The Land of Stories Book 1

Title: Land of Stories The Wishing Spell
Author: Chris Colfer
Genre: Fantasy

Summary:
     The Land of Stories the Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer shares the story of Alex and her twin brother Conner and their discovery of a family secret. Alex and Conner are struggling with the death of their father. When Alex receives a mysterious book called The Land of Stories she soon discovers it is magical, so much so that it pulls her and her brother inside of it. Stuck in this new, unfamiliar world, the two siblings must figure out how to find their way back by collecting the items necessary to cast the Wishing Spell. Will they find their way home or will they be lost in the fairytale world forever? I love this book because it combined so many of the fairytales I love from Cinderella to Snow White to Red Riding Hood. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy and getting lost in another world. It is also filled with adventure so you never know what will happen next.

The Julian Chapter

Title: “The Julian Chapter”

Author: R.J. Palacio

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary:

“The Julian Chapter” by RJ Palacio shows us that we should feel remorse when we do something wrong or mistreat others. Julian wanted to be popular and to have Auggie Pullman out of his school. He gets caught writing terrible notes to Auggie and gets suspended. His parents blame the school and decide to sue and put Julian in a new school. Then, Julian spends the summer in Paris with his grandmother and learns, finally, that he was WRONG! I liked this book because it shows that we all have the ability to change. Even though Julian didn't make a lot of good choices when it came to Auggie, he finally learned what it means to treat others with kindness and respect, thanks to his Grandmere. I recommend this book because like Wonder it has a lot of heart and finally shows us Julian's perspective. In Wonder we know him only as the villain, so this story allows us to understand him and his family better.

Wonder

Title: Wonder

Author: RJ Palacio

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary:

Wonder by RJ Palacio shows that no matter what you like, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Auggie Pullman wanted to be seen as normal just like everyone else. Unfortunately, Auggie isn’t normal because of a condition that caused his face to be deformed. Because of this, he is teased, bullied, and stared at. To try and fit in, Auggie goes to school for the first time ever! In the end, Auggie learns he can make friends, be kind, and be smart no matter what he looks like. I liked this book because it was filled with messages about choosing kind, standing up for those in need, and accepting everyone's unique differences. Auggie and the people around him all showed that they are human and make mistakes, but they learn from them! Jack might not have been kind when talking to Julien or standing up for Auggie in the moment, but he learned from that and became a much stronger friend moving forward.

Frank Einstein and Antimatter Motor

Title: Frank Einstein and Antimatter Motor
Author: Jon Scieszka
Genre: Science Fiction

Summary: In this great Science Fiction story by Jon Scieszka, Frank Einstein is a kid-genius and creative inventor. Most of his creations come from everyday things used in new and exciting ways. His side-kick Watson helps in ways Frank doesn't always recognize. When he is ready to submit his most exciting project yet to the Science Fair, Frank's dreams of winning are dashed when his arch-nemesis T. Edison steals his robots and friends. Will Frank find a way to get them back, or will he let T. Edison get the best of him? I loved this book because it made science fun! It is like Diary of a Wimpy kid but with smarter humor and more rich text. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves humor and wants to love science just as much!

The Cursed Child

Title: The Cursed Child
Author: J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany
Genre: Fantasy

Summary: The Cursed Child picks up in the magical world of Harry Potter nineteen years after the Battle of Hogwarts. Harry and Ginny's children are now at Hogwarts themselves, getting sorted and trying to find their own way, despite their famous parents. An unlikely friendship forms between Harry's son Albus and Draco Malfoy's son Scorpious, which both sets of parents are skeptical about. When a time-turner is found everyone must face the consequences of how changing the past can change everything about the future. This is a good book for people who have been craving more Harry Potter stories. It isn't as good as the original series but I loved reconnecting with some of my favorite characters, along with some new ones!

A Night Divided

Title: A Night Divided

Author: Jennifer Nielsen

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary: Gerta and her family live on the East side of Berlin, Germany. Life isn't going well so her father and brother decide to try and find new opportunities on the West side. That night while they are away, a wall is built permanently dividing Eastern and Western Berlin and permanently dividing Gerta's family, as her, her mother, and her brother Fritz are separated from her father and brother Dominic. Will Gerta and her family ever be reunited? Will her life continue to get worse in the East that could cost her all she has left? This story was action packed and great historical fiction. If you are looking to see what life was like during the Berlin Wall time period after World War II, this is the book for you!

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics

Title: Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics

Author: Chris Grabenstein

Genre: Realistic Fiction

If you were a fan of Mr. Lemoncello's Library, then this sequel is for you. Not only do all your favorite characters return, but you get to enter into a whole new challenge with Kyle and his team. I loved this book because it mentions so many other books and authors that I love. It also has a lot of "action" - in that it keeps you interested and excited. I also love the themes in this story, one of which is learning to believe in yourself. This is a great read for Chris Grabenstein fans!