The Garden of Eve

The Garden of Eve by K.L. Going was an easy read. Its a more heartfelt book instead of danger and adventure. The main character loses her mother and the story is about her and her father relocating and getting on with their lives. The new town they move to has events that start unfolding and they are quickly caught up in it. Its a good book that has a little bit of mystery to it. I enjoyed it because even though it wasn't a fast paced adventure, it always kept you wanting to read to find out what happens next.

Cirque Du Freak Series

This twelve book series by Darren Shan is not your usual vampire story. This series was packed full of adventure, suspense and a new twist around every corner. He keeps you on your toes and wanting more and more with each book you read. Darren uses himself as the main character throughout the entire series and swears that the events really happened. You will become attached to him from book one and will want to follow him on his journey of becoming a half vampire, to killing off vampaneze, making the journey to Vampire Mountain, and fighting in the war of the scars. I thoroughly enjoyed this new take on a Vampire Story. Once I picked the first book up, I had to finish reading the rest of the series. You will get attached to Darren and Mr. Crepsley and when you are done reading, Darren leaves you asking yourself, "Could this really have happened?"

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale

Beautiful Martina has several suitors who want to marry her, but she doesn’t know which one to choose. Grandmothers know everything, and Martina’s grandmother has the perfect trick to find the best match for her granddaughter. She tells Martina to spill coffee on each one’s shoes when they visit.
But how can spilling coffee help find a good husband? Spanish title: Martina Una Cucarachita Muy Linda: Un Cuenta Cubano
The pictures are awesome!!! This is a must read for all.

The Luck of the Loch Ness Monster

A small girl named Katerina-Elizabeth was a very picky eater—and she really hated oatmeal. What could she do when her parents sent her to Scotland to visit her grandmother via a huge ship that served her oatmeal for breakfast? Throw it overboard, of course! A small worm following the ship discovered the oatmeal and began to munch away. The sea
worm began to look forward to his gooey breakfast every day, and by the time they all reached Scotland, the small worm was no longer small. What will become of this sea worm, now that Katerina-Elizabeth is no longer on the ship? Find out what became of the worm—and what we call him today. by Mackin Booktalk

Great little story with fabulous pictures. There is an excerpt in the back that tells some facts about the legend of the "monster".

Help Me, Mr. Mutt!

Do you hate the food your owner feeds you? Are you tired of being dressed up in cutesy costumes? Everywhere dogs like you are wondering what to do with your problem owners. Who can you turn to for advice? Why, Mr. Mutt, of course! He is a Canine Counselor and knows just what you can do to make your owners behave!
This book reminds me of Mark Teague's Dear Mrs. Larue. Instead of the dog going to obedience school, this mutt is a counselor. Cute little book. Great ideas for letter writing.

Yum! MMMM! Que Rico!: Americas' Sproutings

Did you know that blueberries were used in medicine and in making gray paint? Did you know that the United States produces more blueberries than any other country? What do blueberries, chili peppers, and vanilla have in common? They all have their origins in the Americas! Can you guess what other foods are grown in the American countries? You’ve probably eaten peanuts, but how about prickly pear? Learn about fourteen yummy foods from all over South, Central, and North America. But be warned—you’ll be hungry after reading this book! This book has beautiful illustrations.

What to do About Alice?

Running a country keeps a President very busy. But Teddy Roosevelt also had a problem no other President had—his young daughter, Alice. Alice was eager for new adventures and wanted to experience everything in life. She was a tomboy, not a prim and proper young lady as girls were supposed to be at that time. Her father called it “running riot;” she called it “eating up the world.”
Whether it was introducing White House visitors to her pet snake or sledding down the White House stairs, Alice’s actions caused lots of excitement! by Mackin Booktalk

There are many great books about Teddy Roosevelt, but this one shows his character as a father. This is a great biography about a beloved family that once lived in the White House.

Where I Live

Diana loves her family, so the tension she feels at home unsettles her. She is afraid that perhaps her parents are thinking about a divorce. But Diana’s parents are worried because her father has lost his job. Bad news turns to worse when her parents decide they must move in with Diana’s grandfather in another city. Suddenly Diana realizes how much she loves her home. She loves her room, from the astronomy charts on the walls of her room to the window where she can wave to her best friend. Everything she sees reminds her of what she is going to lose. Will anything be able to replace the things Diana has to leave behind?

