Book+Reviews

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=**Nancy Drew #8 April Fool's Day by Nancy Keene**=
 * Genre: Mystery**
 * Reviewed by Gabby 3rd Grade**
 * Review posted on 11/20/2014**

Nancy, Beezus, and George got an invitation to an April fool’s day party. Nancy, and Beezus think that this party is a trap. They go but they don’t know if they should stay. If you like mystery books this is the book for you. I love it because it is a mystery book. = = =**Fluff and Baron by Laura Rankin**=
 * Genre:**
 * Reviewed by Michael 4th grade**
 * Review posted on 11/20/2014**

I like this book because it’s cute. Fluffy is a duck, she layed 9 eggs. Baron is a dog, he’s best friends with Fluffy. Fluffy and Baron live happily ever after. Its a nonfiction book. You will like this book if you like animals. = = = = =**Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein**=
 * Genre: Adventure**
 * Reviewed by: Rowan 4th grade**
 * Review Posted on 11/17/2014**

I love this book,why I like it so much is because it is a mystery and I love a mystery. Kyle Keely and his brothers Mike and Curtis are in the race to win the indoor, outdoor scavenger hunt. Oh no! Kyle broke a window. The new library in town there is going to be a lock in. If you want to know what will happen next read Escape from Mr.Lemoncello’s Library and you will find out. If you like puzzles, mysteries and riddles you will love this book! = = =**Ever After High: The Unfairest of them all (Book 2) by Shannon Hale**=
 * Genre: Fantasy**
 * Reviewed by: Julia 4th grade**
 * Review Posted on 11/17/2014**

If you like adventure and fantasy you will love Ever After High #2 By: Shannon Hale. I like this book because I love adventure and fantasy. In the book, Raven Queen daughter of the Evil Queen makes everyone go crazy and the Rebels and the Royals start going against each other. Then Apple White daughter of Snow White tries to get everyone under control but it just gets worse. Then,everybody messes up the treasury room and a big fierce dragon breaks free and everybody thinks it was Maddline Hatter’s fault. So she will get expelled and banished from the whole Ever After world. Then Raven and Apple try to save her. I recommend anybody read this book after they read Ever After High 1. = = = = =**My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish by Mo O'Hara**=
 * Genre: Fantasy**
 * Reviewed by Cody 4th grade**
 * Review Posted on 11/17/2014**

In my big fat zombie gold fish Mark’s younger brother and Tom's older brothers tried to do an experiment on a gold fish but they saved it. It was dead, so they electrocuted it and it turned into a zombie. Find out what happens in My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish = = =**Dear Vampa by Ross Collins**=
 * Genre: Fantasy**
 * Reviewed by: Jazmyn 4th grade**
 * Review posted on: 11/13/14**

This book is so awesome .This book is about a vampire family the Pires and they just got new neighbors .The Pires think their new neighbors are quite unusual they stay up during the day and do human things.The Pires have finally had enough so they pack up and move away to live with vampa.I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do.

=**Pet War by Allen Woodrow**=
 * Genre: Realistic Fiction**
 * Reviewed by: Victoria 5th grade**
 * Review Posted on 11/13/14**

I really liked this book because it’ s a story about dogs and cats and I like both of those. In the story the main characters, Otto and Lexi both want a pet. The problem is Otto wants a dog and Lexi wants a cat. So they have a competition for who can raise more money. If you really like cats and dogs you will like this book. Read this book to find out who wins!

= = =**The White Wolf by Rob Roy (A-Z Mysteries)**=
 * Genre: Mystery**
 * Reviewed by: Joshua 3rd grade**
 * Review Posted on 11/13/14**

White Wolf was written by Rob Roy. I like it because my name was in it. They went on a plane to an island. Somebody tried to steal the baby wolves The mom gave her child a baby wolf. People who like to solve mysteries would like to read this book. = = =**The Essential Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson**= Have you ever read the Essential Calvin and Hobbes? Well I will be talking about it in this review. Personally I loved the book. It is about Calvin and his stuffed animal Hobbes. They're always getting into trouble. Calvin gets in trouble at school and at home. I recommend this book to people who love humor.
 * Genre: Humor**
 * Reviewed by: Tommy 4th grade **
 * Review Posted on 11/13/14**

=**Treasure Hunters by James Patterson**=
 * Genre: Adventure**
 * Reviewed by: Mariem 3rd Grade**
 * Review posted on 11/12/14**

I like this book because it’s full of adventure.The characters are Bick and Beck, (the twins), Storm,and Tommy. their worst enemy is Nathan Collier. they’re treasure hunters, and their mom is stranded in Cyprus. As for Dad…….I’d recommend this book to somebody who really likes adventure.

= = = = = = = = =**Perfect by Natasha Friend**=
 * Genre: Realistic Fiction**
 * Reviewed by Madeleine 5th grade**
 * Review posted on 11/12/14**

I think this book is good for 5th grade and up, especially girls. This book is not appropriate for younger girls and boys. This book is about Isabelle Lee. She is going through troubles with her eating disorder group and with losing her dad.What happens when the most popular girl in school asks her to have lunch? Find out what happens to Isabelle, April (aka ape face), her mom and her aunt in Perfect by Natasha Friend.

