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The following annotations and reviews were written by students. The list is arranged alphabetically by the author's last name.
Adams, R. THE
HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY.
This book is about an alien and a human who escaped from Earth right before it was
destroyed.
"My opinion of the book is that
it is humorous and fun to read."
Jay F.
Team 8D
Adler, C. THE EVIDENCE THAT WASN'T THERE.
This is about 15-year-old Kim and her friend Morey who
are trying to prove that a man named Mr. Orlop is trying to con their friends the Davises
out of a lot of money. Orlop thinks Kim has an incriminating letter about him and is after
her throughout the story.
"It's a book that keeps you on edge!"
Sarah K.
Team 8C
Anderson, K. DARKSABER.
This book is about a new kind of Death Star, called Darksaber. They want to defeat the
rebels.
"I thought this book would be really
good for people who like Star Wars. This book has a lot of action."
Ricardo P.
Team 8D
Avi. THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE.
This is an exciting book about a young girl going on a
long ship voyage to America. On board, a lot of secrets are uncovered.
"This was a really good book. It was descriptive, exciting and very
interesting. It kept me hooked."
Stephanie K.
Team 8C
Barron, T. THE LOST YEARS OF MERLIN.
The book is about Merlin from childhood to manhood, learning about his powers.
"I liked the book. It was one of the
only books that I actually got into."
Kevin R.
Team 8C
Bellairs, J. THE HOUSE
WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS.
There is a mysterious ticking in the house that belongs to Lewis' uncle. They discover
that it comes from a clock of death.
"This book is very well written. It
will make you want to keep reading it."
Mike L.
Team 8D
Benchley, P.
WHITE SHARK.
A Nazi scientist creates a monster, code-named White Shark. White Shark comes out of
hibernation and goes on a killing spree.
"I think the book is one of the best books I have ever read. The
ending is the best."
Matt S.
Team 8D
Binchey, M. CIRCLE
OF FRIENDS.
It was about two friends and their lives when they were in college and all the joys that
happened at that time (love, friendship, death, betrayal, etc.).
"It was very detailed and made you want to
keep reading it. It had too many people in it at times, but the reader is able to relate
to all of them. It was a VERY good book."
Jessica R.
Team 8D
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Brashler, W. THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL.
This has stories from different points of view of Negro League baseball players and
how they overcame segregation.
"It was really good to read a book about
many different people instead of just one person. After reading that book, I found out how
hard it was for them...who would have thought that they got barely 50 bucks per game and
the white players got hundreds. Well, it's all over and done with now. My favorite part
was how Jackie Robinson overcame the dark depression of his past."
Michaela C.
Team 8D
Brooks, T. THE
SWORD OF SHANNARA.
Sea Ohmsford, a young man from Shady Vale, is summoned by the druid Allanon to do a
seemingly impossible task--recover the fabled Sword of Shannara and defeat the Warlock
Lord.
"One of the best books I
have ever read. Very Tolkien-like, but in my opinion, it's better than Tolkien. Great plot
and the best battle scene I have ever read in a fantasy book. On a scale of 1-10, I give
it a 10."
Doug W.
Team 8C
"I think this book is full of adventure
and is very fast-moving. Everything falls right into place."
Melissa P.
Team 8D
Byalick, M. IT'S A MATTER OF
TRUST.
Sixteen-year-old Erika Gresham's life is changed when
her father is indicted on criminal charges. She must learn to hold herself up and to trust
her father.
"I thought that this book was
excellent. IT'S A MATTER OF TRUST is a good book about fathers and daughters. Every moment
is filled with suspense."
Sarah O.
Team 8D
Card, O. ENDER'S
GAME.
This is about a genius boy named Ender who unknowingly destroyed an entire species.
"It kicks! It has a good plot and
is well written."
Kent L.
Team 8C
"An inspiring, high suspense book,
showing us the heart and will of a general with a boyish innocence."
Rory M.
Team 8C
"This book is action-packed with a
lively and involving plot. In this book, everything has meaning and there's an inviting
twist at the end."
Joshua L.
Team 8C
"I really enjoyed reading this book
because of the exciting storyline. It was fun imagining what it was like."
Ben B.
Team 8D
Cheil, D. A WALK IN THE CLOUDS.
Victoria gets pregnant and goes home without a husband. When her best friend, Paul,
pretends to be her husband, they fall in love.
"It's a really great book. I
have read it three times and I own the movie. It reminds me of my trip to
California."
Jamie P.
Team 8D
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Christie, A. THE A.B.C.
MURDERS.
It's about a detective and his side-kick tracking down a serial killer who sends a letter
stating what city the next murder will be committed in, in alphabetical order. They are
out to stop the murderer before he reaches "Z."
