Real life
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.26, 2015, under Battle of the Books 2011-2012, Detective/Spy, Grief, Mystery, Real life, Student Reviews
Review by Kennedy H.
Who would like this book? I think both genders would enjoy this book very much. Ages 11-13 or 14 would probably like this book the most. Also, people who like action fiction that has some plot twists to it would like this book a lot!
The goods on this book: Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life is a great book! It’s set in present-day New York and is about two best friends, Jeremy Fink and Lizzie Muldoun. Lizzie is an outgoing girl who is willing to do anything to get what she wants. Jeremy likes staying in his comfort zone, staying safe, and collecting candy. They’re searching for the four missing keys to the box Jeremy’s deceased father gave to him. The problem is, he doesn’t know where to look for them. Jeremy and Lizzie search all over New York and meet a lot of new people and do a lot of new things that they had no idea they would do! I think this book was really good and kept me wanting to read more. Wendy Mass is a fantastic author, and this is another one of her great books!
The details: 289 pages; 2006 Review by Kennedy H.
Perfect Shot by Elaine Marie Alphin
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.18, 2015, under Historical Fiction, Mystery, Real life, Sam's Reviews, Sports, Thriller
Who would like this book? Anyone, grades 7 and up, who likes murder mysteries, basketball action, social issues, relationship issues, and/or meaningful history.
The goods on this book: In this ambitious book, Brian struggles to come to terms with the violent deaths of his girlfriend Amanda, her brother, and her mom. Their father has been charged with shooting them to death, but Brian saw another person close to the scene of the crime. He assumes that those in charge are following up on his lead, and he continues his senior year as leader of a basketball team that are tight as brothers but must work to keep their grades up. A unique assignment from their history teacher connects Brian with Todd, an outsider who has been the target of their bullying. They must research the 1913 Leo Frank murder case, which turns out to have disturbing parallels to the current murder trial of Amanda’s father. Another significant layer of this book’s engaging plot involves Julian, the star of the basketball team who encounters trouble only because he is African-American. The author does a great job of pulling all the different parts of the plot together, and Brian is an engaging, empathetic narrator. As the book drives toward its thrilling climax, I couldn’t put it down!
The details: 360 pages, 2006 Review by Samrarian
Trapped by Michael Northrop
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.08, 2015, under Real life, Student Reviews, Thriller
Review by Mazzy N.
Who would like this book? People who are looking for a short read, girls or boys.
The goods on this book: Scotty and his two other friends are staying after school to work on a go-kart and they are excited to have the school to themselves. The snow has already started but by the time they are ready to leave they have no service and no ride home. They wonder the school and find four other students, a total of seven. Trapped inside the school with little resources and no source of heat it’s not going to be a happy ending. They have to make sacrifices for the sake of everyone else and it just might work. I honestly didn’t like this book that much because it was boring. It didn’t really have anything that kept my interest.
The details: 232 pages, 2011 Review by Mazzy N.
The Candymakers by Wendy Mass
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.07, 2015, under Mystery, Real life, Student Reviews
Review by Kennedy H.
Who would like this book? People who love a fun-filled, high-spirited book with a plot twist at the end would like this book. Ages about 11 and up.
The goods on this book: Logan Sweet has waited 12 years to enter the candy contest along with Myles, Philip, and Daisy. Their whole future will be determined on one extraordinary candy. They face many conflicts as they proceed with the candy making process and the contest itself! This book keeps you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know more! I would definitely recommend this book if someone asked.
The details: 453 pages; 2010 Review by Kennedy H.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.07, 2015, under Battle of the Books 2014-2015, Bullying, Real life, Student Reviews
Review by Gracie P.
Who would like this book? If you like stories about drama or friendship, you will love this incredible book.
The goods on this book: Wonder is about this kid named August He is 10 years old. August has a face disorder. He has never been to school because he has always been home-schooled. He goes to school for the first time, and you will go through all of his friendships and adventures through school.
The details: 315 pages; 2012 Review by Gracie P.
The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen by Susin Nielsen
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.03, 2015, under Bullying, Real life, Sam's Reviews
Who would like this book? Readers grades 6 and up who are looking for books about overcoming unspeakable tragedy would want to read this excellent book.
