Category Archives: Book Reviews

Book Review: Close to Famous, by Joan Bauer

Posted on by
Reply

close_to_famous_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

Who would’ve thought that a 12 year old girl would leave her home and belongings to run away from her mother’s crazy ex-boyfriend? Joan Bauer perfectly explains “the story with no destination” in the book Close to Famous. Using events from her past, Ms. Bauer perfectly depicts difficult life situations with both humor and hope. This story is full of suspense, drama, conflict, and of course, a little bit of baking.

Foster McFee and her mother continue to drive as far away from Memphis as possible. The girls end up in the little city of Culpepper, West Virginia, where mama describes it by stating “a little town like this is very sweet” (15). Foster and her mama are greeted by the warm-hearted people of the town, who give them a home and a job. Spunky little Foster uses her baking talents to brighten the wilting town.

The underlying truth with Foster and her mom is that Foster’s father was killed as a loyal soldier in Iraq. Every day, the McFee’s struggle to maintain an income, while coping with their loss. The only way Foster is able to hold on to the last memories of her father are through his items, which she keeps in his favorite pillowcase. But when Foster finds that she has misplaced this infamous pillow case… I guess you will have to read the book to find that out.

I thoroughly enjoyed Foster’s confident personality, which Miss Bauer depicted when she wrote “I got an Easy-Bake oven when I was four and the rest is history” (8). Foster knows she has many issues going on in her life but she prefers to stay positive. I believe that this is a very noble character trait for a 12 year old to embody.

Foster aspires to one day become a well-known baker, including her own TV show. However, her dyslexia does not help her to read those pesky cook-books. Foster is the best example of a character who deals with sorrow and everyday obstacles, much like Sara Crewe in A Little Princess. You will relate to her when you are experiencing days when you just want to stop trying. Foster inspires me to keep on going because the situation WILL get better in the long run.

Miss Bauer explains themes of sorrow, loss, and disabilities in an exquisitely relatable way. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful story that twists and turns at the least expected times. If you want to find out more about what happens to Foster, mama, the pillowcase, the crazy boyfriend, and a guy named Crazy Dave; I would highly recommend this book.

 -Natalie M., 7th grade

Book Review: Flash Point, by Nancy Kress

Posted on by
Reply

flash_point_coverFlash Point is a dystopian fiction set in a future United States after an economic collapse has left many people jobless and rioting. Amy Kent, a teenager supporting her sister and dying grandmother, signs up for a job on the reality TV show Who Knows People, Baby – You?, where viewers try to predict the reactions of six players to surprise crisis scenarios. Desperate for ratings, the television producers put the contestants in increasingly real danger.

Though the premise of this book is similar to The Hunger Games, it focuses more on the turbulent, poverty-stricken society it is set in, rather than survival. I enjoyed that the teenage players are chosen to fit stereotypes – the spoiled rich socialite, the nerdy strategist, the relatable everygirl – but by the end of the book, when they have decided to team up against the television executives, each one is revealed to be more than they seem. Though the characters’ goal is to expose the motives of one program rather than changing the world, they learn that no one can really predict the actions of others.

I would recommend this book to anyone 14+ years old (mostly for language), who enjoys dystopian fiction and interesting plot twists.

-Miranda C., 12th grade

Manga Review: Shugo Chara! vol. 1, by Peach-Pit

Posted on by
2

shugo_chara1Who do you want to be? Fifth grader Amu Hinamori is everything a fifth grader would want to be. She’s smart cool, and popular. But she has a secret: she’s tired of being that exterior character that isn’t the real her.

One night she prays to her guardian angel that she can be born as a different person. The next morning when she wakes up, there are three eggs in her bed! While at school, she does something mean to the guy she loves, and later that day, she suddenly bursts out in an assembly that she loves him. Embarrassed and upset, she runs away, wishing that she had a hole to hide in… and falls into a hole at a construction site and lands on a boy. He starts sniffing around her and swipes one of her eggs! Suddenly, a worker starts dumping dirt into the hole, and Amu worries that she will be buried alive, but one of her eggs hatches and gives birth to a mini person called a guardian character whose name is Ran, and helps her get out of the hole. However, the same guy that was in the hole with her suddenly sprouts cat ears, saying that he will get her other eggs too!

I really love this book series. It is one of my all-time favorite manga series. The artwork is at times sophisticated, but here and there are some little doodles. I love the blend. I also love the texturizing in the beginnings of some of the chapters. And the way that they introduce the concept of the story is fantastic. On a scale from 1 to 10, I would probably rate it a 9.5. It is also great for laughs, so try to pick up a copy at your local library, you will not regret it.

