The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

The Lemonade War is the fourth book I read for literature in school this year.

When Evan Treski and his little sister, Jessie, get a letter informing them that they are both going to be in the same fourth grade class, Jessie is thrilled but Evan is angry. The normal fun that he and Jessie have won't be happening.When Evan has a lemonade stand with one of his friends, one of the things he always does with Jessie, she decides to make her own lemonade stand to try to win Evan back. Evan senses rivalry and his anger ends up getting him and Jessie in an all out lemonade war.
This war leads the siblings into thieveries and sabotage. Who will be victorious in this battle?

This was a strong story that showed that even siblings that get along great will have fights. I liked how the book was told from two different points of view--Jessie's and Evan's. It was cool how they were so different, but had a strong bond. I can't wait to read about Evan and Jessie's adventures in the rest of the series.

Me and Mister P. by Maria Farrer

I received a copy of Me and Mister P. from Sky Pony Press to review on my blog. I want to thank Sky Pony Press for all the cool books they have sent me. 

Arthur's little brother, Liam, is considered odd compared to most kids. He is over sensitive and gets all of his parents attention. When Arthur has finally had enough, he decides to run away from home.  Just then, a friendly polar bear appears that stops him in his tracks. Its name is Mister P. And with a suitcase full of fish and a big heart, he will help Arthur see his brother in a whole new light.

This is a fun read that I think a lot of kids will enjoy.  I liked how Mister P. seemed scary at first, but turned out to be nice. It was funny how Mister P. was so big Arthur had to keep finding ways to get him from one place to another.  Mister couldn't talk but always seemed to understand what was happening. This was a great book with a powerful ending and a good moral.  I would definitely recommend it.

The Amber Amulet by Craig Silvey

I received a copy of The Amber Amulet from Sky Pony Press to review on my blog. I want to thank Sky Pony Press for all the cool books they have sent me.

This book is about a boy named Liam McKenzie who, at ten years old, protects his neighborhood under the cover of darkness as the Masked Avenger. After years of research, he has discovered that different rocks could grant someone superhuman powers. But when he senses a sadness in civilian, he steals his mother's amber amulet.  Amber is known to protect the bearer from sadness and Liam gives it to the strange woman. By trying to do right, he makes more wrongs. How will he make things right and learn the true meaning of being a hero?

This was a shorter read that I think would be good for beginner readers. It was a fun book with a good message. I liked how Liam always tried to do the right thing, even if he did something wrong by accident. I think this book can inspire kids to help others because they want to ,not because they have to.

Detectives In Togas by Henry Winterfeld

Detectives in Togas is the third book I read for literature in school this year.

This book is about the boys of the Xanthos School. When the words "Cauis is a dumbell" appear on the wall of a sacred temple, Rufus, one of the boys, imemediately gets falsely accused for defacing the temple. The reason behind it is that Rufus made fun of Caius the previous day by writing the same words on a tablet in the classroom.

When Rufus goes to jail, with death on the line, the rest of the boys must race to find the real criminal.  But first, they must get past false accusations, life threatening things, and the fact that they are just kids.

I had to read this book for school, but it made the subject very enjoyable. I loved how the mystery kept taking turns that continued to have suspense over what would happen. It was cool how, even though they were just kids, they solved a mystery that would have been hard for a professional to solve. It was fun reading about kids growing up in Roman times, even if it was a fictional story.  I can't wait to read the sequel and see what the boys solve next.

Project Droid: My Robot Ate My Homework by Nancy E. Krulik

I received a copy of Project Droid: My Robot Ate My Homework from Sky Pony Press to review on my blog.  I want to thank Sky Pony Press for all the cool books they have sent me. 

Project Droid is a series of books and My Robot Ate My Homework is the third book in the series.

This book is about a boy named Logan. He was an only child until his mom invented a robot cousin that acted like a human. Java (the robot) acts pretty normal, but sometimes takes things too literally. Logan isn't the smartest kid in the class, so when he tricks Java into doing his homework for him, it seems like a great idea. But when a geography bee about their homework assignments comes up, Logan regrets not studying. Now Logan must figure out how to win the geography bee and prevent being labeled a cheater.