"This book never got dull. There
are so many twists and turns, and when the solution is finally found, it isn't really the
solution at all."
Megan K.
Team 8C
Christie, A. AND
THEN THERE WERE NONE.
People are dying mysteriously…but who is the murderer? During this fast-paced story,
YOU can be the one to find out.
"I enjoyed reading it because it did have a fast pace, and it was easy to get
into. I recommend it to anyone who likes murder mysteries."
caroline L.
Team 8C
"I thought this was an excellent book.
I'd recommend it to anyone who loves a good murder mystery.'
Michelle J.
Team 8D
Christie, A. MURDER ON THE
ORIENT EXPRESS.
The Orient Express, carrying about 15 passengers,experiences a murder in the night of the
second day. While the train is stuck in a snow drift for days, detective Hercule Poirot
investigates the case and finally exposes the murderer(s).
"My opinion of this book is that it is
intriguing and mysterious. The ending is so ludicrous you can hardly believe it. This is
one of my favorite books."
Nithya J.
Team 8C
Christopher, M. THE
HOCKEY MACHINE.
It's about a boy named Steve Krondall and how he's a great hockey player.
"I really liked this book because
there's a lot of hockey games that are very well described."
Adam J.
Team 8C
Clancy, T. PATRIOT
GAMES.
In this book, terrorists tried to assassinate the Prince, Princess, and their baby in
London. The main character, Jack Ryan, stopped them so the terrorists got mad and came to
the U.S. to kill him.
"The story is good and the suspense is
good but it has really slow parts, and some of it is technical and hard to
understand."
Stephanie E.
Team 8D
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Conford, E. AND THIS IS LAURA.
Laura is the only person in her family who is nottalented. Then, one day, she gets psychic
flashes and finds her own unpredictable talent.
"I liked this book because the
character is around my age and her problems are similar to those of any teen girl. The
author did a wonderful job with the psychic flashes throughout the book. It was one of
those books that you can't put down."
Crystal M.
Team 8
Cooney, C. BOTH
SIDES OF TIME.
A girl finds herself in the 19th century and she falls in love with someone. But when
she can go back to her world, she can't decide whether she wants to be with her love or to
go back without him.
"I really enjoyed the descriptions
and the surprise ending."
Carolina P.
Team 8D
Cooney, C. WHATEVER
HAPPENED TO JANIE?
A girl who was kidnapped as a child, discovers her true identity and has problems
adjusting.
"I think this book is good and
exciting."
Ashley R.
Team 8D
Cornwell, P. THE
BODY FARM.
A mystery/thriller about a crazy serial killer on the loose.
"I thought the book was very exciting
and descriptive. I give this book 5 stars."
Matt C.
Team 8D
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Crichton, M. AIRFRAME.
A huge accident occurs over the Pacific Ocean between Hong Kong and the U.S. The whole
story is about trying to solve the mysterious occurance and it has a bit of a twist
ending.
"I loved this book because there was
never a dull moment. It was quite the page turner. In the end, I learned a wide variety of
new vocabulary and understood the flying industry. I strongly recommend this book for
pleasure and a bit of a challenge."
Krista R.
Team 8D
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Crichton, M.
THE LOST WORLD.
When a friend of Ian Malcolm's foolishly travels to an island off the coast of Costa
Rica, he gets lost. When Malcolm comes to the island to rescue his friend, he finds out
that dinosaurs were once cloned there.
"The book was fast-paced but a little
hard to follow."
Steven D.
Team 8A
"I think that this book is very good
science fiction and that it is very intense."
Chase R.
Team 8D
Crichton, M.
SPHERE.
An underwater science fiction story where scientists battle an alien and themselves.
"I really liked this book
because there was never a dull moment. Something was always happening."
Matt J.
Team 8C
"It was a very good book which was
well written and had great suspense. It is a page turner that will keep you reading till
the twisted ending."
Sameer K.
Team 8C
"I enjoyed the book because there
were so many mysteries at the beginning. At the end, all of the mysteries were clarified.
I enjoyed all the action in the story."
Bruce T.
Team 8C
Curry, J.
THE GREAT FLOOD MYSTERY.
This is a story about a boy who is searching for a treasure in his grandmother's house.
"I thought it was a cliffhanger and
was well written."
Mario C.
Team 8C
Danziger, P.
THIS PLACE HAS NO ATMOSPHERE.
This is about a girl who moves to the moon. It's great because it shows what will happen
in the year 2057.
"Great and exciting, never a dull
moment."
Rachel L.
Team 8C
Davis, J. CHECKING ON
THE MOON.
Cab Jones has to go to her grandmother's house (she's never met her grandmother), and
live with her over the summer. She is not looking forward to working at her grandmother's
restaurant, EATS, and being away from home without her friends and her mom.
