Greenglass House

Author: Kate Milford

Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Realistic Fiction


Your opinion: I loved this book, from the first page to the last page, it was the best book and plot. All I have to say is, Suspense + Mystery + Friendship = BEST BOOK EVER! I also liked how Milo, found out his true self.    5  

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book:

Reviewed by: OB 

I Am Malala

Author: Malala Yousafzai 

Genre: Biography

What this book is about:  Malala Yousafzai was only ten years old when the Taliban took control of her region. They said music was a crime. They said women weren't allowed to go to the market. They said girls couldn't go to school. Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. So she fought for her right to be educated. And on October 9, 2012, she nearly lost her life for the cause: She was shot point-blank while riding the bus on her way home from school. No one expected her to survive. Now Malala is an international symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner. In this Young Readers Edition of her bestselling book, we hear the remarkable story of a girl who knew from a young age that she wanted to change the world -- and did. Malala's powerful story will open your eyes to another world and will make you believe in hope, truth, miracles and the possibility that one person -- one young person -- can inspire change in her community and beyond.   

Your opinion:  I personally loved the book, I loved how she stood up for herself and stood up for what she believed in. This book is so inspirational and shows how Malala's education paid off. I especially love how she writes; descriptive words enabling the audience to imagine what she went through and how she connects the words together in perfect harmony. I LOVED the book.

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book:   I think readers who like reading about real-time events and about peace and calmness. This version of her book fits more for younger readers. I recommend it for grades 4th and up, while the real version has much more violence and terrorism. I recommend grades of maybe 5th and up, but really 6th and up. Overall, it was a great book and also inspirational. I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars.    

Reviewed by:  OB  

Snicker of Magic

Author: Natalie Lloyd

Genre: Adventure, Realistic Fiction, Family and Friendship

What this book is about: Twelve year old Felicity, and her family (mom and little sister) move to Midnight Gulch with her aunt. Midnight Gulch used to be a magical place; a town where people could sing up thunderstorms and dance up sunflowers. In the midst of those citizens, there were the brothers Stone and Berry Weatherly. Legend says they put a curse on the whole town with a wandering heart, seems that way with Felicity's mother. She packs up her kids and drives to a new town in the Pickled Jalapeno without any reason, except for her guts. In Midnight Gulch, Felicity sees words like home and love; it's the first time she has seen love. With that, she is determined to stay in this town. Along the way, she meets a do-gooder, Jonah, who lights up Felicity's world. To stay in this town that she loves, she has to break the curse, bring back the magic, an fix her mother's broken and wandering heart.

Your opinion: I thought this book was pretty good and showed a lot of friendship. I gave this book a 4.5 because I love how Felicity is unique in her own great way and how being generous and kind can change someone, and maybe the entire town. The only reason it wasn't a whole 5 stars because I couldn't believe the fact that a mother would all of a sudden leave, not mattering what was going on except that her wandering heart was pulling her another way.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think 3rd and up would like this book because of how it's set and its language. I personally think readers that like magical plots and protagonists that overcome things would like this book. Overall, it's a great book.

Reviewed by: OB 

Bo at Ballard Creek

Author: Kirkpatrick Hill

Genre: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction

What this book is about: It's the 1920s, and Bo was headed for an Alaska orphanage when she won the hearts of two tough gold miners who set out to raise her, enthusiastically helped by all the kind people of the nearby Eskimo village. Bo learns Eskimo along with English, helps in the cookshack, learns to polka, and rides along with Big Annie and her dog team. There's always some kind of excitement: Bo sees her first airplane, has a run-in with a bear, and meets a mysterious lost little boy. Here is the story of a little girl growing up in the exhilarating time after the big Alaska gold rushes.

Your opinion: I personally thought it was a horrible book. It had no plot, and it just seemed to take forever to finish. I do not see how it was on the Bookworm's list. It clearly to me, did not deserve a spot on the list. I gave the book a 1.5 out of 5 stars. It may seem harsh, but I personally did not like the book AT ALL.

Rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think maybe readers that like reading about historical events with a little twist on it, would like it. Maybe readers that like reading about different kinds of families and how they overcome various obstacles would like it. I think this is appropriate for 2nd graders and up. There was no bad language and seemed to be a nice, clean book telling about a girl living in Alaska in the 1920's. Overall, it clearly is my least favorite book on the list, so far.

