Jellaby

      Hook

"Turn back.... There is nothing for you here...Return to your home... It is safe there. "(pages 18 and 19)

"So I suppose your.. gonna eat me, huh?"(page 23)


"...But I don't want you out on your own after dark...who knows whats out there"(page 34)


Recommendation

Have you ever discovered something you're afraid to tell to someone? Well, in this book, Portia does.She goes wandering in the night discovers an owl and a mysterious monster. But will she keep it a secret from her friends and family? She sneaks him up to her room and asked him some questions but he won't talk.  Portia finds out his name is Jellaby. Mom is in the kitchen doing the dishes and Jellaby is in the front yard. Will Portia hide him before Mom sees him?

blog by:Eliza B.
book by: Kean Soo
genre:graphic novel

The Best School Year Ever

The "Hook"

"My little brother, Charlie, once asked my mother what the teachers do for the rest of the day.
'They get things ready-books and papers and lessons.' 'That's not what Leroy Herdman says,' Charlie told her. 'Leroy says as soon as the kids are gone, they lock all the doors and order pizza and beer."(page 4)
" I just know something's going to happen,' Maxine said. 'I keep hearing this strange noise on the bus.'
I don't know how she would hear anything except kids hollering, but Eloise Albright said she heard a strange noise too. Some kids said they smelled something on the bus, but who doesn't?-egg sandwiches, poison ivy medicine, Alice Wendleken's Little Princess perfume.
Lester finally asked his mother if there was anything wrong with their bus, but she just said, 'Yes, it's full of kids.'
Then Bus 6 was assigned to take the third grade to a dairy farm to study cows, and Ollie Herdman refused to go. 'Not me,' Ollie said. 'Not on that bus!'"(page 88)

Recommendation
The Herdmans are at it again! The Herdmans are nothing BUT trouble. From putting their cat through misery to being mean to everyone at school, you definitely don't want to run into them. But just in case you do, I would suggest to say "no" if they ask you any kind of question that involves you or anything else unusual. They probably even have a daily check list:
1. Get in trouble
2. Create trouble
3. Annoy ALL teachers and ALL other kids
4.Do something bad every time you get the chance
Will Woodrow Wilson School survive with the Herdmans always causing trouble? Read this book to find out!
Book By: Barbara Robinson
Blog By: Sheridan M.
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Night Cry

HOOK

     "He didn't answer. He was shaking.

    'Please try, Jason,' she pleaded. 'Please do it for me. I want to help you.'

    He nodded, his face white.

    Frantically she dragged him from room to room looking for a hideout....Was he waiting there for her, then?...
    She opened the door and yanked out the rack, slipping it behind the stove. Gathering up the tablecloth, she stuffed it in as bedding and helped Jason crawl inside. Just as she closed the door, she heard a strange sound as though someone were climbing up the side of the house.  There was a thud on the porch, footsteps. She rushed over and picked up the telephone.  The line was dead." (page 125) 

RECOMMENDATION

 Have you ever been scared of something you once loved? Well, Ellen has.  Ellen is a 13 year old girl who lives with her dad now because her brother and mother have both died.  Before Ellen's dad left, the Cory family came into town to open the new auditorium.  Just when things started to get worse, Ellen's dad has to leave for a business trip. While her dad is away, she meets Gerald. On the second trip for her dad, she finds out that the Cory boy, Jason , has gone missing. When everyone suspects Granny Bo, Ellen insists on not going down to Granny Bo's home and seeing if she stole Jason.  But when Ellen returns she finds the exact words on her father's notepad that were on the ransome note. She starts to wonder.  What could this mean?  Did Ellen's dad steal Jason or did someone else frame Joe and Granny Bo?  Find out and read this book!

WARNING: Some parts can be very sad,depressing, and very nerve racking.  May not be suitable for kids under the fourth grade reading level.

