Escape from the Island of Aquarius

Title: Escape from the Island of Aquarius

Author: Frank Peretti

Publisher: Crossway books

Place of publication: United States of America

Year of publication: 1986

Number of pages: 160

Where I found the book: Christian heritage school library

Summary

In this book the main characters are Jay, Lila, Dr. Cooper, Adam Mackenzie, and kelno. This book takes place in the island Aquarius but the time of when this took place is not specified. This all starts when Adam Mackenzie (a missionary that is part of the international missionary alliance) has not been heard of for a while until there is a dead body found on a raft carrying a note written by Mackenzie. So the missionary alliance sends Dr.Cooper along with his kid’s Jay and Lila to look for Adam Mackenzie. This book takes place in the Island Aquarius but the time of when this happened is not specified. The theme of this book is always kept fighting for what you believe in and it ok to share your opinion even if it’s different.

When the coopers reach the Island of Aquarius they find a very civilized village, led by Adam Mackenzie, with nice houses and electricity.  All of the villagers  used to live in big countries with normal jobs and all share the same dream which is to start their own new world. Dr. Cooper then starts to realize that Adam Mackenzie is no longer a man of God because he doesn’t have church, teaches that  Jesus came to save us from ignorance, and believes in evils forces, spirit’s, and curses. As the Coopers were leaving the island Mackenzie finds them on sacred ground and thinks they were cursed. The Coopers were now put in a hut which was used as a jail. As the Coopers escape they are found again by Mackenzie and Mackenzie decides to send Lila to be used as a sacrifice to the island and puts Jay and Dr. Cooper in a whirlpool of water.

 The whirlpool of water led Jay and Dr. Cooper to cave underground with the real Adam Mackenzie. The real Adam Mackenzie explains to Jay and Dr. Cooper that the guy they thought was the Mackenzie was actually named kelno. Adam was kicked out of the village by kelno and lived in the cave for a year. In that year spent in the cave Adam was building boats to prepare for the day the Island would sink. Dr. Cooper and jay realized the island was sinking so they had to act fast to save Lila. But what they didn’t know was that Lila was already saved by a big Polynesian guy named Candle. Jay, Adam, and Dr. Cooper try to go and save all the village people and bring them to the two boats left on the Island before it sinks. But the villagers make it to the boats only to find out that the water is too high to leave the cave. Lila gets an idea to set off bombs in the cave to lower the water level which does work. While Lila was doing that, Adam talked to each single person on the Boat about Jesus just in case they all died. Lila then became the hero because she saved all the people on the boat and everyone makes it out of the Island  safe except Kelno.

Christian Perspective

This book is definitely written from a Christian perspective. The cooper’s Christian belief was really strong and there wasn’t any moments were they doubted God. They never lost faith in Him and always remembered that they are children of God. When they were jailed by Kelno all they did was pray. Dr. Cooper talks to kelno about how God’s power is amazing and stronger than Satan’s power which was what kelno believed in. If I was in Dr. Cooper’s shoes I would be a bit doubtful and scared. When Dr. Cooper believed that Kelno killed his daughter he was planning on revenge but he backs off and realizes that he belongs to God and ended up not harming Kelno. If I was in Dr. Cooper shoes I would not have the strength to control myself the way he did. Also it talks about how Adam Mackenzie would pray every day for the village people and how he forgives people who have wronged him.

My Thoughts

The reason I chose this Book was because our E.L.A teacher recommend it to me. I am the type of person who judges books by its cover and I thought this book was going to be boring but it wasn’t too bad. The language the author used was tough to understand at times. I felt as if the book forever to read but maybe that’s because the book start to get interesting around pages 95 and over. I like this book because it was my first time reading a fiction book by a Christian author so I liked to see how the author would bring a Christian perspective into this book. What I dislike about this book had nothing to do with the story itself I just didn’t like how the author wrote it. I found the book boring in the beginning which made me want to put down the book and stop but in the end it got really interesting. I would recommend this book too people interested adventurous books with lots of action and bit of drama because it gives you an equal dose of both.    

The picture of Dorian Gray

Author: Oscar Wilde

Publisher: Playmore INC and  Waldman publishing corp.

