Tangerine
By Edward Bloor
Paul Fisher is legally blind, but that doesn’t stop him from playing soccer. With the help of extra strong glasses, Paul can see just fine, as long as you don’t sneak up behind him. A malicious “accident” caused Paul’s blindness, and readers are kept wondering what really happened until the end of the book. Paul’s brother, Eric, is a football star, and Paul’s parents don’t come to any soccer games because they are always cheering Eric on. In their new home of Tangerine, Florida, both boys start to grow and to create lives for themselves, but tragedy just keeps striking, like the lightning that kills a boy at football practice. This is a wonderful book for anyone who has ever felt just a little bit different.
-Ms. McConnel
Paul is a boy who moves from Houston, Texas to Tangerine, Florida. He is legally blind but can see with glasses. He lives in an expensive neighborhood and goes to an expensive school. Then, one rainy day, a big sink hole opened up and gobbled up the seventh grade trailers. He has to go to a much older, worn-down school. Paul wasn't always blind. He does not remember who or what made him blind. Does he find out?
This is a story filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. If you hang on for the ride, you will be amazed at how it all turns out.
-L. Hall
"Tangerine" is a book about a kid named Paul Fisher. He has a brother who his dad watches play football all the time. Paul is blind, but he play soccer (goalie). At the beginning he is moving from Houston, Texas, to Tangerine, Florida. When he gets there many weird things happen. A kid on his brother's football team is struck down by lightning, and another boy, the inventor of the Golden Dawn Tangerine, is hit by someone and dies. While Paul is in Tangerine he finds out things about how we was blinded and more.
If you want to find out more of what happens in "Tangerine", you'll have to read the book! This book has amazed me and made me want to keep it. When I got to the end, I wanted it to just keep going.
-J. Clemson
Monday, November 17, 2008
Dovey Coe
Dovey Coe
By Frances O’Roark Dowell
Dovey is 12 years old, a bit of a rebel, and on trial for murder. Her sister, Caroline, spent the summer being wooed by the richest boy in town, Parnell. Dovey hates Parnell, and has not made any secret of her feelings for him. Is it any wonder, then, that when she is discovered at the scene of the murder, she is the only suspect? Dovey is a great character who will jump off the pages of the book and into your mind. This book is a quick read, and very enjoyable.
-Ms. McConnel
By Frances O’Roark Dowell
Dovey is 12 years old, a bit of a rebel, and on trial for murder. Her sister, Caroline, spent the summer being wooed by the richest boy in town, Parnell. Dovey hates Parnell, and has not made any secret of her feelings for him. Is it any wonder, then, that when she is discovered at the scene of the murder, she is the only suspect? Dovey is a great character who will jump off the pages of the book and into your mind. This book is a quick read, and very enjoyable.
-Ms. McConnel
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Egypt Game
The Egypt Game
By Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Moving to a new town is never easy, but for April, who’s used to Hollywood, moving to live with her grandmother in a small apartment is a rough transition. April’s just waiting for her mother to send for her, once she gets her big break into the movies. In the meantime, April sticks out like a sore thumb at school: she wears big false eyelashes, and has a wild imagination. When April meets Melanie, she finds her match in imaginative powers. In a deserted old alley way, the two girls invite the Egypt Game: a world of make-believe and ancient Egyptian magic and mystery that grows increasingly real. More kids join the game, but then the unthinkable happens: a child in the neighborhood is murdered. Will one of the “Egyptians” be next? I loved this book when I was a student, and re-reading it reminded me just how exciting and suspenseful the story is!
-Ms. McConnel
By Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Moving to a new town is never easy, but for April, who’s used to Hollywood, moving to live with her grandmother in a small apartment is a rough transition. April’s just waiting for her mother to send for her, once she gets her big break into the movies. In the meantime, April sticks out like a sore thumb at school: she wears big false eyelashes, and has a wild imagination. When April meets Melanie, she finds her match in imaginative powers. In a deserted old alley way, the two girls invite the Egypt Game: a world of make-believe and ancient Egyptian magic and mystery that grows increasingly real. More kids join the game, but then the unthinkable happens: a child in the neighborhood is murdered. Will one of the “Egyptians” be next? I loved this book when I was a student, and re-reading it reminded me just how exciting and suspenseful the story is!
