Fablehaven

Do you believe in fairies? Would you be brave enough to care for hundreds of mythical creatures--most of them dangerous-- on a large and fantastical preserve? Brandon Mull will satisfy the most hungry of readers as he guides us through his story: What it would be like to visit your Grandparent's estate, and suddenly realize the beautiful land they live on is a magical preserve that holds millions of mystical animals-- and secrets.

Kendra and Seth's parents are going on a cruise. And the kids aren't invited. So what happens to them? They are sent to their Grandparents' house. But their Grandparents' estate isn't anything normal. Its sheer beauty and huge size is anything but ordinary. Kendra and Seth aren't expecting anything strange to happen, though. So they are very surprised when they turn out to be wrong. Soon, Kendra and her brother are swept up in the captivating secrets of the land their Grandparents live on, called a preserve. And then things start to go wrong. Can Kendra save her family-- and the preserve?

I absolutely loved this book, and anyone who enjoys fantasy will, too. I would rate it a 10 out of 10 for the terrific plot and superb imagery the book held. I could clearly imagine everything that Mull described, and I'm looking forward to reading the third book of Fablehaven. Anyone who enjoys this book will most likely like the sequel, Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening star. And to those of you who don't believe in fairies: After reading this book, you will. 

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

This was a very interesting book. If I were to rate it on a scale from 1-10 I would have to say it was... a 5.5. I would say this book is for a younger audience than seventh graders. It's characters are younger than twelve or thirteen, so it is difficult to connect with them. Although it is written for younger children the main story line was excellent! I enjoyed the mysterious quality the most in this book.

You join Claudia and her little brother Jamie on an exciting adventure. Claudia has decided that she wants to teach her parents a lesson. She wants them to realize how valuable she is, so she decides to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York city. She knows that she can't make this trip alone(mainly because she has no money). Jamie on the other hand has tons of money, so Claudia chooses to invite,or rather demand, her brother to come with. At first Jamie doesn't want to go, but when he realizes its his chance for adventure he jumps right in. The pair is only planning on staying a few days in the museum, but when a beautiful statue arrives with a mystery attached they know they can't leave without solving it. The statue is called Angel and she may have been carved by Michelangelo himself! No one is sure of this fact though. The only person who is positive is the person who sold the statue to the museum, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. The kids decide the only way to solve the mystery is by visiting Mrs. Frankweiler. What happens next you wonder. Well, you will have to read the book and find out!

The only thing I would change about this book is the narrator. Mrs. Frankweiler is telling the story and I found it some what confusing. Other than that and the age factor, it was a wonderful story!

Blue Heron

BLUE HERON, by Avi, was a heart-warming book filled with magic, love, and family. I enjoyed the experience of reading it, and would rate it a 7.5 on a scale from 1 to 10. It portrayed real life problems, which I liked, and was very down-to-earth.

 

Maggie has always believed in magic. Especially now, on her vacation with her father, step-mother, and baby step-sister. Staying in a cozy, small town called Sawdy pond, where wildlife thrives enthrallingly, Maggie has no reason to doubt that magic exists.

 

When Maggie spots a magical bird out on the swamp of Sawdy Pond, she immediately feels attached to it, and she resolves to study it and learn as much about it as she can. Later, she finds out it is called a Blue Heron. And thus starts the long days of watching and waiting for the Heron to find her. Maggie is convinced that there is a way to make the bird trust her, and she is determined to do whatever she can to accomplish this feat. But this is harder than it seems. Maggie must find a way to help the bird, and the bird must learn to have faith in Maggie.

 

But Maggie's trip to Sawdy Pond turns out to be more than just relaxing, enchanting experiences of watching the Blue Heron. It just so happens that Maggie must find a way to help her father, too, who is sick with heart problems. Maggie must overcome the problems that Sawdy Pond face her with, while still finding a way to trust others, and, most importantly, have trust in magical miracles. 

If I could change one thing about this book, I would like to change the ending. As a reader, I would have liked to learn a little bit more about what happens to Maggie. Overall, this was a good read. 

Twilight

I can't even begin to describe the force of which this book blew me over with. The longest sheet of paper in the world wouldn't be able to contain all the praise upon which I would like to bestow this book with. As I sit and write this review, I can't help but remember how lively and seductive this book was; the memories are still fresh in my mind. I don't believe I will be able to portray the gorgeous quality of this book, but I will do the best I can. 

First of all, my rating for this book: An enormous 10 on my scale of 1-10. Wow. But I'm serious ladies and gentlemen. This book was a pure work of art. Spellbinding and sparkling with romance and fascination, even the most matured reader will be trembling from this shimmering story. If I could change anything about this book, I would change nothing. This book was perfect, simply perfect, and I am looking forward to reading the next books in the Twilight series. 

