Kids Book Blog

Black Water – D.J. MacHale

Mrs. Phillips — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:29:16 +0000

Black Water, by D.J Machale is a book in the Pendragon series. the story starts when a boy named Bobby Pendragon goes into a world called Eelong. In Eelong, things are completely switched around. Cats are the masters of humans and the humans are slaves of the cats. However, the cats are making a new rule where they are free to eat humans. If that isn’t bad enough, they are trying to wipe all of the humans out! Bobby knows that an evil man is behind all this, so he tries to stop him and save the territory. I think this book would be good for both boys and girls.

Caleb W.

The House on the Gulf by Margaret Peterson

phillips5th — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:23:10 +0000

The House on the Gulf is about a girl named Britt, Bran (brother) , and her mom. Her mom is finishing college. Bran has a job and they had to move to Florida for the job. They needed the extra money. Her parents got a divorce and Britt thinks her family should not live there. She is suspecting that all sorts of weird things are happening around the house. She thinks people still live in the house. At the time she hasn’t met her grandparents. She thinks her grand parents are dead but they aren’t. Her brother has a closet but it is always locked. One day it is open and she looks.It has all sorts of old pictures in it of her fanily. Her brother comes in early and almost catches her. Her brother lets her go in to the closet but she can’t tell mom. She ends up telling her mom and she looks by her last name and there is her grandparents. She write a letter to them. I though this story was very mysterious but it was AWESOME! I would recomend this to ages 8-12. I enjoyed this book!!!

Sarah S.

The Time Travelers – Buckley Archer

Mrs. Phillips — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:29:01 +0000

The Time Travelers is a fictional book taken place in the 21st century and the 1900s.Two children get swept back in time thanks to an anti-gravity machine. A vicious man named the Tar Man tries to get revenge on the world, while the children(named Peter and Kate) try to get back home. In the meantime, Peter and Kates parents are very worried about them. The question is, will Peter and Kate get back to the 21st century, or will the Tar Man stop them from doing so? Read the book to find out!

Caleb W.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane – Kate DiCamillo

Mrs. Phillips — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:28:03 +0000

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tunlane is a fictional book that tells about a rabbit made of China that has been loved by many people. At first, he starts out with a girl named Abilene, then one day, gets thrown into the sea by two mischevious boys, then the adventure begins! My favorite part was when Edward cracks his head open and gets it fixed because it was happy. I think this book would be good for both boys and girls.

Caleb W.

The Clue at the Bottom of the Lake by Kristiana Gregory

Mrs. Phillips — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:18:18 +0000

Jeff woke up in the middle of the night because he heard a loud noise outside. It was a boat. He woke up his brother David. They spot the man dumping a large bag in the lake. They immediately call Claire(there cousin) from there walky talky. The next morning the jump into the case. They find a lot of interesting things in this story. I would recommend it for ages 8-12. I started liking it from the beginning.

Sarah S.

Dead Man in Indian Creek by Mary Downing Hahn

Mrs. Phillips — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:14:34 +0000

Matt and Parker go camping at Indian Creek by themselvess. They wake up early andgo to spot a blue heron. They go in a little creek and end up findinga dead man. They spot a man and it ends up being theirmarket dealer named George Evens. George may have a connection with the dead man. They go to find evidence in the market and two cars end up pulling up in the parking lot. This book was very adventurous and Iwas interested right away. I would reccomend this to anyone.

Sarah S.

Lemon Merigune Pie Murder-Joanne Fluke

Mrs. Phillips — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:54:48 +0000

This book is about Hannah Swensen, hilarous owner of Lake Eden’s Cookie Jar. When Norman, one of Hannah’s friends, buys a house from Rhonda Scarf, which she inherted from her aunt, Hannah becomes enthusiastic. Norman tells her that he plans to tear down the house and build the dream house they designed together in a contest. When he lets Hannah and her mother look at the beautiful, old antiques in the house they finds some old furniture, some nice dishes, a partly eaten lemon merigune pie, and Rhonda’s dead body, which has been stabbed to death. Hannah’s mother, Delores, is determinied to find Rhonda’s murderer, which cause Hannah to worry about her. My favorite part in this book was when Hannah was in the Cookie Jar’s kitchen, when a jealous Mike comes in, who thinks that Hannah is moving in with Norman, and they have a little arguement.

-Catlinh N

Ruby the Red Fairy by: Daisy Meadows

Mrs. Phillips — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:50:33 +0000

I read the book Ruby the Red Fairy by: Daisy Meadows, this book is 1 point and 65 pages. The main characters are Kirsty Tate, Rachel Walker, and Ruby the Red Fairy. this book is mainly about how these two girls take a vacation, but when they meet they find out there cottage is right next to eachother! Rachel and Kirsty meet eachother parents and then ask them if they can explore the island, theie parents said ok. Just to let you know Kirsty and Rachel both beleive in magic, so when they explore the island they see a rainbow from the rain. Since they both believed in magic they thought there was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. They kept walking and walking, then they found an old black pot! They tried to move it but wouldn’t budge. Then they heard a voice from inside the pot, they pushed the pot as hard as they could and it rolled over. To thier surprise red fairy dust flew out and then a fairy! They all met eachother and the fairie’s name was Ruby the Red Fairy. Ruby had 6 other sisters, one for each color of the rianbow. Ruby explained to them what was going on and problems they needed help with. One problem was that the evil Jack Frost banned all color from fairy world and there was no color. So Ruby took them to Fairyland and they got to meet the Queen and King. The King and Queen gave them an assignment to find all the other 6 rainbow faries (aka all Ruby’s sisters). To find out if they take the job to find the sisters, or if they do will they find them because they have 6 days left of vacation and 6 fairies to find, 1 fairy per day! to find out you have to read the book Ruby the Red Fairy by: Daisy Meadows. This is a totally easy read and it would appeal to girls way more than boys. I liked this book and hope you so to!

Blogged By:

Sarah L.

Eldest – Christopher Paolini

Mrs. Phillips — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:39:46 +0000

Eldest by Christopher Paolini was fantastic! It is the second book in the Inheritance Cycle Series. The first is Eragon and the third is Brisingr. It is about a boy named Eragon. He has a dragon named Saphira and he is trying to travel to the magical place of Elves called Ellesmera. He needs to go there to have Dragon Rider training. In Dragon Riding, he needs to learn magic and the skill with swords. The Cripple Who Is Whole gave him the suggestion to go to Ellesmera. But, when the leader dies, Eragon’s good friend Murtagh and a two sorcerers named the Twins disappear. The leader chooses his daughter to become the new leader. During this whole time, they are inside Ellesmera. The king of Ellesmera asks to adopt Saphira and Eragon in his family.
At the exact same time, Roran, Eragon’s cousin, goes back to Carvahall, his home. He is trying to marry a lady named Katrina. But, someone is looking for Roran. Trying to capture and kill him.
Eragon and Saphira travel with some elves to The Cripple Who is Whole. By the way, he is a legendary Dragon Rider who gives young Dragon Riders like Eragon advice. The Cripple Who is Whole trains Eragon to become a perfect dragon Rider to fight against their enemy from before. But, who is it? Will they die trying? Or will they succeed? Eldest is a great fantasy! It is worth 36 points.

Blogged by:
Heather C. Enjoy! ^^

Dive Triology-Gordon Korman

Mrs. Phillips — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:21:29 +0000

The books I read was Dive the trilogy it is three books in one. The first book is The Discovery, the second book is The Deep, and the third book is The Danger all by Gordon Korman. These books are about four kids Kaz, Dante, Adriana and Star who have been chosen to spend the summer exploring the depths of the sea. First they discover that people are running this program and are covering up something big. They discover something else that changes their lives but if you want to know what it is read the Dive series by Gordon Korman. I think this book would appeal to most boys and girl. Also this book would appeal to people who are into adventure. My favorite book out of this series was second one because it had a lot of adventure.

Blogged by:

Lauren W.

Snakehead-Anthony Horowitz

Mrs. Phillips — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:15:59 +0000

Alex is once again asked upon for help but the Australian Secret Service asks this time. His mission is to infiltrate on of the Snakeheads, a gang that smuggles drugs, weapons, and people. Alex and his long lost godfather, Ash, work together to find out what the Snakeheads are doing, but what they find out is that the Snakeheads are working with Scorpia, the most dangerous terrorist group in the world. Scorpia has a plan that will kill thousands of people and the only thing that stands in their way is Alex Rider. Will Alex be able to save all of those people before it’s too late? I liked this book because there is a lot of action in it and because there are some secrets in this book about his family. This book is the seventh book in the Alex Rider series. I would recommend this book to people who like action and adventure. I would also give this book a 5 star rating. I hope you read this book and love it too.

