Friday, January 6, 2012

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

Monday, December 19, 2011

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

Monday, December 12, 2011

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

Friday, October 21, 2011

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. Link


Ayo G.
Grade 6
E.S Rhodes