Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules: A Review by Christian W.!

The book is about Greg who is bullied by his older brother Rodrick. Rodrick always does stuff wrong at his parents' house. He's rude, messy, and not smart. But Greg is smart and doesn't get in trouble. He has a friend named Rowely who sometimes messes up and embarrasses Greg. This book brought me happiness. I like this book because it has action and it is always funny. Someone should read this book because they should read new books. And I suggest you always read.

William Golding's Lord of the Flies: A Review by Cecilia!

The book Lord of the Flies is about a boy called Ralph who finds himself on an island with a chubby boy with asthma and glasses called Piggy, when a wave washes a fancy conch shell onto Ralph’s feet, Piggy encourages Ralph to blow the conch … so he does. Minutes later a bunch of boys come, but no adults. Without rules or authority they all started arguing and fighting, and then a boy gets murdered. After a while Ralph and Piggy gave up. I loved this book because it was not predictable. I recommend this book to people who like surprises.

J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: A Review by Ahmed!

The main character is Harry Potter and it takes place at both Hogwarts, a school for wizards, and his uncle’s and aunt’s house. When he was a little baby a person called Lord Voldemort killed his mom and dad and tried to kill Harry, but failed, leaving him with a scar and fame. Once he discovered his own magic powers, Harry gets accepted to Hogwarts where they teach you magic. At Hogwarts there is another guy named Malfoy and he is always jealous of Harry. Can Harry find the Sorcerer's Stone?

I liked this book because there’s horror and it has adventure which I love. Also I like to learn about magic. I recommend this book to people who love magic, horror and adventure.

H. G. Wells's The War of the Worlds: A Review by Sam H., edited by Ms. Hernandez!

H.G Wells’s The War of The Worlds starts with the writer telling the reader how clueless we were to the martians watching us from their planet. They watched us grow while their planet died and they eventually come to Earth to exterminate us for their survival, although they say we have done the same thing to the Dodo, the Native Americans, and etc. (but not for our own survival). Then the writer kicks into a first person view of the night him and his friend Ogilvy, an astronomer, saw the shots from Mars and flaming spouts "like flaming gas rushing out of the barrel of a gun," while in Ogilvy’s attic looking through a telescope. This happened ten times. A few days after, one shot struck near them, and Ogilvy found the first cylinder. This book is a good one because the writer is writing as if it really happened and he was a witness to these events, and is not the main character, because there is no main character, like anything would happen. He also switches to his brother’s view for two chapters, and writes very, well, scientifically, and I would suggest you read it.

Go Ask Alice: A Review by Maya!

Go Ask Alice is supposedly a true diary of a 15 year old drug user. While this story is thrilling and a link to the scary world of drugs, it has recently been proven to be false. It’s not that hard to tell that it is fiction even without the comfort of Wikipedia. I’m not saying not to read though. Every time the protagonist tries a new drug, meets a new boy or a brand new friend, or runs away stoned, you travel with her and hear her amazing story. All in all, this was a fabulous book with a great story to follow, but you must keep in mind that this is just a piece of fiction written in the 1970’s as a “horror” story to keep young kids, like the one in the book, away from drugs.

Jerry Spinelli's Maniac Magee: A Review by Yosan, Bouchra, Nicole, Amrit, and Valerie!

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli is realistic fiction about a kid named Jeffrey Magee. When his parents die in a trolley accident, he moves in with his Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan. He runs away from their house to the East End of Two Mills. What he doesn't know is that the East End is the black side of town, and he is white. He earns the name Maniac in his efforts to bring the blacks and whites together. We enjoyed all the characters how they were all real. We felt like we were in the book. You should read this if you like action.

Walter Dean Myer's Slam!: A Review by Ahmed!

Slam! by Walter Dean Myers is a sports adventure and a little bit of romance. The main character Slam is faced with the challenge of playing his old school in the basketball championship, facing his half brother Ice. But if Slam doesn't get good grades he can’t play basketball. He is currently failing five of his classes in school, so he might not be able to play. At the same time, Slam has a girlfriend called Mistha and they go out and they also have problems. I like this book because it has action, romance and adventure. Also, you want to know whats going to happen next. You should read this book if you like basketball and action.

James Collier's My Brother Sam is Dead: A Review by Mariano!

Tim Meeker has a family of four and he is the youngest. His brother Sam has joined the American Revolution and his father's mad at him. Tim want to fight with Sam but if he joins Sam, it's fighting his brother and joining his father is fighting his brother. I like this book because it has a lot of feelings and because most of it is true. I think someone would like this book because it is good!

