The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie

What would you like to tell us about the book?

 This book is one of my summer reading books, so I thought I'd try it out. This book was so good, and really made me think about Indian Reservations. This topic is not something I'd usually think about. Arnold (main character) has trouble at high school. All he wants is to be known and popular! The tone of his skin and his identity doesn't help much. While Arnold strives in high school, his family is having trouble. Read this book!!!!

- Isabella, 8th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Goosebumps:The Creature Teacher, R.L. Stine

What would you like to tell us about the book?

 Even though this Goosebumps book is short, and an easy read for middle schoolers, I found this book hilarious, wanting more. Tommy's family is full of winners, everone has won at least once. Except Tommy. The only solution: Send Tommy to Winner Camp. This camp is only for winners, and NO LOSERS leave. At least not alive. This book holds me in an expected suspense, waiting to find out if Tommy will survive the final exam.

- Isabella, 8th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?


This book is INTENSE. I would recommend it to mature people, probably in later years of high school. This book Is about a girl named Gemma who gets abducted by Ty. The book hows her struggle for survival. Its a really sad book but I couldn't put it down.


-Shira, 8th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Scarlett Epstein Hates it Here by Anna Breslaw

What would you like to tell us about the book?


This book was okay. It didn't really have much of a plot. I thought that only some of the characters seemed lovable and the ending didn't really explain much.


-Shira, 8th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Steve Jobs: Insanely Great by Jessie Hartland

Which minor character in this book would you like to know more about? If there were a whole book about them, what would it be called


This was an inspiring story about a boy who invented Apple Computers, iPods, iPhones, iPads and more.

I REALLY want to learn more about Chrisann, the old girlfriend of Steve's with whom he had a baby but then leaves. I wonder what happened to Chrisann!


What else is new?


This book was recommended by my school.

-Julia, 6th grade, Cambridge Friends School

In The Unlikely Event by Judy Blume

What would you like to tell us about the book?


Some may say this book is for adults, but since it includes teenagers and their life, I consider it to be a YA book. If you already have a fear of airplanes, then I suggest you not read this book. On the otherhand, if you love the intensity of man made tragedies, this is the one for you. This book is based on a true story about a seires of plane crashes that happened in Elizabeth, New Jersey.


-Isabella, 8th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

What would you like to tell us about the book?


Afterworlds is a suprisingly good book about an author who wrote a paranormal love story. Switching off chapters, one about Darcy (the author) and her life, the other telling the story Darcy wrote. Darcy has trouble with a love for another author, and trouble finding the perfect ending for her paranormal romance. This might sound funny, but this book made me want to have powers to see ghosts.


-Isabella, 8th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo

Which minor character in this book would you like to know more about? If there were a whole book about them, what would it be called?


This was an amazing story about a girl and two friends. It is truly a friendship story, but all of the characters had problems that they wanted to fix (well, except Beverly), and they each wanted to enter a contest to do so.

I would like to know more about Isabelle, one of the residents at the Golden Glen. I want to know more about her backstory- she may have lost her memory now that she is elderly, but I want to be able to ask her about her childhood. She seems like a really interesting person.


What else is new?


This book was the most recent book we were supposed to read for our book club!

-Julia, 6th grade, Cambridge Friends School

Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash

If someone liked this book, what other books should they read?


This graphic novel is about a girl who learns that she is a lesbian at her all-girls camp one year. This story inspires you to be yourself, be adventurous, and most importantly- make new friends.

If you like this book, you might like George, Drama or El Deafo. Those all are stories about being yourself, and I am pretty sure all of them are true stories about the author's experience.




What else is new?
I really like graphic novels!

-Julia, 6th grade, Cambridge Friends School

DC Comics: (Secret Hero Society) Study Hall of Juystice by Derek Fridolfs

What would you like to tell us about this book?


In this book, Batman (Bruce) is introduced first. But, we aren't told what grade he is entering ( Guessing middle school), or how old he is. But, he soon meets Clark (Superman), and Dianna (Super Woman), as new friends. All the bad guys are bullies, and a few are teachers, and something mysterious is happening around the principal's office, with his mysterious figure, almost like a shadow...


-Emie, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Curses! Foiled Again by Jane Yolen

What books would you recommend to the main character of the book and why?


I would recommend Fencing Strategy books.
Why? Well, because she has a powerful talent, and her coach might take her to nationals (For fencing of course).


-Emie, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord by Sarah J. Maas

What would you like to tell us about the book?

The assassin and the pirate lord was a very short read, I read it in just an hour. I did not enjoy it, it was just too much things crammed together in one book.

-7th grade

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Stewart

What would you like to tell us about the book?

Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?

This question alerts tons of kids to take a test that has crazy questions, and only four people prevail with their resourcefulness, and all of them have secrets about their fears and parentage; Constance has a secret about her age.

These four little children are sent on a dangerous mission to spy on a peaceful school that has dreadful plans to take over the world by sending messages into people's minds.

The problem is, it's going to be a little hard to spy, because Mr. Benedict and Milligan have a few secrets of their own...

-Bruce, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

What would you like to tell us about the book?

Kronos has risen. Typhon has exploded from his mountain. Pegasi land on Toyota Prius's. As usual, it's a normal month for Percy Jackson, with titans trying to destroy the world and let all of chaos brake loose.

But Kronos has a spie at camp, and it doesn't help that the best fighters won't go to fight in the war because of a stupid flying war chariot. Even worse, Percy has to yell, "Command sequence, Daedalus 23!! Kill flying pigs!! Begin activation!!" At stone statues.
The demigods are fighting a losing battle, and all of the best fighters on their side are hiding or too stubborn to join the battle. Even worse, somehow Kronos is invincible.

So to stop Kronos, Percy has to follow in his footsteps...

-Bruce, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

The Battle of The Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

What would you like to tell us about the book?

When Percy goes to his new school, he finds his old friend Rachael there plus some new surprise monsters and an angry girlfriend. New and old enemies are found in The Battle of The Labyrinth, but they get confronted in their body parts. Besides, I don't think Kronos likes getting hit in the eye with a plastic hairbrush...

It's up to Percy to stop Kronos from rising while helping Grover in his quest to find a god named after a metal cooking device, Pan.

-Bruce, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Spy Camp by Stuart Gibbs

What would you like to tell us about the book?

Spy Camp is the amazing sequel to: Spy School.... When Ben thinks he's finally free of spying for the summer two things come making him regret going to spy school the first, a note saying he needs to go to spy camp and a note from the evil organization of book one saying "either he works for them or he dies" again there's a mole, in camp and again ERICA!! Will he live and cacth the mole ( again?)

-Valentina, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

What would you like to tell us about the book?

This book is about a regular boy named Ben that gets in to a spy school but with the help of Erica ( one of the best students) he figures out he is being used as bait, to the mole who wants to kill him! Will he survive catch the mole and prove to every one he was ment to be in the school? Well... you'll have to read to find out

-Valentina, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

What would you like to tell us about the book?


