Chicken Boy by France O'Roark Dowell

Chicken Boy

France O'Roark Dowell

Genre: Realistic fiction and animals

Summary: Basically, a boy comes out of his shell because of chickens.  Really.  He does.

Review: I know what you are thinking...  "What a stupid idea for a book."  But it's good, really! I love that he makes friends and his life starts looking better.  I would say: 3.75 out of 5 stars!

This book reminds me of The Big Nothing



Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not

Coleen Murtagh Paratore

Genre: Realistic fiction, friendship, and growing up

Summary: Willa works at her parents Cape Cod bed and breakfast.  During this particular summer, she encounters some friendship problems that she needs to deal with - basically, how do you deal with "outgrowing" your friends and boyfriend issues?  And lets not forget wedding planning!

Rating: 3 out of 5 Ok, I'll admit, I had trouble getting into this book, but others really, really love it!  Give it a try!



The Maze of Bones

(39 Clues... book 1)

Rick Riordan

Public Service Announcement:  If you have not read the 39 Clues yet, get off the computer and go get the first book.  Its. That. Good.

Ok... I can get on with the review now.

Genre: Adventure, suspense

Summary: This first book sets up the series of 39 books written by the best authors around.  Basically several loosely related families set out on an adventure to find clues that is a very important, world-changing puzzle.  But... the families are competing against each other and don't exactly like each other.  In fact, they try to kill the main characters. (Um, small problem, right?)

Review: Woo-hoo a 5 out of 5!  Adventure - around the world adventure.  Does it get any better??

The Big Nothing

The Big Nothing

by Adrian Fogelin



Genre: Realistic Fiction, friendship, parents getting divorced

Summary: Justin has a ton of stuff to deal with: his dad leaving his mom and his brother going off to war.  But at the same time, he has to figure out what to do when you like a girl and what do when lose your best friend. 

Review: This book does a great job of showing the feelings and frustrations of Justin.  You really cheer for him and feel his heart break.  I think this is a great book if you like books that mostly explore every day life and aren't looking for someone to chase you!!  I give this book a 4 out of 5 - even though there isn't any "edge of your seat" action!  (Even though the main character is a guy... I think this is more for girls!)

Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulson

Whoops!  Has it really been 2 weeks since I've posted new books??  My apologies... I won't let it happen again (until the next time it happens)

Notes from the Dog

Gary Paulsen

Picture is coming

Genre: Realistic Fiction... growing up

Summary: Dylan is really shy and over the summer ends up coming out of his shell thanks to his next door neighbor.  Dylan tries to help her as she helps him.

Just so ya' know... this is the same author as Hatchet and Lawn Boy.  This book is nothing like Hatchet and has the same "feel" as Lawn Boy.

Review: I give this book a 4 out of 5.  It's an easy read that doesn't jump all over the place.  But as you probably know, I like plot twists and edge of your seat action.  Not so much in this book - but a good story and a few tears!

This book reminds me of Forget Me Not.

How To Steal a Car

How To Steal A Car

Pete Hautman

Summary:  A fifteen year old girl became addicted to stealing cars! Yes, she's addicted.  She's not really sure why she likes to steal cars, she just does!

Review: This is one of those books where you are waiting for something bad to happen... because you just know it's not going to be good... But I won't tell you what if/what it is!! 

I give this book a 4 out of 5... it's pretty good but not as good as I expected!

This book reminds me of...  I'm not really sure!  What does it remind YOU of?



The Great Wide Sea by M H Herlong

The Great Wide Sea by M H Herlong

Genre: Action, Adventure, Survival, and WHOA!

Summary: A dad and his three sons are mourning the deat of their mom.  Dad decides to buy a boat and go on a year-long sailing adventure around the Bahamas.  but what happens when they are gone is mind-blowing craziness... lost a sea, missing person, insane storm, the whole works!

Review: Great book!!!  You won't be able to put it down and do not, I repeat, do NOT read the last chapter ahead of time. The tension between the dad and the oldest son is realistic and you will just be hooked!

I give this a five out of five.  And it reminds me of The Young Man and the Sea (but WAY more action).