-Linna C., 7th grade

Book Review: Deep Zone, by Tim Green

Posted on by
Reply

deep_zone_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

“It was spooky to see the defenders in the deep zone converging on his brother like heat seeking missiles all hitting the same target” (18). I have always enjoyed playing and watching football, and when I read this part of the book you feel like you are on the sidelines, watching a live game. Tim Green, the author, was actually a former football player who now writes books. I see this as a huge advantage because he knows how to properly make someone feel alive in a football situation. This is one of the many reasons why Deep Zone is so intriguing.

The beginning of this story starts in New York, a place I have little knowledge in. Ty and his Brother Thane (an NFL superstar) live alone in a large slate roofed mansion. Due to a gambling scheme their naughty Uncle Gus made, their house becomes the target of sneaky mobsters like Zipper.

Early on, Thane is rocked in the last play of an NFL game, which results in a reconstruction surgery for his knee. Ty must stay alone in the targeted house with FBI agent, Agent Slutherland. Agent Slutherland is an undercover cop, so when Ty first saw him, he thought he was a mobster. Ty’s reaction resulted in a wound in his hand. While with Slutherland, Ty had his own football team tryouts. Despite a wounded hand, Ty shows perseverance and makes a team that takes him to a football tournament in Atlanta.

In Atlanta, Thane and Ty stay in a large, luxurious hotel on the coastline. They think all trouble with the mobsters has ended, but really, it has just begun. Ty plays his football tournament while meeting someone who looks like Ty and has football abilities like him. The two go on football and other adventures together in the beautiful Atlanta weather.

When reading Deep Zone or one of Tim Green’s other books, you feel a sense of urgency to read on about the great football games or action that happens off the field. Tim’s ability to create such an intriguing mystery keeps the book interesting, and makes sure you are always at the edge of your seat while reading. “Ty’s heart jumped into his throat. He froze in panic, unable to move as he heard whoever it was sneak past his bedroom door” (95).

The one thing about this book that I didn’t like was the beginning. At first, even the word football is barely mentioned and I didn’t know if I was reading a football book. This slow and forgettable beginning soon sped up to be the fast paced action and mystery that Tim Green is so good at.

Except for the slow start, this book kept me reading all day long. Once you get into the action you are always thinking about, what’s going to happen to Ty? A flashlight under the sheets book that will almost scare you at some points.

I would recommend this book for kids in middle school who have an interest in football or mysteries. I loved this book and you will too once you choose to find out what happens to Thane, Ty and their friends.

-Gordon L., 7th grade

Book Review: Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe

Posted on by
2

robinson_crusoeRobinson Crusoe is an interesting book written by Daniel Defoe. This book is about a man that was stranded on a tropical island alone and desperate for help. He goes to great lengths to try and survive. He does incredible work trying to survive. However, there are some setbacks such as an earthquake. He describes it as “would have overturned the strongest building that could be supposed to have stood on the Earth.”

Crusoe begins to get used to all of these misfortunes. Many new events start to happen at the same time as well. One of these events include meeting Friday. Crusoe teaches Friday many new things. Friday and Crusoe also become very good friends.

The story goes on and you must read to find out what happens next! I would recommend this book to an older crowd such as ages 13 – 16. This of course depends on what version you read.

In the end, this book is very good and I recommend you to read it. This is a classic that you will love. This book is one of the few books that you will ever forget about!

-Melika R., 8th grade

Book Review: War Horse, by Michael Morpurgo

Posted on by
Reply

war_horse_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo is a fiction story that is filled with passion, inspiration, and loyalty. Thorough out this book the author reveals surprises in between twisted mysteries that make you not want to miss a part or even set the book down. Michael Morpurgo is an English author, poet, playwright and librettist, best known for his work in children’s literature. He was the third Children’s Laureate. War Horse is his most famous piece of work.

War Horse begins with a young colt name Joey living out his days next to his strong, healthy mother. But this was not going to last for long. When Joey was only a young horse, he was taken to the auction with his mother. Two different people fought for the two horses. The colt and his mother said their last goodbye before turning back to back and going their separate ways. Joey was bought by a young boy name Albert that immediately fell in love with him. The two were inseparable. Albert taught Joey to plow and work on the farm. He also lived with another horse named Topthorn. “Topthorn was the first horse I had ever come across that I felt could challenge me for strength, but there was also a kindness in his eye that held no threat for me” (18). However, Albert’s dad was not pleased with Albert’s new treasure. This began a long and hard disagreement.