Book by :Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Blog by: Alexis Tucker
Genre: mystery/ suspense

Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator

"HOOK"
   
       "Mr.President, sir, this is Walter Wall. What a sumptuous hotel this is! The decorations are superb!'
'Have you noticed that all the carpets are wall to wall, Mr. Walter Wall?' said the president.
I have indeed, Mr. President.'
'All the wallpaper is wall to wall, too, Mr.Walter Wall.'
Yes, sir Mr. President! Isn't that something! It's going to be a real pleasure running a beautiful hotel like this! Hey! Whats going on over there? Something 's coming out of the elevators! Help!"  (page 67) 


Recommendation

Have you ever dreamed to go in outer space or ate weird chocolates that made you younger by 30 years exactly. Well you probably haven't, but Charlie and his family have. Mr. Wonka is just about to give the factory to Charlie, but a weird elevator takes them into outer space! Now, Charlie has to deal with man eating vermicious knids, the government thinking their going to bomb a flying hotel, and his grandparents being babies! Find out if Charlie can survive!

Book By: Ronald Dahl
Blog By: Joey P.
Genre: Science Fiction

Drooling and Dangerous The Riot Brothers Return

The "Hook"

"We raced downstairs, slipped on our coats, and tiptoed out the front door. Mr. Overhoser had already gone back inside.

The night air was freezing. Orville shivered. 'Poor Jonathan. We have to get him out before he turns into an ice cube.' We crept down our driveway.
'Shhh!' I stopped. 'Did you hear something?'
We crouched behind our bushes. Orville looked at the Overhoser's house. 'All clear,' he said. ... We were about to lift off the lid when a voice boomed behind us. (pages 54-55)
"' Sirty dockball!' Orville yelled. Everybody took off his or her socks, rolled them into balls, and started playing our new version of basketball. Stinky socks balls were flying! Bare feet were jumping! Arms were flailing! Kids were shouting! It was a beautiful sight. And then the door opened. A flying sock ball hit..."(pages155-156)

The Recommendation
Making riots are fun, right! If you think so, this book is right for you. The Riot Brothers, Wilbur and Orville Riot are the big time trouble makers. Each day they make up a new mission, whether it's to be spies or to just switch things around. Wilbur and Orville are the ones to go to if your looking for a good riot! They even  have Riot Brother Rules (11-15):
"11. Do not tell grown-ups how to play secret games .
12. If one person is about to get in trouble the other one must create a distraction outside the nearest window.
13. Whoever wakes up first must wake the other.
14. You have to dance and squawk like a plucked chicken every time you break a rule.
15. You can't do the same mission twice."(pages 175- 176)

So I suggest you should follow those rules...unless you want to dance and sqwauk like a plucked chicken!

Book by: Mary Amato
Blog by: Sheridan M.
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Harry Potter and The Chamber Of Secrets

"Hook"

"Harry was looking at him through a misted window. But there was no mistaking him- 'Tom-Tom Riddle?' Riddle nodded, not taking his eyes off Harry's face. 'What do you mean she won't wake?' Harry said desperately.'She's not-she's not-?' 'She's still alive,' said Riddle. 'But only just.'...( page 307)

'The diary,'said Riddle.'My diary. Little Ginny's been writing in it for months and months, telling me all her pitiful worries and woes- how her brothers tease her, how she had to come to school with secondhand robes and books, how' -Riddle's eyes glinted- 'how she didn't think famous, good, great, Harry Potter would ever like her.... 'No,' Harry whispered. 'Yes,' said Riddle, calmly. 'Of course, she didn't know what she was doing at first.( pages 309 and 310)

"Dear Tom, he recited, watching Harry's horrified face, 'I think I'm losing my memory. There are rooster feathers all over my robes and I don't know how they got there. Dear Tom, I can't remember what I did on the night of Halloween, but a cat was attacked and I've got paint all down my front. Dear Tom, Percy keeps telling me I'm pale and I'm not myself. I think he suspects me... There was another attack today and I don't know where I was. Tom, what am I going to do? I think I'm going mad... I think I'm the one attacking everyone, Tom! (page 310)

He pulled Harry's wand from his pocket and began to trace it through the air, writing three shimmering words:

                                                    TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE 


Then he waved the wand once, and the letters of his name rearranged themselves....
'You see?' he whispered. (page 314)


