Home » Advanced Readers Club Book Reviews

2011 - September & October

Submitted by Mrs. Nelsons Blog on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 9:54am

EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken (Hardcover)

By Sally Warner, Jamie Harper
$14.99
ISBN-13: 9780670062430
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Viking Juvenile, 2/2011
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Reviewed by Jerica D., aged 10

EllRay Jakes is a small third grader. He is very innocent and kind, but Jared Matthews is determined to make school miserable for him. So EllRay has to fight back. Or so you may think. In truth, he can’t, not when he’s so small and Jared so...big! A very funny, warm story for eight to eleven year olds.

Ghost Hunt 2: MORE Chilling Tales of the Unknown (Hardcover)

By Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson, Cameron Dokey
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780316099585
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9/2011
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Reviewed by Vanessa L.

Ghost Hunt 2 is written by the founders of TAPS, an organization that hunts and finds ghosts. This book tells about some of the weirdest cases TAPS has investigated on the show Ghost Hunters. My favorite story was about the ghosts of Alcatraz. In this story, TAPS visits Alcatraz and spends the night trying to figure out what is making strange noises every night. This book also has an expert guide at the back, where you can take quizzes and get advice on hunting ghosts from Jason and Grant. I recommend this book to anyone who likes ghost stories between the ages of 10-14.

Doglands (Hardcover)

By Tim Willocks
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375865718
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Random House Books for Young Readers, 9/2011
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Reviewed by Jerica D.

Furgal is a mutt, or lurcher, born in Dedbone’s Hole. He is part greyhound, part wolfhound, which is not allowed in Dedbone’s Hole, a purebred greyhound breeding and racing mill. His mother fears for his survival, so one day, when she is about to race, she distracts Dedbone, whilst Furgal and his three sisters escape into a box. Here begins young Furgal’s adventure. He meets his infamous father, Argal the dogcatcher trickster, makes new friends, and avenges the death of two of his beloved sisters. I absolutely love this book to the max. It’s not really meant for grades 5th and under, mainly because of the disturbing, detailed explanations. Sprinkled with humor, adventure, dogs, more dogs, and a fat bulldog, this is one book I’d buy two copies of.

Killer Koalas from Outer Space and Lots of Other Very Bad Stuff that Will Make Your Brain Explode! (Hardcover)

By Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton
$12.99
ISBN-13: 9780312367893
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Square Fish, 10/2011
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Reviewed by Jerica D.

Killer Koalas! A very rude ant! Brian and his bad ideas! All of this and more awaits you inside this funny, split-your-sides-with-laughter book. I’d recommend it for all ages. It’s funny in a way that most kids will find er, interesting. A great book for everyone.

Troublemaker (Hardcover)

By Andrew Clements, Mark Elliott
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9781416949305
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 7/2011
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Review by Vanessa Lanza, age 12: This book was about a boy in fifth grade that has a reputation around the school for being a trouble maker. One day, the boy, named Clay takes it too far. In art class, he drew a portrait of the principal-as a donkey. The kids all think it’s really funny, but the art teacher sends Clay to the principal’s office. After his big brother gets into some serious trouble as well, Clay decides to change his ways and he apologizes to the principal and his parents. This book was very funny, and I think a lot of kids can relate to Clay.

It's the First Day of School...Forever! (Hardcover)

By R.L. Stine
$15.99
ISBN-13: 9780312649548
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Square Fish, 7/2011
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Review by Vanessa Lanza, age 12: This book was about a boy named Artie’s first day of middle school. On his first day, Artie falls out of bed and hits his head. Then his dog follows him to school and hurts the principal. Then he accidentally lets the class scorpion out of its cage. The same things happen the next day, and when Artie tries to fix it the days just keep getting worse and worse, and the school becomes very scary. I liked this book and recommend it to anyone who likes a scary mystery.

Bad Kitty Meets the Baby (Hardcover)

By Nick Bruel, Nick Bruel
$13.99
ISBN-13: 9781596435971
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Square Fish, 6/2011
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Review by Vanessa Lanza, age 12: This book is about a cat whose owners have a baby. Bad Kitty is scared of the baby at first, but then all the neighborhood cats come over and enter the baby in the annual cat Olympics, thinking it is a cat. But the baby starts winning every single event it is entered in, and the other cats become suspicious. Then the baby gets stuck in a tree and the fire department has to get it down. This book was very funny, and it went by quickly.

