Sanity & Tallulah

Written and illustrated by Molly Brooks

A graphic novel for readers in grades 3 and up reviewed by Madison

    

Sanity and Tallulah is a book about two friends, Sanity Jones and Tallulah Vega. They both live in a space station, but find that living there can be pretty dull. As a result, they conduct fun science experiments to help keep them from being bored. When their new experiment escapes from the station, they need to find it before it causes mayhem.

I like Sanity and Tallulah because it was written and illustrated in a comic book format, which is fun to look at while you are reading. This book is interesting and makes you want to continue reading to see what will happen next. Overall, I would recommend it to other kids.

The Bronze Bow

Written by Elizabeth George Speare

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

        

The Bronze Bow is set in first century Galilee, Israel. The main character is Daniel Bar Jamin, who lives in the same time as Jesus. Daniel learns how to forgive the Romans after they kill his father.

Overall, The Bronze Bow is great in teaching people how we should always forgive. However, it’s very wordy and quite hard to understand at times.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows

Written by J.K. Rowling

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

        

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows follows Harry and his friends during their final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They struggle to defeat Voldemort, the wizard who turned bad and uses his magic for evil instead of good. Harry, Hermione, and Ron have to figure out a way to save Hogwarts and themselves from Voldemort and the Death Eaters. Unfortunately, they lose the lives of ones they love.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the last book out of the seven-year book series. Even though it is the last, I love this book. It makes you feel for the characters. As sad as it is, I think that it perfectly closes the Harry Potter book series.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Written by J.K. Rowling

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

        

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince details Harry Potter’s sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry finds a book in his Potions class owned by the “Half-Blood Prince,” which leads him to try to solve the mystery of who this person could be. It turns out the Half-Blood Prince isn’t who you would expect it to be. Harry and his friends have to also figure out what dangerous scheme their childhood enemy, Draco Malfoy, is up to. Meanwhile, Harry teams up with Professor Dumbledore to prepare for the danger that’s to come from Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is one of my favorite books from the series. It leads up to the last book and prepares you for what is to come in the final battle against the Death Eaters at Hogwarts.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Written by J.K. Rowling

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

        

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix follows Harry, Hermione, and Ron in their fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With a new mean teacher ruling the school, Harry and his friends aren’t being taught the proper magic to defend themselves from a possible war against the Death Eaters. Harry, Hermione, and Ron gather other Hogwarts students who are willing to learn more advanced magic to fight against Voldemort. They begin to teach themselves the magic they have been denied to protect themselves and the ones they love.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is actually not one of my favorite Harry Potter books, but I still enjoyed reading about what happened next to Harry and his friends.

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.

An Elephant in the Garden

Written by Michael Morpurgo

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

        

An Elephant in the Garden is told from the perspective of Elizabeth, an elderly woman who looks back on her experiences as a young girl living in Dresden during World War II. Elizabeth's mother works at the local zoo, and when the city is bombed, she is tasked with caring for Marlene, the zoo's beloved elephant. Together, Elizabeth, her mother, and Marlene embark on a perilous journey across war-torn Germany, encountering many challenges and dangers along the way.

Overall, An Elephant in the Garden is a touching and emotional story that explores themes of courage, resilience, and compassion in the face of adversity. The novel is well-written and engaging, and its historical setting adds an important dimension to the story. For anyone interested in World War II history, animal stories, or heartwarming tales of survival and friendship, it is a great read.

Wonder

Written by R.J. Palacio

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

        

Wonder is about a boy with a lot of deformities, but he is really smart. He has pretty much been at home with his mom, but he is going to start going to school. He wants to be just like the other kids, even though he does not look like them. He faces many challenges, but grows through them all.

Wonder was very good. August is just like every other boy his age in his thoughts and dreams. All that sets him apart are his looks. He is very hurt by people at first, but he seems to understand. In the end, we see who his true friends are. I would recommend this book. After finishing it, you should watch the movie.

