This summer we asked children and teens to send us reviews of books they feel are important to read or in some way worthy of note. Our mail continues to show that young people are indeed reading (some voraciously, it seems), and enjoying what they read. We’ve received reviews of a wide variety of books from children of all ages, with help from local librarians who sent in contributions form their summer reading programs.
Turn to next week’s Books section for more reviews by young readers.
Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery
By Deborah and James Howe
Reviewed by Anna Marie Aguirre, 9, Chicago
St. Edward School
(Chicago Public Library, Independence Branch)
Bunnicula is a bunny who was found by a boy named Toby at a movie theater. The story is told by a dog named Harold. A cat named Chester likes to read mysteries and is funny. He thinks the bunny is a vampire who drinks the vegetables’ juice and that is why all the vegetables are white. Chester put garlic around his neck so Bunnicula couldn’t get his juice.
Stormbreaker
By Anthony Horowitz
Reviewed by Matthew Sebek, 10, Chicago
Keller Regional Gifted Center
(Chicago Public Library, Walker Branch)
In this thrilling, high-tech adventure, teenager Alex Rider gets pulled into the secret world of espionage when his uncle mysteriously dies. Working for MI6 (British Military Intelligence), Alex uses the latest high-tech spy gadgets to foil supervillain Sayles’ plot to destroy England with his “Stormbreaker.” Alex survives where his uncle did not. Alex has several narrow escapes and is involved with airplane and car chases. He uses his wits and gadgets to save the day.
If you like fast-paced, exciting, gadget-filled spy adventures like James Bond and “Spy Kids,” you will love “Stormbreaker”!
Frindle
By Andrew Clements
Reviewed by Nick Moore, 10, Downers Grove
St. Mary of Gostyn School
“Frindle” is about a boy named Nick Allen, a 5th-grader whose teacher is crazy about the dictionary. Because of this, Nick starts calling his pen a frindle. The whole school and town follow his lead and call it a frindle also.
By the time he starts college, his 5th-grade teacher sends him a note telling him “frindle” is in the dictionary. She also sends a dictionary. He looks it up and it is there.
I found this book to be funny and easy to read. It was hard to put it down once I started reading.
In My Father’s House
By Ann Rinaldi
Reviewed by Elyse Kallen, 14, Chicago
Walter Payton College Prep
“In My Father’s House” is the story of Oscie Mason, a stubborn young girl living in Manassas, Va. The book begins when she is 7 years old and follows her through the next few years of her life. As the Civil War unfolds before the reader’s eyes, Ann Rinaldi shows how the war affects Oscie and her family.
The book is a traditional coming-of-age story, but in a very unique setting, which gives it a new flavor and draws the reader to it. The story is rich with many elements, including an examination of the injustice of slavery, the aftermath of the war in the South, and even a hint of romance.
The author wonderfully portrays the life of a young woman living in the South during the Civil War, and it is this accurate and creative narrative combined with the thoughts and insight of this character that make it a joy to read.
Harriet the Spy
By Louise Fitzhugh
Reviewed by Lauren Bergelson, 9, Glencoe
Glencoe West School
Harriet M. Welsch is a 6th-grade spy with a secret spy notebook, and Ole Golly, her nanny, is the only one who understands. Harriet writes everything about everything in her notebook. At school one day her classmates find it. They read all the mean and rude things Harriet wrote about them. After that, her classmates turn against her and do very cruel things.
Later on, Harriet learns from Ole Golly the two things she must do to put things straight: apologize and lie. Also, Harriet learns the difference between a good lie and a bad lie. Harriet does what she thinks is right to put things straight. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a book about an adventurous and slightly mysterious spy.
Junie B., First Grader (At Last!)
By Barbara Park
Reviewed by Anna Eckhoff, 7, Elmhurst
Immaculate Conception Grade School
Junie B. Jones’ teacher, “Mr. Scary,” gave her a journal and said that it is going to be her friend. And then in this book Junie B. Jones loses her best bus pal and ends up with a boy. Then Junie B. Jones has to wear glasses. She doesn’t want to wear the purple glasses, but when she puts them on, her other buddy likes them! So Junie B. Jones decides that she likes 1st grade after all.
You should read this book because if you don’t want to wear glasses, you should because some people might like them. Then you would feel a little bit better.
Alanna: The First Adventure
By Tamora Pierce
Reviewed by Kaleigh Glaza, 13, Glen Ellyn
St. Petronille School
Are you looking for a book with fun characters, vivid descriptions and an imaginative plot? If so, then “Alanna: The First Adventure” is the book for you.
This book is the first of four books about Alanna. She has always dreamed of becoming a knight. Alanna’s a girl, however, and so isn’t allowed to train for knighthood at the palace. This book follows Alanna as she, disguised as a boy, begins her training.
