- You can review books, movies or CDs you've read, seen, or listened to since May 20
- In your review, include the title and author/artist
- Tell me what you liked and/or disliked (the plot? characters? the ending? too slow?)
- Please please please do NOT give away the ending, or what happens to major characters. No spoilers!!
- Give a rating of 1-5 stars, with 5 being the best of the best
- Review should be at least 3-5 sentences (be sure to put your initials at the end)
- Be creative! List your favorite tracks of a CD, favorite quote from a book, etc.
- After clicking on "Comments" and writing your review, select "Anonymous"
Email me at tleslie@bham.lib.al.us to let me know which review you posted and I'll give you your points. We've gotten some great reviews - keep them coming!!
329 comments:
1 – 200 of 329 Newer› Newest»Mathilda
Roald Dahl
This was my latest Roald Dahl find, and it was my favorite! It rocked! Before I have read the BFG, and it was amazing, but not as much as Mathilda. Fans of BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or any other Roald Dahl novel, should definitely read Mathilda!
D.D.J.
Stars:***** (five stars)
Beauty
Robin McKinley
Beauty was an intriguing retelling of one of my favorite classic musicals, Beauty and the Beast. It was a great book, very heartwarming. I liked that in some parts, there were just enough details, but in the rest, there were too many or less. It was still an amazing book.
D.D.J.
Stars:**** (four stars)
Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine
I love Gail Carson Levine's works! He writes with just enough detail so I can create an intricate picture in my mind. His books are never dull, and I liked the creatures and places and all that good stuff that he invented! Fantasy fans should check this novel out right away!
D.J.
Stars: ***** (five stars)
All of a Kind Family
Sydney Taylor
I love the way Sydney Taylor captures the details just right of the life of this unique family. I'm normally all over fantasies, but this amazing novel is just as good! This family gets excited about the tiniest things, and even some bad things! A great read for book lovers!
D.J.
Stars: **** (four stars)
Memoirs of a Geisha
Arthur Golden
This is a book about a young girl that was sold from her family to an okiya(a place where geisha live.) She must learn the ways of a geisha. This is a really amazing book! i couldnt put it down!
5 stars!!
R.G.G
I Am the Wallpaper
Mark Peter Hughes
This book is about a girl who is tired of being her boring self and decides spice up her life, but by doing this, it leads to many bad situations. This book was good. It was a bit painful at times, but also really funny at other parts.
3 stars
R.G.G
Ella of All of a Kind Family
Sydney Taylor
And Ella is back again! Ella is probably my favorite character, because we are so alike. All Ella wants is to be a singer when she grows up, and get married to her boyfriend, Jules. But when she finally makes it into a vaudeville act, she realizes she can only have one or the other, but which one? The choice is hers, and only hers. Fans of All of a Kind Family should try this!
D.J.
Stars:*** (three stars)
The Boy in Striped PJ's
by John Boyne
When i first picked up this book i thought it was for like 10 year olds and it starts out that way, but throughout the book the plot thickens. The interesting part of the book is that the whole time you are putting together the pieces to figure out what he is talking about. It was very interesting but i did not like it because i like fun stories and it is not fun. I rate this book 3 stars because although it was not a very good book to me, it was written really coolly.
Kathleen EK
It's not easy being mean
Lisi Harrison
This is the 7th book in the series and it is pretty good. The 5th book was my favorite. All girls should read the clique books, but note this is not real it is FICTION and i put that in caps b/c i've heard that at a couple of the elementary schools some girls have decided that they were the Pretty committee in their school. It is not a good thing to be the pretty committee. read them in order. The Clique books take place over the entire 7th grade year. I rate this book 2 stars because it was not very good compared to some of the others in the series but i still love the series and all girls should read them!!!
Kathleen EK
The Boyfriend List
e. lockhart
This is my favorite book so far this summer! I loved it. The boyfriend list tells the story of 16 year old girl, Ruby, going through her sophomore year and everything goes wrong!! The boyfriend list is a list her shrink makes her write. I give this book 5 stars!! all girls should read it!!!
READ THIS BOOK!!
Kathleen EK
The Boy Book
e. lockhart
the boy book is good but not as good as the boyfriend list. it is the sequel to the boyfriend list. it deals with her junior year and everything starts to kind of fall into place. I would read it if you enjoyed the boyfriend list but i only give it two stars cause nothing really happens.
Kathleen EK
Princess Lessons
Meg Cabot
This is part of the princess daires and trys to tell you how to look and act your best. It was a cute and quick read. I give it 3 stars because i enjoyed it but it was not a story. Read it if you have read the others or you are just a girl looking for a quick fun read. (I read it in one day which is saying a lot since i dont read much!)
Kathleen EK
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
James Hilton
This book is old. It is about a beloved old schoolmaster and how he changed the lives of many. It is very good and quick. Everyone should read it. I zoned out a few times, but it was very good. i give it 4 stars. it is a classic (i think)
Kathleen EK
Saving Francesca
Melina Marchetta
This is a good book for girls or boys mainly girls. it is about a girl who has to go to a new school b/c she got to old for her school. Her mom is suffering from depression. the book is not very happy but i did enjoy it. I give this book 4 stars. you should read this novel just because its good but it is kind of depressing.
Kathleen EK
Catcher In the Rye
J.D Salinger
This book was really interesting. It tells all about this boy that lives in the 50's and how he struggles with the priorities in his life. I loved it so much. This is definitly a classic!
4 stars
R.G.G
Mariel of Redwall
Written by Brian Jacques
This book was pretty good, though I thought thst Gabool, the enemy, was gonna be killed by Mariel, the protagnist. The part about the three hares charging into 5 scores of rats was quite disturbing, for I've never read a bookw in which people do suicidal stuff. In the end of this book, everybody got what they wanted. I think that the sequel to this book is called The Bellmaker.
Stars: ***(3 stars)
Review by: S.Y.
Down With Love (movie)
This is one of the funniest but yet cheesiest movies I have ever seen. It is a complicated plot, that takes place in the 60's, about a farm girl that writes a book about how women should not fall in love. She comes to New York city and publicly humiliates Catcher Block, a famous and handsome reporter/bachelor. I definitly recommend this movie if you are in the mood for something funny.
5 stars
R.G.G
Cheaper by the Dozen
Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
This was very warm, yet very exciting, which is why I liked it.
I can't believe most of the book was true, because some parts were pretty ludicrous! I loved it!
D.J.
Stars:*** (three stars)
Belles on Their Toes
Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
This is the sequel to a wonderful novel, Cheaper by the Dozen. For once, I have to say, the sequel was better than the original! It had plenty of detail, yet not too much that you would get bored. I always wanted to know what happened next, never could put it down even for meals, plus it had more comedy than the first. I adored it!
D.J.
Stars:**** (four stars)
Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
So I read this book b/c Ella Enchanted was one of my favorite books, like, five years ago. And the book jacket of this says it's set in the same land. So I was like 'cool!' I started reading and realized I'd forgotten half of what happened in Ella Enchanted. So it didn't really matter that I had previous knowledge, b/c I'd forgotten it all. Anyway, I thought this book was pretty cool, but definitely way too young for me. I guess I knew that when I picked it up, but I still read it for, I dunno, 'old times sake.' Ella Enchanted is on my brother's fifth grade reading list, and Levine pretty much writes at that level. The characters were fairly well-developed, and the plot was interesting, though it had a crapload of turns. It reminded me of the second Pirates of hte Carribean movie, onyl b/c it felt like this had about 14,000 different plots all smushed together. The characters were so vain, though... and that put me off a bit.
Bottom line, I love Levine's stories, they're very imaginative and fun to reasd... but I would have liked this book a lot more if I was ten again.
Stars...
two if you're in high school, five if you're in grade school... so, what's that averaged, three and a half? yeah. three and a half.
a.l.s.
cd review:
alright, still by lily allen
genre: pop... but good pop! its summer music.
discography: [my favorites are bold...]
1-smile. 2-knock 'em out. 3-ldn. 4-everything's just wonderful. 5-not big. 6- friday night. 7-shame for you. 8-littles things. 9-take what you take. 10-friend of mine. 11-alfie. 12-nan, you're a window shopper. 13-smile (version revisited) [mark ronson remix]. 14- blank expression.
okay. so lily allen is this twenty-year-old british girl w/ a fairly famous comedian father. she's pretty big in the news right now b/c of her drinking and smoking and dissing of other british celebrities. (she thinks kate moss only makes clothes for anorexics and she hateshateshates amy winehouse.) she got her start by making a myspace page and putting up some of her songs, and also her semi-famous mixtapes (called 'my first mixtape' and 'my second mixtape'). in the mixtapes, she mixes some of her work w/ that of more famous artists, such as dizzee rascal, ludacris, kaiser cheifs, etc... also on her myspace, she posts blogs--real blogs-- about how she feels about all the stuff in her life. her lyrics are just as real as her blogs. her songs are about everything from the city of london (ldn) to breakups (smile, littlest things, not big) to how dumb being insecure about weight is (everything is alright) to (a personal favorite) what to do when guys hit on you in bars (knock 'em out).
note: watch out for language. seriously.
stars: fiiiive. duhh.
oh, dear. i hope this isnt too long. so sorry if it is.
