Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

Reviewed by Ethan G. 

This book  is a adventure book and is about survival on an island alone with no help. I like this book because it is just about a girl trapped on an island alone for a long period of time but it finds a way to be new and exciting every page. It is very in depth because there is only one character talking and the writing is very descriptive. It has a good story in it to with all the animals and other things on the island.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Reviewed by Ajay D.

The book Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a novel written by J.K Rowling.  It’s a cool and a adventurous fantasy book that is a good book to read.

Harry Potter is an orphan that is living with his non-magical aunt, uncle, and cousin.  They treat him horribly.  They make him do all the chores and work and they also treat him like a 2nd class citizen.  But, when an unexpected person comes to Harry’s house, Harry gets quite the shock.  He finds out he’s a wizard!  Things are about to get a little adventurous.

When Harry goes to his magical school, his first year is a little weird.  He finds a lot of cool, disgusting, and weird things at his school.  When he finds something he’s not supposed to find, it takes him on a wild journey.  The author does a really good job at explaining all of these things that Harry does.  She goes into a lot of detail about some things in the book which I think is really good. -

Reviewed By Henry L.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling is a great book in the fantasy genre. It is the first book of seven (there is an eighth one, but it’s not by J.K. Rowling).  I will now tell you why it is a great book. Harry, the main character doesn’t know this at first, but he’s a wizard. He lives with his aunt, Petunia, and his uncle, Vernon. Harry gets mistreated by his aunt and uncle, and beat up by his cousin, Dudley. Then when he gets invited to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he is skeptical. But after it is proved to him he becomes excited. He likes the wizarding world a lot more than the muggle (non-magic) world. Harry winds up in trouble quite a few times in school, especially from Professor Snape, the potions teacher. Also, Harry’s worst enemy, Lord Voldemort, who has made one attempt on Harry’s life already.

Yggysey by Daniel Pinkwater

Reviewed by  Jordan K.

The Yggyssey by Daniel Pinkwater is an adventure story.  I loved this book because it is a giant adventure,  there is always something happening.  If you like a book where there is always a problem or a twist, you should definitely read this, because there is always a problem.

The book starts with the Iggy, the main character, notices that all her ghost friends are going to this big party but know one will tell her how to get there, so she and her human friends go on a quest to get to the party but along the way she runs into some trouble.

I love this book because in the book Iggy runs into some weird stuff and yet still will not stop until she is at that party!

Wolf Brother by Michael Paver

Reviewed by Varvara B.

Wolf Brother is the first book in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Series.  I liked the book, Wolf Brother because it's very fast paced and thrilling. If you do not like gruesome things it is better not to read the first few chapters.This book is good because it seems like you are cheering along with the characters and wondering what will happen next? Reading this book you will be surprised how animals and humans are alike so friendship of humans and animals is very possible.

Maze Runner by James Dashner

Reviewed by Haruka N. 

The Maze Runner was a very good book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I would definitely recommend this book. Thomas wakes up in a strange place called the Glade, without any memory, except one thing; His name. There are many other guys there like him. Thomas learns about the Maze, an immense maze filled with terrifying creatures called Grievers. He learns the only way to escape the place, is to figure out the dangerous, complex, and confusing Maze. Soon after, food stops coming, and the Maze walls that keep them safe from the Grievers won’t close, leaving them vulnerable. Now, they must figure out the Maze before it’s too late. And Thomas feels like he is the one who feels like he was to figure it out. The plot was very interesting, entertaining, and will keep throwing surprises at you that will make you think. This was a great book, which you will definitely enjoy.

Taking Flight: From War Ophan to Star Ballerina by Michaela DePrince

Reviewed by Sophia C.  

This is a true story of Michela DePrince who had a very sad journey to becoming a star ballerina. She was orphaned when she was very young. She was then taken in by an orphanage and she was constantly abused by the ladies at the orphanage. She was then adopted and her troubles followed her to America. She got teased a lot for being black, and no one wanted to hang out with her. This book shows when you push through your troubles and you don't give up you can become anything you want to be. People did not want her in their companies because she was black, but she did not let that stop her. She now has danced with many different companies and is one of the most beautiful ballet dancers ever. 

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Review by Annabelle Y.

Wonder is a terrific realistic fiction book about a boy named Auggie, who has a disease that causes his face to look different from most people. Because of his disease, he is homeschooled until 5th grade, when his parents decided that he should be able to attend a private middle school called “Beecher Prep”. But at his school he faces a lot of challenges such as bullying and in general, just meeting everyone.  I think this would be a great book for people who love realistic fiction.

By Katherine W.

The book Wonder by R.J. Palacio, is very exciting, humorous, and is full of curiosities. It has been one of my all time favorite books. One of the things that makes it so great is that it makes you think. Many times while reading the book you will find yourself wondering about what is going to happen next. How could a character possibly be so mean? The main character Auggie, goes through some rough times and has to make friends at a new school. Auggie has sort of a “Freaky” facial appearance that he was born with. This book teaches lots of life lessons, like why friendship is important. It makes you remember that what is right, is not always what other people say is right. I would recommend this books for ages 10-12. It’s a great book that I think everyone should read when they have time.