The conflict in this story was uprising fast. After Albert and his father finally got over their huge disagreement. Albert’s father without Albert knowing took Joey back to town and sold him to the military to pull heavy machinery and to plow the fields. Soon after Joey was gone, Albert found Joey’s stall empty and his heart sank. Albert sprinted into town to find that only the general was still there. Without taking a moment to think, Albert signed up for the military to go after his beloved Joey.

If you are a person that really enjoys strong stories about relationships between animals and people, then this is the book for you. Joey and Albert both show strong bonds towards each other. In this book, trust plays a big role in the life of both Joey and Albert. At some points in the book Albert trusts Joey with his life and in other parts Joey has to relay on Albert to be his voice. “Any problem can be solved between people if only they can trust each other” (127). This book has many themes. Most are impressive and hard to find. War Horse is one of my favorites and I look forward to seeing other people reading this incredible fiction book.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend War Horse to anyone ages 10 and up. I would choose this book for ages 10 and up because there are a few words that are of a higher level and there are a couple advanced death scenes in the book. But overall, this is an incredible book for both horse lovers and people that enjoy loyal stories. Is Joey ever reunited at the farm with Albert? I don’t know. You have to read it to find out.

-Alexandra L., 7th grade

Book Review: Anthem, by Ayn Rand

Posted on by
Reply

anthem_cover

“You need to work with a partner or a group.”

“You have to know how to corroborate.”

“Group spirit is more important.”

“Don’t stand there by yourself, joy others!”

Do you hear these in your daily life, in school during classes, in field during sports, or even in the simplest activities? People say that the future society is for the one who knows how to work with others. However, in the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand, the author expresses her opinion by this future world with no ego.

In this world, the previous human history was abandoned that cities were covered with plants that grew incessantly. And in the society now, people don’t have the word “I,” “she,” or “he” in the dictionary.

“We are alone here under the earth. It is a fearful word, alone. The laws say that none among men may be alone, ever and at any time, for this is the great transgression and the root of all evil.”

Everyone works as a group and studies as a group, and everyone should be the same; when it comes to jobs, the law makers work as a group to decide the jobs randomly, which a genius may ends up being a street cleaner for the rest of his life. Ironically, people are named as a word with numbers, such as Equality 7-2521, but in fact, there is no such thing as real equality in this society.

There is no love. The government sets up reproduction process, sex, randomly. There is no marriage, no family, and laws control even the basic relationships.

However, an individual develops in this world. How will he survive and what can he change about this cold world?

I give this book a 9 out of 10. The topic is very unique that the author focuses on the idea of ego that people are forgetting in our society now. The only thing that I hope the author would add is the formation of this kind of society, which the story does not cover. How did the world change into this society that all men must be alike?

“Over the portals of the Palace of the World Council, there are words cut in the marble, which we repeat to ourselves whenever we are tempted:

‘We are one in all and all in one.

There are no men but only the great WE,

One, indivisible and forever.’”

-Wenqing Z., 11th grade

Graphic Novel Review: The Walking Dead, vol. 1, by Robert Kirkman & Tony Moore

Posted on by
Reply

walkingdead1This has to be one of the best comics I have ever read, just based on the fact that it’s such a good story. I should say I am a huge fan of the Walking Dead TV series, so finally reading the first comic in the series that started it all made me really excited. I was not disappointed, except for two major story parts: (SPOILERS!) Shane’s death and how it happens, and Laurie’s past before rick comes back.

The story is a very interesting kind of zombie story; a really good way is to call it a soap opera with zombies. The characters work in new ways and show emotion, stress and how life can be in a zombie apocalypse world when you’re not a total commando using every gun possible and ripping through zombies. Part of what got me into The Walking Dead is that they never heard of zombies before this. They are entirely new to this scenario. The title even has one of the biggest changes to the idea of zombies; instead of zombies, they are called walkers, dead heads or biters. Tons of variety and it ads that aspect of confusion and truly can show how little these characters know.

The Walking Dead comic is vastly different than the show, do not expect the same thing from the show because it changes drastically. They didn’t just make a show based on the comic, they took the basic ideas of everything and they changed how it works and added new events along with taking some out. Overall, I think the comic is happier than the show so far.

I love The Walking Dead and in my mind, this lived up to the hype big-time. I give it a 9/10. If you have ever heard your friends talking about it or you ever thought, :Hey that looks cool,” go read it. It will be totally worth it, and frankly I think they are going to keep making this for a long time. So check it out now before it gets to book number 600.