"Dobby leaned toward Harry, his eyes wide as headlights. 'Dobby heard tell,' he said hoarsely,'That Harry Potter met the Dark Lord for a second time, just weeks ago...that Harry Potter escaped yet again.' Harry nodded and Dobby's eyes suddenly shone with tears. 'Ah, sir,' he gasped, dabbing his face with a corner of the grubby pillowcase he was wearing. 'Harry Potter is valiant and bold! He has braved so many dangers already! But Dobby has come to protect Harry Potter, to earn him, even if he does have to shut his ears in the oven door later... 'Harry Potter must not go back to Hogwarts!"  (pages 15 and 16)


Recommendation
          Have you ever made a decision that could change your entire life? I know someone who has, Harry Potter. Harry Potter was so excited to be going back to Hogwarts. Until he gets an unexpected visit from Dobby, a house elf. He is here to tell Harry Potter not to go back to Hogwarts, and if he does, disaster will strike.  And strike it does. Will Harry Potter be able to survive attacks, a deadly serpent, an unexpected visitor, and a diary? Or, will he have to surrender everything he's been fighting for, everything that he has grown to love. Will the most unexpected people be in trouble the most? Will Hogwarts have to shut down ...for good? You will have to read this book to find out!

Blog by: Julia C
Book by: J.K. Rowling
Genre: Fantasy

The Wednesday Wars

            "HOOK"


            "On the counter was the late edition of the Home Town Chronicle.
              And on the front page, there was an action shot-of me, Holling Hoodhood, flying high in the air across the intersection of Lee Avenue and Main Street, my legs splayed out as though I really was flying-which I guess I was. Underneath was the headline, which was this:

        Local Hero Holling Hoodhood Soars Across Intersection To Rescue Sister

You could see her in the picture, too, but mostly just her buttocks." (page 128)

  Recommendation

Have you ever had a hard time with your teacher? How about had to embarrass yourself in front of all your friends? Or, been hit by a car and got a bruise on... well you know...butt? If you said yes to any of these happenings, you probably can relate to Holling Hoodhood. Holling is a normal boy just like every other kid. It's 1967 and he's just trying to get through the seventh grade. He thinks his teacher absolutley hates him. She brings him in at lunch and reads Shakespear poems. Who reads Shakespear any more? Well, Mr. Goldman (the baker) does. He performs an embarrising play in front of all his friends. Find out if Holling can survive an embarrising play, rats falling from a ceiling, running track with bullies and most importantly, the seventh grade.

Blog By: Joey P.
Book By: Gary.D.Schmidt
Genre: Realistic Fiction and Historical Fiction

Tango

Hook:

"Miss Gustie, a prolific knitter, used her deft fingers to untangle the chilled, wet body from the trap's webbing. 'It's a pup... 'He's alive,' Miss Gustie told the onlookers, who stood in reverent silence behind her. 'He's alive,' Pircilla, the postmistress, repeated. 'It's a miracle!' Pastor MacDougal pronounced." (page 21)

"One fitful night, Tango dreamed that his sister Esperanza was gazing out of a window near the top of a red and white striped lighthouse. Tan-go... Tan-go... Esperanza called in a voice both mysterious and inviting. Keeping time with the blinking beam of light, she chanted, Without hope... without hope... nothing is... nothing is." (pages 75 and 76)

"No, Tango would be mercilessly slaughtered. 'If Rat-Boy wants his heart back, he has no choice.' Briar smirked. 'Where, exactly, is this supposedly fair fight going to take place?" (page 190)

Recommendation:
Tango is a shipwrecked Yorkshire Terrier. Found in a lobster trap on an island called Victoria By The Sea, Tango is taken in by a lonely woman named Augusta. Separated from his true family the only way to get back to them is... the heart. His I.D. Tag! Who has this you ask? A gang of rag-tag Wharf cats! The only way Tango can get his heart back is if he wins a duel. With whom? You have to find out. Will Tango be reunited with the family he loves? Or will he be trapped on this island with these strangers? Read Tango and find out!

