Book+of+the+Week

Check Here for Book Recommendations by your fellow students at the Upper Merion Area Middle School Book Review of Lemony Snicket’s Where Did You See Her Last? by Miya Shin To start with, I love reading. And, to be honest, my favorite author is Lemony Snicket. His book //__Where Did You See Her Last?__//is an amazing story. It is first person and its genre is mystery. And if you love mystery, and if you hope to see that dim humor that makes you want to laugh but at the same time cry, you have to read this book, because it is the pinnacle of all mysteries. It also showcases that mysterious yet alluring detail that attracts each and every one of his readers, including me. I must admit, I especially enjoyed the purple, black, and white illustrations which were not drawn by Lemony Snicket, but still added a beauty to the story. Most of them take up full pages, and the last one is a cliffhanger - a beautiful one, actually. //__Where Did You See Her Last?__// is truly a feat of wits. It is full of questions - to Lemony Snicket's strange mind, all the wrong ones. To believe it all started with a missing poster - Cleo Knight, who went missing a few days ago - and the question on the cover of the book. It was set in a sad place, a little town called Stain'd by Sea. But still, why were Cleo's parents not upset? They seemed confused. And what about Ellington, and Moxie, with her quick-to-type-typewriter? Where did their loyalties lie? With Hangfire, a villain who could imitate human voices, or with Lemony? And why did there seem to be two of Cleo? Who could possibly be acting as her? Your head will swirl with all those questions, especially with Lemony Snicket keeping you anxious to know more. At times in the story you aren't quite sure what's happening, but alas, that adds to the wonder of his book. Sometimes you just want to stop where you are, put together all the clues, and find the answer to the mystery by yourself, which is surprisingly difficult. For, in my opinion and a lot of other readers, too, the clues are strange and very interesting, indeed. His boss, S. Markinson, believes whatever people tell her, and is not really much of a detective at all, though she calls herself one. But Lemony Snicket questions answers and questions answers. You will surely follow every step he takes in this case, and enjoy every part, though joy may be mixed with surprise. This story will keep you at the edge of your seat, and //__Where Did You See Her Last?__// will be the question that makes you think for the rest of your life, for better or for worse, or to solve the mystery of Cleo Knight. //**The Pinballs**// Written by Betsy Byars Reviewed by Kevin I would like to tell you about a fabulous book I have recently read called The Pinballs by Betsy Byars. This book tells the story of three kids who are living together as foster children with the Masons. They are in foster care because their parents did some bad things. Harvey is a foster care child because he and his dad got in an argument and his dad accidently ran him over. His legs are in casts, and he needs a wheel chair. Charlie left her home because her dad abused her, and she would get smart with him. Finally, TJ lived with the Benson twins who wer old and fell so they couldn’t take care of him any more. They both died while he was with the Masons. These three kids feel like pinballs because they are always passed around and feel like they are always going back and forth with their parents and foster parents. This book gives a great picture of what life is like as a foster child. It also tells a lot about friendships and family. I really enjoyed it and think you will too.

//**The Mother Daughter Book Club**// Reviewed by Lindsey and Roma Can you guess what would happen when a group of girls who are totally different in every imaginable way come together and find a common thread that eventually leads to a long lasting friendship? That’s exactly what happens in the book titled //The Mother and Daughter Book Club.// Here is a glimpse of what takes place in our featured book. Our first character, Megan, a fashion diva, will do anything to make sure she has the latest Abercrombie fashion. Next, there is Emma who is an avid reader and has read every book that is known to mankind. Then there is Jess who is very concerned about saving all animals from being treated unfairly. Lastly, there is Cassidy who is a very competitive hockey player and is the only girl on a all boy’s team. Even though these girls do not get realize it, they will soon rely on each other for help when they need it most. You may be wondering how these four unique individuals come together to find friendship and learn a little something about themselves along the way. To find out how the story ends, look for //The Mother and Daughter Book Club.//

