Book Bites Reviews

The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Catling
Review by Justine
A kid eats one piece of chocolate and now everything he puts in his mouth turns to chocolate.

The Light In The Forest by Conrad Richter
Review by Paige
True Son, a frontier boy, raised by Indians is taken back from the Indians by the white people. True Son is taken back to his real parents who he despises. A truly amazing story. I liked this story because it gave a really good history of Indians and white people.

Maus by Art Spiegelman
Review by Tori
A story about a cartoonist who's father tells him the story of when he was a young Jewish man in Germany during World War II. I really liked the art, story and theme and the way the story is presented.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Review by Paige
There is a criminal on the loose outside. Harry goes to Hogwarts and keeps seeing a black dong. It was "The Grim". The killer is after Harry, it seems... My favorite character is Hermione Granger because she is fascinated with spell books and is intelligent. I liked this book because it was fascinating.

The Shadow Cabinet by Maureen Johnson
Review by Tori
Rory is now part of the team and is looking for a stone that could save a friend but could destroy London. My favorite characters are Freddie and Thorpe because she is sometimes annoying, but a smart character and he is a good character. I'm not sure if I liked this book. It was entertaining ans suspenseful but I don't like the main character much.

Chi's Sweet Home by Kanata Konami
Review by Evilynn
A cat lost her mom, a family finds her, other stuff happens. My favorite character is Chi because she is cute and funny. I love this book.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
Review by Paige
Harry goes home for the summer and hasn't received any letters from his friends. Then he meets Dobby the House Elf. Dobby warns Harry Potter not to go back to Hogwarts School. Harry Potter goes to Hogwarts anyway. Then bad stuff starts happening, the Chamber of Secrets has been opened.
Harry is determined to find the person causing this tragedy. My favorite character is Hermione Granger because she is an intelligent witch, but I was a little disappointed she wasn't in this novel as much. I liked this book because it was adventurous and entertaining.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
Review by Tori
Three parallel stories about a proud monkey king, a boy who's strange cousin visits him and a boy who is an outcast until he becomes friends with a boy who will change his life forever. My favorite character is the monkey king and Wong Lai-tsao. The monkey king's character develops a lot and he is funny. And because Wong Lai-tsao is also a very amusing and noble character. I loved this book because I really appreciate the theme (to accept yourself for whomever you are), the art, and even the way the book is written (three parallel stories), and because the story was unpredictable.

Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa
Review by Tori
The Elric brothers are searching for their original bodies. My favorite character is Edward, Izumi, and Oliver Armstrong. I loved this book because it was interesting and original.

Magyk by Angie Sage
Review by Paige
An ordinary wizard family takes in a baby girl when Septimus Heap died. She ended up being the princess. But the Hunter is going to kill her, so she has to run. I liked all the characters because they are funny. I loved this book because it was Magykal.

Also Discussed
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Book Bites Reviews

Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
Review by Paige
The author describes her life and how she came to eat organic and garden grown foods. This memoir is a way of realizing what you set on the table. I liked this book because it gave a different view of organic foods and it was very interesting.

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
Review by Tori
Roy has just moved to Florida and is adjusting to his new school. One day he sees a boy running on the sidewalk outside the bus window, which leads him to discover that a pancake shop is planning to bulldoze and area where burrowing owls live. I liked this book because it was entertaining, funny and moving.

Also Discussed
Hilda and the Troll by Luke Pearson
Fourth Grade Weirdo by Martha Freeman

Book Bites Reviews

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Review by Tori
As Holling Hoodhood enters 7th grade with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, they begin their struggle every Wednesday. My favorite character is Holling Hoodhood because he's the main character and has a lot of personality. I like this book because it was a nice book.

Okay For Now by Gary D. Schmidt
Review by Paige
Doug just moved to "stupid" Marysville, as he calls it now. His life's journey all started when he stared into the eyes of the Arctic Tern. My favorite character is Mrs. Windermere because she is a writer and is determined to finish this play. She is funny and intelligent, and isn't afraid of anyone. I loved this book because it was entertaining to see Doug reach his goals. It was funny, sad, cunning and amazing.

Chi's Sweet Home by Kanata Konami
Reviews by Justine
Chi has a special collar so she does not rub her eye and she gets the collar off. Daddy is over-protective and won't let Chi outside. chi wants to go outside, so Daddy gets a collar and leash. She hates collars, so she breaks free and goes to the park to see her friend Cocchi. She stayed at the water fountain in the park. It got late but Chi still waited. (Cocchi waited before Chi and went to find her.) Cocchi finds Chi and Chi hears Cocchi say he has a free life. Chi eats  street cat food. Chi falls asleep on the sleep and Cocchi tries to wake Chi. Cocchi can't so he gets tired and falls asleep himself. When they wake up they are at Chi's home so Cocchi is confused about what Chi's family does for her (for example, Chi sits and gets food) so Cocchi is astounded.

Z- A novel by Therese Anne Fowler and Jenna Lamia
Review by Tori
Z is about Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of the famous writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, and her relationship with her husband as they embark on a journey that will change their lives forever. I don't really have a preference toward any particular character. I liked this book because it was interesting.

As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley
Review by Paige
Flavia De Luce is going to a Canadian school for girls. She discovers a dead body that falls down the chimney and into her room. Will she discover the murderer? My favorite character is Flavia because she is smart and she knows chemistry. She loves poison! Amazing! i loved this book because it was amazing and Flavia is amazing!

