Emilio F Period 3

Emilio

The Juvie Three

Gordon Korman

Realistic Fiction

Just Right

1. Right now in my book, Gecko, Terence, and Arjay are three juvenile delinquents who have just been given the chance of a lifetime: to escape from juvenile hall. They are presented with the option to live in a halfway house in New York City and if they stay out of trouble for a year, they are off the hook. They gradually learn to like each other and it turns out that Gecko and Arjay are just normal kids who were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Terence however, is determined to return to his gangster ways and plans to meet up with a kid named DeAndre to rob a video game store. That night, while Terence is escaping from the halfway house, Arjay and Gecko find him and try to stop him from his old ways. Mr. Healy, the director of the program and the leader of the halfway house, tries to put Arjay and Terence back in the house and lock them in there. Terence shoves Arjay in to Mr. Healy on the fire escape and hits Mr. Healy three stories down on to a pile of trash cans. Gecko, being the getaway driver for his brother, intends to drive Mr. Healy to the hospital and leave him there as he is on the run from the law. Will he make it in time?

2. I like this book so far because it provides a lot of intense real life experiences from the criminals point of view, showing that sometimes people are forced into committing crimes just from being in that environment.

3. A them in this book so far is partnership or trust because usually when characters meet for the first time, Gordon Korman makes a good point about showing the development in trust and the maturity of a relationship as it grows stronger.

4. Arjay is my favorite character because Gordon Korman has developed this character so much faster than other characters and it doesn't look like his character is going to evolve too much throughout the story. He is definitely  the most normal of all of the juvie three and is the only one the commit their crime by accident.

5. My least favorite character is Terence because he is sort of a poser and doesn't really believe in true friendship. He strives to be the best at every thing he does but almost exceedingly so. He always tries to act like he's all that but he really isn't considering he would sell the rest of the juvie three out for a couple of dollars.

6. I think that Mr. Healy is going to get  better but he will lose his memory because they are definitely going to juvie if they get caught which creates a problem.

Charlie Friesen - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Charlie Friesen
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
J.K. Rowling
Adventure Fiction/Fantasy
Just Right
607 (end)

1. Right now in my book, Harry Potter has finally defeated Voldemort. But not after a long siege that Voldemort was fighting in to try to kill Harry. Harry realized that he needed to destroy Voldemort's snake, Nagini, the last horcrux to finally defeat him. So, when he got to Voldemort's lair, he noticed that Snape was telling to him. At, the end, Voldemort killed Snape and left. Then Harry entered and Snape gave him this certain liquid in which you put into a Pensieve. Then Harry went into the Pensieve and realized that Snape was actually working for Dumbledore after his parents were killed. He then built up enough confidence and confronted Voldemort. Voldemort "killed" him, but because Voldemort had Harry's blood in his veins, he did not really die. So he came "back to life" and was able to kill Voldemort, because Neville Longbottom killed Nagini, the last horcrux.

2. I think that this was a great ending to the book. There were so many twists and turns at the end. Rowling gave nothing away. I knew that Harry would defeat Voldemort in the end, but I did not expect so many plot twists. Rowling definitely kept me guessing to the end. I also like the very end. She had a one of those endings where there is a mini-chapter about the characters lives in the future. Although I do have to say that it was quite obvious that Harry and Ginny were going to be married along with Ron and Hermione. But I like how she shows all the characters a lot wiser and more responsible than they were 19 years ago. Overall, this was the best ending to a series I have ever read.

3. A theme that I have noticed in the end of this book is understanding. Finally there are questions that have answers, not just questions, especially for Harry. When he went into the Pensieve, many, many questions not only about Snape but also about Dumbledore. Also, when Harry "died" Dumbledore visited him while he was in the afterlife. He told Harry the truth about rumors that were circulating around about him. Like how and why his sister died and other ones. When I read these sections, it felt as if I could breathe again and not worry about all these questions without answers.

4. My favorite character would have to be Harry. It seemed as if he knew exactly what to do most of the time. He figured out countless different problems that would take me, or Hermione a long time to figure out what to do. Also, Rowling did not always tell what Harry was thinking. So it made it interesting to guess what was going on inside his head. As well as all this, Harry always seemed to react in the perfect way to a situation, he was selfless. He let himself be "killed" in order to destroy Voldemort. To me, that sounds like a very noble thing to do. I think to anyone that sounds like a noble thing to do. Those words sum up Harry, a noble thing to do.

5. My least favorite character was, of course, Voldemort. He was Harry's arch enemy, he was the opposite of what everything Harry stood for. He was horrible to listen to. Although I have not read Harry Potter in a while, I do not know why Tom Riddle decided to become a homicidal maniac. It does not make sense, does he not like Mudbloods, or does he have a grudge, I do not know, or cannot remember. I do not like people who do not have good reasons. And that is just one of the many things that I hold against Voldemort. There is obviously the homicide part, the arrogance, the hatred towards anything but a pureblood, the list goes on and on and on. But know Voldemort is at peace with himself, and the world, he is dead!

6. I have finished not only the book, but the whole Harry Potter series, so I cannot make a prediction of what happens next, other than make an estimation of what Harry is going to be like after the books are finished. Because Rowling gave us a look into the future of Harry at the end of this one, I will base my "prediction" off that. I think that Harry and Ginny will live a happy life together and theirs sons James and Albus will grow up to be great wizards, while their daughter, Lily, becomes a great witch. Harry will be friends with Ron and Hermione will be friends for the rest of their lives. Harry will die in peace, THE END.

A.J. Ward

A.J. Ward
Skeleton Key
Anthony Horowitz
Realistic Fiction
Holiday
page 17



Right now in the book Crawley is picking meeting Alex Rider at one of his soccer games. Alex Rider is a 14 year old MI6 secret agent. Crawley is also an MI6 (British Intelligence Agency) agent, but much older. Cawley is letting Alex know that they are going to send him on another mission. Alex is not exactly overjoyed, he wants to just live a normal life.

So far I think that the book is okay. I haven't read too much yet, but not a lot has happened. And when there was some action the author was kind of obscure and I didn't know what was really going on. I think that the book will get better though. Usually in these books they start off a little slow and then pick up as you get deeper into them.

A theme I have noticed so far in the book is betrayal. In the first chapter the author started the book by giving you a scenario that seems unrelated to the real story but ends up tying it all together. In the beginning to men fly to a remote island to drop off radioactive bomb grade uranium. After they have delivered it their plane mysteriously doesn't take off and instead as if by its own accord falls into the swap. Everyone aboard is eaten by alligators. Whoever ordered the uranium betrayed the sellers.

My favorite character is Alex. He hasn't done much in this book yet, however from the last books I know that he is brave and quick-thinking. That is exactly what it takes to do what he does and I think that it is cool that he always uses those skills.

My least favorite character is General Sarov. It doesn't clearly say if he is the on who bought/stole (because the money will never get to the person who actually sold it) the uranium. If he is the the one who bought it then he would also be responsible for the deaths of the people on the plane. Technically everyone that died was a criminal, but this still makes Sarov my least favorite character.

Next, I think that Crawley will try to recruit Alex on a mission. The mission will most likely be stopping General Sarov if he did purchase the uranium. Alex will probably resist at first because he wants some time to just hang-out at home and with his friends, who could blame him, but eventually he will agree to go on the mission.