13 Gifts by Wendy Mass

Reviewed by Abigail C.

13 Gifts by Wendy Mass is a fantasy because there is weird magic in the story. It is about Tara who tried to steal the school’s mascot to hang out with some popular kids. But she gets caught in the act, so now she isn’t going to Australia with her parents. So gets sent to Willow Falls for the summer at her Aunt and Uncle's house. But on the train ride there she looses her phone and $100. When she gets there she realizes that her uncle is a very rich man. So she steals a comic book, that she thinks maybe worth $100.
She goes to a random store to sell it but the women took it and said she had to collect 13 things to get the comic book back. With the help of some friends can she get all of them in 3 weeks? I think that this book is a really good book. It’s exciting and funny.  It has a lot of different stories within the main story.

Swindle by Gordon Korman

Reviewed by Lauren D.

This book Swindle by Gordon Korman is an amazing adventure novel you come across so many different obstacles. It all starts when the main character Griffin Bing has a sleepover in a haunted house with his best friend Ben. When he goes to scope out the house he finds a rare baseball card. He knows that it is worth big bucks so he brings it to a collector named S. Wendell Palomino, Swindle is what they call him. He tells Griffin and Ben that its not real. Once they find out that it is worth something they go back for revenge. They break into his house and.... To find out how this story ends read this book, I hope you like it as much as I did.

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Reviewed by Kirilo P.

The Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket is the first of a series of 13 books that is a strange but very fun read. It's a mix of genres with different aspects like mystery, adventure, and a lot of others. Violet the oldest is an inventive, smart girl. Klaus the middle child, loves to read and Sunny the youngest, loves to bite. The Baudelaire children lost their parents in a fire and moved in with Count Olaf, a mean, cruel man looking for money.  As they go from relative to relative, Count Olaf follows their every move, putting them in dangerous situations.

Kalahari by Jessica Khoury

Reviewed by Jerry Y.

The book Kalahari is a novel written by Jessica Khoury. This amazing book is a science fiction and adventure genre. At first, Sarah’s dad and Sarah signed up to lead a trip to the Kalahari, but her dad went to go after poachers. Sarah, a daughter of a biologist, is stranded in the Kalahari with five other people who signed up to stay in the Kalahari for a trip. Her dad said “I promise I will be back in one day.” Except he didn’t. I would rate this book 5 stars because it starts slow, but goes fast later in the book. It also gets really exciting at the middle-end of the book.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls is a very touching book, about a boy named Billy who wants hunting hounds. He saves up for two years, and then walks all the way to the city to get them. The bond between Billy, Little Ann, and Big Dan, (The two dogs) develops with all of the adventures and challenges they have together. This book has great characters too. Billy is very determined, and forthright, and because of that he gets his two very different, but equally as special dogs. Little Ann has brains, and Big Dan is strong. Throughout the book the threesome create a strong connection, that you will not easily forget. - Reviewed by Lucy S.

I Survived The Nazi Invasion by Lauren Tarshis

Reviewed by Laith S.

This great book,  I Survived the Nazi Invasion  by Lauren Tarshis and is an amazing book because it supplies the perfect amount of action and a great amount of thrill.  Two kids Max and Zena are trying to survive the Nazi invasion by hiding but they stumble into their lost auntie that is sabotaging the Nazis. In the book, Max and Zena also lose their papa to the Nazis and they are thrilled and determined to find their papa. In my full opinion I rate this book five stars because as I said it does everything well at the perfect time. -

Slob by Ellen Potter

Slob by Ellen Potter is a great book for tweens/young teens. It’s about a 12 year old overweight kid named Owen, who faces bullying everyday. He gets tortured by the P.E. teacher, however, most people don’t know that Owen is a genius. But, when someone starts stealing his oreo cookies, it’s the last straw for him. So, he takes matters into his own hands. He tries to make devices to catch the thief, who he thinks is the new kid.- Review by Anna A.

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

Reviewed by Catherine L.

Asking yourself what book you should pick? Taking your time on the shelves? How about this book, Touching Spirit Bear. Touching Spirit Bear is an award winning adventure novel by Ben Mikaelsen. A book that makes you want to take sides & have strong thoughts about the characters. It’s filled of adventure & gruesome events. You won’t get bored of it!


Cole Matthews is a ruthless bully, the one who you’d take the longest route home just to avoid meeting. Worse yet, his parents can get him out of juvenile prison every time until this one case. Cole Matthews commits a horrible crime against 7th grader Peter Driscal that lands him in hot water. Follow Cole & his journey to heal & change.

Totally heart this book! I give it 5 stars!

-Reviewed By Nicholas C.                        

