A new student review of Magic Tree House Fact Tracker #30: Ninjas and Samurai by Mary Pope Osborne Natalie Pope Boyce

Madiinfl posted a new student review of Magic Tree House Fact Tracker #30: Ninjas and Samurai by Mary Pope Osborne Natalie Pope Boyce. See the full review.

This book was chocked full of interesting information! I have read a lot on this subject, and I still learned many new facts!

The author's introduction at the beginning was a really nice addition. I enjoyed reading it.

Younger readers might find the layout of the book (the glossary along the side of the pages) and the text level a little hard to follow, especially if they are the age as the children who would read Night of the Ninja.

The non-fiction title is written for 7-10 year olds, but I think 7 and maybe 8 year olds would struggle with it. On the flip side I think the subject matter and the text level is also appropriate for 11-13 year olds.

A new student review of When the Sea Turned To Silver by Grace Lin

moseso posted a new student review of When the Sea Turned To Silver by Grace Lin. See the full review.

This book is a brilliant tale of magic, mystery, and friendship. The author artfully yet quickly introduces the characters. My admiration for Pinmei grew as the story unfolded. Her ability to persevere, despite enormous obstacles, was amazing.

The unique plot of stories within stories moves along at a satisfying pace. Following Pinmei’s quest from the quiet granddaughter whose favorite place is home to China’s great adventurer makes this book a ‘coming of age’ story.

Including the stories of China’s mythology, as told by Amah or Pinmei, pulls the reader into this magical world. Beautiful illustrations bring the story to life. Readers who enjoy fantasy and adventure will treasure When the Sea Turned to Silver for years to come!

 

A new student review of Wide as the Wind by Edward Stanton

Gwendolyn posted a new student review of Wide as the Wind by Edward Stanton. See the full review.

This historical fiction novel provides a glimpse into a time of environmental distress due to war destruction and a loss of awareness towards the earth. “Wide as the Wind” takes place many years ago, yet it can speak to readers of all ages and backgrounds in a timeless way about the result of neglecting Earth’s natural environment.

 

This novel is a unique voyage adventure and has an anthropological viewpoint, however, the text meanders in places, so be prepared to muscle through some verbose sections. Stanton introduces readers to the lifestyle of a society and their culture in an accessible approach by incorporating fictional characters and writing in a decidedly fiction-esque style. Unfortunately, the second half of this book felt slow in comparison to the beginning.

 

Despite moments of tedium, Stanton’s “Wide as the Wind” is vividly tragic and dramatically rich. It’s a historical tale without feeling historical. Featuring themes of adventure, war, and a comparable Romeo and Juliet type romance, this novel is perfect for readers weary of history and anthropology but zealous for adventure and drama. It gives a glimpse into an ancient society through an adolescent perspective, which can be interesting to fellow history and anthropology enthusiasts.

A new student review of Gamers by Thomas K. Carpenter

KeairaMoreland posted a new student review of Gamers by Thomas K. Carpenter. See the full review.

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. When I began reading it, I was reminded of the Pretties series by Scott Westerfeld. I loved the brave characters! I thought Gabby was a strong protagonist in spite of her flaws. The plot was engaging and well-paced.

I was not familiar with some of the gaming terms such as the term "rebuff." The use of gaming terminology caused me a bit of confusion. Additionally, since the story was based on a team aspect, I would have liked to know more about Mouse and Frags. However, I have a strong feeling I will get that opportunity in the next book.

I appreciated that the concept of this book was highly original. I would recommend this book to fantasy lovers and students ages 12 and up.

A new student review of This Is Not The End by Jesse Jordan

sschu5 posted a new student review of This Is Not The End by Jesse Jordan. See the full review.

This is Not the End is a short and complex read filled with great adventure and the potential for self-contemplation. The main character, James, goes through many changes throughout the storyline. Readers will see his doubts, his confusion, and his growing confidence as he learns to decide his own destiny.

Along the way you might just find more meaning in your own life and the power of family and friendship. The plot is ever-changing, with a different destiny for James just around the bend. It is hard to predict what will happen next, but that's the fun of the story. I recommend this book to readers ages 12 or older who enjoy fantasy interwoven with religious elements.

A new student review of A Twist of Fate by Laurie Friedman

Booklover1111 posted a new student review of A Twist of Fate by Laurie Friedman. See the full review.

