What We Found in the Sofa and How It Saved the World

Author: Henry Clark

Genre: Adventure, Science Fiction, Humor

What this book is about: This book is about 3 kids: Freak, River, and Fiona. They are pretty much normal, and the same goes for their lives. But one day, they find a thrown-out sofa holding a rare and valuable zucchini-colored crayon. They decide that it might be worth a bit of money - twenty dollars or so - and agree to set it up for online auction. When the bidding number has reached a grand total of $11,000, they soon realize that this crayon is no ordinary crayon. In fact, it might have the power to save the world. But has the secret auction gone too far?

Your opinion: I think that the book was good, but it was not as funny as I had anticipated. I would give it 3 1/2 stars.

Rating:  3out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think people who like weird into-the-future kind of books would like this.

Reviewed by: ST   

A Snicker of Magic

Author: Natalie Lloyd

Genre: Fantasy

What this book is about: Felicity Juniper Pickle has moved around all her life, never staying in one place for long. She collects words she can see everywhere; sometimes shaped like songbirds, silver, some like ribbons, curling in the wind; others six-legged and bright yellow. She collects them in her blue notebook; or sometimes on her shoe when she doesn't have enough room. She can say her words just fine when she's talking to someone she loves or about them, but talking to a classroom of students? Forget it. But when her, her mama, and her little sister, Frannie Jo, move into Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, Felicity knows that here she can have a fresh start.

Midnight Gulch used to be a magical place, where you could bake secrets into pies and dance away a thunderstorm. But a curse drove the magic away, all of it - at least that's what people say. But Felicity Pickle knows that there is still a snicker of magic in Midnight Gulch, and she intends on finding out so she can stay in Midnight Gulch and not have to move away and start all over again. It starts with a story. About the brothers Threadbare.

"Like most people in Midnight Gulch, the Brothers Threadbare were simple, easygoing folk...who just happened to have a little magic in their blood." That's what Ms. Lawson, Felicity's teacher says. "Their real names were Stone and Berry Weatherly. Every family in Midnight Gulch had a different kind of magic. The Weatherly magic was a particularly wonderful kind, though, because their magic had to do with music."

"Whenever Stone and Berry played their songs, the whole world seemed to dance. At the first strum of Berry Weatherly's banjo, the wind would roar over the valleys. When Stone played his guitar, the clouds swirled into a thousand different shapes: cloud lions, cloud tiger, thunderheads that ran like wild horses across the sky."

"At first, the Weatherlys left town together, on a tour. They traveled from country to city, trying to make enough money from their music to send back to their farm. People couldn't get enough of them. But sadly, their fame and fortune became a dividing line between them. They got so jealous, that they finally decided to have a duel. Whoever won could keep all the money and fame and fortune they'd earned. But the loser would be cursed forever with a wandering heart. The loser would leave town, never return, never settle down. And never do another magic trick."

"But soon after the loser left, both figured they couldn't do another magic trick anyway. And after that, people got restless and sad. They started leaving, heading out in search of what they had lost. And before people knew it, the magic was gone completely. And Midnight Gulch became the same as any other town."

But Felicity knows this is not any other town. It could never be any other town. And she goes on an adventure with poems, a boy named Jonah, and lots and lots of ice cream.

Your opinion: I really enjoyed this book and liked all of it. It was funny and descriptive. It was amazing and my favorite book so far. 

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book:  I think everybody would like this book, but mostly people who like reading fantasy and humor.

Reviewed by: MT  

Greenglass House

Author: Kate Milford 

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery

What this book is about: This book is about a boy named Milo. Most people when they see Milo automatically assume that he is adopted. His home is an inn called the Greenglass House. Normally around the holidays, it's just him and his mom and dad. But this year, 5 mysterious guests come to stay. Their names are Mr. Vinge, Georgie, Clem, Mrs. Hereward, and Dr. Gowervine. Each one has their own secrets. And each seems shocked when they hear that others are staying at the inn. They all seem to have one thing in common: they know things about the inn that Milo doesn't. They are searching for secrets. Milo meets Meddy, who wants to find out what all the strange guests are up to. But one of them is a thief. A pocket watch, a knitting bag, and a notebook seem to "disappear" from three of the guests. Milo and Meddy have to find out who these strangers really are - and why they are REALLY here.

Your opinion:   I thought the book was a bit slow in the beginning, but it became much more interesting. I also loved the twist at the end - totally unexpected! I think I would have liked it more if the stories Milo read in Georgie's book were completed. 

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think that this is a book with many genres and that people who enjoy mysteries would like this.