:]
a. swagler
cd review:
favourite worst nightmare by arctic monkeys
genre: alt-rock? awesome? the best bass riffs ever? i hate having to classify it...
discography: [my favourites are in bold.] 1-brianstorm. 2-teddy picker. 3-d is for dangerous. 4-balaclava. 5-fluorescent adolescent. 6-only ones who know. 7-do me a favour. 8-this house is a circus. 9-if you were there beware. 10-the bad thing. 11-old yellow bricks 12-505
so im really into british stuff this summer... what can i say about the arctic monkeys... they sound upbeat and catchy, but some of their lyrics arent so upbeat. theyve got some of the catchiest bass riffs ive ever heard. the lead singer, alex turner, has the pretties voice ive ever heard, as well as a cute little british accent. and hes really cute too. just sayin'.
the arctic monkeys formed in 2003, and are every bit as amazing now as they were then. some artists start making money and their music goes downhill. if anything, these guys have gotten better. their debut album, whatever people say i am, that's what i'm not was maazing too, but this album seems to me like it's more... refined? mature? i dont know what word to use; i just think this one's better. go check it out. its hard not to love these guys. ive showed them to friends, and everyone from my mom to my electronica-crazed friend to the guy thats into heavy-metal likes them.
note: itunes says this isn't explicit; it is. watch out. ive yet to find a clean version. this is not something you want to play for your little sister, no matter how mangled and unrecognizable the curse words sound in alex turners adorable british accent.
stars: f-i-v-e. mhm.
im sorry if these are takign too long to read. i just have a lot to say, see?
a. swagler
(oh, im a.l.s. in that book review, too. in case you werent sure...)
cd review:
RIOT! by paramore.
genre: punk-pop-alt-rock. or, the stuff you were way into in eighth grade when you dressed straight out of hot topic and wore too much eye-makeup.
discography: [my favorites are bold.] 1- for a pessimist, im pretty optimistic. 2- that's what you get. 3- hallelujah. 4- misery business. 5- when it rains. 6- let the flame begin. 7- miracle. 8- crushcrushcrush.
9- we are broken. 10- fences. 11- born for this. 12- misery business (acoustic version).
theyre not british! paramore actually began in the us! tennessee, to be exact. like i said in the genre, this is hte kind of stuff that faux-punk kids listen to in middle school. i bought the album b/c i loved their album, all we know is falling, two years ago, and i wanted to see if theyre progressed as band. and they have preogressed a little. not too much, in my opinion, but a little. similar to their previous album, the songs in RIOT! all sound the same to me. thats not to say they arent catchy--theyre very catchy!-- but they aren't as original as they could be.
my favorite thing about this band would be the vocals. hayley williams is paramores singer, and shes honestly the best punk-ish vocalist ive heard. and my faux-punk friends tell me shes even more amazing live.
if youre goign ot listen to any of their songs, check out misery business in acoustic. the feeling in the vocals is amazing. and even though they're faux-punk and 'so eighth grade'-- im not embarrassed to say that i kind of like them. kind of.
stars: three? four? can i give them three and a half?
a. swagler
cd review:
old world underground, where are you now? by metric.
genre: kinda indie, kinda poppy, kinda electronica... what can i say?--the lyrics are sung by a new yorker, and her accent is apparent. is that a good enough explanation?
discography: [favorites=bold.]
1- iou. 2- hustle rose. 3- succexy. 4-combat baby. 5- calculation theme. 6-wet blanket. 7- on a slow night. 8- the list. 9- dead disco. 10-love is a place.
so i am of hte opinion that any album that begins the first song w/ a sound that vaguely reminds me of a can opening followed by "old world underground, where are you now? subtract my age from the mileage on my speeding heart, credit cards. accelerate, accumulate. looked for you downtown, would up in a movie w/ no story. now its late, and you are nowhere to be found." has got to be amazing. and this album is pretty amazing. lead singer, emily haines (also of broken social scene as well as emily haines and the soft skeleton) sings w/ an apparent new yorker's accent, and the songs she sings are full of flair. metric is unlike anyone else, i can say that truthfully. their beats are likeable. theyr lyrics are poetic and creative and memorable and easy to relate to.
trust me, youll like them.
note: these songs are not all daisies and butterflies. it's not that the lyrics are super-explicit... but they do talk about not-so-great lifestyles in some songs.
song to definitely check out: wet blanket.
stars: four and a half! and dont you tell me i cant do half stars! half stars are completely neccessary here!
a. swagler
book review:
the last days by scott westerfeld.
so i've always been a secret fan of vampire and cannibal books. mainly vampires, but still. cannibals are cool too. and music is pretty much crucial to me. so i see this book about five kids in a band and cannibals/vampires and hte world ending due to a sanitation crisis. and it looks gross, but also pretty cool so i get it. just b/c i like music and cannibals. and hte back says something about vampires, too. so it looks like a great big party to me. being incredibly smart, i missed hte bright blue letters on the front that say this book is a sequel. i get part way through, and, unsure of whether im dealing w/ vampires or cannibals. turns out, the vampire talk was about the prequel, peeps. but i was still confused, b/c there were characters called peeps in 'the last days.'
so pretty much... i was confused throughout the whole book. halfwayway though, i decided i probably ought to read hte prequel then this one again. about tweny pages part that point, i was so sick of hte book i didnt even want to finsish it, much less read the prequel. but i did finish it. and as soon as i was done, i went and read a realistic book, b/c i couldnt handle anymore fantasy.
i didnt like this book, and its probably my fault for not reading hte prequel. but i just didnt like it. thats all i have to say.
stars: can i go negative? can i at least not give any? oh, alright. ill give it half a star... but thats as high as im gonna go.
a. swagler
Al Capone Does my Shirts
Gennifer Choldenko
This book is set in 1935 and on alcatraz island. The story is told from a 12 yearn old boy who has a sister with autism. this book is cool because it tells a little about life on alcatraz island and the author's note is very interesting. it just gives facts about alcatraz. I enjoyed this book very much and everyone should read it. i give this book 4 and 1/2 stars.
Kathleen EK
Salamandastron
Written by Brian Jacques
Though this book was good, it kind of dragged along as the story went by. Sometimes, it even skips between times. My favorite part of the book was when the characters found the badger's treasure; pearls from the sea, gold, loot, shiny swords, and others. This book focuses on a mountain named after the book, Salamandastron.
Stars: ***(3 stars)
Review by: S.Y.
The Bellmaker
Written by Brian Jacques
A sequel to Mariel of Reedwall, this time it focuses on Mariel's father, Joseph the Bellmaker. For once, the setting is not in Mossflower, but in Southsward. The evil guy's army didn'y seem so large when they were ambushed by squirrels, moles, and mice. What surprised me was that a vermin named Blaggut was very kindhearted.
Stars: ****( 4 stars)
Review by: S.Y.
Fahrenheit 451
Ray Bradbury
Fahrenheit 451 is a book about a futuristic time, in which a man, Guy Montag, lives. Montag is a firefighter in a different sense than we use the word. Instead of putting out fires, Montag has to start fires and burn all the books in his community. A decision made around 50 years before him was that books make people unhappy, and there for shouldn't exsist. After 10 years of burning books, Montag finally realizes that it is wrong, and that it is up to him to do something about it.
I thought this books was good but not great. It was pretty boring until the very end.
R.G.G
3 stars ***
Meet The Robinsons (movie)
this is a very childish movie, i know, but i wanted to see it really badly.it is about a boy at an adoption center. he is always creating new inventions, which he shows to his adorable roommate,Goob. then, the strange Wilbur Robinson takes him to the FUTURE! in the end, everything slowly starts to unravle and make sense. i loved this movie and i'm sure a lot of people will. Meet the Robinsons is a great movie.
sorry! i forgot to put my name on that movie review.
by, Virginia k
The Clique
Lisi Harrison
first of all, this book is for girls only. it is about four girls in a tight friendship circle. they are the most popular girls in school.massie block, leader of the clique, has a near perfect life. until, the lyonses move into their pool house. they are close friends of massie's dad. massie did not like the claire. she judged her from the first minute she layed eyes on her. my sister read this book in 1 or 2 nights, but it took me 2 weeks. if you are interested in really girly books than this is a great read for you.