Missing on Superstition Mountain (Hardcover)

By Elise Broach, Antonio Javier Caparo
$15.99
ISBN-13: 9780805090475
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Square Fish, 6/2011
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Review by Kalinda Reynolds, age 10: Simon, Henry and Jack have just moved to Superstition, AZ. They live right next to Superstition Mountain. When their cat Josie takes off to the mountain, they have no choice but to follow. Their neighbor Delilah comes with them. They lose sight of Josie and realize they are lost. When they discover 3 skulls, they have a mystery to solve. I loved this story. It was suspenseful and exciting. I didn't want to put it down! The story was fast-paced and the characters were well developed. I recommend this story for anyone who enjoys mysteries. I'd rate this book a 10.

Tuesdays at the Castle (Hardcover)

By Jessica Day George
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9781599906447
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 10/2011
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Review by Kalinda Reynolds, age 10: Celia loves Tuesdays at the Castle Glower. The castle seems to be alive! Celia's mother and father are queen and king of the castle. Every Tuesday, the castle adds a new room. When her parents have to go away on a short trip, they get captured by bandits. Celia and her siblings think their parents have died, so they plan a funeral. Two princes who come to the funeral have plans to steal the castle. Celia and her sister and brother try to protect the castle. Will they save the day? I liked this story. There wasn't constant action, but it did keep me in suspense and the story captured my attention. The characters seemed real and were likeable. I recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure stories.

TimeRiders: Day of the Predator (Hardcover)

By Alex Scarrow
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780802722966
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Walker Childrens, 10/2011
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Review by Robin Tanenbaum, age 14: In this thrilling sequel to TimeRiders, Liam O'Connor has a mission in 2015. However, unforeseen or ignored technology incompatibilities result in Liam and several high-school students being sent back to 65 million years in the past! Maddie and Sal notice few changes at first, but as a species of dinosaur begins to pick up cues from Liam and company, things begin to go sour. Can Liam get a message through to the future and get results before the dinosaurs learn too much? I recommend this book to those who enjoyed the previous TimeRiders. The writing is good and the plot is thrilling. However, those who like not to be left waiting should stick with the first book until the third book comes out.

Otherworld Chronicles: The Invisible Tower (Hardcover)

By Nils Johnson-Shelton
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780062070869
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: HarperCollins, 12/2011
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Reviewed by Robin Tanenbaum, age 14: 12-year-old Artie Kingfisher knows, like everyone else does, that magic, knights, and dragons are only in legends. However, a series of coincidences lead him to the gaming store Invisible Tower, whose proprietor is the original Merlin. Can Artie live up to his destiny and reunite his world and the Otherworld? I recommend this book for ages 9 to 13, and to fans of Percy Jackson and Simon Bloom.

Between (Hardcover)

By Jessica Warman
$17.99
ISBN-13: 9780802721822
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Walker Childrens, 8/2011
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Reviewed by Kennedy Valenzuela, age 16: "Between" was well-written at a mid-high-school level. The concept and storyline were well developed and intriguing. Overall, the novel was interesting, entertaining, and it made me want to read more. It isn't very long and should only take an avid reader a day or two to finish it. I would recommend it to someone interested in mystery, paranormal works, and also those who like twists in the plot line.

Dead to You (Hardcover)

By Lisa McMann
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9781442403888
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Simon Pulse, 2/2012
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Reviewed by Kennedy Valenzuela, age 16: "Dead to You" was intriguing and unpredictable. The conflict and plot is not cliche or overused, but instead fresh, new, and thought-provoking. The main character, Ethan's, journey is relatable and believable. The climax and end are shocking and unexpected. Overall, a great read. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy mysteries, dark themes, suspense, and cliffhangers.

The Deserter (Hardcover)

By Peadar O. Guilin
$17.99
ISBN-13: 9780385751490
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: David Fickling Books, 3/2012
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Reviewed by Robin Tanenbaum, age 14: In the thrilling, dark sequel to "The Inferior", Stopmouth is taken to the Roof to further various aims. Although he merely intends to save his tribe, still in the cannibalistic arena of the Surface, and find his Roofdweller wife Indrani, the Roof itself is not only in political turmoil but actually falling to pieces. The very nanotechnology that keeps everything running, creating food, translations, medicine, and virtually everything else is under dire threat. Can Stopmouth navigate the complicated world of the Roof, find who he can trust, and save his tribe? I recommend this book to teens who have read the first book, "The Inferior", and enjoyed it.

Rebel Fire (Hardcover)

By Andrew Lane
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780374387686
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Square Fish, 4/2012
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Reviewed by Melinda Hendrix, age 14: This was the exciting sequel to "Death Cloud", a series about Sherlock Holmes' teen years. This time the mystery brings him to America. After a series of strange rumors spread in Europe about John Wilkes Booth having escaped death in America and is here in England. Sherlock goes off to find the murder. What he has yet to discover is that Booth is only part of a larger crime about to take place. But will he be able to stop it in time? As far as the book goes I liked it, but boys in 5th - 7th grade would find it most appealing. I think this book would get about four out of five stars.

