By: Avi
Illustrator: Brian Floca
Ragweed is a young mouse from the country who is ready to explore the world. He leaves
his home and family, boards, a train, and stops in the first city. However, this town has Silversides, a cat who wants to get rid of mice. Ragweed's first experience in the city is being chased by Silversides! Luckily, his second experience is getting rescued by a city mouse, Clutch. Ragweed meets many new friends and learns many new things, but eventually he will face Silversides again.
Mrs. Senechal says:
I loved this adventurous book! The author does a great job of describing life from a mouse's point of view. In addition, all of the characters were very different and interesting. There were also great moments of suspense that made me want to keep reading to see what would happen. While this is a chapter book, I loved that there were also illustrations - they really helped the story come to life.
*Our school is attending the Plum Creek Literacy Festival at Concordia University, in Seward, NE. We will get to go to a session led by this book's illustrator, Brian Floca!
By: Carole Estby Dagg
Terpsichore's family is struggling to make ends meet in their small town in Wisconsin.
When her father learns of an opportunity to receive land and supplies to move to Alaska, Terpsichore looks forward to a grand adventure. Her mother, on the other hand, does not want to leave the civilized things, like her nice dishes and piano. The family agrees to try Alaska and stay through the first harvest, and then they will decide if they will stay permanently.
Mrs. Senechal says:
This story is based on actual government program from the 1930's. The plan moved about 200 families to start a new community in Alaska. The author does an excellent job describing the difficult conditions and unexpected challenges that these settlers faced. I have not read many historical fiction stories from this time period, so I found it fascinating! If you like the Little House on the Prairie series, you will love this book, too!
By: Tonke Dragt
Tiuri is about to become a knight. All he must do is keep watch a full night. But when someone comes to the door begging for help, Tiuri cannot ignore them. Suddenly, he carries a message that must be delivered or the kingdoms of his realm will fall. Tiuri immediately leaves his home behind and begins this enormous journey. Within hours, enemies appear who will do anything to make sure Tiuri's quest will fail.
Mrs. Senechal says:
This story was originally written in Dutch in 1962 and was just recently published in the United States. I really liked this story because of all the unique characters that Tiuri meets - the author makes it difficult to know who to trust! Tiuri also makes a great hero because he is so honorable. This book is full of constant adventure and action. Fans of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings will definitely like this book, too! Thanks to Samuel for sharing it with me!
By: D.J. MacHale
After a year of testing, only eight 12-year-olds remain. Four of them will be chosen for a
journey in outer space to retrieve a fuel source to save the world. Dash wants desperately to be one of the four, but he knows he is up against some serious competition. The challenges and tests get more difficult. But, Dash and his friends also realize that there are many unanswered questions.
Mrs. Senechal says:
I was honored to receive an "Advanced Reader Copy"! I think my students will love this book, the first in the series. There is lots of action and suspense and some amazing futuristic tools, vehicles, and gadgets. There are also codes to break and the ability to participate online! Fans of the 39 Clues series will really like this series, too.
By: Gregory Mone
When Fish tries to retrieve a bag of stolen coins that he was supposed to deliver, he never
suspects it will land him a job on a pirate ship! While trying to get the coins back, Fish also makes friends and enemies aboard the ship. Soon, he and his friends are trying to figure out if these coins reveal a mysterious treasure and they have to stop a mutiny at the same time.
Mrs. Senechal says:
This story really draws you in! The author does an excellent job of creating lots of interesting characters - good guys and bad guys. I liked trying to figure out the mystery right along with the characters. You'll also enjoy the excitement and humor throughout the book.
By: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Sage has lived a tough life as an orphan - he is used to stealing, fighting, and outwitting to stay alive. Without warning, Sage is kidnapped along with three other orphans. They soon
learn that their captor, Conner, plans to overtake the kingdom by claiming that one of them is the lost prince. Conner makes it clear that any disobedience will be punished, and those who are not chosen will be disposed of. Sage finds himself competing to be a false prince and just to stay alive.
Mrs. Senechal says:
What a great read! Sage and the other orphans are all likeable and make their dilemna seem even more difficult. And, Conner is truly cruel and masterful villain. If you like adventurous and exciting stories, you will definitely like this book. The final twist at the end of the story caught me completely by surprise - I love that!
By: Chris Grabenstein
Billy is NOT excited about spending the summer at a cabin with his mother. During the first day, he breaks his iPhone and has a run-in with bullies. In desperation, Billy explores the
library - quite an amazing place compared to the rest of the cabin. As he begins to read the books, he thinks his imagination is running wild - he can hear the characters and feel the ground shake! Billy looks outside at an island in the middle of the lake, and is shocked that he can even see the characters from the books. Billy rows to the island to investigate and then the adventure really begins.
Mrs. Senechal says:
If you like to read, you will love this book! If you don't like to read, this book might convince you that books are more exciting than you realize. The author weaves famous literary characters into an exciting and modern story. I think it would be awesome to be in the worlds and meet characters from my favorite books. I highly recommend this book!
