Tales of a Fourh Grade Nothing

Hook

"I won Dribble at Jimmy Fargo's birthday party.  All the other guys got to take home goldfish in little plastic bags.  I won him because I guessed there were three hundred and forty-eight jelly beans in Mrs. Fargo's jar.  Really, there were four hundred and twenty-three, she told us later.  Still my guess was closet.  'Peter Warren Hatcher is the big winner!'  Mrs. Fargo announced.  At first I felt bad that I didn't get a goldfish, too.  Then Jimmy handed me a glass bowl.  Inside there was some water an three rocks.  A tiny green turtle was sleeping on the biggest rock.  All the other guys looked at their goldfish.  I knew what they were thinking."  (pages 1-2)


Recommendation
Do you have a little brother that causes mischief?  Do you have a pet turtle?  Either way, you would love this book.  It kind of relates to me as well because I have a little brother that causes mischief.  Actually, two.  "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" is about a kid named Peter who doesn't like having a little brother.  He pretty much doesn't want a little brother.  Also, his mom won't let him have a turtle just because she doesn't like the way he smells.  So, basically, Peter doesn't really have a good life, don't you think?  That's not all.  Wait until you see what happens later in the book.  Do you think Peter will get a better life?  Or will it become worse?  Read this book to find out!

Blog By: Logan B.
Book By: Judy Blume
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Big Nate In a Class By Himself

Hook
"She could have called on anybody.  There were twenty two other kids in the clasroom, and they all had their hands up in the air.  Francis did.  Teddy did.  Gina did, of course.  Even Nick Blonsky, who usually sits in the back row with his pencil up his nose, had his hand raised.  She could have called on one of them, right?  Guess who she calls on." (pages1-2)

Recommendation
Big Nate is about a kid who is 11 years old. In this book, Nate, the main character, does what a fourtune cookie tells him: Today you will surpass all others.  Of course, he TRYS to do it, but ends up getting in trouble.  But there's more where that came from.  Hurry up!  Go to your library and check it out!  Don't think we'll give away ALL the secrets!  Will Nate ever surpass others?  Only one way to find out, READ THIS BOOK!!!!!  Enjoy!




Blog By: Logan B. and Zachary D.
Book By: Lincoln Peirce
Genre: Humor/Graphic Novel

The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket

Hook:

"But the mycologist was not looking at the siblings,She was looking past them, and her eyes were wide with fear behind the triangular glasses..."Mycelium" she said finally, in a faint whisper, and the Baudelaires turned to see that she had spoken the truth. Sprouting out of the sand, quickly and silenly, were the stalks and caps of the Medusoid Mycelium, the poisonous fungus Fiona had described back on the Queequeg...At first just a handful was visible-each one a dark gray color, with black splotches on the caps as if they were spattered with ink-and then more and more, like a silent, deadly crowd that had gathered on the beach and was staring blindly at the terrified children..." (page 137)

“Sunny coughed again, and then began to wheeze…This book should have information on the antidote…Chapter Forty, The Gorgonian Grotto… Sunny’s wheezing continued to wax…Just one small dose of root of horse…We need to find an antidote this very minute…The elder Baudelaires shuddered, not wanting to think about what would happen to Sunny if horseradish were not found on the shelves…Sunny wheezed once more, a frantic whistle that reminded her siblings of a train’s lonely noise as it disappears into a tunnel…" (page 243 to 248)

Recommendation:

Have you ever read a book that was so interesting and captivating that you simply can't bear to put it down, and you kept reading and reading until you finished it, and you are hungry for more? Well, 'The Grim Grotto' is one of those books. It tells the story of the three Baudelaire orphans, and how they endured the what evil plans the mean, nasty Count Olaf and his villainous girlfriend cooked up. This depressing story of care, friendship, and betrayal will take you into the unpleasant world of the Baudelaire orphans' life. You may want to read the first ten books before you start on this, or you would miss the horrifying first ten adventures of the Baudelaire orphans with Count Olaf.

Blog by: Shi Yun H.

Book by: Lemony Snicket

Genre: Mystery/ Suspense

Super Chicken Nugget Boy And The Furious Fry

Hook:
"Lester! Roy called out.
'What about him?' Roy asked.