The many problems she faces and many friends she makes will have you laughing, blushing and gasping in surprise. “Alanna” is really about friendship and courage, but it also gives the reader a look into the Middle Ages. Descriptions of life in and out of nobility will open your eyes to how different the two classes were back then.
Empire Falls
By Richard Russo
Reviewed by Marcy Farrey, 17, Wheaton
Wheaton Warrenville South High School
For those looking for more than a “beach read” this summer, Richard Russo’s “Empire Falls” will prove itself more than Pulitzer Prize-worthy. Through this story of one small town in Maine, Russo brings the reader to a greater understanding of the world. Though the small-town story has been told several times over, this one, for a change, isn’t disappointing. Instead of simply focusing on the surface of his characters’ lives and actions, Russo strikes at the heart of many issues we struggle with as humans today.
With several different characters, every reader will find someone to relate to, making “Empire Falls”a novel in which one can easily become lost. By the end of the novel, I believed that Empire Falls was a real place: the place where all of us exist now, inside ourselves.
The Jesus Thief
By J.R. Lankford
Reviewed by Aimee Ortega, 15, Merrillville, Ind.
Merrillville High School
This book tells the daring story of Dr. Felix Rossi, a microbiologist who investigates the Shroud of Turin.
The beginning of the book is slow, but then it picks up pace. Dr. Rossi steals two threads from the Shroud of Turin that he believes might contain the blood of Jesus Christ. He decides to go ahead with his plan to clone Jesus. His reasoning is that if a Jew brings back Jesus all Jews will be forgiven. The cells begin to grow. But then Jerome Newton, a reporter, drops hints that he knows what Dr. Rossi is really doing.
This book not only tells a great story, but it shows the dangers of cloning and what some people would do if they had the opportunity to make a clone. Recommended for ages 15 and older.
Sahara Special
By Esme Raji Codell
Reviewed by Nikki Bank, 11, Chicago
Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School
Ever since she was little, Sahara Jones was known as Sahara Special. Not because she was “a princess or a movie star or something sparkly like that,” but because she had special needs. Mrs. Jones demands that Sahara be placed in a normal class, but the new teacher, Miss Pointy, is far from normal. And it is through her encouragement and creative, fun ways of teaching that Sahara learns she is special, in her own unique way.
This is a fabulous book that audiences of all ages should read. “Sahara Special” occurs in our Chicago! Readers will enjoy the different characters whether or not they have faced similar problems. A good, caring, dedicated friend can really help. Miss Pointy recognizes Sahara’s dream, and makes it possible to come true. This is a funny, inspiring book that teaches: One person really can make a difference.
Gossip Girl
By Cecily von Ziegesar
Reviewed by Claire Rychlewski, 12, Chicago
Sauganash School
Blair, Nate, Serena, Jenny, Chuck, Dan and Vanessa are all connected somehow. They’re all living in the Upper East Side of New York, going to fancy private schools, living in beautiful homes, and whatnot. Oh yeah . . . and they’re all being watched. No one knows who “gossip girl” is, but she’s watching them and putting her sightings on her Web site. Who could she possibly be? Not so perfect Serena? Catty, jealous Blair? Whoever she is, she’s watching.
“Gossip Girl,” a book like no other, is probably for an older set. It explores the pressures of drugs and sex, and it’s as true to real life (at least on the Upper East Side of New York) of teens as possible. It’s a real sort of book, meaning no happy ending.
To Kill a Mockingbird
By Harper Lee
Reviewed by Jacqueline Ruth Howard, 14, Matteson
Marian Catholic High School
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a novel by Harper Lee that is a must-read. The story takes place in Maycomb County, Ala., in the 1930s. The reader follows Jean Louise Finch as she learns new things and grows ever stronger while meeting new challenges and having new experiences along the way. What starts out as an innocent little girl’s tale of her childhood evolves into a climactic event when African-American Tom Robinson is accused of raping a white young lady.
The fact that all men are created equal is highly questioned in this book. Kudos to Harper Lee for demonstrating how as long as there are cold-hearted humans on the Earth, there will always be good-hearted people to show kindness and love.
The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume 1
By Diana Wynne Jones
Reviewed by Megan Hrabak, 12, North Aurora
Jewel Middle School
Anger, suspense, mystery, practical jokes and, of course, dried dragon’s blood all combine in this epic tale. It’s a story that will catch you on a hook, reel you in, and plunge you back in the water again.
The book is about a young boy named Cat who always acts like his sister Gwendolen’s shadow. Their parents had been killed in a boat crash, and they were the only ones to survive. Over the years, the two grow up with an old witch who notices that Gwendolen has great magical talents. Cat himself can’t even do the basic spells, and so he lets his sister get all the attention. One day, Gwendolen discovers several letters from a man named Chrestomanci. The witch says the letters are worth more than enough to get magic lessons for Gwendolen. But neither Cat nor the old witch knows that letting Gwendolen get lessons will bring disaster later.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
By Mark Twain
Reviewed by Grace Dowling, 10, Lincolnshire
Daniel Wright Junior High School
“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” is a great book for girls and boys. For boys, the main character is a boy named Tom Sawyer who does many adventures that most girls wouldn’t do. For the girls, there are lots of girly things like dating.