By: Michael Perry
Maggie, a.k.a. Ford Falcon, lives "outbubble". That means her family chose to survive on their own without the assistance and safety the government promised. That means that
Ford's family raises and grows their own food and scavenges for items to use or trade. Add to these challenges solar bears, unpredictable weather, and GreyDevils. Ford and her family rely on the expert help of their neighbors to survive. One day, Ford's mom and dad disappear. Suddenly, Ford must take all that she has learned and rescue her family.
Mrs. Senechal says:
I loved this book! The author has created unique characters who you will love getting to know. The setting of a world where you choose safety and prosperity OR freedom is very intriguing. I enjoyed reading about all the accommodations that helped the characters to protect their belongings and provide for their needs. The end of the story left a lot of questions, so I hope there will be a sequel with more adventures!
By: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Jonah has always known he was adopted. His parents love he and his sister very much! One summer, he receives a strange message in the mail: You are one of the missing. Jonah, his
sister, Katherine, and new neighbor, Chip, laugh it off as a silly junior high prank. But the Chip also receives the same message. This causes an argument with his parents through which he finds out he is also adopted. Within days, the FBI, vanishing janitors, lists of witnesses and survivors make them realize something very strange is going on. The friends agree to figure this mystery out together, but they have no idea what they will uncover next!
Mrs. Senechal says:
Wow! This series starts with a bang - I actually read Book 1 in one day! While this is a science fiction series, there is also a lot of historical fiction mixed in. The imaginative futuristic technology is exciting and thinking about how one tiny thing could cause a huge change in history will keep you reading. So far, there are four more books in this series, and I fully intend to read them all!
By: Geoff Rodkey
Egbert has grown up on the dirty, sweltering, pirating island of Deadweather. His father, a
former pirate who now runs a farm with workers who were also former pirates, and a sister and brother who constantly pick on him. One day, Egbert's father surprises the family with a boat trip to the nearby island of Sunrise - Egbert is thrilled! Sunrise is beautiful and full of rich people and wonderful places. While there, they meet the Pembroke family, including Millicent who catches Egbert's eye. But, this meeting leads to the loss of Egbert's family and people trying to kill Egbert!
Mrs. Senechal says:
This was a fun adventurous story with great twists on the typical pirate tale - the action will certainly keep you turning the pages. I enjoyed the characters and the relationships that grew throughout the story. The author also created some great fictional settings with the two islands of Deadweather and Sunrise. I definitely will be reading the other books in the series!
By: Soman Chainani
Agatha and Sophie returned home, leave The School for Good and Evil behind them. But,
Agatha finds herself wishing that her "happily ever after" included Tedros, the prince who could have been hers. Little does she know that this secret wish could reopen her fairy tale and instantly change everyone's lives. Now Agatha and Sophie must decide if they should trust each other, their friends, their professors, the new Dean, or the boys!
Mrs. Senechal says:
This was a great sequel - I was surprised by so many things! The author makes it difficult to figure out who is good and who is evil. Just when you think you have a character figured out they do something unexpected and the plot twists in a new way. Once again, the ending left me waiting for book #3 (due out in July of 2015)!
By: Brandon Mull
Visiting a new candy shop after the first day of school, Nate, Trevor, Summer, and Pigeon
get much more than expected. The shop owner, Mrs. White, begins to ask them to do tasks for her, and she rewards them with her special candy. This candy is not only incredibly delicious, it is magic! The four friends think this is wonderful until Mrs. White begins to ask them to break in to places and steal things. As they consider backing out, they find that magic candy is a lot more then they had imagined!
Mrs. Senechal says:
This was a great start to my summer reading! The story really drew me in, and, just like the main characters, I had trouble knowing who to trust. The author includes many twists and turns in the plot which kept me wanting to read. This is the first book in the series, so it will be fun to see what happens next. The author has also created an app and card game to go along with the series.
By: James Dashner
Thomas wakes up in a steel box that is moving upwards like an elevator. When the top
opens he sees the faces of many boys near his age. While Thomas seems to have some memories, he has no idea what is going on. It soon becomes obvious that he and the other boys are trapped inside a deadly maze. Some of the boys have been trying to get out for two years. The day after Thomas arrives, a girl is sent in the box - the first time kids have arrived on back-to-back days, and the first girl, and they know nothing will be the same.
Mrs. Senechal says:
I have seen the previews for this movie, and I wanted to read the book first. If you like mystery and suspense, you will really like this book! From the first moment, I was trying to figure out what was going on. This is the first book in a series of four, and I look forward to continuing the series. I would recommend this book for students in junior high.
By: Pseudonymous Bosch
If you choose to read this book, you will know secrets that could put you in danger. But, if
you are brave enough, you will become part of the team trying to protect the secret from many enemies. Cass and Max-Ernest find out quickly that trying to solve a magicians codes will lead to great adventures and great dangers. Their adventure begins by finding the "Symphony of Spells" and leads to spying, kidnapping, and more!
