A Lesson in Words: Frindle

Frindle (1996)
Andrew Clements
Fiction
Rating: 4/5
Warnings: none

Frindle is a book about a kid named Nick. He is a genious/trouble maker and comes up with clever ideas. One day he learns how things become words and decides that he will start calling pens, frindles. He talks people in his school into going along with it and is excited when they do. His teacher tries to stop him at every turn, this just makes him work harder.

A theme in this book is small ideas can bring about big changes.

The authors style is third-person objective.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a clever story.

"Will have readers smiling all the way through... hilarious." - The Horn Book (starred review)

"A captivating tale -- one to press upon children, and one they'll be passing among themselves." - Kirkus (pointered review)

Into A World of Our Own: Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia (1977)
Katherine Paterson
Fiction
Rating: 4/5
Warnings: none


Bridge to Terabithia is a book about a boy named Jesse. He likes to run and do art. He meets a girl named Leslie. Together they make an imaginary land, in the woods near their houses, and name it Terabithia. One day Jesse decides to go to an art museum with his art/music teacher. Something tragic happens to Leslie while he is gone that changes his life forever.

A theme in this book is childhood innocence can end early. It is a theme because Jesse has to grow up and learn to deal with grief at a young age.

I would recommend this book to 3rd or 4th graders because it is that reading level, but anyone who wants to can read it. It is good for anyone who needs a quick read.

"The author...has written a perceptive, touching book set in contemporary America... one of remarkable richness and depth, beautifully written." - The Horn Book Magazine

"A remarkable book. Its theme is expanded in a masterful way, its characters are real and many-faceted --but perhaps best of all , this book is a cracking good story." -Association for Library Serbice to Children (ALA)

The Flame of Rebellion is Catching Fire

Catching Fire (2009)
Suzanne Collins
Science Fiction
Rating: 5/5
Warnings: graphic killing


This is the second book in The Hunger Games Series. The Districts have started rebeling against the Capitol, and President Snow tells Katniss it is her fault and she must fix it or her family and friends will pay. When she relizes she cannot stop what has already been set in motion she decides to quit fighting it and, instead, join it. Then comes the 75th Hunger Games. Every 25 years they have the Quarter Quell, which is a special Hunger Games to more specifically remind the Districts about the rebellion and how the Capitol always retains control. In this Quarter Quell they announce that 2 victors, one male and one female, will go from each district to compete. Victors are the ones who have won past Hunger Games. Seeing as District 12 only has one female victor, Katniss Everdeen is back in the games. It is more intense than the first book because she is fighting against people with more experience, but as time progresses she becomes suspicious as to the others motives for keeping her and her fellow district 12 tribute alive. She wants to know why the other tributes are putting their own safety, and lives, after that of those from her District.


A major theme from this book is the power of words. Most of the tributes have some sort of strength. Whether it be physical or mental they are each strong in thier own way. District 12's male tributes strength is in how he can so easily, in his simple honest way, take of few words and have a whole nation on his side.


It is written in first person from the point of view of Katniss. The tone is intense and pulls you in. By the end of the book you feel the need to start the next one so you can find out what happens.


The audience for the first book was more pointed toward teens, but this one includes adults as well because the author brings in the adult tributes and the reader can see from all different ages how horrible these game could be for anyone.


"Where as Katniss kills with finesse, Collins writes with raw power." -Time Magazine

"Collins has done that rare thing. She has written a sequel that improves upon the first book." -The New York Times Book Review

Let the Games Begin: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games (2008)

Suzanne Collins

Science Fiction

Rating: 5/5

Warning: mild graphic killing

The book takes place in post apocalyptic North America, where there is now a Capitol called Panem and twelve outlying districts. Each District lives to provide comfort for those in the Capitol, while those in the Districts starve. The Government is extremely controlling and one of the ways they show their control is through the Hunger Games. One boy and one girl from each district, known as tributes, are randomly chosen to compete to the death on live television. Most of the districts despise the Capitol for the Hunger Games, but Capitol civilians thrive on the Games coming every year. Katniss and Peeta are the tributes from District 12. Throughout the book they show the Capitol rebellion from the things they do in the Games. Read the book to see the others they meet and who is crowned victor of the 74th Annual Hunger Games.

One theme from this book is what people risk and do to stay alive, and what they will risk to do what is right but not always easy.

It is written in first person present tense, which at times can make the wording sound a bit strange. Katniss is the narrator.

The intended audience is young adults and pre-teens, but is an enjoyable read for adults as well. It is intended for teens because it relates to them.

