Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure stories. I
liked this book because the adventures seemed to make pictures in my head
of what the girl was doing. At the end of this book I found out that an
Indian girl had actually spent eighteen years on an island off the coast
of California. It was an interesting fact. I hope you have enjoyed my
review and will enjoy this book!
Zachary, Sabal Point Elementary (Florida) Grade 5
I like the Island of the Blue Dolphins because it's full of action. The
main character is Won-a-pali, or Karana, whose tribe got killed by
pirates. Her little brother has a wild ending to his life. Sometimes you
never know where your life is going to take you.
Pedro, Jackson Heights Middle (Florida) Grade 7
Nightmare Island by Ron Roy
Two brothers, Harley and Scoop, camped out on Little Island. They set up
camp, explored the island, and they made a campfire to roast marshmallows.
Harley threw a burning stick into the water. It burst into flames. The
flames went all around the island! I would recommend this book for kids
who like exciting adventure books.
M. P., Sabal Point Elementary (Florida) Grade 5
Night of the Twisters by Ivy Ruckman
One day Dan asked his mom what a red letter day was. He found out that it
was when something good happens. A black letter day means the opposite.
If you want to know what happens on his black letter day, read this book.
I recommend it to anyone who liked adventures.
Becca, Sabal Point Elementary (Florida) Grade 5
Stone Fox by John Gardiner
This book is about a boy named Willy, his dog & his grandfather. All of a
sudden bad things start happening - grandfather becomes ill & they are
behind in taxes which means their farm could be taken away. Little Willy
has to somehow get money fast, so he enters his dog in a dog sled race.
The best dog sled racer named Stone Fox enters also. Read the book to see
what happens. I think you'll like it!
Courtney, Bauder Elementary (Florida) Grade 4
This book is wonderful. Right when you think something good
is going to happen everything switches.
Ally, Boone Trail (Missouri) Grade 4
Tomorrow When The War Began by John Marsden
This is a superb fictional book in which a group of kids go camping, only
to find a deserted city when they return. Their houses have been invaded,
their animals killed. Patrols are everywhere. This is war! As they
gather supplies and information, they try to fight back. Do they get
killed or do they win a victory so great it is almost unreal?
Andrew, Bear Lake Elementary (Florida) Grade 4
The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss
This is the true story of a 10-year-old Jewish girl who lived in Holland
during World War II. The book tells about how she and her sister had to
hide from the Germans. I really learned how scary it was to be Jewish
during World War II. It was a very interesting book.
Kelly, Keeth Elementary (Florida) Grade 4
The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse
This book is about a girl who lived with dolphins. When she was little she
was in a plane crash. Some dolphins found her & raised her. Now she has
been found & is being studied by scientists in Boston. Will she ever
return to see her dolphin friends? Will they let her go back?
Nicole, Sabal Point Elementary (Florida) Grade 5
The Cay by Theodore Taylor
This book is a breath taking story about a kid named Philip who was
with his mother on a ship that got torpedoed. They were both saved by life
boats, but different ones. On the boat he met Timothy. A couple of days
later he went blind & was stranded on an island. To find out more
read this book.
Michael, Jackson Heights Middle (Florida) Grade 7
This is a very good book in my opinion. Phillip is stuck on a
forgotten island with an old guy named Timothy. Phillip is blind, Timothy
is old. Can they survive? Read it and find out.
Camille, Forest City Elementary (Florida) Grade 5
Brian's Winter by Gary Paulsen
I'm a reading maniac and when I read Brian's Winter, I was totally pleased
at how Gary Paulsen matches his other two books. Although this book is
more of a "what if" kind of book, I still love to think about how Brian
amazingly survived the winter with a hatchet and some knowledge!
Carlos, Laredo Middle School (Colorado) Grade 6
This book was a quick read for me. I generally don't like
books, although this book was an exception because it had a tremendous amount of
suspense. For every reader out there who doesn't like books this is your
opportunity to get started. Although I would recommend reading the first
book in the series, Hatchet, first. Good luck.
