Gray is a 17 year old boy who has grown up in dusty, dry Claysoot. His village is poor but they all make do since there is absolutely no way they can Gray is a 17 year old boy who has grown up in dusty, dry Claysoot. His village is poor but they all make do since there is absolutely no way they can venture past the Wall. The one thing they can not abide by however is the Heist. The Heist happens on each village boy's eighteenth birthday. The boys literally just disappear into thin air. Blaine, Gray's brother, is the most recent victim of the Heist and Gray is devastated by his loss. The Heist has been going on in Claysoot for generations but it is only until Gray discovers a powerful secret, that he is actually Blaine's twin and should have therefore been Heisted as well, that he dares to seek answers to how and why all the men are taken. With the help of his girlfriend, Emma, she and Gray escape over the Wall and find themselves immediately embroiled in a civil war between the Rebels and Union Central, the city beyond the Wall. This is an utterly strange new world compared to isolated Claysoot and Gray and Emma have to learn quickly how to adapt and who they can trust. Many mysteries of the Heist and the Wall are revealed though just as many new questions arise in this interesting story.
Readers will enjoy this dystopian story though it does not read so very different from the many already out there. The concept of the Heist is unique though the love triangle between Gray, Emma and Bree is so typical that it makes for a lackluster plot. Recommended if students are still clamoring for science fiction/dystopians.
Fans of The Maze Runner, Legend and Divergent may want to give this one a try.
Recommended grades 8 and up. No language but there is a small amount of sexual content albeit vaguely described....more
Rudi is a Marine stationed in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He and his three best friends from Boston made a pact that if one of them was drafRudi is a Marine stationed in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He and his three best friends from Boston made a pact that if one of them was drafted, they would all join the military in solidarity. While Rudi struggled in school, he finds that he is very good at being a soldier. He can follow orders well and for the first time in his life he really feels as if he fits. The soldiers face many difficult and terrifying skirmishes against the Vietcong all the while trying to understand if they are making any sort of difference to the lives of the South Vietnamese.
While there is no disputing that this will have tremendous appeal for middle school boys, it is not for the feint of heart. The violence is intense, as is Rudi's attitude about killing. Rudi was once a boy who was bullied in school and is now a strong, heavily armed killing machine. Rudi makes no ethical observations about war or killing and many chapters are full of "excitement" or "thrill" for the fighting to begin. A sensitive reader may find several sections of the book very dark.
This is book 3 in the Vietnam series and can be read as a stand alone. Each book in the series is told from one of Rudi's friends points of view.
Amazon suggests this book for ages 10 and up. I highly suggest grade 7 and up....more
Offering a visual timeline of the events leading up to and during World War II, Callery immediately reels in readers with colorful and photo-filled paOffering a visual timeline of the events leading up to and during World War II, Callery immediately reels in readers with colorful and photo-filled pages. While no topic is greatly detailed, readers will be able to get an excellent overview of the war and it may even lead to further exploration on their own.
Two sixth-grade students gave this "two thumbs up!" They enjoyed the structure of the pages with smaller text boxes surrounding graphics, maps or diagrams. Gleaning knowledge was easy and accessible.
Equal parts gruesome, entertaining and enlightening, this book will appeal to fans of horror fiction, medical advances and historical trivia. Well-wriEqual parts gruesome, entertaining and enlightening, this book will appeal to fans of horror fiction, medical advances and historical trivia. Well-written with short chapters, this book will add a high-interest read to your nonfiction stacks. Topics such as the practice of bloodletting demonstrate just how slowly the medical field advanced through the centuries. Students will find the blood spatter page design visually stimulating as well as the numerous images and charts throughout the book.
The book reads well and the historical perspective offered was deep without being dense. Students will be able move through chapters quickly and can easily pick and choose topics to read for interest.
**spoiler alert** Reviewed by a 7th Grader: For the past two years, London has changed drastically. after a terrorist attack, the inner city now has t**spoiler alert** Reviewed by a 7th Grader: For the past two years, London has changed drastically. after a terrorist attack, the inner city now has toxic gasses that turn all living things into characters with different personalities, and many of them even have special powers. Jack's "group" travels through the exlusion zone with Rosemary, a healer, who gained her powers after encountering the chemicals. After Jack finds out that his mother is still alive inside the Toxic city, they go and find her. She tells her children, Jack and Emily that their father is also still alive, but he is changed. After also finding him, Jack's father's minion tells him that this was all a trick, and that Jack was turning into something else.