Shelby Robin

As You Wish Jackson Pearce Fantasy Holiday 230 1. Right now in my book Viola, the main character, her friend Lawrence, and her other friend Jinn, who is also her genie which in book is called a jinn, are at Lawrence's house. Viola accidentally summoned Jinn and now she has one wish left, because she has already used her first two. Viola was taking an extremely long time making her wishes and Jinn was getting worried about how his relationship with Viola was more than master and servant. So when an ifrit comes and asks if he wants a press on her (which is when another jinn comes and creates an event that will make her need to use her wish) he says yes. But later he realizes he dosn't want them to press her because if she uses all her wishes he has to go back to his world and she will forget him forever. He doesn't want that to happen because he really likes Viola. So, they are hiding at Lawrence's house from the ifrit who will probably use Lawrence to press Viola. They have decided to go outside and roast marshmallows. 2. I love this book. I like how friendship creeps up in places the characters didn't expect. Also, I really liked show the book switches back and fourth between Viola's and Jinn's perspective. It is cool to hear what they are both thinking about and gives the story more depth. I really like reading the book even more at the parts that Jinn is at because he is a really cool and interesting character. 3. The theme of this book is feeling friendship. I think that is the main theme because in a lot of the book, Viola feels that like she is invisible since her and her boyfriend broke up. She was wishing so strongly not to feel invisible and to feel whole that she summoned Jinn, which is what the whole story is really about, her and Jinn's friendship. Will Viola and Jinn be able to stay friends. 4. My favorite character is Jinn. One, it is really cool that he is a jinn (genie). But not only that, he so badly wants to stay on earth and be able to have friends (jinn relationships can never be as real as human relationships). He seems really nice and would make a really good friend. 5. My least favorite character is Aaron. Viola makes a wish that Jinn fulfills by making Aaron fall in love with her. Even though Aaron is a really nice, popular, funny guy, he doesn't understand Viola even though he loves her. He doesn't understand her love of painting and doesn't notice when she doesn't want to do something, like see a scary movie or go to a party. 6. My prediction is that Viola, Jinn, and Lawrence will think of a wish Viola can make that will make Jinn able to stay on earth. The wish I think she will make is I wish Jinn and me can stay friends.

Jessica N.

Jessica Nar
The Pretty Committee Strikes Back
Lisi Harrison
Realistic Fiction
Just Right

1. In this book, there are a lot of things going on. This is the 5th book in the Clique series, and I am enjoying it so far. It is about 5 girls from the Octavian Country Day School that is taking a field trip to Lake Placid. Claire Lyon finally gets into the "pretty committee" which she has been trying to convince Massie Block that she should be part of. Claire still isn't completely sure if she is totally in, or if they are just going to tell her that she is in, but then make fun of her behind her back. In the "clique", it consists of Kristen Gregory, Dylan Marvil, Alicia Rivera, Claire Lyons, and Massie Block the leader of the group. When they find out about this field trip, they get very exited. Unfortunately, Kristin finds out that she can't afford to go on this trip, so she has to stay home all by herself while everyone goes. Claire has a boyfriend named Cam who is avoiding her because he heard that she kissed another boy. Massie is having boy problems herself because she lied to everyone saying that she had kissed her boyfriend, so they want to learn how. She volunteers to teach a kissing clinic, but doesn't know how. Then Derrick Massie's boyfriend breaks up with Massie because she won't kiss him but is telling everyone that she has. "

2. So far into the book, I am enjoying it. It is mainly for girls to read, because it is explained from a girl's point of view about boys. There are a lot of problems going on in the book, which is why it is good. There aren't really that much boring parts, because of all of the conflicts they have. Overall, this book is pretty good.

3. So far into the book, the main theme that I have noticed a lot is friendship. The friendships are with both girls and boys. Massie and Claire both have there own boyfriends, names Derrick and Cam, and those are two examples of friendships. Also another big friendship is between 5 girls. They are all in a "clique", which they are all friends. That is another big friendship that I read a lot in the book.

4. My favorite character is Claire Lyon. She is my favorite character, because I know her a lot since she is one of the main characters. I didn't choose Massie Block as my favorite character, because she lies to everyone saying that she has kissed her boyfriend, even though she didn't, and she will most likely get in trouble when someone finds out that she was lying. On the other hand, Claire doesn't lie to her friends about anything, and she is nice and helpful. She cares about her boyfriend, and she tries to stop a rumor that goes around the school all the way to her boyfriend that is that Claire kissed another guy. That is why Claire Lyon is my favorite character in the book.

5. My least favorite character is Massie Block, even though she is one of the main characters in the book. She is my least favorite because she always lies to everyone to make herself look and feel good. She lies that she has kissed her boyfriend even though she hasn't which will probably start a big fight, and everyone will hate her.

6. Next in the book, I think that Massie Block will get caught for lying to everybody in the school, and trying to make her own group about how to kiss, and she hasn't even kissed anyone. She told everyone that she knows how to kiss, which is why they believed her, and they are going to attend the clinic that Massie is holding. Massie will eventually have to give up, and they will find out that she has never kissed someone, and that will cause a fight. Massie will be hated for a long time by everyone, and that will not be good. That is what I think is going to happen next in this book.

Timmy Jaung
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J.K. Rowling
Holiday
Page: 148

1. Right now in the book, Harry Potter is learning on how to fly a broomstick from Madam Hooch and she specifically said not to start flying yet until she gave the signal. However, Neville Longbottom, a clumsy boy in Harry's year stared flying by accident and breaks his wrist. When Madam Hooch brings him up to the hospital wing, Malfoy, Harry's arch nemesis picks up Neville's rememberall, a glass ball that glows red whenever you forget something. Harry tells Malfoy to give it to him, but Malfoy glides up into the air and tells Harry to "come and get it."

2. Right now, I really enjoy the story. It has a witty plot and reminds me of another book I read a long time ago, but I can't remember the name of it or the series. There were no parts in the book that were boring or slow. Every moment had me wanting to read more.

3. The theme of this book is freedom because For his entire life, Harry had been locked in his room in his aunt and uncle's house. His real parents had been murdered by Lord Voldemort, the most powerful dark wizard at the time and somehow, he survived the curse that should have killed him and it left a lightning bolt shaped scar on his forehead. Anyway, when Harry finds out that he is a wizard, he goes to Hogwarts, which is a boarding school and he is free to do the things he could never do when he was in the Dursley's house because they hated him for being a wizard.

4.My favorite character is Ron Weasley because he is entertaining. He is not the best wizard, but he saved his friend Hermionie Granger with Harry's help from a 10 foot tall troll.

5. My least favorite character is Malfoy because he is mean to everyone. He thinks that everyone not in Slytherin, 1 of the 4 houses in Hogwarts is stupid and has a lesser status than he. Malfoy thinks of himself highly and is spoiled because he is rich.

6. I predict that Harry will also fly up into the air and go after Malfoy, but that doesn't say much seeing that I have seen the movie and I already know what will happen.

Zoe Hutcher

Zoe Hutcher
Lock and Key
Sarah Dessen
Realistic Fiction
Challenge
187

1. Right now in my book the main character, Ruby, us just getting situated into her new living environment. Recently, her mom left her and she was moved in to live with her sister who she has not talked to or seen in ten years. She also does not want to tell anyone what is going on because she does not trust anyone. She does not trust anyone because she hasn't had anyone to trust in ten years when her sister left for college.

2. I think this book really makes you appreciate having a family. It makes you see that you have people behind you if something goes wrong. You don't have to fend for yourself. In the book Ruby does not have anyone behind her if something goes wrong.

3. I think the theme in this book is depending. It does not really pop right out at you but I think that since Ruby went so long without anyone to depend on it is hard for her to depend on her. I think it is hard for her to depend on her sister and brother in law because her mom left her and she does not want to be hurt again.

4. My favorite character is Jamie, Ruby's brother in law. He is my favorite character because he realizes that it is really weird for the two sisters to be reuniting after ten years. he is also the piece make in the way that when they don't all agree on something Jamie comes to save the day.

5. My least favorite character is Ruby best friend Peyton. She is my least favorite character because she does not seem like she is a good friend for Ruby. She seems like out of everyone she could have chosen to be her friend she is the least trustworthy.

6. I think that Ruby is going to ask her sister why she stopped calling her. I think this because at a party her sisters friends were there and she was talking to them and they said she tried to stay in touch with her.