= = = = =**Captain Underpants and the Revenge of the Tyrannical Turbo Toilet 2000 by Dav Pilkey**=
 * Genre: Humor**
 * Reviewd by: Julien 4th grade**
 * Review posted on 11/12/2014**

Captain Underpants was a awesome book. It was filled with lots of adventures. The Turbo Toilet 2000 returns. He was coming for revenge. Melvin b eats the Tubo Toilet 2000 but he brought George and Harold back to the past. What will happen next? This is a good book for people who like funny books. = = = = = = = = =**I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor by Laura Tarshis**=
 * Genre: Historical Fiction**
 * Reviewed by: Michael 4th grade**
 * Review posted on 11/12/14**

I like this book because it’s a book about history and it’s a series it’s basically about natural disasters and wars. In this story a kid named Danny from New York City and moved to Pearl Harbor. After a few days of living there he hears something, a big formation of planes with guns and bombs. Will Danny have what it takes to survive? I recommend this book to people who like history books.

= = = = = = =**Mystery at Snowshoe Lodge by Lisa Eisenberg**=
 * Genre: Mystery**
 * Reviewed by: Nick 5th grade**
 * Review posted on 11/12/14**

This book is a mystery and adventure book.I think that this book is for second grade and up because it has some challenging words.I like the part when Kate falls down a mountain,that was funny.I also like the part when Kate fails at ping pong.Finally I liked the part when Kate took Peter’s tools then ran.I think if you like mystery you will like this book. = = = = = = =**The Wide Awake Princess by E.D. Baker **=
 * Reviewed by: Rachel 5th grade**
 * Genre: Fantasy**
 * Review Posted on 11/12/2014**

I loved the Wide Awake Princess by E.D. Baker. I liked this book because it is a fantasy book. Fantasy books fascinate me. This book is about Annie. Annie is Sleeping Beauty’s sister. She is immune to magic. When her sister falls under a sleeping spell with the rest of the kingdom, Annie must find Gwendolyn’s one true love to wake her. But she might need magic to fend off enemies. Can she survive? This book is good for 4-7 graders and people who love surprises and fantasy. I really loved this book. = = = = = = = = =**I Survived The Attack of September 11, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis **=
 * Genre: Realistic fiction/ historical fiction**
 * Reviewed by: Tanner 3rd grade**
 * Review posted on 11/7/2014**

= =

I liked I survived The Attack of September 11, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis it is about the attack on 9/11 2001. A lot of people died on that day.This person is fake. I recommend this book to anybody who likes realistic fiction. = = =**I, Amber Brown by Paula Danzigers **=
 * Genre: Realistic Fiction**
 * Reviewed by: Isabella 3rd grade**
 * Review posted on 11/7/2014 **

I read the book “ I, Amber Brown ’’. The author of this book is Paula Danzigers. I like this book because Amber’s mom and dad are divorced. Amber’s mom said she can’t get her ears pierced until she’s twelve and her dad’s about to pick her up. Read to find out if she gets her ears pierced. Last if you like realistic fiction this is a book for you.


 * Beyond the Deep Woods by Patrick Stewart & Chris Riddell **
 * Genre: Adventure **
 * Reviewed by Zach 5th grader **
 * Review Posted on 10/29/2014 **

I read the first book of the “Edge Chronicles” Series. The authors of this book series are Patrick Stewart and Chris Riddell. I loved this book because it is about this boy named Twig who doesn’t fit in. Then, he wanders off the path and gets lost in the deepwoods full of lots of different and scary creatures. I think people who love suspense and fictional creatures will love this book series. = = = = =**May B. by Caroline Starr Rose**=

**Genre: Historical Fiction/ Survival**

 * Review by Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted 8/5/2014**
 * Grade 3 and up**

Set in the prairie when settlers were just beginning to make a home out of the harsh land we meet May B. She is a young girl living in a dirt hovel with her family in Oklahoma. Her father has hired her out to the next farm 15 miles away to help out with the chores for a man and his newly arrived wife. When the wife runs away and her husband follows May is thinks they return in a day or so, when the days turn to weeks and winter approaches the prairie she thinks maybe she should fear for her life. This story told in verse is easy to read and grabs your attention from the first poem. I must read for anyone who enjoys a great poem or a great story. = = = = = = =**Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler**=

Genre: Fantasy/ Fairytale

 * Review by Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review posted on 8/5/2014**


 * Grades 3 and up**

Princess of the wild swans strikes me as an old fairytale, though I had never heard it before. The Princess has many older brothers and when her father returns with a new wife, she does not seem at all pleased with this. Soon enough her brothers disappear. It does not take the princess long to discover her new stepmother is a witch, and to get the heirs apparent out of the way she has turned all of the princes into swans. It is up to the princess to discover the cure and provide to her bothers before they a lured into the fairy world where they will remain swans forever. = = = = = = = = =**Thor: An Origin Story by Rich Thomas**=

**Genre: Fantasy/ Adventure/ Comic**
This is a great way to introduce you children to both super heroes and comics. Even though it is written as a picture book it still captures comics in both its art and story. This is the story of how Thor became a super hero on earth. He is the chosen son by his father Odin, the King of all Gods in Asgard. He becomes vain and proud and his father banishes him to earth, to live as a mortal until he can learn humility. Thor can not return to Asgard for his Hammer until he has learned to be kind, caring and humble. It is easy to step from this story to the Norse Mythology of Thor and can be used as an introduction to mythology with children. = = = = = = = = = = =**Ball by Mary Sullivan**=
 * Reviewed by Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review posted on 8/5/2014**
 * Grades 1st and up**