This book is written as a poem. The chapters are short, and it is a fast read. If you have ever been faced with moving, you will identify to this book.

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street

The Penderwick sisters are facing a major crisis. Their Aunt Claire has revealed that their mother, as she was dying, wrote a letter to their father encouraging him to date again. The sisters are afraid that their widowed father will start seeing other women, so they hatch a “Save Daddy” plan. They will have to find the worst possible women for their father to meet, so that he will never want to date again. But finding horrible dates is quite a challenge, especially when their lives are in such a commotion anyway.
Rosalind can't stop thinking about their annoying neighbor, Tommy, and his silly new girlfriend. Twins Skye and Jane decide to make their lives easier by switching homework assignments—which doesn’t turn out as they expected. And Batty’s new friend Ben, the baby next door, goes on a hunt for the Bug Man. But the girls are determined to stop their father from dating. No other woman could make him happy and fit into their family. Or is there someone? by Mackin Book Talk
This book is awesome!! I loved every minute of it.

Two Minute Drill

Chris Conlan and Scott Parry don’t seem like they have anything in common. Scott, the new kid at school, is the smartest one in his class, and he is finding it hard to fit in. He also loves football, but, as he says, football doesn’t love him. He is very clumsy, and he has a secret. Popular Chris is the star quarterback of the team. He also has a secret.
When Chris rescues Scott from bullying football players, they become friends—and learn each other’s secrets. Can they now work together to solve both their sports and school problems? by Mackin Booktalk

This was one of my favorites. I couldn't put the book down. I love the game of football, and this has football and more; friendship, bullying, and proving that you have what it takes to be a star in a new town!

The Hound of Rowan

While visiting an art museum, twelve-year-old Max McDaniels sees a vision of a mysterious tapestry. He learns that he is of the “old blood”—he carries the “old magic” inside him. Max becomes a student at Rowan Academy, an exclusive boarding school for children with abilities like his. He discovers a new world of magical creatures and new surprises. However, not everything is perfect, and Max’s resentment of the bully Alex soon earns him an enemy.
Even worse, Max also learns about the fight against Astaroth, an evil being determined to dominate the world. Astaroth and his minions are causing the disappearances of priceless artwork and of gifted children…like Max. Someone at the academy is secretly on Astaroth’s side and is betraying the students. Max will have to pick a side in this ancient struggle between good and evil. But if he decides to fight against evil, will he be the next victim? by Mackin Book Talk
If you like Harry Potter, you will like this book.

Surprises According to Humphrey

Humphrey the hamster still lives in Mrs. Brisbane’s classroom, and there are a lot of surprises in store for him—some exciting, but others not so good. Some of the students, including Raise-Your-Hand-Heidi, Don’t-Complain-Mandy, and Sit-Still-Seth, are still having problems, and Humphrey is happy to help them find solutions.
He is very excited when I-Heard-That-Kirk brings in a surprise for him: a hamster ball! Now he can see everything that goes on outside his cage. He also discovers some of the frightening things, like Sweetums, a cat with pointed teeth. Then Humphrey finds out that Mrs. Brisbane has the biggest problem of all. How will he be able to help her? by Mackin

We had a science teacher at Vogel that had a hamster as a class pet. The hamster would roll around the classroom in the ball. Sometimes he would cross the hall and come into my room!! He was always a pleasant surprise. Cute book that is a fast read.

Piper Reed: Navy Brat

Nine-year-old Piper is not having an easy time. She is the middle child in her family, she is dyslexic, and she is a Navy brat. She is not happy when her father announces that once again he is being transferred to a new Navy base. Piper has moved more times than she can remember and she is tired of having to make new friends again. This time they are moving from
California to Florida, where her father will have to leave on ship duty for six months. And to make it all worse—school has already started. by Mackin Book Talk

I really enjoyed this book. It is a fast read and reminded me of every time that I moved to a new state. I can remember living in Miami and watching the Blue Angels flying over our community. We would stand in awe of the pilots and their bravery.

