Student Book Reviews
Looking for a new great book to read? Look no further. Here you will find book reviews written by students for students. If we don't have the book that you want in our class library, let me know and we can find a copy for you! Enjoy!
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
★★★★★
After Melinda Sordino goes to a wild party the summer before freshman year, a traumatic incident leaves her devastated. The first year of high school becomes tormenting as she gets shunned in school for busting the party, and resorts to distancing herself from others and barely talking. Her parents and teachers think she remains silent to gain attention. She will have no one to tell what happened to her. No one will listen. As the year goes by, nothing will change. It will get worse, which is when Melinda will have to speak up.
My Thoughts on the Book-
I loved the book! It was very powerful and honest. It made me feel close to Melinda’s character. The way it was written felt like a real person’s childhood memories. The book really spoke to me as a young girl (though I’m sure boys will like it, too) and inspired me to speak up more and act kindly and respect others. The story just has so much emotion and significance to what happens today. You will cry, laugh, smile, and grimace through reading it.
-Aleia
After Melinda Sordino goes to a wild party the summer before freshman year, a traumatic incident leaves her devastated. The first year of high school becomes tormenting as she gets shunned in school for busting the party, and resorts to distancing herself from others and barely talking. Her parents and teachers think she remains silent to gain attention. She will have no one to tell what happened to her. No one will listen. As the year goes by, nothing will change. It will get worse, which is when Melinda will have to speak up.
My Thoughts on the Book-
I loved the book! It was very powerful and honest. It made me feel close to Melinda’s character. The way it was written felt like a real person’s childhood memories. The book really spoke to me as a young girl (though I’m sure boys will like it, too) and inspired me to speak up more and act kindly and respect others. The story just has so much emotion and significance to what happens today. You will cry, laugh, smile, and grimace through reading it.
-Aleia
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter has lived 11 years alone under the stairs of #4 Private drive with his retched relatives the Dursleys. Mysterious letters have been arriving to the Dursleys the week prior to Harry’s 12th birthday. On Harrys 12th birthday he is visited by a so called “Wizard” named Hagrid. Hagrid informs Harry of who he truly is and the truth about the murder of his parents by he-who-must-not-be-named. Harry is also informed that he has been accepted to Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. Through his first year at Hogwarts Harry discovers that the potions professor does not like him, he learns quidditch, saves his friend from a troll, faces the attempted comeback of he-who-must-not-be-named and much more. If you are looking for a series that will stick with you forever read Harry Potter.
-Taylor
-Taylor
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
College.. writing.. twin sister.. Simon and Baz. Yes all of these is the typical life of Cath. Cath just opened her new life into drama in college. Her sister not wanting to be with her is even more challenging, Cath has been surrounded with challenges everywhere alone. School and her love life are challenges Cath need to face. At least she has her fans who follow her on her fanfiction account and read her story’s. Will Cath survive this college madness?
Read this story to find out who Cath really is.
-Jolyna
Read this story to find out who Cath really is.
-Jolyna
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
★★★★★
Hold on tight, as you enter the mind of Christopher Boone and follow along with him on a mystery adventure outside of his comfort zone. He is a master in math, has trouble interpreting a person’s feelings, and does not like being touched. As he tries to investigate his neighbor’s pet dog's death, he also discovers news about his mother and the secrets his father is hiding from him.
My Thoughts-
I absolutely loved the book. Christopher is such an interesting character that is heart-warming, courageous, and determined. I felt like he was very relatable, even though his situations were so extraordinary and bold in his eyes. He made me realize a lot of things about the way people act and made me understand and appreciate the way peoples’ minds work. He is so genuine and intriguing that I rarely put the book down.
-Aleia
Hold on tight, as you enter the mind of Christopher Boone and follow along with him on a mystery adventure outside of his comfort zone. He is a master in math, has trouble interpreting a person’s feelings, and does not like being touched. As he tries to investigate his neighbor’s pet dog's death, he also discovers news about his mother and the secrets his father is hiding from him.
My Thoughts-
I absolutely loved the book. Christopher is such an interesting character that is heart-warming, courageous, and determined. I felt like he was very relatable, even though his situations were so extraordinary and bold in his eyes. He made me realize a lot of things about the way people act and made me understand and appreciate the way peoples’ minds work. He is so genuine and intriguing that I rarely put the book down.
-Aleia
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
In the book Uglies by Scott Westerfeld,Tally Young-blood has always wanted to be a pretty,but when her new friend Shay steps in Tally has more questions of what being a pretty really means than ever. Shay doesn't want to be pretty-she wants to be ugly forever.To make sure of that Shay runs away,she offers Tally to come with,but Tally says no. On the day Tally is suppose to be pretty,the authorities find out that Shay is gone, they threaten Tally of her chance of beauty. They tell her that if she doesn't find Shay and bring her back that she will never be beautiful. So,Tally has a choice bring her friend back to the one thing she is trying to get away from or stay ugly (the one thing that she wants to get away from ) forever...
