BOOKS YOU LIKE!
Is there a book that you have recently read and enjoyed?
Share your favorites with classmates on this page!
Simply e-mail Mr. Prince with the book's title, author, and a brief review of the book.
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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Submitted by Songela
Orphan Mary is quite contrary as she loses her parents to yellow fever and is forced to travel to the English moor to live in the care of her foreign uncle - or rather, his servants. Since her uncle is often away on business trips, Mary resorts to wandering the long passageways of her uncle's mansion to pass time - and one day discovers her hidden, sick cousin. Together, they learn to become friends, and eventually, a miracle occurs. To find out what happened, read this classic novel. It is truly amazing. |
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Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card Submitted by David N.
This fast paced science-fiction novel takes place in the future when "buggers" are trying to attack our civilization. Ender is one of many very young children who is picked up and carted off to be trained to fight the buggers. Though academics is involved in the training, the main part that is focused on is the games played between different sections. They are played in a null-gravity room and the object is to freeze as many opponents as possible. Ender's talent soon makes him the youngest leader of a section! Eventually, because he keeps winning so much, he may be asked to help on the "Third Invasion" attack of buggers! How does Ender manage all this pressure at such a young age? Pick up Ender's Game to find out! But be warned: this book is highly addictive! I couldn't put it down after I started it!!!
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Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko Submitted by Camden
Al Capone Does My Shirts is a spectacular book where a 12-year old boy named Moose has to move to Alcatraz because his father works there as a guard and an electrician. Also, Moose’s sister, Natalie, is autistic and there is a school for kids like her to go to where they help them to possibly have life. Moose is a model citizen, but when he meets the Warden’s daughter, Piper, who creates trouble every day, he might just get into a few scams he will not want to get into. How is Moose ever going to get out of this? Read Al Capone Does My Shirts and you will find out!!!!! |
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And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie Submitted by David N.
What is it exactly about Indian Island? It's in the news because the owners have apparently changed, but now who is the owner? And who is it that invites ten guests to the island? In And Then There Were None, ten people are invited to the creepy Indian Island to stay for a short vacation. Then, on the night they arrive to the island they are each accused of killing someone/several people. Are these accusations true? And more importantly, who is accusing them? Then the novel really gets going. One by one the guests get killed, and now the question is WHO IS THE MURDERER??? |
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Lunch Money by Andrew Clements Submitted by David N.
Greg Kenton is a money freak. He loves making it, sometimes spending it, but most of all just having it. He always has a new creative way of making it and in Lunch Money he makes and sells his own comic books. Initially he sold small figurines at school until his principal abolished that. Her problem was the figurines weren't educational, so Greg got thinking about comic books which were fun for him and a book! But he has competition! His long time enemy, Maura, is also in the business. How does Greg manage to keep his business? Read Lunch Money to find out! |
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Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements Submitted by David N.
Fifteen year old Bobby Phillips of Chicago seems to have quite a dull life--until he get turned invisible by unknown means! He just wakes up one morning and there he is, the invisible boy. Once he tells his parents about this difficulty, they make him swear to secrecy because making a big deal out of this with other people could lead to trouble. So now Bobby can't go to school and isn't supposed to be leaving the house, but he does anyway. He visits the library and finds a blind girl, Alicia. They become friends and even though he promised not to, he tells Alicia about his problem. Alicia's family finds out and are helping Bobby and his parents to turn Bobby visible again. But this is taking so long that the government is after the Phillips family because they think Bobby was possibly abused or neglected. If they can't show that Bobby is alive and well, then Mr. and Mrs. Phillips face criminal charges! How do they avoid the state and a lawsuit? How could they possibly turn Bobby visible again? For all those readers who enjoy fast-paced books, read Things Not Seen to find out.
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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Submitted by Shelby In the country of Panem, formerly known as North America, lives Katniss Everdeen, who lives in the District 12. There are 12 districts total. Like Washington D.C. today, there is a Capitol in Panem. In Panem, when you become twelve years old, your name is entered in the drawl for the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games are like a killing Olympics where they pick one boy and one girl from each district and make them participate in the Hunger Games. There is one victor who wins out of the twenty-four. But this year, the rule has been changed… Read The Hunger Games to find out what happens! |
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Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins Submitted by Songela
Fresh from winning the annual Hunger Games in futuristic North America, District 12 residents Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark should be elated. In truth, they face a difficult path ahead as they lead the people of Panem in a seemingly perilous rebellion against the Capitol. Their lives are at stake as they put on a winners' façade and defy the angry Capitol - who wants revenge, which means seeing them dead. A fast-paced book filled with action, Catching Fire will have you turning pages until the end. |
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Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech Submitted by Lauren B.
