Gelinas Book Blog: Ms. Nicole Waldbauer--Chairperson, English Department--3rd Quarter--IRP--Independent Reading Project

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Ms. Nicole Waldbauer--Chairperson, English Department--3rd Quarter--IRP--Independent Reading Project

Mrs. Waldbauer’s 3^rd Quarter Independent

Reading

Project (IRP)

Posting A Comment to the Gelinas Library Book Blog

▪ Click on the title of the blog posting for your teacher's
assignment.

141 comments:

AnonymousMarch 1, 2012 at 3:06 PM
Megan Period 4

I just finished reading the book called The Moonlight Man by Betty Ren Wright. It was very good. It was about a girl who moves into a new house, and it is old and creepy. The neighbors also move in. They hear and see weird things and they eventually figure out a huge mystery. They figure out the person who lived in the house died on a certain day and they try to haunt the people who moved in. I liked this because it was full of suspense and mysterious. It was also scary. It always made me want to keep reading. I really like this book and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes mystery or suspense. I liked it because of the cliffhanger at the end of the chapters, the mystery of it and also because it was a good length, it was not to short or too long. I highly recommend this book.
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AnonymousMarch 2, 2012 at 7:28 AM
kathryn period 2
my book called "Princess Academy" by Shannon Hale is a very good book and i have high recommendations for it. this book uses excellent descriptive language and has a good character development. this book started out when the main character, Miri, who lives in a small village on the top of mount Eskel, gets word that the seasonal traders are in town, they trade with blocks of linder that they mine from the mountain. when the traders come, they have a surprise, a messenger from the king. Miri's small village will be the home of the future princess and all eligible girls must attend a makeshift academy to prepare for the princes visit. Miri has a hard time fitting in since she has little friends. she then finds herself in competition with a girl named Katar, to be the head of the class and be Academy Princess. along the way, Miri befriends a girl named Britta, who came from the lowlands and they become best friends. during the harsh winter at the academy, Miri discovers something called quarry speech, a form of talking through stone to communicate with other people, commonly used in the mountains quarry's. Miri finds that it works outside of the quarry. when the prince finally does come, Miri is unsure she wants to be chosen, for confused feelings about her childhood friend Peder. the prince seems stiff, and leaves without choosing a princess. Miri and the other girls then have to stay at the academy for another winter. then, finding out about the princes visit, bandits come to the academy hoping to hold the future princess for ransom. Miri then helps the girls escape from the academy, almost loosing her life in the process. they then stay in the village for the remainder of the winter. when the prince comes back to choose, he chooses Miri's friend Britta, it turns out that Britta and the prince knew each other. Britta is overjoyed and Miri realizes that she wants to marry Peder. she ends up doing so in the last pages of the book. this book is very well written and i would recommend it to anyone who likes a good book.
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AnonymousMarch 3, 2012 at 8:18 AM
Micaela, period 5

If I Stay, by author Gayle Forman, an award-winning author and journalist, whose book was released in 2009, and recommended for ages 12 to 14 years old, is a book you will not be able to put down. I could not stop reading the first two intriguing chapters which made me desperate to know what would happen next. It was fantastic! If I Stay is the sophisticated and heart-achingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make, and especially Mia’s tough decision.
The story follows Mia, a seventeen-year old girl, whose life is perfect. She has a caring and loving family, her adorable little brother, Teddy, her boyfriend, Adam, her cello, and a dream of one day attending Juilliard, until one fateful February morning when her family decides to go for a drive. In an instant everything changes when they become victims of a devastating car accident. Mia has no memory of the accident. While in a coma, Mia has an out-of-body experience, and watches the world taking place around her after the car accident. Mia soon will struggle to make a choice between the life she knows and death with her loved ones that will be forever.
One thing that I found a little annoying while I was reading is that every chapter had a flashback, except for the first two and last sections of the book. The flashbacks are a review of her perfect life before the accident. The author did this to show how her life would be totally different if she makes the ultimate decision to live. The story is still consistent, and what I enjoyed the most was mainly the plot of the story. It was so well written and it grabbed me throughout each and every sentence I read.
Overall, If I Stay is a fantastic read that I highly recommend for teenagers. Gayle Forman is known for her creative stories. I am looking forward to reading Where She Went, the next book in the series, to see if it will be as good as If I Stay.
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AnonymousMarch 3, 2012 at 9:02 AM
Jamie, Period 5

“You want a fairy tale, don’t you? You’re not going to find one here. There is no happily ever after.” The book, The Fire, by James Patterson is the thrilling conclusion to his astounding series, Witch and Wizard. Since this is the final book of three it seems fitting that I give you some insight on the story. Wisty and Whit Allgood were ordain teenagers, that is, until the day they were wretched away from their house, their life and most importantly, their parents. They had never known before, but they were a wizard and witch; particularly powerful ones too. Not only that, but they are wanted criminals. All they want is their parents back. The environment they once lived in has been tarnished by the New Order. Imagine this... Your books, music and art-banned. Even your imagination is at risk. The real person responsible for this goes by the name of The One Who Is The One. He has all the power in the world, but the gift; the gifts of Wisty and Whit Allgood. In addition, they are the only ones capable of defeating this notorious villain, The One. This is the only way they can ever see their mother and father again.
In all three books, Patterson has written a true testimonial of Wisty and Whit Allgood. His amazing use of imagery will make you capable of seeing the book play out in your mind. Also, the amount of suspense he uses will leave you on the edge of your seat, unable to put the book down for hours. In this book you will find adventure, action, comedy and even romance. Patterson, again, has written a pristine book that appeals to anyone looking for a thrilling read. I do recommend reading the first book in the series, Witch & Wizard, because the book I read was the third. Finally, if you’re looking for the perfect book that is unique to any other in the plot, characters and style of writing, this book is the one for you! It is not only entertaining, but really makes us appreciate what we have, like family.
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AnonymousMarch 3, 2012 at 7:46 PM
Sarah Pd 5
If mystery, suspense, and murders are what you are looking for in a book, then John Grisham’s Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer is the book for you. This book is about a thirteen year old boy named Theo who loves the law. His parents are lawyers, and someday he wants to be the best lawyer to serve in court! He thinks that his life in Strattenburg is boring, that is, until the biggest trial in a long time comes to his doorstep, the murder of Mrs. Myra Duffy. The case: Mr. Duffy (the defendant) vs. The State. Theo has to try to prove Mr. Duffy guilty and serve justice to the deceased Mrs. Duffy. With some surprising events, Grisham’s young adult debut was okay, but definitely not the best I’ve read. The major downside to it was that he could get overboard with the court terminology, and put in too many details about simple things. The details were kind of like Washington Irving’s details in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in some parts. Overall, I give this book 3 out of 5 stars, and recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a mystery, but also have the time to really concentrate on it.
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 6:21 AM
(Rebecca, Period 5)
How would you feel if you were to find out that the person you love most in your life was to fight to the death with twenty-four other people? Would you risk yourself for them to be safe? When Katniss Everdeen's 12 year old sister, Primrose, was chosen to be the girl tribute of District 12 for The Hunger Games, it was nothing but instinct for Katniss to volunteer to take Prim's place. In the country of Panem, there are twelve districts. Once there lived a thirteenth, but when they tried to take over the leaders of the country, The Capitol, they were defeated. So since then, every year the Capitol hosts The Hunger Games to show the districts they have no chance of over-ruling them. A boy and a girl from each district between the ages of 12 and 18, are chosen to be placed in an arena and fight to the death. If you like suspenseful, thrilling, and gory books, this is the one for you! It is one of those books designed to lock you in. Once you pick it up, you can't put it down until you are finished. The author does a phenomenal job of thoroughly introducing you to each new character. So if you desire a story that keeps you questioning every second, pick up The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins! "And may the odds be ever in your favor."
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 9:23 AM
Matt period 4,
For this independent reading project, I read the 1st book in the Alex Rider series. This book is called Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz. In my opinion, the book is a great read if you are into suspense and action based books. I personally loved the book and recommend it to anybody who is looking for an interesting, yet enjoyable book to read. Stormbreaker is about a boy named Alex Rider whose uncle/guardian passes away. The police told Alex his uncle died in a car accident because he wasn’t wearing his seatbelt. Alex knew every time he got in his uncle’s car his uncle Ian would tell him to put his own on. Alex saw his uncle’s car in a junkyard with bullet holes in the side of the car. This is where the story begins.
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Logan, Period 5March 4, 2012 at 11:07 AM
Logan, Period 5