-Estella
-Estella
Holes by Louis Sachar
It is a about a boy who is caught by the police because he found shoes but they were stolen shoes for a store and he is in court has to choose from juvie or camp green lake. He chose camp Green Lake. The camp was not what he had expected. that he find one thing is important to the history of that camp he found it by digging holes.
Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts
The book Dark Inside is about 4 kids named Michael, Mason, Aries, and finally Clementine. These 4 kids are experiencing the world ending. These 4 kids experience not the same thing but different variety of death. World ending started for them from tragic moments and then boom! Earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. start coming. Will these 4 kids survive? Will they meet each other and save humanity? Will these kids die or survive? If you want to know the answers to these questions I suggest you read the book. The recommendation I give for this book is a 5 star.
-Sneha
-Sneha
The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
The Titans Curse is the third part of Percy Jackson and The Olympians series. The Titans Curse is about Percy, Grover, Anabeth, and Thalia find 2 more half bloods. They go on a quest to save a god named Artemis and then Anabeth gets lost at the same time so Percy has to save 3 things Artemis, Anabeth, and the gods. Does Percy save the world and his friends?Does Percy save his friends? Do we find out who the 2 half bloods are? If you want to know I recommend you this book and I give a 5 star to this book.
-Sneha
-Sneha
The School For Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
The Book I have been reading is called The school for Good and Evil. This book is about two girls named Sophie and Agatha. Sophie and Agatha soon discover that they will be students attending The school were ordinary girls and boys are going to be taught as being heroes or villains. With pretty dresses, nice shoes and good deeds Sophie knows she would get into the school of good. While magic spells, curses, and a evil cat we sure know Agatha would be in the school of evil. But when the two girls are token in the endless and found the school. They find there wishes reverse Sophie is dropped in The school of evil to take uglification, death curses. While Agatha is dropped in The school of good to take animal communication. Do you think this is just a mistake or Do you think Agatha and Sophie can find out their true personality?
-Jolyna
-Jolyna
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
★★★★★
About the Book-
In this book, the adventures of young Jeannette Walls takes you on a thrilling and exciting ride through the memories of her childhood, like no other. She lived a life in poverty and moving a lot. Her father, big at heart, but cruel and harsh when drunk (which was most of the time) cared for the children and fed their minds with stories and knowledge. Soon, he altogether became unkind and viscous to them. Her mother loved art and tried to help her family, thinking her hard life was only an adventure. As Jeannette gets older, her parents follow her to the expensive city of New York, where they choose to be homeless and scavenge on the wasted food of the city. Jeannette grows embarrassed by them and wants to help them. One day, her mother comes to her asking for one million dollars. Later, she find out that her mom owned a piece of land that would’ve solved all the financial problems they had a long time ago.
What I Loved About It-
It’s amazing that a woman’s simple childhood story can transport you to a time where it was all dreams and tell. Her perspective on her family’s struggles and imperfections at a young age only seem innocent and unknowing. I loved the free feeling and careless life the author describes while she’s young.
Cry Level:Waterfalls-
The story has such inspiring and touching moments where I really broke down. They really care for each other and do crazy things and the experiences they have together really strikes you. I recommend this book to anyone that just wants a good book to sit back with and enjoy its uniqueness.
-Aleia
About the Book-
In this book, the adventures of young Jeannette Walls takes you on a thrilling and exciting ride through the memories of her childhood, like no other. She lived a life in poverty and moving a lot. Her father, big at heart, but cruel and harsh when drunk (which was most of the time) cared for the children and fed their minds with stories and knowledge. Soon, he altogether became unkind and viscous to them. Her mother loved art and tried to help her family, thinking her hard life was only an adventure. As Jeannette gets older, her parents follow her to the expensive city of New York, where they choose to be homeless and scavenge on the wasted food of the city. Jeannette grows embarrassed by them and wants to help them. One day, her mother comes to her asking for one million dollars. Later, she find out that her mom owned a piece of land that would’ve solved all the financial problems they had a long time ago.
What I Loved About It-
It’s amazing that a woman’s simple childhood story can transport you to a time where it was all dreams and tell. Her perspective on her family’s struggles and imperfections at a young age only seem innocent and unknowing. I loved the free feeling and careless life the author describes while she’s young.
Cry Level:Waterfalls-
The story has such inspiring and touching moments where I really broke down. They really care for each other and do crazy things and the experiences they have together really strikes you. I recommend this book to anyone that just wants a good book to sit back with and enjoy its uniqueness.
