Friday, September 28, 2007

Women of Colonial America

Studelska, Jana Voelke. Women of Colonial America. Compass Point Books: 2007. ISBN: 9780756524579. Ages: 9 - 14.



It is about women who have to go to Jamestown to become wives. There are some sad times and rough times. It takes place in the sixteen hundreds. It talks about how their lives were back then. It talks about young girls and what they had to do also. The pictures are very detailed.



Reviewed by H.K. Bluffton 5th grade

Classic Cars: 1931- 1980

Mort, Norm. Classic Cars: 1931 - 1980. Crabtree: 2007. ISBN: 9780778730125. Ages 10 - 18.

My book is about cars from 1931 - 1980. The book tells about the cars from 1931 - 1980. The photos are great. I like the photo of the '68 Dodge Charger, Chevvy "SS", and the 1950 Chevy convertable.



Reviewed by N.S. Bluffton 5th grade

Exploring Planet Mars

Jefferis, David and Mat Irvine. Exploring Planet Mars. Crabtree: 2007. ISBN: 9780778731009. Ages: 8 and up.



The story is about just going to Mars. They have photographs of Marsunauts in training. I like it because I like outer space things. My favorite part was when they had a photograph of the space station. Yes, I would recomend it for kids. I think about ages 8 and up.



Reviewed by D.L. Bluffton 5th grade

Sugar Cane: A Caribbean Rapunzel

Storace, Patricia. Sugar Cane: A Caribbean Rapunzel. Illustrated by Raul Colon. Hyperion Books for Children: 2007. ISBN: 9780786807918. Ages: 7 - 13.



This book is about a girl named Sugar Cane, and an evil woman named Madame Fate who takes Sugar Cane away to a tower when she is a year old. Sugar Cane meets a handsome boy named King. She has gorgeous long black curly hair with blue highlights. Sugar Cane and King both love music. It uses beautiful warm sunset colors. the pictures really show how the people felt. It uses lots of musical features. It has lots of closeups. I thought it was a nice story with lots of beautiful pictures. I liked when she let down, and when they showed her hair. I recommend this to girls. For ages 7 to 13. It is for people who like romantic stories.



Reviewed by M.D. Bluffton 5th grade

One Well

Strauss, Rochelle. One Well. Illustrated by Rosemary Woods. Kids Can Press: 2007. ISBN: 9781553379546. Ages: 6 - adult.

This book is okay, but if you like learning about the earth then this is the book for you. It teaches you about animals, water, plants, people, and pollution. The art in this book was colorful. The art was excellent and interesting. This book was okay, but the art was excellent. I recommend this book anyone who likes books or likes the earth. I think this is a book for people ages 6 to adult.



Reviewed by J.H. Bluffton 5th grade

Sir John Franklin

Knudsen, Anders. Sir John Franklin. Crabtree: 2007. ISBN: 9780778724209. Ages: 10 - 60.

The book I chose is interesting because it took place a long time ago. The art was interesting. It made me feel cold because it took place in cold places. Most pictures are black and white. The book is interesting for people who like history. My favorite part was his voyage.

Reviewed by A.B. Bluffton 5th grade

Could You? Would You?

White, Trudy. Could You? Would You? Illustrated by Trudy White. Kane Miller: 2007. ISBN: 9781933605456. Ages: 9 - 15.



This book is about what or could a person do something and the choices she makes. That's why it doesn't have an ending. The choices are like how would you do it? Or what type of a certain thing would you want? I think the art is kind of messy but that makes it look nice. Well, not messy, but I don't know what word to use. It's different than other illustrations. I like the pages 38 and 39. Sweet monkey. My favorite part was page 39 when the author asked us what we would want as a pet. Most people would put puppies or kittens on that page, but the author didn't. I think Trudy White could make a good sucess when she's older, she wrote a very good book. I loved it.



Reviewed by M.H. Bluffton 5th grade

The All-New Amelia

Moss, Marissa. The All-New Amelia. Simon and Schuster: 2007. ISBN: 9781416909088. Ages: 9 - adult.



My story starts out about this new girl that is perfect. The grade has to do a science project about finding fossils and Amelia wants to be partners with Charisse. Sorry, but the book is so good that you're going to find out by yourself. I think that the art was terrific. The pictures were so colorful and looked like they were real. My favorite part was the end! I think this is a great book for kids 9 and up. I love your book!



