Hello! Hello! msof57 here on the interesting and complex topic of books! Why books? Well, if you're like me you get bored over the summer watching reruns of "SpongeBob" or rereading every single book in your house then here are some good books you might want to check out.
Book #1: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and his friends are starting the greatest adventure of their lives. The Ministry of Magic has been taken over by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and the Death Eaters are taking control of Hogwarts. Harry is facing constant visions and dreams of You-Know-Who creating more stress. Instead of returning to Hogwarts . . . Harry, Ron, and Hermione go into hiding. With time running out, will Harry be able to save the wizarding and muggle world from total disaster?
So what's so great about this book? Well, first of all, it's my favorite book EVER! *cough* Erm . . . that's not a very good reason. *rewinds article* This book is the final book of the HP series. When I first read this in July I couldn't put it down! J.K. Rowling writes with fluency and suspense. It's a real page turner! Secrets are revealed on every page! You are drawn in to the characters Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley more than ever, wondering about their future. Warning: Do NOT read unless you have read all 6 HP books. This book may not me suitable for young children since there is some language. This book is also long. About 700 pages. I would suggest this book to an audience of 12+ years.
Book #2: I Have Lived a Thousand Years, by Livia Bitton-Jackson
Step into the cold, cruel world of the Holocaust with Ellike (Ellie). A 13 year old girl living in Budapest, Hungary she is swept from her home and into a Jewish ghetto along with her mother, father, and older brother, Bubi. After the Nazis take away her father, Ellie, Bubi, and her mother and taken to Auschwitz where their nightmares first begin. Bubi is torn from Ellie and her mother. Will Ellie be able to take care of her partially paralyzed mother? Or will she face the fate of 6 million other Jews?
This is the true story of Livia Bitton-Jackson. She is Ellike but later changed her name when she moved to America. This story does not have much suspense but a true story of one girl's will to survive. I would recommend this book to an audience of 12-17 years of age.
Book #3: The Giver, by Lois Lowry
Jonas has always known the same world. Sameness, utopia, his own community. He lives with his family unit. Mother, Father, and Lily, his little sister. Jonas is an Eleven. In December he will be a Twelve and will receive his assignment for a job. But Jonas doesn't receive a normal job like the rest of the Twelves. No. He is assigned the job of The Receiver of Memories. He will no longer have a happy childhood. The Elders say his job has pain. Physical pain. But Jonas learns that there is more to his world than he ever knew. And all it took was a single memory.
This book is confusing. It's science fiction and supposedly takes place in the future. I would suggest this book to kids 13+ because you will understand it better at 13. Do not turn down this book because it is science fiction. It is amazing. Lois Lowry really shined through this book. Forget "Number the Stars" . . . "The Giver" takes first place in her writing!
Book #4: Girl in a Cage, by Jane Yolen and Robert J. Harris
A princess . . . a prisoner. Marjorie Bruce's life had always been perfect. And in March 1306 when her father, Robert de Bruce, becomes king of Scotland, Marjorie becomes a princess. But just when her father is crowned king, her stepmother, father, and she must travel Scotland to hide from King Edward I or King "Longshanks" of England who wants to capture their royal family and imprison them. When Marjorie and her stepmother are caught Marjorie is thrown into platformed cage in the middle of Lanercost, England for the peasants, monks, villagers, soldiers, and even the kind himself to torment When Marjorie befriends 5 villagers. Enid and Ruth, who become her ladies-in-waiting, and Mark, Toby, and Jacob, who become her loyal knights. But even with the kindness of her new friends, nothing can stop Longshanks from causing Marjorie deep pain.
This book is based on the life of Princess Marjorie Bruce of Scotland. Jane Yolen and Robert J. Harris have always been interested in Scottish history. They have both written one other book called "Queen's Own Fool". This book is sure to capture the hearts of every reader. I would recommend this book to an audience of 10+.
So there you have it. Hopefully these books will keep you from boredom!
TTFN,
msof57
Author's Notes: These reviews were mine and simply mine. I have read every single one of these books. If you want even more book suggestions feel free to y-mail me. I am a very enthusiastic reader and have a wide range of books in my shelves at home. Hope to see you reading!
