Welcome Readers! Robbinsdale Middle School is a grade 6-8 middle school located in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, and part of the Robbinsdale Area Schools, District #281.
These book reviews reflect the richness and diversity of our school community. They reflect the views of our student reviewers and do not reflect the views and/or opinions of Robbinsdale Middle School. If you would like to become a part of our reviewing panel, please speak with the Media Center staff.
These book reviews reflect the richness and diversity of our school community. They reflect the views of our student reviewers and do not reflect the views and/or opinions of Robbinsdale Middle School. If you would like to become a part of our reviewing panel, please speak with the Media Center staff.
Thank you!
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Monday, April 20, 2015
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
by Tim O'Brien
Recommended by: Kallum B.
I love this book. I recommend it because it has action, some love, and it is a story of a guy in the Vietnam War. He is trying to get to the girl he loves, but there are some other things he will have to worry about more. One, through the war there will be losses and sadness. This is the time where it is life and death. This book is very descriptive about war, but having this descriptive language makes the book ten times better.
What are the things they carry?
I love this book. I recommend it because it has action, some love, and it is a story of a guy in the Vietnam War. He is trying to get to the girl he loves, but there are some other things he will have to worry about more. One, through the war there will be losses and sadness. This is the time where it is life and death. This book is very descriptive about war, but having this descriptive language makes the book ten times better.
What are the things they carry?
This book was: Descriptive and amazing!
I would recommend this book to: Anyone!
I would recommend this book to: Anyone!
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: Prisoner B-3087 by Allan Gratz
by Allan Gratz
Recommended by: Michael A.
There was a boy named Yanik, and he lived in Poland. His whole family got taken and put to work at concentration camps. Throughout Yanik's journey he goes through ten camps! His goal was just to stay alive and get out! One camp that Yanik was at, picked some out of a line and shot them for no reason. A 10-year-old boy put through all of this, wow. You should read this book to find out if Yanik ever gets out.
Will he make it?
There was a boy named Yanik, and he lived in Poland. His whole family got taken and put to work at concentration camps. Throughout Yanik's journey he goes through ten camps! His goal was just to stay alive and get out! One camp that Yanik was at, picked some out of a line and shot them for no reason. A 10-year-old boy put through all of this, wow. You should read this book to find out if Yanik ever gets out.
Will he make it?
This book was: Great!
I would recommend this book to: Everyone!
I would recommend this book to: Everyone!
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: Beware Princess Elizabeth by Carolyn Meyer
by Carolyn Meyer
Recommended by: Bethany B.
The setting is Hatfield, England in November, 1558, when Elizabeth's dad dies. Her little brother becomes king. Many years later she meets Tom. Tom tried to kill the king but fails. The king dies and many other kings and queens die until Elizabeth is 21 years old. Mary is 29 and going to become queen. Mary gets a nickname, Bloody Mary, because of how she rules. People try to run away and so does Elizabeth. All Elizabeth wanted was to become queen. She is kidnapped. My favorite part is when Elizabeth looks into Tom's eyes. She falls in love.
The setting is Hatfield, England in November, 1558, when Elizabeth's dad dies. Her little brother becomes king. Many years later she meets Tom. Tom tried to kill the king but fails. The king dies and many other kings and queens die until Elizabeth is 21 years old. Mary is 29 and going to become queen. Mary gets a nickname, Bloody Mary, because of how she rules. People try to run away and so does Elizabeth. All Elizabeth wanted was to become queen. She is kidnapped. My favorite part is when Elizabeth looks into Tom's eyes. She falls in love.
This book was: Historical fiction.
I would recommend this book to: Interesting.
I would recommend this book to: Interesting.
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: The Yearling by Marjorie Rawlings
by Marjorie Rawlings
Recommended by: Juni H.