Reviewed by: OB 

Rain Reign

Author: Ann M. Martin

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Disabilities   

What this book is about:  Rose Howard has Asperger’s syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms (even her name is a homonym). She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is very special. Rain was a lost dog that Rose’s father brought home. Rose and Rain are practically inseparable. And they are often home alone, as Rose’s father spends most evenings at a bar, and doesn’t have much patience for his special-needs daughter. Just as a storm hits town, Rain goes missing. Rose’s father shouldn’t have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search. Will Rose find Rain?   

Your opinion: I loved how the author showed the perspective of life through a girl with autism and shows what she deals with. You can see what people with disabilities fight through. You think to yourself, "How would I have treated her?"

Rating:  4.5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think readers who like reading books with characters that have disabilities. I also think readers who like reading about bonds with animals will like this book. Although, it's a touching book, I think it's appropriate for 4th graders and up because of the language and the violence that the father says and acts. Overall, it shows a great perspective from a child who is dealing with autism.    

Reviewed by: OB

Hook's Revenge

Author: Heidi Schulz

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Humor

What this book is about:  Jocelyn Hook is the daughter of the dreadful Captain Hook - but how are you sure you're someone's daughter, if you haven't met him or gotten letters? After not having a mom growing up, she waits for an adventure so she can be like her dad, but her grandfather doesn't agree. He wants her to become a proper lady, so he sends her to Miss Eliza Crumb-Biddlecomb's Finishing School for Young Ladies. She can't follow in  her dad's footsteps if she's surrounded with white gloves, pink, and ballroom dancing, so when she gets a letter from Captain Hook, she bolts off to Never land to get revenge on the crocodile that ate her father. But, when she gets there, the task gets harder. If defeating the croc is not difficult enough, she has the worst crew of pirates ever, but with one key characteristic from each of them. She also has to try to get her best friend out of the pack of the Lost Boys and ignore Peter Pan, who keeps coming uninvited. Will she defeat Neverland's crocodile or will her doubts defeat her first?  

Your opinion:  I personally loved this book because the author showed throughout the book that being unique or different doesn't make you weird or unpleasant in any way. I also liked how it showed how Jocelyn Hook lost that girliness to her because of growing up without a mom, but shows that she still has little of that sparkle inside. I also liked how it brought in parts of the Peter Pan story. 

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think readers that like books with characters that have girls being treated the same way as men would enjoy this book. It will also fit readers who like books that pull in parts of stories from other books. I also liked how it reminded me of the Neverland tale.

Reviewed by: OB    

Absolutely Almost

Author: Lisa Graff 


Genre: Realistic Fiction

What this book is about: Albie has never been good at things: tetherball, drawing, and especially making his parents proud. After getting kicked out of his last private school, he moved to a public school with teachers that try to help him succeed. Along with the public school change, he doesn't get to have his best friend at school and gets a new babysitter, Calista, to help him out with school. He gains friends and gets bullied. While trying to make it through school and his social level at school, he is mainly trying to keep the friendship he has with his apartment neighbor and best friend. Even though Albie is absolutely almost with mostly everything, Calista helps him figure out the things he is good at and helps him take pride in them. 

Your opinion:   I liked the book a lot, especially how friendship and bullying was key to the book. It shows some things that you might encounter being a 5th grader in school like being cool and fitting in. I loved also how Lisa Graff shows that you might not be good at most things, but the things you are good at, take pride in them.

Rating:  4.5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think readers that like realistic fiction and friendship books would like this book. I would say that this book would be for 2nd graders and up. For the 2nd graders it might be a little hard, but it's great book.

Reviewed by: OB    

The Witch's Boy

Author: Kelly Barnhill


Genre: Adventure, Magic, Fantasy

What this book is about: When Ned and his identical twin brother fall off their raft into the pulling waters of a river, only Ned survives. The villagers say that the wrong boy lived, but there is still part of his brother inside of him because Ned's mother, a witch, placed his brother's soul inside Ned's heart. After the incident in the river, Ned grows up slowly and weak while not having any voice interaction with anyone even his family. On the other side of the forest is a girl named Aine, who is the daughter of the Bandit King. Aine's mother was a strong woman, but after she passed, her last words haunt Aine, " the wrong boy will save your life, and you will save his." When their paths intersect, they have to trust each other to stop the war that is about to erupt. Will they be able to work together and trust each other or will they fall short?

Your opinion: I loved how this book showed how Ned made it through the hard times and kept continuing on his mission. I also loved how Aine acted so maturely, while her Bandit King father was focusing more and more on thievery, crime, and the magic that tangled his heart while he is losing focus on his daughter. The one thing I didn't like was how the author gave many details about each thing Ned, Aine, or the other characters did, because I felt as if it was getting more annoying than helping the story.