Anonymous, Lincoln Middle (California) Grade 6
The Bomb by Theodore Taylor
I read a good book called "The Bomb". It is a good book to read if you're
interested in World War II. I like this book because it tells the whole
story about when we dropped the atomic bomb on Japan.
Michael, Lawton Chiles Middle (Florida) Grade 7
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
The novel Moby Dick was a thriller and action packed book that I enjoyed
reading. It was about a giant sized white whale that people wanted. But
someone wanted more than just to capture it. The giant white whale
totally destroyed the last group of boats who wanted to capture the whale.
Only one person survived and now he wants to settle the score with the
white whale.
Ryan, Jackson Heights Middle (Florida) Grade 8
Mississippi Bridge by Mildred D. Taylor
I enjoyed reading Mississippi Bridge by this very good writer. The 2 main
characters are Jeremy Simms & Cassie. They are on a bridge that is just
getting ready to burn down as they cross it. How can they cross the
bridge when the fire has them trapped in the middle?
Kell, Jackson Heights Middle (Florida) Grade 8
The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle
I enjoyed this book because it told me lots of facts that I have always
wondered about Robin Hood. My opinion is that this book is good for all
ages. Robin Hood was not always an outlaw. He was just like you & me
until one day there was an archery contest. While he was walking to the
contest he saw the king's foresters and told them where he was going.
They laughed at him & he made a bet with them. He won & they attacked
him. Will Robin's walk in the woods be a walk to death?
Jo-el, Jackson Heights Middle (Florida) Grade 7
Lost in the Mountains by Marjory E. Williams
I enjoyed reading this book because it was cool, exciting & I loved the
book. The main character was Brian. He was a cool kid, smart & funny.
My opinion is that you should always tell someone where you are going.
Dennis, Jackson Heights Middle (Florida) Grade 7
Emily Upham's Revenge by Avi
Comical, adventurous & lighthearted - these are just a few words that come
to mind when describing this book. Emily is sent to stay with her uncle
but is never greeted by him at the train station. She is deciding whether
or not to be worried when she meets Seth Marple (alias Deadwood Dick) &
journeys to his hideout in the woods. Seth befriends Emily & also
involves her in a series of adventures. You'll be amazed by the odd twist
at the end of the book - but read it yourself. It is wonderful.
Laura, Southwood (Ontario, Canada) Grade 8
Running out of Time by Margaret Haddix
Running out of Time was the best book I ever read. It was suspenseful and
made you not want to put the book down. It was about a girl who was made
to believe it was the 1800's when it was really the 20th century. I truly
recommend this book to everyone.
Erin, Greenwood Lakes Middle (Florida) Grade 6
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
I love Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George! It is a very
thrilling novel about a 13 year old girl who runs away from her husband.
She soon learns how to live in the wild tundra with a pack of wolves. This
book shows the interaction between humans and animals and also the animal
habits. The emotions are expressed excellently. This book is great! I
would recommend it to anyone.
Emma, Jackson Junior High (West Virginia) Grade 7
I loved the book! It's bursting with suspence! I couldn't put it down. I
would recommend it for 12 & older. It's a story of a 13 year old girl who
survives the Alaskan Wilderness. If you like adventure stories, you'd
love this book.
Kaley, Homeschool (Florida) Grade 6
The River by Gary Paulsen
I thought that the River was a good book, but after reading Hatchet, the
1st of the duo, I was a bit disappointed. The River was about Brian Robeson
& how he survived living in the wilderness with a man with a serious
problem. Brian was in the wild with this man because the man was supposed
to write an article on how Brian survived, just like in Hatchet. It was a
very exciting book & I would recommend it to others who have read its
prequel, Hatchet.
Liz, Park Maitland (Florida) Grade 6
The story starts in the city where three government men request Brian, a young
boy that survived 54 grueling days in the Canadian Wilderness, to accompany them
on a study trip. This trip is for observation on how Brian survived in the
wilderness for a government survival school. The action starts when Brian
and a government man are sitting out a thunderstorm in the Canadian Winderness.
The government man, Derek, is struck by lightning and is in a coma. Brian
comes up with the idea to use a nearby river to escort Derek to safety.