Book by:  Eileen Beha
Blog by: Madison H.
Genre: Fiction

Mr. Poppers Penguins

The "Hook"




"He had succeeded in removing the outer boards and part of the packing, which was a layer of dry ice, when from the depths of the packing case he suddenly heard a faint 'ork'. His heart stood still. Surely he had heard



that sound before at the Drake Expedition movies. His hands were trembling so that he could scarcely lift off the last of the wrappings. There was not he slightest doubt about it. It was a penguin."(Pages17-18)









Recommendation









Do you like animals ? Especially penguins? If so, read the book Mr. Popper's Penguins. This book is about the Popper famly and their 12 silly penguins! It all starts when Mr.Popper recieves a penguin from an anartic explorer. Then, he gets sent ANOTHER penguin from an aquarium to keep thefirst one company. BOOM! The two penguins have 10 BABIES! So now , there are 12 penguins in the Popper household. To stay out of poverty, the penguins enter the show buisness. Will the penguins survive? Or wind up messing everything up? Find out by reading this book!









Blog by: Jack B.



Book by: Richard and Florence Atwater





Genre: Fantasy

"Hook"
"Luke was the first to see the great wave. It was enormous -forty-footer-curling over the side of the Phoenix like a giant hand about to crush the small ship.
He shouted 'Captain and then the monster broke. To Luke it seemed like Crack!'
The mainmast snapped like a toothpick under the weight of the thundering sea An avalanche of rope and canvas pelted down. As if in slow motion, the broken peak of the mast topled over, striking Captin Cascadden acrossed the shoulders." (page 58)
"Will! Wake up!' Will rolled over and cast a baleful eye at his sister.
' Beat it, Lyss. You're not supposed to be in here.'
'Come on!' She dragged him out of the narrow bunk. His elbow smacked Ian in the back of the head as he splashed to the deck... 'Ow!' The younger boy sat up. 'What's going on?'
'Yeah!' stormed Will. 'This better be good, Lyssa
'Radford's gone!"(page 75)
Recommendation
Do you like adventure books? Well, I have an adventure book just for you. Luke, Charla, Ian, Will, Lyssa,and JJ have to go in a program called "Charting a New Course." The program is on a boat in the Pacific Ocean. But, when the captian and his mate disappear, the kids are forced to live on the boat. One day, when Lyssa trys to get the boat started, the engine blows up. Find out if the kids can survive the gianormous explosion in Island Book:1 Shipwreck.



Blog by: Joey P. and Jack B.
Author: Gordan Korman
Genre: Adventure

The Graduation of Jake Moon

"Hook"

 "It was after dark when I finally got home.

        Aunt Marguerite and James were sitting at the table with Ma. Mrs.Russell was standing at the backdoor window, staring outside. There were bags of burgers and fries on the table, but nobody was eating. Not even James.

         All four looked at me. I shook my head no.

         Ma stood up and hugged me. " Don't worry, we'll find him."
         She crossed her fingers and looked at Aunt Marguerite. "Maybe even tonight, huh? After the news"
  My aunt still crossed her fingers back.
  I didn't get it. "What do you mean? What's the news got to do with anything?"
With her fingers still crossed, my mother pointed at Marguerite. " Your aunt just got back from the TV station downtown. She took Dad's picture to the station manger, and the woman promised to show it on the ten o'clock news tonight."(page 85)

Recommendation

Have you ever been embrassed my someone you love? If so you relate to Jake Moon. Jake used to love spending time with his grandfather Skelly, but that was before Skelly was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The disease made Skelly go walnuts. Now it seems are Jake is the grown-up and Skelly is the kid. Much of Skelly's care becomes Jake's responsibility, and doesn't leave much time for Jake to have a normal life of his own. When Jake spends some time with his grandfather, he realizes that with the disease that Skelly has is going to affect the way that Jake  can lead his life. Then, one day Jake rebels, and the unthinkable happens. Has Jake discovered too late how much his grandfather means to him? Will Jake be able to succeed with a grandfather who is losing his mind and trying to live a normal  8th grade life? Read to find out.          

WARNING: This book contains material that may not be suitable for kids.

