Wednesday, December 14, 2011

When You Reach Me

By Rebecca Stead

     What would you do if you received mysterious notes that predicted the future--and these notes turned out to be right?  Miranda is curious about these notes--she wonders just what this person knows.  And how does the person know it?  Each message she finds brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death.  But who's death?  How?  When? So many questions, and only this book can answer them!

Rebecca Stead

Reviewer: Carla Ramirez

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

By Tom Angleberger

     Dwight is an outcast.  He is the weirdest oddball you'll ever meet in your life.  But wait til you hear this--He made an origami Yoda who "talks" and can answer ANY question, he even predicts the future!  And it works.  Tommy decides to put all the cases into one file (which is this book), filled with humorous comments, stories, and doodles.  Do you believe in Origami Yoda?

Origami Yoda

Reviewer: Carla Ramirez


The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel

By Gareth Hinds

     On Odysseus' way home, he displeases Poseidon.  Therefore, Poseidon curses him and leaves him stranded on an island with no way home.  A god takes pity on him though, and requests Odysseus be released.  Zeus allows Odysseus to return home, finally. Though on his way he must battle man-eating monsters, natural disasters, sirens, and sorceresses.  He must use his wits to overcome them and return to Ithaca.  But will he return safely, or will the suitors of his wife claim his throne?

Gareth Hinds

Reviewer: Raquel Carey


Half Brother

By Kenneth Oppel

     Ben Tomlin has a brother. . . who is also a baby chimpanzee!  Ben's dad is a well-known scientist, and his newest experiment is to find out whether or not he can teach a monkey American Sign Language.  After many months, everything is going well.  "Zan" has learned many words, and helped make Ben popular with the girls!  But a question itches in the back of his mind--What will happen to his half-brother Zan when the experiment is over?

Kenneth Oppel

Reviewer: Carla Ramirez

Monday, December 12, 2011

Heidi

By Johanna Spyri

     Heidi is an orphan who goes to live with her grandpa in the Swiss Alps.  Many people think her grandpa is a very bad person, but Heidi proves them wrong.  In the middle of the story, Heidi was taken to a city called Frankfurt, where she was raised.  During her life, Heidi has suffered much.  Later she returned to the Swiss Alps--a home sweet home!

Reviewer: Mihiri Kotikawatta