**Genre: Humor**

 * Reviewed by Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review posted 8/5/2014**

Not quite a wordless picture book, the book ball says a whole lot with very little. We venture around the house with a hilarious dog as he is constantly in pursuit of his ball. We see the trials and tribulations in a dogs life, and the the utter joy that comes with fetching his favorite ball. Perfect for any age but especially early readers who can have great satisfaction knowing every word in this book. = = = = = = = = = = =**//Jinx// by Sage Blackwood**=
 * Grades K and up**

**Genre: Fantasy**

 * Reviewed by Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review posted 8/5/2014**

Jinx would be great for anyone interested in fantasy and magic. A young boy living in a universe different from ours is being abandoned by his stepfather in the woods, where beasts can grab you if you take onestep off the path. He is discovered and adopted by a crotchety wizard name Simon. At Simon's house Jinx begins to learn the trade of magic as an apprentice. He discovers that he already has his own unique magic inside him only to have it taken away in an act of betrayal. To get it back he and his companions, Elwyn and Reven, must venture into the woods and find the worst wizard of them all. = = = = =**//Kenny and the Dragon// by Tony DiTerlizzi**=
 * Grades 3 and up **

**Genre: Fantasy**

 * Reviewed by Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on 9/23/2013**


 * Grades 2 and up**

Kenneth, better known as Kenny, is a rabbit who enjoys books more than just about anything else. Because of this his only real friend in his small town is George the Badger, and owner of the local book store. His parents are farmers and though he loves them he thinks his books can teach him more than they can. He loves his books but he also wished a real adventure could happen to him. His adventure begins when his father spies a dragon, yes a real live dragon living on the hill on their property. He only noticed it because it frightened the sheep. Kenny of course wants to go meet him as he has just finished a book that describes dragons. When he ends up meeting Grahame (like the cracker but with an e) he is absolutely amazing, not by his brutality and force, but because this dragon has chosen another pass. Grahame likes to keep a vegetarian diet, he loves plays and reading good books (just like Kenny) He is the only dragon left because he chose this simple peaceful life. Of course others find out about Grahame and don’t understand how gentle he is. Kenny goes to his old friend George for help, only to find out his old friend is a retired knight who the king has asked to come out of retirement and destroy the beast! Can Kenny convince him otherwise; will this all end in battle? Read Kenny and the dragon to find out

= = = = = = = = =**//Peter and the Starcatchers// by Dave Berry and Ridley Pearson**=

**Genre: Fantasy Adventure**



 * Reviewed by Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on 9/23/2013**


 * Grades 3 and up**

Fantasy and fairy tale fans take note, you don’t want to miss this book! Have you ever heard the story of Peter Pan? Have you ever wondered how there came to be a boy who never grew up? This adventure is the tale of how Peter Pan came to be. The book has everything a good adventure should have, a storm on the high sea, and magical treasure everyone is after including pirates, mermaids, and of course and giant monster crocodile. If you enjoy a good adventure, a good fairy tale or both this is the book for you!

= = = = = = = = =**//The One and Only Ivan// by Katherine Applegate**=

**Genre: Fantasy/ Animal**

 * Newbery Award Winner 2012**


 * Reviewed by Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on 9/10/2013**


 * Grades 3 and up**

Ivan, is a Gorilla. A Gorilla who lives among men. He was captured from the jungle and sold to a man who owns a circus in a mall. He has lived in a glass cage for over 20 years! His best friends are a dog named Bob and an Elephant named Stella. Stella remembers everything from her life before being caged, but Ivan makes it a point not to remember. He likes to watch T.V., eat fruit and draw with the crayons he is given. This has been how his days go every day until Ruby arrives. Ruby is a baby elephant and though Stella wants to care for her she is too sick. She makes Ivan promise to get her out of this cage and into a zoo. How can a gorilla explain what should happen to the humans around him? He can’t talk to them, he can’t write a letter, but maybe just maybe his art can help!

= = = = =**//The Red Pyramid// by Rick Riordan**=

**Genre: Fantasy / Adventure**

 * Series : The Kane Chronicles**


 * Reviewed by Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on 9/10/2013**


 * Grades 4 and up**

Carter and Sadie are brother and sister, though they have not spent more than a few days a year together since their mother died. Carter has been traveling the world with their father, studying ancient Egyptian artifacts. Sadie has been living in London with her grandparents and her cat, Muffin. On Christmas Eve during a rare visit all that changes. While visiting the British Museum their father destroys the Rosetta Stone, and unleashes the Egyptian Gods on the world, getting himself trapped by one of them. The children must go with their Uncle Amos and hide from the Greater and Lesser Gods and Demons. While at his house they discover their true heritage, not only are they the children of Egyptian magicians they are also the descendants of Pharaohs, they have a very powerful bloodline. They also discover the power and special abilities they have because of this heritage. With the help of a baboon, a white crocodile and Muffin the cat, can they learn to use these powers quickly enough to save their father, and possibly the world?

