“Millions,” by Frank Cottrell Boyce is a riveting tale about two boys who suddenly find themselves millionaires, but the problem is that they have no way to spend their money.
Damien and Anthony live in England with their father. Their mother died some months ago. The two boys and their father have recently moved to a new home where they hope to start a new life away from the sorrow and memories of their old house. Damien has a great interest in saints and angels, because he wonders what might have happened to his mother after she died. Anthony, Damien’s older brother, is deeply interested in money and real estate. Read the rest »
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Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
“Inventing Elliot,” by Graham Gardner is a chilling story about a boy who ends up trapped in his school’s sickening cycle of bullying.
Elliot thought that the move to Holminster High would allow him to start all over. At Holminster he would be careful to avoid looking like a wimp. Maybe then he wouldn’t get targeted by bullies. At his old school Elliot was always scared, and the bullies knew it. Now Elliot has a chance to design a new image, a tough and impenetrable personality that will prevent him from being a target of bullying. Read the rest »
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Rating: 5.0/5 (4 votes cast)
“Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree,” by Lauren Tarshis is a touching story about an intelligent young girl who decides to start helping her schoolmates by solving their social problems.
Emma-Jean is an unusual girl known for being highly logical. This sets her apart from her fellow schoolmates because she usually doesn’t understand their jokes and queer social customs. Emma-Jean spends her time alone, studying trees, the Hindi language, and other important subjects. Read the rest »
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Rating: 4.0/5 (4 votes cast)
“Whirligig,” by Paul Fleischman is a powerful novel about the complex interactions that spring from a single tragic event.
The main character is sixteen-year-old Brent Bishop, a young man who is desperate to fit in with the other kids at his school. His life completely changes however, when his drunk driving results in an accident that takes the life of another young person, 18 year old Lea Zamora. When he is charged with drunk driving and manslaughter Brent comes to realize the full implication of his actions. As part of restitution Brent must carry out a rather unusual request that Lea’s mother makes of him. Read the rest »
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Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
“Zorgamazoo,” by Robert Paul Weston is a fantasy novel written in smooth, flawless verse.
The book begins with a delightful invitation:
Here is a story that’s stranger than strange.
Before we begin you may want to arrange:
A blanket, a cushion, a comfortable seat,
And maybe some cocoa and something to eat.
The main character in this poetical adventure is Katrina Katrell, a young girl with a strong sense of perception and the ability to see things that other people ignore. Read the rest »
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Rating: 3.0/5 (2 votes cast)
