The Mysterious Case of the Allbright Academy

The Mysterious Case of the Allbright Academy 

   By: Diane Stanley 

Genre: mystery 

Synopsis:  Franny and her friends try to uncover the secrets of their perfect boarding school.  

Summary: 

     Franny Sharp is thrilled when she is accepted in the Allbright Academy, a boarding school designed to educate the smartest and most talented students in the world. But, Franny knows she is not as good as any of the other students there, who are perfect and flawless in every way. Strange enough the effects are rubbing off on her and her friends too. Can Franny and her pals discover the secrets of The Allbright Academy? 

Q&A: 

1. How enticing was the plot? - The story was very exciting and engaging even though some parts were slow. 

2. How well were the characters developed? Were they likable? - The story is told by the point of view of Franny who often puts herself down for being quite average and doesn't believe in herself. But who would blame her? She has a perfectly smart and charming younger sister who always steals the show. When Franny is accepted into the Allbright Academy it's not because she passes the entrance exams, it's because her sister Zoe was accepted and refused to go without her siblings. Franny's confidence starts to grow however as the affects of the Academy start to wear off on her. Franny is clever, brave, and likable, a great main character for a story. 

3. What was the setting of the story? - The story takes place on the Allbright Academy campus during modern times. 

4. Was there an overall moral message to the story that the characters learn? - Even though it isn't written right in the book, I think the moral lesson would be that you don't have to be perfect and just like everybody else to be successful. Sometimes being yourself is the best thing to do. 

5. Was the end satisfying? - Yes, it was a good end to a good book. 

Ratings: 

None Whatsoever Moderate Dude, YES

LOL Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Tear Jerker Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Can't Put it Down Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Nailbiter Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Good Book Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Suggested Age Range:

     4-6       6-9       9-12      12-15     15-18  

Noteworthy:

  I really enjoyed this book, it reminded me a little of the Mysterious Benedict Society which is one of my all time favorites, so I really enjoyed this book too. Hope you put that phone down and go read it to unlock the mysteries of the Allbright Academy for yourself.

Warning! We love books. Our reviews may or may not be somewhat biased. :D

~ Misten

Welcome to Camden Falls

Welcome to Camden Falls
   By: Ann M. Martin 
Genre: family, friends, realistic fiction 
Series: Main Street book 1


Synopsis: Sisters Flora and Ruby begin their new life in Camden Falls after their parents die in an accident. 

Summary: 

     Flora and Ruby Northrop don't want to move to Camden Falls, but they have no choice when their parents die in a car wreck and their grandmother Min is taking them in. But, things start to get better as they make new friends and learn about their past in Camden Falls. It starts to feel more and more like home as Flora and Ruby stitch together their new life in Camden Falls. 

Q&A: 

1. How enticing was the plot? - This book was very interesting, but not too exciting. I enjoyed reading it. 

2. How well were the characters developed? Were they likable? - There is a large cast of characters in this book, but the main four characters are Flora and Ruby and their new friends Olivia and Nikki. Flora ,the eldest, is creative and caring while Ruby is energetic, moody, and always ready to have a good time. Olivia, their neighbor, is extremely organized and bossy, but in a kind way. She takes on the Northrops and makes them feel welcome. Nikki has never had friends before, she lives outside of town and is going through hard times at home, still she is brave and has a loving heart. 

3. What was the setting of the story? - The story is set around modern times in a small New England town. 

4. Was there an overall moral message to the story that the characters learn? - At first, Nikki doesn't want to be friends with the other girls, and the other girls don't want to be friends with her. They fight and argue but finally learn that even though they're all different they can still be friends. 

5. Was the end satisfying? - Yes, the end was satisfying but it makes you want to go and read the next book in the series. ;) 

Ratings: 

None Whatsoever Moderate    Dude, YES

LOL Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Tear Jerker Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Can't Put it Down Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Nailbiter Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Good Book Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Suggested Age Range:

    4-6       6-9       9-12      12-15     15-18  

Noteworthy: 
     I love this book and this author, I highly recommend this series of ten books and other books by the same author. So put that phone down and go read them! 