= = =**//Running Out of Time// by Margaret Peterson Haddix**=

**Genre: Adventure/ Historical Fiction**

 * Reviewed by Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on 9/10/2013**


 * Grades 3 and up**

Jessie Lives with her family in a frontier town in Clifton Indiana in 1840. She tends the animals, helps her mother cook over an open fire and collect herbs for medicine for the sick, as her mother is the wise woman of the town. Now there are children getting sick and dying and her mother cannot help them unless she reveals a secret to Jessie, and secret that will change her world forever. Clifton Indiana is a tourist attraction; they do not live in 1840 but rather 1996. Her mother needs her to sneak out of the compound and find someone willing to help the children of Clifton. There is a lot about this future world Jessie does not know. Some of it will marvel her and some of it will terrify her, but if she doesn't head out on this adventure many more could die.

= = = = =**//The Name of this Book is Secret// by Pseudonymus Bosch**=

**Genre: Mystery/ Adventure**

 * Series: The Secret Series**


 * Reviewed by Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on 9/10/2013**


 * Grades 3 and up**

What a wonderful read, though be warned once you start the book you too are in danger from knowing the secret! If you like a good suspenseful mystery this is the book for you. Cassandra (Cass) and Max-Ernest have always been odd balls at school. Cass is constantly preparing for a disaster and Max can never seem to get making friends right. Through an odd turn of events at Cass’s Grandfathers’ antique shop they decide to look into the mysterious death of a local magician. First they must visit his strange house that is mostly underground! There they discover his journal, and also meet a couple that makes their skin crawl. The next day at school Cass sees this same couple snatch a student, and she is off on an adventure to a “spa” in the middle of nowhere to see if she can find her friend and discover the truth about the magician’s death. This is the first of a series so if you’re brave enough to begin I think you’ll enjoy each and every book Pseudonymus Bosch has to offer!

= = = = =**//Gary Carter: Still a Kid at Heart// by Gary Carter and Phil Pepe**=

**Genre: Autobiography**



 * Reviewed by Ryan G. 3rd grade**
 * Review Posted on: 5/31/2012**


 * Grades 3 and up**

I say that Gary Carter had a great life. His mother died when Gary Carter was 12, but if I had to rate this book one through 10, it's a 10! = = =**//Wonderstruck// by Brian Selznick**=

**Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure**

 * Reviewed by Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on: 4/3/2012**


 * Grades 3 and up**

If you enjoyed Selznick's Caldecott winner The Invention of Hugo Cabret, then you will certainly enjoy his newest novel Wonderstruck. Just like Hugo Selznick combines narration with pictures to help tell the story, which makes what looks to be an incredible long book, quite a short read! In this story the words tell the story of a little boy in Michigan who has recently lost his mother and is living with his aunt. When he decides to visit his house one night, that he has not entered since his mother's death, he finds evidence of a father he never knew existed. In the mean time the pictures are showing us a story of a little girl in New Jersey in the 1920's. This little girl is deaf and also has an obsession with a young actress in New York City. Instead of attending her sign language she sneaks out and heads to the city to find this actress. As the two stories unfold, they begin to intertwine in a very unexpected way. This is a story of adventure, and family, and independence that you are sure to love every minute of!

=**//Magyk// by Angie Sage**=

**Genre: Fantasy, Adventure**** Series: Septimus Heap **
Move over Harry Potter there is another Fantasy series in town! It has wizards and witches, and fairies and dragons, and princesses and queens, and adventure! Our book opens with Silas Heap running off to the castle for herbs for his new born boy Septimus, on the way he hears crying in the forest, and when he goes to check it out.....low and behold another baby! This time it is a little girl, wrapped up in a blanket and left in the snow. He can't just leave her there! He hides her in his coat and is off again.Silas returns to a tragedy, his young son has died, the family is devastated but they take on the baby girl and quickly fall in love with her. The Heaps are wizards, and wizards are well respected until the custodians take over, they kill the queen, then slowly but surely try to root magic out of their world. The heaps manage along minding their own business until one day Marcia shows up at their door step frantic. They are coming for their little girl Jenna, there little girl is the long lost princess! They must all escape they are in great danger! While Sarah (Silas's wife) takes 3 of her boys to a friend in the woods, Silas, his two oldest boys, and Jenna are off to Aunt Zelda's the White witch of the Marshes. This my friends is when the adventures really begin. Read Septimus Heap by Angie Sage and I garuntee you'll be stuck to the Magyk Series Hook, Line and Sinker
 * Reviewed by: Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on: 2/9/2012**
 * Grades 3 and up**

= = =//Chasing Vermeer// by Blue Balliet=

Genre: Mystery



 * Series: Chasing Vermeer**

Blue Balliet is quickly becoming on of my favorite children's authors. I love the way she gets her readers to think out of the box. Chasing Vermeer is the first book in a series of books about 3 special characters: Calder, Petra, and Tommy. These three middle school students live in Hyde Park, Chicago, and end up with many interesting mysteries to solve. This mystery is about a stolen painting done by Vermeer a famous 17th Century artist. These three children have a gift of finding patterns together (especially Calder with his pentometer set). With the help of their very unsusal teacher, Ms. Hussy, and a cranky neighbor Louise, they begin to discover who may have taken the painting in the first place and where to find it. One thing I love about Balliet's books is that she always uses something REAL in them, though they are fiction stories. It maybe a real person (in this case the famous artist Vermeer), or it may be a real historical mystery that has yet to be solved, but it is always fun and facinating. I recomend this book to anyone who enjoys thinking outside of the box, or has a knack for taking something real and turning it into an amazing story of fiction and fun. Enjoy! = = = = =//Forge// by Laurie Halse Anderson=
 * Review Posted: 1/26/2012****Reviewed by: Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Grades 4 and up**