-Ms. McConnel
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Murder on the Orient Express
Murder on the Orient Express
By Agatha Christie
A man with many enemies is murdered in the night on a train, and the train is stuck in a snow bank. The murderer can not escape, yet the train full of witnesses swear they saw someone running away. Pieces of the crime don’t seem to fit, however, and the detective Hercule Poirot starts putting the pieces together in a way that seems to make the passengers nervous. Who is the killer? And can Poirot solve the case before the killer selects another victim?
-Ms. McConnel
By Agatha Christie
A man with many enemies is murdered in the night on a train, and the train is stuck in a snow bank. The murderer can not escape, yet the train full of witnesses swear they saw someone running away. Pieces of the crime don’t seem to fit, however, and the detective Hercule Poirot starts putting the pieces together in a way that seems to make the passengers nervous. Who is the killer? And can Poirot solve the case before the killer selects another victim?
-Ms. McConnel
The Man who was Poe
The Man who was Poe
By Avi
When Edmund mysteriously loses first his mother, then his aunt, then his sister, he finds himself thrust into the dark city streets of Providence, alone and frightened. He encounters a very strange man who seems to want to help him to recover his family. Edmund has little choice but to work with this stranger, despite his seeming insanity. Edmund realizes that he is working with the great American writer, Edgar Allen Poe, but all is not as it should be. Is Poe using Edmund to create yet another tragic mystery story for his pen, or does he genuinely want to help the boy find his family while they are still alive? Edmund must decide to accept help from the only adult willing to listen, whatever the consequences, or set out to find his family alone, facing the unknown evils of the city.
-Ms. McConnel
By Avi
When Edmund mysteriously loses first his mother, then his aunt, then his sister, he finds himself thrust into the dark city streets of Providence, alone and frightened. He encounters a very strange man who seems to want to help him to recover his family. Edmund has little choice but to work with this stranger, despite his seeming insanity. Edmund realizes that he is working with the great American writer, Edgar Allen Poe, but all is not as it should be. Is Poe using Edmund to create yet another tragic mystery story for his pen, or does he genuinely want to help the boy find his family while they are still alive? Edmund must decide to accept help from the only adult willing to listen, whatever the consequences, or set out to find his family alone, facing the unknown evils of the city.
-Ms. McConnel
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Dealing with Dragons
Dealing with Dragons
By Patricia C. Wrede
Princess Cimorene is anything but a typical princess: she won’t learn dancing, embroidery or etiquette, but she LOVES fencing, cooking, and juggling, all of which are not the proper activities for a princess, according to her parents. Finally, her parents go too far, and try to force her to marry a prince from a near-by kingdom. Cimorene takes her fate into her own hands and heads off to find the fierce dragons on the outskirts of the kingdom, thinking that if she is eaten, she won’t have to be married. Instead of frying her for dinner, the dragons allow her to live with them as their cook. This wonderful book is the first in a series of four, providing ample time for Cimorene to keep doing exactly what isn’t proper.
-Ms. McConnel
By Patricia C. Wrede
Princess Cimorene is anything but a typical princess: she won’t learn dancing, embroidery or etiquette, but she LOVES fencing, cooking, and juggling, all of which are not the proper activities for a princess, according to her parents. Finally, her parents go too far, and try to force her to marry a prince from a near-by kingdom. Cimorene takes her fate into her own hands and heads off to find the fierce dragons on the outskirts of the kingdom, thinking that if she is eaten, she won’t have to be married. Instead of frying her for dinner, the dragons allow her to live with them as their cook. This wonderful book is the first in a series of four, providing ample time for Cimorene to keep doing exactly what isn’t proper.