I love Harry Potter so I decided to reread it, for those of you who didn't even read the first one our missing a lot (so you should probably start reading it) its an amazing book by an amazing author.About the boy who lived (named Harry Even Potter) and his best friendsHermione Jean Granger and Ron Blilius Weasley.


What else is new?


I AM GOING TO A PARTY TO GET THE NEW HARRY POTTER!!!!!!


-Valentina, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Children of Alcatraz by Clair Rudolph Murphy

What would you like to tell us about the book?


Its a really good way to learn about the history of alcatraz having previously read: Alcapone Does My Homework ( a historical fiction book about kids that lived on alcatraz) I got really intrested on the topic, and this books has all I need and more facts, I really recomend it even if you don't like nonfiction


-Valentina, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel

Which minor characters in this book would you like to know more about? If there were a whole book about them, what would it be called?


This book is about a boy named Ben who lived in Toronto all his live, that is until he got a chimp! Yes a 8 day old chimp then he had to move.He needs to treat the chimp like a brother. But a part of the chimp moving means he doesn't need to be the nerd he was before. The first friend he meets is Tim and even thought they go to different schools Tim stays with Ben till the end. Tim is a pearson I'de like to know more about.


-Valentina, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

What Else is New?

I am reading books from a summer list but also portugues books.


-Valentina, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Zac & Mia by A.J. Betts

What would you like to tell us about the book?


I love this book. Its about a boy named Zac that has leukemia and a girl named Mia that has osterosarcoma (wich is a cancer she has in her leg) they meet in the hospital and become forever friends, they face other adventures out of the hospital (like running away and getting sick again) in the end they learn to look at the world differently but still with their differences and a crush on Emma Watson (Zac!!) And all they want is to be normal.


-Valentina, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Belles on Their Toes by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr.

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to? If not, why not?


I would recommend this book to people who liki real but funny stories


-6th grade

L'amour Medecin (French) by Moliere

What would you want to see happen to the characters after this book (or the last of the series) ends?


I would like the author to write and describe the weding.


-6th grade

Heartbeat by Sharon Creech

What character(s) in this book would you most and least like to be friends with, and why?




Heartbeat was an amazing story in the form of poems. I think the character in this book that I would most want to be friends with was Grandpa. He was a truly wise and kind character who supported Annie through hard time. I also think that Sharon Creech did a wonderful job shaping his character. The character that I would LEAST want to be friends with, on the other hand, was the running coach. She was incredibly rude and would not take no as an answer.


What else is new?


I'm going to camp today! Also, I read Heartbeat a little while back with my class, but then decided to re-read it since it was so good.

-Julia, 6th grade, Cambridge Friends School

Le Medecin Volant (French) by Moliere

If someone liked this book, what other books should they read?


They should also read L'amour medecin by Moliere.


-6th grade

My Sister the Vampire: Lucky Break by Sienna Mercer

What character(s) in this book would you most and least like to be friends with, and why?


Iwould like to be friend with Ivy because I think it is very to be friend with a vampire.


-6th grade

Maggie and the Three Suspects by Dorothy Crayder

What character(s) in this book would you most and least like to be friends with, and why?


I would like to be friend with Maggie because she is very brave and looks nice.


-6th grade

Kamo by Daniel Pennac (in French)

If you could ask the author/illustrator of this book one question, what would it be?


I would ask him" How did you think of that so unexpected end of the story?"


-6th grade

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

What would you like to tell us about the book?


Sweet Venom is about three twins separated at birth but they're not just any twins, these twins see things people can't, they see monsters and they kill them with the venom in their teeth. These monsters kill the humans and lately they've been duplicating. Something's going on. The monsters are getting stronger and more are coming out at once. Can the three sisters from totally different families find each other and kill the monsters once and for all?


-7th grade

Slated by Teri Terry

What would you like to tell us about the book?


In a futuristic world a girl named Kyla is Slated. Slated means her memory has been wiped clean. She has no memory of her past life of why she was slated, but as she sleeps she has nightmares and when people start disappearing Kyla is desperate to be normal like the other slated and she's not returned. Can she do it? I give this book 5 out of 5.


-7th grade

Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

What would you like to tell us about the book?


Wolf by Wolf is an amazing fictional story about a girl who grew up on a concentration camp with her mother. When she is chosen to be a subject for a science test her skin turns pale her eyes blue and her hair blonde. With the help of a friend she learns that she has a an unbelievable skill, she can shape-shift. With her amazing new skill she manages to escapes the concentration camp stumbles into the arms of people the have the same goal as hers, to kill Hitler.
Now ten years the later she gets the chance to get close enough to Hitler to assassinate him.


-7th grade

Echo by Pam Munez Ryan

What would you like to tell us about the book?


this book is AMAZING! read it almost in one sitting (which took a while) to much happens to say! i like it because you have to do some piecing together yourself, like- does Frederich manage to get his father out of the camp? how does the harmonica end up in the children's home? you have to wait for it to become clear, bit by bit.


-Kali, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorfora

If someone liked this book, what other books should they read?


if you liked the magic, you should read the "13" series, or any other magical people books. if you liked the action, then i suggest House of secrets and Battle of the beasts, by Chris Columbus.


-Kali, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

13 Secrets by Michelle Harrison

If you could rewrite one part of the story, what part would you change?


if i could rewrite part of the story, i would let raven live. Florence deserves a guardian, and what about Gredin and the Mizhog?


-Kali, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

13 Curses by Michelle Harrison

If this book were a food/color/song/smell, what would it be and why?


the book would be a deep blue, like night, with little silver bits in it, which I guess would represent the fairies, the seelie and unseelie courts. the song would have to be sinister, maybe that one about the hanging tree? anyway...I'de also really like to know more about rose, rowans "aunt"


-Kali, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison

Which minor character in this book would you like to know more about? If there were a whole book about them, what would it be called?


I'de like to know more about Florence, Tanya's grandmother. its pretty obvious she has second sight as well, I mean- her friend almost convinced her to move to the fairly realm!
i think it would be cool to learn more about her childhood, her relation ship with Morwena, and Amos, and everybody I'de also like to learn more about when red was on the streets. maybe in the next book?


-Kali, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling

If you could rewrite one part of the story, what would you change?

In the book at one point Voldemort's victims come out of his wand in most recent to least recent. James Potter comes out before Lily but James died first.

I would also add more hufflepuffs.

besides that the book is perfect. :)

-Avery, 6th grade, Cambridge Friends School

The Dolphins of Pern by Anne McCaffrey

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

this book is set in the world of pern, much like earth only with different animals. the people there have lived on that planet for 2500 years, or turns to them. every 200 turns, the red star (another planet) passes close to pern and sends deadly thread, which eat away at every organic material. the people of pern use mighty dragons to char the thread out of the sky. one day, readis and alemi are going fishing when a sudden storm hits them. they capsize and seem about to drown when they are rescued by the legendary shipfish, who can speak and say they are called "doll-fins. mam'ls, not fish." this sparks a lifelong friendship between the dolphins and readis, only 7 at the time. despite strong hatred, readis eventually runs away and starts the dolphin crafthall, even with the whole of pern searching for him. what will happen? will he be found? or will the ancient days of dolphins working with men finally be restored?

