The Crucible

Written by Arthur Miller

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Patrick

    

The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a story that takes place during the Salem Witch Trials. It is about a girl who falsely accuses a woman of being a witch for her own benefit. She uses the religious biases of the courts and others' fear of witches to her advantage in ruining a couple's lives.

I personally enjoyed this book because of how it can relate to people now. It shows that everyone can lie and manipulate others in order to get what they want. I also liked how it showed the community’s panic and fear, as well as how their fear caused them to make radical decisions.

The Lost Boy

Written by David Pelzer

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

        

In The Lost Boy, the main character is a small boy named David Pelzer, who was emotionally, mentally, and physically abused by his mother. His mom mad him eat the scraps from what was left over from what his sibling had eaten, and his dad didn't do much as he should have. But, if he had done something, this would make the situation worse and David would get into more trouble. Another way his mom had abused him was when she had him go into the garage in the midst of winter and made him stay there until she said otherwise. That's when David decides he has had enough and leaves home.

I like The Lost Boy because it was written very well. The book didn't lose focus on its plot and was very entertaining. It kept me hooked because of how real it felt. I would recommend it to people who like books about true events and people who like sad stories.

Classroom of the Elite Volume 1

Written by Syougo Kinugasa

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Marco

        

Classroom of the Elite Volume 1 is a light novel about a guy named Ayanokoji, who was scientifically made superhuman. Ayanokoji was trained to have immense strength, speed, and knowledge. He wanted to have a normal life like everyone else, but was forbidden from doing so by his father. Ayanokoji escapes from his father and goes to school, where his dad can't forcibly take him. Ayanokoji gets the social experience that he was previously denied by his father.

One reason I liked Classroom of the Elite, Volume 1 is because I think the story is well written. The plot doesn’t have holes, and it shows that no human can be perfect. Even though one may be physically stronger and more intelligent than most, they could be weaker in their social interactions. I would recommend this book to people who like action, psychology, and drama.

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.

The Outsiders

Written by S.E. Hinton

A book for readers in grades 7 and up reviewed by Donavan

        

The Outsiders is a coming-of-age novel written by S.E. Hinton and published in 1967. The story is told from the perspective of Ponyboy Curtis, a teenage boy from a lower-class background who is part of a gang of “Greasers” fighting against the wealthier “Socs.” As Ponyboy tries to make sense of the world around him, he learns important lessons about friendship and loyalty. The story ultimately culminates in a tragic event that forces Ponyboy to reexamine his place in the world and the value of human life.

One of the strengths of The Outsiders is its realistic portrayal of teenage life, particularly in the way it depicts the struggles and conflicts faced by its characters. The novel also effectively conveys a sense of empathy and understanding for both the Greasers and the Socs, highlighting the complexities of their relationships and the societal forces that shape them. However, some readers have criticized the novel for being too simplistic in its portrayal of social class and for perpetuating stereotypes about Greasers and Socs. Additionally, some have pointed out that the characters are somewhat one-dimensional and that the plot can be predictable at times.

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.