I found this book to be a great story.  I especially liked how Java took everything so literally, like hitting a high note but with your hand.  It was funny how something seemed like it would be easy, but the choice of words makes it so different and caused problems for Logan and Java.

My Robot Ate My Homework was a really fun book that made me want to continue reading the series. I am going to have to go to the library and check out the other books in the series.  I think this book series would be good for older elementary schoolers or as a first chapter book series for anyone who likes funny books.

Swindle by Gordon Korman

This book is about a boy named Griffin, who is known in his town as the man with a plan. When Griffin and his best friend Ben make a plan to stay overnight in the abandoned Rockford house that is about to be destroyed, Griffin hits the jackpot when he finds a old baseball card. He assumes it will be worth millions, but when a collector tells it isn't worth much and buys it for cheap, Griffin is down hearted.

A few days later, the collector appears on TV boasting on how much money he is going to make off the baseball card. The man with a plan will not let him get away with it, so he is going to steal it back with a team of friends and enemies. But obstacles stand in their way--like an enormous guard dog, a high tech security system, and the card's secret hiding place. 

This book was a really good combination of a thriller and a mystery novel. I liked how no matter what happened, Griffin always had a plan. I really loved Luthor, the guard dog, he was a cute addition to the story. There are seven books in the series and I can't wait to read them all.

The Bad Guys Series by Aaron Blabey

The Bad Guys series is about a wolf named Mr. Wolf and his pals, Mr. Shark, Mr. Snake and Mr. Piranha. These naturally bad creatures have decided to stop being evil and unite as heroes and become good guys. To prove themselves worthy of the name "Good Guys", the guys will have to do various acts of kindness such as:

• Breaking out the dogs from the local pound.
• Freeing thousands of chickens.
• And stopping the evil mastermind guinea pig.

Will the bad guys complete these tasks and be heroes?

I think this series is hilarious! All of the books are action packed and full of laughs. Even in life or death situations, the author makes it funny. I also like how the evil mastermind is a guinea pig who hates cuteness even though he is adorable.

There are already four books in the series and two more in the making. I can't wait to continue reading the adventure of the Bad Guys.

Slacker by Gordon Korman

When video game expert and everyday slacker, Cameron Boxer, gets so wrapped up in a game, he almost lets his house burn down around him. His parents say he has to join a club after school or he won't get to compete in his dream video game competition, Rule The World.

He and his two best friends make a fake club called the Positive Action Group. Instead of doing good deeds, they slack off and play video games. But when some other people want to join and the guidance counselor wants in on this club, Cameron must turn their slacker club into an active club devoted to helping others.

This book showed me how much a person could change because of one simple thing and illustrated how a middle schooler's life could actually happen. A lot of Gordon Korman's books are about things that could happen in real life to ordinary people. When I read this book, it seemed like I was in the book and I could understand what the main character was going through.  I really enjoy Gordon Korman's different series and this book was a good single story too!

Fourth-Grade Fuss by Johanna Hurwitz

I was just browsing the library shelves when I picked up this book. The cover illustration looked cool and I decided to check it out.

This story is about a 10 year old boy named Julio Sanchez and his hilarious, jellybean-loving friend, Lucas Cott. When Julio gets put in the rumored smart kids class, he begins to worry about the tests he will have to take at the end of the year. Lucas is calm and tries to help Julio not worry about it. Julio doesn't think he will be prepared for the test. It doesn't help his nerves when all the other classes start prepping for the test. Will Julio fail the test?  Will he have to repeat fourth grade? And will Lucas eat enough jellybeans to survive?

This book was quite funny. I liked how there were a couple of stories that all were part of the picture. The characters in this book could accomplish a lot for being in fourth grade. I enjoyed the problems Julio had to face and overcome. I think the author did a really good job writing a book that appeals to both boys and girls.

