Slaughterhouse-Five, or, The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death

Written by Kurt Vonnegut

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Amin

        

Slaughterhouse 5, or, The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death by Kurt Vonnegut begins as the author reflects on his time in the war and the period after that. His inspiration to write the book unfolds in the following chapter. The book jumps around the life of Billy Pilgrim, its main character. It goes from his youth to his time in the army and war, then to his post-war life.

During his post-war life, Billy experiences the harsh debts that the war has laid upon his well-being. He imagines himself getting abducted by aliens and living a life with another woman to then come back to reality. Due to Billy’s biased personal accounts, no one knows if what is happening is real or not (although it probably isn't). Whether or not he is telling the truth or lying is ambiguous, but it sure does make for a great story.

Slaughterhouse 5, or, The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death’s jumpiness can be jarring for many. But, when I was caught up with all that was happening, it personally kept me wanting more and was entertaining. Kurt Vonnegut’s language and tone are very casual, so it makes up for the confusion in the timeline of events. The book is comparable to accounts from veterans, war films (not those cheesy ones like Rambo, but ones like 1917 and Dunkirk that are more realistic), and other biographical war novels. This book introduced me to the world of Vonnegut's literature, and I will always remember it for that reason. On a scale from 1 to 10, I would give it a solid 9.

Hamilton: The Revolution

Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter

A book for adult readers reviewed by Mia

    

Hamilton: A Revolution is about the musical, Hamilton. It includes facts about how Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the play’s songs and cast its actors. Additionally, the book includes all of the play’s songs, from “Alexander Hamilton” (the first song) to “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” (the last song). In the margins, Lin-Manuel Miranda includes some notes about performing in the musical and writing its songs.

I enjoyed Hamilton: A Revolution because it explains what went into writing and performing Hamilton. It details a lot about the musical that you would not have otherwise known. For example, “The Story of Tonight” was based on a tune Lin-Manuel Miranda created with his friends called “I've Got a Bridge to Sell You.” Lin-Manuel Miranda changed the lyrics, and “The Story of Tonight" was made. Overall, I enjoyed this book because it shows how Lin-Manuel Miranda was inspired and created Hamilton.

Who Was Alexander Hamilton?

Written by Pam Pollack

A book for readers in grades 3 and up reviewed by Mia

    

Who Was Alexander Hamilton? is a book about the life of Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton was a kid in the Caribbean who became a war hero and a Founding Father. Additionally, Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury. He was eventually shot in a duel with Aaron Burr, who Hamilton criticized at a dinner party. 

I was interested in Who Was Alexander Hamilton? because I recently saw the musical Hamilton on Broadway, and I really enjoyed it. I was interested in learning more about Alexander Hamilton. I enjoyed this book because it explained a lot that the musical couldn't. I also like how the book has a section about the musical in the back, which I found very exciting. In conclusion, this was a great book.

The False Prince

Written by Jennifer A. Nielsen

A book for readers in grades 5 and up reviewed by Katya

    

The False Prince follows the story of four boys competing with each other to be chosen by Bevin Conner, a noble in the kingdom of Carthya, to succeed in his plan of creating a false prince. Sage, one of the four boys, is the center of attention. His wit and quick mouth make him someone of interest. He knows that what Conner is doing is wrong, yet he has no other choice but to play along and be the best. Otherwise, he will be faced with death. 

The False Prince is one of my top five favorite books. Many truths and lies are revealed throughout, and it leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. The characters are easy to fall in love with and stay with you. The plot is also amazing, as it really is captivating. Personally, I did not expect the things that happened in the book to occur. I was always entertained, and not once did I get bored. The False Prince is perfect for those who like action, mystery, and adventure. It even has a sprinkle of romance.