Genre: Historical Fiction[[image:http://booksandmovies.colvilleblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/forge.jpg width="207" height="314" align="right"]]
Forge is the sequel to Laurie Halse Anderson's award winning book //Chains//, so if you have not yet read that book, I would start there. Both books are amazing. Forge starts almost where Cahins left us, but this time instead of hearing Isabell's view (a slave girl who ran away in the midst of the revolutionary war) we hear from her friend Corzan, who she helped escape as well. Corzan has not seen Isabell for some time after she ran away from him and took all of their money when he said he would not go to North Carolina with her, to save her sister. He is heading North to get to freedom! On the way he saves a soilder from being shot by one of the British soilders in the woods. He can not reveal himself as a black man without freedom papers so he says he is a soilder, and through a calamity of errors, ends up joining the patriot army. He quickly befriends many of the soilders in his battalion, even though he is one of the only black men in the camp. He also makes some enemies who in the end get him back into the hands of his former master. Though his master promised him freedom after serving one year in the patriot army in his place (which he already accomplished in the book Chains), his master takes his word back and Corzan goes back to being a house slave. Much to his horror he finds an old friend who has also been captured as a run away slave working as a maid in the house. You guessed it, Isabell. Will they ever get away, and get a chance to feel freedom? Will Isabell ever find her sister? Find out, Read //Forge// by Laurie Halse Anderson = = = = = = =//The Penderwicks on Gardam Street// by Jeanne Birdsall=
 * Series: Chains**
 * Reviewed by: Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted: 1/26/2012**
 * Grades 4 and up**

Genre: Realistic Fiction
**Grades 2 and up** If you enjoyed the first Penderwick book, you will absolutely LOVE this second book. At this point I think this is the best book I have read all year. There is humor, adventure, mystery and many many blunders made by the Penderwick sisters, and it was an absolute pleasure to read. This books find the Penderwick sisters back at home on Gardam street. They are going about their normal lives, when they get a visit from their Aunt Claire, who starts acting strange right after dinner. She hands over aletter to their father, which turns out to be from their mother who passed away 4 years earlier. The letter states that their father should start dating again! The sisters are horrified at this idea and quickly hold a M.O.P.S. (meetingof the Penderwick sisters) to come up with a plan to foil this idea. The plan involves having there father date the worst women ever so he will give up on dating altogether. In the meant time Jane and Sky (the middle Penderwicks) struggle with unwanted homework assignments. Rosalind (the oldest) is in danger of losing one of her best friends Tommy, who lives across the street, and Batty (the baby) and their dog Hound are having a grand old time spying on the goings on of Gardam street and befriending the new neighbors Iantha and Ben. All of this creates funny fiasco after funny fiasco, and you can't help but fall in love with this family and its stories! = = = = = = =//The Willoughbys// by Lois Lowry=
 * Series: The Penderwicks**
 * Reviewed by: Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review posted on: 12/9/2011**

Genre : Humor
Well one of my all time favorite authors has done it again. The Willoughbys is an absolutely fabulous book! It was laugh out loud funny, and I couldn't put it down. Feel lucky that you are not one of the Willoughby children, they hate their parents....and their parents hate them! Their parents are constantly talking about how annoying their children are and how they get in the way of their life, while their children wish they were part of an old fashion family where their parents would die off and they could live as orphans. In a little twist an infant is left on their door step one day. The parents want nothing to do with yet another child, so they send their 3 sons and one daughter out to leave this new baby on another door step. They decide to leave it on the steps of a reclusive millionaires house down the street. The parents then head out on a vacation without their children (which is just fine with their children) While they are gone they hire a nanny, and proceed to put the house up for sale! The Children on the other hand keep sending the parents suggestions of dangerous vacation spots and actives in the hopes that they will perish and the children can finally become old fashion orphans. The one good thing that has come out of all of this is Nanny, she is loving and caring, and best of all a wonderful cook! So what happens to these children after there parents sell there house out from under them? DO the parents make it through all of there dangerous adventures? And what ever happens with the truly orphaned infant and reclusive millionaire down the street? You will just have to read the Willoughbys by Lois Lowry to find out! = = = = =//Savvy// by Ingrid Law=
 * Reviewed by : Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on : 12/06/2011**
 * Grades 3 and up**

Genre: Fantasy

 * Series: 1st book in the Savvy Series**
 * Reviewed by : Mrs. Rappoccio**

For those of you who are facinated by magic and the impossible in our world, this is the book for you! Mibs (short for Mississippi) Beaumont is about to turn 13 when our story begins. 13 is a BIG birthday for the Beaumonts, it is the year they recieve their Savvy. What is a savvy you ask? Well Mrs. Beaumont does everything perfectly.....grandpa Beaumont can create land just by thinking about it, her oldest brother can control electricity and another brother can control water. A savvy if you have not figured it out yet is a very special talent, one might even say a superpower! The day before Mibs Beaumont is to find out what her savvy is, her father gets into a car accident and is in a coma. How can she concentrate on her savvy when her Papa is in so much trouble? The day of her birthday when things in Mib's world start going a little crazy she, 2 of her brothers, and some not so good friends, stow away on a bus that they hope will take them to Salinas Kansas where Papa is in the hospital. The adventure that begins when the bus take a wrong turn AWAY from Salinas is unforgettable. If you are dying to know what Mibs' savvy is and what happens with her Papa, pick up //Savvy// by Ingrid law!
 * Review Posted on: 11/22/11**
 * Grades 4 and up**