Jeff Kinney's The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: How Greg Heffley Went to Hollywood: A Review by Rudy G.!

When you see a movie, you probably might think that it is fun and easy. But actually, it can be pretty hard. Learn how a movie gets actually made, like the movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Author and illustrator Jeff Kinney will guide you to see EVERYTHING. Want to be an actor on a famous movie? See interesting facts how an actor has to do hard things. I like this book because it actually even tells you that some interesting fact is that they used three schools to make just one school!!!!! You should read this if you're curious to see how they make a big Hollywood movie.

Neil Gaiman's Coraline: A Review by Rudy G.!

Neil Gaiman's Coraline is an extraordinary fairytale/nightmare story that will shock you. When Coraline Jones moves into a new house, she gets bored because her parents won't even listen to her. But when she finds a door that leads into something, she gets curious of it. She goes into the door, and everything's better: the food, the neighbors--everything. But her "other mother" wants to keep her...forever. Coraline must save herself by saving her parents, three souls, and herself from getting their eyes sewed with buttons. I like this book a lot because it is a fairy tale (which I don't usually like) but it's in nightmare form. I also like the movie, but there are MANY differences. You should read the book and watch the motion picture. There are a lot of differences between them. It's pretty interesting.

Pam Muñoz Ryan's Paint the Wind: A Review by Clara Z.!

Maya is an orphan and lives with her grandma. Maya's grandma always has to have things her way: all of the lawn chairs and fences must be white. The only thing Maya has to remind her of her mother is an old shoe box with some toy horses and a photo of her mother on a horse. Then suddenly her grandma falls ill and Maya must go live with her aunt and grandpa. I really like this book because it shows how Maya gets away from her "properness". I think someone should read this book because it can really bring you into the story. It's kind of like you are in the book and seeing what happens.

Kara Dalkey's Little Sister: A Review by Alexa!

*This book is NOT available at the Longfellow Middle School Library, but it is available for check out at the Berkeley Public Library*

Little Sister, a novel by Kara Dalkey, is an intriguing story that takes place in Japan and tells the story of a noble girl named Mitsuko. In the story, her sister, Amaiko marries a relative of the emperor, a man named Yugiri. Everything seems to be going well for their family until Yugiri is killed while trying to defend Amaiko and her sisters (including Mitsuko) from warrior monks. Amaiko's soul seems to be looking for Yugiri's after this; Mitsuko, as the caring little sister she is, tries to find and return the two souls, before Amaiko, soul and body, is gone. I enjoyed how challenging yet how descriptively entertaining this story was. I also enjoyed how the author used simple sentences that used luscious language to tell the story, making me feel as if I was there. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventurous, touching accounts of how far siblings will go fro each other in a difficult situation.

Natalie Babbitt Tuck Everlasting: A Review by Krystal!

Winnie Foster is a curious, bored ten year old who decides she wants to run away. One day she decides to take a walk in the woods and passes along a mysterious spring and a boy drinking from it. She decides to take a drink but the boy refuses to allow her. Soon she finds herself being taken away on a horse by crazy strangers who claim they are 100 years old, but look about 40. Who are these people and why are they so protective over the spring? I like this book because it contains mystery and excitement.

Justine Larbalestier and Holly Black's compilation of stories Zombies vs. Unicorns: A Review by Khalil!

*This book is NOT available at the Longfellow Middle School Library, but it is available for check out at the Berkeley Public Library*

This book is a collection of stories ranging from medieval to the distant future. It was written by a number of writers such as Holly Black, author of the bestselling Spiderwick series. My favorite stories are "Purity Test" by Naomi Novik and "Bougainvillea" by Carrie Ryan. I like this book because it is anthology of zombie stories and unicorn stories. This is a good book to read if you like horror, humor and fantasy.

Darren Shan's Birth of a Killer: A Review by Khalil!

*This book is NOT available at the Longfellow Middle School Library, but it is available for check out at the Berkeley Public Library*

Larten, a boy raised in a very impoverished family with an abusive mother is forced into working at a silk factory with a horrible boss. He is then chased out of town after killing his boss who has murdered his cousin. When sleeping in a crypt, he meets a vampire who then takes him on mind bogglingly exciting adventures. I like this book because it is the prequel to one of my favorite series, the bestselling Cirque Du Freak saga. You should read this book because it is an immensely well written book, full of suspense and horror.

Christopher Paolini's Eldest: A Review by Arlo!