I am reading the book //Virals// by Kathy and Brendan Reichs. If you like the TV show //Bones// or the book, //Maximum Ride// you will love //Virals//. Adventure is in Tory Brennan's blood. After all, she is grand niece of world famous anthropologist Temperance Brennan. Always up for a challenge, Tory and her science geek friends, Ben, Hiram and Shelton spend their time exploring the land of Loggerhead Island, the home of the very off-limits Loggerhead Research Institute. Something strange is going on at the research institute. After rescuing/ kidnapping a wolf-dog pup from the top secret lab, Tory and her friends discover the pup has canine parvovirus, which is a deadly disease to dogs over 80% of the time. Then they also find a dog tag from the Vietnam War on Loggerhead Island, but how did it get there? Is it a story with a happy ending? Maybe. Or is it an action packed, nail biting, heart pounding, I got chills down my right leg, murder mystery? Find out when you read Virals.
 * //Virals//**

Review by Mikayla

//**Song of the Quarkbeast**//
In the book //Song of the Quarkbeast//, magic which has been gone for a long time is slowly coming back. Rising with the magic is a problem: King Srodd IV knows that having magic means he can take control over the un-united kingdoms. There is one person in his way, ruining his plans: Jennifer Strange, the manager of Kazam. King Srodd will not let anything stop him, so he gets his crony, Blix to stage a fixed contest against Kazam, to take over it. What are the chances Kazam can win ? Read the book to find out if they win or lose.

Review by Abhiram

I would give this book 5 stars. This book is really fun, amusing and interesting to read. It is told by different characters, each giving a different point of view. It's starts at Snow Hill School for seven kids in fifth grade. There's a new girl name Jessica who has a hard time fitting in among the other kids. There is Alexis, who's your friend at some point, and your enemy the next; Peter, who's a troublemaker and a prankster. There is also Luke, who's the smart one., Danielle, who can never stand up for herself, and Anna the shy one, because her home situation makes her an outcast. Finally, there is Jeffrey who hates school. Mr. Terrupt is their new teacher for this year, and he seems to know how to control them. He tries to reach out to the kids in very subtle ways. He also makes the class amusing, but he doesn't let them get away with anything. Suddenly something happens on a snowy, winter day when an accident changes everything and maybe everyone. To find out more, you'll have to read this book, //Because of Mr. Terrupt.//

//Where the Red Fern Grows// Review by Genevieve Looking for a good read? Hi, I'm Genevieve and I recommend //Where The Red Fern Grows//! It's a story about a boy growing up in the country. His life changes once he gets two coon hounds., Old Dan and Little Ann. It describes the hardships of family, friends and what it's like to lose both.

I give it five stars out of five and would recommend it to any reader looking for a story of hardship, triumph, life and survival.



//Thirteen Ways to Sink a Sub// by Jamie Gilson

In the novel, //Thirteen Ways to Sink a Sub//, the boys of the class unite against the girls to see who can sink their sub. They create a contest where the first group that makes the sub cry wins. At the beginning of the book, this class is definitely not a community of caring. It’s a funny book, but I don’t want to give too much of the story—Just Read the book---//Thirteen Ways to Sink a Sub// by Jamie Gilson//.// //Reviewed by Brook//

//House of Hades// by Rick Riordan
Review by Emily Hello, all Percy Jackson fans! I have just finished the newly released, //House of Hades// by Rick Riordan. After Percy and Annabeth take a tumble into Tartarus, the other five demigods must help them and find the mortal entrance to the Doors of Death. Percy and Annabeth have to journey through Tartarus to close the other side or the giants will raise Gaea, the evil goddess of the earth. You will follow both sides of the story as the groups travel to close the Doors of Death.

I loved this book. It had so many twist and turns that will keep your heart pumping. The story line keeps up with the action and romance and makes this book amazing. So of course, I give it a ten out of ten! An eleven out of ten for that matter!

I recommend this book for all Percy Jackson fans and anyone who loves action! In other words, everyone should read this book!