No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman

I really wasn't sure about reading this book.  I like Gordon Korman's books, but this one didn't stand out to me.  My mom insisted I try it anyhow and I am really glad she did.

Wallace Wallace is the most honest person you will ever meet. Ever since he was little, he has told the truth and nothing but the truth. One day, his truth telling abilities go too far when he tells his English teacher what he really thinks about the about an assigned book, which happens to be their teacher's favorite one Old Shep My Pal.

As his punishment, he has to serve detention at the play rehearsal for Old Shep My Pal until he writes a proper book report. As he serves detention, he uses his truth telling skills to give his opinion and ends up changing the play from the boring original to what he thinks it should be.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. The storyline, the action, the emotion, it all just clicked for me. I loved how every chapter and every part was told by a different character resembling a different point of view. I liked how Wallace's truth telling skills were good, but sometimes it backfired on him.  The characters were so real and how they were described showed what they looked like in my head. I really hope Gordon Korman writes a sequel to this one.

I Survived ... Series by Lauren Tarshis

The "I Survived" series is about fictional kids living during real live events like the sinking of the Titanic and the Great Chicago Fire. In each one, you learn about the actual event that is going on and the characters in it.  Besides being good reads, these books also teach you a lot about what was happening at that point in time.

Some of my favorites are:

I Survived The Battle of Gettysburg - In this book, Thomas and his little sister, Birdie, are born and raised slaves. One day, they run away and march with an army to war.

I Survived Hurricane Katrina - In this book, when Hurricane Katrina hits, Barry and his dog are stuck on an overturned car to wait out the storm.

I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor - In this book, a boy named Danny is trapped on the Hawaiian shore at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attack begins.

I loved all the books and hope the author comes out with more. There are currently 15 books in the series and a side series called I Survived True Stories.  I think these stories would appeal to both boys and girls who enjoy history or historical fiction.

Jackie Ha-Ha by James Patterson

I wasn't sure how much I would like this book when I first picked up. The pink cover with girl as the main character almost turned me away, but since it was by James Patterson, one of my favorite authors, I decided to give it a shot.

This is about a girl named Jacky Hart who is telling her daughters about her childhood as Jacky Ha-Ha. She loves to make people laugh, even with her stutter, but makes a promise atop a ferris wheel to try and be more mature. With her mom gone and dad doing something fishy, Jacky and her sisters are left running and cleaning the house. How will Jacky survive when the new English teacher wants her to try out for the school play and make a speech in public?

Even though this book did not appear to be what I normally read, I really enjoyed it. I like how, even though she lived with many sisters, the littlest one was practically in charge. I love how the funny storyline also had some mystery in it. I think that this book is meant to show that you should you can't accomplish anything without believing in yourself first. I'm excited to read the next one when it comes out and I think all kids who enjoy James Patterson books will enjoy this one too.

Galactic Hot Dogs 3: Revenge of the Space Pirates by Max Brallier

For my birthday in August, my aunt and uncle sent me the first two books in the Galactic Hot Dogs series.  They also pre-ordered me the third.  It was released on 24-October and arrived in my mailbox the same day.  I spent last night staying up to finish it!

In the third installment of the Galactic Hot Dogs series, Humphree has just won the hot dog eating contest when a space pirate named Rani kidnaps Cosmo.  Rani is the same space pirate who originally brought him to space and she's back to finish out her plans.  While on Rani's ship, the Looting Star, Cosmo dreams about his past and how he first came to space.  When he realizes that the reason he was kidnapped was for his rubbery friend, Goober, he starts to get suspicious.  Who is it that really wants Goober and how will Cosmo protect his friend?

I really loved the first two books in the series already, and I think this one is even better.  I love how it shares Cosmo's origin story which he doesn't want to talk about in the first two books, and I like knowing how the whole adventure came to be.  Even though there were several new characters introduced in this story, the author did a great job explaining their stories so the reader could easily follow along.  It's also funny how Cosmo uses Earth references and the space people don't understand what he is saying.