Place and Year of publication: New York, 1888

# of pages: 240

I found it in my brothers room

Story Review

The books name is The picture of Dorian Gray cause when this painter paints a picture of Dorian and then he thought that when he grows old that he will look at this picture and want to feel young again. The time and place is 1976 in London. The main characters in this book are Basil,
Lord Henry, Dorian Gray, Sibyl Vane, and James Vane. The problems in this book are when Basil paints the picture, when Dorian falls in love, Sibyl commits suicide, when Dorian kills Basil, when James is killed and when Dorian changes place with the horrible painting. The theme is hard to find but the theme is how mad some people get.

Christian perspective

This book was not written in a Christian perspective if it was then it would of been like Dorian praying or Basil praying and Dorian would of liked sibyl for her not her talent. Dorian would of loved her and he would've cared that he was growing old cause then when he dies he would go to heaven.

Your thoughts

I chose this book cause it looked interesting. My opinion of the book is that its cool and interesting but I was kind of bored when i read it. I liked the book cause it was just my kind of book but I didn't like it cause it was just a bit confusing. I would recommend it to people who like fiction cause this is a fiction book

Emnet’s Book Review

                               *Information*

Title: umbrella summer  
Author: Lisa Graff
Publisher: scholastic
Place and year of publication: New York, 2009
Number of pages: 235 that’s when she
Where you found the book: Christian Heritage School library

                                      *story review*

Annie Richards used to be a care free girl, but that all changed after her older brother (Jared) died. After her brother died in February, Annie started to change, she doesn’t go anywhere without being ready. She wears her bicycle helmet basically everywhere she went and started to carry Band-Aids around. Annie knows there is lots of dangerous things in the world and it might get to you when you’re lest expecting it. She learned anybody can sick or in the verge of dyeing and not even now it.

Now she is a girl who is afraid of going outside without sunscreen on, and a girl who is afraid of doing the things she loves. All of this was because she was scared of catching some kind of disease that might kill her. Annie even started going as far as looking up the symptoms of diseases in a medical book, so that she can now if she got something that might kill. She wants no surprises. Even though her family and friends keep telling her that she is fine, she doesn’t listen.   

So when a new neighbour (Mrs. Finch) moves in across from Annie’s home. Annie goes and tries to say hi but ends up getting injured. That’s when the new neighbour goes outside and see’s that Annie is injured so she welcomes Annie in to her home so that Mrs. Finch can help her with her wound. So that’s when they get to know each other and find out they have lots in common. So Mrs. Finch tells Annie that it’s not always good to be too careful because then she will miss out on the fun on life.  

                                    *Christian perspective*     

Well this book is not really from a Christian perspective because the character didn't really listen to what her family and friends where telling her. She was way too careful with life and didn’t know how to have fun with life. In the end it took a new neighbour who can relate to her problem to show her that she can’t keep being so afraid of everything because then she will lose out on what life has in store for her.

                                    *My thoughts*
I thought this story was really interesting and fun to read through. The character was really different than most characters in books like this. So it was fun to see what she was going to do next. It thought me a lot in a way because am a person who is not careful at all with what I do, so it thought me to be careful, but not too careful. I would definitely recommend this book to people who would enjoy reading this kind of book and benefit from it like I did and see what new kind of disease are out there to learn.   
                                                                                        Enjoy :)

The Two Sisters Of Bamarre By Olivia

Title: The Two Princesses From Bamarre
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Place And Year Of Publication: New York, 2001
Number Of Pages: 241
Where You Found The Book: School Library

Story Review:

Princesses Addie and Meryl live together in their beautiful castle in Bamarre with their father, who is very distant from them, many maids and servants, and their good friend Bella. Princess Addie is very timid and scared of alot things. Meryl on the other hand is brave, daring, and wants to go out and slay ogors and dragons, but Addie made Meryl promise that she would stay and protect her until Addie got married and moved away. There had aways been a dark plague in the land called the Grey Death, the plague made you very weak until the victim fell into a deep sleep for eleven days, then woke for three days with a high fever, then died. But their was a cure, the legend has it that when the weak found courage, and rain fell over Bamarre, then the plague would be gone, or people say that Dragons and fairies knew another cure. The main characters in this book are Addie, Meryl, Bella, and Rhys, the young sorcerer who lived at the castle. The themes in this book are an adventurous,  risk taking, and romance. This book is called The Two Princesses From Bamarre because Addie and Meryl, two princesses, live in Bamarre.