The Thief of Always

Written by Margaret Peterson Haddix

A book for readers in grades 4 and up reviewed by Margaret

    

Clive Barker's The Thief of Always tells the tale of Harvey, a young boy who's drowning in his own boredom due to the dreary winter weather. That is, until he is visited by a peculiar man, who brings him to a house where your wildest dreams are made possible. However, the longer that Harvey stays, the more he begins to realize that everything about the magical house is simply too good to be true. 

This book is one of my favorites due to the variety of sketches inside, which help you to visualize the characters and the setting. Another aspect of the book that I found to be enjoyable was its descriptions. The twist at the end was unexpected, and it was a good way to end the story.

The Missing: Found

Written by Margaret Peterson Haddix

A book for readers in grades 3 and up reviewed by Shayne

    

In The Missing: Found, the main characters, who are 13-year-old Jonah Skidmore, Katherine Skidmore (Jonah’s younger sister), and Chip Winston, are all part of a conspiracy that involves disappearing planes, people, and kids throughout time. Jonah is an adopted kid who wants to find his biological parents. So, he asks his adoptive parents to look for his biological parents. They go to a guy named James Reardon after Chip (who is also adopted) finds his name on an adoption file in his father's safe.

Jonah's family goes to Reardon’s office to speak with him. When Jonah goes to the bathroom to throw up, he finds a man, who Katherine later calls JB (or Janitor Boy). Janitor Boy is a very important character who plays an essential role in The Missing series. He tells Jonah to memorize the things on Reardon's desk when he returns to the office. Jonah and Katherine work together to distract Reardon, then take pictures of a file containing the labels “Survivors” and “Witnesses.” Later, Jonah, Katherine, and Chip go to an adoption conference, where two guys named Gary and Hodge trap them in a time cave.

I really like The Missing: Found because of all its twists. Chip, Jonah, and Katherine’s relationship also really starts to develop throughout this book. The group's teamwork is really amazing, and their journey to discover the truth behind their adoptions is absolutely great and unreal. After everything I read throughout the book, I thought anything was possible.

Dr. STONE Volume 1

Written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Boichi

A manga for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Shayne

In the first volume of Dr. STONE, a big flash of light petrifies the whole world. The petrified include a scientist named Senku Ishigami, a really strong highschooler named Taiju Oki, and the strongest high school student, Tsukasa Shishio. After 3,700 years, Senku wakes up to find out everyone else is petrified. Not long after, Taiju wakes up and sees Senku in a big treehouse, which he created on his own. After that, the two work together to make revival fluid, which consists of alcohol and nitric acid. Taiju does all the heavy lifting, and Senku performs the scientific tasks. After they complete the fluid, Senku and Taiju revive Tsukasa, who becomes the series’ main antagonist.

I really like the first volume of Dr. STONE and the entire Dr. STONE series because of Senku and Taiju’s relationship. Taiju doesn't know anything about science, which is funny because he doesn’t understand Senku half the time. Even though that's the case, they really work well together. Tsukasa slows down their progress, but they still move on. The antagonist, Tsukasa, is also a really good character because he is just trying to find his sister. We learn that she was braindead and Tsukasa was participating in MMA matches to pay for her medical insurance. Overall, his journey to find her is great. He also believes that only youthful people can run the new world they now live in, since the ones who ran the old world didn't do so well.

Out of Control

Written by Sarah Alderson

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Shayne

    

Out of Control is a book about Olivia AKA Liva and Jaime AKA Jay, who are on the run from two cops. The cops are corrupt and murder Liva’s host family. After Liva witnesses the murders, the cops attack the police station where she has been taken into custody just to kill her. It turns out that Liva's father was actually running one of the biggest human trafficking rings of the decade. Liva and Jay work to take down her father and the two cops trying to kill them.

I like Out of Control because it has a really good twist and a lot of action. Throughout the book, Liva and Jay’s relationship also changes because of certain events that occur. We also get to know Jay's family and learn how chaotic his life actually is.

