Title:           The Sea of Trolls

Author:       Nancy Farmer

Target:       5th-7th grade

Series:        Yes, a trilogy

Posted by Ford

What this book is about: 

Jack, a hard working farm boy in Saxon England, is asked to become the local bard’s apprentice. While studying together, he learns that the bard has been plagued by nightmares sent from an enemy troll-queen, Frith. He learns that the queen has sent an army of berserkers from the north to attack Jack’s village and kill the bard.  When the berserkers come, Jack is able to save the village, but gets captured, along with his sister Lucy.  After unwittingly using a spell that causes the troll queen’s hair to fall out, Jack must go on a quest to find the spell that will bring it back, with the queen holding his sister’s life in the balance.

Why I like it: 

This book’s adventures are wonderfully described and are a thrill to read. The author’s excellent storytelling makes this story sound like a true Norse Myth. There are trolls, dragons, longships and many more things relating to the Norse Gods. 

You will like this book if you enjoyed: 

The Ear, the Eye and the Arm
Odd and the Frost Giants
Lord of the Rings

Title:          Nerd Camp

Author:       Elissa Brent Weissman

Target:        4th Grade to 6th Grade

Series:         No

Posted by Will

What this book is about:

Ten year old Gabe is going to get a stepbrother, and he is very excited to have a sibling.  When he meets Zack, his new stepbrother, he finds a problem.  They have completely different interests. Gabe thinks school is awesome and loves books, but Zack hates school and loves video games.  When Gabe finds out he’s been accepted into the Summer Center for Gifted Enrichment, he fears that he and Zack will never be friends.  Is Gabe a nerd who only has nerdy adventures, or can he make camp cool? 

Gabe starts the following chart to see if nerdy or cool will win out:

Problem:Am I a nerd who only has nerdy adventure?

Hypothesis: No

THINGS I CAN TELL ZACK            THINGS I CAN'T TELL ZACH

(I am not a nerd)                                     (I am a nerd)

        I am going to sleep away camp               It is the Summer Center for Gifted Enrichment

Why I like this book:
I liked this book because of all Gabe’s fun adventures at camp.   One of my favorite adventures was color war.  It’s when the camp splits up into teams and competes in all sorts of challenges.  Some examples are: field day, obstacle course, and jeopardy!  There was also a scavenger hunt, but they can’t find one item on the list which could blow their chances of winning!  Read Nerd Camp to find out if nerdy or cool wins out.  

You will like this book if you enjoyed:
The Genius Files