Reviewed by L.P. Bluffton 5th grade

Ellis Island

Hicks, Terry Allan. Ellis Island. Marshall Cavendish: 2007. ISBN: 9780761421344. Ages: 9 - 17.

I thought it was okay. But, it wasn't the best book in the world, but it was not entertaining. It was not cool. When I looked at the title I was excited to read it, but when I opened it, it wasn't enough. I love history, but it didn't give me the right information. Well, the art was okay, but still I didn't get enough. The picture on the front of the book was awesome. I loved it so much. I stared at it for an hour. Now if you want my advice write about Abraham Lincoln with real information. Now if you're going to write about Abraham Lincoln, then write about when he stopped slavery. Or come to my school in Bluffton. I'll probably be in middle school so come to the middle school. So I would love to see you here.

Reviewed by H.B., Bluffton Elementary, 5th grade

Custer's Last Stand

Fradim, Dennis B. Custer's Last Stand. Marshall Cavendish: 2007. ISBN: 9780761421245. Ages: 9 - 30.

My story is about Custer's last stand. That story is about the U.S. Army having war with the Native Americans. The photographs are about war, U.S. history, and about the U.S. birthday of becoming a nation. My favorite part of the book is the war with the Native Americans. The book could be for everyone.



Reviewed by S.V. Bluffton 5th grade

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

How do Fish Breathe Underwater?

Stewart, Melissa. How do Fish Breathe Underwater? Marshall Cavendish Benchmark: 2007. ISBN: 9780761421092.

How do Fish Breathe Underwater? is a non-fiction book about how fish breathe underwater. The illustrations are photographs of fish. My favorite part is when the book talks about how fish were around 500 million years ago. I would recommend this book to people who have fish.

Reviewed by C.D., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

Fiesta Fiasco

Paul, Ann Whitford. Fiesta Fiasco. Holiday House: 2007. ISBN: 9780823420377.

Fiesta Fiasco is a fictional book about a snake's birthday. A rabbit gives the snake pants and a shirt. The rabbit takes all the clothes and wears them. The illustrations look like cartoons. My favorite part is when they are staring at him. I would recommend this book to somebody who likes birthdays.

Reviewed by N.M., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

Mama and Little Joe

McAllister, Angela. Mama and Little Joe. Margaret K. McElderry Books: 2007. ISBN: 9781416916314.

Mama and Little Joe is a fictional book about a mom and baby kangaroo. I think it is sad. The baby kangaroo's mom had to work for the animals and she got so tired that she couldn't walk. I like the illustrations, but the camel should look nice, not mean. I like the polar bear. My favorite part is when all the animals help Joe get out of the trash. I think it is nice. I would recommend this book to my friend in first grade.

Reviewed by S.P., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

Raymond and Nelda

Bottner, Barbara. Raymond and Nelda. Peachtree: 2007. ISBN: 9781561453948.

Raymond and Nelda is a fictional book about two people who get mad at each other. The illustrations were paintings. My favorite part is when they dump each other. I would recommend this book to a first grader.

Reviewed by J.B., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

123 I Can Paint

Luxbacher, Irene. 123 I Can Paint. Kids Can Press: 2007. ISBN: 9781554530373.

123 I Can Paint is a non-fiction book about painting. It is cool because it tells about mixing colors and about how you can paint different ways. It's cool. The illustrations are paintings. The colors were mixing so it is hard to describe it. My favorite part is when they told me how to make a picture about the ocean. I would recommend this book to my friend Dyllan because he likes to paint.

Reviewed by C.W., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

Sometimes Smart is Good

Luchsinger, Dena. Sometimes Smart is Good. Eerdman's Books for Young Children: 2007. ISBN: 9780802852151.

Sometimes Smart is Good is a non-fiction book that says it doesn't matter if you are big or small, what matters is that God created you. The illustrations are very good. My favorite part is on the first page. I would like to be a vet and help animals. I would recommend this book to people who don't think they fit into this world.

Reviewed by E.B., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

Giganotosaurus

Goecke, Michael P. Giganotosaurus. ABDO: 2007. ISBN: 9781599286976.