This book was about a boy named Jody, who is the only child of Ma and Pa Baxter. They live in the Florida backwoods and live off of their land. Penny is a farmer and an experienced hunter. Become connected with Jody as you are introduced to their only neighbors, the Forresters, and their "fend for yourself" way of life. Be entranced as Rawlings describes the setting with infinite detail. Hold your breath as Jody finds "Flag", a young fawn who recently lost his mother. This is a historical fiction book and can be slow at times. However, the hunts and excitement of fights gives the book it's edge. The end is fairly sad but eventually grows on you. I would recommend this book to those who will commit to finishing.
This book was about a boy named Jody, who is the only child of Ma and Pa Baxter. They live in the Florida backwoods and live off of their land. Penny is a farmer and an experienced hunter. Become connected with Jody as you are introduced to their only neighbors, the Forresters, and their "fend for yourself" way of life. Be entranced as Rawlings describes the setting with infinite detail. Hold your breath as Jody finds "Flag", a young fawn who recently lost his mother. This is a historical fiction book and can be slow at times. However, the hunts and excitement of fights gives the book it's edge. The end is fairly sad but eventually grows on you. I would recommend this book to those who will commit to finishing.
This book was: Interesting and sad!
I would recommend this book to: Dedicated People!
I would recommend this book to: Dedicated People!
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
by Harper Lee
Recommended by: Kennedy H.
This book takes place in the 1930's in Maycomb County, Alabama. This books is realistic fiction. It is about Scout, her older brother, Jem, and her father, Atticus, who is a lawyer. This book tells of the turn of events when a black man is accused of raping a white woman. Scout and Jem come to a shocking realization about the world and people. I loved this book for the truth, details, and excitement. My favorite characters are Atticus and Boo Radley, whom you will meet. This book brought me shock and changed my life.
This book takes place in the 1930's in Maycomb County, Alabama. This books is realistic fiction. It is about Scout, her older brother, Jem, and her father, Atticus, who is a lawyer. This book tells of the turn of events when a black man is accused of raping a white woman. Scout and Jem come to a shocking realization about the world and people. I loved this book for the truth, details, and excitement. My favorite characters are Atticus and Boo Radley, whom you will meet. This book brought me shock and changed my life.
This book was: Life changing!
I would recommend this book to: EVERYONE!!
I would recommend this book to: EVERYONE!!
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
by Ruta Sepetys
Recommended by: Mackenna T.
In 1941, fifteen-year old Lina was preparing for all that summer had in store. But one night, the Soviet secret police barged into her home, deporting her along with her mom and brother. They believed they were being sent to Siberia while her father was sentenced to death in a prison camp. Lina and her family must fight for their lives, vowing that if they survive, they will honor the thousands just like them. Lina documented her experience in her art and writing, hoping for someone to find it.
In 1941, fifteen-year old Lina was preparing for all that summer had in store. But one night, the Soviet secret police barged into her home, deporting her along with her mom and brother. They believed they were being sent to Siberia while her father was sentenced to death in a prison camp. Lina and her family must fight for their lives, vowing that if they survive, they will honor the thousands just like them. Lina documented her experience in her art and writing, hoping for someone to find it.
This book was: Amazing and Exciting!
I would recommend this book to: People who love learning about the post!
I would recommend this book to: People who love learning about the post!
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
by Mildred D. Taylor
Recommended by: Eliot Z.
Cassie is nine-years old and she lives in Mississippi. The story is set in the 1930's. Throughout the book Cassie wonders why she is different from everyone else. Or why she can't be treated with respect just like the white folks. Cassie and her brother survive racism, hatred, discrimination, and bullying from both blacks and whites. But when Cassie gets the chance to go to the market with Big Ma will Cassie finally understand why she is different? Or what about when TJ's problems get way over everyone's heads? Will Cassie and her brothers save their family, friends, and their home or will everything burn to the ground? My favorite character is Uncle Hammer, he's feisty and stands up for his family.
Cassie is nine-years old and she lives in Mississippi. The story is set in the 1930's. Throughout the book Cassie wonders why she is different from everyone else. Or why she can't be treated with respect just like the white folks. Cassie and her brother survive racism, hatred, discrimination, and bullying from both blacks and whites. But when Cassie gets the chance to go to the market with Big Ma will Cassie finally understand why she is different? Or what about when TJ's problems get way over everyone's heads? Will Cassie and her brothers save their family, friends, and their home or will everything burn to the ground? My favorite character is Uncle Hammer, he's feisty and stands up for his family.