'Where is he?' asked Fern

'I dont know,said Roy.'  He looked around at all the kids running away from the school.
'I dont see him.'
'Thats because he's still in school!' said Fern.
'He must be trapped in the basement!'
'Oh well, said Roy, it was nice knowing him.'
'I have to go back for him!' said Fern
'I think i'm losing my hearing.' said Roy.
'It sounded like you just said you have to go back and get Lester!" (Page 99)

Recommendation:
Have you ever been bullyed before or felt like you're not popular? Well if you said yes to either of those then you might want to meet Fernando Goldberg. This book is about a new kid named (Fern) that moved to a different elementry school and is having a hard time fitting in.Two bullies named Dirk and Donald are the schools bullys that bully Fern everyday.One day the bullies chased Lester and Fern to the back of a resturant and Fern fell into ratioactive cooking oil and he turned into Super Chicken Nugget Boy so now when ketchup touches his flesh and blood he turns into Super Chicken Nugget Boy. Now, when it seems like a normal day, he will have to fight a gigantic furious fry and he will face a epic battle were ends never meet.Will Fern save Lester? Find out in your library.

Blog By:Craig Skiba
Book By:Josh Lewis
Genere: Humor; Graphic Novel
                          

War With Grandpa

Hook

"I felt Grandpa’s bony hand on my arm. “War is no game, Petey” he said. “Only kids and fools and generals think that.”

“You’re my enemy” I said in a loud voice, “and I want what’s mine.”

I shook his arm off my arm. “You marched in here like an army and kicked me out of my –.”

WACK!

Grandpa’s right hand came whipping out of nowhere and slapped me hard across the cheek."

(page 32)


"There was a knock on the door, “Come on in Grampa” I called out. The door opened and Grampa was there. He had one hand covering his mouth, but his eyes looks awfully angry. He came into the room sideways, his face turned toward the window and away from me. “Ma feef air miffing” he said.

I stared at him “What?”

“My feef” he said, “You ot ma feef, ont u?”

I got out of bed. As I did that Grandpa turned his back on me. “Ont ook at me!” he said.

It sounded like he was talking Pig Latin or some type of weird language.

“I don’t understand you,” I said.

“Ma feef!” shouted Grampa. “Iff me ack ma feef, oo ittle mobber.”

Suddenly the dawn came up in my brain. That’s the way Grandpa spoke without his teeth. Amazing. And weird. “You’re asking me to give you your teeth back right?” I said.

Grampa nodded his head, his hands still covering his mouth.

“Well, “I said “You have to do something first.” (page 110)


Recommendation:


Have you ever had to give up something you love? Peter, an 11-year-old boy, has to give up his room because his elderly grandfather is moving in. So Peter decides to declare war on his grandfather to get his room back. In a way that includes stolen dentures, hanging underwear and dirty words, who will be the winner?
You may know the author Robert Kimmel Smith, who also wrote Chocolate Fever and Jelly Belly. This book is realistic fiction and would be good for anyone who likes reading books with a mixture of humor and seriousness.


Blog by: Cara L.
Book by: Robert Kimmel Smith
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Humor

Diary or a Wimpy Kid Dog Days

Hook:
"For me, summer vacation is basically a three-month guilt trip. Just because the weather’s nice, everyone expects you to be outside all day “frolicking” or what-ever. And if you don’t spend every second outdoors, people think there’s something wrong with you. But the truth is, I’ve always been more of an indoor person. The way I like to spend my summer vacation is in front of the TV, playing video games with the curtains closed and the lights turn off." (Page 1)



Recommmendation:
Have you ever taken money from a friend or family member?This book is about a kid named Greg and his friend Rowley on summer vacation. Rowley’s family belongs to the country club. Greg and Rowley use Rowley’s dad’s tab or an account. They have to pay back all the money for the smoothies they charged to the account. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys humor. You should read this book to find out if Greg and Rowley pay back the money. Even if you don’t like humor, you should really try this book.If you just want a great book this is one you'll like. If you read any of the other books in the Diary of a Wimpy kid series this one is the best. So head to your library and check it out before someone else does. I hope you like it as much as I did.


Blog by: Rebecca D.
Book by: Jeff Kinney
Genre: Humor

Aquamarine

"Hook"

            "Both girls knew that things changed, sometimes for the worse.  Claire had lost her parents and Hailey's mother and father had been divorced, and now her mother worked long hours and hadn't any time to have fun.  But the Capri had always stayed the same, a place to hold on to even in the darkest days of winter when snow piled up by their doors."[p. 8]

Recommendation

     Have you ever thought mermaids are real?  In this book they are. Aquamarine is a book about two girls who find a mermaid at a beach club.  They overcome a lot a misunderstandings together.  Aquamarine's obstical is that when ever she touches water or the sun sets she becomes a beautiful blue mermaid.  There are mean girls, nice girls, cute boys,and funny parts just in this book.  With just a peek in Mrs.Ryan's library, you can find all this and more in the book Aquamarine.