Reviewed by: ST   

The Witch's Boy

Author: Kelly Barnhill

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

What this book is about: Ned used to have a twin brother named Tam. They were mischievous, always getting into trouble. Everyone knew that one was more clever, more wonderful, but no one knew which one. Their father was a woodworker, and their mother was Sister Witch, who could harness a magic. Their family had been keeping the magic good for generations. But one day, Ned and Tam go out to sea on a boat they built, thinking that it was seaworthy. It wasn't. Tam died at seven and Ned hung to life by a thread, saved by a little thread, a white cloth, and a sharp needle.

But magic always has consequences.

Ned barely speaks anymore, and when he does, with a stutter. Everyone believes the wrong boy lived.

Meanwhile, Aine is her mother's daughter, an excellent sailor from across a deadly forest. Her father came from a long line of banditry, but he gave that all up when he saw her mother. But Aine's mother died, with only these words: "The wrong boy will save your life, and you will save his. And the wolf...."

Her father led her into the forest, and they both lived there together. But he changed, turned back into a bandit before her eyes. Every night he brings bandits into the house and goes on raids. Aine has to go into the attic whenever this happens. But her father robs Ned's village multiple times and learns about the magic Sister Witch has in a jar in her basement. He is determined to get it.

Ned must take on the burden his mother used to carry and keep the magic good and safe. He journeys into the forest and meets Aine and an animal friend, while Aine's father manipulates the power-hungry King Ott to lend him his forces. Now both children have to prevent war and also undo what a little thread, a white cloth, and a sharp needle once did, and say good-bye to someone. 

Your opinion: I loved this book. I don't think there was anything I didn't like, but the end was a bit rushed. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think second graders and up would like this book.

Reviewed by: MT  

House of Secrets

Author: Chris Columbus 

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction

What this book is about: This book is about three kids who are really smart for their age, but each in a different way. Cordelia is super smart, a great big sister, and reads so much Brendon thinks his head will explode. Brendon, on the other hand, is a total gamer. But he rises to the task of taking care of his sisters. Eleanor is really caring toward other beings, and she doesn't really talk much. But when she does, it's always something important to say.

The Walkers move into a new house, and find that this house, unlike their other ones, is really interesting! But the house has its secrets. It used to belong to Denver Kristoff, a mysterious author. And they definitely have weird neighbors. Like one that may or may not have swept their new house into a novel written by (who else?) Denver Kristoff. She calls herself the Wind Witch, and she has one request: find the Book of Doom and Desire and bring it to her. That book has the power to grant your most greedy wishes. Any time you commit an act if selfishness or greediness, the book gets nearer. But it comes with a curse: if you even look at the pages, your life is literally being ripped from you. And they aren't alone in the book - besides looking for a nearly impossible to find book, the three children have to deal with giants, wolves, pirates, spells, warriors. Oh, and occasional death threats and kidnappings. If they find the book, they can go home. But the question is: Where IS home?

Your opinion:  I loved this book. Everyone would like this, and everyone could relate to the characters.
My top five Bookworms Books list ( not necessarily in order):
I Am Malala - 5 stars
House of Secrets - 5 stars
Rain Reign - 5 stars
Hook's Revenge - 4 stars
(maybe) Absolutely Almost - 4 stars

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: Everyone would like this book. It's awesome. I WANT A SEQUEL!!!!!!!!!

Reviewed by: ST  

What We Found in the Sofa and How It Saved the World

Author: Henry Clark 

Genre: Adventure, Humor, Science Fiction

What this book is about: This book is about three friends: River, Freak, and Fiona. One day at the bus stop, they find a zucchini-colored crayon in a sofa. They decide to take it into the house the sofa was in front of. Turns out, the world is being taken over by aliens, and the zucchini crayon might be the one thing that can save Earth. 

Your opinion: I thought it was good. I liked Freak's speaking parts because he was the funny one. I didn't like how on the book jacket it seemed really funny, but the book actually wasn't quite as funny as the jacket made it seem. 

Rating:  3 out of 5 stars 

Who would like this book: I think people who like funny stories and alien stories would like this book.

Reviewed by: CM

Revolution

Author: Deborah Wiles 

Genre: Historical Fiction

What this book is about: This book is about a girl who is from Mississippi who lives during the Civil Rights era. Her mother left her when she was little, and Sunny isn't about to accept that she has a new mother, Annabelle. But that's not her only problem. The black community in Mississippi is rebelling. Suddenly, they just aren't satisfied with the "separate but equal" laws. In fact, it's not really equal. The school books in white schools are top of the line, newest edition, whereas colored schools have school books that are 15 years old with very little accurate information. So really, they're separate and not equal. Sunny is afraid. Most of the time, she can't walk to the movie theater or a shop without seeing picket signs or an arrest going on. A mysterious Raymond Bullis has been popping in and out of Sunny's life. Black people are starting to speak up for their right to vote - hoping that these thousands of arrests will make people start to take notice. And Sunny doesn't know if other people have - but she has. And she will learn a lesson she will never forget.

