Madison Junior High School Reviews

Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Junwoo
I don't think there's ever been a book in the genre ‘Historical Fiction' that could get a teenager interested like Code Talker, by Joseph Bruchac . It has the exact combination of a capturing storyline and great storytelling that make it the page-turner it is. If you liked Bruchac's Trail of Tears , Paths of Beauty, Code Talker is a must read.In Code Talker, a young Navajo named Kii Yazhi, is sent to a boarding school where he is taught that everything he has ever known is worthless in the new, modern world. His culture, his ethnicity, his customs, and most of all, his language must be forgotten to be able to prosper in America. His name is changed to Ned Begay and if he gives the smallest hint that he is Navajo, he is punished. Year after year, all he hears is that being Navajo is worthless. Then it happens. Pearl Harbor . With the United States entering World War II , Begay enlists in the Marine Corps. Now he is told something very different. His Navajo language, the language he was told his entire childhood to forget, is needed to help the U.S. win the war in the Pacific. He needs the Navajo language to learn an unbreakable code, and become a code talker.Code Talker is a very captivating and informative book. The reader learns a lot about the role of code talkers in WWII through the eyes of a fictional code talker. The intense plot keeps the reader turning the pages until the end. This book showed me that there are many things happening around the world that no one knows about. The code talkers played a vital role in World War II , but were not recognized when they came back home. This book showed me that there are lots of people with a story to tell; they're just looking for someone to listen to it.Joseph Bruchac's Code Talker is fascinating as it is captivating. It makes the readers think to themselves, “Really?” If you want to read a book that keeps you turning the pages while teaching you some history, go pick up Code Talker.

Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Lydia
In World War II , many armies' and navies' lives were sacrificed in order to protect their country. One of the Rebecca Caudill books is Code Talker: a novel about the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac , a historical fiction novel about World War II when the United States had to have a secret code to talk on radios. The Japanese have been cracking every single one of the codes before Americans started using the Navajo language. Then someone thought of using Navajo, and it turned out to save the United States.    This book could be enjoyable or boring, depending on your interests. If you like history about World War II and the Marine Corps, this is for you. The story is from a first-person point of view of a Navajo code talker about his life. It starts out talking about what his life as a child was like. Then, at age six he was sent to a white school, learning to speak English and the American culture, suggested by his uncle. At the school, they had to change how they looked and dressed and were forbidden to talk their native language, punished if they were ever heard. Teachers would try to erase the Navajo language from their minds as if it never existed. Though every time they speak their native tongue they get their mouth washed with soap and get beaten, many of them were determined to keep their sacred language forever.  During this time, World War II has started, and they needed Navajos to help for “special work”. Everyone was excited because they wanted to help their country and prove that they are good enough for America. The narrator himself was excited to show how important Navajos really were and that they weren't useless at all. As you read through the book, you will experience along with the narrator what it is like to be in a war and to see men dying all around you. However, there will also be friendships made and lessons learned. In my opinion, I thought Joseph Bruchac did a wonderful job of having accurate information on the war and the conditions then. You feel like it is an actual nonfiction story on a real person. Unfortunately, I also felt that Bruchac could've done a better job of getting the reader hooked into the story. Throughout the book, I felt like there was not much of a climax or rising action, so it wasn't as interesting as I wanted it to be. Code Talker is very educational and can be emotional because it informs you of what happened in American history. You learn about what hundreds of thousands of soldiers fighting for the United States. It makes you feel grateful for what they have gone through to keep you alive. This book made me realize how I shouldn't take anything for granted and value everything you have.

Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie by Blair
Jordan Sonnenblick first novel, Drums, Girls, And Dangerous Pie, is a heart-warming story  that has a little bit for everyone. Sonnenblick voice makes it very relatable to teens all-over even if your little brother hasn't been diagnosed with cancer. Leukemia is type of cancer in which an abnormal increase of white blood cells in tissue and in blood. It is by disease that pushes a family to their limit and tests their love.    Steven Alper is just another normal teen, he is the drummer in the All-City Jazz Band, he has crushes on girls, and is annoyed constantly by his younger brother, Jeffery, until one day when a simple accident turns his world upside down. Jeffery gets sick and Steven normal life forever changed, his mom is frequently driving Jeffery from hospital to hospital, and is left behind eating TV dinners. The families are pushed to keep Jeffery alive throughout this page turning novel.    This book causes sadness along with happiness, and leaves you wanting more and more. At first I thought this book would be just another mediocre novel, but the way Sonnenblick's voice is perceived is so realistic to that of a teenage boy it makes it unforgettable. I think anyone can relate to Steven, whether it's the relationships with his family and friends, his school-life, or the fact of knowing someone dealing with cancer. You can see multiple peoples perspective from their actions and word to Steven, and imagine the difficult life with a cancer patient. Sonnenblick also helps teach you to not take life for granted, and live every day like it's your last. If you want a novel that makes you laugh, cry, and teaches you the importance of your life Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pies is certainly the novel for you.

Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie by Julia H.
Being one of the best booksI've ever read, Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie will have you either laughing or crying throughout the whole book. The story is told by the quick-witted and sarcastic Steven, a 13-year-old boy who seems to be living the normal 13-year-old life, until his brother is diagnosed with luekemia. Even though the book jacket makes the story sound like a real downer, the narration throughout the whole books gives it a lighter feel, with quotes that every teenager can relate to. The story is incredibly fast paced, having you flip through pages and pages until you finish. The pace continues throughout the whole story, so there is never a dull moment in this novel, which would be the one thing I disliked about this book. Each chapter was filled with some many different emotions, it was hard to keep up. And at some points, I wasn't sure whether to be happy or sad, or both. Once I determined the correct emotion of the chapter, the book was more or less perfect. The dialog of the book was top notch, with the italics giving it a whole new demenion. The dialog made the book even more realistic, and gave all the characters more life. Towards the end of the book, you really have a clear understanding of the personalities of the characters, and the valuable relationships they have with each other.All in all, Drums , Girls, and Dangerous Pies is  definitely a book I recommend readers in search of story that will leave them quickly turning through the pages, and laughing a crying throughout the whole book. Sonnenblick did a wonderful job creating characters that everyone could relate to, as well as enjoy the story the characters have to tell.

Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie by Junwoo
If you crave to read a novel that is sad, touching, entertaining and short all at once, you should read Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick. Author of Notes from the Midnight Driver, Sonnenblick writes that life goes on in the middle of tragedy and that the one thing you can always change is yourself.    Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie is about Steven Alper, and eighth grader who leads an almost normal life; he's a drummer in the All-City high School Jazz Band, gets average grades, and is constantly annoyed by his cuter-than-cute baby brother, Jeffery. But when Jeffery gets seriously sick, Steven's world does a back flip. He is forced to cope with his brother's illness and constant trips to the hospital, attempt to keep his family in a single piece, and pull himself together at school to get good grades and to prepare for his upcoming solo in the spring concert.    This book is comical and attractive as it is moving and heartfelt. Sonnenblick describes an eighth grader's life and how he deals with a life-changing incident with such a unique style that you're curiosity is spiked from the dedication page. When Sonnenblick writes that the one thing you can always change is yourself I agree wholeheartedly. It's hard to change the world, but compared to that task, changing yourself is overly simple. And if you can change yourself, everyone around you could change themselves, causing the world to change.    A good read doesn't really begin to describe Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie. I haven't read a book quite like it before. It is fun, sad, realistic, surprising, and captivating while managing to get through a few significant messages of life. And if you're still wondering what Dangerous Pie is, you'll have to pick up the book and read it if you want to find out.

Listening for Lions by Jason
Listening For Lions, by Gloria Whelan , is a fictional, but very remarkable and interesting book set in the year of 1919, about the life of Rachel Sheridan. Rachel was an only child living with her missionary parents in Tumiani Africa. They had started a hospital and a church in the small town. Everything seemed to be going well for Rachel. She lived in a place she loved, helped her father in the hospital, and was friends with all the native people. But then a terrible case of influenza swept the world, changing her life forever. Rachel had to leave the place she loved so much, and adapt to a whole new world.     When I began reading this novel I was expecting a very predictable and easy-to-read book. However I was surprised to find that Listening for Lions was one of the most interesting and different books I have ever read. No other book is just quite like this one, it's a book that doesn't just leave a thought in your head, it paints a whole story, and almost makes you remember it for being so different. Even though I have never been to Africa, and have never done half the things Rachel has done, I have a clear image of what is happening during the whole story. I have never read any books about Africa because I have always thought it to be a dull and boring place, nothing but hot deserts and tall grass. But after reading Listening for Lions I have a completely different opinion because it was so well written, easily portraying that Rachel loved every bit of Africa, but also making the reader love it too.     I believe a fairly large issue raised in this book is orphanages and the care of foster children. When Rachel is made to live with her neighbors the Pritchards, she has absolutely no say over what she does. The Pritchards make her do what they please, and if she tries to escape or breach her obligation to her “parents,” she will be punished. I think that Ms. Whelan is attempting to tell the world about all the problems with foster care and orphanages.     Listening For Lions has to be one of the attention-grabbing books about Africa out there. It is so dissimilar from any other books that it will always stick out in my head as something interesting to read. Also with its story of a girl who was in foster care and the negative effects that it had on her are a very large part of this novel. Putting her in a good home had an amazing effect not only on her childhood but also on her entire career and life ahead of her. Listening For Lions seemed to me to be a book that takes what I would have thought to be a very unexciting topic, and turned it into a masterpiece of a story.