Warning! We love books.  Our reviews may or may not be somewhat biased :D

~ Misten 

Fairest of All

Fairest of All
   By: Sarah Mlynowski 
Genre: Adventure; comedy; fantasy 
Series: Whatever After Book 1 

Synopsis: Abby and her younger brother are transported into Snow White's fairy tale. 

Summary: 
     
      When Abby and her younger brother, Jonah, are swallowed up by the mirror in their basement, they are transported into the fairy tale of Snow White. But hey - they're heroes because they stopped Snow from eating the poison apple. Great, right? Wrong! Now Snow will never meet her prince or live happily ever after. So now it's up to Jonah and Abby to... not get poisoned, sneak into the castle, and change Snow's story back. Then hopefully they will be able to find their way home.

Q&A: 

1. How enticing was the plot? - The story was very entertaining: I read the whole book in one sitting. 

2. How well were the characters developed? Were they likable? - The story is told from the point of view of 10 year old Abby. She is opinionated, sweet, and totally relatable. Jonah, on the other hand, is the comedy effect of the story. He is funny and adorable, overall very likable. Snow, is sweet and timid, and although she plays the "dumb blonde" sometimes, she's a likable character as well. 

3. What was the setting of the story? - The story takes place in modern times, but Abby and Jonah are transported to the fairy tale kingdom of Zamel. 

4. Was there an overall moral message to the story that the characters learn? - After being in a fairy tale for a few days, Abby is much more appreciative of the things she has. Even in a new town that she doesn't want to be in, she is realizing how blessed that she is and is thankful for the things that she has. 

5. Was the end satisfying? - Yes. I don't want to give it away... but victory does come to the good guys. 

Ratings:

None Whatsoever Moderate    Dude, YES

LOL Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Tear Jerker Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Can't Put It Down Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Nail Biter Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Good Book Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Suggested Age Range:

    4-6       6-9       9-12      12-15     15-18  

Noteworthy: 

     This was a great book! It was a page-turning, laugh-out-loud, want-to-read-the-whole-series sort of book. Just a heads up: the story of Snow White is based off the Grimm's Fairy Tale version of the story, not the Disney version. Don't worry; the story isn't dark. However, the Evil Queen is trying to kill Snow White, and it is told how she tries to do so. The story is not scary, but readers may be surprised to find that it does not follow the classic Disney tale of Snow White. Overall, the book was wonderful. I hope you decide to put down that phone and read it! 

Warning! We love books.  Our reviews may or may not be somewhat biased :D

~ Misten 

The City Of Ember

The City Of Ember

   By: Jeanne DuPrau 

Genre: Science Fiction

Series: The Books Of Ember book 1

Synopsis: Two children discover a secret message containing instructions for how to evacuate their dying city

Summery:

     

     In a city called Ember, a city so dark that electricity was the only source of light, lived a girl named Lina Mayfleet and a boy named Doon Harrow.  At the age of twelve, the citizens of Ember must draw a job from a hat for them to work in for the rest of their lives.  Lina desperately wants to be a messenger, but picks pipe works laborer.  Doon draws messenger, and requests to trade with her.  Doon has ideas about how to fix the dying generator which provides the city's electricity. When Lina finds a secret message hidden in a box in the back of her closet, she and Doon work together to try and decode it and rescue the City of Ember before the lights go out for good. 

Q&A:

1. How enticing was the plot? - The book was very interesting.  Readers will quickly become interested in learning the fate of the characters. 

2. How well were the characters developed? Were they likable? - Lina's craving for excitement and fidgety habits, along with her constant day dreams of things impossible and her love for anything pretty, quickly made her a favorite character for me, as I'm sure they will for most readers.  Similarly, Doon's eagerness to help others and use his talents to save the city make him a lovable character as well.  