Margot Hahn
Along for the Ride
Sarah Dessen
Realistic Fiction
Holiday
275

1. In my book right now the main character Auden is visiting her dad at his ocean side house during the summer of being a freshman in college. Auden never really talks to her dad or visits him because she lives mostly with her mom who is a teacher at a very good college called the U. Auden's father is writing a book that he has been working on for 10 years and is always in his study working on it. Leaving Auden, with his new wife and her new born baby girl who is very colicky. Thisbe is the baby's name and she always cries and is very hard to get settled down. Auden stays up very late every night away from the house so she doesnt have to put up with Thisbe's behavior. Auden's father though has a very strict schedule and he needs 9 hours of sleep everynight so he doesn't help Heidi(his wife) with their baby and she is sleep deprived and can't handle anymore. Heidi has a store called clementines and it is a tourist shop off of the boardwalk that is all pretty in pink. One day Auden came home and saw all of Heidi's books open that handle her accounting and Auden heard the baby upstairs crying so decided to help out. From then on Heidi hired Auden to work at Clementines to do her books for the summer. After she finishes work she meets this guy named Eli at his bike shop every day around midnight. Eli and her go around town doing errands and eating at this Laundromat that has great pie and coffee. Eli a few years before got in a tragic accident and won't talk to anyone. In this accident he and his friend Abe were struck by a car on the side of their car and Abe died. Abe and Eli were inseperable and did everything together and they were both great bike riders, and could do flips and everything and they won quite a few competitions as well. But after Abe died, Eli gave up on everything he didn't go to college, doesn't ride bikes anymore, and doesn't talk to anyone ever, except for Auden. A few nights ago Eli kissed Auden when they decided to go to a club for part of Auden's quest. Auden wasn't really a kid during highschool because she was so focused on school work, so Eli is helping Auden get to have a childhood. So during one day of their quest Auden was delivering her newspapers and heard Heidi and her father fighting and how she was kicking him out. Auden cried and ran back to Eli and they went back to his place. Eli said that his mom makes his sisters rice krispies treats when they are crying so thats what he did. That night Auden fell asleep on Eli's chest and walked home. When she walked home her father was leaving through the door with a bag because he was spending a few nights at a hotel.

2. I like this book but I dont like it as much as I like other books. It is a little too slow for me, but I like the characters and the setting. There isn't really a Antagonist either so its at some parts it's hard to stay intrigued because your not really waiting for anything to happen its more like just reading.

3. I have noticed friendship as a major theme in this book because Auden didn't have a social life in highschool it was all books. So when she met friends here and told Eli about this he is letting her live her childhood. Also, she is learning how some people have different sides to them like Maggie does. Maggie has the whole girly side and then shes brilliant.

4. My favorite character is Maggie because she is so diverse, and isn't kept quiet. She isn't afraid to say what she's thinking she just says it. She also has many different sides and sort of has the best of both worlds. Maggie is very, very smart and is going to a really good college but she also is the manager of a fashion boutique.

5.Auden's dad is my least favorite character because he is really selfish and only cares about himself and he depends on Auden and Heidi to take care of him and he never says thankyou. I dont know why anyone would get married to him because he seems like the worst person you could ever meet

6.I think Eli and Auden are going to get into a serious relationship and she will drag him out of his little slump he's in and come with her to college.

Hannah Crowley

Hannah Crowley
Things Hoped For
Andrew Clements
Realistic Fiction
Just Right
Page: 126

1) At the moment many things are happening in the book Things Hoped For. Right now Robert, the main character's, Mia's, friend is over. They have decided to make dinner and Robert offered to get something from the freezer in the utility room. When he came back he looked confused and told Mia that she should go look for something herself, but what she found was her grandfather. Her grandfather was dead, in the freezer. After all the police and detectives have left they both are starving so they begin to make omlettes. Next, an invisible man shows up in her house. He talks to them and Mia soon discovers that Robert had once been in the invisible state as well, just as this man is. I'm very interested to read farther into the story.

2) So far I don't mind the book. The beginning was extremely boring and it was hard to get into but once I got further it got more intriguing. This hasn't been one of my favorite books that I've read and I probably wouldn't recommend this to anyone.

3) The main theme I've noticed so far is independence. From the minute Mia's grandfather disappeared Mia has been alone and left to do things for herself. She's always been the 'do things for yourself' type but now she is actually all alone and she has to figure out life by herself. For example, she now has to get prepared for her college auditions alone and she has to manage her time wisely in order to practice and still get in time to take care of the house and keep up on school work.

4) My favorite character in this book has would have to be Robert. He seems to be very unique, he doesn't really care what anyone else thinks. I've also noticed that he puts himself out there, he's not afraid to give it his all. He's openminded but also knows what he wants and what's right from wrong. Robert doesn't sound like one of those bad boys who has nothing going for him but more like a well set fun person to be around.

5) My least favorite character is Uncle Hank. He's very mean and demanding, he doesn't even ask to come into the house he just pushes the door open and stomps right on in. All Uncle Hank does is yell and argue, it seems like that's all he can do. However, when he learned about his brother's passing I did see a different side of him, more sincere and concerned. Still, he doesn't sound like the most pleasant person in the universe.

6) My prediction is that they are going to go through the whole process of trying to figure out who killed Mia's grandfather just to find out that he comitted suicide. I think he committed suicide because he was old and the only thing that he had to live for was really the building that he lived in because his brother, Uncle Hank, wanted to sell it but now that he had Mia living there he knew that he could leave and she would take care of the house for him.

Max Dunn
Ranger's Apprentice: The Burning Bridge
John Flanagan
Adventure
Just Right
pg. 92

1. The Burning Bridge is the second book in the series of The Ranger's Apprentice. Right now, Will who is an apprentice to Halt has gone on a mission with Gilian who is a ranger and his friend Horace who is an apprentice. They are traveling to the Celtic region for one reason. They are about to enter a war and they need as many men as they can take. They usually tend to only send a message with one person but Halt told Will that the Celts believe everything should be done in threes. Also, Will is very excited because this is his first mission and Halt has recently told him that even though he is referred to as an apprentice, he technically is a ranger.

2. So far, this book is very similiar to the first book in this series which is which is a great thing. The reason that I like this book is because it is somewhat like the Alex Rider and Percy Jackson series. All novels are about a boy in his mid teens who has a great weight upon his shoulders. It is somewhat fun to see how they deal with the problems that they have. Also, it is nice to watch them have a goal throughout all of the books and try to accomplish that goal. There really isn't much wrong with this book. the one thing that I could say about is is that some evnts are very abrupt. the way that Flannagan writes it is that he goes from one scene immediatly into another and it can often get confusing.

3. As I wrote at the top of my post I beleive that the theme of this story is adventure. The reason that I would say adventure is beacause right as the book is starting Will is going on one. This is when he travels to the Celtic region. This may be the start of a long crusade where they travel to several different places to gather soldiers for their kingdom.

4. My favorite character by far would be Will. he has interested me in this book just as much as he has in the first one. It is great to read about someone who goes through so much but still manages to get through the day with a great deal of confidence. When I say that he has gone through a lot I'm refering to the fact that poth of his parents died and he really never got to meet them. It is also fun to read and see how fast he is learning the skills of a ranger from his master, Halt.

5. My least favorite charcter would have to be Gilian. The reason that he is not my favorite charcter is that not much is known about him. He kind of ust walked into the story without any notice. It really hasn't been shown that he is a bad person it is just that he is kind of mysterious. If Gilian is bad than something terrible could happen shortly because he is going on a long journey with only Will and Horace.

6. I think much will happen in the pages to come. I think that Will, Horace, and Gilian will reach the Celtic Region and gather soldiers. from there I think they will travel to other regions to get more fighters. When they are done searching for soldiers I believe that they will return to the kingdom where they will prepare for a battle. Next, the battle will possibly start sooner than anticipated and Will and his master Halt will help in some way to win this major battle.

Charlie Stenhouse

Charlie Stenhouse
Fat Kid Rules the World
K.L. Going
Fiction
Just Right
Page 40

1. Right now, Troy meets Curt at the train station and he invites him back to his dad's house. His brother does not approve of him and so doesn't his dad. His brother and father both think that he is a weird kid but they don't know who he really is. The next day at school, Troy and Curt make a plan to play music. Their plan on skipping second period every Monday to go play music across town. Curt runs ahead and Troy cannot keep up with him.

2. So far I really like this book. I like how the author makes Troy think about himself and the way he looks. It is very detailed and sometimes I feel bad. He is always making fun of himself and criticizing on how he looks.