Giganotosaurus is a non-fiction book about giganotosaurus. This book is cool and fun to read. I had fun reading it. The illustrations are photographs and pictures. They are cool to see. I think it was a cool book and fun to read. My favorite part was where the two giganotosaurus were fighting. I would recommend this book to my little sisters, Lani, Cora and Halen.

Reviewed by O., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

A is for Astronaut

A is for Astronaut: Space Exploration from A to Z. Chronicle: 2007. ISBN: 9780811854627.

A is for Astronaut is a non-fiction book about space. It uses the alphabet to tell us about space. The illustrations are photographs and drawings. I liked the photographs. My favorite part is the letter L. Laika was one of the first dogs to journey into space. I would recommend this book to Tyler and anyone who likes space.

Reviewed by D.K., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

The End

LaRochelle, David. The End. Arthur A. Levine Books: 2007. ISBN: 9780439640114.

The End is a fictional book. It is a backwards fairytale. A princess makes a huge bowl of lemonade and causes many things. The illustrations are very creative and look like a cartoon. It is also very fun to read. My favorite part is when the clever princess dumps a big bowl of lemonade on the prince, whose beard was on fire. I would recommend this book to everyone that loves to read and has an imagination.

Reviewed by M.R., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

Skunk's Spring Surprise

Newman, Leslea. Skunk's Spring Surprise. Harcourt: 2007. ISBN: 9780152056834.

Skunk's Spring Surprise is a fictional book about a skunk that wakes up from his winter sleep. He goes to look for his friends, but he can't find them. He went down to the lake to get a drink and his friends are there! The illustrations are incredible! They are some of the best I have ever seen. My favorite part is when he finds his friends. I would recommend this book to Drew.

Reviewed by R.S., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

Monday, September 24, 2007

The Zombie Nite Cafe

Kutner, Merrily. The Zombie Nite Cafe. Illustrated by Ethan Long. Holiday House: 2007. ISBN: 9780823419630. Ages: 5 - adult.


This book was about a zombie night cafe. A boy was stuck in the cafe because they thought he was a zombie. The art was colorful. The art was funny and cool. People that like zombies would like it. I like the zombies. At the end I thought it was good.


Reviewed by J.G. Bluffton 5th grade

The Bald Eagle

Hicks, Terry Allan. The Bald Eagle. Marshall Cavendish: 2007. ISBN: 9780761421337. Ages: 4 - 30.

This book is about the bald eagle being endangered. Then at the middle it is about people helping to save the eagles because some people were trying to kill them. The art is cool. I like it when the eagle is trying to catch a fish. I like it best when it said the eagle can dive 100 miles an hour and fly 24or 25 miles an hour. I think every age of every kid or adult, mostly 30 and under. I like eagles because that is my favorite footbal team and that was a good book.

Reviewed by C.J. Bluffton 5th grade

Houdini the Handcuff King

Lutes, Jason. Houdini the Handcuff King. Illustrated by Nick Bertozzi. Hyperion: 2007. ISBN: 9780786839025. Ages: 10 - 20.

This story is about a man who can escape from any binding. He is said to be working with the devil. The art was from like the 1950's. It is a comic book. It only uses three colors, blue, black, and white. This book was a good book if you like daredevils and deception. My favorite part is when he is bound at his legs and hands and comes back up.

Reviewed by A.H. Bluffton 5th grade

Pirates Most Wanted

Matthews, John. Pirates Most Wanted. Atheneum Books for Young Readers: 2007. ISBN: 9781416939344. Ages: 10 - 19.

It wasn't the best book in the world. It should tell more about pirates and ships. It had a little too much blood. I like the jewel eye, it gave me more interest in the book. It didn't have that much excitement in it. The cover was good, but it had too much blood on it.

Reviewed by R.Z. Buffton 5th grade

The Elephant's Ball

The Elephant's Ball. Illustrated by Pauline Baynes. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers: 2007. ISBN: 9780802853165. Ages. 8 - 14.



The story is about all of these beasts planning a ball. Every beast came and there was a band. All of the beasts danced. The older beasts that couldn't dance played cards. I think it was a great story! The art was awesome! The artist that illustrated this book is really good at drawing animals. She used lots of color. I loved the pictures! I think the book was awesome! My favorite part was when all the animals were dancing. I would recommend it to kids who love poems. The artist's pictures are so cool! I would definitely read it again. :)



Reviewed by E.W. Bluffton 5th grade

Super Swimmers: Whales, Dolphins, and Other Mammals of the Sea

Arnold, Caroline. Super Swimmers: Whales, Dolphins, and Other Mammals of the Sea. Illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne. Charlesbridge: 2007. ISBN: 9781570915888. Ages: 2 - adult.