This book was: Beautifully written! Will keep you wanting more.
I would recommend this book to: 6th graders and up.
I would recommend this book to: 6th graders and up.
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl
by Michaela MacColl
Recommended by: Halli V.
This is a historical fiction book about two girls. One is Liza, a servant,whose parents were in a tragic accident. The other girl is a princess, Princess Victoria. Liza serves for her. Liza really wants the throne herself. My favorite part was when Liza convinced Victoria to serve for her for a day. I would recommend this book to people who like a book where you don't know what is going to happen next.
This is a historical fiction book about two girls. One is Liza, a servant,whose parents were in a tragic accident. The other girl is a princess, Princess Victoria. Liza serves for her. Liza really wants the throne herself. My favorite part was when Liza convinced Victoria to serve for her for a day. I would recommend this book to people who like a book where you don't know what is going to happen next.
This book was: Fascinating!
I would recommend this book to: People who like fiction.
I would recommend this book to: People who like fiction.
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: A Time of Miracles by Anne-Laure Bondoux
by Anne-Laure Bondoux
Recommended by: Jamilla B.
This book is about a boy named Blaise Fortune. At eight-years-old, he is living in refugee camps to get away from the war. Gloria, his guardian, gets a low paying job as a beggar, at the entrance of big supermarkets. Together they live in a place called the "complex". The complex is a very horrible place to live. The wallpaper is peeling, the paint is chipping, water is dripping down the walls, it is moldy and has narrow staircases, but it was alright with Blaise because he and his friends could make the most of it. They would play many different games while their moms washed and dried their laundry during the day. Every night though, Gloria would tell him of his past, of where he was from, and where they are going. He continues his journey for years, moving place to place, waiting and waiting; trying and trying to get to the home Gloria would tell him of every night. Pushing and pushing until he could get there. But the question is if he will finally make it to a final homeland?
This book is about a boy named Blaise Fortune. At eight-years-old, he is living in refugee camps to get away from the war. Gloria, his guardian, gets a low paying job as a beggar, at the entrance of big supermarkets. Together they live in a place called the "complex". The complex is a very horrible place to live. The wallpaper is peeling, the paint is chipping, water is dripping down the walls, it is moldy and has narrow staircases, but it was alright with Blaise because he and his friends could make the most of it. They would play many different games while their moms washed and dried their laundry during the day. Every night though, Gloria would tell him of his past, of where he was from, and where they are going. He continues his journey for years, moving place to place, waiting and waiting; trying and trying to get to the home Gloria would tell him of every night. Pushing and pushing until he could get there. But the question is if he will finally make it to a final homeland?
This book was: Eye-opening!
I would recommend this book to: Anyone!
I would recommend this book to: Anyone!
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
by Jane Austen
Recommended by: Ji M.
In 18th Century England, after Mr. Henry Dashwood's passing, he gives his inheritance to his son from his first wife, which leaves the protagonists, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood's family of Mrs. Dashwood, Mr. Henry Dashwood's second wife, and their younger sister Margaret with low income. This greatly disappoints Mrs. Dashwood because she worries that her daughter will not marry well because of their poor condition. But a distant relative invites the Dashwood's to a place to say and many secrets are made and told. Elinor is in an affair with a man named Edward Ferrars, but finds out he has been secretly engaged with another woman for the past four years. Marianne falls in love with a mysterious gentleman. How will the young Miss Dashwoods deal with these affairs with their much different personalities of "sense and sensibility"? Read the book to find out! I like how this book really ties in with the 18th century and how it has notes and important information in the back of the book. Pretty helpful since the book has very old English in it!