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer

Written by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

A book for readers in grades 2 and up reviewed by Kalyna

        

 

In Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer, Judy and her brother Stink are left with their Aunt Opal while their parents are on a trip. Judy's friends also leave, so she is left all alone. Judy tries to have the best summer she can, so she concocts a thrill-a-delic plan. Judy and her “pest” friend Frank go on a nonstop action-filled adventure.

I would give Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer an 8/10 because I loved to read it both now and when I was younger. I also love that the book is filled with nonstop comedy.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Written by J.K. Rowling

A book for readers in grades 4 and up reviewed by Bella

        

When Harry, Hermione, and Ron try to figure out what is causing incidents at Hogwarts, they begin to uncover more about the past. Harry, Hermione, and Ron then start searching for the Chamber of Secrets, a place nobody has ever been able to find.

Hands down, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets has to be one of my favorite Harry Potter books. As a Slytherin myself, I love the storyline of this book, since it surrounds the Slytherin House and the secrets behind it.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Written by J.K. Rowling

A book for readers in grades 4 and up reviewed by Bella

        

When Harry Potter finds out that he is actually a wizard in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, his entire life changes. With his new friends Hermione and Ron, he goes on adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along the way, the three attempt to defeat an evil force.

The Harry Potter books and movies are some of my favorite things to read and watch. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is truly magical. Its storyline, beloved characters, mystery, and suspense make this book so special. When you read it, you will feel like you are being transported to Hogwarts and are helping the characters uncover the suspicious activity at their school.

Night

Written by Elie Wiesel

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Bella

        

In Night by Elie Wiesel, Elie is just a teenager when he is forced to leave his home and sent to multiple concentration camps against his will. Through all of the horror Elie endures, he stays strong and survives.

Night is able to tell such a tragedy. At the same time, it gives readers the ability to imagine what people really went through during this dark point in history. As sad as this book is, its story really makes you feel for its the characters and want to keep on reading.

The Grapes of Wrath

Written by John Steinbeck

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Patrick

        

The Grapes of Wrath is a story about how a family of tenant farmers, the Joads, have to leave their home in Oklahoma during the Great Depression. Because Oklahoma was covered in dust and experiencing a drought, most of its farmers were struggling to make money. The Joad family decides to move to California to get their lives back on track, but face hardships and struggles along the way.

 

I did not enjoy The Grapes of Wrath because the old Southern slang that was used was difficult to read. The book was also very boring at times, making it difficult to pay attention to detail. Additionally, it was filled with unnecessary details that had nothing to do with the storyline.

Lord of the Flies

Written by William Golding

A book for readers in grades 9 and up reviewed by Patrick

    

Lord of the Flies is a novel about a group of boys who become stranded on a remote island after their plane crashes. These boys have to figure out how to survive and develop an organized way of living with rules and jobs. Many of the boys eventually lose their innocence, and they become violent and hateful towards each other. 

I enjoyed Lord of the Flies because it keeps you on your toes. Overall, it was easy and interesting to read because of how it showed the boys slowly losing their civilized human nature and becoming more like savages. Consistently, there was also deeper meaning in the boys’ objects and actions.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan's Curse

Written by Rick Riordan

A book for readers in grades 4 and up reviewed by Caitlin

        

The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan has been widely successful and still is today. The fourth book, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth, is one of the most popular books in the series as a whole. In the book, Percy and his friends must journey into a massive labyrinth underneath the United States to stop an attack on Camp Half-Blood by the Titan Lord, Krono. 

Many authors would not think to include characters with learning disabilities in books geared towards a younger audience. However, in Riordan’s books, almost every main character suffers from some kind of learning disorder (mainly ADHD and dyslexia). This representation is so important, especially in media for younger people. Neurodivergence is more common than most kids realize, and many younger people recognize that they learn differently than their peers. This causes a sense of isolation and shame for being “different” or “wrong.” That’s why Percy Jackson and the Olympians is so important as a series. It shows kids struggling with learning and doesn’t shame them for it. Instead, it explains how the minds of its characters are hardwired differently than others, which makes them powerful and special.