City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

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

Why is everything so complex? Why did Clary and Jace had to be siblings? Why did Simon had to turn into a semi-vampire?

Amy, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

In the epic finale to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, middle earth is at stake. Frodo and Sam must
make it through Mordor with traitorous Gollum as their guide and Orcs at every corner to make it to the
deadly Mount Doom, a volcanoe in the center of the dark land. Merry and Pippin must reckon
with Orcs as well, but also the sheer size of Mordor's approaching army. In this final battle for
middle earth, many will die. Enemies may help friends, friends may help enemies. The hobbits
must maneuver through a web of alliances to destroy the evil Sauron.

Bruce, 8th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien

In The Two Towers, the fellowship is divided. While Frodo and Sam go into Mordor to destroy the ring, Pippin and Merry must reckon with Saruman. The two towers of Isengard and Barad - Dur plan to rule middle earth. But now, forces are coming into play unseen. New and old, friends and enemies, are now appearing out of nowhere to help or hinder our heroes on this fantastical journey of epic proportions.

Bruce, 8th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Positively Izzie by Terri Libenson

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

I would definitely recommend Positively Izzie by Terri Libenson, but you kind of have to read Invisible Emmie first if you want to understand more about the characters. Invisible Emmie and Positively Izzy is not technically a series, but the characters are the same. the difference is that it is told from two different characters: Izzy and Bri, whereas Invisible Emmie, is told by the quiet artistic girl named Emmie, and the super-popular-super-privileged-girl-little-miss-perfect named Katy, who has a completely perfect life as far as I can tell.

Lyra, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Read a book that takes place in a country other than the United States.

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

If I could re-write part of the story of The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, I would re-write the very end because it is kind of cheesy and unoriginal. At the end of the story, (I won't spoil it) the main character writes the story you just finished reading. I would change that to an ending more like the one at the end of the seventh book of Harry Potter, where it shows what happens (only big events like marriage and births and stuff) in the next approx. 20 years. That is what I would change in I could re-write part of The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.

Lyra, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

So B. It by Sarah Weeks

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

If I could ask the author, Sarah Weeks, one question about So B. It, I would ask:
"Where did you get your inspiration for details like the fact that Bernadette can't go outside, or that Heidi is very lucky?" I realize that this is kind of a short review, but the prompt only goes so far, and I have more reviews to write.

Lyra, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

In Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, the main character Melody cannot talk, cannot walk, and has trouble moving any of her limbs very much. Melody is also very smart, but no one knows that. The doctors think that she cannot think and will stay at the level of a five-year-old forever, but the truth is that Melody is much smarter than her doctor. One example of this is when the doctor shows Melody four cards. There are pictures of a cow, a whale, a camel, and an elephant. Then he asked "Which animal gives birth to a calf. Melody knew for a fact that all of those animals gave birth to calves, but the doctor thought that it was only cows, so he thought that Melody was severely brain damaged and he said that she was retarded. This book is very good, and I think that anyone of any age above eight will love it. Both me and my mom read it and we both thought it was very good.

Lyra, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper 

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

If this book were set 100 years in the future or the past from when it takes place, what might be different about the plot, characters, etc.

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick is two different interchanging stories, set 50 years apart. If both stories were set 100 years in the future, the story would be extremely different. At one point early on, Ben is on the phone, when lightning strikes the house and travels through the telephone cord, which he is holding up to the only ear he can hear with, rendering him deaf. If the story was set 100 years in the future, all phones would probably be cordless, Ben wouldn't have become deaf, he wouldn't have traveled to New York, and basically, the story would end on page 137. In conclusion, neither story would be very interesting at all.

Lyra, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Dragon Run by Patrick Matthews

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

Dragon Run is an awesome fantasy book that you should totally read. I have high standards for fantasy books; they can't be too predictable, or too black and white (good and evil), or have everything go right. This is a book about a messed-up society where if you are born a certain way, nothing is easy. Fans of The Hunger Games or Red Queen will love this especially. For everyone, though, I would give it five stars.

Clara, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

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

So this is the first book in the series (I haven't read the other books yet) but I really hope that the President in the story ( who ordered the imprisonment and torture of all the children left in America after a deadly plague), either get imprisoned or at the very least impeached because of all of the pain he has caused to not only children but also their parents.

8th grade

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

This book is really good!! What I like best about it is that every time you read it you notice different things in the book and you see the book 📖 differently! It is science fiction . The author basically imagined the whole world in the future with politics and everything. What happens is that there are these aliens 👽 that they call buggers that attacked Earth. Earth won the fight thanks to Mazer Rackham but barely. Now the humans are preparing another attack. The I.F (Which is in charge of the stuff that goes on in space) picks genius children of the age of seven to come up to the space station and train to be space commanders. Ender (Andrew) Wiggin is a third child in his family. You are only allowed to have two children per family because the population is too big but his parents were given special license to have Ender. They got this license because Ender’s older brother was a genius but way too violent and his sister was a genius but too gentle. So Ender was the balance between them. It is a very interesting and insightful story and if you read it you will probably enjoy it.

6th grade

What Else Is New?

I went to see the documentary R.B.G and I loved it. She is so funny, even with all her seriousness. If you don't know who "she" is (rbg) she is a left-wing supreme court justice named Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she is liberal, Jewish, female, and the first of her kind. I really look up to her and I think she is a great roll model. The documentary was very good. I would see it before it goes out of theaters if I were you. Okay, Bye!

Samantha, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Making Bombs for Hitler by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Read a nonfiction book or historical fiction book.

