The Revealers by Doug Wilhelm

The Revealers

by Doug Wilhelm

Genre: Realistic Fiction, friendship and surviving middle school

Summary: Three loners who are tired of being picked on join forces to expose bullying. However, not everyone - including the principal (!) - are not happy about their project.

Review: I really liked this book because it offers a solution to bullying  - although I am not sure how it could be duplicated.  I think it helps kids to know that their situation is not unique and kids will be able to relate to the characters.  I give this book a 4.5 out of 5.  (It took me a little while to really get into it - but once I did... I wanted to see the outcome!)

This book reminds me of: Emma Jean Lazarusu books and Carlos Is Gonna Get It

Diamonds in the Shadow by Caroline Cooney

Diamonds in the Shadow

by Caroline Cooney

Genre: Action, adventure, on the edge of your seat thriller!

Summary: Imagine having to share your house (and especially your room!) to a family of refugees from Africa! Everything seems wrong and unfair to Jared.  But when the family arrives, instead of getting better, things just seem to be even stranger! And... it only gets crazier!!

Review: I. love. this. book.  I did not want to put it down - the characters were so vivid and the action was intense.  I loved how the family from Africa was described and how they adapted to our culture. I give this book a 5 out of 5. Read it.  Now!

This book reminds me of I,Q. by Roland Smith, Steel Trapp by Ridley Pearson and Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan



Under the Banyan Tree by Toni De Palma

Under the Banyan Tree

by Toni De Palma



Genre: Realistic fiction and most likely for girls...

Summary: A girl runs away from home and ends up working at an old hotel that needs to be saved from money problems.  Things don't go as planned and this might not end up being her new home.

Review: This book is pretty good and the ending is a bit surprising.  I wish the story moved a little faster, but...  I give this a 3 out of 5.

I am not sure what it reminds me of... what does it remind you of?

Dodger and Me by Jordan Sonnenblick

Dodger and Me

by Jordan Sonnenblick

Genre: Humor and fantasy (sort of... Real character plus a blue chimpanzee that talks)

Summary: A nerdy, wimpy kid with an over-protective mom finds a "genie" that can't really grant wishes, but fulfills "heart's desires".  This genie happens to be a blue chimpanzee and needless to say, they go on some crazy adventures.

Review: If you like goofy, silly books.  This one is for you! I am curious to hear what you have to say about this one... so leave a comment!



15 Minutes by Steve Young

15 Minutes

by Steve Young

Genre: Guy book (kind of - girls would like it too), fantasy (kind of - realistic characters but fantasy type of plot) and humor

Summary: A kid finds a watch that lets him go back in time by 15 minutes. Casey uses this automatic "do-over" to impress the girls and in sports.  But sometimes, the watch has a mind of it's own...

Review:  I liked this book and I like how he comes around and figures out if the watch is a good thing or a bad thing.  This book is a pretty easy read and has some "oh, funny!" parts.  Overall, I give it a 4 out of 5.

I am not sure what this book reminds me of! Maybe Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen because it is the same type of humor, but the plots are completely different.



Young Man and the Sea

Young Man and the Sea

Rodman Philbrick

Genre: Adventure, realistic fiction, good book for guys or girls

Summary: Skiff's mom died.  His dad is depressed.  His boat is broken and the repairs are very expensive. So... what's a boy to do? He tries to earn the money to fix his boat, but keeps coming up against obstacles.  He hears about catching blue fin tuna and the huge amount of money you can get from them.  But... his "big" boat is broken...  How in the world will he catch a tuna without a big boat?  Read on to find out...

Review: At first I struggled to get into the book, but it is worth the slow start for the action at the end! I can not imagine being in his shoes and the obstacles he faces.  CRAZY! If you like books that leave you on the edge of your seat, then this one is for you.  And... you don't have to love fishing to like this book.

I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5!

Also, this book reminds me of Red Kayak  and Diamonds in the Shadows