Restart

Written by Gordon Korman

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

    

Restart by Gordon Korman is about a boy in high school. He was a great football player and a terrible bully. He did things to the other kids in school that made them fear him. One boy even had to leave that school. The bully falls off a roof and gets amnesia. He does not understand why everyone, with the exception of his few friends, are terrified of him. We watch him struggle with what he was like and how he now wants to be. 

Restart was excellent. So many kids are bullied in school, and this book shows them that they are not alone. It also shows bullies how their actions and words terribly affect other kids. I would recommend this book to all middle school students.

Unfriended

Written by Rachel Vail

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

        

Unfriended by Rachel Vail is about a girl in eighth grade named Hazel being left by her best friend, Truly. After Truly is invited to join the Popular Table, she leaves Hazel confused and heartbroken. Truly believes that she is now part of the popular group, but it turns out that she is being fooled.

I liked Unfriended because it was accurate in its portrayal of middle school drama. I found the book relatable and fun to read. It kept me wondering what was going to happen next and never grew boring.

Hedge Over Heels

Written by Elise McMullen-Ciotti

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

        

In Hedge Over Heels, a girl named Rayna really wants a dog. However, her mom works for the army, which would make it hard to look after a dog given that they need a lot of time and attention. 

When Rayna's mom decides that it's time to get her a pet, Rayna is excited. She thinks that it’s time for her to get the dog of her dreams. However, Rayna's pet is revealed to her, and it's a hedgehog. Initially, Rayna isn’t happy with her new pet, but when she goes to the pet store to buy supplies, she learns that hedgehogs can be cool.

One of Rayna’s goals in her new home is to not make any friends because it would hurt too much when it’s time to finally say goodbye. Her mom wants to have a barbeque, although Rayna is opposed to it. At the barbeque, she meets some new friends who also own pets. Like her, they will be competing in a pet talent show. Later at school, she is tutored by a boy named Nick, and they eventually become great friends.

I enjoyed Hedge Over Heels. First and foremost, it is about pets, and I enjoy books similar to this. Secondly, I have read a few other books where a girl gets a pet that she initially doesn't want and ends up loving it. I enjoy books similar to these, and I would definitely recommend this one to any pet lovers.

Sheets

Written and illustrated by Brenna Thummler

A graphic novel for readers in grades 5 and up reviewed by Madison

        

Sheets by Brenna Thummler is a graphic novel about a 13-year-old girl named Marjorie Glatt, who is in charge of running her family's laundry business after the death of her mother. Marjorie faces multiple problems along the way. One is a character named Mr. Saubertuck, who wants to buy the business and turn it into a spa. Another problem for Marjorie is a ghost that keeps causing problems for the business.

I liked Sheets because Marjorie is very determined, even though she faces many problems. I also like that it causes readers to experience many different emotions. I would recommend this graphic novel to readers in 6th grade and up.

Counting by 7s

Written by Holly Goldberg Sloan

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

        

In Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan, the main character is Willow Chance, a 12-year-old girl who is interested in the number seven. She is very gifted, which leads her to having a difficult time adjusting to her new middle school. Willow’s teacher accuses her of cheating on a test that she did incredibly well on. As a result, she meets with Dell Duke, the school's behavioral counselor. Willow is a unique student who Dell has never encountered, which leads him to be inspired by her.

I liked Counting by 7s because I believe that it is inspiring. Even though its story can be sad at times, I like the way Willow always finds a way to move on. I would recommend this book to readers in 6th grade and up.

Anne of Green Gables

Adapted by Crystal S. Chan with art by Kuma Chan

A manga for readers in grades 4 and up reviewed by Kalyna

        

This manga adaptation of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables follows an orphaned girl named Anne, who has fiery red locks and a beautiful imagination. Anne is sent to the Cuthbert’s family home, but there has been a terrible mistake: the Cuthberts wanted a boy, not a girl. But, the Cuthberts find a way to love Anne's charmingly annoying personality and keep her. Anne experiences the troubles of going to school, making friends, and so much more. 

