Author: Sarah Montplaisir

  • Ground Zero

    Click here to enjoy a book trailer.

    Author: Alan Gratz

    AR Level: Tan

    Genre: Historical Fiction

    Review of Ground Zero:

    Ground Zero tells two stories. One story is about a boy named Brandon who is trying to survive when a plane crashes into the World Trade Center, and he is inside the building. The other story is about a girl in Afghanistan who finds an American soldier near her village. The soldier is hurt and needs her help. The book goes back and forth between these two stories. Read this book to find out how these two stories are connected.

  • The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

    Title: The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

    Author: Dan Gemeinhart

    AR Level: Tan

    Genre: Realistic Fiction

    Review:

    The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

    Coyote and her dad Rodeo have been traveling around the United States in a converted school bus. Her dad is running from the grief of losing his wife and two other daughters in a car crash 5 years ago. Coyote knows she can not talk about her mom and sisters with her dad, but she really needs to. Her grandma lets her know the park Coyote grew up near is getting torn down. Coyote and her mom and sisters buried a memory box in the park before the car accident. Coyote is determined to get the memory box before she loses it forever! But first, she needs to trick her dad into driving back to their hometown. You will love this book and all the people Coyote meets on her journey to her memory box.

  • Ranger’s Apprentice: Ruins of Gorlan

    Title: Ranger’s Apprentice: Ruins of Gorlan

    Author: John Flanagan

    AR Level: Black

    Genre: Fantasy Fiction

    Review: Ranger’s Apprentice: Ruins of Gorlan

    Ranger’s Apprentice

    Will is an orphan who lives under the protection of a Baron in the kingdom of Araluen. When it comes time for all the young people under the protection of the Baron to be taught their trade (or future profession), Will is told he will become a Ranger. Will is not sure he wants to be a Ranger, but he begins his training. During his training, he works harder than he has ever worked in his life. He learns how to shoot with a bow and arrow, how to move in the forest without being seen, and many other skills to help him protect his kingdom.

    This story is chock full of adventure, hard work, and excitement. You will cheer on Will as he changes from a boy into someone who can protect other people.

  • The Worst Class Trip Ever

    Screen Shot 2015-08-09 at 3.55.54 PMTitle:  The Worst Class Trip Ever

    Author: Dave Barry

    AR Level: Tan

    Genre: Realistic Fiction

    Review: The Worst Class Trip Ever

    Wyatt is going on a field trip to Washington D.C with his 8th grade class. On the airplane, he and his best friend Matt are sitting in front of some really suspicious looking guys. Wyatt and Matt think the men might have a bomb or missile on the airplane. In fact, the more they talk things over, Matt and Wyatt think the men might be trying to blow up the White House! Wyatt, Matt, and a few other kids in their class try to stop these bad guys from their evil plans, while at the same time, trying to NOT get in trouble with their teachers.

  • My Life as a Book

    Screen Shot 2015-08-09 at 3.43.11 PMTitle:  My Life as a Book

    Author: Janet Tashjian

    AR Level: Copper

    Genre: Realistic Fiction/Mystery

    Review: My Life as a Book

    Derek is thrilled to see the end of the school year and is ready to begin a summer of fun! However, “tragedy” strikes when his best friend goes on a long vacation, he has three books he is required to read over the summer, and his parents decide to send him to learning camp! The only interesting thing about his summer is an old newspaper article Derek finds about a girl who drowned. When he shows the newspaper to his mom, she acts really weird and tells Derek the article doesn’t mean anything. Derek can tell his mom is lying, and tries to uncover the truth! If you like Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Big Nate books, this book will become one of your new favorites!

     

     

     

  • All Four Stars

    Screen Shot 2015-07-27 at 7.57.03 AMTitle:  All Four Stars

    Author: Tara Dairman

    AR Level: Copper

    Genre: Realistic Fiction

    Review: All Four Stars

    Gladys has a passion. Her passion is cooking, baking, and enjoying GOOD food. The problem however, is her parents. They think fast food is delicious, and use the microwave to “nuke” food beyond recognition. When Gladys accidently sets the kitchen on fire trying to make her favorite dessert, they ban her from cooking until she can pay for the damages to the kitchen. Gladys is heartbroken. Then her new teacher announces an essay contest where the author of the winning essay can win $500.00. Gladys is determined to win the contest and win back her freedom to create scrumptious meals in the kitchen!

     

  • The Fourteenth Goldfish

    Title:  The Fourteenth Goldfish

    Author: Jennifer L. Holm

    AR Level: Gray

    Genre: Science Fiction

    Review: The Fourteenth Goldfish

    Screen Shot 2015-07-14 at 10.41.20 AMOne day Ellie’s mother has to run to the police station to pick up Ellie’s grandfather. When she brings him home, all Ellie sees is a teenage boy! It turns out her grandfather, Melvin, has figured out a way to reverse the aging process! Melvin is a scientist who has discovered a jellyfish that holds the secret to eternal youth. The problem is, the jellyfish is locked up in his old lab. Ellie and her grandfather try to come up with a plan to get back this special jellyfish. You will love Ellie’s feisty grandfather and how funny it is for an old man to be inside a teenage body!

  • Otis Dooda: Strange But True

    Title:  Otis Dooda: Strange But True

    Author: Ellen Potter

    AR Level: Gray

    Genre: Realistic Fiction

    Review: Otis Dooda: Strange But True

    Screen Shot 2015-07-14 at 10.29.24 AMHere is another goofy book for kids who love Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Otis and his family move to an apartment in New York City, where Otis meets all kinds of wacky neighbors. One kid hides in a potted plant all day, cursing people he does not like. Another neighbor boy has a pet pony, which his family pretends is a dog, so they are able to keep the pony in their apartment. Otis and his neighbors have all sorts of crazy adventures that will make you laugh!

  • Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake

     

    Screen Shot 2014-07-07 at 9.44.12 AM

    Title: Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake

    Author: Michael Kaplan

    A.R Level: Pink

    Genre: Fantasy Fiction (talking animals)

    Review: Betty Bunny is a HANDFUL. She loves chocolate cake so much, she wants to marry it. She thinks school is yucky, because there is no chocolate cake to eat. One day at home she throws a fit, and her chocolate cake is taken away. You will laugh as Betty Bunny comes up with a foolish plan to stay near her chocolate cake.

  • The Day the Crayons Quit

     

    Screen Shot 2014-07-07 at 9.30.15 AM

    Title: The Day the Crayons Quit

    Author: Drew Daywalt

    A.R Level: White

    Genre: Fantasy Fiction

    Review: The crayons in Duncan’s crayon box are fed up! Some of the crayons feel they are being used too much by Duncan, and other crayons feel ignored. The crayons write letters to Duncan expressing their frustration and the changes they would like to see happen. You will laugh at the crayon’s letters and start to wonder how your own crayons are feeling!

    *This book was moved to our “Top 100 List!” Kids love this book so much, we knew it should be added to the list.