Soccer Scoop is a book by the author Matt Christopher. His books are all very good and he is one of the few prolific children's authors who doesn't stray into a pattern. All of his books have sports in them but the story lines are not predictable. My favorite books are the ones about soccer because that is my favorite sport. He writes about every sport imaginable, but particularly baseball, basketball and football. He also writes books on snowboarding, biking and even rollerblading!
Soccer scoop is a book about you guessed it, soccer. The premise of the story is that the talented goalie Mac Williams is known for two things: his athletic saves and his motor mouth. One day at school after a game, the school paper The Chronicle makes an insulting comic about his endless talking and how it affects the team. Mac tries to find out who the cartoonist is by setting traps, doing embarrassing thing only around people he thinks might be the cartoonist. But can he do so without losing a close friend who is a reporter for the chronicle? Find out in the Soccer Scoop!
I only recently read this book, just under a week ago. A while ago I received a pile of books by Matt Christopher from my older cousin, Keith, who had outgrown them. I read every single one sitting in the basement tearing through book after book. This is one of the few that he didn't have and I found at my grandparents house. In my opinion this is one of the better books by Matt Christopher. It has a lot of things going on at once and I like that about a book. I also enjoy his description of the soccer games that they play- it's quite realistic. This book has a few illustrations throughout it that show pictures of the main character playing soccer or deflecting goals. I would recommend these books to kids who enjoy sports from ages 7+. Good books for budding readers!
I only have one complaint on this book. At the end when they find out who the mystery cartoonist is, Mac doesn't get very upset with that character. I was a little surprised by that- I certainly would be upset but I guess you will have to be the judge.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
This is a book I came across at school. I had heard of Gary Paulsen and had read a few of his works, like Mudshark, and wanted to read Hatchet. I read the back of the book and the minute I started reading I was interested. What is going to happen? Will he survive?
The Hatchet is about a boy named Brian Robertson. While taking a two person plane to Canada to visit his father, the pilot has a heart attack and the plane crashes in the wilderness. Armed with nothing but a hatchet, Brian is pressed to find food and shelter in the unforgiving Canadian woods. He is up against terrible dangers: encounters with wolves, bears and a tornado among them. Brian must find a way to survive and maybe one day get back home. Or else...
The Hatchet is a masterpiece of a book created by the talented author Gary Paulsen. Hatchet has a lot going for it. It has amazing realism to it unmatched by any other book that I have read. It probably could have happened in real life. I like the authors rapid fire then slow going writing style goes well with this genre. Just when you think Brian is safe, something bad happens! I only have one complaint, sometimes he doesn't provide enough details, other times it seems like too much. But all and all this is a must read for fans of the action/survival genre. I give it a rating of 4 1/2 stars.
The Hatchet is about a boy named Brian Robertson. While taking a two person plane to Canada to visit his father, the pilot has a heart attack and the plane crashes in the wilderness. Armed with nothing but a hatchet, Brian is pressed to find food and shelter in the unforgiving Canadian woods. He is up against terrible dangers: encounters with wolves, bears and a tornado among them. Brian must find a way to survive and maybe one day get back home. Or else...
The Hatchet is a masterpiece of a book created by the talented author Gary Paulsen. Hatchet has a lot going for it. It has amazing realism to it unmatched by any other book that I have read. It probably could have happened in real life. I like the authors rapid fire then slow going writing style goes well with this genre. Just when you think Brian is safe, something bad happens! I only have one complaint, sometimes he doesn't provide enough details, other times it seems like too much. But all and all this is a must read for fans of the action/survival genre. I give it a rating of 4 1/2 stars.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks
Sorry for the wait for the next blog, everyone. I was on vacation to Minnesota to see my cousins, Ben and Lukas. But, the good thing is that I have an awesome book to write about which I read on the plane- Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks.
Evil Genius is a book about Cadel Piggot who has a genius IQ and a fascination with computers. At age seven he was sent to a troubled child counselor for illegally hacking into computers. His counselor, Thaddeus, introduces him to his real father, international criminal Dr. Darkon. Seven years later, where the main course of the story occurs, he goes to a school called Axis Institute, founded by his father. It is pretty much a school of evil. As Cadel begins to question his fathers true motives, shocking secrets are unveiled. One of them is forcing him to ask the ultimate question. "Who am I?".