Maybelle in the Soup

Maybelle the cockroach lives under the refrigerator at the Peabody house. She knows she should keep out of sight, but she is so tired of eating food off the floor. When some Very Important Guests arrive for dinner, Maybelle sneaks onto the table for a taste of some of the delicious soup…and ends up having a big adventure! by: Mackin Book Talk

This is a very short story that is full of SMALL adventure. The main character, Maybelle, is a little whiny, and it is hard to get past the fact that she is a COCKROACH!!!

Savvy

Mississippi Beaumont ("Mibs" for short) simply cannot wait for her 13th birthday. In the Beaumont family, 13 is when family members get their "savvy," or unworldly power. For Mibs's older brother Fish, it's control over the elements, and for her mother it's the ability to do everything perfectly. Unfortunately, Mibs's excitement is cut short when her father is injured in a car accident. Convinced that her new powers will be able to save her Poppa, she and some new friends climb aboard a bus carrying pink bibles on her birthday, in the hopes of getting to the hospital. Instead they find themselves headed in the wrong direction with the cops looking for them. Mibs's real savvy isn't what she expected, and neither are her traveling companions.

I had a hard time putting this book down. It was a fast read and full of adventure. While I was reading it, I kept asking myself, "What would I want my Savvy to be?"

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and other Scary Things

ALVIN HO IS an Asian American second grader who is afraid of everything—elevators, tunnels, girls, and, most of all, school. He’s so afraid of school that, while he’s there, he never, ever, says a word. But at home he’s a very loud superhero named Firecracker Man, a brother to Calvin and Anibelly, and a gentleman-in-training, so he can be just like his dad.

I liked Alvin Ho. He is a kid that is NOT afraid to be a gentleman!! A lot of kids have two personalities; the one at school and the one at home!! Alvin needs a way to merge his two personalities to become the perfect kid.

The Golly-Whopper Games

Ladies and gentlemen!Boys and girls!Welcome to the biggest, bravest, boldest competition the world has ever seen!The Gollywhopper Games! Are you ready?

Gil Goodson sure hopes he's ready. His future happiness depends on winning the Golly Toy & Game Company's ultimate competition. If Gil wins, his dad has promised the family can move out of Orchard Heights—away from all the gossip, the false friends, and bad press that have plagued the Goodsons ever since The Incident.
Gil's been studying for months. He thinks he knows everything about Golly's history and merchandise. But does he know enough to answer the trivia? Solve the puzzles? Complete the stunts? Will it be more than all the other kids know? Gil's formidable opponents have their own special talents. He must be quicker and smarter than all of them.
The ride of Gil's life is about to begin.
Win! win! win! by: Harper Collins

If you like the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, you will love this book. The book is full of mind boggling puzzles that the reader can try to solve along the way. Great book that is fun and easy to read.

Someone Named Eva

Someone Named Eva

This story takes place during World War II. A small town in Poland is taken over by Nazi Germany and the families are split apart. Children are measured and evaluated to see if they have what it takes to become part of the "perfect" German society. Eva is stripped away from her family and placed in a school to learn how to become a perfect German girl. After being forced to forget her native language and learning German, she is adopted by a German family. This new family holds many secrets about what is going on during the war. Eva struggles to hold on to who she is while trying to fit into this new family.

This is a great book full of action. The ending explains what is real and what is fiction. Unfortunately, most of what you read actually happened. Two thumbs up for this Historical Fiction Novel!!

Walk Two Moons

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech is one of the BEST books I've ever read. Sam, a young girl, takes a road-trip with her grandparents to Utah to experience what her mother was like. When her father starts ''dating'', Sam must figure out why? I think that was the BEST part! The book ending was very emotional. It was the BEST surprise ending I've ever read! I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes entertaining yet meaningful stories!!!
by Tori Valka

Toys Go Out

The book Toys Go Out is a very good book, I liked it a lot. It is a story about a lot of toys and one toy especially, named Plastic. Plastic does not know what kind of toy she is. So she takes a journey to find out her kind. I also like it because there are a lot of toys that come to life, it is really cool. But to find out what Plastic is you have to read the book. The end of the book is really good because every body gets a long better than before.
by Tristen Lujan

