Sam and CY students & staff are reading…

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.

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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

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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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Who would like this book? All fans of Percy Jackson won’t want to miss this exciting book!

The goods on this book: This new Percy Jackson series does not start with Percy, but that’s okay because the three characters that keep the action going are great! Jason wakes up on a bus headed to a wilderness school for unruly kids, and he seems to be in a relationship with Piper. The problem for Jason is that he can’t remember anything, and the problem for Piper is that she’s not sure about Jason’s feelings. Leo rounds out the threesome on the ill-fated bus trip. They soon discover that their demigod status means that they are in for a dangerous quest with serious consequences for mankind as well as the gods. Their quest, received at Camp Half-Blood amid all the usual teen in-fighting, catapults them into non-stop action. Each of the characters brings unique problems and potential into the plot, and it’s great to experience them meeting and overcoming challenges. I especially like Leo and his heartbreaking backstory and formidable talents with dragon-building. When you start this book, be prepared to not want to put it down and to want the next volume immediately!

The details: 557 pages; 2010      Review by Samrarian

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Review by Taylor P.

Who would like this book? This book is good for all action lovers out there. From romance to action, from thriller to heart breaker – this book is good from top to bottom.

The goods on this book: The book starts off in the future Los Angeles. A character named Day, a rebel to the government, finds out his family has the virus, a sickness that tore apart what was once America. Day tries to get the antidote in a hospital facility but barely escapes and is empty handed. He is framed for killing a Captain. The Captain’s younger sister June goes undercover and tries to find Day and turn him in, but she soon finds out he is not what she expects. I hope you like this wonderful book as much as I did. Have fun reading!

The details: 305 pages, 2011     Review by Taylor P.

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Review by Carsten K.

The goods on this book: Will, a castle ward in medieval times, has never known much about the Rangers. Choosing day is when a castle ward turns 15, and then he is chosen by a craftmaster. Will has always wanted to go to battle school. But after no one chooses him as an apprentice at the choosing day, Halt, a ranger, chooses him as an apprentice. Horace, another castle ward, gets chosen to be trained at battle school. Will the two apprentices succeed in their apprenticeships? This book has a very interesting story and great characters.

The details: 249 pages; 2005                 Review by Carsten K.

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Who would like this book? Readers, grades 5 and up, who like action, intrigue, and characters who face danger at every turn will love this book, especially if they like the idea that the characters are clans of cats.

The goods on this book: This first book in the Warriors series started an Erin Hunter empire eleven years ago, and with good reason. Into the Wild is just as riveting to read today as it was when it first came out in 2003. The book opens with Rusty, a “kittypet,” restlessly eyeing the woods beyond the boundaries of his owners’ house. When he follows the call to explore the woods, Rusty gets a surprise attack from Graypaw, a Thunderclan apprentice. The leader of Thunderclan, observing secretly, is impressed with Rusty’s reactions and invites Rusty to join the clan. Thus, Rusty becomes Firepaw, and the real adventure begins. Four clans have lived in the woods for generations, following strict laws passed to them from their ancestors. Recently, though, Shadowclan has forced Windclan off their land and is threatening both Thunderclan and Riverclan. As Firepaw learns the ways of the clans, he is plunged into danger and treachery and must prove himself in many ways. The characters of Firepaw and the other cats are well drawn, and their difficult lives lead them to need each other and to try to know who to trust and who to shun. As they prepare for battles, they also maneuver for power within the clan and beyond. Be warned that the authors do not sugarcoat the cats’ battle injuries or the results of their war. Also be warned that once you start this book, it’s really hard to put it down!
This book is a 2015 Battle of the Books selection.

The details: 272 pages; 2003 Review by Samrarian

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Who would like this book? For fans of basketball, this book is a natural fit for anyone grades 6 and up. The book also works as a story of what happens when a person is too full of themselves.

The goods on this book: Drew Robinson, a junior in high school, has earned the nickname “True” because of his phenomenal talent on the basketball court. Seth Gilbert, a wealthy owner of a prep school in California, has moved Drew and his mother across the country from New York and has given his mother a good job and lavishes Drew with anything he needs, including access to his posh house. Drew possesses plenty of talent and perks but is clueless when it comes to understanding the value of others. When his self-absorbed approach to life, both on and off the court, begins to take a toll, Drew is thrown off balance. Drew also meets a mysterious older man with amazing basketball skills late at night at the local playground court. Getting to know this “playground legend” just as Drew’s own inflated sense of self has been punctured leads to some illuminating plot twists and discoveries. True Legend is not only a riveting basketball book, it is a strong character-driven story of friendship, loyalty, and lessons learned.

The details: 2012; 292 pages   Review by Samrarian

This book is a 2014-2015 Battle of the Book selection.

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Who would like this book? This book is important for anyone grades 6 and up to read because of its portrayal of the heart-wrenching experiences of an Afghan (Pukhtun) family.

The goods on this book: It’s July of 2001, and Fadi’s father has become so disillusioned with the Taliban that he decides to pay for his family to escape from Kabul, Afghanistan and settle in San Francisco, where Fadi’s father had earned a PhD when he was younger. The description of their escape is grueling, especially when their family suffers a tragedy. This tragedy dogs Fadi and his family as they attempt to begin a new life in California, and Fadi cannot stop from blaming himself. For an 11-year-old, it is a lot to handle. Then comes 9/11, and Fadi must deal with a new level of discrimination at school and more problems at home. Photography is what saves him, and there is also hope that photography might provide a way to resolve the family tragedy. Shooting Kabul is a worthwhile read both as a window into another culture that is vitally important for us to understand and as a riveting story of one boy’s struggle to make amends.

The details: 2010; 273 pages    Review by Samrarian

This book is a 2014-2015 Battle of the Books selection.

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Who would like this book? If you’re in grades 6 and up and looking for a fun, fantastical romp featuring a savvy, witty girl who is a master of potions (especially poison), then this book is for you.

The goods on this book: Kyra, at sixteen, possesses secret knowledge that her kingdom is about to be destroyed. To prevent this catastrophe, she has attempted to kill the princess, her best friend from when they were young. As a potions master, Kyra does not make mistakes or miss her target. This time, though, she misses, and now she is a fugitive, running from her former potioner roommates and from the king’s army. Kyra must travel through the kingdom incognito, and her adventures interlace suspense, humor, and captivating surprises. Plot twists abound, as do interesting characters that include a handsome charmer and an indispensable piglet. This book is a madcap fantasy full of magic, mystery, and mayhem.

The details: 2013; 276 pages   Review by Samrarian

This book is a 2014-2015 Battle of the Books selection.

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