Tag Archives: book review

Book Review: Someday Dancer, by Sarah Rubin

Posted on by
1

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

Everyone agrees “that Casey Quinn is an unfortunate child: no money, no father, no nothing” (9). Yes, it is true Casey has nothing… but Casey’s love and passion for dance is stronger than anything else.

In the first book Sarah Rubin wrote, Someday Dancer, “it’s true Casey’s nose is too wide, she’s freckled from head to toe, and her ears even stick out like two mug handles” (4), but she does have grace. She “has more grace in her left little fingernail than new-to-school Miss Priss Ann-Lee and all those pinky-pink ballet girls put together” (4).  Will Casey’s grace, determination, and love of dance be enough to lead her to the Big Apple someday?

It is 1959 in Warren, South Carolina. Sarah Rubin’s bonny legged Casey Quinn, is dancing in the hot dry sun where the parched grass is sprouting up through the cracks, and crunches on every turn she makes. Casey Quinn is a long legged scrawny armed girl who is freckled from head to toe. She lives with her cakewalk Queen Gran and artistic Mama who both work at the hospital as cleaning ladies. They both inspire Casey because of their strong will and strength. Casey’s family does not have much money, especially after her father died in the war a few years before. Although she has never had dance lessons before, her dream is to someday become a dancer in New York City. But she doesn’t want to become any dancer; she wants to become a “real star” (6).

One day Priss Ann-Lee, a girl who just moved to Warren who is a bully and thinks she’s the better than everyone, told Casey about an audition for the School of American Ballet in New York City. Casey is determined to find some way to make it to that audition so she can dance in New York City. It will take all of Casey’s concentration and determination in order to reach her goal.

Someday Dancer is one of the only novels that has made me want to get up and dance and inspired me to reach my goals. Sarah Rubin makes great descriptions on the setting from Casey’s point of view. For example when describing New York City Casey assumes, “There are whole states between South Carolina and New York. I’ll bet New York City makes Warren look like an anthill. In a city like that, no one would know where you came from, no one would know you were poor or your father was dead. In a city like that, I could be anyone I wanted to be and no one would laugh at me for trying” (10).

Although the setting description is amazing, Casey is the main reason I love this novel so much. Her voice and determination ring clearly and made me connect with her even more. Rubin’s detail of Casey and the others around her was so descriptive; it felt as if I was right there with them and made them seem completely real with their actions and different personalities. At one point in the book I was so connected to Casey and her personality that I started crying. Casey persevered through anything that got in her way, and I think that is a true quality that lots aspire to get.

The most important theme in the story is to not let road blocks get in the way of your dreams. Casey demonstrated this by thinking about how important her dream was, and by having the strength to persevere through anything or anyone that got in her way no matter what. She won’t even let the priss stand in her way: “I don’t care. Priss Ann-Lee laughs like an ugly monkey, so who cares if she’s laughing at me” (3)? In order to fulfill her dream, though, Casey will need to drop all of her thoughts and emotions and put them into her dance.

Although the book takes place many years ago in 1959, the same circumstances of people trying to pursue their dreams still happen today. Additionally, since the book took place years ago Casey is able to meet important people in dance history in the book.

Someday Dancer is an amazing book of assiduity, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys dance or who likes a thrilling adventure on perseverance. It is a great fiction book and is a surprising story about following your dreams. If you would like to find out what happens to Casey and her dream, you will have to read the rest of the book, and be prepared for a shocking modern twist.

-Skyler C., 7th grade

Book Review: Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

Posted on by
Reply

fahrenheit451_coverFahrenheit 451 was a required reading book for me in my English class. At first I was like, ugggh required reading, right? ‘Cause who gets excited when they hear “required reading?” But once I started reading this book, I actually found it really interesting.

Fahrenheit 451 is the temperature at which books burn. The main character, Guy Montag, thinks his life is swell and everybody’s happy and life is perfect. Montag is a fireman, and all he has known his whole life is firemen receive an alarm, go to the house that has been accused, find all of the books, burn them AND the house they were in. He never questioned books or if their job was right to do. Even though he has “everything a guy needs,” he still tells himself every day that he isn’t happy.