-Ms. McConnel
Al Capone Does My Shirts
Al Capone Does My Shirts
By Gennifer Choldenko
Moose hasn’t committed any crime, but he still finds himself forced to live on Alcatraz Island, America’s most famous prison and home to such criminals as the gangster Al Capone. While Moose just wants to play baseball and try to forget about living next door to criminals, his sister, Natalie, needs him to help her while she tries, fails, and tries again to be accepted into a school which can address her special needs. As if Natalie doesn’t make Moose stressed out enough, Moose gets roped in to some schemes with the other children on the island, including the sneaky daughter of the warden, Piper. It’s the Great Depression, and people are out of work everywhere. Will Moose be the reason his father loses his job? Will Natalie ever have a place she will feel at home? Will Al Capone break all the rules of the prison to help Moose? Read the book and find out!
-Ms. McConnel
By Gennifer Choldenko
Moose hasn’t committed any crime, but he still finds himself forced to live on Alcatraz Island, America’s most famous prison and home to such criminals as the gangster Al Capone. While Moose just wants to play baseball and try to forget about living next door to criminals, his sister, Natalie, needs him to help her while she tries, fails, and tries again to be accepted into a school which can address her special needs. As if Natalie doesn’t make Moose stressed out enough, Moose gets roped in to some schemes with the other children on the island, including the sneaky daughter of the warden, Piper. It’s the Great Depression, and people are out of work everywhere. Will Moose be the reason his father loses his job? Will Natalie ever have a place she will feel at home? Will Al Capone break all the rules of the prison to help Moose? Read the book and find out!
-Ms. McConnel
Artemis Fowl
Artemis Fowl
By Eoin Colfer
Boy genius Artemis Fowl doesn’t need to commit robbery: his family is one of the richest in the United Kingdom. Artemis turns to a life of crime simply to test his wits. But does he go to far when he steals from the Fairies, who work very hard to keep their existence secret from humans? With the help of his bodyguard, Butler, and Butler’s sister, Juliet, Artemis must outwit the Fairies or see his home, and possibly his life, destroyed. This book is the first in an exciting series packed with action, crime, and wonderful characters.
-Ms. McConnel
Artemis Fowl is a criminal mastermind, a genius, and he’s 12. Combining his 12 year old and adult personalities becomes very dangerous and at the same time useful. With the still childish belief in fairies he decides to capture one for its gold and simply to test his own genius. With the size of his intellect it isn’t long before a fairy, Captain Holly Short, is his prisoner. He soon learns that these aren’t your once upon a time kind of fairies but a super advanced race that means business. When Holly’s comrades come to save her everything doesn’t go quite as either side had planned.
I have to admit, when I read the back and saw that it was another book about fairies, I wasn’t that excited. It wasn’t 20 pages before I didn’t want to put the book down. Yes, there are still fairies in the book but the way the author describes them I completely forget that he is talking about fairies. There is hardly a dull second throughout the book. There is always a new turn or twist to be had. The setting, characters, and actions are described so well I felt like I was watching a movie. Overall I would definitely recommend this book to fairy-tale lovers and sci-fi readers alike.
-E. Porter
By Eoin Colfer
Boy genius Artemis Fowl doesn’t need to commit robbery: his family is one of the richest in the United Kingdom. Artemis turns to a life of crime simply to test his wits. But does he go to far when he steals from the Fairies, who work very hard to keep their existence secret from humans? With the help of his bodyguard, Butler, and Butler’s sister, Juliet, Artemis must outwit the Fairies or see his home, and possibly his life, destroyed. This book is the first in an exciting series packed with action, crime, and wonderful characters.
-Ms. McConnel
Artemis Fowl is a criminal mastermind, a genius, and he’s 12. Combining his 12 year old and adult personalities becomes very dangerous and at the same time useful. With the still childish belief in fairies he decides to capture one for its gold and simply to test his own genius. With the size of his intellect it isn’t long before a fairy, Captain Holly Short, is his prisoner. He soon learns that these aren’t your once upon a time kind of fairies but a super advanced race that means business. When Holly’s comrades come to save her everything doesn’t go quite as either side had planned.
