Book Reviews #9

Here are a few more, very honest, book reviews from some of our avid readers....

Eight Keys by Suzanne Lafleur
Reviewed by Hannah A in Grade 5

A girl’s parents had gone when she was small. Her parents had left her clues to find rooms filled of things about her parents. At first she sees the key and doesn’t  know what she is supposed to do with it. Then after she has opened the first room she starts to realize all these important things in life and that people who bully her are just being mean and selfish but they are doing  it because there is something wrong in their own lives. 

Hannah says: "I started Eight Keys thinking it was a vintage, sad story. My friend had told me about the story and she had exaggerated and made it sound so cool but actually it wasn’t.  It was actually really boring like about these two people who go to normal school and the one gets  bullied its really, really boring. I rate it 0 stars. I did not like it at all."

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Five Go Off in a Caravan by Enid Blyton

Reviewed by Jaden in Grade 5

This book is about 5 kids named: Dick, Anne, Julian and Georgina  (likes being called George) The one that I'm reading is the one with the one with the circus and a kid called Nobby. In the book, the kids are on their own in their own caravans. There are two caravans  and they are different colors. The one is red,  that’s for the girls and there is a green one for the boys. They are close to a farm where they get  their supplies and they are close to a lake where they get their water  from. There was  a hidden underground lair where these people from the circus hide things they've stolen. They stole all sorts of things that are PRICELESS. 

Jaden says: "I'm done with the book and I think that you will enjoy the book very much. I am not saying anymore about the book. Thank you for reading my review."

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The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snickett
Reviewed by Josi in Grade 4

Three Children aged 14,12 and 1 get sent to live with a horrible family relative, Count Olaf , because their  beloved parents died in a fire. Count Olaf tries to steal the Baudelaire family's fortune. At the end of this book the Baudelaire orphans are about to arrest Count Olaf when he and his filthy theatre troupe escape. You can find out what happens next by reading the other books

Josi says: "I loved this book. At beginning it was pretty boring but in the middle it started to get more interesting. The book is enjoyable in a sad way. There were a few happy parts in the story but there isn't exactly a happy ending."

Book Reviews #8

The Book Club have been reading loads of wonderful books and have reviewed them here for you. See a book reviewed that you may be interested in reading? Come done to the library and ask Miss Saaiman if it's in. 

Jinx on the Divide by Elizabeth Kay

Reviewed by Hannah A in Gr 5

Betony, the tangle girl, comes to stay in Felix’s world for Christmas but Rhino, a boy from school, finds out about magic and gets trapped in a magical lamp. The magic lamp goes across the divide and so Felix and Betony must go and get it. They go into the other world and they meet up with all their old friends and together they all look for Rhino. But even though they make a very big mistake by bringing a jinx box along, it still ends well.

Hannah says: "I like this book because it’s magical and mysterious and you can’t put it down. I rate it 5 Stars!" 

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The Hobbit by J.R. Tolkien

Reviewed by Luke S in Gr 7

The Hobbit is about a young hobbit called Bilbo Baggins. He goes on an adventure with the wizard Gandalf and 13 dwarves to the lonely mountain to take back the gold that was taken by the dragon Smaug. On the way they encounter trolls, giants, goblins, elves, a dragon, giant spiders and Gollum. Along the way Bilbo finds a ring that can make you invisible which comes in handy. He helps his friends out of sticky situations and surprises even himself with his skills as a burglar. 

Luke says: "I would recommend this book because it isn't complicated (like the Lord of the Rings trilogy) and you are never confused by what is going on."  

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Pony Pals: Pony for Sale by Jeanne Betancourt

Reviewed by Indigo C in Gr 5

Pony for Sale is about three best friends (Pony Pals) who meet Maggie the Magician and her pony, Cloud. Pam hates how Maggie treats Cloud so they help the poor pony out. Every story ends with a happy ending so his old owner becomes Cloud's owner again when the Pony Pals find him. 