I read "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. In this book, a girl named Katniss is chosen to participate in the 74th annual Hunger Games. The Hunger Games are when 2 tributes from each district go to fight to the death. The other tribute from Katniss' ditrict is a boy named Peeta. Peeta is the baker's son and has had a crush on Katniss ever since they met. Throughout the games, Katniss battles injuries as well as love with Peeta.
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 11:16 AM
Liz M-Period 5
The Angel Experiment, Maximum Ride series

Maximum Ride, A 14 year old 98% human 2% bird mutant, knows what it’s like to see the world passing by from above. The thing is, she and all of the members of the “flock”-Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel- are like ordinary kids, except for the fact that they can fly. When Angel is kidnapped and taken back to the “school” where they were raised in cages and experimented on by wacko scientists, they find themselves flying back to all of the horrors that they have ever known. After the rescue, they’re caught in yet another nightmare in New York City fighting Erasers- human-wolf mutants that are after them 24/7. During all of this, Max is also warned by an abnormal voice in her head that she is destined to save the world. So now, Max not only has to worry about keeping her family safe, but also saving the world. The big question is - can she?
The Angel Experiment is a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Once you start reading, you can never stop! I would definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to read the other seven in the Maximum Ride series.
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Gillian Gold, Period 4

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Would you want to fly, be invisible, or be able to read minds? For 15-year-old Jacob Fielding that question makes him cringe at the very thought. The night of his father’s death, he said three words to him, “You are indestructible,” and then the car crashed. His father died, but Jacob left the scene unscathed. Now less than a week later, Jacob meets the new girl in town, Ophelia James, and writes those exact words on the bright pink cast on her arm. Those three words take Jacob, Ophelia, and Jacob’s best friend, Milo Coffin, into a downward spiral. The power, you ask? You can’t get hurt, or, as it seems, die. Hitting yourself with a hammer wouldn’t hurt. Shooting a bullet through your brain wouldn’t do anything but put a bit of pressure on your head. Drowning would do nothing. Walking through fire? Like a walk in the park. Once Ophelia suggest Jacob uses the power to help people, by transferring it from him to a person in trouble. But this arouses new problems, and Jacob is faced with a problem: Would he be able to kill the girl he loved to save her, and frankly, his and Milo’s lives?

I thought the book, “Thirteen Days to Midnight” was really well written. It literally kept me on the edge of my seat. I even cried at the end. Patrick Carman is truly a talented author, and knows how to capture his audience. There was suspense, fear, and affection all packed in, and it just made the book that much better. I could relate to the NORMAL things (obviously not the superpowers) in this book, since it focuses on kids around our age. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a great book to read.
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 1:33 PM
Erin, Period 5
I read the book The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and I really enjoyed reading it. It was a fascinating story of a doctor who takes split personalities to a whole new level by making a way to separate the evil from his personality and create a whole new physical appearance for himself and he calls his evil alter ego Mr. Edward Hyde. The book follows the story of Mr. Utterson, the lawyer, and how he tries to unravel the mystery of Jekyll and Hyde. I would recommend this novel to anyone who likes an interesting mystery.
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 1:43 PM
Richard,
Period 5

A Tale of Two Cities is a phenomenal tale set in the midst of the tumultuously bloody French Revolution in Paris and also in the lawless and unchanging London, England in the late 18th century. A Tale of Two Cities is indeed well crafted, as every painstaking detail and also every character eventually plays a major role in the story, one way or another. Such examples are the main characters Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, that come to terms at the end of the novel. Additionally, the dynamic environment of France was indeed intriguing, as France went from peaceful from when Darnay last visited it, to a state of bloody carnage when he finally came back. All in all, A Tale of Two Cities was an enjoyable book that does not fail to impress.
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 3:48 PM
Corey, period 5

If you are a type of person that enjoys a long, captivating series that will keep your interest even after you finish reading the last book, then this is the next series that you have to read. Its name is the Alex Rider series, and its first book is Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz. It surrounds the life of the most reluctant teenage spy you will ever meet, Alex Rider. After his uncle is killed, Alex’s world is turned upside-down. He learns that the “bank” his uncle worked at is truly the headquarters for the special operations division of MI6 (British equivalent of the CIA), and that his uncle was a spy. Alex is then blackmailed into finishing his uncle’s last mission, which is to investigate Herod Sayle and his new computer, the Stormbreaker. Throughout the book, Alex encounters many near-death experiences while trying to find what Sayle is trying to hide, and the question you will always ask yourself is “Will he get out alive?”
This novel was a true page-turner. It reeled me in with its immediate action and suspense in the first chapter and continued that through the rest of the book. Anthony Horowitz really created a likeable and relatable character with Alex Rider. He has many traits that a regular teenager would have, such as certain insecurities, being unsure of himself at some times, and an overall desire just to be normal. This book also kept me on the edge my seat, hoping that Alex would be able to get out with his life, and hoping that he would be able to stop Sayle’s horrible plans in time. I recommend this book to all of you, because it is an extremely well written book with details that make you think about how one thing is connected to another, and what it has to do with the plot of the story. This is also the type of series that will make you want to read one book after another without stopping, until you realize you finished the series.
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 3:50 PM
Grace, period 5

