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

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

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

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

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

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

Jim and Me by Dan Gutman

In Jim and Me there is a boy named Stosh and he can travel through time using baseball cards. This time when he goes back in time he meets Jim Thorpe, the Native American who won Olympic gold medals for the decathlon. Jim's medals were taken away from him because he was paid to play baseball before he was in the Olympics. Stosh and Bobby Fuller went back in time to the Dodgers field where Jim Thorpe played baseball. John Mcgraw, manager of the Dodgers, uses Thorpe as a pinch hitter. Jim Thorpe wanted to be in the field because he was such a good runner. Mcgraw never gives Thorpe the chance to excel.

You can decide if you want to read this book. I read it twice and I've read other books in the series. Look at Dan Gutman's website for books in this series.

Will G. R.

E.S. Rhodes

The Clique by Lisi Harrison

The Clique is about these 5 girls, Massie, Alicia, Dylan and Kristen . They are a part of a clique in their school where they are the most popular and everyone envies them. They are also extremely wealthy. Massie's father has a friend and his family stay in their guest house. Claire Lyons, the daughter of the visiting family, is a quiet, middle class girl, new to the wealthy community and new to the exclusive private school, OCD (Octavian Country Day). Massie and her clique, "The Pretty Committee," make fun of Claire because of her clothes and looks. Will she ever fit in?

Claire tears "The Pretty Committee" apart just so she can have friends, but her plan backfires and they dislike her even more than before. So Claire befriends a girl named Layne, an outgoing funny, not-afraid-to-be herself kind of girl and Claire likes her. The Pretty Committee makes fun of them but Claire shakes them off. Nothing will destroy her confidence and her friendship with Layne!

I think that is exactly what is happening to kids today. They are being bullied because they are different or they don't "fit in." There is nowhere else to turn for them and that's why I am so proud of Claire! I cannot put these books down! They are amazing and inspirational. True friends don't do what the clique had done to Claire and that's why everyone should try their best to find a great friend!

Amelia L.

E.S. Rhodes Elementary School

The Only Thing Harder Than Fitting In Is Getting In "The Pretty Committee!"

To see other books in the series please visit: http://www.lisiharrison.com/home.html

Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff

Pictures of Hollis Woods is about a girl named Hollis who has been having a really tough time. She has been in foster care for most of her life. Also she has lived with so many families and she is only a teenager. One day Hollis gets placed with a woman named Josie. Hollis likes Josie a lot. Will Hollis make up her mind and stay with Josie, or will she leave Josie like all the other families? 

Pictures of Hollis Woods is an amazing story. It kept my attention through the entire book. This book lets you know what some kids are going through in foster care. It made me want to help kids like Hollis. 

I would definitely recommend this book. I think that people that prefer realistic fiction would enjoy this book as well as people that prefer other genres. Overall, Pictures of Hollis Woods is a great book because it shows people what foster children go through and makes the reader become much more compassionate about foster children.  C.L., Garden City School

No Talking By: Andrew Clements

Dave Packer and Lynsey Burgess  are enemies. They've never liked each other. Dave and Lynsey are in the same class. One day while Dave is reading about Ghandi, who often remained silent for a whole day, he thought of something. The next day, Dave and Lynsey get in a fight as usual. But this fight is about talking. Dave thinks that girls talk more than boys. Then, they make a bet. Dave bets that girls will talk more than boys in one day. So, it's boys against girls. They are only allowed to say three words in each sentence. No talking for two WHOLE days. Who will win?

I recommend this book for anyone who likes challenges and betting.

 

For the latest novels by Andrew Clements, visit his website.  

Genna C.