First of all I have to thank my Nana for introducing me to this book. One of her friends grandsons had read this book and she recommended it to Nana, who then recommended it to me. There are 3 books in this series and I have only read the first. The second two are Genius Squad and Genius Wars. Hence, "The Genius Trilogy".
This book is superb. I have admit I have read this book at least 10 times. The story itself is very gripping and has a curveball at the end of almost every chapter and new things are always happening. It is interesting to see how Cadel uses only his intellect to do amazing things like, quite literally, take down the gymnasium at his old school. It is also interesting to see how everyone but his counselor and father underestimate him because of his small stature and innocent face.
I would recommend this book to kids who do not mind a little developing before the real action starts. I also think this book is good for ages of about 12+ because of slight use of language. It does fit in well with the story because some of the teachers are pretty darn bad criminals. (*note from mom- this is very minor language used only a few times). I give this book 6 stars out of 5.
PS- I didn't mention one character who is kind of important because I wanted to save the surprise. Hint- her name is Kay-Lee McDougal (or is it?!) Happy reading!
Evil Genius is a book about Cadel Piggot who has a genius IQ and a fascination with computers. At age seven he was sent to a troubled child counselor for illegally hacking into computers. His counselor, Thaddeus, introduces him to his real father, international criminal Dr. Darkon. Seven years later, where the main course of the story occurs, he goes to a school called Axis Institute, founded by his father. It is pretty much a school of evil. As Cadel begins to question his fathers true motives, shocking secrets are unveiled. One of them is forcing him to ask the ultimate question. "Who am I?".
First of all I have to thank my Nana for introducing me to this book. One of her friends grandsons had read this book and she recommended it to Nana, who then recommended it to me. There are 3 books in this series and I have only read the first. The second two are Genius Squad and Genius Wars. Hence, "The Genius Trilogy".
This book is superb. I have admit I have read this book at least 10 times. The story itself is very gripping and has a curveball at the end of almost every chapter and new things are always happening. It is interesting to see how Cadel uses only his intellect to do amazing things like, quite literally, take down the gymnasium at his old school. It is also interesting to see how everyone but his counselor and father underestimate him because of his small stature and innocent face.
I would recommend this book to kids who do not mind a little developing before the real action starts. I also think this book is good for ages of about 12+ because of slight use of language. It does fit in well with the story because some of the teachers are pretty darn bad criminals. (*note from mom- this is very minor language used only a few times). I give this book 6 stars out of 5.
PS- I didn't mention one character who is kind of important because I wanted to save the surprise. Hint- her name is Kay-Lee McDougal (or is it?!) Happy reading!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Frindle by Andrew Clements
Frindle is a book written by probably my favorite author of all time, Andrew Clements. I have read nearly all of his books and this one is one of my favorites.
Frindle is the story of an intelligent boy named Nick Allen who has the idea to annoy his strict Language Arts teacher by calling pens "frindles". It starts off as a little prank but then gets out of hand when the whole school, and then the town, goes into frindle-mania. The war of words in the town heats up when teachers dole out detentions to kids who say frindle. There is also a surprise visit of a teacher to the Allen home. With the help of a large newscast the whole country learns and adores frindle. In Nick's own words when asked what's next for the word frindle, "it's not my word any more it's everyone's word".
Frindle is one of those books that every time you read it you notice something new. It never gets old and always has the shine of the first time you read it. Andrew Clements also masterfully brings many moving pieces together with a surprise ending. I especially like the character, Mrs. Granger, the enemy of the frindle uprising. She is a very complicated character and every time you think you have her figured out you see a new side of her. It is also very realistic in how people may take the opportunity to franchise and sell frindle- frindle hats, frindle pens, frindle t-shirts.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read. It's not a long book and it was one of the first chapter books I ever read. It's relatively easy to read but is just as complicated as a book as thick as your head! Andrew Clements is known as "the master of the school story" and this story fits in perfectly with his nickname.
