Bulldog
Book Reviews
(2008)
Brooklyn Junior High students share what they think about the books they are reading.
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Monday, December 15, 2008
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122 comments:
Cooney, Caroline B. Mummy. New York: Scholastic Inc, 2000.
Reviewed by: Kacie
Have you ever fantasized about committing a crime? Not just skipping school, but stealing a prized artifact. Well, in this book called Mummy, Caroline B. Cooney describes a character that makes a plan to steal a mummy. This character has never done anything wrong in her life but has always wanted to do something incredibly wrong. When she stumbles across a chance, she takes it.
In this book, four senior classmates want to do a senior prank. They ask a girl named Emlyn to help. They asked her to help because she’s very quiet and can keep secrets so essentially, she’s an outsider to the group. The four friends want to steal the city museum’s mummy and hang it up outside their school. Emlyn takes the offer so she can finally commit a wrong deed. After they steal the mummy the four classmates get greedy, after finding out more about the mummy. While Emlyn just wants to finish the prank and be done. They find out that inside the mummy there are jewels. Their innocent prank turns into a full-fledged crime. In this book I only thought two scenes stood out. The more exciting of the two was when Emlyn was stealing the mummy from the museum and many obstacles changed her thought out plan. While she was doing all of this the other four waited in a van for her. The main characters in the book are Jack, Maris, Lovell, Donovan, and Emlyn. Maris was more of a leader, while Donovan kept to himself. Lovell followed the directions of others, similar to Jack.
I didn’t enjoy this book very much. I thought it was very lethargic at the beginning and it explained the characters too far into the book. There were only two interesting scenes in this book and those scenes weren’t overly exciting. The book made me want to switch but I thought it might get more captivating, so I didn’t. Overall I thought the book was disappointing and I wouldn’t recommend it to BJH students. I rate this book as a one.
Meyer, Stephenie. Twilight. New York: Little, browns and company, 2005
Reviewed by: David
Imagine yourself being in love with a vampire but you didn’t figure out until you’ve already fell in love. Would you change your mind about him/her or would you still be in love? Well, in this book called Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, a girl named Isabella falls in love with a vampire and she doesn’t know that until later.
Isabella who falls in love with Edward, the vampire, that doesn’t know he’s a vampire. She keeps wondering why he always avoiding her and tries to keep away from her. Maybe it’s that thirsty for her blood. Isabella was watching Edward from the parking lot and all of a sudden a car comes sliding in and Isabella is about to get crushed by the car. Edward, who was 50 feet away, jumped in front of her and protect her, what do you think happens next?
I think BJH student should read this book because it’s a book you can’t put away. It has breath-taking scene in the book that will make you eager for more. Also, you can go watch the movie after you read it because there is a movie for Twilight. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 because it flows through your head like a movie where you can see what’s actually going on.
McClintock, Norah. Snitch. MPLS: Orca Book Publisher, September 01, 2005
Reviewed by: Leng
Imagine getting snitch out by your own best friend that even used to snatch purse with you. In this story, Josh get snitch out by Scott because Josh stole a purse with 5,000 dollars in it. The money was for a research of aids that’s why Scott felt bad for the old lady and decided to snitch Josh out. They think Josh had anger problem, so he has to join in a program to control his anger.
What happen to people if they snitch? If you don’t get beat up by the person you snitch on, you’ll still get beat up by someone else. This book is interesting to read, because I know lots of people like drama story. This book talks about fights and how you should be if ya’ll were true friends.
Students in BJH should read this book, so they’ll know that snitching is bad, especially snitching on your own friends. Someone is going to end in the hospital just for snitching. This book is good to read so people can learn how life is like. It also shows you to not do dreadful things at first before you get snitch on. I’ll rate this book a 5 out of 5, because this is the only book I actually read and finished.
Schraff, Anne. Someone to Love Me. United States: Townsend Press, 2002.
Reviewed by: Shanayla
Imagine if you loved someone and you thought they loved you back. Imagine if you had to stay in your home alone all the time, and didn’t have anything to do. Anne Schraff’s novel Someone to Love Me is the story of a young girl, Cindy Gibson, who loves her abusive boyfriend, and hates to be home alone, while her mother is always gone with her drug dealing boyfriend, Raffie. All of Cindy’s friends were trying to give her advice; but that is something that she doesn’t want to hear.
Cindy Gibson, who is a fifteen year old freshman that goes to Bluford High, thinks that she finally met the boy of her dreams. In a particular scene, it reads; “Cindy felt touched by magic.” Then, Bobby Wallace, her boyfriend, starts to abuse and push Cindy around. Also, at home, she’s having more problems there that she can’t bear any longer. Her mother is never home, and always leaves her there alone by herself. While her mother is not at home, her mother is always out with her boyfriend, Raffie.
Raffie is a drug dealer who tries to sneak his way into marrying Cindy’s mother, who doesn’t know that he is a drug dealer. She doesn’t have a clue about anything that is going on with him. Cindy’s boyfriend, Bobby, is taking drugs, and thinks that Cindy won’t be able to find out. Cindy, herself, is a girl, who doesn’t attend school very much, and likes to be with her friends most of the time. Basically, Cindy and her mother are alike in similar ways, and are going through the same things. All of the events that take place will happen in a shocking way.
This book lets you know how strong love is, and how it affects people. Love is a hard word or subject to understand and experience. This book, Someone to Love Me, deserves four stars for its way of explaining the meaning of true love, and how people care for each other. Anybody who wants to better understand love in two different ways should read this book.
Divine, L. Drama High Series: Jayd Legacy. New York: Kensington publishing crop, 2007.
Reviewed by: Ruthina
Do you think you know everything about jayd? But with her family legacy and boys’ problem trust me you don’t. Jayd legacy by L. Divine is a book with a lot of series to it. Jayd is the main character who has like a curse or spell on her. Most of the setting usually is in her school, her mom, and grandmother house.
It is a girl who was born in a family with a bunch of legacy and bad things usually happen to them like man leaving them & etc. Now it is up to her to break that legacy but while trying to break it, theirs a lot of drama coming her way. Jayd now had a dream that one of her ex-best friend told everybody at school that she was a witch because she seen her put guru in her backyard. Now everyone is yelling out to her with light in their hand running behind her say she is a witch.
I suggest other BJH student should read this book because it can relate to them in one way or another. Some B.J. kids like drama so they will love to read this book. I would rate this book 5 star because as soon as you read it you’ll fall for it that quick.
Sharon G., Flake. Money Hungry. New York: Jump at the Sun/ Hyperion
Paperbacks for Children, 2003.
Reviewed by: Hanann
Imagine living in the projects, where you have no money and use to sleep on the streets. Sharon G. Flake story Money Hungry is about a family of two, Raseberry and her mom. They use to live on the streets in a van, but they found an apartment in the projects. Raseberry only cares about making money. She becomes selfish because she’s trying everything to make money, but she’s taking it too far that she doesn’t notice she’s losing friends.
Raseberry mom works two jobs trying to make enough money to live in the suburbs. Zora’s dad Dr.Mitchell has some love connection going on with her mom. They help Raseberry and her mom by letting them stay with them when their lights go off and when they don’t pay the bills because they don’t have enough money. She tries many things to get money, but she gets in trouble with her mom for coming home late because she’s making money.
Other BJH students should read this book because they can learn that if you’re selfish you can lose friends like that. Just like Raseberry, she almost lost some of her friends. People would enjoy this book because when you read Money Hungry you can imagine and picture what’s going on in the book. I would rate this book a five star because you will know how it feels like when someone has no money and lives in the projects where they don’t want to be. Anybody who wants to know how people live in the projects and what they got through should read this book.
Walter Dean Myers. Handbook for Boys. New York: HarperCollins, 2002.
Reviewed by: Dan
What do the two boys do at a barbershop everyday after school? Imagine going to the barbershop everyday just cleaning up after every hair cut with a little pay of money, but the owner will end up paying for your college years. Which one would you pick working there with little pay and college coast or not working there at all. I would pick the one with little pay and college coast because I would want to go to college too. Walter Dean Myers novel Handbook for Boys is about two boys who been to juvenile hall, that’s why they work at the barbershop because Duke wants to help them be better in life.
The book teaches the two boys about how life is like. Duke and his friends always tell their story’s about what their past life was about. They tell the boys about how to make their life better. Jimmy is a boy who lives with his mom. His parents are divorce, so he lives with his mom. Jimmy is more of the main character in this novel. Kevin is more of a school guy than Jimmy. He lives with both his parents. He works with Jimmy at the barbershop. It talks about boy’s who have been in juvenile hall jails.
I think other BJH students should read this book because it is a great life story book. This book talks about life and why people should do the right thing. This book would be great for bad kids and it can teach them plenty of things. I would rate this book a 3 out of 5 because it teaches kids about the goods and the harsh things.
Sebold, Alice. The Lovely Bones. New York: Little Brown & Company, 2002
Reviewed by: Kashoua
Mr. Harvey seems like the typical next door neighbor, but is he? Susie seems like a typical teenager whom died because of suicide but did she? In the Novel “The Lovely Bones” Alice Sebold writes a clever yet mysterious book about a 14 yr old girl who got raped and killed. The most interesting thing is the rapist is that the next door neighbor.
The Lovely Bones is one inspiring yet spiteful novel that would lead you right off your seat. Susie is a teenager in Jr. High who loves biology class and lives in a small town in the 1970’s. Her next door neighbor Mr. Harvey, 35/single/hates pets has a huge crush on her. My favorite seen/ part of this book is when Mr. Harvey Tricks Susie to go with him to an “underground play house” and rapes and kill her. Later on that day her arm was found in a corn field near the “underground play house” but no one knew about it, so everyone went on searching for the missing body. Her parents worried and scared hoped to get their loving daughter back. As the story goes on Susie describes what she sees from heaven and tries to help everyone find her killer. What makes this my favorite part is the specific details that is told and written in the novel.
I really do recommend this book to BJH students, especially if you’re looking for a good eye opening book. The main character is also at the age of most students at this school so I think they could really relate to Susie and her family. Also the story makes you think twice about everything you do and why you do it. I give this book 4 stars just because at times this book was kind of spiffy but then again other parts were spectacular.
Schorr, Melissa. Goy Crazy. New York: Hyperion, 2006.
Reviewed by: Cilenta
What will you do if you fell in love with a person that has a different religion from yours? Will you let that person go? Or go after him/she? Plus, will you risk your relationship with your family just because you found your “dream” person? If, you’re in this situation, your life is similar to the book called Boy Crazy by Melissa Schorr. Even if you are not in this situation, who knows, you might end up with a person who has a different religion from yours. What will you do then? Rachel is a sophomore and Jewish who is struggling to find her “dream” guy, but she falls in rugged circumstances in which changes her thoughts and decisions. Her heart wants to go after him but her family is like an arrow. Each time she thinks of him, the arrow pierces deeper into her heart to remind her that she is following the erroneous road.
The agonies Rachel feels are made by her own decisions and words that she says. She shows herself in amazing ways. She went after Luke even though it might affect her relationship with her family and have the courage to face her obstacles but just not her major ones. Although she doesn’t appreciate who she is inside, she accepts it by going through stiff conditions. All she worries about is this: “my parents would freak out. And my grandmother would disown me.” She wanted to keep her intense relationship with Luke a secret, but subsequently, Luke appeared at her house one day. Her mom was astonished and livid in a kind of a way. She felted mystified and doubtful. She has to do something quick.
This book shows about being true to yourself, making the right decisions and accepting who you are inside. Accepting who you are inside is the most important of all. Although you change the outside of you, your insides are still the same. Goy Crazy deserves four stars for its incisive details and inspiring characters. Any know who wants to know more about how things might happen for different religion relationships; I recommend this book to you.
Shane, Darren. Cirque du freak.
Reviewed by: Deshawn
Imagine having that perfect life, excellent friends who have your back, and a family who cares. Until one day at a cirques changes everything. The lights go out, screaming all around starts, the show begins to fall leading Darren to become something he regrets, turning his best friend Steve against him to the point he would kill for what he wants, In the book of cirque du freak.
This book includes a boy name Darren, his best friend Steve, Sister Amy, and of course his annoying parents. Darren is a soccer player and a well known person at his school. He has a pretty healthy life that is, until him and his friend go to the cirque du freak, changing everything. Now you might have seen some nasty things but not what Darren and his friend have. Something from out of the dark bites off the arm of a man he screams in terror every one else sits frighten thinking what will happen to them but no one leaves, talk about dumb. There’s more to the show, including a vampire with some tricks up his sleeve. Will Darren step in the way? Could he be the reason of death? Find out if you dare.
All of the students who enjoy exciment, body shaking, horror stories that will leave you wondering what will happen next then you should read this book. This book is not only about giving you exciting drama, it teaches a life lesson to never steal and expect to not pay for it, because it will come back to haunt you .Which is why I give this book four stars, for its jaw dropping excitement.
Kadonata, Cynthia. Kira-Kira. New York: Scholastic INC, 2004
Reviewed by: Phoebe
Have money problems? Katie and her family does, they have to move to a new town, a new home, and a new school. Not knowing what were going to happen, Katie and her older sister cries the way there. Their Uncle is helping them move, and helping their parents to get a job. With little money they find a little apartment, with two bedrooms and a bathroom. Lynn the older sister goes to school, she does fantastic in school. Katie then starts to look up to her sister.
With her parents working longer hours every week, and with Lynn always playing with her friend Amber, she has to watch her brother and play with him most of the time. During summer Lynn goes and sleepover Amber’s house for a week. Katie and her brother than has to go with their mom to work for the week that Lynn is gone. Lynn then comes home with a fever and tries to get better. Read the rest to find out what happens to her family.
I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 because it keeps the reader going and wanting to read more. Most people will read this book it is breathtaking to read. It’s tragic and exhilarating all at once.
Lewis, C.S. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. New York:
Scholastic, 1990.
Reviewed by: Emil
Imagine going somewhere from homeland due to war. Imagine being inventing and being a hero of the new land in the novel of C.S Lewis the lion the witch and the wardrobe. This novel is carrying a story about four kids who are inventors and leaders of a secret land.
The four kids were playing hide and seek and the youngest one found out the secret land in a closet which is covered with snow for a hundred years. At that time the secret land was ruled by an evil powered witch. It is said that four humans will stop her evil power and help the animals living in there. The witch was trying to harm the kids. The kids got an army with some animals and fought against the witch. The kids won the war.
This book shows how brave and smart the kids are. In my opinion I will give C.S Lewis a five star rating for writing such an adventures book. All BJH students should read this book. This is very heart touching and appropriate for any age readers. You would not stop if you start reading this book.
Stines R.L. Fear Street. New York: pocket books. August 1992
Reviewed by Robert
What would you do if you find out that the reason why bad things happen to you because of someone you know? The novel fear street is by Sines R.L is about two girls that move to a new school. They really don’t know anyone.
When the two girls tryout for a cheer leading team. They were under a lot of pressure. They were told by a lot of girls they shouldn’t tryout.
They didn’t take that to heart. They started the two person tryout. They both said ready one two three go. They started to hit flip all over the place. They started to do things that the girls never saw in their life. They look at the two girls with amazement in their eyes. The whole gym felt like they froze for a second or two. You could hear an ant run by.
Well this not really a book I love but if the kids at BHJ like to watch 90210 with some scary things. They might just like this book. I gave this book a four out of five. Take in mind that when you read this book you should get ready for some surprise.
J. K. Rowling. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
New York : Arthur A. Levine Books, 2007.
Reviewed by Doug
Have you ever had to fight someone only a few people aren’t afraid of? Now picture a person like that as one of the world’s most powerful wizards. And you? Your 17 years old.
That’s the situation Harry Potters in. At the age of one, Voldemart tried to kill Harry, but something went wrong and Harry survived while Voldemart disappeared. Harry finds out that he is a wizard at age 11. He was never told because his parents were killed and he was left with his muggle relatives who hate the magical world.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling is the 7th and last book in the Harry Potter series. The book is about Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione. They are trying to kill Voldemart. But this will be harder then you think. Voldemart has more then one life.
BJ students should read this book if they like exciting, heart stopping books. I give Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 5 out of 5 stars for the good and exciting adventure.
Anderson, M.T. Thirsty. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 1997.
Reviewed By: Johnny
Imagine waking up one day and finding out that you have no reflection, then you are told that you are turning into a vampire. In Andersons’ book Thirsty a young teenager named Chris finds out he had no reflection when he got mad. He then runs into a strange being known only as Chet the celestial being who tells him that he is turning into a vampire. Then Chet tells Chris that Chris can cure his vampirism by doing one mission for the forces of light.
When Chris enters a dark world containing the vampire god T’ch Muchtgar and sets off a device in order to free himself of his vampirism, he did so believing Chet. Afterwards, however instead of being cured he finds himself alone more than ever. He is betrayed by one of his best friends and is now forever trapped by his decisions. Chris runs into another celestial being who claimed to be from the forces of light telling Chris to stop doing whatever Chet told him to do but, Chet later vaporized him.
