One for the Murphy's

 Imagine if you were a foster kid living with an unfamiliar family. One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is about twelve year old Carly Conners, a foster child. 

After an incident with her mother and her step-father Carly Conners finds herself in foster care. She immediately goes to live with the Murphys and realizes the mother is caring, the dad is a Red Sox fan, and there are three brothers, Daniel, Adam and Michael Eric. Carly is far from being part of the family but maybe she can make a little room in her heart for them. When she starts school she makes a new friend, Toni, and she learns the true meaning of friendship and love. Carly isn't part of the family and she will never be but just as soon as she starts to feel comfortable around them, some unexpected news comes from her mother. I recommend this book to 5th graders and up. If you liked this book make sure to check out Fish in a Tree and Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. 

Chains

 Imagine if you had to work all day just because of the color of your skin. Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson is a sad but realistic fiction story.

Thirteen year old Isabel and her little sister Ruth are fighting their way for freedom. They get sold to the Locktons, a couple from New York City. They aren't exactly nice, but Isabel and Ruth work as hard as they can even though they don't get any money. The sisters know not to mess around because Mrs. Lockton will hit them hard. Isabel makes a new friend named Curzon who tells Isabel she should spy on her owners but the last thing Isabel wants is to get hit hard. When something happens to ruth Isabel realizes that she will have to save Ruth. I recommend this book to 5th graders and up. 

Everything Everything

Imagine if you were not allowed outside and could barely eat or drink anything. Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon is a heartfelt story about an eighteen year old girl named Madeline Whitter.

Madeline's disease is very rare, she is basically allergic to the word. Madeline has not left her house in over fifteen years! No one ever comes into her house except for her nurse, Carla. Madeline is homeschooled and lives with her mom (her dad and brother died in a car crash.) One day when Madeline looks out her window she sees new neighbors, a girl, mom, dad, and a boy. The boy is tall and wearing all black, he has the bluest eyes and a hat that covers his hair. He catches Madeline looking at him so he stares back. His name is Olly. Out of eighteen years Madeline has never wanted anything more than to meet Olly. Just like that Madeline knows she will fall in love with him and she doesn't care what kind of challenges she will have to face. I recommend this book to 6th graders and up.

The Next Great Paulie Fink

The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin is a hilarious and mysterious book.  

Caitlyn Breen moves to Vermont with her mother because her mother got offered a job. Caitlyn enters Mitchell School as a seventh grader, most of the seventh graders have known each other since kindergarten. When Caitlyn enters the classroom everyone looks so sad and they all start talking about this guy named Paulie Fink. Caitlyn only has one question. Who is this person and why did he just disappear? She meets a girl named Gabby and she starts to tell Caitlyn all about Paulie Fink. He was a jokester, prankster and a troublemaker. But after a little no one has any hope they will ever find Paulie again so why not find a new Paulie Fink. What can go wrong? I recommend this book to 4th graders and up. If you liked this book make sure to check out The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin posted in June. 

Endling the First

 The book Endling the First by Katherine Applegate is about a darine named Byx who is fearless. This is the sequel to Endling the Last by Katherine Applegate.

Byx, Tobble, Gambler, Khara, Renzo and Dog all are looking for darines. After everything they have gone through they are still somehow surviving. Byx doesn't like how all these amazing creatures and humans are risking their lives just for her. They finally find two darines and Byx can't believe her eyes. After one gets killed Byx is left with just one darine but that will do. The darine's name is Maxyan and he is not thrilled with Byx about having his father killed. Tobble, Maxyan and Byx go on a journey to find more darines while the rest are on a different journey. Will Byx be able to find more darines? I recommend this book to 5th graders and up.

Endling the Last

 Endling the Last by Katherine Applegate is a book with some violence. This is the first book in the series.

Byx is used to being the runt of her darine pack, all her siblings tease her. When Byx adventures to the water early in the morning the day her pack is supposed to move to find more darines she smells something she hasn't smelled in a really long time, humans. She races back to her pack and sees that the humans are there, she watches in horror as her pack gets killed. She instantly makes a goal, that she will find darines. On her adventure she meets a loyal friend named Tobble, a good human named Khara, a feveilt named Gambler, another good human Renzo and a dog named dog. They look almost everywhere and still no darines. Byx starts to wonder if she is the endling. I recommend this book to 5th graders and up.