-Annelise, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Marsbound by Joe Haldeman

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

this is an exciting novel based around this girl, Carmen, whose family is traveling to mars. there is a lot of story onboard the ship(s) to get there, carmen striking up a romance with the pilot of the ship, named paul. once on mars, she ends up going into the martain desert alone after getting in trouble for swimming in the new water tank. she ends up falling down a hole in the desert sand and is rescued by martains, who take her back to the colony. then it turns ot that the martains unwittingly infected her with a disease, and she has to go back to the martain city to get cured. then the martains come to the colony to cure the other sick children. later it turns out that the martain leader, red, is a bomb and gets taken to the moon so as to save everyone on earth. WARNING: THIS IS NOT A BOOK FOR KIDS. i would rate it R or maybe M. i would reccomend this to teens or other kids like me who read/watch M- rated stuff at the age of 9. if you read this book, you should also read the sequels, starbound and earthbound.

-Annelise, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Mr. Terrupt Falls Again by Rob Buyea

What would you like to tell us about the book?

As someone who loves words and loves to find good placement of words, this book was one of the greatest books I have ever read. As someone who reads quickly, (well) this book was great! the reson('s) this was great was because the characters in the book stayed the same as the first book... "Because of mr.Terupt" the only thing that changed was the challenge they faced and how they solved them. So, in conclusion I give this book a thumbs. Although it might not be the most awarded book it was still a great thing to read in my spare time. And with that said I hope this peice of writing in sprees other readers like my self to read this book "Mr. Terupt falls again" so now stop reading this review and go read your next book!

-Lonso, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

What Else Is New

I'm currently reading "ThornGhost" by Tone Almhejll. It has a talking Lynx in it and my goal was to find a book with talking animals.

-Avery, 6th grade, Cambridge Friends School

Wings of Fire~Legends of DarkStalker by Tui Sutherland

If someone liked this book, what other books should they read?

If you liked this book then I would recommend "The Last Dragon" series by Chris d'Lacey (the first book is called "The Fire Within"). Both book series are about dragons seen from a positive view. One major difference is that in "Wings of Fire" dragons eat the humans and in "The Last Dragon" The dragons are made by the humans. I enjoyed both series but found "Wings of Fire" a more interesting (and easier) read. "The Legends of DarkStalker" is tied with "Escaping Peril" and "Moon Rising" for my favorite book in the series. My favorite character in the book is...WhiteOut and ClearSight.

-Avery, 6th grade, Cambridge Friends School

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate Dicamillo

What would you like to tell us about the book?

One dog. A preacher. Opal.
Because of Winn Dixie is a happy and sad story that shows love to pets. There are many lessons that teach in this book and I find that they are important.

For example, if someone mean is teasing you, you should'nt be mean to them.

What else is new?

I loved this book, it won the Newbeery Award, it is amazing

-7th grade

Plants vs. Zombies: Bully for you by Paul Tobin

What would you like to tell us about the book?

Just saying: This book is based on a game called "Plants vs. Zombies." There are three versions of the game from the same creators. And it is ADDICTING. Just saying, if your gonna play the game, then you'll need A LOT of free time.

-Emie, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Adventure Time (Volume six) by Pendleton Ward

If you could ask the author/illustrator of this book one question, what would it be?

Could you PLEASE make a book on Finn's ACTUAL parents, not Jake's parents, Finn's parents?

-Emie, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Adventure Time (Volume 4) by Pendleton Ward

Which minor character in this book would you like to know more about? If there were a whole book about them, what would it be called?

I would like to know more about Magic Man. Like where he came from? Or, why is he magic? Or, where are his parents?
The Book would be called: The Mysterious life of Magic Man (No Refunds)

-Emie, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Nnewts: Escape from the Lizzarks (Book one) by Doug TenNapel

What character(s) in this book would you most and least like to be friends with, and why?

I would like to be friends with Gully (A Nnewt). Because, his is a magician, and he uses his magic for helping his community with their stock of energy bugs, he is a loving, supportive, and careful father, and husband.
I would literally HATE to be friends with a lizzark. What makes me so hateful you ask? Lizzarks kill and eat Nnewts for no apparent reason in the first book. Is there some long, forgotten hatred that the book forgot to mention? I dunno.

-Emie, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

The Battle of The Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

What would you like to tell us about the book?

When Percy goes to Camp Half - Blood and finds some changes including giant pet hellhounds, huge scorpions, and mad babbling people, Percy starts to wonder about the new - found Labyrinth entrance on Zues's Fist.

You know, you should probably read the book to figure out what I'm talking about.
Anyways, Kronos rises, gets hit in the eye with a hairbrush, and gets trapped in his own throne room.
Does that clear it up, or does a broken heart and an exploding volcanoe that evacuates half a million people explain it? Probably not.

Percy doesn't know what's in store for him this year, especially battling his brother to the death...

-Bruce, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

What would you like to tell us about the book?

When Percy receives a mysterious distress call about two half - bloods from Grover, Percy, Annabeth, and Thalia race to rescue Nico and Bianca Di Angelo from the evil Dr. Thorn, a manticore, who has "3000 attack power!!!" Or something like that, says Nico.

Unfortunatley, this strange appearance somehow fuels a dastardly plot to get Atlas out from his job of holding up the sky. Artemis is captured, and suddenly Zoe Nightshade is forced to die by her father's hand. And the prophecy still cautions them.
Lots will perish on their quest to rescue Annabeth and Artemis in The Titan's Curse.

-Bruce, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

This Side of Home by Renee Watson

What would you like to tell us about the book?

This is a great book that I recomend to each and every person. It deals with day to day issues in life and complications, while encorporating day to day pollitical matters and problems. The issues that are polliticly discussed here are matters of race and authenticity, as well as gentrification. what makes this book a great book , is that it draws you in and makes you think about stuff you know and don't, again.
READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!

-Selma, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?


This book was beautifully written. The characters and the plot were extremely well thought through. Everything fit together perfectly, like a puzzle. This is a great book, I highly recommend it.


--7th grade

Saving Mr Terupt by Rob Buyea

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?


This book is just as amazing as the other Mr Terupt books. I really liked that the climax of the book was not extremely predictable, like most other books that I've read. I highly recommend it.


--7th grade

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

When I first glanced at the cover, I was confused; how can a war save someone's life? I was unsure if the story was going to be interesting. Let me tell you, I was wrong! This incredible story is about a girl whose mother treats her terribly because of her twisted foot. Her life takes a sudden change for the better thanks to World War ll, and she finds a warm, welcoming home unlike the one that she left. This novel will leave you holding your breath with excitement!