This book shows how a GOOD guy doesn’t always have to come out on top. I think students should read this book in order to get more of a real perception on things. I give it 4 out of 5 stars because it was a GREAT story with an unexpected ending.
Riordan, Rick. The Lightning Thief. New York: Scholastic, 2005.
Reviewed by: Lucy
Have you ever wonder how life would be like back in the Greek Period when there were the gods? What if you were one of the gods’ children? What would you be doing? Would life be hard or easy? Percy Jackson, in The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan will answer you these questions.
Percy Jackson is only twelve years old. He lives with his mom and step dad. His mom told him that his real dad went on an important journey and was lost at sea. Not dead but lost at sea. Percy is terrible in school. Every year he has to transfer to a different school. Now he’s in a school call Yanky Academy. His teacher, Mr. Chiron tells him a lot of things about the gods in the Greek Period. The mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus keep coming into his life. He’s always having weird dreams about them. Percy was heading back to the city but he didn’t want to leave his friend Grover. He then found out Grover was going to Manhattan, which was located at the same place Percy is going. So they were going together. On the way there, Grover told Percy that he has to protect him. Percy was confused by it. When Percy got home, his mom said they’re going on a vacation. The place they’re going to is where his mom and dad met. His mom told him that his dad wanted him to go to summer camp. Percy didn’t know why. Later that night, there was an enormous storm. Some kind of monster appeared and attacked them. His mom told him to run all the way to the top of the hill because the monster only wanted him. He didn’t understand why. Grover had showed up to help. Percy’s mom got killed and Grover got injured. Percy had killed the monster. The next morning, a girl name Annabeth had told him he’s at Camp Half-Blood. Annabeth took Percy on a tour. He saw his teacher, Mr. Chiron there. He said he went to Yanky Academy just to protect Percy too. He then found out he is a Demi-god; half human half god. His dad is Poseidon and his real name is Perseus Jackson. Mr. Chiron has given Percy a quest. It was for him to go get the master bolt from Hades in the underworld. Annabeth and Grover decided to go with him. On the way there, there will be monsters attacking them. Will they come back alive or dead?
This book deserves a five because it’s a really interesting book. Other BJH students should read it because I know they’ll love it. Especially for those who likes fantasy books. There’s two other books also, The Sea Monster (book two) and The Titan’s Curse (book three), which is just as terrific as this one.
Reese, Douglas. Vampire High. New York: Dell Laurel-leaf, 2003
Reviewed by: Nicole
What if you just found out vampires went to your school? What if they were just using you to keep it all a secret? In the adventurous book vampire high, by Douglas Reese, that is exactly what is going too happen. This book is a combination of comedy, adventure, and a little bit of romance.
You might think all vampires are vicious blood suckers, but not everyone is like that. Some are sensitive and considerate and only need to drink blood once every three weeks. If the vampires don’t get their blood to drink, then they will die. At Dracula Academy not everyone is a vampire. As everyone knows vampires cannot touch water or else they will die, so they need non vampires to play on the water polo team. This will help keep their vampire secret safe. To reward the non vampires, they are granted A’s in every class, going to a high-quality college on a water polo scholarship and an outstanding job after that. What could possibly go wrong?
After reading this book I would give it four stars because it was an enjoyable book to read. I think most BJH students would love to read this book. Vampire high shows when people are different or seem out of this world, they can still act like humans. Everyone is going to be different in some kind of way but there is always a place to welcome them.
Langan, Paul. Brothers in arms. New York: Townsend press, 2004.
Reviewed by Brian.
Have you ever had to make a life changing choice? What was your choice how did you make this choice? How did you make this choice? The novel brothers in arms by Paul Langan is based around sixteen year old Martin Luna. Martin is a young man struggling to make a difficult choice that will deeply affect his life.
Months ago his brother was killed in a tragic gang shooting and now threatens to take his life too. He blames himself for his brother’s death and now seeking revenge for his brother’s killer. His mom is crushed over her son’s death and fearing she is going to lose martin too. She decides to move them out of their neighborhood. Martin is very upset about the move. He moves to a new neighborhood where more troubles is just waiting for him with a new school comes new challenges. A great scene in the book is when he is in the car with his gang. He is going to meet the person who killed his brother.
Extremely nervous and scared martin does not know what to do, will he kill the person or live his life a free man. Tone between the two, martin stands at a crossroad, with his life hanging in the balance which way will he go.
I think that every student at Brooklyn junior high should read this book. It is an thrilling and entertaining book. People who love surprises and challenges should read this book. I give this book 5 out of 5 challenges.
Yang, Kao Kalia. The Latehomecomer. Minneapolis: Coffee House Press, 2008
Reviewed By Melee
“When he picked the clothes off the ground and tried to wipe the dirt away, I could not look.” Kao Kalia Yang’s novel The Latehomecomer is about a Hmong family’s struggle for freedom and a normal life together. Kao Kalia tells the long and fearful journey of her family‘s journey to freedom. At the young age of three, she questioned surroundings and asked herself “why?” For the rest of her life she searched for the answers of these pleading questions. From sitting under the baked sun of Ban Vinai Camp in Thailand to the freezing winters in St. Paul, Minnesota. As her life changes days by day she slowly receives her answers.
All her life she was exposed to the hatred of her kind. As her family fight to get out of Lao, the Laos soldiers chase and kill her kind as though they were hunting game. They escape to become captives in Thailand where she was born in Ban Vinai Camp. She often looks across the barbed wire and asked “Why am I being treated like this. I’m just as human as them so why?” Later she soon found out Hmong means “contained”. Her family starts to grow as they reach America. Her aunt and uncles breaks up into different states as her family decides to settle down in St. Paul. Day and night Kao Kalia and her older sister Dawb cry for their grandma in California. Her parents try the best they can to provide for the rapidly growing family while they juggle school and work. Ecstatic they become as they purchase their new house, and even found $100 in the house beneath the staircase. They afterward found out it was to keep a spirit at peace.
Other student would love to read this influential book. It shows another race that is affected by racism and discrimination. Also her journey to answer her questions about life. I rate this book a five out of five for the powerful words and the passion she set into the book. Everyone should understand the pain of discrimination so maybe it will one day stop.
Riordan, Rick. The Sea of Monsters. New York; Scholastic Inc, 2006
Reviewed by: Jesse
What waits in the foggy mist? Whom will we count on to defend off powerful creatures? Percy Jackson will answer our calls. The setting of the story sets in New York City. Percy journeys to unknown places with his companions Anna Beth who is a beautiful blonde and daughter of Zeus. Tyson whom is a Cyclopes which Tyson doesn’t know about. Then there’s Grover a half man, half goat who is Styr bound to protect Percy during his journeys. The Sea of Monsters written by Rick Riordan inspired me to read on the other series.
Demons, Bulls, and Gods stand in Percy’s way to be a spectacular hero. He does anything to save his friends from danger and to be that known boy who saved all immortals from the evil creatures. One part of this story, is when he was picked up by a three headed old lady who drives a taxi? I know that’s weird huh? Moving on, the three headed lady has separated heads which all three of the heads are sisters. The three sisters fight over for a single eye which fell off from a bash to a wall. While the three sister’s fight the car starts turning, twirling, and goes crazy. Percy, Anna Beth, Tyson are struggling to stay put on their seats. Once the sisters found there eye. They arrived at camp half-blood, a place where immortals whom are blooded from Greek gods from Mt. Olympus. The camp is being invaded by metal bulls. These bulls are primarily are called Minotaur’s except their metal. Percy and his companions fight against these Minotaur’s with there camp half-blood buddies. Eventually, they restore how the camp was. Then they discovered why these Minotaur’s attacked the camp. The reason was because a barrier that protected camp half-blood was drained down and began the invasion of the monsters.
This book including the other series shows Greek Mythology, Gods, and the evil beings whom where involved the time period. The Sea of Monsters and the other series deserve a five star because you may have a chance to learn the basics how Greek myths evolved to be popular in our modern times today.
Meyer, Stephenie. Twilight. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2005.
Reviewed by Wendy.
Have you ever dreamt of meeting a vampire? What about even falling in love with one? What would you do if a vampire was coming after you? If he was putting you and your loved ones in danger? Isabella Swan will soon find out what all of that feels like.
Twilight is about this girl named Bella Swan. She moves to a dark, rainy city to live with her father. She goes to school not expecting much, but she meets this guy, Edward Cullen, that acts extremely strange around her. Bella has absolutely no idea why he is acting this way. She later finds out that he’s a vampire. That’s right, a vampire. Something they both never expected to happen, they both fall madly in love with each other.
Jacob, a very harmful vampire, is after Bella Swan. She and the Cullen family have to figure out ways to keep Bella and the people around her safe. Bella will have to go to extreme measures to do all of that. No one knows exactly what is going to happen to her. To find out if Jacob captures Bella read Twilight.
Twilight definitely deserves five stars. If you enjoy romance or vampire stories this is really the book for you. Even if you aren’t into those types of books I’m sure Twilight will change your mind. This book will keep you wanting to read more and more. I recommend that you read this book. I guarantee that you will not be upset.
Abu-Jamal, Mumia. Live from death row. New York: Avon books inc., 1995
Reviewed by: Josh
“They want me to die silently-alone”. What if this is what the prison system wanted from you? That they would cut all family and social ties so that you feel utter loneliness. In “Live from Death Row” a convict, Mumia Abu-Jamal is imprisoned at Pennsylvania’s Huntingdon state correctional facility living on death row. He is living in a sea of racial slurs and the cruel reality of political incorrectness in the correctional system.
This book is written by our main character Mumia. He writes it to show the treatment of the prisoners across America. He also writes about his own experiences at Huntingdon. The story that stood out to me the most was one of which a convict asks to have an electric typewriter to pass the time. After his request he is replied, “Request denied, safety hazard”. He became enraged and said, “how about a 13’ piece of glass”. The guard asked where he would get the piece of glass. The convict answered, “From my TV!”
“Live from Death Row” is controversial at best and will question your idea of what a “correctional” facility really is like. It shows modern racism in its best from and lets you realize that prison life isn’t even as bad as what you’re told, it’s worse. I believe other people should read this book as long as they are willing to read about racial prejudice. Over all I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Bernall, Misty. She Said Yes. Farmington: Plugh, 1999.
Reviewed by: Abby
Has your life ever been threatened because of your belief in God? Cassie Bernall’s life ended because of her belief in God. The book I read She Said Yes was authored by her mother, Misty Bernall. On April 20, 1999, two gunmen entered Columbine High School killing twelve students and teachers including Cassie Bernall. This book comes highly recommended for other BJH students as it acts as a guide in discovering faith.
The book is about Cassie Rene Bernall. She was a modern day martyr. That means she died for what she believed in which was her faith in God. She died along with twelve others on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School, Littleton, CO when two troubled classmates came into the school with guns. Her life or death depended on her response to gunmen’s question, “Do you believe in God?”
Cassie Rene Bernall is the main character in the book. She was 18 years old, born on November 6, 1981, and a senior in high school. Cassie was once an angry teenager with friends who wore chains, grungy attire and alternative type clothes from Goodwill. She was depressed and often thought of suicide. Then, she met a friend who invited her to a youth retreat which changed her life around.
The antagonist of the novel is the murderers, the two boys, Eris Harris and Dylan Klebold. The arrived at the high school with guns around 11:30 a.m. and started shouting and yelling “We’ve been waiting to do this our whole lives” and cheering after each shot. The book doesn’t explain how they reached this decision, but Cassie’s mom believes they were mostly alienated, hostile teens whose parents had given up on them.
The most fascinating scene in this book was the first chapter. This chapter describes the killing and more specifically how Cassie and her friends reacted when the two boys came in to the library and shot Cassie in the head. Cassie and her friends had just entered the library for about five minutes and then a teacher came running in and yelling that there were kids in the hallway with guns. They had thought it was a joke. Then they heard shots in the hall coming close. Eric and Dylan were now in the library, shooting, and talking with terrifying sounding voices. A fellow student heard it all, they asked Cassie “why” but they shot her in the head before she could answer.
I would highly recommend this book to other Brooklyn Junior High students and would rate as a 4 star book. From my perspective, if you have faith or are interested in seeking it, this is the right book for you. It demonstrates how one person responded when her faith was put in the spot light. I agree with Cassie’s response in that I Believe it’s always best to stay true with your feelings. This book provides several examples of how Cassie believed in her faith.
Abu-Jamal, Mumia. Live from death row. New York: Avon books inc., 1995
Reviewed by: Josh
“They want me to die silently-alone”. What if this is what the prison system wanted from you? That they would cut all family and social ties so that you feel utter loneliness. In “Live from Death Row” a convict, Mumia Abu-Jamal is imprisoned at Pennsylvania’s Huntingdon state correctional facility living on death row. He is living in a sea of racial slurs and the cruel reality of political incorrectness in the correctional system.
This book is written by our main character Mumia. He writes it to show the treatment of the prisoners across America. He also writes about his own experiences at Huntingdon. The story that stood out to me the most was one of which a convict asks to have an electric typewriter to pass the time. After his request he is replied, “Request denied, safety hazard”. He became enraged and said, “how about a 13’ piece of glass”. The guard asked where he would get the piece of glass. The convict answered, “From my TV!”
“Live from Death Row” is controversial at best and will question your idea of what a “correctional” facility really is like. It shows modern racism in its best from and lets you realize that prison life isn’t even as bad as what you’re told, it’s worse. I believe other people should read this book as long as they are willing to read about racial prejudice. Over all I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Lewis, C.S. The Lion, the Witch and the wardrobe. New York: Harper Collins, 1950
Reviewed by: Yoshi
Just imagine going into a wardrobe and entering into a whole new world. Imagine seeing mystical beast and creatures. C.S. Lewis the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a story of four young children who entered in a new dimension.
Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy were sent away to an Old Professor because of a war in London and the air-raid striking London. Now the four kids taken away from there parents to live in with an Old Professor. There life had changed since living there. Until one day the four children was playing Hide-and-seek. Peter was the seeker and Edmund, Lucy and Susan was the hiders. Edmund and Susan found great spots to hide in but Lucy was having a hard time finding a spot to hide in. When Lucy found a door and tried to open it but wasn’t locked. She went in and found a huge wardrobe and a room never seen before. The room was plain as a dry desert. While looking at the wardrobe and was curious about it Lucy thought it would be impossible to find her in there. She went in and went even in deeper and found her self in a mystical world. That nobody ever seen before. Then there was something that startled her, something that wasn’t human, and something that doesn’t exist in our world. What will happen to her now, since entering in a mysterious world?
This book is meant for BJH students who have lots of imagination, who likes adventures and actions. This book is an interesting book I didn’t stop reading and all. I will recommend this book 5 out of 5 stars
Meyer, Stephanie, Twilight, New York, little brown company, 1976
Reviewed by: Gerald
Can you ever imagine being in love with mystical creatures you thought never existed, even knowing what their true identity is, later finding out that they were vampires? Twilight by Stephanie Meyer is a dramatic booked filled with romantic and unpredictable action.
The setting starts off in Phoenix, Arizona. It’s mid-day and sunny like always in Phoenix. You can feel the sun beat down over your shoulders and even feel the sweat slowly slithering behind your back. The main character is Bella Swan. She is currently living with her mother and step-father. Her mother’s name is Renee. Bella’s mother wants to go travel around with her husband throughout the country. Because of this Bella’s step-father has a baseball career and has to travel around the country in order to play. Bella decides that she wants to be with her real father in a small rainy town called Forks, Washington. Forks is nothing like Phoenix. It’s cloudy, rainy, and always dull. Bella starts off in a new high school and new things to develop around the neighborhood. She’s going to a new school without knowing what will come up to her. She meets a lot of normal kids, even someone that doesn’t quite seem to be human.
Twilight is a book for people who like romantic and adventurous stories. If you’re into vampires, werewolves, and supernatural creatures, this is the book for you. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer has me rated it five stars. When I have started reading this book I couldn’t just stop for a while. My mind just wanted to see what will happen and keep on reading. This book just got me addicted to see what will happen. If you like romantic and adventurous stories of supernatural creatures, here’s the book for you!
Lewis, C.S. The Chronicles of Narnia the lion, the witch, and the Wardrobe. New York: Harper Trophy, 1950.
Review by: Nicole
Can you imagine entering a whole new world through a wardrobe? The book The Chronicles of Narnia the lion, the witch, and the wardrobe by C.S Lewis is about four orphans who enter a whole new world through a wardrobe and battle against the creatures of Narnia. It’s up to them to save Narnia from the terrifying witch.