This story is basically about Montag finding himself and searching for the missing piece of his life. One day, however, a mishap of timing and an act of courage change Montag’s life. After that, Montag is fascinated by books and longs to understand the words on the page in front of him. I suggest this book to all teens because it really opens your eyes to how lucky we are to be able to freely and openly READ!!

Have you read this book too? Comment and let me know– I’d love to hear your thoughts.

-Kelsey H., 9th grade

Book Review: Fly On the Wall, by E. Lockhart

Posted on by
Reply

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

Have you ever been transformed into an insect in a sticky situation? In E. Lockhart’s book Fly on the Wall, the main character Gretchen Yee is accidentally turned into a fly and is trapped in a locker room at Ma-ha, the Manhattan school for art. I have never been to Manhattan, but the E. Lockhart makes me feel like I was whisked away through her book that I could not put down. I really liked the book because of Gretchen Yee, because we both have similar interests and similar problems. One of the themes I noticed was ‘draw how you want to,’ like how Gretchen’s teacher would rather her draw in a different style than her current style.

Gretchen Yee stands by the trains conversing with her friend Katya, when suddenly she comes to a realization. Then she says to Katya, “‘I wish I was a fly on the wall of the boys’ locker room,’ I say” (66). The next day, she somehow magically transforms into a fly exactly how she wished it. Now, Gretchen has to spend possibly forever as a fly in the boys’ locker room!

Mainly in human form, Gretchen is my favorite character because she and I both like to draw and both of us would rather draw the way we want to instead of having people change our technique because they think their style is right. My mother always wants me to paint landscape pictures of the ocean or mountains, and Gretchen’s teacher wants her to draw with soft lines instead of comic-book style.

One of the things that I thought about in this book was a person who was given all the tools necessary to do whatever they wanted to do, but was not allowed to use those tools. She wants to draw how she feels she should, but is restricted by her art teacher. “‘Gretchen,’ she goes on, ‘I thought I made it clear that I can’t judge your progress if you continue to draw in this stylized manner. It’s been obvious since the beginning that you’ve got an admirable command of human musculature’ -another laugh- ‘but you’re not going to develop your own style if you keep imitating the hacks who draw for the Marvel Corporation.'” (45-46). Another thing was she wants to do is get into a relationship with someone named Titus, but feels nervous when another boy by the name of Shane hangs around. The book bombards Gretchen with conflict after conflict which keeps the story moving.

One of the main problems I had with this book was the language. This book may have been captivating, but the swearing level was too great for my preference. There was also in-depth detailed verbal description of male body parts I shouldn’t mention. Lastly, there were a lot of insults to those in a homosexual relationship. I did not find this insulting because I am not homosexual, but it was distasteful. These three issues were the main problems with this book. Others may find the book reasonable, but be aware of distasteful parts.

Overall, the book was captivating and relatable because of the problems and hobbies of Gretchen Yee. Although there was some swearing and some other problems like that, I still enjoyed the book and I still believe that you should draw your own style. I would rate this book four stars and recommend it to anyone who likes to draw, is comfortable with swearing and mature topics, and especially to anyone who wants to find out if Gretchen becomes a human or must stay as a fly forever.

-Blake S., 7th grade

Book Review: Bomb, by Steve Sheinkin

Posted on by
1

bomb_coverBomb is a breath-taking, emotional book by Steve Sheinkin that shows the three-way race to building an atomic bomb in World War II, and while the war was going on, the race to find Uranium, TNT, and hydrogen.

From FBI agents to spies, everybody is trying to find out how far each team is, where their supplies are hidden, and what their plan is. The three racers, the Soviet Union, the Americans and the Germans, start off.  First the Germans give up, and then the Soviet Union is trying hard. They give up and the Americans drop the first bomb blowing up a city. Ultimately the Soviet Union is trying to make a super bomb that could destroy the earth eight times.  Welcome to the race of the Manhattan Project.