Kids who enjoy books like Stick Dog series, Creature from My Closet series, or The 13 Story Treehouse series will also really love the Galactic Hot Dogs series.  It's a hysterical read that keeps you turning the pages.  I highly recommend reading this series in order, and I hope the author writes a fourth book in this series.

The Cay by Theodore Taylor

The Cay by Theodore Taylor is the second book I read for literature this school year.

With war raging around him, including the seas, Philip and his mother race to escape their island home and head back to the United States.  When the boat carrying them to safety is hit by a torpedo, his whole world changes.  With only Timothy, an elderly African sailor, and Stewcat, the cook's pet cat, as his companions, Philip must learn how to survive on a deserted island while he hopes for a chance of rescue.

While I was assigned The Cay to read as a school novel, I really enjoyed it.  I'm looking forward to reading the sequel which tells Timothy's backstory and Philip's future.  Even though it is a single book, each chapter felt like its own individual story and helped add on to the big picture.  Philip's island adventure felt like it could have really happened and it was interesting to see how his relationship with Timothy changed over the story.  I also liked how Stewcat was always there when Philip needed him, like he was Philip's loyal pet.

Hamstersaurus Rex by Tom O'Donnell

At the start of the school year, Sam Gibbs' sixth grade class mysteriously acquires a hamster.  Having a class pet will be fun, won't it?  When the hamster begins to growl, Sam decides the perfect name for the hamster is "Hamstersaurus Rex"!  Everyone is extremely psyched about their new furry friend, but not even 10 minutes into class, Hamstersaurus Rex escapes.  Sam and his best friend Dylan are determined to find him before the school bully does first.  But when the hamster gets into the Dino-Blast Power-Packer Ultimate Muscle Mix, that's when Hamstersaurus Rex begins to change and the real adventure begins.

I really loved this book!  I thought it was adorable because, after he ate the muscle mix, Hamstersaurus Rex turned into his own breed of tiny dinosaur.  For a small guy, he could roar really loudly and he could eat over 100 times his own weight!  Although there weren't a ton of pictures, the ones in the book really helped tell the story and added to the humor.  My favorite picture was when the illustrator compared the main character's hair to a narwhal or a sad unicorn.

I discovered that this is the first book in a series.  The second one is out already and the third comes out in January.  I can't wait to read both of those.

Rocket and Groot: Stranded on Planet Strip Mall! by Tom Angleberger

Tom Angleberger is one of my favorite authors and Guardians of the Galaxy is one of my favorite movies.  When I saw that Rocket and Groot: Stranded on Planet Strip Mall was out, it was on my must-read list.

This book is about Rocket and Groot, two members of the Guardians of the Galaxy and former criminals, and their tape dispenser, Veronica.  After getting attacked by space pirahnas, the three crash land onto an uncharted planet called "Planet Strip Mall".  Searching for food, water, dry cleaning services, and a way off the planet, the trio wanders into many stores where they repeatedly get attacked by robots and toilets.  How will they survive?  Will they get off the planet?  And will Rocket ever get to use the bathroom again?

I think was one of Tom Angleberger's best books, and I really like his other books!  I thought it was really hilarious that these former master criminals were getting beaten by robots and toilets.  I also loved how it was Rocket and Groot, and a tape dispenser, that were fighting the battles.  The doodle-style of the illustrations was perfect match for the silliness of the story as well as telling parts of the actual story.  I think kids who like Marvel would really like this book and I can't wait to read the sequel!

Pottymouth and Stoopid by James Patterson

I was browsing at the library when I found a newer James Patterson book that I hadn't read yet.  Since I really like his other books, I decided to check it out.

Pottymouth and Stoopid is about two friends named Michael and David who received the nicknames "Pottymouth" and "Stoopid" back in preschool.  The problem is, the boys are in now in seventh grade and are still stuck with these nicknames.  Everyone they know thinks the nicknames are true, but they aren't.  The boys go on a mission to prove that they are much more than these silly descriptives, but it's not as easy as they think.  Will a new tv show, surprisingly similar to their lives, help or hurt their cause?