Walk Two Moons
is a great book about a girl named Salamanca who goes on a car trip with
her two loony grandparents. Along the way, she tells a story about her
friend, Phoebe, who has lately had a crazy experience involving a
missing mom and mysterious fortunes. By telling this story, Sal reveals
a lot about her past and her family problems. This book is one of my
favorites and great for people who love realistic fiction.
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Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis Submitted by David N.
In 1936, ten-year-old Bud has lost almost everything. He is motherless, homeless, and even when he does stay at an orphanage he is almost immediately moved somewhere else. But he does have a suitcase filled with his own special belongings. One of the most important things he has is a poster advertising Herman E. Calloway of the Dusky Devastators of the Depression. And he believes that poster will be the ticket to finding his dad. Read this great tale to find out what Bud does to find his dad, and how he survives the depression. |
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Signal by Cynthia DeFelice Submitted by Cassie
This book is about a boy named Owen McGuire. Owen moved before summer break and has no one to spend his time with. As an alternative, he bikes and runs with his dog Josie. They always bike/run on the same path , and Owen has made it his job to pick up any litter he finds. One day he runs across a piece of a ripped, white T-shirt that has blood on it. He leaves it on the path and continues going. He finds more T-shirt and follows it to a rundown farmhouse by a wheat field. He hears breathing in the field and gets "chickened out" and leaves. The next day, he goes back to the house and finds a girl inside! They become friends and have something they urgently need to do. Read the book to find out what it is and if they succeed or not! |
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Gym Candy by Carl Deuker Submitted by Alex
Gym Candy is a book about a High School football star named Mick Johnson. Mick doesn’t want to make the same mistakes that his father made on the field. When Mick gets tackled outside of the end zone in an important game, he thinks that the only way to get better is to use “gym candy”. When Mick starts purchasing and using “gym candy”, he gets the results that he wanted, and a lot he didn’t. Can Mick find a way out of the mess he started, or will things fall apart forever. Read Gym Candy to find out.
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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Submitted by Lindsey D.
This is one of Kate DiCamillo's best! A little girl,
Abilene, loves her rabbit, Edward. She loved him so much,
she treated him like a human. One day they were going on a
cruise. Two boys play with him and he accidentally flies
overboard. Follow along with the many adventures Edward has.
It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the second
to last word! A short, but sweet, book that's miraculously
special!
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Escape! by Sid Fleischman Submitted by David N.
In this biography of magician Harry Houdini, we learn all about his life like we do in any biography. But this one is different; it is written with such passion for magic you feel like you were there with Houdini! They imagery used in this great bio is my favorite part of it! On every feat that is described, you will be holding your breath because the suspense is so high!!! Also, the "never seen before" pictures are something that captured my attention. They really help you envision what was going on. I have read several biographies on Houdini, but none compares to this! |
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Coraline by Neil Gaiman Submitted by Kristina S.
Coraline is a nice book. It is simply about a girl who doesn't like the way her parents act. She loves exploring, so she spent her day exploring everything around her. She had a vacation, so she was bored one day. Her mother was going to buy some food, Coraline refused to go with her. She was visiting her neighbors trying to spend time with them. She wanted to explore more that day, so she found a door that she saw before with bricks behind it. She went in and she found her mother and father there, but they weren't really her parents. They only had their shapes, except that they where evil and had white skin, they called them themselves her ''Other parents''. They tried to convince her that they love her more than her parents, but she didn't listen to them. She had a deal with her other mother that she would either lose her parents and her own life or she could win and could return to her home safely. She showed courage and bravery in this deal, and she won. After all of that, her Other Mother is still after her. Her Other Mother, with all her power, couldn't win Coraline's bravery.
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Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix Submitted by David N.
Jonah Skidmore knows he's adopted, but never thought much of it. Then when he and his adopted friend, Chip, get strange letters they start to wonder what is going on. Jonah's family goes to talk to the FBI about his adoption because Jonah is wants to know about it. He talks to a strange man in a bathroom who tells him to look at some papers on the desk of the FBI agent. The papers are names of kids all around the local area. Jonah and Chip contact these kids and find they are adopted. Then they find out about a mysterious plane smuggling operation and possible time travel! Read this mind-boggling story to find out every detail of action that takes place with Jonah and company!!! |
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Hoot by Carl Hiaasan Submitted by Varsha
The book is Hoot, I read it in 4th grade and its an awesome book! Its about 3 middle school kids who try to save owls! It has won the Newberry Honor and it is also realistic fiction! If I rated this book I would give it a 5/5 because its amazing how 3 middle school kids save owls! I highly recommend it. |
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The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton Submitted by Joey B.
