The Arcade Catastrophe

The Arcade Catastrophe, by Brandon Mull starts in Dead mans run. The Eagle Squadron hears that Mozag and John Dart went missing. The Battiato Brothers find some clues as to where John Dart and Mozag might be. They think they could be in a locked up arcade.  So the squadron goes to the arcade and looks around and finds Roman and Chris there.  Nate earns a stamp that transforms him into a vehicle by earning lots and lots of tickets.  Nate and the crew go to get stamps and end up on separate teams going on secret missions. They have to find the right parts to unlock Uweya for Linda's evil brother Jonas White. There are twists and turns in this book.  Can Nate and his friends destroy Uweya in time to free Mozag and John Dart?  Will Jonas White control Uweya?  What will happen in the Arcade Catastrophe? 
                              You’ll have to read the book to find out.

                  Jonah

Your review makes me want to re-read this book.  So glad you enjoyed it. 
Thanks Jonah!

The Secrets of Droon

My name is Cole and I am 7 years old and will be going to 2nd grade soon. This summer, I started reading The Secrets of Droon series by Tony Abbott. The first book is called The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet. Eric, Julie and Neal are friends who go on an adventure after they find a secret staircase in Eric's basement. The stairs take them to a place called Droon where they meet Princess Keeah. They learn about Ninns and Groggles and evil Lord Sparr who wants control of the world of Droon. I have read the second, third and fourth books this summer too. My favorite one of these is the second, Journey to the Volcano Palace because of the lava and when Neal's shoe catches on fire. I like this series because of the fun adventures the three friends go on in Droon. It would be cool if I had a secret staircase in my basement. I think kids in first, second, and third grades would like these books. I need to go now since I just started the next book in the series.

                  Cole

Super reading Cole!  Sounds like you have found a great series to read.  I hope you continue to like them because there are 40 books in the series.  Lucky for you we have them in our Media Center.  We will see you soon back at Sprucewood!

The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop

The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop, by Kate Saunders, is a magical adventure as two siblings solve the mystery of their newly acquired home.  This large old house previously belonged to their great uncles who were famous chocolate makers.  But when the children discover a talking cat and rat, they find they must keep clever sorcerers from discovering the greatest recipe of all, a chocolate that can destroy the world.

This looks like a fun one.  Let us know if you like it!

Happy reading,  Mrs. Serdar and Mrs. Ware

A Christmas Carol

This book review is on a book I just finished, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. A rich man named Scrooge is selfish to everyone! His old, dead business partner, Jacob Marley's ghost tells him he will be visited by 3 sprits. After the spirits show him the past, the present and the future, he decides to fix things once and for all! (He changes his act)

Eli

This is one of my favorite stories by Charles Dickens.  It has a great message about changing our attitudes.  There have been many movies made of this story, but my favorite one is the “Muppet Christmas Carol.”  I am proud of you for reading the movie.  Keep reading Eli and watch for something in the mail!  

Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

Hi! It's Sara again. I have been flipping through the pages of Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, by Brandon Mull. I couldn't put it down. The Society of the Evening Star is trying to get all five of the artifacts from all of the secret preserves from around the world. If they get all five, they will open the demon prison, Zzyzx. If they open Zzyzx, the evil and powerful demons will overcome humanity and rule the world. So, to prevent that from happening, the Knights of the Dawn must try to get the artifacts first. Kendra is a knight, so along with Warren, her special bodyguard, Tanu, a Polynesian potions master, Gavin, a stuttering teen who is a dragon tamer, and a few other knights, they go to Wyrumoost, a dragon sanctuary where the key to an artifact is hidden. Many dangers await them there, including many kinds of different dragons, who could all be harmful if not properly handled. Can they all make it out alive? Are there any secret traitors in their group? Do they have what it takes to kill a dragon and make it out alive? Find out in this amazing book filled with thrilling scenes of adventure and danger around every corner. 

Sara

Wow Sara,  You go girl!  You have been reading a lot this summer.  Great job.  Thanks for getting us excited to read books by Brandon Mull.

