HOOK: "Herdmans-Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, Gladys- were the worst kids in the history of the world. (even the girls).They weren't honest, cheerful, or industrious or cooperative or clean. They told lies and smoked cigars and set fire to things AND hit little kids and cursed and stayed away from school whenever they wanted to and wouldn't learn a thing when they were there."(pg. 4-5).








RECOMMENDATION:  Are you naughty or nice? Are you on Santa's bad side?! Do you smoke cigars, curse, hit little kids, or set buildings on fire? If you do this, this is the book for you because the Herdmans would take place in your shoes. We would recommend this book to people who like funny/bad things that kids do. The Herdman kids are the out-laws to the Woodrow Wilson School. The teachers have heard of them years before they had them. HUH NOT THE HERDMANS!


WARNING: BE AWARE OF THE HERDMAN'S BOBCAT AND STUNTS!!!!

Book: The Best Worst School Year Ever
Author: Barbara Robinson
Bolgged By: Emily S. & Morgan W.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Hook:

‘’The Herdsman’s were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lied and stole and smoked cigars (even the girls) and talked dirty and hit little kids and cussed their teachers and took the name of the lord in vain and set fire to Fred Shoemaker’s broken-down toolhouse. Of course nobody even thought about the Herdsman’s connection with the Christmas Pageant .’’

Pg.# 1 and 19

Recommendation:

Are you the bad kid in school? Well, in this book, the Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world!  The Herdmans get into the Christmas pageant at their church. The kids in school don’t believe them because they are really bad in school and don’t like being nice. Then the Herdmans ruin the Christmas pageant. Read more to find out more bad things that the Herdmans do in this book.

WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMP ANY OF THE THINGS THAT THE HERDMANS DO IN THIS BOOK!!!!!!!

Book by: Barbara Robinson

Blog by: Jenna J. and Michelle D.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Rules

 


Hook
"At four o' clock.  ' I catch his hand and hold it still so he'll pay attention. I pass him the sheet of paper. David reads aloud, 'Chew with your mouth closed. Don't open or close doors at other people's houses. Don't look in the refrigerator or turn on their TV. Use a fork for cake, not your fingers.'
'Catherine, I'll watch him,' Mom says 'Don't worry. Getting out of the car, I'm tempted to yell, 'Oh, yeah? Like you watched him at Melissa's party?' but I have bigger worries."
pages: 167-168




Recommendation
Have you ever meet someone with autism or any disabilities? Well here is someone who has. 12 year old Catherine just a wants a regular and normal life, but it is pretty much impossible! David, her younger brother with autism is an embarrassment to Catherine's life.  Catherine is trying and trying to teach David 'Rules,' so David does not make a fool of himself or anyone around him. Along the way, Catherine meets a young teenager, Jason with disabilities. Jason is in a wheelchair 24/7 and can't talk. Catherine goes to the OT (occupational therapy) because of David. That's where she met Jason. Catherine and Jason get along very well. Read to find out how Catherine's life ends up and how she deals with David.

I would recommend this to people who would like books with interesting endings and surprises!! Your eyes will stay caught on this book until the end!


Book: Rules
Author: Cynthia Lord
Blogged By: Emily S.
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Ripleys Believe It or Not 2013 edition

Hook:

"Engma has dedicated most of his adult life to covering every inch of his body with a jigsaw puzzle tattoo with as many as 23 tattoo artists working on him at one time!" (Page 126) 

Recommendation:
Do you like gross and disturbing records or amazing and death-defying stunts? This book is filled with them! There’s one boy who celebrated his birthday by putting on over 215 pairs on under wear! Did you know that one time a lizard was sent on eBay by mistake after the lizard snuck into a box that had a belt in it and was sent to a Phillipa Durrant? Luckily the lizard was safely returned to his home in England. This is just two of the crazy stunts in this book. Hope you enjoy it!


WARNING: THIS BOOK CONTAINS GROSS AND DISTURBING EVENTS!  BE PREPARED!!