If you enjoy this book, I would recommend reading the second book in the series, Endling the First. The third book in the series is set to be released on March 2, 2021. 

Fairy Tale Reform School Cursed

 The book Fairy Tale Reform School Cursed by Jen Calonita is about an adventurous girl named Gilly Cobbler. This is the last book in the series.

Rumpilstilken is planning to cast a curse that will erase all of Enchantasia! As you might know Anna (Gilly's little sister) is still with Rumpilstilken. Gilly can't help but wonder if Anna wants to come back, maybe she is homesick and she might need saving? The fairy prophecy declares that Gilly must save Enchantasia. Can Gilly and her friends save Enchantasia before it's too late? I recommend this book to 4th graders and up.

Fairy Tale Reform School Switched

 Are you looking for an adventurous book? Well then Fairy Tale Reform School by Jen Calonita Switched is just the book for you!  Fairy Tale Reform School Switched is the 4th book in the series.

All anything anyone can talk about is how Rumpilstilkin got outsmarted. Gilly's sister Anna went with Rumpilstikin to who know's where. But at Fairy Tale Reform school it is better than ever. Beauty and the Beast have come to work at the school and they brought their daughter with them. When a new kid Jack, joins FTRS Gilly soon uncovers that Jack's parents where taken from Rumpilstilkin. Jack wants answers just like Gilly, so when they find out that The Royal Court (Aka the princesses) can't give any answers Gilly and Jack decide to do it by themselves. I recommend this book to 4th graders and up. 

Fairy Tale Reform School Tricked

If you like fairy tales that aren't for little kids then Fairy Tale Reform School Tricked is just the book for you!  This is the third book in the series.                                                                                                 Gilly has been released from Fairy Tale Reform School and is back at her home where she belongs. Now instead of hanging out with friends laughing with teachers she's going to Jack of all Trades School where she learns about shoes. When Gilly's little sister Anna starts hanging out with the troublemakers (Hansel and Gretel) Anna gets thrown into Fairy Tale Reform School. But big sisters know best and Gilly's gut is telling her she needs to get Anna out of there until it's too late. I recommend this book to 4th graders and up.

Charmed Fairy Tale Reform School

Are you looking for a book about adventure? Then Charmed by Jen Calonita is just the book for you! This is the second book in the series. 

Gilly Cobbler decided to stay at Fairy Tale Reform School even though she had the choice to go home and see her family. The evil fairy who cursed Aurora (Alva) wants a war against the princesses. Gilly and her friends all wonder who could be helping Alva. They know it is one of the princesses until they rule out all of them except for two. Gilly joins Ladie-in-Waiting to find out who the princess could be. I recommend this book to 4th graders and up. 

Fairytale Reform School Flunked

Fairytale Reform School Flunked by Jen Calonita is an adventurous book that is also part of a series. 

Gillian (Gilly) Cobbler has five siblings, Anna, Felix, Trixie, Han and Hamish, and when you live in an old boot you probably should try to make money, but instead Gilly steals. She would call herself a good stealer until she gets caught for the third time. She gets sent to (FTRS) Fairytale Reform School for three months where all the teachers are villains like The Big Bad Wolf, Ursula, and The Evil Queen. When Gilly meets Jax and Kayla they all learn more about themselves, their school and who are bad and good. I recommend this book to 4th graders and up.  

Caterpillar Summer

 Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn is a heartfelt story about an eleven year old girl named Cat and her seven year old brother Henry. 

Cat's dad died when she was very young so Cat's mom took on more jobs which meant she would have to take care of Henry all the time. When Henry was born Cat gave him the nickname chicken. Cat and Chicken have been two peas in a pod ever since. Cat knows how to calm him down during a meltdown because she has always been there for Chicken. When their summer plans change unexpectedly Cat And Chicken have to go to their Grandma and Grandpa's house for three weeks while their mom is working. Cat has never met them so she is really nervous but when she gets there she starts to feel like a kid and she starts having a lot of fun. But if she's having so much fun now why haven't her grandparents been a part of their life until now? Cat doesn't know that after she comes back from her grandparent her life is going to change forever. I recommend this book to 5th graders and up. 