"This book was well-written and made me
want to keep reading. It had a good plot and everything fit together perfectly."
Kimberly P.
Team 8D
Deuker, C. HEART OF A
CHAMPION.
This book is mainly about two boys and the troubles they go through in life.
"This is a really good book, it is
entertaining as well as giving a few tips for real life. All the while throwing in
baseball so that is is not just another ho-hum kind of book."
Brian K.
Team 8D
Doyle, A. SHERLOCK
HOLMES: THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES.
A ghost dog is running around England's moors attacking people. The dog's owner is dead
and the dog was supposedly taken with him and the ghost was left behind.
"This was one of the best books
I've read in a long time. It has detail and graphic descriptions. The story has a well
thought out plot and runs together very well. It's a mystery I'd recommend to everybody.
Even if you don't like mysteries, this one will really get your attention."
Breandan R.
Team 8C
Duncan, L.
SUMMER OF FEAR.
This book is about a girl, Rachel, who has everything she wants until her cousin Julia
comes to live with her. Then her cousin takes everything she has including her boyfriend
and her best friend. Rachel then becomes suspicious that her cousin is a witch.
"I think this book is very good and
very suspenseful. I would recommend it to anyone who likes horror books."
Sarah I.
Team 8C
Dygard, T. INFIELD
HIT.
Hal Stevens is the son of All-Star Professional Baseball player Ralph Stevens. At a
new school, Hal decides not to tell anyone about his father, fearing that he would be
compared to him.
"I thought that this book was very
good. It had a good amount of baseball and still had a good story."
Matt C.
Team 8D
Dygard, T. WINNING
KICKER.
This story is about a girl who wanted to play football and her teammates end up really
liking her.
"I would tell anyone to read this
book...it is really good."
Princess F.
Team 8D
Ehrlich, A.
WHERE IT STOPS, NOBODY KNOWS.
This book is about a girl named Nina who lives with her mother and dog. Nina's mother
constantly makes them move from town to town and Nina starts to wonder if her mom is
trying to hide something.
"I thought the book was really
good. The ending was a surprise to me. If you liked THE FACE ON THE MILK CARTON, this
book would be good for you."
Amanda J.
Team 8C
Farley, W.
THE BLACK STALLION.
A boy who is the only human survivor of a shipwreck wins the love of a horse who also
survived.
"I thought that the book was very
good and very hard to put down. I really recommend it to others."
Erin W.
Team 8D
Fiedler, L. CURTIS
PIPERFIELD'S BIGGEST FAN.
A fourteen-year-old girl named C.C. has a crush on a boy named Curtis Piperfield who is
someday going to be a rock star and C.C. is his biggest fan.
"It is very good and I
couldn't put it down."
Jamie M.
Team 8C
"I couldn't put it down. I
don't think boys would like this book because it is sort of gushy."
Page L.
Team 8C
"My opinion of the book is that the
book is one of the best books I have ever read. The characters are very real and you won't
be able to put it down."
Megan M.
Team 8C
Garland, S.
THE SILENT STORM.
Alyssa can no longer speak since seeing her parents die tragically during a hurricane.
Residing with her grandfather, Captain Mac, Alyssa trembles with every thought of another
hurricane hitting her scenic island but, once again, the fury of the hurricane strikes.
"THE SILENT STORM is an excellent book
that kept me on the edge of my seat because I never knew what was going to happen
next."
Lauren B.
Team 8A
Grafton, S.
"H" IS FOR HOMICIDE.
A private eye goes undercover in a case about insurance fraud, then finds out that people
have also been killed.
"I think it was good and suspenseful
but it didn't seem to have much closure."
Susan P.
Team 8D
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Greene, B. SUMMER
OF MY GERMAN SOLDIER.
A young girl learns to love a German soldier and she has to hide in her tree house because
her parents hate Nazis. She feels like she isn't being treated well so she finds someone
who makes her feel good about herself.
"This book has a lot of
description and is very interesting. This also expresses the way girls feel when their
parents show they don't care for their daughter."
Celeste L.
Team 8C
Grisham, J.
THE FIRM.
A young lawyer discovers that the law firm he is working for is run by the mafia.
"Very exciting -- you'll never want to
put it down."
Katie O.
Team 8D
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Grisham, J.
THE RUNAWAY JURY.
This is about a major tobacco trial and the jury involved in it. It's mostly about how
both sides try to buy a verdict from the jury members.
"This book was absolutely fabulous. The
characters were extremely well drawn out, and the plot was excellent. Grisham fills the
book with non-stop action and suspense. It's a definite must for readers."
Veronique C.
Team 8A
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Grisham, J. A TIME TO KILL.
This book is about the trial of a man who killed the people who raped and killed his
daughter.