When Princess Addie finds out that her old house maid had caught the plague, she told her to fight the plague and not let the plague get to her. Her house maid went back to her home town where she stayed until the Grey Death took her life. Rhys, their sorcerer showed Addie, Meryl, and Bella some magic tricks, and gave them gifts. In return the girls decided to give him a gift as well, and Meryl recited a part from Drault, a legend of a brave hero who slayed dragons. While she was reciting, she started panting and had to sit down. They all brought her inside to bed because they thought it must be a cold. When Milton, their doctor, checked her out, it was certain, she had the Grey Death. Addie was devastated and weeped for hours. When Addie's father found out, he brought together an army of fifteen men and set off, a little while later Addie found out that her father was returning with nothing, she decided she had to go on her own and find the cure. Bella, Milton, and Rhys gave her gifts to help her and Rhys accompanied her part of the way. While she was searching she ran  into ogors, griffins, and dragons. Time is running out, will she be able to find the cure in time?


Christian Perspective:

This book was written in Medieval Times and so there was a lot of magic, sorcery, and witchcraft, so I don't think this book was written in a christian perspective. The book of Drualt was almost like their bible because they carried it around, reciting things from it that would help them get through rough times, just as we use verses in the bible to help us. Princess Addie acted like a christian should because she loved her sister so much that she was willing to go into the unknown forest and search for the cure, which could mean death. Rhys and Addie are in love and they want to get married, but since Rhys is a Sorcerer, he has rules against it. They decide to get married which goes against the sorcerer rule, but I don't think that is a bad thing and I think since they love each other it is okay.



Your Thoughts:

I really didn't want to have to read this book because it looked boring and I usually hate fantasies, but this book changed my mind about fantasies. It was a pretty good book, even though I didn't particularly like the ending. I really liked Addie's character and how she would do anything for her sister, even if it meant dying. I also liked how two very different people can overcome their differences and live happily ever after. I would recommend this book to people who like fantasies, romance, and the medieval times.

Olivia's Book Review: RULES

Title: Rules
Author: Cynthia Lord
Publisher: Scholastic
Place and year of publication:  New York, 2006
Number of pages: 200
Where you found the book: school library

Story Review:
12 year old Catherine just wants a normal life. Since her brother has autism, her parents don't pay attention to her and her needs. To keep her little brother out of trouble, she makes rules for him like "no toys in the fish tank" or "keep your pants on in public". Catherine's best friend goes to Florida every summer to live with her dad, and when Catherine's new neighbour Kristi moves in, she hopes that they will become friends. The themes in this book are strictness, routines, romance, and being worried. This story takes place in North America, in the summer. This book is called "Rules" because Catherine is always making rules for her brother to keep him in order without him embarrassing him and herself. The main characters in this book are Catherine, her little brother David, Kristi, Ryan, and a new interesting friend named Jason.

Catherine and her mother take David to the clinic every day to help him with his autism. Catherine loves to draw, so while they were waiting for David, she decides to draw a boy in a wheelchair sitting across the room. The boy's mother leans over to the boy then sharply asks Catherine to stop drawing her son. Catherine was surprised and embarrassed so she apologizes and draws something else. The next time they go to the clinic the boy in the wheelchair was there again, but when she sits down, the boy's mother wheels his chair over to her, tells her that his name is Jason, and explains to her that he cannot talk, so he uses a book that has a bunch of words with pictures beside them which he taps to make sentences. Over the weeks they became friends and Catherine makes new, exciting words for Jason.

Ryan is a boy who lives on Catherine's block who she can't stand because he always makes fun of David and takes advantage of him since he cannot help himself. But when her new neighbour Kristi comes, she likes Ryan and Ryan likes her too. Kristi sees the picture that Catherine had drawn of Jason and asks if he is Catherine's boyfriend. Embarrassed she says no and doesn't want to tell her that he is a disabled boy because she doesn't know what Kristi will think of her. One day Catherine and Kristi go to the pond to swim. While they are there Ryan comes to the shore, so they get out of the water to meet him. Ryan asks if Kristi has asked Catherine yet. Confused, Catherine asks what they're talking about. Kristi asks Catherine if she wants to go to the dance with them on Saturday night. Catherine was pretty sure that the only reason she asked her was because she wasn't allowed to go by herself, and one of Catherine's rules is "no dancing in public unless it's pitch black", so she tries making excuses not to go.

