(Simon; $16.95)

I loved this book! It was incredibly descriptive and especially described people's characteristics and physical features so well the seem like real people. This book is aobut Leonardo Da Vinci's servant during the time he was making the "Last Supper." The boy faces many difficulties and some people he trust turn against him and spy on him.

(Knopf; $16.95)

This book is very good for a few reasons. This book really shows how kids really act. It is really descriptive and I learned a lot about Word War II. There are lots of religious references.

(Scholastic; $16.99)

I think that Igraine the Brave is a very good book. I suggest it for 9 to 12 and especially fantasy lovers. I love the book because I love medieval things and magic. If you like those things you would like Igraine the Brave.

"...let's me escape into another world"

Reviewed by Allie Meyer, 10th grade student in Australia

The story of Ashleigh and her best friend, and tag-along, Julie. Reccomended for girls age 12 and up Ashleigh's new obsession is one that is finally worthwhile. After reading Pride and Prejudice Ashleigh decides to live out the life of Lizzie Bennet by wearing the frocks, speaking the language, and even dancing the age-old dances. She takes her obsession even farther when she decides she and Julie are going to crash the dance at a private all-boys school to find their very own Darcy and Bingley. Funny, misunderstood Julie is tagged along and eventually caught up in Ashleigh's enthusiasm and taken along for the ride of her life. Entertaining and oddly romantic this book was an easy vacation read especially for fans of finding true love in all the wrong places.

Reviewed by Emily Simons, 10th grade student

One of the best books I’ve read yet, The Book Thief, takes the reader back to World War One following the story of a girl who was given up by her mother and taken to live with foster parents. Told by death, the story takes us through the girl’s childhood, and describes her friendship with her neighbor. Death also tells the story of the Youth Hitler Groups and the Jews that march through the poor town. This book was amazingly crafted and each character was full and by the end felt like a good friend. The plot was also intricate and drew me in after the first page. By the end, I was crying and I cannot wait for Mr. Zusak’s next book!

Reviewed by Allie Meyer, 10th grade student in Austrailia

I highly reccomend this book to anyone age twelve and up. Narrated by Death this story incorporates numerous thought-provoking ideas while telling the story of Liesel Meminger, a young foster girl living outside of Munich in Nazi Germany. Following her as she moves into a foster family, makes friends with a lovestruck apple-thief, her neighbours during the treacherous air raids, and the Jewish man hidden in her basement. As she goes through these trying times she finds one thing she can seek solace in, books, and finds different ways to get her hands on these forbidden and tempting treasures. Markus Zusak's new book is one of mesmerizing despair and heartwarming love found in even the most unusual places. Funny, engrossing, suspenseful and sure to be enjoyed unconditionally by anyone who reads it.

Reviewed by Emily Simons, 10th grade student

When Tom first meets the new girl in class he’s shocked at the sight of her face. No one wants to talk to her or touch her but Tom feels weirdly attracted to her and isn’t as afraid. He can’t understand why his friends are being so weird about her and slowly builds a friendship with Jessica, the new girl. As he begins to find out about Jessica and how she got the scars covering her face, he sees the real girl inside of her. This book was subtle but had true meaning in it and really captured my heart. It was a true tale of suffering and friendship and how one can counterbalance the other and fix the past. Although it was written for younger children any one could read this book and benefit.

Reviewed by Emily Simons, 10th grade student

This engrossing story of a boy battling depression is excellent. From the start I felt connected to Craig, the main character. As he faces the tentacles and the cycling in his head, it’s hard not to feel sorry for him and to truly understand what depression feels like. When things start to get worse for Craig, he checks himself into a hospital to seek help. There, he meets a variety of people who help deal with his life and get things back into place. All along I rooted for Craig and the book never failed to help the reader get further into Craig’s head. One of the most interesting book’s I’ve read in a long time, every one should read this book and see the pressures teens face everyday.

Reviewed by Janine Jay, 4th grade student

This book was realy great because the characterswere funny and I love the style of sixth grade. I love that the point of veiw came from Allies way. I would recamend this book to anyone who likes books.

Reviewed by Dean McKenna, Grade 5

This book is the seqeul to Blood Red Horse. It is very good because it is packed with action,mystery and romance. as Ellie faces De Scabious she must make a decision that will change everyone's lives. This book is hard to put down and is good for boys and girls.

Reviewed by Dean McKenna, 5th grade

This book is a sequel to The Lightening Thief and was just as good. Percy sets of to save Half Blood Hill and must find the golden fleece. Along the way he meets new friends and has to battle big monsters. It was exciting, interesting and I had to read it twice it was so good. Anyone who likes mythology and who are interested in parent child situations would love this book! I can't wait for the next one!

Check out the Central Middle School reviewers!!

The kids read gallies (books not yet released), review them for the Just Books Newsletter and website, write shelf talkers and discuss books.

The reviews in the Kids Reviews section of the website are written and blogged by the kids directly. Jenny gently edits and does a little bit of formatting.

Reviews for kids -- by kids!

Emily Simons
10th Grade

As Julia and Ashleigh read Pride and Prejudice they find it hard to not be swept up by the heart wrenching romance. Love sick, Ashleigh decides to search for ever lasting romance at the local all boys private school. Crashing their annual school dance both Julie and Ashleigh meet their dream guys, however their plans go askew when the two girls love interests clash, or so it seems. Recommended for grades 7 and up.