Blog: Emily D.
Author: Alice Hoffman
Genre: Fantasy

DragonBreath: Curse of the Were-Wiener

                  

Hook

"Wendell jerked his hand away from the hot dog and shoved a finger into his mouth.  "Owwwmmmff!" he said around the mouthful of finger.

"Are you okay?"

"I think it bit me!"  Danny considered this.  On the one hand, hot dogs didn't usally bite.  On the other hand, Wendell was not what their teacher Mr. Snaug called "a fantasy-prone personality." (Mr. Snaug did call Danny this on a regular basis, generally in notes sent home to Danny's parents.) 
Besides, it wouldn't be the first time the school lunch had fought back.  There had been that incident last spring.

"You remember the potato salad?"
"The one that bit Big Eddy?"  Wendell nodded." (pg.16)

Recommendation
Have you ever had a bad experince with your cafateria food?  So has Danny DragonBreath's best friend, Wendell.  He got bit by a hot dog.  Not that I'm asking you if you got bit by a hot dog...  Anyway, DragonBreath Curse of the Were-Wiener, is about two best friends, Danny and Wendell, trying to cure Wendell from what Danny calls it a "were-wiener" bite.  Acording to Reginald, in order to cure Wendell, they have to defeat the Alpha Wurst.  Also, the Alpha Wurst always appears where the were-wieners are being made.  Will Wendell ever get cured?  Or will he stay a were-wiener forever?  Find out in this book!

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS IS THE THIRD BOOK IN THE SERIES: DRAGONBREATH.  I RECOMMEND YOU READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS IN ORDER TO FULLY UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON IN DANNY'S LIFE.


Blog By: Logan B.
Book By: Ursula Vernon
Genere: Humor; Graphic Novel

Crash

Hook

"My real name is John.  John Coogan.  But everybody calls me Crash, even my parents...Actually, I lied a minute ago.  Not everybody calls me Crash.  There's one person who doesn't.  It's just one of a million things that have bugged me for years about this kid.  I can still remember the first time I saw him.  The summer before first grade, seven years ago.  It was a sunny summer day.  I was in the front yard digging a hole with my little red shovel.  I heard something like whistling.  I looked up.  It was whistling.  It was coming from a funky- looking dorky little runt walking up the sidewalk.  Only he wasn't just walking regular.  He was walking like he owned the place, both hands in his pockets, sort of swaying lah-dee-dah with each step. Strollllll-ing... And he wore a button, a big one.  It covered about half of his chest.  Which wasn't hard since his chest is so scrawny.  So here he comes strolling, whistling, gawking, buttoning, dorking up the sidewalk, onto my sidewalk, my property, and all of a sudden I knew what I had to do, like there was a big announcement coming down from the sky: Don't let him pass."(1,2)

Recommendation
   Do you have a friendship thats not really a friendship?  Crash does.  His name is Penn. They have known each other for years.  But the truth is Penn is just weird.  Every day Crash teases Penn about his clothes being from second time around and the different buttons he wears on his shirt.Throughtout the book you will notice that the teasing and the bullying is starting to happen less and less. 
  
   I highly recommend this book to people with a sense of humor.  You also have to be able to take some sadness too.
   I don't recommend this book to people who get sad very easily, or people who do not care for humor.
   WARNING: AS FUNNY IT MAY BE IN THE BEGINNG,  IT GETS SADDER AS YOU GO ALONG!!!!!

Blog by: Ella Hammes
Book by: Jerry Spinelli
Genre: Realistic fiction

The Sisters Grimm #1 The Fairy Tale Detectives

Hook

“It had been raining the day her parents disappeared. That was over a year and a half ago, but it still made her heart ache. She remembered rushing home that afternoon with a report card safely tucked inside her rain coat. Excited about her A's in Math and English and her B in Science, (and a little disappointed by her C in Gym), she had proudly taped it to the refrigerator for all to see. It had seemed odd that her parents weren't home from work, but Sabrina didn't worry until Daphne's kindergarten teacher called to find out why no one had picked up the little girl. That night, the girls slept in their parents bed, waiting for them to come home as thunder and lightning crashed in the sky around their apartment. When the social worker came three days later to take them away, it was still raining and Sabrina's report card was still hanging on the refrigerator, awaiting its praise...The police started an investigation. They searched the family's apartment for clues. They interviewed neighbors and co-workers. They dusted for fingerprints, but found nothing. Henry and Veronica Grimm had simply vanished into thin air. Months later, the police found their abandoned car. The only clue was a blood red handprint on the dashboard.”