Listening for Lions by Madelin T.
Imagine yourself laying in your bed on a warm night. You're trying to fall asleep but you're a little restless tonight. Off in the distance you hear a mighty growl of one lion, then another, a whole heard of lions. Soothed you're now off into a deep sleep. This is how Rachel Sheridan in Listening for Lions felt. This story was the third I read on the Rebecca Caudill.     Listening for Lions, by Gloria Whelan , is a fictional story about a young girl named Rachel Sheridan. Her parents are missionaries stationed in Tumaini, Africa. Her parents run the hospital, church, and a school for young children with the help of the locals. Rachel is twelve and Africa is the only home she knows. She loves her simple life style and all the good friends she has made in Africa.     One day influenza strikes the area and the hospital is full of infected people. Their pompous neighbors, the Pritchard's, daughter, Valerie dies of the influenza. Shortly after both of Rachel's parents get sick and die. Rachel is left with no one until the Pritchard's take her into their house. This seems unlike them to be kind so Rachel suspects their up to something.    Valerie was supposed to go visit her sick, but very wealthy, grandfather's mansion to help her parents gain inheritance rights. The very greedy Pritchard's were so desperate to the money they would do anything. Rachel, since her parents were missionaries, should have been turned into the missionary office. Instead the selfish Pritchard's came up with a plan. They would have Rachel, who looks for the most part exactly like Valerie, take her place and go visit the grandfather in England . For the first time Rachel leaves Africa and becomes Valerie Pritchard.     This is a story of a courageous girl who after being sent away and starting to grow fond of everyone at the mansion, just can't keep her cover. The grandfather figures out who she really is and helps her get rid of the Pritchard's.  Rachel goes through a long journey away from Africa. But after going to school to become a doctor her dream of going home is in closer reach.     I had read Gloria Whelan 's, Listening for Lions, before two years ago and I enjoyed it so much more the second time. I remembered that I was pleased with the book in the past but rereading again was such a thrill. The books theme of self identity and never giving up hope was inspiring. This story was a real page turner with excellent description. When Gloria talked about Africa I felt like I was there, and now I have a longing to visit this little village of Tumania    The only thing that I disliked about the book was how Rachel impostures another child. It did not seem likely that someone would take you and force you to pass as their daughter. I had many questions on the issue like, why didn't the missionary board try to contact someone to come and get Rachel? This detail of the story seemed very unlikely, but other wise I can only speak highly of the novel.      Rachel's parents are missionaries and the way the author portrayed them one of my opinions have changed. I always thought missionaries were kind for donating their life to other people but I did not like the fact that they pushed people to change religions. Rachel's parents were a good example of how missionaries do other things. Her parents ran a hospital, school, and only opened the church to those who wanted to come. I now view missionaries in a different more positive way after reading Listening for Lions.     I would highly suggest reading Gloria Whelan 's novel to any reader from fifth grade up. I think this book was very well written and jam packed with details. Even though this is my second time reading the story I will probably read in many times more. I have leaned much from this page turner and urge anyone who loves a good book to pick up, Listening for Lions.  