Your opinion: I really liked the book. I didn't have parts I didn't like.

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think that people who like books about the Civil Rights era will like this. I definitely recommend this to people who enjoyed The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine.

Reviewed by: ST 

A Snicker of Magic

Author: Natalie Lloyd 

Genre: Mystery, Realistic Fiction, Magic

What this book is about: Felicity Pickle's mom is cursed with a wandering heart. She is always on the move. This means a lot of new first days of school, a lot of moving, and a lot of making new friends. But Felicity is not always accepted, because she isn't like other people, who collect football cards, or figurines, or even belly button lint (ew.) But she is different. Felicity collects words. The new town they move to is Midnight Gulch, where her mother grew up as a kid. And it's full of words all right! The old stories tell of two magical brothers, who made the whole world dance with their music. Everyone says that the magic has left now. But Felicity knows the magic hasn't left yet. Maybe it's just been on vacation for a while. But Felicity has limited time. Her mother never stays in one place for too long. And it's just a matter of time before they have to pack up their bags - and leave the magic behind.  

Your opinion: I liked the book a lot, and I really couldn't put it down! I didn't have any parts I didn't like. I think that this makes my top five list - but I'm still deciding.....
Top five list:
I am Malala
Rain Reign
(Maybe) Snicker of Magic Rating 4 1/2.
(Maybe) Absolutely Almost
   
Rating:  4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book:  I think people who like magic and realistic fiction would like this book. Also, it will remind you about small acts of kindness you can do that people really appreciate.

Reviewed by: ST 

Bo at Ballard Creek

Author: Kirkpatrick Hill 

Genre: Historical Fiction

What this book is about: The book is about a girl named Bo who lives in Ballard Creek, Alaska at the time of the gold strikes. It just tells about her daily life.

Your opinion: It wasn't that good. I liked the parts with Grafton. In all, though, I thought it was pretty boring, and there wasn't enough excitement. (When I say that, I mean there's no excitement. At all.) 

Rating:  1 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think people who just want a story that takes place in past times would like this book.

Reviewed by: CM

Curiosity

Author: Gary Blackwood

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery  

What this book is about: This book is about Rufus, a twelve-year-old boy who has no money, no home, and no family. But he can beat anyone at chess. He is offered a job to operate the Turk, an automaton chess player. If he tells anyone the Turk's secret, though, who knows what will happen to him!

Your opinion: It was okay. I liked when Rufus went outside and was in the real world. I didn't like how it was mostly just him sitting in a room. I felt like I was forced to keep reading.

Rating: 2  out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think someone who knows French and wants a long story would like this book.

Reviewed by: CM 

Bo at Ballard Creek

Author: Kirpatrick Hill

Genre: Realistic Fiction

What this book is about: Bo at Ballard Creek is about a girl who has two fathers: Jack and Arvid. Nothing really exciting ever happens in Ballard Creek. Bo always helps around the house (she is very tidy and picky, like Jack) and making breakfast for the miners. Most years, there wouldn't be many exciting things going on - just the usual mining for gold. But this year, they aren't expecting airplanes, toys, bears, and a lost Indian boy! Want to find out what happens? Read the book!

Your opinion:  It wasn't my favorite book. It didn't have many exciting parts and was sort of boring. It was kind of confusing. Literally - I had to make a note card with the names of the characters, and how to describe them! But it was good for a sit-down-and-read kind of book.

Rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think people who like reading about little kids and maybe the Alaskan Gold Rush would like this.

Reviewed by: ST  

The Witch's Boy

Author: Kelly Barnhill

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

What this book is about: The Witch's Boy is about a young boy who has always been told he's the "wrong" boy. His twin died when they were both young, in a river that almost drowned him. Ned's mother, Sister Witch, is the hero of the village. She controls the magic. But now the magic wants control. When she helps someone, it sort of drains her strength and energy. The queen comes to the village one day, in need of help. Sister Witch heals her, but she is in bed for more than 3 days! She is invited later to a ceremony, hosted by the queen herself, recognizing her for her brave and amazing efforts. She has one request of Ned: keep the magic safe. A herd of bandits comes by, hoping to get the magic. They have kidnapped Ned's father. Ned is afraid. To heed his mother's request, and keep the magic safe, he will have to bind it to himself. It's painful. There will be consequences....