The Story of Ferdinand

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, was my dad’s favorite book when he was a little boy. There was a bull named Ferdinand who liked to sit and smell the flowers. His mother who was a cow worried about him, she asked why don't you run and butt with the bulls? He said,” I just want to sit and smell the flowers.”  His mother understood and let him be. Then, five men in funny hats came along and they were there to pick a bull for the bull for fights in Madrid. Ferdinand didn't care. Then Ferdinand didn't see a bee and he sat on it. He yapped, snorted, and hopped all around. The five men saw him and picked him. They took him to Madrid. You should read the book it is good. 

                Abigail  

Thanks so much Abigail for telling us about your dad's favorite book.  This was one of my favorite books when I was a little girl too.  I hope it has become one of your favorites.  It won't be long until we are back in school.  I hope you have had a great summer.  Thanks for reading!

The Guardian

Hello Fellow Falcons,

I have spent part of my summer doing my favorite thing, relaxing with a great book.  One of the books I read was:

The Guardian by Gerald Lund.  This book tells about Carruthers "Danni" McCallister who receives an empty, antique pouch embroidered with the words "Le Guardien" as a birthday gift from her Grandfather.  Danni eventually finds that the pouch has mysterious powers that can help and protect her and her family, but she has to learn how to use it correctly.  She is told to always have it with her and to remember the “Four Remembers” — you are unique, there is purpose to life, you are free to choose what you are and what you become, and you are not alone.  Even after she learns about the powers of the pouch, it does not always do what Danni, or the reader, expects it to do.  

    After her Father and Grandfather discover a Rhodium mine worth millions of dollars, her family is kidnapped and held for ransom.  The pouch helps Danni and her brother escape.  Then, with the help of friends and the FBI (and the pouch), the family is rescued and the bad guys caught.  

    I enjoyed this book even though it wasn't the historical fiction I expected from Gerald Lund (It came from bedtime stories he used to tell his children).  It has some action, suspense, and comedy in it that good readers will enjoy.  Plus, all of us need to be reminded of the "Four Remembers".  

Keep Reading!

Mrs. Stuart

Thanks so much for sharing what you have been reading Mrs. Stuart.  I have not read this book.  Your review makes me want to pick it up today.  I like this author so I think I will enjoy reading it.  We will be seeing you back in the Media Center soon.

Mrs. Serdar and Mrs. Ware  

Janitors Curse of the Broomstaff

Janitors Curse of the Broomstaff   Book 3  By Tyler Whitesides

A secret society of Janitors with wizard-like powers continue their
battle, and now, the stakes are even higher.The Bureau of Educational Maintenance is after Alan Zumbro and this time they mean business—deadly business. Spencer, Daisy, and their little team of rebels must find the source of all magical Glop and destroy it before it can destroy the world as we know it. No small task with the BEM and their monster toxites at their heels. It’s a wild and dangerous ride as they follow the trail of clues all the way to the hiding place of the mysterious aurans: guardians of a secret landfill. What they discover there will change the way Spencer sees himself, not to mention the fate of the rebels.  This book is scheduled for release on September 10th.  I don't think we can wait the long!

Icefall

Just want you to know the principal has been reading this summer! I just finished Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby, a Utah author.  This book is one of the 2013-14 Beehive Nominee Books.  Icefall is a captivating story of Solveig and her two siblings, children of the king, who are sequestered for safety while their father is fighting to defend his kingdom.  I love the imagery the author uses, which helps one feel a part of what is happening.  Icefall is a story filled with emotion, recognizing one's talents and strengths, seeing the good in others and being true to who one really is!  A great book for older grades.

Garth Anderson

So glad to see you are reading Mr. Anderson.  I am about half way through this book and I am really liking it also.  We hope your summer has been great!  It won't be long before we are back in school. We are getting excited!  Be sure to watch for you surprise in the mail.

Mrs. Serdar and Mrs. Ware

AJ recommends...

The Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning


The Series of Unfortunete Events: The Bad Beginning is a great action packed mystery book, for readers about third grade and up. This book is about the three Baudilaire siblings, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, whose parents have died in an accidental house fire, and are left behind an enormous fortune that the children will recieve when violet turns 18. After their parents death, they are sent to a distant relative's house, Count Olaf's House. Count Olaf is an actor who plans to put on the play, The Marvolous Marrige, and plans to include the three siblings in his play. The chlidren begin to think something is up, does Count Olaf really want the children in the play, or does he intend something else? Was the house fire really an accident? Or did Olaf plan this just to steal the Baudilaire fortune? Find out in The Bad Beginning