--Julia, 6th grade, Cambridge Friends School

Dork diaries by Rachel Renee Russell book 8

What character(s) in this book would you most and least like to be friends with, and why?


I would mostly be friends with Nikki because then I wouldn't have to be having good touch detention like McKenzie did, And I would least be friends with McKenzie because I wouldn't half to get in trouble so many times like she did. Also I would have a better chance of not getting in trouble so many times/detention.


--Betel, 6th grade, Prospect Hill Academy

Ariol bizzbilla hits the bullseye by Marc boutavant

In this book Ariol there are these characters that are in the malls there are different kinds of animals that are dogs cats tigers and many more they also talk just like humans. In the book Ariol he faces a lot of types of challenges and adventures with his friend Ramono. He also needs other types of people in this neighborhood. Do you have a lot of fun but he mostly wants to get attention from petula. But mostly bizzbilla wants Ariol to pay attention to her.

--Betel, 6th grade, Prospect Hill Academy

What Else is New?

The week 5 challenge was to read a book with talking animals, and it reminded me that I haven't read a book with talking animals lately so I'm looking for a book with talking animals.


--Avery, 6th grade, Cambridge Friends School

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

I think it would be cool if the author wrote another book from the view of another character in the book. The main character has two younger sisters and I think it would be cool to learn more about what they're thinking. I always find it interesting to find out more about a character's backstory.
I really liked this book and think others should read it.

--Avery, 6th grade, Cambridge Friends School

What Else is New?

i want to assist of if i can get some books from your supported


i need literature


--Lee, 6th grade, Amigos School

Nnewts: Escape from the lizzarks (Book 1)

What character(s) in this book would you most and least like to be friends with, and why?


There are two characters I would like to talk about. One: Gully (A newt) and a lizzark. I would like to be friends with Gully because he is nice, a magician, a supportive, and caring father, and husband. And he helps his friends hunt food and find energy bugs with his magic. Lizzarks kill and eat nnewts. For no reason known whatsover. Why would I like them?


--Emie, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

What Else is New?

I am going to a pool tomorrow (still in Paris).


--Emie, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Rhymes with Cupid by Anna Humphrey

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?


I would recommend this book to romantics. The book is mainly a romance novel but there are some other ideas there. I was really confused because in the book it says that the main character's name is Elyse Ulrich, while the back of the book, (the summery) said her name was Elyse Philips.


--Shira, 8th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Spoiled by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan

This book is a funky story of a normal girl's transition to a hollywood life. Its funny and smart and also, many feelings the main character feels are really relatable.


--Shira, 8th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

This book is really amazing. It's also super sad though. The main character and narrator is really cynical which kinda helps you relate to him because he isn't one of those fictional people who's lives run smoothly.


Shira, 8th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

If you could rewrite one part of the story, what would you change?


I would change the fact that Ezperanza's dad dies because it just makes the book to depressing on top of the fact that Esperanza looses her home and her mother catches Valley Fever.


--6th grade

My Secret Guide to Paris by Lisa Schroeder

If this book were a food/color/song/smell, what would it be and why?


If this book was a food it would probably be chocolate mousse which is a french desert that is fluffy and had the consistency of pudding (it is also very filling and heavy). It would be this book at some parts you want to drop the book because of how thick with emotion the parts are but over all this book is really nice and sweet.


--6th grade

Sealed with a Secret by Lisa Schroeder

If someone liked this book, what other books should they read?


I would recommend My Secret Guide to Paris because the main character from both books meet each other in Paris and I would also recommend the It's Raining Cupcakes trilogy.


--6th grade

The Secret Ingredient by Laura Schaefer

What would you want to see happen to the characters after this book (or the last of the series) ends?


I would like to see the main character Annie take over the Steeping Leaf tea shop so her grandmother could retire and help Annie create more scone recipes for the shop so that they could make more money and expand.


--6th grade

The Teashop girls by Laura Schaefer

If this book were a food/color/song/smell, what would it be and why?


If this book was a color it would probably be a dark black because this book has conflicts and sometimes this book can be kind of stormy like the color black. But the color black can also be gentle.


--6th grade

Nancy Drew : The clue in the old stagecoach by Carolyn Keene

What character(s) in this book would you most and least like to be friends with, and why?

I would most like to be friends with Nancy, Bess, and George, because they seem really fun to be around. None of them are only into sports and none of them really love girly things. They have a nice variety of pastimes!


--Aliki, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

What Else is New?

I leave for Europe today (7-19-16)! I am going to Prague in the Czech Republic, Salzburg in Austria, and Greece!


--Aliki, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Nancy Drew : The Secret of the old clock by Carolyn Keene

If someone liked this book, what other books should they read?



If you have read and liked this book, you would definitely like the books by Enid Blyton, because they are older fashioned and are almost all mysteries. The one main difference is that it's usually kids solving the mysteries in the Enid Blyton books!



--Aliki, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

When Percy Jackson is kicked out of school because of laistrygonians, he makes his way to Camp Half - Blood to find out that the camp is being attacked, and someone has poisoned Thalia's Tree that keeps monsters away from the Camp.

Percy wants to go on a quest, but instead Clarisse, daughter of Ares, volunteers. Percy and Annabeth and their new friend Tyson go off on a sneak quest where they learn that this quest is just another chess play of their old friend Luke...

In The Sea of Monsters, our heroes encounter dozens of new monsters including rainbow horses, repulsive cannons, and people turned into guinea pigs.


--Bruce, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Thornspell by Helen Lowe

If someone liked this book, what other books should they read?


If someone liked this book they should read books by Gail Carson Levine because both authors add twists to fairy tales and both authors have a lot of action in there books.


--6th grade

Powerless by Matthew Cody

What would you want to see happen to the characters after this book (or the last of the series) ends?


I would like to see Daniel (the main character) get his own super powers because all of his friends have powers and it feels like Daniel is left out from a lot of activities his friends do because, they have super power and he does not.


--6th grade

It's Raining Cupcakes by Lisa Schroeder

If you could rewrite one part of the story, what would you change?


I would change the fact that Isabel's(main character) best friend Sophie also enters the baking contest because it gets them both into a lot of drama and conflict with each other especially in the book Sprinkles and Secrets the second book in the series.


--6th grade

Autumn Falls by Bella Thorne

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

I would recommend this book because it's something you could relate to and know that you're not the only one who's going through tough times.

--Cherace, 6th grade, Putnam Ave Upper School

Do you use Scratch?

You all probably know about Scratch, but I just learned how to use it (a little bit) this week, and it is amazing! Scratch is a program that lets you create your own games, make animations, music videos, interactive art, or almost anything else you can imagine...and best of all, it's free! Check it out at https://scratch.mit.edu/ or watch one of the YouTube tutorials.

-Librarian Christy

You by Charles Benoit

To me You is true. It's very realistic. At first I didn't like it but when Zack came into Kyle's life I was sucked in. Zack is a bad guy but also just a regular guy. I say this because at the end he makes a point Kyle did all those wrong things by himself, Zack was just made very persuasive. I know I don't make sense but you'll just have to read the book I promise you'll like it. Also if you want to know what second person is this book is in it.