Four intelligent children; Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy now have to face the world under the new guardians because of a war. One day while playing hide and seek, on a rainy day, the youngest of the four named Lucy enters a wardrobe and soon finds herself in a whole new world of Narnia. The four of them have to work together to face all the odd looking creatures of Narnia, including the white witch. Narnia is a winter wonderland inside a wardrobe. There’s creatures living there and it’s ruled by a witch. The creatures there are called fawns, and they are half human half deer. The witch that rules Narnia is horrifying and really pale, and her hair is bundled up in knots. While searching the grounds of Narnia, the second youngest child named Edmund decides to wonder off and find the witch like he promised. But he ends up getting himself into trouble when he arrives at her castle alone, and now it’s up to the other three to find him with the help of some friends they met along the way called beavers.
I think BJH students should definitely read this book, especially if you’re into fighting and entering imaginary worlds. This is a powerful and adventurous book that carries you to a whole new place; it keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. It also gives a lot of detail, and it definitely makes you use your imagination when it talks about the creatures of Narnia; and of course Narnia itself. If I had to rate this book I would give it a four because it’s interesting and full of adventure.
Meyer, Stephenie. Twilight. Little, brown and company, 2005
Reviewed by: Samantha
What do you do when you fall deeply in love with a vampire? Stephenie Meyers book: Twilight, tells us the story of a human who falls in love with a vampire. This story shows the reader what Bella Swan and Edward Cullen must endure to keep each other alive.
Bella has never fit in at her school in Arizona, but when she moves to Forks with her father she always seems to be found right in the middle of attention. Bella finds herself attracted to the Cullen’s; a strange but outstandingly gorgeous family. Bella takes particular interest in Edward; she quickly falls in love with every aspect of him: his eyes, his skin, his toothy grin, even his heart stopping sent. As Bella gets to know Edward she figures out things she may not have wanted to know about his culture and family, she gets into multiple death defying situations the she would never have thought she could possible be stuck in.
I give twilight four stars for its captivating and addicting story line. This book will bring through an adventure of love, betrayal, and even some laughter. I think most people would enjoy this book because it shows children that true love isn’t something that will just fall into your hands, you sometimes have to wait an “eternity” just to find your one true love.
Snicket, Lemony The Bad Beginning. New York: Harper Collins Publishers,
1999.
Reviewed by: Darrin
Imagine yourself as an orphan. Just trying to find happiness, but Count Olaf a mysterious man is trying to get your family fortune. Well this is what the Baudelaire kids have to live through. In the fantastic story The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket. The three Baudelaire kids that become orphans from a mysterious fire end up in some very unfortunate events.
Violet, Klaus, and Sunny in this story face tragedy after tragedy. They figure out all kinds of clever ways to get out of situations. With the help of Violet who is extremely talented at creating inventions. Her brother, Klaus, has book smarts, and their baby sister, Sunny, has razor-sharp teeth.
I believe that BJH students should read this story. It has an exhilarating story line with many creative twists. I would give this novel 4 out of 5 stars. It gives it that different kind of feel from other stories. I would highly recommend this story to almost everyone.
Goobie, Beth. Kicked Out. Custer: Orca books, 2002.
Reviewed by: Yesenia
Her name is dime. She is called that because some times she feels like she is worth 10 cents. Dime struggles a lot because she feels that stuff in her life is coming apart. This girl dime is the main character Kicked Out by Beth Goobie. Dime has 2 sides to her; she’s a care taker to her brother, by making him food or teaching him lessons. The other side to her is being mean; she doesn’t listen to what her parents say.
Dime lives with her parents. She has a brother who had an accident that left him in a wheel chair. Also, she has a boyfriend that she loves, but she doesn’t concentrate on school. She only has a mind for Gabe, her boyfriend. Then she finds out that Gabe’s ex girlfriend came back and wants to beat her up. These are just a few of Dime’s troubles. The author Goobie describes these problems well. In one of the best scenes in the book. Dime talks back to her parents, they yelled at her about not coming home on time and not pulling up her grades. Dime disrespectfully said that she was 15 and not a little kid any more also they are unfair because her friends can come home late, but she can’t. This argument clearly shows dime’s lack of respect.
I think every BJH student should read Kicked Out because the book is very interesting and it shows a real message and how people really are. The story reveals what teenagers do when they love some one so much. Brooklyn Junior students would learn a lot from this book. This book is also kind of funny and sad, so I really recommend this book. And I would give it five out of five stars.
Napoli, Donna, Three Days. New York : Dutton Children's Books, c2001.
Reviewed by Hassan
Book is three days by Donna Jo Napoli. You should get this book at a store near you, you would really enjoy it. If you like thrilling and scary stories I would recommend to get this book. It’s kind of short so it would be a very good choice for readers that don’t like long books.
It takes place in Italy the father and daughter are both from Minnesota the dad wanted to take her daughter on this trip. So it is about a girl who is on a trip with her dad then something happens to the dad. The girl is looking for help but everybody is passing her. It is a very intense book with a lot of dramatic scenes. Well overall a very pleasant book with creative writing and scenes. When she gets kidnapped there is a son dad and mom. The mom Claudia really cares about the girl which is really polite.
BJH students would really like this book it is very inspiring to people who know how to get away in kidnaps. The students would like a kidnapping story if they like thrillers I recommend to them. I gave it four stars because it wasn’t the best book ever not the greatest but good.
MY BOOK REVIEW; CHILD CALLED IT BY
REVIEWED BY SHANELL
Dave Pelzer. Deerfield Beach: Health Communications, 1995.
Do you now how it feels to get beating by your mom and mistreated by your brothers? There was this boy named It he was 9 years old in the forth grade and got beat by his mom. It went to school with bruises. One day It was in class with a black eye and bruises, the teacher asked him to come into the hallway.
It hesitated to go into the hall way because he knew why she was about to ask him, it mom always told him if he told what was going on it would have been worse. As he walking into the hallway he’s class mates was teasing him by saying who beat you down. He finally gets in the hallway she said how you doing he didn’t answer he put he’s head down, then she said what happen to you and he said quickly I fall down the stairs now can I go back to class and walked back in.
This book was a very good book so I give this book 4 stars because it’s about child abuse and let people know if you getting abused what to do.
Dorothy, Thomas Hobbler. Demon in the teahouse. New York: Philomel books, 2001
Reviewed by: Vong
If you’re the fan of Sherlock Holmes or mystery novel, right now you’ll like this book
Demon in the Teahouse will bring you Japan with a lot mystery about murder undercover as the demon and the Japanese in that time believed in it.
Get back to the 18th century of Japan during the Tokugawa emperor crimes was existed in that time. The famous samurai of Japan in that time, just like Sherlock Holmes of England, Judge Ooka travel every where in Japan and solved a lot of murder cases. In this book you will find out about Judge Ooka and his 14 years old pupil who dreaming to become the samurai warrior which is the greatest warrior of Japan in whole time. He very badly to be the samurai in fact he’s the tea merchant son and that impossible for him to become that samurai, the only way to become the samurai is in the samurai family but Judge Ooka trusted in him and teaching him to investigate crimes and fulfill his dream. Let see how they going to solve this case.
Every BJH students should find and read this book if they’re the fan of mystery novel. Mystery will make it sound lots of interest, they could imagine like Sherlock Holmes in Japan and I believe most of them gonna like it.
Baker, E.D. The FROG Princess New York: Bloomsbury, 2002
Reviewed by: Pachia
A life with no danger but peacefulness; living in luxury and have nothing to worry about. What would you do? Where would you be once all of this is taken away from you? Now, Princess Emeralda has to answer this now that she had been converted into a frog. E.D. Baker’s novel ‘The FROG Princess’ is about a princess which was transformed into a frog. Princess Emeralda, an unlikely princess who doesn’t act a princess. Someone who doesn’t have the laughter of a sweet tinking bell; and is clumsy.
As Emeralda escaped her mother, she went along to an old swamp. There she met a talking frog. Soon later; she found out that he was Prince Eadric. As she became friends with Eadric, he asked for a kiss from her so that he can be converted into a human. But when Emeralda does kiss him; he didn’t turn back into a human; but she turned into a frog. And now, her journey as a frog begins.
This book; from the title is very appealing. But if BJH students were to read it, it’s best if students who are interested in magic and fairy takes read it. That is because the book is about a prince and princess turned into frogs by magic spells from a witch. FROG princess, I’ll say that it would be ranked four stars for having such comedy in as well. Most BJH students would love this book if it was to be read by everyone in BJH.
Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. New York: Random house, Inc., 1992.
Reviewed by: Lewis
What do you do when you’re in a two person airplane and your pilot has a heart attack and you have to land the plane with no knowledge of flying? If you want to find out read Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. You will find out how to survive in the wilderness with nothing but a hatchet and the cloths on your back.
In this book Brian Robinson is put to his limits physically and mentally. He has to live off the land by scavenging food, water, fire wood, and survival tools. Its not all fun and games for Brian, he runs into problems he has to overcome. When Brian is trying to figure out how to land this plane my heart was pumping, and when the moose is letting him know whose boss was a great scene.
I think BJH students should read it because it’s an action book in some parts. And some kids could relate to some of the things Brian does like hunting and fishing. This book gets your mind thinking, what a fantastic book. I would give this book five stars.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. New York: The Ballantine Publishing group, 1973.
Reviewed by: Nathan
Try living the burden of having the ring of power of 10,000 men in the power of a ring. Frodo Baggins has to live with this in Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. While this book is focusing on Sam and Frodo trying to destroy this ring from the very place it was created in Mount Doom!
Frodo doesn’t trust anyone who looks suspicious and that looks like they would take from him. He has a small friend named Sméagol or Golem who has two personalities due to his two names. Sméagol is a nicer side who wants to help him destroy the ring. Golem is the evil side who was tortured by Sauron’s forces (along with Sméagol hence the same person) to help locate ring of power.
This book shows how friendship, trust, and perseverance pays off with friends fighting against the Orcs and Sauron, himself. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like fantasy fiction. I rate this book with 5 STARS!!!!
Khopf borzoi books. Brisinger. United States of America.
Reviewed by: Nick
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be fighting all the time? That is what it is like for Eragon in the book Brisinger by Christopher Paolini. This book is about a recently elf turned, dragon rider named Eragon.
In the book Eragon is now staying with the Varden, a group of rebels against the empire. Eragon had to leave training with the elves and help fight with the Varden against the empire. During his stay with the elves, he was turned into an elf by their magic. It seems like Eragon makes a promise with every person he meets. His main foe during the book is the evil King Galbatorix. King Galbatorix is also a dragon rider. But his first dragon died so he got a new one. Eragon must defeat King Galbatorix but he has over hundreds of years of magic and experience over him. Another foe he must defeat is his brother Murtagh and his blood red dragon Thron.
I think every BJH student should read this book. If you like to read books about adventures, fighting, dragons and magic this book would be perfect for you. If you are going to read this book read Eragon or Eldest first so you will understand the book. I give this book 5 stars.
Grant, Michael. Gone. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2008.
Reviewed by: Rebecca
“The gun was in his hand, but he couldn’t quite get an angle on them, so he swung one leg over the railing, crouched just as Astrid had done, and now he could see them quite clearly. He aimed. He laughed. And then he bellowed in pain and fell.” This is the tragic, horrific reality of Gone by the writer Michael Grant. It’s about a nice quiet town that surfers can’t get enough of. The scorching desert on one side, crisp, cool water on the other, nothing you’d get excited about, or so you think.
Out of nowhere, all adults in town are gone. Sam’s world has just turned into a living nightmare: magic barriers, talking animals, flying snakes, and people with blinding light coming out of their hands. Sam is the main character in this adventure. He has a crush on this know-it-all Astrid, and a rather interesting enemy named Caine. He also has a friend who is like a brother to him named Quinn, but people change right?
Brooklyn Junior High School students should definitely read this book. There’s never a dull moment. I would definitely give this book five out of five stars. It has adventure, drama, mutated animals, a bit of romance, and a ton of crazy turns that will keep you guessing. Enjoy!
Paver, Michelle. Wolf Brother. Orion’s Children Books, 2004.
Reviewed By: Victoria
Can you imagine being 11 and having nowhere else to go while trying to fight off a demon bear? Torak had to face this challenge while running into enemy clans and trying to find the nanuk to rid of the demon. The novel, Wolf Brother, was one of my favorite books. Michelle Paver puts a lot of action and obstacles for this young, strong boy.
Torak’s dad dies from a bear attack. This bear stalks Torak and waits for a perfect time to attack. He runs and runs until he gets captured by his enemy clan and is sent to die. Later he finds a secret to his past life and some facts about his father that change his whole life.
I believe people who like adventure should read this book. Anyone who likes adventure and thrill would enjoy it the most. I gave it a four star rating. This book was really good.
McDowell, Josh. More Than a Carpenter. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004
Reviewed by: Pachuablye
Immediately she shot back, “I didn’t say religion, I said Jesus Christ!” She pointed out something I had never known: Christianity is not a religion. This woman that Josh McDowell met on campus helped in the changing of his life. In Josh McDowell’s biography, More Than a Carpenter, he tells of how Jesus Christ changed his life. Josh also tells of the facts that make the Bible the most reliable source of historical records that were ever recorded. Josh also helps answer three foremost questions that masses of people have, through his own experiences. “Who am I? What is my purpose? What is my destiny?” are the three questions that need to be answered by people of all ages, races, and genders.
Josh McDowell describes his earlier life before he became a Christian as being “meaningless”. He later becomes challenged “to make a rigorous, intellectual examination of the claims of Jesus Christ.” (McDowell 5) Josh later stumbles upon startling evidence of the Bible. He now educates on the subject of the Bible at Universities and Colleges. He faces many complexities, but he stands firmly in spreading the word of God.
This biography may possibly change the way most students will look at Christianity. This thin biography book will change the lives of people of all ages, races, and genders. I would personally rate this book a five because it helped me understand Christianity. Even though I think everybody should read this book, it seems as if this biography is more geared towards people that are as skeptical as he had been, interested in History, evidence (like a pre-law student), or if they are searching for a purpose in life.
Farley, Walter and Steven. The Young Black Stallion. New York: Random House, 1989
Reviewed by: Duy
Have you ever seen a black Stallion that stands seventeen hands tall? Walter and Steven Farley is a novel about their excitement and love for horse. When Alec tries to take the Stallion back to the owner, it was earthquakes for a week so he didn’t have a chance to do it.
This book is about an intelligent animal especially the black Stallion. How it can help/hurt you with your life. When Shetan was riding the horse up a steep hill the horse fall back and Shetan tries to balance it therefore he wouldn’t fall down. But he still fell and landed on his back.
I recommend other BJH student to read this. If you love animals and adventure, you should definitely read this. It kind of disappointed me because all they mostly talk about is the stallion. I would give it 3 stars just because I like to read different kind of adventure books.
Meyer, Stephenie. Twilight. New York: Hachette Book Group USA, 2005.
Reviewed by: Megan
What do you do when you’re on the verge of death? What if your arm feels on fire and you can’t stop the pain? After making some of her own decisions, Bella Swan put herself in that situation. In Stephenie Meyer’s book Twilight, Isabella Swan moved from Phoenix, Arizona to a small city by the name of Forks, Washington. When she starts her first day at the new school she meets many people, but she soon realizes not everyone is who they seem to be.
When Bella moved in with her dad in Forks she wasn’t sure she was going to make many friends. To her advantage she made many in an extremely short time. She realized though, a guy in her chemistry class by the name of Edward Cullen was acting very strange. She was going to confront him but never got the chance to. He didn’t show up for school for a few days after that day. But when she nearly got hit by a car at school Edward was the one that saved her. Immediately the two got lashed with a whirlwind of emotions and fell madly in love with each other. But, still Edward had a secret he couldn’t keep. Bella figured out Edward and his family were vampires, but different from the others of their kind. As Bella was learning more about how they live trying to stay out of the limelight so people don’t figure out what they are, they run into some mishaps. A few bad vampires come across their territory and things get way out of control. Bella, Edward, and Edward’s family end up fighting for their lives and safety of staying secret to the world.
Even though this book has supernatural concepts in it, other than vampires and werewolves this is a very realistic book. Anybody can relate to this book. There is plenty of romance and adventure to keep the reader wanting more. I gave this book five star for its amazing details and that anyone at any age can read and enjoy the book.
Riordan, Rick. The Sea of Monsters. New York: scholastic Inc, 2006.
Reviewed by: Xai
Have you seen a monster in reality? Percy Jackson has experience this many times. He fights these evil beings that block his course from heroism. He has companions that are on his side, Tyson, Annabeth, and Grover. Rick Riordan, “The Sea of Monsters” made me go back and read the first book. The reality setting of this story is New York City but the adventure setting is an unknown world of Olympus.
Percy’s father wants to sail in big ocean, but he was never seen again. Then on he finally moves to know that his father is Poseidon. Poseidon wants Percy to go to Camp Half-Blood which is a camp for immortals. Instead of a half man, half goat was defending Percy the whole entire time. In one of the chapters, Percy has a strong friend who protects him from the cannibals. The cannibals made the red bouncy balls into fire metal balls which can crush a stone wall. After they annihilated the cannibals, Percy, Annabeth, and Tyson must escape the school they accidentally destroyed.
