Summer Reading: Hatchet

Hatchet is about a boy and his quest to survive after a plane crash. Some questions to think about as you reading the book:

Do you think your survival skills are better or worse than Brian's? Why?

Do you think that cell phones and other technology might have helped Brian (if this had been written today)?

Were you surprised by the ending? Why or why not?

Post your comments, questions and reviews of the book in the comments section!

Summer Reading: Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Soccer Scheme

Can you crack the case before Encyclopedia Brown? Read carefully to find clues!

Post your comments, questions and reviews of the book in the comments section!

Summer Reading: Island of the Blue Dolphins

We all imagine living alone on an island and getting away from the worries of the world. In Island of the Blue Dolphins, our fantasy is one girl's reality.

Some questions to think about as you read the story:

How does Karana come to be alone on the island? How does she survive?

Why do you think it was hard for her to leave the island?

Post your comments, questions and reviews of the book in the comments section!

Summer Reading: Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters

Percy Jackson has survived seventh grade...almost. On his last day, chaos breaks out and changes the course of his summer. Join him as he travels to the Bermuda Triangle to save his friend, Grover.

Some questions to think of as you read the book:

(If you read the first book) How does this compare to The Lightning Thief?

What do you think the most exciting part of the book was?

Would you want to read the third story? Why or why not?

Post your comments, questions and reviews of the book in the comments section!

Summer Reading: Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger

Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger by Louis Sachar is a book containing 30 short stories about the students on the 30th story of Wayside School. Some questions to think of as you read the book:

How is Wayside School like our school? How is it different?

What is your favorite story in the book? Why?

Do you think the author, Louis Sachar, is meant to be Louis the yard teacher?

Post your comments, questions and reviews of the book in the comments section!

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).

Summer Reading: The Guardians

Book Title: The Guardians: Toothiana Part 1- A Tooth is Lost

Author: William Joyce

Summary: There is a new guardian, called Toothiana, coming in town. She exchanges baby teeth with gifts and coins. But she is also fierce and powerful, too. The teeth she collects contain forgotten memories of childhood which are invaluable to the Guardians. Pitch, the nightmare king, is an enemy of the Guardians. The teeth are also invaluable to him. In this part of Toothiana, a girl, named Katherine, loses her last baby tooth, and Toothiana will soon be arriving to swipe it!

I liked this book, since it is a Guardian book that has lots of detail and adventure.

I'd recommend this book for people who like Guardian books, adventure and action, and little chapter books.

Summer Reading: The Adventures of Ook and Gluk- Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future

Book Title: The Adventures of Ook and Gluk- Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future

Author: Dav Pilkey

Summary: It is the year 500,001 BC, and two cavemen, named Ook and Gluk, find a time portal that sends them to the year 2222. They meet the world's most evil corporation in the future and it's up to them to stop the corporation from hurting cavemen. They find a wise new friend that can help them, but can they save the day in time before 500,001 BC is completely changed?

I like this book, since it is from the creators of Captain Underpants, it is humorous, and is in a comic version. I also liked it taking place in the future.

I'd recommend this book to people who like science fiction, futuristic stories, adventure, and comic stories.

Summer Reading: Your Life but Better

Name: Your life but better
Author:Crystal Velasquez

 This book is actually taking the reader on a journey of a teenage girl's life in her school. The author really put a lot of detail that you actually feel like your in the story.
 I liked this book and the other book

Summer Reading: Cookie

Name: Cookie
Author: Jacqueline Wilson



 Her  dad was called Cookie when he was in school and everyone in her school calls her ugly.
Her dad sometimes loses his temper and starts throwing tantrums. She and her mom move to a place called Rabbit Cove and live their life from there.

Summer Reading: Surviving Antarctica: Reality TV 2083

Book Title: Surviving Antarctica: Reality TV 2083 (original title is "No Child's Game: Reality TV 2083)

Author: Andrea White

Summary: It is the year 2083, when people learn their school lessons from television! After high school, though, people have to pay a fee to go into television college. If someone does not have enough money, they play a game, called Toss, where you get a lucky chance to win a money prize. But many people lose the Toss, too. So, five kids, that have very different personalities, are going on an expedition to Antarctica, which will be displayed on TV by the Department of Entertainment (DOE). Whoever does the best in the enormous journey will earn $10,000, and whoever is rated the most popular person out of the five will win $90,000! But the head of the DOE wants to use all her effort to make trouble for the five of them. Can they all survive in the below zero temperatures and the dangerous adventures that lurk in Antarctica?

I liked this book, since it taught me many descriptive and figurative words and phrases. I also like it because it is a futuristic book that has lots of adventure. 

I would recommend this book to people who like future events, adventure, and like reading about fiction books that take place in historic places, such as Antarctica.