If you enjoy it, it is the first in a series of books, the next one is //Scumble// :)

=//Calvin and Hobbes: Something is Under my Bed is Drooling// by Bill Watterson=

Genre: Humor / Comic Books

 * Reviewed by: Ryan 3rd Grade**
 * Review Posted on: 11/22/11**
 * Grades k and up**

This is a very funny book.It's about a kid who gets into trouble,gets bullied,and gets in fights. = = = = = = = = =**//The Sapphire Knight// by Michael Sullivan**=

Genre: Fantasy/ Adventure
Our story begins with a traveler, alone in the forest, who spots a fire. He cautiously approaches to find a very, very, VERY old man warming himself with the small flames. As the traveler sits down he begins a conversation, and the old man begins his story. At first the traveler is skeptical, but soon finds hims elf so engrossed in the story he can not turn his attention away. The old man begins a tale about his first adventure as the Sapphire night. Music had been stolen from his village, and he heard that the white lady who lived off in barren lands would know what to do about it. Upon traveling to the white lady the knight has to get past some clever obsticles to reach her, only to find out that the white lady can not help, she can only instruct him to kill the Green Witch who lives in the woods. She is the one who has stolen all the music the Sapphire Knight is told, and the only way to get it back is to destroy her. Again the knight sets out on a mission to return the music to his people. The knight finds the Green Witch and learns some very important information from her, but he is not sure who to trust. To find out who the real enemy is, and who has been stealing the music, you will have to join the traveler as he listens to this the very first tale, in what I believe will be many more to come, of //The Sapphire Knight//.
 * Reviewed by : Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review posted on: 11/15/2011**
 * Grades 4and up**

= = =//The Son of Neptune// by Rick Riordan=

Genre: Fantasy/ Adventure
The Son of Neptune is book 2 in The Lost Hero series. This book is about Percy Jackson, Hazel Levesque, and Frank Zhang setting off on a journey to free Thanatos, the god of death. On the way they experience many obsticles on the way, such as gorgons, giants, and ghost legions! If your looking for a book with action, adventure, or greek mythology, this book is definitely for you!
 * Reviewed by: Joe 5th Grade**
 * Review posted on: 11/5/2011**
 * Grades 4 and Up**

=//Crispin// by Avi=

**Genre: Adventure/ Survival**

 * Reviewed by: Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on: 11/2/2011**
 * Grades 4th and up**

Aster’s Son lives in a world we could never imagine 13th Century England. This is a time of feudal law where landowners ruled and the poverty stricken worked their land for them. Aster’s Son and his mother are the poorest of the poor. They live in a one-room dirt hut at the edge of town and are mocked and insulted by all the townsfolk. To make matters worse, Aster dies from a disease and Aster’s son (for no one knows his actual name) is left alone. Grief stricken Aster’s son heads into the woods where he falls and hits his head, only to wake up hours later and over hear a conversation not meant for his ears. When the Steward of the land realizes what Aster’s son has over heard, he blames him for theft and puts a bounty on his head. To survive Aster’s son must leave the only home he has ever known. Along his journey he discovers many new people and many new ways of life, and he also discovers his name! To find out how this adventure ends and if he can really out run the Steward forever, read Crispin!

= = = = =**//Poppy// by Avi**=

**Genre: Fantasy**

 * Reviewed by: Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on: 10/20/2011**
 * Grades 2 and up**


 * Series: Poppy and Friends**

Mr. Ocax the owl rules the forest! At least that is what he tells the mice. They must ask him permission to go anywhere! If they don't then he is allowed to eat them. Our adventure begins with two mice, Poppy and her friend Ragweed, venturing away from home **without** Mr. Ocax's permission. Ragweed is too cool to ask for permission and he wants to find a nice romantic spot to propose to Poppy. What he finds is a Hazelnut and while he is munching he is not paying enough attention to his surroundings. That is when Mr. Ocax attacks! Poppy narrowly escapes and as she deals with the death of her friend and the needs of the growing mouse family, she begins to think there is something sneaky about Mr. Ocax. She must set out on an adventure to figure out what Mr. Ocax is up to, and she discovers some amazing things on her journey. If you are up for an adventure, or just love animal stories Poppy is the book for you! = = =**//Just Juice// by Karen Hesse**=

**Genre: Realistic Fiction**
Ever had trouble in school? Ever had trouble at home? Justus or as she would say "Just Juice" is having trouble in school, she can't read and that has kept her back from 3rd grade. She feels uncomfortable being in the classroom and often skips school to stay home with her father who is having trouble finding work. One day while playing hooky Juice and her father discover they may be in danger of losing their house due to money owed in back taxes!When it seems like it can't get any worse, the family of 5 girls and mom and dad, pull together and work together to keep their house, and keep Juice on track at school. At the end of the book Juice becomes a hero saving her mother and the newest member of her family, Sugar. A secret shared by her father teaches Juice that she is not alone in her academic troubles and she has a partner in her pursuit of learning how to read. Along the road of life we all come across obstacles and hardship, this is a wonderful story of how the love of one family helps them survive these difficulties together. = = = = = = = = =//Zita the Space Girl// by Ben Hatke=
 * Reviewed by: Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on: 9/24/2011**
 * Grades 3 and up**

