"Iron Flame" by Rebecca Yarros

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros took me a long time to get through.  I liked the first book (Fourth Wing) in this series much better!  I liked the relationship building among the riders in Violet's squad and still liked the dragons.  Mostly it seemed this book centered on Violet and Xaden's relationship growing deeper.  I did not care for all the sex scenes.  The battles provided good action; however, I wasn't always clear about how the magic powers worked.  I really did not like the ending of this book at all.  I doubt if I will continue on with this series.  (Karen's review, 3 stars)

Gerard's review:

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros is the second in this series.  The first was Fourth Wing and I liked this one even better!  Violet has made it through the first year of war college to everyone's surprise including her mom and sister.  But the second year is going to be tougher yet.  Now the head of the college will test Violet in ways she has never been.  Violet and her gang are back!  But now war is coming and Violet must choose which side she will be on.  

I gave the Fourth Wing highest score I could and this book is even better!  I had so many emotions while reading this book.  The good news is that this is going to be a 5-book series.  You must read these fantastic books.  This is as good as it gets!  (5++ stars)   

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Back to School, Weird Kids Rule!" by Dan Gutman (Weird School Special)

Back to School, Weird Kids Rule! by Dan Gutman is a bit different from other books I read in this series because instead of AJ being the narrator, it's Andrea!  Andrea explains why she loves school so much and focuses on the week before school starts.  She and AJ are thrown together by their parents (the mothers are best friends), and spend their time arguing.  It includes some history of school supplies and some puzzles in the back.  I liked this one all right.  The interaction between Andrea and AJ was funny.   (Karen's review, 3 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Miss Suki is Kooky!" by Dan Gutman (Book 17 in My Weird School Series)

In Miss Suki is Kooky! by Dan Gutman, the students read The Fearless Falcon by Suki Kabuki and then the author visits their school with a falcon!  I liked this book because it gives some interesting information about falcons and is humorous.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"We're Red, Weird, and Blue! What Can We Do?" by Dan Gutman

We're Red, Weird, and Blue!  What Can We Do? by Dan Gutman is a children's book that teaches some facts about presidents in a fun way.  A.J. and Andrea are chosen to represent their school in a President's Day Challenge against Dirk School.  This is both educational and funny with a surprise ending.  This book also includes some puzzles and review questions in the back.  I enjoyed this book because I learned some things and it made me laugh.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Mr. Macky Is Wacky!" by Dan Gutman is about President's Day (Book 15 in My Weird School Series)

Mr. Macky Is Wacky! by Dan Gutman is Book 15 in My Weird School series.  It is a funny book about a school celebrating President's Day.  I enjoyed this one because it made me laugh.  It is actually somewhat informative because teachers and students share facts about some of the presidents.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Mr. Klutz Is Nuts!" My Weird School 2 series by Dan Gutman

Mr. Klutz Is Nuts! is the second book in My Weird School series by Dan Gutman.  In this book is all about the principal doing funny things to motivate the students.  The reader learns about incentives.  I liked that the students became concerned about their principal and were willing to learn without his incentives.  I enjoyed this one but it didn't make me laugh out loud like some of the others in this series did.  (Karen's review, 3 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

My Weird School I Can Read! Series (Level 2—Reading With Help) by Dan Gutman

All the books in this series have large colorful pictures that little kids would enjoy with very little reading.  They are very short but are great for young readers. 

 Goes to the Museum

AJ and Andrea get to go on a field trip to the museum.  Although AJ is the one who usually gets into trouble, on this trip Andrea is the one who causes trouble.  It’s a cute story.

 Class Pet Mess!

The class votes on what pet to get for their class and snake wins.  This is pretty funny and also gives some interesting information about hognose snakes.

 Talent Show Mix-Up

The class is having a talent show and AJ doesn’t know what to do.  His talents really aren’t things he can do in a classroom.  He signs up last hoping to think of something.  It’s his teacher who recognizes his talent.

 Teamwork Trouble

Ryan is forming a curling team.  AJ says he wants to be on it, but Ryan already has enough.  When one of his players gets hurt, AJ comes in to replace him, but can AJ and Andrea play together without fighting?