I have to admit, when I read the back and saw that it was another book about fairies, I wasn’t that excited. It wasn’t 20 pages before I didn’t want to put the book down. Yes, there are still fairies in the book but the way the author describes them I completely forget that he is talking about fairies. There is hardly a dull second throughout the book. There is always a new turn or twist to be had. The setting, characters, and actions are described so well I felt like I was watching a movie. Overall I would definitely recommend this book to fairy-tale lovers and sci-fi readers alike.
-E. Porter
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
By John Boyne
When Bruno comes home to find the maid packing his belongings, he isn’t really sure what is happening. His mother tells him they will be moving, leaving Berlin at the command of the “Fury” to move to a place which Bruno calls “Out-with”. Bruno does not really understand why they have moved, nor does he understand why there is a large fence outside his window which separates his family from people called “Jews”. This story takes place during World War Two, but Bruno doesn’t really know about the war. He just knows he’s lonely…until he meets a boy on the other side of the fence.
-Ms. McConnel
By John Boyne
When Bruno comes home to find the maid packing his belongings, he isn’t really sure what is happening. His mother tells him they will be moving, leaving Berlin at the command of the “Fury” to move to a place which Bruno calls “Out-with”. Bruno does not really understand why they have moved, nor does he understand why there is a large fence outside his window which separates his family from people called “Jews”. This story takes place during World War Two, but Bruno doesn’t really know about the war. He just knows he’s lonely…until he meets a boy on the other side of the fence.
-Ms. McConnel
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
By Avi
Charlotte Doyle, a well-to-do teenager, finds her world torn apart when her family moves from England to America. Forced to sail after her family, she finds herself the only passenger on a sailing ship with secrets in every corner. There is a stowaway, a cruel captain, and a murder…which Charlotte faces trial for! Will she make it to America, or will she be lost at sea, killed by the crazed captain and the bloodthirsty crew?
-Ms. McConnel
By Avi
Charlotte Doyle, a well-to-do teenager, finds her world torn apart when her family moves from England to America. Forced to sail after her family, she finds herself the only passenger on a sailing ship with secrets in every corner. There is a stowaway, a cruel captain, and a murder…which Charlotte faces trial for! Will she make it to America, or will she be lost at sea, killed by the crazed captain and the bloodthirsty crew?
-Ms. McConnel
Crispin: The Cross of Lead
Crispin: The Cross of Lead
By Avi
Crispin finds his life turned upside down following the sudden death of his mother. Before, he had been a lonely boy without a father or a friend. Now, he is an orphan, running through the night, pursued by people who are determined to kill him: and he doesn’t know why. As he flees, he meets Bear, a traveling minstrel and entertainer, who begins to care for Crispin as if her were his own son. But who is Crispin’s father, and will he save him if he can be found? Or will Crispin end up facing the same fate as his mother: death?
-Ms. McConnel
By Avi
Crispin finds his life turned upside down following the sudden death of his mother. Before, he had been a lonely boy without a father or a friend. Now, he is an orphan, running through the night, pursued by people who are determined to kill him: and he doesn’t know why. As he flees, he meets Bear, a traveling minstrel and entertainer, who begins to care for Crispin as if her were his own son. But who is Crispin’s father, and will he save him if he can be found? Or will Crispin end up facing the same fate as his mother: death?
-Ms. McConnel
The Wright 3
The Wright 3
By Blue Balliett
Petra and Calder have solved mysteries before, but they have never been in such a creepy situation as this! With the help of Tommy, who has just moved back to town, the students begin investigating some strange happenings at an old house in their neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. The town wants to destroy the house, and the children are determined to solve the mystery and save the historic landmark: but what if the wrong people find out what they are doing?
-Ms. McConnel
By Blue Balliett
Petra and Calder have solved mysteries before, but they have never been in such a creepy situation as this! With the help of Tommy, who has just moved back to town, the students begin investigating some strange happenings at an old house in their neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. The town wants to destroy the house, and the children are determined to solve the mystery and save the historic landmark: but what if the wrong people find out what they are doing?
