Writing
The Book Thief by Marcus Zuzak
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Nov.06, 2014, under Historical Fiction, Student Reviews, Teen Top 10, War, Writing, YRCA
Review by Jaden L.
Who would like this book? Anyone who is interested in history, particularly people who like to study the era of World War Two. This book is inspirational and will pull at the heart strings of any readers.
The goods on this book: The time is World War Two. Death, the narrator, has never been busier and will become busier still. He become captivated by a girl known as The Book Thief. Her name is Liesel Meminger. Her world as she knew it has been changed. She finds a book at her brother’s gravesite, before she has to go live with a new family. She soon becomes captivated by books and learns to read with the help of her foster father. She steals books from book burnings and the Mayor’s library. I strongly suggest you read this book.
The details: 552 pages; 2005 Review by Jaden
The Wild Girls by Pat Murphy
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Feb.04, 2010, under Battle of the Books 2009-2010, Historical Fiction, Real life, Student Reviews, Writing
Review by Malay
Who would like this book? People who enjoy books by Pat Murphy; she is a fabulous writer.
Why? The reason I like this book is because it is suspenseful and a great read. It has a lot of detail and is so good.
The details: 288 p. 2007 Submitted by Malay
Adam Canfield of the Slash by Michael Winerip
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jul.13, 2009, under Battle of the Books 2009-2010, Mystery, Real life, Sam's Reviews, Writing
Who would like this book? Student reporters and other readers interested in investigative reporting at the middle school level.
Why? Adam Canfield is an over-scheduled and chronically late eighth grader who cannot believe that he consented to being co-editors of their school newspaper, The Slash, with ultra-organized Jennifer. Being the only publication in town that is not owned by big business, Adam and Jennifer take on the responsibility of investigating out-of-control zoning regulations and the possibility that funds donated to their school have been misappropriated by their principal, the tyrannical Mrs. Marris. Numerous minor characters add lots of humor; the mysterious Herbs at the city’s Code Enforcement office, annoying third-grader star reporter Phoebe, and the wizened school janitor Eddie are three of my favorites. Best of all, Michael Winerip, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for the New York Times, gives the reader an up-close view of Adam. We feel his anguish when he’s in a tight spot, soar when he’s exhilarated, and tear our hair out when he’s frustrated. As readers, we think and worry about the ethical dilemmas that he and Jennifer must face as they try to bring their important stories to print. Adam Canfield and the Slash made me think even as it made me laugh – a great combination. It is a 2009-2010 Battle of the Book selection.
The details: 336 p. 2005 Submitted by Samrarian
A Battle of the Books 2009-2010 selection
School Story by Andrew Clements
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Apr.09, 2009, under Real life, Student Reviews, Writing
Review by Macey
Who would like this book? Everyone
Why? Setting: New York City
Plot: Natalie writes a book and she lets her friend Zoe read it. Zoe thinks it’s a really good book and thinks Natalie can get it published. Natalie’s mom is an editor at a publishing company so Natalie agrees to get it published as long as her mom is the editor. Natalie and Zoe both come up with pen names so her mom doesn’t know that Natalie is the author.
Characters: Natalie Nelson/Cassandra Day: Author of the book “The Cheater”
Zoe Resiman/Zee Zee Resiman: Natalies agent
Hannah Nelson: Editor of the book “The Cheater” Natalie’s mom
Theme: You can do anything if you put your mind to it.
The details: 197 p. 2001 Submitted by Macey
Schooled by Gordan Korman
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Mar.22, 2009, under Battle of the Books 2009-2010, Bullying, Humorous, Real life, Sam's Reviews, Writing, YRCA
Who would like this book? Readers who like Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, fans of other Gordan Korman books, and people who are curious about what might happen when a sheltered, home-schooled hippie kid gets thrust into a middle school with entrenched bullying.
Why? Cap (short for Capricorn) has been raised by his free-thinking grandmother, Rain, on her defunct commune, Garland Farm. She has protected him from any taint of modern life, keeping him in innocence and steeped in her egalitarian philosophy. When Rain breaks her hip and must stay in the hospital for a lengthy convalescence, Cap is sent to live with a guidance counselor and begins attending Claverage (C average) Middle School. Zach Powers, the leading bully of the school, wastes no time in setting Cap up to be the biggest joke of the year by getting him elected as the 8th grade president. Cap, with no history of being bullied, responds to Zach’s malicious pranks in unanticipated ways. The result is vintage Korman: he makes you laugh, makes you cry, and makes you think. Also, Korman effectively shifts the narration from character to character without creating confusion. The narrative structure adds a lot to the book, allowing the reader to see the unfolding events from multiple points of view. It invites readers to consider writing other chapters from other points of view.
The details: 208 p. 2007 Review by Samrarian
YRCA nominee for 2010 and Battle of the Books selection for 2010
The Wild Girls by Pat Murphy
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Mar.22, 2009, under Abuse, Adventure, Battle of the Books 2009-2010, Grief, Historical Fiction, Real life, Sam's Reviews, Writing
Who would like this book? Girls, grades 5 – 9, with a spirit for adventure and exploration who like to write and want to discover their own way of solving problems and looking at the world.
Why? It’s 1972 and Joan’s family has just moved from Connecticut to the suburbs near San Francisco. She’s not happy about the move and feels isolated and friendless until she explores the woods near her house and stumbles upon the “fort” of Sarah, aka “Fox.” The two girls quickly meld their imaginative spirits into a world of adventure that bridges the gap between their backgrounds. Joan’s mother is working hard to establish their family’s traditional suburban life-style and placating Joan’s abusive, angry father. Fox lives in a run-down house in the woods with her free-spirited father, a science-fiction writer who rides a Harley. The two girls chronicle their imaginative adventures in a story about a magical quest. A special reading of this story at a writing contest opens an exciting opportunity for them that leads to their participation in a writing workshop. This workshop is a catalyst for surprising changes and significant breakthroughs not only for Fox and Newt but for their families as well. The minor characters, especially their writing instructor and Fox’s dad, are entertaining and insightful. Because the readers get to share in the writing exercises that Fox and Newt are assigned, the book would be great for a writing class to read.
The details: 288 p. 2007 Review by Samrarian
A Battle of the Books 2009-2010 selection
