Book Talk: The Genius Files~Mission Unstoppable by Dan Gutman June 20, 2012

 The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable by Dan Gutman is about two twins named Coke and Pepsi who set off on an ordinary cross-country vacation with their parents. But things take a strange turn when they find out they’re getting followed. Their lives are in serious danger…I mean trying not to get killed danger! And when they try to tell their parents what’s going on, Mom and Dad think they are joking around! Will Coke and Pepsi ever find out who these thugs are that are chasing them and why? Read this action packed mystery filled adventure to find out!

I really liked this book! It has some adventure with some mystery, plus lots of humor and suspense too. It reminded  me of The Puzzling World of Winston Breen. If you like adventure, mystery, and humorous stories you should give this one a try! I think you will really enjoy it!  The second book, The Genius Files: Never Say Genius just came out…and it ends with a cliff hanger you WON’T believe!

Blaise M., 4th Grade

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer January 20, 2011

This third book in its trilogy is very suspenseful and makes you wonder what you would do if you were in the characters’ situation. Foraging for food, starving, and surrounded by environmental disasters, the characters must try to survive conserving resources and relying on their instincts.

I love this because it was engaging and true-to-life, it will make you want to stock up and prepare for disasters. You’ll appreciate how much you have for creature comforts. Yet, some of the character changes were unbelievable and out of place. My favorite elements were: Characters, Plot, Conflict, Resolution, Literary Devices, Engaging Voice, Original Ideas, and I liked that it was believable and rational. I’d recommend it to all my friends in 6th, 7th and 8th grade.

Since this is a book with a 2010 publishing date, do you want to nominate it for the MSBA list for next year? Yes!

– Corinne, grade 6

The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis by Barbara O’Connor December 21, 2010

Nothing ever happens in Fayette, South Carolina. Popeye was staring at the heart shaped stain on the roof; it’s been raining for over a week. Finally it stops raining, popeye goes out and he sees a trailer and meets Elvis and his family — this is he’s chance for a small adventure!

I liked everything about this book. There was nothing I didn’t like. I’d recommend it for 4th-8th graders.

Favorite element: Characters

Overall: I loved it!

-Matt V., grade 5