The goods on this book? Henry K. Larsen, 13, has just moved with his father into a new apartment in a new city. They do not want to be known by IT and they do not speak about IT, but it looms over everything in their lives. Because of IT, Henry’s mother has had to move into a mental institution. The book reveals the event which becomes IT early in the story, but I want to keep it a surprise. The event itself is important, but what makes the book a total stand-out is the quirky combination of neighbors and friends that come into Henry’s life and how he deals with them as he and his family come to terms with IT. His family’s obsession with the Global Wrestling Federation event also adds a lot, including a feature illustration on the cover which might scare away some people who would actually really like the book. This book resonated with me in the same way as John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars in how it handles characters that are facing horrific situations, though it doesn’t include a romance. The subtitle explains a lot about the book: “who is only writing this because his therapist said he had to, which stinks.” Get to know Henry. Read this book!
The details: 243 pages; 2012 Review by Samrarian
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.03, 2015, under Real life, Sam's Reviews, Teen Top 10
Who would like this book? People grades 5 and up who like books with characters and situations that grab you and move you and make you laugh and cry.
The goods on this book: Willow Chase, at 12 years old, has had way more than her share of tragedy and challenges. She’s a genius and on the spectrum, continually needing to devise ways to keep herself grounded, such as planting an amazing garden and counting by 7s. An orphan at a young age, she is adopted by an understanding and fun couple who allow Willow to follow her ingenious ideas. When they are killed in a car accident, Willow desperately needs help. This book is the story of where and how that help finds her. The characters that fill her life do so in unexpected and amazing ways that had me laughing one moment and then crying at the end. The narration rotates among these characters, and the reader benefits greatly from the multiple points of view. I highly recommend this book and think that it has appeal for both girls and guys.
The details: 380 pages; 2013 Review by Samrarian
Safekeeping by Karen Hesse
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Dec.15, 2014, under Adventure, Real life, Student Reviews
Review by Mazzy N.
Who would like this book? Anyone who is into survival and adventure. I would say this book if for teens 13+.
The goods on this book: From Haiti, Radley has heard of the assassination of America’s new president and the government cracking down on people, and she really wants to go home to her parents. The phone lines are out so she can’t contact them, so she goes ahead and flies home. With no phone charger, worthless credit cards, and no proper traveling papers she starts to walk. Along the way she meets new friends and finds the truth of what happened to her friends and family. This book was really good, but it’s not one of my favorites.
The details: 294 pages; 2012
Million Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Nov.18, 2014, under Battle of the Books 2014-2015, Real life, Sports, Student Reviews
Review by Jack T.
Who would like this book? I would recommend it to ages 11-15. It’s a great sports fiction book. I recommend it to sport fiction readers.
The goods on this book: Nate Brodie, an eighth grade star quarterback is going through a lot of problems. His golden arm is not so golden anymore. His friend Abby starts to go blind. His dad loses his job and works two times a day. Nate’s mom has to work, and Nate never sees his father much. Nate loses his starting spot at quarterback and plays wide receiver. Nate gets picked to throw a million dollar throw on Thanksgiving at a Patriots game. Now he has a chance to help his family and Abby. He is on the field and Tom Brady gives Nate some last second tips before he throws it. Will he make the throw? Mike Lupica does a great job again.
The details: 244 pages; 2009
True Legend by Mike Lupica
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Oct.29, 2014, under Battle of the Books 2014-2015, Real life, Sports, Student Reviews
Review by Jack T.
Who would like this book? I think that sport fans would like this book.
The goods on this book: Drew Robinson, a high school basketball star, moves to Los Angeles from the Bronx. Drew likes to go to this one park at night and sees someone there. The thing was wearing a grey sweatshirt. It was jumping high and dunking the ball. It was old and Drew thought he was a ghost. Drew does this research project at school about him. Drew asks what his name is, and he said Donald. He didn’t say a last name. Will Drew find out if he is a ghost or is he just some ordinary person? Mr. Gilbert takes care of Drew when he needs something and gives his mom a job. He also gives Drew free things, but Drew gets into an awful accident. Will he be suspended from basketball?
The details: 292 pages; 2012 Review by Jack
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