This book is about different animals that can swim. It tells about how animals swim. It also tells about the animal's body. It tells you about where they live. The person that writes and draws this book has awesome information about animals. They have great pictures. The author told us about which whale is the biggest. I would recommend it for other kids. I would even recommend it for anyone. Kids will love this book if they read it. I know I love it.



Reviewed by D.K. Bluffton 5th grade

One-Eye! Two-Eyes! Three-Eyes! A Very Grimm Fairy Tale

Shepard, Aaron. One-Eye! Two-Eyes! Three-Eyes! A Very Grimm Fairy Tale. Illustrated by Gary Clements. Atheneum Books for Young Readers: 2007. ISBN: 9780689867408. Ages: 5 - adult.

It's about three sisters who live far in the country. Their names are One-Eye, Two-Eyes, and Three-Eyes. One-Eye and Three-Eyes hated Two-Eyes because she looked different. Some of the pictures make you feel like they're kind of sad or mad sometimes. I think that everyone that can read should read this. It's really very fun to think about what's going to happen next.


Reviewed by: A.S. Bluffton 5th grade

Salvador Dali

Klein, Adam G. Salvador Dali. ABDO: 2007. ISBN: 9781596797284. Ages: 8 and up.

The story I picked is about Salvador Dali's life. Salvador was an artist who mostly drew.



Reviewed by M.W. Bluffton 5th grade

Muscle Cars

Bailey, Katharine. Muscle Cars. Crabtree: 2007. ISBN: 9780778730101. Ages: 9 - 20.



My book is all about the different kinds of muscle cars. My book is also good in showing how the engines work. I think it is interesting that a girl is writing this kind of book. :) The photos in my book are very beautiful and colorful. I lovethe blue Dodge Coronet R/T. Also on page 28-29 I love the new Chargers and new Shelby GT 500s. I think kids who like cars old and new should read this book. :) This is a very good book for all kids who like cars.



Reviewed by T.S. Bluffton 5th grade

Hiromi's Hands

Barasch, Lynne. Hiromi's Hands. Lee and Low Books: 2007. ISBN: 9781584302759. Ages: 6 - adult.




This story is about a girl and her parents growing up. Her Dad lived in Japan and he got a job at a Japanese restaurant then he got sent to a restaurant in New York. At his job he met a woman and they fell in love then they got married. They had a little girl and named her Hiromi. Some photos were black and white, some were colored with all kinds of colors, and the pictures were so pretty I could tell they were a very loving family. I loved this book. I would recommend it to everybody that can read. My favorite part was the end when she said "He knew Akasaka was in good hands --- My hands."




Reviewed by A.S. Bluffton 5th grade

Wired

Suen, Anastasia. Wired. Illustrated by Paul Carrick. Charlesbridge: 2007. ISBN: 9781570915994. Ages: 12 - adult.


It's about how electricity works and how electricity gets from a power plant to a house. It looked like it was 3-D.


Reviewed by C. Bluffton 5th grade

Sweet Land of Liberty

Hopkinson, Deborah. Sweet Land of Liberty. Illustrated by Leonard Jenkins. Peachtree: 2007. ISBN:9781561453955. Ages: 8 - adult.

This story is about a boy named Oscar Chapman. His school raises $5 to decorate their classroom and he and his cousin get to pick it out. They pick a picture of Abraham Lincoln. The school board gets mad and expells him from school because they don't like how he tried to stop segregation. When Oscar grows up he helps to get Marian Anderson to sing at the Lincoln Memorial at the feet of Lincoln. The art in this book is really good. It is kind of abstract art. Yes, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history. I think anybody from the age of eight to an adult would enjoy this book. My favorite part is when Oscar picks up the picture of Abraham Lincoln out of the wood box and hangs it up on the wall again.


Reviewed by N.A. Bluffton 5th grade

The Mutiny on the Bounty

O'Brien, Patrick. The Mutiny on the Bounty. Walker & Co.: 2007. ISBN: 9780802795878. Ages: 8 to 15.

