Lowry, Lois. “Number the Stars”. Laurel Leaf. 1989. 152 pages. Ages: 12-15.
Genre: Historical Fiction. Language: English
This story is told by the view of a 10 year old girl named Annemarie
Johansen. It takes place in 1943 during the Nazi invasion. The young girl and her
family are exposed to violence and they have no choice but to move away from
their home. They decide to flee their treacherous hometown and relocate in
Denmark. Finally the war comes to an end and Annemarie and her family are
looking forward to go back home.
“Number the Stars” is one of my favorite World War II stories for young
children. It does not completely expose the violence that the Nazi invasion
brought to some cities in Europe. What it does expose is the suffering and
tribulations that young children had to go through while living in the war torn
country at the time. It makes you sympathize for the struggles that these young
children had to go through.
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Lopez
Lowry, Lois. “The Giver”. Random House Inc. 1993. 179 pages. Ages: 11-14.
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy. Language: English
“The Giver” is a futuristic tale of a young man who lives in a so called
perfect world. There is no pain or war or fear everything in his community is
perfect. When Jonas, the main character turns 12 he is chosen to receive special
training from the Giver. He holds the memories of pain and the true pleasure of
life. Jonas goes through training with the Giver and he is not sure if he will be able
to fulfill his gift completely.
This book is one of my favorite books. I love the futuristic tale about a
world in where there is no imperfection. We all wonder what the world is like in a
couple of years and this book sparks our imagination to actually wonder if our
world will ever turn to be like that. This book catches your attention with its
ability to make you visualize the story in your head and make the characters real.
I always enjoy to pick this book up and start reading.
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Lopez
Carlson, M. Lori. “Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing up Latino in the United
States”. 1994. 123 pages. Genre: Poetry. Language: English, Spanish
This poetry book is written in its own distinct flavor. It has a taste of Latino
culture in America. It has both English and Spanish poetry written in both versions.
It discusses many issues in the poems. Some of the issues this poetry talks about
are prejudice, fear and love.
This poetry book has many rich poems. They are full of passion of the Latino
culture. The poems thrive on the vibrant voices from the poets. One is able to
depict pictures in our minds while reading these poems. These types of poems
speak to many readers especially those that come from a Latino descent.
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Lopez
Paulsen, Gary. “Hatchet”. 1987. Bradburry Press. 1987. 195 pages. Ages: 11-13.
Genre: Survival Story. Language: English
“Hatchet” is the story about a boy named Brian who travels to Canada to
spend the summer with his dad. On his way there the pilot suffers a heart attack
and dies. Brian has to figure out a way to stay alive in the forest where he gets
stranded when he is forced to land the plane. He faces many dangers, hunger,
animal attacks, and even tornadoes. This story is about a boy’s courage and
determination to stay alive.
This story gives young readers a better understanding of what it is to be out
in the outside world without the protection of nobody. Brian is a brave young man
Bo
who is determined to survive this tragedy. Not only does the character learn
survival tactics but he also begins to discover himself by every day that passes. This
story is captivating and makes you appreciate the luxuries you have in life.
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Lopez
Brooks, E.B.”Charlotte’s Web”. 1973. Harper Collins. 1973.192 pages. Ages: 8-10.
Genre: Traditional Literature. Language: English
“Charlotte’s Web” is the story of Wilbur the Pig and his faithful friends
Charlotte the spider, and Fern the young girl. The book begins with 8 year old Fern and
who her family who live on a farm. They soon get a piglet who Fern names Wilbur.
Fern learns from her father that they plan to kill Wilbur as soon as the holidays come.
Charlotte and Fern do everything in their power to save Wilbur’s life.
This book talks about love and friendship and it also has heroes. Fern and
Charlotte go through any means to keep their beloved friend Wilbur alive. This book
teaches children the value of true friendship and love. Wilbur had faithful friends who
stuck by him through everything. This book has happy parts in the story as well as
sadness. I would say this book is a must have in any classroom it is a book that you
won’t want to put down.
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Lopez
Lobel, Arnold. “Frog and Toad”. Harper Collins. 1979. Ages: 7-10. 64 pages. Genre:
Chapter Book. Language: English
This book “Frog and Toad” is a story which contains five simple short stories
that explores the adventures of two friends with the names Frog and Toad. This book
received the Caldecott Honor and it also won a Newberry Honor Award. The book was
inspired by a Broadway musical.
This book is a great book for children to read. They learn about the friendship
that Toad and Frog have. They both have their own traits and personalities. The two
friends go on adventures and they also go through tough decision making battles
within themselves. Frog and Toad are always together and children learn about the
value of a friendship.
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Lopez
Dahl, Roald. “James and the Giant Peach. Puffin. 1988. 128 pages. Ages: 8-10.
Genre: Traditional Literature. Language: English
This fairytale is about a young boy James Henry Trotter who lives with his
two aunts in England. James parents were killed by two rhinos when he was a
little boy, so he had no choice to live with his horrible aunts. He has a lifetimes
dream to go live in New York City. Everything comes to a reality when he is give
a bag full of magical worms.
“James and the Giant Peach” is one of my favorite books. It is full of
fantasy and imagination. We all feel excited to see James leave his horrible aunts
and seek his dream to go to New York City. The magical beans also give James
the opportunity to meet his insect friends, grasshopper, centipede, lady bug,
spider, earthworm, and glow worm. The trip to NYC is a long one and full of
adventure.
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Lopez