SweetHearts by Sara Zarr

Most things in life happen in a blink of an eye. But for Jenna, her whole life flashes by in minutes. Her best and only friend at the age of 6 has disappeared and her mom says he's "dead". After many years, Cameron has returned looking for Jenna. But one problem. She has a boyfriend.She has a life changing decision to make, and she tries her best to not break anyone's heart. But success is far down the path. And she has to work hard to gain it.

This book is for romance lovers, and anyone who is up for a good adventure into the past.

Germaine G.

Come Juneteenth by Ann Rinaldi

This historical fiction novel takes place in Texas during the Civil War. Did you know that the slave owners in Texas did not tell their slaves about the Emancipation Proclamation for two years? This novel centers around one family in Texas that owns slaves and also has a slave girl that they have "adopted."

This is a well-written novel about an interesting perspective of the Civil War. You will get attached to the characters and begin to understand what the people of the time were thinking. There is a great twist at the end that I never saw coming!

Mrs. Gallagher

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Thomas lands in a strange place and can remember nothing about his life except for his name. The Glade is full of boys in the same situation. They have all landed there, one a month, for the past 2 years. Each day the Maze Runners go out in the maze that surrounds the Glade looking for a way out. One week after Thomas arrives, everything starts to change. A girl who he has a special connection with arrives and nothing is ever the same again.

What a great sci fi book! If you liked The Hunger Games, you will love it! There are so many questions that you will want answered.

Mrs. Gallagher

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl arrives at Mica High in tenth grade after being home schooled most of her life. nobody has seen anything like her before, she wore a long white dress, plays a ukulele in the halls, and carries her pet rat, Cinnamon, with her everywhere she goes. Most importantly, she can make anyone happy, when its someones birthday stargirl knows, so she strums her ukulele along to the birthday song beat. Then she became popular and was on the cheerleading squad. Until people were threatened by her carefree ways, so they tried to make her normal...but that didn't work.

Millie B.
7th grader.

House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo

Xander King never knew what was coming in the move to Pinedale, California. It was nothing but trees and he was looking for a place that he could make a movie out of. His sister and brother were looking forward to the trip. Xander was not as thrilled. I really enjoyed this book as a reader. It supplied me with many connections. One connection was when the two brothers were fighting sometimes, all right all the time, my cousin and I fight.

It had a thrilling, action packed ending that was super surprising but you’ll have to read the book to find out.

Dallas T- 8th grade

Close To Shore by Michael Capuzzo

The informational novel (written like a fictional), Close To Shore, is a great (true) tale of the month of drama of/following the July 1916 Jersey Shore shark attacks (which later inspired the movie “Jaws”). This story starts with a breezy afternoon on a 1916 New Jersey beach, when people thought of sharks as we today think of dragons: a myth. But when the first man is killed by a shark… the detectives that investigate find that sharks “are harmless” and could not have killed a man, but we now know today that that is completely false. Instead, they think the murderer is along the lines of a killer whale. More people are killed, and as the people of the east coast try to track down and kill whatever is taking lives, they found out something that no one would ever want to believe…
I thought this was a great “just for fun” book, but also for people who maybe have a report or informational paper due on great white sharks. I found it very exciting since the author, Michael Capuzzo, really understands how to grip a reader and feel like they’re in the story. What I liked most about this was that different parts are told from different people. The narrator’s view changed from the perspectives of the victims, witnesses, to even the actual shark! This book helps you see the event from all angles and is overall a great book.

Michael Capuzzo has also written The Murder Room, Mutts: America’s Dogs, Der Hai, and more!

Lauren S.
8th grade science student

Mind Readers: Science Examines Esp (24/7: Science Behind the Scenes) by T. Tilden

Synopsis: Do you believe in ESP? Is it possible for someone to be able to see into the future?
Can one human know exactly what another is thinking, using telepathy, or are they
just mentalists? Well with all the magicians today that have admitted to not really
having ESP, it's very easy to be a skeptic. In this non-fiction book. you willl read
multiple real life examples of ESP, and backround information on today's magicians
and mentalists.