Frindle is the story of an intelligent boy named Nick Allen who has the idea to annoy his strict Language Arts teacher by calling pens "frindles". It starts off as a little prank but then gets out of hand when the whole school, and then the town, goes into frindle-mania. The war of words in the town heats up when teachers dole out detentions to kids who say frindle. There is also a surprise visit of a teacher to the Allen home. With the help of a large newscast the whole country learns and adores frindle. In Nick's own words when asked what's next for the word frindle, "it's not my word any more it's everyone's word".
Frindle is one of those books that every time you read it you notice something new. It never gets old and always has the shine of the first time you read it. Andrew Clements also masterfully brings many moving pieces together with a surprise ending. I especially like the character, Mrs. Granger, the enemy of the frindle uprising. She is a very complicated character and every time you think you have her figured out you see a new side of her. It is also very realistic in how people may take the opportunity to franchise and sell frindle- frindle hats, frindle pens, frindle t-shirts.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read. It's not a long book and it was one of the first chapter books I ever read. It's relatively easy to read but is just as complicated as a book as thick as your head! Andrew Clements is known as "the master of the school story" and this story fits in perfectly with his nickname.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Peak by Roland Smith
Peak is an amazing book by one of my favorite authors Roland Smith. Peak is a story that you will read again and again, enjoying it every time.
Peak is about a boy named, well, Peak. Peak spends his spare time illegally climbing and tagging skyscrapers in New York City. Eventually he gets caught and could possibly spend 3 years in juvenile detention. But just at the right time his long lost father offers him a chance to go with him to Nepal to climb Mount Everest. Peak agrees but suspects that there are a few strings attached. In this gut wrenching story, Peak is faced with a daunting task- climb Mount Everest and come down alive.
I was introduced to this book through my school's book club- Battle of the Books. It's the best book that they have asked us to read and kudos to them for making such a good decision. Peak has a lot of moving parts and I enjoy that. This includes his relationship with his father and his new friend Sun-Jo the sherpa and their problems with the Chinese law enforcement that keeps interfering with their climbs. The one thing that I think this book is missing is the relationship with his mother and twin half-sisters "the two peas". He makes only a few calls to them but it leaves a profound effect. I have read this book four or five times and it gets better every time.
Peak is about a boy named, well, Peak. Peak spends his spare time illegally climbing and tagging skyscrapers in New York City. Eventually he gets caught and could possibly spend 3 years in juvenile detention. But just at the right time his long lost father offers him a chance to go with him to Nepal to climb Mount Everest. Peak agrees but suspects that there are a few strings attached. In this gut wrenching story, Peak is faced with a daunting task- climb Mount Everest and come down alive.
I was introduced to this book through my school's book club- Battle of the Books. It's the best book that they have asked us to read and kudos to them for making such a good decision. Peak has a lot of moving parts and I enjoy that. This includes his relationship with his father and his new friend Sun-Jo the sherpa and their problems with the Chinese law enforcement that keeps interfering with their climbs. The one thing that I think this book is missing is the relationship with his mother and twin half-sisters "the two peas". He makes only a few calls to them but it leaves a profound effect. I have read this book four or five times and it gets better every time.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth
Zen Shorts is a beautifully illustrated book by Jon J. Muth, and is a wonderful book in a little package. The story begins when Stillwater, the giant panda, lands in Carl, Michael and Addy's backyard. Addy goes to visit him for tea the next day at his house. While there he tells Addy a story and he does the same for Michael and Carl but in different locations. Stillwater's stories always have a moral that can help you in daily life.
My favorite part of this book that Stillwater seems to have a story for every occasion. Whether it's about his selfless Uncle Rye who gave a thief his robe or a monk who carried a rich, prissy lady across a puddle even though she did not say thanks.
This book is great for all ages, especially younger kids because it has great illustrations and simple stories that are easy to grasp but also wonderfully well written. Our family friend, Mike B., gave me this book and I would just like to say thanks for that! We still read it over and over again.
My favorite part of this book that Stillwater seems to have a story for every occasion. Whether it's about his selfless Uncle Rye who gave a thief his robe or a monk who carried a rich, prissy lady across a puddle even though she did not say thanks.