(Pages 1-2)

Recomendation

Do you know the Brothers Grimm and the famous fairy tales and folk tales they collected? Well say hello to Wilhelm Grimm’s great-great-great-great granddaughters, Sabrina and Daphne Grimm and a cast of characters including Puck, Granny Relda, Mr. Canis, Snow White, Beauty, the Beast, Pied Piper, and many more. I think this book is fun to read and the relastionship with the characters is very close.  Throughout the books, there are little crimes that their family has to solve. The big one throughout the series is what happened to their parents and why didn't the sister's dad tell them about fairytales? Last of all who kidnapped them? 

Do you like adventures about things that you could not possibly think of? Have you ever wondered if fairytales are real? This book is about two sisters that solve mysteries, not just any mysteries but fairytale mysteries. I like this series because it’s a mixture of every genre, including fairytale, humor, romance, adventure, and you can’t forget mystery. Once you start reading you may never put it down!

I recomend this book  to all who love fairytales with a little kick to it.

 Enjoy! 

Blog: Cara L.

Book: Michael Buckley

Genre: Fantasy

The Meanest Doll in the World

Hook:

"Annabelle doll sat in the soap dish high above the bathtub in the Palmers’ house. Since Nora Palmer was just below her taking her bath, Annabelle had to hold still, still, still. She could not be caught moving. But she was desperate to see the cause of all the splashing and shouting she heard. 'Shark! Shark attack! Cried Nora. 'Look out; dollies get out of the way. There was a tremendous splash and the sound of sloshing as water hit the tile floor of the bathroom.' Everyone out of the ocean! Commanded Nora.'Come on back

to the beach." (p.1)

Recommendation:

Have you ever wondered if your dolls were alive?  The Meanest Doll in the World is about two dolls named Annabelle and Tiffany that are alive. Tiffany is Nora Palmer’s doll and Annabelle is Katie Palmer’s doll. One day the dolls were exploring the house when they heard footsteps. They needed to hide so Annabelle and Tiffany jumped into Katie’s backpack and were brought to school. When they realized they were at school they explored the school. When it was time to go they got into the wrong backpack. When Tiffany and Annabelle got out of the backpack they were in the wrong house. There the dolls meet Meany Mimi truly the meanest doll in the world. Will they get back home or will Meany Mimi destroy them first?

The second book The Meanest Doll in the World, is the second in the Doll People series. We recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a fantasy story. Even if you don’t like dolls, I recommend you try this book.

Blog by: Rebecca D.
Book by: Ann M. Martin 
Genre: Fantasty

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The Hook

" 'This must be a simply enormous wardrobe!' thought Lucy, going still further in and pushing the soft folds of the coats aside to make room for her …

Next moment she found that what was rubbing on her face and hands was no longer soft fur but something hard and rough and even prickly. 'Why, it is just like branches of trees!' exclaimed Lucy. And then she saw that there was a light ahead of her; not a few inches away where the back of the wardrobe ought to have been, but a long way off. Something cold and soft was falling on her. A moment later she found that she was standing in the middle of a wood at night-time with snow under her feet and snowflakes falling through the air."

Recommendation

Imagine sitting in a comfortable living room with your brothers and sisters, listening to a story of magic, children, fantasy creatures, kings and queens, evil witches, adventure, battle, death, and rebirth. You snuggle next to the fireplace to keep warm. The storyteller is professor C.S. Lewis of the famous Oxford University. He takes you into a fantasy world of eternal winter where four siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy have an adventure of a lifetime. The world is called Narnia. Will the children defeat the cruel White Witch with the help of King Aslan the Lion? Will Edmund lose his life to the Witch? What terrible sacrifice will Aslan make to save Edmund? All these questions, and more, will be answered in this exciting book!

I recommend this book to all who love fairytales, especially children. It’s quite nice that C.S. Lewis speaks to you in a kind and friendly way throughout the story. Now snuggle up under your blanket next to the fire as the professor reads on. Just like the children who spent years in Narnia, and came back only minutes older, you will lose track of time as you hear the professor’s words.

Blog by Caraline Le Coz

Author: C.S. Lewis

Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Soul Surfer

The Hook

“It came, literally, out of the blue. I had no warning at all … relaxing on my board with my right hand on the nose of the board and my left arm dangling in the cool water … suddenly there was a flash of gray.”

Recommendation

Did you ever think you could succeed in a professional sport with just one arm? A teenager named Bethany Hamilton has. Soul Surfer is about Bethany, who is now a woman pro-surfer. The book cover states “A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board”. This book is about surviving a terrible accident of losing a limb to a shark.

It is a well-written and interesting book for 5^th Graders. There are many descriptions of beautiful Hawaii. Bethany’s stories about her family and friends are fun to read.

I do not recommend this book to sensitive people, or to those who scare easily. Also, if you do not believe in God, you may not enjoy this book.