I found this book interesting because I know a lot about the Holocaust (sort of) and World War II, (sort of) but I have never heard, in detail, this perspective this book takes form. This girl, Lida, is a Ukrainian Christian, living in a small town, when the Germans invaded. Previous to that, her dad was taken by the Soviet Union, and her mother was shot, all she had was her sister. when the Germans came, they took the two girls, (aged 9- Lida, and I think 6 or 7 for her sister Larissa) and they ended up getting separated, and loosing each other (but possibly Not for ever! who knows?!) It is very interesting, her life, and her struggle growing up in a work camp, and how even non- Jews were subjected to very dangerous work for Hitler and his non-Christian-hating posy. I really liked the book, very roller-coaster-y, and emotional. Would recommend.

Samantha, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Out of my Mind by Sharon M. Draper

So I actually tried to read this book a couple years back when it first came out, and I couldn't get into it. I wanted to give it another chance, so I picked it up again. And I LOVED it. it was a total page turner. It is about a girl with cerebral palsy, (making her wheel chair bound) she also has vocal limitations, (grunts, laughs, whines, screeches, thats about all she can do) despite every thing, she is a GENIUS. She uses her photographic memory to help her on to the Whiz Kids team, and prove every one wrong. WARNING----- SPOILER ALERT------ the ending is sad. really sad. O.K. SPOILER ALERT-OVER. Anyway, I could not stop reading, I even read in the car! Definitely recommend.

Samantha, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

What else is new?

Dug up a potato blindfolded!

Amy, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

The Girl in the Well is Me by Karen Rivers

If this book were set 100 years in the future or the past from when it takes place, what might be different about the plot, characters, etc.

If this book was set 100 years back, and Kammie fell in to the same well, she would have drowned. Even if the well was empty, she still would have died of lack of oxygen, food, water, and help. 

Amy, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Hamilton the Revolution by Jeremy McCarter and Lin-Manuel Miranda

Read a book about a musician or with a story that involves music.
Read a book in verse.
Read a nonfiction book or historical fiction book.

I have read this book so many times that I bet I could read it from memory (JK. No. There are a LOT of words.) so I'm not quite sure why I didn't put this up earlier. Anyways, Hamilton the Revolution is a book about the production of the Broadway musical Hamilton (which is amazing, by the way!!) and has the lyrics to all the songs. I would give this book 5 stars. Hamilton itself is amazing, but the book tells you even more. For example, it has little notes on each page of each song about some of the lines in the play. In my expert opinion, I am telling you now to get obsessed with Hamilton. Or else.

Clara, 8th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe

Read a nonfiction book or historical fiction book.

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

DEFINALTELY. I read a lot of fantasy so this book was sort of a break from the mostly traditional books I read. The story is about Dita Kraus, a remarkable girl who bravely risked her life by becoming the Librarian of Auschwitz. Basically she would hide books in her dress and then deliver them to different adults who would in turn use the books to teach the children in Auschwitz and give them a little hope. Reading this book gave me a completely different perspective on the Holocaust and taught me a lot about the resilience of not only Jewish adults but also Jewish children, who were being imprisoned, tortured, and murdered by the barbaric and emotionless Nazi's

8th grade

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

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

The Queen of Hearts series because in both series' the main characters have a sort of uncontrollable darkness that they can't control, and also in both stories there are a lot of twisted and changed fairy tales.

8th grade

War of the Cards by Colleen Oaks

Describe a part of the book that made you feel something strongly (i.e. something that made you cry, laugh, get really angry, etc.).


The ending was very unexpected and parts of it made me want to cry. By far one of the best endings because of how many twists it had.

8th grade

Blood of Wonderland by Colleen Oaks

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

A question in general for all authors in general: Why is it that in fantasy books whenever a girl and a boy are friends they always have to a.)date or b.)get rejected by the other friend? Why can't they just be friends. This question especially applies to this book.

8th grade 

Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oaks

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

This book (which is a very unique take on the classically villainized character the Queen of Hearts), is a very good read but there is one part which stays similar between this book and the classical story: the Queen of Hearts infamous uncontrollable rage. This adds a certain realistic twist which is missing from a lot of fantasy books. What did the Queen of Hearts rage symbolize or mean to you?

8th grade

Train I Ride by Paul Mosier

Train I Ride is about a girl named Rydr. She's leaving Palm Springs, Califonia where her grandma can't take care of her anymore, and taking the train to Chicago to live with a granduncle she's never met. As the train travels east, she learns more about her fellow passengers' lives, and whether she likes it or not, her own story begins to emerge. Who is Rydr, and who does she want to be? Who is she becoming? Read Train I Ride to find out!

Taya, 6th grade, Rindge Ave Upper School

The Voices of Silence by Bel Mooney

Read a book that takes place in a country other than the United States.

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

I would never have discovered this book had I not been traveling in Europe. The book takes place in Romania, during the time of Soviet control in 1989. It's about a girl named Flora, who has begun to notice the tension and silence surrounding people, and struggles to know who she can entirely trust. Her best friend from childhood? The kind new boy with his fancy Western treats? As the story unfolds, she comes to terms with all the things she's taken for granted, as well as the government she's never questioned. Not only is this book exciting, it is also fascinating to read about a time and place so different from our own. I would recommend this book to anyone curious about history, anyone who likes drama and action, and anyone who enjoys a satisfying, (although partially sad), conclusion. I am so glad I came upon this book.