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Carol S.
In the book, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Kate DiCamillo , Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, learns that it is not all about loving your self and your appearance on the inside, but making sure you understand love and having a good heart on the inside that counts. So in this book you will journey with Edward Tulane to all the place of the world, starting from Europe , and from every destination learn a little more about love.   Edward Tulane grows up with a very kind owner, Abilene , who dresses Edward in only the nicest clothes, and finest shoes. She loves Edward Tulane with all her heart, but Edward only loves himself. Every night, Abilene 's grandmother, Pellegrina seems to be the only one that knows Edward's selfishness, and for that, Pellegrina punishes Edward when he is thrown off the boat bring Abilene 's family to England. As Edward is drowning, he thinks he shall die. After many days pass, a fisherman fishes Edward out of the ocean only to bring Edward back to his wife. As the wife falls in love with Edward in a different way Abilene did, Edward soon begins to know a little about love. But soon after Edward starts liking the fisherman's wife, he is thrown in the trash by the fisherman's children. There Edward begins to miss the feeling of love, but not for long because a hobo soon picks Edward up and once again Edward loses the feeling of love when a conductor throws Edward off the train. Later, Edward is found by a farmer in which she uses Edward as a scarecrow, and is soon thrown off again when a little boy takes Edward away to the bedside of his very sick sister. As Edward is taking his extraordinary journey, along the way he learns that there are miracles- even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again.  This book is very touching. Kate DiCamillo only uses 200 pages to make us learn what love is. From the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage heap to a hoboes' camp, from the bedside of an ailing child to the streets of Memphis where there he meets Abilene again after some twenty years. I was touched when Edward, the selfish of all selfish people, was able to learn how to love. Edward, the main character is very interesting. He is a rabbit trying to learn what love is, but he can't do it on his own, and that is why he goes on a miraculous journey. I felt Kate DiCamillo 's feelings were the same as mine on love. She knows that even the hardest and most egoistic heart can learn to love, to lose, and to love again. I agree because in my own life, I have seen enemies becoming friends with their enemies, and I call that a miracle. The book suggests the possibility that everyone can learn how to love. We might look at the world and say that murderer can't love anyone, or that drug alcoholic doesn't know what love is, but they do. They might just need a journey to teach them what love is. Though this is a great book, I do with Kate DiCamillo added an epilogue to say what Abilene 's feeling toward Edward was after she found him again in a store along the streets of Memphis . This would have made the story better because I would have been able to see how Abilene had changed too. Also, this   book affected me in many ways. It taught me that everyone can love because love is something you can find everywhere. Love can be found in jail cells, in deserts, in Antarctica because you can make love anywhere. Now from this book, next time I see someone in need of love, I will step right up to the bat and help them go on their own miraculous journey. So as I came to the end of this light hearted story, I was delighted that Edward learned how to love. This book is a short read, but contains some deep thinking. If you are looking for a great Rebecca Caudill book, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a great book to start with.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Megan
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Katie DiCamillo is a fictional novel. It tells the story of a toy rabbit, Edward, that is greatly loved. Then one day, on a ship to London, Edward is tossed overboard by group of boys and is lost to the bottom of the sea. I believe that the theme of this book is you don't know what you have until it's gone. I believe this because when Edward lived happily with Abilene (a girl who loved him greatly) he had it all, shelter, clothes, and most importantly, someone who loved him. But he took it all for granted. One day (before he was thrown overboard) Abilene's grandma told her and Edward the story of a princess who was beautiful. This princess loved no one, but was deeply loved by others.  One day she was proposed to by a gentleman who truly loved her, she refused his offer and ran into the forest. The princess wandered in the forest for many days until she came upon a shack. She entered the shack and met a witch, whom she begged for food, and then she was asked a question that surprised her. Who do you love? I love no one the princess proudly answered. The witch was however not impressed but instead told the young princess she was disappointed and then turned the princess into a warthog. Edward thought nothing of the story when he heard it, but throughout his journey it took on a deeper meaning to him. Edward had everything he could ever want, but he didn't appreciate it. He didn't appreciate Abilene who loved him so much. He, like the princess, didn't love anyone.    I loved this book and found it very memorable. It had a very unique story line and was full of twists and turns. It kept me reading until the very end. I also thought that this book brought up many issues. Edward is first found by a fisherman who brings him home to his wife. He is once again deeply loved, however this time he does not take it for granted. Edward lives with the family for many months, and comes to love them. Life is beginning look up, that is until their daughter comes home. She does not find him cute or amusing but as a nothing more than a stupid doll, and throws him out. This is an example of how beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Lolly, the daughter, thought of him as a stupid worthless doll. While her parents treasured him and treated him as they would a son or daughter. So one issue I thought this book brought up was that what is beautiful to one person is not to another.    After many encounters with many other people Edward is brought home to a young girl who is sick and dying. This girl is only four and lives with her older brother and abusive dad. Her brother, Bryce, cares for her and when he saw Edward he knew that he was meant for Sarah Ruth, his sister. Bryce does everything for his sister, while their dad rarely even comes home. Edward stays with Sarah Ruth until she dies. This is an issue that I don't think a lot a book's address, the issue of kids who live with abusive and unstable parents. It shows how hard life can be.    Everyone one who comes to live with Edward doesn't live the life of luxury. However, they accept their life the way it is and are happy, not greedy for more. The hobo and his dog who Edward once finds himself living with are far from well off, but are happy. The fisherman's family lives a very simple, but happy life. Bryce and his sister are not living in a good environment but find themselves enjoying the simple things. So a big issue I thought this book addressed was the issue that people are always want more. But there are so many people who have nothing and content with what they have. So I believe a much bigger issue that this book highlighted was that you should appreciate what you have.    The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo tells the story of a toy rabbit who learns to love. I believe that the story of the princess that the grandma told Edward is a symbol of Edward's life. Edward lived a life of luxury and loved no one, like the princess. He was lost in the sea just like how the princess got lost in the forest. The princess loved no one and was punished for this by the witch. However Edward loved no one but he learned to love. Edward and the princess both didn't know how to love and had to go on a journey to discover how too, and that is why I believe the princess story symbolized Edward's journey. I believe the theme of this book is that you truly don't appreciate what you have until it's gone. This book also raises many issues, some of which are; beauty is in the eye of the beholder, how kids can often live with abusive families, and that you should appreciate what you have. I found The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane to be a heart warming story that I would highly recommend to others.

