Title:       Big Bad Ironclad

Author:    Nathan Hale

Target:     Grades 4-7

Series:      Yes

Posted by Will

What this book is about:

Big Bad Ironclad is a graphic novel about Nathan Hale.  Hale is a spy during the Revolutionary war and is about to be hung.  He can see the future so he avoids the hanging by telling the hangman stories about the history of the United States.  The story in this book is about the first ironclads in the civil war, warships covered in iron plates to better withstand attacks. The North builds the Monitor and the South builds the Virginia, two almost unstoppable ironclads.  Who will be able to win the battle of the two ironclads?  Read the book to find out.

Why I liked this book:

I liked this book because it is funny and has lots of action.  Even though it is a true story, there are a few made up conversations that make the book really humorous and a little silly.  There are also many battles in the ocean which adds action and excitement.  I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!

You will like this book if you enjoy:

Origami Yoda

Fake Mustache

Title:         Ranger's Apprentice

Author:     John Flanagan

Target:      Grades 4 - 6

Series:       Yes

Posted by Will

What this book is about:
In the medieval times, an orphaned boy, Will, lives as the ward at Castle Redmont.  Wards are chosen to apprentice with craftsmen and soldiers, and Will is getting worried that he will not be chosen by the battle school master Sir Rodney.  When choosing day arrives, Will’s worst fears come true when none of the masters select him.  However, a mysterious ranger named Halt, suddenly appears.  Will is to become a ranger’s apprentice and learn all the skills the rangers know, until he becomes one himself.  Rangers are silent protectors of the kingdom and there is a large battle brewing against Morgarath, who tried to take over the kingdom years before. Morgarath had unleashed the Kalkara, beasts beyond imagination.  The rangers must stop these beasts.  How they will do it?  Read the book to find out.

Why I like this book:
I liked this book because of the never ending action.  Even during the slowest parts, it’s exciting!  The story starts with a lot of suspense and stays that way until the very end.  Another reason I liked this book is because of the main character, Will.  Will seemed like a nice kid, always trying his best.  And of course, any character named Will has to be cool. 

You will like this book if you enjoy:
The False Prince

Title:         The Kid Who Ran for President

Author:      Dan Gutman

Target:      4th-6th grade

Series:      There are two books

Posted by Will

What this book is about:

Twelve year old Judson Moon is running for President of the United States. It’s all a joke to Judson.  But his best friend Lenny is serious and will do whatever he can to make Judson win.  Once Judson collects the two thousand signatures he needs to be on the ballot in Wisconsin, his house is surround by reporters, he is on the news and has letters pouring in from across the country.  Then he is invited to a debate with the two other candidates, President White and Senator Dunn.  Can Judson really get enough votes to become president of the United States?

Why I like this book:

I like this book because it was funny.  I laughed practically every other page!  Judson was always himself and joked around (even in important situations.)  If Judson was serious, I never would have laughed at all.  He was such a great character.  Who knew a kid could run for president?  Overall this was a great book. =)      

You will like this book if you enjoy:

Genius Files

The Homework Machine

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

Title:          Fake Mustache

Author:      Tom Angleberger

Target:       3rd grade-5th grade

Series:        No

Posted By Will
 
What this book is about:
What happens when Casper Bengue buys a fake mustache?  Not just any fake mustache but the Heidelberg Handlebar Number Seven, at a cost of $139.99.  Now Casper uses his new disguise to rob banks and then uses the money to buy the Heidelberg Novelty Company. Casper takes on the new nickname Fako Mustacho.  When Casper decides to run for president of the U.S.A., it’s up to Lenny Flem Jr. to save the United States Presidential Election.  Don’t forget about Jodie O’Rodeo, the only other person that didn’t fall for Casper’s genius plot.  Can she and Lenny save the U.S.A?

Why I like it:

 I liked this book because of how funny and absurd it was.  Since when was a 7th grader supposed to be a mad genius criminal mastermind?  Also, why did everybody but two kids fall for a totally obvious plot?  Who knew that all this could happen because of a short man about town suit and a fake mustache! 

You will like this book if you enjoyed:
Science Fair