The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima is an amazing book, yet it is not as popular as some other books, even though it is on the same level as them. It is about a boy named Jack who other than having to take a special medicine in the morning is an ordinary teenager. Then one day he forgets his medicine. He then feels much stronger and more powerful. This is his first glimpse into the world of the Weir. He soon learns that he is a warrior, one of the magical people living among the anaweir (non magical people). He soon learns that there are other magical races. They are the wizards, enchanters, seers, sorcerers and other warriors. He then learns that he is one of the last warriors on earth. He realizes this at a time when both "houses" are looking for a player in "The Game." The houses are the Red Rose and the White Rose. The houses as you may be wondering are two groups of wizards who are constantly fighting. Since the wizards believe that all other Weir are inferior, they throw warriors into "The Game." In this game, warriors from the two houses fight to the death for their house to have control of all the Weir. Now Jack fears he may be one of the next warriors to fight. What will he do? This book is a riveting story about sacrifice, and the difference between life and death.

To go further into the world of the Weir, visit the author's website.

Ayo G.

Edward S. Rhodes

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

The Call of the Wild is a phenomenal book by Jack London. I believe that it is one of my top ten books-to-read . Once I started to read I couldn't stop. In this book you will truly understand the call of the wild.

Buck, a St. Bernard cross Scotch shepherd dog, was the ruler at the sun-kissed Judge Miller's place. He was living a happy life until one of the gardeners kidnapped Buck for money. People all over the world wanted gold which was found up north and they needed dogs to travel. They needed dogs who have strong muscles and long, warm coats. At first Buck did not understand what was happening. He growled at strangers. One day he was let out of his cage only to find himself face to face with a man with a club. Little did Buck know that he was in for a beating, to keep him under control. After the beating, Buck's body was broken, but his soul was not. Buck was sold to strange men for their use on a dog sled team. They wanted strong dogs with long fur to pull a sled all the way up to Alaska for the gold rush. Buck soon learns the life and law of the wild. There will be a surprising ending that awaits you!

There is also another book called White Fang by Jack London. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed The Call of the Wild.

Jingmei Z.

E. S. Rhodes

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay is the final book in the Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It is, in my opinion, the best book out of the three. Katniss is back "home" from the capitol. However, home is not District 12, where she has lived all along. 12 was bombed in hopes to punish Katniss for the stunt she pulled at the Quarter Quell. She is now living in District 13. Her new home is anything but the ordinary. For starters, they live underground. She would probably be happier if she had Peeta, but he is being held hostage in the Capitol. When a group is formed to go and rescue Peeta, Katniss is not allowed to go. When he comes back, he is very confused. He does not associate love with Katniss, but he associates fear. After a very long time, Katniss and Peeta start to get along with each other. Everyone is very upset by all this that they form a group and go to the Capitol themselves. Many lives are lost along the way, including some very important and loved people. Even though their relationship will never be the same as it use to be, they are back together and very happy.

There is a very surprising twist waiting for you at the end. This book is one of my all time favorites. Before you read this book, make sure you read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire.

Eve F.

E. S. Rhodes

Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur

The book, Love, Aubrey, is an extraordinary book about a girl who goes through struggles and abandonment after the death of her sister and father, and as if Aubrey wasn’t upset enough she gets abandoned by her depressed mother; no goodbye and no reason why. After being alone one week, Aubrey receives an unexpected visit from Gram, Aubrey’s grandmother, and the mother of Aubrey’s mother. While visiting she finds out that Aubrey’s mother has left her. Enraged but worried Gram sends out a search party in search of Aubrey’s mother. She also gets in touch with the police and any friends her mother might be staying with. Gram also decides that Aubrey will come and live with her. She states that is the best thing to do, that it is not safe for an eleven-year-old girl to be alone. So Aubrey does so but while staying at Gram’s house it reminds Aubrey of the happier times. When her sister and father were alive and when her mother wasn’t so depressed. When the cousins were running around and when the aunts and uncles were all talking and catching up. It was then when Aubrey was happier. But even though Aubrey did not have her mother and father or little sister, she did have her grandmother. Her grandmother that set up the search party in search of her mother, she also pretty much took Aubrey in until her mother was to be found. This just shows that family is important and big part of your life. So read love Aubrey you will truly love it.