-Cameron S., 12th grade

Introducing the Goosebumps Series, by R.L. Stine

Posted on by
1

The Goosebumps series has been extremely popular with many kids. I personally did not read them until very recently. I have read thereof,The Horror at Camp Jellyjam, The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb, and Monster Blood III and I was expecting them all to be the same. I was wrong! Each of them had their own unique plot. I started one, and when I stopped, I realized I was already on page 56! Then I discovered that Goosebumps was a great series I could read over the summer.

H243_SCH_GB33HorrorCamp_0.tifThe Horror at Camp Jellyjam is a book about two siblings named Wendy and Elliot. They are on a road trip with their parents and they are in their trailer, which is connected to the back of their parents’ car. After a while they realize that they became unattached from their car. Their trailer rolls down a hill into the woods and in the woods, and in the woods Wendy and Elliot discover a sports camp. After a while in camp, Wendy gets suspicious of the weird behavior of the camp counselors. She notices kids disappearing around camp. Wendy realizes she needs to find her parents and read the book to find out the REAL secret of Camp Jellyjam.

H225_SCH_GB5Mummys_0.tifThe least favorite book I read in the series was The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb. It is about a boy named Gabe and he is spending his winter vacation in Egypt, visiting the Pyramids. He is with his annoying cousin and his uncle, Ben, who is a famous archeologist. Gabe’s uncle has recently discovered something new in a pyramid. When Gabe comes with him and his cousin, he gets lost and discovers a weird room with many mummies. Then Gabe hears something and realizes he is not alone. I did not like it very much because the plot was a bit boring and predicable, but the beginning was okay.

monster_bloodMy favorite book of the three was Monster Blood III. The main character of the story is Evan. Evan has the job of babysitting his younger cousin, Kermit after school. Kermit is an unusual kid who likes to lock himself in the basement and do weird science experiments. Kermit loves to play mean jokes on Evan and his best friend Andy. He and Andy decide to use monster blood. Monster blood is a dangerous substance that makes the consumer bigger and bigger. Evan has had a horrible experience with monster blood and is reluctant to use it at first, but gives in later. The “revenge” for Kermit turns out all wrong and Evan accidently eats monster blood.  He is terrified and… well, read the rest of the book to find out if he is okay (or not).

-Anmol K., 7th grade

Book Review: Life of Pi, by Yann Martel

Posted on by
1

life_of_pi_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

Hope. Trust. Faith. Courage. Remarkable. Inspiring. Amazing. The heart-warming book, Life of Pi, by Yann Martel, reveals how close the bond between humans and animals is and how they can be commonly mistaken to be uncontrollable beasts. Yann Martel has won the Man Booker Prize and has sold over seven million copies. His work has been read across the world! Many people state that animals have no emotion and cannot control their feelings. However, Mr. Martel beautifully describes how this is untrue. This novel also shows how strong the connection between man and God can be.  Although our main character, Pi, is unable to see Him, he must still believe and never give up hope. This truly inspiring book is something you will not be able to put down.

An Indian boy named Piscine Patel, also know as Pi, lives with his family in India who own a zoo. Pi is involved in multiple religions and worships the gods whenever he can. He has always been engaged with the animals’ behaviors and feelings, while all his father sees are dangerous, untrustworthy beasts. Pi mentions how, “we commonly say in trade, that the most dangerous animal in a zoo is Man” (29) . He continuously tries to prove that animals are innocent and that it is not their fault if they injure somebody.

Now he and his family has make a decision to travel to Canada, but when their ship, the Tsimtsum, crashes, he is left on a lifeboat by himself with a group of untamed animals. Pi now has to figure out how he will survive with a 450-pound Bengal tiger, an orangutan, a zebra, and a hyena. “There was nothing. Only rain, marauding waves of black ocean and flotsam of tragedy” (107). For countless days, Pi continues to pray to God and keeps telling himself never to lose hope. But can man prevail against a huge Bengal tiger?

I was very pleased while reading this book. It felt as if I were really on the boat next to Pi and all of the animals. Yann Martel uses very emotional and descriptive words, adjectives, and figures of speech. He did a wonderful job illustrating a picture in my mind. This fantastic book taught me how powerful the connection between humans and our Lord can be.

Life of Pi is a great novel that has changed my view on how animals feel and how they can be loving and caring. This book also strengthened my understanding and belief in God. Life of Pi is an excellent example of classic literature and I would definitely recommend it!

-Kaitlin K., 7th grade