Margot, 6th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Every Shiny Thing by Cordelia Jensen and Laurie Morrison

Read a book in verse

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

This book is an amazing story about two girls from completely different backgrounds who somehow become friends. It actually reminded me of a line from Hamilton (don't laugh; I can't help that I'm obsessed!) - "... when you're in so deep, it seems easier to just swim down." Both girls are so deep down it seems like things just can't get worse. So they basically stop trying. They get into loads of trouble before they realize that they can also swim up. I would give this book five stars.

Clara, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper

Lighter Than My Shadow by Katie Green

Read a nonfiction book or historical fiction book

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

Lighter Than my Shadow is a non Fiction book about a girl strugling to eccept her self and her time being anorexic. She has other challenges through out her life that I will not disclose. I would recommend this book to people who enjoyed Speak By Laurie halse anderson or Friends with boys By faith Erin Hicks.

Lizzie, 6th grade, Amigos

Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

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

I loved Speak. It is about a girl who everybody in her school dislikes because she called the police on a party someone at the school was hosting. But she has a secret, the roudy kids and loud noise is not the reason she called the police. I will not say any more because i do not want to spoil the book. The book is about her stuggle to be her self and tell someone the real reason she called the police. I wound recommend the book to people who like grapic novels such a Sunny Side Up by: Jennifer L Holm or realistic fiction grapic novels.

Lizzie, 6th grade, Amigos

Four by Veronica Roth

Four by Veronica Roth is another book that could be placed in the Divergent series. The only difference is, Four is told fully from the perspective of Four/Tobias. It tells about his life, his Choosing Day, his initiation, and his thoughts. It also tells the laying out of his and Tris’s relationship and what he was thinking and feeling through it all. This book is shorter than the other Divergent books, and so therefore, quicker to read. I think that Veronica Roth is better at speaking from the perspective of Tris, but she is able to create a great book, teaching us much more about certain characters.

Isabella, 7th grade, Amigos School

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant by Veronica Roth is the third book in the Divergent trilogy. It has lots of twists, and is fun to read. I enjoyed it a lot, and suggest that if you’ve read the first two books, Divergent and Insurgent, you should definitely read this one. At the very end of this book, there is a huge surprise that is unexpected and creative, and very well placed. This book is also told by two different perspectives, that of Beatrice Prior, the main character, and Tobias Eaton, another important figure. So, if you’re ready for a good book, read Allegiant by Veronica Roth!

Isabella, 7th grade, Amigos School

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth is a very good book and a sequel to the book Divergent. It has a slow start, but is really worth the read. This book, like Divergent, has action, romance, sacrifice, and so many other subtopics that are interesting, and keep the reader hooked. I would recommend this book to middle schoolers and older who have read divergent, and enjoy that type of book. The ending is also one that leaves you excited to read the next book. Insurgent, by Veronica Roth, is not one to miss.

Isabella, 7th grade, Amigos School

The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan

Read a book by a local author or that takes place in Massachusetts

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

I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. This book is a combination of amazing-ness, awesome-ness, outstanding-ness, and a lot of other ness. I would recommend this book but, maybe read the first one before reading this one. Magnus has to find Thor’s hammer before the jotuns(giants) find it and return it to Thor. After seeing Marvel movies, I really did not expect Thor to be like this in this book. He is just such a lazy, arrogant, crazy, but a really strong and powerful man though. He is on the good side though. But, he really isn’t that heroic in this book.

8th grade

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Read a book by a local author or that takes place in Massachusetts.

This is a book about a kid named Magnus Chase who dies at the beginning of the book and goes to this hotel for people who die a noble or heroic death. There he finds out that he is a son of one of the Norse gods. He has some of his father’s powers. And he also has to stop the world from ending in a couple of days. He has to retrieve his father’s long lost weapon, the Sword of Summer.

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

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

A fun graphic novel about Roller Derby! I would recommend this book, as it is fun and interesting.

8th grade

A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L'Engle

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


This is an amazing book about a girl, Vicky. It confronts topics like death, marine biology, dolphins, etc. The 4th in the Austin Family Chronicles, written by the author of A Wrinkle in Time, this book is different from the others, however it still has the same amazingness that the other 3 have. A beautiful, well written book, I would say definitely read this book, although I would suggest reading the first 3 first.

Esme, 8th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Saints by Gene Luen Yang

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

This graphic novel, telling the story of a young girl in China, is one of two books, Boxers and Saints.

8th grade

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

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


This graphic novel is a great book, telling a story of the author's childhood.

8th grade

The Body at the Tower by Y. S. Lee

Read a nonfiction book or historical fiction book.


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

This is the second book in the Agency series. Although I liked it, it was vey hard to get into, so I probably wouldn't recommend it, though you should look it to it if you like historical fiction and mysteries.

Esme, 8th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Read a book by a local author or that takes place in Massachusetts.

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


I personally didn't like this book. It had a shocking ending, so if you like that kind of book, you should read it, but it was also a little weird. Some things in the book didn't make sense/fit in with the rest of the writing style.

8th grade

What Else is New?

Love my dog, Prince!

Amy, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

Read a book that takes place in a country other than the United States.

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

I would change the part where Black Hat Otokoto basically kills himself. Sacrificing himself for the evil in the world, is not a fun thing I read about. I don’t want to spoil this book for anyone, but anyone who's interested should 100% read it. (It’s a bit like Harry Potter)

Amy, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

The School for Good and Evil #4: Quests for Glory by Soman Chainani

Read a book that takes place in a country other than the United States.

