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Since You’ve Been Gone

Since You’ve Been Gone is a realistic fiction book by Morgan Matson that has the main ideas of friendship and growing up. It follows a girl named Emily who is left alone for the summer after her best friend, Sloane, disappears. The only thing Sloane leaves is a list of things Emily would never do. So, Emily decides to complete the list in hopes of finding her best friend. Along the way, she must get over her introversion and learn how to talk for herself and not depend on others. Over the summer, she befriends, Frank Porter, her school’s valedictorian, Dawn Finely, a delivery worker at her favorite pizza place, and Collins, Frank’s best friend and a worker at IndoorXtreme. But, will Emily be able to get out of her comfort zone and complete all the 13 things on the list? Find out by reading Since You’ve Been Gone.

I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I finished it within the first 5 days of getting it. The plot of the book is very relatable, and the author includes a lot of little quirks throughout the book that make it fun to read. For example, throughout the book, the author uses the phrase “In a well-ordered universe…” to start hypothetical conversations throughout the book. Then, at the end of the book, the author uses the phrase to show how the character’s dreams came true. “In a well-ordered universe,” Frank said…“I’d be able to do this.” He leaned his head down and kissed me softly…I smiled at him. “Then we must be in one.” The author also includes several iPod playlists that the characters listen to while running. For example, “Music: Better For Running Than Observational Comedy. Make Me Lose Control by Eric Carmen. Let My Love Open the Door by Pete Townshend. Jolene by Dolly Parton. Springsteen by Eric Church. Badlands by Bruce Springsteen. Compass by Lady Antebellum. When You Were Mine by Cyndi Lauper. Let’s Not Let It by Randy Houser. Sunny and 75 Jow Nichols. And We Danced by The Hooters. Don’t Ya by Brett Eldredge…” I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good summer novel. This book is also a good starting point for anyone who wants to get into realistic fiction. So go check out this book! Happy Ready!

Since Youve Been Gone: 9781471122668: Amazon.com: Books

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This Book Proves That Time Travel Happens

This Book Proves that Time Travel Happens by Henry Clark is a book about how 3 friends, Ambrose, Tom, and Frankie, travel through time and face the repercussions of their actions in the present. To travel through time, they use a time trombone called The Shagbolt. During their journey, they are guided by 2 interconnecting puzzles, I-Chings, and Mose Code, which help them figure out what to do next. This book in the first-person point of view is a perfect example of science fiction because it has elements like time travel and extinct species, which are rooted in science, rather than fantastically made up.

This book surprised me. Most books not checked out even once in the library tend to be really bad, but this book wasn’t. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, they felt very relatable. An example of this is on Page 5 when Ambrose says, “It was the first year my parents were letting me go [to the carnival] on my own. they said I was showing more responsibility–I took out the trash a couple of times without being asked, and I found new ways of jamming stuff under my bed so my room looks clean.” I totally relate to this quote, because I do things like this all the time. I did feel that the plot was a little repetitive and dry. For example, in the 7th chapter, the kids first travel back in time. But, they practically stay in that time period for the whole book, going back and forth between the present and that time period, trying to fix what they did wrong. I would have loved to read about them going to different time periods.

The Book That Proves Time Travel Happens: Clark, Henry: 9780316406161: Amazon.com: Books

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Fever 1793

Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson is about Mattie Cook, a girl who works at her mother, Lucille Cook’s coffee shop in Philadelphia. The book follows her journey during the Yellow Fever pandemic as she struggles to adjust to living in a fever-driven city. During this challenging time, Mattie relies on her friends and family, including her grandfather, Nathaniel, Nell, and Eliza. This historical fiction novel in the first person point of view explores the main idea of growing up. Fever is an excellent example of a historical fiction novel because it is set in old Philadelphia during the Yellow Fever Pandemic that happened.

I generally like books about war and disease because they have a good plot, and this book was no different. It brought me onto the streets of Philadelphia and into the yellow fever pandemic. For example (pg. 27), “The market sells stretched for three blocks in the center of the street. West Indian women stood by their pepperpot kettles, stirring fragrant stews, while the hot corn girls walked up and down the street. The distant call of a charcoal man’s horn sounded at the far end of the market. Chickens clucked and geese honked, customers argued about the price of pears, and children ran everywhere.” I loved how this book included the dates and a quote at the beginning of every chapter. For example, (pg.192) “October 1, 1793, “We set out where we could be useful—the black people were looked to. We then offered our services in the public papers, by advertising that we would remove the dead and procure nurses.” — Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, A Narrative of proceedings of the Black people during the late awful Calamity in Philadelphia in the year 1793” One thing I didn’t like about this book was how it was a very quick book. Each event was short and quickly shoved over. But, each event did have repercussions throughout the story.

