Monday, June 13, 2011

Totally Joe by James Howe

The book I read was Totally Joe by James Howe. It’s about a young boy named Joe Bunch and his language arts teacher assigned him a project called an alpha biography. Joe doesn’t really know what to write about though. His teacher said to write down all his secrets because the teacher is the only one that will see it. The thing about Joe though, is he’s not like other boys. He isn’t a “guy-guy.” Joe is actually gay but yet he’s proud of it. His Aunt Pam knows he is and so does his parents but his aunt is more supportive. I say this because she is always doing stuff for him like putting a colored streak in his hair and painting his pinky nail and piercing his ear. Joe also has great friends because they know he’s gay but it doesn’t bother them they just go along with it. Before you read Totally Joe you have to read Misfits because it’s the beginning of the whole story of the friends and drama.
I would recommend this book to mostly girls because most guys are immature. Most of them will see the word gay and start laughing or make a joke about it. Also, most guys wouldn’t be able to handle some of the events that happen in this book.

-Jackie C.
Poulton  

Friday, June 10, 2011

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins


The book I read was Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins. Mockingjay is the third book in The Hunger Games Trilogy. Mockingjay follows up on what happened after the exciting ending of Catching Fire and Katniss' life after the Quarter Quell Games.  Katniss becomes the Mockingjay, a symbol of freedom, and helps the rebels fight the Capitol. To find out what happens to Katniss and her friends (and enemies), and who wins the war, you will have to read it yourself.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an excellent book loaded with action. Any gender can read this. This book will make you want to keep reading. You will not be able to put it down, especially at the end, when all the action takes place.  You won't believe the twist.

Declan S.
Mrs. Poulton
7th Grade

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

The book I reccomend is Wings by Aprilynne Pike.Laurel's life is changing when her parents get new jobs and she goes from being homeschooled all her life to having to go to to high school.Even worse is the fact that a flower like plant is sprouting from her back right in the begining of the year, almost like wings.Laurel learns that she is a fairy and had a whole different life without her human parents. When trouble comes to the fairy world Laurel must choose between being a human and being a fairy. I reccomend this book to girls mostly because is narrated by a girl and has the fairy theme. If you like fantasy then you should read this book. There is also sequels to Wings, called Spells and Illusion






Gayani P.
5 and 6
Mrs. Poulton

Wringer by Jerry Spinelli

Cover imageThe book I have read was Wringer by Jerri Spinelli. This book is about Plamer LaRue a kid who unlike most others in his town is dreading the day he turns ten. In this town there is a special event called Family Fest.This is just like a carnival, with rides games, and lots of food.The only thing bad about it is that on the last day they take 5,000 pigeons and have a sharp shooting contest. All of the ten year olds in the town have to clean up after each shooter takes his turn.Palmer never liked the idea of killing pigeons in the first place, but when a pigeon comes to his house and won't leave he has to choose between what is right and what everyone else is doing. I reccomend this book because it is an easy read and it has a strong message. This novel will have you reading until the very end. 

Gayani P.
5 and 6
Mrs. Poulton

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Cover imageI recently read Lord of the Flies by William Golding and enjoyed it. This book is about a group of schoolboys stranded on an island after the plane they are on crashes. Immediately when you read the book you meet Ralph and Piggy. Ralph is voted leader after he and Piggy find and blow on a conch shell resulting in the rest of the boys grouping together. Also, throughout the book kids think they see a beast on the island and everyone is scared of it.You also meet Jack Merridew in the beginning of the book. Jack and Ralph later fight over being the chief of the group. Though this book is about a bunch of kids surviving on an island, it has a deeper meaning. I believe this book teaches the reader how a community really works and how an entire group can fall apart if split.
            I recommend Lord of the Flies to anyone who wants an adventure story ,or for anyone who wants to read the book for all its worth. Any way you read it you will find Jack and Ralph's opinions on leadership, Piggy's logical thinking, and the twists of the book very interesting and entertaining

Roshan V.
7th grade
Mrs. Poulton

Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookies by Erin Dionne

Cover imageI've recently finished Model don't eat Chocolate Chip Cookies by Erin Dionne. Celeste Harris is everything but skinny. Her official nightmare began when she discovered that she was selected to participate in a modeling contest for “larger” people. In order to avoid the embarrassment, she decided to lose weight and shrink right out of the competition or to be known as Miss Husky Peach Pageant for the rest of her life! Along the way, Celeste began to discover the side of her that she had never known.
I recommend this book to girls because it includes views of middle school friendships, family dynamics and girl issues. It mainly deals with weight problems that would probably affect a teenage girl. If you want a humorous girl book, then pick up Model don't eat Chocolate Chip Cookies and give it a try!

