Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech

In the book Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech, Mary Lou Finney’s life is turned upside when her dad announces to their family that her cousin is coming to stay for the entire summer. Carl Ray (the cousin) is quite the “catch”. Tall, skinny, pale, white blond hair, with freckles that cover his body, he is lazy, eats a bunch, and barely talks. To top it off, Mary Lou has to clean up after him like his personal servant. So obviously for her it seems like her summer isn’t going to be one of the best. Already having to journal her days on school vacation, Mary Lou is faced with relationship problems and best friend troubles. But, luckily she finds love with the dashing Alex Cheevey.

Matt and Ally

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick

Drums. Girls. And Dangerous Pie. Three things that don’t sound like they go together at all, right? Well, you’re wrong. In Jordan Sonnenblick’s debut book that has won raves, this heartfelt story will definitely win you over. Steven Alper is thirteen years old, and seems to have a perfectly average life. Although one thing in his life annoys him like no other. His four-year-old brother, Jeffrey. Everyone loves Jeffrey. Even Steven has to admit, Jeffrey is one of the cutest things he has ever laid eyes on. Suddenly, Steven’s world takes a dark turn. When Jeffrey is diagnosed with a very serious illness, Steven must figure out how to do things that he had easily done before, but now seemed harder than anything. Such as playing the drums, dealing with girls, and dangerous pie. You’ll have to read the book in order to find out what that is.

I would recommend this book to everyone. In this book, the main character (who is a boy), has to deal with problems that both genders may deal with. Another thing about this book that makes it a great read is the fact that although the topic of possibly terminal illness is dark, the author doesn’t make the writing to upsetting. The text is still full of humor and is light-hearted. If you’re looking for something that is worth the while reading, this book could certainly be that book.

Battle of the Books 2016

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

If you liked The Wednesday Wars by: Gary D. Schmidt, then you will absolutely love Okay for Now! In this eventful companion book by Gary D. Schmidt you follow Doug Swieteck as he moves to “stupid” Marysville, New York. Doug’s life is anything but ideal. This book takes place in the 60’s. He is the youngest of three boys, he has an abusive father, and his new school sucks.His oldest brother is stationed in the Vietnam War, and his other brother is accused of robbing the store Doug works for. Going through rough times, he meets Lil Spicer who helps him in school and encourages him to reach his fullest abilities. Doug works as a delivery boy for Lil’s dad. He also encounters Mr. Powell. With help from him, Doug discovers his talent of drawing. He becomes inspired by specific bird paintings in the library. He then learns they are being sold to different places and people so the town can make money. Read about Doug and his adventure to recover all the pages of bird paintings, along with trying to prove his brother’s innocence. 

We thought this book was exhilarating. It is the kind of book you can never put down. This novel is great for both genders. It is very educational since it takes place during a historical event. Overall, this book was well written and worth the read.

Battle of the Books 2016