Book Review: The Watcher, by Joan Hiatt Harlow

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Anmol K.

The Watcher by Joan Hiatt Harlow is a historical-fiction novel describing how Wendy, an American, is forced to repudiate her former life and is obligated to become the perfect German daughter by her real mother, a passionate Nazi named Adrie.

In Germany, Wendy is forced to support a cause she does not support and is forced to speak a language she has never known. Amongst the dangers of the Germany, her real mother is kind to her, but sometimes is taken aback about Wendy’s beliefs in the war.

Wendy befriends a blind boy named Barret, who has a guide dog. Formulating a daring plan of escape, Wendy wants to go back to the people who raised her, even though her “mother” was her aunt. I do not want to unveil if Wendy makes it to America; you would need to find out yourself!

Overall the book is average. Wendy, the main character, had a great personality. It might have been better if the plot was not as uneventful as it was for the majority of the book. Only when Wendy formulates a plan of escape does the action pick up. The ending was great and very suspenseful. I would recommend this book for somebody looking for a great read set in the era of World War II.

This review is based on an advance reader copy; The Watcher will be published on November 4th.

-Anmol K., 8th grade

Book Review and Music Pairing: Breathing Room, by Marsha Hayes

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Maya S.

This story is set during WWII, and a horrible illness is causing many fatalities. One 13-year-old girl has caught tuberculosis. She is coughing up blood and is moving into a sanatorium called Loon Lake. Evvy has to leave her family and her twin brother, Abe, behind. Evvy is frightened in this new home, because she is placed in a ward with three other girls who ignore her. To make matters worse, it seems as though she is not recovering from the tuberculosis.

Not a lot is going right for her, but as I was reading, I was thinking our main character was not dying, but, in a sense, getting stronger. Therefore, the song “What Doesn’t Kill You” by Kelly Clarkson would fit well at this point in the story if the novel was developed into a film.

Days, weeks, and months go by with little improvement. My anxiety increased, and my heart was quivering with the start of each new chapter. It was very sad, but some aspects of Evvy’s life were getting better. A new girl, named Sarah, was admitted in the ward. Sarah was the only person who Evvy was able to talk to. Evvy thought everything was going as good as it could, until one of the girls was discharged. One of the nicer girls… Then, the events that followed spelled near disaster for Evvy. One day as Evvy sat next to one of her dying roommates, I thought of the song “Say Something” by One Big World, in the hopes that the roommate would recover.

This book takes its reader on a quite an emotional journey. The reader feels such a connection with the main character’s hopes for a better day. Evvy reaches out to help others but doesn’t always succeed. Yet, I learned that it is the thought that counts. I loved this book and would rate it an 11 of out of 10 for its thought-provoking message .

-Maya S., 7th grade

Book Review: Dragon of Silk by Laurence Yep

Posted on August 29, 2014 by Sarah J.

“Silk is in our blood” – An excerpt from Dragon of Silk by Laurence Yep

Four Chinese girls from different generations each given the name Swallow. Each living in a different era with different difficulties. The one thing tying them together is their heritage and bond with silk. This book spans over seventy-five years, from 1835-2011, in both China and America. Each girl shows the strength and courage of a dragon through the the thick and thin. They fight and sacrifices to keep the family together and pursue her passion.

Dragon of Silk was published in 2011 and is the 10th book in the Golden Mountain Chronicles. This book can be considered a stand-alone book.

Dragon of the Silk is a story of courage and strength but at the same time it brings the theme of the importance of family and how one person can have a huge affect on another. There is also the theme of giving up something to help someone else. Due to the setting of the story, it allows the reader an insight on how Chinese people and immigrants lived during those times. There are also many mentions of the Chinese legend of the Weaving Maid, as well as some of the many festivals celebrated in the Chinese Culture. The characters are well written and have a quality that makes them more real to the reader.

This is a perfect read for anyone. This doesn’t have hardcore action and adventure but it has a wonderful tale for those willing to take the time and read it. This is certainly one of the tops in my book lists.

