Freaks Like Us by Susan Vaught

Jason have been best friends Sunshine and Drip since they were six. They consider themselves part of the alphabet- Drip has ADHD, Sunshine is SM (selectively mute)  and Jason is SCZI- schizophrenic.

Jason and his friends have always had trouble in school whether it was with the teachers or kids because of "their alphabet." 

When Sunshine disappears one day after school the whole town goes into a frenzy. Everyone starts to search for her. Close friends and family, or anyone who had seen her that day, are questioned.

Jason is sure it isn't his fault Sunshine is missing. Him and Sunshine are such close friends, he would never hurt her. Unfortunately, the voices in his head try to convince him otherwise. They would torment Jason and blame him for everything. Jason just couldn't take it any longer, he knows he didn't do it though. 

Jason and Drip joined the search parties despite the fact their parents aren't thrilled with them going. The two boys decide to go to their secret hiding spot, maybe Sunshine was there and just hiding from everyone. To the boys disappointment, Sunshine isn't there. They go back to the house to continue to wait. Maybe Sunshine would show up.

As the search continues, Jason's meds start to wear off. He refuses to take more, taking more would make him sleep and Jason needed to stay awake to find Sunshine. However, without his meds in him, Jason was looking more and more guilty of being the reason Sunshine was gone. 

Was it really Jason's fault Sunshine had disappeared?  If it wasn't Jason's fault like he said, then whose fault was it? Would they ever find Sunshine? Read Freaks Like Us to find out.

I loved this book. It was well written and had great details. I couldn't put the book down, the suspense of what was happening was so intriguing. 

Though the book said it is appropriate for 7th grade and up, I think it is better suited for 8th grade and up because of the reasons that Sunshine disappears and how everyone deals with the disappearance.

Well I am going to go help search for Sunshine, 
Mollie 

Hacking Harvard by Robin Wasserman

Would you have the guts to hack into Harvard just to mess with the admissions process? Max, Eric and Schwarz did just that. 

Max is fed up and tired with the fact that his father, Maxwell Sr., wants him to go to Harvard. Max just doesn't want to. He comes up with a plan to hack Harvard. Max, with the help of his friends, Eric and Schwarz, are going to get a deadbeat nobody into Harvard. 

To make the stakes higher, the three boys make a bet with the Bums. A stake that raises the bar of getting Clay, the deadbeat nobody, into Harvard a lot harder. 

Along the way, Eric meets Lex. She to is applying to Harvard. This makes Eric have second thoughts about the hack. If Clay gets in to Harvard, does that mean Lex won't? Eric put that thought aside and continued to help Max with the hack. 

Turns out Lex has a secret too. She has been playing Eric the whole time. She is also involved with the hack. But in a different way. At first she is on the side of the Bums, helping the win the bet. Later, she switches sides and plays against the Bums. Why is Lex helping the Bums? Can they get her into Harvard?

But does Lex make the right choice in fighting the Bums and not helping them?
Does the hack work? 
Who ultimately wins the bet?
Do Lex and/or Clay get into Harvard?

Read Hacking Harvard to find out. 

I really enjoyed reading Hacking Harvard.  It was so tempting to keep reading to find out how the hack worked, what happened to Lex once she switched sides and who ended up getting into Harvard. The detail were so descriptive and made the book worth reading. I recommend this book to 7th grade and older. 

Well I have to go and hack Harvard... just kidding!

Mollie 

Nothing but the Truth by Avi

Ever thought about how a lie could affect your life? How it might change someone else's life? Phillip Malloy learns about lying the hard way. When his English teacher, Mrs. Narwin gives him a bad grade, Phillip makes Mrs. Narwin's life very difficult. He disrespectfully sings the National Anthem, when the students have to be silent, causing him to be suspended from school. 

Phillip's suspension becomes a nationwide issue. Many people are very angry that Phillip gets into trouble for being patriotic. They write letters to Mrs. Narwin as well as to the school. After feeling the pressure of  receiving so many letters, Mrs. Narwin decides to resign. 

Phillip's intention is simply to annoy his teacher, however his behavior results in ruining Mrs. Narwin's reputation as well as his own. 

What happens to Phillip after his suspension? Read Nothing but the Truth to find out.

Nothing but the Truth  teaches us that lying can be very destructive.  Even though Phillip found himself in a difficult situation-his teacher that was failing him- Phillip could have dealt with the situation in a different manor.

This was not one of my favorite books. In my opinion, it begins with a great idea. However, as the story progresses it becomes somewhat confusing  because there is not enough detail to explain the story. For this reason I do not feel that the  plot is fully developed and left me feeling unsatisfied. 

Despite my feelings about this novel, I am sure that there are many children in middle school who would find it to be an easy read with an important lesson. Although I read this book as a mandatory ninth grade assignment, in my opinion it is better suited for slightly younger readers. 