Olivia W.

Woodridge Elementary School

The Midnight Fox by Betsy Byars

This book talks about a boy that goes to a farm for the whole summer. The name of the main character is Tom. Tom sacrifices his summer so his mom can go on a bike ride through New York. The average ten year old wouldn’t spend their summer on a farm but he was generous enough to sacrifice. During his time on the farm he encountered a black fox, then after that, his days on the farm were never the same. Every day he would go to see the fox but one night he saw something that was very rare, it was a baby fox. Because foxes are so smart humans hardly ever get to see any cubs, because the black fox had a cub she had to kill twice as much, but killing bigger prey just got her into trouble. The black fox killed a chicken that was owned by Tom’s aunt so his uncle set out to find the fox and kill her. You have to read the book to find out what happen to the black fox and her cub.

Ricardo F.

Woodridge Elementary School

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

There was a kid named Dwight. He made a little origami Yoda. Kids in the school think that Origami Yoda can tell the future. Then Tommy wants to know if Origami Yoda is real; real as in he can tell the future. Tommy wants to find out if a girl likes him, but he needs to know if he is real so that it is not the wrong answers, because then he will be thinking the wrong thing. So Tommy made a case file to decide if Origami Yoda is real or not. He collected story after story his friend Harvey who does not believe in Yoda lives a comment too, which gives you two pontes of view. Read the book to fig out if Yoda is real and if the girl likes Tommy or not.

James M.

Woodridge Elementary School

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Moon Over Manifest is a book about a girl named Abilene. Her father has left her in the care of the citizens of the town of Manifest because he is working another job. To express how she feels, you can say she feels, abandoned. That is until she and her two new friends Lettie and Ruthanne uncover some secret letters and notes from the town's past. With the help of Miss Sadie (a hungarian fortune-teller who only talks about the past) they find a story that leads to the town's deep past. About a boy named Jinx and a boy named Ned. The story about Shady (Abilene's "landlord") and the hungarian woman. A story about the town and its citizens A story about World War I and the Late Mr. Larkin. Most of all , a story about the friendship of Jinx and Ned. With these stories, Abilene will find out more about her father than she ever knew, whether she likes it or not. In this Newbery honor book, one girl can save a town, in the future, and in the past. As the sign says, Manifest, a town with a rich past and a bright future.

To learn more about Clare Vanderpool and the town of Manifest check out her website

Ayo G.

E.S. Rhodes

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire, in my opinion is a fantastic book. It is the sequel to the Hunger Games, but make sure you read the first one first. Catching Fire starts off with Katniss and Peeta waiting for their victory tour to begin. Then however, Katniss is told that after her performance in the games, she must prove that she and Peeta are madly in love. If this fails, the entire nation could be thrown into rebellion. The victory tour is a whirlwind of emotions for the two of them and before they know it, the Quarter Quell, is upon them. However, soon there is a twist that could change their lives for the better or for the worse. This is one of the best books I have ever read. It provides action, suspense, romance and a huge twist at the end. If I had to rank this book out of every book I have ever read, this one would be in the top five. Suzanne Collins has done a fantastic job on this book and an even better job on the series as a whole. If you liked the Hunger Games you will love this book and the next one in the series, Mockingjay.

Out of the websites concerning the Hunger Games Trilogy, I feel this one is the best.

Nat H.