Note: This is the second book in the Inheritance Trilogy.
After the battle of Farthen Dûr, Eragon goes to the elves to complete his training. But Eragon also owes his service to the Varden and the dwarves. Also, Roran and the people in Carvahall are being attacked by the empires' soldiers who decide to escape. I like this book because it has a very fast tempo and it is a very good sequel to Eragon. Only read this book if you have read Eragon. Read this book if you like medieval battles, magic and good versus evil.

Nick Hornby's Slam: A Review by Sebastian!

*Rated PG 13 for swearing* (Sebastian's rating)

In the book Slam by Nick Hornby, teenager Sam meets Alicia and falls in love with her. Then, unfortunately they start having sex, protected at first, but after Alicia gets pregnant because of "that once" Sam must decide whether to help care for their child or run away from it all. I liked this book because it talks loosely about a topic that generally makes people tense up. If you're looking for a deep, serious novel that's playful at the same time, Slam is right for you.

Christopher Paolini's Eragon: A Review by Arlo!

Eragon is a poor farmer living within an evil empire. His whole live changes when he finds a blue stone while he is hunting for the winter. I like this book because it is about dragons and medieval times. I also like it because it has magic in it. You should read this book if you like fantasy, action and magic.

Theodore Taylor's The Cay: A Review by Anndrea!

A boy lost his mother and father in a boat accident. The boy's name was Phillip and he was trying to survive on his own. This guy he met named Timothy knew how to survive. He set traps, get fish and he also taught Phillip some things on how to survive. I like this book because it's adventurous and it's a good book. You should read this book because you will like it.

Ellen Hopkin's Crank: A Review by Chyna!

Crank is about a girl named Kristina. Kristina moves in with her father, but comes to find out Kristina's dad is on drugs. Later on, Kristina begins to start taking the white stuff called crank. I like this book because it has a message to people about the life of being on drugs. I think that people should read Crank because it has a message and that can help a person in life.

Sharon Flake's Money Hungry: A Review by Anndrea!

Raspberry is a girl that has three close friends and she loves money. Her friends say that she will do anything for money. Raspberry's mother threw all of Raspberry's money out the window because she was mad at her. Before they moved into that apartment they lived on the streets. I liked this book because it was very interesting and it grabbed my attention. Someone should read this book because it's a really great book.

Chris Wooding's Poison: A Review by Krystal!

In an attempt to save her kidnapped sister, Poison goes on a dangerous journey to the Phaerie Lord. On the way she faces many life threatening obstacles, one involving an old blind witch. Poison was warned about the many dangers, will she listen? Or will she risk her life for her beloved baby sister to save her from her fate? I love this book because it is an adventure. Someone who loves adventure and horror will love this book.

James Patterson's Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment: A Review by Sam!

This is a book about six kids who have wings. The main character is Max. Her brothers and sisters are Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel. One day, Angel is captured and the rest of them go on an adventure to find her. I like this book because it has lots of funny and cool scenes. You should read this book because it is exciting and dramatic.

Jeff Stone's Monkey: A Review by Sam!

This book is about five brothers who were raised in a temple learning kung fu. But their temple is destroyed and they are all separated. This book follows the adventures of Malao, the youngest brother. I like this book because it is exciting and cool. You should read this book because it is really cool and a good book.

Rick Riordan's The Lost Hero: A Review by Christian!

This is a story of a boy named Jason who wakes up in a bus holding the hand of a girl who he doesn't even recognize. He also supposedly has a friend named Leo. Then Jason figures out he has to work with these people to save Mount Olympus from the horrible giant named Porphyrion, As Jason is on his quest he discovers he has a sister and a horrible family secret that has been held in for thirteen years. This book has juicy details and has a pack of adventure. I like this book because it is about Greek mythology, which I love. I'm not forcing you to read this book, but I'm just saying if you want a good book with adventure and mythology, this is the book for you.

John Flanagan's The Ranger's Apprentice, #8: The Kings of Clonmel: A Review by Mohamed!

Will, Halt, and Horace are back for another dangerous adventure. They are going to a castle that is ruled by Halt's twin brother, Ferris. They are trying to stop Tennyson from taking the castle away from his brother. Will they be able to stop Tennyson? Read it to find out. I really liked this book because there was a lot of action. If you really like a mixture of adventure and action you will really like this book.

Markus Zusak's The Book Thief: A Review by Flynn!