At the clinic the next day Jason asks Catherine if she wants to come to his birthday party on Saturday. luckily, it was the same day as the dance so she agrees to come. She tells Kristi that she was going to Jason's party and that she was invited too, even though she knew Kristi couldn't come. At the party Jason asks why Kristi didn't come along, Catherine explains that Kristi is going to a dance in the evening with Ryan. Jason asks if Catherine wants to go to the dance with him but Catherine hesitates and looks away. Jason asks if she was embarrassed of him and she says "no, it's just that I doesn't like dancing". But Jason knows better and says that that is a stupid excuse and wheels his chair out of the room. The party's over. Catherine feels really bad and decides to make it up to Jason and see if he wants to go to the dance after all. When she calls, Jason's mother says he probably won't come, but Catherine begs and then waits at the dance for Jason to come. Will Jason ever show up and make up with her? Or is their friendship ruined forever?

Christian Perspective:
This book was not written in a christian perspective. Catherine had patience with her little brother, but sometimes she got fed up with him, which is understandable. She was always too worried about what Kristi and other people would think of her and that they would think she's weird for having a handicapped friend. Instead of shying away from the truth about Jason when Kristi asked, she could have just told her the truth and not be worried about it so much. And instead of worrying about her little brother always messing up or making Catherine and himself  look stupid, just to accept him the way he is just like Jesus would have done.

Your Thoughts:
I chose this book because it looked interesting and a few of my friends had read it and told me I should read it too. I really liked this book because it talks about things that a normal teenager would have to deal with in  life, like fitting in, and family and friend problems. I didn't really like the ending of the book because to me it felt like it wasn't finished or there was a page missing or something, but otherwise the story was very good. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes realistic fiction books, or something they can relate to. I would also recommend this book to teenagers with younger siblings or a difficult relationship with friends, and it might give you some guidance.

Luke Book Review: Hunger Games

Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Place & year of Publication: New York, 2008

Number of Pages: 374

Where you found the Book: My Sister

Story Review

The reason that this book is called the Hunger Games is because in the book there is a contest to the death and the contest is called “The Hunger Games” The main Characters in this book are Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. This book is set in District 12 And the Capital. This book is set in the future with elements of the past. The main problem in this book is that Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are chosen to go to the Hunger Games, and only one person can win in the Hunger Games. This book starts out in District 12, where Katniss lives. Life there is horrible for everyone, and annually, they choose two people form each of the 12 districts to go to the Hunger Games. The two people form district 12 for the 74^th annual Hunger Games, are Peeta and Katniss. They go to the Capitol and stay there for a while, and eventually, the Games start. The theme in “The Hunger Games” is who has the power. In this book, everyone is controlled by the Capitol. That’s why the Capitol made the Hunger Games. To show that they can do anything to anyone, even take their children away and put them in a battle to the death.

Christian Perspective

The problem with this book is that all it’s about is killing. Because of that, it is a very violent book. This book would not be appropriate for younger readers, because of the gruesome, descriptive violence. There are a lot of times where Katniss could have prayed to God and asked him what to do. Also, that is sort of what life would be like without God, in the future.

My Thoughts

The reason that I chose this book is because almost 20 people recommended it to me. They were all telling me to read it, so I did. It is a great book! I would recommend it to anyone who is allowed to read it. One of the things that I liked about it is how intense it is. It is very gripping and entertaining. It’s so dramatic and violent. I would recommend it to anyone who is allowed to read it. It is just amazing.

Heroes Don't Run

Title: Heroes Don't Run
Author: Harry Mazer
Publisher: First scholastic printing
Place and year of publication: New York 2005
Number of pages: 113
Where I found the book: school library

Book Summary

At the age of seventeen Adam is ready to be in the armed forces. He feels that he cannot wait until he is eighteen to be in the armed forces and that he has to do his best to get into the fight against the Japanese as soon as possible. Since his mother will not sign the paperwork needed to be in the armed forces, Adam travels across the country to New York to see his grandfather. Adam is sure that his grandfather, once a soldier himself, will sign the papers that will let Adam do what he thinks he must. Eventually Adam's grandfather agrees and soon Adam is in the marines. The main theme of this book is showing off, Adam joins the marines because he cannot wait another year and wants to show off to his friends, he successfully goes through the training in boot camp like it was nothing, and goes to Okinawa, he writes letters to his friends showing off that he is actually joined the army and that he is actually serving his country.

After Adam was done his training at the boot camp he and his friends were transferred to camp Lejeune in North Carolina and they all receive their first guns. The Sergents in this story are very rude, one time Sergent Bessie ordered the soldiers to clean the footlockers by scrubbing them down, cleaning their clothes, and do physical activities. The insane activities and drills that they make the troops do proves that these are real heroes. After Adam and his friends leave Camp Lejeune they appear more tougher. The training that they made then do there really made them feel grown and mature.

