Ban This Book

Written by Alan Gratz

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

        

In Ban This Book, Amy Anne Ollinger loves checking out her favorite book at the school library. This book is From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. But, when she goes to the library, she realizes that it's not there! Amy Anne goes to the librarian (who she knows really well) to see if someone else took the book out, which never happens. Next, Amy Anne finds out that it was banned because someone thought it encouraged kids to run away from home. Afterwards, Amy Anne starts a secret library in her locker containing banned books.

Ban This Book is my absolute favorite book. First and foremost, I love how Amy Anne was determined to allow everyone to read whatever they wanted. I also love how Amy Anne loves reading. I like reading books where the main character loves to read just like me.

Refugee

Written by Alan Gratz

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

        

Refugee details the lives of three kids in difficult circumstances and how they escaped from them. It is about Isabelle, a Cuban girl escaping Castro’s reign, Mahmoud, a Syrian child trying to escape from a conflict in his country, and Josef, a child trapped in Nazi Germany who is trying to run away to safety with his family.

I loved Refugee because it is very thrilling. It illustrates thought-provoking situations that took my breath away. At a lot of moments, the book stressed me out. It showed me what other people have gone through and made me more grateful for what I have. I was so happy with the ending and where the characters’ stories connected.