Virginia k
Happy Feet (movie)
i just recently saw this movie. it was a lot gloomier than i expected. but it is still happy. it is about emperor penguins and their culture. each penguih needs a love song to attract a soulmate.then, a penguin is born who cannot sing.his name is Mumble. everyone is shocked when Mumble's father announces that he dropped him when he was in the egg. this movie may make some of you cry in the middle but it is a good movie.i give it 3 stars b/c it was not as good as i thought it would be.
Virginia k
The Endless Steppe A Girl in Exile
Esther Huatzig
I really enjoyed this book. The way it was written captivated your attention and kept you reading untill the last sentence. Anyone who loves a good short story about an intersting life will adore this fabulous book!
AB
Out of The Dust
Karen Hesse
I, like some people dont like the poem like format, but if you can get past that you will enjoy a great story. Anyone who liked stories like Home on the Praire, or old timey books will love this. The plot was intrging and the story was heartwarming!!!
Four stars ****
AB
Lake of Secrets
Lael Littkle
This book makes you think and wonder about puzziling questions. Anyone who loves a great mystery will adore this book. I loved the plot and could not put it down!!!
Four and a Half stars
AB
The Clique
Lisi Harison
Begining this book i thought i would hate it, but ending up really enjoying it. It really reflects off of real life, in an exagerated way. If you read this book you'll be dying to read the rest of this series!
Four stars
AB
The Forgotten Door
Unknown (Sorry)
I really liked this book, it was intreging from the first page, i couldnt put it down!!!!! I loved the questions it rose. it was a kind of book that makes you wonder! Anyone who loves a good mystery/science fiction will love this
FIVE STARS *****
A Crack in The Line
Micheal Lawrence
This was a FABULOUS BOOK!!! Everyone should read it , girl or boy i loved it. It was a book that made you think and it was incredible!!!
FIVE STARS
AB
Storm catchers
Tim Bowler
THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!!! Everyone should read it! The plot kept me reading untill late into the night, i couldnt put it down!!!It was another book that makes you think!!
FIVE STARS *****
AB
Prom
Laurie Halse Anderson
This book is a New York Times Best Seller. It is about a girl named Ashley Hannigan who has anything that could possibly go wrong before prom happen. This is a very funny book with many surprises. I give this book 4 stars because it was a little hard for me to relate to the characters.
TLP
13 Little Blue Envelopes
Maureen Johnson
This book is about a girl named Ginny who is led on a journey through Europe by 13 little blue envelopes. These envelopes were written by her now deceased aunt who wrote the letters before her death. Ginny aunt gives ginny many crazy task to fulfill on her journey which take Ginny to some pretty crazy places. I love this book and I give it 5 stars.
High Rhulain
Written by Brian Jacques
This book is the first one that mentions the name of the sea that Salamandastron guards: the Western Sea. Green Isle didn't seem very big, as it only takes a day to get to the other side. Tiria, the main character, does seem pretty accurate with a sling, but I think that it was all by luck that she killed the enemy. A very interesting book.
Stars: ****(4 stars)
Review by: S.Y.
Horrowitz Horror
Anthony Horrowitz
This is a very good book. Anthony Horrowitz is really creative with his stories. There is a sequel to this book if you the first one and like it. This book might creep some people out but if you are eager to read this book than you probably like things like that.
K.Z.
Sorry I forgot About the star thing.
I am going to give Horrowitz Horror
5 stars.
K.Z.
Jade Green
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
This book I picked because of the author(this author also wrote the shiloh trilogy witch are also good books). I didn't really know if I would like it or not. It turned out to be a really good book.
4 stars
K.Z.
Fantastic 4 Rise of the Silver Surfer
I did not have high expectations for this movie. It wasn't very good but if you absolutely loved the the first movie than you will probably like it. After all this is only one persons opinion anyway.
*** (3 stars)
K.Z.
Spider-Man 3
This movie is, in my opinion, the best of the three Spider-Man movies.
In this movie,yet again, Peter Parker is battling between his life as Spider-Man and his life as Peter Parker. This movie has an interesting plot. I do recommend this movie.
****(4 stars)
K.Z.
Ratatouille (movie)
This is another very good movie. It is a Disney/Pixar film about a rat in France who loves to cook and is also very good at it.The rat run into a man who is terrible at cooking and try to figure out how thy can work together. Really the only reason I saw it was because it takes place in France. It turned out to be a really good movie.
****(5 stars)
Tuck Everlasting (book)
Natalie Babbitt
This book is a very good book.At the beginning it doesn't make a whole lot of sense but after a little while you will want to keep reading into the next chapter. There is also a very unique ending. If you read this than I am fairly sure you will be pleased.
****(4 stars)
K.Z.
Horseradish Bitter Truths You Can't Avoid
Author:Lemony Snicket
I guess you have to have a kind of weird sense of humor to like this book. If you do have that sense of humor you should read this book. This book is hard to describe, but it is a very good book.
*****(5 stars)
K.Z.
Outcast of Redwall
Written by Brian Jacques
The book doesn't really get to the outcast until in the middle of the it. I see that vermin are vermin, no matter what, except for Blaggut, another character in a different Redwall book. i liked this book, for the badger lord didn't get killed by his mortal enemy, like some other books. i rate this book pretty high. My favorite part was when the outcast saved his life for his "mother"
but sacraficed something foe the price of it.
Stars: ****(4 stars)
Review by: S.Y.
Last Shot *****
John Feinstein
This is my favorite book!!! It is about to kids who win a writing contest and get to be reporters in the final four. They over hear a star player being blackmailed and have to help him find a way out. Anyone who likes sports, mysteries, or reporting would love this book i give this book 5 stars. READ THIS BOOK
Kathleen EK
Pearls of Lutra
Written by Brian Jacques
An interseting book, some of the events in this story are in a place some say beyond the sunset. I was surprised that the mian character became Abbess od Redwall. My favorite part was when a corsair helped a woodland beast.
Stars: ***(3 stars)
Review by: S.Y.
All-Of-A-Kind Family
Sydney Taylor
This book was pretty good. It is about a Jewish family has five girls. It is interesting to see all the different jewish holidays that they celebrate.Most of which I have never heard of before. Going thru the book you follow their lives from day to day.
***(3 stars)
Sorry, forgot to put my name.
K.Z.
Shrek 3 (Movie)
I will start off saying that this movie did movie did not live up to the other two. As you might know in this movie Shrek and Fiona are required to take the place of king and queen. Throughout this movie are the perils of a mannerless oger trying to be kinglike but also trying to find a way out of it.This movie was pretty funny but, again, not as funny as the last two.
***(3 stars)
K.Z.
Princess Lessons ****
Meg Cabot
This book is part of the Princess Diaries series. It is about Princess Mia becoming a princess, while teaching the reader about how to play the part of a princess. I loved this book because the royal life sounds like a lot of fun. I give this book 4 stars.
Virginia K
Daniel's Story ****
Carol Mattas
this is a holocaust story. It tells the story of Daniel, his sister Erika, and their parents. They get abducted into a city before they are moved into a concentration camp. This book is very sad. I give this book 4 stars because it has a great message to never give up.
Virginia K
Best Friends for Never *****
Lisi Harrison
I love the Clique series. This is the second book of 7 so far. It is the same five girls Dylan, Massie, Kristen, Alicia, and the outsider Claire. Claire is finally starting to become part of the Pretty Committee. The girls take part in a fashion show that will help to decide the school's uniforms. The girls get very competive and put their friendship on the line. I give this book 5 stars because it is funny and a good book.
Virginia K
Princess Present *****
Meg Cabot
This is part of the Princess Diaries series. Princess Mia is in Genovia for Christmas. Her best friend and boyfriend, who happen to be siblings, are coming to Genovia. I give this book 5 stars because it is quick and easy to read but i also enjoyed every minute of it.
Virginia K
Stoneheart
Charlie Fletcher
This was one of the strangest books that I have ever read. It's about all of the statues in London coming to life and going to war over a puny little kid who is about to turn emo. Once you get over the oddness the book is actually pretty good, and it left me wanting to read the rest of the series.
S.S.C
Stars:****(four stars)
Wolf Brother
Michelle Paver
Despite being set in England, having a u after every o(I have given you a taste in this review), and being about peouple from the stoune age, this boouk is pretty intense. The whoule idea about being able to talk to woulves was cooul. P.S. If you read the boouk doun't even attempt to figure out the riddle about the Hearts blooud. It's nigh impoussible.
S.S.C.
Stars:****(four stars)
To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee
This book is a must read. Reading it for school doesn't count because it's not the same scrutinizing ever detail as a crazy teacher breathes down your neck. To Kill a Mockingbird is a "Snapshot of the South" and being raised in a small Southern town, the book depicts Mtn. Brook in many ways. And if you don't read this book, Boo Radley will get ya.