The genre of this book is a adventure novel. Cole is a juvenile delinquent from Minneapolis that is on a boat heading to an island in Alaska to heal. When I say heal that means to let go of all of his anger inside. A kid named Peter Driscal figured out that Cole had ransacked a store and had told the police. So Cole decides to beat him up.  Many things are happening in his life and he has a hard time on the island. There is a bear that does do something you won’t want to know but to figure out you must read it.


-Reviewed by Crystal W.

Touching Spirit Bear is a great book. Ben Mikaelsen does a great job describing the setting and the characters’ personality.  He also does a very good job showing symbolism with normal things that you can see. The characters in Touching Spirit Bear are very realistic and believable.

This book is about a main character named Cole. Cole has a history of violence and stealing. The latest crime that he committed was smashing Peter Driscal’s head into the sidewalk. This time the consequences are much harsher. “ This time Cole will have to choose between prison and a Native American Circle Justice. He will live either behind bars or in insulation for one year.” Cole wanted to avoid jail but he hates Circle Justice so tried to get away then he gets mauled by the spirit bear because the tries to kill the spirit bear.

Reviewed by Kako W.

Touching Spirit Bear is an award winning novel by Ben Mikaelsen. This is a realistic fiction book but its elements fit into the adventure genre. With all its actions and cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, this is a book that will not make you want to put down.

The book is about a teenager named Cole Matthews who has a misguided life. He has beaten up Peter Driscal and his punishment was to survive on a remote Alaskan island in isolation for a year. He sees the Spirit Bear on the island and tries to kill it. He gets mauled by it and clings onto life.

I like that the author is trying to have the book have connections to nature. He also puts in a lot of symbolism which gives deep meaning to the book and makes the reader think about what it represents. When Garvey showed the ingredients and cake, it made me think about what kind of point he was trying to make.  

Penny From Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm

Reviewed by Virginia H.

The book Penny From Heaven is a Newbery honor book by Jennifer L. Holm. It is a historical fiction book that’s filled with tons of adventure. In this book, it’s 1953,and an 11 year old girl named Penny wants her summer to be filled with trips to the pool, going to the movies, baseball, and butter pecan ice cream. But, her mom is afraid she’ll catch polio if she goes to the pool, and nobody says anything about the truth of her father and his death. But one thing isn’t a lie for sure. This summer is going to be the worst summer for Penny ever. This book is a interesting book to read, for many reasons. First of all, there are twists in the book, shocking turns of events that leave the reader really surprised. The story is based on friendship and family tragedies, and Jennifer L. Holm makes these struggles so realistic, so that once you start reading, you can’t stop.You can make so many connections with this book, making the reading more interesting!

The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands

The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands is an amazing book full mystery and suspense. It is the first book in a series of 2 book series that follows Christopher Rowe’s adventures. It takes place in London, in the 1700s, when apothecaries and magistrates lived. The book’s genre is Fantasy/Mystery/Historical fiction.

In this book, Christopher Rowe is an apprentice of the apothecary named Benedict Blackthorn. Recently, there have been murderers appearing in town and killing random people. When Mr. Blackthorn falls as their next victim he leaves a note in code for Christopher. Now it is up to Christopher to decode Mr. Blackthorn’s message and catch the culprit.

I really liked this book. The characters are smart and fun, like at the beginning of the book when Christopher finds out that the key to unlocking his present from Mr. Blackthorn is liquid mercury. All together I would give this book five out of five stars, it was amazing! --Review by Peter S.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney

Review by Zachary H.

The book I’m reviewing is Diary of a wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. This book was written by Jeff Kinney and it is a funny book.

I like this book because it has rude humor. They talk about underwear and Rodrick’s band is called “Loaded Diaper.” I really like the characters in this book. Greg Heffley is my favorite character because he gets into trouble that's funny. One time he wrapped himself in toilet paper to keep warm when he was hiding from swimming  class.  Greg and Rowley are characters who are friends. They both play video games and they are in middle school.  They have crushes on girls. Rodrick is a mean boy who teases Greg Heffley by changing his
alarm. Greg was late for school and got in trouble with his dad.

Jeff Kinney writes this book in a diary style with comic book pictures that makes me laugh.  I would recommend this book because it is so much fun to read. I rate this book 5 stars

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Review by Helen K.

Counting by 7s is a realistic fiction book written by Holly Goldberg Sloan. It’s a wonderful story about the struggles of a twelve year old girl named Willow Chance. This story is sometimes sad, and sometimes funny, but it is always captivating.

Willow's story is a story of loss and survival. She loses her parents, doesn’t have any family,  and doesn’t have any friends at school. Willow Chance is also very smart. For example in the book she says,” I tried to fit in. I researched teenagers. I read about teenage driving, teenage runaways, and teenage dropout rates. And it was a shocker.” I really like the people in Willows community who came to help her even when they were in difficult situations themselves. For example, her counselor Dell Duke, gave up his apartment so that WiIlow and her new foster family could have a place to live.

The author used to write screenplays for movies, that’s why, when you read the book, it’s like you are seeing it right in front of you.