This is a really awesome book!  I think it is one of James Patterson's best novels.  I think it describes a lot of bullied middle school students' lives and I hope it will encourage kids to be more like Michael and David and stand up for themselves against whatever is holding them down.  Besides a good message, I think it is a hilarious book that a lot of kids will enjoy.  The trouble the boys get into, the ridiculous words that David makes up, and the nearly impossible stunts they pull make this a really fun read.

The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli

The Door in the Wall was the first book I read for literature this school year.

When a boy named Robin gets sick and loses the use of his legs, and his parents leave to serve the king and queen, Robin must figure out how to survive.  He is cared for by several monks during this time.  When Robin must reunite with his parents, he sets out on a journey to find them and hopefully regain the use of his legs.  But a war is raging around them and presents other obstacles in their mission.

I really enjoyed this book, although I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it in one sitting instead of over the course of a school assignment.  I liked how, even though Robin was crippled, he still believed in himself and could do the things he needed to do to undertake his journey.  I found it interesting that many of the skills used in the book are still skills used today, like when Robin and one of the monks made his crutches using woodcarving.

The Forbidden Temptation of Baseball by Dori Jones Yang

I received a copy of The Forbidden Temptation of Baseball from SparkPoint Studio as part of their Beat the Back-to-School Blues Blog Tour.

This book is based on a true story.  In the 1870s, the Emperor of China sent over 100 boys to America to learn English, go to college, and come back and modernize China.

In the beginning of this story, a Chinese boy named Woo Ka-Leong and his elder brother, Woo Ka-Sun are chosen for the Chinese Educational Mission.  They travel to America to live with a new family, the Swanns, in New England, and take up the new names of Leon and Carson.  Leon adapts to American life quickly.  He learns English, he makes friends, he even plays baseball.  Carson has more trouble--he misses China and wants to go home.  He does not like America and Leon fears that he might be going crazy.  Leon is also worried about balancing his Chinese traditions with his new American interests.

I was a little unsure at first with the title because I don't like baseball as much as other sports, but the book was really interesting!  It was not as much about baseball as it was about Leon's life in America.  I felt like the book got good quickly and stayed consistently enjoyable.  It had me excited to continue reading the next chapters.

Even though this book was fictional, it had a lot of real events that happened during the Chinese Educational Mission to America.  The real students did live in homes and attend schools in New England.  They also really attended the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia and met President Grant, and they really played on baseball teams.  The director of the program, Yung Wing, is Mr. Yung in the book as well.

I think this book is good for middle schoolers and up, including adults.  Anyone who enjoys historical fiction would enjoy reading about this event in American history that many people don't know about.

Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies by Jonathan Rosen

I received a copy of Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies from Sky Pony Press to review on my blog.

What would you do if your favorite toy came to life?

In Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies, it really happens.  A 12 year old boy named Devin Dexter and his cousin, Tommy, have discovered something odd.  They think that Devin's new neighbor, Herb, is a warlock!  They try all sorts of ideas to prove it, but nevertheless, they fail.  When the brand new toy, the Cuddle Bunny, comes to life, Devin and Tommy are even more convinced that Herb is behind it all.  But no one will believe them!  It's up to Devin and Tommy to stop Herb and prevent the Cuddle Bunnies from taking over the city.

I thought this was a really good book and one of the best books I've read in quite awhile. I like how Devin thinks that Tommy is annoying, but that they must join forces and work together to defeat the Cuddle Bunnies.  I also love how the Cuddle Bunny toy is super cute, so no one expects them to turn evil.  Everyone thinks that Devin and Tommy imagining things.

Kids who like mystery books will definitely enjoy Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies.  I think this would be a great book for Halloween time, and I'm really glad that Sky Pony Press picked my blog to review it.