--7th grade

The Last Boy and Girl in the World by Siobhan Vivian

This book is about a girl named Keeley. Keeley lives in a small town that is sinking and during her last days she tries to get the guy and cheer everyone up. She plans a party and they have prom but the town still sinks. Keeley is too busy cheering everyone up. She loses her best friend and the boy who loved her and she also might've been able to love. Also, read this book it is really good.

--7th grade

Riders book 1 by Veronica Rossi

Riders was an awesome book about a guy who's parachute malfunctioned while he was jumping of off a plane. He was supposed to die but he survived and even though he had MANY broken bones and injuries he healed in just a couple of days. Things get worse when a strange girl tells him that he is War one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse what is he supposed to do? Riders was an awesome book with a huge cliffhanger at the end, making me need to read the second book!

--Havana, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Animal Farm By George Orwell

An Allegory about the russaiin revolution potraying the animals as people based on the RR.

--8th grade

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

There are 12 districts which are poor and have no control and 1 capitol that is rich and has all the power. Every there is the annual hunger games which is a comp that the capitol hosts. Each year two contestants from every capitol that are chosen to compete with everyone. you go in an arena with twenty three other people. Your goal is to kill them all and be the last one standing. The story revolves around Katniss and Peeta of district 12 who are the last two standing in the the hunger games but only one of them can stay alive and win.


--8th grade

Should adults read kids' books?

Some adults (besides children's librarians!) enjoy reading all kinds children's and young adult books.  Parents share picture books, then chapter with their children, some adults learn basic information on a variety of subjects in a wide range of kid's non-fiction and others are looking for a good story.  There are even book groups where adults read kid's books--and as a result these grown-ups have gained a new respect and appreciation of what kids are dealing with today--and also of  kids' maturity, sensitivity and intelligence. 




Some parents don't want their kids to read adult books "too soon" or "before they're ready"--but how do you feel about adults reading kids' books?

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead

If someone liked this book, what other books should they read?


I really enjoyed what issues it discussed. It was a good middle level read, and it talked about realistic middle school problems and feelings, which I thought was cool. If you liked this book, then I think you'll like Liar and Spy, which is by the same author.


--7th grade

Bloodline by Claudia Gray

What would you want to see happen to the characters after this book (or the last of the series) ends?


THIS IS A STAR WARS SPOILER!!!!!



So at the end the resistance is born, I would really like to see what happens directly after that. I would also love to see what happens to Ransolm Casterfo. This book is amazing and I really recommend it to any Star Wars fans, but if you haven't already watch the movies first.


George, 8th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

The house of the scorpion by Nancy Farmer

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?


This book is recommended to anyone who like stuff that is futuristic and who likes a deep yet understandable story. I found the book to be hard to keep track of at certain points though and the dialogue is loaded with meaning and can be hard to decipher. I reccomend this book to people who have a large vocabulary and a deep understanding for books such as these. The ending of the book is satisfying though and the next book is due to come out soon; The lord of opium. Other stuff to take into account is that bits of Spanish are strewn through the book but if you don't know what " mi madre " is and you can't guess than this is not a book for you.




--Avery, 8th grade, Rindge Ave Upper School

Mr. Terupt Falls Again

If someone liked this book, what other books should they read?


This was an amazing book. Just as amazing as the first book in the series. If you liked Wonder, you will really enjoy this book.


--7th grade

What else is new?

Finding Dory has come out.
The BFG has come out.
Kubo and The Two Strings is coming soon...
The Secret Life of Pets is coming soon...
Ice Age Collision Course is coming soon...

And other fun movies coming soon at movie theaters around here.

I really wish Disney would hurry up and make more Percy Jackson movies... THAT ARE LIKE THE BOOKS!!!!!


--Bruce, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

 I know that lately I've been posting about Percy's second series, The Heroes of Olympus, but right now I'm going to go with Percy's starting book: Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief.

Percy Jackson at first started out as an ADHD and dyslexic person in class. He was considered trouble, and was in sixth grade. Did I mention he was on his sixth school by now?

It all started when his algebra teacher, Ms. Dodds, decided to become an ugly old bat winged hag. Percy's teacher, Mr. Brunner, threw a pen to Percy that was uncapped and the pen became a sword that vaporized his math teacher.
Then Percy's told that Ms. Dodds never existed.

This crazy start for Percy's life as a hero fuels his first book where he battles a lizard who uses beds to kill people, a gorgon who sells statues, and a Minotaur who abducts his mother.
To "cap it up," Percy is not going to have a normal life as the son of the sea god.


--Bruce, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

You Can't see the Elephants

You can't see the elephants, is a book written by a German, translated into English. I read it (conveniently) in Germany. it is a book about a girl that is sent to the town were her grandparents live. Her father sends her there because he is depressed after her mother dies. All she does when she is there is go to the playground and listen to music. One day a girl comes and asks her if she can listen to with her. The girls brother at the same time is shaking for no apparent reason. She soon finds out that their father is abusing them. She tries to tell her grandparents, but they don't listen, they don't want to listen. So she trys to help them herself. And gets into trouble. And then somer good stuff happens that you will need to read about.


--Selma, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Somewhere Over the Rainbow, by Judy Collins

Some―where overthe rainboww, way up highー

People may say that this book is for babies, that contains a CD that plays music, but I love this book. I have this book at home, and the lyrics are so emotional. This book is also great because it is an actual song so you can download it anywhere. That means you can listen it ANYWHERE! Which is actually very amazing!


--Sarah, 7th grade, Rindge Ave Upper School

The Baby Sitter's Club, Claudia and Mean Janine by Raina Telgemeier

What character(s) in this book would you most and least like to be friends with, and why?


Mary Anne. I think she is the least satisfied in the baby-Sitters Club team. She has a lot of strict rules such as not staying out longer that 9PM, and her parents are diviorced, so her life is not as satisfying as the others.

I would most likely to be friends with her because he never gives up and tries very hard and is very passionate. I like her character.


--Sarah, 6th grade, Rindge Ave Upper School

Kpop Now! by Mar James Russell

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?


This book is quite interesting book. Actually it's not really a book, it'a kind of like an encyclopedia, but in another way, it looks more like a very 1/2 in thick magazine! I've recently reading a lot of ariticles and books when I picked up this book from the library. The reason why I ACTUALLY picked this book is because... there was a picture of PSY on it! With those amazing sunglases to on too! So basicly when you open and flip through the pages, it's... let's say, pop singers' magazine with explanation. It also has this magazine-like texture. Is that a good thing? Anyway, for those who like pop music, you should definetly check it out. There are dates and album facts, so it is similar to a wikipedia-magazine thing.


--7th grade

Garfield will eat for food, Jim Davis

What books would you recommend to the main character of the book and why?