3. I think the theme of this book is friendship. Troy and Curt have a good relationship between each other and they are beginning to become good friends. There friendship is probably related to both of them playing and instrument.

4. My favorite character is Curt. He is my favorite because I we are around the same age. We both also play the guitar, and we have been playing it for a long time.

5. My least favorite character is Dayle. He is my least favorite because of his attitude. He always acts like he is in a bad mood, and is usually mean to Troy, his younger brother. He makes fun of Troy about his weight and his music experience and I feel bad.

6. I think that they continue skipping second period on Mondays. I also think that eventually, they are going to get caught because skipping second period would become consistent and the teachers will become suspicious. I also think that they will end up getting in big trouble and Troy's parents are going to get involved in it.

Will Bowser

Will Bowser
Hacking Harvard
Robin Wasserman
Realistic Fiction
Just Right
163

1. In the book right now the three of them, Eric, Schwarz and Max Kim, are trying to get a complete slacker, Clay Porter into Harvard. Eric is starting to second guess his decision because a girl he likes is applying to Harvard and he thinks that this "hack" will severly hurt her chances, but the rest of the group, has no problem. They recently brought in a very rich kid who they think will help fund their hack but is a complete tattle tale. They then go out to a bar with their slacker friend Clay and start to drink to much. Needless to say they all start to open up a little too much and Max even punches a man in the face after a game of pool.

2. So far I have really enjoyed this book. It is written in very good detail and I can really feel how all of these are thinking. Like Max, who's whole family are Harvard alums and is not that smart. I feel how he is smart in a different way and I can understand where he's coming from. And like Schwarz who skipped a grade and has never really felt normal. Not that I'm a genius or come close to skipping a grade, I can just see, by the way she describes him that he's never been normal and wishes he was.

3. A theme in the book that I have noticed so far would have to be revenge. Max wants to get Clay into Harvard because it would show his father that this prestigious university, would let such a slacker and doofus in. Eric wants revenge on Clay who bullied him for all his elementary years, and he doesn't even remember. Schwarz wants revenge on all the people that made fun of him and all the people that laugh at him.

4. So far in this book my favorite character has been Eric Roth. I can't help but feel bad for him, he got bullied by Clay and yet has to help him get into Harvard. And by doing that he is hurting many deserving people's chances. And yet he's stuck, he is in love with Lex and is hurting the one things she has worked for her entire life. I can't help but feel bad for him and he hopes he makes it through in one piece.

5. My least favorite character in this book so far is Clay Porter. He is very undeserving of what these guys are doing for him. They are putting him into the best university in america and maybe even the world. He bullied Eric and doesn't even remember it. He brings them to a bar and almost gets Max killed in a bar fight. Clay is just not good news.

6. A prediction for this book is that I think the 3 people in this group are going to break up. I feel they are all going to have a big disagreement about something and all split up but then later they will reunite and get Max, instead of Clay into Harvard which would make Max's father really happy and very proud.

Rebecca Freeman

Rebecca Freeman
Falling Leaves
Adeline Yen Mah
Autobiography
Challenge
25

1. Right now in my book the author is describing the history of her family, starting with her great-grandparents. In the book, Adeline Yen Mah is describing how her grand aunt, the youngest daughter, was the only child to have a formal education because her father (Adeline Yen Mah's great-grandfather) aquired wealth over time and did not have enough money to send anyone to school until 'Grand Aunt' was school age. Out of all of Grand Aunt's brothers, she only had one respectable one, Ye Ye. Ye Ye was Adeline Yen Mah's grandfather. The author's father (Joseph Yen) was a very good businessman- starting a successful business when he was only 19. Although her father was offered to have a second wife, Joseph always said he was a one- woman man. Adeline was born very easily so Joseph thought he could take care of her by himself. The next day Adeline's mother got a fever and died within a week.

2. I like this book right now. Since it is only talking about the ancestors in a way that reminds me of a textbook, it is a little difficult to keep reading. However, I think that it will get better soon. I just finished the first chapter and, since it ended with the author's birth, I think that the book will become more of a story very soon. Other than the writing style, the history of Adeline Yen Mah's ancestors is very interesting. I like reading about people and cultures from different countries. This is also interesting because it takes place from 1903-1988. (That is the most recent date mentioned in the book).

3.I think that so far the theme is determination. I think that this is the theme because, when Grand Aunt was a child she refused to have her feet bound. Later on, she also makes a woman's bank in Shanghai. It was run by women, for women. That was an idea sneered at by most people but Grand Aunt was determined to make it happen so it did. Also, when Joseph Yen was 19 he started his own business (which I mentioned before). Most people would never dream of starting a succesful business at the age of 19, never mind without a college education, but he was determined to make headway in life, so he did.

4. My favorite character right now is Grand Aunt. She is my favorite character because she is very stubborn and won't let anything get in her way. I like how she does things no matter what other people think, like not binding her feet. She didn't want to disable herself, (not be able to walk) because someone wanted her to. Also, I liked how she was very respected and good at the kind of things that were usually thought of as work for men.

5. My least favorite character is probably one of Grand Aunts brothers (not Yen Yen). One of the is my least favorite character because all of her brothers, other than Yen Yen gambled. Also, they all took drugs and, because of the opium, they died at a very early age. One of Grand Aunts nameless brothers was my least favorite character because none of them made good decisions in life and they all died early because of it.

6. I think that soon the book will begin to talk about the main story, the story of Adeline Yen Mah's childhood. I think that the book will narrate Adeline growing up with her father and siblings and being the least favorite of all of her many sisters and brothers. I think that she will feel lonely because, since she is the least favorite and 'unlucky' because her birth caused her mother's death most people will avoid her. I think this because the cover says 'The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter' on it.

Phoebe W
The Nanny Diaries
Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus
Realistic Fiction
Holiday
Page. 68

1. Right now in this book, Nanny is dealing with the stress of her new client; the Xes. At first, when Nanny was hired, the little boy Grayer didn't like her and always wanted her to go away because he missed his old nanny. Now, Grayer likes her and they have fun together. The Xes live in a huge Manhattan apartment and are having a party for Mr. Xes business colleagues. It is not Nanny's job to buy all of the things for the party, but Mrs. X keeps asking her to "pick up a few things on the way home". Another thing that is going on right now is that Nanny has been introduced to the cute next door neighbor who goes to Harvard and she ran into him at a bar. That night did not end well because his friends were being rude to her.

2. I am really enjoying this book right now. It reminds me of The Devil Wears Prada because both women are dealing with tough jobs that don't pay enough for the effort that goes into them. I like reading all of the crazy things that Mrs. X has Nanny running around doing. I also like hearing about the fancy apartment because I am interested in houses. I find a lot of the things that Grayer says are funny little one-liners that I am surprised a four year old would say.

3. One theme that I have noticed in this book is social hierarchy. It is very apparent that Mrs. X just looks upon Nanny as a plebeian, and not an actual person. She is always bossing Nanny around and telling her exactly what she's doing wrong with no hesitation. You can also see the social hierarchy when Mrs. X is around her friends because she acts very proper and wealthy. She wears expensive clothes and has a perfect apartment that shows off her assets. Mrs. X doesn't have very much respect for anybody who isn't in her social group.


4. My favorite character is Grayer because he seems like an average little boy even though he is growing up in an elite life style. Grayer doesn't care if he's wearing a Burberry shirt, or an old tee-shirt. He'd rather eat pb & j sandwiches than coquilla's and beets. At first, he was very rude to Nanny and didn't like her, but now they are practically best friends and get along very well. As I said before, Grayer also has great one-liners that are very mature for his age. He always surprises me with what he has to say.

5. My least favorite character is Mrs. X. At first, she comes off as this nice, normal woman that is just looking for a nanny, but then she turns out to be crazy. She orders Nanny around, asking her to do absurd things. She is never home to spend time with her son. She barely sees her husband. Plus, she has so much money, she doesn't know what to do with it. I think that Mrs. X would learn a big lesson on how to treat people, if she lost most of her money and actually had to work. I don't think that Mrs. X is aware of what the world is really like, and that she needs to give back to her community.