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

In the book Quests for Glory by Soman Chainani, The school for good and evil is repaired, and it seems like things are back to normal, if you can even call this normal. Sophie, Agatha, Tedros, and all their friends are on their fourth-year quests. Sophie is happily remodeling evil as their dean, and Agatha is preparing for a wedding, while Tedros struggles to pull his sword out of a stone. Plans change, and soon Sophie, Agatha, Hester, Dot, and Anadil, joined by William, Hort, and Nicola, have a new quest. they sail out to sea, trying to fix what is wrong. In this book, the character I would most want to be friends with would probably be Nicola because she is smart, nice, capable of many things, and she already knows about all the fairytales from the storybooks in Gavaldon. (She is a reader.) I think that you should read this book, but not before reading book one: the school for good and evil, book two: a world without princes, and book three: the last ever after. The is the fourth book of the series. Quests for Glory by Soman Chanani. Available at your local library today! (except for the main one, I think I still have it out ;P)

Lyra, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord

This book is about a girl named Lucy who is obsessed with photography, Which also probably runs in the family because her father’s a really good photographer. Due to this she has to move a lot and ends up making friends then leaving them shortly after. So you can understand that she’s delighted to befriend someone on her first day at her new place. She ends up finding a photography contest list in one of her dad’s boxes. It states a lot of different words and she has to take pictures that represent them. She also finds out that her new friend's grandma has a disease that causes her to forget and jumble everything up in her mind. So when Lucy decides to help her keep something she loves, she accidentally takes a amazing photo that can get between her friendship, will she submit it? FIND OUT NOW!

7th grade

I Survived: The Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980 by Lauren Tarshis

Read a nonfiction book or historical fiction book.


Jessie Marlowe was hiking in a forest near Mount St. Helens with her friends, When suddenly, the volcano that hasn’t been active for over 100+ years suddenly erupted destroying everything in its path. Can Jess survive one of the most destructive volcanic events in US history? Read the book to find out.

8th grade

I Survived: The Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 by Lauren Tarshis

Read a nonfiction book or historical fiction book.


Japan attacked a military base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii because Japan wanted more power and land and they wanted to eliminate the US from their threat list by bombing Pearl Harbor. It didn’t work out so well because it immediately launched the United States into World War II joining England, France, and eventually Russia becoming known as the Allied Forces.

8th grade

I Survived: Hurricane Katrina, 2005 by Lauren Tarshis

Read a nonfiction book or historical fiction book.


If this book were set 100 years in the future or the past from when it takes place, what might be different about the plot, characters, etc.


If this book were set 100 years in the past it might be really horrible for the people living at the time and place since Hurricane Katrina is one of the deadliest hurricanes ever. If this hurricane happened in the 1900s, when the world wasn’t as advanced as today, they might have a hard time rebuilding their homes. They also might not have as much information/data about hurricanes than we have today to predict when and where the hurricane will happen. They might not know what a hurricane even is.

8th grade

Sixth Grade Can Really Kill You by Barthe DeClements

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?


If I were able to learn more about a specific minor character it would be Jimmy. I want to learn more about him because he is kind and daring. Most of all he seems like a good guy, who would stand up for the little guy. If there were a whole book about him, it would probably have many baseball related jokes, side drawings, and stats. But, the book itself would be about his admiration and friendship with the main character, Helen. It would be about how he felt inclined to help her. Anyway, I love him, defietly my favorite character.

Isa, 8th grade, Cambridge Community Charter School

Divergent by Veronica Roth

If you could be or had to become one character in the book, who would you choose to be and why?


I think want to be Tori, because I feel like she is really nice to Beatrice, but at the same time, she keeps the secrets she has to keep without giving too much away. I’d want to be like her, helpful, but not really... IDK for sure.

Amy, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

What Else is New?

Is anyone else so bored?

Amy, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

ANIMUS by Antoine Revory

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


This book is about a magical playground. this magical playground is not a normal magical playground, if you slid down the slide you become old and if you climb the slide you turn into a baby, if you go on the swing and think of someone sleeping you can go into there dream, and if you go on the animal statues ,and close your eyes you can hear every thing even the animals and trees, and the sandbox is the scariest one if you go in it your biggest fears happen in it! Sayuri and Hisao are trying to save the kids that became missing after they were on the playground. Hope you like it .

Rafa, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson

If you could be or had to become one character in the book, who would you choose to be and why?

I just read Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson. The book is mostly written from Emmie, the silent artistic girl's point of view, but sometimes the story switches to the very different story of Emmie's classmate, Katie. Katie is popular, pretty, straight A, and did I mention popular? Her parents are candy makers and take her on shopping sprees. Katie has a big allowance, and if she gets all As on her report card, her parents increase her allowance by 200%. Everyone loves her at school, and she pretty much has a perfect life as far as I can tell. I guess if I was gonna become one of the characters in this book I would probably pick her because she is (like I said already) kinda set up in a perfect life, whereas Emmie barely even talks at all.

Lyra, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

This book is absolutely AMAZING. I COULD NOT put it down. Unlike most main characters of dystopian books, who are usually kind of stupid (in my opinion), the main character of The Maze Runner, Thomas, is actually pretty smart and good at solving problems. James Dashner is an incredible author with skill for writing YA dystopian novels. He does an amazing job putting together a world no other human has ever imagined before.

PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!! YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!!! I give this book 10/5 stars :P

8th grade

What Else is New?

How's everyone's vacation going??

8th grade

What Else is New?

Dan Gemeinhart is the BEST author ever, read his books. That’s an order.