Yan Yan H.
7th Grade
Mrs. Poulton

Assassin by Anna Myers




Mrs.Poulton
Gabrielle M.
7th grade

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Camp Confidential by Melissa J. Morgan

The book Camp Confidential, Natalie's Secret Book One, by Melissa J. Morgan is about a girl named Natalie who lives in the city with her mother.  Natalie is a very spoiled girl who gets whatever she asks for.  One summer, Natalie’s mother decides to send her to summer camp.  Natalie is very upset about going to camp and at her mother for sending her away for the summer.  Natalie must face many challenges while at camp.  She must first get use to the the outdoors and nature and all that goes along with it.  Natalie has to learn to make new friends, which she finds difficult.  Natalie has a lot going on, when she finds a secret about her father who she barely knows.  If you want to find out what happens to Natalie, and want some fun summer reading check out Camp Confidential. 


Chyna P.
Mrs. Poulton

Monday, June 6, 2011

Car Trouble by Jeanne Duprau

Cover imageDuff Pringle, the main character, is just out of high school when he gets a job offer as a computer programmer from a company in California. He buys a used Ford Escort and decides to drive cross-country to his job so that he can see the country. However, barely a hundred miles from home, his old car breaks down. Using the Internet, Duff finds someone who wants somebody to drive a car to St. Louis. Duff accepts and uses that as way to continue his journey. Along the way, he meets a friendly hitchhiker named Stu, a girl named Bonnie who wants to be a singer, and many other unique characters. The trip takes many interesting twists and turns, which makes it really fun to read.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books about road trips and likes when unexpected things happen in a book.


Tara L. 
Mrs. Poulton

Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Necromancer by Michael Scott

Cover imageThe book I read recently is called The Necromancer by Michael Scott. This book is about Josh and Sophie Newman being the "twins of legend" who are supposed to save the world. This is the 4th book in the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. In this particular book Scatty and Joan are in another shadow realm, Sophie, Josh, the Flamels, and Aiofe (Scathanch's sister) are going to Palemedes to teach Josh the magic of fire. Also, Dee and Virginia Dare are planning on ruling Earth by setting the mother of all gods, Coatlicue, into the shadow realms. Also Macheavelli and Billy are still trying to realise the monsters into San Fransisco. If this seems like too much happening at once Michael Scott writes it so well that you can follow the stories easily. I would recommend this book to people who like fantasy books or want to read a really good series. I not only recommend this book but the entire series.

Roshan V.
Mrs. Poulton
  

What My Mother Doesn't Know by: Sonya Sones

This book is about a girl name Sophie who is 15 and is boy crazy just like the rest of us. Sophie finally gets asked out by the boy of her dreams, Dylan and knows it is true love. But she starts to notice that there are some problems. He actually watches the movie on their dates and he doesn't want to tell his parents that she is Jewish. While trying to find someone other then Dylan, she starts to have strong feelings for a boy name, Murph. Liking Murph turns out to be a whole lot harder then liking Dylan. Murph is the school's biggest dork. Sophie doesn't know how she is going to tell her friends about her feelings for Murph but if she doesn't come clean she will be as bad as everyone else who makes fun of them. What My Mother Doesn't Know is a book written in verse about a girl who is being true to herself and having the strength to not give up on what makes her and her heart happy.  I would recommend this book to girls because it is about love, drama, relationships, and friendships.



Gabrielle M.
Mrs.Poulton
7th grade

Monday, May 23, 2011

Artichoke's Heart by Susan Supplee

Cover image"Artichokes Heart" written by Susan Supplee is about a teenage girl named Rosemary who is overweight.  Rosemary is ashamed and embarrassed  of her weight.  Rosemary's mom tries to help her daughter any way she can to help her lose the weight.  But, she refuses to let her mother help her with her weight loss.  Other people try and help Rosemary, but she also refuses their help.  What is Rosemary going to do?  If you want to find out what happens to Rosemary, read "Artichokes Heart".