Today, our government guarantees us our rights to freedom and justice. Today, we live our own lives, and choose our own paths. But what would happen in a world where you and your children are the puppets, and your own government was the puppeteer? In a world where the rich are constantly vying for ultimate power, and the poor are endlessly trampled upon, will one person be able to overcome the rigid, tenacious bindings that strap the districts to the strict rules of the Capitol? In the novel The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, the stage is set, and Katniss Everdeen finds herself in the annual Hunger Games. When she volunteers to replace her sister in a competition to death, Katniss is confident she will never exit the arena alive. This book was a fast-paced, suspenseful novel that grasps your attention from the first chapter. Suzanne Collins truly captures the unique voice of a struggling teenager through use of many literary elements such as satire, irony, alliteration, and sensory imagery. This book is definitely ideal for young teens looking for an interesting read.
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 4:05 PM
Andy, Period 4

I read Final Flight, by Stephen Coonts. It is an exciting book about a pilot, Captain Jake Grafton. In Final Flight, a terrorist named Colonel Qazi is trying to take nuclear bombs from the USS United States, the aircraft carrier that Jake serves on. It has parts of the book from each character’s points of view. It is a bit rated R at some parts, but it was an amazing book. At the beginning, I was just reading it because my dad said to use it for the IRP, but it is now one of my favorite books, and I want you to read it!
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 5:15 PM
(Coco, period 5)
I read the book Pendragon The Merchant of Death by D.J. Machale. This book has action with bits of comedy written from a teen's point of view. However once you open the book you must be warned that nothing you will about to read has anything to do with your typical teenage life. Bobby Pendragon is leaves one night with his uncle right after his first kiss. On the back of a motorcycle Bobby is brought to New York City. They drive to an old run down subway and when Bobby steps through the door with a star on it his whole life will change. A strange world known as Dendron is in danger and as cheesy as it seems he must save this territory, the book keeps you hook from the first to the last page. If you are in the mood to get your mind blown away I 100% recommend this fabulous story.
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 5:33 PM
Elizabeth B, Period Five

Do you believe there is such thing as time traveling? What if ten years of your life disappeared from your grasp in a blink of an eye? Eleven-year-old Oscar Ogilvie, did not believe in time traveling at all, until he took the train ride of his life. In Rosemary Wells’ story of On The Blue Comet, Oscar is caught in the middle of a bank robbery and finds himself “jumping” onto a train model and waking up on the REAL one. While on the train, The Blue Comet, Oscar meets a rugged man called Dutch. After a blooming friendship begins, Oscar discovers that the year is 1941. He is now a twenty one year old man! Oscar finds his father (who has believed Oscar had been kidnapped for the last ten years) and goes on a quest to get back to the year 1931, before reality takes its toll. I enjoyed this book because, the plot is very fast paced and exciting! After the first couple of chapters, I was hooked and you will be too! I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling read and a heart-warming adventure.
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 6:27 PM
Peter period 4

In my book War Horse by Michael Morpurgo, a whole lot of events occur and change so quickly. The main character, Joey, a red bay foal is sold to a drunk farmer whose son Albert becomes Joey’s best friend. All is fine until Joey gets sold to the army so that the family can keep the farm. Even though Joey didn’t like basic training or learning the charges, he fought through it and was one of the finest in the cavalry. Everyone who owned or knew Joey raved about him and always said he was great and strong. There were many characters in this book so I couldn’t list them all. The reason for this was because many of Joeys riders either died or got captured by the enemy. The book was also filled with sad parts. Like when Joey’s best friend Topthorn (also a horse) died from exhaustion. Even though he’s just a horse, you begin to feel bad about him. You begin to wonder what it must have been like to actually fight or at least have taken part in something not only in world war I but any other war. Since Joey is narrating this whole story you don’t get much communication between two characters only humans talking or one of Joeys riders talking to Joey. Which makes this book confusing during some parts but all in all, this was an excellent book and I look forward to seeing the movie
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 6:59 PM
Daryn, Period 5:
If you like romance novels then I have a fantastic book for you. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks is fantastic book; the book is all about love, heartbreak, and two people in love trying to navigate through a relationship with someone in the military. John Tyree and Savannah Lynn Curtis meet while John is on leave and Savannah is on Summer Break, little did either of them know but in two short weeks they would be madly in love with each other. Both of them are forced to make tough decisions and have to find someway to make this long distance relationship work out. Will the relationship work out? Read the book and find out. This is a fantastic story about love that pulled at my heart strings and even got me to shed a few tears. I would defiantly recommend this book to a friend but this book is focused on a female audience. I couldn’t put this book down; I needed to find out what would happen in John and Savannah’s relationship. I hope you get a chance to read Dear John.
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 7:15 PM
Courtney period 4

The book I read was The Secret of Laurel Oaks by Lois Ruby. I enjoyed this book very much. I especially liked how the author switched from two different perspectives almost every chapter. It was really enjoyable to be able to see different points of view. The genre of this book definitely was one of my favorites. I enjoyed the author's overall style of writing. This book is now one of my favorites. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a suspenseful and mysterious book that you wont be able to put down.
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AnonymousMarch 4, 2012 at 9:15 PM
Kyle period 5

For this project I decided to read a book called Eragon by Christopher Paolini. It is about a poor farm boy who finds a dragon egg, which is looked for furiously by the empire beccause it was stollen from the king himself. So when as you can probably infer Eragon and the dragon called Saphira, arechased by the empire all over Alagaesia. I personally loved the book partly because it reminded me of my favorite video game called skyrim. It especially enthralled me to hear tales of elves, dwarves, dragins, and other mystical creatures. This book is recommended to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure.
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 5:36 AM
Ali period 5,
The book that i chose to read is called SENT, by Margarett Peterson Haddix. I chose to read this book because in 6th grade i read FOUND, the first book in the series. I also loved the first book and wanted to know what would happen next. In this book, time travel is the main focus. Usually i am not interested in reading about things like this but i still enjoyed this book a lot. I recommend reading this book. It is very suspenseful and very hard to put down. Each chapter ends with a big event, but you have to keep reading to find out what is going to happen next!
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 9:11 AM
Vinny Period 5

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is an excellent book about friendship and loyalty. The main character Pony boy is a greaser whose parents were killed in a car accident and is now cared for by his brothers, Soda pop and Darrel. He and his brothers are in a gang of greasers. The greasers are always being jumped by the Socials the gang from the other side of town. The Socials are rich kids who catch all of the breaks. The greasers almost never catch a break in there poverty stricken lives. They can count on each other and trouble with the Socials. Everything would change the night someone takes it too far. All in all The Outsiders is a fantastic book and teaches many good messages and is has a phenomenal storyline.
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 11:56 AM
Victoria T period 5