The reason that Adam's mom did not agree to Adam being the armed forces is that because she has lost everyone because of war eventually she lost Adams father. Adam’s father died when the battleship Arizona sank during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Adam witnessed the sinking. In fact, he and two of his buddies were actually out in the harbor near the Arizona when it exploded and sank. Even though that Adam he has been taught a great deal about battle and fighting, when Adam finds himself on the Japanese island of Okinawa, the truth of what war is really like is a shock. There is so much chaos, and death is every where around him. As one of fellow soldiers die in droves, Adam does his best to do his job and to stay alive for he has promised his mother that he will return to her.

My thoughts

I think the author did a really good job describing the book especially the battle scenes, by using details and words like blood and pale faces of the dead people. I couldn't wait another day to read the book. I could really imagine the war scenes. I would recommend this book to people who like war and action and to people who want to know more about World War 2. Personally I loved this book I think this is the best book I ever read in my whole life time.

Christian perspective

Adam was not raised from a christian home, but the characteristic he showed were very like Christ. but it also showed people are not perfect. Adam was fight for his country and her wanted revenge on the Japaneses because they killed his father but the worse part about this is that he witnessed the killing of his dad and that haunted him. The courage he had was unbelievable he was not afraid to give his life for his friends. The promise he made to his mom that he will return alive that is what drove him to stay alive, the memory of the promise he made. This book really taught me to keep the promises I make.

Meredith's Book Review

Title: Dragon Rider

Author: Cornelia Funke

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Place and Year of Publication: United Kingdom, 2004

Number of Pages: 523

Where You Found the Book: On the bookshelf at home

Story Review:

This story begins in a valley occupied by dragons who receive the news that humans are moving in to flood their valley. One of the young dragons named Firedrake decides to go out in search of the Rim of Heaven with his cat-like friend Sorrel for a place to stay in peace, but that is believed by many to be nonexistent. Firedrake, on the other hand, has always dreamed of finding that magical place high in the mountains where dragons are said to be hiding in safety from Nettlebrand the Golden One, and where they are safe from humans. Nettlebrand is a mighty creature that appears as a dragon but really was made by an alchemist with a secret recipe. After being created, Nettlebrand ate his master and hunted silver dragons, such as Firedrake. Even though they have tried, the silver dragons cannot melt Nettlebrand’s golden scales, and they have been hiding from him ever since his last huge hunt. They are said to be hiding in the Rim of Heaven, and Firedrake is determined to find them.

During the journey, Firedrake and Sorrel run into a boy named Ben. Ben decides that he wants to go with Firedrake and Sorrel on their journey, and that’s where the title comes from. Ben is believed to be the rider who will fulfill the legends from long ago and who will bring safety for the dragons. After receiving a map from a rat that they were told to visit, they go on their way. Sorrel thinks that he should be in charge of giving directions, but lands in a place that is shaded yellow on the map, which means danger. They happen to land right near Nettlebrand’s castle, and the Golden One sends his armor cleaner Twigleg to spy on the dragon during his journey so that he can give Nettlebrand directions to the Rim of Heaven and so that Nettlebrand can hunt once again. Ben the “Dragon Rider” is a key character in this book and his adventures are a main part of the storyline.

On their journey, the three companions run into many more problems, and meet many new creatures such as a basilisk, a sea serpent, enchanted ravens that are also Nettlebrand’s spies, and a djinn with a thousand eyes. Will Firedrake find the Rim of Heaven? Will Twigleg stay faithful to Nettlebrand? Will Nettlebrand ever be defeated? Will the existence of dragons disappear forever? You’ll just have to read the book and find out! This story will take you through many adventures as you discover hidden secrets and sense a theme of adventure, suspense and fantasy.

Christian Perspective:

I don’t think this book was written from a Christian perspective because it’s a fantasy about dragons and other mythical creatures with no symbolism in it like Chronicles of Narnia for instance. In this book, there is a place called the “Rim of Heaven.” We believe that after you die you may or may not go to heaven and that there is no physical place that takes up matter and space that is heaven, but rather that it is a realm. In the book it refers to the safe place for dragons as the “Rim of Heaven,” and it doesn’t have anything to do with heaven as we know it. I think the reason the term “Heaven” is used is because we think of heaven as a perfect place to live in peace and that’s exactly what is was for the dragons. Even though this book wasn’t written from a Christian perspective I didn’t find it offensive or disrespectful to Christianity at any point.