S.S.C
Stars:*****(five stars)
The Children of Hurin
J.R.R Tolkien
Despite having passed away J.R.R. Tolkien has written another book.(Really it was his son gathering J.R.R.'s ideas in a book). You could tell that it was not a true J.R.R. book because it was not very good. It was the slowest book that I have ever read, and it was a labor to turn the pages. After The Hobbit and Teh Fellowship of the Ring, if J.R.R. Tolkien was still alive he would be ashamed to have his name put on it. There's a reason that you dad didn't publish that book Christopher.
S.S.C.
Stars:*(one star)
The Hollow People
Brian Keane
This was another strange book, since its setting was in an asylum. As if that wasn't strange enough, there's a crazy leader named Dr. Sigmundus(age over 100) making people quote his works, pray to his picture, and take medicine that makes them easily controlled and not be able to dream everyday. The book has doen't have a lot of action, but it's so interesting that I could not put it down.
S.S.C.
Stars:*****(five stars)
The Goodness Gene
Sonia Levitin
This is another book where there is a total dictator, but unlike The Hollow People the main character is the leader's son. This time the book shows the life of the privleged: studying at the best school, having many personal attendants, having the latest technologu, and having a gene "that will help the goodness of the world"(which includes shipping the mentally frail and phisically lame people into space). The gene is from the worst dictator, and his firey speeches and strange handmotions have been given to the main character. The book is quite intreging but has some slow parts and inaproprite parts.
S.S.C
Stars:****(four stars)
Joshua Tree(album)
U2
Thanks to the scavanger hunt question about U2, my liking for Bono was rekindled. The first three songs: Where the Streets Have No Name, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, and With or Without You(my favorite by far) are the best U2 songs on the CD. This is the strongest album that U2 has made.
S.S.C
Stars:*****(five stars)
The Police Greatest Hits(album)
The Police
Celebrate! The Police are back together! This is a 2 disc CD including 30 of The Police's best. My personal favorites are Don't Stand So Close To Me and Message in a Bottle(as played on Guitar Hero 2). Some of the other songs I would have left of the album.
S.S.C.
Stars:****(four stars)
Ice Age: The Meltdown(movie)
The sequal is not as good as the first. The addition of the love factor took away from the movie, but Sid was able to redeem it using his enormous brain. The squirrl never gets old, and they better give him the acorn soon.
S.S.C.
Stars:****(four stars)
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
By Ann Brashares
When four Best friends find pants that fit all of them perfectly, they know that the pants must be magic. So they decide that in their first summer apart, they should send the pants back and forth to each other as a way to keep the all together. Thus begins the journey of the pants. This book was really good, but I've already started the second one and it's not as good.
Stars=****(4)
-C.D.M.
Live Free or Die Hard (movie)
This is an action pacted movie starring Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Timothy Olyphant, and Maggie Q. This movie was very entertaining mixing comedy in with all the great stunts. I give this movie 5 stars because it keeps the viewer hooked from start to finish.
TLP
The Man Who was Poe
Avi
This book is a mystery that takes place in the 1800's in Providence, Rhode Island. Edmund is looking for his twin sister who disappeared out of a locked room and the only person who will help him is a stranger who calls himself Dupin. Dupin and Edmund meet many shady characters as they try to discover the answers to the many mysteries of the book. I give this book a 5 because it is very suspenceful and clever.
TLP
Rakkety Tam
Written by Brian Jacques
The animal who weilds the sword of Martin is actually not from Redwall Abbey. I thought that the enemy could not be slayed, for it was a wolverine, but I now stand corrected. kind of romantic at the end, when Tam falls in love with Sister Armel and marry.
Stars: ****(4 stars)
Review by: S.Y.
Evan Almighty
This movie is the sequel to Bruce Almighty, but without Jim Carrey. It is hard for Senator Evan Baxter,Steve Carell, to believe God,Morgan Freeman, when he is told to prepare an arc because a flood is coming, even though the city is in the middle of a drought. This was a very funny movie with a great message, so I give this movie 5 stars.
TLP
Nancy Drew (the movie)
Teen crime fighter Nancy Drew hits the big screen. When Nancy's dad gets a new job and lets Nancy choose their house, it is no surprise that Nancy chooses one that is connected to a mystery. Emma Roberts stars as Nancy Drew. This is a great movie with many surprises, so I give it 4 stars.
TLP
Pirates of the Carribean: At Worlds End
This is the eagerly awaited third movie in the Pirates of the Carribean series. All of our favorites return as Will, Elizabeth, and Barbarosa try to retreave Captain Jack Sparrow from the end of the earth. At the same time they continue to battle the Brittish who are trying to get rid of all the pirates. This was a great movie, filled with action and suspense. I give this movie 5 stars. Everyone should see this movie!!!!!
TLP
Suspect Zero (movie)
This is a movie about a man named Benjamin O'Ryan that claims to be a former FBI agent who is tyring to help the FBI by telepathically catching murders. This movie had a very strange plot and it sort of creeped me out when O'Ryan would get in the killers thoughts and see what they were seeing. This movie stars Ben Kingsley, Aarn Eckhart, and Carrie-Anne Moss. I did not really enjoy this movie so I give it 2 stars.
TLP
Dream Girls (movie)
This movie is a musical with a star cast including: Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson. It shows 3 girls struggle to get to the top. This movie won Oscars and Golden Globes including: Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, Best supporting actress(Jennifer Hudson), and Best Picture. Some of the many great songs in the movie include: Steppin' to the Bad Side, Dreamgirls, Family, and And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going. Dream Girls is a great movie and I give it 5 stars!!!!!!!
TLP
Romancing the Stone (movie)
This movie stars Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. It is about a novelist who travels to Columbia to save her sister who has been kidnapped. When she gets lost in the jungle, the only person who will help is Michael Douglas who plays a treasure seeker. This movie is filled with treasure, adventure, and romance. I loved this movie and give it 5 stars.
TLP
The Holiday (movie)
This is a romantic comedy starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black. Two girls who have never met but both have bad experiences with love decide to trade homes for the holidays and forget about love. This was a very cute movie and I give it 4 stars.
TLP
Mary Poppins
P.L. Travers
I loved this book! I saw the play in New York just last Tuesday, and that's where I got the book. They were both great! I liked that it was every-day life stories, with just a touch of excitement and magic. And that made the stories adventures! It was magical!
D.J.
Stars:**** (four stars)
Mean Girls (Movie)
This movie is about a modern day high school clique and what happens to it. I thought that it was made to entertain, but that even though the jokes were funny, the plot was thin. This movie was enjoyable, and a good relaked see, but if you want to get a thicker movie, I would suggest something else.
P.B.S.
liked vs. disliked: half and half
*** # Stars
Music and Lyrics (Movie)
This is a movie abbout an 80's music "has-been" that meets a young girl with a talent for writing lyrics. They go through many adventures together and must overcome their differences and show how hard work is always worth it. i like this movie because it is a sentimental movie about harmony.
P.B.S.
liked vs. Disliked: Liked
**** (4 stars)
The Five People you meet in Heaven
Mitch Albom
This is a story about an amusement park worker that dies trying to save a little girl. When he gets
to heaven, he meets 5 people that tell the story of the worth of his life and how they changed it. This story is inspirational and highly enjoyable, even if you don't feel strongly about god or heaven.
P.B.S.
Liked vs. Disliked: Loved
***** (5 Stars)
Ready Or Not
Meg Cabot
This is a story about a girl that has recently saved the life of the presidant and has begun to date his son. She Encounters many things that she is not sure if she is prepared for, and she must decide if she is really ready. This is about her realizing that maybe she is........
P.B.S.
Liked
*** 3 Stars
My Desperate love Diary
Liz Retting
This is a girl who is crushing on a boy who is clearly a bad person but only she cannot see this. She tries so hard to impress him and when he finally takes notice, everyone else is devastated that she has gone awry. It has some suspense, but you know from the begining what will happen in the end.
P.B.S.
Disliked
* 1 star
The Clique
Lisi Harrison
About a modern day private shcool clique that has a complex series of rules and power points. when a newcomer from florida shakes the school's popularity scale, the cliue must straighten everything out. But she must also deal with a possible boyfriend...
Liked
**** 4 Stars
Revene of the Wannabees
Lisi Harrison
When a long time membr of the clique rebels and tries to be the nw clique leader, the old leader must protect her throne. They both try to recruit everyone they can for the purpose of popularity. But you really know all along who will win.
P.B.S.
liked
**** 4 stars
The Giver
Louis Lowry
Since 4th grade, everyone has told me to read the giver, and now I know why. It is a genius work of honesty and sadness. I hope that everyone gets to read this sometime in their lifetime, because i have thouroughly enjoyed it.