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Dr. Brad Has Gone Mad!" by Dan Gutman (My Weird School Daze #7)

Dr. Brad Has Gone Mad! by Dan Gutman is about a counselor who does some testing on AJ to see if he is a genius and should be transferred to a different school for the gifted and talented.  Of course, AJ does not want to change schools.  He faked being hypnotized and later tried hypnotizing Andrea.  Things went really crazy from there.  

This book was okay, but did not enjoy it as much as the others by this author.  It didn't seem as believable so wasn't as funny.  (Karen's review, 2 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Mr. Hynde Is Out of His Mind" by Dan Gutman

Mr. Hynde is Out of His Mind by Dan Gutman is Book 6 in "My Weird School" series.  This one is about a new music teacher who gets the kids moving and uses rap which is very different from what the kids were used to.  Most kids like him, a few do not.  The kids get a big surprise when the principle tells the teachers to turn on their TVs in the classrooms.

I enjoyed this book too, but not quite as much as Miss Daisy is Crazy.  I laughed at some of the dialog and recommend this for elementary children.    (Karen's review, 4 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Miss Daisy Is Crazy!" by Dan Gutman (Book 1 of My Weird School Series)

Miss Daisy is Crazy! by Dan Gutman is the first in the Weird School Series.  This is a funny read that I really enjoyed, even though it is a children's book.  It's about A.J. who hates school and his 2nd grade teacher, Miss Daisy who says she hates school too!  This is the first book I read by this author and look forward to reading more.  It is a quick read and good for a laugh.  I think this is a great series for younger grades.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)  

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Children's Blizzard" by Melanie Benjamin--A Very Sad Story

The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin tells the story of two young prairie school teachers who have to find an answer not found in their school books.  How are they going to get the children left in their care home safe and sound when the weather turns from a warm day into a blizzard?  The author does a very good job of making the reader feel how it was on that day.

This historical fiction book is much more than just that one day.  You really get to know the characters!  I had high hopes for this book going in and it certainly delivered.  It was better than I expected!  I LOVED this book and even read the author's notes, which I normally do not do.  (Gerard's review, 1/31/21, 5++ stars)

Karen's review: 

The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin is based on a true event but with fictional characters.  This is a very sad story with lots of death and guilt.  Just reading it made me feel cold!  Knowing this actually happened made it interesting and even sadder.  It revolves around two sisters who both were school teachers and one of their students.  Both teachers were only 16 and 17 or 18, Raina and Gerda.  Raina made a right decision and Gerda, a terrible one.  This is a story about immigrants and homesteading in the 1800s and survival.  It has adventure and much heartbreak.  Reading this for me was like plowing through a blizzard myself.  (4 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"We Dream of Space" by Erin Entrada Kelly is historical fiction for kids

We dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly deals with three young teens who live in the same family--Cash, Fitch and Bird.  They all go to the same school where the focus is on space and the launch of The Challenger.  It is also about their day-to-day lives.  I thought this book was pretty good and I enjoyed all the kids.  It flowed along well with some funny parts too.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 22:  "Maybe if you had a three-dimensional brain, you wouldn't be failing seventh grade for the second time," Fitch said.  "Good luck getting any homework done with your right hand in a cast.  Not that you know how to do it anyway."

 

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"One of Us is Next" by Karen M. McManus

One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus is the follow-up to One of Us Is Lying (which I liked more). The same cast of characters is back!  This book picks up after the death of Simon and is told in two parts.  Part 1 is okay, but the real action is in part 2.  I enjoyed Phoebe and Knox the most.  This is pretty good because I loved the ending.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 34:  Phoebe Lawton, you're up first!  Text back your choice:  Should I reveal a Truth, or will you take a Dare?

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Nickel Boys" by Colson Whitehead

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead is based on a real story.  This book takes place in the early 60s.  Elwood is a young boy who makes a mistake and is sentenced to a reform school called "Nickel."  There he meets a young boy named Turner.  Nickel is a rough school, but especially for young black boys.

This is a short book so a quick read.  I liked the contrast in thinking between Turner and Elwood and how they handled their time in Nickel, a school with very corrupt officials. 
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 17:  He'd been so proud of his ability, dumb and simple as it was.  He never settled on one conclusion until he got to Nickel, which made the truth of the contests unavoidable.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Gifted School" by Bruce Holsinger

The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger centers on four moms who live in the same community.  They all have children about the same age.  A new school is going to open and only the best and brightest will be able to get in!  The moms want what is best for their children.  How far are they willing to go to make sure their kids get in?  What about the dads?  Finally, do the kids even want to go to this school?