Personal Thoughts:

I have read this book numerous amounts of times, and each time I discover something new. I chose this book at first because it seemed really interesting, and I chose to read it again because I really like the story line and I hadn’t read it in a long time. Even though the amount of pages may seem intimidating to some, it is fairly large print and the pages are small. Trust me, once you get into this book, you can’t stop yourself. I read it in only a few days, and I never got bored of it. I really liked it because it always left you with a cliffhanger and it always kept you thinking. You had to try to figure out what was going to happen next and had to try to put all the pieces together for it to make sense. I could really picture myself in the scene with the characters, and could also feel what they were feeling. I would recommend this book to people who like fantasy books because this book is all fantasized. The author had a really creative imagination and I think that people who don’t usually enjoy fantasy might even like this book!

Everest

Book review

Book two: The climb

Author: Gordon korman

Publisher: Scholastic

Published in 2002

The reason why they call this book Everest is because there are four kids, doctors, legendary climbers of Everest climb. Four teens named Sammi, Tilt, Dominic, and Perry and the doctors and legendary climbers where Dr. Oberman and Dr. Drake and the climbers are Cap, and Ethan. This story starts when where on a plane coming to a city called Kathmandu, then they got hotel rooms and free time to play. Then they were driving to a special camp for training but they have to reach the camp slowly because there is a sickness called HAPE is when the air gets to thin and you can hardly breathe and you can die or get very sick but what these teens don’t know is that this isn’t just a goal but for one of them this is the last resting place. On the way to Base camp Dominic was struck by an illness called HAPE and he and Dr. Oberman had to stay back while the rest of the team go to base camp. In base camp same members of the expedition meet the great legendary Ethan Zaph who next climb is to climb Mount Everest with NO OXYGEN TANK. When Dominic and Dr. Oberman where in the town waiting for his sickness to heal Dominic was getting use to thin air and he began To start healing then when finally healed he was used to the thin air so when they climb a mountain he doesn’t need to wear a gas mask. And when Dominic and Dr. Oberman finally meet up with the rest of the expedition so meet and played and slept there in camp one. But after some time one expedition went and the great Ethan finally gave up and collapsed and pasang passed out and they got stuck so a rescue was planned and the summit was cancelled and Sneezy, cap, Dominic went to help them they finally found them and helped them after so much confusion. Near to the end Dominic makes a choice the saves nesters and his life the great Ethan did not believe that Dominic a thirteen year old can do it but he did. They still were stuck on the mountain and the only way down was to slide, down but then everything goes extremely wrong and Nester or Dominic almost die, but then who ever fell was found and he was extremely injured but he was alive after that. Everyone even Ethan believed that Dominic can do it. But soon they heard on the radio then there’s a fifty-fifty chance of climbing due to weather conditions.

My thoughts

My thoughts on this book is it’s an amazing book because when I started read it was boring but then it start to get interesting and interesting so read more and more and I like it and also a little spoiler alert is my next book review is on Everest book three also my friend Nayer is doing a book review on Everest book one the contest so check his book review guys. This book is great recommendation this to people who like exploring. I chose this book because I had no other book that I liked to read and because it was short, but when I finished the book I loved it, and it series it is really an amazing book.

Christian perspective

This book has a unique Christian perspective in it because it does not talk about what God wants us to do, but these four teens have very good characteristics like Dominic put his friends life in front of his. But at the same time there are those who have very bad characteristics like Tilt who cared about the summit more than his friends lives and called his leader Cap a moron for stopping the summit and helping the other expedition when they were in trouble.

Chasing The Falconers

Title: Chasing The Falconers
Author: Gordon Korman
Publisher: Scholastic
Place & Year of Publication: New York, April 2005
Number of Pages: 154
Where I Found the Book: CHS Library


Story review

The books name is Chasing the falconers. The main characters are Aiden and Meg Falconers and Miguel Reyes. Aiden and Meg are siblings and they meet Miguel during the escape and go on the run together. The setting of this book takes place in Sunnydale but since throughout the book they are on the run so the setting changes. While they were on the run they go through Vermont and Nebraska. The Theme of this book is adventurous because they are always on a adventure. It's called Chasing the Falconers because the Falconers are on the run and the FBI are chasing them



Aiden and Meg Falconers are at a juvenile detention farm called Sunnydale and their parents are in jail for life for something they didn't do. Aiden and Meg think that they can prove there parents are innocent. They live their whole lives not being able to talk to their family. An accidental fire happens at Sunnydale farm, during the fire Aiden and Meg make escape. There mission was to find frank lindenauer and prove their parents are innocent.