Well  its very late and I'm going to sleep,

Mollie 

Kiss and Make Up by Katie D. Anderson

Wouldn't be cool to be able to read someone's mind just by kissing them? Who wouldn't want to gain all the information they need for a test just from one simple kiss? Emerson Taylor has a gift and a curse all at once. She is able to read the mind of a person she kisses. 

Unfortunately, Emerson isn't the greatest student. If she keeps failing her classes then her aunt, Arch, is going to make her switch schools. Once Emerson realizes she can gain all the information she wants from kissing guys, she does just that. 

Emerson kisses the Ivy nerds so she can learn the information for her tests. She knows it is wrong, but Emerson really hates disappointing Arch. If kissing boys will help improve her grades, then Emerson will kiss Ivy nerds. 

Though Emerson's plan is well thought out, she starts to fall in love with Edwin. The weird thing about Edwin is when they kiss, Emerson can't read his mind. Now she has a HUGE  problem; should she keep kissing the Ivy nerds or stop because of Edwin. Even bigger problem; should she stay away from Edwin for the risk of kissing him and not being able to gain information?

What would you do if you had this special talent? Would you stay with Edwin cause you love him even if you can't read his mind? Or would you continue to kiss Ivy nerds for the information and live in fear that Edwin might find out? The choice is all up to Emerson, but what should she do?

Read Kiss and Make Up to find out.  

I really enjoyed this book. The way the details were written made the book more interesting to read. 

Kiss and Make Up talk about an ethical problem; the idea of cheating. Emerson has the choice to kiss the Ivy nerds and get the information by cheat, or she can study and learn the material by herself. Though cheating may seem like an easier way out, it is absolutely wrong and NEVER the right answer.

I hope you enjoy reading Kiss and Make Up as much as I did.

I have to go read another book,

Mollie 

The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan

Sadie and Carter Kane, two young magicians, are needed once  again to restore Ma'at (order) to the world. Apophis, the Chaos snake is loose and attempting to destroy the world. It is up to Sadie and Carter to stop Apophis. Can they do it?  Of course, along the way these two magicians run into some trouble.

The two magicians need the spell from the Book of Thoth so they can destroy Apophis's shadow. Sadly, all of the books have been destroy... except for one. Setne, a ghost magician who wrote the Book of Thoth knows where the final copy is. Unfortunately, Setne, an evil demon, whose heart is about to be weighed will most likely be destroyed taking the secret location with him. Sadie and Carter along with the help of their friends, Zia and Walt, have to convince Osiris (Sadie and Carter's father), who controls Setne's trial, to let them take Setne, and retrieve the final copy of the Book of Thoth. Osiris is reluctant at first because Setne is a very dangerous ghost but once he hears his children's plans he understands what he must to do.  

Carter and Zia go with Setne to get the Book of Thoth. Of course Setne is not going to be an easy ghost to deal with. After all he is EVIL. With plenty of trouble and near death experiences, Zia and Carter FINALLY  get the book. Sadie and Walt try to rescue the shadow of Bes, the dwarf god, to bring him back to life, all while keeping themselves alive during a hunting game with the god Neith.
Are Walt and Sadie able to save Bes' shadow and bring him back to life? 

Setne takes Carter and Zia to Apophis' shadow which they plan on capturing in order to destroy Apophis. Setne makes the process very difficult. Luckily, Sadie drops in at the right time and Carter and Sadie are able to capture the shadow. 

Now for the hardest part, defeating the GIGANTIC snake. Carter, Sadie and Zia along with many of the gods and few magicians attempt to kill Apophis. But are they successful? 


Not only does Sadie run into magical trouble, but boy trouble as well. She is torn between Anubis, the God of Death, and Walt. Unfortunately, Sadie's problem gets worse. She is forbidden to to see Anubis, and well, Walt is dying. Sadie needs both Anubis's and Walt's help to defeat Apophis. Which boy does Sadie end up with?


Read The Serpent's Shadow to find out. 


I would recommend this book to anyone who loves magic, action and a little bit of romance. It is a thrilling book worth reading. I absolutely love reading  Rick Riordan books and this is just another amazing one. 

I have to go read some more,

Mollie 

The Secret Book of Me by Rachel Kemptster and Meg Leder

Have you ever really stopped to think about how you really feel on the inside? How about what really makes you special? If you haven't, well now is the time to do so. The Secret Book of Me allows you to look deep down on the inside and draw, or write what you feel. This is a great book for any child from the ages of 6-12. Feel free to share your answers with a friend or keep them totally a secret just for you. This book is a fantastic way to discover who you really are.