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas begins with an introduction to Katie Wilkinson. She works for a publishing house and lives in New York City. The love of her life is poet/house painter Matt Harrison. The couple is about to celebrate the publication of Matt's book and the beginning of their lives together. At least, that's what Katie thought. She's stunned when Matt abruptly ends their relationship and moves back home for Cape Cod, leaving Katie upset and clueless as of what happened. His explanation to katie, he gives her a personal diary that she has to read. Matt's wife, Suzanne, is the author of the journal. Suzanne was keeping and writing in this journal for her and Matt’s son, Nicholas. Katie knows she has to read the diary to find an explanation for Matt's actions, but she is very afraid to discover. Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas moves back and forth between present Katie, and past, the written diary itself.
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 12:09 PM
Kathryn period 2 commenting on Erin period 5
I find it interesting that you chose a classic such as this for your book. I have heard of that book but never read it. Since I do like a good mystery story, (I read all 67 Nancy Drew books) I think I will read your book.
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 2:34 PM
Ben,
Period 4

Have you ever seen the Narnia movies and wondered what it would be like to go there? The book that I read was “The Magician’s Nephew” by C.S. Lewis. It was a very exciting book that I found very interesting. It tells of two children who are sent to different worlds and experience the very creation of Narnia as one of them. I had seen the movies before reading this book. Now that I have read the first story in the series the books after make more sense and are even better to me now. I cannot wait to read all of the other books and see each of the adventures that are taken in the magical and fantastic world of Narnia. I would really reading more of these books because I think that the life lessons taught in this book are very helpful and exciting in the way they are told.
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 2:46 PM
Jamie Period 5, commenting on Liz M. Period 5

The book The Angel Experiment sounds really good! Your review really made me want to read the book because it sounded really interesting and exciting. Also, I read a James Patterson Book too and he really is an amazing author.
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 2:50 PM
Jamie Period 5, commenting on Grace Period 5

I also read The Hunger Games for my IRP last quarter, and found it to be amazing. Your review was great and made me want to read the book again. Also, it was just such an amazing book. I am really interested to see how the new movie compares to the book.
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 3:43 PM
Thomas, Period 5

I have recently finished reading Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, a famed mystery author who novels and characters are known to be some of the best in the history of the genre. In this story, a strange, suspicious man is murdered one night in his compartment of the Simplon Orient Express, traveling from the Middle East to Great Britain. Unfortunately for the cunning criminal, also on the train is renowned detective Hercule Poirot. The train has been stuck in snow in the middle of its route and there is barely any evidence, so the justification of the murderer depends on the detective's ability to deduce the situation. I had a very high opinion of the story, as I found its thick plot captivating and intriguing. This not like many of the boring, simple books you will read that hardly deserve the title "mystery". Instead, this book uses a group of fascinating characters and a complex, detailed plot. There are new theories, possibilities, and events arising every other paragraph that give the story its suspense and unpredictability that offer the reader a delight of not knowing the solution until the final few pages. Also, the plot doesn't rely on scientific explanations for events such as causes of death, so it is actually possible to reason out the solution, although you definitely won't be able to. I would recommend the book to any capable readers, even if you do not often read books from the mystery or crime genre.
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 4:22 PM
Ben,
Period 4

Have you ever seen the Narnia movies and wondered what it would be like to go there? The book that I read was “The Magician’s Nephew” by C.S. Lewis. It was an exciting book that I found very interesting. It tells the tale of two children who are sent to different worlds and experience the very creation of Narnia as one of them. I had seen the movies before reading this book. Now that I have read the first story in the series the books after make more sense and are even better to me now. I cannot wait to read all of the other books and see each of the adventures that take place in the magical and fantastic world of Narnia. I would really enjoy reading more of these books because I think that the life lessons taught in this book are very helpful and are exciting in the way they are told.
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 5:21 PM
Brianna, period 4

I read the novel The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. In this book the main character Katniss Everdeen takes her sisters place when she is chosen to take part in the 74th annual Hunger Games. The Hunger games are when two tributes are chosen from each district to fight till death. Katniss is sure she will never come out alive but she promises her sister Prim anyway that she will try and win. During the book Katniss faces things that you would never imagine. This book is very suspenseful and every chapter keeps you wanting to read on. I highly recommend reading The Hunger Games to anyone. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series Catching Fire.
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 5:54 PM
Michaela, Period 4

I read Angry Young Man by Christ Lynch and this book has made it all the way to my Top Five Favorite Books. What makes this book enjoyable to me is the details the author puts in (whether it be setting or a character’s actions). Unless you really pay attention to the details in the beginning, you aren’t going to have a full understanding during the climax at the end of the book. The story of Robert and Alexander’s life draws you in, and makes you root for them through all the hardships that life seems to throw at them. The plot of the story revolves around Robert and his way of dealing with his little brother’s “unique” ways. For you see, Alexander has never really fit into the town and Robert has always managed to slowly turn Alex in the right direction. But when Alex’s odd behaviors start to turn for the more dangerous side, will Robert be able to pull him out in time?
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 5:59 PM
Ally C. Period 5
My book, Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright, is about a town Daggorhorn in the 1800’s. Just as everything in the town goes accordingly, the main character (Valerie’s) sister gets mauled by a wolf. As soon as that event occurs, nobody in the town feels safe. Then the village receives professional help, they find out the wolf is somebody in the town. Nobody can be trusted. During a town festival many people become frightened after another attack by the wolf. At that moment Valerie realizes she can connect to the wolf and understand it. After she is convicted of being a witch, she is made sacrifice. She then escapes from being chained up and shortly after, the wolf is revealed. If you would like to find out who the mysterious wolf is, then pick up Red Riding Hood and read away! This book was fantastic. There was a lot of suspense and a surprise waiting at every corner. I definitely recommend this book to everyone I know!
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 8:46 PM
(Jack, per. 4)

I read the book Dracula by Bram Stoker. My book was a Gothic fiction, adventure, and fantasy book which follows Dr Seward, Van Helsing, Mina Harker, Jonathan Harker, Lucy, Count Dracula, Renfield, and the whole gang of followers. Everyone knows that Dracula is a vampire in Transylvania and drinks blood,turns into a bat, and is pale white. Many people though do not ever read Dracula which is because of the sole reason they think the vampires might glow and be romantic,girly, and plain sappy. This is not the case, and after reading the great reviews I had to give it a try even though,going into it I did have my doubts I overall loved this books narration through multiple people giving a better feel on everyones personality. This book has different emotions,great detail, and great plot and character development. I liked this book and I would recommend having a dictionary for the perplexing and vast vocabulary of Bram Stoker and the dictionary feature of my e-reader came in handy at varios points.
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 8:49 PM
Lauren period 4,

If you’re looking for a fun, entertaining book for any teenage girl to enjoy? If you are, All-American Girl, by Meg Cabot, is the one for you! In this book, a girl named Samantha Madison saved the president from being assassinated. Ever since then, her life has never been the same. She went from having everyone give her dirty looks, to everyone wanting to be her friend. When she meets the president, she instantly has a “frisson” with his son, David. Throughout the novel, she is trying to figure out weather or not she is in love with Jack, or David. I think the novel was very fun to read. It had a very amusing atmosphere to it. It was one of those books that you can’t put down until it’s finished! I would highly recommend it to any teenage girl.
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 8:55 PM
In response to Logan period 5,

Lauren period 4,
I've never read the Hunger Games, but I've heard it is an excellent book. It seems very interesting. The movie is coming out soon, and I can't wait to see it!
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AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 9:00 PM
In response to Megan period 4,

Lauren period 4,
The book you read, The Moonlight Man, sounds very interesting! I love novels that are full of suspense. This is definitely going to be on my list for future IRP books!
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AnonymousMarch 6, 2012 at 6:39 AM
Grace period five, response to Liz M.