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief, the first of the series, is a very good book for anyone who likes adventure. The book is about a boy who finds out he's a demigod. He goes to a special camp called camp Half-Blood. He is offered what the camp calls a “ quest” where he has to retrieve Zeus's master bolt and bring it back to Olympus before the summer solstice or their would be a three way civil war. The Lightning Thief is a good and long book for anyone to read.
by Jared Jordan

Inkspell by Cornelia Funke

This book is action-packed and full of surprise. If you read Inkheart, then you probably know how Dustfinger longs to get back to his home, a mystical book with the name Inkheart. But when Dustfinger meets a man named Orpheus, trouble arises, especially since Basta and Mortola are still after Meggie and Mo. This stunning sequel to Inkheart is a must read. Will Basta and Mortola catch Meggie and Mo? Will Dustfinger and Farid ever make it to the Inkworld? Find out in my favorite book, Inkspell.
by Colton Ward

The Enormous Egg

The Enormous Egg is about a boy named Nick. One morning Nick woke up and found out that his chicken had layed an egg the size of a basketball. Soon the egg hatches and Nick finds out that it is a dinosour. Nick names the dinosaur Uncle Beazley. Nick tries to take care of Uncle Beazley but he is growing too large too quick! Nick can't fit him in his family's little red barn any more. What will Nick do? Go on this funny adventure with Nick and Uncle Beazley to see what happens. I hope you enjoy this book like I did.
by Sabrina Swanson

Leven Thumps

Leven Thumps is an exciting book. When a boy finds out that he has a special power. He sets off with a girl, with a special power too, to a mysterious land called Foo. He and the girl fight monsters and creatures they never thought exsisted. This book has many twists and turns and a very suprising end. If you like action and adventure, this book is full of it. It never stops, that is why it is one of my favorite books. If you like the first, and you defentily will, there is a whole series.
by Brianna Herrera

The Revenge of the Shadow King

This book is the beginning to a great series. A breathtaking adventure that is awesome beginning to end. Four friends (called the Grey Griffins) set off to save their world from goblins, faeries, witches and shadows. The adventure and unexpected turn of events will keep you hooked until the end. I recommend this book to anybody who's somebody. Don't think this is dumb just because it has faeries in it!
by Sean O'Donnell

Anna of Byzantium

Anna of Byzantium is the best book I've ever read in my whole life. Anna Commena is the main character. Anna , at the start of the book is age 5 . She is the emperor's first born and his chosen successor. She expects to rule next to her betrothed , Cosantine over the Byzantine Empire.But when her little brother is born it does not help her at all. The barbarians from Turkey don't think Anna should rise to be empress , only a son should ascend to power. My favorite part was when her father came back from a war with the Turks. He was very sick. This led the family into very hard times. This is one of those books that will change the way you think forever.
by Taylor N. Green

Little Women

Little Women is about four sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. Living with just their mother, because their father was away in the war, life soon becomes very trying. My favorite character was Jo, the second oldest of the girls, called a tomboy because of her boyish attitude. Laurie, another great character, is the fun loving neighbor who enjoys having “larks” with the girls. I think this book is a wonderfully written inspirational story that I would recommend to anyone. I guarantee that you will love this story too.
by Grace Waggoner

The Name of This Book is Secret

This book is thrilling and exciting. You never know what is going to happen next.The main characters in the book are Max-Ernest (that's his real name) and Cass.
Max-Ernest is an 11 year old boy with terrible allergies. His name is a result from a fight between his parents. His mom wanted Max and his dad wanted Earnest, so the doctor stepped in (declaring a tie) and that is how he became Max-Ernest. After the argument over his name, his parents got divorced. Not having anywhere to go, they live in a house that is split down the middle. This way each parent can see their son.
Now about Cass, she is a survivalist. She is never without her backpack of tools. This becomes essential as Cass and Max-Ernest team up as collaborators to stop Dr. L and Mrs. Mauvais from destroying mankind. When you are done reading this, I know you will want to reach for the sequel..."If you are reading this it's too Late."