The story starts out with a prologue showing what happened at the very end, getting the reader excited and mystified. Then it shows the beginning life of a little boy named Robert Oppenheimer, a German, who later became one of the most successful scientists in making the atomic bomb. He was very focused on education. As he grew older, he became a teacher. The Great Depression had started, and he didn’t notice until ten years after it had begun.

Some new scientists by the names of Lise Meitner, Otto Hahn, Fritz Strassmann, and Otto Robert Frisch discovered a new scientific process in 1938 which could destroy human nature by taking one atom and shooting it at a Uranium atom which splits and causes fission this process was the basis in making the atomic bomb– hence the word atom. Scientists all over the world heard about it, and rumors went flying that someone could create an atomic bomb. Meanwhile the Americans were starting to get some ideas, and some scientists researched ‘Einstein’ for inspiration. Mr. Albert Einstein was found, and he agreed to help them not knowing what they will use the bomb for, later regretting he had ever joined the team in the first place.

The FBI caught on. This mission was top secret, the innocent American public did not know, but there was one person who needed to know:  Mr. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the President.

Meanwhile, the Germans and the Soviet Union were weakening under the pressure of the war started by Hitler. They began coming into the United States to try to find some information and steal the ideas from the Americans. Stealing each others’ supplies created a tense situation all the way to the end.

Using action, emotion, and high-quality writing, Steve Sheinkin‘s book Bomb was a fabulous, hard-to-put down book.  And you would have never guessed it was a true story.

-Maya S., 6th grade

Book Review: The Fire Within, by Chris D’Lacey

Posted on by
2

fire_within_coverThe Fire Within is a book that entrances you and makes you marvel at even the smallest of details. It is most suitable for younger teens. Nevertheless, if you like dragons, you will probably enjoy this book. With countless twists and turns, it’ll always have you wondering what’s around the corner.

A young man that is going into college, David Rain, has no place to stay while he is in college, so he applies to be a tenant. Luckily, the Pennykettle family, who make clay dragons for a living, accepts his offer. When David first arrives, Elizabeth, the mother of the Pennykettle child, Lucy, makes a special dragon for David. They name this dragon Gadzooks. Shortly after Gadzooks is made, David sees an image of Gadzooks in his mind. Gadzooks, who holds a pad of paper and a pencil, writes something on his pad of paper and shows it to David. What is so special about this dragon, Gadzooks? What did Gadzooks write on his pad? And most importantly, what happens next?

In this exciting novel by Chris D’Lacey, you’ll nver want to miss a word of the story. With added elements of suspense and unpredictability, it’s a book that you would never want to pass up an offer on.

-Linna C., 7th grade

Book Review: Accidentally Fabulous, by Lisa Barham

Posted on by
Reply

0-545-04667-XThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

Although I have never had an opportunity to star in a movie about me, author Lisa Barham made me feel like I was born a movie star. Accidentally Fabulous is an exhilarating page-turner, and it teaches great moral lessons.

I felt really excited when Imogene and Evie, the inseparable main characters, reached “Fashion Fantasy Camp” in Hollywood, California. There plans to go to the spa and run a fashion show together really put me in their shoes. When I discovered that Imogene was world famous for being THE  “Hautelawgirl,” I was breathless! This meant that Imogene, ordinary New York Girl, was about to become an International Movie Star!

I liked how there were many obstacles between Imogene and Evie, and Imogene’s movie because it made the book come alive.

You can really learn a lot about friendship by reading this book because Imogene and Evie were were facing everyday friendship problems that you can probably relate to. Imogene finally realizes how much she needs her best friend when she says, “We’ll never be able to realize our dreams without each other.” This book really teaches you a lot about the value of having a friend, and how much you need each other, especially when you’re working on a major fashion project that can get you any scholarship you want in the fashion world!

This book does not only teach you about friendship, but betrayal too. Imogene can never know who she can trust with Shiela Hicks representing her, as well as her arch nemesis, Brooke! Imogene finds herself realizing this a lot, “I should have known better than to tell her anything!” After several scripts written in preparation for the movie, Imogene’s so called “friend,” Mia, decides to stab her in the back by copying her life and stealing her movie.Plus, movie star Dustin is “in love” with Imogene, just to get the juicy feed about her boyfriend, Paolo, so he can accurately play the role of him in her movie. Poor Imogene, faced with the curse of so much betrayal! If you want to find out how Imogene hurdles over these many obstacles, you”ll have to read this book!

