Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop

Reviewed by Ivy J., Age 9 This book is about a girl named Charlotte. Her dad brought a dog home even though she’s not a dog lover. After he made a too-small dog house, he stopped caring for the dog. Charlotte plans to buy the dog, but first she has to get a job. Her friend Rhonda’s relative, Petunia, hires Charlotte to help with disabled people. Petunia seems mean at first, but they become friends quickly. One day Petunia falls down in a very bad accident and has to go to the hospital. She gives Charlotte a check for 4258. When she gets the money, she bought the dog so she could give him to a St. Bernard rescue group. My favorite part of the story was when they gave Killer, the dog, to the shelter, regret the decision, and take him back. This book is filled with fun, adventure and some sadness. Its perfect for ages 9-12.

Reviewed by Sophia The Red Blazer Girls is a mystery novel about three school girls who spend their school breaks to fit in time to research about their mysteries. The Red Blazer Girls are named Sophie, Rebecca, and Margaret. They have known each other since preschool, and are still all friends. They all got to a school called St. Veronicas. Of course, there is a boy involved. This boy’s name is Raf. He has also been friend s with the girls for a very long time. Sophie secretly loves Raf, and Raf likes Sophie. But they have no idea about their crushes until, well, I can’t tell you. But I will have you know that it turns out very well. In this book, the girls meet a sweet old lady, who needs their help in many ways. She needs their help finding her daughter’s birthday present from when she was young. This present happens to be a ring. Then they meet Malcolm, the old woman’s ex- husband who is also on the search for the ring. They are on a race against time as they search for the ring of Rocamador. I would recommend this book for ages 8-13.

Reviewed by Robert S. Time is running out. After the Bronx Massacre, the exiles have been spread all over the territories of Halla. The evil Ravinians led by Saint Dane are spreading out and eliminating them one by one. Bobby and the rest of the Travelers have to realize their destinies and band together to protect the innocent and destroy the forces of evil. As they try to save each territory one by one, they get closer to the final showdown: Bobby vs. Saint Dane. One has the power to save the universe, the other to corrupt it. Which will win? Soldiers of Halla is the final installment to the Pendragon series. DJ McHale has completed the series in a way that will leave all Pendragon fans glad that they walked with Bobby on this incredible journey through time and space. It is very well written, as DJ effectively depicts the environments and conflicts in a way that makes the reader seem as if they are witnessing the events that happen in the book. This is a great book for science fiction and action fans, but it may be confusing to new readers of the Pendragon series. Because of its amazing writing, I give it a 10 out of 10.

Reviewed by Robin T. In this hilarious book, a boy name Willie is forced to run for class president by his friends Lizzie and Dodger. Dodger is a blue chimpanzee who is supposed to be Willie’s imaginary friend that only he and Lizzie can see. He is campaigning against James Beeks and Craig Flynn, a popular kid and a scary, tough kid. However, when he goes through with the decision, he realizes Dodger has a few things that can help him: an unending supply of treats, a flying carpet, a camera, instant uniforms, and more. However, at an alarmingly fast rate James and Craig seem to make campaign posters – that have pictures of Willie and Lizzie that they definitely did not agree to! Will Lizzie and Willie have a fair chance of winning? Or will James and Craig win the election nearly unchallenged? Read this book to find out! I recommend this book for ages 9 to 11, or to any kid with reasonable reading skills and a good sense of humor. It is the sequel to Dodger and Me, but I found that reading the first book is unnecessary for understanding this book.

Reviewed by Jerica Gorfman T. Frog has an unusual name for a clever reason! A boy named Josh is having a really really bad day, again. Then he finds a very strange frog and things start to look up. But before too long things go wrong once more. Josh takes his experiences and organizes his classmates to find out what is going on at the pond. My favorite part of this book is the character that examines the frogs to find out why they have unusual parts. Kids who like amphibians and a good laugh will enjoy this story!

Reviewed by Ivy J., Age 9 Smarter Than Squirrels is about two dogs that think their names are Down Girl and Sit, but they are actually called Happy and Dot. they like to chase birds and squirrels up the tall oak tree their back yard. Down Girl and Sit also LOVE doughnuts! Behind their house is a cat that thinks her name is Here Kitty Kitty. Down Girl and Sit think cats are dangerous and not as cute as dogs. My favorite part was when Down Girl and Sit scared Here Kitty Kitty and when they mistakenly thought that cats can get bigger and bigger! I recommend this book for dog lovers! Ages 6 to 10

Reviewed by Samantha I think Nana Cracks the Case is a good book because of Nana's two grandchildren, Eufala and Bog (both are very creative and funny most of the time). Nana, on the other hand, is very sneaky. My favorite part of the story is when Eufala and Bog act sneaky too. When they aren't allowed to open the front door because their parents are not home, they go out the window. They end up at the police station because they are slightly in trouble and meet Nana there. Nana is at the police station because she is a detective. She is trying to solve the mystery of the missing Yumdum candy. Nana, Eufala and Bog end up solving it all together. You will have to read the book to find out how they do it! I recommend this book for 7-9 year olds.