By: Stephanie
Author: Robert Ripley
 Genre: Nonfiction

Hook:

“I don’t really think about Mom or Dad much. They are mostly just an empty hole inside me, a forgotten feeling of long ago. I never knew Mom at all, because she died when I was born, and Dad was gone when I was three. After the doctor told Dad he had a year or two to live, he wrote me a bunch of letters for my birthdays, so I hear from him once a year. Uncle Hugh has the letters-somewhere, I don’t know where, I’ve looked.” (Page 18)

  

Recommendation:

Have you ever lost someone you loved? In this book the character Elise loses both her parents and goes to live with her aunt and uncle. Elise and her best friend, Franklin, are getting ready for their first year of middle school, and the day before that, Elise falls down a hill and gets scabs on her legs. When she enters the school, this bully, Amanda, also her locker partner, squishes her lunch, throws everything in the back so her things have room, and calls her ‘Scabular.’ So Franklin spots her sitting really madly and asks if things are okay, and she says no. She’s having trouble getting her homework done, and her Uncle Hugh sets up a goal journal with her. Her father set up rooms with his and Mom’s things that she can discover when Uncle Hugh and Aunt Bessie think she’s ready. She discovers her mom’s favorite reading chair, all the books her father read, and her mother’s stuffed bear, Miles. She finds a journal that stated all the things she did before her father died. She stopped reading it when she had tears in her eyes. Uncle Hugh got worried when she found the first key, but Bessie reminded him that they both agreed that she was ready for it. Elise then unlocks the biggest mystery of all: herself. What do you think will happen next? I would like to recommend this book to kids who enjoy mystery books. I would specifically recommend this book to Mrs. Ryan because I bet she’ll love it.

 

I hope you enjoy this book!

 

Blogger: Abby

Author: Suzanne LaFleur

Book : Eight Keys

Genre: Mystery / Suspense

 

My Hook

 "I turned to go, my mind blank, my eyes blurry. But then behind me Aunt Fannie said, 'Ah, that’s better.' I looked back. Her nose grazed the crystal ball. Her specs gleamed. 'Now we’re getting somewhere. Here’s your future, Helena! Here’s the one you can choose, if you dare." Page 57

 

My Recommendation

Have you ever wanted to have a very adventurous experience on a ship?  I would like to recommend this book to kids who like to read about mice, adventures at sea, and LOVE to read about historical fiction.There were four mice in the beginning, living in the walls of a Dutch house, and their humans, the Cranstons. But when the oldest child, Olive Cranston, needs a husband, they decide to get on a boat to go find her a husband. So the four mice, Helena, Louise, Beatrice, and Lamont hide in the youngest child, Camilla’s, trunk and get on with them. But along the way, Camilla finds love instead of Olive. Camilla finds love with a prince, and Olive falls in love, eventually, with the ship’s doctor. On the ship, while the mice scamper through the ship’s floors, they meet a huge group of mice. Afterwards, they have balls, parties, royal dinners with the Duchess of Cheddar Gorge, the Mouse-in-Waiting of the queen mouse. At the end, they find out Lamont and Louise are staying on the ship because Louise fell in love with the first mouse they met, Nigel, and Lamont was pursuing a career as Assistant Cabin Steward. What will Helena and Beatrice do now?

 

"If you don't like books by Richard Peck, there is probably something very wrong with you."

 - Lemony Snicket

 

Book By: Richard Peck

Blog By: Abby R.A. Gregory

Genre:Adventure

 

May Bird and The Ever After

Hook:
   "When May opened her eyes, the first thing she noticed were the leaves. And that she was still alive.
'Ouch,' she whispered, rubbing at her face. She sat up and squinted at the brightness around her, fearful and dazed as she tried to focus on the leafy branch above her, which seemed to be waving at her for attention. Beyond it a ......... or were they just spots of sky showing through?" ( pg.63)

"There before him, traced in the sand at the base of the rock, were the eyes of a lady, her face hidden in the sand-traced leaves of enormous tree. Above her, one hand extended upward, with one finger pointed along the sand." (pg. 101)