Blogged by: Ravi M.

Eleven by: Lauren Myracle

Mrs. Phillips — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:13:43 +0000

I read the book Eleven by Lauren Myracle, it is 6 points, 201pages. The main characters in this book are Winnie, Winnie’s friend Amanda and Chantelle, and Winnie’s mom and dad. This book is mainly about this girl named Winnie and her only 11th birthday. She is really excited and gets to have some of her best friends over to her house for her birthday party. Winnie says that on your birthday day everything should go just the way you want it. For Winnie this is the most perfect day of her life. She has got her favorite breakfast, waffles crispy but not burned and a birthday song at school, ignoring Alex Plotkin’s song about monkeys and zoos. Winnie gets so many nice things for her birthday, she even gets a cute little kitten! The kitten is a little bit clumsy and gets trapped in the wall, but it still has the cutest name, Sweetie-Pie. Winnie does tons of adventures and trips to awesome places but not just on her birthday she gets to do everything any time. For example she goes to the beach and does some awesome things with her friends! to find out what else crazy things or adventures Winnie takes, you have to read the book Eleven by: Lauren Myracle. If I could rate this 1-10, 10 being the best, I would give it a 10 because there is so many cool adventures andso interesting how Winnie takes life. I would recommend this book to mostly girls or if boys like glittery and girly stuff they would also enjoy it. I say this is for 4th, 5th, and 6th, grade kids. I definetly enjoyed this book and I hope you do to ENJOY!

Blogged by: Sarah L.

Guys Write For Guys Read Edited By: Jon Sciezka

Mrs. Phillips — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:28:35 +0000

The book I read was Guys Write for Guys Read By Jon Sciezka. This book is mainly about probably all the boy authors and illustrators coming together to make one book. Every author has to tell a story about when he was a kid in one of his boyish, gross, cool, interesting, and maybe even boring stories of just being a kid. My favorite one was My French Teacher Tried to Kill Me By: Anthony Horrowitz. That story is about when Anthony Horrowitz as a kid falls asleep in French class, while he is asleep he has a dream that he over hears his French teacher talking about a spy mission. Later, in class the teacher knew that he saw him and puts a knife up to his face, but he defends it. Also read about illustrators like Dav Pilkey from Captain Underpants. That is what this book is about.

-Nabil S.

Life Starring Me by: Robin Wasserman

Mrs. Phillips — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:50:56 +0000

I read the book life Starring Me by: Robin Wasserman this book is mainly about a girl who has to realize that life isn’t all that fun. The main characters are Ruby Day but her real name is Rebecca, her sister Alana, Ruby’s mom and dad, Ruby’s aunt, and this mean girl named Mareen. right now Ruby has a pretty fun life, she is on tour in the summer in Paris with her Aunt. Ruby is having so much fun with her crew and on her musical “Bye-Bye Birdie” in Paris but she still thinks she deserves a higher role. One day the director wanted to talk to Ruby aout her part. Ruby was soooo excited so she ran in there and started talking. After the long conversation the director gave her some papers to take for someone to sign so she ran to the person and said “So when do I get started” and the woman asked “What’ and Ruby said “My new role, when do I start” but then she relized that she wasn’t going up a role she was getting fired! She ran out trying not to cry. Ruby’s Aunt tried to see what she was doing but Ruby wouldn’t tell her. After a couple of days Ruby’s mom said she had to come home after the summer so she could go to school. Now Ruby wasn’t used to a public school so she was mad, she didn’t want to go home she wanted to stay in Paris with her Aunt. there were only a couple of things Ruby was looking forward to when she went home, since her Aunt and Mom agreed that Ruby should stay home. Ruby was looking forward to seeing her little sister, Alana, she always used to jump and run right to Ruby if she missed her, and always wanted to play Ruby. She also looked forward to be treated by her parents like royalty since she was practically famous. At the airport Ruby saw her parents but didn’t see Alana, she did see a shadow in the car and she was pretty sure that was Alana. She said hi to her parents and went home in the car. Things weren’t going the way she planned, Alana was mean to her, when she got home she even had to do chores! Later on at school she met this girl named Mareen and she was mean to Ruby at first, but about a week later mareen and Ruby are doing a school musical and when Ruby started to read her lyrix on little peices of paper she was saying wierd things like “I am a dork.” Did Mareen sabatague their show? Or did Mareen not do it? So many questions asked but to find them out you have to read the book Life Starring Me by: Robin Wasserman. This is a great book so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Blogged by: Sarah L.

Scat- Carl Hiaasen

Mrs. Phillips — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:42:04 +0000

The book Scat by Carl Hiaasen is about a fire, an inhaler, and a panther. The main character, Nick Waters, has always wanted to see a panther. At the beginning of the book, a kid called Smoke (His real name is Duane Scrod Jr.) gets in a fight (not physically) with the meanest teacher, Mrs. Starch. She makes him right a paper on acne. She does this because 1) he always picks at this pimple on his neck and 2) he needs to be punished for his bad behavior. The entire grade is supposed to go on a field trip the next day, but Smoke never shows. The grade is going to a place called the Black Vine Swamp. Mrs. Starch is there, and she seems perfectly normal. A forest fire starts! The grade has to go back in the bus and back to school. The only problem is, somebody dropped their inhaler. It’s to dangerous for the student to fetch it, so Mrs. Starch does. She never comes back. The bus has to leave because it’s dangerous for the students. Plus, Mrs. Starch drove her car here. The next day at school, Mrs. Starch doesn’t show. She’s only missed one day of her teaching career, and that’s because she was seriously injured. She still called in then! There has been no calls from her. You would think she’s dead, but Nick Walters sees somebody driving Mrs. Starches car. It’s not Mrs. Starch though. I recommend this book to boys and girls because it’s not to much action or gooiness. I rate this book an 8 on a scale from 1 through 10. This book was better than I expected it to be so, hope you read it!

Blogged by:

Stephanie Doering

The Midnight Library – Voices

Mrs. Phillips — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:39:38 +0000

I read the book Midnight Library by Damien Graves, the main characters in this book are Kate and Kate’s mom and dad. In this story there is a girl named Kate and she was just a regular girl until one day where it all started. This day was just like any other school day but Kate was really worried about her mom. Her mom had become ill and has been for a long time, apperently not any doctor can find what is wrong with her or a cure. In the mean time some wierd things had been happening when Kate was in certain places. She would normally walk through the cemetary before school started and one day she was by a telephone pole in the cemetary. Every once and a while she would hear voices or telephone conversations in her ear like someone was talking right in front of her they would get louder and she could hear more. The voices started to make Kate curious, in fact she wanted to hear more! Could Kate read minds or was everyone hearing telephone conversations? Is Kate’s mom going to get better? To answer all these questions you have to read the book the Midnight Library – voices by Damien Graves. This was an awesome book but recommend it to mostly boys. I enjayed this booka and hope you do to!

Time Stops for No Mouse – Michael Hoeye

Mrs. Phillips — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:43:50 +0000

The book I read was Time Stops for No Mouse. Obviously all the characters in this books are mice. Hermux is a watchmaker, and Linka Perflinger flys airplanes. One day Linka brought in her watch for Hermux to fix it. The weird thing was that Linka said she wanted it done by the next day, but the next day Linka never came to pick it up. Also Hermux thought that Linka was the most beutiful mouse ever, so of course he finished the watch by the next day. Anyway, Hermux decided to go to Linka’s house to look for her because it had been at least a week and she still hadn’t picked her watch up. Right before Hermux was going to leave, a tall mouse came in the store and asked for Linka’s watch. The rule was that if someone other than the owner came in to pick a watch up, the person needed the owner’s signiture in order to pick the watch up. The tall rat didn’t have Linka’s signiture so he could not get the watch. Once the rat left, Hermux went to Linka’s house and found out that she was not home. Right before that he saw two rats push Linka into a limo. In order to find out if Hermux finds Linka or what is going to happen to Linka read Time Stops for No Mouse.