P.B.S.
Loved
***** 5 Stars!!!!!!!!!!
Unwritten
Natasha Beddingfeild
This Single is a great song. It is one of my all-time favorite songs now. I think that this song is inspirational and a great addition to any iPod. Natasha is talented and she has a great songwriter.
P.B.S.
liked
**** 4 Stars
All of a Kind Family Downtown
Sydney Taylor
This is another brilliant book from the All of a Kind Family saga. What I liked better about this was that you figure out the problem earlier than in All of a Kind Family. The five sisters have befriended a boy named Guido. But the problem is, Guido's mom is sick in the hospital. So they try to help Guido. But will it be enough? I could read this a million times and not be tired of it!
D.J.
Stars:**** (four stars)
More All of a Kind Family
Sydney Taylor
Another wonderful book in the All of a Kind Family saga. A lot more romance was in this book than the first two. For instance, Lena saves Charlie from being run over so the sisters take her to meet their Mama. There, she meets their Uncle Hyman, who is there for supper, and days later, they start dating! But will it work out?
D.J.
Stars:**** (four stars)
All of a Kind Family Uptown
Sydney Taylor
Another book from the All of a Kind Family saga. Ella's beau, Jules, joins the army, and the whole household is heartbroken. So many things happen after his parting, though. Sarah studies her heart out because she hopes to win the history prize, Mama has a risky operation done on her appendix that she might not live through, and Aunt Lena is pregnant! But Ella's main subject of thought is Jules. Will he return from the war?
D.J.
Stars:**** (four stars)
The Trial
Jen Bryant
The Trial is a great book! It is written in verse and is very interesting. It is about the trial of the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh's baby. The main character is a twelve year old girl named Katie. She is able to sit in the courtroom of the trial. If you read this book be sure you read the title of the chapters!
Stars:***** (five stars)
AET
The Chocolate War **
Robert Cormier
I didn't like this book very much because the characters were confusing. It is the story of this boy who goes against his school and a secret society, "the vigils" by not selling chocolates in the annual sale. It causes revolt among the students. I thought it was stupid. There was probably a deeper meaning, but i was to confused to pick up on it. I give this book 2 stars because it did have a neat story.
Kathleen EK
Down the Rabbit Hole
Peter Abrahams
Down the Rabbit Hole was my first murder mystery. I get more freaked out about that stuff more than other 7th grade girls, so I learned not to read it at night the hard way. But during the day, I couldn't put it down! It really has a lot of suspense, which I liked! I loved it!
D.J.
Stars:**** (four stars)
Charlotte's Web
Based on the book by E.B. White
I loved this movie! It is rated G, so it's a good kid's movie, but it also sends across some messages that kids have a hard time getting. It was a great movie!
D.J.
Stars:*** (three stars)
Lassie
Lassie is a sweet and sentimental film, and one of my favorite! Max and his family are moving from an apartment in the city, to a farm in the country. On the road, they find this dog, so they take it with them, and they name it Lassie. Lassie leads them to do many things, including starting a sheep farm. But when the neighbors get involved, things don't go quite as they planned. Will it all turn out okay? I loved this movie!
D.J.
Stars:**** (four stars)
The Sword of Shannara
Terry Brooks
This book was one of the best adventure books that I have read! This book is one of the books for summer reading, so if you are going into the 10th grade I would read this book. All of the other Terry Brooks books that I have read are good as well, I would definitely read The Sword of Shannara!
The Hidden Stars
Madeline Howard
If you ever want to read a book that includes adventure and magic, this is definitely the book that you want to read! Of all the Madeline Howard books that I have read this is definitley my favorite one!
Stars:*****(five stars)
The High Lord
Trudi Canavan
This is the third book of a great series! I read the whole series in one day, this book is soo good that you will want to skip eating and sleeping to finish it!
Stars:*****(five stars)
The Novice
Trudi Canavan
This is the second book in an series that is one of the best series that I have ever read. I think that this book might be better than some of the Harry Potter Book's witch is saying alot. If you ever need a book to read you should deginitely choose this one!
The Magician's Guild
Trudi Canavan
This is the first book of a series that is REALLY good! Definitley one of the books that you would skip eating and sleeping for. I would only start reading this book when you know that you have enough time to finish it. I would tell anyone to read this book.
Stars:*****(five stars)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
J.K. Rowling
This book is my favorite book of the Harry Potter Series. Before reading this book I would tell anyone that I think that they shouls read the other books in this series before reading this one. This is a very good book!
Stars:*****(five stars)
The Elfstones of Shannara
Terry Brooks
This is a very good book, that I think anyone would like. This is just one of the many Terry Brooks that is very good. This is one book in a series that is very good. I think that anyone who can read should read this book!
Stars:*****(five stars)
Spirit Walker
Michelle Paver
This book is the second in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Series, Wolf Brother being the first. In this book Torak is reunited with his hearts blood and goes to battle the Soul-Eaters again. It includes an awesomely gruesome description of the tokoroth, a demon possessed baby. This book doesn't have as much action as the first, but the final fight is pretty cool.
S.S.C.
Stars:****(four stars)
The Chaos King
Laura Ruby
This book is the third in a series including Lily's Ghost and The Wall and the Wing, but can be read without the others having been read. This book is a look into a future where people can fly/hop like fleas. The book gives a new meaning to the saying books have power when books in the library can make things re-animated or de-animated. Despite having little action, the book kept me reading untill I had to eat.
S.S.C
Stars:****(four stars)
Bloodring
Faith Hunter
This book is about the apocolypse and what happened afterward. Although millions of people were killed by plagues from seraphs(angels) in every major city. Then neomages appeared and were placed in havens so humans wouldn't tar-and-feather then kill them. The book follows a young stone neomage that has escaped and has settled in a rural town in the Appalacians that is surrounded by the forces of the Darkness. The book has a major fight scene where a giant wheeled vehicle blasts the forces of the Darkness and a falling ice cap with blasts of lasar-like holy light. This book has some inapproprite scenes about mage-heat, but besides that is clean.
S.S.C.
Stars:*****(five stars)
Pirates of the Carribean: Curse of the Black Pearl
This book is the start of the serises with Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow, Orlando Bloom as Will Turner, and Kiera Knightley as Elizabeth Swan. The introduction to Jack is almost as funny as the crazy pirate, with him sailing into port on a sinking ship, kidnapping Elizabeth Swan to escape, and then failing to escape and being thrown into jail. And then a ship full of pirates that turn into skeletons in the night. Some of my favorite quotes from the movie are,"Oh begger", "Just don't do anything stupid" "Like that", and "I've heard stories about the Pearl...No one has ever lived to tell the tale." "Then where do the stories come from?".
S.S.C
Stars:*****(five stars)
Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest
Davy Jones is a real creepy person/octopus, and some of his crew are just plain creepy. Not to mention the hairy living black spot on the people that his cracken hunts. Jack is a little stranger in this movie, but who could blame him when he is being hunted by the Kracken with only his jar of dirt to save him. This movie also has some good quotes like: "Hide the rum", "In the origional Scandanavian it was pronounced with a long a" "Well we aren't Scandanavian are we?", "Where's the thump-thump", and "Would you sail to the ends of the earth to fetch back witty Jack" in a Lousianian accent(The creepy black lady rules).
S.S.C.
Stars:****(four stars)
Pirates of the Carribean: At Worlds End
This is the third in the series, released in a summer of thirds(Spiderman 3, Shreck 3, and At Worlds End). This movie is about Rescuing Jack from Davy Jones at the ends of the earth. It includes an awesome fight scene in a whirlpool. This movie isn't as good as the previous two but it's still good.
S.S.C.
Stars:****(four stars)
Curse of the Golden Lotus
This movie is about a chinese family with turbulance. The Emperor is trying to cover up what his wife knows by poisioning her untill she forgets. One of her sons and the cooks daughter find out and lead an uprisnig against the Emperor, starting a war. The fight scene is awesome with the gold armored troops clashing with the gray ones. Some awesome fighters on the gold side kill many of the grays, but when the ninjas are sent in the gold fighters are crushed. Despite having Chinese monks screaming random things every couple minutes and having to read the subtitles since the actors talk in Chinese.
S.S.C
Stars:****(four stars)
S.S.C
Facing the Giants
This is an amazing movie! I liked it because it taught a lesson, was sad, and was about football. The only thing I didn't like was that the actors only acted okay. I think that everyone should see this movie.
AET
Stars:***.5 (3.5)
Evan Almighty
This movie is so good. I reccomend it to everyone! In every scene something is said that makes you die out laughing. Evan Almighty is a sweet story and makes you trust people. You should definetly go see this movie today!