Readers with strong religious beliefs will enjoy this book. I recommended it to all who are facing struggles in their own lives. If you plan on visiting Hawaii, you might like this book, too. Rush to your library before someone else checks it out!

Blog by Caraline Le Coz

Author: Bethany Hamilton

Genre: Nonfiction

Being Danny's Dog

 The "Hook"

     

     "It took almost fifteen minutes to get out of O'Hare, not to mention the drive back, and all the way home Grandma Flora kept taking things out of her carry-on bag to show what she'd brought-mostly stuff she'd had in her refrigerator and hadn't wanted to leave behind."(Page 52)

Recommendation
   Have you ever had to move to a new development/home? Well, T.R. and Danny have- lots of times. This time, they move to Rosemary Acres, run by Miss Quinn, the meanest and  strictest person ever. Also, according to her, everything in the development has to be her way, which is perfect. Blue shutters, white siding, green front doors. They can't even play by the lake-ever! And when Danny and his friend Paul get tired of it, they plan to do something that  may get them kicked out of Rosemary Acres. Will Danny, T.R., Paul and their other 3 friends get kicked out? Or worse? Find out in Being Danny's Dog!

WARNING: PARENT PERMISSION IS REQUIRED TO READ DUE TO INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE/ OTHER MATERIAL

Blog by:Jack B.
Book by: Phillys Reynolds Naylor
Genre: Realistic Fiction

The Last Holiday Concert

"The Hook"

" WHO?' he boomed 'WHO DID THIS?' Eyes flashing, he snatched up the rubber bands. Pinching them between his thumb and his forefinger, he shook them out in front of his face.
'Who? Tell me right now!'
A man who gets hopping mad, who gets so angry that he sputters and spits and stomps around, all red in the face with his eyes bugging out and his teeth showing-in a comedy movie or a TV show, that can be very funny. In real life, it's not.
Realizing that the shots must have come right, Mr. Meinert spun to face the boys. 'NOW' he bellowed. 'Tell me now! Who did this?' Mr. Meinert looked quickly from face to face, and when he locked eyes with Hart, he knew."
( Page 22)

" On Friday Mr. Meinert called the chorus to order as usual. He took attendance as usual. Then he said, 'Hart, it's all yours.'
Right away Tim Miller chirped, 'Yippee-free period!'
Before a lot more cheering could break out, Hart stood up and said, 'Hold it, everybody. Listen a minute...listen.'
It got completely quiet. The sudden silence surprised Hart almost as much as it surprised Mr. Meinert.
 Hart froze for a second or two and his face started to get red. But he gulped and said,'I...I know that me... you know, me getting elected and everything? I know it was sort of a joke-and it's pretty funny.'
Tim Miller wagged his head and went, 'Har, har, har! Haw, haw,haw!' exaggerating a big laugh. The rest of the kids laughed too, but when Hart raised his hand,  everyone got quiet. (page 71)

Recommendation

Have you ever been in charge of a chorus concert? Well,12 year old Hart knows how stressful it really is. First it's getting in trouble. Second it's controlling over 100 people for a chorus concert. Third, well  you're going to have to find that out. He's getting a little bossy. His friends want to do what they think is a Chorus concert, but their way is a little off key. He is in jeopardy of losing all of his friends and his popularity. Will Hart survive the seventh grade having known that everyone hates him? Or will he let the Middle School control the concert. Will Mr. Meinert lose his job because of budget cuts? Or will the holiday concert save it?

Book By: Andrew Clements
Blog By: Sheridan M. and Joey P.
Genre: Realistic Fiction

The Landry News

The "Hook"

      "Cara Louise, I am talking to you!' Cara Landry didn't answer her mom. She was busy.

She sat at the gray folding table in the kitchenette, a heap of torn paper scraps in front of her."( Page 1)

      "Mom, I'm not writing the news anymore because I'm angry. Honest."( Page 30)

      "Cara had to plan each edition. She had to read every story and every feature, plus she would help kids with their revising and editing. And on Thursdays, when Joey was assembling everything on the computer screen, Cara often had to cut articles or features that took up too much space."( Page 90)

     "When The Landry News chose the motto 'Truth and Mercy',  we did it to remind ourselves that a good newspaper must have both. A newspaper that is only filled with cold, hard facts is like an iceberg... A newspaper that only looks on the soft  and gentle side of things is like a jellyfish, floppy and spineless. From the start, The Landry News has tried to be a balanced, good-hearted newspaper."(Page 130)

Recommendation

    Have you ever written a newspaper? Been "the new kid" at school? Or gone through a tough divorce? If you said yes to any of these 3 choices, you can relate to Cara Landry. When Cara's parents divorced, she moves to a new school- and starts a newspaper to express her anger. Being in 4th grade with a bunch of weirdos doesnt help control it  either.  But, when she moves into 5th grade with Mr. Karl Larson, things change.  Mr. Larson says he is responsible for anything that is published in the newspaper. Cara isn't angry anymore, but when she publishes a story about divorce, it sets the principal off. Will The Landry News crash?  Will Mr.Larson keep his job?  Find out by reading the book The Landry News!