" She turned and leaped back to see she was face-to-face with a man hanging from the rafters by his knees, his hands hanging down below him, one of them holding a water gun filled with black liquid. May tried to run, but he pushed her up against the wall with on frigid hand, holding the water gun to her throat. He smiled a wicked, sickly grin at her. 'Welcome to the grotto. I hear yer looking for me." (pg 185)


Recommendation:
     Have you ever fallen in to a lake and felt like you wouldn't be able to come up again?
 This book is about May Bird who fell into a lake and ended up in another world, The Ever After. The Ever After is where the dead live. May meets a lot of new ghost friends. Her only friend in the real world is her cat, Somber Kitty. They are in search of a book the is called The Book of the Dead. This causes them great trouble. The Boggy man is searching for May. No alive people are allowed in The Ever After. Will she make it back to our world? I recommend this book to people who enjoy stories about ghosts, creepy, scary things and adventure. I don't recommend this book to people who like happy things. so if you like books about unicorns and rainbows don't get this book.

Book By: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Blog By: Rebecca Diller
Genre: Fantasy

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Cabin Fever

HOOK

"Me and Rodrick shared a room this summer for a weekend.  We had to spend a few days at Gramma's while Mom and Dad took Manny to a kiddie amusement park.  Gramma has a guest room, so I figured one of us would sleep on her couch and the other would get the guest bed.  But Gramma said the guest room was 'occupied,' so we couldn't sleep there.  She'd given the whole room to Sweetie, the dog we gave her.  But you'd hardly know he's the same dog, because Gramma feeds him so much he look like a tick that's about to pop." (half of pg. 184)

Recommendation

Have you ever been blamed for something you didn't do?  Greg Heffly has.  His brothers are always doing things around the holidays that get him in trouble. Like for example, Rodrick told Santa's elf that Greg stole money from his piggy bank.  Greg and family always do crazy things too, like their mom is always exercising.  ALWAYS.  Rodrick and Manny try to get Greg in trouble. Follow Greg and his family through their life.


PLEASE NOTE:  THIS IS THE 6TH BOOK IN THE SERIES.  TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THIS SERIES, READ BOOK 1 THROUGH BOOK 6.  ENJOY!!!!!


Blog By: Logan B.
Book By: Jeff Kinney
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Crash

Hook

“ … He was sitting on the ground with his back up against the tree trunk, and first I thought, great, he’s okay. But questions blew the relief away. Why as he sitting there? Why did he leave that board dangling from one nail above his head? Why was the hammer five feet away in the grass? Why wasn’t he moving?

Downstairs Abby screamed.”

Recommendation

As you get older, you become more mature and learn the ways of life. Take for example Crash Coogan, football player, fast runner, snobby 7th grader, and a bully to a boy named Penn Webb. In this story, Crash comes to realize what’s important in his life after his grandfather suffers a sudden stroke. Not only does it change him, himself, but it also changes his relationship with other people. Crash’s changes give us, in fact, important lessons in life—lessons anyone can use.

This book is suitable for young adults who have a good sense of humor, but can also handle real-life drama and tragedy. It is a well written and has a number of plots about relationships among friends and family. Crash changes for the better as he learns. Maybe, if you read the book you’ll better prepared for life.

Highly recommended.

Blog by Caraline Le Coz

Author: Jerry Spinelli

Genre: Realistic Fiction

The Adventures of Tintin

Hook

“Sir Francis slashed at him again, nearly taking his head off, but at the last moment, Red Rackham dodged, and the blade slit the ribbon hold the pirate’s mask over his face.

The mask fell away as the gunpowder trail burned down the stairs towards the magazine …

Captain Haddock stopped.

‘What?’ Tintin said. ‘What happened next?’ … ”

Recommendation

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go on a treasure hunt? This fictional story is about Tintin, a boy reporter. He travels around the world in search of the secret treasure of the Unicorn, a pirate ship. If so, this might be the book for you.