Even though I am 14, I enjoyed sitting in my bed at night before I went to sleep filling in and drawing pictures about me.

Well I have to go learn more about myself,

Mollie

The Time Travelers by Caroline B. Cooney

Annie Lockwood, a fifteen-year- old girl is stuck in a romance problem. She is having problems with her boyfriend, in 1995. After falling 100 years back through time, Annie finds herself falling for Strat, a handsome young man. Now Annie has a problem. Should she forget about Strat and stay with her boyfriend who she is having problems with in 1995 or remain in 1885 with Strat whom she has just met but fallen helplessly in love with?

Of course, disappearing 100 years into the past can cause a lot of problems. Not only, does this affect Annie's relationship in her own time, but she manages to ruin a marriage in 1895 as well.

Annie learns how hard living in 1895 is. Even so, she wants to stay there and be with Strat. She realizes love can't stop her, but time can. Will time let Annie stay in 1895?

Read The Time Travelers to find out which path Annie Lockwood chooses.

I would recommend this book to a 13 year old girl and older who like romantic love stories. The book had great details and was very well written. I enjoyed reading this book.

Well, I must go read some more,

Mollie

The Predicteds by Christine Seifert

PROFILE results have the entire QH school in a tizzy. Everyone is obsessed with finding out which of their classmates are predicted.

Daphne has just switched to QH school after her move. Everyone at school is talking about the program PROFILE. PROFILE predicts a student's future behavior.

After a shooting that took place at QH, Daphne has met a boy named Jesse (they are now boyfriend and girlfriend).

Daphne soon learns her mom, Melanie was the one who invented the program PROFILE.

Not only that, but her boyfriend, Jesse is predicted.

Everyone is taking the "predicted situation" very seriously. A separation between predicted and non-predicted is driving Daphne crazy. She thinks it is wrong for the predicted to be treated badly just because they are likely to do bad things in the future.

Can Daphne change people's views on the Predicted kids? How is Jesse and Daphne's relationship affected because Jesse is predicted? Read The Predicted to find out.

I thought this was a great book. I enjoyed the story line. It was cool how PROFILE could predict peoples' future.

I recommend this book to girls 14 or older because the novel does have high school kids drinking. Also because some of the way the students act towards each other is not great for younger kids to read about.

Well I have to go read some more,

Mollie

Witch and Wizard- The Gift by James Patterson and Ned Rust

Whit and Wisty Allgood have a gift, they each can do magic. Wisty has the power of fire and Whit can foresee the future.

The One, the head of the New Order, has taken over the government. He has banned music, books, art and anything that makes people happy. The One has taken Whit and Wisty's parents as well as Whit's girlfriend Celia.

Whit, Wisty as well as some of their friends are part of the Resistance- a group of children who are trying to overthrow the N.O.

Whit and Wisty use there magic and try to stop The One. Along the way the two siblings get themselves into a lot of trouble.

Can Whit and Wisty stop The One? Do they rescue Celia and their parents? Can they overthrow the N.O? Read Witch and Wizard- The Gift to find out.

I loved this book. It was very detailed and thrilling. I enjoyed that there was magic involved.

I recommend this book to children in 8th grade and older who like thrillers, slightly scary, a great story. I don't recommend anyone younger than 8th grade should read this book because it is very graphic and some of the problems the children go through are slightly disturbing. Aside being a thriller and a little disturbing for younger children it was a great book.

Well I must go read some more,

Mollie

Slightly Above Time by Mark Forti, Dana Forti and Camille Miller

Alexa lives in Kendlenook, a village with her two sisters, Eva and Daria, along with the rest of the other fairies and creatures. The only creature that has encountered and believes in humans is the Dryard Ispirianza. Just like Ispirianza, Alexa met a human girl,Elsie. The village of Kendlenook has been worried about The Scarring, a power which destroys nature created by humans, for a very long time. They never thought it would come so soon.

The Scarring has finally reached Kendlenook. It is up to Alexa, the chosen fairy to stop the Scarring. It is a dangerous and difficult journey she must accomplish.

Alexa must go to Evernaught, and steal candledark, capture her shadowfairy, convince it to giver her silk and make her way to the human realm.

Alexa meets Mara, a firefairy. Mara helps Alexa to complete her mission of stealing the candledark and capturing her shadowfairy. The two fairies go through a lot of trouble. They must fight of Oths, evil fairies who believe lies are the right way of life. They also have to capture Alexa's shadowfairy.

Can Alexa and Mara steal the candledark, capture the shadowfairy and make it to the human realm in time? Will Alexa be able to stop the Scarring? Read Slightly Above Time to find out.

I recommend this book to girls in 4th grade who enjoys fantasy and fairies.

I enjoyed this book, however, it was a little young for me. The book had great details, very descriptive and the drawings were so realistic and cool.