Blog by: Jack B.
Book by: Andrew Clements
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Among the Hidden

 

 "HOOK"

                             

"There was a law against Luke. not him personally- everyone like him, kids who were born after their parents had already had two babies. Actually Luke didn't know if there was anybody else like him. He wasn't supposed to exist. Maybe he was the only one."(pg.6)

"Luke found out his what mother meant a few days later when he came down for breakfast. As usual, he opened the door from the back stairs to the kitchen only a crack. He could remember barely a handful of times in his entire life when someone had dropped by before breakfast."(pg.20)

"A face. A child's face. In a house where two boys already lived."(pg.41)

Recommendation
 Have you ever had to hide all your life? Have you ever had a law against you? Well I have. My name is Luke. Now I will tell you a story about my life. I have never had a normal life. I've had to hide ever since I was born. I basically live in the attic, which is my bedroom. My family owns a farm and we're losing a lot money. People are making houses behind ours, and now I can't even go outside. I know what your thinking... we used to have some woods in our backyard. But now they took the woods down, and the houses are built, and the Barons are moved in, I can't even be in the same room as an open window! Your lucky you know.You can watch TV and play on the computer. I can't. It's monitored by the Population Police.  Here's my check list.

1. Hide

2. Stay inside

3. Stay away from windows

4. Live in the attic

5. Eat on stairs

6. Run if you go outside

7. Don't make noise if someone is there

8. STAY ALIVE

WARNING: Might be violent near end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Book By: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Blog By: Luke and Jonny

Genre: Mystery / Suspense

The Kingdom Keepers

Hook 

"I feel you...' It was a woman's horse whisper, raspy and dry, as if she had sand in her throat. Goose flesh rippled up in Finn's arms and down his spine. He was freezing now. 'You don't belong here. Go away'...came that awful voice again 'You can't hide from me'...Finn had heard that voice before. But how is that possible?... A green hand. The hand emerged from the end of a long black sleeve... It was Maleficent."(pg 124 - 125)

Recommendation

Ever wondered about the truth about Disney? Ever wanted to see what would happen at night? In "The Kingdom Keepers" Finn Maybeck, Willa, Charlene, and Pilby are DHI's which stands for Disney Host Interactive. But, it also stands for Daylight Hologram Imaging. But when everyone is sleeping, all six of them are transported to Disney! But, of all things, they are are turn into their DHI's! Enemies, such as Maleficent, are trying to turn the beloved Disney into a dark world. Will the six accept the challenge? Or will they turn it down? Read this book to find out!


WARNING!: If you dislike Disney, do not read this.
P.S. don't forget the next three! Disney at Dawn, Disney in Shadows, and Power Play
Book by:Ridley Pearson
Blog by: Jocelyn Chan 
Genre: Fantasy

Holes

Hook:

"There is no lake at Camp Green Lake. There was a very large lake here, the largest lake in Texas. That was over a hundred years ago. Now it is just dry, flat wasteland. There used to be a town of Green Lake as well. The town shriveled and dried up along with the lake, and the people who lived there." (page 3)

"He climbed out of his hole and sifted his fingers through the pile. He felt something hard and metallic. He pulled it out. It was a gold tube, about as long and as wide as the second finger on his right hand. The tube was open at one end and closed at the other. He used a few drops of his precious water to clean it. There seemed to be some kind of design on the flat, closed end. He poured a few more drops of water on it and rubbed it on the inside of his pants pocket. He looked again at the design engraved into the flat bottom of the tube. He could see an outline of a heart, with the letters K B etched inside it." (pages 60 and 61)

"The lizard landed on Kate's bare ankle. It's sharp black teeth bit into her leg. Its white tongue lapped up the droplets of blood that leaked out of the wound. Kate smiled. There was nothing they could do to her anymore. 'Start digging,' she said. 'Where is it?' Linda screeched. 'where'd you bury it?' Trout demanded. Kate Barlow died laughing." (page 123)

Recommendation:
Have you ever done something really really bad? I bet not as bad as Stanley. I can't tell you exactly what he did but it probably had to do with his dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-grandfather. Stanley Yelants is a kid who just wants to fit in, but he can't when his family is so desperate for money his father is trying to find a way to recycle old sneakers. When Sneakers fall from the sky! It seems to good to be true and it is. It lands Stanley in the wasteland Camp Green Lake. There's not even a lake! So he's out there digging holes in the blazing heat, while the Warden sits in her air conditioned cabin all cozy. UGGGGG! Stanley encounters the strangest group of juvenile delinquents in the world possibly! The kids there have all done bad things so they are digging holes to "build character"! Stanley thinks the warden wants something else, something more important than helping criminals. What is it though? I'm not telling you! I can tell you this though, to uncover these mysteries... Start digging!