I believe this manga was the perfect adaptation of the real book. I loved the art and how the characters were drawn in such perfectly fitting ways.

Bad Best Friend

Written by Rachel Vail

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

        

Bad Best Friend is about Niki and her friend, Ava. While in gym class, the teacher asks the students to get into pairs, but Ava chooses Britney, a popular girl, instead of Niki. As a result, Niki is lost trying to figure out why Ava is acting this way, since they have always been best friends.

I love Bad Best Friend because I can relate to it, since I have had this happen to me. The book is very interesting and relatable for people who are in middle school. I find myself rereading it because it is so interesting. 

Well, That Was Awkward

Written by Rachel Vail

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

        

Well, That Was Awkward by Rachel Vail is about a girl named Gracie, who has a crush on her friend, A.J. She gets her friend Emmett to see if A.J happens to have a crush on anyone. Unfortunately, Gracie learns that A.J has a crush on her best friend, Sienna. Following this, Gracie becomes jealous of her friend, but decides to stay humble and not tell Sienna that she has a crush on A.J.

I enjoyed Well, That Was Awkward because I believe it is relatable and very funny. I think that it captures what middle school is like, especially while having a crush and going through drama. I also love this book for its unexpected ending.

Wonder

Written by R.J. Palacio

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

        

Wonder is about a kid named Auggie, who has a facial difference that prevents him from attending school in person until he enters fifth grade. At first, Auggie is feeling nervous about being the new kid, but he later tries to convince all of his new classmates that he is the same as them.

There are plenty of reasons why I love Wonder, but I will just be stating three. First, I loved the connection and the detailed similarities to actually being a 5th grader. Second, I loved the main subject of the book, which was "Don't judge a book by its cover." I realize how cheesy that saying is, but I value its importance. Third, I found the book very motivating, funny, and uplifting.

Magic Tree House #4: Pirates Past Noon

Written by Mary Pope Osborne

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

    

In The Magic Treehouse #4: Pirates Past Noon, Jack and Annie are taken to an island in the middle of the ocean. They are sent back to the days of deserted islands, secret maps, and pirates, where they find out a lot about pirates in the past and buried treasures. Jack and Annie end up having to look for a buried treasure, but they might be taken by pirates who are also in search of the treasure. 

The Magic Treehouse #4: Pirates Past Noon is really interesting and teaches a lot of fun facts about pirates. I loved this book when I was younger and hope that young kids will like it, too. I would recommend reading this book because it is really fun.

The Magic Treehouse #42: A Good Night for Ghosts

Written by Mary Pope Osborne

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

    

In The Magic Treehouse #42: A Good Night for Ghosts, Jack and Annie are sent to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1915. They are on a mission to inspire Louis Armstrong to bring jazz to the world. Jack and Annie are so busy trying to get Louis Armstrong to create jazz that they don't notice that their surroundings are haunted. For Jack and Annie to succeed in their mission, they must try to convince the ghosts to help them. 

This book is really fun to read. I recommend it because you learn about Louis Armstrong while getting to read about fun ghosts.

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

Written by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

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

    

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X is about an Alien Hunter named Daniel, whose parents died when he was three years old at the hands of a mantis known as The Prayer. The Prayer is number one on The List of Alien Outlaws, with number one being the strongest and most evil. Daniel's target is number six on The List. His name is Ergent Seth, and he ends up being the main antagonist of the book. He has enslaved children, who he uses to sell drugs. But, as Daniel tries to find Ergent Seth, he starts to mess around with him.

I really like The Dangerous Days of Daniel X for its many twists and Daniel's willingness to keep on going. Daniel’s friends help him against the aliens, and they support him whenever he needs it. All of Daniel’s friends have unique personalities and skill sets that they use to help him.