To the main character of this book, I believe it is Garfield, I will recommend the book Yoga Bible. You can get it on Amazon for $12.42! It's a book that teaches you yoga poses and some explanation. Anyway, everyone knows that Garfield is such a huge boring cat, that kills spiders, likes to sleep, and LOVES food! Well, actually Garfield is fantasy; there are no walking dreams, and no cat is just SO curazy! I think Yoga Bible will be the BEST book for Garfield, because in NONE of the Garfield books have that cat excersizing. And in each book, there is that weight scale telling him that he is... you-know-what!


--7th grade

Garfield to the fullest, by Jim Davis

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?


I recommend this book to whoever read and liked Raina Telgemeir books. The pictures are similar(in drawing) and there is some comedy. This book is mainly takes place in the winter, where Garfield and Jons incidents happen:(. I can't really tell you the plot of the story, because there is no plot; I mean like the book is made from strips.

P.S the book is about 6 inches tall!


--7th grade

Living with Jackie Chan- Jo Knowles

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?


This book was awesome. I finished it in less than a day and I couldn't put it down. I would recommend this book to older people. This book has some themes that aren't really fit for younger children. I think people who are more mature will be more able to handle some of the ideas thrown in this book.


--Shira, 8th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

13 Reasons Why By Jay Asher

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?


I really wouldn't recommend this book,I thought it was going to be really good but I was kind of disappointed.It was relatively dull and made the main characters death into a dramatic and mysterious event or even a kind of gross game for everybody who survived her.I know that I'm one of the few people who doesn't like this book but I wouldn't recommend it.


--Ava, 8th grade, Rindge Ave Upper School

Animal Farm by George Orwell

If someone liked this book, what other books should they read?


Animal Farm is such an amazing book. Anyone who liked it would definitely like 1984 which was also written by George Orwell.It has some of the same themes and equally amazing writing. I would definitely recommend 1984 to anyone who enjoyed Animal Farm by George Orwell.


--Ava, 8th grade, Rindge Avenue Upper School

Wonder Woman at Super hero high by Lisa Yee

 What character(s) in this book would you most and least like to be friends with, and why?


I'd most likely be friends with everyone. Katana has an interesting back story,her grandmother was the reason she went to super hero high, her grandmother was a the first woman samurai and she has to live up to that. She hopes to become the second woman samurai. Poison Ivy is an amazing character also, she loves plants and is best friends with wonder woman. Cheetah, is a bad girl with a good side. After Wonder Woman accidentally injures her, she puts wonder women on the triathlon team. Harley Quinn, is the creator of HQTV and features all students except herself goofing off. Sort of sad and her channel sometimes causes problems. Bumblebee is amazing, and sort of like antman she can transform into bumblebee size whenever needed. Last is Wonder Woman. She is the daughter of Amazion Queen Hippolyta and she excels all classes and has seventeen clubs and getting the proper amount of sleep each night. These are a few of my favorite charact ers. Read this book and tell me who yours are.


--Mariela, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

The bad begining, by Lemony Snicket

If this book were a food/color/song/smell, what would it be and why?


food: potatoes and mushrooms because the story is really sad and potatoes and mushrooms are
like, in the unpopular food group which are kind of left out from carrots, lettuce, and
pineapple. And since Sunny, Violet and Klaus are orphans, I thought potatoes and
mushrooms would be the best to describe this book in a type of food.

color: Red, Black, and Blue. I call those three colors as scared, dangerous and sadness. This book
goes on with lots of problems, with Count Olaf, and family issues

smell: It may smell bad for the whole book!


--Sarah, 7th grade, Rindge Ave Upper School

Hope by Beth bracken and kay Fraser

If this book were a food/color/song/smell, what would it be and why?


I think the food would be pixie dust, because it goes along with the theme. Whimsy, magic, that kind of stuff. The color would probably be a mix of different colors, with a mountain of glitter. The smell would probably be earthy smell, the smell of magic. The song would be a siren song. There are different types though.


I really want some pixie dust. Tell me what you think is a siren song in the comments.


--Mariela, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Some Assembly Required, Arin Andrews

This book was amazing!! It's nonfiction and the Author wrote it about himself. This book addresses issues such as a a child's realization that they are transgender and it tells the amazing true story of "Emerald" or Arin Andrews, a boy born as a girl to christian parents. Arin struggles to confront his parents and community about his real gender.


--Shira, 8th grade, Vassal Lane Middle School

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

If someone liked this book, what other books should they read?

The whole Divergent series is really good so far. If you liked this book and Divergent, then I highly recommend Daughter of Smoke and Bone, along with of course, The Hunger Games trilogy.

--7th grade

Before We Were Free by Julia Alverez

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez is an historical fiction book about a girl who lives in the Dominican Republic during the sixties. She has to struggle with her tyrannical ruler and nobody taking her seriously.

If I could recommend this book to anyone, I would recommend it to somebody who liked the book "How Tía Lola Came to Stay" also by Julia Alvarez.

Emi, 6th grade, The Winsor School

Of witches and wind by shelby Bach

What character(s) in this book would you most and least like to be friends with, and why?

My favorite characters are Rory and lena. In real life I'd probably be friends with lena and darcy. I can't say too much, without spoiling the first book. But an amazing series. Sometimes you may be confused, but it is great. I'm even considering, writing my own book. See what else is new.

What else is new?

I submitted like 10, post yesterday.
See u soon. Before you go. I am going to be asking these readers what the title of my book will be. Post your title in comments. One time entry not required.

--Mariela, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Listen, Slowly by: Thanhhà Lại

What character(s) in this book would you most and least like to be friends with, and why?
I'd most likely want to be friends with Bà, Mai's grandmother. She has a lot of stories to tell her granddaughter, and she knows almost everyone in the small village.
I'd least likely want to be friends with Montana. Mai is only her friend for the popularity and to be able to have a friend. Montana chooses to get closer to HIM while Mai is gone, which is cruel, HIM being Mai's crush.
But overall, I love all the characters in this book!

--Lucy, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

The Baby Sitters club vol.4 Mary Anne saves the day, by Raina Telgemeier

If you could ask the author/illustrator of this book one question, what would it be?


I personally think Mary Anne saves the day is the BEST book in the Baby Sitters club series. Why? Well first, I like the way how there is a lot of friendship in this book. It is also the main part of the story. This story is basicly about a fight that happens with Claudia, Jamie, and Kristy that are against the one Mary Anne. Mary Anne gets left out while Kristy is jeolous. Mary Anne becomes friends with a new girl, and tells about her friendship. Mary Anne apologizes, and the babysitting meeting goes again, and all four get along together!

My question is, Are there gonna be more series of The Baby Sitters Club, because until now, there are only four. And when would the next one come out?


--7th grade

Garfiel pulls his weight by Jim Davis

Another Garfield book! Yes, indeed it is another cat book! Well Garfield books don't have a center plot, because each page is about something else. Mainly, this also tells about Garfields diet, and the weight scale telling him that he is fa*. (that was suppose to be 'fat', but I thought it was kind of a rude word so, that's why there was a *). Anyway, I totally recomend this book, I mean like other Garfield books they are always awesome, you can get them at the library, and yeah!


