Frindle by Andrew Clements (150 pages)

Summary 

Nick Allen, a smart and mischievous boy who likes to joke around in school, has his mastermind put to the test in fifth grade. Mrs. Granger, Nick's Language Arts teacher, doesn't fool around and Nick has his work cut out for him to come up with a brilliant idea that won't make him get in trouble with Mrs. Granger. Instead of keeping the word pen, Nick decides to call a pen a frindle. Mrs. Granger is not happy with this as kids start using the word more and more. It's used enough that it's not Nick's word anymore, it belongs to everyone. What will Nick do?

Opinion 

Sometimes I liked this book, other times not so much. The only reason I enjoyed it is because Nick reminds me of my mischievous brother. One reason I didn't like this book was it was very slow and lacking adventure. In addition, I felt that making up a new word was silly. What's wrong with the words that are in the dictionary already? If you decide to read this story, please comment and let me know what you think. 

Rating

***(3 stars)

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Spy School: British Invasion by Stuart Gibbs (304 pages)

 Summary 

After Ben and his friends saved Antarctica from being annihilated, Joshua Hallal and Dane Brammage escaped jail and fled to London, England. The only clue Joshua left behind was a key. So Ben and his friends decide to go to England to pursue the leader of SPYDER, Mr. E, once and for all. However, they are soon wanted by the British Intelligence. Will they surrender or will they run? Can they finally defeat the leader of SPYDER? 

 Opinion 

Do you like action filled stories and dangerous adventures? Once I read the first two chapters, I knew this was going to be a surprising and a very eventful book. I thought going to a different continent was not only a great change of scenery, but very clever, too. The author kept me avidly turning the pages until I finished the book. This one is definitely a page turner and should be on your must read list. 

Rating

*****(5 stars) 

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Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (182 pages)

 Summary 

India Opal Buloni and her dad, the Preacher, have just moved to Naomi, Flordia. Opal goes to the Winn-Dixie supermarket for a box of macaroni and cheese, rice and two tomatoes. While shopping, she finds a dog and claims it as her own. When Opal and the dog, whom she names Winn-Dixie, get back to the trailer she introduces her dad to Winn-Dixie. With a dog like Winn-Dixie you never know what might happen next; thus starting an incredible tale. 

Opinion 

This astounding tale has a good message and is hilarious. When Winn-Dixie knocks the store manager down and washes his face with doggie kisses, I laughed out loud as well as when Winn-Dixie smiles a big smile and sneezes. While reading this book, I could visualize Winn-Dixie being my own special dog. If you adore furry friends and fun tales, then try this very unique story.

Rating

*****(5 stars) 

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The Secret of Red Gate Farm by Carolyn Keene (178 pages)

 Summary 

It's a lovely day for Nancy Drew, Bess Marvin and George Fayne, who have just finished shopping and are on a train to River Heights when a young girl faints! When the girl, Joanne Bryd, regains consciousness, she tells the trio about trying to get a job to make money to save Red Gate Farm. After not getting the job, Nancy, Joanne, Bess and George go to Red Gate Farm for a little vacation and unravel a different kind of mystery. 

Opinion 

I think this plot is lacking. Instead of a clear mystery, I found this one confusing. The story moves slowly and the author gives some evidence and clues, but not enough to make it easy to understand. I also got confused when I found out that the Black Snake Colony was the center of the mystery. As much as I like Nancy Drew, the plot of this one was disappointing.

Rating

**(2 stars)

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