The book I chose is about what can happen on a boat, how some people act when they get mad, what could happen to a ship at sea, and how different islanders act if they are nice or if they are mean. I really like how the author showed us how true things happen. The pictures look real. It makes you feel like you're really there. My favorite part is the islanders because it seems really true because that is what would happen. Yes I do recommend it for kids.


Reviewed by A.S. Bluffton 5th grade

Abraham Lincoln: A Courageous Leader

Collard, Sneed B. Abraham Lincoln: A Courageous Leader. Marshall Cavendish: 2007. ISBN: 9780761421627. Ages 10 - adult.

My story is about stopping slavery. The art looked real. The photos pop out. The art is from all different painters. In all the photos Abraham Lincoln is in them. I liked the book a lot. My favorite part was when slavery got stopped. Yes, I recommend this book to other kids. People that like history or just whoever likes to read about the presidents. This book can be good for adult or kids.



Reviewed by B.S. Bluffton 5th grade

The Biography of Tomatoes

Morganelli, Adrianna. The Biography of Tomatoes. Crabtree: 2007. ISBN: 9780778724940. Ages: 10 - adult.

My book is about tomatoes and how to grow them. Then a bunch of types of tomatoes like the yellow tomato. I like the way the book looked. I have seen these tomatoes and planted some before. They have such a sweet taste.


Reviewed by T. Bluffton 5th grade

Benjamin Franklin: The Man Who Could Do Just About Anything

Collard, Sneed B. Benjamin Franklin: The Man Who Could Do Just About Anything. Marshall Cavendish: 2007. ISBN: 9780761421610. Ages: 8 - 14.


The book is about Benjamin Franklin's life. The photos look old. My favorite part is the beginning when he is by the pond. I recommend this book to a lot of kids. The age is for 8 year olds to 14 year olds.


Reviewed by B.N. Bluffton 5th grade

The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis

Nobleman, Mark T. The Sinking ofthe USS Indianapolis. Compass Point Books: 2007. ISBN: 9780756520311. Ages: 10 - adult.

The USS Indianapolis gets hit by a Japanese torpedo and it sinks.They are very good pictures of war boats and bombs. If you take an interest in history this is a very good book. My favorite part was when the sailors got to safety and out of the Philippine Sea.



Reviewed by M.F. Bluffton 5th grade

A Wetland Habitat

Aloian, Molly and Bobbie Kalman. A Wetland Habitat. Crabtree: 2007. ISBN: 9780778729556.

A Wetland Habitat is a non-fiction book about cool animals. I like them. The illustrations are photographs of flowers, sea animals, birds and reptiles. My favorite part was when I learned about a spoonbill. They are pink and white and have wings and long beaks. I would recommend this book to my friend, Emily.

Reviewed by S., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

No Sword Fighting in the House

Hill, Susanna Leonard. No Sword Fighting in the House. Holiday House: 2007. ISBN: 9780823419166.

No Sword Fighting in the House is a fictional book about kids who break everything. The illustrations are mostly green and red. My favorite part is when they broke everything. I would recommend this book to Caisey, Shon, Noah and Matthew.

Reviewed by D.S., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

Cool Construction Vehicles

Kalman, Bobbie and Kelly MacAulay. Cool Construction Vehicles. Crabtree: 2007
ISBN: 9780778730422.

Cool Construction Vehicles is a non-fiction book about construction vehicles. The vehicles are cool. Kids would love this book. The illustrations contain a lot of red and yellow. The pictures are cool and show a lot of movement with the browns and the blues. My favorite part was about the roller because it is great. I would recommend this book to my dad, Don, because sometimes he works with these and he is great.

Reviewed by K.K., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

Yo, Jo!

Isadora, Rachel. Yo, Jo! Harcourt: 2007. ISBN: 9780152057831.

Yo, Jo! is a fictional book about a guy named Jo. The illustrations are cut out of paper. My favorite part is when the guy says, "Faboo!" I would recommend this book to Dakota. I give this book 112 stars!

Reviewed by J., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

The Arctic Habitat

Aloian, Molly and Bobbie Kalman. The Arctic Habitat. Crabtree: 2007.
ISBN:9780778729532.

The Arctic Habitat is a non-fiction book about what animals' habitats are. The illustrations are photographs of animals, plants, water, nests, and ice. My favorite part is when the fox chased the rabbit. I would recommend this book to my grandma and grandpa.