Tom Sawyer is a bad boy and likes to do things his way. He has a girlfriend named Becky Thatcher. Tom does many crazy things like steal boats and run away to a deserted island with his two best friends, Huckleberry Finn and Joe Harper. Tom returns to his own funeral. And his adventures continue when he sees someone bury stolen treasure. He almost gets Becky and himself killed in a cave when they wander off together.
I liked this book because it’s fun to compare kids’ lives then to a kid’s life now. Dating is the same, but with no TV, the kids played pretend a lot more.
Baseball Ballerina
By Kathryn Cristaldi
Reviewed by Samantha DeBleyzer, 8, Oak Lawn
Sward School
(Oak Lawn Public Library)
I think you should read “Baseball Ballerina.” The story is about a girl who plays baseball. One day her mother said she was signed up for ballet. Her friend was in her class. One day Madame told the girls that they were going to dance on a stage. They will be dandelions, and her friend was picked to be queen. The day arrived. Suddenly the queen leaped on the stage and her crown fell off, but the crown is caught and the dance is saved. This book is cute. I give it four stars.
Mortimer Says Nothing
By Joan Aiken
Reviewed by Alexandra Nine, 11, Chicago
St. Barnabas School
(Chicago Public Library, Walker Branch)
I think the book “Mortimer Says Nothing” is a book people should read because it has a good sense of humor. It was worthwhile because there were funny pranks that you don’t see an ordinary raven do, like eat an electric mixer. The character I liked best in this book was Mortimer the raven because he did all sorts of funny things, like keep a collection of wasps.
Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game
By Michael Lewis
Reviewed by Grant Dowling, 12, Lincolnshire
Daniel Wright Junior High School
I would recommend “Moneyball” to teens and preteens who like baseball. Although it is an adult book, the vocabulary is easy. At times, the book can be mathematical, but I liked those parts.
There are four parts to this story. The first is about Oakland A’s GM Billy Beane as a player. Next is the 2003 draft. Third is about A’s players Chad Bradford and Scott Hatteberg. And the last part is about the A’s in the playoffs.
My favorite part is the third section about Chad Bradford and Scott Hatteberg. I learned that a whole team of Scott Hattebergs would score 40 to 50 more runs in a season than the Yankees! Also, Chad Bradford can pitch completely underhand and still can be a dominant big-league closer.
The book was fun and educational, plus it even helped my on-base percentage!
Editor’s note: Reviews of “Born Confused” and “Star in the Storm” are being reprinted in today’s section. When they were first published Aug. 10, the last paragraph of the “Born Confused” review appeared at the end of the “Star in the Storm” review.
Born Confused
By Tanuja Desai Hidier
Reviewed by Erica Wilfong, 16, Chicago
Home school
(Chicago Public Library, Edgebrook Branch)
I always thought that East Indians were kind of odd because the women wear saris even in Chicago, but the book “Born Confused” showed me a lot of awesome things about the Indian culture.
Dimple Lala doesn’t like being of South Asian Indian descent. She doesn’t fit in at all with any of the other kids at her American high school except her friend Gwen, who lives down the block. Dimple’s mother runs into an old friend from India and invites her over for chai tea, because the friend has a 20-year-old son. Dimple’s parents are ecstatic with this knowledge. They really want Dimple to have a “nice suitable Indian boy.” Dimple thinks she is doomed.
After the meeting with Karsh (the nice suitable Indian boy), Dimple swears she will never like him, and never ever date him. Then Gwen talks Dimple into using fake IDs to go to an Indian nightclub, where Gwen just happens to meet Karsh and decides she wants to give it a go with him because Dimple didn’t want to.
From there it gets really good, but I’m not going to tell you what happens! You will have to read it for yourself. I will tell you this: I didn’t figure out how it was going to end.
I really liked the book because the characters sounded like people I would want to know, and it made me want to find the Indian community in Chicago. I have a new outlook and lots of respect for the Indian culture.
Star in the Storm
By Joan Hiatt Harlow
Reviewed by Andie Grant, 9, Green Oaks
Oak Grove School
I think “Star in the Storm” is a good book about a girl, Maggie, and her best friend, Sirius, a Newfoundland dog. She has to hide her dog because all dogs besides sheep-herding dogs are banned from the village where she lives. Then a storm comes and a ship is sinking with 100 people on it, including the sister of one of Maggie’s neighbors. Maggie knows Sirius can help, but then everyone would know that she has been breaking a rule by hiding the dog.
I liked the book so much because of the message it sends about the friendship between a girl and her dog.