In 18th Century England, after Mr. Henry Dashwood's passing, he gives his inheritance to his son from his first wife, which leaves the protagonists, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood's family of Mrs. Dashwood, Mr. Henry Dashwood's second wife, and their younger sister Margaret with low income. This greatly disappoints Mrs. Dashwood because she worries that her daughter will not marry well because of their poor condition. But a distant relative invites the Dashwood's to a place to say and many secrets are made and told. Elinor is in an affair with a man named Edward Ferrars, but finds out he has been secretly engaged with another woman for the past four years. Marianne falls in love with a mysterious gentleman. How will the young Miss Dashwoods deal with these affairs with their much different personalities of "sense and sensibility"? Read the book to find out! I like how this book really ties in with the 18th century and how it has notes and important information in the back of the book. Pretty helpful since the book has very old English in it!
This book was: Pretty entertaining!
I would recommend this book to: People who like historical fiction.
I would recommend this book to: People who like historical fiction.
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Recommended by: Kaiya R.
This book is about a young girl named Sara Crewe who lives in Miss Minchin's boarding school in England in the late 1800's. Her father lives in India, and her mother died a long time ago. One day her father dies too! Miss Minchin banishes the orphan to the attic and makes her work as a maid. Sara meets her new neighbor who was a friend of her fathers. Will Sara and her new friend live together? or will Miss Minchin have none of it?
This book is about a young girl named Sara Crewe who lives in Miss Minchin's boarding school in England in the late 1800's. Her father lives in India, and her mother died a long time ago. One day her father dies too! Miss Minchin banishes the orphan to the attic and makes her work as a maid. Sara meets her new neighbor who was a friend of her fathers. Will Sara and her new friend live together? or will Miss Minchin have none of it?
This book was: Enchanting!
I would recommend this book to: All Ages!
I would recommend this book to: All Ages!
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Recommended by: Nathan H.
This historical novel takes place in Scotland in the 1700's. We meet David Balfor as he sets off on a quest to reclaim his late father's inheritance. David is kidnapped, and sent on a slave ship bound for the Carolinas! My favorite part of the book is when David has to dodge Red Coats in the Scottish Highlands. Find out if David ever makes it back.
This historical novel takes place in Scotland in the 1700's. We meet David Balfor as he sets off on a quest to reclaim his late father's inheritance. David is kidnapped, and sent on a slave ship bound for the Carolinas! My favorite part of the book is when David has to dodge Red Coats in the Scottish Highlands. Find out if David ever makes it back.
This book was: Adventurous!
I would recommend this book to: Adventure lovers!
I would recommend this book to: Adventure lovers!
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
by
Charlotte
Brontë
Recommended by: Evelyn V.
Jane Eyre grew up an orphan in her aunt's house with her cruel cousins. After ten years, Jane was sent to school at Lowood. She stayed there for eight years. Then she put out an advertisement and became the governess of a little French girl named Adele. Jane then falls in love with Mr. Rochester, Adele's guardian. Mr. Rochester asks Jane to marry him and Jane says yes. When the priest asks if anyone had any objections, a man named Mr. Mason objected because he claimed that Mr. Rochester already had a wife. When they get back to Thornfield, Mr. Rochester explained his situation. He once was in love with a woman named Bertha but she became mad. Bertha was kept in the attic of Thornfield and was shown to Jane. Even though what he said was true, Jane was still heart broken, so she ran away. With no money she became a beggar and was forced to go door to door asking for food. Find out what happened to Jane and if she ever see Mr. Rochester again!
Jane Eyre grew up an orphan in her aunt's house with her cruel cousins. After ten years, Jane was sent to school at Lowood. She stayed there for eight years. Then she put out an advertisement and became the governess of a little French girl named Adele. Jane then falls in love with Mr. Rochester, Adele's guardian. Mr. Rochester asks Jane to marry him and Jane says yes. When the priest asks if anyone had any objections, a man named Mr. Mason objected because he claimed that Mr. Rochester already had a wife. When they get back to Thornfield, Mr. Rochester explained his situation. He once was in love with a woman named Bertha but she became mad. Bertha was kept in the attic of Thornfield and was shown to Jane. Even though what he said was true, Jane was still heart broken, so she ran away. With no money she became a beggar and was forced to go door to door asking for food. Find out what happened to Jane and if she ever see Mr. Rochester again!