Strawberry Shortcake Murder-Joanne Fluke

Mrs. Phillips — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:31:43 +0000

This sequel to the Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder is about Hannah Swensen, a tall humorous, woman who owns the Cookie Jar in Lake Eden. When the president of Hartland Flour picks Lake Eden as the town to hold their first Bake-Off, Hannah is excited and is even happier when she is picked to be head judge. Everything is going great until Boyd Watson, one of the judges, is found by his wife, Danielle, dead on his garage floor and in a big mess of gooey strawberry shortcake. Hannah is determined to find the murderer and prove that Danielle is innocent. Will Hannah be able to find the murder? Will she prove that Danielle didn’t kill her husband? Read this book if you want to find out!

-Catlinh N

The House Of The Scorpion – Nancy Farmer

Mrs. Phillips — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:42:50 +0000

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer is about a boy named Matt. He is a clone of El Patron. Matt lives in a piece of land called Opium and he is unhappy there. He is first treated like a beast. Everyone ignored him as if he was nothing but a piece of paper. Then, El Patron, a very rich and powerful man, claimed his clone. Now, everyone is terrified of Matt. But, you may think El Patron is a nice person. Think again. His slaves are illegal immigrants that become eejits, Eejits are people who’s brains are programmed to working nonstop and following orders only.
El Patron loves Matt but, when El Patron suffers from a heart attack, Matt was supposed to give El Patron his organs but, he didn’t. El Patron died at one-hundred and forty-three years old. But, before all this happens, El Patron gave Matt a bodyguard, Tam Lin. Tam Lin is one of Matt’s only friends. Matt thinks of him as a father. But when El Patron dies, Matt runs away into the wild.
He finds an orphanage and enters. The orphans are known as “Lost Boys” and they live with men known as “Keepers.” The Keepers make the orphans do much work while they sit back and have lavish meals. Matt is an outsider but, he learns to fit in. He’s never done that before! He has always been alone, no one has ever loved him, and he has never had friends because he was clone. He finds the true meaning of friendship, it’s working together and fighting for one thing you all want. But, they all get along so well, they start a rebel against the Keepers. Matt leads them free of the orphanage but, where will they go now? Will they survive on their own?

I loved The House of the Scorpion. I’d recommend it to boys and girls of ages ten and up. This story is told in third person point of view. And Matt really finds what true friendship is.

Blogged by:
Heather C.

Massie – Lisi Harrison

Mrs. Phillips — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:31:22 +0000

This is part of the clique Summer Collection.

This summer, all girls of the popular group, the Pretty Committee, decided to go seperate ways for the summer. Ultra snobby leader of the group, Massie Block, attends a horse camp. It is extremely expensive, but of course her rich family can afford it. However, after being caught cheating in a horse contest, she is kicked out and sent back home. Her parents a furious about this. Massie’s punishment is to not have her loved credit card. How will Massie survive without shopping? She is told she has to find a summer job to get it back. She has never had to work for anything she wanted before. But she thinks she has found one job, or jobby (job and hobby) that she could like. Selling “Be Pretty” cosmetics. Their motto is that “you are beautiful on the inside” and that every girl is beautiful. But what will happen when Massie’s selling technique is to make customers feel bad about themselves and then buy the products?

Find out in Massie.

Sophia R.

Hank Zipzer: My Dog’s a Scaredy Cat – Henry Winkler

Mrs. Phillips — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:29:25 +0000

This book is about a young boy named Hank that has two best friends named Frankie and Ashley. Hank, Frankie, and Ashley all discuss what they are going to be on Halloween because Halloween is around the corner. Hank has the craziest idea for Halloween: he says he wants to dress up as a table in an Italian restaurant. HE WANTS BE A TABLE IN AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT!!! Frankie and Ashley try to convince him to not be a table from an Italian restaurant, but he still does not want to change his mind. One day, Hank, Frankie, and Ashley decide that they want to get back at the school bully, McKelty. Then, they came up this a BRILLIANT plan! They were going to make a haunted house, but they had no clue how they were going to make it. Also, their beloved dog, Cheerio, got lost while Hank went to the store. Is this going to be the worst Halloween ever of will every thing just fall into place? If you want to find out, you have to read this book called, Hank Zipzer: My Dog’s a Scaredy-Cat. I think this book would appeal to boys and girls. It is a very short read and it is the 10th in the series, but you do not have to go in order. This series is one of the funniest series I have every read. I really recommend you read this book.

David G.

Hank Zipzer: A Tale of Two Tales – Henry Winkler

Mrs. Phillips — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:25:16 +0000

This book is about a young boy named Hank that has two best friends named Frankie and Ashley. Hank has a sister named Emily that has a pet iguana named Katherine. Hank has a pet dog named Cheerio. One day when Hank, Frankie, and Ashley went to school, there teacher, Ms. Adolf, announced that the school was going to have a competition for the next school mascot. The prize was to have the owner and their pet in the newspaper. Everybody was excited about the competition, but then Ms. Adolf said that all of the participants had to write an essay explaining why their pet should win and their pet’s history. When Hank, Frankie, and Ashley went home, they decided to put Cheerio in the competition, but it is going to be very hard to train him because he losses focus very quickly. Another down side was that Emily was also going to put Katherine in the competition and they taught her how to balance a grape on her nose with a Q-tip on the grape. One day Team Cheerio decided to go to the park to train Cheerio, but it ended with a total disaster. Cheerio decided not to pay any attention at all and preferred to chase the birds and role around in the mud. Another terrible thing happened: FRANKIE AND ASHLEY DECIDED TO GO TO TEAM KATHERINE!!! They thought that Cheerio was not going to win, so Frankie and Ashley changed teams thinking they were with a better team. Hank lost all his team members and the competition was in one week. Hank made no progress with his training and hadn’t even started on his essay. WHAT WILL HANK DO?!?!?!? If you want to find out, you have to read this book, Hank Zipzer: A Tale of Two Tales. I think this book will appeal to both boys and girls and it is a very short read. This book is the 15th in this series and it is one of the funniest series ever. I really recommend that you read this series.

David G.

Schooled – Gordon Korman

Mrs. Phillips — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:11:31 +0000

Schooled by Gordon Korman is about a boy name Capricorn Anderson. Cap is is his nickname. He has never eaten a hot dog, watched television, or seen a computer because he lives on a farm. Garland Farm to be specific. The farm grows fruits and vegetables. His life was extremely basic, he thought he’d live their the rest of his life but, he was wrong. When his home-school teacher, Rain, gets injured by falling off a tree while picking plums, Cap is forced to go somewhere else. But not just anywhere, a school. A middle school. A public middle school. He is forced to go to Claverage Middle School. Not only that, he doesn’t fit in and he can’t make friends. He has long hair that is dirty and has never been combed, does Tai Chi on the lawn, and wears rags for clothing. He is to stay at the school counselor’s house. You’d think that’d be a little better? No! The school counselor’s has a terrible daughter that drives Cap crazy! The bully of the school, Zach Powers, is waiting for something special to happen to Cap. But what?? Read Schooled to find out the terrible twist that happened.

I loved this book. It was a quick read though. It is worth six points. Happy reading! Enjoy! ^^

Blogged by:
Heather C.

Models Don’t Eat Chocolate Cookies – Erin Dionne

Mrs. Phillips — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:07:35 +0000

Models Don’t Eat Chocolate Cookies by Erin Dionne is a fantastic realistic fiction book.
Overweight thirteen year-old Celeste Harris has joined the HuskyPeach fashion show contest. But, she didn’t join her aunt signed her up. You think she should be excited? Think again! HuskyPeach is a store for overweight people She is hurt she is forced to.
But, that is the least of her worries! Lively Carson, the most popular girl in the eighth grade, is stealing her best friend, Sandra. Lively insults her and Sandra doesn’t even care anymore! Sandra used to always stick up for her. But, Celeste decides that teasing from Lively has gone too far. She tries to help herself but, can she?
Also, Celeste decides if she loses too much weight, she won’t have to do the pageant. But, she isn’t doing the starve diet. She decides to eat healthier and exercise. She slowly burns off some pounds but, will she still have to enter? And, she has to stop her chocolate cookie obsession.

I loved this book! I think it was really funny in some places and really serious in others. I like how the author mixes it up. This book is worth eight points. Great realistic fiction! Amazing!

Blogged by:
Heather C.