Genre: Science Fiction / Graphic Novel
If you are in need of another good comic book series after //Amulet// or //Bone//, check out //Zita the Space Girl//. Walking home from school one day Zita and her friend find a mysterious device, a big read button. Being unable to control her curiosity Zita presses the button, and low and behold a door way appears to another dimension. Through the door way comes a strange being that captures Zita's friend and returns to the other world. Now the adventure has begun, Zita opens a new door way and steps through to an alternate universe, to try and rescue her friend. She makes some friends, and enemies along the way....but does she ever rescue her friend? this book is an easy fast read, that hooks you right from the beginning and keeps you asking for more the whole way through!
 * Reviewed by: Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on: 9/19/2011**
 * Grades 2 and up**

=//When You Reach Me// by Rebecca Stead=

Genre: Mystery/ Science Fiction
Newbery Award winner 2010 I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up this Newbery Award Winner, but right away I knew I was going to like it. Its short chapters, and speedy pace make for a really fast read. As you get to know the main character Miranda, you also get to know her whole neighborhood, her old best friend Sal who lives down stairs, her mother practicing to win a game show, her mother's boyfriend Richard, who is not quite perfect, and the crazy man who lives on the corner of her block. Everything starts to go wrong when Marcus a boy who lives down the street punches Sal in the stomach on the way home, for what seems to be no reason at all! Sal stops speaking to Miranda, and she keeps running into Marcus! As she gains an loses friends she also starts receiving secret notes from someone who knows a little too much about her life, but claims they are going to save her friend. Who is writing these notes? How do they know so much about her? Who do they think needs saving? And what does the crazy guy on the corner have to do with any of it???? There is only one way to find out! Read //When You Reach Me// by Rebecca Stead, find it the chapter fiction section of the library!
 * Reviewed by: Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on: 3/29/2011**

= //Where the Mountain Meets the Moon// by Grace Lin =

Genre: Fantasy/ Fairytale
Grades 3 and up //Where the Mountain Meets the Moon// is a Newbery honor book, it is a wonderful mixture of modern story telling and ancient Chinese mythology. It is also the adventure of a young girl, Minli, whose family lives at the base of Fruitless Mountain. They are a poor family, but her father tells her many stories. Minli wants to change her family's fortune and sets out to speak with the man in the moon, to change her destiny. She makes many interesting friends on the way, including a dragon! She also learns many lessons. This coming of age story teaches a valuable lesson about what is truly important in life, and is full of stories within stories within stories, just like the stories we have to tell about our own lives, and our own lessons! Look for it in the chapter fiction section of our library! = = = = = = = = = //The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate// by Jaqueline Kelly =
 * Reviewed by : Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Review Posted on: 3/28/2011**

Genre: Historical Fiction
Newbery Honor Book 2010 = = Calpurnia Tate (or Callie V) is one of 7 children, and the only girl! We meet her as she is turning 12 in hte year 1899 in Texas. Her father owns and farm and her retired grandfather spends most of his time ignoring his grandchildren and working on crazy science experiments in his laboratory. Callie's mother is trying her hardest to make Callie into a fine young lady but Callie V just wants to explore the world around her. She is not your average girl, who likes knitting, and embroidery, and doing her hair. She likes swimming in the river, and observing the bugs and animals around her home. Callie finally connects with her Grandfather over the study of nature and they work together to try and discover new species, both excited by Charles Darwin's new book //The Theory of Evolution//. But Callie must also struggle with the idea that she is supposed to grow up to be a mother and a wife, and NOT a scientist. This is an exciting time in our history with Darwin's work being discussed on a global scale and Henry Ford inventing the new automobile. This book was a wonderful read, full of humor and discovery, a wonderful way to learn about the past without ever having to leave the present. Will Callie be able to find a way to please her parents and get what she really wants out of life, or is she destined to become what her mother wants, even if it is her worst nightmare? Will her Grandfather come to her rescue? Read //The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate// to find out.
 * Grade Level 4th & up**
 * Reviewed by Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Reviewed on: 2/14/2011**

= //The Stone Keeper// by Kazu Kibuishi =

Genre: Adventure & Fantasy/ Graphic Novel
SERIES: Amulet Book 1 If you are looking for a new graphic novel, or a new fantasy adventure this would be an excellent choice! Though the book starts with a move from the city to the country, so this small family can make a new start it quickly twists into a fantasy adventure. Emily and Navin have moved out to their great grandfather's house with their mother, and this house is full of secrets and dangers. Their mother explains that her grandfather was an eccentric inventor who disappeared years ago never to be heard from again. As they are off exploring the house on their own Emily is presented with a necklace that seems to speak to her, she puts it on and hides it under her shirt and almost immediately the fun begins! There is a strange noise in the basement and Emily and Navin's mother goes to see what the commotion is and is kidnapped by a large fantastical creature and stolen off into the depths of a tunnel that leads out of the basement into a whole new world. Emily and Navin chase after to save her. On their journey they discover new territory, with creatures they have never seen before, and Emily is given a proposition by someone she has never met but someone who has been waiting for her very patiently for years. Find out who this someone is and whether or not Emily takes them up on their offer in this thrilling story of a girl who is determined to keep her family safe.
 * Grade level: 2nd & up**
 * Reviewed by : Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Reviewed on: 1/10/2011 [[image:http://www.scholastic.com/amulet/images/cvStoneKeeper.jpg width="250" height="334" align="right" caption="external image cvStoneKeeper.jpg"]]**