I thought your review was extremely well thought out. I like how you developed a lot of suspense in your review, and how you took a lot of text details and references from the book, The Angel Experiment, itself. The plot sounds very interesting and unique. I have read some of the books in the series, but I don't remember reading The Angel Experiment. All of the other books in the series share the same exciting,fast-paced tone. Your review sounds great, and it make me want to read that book as well.
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AnonymousMarch 6, 2012 at 6:50 AM
Grace period 5, response to Jamie

I really liked your review because I felt that it truly captured the adventurous, thrilling tone in your book, The Fire. I have read other books by the same author, James Patterson, such as the series Maximum Ride. In this book, he uses a lot of suspenseful and thrilling plots to get readers hooked. From your review, I found that he uses this technique not only with his Maximum Ride series, but in The Fire as well. The series, Maximum Ride, also uses a lot of great imagery. From you review, I also found that two books are extremely similar in style. Your book sounds very interesting,and I hope to read it sometime.
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AnonymousMarch 6, 2012 at 9:32 AM
Michael M. Period 5,

I read the book The Hunger Games. It is about kids 12- 18 killing each other in an arena. They live in a futuristic world called Panem which is modern day America. There are 12 districts and Katniss Everdeen is a poor girl from district 12. One boy and one girl from each district have to survive in the arena with what ever they can find and the clothes on their back. Katniss’s sister Prim is selected but Katniss takes her place by volunteering.
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AnonymousMarch 6, 2012 at 9:35 AM
Richard Period 5,

In response to Michael M.

Hey Michael, The Hunger Games sounds like a very interesting book. It would be pretty interesting to read about teenagers fighting to the death over survival. The Hunger Games sounds like it’s full of action and drama as well. Maybe I’ll read the Hunger Games!
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AnonymousMarch 6, 2012 at 9:38 AM
Michael M. in response to Vinny Period 5

Vinny, the book seems be very interesting and full of action and adventure. It also seems to be a little gloomy at the beginning like when you say Pony Boy's parents died. I would like to read it maybe for the next project we have.
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AnonymousMarch 6, 2012 at 12:35 PM
Hanna Period 4

Many of you have probably seen The Notebook as a movie, but if you have you should definitely read the book first. Or, if you have not seen it, the story is one of the best I have every read. The Notebook is about two young adults, Noah and Allie, who meet one summer and fall deeply in love with eachother. At the end of the summer, she is forced to leave by her parents and they are separated for what seems like forever. Noah goes to fight in World War II and fourteen years since their summer together returns to his country plantation haunted every day by her ghost. He was left behind a sum of money from a previous employer so he decides to use it to restore his home. Allie, fourteen years later, is living a life of luxury and is engaged to a wealthy lawyer when she sees a newspaper article on Noah redoing his home. She unexpectedly visits him behind her fiancés back and they pick up right where they left off fourteen years ago. This book follows their love story as they relive it. I loved this book through and through. This book had a prolouge and epilogue style beginning and ending and it really made the book for me. Also, the fact that this book was written with an outside narrator really helped to create an amazing description and mood in the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to fall in love with a book and the characters in it and I look forward to re-reading it over and over again.
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AnonymousMarch 6, 2012 at 3:03 PM
Madison Period 5
My book "Catching Fire" is the sequel to the well read book "The Hunger Games" both were written by Suzanne Collins. The book focus's on Katniss dealing with her life after winning the games along side her friend/fake love Peeta. This year for the hunger games it was special because it was the 75th anniversary it was a Quarter Quell. Katniss and Peeta were going to be mentors to the new tributes. But since this year was "special" Only winners from former hunger games were being reaped. Katniss and Peeta have to face the games all over again. What will happen? Who will win? You'll have to read "Catching Fire" to find out!
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AnonymousMarch 6, 2012 at 4:36 PM
San Ha, Period 4

For my Independent Reading Project, I read The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan. In my opinion, this was a fantastic book. I love all of Rick Riordan’s books but this one really stood out. It is action packed and thrilling. There is a mix of everything. It’s like a melting pot of all different moods. It was thrilling, sad, gloomy, heart pumping, adventurous and it even has a little bit of love. This book is about Jason Grace, a demigod of Zeus that wakes up and doesn’t know who he is. He is brought to Camp Half-Blood and is trained to kill monsters. Then he must go on a quest to rescue Hera from Gaea before the giants rise and take over the world. While on the quest, Jason is trying to remember his past. He remembers bits and pieces but never the whole thing. But he does know that he doesn’t belong at Camp Half-Blood. Anyone can pick up this book and read for hours and hours without stopping. It’ll hook you with the very first sentence. You’ll keep reading to see what will happen next. I highly recommend this book even if you don’t like adventure.
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AnonymousMarch 6, 2012 at 5:14 PM
Matt period 4 commenting on Logan period 5,
Logan, I’ve heard of your book through family and peers. However, your description of The Hunger Games helped me to truly understand exactly what it is all about. It sounds like you really enjoyed your book and I think it might be a suitable genre for me. Maybe for our next independent reading project, I can take your advice and read The Hunger Games. Thank you for your recommendation I will put your book at the top of my reading list.
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AnonymousMarch 6, 2012 at 5:14 PM
Makenzie Period 4