Five Ancestors: Mouse-Jeff Stone

Mrs. Phillips — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:27:06 +0000

This is the sixth book. Don’t read this summary before reading Tiger, Monkey, Snake, Crane, and Eagle. The main character is ShaoShu. The small boy sneaks onto Tonglong’s boat without being seen. He stays hidden for awhile before he is captured and used as a spy for Tonglong. Fu, Malao, Seh, Hok, Ying, and Charles find a friendly band of Dutch pirates with guns. The Dutch are here because China is trading with the Holland for guns. The friends meet each other in a battle between boats. ShaoShu tell what has happened and Hok tells him to find Long and get him to them. Does ShaoShu find Long? What is Tonglong’s next move? If you want to find out, read Mouse. This book is good for boy and girls and those who like Chinese history.

Blogged by:

Enoch T.

Replay-Sharon Creech

Mrs. Phillips — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:10:20 +0000

The book Replay by Sharon Creech is about a boy named Leonardo(Leo for short) who wants to be famous and wants to be a star, but his brothers and his sister call him sardine becouse of his noisy family who makes him feel like a sardine in a can. They also call him fog boy because he is always fantasizing about himself being a star. One day Leo goes into his attic there he finds his dad’s autobiography when he was thirteen. He takes that and finds some tap shoes and starts tapping. When his dad comes to the attic he gets mad at Leo for tapping and tells him not to touch his stuff. Leo still has the autobiography and starts to read it. He finds out things that he never thought his father would do. Leo also finds out about an Auntie that he has never heard of and when he asks about her his grandma gets upset. During all this confusion he also has a play at school and he wants to be the lead role, but ends up being an old crone, which is a women. The worst thing is that they are doing horrible in rehearsels. Leo is doubting that they will do good when real play. He also finds out a secret about his best friend Ruby. Who is his Auntie he has never heard of? What is the secret about Ruby? Will he do good in his play? You have to read this book to find out. This book is for girls and boys, but just a little bit more for girls because his fantasies have a lot of drama. It didn’t take long to read for me. I hope you read this book and enjoy it!

Blogged by:Carly L.

Wild Magic – Tamora Pierce

Mrs. Phillips — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:09:59 +0000

Wild Magic is a twisted fantasy inside the Immortals series. The Immortals Series consists of Wild Magic, Wolf Speaker, Emperor Mage, and The Realms of the Gods. Wild Magic is the first book.

Inside Wild Magic, Veralidaine Sarrasri, or Diane, meets Onua Chamtong. Diane produces the talent of communicating to animals. Onua thinks it is something more but, Diane says she doesn’t hold a Gift or power like Onua can tell if someone is lying. If that person is lying, Onua can see a red flame around them. Together, Diane and Onua travel to Corus. Corus is the capital of Tortall. During their journey, a group of Stormwings attack them. Stormwings are giant birds with razor claws and teeth that are known as Eaters. During that time, Diane shows her true ability while fighting those Immortals. How? Because she can sense Immortals. Onua and Diane find a big black hawk that was chased by the Stormwings. They later see the hawk shape-shifted into a magician named Numair Salmalin. When they arrive at Corus, Diane works as an assistant horse carer because of her fluency with animals. But, while working their, something extraordinary happens! Numair discovers Diane’s powers. Her powers are the ability to care for animals and sensing Immortals. After this incredible discovery, Numair trains her to use her powers to help the kingdom. But, Diane has another side of her she hasn’t told anyone! Not even Onua… but, is this the time to tell? Or should she hide her real identity forever?

Blogged by:
Heather C.

Five Ancestors: Eagle-Jeff Stone

Mrs. Phillips — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:45:06 +0000

This is the fifth book. Don’t read this summary before Tiger, Monkey, Snake, and Crane. Ying, the eagle kung-fu master whose old name used to be Saulong, snuck in the fighting club to rescue Fu, Malao, Seh, Hok, and Charles. Long disappears again until Ying splits off from the other kung fu masters. Ying is trapped when Long leads him out of the building via a trapdoor. Long leaves him and he later joins Hok on a journey to find a treasure using the secret map on the dragon scrolls. They receive help from a street kid named ShaoShu, whose name means little mouse in Mandarin. Ying leaves the two behind and finds his mother in a mountain near the river. He learns that his beloved father, Cholong, was a theif who lead a band of theifs. He stole the dragon scrolls from his fater, the Grandmaster of Cangzhen Temple. Then his mother makes Ying fighte her. He lost and had to practice a breating technique of tai chi, a martial art that combines breathing and moving meditation. But something happens during his training. What happened? What is going on with Fu, Malao, Seh, Hok, Long, and ShaoShu? If you want find out, read Eagle. This book is good for both boys and girls and those who like Chinese history and martial arts.

Blogged by:

Enoch T.

Five Ancestors: Crane-Jeff Stone

Mrs. Phillips — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:39:28 +0000

This is the fourth book in the series. Don’t read this blog before you read Tiger, Monkey, and Snake. Hok is the main character of this story. Her name is means Crane in Cantonese and she is a crane style kung-fu master. The story starts in her dream of what has happened to her so far. She’s been drugged and was asleep until she pinches herself. Another fallen monk from Shaolin has used Hok as a bait when she was unconscious again to destroy Shaolin. After waking up, she runs away from Shaolin Temple during another assault and gets a dislocated arm. She relocates it and finds her mother Bing, and a Dutch boy named Charles. They find Seh, Malao and Fu and escape from Tonglong and Seh’s mother, AnGangseh. Malao and Fu gets captured by Tonglong. Ying is under arrest from false accusation, and Hok rescues him. Seh becomes blind after the rescue attempt. Later Fu, Malao, are in a fighting club where they find there hiding brother, Long. What is Long doing there? What is Ying accused of? What is Tonglong’s next move? If you want to find out, read Crane. This book is good for both boys and girls and those who like Chinese history and martial arts.

Blogged by:

Enoch T.

Five Ancestors: Snake-Jeff Stone

Mrs. Phillips — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:20:39 +0000

This is the third book in the FIve Ancestors series. Don’t read this blog before you read Tiger and Monkey. This time the main character is Seh, the young snake style kung-fu master whose name means Snake. The prologue tells about the secrets about Seh and Hok. Seh learns that Hok is a girl and that he is the son of Mong, a bandit and a kung-fu master on snake style. After the assult of Cangzhen Temple, receives help from a beuty snake and finds his two brothers Fu and Malao and the old dragon scrolls they have been trying to protect. They join a group of bandits led by Mong. They had met many of his collegues on thier journey. But they soon need to leave after another ambush from Ying at the bandit’s stronghold. Later during a festival they find two people. Who are the two people? Where is Long? What will happen to the scrolls? If you want to find out, read Snake. This book fits mostly boys and those who like some humor, Chinese history, and martial arts.

Blogged by:

Enoch T.

The Secret Language of Girls-Frances O’Roark Dowell

Mrs. Phillips — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:45:24 +0000

Do you like books about friendships between girls? Then this is the perfect book for you! The book the Secret Language of Girls by Frances O’Roark Dowell is a book about two girls named Kate Faber and Marylin McIntosh. These two girls have been best friends and neighbor for about their entire lives. They both agree on people who are good friends and what outfits look good to wear, but lately, Marylin has thought that Kate is acting babyish. Also, Kate thinks Marylin is acting like a snob. These thoughts between the two girls caused their friendship to become broken apart. Now the girls Marylin hang out with say mean things about Kate and the girls Kate hang out with say mean things about Marylin. Truthfully, the girls both wish everything was back to normal. If I were to rate this book on a scale from one to ten with ten being the best, I would give it a ten because there is comedy, sports, and romance. I would also recomend this book to girls. To find out what happens read The Secret Language of Girls.

-Alexandra C.

Five Ancestors: Monkey-Jeff Stone

Mrs. Phillips — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:32:16 +0000

This book is in the series Five Ancestors. Don’t read this book before you read the first book Tiger. Monkey is about a young monkey-style kung-fu master named Malao, which means Monkey in Cantonese. He and his four brothers have escaped a assult on the Cangzhen Temple led by their fallen brother Ying, which means Eagle in Cantonese. He runs away and eventually meets four of his brothers, trains some children in a village, and finds two dragon scrolls. They leave soon and try to look for thier dragon style kung-fu brother Long and rescue thier brother Hok. They also try to avoid Ying and his general Tonglong. Will they mange to find their lost brother? Who will they meet next? If you want to find out, read Monkey. This book would fit mostly boys and those who like some humor, Chinese history, and martial arts.