The Marvelwood Magicians

Are you looking for a mystery book that's a little creepy? Then The Marvelwood Magicians by Diane Zahler is just the book for you! 

Eleven year old Mattie Marvelwood lives with her younger brother Bell, sister Tibby, her mom Maya, and her dad Simon. Mattie wants to be normal but she can't because her family are magicians. Simon is an illusionist, Maya is a fortune teller, Bell can disappear, Tibby can hover, and Mattie can read mind.  The family's tricks aren't acts, they're powers. When Mattie and her family move to a new circus called Master Morogh's Circus of Wonders weird stuff starts to happen. A singer suddenly loses her voice but then Bell loses his power and there is only one explanation, Master Morogh could be doing something to them. Should the Marvelwoods run to a new circus and leave Bell's power behind or should they risk losing their powers and try to get Bell's power back? I recommend this book to 4th graders and up.  

Rain Reign

 If you like adventure books then Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin is for you! Written by a Newbery honor author, Rain Reign is about a girl named Rose Howard and the adventure of how she tries to find her dog.

Rose has Aspergers Syndrome but she is obsessed with homonyms. She loves that her name is one rose, roes, and rows and purposefully gave her dog, Rain a homonym too, rain, reign and rein. Rose and Rain have stuck together ever since Rose's dad found Rain behind a bar. Rose's mom ran away when Rose was only two. Rose goes to school just like every kid but sometimes it can be challenging and difficult. When a storm hits town, Rose's dad lets Rain out and forgets to let her back in. Rose goes and tries to find her dog but uncovers a secret about Rain. I recommend this book to 4th graders and up. 

Towers Falling

 Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a realistic fiction story about the twin towers.

Fifteen years after the Twin Towers fall, Deja Barnes moves from Brooklyn to Manhattan with her younger sister, Leda and younger brother Raymond along with her Ma and Pop. Deja and her family don't have much money so they are living in a room in Avalon. It's hard starting a new school especially if you don't know anyone. But Deja makes two good friends Ben and Seeben. When their class gets an assignment about the twin towers Pop gets angry and Deja wants to figure out what the twin towers were and why Pop is mad. Ben and Seeben help Deja understand what the twin towers were, why they fell and find out a secret that Pop was keeping from Deja. I recommend this book to 5th graders and up. If you liked this book then I also recommend Nine, Ten; A September 11 Story.

Sweep The Story Of A Girl And Her Monster

The book, Sweep The Story Of A Girl And Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier is about an eleven year old girl named Nan. 

Nan Sparrow has been a climbing boy ever since she was six and by the age of 11 she was one of the best climbers that has ever lived.  A climbing boy is an orphan owned by a chimney sweep and the climbing boy has to clean flues and protect homes from fires. Even though Nan is a girl she still cleaned flues and protected homes. Her master, Master Wilkie Crudd says he's going to start to pay Nan soon. When Nan gets stuck in a chimney fire she loses all hope and knows for sure that she won't make it. But then a miracle happens, she is saved by a golem, a mystical creature that she names Charlie. Charlie and Nan start to feel more and more love toward each other. Together they start living in a house hiding from Crudd because if they get caught Nan might never see Charlie ever again. They story is about child labor, poverty, sickness, and death. I recommend this book to 5th graders and up. 

Mustaches For Maddie

Mustaches for Maddie by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown is a true story based on a twelve year old girl. 
Twelve year old Maddie loves making people laugh and slapping on mustaches whenever she has the chance. When she gets noticed by the class queen, Cassie, they both become friends quickly. Maddie meets more friends but can't help feeling bad for Lexi, a new girl who eats lunch alone and plays at recess with no one. Maddie wants to play with Lexi but Cassie doesn't. Maddie gets the lead role as Juliet in the school play and Cassie isn't happy because she wanted the part. When Maddie starts tripping and can't move her arm and leg her mother takes Maddie to a doctor were she is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Maddie doesn't want anyone to know, especially Cassie who has started bullying her. As Maddie's brain tumor surgery approaches she starts to get more and more nervous. Will Maddie be back in time for the school play? What if the doctor can't remove her brain tumor? Will Maddie go over to Lexi and make friends with her? I recommend this book to 4th graders and up. 

