By: S. E. Grove
Sophia has lived with her uncle since her parents disappeared on an exploration mission
when she was three years old. But, her parents were not just exploring new regions, they were even venturing into other Ages. "The Great Disruption" threw the countries, continents, and people of earth into chaos. No one know how or why it happened. Sophia's Uncle Shadrack is one of the best cartologers who has attempted to map these new ages. Suddenly, Shadrack is kidnapped, and Sophia must decide who to trust as she attempts a rescue.
Mrs. Senechal says:
This is a great science fiction book! The author creates a completely new idea - the earth separated not only by distance but by time. I was quickly drawn into the new characters and lands. The suspense in the story also made it hard to put down this book! I was enjoying the ending when all of the sudden - cliffhanger! I hadn't noticed that this is Book One in a series. I'm just glad the second book is due out in July 2015, so I won't have to wait too long. The Glass Sentence will probably be more enjoyable to advanced readers due to more challenging vocabulary.
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: Carmen Agra Deedy & Randall Wright
Skilley is a street cat who wants to become a mouser at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese - a well-
known London inn that attracts cheese-lovers and authors. However, Skilley does not really want to catch the mice - he wants something else and is willing to make a deal with Pip, the leader of the mice. Along the way, there are other problems and mysteries to be solved.
Mrs. Senechal says:
This was a fun story with great animal characters! In addition, the reader gets a different perspective on the famous author, Charles Dickens. I like how the different events and characters tie together, and there is plenty of suspense to keep your attention.
By: Barbara O'Connor
Popeye lives in a small town in South Carolina, and it is boring. But after a long rain,
Popeye finds an RV stuck in the mud on the street by his house. He meets Elvis who lives in the RV with his family - finally something interesting! But, when the two boys go on a "small adventure" and find someone floating boats down the river, then they have a mystery to solve!
Mrs. Senechal says:
Every single character in this book is very unique. The author does a great job of creating a whole story full of unexpected characters. This is a fun summer story and may even give you a few ideas on having a "small adventure" of your own.
By: Andrew Clements
Jordan feels average in everything - not tallest or shortest, not fastest or slowest, not the
best or worst student - she usually gets C's on her report card. But, Jordan wants to be great at something that matters! When a girl at school picks on Jordan, it actually helps Jordan realize that she is a pretty good problem-solver.
Mrs. Senechal says:
This book is just over 100 pages, so it is a great book if you're looking for something shorter and easier to read. The whole book actually tells the story of one day in Jordan's life, but the author uses her memories to help you get to know her and learn more about how she feels. This story reminds us that God has given each of us special talents - even when we don't notice them ourselves!