6. I predict that Nanny will grow a stronger bond with Grayer and will start working a even more hours for the Xes. I also think that Nanny will start to date the neighbor and that they will have to keep it a secret from Mrs. X. I think that Mr. X will continue to not be around, and Mrs. X will continue to be her insane self.

Tommy Hynes

Tommy Hynes

Hatchet

Gary Paulsen

Realistic Fiction

Holiday

Page 130

1. In my book right now Brian is trying to get food for himself because he is starving. At this very moment he is pondering how he can get some meat into his diet.Brian is considering trying to spear a larger and slower rabbit because he can get close to them. Also because if he has to chase the rabbit it is slower and less agile then the smaller. That what is going on in my book right now.


2. So far I feel like I like this book because I feel like I can put myself in Brian's shoes. Also I feel like the book is very realistic in the sense that this is the way I would go around doing things if I was stranded off of an airplane that just crashed.
3. The theme in the book I have noticed so far is survival. I have noticed this theme in all of Brian's thought about trying to get food and water. I have also noticed this theme in when he is waiting for help to come and get him.
4. My favorite character in the book is Brian. Brian is my favorite character because he seems like a normal kid like me that was just thrown into a horrible situation. He is also my favorite character because he has a never stopped trying to survive.
5. My least favorite character is the pilot. The pilot is my least favorite character for two reasons. My first was that in his dying moment he did not try to help Brian enough. My final reason is that he knocked the plane of course when he had his heart attack. So pretty much he put Brian in the situation he is in right know.
6. I predict Brian is gonna go hunting next. I think this will happen because he has the constant notion that he wants meat. That is why I think he is going to go hunting next.

Moira

Moira Mitchell

The Hunger Games

Suzane Collins

Action Adventure

Just Right

Pg. 374

1. Right now in my book Katniss and Peeta won the hunger games and are on the train in district 12. Peeta found out that Katniss didn't really love him, that it was all an act for the audience so that they wouldn't kill her. They are right about to step into District 12.

2. So far I love this book. There are alot of gory parts and it is sometimes a romance but I still think it is amazing. My faveroit part is when Katniss and Peeta win and she is cleaned up and goes from popper to princess. She goes on the show and I think that she outwits them all.

3. A theme I have noticed so far in this book is bravery. Katniss has to be brave to hunt so she can feed her family. Katniss has to brave to sacrafice herself for her sister. She has to be brave to fight in the hunger games. And she has to brave to face the president after she wins.

4. My faveroit character is Katniss because she is brave, funny, and smart.

5. My least faveroti character is Cato because he is vicious and bloodthirsty.

I have finished the book so nothing will hapen next.

Moira

Jackie Goudreault

Jackie Goudreault
Catalyst
Laurie Halse Anderson
Realistic Fiction
Just Right
Page 58

1. In my book, the main character is Kate Malone. Her favorite class in school is Chemistry. She thinks everything other class is just pointless and a waste of time. Her boyfriend, Mitch, and her used to be enemies. They used to have competitions to see who was smarter and everything they did together was a competition. Then Mitch asked Kate out, and they have gone out ever since. Kate only applied for one school for college. That school was MIT. She didn't tell anyone that she only applied to that school. She is obsessed with MIT, and if she doesn't get in, then that would be a huge problem for her. Everyone else has got their college letters and excited on the school they are going to, except her. She is counting down the days until she gets it, but it just won't come!
2. I kind of like this book. I am still in the beginning and so far it is going really slowly. It is taking really long to get to the main point, which often leaves me bored. Some parts are really interesting and I can't put the book down.
3. The theme in the book is a really hard one. I think it might be acceptance. Since all the other classmates have got into the school they wanted and Kate is the only one that didn't get her letter yet. She is waiting to see if she got accepted. I also think that her acceptance, or dis-acceptance will affect the whole story.
4. My favorite character is Sarah, Kate's best friend. She is a really strong person. She is also really smart, and a really good friend to Kate. She persuades her a lot, and never lets anyone bring her down. All in all, she is a really strong-minded girl.
5. My least favorite character in the book is Teri Linch. She is really mean to everyone, and gets in fights with people for no good reason. Also, she doesn't make an effort to make friends or be nice to people.
6. I think that throughout the next chapters in the book, Kate will still not get her acceptance letter. That will affect everything that happens. I think the letter got lost in the mail and it takes most of the book to find out what happens.

Amelia Fattore

Amelia Fattore
What I Meant…
Marie Lamba
Realistic fiction
Holiday
Page 94

1. What is going on in your book right now?

Up to this point in the book, I have been following Sang through her eyes as her life crumbles around her. Her “Chachi," her widowed Indian aunt has come to live with her family. In addition, Sang had recently tried to out smart her parents in order to date. Her father, coming from Indian background, believes strongly in waiting to date, however, Sang believes she is old enough. Also, she has lost her planner that she considers her key to success in school. Her grade in social studies has quickly dropped from an "A" to a "C". Her teacher, Mrs. Finelli, recommends she joins the group extra credit project, which she does. While searching through old yearbooks and memorabilia before she goes to bed she spots Chachi taking money out of her mother's pocketbook. It quickly clicks in her head where all of the sweets vanish to after they enter the house. The most recent event is that Sang's mother has confronted her, worried that she is bulimic. Her mother states that Chachi has seen her stealing all of the sweets. Sang tries to show her mother the truth, however, lying is a sympton of bulimia. Only Sang saw Chachi's true colors once everyone is resting.



2. How do you feel so far about this book?



So far I feel spilt about my thoughts on this book. Half of me feels as though is does a great job portaying teen problems, similar to The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick. Sang faceas the challenge of fitting in with her peers. Also, that half of me enjoys the hints of Indian culture Lamba placed into the book.

Paul Krusell
Catching Fire
Suzanne Collins
Science action fiction
Challenge
P.245

1. Right now, Katniss is at the training center, going back to the Hunger Games. Every 25 years, the Capitol issues a twist to the normal Games. This year, they decide to only have past winners' names be put into the pool of competitors. Katniss is the only girl from district 12 to win the Games, so she will have to reenter the games. Peeta is also going to the Games, and during the skills test, Katniss and Peeta both earn 12/12- the highest score yet.

2. I feel like this book is one of the best I've read. I can't put it down because Collins writes so well and with so much action. I like the pace of this book because it is fast enough for me to stay interested, but not too fast that I can't comprehend the text.

3. I have noticed that unrequited love is a dominant theme in this book. I see this when Katniss has to marry Peeta in order to save the people she loves, though she doesn't love him back. I also saw this in the last book too.

4. My favorite character is Peeta because he is kind, smart, and knows how to win a crowd. Like when he got all the people to cheer for him during the victory tour.

5. My least favorite character is Finnick, because he is very self centered and believes he is better that anyone else.

6. I think that next in the book, the games will start, and Katniss and Peeta will be the targets of all the enimies.

Shelby Phelan

Shelby Phelan

Dial L For Loser

Lisi Harrison

Realistic Fiction

Just Right

Page: 42



1. Massie, Dylan, Kristen, Alicia, and Claire have just gotten invited to meet Abby Boyd and Hadley Durk. They are all very, very excited because these celebrites are their favorite teen idols. Recently, Hadley and Abby were in a huge fight and the girls are very surprised that they are going to be on Dylan's mom's talk show, The Daily Grind. They have just gotten out of Massie's car after taking a billion pictures of the limos in which Abby and Hadley arrived in. Claire is getting annoyed/upset because when she's around the Pretty Committee, Massie acts really mean and is always forcing Claire to try constantly to be perfect. When Claire and Massie are alone, Massie and her talk like normal friends. Claire is wondering to herself; why can't i just be in for good?



2. I am enjoying this book so far. I am not very far into it so it is kind of hard to tell. I have liked the past five books and this is the sixth in the series. After the girls got expelled OCD in the last book I haven't liked it as much. It is the first forty pages of this though, so again, i'm not really sure.