Come join Tintin, his trusty dog Snowy, and comical Captain Haddock find the treasure. Kids would really enjoy this book, especially if they have seen the recent movie. I recommend it to all readers, except for younger children (less than 9 years old). I recommend, as well, the original comics by Herge. (Please note, parents should know that Captain Haddock always wants to drink alcohol. He may not be the best role model for younger readers.)

Blog by Caraline Le Coz

Author: Alex Irvine

Genre: Realistic Fiction

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Hook

“He put the key in the heart-shaped hole in the middle of the mechanical man’s back. He had been right. It fit perfectly. Hugo’s mind raced. At last the time had come for him to get the message he had been waiting for.

But just as Hugo began to turn the key, he heard the door rattle.”

Recommendation

Wouldn’t it be neat if you, yourself, had a connection to someone famous? The Frenchman Georges Melies pioneered special effects in movies. This story makes a connection to this famous cinematographer.

It’s 1931, Paris, France. A 12-year old orphan lives in the Montparnasse train station. The orphan, Hugo Cabret, helps his uncle make sure the station clocks run on time. Hugo repairs a mysterious automaton (mechanical man) that his father tried to fix before passing away. The automaton draws Hugo a picture, a clue, to a secret that he and his friend Isabelle must unravel. Their story continues with many twists and turns. I won’t tell you much more so not to spoil it.

I highly recommend this read to people who like big-city adventures. I especially recommend it to those interested in the history of movie making—or, in fact, to those who just like movies!

Blog by Caraline Le Coz

Author: Brian Selznick

Genre: Graphic Novel

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Hook

  " … Her parents were in the doctor’s office. Sadako could hear the murmur of their voices. Once her mother cried, 'Leukemia! But that’s impossible!' At the sound of that frightening word Sadako put her hands over her ears. She didn’t want to hear any more. Of course she didn’t have leukemia. Why, the atom bomb hadn’t even scratched her.”

Recommendation

You may, or may not, have heard of the atom bomb? It was dropped on the city of Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945. It helped put an end to World War II. Many innocent people died, men, women, and children. Many people later suffered from radiation, a type of poison released by the bomb. This book is a true story of one of the children, Sadako Sasaki, who later died because of leukemia from the radiation. She is a heroine throughout Japan for her struggle to live. Her simple task of making 644 paper cranes in the hospital, before she died, helped her live longer. She was very brave.

This story is dramatic and sad. It makes you think about how special it is to live, and that, sometimes, even children do not grow old. Sadako was truly a brave girl. We all hope to be a bit like her.

I recommend this book for any one who wants to learn about Hiroshima and the children who suffered.

Blog by Caraline Le Coz
Author: Eleanor Coerr
Genre: Historical Fiction

Series of Unfortunate Events: The Slippery Slope

Hook:

  “Who goes there?...the villain standing with his two cohorts near his long, black automobile, staring suspiciously at the masked volunteers(pg.137)…”We’re here for Sunny Baudelaire,” Klaus said, “and we’re not leaving without her.”(pg.138)...we know where the sugar bowl is(pg.139)…The sky above Mount Fraught was swarming with eagles…flying in silent circles high above the two sinister villains(pg.141)…capturing a group of young people who think they’re here to celebrate False Spring(pg.142)…the three children reached up and took off their masks for the greater good…”(pg.145)

Recommendation:

  Do you like reading about some children who encounter all sorts of unfortunate events, but are smart enough to escape them? Read about how Violet, Klaus, and Sunny escape the clutches of the evil Count Olaf who wants the fortune that the Baudelaire parents left to them in this book. When Sunny is captured by Count Olaf and his troupe, Violet and Klaus have to find a way to get Sunny back. This book is the tenth book in the series, and you may want to start from the first book.