Will he make it? Find out about his terrifying river ride and find out if
he makes it in time to save Derek.
Kyle, Burnett Middle School (Florida) Grade 6
Left Behind--For Kids (Series) by Tim F. LaHaye
These books are Da Bomb!!! They are about 4 kids who have to face the end
of the world. I love them!!! They are really sad.
Sarah, Masters Academy (Florida) Grade 6
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
This is a book of adventure. Huck is a truth stretcher. He lives with
Widow Douglass. Even though he has to go to school, she is nice to him &
he likes her. But his drunken father kidnaps him. Read this book to
find out what happens.
Whitney, Jackson Heights Middle (Florida) Grade 7
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
This is an adventurous book. It all takes place on a deserted island.
Robinson Crusoe lives in the forest with not much food. He is almost
starved but he finds a wheat seed. He plants it & it starts to grow. Do
you think he starves to death? Read this book to find out the exciting
ending!
Grady, Jackson Heights Middle (Florida) Grade 7
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
This book is very adventurous. The main character, Jim Hawkins, found a
treasure map in a dead man's pocket. He wanted to see if it was a true
treasure map so he found a man named Long John Silver. He got a crew &
they set sail. When they got to the island things started to change. What
happened? Did they find the treasure or not?
David, Jackson Heights Middle (Florida) Grade 7
This book was a little sad but very satisfying.
Holes by Louis Sachar
I think Holes is a very exciting adventure type novel. It shows to go for
your dreams and don't worry about stupid little curses that someone tells
you about.
Katelyn, Heathrow Elementary (Florida) Grade 4
I really liked Holes. I liked it because it was sort of funny. Also I
enjoyed it because the warden just wanted them to dig holes for her. She
wanted them to dig holes because there is supposed to be buried treasure
somewhere in that land. I really enjoyed Holes and I think you would
too!
Mark, Wekiva Elementary (Florida) Grade 5
Marisa, Country Elementary (Massachusetts) Grade 3
The Riddle of the Dinosaur by John Noble Wilford
It was a great thing to do.
Anna, Highlands Elementary (Florida) Grade 2
Gary Paulsen's writing style dazzles the reader while adventure
grows in your mind. Although, the beginning may seem a little weak, the
book builds up and proves to be a successful one. I really love how the
author's writing style actually makes you feel the way the book speaks. In
one passage after Brian seems helpless the book makes you feel abandoned and
empty. True masterpiece! I recommend this book to all ages.
This book has it all!
Frank, Legacy Middle (Florida) Grade 6
The story Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is about a boy named Brian Robinson going
to meet his father. But something happens. He ends up in a plane
crash. He's in the Canadian woods. He has nothing with him. He
only has a hatchet and clothes. He has eaten berries and raspberries.
He has caught a bird adn a fish. He's almost been rescued but did not.
He has been attacked by a moose and a cow. He's been visited by a bear.
Brian has weird dreams about his dad and his friend Terry. He's made
shelter in a cave. He's had a dream of the "secret". The secret is
that Brian's mom kisses a blonde guy in front of him. The reason it is
called the "secret" is that Brian's dad does not know about it.
I think the book is for middle school students. The book is
really good. I think it is the best book I ever read. It taught me
how to survive, to keep trying and to also listen to my dreams.
Anthony, Legacy Middle (Florida) Grade 6
The book Hatchet is written by Gary Paulsen. The main character is
Brian. He gets on a plane to his dads house, small plane, and it crashed.
He has to survive and many things happen while he is there. He
accomplishes many things and makes things. He is lost in the Canadian
forest and his only tool is a hatchet. He sees animals, gets hurt, and he
makes other tools. He makes a bow and spears, finds food, and learns how
to survive.
This book is amazing. It is adventurous and I love it. I would rate
it really high and put it in my favorites. I would recommend it to almost
anyone. The lessons are never give up and keep your hopes up!
