Ungifted

     Ungifted by Gordon Korman is a realistic fiction novel about Donovan Curtis. In a nutshell, this story is the aftermath of what happens when Donovan breaks a statue and destroys the school's gymnasium. After that happened, he is mistakenly sent to the district's gifted school. He is then, to his luck, put on the robotics team. At this point, any normal underachiever would have just left the academy, but Donovan can't, as on top of everything, the superintendent of schools is still looking for him. Not to mention his older sister is pregnant. This is the life of Donovan Curtis.
     Overall this book was decent, but it did have its flaws. To start, the book had some light humor, which is always a good. Also, aside from it being a simple plot, it did have its pluses. For example, there was some character development, as you would expect when a kid like Donovan Curtis is mixed with the stereotypical "nerds." However, like I said, the book did have its flaws. Personally, I found it very easy; although that is arguably a good thing if you want a break from a difficult book/series. Overall, I would recommend this book to someone if they want a light read.

Aidan Greenberg

#40bookchallenge

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children

   
     The book that I read is called Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. This book follows main character Jacob, a sixteen-year-old who has what one might call a peculiar life. After a family tragedy, in order for Jacob to find closure, he goes to an island off the coast of Wales. While there, he finds a house that his grandfather told him stories about. It is seemingly destroyed. However, the kids who used to live there aren't your average kids, and not just because it is difficult growing up during the second world war. However, the house isn't the only strange thing that Jacob finds on the island. He will soon learn that maybe his grandfather wasn't as crazy as Jacob thought.
     Overall I thought the book was both detailed in plot and character development. Unfortunately, I can't talk much about the plot because it would spoil too much. However, I will say that it has its fair share of mystery and action. In my opinion, the characters seemed, for the most part, well developed, as well as changing and growing throughout the story. For example, in the beginning, Jacob is trying to get fired from his job, as he hates it. Then, as the story progresses, he sees something in the woods behind his grandfather's house that causes him to need therapy. After all of this, once he is on the island, he finally starts to show a caring side to some other characters. However, the thing I thought was the most intriguing was how the author, Ransom Riggs, came up with the story: he used old snapshots to piece together the story.

   
-Aidan Greenberg

#40bookchallenge

Last Shot By AJ Celona

          The book that I decided to write about is Last Shot, written by John Feinstein. The genre of this book is realistic fiction because the events that occur in the book can happen in real life. The main characters in 

Last Shot are Susan and Stevie. Stevie is a nice, kind, and persistent thirteen year old boy. Susan is a tall, respectful, brave thirteen year old girl. The main setting of the book is "The Dome" where all the final four games take place. Susan and Stevie are at the final four because they won a writing contest, Stevie came in first place in the contest and Susan came in second. Because they won they got VIP passes so they don't get stopped by security and they get to write articles about the final four games! They also get to meet players and go to conferences to listen to what players and coaches have to say about the game they played, then they write articles about it that go in the newspaper.

           I like this book very much because of the mystery aspect and the sports aspect. My thoughts on the book Last Shot is that the book has surprises every page of the book, it just makes it interesting because there is something new to think about every flip of the page! I also like this book because in the beginning of the book it mentioned another sports author that i have read before, Mike Lupica. I can prove that I liked this book because I wouldn't have read it if I didn't like it. This is concludes my blog writing about the book Last Shot.      
                    By: AJ Celona
                          Pds: 8-9

Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

   
     Have you ever been in love with your best friend? Then Better Off Friends, written by Elizabeth Eulberg, is the book for you! Better Off Friends is a realistic fiction story, because the events that occur can happen in real life. The book takes place in Wisconsin, which is where Levi has just moved to. On his first day at his new school, Macallan is asked to be the eleven year old boy’s tour guide and to show him around the building. They turn out to be polar opposites! Levi sits with Macallan and her friends at lunch. Him and Macallan chat the whole entire time! Later that day, Macallan’s Uncle Adam casually mentions that Wednesdays are usually busy workdays from him, Mrs. Rodgers tells him that Macallan can stay at her house on Wednesday afternoons. After hundreds of afternoons spent with one and other, Macallan and Levi instantly become best friends. As the book progresses, people start to mistaken them as a couple. Levi begins to become popular in school, catching the attention of many girls other than his best friend. Is Macallan's jealousy normal or does her unusual feelings mean something? Will Macallan and Levi's friendship be put to the test when they actually begin to develop feelings for one and other? Most importantly, are they better off friends or lovers? Check Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg out from the school library to find out!
     I like the book Better Off Friends because it has relatable characters, is very well written, and includes a lot of humor. The two main characters, Macallan and Levi, are both extremely relatable and easy to connect to. Levi loves to joke around and has a playful personality like mine. Macallan is caring and protective of her family, which I can relate to. Also, kids and adults can all connect to the romantic feelings that Macallan and Levi experience throughout this book. Better Off Friends is also very well written. I was easily able to understand the dialogue, descriptive words, and point of view. I was not at all confused while reading this story. Lastly, there is so much humor in this story! Macallan and Levi humorously joke around with each other through dialogue. Since the book switches back and forth between their point of views, there is also humor included in both sides of the stories told. Better Off Friends keeps me on the edge of my seat as I flip from one page to the next! If you're having a bad day, this book is sure to make you crack up laughing. You would not be better off without reading the book Better Off Friends!

Ava C.
Spicer - Periods 8/9

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

One book that I read this year was, The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen. This realistic fiction book is about a girl named Jessica. After an accident on Jessica's trip to her track competition, her entire life changed. Jessica lost her leg and thought her life was over. She was supported by friends, family, and doctors that helped her get through the tough times. Jessica is a runner. Because her whole life is based on running, losing her life makes it clear to Jessica that her life is ruined. Jessica's school works on raising the money to get her a new leg and they believe in her and that she can run again. All that's left to do now is help Jessica believe in herself. The rest of the book will show if Jessica ever learns to believe in herself and how she helps another person accomplish something too.

One reason that I recommend this book is because it's a book that either gender could read. I know this because it is told from a girl's perspective but it's a sporty, competitive book. Also, the book shows how you can follow your dreams if you believe you can. Lastly, it shows even through struggles, you can achieve life goals. 

Holes by Louis Sachar

The book I have chosen to write my blog about is called Holes written by Louis Sachar.The genre of Holes is Realistic Fiction. It is about a boy named Stanley who is sent to a camp that is in the middle of knowhere, but surrounded by a bunch of sand. There is a mean lady named Madame Zeroni who is the boss of the camp.  She makes the kids dig holes. After a few days of being at the camp Stanley makes a friend named Hector who is younger than him. Then soon after, Hector runs away! He ran off to escape the torture of the camp. Stanley being the shy and silent type, felt to afraid to go after him. But feeling guilty about Hector, Stanley snuck off. From there his adventure starts on how he will find Hector while also uncovering the mysteries of the camp.

I highly recommend the book Holes by Louis Sachar because it sends out a positive message, has an amazing storyline, and even has a bit of mystery. Immediately when I began reading Holes I was hooked into the story! It's storyline always made sense, and still was entertaining at the same time. There is also a past behind why Madame Zeroni makes the kids dig holes, that's where the mystery comes into play. I hope you would like to read Holes now, so you can experience the fun I had while reading this book!
-Ammar C
Ms.Spicer 8/9

Gym candy

                     



 The book I am doing my blog on is Gym Candy by Carl Deuker. The genre of this book is realistic fiction.I know that because all of the actions and settings in this book are relatable and believable to a real life situation. There is also no textual or visual evidence of this book being a true story.  The book Gym Candy is about a boy named Mick Johnson, son of former NFL player Mike Johnson. Mick is an amazing athlete and is 100% dedicated to the sport of football. But is also pushed by his father,( who is extremely competitive, especially in football). This begins to lead to stress and bad emotional habits for mick which leads to drugs, smoking, and steroids.
                         Me personally i love this book. It includes details, visualizations, and super good descriptions.This book also lets me know how the character feels and lets me know 100% about the emotions of the character. Those assets help me know and understand what is going on in the book. If you don't like tough scenes , rough incedients, and injuries of any type, then you will not like this book. Otherwise this is an amazing book


                                                                                                               -Eli