The Misadventures of Maude March, or, Trouble Rides a Fast Horse by Julia H.
The Misadventures of Maude March, by Audrey Couloumbis, is the perfect example of a wild-western story. This novel is told in the eyes of Sallie March, a spunky, young girl who would much rather read books about cowboys and outlaws than learn how to be a proper lady. The title character is Sallie's older sister, Maude, a young lady who is ready to throw away her good-girl image and become a range rider. Their story begins when their Aunt Ruthie is shot by one of Sallie's favorite wild west hero, Joe Harden. Soon after their aunt's death, the sisters are forced into situations that just aren't suitable for them. Their only escape is to travel west to find their one remaining kin, Uncle Arlen. Of course, Sallie and Maude aren't the most experienced range riders around, and run into some trouble along the way. While they are on their journey, they come across none other than Joe Harden, who turns out to be a goodhearted softy, as well and a slew of other characters that bring the book to life, and teach the March sisters how to be really range riders. Putting their lessons to use, though, did not always work out in their favor. As they travel to Missouri , Maude, according to newspapers across the country, has become an outlaw and a murderer. With so much on their plate now, they girls much try even harder to escape the identity that they have created.     From start to finish of this book, I had though what a perfect action movie this would make. The whole story could be the blockbuster hit of the season. It wasn't really a surprise, with all the excellent reviews this novel had gotten. The Misadventures of Maude March    was an all-around great story. It had wonderful characters that you had to fall in love with, and a perfect story plot that left you hoping for a sequel. The organization of the book over all was a problem, though. The chapters were incredibly short, it was obvious that there could have been less of them, and less paper wasted on the space between them. Also, the parts of the book that I felt need more detail or explanation were lacking in that department. The parts there were more or less unimportant to the story line had so much detail, that I found myself skipping over parts, just to get to the good stuff. I did love, however, that they book came full circle multiple times, helping me to remember the events prior. I loved the used of the full circle effect in this book quite a bit, because it added to the whole storytelling affect.     All in all, this book was a great, adventurous story, full of characters that complimented the plot incredibly. The excitement of the book was just right, with lots of fun dialog,. The only problems were in the organization, and the fact that they were present throughout the whole book was not terrific, but I suppose it could have been worse. With a story as delightful as this one, it's hard to go wrong.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
by Breanna
The book The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall is a wonderful tale filled with adventure, excitement, and true friendship. It is a story about a family of four sisters, a dog and a dad, who go on vacation to a cottage owned by a wealthy lady and her son. In no time, the sisters befriend the boy, and the trouble begins. This magnificent book is about the Penderwicks, a family of four sisters; Batty, Jane, Skye and Rosalind, their dog Hound and their father. They are on vacation at a quaint cottage, owned by Ms. Tifton and her son Jeffery. When Jeffery and the girls become friends there is nothing but chaos! Of course, Ms. Tifton is less than pleased with the sisters, and their friendship with Jeffery.     This is an uplifting and adventurous tale of friendship and standing up for yourself. Throughout the book, the reader is captivated by the individual personalities Birdsall creates for her characters. They become your companions once the book begins, and everything they go through teaches you something about your life. From getting along with sisters, to crushes, to defending your family, this book is full of surprises and life lessons. One of the most relatable issues in the book is the disconnection Jeffery has with his mother. She strongly wants him to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and attend Pencey Military Academy. But Jeffery is totally against it; instead, he wants to be a musician. But his mother refuses to listen to him about it, and he is forced to go against his will. There are many children who have this same issue. Their parents won't listen to them about what they want, they are forced to take classes or play sports even thought they absolutely hate it. Another common problem with kids is standing up for themselves when they are put down by others. Ms. Tifton puts down the sisters and their whole family. When things like this happen to kids they usually back down because the person who said it is an adult. This story teaches them to defend themselves. If someone says something truly hurtful, like Ms. Tifton does by insulting the Penderwicks deceased mother, you have the right to say something. When reading, you absorb some of Skye's confidence to stand up to Ms. Tifton, and it helps you to deal with your won problems.     All in all, this book had a wonderful effect on me, and hopefully it has that same effect on other readers too. It is a relatable and thrilling and an all around good book. Throughout the whole thing you are back and forth rooting for Jeffery and the sisters in all their adventures!