-Sarah J., 9th grade

Book Review: Never Fall Down, by Patricia McCormick

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Erika T.

Have you ever heard of the Khmer Rouge? Or the infamous Killing Fields?

During the mid ’70s in Cambodia the communist group, Khmer Rouge, were the force behind a terrifying genocide. Patricia McCormick tells the true story of a young boy’s horrifying experience during this time.

Never Fall Down is a true story that takes you on the shocking and terrible life experience of one boy who lived in Cambodia at this time. The boy’s name is Arn and he was taken first from his home, then from his family by the Khmer Rouge. Arn was taken to a camp based on his gender and age. At the camp Arn was forced to work on the rice fields. The lifestyle was very tough. One day, the Khmer Rouge soldiers asked if any of the boys could play an instrument. Even though Arn has never played anything in his life he volunteers because he knows this will save his life. Later, Arn somehow find himself in the middle of the place we know today as the Killing Fields. Then Arn is handed a gun and is sent to battle with the other boys still alive. “He lives by the simple credo: ‘Over and over I tell myself one thing: Never fall down.”‘

This story exposed me to a huge event in history that I never knew happened. I had never heard of the Khmer Rouge or the Killing Fields. Never Fall Down made me come close to tears. Arn’s struggles are so traumatizing. It made me wonder what I would do in a situation like his. It is a very touching story. This story showed me how scary it is to be a child in the middle of a war. At times while reading this book I forgot I was reading about history. Instead I thought I was reading a survival novel.

I personally don’t like to read books on history or war but Never Fall Down is one of my few exceptions. It takes you on a boy’s journey that starts in a happy home and ends with his search for freedom. I recommend this to every teen. It helped me understand the life struggles of the many immigrants that came to America during the ’60s and ’70s. I advise that you be prepared for many deaths and heartbreaking moments. I love this book so please go check it out.

-Erika T., 8th grade

Book Review: Eyes of the Emperor

Posted on August 21, 2014 by rwong2002

Running for his life and scrambling for shelter, Eddy Okubo tries to avoid the Japanese bombs raining down on Pearl Harbor. This is how he chooses to live his teenage life, being a U.S. army soldier in World War II.

Eyes of the Emperor, written by Graham Salisbury, is about a sixteen year old boy who signs up to serve in the U.S. army to fight for his country. But, in doing so, Eddy has to survive harsh conditions and will his physical and mental ability be enough to impress his training superiors?

Eddy Okubo wants to prove to his father that his loyalty lies with his homeland, America, by enrolling to be an American soldier, even though his heritage is Japanese. After the Pearl Harbor bombing, Eddy and his comrades are sent to Cat Island, where they are supposed to test a secret project assigned by President Roosevelt, to defeat the Japanese and win the war. Even after grueling hard work and dangerous obstacles to face, Eddy still wants to become a U.S. soldier, who must survive the task in the dense jungle on Cat Island. Eddy needs to prove himself through these challenges until the army accepts his loyalty. Will he prevail and will his talent be recognized by the country that he believes in, or will he have to go back to his family without honor and dignity?

Graham Salisbury is an American author born during the time of World War II. He wrote many great books such as Under the Blood Red Sun and The Millennium. In my opinion, I would rate this book an eight out of ten and would encourage young adults to read this great story of historical fiction. It provides a lot of information about World War II, involving Japan and America. The way Graham Salisbury describes the characters and setting is also very deep and gives you a vivid image of the whole story, as if you were the main character himself. In addition, he uses a lot of personification and metaphors to describe major events. This is a great novel of a boy who follows his beliefs and carries them out persistently to achieve his goals.

-Riley W., 6th grade

Manga Introduction: Black Butler, by Yana Toboso

Posted on August 14, 2014 by Sarah J.