// Witch Fire // by Laura Powell Reviewed by Kelly Chai 

// Witch Fire // is a very interesting book written by Laura Powell. It is about a girl named Gloriana Starling and a boy named Lucas Sterne. They both are witches, with a Devil’s Kiss somewhere on their body. They are sent on an undercover assignment at a private school in Switzerland called Wildings Academy. But then, Glory drops out of the assignment //and// the school. She goes to Cordoba and that’s when all of the adventures start. She moves in with her cousin, Candice (who lives in Cordoba and is also known as Candy) and gets a job at a bar. If you love books that have a lot of suspense and are about witches, then you’ll love this book!


 * //Divergent//** by Veronica Roth

One choice decides your friends; one choice defines your beliefs; one choice determines your loyalties; and one choice can transform you. In Veronica Roth's book, //Divergent,// all it takes is is one simple choice, a simple choice that will change someone's life forever.

In Beatrice Prior's world, her society split into five different factions long ago. Each faction has been dedicated to their own culture and ways of working. The five factions are Candor, the honest; Abnegation, the selfless; Dauntless, the brave; Amity, the peaceful; and Erudite, the intelligent. Beatrice was always known as the quiet Abnegation girl hiding in the corners. No one knows, not even her family, what she is keeping inside.. When she gets the choice between her family or who she really is, she makes a surprising.

Once initiation starts for her chosen faction, she crawls out of her shell and shocks everyone around her. She struggles to find out who she is and who she can trust. In the midst of it all, she has a secret, one that if told, could possibly lead to her death. She also discovers a conflict between the factions that could ruin the perfect society.

Tris has to choose if she should save herself or her family, both choices could end up destroying who she is.

//Divergent// is very action filled, daring and maybe even a little bit romantic. The author writes in a way that makes you want to help Tris through her struggles. She writes about Beatrice differently in the beginning but she quickly lets us know what Beatirce has been holding inside.

There is never a dull moment in this book. I found this book amazing and I think anyone who reads it will too!

Review of the Novel, //**I am Number Four**// by Pittacus Lore By: Asia and Emily

Asia: Emily and I just read an amazing book called __I am Number Four__ by Pittacus Lore. We both loved the book and here is what we have to say…………….

Emily: I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. It was full of action and had many surprising twists an turns. I wanted to keep reading because I wanted to know what would happen next. This book was action packed, and fun to read.

Asia: I loved the book. When I started to read the book, I didn’t get any sleep because I was up all night reading the book. Truthfully, it is my favorite book.

Emily: The book is about a teenager who is anything but normal. He came from his home planet, Lorien, and is being hunted down by the Mogadorians, who are trying to kill all of the 9 special children.

Asia: When they left their home planet, the kids were put in a special charm. They could only die if they were killed in order. 1,2, and 3 are dead, and John is left. Read the book to find out how John tries to save himself and his home planet.

==== This book is for people who like dogs. The story begins when Opal went to the Winn-Dixie Grocery Store. A dog got in the store and ran all over while the manager ran around the store screaming, “Get that dog!” Opal saw this and followed the dog and named the dog Winn-Dixie after the grocery store. After Opal names the dog, she takes care of the dog. This story is about their connection and bond with each other. If you like animals, you will love this book! ====

Reviewed by Gabriella
Rules by Cynthia Lord Reviewed by Isabella

The story, //Rules// by Cynthia Lord is about a twelve year old girl named Catherine. All Catherine has ever wanted was a normal life. Everything is turned upside down by her little brother, David. David has autism, so it has always been a struggle with him. To help out, Catherine creates a book of “rules” so that she can teach David right from wrong. During the summer at David’s clinic, Catherine meets Jason, a boy who is paralyzed and has a communication disorder. They become fast friends, and so do Catherine and Kristi, her new neighbor. Sure enough, the dance is coming up at school, and Kristi already has a date. Who do you think Cather will go with? Will she even go? To find out, read //Rules.//

**// The Last Olympian //** By Rick Riordan Reviewed by 5th Grader Sarah

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How many of you like exciting books that adds a little comedy with i? If you think yes, this is the right book for you. The book I’m reviewing today s The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan. In this book, the dreaded truth comes when Percy’s 16th birthday is next week and the big fight with his enemy Kronos is about to begin. Kronos’s plan is to rule the world because he thinks he has the power. Most of Percy’s army is made of friends that he has known since he was 13, and he doesn’t want to lose them to Kronos. It’s 40 half bloods against 289 demons, and it looks as if Kronos will win. Two days before expected victory, Kronos attacks. Will Percy save New York, or will Kronos win forever?

