Emily

Alvin Ho: Allergic to girls, School, And Other Scary Things by Lenore Look

Alvin is afraid of everything – trains, bridges, substitute teachers, girls, school, everything! He wants to make friends and get on at school but, since he is afraid of school, he can’t say a word once he gets there. This a great read for kids who loved Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The story chronicles the adventures of second grader Alvin Ho which include many comical events such as getting left upside down in a tree by his older siblings. 

Please Write in This Book by Mary Amato

Ms. Wortz has left a notebook in the “Writing Corner” of the class room and in the book is a note to her class asking them to write in the book. The only rules Ms. Wurtz stipulates are “to have fun” and “Sign your name”. The comments the kids leave in the book are hilarious. As the kids try to establish rules for what should go in the book a battle quickly begins to rage between the girls and the boy in the class. The notes and pictures the kids leave in the notebook are hysterically funny. The comments, however, start to become hurtful and when the notebook is kidnapped the kids decide that everyone should contribute to a story to prevent any more hurt feelings.

The Great Hamster Massacre by Katie Davies

You would think a book about a hamster massacre would be sad but it's not, it's hilarious. Anna and her younger brother have been begging their parents for a pet hamster for months. When they finally get them a massacre occurs and an investigation into the deaths begins. Was it the cat? Could mom have done it? Perhaps it was their not so friendly neighbour?  This book is delighful and simply written; a perfect summer read!

Matilda by Roald Dahl

A hilarious classic with one of my all time favourite heroines!  Matilda is a young genius who has the most awful family who treat her like a scab, that should be rolled up and flicked away.  She also has to contend with the monstrous headmistress a her school "the Trunchbull", an Olympic hammer thrower who delights in tossing children over the school wall.  Matilda decides it's time for some justice to be served when Miss. Trunchbull goes after Miss Honey, Matilda's teacher and only friend.  Perfect for children 7 and up this book is a sure hit with it's plucky heroine triumphing over terrible villains and idiotic parents.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Newberry Medal winner Bridge to Terabithia tells the story of Jesse and Leslie, two outsiders who create the imaginary kingdom of Terabithia.  Using an enchanted rope swing to cross into their kingdom Jesse and Leslie rule their imaginary world as king and queen, playing games, defeating intruders and plotting revenge on the school bully.  The two friends escape to Terabithia to forget school and family life until tragedy strikes when Leslie crosses into Terabithia on her own.  This story is full of adventure but is a real tear jerker. 

Bridge to Terabithia is 9th on the American Library Associations 100 most challenged book list, and was challenged for language and discussion of magic and witchcraft.

Peril at Pier Nine by Penny Draper

A gripping tale of the S.S. Noronic set in the Toronto Islands.  Jack is the best sailor in the Islands and when the S.S. Noronic, a ship he longs to captain, sets on fire it is up to Jack to help save those on board and rescue his friend.

City of Ember by Jean DuPrau

In the underground City of Ember the blackouts are becoming more frequent and supplies are running out.  Amidst corruption and conspiracy 12 year old Lina and Doon must decipher a secret message from the creators of Ember and find a way to save the city.

Previous Reviews

Tale of Despereaux: Being the story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread  by Kate DiCamillo

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

The Black Book of Secrets by F.E. Higgins

My Life with George by Judith Summers

Stories from the Vinyl Cafe by Stewart McLean

Free for All: Oddballs, Geeks and Gangstas in the Public Library by Don Brochert