While they were on the run they meet Miguel. Miguel was accused of manslaughter because he pushed his (possibly abusive) stepfather down the stairs. It is unknown whether it was accidentally or purposely. When they reach there destination which is Vermont everyone didn't like them so one guy comes and attacks he shoots Miguel. So Aiden and Meg call 911 and make a run. They steal a ATV and drive into the forest. When the cops came they took Miguel to the hospital.


Christian Perspective

In my opinion I think this book was written from a christian perspective because It mention them praying a couple times. The characters is this book were not afraid to give their life for each other. Even though Aiden and Miguel were not siblings they were like brothers. They have such a deep love that one time in the book Miguel takes a bullet for Aiden.

My Thoughts

In my opinion this book was amazing. It is action filled and it really takes you through on a adventure. I really enjoyed reading this book. I chose this book because it stood out the most from all of the other books. I recommend this book to people who like adventurous and action filled books especially to people who have a big imagination.

Annie's Book Review

Walk Two Moons

Author- Sharon Creech

Publisher- Scholastic Inc.

Place and year of publication- New York, 1994

Number of pages- 280

Where I found it- I own it

The title of the book shows a main event in the book. It is a piece of a message from a mysterious character called the “potential lunatic.” This book is about a girl named Salamanca Tree Hiddle, nicknamed Sal. She lives with her mother and father on an old farm in Bybanks, Kentucky. Unexpectedly, her mother leaves to Lewiston, Idaho with no warning. This devastates Sal and her father and, as a result of this situation, her father does not want to stay on the farm. Her father decides to take her to Euclid, Ohio three hundred miles from Bybanks. This makes Salamanca very upset. Her father takes her to a mysterious woman named Margret in Euclid. And now she has to live in Euclid with her father.

Later on, Sal decides to go on a 2000 mile trip with her grandparents to Lewiston, Idaho They are going to find her mother for her birthday, in hopes to bring her back home and reunite the family. The day they got in the car to leave, she begins to tell her grandparents the story of Phoebe Winterbottom.

Phoebe is a peculiar girl that Salamanca met in school. They became good friends. Just as Sal’s mother disappears, Phoebe’s mother disappears as well. Phoebe goes to drastic measures to find her mother. She finds more messages and more clues along the way. But something strange happens. Phoebe begins to find strange messages from who she believes is, a “potential lunatic.” Will Sal bring her mother back? Will Phoebe find her mother? The story is full of excitement.

The story of Phoebe and the 2000 mile trip with Sal jumps back and forth. This makes the story more exciting and gives it more variety and suspense.

Christian Perspective

I don’t think that this book is made to be a Christian story. I think it focuses on adventure. Though it didn’t say anything against God, I think they could have changed the story to have God play a part in the lives of the main characters. Phoebe and Sal could have been praying about the situation asking for answers, but that may not keep the adventure in the story. It would calm down the situation and make it a lot less dramatic.

My thoughts

I chose this book because it was recommended to me by many people. I liked the book because it had a lot of variety. It had two stories at the same time - the one of Phoebe and the one with the trip to Idaho. This kept you on the look out for what happens next. It also adds excitement to the story when Phoebe gets the messages from the “potential lunatic.” You can decide what you think the message means because it doesn’t tell you anything about the person. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the story because I’m an eager reader. I would recommend this book to someone with an imaginative, adventurous mind because it is an adventure story and it lets you imagine what’s going to happen next before you read it.

Monica's Book Review

Title: Loser

Author: Jerry Spinelli

Publisher: Scholastic

Place and year of publication: New York , NY 2002

Number of pages: 218

Where I found the book: School Library

This book takes place in a small American town around Cleveland, a few years ago. Its title "Loser" reflects the name that Donald Zinkoff was known as when he was in school. He was very unique and different from most students. He was full of energy and curiosity. All he ever wanted was to be a mailman,and follow in his Dad's footsteps.