Well I have to go read some more,

Mollie

The Hunger Games by Susan Collins

Katniss lives in District 12 with her mom, sister Prim, her best friend Gale, Peete, the baker's son and the rest of the community.The leaders of the Capitol want to show they are in charge, so they create the Hunger Games to prove just that. Its that time of the year, the time to choose the a boy and girl from each district to fight to their death at the Hunger Games.

Katniss and Peete are chosen from District 12 to join the 22 other boys and girls in the fight to their death.

At the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peete do all they can to survive. Using their hunting, fighting, camouflage skills and allying with some of the other tributes, Katniss and Peete manage to survive. Peete even confesses his love for Katniss, hoping to convince everyone they are madly in love. They are hoping being in love with keep them alive in the games.

Some of the worst parts of the Hunger Games is watching the other tributes die, being put in the position of killing them, not knowing how you can survive and the Capitol doing all they can to make sure everyone dies but one.

Do Katniss and Peete live? Who is the survivor of the Hunger Games? Is Peete and Katniss's plan of being madly in love enough to keep them alive?

I loved the Hunger Games. It was amazing. I loved the great details, and the whole story line. The Hunger Games is one of the most addicting (in a good way) series I have ever read. I recommend this book for children 12 and up who enjoy action and slight romance. This is a fabulous book worth reading.

"may the odds be in your favor"

well I have to go read the 2nd book in the series

Mollie

Little Women and Me by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Emily hates being the middle child. The boy she likes, likes her older sister, Charlotte. When he isn't crushing on Charlotte, he has the hots for Emily's younger sister Anne. In other words, Charlotte and Anne get everything because they are the youngest and oldest daughter, leaving Emily with whatever is left.

An English assignment has driven Emily crazy. Which book should she choose? Maybe I should start from the beginning.

Emily's English teacher gave her an assignment to write an essay about three things she likes about a book, and one thing she would change. Emily first had to decide which book to choose. Finally she chose Little Women. Emily's plan was to change the fact that Beth dies and Laurie ends up with Jo, not Amy.

As Emily starts to read Little Women, when she is whisked into the story. Emily is now part of the book as the fifth March Sister.

Emily has to adapt to the way of life in the 1600s. And not only that, but she has to act as if she has always been part of the family.

Jo and Emily bump heads quite often because Jo has such a strong personality and Emily starts standing up for herself.

Emily has a very hard time making things right in the story. The worst part is, the only things she remembers is what happens in the original story.

Emily learns that nobody is perfect. She learns the life lesson that jealousy gets you nowhere.

Unfortunately Emily learns the hard way. Not only is she the middle child at home, but she is also the middle child in the story. Because of this, Emily has to learn to deal with her jealousy of Jo liking Laurie and the fact that Laurie doesn't like her, he likes Jo. Emily also has to understand that Jo is the writer of the family, and even though Emily loves to write, writing is Jo's thing.

As time goes on, Emily begins adapting to the way of life in the 1600s. She even stops worrying about her "real" life in the "real" world.

Emily is waiting for the opportunity so she can prevent Beth from dying. And no matter how hard Emily tries, she has no ideas how or when Beth is going to get sick.

Eventual Beth becomes sick. Emily tries to get rid of her sickness, but only delays the fact that Beth dies.

Does Emily stop Beth from dying? Will Emily make it home and out of the book? Does Emily learn that it is okay to be the middle child?

Read Little Women and Me to find out.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a great twist on Little Women. However, I do recommend reading the original first because then this book makes more sense. I think any girl 12 years or older will like reading.

Well I have to go and read some more,

Enjoy,

Mollie

Going Underground by Susan Vaught

Del is a troubled boy... well he was, and three years later he is still paying for it.

Del works in a graveyard digging graves after school. He can't get jobs like most people can, or go to the college he wants, like most people his age. Del has a criminal record following him for the rest of his life.

It all started when he was 14. Del was a normal teenage boy playing baseball and hanging with friends. That all changed the night he and his friends were arrested by the police.

Now that is the story for Del to tell you. I can tell you this, Del's life was never and never will be the same again.

To find out Del's story and why his life has changed, you have to read Going Underground

I recommend this book to anyone 13 or older. This was a great book. However, because it does curse a little bit and the whole story of why Del is considered a criminal, this book is not appropriate for younger children.

Well, I must go and read another book,

Mollie

Guinness World Records 2012

Wanna know a great way to start the new year? You should definitely read the Guinness World Records 2012!

This year's edition has all new, exciting and interesting records about people, animals, talents, sports and so much more.

It is very cool to read about different attempts people have made to set new world records, and about those who have succeeded in breaking them.

Some of the records you read in this book are unbelievable and crazy. Reading this book is a great way learn random and interesting fact.