Blogged By

Enoch T.

Zen and the Art of Faking it – Jordan Sonnenblick

Mrs. Phillips — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:30:36 +0000

San Lee, an adopted child from China living a nightmare as his life. His dad went to jail, and his mom is stressing about it. So when he moves to a new town, new state, and a new school. He has no idea who he is or who he wants to be. On his first day at school he meets a beautiful girl named Emily A.K.A Woody. Woody has a “rocker chick” look and plays music at lunch. San thought that everyone at the school would make fun of her but surprisingly everyone loves it. In their history class, San’s teacher starts a unit about Zen and Buddhism. San has already learned about this but decides that he should become a “Zen Master.” San spends endless hours at the library trying to learn everything about becoming a Zen Master. San is successful and Woody starts to fall for San. Is San doing the right thing? Does Woody really belive that San is a Zen Master.

Read Zen and the Art of Faking it to find out.

Blogged by: Maranda W.

Dead is So Last Year – Marlene Perez

Mrs. Phillips — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:52:43 +0000

Dead is So Last Year by Marlene Perez is about a intruging mystery. It is the third book of the Dead is the New Black series.
In the paranormal city of Nightshade, summer has begun. It is the summer before Daisy Giordano is going to be a senior in Nightshade High School. This paranormal town is beyond wierd with vampires, werewolves, banshees, and terrible creatures. But, doppledangers, evil clones of people, are appearing everywhere. Legend says when you meet your doppledanger, you will die a slow painful death. The Giordano family are all pyschics but, the Daisy’s mom is in Italy working on a case. The Giordano sisters are on their own to solve the case.
While trying to figure everything out, Daisy is having relationship problems with her boyfriend, Ryan. Well, all the sisters are. Daisy’s sister, Rose, is dating a werewolf named Nick. Nick is a werewolf and he isn’t that experienced which causes him to be moody. Her other sister, Poppy, is gorgeous but, she was dating a ghost. She is still grieving over him because he finally crossed over to the other ’side.’
Going through all of this, Daisy is keeping her spirits up to try to find who is creating the doppledangers. Soon, will everyone in Nightshade have a doppleganger and die?

Blogged by:
Heather C. Enjoy! ^^

Tunnels-Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams

Mrs. Phillips — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:22:25 +0000

Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams is a great book. I enjoyed it a lot.

Tunnels is about a fourteen year-old boy named Will Burrows who has a desire for archaeological digs just like his mysterious father, Dr. Burrows. When Will and his best friend Chester Rawls are digging a tunnel in Highfield, which is where they live, Will’s parents get into a huge argument. A couple days later Will tries to look for his dad but can’t, he’s not in his office, not at home, not anywhere. He just disappears. So Will and Chester decide to investigate. While searching they find a little tunnel behind a bookcase in Will’s dad’s office. Once their deep into the tunnel they find something, not his dad but an underground city called the Colony. They face many obstacle and meet many friends and dangerous enemies. Will they find Will’s dad or end up running for their lives? If you want to find out you got to read Tunnels. This book is adventerous, thrilling, and has a lot of secrets behind the characters. I would recommend this to both boys and girls of any age, though it’s a bit long. This is the first book of a three part series. The other two books are Deeper and then Freefall. Read this book, it’s one of my favorites.

Eager’s Nephew – Helen Fox

Mrs. Phillips — Thu, 28 May 2009 02:04:44 +0000

Previous to this book, Eager and the Bells had many adventures. And now Eager is back in ” Eager’s Nephew”.

This book takes place in somewhere we would all picture the future to be like. Robots, pods for transportations, and interactive screens. Robots such as Eager have been banned. Because of this, Eager and many other robots are out in the hiding. However, Eager goes back to visit the Bells’, a very kind family he stayed with. Little did he know though, his little robot nephew, Jonquil, came with him. Jonquil is a special robot, but Eager has to try to keep him secret. Just as the two arrive to the family though, strange things start to happen. It appears that an unkown man is trying to steal the identity of one of the Bells’. Then, Ju’s father suddenly disappears. Eager and his nephew are on the case of solving this mystery. They have to go on the search for him to get Ju her father back.

Will they be able to get her dad back? Read to find out more about Eager’s Adventures!

Sophia R.

Deeper-Rodrick Gordon and Brian Williams

Mrs. Phillips — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:52:43 +0000

Deeper by Rodrick Gordon and Brian Williams is the sequel to Tunnels.

In Tunnels, Will Burrows, a kid with a passion to dig, and Chester Rawls, Will’s friend, investigate the disappearance of Will’s father. But what he finds is an underground city called the Colony.

Now in Deeper, Will, Chester and Cal wander the fiery pits below the Colony, called the Deeps, in search of Will’s father and a way out of the Deeps. They meet friends, enemies, and a plot to destroy all Topsoilers (people who live on top of the earth’s surface). Can Will, Chester, and Cal be able to save all of the Topsoilers or will the Topsoilers, Will, Chester, and Cal be killed? Find out by reading Deeper. I liked this book a lot because there is suspense, adventure, and secrets about the characters. I would recommend this book to boys and to girls. This book is a bit long, but if you like the series, then you will finish it in no time. Also look for the next book in the series Freefall.

Blogged By Ravi M.

Deep and Dark and Dangerous: by:Mary Downing Hahn

Mrs. Phillips — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:08:33 +0000

I read the book Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn. It is 7 points and 187 pages. The main characters in this book are Ali, Ali’s mom and dad, Ali’s mom’s sister Dulcie, Emma, and Sissy. This is a very scary stories and a very big mystery. One day Ali starts looking through old boxes and finds a photograph, she reconizes two people her mom and Dulcie when they were little. but then there was a third person. The person was almost completely torn out of the picture but the person’s hair and part of their arm was still showing. Since she wants to figure it out she will only have two monthe to do so because she is staying with her cousin in the same house her mom and Dulcie used to visit. When they were at cabin it looked old and wrecked but still okay to live in for a couple of weeks. One day when Ali and Emma were playing outside they meet this girl named Sissy. To Ali she is mean, rude, and spiteful and Ali starts to think that if Sissy plays with Emma all the time it will ruin Ali’s summer to spend time with Ali. Sissy has a BIG secret, but does it have something to do with the old photo? As you would think Ali will use her whole summer to find out. If so, Ali must be carful because when she finds out because it might just happen to her, that would be to die. If you would like to find out if Sissy had something to do with the photo or if Ali dies you have to read the book Deep and Dark and Dangerous. On a scale on 1-10 I would rate this a 1,000,000. This book was an awsome book and I hope hyou read it too.

Blogged by:

Sarah L.

The Amah – Laurence Yep

Mrs. Phillips — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:30:22 +0000

What if… your father died a few years ago, and have three, four, or five younger siblings, and you mom is trying to get a good job to keep the family going. Amy is 11, lives in San Francisco, and the same thing is going on with her. Her mom is trying to get a good job to keep Amy in her ballet classes. When Amy’s mom gets a new job as an amah (a highly respected nanny in china), Amy has to miss some ballet classes to watch her younger siblings. Amy’s mom is an amah to a wealthy 11, Stephanie, whose mother died. When Amy’s mom tells her children about how nice Stephanie is, Amy gets jealous.

I think this is a good book. It has some of the same characters as the ones in the Ribbons series. I would give this book 4/5 stars.

Blogged by, Anna Marie N.

Kiss the Girls – James Patterson

Mrs. Phillips — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:10:07 +0000

In this thrilling novel, Alex Cross returns as a homicide detective. A new case has come forth, but will Alex be able to figure this one out? We’ll have to see. If you have read the other books, Alex Cross has solved about every case he’s been given. But, will he solve this one?

This criminal he’s up against isn’t just the regular type. This one, abducts beautiful young women, and keeps them locked up under his roof. Let me tell you, the details aren’t so pretty.

Alex must stop this madman who calls himself “Casanova”. But Alex soon finds out that Casanova isn’t easy to catch. Alex is just about to give up when Casanova abducts Alex’s niece! Now, it is up to Alex, and his partner, Sampson, to catch Casanova, and find the women. Will Alex and Sampson catch Casanova? Will they find the other women AND his niece? The answers to all these questions and more… will be found! Just read, Kiss the Girls, by James Patterson.