Twilight, written by Stephenie Meyer, is a book about a lovable girl named Bella, who is, unfortunately, prone to accidents. She has moved to Forks, Washington, to live with her father, and desperately misses the heat of Phoenix, where she used to live with her mother. But suddenly, Bella is swept up in the engrossing mystery of the Cullen family, a strange but fascinating family that has a curious reputation. Bella seems drawn to them, and soon becomes friends -- or something along those lines -- with Edward, a member of the Cullen family. But the Cullen family is no normal family. And Bella aims to find out the truth. Could the Cullen's really be vampires, like the rumors say? This story is about Bella's attachment to Edward, and the truth she learns about what a vampire really is. 

My Sister's Keeper

My Sister's Keeper is a thrilling book about a family who goes through A LOT to survive. This book is wonderfully written; it is the kind of book that is impossible to put down!

You join Anna on a mind blowing journey she is not sure she wants to take. Anna's sister Kate is extremely sick. Kate has a rare type of cancer and Anna is the only one who can save her. Anna is a perfect bone marrow match. By the time she is thirteen she has undergone countless surgeries and transfusions all to save her sister's life. Now she isn't sure if she wants to do it anymore. Anna is tired of living her life for her sister. She knows that if she stops the transfusions Kate will surely die, but what choice does she have. Anna has never been a normal child. The only reason she was even born was so Kate could live. Her whole life has been based on Kate. Anna has never questioned that until now. Like most teenagers she is questioning who she is, but unlike most teenagers what she chooses to do with herself could cost Kate her life. Anna soon realizes she doesn't want to be Kate's life line anymore. She makes an astonishing decision that could tear her family apart.

This book is one to make you think about what is truely important in life. It is a definate 10!!!!!! No other book has made me think about life more than this one. It is a medical novel( although you don't have to be a doctor to read it). It is truely intense and mind blowing, so be sure you are able to handle it before taking it on.

Peter and the Starcatchers

Peter and the Starcatchers. Whenever I hear someone utter that amazing phrase, I jump in and relate my views on how delicious the book was. And I'm sure you will, too, when you dive into this amazing, action-packed prequel of Peter Pan. I would rate this book a 9 on a scale from 1-10. It is truly an amazing book that will have you reading until midnight! I enjoyed the fast-paced plot and I could easily relate to the story because I have read the story Peter Pan.

 

Our story starts out with five likable boys: Peter, James, Tubby Ted, Thomas, and Prentiss, who are orphans aboard the Neverland, a rickety old ship traveling to Rundoon. Each boy has a unique personality which gives the story a sense of realness.  As they board the boat, Peter eyes a kind girl named Molly, and overtime they become friends. But Molly isn't an ordinary girl, and Peter senses it. Soon, Peter is caught up in the adventure of the Starcatchers. He winds up traveling to an island, and must deal with more than one kind of evil creature!

 

Filled with wit, humor, and sorrow, this book will touch you like none other. Peter and the Starcatchers gives more depth and dimension to Peter Pan, and will have you constantly eyeing the sky for signs of "the flying boy". Nothing could make this book any better; and if you like this book, read the sequel, Peter and the Shadow Theives. Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have spun an astonishing story about flying, defeating evil, and facing your fears. 

The Bridesmaid

The Bridesmaid is a fantastic story about a girl named Abby. Abby's parents own a place where you can have weddings, called the Dove's Roost. When Abby and her older sister Carol were little, they vowed never to get married. Then, one summer, when Abby is so excited because Carol is coming home from college, Carol tells them that she is getting married to a man named Tucker Robb.'
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Abby freaks out, and immediately tells herself that she is going to hate Tucker, because, well, he's taking away her sister! Carol tells Abby that she wants her to be bridesmaid, and tells Abby that she can even pick out her own dress and that all she has to do is be at the wedding. Abby says okay, and Carol is very happy.

One night, Abby overhears Tucker talking on the phone to a girl named Melissa, saying he will bring the wine, and that Carol doesn't suspect a thing. Abby is very suspicious about Tucker now, but she just doesn't want to make her sister sad, and isn't even sure about Tucker yet.

Abby comes home one day and finds that Carol is using her room to store all the stuff for the wedding, and is using her computer to look stuff up; Abby is not happy. To add on to the problems, her parents are fighting about what the theme for Carol's wedding should be. At a point in the story, they even stop talking to each other. Abby and Carol have never seen their parents like this, they've never even fought before.