Zephyr, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Deep Water by Watt Key

This is Watt Key's latest book and it just came out. Deep Water is about this girl Julie, her father owns a boat and runs a scuba diving company. So this one day Julie and her dad are taking this rich guy and his son on a trip to these war tanks. When they get to the spot Julie's dad doesn't feel too well (he's got diabetes) so he tells Julie to bring them down. Heres the thing about there clients, they're very stubborn and don't listen to anyone. When the clients hear that Julies taking them down they don't take it seriously. The clients and Julie go down to the tanks, Julie notices right away that the anchor is not secure. When they get back to where the anchor is it's gone. Now they have to go back up without the rope, the thing is there's a current. So when Julie gets to the surface there's nothing in sight for miles and miles. Also, she's in a current carrying her away from shore. And I will leave it at that. Watt Key is the author of Alabama Moon and a few other books. I really liked this book, and if you like survival books read this. And I will say someone MIGHT die. Maybe, maybe not...

Zephyr, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

What Else is New?

still BOREDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDd

Saffiya, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

TBH This Might Be TMI by Lisa Greenwald

This is the sequel to TBH This Is So Awkward. Like I (think) I said I love it when the book is in texts so just know that I already loved the book before I even opened it. As usual there is drama and not as usual I wont tell you what happened. I'm to lazy right now. Its a good book but you have to read the first one to understand. I will tell you one thing; a kid gets bullied because people think hes Muslim... its pretty messed up.

Saffiya, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

What Else is New?

BOREDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDd

Saffiya, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

The Encyclopedia of Me by Karen Rivers

This book is hilarious. Its about this girl named Isadora who goes by Tink (she wanted Tinker Bell but family is never perfect. Tink explains what happens through out her life using different words, for example Fish; she talks about how she is deathly afraid of tiny fish... So Tink basically just explains what happens during her summer that leads up to eighth grade. There are crushes, a brother with autism, a bad best friend, and a tree. I HIGHLY suggest this book

Saffiya, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

The Secret Origin Of Tony Stark by Kieron Gillen

The thing I like about the book is that it's not for little kids, in fact, I would not recommend this book to anyone in 4th grade or lower. You won't feel like a complete toddler reading an Iron Man book, because of some, uhh mature references. This book is a graphic novel and its pretty much about how Iron Man came to be. I don't want to say any spoilers so I won't say much. The art is quite good, the story may be slightly confusing sometimes but don't let that discourage you. If you happen to like Iron Man and don't know much about him this is a good book for you. FYI this book is not that long.

Zephyr, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

Read a book that takes place in a country other than the United States.

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

Yes, I would recommend this book. Akata Witch is about a girl who has special abilities. She starts telling lies to her parents to go to a special magic school. There, she and her friends with magic abilites have to track down a world famous murderer. This book was an okay book. I would still recommend it, but in my opinion, I would rate it a 4 out of 5 stars.

6th grade

Lions & Liars by Beasley Santat

Describe a part of the book that made you feel something strongly (i.e. something that made you cry, laugh, get really angry, etc.).

A part of the book that made me really mad was when Specs kept bothering Fredrick. "Nows the time." "Now." "How about now." Just shut up! What if he just doesn't want to do it. Don't you understand? Why are you so annoying? He just constantly kept bugging Frederick. I literaly was about to tear up the book in my hand. Hopefully, one day, a machine will be made to get rid of pests like him. Ameen.

Isa, 8th grade, Community Charter School of Cambridge

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

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


In The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson, something I would like to see happen to one of the characters is that I would like to see Candice and Brandon get revenge on Milo's mom. Milo is a bully who loves to pick on Brandon and sometimes Candice when he sees them around. Milo's mom is blind to reality when it comes to Milo. She is a bully in herself as well. I would like to see her be defeated by her and her son's victims.

Lyra, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Family Game Night and Other Catastrophes Mary E. Lambert

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

This book is amazing. And the funny thing is, originally I recommended this book for my nine-year old sister, but then I found myself reading it. But I personally have something that I wanted to see happen to each character at the end of the book. I wanted Annabelle, to be kinder to her sister. I wanted Leslie to be a bit more firm on the people around her. I wanted Chad to be more involved with his family. I wanted the dad to actually put his foot down with the mom. I wanted Grandma Nora to be a little bit more helpful and less rude. And most of all I wanted the mom to stop collecting things. Milk cartons? Newspapers? Quilts? Baby dolls? What's wrong with you woman? Can't you see that you are ripping your family apart? I don't know. All I do know is that she has got to change, and quick.

Isa, 8th grade, Community Charter School of Cambridge

Becoming Kareem by Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Read a nonfiction book or historical fiction book.

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


If I were to be friends with one of the characters in this autobiography, it would be both Kareem and Muhammad Ali. I can't choose between them! They are both legendary figures who will continuosly be remembered for their parts in sports but also their plays in activism will always be known to our country. The person that I want to be friends with least is Coach Donahue. What a lying, racist, jerkface, slob! Kareem trusted you, he looked up to you. And then you just go call him the n word just for the sake of a game. Traiter!

Isa, 8th grade, Community Charter School of Cambridge

Librarian Post

Hi Us Readers! 

Can you believe we are already halfway through our Us Reading program for 2018?  Your reviews are still flowing in every day.  We love to see what you're reading and hear what else is new.  Keep up the great work! 