The beginning was a little confusing with all the characters entering at once, but it soon became a riveting book. It was very hard to understand what Jack was turning into at the end.
Reviewed by a 6th grader: Jess's mother is remarried and is pregnant with Siamese twins, but Jess doesn't realize that another change is about to comeReviewed by a 6th grader: Jess's mother is remarried and is pregnant with Siamese twins, but Jess doesn't realize that another change is about to come. Her beloved Aunt Edie died and Jess inheirts her desk. Jess soon discovers a mystical flask hidden in the desk that may or may not have a living being inside. When the twins are born, there is not a very good chance of survival, and Jess thinks that the 'thing' is the key to her brother's survival.
The book was written extremely well and had just the right amount of fantasy and reality.
Reviewed by an 8th grade student: It has been months since Aria was sent on a near impossible mission, and months since Perry was named Blood Lord of Reviewed by an 8th grade student: It has been months since Aria was sent on a near impossible mission, and months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the tribe. In danger from friends, enemies, temptations and the Aether, Perry and Aria wonder if their love for each other can survive.
The author wrote well, and used beautiful descriptions. The plot as interesting, and played large part of this reviewer's enjoyment. The characters were beautifully written, complete with amazing personalities that made the book much more enjoyable.
Written in part as a biography of her brother, "Mr. Everest" (Pete Athans), and as a guide to mountaineering on Everest, this short and colorful book Written in part as a biography of her brother, "Mr. Everest" (Pete Athans), and as a guide to mountaineering on Everest, this short and colorful book will draw in readers immediately. Pete Athans has successfully summited Everest seven times. Historical references as well as modern day heroics tell the story of the great risks of climbing the world's tallest mountain. The chapters correspond with each part of the climb from base camp to summit. At the end of each chapter is an "Ask Mr. Everest" section where Pete gives his recollections of his climbs.
The balance of text, photographs, sidebars and charts works wonderfully. This will easily become a go-to for reluctant readers as well as adventurous and athletic students. Information is also shared on how to preserve Everest and bring support to the area's residents. The terrifyingly high risks, great expense and large time commitment of making such a trek will leave students with a better understanding of this extreme sport.
Highly recommended for middle school nonfiction collection....more
Reviewed by a 7th grader: Kira is a demon slayer and she has yellow eyes. I feel as if it is set somewhere in China. The plot is that the demons are rReviewed by a 7th grader: Kira is a demon slayer and she has yellow eyes. I feel as if it is set somewhere in China. The plot is that the demons are returning with greater power than ever and Kira must stop them. The one person that can stop them is believed to be the prince but Kira's father believes it is her. She must protect the prince and kill all the demons.
The characters were confusing (everyone seemed to have a name that started with a K) and the book was a little slow. It was a o.k. book but it was for younger groups of people.
Reviewed by a 6th grader: The city of London is now being investigated by the Natsworthys and it is trying to move once again. Meanwhile, somewhere elReviewed by a 6th grader: The city of London is now being investigated by the Natsworthys and it is trying to move once again. Meanwhile, somewhere else, Anna Fang the stalker is trying to activate an old weapon from the 60 minute war. The weapon is so dangerous, if in the wrong hands, it could annihilate all of the traction cities.
The last book, as this is always the best. It always ends well, even if it is a sad ending, ending long after the actual event....more
Reviewed by a 6th grader: A few years after the Anchorage has found America, a submarine shows up at the now stationary Anchorage. The pilot offers toReviewed by a 6th grader: A few years after the Anchorage has found America, a submarine shows up at the now stationary Anchorage. The pilot offers to take Wren, Tom and Hester's daughter to a different place. All she has to do is steal a book made of tin, also known as the Tin Book. On the way back where the man came from, a floating city is luring the man's friends into slavery. The sub shows up at the city and Wren is put into slavery. Tom and Hester now have to look for Wren.