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
by Carol S.
In the realistic fiction novel, The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, by Jeanne Birdsall, many morals and themes were learned. This book is a family story with an old-fashioned charm. During summer vacation, the Penderwicks decide to go to Arundel , a small cottage. In the midst of their adventure, they form friends with rabbits, learn more about their likings, and form a close friendship with Jeffrey. As Jeffrey's mother tries to stop Jeffery from being friends with the Penderwick sisters, the sisters still help Jeffery accomplish his dream, and not his mother's. The Penderwicks ventures into many views of life in general, but the main theme comes out as the Penderwicks are growing up, forming new friendships, and having adventures while staying true to themselves and sticking up for their friend.     As summer vacation begins, Mr. Penderwick has decided to take the girls to a little cottage in Arundel . Right from the beginning, Skye, the outgoing one, gets on the wrong side with Mrs. Tifton, Jeffrey's mother, who yells at Skye for messing with her prize winning garden. Soon after, a little boy comes out and Skye asks him who that mean lady is. Not knowing the boy was Jeffrey, Mrs. Tifton's son, Skye accidently hurt Jeffrey's feelings. But this is when the adventure starts. As the family asks for Jeffrey's forgiveness, they soon begin to take a liking for Jeffrey. They see past Jeffrey's strict mom, and start going on adventures with Jeffrey and learning all the nooks and crannies of Arundel . Just as soon as they start getting to know Jeffrey, they learn his mom, Mrs. Tifton, is getting remarried. Jeffrey is not pleased with this decision because the soon to be step-dad of his has dreams of Jeffrey being a golf star, and going to West Point Academy. When Jeffrey finds out, he feels his dreams are crushed because he had always wanted to be a great musician. Now of course, as soon as the Penderwick sisters find out, they step up to the bat and want to help Jeffrey out, but will Jeffrey let them under the hatred Jeffrey's mom has toward the whole Penderwick family?    This book is very interesting because it is so unique. Usual family stories include a family member dying, getting sick, missing, or some other kind of trauma, but The Penderwicks is different because it is a peaceful book with the special touch, an old- fashioned setting. The characters are also interesting because even though they are sisters, they are as different as can be. Rosaline, the oldest is falling in love with boys, yet being a great role model and a second mother to her siblings after their mother died a week after having Batty due to cancer. Skye, the second oldest is smart and pretty. Jane, who is the third oldest, loves to writes about her made up character, Sabrina Star. And last but not least, Batty, the youngest who is in love with animals, hence the name Batty because she always has on her bat wings. This book suggests the possibilities that old-fashioned vacation spots can bring great memories and wonderful memories if you just make the best of the time you have there. Many times we will dread going to cottages for a vacation, but Jeanne Birdsall really made the Arundel cottage sound like a delightful place to be. The book does leave some matters out though. The author should have added more about the death of Mrs. Penderwick because I felt like I could have gotten to know the characters better from that because I wanted to know more of their feelings and thoughts after going through something like that. I used to not like “old-fashioned” books, but now, I feel they never get stale, and gives a cool breeze on a summer day. Old-fashioned books bring a sense of love and peacefullness that satisfyies the soul and mind.  So as I came to an end of this family story, I was touched by the sisters' compassion and their helpfullness towards their new friend Jeffrey. I felt this book was interesting, beautifully crafted, and a wonderful story line in which I wouldn't change much at all. So is you are looking for a good Rebecca Caudill book, you can stop your search becasue in the book, The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sister, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, by Jeanne Birdsall, includes eveything a great book should have.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
by Jordan W.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall is a book about family who rents a summer home that really brings them together. Things are not always what they seem—and Birdsall brings that up often throughout the novel.The five Penderwicks, Rosalind, Skye, Jane, Batty, and Mr. Penderwick, left their home in Cameron to rent a cottage called Arundel . While there, the four girls befriend a boy named Jeffrey, the evil lady, Mrs. Tifton's son. Together, the kids get into all sorts of troubles and adventure. The house attendant named Cagney and the cook, Churchie, help the Penderwicks have fun and stay away from trouble. However, that doesn't really work. Mrs. Tifton's boyfriend Dexter has a plan to take away Jeffrey's childhood all together. In addition, Mrs. Tifton and Dexter thing that the Penderwicks are bad influences on Jeffrey and forbids him to see them. Together, the five kids must find a way to avoid trouble and have a good time at Arundel , which isn't always easy.The Penderwicks was extremely realistic. It seemed like Birdsall made the readers have a special connection with each character, creating a unique bond between the two. As a reader, you don't want anything bad to happen to anyone, just a happy ending. The book is very emotional because of this factor and actually made me cry. Birdsall also sends different messages throughout the story; each reader may take away a different theme such as standing up for your beliefs or to give everyone a chance.The Penderwicks is an easy, entertaining read. Birdsall seems to pour her heart and soul into the book, creating a specific personality for each character. She adds in many vivid details that really help the reader connect. This novel also presents different messages about finding yourself. Definitely five out of five stars for Birdsall.