Ponyboy can count on his brothers and on his friends. But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up “greasers” like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect---until the night someone takes things too far. |
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Crocodile Tears by Anthony Horowitz Submitted by Joey F. If you have ever read any books in the Alex Rider series, you would know that his books are action packed and great. This one though, I think, is the best. Alex Rider, a teenage spy for MI6 (MI6 is the CIA of Great Britain), thinks he is done being a spy until MI6 asks him to do something again. His task is to spy on a plant research center. It sounds easy to him until he gets caught. Find out what Alex has to do to get to safety again. This book will keep you flipping the pages until the end of the book. Even if you have not read any of the books in the series.
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Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks Submitted by Maya
This book is about a computer super genius named Cadel who lives with his adoptive parents. When Cadel gets introduced to a psychologist named Thaddeus Roth he learns that his actual father is an evil genius who tried to take over the world and that he is in jail. When Cadel meets a special girl it turns his life upside down. What's Cadel to do when he learns that his whole life is a lie?? |
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Danger at the Fair by Peg Kehret Submitted David N.
Ellen Streater, her friend Caitlin and her brother Corey all go to the yearly county fair. It sounds like a lot of fun, but a few things go amiss. There is a thief lurking around the fair waiting for the perfect chance to snatch a woman's purse or a wallet out of some man's pocket. And the thief has help! He has many accomplices helping him do his dirty work. Also, after Corey spots the thief from the Ferris wheel, he goes missing! Are the thief and Corey's disappearance related? Or did Corey just get lost? Read Danger at the Fair to find out! |
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On the Run #1: Chasing the Falconers by Gordon Korman Submitted by David N.
Chasing the Falconers is a fast paced adventure book which is Gordon Korman's first in his On the Run series. I know once you read the first one you can't help but read the next five! I know that was certainly the case with me! The book starts out with Aiden and Meg Falconer's parents being sentenced to life in prison for treason. Since Aiden and Meg are not wanted to be adopted by any relatives because of what their parents supposedly did, the are carted off to a Midwestern juvie detention farm. Then, one night Aiden accidently sets the farm on fire while taking care of some of the animals. Though it happened accidently, that's not stopping the siblings from their get-away! Now the two are fugitives and are running from the police! They are determined to prove their parents innocent and get them out of jail. Go to the shelf right now and select Chasing the Falconers to find out just how Aiden and Meg pull off their scheme!
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Schooled by Gordan Korman Submitted by David N.
Capricorn Anderson lives on Garland Farm with his grandmother, Rain. His parents died while protesting a war, and everyone else has left the hippie community that only remains home to him and his grandmother. Then, one day while picking fruit, Rain falls out of the tree and breaks her hip. She gets modern medical care, but they are living a very simple life that excludes new technology. That means Rain protests every second of living in the modern world! But for the eight weeks that she is required to receive proper medical care, Cap has to attend regular school! They elect him school president, which at Claverage Middle is not an honor! How does Cap make do with bullies, practical jokes and petty theft? Read Schooled to find out! |
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Book One by Jeff Kinney Submitted by David N.
In this first installment of Jeff Kinney's extremely popular series, we get to know the cast of characters including: Greg Heffley, his older brother, Rodrick, his younger brother, Manny, his mom, his dad and many of his "friends." The first book focuses on Greg's day-to-day life and how he interacts with others. We learn how he feels on many things, since this is written in form of a diary. If you haven't read this hilarious book, then you are missing out on a lot! This book receives 6 out of 5 stars from me! |
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A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle Submitted by David N.
In A Wrinkle in Time, an exciting science-fiction novel, Meg Murry's father mysteriously disappears while dabbling with the fifth dimension, time travel. When Meg, her little brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin are taken by three very old "women" to rescue her father is when the book gets even more interesting. They "tesser" billions of miles through space on many different, creepy planets in a quest to find Meg's father. And even if they do find him it may be a struggle to get him back. How do they do it? Check out a copy today to find out! |
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The Giver by Lois Lowry Submitted by Songela
Jonas lives in an "ideal" world, where marriages are arranged and each couple has two children: a boy and a girl. The children attend school each day until the year they turn twelve; then, they are each assigned a job chosen by the community Elders. When Jonas is assigned the prestigious career of Receiver of Memory, he didn't give a thought to the significance and responsibility that came with it. But as he progresses in his training, he quickly realizes that his perfect world is not what it seems...This book is for anyone looking for a unique, exciting book.