I read the book Matched, by Ally Condie, for this project. One of
three in the Matched trilogy, it is a science fiction romance book
that will catch the attention of any readers. Matched takes place in
the future, and is about a strict government that controls everyone’s
personal decisions. The Final Banquet is the day you are chosen to
die, plainclothes is the clothing you must wear, and on your 17th
birthday, a Matching Banquet is held, where your partner for life is
chosen. On the day of Cassia Reyes' Matching Day, she sees the face
of her best friend appear on the screen; but when another boy's face
flashes for an instant, she starts to second guess the government's
choices. Now, Cassia must make a decision that will change her life
forever. To find out what Cassia does next, you should read this
amazing book. The only concern I had with this book at all was its
pace. At some points in the book, it could get a little slow, so be
aware of that. However, I highly recommend this book to any teenage
girl interested in an entertaining book!
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AnonymousMarch 6, 2012 at 5:17 PM
Alyssa, Period 4
How do you feel about apples and a good mystery? In Peeled by Joan Bauer, Hildy is a high school journalist aiming to become a great reporter like her father that passed away. She is determined to find the truth in everything, even the answer to the mystery of the Ludlow house. Not only is that house known for three deaths in the past, threatening messages on the door and is ranked #6 in “fright, foreboding and foul play”, it gets even scarier. Since their town is an “apple harvesting” town, they crown an “Apple Blossom Queen” to hope for a good harvest year. But shortly after their festival, a death occurred at the Ludlow house. And where was the body found you might ask? It was found in the grove of apple trees on the Ludlow property. This made the town’s people very scared. And who do they blame? Ludlow’s ghost. But Hildy isn’t ready to believe this. So she goes on a thrilling adventure along with the newspaper club to straighten out the problem and to make her father proud. I thought this was an exiting mystery that I couldn’t put down. It laid out the clues perfectly and connected together nicely without giving it all away. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a great mystery.
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AnonymousMarch 7, 2012 at 3:04 PM
Mike R, Period 5
Do you like stories about sports? I read The Batboy, by Mike Lupica. It is about a 14 year old Detroit Tigers fan who got the opportunity to be a batboy for the team. I enjoyed this book a lot because I love baseball and I could connect to many of the things that happened, especially when Brian was playing baseball with his travel team. It was very interesting to see what it is like inside a baseball team's locker room, and all of the jobs that the batboy of the team really has. It also showed that baseball players, and all professional athletes, are just like regular people... But they might have a lot more money. i would recommend this story to anyone that likes baseball.
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AnonymousMarch 7, 2012 at 6:21 PM
Amber, Period 5

The book I chose was called White Crow, by Marcus Sedgwick. It takes place in Winterfold, a small coastal town that is slowly being consumed by the sea. There are two separate- yet connected- timelines: modern day and the 18th century. The story begins when Rebecca, one of the main characters, moves to Winterfold for the summer. She meets Ferelith, a mysterious loner who quickly becomes her good friend. Meanwhile, back in the year 1798, Rector, a clergyman, meets Dr. Barrieux, a doctor from France. Rebecca and Ferelith do all sorts of things that summer- stealing, trespassing, sneaking around the graveyard, and doing dares. But eventually, they come to the same question Rector and Dr. Barrieux tried to answer: is there life after death? To say the least, the secrets they uncover are better left undisturbed. The story is told from three perspectives: Rebecca's, Ferelith's, and Rector's. This book is a frightening and incredibly thrilling read, and I highly recommend it.
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AnonymousMarch 7, 2012 at 7:21 PM
Chris, Period 4

The book i have read for this project was "Killing Lincoln," by Bill O'Reilly. This book explains the events that occurred before and after the assassination of President Lincoln. The author also explains the events leading towards the end of the Civil War. The book informs you about how careful John Wilkes Booth (the assassin) was when he was planning the assassination and how careful he was when he chose his conspirators to help him in his assassination. The book also tells from Lincoln's point of view too. It shows how unexpected,how unaware and how careless Lincoln and his bodyguards were. All it took was one dreadful shoot that would kill one of the best Presidents America has ever seen and as the author said "The shocking assassination that changed America forever." I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history and a good crime and mystery novel. If you read this book it will keep you on the edge of your seat until you are done.
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AnonymousMarch 8, 2012 at 1:00 PM
Lucas, period 2

Imagine having superpowers and able to use telekinesis. Imagine being from a totally different planet then all the people around you. This is how Number 4 feels. 4 came from a planet known as Lorien. the planet got invaded by a different species of alien from Mogadoria. 4 has superpowers and a guardian from Lorien who doesn't have superpowers. Along with 4 and his guardian, Henri, 8 other Kids with 8 other guardians came over with them. They are the only ones who made it off Lorien. But the Mogadorians knew of them coming to Earth. so for his whole life, 4 has not been able to make friends and has had a different every year or so. But 4 moves to Ohio and assumes the name of John Smith. He meets a wonderful girl named Sarah and just as they start to date, The Mogadorians show up, ready to kill. This is a great science fiction book and is great for anyone interested in aliens.
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AnonymousMarch 8, 2012 at 2:16 PM
Andrew Period 2
The Subtle Knife, the second novel in the book His Dark Materials series, was written by the English novelist Philip Pullman. The novel continues the adventures of Lyra Belacqua as she investigates the mysterious Dust phenomenon and searches for her father. Will Parry is introduced as a companion to Lyra, and together they explore the new realms to which they have both been introduced. I really likes this book because of the detail and mostly the story line. Philip Pullman has done a great job in writing this series which has had me awake in the middle of night to read. This book I s filled with plot twists and character developments which bring life to this book. I would recommend this to science fiction and fantasy lovers.
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AnonymousMarch 8, 2012 at 2:18 PM
Andrew period 2 responding to San ha period 4
Thank you for this review I have been meaning to read the Lost Hero but I have never had the time. Now that I am done with all my work I will defiantly check it out. Thank you for the very nice and helpful review.
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AnonymousMarch 8, 2012 at 4:15 PM
Reply to Hanna, Period 4