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = //The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Perilous Journey// by Trenton Lee Stuart =

Genre: Adventure & Science Fiction
SERIES: Mysterious Benedict Society Book 2
 * Grade Level: 4th & up**
 * Reviewed by: Mrs. Rappoccio**[[image:http://images.betterworldbooks.com/031/The-Mysterious-Benedict-Society-and-the-Perilous-Journey-9780316057806.jpg width="227" height="340" align="right" caption="external image The-Mysterious-Benedict-Society-and-the-Perilous-Journey-9780316057806.jpg"]]
 * Reviewed on: 1/10/2011**

If you enjoyed the first book in The Mysterious Benedict Society series by Trenton Lee Stuart, then you are in for a treat! The second book is just as captivating and thrilling as the first. At the end of the first book we saw these special children: Reynie Muldoon, Kate Weatherall, George (sticky) Washington, and Constance Contraire, find homes of there own to return to, but you better believe they have missed seeing each other everyday. Now they are all planning a get together that Mr. Benedict has arranged and they are very, very excited about it. As they prepare to leave for this reunion at Mr. Benedict's house they miss an urgent message from Rhonda telling them that there has been an incident and it is too dangerous to come!!! By the time they get to the house they discover that though Mr. Benedict has planned a scavenger hunt that will take them around the globe he himself has gone missing and they are afraid he has been kidnapped by his arch nemesis Ledroptha Curtain. Now it is up to the children to head out on the scavenger hunt on their own, but rather then being excited to be reunited with Mr. Benedict and Number Two, they are just hoping to find them still in one piece. Adventures ensue and at every turn there is a new twist. Get ready to read your weekend away with the Second in the Mysterious Benedict Society series, //The Perilous Journey//! = = = //The Black Book of Colors// by Menena Cottin Illustrated by Rosana Faria =

Genre: Picture Book, Non-Fiction

 * Grade Level: K and up**

This is an amazing picture book that offers its readers a unique experience. Have you wondered how those who do not have the ability to see discover the world around them? The Black Book of Colors gives you this experience. Through the textured picture you can learn to look at the world through your sense of touch rather then your sense of sight. All of the writing is also written in braille so you can experience how the visually impaired would read a picture book. You will find no colors in this book other then black, but you you will find a new world to discover!! Enjoy!
 * Reviewed by: Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Reviewed on: 12/16/2010**

= //The Dopple Ganger Chronicles: The First Escape// by G.P. Taylor = == Genre: Graphic Novel, Adventure == SERIES The Dopple Twins Sadie and Sasika and Erik Ganger all live in an orphange, Isamdard Dunstan's School for Wayward Girls, where they were abandon by their parents. Sasika and Sadie spend their days causing trouble in the form of food fights, rioting, and minor explosions, and Erik the caretaker spends his days cleaning up after them. One day this changes when a rich spinster Muzz Elliot wants to adopt Sasika, but NOT her twin sister Sadie, they are forced to be seperated. On her own in a huge mansion Sasika discovers a conspiracy that threatens her life, and is visited by a strange ghost Mrs. Rapheal who gives her advice on how to stay safe. In the mean time Sadie, upset by the seperation from her sister escapes from the orphanage with Erik on a mission to find Sasika. They make many enemies along the way and face many dangers that they could never have dreamed up. They must decide in the end who to trust and what to believe in and do their best to survive! Will they make it? Will they discover who is behind the conspriacy and get to the police in time? Read //The Dopple Ganger Chronicles: The First Escape// to find out.
 * Grade level: 3rd and up**
 * Reviewed by: Mrs. Rappoccio**
 * Reviewed on: 11/30/2010**

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = **//The Mysterious Benedict Society// by Trenton Lee Stewart** = = Genre: Adventure & Science Fiction = SERIES If you like a good adventure story this is the book for you. At the beginning of the novel we meet Reynie Muldoon an orphan who most would consider a genius for his age. While reading the paper one morning he comes across and mysterious ad asking "Are you a Gifted Child Looking for Special opportunities?" and decides that yes, he is just that. He takes a series of peculiar tests along with hundreds of other children but only 4 succeed in moving on to the next step. What is the next step? A secret mission that can only be entrusted to the most intelligent and resourceful children. These children Reynie, Sticky Washington a genius with a photographic memory, Kate Wetherall who always has a bucket containing all sorts of useful items and Constance Contraire an incredibly short and incredible stubborn young girl with a knack for creating poetry, are just the children for the job. The man behind the test, Mr. Benedict, instructs them that they will be in charge of saving the world! To do so they must go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Intelligent, also known as L.I.V.E., where they must discover how the head master Ladroptha Curtain is sending secret messages through televisions and radios and what he plans to do once these messages have seeped into the minds of everyone on earth! It is a dangerous mission that risks life and limb, and if they fail the world will change forever! Read //The Mysterious Benedict Society// if you are in the mood for a true adventure!
 * Grade Level: 4th grade and up**
 * Reviewed by: Mrs. Rappoccio, Librarian**
 * Reviewed on: 11/30/2010**