3. I think the theme in this book is friendship. The whole book is all about these five very stylish and slightly spoiled friends, and they are constantly going through fights/arguements between getting along perfectly. I see friendship in this everywhere. Sometimes they are good friends and stand up for eachother, but other times, they are really mean to eachother when something doesn't go their way.



4. My favorite character is Claire because she is way more down to earth than the rest of them. often, she is disgusted by the way the girls treat others, and by how spoiled they are. Her family recently moved to Westchester when her dad got a job offer. They have been living in the Block's guesthouse since. Claire's parents do not have a surplus of money like Massie, Alicia, and Dylan's families. They do not give their daughter everything, do not let her boss them around, and most of all do not let her be mean. I think that because of this, Claire is a better person, and a bit more normal.



5. My least favorite character is Todd, Claire's slightly sick minded younger brother. he is probably in about fourth or fifth grade and basically dedicates his like to driving his sister and her friends crazy. He is my least favorite because he is obnoxious, gross, annoying, and very, very, nosy. For example, he puts spy cameras in Massie's shower, and attempts to spy on Massie and her mother in the hottub. I would hate to have a brother like todd and overall, he really, really bugs me.

6. My prediction of what will happen next is that the day at the studio will not go as planned. I am guessing that something will happen that will lead to what the rest of the book is about. Maybe the actresses that they are about to meet end up being very bratty, no at all like the celebrity magazines portray them as. Maybe Massie and her friends will realize that the teen celebrities are just like normal teen, except thay happen to be very good at something, and have some sort of special talent. All in all, I think the specially planned day in the studio will have a disasterous ending.

Simone Chen

Simone Chen
The People of Sparks
Jeanne DuPrau
Science Fiction
Just Right
P. 252

1. Right now the people in the small town Sparks and the people of the underground city Ember are getting more and more angry at each other. People of Sparks are angry because the Emberites are taking all their food that is supposed to go to their own families and disturbing their way of life. Emberites are mad with the people of Sparks because they are ridiculing them for not knowing how to do jobs such as plowing and digging. Emberites are also mad because their food portions are getting smaller, and a vandal has sabotages the place where they are staying by scrawling "GO BACK TO YOUR CAVE" in mud on the walls. Lina feels like she and Doon's friendship is fading, because Doon seems to always want to be around his new friend Tick instead of her.

2. I am really enjoying this book so far because it portrays what life could be like in the distant future if the entire human race is almost wiped off of the face of the earth. People in Sparks have no technology, heating, cars, and other modern day things we have today because the Disaster caused nations to destroy all buildings, cars, etc. in the horrible world war they were in. It seems like the author is giving us a warning about what our world could be like if fighting and wars got so bad, and in my opinion she does this in a very clever way. Also she gives each individual character a unique and different personality. She was very good at describing how the Emberites felt when they first entered this new world, and how they are adjusting to this new, vast world, and I don't think many authors could have done it this good.

3. A theme that I've noticed is desire for acceptance; I see this in every Emberite. When you go to a completely new place that you've never seen before and know nothing about, of course you would want to feel accepted and to fit in. This is exactly how the Emberites feel; they've arrived at a small town in the middle of a vast new world, and they want to feel accepted in Sparks. I also see this in Doon; almost all the kids are friends with Tick Hassler, and he doesn't want to be the odd one out, so naturally he tries to become friends with him too. Tick has some strong opinions and interesting ideas, although they're not all good ones. Even so, Doon tries to look past this and become close friends with Tick so that he's not the only one who doesn't admire Tick, like everyone else does.

4. My favorite character is Lina because she tries to cope with the tough situation that they're in and always looks to the bright side of things. When she and her family move into Dr. Hester's house, Dr. Hester's spoiled nephew Torren torments and makes fun of Lina and other Emberites because they seem dumb because they don't know anything about the world or how to farm, and they were at first scared of chickens and horses. Lina tries her best to deal with him and put up with his rudeness. Also, she's curious and tries to learn about this new world they're in. She asks many questions and tries to find out things that she didn't know before.

5. My least favorite character is Tick, because he is egging the people into a war between Sparks and Ember. He provokes them and makes them even more angry at each other on purpose, as if he wants there to be a fight. Also, he has many ideas of how to help the Emberites, but never completes his plans. For example, he would start with project A and work on that for a few days. Then, he'd have another brilliant idea and abandon project A to work on the new one, project B. And so on; few of his plans ever succeeded and got finished.

6. I predict the people of Ember and Sparks will almost get into a fight, but either Lina and/or Doon will stop them before they hurt each other. People will recognize Tick as not such a good person, and make him leave. Lina and Doon's friendship will become strong again and Doon will realize that Lina's the one that he wants to be friends with, not Tick. Also, Torren will do something for Lina that proves that he isn't a completely bad kid. Lina and Doon might go on another adventure to do something to help the town of Sparks and make up for all the trouble that the Emberites have caused.

Dan Carroll

Dan Carroll
Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban
J.K. Rawling
Fantasy
Just Right
138

1. Right now Hagrid just had his first class where he was teaching care for magical creatures. He was teaching how to correctly approach hippogriffs and how it is vital that you never insult one. Malfoy later went up to one and began insulting it and Buckbeack (one of the hippogriffs) attacked him. He went to the infirmary and has let his father know so he can fire Hagrid. Hagrid realized that hippogriffs was not a good idea for the first lesson and he should of started off with something a lot smaller.

2. I really like this book so far because it dosn't focus around Voldemort in this one. It is talking about Serius Black and how he is the only one to ever have escaped from Azkaban. They assumption is that Black was the number two guy for Voldemort and when Voldemort went missing he thought he would take over. It is also said that Black escaped azkaban to try to break into Hogwarts and kill Harry.

3. I think the main theme in this book so far is death. Harry has been told on numerous occasions that he was going to be killed. Sometimes it was about Black escaping and how he could be in the castle. But the others were how he got an omen in Divination where he got the sign of death. He dosn't seem to fear death like the others fearing for him. He is running around on the grounds at night even though he knows there's a murderer looking for him.

4. My favorite character is Harry because he is a unique person. He dosn't know that much about the wizarding world and is intrigued about it. I like how he is very smart when he is approaching Buckbeak and dosn't care when everyone is telling him to be careful and that he is going to be murdered. He is a rebel and slowly learning more about his parents.

5. My least favorite character is Draco Malfoy because he is annoying. He attacks anyone who is not a pure blood( someone who has complete wizard blood) and is only partial to them. He purposely insulted Buckbeak so he could get Hagrid fired the first day on the job. He also insults Ron about not being filthy rich like he is.

6. Considering I saw the movie I know what is going to happen but at the time when I was watching the movie I thought Black was going to find Harry. I thought he would catch him when Harry was walking over to Hagrids. I thought that Dumbledore was going to come out of the forest and defend Harry while he was being attacked by Black. I then thought that Harry was going to be attacked by the demontors while Dumbledore was busy.

Elisabeth Oglevee

Elisabeth Oglevee
Clique
Lisi Harrison
Realistic Fiction
Just Right
page 56

In my book right now there are many confusing things going on. To start the book there is the girl named Massie. Her family has family friends that are moving into town and since they don't have enough money to buy a house of there own right now they are staying in Massie's guest house. Massie from the very beginning doesn't like this family because they came on a day she had plans with her three best friends and she had to cancel. In the family coming to stay in there house there is a girl named Claire that is the same age as Massie, Claire decided it would be a great idea to become friends with Massie because she knows the new school she is going to and she seems nice. So Claire tries to become friends with Massie but Massie doesn't really like Claire and thinks she will ruin her friends tight relationship. Massie is all caught up wit this drama so she decided to go to her barn. She decided to take her mind off of Claire and ride her horse named Brownie. They headed to the trail and were off. As Massie and Brownie were riding she ran into this guy on her private trail! They get to talking and and she finds out that the guy goes to Northside a school near hers and is really into him. She decides she should leave and get back to her house but they make plans to meet some other time. Massie is so excited to have met this guy that right when she gets home she calls her friends and tells them she has someone on her eye. While doing this Claire is there and right when she hangs up she gets really nosey about who it is and what he looks like. This is the spot where I have left off in my book.