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus

The sequel to Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling is a chapter book about a fourteen year old named Aven.
Aven likes middle school but as soon as she adjusts to it she's off to high school. There's two thousand and three hundred more people to stare at her. Connor is going to a different school so Aven and Zion are by themselves. As Aven and Zion start high school Aven develops a crush on a boy named Joshua. This book is full of humiliation, loss, fear and love. I recommend this book to 4th graders and up.

Fallout

Fallout by Todd Strasser is a page-turning book about a boy named Scott Porter.
Eleven year old Scott is living through a war in 1992. One night he is startled awake by his dad telling him they're getting attacked. Scott, his younger brother Sparky, his mom, his dad, and their cleaner/babysitter Janet rush down to their bomb shelter. Some of their neighbors get in and that includes Ronnie (Scott's best friend) and his parent along with Scott's classmate named Paula and her dad. After they get down they realize that Scott's mom was shot! Are they going to be able to nurse her back to health? Now they are sharing food meant for four, water meant for four, and air meant for four. There's only board games and soon enough that gets boring. There aren't any electronics, no watches, no clocks and nothing to do. With barley any food and nothing to do everyone wants to go up but they have to stay in the shelter. Scott starts to wonder if anyone actually survived and it's only them. Will they get out? Are there other people who found a bomb shelter in time?

I recommend this book to 5th graders and up. 

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

The book Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling is a heartfelt story about a thirteen-year-old girl named Aven Green. 
Aven lives in Kansas with her parents. Aven Green loves to tell people about how she lost her arms like losing them from fighting an alligator or losing them in a wildfire but actually she was born without them.  Her parents get a job in Arizona at Stagecoach Pass, an old theme park, so they end up moving there. Aven finds two friends, one named Connor who has Tourette's syndrome and the other named Zion who is teased for being overweight. Together the three friends find a shed that holds secrets. Aven faces her fears, helps a friend and solves a mystery that changes her life forever. I recommend this book to 4th graders and up.  

The Thing About Jellyfish

A book about adventure, The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin, is a page-turner. A New York Times Bestseller, The Thing About Jellyfish is about 12 year old Suzy Swanson and her best friend Franny. 
During the summer Franny and her family were on vacation in Maryland. While Franny was playing in the ocean she drowned.
Everyone thinks she drowned but Suzy isn't convinced because she knows that Franny was an amazing swimmer. While she is on a field trip to an aquarium Suzy sees an exhibits of many types of jellyfish including the Irukandji jelly. Once she does more and more research she is convinced that the Irukandji stung Franny. She wants to prove that Franny got stung by a jellyfish and didn't drown. So she starts planning to travel across the globe to meet someone who she hopes will give her answers. Suzy is planning this adventure on her own. Will Suzy succeed? Will Suzy get caught? I recommend this book to 5th graders and up. If you like this book make sure to look at The Next Great Paulie Fink by Ali Benjamin.

A Night Divided

A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen is a breathtaking book about a 12 year old girl named Gerta.
Gerta lives on the East coast of Berlin with her two older brothers, her mother and her father. When her brother, Dominic and father leave to go to the West to find jobs, the Berlin Wall comes up one night and Gerta and her family find themselves divided. Gerta, her oldest brother, Fritz, and her mom live in the East controlled by the Soviets while Dominic and Gerta's father live in the West. One day when Gerta is walking to school she spots her father and brother, Dominic, on top of a building. Her father spots her in return and sends her signals and eventually a picture leading Gerta to a tunnel. With the help of Fritz they dig. Time is running out, at any time they can get caught and if they get caught it can lead to death. Will Gerta and Fritz finish in time? Will they finish the tunnel and reunite with their father and brother? I recommend this book to 5th graders and up.

Wishtree

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate is a book about a tree named Red. 