My Rating:

I would give this book a 9 out of 10. I really loved the book and the plot. It was just that the details weren’t so… “kid friendly”. But I’d recommend this book to young adults and adults. Both women and men.

Thanks for Reading!

Cynthia =]

Dead is a State of Mind – Marlene Perez

Mrs. Phillips — Wed, 27 May 2009 02:21:38 +0000

Dead is a State of Mind by Marlene Perez is the sequel to Dead is the New Black in the Dead Is series. Please read Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez before reading this book!

Daisy and her psychic family solve crimes in the paranormal city of Nightshade! Daisy just got her powers of telekinesis and mind-reading. But, when a mysterious teacher at Nightshade High School gets murdered, no one knows what to do. Daisy’s mom, sees a tea-cup as a clue, what could that mean? The teacher that got murdered, Mr. Davis, has a dark secret though. Daisy’s sisters, Rose and Poppy, have no idea what the clue means either.
Also, all three sisters have relationship problems:
Rose is dating a werewolf!
Poppy is dating a ghost!
And Daisy? She broke up with her steady boyfriend and best friend, Ryan, and is falling for a new guy who is supposedly decended from Gypsies and is a fortune-teller!
Daisy tries to sort everything out. Not only does Mr. Davis has a dark secret. Everyone does! Ryan, the Chief of the city, her mom, and even her sisters! They’re all keeping something from her. She overhears one word: Scourge. But, what could that mean?
A murder group? A new supernatural creature? Or possibly a close friend.

This is a great fantasy! The author, Marlene Perez has her own journal: http://marperez.livejournal.com/ and website: http://www.marleneperez.com
I am looking forward to reading the last book in the Dead Is series. This book is worth 7 points.

Blogged by:
Heather C.
Enjoy! ^^

Ivy and Bean – The Ghost that had to go

Mrs. Phillips — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:52:37 +0000

I read the book Ivy and Bean the ghost that had to go by Annie Barrows. The main characters in this book are Ivy who didn’t talk a lot and was shy and Bean who was willing to do about everything. They would go to school in the second grade and they have a lot of friends. At recess they started hearing noises in the bathroom. A couple times they would see a white blur now and then. Then one day they started thinking there was a ghost in the bathroom. Later they told one person then it spread through the whole second grade. The “ghost” was starting to cause trouble and starting to get angry, so Ivy and Bean ddecided to make a potion to scare away the ghost. Bean didn’t want the ghost to go, she said that it only came and started getting angry because it was not R.I.P. When they made the potion they spread, poured, and dumped it out of a jar so it would go away. If you want to find out if they get rid of the ghost or not you have to read Ivy and Bean and the ghost that had to go. It is 1 point, 125 pages, a really quick read, but also a great book. If I had to rate this book 1-10 i would honestly give this book a 10!

blogged by: Sarah L.

The Host-Stephenie Meyer

Mrs. Phillips — Tue, 26 May 2009 01:34:49 +0000

The Host, by Stephenie Meyer is about a soul trapped inside a girl, named Melanie’s body. Melanie had a little brother, Jamie, her Uncle, Jeb, and her fiance, Jared. When Melanie’s soul was put inside her body, Melanie became a voice inside the body’s head once the soul had a certain dream about Melanie and Jared. She had these daydreams and dreams over and over. The soul, named Wanderer, was immediately in love with Jared just like Melanie was in love with Jared, too.

When Wanderer was driving to see someone to talk to about her constant dreams, the voice that was Melanie’s inside Wanderer’s head said, “Jared and Jamie are close by. Go find them.” Before Melanie had a soul inside her, she lived with Jared at Uncle Jeb’s house in the desert. The desert where Jared still lived was close by. After long hiking days in the desert, Wanderer gave up. She laid down on the desert sand, closed her eyes,and waited for herself to die of thirst and hunger… but then, some liquid touched her lips. When Wanderer opened her eyes, she saw Melanie’s uncle, Jeb, giving her water and saving her!

Uncle Jeb took Wanderer to his house and he was the only one who respected her because the rest of the people who lived in his house were humans, when people like wanderer were taking over the universe. A lot of people wanted to kill her, including Jared! The longer Melanie stayed, more people started to respect her and talk to her about all her adventures. When Jamie, Melanie’s little brother asked,”What is your name now?” Wanderer replied, “My name is Wanderer.” Jamie started to call her Wanda for short. Later on, Wanda became her name.

Living with all of Melanie’s friends are a blast, but they are many ups and downs. Some people want Melanie back, and the only way there is, is to have a doctor take the soul out of her body. Many people want Wanda to stay with them and help the whole house out. What decision will Wanda make? If you want to find out what happens, read the book the host, by Stephenie Meyer.

This book took me a while to read. It was a fantastic book and I would rate it a 9 out of 10 10 being the best. I would also recommend this book to boys and girls, ages 11 and up. Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you enjoyed it!

-Jodie C.

Dead is the New Black – Marlene Perez

Mrs. Phillips — Mon, 25 May 2009 20:30:35 +0000

Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez is about a psychic family solving a crime.
The Giordano family is psychic, everyone, except Daisy. But, when there are mysterious disappearances of young, beautiful girls, the Giordano family tries to solve the crime. When Daisy’s mom asks her older sister, Rose to help solve the crime, she wants to help. Daisy and Ryan, her best friend, or maybe soemthing more, try to stop something that is taking the girls’ lives. Daisy suspects a vampire might be the one who is taking them away. Daisy suspects the head cheerleader, Samantha Devereaux is the one who is behind it all. Why? Because Samantha came back to school with a new style. She looks…pale…and she only wears black. Why is Samantha dressing like she’s from the dead? Daisy joins the cheerleading squad to get more information. She realizes that it isn’t Samantha. It’s someone or something else that isn’t draining the blood from the victims but, the life force. What devil is behind this?? Will she find out, or will her life force be taken away?

I really loved this book. It is definitely fantasy and is a quick read. I read it in two hours and it is worth seven points.
Enjoy! ^^
Blogged by:
Heather C.

Twice Upon A Time-Rapunzel: The One with All the Hair – Wendy Mass

Mrs. Phillips — Sun, 24 May 2009 20:57:12 +0000

The book Twice Upon A Time-Rapunzel: The One with All the Hair, by Wendy Mass, is about Rapunzel getting drug away from her home and Prince Benjamin saving her. In the beginning of the book, it is Rapunzel’s birthday and she is very excited. But all of a sudden a witch comes to take her away from her house and her parents. Her parents try to stop the witch from taking Rapunzel. Rapunzel gets to either stay with her parents but then the witch would take away a rare plant that Rapunzel’s family uses to get money from people. Rapunzel’s family needs the money to pay for the things they need. So, Rapunzel’s parents let the witch take Rapunzel to a tall tower instead of taking the plant. In the middle of the book, Rapunzel meets one person named Steve who gives food and gifts to her when she needs something in the tower. At the end of the book, Rapunzel meets Prince Benjamin who apparently saves her. Prince Benjamin lives in a large castle and has two friends, a sister, a mum and a dad. Prince Benjamin, his friend, and his cousin had a plan to go to find a cave with a treasure when all the men were out one day on a hunt. When they got to the cave they found something other than a treasure, they found a hermit! The hermit said instead of a finding a treasure to follow the voice. So, Prince Benjamin followed the voice which was Rapunzel’s voice. To find out how he saves Rapunzel and how Rapunzel lives her life in the tower, read the book Twice Up on A time-Rapunzel: The One with All the Hair, by Wendy Mass. I would rate this book a 7.5 out of 10 because it was a little too fairytale like for me, but overall a really good book. I would recommend this book mostly for girls because it is a fairytale.

Claire P.