To hear what happens to Abby, and all the adventures she has being bridesmaid, you'll have to read The Bridesmaid.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Most people have heard of the movie "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants". Well, I've got news for you!!! It is also a WONDERFUL book. It is filled with laughter(the kind that makes you cry), friendship, and romance. It is a definate 20 out of 10! Most people think it is a book for girly-girls, but really any type of person can read it! I promise if you do you will never forget it!

You join Bridget, Lena, Carmen, and Tibby as they venture off for the summer. That is at least, most of them venture off. Tibby is the only one of her friends not leaving for the summer and trust me she is not happy about it. While her friends go off and find new adventures she is stuck at home working at Wallman's. Although Tibby is positive her summer will be a total drag, she finds an unexpected friend who may change that.

Bridget is going to Mexico for soccer camp. Although she is there for soccer, she finds a boy named Eric who could make camp a whole lot better. Did I mention Eric is a coach. Bridget knows it's against the rules, but she can't help herself. Will it work out between them? Or will it go up in flames?

Lena is the most shy in her group of friends. When she goes to visit her grandparents in Greece she expects a nice, quiet vacation, but what she finds is Kostos. He will change Lena's life in many unexpected ways.

Carmen goes off to South Carolina to visit her bachelor father. At least she thinks he is a bachelor. When she arrives in South Carolina she founds out a secret about her father she does NOT like. What will she do to make him change his mind?

All these friends are worried about being apart this summer, but they have a plan. While out shopping one day they find a pair of old jeans. Most people would say, "Yeah so what? It's just a pair of jeans!" Well, these jeans are special. They just happen to magically fit all four girls even though their body types are nothing alike! All girls are amazed and decide that this summer they will mail the jeans back and forth, so they can stay connected. They hope it will work,but will it? You will have to read the book and find out!

This is the first book in the series by Ann Brashures. Read them they are GREAT!!!

The Door Within

The Door Within is a thrilling book! It is about Aidan Thomas and The Realm. Our world was once connected to The Realm. It was split by The Schism many years ago. Now our worlds are separate. Sometimes humans get taken to the other realm. This is what happens to Aidan.
Aidan is in his basement when some scrolls appear. They tell about the other realm. The scrolls describe the great King Eliam of Alleble. It describes Paragor, the once loyal follower of Alleble. He rose and on one terrible night, killed King Eliam and his Elder Guard. When he tried to rule, he was magically thrown out. Now he rules as Prince in his own terrible part of the country, gathering troops and servants to soon rebel. Aidan reads all of this and believes. He ends up talking to his grandfather who tells him all about the realm. On the last page of the scrolls there is a riddle. Aidan's grandfather helps Aidan get the key and enter the door within. Once there, Aidan is named the twelfth knight and sent on a quest.
You should read this book! I would rate it a 15 out of 10!!! This book pulls you in and really involves you in the story! This book is a definite MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Three of Diamonds

Three of Diamonds is a wonderful book about a boy named Nick, and his brother Tim Diamond. Nick lives with Tim, his older brother, who is a private detective, because his parents immigrated to Australia. Tim's real name is Hughes Simple, but he changed his name to Tim Diamond, so Nick is now Nick Diamond.Three of Diamonds tells three of Tim and Nick's adventures with figuring out mysteries, murders, and faked deaths. Tim is not a very good detective, and doesn't understand anything. Nick, on the other hand, is really good at figuring out things, and he helps Tim with his detective cases.

In the first case, called "The Blurred Man." It is about a man, Lenny Smile, who owns a corporation called Dream Time. The company gets millions from a man named Joe Carter who donates them. He and Lenny had been pen pals, and Joe wanted to meet Lenny. He flies to England, where Tim and Nick live, and finds out, a few days before he is supposed to meet Lenny, that Lenny has been killed. He enlists Tim to find out how Lenny died, and if it really was an accident.

The second one in the book is called "The French Confection." It all starts when Tim opens a Bestle' yogurt, and finds out that Nick and Tim have won a few days trip to Paris! On the train, Tim and Nick sit across from an older woman named Erica Nice, who owns a bakery, and a Texan named Jed Mathis, who owns an oil company. Tim tells Erica Nice that he is on a case for the Interpol, the International Police. Tim and Nick get caught up into a frenzy of adventures, some not so fun.

The third and last story is called "I Know What You Did Last Wednesday." It all starts when an old friend form high school, Rory McDougal, invites Tim to a high school reunion. Tim and Nick get on a train, and Tim meets up with all of his old "buddies" from high school. There was only one person from the high school not there, and no one had any idea where he was. The "reunion" was on Crocodile Island, and that's where the boat that they had been told was going to take them to the island took them. When they got there, there was no one to greet them, so they barged on in to the castle house. When they got there, they saw that Rory McDougal had been murdered, and they didn't know why. Could it be one of them? You'll have to read Three of Diamonds to find the rest out.