also recommended by David N., who had this to say:
Jonas lives in a world where initially one may think is much better than ours. This is a world where it seems nothing major can ever go wrong. No divorce, no people being racist, no poverty-- what's not to like? Well, there is a lot not to like. These people have virtually no freedom; they can't choose who to marry, they can't choose their job, they can't even see in color! They feel no real emotions like love, but also they can't feel real pain. When Jonas is selected to be the keeper of the memories that the regular people can't feel, he begins becoming distressed that not everyone can feel the emotions he does. His parents can't even love him! Read this interesting tale to find out how Jonas may be able to devise a scheme that allows people to feel the emotions that he does.
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Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden Submitted by: Audrey
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Pendragon
Series by D.J MacHale Submitted by Vasha The Pendragon series is really good. They are about action and adventure of this boy, Bobby Pendragon. One day when Bobby is about fifteen he is getting ready for a basketball tournament. His Uncle Press takes him to another planet, and Bobby finds that he is a traveler. He has many adventures and surprises, but the most important thing is that he has to defeat Saint Dane, the evil traveler. The series has 10 books. Read the book The Merchant of Death (the first book) and read the others to find out what happens! |
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Twilight by Stephenie Meyer Submitted by David N.
In Twilight, the first book in Meyer's extremely popular series, we meet Bella Swan who just moved to Forks, Washington to live with her dad. Coming from Phoenix, the rain and dreary weather doesn't much suit her, but it is perfect for the Cullens-- a family of vampires! They look like regular humans most of the time, but as we find out, in the sun they sparkle brightly. Edward Cullen has the special ability to read people's thoughts, which most vampires can't do. He can read everybody's thoughts; except Bella's! After Edward saves her from a van crashing into her at an amazingly fast speed Bella starts to wonder just what Edward is hiding. As they start dating (against Edward's better judgment) Bella finds out all about the interesting and dangerous world of vampires. What perils await her from being with the well-meant, yet dangerous Cullens? Pick up Twilight to find out! |
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Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Submitted by
Songela Anne Shirley is an eleven-year-old orphan, known for her flaming red hair which seems to match her temper. She has lived with various hosts and in various houses since she was an infant - and when old bachelor Matthew Cuthbert and his sister Marilla decided to adopt Anne, things start to get interesting. This book is a classic, telling the tale of Anne's young life, her mischief as well as her friends, and her imaginative mind. I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in historical fiction, realistic fiction, classics, or reading in general. |
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The Door of No Return by Sarah Mussi Submitted by Maya
A boy... his grandfather... a fatal attack... an ancient bond... and a buried treasure? How does this all add up? Well, in Door of No Return, Zac is a young boy in London and his grandfather is his only family. His grandfather is well known for his constant rants abut some bond and a buried treasure in Ghana. But, when his grandfather is killed in a hit-and-run attack, Zac begins to question the truth. He search for answers leads him all the way to Ghana, but will he make it out alive?
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Gender Blender by Blake Nelson Submitted by Cassie
This book is incredibly funny. It is a quick read and I enjoyed it very much. It is about a boy and a girl who are, or should I say were, friends. The book is how they learn to realize that boys and girls are not that different. I would recommend it to almost everybody. |
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Airborn Skybreaker Starclimber by Kenneth Oppel Submitted by Maya
On the Aurora lives a boy with big dreams. After his father dies, he has to find a way to support his family. The captain of the Aurora is one of the few people who believes in Matt. Coming from poverty and trying to become a captain is no easy feat. Especially when one certain headstrong girl enters his life. It's the world of airships and anything is possible |
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Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment Maximum Ride: School's Out - Forever by James Patterson Submitted by Natalia Maximum Ride is about a "flock" of children who are 98% birds. They were experimented on at an evil place called the School, and taken away from there parents. They managed to escape and are in constant battles with Erasers half man half wolf blood thirsty animals. Through out the whole series each on of the flock members battle with new abilities, enemies, and destiny that they are yet to discover. They are books told in first person through Maximum Ride's perspective. I would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys pull you in by your shirt action and adventure, with a pinch of romance.