"I thought this book was well-written
and had a unique concept. I enjoyed it."
Christie R.
Team 8D
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Hahn, M. THE
DOLL IN THE GARDEN.
This book is about a girl who moves into a new house and every night she can hear a little
girl crying. When she explores a secret garden, she finds a little doll that takes her
into a mysterious world that's just beyong the garden.
"This book is a fantasy that will
interest you and encourage you to keep reading to find out what happens next."
Jenn P.
Team 8D
Hahn, M. THE
JELLYFISH SEASON.
The book is about a family of six whose dad just got laid off work. The family moves
in with their cousins. Everyone hates each other but they forget their differences and
become friends at the end.
"It was a very good book because it
never had a boring part. It was always moving and I never wanted to put it down."
K.K.
Team 8C
Hahn, M. STEPPING ON
THE CRACKS.
The book takes place during a war and it's about kids that have siblings away in the war.
One kid has a brother who escaped and is hiding, the kids help hide him. The ending is a
really big surprise.
"I thought that the book was very good.
At times it was sad. I could easily read it again.
Kimberly P.
Team 8D
Haines, S. BMW: PERFORMANCE WITH LUXURY.
The book talks about a lot of different kinds of BMW's and you will like it.
"It is the best book ever."
Sohail P.
Team 8D
Haley, A.
ROOTS.
This is a family's history from slavery to the present.
"I thought this was a very good
book. It gave historical facts and entertainment at the same time."
Aniss B.
Team 8D
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Hautzig, E. SECOND
STAR TO THE RIGHT.
The book is about a girl who's in the 8th grade and is very insecure about herself. She
starts a normal diet which turns into a life-threatening disease, called anorexia.
"I liked this book a lot because it
seemed very real and true. The author explained how she felt about herself, as well as
what other people thought of her. The book seemed as if it was written by a teenager
because the author thought as a teenager would."
Jessica R.
Team 8D
Hegi, U. STONES
FROM THE RIVER.
This book is about a girl who is a dwarf and is living in Germany during World War II. It
shows how everyone is different and unique on both the inside and the outside, along with
explaining how the people living in Germany could allow World War II to happen, and its
after-effects.
"This book is well-written and has a
good moral. It takes you through the stages of her life as you slowly learn how everyone
is different and that that is a wonderful thing."
Ellen W.
Team 8D
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Herriot, J.
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL.
This book is one of four non-fiction books in a series. All four of the books tell
about the life of veterinarian James Herriot.
"I thought the book was really
interesting once you get through the first couple of pages. It's good for people who like
animals and the countryside."
Amanda J.
Team 8C
"This is a real good book and I
definitely recommend it to people who like to read."
Bruce P.
Team 8D
Hesse, K. A
TIME OF ANGELS.
This book is about a girl who lives in Boston and has to leave her family behind
because of an influenza epidemic. Sometime after she leaves, she gets influenza too and a
man she calls Uncle takes care of her.
"I think this book was good
because it has lots of detail and a good ending. I would recommend it to others."
Stacy M.
Team 8C
Hinton, S.E. THE OUTSIDERS.
This book is about a boy who tries to find himself while surrounded by a world of
violence.
"The story was good and
exciting."
Andrew R.
Team 8D
Hurwin, D. A
TIME FOR DANCING.
This book is about two best friends. Julie and Samantha, two 17-year-olds, have been
dancing in the same class together for many years. But, when they find out Julie has
cancer, everything changes and the friendship between them becomes stronger than ever.
"I liked this book because it was
very realistic and touching."
Kara G.
Team 8C
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Jones, R. B-BALL:
THE TEAM THAT NEVER LOST A GAME.
This book was about the Special Olympics. It tells how the kids struggle, how they find
teams to play against, and how they care about each other.
"In my opinion, this book was very
good. Once I started, I could not put it down. If you enjoy fun books, try this one."
Erin P.
Team 8D
Jacques, B.
OUTCAST OF REDWALL.
Sunflash the Mace and Swartt Sixclaw, who are a Badger Lord and a ferret Warlord, are
sworn enemies searching each other out and trying to kill each other. Their journeys take
them through many difficulties, and they eventually find and fight each other.
"I thought the book was very
well written, with a lot of description. This book created pictures in my mind and I would
recommend it to anyone."
Rick K.
Team 8C
Jacques, B. REDWALL.
Matthias, a young mouse (the characters are animals), goes in search of the legendary
sword of Martin the Warrior. Along the way, he fights strong birds and hoards of sea rats
in bloody and detailed battles.
"I really liked this book. It is
only the first in a continuing series of books written by Brian Jacques. Once you read one
of his books, you want to read them all."
Matt M.
Team 8D
Kahn, R. THE
BOYS OF SUMMER.