Indigo says: "I think this book is a great book. I would definitely recommend this book to people."

Book Reviews #6

Check out these book reviews done by some of our avid readers. These books are available in our library so come and ask Miss Saaiman about them if you're interested after reading these excellent reviews....

Sky Horses by Linda Chapman

Reviewed by Josi L in Grade 4 Ra

This story is about a girl who believes in magic and always will. One day she sees magic horses in the sky. She can’t believe it until she finds out that she is magic too. Erin [the girl] has to stop an evil spirit from destroying the horses world.  Can she stop the evil spirit before it’s too late? Find out by reading the book.

Josi said: "I  think the story was GREAT! And I think you would too. The moral of the story, in my opinion, was that you should never give up and always believe no matter how hard it is. So give the book a try. I read it twice because I liked it so much.

The Incredible Adventure of Professor Branestawm by Norman Hunter

Reviewed by Safiya M in Grade 3 La

This is a collection of 14 stories about an absent-minded professor who has five pairs of spectacles. He invents lots of mechanical objects. His friend, Colonel Dedshott, helps him and enjoys tea with him. His housekeeper, Mrs Flittersnoop, helps remember all his stuff. Sometimes there is a lot of trouble. My favourite story was The Fair at Pagwell Green.

Safiya says: "This book was first published in 1933 but I still found it funny. All the stories end happily and Professor Branestawm is a crazy, mad scientist. The inventions are quite outdated, but it is from the olden days."

Book Club Reviews

Clean Break by Jacqueline Wilson

Reviewed by Hannah A

Emily, Vita and Maxi's dad left their mom on Christmas morning. They love their dad very much and miss him a lot but he goes to Scotland. They don't see him for a year but then Emily's granny takes her to get her books signed by her favourite author and she breaks her arm and her dad is there and he takes her to hospital.

Hannah said " I liked this book because it's sad and happy at the same time."

Nim's Island by Wendy Orr

Reviewed by Safiya M

Nim and her scientist father live alone on an island in the middle of the ocean. Her mother died many years ago. They are only connected to earth by a satellite phone and email. Her father goes off to research plankton and does not return on time. She has an animal friend who she talks to. 

Safiya said: "This is a survival story. I liked the book because it was funny and a great adventure. It is a bit far fetched because a girl can't survive alone on an island. This was an excellent book."

The Pony and the Haunted Barn by Jeanne Betancourt

Reviewed by Mckenna R

Pam, Lula and Anna were riding on their ponies to Morristown when they came across a barn. Then they went into the barn and Anna thought that it was haunted. The door slammed but there was no wind. They all though that the barn was freaky and spooky. They went to the library to see what they could find out about the barn and they discovered that they went to the barn on an anniversary of a fire that burnt the barn down. The next day they went to the barn and it was GONE!

Mckenna says: "I loved this book. It was adventurous and very, very interesting. I love the Pony Pals series of books." 

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!!!"

Book Club Reviews #4

Hetty Feather by Jacqueline Wilson

Reviewed by Caitlin L in Grade 7

Little Hetty Feather is not really Hetty Feather...well that's what she thinks. Hetty is a orphan at the Foundling Hospital. But until she's old enough to learn she has gone to live with a foster family.  Her brothers and sisters suddenly start disappearing and for weeks after that Mother is in tears. Before Hetty and her brother Gideon know it, they are swept away to the Foundling Hospital. 'I promise I will look after you Gideon' Hetty thinks but when she is separated from her only friend every thing that seems normal and loving is taken away forever. As Hetty is on the search for her real mom she is swept away on a whirlwind of adventures.

Caitlin says: This was a funny, sad and exciting tale. One minute I would be in tears but the other I would be laughing my head off.