Black Butler (aka Kuroshitsuji in the original Japanese) is a tale of a contract between a demon butler and a child in Victorian-era London…

After a dangerous happening in his childhood, Ciel Phantomhive is left an orphan with a demon contracted to him as a butler. The demon, named Sebastian Michaelis by Ciel, will take Ciel’s soul when Ciel’s goal is reached. Known as the “Queen’s Watchdog,” 12-year-old Ciel Phantomhive solves crimes at the Queens orders from mysterious deaths to insane nobles, while trying to reach is goal of avenging his family murder.

Black Butler is an simply amazing manga with wonderful drawings. Here are a few facts about this manga:

Published in September of 2006, it rose in popularity and is still popular today. It is also still being produced.
There are 19 tankobon volumes (manga books) with 4-5 chapters each. All of which are titled: “That Butler,_______”
The title Black Butler is used for the America, Germany, France, Italy and Spain releases while the original Japanese title Kuroshitsuji is used in the Japan, Poland, and Finland releases.
Published once a month by Square Enix in a magazine called Monthly GFantasy.
Has two seasons of animes as well as a OVA (original video animation). A live action movie was also produced and released this year. It also has had three two musical productions and a third run as a reprise of the second musical.

This is one of my favorites among the many mangas around. For one, this has simply incredible drawings. The main character’s development during helps to bring much of the story together with a mix of trying to solve mysteries and the emotions and feeling that come with being a human.

This does contain demons, shinigami (death reapers), as well as many other mystical elements. It also contains many deaths and some other more gruesome happening due to some of the more insane characters included in the story. It also has a lot that deals with how human being act and why, which many be hard to understand. This is best for a slightly more mature audience.

I can’t decide everything so read it yourself and find the adventure waiting for you.

-Sarah J, 9th grade

Book Review: Hitler’s Niece, by Ron Hansen

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Wenqing Z.

We all know Adolf Hitler as the leader of the Nazis, the center of World War II, and the murderer of millions. We might read about him in textbooks and discuss him during history classes, but we would never know him as a person. Like almost all of the famous people who have their names remembered, Hitler becomes more like a symbol that represents what he did instead of a human being. People forget that they were people just like us. After so many years, the real history might never be found, but from what Hitler left behind, we could always take a guess.

Hitler’s Niece is a fictional story by Ron Hansen that focuses on the interaction between Hitler and his niece, Angelika Maria Raubal, known as Geli. Some people believe that Geli was the only female that Hitler actually loved in his lifetime, and when Hansen read about this, he looked for more information and expanded it. The novel starts with Geli’s birth in 1908 and ends at 1931, before the World War started. Have you ever questioned how Hitler could rise to power that quickly? Well, the novel describes Hitler’s life from when he was a desperate young man to a fearsome leader. Hitler’s Niece is not the true history, but the reason it is outstanding is that it reads like history. The New York Times Book Review said: “Hansen succeeds in conjuring Hitler as he probably was”.

I believe that this book should be suggested to students at least 16 years old. First, I suggest you read this book because it’s an interesting book, and secondly it helps me personally in many ways. The author shows how Hitler was a real person, and how he could’ve emerged into a corrupt leader. Hansen is very strong in developing characters based on real history, and as a writer I learn from his works. I had a chance to meet Hansen this summer, and talked to him about this book. I told me that he even went to Hitler’s old apartment twice to research for Hitler’s Niece. I enjoyed reading it, and I believe you would too.

-Wenqing Z., 11th grade

Book Review: When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Evan G.

When You Reach Me is a book about friendship, child independence, and even a touch of time travel.

The book takes place in New York City in the year 1979. In the story, Miranda’s best friend, Sal, is randomly punched hard by an unknown boy for what seems like no reason while they are innocently walking home from school. Sal then shuts Miranda completely out of his life. Miranda’s house key is then stolen and she finds a strange note that says, “I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own. I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.” She finds more and more notes that lead her closer to the writer and they give her clues how to prevent a tragic death. This writer speaks to her of events before they even happen.