Reviewed by a 6th grader: London has been destroyed but now Hester and Tom are going to find the lost continent of America. They are getting a ride onReviewed by a 6th grader: London has been destroyed but now Hester and Tom are going to find the lost continent of America. They are getting a ride on the city of Anchorage and are being trailed by two different groups: the city of Archangel and a small spider like thieving machine.
The plot was very interesting and it was well written.
Reviewed by a 6th grader: Traction cities are large and eat other towns in order to stay free and alive. When London chases a small town, a young man Reviewed by a 6th grader: Traction cities are large and eat other towns in order to stay free and alive. When London chases a small town, a young man named Tom Natsworthy falls off London and tries to follow it with a girl named Hester Shaw. London has found an old weapon, and is planning to use it against the Anti-Traction League.
The plot was interesting, and it was very well written with lots of action.
Reviewed by a 7th grade student: Poison is the story of a sixteen year old girl named Kyra hiding away in the Kingdom of Mohr after she tried -and faiReviewed by a 7th grade student: Poison is the story of a sixteen year old girl named Kyra hiding away in the Kingdom of Mohr after she tried -and failed- to kill her best friend, the princess and heir to the throne. Now Kyra is on a journey to find the princess and attempt to kill her once again because she believes that if the princess marries and rules their kingdom, she will ruin it. On the way, Kyra meets a handsome traveler named Fred, and a charming and adorable piglet who seems to be her only hope of finding the princess and completing her mission. However, everything is not as it appears and Kyra makes surprising discoveries every day. A plot twist leads to a sweet ending in this blend of adventure, romance, and fantasy.
Poison is a very creative story, and unique in many ways though it is set in a fantasy world not unlike many others. The characters are rather complex, and surprising discoveries about their pasts are found in every chapter. The book kept the suspense going, and it was somewhat of a quick page-turner. Overall, it had a well-developed plot and characters that seemed not unlike teenagers you'd find today, but set in a cool fantasy world. It was a pretty good book, and should be high on a lover of fantasy's list.
Reviewed by a 7th grader: Past Perfect is told from the point of view of Chelsea, a high school girl who has recently broken up with her boyfriend EzrReviewed by a 7th grader: Past Perfect is told from the point of view of Chelsea, a high school girl who has recently broken up with her boyfriend Ezra. The story takes place over one summer when Chelsea, her best friend Fiona, and Ezra all have jobs at the Essex Historical Colonial Village, a local Revolutionary War reenactment tourist site, They spend their days in old costumes as "interpreters" but after hours, much goes on, including feuding with a nearby Civil War Historical Village.
For a teen centered realistic fiction novel, this one was pretty good. There's the whole "getting over the ex" cliché sort of thing, but the historical reenactment village as the back drop for the drama makes it more unique and interesting. Throughout the book, the author realistically shows Chelsea's thoughts and actions. The plot is not thought-provoking or anything like that, but it's different, and worth reading if you have the time.
Reviewed by a 7th grader: Money Run is a fast-paced mystery thriller about a teenage thief, Ashley Arthur, on her biggest mission yet. Her task is to Reviewed by a 7th grader: Money Run is a fast-paced mystery thriller about a teenage thief, Ashley Arthur, on her biggest mission yet. Her task is to find and take $200 million hidden in a local billionaire's office building. At the same time, the billionaire Hammond Buckland is being hunted down by Peachy, a hit man sent by the government to kill Buckland. The story follows Ashley, Peachey, and Buckland each on their own seperate missions, one night in one building. The pages are filled with weapons and decit, alongside many plot twists and a surprise ending making this short action thriller an intense page-turner.
Warning! If you start this book, you will not be able to put it down. The short action packed chapters are filled with action, suspense, and some gore. Ashley plays the interesting role of a teen thief stealing because her mother deserted her and she and her father are barely getting by. Besides this controversial character, the others aren't all that unique. However, the exciting plot makes up for lacking in other areas. Overall, this is a very good book for fans of action, myster, and suspense.