E.S. Rhodes

Chasing Lincoln's Killer James L. Swanson

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer is a non-fiction book that is focused on the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, and the many tiring days to come for the assassin. Everyone knows the story of the assassination of Abe Lincoln. But does everyone know what happened before and after the assassination? Booth had planned to kidnap Lincoln about 4 months before the actual assassination. Then, at Lincoln’s second inaugural speech Booth watched from the balcony of his hotel room. Booth had a clear shot at Lincoln, but he did not have strong enough firepower to shoot him. Days later Booth went to pick up his mail from Ford’s Theater and learned Lincoln and his wife would be attending that night’s performance. Booth told his accomplices his plan and made plans to assassinate more than just President Lincoln. Does Booth succeed in his wrong doings? Read Chasing Lincoln’s Killer to find out.

Kyle D.

Woodridge School

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Bridge to Terabithia was mainly about two kids who form their own imaginary society, called Terabithia, in the woods. The two kids Jess and Leslie are the two rulers. Lets take a step back to the beginning when Leslie first came to school. It was the first day of fifth grade, everyone excited, ready to go out to recess to race. It was time to see who was the fastest kid in the fifth grade, until Leslie came to school. Jessie saw her as a threat because she could be faster than him but at the same time he had a secret crush on her. When they first raced I knew that they would be best friends. Boy, was that true. They started to do everything together. That was when they created Terabithia, with a rope swing to get across. Terabithia was based on the people in their lives. They were kings, nothing could bring them down. Then something tragic happened that almost made me cry, I was brave. When you figure out what happens you will definitely burst out in tears. If you want to know what happens then you have to read the book. This was by far the best book I have ever read. It is an action packed thriller with suspense on every page. Hopefully you decide to read this book. I know you will love it.

Jarren Prata

Woodridge School

Wings by E.D. Baker

Wings is about a girl named Tamisin. She has always been a little different than the others. Her freckles look more like sparkles and the full moon makes her want to dance. The day when real fairy wings sprout from her back is when her real adventure begins. Goblins start chasing her, and then Tamisin finds out that she can control the weather! When she masters her powers they really help her on her journey to meet the fairy queen. Tamisin isn’t alone on her adventure. A new “boy” from school joins her on her journey and Tamisin finds out she isn’t the only abnormal one in the world, it turns out this boy is a goblin! Eventually, her adventure pays off. Read the book to find out what happens!

This book was very exciting! It was a page-turner and it made my heart pound because I was so nervous! By the title you would think that it was a book for girls but I think that it could go either way. There are goblins so I recommend this book to anyone who likes adventures and magical creatures. If I were to rate this book I would rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

Taylor C.

Woodridge School

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer By John Grisham

Theodore Boone is a 13 year-old boy who loves the courthouse. His parents are lawyers so he gets to spend a ton of time in the courthouse. Since he does spend so much time there, he knows all the cases that are going on (especially the criminal cases because those are his favorites). There is a new murder trial case going on and he gets a little too involved in this one. He found some evidence that could change the whole turn out of this case. Read the book to find out what happens to Theo next!

I really enjoyed this book because it left me hanging on every page. The mystery was very intense and kept the reader in to it. I would recommend this book to both, boys and girls and any mystery lovers. I would rate it a 10 out of 10.

Jillian C.

Woodridge School

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

I think that this book was kind of confusing, but I liked it. Miranda is living in her New York apartment with her mom. She is in the sixth grade, (like us). Her mom's boyfriend, "Mr. Perfect," is helping out too. But when Miranda's mom makes it on the 10,000 Dollar Pyramid, she starts getting these strange letters that are telling her to write back, but the problem is that she doesn't know what they mean and where to write back. With out her best friend, Sal, things are getting harder. Along the way Miranda makes new friends, like the "Laughing Man" and talks to people she never thought about talking to, like the "Gangsters" in the garage. Also, does she find out who the mysterious person is? Does her mom win the 10,000 Dollar Pyramid? Does "Mr. Perfect" get a key to the apartment and do Sal and Miranda become best friends again? What happens to the"Laughing Man?"

This book is part mystery, part science fiction. That is why so many things get so confusing. I also think that is why I liked it so much. The confusion was pulling me back into the book. I kept going back to find out or clear up the confusion.

