By: Trenton Lee Stewart
Nicholas only knows life as an orphan, and he is being transferred to a new orphanage. Because Nicholas suffers from narcolepsy (a sleeping disorder), he has often been teased. He hopes this new orphanage will be a fresh start. Unfortunately a group of bullies targets him immediately. Thankfully, Nicholas is very clever, and is able to avoid these boys by staying on his toes. In the meantime, Nicholas finds out that his new orphanage might be home to a lost treasure!
Mrs. Senechal says:
This story is a prequel to The Mysterious Benedict Society. I was so excited to see another book about these characters! It was fascinating to hear about Nicholas as a child and how his experiences shape him for the future stories. However, you can read this book first and then enjoy the series! It was fun to read about the many ways Nicholas was able to outsmart the bullies and outwit the adults that tried to get in his way. I also liked that Nicholas used his cleverness to help himself and others.
By: Barbara Robinson
The Herdmens are the six children most well-known for taking over the Christmas Pageant in the story The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. But, their meanness and awful behavior take place all year. This story follows the family through an entire school year. While the students try to stay out of their way, there are hints that there might be a tiny bit of good in the Herdmens after all.
Mrs. Senechal says:
Each December, I look forward to reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever each year to my class. I still laugh every time! This book is just as good. I love reading about all the dreadful things the Herdmens do - and how they get away with them every time! I also like how the Herdmens also end up surprising people, too.
By: Shannon Hale
In the sequel to The Princess Academy, Miri, Peder, and several other girls from Mount Eskel have the opportunity to travel to Asland, the capital city. While there, the girls will stay at the castle and help prepare for Britta's wedding, Peder will apprentice with a stonecutter, and Miri will be able to attend school. While there, Miri finds out about a brewing rebellion hoping to help provide for the poor. However, this new cause will force Miri to make some difficult choices.
Mrs. Senechal says:
I was so glad to find a sequel to the original book! The author does a great job of describing the city of Asland and contrasting it with what the characters are used to in their simple village on the mountain. I really enjoyed the many tough issues that Miri had to think through, and it reminded me that many challenges are more complicated then you might realize. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Shannon Hale!
By: Brandon Mull
Jason is back home after his first experience in Lyrian. Life is not the same, and he can't stop wondering what is happening to Rachel and his many other friends there. Jason returns to the zoo hoping a portal will open and take him back - and it finally does! Once he arrives and eventually reconnects with Rachel, they begin to see the possibility of defeating Maldor will take more then they ever imagined. They find that there is a slim hope based on a complicated prophecy, but this requires Jason and Rachel to split up and face almost insurmountable odds to take down Maldor. These books complete the Beyonders series
Mrs. Senechal says:
I purposely waited until book #3 was available before I read book #2! I couldn't bear to be left in such suspense as I was after book #1! I was thrilled as the story continued through many other parts of Lyrian, and fascinating new characters were added. There were many surprises as characters showed their loyalty or betrayal. In my opinion, the world and characters created by Brandon Mull in this series could be used in many other books!
By: Cuthbert Soup
As suggested by the title, this is the third and final book in the series. The Cheeseman family has been heroically trying to use the LVR, a time machine, invented by Mr. Cheeseman, to go back in time and rescue their mother before she is poisoned and dies. In this book, the three children and their father get stuck in "sometimes" - a world that changes location and time right before their eyes. They see civil war soldiers, dinosaurs, the Grand Canyon, and a blizzard within just a few hours. Then, the Cheesemans meet a relative from the future who may have the technology to help them leave "sometimes", rescue their mother, and save their family.
Mrs. Senechal says:
Picking up the tale told in the first two books, this story continues the funny adventures of the Cheeseman family. I love how the author includes characters from the past, present, and future. There were also great twists and turns in the plot that I hadn't expected. The best part about this book is that the author retells how he became part of the Cheeseman's story! The worst part is that this is the last book in this series.
Book 4 by Roland Smith
Book 5 by Linda Sue Park
Amy and Dan continue to do the bidding of Vesper One, but only because he holds seven members of their family hostage. At least they have added Atticus and Jake to their team. Unfortunately, there is still trouble at every turn, and each time they think they have accomplished something, Amy and Dan are met with a new challenge.
Mrs. Senechal says:
I've been holding off reading these books because every time I finish one, I can't wait to read the one that follows. So, with a snow day following a weekend, I thoroughly enjoyed reading these two! As you can expect from this series, the suspense and adventure never slow down. I love the detail that goes into each historical item or new city they visit. And now, Book 6 - here I come!
By: Jeanne DuPrau
Lina and Doon succeeded in taking the people of Ember above ground, but nobody realizes how different life will be. After walking for several days with few supplies or food, the people of Ember come to the town of Sparks. While both groups of people want to work together to help each other survive, they find it very difficult. Where should the people of Ember live? How do the two groups share food and resources? These three books tell the story from both before Ember was founded and into the future beyond their time with the people of Sparks.
Mrs. Senechal says:
After reading the first book, I just had to find out what was going to happen! I love that all four books give you different pieces of the story. Sometimes you are reading about the past, sometimes it's current, and you get to hear the story from many points of view. These books also made me think. It is tough to get along with one another, but these characters remind me of the good that comes from cooperation. Thanks to my sister, Katie, for recommending this series!