-Aleia
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
This book takes place during the Great Depression, and is about a 10-year-old buy, Bud, who doesn’t like being called Buddy! Ever since his mother died he has been in an orphanages and foster homes. He has very few items of his mother, but he does have her bag of rocks, a photo of her, and flyers of a jazz band. Once he escapes a foster home where he was locked in a shed for hitting the son of his fosters parents because the kid started punching and kicking him, he runs away in search of his father, who he believes is in a jazz band from his mothers flyers, he is supposed to be located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During his 120 ile adventure he gets lifts and meets interesting people, who give him baloney sandwiches and red pops that had plenty of fishes because of his eagerness to drink it. I enjoyed this book a lot because it includes a lot of historical information and has an interesting plot because Bud is so determined to find his father.
-Bethany
-Bethany
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
This story begins with Maggie a 12-year-old and her dad, Mo. It begins with foreshadowing about Mo’s secret ability, by saying that he never reads aloud to her. She later figures out his power when an old friend comes by, Dustfinger needing the help of Mo. This when she discovers that her dad read out loud when Maggie was a small child, a book named Inkheart with Maggie’s mother Resa, once he read at loud, characters came out of the book and into the real world, this included an evil villain Capricorn, his most loyal henchman, and a fire-eater, Dustfinger, and this also made Resa disappear into the Inkworld. Dustfinger comes back for the help of Mo, because Capricorn is on a mission on destroying all the Inkheart book copies and using Silertongue’s (Mo) special abilities to become more powerful in the real world! With the help of Meggie’s aunt, Elinor and (Resa’s older sister) Dustfinger, they decide to destroy Capricorn and rescue Resa, but in exchange Dustfinger also wants to be read back into the Inkworld, that he hasn’t been in for 10 years. I really like this book because I enjoy science-fiction a lot and I like characters and their personalities.
-Bethany
-Bethany
Divergent by Veronica Roth
In a futuristic dystopian Chicago, you grow up in one of the five factions society is divided into. Abnagation the selfless, Dauntless the brave, Amity the kind, Erudite the intelligent, or Candor the honest. Every year every sixteen year old has to chose. For Beatris Prior the options are clear, stay with her family or be who she really is. So she chooses what she thinks is right but surprises everyone including herself. If you like a good action emotional roller coaster book go check it out.
-Ana
-Ana
Gone by Michael Grant
The book Gone is the first book of six. The story starts off with Sam Temple sitting at his desk. The teacher is teaching at the front and then POOF! She’s GONE. They checked their homes and soon realized that everyone fifteen and older was gone. The kids of Perdido Beach started raiding grocery stores taking all the candy, soda, and chips they wanted. But they don't realize pretty soon they won't have any food left. Sam Temple gets chosen to be the leader of the city. The city hits rock bottom when kids start to get sick, hunger thrives, and decisions have to be made. Sam Temple can’t handle it all and his birthday is coming up. He’s going to be turning 15 and he doesn't know what’s going to happen.
I recommend this book because it shows how kids try to survive by themselves and important adults really are.
-Sarina
I recommend this book because it shows how kids try to survive by themselves and important adults really are.
-Sarina
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
The book AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS ,by Gennifer Choldenko. First,a boy named Moose Flanagan and his sister and mom went to an island that is infamous, Alcatraz. They went to Alcatraz island because their dad works as a guard. Moose knows that Alcatraz is a very bad place so he keeps his sister, Natalie safe around Alcatraz island. He meets a lot of people but Moose never met any of the cons like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly,but he met the wardens daughter. She plans schemes that one day she might be a criminal!
After a few days of living in Alcatraz, Moose gets very worried because his sister Natalie was talking to a stranger. Therefore Moose wants to leave the island because it was very dangerous for the family. He doesn’t know who the stranger is but will he know? Is it piper or the cons, who knows read the book and you will know what happens with the family.
My opinion of this book was okay but interesting too and I recommend this book to everyone some people might like and some people might not. I also rank this book from 1-5 I rank it 3 and the genre of this book is Historical fiction.
-Sneha
After a few days of living in Alcatraz, Moose gets very worried because his sister Natalie was talking to a stranger. Therefore Moose wants to leave the island because it was very dangerous for the family. He doesn’t know who the stranger is but will he know? Is it piper or the cons, who knows read the book and you will know what happens with the family.
My opinion of this book was okay but interesting too and I recommend this book to everyone some people might like and some people might not. I also rank this book from 1-5 I rank it 3 and the genre of this book is Historical fiction.
-Sneha
The Son Of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus Book 2) by Rick Riordan
The second book of The hero of Olympus is here. This book is about Percy jackson loses his memory through wolves attacking him people killing him. When this all is happening percy travels to a camp to help someone that he does not know.When he gets to camp jupiter he does not know anything then he gets to be on a quest throughout this quest he only remembers Annabeth. Will he get his memory back? Will he succeed on his quest? Will he get back to his real home? If you think what I said was really interesting then read this book and see what happens to Percy.
-Sneha
-Sneha
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
This book is about a girl who has a tough time with her life and Esperanza Rising is about how she outcomes her life with a really tough time. Will she survive with her tough life? If you want to know what happens read this amazing book.
-Sneha
-Sneha