Crossed (Hardcover)

By Ally Condie
$17.99
ISBN-13: 9780525423652
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Dutton Juvenile, 11/2011
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Reviewed by Melinda Hendrix, age 14: If you read "Matched" by Ally Condie then you'll love her next book in the trilogy, "Crossed". Told from Cassia and Ky's points of view, this is the next chapter in the series. Cassia is in the Outer Providence on her search for Ky, which leads her to a large network of canyons called the Carving. Ky has been placed at a Decoy village where the society sends any unwanted people to their doom, so they can distract the Enemy. Ky also makes a run for the Carving. Will Ky and Cassia be reunited or will the Society get them before they find each other? In these times the only way to live is to break free.

The Apothecary (Hardcover)

By Maile Meloy, Ian Schoenherr
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780399256271
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Putnam Juvenile, 10/2011
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Reviewed by Kalinda Reynolds, age 10: This book is about a girl named Janie, who moves from Los Angeles to London and goes to a new school. She meets a boy named Benjamin, whose father works at the Apothecary. They become friends, and the next day Benjamin's father (the Apothecary) is captured. The day before the capture, Janie and Benjamin are given the book called the Pharmacopoeia, which has magic spells and can help them find Benjamin's father. I loved this book and felt like I was caught up in the story. The characters, especially Janie, felt like my real friends. I give this book a 9 on a scale from 1-10. If you like fast-paced books with magic and mystery, I recommend this book!

Seeds of Rebellion (Hardcover)

By Brandon Mull
$19.99
ISBN-13: 9781416997948
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Aladdin, 1/2012
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Reviewed by Kalinda Reynolds, age 10: This second book in the Beyonders series was even better than the first! Jason has returned to Lyrian to try to find Rachel and help her get to the Beyond. When he finally finds her, she is with Galloran, which is good because he is the heir to the throne of Lyrian. Before going to the Beyond, Jason and Rachel help Galloran save the guardians of the Word. I really loved this book. It was well written and well-plotted, and the characters were very likable (except for the Maldor). It had lots of suspense and kept my attention. It is a book I could read over and over. On a scale of 1-10, I give this book a 10.

Spy School (Hardcover)

By Stuart Gibbs
$15.99
ISBN-13: 9781442421820
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, 3/2012
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Reviewed by Robin Tanenbaum, age 14: Ben Ripley is an awkward kid and an amazing mathematician. When he gets recruited to the espionage academy run by the CIA, he thinks it's too good to be true. It is. Ben is clueless, and he's in up to his neck. Can Ben face danger, catch up to the other students, and save the day? I recommend this book to ages 9-12, fans of the CHERUB or "Henderson's Boys" series by Robert Muchamore, and anyone interested in a cross of espionage and boarding school stories.

The Future of Us (Hardcover)

By Jay Asher, Carolyn Mackler
$18.99
ISBN-13: 9781595144911
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Razorbill, 11/2011
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Reviewed by Robin Tanenbaum, age 14: In this book, when Emma is setting up her AOL account with Josh's help on her first computer in 1996, they somehow are redirected to their own Facebook pages, from 15 years in the future. Josh's future looks bright, and Emma's does not. Also, Emma is desperate to change her future, whereas Josh wants to maintain his. So far, they haven't even viewed their friends' futures yet... I recommend this book to teens who enjoy character development, stories that take place over short in-story time, and hints of sci-fi.

Missing! A Cat Called Buster (Paperback)

By Wendy Orr, Susan Boase, Patricia Castelao
$5.99
ISBN-13: 9780805093827
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Henry Holt & Company, 11/2011
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Reviewed by Lorenzo, age 8: Buster the kitten lives in a shelter until a nice man named Mr. Larson takes him home. Buster is enjoying a happy life with Mr. Larson until the old man falls down. Buster saves his owner's life but runs away when the man goes to the hospital. Buster gets sent back to the shelter. Will Buster find a new home in time? I like this story because I like cats. This is a good book for kids who like animal adventures.

Dead to You (Hardcover)

By Lisa McMann
$16.99
ISBN-13: 9781442403888
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Simon Pulse, 2/2012
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Reviewed by Gloria Hendrix, mom: "Dead to You" by Lisa McMann is a compelling story seemingly taken from today's headlines: missing child returned to long lost family. This is the tale of a family who has been broken by loss, is celebrating in the joy of reunion and struggling with the reality of building new relationships with the introduction of a stranger into their home. The principle characters are well crafted and believable. The reader aches with the raw emotions of the De Wildes and Ethan as they get to know each other and forge a new relationship. There is an opening for a sequel to "Dead to You". I hope one is forthcoming, but the story stands well on its own. I couldn't put this book down. Five stars out of a possible five.