I really liek this book so far. I had read it once before and was a little confused but now I completely get it. I really like realistic fiction which has helped me like this book alot better. This book is alos meant for girls and has a lot of girly stuff in it so it is easier to relate to.

I think the dominant theme in this book so far is overcoming obstacles and friendship. These two I think are tied together in one. I see these when Claire is trying to become Massie's friend and keeps getting rejected which is an obstacle she has to overcome.

My favoritre character is Claire a sof right now. This is because she seems really nice and I can totally relate to being excluded and I think she is dealing with that really well.

My least favorite character is Massie right now just because I think she should be more caring to Claire because she is going through a hard time being new and not be trying top put her down.

Since I have read this book before I know what is going to happen next. Massie tries to get her friends to be part of being mean to Claire whihc goes on for a while. The end of the book was definetley not what I thought it would be because I thought they would all be friends in the end which was completely off. They are all in fueds with eachother which is how the next book starts.

Peter Tarkoy

Peter Tarkoy
Divine Madness
Robert Muchamore
Action Novel
Just Right
Pg. 261

1. Currently, James has been assigned to the mission trying to take down the Help Earth terrorist group. To do this, James has been sent to a "Survivors" school. Survivors is a new religious group made by Joel Regan, and the followers are brainwashed into believing everything that they are told. Then, Joel Regan brainwashed the Survivors into putting all their money into the Survivors group so that they can build an Ark to live in when the earth ends, or so they say. Joel Regan and his followers then brainwash more and more people, and the group is currently millions strong. Rat/Rathbone, James' trouble making fried, and James have just been paddled for going into the girls locker room. The special thing about Rat is that he is a son of Joel Regan (Joel Regan has many children, 39 or something). James wants to use Rat to get to the heart of the Ark, where lots of business meetings happen. James wants to find the Help Earth group in the Ark and prevent further terrorist attacks.
2. I feel that this is a great book, and a lot of things have happened during the amount I have read. I think my favorite part was when James and Rat went to the girls locker room, and then Rat left and locked James in there because it was funny, and I felt really bad for him. But, since the teachers knew that Rat picks on the new kids, they paddled both of them. I am very eager to read how this book will end.
3. I noticed that this book repeats is fending for yourself, or survival. I see this theme whenever James is sent off to a mission and he must be alone for months at a time. This is the same with his sister. I also see this theme with Rat because his mother was the wife of Joel Regan and his mother died, and he has to fend for himself because Joel Regan doesn't really care about his own child, Rat/Rathbone.
4. My favorite character is Rat because he is independant and he does whatever he wants. He also is the son of Joel Regan which means he has known the ins and outs of the Ark since he was born. When he was paddled, he didn't care because he's been paddled before, and Rat likes to fight the system. One thing that I don't like about him is that his behavior is masochistic. One example of this is when, after paddled, James threatened to beat Rat up because James was so angry, and Rat almost agreed.
5. My least favorite character is Joel Regan because is so manipulative. He has taken lives of millions of people and destroyed them by brainwashing them, stealing their money, and turning them against their friends and family. Currently, he is dying because he has some kind of sickness, and I can't say I feel bad for him. The only reason him dying is bad is because that would mean there would be a fight for power of the religion when he is gone.
6. I predict that Joel Regan will die in the near future because most books in the CHERUB series are very predictable, which makes some parts boring. I predict that there will be a power struggle in the religion, and something big will go down. I also predict that Help Earth will attack, and James will be too late.

Ashley deluca

Ashley Deluca
The Compound (in italics)
S.A. Bodeen
Realistic fiction
Just right
111

1. Right now in my book Eli the main character is thinking about what will happen to him and his family when they run out of food. He is also trying to find wireless internet that works but it is not working so far. Eli and his Mom know that his Dad is keeping something from all of the but they don't know yet.

2. I feel that this is a good book right now. I feel this way because they story really makes you feel like you are in the book with the characters. It really makes me wonder what would happen if the world ran out of supplies and food. Also what if i nuclear bomb hit a country in the U.S. what would happen.

3.The theme I have noticed so far in this book is curiosity. I noticed this theme when Eli got wireless internet out side his Dads office. He then tried it a couple more times but it didn't work. The he started to investigate by sneaking in his Dads office. Looking for things that are out of place.

4. My favorite character is Eli. He is my favorite character because he cares for others. Also because he is observant and is aware know that his Dad is keeping something from the family.

5. My least favorite character is Eli's Dad. I feel this way because he is sneaky and he is keeping a important secret from his family. I also don't like Eli's Dad that much because he really didn't care about Eddy and Gram dieing from the nuclear bomb.

6.The prediction I have for next time I read is that Eli is going to find out the secret his Dad is keeping from them. I think the secret is that it is safe to go out of the compound and their are people out of the compound alive.

Ashley deluca

Ashley deluca

book stuff

name:Griffin Howes

Title of my book:Hole In My Life

Author: Jack Gantos

Genre: non fiction memoir

I think this book is a just right because the reading is easy for me to understand but it takes me a long time to read each page.

The page i am currently on is 59.

1. allot has happened sense the last time i blogged. first of all jacks old friend Tim offered him a job in selling weed. Jack agrees to do the job and then leaves after smoking some weed. the job doesn't work though because Tim gets caught and is taken home to his mother. Jack isn't happy because the money Tim was using to by the weed was his money and the security guards took it all. Jack is mad so he starts heading back to the Key West but then realizes he is the only one going there and everyone is leaving he starts to get worried so he turns on the radio. The radio says there is going to be a hurricane. well this makes Jack kind of exited so he decides to stay. he found a hotel that was concrete so he went there and stayed the night. the storm wasn't even bad it barely got past the shore.

2. I like the book allot. I like it because its really funny and exiting at the same time. The funniest part of the book is definitely when Jack comes home from partying and throws up all over the house.
3. The theme is definitely realistic fiction because the book is based on Jack Gantos's actual experiences in life. But i see this theme when he tells story's about his life of not going to college and selling weed.
4. My favorite character is Davy Crockett for many reasons. One reason is because she is so nice and kind and she takes car of Jack when he is sick.
5.my least favorite charector is Tim because he isn't a good role model for Jack. It was Tim's fault Jack gets in jail in the first place.
6. Im not sure what will happen next but i think there going to try to do the drug deal again but this time its going to go really bad.

Tyler DeLuca

Tyler DeLuca
Ghosts of War
Ryan Smithson
Challenge
Pg.20



1. Right now in my book Ryan just experienced 9/11 and he is fresh out of high school and him and his girlfriend went to ground zero with her in New York city. They have been talking about she has been having nightmares of 9/11. Also Ryan is debating what he should do with his life if he should go join the reserves or go to college but he decides to join the reserves.





2. So far i love this book because i like war stories because they are intense and cool which keeps me reading the book other wise if the book is a good read i don't understand it and get confused.



3. The theme in this book is making decisions because so far all it has been about is deciding about joining the army or going to college and what he should do about his girlfriend.

4. My favorite character Ryan because he is handling pressure very well so far. He also is a hard working decent kid that gets the work that needs to get done done with little procrastinating which is as good quality in people that is hard to find.

5. My least favorite character is Ryan's girlfriend because i think she is controlling him and he is letting her and she might be stressing him out also which might not be good for him because it might make him make a bad decision and she might influencing his decision.

6. I think Ryan will get shipped off to Iraq and learn a lot of new things about the army and he will be scared out of his pants when he gets there i think this because he was on the fence if he should join or not because he was kind of scared.

Cayla Condon
Return To Sender
Julia Alvarez
Realistic Fiction
Page 125





1. Right now in my book Tyler lives on a farm and his grampa died, and his dad got hurt so they are having trouble keeping the farm. Also migrant workers are coming in from mexico so they can help with the farm. Now it is thanksgiving and all of Tylers relatives have come in.



2. So far this book is ok, I think it is a little confusing in some parts because they change the topics a lot so I have been having a hard time following it in some parts. It keeps my attention though because I havn't read a book like this for a long time.