This summer, I've most enjoyed reading outside in the shade during my lunch breaks.  Being at the Collins Branch every day, I've made plenty of good use of our umbrella in the backyard.  Visit us at 64 Aberdeen Ave to share in our slice of paradise.  Where is your favorite place to read?

Librarian Margaret

Camp Midnight by Steven T. Seagle and Jason Adam Katzenstein

If you could be or had to become one character in the book, who would you choose to be and why?


If i had to be someone in this book i would wont to be Skye because i want to confront my stepmom to my dad and tell him that she is a monster and just yell. i also want to be Skye because she has a friend named Mia who is also a ghost, so that`s cool. why i don`t want to be Skye is because i don`t want to be around monsters for 2 weeks that`s just scary. why i do want to be Skye is because she is an only child so yay me! i think that is all.

Rafa, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Shattered Warrior by Molly Knox Ostertag

If this book were set 100 years in the future or the past from when it takes place, what might be different about the plot, characters, etc.

If this book was set 100 years in the future there would be a lot of differences from the one now. I think that the story would be about not only Colleen but also Jann and Lucy. In the beginning of the book Jann and Colleen were just friends even though she just helped him after gating slashed by a knife. Then she realized how much she loved him and they became more then friends i also think there going to get married. And for Lucy she was colleen`s nephew and she thought she died but she found her and she was alive so she took her and she Jann Lucy and the rest of the team are trying to save there world. I think there going to save the world.

Rafa, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

All's faire in middle school by Victoria Jamieson

All's faire in middle school is a pretty good book. I finished it in one day. this is a graphic novel about a girl entering middle school and her struggles with friends. She worries about finding herself alone without friends and forgets that it's more important to be kind than to befriend bad people. she ends up upsetting her family and those around her and is left to make things right herself. I guess I liked this book but would only recommend it to someone who likes books by Raina Telgemeier.

Luna, 6th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

I liked this book because it had lots of magic and adventure in it. I recommend it to everyone grades 5 and up. It's the first book in the Earthsea Trilogy, but I haven't red the next two books yet. They are probably also really good, though!

Monique, 6th grade, Rindge Ave Upper School

Jake and Lily by Jerry Spinelli

This book is about twins (Jake and Lily) who have been best friends since the day they were born. They have a sort of telepathic power  which they call their Goombla. For example, every birthday they have they both sleepwalk to the train  station and have the same dream. Stuff like that basically. As I said before they are ALWAYS together. ALWAYS. Until one summer... Jake joins a gang of boys after being bribed with cool rocks by Bump, a boy who has always been mean to Lily. When Jake joins the new gang Lily is left alone and is bored and heartbroken . She feels like Jake has dumped her. Jake meanwhile, has no trouble joining the gang and does not feel much remorse. The gang makes fun of and laughs at people they label “goobers” and they have no intention of letting a spunky, silly, burpy, crazy  girl join their gang. Encouraged by her grandfather Lily tries to build herself a life of her own, one that doesn’t depend on Jake, while Jake tries to distinguish the difference between right and wrong.

6th grade

Insignificant events in the life of a cactus by Dusti Bowling

First of all ,for people who think the title looks boring , IT IS NOT THAT MUCH ABOUT CACTUSES!!!!!! (sorry, I just wanted to make sure people saw that) I know, when I saw the the title I was thinking, I want to read about some SIGNIFICANT events! Not some Humdy-dum-dum boring stuff that happened to some cactus !!!! But, luckily it’s not about a cactus, it’s about a girl. Aven is a girl without arms. She was born that way, so she didn’t lose them or have them chopped off, or had some deadly disease, or anything horrifying like that. The kids in her school are all used to it and you’d be surprised how much things you can do with your feet when you need to. Sorry, I mean the kids in her old school are used to her not having arms. Not that it’s hard enough to live a life without arms, Aven’s parents have decided to move to Arizona to run an amusement park and Aven has to go to a whole new school and leave her friends behind. Aven meets a boy with Tourette’s syndrome (which means he sometimes makes noises and movements he doesn’t mean or want to make) . Together Aven and the boy discover a mysterious shack in the park with seven DO NOT ENTER signs around it! They suspect the owner of the park ( a man called Joe Cavanaugh, who suspiciously is never seen) was murdered!!! Aven and her friends ( yes she finds another one) search for clues and discover many strange and awesome things. I especially like Aven. To be more specific I like her attitude . Aven is a spunky kid and no one can tell her what she can and can’t do!!! Okay, sorry I’m saying all this stuff in the wrong order, but it’s a really good book!!! I officially added thus book to my list of favorite books of all time! You should definitely read it!!! 

6th grade

The girl who drank the moon by Kelly Barnhill

Read a book that takes place in a country other than the United States.

If you like fantasy books you will probably like this book. It is a fantasy book about a town which has to sacrifice the youngest child there every year or a witch will come and get them. Or so they think... In reality the witch is friendly and has no idea why the townspeople keep leaving babies in the forest. Every year she takes the baby and feeds it starlight (which gives good luck  for the rest of the persons life) and brings it to another town and finds the perfect family for him/her. Only, one year there’s a mother who protests so much for her baby girl and is so wounded by the grand elders (the people who put the baby in the forest for the witch) taking her that she goes mad!!! And that year the witch ( her name’s Xan by the way) falls in love with the baby girl. She “accidentally” feeds her moonlight which gives you magic!!! 

Even if this book doesn’t sound that good to you, you should still try it out!! It’s a really good book and I was so intrigued by it!!! It goes by really fast !!! If you’re still reading this thing that means it didn’t bore your head off, so try reading the book!!!!!! 