Aine is a practical girl. After her mother's death, she is left with her father. He is overcome with grief and sorrow, so he suggests they move into the woods. They do. Even there, she is haunted by her mother's last words: "The wrong boy will save your life. And you will save his. And the wolf-". What boy? What wolf? What was the end of her sentence? Her father has changed. He has an eye-shaped necklace and is now the king of the bandits. He no longer cares about her much. The necklace comes with a curse. When Aine realizes that she can stand him no longer, she leaves, meeting Ned along the way. And they aren't alone......the stones are watching.

Your opinion: I really liked the book, but it was kind of confusing at the beginning. It was good, but not on my top 5 favorite Bookworm books list. (I am Malala, Rain Reign, and Hook's Revenge are the only ones so far.) 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think people who like magic, fantasy, bandits, queens and kings, and mystery-like chapters would enjoy this.

Reviewed by: ST   

Rein Reign

Author:  Ann M. Martin

Genre: Realistic Fiction

What this book is about: This book is about a girl named Rose (rows), a girl with Aspergers and an obsession with homonyms. She has a dog named Rain (reign,rein), and when her father lets Rain (reign, rein) out in a storm, she can't find her. To find out what happens, you (ewe) will have to (too, two) read (reed) the book.

Your opinion: I loved this book. I liked how the author put homonyms next to a lot of words. I didn't like how the father just couldn't understand what Rose was thinking & feeling. 

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book:  I think people who want a sad story would like this book. Also, if you like reading books about people with disabilities (like me), you would like this book.

Reviewed by:  CM  

Revolution

Author: Deborah Wiles

Genre: Historical Fiction

What this book is about: Sunny lives in Greenwood, Mississippi in 1964. People are rising up and demanding equal rights for black people. She and her stepbrother, Gillette, are caught sneaking into the local white swimming pool, and they meet a Negro boy with white high-top sneakers. A few more run-ins, and Sunny is determined to find out who he is - but Gillette will not help.

Meanwhile, Raymond considers himself lucky not to have been caught in the pool like Gillette and Sunny. It doesn't last for long, though. SNCC volunteers are coming to his house, urging them to register to vote and rebel peacefully. Raymond gets hooked in, and his life gets a lot more interesting.

Sunny's mother left a long time ago, and now she has a new brother (he's okay), a new sister (what a cutie!), and a new stepmother (ugh!). She finds out that one of the SNCC volunteers looks exactly like her mother did at age 18, and she finds even more reason to investigate. 

Your opinion: I think that this book is really good, but I didn't feel that I really liked this book until maybe the 40th chapter (there are 69 chapters in all). It is a little confusing with all the random pictures and quotes but still compels you to finish it. I think the chapters really get better as you go on, so I gave it 4 stars instead of 3.

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think people who like historical fiction would like this book. I think fourth graders and up would be interested in this.

Reviewed by:  MT        

Hook's Revenge

Author: Heidi Schulz

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Humor

What this book is about: Jocelyn Hook is the daughter of the famed Captain Hook. THE Captain Hook. She dreams of sailing along with her father, having a fierce pirate crew, and earning her place as the second - fiercest pirate of the seas - below Captain Hook, of course. So far, it hasn't happened.
 
Her mother is dead, and she is raised by her very 'proper' grandfather, who, as far as he is concerned, had the most lovely daughter in the world, and Jocelyn is a disgrace to him. One day he had enough and sent Jocelyn off to Miss Eliza Crumb-Biddlecomb's finishing school. After a little time at that school Jocelyn decides to run away. She meets Roger, the cook's help, during her escapee. He convinces her to return, but one day Miss Eliza finds out about their friendship and sends Roger away. Jocelyn receives a letter from her dead father, and off she goes to Neverland on a great adventure, just as she had always dreamed of.

The letter from the great Captain Hook commands Jocelyn to gather a fierce pirate crew and avenge his death against the only thing he had ever feared - the Tick-Tock Croc. He highly doubts Jocelyn will be able to do this, as she is a girl, and he enforces this opinion of girls by starting his letter with, 'Dear Female Offspring'. Nevertheless, Jocelyn takes up the challenge to face the Tick-Tock Croc.  

Your opinion:  I really enjoyed this book, because like, The Templeton Twins by Ellis Weiner, the narrator is quite chatty with the readers. Also, the fact that it makes the 'evil' side reasonable and understandable is interesting to read. 

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book:  I think people who like fractured fairy tales like the Whatever After series by Sarah Mlynowski or Rump by Liesl Shurtliff would really like this book. I personally don't really know the full story of Peter Pan and Captain Hook, but I still understood and enjoyed this book, so I think anybody would like this.

Reviewed by:  MT