Review for the book, **//13 Reasons Why.//**
In the book //Thirteen Reasons Why//, Clay jenson returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - his classmate and crush- who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list. The tapes were initially mailed to one classmate with instructions to pass them from one student to another, in the style of a chain letter. Hannah has given a second set of tapes to one of her classmates, the identity of whom Clay later discovers, and warns the people on the tapes that if they do not pass them on the second set will be leaked to the entire student body. This could lead to the public embarrassment and shme of cetain people, while others coudl face physical harassment or even jail time. You should read //Thirteen Reason Why// to find out how the story ends.

by 8th grader, Yarethzee

Review of the book, **//Forge//** by Laurie Halse Anderson
My recommendation is //Forge// by Laurie Halse Anderson. This book is a very intriguing sequel to //Chains//. The focus shifts from Isabel to Curzon. We discover the dangers and difficulties that runaway slaves faced during the American Revolution.

Through Curzon we experience the hard life of a soldier added to the fearful living of an escaped slave. All this takes place in the cruel Valley Forge winter. Isabel is still an important part of the story as she and Curzon have to figure out their friendship. If you want to find out how this plays out then read the book! Reviewed by 6th grader, Michaela

Review of the book, **//Baseball Great//** by Tim Green
Have you seen //Baseball Great// by Tim Green in the library? I really recommend you check it out! //Baseball Great// is about a 12 year old kid named Josh LeBlanc. Since Josh’s dad is a Triple A baseball player is traded a great deal, Josh moves to new homes often. Now, Josh is attending Grant Middle School, but the dream of Josh joining the school baseball team “baseball great” isn’t happening. Then, Josh’s dad gets him on a Championship team, which is coached by a guy named Rocky Valentine. Everyone on this team is two years older, so Josh starts drinking “Super Stax” to build muscle. What looks like a normal championship team isn’t what it seems, and some secrets are mention to go unnoticed. Curiosity gets the better of Josh, and his new friends, Benjii and Jaden. Someone isn’t playing by the rules. . . if you want to find out who, check the book out. Reviewed by 5th grader, Nick

Review of **//Wintergirls//** by Laurie Halse Anderson


Hi! I'm 8th grader Lauren and I recommend you read the book, //Wintergirls// by Laurie Halse Anderson. //Wintergirls// tells the story of Lia, a teenage girl battling anorexia. Lia's best friend Cassie just died. Her mother is busy saving other people's lives. Her dad is always away on business. The voice inside Lia's head keeps telling her to remain in control and stay strong.. Will Lia ever be able to stop listening to the voice inside her head? Will she be able to get help before it's too late? You have to read //Wintergirls// to find out?

Review of **__Witch and Wizard__**


What if you and your family were supposedly witches and wizards? What if you were locked up for practicing magic, even though you had no idea what they were talking about? What would you do? This is what happens to siblings Whit and Wisty in the story __Witch and Wizard__ by James Patterson. Witch and Wizard is a story about two siblings learning the truth about their family roots. The two Allgoods are kidnapped in the middle of the night by N.O. (aka the New Order) because they are accused of practicing magic. The two high schoolers are then locked up. They learn they really do have magical abilities and use them to escape. They join a group of kids called the Resistance to help save the other victims of the New Order. The Resistance believe Whit and Wisty are the brother and sister in a prophecy that says they will help defeat N.O. Meanwhile, all Whit and Wisty really want to do is find their parents. I personally though the book was amazing. Instead of the obvious predictions, Patterson used the element of surprise to keep his readers engaged. Plus, the story is told from both Wisty and Whit’s points of view. It was really cool to know what was going on in both their heads regarding the same situation. Also, this book puts a modern twist on classic magic. It’s the perfect book for any fantasy reader. Will Whit and Wisty defeat the New Order and find their parents? Or will the New Order finally capture them and harness their powers? Read the book __Witch and Wizard__ and then the rest of the series by James Patterson to find out!