Growing up is a theme that I see in the book,as Donald went through grades one to three. He became very fond of school , even though he was an average student. He never was popular,or had many friends . But , as Donald started grades four and five things went down hill. His peers started to call him " Loser" because of how clumsy and different he was from everybody else. Things continued that way until he started grade six. Bullying and being unwanted just became part of Donald's life. They became a part of him,and he refused to tell his parents or change anything about it. In his classmates eyes,he was just another kid on the playground. He was just there,but no one really knew him,or noticed him. Worst of all, no one tried to see him for who he was. An outrageous kid that never lost hope. A kid that never let humiliation or anything destroy him for good.

When Donald starts sixth grade,everything changes. He becomes more of a grown up. He outgrows a lot of beliefs and adjusts to starting a new chapter in his life. But then comes an event that changes the eyes that see Donald. One night , Donald's friend Claudia disappears. He looks for the little girl during a snowstorm for seven hours. Does he find Claudia?To know the answer you must read the book. If you don't then you are a loser !

Christian Perspective

In my opinion,this book is written in a Christian perspective. The book displays examples of good character. As a Christian,I would say that in the book the concept of laying down your life for others is evident when Donald endangers his own life for Claudia. I think that what Donald did symbolizes what Christ did for us. It also shows how we can bless others around us no matter what happens.

My Thoughts

In my perspective,this is a great book. It deals with a lot of daily life problems. I really enjoy reading about how Donald interacted with others around him, and how his character developed throughout the book. I chose this book because a friend recommended it to me. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about everyday life and growing up in a new perspective.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Author Kate di Camillo
Candlewick Press
Published 2006
Number of pages 198
Christian Heritage School library

Once there was a china rabbit and his ears were made out of real fur.The china rabbit was once loved by a little girl. He went on a ocean journey and fell overboard. He was rescued by a fisherman. The fisherman wife fixed him and their daughter threw him in the garbage. He traveled along time with the hobos and worked for a short time as scarecrows. A boy took Edward to his little sister but she was sick The rabbit loved the little girl and watched her die. The rabbit went with the boy and danced on the street of Memhis. He was broken in a diner and was later put together by a doll mender. The rabbit says he would never make the mistake of loving again. He stays on the shelf a long time. The old doll tells him he must open his heart and someone will come for you.

My thoughts: I like how Edward has lots of adventures. Edward meets new people . Edward goes to different places. I like how the story ended. I would tell somebody else to read the book.

Christian perspective: Edward is loved by many people in the story. He decides not to love anymore because it hurts . He learns that he needs to hope and love and someone will come. God loves us and He wants us to love others

Elena's Book Review October 27

Information

Title: Wendy

Author: Karen Wallace

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

When and where it was published: Great Britain in 2003

Number of pages: 287

Where you found it: In my older sisters book shelf

Story Review

Just like many other children, Wendy Darling, just can't seem to understand grownups. It's all too confusing for a nine year old to comprehend, but soon Wendy must learn to hold on to what she believes even when you get confused by what you see. One night, Wendy, and her younger brother John decide to sneak downstairs and peek through the banister. What they imagined to see, women dancing and music playing, was not close to what they saw. Wendy simply can't erase the images that she has of that night Questions flood into her mind: does my father love someone else? did my mother do something wrong? do I have another brother? Wendy and her two younger brothers Michael, and John, are dragged through a roller coaster of life changing events, and once they finally accept that their family will never have joy or laughter in it ever again, they realize that they had got it all wrong. Yes their parents had had some secrets, but they still loved their children and they still loved each other. Wendy now understands that somethings are too complicated for her to understand but the faith of a child is stronger than any measure of understanding.

Christian Perspective

I Know that this book was not written from a Christian perspective, but I do understand that what wendy goes through in this story is to much for her to handle by her self . That's why we need God in our life. Yes the world can be ugly, but we can't expect it to be perfect because we made it this way. This is not where we will be forever and if Earth was so beautiful, we wouldn't want to leave. This story also shows me that while children grow up they tend to loose that faith that they have for their parents and become more independent. Just like that child, we need to rely fully on Jesus our heavenly father, and trust that he will get us through our struggles.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book and sadly all books must have an end. It was a little bit hard to get into it but once you start reading, you can't put it down. The characters become your family members and you simply forget what problems and struggles you have in your life. You become Wendy and you are far away in the busy, bustling city of London. I would recommend this book to any one ready to go through the struggles wendy has. Someone with a pocketful of imagination, Someone eager for adventure.

Elena Klippenstein