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think readers that like reading about adventure, friendship, and family bonding would like this book as well as readers who like magic. I will rate this book for 4th graders and up because of the words that they use in the book and some violence.

Reviewed by: OB   

Curiosity

Author: Gary Blackwood


Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction 

What this book is about: A boy named Rufus loses his father to debtor's prison and is secretly living in their home without paying rent while playing chess. Even at an early age Rufus was amazed by chess. He reads books about famous chess players and seems to effortlessly checkmate his opponents. Someone does see Rufus' talent. He gets hired to work as a chess playing automaton called the Turk. He has to keep his job a secret because the automaton is supposed to be all machine, but it's actually part human-operated. While he's making the Turk beat the townfolk - good and bad - in chess, he gets an average shelter with also average food. He shares his "bedroom" with a French worker named Jacques who has a peg leg for a foot. While Rufus is doing his thing, Jacques refines the other automatons of their traveling show. Rufus is lonely because he is not allowed to go out without an adult, and the only adults there are Jacques, who is always busy, the head boss, who is mean and strict, and lastly, there is Maelzel, who pops in and out. He does find a friend, but she may only be trying to pry the secrets of the Turk out of him. While stunning crowds, he finds bloodstains and an earring in the Turk which makes him wonder about the previous operators of the Turk, and the true meaning of what he is doing. Blackwood writes a suspenseful thriller of a 12-year old chess prodigy's adventures.

Your opinion: I thought that he book was the perfect amount of suspense and adventure at the same time. I personally love suspense books and this one is one of my favorites, but I did not like how the story ended. One thing I also liked about Blackwood's story was that it mixed in famous people from history, like Edgar Allen Poe.

Rating:  3.5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think suspense, adventure, and historical fiction readers would love this book. I think 3rd grade and up should read this book, maybe 2nd graders if they can understand the words and not get scared by the plot.

Reviewed by: OB

The Night Gardener

Author: Jonathan Auxier

Genre: Fantasy, Scary stories  

What this book is about: Molly and Kip are abandoned. They have no food, no money, and no home. They need a job - and fast. And it seems like the only job available is in an old English manor. Legends of this terrifying house and its owners are spread through the city like a fire on gasoline. Everyone seems to know one thing or another. But are the rumors true? Molly and Kip have no choice but to find out. And the house isn't nearly as scary as the tree next to it. Everyone in the house thinks the tree is magical. It gives you your heart's desire.  And the mysterious Night Gardener is the one who keeps it alive. The tree and the Gardener are connected by some evil magic. But the tree is trouble. It keeps giving until you depend on it....and then gives you up. And if that isn't scary enough, the Master of the house, the one who inherited it, lost his parents to that tree on a stormy night. And the tree has plans for the people in the house right now...their graves have been dug.


Your opinion:  I don't really like scary stories much, but that's just my opinion. It was a good book though.

Rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: If you like scary stories, have we got a book for you!

Reviewed by: ST     

Top five books:         Other good books:
I am Malala               Hook's Revenge
House of Secrets       Absolutely Almost
Rain Reign
Greenglass house
Snicker of Magic

If you haven't read these books, I recommend these!!!!!

Brown Girl Dreaming

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Genre: Nonfiction Poetry

What this book is about: This book is an autobiography of the life of Jacqueline Woodson, but in freestyle poetry. Jacqueline grew up before the Civil Rights Act.

Your opinion: I liked the idea of the book, and the poetry was great, but it wasn't my type. It kind of bored me. Other people could enjoy it better than me.

Rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think people who like poetry would like this book, but not people who like action and mystery.

Reviewed by: MT

The Madman of Piney Woods

Author: Christopher Paul Curtis

Genre: Historical Fiction

What this book is about:   Benji lives in Buxton, Canada and the Madman of Piney Woods has always been a legend. Red is from Chatham, and the South Woods Lion Man has always been a tale to scare little children. When a forensics competition brings the two together, they will have to find out what they can do about this Madman, and perhaps save his life.

Your opinion: I thought it was okay, which is surprising because I usually don't like Christopher Paul Curtis books. I liked when the story was told from Red's perspective. I didn't like the parts where Benji was just with his other friends.

Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think people who like historical fiction would like this book.