Review: My favorite part of this book was learning how Marc Salem, one of today's best
magicians, pulls off al of the amazing tricks that blow peoples minds. Reader's that
would enjoy this book should be people interested in learning more about the topic
of ESP. This author has also written another "24/7 Science Behind the Scenes" book
entitled "Help! What's Eating My Flesh?: Runaway Staph and Strep Infections!"

AJ Goldstein
8th grade science student

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

Have you ever read a book about survival in a dog’s prospective? How about one where the main character has to dig down into the snow at night just to stay warm? If you want to try to read a book like that The Call of the Wild would be a perfect book. It's an exciting adventure book. The book is about a dog named Buck, in Alaska, that goes through a lot of obstacles. As Buck is in Alaska he gets stronger and smarter. He is forced to become a sled dog.


One of Buck's owners abuses Buck a lot. Buck owes his life to a guy named John Thornton because John saves Buck from being abused even more. I think the message in this book is not to abuse animals. This book is hard to read and it might take you a long time, but it is worth it! The Call of the Wild only has seven chapters. I would recommended this book to someone who likes adventure and classics.

Jason C
7th grader

Bone by Bone by Bone by Tony Johnston

It's 1950's in the Deep South and David's best friend is black. The boys are not allowed to play together and Malcolm is never to set foot in the Church's house. David suspects that his father is in the Klu Klux Klan and lives in constant fear for Malcolm.

Bone by Bone by Bone is both disturbing and intriguing historical fiction. I wanted to continue reading to find out if David's worst fear was realized- that his dad and his friends kill Malcolm. The book uses harsh language to paint a gruesome realistic picture of life in Tennessee in the 1950's.

Try it for your next historical fiction book.

Mrs. Gallagher

There's A Fungus Among Us by John DiConsilgio

Do you know what’s growing in the ceiling of the room you sleep in?
Or maybe what little cells could possibly take your life? It’s a little thing called
Fungus. There’s A Fungus Among Us is about the horrid stories of life taking situations where fungus has taken over and won. One situation where many people were struck by this nasty fungus was in 2005. Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans flooding many homes. These nasty molds grew in most houses where the damage occurred. But don’t think all fungus is bad. This book elaborates how one of the greatest medicines of all time comes from fungus. Find all the gross nasty things this fungus has done in history and how many lives were saved from it also from reading this book.

Sara J
8th grade science student

You Have Mail: The True Stories Of Cyber Crime by Matthew Newman

You Have Mail: The True Stories Of Cyber Crime by Matthew Newman is a very informational book that everyone who uses computers should read. This book informs you on how to stay away from contracting viruses on your computer. This book also tells you about who these cyber criminals are and the tricks they use to infect computers with viruses.

I recommend this book to any person of any age who has vital information on their computer. I chose to share this book because I use computers and have gotten viruses that have destroyed important data of mine.. This book showed me steps to take to decrease the risk of virus infection.

Michael R-
8th grade science student

White Fang by Jack London

Have you ever read any book that viewed the story from an animal's perspective? Well, this book is told from a dog's point of view. Now, it's not the average fantasy/sci-fi book. No, the animals do not talk, they are not capable of any magic. No. This book is about the life of a dog, and how it is treat throughout its life. It experiences and the way its treated shapes and molds his character and makes what he is. Starting out as a cub, White Fang learns the way of the wild. He figures everything out for himself.

This book not also teaches you about the behavior and thoughts of dogs, but it also shows you how animal cruelty is shown by many different ways. It is an inspiring book, but a challenging one. This is not quick read. I would recommend this book for those who like classics, and are up for a challenge. Overall, I guess I didn't like the book, but it doesn't mean it was bad. Rating: 2.5 stars.
 
David K. - 7th grade

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Life As We Knew It is an exciting story of a crisis affecting the whole world. When the news of a meteor hitting the moon spreads, everyone is excited, especially astronomers. Their excitement transforms into horror as the meteor smacks the moon, turns it sideways, and brings it closer to Earth. Electricity is lost, disaster hits in every corner, and supplies run dangerously low. Told through the diary of sixteen-year-old Miranda, you witness a family's struggle to survive.