The Magic Puffin by Sue Bentley

Review by  Gina  in Grade 5

The  magic  puffin  is  a  magical   adventure  about  a  little  girl  who  goes  to  visit  her  uncle  and  cousin  on  an  island  where  they  live. She  has  to  live  with  them  while  her  parents   are  at  a  tennis  tournament. She  really  does  not  like  her  cousin  but  in  the  end  it  turns  out  just  fine.  A  little  puffin  gets  blown  off  course  on  his way home from a special mission and lands on their stoop while the little girl was outside getting away from her cousin. The rest of her stay with her uncle and cousin was not so bad because she has her new best friend to keep her company.

Gina says: If you like magical adventures then you will really like this book. I really, really loved this book because it was just so cool. I really could not put it down.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Reviewed by Cassidy in Grade 6

This book is about a bratty girl who moves from her home in India. She moves to England to be with her uncle. She is only allowed to go in certain places but she finds a secret garden. She plants seeds and she tries to make it beautiful again. Then one night she hears crying so she walks down the passage, she gets closer and closer, finally she walks in one of  the rooms and she sees a boy. She finds out that her uncle has a son who is kept hidden because he is thought to be ill. She showed him the secret garden he could not believe his eyes. His father was so happy to see him standing up again. 

Cassidy says : I loved the book it was the best book I've ever read! 

Book Club Reviews #3

The Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell
Reviewed by Gina T

Nikky Maxwell is a new student at WCD Middle School. Nikky has  been  dying  for  a  new  iphone but  instead  her  mom  gets  her  a  new  diary. Nikky  said  she  would  not  write  in  her  diary. But  the  next  day  she  writes  everything. Nikky  has  just  found  out  that  she  has  a  locker  right  next  to  the  most  popular  girl  in  school. Her  name  is Mackenzie she  is  the  meanest  girl  in  school  but  only  to  Nikky. Will things  look  up  for  Nikky  or  will  everything  stay  the  same?

Gina says: "I really  loved  this  book  and I really think all girls would love it as well. But I think all boys would hate it."

Melly, Mrs Ho and Me by Edith Bulbring
Reviewed by Caitlin L

April-May February lives with her dad, Fluffy in Josi . All of a sudden she is given a scholarship to a 'good school' called Trinity College. There she has to deal with her horrible teacher Mrs Ho. She also meets a crazy down to earth girl, Melly,  who is trying very hard to be April's best friend. But as hard as she tried April falls into a bad crowd. But does it really have to take a horrific accident to show April that her best friend is the one who is going to help April survive this uninviting school?

Caitlin says: This book is a fairly comprehensible book. I don't recommend this book to younger readers. But I really enjoyed it.



Lily Alone by Jacqueline Wilson
Reviewed by Siobhan C
 
Lily is an 11 year old girl who has 2 sisters and one brother. The youngest sibling is Pixie and she is 3 years old and there are twins, Bliss and Baxter, who are 6 years old. Their mother is very depressed because all the children have different fathers and all of them have abused her so she left them. Baxter is the only boy in the house and always talks about how much he is like his dad, Mikey. Kate, the mother, found a kind man whose name is Gordon. He works in Spain and took Kate with him for a while and Kate left a message on Mikey's answering machine. Kate leaves the children alone until Mikey comes to look after them. Lily phones Mikey to ask where he is and he says he is on a buisness trip and can't come and look after them which leaves Lily and her siblings alone. Lily could not find anything to do with her siblings so she decided to take them to the park. Bliss found a big hollow tree and they stayed in the tree until something happened to Bliss. Find out what happens in the book...
 
Siobhan says: It was an adventure.

Book Club Reviews #2

Every Wednesday the Bloggers Book Club get together to talk books in the library. Miss Saaiman thinks they have great taste in books and write stunning reviews! If you're interested in joining, be sure to come to the library straight after school on a Wednesday. Bloggers are allowed to take out six books! Plus, they get  first choice if any new books come into the library. And every so often they snacks (yes, that's right they get to eat in the library!) Here are the latest reviews by some of our blogging team....