Reviewed by: CM   

Hook's Revenge

Author: Heidi Schulz

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Humor

What this book is about: Jocelyn Hook is the one and only heir to Captain James Hook. So, she's probably off with her father, sailing on the Jolly Roger and fighting the likes of Peter Pan and Tick Tock Crock, right? WRONG. As of now Jocelyn is attending Eliza Biddlecrumb's Finishing School for Young Ladies. Does she want to be there? No! But one day she receives a letter from the one and only Captain Hook that tells her to avenge his death by killing the beast that finished him off: the evil Tick Tock Crock...

Your opinion: I liked the book. I loved the narrator. I didn't like how at the beginning Jocelyn was a brat.

Rating:  4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think anyone who wants a twist on Peter Pan would like this book.

Reviewed by: CM 

These are my Bookworms Top six:
I Am Malala 5⭐️
House of Secrets 5⭐️
A Snicker of Magic 5⭐️
The Night Gardener 4 1/2⭐️
Rain Reign 4 1/2⭐️
Hook's Revenge 4 1/2⭐

A Snicker of Magic

Author: Natalie Lloyd

Genre: Fantasy, Humor, Mystery

What this book is about: Felicity Pickle's family has moved around all her life. She doesn't feel connected to any place until Midnight Gulch. Legends say that the town used to be magical, until the famous Duel of the Brothers Threadbare. Now there's a snicker of magic in the town, and Felicity wants to bring the magic back to a) make the town happy, and b) so she and her family can finally settle down and call this place home. Follow Felicity on a journey with magic, a boy named Jonah, and lots of ice cream. 

Your opinion:  I loved the book! I loved everything and there was nothing I didn't like.

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think everyone would love this book.    

Reviewed by: CM

These are my Bookworms Top five:
I Am Malala 5⭐️
A Snicker of Magic 5⭐️
House of Secrets 5⭐️
The Night Gardener 4 1/2⭐️
Rain Reign 4 1/2⭐️   

The Riverman

Author: Aaron Starmer

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance

What this book is about: Alastair Cleary is the kid everyone trusts. Fiona Loomis is not your typical girl. She selects Alastair to write her biography. He agrees, but when Fiona starts talking about some strange place called Aquavania and the Riverman, a mysterious person who is stealing kids from Aquavania, Alastair starts to wonder about her sanity. Is Fiona just a crazy, troubled kid, or is the Riverman real?

Your opinion: I liked the book. I liked how it was scary in parts. I didn't like how at the end it kind of turned into a sappy love story.

Rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think older kids who are okay with violence, romance, and scary stuff would like this book.

Reviewed by:CM   

These are my Bookworms Top Five:
I Am Malala 5⭐️
House of Secrets 5⭐️
The Night Gardener 4 1/2⭐️
Rain Reign 4 1/2⭐️
The Fourteenth Goldfish 4⭐️"       

Smile

Author: Raina Telgemeier

Genre: Humor, Autobiography and Graphic Novel

What this book is about: "This book is about the author, Raina Telgemeier. It follows her through braces (painful), friends not really being friends (ouch), and an earthquake (eek!).

Your opinion: I really liked the book. I liked everything and there was nothing I didn't like.

Rating:  3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think everyone would like this book.

Reviewed by: CM  

The Fourteenth Goldfish

Author: Jennifer L. Holm

Genre: Humor, Science Fiction

What this book is about: This book is about a girl named Ellie Cruz. She lives with her mother and everything is pretty normal, until one day Ellie's mom comes home with her grandpa. Now, Ellie's mom had just gotten her grandpa from the police, and, what a surprise - Ellie's 76 year old grandpa looks like a teenager! Turns out he had discovered something that made you become young again. The only problem was, since he looked like a teenager, nobody thinks that Grandpa is telling the truth. 

Your opinion: I liked it. I liked how it wasn't all about Ellie's grandpa, it was about her, too. I didn't like how the book didn't have much to do with the title.

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think anyone who likes science and funny things would like this book.

Reviewed by: CM

House of Secrets

Author: Chris Columbus

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Humor

What this book is about: The book is about three kids: Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor. They have just moved into the Kristoff House, when a horrifying....thing, the Wind Witch, completely wrecks it and sends the threesome to a mysterious world. Read the book to find out what happens next!

Your opinion: I LOVED the book! I ❤️ everything! There was nothing I didn't like. These are my top three Bookworms books:
I Am Malala 5⭐️
House of Secrets 5⭐️
Night Gardener 4 1/2 ⭐️

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think everyone would ❤️ this book!!