(see page 142 for the largest pizza, page 85 for the heaviest living person and page 78-79 for the most tattooed man)

I enjoyed reading Guinness World Records 2012 a lot. I think anyone who is fascinated with facts, pictures, and CRAZY and UNBELIEVABLE records will love reading this book.

well I have to go read some more,

Mollie

First Ripley's Museum

Have you ever wondered about where Ripley's Museum first started? Or Where Mr. Riply's first lived? Or even how he started his love for crazy facts and people?

This summer I went to the first Riply's Believe It or Not Museum in St. Augustine, Florida.

It was a lot of fun. I saw all different things, such as the tallest man, the fattest man in the military, the smallest car, biggest shoe size; a size 22!!!!!

I saw some pretty crazy things.... Believe It or Not!!

I think everyone should visit the Museum, if not in Florida, then in New York City, or anyone near you. It is an AMAZING experience and a really fun time for children and and adults alike.

Mollie

The Outsiders by S.E Hinton

Ponyboy, Soadapop, Dally, Steve, Johnny, Two-Bit and Darry are all Greasers. They are from the lower class of people.

One night Ponyboy was jumped by a gang of Socs (short for socials), Kids from the upper class. Ponyboy's brothers and the rest of the Greaser gang saved Ponyboy.

Johnny and Ponyboy went to the movies. There they met a couple of attractive Soc girls, Cherry and Marcia. Later during the movie Two- Bit met up with Ponyboy and Johnny. Johnny, Two- Bit and Ponyboy walk the girls to Two-Bit's house so he can drive them home. On they way home, The kids run into Marcia and Cherry's boyfriends, Randy and Bob. The girls were forced to go home with their boyfriends at that point so no fights would break out between the Socs and the Greasers.

Ponyboy is late getting home one night. Darry is really angry, so he and Ponyboy get into a fight. Darry then slapped Ponyboy across the face. Ponyboy was really angry and upset so he left the house and ran away.

Ponyboy ran to find Johnny. The two boys ran to the park. At the park, the boys ran into Bob and Randy and part of the Soc gang. One of the gang members took Ponyboy and was trying to drown him in the fountain. Johnny then killed Bob in order to rescue Ponyboy.

Johnny and Ponyboy go find Dally for help. Dally helps his friends to his best ability.

The Greasers and the Soc prepare for a rumble.

Who wins the rumble? Does Ponyboy finally return home? What happens as the rumble gets closer? How does Darry and Ponyboy's relationship change since Ponyboy ran away?

Read the Outsiders to find out.

I loved this book. I thought it was well written and had such a great plot and storyline. I liked the fact that the author portrayed the characters with characteristics that showed they had two side- a good and a bad side and how some of the characters were misunderstood. One thing I learned from this story not to judge people of mistreat them because of their class or how they act because you could completely misunderstand a person and you should never "judge a book person) by it's cover (outside). "

I recommend this book to anyone in middle school and older because it is has a great message and a good read to pass the time.

Well I have to read some more,

Mollie

Haunting Violet by Alyxndra Harvey

Violet is a sixteen year old girl. Colin, an orphan Violet's mom has taken into her care, helps Violet have sittings and talk to the spirits of people who have passed. Violet, her mom and Colin have been invited to Rosefield for a sitting. Violet soon discovers she can communicate with passed spirits.

Violet has encountered one spirit, Renowean, Tabitha's sister. Tabitha is a girl who Violet meets during her stay in Rosefield. Renowean needs Violet to help her let others know that murder. You see, everyone thinks Renowean drowned by mistake and it was an accident. Everyone soon learns it wasn't an accident. It is up to Violet to tell the world the truth of what really happened the night Renowean was murdered.

Violet is at the age where she is soon going to marry. Her mother wants her to marry a rich and well known man. That lucky man is Xavier Trenswithy, a rich, good looking man who a trader. Violet falls for him, but is not sure if she wants to marry him. She has also fallen for Colin, the poor orphan also good looking boy who works for Violet's mother.

Can Violet solve the murder before anything happens to Tabitha? Who was the murderer? Who does Violet end up marrying?

Read Haunting Violet to find out.

I enjoyed this thrilling, creepy murder mystery book. I did scare me a bit I still could not put it down. It was well written, had great details and a surprise ending that you are not going to want to miss. I do think this book was written for ages 14 and up because of some language.

The plot and the well written details may be to old for some children. However, if you enjoy thrilling murder mystery books you will definitely enjoy this book.

Well, I have to go and read some more thrilling and great books,

Mollie

The Fire Throne by Rick Riordan

Apophis, the Chaos snake is rising. It is up to Carter and Sadie Kane to stop him with the help of the new trainees. Sadie and Carter are planning to find and bring the Sun God, Ra back to help defeat Apophis. Unfortunately, no one knows where Ra is. In order to find Ra, the Kane kids have to first find the Book of Ra and learn how to chant the spells. Rumor has it that Ra, the Sun God is senile and completely out of it. How will this affect their journey?