The end of the book was the most confusing of all. It had a lot of references to A Wrinkle In Time, (which I have not read, yet). This book ended with a lot of questions for me. The questions were not literally in the book but in my mind. This is one of my favorite books, despite the fact it left me hanging. I hope that if you read this book it didn't leave you hanging. All in all, this was an amazing book.

Also, her website is very cool!

Anna W.

Grade 6

E. S. Rhodes School

Warriors Sign of the Moon by Erin Hunter

Warriors Sign of the Moon is about the powerful three (Lionblaze, Jayfeather, and Dovewing) trying to find a way to stop the evil dark forest. The whole plot of this part of the warriors series is that the dead cats in the dark forest want to train living cats to destroy all good cats (both living and dead). Jayfeather receives a desperate plea for help from the tribe of rushing water. Jayfeather sets off, leaving Lionblaze and Dovewing to protect Thunderclan. Jayfeather finds a secret that connects Thunderclan and Tribe of Rushing Water in both the past and the future. What is it? You'll have to find your inner cat to find out. Word of wisdom though, read all the other books before this one. It will help you understand the book better.

Look at the Warriors website for more of the Warrior cats adventures.

Ayo G.

Grade 6

E.S Rhodes

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Maze Runner is an enticing science fiction novel. The story is about a boy who is sent into a huge maze called the Glade. The people who live there are called gladers and have been trying to escape for eleven years, but they have had no success because of the things that lurk in the maze called the grievers. The grievers can’t go into the center of the maze where the gladers live but constantly run around the maze in search of lost gladers. The gladers might escape, but you’ll never know for sure until you read the book!

I thought The Maze Runner was very suspenseful and comedic at times. The book reminds me of a rat maze because the people are the rats and the maze is obviously the maze. My favorite part of the book was definitely the ending, but I can’t tell you the ending or I would ruin the book! My least favorite part, however, is the beginning because it is kind of slow. Even though the beginning is slow, the rest of the book surely makes up for it.

I would recommend The Maze Runner to anyone who likes a somewhat realistic, fantasy novel. I would also recommend it to a Star Wars fan because of its futuristic feel. Also, someone who likes The Hunger Games trilogy would love this book. -- S.L., Garden City

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games is about an annual game that takes place in the future. There are 12 districts around the world. The Capital rules the world. This is because the world was destroyed in a large war. A small amount of land and people were left, and they rebuilt the world. Unfortunately, most districts are in poverty. Few districts were rich. They became rich by winning The Hunger Games. If you win, you obtain a large sum of money for you and your district. When the Hunger Games begin, two kids, a male and female, are randomly chosen to participate in the Hunger Games. The problem is that this game is a fight to the death. 24 children try to kill each other. The last person standing wins the Games. The story revolves around Katniss Everdeen, who takes her sister, Prim’s, place in the Hunger Games. She has one goal: Stay alive.

I personally enjoyed The Hunger Games. It was well written and very intense at times. My favorite part of the book is hard to decide. I loved everything in it. I think I liked the part with the trackerjackers the best, though. Trackerjackers are deadly bees invented by the Capital for war. Their stings cause delusions, and soon, death. Katniss is hiding in a tree when she knocks a nest of trackerjackers to the ground. They attack her, and other tributes trying to kill her. Katniss obtains only a couple stings, and she has the power to stay alive. Sadly, the others don’t fare as well as Katniss. A girl named Glitter is stung multiple times, and she is killed. I dislike the scene where Katniss found Peeta, though. The scene just dragged on, and was boring. I think Foxface was my favorite character. There wasn’t much back story about her, but you only needed a little information to know her. She was sly, and stealthy.