Mrs. Senechal says:
Thanks to Nick, Ella, and Will for encouraging me to read this book! The mystery will draw you in to the story from the beginning! The author does a great job of telling you just enough information to make you more curious about what will happen next. I will definitely continue reading the series!
By: Soman Chainani
Sophie and Agatha are opposites. Sophie wears pink, has a detailed beauty routine, and
dreams of princes. Agatha wears black, likes to be alone, and has a creepy black cat. Yet, when the two of them are kidnapped and dropped into the School of Good and Evil, Agatha is on the "Good" side, and Sophie is on the "Evil" side. Both girls are sure there has been a mistake. However, no one will believe them or help them!
Mrs. Senechal says:
This is one of the more creative fairy tales I've read in a long time. I really liked the opposing sides of good vs. evil. And, the author does a great job of showing that things are not always what they first appear. The characters and events are fun, funny, and unexpected. The ending is a huge cliffhanger for book two!
By: Sherwood Smith
Lilah, niece of the King, has noticed the anger of the townspeople, but her father tells her
they are peasants and she should ignore them. Instead, Lilah dresses like a peasant boy, sneaks out, and makes friends with the kids in town. While she loves her new friends, she also finds out that they hate her family! Before too long, Lilah has become a spy for the revolutionaries, but she is too bold and gets caught. However, Lilah finds an ally in her brother, and together they make plans to make things right in the kingdom.
Mrs. Senechal says:
Even though the book's title includes the word "princess" there are plenty of boy characters and lots of action and adventure - this is a book boys and girls will like. The author weaves medieval settings and characters with a bit of magic to keep the story really fun. I also liked how the author had characters with many different perspectives on how to solve the problems - just like problem-solving in real life - there often are many possible solutions. When I read the author's note at the end, I found it especially cool that the author began writing this story when she was 8!
By: Chris Columbus & Ned Vizzini
Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor are struggling with life after their father lost his job as a
doctor. Things aren't as easy, and they see the stress their parents have to face. And, they have to move. The kids know it will be to a crummy little house, but suddenly their realtor shows them an amazing house! It is a large old home with plenty of room, but it feels a little creepy. Before they can even spend their first night, a witch arrives, kidnaps their parents, and sends the house spinning into another world. Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor now have to fend for themselves and try to rescue their parents.
Mrs. Senechal says:
This book definitely kept me in suspense! Sometimes it reminded me of "Inkheart" - being transported into the world of a book. I liked the variety of characters and all the creative ways the three children figured out how to win out over the bad guys. This is a darker fantasy with evil and scary villains - I would recommend it for older readers.
By: Tony DiTerlizzi
When Eva Nine uncovers the plans to destroy the homes of her alien friends, she flees New
Attica to warn them. Eva's life is constantly in danger, and she continually has to decide who to trust. Eva Nine also learns that there are many perceptions and opinions on what is the best or right thing to do. Will she be able to save her alien friends and human friends?
Mrs. Senechal says:
This book is the conclusion to the trilogy. The author continues to introduce new creatures and write detailed descriptions to help the reader picture this new world. There are also unexpected twists and turns to the story. I like all the lessons Eva Nine learns and how she learns to share them with others.
By: Tony DiTerlizzi
Eva Nine can hardly believe she has been rescued - and that other humans still exist! The
boy who found her is taking her back to a human settlement, and it feels like a dream come true. But, when Eva Nine reaches New Attica, she quickly realizes that the humans have no idea what life is like beyond their small city. Even worse, the leader of New Attica watches and controls everyone! Even when Eva meets her older sister, Eva Eight, things are not as she hoped.
Mrs. Senechal says:
This book follows "The Search for Wondla". It was really interesting following Eva Nine from the alien landscape back to what should have felt more like home to her amongst the humans. The author does an amazing job of describing settings, new creatures, and high-powered technology. If you like science fiction and books that imagine life in the future, you will continue to enjoy this series.
By: Mary Casanova
Marit and her family awake to the bombing of their town in Norway in 1942. Her parents
send she and her brother to live with their aunt and grandfather in a safer part of the country while they stay to try and help the "Resistance" - Norwegians trying to secretly fight the Nazis. Marit tries to be strong, but she hates not doing anything. Her grandpa believes it is safer to do what the Nazis ask and don't cause trouble. Marit believes that if no one stands up to the Nazis things will only get worse. When Marit gets a chance to help the Resistance, she realizes what a huge responsibility it is.
Mrs. Senechal says:
The book starts with immediate action! There are many suspenseful moments as the people of Norway struggle to survive as the Nazis invade and take over their homeland. I have Norwegian ancestors, so I really enjoyed learning more about some of things these people did in the midst of World War II. I also have many students who have read "Snow Treasure" who would like this book, too!