Grade 6

E.S. Rhodes

Chicken Boy By: Frances O'Roark Dowell

Chicken Boy is a book about a boy named Tobin McCauley. Tobin has two brothers, Patrick and Shane, and they're both delinquents. Tobin also has a grandmother who's kind of like a mom to him, because his mom died of cancer. Tobin has a dad whom he rarely sees. Tobin's grandmother and dad hate each other because Tobin's grandmother says that he didn't do enough to keep her daughter alive. Tobin had no friends until he met Henry and his brother who raised chickens. Henry said the chickens were like people because they have feelings. Now, Tobin finds a new passion for chickens.

Tobin's grandmother called social service. Now the question is, who is Tobin going to stay with? His grandmother or his dad?

Stephanie G.

Grade: 6

E.S Rhodes

Is That a Dead Dog in Your Locker? by Todd Strasser

Is that a dead dog in your locker? Barton Slugg, the Tardy Boys worst arch-enemy ever, asks. Barton is always looking to get the boys in trouble and their school is very strict. They have the NFA rule [No Furry Animals rule]. Is that a dead dog in the locker or is it just a dirty pile of gym clothes? Read Todd Strasser's funny book, Is that A Dead Dog in Your Locker? to find out what's really in the locker.

By: Jacob H.

Woodridge Elementary School

Luv Ya Bunches by Lauren Myracle

Luv Ya Bunches is a story of friendship, popularity, and where you fit in. All the girls are starting 5^th grade today, and they are all worried. The girls used to all be best friends until the popular girl at school named Medusa took away Milla and tore them all apart. As they walk into 5^th grade and throughout the week they realize that true friendship means your friends like you for who you are, maybe you're not popular, maybe you're not that smart, or maybe you're geeky, but they treat you for the person you truly are. Do you think they become friends? Or do they stay in separate cliques?

Sabrina F.

Woodridge School

Where The Red Fern Grows By: Wilson Rawls

Where The Red Fern Grows is a story about a boy named Billy who lives in the Ozark Mountains with his two redbone coon hunting hounds. Billy gives everything he has to his dogs. The dogs names are Little Ann and Old Dan. They are quite a pair! Little Ann is quick and cunning. No coon can outsmart her. Old Dan is tough and fearless. After Little Ann tracks down the coon, Old Dan is off for the final fight. Billy's grandpa counts and sells the coon hides for Billy. It's a real family affair. They enter a contest for the best hunting dogs. Will they win the golden cup and all of the prize money?

Be prepared for the emotional ups and downs!

By: Stephanie G. and Taylor R.
Grade Six
E.S. Rhodes

Million Dollar Throw By: Mike Lupica

Nate Brodie is your typical thirteen year old; except when it comes to football. Nate is a star quarterback. He is a big fan of Tom Brady, the Patriots quarterback. Since Nate is a great quarterback, his friends all call him "Brady." Nate's best friend's name is Abby. Nate's life hasn't been going great so far. His dad just lost his job, and Abby is going blind. Things aren't looking so great. Then, Nate decides to go to the mall with his mother and Abby. He's been saving up to buy a signed Brady ball. When he gets to the cashier, the person asks Nate if he would like to buy a ticket to throw a ball through a hole at a Patriots game on live TV for one million dollars. What do you think Nate said? He said yes of course! Nate doesn't think that his ticket will win. So, he goes on with his life. Then, when it comes time for the winning number to be announced, who wins but Nate! He is flabergasted. If he won the million dollars, it could do a lot. He could help his parents with financial hardships, and give Abby the money for eye surgery. Nate feels a lot of pressure. It even makes him mess up in football. Finally, the big night comes. Will Nate make the throw or not?

For other books by this author visit the website.

By Hannah F.
E.S. Rhodes
Grade 6

Little Women By: Louisa May Alcott

Little Women is a story about four sisters. Their names are Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March. Meg (the oldest) acts very motherly and ladylike. Jo (who's real name is Josephine) is very boyish and fun. Beth (who's real name is Elizabeth) is quiet, friendly, and loving. Amy (the youngest) loves to draw and is not afraid to "state the facts." In the first part of the story, the girls' father is at war. Their mother raises them. At a party, the girls meet Theodore Laurence, otherwise known as Laurie. He becomes a great family friend. The second part of the story, is about all of the girls growing up. It also shows them getting married. This book is a great novel for young people to read. If you think that you are like one of the characters, you should definetly read this book.