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I would even recommend it to people who hate reading, because even they would be captured by its plot. With this book, it doesn’t matter what your age is. You will love this book no matter what. You can read it at any age, because it is a great book. -- D.R., Garden City

The Black Book Of Secrets by F.E. Higgins

The Black Book of Secrets is about a boy named Ludlow Fitch. He comes from the City, a foul place stinking of poverty, cruelty, and evil. His parents become addicted to gin and end up selling his teeth to get money to pay for the gin. Before he loses his teeth he runs away and hitches a ride on an outbound carriage. He comes to the small town of Pagus Parvus. Ludlow becomes apprenticed to a pawnbroker, Joe Zabbidou, who has just moved into town. He learns that Joe is a Secret Pawnbroker, a person who trades in keeping peoples' darkest secrets safe. Joe takes peoples' secrets down in a book to relieve them of their burden. He then gives the people money for their secrets. Joe helps the people of the town overcome a rich man named Jeremiah Ratchet who cheats almost all the townspeople into debt. Jeremiah ends up getting killed and the townspeople are very grateful to Joe. Joe then takes Ludlow to a library full of other Black Books. Ludlow is then given his own Book in which Joe records Ludlow's secret.

This spiritual tale of sins and redemption will keep you interested and intrigue you from beginning to end. When you've finished visit F.E. Higgins website for more of her fabulous books.

Aidan M

E.S. Rhodes

The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket

I really loved this book, The Ersatz Elevator. Lemony Snicket must have put a lot of deep thought into this book. When the three Baudelaire’s, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, try to get to the bottom of Esme Squalor’s dark and mean scheme, they encounter a little bump in the road. As they are trying to get out of Esme and Jerome’s penthouse apartment, they’re stuck. No one will let them out to get to the police. At this penthouse, there is an extremely odd elevator that is never to be used, however the Baudelaire’s figure out how this elevator works. This odd elevator is really a secret hideout and the only way down is to climb using a rope. Will Violet, Klaus, and Sunny get down the elevator, or will they be stuck in the penthouse forever?

This book is one of my favorites. When Sunny was trying to climb down the elevator, her brother and sister kept cheering her on. That is what I like in a story. Also, it kept you hanging at every chapter. I would always have a hard time taking my eyes off of each page.

Brooke D.

Woodridge School

Poppy by Avi

Poppy is a tiny deer mouse. She lives with a huge deer mouse family. The problem? They’re running out of food. Mr. Ocax, the great horned owl, and ruler of the Dimwood Region, demands permission for any movement the mice wish to do. He is also the protector of them. Lungwort, the father of Poppy and the rest of the mice family, prepares a speech for a movement to go to a place called New House where there is plenty of food. When he gives his speech to Ocax, Ocax denies halfway through. So, Poppy and Lungwort are confused. Why wouldn’t Mr. Ocax let them move to New House? Is there something there that Mr. Ocax doesn’t want them to know about? Well, Poppy doesn’t take no for an answer. She wants to find out, so she prepares to walk there. If you want to know what is at New House and see if Poppy succeeds, than I suggest you read this exciting, can’t put down, adventure book.This book is awesome! I couldn’t put it down! Whenever I read I didn’t want to stop. I would think other readers would think the same thing as me. So, if your near your public library, and you need a book, I check this one out!

Vito N.

Woodridge School

Ida B by Katherine Hannigan

Ida B is about this girl named Ida. She is an only child and is homeschooled. Her parents have a big piece of land and with that land they planted apple trees and now they have and apple orchard. Ida’s friends aren’t really friends. They are the apple trees. Ida talks to them because since she’s homeschooled and doesn’t go to regular school, she talks to trees, but the trees “talk” back. She loves to be outside with the trees in her orchard. Ida has the happiest life that one could ever live until her mom becomes diagnosed with cancer. Her family can’t afford the chemo treatments needed for her mom, so they have to sell some of their orchard. Ida B is forced to be put back in public school. She never liked it and she never will. Will Ida’s mom ever recover from her cancer? Will Ida be able to be homeschooled and will her life ever be back to normal?

I recommend this book to girls above the age of 10 or 11. I loved it so much, I had to read it three more times! Katherine Hannigan is a terrific author and included great suspense in this book. I couldn’t put it down! This book is a definitely a page-turner!!

Riley W.

Woodridge School