Red is a two hundred and sixteen year old oak tree. She is a wishtree and every May 1st people write down wishes and hang them on Red's branches. Red is home to opossums, skunks, raccoons, owls and his best friend Bongo, a crow. When a new family moves close by everything changes. The girl who is new named Samar goes over to Red one day and makes a wish. The wish is: I wish for a friend. Red wants to make this wish come true so she and Bongo do everything to make the wish come true. Will Samar's wish come true? I recommend this book to 3rd graders and up.

Shouting At The Rain

Written by the same author as Fish in a Tree, Shouting At The Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a book about a twelve year old girl named Delsie McHill and the hardships she overcomes. 
Delsie is an orphan who lives with Grammy in Cape Cod. Delsie's mother left her when she was little and she has never met her dad. Delsie and her grandmother live in a small neighborhood with only 5 houses, well if you include the one abandoned house. Her best friend Brandy arrives for the summer and soon dumps Delsie for a new friend named Tressa. Tressa picks on Delsie and worse, Brandy doesn't do anything to stop Tressa. Brandy goes along with Tressa! When Delsie meets Ronan, a boy who is kind, brave, and loyal they become good friends. Together Delsie and Ronan uncover all different things around the Cape Cod coast. I recommend this book to 4th graders and up. 

13 and Counting

A spectacular book, 13 and Counting is the 3rd and final book in the series. 
In this book the reader will get both Kaylan and Ari's perspectives.     Ari and Kaylan are now making a list of thirteen goals to make their friendship as amazing as they can before they go to separate sleep away camps for the summer. When their list of goals reveals some issues with some of their friends they don't know what they should do.Will Kaylan and Ari help with these problems or will just pretend like they didn't even know about them? Will they finish their goals in time? I recommend this book to 4th graders and up. 

12 Before 13

A suspenseful book, 12 Before 13 by Lisa Greenwald is the second book in the series.
Ari and Kaylan are excited to start another friendship list, and some  of the goals are difficult. Ari is at jewish camp. When she meets a boy Jonah Malkin (His nickname is Golfy) from her camp she starts having a crush on him. Does he like her too? Also, Ari has made a lot of close friends at camp. When Ari returns, Kaylan is hanging out with some different girls and Ari feels left out. Ari is planning her Bat Mitzvah with her mom and is nervous for when Kaylan will meet her friends from camp. Will the girls accomplish all 12 goals before age 13? I recommend this book to 4th graders and up.  

11 Before 12

Do you have a strong friendship with someone? Interested in reading about one? Then look no farther! 11 Before 12 by Lisa Greenwald is about two girls, Ariana and Kaylan who are best friends.

Ariana (her nickname is Ari) and Kaylan decide to make a list of 11 things to do before they turn 12 because their birthdays are so close. They start in the summer and their deadline is November second. When they get into a disagreement they start working on the list by themselves, which isn't easy when you're alone, especially when you can't talk to your BFF about it. Will Ari and Kaylan finish the list in time? Will they forgive each other or will their friendship be ruined? I recommend this book to 4th graders and up.       

The Perfect Star

Released in 2019, The Perfect Star by Rob Buyea is the third and final book in the series.
The Recruits, Randi, Gavin, Natalie, Scott and Trevor are back for their final year of middle school. During their eight grade year they face many challenges including bullying, injuries, arguments, death, financial concerns and even running away. 
Randi loves gymnastics but when she gets a bad injury she is forced to have a rest from it, and isn't happy about her mom's boyfriend. Gavin is excited to finally have the chance to play in football games but an accident at home occurs and he is worried. Natalie is doing the morning news broadcast and is ready to solve any problem that gets in her way. Scott soon figures out a new talent and starts helping on the football field. Trevor had a fight with his best friend so he tries to fix things but it doesn't get better it just gets worse. Can The Recruits get through all of these problems and remain friends?
I recommend this book to 4th graders and up. 

The Perfect Secret

Are you looking for a fascinating sequel? Did you read 

The Perfect Score and love it? The Perfect Secret by Rob Buyea is a chapter book and the 2nd book in The Perfect Score series. I would recommend not reading this book review if you are planning to read the series. 

