2011 Summer Holiday Reads

It's almost time for us all to switch off and relax after a year of hard work, and what is more relaxing than reading a good book? Here is a list of some of the latest releases that you should definitely try to read over your summer holiday.

For Younger Readers

Gangsta Granny by David Walliams

Ben is bored beyond belief when he is forced to stay at his grandma's house. She is the boringest grandma ever. All she wants to do is play Scrabble and eat cabbage soup. But there are two things Ben doesn't know about his grandma. 1) She was once an international jewel thief. 2) All her life, she has been plotting to steal the crown jewels, and now she needs Ben's help!

A Witch in a Fix by Marian Broderick

This is a book of mischief and magic. Anna's science teacher really gets on her nerves - but is that good enough reason to turn her into a giant rat? With a big, angry rat on the loose, Anna soon realises she's made a bad mistake. How will she turn it back into her teacher? And can she do it quickly before anyone finds out that she's an apprentice witch? Anna can't admit what she's done so no one can help her with her big, fury problem - or can they? Sometimes even witches need a little help from their friends. 

Princess Poppy: Island Quest by Janey Louise Jones

Poppy is very excited as she is going on her first ever over night school trip. There is to be a boat trip, a team quest and a party around the camp fire before they all settle down for a night under the stars. But when Poppy's competitive spirit takes over her team gets into trouble which puts their dream of beating the boys into jeopardy ...Find out what happens in this brilliant new Princess Poppy adventure.

For Older Readers

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley is in big trouble. School property has been damaged and Greg is the prime suspect. But the crazy thing is, he's innocent! Or at least sort of. The authorities are closing in, but then a surprise blizzard hits and the Heffley family is trapped indoors. Greg knows that when the snow melts he's going to have to face the music but could any punishment be worse than being stuck inside with your family for the holidays? 

Hereos of Olympus: The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, God of the Sea, has woken up from a very deep sleep and come face to face with two snake-haired ladies who refuse to die. But they're the least of his problems. Because Percy finds himself at a camp for half-bloods, which doesn't ring any bells for him. There's just one name he remembers from his pst: Annabeth. Only one thing is certain - Percy's questing days aren't over. He and fellow demigods Frank and Hazel must face the most important quest of all: the Prophecy of Seven. If they fail, it's not just their camp at risk. Percy's old life, the gods, and the entire world might be destroyed...

Chocolate Box Girls: Marshmellow Sky by Cathy Cassidy

Skye and Summer Tanberry are identical twins, and Skye loves her sister Summer more than anyone else in the world. They do everything together, but lately Skye's been feeling like second-best - it's the story of her life. And when her friend Alfie confesses he's fallen not for her, but for Summer, it hurts. Skye wants to be her own person, but with an effortlessly cool twin, how can she? And will Skye ever step out of Summer's shadow and find her own chance to shine?

Book Club Reviews #4

Unicorn School: Team Magic by Linda Chapman

Reviewed by: Hannah A. in Grade 4

 

Willow, Sapphire, Storm and Troy are in their first year at unicorn school. They are almost finished their first year and now they have to take their exams. Everyone is nervous but nobody is more nervous then Troy who tries to cheat in his History exam. The Tricorn unicorn gives Troy a chance to tell him that he did it but he almost gets Sapphire in trouble before he owns up, but it all ends well.

Hannah says: "I like this book because its about unicorns and it's very magical."

Lola Rose by Jacquleine Wilson

Reviewed by Caitlin L in Grade 7

Lola  Rose, her mom and her little brother Kendal escape from their abusive dad and move to London to start a new life. After winning the lottery life seems perfect. But money doesn't last forever. Constantly living in fear of their dad finding them they have to find a house and a school. Then mom starts going out at late hours and even though  Lola Rose was told not to worry she does. Nothing seems to go right for this unfortunate family.

Caitlin says: "I enjoyed this book tremendously. I felt great empathy for the characters and anger towards them to .I recommend this book to older readers."

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

Reviewed by Connor in Grade 6

The Red Pyramid is an exciting action book about two kids aged 12 and 14 called Sadie and Carter Kane. Basically, Sadie and Carter's dad tried to release the Egyptian god of death, Osiris, from the Recette stone to bring his wife (Sadie and Carter's mom) back to life. But instead he releases the five gods, Horus, Isis, Osiris, Nephthys and Set sons and daughters of Nut and Geb, Goddess of sky and god of Earth. Set, god of chaos, trapped Sadie and Carter's dad in a magic coffin and sent him deep into the Duat (the ancient Egyptian underworld). Now, Sadie and Carter have to go on an epic adventure to try and save their father.

Connor says: "Reading The Red Pyramid has given me a new interest of Egyptian gods and now I'm totally fascinated and addicted about finding out more about the Egyptian gods. I would recommend this book to anyone who does not want to put a book down that is totally awesome!!!"