The Sea of Monsters is a book of adventure and mysteries. I give this book 5 star because of its resemblance of Greek myths. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially to the people who loves adventure and mystery books.
Funke, Cornelia. Dragon Rider. Scholastic Inc. New York, NY. 2004.
Reviewed by: Keo
Your hometown is being destroyed. Your kind is at the brink of extinction. How could you ever find peace? Firedrake, Sorrel, and Ben embarks on a quest to find the mythical land where dragons may live in peace. Cornelia Funke’s adventurous novel of “Dragon Rider”. The story first takes place on a chilly and rainy night. A gathering of silver dragons to report about their judgment and doom.
Dragon Rider is about an unlikely pilgrimage of a dragon, an unusual creature called a Brownie, and a human boy together to search for the Rim of Heaven. A mountain where Firedrake’s kin may find peace and salvation. They meet various allies and foes along their journey. A dangerous enemy, a golden dragon, called Nettlebrand hunts down the group and will stop at nothing to capture them. A questionable scene in the book was when Nettlebrand was defeated by Firedrake. A mist of fog shrouded Nettlebrand and in it, was a frog. He was created from multiple creatures by the use of alchemy.
I highly recommend this book to all BJH students and staff. It is adventurous, magical, and entertaining to read. I still think that Cornelia should make a second book for Dragon Rider. I give Dragon Rider a five out of five.
Lewis, C.S. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. New York. Scholastic Inc, 1950.
Reviewed by: Anthony
Have you ever stepped into a new world? A new dimension that you have never seen in your eyes? In this novel, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, by C.S Lewis are about four siblings finding a new gateway to a new world called Narnia. Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy enter through Narnia by entering through a wardrobe. Lucy, which is the youngest, was the first to find out about Narnia. They don’t know what challenges they will face and creatures they will meet.
In this book, the four siblings are trying to rescue Narnia by defeating the wicked witch. They will have to seek aid from Aslan and his companions. The witch has taken over Narnia by transforming the world to snow and freezing Aslan’s people. Aslan who is the king of Narnia is trying to regain back his throne, but with doing so he must face the challenges that the wicked witch throws at him.
I recommend this book to people who love to read about adventurous stories. This book has many heart pumping scenes. For those adventurous readers out there, this book will take you to an adventure you never experienced before. I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Avi. True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. New York: Avon Camelot, 1990.
Reviewed by Tyler
Have you ever thought of being on an old dank ship and someone is murdered without a trace? Would you dare to uncover the truth? The story the True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle was a very exciting book. It’s the story of a girl Charlotte Doyle her family plans on moving to America.
The story begins where her family leaves to America and charlotte is left behind to finish the school year before coming to America. She finishes the school year and the family writes her a letter saying they love her and that their old neighbor is going to get her on a ship to America. As she arrives at the docks she sees a big dank smelly ship and it turns out it’s the ship she must travel on as she boards she sees a figure climbing a rope tied to the ship the story is full of mystery, murder and betrayal
I enjoyed reading the book it was very exciting and is now my favorite book. I liked it so much I would give it 5 stars out of 5 stars I would suggest this book to mostly Jr. high students. I over all would suggest this book to anyone who loves mystery/murder books it was a very exciting book and I hope you will enjoy it too.
Fadiman, Anne. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. New York: Farrar, Startus and Giroux, 1997.
Reviewed by: Cindy
Imagine having to be diagnosed with brutal epilepsy in America, and your whole family not knowing how to speak any English. This is exactly what occurred to a young Hmong girl, Lia lee, and her family. This novel is about a Hmong family migrating from the refugee camps in Laos, during the Vietnam War. This family struggle living in America along with their immense family, and their ailing child.
As a new born Hmong child in America, Lia Lee later on gets very ill. Lia’s parents try to help her as much as they can. In the Hmong culture, when you got sick, an elder would have to do some sort of cultural shamanism for you. In this case, Lia’s doctors do not understand what was going on. This was intricate to explain to the doctors when Lia’s parents did not know how to speak any English. When Lia got sick, the spirit caught her, and she fell down. This was a ghost that pulled Lia down (according to the Hmong culture).
This book shows the clash of two different civilizations. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down deserves 5 stars for its interesting facts. Anyone who wants an enhanced understanding of the Hmong culture should read this book.
Wallace, Rich. Emergency Quarterback. New York: Scholastic Inc, 2005.
Reviewed by: Demetrius
Imagine you are a star player at your position and your coach changes you to another position, how will you act? Imagine how Jason fells about the whole part about getting switched. Jason was the star wingback on his team all year. Jason has a star quarterback until he gets injured by a linebacker from the other team.
The book starts out when Jason has to find a better quarterback then the one the coach has. The other quarterback doesn’t run the plays that are assigned. The couch tries to put Jason as the new quarterback. Jason’s team was the most game winning team until Jason throws a winning interception pass. The team loses a couple of games but they still go to the championship game.
I am most interested in this book because it is a book that keeps you guessing about what happens next in the book. The part I like was the beginning of the book. I would specifically recommend this book for everybody who likes sport tails. I give this book four stars because it is so interesting and fun to read.
Farmer, Nancy. The Sea of Trolls. New York: Antheum for young readers, 2004
Reviewed by: Nick
Imagine you and your sister being taken away on a boat in the middle of the sea. No way to escape without being killed. The Sea of Trolls by Nancy farmer is an epic adventure of a young boy and his sister. They are held captive by crazy wolf-like men that pillage and raid villages.
Jack and his sister Lucy are kidnapped by monstrous men that take men, women, and children to sell as petty slaves just to make a profit. Jack is an 11 year old who is somewhat passive but becomes stronger for Lucy. Also he is training to become a bard which are treated like noble men. His sister Lucy is 8 years old and has long blonde hair and thinks the people who took her are knights from a castle to take her home to be a princess.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 because it is an epic tale of how a young boy and his sister try to find there way home. I think people who read The Lord of the Rings would love this book.
Lewis, Clive. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. New York: C.S Lewis, 1950
Reviewed By: Javon
The lion the Witch and the Wardrobe is about four children who have to evacuate their homes because of war. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy,(the main characters) wind up in an old man’s mansion/museum. One day the children are playing hide and seek and the youngest child Lucy winds up in the wardrobe which turns out to be a magical land called Narnia. On a sunny day the children are outside playing ball in the yard and Edmund breaks a window.
Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy have to hide in a wardrobe that leads them into the magical land that Lucy discovered earlier. The land is ruled by a wicked witch named Jadis. The witch unlawfully rules the land of Narnia. The children agree to help overthrow the wicked queen after she captures their brother Edmund.
This book is a really good classic fantasy. People who read this book are people who have a love of fantasy. The book has a lot of boring gray areas so I give this book three out of five stars.
Stone, Jeff. Monkey. New York: Random House, 2005
Reviewed by: Vinny
I wonder what it would feel like being a monkey, ya know. I mean it would be weird having monkey like qualities, ah never mind. The story is called Monkey by Jeff Stone. The story is about a monkey named Malao. He’s a monk who has monkey like kung-fu techniques, but is still a person.
Malao has a former brother named Ying, who is evil and is trying to steal these sacred dragon scrolls that will give anyone elemental power. Malao and his 4 other brothers must try to get these dragon scrolls before Ying gets them and achieve his ultimate form. Malao eventually finds his grandmaster murdered by Ying and must get his body back from the temple where the body lies. He creates a distraction for his brother, Hok, a crane kung-fu fighter, to retrieve the body from the temple. Then everything goes to disarray.
This book shows how family can help out in the long run, and how they can work together to get something done to stop an opposing force. Monkey deserves 4 stars for its dynamic way a family can come together. I recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure and kung-fu fighting.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. New York:
Ballantine Books, 1973.
Reviewed by: Nick
Have you ever been shot in the head with an arrow? Or maybe tortured by a vigorous goblin or a mutinous orc? The Lord of the Rings trilogy are books filled with non-stop action. J.R.R. Tolkien’s characters are all diverse in species such as: Hobbits, (Little Halflings of Humans) Elves, dwarves, and humans. Think about an adventure filled with extravagant scenery with forests, desert, swamps, caves and towns. One moment you’re walking through a forest, then the next moment you’re in a city of Elves.
This book is about a Hobbit in the town of Hobbiton named Frodo Baggins, (The nephew of Bilbo Baggins) who finds an enchanted ring of destruction that can take over you’re mind. This ring has a trait of invisibility but can make you be obsessed with it! The only way to destroy it is to burn it in the place where it was made, Mordor. On his journey he meets distinctive companions who want to help him on his journey. Those unique characters are Aragorn, the Expert Swordsman, Legolas the Elven Sniper, and Gimli the Muscled Axeman! The Antagonists in the story are Saruman, and his million-man army of Orcs. He wants the ring for ultimate power in his possession.
I think every BJ student should read this book because it makes you think hard about what could happen next in this novel. (Forshadow) But if you like execution, beheading, blood, gore, and pointy arrows, this book will make you go crazy! I rate this book 5 stars because every chapter is exciting and thrilling!
Higuchi, Daisuke. Whistle. San Francisco, CA: Viz LLC, 2004
Reviewed by: Doua
What happens when you take strong will and add a chance to it? Well after you add them you get Shō Kazamatsuri. Shō stars in a novel called Whistle by Daisuke Higuchi. Well Shō use to be a substitute for his old soccer team, and all he did was lift. He was too short to play as a regular, but now in his new school he gets a second chance. Shō’s ultimate goal is to become a professional soccer player. He’s ameliorating more and more and even as we speak. His position is FW which is also known as a striker, his team now is playing in divisions and cups and are trying to defeat other teams.
Well this book is about Shō. He’s very caring and sensitive. He’s an overachiever, and also a hard worker. He’s practically the mood, or the soul, of the team. This book is also about teamwork and how Shō’s team gets through bumps and cracks such as how the GK has to learn how to trust his/her defenders. His team is also learning new techniques, team strategies, weaknesses, and strengths.
I would recommend this book to other students. This book is inspiring. It’s like inspiring to the inspired, like how Shō matures his skills. How since he wasn’t accepted because he was to short. He didn’t just feel melancholy and gave up on his dream. He changed his surroundings to fit him, because it wasn’t fitting him, and that shows how dynamic Shō is. He transferred schools so that he could get another shot, and that’s what he got. It’s also inspiring how Shō develops his leadership skills without him ever knowing. I would personally recommend this book to anyone that wants inspiration. I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars, because it is the most “stand out” book, and inspiring, that I’ve ever read.
Reviewed by Antonio
Imagine being embarrassed in front of the whole school? Paul Lagan novel the gun Is, a story of one young black man that who want revenged. This book centers, around Tyray Hobbs the young man who is way disappointed in this story. His desire is to rebuild his reputation. Only thing Tyray is worried about is getting revenged on Darrell.
This book is about Bluford freshmen Tyray Hobbs, the enemy of Darrell Mercer. The tale tells that Tyray troubled at home life a lot. A few days after Tyray got embarrassed he was so mad that he went and brought a gun. His mom was telling him that he is going to get caught up in a heartless situation with a gun.
BHJ students should read this book because it tells about a bully who got what he deserved. This story can really happen and probably goes on in many high schools. It will tell the students the consequences about getting revenged on someone. So for Paul Langan showing his delightful intelligence for this book I rate it 5 stars.
Funke, Cornelia. Dragon Rider. New York: New York 2004.
Reviewed by: Alexander.
Your homeland is being ruined. Your race is at the edge of extinction. How will you find peace? Firedrake, Sorrel, and Ben embarks a journey to find a mythical land where dragons can live peacefully. The story is set on a chilly and rainy night. A group of silver dragons report about their judgment and doom.
Dragon Rider is about a group of dragons, an unusual monster named Browhie, and a human boy. Together they search for the Rim of Heaven. A mountain where Firedrake’s race can find peace. They bump into various allies and enemies during the journey. A questionable part in this novel was when Nettlebrand got killed a cloudy fog covered Nettlebrand and when the mist disappeared there was a frog.
I highly recommend this book to BJH students. I hope Cornelia will make a part two of Dragon Rider. Students should read this because it is a really exciting and adventurous book. I rate this a five because of all of the excitement and adventure.
Hoh, Diane. The Accident. New York: Scholastic Inc, 1991.
Reviewed by: Pauline
One day she hears a voice in the mirror. She wants Megan’s body. Megan has no choice, its time to make a trade. Diane Hoh’s The Accident is a story about a girl named Juliet wanting Megan’s body. This book is about an open-minded girl named Megan Logan who has strange things happening to her friends and family. She feels sorry for people way too much. She believes anything is possible.
Megan is open-minded and has a big imagination. Someone can be all alone, or tell a sorrowing story and she’ll feel sorry for them. Anyone can get to Megan’s soft side. The girl in the mirror wants to live again and the body she wants is Megan. The story that the girl tells Megan is depressing. The girl tries to convince Megan to let her live again for only one week. After talking back and forth to each other, Megan made up her mind. She regrets her decision. She is stuck and the switch is quick and easy. Megan is confused and frustrated. This trade may ruin Megan Logan’s life.
This book is a thriller. It makes you think about what’s going on and how the ending goes. I give The Accident five stars because you can’t put the book down. Anyone who enjoys thrillers would really have a liking to this. I extremely recommend it to everyone.
Dessen,Sarah. Someone Like You. New York,New York. The Horn Book
Reviewed by Tiarah
Have You ever had a crush on someone and then they were to die, suddenly in a crash. Then couple weeks later when your finally getting over it, you then find out that you’re carrying his child. Well we would hope not, but that’s exactly what Halley’s best friend Scarlett had to go through in the book Someone Like You.
This book in my own opinion would have to be a never-want-to put down book. It draws you in from the beginning with the first line “I’ve known Scarlett since I’ve moved here…..and I knew when I got that call at camp that night it was nothing good”. Some parts in the book make you feel like you have a special connection with the characters. Well, the main character Hailey is sent to a camp by her mom who as a consular thinks this would be good for her. She then gets a call from her best friend Scarlett, about Scarlett’s DEAD boyfriend. A few weeks later Hailey finds a boyfriend and Scarlett finds out she’s pregnant. Hailey falls for Macon her boyfriend, and starts leaving Scarlett when Scarlett needs her most. Can the best friends since grade school get through it?
I think BJH students should read this book because it helps teen realize the things that could happen to you. It also helps you realize that your friend means more than some boy and that friends will always stick with you. I’d give this book 4 stars.
Erdich, Louise. The Birchbark house. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 1999.
Reviewed by Lao.
Imagine having people take your land without you noticing that they have done it. In The Birchbark House by Louise Erdich, a young girl and her Ojibwe tribe are living on the land with a Golden-Breast Woodpecker. The Girl, Omayakas, her friend and her sister got sick after an old man died from a party they had. She then later meets a “thing” and could take people to a better life so they wouldn’t have to stay there from the harsh weather.
Omayakas was born on the island of the Golden-Breasted Woodpecker. As the day went on, they found out that Omayakas and her sister were sick after the old man had died. Her friend also got sick after that too. She later tries to figure out what the voice she heard was. Omayakas’ got her name from her first step, which was a hop. The name Omayakas means “Frog”. She wants to be an adult so she starts acting mature like one.
I think other BJH students should read this book if they are into tribes and how things work with tribes. They’ll get to know what happens to an Ojibwe member when she hears a random voice. This book wasn’t half bad and I wouldn’t mind reading it again. I’d rate this book 4 stars.
Hinton, S.E. The Outsiders. New York: penguin group, 1967
Reviewed by: Julius
Imagine being a poor, longed haired, teenager with tomorrow not promise to you. S.E. Hinton’s novel The Outsiders is a story of these kinds of kids just trying to make it through the day. The book centers on Ponyboy Curtis, youngest of his three brothers, no parents nor a positive role model. This is the sixties in Oklahoma; nobody cares for nobody that’s why Ponyboy and his friends must stick together.
Ponyboy is part a group called greasers. Not by choice but by his long greasy hair, and lifestyle. Most of them wear black leather jackets and blue jeans. Him and the greasers are in a battle with staying alive and fitting in with society everyday. They just want to be accepted, instead of being the poor, low life kids with no hopes or dreams. Their antagonist are the socs, opposite of the greasers, they wear tight vests, causal pants and hair cuts. Rich kids who live on the other side of the tracks, with parents that love them, and they can walk down a street in feel like a human. At the same time socs wanted different lives also, they didn’t always want to be the spoiled, magnificent kids. Both sets of teenagers were more alike (have stuff in common) then they can imagine.
This is an excellent book with a lot of creativity, reality and action. I believe this novel is so great because kids can relate either from the socs or the greasers side. S.E. Hinton showed her skills with this superb book, I’m glad that someone finally put real life on paper. I recommend this masterpiece to everyone at Brooklyn Jr. High and at every other school around the USA. This book is rated two thumbs up and five st
Riordan Rick: The Titan’s: New York: Scholastic Inc. 2007
Review by: Osborne
How will you feel if your father hated you and placed you in the center of the earth? That’s the story of the titan’s.