Gavin joins the football team and is excited to start but his coach, Coach Holmes refuses to let Gavin play in games. Randi is going to an elite gymnastic camp and finds out a family connection.  Trevor's older brother, Brian is finally out of the house and Trevor is so happy but he realizes that his brother wasn't all that bad. Scott is working for the school newspaper and soon finds him in a nest full of lies. Natalie wants to figure out why Mrs. Woods and Mrs. Magenta no longer speak to each other. I recommend the book to 4th graders and up.  

The Perfect Score

The book The Perfect Score by Rob Buyea is about the friendship of five kids who call themselves The Recruits. 
Randi is under pressure because her mom wants her to be an amazing gymnastic player. Gavin is obsessed with football but is  nervous about trying out for the team. Natalie loves following the rules but this year she is going to break almost all of them. Scott is a brainiac but has a huge heart for his grandfather. Trevor acts tough and mean but in the inside he is pretty nice. The statewide assessment tests are coming up, no one likes them at all even their teacher Mrs. Woods but soon they will break almost every rule in the rule book. I recommend this book to 4th graders and up. 
  

Auggie and Me

Did you read Wonder and love it? Then Auggie and Me by R.J. Palacio is for you! 
In this book you get the bully Julian, Auggie's old friend Christopher and Auggie's classmate Charlotte's perspectives. In Julian's chapters the reader will learn that Julian isn't so mean. In Christopher's chapters the reader will learn about Auggie's old friend. In Charlotte's chapters the reader will learn about Charlotte's friendship that she thought she would never have.  
I recommend this book to 3rd graders and up. 

Wonder

Are you looking for a book about acceptance? Then look no further. Wonder by R.J. Palacio is just the right book for you! 
In this book there are many perspectives including Auggie's, his friend, his older sister Via and more! August Pullman has Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS) which affects the development of bones and facial tissues. After years of home-schooling, Auggie starts 5th grade at Beecher Prep Middle School. Mr. Tushman (The principal of the school) introduces him to three kids, Charlotte, Julian, and Jack before the first day of school. When the first day of school arrives Auggie is feeling nervous and excited at the same time. Auggie wants nothing more than to be treated like an ordinary kid but as he soon realizes, no one can get past his facial differences. Can Auggie find a way to fit in? Or will he be bullied all year?
I recommend this feel-good book to 3rd graders and up. 

A Light In The Attic

Are you looking for a book that has amazing poems?  Then A Light In The Attic by Shel Silverstein is for you!
A Light In The Attic is filled with marvelous short poems. A majority of the poems will make you laugh out loud. One example is when someone makes a homework machine, but it doesn't work because a baby is sitting in the machine doing the homework. Another example is where a boy can't afford stuff like an outboard, a skateboard but all he can afford is a board. (Get it, because he is bored!) I recommend this book to early elementary and up.   

  

Absolutely Almost

The book, Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff is an amazing chapter book about a 10-year-old boy named Albie.  
Albie wasn't the fastest, or the smartest, or the tallest. Actually, Albie wasn't good at many things  It was always, "Almost Albie" or
"Keep on trying Albie." When Albie moved to a new school, he wondered why he had to go to a new one. He was very depressed that he had to leave his best friend, Erlan, behind. Finally at his new school he made a friend named Betsy. Betsy has a stuttering impediment.
It wasn't until Albie got a new babysitter named Calista that he started to realized all of the things he was good at. Calista helps Albie find many talents he never thought he had. What will Albie learn? I recommend this book to 3rd graders and up. 

The Bitter Side of Sweet

The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan is a thrilling chapter book.
Amadou, a fifteen year old boy, and his brother Seydou are living through slavery in the Ivory Coast. They are working for bosses to make chocolate that they don't even get paid for! They spend every day with little food and try their best to stay alive. They are hopeless until Khadija, the first girl who's ever come to camp, arrives. Amadou realizes that she is a little wild. When Seydou gets hurt badly, Khadija and Seydou make plans to run away. Will they succeed?
I recommend this book to 5th graders and up. 

We're Going On A Bear Hunt

We're Going On A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury is a children's picture book. 
In this book a family is going on a bear hunt. This family is very determined to catch a big bear. They face some challenges along the way and they don't let that stop them from finding a bear. In the end they learn a valuable lesson.   
I recommend this book to preschoolers and up.  