Blog by: Shi Yun Huang

Book by: Lemony Snicket

Genre: Mystery/Suspense

A Series of Unfortunate Events #3 The Wide Wide Window

Hook:      " Why would  she be frightened  of a dock? Klaus asked, looking around the wooden pires and sailboats. 'She's frightened of anything to do with Lake Lachrymose,'Mr. Poe said, 'but she didn't say why. Perhaps it has to do with her hasband's death. Your aunt Josephine-she's not really your aunt of course; she's your second cousion's  sister-in-law, but she asked that you call her aunt Josephine- your aunt lost her husband recently, and it may be posslible that he drowed in a boat accident.

Recommedation:

Have you ever read any of the series of the unfortunate events, if not then you are in for a jounery. The Baudelaire orphans have been through A LOT of things and they always have to do something with Count Olaf and wanting their fortune. See in the first book the Baudelaire's parents died in a fire and their home got destroyed. next they were sent to Count Olaf and he tortured them so badly,just for a stupid fortune now, thats cruel.
             If you are ok with sad books this would be the book for you. If you don't like sad books leave your laptop right NOW!!!




Blog By: Meghan M.
Book By: Lemony Snicket
Gerne: Mystery

Hugo Movie Companion

                                                      

     Hook! :(p12)

"It all began with A Trip To The Moon. I can't remember exactly when I first saw the mesmerizing 1902 film by Georges Melies, but I was very young. I grew up in the East Brunswick, New Jersey,the oldest of three kids. I loved to draw and watch monster movies."

                                                          Recommendation

I recommend this book to all kids that enjoy reading. This book has a lot of illustrations, and very little text in each chapter. With each illustration there are little captions to go with it. The book is about an orphan named Hugo. Hugo works inside a big clock in the train station, so the clock keeps on moving. This book takes place in a train station. Hugo needs to fixes his father's automaton, will he be able to do it? The best part is at the end, you will have to read it to find out! 


Recommendation By:Kimberly Ceremuga
Written By: Brian Selznick
Photography By:Jaap Buitendijk
 Genre:Fantasy

dork diaries tales from a not so party girl

                                                                         HOOK

It all began with a girl named Nikkie.

She had a secret crush on Brandon.

Nikkie has 2 BFF's named Zoey, and Chloe.

There's also a mean girl Mackenzie.

There's a dance. One day Brandon comes over to Nikkie and says......

"Umm Nikkie can I ask you something" Brandon said

"YES BRANDON YOU CAN TELL ME!"

                                  Recommendation

I recommend this book to kids that love suprise and romance. There are a lot of lies, ideas, sneaking, gossip. I read this book non-stop because every page is unbleavble suprise that you will be shocked. .There is a special funny part in it but it turns sad. The next few days something bad happens to her BFF'S. I believe that boys and girls will love this book because its a perfect grade level, it will not be boring, it will be the greatest book...you might even finish the book in one day.


BLOG BY:EMILY ANN GEORGE
BOOK BY:RACHEL RUSSEL
GERNE: FANTASY

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Hook:          

"The tool house burned right down to the ground, and I think that surprised the Herman's. They set fire to things all the time, but that was the first time they managed to burn down the whole building. I guess it was an accident. I don't suppose they woke up that morning and said, 'Let's go burn down Fred shoemaker's toolhouse'... but maybe they did. After all, it was a Saturday, and not much going on."(page 4)

  

Recommendation:

                             Have you ever met anyone like the Herman's?????

    

The Herman's daily Checklist

* lie

*steal

*smoke cigars( even the girls)

*talk dirty

*hit little kids

*curse their teachers

The Herman's are the WORST kids in History. They appear in church one day and decide to take over the Christmas pageant. None of them have ever heard the Christmas story. This year's pageant is most unusual but possibly the best one yet.I recommend this book to people who like books not to long and not to short. 

So head down to your local Library and pick up this book.

Book By: Barbabra Robinson

Blog By: Rebecca D.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Jurassic Park 1

Eric Biswas

Hook: pg:41

"The rex lifted its powerful leg. Smash! Tim and Lex screamed. Alan had to do something. What will happen. Life and death hang in balance."