Reviewed by: CM 

Greenglass House

Author: Kate Milford

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery

What this book is about: The book is about a boy named Milo, who helps his parents run an inn called Greenglass House. It's winter break, so when guests start to come, he is annoyed and curious. But when things start going missing, he and his new friend, Meddy, try to figure out who the criminal is, and what the crook's ulterior motive is.

Your opinion: I liked the book. I really liked the surprise at the end, which I won't say what it is. I didn't like the beginning, it was kind of boring.

Rating:  3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think people who want a mystery with a bit of adventure would like this book.

Reviewed by: CM

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 kids who find a rare zucchini-colored crayon that might be able to save the world. They go through a  whirlwind of hard to believe things to piece together a way to save the world. They come across many characters, such as a neighbor (who will be very important later in the story), a seemingly human computer thing, and a crazy collector who will do anything to collect this rare crayon. Will they save the world or fail miserably?

Your opinion: I personally thought the book was my type of book: action and adventure, although, it does seem as if the order of the scenes were a bit misplaced. It was very hard to read until you reread the text multiple times until you might understand.

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I would think futuristic, action type readers. I would recommend this book to 3rd graders and up. It might be a lengthy book, but well worth it.

Reviewed by: OB   

The Fourteenth Goldfish

Author: Jennifer L. Holm

Genre: Science Fiction

What this book is about: Ellie is normal. And so is her life. Until one morning her mom shows up with a teenage boy who claims that he is her grandfather. But that can't be true...can it? Her grandfather is 65. This boy looks about 13. Her grandfather says that using a jellyfish, he reversed the aging process. And Ellie's mother does not really want her father to stay with them whether he's 13 or 65. So life continues. Her grandfather enjoys being 13 again....until he realizes that he will have to go to school. And then even MORE problems come. 

He realizes that when he reversed aging, he forgot that he left the ingredients and the supplies in his lab. And no one will let him in. They think he is just an ordinary teenage kid. Looks like getting the Nobel prize will have to wait. And getting a chapter in the science books that Ellie has. Ellie learns about the science of life. And from what she is hearing, all life must go on. In a circle. Even the laws of motion agree. But her grandfather had gotten so far - will she be able to convince him to stop?

Your opinion: It was a really good book! But again, DO NOT judge a book by its cover. I think that the title and cover deceive people. I think the book should be called something like "The Fountain of Youth" or "The Science of Life."

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think people who like science and realistic fiction would like this.

Reviewed by: ST  

Revolution

Author: Deborah Wiles

Genre: Historical Fiction

What this book is about: "This book is mainly about 2 kids, Sunny and Raymond. The book switches perspectives from his to hers and again and again.... 

    It's the summer of 1964, and Sunny's world is changing. She's a white girl living in Greenwood, Mississippi, and the agitators have arrived. From getting along with her new family, to staying out of gunshot range, there's a lot Sunny will have to adjust to the summer she turns thirteen.

     Raymond is a black 14-year old in Mississippi, and he's tired of ""separate but equal". The Civil Righters have come, and he's joined them. He takes risks, and gets arrested multiple times. There's danger in doing these things with the Civil Righters, but he doesn't care. He wants equal rights, and he wants them now.

Your opinion: I liked the book. I liked the parts where Sunny and Raymond interacted. I didn't like how the facts came in between the story parts, and how it switched character perspectives so many times. 

Rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think people who ❤️ historical fiction and books about segregation would like this book.   

Reviewed by: CM  

The Riverman

Author: Aaron Starmer

Genre: Fantasy, Scary

What this book is about: The Riverman steals souls. Fiona knows that. She also knows that no one will believe her "made up" stories of Aquavania, a world where stories begin. Anything you can possibly imagine comes true there. It's your world. You can make friends. You can make airplanes. You can make houses. Anything. A magical water portal takes you to Aquavania. You can stay as long as you want. A man called the Riverman dwells in Aquavania and the solid world, kidnapping children and stealing their minds, their memories, and their souls. Fiona's friend Alistair doesn't believe a word of it. But Fiona's stories become more and more convincing-and Alistair sees an article in the news with proof of a missing child who Fiona claims she knows from Aquavania. But why is she telling Alistair all this? Because she fears that her soul will come into the hands of the Riverman very soon.  But if the Riverman is really real - and this is a big if - Fiona might be in real danger.

Your opinion: I think it was okay, but it was too scary for my taste.

Rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think people who like scary stories and fantasy would like this. I think only 4th and up should read this.

Reviewed by: ST