When You Reach Me has received many awards and deservingly so. I recommend this story to kids in 4th grade and up. This is a detailed read with an intricate ending. Before reading this book, you may want to pick up a copy of A Wrinkle In Time, because there are many references to that book in the story. This book was on my school’s summer required reading list. I found it to be interesting and engaging and I enjoy mystery novels. It gave me insight into how kids lived their lives before the age of technology and cell phones in that they walked the city streets free to explore without constant supervision even in the light of danger. I wish that kids today could have the same type of independence to explore their worlds during their childhood.

-Evan G., 6th grade

Book Review: The Edge on the Sword by Rebecca Tingle

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Sarah J.

Surprise. Stealth. Unbalancing her enemy. These were three things taught to Æthelflæd, a fifteen-year-old girl, by her teacher and guardian.

Æthelflæd, or Flæd for short, is the oldest daugter and child of King Alfred. Her life suddenly changes, when she turns fifteen, with her father’s announcement of her engagement to her father’s friend in a neighboring country. Suddenly, she has to be constantly guarded by a man named Red, who would become her teacher as well, and she has to become even more like a gentlewomen. Flæd struggles with the changes that is brought with the engagement and the new guard. She soon learns much about the twist of turns of life with the learning of new skills and the attacks of others.

The Edge on the Sword by Rebecca Tingle is a historical fiction story based on Æthelflæd of Mercia who is considered the most famous women in English military history. The author tried to tell what she believe would be the life Æthelflæd when she was younger. Also there are references to the famous story, Beowulf.

Flæd is an inspiring character to me. Even as a girl in the late 800s, Flæd does her best to give her opinion and view on what is happening to her. She thinks out of the box and learns quickly. She has fears but acknowledges them and tries to overcome them. She changes from a girl to a women through the book.

This is a book I would recommend for older readers. There is fighting and the death of characters in the story, which might be unsuited for a younger reader. It is a great example of a girl coming to the part of her life that she has to grow up and be able to do things and think for herself. It also provides action and a bit of history for those who love that. Of course this is only what I think. Read it for yourself and find out!

– Sarah J., 8th grade

Book Review: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred Taylor

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Leila S.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a historical fiction novel set during the Great Depression when the South was still enduring damage from the Reconstruction of the Civil War– a time when African Americans suffered discrimination and segregation.

When first starting the novel, which was a required book for my English class, I was not that intrigued. It just seemed to me like a bunch of unrelated stories. But after finishing the book, I have to say, it was very beneficial for me to read it. A few chapters in, a complex plot line develops and made the book more captivating than I ever would have thought possible. I certainly changed my opinion about this novel between the first and last pages, and thoroughly enjoyed it. What other required reading books have you read that your reluctance to read was unwarranted?

This novel is told from Cassie Logan’s perspective, so she is the main character. Her family, different than the other African American families living in that part of Mississippi, owns their own land which comprises hundreds of acres. That land causes conflict during the story, since one of the white men in the town has desired that land for years, but the Logans have refused to sell it. Other conflicts during the story include the discrimination Cassie and her siblings encounter based on the color of their skin, starting with the first day of school and escalating from there. These instances lead to the concept that white people at the time did not see African Americans as equal, even though they truly were.

Since the book surprisingly didn’t have any chapters, my assignment for English class was to create a potential title for each chapter. Hopefully these chapter titles interest you and encourage you to read the book.
1. “New” Books
2. The “Giant”
3. Avenging the White Bus
4. The Wallace Store
5. A Visit to Strawberry
6. Their Rightful Place
7. Papa’s Home
8. An Unfortunate Turn of Events
9. Vicksburg Trouble
10 Heat and Hard Times
11. Trouble With T.J.
12. Crying for the Land and T.J.

In conclusion, this book handles the topic of discrimination well and teaches very important lessons. I recommend this book to others. I would give it a rating of 4 stars (out of 5).

– Leila S., 8th grade

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