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