--7th grade

Northwood by Brian Falkner

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?


I love this book. The black lions are very interesting. This book is full of mystery and I love history of the figuring it out but then I sort of sometimes get angry when the characters that's really stupid and don't figure out the mystery until like page 365. A great book to read during the summer and the chillingly Beautiful book to read during the winter. And I think that this is an amazing book and I really would like everyone to read it. An amazing book to read for animal lovers mystery lovers and girls.


--Mariela, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

What else is new?

Anyone watch Bizaardvark?


--Mariela, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling

My favorite characters are Hermione and Luna.
I love the series. Can't spoil see other reviews of first book.


Emma Watson is starring in the Disney remake of their original movie. Beauty and the beast. She also was replaced by a black women for the play of the eighth book


--Mariela, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Red berries white clouds blue skies by Sandra Dallas

I love Tomi Itlano, a japanese American. During the attack on pearl Harbor all Japanese are seen as an enmeny . Tomi's family is split up her father goes to a detainment camp on the other side of the US. Her brother goes off to serve the US side of the war. Tomi and her brother and her mother go to a detainment camp. A beautiful book. Lovely.


--Mariela, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Wish by Beth bracken and kay Fraser

What character(s) in this book would you most and least like to be friends with, and why?


My favorite character is Soli, Lucy just is horrible and mean. Soli lives with a foster family and is partly raised by her best friend Lucy's mother. Then Lucy sneaks into the Faireground and makes a wish. As soon as Lucky mother realizes where her daughter has gone, she sends Soli to get her. While emprisioned in the fairy world Lucy hears of the fairy queen and her missing daughter , Lucy is convinced it's her and her prison mate thinks so to. I hate Lucy. Soli is beautiful but she has low confidence and refers to herself as darkness and Lucy as light. Great book. I wish I own it.


--Mariela, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Crooked kind of perfect by Linda Urban

Ten-year-old Zoe Elias dreams of playing a baby grand piano at Carnegie Hall. But when Dad ventures to the music store and ends up with a wheezy organ instead of a piano, Zoe's dreams hit a sour note. Zoe is an amazing character. Her dreams are crushed, and patched together and handed to her. A crooked kind of perfect story.


--Mariela, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Crow by Barbara Wright

Crow is a great book, that is told from the perspective of Moses Thomas And has a series of events leading to the Wilmington massacre in 1898. An is amazing book about a boy who's grandmother was a slave and his mother is an uneducated woman, his father is a educated who is works at the only black newspaper in town the record. Read the book to find out more.


--Mariela, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School


What else is new?
Suddenly I'm very interested in black history and I guess it's from the influence of my fifth grade teacher Ms.Vasquéz, three cheers for her. I think she is amazing and I hope all goes well for future fifth graders. By the way, Barbara Wright grew up in North Carolina but she lived all over the world, in France, Korea and El Salvador. She is currently living in Denver with her husband.

The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

When Reyna sets off with Nico and Coach Hedge to return the big statue to camp half - blood, surprises turn up. The Athena Parthenos is doing a horrible job of keeping monsters at bay. Even worse, Nico is driving himself too far.
Reyna is doing what she can to help him, but she doesn't know how Nico bears all of his pain.
Coach Hedge needs to get to camp, because his wive, Mellie, is having their baby.
Even more encounters with gods and monsters are turning up, including the giant Polybotes.
As the quest goes on, Leo starts to realize that he's going to have to die.
Jason worries for him. Besides, it turns out that Jason is doing other things too.
Leo has to do more trickery with Hazel, Frank, and Piper. He knows that all of the others will hate his plan so he doesn't tell most of them.
To sum it all up, everybody's having a hard time.

In The Blood of Olympus, Rick Riordan gives new aspects of the quest and new surprises, including a table that has a holographic image of Coach Hedge yelling, "Put some clothes on!!!" some urges to shoot smoked hams into people's stomachs, and battling a god with a small disk that decapitates someone.
New and old rivalrys are destroyed and dispelled while new friendships are made. The gods are made both Roman and Greek, and there is still peace.


--Bruce, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School






Before the battle with the giants, they talk about families, and Annabeth mentions that she has an uncle and a cousin. That uncle has some problem with her dad. I wonder who the cousin is.

After the battle, however, Zues knows that someone has to be blamed for this huge disaster. Zues sends Apollo to Olympus, and our heroes suspect that Apollo is being blamed.
Apollo also hinted that Zues can turn him into a mortal.

These two topics hint two new series... Guess what they are...


--Bruce, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

In A Glass Grimmly

A great companion to A Tale Dark and Grimm, but this time featuring Jack and Jill! Jack and Jill go on a great adventure for the Seeking Glass, the most rare procession in the entire world. Once they turn in the glass, they get exactly what they want: To be know, and to be beautiful. But after their great adventures, are these their real desires? Go on this adventure with Jack and Jill to find out!


--Isabella, 8th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Hereville; How Mirka Got Her Sword, By Barry Deutsch

If someone liked this book, what other books should they read?


If you liked this book you should read the others: "Hereville; How Mirka Caught A Fish", and "Hereville; How Mirka Met A Meteorite".
They are both awesome books, and do not have to be read in order, but in my personal opinion, "How Mirka Caught A Fish" is first.


READ THEM!!


--Emmie, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

A Night Divided by Jennifer A Nielsen

If someone liked this book, what other books should they read?


I really liked how realistic and well written this book was. It paints a clear picture of what it was like to live during the 1960's in Eastern Berlin. If you enjoyed this book, then I think you'll like The Book Thief.


--Julia, 7th grade, Rindge Ave Upper School

The Secret Language of Girls, by: Frances O'Roark Dowell

Which minor character in this book would you like to know more about? If there were a whole book about them, what would it be called?


I'd want to know more about Wes. He's a very minor character, but I think he has feelings for Marylin. He got jealous when they where playing spin the bottle at his party, and when Marylin spun it, it landed on his older, cooler brother, Ty.
He then demanded that Marylin kiss him because Ty was not originally a part of the party.
Sounds like he's jealous to me!


--Lucy, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

 What would you want to see happen to the characters after this book (or the last of the series) ends?
I would want to see Santiago go to Egypt and marry Fatima and use his treasure to provide for them in Egypt.


--Abigail, 7th grade, St Peter's School

What else is new?

Next, I'm reading: The Secret Language of Girls, by: Frances O'Roark Dowell!


--Lucy, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

What else is new?

The Hidden Oracle is OUT!!!
Hopefully I'll be posting about that book soon, because it's the 11th book in the Percy Jackson series, just in a new series: The Trials of Apollo.
And coming soon: The Dark Prophecy in The Trials of Apollo.
Also coming soon: Magnus Chase and The Hammer of Thor.
Remember in Magnus Chase and The Summer Sword, Thor said he had lost an important weapon? At the end of that book, there was trouble brewing with a silver hammer on a key chain...