The book is about an author who loves the 1950's Dodgers. It also talks about
baseball and life.
"I think this is a very good baseball
book."
James L.
Team 8D
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Klein, R. HATING
ALISON ASHLEY.
Erica Yurken (aka "Yuk" and "Erk") has considered herself the best
student at Barringa East Primary. Then Alison Ashley arrives and Erk has become second
best. The two girls develop a rivalry. Through the year, Erk learns much about herself,
her family, and the true meaning of friendship.
"This book was very funny with
an interesting plot. The comedy unfolds without you knowing and the end arrives
quickly."
Farrah K.
Team 8C
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Lackey, M. ARROWS OF
THE QUEEN.
This book is about a girl who gets taken from her home and becomes a Herald for the
Queen. It is a fantasy and is filled with the adventure of Talia getting to the palace and
what happens after she gets there.
"ARROWS OF THE QUEEN was great! The
main character was powerful and a dreamer. I liked that because she was sort of like me. I
love fantasy and this was a great fantasy/adventure book. I liked a lot of other books by
this author, too."
Lauren P.
Team 8D
Lee, H. TO
KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.
Scout is learning a lot more about the world. Her father is going through an important
trial and her scary neighbor is going to houses at night.
"Very good. Especially if you remember
little things. There is so much to think about."
Kimberly P.
Team 8D
Lindbergh, A.
THE WORRY WEEK.
It's about 3 sisters who try to survive at their beach house for a week.
"I think that this book was really
good. It was exciting and I enjoyed it."
Devin R.
Team 8D
London, J. CALL
OF THE WILD.
A dog named Buck goes through many owners, his last one dies, and he goes out into the
wild.
"I thought the book was very
interesting."
Michael H.
Team 8D
"It was a really good book with lots of
action. I think it was very well written."
Mike P.
Team 8D
"I think the book was exciting and very
descriptive."
Dennis P.
Team 8D
"This book has a lot of action and many
things about traveling and the wild. I highly recommend it."
Anh N.
Team 8D
"I think that this book was good and
had good vocabulary words, but that it got boring at points."
Nicole S.
Team 8D
"I really liked the book because it was
exciting and had so many good events in the story."
Amandeep S.
Team 8D
"I thought it was good because the dog,
Buck, got to know a lot of other people and dogs."
Kelly R.
Team 8D
"It was great. It was fun and
adventurous."
Greg P.
Team 8D
"The book was good and I liked it
because the main characters were dogs."
Christina R.
Team 8D
London, J. WHITE
FANG.
A wolf named White Fang is a wolf/dog hybrid. A man comes to Alaska and befriends him.
"I liked the book because it had a lot
of action. It was similar to THE CALL OF THE WILD so you know it will have the same good
quality as the rest of the author's books."
McKenzie P.
Team 8D
Marshall, C.
CHRISTY.
This is a true story about a nineteen-year-old woman who leaves the only place she's
ever called home to teach in a community in the wilderness of the Smoky Mountains. It
describes the hardships and triumphs that Christy faces.
"This book was wonderfully
written. It was very descriptive, so it made you feel as though you were there."
Nichole D.
Team 8A
Martin, A.
TEN KIDS, NO PETS.
In this book, each chapter was about one of the children. Each chapter tells about how
that child tried to get a pet even though their parents said NO.
"I enjoyed the book. I liked the
different perspectives. Each child was totally different from the others."
Erin R.
Team 8D
Mazer, N. SILVER.
This is about a poor girl who lives in a trailerpark and tries to make new friends at her
new school. She makes four new friends and one of them has a problem that Sarabeth tries
to solve.
"Very good, because it talks about
problems in the everyday life of a teenager."
Kimberly S.
Team 8D
"Very good, detailed, and
exciting."
Ashley P.
Team 8D
McDaniel, L.
I'LL BE SEEING YOU.
Carlie has been teased because of her facial deformity since she was twelve and has not
been treated fairly. After winding up in the hospital because of her leg, she meets Kyle
who is blind and she is afraid to tell him about her appearance because he is the only
person who has ever treated her kindly.
"This is a wonderful book. Very
unexpected and loving. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever been teased
and/or anyone who likes to cuddle up and read."
Jenny S.
Team
McDaniel, L.
MOTHER, HELP ME LIVE.
With the help of her mother, a teenage girl tries to cope with cancer.
"I thought it was good because it's
about a real life situation."
Debby P.
Team 8D
Michaels, B. BE BURIED IN THE RAIN.
Julie, a twenty-year-old in medical school, comes to take care of her grandmother over her
summer vacation. Julie is not excited about taking care of her grandmother, but when two
skeletons are found on the road outside her grandmother's house, the excitement begins.
"I loved reading this book and I
recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers with a romantic twist."
Sarah K.