3. What is the setting of the story? - The story is set sometimes in the far off future in the City of Ember, a city in which the only source if light is electricity powered by a swift underground river.  

4. Was there an overall moral lesson to the story? - The mayor in the story is a greedy sort of character who turns out to be less of a help than Lina and Doon had hoped.  If anything, the main take away from the story is that selfishness will hurt yourself and the people around you. Because of the mayor's actions in the story, the city comes very close to losing electricity forever and leaving its people in eternal darkness. 

5. Was the end satisfying? - Yes. At least, I thought so.  I found it quite satisfying in a surprising, mind boggling sort of way. 

Noteworthy:
   Personally, I really enjoyed the City of Ember.  I thought the characters were realistic and relatable, the plot line interesting and entertaining, and the ending much more realistic than I had expected. In all honesty, I found the ending to be something that could be entirely possible (in a completely unrealistic sort of way, that is). I won't tell you how it ends... but I will say it's very interesting. I highly recommend this book. So put that phone down and read it!

Ratings:

None Whatsoever Moderate    Dude, YES

LOL Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Tear Jerker Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Can't Put It Down Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Nailbiter Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Good Book Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Suggested Age Range:

    4-6       6-9       9-12      12-15     15-18

Warning! We love books. Our reviews may or may not be somewhat biased :D

~Mally

Tuesdays at the Castle

Tuesdays at the Castle
   By: Jessica Day George 
Genre: Mystery; suspense; fantasy  
Series: Castle Glower Series book 1

Synopsis: The royal children save their castle from destruction. 

Summary: Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. The Castle was always changing, especially on Tuesdays. A new staircase or secret passage, what would it make next? When the king and queen are ambushed and proclaimed dead, 14-year-old Prince Rolf is announced King. Now, with the help of the Castle, the royal children must track down their missing parents and save the kingdom. 

Q&A: 

1. How enticing was the plot? - The book was very engaging, leaving chapters at cliff hangers and inviting you to read more.

2. How well were the characters developed? Were they likable? - The story centers around the royal children, Princess Delilah "Lilah", Prince Rolf, and Princess Celie. Lilah plays the motherly role throughout the story. She's loving, kind, and can be the grownup figure when needed. Rolf, on the other hand, is the average "big brother." He's smart and serious, but is always ready for some fun. Little Celie is the main role in the story. She has always been the favored one by the Castle and is fun, brave, and lovable. 

3. What is the setting of the story? - The story is set in the Castle Glower and in the kingdom. 

4. Was there an overall moral message to the story that the characters learn?  - The characters don't necessarily learn a moral lesson in the story. Although they do grow in their confidence and trust, there wasn't really a big takeaway for the them or the reader. The story also talks a lot about magic. Wizards are referred to and of course there is the Castle itself with its "magic powers". But there were still some good elements to the book, the author touched on the love and strong bonds of family and friendship and the power of working as a team. 

5. Was the end satisfying? - Yes, right wins out over wrong in the end of the book. 

Ratings:

None Whatsoever         Moderate       Dude, YES

LOL Level:

      1         2         3         4         5

Tear Jerker Level:

      1         2         3         4         5

Can't Put It Down Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Nailbiter Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Good Book Level:

          1         2         3         4         5

Suggested Age Range:

4-6       6-9       9-12      12-15     15-18

This was a very enjoyable book, even though there were some minor negative elements for me. It was plenty exciting and was fun to read. Hope you check it out!

Warning! We love books! Our reviews may or may not be somewhat biased :D

~ Misten 

Hooper Finds A Family

Hooper Finds a Family
   By: Jane Paley 
Genre: Children's; Adventure; Realistic Fiction
Based on a true story

Synopsis : A dog who survives Hurricane Katrina 

Summery:

     Meet Jimmy; a clumsy, energetic, yellow lab puppy who lives the perfect life for a dog. Jimmy tells the story of how he was caught in the middle of Hurricane Katrina and finds himself homeless. From New Orleans, to the pound, and all the way to New York City, Jimmy struggles to find himself. But new beginnings are around the corner. With a new name, a new home, and a new family, Jimmy earns his love and his place in his new world. 