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The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan Submitted by David N. Percy Jackson is not really a bad kid, he just gets kicked out of every school he attends! But that's not really his fault; Percy is a demi-god, which means he cannot sit still for long periods of time like they require him to do in school. So he goes to Camp Half-Blood, a special camp for kids like Percy who have one mortal parent and a Greek god for another. Since there are monsters at every angle trying to attack demi-gods, they need a safe place like Camp-Half-Blood. That's really safe right? Wrong!!! When Zeus's lightning bolt gets stolen no were is safe from his wrath! But if the lightning bolt is found by the summer solstice then Zeus's anger will subside. So Percy, the satyr Grover, and daughter of Athena, Annabeth all go on a quest to find Zeus's bolt. Who stole it? Which gods want Percy to die? Which god is Percy's father? Read The Lightning Thief to find out! |
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Hostage by Willo Davis Roberts Submitted by Lauren D.
If anyone likes adventure or mystery books, you should definitely read Hostage. During school, Kaci goes home to get her inhaler, but she comes home and almost everything in her house is missing. She goes upstairs into her parents' bathroom to get her inhaler. Then, she hears people walking around downstairs, so she called out,"Mom!" It was then that she realized that those voices she heard were men speaking. The guys heard her and they come upstairs. They see her and grab her before she can get away. To find out what happens next, read Hostage by Willow Davis Roberts. |
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Harry Potter, Years 1-7 by J.K. Rowling Submitted by David N.
If you haven't read one of the most popular children/young adult series ever, then you are missing out on a TON! In J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series we read all about boy wizard, Harry and his encounters in the magical world with ghosts, flying cars, flying broomsticks, magic wands and much more cool stuff! The seven-part series is one of the best written, and I couldn't advise you more to go pick up a copy. Every page contains suspense, and every book contains the evil Lord Voldemort carrying attempting to carry out his plans one way or another. Since Harry is the "Chosen One" to possibly defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named (Voldemort). Rowling keeps the reader wonder who will kill who! This series is a must-read! |
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Chew On This by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson Submitted by David N.
Chew On This begins with the history of the hamburger and fast food, particularly focusing on McDonalds. It tells about Mickey D's small start and how it expanded. Chew On This then explains how initially fast food joints didn't want young people working behind their counter, but now that is what they run on. The meat (no pun intended!) of the book is the authors lamenting about how bad and unhealthy the beef, fries and soda pop, and telling us, the reader, what we can do to stop the problem we are facing with the fast food world. |
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When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead Submitted by Catherine L. Miranda is an average girl whose mom is competing on a trivia show. But there is a mysterious note that Miranda gets. It tells her to write a letter. A letter to who? Miranda tries to ignore this business, One day, a kid punches her best friend, and he doesn't talk to her or hang out with her anymore. Things start to get a little mysterious when a shoe goes missing, and Miranda keeps getting more notes. In the end, she will figure out who is actually sending the notes to her and it is not who or what you think it is. This book is really good, and I rate it ***** stars!
also recommended by Audrey, who has this to say:
Winner of the 2010 Newberry Medal, When You Reach Me is a thrilling story of a sixth grader in New York City in 1979 who begins to receive mysterious letters from an unknown source. As drama between her friends at school increases, Miranda spends her evenings reading A Wrinkle in Time and helping her mom preparing for a game show- where Miranda's mom gets the chance to pull her family out of debt by winning big cash on the popular 1970's show "$20,000 Pyramid". Miranda's worries pile up when the mysterious letters begin to ask favors of her. Prepare for the biggest twist you have every seen at the end of this book- you will audibly gasp.
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The Mysterious Benedict Society The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart Submitted by Maya
This book is about 4 very different kids who are each gifted in their own ways. The 4 of them together are an unstoppable force that go on some wild and crazy adventures. The first two books have great plots, I can't wait to read the third. These are great reads for anyone who likes mystery or likes to laugh. |
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The Time Machine by H.G. Wells Submitted by Charles
The Time Machine is a fantastic science fiction book, and is based on an inventor (you never learn his name) who travels to the future millions of years from now to find humanity has lost its wit in a Utopic world, but he discovers another race of humans, who are cannibals and live underground, shattering his Utopic idea. His time machine is stolen by this race, and he must find it. Then, he comes upon something that we all loathe to think of, but now must happen. The end is so sad, so thought-provoking...
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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Submitted by Charles
The Book Thief is Liesel Meminger, a girl growing up in Germany 1930s-1940s. The book is narrated by Death, who is actually far less gloomy than you'd expect. It is an extraordinary book, absolutely amazing, and Zusak's writing style is beautiful, almost poetic. It is very pensive, and makes you think about it for many days after you finish it. An accurate rating would probably be 6/5. |
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