6th grade

Playing Atari with Sadddam Hussein

Read a book that takes place in a country other than the United States.


This book is based on a true story, and it is about this boy named Ali Fadhil, its 1991, in Iraq. During that time the Iraqi War was going on, Ali had many limits on what he could enjoy. Before the war Ali was consumed by his love for soccer, video games, and American television shows, then on January 17 he had many mixed feelings about the Americans, (since they led the thirty -four nations.) I found it very interesting and read it quickly. I would definitely recommend this book.

Samantha, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Cyclone by Doreen Cronin

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

I would ask the author why you chose to write a book about someone who gets a coma from riding a roller coaster because she had a heart condition. What made you think of this idea, or where did you start processing this thought?

6th grade

I'm Not Missing

I found this book particularly interesting. It is about a girl named Miranda, whose best friend, Syd, goes missing. It follows Miranda on her journey to discover why Syd left (and how to find her). At the same time, book is about her relationship with boy named Nick.

Warning: This book has mature themes and some bad words in it.

Lillian, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Assassin's Creed: Tomb of the Khan by Matthew J. Kirby

Read a book that takes place in a country other than the United States.


Since this is the second book there may or may not be spoilers in this entry

Owen goes into a simulation of one of his assassin ancestors in 1219 in Mongolia/China during the time of Mongke Khan(Genghis Khan). His ancestor assassinated Mongke Khan in 1219. A lot of twists and turns in this book that I don’t want to talk about. Definitely read the first book- Last Descendants- before reading this book.

8th grade

Fish in a Tree

This book is about a girl named Ally who has a hard time in school (she doesn't have a lot of friends). When her teacher goes on maternity, she gets a new teacher. This new teacher discovers something that helps shed light on why she has difficulty in school. With this teacher's help, she gains confidence and makes new friends.

I liked this book. I think Ally is someone who you can identify with if you have trouble in school or don't have a lot of friends.

Lillian, 7th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Leap Day by Wendy Mass

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?


In the book Leap Day by Wendy Mass, a minor character I would like to know more about is a girl named Keisha. She is often in the background of the plot, and you don't get to learn much about her. Keisha and her boyfriend Bobby have a very strong relationship, and they might be growing up in that sense too quickly. One day, Keisha goes to the hospital and finds out that she is pregnant! Too Fast, a book about Keisha and Bobby's experience before the baby, during the pregnancy, and afterward. That is a book that I want to read.

Lyra, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Read a book that takes place in a country other than the United States.


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

This book was actually really good and I would definitely recommend it. Would I recommend it to a three-year-old? No, because 1) most three-year-olds can't read and 2) It's not appropriate for a toddler. I think a 5th grader who is reading at a 5th-grade level might understand this book and a 5th grader who is reading at a 6th-grade level will most likely understand and appreciate it. Anyone who is in middle school or older will probably like this book. I'm not going to tell you what this book is about, just trust me this is a really good book. If you like adventure, action, and romance you should definitely go to the library right now and get it. If you don't like romantic books that's ok because I don't like them either and I still loved The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue. P.S there is also a sequel that looks really good and is going to be done in November!

Zephyr, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Fatal Throne by M.T Anderson, Jennifer Donnelly, Candace Flemming, Stephanie Hemphill, Deborah Hopkinson, Linda Sue Park, Lisa Ann Sandell

Read a nonfiction book or historical fiction book.


Describe a part of the book that made you feel something strongly (i.e. something that made you cry, laugh, get really angry, etc.).

So this book is about King Henry the eighth and his wives that he either killed, cheated on, or divorced, and adds a very interesting perspective to a pretty set story. It really made me mad that the King a lot of his wives just so that he could marry someone else, and how he also mistreated his daughters just because they were girls.

8th grade

Damsel by Elana K. Arnold

I got this book as part of the amazing fresh ink program at Porter Square Books, and since this book hasn't come out yet I can't say much, but once it does I would definitely recommend it because of all the twists and turns.

8th grade

A Death Of No Importance by Mariah Fredericks

Read a nonfiction book or historical fiction book.

If this book were set 100 years in the future or the past from when it takes place, what might be different about the plot, characters, etc.

If this book was set in the past the only difference would probably be the clothing. If it was set in the future, almost everything in the plot would be different. Firstly, there would not be as much discrimination against Irish and Italian immigrants. Secondly, the person who is murdered in the story (you'll have to read this book to find out who it is), wouldn't have been rich (wealth is a big part of this book), because the way they make their money (coal) wouldn't be as profitable, and thirdly, the astounding amounts of extreme poverty, would be way less (which is not to say that there is no poverty today). Together these changes would probably change the book completely and make it less interesting to read.

8th grade

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

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


At first when this book was recommended to me I was skeptical, but this book has to be, by far one of the best books ever written. I would definitely recommend this book, because of how well written this book is and also how modern and relatable it is. Honestly, Ready Player One is like the Harry Potter of Sci-fi.

8th grade

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Read a book that takes place in a country other than the United States.

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


I honestly don't know if I would recommend this book. While the books plot was really good and the characters were well developed, a lot of action was packed into a relatively small book, and that kind of just rushed everything that happened in the story. Also there is little to no backstory about the characters. But otherwise, the book was pretty good.

8th grade

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian By:Sherman Alexie

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?

Well in the story there is a character Mary, who is the older sister of Junior, the main character, that (spoiler alert) dies in the last few chapters. Mary only gets mentioned three of four times and, while much isn't said about her, she seemed like a really interesting person.