Recommendation:

Have you ever seen a dinosaur? Alan has. Did he die? Find out by reading the book. MUST BE 8 OR UP, NOT for the faint hearted. In the beginning, Isla Nublar lay silent, untouched...uninhabited. But an incredible experiment and a wealthy man's fantasy have turned the island into a place of terrible wonder. It's called Jurassic Park.Here-where ancient jungles thrive. Dinosaurs are resurrected!

Jurassic Park 3

Eric Biswas
Hook : (p. 19)

"ROAR! BANG, BANG!  Suddenly Udesky and Nash sprint out of the jungle. 'We gotta go now said Udesky.  Everyone in the plane,' Udesky commanded. When everyone was in the plane they pick up speed. A figure emerged from the jungle. It was Cooper!" Will they survive or will all become prey?

Recommendation
Did you ever think you could live for 8 weeks on a island full of...DINOSAURS? Eric Kirbry did.
I recommend this book but NOT for the faint hearted, at least be 8 years old or older.If you like dinosaurs,drama,and survival you will love this book!

A Week In The Woods

Hook

"It took Mr. Maxwell about 15 minutes to locate Mrs. Streans.  After checking over at the girl's cabin's, he walked back and found her at the main lodge.  Taking her aside, he explained what he had to do.  "And I'm going to have to leave you in charge for a couple of hours, all right?"

"My goodness,  she said, shaking her head.  "You'd think that boy would have more sense than to do something so stupid.  But sooner or later, everyone is going to learn that know 'no' means 'no', even when your daddy's got half a million dollars." (pg.128)

Recommendation

Have you ever been in the woods and gotten "lost? " Mark Chemsley has.  Mark is a kid who is experiencing something called moving.  Getting used to his new school is tough.  Follow Mark on this wild adventure through the woods and school.  Just because your family is wealthy, doesn't mean you're perfect!


Blog By: Logan B.

Book By: Andrew Clements

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Amelia Rules The Whole World's Crazy

                                        HOOK

"Hey, how's it going?  Beautiful night, isn't it?  Sorry my room is such a mess!  We just moved, so I haven't got around to fixing things up yet.  Actually, we've been here for two months and mom's been having a fit for me to clean up.  Oh, I don't mean to be rude... C'mon in! (pg. 3-4)

Recommendation

Do you have crazy friends that always make you laugh?  Ameila McBride does.  Her friends are always making her laugh and they always do stupid things. If your friends are just like Amelia's friends, then you'll like this book.  You can even show your friends! Follow Ameila and friends (and Rhonda) on this wacky adventure.  Maybe they'll make you laugh!

Blog By: Logan B.

Book By: Jimmy Gownley

Genre: Graphic Novel

the house on hackmans hill

Hook:

"We're going to find the mummy," Jeff said.He came to a stop so abruptly that his cousin Debbie bumped into him, kicking snow against his leg and down the top of his boots. 'Very funny' Debbie said. she brushed snow from the top of her camera case. 'I suppose we'll find him hopping down the road in the snow..."i'm not kidding. Jeff said "last time i was here visting grandma and granpa I found out there's a deserted house near here that's supposed to have a mummy hidden somewhere inside it, there's a ten-thousand- dollar reward for anyone who finds it." (pg 1)

Recommendation:
Have you ever been on in a house that has a hidden mummy? Or a god that has been waiting for you to come in ? Well Debbie and Jeff has had to deal with that. Debbie and Jeff were just wandering around and than they saw it . The House On hackman's hill . they felt like they were being watched so they ran back to there's grandma's house... they were at Mr. Karsten's home  he told them about the house on HackMans Hill. he told them about it and when he was done they went to the house..
So what happeneds next go find out!

                           This is a great book if you like ghost stories and think gods are real. You will not be able to put the book down.


If you do not like scary stories then you will get nightmares. i would NOT read it  if you hate scary stories.


Blog by: Meghan M.
Book By: Joan Lowery Nixon
Genre: Mystery