Hanna, That seems like such a great book! I have seen the movie and I was completely in love with it. The whole bittersweet story line captured me. By your description of The Notebook it seems just as good maybe even better than the movie. The Notebook will definitely be the next book I read. I cant wait to get reading!
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AnonymousMarch 8, 2012 at 4:41 PM
Erica Period 4
I read the book, "Cryers Cross," for my IRP. It is written by Lisa Mcmann, who also wrote the series WAKE. The community of Cryer’s Cross, Montana is distraught when high school freshman Tiffany disappears without a trace. Already off balance due to her OCD, 16-year-old Kendall is freaked out seeing Tiffany’s empty desk in the one-room school house, but somehow life goes on. Kendall's boyfriend Nico also disappears, and also without a trace. Now the town is in a panic. Alone in her depression and with her OCD at an all-time high, Kendall notices something that connects Nico and Tiffany: they both sat at the same desk. She knows it's crazy, but Kendall finds herself drawn to the desk, dreaming of Nico and wondering if maybe she, too, will disappear...and whether that would be so bad. Then she begins receiving graffiti messages on the desk from someone who can only be Nico. Can he possibly be alive somewhere? Where is he? And how can Kendall help him? The only person who believes her is Jacian, the new guy she finds irritating...and attractive. As Kendall and Jacian grow closer, Kendall digs deeper into Nico's mysterious disappearance only to stumble upon some ugly—and deadly—local history. Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried.I loved this book and I could not figure out the mystery until the very end when the clues connectedI love to read a good horror book and would recommend this to anyone who likes mystery books, or scary ones.
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AnonymousMarch 8, 2012 at 7:23 PM
Jake, Period 2
For my Independent Reading Project, I read "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. I thought that this was an amazing book. It was a nerve-racking, thrilling book with a little bit of love thrown into it. It takes place in North America sometime in the future but, it has been absolutely destroyed as we know it. Now, it is divided into 12 parts called districts. Katniss Everdeen is a citizen in district 12 which is the poorest district. Her younger sister Prim gets picked to be a tribute in the Hunger Games but, Katniss quickly volunteers to save her sisters life. The Hunger Games is a battle between 24 children from the ages 12-18 (two kids from each district and one boy and one girl). They battle in this tremendous arena and everything is televised and highly publicized. Katniss must not only deal with surviving now, but also deal with a romance between the other tribute from district 12 Peeta Mellark. All while deciding if she is willing to kill strangers her own age. This book is full of cliff-hangers and you won't be able to take your eyes off the page. All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone even if you don't like action books.
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AnonymousMarch 9, 2012 at 3:47 AM
Orion, Period 5
Academ's Fury by Jim butcher
Looking for a little cloak and dagger action? How about Fantasy? Maybe a few Roman legions thrown in just for the heck of it? That is what you get you read Academ's Fury by Jim Butcher. Not only do you get this beautiful mesh of themes, he also has excellent descriptions and amazingly memorable quotes such as, "You will probably find in, in life, that the successes and victories tend to overshadow the risks you took, while failure will amplify how idiotic they where." This quote lays out very simple political truths...If you win it was heroic and if you loose you where either corrupt, evil, or just plain inadequate for the job. I would recommend this memorable book for people of all ages, but for those who enjoy a lot of action, intricate plots, strategy then this book will be the one for you. A bonus is that this book is the second in a series of six, so the action neither begins nor ends with this book.
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AnonymousMarch 9, 2012 at 5:26 PM
Julianna, period 2
I read Marked, by P.C and Kristen Cast. Marked is about a girl named Zoey Redbird who lives in Tulsa Oklahoma. Zoey is already facing enough problems at home, her step-father is completely controlling everything her mom does and is taking over her family’s lives. She also had to break up with her boyfriend Heath, who she has been in love with since the fifth grade, because he wouldn’t stop drinking. Zoey is constantly looking for where she fits in. One day on her way home from high school, Zoey and her friend spot a tracker (A vampire who marks other vampires) he approaches Zoey and marks her. Her friend runs away from her. When Zoey is sent to the House of Night, a vampire training school, she finally finds where she belongs. There she meets Stevie Rae, her new best friend. Stevie Rae introduces her to Damien, Shaunee and Erin who become like family to her. Her mentor Neferet becomes more like a motherly figure to her since her real mom won’t even pay attention to her anymore. Zoey finally found where she belongs and made amazing new friends, but will her life ever be normal now that she has been marked?
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AnonymousMarch 10, 2012 at 11:01 AM
Mary, Period 5
Do you think you could make it to the summit of Mount Everest? Thats all thats on Peak Marcello’s mind, in the book Peak by Roland Smith. When Peak’s long-lost father presents the opportunity for them to summit Everest together, Peak doesn’t even consider saying no, although he has recollected on the many consequences ahead, “for a climber, saying that you are stopping by Everest is like saying you are stopping by to see God.” But, if he makes it to the summit before his fifteenth birthday he will be the youngest person ever to stand above 29,000 feet. This is pretty good for a guy who just got caught illegally scaling New You City skyscrapers. Do you think he’ll make it to the top? Read and find out. Here in Peaks’s own words is and exhilarating, gut-wrenching story on everything that happens on the mountain and in the death zone. A climb that would change everything. I recommend this story for anyone who wants an adventure. I couldn't put it down even for a second, eager to know what happened next. This story was so inspirational and I loved it!
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AnonymousMarch 10, 2012 at 5:03 PM
Pano period 2 in response to Alyssa period 4
Alyssa that book sounds incredibly interesting. I love creepy mystery books and how they just keep you so involved and always thinking. Also, Joan Bauer is one of my favorite aouthors, so I think I will find the book very appealing to me. I love apples too! Thanks for the great review, Peeled is definitely a book on my list of fantastic books to read.
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AnonymousMarch 10, 2012 at 7:05 PM
Lindsey, period 2
I read the book First Step 2 Forever: My Story written by Justin Bieber. In this autobiography you really get to know Justin as a normal person as he tells you about his story and how he got to where he is today. He explains how he just stated as a normal kid who didnt have many luxries living in his small town in canada. That is untill manager Scooter Braun founded him on youtube.com singing. After he herd that video, Scooter knew he had to find him to ask if he could work with him. Once he tracked Justin down Scooter brought him to Atlanta, Georgia to see if Def jam records would sighn him. Justin explains how it wasnt easy getting them to sighn him and how pop singer, Usher really helped him and made it possible. Shortly after getting sighned he realesed his hit single "One Time". Soon millions of people were loving Justin Bieber and wanted more, thats when he made the albums "My World", "My World 2.0", and "Never Say Never". Then Justin Bieber became a house-hold name that everyone knew and most people loved and adored. After the albums came out he went on a "My World Tour" and had many sold out shows, it was a complete sucess for him. Today Justin is one of the most sucessful and well-liked singers in the world and continues to grow and do more every day.
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AnonymousMarch 11, 2012 at 6:35 AM
Victoria Period 5 commenting on Alyssa Period 5,
I read Peeled a while ago and your awesome review renewed what I had read. Great review!
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AnonymousMarch 11, 2012 at 6:45 AM
Victoria Period 5,

I read the Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages. It takes place during the second World War and is about an eleven year girl name Dewey Kerrigan who is living with her scientist father at Los Alamos. The town is not officially a town and the government is making sure to keep it a secret. Throughout the novel Dewey expresses her hatred for another girl on the Hill (what the residents call Los Alamos) named Suze but eventually they experience such difficult times together that they grow on each other. This book illustrated the sorrow nd happiness that one could feel at the same time. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for an out of the ordinary historical fiction novel.
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AnonymousMarch 11, 2012 at 12:06 PM
Pano period 2
Conquering Gotham written by historian Jill Jones is a true story that most people don't know about. The planning, construction and destroying of Pennsylvania Railroad's (PRR) once magnificent New York Penn Station Railroad Terminal and it's 16 miles of tunnels. This book is really for anyone who loves history, suspense or wants to learn about something interesting, not many others know about. The book follows Alexander Cassatt, PRR's oldest president, and his company thought the struggles of government, corruption, traders, firers, secrets, death, destruction and a new hope in order to conquer Gotham (New York City).
Jonnes embarks on an epic nine-year project to bring PRR's tracks into New York City. She brings to life the project's leaders, its workers, and New York City in the early 1900's. Jonnes carefully explains how engineering decisions were made to overcome the extremely difficult tunneling conditions. She gets inside the cave-ins, blowouts and mysteries of the construction. She establishes suspense over tunnel shifting in the riverbed's silt. She gives full attention to the marvelous architectural designs for Penn and the very important James A. Farley Post Office. She chronicles the fate of the PRR and its New York Penn Station. The book describes the treacherous road of the PRR to Conquering Gotham.
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AnonymousMarch 11, 2012 at 12:15 PM
Pano period 2 in response to Madison Period 5
That book sounds better than the first! I have only read the first. I have been planing on reading the secong and after your great review I am definitely going to read it now. Thanks!
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AnonymousMarch 11, 2012 at 4:25 PM
Brianna, period 2