Jacob, Legacy Middle (Florida) Grade 6
It is an amazing book, and a survival book. It is about a
boy who had a plane crash and survived. Also he has to survive alone in
the wilderness of Canada on an island. Also his parents are divorced and
he knows the secret. All he has is his hatchet and clothes and he now has
to survive. Also he might get saved or die. You'll never know until
you read it. (Or ask a friend who read it before but please do not do
that.)
The lesson of this book could be to never give up and keep hope with you.
Also be smart and think before acting (Brian learned that the hard way).
My favorite part is when Brian sees the pilot's head floating in the water and
its eyes were open. The part I didn't like was when the tornado came and
ruined everything. I also didn't like it when the porcupine needle got
stuck in his leg. That's what I think about the book.
Kevin, Legacy Middle (Florida) Grade 6
The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman
I would tell kids that The Whipping Boy is a good story that will get kids
to read more books like that. If anyone ever wants to read a Good, I mean
a good book, read The Whipping Boy. It's great. And I also think that the
person who wrote that book is a person with an imagination that no one
else has. That is what I think of the book The Whipping Boy!
M. F., Winter Springs Elementary (Florida) Grade 4
Monster of Mirror Mountain by Roger Vaughan Carr
"Monster of Mirror Mountain" is about a hiker named Mr.
Talon. His dream was to climb a mountain but there were no mountains around the
town. He finally decided to get a house by a mountain but apparently there was a
monster on the mountain. He decided to climb it anyway. There was never a
monster. It was... .
Colleen, Astatula Elementary (Florida) Grade 5
Brian's Hunt by Gary Paulsen
Brian's Hunt was the best book by Gary Paulsen yet.
I have read all the Brian books so far. Brian seems like a real person to
me. Gary has described him so well it feels like Brian is a part of me.
Brian's Hunt is the cliff hanger type of book that makes it so you can't wait
until the next one comes out. I give Brian's Hunt 4 stars.
Liane, LVMS (California) Grade 7
Guts by Gary Paulsen
This book was an awesome book. It was very
suspenseful and if I were to rate this book out of ten stars I would give it a
9.5.
Mike, Timothy Edwards Middle School (Connecticut) Grade 8
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley
Pearson
Peter and the Starcatchers is great for people who enjoy
Peter Pan. This thrilling book has everything from magic to a twist of
suspense and mystery.
Alexa, Mt Pleasant Elementary (New Jersey) Grade 5
Brian's Return by Gary Paulsen
Brian's Return is about Brian returning to civilization.
When he gets into a fight outside of Mackey's Pizza Place, he goes to a
man named Caleb to help him with his anger issues. Then he wants to visit
the Smallhorns in the Northern Minnesota Woods. After each day in the
woods, he realizes that in the woods is where he belongs, and he wrote to Caleb
each day since then.
If you like Gary Paulsen this is the book for you.
Nick, Holy Family School (Pennsylvania) Grade 4
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is about a china
rabbit named Edward. His owner is Abilene Tulane. Then, while Edward
was in the boat, two mean boys threw him into the ocean. Then, a fisherman
took him and gave him to Nellie. Then, her daughter came and, threw him
away. Soon, lots of people took care of him. Then, Abilene found
Edward.
My favorite part of this book is when Edward was fixed because he was broken
with no clothes. I like this book because Edward had a big journey.
Chethani, Woodlands Elementary (Florida) Grade 4
Kidnapped by Gordon Korman
This book called Kidnapped is a series of three books.
To read this series, you will need to read the first series, called On the Run,
which has six books in the series. The On the Run series is about two
fugitives called Meg and Aiden Falconer, who escape from the prison farm they
were thrown into one night, because their parents were convicted of helping
terrorists and are known as traitors. They are on the run, breaking away
from police and curious peers, looking for evidence that their parents are
guilty. Do not read the next part I wrote until you have read the On the
Run series.
Once you've read those, there is the series called Kidnapped, in which Meg is
kidnapped and taken away from her family, hidden in the middle of nowhere,
because of her parents' past. Some people still won't accept that John and
Louise Falconer are proven framed and innocent. I can't tell you the
ending though--you'll have to read it yourself. I was glued to this
thrilling series for months--it is better than I have ever read.
Holly, LCMS (Florida) Grade 6