Team 8C
Minor, J. A WINTER LOVE STORY.
This book is about four girls who go up to a ski resort for winter vacation. When they
go up there, each of the girls finds a winter romance. But they hit trouble when they meet
Angel. Angel is the one who tries to steal each of their boyfriends.
"In my opinion, this was a very
good book. It was a good story about a winter love."
Michelle J.
Team 8D
Myers, W. FALLEN ANGELS.
A young man from New York goes off to join the war in Vietnam.
"It was very realistic and
exciting."
Dale B.
Team 8C
"This was a very well-done book."
John P.
Myers, W. THE
OUTSIDE SHOT.
The book is about a person who plays basketball in college and tells about his college
year.
"I thought it was very good."
Jahan K.
Team 8D
"I think the book is a great book for
those who are interested in basketball along with a few adventures and challenges."
Jay B.
Team 8D
Naylor, P.
SHILOH.
The book is about a dog that is abused by its owner and runs away to a boy. The boy
falls in love with the dog and will do anything to keep Shiloh.
"The book, in my opinion, was very
good. It was written very well and the knowledge of the author was extensive."
Todd P.
Team 8D
Nixon, J. SHADOWMAKER.
A girl moves to a small town where there are robberies and two murders happening. She
has to solve the crimes and get the bad guys in jail before she becomes the next to die.
"I think that this book was very
exciting and interesting. It made me want to keep on reading and it has a surprising
ending."
Brittany H.
Team 8C
Paulsen, G. HATCHET.
A boy's plane crashes in the wild and he's stranded. He doesn't have much food left.
"This was the best book I've
ever read."
Ryan J.
Team 8C
Paulsen, G. TILT-A-WHIRL JOHN.
It is about a boy who went out to see the world and got himself into a lot of trouble.
"I thought it was a very good
book."
Justin K.
Team 8C
Peck, R. A DAY NO
PIGS WOULD DIE.
A boy grows up having a pig as his best friend. Then his family needs food so he has
to kill the pig.
"I really liked this book."
Cathy R.
Team 8D
Phipson, J. Hit
and Run.
This is a mystery involving a car accident that a teenager committed. The victim
comes back and harasses all the teenagers.
"Very exciting and full of
action. "
Julianne K.
Team 8C
Pierce, T. ALANNA,
THE FIRST ADVENTURE.
Alanna wants to be a knight but women are not allowed to be knights. She and her twin
brother trade places, and Alanna goes to the city, dressed as a boy, to train as a knight.
"This book is very funny and is the
first in a four-book series. I would recommend it for anyone."
Lisa M.
Team 8C
Preston, C.
THE HOT ZONE.
Deadly virus breaks out in urban America. They have to save the people, without much media
attention.
"The book was action-packed and
suspenseful."
Sean K.
Team 8C
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
"I think it was very good and
interesting. It might not be good for some 8th graders because of some of the words."
Dax W.
Team 8D
"It was a thrilling non-fiction
book."
Jenny Q.
Team 8D
Pullman, P. THE RUBY IN THE SMOKE.
A young girl finds the truth about her past but not before she runs into
big trouble and cruel enemies.
"I liked the book because you never
knew what was going to happen next. It is a good story."
Eryn G.
Team 8D
Pullman, P.
THE TIN PRINCESS.
A London orphan along with a childhood friend and tutor becomes the queen of Rakslavia
when she marries the crown prince. Later, she must battle a conspiring baron and the
missing Prince Leopold.
"This book was really good.
Although it is related to a trilogy of Sally Lockhart books, you don't need to read them
in order to understand this book. It was interesting and exciting. "
Jessica K.
Team 8C
Ransom, C. EMILY.
Emily is a rich girl who falls in love with a poor, young doctor in training. The doctor
is so mean because he hates rich people since he, himself, is so poor.
"This book was one of my favorites and
I hated to put it down when I had to do homework or go to bed."
Kristen D.
Team 8D
Rawls, W. WHERE
THE RED FERN GROWS.
A boy gets two hunting dogs that he loves to death. They hunt and do all kinds of things
together. Then the dogs are killed by a bobcat.
"The book
was well-written and interesting. It helped me understand what life was like in the
country in the old days."
K.K.
Team 8C
"I was very upset at the end, but I
could not put it down."
Alex M.
Team 8C
Rendal, J. A VERY PERSONAL COMPUTER.
A boy who is the smallest in school because he skipped two grades, finds a computer in
the school that knows his name. It gives simulations that help him and is able to do his
homework.
"This book is for people who like fun
and adventure."
Eyang N.
Team 8D
Rinaldi, A. WOLF BY THE EARS.
Harriet Hemings is a servant in Thomas Jefferson's house. The rumor is that Harriet
and her brothers are the children of Jefferson. He treats Harriet so well that she doesn't
want to leave and take her freedom.