Reviewed by S.C., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

Welcome to Third Grade, Gus!

Williams, Jacklyn. Welcome to Third Grade, Gus! Picture Window Books: 2007.
ISBN: 9781404827141.

Welcome to Third Grade, Gus! is a fictional book about a hedgehog that is scared to go to third grade. The illustrations are drawings of his first day in third grade. My favorite part is when they are in the hall. I would recommend this book to my sister Mary. I give this book 51 stars!

Reviewed by N.D.W., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

A Hippo's Tale

Landstrom, Lena. A Hippo's Tale. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux: 2007.
ISBN: 9789129666038.

A Hippo's Tale is a fictional book about hippos. Hippos are gray. The illustrations are mostly green and blue and are about hippos taking baths. My favorite part is when the babies dive into the river. I would recommend this book to Tiffany.

Review by T., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

The Vegetables We Eat

Gibbons, Gail.The Vegetables We Eat. Holiday House: 2007. ISBN: 9780823420018.

The Vegetables We Eat is a non-fiction book about vegetables. The illustrations in the book are paintings of different vegetables. My favorite part was seeing the vegetables because they made me hungry. I would recommend this book to Kim.


Reviewed by: B.E.K., 3rd grade, Bluffton Elementary

Dalmatians

MacAulay, Kelley. Dalmatians. Crabtree: 2007. ISBN: 9780778717614.

Dalmatians is a non-fiction book about dalmatians. Dalmatians are playful. If you want a dalmatian, you need to have a fence six to eight feet high. The colors of the illustrations that pop out are pink and purple. My favorite part is when the dog is lying down. I would recommend this book to my sister.

Reviewed by: H.W., 3rd grade, Bluffton Elementary

The Antarctic Habitat

Aloian, Molly and Bobbie Kalman. The Antarctic Habitat. Crabtree: 2007. ISBN: 9780778729563.

The Antarctic Habitat is a non-fiction book about sea animals. This book focuses on how they get their food and energy, how they get warm, and how they get their strength. The illustrations are photos that are very pretty, colorful, beautiful, and awesome. The best part of the book is the penguins. I would recommend this book to my dad because he likes the ocean.

Reviewed by S. S., 3rd Grade, Bluffton Elementary

Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend

Watt, Melanie. Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend. Kids Can Press: 2007. ISBN: 9781554531813.

Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend is a book about a squirrel that does not have any friends. She draws a map of the park so she could find the goldfish. The illustrations are great with a lot of details. The most interesting part of the book is when the dog peeped out of nowhere. I would recommend this book to younger kids around the ages of 5 to 10.

Reviewed by L. S., 3rd grade, Bluffton Elementary

Kick It Soccer

Kalman, Bobbie and John Crossingham. Kick It Soccer. Crabtree: 2007. ISBN: 9780778731382.

Kick it Soccer is a non-fiction book about soccer and learning about soccer. The illustrations are photographs of people that are playing soccer. My favorite part of the book was when it shows the field. I would recommend this book to people who like soccer.

Reviewed by C, 3rd grade, Bluffton Elementary

Groundhog Day!

Gibbons, Gail. Groundhog Day!. Holiday House: 2007. ISBN: 9780823420032.


Groundhog Day! is a non-fiction book about groundhogs and their shadows. The illustrations are frosty in the winter with the color blue in them a lot. All of the pictures are drawn. The most interesting part is when the groundhog eats the berries. I would recommend this book to kids that are eight years old. Any kids younger than eight might need a parent to read it to them.


Reviewed by J, 3rd grade, Bluffton Elementary

Slam Dunk Basketball

Kalman, Bobbie and John Crossingham. Slam Dunk Basketball . Crabtree: 2007. ISBN: 9780778731399.



Slam Dunk Basketball is a non-fiction book about basketball and pros. The illustrations are photographs and pictures that really move. The most interesting fact was about Dikembe Mutombo who is seven feet two inches tall. I would recommend this book to my dad because he loves basketball.



Reviewed by T. M., 3rd grade, Bluffton Elementary

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Blackbeard

Hamilton, Sue. Blackbeard. Abdo & Daughters: 2007. ISBN: 9781599287584. Ages: 10 - 104.