They were sons of the sky god in the Greek myth.
When the titans were born their father the sky god disliked them.
Their mother was the earth.
When they were born they did not look like regular humans because of that they were put center of the earth.
I think this book is a very interesting book to read. I also think that anyone that likes books with a lot of emotions will love this book and that’s why I think other students will like this book. That’s also why I give this book a 4out of 5.
Rowling, Jk. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. New York: Arthur A. Levine, 2007.
Reviewed by Raven
Do you want to read an exciting and adventurous book? This book is the long awaited conclusion to the Harry Potter series. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Jk. Rowling does an exceptionally outstanding job of creating a vivid description of what’s going on in the book. In one of the scenes you find out who Harry likes. But the best scene is the long anticipated match between Harry and Voldemort. One will die.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is basically about the life of Harry Potter. Harry was scarred from birth, and Voldemort killed his parents. Harry’s mom died saving him. Harry wants to get back at Voldemort for all the pain and suffering he has caused in his and others lives. In one of the scenes you can clearly see that Hermoine clearly likes Ron, not Harry. The scene that stands out the most is the long awaited clash between Harry and Voldemort.
I really consider that everyone should read this book. I really suggest that you should read the whole series before you read this book. This is the last book in a series of seven. This book lives up to all the hype and expectations. This is my favorite book. If I were to rate this book, I’d give it a five out of five. This book would become your favorite book too if you just give it a chance and read it.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Two Towers. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1965.
Reviewed by Dylan
If you’ve read The Fellowship of the Ring, then get ready to start its suspense- filled sequel. The Two Towers, by J.R.R. Tolkien, is next in line after the first book. After the Fellowship of the One Ring breaks up, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli go after the orcs who have captured two other people in their group, Merry and Pippin. Another issue is to defeat the evil wizard known as Saruman, by storming his castle. The other two hobbits in the fellowship, Frodo and Sam, must go on the original mission of the fellowship, to defeat the evil sorcerer Sauron by destroying the Ring. If they succeed, they will have passed many perils.
The Two Towers is about how Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli attempt to track down the orcs that captured their friends, and they eventually receive help from the Riders of Rohan. By that time, Frodo and Sam have tamed a halfling that’s been following their fellowship since they were all on the river. Then, at the point where Aragorn and his friends track down their friends, they find that Saruman’s castle has already been stormed by someone, or something, else. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam are attacked in a cave by a giant spider, and unexpected things start to happen.
I personally think this book is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I like an exciting fantasy book. I would recommend it to anyone at Brooklyn Junior High. The Lord of the Rings is a series unlike any other, and it will captivate you until you finish the books. I would rate The Two Towers at five stars because of this.
Michael, David. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon. New York: Berkley Books 2008.
Reviewed By: William
The U.S. Army’s Special Forces are known for their strength, courage, and highly specialized training, but there’s a group even more stealthy and deadly. This group is made up of the most feared operators on the face of the earth – they are the soldiers of Ghost Recon.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon by David Michaels is an amazing story of a man named Scott Mitchell. Master Sergeant Scott Mitchell was on the Basilan Island when he and his troops were ambushed by terrorists and he lost his Commanding Officer along with 9 other troops. He must now venture out and try to regroup with the other squads and wait for evacuation, but will he make it or will this be an unfortunate end for them?
I found this book to be a great read and suggest it to other students who are into war books and stuff like that. I would personally give this book five stars for its great descriptions and details.
Myers, Walter Dean. Somewhere in the Darkness: New York: Scholastic Inc, 1992.
Reviewed by: Chase
Imagine being a 14 year old boy living in Harlem, New York. Living with your maternal grandmother and just wondering where your dad is. Wondering if he is even alive, looking at every man on the street and saying to yourself anyone of these men could be my father. Well this is what Walter Dean Meyers wrote about in his book called, Somewhere in the Darkness
Jimmy Little hates when his mind races about problems he can’t solve. Jimmy hasn't seen his father in nine years. But one day he comes back, on the run from the law. Together, the two of them travel across the country; where Jimmy's dad will find the man who can exonerate him of the crime for which he was convicted. Along the way, Jimmy discovers a lot about his father and himself. Jimmy realizes that while things can’t always be fixed, they can be understood or forgiven.
I thought that this book was remarkable. It was rich in fantastic dialogue and characterization. Reading this book will give you a touch on realism. This is why students should read this book. It could give students insight on what life could be like without a father. I would rate this book four stars because this book was fun to read, I think that most students would really enjoy this wonderful book.
Brown, Tracy. Black. New York: Triple Crown Publication
Review by: Marthalyn
Imagine at the age of three watching your dad get murdered by your mother right in front of you. This is all because he tried to stop her from taking her anger out on you. That’s exactly what happened to Kiara in the book Black by Tracy Brown.
Kiara is the main character in the book Black. She’s a very intelligent girl who always has a book in her hands. She is another teenager who hopes to make it out of the hood. Kiara Wesley faces different adversities in her home, growing up with a mother who despises her and a father who adored her. Kiara had two sisters who were never home to see the drama going on between both their parents. At the age of three Kiara was in her room playing and all she could hear was her parents yelling and arguing. Kiara tried to stop them, but her mother hit her while her dad tried to protect her. Her mom got mad, went in the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and stabbed her husband to death. Now growing up with guilt from her father’s death, and a mother who despises her, Kiara feels like she’s in prison. She is only allowed to go from school to home, not having the right to go outside to have fun with her friends. Kiara meets a guy named Aaron at school; they start dating. In front of a gas station Aaron meet up with his worst enemy which led to a shoot out. Kiara would never forget that day because that was the day their child was born. But now Kiara’s baby has to grow up without a father.
Black is about life in the hood. A princess meeting her prince charming going through life staying by each other side no matter what. I give this book five stars because it’s all about real life and ups and downs that happen in the everyday life. If this is a book for you I recommend you read Black.
Chambers, Aidan. Postcards from No Man’s Land. New York, New York: Penguin Group U.S.A., 1999
Reviewed by Shawn
Have you ever read a book that challenges something that you believe? Maybe even changed your beliefs on that subject? This book might do just that. Jacob Todd is an average Englishman that goes to Amsterdam to visit his grandfather of the same name’s grave. He has a kind of mousy personality and is just the slightest bit suicidal. This man you’ll find has absolutely no “game”, and he ends up having to face questions on his sexuality. The city of Amsterdam is old as well as new, with confusing streets, canals and tramways.
This sensational story brilliantly intertwines the two voices of Jacob and his grandmother’s friend Geertrui through her wonderfully detailed writing. She writes about ww2 in her memoir, as well as Jacob’s grandfather. Jacob is a willing replacement of his grandmother to attend a ceremony at his Grandpa Jacob’s gravesite. The book is all about youth and love. One of the most interesting characters is the charismatic Ton. He (or she depending on your preferences) is foxy, quick witted and is most definitely gay. Daan (Jacob’s cousin) is also worth mentioning. He lets his cousin stay in his apartment. He has an over all fanatic life style and very interesting views on life.
I think that everybody should read Postcards from No Man’s land. This most memorable novel is especially good for those who might be having thoughts on who they are. This book has touching moments as well as large shootouts and bombings in ww2. If you read it, I’m sure you will feel the same way I do. Postcards from No Man’s Land is a must read.
I can honestly give this book five stars.
Bloor, Edward. Tangerine. New York: scholastic Inc, 1997
Reviewed by: Ty’Karius
What would you do if you were getting harassed by your older brother and you tell people but they don’t believe you? Most people with siblings know what I am talking about including Paul Fisher. The author, Edward Bloor shows some of that sibling against sibling in the book Tangerine. Tangerine is mostly about a kid named Paul Fisher whose dad gets a new job so they have from Texas to Tangerine, Florida. Paul wears thick glasses and likes to play soccer. His older brother Erick is a football star and is a hero to everybody, But to Paul he isn’t. Paul knows who and what really Erick is. Paul’s dad is so obsessed with Erick football dream that he don’t know the real Erick.
Paul Fisher is an 8th grader who goes to Tangerine Middle school. He has a tough time making friends at the school. Paul wears thick eye glasses and not normal eye glasses. He had a mysterious eye injury. Paul also plays soccer. Paul plays soccer for the Tangerine war eagles. He has to earn the respect of his teammates. Paul plays the goalie position; he is good; but when he moves to Tangerine, the goalie is better than him. Paul has to learn how to play different positions.
I like this book, it was good the rating I would give this book is a 4 because I like sports but they should have talked about the sports a little more. People who like sports or mysteries should read this book.
Flake, Sharon. Who Am I Without Him. New York: Bradbury press, 2004
Reviewed by: De’Shaun
Imagine you have a boyfriend who you love and care for so much that you would do any thing for them? Well that’s what Sharon G. Flake wrote about in her book Who Am I Without Him. The book centers around Mable Lee Johnson, the girl who wants to be noticed by all of the boys, and her boyfriend.
Mable Lee is in love with her boyfriend Raheem Wilson, but Raheem is not really into her any more because he likes a different girl. Mable Lee wants to change herself and is willing to do anything to get his attention back. Raheem is the kind of boy who all of the girls like and would die to go out with. He is also the guy who flirts with a lot of girls while he has a girlfriend. Jessica, the girl who Raheem’s eyes are on, is the most attractive in school. Mable Lee is jealous because she knows that Jessica looks better than her.
Yes I think other BJH students should read this book because it shows how girls are in love with their boyfriends and will do anything for them, even though their boyfriends flirt with other girls. This book is good for girls that have problems with their boyfriends because it gives advice about if you should stay with them or leave them.
I would rate this book a four because it was fun to read and I think most of BHJ students would like it.
Curtis, Christopher Paul. Bud, Not Buddy. New York: scholastic Inc, 1999
Reviewed by: Styles
Imagine running away for a foster home at ten years old trying to find were you come from. In this story Bud, Not Buddy the main character bud is Destin to find the father he’s never known. This story takes place during the great depression time, while African Americans faced many difficulties.
Bud, 10, is on the run from the orphanage and from yet another mean foster family. His mother died when he was 6, and he wants to find his father. While he starts on his journey to find his father bud is stopped on the side of the road by a friendly stranger who takes him to Grand Rapids, MI, where he meets up with Herman E. Calloway and his jazz band. But the man that bud thinks is his father is an old cranky man who wants nothing to do with him. Luckily bud is treat kindly by the rest of the band members and they take him in as one of there own. Soon after that, they start teaching bud how to play instruments.
This book shows how it is to look for someone that you admire. About following your dream and having determination. Bjh students should really read this book to see how it maybe living in a foster home or about seeing how sometimes your dreams don’t come out as planned.
I rate this book with Four Stars.
Verne, Jules.20000 leagues under the Sea. New York: kids Book Inc., 1994.
Reviewed by: Phillip
How would you feel if when you where on a ship before they had radar, and there was a rumor of some creature sinking ships. This book has a very smart man named Nemo. Who is actually the creator of this creature of the deep? This book is called 20000 leagues under the sea wrote by Jules Verne.
This book is about a man who is captured by the beast. Because the creature is controlled by the caption. Yes I said caption he controls what is actually a submarine that attacks ships. Like on page 15 when a sailor runs in and yells “we’re sinking”. This was one of the first ships taken by the beast. “It’s made of solid steal” (pg.47) this is when they find out it is no creature at all.
I believe that teens at Brooklyn Junior High school should read this book. It is very enjoyable it’s action packed and very interesting. Even though it if fiction it still has many realistic parts that you can learn from. Also it is an easy read that is just fun. I would give this story 4 stars.
Sebold, Alice. The lovely bones. USA: Little Brown and Company, 2002.
Reviewed by: Lylia.
Have you ever wondered about how life is without you? How everything changes while you’re gone? Well Susie Salmon has to experience this. Read The lovely bones by Alice Sebold. This book takes place around the 1970s.
The lovely bones is about a 14 year old girl named Susie Salmon who got raped by her neighbor then murdered. It tells about how she’s already in heaven but her spirit is still around. Susie tells about what is going on while she’s dead; she is quite calm since no one can see her when she’s around. Mr. Harvey is the neighbor who killed Susie. He’s the antagonist of the book but no one seems to know but Susie herself.
I think that other Brooklyn Jr. High students should read The lovely bones because it’s a breathtaking book. It’s very interesting how Susie describes everything that goes on while she’s dead. The lovely bones isn’t a boring book. This book makes you eager to know what is going to happen next. Overall I’d give this book four stars out of five since it has an amazing storyline and actually seems like it could happen in reality.
Have you ever had a time where you control a man that can do anything? Or have you had a time when he robs a bank but you just think that it is only a game? Well in Midnight Stories he writes about a story where a kid named can control everything. The boy gets something in the mail, it’s a computer game. So he goes to his room to put it in the computer and doesn’t know what it really is. So he put it in and found out that it was a game but didn’t know its purpose. So he starts to play it and then finds out in the news that what he did ended up happening in real life. Also the game will turn itself on whenever it wants him to play.
This story is about a boy and gets bullied at school. One day a computer game showed in the mail. So he put it in and found out what it does. He goes crazy with power and does things that he ends up regretting everything that he did. The boy gets angry after he gets bullied at school and ends up using the game to get revenge. After he gets revenge he tries to meet with the man by making him come to his house but he never does meet him so he gets confused.
Other BJ students should read this book because it is an outstanding and a page turner book that gives people mystery. If you like mystery books this would be a great one to read because you never know what is going to happen next. If you don’t like mystery it would still be a good book because it gives romantic scenes too. I would give this book four stars because a book can never be perfect and a four is the top rating for me.
Keyes, Daniel. Flower’s for Algernon. Florida: Harcourt Books, 1966
Reviewed by: Sonnah
You might think miracle’s are impossible but think again. Charlie’s a disabled man who has a brain of a pre- schooled child. Can he ever become a normal person or will he always be stuck in his mentality? Flower’s for Algernon by Daniel Keyes is a very inspired book. The scene mostly surrounds Charlie, a mouse named Algernon, two scientists, a woman named Miss. Kinney and his work mates.
This book is about a man named Charlie that has a disability. He might get a chance to become brilliant by going through surgery. Algernon is a mouse that the scientists first tested the surgery on. Algernon is a mouse that the scientists first tested the surgery on. Algernon and Charlie become pleasant friends. Miss Kinney is Charlie’s teacher and Charlie starts loving her. He doesn’t know why he’s feeling this way because he’s never had feelings for someone like this before. After the surgery day by day Charlie begins to get intelligent. His work mates enjoy messing with him and he didn’t make any mistakes and they were so surprised. As a result they decided to get him fired. They thought that was very weird. Now that he’s smarter people are intimidated by him. He has a big struggle ahead of him.
Other BJH students should read this book because it has an important message. It shows people that we shouldn’t judge each other by what we wear how we look of if they have a disability. You should judge people on their character and how they act. I rate this book four.
Sparks, Nicholas. The Guardian. New York: Nicholas Sparks Enterprises Inc, 2003.
Reviewed by: Jessica.
Have you ever met someone jealous? How about someone so jealous they are willing to kill the people involved? Julie Berenson has, she gets mixed up with the wrong kind of man in this suspenseful love story. We all need a guardian sometime though. Julie has one of her own.
In this book is about a woman Julie who loses her husband Jim unexpectedly but since he knew he was going to die he left her a gift, a guardian. His name is Singer and he is a Great Dane pup. It’s been 2 years since she lost Jim and she is trying to date again. She ends up dating a very amiable and very rich man Richard Franklin who treats Julie like royalty. She starts falling for Jim’s best friend Mike Harris a laid back friendly guy.
The guardian is a higher level of reading, you have to be on the mature side to fully understand and connect to this book. This book tons takes of exciting twists and keeps you on your toes. It will have you laughing and crying and clenching your pillow in terror. I love this book, I read it 5 times in the first trimester I had it. I defiantly recommend it if you like a good love story with a twist.
title: Because of winn-dixie, author: katedicamillo,copyright:2000,location: new york city, publisher: scholastic inc-
Reviewed by: Avis
Do you think India Opal Buloni is nice to people? She and her father lived together and
He is a preacher. Because of Winn-Dixie is a book that was written by Kate Dicamillo it is a very interesting book and it has a lot of interesting things in it
Opal is the main character in the story and her father who was a preacher and her dog name Winn-Dixie most of the setting is usually about opal and her dog, Gloria Dump, Miss Fanny and the Dewberry boys. These are her friends and neighbor.