Book by: Lois Sachar
Blog by: Madison H.
Genre: Fiction

Savvy

Hook:

"It's poppa,' Momma said in a choked voice, as her perfect features stretched and pinched. A gust of wind burst from fish's side of the table, blowing everyone's hair and sending our paper napkins flying pell-mell onto the floor... She told us how Poppa's car had gotten crushed up bad, like a pop can under a cowboy boot, and how he'd gone and forgotten to get out before it happened, landing himself in a room and a bed at Salina hope Hospital, where now he lay broken and asleep, not able to wake up." (pages 9 and 10)

"Poppa didn't wake up. Not yet at least. The doctors say-well, they say we'll have to wait and see.' At that moment, I knew exactly what I had to do-I just hadn't yet figured out how to do it." (page 42)

"That was when I saw the colorful ink of Bobbie's tattoo. The preacher's daughter had a small design on her lower back that only showed itself when she bent over in those fancy jeans. The tattoo was a picture of a little angel with a golden halo and outstretched wings, only this angel had a devilish grin and a pointed red tail to match...That was when that little angel turned its head, twirled its tail, and said, 'She's really lonely, you know...' And that was when I fainted." (pages 52 and 53)

"The bus had stopped. The engine had been turned off. The rattling and bouncing halted. The deliveryman was standing in the aisle, fists on hips, arms akimbo, staring at us all, his lost-dog look replaced now by something a bit more nettled-something a lot more cross. 'She knows she's in trouble now,' said Bobbi's angel in my ears. She's not the only one, I said to myself. (page 82)

Recommendation:
Does your family have magical powers? A savvy. I didn't think so. Mibs's family is normal, that's what they want you to think.  Mibs, short for Mississippi is a girl with a secret. Her family has savvies. For those of you who don't know what a savvy is, it's a special power. Her brother Fish, can control weather her brother Rocket, can make electricity, her grandfather can move mountains, and her mother is perfect. She can even fail perfectly! Now it's Mibs turn. Tomorrow, Mibs has her thirteenth birthday and that means it's savvy time! The night before Mibs has her birthday things take an unexpected turn. Her father got into a car accident and was taken to the hospital in a coma. That sticks her, Fish and their sneaky 7 year old brother Samson, with the preachers wife, her angel, Will Jr. and her snotty devil Bobbi. The preachers wife just has to stick her nose in other peoples business and organize a birthday party at the church. All Mibs is focused on is getting to her father in the hospital. A leap in the back of the bible truck means Mibs is home free, until Fish, Samson,Will Jr, and Bobbi must come along. Read this book, and it will take you on a journey of friendship, family, some tattoos, and a savvy never to forget.

Book by: Ingrid Law
Blog by: Madison H.
Genre: Fantasy

                                                                                                                                                                 

Million-Dollar Throw

The "Hook"

       "I'm not going to lie to you, son,' his dad said. 'That's a possibility. Has been for a while. The way it is with a lot of other people right now. It's why I have to go back into the want ads tomorrow and see if I can find a job as soon as possible.' He smiled, almost like he was making fun of himself, before he said, 'Another dream job. 'But what if you don't, dad? What happens to us if you don't find something right away?'

  'Nates dad gave him a long look, then his eyes shifted back to Nate's mom. Then back to Nate. His dad shrugged. 'Then we will lose this house,' he said. He slammed his hands on the table, stood up, said, 'We'll lose everything,' and walked out of the room." (pages 166-167)

    "Doug Compton led them back toward the tunnel. Malcolm started to talk about all things he'd buy for himself with a million dollars if he only had to spend it on himself: flat screens, an iPhone, every cool video game known to man, season tickets to the Patriots' games, and a fancy sports car that he would hold on to until he was old enough to drive it to Gillette Stadium. 'What about you?' he said to Nate. 'You must've thought about it.' 'Yeah dude,' Nate said. 'I have."(page 226)

Recommendation
What would you do with a million dollars, if you were thirteen?
     Most people would say: I'm going to spend it on candy, flat screens, and everything I want.  But not Nate Brodie, or "Brady" which is what Abby calls him.
    So many things are happening in Nate's life: His best friend Abby McCall is going blind, his parents are losing thier jobs and almost everything, and he's so nervous about the throw on Thanksgiving night! Will "Brady" win a million dollars? What will he do with it? Are his parents going to get thier jobs back?
Find out in Million-Dollar Throw!