I loved it! My favorite pages are 24- 25. I'm glad it told me why his hat caught fire, because I never knew how it did that. I like the suspense. I'm glad I picked it.



Reviewed by A.R. Bluffton 5th grade

LeBron James

Wheeler, Jill C. LeBron James. Abdo: 2007. ISBN: 9781599283067. Ages: 10 to adult.

I learned that when LeBron James grew up he was poor. It was a sad book. There were nice pictures of his high school football team. I think they had a lot of good pictures of LeBron and the Cavs. I like the pictures of him dunking the ball. Yes, I loved it. It was sad when he was poor. He fought through it. I like it that he was very athletic.



Reviewed by J.L. Bluffton 5th grade

The Biography of Corn

Nielsen, L. Michelle. The Biography of Corn. Crabtree Publishing Company: 2007. ISBN: 9780778725275. Ages: 7 - 70.

It tells about how the corn is taken off and how African people use corn. They show what it's made into and how it's stored. The pictures showed how the combine takes the corn off. Then it showed how the corn is stored. It shows the factory where the corn is made into things. My favorite part is where it's stored and where they showed the combine. I like it where they showed the factory. I would recomend it for kids and adults.



Reviewed by A.S. Bluffton 5th grade

The Declaration of Independence

Fradin, Dennis B. The Declaration of Independence. Marshall Cavendish: 2007. ISBN: 0516011537. Ages: 5 - 28.

This story is about a famous document called the Declaration of Independence. I love the drawings (pictures). It makes you feel like you are really there. I like how they are the actual pictures. The pictures make you feel kind of worried. I like this book because you can learn about the past. I would recommend this book for ages 8 and up.





Reviewed by B.M. Bluffton 5th grade

Mary Pope Osborne

Wheeler, Jill C. Mary Pope Osborne. Abdo: 2007. ISBN: 9781596797642. Ages: 10 to adult.

This story is about Mary Pope Osborne. The reason I chose this book is because I like Magic Tree House books. I thought the dog on the 2nd page was cute. I also thought the photograph of the museum was neat. I thought it was a good book. My favorite part was where it showed the castle in Austria. I would recommend it to other kids. For kids ages 10 to adult.



Reviewed by L.H. Bluffton 5th grade

New Orleans

Hedlund, Stephanie. New Orleans. Abdo: 2007. ISBN: 9781596797215. Ages: 9 to adult.

My story is about things in New Orleans and things that happened to New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina was one of them. That was a lot of water! I want to go there. I love books with photographs because if someone drew a picture of it itwould not be the same. New Orleans is a great place to go. I want to go. This book is awesome!! My favorite part was the year-round cultural attractions. I think that would be cool to go to. I recommend this book to ages 9 and up. It's so cool. I really really want to go there. I also like the history in the book. Some people don't like history, but there is not so much that it's boring. Read it!

Reviewed by M.S. Bluffton 5th grade

The Declaration of Independence

Hicks, Terry Allan. The Declaration of Independence. Marshall Cavendish: 2007. ISBN: 978076141351. Ages: 9 - 13.

The book I chose is about the Declaration of Independence. It's about the Battle of Bunker Hill, the committee of five, Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, John Hancock and everybody else. It was amazing. I think the art looks real. It's amazing how it looks like you're sitting there watching. I like the colors; they are very pretty colors like pinks, black, white, brown, blues, gray, greens, and all kinds of colors. I like how on one page might be a photograph and the next page a drawing. I liked it a lot. Why? Because it tells about all kinds of important things and all kinds of information. Well, I would recommend the book to 9-13 years of age. Maybe if they like history and stuff like that. I really like page 11. It looks like they are really dead and how many survived.

Reviewed by E.S. Bluffton 5th grade

Friday, September 21, 2007

Iran

Mara, Wil. Iran. Marshall Cavendish: 2007. ISBN: 0761419861. Ages 8 and up.

Iran is in southwestern Asia. Women aren't allowed to wear bathing suits, so they have to swim in their clothes. There was an interesting picture of a woman buying fabric in a bazaar. Family is very important in Iran. My favorite part is the pictures of Iran. I recommend it for kids ages 8 and up.

Reviewed by S., 5th grade, Bluffton Elementary

Ghost Ship

Clark, Mary Higgins. Ghost Ship. Illustrated by Wendell Minor. Simon and Schuster: 2007. ISBN: 978-1-4169-3514-8.