AET
Stars: ****.5 (four and a half)
She's the Man
This movie is hilarious!! Amanda Bynes stars in She's the Man and does a wonderful job of acting. She's the Man is rated PG-13 but really is not bad at all! I think anybody who likes funny movies or soccer would like this movie. Happy watching!
AET
Stars: **** (Four)
cd review:
transatlanticism by death cab for cutie.
genre: the best indie-alt-rock you’ve ever heard, maybe? cooler than you will ever be? oh, i’ve got it. the songs that make up the majority of jesus’ favorite playlist. yeah, that’s it.
discography: [my favorites are in bold.] 1-the new year. 2-lightness. 3-title and registration. 4-expo ‘86. 5-the sound of settling. 6-tiny vessels. 7-transatlanticism. 8-passenger seat. 9-death of an interior decorator. 10-we looked like giants. 11-a lack of color.
so death cab got really big recently. all the scene kids and emo kids and preps and normal people were listening to them. i went to the their concert back in november w/ some friends, and it was the most diverse concert i’d ever been to. there were preppy kids and emo kids and scene kids and nerd and my parents. The group I went w/ included me, my German writing teacher, am emo muslim kid, a polish kid and some other people I go to school w/. and my parents were there, but not w/ us. that’s how diverse death cab’s crowd is.
death cab began in washington 1997, and their debut LP, something about airplanes, was released in ’98. this album, transatlanticism, thought by many to be their best was released in october of 2003. also released: we have the facts and we’re voting yes (2000), forbidden love ep (fall 2000), the photo album (2001), the john byrd ep (2005), plans (august 2005).
note: if you think you recognize their sound from somewhere else, go listen through ‘the postal service’ and try to place why they remind you of each other. hint? ben gibbard is the lead singer of both groups.
songs to get if you have no soul and don’t just get the whole album: title and registration, we looked like giants, the sound of settling, transatlanticism.
also, go check out the music video for ‘title and registration.’ it’s phenomenal.
stars: fiiiiiiiiiiiiiive.
a. swagler
R.V.
R.V. is a good movie, but it would be the worst movie ever if it weren't for Robin Williams. He did a spectacular job of acting. The main family, the Munro's, are forced on to an R.V. by their dad. This movie is funny because The Munro's aren't friendly, they don't like nature, and the family doesn't get along well. I think this movie is better than the reviews it got. I reccomend it to everyone.
AET
Stars:***.5 (three and a half)
Bridge to Terabithia
This movie is based on the book Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. This movie is so sad but is still a great movie. Personally, I think the book is much better than the movie. The movie is also a little different than the book so I reccomend reading the book before seeing the movie. Oh yeah, before you watch the movie you might want to get some tissues.
AET
Stars: **** (four)
The Secret of the Rose by Sarah L. Thomson is a pretty easy read. It was kind of confusing, though, since it talked about specific historical events that took place in the late 1500s without giving any background information on them. This made the book kind of hard to follow at points. Overall, this was a good book, but the ending left something to be desired. I would give it 3/5 stars.
MSS
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter is a very good novel. It combines life at "spy school" with normal teenage life. It was a pretty quick read and thoroughly enjoyable if you need a quick pick-me-up. The ending is not resolute; however, the loose ends will hopefully be tied in its upcoming sequel. I'd give it 4/5 stars.
MSS
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green was a pretty decent book. However, it had a lot of footnotes on different languages and math equations used in the book (and yes, this is a fiction book.) Also, I would not recommend this book to anyone who is offended by cussing. Overall, I would give this book 3/5 stars.
MSS
The Murder of Bindy MacKenzie by Jaclyn Moriarty is a very entertaining novel. And, contrary to its title, it is not primarily a mystery story. This book has an easy to follow plot line; however, it tends to drag on more than necessary. There is a surprise twist in the end, which I will not give away, but basically the book keeps going after you think that it would be over. I would give it 4/5 stars.
MSS
Ophelia, by Lisa Klein, was a really good book. The writing makes it really easy to connect with the main character. Even though it deals with the story of Hamlet, a reader does not need to know Shakespeare's work to understand this. The end of this novel is kind of unexpected, but ends very pleasantly anyways. I would give it 4/5 stars.
MSS
The Black Sheep, by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout, is a pretty good book. It kind of shows how celebrities feel with all of the cameras in their faces. However, that is not anywhere near the main plot line. This book is a quick and funny read. I would recommend it to everyone, but especially those interested in the environment or animal safety. Overall, I would give this book 4/5 stars.
MSS
The Taker by J.M. Steele is suprisingly a REALLY good book. It takes you inside the world of the SATs and the stresses that can come with them. However, this is not a boring, "academic" book. It also deals with teenage life in general and is a book that I would recommend to anyone. I would give it 5/5 stars!
MSS
Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet by Kashmira Sheth is a very good book. It shows a young woman who lives in India and her struggles against the traditional arranged marriages and other customs of her country. I would have given this book a better rating, but the ending was a serious letdown- be prepared for a cliffhanger! Overall, it gets 3/5 stars from me.
MSS
Wicked by Gregory Maguire is a pretty decent book. It shows the Wicked Witch of the West (from the Wizard of Oz) before the story that WE all know takes place. It kinda dragged on, however. But, overall, this was a pretty good read. It is not, however, an extremely quick one. I would give it 4/5 stars.
MSS
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End was an interesting movie. It is the 3rd and possibly final installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean series. It was a pretty good movie; however, there were some very odd scenes and some of the characters were stranger than usual. Also, the end of the movie definitely leaves you wanting more! (Which is not really a good thing if you're not going to GET any more...) Overall, I would give this 3/5 stars. It was good, but I have to say that the 1st was the best of the three.
MSS
Win a Date With Tad Hamilton is a pretty good movie. This one definitely falls into the "chick-flick" category- it's perfect for spending the night in with friends. It's funny and cute and without a major moral but great if you're up for some light fun. I would give this movie a 4/5.
MSS
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is not a very good movie, in my opinion. It actually has a plot line, which puts it ahead of many of the other comedies out there, but it's not a very good one. It's one of those movies where you notice more and more inappropriate things in it every time you see it. If you're in to strict comedy, you might enjoy this film, but as for everyone else, this is a movie you might want to stay clear of.
MSS
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark was not a fabulous movie, in my opinion. Yes, I know that it's considered to be kind of a classic, but I found it pretty boring. It has good stunts and effects for its time (it was made in 1981), but don't watch it expecting the same thrills you get from watching, say, Mission Impossible. I did not particularly care for this movie, but many people would, so I would watch it if you genuinely think it would be interesting OR if you simply want to earn some brownie points with your parents by watching one of THEIR favorites.
MSS
Dreamgirls was not a very good movie. It did not live up to all the hype about it at ALL. It's plot line was really hard to follow and I never could figure out who the main character was. Yes, the music was pretty good, but each song went on for what seemed like FOREVER. I would not recommend this movie. 2/5 stars.
MSS
Nancy Drew was a cute movie. It was not really anything like the books, but it was a good family film. This is a good movie for anyone- there's a little something for everyone in it (I don't want to give too much away, but yes, even an explosion for the guys.) I would give this 4/5 stars.
MSS
Breakfast at Tiffany's was a pretty good movie. It is considered to be a classic movie, and I can see why. Although it was made in 1961, people are still watching this film. Even if the plot line is kind of predictable, it's still a fun movie to watch, just like any other movie with Audrey Hepburn in it. I would give this 4/5 stars.
Anna and the King was a good movie. It had an interesting plot line and showed a strong female character as the lead. Although it's ending was sad, it wasn't leave-you-in-tears sad, which can ruin a movie. I'd give this movie 4/5 stars.
MSS
A Cinderella Story was a cute movie. In case you can't tell from the title, it's more of a chick-flick. This is a great movie to watch when you're just hanging out or with your friends. I'd give it 4/5 stars.
MSS
Pride and Prejudice is a really good movie. It manages to stick pretty well to the book, a feat that is almost unheard of nowadays. It has really good acting and is a movie that you could watch many times. And while I'm at it, I'll go ahead and recommend the book, too. The book is even better than the movie is and really shows the transformation of the characters so that they can redeem themselves. I would give the movie 4/5 stars.
MSS
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was a cute movie. Although it couldn't stick directly to the book, it kept most of the important facts straight. This movie is a fun film to watch with friends and is great when you want some light entertainment. I'd give it 4/5 stars.
MSS
John Tucker Must Die is a fun movie to watch. It's a big chick-flick and is great to watch especially when you're just hanging out with friends. It's fun to watch the girls in the movie scheme against a guy (obviously, John Tucker) and eventually become friends. I'd give this move 4/5 stars.
MSS
Legally Blonde is a cute, fun to watch movie. It's a chick-flick that every girl needs to see. It combines a little bit of everything from shopping and manicures to scenes at the courthouse to make a fun movie that can be seen a bunch. I'd give this movie 4/5 stars.