Highly recommended. Fans of Money Run may also enjoy Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglein ...more
Reviewed by a 6th grader: Chiristina loves gymnastics, she lives it, she breathes it, but when practicing a routine, she hurts her Achilles tendon, shReviewed by a 6th grader: Chiristina loves gymnastics, she lives it, she breathes it, but when practicing a routine, she hurts her Achilles tendon, she is forced to take a break. While on break she gets the chance to catch up with homework, and learns breaks are necessary.
This book is better for upper elementary students or middle school students how LOVE gymnastics.
Book three picks up as the founders of the school’s criminal syndicate, Mac and Vince, are entering 7th grade and enjoying retirement (albeit a forcedBook three picks up as the founders of the school’s criminal syndicate, Mac and Vince, are entering 7th grade and enjoying retirement (albeit a forced one). Both boys have come to realize that the evil of their ways, though lucrative, was immensely time-consuming and stressful. Mere days into the new shcool year go by before they find themselves embroiled in new and nefarious events: co-opting their defunct business to a new kid at school, dealing with their old nemesis Staples and looking into competition from a 3rd grade crime boss at the local elementary school. Mac and Vince, despite facing expulsion, dive back into their old way in an effort to save their school from underhanded hijinx at the hands of Kinko. The same cast of characters from Part I and Part II find a new role in this series.
While the plot was amusing and certainly a go to pick for 6th & 7th grade boys, the plot was so convoluted that it would be difficult for a reader to jump into this storyline. The characters were interesting and you do genuinely like Mac and Vince. Much like Joey Pigza in its appeal to reluctant readers, this series also walks a fine line between humor and moral appropriateness. That said, this seems to be a winning series in terms of large appeal to the middle school student.
Victor Frankenstein, the brilliant though haunted scientist who brought to life the "Monster," had two twin daughters. When he realized that the MonstVictor Frankenstein, the brilliant though haunted scientist who brought to life the "Monster," had two twin daughters. When he realized that the Monster posed a threat to their safety, Victor hid the girls away with family and never interacted with them. Upon Victor's death, the seventeen year old girls are notified that they have inherited his vast fortune and Frankenstein Castle, on a small island off the coast of Scotland. The girls' lives are immediately changed forever. Giselle can become the Baroness she has always dreamed off, restoring the Castle and becoming the talk of society. Ingrid, a brilliant scientist in her own right, now has access to all of her father's notes on his experiments. The twins are truly happy though menace seems to linger in the air. Murders and disappearances of local men start tallying up. At the same time Ingrid begins a romance with a crippled and dying man who agrees to allow her to experiment on him in an attempt to cure him. The dark and brooding imagery of the setting along with the rumor that the Monster is still alive creates a fast-paced story of sisterly devotion, scientific discovery and and the dangers of family secrets.
An exceptionally well written book that alternates chapters between Giselle and Ingrid's writings in their diaries. While not as frightful as it is mysterious, this book will appeal to fans of Gothic era novels and lovers of Frankenstein science fiction lore.
Highly recommended for grades 7 and up. This is a wonderful modern revisiting of a classic story. ...more
**spoiler alert** Review by a Grade 9 student: Boundless is the third and last book in the Unearthly trilogy. It picks up after Clara, a Triplare (3/4**spoiler alert** Review by a Grade 9 student: Boundless is the third and last book in the Unearthly trilogy. It picks up after Clara, a Triplare (3/4 angel) has seen two of her visions come true, one about a fire where she has to chose between her first love, Tucker, and the boy of her destiny, Christian, and the second, where her mother dies a sad, slow death. After her graduation, she decided to follow fellow angelblood and best friend, Angela, to Stanford where Angela's vision takes place. Through a break-up with Tucker, confusion about Christian, and training to fight the Black Wings, fallen angels, she ends up victorius and the most important vision comes true: her happily-ever-after with Tucker and Angela.
Cynthia Hand has a way of writing in a personal way, but still maintaining a professional tone. The plot of Boundless is written so that for every secret that is revealed, there are 2-3 more hiding in its wake. with many twists, turns, and unsuspected surprises the reader is sure to enjoy every page. The characters also enhance the experience through their relationshps with each other and overall unique personality. It was a great book and the whole series is amazing for anyone who loves to read.
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