Nine, Ten: A September 11th Story

An educational chapter book, Nine, Ten; A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin is about when the Twin Towers collapsed. 
In this book you get four middle school students' perspectives. The four children are from different parts of America who meet briefly two days before 9/11 in a Chicago airport. Sergio lives in Brooklyn with his grandmother. Sergio's dad is still alive however, he doesn't like him at all. Will's dad died in a car accident and his family is still grieving. Nasheed is muslim and was never ashamed of her belief until she starts being made fun of at her new school. Aimee just moved to California and is starting a new school. She wants to spend time with her family but her mom has a work trip to go to in New York City on September 11th at 9am at the World Trade Center. This book is a must read. You will see how the lives of these four children were changed on that day. 
I recommend this book to 4th graders and up. If you liked this book look for Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes.

When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead is a mysterious book about a twelve-year-old girl named Miranda. 
Miranda, a sixth grader, has an ordinary life. She lives in a New York City apartment with her mom. After her best friend Sal refuses to hang out with her Miranda learns that she has to move on and try to find new friends. Miranda finds good friends named Annemarie and Colin. They start working at a sandwich shop together on their lunch break and meet another friend, Jimmy. But when Miranda and her family get robbed they are very worried. Then Miranda starts getting creepy notes but she doesn't know who they're from. Who is this person? Why is he writing her? Does she know him or her? I recommend this book to 4th graders and up. 

The One and Only Bob

Just released, The One and Only Bob is a sequel by Katherine Applegate. I would recommend reading The One And Only Ivan before reading this book. 
In this book you get Bob's (the dog) perspective. Bob has a great family. He lives with a girl named Julia and her parents Sara and George. George works at the zoo where Ivan and Ruby currently are. Bob and Julia go with George to the zoo to see Ivan and Ruby (Bob's closest friends.) A tornado hits when Julia, George and Bob are at the zoo and it destroys more than half of the zoo! When Bob hears a call from someone he thinks he knows he sets off to find his long lost sister. Will Bob find her? Is it really her or is he just hearing things? 
I recommend this book to 3rd graders and up. 

Wayside School Beneath The Cloud Of Doom

Wayside School Beneath The Cloud Of Doom by Louis Sachar is a wacky book about the students and teachers in Wayside School. This is the fourth and final book in the series.  
Everyone from Mrs. Jewls' class is back with more exciting things like, Jason who is reading the 2nd longest book in his school, Kathy who has oppositosis and way more. With the all-important Ultimate Test everyone is nervous, they are even more nervous because when they look up they don't see the beautiful sky, they see the Cloud Of Doom. I recommend this book to 3rd graders and up.  

Wayside School Gets A Little Bit Stranger

An amusing book, Wayside School Gets A Little Bit Stranger by Louis Sachar is about the kids and teacher on the thirtieth floor. This book is the third one in the series. Wayside School is finally open after closing for 243 days trying to get cows out of the school building, Mrs. Jewls is having a baby soon and is staying in the hospital, leaving the kids with not great substitutes, one of them has three ears, Miss Mush (The lunch lady) is cooking some stuff for the kids and many more wacky stuff! I recommend this book to 3rd graders and up. If you like this book look for 
Wayside School Beneath The Cloud Of Doom. 

Wayside School is Falling Down

Wayside School is Falling Down by Louis Sachar is an entertaining book. This is the 2nd book in the series. 
The thirty floor is back with more hilarious stories. 
Mrs. Jewls gets mean, Maurecia finds a bag of money and Joy really wants it, and Allison goes to Miss Zarves on the 19th floor even though there is no Miss Zarves or 19th floor and more!
 I recommend this book to 3rd graders and up.     

Sideways Stories From Wayside School

Sideways Stories From Wayside School by Louis Sachar is a funny book about kids and teachers. This is the first book of four in the series. 
One thing you should know about Wayside School is that this school was supposed to be built one story high with thirty classrooms on the first floor instead it was built thirty stories high with only one classroom on each floor. In this book you get twenty seven stories from kids on the thirtieth floor and three stories from teachers. School is a little bit different there. Expect to read about sleeping children with teachers who don't care, rats who try to sneak into school and scare teachers, teachers who can turn kids into apples and much more! I recommend this humorous book to 3rd graders and up.  

Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard

An action-packed book, Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard by Jonathan Auxier, is about a girl named Sophie Quire. Sophie Quire is the second book in the Peter Nimble series.
Sophie is a twelve-year-old book mender who works in her father's bookstore, Quire & Quire. She loves books more than anything.  As a book mender, Sophie brings any book she can find back to her father's shop to fix up. Inspector Prigg wants to burn all of the books in the town because he calls them nonsense. Sophie is caught by Inspector Prigg when she tries to bring a book to Quire & Quire.  A blindfolded boy comes to her rescue. The boy is Peter and in return for saving her he wants her to mend a book, The Book of Who. You can ask the book a question about a person and it will give you the answer. She goes on an adventure with Peter and Sir Tode  to find the three other books. But what Sophie doesn't know is that this one adventure will change her life, forever. How will Sophie find these books? Who will she meet along the way? Will anyone will try to stop her? 
I recommend this book to advanced 3rd grade readers and up. 

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes

An adventurous book, Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier, is about a boy named Peter Nimble. 
Peter Nimble is a ten-year-old boy who is a blind orphan and who steals many things from people. One day he steals a box of magical eyes. When he tries the first pair on he is transported to a hidden island where he is given a quest: to help children in need in The Vanished Kingdom. He sets out with his sidekick, Sir Tode, who has been turned into a combination of a horse and a cat. On this journey, Peter and Sir Tode meet many friends but they meet a group of kids that teach them what the truth in The Vanished Kingdom really is. What will Peter and Sir Tode learn? Who is the leader of this? How will Peter defeat him? 
I recommend this book to advanced 3rd grade readers and up.
If you liked this book and wanted more look for Sophie Quire and the last Storyguard.   

Saving Mr. Terupt

A warmhearted book, Saving Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea, is the third book in the series. ATTENTION I recommend not reading this book if you are planning to read the series. 
As Alexia, Danielle, Jessica, Anna, Jeffery, Luke and Peter move on to middle school they leave Mr. Terupt (their 5th and 6th grade teacher) behind. In middle school most of the friends aren't in the same classes. They're excited but they also face challenges. Jeffrey and Peter join the wrestling team. Alexia is having a tough time with school. Luke is having trouble with bullies. Danielle doesn't feel herself. Can Mr. Terupt save the group? Or does he need saving?
I recommend this book to 3rd graders and up. 

ATTENTION 
The 4th book in the series, Goodbye Mr. Terupt, will be released on October 13th 2020. 

Mr. Terupt Falls Again

Mr. Terupt Falls Again by Rob Buyea is a thrilling book about seven kids and one amazing teacher. ATTENTION this book has some spoilers so if you are planning to read this series I would recommend not reading this book review until you are done with Because Of Mr. Terupt. 
Alexia, Jessica, Danielle, Anna, Jeffery, Luke and Peter are thrilled to have Mr. Terupt for another year. But as the year goes on Alexia starts hanging out with older kids. Danielle thinks that her family is keeping something from her.  Jeffery finds something that changes his life and Anna uncovers a secret about Mr. Terupt. I recommend  this book to 3rd graders and up.     

Because Of Mr. Terupt

Because Of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea is a thrilling book about seven kids and one amazing teacher. 
This book is about seven kids in 5th grade at Snow Hill School. Their names are, Jessica, Alexia, Peter, Luke, Danielle, Anna and Jeffery. Mr. Terupt is their teacher. As the story goes on the reader will learn that Mr. Terupt isn't an ordinary teacher. He makes everything ten times more fun.  But when Mr. Terupt gets hurt the students have no idea what they are going to do without him.         
I recommend this book to 3rd graders and up. 
  

Out Of My Mind

Out Of My Mind by Sharon M Draper is a fascinating book about an almost eleven-year old girl named Melody. 
In this book you get Melody's perspective. Melody is in 5th grade at Spaulding Street Elementary School. She was born with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a disability where you can't walk, talk and sometimes where you can't control your body. Mrs. V, Melody's neighbor and former nurse starts to help her communicate with her parents. Will Melody soon be able to talk and maybe even walk? 
I recommend this book to 3rd graders and up.