For my second IRP I read Trapped by Michael Northrop. Scotty Webbs and his 2 best friends Pete and Jason are among the last seven kids at Taitawa high school waiting to get picked up. Then they soon realized that no one is coming for them because of the massive amounts of snow falling. It doesn't seem so bad spending one night at the school, but when one night turns in to one week, when the power goes out, when the pipes freeze, and when the heat goes out and also half of the roof collapses, that is when it's not just a matter of staying warm but staying alive. Also if living with a bully, a goth kid, and the school's two most beautiful girls isn't hard enough try breaking into each room just to keep warm or have something to eat. Then it becomes a real challenge.I would recommend this book to anyone who like survival stories, I bet they will like it as much as I did!
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AnonymousMarch 11, 2012 at 5:02 PM
Alex B period 2
The book I read was my side of the mountain. It was a little on the easy side but was still enjoyable overall. It reminds me of the novel hatchet. Both narrators are surviving in the wild by themsleves for extended perios of time. I recomend this book to anyone and everyone
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AnonymousMarch 11, 2012 at 5:04 PM
Alex B period 2 rsoponding to micheal
I never read the hunger games, but i have heard good thing about the series as a whole. I might read it someday
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AnonymousMarch 11, 2012 at 5:41 PM
Emerson Period 2

I am currently reading Alex and me by Irene Pepperberg. It is a true story about a smart parrot named Alex(You probably seen him on TV) and his owner Irene Pepperberg. It is a great story. I would highly recomend this book to anyone.
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AnonymousMarch 11, 2012 at 5:56 PM
Emerson period 2 commenting on Richard period 5
A Tale of Two Cities sounds like an interesting book. I also like historic fiction.
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AnonymousMarch 11, 2012 at 8:23 PM
Maggie, period 2
I read the book Kira-Kira for my independent reading project. I thought this book was very intriguing. The book began to get me so concerned at some points I felt as if I was actually living it. Kira-Kira made me stop and look how lucky I am for everything I have. The author Cynthia Kadohata is very meaningful in what she writes and I would definitely recommend this book.
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AnonymousMarch 11, 2012 at 8:30 PM
Alex S Period 2
I read a couple of short Edgar Allan Poe stories, and from what i read, its really strange, creepy and depressing. One of the stories i read was called "The Raven", and it was about this guy who was like really depressed because he was thinking about his wife, Lenore who died. He was just moping around feeling sorry for himself, when a raven comes to his window. he starts freaking out because the raven starts talking. it says "nevermore". it really puzzles me because no one knows what it means. What was going on in Poe's mind when he wrote this stuff? Other stories like "The Red Death" creep me out and keep me up all night. What a strange man.... His stories are weird, but there is something that just keeps you reading on.
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AnonymousMarch 12, 2012 at 10:12 AM
Hayley, Period 4 I recently finished reading Notes From the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick. It was a great and very entertaining book! If your looking for a great book about life as a teenager this is the one for you. It is about 16 year old Alex Gregory, who gets into the drivers seat of hims mom car highly intoxicated with a crazy plan in his mind that he is going to make it to his dads house. Alex ends up getting arrested and by law, is being forced to serve 100 hours of community service. Throughout the book Alex learns many new life lessons. This book is all about friendship, love, learning to forgive and forget and discovering a new you. Notes From the Midnight Driver is a great realistic fiction book that i would recommend to anyone ages 12 to 16. You can pick up a copy of Notes From the Midnight Driver at your local library and book store, get it quick before it sells out!
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AnonymousMarch 12, 2012 at 10:13 AM
Jake, Period 2 commenting on Madison period 5,
Madison,"Catching Fire" sounds like a great book and since I just finished "The Hunger Games" that's the next book I am going to read next. "Catching Fire" sounds like it's full of action and excitement like the first book. I think this book would be great to read for my next Independent Reading Project.
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AnonymousMarch 12, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Matt,period 4 I just finished reading "The Hound of the Baskerviles," by sir Arthur Conan Doyle. just one of the many amazing scary stories Doyle has written. It is about sir charles baskervilles death and the mystery behind it. there are so many turns and twists in ths book it is hard to guess whats going to happen next. i recomond this book to people who like mystery or scary stories.
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AnonymousMarch 13, 2012 at 4:40 PM
Zach, Period 2 i just finished reading the second harry potter book which was Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. i thought that this book was much better and more thorough with all the description of the characters. This book also had more action scenes in it which I like. Overall, it was a really good book and i would definitely recommend it for someone to read.
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AnonymousMarch 13, 2012 at 4:44 PM
Zach, period 2 commenting on Richard period 5,
A Tale of Two cities sounds like a very interesting and informative book. I also like historic fiction books so maybe I will read it for my next IRP.
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AnonymousMarch 27, 2012 at 6:43 PM
Noelle, period 2
I read "Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks. This book is about how a man in the army, John Tyree, meets a woman named Savannah Curtis and falls deeply in love with her. It becomes very hard for the two of them to stay together while John is away. Savannah has vowed to John that she would wait for him until he gets back. But then 911 happens and John is forced to rejoin the army and leave Savannah once more. Throughout that whole time they sent letters back and forth to each other. John receives a letter from Savannah saying that she has fallen in love with someone else and he becomes devastated. This book has to be one of my favorites.
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AnonymousMarch 28, 2012 at 2:39 PM
Michelle period 5
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins combines action and thrill in the fight to the death in the arena and a tragic love story of two who could never be together, or can they? This story is about a 16 year old girl named Katniss Everdeen who was plucked from her dull life in district 12 to fight in the 74th hunger games. Accompanying her to the games was a boy named Peeta Mellark, the bread bakers son. Katniss and Peeta fall in love but the odds are not in their favor because only one can make it out of the games alive. The ending was unexpected and I loved reading this book. Suzanne Collins knows how to create suspense and makes you want to keep on reading more. I did not want to put this book down and I cannot wait to read the rest in the series!
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