MSS
Crazy Horse Electric Game
By Chris Crutcher
This book is about a kid named Willie Weaver who has to deal with tons of issues that come up in his life, including a boating accident. I liked how this book shows how he deals with these issues to overcome them. I recommend this book to anyone who likes books about adventures.
S.B
Chinese Handcuffs
By Chris Crutcher
This is another book by Chris Crutcher that I read. It tells the story of a boy named Dillon Hemingway who must live life with the fact that his brother commited suicide. This book shows that no matter how tough life gets, you should persevere. I would recommend this book only if you are willing to read a sad story.
S.B
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes
By Chris Crutcher
I thought that this book would have been better if it had not followed basically the same plot lines as his other books. By this book, I was tired of reading about kids who had something wrong in their lives. Only read one or two of his books if you do not want to get bored.
S.B
Movie: Horatio Hornblower: Fire Ships
Based on the novel Mr. Midshipman Hornblower by C.S. Forestor
I give it 4 stars
The movie is great and has an interesting storyline. You will come to love Horatio Hornblower and his logic and abilities. There is lots of interesting situations he faces such as two fire ships heading at his ship in the harbor. Also it has lots of mysteries and a mysterious storyline. I loved it and it is awesome!
I love watching the Corrupt Captain Foster boast when actually he messed stuff up!
I think anyone will love this movie
The Book is The Firm by John Gisham
***** FIVE STARS!
I thought that it was a great book. There is sooooo much mystery. When everything perfect there is actually a devious plot going on. It is a brilliant secretive and mysterious storyline. This book also includes lots of action and logic and it is very interesting. This book is fool of brilliant characters and a real pageturner. The only problem is the start is slow. I like the ending because it keeps you thinking.
N.A.J.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by J.K. Rowling
***** five stars
I think it is very original. I love the creative thinking. There are lots of books about wizards but this one has great characters and what I might consider one of the best ideas ever. The spells and the train are all so interesting. There is also a slight mystery and you wont want to put it down!
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
By J.K. Rowling
***** five stars
I think this book is very interesting. There is lots of mystery and a very interesting plot. I really love all the characters and they almost seem real. The magic and new elements made it exciting the whole time.
N.A.J
Barnyard
a movie
** two stars
I thought that this movie was funny but very childish. Also this animation wasn't as good as the movies made by pixar. I thought that also some of it was just ridiculous but it was entertaining.
I don't think I will be seeing it again though.
N.A.J
Ratatouille
a movie
***** FIVE STARS
F or animation movies this is the best one I have seen it is very original and is exciting. I think it is funny too! Also the food actually looks very real and it has a very satisfying ending. For children this is a great movie to see!
N.A.J.
Phantom Writer
Jerry B. Jenkins
In this book Ashley and Bryce Timberline are having a world famous writer Jake Konig who is friends with their mom come stay with them for a while. Bryce is so psyched but the day he was supposed to arrive Jake disapears. So instead they go to Jake's home and try to unravel the mystery.
Satrs=*****(5)
-C.D.M.
Looking Back
Lois Lowry
This is an autobiography that tells about Lois Lowry's life by using pictures. She writes a paragragh or two about each picture. It's okay but I think she's better at writing fiction.
Stars=***(3)
-C.D.M.
Princess Lessons
Meg Cabot
This sbook is not a story. It is mostly tips and tricks for how to be a princess from various people in the Princess Diaries series. It includes dining dos and donts, princess beauty, princess posture and more. It was okay to me.
Stars=****(4)
-C.D.M.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was a great movie! It was really funny and well made. It had quite a few things left out from the book that I thought should have been left in, but I guess you get that with all books turned into movies. I would recommend this movie to anyone! 5/5 stars!!
MSS
The broadway play Hairspray was a great play. It has lots of fun music and a great story line that also teaches a good lesson. It does, however, has some inappropriate moments, so I'd watch out. I'd recommend this to anyone and urge everyone to see this play if they get the chance!
MSS
Taggerung
written by Brian Jacques
I liked this book, for it mentions Russano the Wise, my favorite Badger lord( being the wise one). The only book to mention the Juska vermin, I thought that they weren't very strong as some others . Now I wonder if Deyna jioned the Skipper and his crew or not.
Stars: *****(5 stars)
Review by: S.Y.
Loamhedge
Written by Brian Jacques
My favorite Redwall book of all time, it has cunning plots and merciless slayers. A haremaid named Martha is paralyzed from the waist down, and two warriors are sent to the lost abbey of Loamhedge to find a cure. I think that this was a meaningless plot device, as the warriors find nothing there. Also, Martha walked before they got back. Unexpected vermin appeared under a gorge, and a sad ending came to a great book.
Stars: *****(5 stars)
S.Y.
The Broker
John Grisham
This was my second John Grisham book and by then i was already sucked in! John Grisham is an amazing author and keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you never wanting to put it down. When i was finished, i put it down and thought-"That was an amazing book!" It has intricte plots fun characters and throughout the book it has you rooting for the main character and booing his enemies. I garuntee that you will love this book!
M.E.W.S
Stars
John Grisham Stars- ***** (5)
Twulight
Erin Hunter
Now that the cats have finally settled in to their new territories, it's time for them to start living their regular life again. but in the midst of it, Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight are starting to have friendship troubles. Also Leafpool has developed a love for Crowfeather and since she is a medicine cat it is forbidden.
Stars=*****(5)
-C.D.M.
Movie
Thunderpants (2002)
UK
This was a movie that my sister picked out for me right after i saw Harry Potter (the Movie). It has Rupert Grint (Ronald Weasley) as a kid genius and his friend Patrick Smash as a boy who cannot control his flatulence (his farts nonstop). it is funny and i rather enjoyed when the #2 tenner in the world (Sir John) takes Patrick on a World tour when he hears that patrick can fart in the one note (the highest note) that he can not. It was funny and heartwarming and i really loved it :)
M.E.W.S
Stars- **** (4)
Double Fault
Jerry B. Jenkins
In this Red Rock Mysteries book, Bryce and Ashley take a tennis camp and the nearby country club. But this country club is having problems staying open because some is vandalising it. They're using grass killer on the golf course and things like that. Bryce and Ashley decide to find out who is behind this, and find out some interesting things along the way...
Stars=*****(5)
-C.D.M.
Sunset
Erin Hunter
Just after the badger attck in Twilight, Stormfur and Brook arrive in Thunderclan. When they go to stay with Riverclan, they are not as warmly welcomed. Also, Brambleclaw is continuing his visits with Tigerstar. Still with only Leafpool knowing...
Stars=*****(5)
-C.D.M.
The Sabatini Prophecy
Thomas Blair
The Sabatini Prophecy is the first book Thomas Blair has written and hopefully not his last! The suspensful book is about a young boy who is moved from his posh private school to a small country town. The boy is a young genius, but instead of being reconized he is bullied. That all stops when he finds out he has a special gift that could save the world. But evil is at work in the little town and he is hunted by some not-so nice creaturess, assasins, and killers.
M.E.W.S
Stars-*****(5)
The Rainmaker
John Grisham
Rudy baylor is a struggling lawyer who just got fired from his job and just passed the bar exam to become a certified lawyer when he stumbles across a multi-million dollar case including a insurance scam that caused the death of a young cancer victum. As the case goes along he falls in love, muders a butt that was abuseing his lover and brings down a corupted business.
M.E.W.S
Stars- ****(4)
The Street Lawyer
John Grisham
Michael Brock is a couple years away from making more than a million dollars a year when his life is turned around the moment a street bum steps into his Firm. This man whom they call Mister locks michael and 8 other accosates in a room where Mister askes each one what they did to help the poor and homeless. The accosates only answer is silence. Minutes Later Mister head is blown off and a week later Michael quits his job to become a street lawyer who defends the ones that can not defend themselves-the homeless. But little does he know that as he left, so did a secret that could bring the firm down, and the one person who can tell the world is Michael Brock.
M.E.W.S
Stars- *****(5)
The Pilgrims Of Rayne
By D.J. MacHale
The latest in the Pendragon series was an amazing look into learning about the territories. D.J. MacHale keeps us in suspense as Bobby Pendragon continues on his quest to defeat Saint Dane. Read this whole series if you like action/adventure. My favorite part was when Pendragon discovered the true identity of someone that he thought he knew.
S.B
The Quillan Games
By D.J MacHale
Another fantastic book in the Pendragon series. This book was one of my favorites because I liked how Pendragon had to run through obstacle courses and compete in games. I didn't like how Saint Dane (the bad guy) messes with Pendragon. Read this whole series if you like action/adventure.