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The Westing Game

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is about 16 heirs trying to figure out who murdered Samuel Westing to get everything he owned. The residents of Sunset Towers, who are the heirs to Mr. Westing’s fortune must figure out the carefully crafted clues given to them by Samuel Westing’s chosen lawyer at the reading of his will to figure out the murderer. The heirs work in pairs, each pair gave an envelope with words leading to the answer. But, everyone is not who they seem. Jake Wexler, Mrs. Hoo, Turtle Wexler, Flora Baumbach, Chris Theodorakis, Dr. Deere, Sandy McSouthers, Judge Ford, Grace Wexler, Mr.Hoo, Crow, Otis Amber, Theo Theodorakis, Doug Hoo, Ms.Pulaski, and Angela Wexler must be careful because “It’s not what you have, it’s what you don’t that counts.” This twisting mystery novel in the first person point of view is a fantastic example of its genre because it is a confusing head aching book, and the answer to the mystery is not at all what you would expect.

This book is a page-turner for everybody. It progressively draws you into the story and the mystery. It has many plot twists and a couple of red herrings, and you would never expect the answer at the end, but it was really fun to try and solve the mystery. The only flaw in this book is it is pretty confusing. I had to constantly write things down to understand the story. But, I still enjoyed this book very much, and the humor isn’t bad either. As I said before, this book can be read by any type of reader. But, it is definitely more of a middle school book because it has some more challenging words, and it’s also a murder mystery.

Adult me says she doesn't like mysteries or thrillers, but Ellen Raskin's children's classic 'The Westing Game' proves her wrong - The Boston Globe

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Dead Wake

Dead Wake by Erik Larson is a narrative non-fiction book about the last voyage of the top-of-the-line passenger ship, the Lusitania, during WWI. This book is in the third person point of view as the reader learns about President Wilson’s actions in the white house, the activities in the secret British intelligence room, Room 40, the interesting passengers and a lavish journey aboard the Lusitania, and the movements of the U-20 and its Kptlt. Schweiger. This book has the main ideas of friendship, family, and loss. This novel is a good example of narritive non-fiction because the author uses many primary sources, quoted words, and dates to emphasize the setting, plot, and characters.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Admittedly at first it was really boring but eventually, I got caught up in the story and the characters. One of my favorite things about this book is the surprisingly detailed descriptions. For example, on page 223, “A seven-year-old girl wore a pink- and-white-striped cotton frock under a black velvet coat line with red silk, then added a gold ring, a red coral necklace, and a mother of pearl brooch.” I did find this book a little bit harder to read than some of the other books because of its nonfiction aspects which were different than the fantasy books I usually read. But, I really enjoyed this book, and it was fun it read a different genre. I would recommend this book to anybody who likes books set in WWI or WWII, like me, because this book is very war heavy. I also think that the earliest it should be read is 6th grade because this book has some complex vocabulary. But other than that, I think anybody can enjoy this book!

Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania, Larson, Erik, eBook - Amazon.com

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Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asguard: Hammer of Thor

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard the Hammer of Thor is a book about Magnus, a Norse einherji who is trying to stop Thrym, the giant king from marrying his friend, Samirah (Sam). Magnus travels through the Nine worlds with his friends Alex, Sam, Hearth, and Blitz to stop the marriage as well and keep Loki, god of mischief and magic, from escaping prison. This fantasy book by Rick Riordan in the first person point of view tackles the main ideas of religion and friendship. This is a wonderful example of a fantasy novel because it has many unique characters and sequences that are different from real life, such as the fact that the title character is a dead warrior of Odin.

I enjoyed this book because of the way Rick Riordan tackles very complex ideas such as genderfluid and transgender people, and abusive parents. Here are some examples of the points I just talked about, (Pg. 272) “Look, some people prefer them,’ Alex said. ‘They’re non-binary or mid-spectrum or whatever. If they want you to use them, then that’s what you should do”(pg.182) “I couldn’t think of what else to say. I wanted him to know he wasn’t alone-that someone in this room cared for him…I wanted to yell at Mr. Alderman that Hearthstone was a better elf than his parents ever were.” I also think that Riordan did a really good job with the humor in this book. (pg. 304) “My brain refused to get out of my head. Inconsiderate brain.” I would suggest this book for anybody who likes Percy Jackson as this book is very reminiscent of it, as well as people who like Norse mythology because this book has a LOT of it. This book is one of Rick Riordan’s best works outside of the Percy Jackson series and it is definitely one of the top ten books I have ever read.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 2: The Hammer of Thor eBook : Riordan, Rick: Kindle Store - Amazon.com

