Book Bites Reviews

The Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters
Review by Tori
Amelia Peabody, after her father passes away, sets out on a journey through Egypt where her fate is change  by a seeming random chance meeting. My favorite character is Amelia Peabody, for her wit, intelligence and carefree manners. I really like this book because it incorporates history and Egyptology into a suspenseful mystery. I would recommend this book for readers interested in mysteries and Egypt.

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey
Review by Paige
Evan Walker is thought to be dead, but is he really? He promised Cassiopeia that he would come back, so they stay in an abandoned hotel and wait. But the hotel came under attack. My favorite character is Cass because she is strong willed and thinks before she acts. I liked this book. It made me laugh at some parts and cry at others. Rick Yancey writes this novel very well, throwing readers through and emotional ride. I recommend this book to reader s who like suspenseful books.

Book Bites Reviews:

The Round House by Louise Erdrich
Review by Tori
This book is about a boy whose mom gets attacked at the round house on an Indian Reservation in North Dakota. Round House is a coming of age novel about the injustices of law. I liked this book because of its honest descriptions of people's lives in a world that is not altogether charming and cheerful. I enjoyed the author's style of omitting quotation marks because the dialogue between characters was very fluid and easy to read. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a story about the relationships between people. Round House is a moving emotional novel with many interesting themes intertwined throughout the story.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexi
Review by Paige
Junior, a boy who lives on an Indian Reservation is trying to find hope in a school where he is the only Indian. Now he is an outcast in the reservation and shunned by his best friend Rowdy. He has a very difficult time fitting in, but then everything changes. I like this book because it was hilarious. The author has a very good sense of humor. You should read this book because it is a page turner, and a funny book.

Watership Down by Richard Adams
Review by Paige
Fiver has the ability to see the future, and when he has seen that the warren is going to be invaded by humans, he tells his brother, Hazel, that they need to leave. They go to the Threarah (the leader of the warren) and tell him that there will be a disaster in the warren if they did not find a different place to go. The Threarah does not listen to this "story" of theirs. Hazel and Fiver decide they are going to go without the warren when they are leaving, Bigwig (a guard to the warren) tells them he is going with them. Bigwig also has many other rabbits that are coming with Hazel and Fiver on their adventures. The problem is that they need to start a new warren in order to survive, but they do not have any doe's, so they do not have any kits to let the warren thrive. So they have to travel to another warren to find more rabbits. My favorite characters are Hazel, Dandelion, and Black berry because Hazel is a very responsible leader, but he can be reckless too. Dandelion is my favorite character because he is loyal, but also he is adventurous. Blackberry is my favorite because he is intelligent and an exceptional differ. I loved this book because the author does an amazing job writing from the perspective of rabbits.

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Unmapped Sea by Mary Rosewood
Review by Tori
The mystery continues when the Ashton family takes an unlikely visit to the beach in January, where Penelope and the three incorrigible children meet the crude and insufferable Babuhanovs. My favorite characters are the incorrigible children because they are funny and adventurous. I liked this book because it was an easy read and humorous.

Hilda: The Bird Parade by Luke Pearson
Review by Tori
The book is about a girl's adventures in a city, that at first seems strange and unappealing, but then as Hilda becomes acquainted with a bird who can't remember who he is the story begins to unravel in a quest to find Hilda's home. My favorite characters is the raven because he is funny and I liked how he is drawn in the graphic novel. I liked this book because I like how the author draws and it's a nice story to sit down and read through.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Review by Tori
This book is about a girl, Scout and her childhood in a seemingly peaceful Southern town where a court case decides the fate of their futures. My favorite character is Scout because I can relate to her in some ways and because her character is interesting. I mostly loved this book because it's themes are intriguing, the story is enjoyable to read, and it's very suspenseful at times (especially during the court case.)

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Review by Paige
This book is about Guy Montag, a fireman who burns books and the houses they are found in. He had not realized what he was doing until he met Clarisse. Clarisse made him question everything, made him notice what he hadn't noticed before. Finally. he knew what the flames were doing to society. I like this book because it gave a different perspective on knowledge. You should read this book because there were many questions that are asked, and it was very descriptive.

Other titles discussed:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
Half Magic by Edward Eager
The Landry News by Andrew Clements

Book Bites Reviews

The Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce
Review by Paige
Alanna, after forgiving Johnathan, goes to find the jewel that will bring peace and luck to the palace. While she waits for the blizzards to subside, she meets Liam Ironarm, who is a Shang Warrior. Liam and Alanna eventually fall in love, but something happens when she goes to receive the jewel. My favorite character is Alanna because she was determined to become a knight. I liked this book because it was a nice little story.

Wind Sand and Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Review by Cleo
This book is about aviation and it is the story of the author. They are the adventures of the author during his life when he piloted a plane. It is a biographic story. My favorite character is Guillaumet, the best friend of the author. He is my favorite character because he is courageous. I liked this book because the author's accidents are very interesting, but I disliked that this book is a little messy.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Review by Tori
A story about a boy and his relationship with his dogs and the struggles they face. My favorite character is Ann because she is smart. I both liked and disliked this book.

From the Earth To The Moon by Jules Verne
Review by Cleo
This book is about a first trip to the moon. Five people ask them about how to get to the moon and all the complications of the trip. My favorite character is Maston because he is childlike. He is faithful to his friend and he is an innocent person. I liked this book.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Review by Tori
A pilot crashes in the middle of the desert where he finds a little prince wandering. Through the book the pilot relays the prince's story of how he found his way from his very tiny planet to the deserts of Africa. My favorite character is the drunkard and the people from the six planets the little prince visits because he/they are ironic. I liked this book because it was interesting and I enjoyed the pictures.

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
Review by Paige
Penelope is a governess who has to raise three wolf children; Alexander, Cassiopeia, and Beowulf. She has to teach the children everything they need to know. My favorite character is Penelope because she is curious and doesn't take no for an answer. I liked this book because it was a nice little story and was entertaining.

Other Titles Discussed
Red Riding Hood, Superhero by Otis Frampton
Ribsy by Beverly Cleary

Book Bites Reviews

Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Review by Tori
Where she went is a book about relationships, how people deal with what is reasonable and what is emotionally right, and about how the decisions we make ultimately affect those around us. I like this book because it was interesting and complex in the emotions it evoked while reading it. You can read this book if you want to but not everyone would think it their "cup of tea."

A Great And Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Review by Paige
Jemma starts having visions after her mother's death. She goes to a boarding school in London and meets a young man named Cartie who tells her to stop having visions. But she can't control her visions, and she starts following clues leading to a dazzling conclusion. I like this book because it was entertaining and the love story wasn't the whole book. You should read this book because I liked the main character's view of everything.

Also discussed
Uncle Scrooge
The London Eye by Tim Lebbon

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