Throughout the book, Carter and Sadie both deal with their personal love life. As you remember in the Red Pyramid Carter fell in love with Zia's Shabtai, now he is on a mission to find the "real" Zia and hopes she remembers him and still likes him. Sadie on the other hand is falling for Anubis, the God of Death, and Walt, who is a decedent from a cursed family line.

Will Sadie and Carter find the Book of Ra and learn how to chant the spells in time to bring Ra back and defeat Apophis? Will Ra be of any use once he is found? Will Zia remember Carter? What about Sadie, who does she end up falling in love with?

Read The Throne of Fire to find out.

I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the thrilling adventures and gambles the characters face. I love the story line and how the characters have to use magic. This book has many twists and turns and very surprising actions that will keep you in suspense and you'llwant to keep reading the book and not put it down. As I loved the book, I did find the ending a little bit of a disappointment, however, the action and thrills of the rest of the story made up for the ending.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrilling, magic filled adventures with a bit of romance and tons of action. I also think anyone who likes Rick Riordan's books should read this.

Keep reading,

Mollie

TuTu Goes Green by Tulani Thomas

TuTu loves to be green and save the Earth. She and her parents do whatever they can to save the planet.

In this short picture book for young children TuTu teaches a very valuable lesson to be green and teaches you some ways to do it.

I would recommend this book to any child in preschool until first grade because it is a great picture book for young readers. Also it is very important to save the Earth and go green and this book give explanations and tips on how to be green. I also think the pictures are very well drawn and this is a very kid-friendly book.

GO GREEN AND SAVE PLANET EARTH!

I have to go and read more books,

Mollie

Cool Clips

I enjoy reading very much. I just hate needing to fold down the corners to mark my page that I am on. It just makes the book look so old and ruined. At BEA this year I came across a booth- Trends International where I saw they were displaying bookmarks. I was looking at all sorts of different kinds. One really caught my eye. It was a Tinker Bell Cool Clip. It makes reading very fun, now being able to mark my page and see a very colorful, cute and fun character holding my place.

I would recommend these bookmarks to any age because there is a character for all ages to enjoy.

I must go read all the new books at BEA

Mollie

OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy

OyMG is about Ellie Jane Taylor, a Jewish girl who lives with her brother Benny (Jewish), Mom (Jewish) and Dad (Lutheran). She lives down the street from her very religious Zeydeh. Ellie loves to argue about anything and everything. She is accepted to a Christian debate camp, and if she wins the oratory tournament she could get a scholarship to Benedict school. Zeydeh is not so happy that Ellie is going to a Christian camp.

At camp, Ellie falls for her competition, Devon Yetes, the grandson of Doris Yetes. Doris Yetes is the woman who started and gives out the scholarships. Ellie is asked by Doris to have an interview. Devon warns Ellie to put her Bubbe's Jewish star necklace away because Doris Yetes is kind of "weird" about Jewish people. Doris gave Ellie a scholarship form to fill out questions. Ellie wasn't sure what she should put as her religion. She put Christian, technically she was half and half so she wasn't completely lying. Of course, Zeydeh was not happy about this. Ellie explained to her parents her reasons for writing Christian.

Doris Yetes sees so much of herself in Ellie.

Throughout the story you learn about Ellie's struggles about friends, family,religion and who she really is as a person.

Does Ellie end up getting the scholarship? Does she change her religion on the form? Does Ellie learn to stand up for what is right even if she isn't sure who is standing with her? Does Ellie end up going to Benedict school?

Read OyMG to find out.

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. You learned about the struggle any Jewish person faces, no matter the age, by being proud of their religion. You also learn about how people can be antisametic because of a person's religion. This book shows how in real life you are going to be faced with many difficult decisions, struggles and choices but you will always have friends, family, and teachers guiding your way and helping you. I would recommend this book to 7th graders and up because it has a great message about friendship, family, love and about being proud of your religion.

well, I have to go read some more,

Mollie

The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull

Nate has just moved into town. He soon becomes friends with Pigeon, Trevor and Summer. The four children find themselves working for Mrs. White, a candy maker who makes special and magical candy. The children are sent out on missions to retrieve special and secretive items for Mrs. White. As rewards, Pigeon, Nate, Summer and Trevor are given new, secret, magical candy to test out and keep. The four children soon learn that Mrs. White and Mr. Scott, the ice cream man, are magicians. Mrs. White sends the children on crazy missions so she can get rid of Mr. Scott. But why? It turns out that Mrs. White is seeking a special treasure, and Mr. Scott is trying to to protect it. Mrs. White wants the four children to brainwash Mr. Scott. Summer and Pigeon refuse, so they are immediately excluded from getting the magical candy, going on missions and working for Mrs. White. Nate and Trevor agreed to brainwash Mr. Scott. However, they do their best to avoid actually doing it. After Nate, Pigeon, Trevor and Summer betray Mrs. White, the four children do whatever it takes to help Mr. Scott to protect the treasure.