I choose this book because the cover caught my eye. It was just a sign on a chunk of ice and it made me think, “Oh, I wonder what this book is about?” I didn’t realize that this is the seventh book of the series therefore I was confused about how the characters tied together and had a hard time figuring out how old they each were. The book did jump around from past to present and it was a little confusing. I liked April’s grandma, Gaga, because she was a brave and strong character. What kind of grandma who knows that she is going to die soon, would be brave enough to go skiing in the mountains? I thought that Gaga was an interesting character. Another thing I liked about the book was how the author described each character. I got to know each character better every chapter. I liked how each character was completely different from one another. I really enjoyed this book and I had fun going through the ups and downs in April’s life with her and I think that you will too.

A new student review of Lion Island by Margarita Engle

Ampster posted a new student review of Lion Island by Margarita Engle. See the full review.

Lion Island is a story of power, bravery, strength and determination. The book unfolds with elegance and strength, showing the passion that Antonio, Wing, and Fan feel as they go against the law to save their own. Each character has a different personality and skillset. Fan is a character who never sets limits too high, but always fulfills her promises. She is the most loyal character in this book. Wing is a difficult character because of the rage that fills his heart and the revenge that clouds his brain. Wing is a fighter, driven by anger. Wing won’t stop until he fulfills what he sets out to do. Antonio is a free-born boy with dreams to make others free too. He makes many promises to himself, many of which he can’t make happen. Antonio is confused, not knowing in the beginning of the book if he is a warrior of fire or words.

 

What I love about this book is the power behind every word. Every word has a meaning and inspired passion in me as I read of the horrors going on in that time. It almost brought me to tears when I found out that this story was close to true, and that these outrageous events actually happened in Cuban history. This book made a mark on my soul. Engle writes with such passion and power, pouring her soul into the pages. I felt the confusion and anger rolling off the pages and settling in my heart.

 

I will never forget this story of hope, peace, love, anger, grief, and victory. Within these very pages is the soul of a young boy, fighting for freedom and life.

A new student review of Sea Spell by Jennifer Donnelly

sakurafrost posted a new student review of Sea Spell by Jennifer Donnelly. See the full review.

I was really excited for Sea Spell, and I wasn't disappointed! There's a lot of danger coming at our heroines from all sides, but also a lot of hope. I love the complexity of Orfeo: he's not just a villain who kills merely to kill; he also has a purpose. He's always sought to bring his dead wife back from the underworld, not caring about the casualties he inflicts doing so. And instead of being cold and cruel, he comes across to Astrid as charming but powerful – fatherly, even. For her, Orfeo is the greatest enemy not only because of his malicious goals, but also because he has a strong chance of turning her over to his side. Besides the characters, the two big battles were well written, suspenseful, and heart stopping because nothing went as planned. Sea Spell was deliciously unpredictable except for a few scenes that I anticipated – the only thing I didn't like about the book. I highly recommend reading the three prequels before starting Sea Spell.

A new student review of The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin

WillB posted a new student review of The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin. See the full review.

I enjoyed The Chicken Squad.  The author uses lots of different animals in the story, even a dog narrator.  Doreen Cronin put tons of humor in the book, such as Sweetie’s carrot-dropping reaction to Tail’s story.  There are many other funny misunderstandings between the squad and Tail that lead to a surprise ending.  Kids from ages 5-9, who like humorous, silly books would like The Chicken Squad.

A new student review of Incognita by Kristen Lippert-Martin

Ampster posted a new student review of Incognita by Kristen Lippert-Martin. See the full review.

Incognita was a fast-paced book with twists of science-fiction and mystery. Even though this is the second book in a trilogy, I could still make sense of it. The twists of suspense and betrayal caught me off guard, and left me hungering for more. Angel was introduced in the story as a girl who didn’t need a guy to save her. I think that really shows the power anyone can have, even a person who seems weak, if they try. Thomas reminds me of a sarcastic, protective teenager who wants to get things done as fast as possible. Micky, my personal favorite, had a bit of every other character in him, making him intertwined with wit, charm, power, care, and mystery. Micky was so unpredictable, that it made me think as I turned each page: What will he do next?

This story had everything, from a small bit of romance, to betrayal, from humor to sacrifice, and even adding a revenge plot that struck from before Angel was tempered with. This book kept me on my toes, anxiously turning each page in excitement and nervousness at what might come next. 

I believe this book was very well written and burst with an abundance of detail, flavor and the author’s voice which cuts through, making this book unique and wonderful.