You will  learn a lot from this book, and you”ll really enjoy it! Accidentally Fabulous is a phenomenal novel that you should definitely read!

-Rhea S., 7th grade

Book Review: Legend, by Marie Lu

Posted on by
1

legend_coverLegend by Marie Lu is a young adult fiction novel about two fifteen year olds who inadvertently uncover military and government secrets in their dystopian society.

For me, there is nothing better than a book with a little bit of romance, a drop of mystery, and a whole lot of adventure. The author fulfills all of these expectations to the utmost and provides a great escape into a different world. With fantastic, realistic characters and a constant pace that keeps you on your toes, this book is filled with plot twists and unexpected revelations that ensure a reader’s enjoyment.

One thing that makes this book different from your average teen novel is the way Lu marvelously crafts the two main characters. Though they come from opposite sides of the “food chain,” they are not all that different when it comes down to wits and street smarts. In addition, this book is an excellent stepping stone between Young Adult and Adult books. This is due to the mature writing style of the author and the way it deals with government issues in a fictional society.

Legend is set in a city that used to be known as Los Angeles. It is now part of the Republic, one of the two warring nations in North America. This young adult dystopian novel is narrated by the two main characters June and Day. June was born into the upper class society and becomes the Republic’s prodigy after she receives a perfect score on her trial. Every twelve year old in the Republic is required to take this trial, a test that determines their future depending on their score. Children like June, who score high in their trials, are usually groomed for the military, one of the highest honors in the Republic. Day was raised on the other side of the tracks, in the poor sectors of the Republic, and scored poorly on his trial.  Now known as one of the most wanted criminals in the Republic, Day’s motives may be misunderstood.

Due to their social ranks, the two main characters are unlikely to ever meet. However, their paths cross when Day is accused of killing June’s brother, the only family she has left in the world. June, under the military’s guidance, promises that she’ll hunt him down and won’t stop until he is brought to justice. She goes undercover in the poor sectors of the Republic to find him. When she does, she uncovers a lot more about the government and her life than she ever would have imagined.

I highly recommend this book for teen through adult readers.

-Kaelyn L., 10th grade

Book Review: Ungifted, by Gordan Korman

Posted on by
1

ungifted_coverUngifted by Gordan Korman is a hilarious novel about a trouble-making boy named Donovan Curtis.

After getting caught by the school superintendent, Dr. Schultz for hitting the Atlas Statue – in front of his school – with a fallen tree branch, causing the earth to roll down the hill, and then crashed into the doors of the gym, in the middle of a basketball game, Donovan had to be sent home because Dr.Schultz had to take care of the mess in the gym. The next day, the superintendent wanted to talk to Donovan, but could not remember his name. Dr. Schultz had written his name on a piece of paper, but now he could not find it.

The same day, after school, Donovan and his parents received a letter saying that Donovan was accepted into the Academy of Scholastic Distinction. Donovan was shocked, as were his parents. Donovan soon realized that when Dr. Schultz was writing down his name last night, it must have been on the piece of paper Dr. Schultz’s secretary asked for, which had the names of the students going into the Academy of Scholastic Distinction. Donovan then figured out that was the reason he had not been caught yet. He breathed a sigh of relief and enjoyed his freedom in the Academy of Scholastic Distinction. To do that he must fool people who’s IQs are above genius level.

Will the teachers there suspect him? Will he get caught? Will he be able to fool everybody? Read the rest of the book to unveil what happens and if he gets caught or not.

The book was hilarious and the setting was great, but I would not say it was the best book ever. I had high expectations because it was by Gordon Korman, and he is a great author, but it could have been better overall. I could totally relate to all the characters. The ending was not that great as I expected, in my opinion, but otherwise it was enjoyable.