Book By: Barbara Park

Blog By: Maddison P.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Marley and Me

The "Hook"

"The instructor had the class queue up and try it again. Once again Marley lurched his way manically across the black top, eyes bulging, strangling himself as he went. At the other end, Miss Dominatrix held Marley and me up to the class as an example of how not to heel a dog. 'Here,' she said impatiently, holding out her hand. 'Let me show you.' ... With a smart yank of the lead, Miss Dominatrix set off with him. But almost instantly he barreled ahead as if he were pulling the lead sled in the Iditarod. ... I should have been embarrassed, but I felt an odd sort of satisfaction that often comes with vindication. She wasn't having any more success than I was. My classmates snickered, and I beamed with perverse pride. See, my dog is awful for everyone, not just me! ...I had to admit, the scene was pretty hilarious. The two of them, having reached the end of the parking lot, turned and came lurching back toward us in fits and starts, Miss Dominatrix scowling with what clearly was apoplectic rage, Marley joyous beyond words."(pages64-65)

"Most who wrote and called simply wanted to express their sympathies to tell me they,
too, had been down this road and knew what my family was going through. Others had dogs whose lives were drawing to their inevitable ends; they dreaded what they knew was coming, just as we had dreaded it, too. (page282)

Recommendation
Have a Lab? Or, atleast a dog? John and Jenny have " The Worlds' Worst Dog," or they think Marley is. After a sweet lab died when John was a kid, he knew he needed to get another one. But instead of a sweet Lab, they get a mis-behaved silly, energetic Marley. He has chewed up, digested and even destroyed far more things than John and Jenny can even count. One time he digested a brand new golden necklace John was going to give to Jenny. What will Marley bring John, Jenny, Connor, Colleen, and Patrick next time? Love or Disaster? Find out in Marley and Me!

Warning: This book has mild language and has some parts not appropriate for kids under the age of 12. Please ask for parent permission before reading!

Book By: John Grogan
Blog by: Sheridan M.
Genre: nonfiction

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows

Hook:

"And then the source of light stepped out from behind an oak. It was a silver doe, moon bright and dazzling, picking her way over the ground, still silent, leaving no hoof prints in the fine powdering of snow... The sword of Gryffindor was lying at the bottom of the forest pool. Barley breathing, he stared down at it. How was this possible?"(pages 366 and 367)

"Those are the Deathly Hallows,' said Xenophilius. He picked up a quill from a packed table at his elbow, and pulled a torn piece of parchment from between more books. 'The Elder Wand,' he said, and drew a straight vertical line upon the parchment. 'The Resurrection Stone,' he said, as he added a circle at the top of the line. 'The Cloak Of Invisibility,' he finished, enclosing both line and circle in a triangle, to make the symbol that so intrigued Hermione. 'Together,' he said, 'The Deathly Hallows." (page 409)

"Voldemort raised his wand. His head still tilted to one side, like a curious child, wondering what would happen if he proceeded. Harry looked back into the red eyes, and wanted it to happen now, quickly, while he could still stand, before he lost control, before he betrayed fear- He saw the mouth move and a flash of green light, and everything was gone." (page 704)

Recommendation:

Do you like Fantasy, magic and a little bit of humor? Then read The Deathly Hallows! Join your favorite wizard in his new and final adventure. In this book it is a fight till the finish between Voldemort and Harry in the final, epic battle. In this book you will be taken into a magic world and experience friendship, love, hate and war. The final battle is coming near and Harry must prepare himself for the worst. Can Harry save the wizard world? Or will he fall with it? It will all come down to one magic spell to end it all. Find out in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows!

WARNING: Only read this book if you have read the other books in the series!

Book by: J.K Rowling

Blog by: Madison H.

Genre: Fantasy

I survived...

The shark attacks of 1916

 

            Hook

"A feeling of terror came over ten-year-old Chet Roscow, a chill deep down in his bones. He had been swimming in the Matawan Creek by himself. But he had the the idea that someone- or something-was watching him."(page 1)

Recommendation
 Have you ever felt frozen with fright? Have you ever seen a shark?  Were you terrified?  Well if you have seen or felt these emotions you can relate to Chet, near his home is the Matawan Creek with a mystery unsolved.  Chet goes swimming in the creek one day and there is a triangle lurking around the water.  Is it a shark or just some drift wood? Read this book to find out if Chet will survive!

WARNING: Some material not suitable for children under the age of ten!  

Book By: Lauren Tarshis
Blog By: Eliza B.
Genere: Suspense

FLUSH

Hook
"The deputy told me to empty my pockets: two quarters, a penny, a stick of bubble gum, and a roll of grip tap for my skateboard. It was pitiful.