Night by Elie Wiesel
Review by Tori
A 14 year old boy and his father struggle when they are taken to Auschwitz. My favorite character is the main character because of his courage to survive. I loved this book because it was so emotional and moving.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling
Review by Paige
Harry Potter never knew he was a wizard until he received a letter saying he was headed to Hogwarts, a wizard school. He is amazed at the food and magic in the school. My favorite character is Hermione because she is intelligent and knows her spells. Hermione studies and learns through all the wizard and witch books. I loved this book because Harry Potter was a plot propelling and funny book.

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Review by B-liz
Patch tries to go rogue. My favorite character is patch because he is cute. I loved this book because it is fast paced.

Full Metal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa
Review by Paige
Edward and his brother, Al broke the Alchemist rules by trying to bring their mother back to life. But in the process they lost their bodies. My favorite character is Edward because he's funny and hilarious. I liked this book because it was entertaining and funny.

Going Bovine by Libba Bray
Review by Tori
A teenage boy follows the story of Don Quixote when a rare illness changes his destiny forever. My favorite character is Balder because he is hilarious and an entertaining character. I liked this book because it was interesting and it was interesting how the author incorporates Don Quixote. I really like Libba Bray's work!

Also Discussed:
Fairy Tale Comics

Book Bites Reviews

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Alina discovers that she is the Sun Summoner and that she has the potential to save the world. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol
Anya falls down a well and is trapped. She looks around and notices a ghost sitting on it's bones. Anya accidentally stuffed one of the bones in her bag and now the ghost follows her around. The story follows their adventures until the ghost grows to strong. My favorite part of the book was in the beginning when she fell down the well and the ghost talks to her. I recommend this book and I liked it' it was very funny at parts.

Her Majesty's Dog by Mick Takeuchi
Review by Paige
A girl can read spirits and she has a pet demon who eats her life force. My favorite character is the main character because she is a strong character. I liked this book because it was entertaining.

Antigoddess by Kendare Blake
Review by B-liz
Athena and Hermes have to save themselves from the twilight. My favorite character is Athena because she is a warrior and she's smart. I liked this book because it was action packed.

Chime by Franny Billingsley
Review by Tori
Briony believes she is a witch, and hates herself for it. She lives a lonely life, secluded from her town. When suddenly her sister comes down with the Swamp Cough. Will she live? My favorite character is Briony because I can identify with her love of the outdoors. She is a strong character. I loved this book because it was well written.

Everyday Angel: New Beginnings by Victoria Schwab
Review by Justine
Aria is a Guardian Angel. Her mission is Gabby. My favorite character is Aria but I don't know why.

Other's Title's Discussed
The Name Of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch

Book Bites Reviews

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Review by Hannah
Thomas is a 16 year old boy who wakes up in a maze-like structure called the Glade.

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter
Review by B-liz
Alice and her family are never allowed outside after dark. This causes Alice to spend all day outside instead. On Alice's birthday her sister asks her to go to her recital. They go and all zombies breaks loose!! My favorite character is Cole because he is hot and a zombie slayer. I loved this book because it was full of action.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Review by Paige
Catniss Everdeen is the girl on fire. She has to go through the Hunger Games once more because of her berry stunt with Peeta. Will she survive? My favorite character is Finnick because he makes the story funny and easygoing. I loved this book because ti was action packed and funny.

Also discussed:
The Curse of the Pharaoh by Elizabeth Peters.

Book Bites Reviews

These books were read and reviewed by the members of our Book Bites group.They are in grades 4-6 and choose their own books to read.

Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick
Review by Hannah
Peter Friedman is a freshman whose life is baseball. The summer before, he injured his arm causing him to never be able to play baseball again. His best friend AJ doesn't know the whole truth, but Peter eventually tells him with the help of Angelika. My favorite character is Angelika because she is really good at photography and she's nice to Peter even when he gets angry. The best quote of the book is right on the inside cover, "Sometimes life's greatest accomplishments take place off the field." I loved this book because I can somewhat relate to the subject (problems with friends and sports) and it's written by one of my favorite authors.

Good As Lily by Derek Kirk and Jesse Hamm
Review by Paige
It's Grace's birthday and this old lady comes up and sells her a pinata and that evening she meets her selves when she is 6 years old, 29 years old and 70 years old. My favorite character is Grace because she is funny and sensible. I liked this book because the theme is really good.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
Review by Tori
A philosophical book about life. I don't know who my favorite character is because there's really only one character. I liked this book because it is interesting.

Ramona The Pest by Beverly Cleary
Review by Justine
Ramona goes to kindergarten and makes mistakes, mischief and learns new things. My favorite character is Ramona because I like her adventurism and silly business. I hated when Ramona and Howie fight over a piece of ribbon.

Chosen by P.C. Cast
Review by B-liz
Zoe has to deal with very many issues. My favorite character is Nala because she's a cat. I loved this book because it's funny and sad.

Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer
Review by Paige
Mary Jackie Faber went on a ship disguised as a boy adn went through many adventures. My favorite character is Jacky Faber because she is strong and funny. I loved this book because it was adventurous.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith
The original Pride and Prejudice in zombie form. My favorite character is Elizabeth because she is awesome. I liked this book because it was funny.

After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick
Review by B-liz
Jeff and his friend battle the results of their cancer. My favorite part was when all the kids rebelled on the test. If you like a heartwarming story, you'll like this.