I would definitely recommend this book to everyone because it has adventure, science, and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Jessica M.

8th grade science student

Wing Nut by M.J. Auch

This book is about a 12-year-old boy, Grady, and his mother, Lila, finally finding the perfect job after searching for work since Grady was younger. Or so they thought. Charlie, the crazy old man they helped cook and clean for, hadn’t been too much trouble and had bonded easily with Grady. They both helped a group of Purple Martin birds nest. However some things happen that might make them leave Charlie’s for good.

I liked this book mainly because it was informational as well as entertaining. It was fictional; however learning about Purple Martins was interesting.

Christina K.
8th Grade Science Student

The Bourne Supremacy by Robert Ludlum

Jason Bourne has established his identity, David Webb aka the assasin Jason Bourne. But now, someone else has taken the Bourne identity, a killer who poses a threat to Webb who must be stopped. Now the original Jason Bourne must establish his surpremacy.

Matt C.
8th grade

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

This book is about a boy named Cole Matthews. Who has been stealing and beating up kids for years. A boy by the name of Peter Driscall had his face smashed into the ground  by cole. So cole has to choose the punishment of Circle Justice or Jail. What circle justice is, is when a kid gets shipped off to a place for a whole year solated by his/herself. When cole gets to an Alaskan island he is mauled by a mysterious white Spirit Bear. After this bear attacked cole he realized what it feels like and how Peter must feel now since thats what cole did to him! After a while cole figures out what he did was really wrong and so he invites Peter and his parents to come onto this island and show them that he really changed. When Peter gets there he hates cole and doesn't talk to anyone but after Cole shows Peter is totem sculpting Peter takes an interest in it to, and now Peter knows that Cole has really changed and so they become friends.


Alex S.
7th grade

The Down to Earth Guide to Global Warming by Laurie David

This is a detailed non-fiction book that presents its facts in a ways we can all enjoy. The authors used detailed descriptions and figurative language, to hold your attention. Global warming has become a huge issue in America. This book gives you information on what could happen if global warming continues, as well as how you can help the environment.

Although I read this book as part of a science project, I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in reading about global warming, or looking to make a difference. This book will capture your attention with its fun graphics, and educate you as well.

~Lauren B.
(Ms. Barrett’s science project blog)

Hidden Evidence by David Owen

Do you love watching crime shows?  If you’ve ever wondered how scientists are able to solve a mystery without almost any leads,  this book will answer all of your questions.  Hidden Evidence by David Owen is a non-fiction book that explains how forensic science is used today. It is here you will learn all of forensic scientists' secrets.You will read about several true real-life cases where forensic science has identified and caught the criminal. This is a MUST read for anybody who has ever wondered how CSI figures out the complex mysteries on television.

 I recommend this book to anyone who likes to watch crime shows, or loves reading crime-solving books. Even If you just need to read a non-fiction book for language arts, you will really enjoy this book.
 
 
Erika R
8th grade science student

THE COLD WAR PIGEON PATROLS And Other Animal Spies by Danielle Denega

I really enjoyed reading this book. I learned a lot about animals that help protect people all around the world. I did not really dislike anything about this book. Anyone who has a love for animals would enjoy this book.

Kyler F
8th grade science student

Life on Other Worlds by Ray Spangenburg and Kit Moser

This book answers questions that humans have been asking for a very long time, one that is notable is "Are we alone?" IT starts out by giving teh best possible definition of what life is. The philosophy is that if we don't know what life is here, then how will we be able to identify it or even find it on other planets. Moreover, The scientists mentioned in the book have beliefs and opinions that stunned me.

My opinion of the book is all positive except for one flaw that constantly bohtered me as I read. Life on Other Worlds was written such a long time ago that it is a noticably outdated. Future expeditions to space that are mentioned in the text have occurred a few years ago. Also, I felt that I could learn much more about the topic today because of how much science has progressed.

Evan A
8th grade science student