Reviewed by Kanika, Grade 6

**Review of //Watsons Go To Birmingham - 1963//**
In language arts class we are reading //The Watsons Go To Birmingham - 1963>// It's about a family, the Watsons taking a trip from COLD Flint, Michigan to Birmingham Alabama. Kenny, a 10 year old boy tells the story. He has an older brother, Byron who's a total rebel and a younger sister who' a crybaby. His only friend is Rufus, the new kid. This book also talks about racism and inequality.

Isabelle, grade 7


 * Week Five**

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Have you ever wondered why the tower of Pisa leans, why sticky notes are weak and why donuts have holes in them? They all started as mistakes. Mistakes that Worked is an awesome book. I strongly believe at many different age levels can read this book because it can spice up your imaginations and it's fun to find out what started as a mistake. To find out how coca-cola, sandwiches, silly putty, and Ivory soap were made, read Mistakes that Worked by Charlotte Foltz and illustrated by John O'Brien. It's located in our library at Dewey Call Number, 609.

You won't be disappointed when you find out how many mistakes worked out! Reviewed by Ciara, Grade 5

Week Four

Review of //Along For The Ride// by Sarah Dessen
====This book is about a girl named Auden who can't sleep at night and has just moved in with her dad and stepmother. Auden is an amazing and dedicated student but she spent all of her teenage years studying, so when she meets Eli, a fellow insomniac, they set out on a quest to help Auden have the carefree, teenage childhood she missed. To find out what happens next, you have to read the book!====

Reviewed by Emma and Camilla, grade 8
Week Three Review of //The Face On The Milk Carton// by Caroline Cooney The most recent book I’ve read is a book called//, The Face On The Milk Carton//. It’s about a teenage girl named Janie. One day she finds a milk carton at lunch and she sees a picture of little girl who is missing, that looks a lot like herself, She’s also wearing a poka-dot dress in the picture and later that week Janie finds that same dress in a trunk up stairs in her attic. Is Janie the girl on the milk carton or not? You’ll have to read the book to find out! I give this book 5 stars and I recommend this book to people who like mystery and drama books.

Reviewed by Brenna in Grade 6

Week Two

Review of //Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment// by James Patterson
Reviewed by 7th Grader Kelly

//Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment// by James Patterson is a great book. Its is incredibly hard to put down. It keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the book. This book is about six kids that have been experimented on and have "powers." Their testing made them into "freak kids" with winged that allow them to fly. A few years ago Jeb Batchelder took them away from the terrible school. Jeb disappeared so the kids started living by themselves. Maw was the oldest and pretty much ran and protected the group The six kids are Gasman, Fang, Angel Nudge, Iggy and Max. One day the Erasers who are bad dog people from the school attack and take Angle away.. The rest of the gang goes to rescue Angel and protect the house. On the mission, they come across danger and Erasers. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Week One

[[image:um25bookchallenge/Book Reviews.jpg width="209" height="273"]]Review of //Gregor the Overlander// by Suzanne Collins
--review by 5th grader, Olivia

Gregor the Overlander is a great book! It’s about a boy named Gregor and his little sister, Boots. They find a secret passageway in their New York City apartment that leads to an Underland. Gregor wants no part in the Underland, but the Underlanders tell hime that evil rats that want to take over the Underland have trapped his father, who has been missing for a while. During Gregor’s quest, a war is going on between the Underlanders and the rats. Gregor goes on the quest to find his dad with the Underlanders, bats, cockroaches, spiders, and a rat. Little does he know that this quest will change his life forever

[[image:um25bookchallenge/Book Reviews 002.jpg width="202" height="263"]]R eview of //Out Of My Mind// by Sharon M. Draper
Review by 7th Grader Jonathan

//Out Of My Mind// was a really good book - it was very well written and hard to put down. The story is about an eleven year old girl named Melody who has cerebral palsy. Melody can't talk or even make much noise and she uses a wheel chair. Melody gets a computer that talks for her when she types in words and a whole new world opens up to her. Nobody really understands how smart she really is. Melody has to overcome her cerebral palsy to get people to understand her.