Who end up with the treasure? What happens to everyone in the end? Does Mrs. White end up with the treasure?

I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought it had a great story, and a bunch of twists that kept you really interested in reading the book. I recommend this book to fifth graders and up.

I have to go read some more,

Mollie

Sean Grinswold's Head by LIndsey Leavitt

Payton Gritas is living a happy, normal life. One day when Payton gets home, she discovers her dad has Multiple Sclerosis. Her parents haven't told her about it and the fact that her dad had it for over 6 months and she had no clue. Payton was angry at her parents for not telling her and lying to her her. She refused to talk to them. It's been a few days since Payton has talked to her parent, and she now has to see the school guidance counselor.

The guidance counselor suggests to Payton to pick a focus object, something to help her express her emotions. Payton picks Sean Grinswold's head.

Throughout the process, Payton begins having a crush on Sean.

Payton hasn't told anyone about her dad except her best friend Jac.

One day Payton goes on a bike ride with Sean, in order to find out more about him. During the ride, Payton tells Sean everything.... except how he is her focus object.

Sean tells Payton he will help her prepare for a bike-a-thon to raise money for MS.

Throughout the story, Payton learns to deal with her dad's MS, her boy-crazy best friend Jac, learns more about Sean and discovers who she is as a person.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I had a very difficult time putting it down. I thought the story if how Payton dealt with her dad's MS and tried to do something about it was inspiring. If you are able to help raise money to fight off a disease, you should. I also liked how the story had such great details and you could picture what was going on in your mind. If you like romantic, dramatic, life changing novels and you re 13- 15 years old, you should read this book.

Well, I have to go read another book,

Mollie

Thank You to all of the 2nd graders in Mrs. Silver's class.

I would like to say a BIG thank you to all of the students in Mrs. Silver's 2nd grade class for reading all the books they did and for writing such great, detailed reviews.

I am thrilled that you were able to review the books.

I hope that all of the students had fun reading and writing these reviews.

Thanks so much,

I have to go read and write some more reviews.

Mollie

Honus and Me by Dan Gutman

Joe Stoshak loves baseball. The only problem is he can't play that well. One day his mom gets him a one day job. He cleans up Ms. Young's attic. Ms. Young is Joe's neighbor. Joe is up to his last box, but then it drops. He can't believe his eyes. The rarest baseball cars in the world is on the ground!

He doesn't know what to do. His parents are divorced because of money. They are poor. He decides to take the card. Hoe puts the card in his backpack. Whenever Joe touches a baseball card he gets a tingling sensation.

When Joe got to his house, he went to his room. That night he heard somebody in his room. He opened his eyes. What did he see? Read this book to find out what happens....

I think people who like baseball and fiction should read this book.

This book was reviewed by Trevor C. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Trevor for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Goosebumps Stay Out of the Basement by R.L. Stine

Dr. Brewer is doing plant experiments down in the basement. Margaret and Casey Brewer think he is in the basement to much, especially when Mrs. Brewer goes away to see her sister. Dr. Brewer spent even more time down there while Mrs. Brewer was away. Margaret and Casey were really worried when Dr. Brewer started wearing a Dodgers hat a lot, and he ate plant food. Also, Dr. Brewer said they can't go in the basement. What will they do? Read this book to find out. This book has secrets, scares and interesting plants and more.

I recommend this book for 7-10 years old that like scary and mysterious stories.

This book was reviewed by Daniel R. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Daniel for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

A to Z Mysteries: the Orange Outlaw by Ron Roy

Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose are kid detectives. They are the main characters. They went up to the city to see Dink's uncle. When Uncle Warren got sent a picture from Paris to keep safe, some things got turned inside out! Uncle Warren and the kids go to a block party that raises money for the zoo. There are acts like a man juggling bananas and watermelons. There was a man who taught an ape to balance on a pony with one hand! While they were gone someone stole the painting.... Will they get the painting back? Read to find out.

I think if you are 6 years to 8 years and you like to read chapter books you will like this book.

This book was reviewed by Shayne B. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Shayne for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

A to Z Mysteries: The Deadly Dungeon by Ron Roy

Josh, Dink, and Ruth Rose take a train to visit their friends. Their friends show them their rooms. Dink sees something moving outside. They find a cave in the basement. They find endangered birds. Then Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose begin investigating the house for clues about the cave and why it is there. Will they get captured? Will they discover the secret of the cave? Find out what happens to Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose as they investigate.