This book is about a ten year old little girl name opal and her father, they move to Naomi, Florida. She doesn’t know any one there besides her father .She was 8years- old when her mother left and she was alone with her father who was a preacher. One day Opal father sent her to the store to get some box of macaroni and cheese, and some white nice, and two tomatoes. When she came back she, she brought a dog that she found from the same store that her dad sent her to buy the macaronis and cheese. When she came home with the dog her father pleasant the idea. But Opals beg her father so the dog would stay first Opal father didn’t know that she brought a dog from the store. When he came back from the church he said Opal who let that a dog in here. He said that because Winn-Dixie was spoiling things in the in the house so her father was kind of disappointment in her but later he accept Winn-Dixie and they were living together in the house.
I think other Brooklyn junior high students should read this book because some of them might be going through problem pleasant this. I think if they read the book they will learn on how to soft their problems I know that some B.J.H students have dogs at their house, by reading this book it will help them. It will help them make good decisions as they are reading this book they will learn a lot of things like how to be nice and loving to your neighbors and to meet new people in strange places I will rate this book as four stars
Imagine being different then everyone. You never got to know your family. You are living in a foster home with a Christian family. Raised in Baltimore when the killing rate and drug rate is high. You are selling on a corner always having to watch your back. Grace After Midnight By David Ritz .
You are separating further and further away. From your family you are only a young girl just finding out that like girls. You are selling on a corner for a man you call uncle making that money. Yeah just imagine life is pleasant until. Bang a high woman is running toward you and you don’t know what to do but to end her. Felicia Snoop Person is an actor on the wire telling her life. Growing up in the savage life of Baltimore before she got famous. My favorite part in the book was when Snoop turned her life around and became someone.
I think Bjh ld read this book because its real. Lots of people can learn from this book. Its fun and sometimes sad I love
Meyers, Stephenie. Twilight. USA: Little Brown, 2005.
Reviewed by Paulina
Have you ever thought about falling in love with a vampire? Or having to run away and hide from a dreadful vampire who wants to kill you? Well that just happens to Bella Swan in the book Twilight by Stephenie Meyers. This book has extremely good description about what is happening and it makes you seem like you can really see what’s happening. Bella swan moves to Forks, Washington to live with her dad in the cold icy air and ends in shocking adventures.
The book Twilight is about a girl names Bella who lived in Arizona and later on moved to Washington to live with her dad for a while. When she goes to her new school in Washington she see’s the five Cullen siblings named Jasper, Alice, Rosalie, Emmett, and Edward. When she saw Edward she thought that he was breath taking and Bella also see’s him in her biology class. The scene that stands out to me the most is when Bella go watches Edward and his family play baseball together. The Cullen’s can only play when it’s thundering because since the Cullen’s are so strong that when they hit the ball it sounds like thunder. While the Cullen’s are playing baseball three new vampires come along and try to play with them. Since Bella smells so good one of the bad vampires smell her scent and after smelling her scent he wants to attack and bite her. The Cullen’s were trying to protect her from the one bad vampire because he is obsessed with killing and biting humans. Edward tries to get her out of town but Bella cares for her dad and doesn’t want the one bad vampire to come and bite her dad. Edward, Esme, Carlisle, Emmett, and Rosalie go hunt for the one bad vampire who wants to kill Bella so Alice and Jasper takes Bella to Arizona to get away from the bad vampire. Will she get away from him? Will he find her?
If you like to read about romance and vampires then this book will be the book for you. It also has good description of things in the book which makes it easier to understand. If you are just looking for an awesome book then you should read this book. I give this book five stars!
Zevin,Gabrielle. Elsewhere. New York : Random House, Inc., 2005.
Reviewed by: Anjelica
Do you think death is cold? Do you think dying is easy? After you die, do you believe theirs another place to go? Elizabeth Hall didn’t know these things; she didn’t even know she would die at age sixteen. Do you believe when you die you should dwell in the past? Elizabeth Hall did. She was so concerned about her old life she didn’t realize she had to start a new one.
But the more I ask you questions the less you learn about the book. Elizabeth Hall died because she was rushing to a store to meet her best friend zooey to find a prom dress; she didn’t look both ways before crossing and a taxi cab hit her. She woke up in a ship, sailing half way across the sea to a place called elsewhere. To start a new life. Only she had the key to start over. Only she had the strength to move on and trust herself and those around her, but wait here’s a question, would you?
This book to me shows the strength and struggles of a teenage girl. She’s trying to find a way home and trying to figure out if she even wants her old life back or a new life to start over with. I recommend this book to everyone, because it shows how starting over can really be a big change in peoples lives.
Lovely Bones
Alice Sebold. Boston : Little, Brown, 2002
Reviewed by: Alura
What happens when you die? Where do you go? Are you still somehow yourself or does your soul still live on? Schuyler was an ordinary girl; she decided to stay after school, to get help on her homework. On her way home, her neighbor (George Harvey) stopped her, and told her that she needs to come w/him. She resisted, but a little girl isn’t stronger than a grown man. He takes her to his backyard, and tells her to take off her clothes; she refuses, so he puts a knife to her neck. She tries to scream; but he puts his hand over her mouth. He rips off her clothes, and rapes her, when he’s finished, He tells her to say I love you. She doesn’t, so he cuts up her body, and leaves her belonging, along w/all the other girls; he’s killed in the past. Where does he put her, or what’s left of her? No one knows. Does he get caught?
The family doesn’t find out until it’s too late, but they don’t know what to do. Why would someone kill a beautiful little girl? What did they do to deserve this? Their dad starts going crazy trying to figure out who is crazy enough to kill his baby girl. Their family is falling apart before they even realize it. Can love bring them back together?
I’d recommend this book to all, because its filled w/mystery and compassion love and hate. If you want to find out more go to the library, check it out sometime. I hope I didn’t spoil the ending. But it’s the most unexpected book you’ll ever read! Lovely Bones is an exquisite novel.
D’Lacey, Chris, IceFire, Great Britain, Watts Publishing Group, Ltd.
Book Review by Jonathan, Grade 9
Are dragons real? Are they just a myth? Has anyone ever tried to find out? In Chris D’Lacey’s IceFire, there is one boy who must riddle out the answers for himself. David Rain, a teenage mop-haired boy was hired as a tenant to a peculiar household. This house is filled with clay model dragons that occasionally make noises, and the place has been labeled strange, aberrant, and eccentric.
IceFire is the direct sequel to The Fire Within, and both are exceptional books. The story of IceFire is mysterious, thrilling, and there are many sudden changes in mood. It will often fill you with disbelief. One of my favorite parts isn’t too far into the story. It was when this young girl by the name of Lucy has actually molded a dragon out of clay. Normally, she wouldn’t be able to do that. This dragon of hers can grant wishes, but only those of pure intent. Lucy knows that dragons are entranced by snow, so that is what she wishes for. David is unaware of a wishing dragon’s capability, and steps outside and reports to Lucy that it did not snow. But seconds later the snow flakes fall like crazy! David cannot understand what happened, but he knows that Lucy’s wish was satisfied and all of Scrubbly (the name of the town the story is set in) is covered in a blanket of snow.
Although this book is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a novel that is simple to read and is straightforward, it has no moral explanations or script worthy storylines. It is not a book that will help you better understand things, it is just a novel. Therefore I rate it three out of five stars for being very engaging, but is of fairytale simplicity. At a glance it may seem childish and elementary but the vocabulary is very extensive and the storyline has many interesting twists. I would have rated four out of five, had this book been more appealing to students in my class. Once you get into it you’ll realize it is a splendid story! I advise you to read The Fire Within first, or else this book won’t make any sense to you. Then, if you thought that one was satisfying (or even just OK) I recommend you read this book.
Meyer, Stephenie The Host. New York: little brown, 2008
By: Kaitlin
They look like humans, they act like humans. But they are anything but human. Stephenie Myer’s The Host is one of those books you can’t put down if you try it. The main character Wanderer is an alien who decided to come to Earth for a little while.
Wanderer has been to 7 different planets before coming to Earth, when she gets here she gets a new host which is a human body that she gets to live in. This new host Melanie was captured and left behind a little brother Jamie and her true love Jared. So Melanie doesn’t want some little alien inside of her head. Melanie is very strong and fights back, but the only thing Melanie can really do is talk to Wanderer in her head. Wanderer feel weak that she can’t even control her host after 7 planets. She tries everything, being mean, doing things Melanie doesn’t like, anything to get Melanie to stop talking but none of it works. Melanie would do anything to get to see her brother and boyfriend again and she won’t give up without a fight. She has a plan to get Wanderer to go find where they are hiding so she can see them again, even if it is through the eyes of an alien.
I think BJH should read this book because it’s a great action/romance book to read. It’s one of those books you can’t put down no matter what. What I love so much about this book is that it makes you really think about things. That’s why I give this book 5 star. I think everyone will love this book as much as I did.
Martin, Victor L. For The Strength Of You.
Reviewed by: Zack
Have you ever had someone you love more than anything killed, and you know you need to take the law into you own hands? That is exactly what is happening for Ashton in For the Strength of You by Victor L. Martin. Ashton is a young man in his early 20’s, recently released from prison, runs the game with his sister in Selma, North Carolina. He and his sister have been dealing drugs, gaining respect, and power since Ashton was a teenager.
Ashton just got out of prison, he and his sister were running the game until his sister Tammy is shot and she leaves the game and moves away from Selma and she wants Ashton to leave the game too, but he won’t listen. Teck, Wallo, Deck, and Wood C are 4 of Ashton’s closest friends, his crew. When Ashton’s sister Tammy comes back for a visit in Selma, she goes to the bank and makes a withdrawal of $400 to go shopping but an error in the computer says she took out $400,000. She is robbed and killed by someone very close to Ashton. Once Ashton gets an inside tip from someone who worked at the bank and went to high school with him on who killed his sister, he knows what has to be done, and his crew is down for it. But they know how it could end up for them; they could end up in jail or worse… dead.
This was an exquisite book that made me not want to stop reading. The was so much suspense, drama, and action that kept me on the edge of my seat with my heart pounding and wanting to know what will happen next. What I liked about the book is that what I wanted to happen, happened it felt like the story the book was telling was purely for the entertainment of the reader. Also it explained everything you need to create a visual picture in your mind about what is going on. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars because of how entertaining and enjoyable it is. It didn’t get the last star because of a few spelling errors I noticed and that the author didn’t get to into telling the reader about each characters personality, but other than that it is an exquisite book with an amazing story to tell, I highly recommend the book.
Draper, Sharon M. Darkness Before Dawn. New York, N.Y: Children’s Publishing Division, 2001.
Reviewed By: April
Keisha Montgomery is the class president at Hazelwood High School. After the suicide of her ex-boyfriend, Andy, Keisha had fallen for the principal’s son, Jonathan Hathaway. In the book Darkness Before Dawn, Sharon M. Draper describes how Keisha can be naïve and arrogant when she falls for Jonathan. Jonathan wants Keisha to think that she’s a woman. Keisha has to go through good and bad to save her own life, to forget what happened to her.
In this book Keisha is a black girl that wants to be treated as a woman. All the boys at her school don’t seem the type for her to be with. But there’s a secret admirer that loves and cares for Keisha, but she don’t know who it is. Keisha only has Jonathan on her mind, thinking that Jonathan will never do her wrong. Jonathan treats her and takes her out but when Jonathan can’t control himself, he gets hurt. Keisha feels embarrassed by the fact that the whole school knows what had happened to her. She spends weeks in her room trying to forget what happened.
The reason why BJH students should read this novel is because it is a teen-drama book. It could help people to understand one another on what other people are going through. This book is about a want that a person is looking for but turns out to be something else. So I think it would be great for people who likes teen-drama and wants help on what to do in their life. Some things that disappointed me about the book was that Keisha didn’t ask for help, all she did was hide. Even though people do ignorant things everyone should never be deceived by what happened, cause every person in this world has their own controversy to face. I rate this book a 4.
Rowling, J.K. Harry potter and the sorcerer’s stone. New York:A.A . Levine Books,1998
Reviewed by:Feroze
Imagine a place where wizards lived in harmony. Wizards and spells always casting at Hogwarts. This is the story of Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone by J.K Rowling.
Frightened to know that he is a wizard on his birthday and is wanted to come to Hogwarts wizard school. Walking through the wall to platform nine and three-quarters, he makes his way to wizard school. He meets new friends in the story as well. There names are Hermonie and Ron. He meets enemies as well known as Malfoy, and his group of friends. As a child, his parents were murdered by the evil sorcerer which the name they don’t speak about. Some things that they get in trouble are going in the forbidden forest and sneaking out late at night.
I think BJH students would enjoy this book because of the adrenaline and the adventure that goes on in the book. Also, it goes in series of battling and flying on broomsticks. The game that is played at Hogwarts known as quiditch. The book is great and others would like it too.
Stine, R.L. The Girlfriend. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1991.
Reviewed by: Trishauna
Imagine yourself with many friends, captain of everyone’s favorite sports team, and with the hottest, popular girl or boyfriend at school. That is the dream of many boys and girls who go to school. Now imagine how one person can turn all that upside down. That is what happened to the knowledgeable, soon-to-be Princeton scholar, Scotty. One of many R.L. Stine’s best books, The Girlfriend, creates the horror of how a stalker can saunter right into your own life; just by saying a couple of words, that easy. This fast-paced novel takes place around the admired high school valedictorian, Scotty and his slowly changing life. Scotty has not made any horrible decisions ever since the way past; now, it seems, he made a big one. This sophisticated teenager is going to have to deal with this massive problem. Now the position that he is caged into is going to break him down.
This book is about a boy who has so much planned out for him: college, money, and maybe even a wife-Lara? He loves Lara, his girlfriend, but when she goes away, he goes astray. Just like the saying: ‘when the cats are away, the mice will play.’ Well, this mouse didn’t mean to start any games, but I guess he just got really caught up in the moment- so did Shannon. He does not like Shannon at all, but Shannon loves Scotty. Shannon is petite, but strong and she wants things her way. Looks like Scotty has got himself a stalker. One of the most interesting scenes in this book is when Scotty thinks he killed Shannon for a second because she is lying there on the floor, expressionless. Scotty roams on and on, in his mind, about how people say he and Lara are the perfect couple, how he is going to Princeton, and how he was supposed to be so many things. After comprehending all of what he thought, he didn’t believe, for one second that he murdered Shannon. Scotty carries Shannon over to Lara’s house to stash Shannon’s body someplace safe until he had himself calm and he could think again. But when he gets inside Lara’s house and turns on the over-head lights to the kitchen, everyone he knows is standing there. They yelp their ‘hooray’s’ and ‘surprises’, then realizing what is on Scotty’s shoulder, Scotty’s family and his friends gape at him and Shannon. He stands in the doorway, frozen, wandering what to say and what to do. I think it is excitingly hilarious and shocking.
I believe other Brooklyn Junior High students would enjoy this book. R.L. Stine gives the reader the feeling of being inside the story. Stine did not let go of the readers mind; he made sure there were details in every paragraph so readers would not get lost or bored with the story. I reward this book four stars for its on-going suspense.
Title: begging for change
Author: Sharon g flake
Reviewed by: Lavashea
Want to read a powerfully suspenseful book? Read the first page and I am sure you will now stop. The name of this book is called begging for change by the author Sharon G flake. Just think and put yourself in the shoes of a young black girl having everything you can think of going on in your life. From her dad being strung out on drugs, to having her mom in the hospital, and all types of drama with your best friend.
A girl that’s stuck on money and will do anything to get it.
Rasberry’s mom is in the hospital suffering from her neighbor shakiea hitting her in the head with a pipe. Most of her hair is gone and Rasberry feels so horrible about what happened to her mom. Rassberrys dad on the other hand is a strung out dope Fein
Who needs help really bad. rassberry wants to help him but he cannot be trusted. He stole from his daughter rassberry and she goes crazy! Rassberry ends up stealing for her best friend Zora and her neighbor ms. Evelyn. Rassberry is terrified she knows she shouldn’t have did it and the guilt is eating at her but she just went head first into the situation. There’s a guy named Sato who starts talking to Rassberry and it end up being much more. Love connections fly in the air between Zora’s dad Dr.mitchell and Rassberrys mom. Rassberry just wants to get away from it all she’s a pretty girl who’s growing into her self and strives for her trust back from everybody.
This book will show you that it’s not always about money, learn that family and friends are more important. Try to help people out when you can find a way to not have hate in your heart. I think that Bj students should read this book because it relates to real
Life situations that happens a lot of people.
Stine, R.L Nightmare Hour. New York: Harpercollins, 1999
Reviewed by Juwan
Have you ever had a brother who always wanted to fight and hurt people? R.L Stine is an excellent writer with horror. The novel starts with Andrew, the older brother of Michael. He is trying to see if he can change him into a better person.
Have you ever had to look after someone? R.L Stine wanted to make it scary but he still tried. First, he found out that all the friends were missing. Then Andrew tries to stop his brother from doing bad things and he doesn’t listen, so he gets kidnapped at a pumpkin patch on Halloween. Next, the owner came and told not to mess with his pumpkins, so the owner takes of his head with the vines and replaces it with a pumpkin head with blood gushing down off his shoulders.