The Schwa Was Here by Janie Z.
In the fiction book, The Schwa was Here, by Neal Shusterman, it taught me that no one you love is ever forgotten.     This book is about a boy named Antsy who becomes friends with Calvin Schwa. Calvin Schwa isn't your typical teenage boy. Usually when people get embarrassed or upset, they think that they just want to be invisible or disappear forever. Well, Calvin had that special effect on people. It was called, “the Schwas Effect”, which meant you almost always forgot about him and you almost always never see him. Everyone calls him, the Schwa. His whole life, he's experienced being unknown or forgotten. The Schwa's dad is even blind to his own son! Later on, Antsy discovers the painful story about how the Schwa's mom left him in a grocery store when he was five years old, and she never came back for him. The Schwa then realizes that he might disappear one day just like his mom. So, with the help of his best friend, Antsy, he comes up with a plan to get noticed and be remembered forever.     I personally really enjoyed reading this book. It had a good balance between comedy, drama, and romance. This book was also very entertaining because the topic was different from previous books I've read. The idea that a boy was practically invisible was just very intriguing. Mr. Shusterman also did a great job on giving Antsy such a unique personality and letting all readers see that through the text because the story was told from his point of view. The only suggestion that I have for Mr. Shusterman to make the book even better is to add more detail at the end when the Schwa's problems were resolved. I felt like he just left us hanging without any sort of details. His story just ended too abruptly.     Overall, I think The Schwa was Here is a must read for anyone who's looking for a funny, dramatic, and a little bit of a romantic story. It will definitely be a book that'll make you yearn for more.

Shakespeare's Secret by Julia H.
Review for Shakespeare 's Secret, By Elise Broach    Shakespeare 's Secret, by Elise Broach, is a exciting mystery that makes you think outside of the box, and leaves you wanting for more information once the book is finished. This novel is about Hero, a sixth-grade girl named after a character in her parents' favorite William Shakespeare play. Hero and her family move quite often, which never allows her to fit into any school. On the day before another dreaded first day of school in her new town, a trip to return hedge trimmers to her neighbor turns into the start of an adventure for Hero. Her neighbor, Mrs. Roth tells Hero that her family moved into a house full of mysteries: the Murphy Diamond house. Mr. Murphy had recently moved out soon after his wife died, and supposedly left a diamond somewhere in Hero's house. Mrs. Roth, Hero, and a neighborhood eighth grader boy named Danny are determined to find this jewel that has caused so much controversy in their town. Not only would finding the diamond clear up the rumors of the Murphy family, but also help the three friends solve the mystery of the real Shakespeare . In the process of finding the jewel, they also find out more about themselves than they expected.    I have to admit, mysteries are not my cup of tea, normally finding them boring and confusing. I was a little apprehensive about picking up a mystery novel, especially one about Shakespeare , also know as one of the most confusing writers of all time. As soon as I opened the book, though, I found that I had started to read what could possibly be the next Di Vinci Code for kids. This book had it all: adventure, surprise, relationship, and the most memorable trait of all, suspense. There's nothing more perfect than a book that keeps you turning pages faster than you ever thought you could. Something that I found quite enjoyable about this novel is that it makes history fun. Never once had I read a book that involved medieval history that I enjoyed as much as Shakespeare 's Secret. Throughout the whole book, I was craving for more facts about Ann Boleyn, Edward De Vere, and Queen Elizabeth . It takes a wonderful author like Elise Broach to turn a book about a preteen girl into a history lesson, and still make it a joy to read.    In conclusion, this novel taught me more than I ever thought I would have learned about William Shakespeare , while still keeping me completely entertain. It was a pleasure to read such a terrific story with such a great message, and fabulous facts.

