Tag: BookBirdz

The Giver by Lois Lowry

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GUEST BOOK REVIEW

51frar1pval-_sx300_bo1204203200_The Giver by Lois Lowry is unlike any piece I’ve read before. Jonas is a boy living in a unique community. It appears to be utopia until he learns its secrets. When children in the community turn twelve, they enter adulthood. Then, they receive an assignment that they will upkeep until they enter the “House of the Old”. Jonas is given the rarest assignment of all. With this assignment, he then learns about the pain of the outside world, and some of the things that are happening in the community that no one knows about. When he discovers that Gabriel, an infant who has been living with his family, is doomed because he doesn’t fit into the utopian community, Jonas decides to leave the community and take Gabriel with him. This is a very good, classic book that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime.

~ Asha M., age 14

The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart

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415Wpdo3ejL._SX341_BO1,204,203,200_Twelve-year-old Mark is very ill. Miserable and angry, he runs away from home towards the greatest challenge of his life. Climbing the reputable and daunting Mount Rainier is no easy day hike, even with the “best dog in the world” by your side. Mark, despite his illness, is determined to go up against the beast of a mountain. He leaves his family distraught, and his best friend torn, as she must make an impossible decision in Mark’s best interest. This poignant story is powerful and engrossing. If you’re a softie for heartwarming adventure stories, this is a must read.

 

Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy

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It was 18304322the quip on the front cover of this book that reeled me in while I scoured for new books at our local library. “GO BIG OR GO HOME,” it boasted. Murphy combines quick wit and a cheeky sense of humor in Dumplin’ and the result was both raw and real. Texas-girl Willowdean Dickson is a strong believer that anyone can rock a bikini, no matter her size or shape. When Willowdean falls for her coworker, and he seems to like her back, her self-esteem on her own body image starts to waver. To regain her crown of confidence, she enters the Miss Teen Blue Bonnet beauty pageant, something she swore she’d never do. In a stand for all the dumplins’ and misfits in her small Texas town, Willowdean and a team of other improbable contestants brazenly enter the pageant and march towards the highly treasured winner’s sash. Dumplin’ is not for the faint of heart, and appeals to a high school-level reader. Bold and brilliant, this book is sure to win you over.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

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511Y1shNp+L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_Claudia Kincaid craved adventure, something out-of-the-blue to dishevel her normalcy. Of course, she wanted a comfortable adventure, with class and preferably money. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City was perfect. Thus, it was only right to carefully handpick Jamie, the second youngest of her three younger brothers, the rich sibling, to accompany her. Running away wealthy was the best idea to Claudia, or so she thought. When she and her brother sneak away to the museum, they have no idea what awaits them… an intriguing mystery that is hundreds of years old. This book is one of my ultimate favorites. It is a whimsical, thoughtfully written novel for all ages and genders. Who wouldn’t want to read about what it’s like to temporarily live in a large and famous museum?

45 Pounds (More or Less) by Kelly Barson

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downloadSixteen-year-old Ann Galardi has always had a little extra weight on her body. She is terribly self-conscious, especially in front of her body-shaming mother, who can only be described as a “chubby stick fish”, or so Ann seems to believe. When her aunt announces her wedding date, Ann declares to herself that it’s time to lose weight. And not just a few pounds… but 45 pounds. She dedicates herself to a strict, rigorous diet that induces food cravings so bad, she nearly gives up. Ann learns to survive in a world that judges almost everything, and that it’s the most satisfying feeling to accept yourself, and others, despite appearances.

Moon Over Manifest by Claire Vanderpool

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200px-Moon_Over_Manifest_book_coverHer father and herself have never known a permanent home. No, Abilene Tucker is only familiar with dust, hungriness, and the thud of her heart before she leaps off trains from town to town. But when Abilene’s health takes a scarring turn towards death, her father, without so much as a short explanation, sends her off to the town he lived in for a while when he was young. That summer, she discovers her father’s past in the town, Manifest, that apparently didn’t used to be so dusty and shriveled. Through the stories of a wise old diviner (a fortune-teller), hidden trinkets, and a mission to find the supposed haunting spirit that roams the woods, the mystery she calls her father, is slowly solved.

Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes

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IMG_0383.JPG Happy Holidays, BookBirdz followers! Today I am excited to present a wonderful book review by nine-year-old Emily, who reads occasionally, and wanted to share her favorite book with the world…The book Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes is my favorite book in the world. It is about two siblings, Jerry and Rachel Pye, and their dog, Ginger Pye. One day, Ginger goes missing! Jerry and Rachel are really sad because Ginger was really smart, and a good dog. Almost the whole town searches for Ginger all over, but they can’t find her. The Pye’s think Ginger is gone forever, but they still keep a look out everywhere they go, hoping that maybe their pup will return. It turns out to be a happy ending, and Ginger’s story becomes famous!

*You can write a book review, too! Fly over to The Chirp, and share your favorite books with me… your review may even be published on the BirdBlog! (-Tori)