Then Andrew got killed the same way before he found out that all the friends with no heads were there, with his brother too. This book shows how Andrew tried to save his threatening brother.
Other BJH kids should read it because it has action, blood, threats and I would rate these book 4 stars.
By Anne Schraff, “A Matter of Trust”, Published by: Townshend Press Inc. Published in West Berlin, New Jersey, Copyrighted 2002
Reviewed By: Halla
Picture teenage drama, having a boyfriend or girlfriend with a stuttering disability, and who is embarrassed by students at Bluford High School because of students teasing him about his stuttering problem. This all happens in a book called “A Matter of Trust”. This book is an excellent book for teens. Especially if you’re having relationship issues because your former best friend is totally hitting on your boyfriend and starting to draw you and him apart. This book is basically like an ordinary teenage life style. It takes place Bluford High School.
“A Matter of Trust” is about a 10th grade girl named Darcy. Her Boyfriend, Hakeem has a stuttering problem and Darcy’s former friend, Brisanna, loves to flirt with her boyfriend. The reason why there not best friends anymore is because when Darcy got into 10th grade she started hanging out with Tarah and Cooper (who Brisanna calls “zero’s). But meanwhile Darcy tries to forgive her daddy for walking out on her and her family and who is trying to get back with the family. Darcy is scared to trust him because she’s not sure if he’s really there to stay. Since Hakeem stutters and has a great singing voice, Darcy talks him into singing in the talent show, but only if Darcy’s sings with him and she is terrified.
I think BJH students should read “A Matter of Trust” because most students at BJH are teens and they can relate to the issue in this story. It also has true event that could happen to teenagers now. I think most BJH students would really enjoy this book because of the drama in it. The rate I would give this book, a matter of trust, would be a 5 because stuff that happened in this book can happen in real life and students would enjoy something they can relate to.
Langan, Paul and Blackwell, D.M. Blood is Thicker. New York: Sept. 2007
Reviewed By: TeQuoyah
Think about having to leave the only place you could call home. To leave all your memories behind, like a little kid having to leave the park. Then later have to live with family you haven’t seen in years. It’s heartbreaking it’s depressing to leave family, and friends, and most of all the love of your life. Well Hakeem did. He left it all behind for his family. Never to return to his home.
Hakeem is kind-hearted, smart, talented, but not so sports active. He writes songs about his life which help him control emotions for his struggle now. He misses the love of his life Darcy, but then someone new enters the picture. But it’s not just someone it’s also something that could become devastating for his family. Only he knows the truth, the secret. And Hakeem tries everything he can to prevent it from happening. But when he does he just falls deeper into despair. Savon, Hakeem’s cousin is a tough guy. The family wants him to be more like Hakeem in every way. He has the smarts but uses them in a negative way. He is always out of the house and returns home when everyone is asleep. He does get into trouble a lot though, but this time he could be in more trouble then he could ever have imagined. He doesn’t get along with Hakeem for the simple fact he is trying to stop him from doing something he lives his life for. He can’t stand that Hakeem is trying to help him. From Savon’s perspective life was descent before they came.
The most interesting seen in the book was when the two had gotten into a fight. The fight started as a verbal argument. Hakeem was just trying to stop Savon and talk some sense into him. Savon wanted Hakeem to stay out of his life, but Hakeem wouldn’t do that. After the fight Savon gets the blame put on him. Hakeem doesn’t feel like that was right and he should have been the one being blamed for it. But even when he does try to admit to it, the whole family thinks that Mr. Perfect couldn’t be responsible for it. So they told him not to worry about it.
I think that other students should read this Blood is Thicker and the other books by Paul Langan and D.M Blackwell. They’re books that reflect people’s lives and can connect to. The books feel realistic bringing out your emotions as if you were that character. Blood is Thicker is a book for people who feel like when they try to help things continue to go down hill.
Draper, Sharon. A tear of a tiger. New York: Simon Pulse, 1994.
Reviewed by: Patrick
What will you do after your best friend die in a tragic car accident in the front seat of your car and you where present. Who would you blame? What will you do? Will you put the blame on yourself? These are the questions 17 years old Andrew Jackson is force to face and live with.
A tear of a tiger is about Andrew Jackson. And how the tragic death of his best friend, Robert washing ton in a car accident and how it affects Andrew, because he was drinking and driving the car when the accident happened. So he puts the blame on himself. Andrew gets got up in the accident situation and can’t let go of the moment. The accident put Andrew in a cage and keep him form excelling and moving forward in life, it brinks him down each time when he’s doing something the moment pop back into his head.
This book shows how drinking and driving affects people, The way the memory stay lock in your head and its hard to let go of the moment . Its like your playing a game but you can’t win: Tears of a tiger deserves and need five stars in showing how you should thinking twice about drinking and driving before you drive. I think immature drinkers should read this book to learn about the affects of drinking and driving.
Draper, Sharon. The Battle of Jericho. New York: Simon & Schuster Children, 2007.
Reviewed by Tamie
Imagine sucking someone big toe, jumping out of a build at night jest to be in a club. Warriors of distinction is the club that every boy want to be in. they will do anything to get in this club. For the first time a female tries to pledge who will stop at noting to show she can handle the pressure.
This book is about a boy name Jericho who was invited to pledge for the warriors of distinction. He wants to be in the club because it gives the best parties to go out with the hottest girls and sail through classes. Jericho was pledging with his cousin Josh and his friend Kofi. Dana tries to pledge she was Kofi’s girlfriend. She was tall like him and can do anything the boys can do. As they were pledging Eddie one of the leader of the warriors tries to get with Dana. She turns him down because she says he was too short for her. You should seen when Eddie told everybody to take off there shirt knowing that
Dana was there and she is a girl. I like it when Kofi pot his arm around her so Eddie can
I think this book was awesome so I am rating it as five and also I think all B.J.H students should read this book. This book has everything you looking for in a book; it is inspiring. If you read this book you will be amused with everything.
Kidd, Monk. The Secret Life of Bees. The United States of America, 2002
Reviewed by: Marisa
What if you were 4 and you killed your mother? And your father didn’t care much about you it seemed like the family dog was more important to him than you. Picture yourself running away at only 15 yrs old with your maid Rosaleen who is a black American woman and you are white to a home where you don’t know who lives. The book The Secret Life of Bees by Monk Kidd tell that wonderful story. The book is about Lily Owens who is a very brave and has a lot of spunk for her age. Once you read about what she has been through all you can do is feel her pain. She’s the one who makes this book so irresistible.
Lily Owens who is trying to find out things like ‘did she kill her mom, if so why, why doesn’t her dad love her?’ Throughout most of the book Lily is staying with three black women August, June, and May. She went to them to find out more about her mom. August Boatwright knew all about Lily’s reason to visit; but she was just waiting for the right time to tell her. One of the most interesting scenes in the book was when Lily’s father came to get her. He ended up slapping her leaving a print on her face while August, Rosaleen and some members from their church were watching from outside. But if you want to find out if she goes back with her dad you would have to read the book.
The Secret Life of Bees is mostly an adult view but I think that BJH students should read this book for three reasons. Number one once you start reading the book you won’t be able to put it down. Number two it makes you look at life a little differently. Number three you see what it was like back then not just for black’s, but also for whites. I gave this book a 4 because it has very interesting, and most BJH students would like it.
Westerfield, Scott. Uglies. New York: scholastic inc. 2005
Reviewed by: Mai Kou
Tally’s a 15 year old girl and she just can’t wait until she turns 16. She thinks that when she turns 16, she could go/do whatever she wants and have the device on her be taken away. And she thinks that she going to become popular having guys going around chasing you. Do you think that that’s going to happen when she enters the pretties’ stage?
Tally thinks that all the people those is not 16 and up are the uglies and the 16 and up are the pretties. She said it that way because she thinks that when you’re 16, you can do whatever you want and you’re not going to have a device on you all the time no more. So she tried to sneak into pretty town a couple of times without her device going off. But on the other hand, her friend, Shay, says that she doesn’t want to be 16 yet because things are not going to go the way you want it to go or think it’s going to be like. So now Tally is having a second thought about turning 16. But she can’t do anything about because she’s turning 16 in the next couple of weeks from now.
I think BJH students that like to read about what other people think anyone can do or thinks they can do almost everything should read this book because things just don’t always turn out the way you want it to be. This book disappointed me because when I started reading this book, I think that this book is going to be about something else but then it’s not. But then this book just interests me so I kept on reading it and reading it.
Sullivan, Leo. Life. New York: Triple Crown Publisher, 2005
By: Jalisa
Life, you keep acting the way your acting you’re going to end up right back in prison. Is that really where you want to be? I didn’t think so. This book is called Life and it’s by Leo Sullivan it tells how Life just got out of prison and could be and on his way back if he’s not careful. This book takes place in Atlanta Georgia and then ends up being in Tallahassee.
So there’s a man named Life Thugstin and a woman named Hope Evens. Life meets Hope after the fact that Life has just been set up. See if all stared that morning after Life had just got out of prison and there was a knock on the door it was so small shaped man and I wide shaped man standing on the other side of the door. He opens the door and that was one of the wrong moves that just might change his life forever. The set up wasn’t meet for him if was meet for a man called “Lil Cal” as they would say. After the fact that they were in his room that’s when he know what was really going on. Next thing you know the POLICE was on the first floor coming onto the second and he had to think fast. What was he going to do? He had to hurry up maybe you should hurry up and think if you want to find more out or just move on the next book.
I think that this book would be ok for some students at BJ to read but some people don’t like the drama so I would say that this book is a 3 and I liked it really well and it’s a good book.
Meyer, Stephenie. Twilight .New York: Little Brown, 2005.
Reviewed by Ellen
Can you even think about knowing some ones true identity? Stephenie Meyer writing Twilight is a book that will want you to keep on reading forever. Bella Swan is moving to live in Forks, Washington with her dad. She’s attending a new school and making new friends, but one mysterious guy, Edward Cullens, is something she never imagined. He’s tall, smart, he has gorgeous eyes, but he also has one secret.
She knows this, Edward, guy is a normal guy right? Later she finds him charming and something beyond all humans. They soon fall in love, but there is still something that Edward hasn’t told Bella yet, his secret. As Bella soon finds out that the man she loves is a vampire, things start to happen. Other vampire drop
in for a visit and this is where Bella and Edward will separate due to these vampires trying to kill her. Will the relationship of these two just end like that or what are they going to do to keep Bella safe now that she is being hunted.
Twilight will keep you thinking until the very end, with its mysteries and the tragic love that Bella and Edward go through. Twilight is a tremendous book. I would recommend this book for anybody who loves to read. Twilight is a five star book; it has love drama and mysteries all in one. There’s no way that Twilight will get you disappointed.
Sacks, Oliver. Uncle Tungsten. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2001.
Review by: Massel
This book is like a child in a toy store. You want to learn about everything that goes on with the main character. Uncle Tungsten by Oliver Sacks is a book that inspired me to think of all the things around me in a new way. The story takes place in London, England between the 1930’s and the present. He goes through the 2nd World War as a child in a foster camp.
The protagonist of the story is the narrorator. He goes through his life and his introduction to chemistry. He does experiments that doesn’t always go right, but finds answers in the process. He is interested in metals and how everything around him came to be. In one experiment he is working with alkali metals and mixes potassium with water and causes a huge explosion. It’s funny how he doesn’t get in trouble by his parents even though he makes explosions, poisonous gases, and other terrible things. This is an excellent book.
This book has made me think of everything. People in my science class know, because I always ask questions. I have started understating atoms much sooner than any of my fellow HP students. This book does take time to read, and has difficult words. It makes you feel much more intelligent. It is full of logical statements and I would suggest it to all BJH students. I would give it 5 stars out of 5 but since this isn’t a book that most kids find easy to read I give it a 4/5.
Hatchet
Reviewed By Kyle
Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. New York: Random House, Inc., 1992.
Have you ever been stuck in the middle of nowhere for 54 days left with only a hatchet? Well 13 year old Brian Robeson has from the book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. Brian ends up somewhere in Canada all alone because of an accident. Now he has to find ways to survive in the wilderness with only a hatchet his mother gave him.
Hatchet is about a teenage boy from Hampton, New York. He was on his way to the oil fields of Canada to visit his dad for the summer because of his parents’ divorce. On his plane ride there the pilot suffers a heart attack and dies. Brian left with a plane that he knows nothing about, has to land it himself. So the only thing Brian can do is to hope someone finds him before nature kicks him off the face of the earth. One scene that stands out is when Brian has to figure out how to fly the abandoned plane. He has to find a place to land before the plane runs out of fuel. Brian tries contacting people to get help but only gets in touch with one person that faded away on the radio. While doing all this Brian is vomiting because the plane is swooping around in the air, which is extremely disgusting.
If you are a wilderness person like me I think you would love this book. Not only is Hatchet an outstanding book, it’s also a learning lesson. It also describes the magnificent forests of Canada. I would give this book five out of five stars because I love the setting and how the whole story starts out. Overall, I love this book!
Hinton, S.E. The Outsiders. New York: Dell publishing Co. Inc, 1967
Reviewed By: Bianca
Have you ever meet anyone by the name of Ponyboy or Sodapop? Ever lived in an area where you were separated by rich and poor? Living alone with just your two other brothers because your parents died in a car crash? Well unfortunately there is a book that relates this. And trust me; you won’t want to put it down. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a great book to pick up.
The Outsiders is about 3 teenage boys who are forced to survive on each other due to there parents deaths. Living in a town where they are separated by two main rivaling cliques, The Socs: nice cars, girls, polo shirts, wealthy and The Greasers: white shirts, jeans, greased back long hair, and poor. Fighting for each others survival and carrying a razor blade in your pocket is a daily necessity. The characters you will meet in this story are Ponyboy, Dally, Sodapop, Cherry, Bob..One of the most interesting scenes in this story is during the Rumble, where both cliques battle it out against each other.
Students at Brooklyn Junior should read The Outsiders because it is a fantastic novel to read. Personally I enjoyed it and I know you will too. This story can relate to many people in many different ways. Once you start reading this book you will not want to stop! This book shows how other people have to live on a daily bases, how they go about there day. How at one time the world was a different place. This is why I chose this book because it has helped me look at the world through another view. Not just through my own eyes.
Langan, Paul.. Blackwell, D.M. Blood is Thicker.
Reviewed by Fred
Who did the robberies? How did he get the money and the new shoes? The book Blood is Thicker by Paul Langan and D.M. Blackwell has the answers to these questions.
This book is about 2 cousins who don’t like each other since they were kids. They both live in different states. 1 cousin named Hakeem is a young, skinny boy who lived in California and his Savon is younger than Hakeem but around the same age and he lives in Detroit with his family. Hakeems has to move to Detroit with his cousin and is forced to share the room with Savon
because the dads gets sick and isn’t able to provide money for the house and Hakeem is forced to leave his girlfriend and his friends behind.
People should read this book because its an interesting story and it tells the difference between the cousins and how they over come their difference for each other. Another reason that the book has you thinking is because when you read you might have different thoughts on who and what happens in the book. I rate this book a 5 because it’s a wonderful book and it’s a book to read and you’ll like it.
Woodson, Jacqueline. Hush. New York. Scholastic Inc., 2002
Reviewed By Hannan
One mans garbage is another mans treasure. So what’s a ruined life to a millionaire? Rhetorical. It’s just another way to tell someone to be quiet, or only to hear silence. Hush, a novel by Jacqueline Woodson. Family struggles never end. With a daughter, that only looks forward to her Daddy’s smile, the promises yet to be fulfilled and the life yet to be lived.
This book involves a family and hope. Tosiwiah and Cameron, Sisters are now
To be identified as Evie and Anna Thomas. They’re parents home and can’t do anything about there lives. They left Denver to start over. Evie and Anna now have to live in the south. They have to attend Church that they don’t believe in. A Jehovah witness program that they can’t decide to stay in but are forced too.
This book really did interest me. I think other students will feel the same. I liked plot line of the children’s lives. I also like the way their life wasn’t adjusted to fit any
Particular life style and it was a way to show reality. The book also had meaning. It showed ways to cope with struggle. No one mans life is perfect and even though there life was hard they made it through all of it. Nothing can silence them. I rate the book with 4 stars.
Rowling J.K. New York: A.A. Levine books,1998
Reviewed by Zachary
A big problem at the new school. This book is Harry potter and the sorcerous stone by J.K. Rowling. If you like to learn new tricks then this is the book for you. If you want to learn about witch and wizards this is the book to read.
This book is about how to learn new powers and how to control them. For example Harry has to help a friend with a big problem headed her way. This book can help you understand people that are different then you.
Brooklyn Junior High students should read this book because it will get very exciting in the middle of the book. But near the end of the book it gets kind of boring. I think this book is for people who like to read novels all the time. I would give this book a 4 because I think people will really like this book.
