readers ages 8 and up. The strong message, lesson, and theme in this book will leave all readers fascinated by it.

Ivy and Bean Make the Rules reviewed by Christina M.

Ivy and Bean Make The Rules by Annie Barrows

reviewed by Christina M.

Ivy and Bean is a great book it’s funny, happy, and most of all it’s crazy and can relate to you and your best friend.

Ivy and Bean is a funny book because it says in the text that

Bean was hitting the trees in Monkey Park  because she was wearing a wolf

mask and that Ivy was wearing a santa mask for disguys.It made me luaght so hard.

Ivy and Bean is a happy book because they always have crazy ideas .And when it actually

happens they get all happy.

Ivy and Bean is a crazy book because they  always CRAZY ideas .like lets go and make the attic

our hang out or lets make our own camp.That is crazy and sometimes it actually happens.

Ivy and bean can relate to you and your best friends li8fe because sometimes you can have happy moments,crazy moments,and funny moments.

Ivy and Bean is a great book I recommend this book to pre teens, and children .I love this book

it is a great book you should really read it so

have fun reading.

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring reviewed by Jack S.

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

Reviewed by Jack S.

Published 1954

          Frodo Baggins had an ordinary life until he had to destroy the ring (the one ring to rule them all).He brought Sam,Merry,and Pippin along.At the Inn of The Prancing Pony they meet Strider(Arargorn)and the Nazgul ambush them; so they go to Weathertop but the Nazgul ambush them there.After Arwen rides Frodo to Rivendell.After he gets healed by Elrond.He goes to the Council of Elrond.He meets Legolas,Gimli,Boromoir,and Gandalf(for not the first time).After they set out from Rivendell.They go to the Mines of Moria(which is in a mountain).Where they get ambushed by goblins but the Barlog (who is pure evil)scares the goblins away.On the bride of Khazum Dum Gandalf says’’You Shall Not Pass’’ and breaks the bride with him on it.This makes me think that Gandalf will risk his life for Frodo and the company to continue their quest.They take refuge in Lothlorien(which is an elven woods ruled by Galdreail).Frodo gets the Phial of Galdreail(a light when all is dark).After a day on boats they get ambushed by Urk-Hai at Amon Hen.

         Children 11 and up will love this book because it has action,adventure,and suspense because if Sauron gets the ring then darkness will blind Middle Earth.So it’s Frodo’s job to destroy the ring.

          Middle Earth is split up into many different lands like Mordor,The Shire,Gondor,Rohan,The Misty Mountains,Isengard,The Brown Lands,Moria,Fangorn,Mirkwood,Rivendell,Lothlorien,and Arabor (a dwarven kingdom).

           J.R.R Tolkien has written around 40 books including The Fellowship of the Ring,The Two Towers,The Return of the King,The Hobbit,The Adventures of Tom Bombadil,The Silmarillion,Unfinished Tales,and Morgoth's Ring.

            The Lord Of The Rings series is split up into 3 books The Fellowship of the Ring,The Two Towers,and The Return The King.In urder to understand the book(series) you should probaly read The Hobbit first.I hope you enjoy the book.       

Twice Upon a Time #3: Beauty and the Beast, the Only One Who Didn't Run Away reviewed by Sophie

Twice Upon A Time Beauty and the Beast The Only One Who Didn’t Run Away by Wendy Mass

282 pages

Scholastic Press

2012

Reviewed by Sophie

Yes,he frightened Papa and basically kidnapped me, but something truly terrible  has befallen him.

All Prince Riley (the son of a king and queen of one of the seven kingdoms)wants is a normal life with his royal family, but a witch casts a spell on him and turns him into a beast!!!

All Beauty wants is to support her family, but a beast captures her in his perfect plan!!!

This wonderful book contains powerful lessons about love and tight budget constraints.family is a big word here.Some people don’t understand the scene when Beauty’s house burns down, leaving her family with nothing but each other(and a few dresses that Beauty’s sister

Clarissa grabbed).Someone who can’t afford anything?Some people are like that.

At a time where only love matters,Beauty and the Beast comes out a winner for a story that you can relate to many others. Bridge to Terabithia, The Tiger Rising, or 11 Birthdays all show this. I highly recommend this book to all ages because truly, anybody can enjoy this touching book.

Shiloh reviewed by Connor

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

144 pages

A Dell Yearling book

1991

Reviewed by Connor

Marty, the main character,  is a nice, calm,  good person. He is a character  that will do anything to save a dog named Shiloh.  He is considered poor, but I think Marty’s heart is very faithful.  Marty has a friend that always listens to him,  and does not spill secrets about the dog or the pen that the dog lives in.  This friends name is David.

Shiloh was in the bushes and followed Marty.  When Marty found Shiloh behind him he ran to  the field and made a pen for Shiloh.  He did this because he wanted to save Shiloh. Judd is trying to kill Shiloh because he is not a good hunting dog. In the middle Shiloh got attacked by German shepherds and Shiloh was ripped to the bone. Marty and his dad took him to the doctor.  After the surgery the doctor took him to Marty. The German shepherds made their parents know about Shiloh.

There are lots of messages in this book.  I think the most important message is to fight for something you love.  Marty fought for Shiloh.  I think this because Marty said, “You mistreated him so I took him.”

This book maintains a lot of suspenseful, happy moments.  If you like happy ending this is a book for you.  I recommend this to people of all ages!

Wereworld 6 reviewed by Jack M.

Wereworld 6 by Curtis Jobling

Reviewed by Jack M.

“ People should be free from werelords.” Drew said , to Manfred and Vega.This shows that Drew cares about freedom.

Drew is on his way to Bana Gap to save his friends,after that he gets the white fist of Icegarden welded onto his missing hand, then he goes to war !