Oh, Baby-Nancy Krulik

Mrs. Phillips — Sun, 24 May 2009 00:19:24 +0000

The book Oh, Baby, by Nancy Krulik, is mostly about Katie changing into a baby. Katie always, in every Katie Kazoo book, turns into something or someone rather than herself. It is because she always wishes in her head that she was something or someone rather than herself. Katie’s wishes always come true and after she realizes she is not herself anymore she is so mad or frustrated. Don’t you think she would be happy? Well, I guess not because when Katie’s wish comes true she is stuck for a while. In this book Katie turns into Heather, her best friend Suzanne’s baby sister! Oh-No! Katie is stuck in that baby’s body for some time. While Katie is Heather she hates it because she has to drink formula! Yuck! Then she realizes she did something when Suzanne changed Heather’s, which was really Katie, diaper. So to find out what Katie did read the book Oh, Baby by Nancy Krulik. I would rate this book a 9.5 out of 10. I would rate that rating because it was a fast read but a GREAT book! It only takes less than an hour to read, but like I said it is a GREAT book. I would recommend this book to mostly girls because it focuses on Katie who talks girly. So, go get the book or borrow the book Oh, Baby by Nancy Krulik. It was GREAT!

Claire P.

The Garden of the Purple Dragon – Carole Wilkinson

Mrs. Phillips — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:47:53 +0000

The Garden of the Purple Dragon by Carole Wilkinson is about a thrilling fantasy. This is the sequel to Dragon Keeper and the prequel to Dragon Moon.
Ping, a dragon keeper, and a dragon, Kai go on amazing adventures. Kai is the last imperial dragon. He is only a child though, no more than half a year old. But he can’t fly yet. For a dragon, it takes 500 years to grow horns and 1,000 years to grow wings and fly. They are both living in a cave on the sacred and forbidden mountain of Tai Shan. But, when everything is doing well, they get caught by imperial guards. They are arrested. When the king realizes that she is a dragon keeper, he lets them free but, they are trapped inside the palace. When a necromancer or evil witch steals the young dragon, Kai, and takes his blood for a spell of immortality, will Ping ever save Kai? Will he die? And will the imperial dragons be extinct forever?
I really loved this book and it was a fantasy. My favorite genre. The best part had to be when they were happy living in the cave of Tai Shan. I think it would suit both boys and girls. There is some fighting but, it is totally appropriate. I hope you will all love this book as much as I did! Enjoy! ^^

Blogged by:
Heather C.

Tangerine – Dward Bloor

Mrs. Phillips — Tue, 19 May 2009 01:20:09 +0000

Don’t let titles deceive you, this book is not about tangerines at all. Paul is a 7th grade soccer goalie, the best in his league, who is moving with his mom to Florida to join up with his dad and brother. When he joins the soccer team at Lake Windsor Middle school, he gets kicked off because of his problem. Paul actually can’t see without special goggles. So when Paul gets a chance to go to a different school, who don’t know of his blindness, he doesn’t hesitate to switch to Tangerine Middle school. He joins the team, but he is remembering certain things about why he went blind that are involving his brother. Will he remember what happend to his eyesight? and how did it happen? Read Tangerine by Dward Bloor.

Blueberry Muffin Murder- Joanne Fluke

Mrs. Phillips — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:36:26 +0000

In Lake Eden, Minnesota, Hannah Swenson and her sister Andrea are solving a murder. America’s “Cooking Sweetheart” visits Lake Eden for a publicity and baking a cake for a winter festival. But when Hannah and her sister give the cooking sweetheart a tour, they find out that she’s not so sweet. Later the next morning Hannah opens up her cookie shop and finds the cooking sweetheart dead on the ground with her haed mashed. The police have closed down her shop for the time being, so now Hannah and her sister need to find out who killed the “sweetheart” fast. I think that anybody who likes a good mystery will enjoy this book.

Melissa I.

11 Birthdays – Wendy Mass

Mrs. Phillips — Fri, 15 May 2009 03:37:56 +0000

I’m really surprised that there was not yet a blog for this wonderful book!

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass is about a girl named Amanda. She has a best friend Leo. They have been inseperable by birth. They have the exact same birthday, born in t he same hospital, and they have shared every single birthday party together until this year. You see, at Leo’s tenth birthday party, he said unkind words about Amanda that she overheard. Right then, she decided to break their friendship. Since then, they haven’t spoken to each other at all! For a whole entire year! How bizzare. On their eleventh birthday, they both didn’t like celebrating it without each other. When Amanda falls restlessly in bed on the night of her eleventh birthday, she is relieved that it is over. But, little did she know, when she woke up again, it was her birthday again. And over and over again. She starts getting panicked. Amanda doesn’t tell this to anyone. But, when she finds out that Leo is realizing that the day is repeating she is shocked! They both wonder why they have been having these strange happenings. They try to correct it but doing different things and seeing the effects but, will they ever be able to resume their proper place in life?

I really loved this book! But, the more I think about it, how dreadful would it be to repeat the day over and over again? And worst of all without anyone else knowing! I also finished this book in one day. It is worth seven points and is definitely fantasy. Happy Reading and Enjoy! ^^

Blogged by:
Heather C.

The Last Olympian – Rick Riordan

Mrs. Phillips — Thu, 14 May 2009 23:57:50 +0000

This book is the fifth and final book in the Percy and the Olympians series, so don’t read this book until you read the first 4. The story starts when Percy goes with Nico to the underground lair of Hades, lord of the dead. Nico leads Percy to the River Styx, where Percy bathes and somehow, because of the River Styx, becomes invincible. So invincible in fact that he defeats Hades the lord of the dead in a fight. Percy goes back up to the real world and organizes all of the halfbloods to fight and protect Mt. Olympus, the home of the gods. With Kronos and his armies quickly approaching and the halfbloods scrambling to make defenses. Who will win, in the last and final battle for….The Last Olympians.

–Blogged by Garrett T.

Eggs By: Jerry Spinelli

Mrs. Phillips — Thu, 14 May 2009 17:12:20 +0000

“The humped eyelids with their glittery purple were like tiny twin eggs, bird’s eggs.”

When David and Primrose first meet, David is sure that she is dead. David, a young boy, and Primrose, a mouthy teenager, could not be more different. Primrose would do anything to get away from her crazy fortune- telling mother, even if it means spending her life in a car, which she uses as her room. David longs to watch the sunset with his mother. His dead mother. He would do anything to get her back. David and Primrose sneek out every night after dark. They could be going to The Refrigerator’s house, or maybe dumpster dive for the flee market on Thursdays, whch Primrose hardly has any luck at. David is sure he will never break another rule (other than his Grandmother’s), and hopes that one day being good enough will bring his mother back. But until then, he plans to never ever watch the sun rise without her by his side. When Primrose and David go on their big adventure to the city, the two definitely demonstate their bond together. Will David’s mother come back? Will Primrose ever learn to love her mother? Read Eggs to find out.

I personally really liked the book “Eggs.” It was really sad, and very touching, or sometimes funny at parts. I think that Jerry Spinelli really wrote this book as well as he could. My favorite character was Primrose, because of her spunky, carefree attitude. Of all the parts of the book, I liked the night of their big advenure best. It made me cry and laugh, but it was definitely touching. It took me a whole day to read “Eggs”, because I couldn’t stop reading it.

I would definitely reccomend “Eggs” to girls and boys in possibly fifth grade and up. 10/10.

natasha m.

Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte

Mrs. Phillips — Wed, 13 May 2009 04:48:24 +0000

Warning! I give away the ending in this book. So if you want to read it, do not read my blog!
I just read a fantastic classic! This book is includes several flashbacks. It’s the retelling of a twisted story of love and death.

In 1801, Mr. Lockwood arrives at an inn called Thrushcross Grange.When the weather turns bad, Mr. Lockwood is forced to stay at the inn. During the night, he finds a book telling the experiences and adventures of a girl named Catherine Earnshaw (Cathy). Mr. Lockwood reads a few adventures and realizes that Cathy and Heathcliff were extremely close. The next day, he leaves but suffers from a terrible cold so, he asks the housekeeper who lead him to his inn in the Thrushcross Grange to tell him the story of Heathcliff and Cathy. The housekeeper, Nelly tells the story of thirty years ago in Wuthering Heights:

When Cathy’s father died, her brother, Hinley inherited the property. Also, Cathy and a man named Heathcliff are inseperable friends. But, Hinley dislikes Heathcliff so, Hinley forces Heathcliff to work on the estate. Because Cathy loses Heathcliff she is upset but, she becomes friends with the Lintons. She is extremely fond of the youngest of them all, Edgar Linton. After a few months Cathy agrees to marry Edgar. Because Heathcliff still loves Cathy, he storms out of Wuthering Heights. But, when he leaves, Cathy is upset and she gets a terrifying fever. But, Edgar makes Cathy feel all better.
Months pass…years pass…and finally Heathcliff comes back. He tries to kill everyone who doesn’t let him and Catherine be together. But, since he feels hate toward Edgar, he marries his sister, Isabella. Because he married her, he will inherit the land of Wuthering Heights after Edgar dies. Catherine is extremely happy to see Heathcliff again. But, during the time that Heathcliff was gone, Catherine got pregnant. Heathcliff and Catherine fall in love right before Catherine gave birth to Edgar and her son. She dies of giving birth and Heathcliff is left with nothing but a broken heart. Soon Heathcliff dies and their graves are right next to each other. Their souls will live together forever. Their love for each other is unbreakable even after death.