This book is great for all ages, especially younger kids because it has great illustrations and simple stories that are easy to grasp but also wonderfully well written. Our family friend, Mike B., gave me this book and I would just like to say thanks for that! We still read it over and over again.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Nerds by Michael Buckely
Nerds is an amazing book. Written by Michael Buckley, highly acclaimed author of the Sister's Grimm stories. This book will surely grab the attention of anyone who reads it. It is about a boy named Jackson Jones who was the popular bully of his school. After getting extensive braces on his teeth he becomes his worst nightmare, a nerd! During this time he becomes a bit of a spy.
When Jackson is shoved into a locker he is transported to a secret underground base beneath his school. By accident he receives powerful nano byte upgrades to his braces giving him the ability to morph his braces into tools and weapons with only using his mind. After receiving his upgrades he wakes up seeing the "nerd herd" staring down at him. The nerd herd is a collection of the biggest nerds in the history of 5th grade. He then realizes that they got upgrades as well, though not by accident. Jackson is inducted into a secret team, the Nerds- the National Espionage Rescue and Defense Society. Though he has upgrades like the team he does not fit in. But they are facing a dangerous enemy, Doctor Felix Jigsaw, who wants to destroy the world. If the team wants to stop him Jackson will have to do what he thought was impossible- collaborate with the Nerds!
This book is quite amazing! Michael Buckley is very talented. There are funny little parts of each story, sometimes between each chapter. They make you do silly things to get a higher security clearance- like lick the security sensor on the page or fork over some cash! My favorite part of this book was learning about the Nerds superpowers and how they fit in with presumed weaknesses like "super allergies". The super allergies allow you to sense things like danger and dishonesty. It is also interesting to see how the team gets around school while actually secretly doing spying and out of this world missions.
This is a series of 4 books right now. Though there is going to be a fifth. I have read the first, third and fourth books and I hope to get the second. I would recommend this book to kids from 9 and up- it's great for all ages. I give this book a 5 star rating.
When Jackson is shoved into a locker he is transported to a secret underground base beneath his school. By accident he receives powerful nano byte upgrades to his braces giving him the ability to morph his braces into tools and weapons with only using his mind. After receiving his upgrades he wakes up seeing the "nerd herd" staring down at him. The nerd herd is a collection of the biggest nerds in the history of 5th grade. He then realizes that they got upgrades as well, though not by accident. Jackson is inducted into a secret team, the Nerds- the National Espionage Rescue and Defense Society. Though he has upgrades like the team he does not fit in. But they are facing a dangerous enemy, Doctor Felix Jigsaw, who wants to destroy the world. If the team wants to stop him Jackson will have to do what he thought was impossible- collaborate with the Nerds!
This book is quite amazing! Michael Buckley is very talented. There are funny little parts of each story, sometimes between each chapter. They make you do silly things to get a higher security clearance- like lick the security sensor on the page or fork over some cash! My favorite part of this book was learning about the Nerds superpowers and how they fit in with presumed weaknesses like "super allergies". The super allergies allow you to sense things like danger and dishonesty. It is also interesting to see how the team gets around school while actually secretly doing spying and out of this world missions.
This is a series of 4 books right now. Though there is going to be a fifth. I have read the first, third and fourth books and I hope to get the second. I would recommend this book to kids from 9 and up- it's great for all ages. I give this book a 5 star rating.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Gregor the Overlander
Gregor the Overlander is a great book by the talented author Suzanne Collins. It is the first book in a series of five. I would recommend it for kids ages 12 and up. I read it a little early. This is a book that I have read over and over again. It does not lose it's novelty after you have read it once.
In this story Gregor, the main character, lives in a small apartment with his grandmother, mother, and two little sisters. When playing with his two year old sister in the laundry room he falls through an air vent for miles and ends up underground. While there he meets multiple gigantic cockroaches. Thanks to his sister, who fell with him, they are delivered to the Regailans. They are a pale colony of humans that live underground. After attempting to escape and failing miserably he learns that his lost father had fallen in before him and is in the hands of the evil rats.
In a race against time he goes off on a quest with other Regailans in an attempt to gain his father back and return home safely. The best part about this book is that it has amazing realism to it. At the end of the book you will find yourself thinking that your laundry grate can deliver you to an underground world. Kudos to Suzanne Collins for that!