Book by: Mike Lupica
Blog by: Sheridan M.
Genre: Realistic Fiction.
        
      

Chocolate Fever

Hook

“Little brown spots all over,' said Henry.” (Page 23)
“There are some people who say that Henry Green wasn’t really born, but was hatched, fully grown, from a chocolate bean…Anyway, this particular Henry Green we are speaking of was really born.”(Page 13)

“Listen, Phil,’ she began earnestly, 'I want you to take a look at a kid-“(Page26)



Recommendation:
 Do you like chocolate? Well don’t eat too much because you might get the chocolate fever like Henry Green. Henry Green was just at school and he felt something weird.  First the nurse, then the doctor, then the emergency room and the cops?   Henry’s book doesn’t end there then he gets chased by dogs and some crooks. This book is SO funny you’ll laugh till you can’t stop.  To find out more we highly recommend Chocolate Fever.

Blog By: Timothy, Zack R.
Book By: Robert Kimmel Smith
Genre: Fantasy

Sounder

Hook:

"Sounder raced after the wagon. No one yelled after him. The mother stood still in the doorway. The deputy who wasn't holding the reins turned on the seat, aimed his shotgun at the dog jumping at the side of the wagon, and fired. Sounder fell in the road, and the sheriff rode around him. Sounder's master was still on his back in the wagon, but he did not raise his head to look back." (page 26)

"At the edge of the dark stain, the boy touched his finger to something. I was more than half of Sounder's long thin ear." (page 30)

"He crawled over every spot under the cabin, but Sounder's body was not there. The boy felt in his pocket. He had lost Sounder's ear under the cabin. It made no difference. It could be buried there." (page 42)

Recommendation:

Have you ever loved some thing and lost it?  Maybe not like this.  Imagine a peaceful morning when all of a sudden... Voices yelling, gunshots erupting the air and the arrest of your father.  Imagine if you were only a kid watching your father being led away with nothing to do but stare and see your dog die in a brave attempt to rescue him. This boy has seen far worse treatment. The Great Coon Dog, Sounder, dead.  Sounder, who's voice could ring over the lowlands and a loyal friend, dead.  Gone forever.  This boy does not know if his father is even dead or alive! He must face the challenges of a man even though he is only a child.  With his father gone, the boys only real companion is Sounder.  This boy still has hope, he refuses to think Sounder is dead.  He still thinks that one day the great voice of Sounder, will ring over the lowlands once again.  Will this boy be reunited with Sounder and his father?  Or will he leave his life wondering what happened to the both of them?  Read Sounder and find out!!!!!!

WARNING: This book could contain some gross and graphic things that aren't suitable for kids under the age of 10!

Book by: William H. Armstrong

Blog by: Madison H.

Genre: Fiction

The Austere Academy

 

“HOOK”

“My turban?’ Coach Genghis said. His fierce look melted away as he realized-incorrectly, of course- that Klaus was joking. ‘A disguise? Ho ho ho!”(Page 91)

“You were perfection!’ Genghis said. ‘The first time you played your sonata, I was deeply moved. The second time, I had tears in my eyes. The third time, I was sobbing. The fourth time, I had an uncontrollable emotional attack. The fifth time-'

The Baudelaries did not hear about the fifth time because Nero’s door swung shut behind them.” (Page 94)

“I do not! ‘Violet cried. ‘ Klaus, our situation is too desperate to pretend not to recognize him any longer!’

‘Hifijoo!’ Sunny agreed.

‘I guess you’re right,’ Klaus said. ‘What have we got to lose?”(Page 149)



RECOMMENDATION

Is your life filled with terrible, horrible things? Such horrible things that you dread to even wake up every morning and see your friends. Such terrible things you don’t even want to be seen by anyone or anything. Has this ever happened to you? Probably not, even if something like this is part of your daily life it probably doesn’t even come remotely close to the Baudelaire’s experience. They’ve been from place to place person to person and seen disguise after disguise on Count Olaf. The Austere Academy is the fifth place they have to call their “home”. How many more obstacles do they have to face? How many more hearts have to be broken? How many more lies have to be told? Find out in The Austere Academy!

Blog by: Maddy S.

Book by: Lemony Snicket

Genre: Mystery/ Suspense