-Ms. McConnel
LeRoy and the Old Man
LeRoy and the Old Man
By W.E. Butterworth
When LeRoy witnesses a gang stabbing, his mother sends him to Mississippi to live with his grandfather until things calm down. At first, LeRoy thinks this is going to be awful, but his grandfather turns out to be more interesting than he expected. LeRoy learns to run a shrimp boat in the Gulf of Mexico and to drive a truck for the first time. LeRoy and his grandfather begin to form a tight bond, which is suddenly in danger of ripping apart when LeRoy’s father comes back into town and asks LeRoy to choose between what is right and what is easy. This is a great story about family and making the right choices when life is hard.
By W.E. Butterworth
When LeRoy witnesses a gang stabbing, his mother sends him to Mississippi to live with his grandfather until things calm down. At first, LeRoy thinks this is going to be awful, but his grandfather turns out to be more interesting than he expected. LeRoy learns to run a shrimp boat in the Gulf of Mexico and to drive a truck for the first time. LeRoy and his grandfather begin to form a tight bond, which is suddenly in danger of ripping apart when LeRoy’s father comes back into town and asks LeRoy to choose between what is right and what is easy. This is a great story about family and making the right choices when life is hard.
Chasing Vermeer
Chasing Vermeer
By Blue Balliett
What if some of the most famous paintings in the world were frauds? An art thief tells the world just that, after stealing a priceless painting by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. The thief leaves a ransom note, but they aren’t asking for money: they are asking museums all over the world to look at their art work and declare which works are not actually painted by Vermeer, and are just very good frauds. Sixth graders Calder and Petra team up in Chicago, Illinois, thinking they can find the stolen painting and solve the fraud issue all at the same time. Coincidences lead them along, but this mystery may have been more than they bargained for!
-Ms. McConnel
By Blue Balliett
What if some of the most famous paintings in the world were frauds? An art thief tells the world just that, after stealing a priceless painting by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. The thief leaves a ransom note, but they aren’t asking for money: they are asking museums all over the world to look at their art work and declare which works are not actually painted by Vermeer, and are just very good frauds. Sixth graders Calder and Petra team up in Chicago, Illinois, thinking they can find the stolen painting and solve the fraud issue all at the same time. Coincidences lead them along, but this mystery may have been more than they bargained for!
-Ms. McConnel
The House of the Scorpion
The House of the Scorpion
By Nancy Farmer
Matt has always known he was different: he doesn’t have a father, and the woman who acts like his mother tells him he has only been loaned to her for a short while. When Matt sees some other children, however, he learns the truth: he is a clone of the most powerful man in the country of Opium, and clones are considered less important than farm animals. Slowly, Matt begins to piece together the clues all around him, and when he discovers what his life is for, he can not accept the horrifying answer. This is a wonderful science fiction story set in the not too distant future, and as Matt overcomes more and more challenges, the reader can’t help but wonder when his luck will run out.
-Ms. McConnel
The House of The Scorpion revolves around Matt. A clone made from a high authority person in Mexico. His name is El Patron. When he is not around every body treats Matt like trash. But when he is around, the treat him was well as El Patron. In the book Matt, along with his favorite helper Rosa, tries to find what out what is means to be human. But is it possible that he is not a clone............the truth will change Mat forever. To find out the truth about Matt you have to read the book The House of the Scorpion
-S. Rauf
By Nancy Farmer
Matt has always known he was different: he doesn’t have a father, and the woman who acts like his mother tells him he has only been loaned to her for a short while. When Matt sees some other children, however, he learns the truth: he is a clone of the most powerful man in the country of Opium, and clones are considered less important than farm animals. Slowly, Matt begins to piece together the clues all around him, and when he discovers what his life is for, he can not accept the horrifying answer. This is a wonderful science fiction story set in the not too distant future, and as Matt overcomes more and more challenges, the reader can’t help but wonder when his luck will run out.
-Ms. McConnel
The House of The Scorpion revolves around Matt. A clone made from a high authority person in Mexico. His name is El Patron. When he is not around every body treats Matt like trash. But when he is around, the treat him was well as El Patron. In the book Matt, along with his favorite helper Rosa, tries to find what out what is means to be human. But is it possible that he is not a clone............the truth will change Mat forever. To find out the truth about Matt you have to read the book The House of the Scorpion
-S. Rauf
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