Summer Reading: Reptiles and Amphibians

Book Title: Reptiles and Amphibians

Authors: Herbert S. Zim and Hobart M. Smith

Summary: This book introduces you to 212 species of reptiles and amphibians, what habitats they live in, and other amazing facts about what these unusual, but interesting animals do.

I like how the authors gave many charts and other explanations about each kind of topic, and the full color pictures. The information is very useful.

I would recommend this to people who want to know more about the many different types of these fascinating creatures.

Summer Reading: Space Facts

Book Title: The Usborne Book of Space Facts

Author: Struan Reid

Summary: This story is an informational book about certain objects in space and what they do. Many explanations and fun facts are also displayed throughout the book.

Even though it is nonfiction, I enjoyed it, since it had fun pictures, silly facts, and other interesting features. It could be ideal if you are researching about space, since it's quick to read, but teaches you many fascinating things.

I would recommend this book to people who like to read nonfiction books, or want to just learn something new.

Summer Reading: Socks

Book Title: Socks

Author: Beverly Cleary

Summary: Socks is a tiny kitten with white paws that look like socks. He was sold to the Brickers by a girl named Debbie. After entering the Brickers' life, Socks had been having a better time than he did when he was with Debbie. He was cuddled instead of squeezed and had plenty of play time. But when the Brickers bring a baby boy, named Charles Williams, home, Socks feels left out. But as he faced many challenges and grew, he realized that there is still another way to fit in with the new member of the family.

I like this story, because it's in Socks' point of view. It is also a challenging adventure, and a bit hilarious, too.

I'd recommend this book to people who like books that show what the main character thinks of.

Summer Reading: Cold Tom

Book Title: Cold Tom

Author: Sally Prue

Summary: Tom was a little boy that belonged to a tribe. But the tribe always taunted him for his disabilities, like his ugly voice, how slow he ran, etc. One day, the taunting became worse. A demon was trudging along the path where they lived. Tom told the tribe, but the tribe replied that he was as blind as a hedgehog, and later decided to kill him, since the tribe kills weak and useless people. So, he decided to care for himself by fleeing to the demon city. It was his one and only choice. But Tom has no idea what he will discover....

I liked this book, since it jumped right into the story in the beginning. Also, the author uses figurative and descriptive language to show what is happening, rather then simply telling it.

I would recommend this book to people who like adventurous and suspenseful stories.

Summer Reading: The Black Pearl

Book Title: The Black Pearl

Author: Scott O' Dell

Summary: A young boy, named Ramon Salazar, had heard tales of a monster creature that lurked in the deep sea of La Paz. The monster's name was Manta Diablo. Ramon always tried his best to believe that it was real, since many explorers claim that they've seen it. Anyway, Manta Diablo kept a black pearl in treasury, which was priceless. It was hidden somewhere in the stretching ocean. One day, Ramon Salazar unexpectedly found an underwater cave in a lagoon, which was where the pearl was kept in storage. After finding the pearl, Ramon showed it to Blas Salazar. He inspected it and told Ramon that it was the Pearl of the Universe. The two showed it to pearl merchants and bragged about its value. But the people in the village fear that a horrible curse has been put upon them. And they were correct. It was revealed that Manta Diablo was an enormous devilfish, which eagerly wanted his treasure back. So, the devilfish decided to combat for it. And now, Ramon and Blas are up for the biggest fight of their lives!

I like this story because it is a gripping adventure. Also, it is in Ramon's point of view.

I would recommend the book to people who like historical fiction.

Summer Reading: The Star Fisher

Book Title: The Star Fisher

Author: Laurence Yep

Summary: It is 1927, and Joan Lee's family takes a train ride from Ohio to West Virginia. They were going to start their lives fresh. But the instant they stepped off the steps of the train, they've been treated like outsiders. Even if her parents are Chinese, she was born here! She had no right to be left out from the fun. So, she must fight to show that she needs equal rights against the townspeople.

I like this book, because it is a great quest to show what Joan can really do.

I would recommend it to people who like books in the main character's point of view, and adventure.

Summer Reading: Island of the Blue Dolphins

Book Title: Island of the Blue Dolphins

Author: Scott O' Dell

Summary: In the Pacific there is an island, called the Island of the Blue Dolphins, because the island looks like a fish, and dolphins live around the island. A tribe lives there. One day, Aleutians discovered the island and stole most of their food. They also killed some people in the tribe! Now, the tribe intends to move away from their beloved island from a little boat, but accidentally leave two people from the tribe- a boy named Ramo, and his big sister, Karana. The tribe said that another boat would probably come back for them, but no one ever came back. Now, Karana must face the challenging jobs that must be done to survive. Can she do it, though? 

I like this book, because it is an unusual adventure about a remote island.

I would recommend this book to people who like historical fiction and adventure.

Summer Reading: Science Fair

Book Title: Science Fair

Authors: Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

Summary: Toby Harbinger is an eighth grader at Hubble Middle School, who is looking forward for the science fair. But he is in big trouble now! Toby sells his dad's Star Wars blaster for a new computer, a Tarantula Disemboweler 666X, and now two weird guys are asking for more Star Wars props. The only way he can stop the two lunatics is to win $5,000 from the science fair. But there is a problem that lays there also, since a group of kids, called the Minor Estates (ME) kids, want to win. And their parents would do anything to help them.The ME kids don't make their projects themselves, but they pay $50 for project plans. But the person who is sending these plans actually wants to bring the United States to chaos, so he makes top secret technology plans for them. When Toby finds out about this, he gets teamed up with a scientist, two people from a foreign country, and his friends to stop the science fair before something disastrous happens!

I like this book because it's an action packed story that has lots of conflicts and solutions in the story.

I would recommend this story to people who like adventure and fictional, big chapter books.

Summer Reading: North by Night

Book Title: North by Night- A Story of the Underground Railroad

Author: Katherine Ayres

Summary: A girl, named Lucy Spencer, helps slaves come out of the clutches of their owners since she was twelve! Her family lives in Ohio in the Underground Railroad. Lucy loves to go on great adventures that are very daring. So, when she turned sixteen, she was asked to help Aurelia Mercer, a widow, on a quest to get some runaway slaves to Canada. She agreed without any hesitation! While on the adventure, she absorbed lots of knowledge. But when she is asked to sacrifice herself, what will she choose to do?

I like this book, because it is about an Underground Railroad adventure.

I'd recommend this to people who like historical fiction.

Summer Reading: Hoot

Hoot
by Carl Hiaasen

This book is about Roy, a boy who moves a lot. He moves with his family to Florida and tries to settle in. Roy tries to make friends, fend off a bully, and learn about a mysterious boy that runs with no shoes.

While this is going on, a new pancake house is opening in town and the construction site is experiencing acts of vandalism. Officer Delinko tries to catch the culprit who is leaving alligators in toilets and painting his squad car windows.

These two storylines seem separate, but they both tie in to ideas about our environment and saving owls (the "hoot" in the title).

I found this story fast to read and very interesting. It is fiction, but it is pretty realistic. There is also a movie by the same title. It follows the book fairly closely (of course the book is better).