by Teman Harrison

Twilight

Twighlight is an outstanding book. Bella and Edwards love is so romantic, you'll want to hug the book. Adventure after adventure, the book will continue to captivate you. You might even want to read it twice! When I read this book, it made me want to cry and tell everyone about it. Now I am telling you. Once you start reading, you can't stop! That is why I love this book and you will too.
by Brittany Vice

Escape from Memory by Haddix

If you haven't read this book, you haven't read the best book ever! Escape from Memory is about a girl named Kira, who goes to Lynne's house (Kira's best friend) like she doe every Friday night. After finding an old watch, her friends decided to hypnotize someone. Unfortunately for Kira, it was her! While hypnotized, Kira shares a piece of her past, which she doesn't even remember. If she would not have been hypnotized, maybe she would not of had to go on the grueling, life threatening journey she has to take to....... read the book and find out the rest!

by Shelby Wilson

The Battle of the Labyrinth

The Battle of the Labyrinth is a very adventurous book. It was filled with action, excitement, and fuuny stuff...(to me). In the First book, Percy Jackson finds out that he is a demigod. In the Battle of the Labrynth,(which is the fourth book) the boy goes on an adventure to find a really old place inside a humongous maze. His father, Poseidon, The Sea God, helps him (a little bit) on his journey.I think that, The Battle of the Labyrinth is a really good book. But don't forget to start with the first in the series, The Lightening Theif.

by Evan Rogers

The Kid Who Ran For President

The Kid Who Ran For President is a cool story to read for fun. Honestly, I don't like to read a lot but I love this book. It's about a kid who's friend convinced him to run for President. Not student council, but for the President of the United States. In this book, the author makes a very good point.... he thinks grown-ups have already destroyed America, now it's the kid's turn to run things. This book is awesome. And you know why? It's like the 2nd book that I've read that makes me want to read more. I love it!!!!!

by Alberto Silva

Sons of Destiny

I love this book!!! It's the best of the best horror books I've ever read. Sons of Destiny is the final book in the Cirque Du Freak series. All the twist and turns leave you hungry for more horror, more action, more bloodshed! When "the secret" is revealed about Darren and Steve you can feel your insides twist, your heart sink and your eyes burst out of your head. You'll be scared to walk out your door. And you still have more twist and turns to go! My favorite is when you find out who the true villain is, you'll be scared to even be alive!! The last four chapters are so shocking, so twisted, so mind-boggling your eyes will be glued to the book forever!!!

by Riki Perry

The Secret of the Soldiers Gold by Franklin W. Dixon

Hardy Boys, “The Soldiers Gold” is a great book! It had a slow start but quickly got better and better . In the book, Joe and Frank Hardy are helping a soldier find his missing gold in his old backyard. On the way to the gold, odd things begin to happen. This book has a lot of action, like a fight, that will keep you reading. I was on the edge of my seat always turning the page to see what would happen next and so will you.

by Nicholas Calenda

Otis Spofford

Otis Spofford is a funny book ... It will blow your mind for real . Its about this boy who get's into trouble a lot ... He loves to stir up excitement, like spitting spit balls at the kids and the teachers . So find out all the trouble he causes by reading this book .

by Miguel Lopez

Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

Amulet of Samarkand is the first book of the Bartimaues series. It will take you on a mystical adventure through England. Magicians are running the country with the help of powerful demons. Nataniel and his demon Bartimaues, a witty shape shifting djinni, get revenge on Simon Lovelace while he betrays the Magicians. They venture into theft, evil plans , and disguises. A back tingling sensation. Discover how the Bartimaues series began for yourself. Great book from my opinion.

by Kaleb Weaver

Skinnybones by Barbara Park

This book is about a skinny boned kid named, Alex Frankovitch. Alex plays Little League Baseball and has an enemy named T.J Stoner who also plays baseball for another team. T.J tries to be cool and cocky and is always signing autographs for fans and getting on TV. So Alex decides to enter a Kittie Fritters contest that can get you on TV (just for a joke). Find out how the rivalry goes on by reading this book. Its great and you will be done before you know it.

by Carter Langthorp

The Revenge of the Shadow King by Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis

This book is the beginning to a great series. A breathtaking adventure that is captivating all the way through. Four friends (called the Grey Griffins) set off to save their world from goblins, faeries, witches and shadows. The adventure and unexpected turn of events will keep you hooked until the end. I recommend this book to anybody who's somebody. Don't think this is dumb just because it has faeries in it!

by Sean O'Donnell

Extras

The Extras by Scott Westerfeld is by far the most out there in the series. This book takes place way into the future where there is no money. People rely on face rank to make their way in the society. When Kicker, Aya stumbles on a story that will make her face rank extremely valuable, she realizes too late that it may all be wrong. The main characters from the first three book are mentioned, but really play a small part in the final story. It is a must read, especially the ending!!