I would reccomend this book to others because it is intense and exciting and I enjoyed reading it.

"[The Hunger Games] is a violent, jarring, speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense.... I couldn't stop reading." -Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly

"[A] plot-driven blend of suspense, science fiction, and romance." -USA Today

"Brilliantly plotted and perfectly paced.... Engrossing."-John Green, New York Times Book Review

The Trials of Jr. High: Diary of A Wimpy Kid

Diary of A Wimpy Kid (2007)

Jeff Kinney

Realistic Fiction

Rating: 4/5

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a book about a boy named Greg Heffley. It is his journal. It is about his journey through Jr. High. He is writing and telling about the challenges of growing up. He wants to be in the "cool" group of kids, and is writing about how he is gonna get there. He and his best friend, Rowley, go through the fights and challenges all friends go through. In the end Greg and Rowley make up from a fight they had and they go on with life.

A theme in this book is what it is like to be in Jr. High.

This is a funny book. The author wrote it in a style where Greg was the narrator because it was his journal.

It was intended for gradeschool boys, but anyone who wants to read it can.

I would recommend this book to 3-6 grade boys, but anyone who wants to read it can, it is good for someone who needs a quick read.

Change begins with a whisper: The Help

The Help (2009)

Stockett, Kathryn

Historical Fiction

Rating: 5/5

Warnings: some language and racism

This is a book about Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960's. It is about civil rights. Aibileen is a African American maid who raises white kids. She is working for Mrs. Leefolt. She meets Skeeter, Mrs. Leefolt's friend, who is an up and coming writer. She starts helping Skeeter with some writing for the newspaper. Situations lead them to write about how wrong it is, that black people are treated like they are less than white people. Especially in the work force. To be able to get the book they decide to write published, they need more stories. Aibileen and her friend Minny Jackson struggle to find other maids who will speak up, because what they are doing is against the law. A traggic event leads to other maids wanting to help. Skeeter ends up going to work as an author in NYC. Aibileen and Minny gain the courage that they have needed all along.

A major theme in this book is taking action. As the people of Jackson start treating blacks so badly Aibileen, Skeeter, and Minny decide they aren't going to sit back and watch anymore. They are going to take action, and be the change.

There were times when the author took a serious tone, but other times were meant for a good laugh. Each chapter has one of three narrators, Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter are the narrators. They tell the story from their point of view.

The Help is intended for older girls or women, especially house wives/homemakers.

I would recommend this book to older girls or women, because it is a good book, even people who don't enjoy reading, could have a good time reading this book. Much of this book is like reading a"chick- flick."

"Graceful and real, a compulsively readable story." - Entertainment Weekly

"Powerful...[Stockett's] attention to historical detail, dialect, and characterization creates a beautiful portrait of a fragmenting world."-- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"You can't stop reading until you've devoured the last word. Its characters jump off the page and into your heart... [Stockett's] pitch-perfect depiction of a country's gradual path toward integration will pull readers into a compelling story that doubles as a portrait of a country struggling with racial issues." -USA Today

The Crucible Cast

Reverend Samuel Parris: Alan Rickman

I picked him because he would be a spectacular clergyman and religious leader. He is a very serious actor which makes him perfect for a puritan religious leader.

Tituba: Viola Davis

I picked her because she is good at playing the role of a maid/slave. Her way of showing emotion is sincere and would work well for this character.

Abigail Williams: Katie McGrath

I picked her because she can be very sneaky and deceitful and that is how Abigail is. Katie is positively perfect for this role.

Thomas Putnam: Patrick Dempsey

I chose him because he could play a good wealthy landowner.

Goody Ann Putnam: Kate Winslet

I picked her because she is good at showing differing emotions and she looks like a wealthy land owners wife.

John Proctor: Johnny Depp

I picked him because as an actor he is a genius and could play any role. He is the type of guy that would attract the attentions of a young woman.

Goody Elizabeth Proctor: Jennifer Love Hewitt

I picked her cause she could play a role of the jealous wife. She is great at using her eyes to convey messages and she could use them to show her hatred toward Abigail.

Mary Warren: Emma Stone

I chose her because she is the right age and she is really good at throwing herself completely into a character.

Goody Rebecca Nurse: Julie Andrews

I picked her because she is a sweet lady whos seems like she could be the mother of many and handle it with a smile. She is good at playing a serious role.

Reverend John Hale: Nicolas Cage

I picked him because he is an actor who does very well playing the role of someone who is an expert in certain areas.