This book is about a boy who meets a ghost boy who lost his belt buckle. The ghost boy sailed on a ship with a captain. The ghost boy tells the other boy about the captain that lives in the other boy's grandma's house. The pictures make you feel like you are there. It has nice, realistic colors which really pop out. This is a good book. My favorite part was when the ghost boy appeared to the other boy.

Reviewed by K. B., 5th grade, Bluffton Elementary

The Jumbo Book of Space

Nicolson, Cynthia Pratt and Paulette Bourgeois. The Jumbo Book of Space. Illustrated by Bill Slavin. Kids Can Press; 2007. ISBN: 9781554530205. Ages: all.

This book has facts about space. It also talks about the things in space. There are photographs in this book that have very good color and detail; they are very cool and clear too. My favorite part was when Michelle Knapp's car was hit by a football-seized meteorite. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in space, even to anyone who is not interested in space. I think that anyone can read it who knows how to read. Part of why I like it is because I like space.

Reviewed by: J.O., 5th grade Bluffton Elementary

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Juan Ponce de Leon

Petrie, Kristin. Juan Ponce de León. Abdo Pub: 2007. ISBN 1596797428. Ages 7 to 48.

The story is about Juan Ponce de Leon. He sailed the Atlantic Ocean with Christopher Columbus and looked for the fountain of youth when he went to the new land. In the middle of the story, he helps fight the natives and gets wounded. The book says he never found the fountain of youth. It is a really good book. I loved the artwork a lot. It was amazing. My favorite part was the battle.

Reviewed by G. W. Bluffton 5th grade.

Ox, House, Stick :The History of our Alphabet

Robb, Don. Ox, House, Stick :The History of our Alphabet. Illustrated by Anne Smith. Charlesbridge: 2007. ISBN 9781570916090. Ages 5 to Adult.

It is a really good book and I hope kids like it as much as I do. It is fun and exciting. The book is about letters and how they can be written differently. It is a really fun book. This is really different than all the other alphabet books I have ever read. It is really good. When I was reading and looking at the pictures, it made me think about history and old times. I loved it and want to keep this book. If you like history, this book is for you. The art was funny and cool. I loved this book because it is the best book I have ever read.

Reviewed by K. G. Bluffton 5th grade.

Street Cred

Zronik, John Paul. Street Cred. Crabtree: 2007. ISBN 0778730069. Ages 9 to Adults.

The story is about cars that are designed for speed and show. It includes famous singers in the photographs. The photographs are very interesting. There are a lot of photographs with hot rods and custom cars. The book is very exciting. My favorite part was the hydraulics. I will recommend to people to people who like custom cars.

Reviewed by B. H. Bluffton 5th Grade.

Classic Cars: 1931-1980

Mort, Norm. Classic Cars: 1931-1980. Crabtree: 2007. ISBN 9780778730125. Ages 9 to Adult.

I think this book is really cool because of the photographs. People that have mini car collections would like this book because they would get a really good feeling about these cars. I think this book would be good for adults who like to take cars apart and put them back together. I like cars but will probably never own one like this. I was wowed by the photographs.

Reviewed by L. B. Bluffton 5th Grade.

Cherish Today: A Celebration of Life's Moments

Evans, Kristina. Cherish Today: A Celebration of Life's Moments. Illustrations by Bryan Collier. Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children: 2007. ISBN 9780786808182 (hc.). Ages 5 to Adult.

It is a book about a girl that is graduating from middle school. The book is also suppose to encourage the girl to keep doing well in school and to reach the goals that she is going for, to get to college. The art has a lot of detail. I think that any age would like this book but mostly girls.

Reviewed by K. K. Bluffton 5th Grade.

The Adventures of THOR the Thunder God

Lunge-Larsen, Lise. The Adventures of Thor the Thunder God. Illustrated by Jim Madsen. Houghton Mifflin: 2007. ISBN 9780618473014. Ages 6 to Adult.


I loved this book! I think it has a lot of adventure. I really liked the story of a duel. I did not want to stop reading it. It was good, no no, it was EXCELLENT! I loved it a lot. The best book I have ever read. Absolutely the best. The art in this book is very colorful. I really loved this book. Happy Thor's Day!


Reviewed by M. F. Bluffton 5th Grade