'Go on inside. He's waiting for you,' the deputy said. my dad was sitting alone at a metal table. He looked pretty good, all things considered. He wasn't even handcuffed.

'Happy Father's Day,'I said.

He stood up and gave me a hug.'Thanks, Noah,'he said.

In the room there was another deputy-a broad, jowly bear standing next to the door that led to the jail cells. I guess this job was to make sure I wasn't smuggling a hacksaw to my father so that he could break out.

'It's good they let you keep your own clothes,'I said to Dad. 'I figured they'd
make you put on one of those dorky uniforms.'
'I'm sure they will, sooner or later.' He shrugged. 'You doing okay?'
'How come you won't let Mom bail you out?'I asked.
'Because it's important for me to be here right now.'
'Important how?She says you'll lose your job if you stay locked up.'
'She's probably right,' My dad admitted.(pg.1-2)

Recommendation
Have you ever wondered if someone you hate is doing something bad? Did you try to stop them? Well Noah and his little sister, Abby have. First of all, their dad is in jail and he sunk the boat that is throwing waste into the ocean. Also, they have a grandpa that is missing and everyone thinks he's dead.  He is buried in some other part of the world. If you like adventure and suspense, then find out if Noah and Abby stop this man, throwing stuff you can't even imagine into the ocean.  Is their grandpa alive or is he really dead? If you want to find out what happens then read this book!

WARNING: Adult language in this book

blog by: Stephanie L. and Alexis T.

book by: Carl Hiaasen

genre: realistic fiction

Mr.Popper's Penguins

The "Hook"

  "He had succeeded in removing the outer boards and part of the packing,  which was a layer of dry ice, when from the depths of the packing case he suddenly heard a faint 'ork'. His heart stood still. Surely he had heard that sound before at the Drake Expedition movies. His hands were trembling so that he could scarcely lift off the last of the wrappings. There was not he slightest doubt about it. It was a penguin."(Pages17-18)

Recommendation

  Do you like animals ? Especially penguins? If so, read the book Mr. Popper's Penguins. This book is about the Popper famly and their 12 silly penguins! It all starts when Mr.Popper recieves  a penguin from an anartic explorer. Then, he gets sent ANOTHER penguin from an aquarium to keep the first one company. BOOM! The two penguins have 10 BABIES! So now , there are 12 penguins in the Popper household. To stay out of poverty, the penguins enter the show buisness. Will the penguins survive? Or wind up messing everything up? Find out by reading this book!

Blog by: Jack B.

Book by: Richard and Florence Atwater

Genre: Fantasy

Number the Stars

“Hook”

                “I really don’t think anyone will. But it never hurts to be prepared. If anyone should come, even soldiers you two will be sisters…’ Soon they would have to draw the black curtains that all Danes had on their windows; the entire city had to be completely darkened at night. In a nearby tree, a bird was singing, otherwise it was quiet.” Pg.37

                "Annemarie stopped, suddenly, and stood still on the path. There was a turn immeaditly ahead. Beyond it, she knew , as soon as she rounded the turn, she would see the landscape open to the sea..."
     

               "But she had heard something else. She heard bushes rustling ahead. She heard footsteps. and-she was certain it was not her imagination-she heard a loud growl.

              Coutiously, she took a step forward. And another. She approached the turn in the path, and the noises continued.

             Then they were there, in front of her. Four armed soilders. With them, straining at taut leashes, were two large dogs, their eyes glittering, their lips curled." (page 112)

                Recommendation

                Has your family been keeping a secret from you after a devastating time has occurred? Or have you had to protect your best friend’s identity in order to save her life? Well, if you have encountered this in your daily life, then you might as well understand the long and terrifying days of Annemarie Johansen. She was just an ordinary girl living in the town of Denmark, where life was filled with misery due to WWII and the Nazis' arrival. Can Annemarie prove she is a true hero in time to save her Jewish best friend? She must be brave or all her hard work will be for nothing. Can she do it?  Read Number the Stars to find out!!!

Blog By: Maddy S. and Mrs. Ryan
Book By: Lois Lowry
Genre: Historical Fiction