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Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Katniss and Peeta have won the Hunger Games. Using the deadly nightlock berries, Katniss has secured both her own and Peeta’s life for now. But, this act that seemed to be sparked by love has also sparked a rebellion. While Katniss works to adjust to her new lavish life, both her supposed lover Peeta and her best friend Gale are holding her to a business-like relationship. A surprising visit from President Snow before her victory tour throws Katniss into a panic. President Snow demands that she discourage the rebellion or there will be very bad consequences for her. So, Katniss begins her Victory tour and she and Peeta continue their lover charade. But, the victory tour is much more eventful than Katniss expected, with many riots and rebellions from the districts. Katniss returns home to find out that District 12’s peacekeeper has had a very strict replacement. Just as Katniss settles in after the victory tour, the news of the next Hunger Games rocks her world. Every 25 years, the Hunger Games are given a sinister twist in what is called the quarter quell. The last quarter quell, the games that Haymitch won, had twice as many tributes. This year, the previous victors are to compete again. Will Katniss survive these games against the best of the best? Did she do enough to destroy the rebellion? To find out read Hunger Games: Catching Fire by Susan Collins.

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Hunger Games

Katniss Everdeen has volunteered for her certain death. She lives in Panem’s District 12, the poorest district. Every year, the Capitol hosts an event called the Hunger Games where 24 children, one boy and one girl from each District ages 12 to 18 fight to the death in an arena. In the end, the last person standing is crowned the winner of those games and brings wealth and honor to their district for one year. This tradition has existed for many decades, since the dark days when the districts rebelled against the Capitol causing hardship including the loss of District 13. Now, nearly 75 years later, Katniss has volunteered to take her sister’s spot in the games. Katniss and her fellow tribute Peeta must survive the attacks of the other tributes and the sinister game makers. With the help of their mentor Haymitch and their overly optimistic district representative Effie, one of them might be able to survive. But who will it be? To find out read The Hunger Games by Susan Collins

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Warren G. Harding

As Presidents Day rolls around, we take the time to appreciate presidents that changed our nation like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. But what about Presidents who aren’t as well known, shouldn’t we take the time to appreciate them too? Take, for example, former President Warren G. Harding. Harding was a pioneer in utilizing technology and acknowledged the struggles of women and minorities. But, his presidency was also laced with controversy. During his time in the oval office, President Harding’s secretary of the Interior, Albert Bacon Fall secretly moved government oil to 2 large oil tycoons. Fall later became the first cabinet member to be imprisoned during his time in office. Pressure from this scandal eventually caused Warren to die while he was still in office. Rumors later arose that his wife poisoned him.

Fighting Words By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Della has bad luck. I don’t just mean the kind of bad luck where your favorite drink at Starbucks is out of stock, I mean whole-life bad luck. Ever since she could remember Della has had a horrible life. It started when she was little, and her mother blew up their motel room and got into jail. Then, Della and her sister Suki went to live with their mother’s boyfriend, Clifton. But, little did Della know, Clifton’s house was not a safe place. So, when Della and Suki had to run from Clifton they did. When they were put into a foster home with a lady named Francine, they didn’t complain. Suki had always been there for Della, taking care of her and protecting her when even she was hurting. But, when Della finds out about a side of Suki she’s never known, her whole life comes crashing down. Della learns to rely on other people not just Suki, she learns that friendship is a valuable asset, as is trusting the people around you. But, will she ever be the same? To find out read Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

I gonna be honest, this is an amazing book. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is one of my favorite authors, mainly because of her books The War That Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won. I especially liked this book because it balanced sadness and humor perfectly. For example, Della is at the grocery store with her sister while she is working because Della can’t stay home alone, and Della and her friend Nevaeh go into the coffee creamer section and make fun of all the flavors. This book is perfect cultivation of the idea of hope because even when Della is sad there is still something to lift her up. This book is also a Newberry Award Winner, which is one of the reasons I first picked it up. I read this book in 6th grade, and I wouldn’t recommend reading it before that because it does have some complex topics. If you like this book consider reading The War That Saved my Life as well as The War I Finally Won. You could also consider reading The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise and The Bridge to Terabithia. I hope love reading this book. Happy Reading!

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