If you like mysteries this is a good book for you.

This book was reviewed by Michael S. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Michael for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

In Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, there's a boy named Peter. Peter has a little brother named Fudge. Peter hates Fudge. Peter says Fudge is his enemy. Peter's dad works for a company called Juicy O. All year Peter and his family drink Juicy O but Peter hates it but drinks it anyway. The Juicy O company comes to Peter's house. Fudge is going to be polite.

But are you sure? Is Peter going to be polite? Is something going to be wrong? Is Peter going to get his dad fired? What else is going to happen? Read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing to find out.

This book was reviewed by Kendra D, a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Kendra for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

The New Year's Eve Sleepover from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler

Guy named Hubie is the main character in this story. He is scared to go on the New Year's Eve sleepover. The sleepover is on the moon. Hubie does not know whose house the sleepover is at. Hubie wants to bring a bed, and a pillow, video games, a baseball and glove and a picture of his mom. He cannot bring it all. When he gets to the moon he looks like he is in a trance! He sees his friend. They laughed until they sweat! Find out what happens at the sleepover.

If you like other Black Lagoon books or a scary book that turns out not so scary I think you should read this book. I hope you like the book like i did.

This book was reviewed by Patrick D, a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Patrick for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Horrible Harry Moves Up to Third Grade by Suzy Kline

Harry and Doug are best friends. Harry and Doug go to South School. Harry is very excited about next year. Harry and Doug are moving up to third grade with their teacher Ms. Mackle and each other. But Harry has a problem. In room 3B there's Sidney. Sidney is Harry's problem. Harry and Sidney fight A LOT!!!! What Sidney does is something that Harry doesn't like... REVENGE! Read on to see how Harry takes care of Sydney.

I think that if you like funny fiction books you will like this book. I think you will like the character Horrible Harry.

This book was reviewed by Riley F. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Riley for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Scarlet and the Garnet Fairy by Daisy Meadows

Rachel and Kristy were looking for a safe place to keep their jewels. They were trying to return the jewels to Fairyland. They had found six jewels and needed to find five more. They went to fairyland. In Fairyland, Scarlet Garnet's problem is she needs the garnet jewel to make everything back to the size it should be. Read this book to find out f they find the garnet jewel.

This book is a really good book because it is magical. If you like magic then you will like this book.

This book was reviewed by Isabella C. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Isabella for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Alphabet Rescue by Audrey Wood and Bruce Wood

The little letters are the main characters. The little letters ride on a pencil to Alphabet City. Then they see a fire crew practicing spraying a hose. They ask to try spraying the hose. The capitol letters say yes. Read Alphabet Rescue to find out what happens when they spray the hose.

I think kids in kindergarten through second grade who like action will like Alphabet Rescue.

This book was read and reviewed by Jimmy M. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Jimmy for reading reviewing this book.

Mollie

A Whole Nother Story by Dr. Cuthbert Soup

Are you on the run from agents, and crazy super spies? Do you have a sock puppet named Steve? Well, this family does, Super spies are chasing the family because they want a time machine called the LVR. The family moves here, then there, then here. An agent comes to their FINAL house, disguises like a mayor and almost kills them with a disguised banana pistol. What will happen now?

If you are around 9 years old or older, and you love mysteries and fantasy, you would love this book. One more thing to say- this is a whole nother story.

This book was read and reviewed by Zachary B. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Zachary for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

The book I read is called Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. Sam I am is the main character in this book. He likes green eggs and ham. Sam I am goes all over trying to get someone to eat green eggs and ham. Does he get him to eat the green eggs and ham? Read this book to find out.

I liked Green Eggs and Ham and I think everyone will like reading it because it is funny.

This book was reviewed by Nicholas C. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Nicholas for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Encyclopedia Brown Super Sleuth by Donald J. Sobol

Encyclopedia Brown is a fifth grader. He is a great detective. He loves to solve mysteries. One day he hears his mom and dad talking about bank robbers. Encyclopedia asked his dad to help him catch the bank robbers. He said yes. That night they went into the woods.

Does he solve the problem? Read to find out. If you like mysteries I think you would like this book.

This book was reviewed by Valerie K. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Valerie for reviewing this book.

Mollie

The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby by George Beard and Harold Hutchins

Super Diaper punches Bob the bad guy. Then Bob turns into something else Then Bob gets bigger and bigger. Then he gets into a robot and he cracks stuff.

What is Super Diaper Baby going to do? I think you should read this book, if you like funny and adventurous stories.

This book was reviewed by Sean L, a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Sean for reading and reviewing this book

Mollie