By
Zachary
Sachar, Louis. Holes. 555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012: Scholastic inc. 1998.
Reviewed by: Terell
Five by five holes everyday for eighteen months in the scorching hot sun, surrounded by dangerous yellow-spotted lizards and vicious rattlesnakes. The book ‘Holes’ Inc. is by Louis Sachar. Stealing a car and accidentally driving it into a hole, Stanley is not making his time at Camp Green Lake any better. Stanley and at least ten yellow-spotted lizards in a hole overnight, what will he do to get out of this situation.
A young boy suffers from his “no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather”. Stanley is sent to a boys detention center known as Camp Green Lake for a crime he is innocent of doing. This book is contains a fate of destiny and sluggish juvenile characters in blazing heat that boils everyone’s temper. Stanley carries the one item that can break his family’s curse up a mountain with bloody hands. The Warden has freshly painted nail polish on her nails that is made from the venom of a rattlesnake and then strikes a fellow camp instructor which causes his face to later swells up in great proportions.
I think students should read this book, because it is filled with adventure. “Holes” Inc. is compacted with lethal scorpions, snakes, and lizards that are difficult to stay away from. If you enjoy books about family curses, cars being stolen, detention centers, and curious juveniles digging, than “Hole” Inc. is the right book for you. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Asher, Jay. Thirteen Reason Why. New York: Penguin group, 2007
Reviewed by: Chai
Imagine you are a high school student coming home from school and you see a package on your front porch. Clay Janse a normal, shy, high school student received a package on his front porch.
Clay’s life was normal, until he received a package with seven cassette tapes, recorded by Hannah Baker- his classmate and crush. Clay was confused when he hears Hannah voice speaking on those tapes, because Hannah committed suicide a week ago. Clay had lot of question on his mind, why would Hannah leave some clues behind, why is there reason of her death? Clay spent his whole day listening to Hannah cassette, and follows her map. Clay discovered some secrets of Hannah untold life.
This book shows how teens committed suicide without telling an adult, about their problem, how teens had secrets that they don’t tell to any one. Thirteen Reason Why deserver four stars because some BJH students would like to read how teens committed suicide, leaving some clues behind.
Christopher Paul Curtis: ELIJAH OF BUXTON.NEW YORK 2007.
REVIEWED BY: BRIEA
Why it is that being born free is such a big deal, than being born into slavery? My name is Elijah freeman and im from Buxton, cananda.im the best rock thrower there is here in this here country.
Elijah’s best friend cooter has no idea what he is going through and now has no idea about what happened to him.
Elijah gets invold in a mad money hunt. While being kidnapped and going through Greif when the man who kidnapped him dies on the way of pursuing his money and family.
I would give this here book (Elijah of Buxton) a 4 because it’s hilarious, emotional and be trails. I think everyone should go and get a copy of this here book its worth the read and excitement.
Horowitz, Anthony. Ark Angel. New York: Penguin Group, 2005.
Reviewed by: Nico
Imagine that you have no more family members and the government is forcing you to do their dirty work; this is the life of Alex Rider. Alex Rider is a 14 year old boy who is working for the CIA. Alex’s parents were killed in a tragic car accident when he was young. After his parents’ deaths, he was sent to live with his uncle. Alex’s uncle, Ian Rider, appeared to be an average bank teller, but late one night Alex received a mysterious message. The message announced that his uncle had just been murdered. Alex was willing to do anything to find the killer of his uncle. Unbeknownst to Alex, Ian Rider happened to be one of the CIA’s best agents. In order to make up for their loss, the CIA recruited Alex to replace his uncle. Alex unwilling accepts.
In Anthony Horowitz’s Ark Angel, Alex was sent on a mission to spy on a multimillionaire, Nikolei Drevin. At first, Nikolei seemed to be a generous and kind millionaire, but when Alex overhears him talking about a project called “Ark Angel” things shift gears. While trying to gather information on the project, Alex encounters Drevin’s henchmen. That’s when things turn dangerous. The henchmen call themselves Force Three; eco-terrorists willing to do anything for the environment. Alex discovers that the Ark Angel is actually a space hotel that Drevin was building with help from the government. After the project’s costs flew sky high, the government canceled the Ark Angel. In Nikolei’s discontentment, he came up with a plan to destroy some incriminating files the government had on him. His plan was to send the Ark Angel, crashing down from outer space, into the Pentagon. To stop this from happening, Alex must travel to the Ark Angel and defuse a bomb that Drevin planted. Little does he know someone is waiting there for him.
Brooklyn Junior students should read Ark Angel because it is a quick read, but filled with adventure and suspense. I give Ark Angel 4/5 stars
Myers, Walter Dean. Muhammad Ali. New Jersey: Bradbury press, 2006
Reviewed by: Dekonte Donyen
Have you ever claimed you where the greatest but you know you weren’t? Muhammad Ali has. Even though he has a great boxer he was far from being the Greatest. Some of Muhammad highlights came when he was fighting Joe Frazier. Some say Joe was to strong Muhammad. But Ali saw that as a challenge.
This book is about Ali and his boxing life. This book talks about how and why he changed his name. This book also makes you feel as if you are taking a trip in to 1963. Muhammad Ali well known opponent was sonny liston. They met in Las Vegas liston was losing money in the casino. Clay was taunting him from the side line. Liston had walked over to clay, and stood face to face with him, and told him if he didn’t get away from him in ten seconds he was going to rip his tongue out of his mouth.
I think BJ students should read this book because this. Book talks about all the greatest boxers. But the greatest of the all was ali. That’s why I think BJ students should read this book.
Hesser, Spencer, Terry. Kissing Doorknobs. New York: Bantam Doubleday, 1998
Review by: Samantha Vang
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “step on a crack, break your mother’s back”? Does it repeat in your mind over and over again? Would you think of that phrase when you see cracks? Terry who wrote Kissing Doorknobs, wrote about how Tara started counting cracks when she was eleven years old, because she heard of the phrase “step on a crack, break you mother’s back” When she first heard of that phrase her life changed.
When Tara started counting cracks she ignored her friends because usually her friends walk with her before and after school but even since she started counting cracks she hates it when her friends bother her while she’s counting cracks. After she kept on doing that her friends stop talking to her. Then later she made a new friend and started hangout with her because they both thought that they were weird. After a while she stops counting cracks and then one day she kisses her fingers and touched a doorknob. After that she started kissing doorknobs. Tara changes as time goes by. At the beginning, she always worried about everything and she likes to punish her parents because when she gets scared and her parent won’t let her sleep with them so she goes under her parents bed and stay there until they get really worried and calls the cops to look for her and then she comes out.
I think that this book would be a great book for Bjh students because it’s something different from all the other books and it’s an interesting book to read. I would rate this book between a 3-4.
Reilly, Rick. The Football Book. Washington: Sports Illustrated, 2005.
Reviewed by: Lucas
Do you like Football or NFL’s greatest players in history? If so, then you will love this book. The name of this book is The Football Book by Sports Illustrated and written by Rick Reilly. This book is about all the football teams is the United States. It tells you about scores, Superbowls, coaches, players, and also shows a ton of wonderful pictures.
The Football Book will keep you reading for a long time with its amazing 294 pages. All of the pictures in the book are professional and clear. This book will also tell you all about your dream teams. This book is inspirational to me. For example, The book was telling about Emmitt Smith from the Cowboys. It told me that getting to the NFL takes a lot of work, but anybody can do it if they put their mind and heart into it. Like Emmitt said, "just because I am 33 years old doesn't mean that I can't play and don't still have heart left to play football". He made an impact on the coaches as well. One of the coaches said "whenever I look over at Emmitt, something inside me smiles". The Football Book will also tell you about your favorite player’s history and life before the NFL.
The Football Book is a great book for BJH students to read if they are into football. But if you don't like football then you probably won't like this book. I personally like football so I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
Kindred. Octavia Butler.New:Grand Centeral Publishing, 1978 Reviewed
Reviewed by:Katelyn
In the novel Kindred, Dana and Alice are two characters who are often compared. The author, Octavia Butler, tries to show how people’s way of thinking goes beyond the novel. This can be linked to how people act even to this day. With the character Alice, Butler shows the racial issues that were present during the south in the 1800’s. She compares it to her present time, with the character Dana, to show how race is still an issue. In Kindred, Butler shows how in about 150 years, even though slavery changed, the racial tensions between blacks and whites still remain.
Octavia Butler tries to show the importance that each character has. Each character is like a metaphor for something greater than the novel. In Dana and Alice’s case, Butler tries to show the differences between the two time periods that each character lives in: Dana, from 1976 and Alice, from the early 1800’s. In about 150 years, the treatment towards African American people has changed dramatically. Yet, because of the bitterness that the slavery era left between blacks and whites, there will always be some level of racism in America.
Kindred a good novel because of what it shows us. I think that the students of BJH should read this book because it puts slavery in perspective. The character Dana experiences racism in her modern life as well as living in the slavery era. People today can relate to the struggles of African American slaves. As a nation, I believe we will never fully forget had what happened in the past.
Meyer, Stephenie. Twilight. New York, New York: Hachette Book Group, 2005.
Reviewed By: Kalia
If you could choose to be immortal or mortal, which would you choose? Why? Stephenie Meyer’s seventeen year old Isabella Swan in Twilight makes this decision. All her decisions are based on the breath taking Edward Cullen. It all starts when Bella moves from Phoenix, Arizona to Forks, Washington to live with her biological father, Charlie. She was eager on the first day of school, just like anyone else. She makes a couple good friends, but there’s one person who stands out to her… Edward.
Imagine falling in love with a vampire. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like. Bella doesn’t care about how much dangers Edward puts her in, she couldn’t stay away from him if she tried. But sometimes being with Edward saves her life. Bella, standing in between two large vehicles, a truck and a van. The van is screeching towards her as fast as light, she has no time to think. Edward quickly gets her out of the way just in time… not a single scratch on her body, which leaves her filled with unanswered questions.
BJ students should take the time to read this book. Why, because it catches your attention by the creativity and action in it. This book may have an interest to certain people, people who love romantic books, but it’s a book everyone would enjoy! I rate this book a perfect five stars in a heartbeat! :)
Fadiman, Anne. The Spirits catches you and you Fall Down. New York: Farrar, Straus,
Giroux, 1998.
Review by: Mai Pa
Baby Lia is trying to live two different worlds. She is stuck between the real world and the ghost world. Will she make it through her life? Lia is a new born baby and she already got to face many difficulties. She came from a Hmong family that just came immigrate from Thailand refugee. Hmong people believe in ghost, so Lia’s spirit is lost in the ghost world. How will the shaman get her back?
Students should read this book because it can teach you about Hmong’s culture and life. Also I feel that Hmong students are losing their religion and beliefs. If they read this book they can learn what’s right and what’s wrong in the Hmong culture.
I would rate this book at an 8, it’s not the greatest book but it’s the most interesting book I’ve read this year. Yes, it changed my life, I learned a lot from this book. I am proud to say that I am Hmong.
Mckayhan, Monica. Indigo summer. Lakewood W.A.
Reviewed by Robin
Have you ever just fell in love with a book? If you haven’t then This is the best book I would say I ever read; maybe if you read it it would be yours too. If you got love for a little drama and romance this is the book to look for. The name is Indigo Summer. It’s just a book you can really get into; spend all your time reading this book.
Well this book is mostly about a girl and her life story. Now the way I’m going to explain this it is probably going to sound boring but I promise you once you read this book you will not regret. So its about a girl named Indigo and her year in high school just the usual she finds someone she likes out of the popular group and he finally begins to notice her, now imam stop there so that you can see what happens with them. But there is this one boy named Marcus also in the book and he happens to know Indigo since they were little and he always had a crush on her. So read to see what goes on between the three of them. It’s some real drama here.
I think BJH students can read this because I think they are mature and very responsible and can handle what they read. I think they will very well enjoy this book. I’m not saying it is but it could really help on some relationships not jus boy and girl relationships but like best friends too. And it can make you think about your actions and what you do in life, you can change it around and go in the right direction. I rate this book 5 stars all the way up I love this book and that’s why I made it my favorite.
Calhoun, Dia. Firegold. United Kingdom: Windslow Press, 1999.
Reviewed by: Reuben
In a small village blue eyed children were said to turn crazy when they turn fourteen. Called “loony-blues” they were doomed to be ridiculed and cast out. Jonathon, having blue eyes, is determined not to turn insane and seeks answers but only gets more questions. Firegold is packed full of everything a great book needs. Dia Calhoun reminds adults of there past triumphs and encourages teens to overcome obstacles they have now.
Jonathon hates the Dalriada barbarians. They ruined everything for him. seeing hallucinations from going crazy he’s desperate to find answers. After a series of unexpected twists and turns he finally finds himself at the foot of the Dalriadas mountain, Overcoming his hate, he begins his journey to seek answers through the most toughest journey of his life.
This book totally deserves five stars. The story was completely unexpected, you cant predict what the characters will do. Dia Calhoun gets into the mind of the reader and captures your interest, from front to back you cant stop reading. If you enjoy dramatic experiences, coming of age, and finding yourself, you will love this book.
Book Review: Black & Ugly
By: MARVALOUS
Styles,T. Black and Ugly Columbus: Triple Crown publications (2006)
Do you love and cherish your self like no other? Parade knight doesn’t……she believes that in life she will never be nothing more than sky’s ugly, black charity case….
Sky talks down at her and makes her self a steam even lower than it already is…why doesn’t Parade beat that chick down? that’s what your thinkining, right… well sky has always been parade’s “bestfriend”…and parade feels sky dose so much for her even though Parade has miss Wayne and daffany (her other close childhood friends) by her side she still admires sky’s beauty and fails to realize sky’s catty attitude…. that’s why the secret she keeps from sky is so unbelievable which will led up to a downward spell of murder…..
This is a good book and will help build self esteem….this book is for any one not matter what you’ll find something you can relate to in this book!
I give these book 4 1/2 stars
“SPEAK”
Have you ever felt lonely? Out of place? That everyone is against you? Well, Laurie Anderson’s book “Speak” that’s how Malinda feels. At an end of the summer party she was assaulted and she had called the Cops.
Now she’s back in school and everybody, even her friends, hate her, but no one knows why she called the cops. Eventually she makes a friend named Heather. All through the book she wants to tell what happened but can’t. She and Heather worked together to show each other support.
I would say that this book is a little dry in the beginning, but if you read it all the way through you will love it. So if you like to read a book with an open mind, I recommend this book to you. When you read it, you’ll be on the edge of your seat. I give this book 5 stars and recommend it to anyone.
Goobie Beth, Kicked Out, Custer, Orca Books, 2002
Reviewed by: Erica
15 year old dime is always angry the only times she is happy is when she’s with her boyfriend Gabe or her friends but never with her parents. Her parents don’t like the way she dresses or her boyfriend and her attitude. Their worried for her! So is her brother Darren.
Dimes parents are very strict. But they only want what’s best for her. She has a brother named Darren who got in a car accident and now is in a wheelchair. Dime has a boyfriend named Gabe but he doesn’t treat her right. Two times he left her just because he was mad. The first time he came back for her and the second time he let her walk all the way home by her self.
Then one day Dime came home late and her parents told her to come home on time. Dime’s parents had enough! They were tired of her attitude she had bad grades. Her parents talked through it and decided to let dime live with her brother for a little bit. But she has to behave as in cook for her brother and help Darren when he needs help if she behaves badly she’s going straight home!
BJH students should read this book because it’s a book that you’ll never get bored of. If you’re struggling at this point this book might help you out. And it teaches you what’s good and what’s bad. I think this book deserves a 5 because it’s a very interesting book
Lovely Bones
Alice Sebold. Boston : Little, Brown, 2002
Reviewed by: Alura
What happens when you die? Where do you go? Are you still somehow yourself or does your soul still live on? Schuyler was an ordinary girl; she decided to stay after school, to get help on her homework. On her way home, her neighbor (George Harvey) stopped her, and told her that she needs to come w/him. She resisted, but a little girl isn’t stronger than a grown man. He takes her to his backyard, and tells her to take off her clothes; she refuses, so he puts a knife to her neck. She tries to scream; but he puts his hand over her mouth. He rips off her clothes, and rapes her, when he’s finished, He tells her to say I love you. She doesn’t, so he cuts up her body, and leaves her belongings along w/all the other girls; he’s killed in the past. Where does he put her, or what’s left of her? No one knows. Does he get caught?
The family doesn’t find out until it’s too late, but they don’t know what to do. Why would someone kill a beautiful little girl? What did they do to deserve this? Their dad starts going crazy trying to figure out who is stupid enough to kill his baby girl. Their family is falling apart before they even realize it. Can love bring them back together?
I’d recommend this book to all, because its filled w/mystery and compassion, love and hate. If you want to find out more go to the library, check it out sometime. I hope I didn’t spoil the ending. But it’s the most unexpected book you’ll ever read! Lovely Bones is an exquisite novel.
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