O&A: 

1. How enticing was the plot? - There were a few slower parts to the story line, but there was a good amount of both exciting and sweet parts to the story. Overall it was very enjoyable. 

2. How well were the characters developed? Were they likable?  - The story is told from the point of view of Jimmy (Hooper at the end if the book), he's sweet and funny, but unsure of himself. You'll find that you are cheering Jimmy on as he tries to find confidence in himself. He's a lovable character with many good qualities and lessons to learn. 

3. What was the setting of the story?  - The story is told during the time of Hurricane Katrina; before, during, and after. Jimmy starts out living in New Orleans and ends up finding home in New York City. 

4. Was there an overall moral message to the story that the characters learn?  - Jimmy is determined to find his old owners after the storm, but he learns that he can't control everything. He needs to make the best of things and let some things go. He learns to believe in himself and trust the people around him. 

5. Was the end satisfying?  - Yes. 

Ratings:

None Whatsoever      Moderate       Dude, YES

LOL Level:

      1         2         3         4         5

Tear Jerker Level

      1         2         3         4         5

Can't Put It Down Level

      1         2         3         4         5

Nailbiter Level:

      1         2         3         4         5

Good Book Level:

      1         2         3         4         5

Suggested Age Range:

  4-6       6-9    9-12    12-15     15-18  

I really enjoyed this book because the first time I read it, I had just returned from a mission trip to New Orleans. It was neat to see the story of the storm from a different point of view.

Warning! We love books.  Our reviews may or may not be somewhat biased :D 

~ Misten 

The Mysterious Benedict Society

The Mysterious Benedict Society

   By: Trenton Lee Stewart 

Genre: Adventure; Mystery and Suspense 

Series: Mysterious Benedict Society book 1 

Synopsis: Four smart kids go on a secret mission

Summary:

     "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?"

When this add appears in the newspapers one day, children stream in from all corners of Stonetown to take a series of unusual tests.  Only four very gifted children pass, however, and are given the task of going undercover, attending the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, and completing a mission that only they can accomplish.

Welcome to the Mysterious Benedict Society 

Q&A:

1. How enticing was the plot? - While the story could be slow at points in the beginning and in several chapters throughout, over all the book was very engaging.  The plot line was interesting and funny, and the story kept you always wondering what would happen next.  

2. How well were the characters developed? Were they likable? - The story follows four children, Reynard "Reynie" Muldoon, Kate Wetherall, George "Sticky" Washington, and Constance Contraire. Of the four, Reynie serves as the main character.  Throughout the story, the personalities of the children are developed through their interactions with each other and with other minor characters.  Reynie's leadership qualities, Kate's spunk, Sticky's nervuos habits, and Constance's stubborn attitude make each of the characters lovable and relatable.

3. What was the setting of the story? - The book is set in a modern-day city called Stonetown, near a port called Stonetown Harbor, and at a bording school known as the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened.

4. Was there an overall moral message to the story that the characters learn? - Each of the four characters are developed throughout the story as they learn to work together and rely on each other for help when they need it most.  

5. Was the end satisfying? - Yes.  Good prevails over evil, right wins out over wrong, and the children all find something they hadn't even known they needed. 

Ratings:

None Whatsoever     Moderate       Dude, YES

LOL Level:

      1         2         3         4         5

Tear Jerker Level:

      1         2         3         4         5

Can't Put It Down Level:

      1         2         3         4         5

Nailbiter Level: 

      1         2         3         4         5

Good Book Level:

      1         2         3         4         5

Suggested Age Range:

     4-6       6-9       9-12      12-15     15-18  

Warning! We love books.  Our reviews may or may not be somewhat biased :D

~Mally and Misten