3. The theme is friendship because Tyler has become friends with a lot of people on the farm, including the workers from Mexico. He also is friends with all of his family. Also he has a good friendship with his relatives.



4. Tyler is my favorite character because he is always willing to work on the farm, and he is very friendly. He has been threw some hard times like his grampa dying, his dad almost dying because of getting hurt, and almost lost losing the farm. Even though all of this has happened he is still happy.



5. Tylers dad is my least favorite character because he got hurt so he hasn't been able to work on the farm, this made it hard for there family. Also if his dad acted more carefully then this wouldn't have happened. Tylers dad is a little strick too.

6. In the book now I think that they are going to have a good thanks giving and they will keep working on the farm.

Olivia Carr

Olivia Carr

One of Thoes Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies

By:Sonya Sones

Genre: Realistic Fiction

This book is: a Holiday Book

Page: done



1.Right now in the book Ruby(the main character) is finally letting her father in her life. Throughout the book Ruby felt like her father abandoned her and her mother when she was young. Now she found out that her mother never wanted him to be there and ordered her father to stay away when she was born. She also found out that her aunt and her father use to set up secreat meetings when she was little so he could see her, she was so little she did not remember any of it. She also found out that her father is gay and loves his assitant named Max which she calls Aunt Max because he reminds her of her aunt. Ruby finally got out of her depression, and got over her boyfriend leaving her for her best friend. She also has gotten over her mom dieing and has gotten love back into her life.



2.Well I finished the book so I have a lot to say about how I feel about it. One thing I really liked about the book is how the author wrote the book. Each page each word is in poem form. I really love this because it makes me think about what I am reading and adds a challenge my making the book not like the others I have read. One thing I did not like about the book is how the author did not describe Ruby at school and around her friends more. I would of liked it because it would have shown Ruby's mood more than when she was at home.



3. The theme in this book is depression because until like the last three pages that is the book Ruby is in. She is depressed about how her mother died and how her boyfriend left her for her best friend and is not coming for Thanksgiving. Also how she feels distant from her father and does not really have anyone other than Max her fathers assistant which really is not someone to love.

4. My favorite character is Max because he is a fun and exciting person. Also he seems really easy to talk to and a person who could help you through all your problems. In the book he seemed like the first family Ruby ever got when she arrived in California.

5. My least favorite character in the book was Ruby's aunt because when Ruby's mother died she kinda just left her and felt Ruby was not part of her responsibility any more. Also I think she should of went to California with Ruby not just send her away like she did.

6. I have finished the book so I don't have a predicting. But I came up with an alternate ending to the story. What happens is after all is settled between Ruby and Wip, Ruby's aunt comes to visit instead of Ruby's x-boyfriend for thanksgiving.

Rogers William Boylan
Silverfin
Charlie Higson
Adventure-Fiction
Challenge
159

1. James and this new man named "Meatpacker" are trying to infiltrate a facility. They are trying to infiltrate this place because James wants to get revenge on the man that took away where he used to be able to fish. This "Meatpacker" is seeming to help James but i am not quite sure why right now.
2. I think right now the book is to confusing for me to keep reading it. The author makes you infer a lot about things that he did not explain. Also i think that the book doesn't make sense because James just kind of had to go to this new school. Also it doesn't say how old he is or give much physical description. One bright spot in this book is how well the author has described the setting.

3. The theme that i have noticed so far is friendship. I noticed this because if James did not have all of the Friends he probably would not have done a lot of the things he has done so far. I notice this theme a lot when James is doing things he is not supposed and someone catches him, his friends bail him out.

4.James is my favorite character for many reasons. He is my favorite character because he is so daring and lets his curiosity get the better of him which I think makes his character better. Also he does a lot of things in place that he is not supposed to be in which makes his character have a kind of I don't care aspect to it which i like.

5. My least favorite character is the man who bought the land where James used to fish. I dislike him because he took away the enjoyment of the land and just put up a giant mansion. I don't like people like that in real life so whenever i see a character like that i tend to dislike them.

6. I think that James an Meatpacker are going to get caught while snooping around on the mans property. I think that something may happen to Meatpacker.

Clarke Murphy

Clarke Murphy
Sunwing
Kenneth Oppel
Fantasy
JR
107

1) Right now in the book Shade and Marina just entered the mysterious building that the humans built. After entering the building Shade is captured by humans, they shave a patch of his fur off. After this happened Shae was put in a cage and in the cage is a lot of other bats. Chinook is kind of a leader and he too is in the cage which puts a lot of their spirits down. Shade is trying to talk to Chinook about how they are going to get free but Chinook wont do anything and he isn't talking. Then the cage is put onto a plane that is going south.

2) This is a pretty good book, i have liked it. The book is partially confusing because of Oppel's writing style. There will be one thing going on and then she will jump to another thing and sometimes without notice. Some of the pages i have had to read twice so i can understand them and so i can keep going through the book. Otherwise i haven't had too much trouble with this book and it is pretty good, i read Silverwing too so it is interesting to see the comparisons.

3) A theme i have noticed in the book so far is curiosity. At the beginning of the book Shade is asking other bats about his father because he hasn't met him and he is wondering all about him because he has heard that he is legendary. Also Shade has gotten himself into trouble with his curiosity because now he is on a plane going south thanks to his decision to go into the mysterious building that looked cool. Without Shade's curiosity the book wouldn't really be where it is right now, it would be more like the beginning.

4) My favorite character in the book so far has to be Shade. This is kind of weird for me because my favorite character is usually the main character. Anyways i like Shade because he is a cool bat and he has cool opinions. Also Shade's curiosity makes him an interesting character. Also Shade is a very nice and helpful character because he wants to get all the other bats out of the cage once they are in, and he is really trying to help even though Chinook wont help.

5) I really dislike Chinook. He is kind the kind of character that just gives up when faced with a difficult situation. Granted Chinook has been in the cage longer than Shade but Shade really wants to help and Chinook should realize that with Shade they could be able to get out of the cage and save the other bats. Chinook is being really mean because by being lazy, he is hurting all the other bats.

6) I kind of feel like Marina is going to gather some of the bats and follow the plane south. And there they will try to free Shade and all of the other bats. Either that is going to happen or they are going to somehow escape during the flight and get off of the plane. A third scenario i am thinking might happen is that Chinook will somehow betray all the other bats and then they will be in an even worse situation.

Katie M.

Twilight

Stephenie Meyer

Romance, fantasy

Just Right

121



1. What is going on in the book so far is Bella has just moved in with her dad. She has switched schools, got her own car, and some weird thing are happening. The weird thing is the boy she likes keeps saving her, but she doesn't see him anywhere. He will not tell her why he keeps appearing. He keeps telling her that he is just at the right place at the right time, but she knows that something is wrong.



2. I personally do not love the book. I like books that are intense and this is not really that intense. Everyone else says they cannot put the book down, but i can. The only part that i was into was the part when she got hit by the car, it keeps you on your feet. I think the author could have made it more intense, maybe i am just not far enough yet.



3. A theme that i see in supernatural. I see that theme because Edward is very weird. it seems as if he is stalking Bella. She has a crush on him, but whenever she is getting hurt he is there to protect her. Like when she got hit by the car she looked at the car and there was a hand print in the bumper. She knows that nobody can be that strong. She also remembers that he was not anywhere near her when she was about to get hit.



4. My favorite character is Bella because she is such a typical teenager. She wants a car she wants to go away, and she gets what she wants. Such as when her dad was talking about a new truck, and then says i bought it for you. I hope that happens to me! Also i like her because her mother is e-mailing her saying things like if you don't get back to me within 1 hour i am going to call the cops. She is so calm and responds Chill out i am OK, cant talk now. She is just a typical teen who doesn't want anything to do with her parents.



5. I really do not like her mother because she is overprotective. You do not email your daughter saying i am going to the call your cops. Just chill out she does not even live with you anymore. I am so thankful that my mom isn't that overprotective.



6. I predict that Edward will tell her why he appears to be supernatural, then once he does that she will shun him. I think that because obviously she will be mad at him. I would be super mad if one day he told me, but days before when i was asking him to tell me and didn't.