"I thought that this was a really good book. It was interesting. I
really enjoy all of Ann Rinaldi's books."
Kristin P.
Team 8D
Sheldon, S.
IF TOMORROW COMES.
Tracy Whitney tries to avenge her mother's suicide by murdering the man who destroyed
her mother. She doesn't succeed and goes to jail for 15 years. When she gets out, she
takes revenge on her enemies and becomes a professional thief who steals from the
super-rich and snobby.
"I really liked it because some of the
things that occurred seemed false but when you think about them, you realize everything is
possible. What happens is really ingenious. I liked the beginning because it started
quickly, not slow and boring."
Grace L.
Team 8C
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Sheldon, S. MORNING, NOON, AND NIGHT.
At the beginning of the book, a rich man is traveling back to his house to change his
will so that his children would not be included. One stormy night, he is pushed off the
boat and dies, and his children want to find out what really happened that night.
"This was an excellent book and
very well written. It was not obvious at all who killed the man until towards the end, and
many people could have committed the murder. Throughout the book, there is great suspense
and it is hard to put down."
Andrea H.
Team 8C
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
"A very good who is it, whodunit type
of book straight till the end."
Allison S.
Team 8D
(Librarian's note: Franklin does not have this book).
Shelley, M. FRANKENSTEIN.
Victor Frankenstein finds a secret, the secret of life. He then starts on a man of his own
creation. After being brought to life, the monster decides to have his revenge on
Frankenstein by destroying everything Frankenstein loved.
"I think this book is very good and a
lot better than the movies made from it."
Drew M.
Team 8D
Shute, N. ON THE
BEACH.
A group of people are the last survivors of a nuclear holocaust. The book is about how
they lived out their last days.
"The book is very interesting but sad.
Don't read it if you're expecting a happy ending."
Kristen S.
Team 8D
Sleator, W.
THE SPIRIT HOUSE.
Julie's family has just made arrangements for a foreign exchange student from
Thailand. When he arrives, he and Julie become good friends, that is, until Julie's little
brother Dominic makes a Thai Spirit House to welcome the new guest. Legends say that this
small house that sits in front of your house gives a home to Thai spirits so they won't
curse your family or your home. But what Julie doesn't understand is why it bothers him so
much.
"I enjoyed reading this book a lot. If
you enjoy books that have a twist in the plot, then you will also like this book. William
Sleator is an author who writes all his books in a way that fools you into not knowing who
is your friend and who is your enemy. If you enjoy THE SPIRIT HOUSE, then you should read
the sequel, DANGEROUS WISHES."
David G.
Team 8A
Smith, B. A
TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN.
The story of a girl and her brother growing up at the turn of the century. They live in
the slums of New York and this book is about the hardships they go through.
"This was a good book and was written
very well. The details kept you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what happens
next."
Marian W.
Team 8D
Steinbeck, J. THE
GRAPES OF WRATH.
This book is about a family of migrant workers on their way to California.
"This book was good, with lots of
action. I think it had good detail."
David C.
Team 8D
Stine, R. THE
BABYSITTER.
A young girl takes a babysitting job from some strange people who are always worried about
their child. Also, someone is stalking the babysitter. The question is, who is it and why
would they want to stalk the babysitter.
"The book is very suspenseful.
If you like scary books that have a lot of suspense, I recommend this book to you."
Steven L.
Team 8C
Stine, R. GHOST BEACH.
The book is about two main characters, Terri and Jerry, who go to visit their
relatives at the beach. They were having a good time until they found out that everyone
else was a ghost.
"I think this book is a really good
book. I liked how you were scared in some parts of the story, or curious, and how it was
sometimes a cliffhanger.
Deanna P.
Team 8D
Stine, R. PROM NIGHT.
The book is about strange murders that happen on Prom Night.
"I thought this book was very
good. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy scary stories, you'll love this
book."
Tara M.
Team 8C
Stine, R. THE
THIRD EVIL.
A group of friends, who are cheerleaders, are going to a cheerleading camp but
everything starts going wrong.
"I think this is a very good book
expecially if you like 'Whodunnits'."
Lindsay M.
Team 8C
THIRTEEN.
Edited by T. PINES.
This is a collection of thirteen short stories by different horror authors.
"Very good, some of the stories are
pretty scary. I would recommend this book to any one who has the nerve."
Colleen M.
Team 8C
"I thought the book was great because
they had the best authors that like to write scary books, like Christopher Pike,
R.L.
Stine, and others. I like to read mysteries and scary books."
Faith D.
Team 8D
Thomas, P. TALKING
BONES.
When people are killed, their bones tell the stories to the scientists who study them.
"You would like the book if you like
bones."