Liesel is a child growing up in Nazi Germany. Her life is sprinkled with sadness and struggle. She does what she needs to do to survive. But when her brother dies and her mother is taken away, she is forced to an unknown place, where sad and happy things come to find her. I loved this book because it was highly emotional and full of power. I think YOU should read this book because you will enjoy it and it will make you think about life.

Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games: A Review by Flynn!

Katniss is a girl 16 years of age. She lives in the futuristic, distant, disturbed land of District Twelve. She has to illegally hunt jut to feed her family. But when she enters the Hunger Games, a televised event in which 24 children fight to the death, everything changes. I loved this book because it has action, suspense, gore and romance. You should read this book because it is highly entertaining and leaves you wanting more.

Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson's Chew On This: Everything You Don't Want to Know About Fast Food: A Review by Nathan!

Do you know what you eat? In Chew on This, Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson explain what you eat, from both the businessman's point of view and the health inspector's point of view. This book is great because I feel like the authors really did their research and pointed out every flaw of the fast food companies. If you are curious about what's behind the counter at McDonald's or Jack in the Box, this is the book for you.

Claudia Gray's Evernight: A Review by Keyani!

Bianca had to go to a different school because she needed to be more independent. What Bianca didn't know was that she was a vampire. When Bianca left her house she met a boy named Lucas while running away from him. I like this book because it's full of mystery and adventure. I also enjoy a great vampire book. You should read this book because it has a lot of academic words and you don't know what's going to happen next.

J. R. R. Tolkien's The Return of the King: A Review by !

Saruman is defeated, now only Sauron stands in the way for peace in Middle Earth. Although before that, now Gondor is in trouble especially the city of Minith Tirith. They have to fight for Gondor, but great danger is near especially since Nazgul is alive. Will Gondor fall or will it stand? Read this book to find out. I liked this book because it has more action than the first and second book. I think any person should read this book to think of all the places and all of the adventures

Brian Jacques' Mattimeo: A Review by Jason!

In Mattimeo a fox named Slagar the Cruel tricks the Redwallers into letting him and his cruel "performers" into Redwall. After, he slips a sleeping powder into the Redwallers' drinks and then he kidnaps their young ones and Mattimeo, Matthias' son. Slagar tries to stop them from following him and Matthias and the young ones' parents must go through many challenges. Eventually, Slagar reaches his destination and sells the kids into slavery. Their parents must fight evil rats to get their young ones back. I found Mattimeo to be very exciting because of the hardships they must face. You should read this book because it is very entertaining and fun to read.

J. R. R. Tolkien's Two Towers: A Review by Mariano!

Merry and Pippen are captured by the Uruk-hai. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are trying to save them from Saruman. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam are making their way to Mordor to cast away the ring. After Merry and Pippen run away from the battle of Rohan they run into Fangorn Forest, but Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are trying to catch up with them. On the way, they meet someone they thought they had lost. I like this book because it has a lot of adventure. You should read this book because it is interesting and captures someone's mind.

J. R. R. Tolkien's Fellowship of the Ring: A Review by Mariano!

Great evil is back. Sauron is back with the ring. Lost for millions of years, the ring is found by a strange creature: a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. After keeping the ring hidden he gives it to his nephew Frodo Baggins. Gandalf comes and does some research and discovers that the ring is evil. So Gandalf tells Frodo to hide it and go off on a journey. The journey will lead him to new companions, they will meet elves, dwarves, men, hobbits, and wizards. They will fight to destroy the one ring at Mordor , the Mountain of Doom. I like this book because it is an adventure. You should read this book because it makes you float off and think about it, plus it is worth 29 points.

Brian Jacques' Redwall: A Review by Jason!

Cluny the Scourge, an evil rat, tries to take over Redwall: a peaceful abbey where woodland animals can live. While Redwall is under siege by Cluny and his horde, Matthias, a young mouse, tries to find the sword of Martin, Redwall's famous long dead warrior. Matthias must solve riddles, fight an adder and be taken captive by sparrows along the way to find Martin's sword to fight Cluny. I like this book because I like animals and it is very intriguing. You should read this book because it is very interesting and addictive and it is a very fun read.

Gary Paulsen's Hatchet: A Review by Mariano!

Brian lives with his mom, but when he was younger his parents got divorced. His father now lives far away, so Brian decides to visit him. He is going on an airplane but the pilot has a heart attack in the middle of nowhere and the plane crashes into the water. Will Brian be able to survive in the wilderness? I like this book because it is a survival book and it is a cool book. I think you should read this book to see how it would feel to live in the middle of nowhere.