Battle of the Books 2011-2012
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.
Stolen Children by Peg Kehret
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Oct.02, 2013, under Battle of the Books 2011-2012, Mystery, Real life, Student Reviews
Review by Izzy R.
Who would like this book? Girls, ages 12 and up, who like suspense would like this book.
The goods on this book: This book is very suspenseful. It is mainly about a girl named Amy. She was nervous about her first time babysitting Kendra, but she gets an even bigger surprise when two men come in and kidnap Amy and Kendra. The men, Smoky and Hug, get a shocking experience with Amy. Smoky and Hug make tapes of the girls, and Amy tries to put hints in the tapes. This book is one of those books that you can read over and over and still get the same goosebumps!
The details: 165 pages; 2008 Review by Izzy R.
Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark by Ridley Pearson
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.06, 2013, under Battle of the Books 2011-2012, Fantasy, Real life, Student Reviews
Review by Caden F.
Who would like this book? Anybody will love this book, especially Disney lovers. This book is a fiction book that really sucks you in. There are 5 so far and more being made. This mostly takes place in Disneyland but the setting changes between books.
Why? Finn and four other kids are taking auditions to become DHI or Disney Host Interactives. After they become DHIs, they wake up in Disneyland at night. An odd man named Wayne tells them they were chosen to stop the Overtakers, a mix of Disney villains. Journey with Finn, Jess, Amanda, Philby, Willa, Charlene, and Maybeck as they go on this amazing adventure.
The details: 324 pp. 2005 Review by Caden F.
Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo by Obert Skye
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Oct.16, 2012, under Battle of the Books 2011-2012, Fantasy, Student Reviews
Review by Tessa
Who would like this book? People who believe in dreams.
Why? Meet Leven; a 14 year old boy who lives with his aunt and uncle in Oklahoma. His father is gone, his mother died in childbirth, and his Grandfather has a history nobody would believe if they knew. Next up; Winter. A tall, blond 13 year old, who lives with her supposed mother Janet. Actually switched at birth with another child, Winter grew up in Janet’s home believing she was actually related to the horrifying woman. Both dream of something better, and both will get their wish startlingly soon. With images of each other in their minds, they embark on a quest to find each other and discover who they truly are. Clover, a furry cat-like creature called a Sycophant, has been watching Leven grow up secretly, unobserved by any until Leven discovers him beneath his bed. Geth, the lithen in the form of tree, has also watched Leven grow over the years. When Leven leaves with Clover to go find Winter, Geth, in an act of desperation, provokes Addy (Leven’s aunt) and Terry (his uncle). Addy forced Terry to chop down Geth, and Geth’s heart is shredded into a toothpick. In this way, Geth travels by fate, waiting to get to Leven and Winter. He is supposedly the only being to know where the gateway to Foo is. Foo is the wonderful land between Reality and Impossible. This was where Winter was before being switched with the other child. Leven is the only one who can save the land of Foo, and over time, he will discover his Gift.
The details: 368 pp. 2005 Review by Tessa
Kingdom Keepers- Disney After Dark by Ridley Pearson
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Mar.12, 2012, under Battle of the Books 2011-2012, Fantasy, Mystery, Student Reviews
Review by Rachel B.
Who would like this book? Disney Fans grades 2-4
Why? In this book, five teens get jobs at Walt Disney World as holographic tour guides. The kids are then sucked into the magic behind the magic, and discover that the evil in the stories is a legit thing. Finn Whitman takes charge, helping to restore goodness to the park. I did not like this book because it left a lot of unaswered questions, and I think the story felt rushed and incomplete. The characters needed some depth, and the dialogue was interesting. I wish the author had added some more descriptions.
The details: 324 pp. 2004 Review by Rachel B.
The Circuit: Stories From the Life of a Migrant Child by Francisco Jemenez
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Mar.12, 2012, under Battle of the Books 2011-2012, Biography or Autobigraphy, Multicultural Fiction, Student Reviews
Review by Mason B.
Who would like this book? OBOB 2011-2012 readers; It’s an historical fiction book about an illegal immigrant and his circuit in the United States.
Why? Panchito and his brother Roberto illegally cross the border to the United States in hope of a better life. But this collection of stories is much different from what they hoped to find; instead, they find misfortune for Panchito’s family. Either losing prized possessions, a best friend, or moving — but always saying it may get better. Will Panchito’s life as a worker, student, and kid get any better? Read The Circuit: Stories From the Life of a Migrant Child to find out.
The details: 134 pp. 1997 Review by Mason B.
Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo by Obert Skye
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Feb.16, 2012, under Battle of the Books 2011-2012, Fantasy, Student Reviews
Who would like this book? If you are interested in a book that sets itself apart from others, you would like this book.
Why? This book is such a creative and humorous book. I love the contents and ideas that the author incorporates into it. The characters are so irresistibly unique. The story follows the lives of two young teenagers as they discover powers they didn’t know they had. They are told that the whole world’s life relies on them. Why? Find out. You can check it out at the Cal Young Middle School Library or the Eugene Pubic Library.
The details: 368 pp. 2005 Review by Zoe B.
Cuba 15 by Nancy Osa
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.23, 2012, under Battle of the Books 2011-2012, Humorous, Multicultural Fiction, Student Reviews
Who would like this book? Girls who are interested in finding out about the history of your families past. Also if you are going to have a quinceanera
Why? Violeta Paz does not have a normal life. Period. Her family is a misfit of domino playing, cigar smoking Cubans. Her Abuela (grandma) has decided that Voileta is going to have a quinceanera. Unfortunately for Voileta, this is bad news, considering the fact she hasn’t worn a dress since the third grade. Will the party go on? This is a comical book that will have you laughing so hard you start crying. Follow her as she discovers romance and family boundaries that she has crossed. Will the party actualy happen?
The details: 277 pp. 2003 Review by Zoe
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.17, 2012, under Battle of the Books 2011-2012, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Newbery, ORCA, Student Reviews
Who would like this book? Fiction lovers who enjoy books with detailed plots.
Why? The suspense in this book builds up perfectly. It is a very well thought out book. I have never once in my life ever thought about whether time travel could be possible or not, but this book almost makes you believe it is. I love the characters in this book because they are all so unique and I can also relate to them. The main character, Miranda is receiving notes telling her about things that are going to happen. She is very confused and scared but can’t tell any one because the note said that if she did, something bad would happen. Is she ever going to find out the truth about the notes?
The details: 199 pp. 2009 Review by Zoe
Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo by Obert Skye
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.12, 2012, under Battle of the Books 2011-2012, Fantasy, Student Reviews
Who would like this book? 2011-2012 OBOB book that grades 5-8 would enjoy.
Why? Leven Thumps, orphaned at birth, is being raised in Oklahoma by his mother’s selfish half-sister and her husband. Winter is also being raised by an abusive mother. Both Leven and Winter are essential for Foo, the land from which all dreams come, to survive and be rid of Sabine’s evil forces. “Fate” brings them together and they gradually learn that they can save Foo and reality from the Sabine, who seeks to take over the real world and Foo. Leven and Winter set out to save Foo with help from their special talents, and also from Clover, a sycophant, who has been sent from Foo to look after Leven. They also discover Geth, the king of Foo, who has been hiding as a tree waiting for Leven to become the right age. Read Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo to find out what happens to Leven and Winter.
The details: 368 pp. 2005 Review by Mason
