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. 

Ghosts

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier is a graphic novel about a girl named Catrina. 
Catrina and her family are moving to Bahía De La Luna. Cat is terrified of ghosts and she believes there are some in the town. When her sister Maya has to go to the hospital Cat gets really worried about her. Are the ghosts real? Or are they just make-believe? I recommend this book to 3rd graders and up.

    

The War I Finally Won

The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradly is a thrilling chapter book about an 11 year old girl, Ada Smith. 
After Ada and her brother, Jamie, find out that their Mam died Jamie is upset and Ada is unsure of her feelings.  Ada and Jamie are being cared for by Susan Smith, their guardian. Lady Thorton gives them a small barn to live in after Susan's house gets bombed. Then Lady Throton announces she's moving in with them! Can things get any crazier? Well, they can because one day Mr. Thorton brings home a German girl named Ruth! They are fighting against the Germans! Is Ruth secretly a spy? Or is she just a normal kid? I recommend this book to 4th graders and up.  

The War That Saved My Life

The book, The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is a heart-wenching adventure about a 10 year old girl, Ada. 
Ada has never left her apartment, her mom (Mam) doesn't want her leaving because she's embarrassed about Ada's clubfoot. When Ada's six year old brother, Jamie, is going to evacuate due to World War II Ada secretly goes with him. When they get to the village everyone wants the good looking kids but Ada and Jamie haven't been washed in weeks. Then Susan Smith, a woman who is living in the village, is forced to take them in. But when Ada and Jamie's mom find out that Ada went with Jamie she won't be happy. Will Mam try to find Ada and bring her home or will she just leave Ada where she is? 
Even though this is not a true story it has many facts about World War II. I recommend this book to 4th graders and up.  
If you like this book be sure to check out of my review of the sequel, The War I Finally Won.