This book was: Hard, but interesting!
I would recommend this book to: People who want a good and challenging book!
I would recommend this book to: People who want a good and challenging book!
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: Duke by Kirby Larson
by Kirby Larson
Recommended by: Tyler S.
This book is about an 11-year-old boy named Hobie Hanson and his brave decision to donate his German Shepard, Duke to "Dogs for Defense". Hobie's father is a fighter pilot in World War II. When he hears about "Dogs for Defense" from his neighbor, he feels like he should contribute to the war. After thinking about it he decided to donate Duke. He starts to regret his decision soon after donating Duke. Hobie starts to write to Duke's handler about how he made a bad decision and he needs his dog back. Duke's handler always writes back with the same answer, "No!" But one day Duke's handler writes to Hobie saying that Duke's training is over, but now he needs to go serve his part in the war. Hobie immediately gets worried about Duke.
Will Hobie ever see Duke again?
This book is about an 11-year-old boy named Hobie Hanson and his brave decision to donate his German Shepard, Duke to "Dogs for Defense". Hobie's father is a fighter pilot in World War II. When he hears about "Dogs for Defense" from his neighbor, he feels like he should contribute to the war. After thinking about it he decided to donate Duke. He starts to regret his decision soon after donating Duke. Hobie starts to write to Duke's handler about how he made a bad decision and he needs his dog back. Duke's handler always writes back with the same answer, "No!" But one day Duke's handler writes to Hobie saying that Duke's training is over, but now he needs to go serve his part in the war. Hobie immediately gets worried about Duke.
Will Hobie ever see Duke again?
This book was: Wonderful!
I would recommend this book to: Anyone.
I would recommend this book to: Anyone.
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: London Calling by Edward Bloor
by Edward Bloor
Recommended by: Cece S.
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Perhaps to London in the years 1940-1944? Then this book would be appealing to you! This book is about a boy named John Martin Conway, or Martin. Martin has been having these dreams lately where he appears to be in London in the year 1940. He meets a boy named Jimmy who tells Martin, or Johnny, as Jimmy calls him, that he has a "bit" to do. It isn't until way later that Martin actually figures out what his "bit" to do is. My favorite part in the book is the part where Martin beats up Hank Lowery IV. It was cool to see him finally stand up for himself. I like how the author made time travel seem possible. Read this book to see what Martin's "bit" was.
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Perhaps to London in the years 1940-1944? Then this book would be appealing to you! This book is about a boy named John Martin Conway, or Martin. Martin has been having these dreams lately where he appears to be in London in the year 1940. He meets a boy named Jimmy who tells Martin, or Johnny, as Jimmy calls him, that he has a "bit" to do. It isn't until way later that Martin actually figures out what his "bit" to do is. My favorite part in the book is the part where Martin beats up Hank Lowery IV. It was cool to see him finally stand up for himself. I like how the author made time travel seem possible. Read this book to see what Martin's "bit" was.
This book was: Very nicely written! Excellent!
I would recommend this book to: History lovers.
I would recommend this book to: History lovers.
Books by Blei - Historical Fiction: Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel
Dust Girl
by Sarah Zettel
Recommended by: Magdaline K.
When the teacher chose this book for me, I was unsure if I would enjoy it. The book looked lit it was historical fiction, but it mentioned the main character was a fairy! How could that be? Well, the book was amazing. It was a blend of the past with magic. The setting was the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. Callie, part fairy, was in search of her mother. The search was dangerous and put her in many tough spots. Read and see if she finds her mother. Can Callie be at peace with her magic?
When the teacher chose this book for me, I was unsure if I would enjoy it. The book looked lit it was historical fiction, but it mentioned the main character was a fairy! How could that be? Well, the book was amazing. It was a blend of the past with magic. The setting was the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. Callie, part fairy, was in search of her mother. The search was dangerous and put her in many tough spots. Read and see if she finds her mother. Can Callie be at peace with her magic?
This book was: Really Good!
I would recommend this book to: Everyone I know!
I would recommend this book to: Everyone I know!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)