Archive for the 'Book Reviews' Category

Guest Review | ‘Dead Puzzling’ by Sue Birch

Dead Puzzling
Sue Birch
YouWriteOn, March 1, 2009
ISBN: 184923891X
Genre: Fiction

My mum bought me “Dead Puzzling” by Sue Birch. I love reading and really enjoy the Charlie Bone series and The Famous Five. I loved this book because it was a really thrilling story with lots of cliff hangers. I was trying to solve the mystery all the way through but I was ‘dead puzzled’! When I reached the end of the book and discovered the truth it all fell into place.

My favourite character was Oliver. I read this book in one go – for about the first few pages I didn’t quite get it but then WOW I couldn’t put it down and just had to get to the end (even though I should have been asleep!).

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Guest Review | ‘Cousins’ by Virginia Hamilton

Cousins
Virginia Hamilton
Scholastic Paperbacks, January 1992
ISBN: 0590454366
Genre: Fiction

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

One interesting thing about the book, is how much Cammy hated her cousin. I have never experienced that. I think it was not nice.

I like this book, because of how much Cammy loved her grandmother.

Reviewed by Zion
Elementary School, NC

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Review | God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

God’s Dream
Written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu & Douglas Carlton Abrams
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Candlewick Press, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3388-2

Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Everyone – young, old, big and small have dreams. But have you ever wondered what does God dream about? Well, Archbishop Desmond Tutu sets out to answer this question for young readers in his new picture book, God’s Dream, that he co-authored with Internationally renowned author, Douglas Carlton Abrams.

So what does God dream about? continue reading

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Guest Review | ‘She Wanted to Read: The Story of Mary McLeod Bethune by Ella Kaiser Carruth

'She Wanted to Read: The Story of Mary McLeod Bethune' by Ella Kaiser Carruth

She Wanted to Read: The Story of Mary McLeod Bethune
Ella Kaiser Carruth
Pocket Books, June 1977
ISBN: 0671298615
Genre: Biography

When Mary was little, white girls told her to put the book down that it was only for people that could read.

I like the story because Mary was a leader. I like that Mary helped others to learn.

Reviewed by Toviel
Elementary School, NC

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She Wanted to Read: The Story of Mary McLeod Bethune


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Guest Review | ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ by Sue Monk Kidd

The Secret Life of Bees
Sue Monk Kidd
Reading Level: YA & Adult
Genre: Fiction Novel

In this book a 14-year old girl looses her mother and now a group of people help her find out it’s okay to bee sad but sometimes you have to bee happy.

I liked this book because it’s a great book for kids 14+ and it’s great for kids whose lost someone important in their lives.

Reviewed by Amber, Guest Reviewer
Middle School, VA

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Review | The Report Card by Andrew Clements

The Report Card
Written by Andrew Clements
Reading Level: Ages: 9 – 12

Rating: 5

Reviewed by Josh, Guest Reviewer

In the story, The Report Card, there’s a main character named Nick, he is a bad effort student. He has gotten straight D’s and one C. There’s a list of things that people did around Nick, and those were… Nick had a group of grown-ups, or should I say teachers thinking about his grades. The group of teachers were all convinced that Nick didn’t know anything, but when you read this book you’ll find out that Nick is different than that. Nick’s mom even got so upset about Nick’s Report Card, she cried and she couldn’t say a word. Also Nick’s dad was even more upset about the report card, He was so upset, that he wanted to punch someone. Now guess what the teachers have to do now on Nick, EVALUATON TESTS.
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Review | Arthur and Me by Allen B. Boyer

Arthur Ashe and Me
Written by Allen B. Boyer
Reading Level: Ages 9 – 12

Rating: 5

Review by Beth, Guest Reviewer

I like this book because it was a good mystery. This girl was a real good tennis player and she just quit playing and no one knew why. Then she gets a job at a tennis club and meets the ghost of Arthur Ashe. They become friends and he helps her with a problem that’s keeping her from playing tennis.

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Review | Coomacka Island: The Story of Spider & Ant by Don P. Hooper

Coomacka Island: The Story of Spider & Ant
Written by Don P. Hooper
Illustrated by Darnel Degand
Reading Level: All Ages

Rating: 5 

Reviewed by Derrick, Guest Reviewer

A colorful story that teaches children about sharing, working together, and the important of community. I purchased this book for my niece and nephew, and they enjoyed the narrative and the colorful graphics. This story has quickly become one of their favorites. I highly recommend this to anyone with small children.

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Review | A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson by Michelle Y. Green

A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson
Written by Michelle Y. Green
Reading Level: Ages: 9 – 12

Rating: 5 

Reviewed by Amber, Guest Reviewer

I think this is a good book, for girls who want to play sports. I don’t think girls should be turned down for playing sports because they are girls. My friend Breanoh Evans wanted to play football because she thinks it’s fun but the boys say she can’t play. How would you feel if somebody turned you down because you were a girl?

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Review | A Hole in My Heart by Edward Booker & Rose Jackson-Beavers

A Hole In My Heart
Written by Edward Booker & Rose Jackson-Beavers
Reading Level: Young Adult

Rating: 5 

Reviewed by Adeesha, Guest Reviewer

15 year old Edward Booker teams with Rose Jackson-Beavers to write a book to help parents, teachers and children to understand the impact of drugs on the family.

This book shows the way that drugs hurt the whole family. Thirteen year old Darrius goes through so many problems and pains while living with his grandmother. His mother is a drug abuser, yet she loves her children and comes around often. Darrius confides in his best friend Nathan how much it hurts to see his mother in this condition. He also confides in his aunt Javia who gets help for him through counseling. This book has recieved many great reviews.

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