Our First Student Book Reviews

Today’s post features student written reviews of books! We love to showcase student writing and we especially love to publish book reviews!

Any student can submit a book review as long as they follow a few simple guidelines. First, all student reviews much be completely original and written by the student. They need to be under 300-400 words and positive in nature. I understand that sometimes there are books we don’t like, but this library blog isn’t the venue to share negative opinions.  I believe strongly in maintaining our positive digital footprint. I would hate to publish something that could hurt an author’s feelings.

New book reviews are the most interesting to our readers! If you have read one of the new books in our library, be the first to have your review published! Kids want to know what to read! They especially like the new books!

Do some extra research! Find out the author’s website, or  his/her audio reading of the book! Send me the link or URL address. Sometimes there are book trailers that we can link to with our blog. A book trailer is just like a movie trailer. It gives you a hint of what the book is going to be about so you will want to read it!

Even better – make your own book trailer! You can easily make a book trailer using Photostory or MovieMaker and the work will be all yours! We will load it onto SchoolTube and this blog will showcase your work. Not sure how to make a book trailer? Visit Book Trailers for Readers by Teacher Librarian Michelle Harclerode. She has some great examples and even a “how to” presentation you can view.

Now to our first student reviews of the school year, presented by Abi, Ella, Josa, Mathias, and Morgan!

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

Review by Josa

Peter Nimble is the main character. He is a ten year old blind orphan who is forced to become a thef in order to survive. One day he steals a mysterious box that contains three pairs of magical eyes. When he tries on the first pair, he is instantly transported to a hidden island and then sent on a journey to save a lost kingdom.

This book will have you reading about a princess, a knight who is the victim of a curse, sea dragons, an army of talking apes and of course, Peter Nimble, the most fantastic hero of all time. (for ages 9+)

 

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass

Review by Morgan

Amanda is about to turn 11 and her party is not something she is looking forward to. When she goes to bed after her birthday, she is relieved that the day is finally over! But, when she wakes up the next morning, it’s her birthday all over again…

I recommend this book to people who like realistic fiction which is what I love and enjoy. I enjoyed reading this book because of everything that keeps repeating over and over, but slightly different each time. If you want to know what I mean, check out 11 Birthdays and experience the 11 days of Amanda. (ages 9+, a Battle of the Books selection for 2012)

To hear some behind the scenes info on how 11 Birthday’s was written, along with a short reading by Wendy Mass,  visit teachingbooks.net

 

Wild River P. J. Peterson

Review by Ella

This book is about a family of four who go on a river rafting trip. The two main characters, Ryan and Tanner are very different and go through an amazing adventure. I could not stop reading this book. It was fantastic and readers who love adventure will like this. (ages 9+, a Battle of the Books selection for 2012)

 

 

 

The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne

Review by Mathias

The Mysterious Island is a great book. It’s fantastic, combining complicated science with a theme of survival. Being complex in several ways, I would recommend this book for young adults and teens who like survival stories with some twists. I absolutely love this book, and after having read the book Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea think this book is absolutely fantastic. Though very scientific and complex, this book will have you holding back tears, resisting angry emotions, and fighting the urge to leap out of your chair yelling with happiness. This book could surely teach you a thing or two. (ages 11+)

Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz

Review by Abi

Skeleton Key rocked my whole mind because he’s a teen superspy working for the M16. Alex is about to face something more dangerous than he can imagine, a man with a nuclear weapon that will stop at nothing to get his world back. Read the book to find out! I love this book because it has a breathless plot with a page turning thriller. I would recommend this book to someone who likes adventure and action. If you like this, then, this is the right book for you! (ages 9+, F  HOR Action/Adventure)

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Which one of these books interest you now?
Have you read any of them?
Do you recommend any new books to our reviewers?
Leave us a comment and let us know!
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4 thoughts on “Our First Student Book Reviews

  1. Mrs Hembree – your blog connects people in more ways than you know. I logged in from a business trip to India and saw Josa (my son’s) review and makes me feel so happy to see it and feel connected while away. You must be commended for the wonderful things you are doing to connect all these kids (and parents) to books.

    • Dear Josa’s Dad,
      Thank you so much for logging in and seeing Josa’s review! He did a super job and you have every right to be proud of him! The post got picked up by an online paper too! http://paper.li/nikkidrobertson It’s great when the kids can get some exposure!
      I am so grateful that our school blog could mean so much to you on a business trip so far away. I like that a computer can bring our world close and a simple click of a button can bring your son to your laptop!
      I hope you have a safe trip! Thanks for connecting with us! Our post today is going to be about food! Are you eating any interesting food in India? If you have time, perhaps you can let us know on the new post about food!
      From,
      Mrs. Hembree

  2. Morgan,
    The book 11 birthdays reminds me of the movie Groundhog Day. Have you seen that? It is about a news reporter’s day repeating itself until he finally finds meaning in his life. I wonder if your book has the same message…I may have to read it to find out!

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