Chyna P- Mrs. Poulton's 7th grade

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

The book I have just finished is The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. This book is about Mary a seventeen year old girl who lives in a village in the middle of what they think is a never ending forrest called the forrest of hands and teeth. This forrest is filled with zombie like creatures called the unconsecrated who carry a disease that turns you into one of them if bitten.When her village is breeched by these creatures Mary, her brother, and a few others are driven out of their home and into a path where only a fence seperates them from the unconsecrated.The rest of the book is about how or if she survives her journey on this path. I reccomend this book to boys or girls because there is some romance, violence, and great story about one girl's will to survive.



Friday, April 29, 2011

The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage

The book I recently just finished was The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson. When a hobo named Armand is just minding his own business out in the streets of Paris a struggling family comes begging for help. It includes a single desperate mother, a loyal boy, and two cute little girls. At first Armand is confused and doesn’t know what to do. He tries to also ignore their troubles. Before Armand knows it he finds himself caring very much for this family that may have more serious problems than he’s had or has ever had. Being kind he offers the family to sharing is awkward home under the bridge with them. Into worst matters the three children have missed having a comfortable, cozy home of their own. The worst part it was right before the holidays. Armand always thought what one man like him could do to help this poor, kind family for the holidays?!?

Cymberline O.
Mrs. Poulton
Pd 8&9

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood

 The book I just finished reading was Charlie St.Cloud by Ben Sherwood.  This book is about a boy named Charlie who sets out on a journey to find his true love. One day Charlie got two tickets to see the Boston Red Sox play baseball, which is Sam and Charlie’s favorite baseball team.  One thing they didn’t know was that on the way home from the game they would get into a really bad car accident and only one of them would survive.  Charlie was that one.  After that accident Charlie was miserable and basically gave up on life.  He moved to the cemetery where Sam was buried and became the caretaker there.  Finally after thirteen years of the same routine at the cemetery Charlie met the love of his life Tess.  Tess is actually a spirit when he meets her, but he doesn’t know it.  After the accident Charlie got the gift to see people who are  in between the living and dead. But then he sets out on a journey to find Tess and finally have a good life again and so they can fall in love.
        I would recommend this book to mostly girls because it is a love story and girls would understand it better then boys. If you want to find out if Charlie saves Tess from dying and they live happily ever after, you have to read the books.

Kasey D. – Mrs. Poulton

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Head Games by Keri Mikulski


The book that I just finished is Head Games by Keri Mikulski.   The book is about a star basketball player named Taylor who is torn between the game she loves and the boys that she wants to fall in love with.  Her best friend, Hannah, dreams of becoming a fashion designer and asks Taylor to be a model in the school fashion show.  Taylor is hesitant because she is tall and kind of awkward and fears making a fool of herself.  Taylor is also having issues
dealing with her crush, Zach, and all of his “head games”.  Will she survive
the fashion show? Will she find true love without losing her love of
basketball? Read Head Games to find out!

Victoria M.
7th grade student

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

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

Monday, April 4, 2011

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins


The book I read was Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins.  Catching Fire is book two in the Hunger Games trilogy.   The story is about a girl named Katniss, who is trying to keep her friend Peeta alive.  In the story, there are “games” that must be won to stay alive; 24 kids must fight to the death to become the winner.  In this second book, Katniss must return to the games as part of an evil plot the President is planning. This time, however,  she has to keep her friend Peeta alive. Will she be able to complete her task, you will have to read it to find out.
            I would recommend this book and trilogy to both boys or girls, because there are both male and female characters in the book that will make it interesting for anyone to read.  This book would be a great choice for anyone who likes stories with a lot of action.

Declan S
Mrs. Poulton

The Toilet Paper Tigers by Gordon Korman

The book I read is The Toilet Paper Tigers by Gordon Korman. This book is about a boy named Corey. He is on a little league baseball team, which is sponsored by a toilet paper company. If that isn't  bad enough, the team is terrible, and the coach knows nothing about baseball. And, to top it all off, the coach's niece, who is an annoying know-it-all, is the team’s “manager”. Throughout the book, Corey tries to get Kristi, the coach’s niece, kicked off the team.  You'll will have to read the book to find out if anyone leaves the team.
            I would recommend this book to anyone who likes baseball. I would also recommend the book to anyone that likes humorous books, because it will make you laugh.

Declan S.
Mrs. Poulton