S.B
Rebecca
Daphne Du Maurier
Rebecca is about a young woman who marries a rich widower named Maxim who owns a famous mansion called Manderly. Manderly has more than just one secret to hold and as the heroine finds them out she shes that her new husband is not as innocence as he seems. Her fairytale comes to an end on the night after the annul costume ball.
M.E.W.S
Stars **** (4)
The Never War
By D.J MacHale
Again, a great book from a great author. In this book, Pendragon travels to First Earth. First Earth is the 1920's onward. Pendragon encounters gangsters, pilots, and even beautiful spies. I liked how MacHale described First Earth. I didn't like how MacHale wrote the conflict for this territory. Read this book!!!
S.B
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. (Movie)
Wow. What else is there to say to describe the Ministry of Magic, Dolores Umbridge, and Grawp? These movies keep getting better and better, and this one is the best yet. My favorite part was when all of the Prophecies came crashing down. My least favorite part was the fact that the producers left out Quidditch entirely. If you are even the slightest HP fan, GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!
S.B
Harry Potter (2007)
This dramatic thriller leaves you hanging on the edge of your seats as the realistic special effects blow your mind. Unfortunatly the only people with big parts are the usual main characters and i was disappointed that Monguagal, Harid, and Dumbledore didnt have bigger parts. But regardless this was one of the best movies i have seen this year and it blew the last harry Potter Movie out of th water.
M.E.W.S
Stars-****(4.5)
The Alcamyst
Michael Scott
The wonderfully written book had me sucked in on the first page. A Pair of twins with a pure aura ready to save the world from an ancient race that wants to destroy mankind. What couldn't you love? Action adventure, fatansy and more, this is a book you don't want to put down!
M.E.W.S
The alcymyst- Five stars (*****)
Deep Secret
By Diana Wynne Jones
This is a hilarious book filled with ghosts, fantasy and satire. It takes place on Earth, but with other worlds looming on the edge of space. The plotline may be a little confusing at first, but it gets better. I liked the storyline, but I didn't like the length. Read this book if you have a lot of time on your hands.
S.B
Beasts of clawstone castle
Eva Ibboston
I first picked up thisbook because ofthe author, Eva Ibboston, she is a wonderful author and all of her books are fabulous, and this one is no different. Rollo and madlyn are sent to live with their great aunt and uncle for the summer. Everything is very ordinary until they find a ghost of a late cousin in the castle. Rollo and madlyn 's great aunt and uncle run their castle as the only income they have but a bigger, grander castle is stealing away all of their customers and slowly making them bankrupt. As rollo and Madlyn begin to adore their aunt and uncle, they think of a way to save the castle, all they need is a few more ghosts
M.E.W.S
*****(5)
Pirates of the Carribean 3 (2007)
I Loved it. The intro was great-the symbolism too. It was funny, entertaining, and wonderful acting. But i would say that you might want to brush up on the first and second to get the plot and the humor. the special effects were grand to. And dont forget to stay after the credits (it takes a while so bring your iPod) to see a bonus ending!
M.E.W.S
****(4.5)
Gregor and Code of Claw
Suzanne Collins
Gregor and the Code of Claw was by faar my favorite out of the 6 Gregor books. It was totally awsome. Although I reccamend all of Suzanne Collin's Gregor series this one is definently one to look forward to reading.
License to Wed ****
License to Wed is now my favorite movie!(next to she's the man) It is the story of this cute couple played by John Krasinski and Mandy Moore, who are trying to get married and 3 weeks and have to go through this course made by the reverand, Robin Williams. This movie is hilarious and if you like the office it has four characters. (Jim, Kevin, Angela, and Kelly(i think that is her name))I give this four stars because it was great and had john krasinski in it, but i dont think it will win any awards!
Kathleen EK
The Outsiders
S.E. Hinton
The Outsiders is an outstanding book! It is about a gang called the Greaser's, who are always getting into fights. This book shows what true friendship really is and how in this gang they stick together no matter what happens. The main character is Ponyboy (that is his real name!) but my favorite character is definetly either Sodapop or Johnny. I like them because they always take care of other peoples problems before their own. This book is on the seventh grade regular english reading list and I reccomend it to all.
AET
Stars: ****.5 (4 and a half)
The Frog Princess
E.D. Baker
The Frog Princess is the first book in an easy series to read. This book doesn't make you have to think about logic, the words kind of just float into your mind making it an easier book to read. I reccomend this book if you want to relax and take it easy on figuring out what's what.
Children of the Lamp: The Cobra King of Kathmandu
By:P.B. Kerr
The Cobra King of Kathmandu is a very good book but is the third book in the Children of the Lamp series. To me it seems like it is the third in a series for a reason. You must read the other two before you read this book or it makes no sense. If you want to read this book you'll need a quiet place and a lot of time.
Kazunomiy, The Prisoner in Heaven
Kathryn Lasky
I persnoally do not reccomend this book to anyone. The little culture you learned in this book was intresting but the book as a whole was not. It took a lot of will power to make myself finish this book. Although someone I know felt this was a good book I can say truthfully I disagree.
Fablehaven
Brandon Mull
Fable haven was a FANTASTIC book. I reccomend this book to every fantasy reader. I can't even begin to say how great this book was. All I know is once you read this book you can't wait for the sequal.
Lies My Teacher Told Me
James Loewen
384 Pages
This book is about all of the wrong "facs" and patriotic, errors in many American textbooks. For instance, id you know 90% of highschool history classes never evn mention Vietnam?, or that Hellen Keller was a communist?
Four Stars out of Five
Harry Potter and The Sorcerers Stone
J. K. Rowling
While not the best in the series, J. K. Rowlnig's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was a fantastic book. I found it to be funny and exciting. A great beginning to a wonderful series.
Harry Potter and The Order of the Pheonix: The Movie
This movie is defineatley the best in the series so far. In the Order of the Pheonix, Harry is confronted with nightmares of his arch enemy Lord Voldemort. This is a great movie and even better in iMax!
Romeo and Juliet
William Shakespeare
This play is a classic masterpiece of love and the fighting between two bitter families. They end up dying together in the end. This was a great play.
Something Upstairs
By Avi
Something Upsrairs was a very thrilling and truly fantastic book. I think everyone who likes mysteries would love this book. I didn't care for mysteries much but I loved this book. Keep in mind that once you start this book you won't be able to put it down. This murder mystery has a great story and has a good mysterious endind. Don't forget to read the prologue.
The Thief Lord
By Cornelia Funke
The Thief Lord was a great book written by a great author. I also think that all of the other books I have read by her are also amazing. The Thief Lord is a great book that interest me and I'm sure if you read it you would interest you. So9 read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Titan's Curse
By Rick Riordan
The Titans Curse is the third book in a series. In my opinion the first book was the best but this book definitly wasn't bad. The first book in the series is named the lightning Thief and I suggest starting with this book before reading this book. Happy Reading.
Mystery of Blackbeard's Cove
By AudreyPenn
Mystery of Blackbeard's COve was an okay book. I didn't think it was the best book because aside from a few exciting parts the book was rather boring and didn't strike me as a very good book but others may feel differently if they don't like much action. Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Magic Steps
By Tamora Pierce
Magic Steps is a great book and a lot of people would like it. Although the book would make a lot more sense if you read the series the magic Circle first. Even though I didn't read the Magic Circl books first I still thought it was a great book.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
by J.K. Rowling
***** five stars
I think that it is a very good book. I liked this book better than book 1&2 of the Harry Potter series. In this one you also find out some more about Harry's Dad and Mom's death and you meet cool new characters.
N.A.J.
Ladyhawke (a movie)
**** four stars
I thought that this movie was very original. Also I loved watching the funny tricks that the main characters played on the bad guys. This movie has a satisfying ending and a great story along the way of separated love. It is a very good movie.
N.A.J.
Magic Steps
By Tamora Pierce
Street Magic was a great book and goes with the quartet The Circle of Magic. I didn't read the Circle of Magic books before and I thought that they still made sense but it was still a good book. I like to read about magic and therefore loved this book.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban the movie
*** three stars
I think that this is a good movie but it is nothing compared to the books. I diid think this was an improvement from the other two movies with the new director. I thought though they did a very good impression of the dementors and they did a great job on the hippogriff
N.A.J
Rise of the Silver Surfer a movie
**** 4 stars
I actually thought this was a very good movie. I loved the great special effects and the storyline was just great. There was also alot of creative action and awesome action. This was a great movie.
Signs a movie
***** five stars
I loved this movie. It was very insightful and will really get you thinking. I thought they did a great job showing the aliens. I thought that the actors were awesome and extremely interesting. It is a great movie and anyone would love it!
N.A.J.
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
By Avi
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle is a great book. I like that that the book has a sudden twist and the main character has a very sudden change in her personality. I liked this book and you probably will too.
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