Pretties

The Pretties by Scott Westerfeld is the second book in the series. Tally and best friend Shay have become Pretty and are enjoying their life as a "bubblehead". What could be better than a life of parties and fun? Tally's "Pretty" life comes to a sudden halt when she receives a package from an "Ugly". She is confused and surprised by what she finds inside. Can she remember her past, or is it too late?

Uglies

The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld will leave you "brain missing". This is a series that you must read in order to understand. Every child at the age of 16 is taken to Pretty town to become a "pretty". Every Ugly cant't wait to have the operation and become perfect. But there is a price that every Pretty must pay, and that is kept hidden. It is up to Tally Youngblood and her band of "Smokies" to set the Pretties free! This book will set you on a journey that you will won't want to miss.

Among the Hidden

Among the Hidden by Haddix should be on your summer reading list. This book is about the government's solution to an over populated earth. Each family must only have two children. What happens if your family has three? What would your life be like to constantly live in hiding and fear of being caught? The ending of the book will leave you hanging ,and you will want to continue on the Shadow Children's journey out of hiding!

Gregor the Overlander

I like Gregor the Overlander,because lots of people die. I also like it, because it has a few surprises that you wouldn't expect. Gregor and his little sister Boots fall in an air vent down to the Underland. As soon as they landed everything changes. They soon discover, it is a lot different than their home in the Overland. In the Underland , there is no peace,it is just war,after war. It is full of action and lots of weird creatures. There are lots of cliff-hangers at the end of the book. It makes you want to read the next book in the series. Where the action and dying continue.

by Luis Cantu

Swindle

Swindle is such a good book! I liked it so much that I wanted to read it again. Swindle is about two kids that go into a haunted house. While there, they find a Babe Ruth (best baseball player ever) baseball card. And the swindling (literally) starts here. You'll have to read it to know who is swindling who. I certain enjoyed and you will to...no swindling!

by Drake Newton

Lunch Money

The author of the Multi Million dollar Award winning book Frindle has done it again with the amazingly funny Lunch Money. This book is for anyone who loves to laugh and loves a good book. With a whole 222 pages Lunch Money is a gold mind. Just like in real life Greg Kenton is just trying to to make himself a couple of bucks, just like me, thats why I love this book so much. I promise you once you get a hold of this book you won't want to put it down again!

by Devon Gamble

The Doom Stone

In this heart stopping story with action around every corner. There is a creature on the loose. Only two people can stop the creature that has been hunting the country side for thousands of years. Alma a grave digger's daughter and Daniel a New York kid visiting his aunt embark on a adventure to kill the monster. One of the three will die but which one?! This is a horrifically awesome tale with a bit violence at times but a good story. And a must read!

by Manuel Ramirez

Breaking Dawn

This is the 4th book to the Twilight Saga where a vampire named Edward falls in love with a human named Bella. In this book Edward and Bella get married. Together they overcome many obsticals in the life they're living together. This is one of my favorite books and I think you will also like it. When you are done you will want to read more.

by Carson Manka

Specials

Specials by Scott Westerfeld

This is the third book in the "Uglies" series. The author hurls the reader 300 years into the future. Kids are given an operation at the age of 16 to become pretty. They live in a place called New Pretty Town and their only goal in life is have fun and party. Their only enemy is a group of "Uglies" that understand what having the operation really means and the risks you take of loosing your true identity. The main character Tally is a super human, made into a force that is almost unstopable. Can she undo what has been done to her mind to once again become her old self?

This book is a page turner that will leave you wanting more. This has been my favorite of the three books so far. I am now starting the Extras, the last book in the series.