After hearing this story, Mr. Lockwood visits their graves and realizes their importance in love and death.

I loved this bookk. A true classic. It was so sad but, I really loved the way it was written. I think it would appeal to both boys and girls.

Blogged by:
Heather C.

Callie For President- Robin Wasserman

Mrs. Phillips — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:12:18 +0000

Callie For President, by Robin Wasserman is about a girl named Callie running for class president against a girl who Callie thinks is stuck up, Brianna Blake. Brianna has ran for president for the past couple of years and no one has run against her, so every single year she won the election because no one had anyone to vote for! Well one day when Callie and her friends Max and Fish were in their social studies class, Max changes the whole election…”I nominate Callie!”shouts Max. Fish agreed with Max, so Callie was running for class president against Brianna Blake.

When Brianna asks Fish to help her make posters for the election, Max and Callie get very offended because Callie was nearly SURE Fish would say no. But, nope, Fish said yes. HELPING BRIANNA BLAKE make posters for the election when CALLIE, his best friend was running against her, not very nice!!! At Callie and Max’s first president meeting, they decide to have a bake sale at the school parking lot. That exact time and day when Callie and Max were holding the baking sale, Brianna Blake comes in with a hit rock star and tries to persuade all the students to vote for her, not Callie.

Who will win the election? Will Callie ever get Fish back on her side? Will Brianna and Callie EVER be at least friends? To find out what happens, read the book, Callie For President, by Robin Wasserman. I highly recommend it to mostly girls ages 8-12. I would rate this book a 7 out of 10, ten being the best. It was a good book, but it could be better.

Blogged by Jodie C.

Poison – Chris Wooding

Mrs. Phillips — Tue, 12 May 2009 05:19:29 +0000

Poison by Chris Wooding is about sixteen-year-old Poison. She lives in the marshes of Gull, a small village in the Realm or the world. Her mom, Faraway died of swamp lung so, her father, Hew, remarried. Of course, she hates her stepmother. On Soulcatcher Eve, Poison is sprinkled with magic dust and she is put to sleep for hours while a Scarecrow (evil creatures) steal her baby sister that’s about two and a half years old. During the night, her little sister, Alzalea, is replaced by a changling. A changling is a replica of a person left by the scarecrows that took her or him. But, the changling is pale, and has huge black dots for eyes. Poison hates to see her sister gone so, she sets off to find her. But, she doesn’t even know where to go! As she searches the Realm, she meets many new people and consider them her allies. Some of these people are: Myrrk, Peppercorn, Hierophant, and her favorite, Bram. As she tries to reach the Scarecrow that stole her sister, she goes through wild adventures including friends, magical creatures, and strange twists. This book is considered a ‘twisted fairytale fantasy.’
This is a great fantasy. Enjoy!

Blogged by:
Heather C.

Drop Dead Beautiful – Jackie Collins

Mrs. Phillips — Tue, 12 May 2009 04:21:16 +0000

Drop Dead Beautiful by Jackie Collins is a crazy romance story. There are three stories taking place at the same time:

When sixteen-year old Max Santangelo gets together with someone on an internet website, it’s like she’s begging for trouble. When they decide to meet up in a Kmart parking lot, she waits and waits but no one shows up. She meets a guy, Ace. Max wishes that her mystery person is Ace but he’s not so, she waits more. When the actual mystery person shows up, Henry, he is a creep. Max is disgusted so, Ace pretends to be her cousin. But, Henry pulls out a gun and threatens to kill Max and Ace. Max finds herself chained in a cabin in Big Bear, California. She also soon realizes that her mom, the famous Lucky Santangelo, didn’t let Henry get a chance to act and become extremely famous.

At the same time, Lucky’s best friend superstar Venus deals with relationship problems with her boyfriend star Billy Melina. Venus realizes that love is never what it seems.

On the other side of the country, another drama is taking place. Anthony Bonar’s grandfather, Enzio Bonnatti is murdered. Anthony is a famous business-man. He’s rich and married. He absolutely despises his wife so, he always leaves her in their main home in Mexico while he roams America, Italy, Australia, and Canada. Anthony and his wife, Irma, seek secrets about Max and Billy.

At the end, these three stories connect and form something more. Will this confusing love mystery ever have a solution?

Blogged by:
Heather C.

Kristen by Lisi Harrison

Mrs. Phillips — Sun, 10 May 2009 22:55:38 +0000

This book is part of The Clique Summer Collection.

This Summer, the Pretty Commitee decides to all do different things this Summer. But while the rest of the Pretty Committee has scattered all across the world, she is just stuck home. She’s tutoring a snobby kid named Ripple to make some needed money. However she thinks she wants to quit when she finds out Ripple has been using her to get to know about Kristen’s friend, and leader of Pretty Committee, Massie Block. Ripple wants to be JUST like Massie. But then again, who doesn’t?
But her mind changes when she meets Ripple’s insanely HOT brother, Dune. He’s a surfer, and is adorable. However there’s conflict when Skye, the beautiful, snobby girl from school is interested in Dune, too. How can Kristen compete with that? But don’t worry… Kristen will find a way to impress Dune and eliminate Skye’s chances with him…

But what WILL she do?

Sophia R

Claire by Lisi Harrison

Mrs. Phillips — Sun, 10 May 2009 22:43:56 +0000

This is a book from The Clique Summer Collection.

This Summer, the Pretty Commitee has decided to go their own directions for the Summer. So, Claire goes back to Florida to visit her old friends. Yay! She hasn’t seen them ever since she moved to Westchester and her family stayed in Massie’s guesthouse. Massie is the snobby, rich leader of the Pretty Commitee. She and the PC wouldn’t allow Claire in their group when she first got there; Claire was just made fun of. But now she is with her old buddies for a couple of weeks. They were going to compete in the “Kissime”. It’s like a beauty pageant. But Claire is instead asked to be a celeb judge because she starred in a movie. But conflict starts when rude Massie comes and visits all of them in Florida! Her friends hate Massie, Massie hates them, and now they are all going to compete in the pageant; the one Claire has to judge! How can she choose just one friend when they all expect her to pick them? Massie and her gorgrous looks would win hands down, but she can’t hurt her friends’ feelings, can she?

What will Claire do?

Sophia R

Alicia by Lisi Harrison

Mrs. Phillips — Sun, 10 May 2009 22:31:47 +0000

This book is part of The Clique Summer Collection. This is one of five books.

Alicia is part of the fabulous, rich, and popular group, The Pretty Commitee. However, this Summer, all five girls decide to go on with their summer alone. Alicia decides to trace back to her roots, and visit Spain. She goes to visit her two gorgeous cousins, and her one mean cousin, Nina. At a party they all go to, there’s a famous singer named !i!. He is looking for a gorgeous spanish girl who will star in his new music video, “rain in spain”. Of course Alicia wants the part, but so does EVERY girl in Spain! However, when she get’s in a physical fight with her cousin, the bump and break one of the great statues at the party in the hotel. They are put to work as maids to pay it off. Ew! And now they can’t audition!
What is Alicia to do?

Sophia R.

I.Q. – Roland Smith

Mrs. Phillips — Fri, 08 May 2009 03:25:44 +0000

Hey guys I just read a great book by Roland Smith called I.Q. This book is about a boy named Quest (nicknamed Q) who is about to have a new sister and dad. His step dad and mom are in a band and he and Angela, his new sister, go with them. Along the way they meet a very mysterious person named Boone. Later they find out that he works for a secret agent like company. (like the CIA or the Secret Service) When Q and Angela find out that Angela’s supposedly dead mother is alive and that someone is trying to kill them they have to beat all odds to figure out the mystery. How will Q and Angela escape their pursuers? and will they find out if Angela’s mother is alive or not? Read this book to find out.

–Blogged by Garrett T.