A big problem in this book is that Drew does not want bloodshed but is fighting a war.

I highly recommend this book for ages 10 and up.

Among the Hidden reviewed by Braiden

Among The Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Reviewed by Braiden

Among The Hidden

153 pages

Margaret Peterson Haddix

1998

    There are lots of characters in this book but the main characters are Luke and Jen.  They both have different character traits.  Luke’s are brave, kind, nervous, scared, and surprised. These traits will change throughout the book. Jen’s are brave, kind,sacrificial, tricky, and smart. These change throughout the book too. You will found out more about the characters in the book.

    In this book you get to know the life of a third child in this made up world.  Next you find out how Luke sees a third child in his neighbor's window (His neighbor is really rich- baron). Lastly, weeks later look goes over and meets the girl that he saw she was planning something really big to save third children.  In this amazing book you should think the theme is: always follow your heart.

    In this great book if you dig deep down into your thinking you will probably get never give up as your theme.  But really I think it is always follow your heart.  I believe this because Luke and Jen did what they wanted to do.

I recommend this book to people who like suspense, surprises, and heart-felt books.  Also, you will not understand it unless you are eight years old.

In conclusion Margaret Peterson Haddix is a fantastic writer. She has won lots of awards. Lastly she has sold this book 2.5 million times. I really think people should read not only this book but the whole series. (The series has lots of themes)

Maniac Magee reviewed by Quinn

Maniac Magee byJerry Spinnelli

reviewed by Quinn

My parents passed away know i live with my aunt and uncle.They hate each other.

But they are strict catholics so they live with each other but don’t share anything.

Theres always two of everything in my house two tvs,two beds,and two closets.

His aunt an uncle never shared anything.I think maniac magee was getting bored of never getting two do things with both of them.For example if he goes two a diner he only goes with one of them.(or if he goes to a movie he only goes with one).I think he gets frustrated because he runs away (that was wrong) but if he had not done that he would have been lonely all his life.

Readers will cling to maniac magee,(it’s a very interesting story).It shows maniac magee what it’s like to have a mother,father,and brother and sisters.He learns the surprise of kids of different color if you simply play with them they think you're dangers because your a different color .Or a girl who can’t leave her books at home because her dog ,sister,and brother will destroy them.

The author  Jerry Spinnelli  does a great job of making it like a story but also a biography  and appropriate for all ages.

both children and adults will love this newbery honor book It celebrates Happiness loss friendship and new beginnings. Maniacs fans all over the world love this.I recommend ages 9 and up.

Jake Drake Bully Buster reviewed by Megan

Jake Drake Bully Buster by: Andrew Clements

75 pages

2001 reviewed by Megan

“He wanted to be in the m.v.p on the bully all-star team”

Jake Drake Bully Buster is about Jake getting bullied by link. Jake does not like when link is bullying him.

But Jake does not stand up to link. But in the end everything turns out good!

Jake Drake Bully Buster teaches us not to bull other kids. Some kids know about bullying, and some kids don’t. It’s important to know about bullying because it might happen to you.

Jake drake bully busters tell an interesting about bully’s becoming friends. This is important for bullies because they can overcome their differences.

Pippi in the South Seas reviewed by Ellie

Pippi In The South Seas by Astrid Lindgren

Reviewed by  Ellie

    

If you like crazy,funny,and adventurous people you will probably like this book.(Pippi In The South Seas).Like i said Pippi Longstocking is crazy,funny,and adventurous. Pipi has a lot of fun with her friends,Tommy and Annika.   

Pippi longstocking also has another friend Mrs.settergren.Pippi Longstocking tries to be Mrs.Settergreens friend but Mrs.Settergren thinks Pippi longstocking is to crazy.”Pippi Longstocking is to crazy!”Mrs.Settergren thought to herself.   

I highly recommend “Pippi In The South Seas!”                               

At this time Pippi did not follow rules but now kids have A LOT of rules!

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing reviewed by Patrick

Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing By Judy Blume.

Reviewed By Patrick

‘’Oh’’! Peter why didn’t you tell me you had a hole in your sock ‘’I  didn’t  know I had a hole in my sock.

Tales of The Fourth Grade Nothing is about a 8 year old boy (Peter Hatcher) who thinks  his life is falling apart because his younger brother(Fudge) is making his life miserable by getting lost in the movies to having a temper tantrum in the shoe store Peter always half to watch on him.

In Tales of The Fourth Grade Nothing the message in this is you should always be nice to your brothers and sisters,don’t invade people’s properties,and give people some space for a while.

I recommend Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing to kids and adults 8 and older.Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing is a winner for a humorous story.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing reviewed by James

Bone:

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing By Judy Blume

Reviewed by James

128 Pages

Puffin

1972

A nine year old, Peter Hatcher lives in New York City in a apartment with a mother, father, a brother, and a pet turtle.  Peter’s brother is very young and causes a lot of trouble.     Peter wants to be a normal family but he can’t with his crazy brother.  Peter is the kind of person who is very polite for example, he got a picture dictionary for three year olds and already had the book.  Peter still thanked Mr. and Mrs.Yarby that shows Peter is very commendable.

Peter won Dribble his pet turtle at his friends birthday party because he guessed how many jelly beans were in a jar.  Fudge is obsessed with Dribble but Peter doesn’t let him touch him.  Fudge never gets in trouble for what he does and a lot of the time he gets lucky, for example, he is on a Toddle-Bike commercial

A Lesson in this story is that always listen because if you don’t always listen things could go wrong.  For example, Fudge always gets into trouble because he doesn’t listen.

Along with humor and a realistic story this book will amuse in elementary school.  This is definitely Judy Blume’s best book