THE WIMPY KID- DO IT YOURSELF BOOK

Author (last name first):
Kenny, Jeff  
Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Amulet Books (2008)

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

3rd-5th

Classification:  Fiction 

This book is good for budding artists and creative children. It's filled with jokes, make-your-own comics, and on and on. Children can write about their favorite bands, and so forth in this book. This is a fun journal for Children. 

Reviewed By: Tomii Adelakun (Midwestern State University Student) 

DEPARTMENT 19

Author (last name first):
Hill, Will

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Razorbill, ©2011

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

9th-12th

Classification:  Fiction


Department 19 takes the stories, past and present, of monsters, vampires and werewolves to a new level. Mary Shelly "Frankenstein" and Bram Stoker's "Dracula" are used as the foundation of Department 19. Jamie Carpenter's life changes the day his dad is shot and killed. A few years later, vampires kidnap Jamie's mum and tries to kill Jamie. Fortunately a "huge man" with bolts in his neck and mismatched arms save Jamie's life. From thereon, Jamie is thrust into the world of Department 19,"where books on monsters, vampires and werewolves weren't fiction, but history lessons."
Department 19 is written with visual descriptions of locations, weaponry and what not, which gives a realistic vibe. The author clearly knows a lot about the characters in the afore mentioned books and weaves them into a seamless story. This book is great for readers interested in vampires, and other monsters.

Reviewed By: Tomii Adelakun (Midwestern State University Student)

THE EMERALD ATLAS

Author (last name first):
Stephens, John

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Alfred A. Knopf, ©2011

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

4th-8th

Classification:  Fiction 

This is a funny and heartfelt story of Kate, Michael, and Emma. These children believed they were not orphans because their parents promised to come back for them. Ten years passed, and the children are moved to a new orphanage in a town with no children or signs of life, and in the care of  mysterious Dr. Pym, the children are sure they are in the worst orphanage ever. Then the children find a book that takes them to the past, and their adventures begin. 
Children with a taste for adventure will enjoy "The Emerald Atlas." Moreover, the humor and magical charactors will fascinate readers.

Reviewed By: Tomii Adelakun (Midwestern State University Student) 

GEEK: FANTASY NOVEL

 Author (last name first):
Archer, E.   

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Scholastic Press/2011

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

12rh Grade

Classification:  Fiction 


This fast paced book is like a roller coaster ride. The misadventures of Ralph and his cousins are comical and nonsensical. The characters are unpredictable, and keep the reader in perpetual suspense. Sadly, the author did not elaborate on certain parts, but skipped from one idea to the next. Apparently, the author was so eager to get the reader to the end that he ignores the rest of the book. Other then that, the exploding bunny rabbits, sparkle fairies, and on and on makes the book an interesting read.
This book is good for children because some words in the book are not common and will enlarge their vocabulary. Or better still the words will encourage children to use dictionaries. 


Reviewed By: Tomii Adelakun ( Midwestern State University Student)

FEYNMAN

Author (last name first):
Ottaviani, Jim

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

First Second, 2011

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

8th-12th

Classification:  Non-Fiction 

Feynman is a biography of Nobel prize winner, Richard P. Feynman. The book outlines Feynmen's life from his introduction to physics to his prestigious career at Caltech. All his life, Richard's goal was to understand physics and make it simple. Over the years, this goal led to the development of the atomic bomb and resolution of quantum electrodynamics. This book is a great read because it's an introduction to the beauty of physics. His comic antics are captured by the authors in such a manner as to grab the reader's attention.
Feynman was an inspiration to people including his sister. As a child, she was afraid of difficult books, until her brother said,"Read it until you get lost, then start again at the beginning and keep working through till you understand." This quote can still inspire children to read today.

Reviewed By: Tomii Adelakun (Midwestern State University Student)