-Anmol K., 7th grade

Book Review: Paper Towns, by John Green

Posted on by
1

paper_townsPaper Towns has to be my second-favorite book that John Green has written. When I’ve recommended books to friends, I’ve always made sure that my list of recommendations included Paper Towns.

Paper Towns is about a boy named Quentin Jacobsen, primarily known as “Q,” and the elusive enigma named Margo Roth Spiegelman. Though the two were once good friends in their childhood, they’ve become more distant as the years passed and Margo gained popularity.

However, one night, Margo taps at Q’s window dressed like a ninja with a whole night’s worth of plans. It is at this moment when Margo climbs into Q’s window that she climbs right back into his life.

After the night of impromptu adventures, Margo disappears just days before graduation and becomes a mystery to anyone who has known her. When Q hears about her disappearance, he ends up finding clues left specifically for him and follows them in order to find Margo.

It is this adventure that makes Paper Towns another favorite among teen readers and John Green Fans alike. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who is interested in a book that is about a romance that is not really a romance at all.

-Danielle G., 11th grade

Book Review: Life of Pi, by Yann Martel

Posted on by
2

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.

The book I am reviewing is the book “Life Of Pi” by Yann Martel. You may recognize this book from the popular 2012 movie based after this novel. You also may recognize Yann Martel from other Canadian books that he has authored, such as “Self”. At any rate, Yann outdid himself with this book. Not many people could take the life of a young Indian man and make it into a compelling epic filled with conflict, hope, & promise.

This 537 page novel is divided into three main parts. The first is told from the point of view of Piscine Molitor Patel. His father owns a zoo in Pondicherry, India. He talks about his young life and the lessons he learned. Two really important things happen in this section. Firstly, after receiving the nickname “Pissing Patel,” he makes a new nickname for himself as “Pi Patel.” You get the idea that Pi is just a normal Hindu boy living in India. Secondly, Piscine “Pi” is born Hindu, but at the age of fourteen he starts practicing Christianity and Islam as well. He claims his reasoning as “I just want to love god,” (pgs 129-130). If I were Pi, I would have prayed to God more because Pi was about to have some bad luck.

The second is also told from Pi’s point of view. Surprising to me and unlike most book protagonists, Pi does not search for adventure. Instead it is forced upon him. His parents decide to move from India to Canada. After traveling with the animals on a ship so they can be sold elsewhere, Pi and the Patel family are thrown into danger. Their boat suddenly capsizes. Pi saves himself by climbing into a lifeboat but he is stuck with 3 (later 4) of the animals from his zoo. These animals are: a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan named Orange Juice, and a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker (RP). Eventually, only RP is left. Pi and RP learn to cope with each other in the boat for 227 days, most of which are spent describing the sea, stars, and his situation. Unlike most other stories, this story seems natural as if it was authored by Pi himself. Pi must remind himself continually of his family and realizes that life is only good if enjoyed, a continual reference through the rest of the book. If not for RP, Pi would have given up and died. Will Pi ever make it back? You’ll have to read the book to see what happens.

During the final part of the novel, years later, a much older Pi Patel is being interviewed by two reporters who are looking for info about the ship he was on. When they do not believe the story he tells them with the animals, he tells them another story in which Pi, his mother, the ship’s cook, and one of the sailors are on the lifeboat instead. The reporters have a mixed review to this story as well. Because neither of the stories have anything to do with the ship, they choose one of the stories. Pi’s response is simply “Thank you. And so it goes with God,” (pg. 531). You’ll have to read to find out which story they chose.

Overall, I would give this novel about 3.5/5 stars, because of two reasons. The book uses complicating word choice and if you prefer short books, this book is not for you. Also, the book does drag on in the middle while describing the few things Pi sees in the ocean in great detail. This leads to a slightly stretched out conflict and even some redundancy, but if you can make it past this part of the book, it is well worth it to see the end of Pi’s journey. Condensed into about 250-300 pages, this book would have been flawless, but now it is forced to depend on a simple plot and pure curiosity to keep the reader going. The only reason I did not stop is because I had to know how Pi’s life ended in the end.

-Tejav N., 7th grade