--Bruce, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Demigods and Magicians by Rick Riordan

Does anybody like Heroes and Magicians?
If you do, do you wonder what would happen if they met?

Of course, if they met, they would have to see a building reconstructing itself in a tornado, an ancient Egyptian goddess possess a demigod, a sword sucked into a black hole in someone's thigh, and an evil guy with Elvis Presley hair.

Rick Riordan brings on a new level of crazy understanding for both the Kanes and Percy and Annabeth. The Greek and Roman gods aren't the only ones in town, including the Egyptian gods...
They're in the same world!!!
Besides, someone wants to control both Egyptian and Greek gods. They have massive power. They want to become immortal, take over an island, build a McPalace, and sell cheap souvenirs.
He's tempting the Kanes and Percy and Annabeth with some great things... Will they succeed?


--Bruce, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Baby sitters cub the Truth about Stacey, Raina T.

This story is about the baby sitting club members knowing that Stacey has diabetes


--7th grade

Asterix and Cleopatra by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny

Asterix and Cleopatra is a comic book by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny. What I liked about this book was that the story took place in the BCs and setting really stood the story. I also liked how you could see what ancient Pharoahs and princess did which was very fascinating. You could see the laws and how the slaves had to work hard which was nice because you could pretty much guess Egypts culture.


--Sarah, 7th grade, Rindge Ave Upper School

Awkward, by: Svetlana Chmakova

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?
I recommend this to anyone who feels stuck within one group of friends. Jamie and Peppi are best friends, and they are two different people: one a science geek, the other an artist, and yet, they become best friends.
It's amazing to see them go from being awkward (I'm quoting the title!), to becoming best friends. It's inspiring for any besties with different interests. ♥




--Lucy, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School



Fahrenheit 451 [by Ray Bradbury]

Fahrenheit 451 was a really good but also confusing book. You never expect what happens next, and the end is a big cliffhanger. after the end of this book I hope that Montag (the main Character) spread the word about books.

SUMMARY:
In Fahrenheit 451 Montag is a fireman, But the book takes place in the future where the word fireman has a different meaning. Montag's job is to burn books. When he meets a strange girl in his town Montag starts to question the laws they have about books.


--7th grade

Garfieldbring home the bacon by Jim Davis

The whole world is Garfield. My life is Garfied. Like that is how much I like the Garfield series. I read this book like last week, and just like the other Garfied ones, it was a FIVE STAR! But one thing that I wondering about is the title. It says Garfield brings home the bacon, but there is NO point in the book where a pig or any bacon. The only animals that appear are Garfield (of course), Oddie, and spiders. But it wasn't a BIG deal about not having the bacon in the story or something, but it was just one thing I noticed about the book.


--7th grade


Garfield is AAAAAAAAAAAAMazing!

Mighty Alice Goes Round and Round, by Richard Thompson

Mighty Alice by Richard Thompson is a wonderful comic book/graphic novel by Richard Thompson. If any of you read this book, you guys should read Charlie Brown or Garfield because the pictures are very similar and cute.^^
--7th grade

What's your favorite place to read?

1) A hammock in a beautiful, quiet spot?

Image (c) Flickr user S.M. Bush

2) The majestic Reading Room at the Library of Congress?

Image (c) Flickr user josullivan.59

3) Or standing in front of a sink full of dirty dishes?

Your actual chores may vary.

Believe it or not, one of my favorite places to read is at my kitchen sink. Or in front of a giant pile of unfolded laundry. Or when I'm walking back to the grocery store for the second time in one day because someone finished the milk and did not put it on the grocery list, even though the list is sitting right there with a pencil next to it.

How is this possible? Through the magic of audiobooks.

If you're not already hooked on audiobooks, let me tell you: they can make time spent doing tedious tasks (looking at you, making the beds) fly by. And if you're in the middle of an amazing story, you don't have to stop reading when you would normally have to put your book down (like when you're crossing the street).

You can borrow audiobooks from the library in three ways: CDs, Playaway devices (just add headphones and a battery) or you can download them onto a computer, tablet or phone through an app called Overdrive. Stop by and we'll show you how. And if you're looking for some great titles, check out our newest lists of recommendations.

--Jennifer, Main Library

Harry Potter and the Socerer's Stone, by J.K. Rowling

I want to know more about You-Know-Who. Just kidding, Lord Voldemort. In the book, it has mentioned that he is half-blood, but what kind of specie is that? And also I would want to know why Voldemort wanted to kill Harry, which was not mentioned in the book, and yes, I did not read the whole series.

What else is new?

Have a gr8 summer!

--7th grade

Blackbird Fly By Erin Entrada Kelly

Which minor character in this book would you like to know more about? If there were a whole book about them, what would it be called?

I would like to know more about Mr. Z because he also likes music a lot and I want to know what inspired him to like it!

--Aliki, 7th grade, Vassal Lane

Another Day as Emily by Eileen Spinelli

If this book were made into a movie, who should play the main character, and why?

If this book were made into a movie, I think that Jodie Foster should play Emily, because she seems like a sporty kind of girl, who can become girly if she wants to! The only problem is that Jodie Foster is an adult now, but she would have been really good as this character if she was a child!


What else is new?

I go to Europe in two weeks and I'll stay there for five weeks
--Aliki, 7th grade, Vassal Lane

Another Day as Emily by Eileen Spinelli

If this book were made into a movie, who should play the main character, and why?

If this book were made into a movie, I think that Jodie Foster should play Emily, because she seems like a sporty kind of girl, who can become girly if she wants to! The only problem is that Jodie Foster is an adult now, but she would have been really good as this character if she was a child!

What else is new?

I go to Europe in two weeks and I'll stay there for five weeks

--Aliki, 7th grade, Vassal Lane

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

After the Maze, Thomas and his fellow epic Gladers (Newt, Winston, Frypan, Minho, Teresa, Etc) are saved and taken back to the normal world, where they discover that their "Normal" world have been hot with sun flares, and taken by a disease called the flare, that would turn people into vicious, murderers, driven by insanity. The Maze was the only beggining. Now its time for phase to of the Maze Trials, WICKED's Maze Trials.

WICKED: World In Catastrophe: Killzone Expirement Department. (WCKD)
When The Sun flares hit Earth, There wasn't enough time to stop them or warn anyone. Seconds after they hit, the Scorch was made. A devasted wasteland. After the Sun flares. There were many people living on Earth, but not enough resources. So these people, called the VC something created the flare virus, what the flare virus does, is that it makes you insane, a killer, cannibul (I think), and lets say your a crank, if you lose an arm, eye, Etc, then you wont feel anything or care. After the Sunflares and virus. Rich people, and all the surviving government in the world joined together to create WICKED and find a cure.

Also....
Read the first book!!!: The Maze Runner


--Shadnan, 7th grade, Rindge Avenue