I think that kids who like fast moving action books with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter would love this book because that is exactly what it is like. She even leaves a cliffhanger at the end of the book. I give this book a five star rating!
In this story Gregor, the main character, lives in a small apartment with his grandmother, mother, and two little sisters. When playing with his two year old sister in the laundry room he falls through an air vent for miles and ends up underground. While there he meets multiple gigantic cockroaches. Thanks to his sister, who fell with him, they are delivered to the Regailans. They are a pale colony of humans that live underground. After attempting to escape and failing miserably he learns that his lost father had fallen in before him and is in the hands of the evil rats.
In a race against time he goes off on a quest with other Regailans in an attempt to gain his father back and return home safely. The best part about this book is that it has amazing realism to it. At the end of the book you will find yourself thinking that your laundry grate can deliver you to an underground world. Kudos to Suzanne Collins for that!
I think that kids who like fast moving action books with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter would love this book because that is exactly what it is like. She even leaves a cliffhanger at the end of the book. I give this book a five star rating!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
I have read all of the Artemis Fowl books and they will show up periodically on my blog. I chose to start with this book as it is the first in the series and it hooked me. I actually did not start with this one, but I will get to that later.
The first Artemis Fowl book is a stunning story about a 12 year old genius and criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl, his trusty and burly bodyguard Butler, and a whole new species- the fairies. Artemis Fowl was born into fortune but when his father was lost and presumed dead after a shady business trip to Russia, Artemis Fowl decided to take matters into his own hands. With his mother going insane he stole a copy of the fairy bible and decoded it to learn their secrets. Then he abducted a fairy who turned out to be a technologically advanced fairy police officer, Holly Short.
With a huge ransom sum on her back and a whole species of police department gunning for Artemis he would have to use all his cunning and intelligence to pull off the first inter-species kidnapping.
This book was firing on all cylinders for me! Eoin Colfer has written a masterpiece of a book. It is very realistic and would fit in perfectly in the real world if it was true. It provides plenty of detail on the fairies, which I like because sometimes in this genre they do not give enough detail on other species.
There is one strange bit. The first 2 books are written as case files from the fairy police. All of the other books are written as if they are happening in real time. This bothers me because it appears Eoin Colfer wanted to write all of the books as case files but it did not work out. It is also annoying because of the inconsistency.
I got 2 of my friends, James and Rishi to read these books and they both loved them. The worst part of this book was the ending because I was sad it was over!
The first Artemis Fowl book is a stunning story about a 12 year old genius and criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl, his trusty and burly bodyguard Butler, and a whole new species- the fairies. Artemis Fowl was born into fortune but when his father was lost and presumed dead after a shady business trip to Russia, Artemis Fowl decided to take matters into his own hands. With his mother going insane he stole a copy of the fairy bible and decoded it to learn their secrets. Then he abducted a fairy who turned out to be a technologically advanced fairy police officer, Holly Short.
With a huge ransom sum on her back and a whole species of police department gunning for Artemis he would have to use all his cunning and intelligence to pull off the first inter-species kidnapping.
This book was firing on all cylinders for me! Eoin Colfer has written a masterpiece of a book. It is very realistic and would fit in perfectly in the real world if it was true. It provides plenty of detail on the fairies, which I like because sometimes in this genre they do not give enough detail on other species.
There is one strange bit. The first 2 books are written as case files from the fairy police. All of the other books are written as if they are happening in real time. This bothers me because it appears Eoin Colfer wanted to write all of the books as case files but it did not work out. It is also annoying because of the inconsistency.
I got 2 of my friends, James and Rishi to read these books and they both loved them. The worst part of this book was the ending because I was sad it was over!
Welcome to my blog
Hi, I am Nathan. In case you haven't read the title of this blog, I do book reviews. I am currently 10 and I live with my brother, Matthew, who is 8 and my mom and dad. I have 2 cats and a dog who helped write this blog by rolling around on the keyboard! I blame them for any mistakes.
I am mad for books! I read them day and night- if I can get away with it. I personally prefer books from the science fiction/ fantastical genre. Though I do read many books of all types. In this blog, I plan to review some of my personal favorite books that are both well-known and others that are not as well-known.
Thanks for reading,
Nathan
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