Ricky N.
Team 8D
Tolkien, J.
THE HOBBIT.
This is the story of a hobbit, or a little person. In THE HOBBIT, Bilbo Baggins goes
on a quest with a group of dwarves and a wizard to stop the necromancer Sauron.
"THE HOBBIT was a very
well-written book with a great plot and characters. It never became boring. THE LORD OF
THE RINGS, which continues the story, was also very good."
Rick E.
Team 8C
"This book is excellent because it is
filled with adventure and obstacles around every corner."
Nick H.
Team 8C
Tolkien, J. THE
RETURN OF THE KING.
A young hobbit named Frodo gets control of a ring that could destroy the world if it fell
into the wrong hands. Frodo travels into the evil land of Mordor to the only place it can
be destroyed, the Mountain of Doom.
"I liked this book because it was
always exciting and you never knew what was going to happen. THE RETURN OF THE KING is the
third book in THE LORD OF THE RINGS series. All of the books in the series were great
books with a lot of excitement. I think that evrybody should read THE LORD OF THE RINGS
series, no matter what type of books you like."
Dan C.
Team 8A
"The book was very good, it had
a lot of suspense."
Richard S.
Team 8D
Vande Velde, V.
COMPANIONS OF THE NIGHT.
This adventurous book is about a 16-year-old girl who becomes involved with a young man;
the only problem is he is a vampire! Together they try to rescue Kerrie's family and stop
the vampire killers.
"I think this book is very exciting. It
is filled with chilling mystery and adventure. It made me wonder if vampires really do
exist. The author has a very original style."
Julia J.
Team 8C
Verne, J.
TWENTY THOUSAND LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA.
A submarine exploring the world crashes into a ship and three people fall onto the sub.
They get captured and start exploring the world on the submarine, too.
"I liked the book and thought it was
very exciting."
Kent S.
Team 8D
Voight, C. DICEY'S
SONG.
Dicey and her brothers and sister go to stay with their grandmother after their mother
disappears. She's not used to having so little responsibility and has trouble hanging on
to the people she loves.
"It's a little slow, but it's
fun getting to know the character so well."
Lauren O.
Team 8D
Voight, C.
HOMECOMING.
Dicey and her younger brothers and sister are abandoned by their mother at a shopping
center. It is now up to Dicey to help get her family to their grandmother's.
"Full of adventure and
fun!"
Laura P.
Team 8D
Voight, C.
IZZY, WILLY NILLY.
This story is about a girl who is on the cheerleading squad who goes to a high school
party and she gets a ride home with someone who has been drinking. There is an accident
and she wakes up in the hospital.
"This book was very neat because it
reminds you about drinking and driving. Every teen should read it."
Kristen P.
Team 8D
Wallace, B.
BUFFALO GAL.
A girl goes to Texas during her vacation in the 1800's and meets a boy who changes her
life.
"This is a very adventurous book with a
little touch of romance in it."
Jen K.
Team 8D
Watkins, Y. MY BROTHER, MY SISTER, AND I.
The book is about a girl during World War II. Her mother dies and her father goes off
to war. It's only the girl, her sister, and her brother left and they have to live on
their own and survive until their father comes back.
"This book was sooo good, I'm surprised
it didn't win any gold medals. It was sad, though, and it was also based on a true story.
It's kind of like the holocaust."
Amber M.
Team 8D
Weiss, A. MONEY
GAMES: THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS.
The book was about the money deals between players and owners. It also discussed who got
the highest salaries in baseball, basketball, hockey, football, tennis, and golf.
"This book told me about the different
leagues and how much each player actually makes. It also was good in that it told me the
ways that the rules work to keep the players from skipping around from team to team."
Jason F.
Team 8D
Williams, L. BEHIND THE BEDROOM WALL.
The book was about a German family during World War II. The only child in the family is a
13-year-old girl who is a very loyal German. When she finds out that her parents are
hiding Jewish people in their home, her feelings become unclear, and she has to figure out
what she really believes in.
"I found this book to be easy to
read, exciting, and informative. BEHIND THE BEDROOM WALL is a great book and I would
recommend it to anybody in sixth grade or higher."
Ali D.
Team 8D
Winthrop, E. THE
CASTLE IN THE ATTIC.
A boy receives a toy castle and a toy knight. The knight comes alive, the boy shrinks
and ends up in the knight's world.
"I thought this book was fun
to read and very exciting."
Jeffrey L.
Team 8C
Wunderli, S. THE
HEARTBEAT OF HALFTIME.
Wing has always been on a losing football team. With his father dying, he gets angry and
takes it out on the field. His team wins the championship and he gets a girlfriend.
"This book depicts how a kid
would react to his father dying very well. I think it was a good book."
Peter H.
Team 8D