8th grade

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney

Read a book by a local author or that takes place in Massachusetts.

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

I would definitely recommend this book. Even though it is below my reading level it still makes me laugh every single time I read it. And one of the best parts is the story is very relatable to.

8th grade

Loser by Jerry Spinelli

This book is about a boy who stands out, is clumsy, bad at school, bad at sports, and loves school. He is loud and giggly. The thing I like most about this book is the style of writing ✍️. The author has a really unique way of writing and is really creative. This book was really great , but the ending really wasn’t satisfying. You should read the book though.

6th grade

The science of breakable things by Tae Keller

This book is about a girl who’s mother is depressed. Her mother got fired from a job where she worked on Cobalt Blue Orchids, these magical plants ( well not really magical, but still) that somehow survived toxic waste in Mexico 🇲🇽. The girl and her mother planted one in their garden . When her mother got depressed the girl’s dad watered the plants to much and they all died, including the orchid. When Natalie’s (the girl) teacher wants her to do the egg drop which has a grand prize of $500 Natalie is determined to win. If she wins the money she can buy her mother plane tickets to fly to Mexico and get more Cobalt Blue Orchids! This book is about adventure, twists, friends, and family. It’s a great book and you should read it!!! :)

6th grade

What Else is New?

I am enjoying the summer.

James, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

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

Uglies is a book about a girl named Tally in a futuristic society where at sixteen you turn pretty. The society has many hidden secrets within it that Tally finds throughout the book. It has a completely different structure than the world we live in today. I am impressed with how the author created a setting made of his own rules, landscape, government, and people. I have many questions for the author about how he crafted the book. What inspired him? How long did it take to put it all together? This book really made me think about our world. I wonder what the author thought was the balance between freedom and control. What will our future look like? Uglies is a fascinating book that really made me think about how we should live.

James, 7th grade, Vassal Lane Upper School

What Else is New?

I am in New Jersey and I just found out that I am going to Paris!!!!!!!!!

Lyra, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Flipped by Wendelin Draanen

Have you ever felt something really strongly, and then the next day you feel the opposite way? That is exactly how Juli and Bryce feel in Flipped by Wendelin Draanen. In this extremely "Flipped" story, you can read alternating chapters in different points of view: Juli, the girl who has lived where she does for almost forever, and is desperate to hang out with Bryce, until one day she finally realizes that Bryce isn't all that great. "I was through with Bryce." ; and Juli's across the street neighbor Bryce, who wants nothing to do with Juli, (except copying her homework) until suddenly he starts seeing her in a brand new light. Maybe Juli isn't as bad as he thought. Everything is Flipped!!!!!!!!

Lyra, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

I Survived: The Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis

Read a nonfiction book or historical fiction book.


Imagine seeing the headline of a trending news, saying, 𝘈 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩. Wouldn’t that seem really absurd. Well that was what people in the United States thought about sharks killing humans. It really just seemed illogical to them that a shark would attack a human being just like the news above seems illogical to us. People thought it was a joke until 4 people were brutally slaughtered by sharks at Matawan Creek, New Jersey between July 1 - 12.

8th grade

The Baby-Sitters Club by Raina Telgemeier

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

This book is also about friendship ( well most of it ). Mary Anne and the girls have a fight for a few weeks. Mary Anne made a friend and start hanging out with her and become close friends. I would want to be friends with Mary Anne because she wrote sorry notes to the girls to apologies but none of them accepted but i would accept because well she said sorry. But thankfully Claudia forgave her so i would want to be her friend too and not just for that only. I would also want to be Mary Anne`s friend because i can count on her to forgive me if she got mad at me or if i got mad at her and i can count on her to make me feel better. I can`t tell you more because that would be spoiling. \Plus that was most of what happened in the book.

Rafa, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol

Describe a part of the book that made you feel something strongly (i.e. something that made you cry, laugh, get really angry, etc.).

well i would recommend this book because its a book about friendship. Vera didn't have any friends at camp and her tent buddies were mean to her and they were only nice to her when she gave them her candy or drew for them so that wasn't really nice. But then at the end she made a friend and before that she had to stay for 2 extra weeks at the camp and she was angry. She had no friends not even her brother would talk to her. She wanted to be like the other kids and how she didn't fit in. This book was a mirror for me ( i had the same feelings or the same thing happened ). I felt like i didn't fit in with the girls in my class and i felt like they didn't like me. I wanted to be the same and fit in with them but i could`t do that because i don`t want to change and sometimes i do but that is what they see me as but i don`t ( well actually i do too ). Then i figured out the was actually someone that accepted me the way i was and i was surprised to see who it was but at least i was happy. I don`t want to change no more. so if you feel like you don`t fit in like i did then read this book its good.

Rafa, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Matilda by Roald Dahl

I read this book because I underestimated how fast I would finished two other books, and I left my next book somewhere else, so this was the only book there was to read. And surprisingly, under such circumstances, I liked the book. Although I would not recommend it to many older kids, I think it is a good book for laughs. I would describe this book as a perfectly un-perfect fairy tale. Matilda's life is not all good a easy going, she has issues! But she is Extraordinary, no one knows until her teacher Ms. Honey has her as a student in kindergarten. The meanest head mistres, Ms. Trunchbull happens to be the principle of Matilda's school, she is rude, aggressive, and STUBBORN. But things happen and Trunchbull is taught a lesson. Read the book to find out! (Sorry I got all... Back-of-the-book type talking on ya' but you should, it's funny)

Samantha, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School