Thunder from the Sea by Maureen
Two years ago, I had read any book with a dog on the cover. Thunder From the Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow is no exception to this rule. It's a classic boy-and-his-lovable-dog story, which teaches of unbreakable friendship and karma. In the book, what goes around comes around.     The year is 1929 when things finally start to look better for thirteen-year-old Tom.  His parents are dead and he's lived in the orphanage at Grenfell Mission for his entire life and suddenly, Mr. Enoch Murray and his wife, Fiona take him overseas to Back o' the Moon Island. While out fishing in a storm, Tom spots a shaggy wet head bobbing in the waves. The dog becomes Thunder, and Thunder becomes his best friend. He proves his loyalty countless times, like in the earthquake that blasts their island apart. It seems the only man that could possibly rip the two apart is Thunder's original master.    This book and its lesson are very memorable because they're realistic. It also has a remarkable plotline, which twisted at the end and surprised the socks off me. This book made me fully realize the effects of earthquakes because of the one that occurs on Back o' the Moon Island. They can be mercilessly traumatizing and before this book – though I don't know whether or not it's true – I never knew that dogs could sense earthquakes. Perhaps it's just Thunder, or maybe dogs everywhere have this incredibly useful skill. Also, this book explores the lonesome life of an orphan. It helped me understand the feelings and lifestyle of kids without parents.    This book actually made me care more deeply about my dogs. Thunder made me appreciate each little thing they do – fetch a ball, act as a doorbell, hide under my feet during a thunderstorm, or anything else. After seeing the potential of Thunder and his actions, my opinions of the three dogs that inhabit my household improved a considerable amount. Sure, I loved them before, but this book affected me in such a way to help me realize how much they love my family back.    All in all, this book has changed my thoughts in a positive manner with its real characters and great plot. The issues are sensible, and with the other aspects, it adds up for a great read.

Yankee Girl by Robin
Have you ever walked down a hallway where all eyes are on you, but not in a good way? Have you ever sat in a room with twenty other people, and not one of them would touch you with a ten-foot pole? This was only the beginning of the torture Valerie Taylor went through in Mary Ann Rodman's book Yankee Girl. When Valerie, daughter of an African-American preacher, comes to an all-white elementary school in Mississippi in 1964, no one is on her side. And the girl who has the most potential for reaching out to her is Alice Ann Moxley, a softhearted girl who just moved there from Chicago…but she's caught in between Valerie and social status.    I was able to connect to this novel in so many ways, especially to Alice. I've been in her situation before, when you have to choose between the right thing and the thing everyone wants you to do. It isn't easy to resist the temptation to do what's popular, in Alice's case, being accepted by the ultra-fab group of cheerleaders. But in order to do that, she can't be a “Negro lover” and talk to Valerie…in fact, she had to assist Saranne and the others in playing mean tricks on her. I understood Alice's position when she was caught in the middle and I admired her final decision. I also agree with Mary Ann Rodman's opinion that peer pressure can cause you to compromise your values.    Although this is a fantastic story, one thing I would of liked to see was Saranne (and the rest of her group) learning a lesson, and accepting Valerie as a human being, not just a Negro. It seems as though Mary Martha and Alice were able to break away from the strong grip of prejudice, but the cheerleaders kept the same unfair views on people of color throughout the whole story. In order to tie up the loose ends, Saranne should have realized that it's not what's on the outside, but what's deep down in your heart that makes a difference.    Yankee Girl was honestly one of the best stories I've read, because its recurring theme of the right thing not always being popular and the popular thing not always being right kept me hooked. I recommend this book to anyone in middle school who's just being neutral, and trying to blend in with the crowd, because it teaches a great lesson to fight for what you believe in…even if your so-called friends disagree.

Yankee Girl by Shannon McD.
Yankee Girl by Mary Ann Rodman is a historical fiction book about a young girl named Alice Ann a.k.a Alice. Alice has just moved form Chicago to Mississippi and they are extremely different. The schools in Mississippi are just beginning to integrate and many people are racist. An African-American named Valerie comes to the school and Alice Ann must choose between doing the Right Thing and fitting in.      Yankee Girl was an exceptional book, although if you aren't a fan of historical fiction than you might want to pass. It had a good plot that kept the reader's attention. Everything wasn't happy-go-lucky and sometimes the reader didn't agree with the character's decisions. This made Alice more real and be livable, not so goody-two-shoes. Each character had a unique voice and personality. Some characters you like, while others make you want to scream. These characters gave life and substance to the book. The plot had a lot of little surprises that kept the reader guessing and wanting more. The ending was satisfying and didn't keep the reader guessing. Many of the experiences of Alice also happened to the author which helped the story be more believable, real, and descript.     Yankee Girl touched the issue of racism. Many of the white people were calling the African-Americans names, hurting them, or threatening them. The African-Americans had to go through some awful things just to get equal rights. In order to defeat racism, the people being harassed need to ban together and fight for what is right. Also, the other people have to stand up for what is right. Another issue in Yankee Girl is the struggle to go against the crowd. Alice wanted to do the Right Thing, but the other kids didn't. Alice was teased until she fit in by doing the wrong thing. In order to do the Right Thing, Alice would have had to gone against the crowd and lost her supposed friends. Mary Ann Rodman's message to this was to stand up for what you believe in, because there is always someone else who believes this too.    Yankee Girl was a very good book. I would give it four and a half stars. It ties in comedy with tragedy and friendship with hate. It is fun to read, but the reader also gets a new understanding of the Civil Rights movement. Read this book!