Find out more about Louisa May Alcott, an independent woman author.

By: Hannah F.
E.S. Rhodes
Grade Six

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

Who doesn’t like a little sibling rivalry? Jessie and Evan Treski experience some during the last six days of summer vacation. Jessie is very smart and skipped the third grade and is going to be in the same fourth grade class as Evan. Evan doesn’t want her to be in his class. They won’t talk to each other because of this. So they start a lemonade war. They make a bet on who can earn one hundred dollars or more by selling lemonade by the end of summer. Jessie teams up with Evan’s crush – Meagan Moriarity. They aren’t just stirring up lemonade mix; they are stirring up some trouble too. Do you want to find out who wins? Pick up the book and read this fantastic story and you might end up in the war too!

I could not put this book down! I got it from school and read it in one day. It is not very lengthy, but a decent sized book. I was so into it, that when my mom called me for dinner I was startled. My favorite part was when Jessie sabotages Evan’s lemonade. The plan was downright dirty – literally! When Evan tried to get back at her, he went a little too far and it had a big effect. This book was just amazing!

This book is great for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. The reader would get tips in running a business as well as an intriguing story. Be careful though, because you might break your ribs laughing so hard! -- E.D., Garden City

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

This realistic fiction, often mystery is a definite page turner. Roy is the new kid in his middle school in South Florida. He finds two off-beat friends, Beatrice (with “major attitude”), and her runaway brother, Mullet Fingers (you’ll find out about the name on your own). The three of them unite when they discover that a major pancake restaurant chain is going to build its newest store on land that is home to a protected species of owls. There’s a big cover up going on, and what can three kids do in a world of grown-ups? You’ll be surprised, and delighted, and very gratified at the imagination with which Roy, Beatrice and Mullet Fingers manage their…sabotage. This book, which inspired a movie in 2006, is perfect if you care about animals, the environment, and making a difference.

Check out the author's web site:

http://www.carlhiaasen.com/young.html

Carl Hiaasen’s web site for young readers. Take a look at some of his latest books.

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

Facing our problems and getting to the root of things is never easy. Everyone has experienced a time when they were sure they couldn't possibly face what was coming next. Was it knowing you got a poor test grade because you failed to study? Was it a punishment because you disobeyed your parents? Or was it something serious, like facing the grim reality that someone in your life will not be coming back anymore?

"During the week before we left, the sound of the wind was hurry, hurry, hurry and at night even the silent darkness whispered rush, rush, rush. I did not think we could ever leave, and yet I did not want to leave. I did not really expect to survive the trip. But I had to go and I would go...I believed that if there was any chance to bring my mother back home, it would happen on her birthday."

And so begins the mission for thirteen year old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, better known as Sal. She needs to reach Idaho before her mother's birthday. Sal knows this might be her only chance to get her to come home, so she hits the road with her grandparents, in hopes of making it to Lewiston in time. On the way, Sal starts to tell a tale of her friend Phoebe Winterbottom and what happened when Phoebe's mother disappeared. As the trip travels through state parks and monuments, Sal's story of Phoebe becomes more of her own journey towards dealing with her grief and pain. The reader begins to see that there is more than one way to lose a mother. With the help of her grandparents, Sal is able to finish the difficult task of facing her own story, one that is filled with the question of whether or not her mother will return.

Winner of the 1995 Newbery Award, Sharon Creech takes us on a journey through grief, love and acceptance for the different paths life can bring us down. The Newbery committee has called Walk Two Moons a "book packed with humor and affection and is an odyssey of unexpected twists and surprising conclusions." Read more to find out how Sal will fare by the end of her trip and what it is really like to walk two moons in someone else's moccasins.

Sharon Creech www.sharoncreech.com