I enjoyed this book very much.  The author did a great job of bringing the mom characters out.  The kids were good too, and out of the dads, I enjoyed Beck best.
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 31:  Everyone was rooting for her, or so Azra claimed.  Rose wasn't so sure.  Samantha in particular seemed to take a guilty pleasure in watching for latent signs of Tessa's next catastrophe.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Tempests and Slaughter" by Tamora Pierce

Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce is about three young people, two boys and one girl, going to a school to improve their magical abilities.  This book had ups and downs to me.  I enjoyed the three main characters well enough but think the writing and story line could have been better.
(Gerard's review, 3 stars)

Karen's review:
I did not finish this one.  I read about halfway and wasn't invested in it because there was no action!  It just didn't hold my interest at all and there really was no plot going on by the halfway point.  Although I liked the three main characters enough, I did not want to plow through it any longer so gave up on it.

Teaser from page 6:  "The other man seized Arram by the collar and lifted him into the air.  'If you're a mage, spell me, then,' he growled.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"A Quiet Kind of Thunder" by Sara Barnard

In A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard, Steffi is a quiet girl and likes it that way.  She can talk but chooses not to.  The first day of the new school year, the principal introduces her to Rhys who is deaf.  Steffi is supposed to help him get used to his new school.  Soon she starts to have feelings for him, but will talking be the best thing for her?

Teaser from page 4:  Now they're parading strangers in front of me to mock my inability to speak in front of them?  I can feel a familiar choking panic start somewhere in my stomach.

I liked this book.  It was a good change of pace from the books I usually read.  I enjoyed both Steffi and Rhys!  Give it a chance.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)  

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Words on Bathroom Wall" by Julia Walton

In Words on Bathroom Wall by Julia Walton, Adam is Schizophrenic.  He has to transfer to a new school because he is getting bullied at his old one.  No one knows this at his new school and Adam will do anything to keep it that way.  This book is Adam's journal to his therapist because he would rather not talk.

I thought this book was pretty good.  Adam has a good sense of humor and the book moved along at a good pace.  I loved the ending!
(Gerard's review, 3.5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"New Boy" by Tracy Chevalier (a retelling of Shakespeare's Othello)

New Boy by Tracy Chevalier is the retelling of Shakespeare's Othello, but I never read or saw Othello performed so can't comment on how closely this book relates to it.  This is the story of the inter-relationships of several 6th graders at an all-white school with the exception of a new black boy from Ghana.  Osei is a diplomat's son who is used to changing schools often and being the new kid.  He just thinks that getting through the school day without getting beat up would be a success.  The story is placed in the 1970s.

Using the mundane ordinary school day of a 6th grade class, the author tackles racism, bullying and friendship.  This is a quick read that shows how mean children can be to each other.  I was shocked at the ending but will not spoil it for you.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)  

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" by J. K. Rowling (video review included)

Love Crankshooks!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling is the third book of this series and another enjoyable fun read!  In this book, there are surprises and a very cool map that has been handed down from former mischief makers to current mischief makers at Hogwarts school.  I thought the classes were really interesting and was happy Hagrid got to be a teacher on care of critters.  The class on Defense of Dark Arts was also fun.  There are so many great scenes in this book that I didn't want to put it down.  I cheered when Hermione bought herself a cat named Crankshooks who has sort of a big part in the story chasing after Ron's rat, Scabbers and causing tension between Ron and Hermione.  Snape and Malfoy continue to resent Harry and cause trouble.  Of course, Harry is amazing in this book too and I enjoy rooting for him!  I loved this book and enjoyed it very much.  It has lots of action and funny things throughout.  I look forward to continuing this series.
(Karen's review7/15/15, 5 stars)

Gerard's review 7/9/16 (5 stars):
It's always good to get back to a Harry Potter book!  In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Sirius Black is loose and the word is out that he wants to get at Harry in the worst way! I thought this book was very good.  I enjoyed the various storylines throughout the book and Ron and Hermione are good in this one too!  I especially liked the unexpected ending and the great writing!

Watch my review I did for "Booktube":

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!