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Reviewed by Courtney B in Grade 7

This book is about three children. Violet Baudelair,  the oldest of the three,  liked inventing things. Anyone who knew Violet knew that she was thinking about inventing something when she tied her hair up with a long ribbon. Klaus Baudelair, who loved reading books, had nearly read ever book in their parents' library. Last but not least Sunny, the youngest child, found biting things with her four sharp teeth very amusing. In this series many bad things happen to the Baudelair children but their misfortune began on Berny Beach when they were told that their loving parents had perish in a terrible fire that also destroyed their home. Seeing that their parents were dead they were sent to live with their distant relative, Count Olaf, a greedy man that wants to steal their enormous fortune that their parents left behind.The fortune was to go to Violet when she came of age, but Count Olaf was such a bad and evil person that he found a way to steal the Baudelair fortune. Will the Baudelair children find a way to outsmart Count Olaf, or will their hope be lost forever?

Courtney says: I like this book because it is full of mystery and always takes an unexpected turn. When I finished this book I could not wait to read the next book. I recommend this book to people that have a love for mysteries and like the thrill of a good book. 

Clean Break by Jacqueline Wilson

Reviewed by Caitlin L in Grade 7

  

Em, the main character of this book  is an overweight young girl trying to deal with the laughing and teasing of her fellow classmates but everything's OK because she has the best dad in world who she unfortunately has to share with her winning brother and bossy little sister. But when Christmas arrives everyone is certain it's going to be the best Christmas ever...until dad decided to clear off for another women. Nobody in the household ever expected that and they are all heart broken, all except gran that is. Maybe Gran is right. Could this really be a chance for a clean break? Surely not! 

 

Caitlin says: This book is truly magnificent. It brings out a lot of issues that many young girls have to deal with. It's not a heavy story so its perfect for all readers.

Beast Quest: Trillion the Three Headed Lion by Adam Blade

Reviewed by Theo C in Grade 2

The story is about a boy named Tom who has to fight a beast called Trillion,the three headed lion. Another beast named Tagus, the horse man, helped Tom with the fight. When Tom killed Trillion he got golden boots that gave him strength and power.

Theo says: I liked the part when Tagus joined in the battle. I also liked the story. It is so great. I wish I was in the story.

Book Club Reviews

Our Book Club Reviewers have been hard at work reading interesting books to share with you. Here are a few books that they enjoyed...

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
Reviewed by Caitlin in Grade 7

Calder and Petra are two people brought together by the love of puzzles and the fascination of questions without answers. But when a priceless Vermeer painting mysteriously  disappears and the thief is constantly writing letters to the the public threatening to destroy the painting unless  Vermeer's secret life is uncovered. Calder and Petra have too do everything they can to rescue the painting even if it means putting their lives in danger.

Caitlin says: I loved this book.It left me in anticipation right till the end.I recommend this book to those who are interested in misterys and questions with so many never ending,unknown answers.

The Two Princessess of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine

Reviewed by Tanaka in Grade 6

Princess Addie's sister Princess Meryl gets sick with the Grey Death.  Princess Addie decides to go out and find a cure.  But her adventure isn't as easy as she thought it would be...

Tanaka says: "I liked that the book wasn't all about war and killing.  It had a really good message overall."

The Adventure of Super Diaper Baby by Dav Pilkey

Reviewed by Theo in Grade 2

Super Diaper Baby was created when a baby fell into Super Power juice extracted from Captain Underpants. Deputy Dangerous and Danger Dog made inventions to try and steal Captain Underpants' super powers. Danger Dog saves Super Diaper Baby. Diaper Dog and Super Diaper Baby defeat Deputy Dangerous and restore Captain Underpants' powers.

Theo says: "I liked it when Super Diaper Baby and Diaper Dog defeated Deputy Dangerous. I liked that part because Deputy Dangerous went like "Ohhh and eehhhhh and aaahh".