There are some books that just hit you with a hammer and watch you struggle. The Book Thief is one such book. In this touching, horrifying novel, you follow a girl named Liesel as she lives in Nazi Germany. In this book; though; there is a twist: there’s a Jew in Liesel’s basement, in her foster parent’s German house on a German street in a Nazi world. Liesel’s beloved Papa (Hans Hubermann) keeps his promises, even when it means endangering his life- along with his family’s in the process. The Jew, a young man named Max, changes Liesel’s life in ways that bring death, fear, and love on to her doorstep.
Markus Zusak writes with halting intensity, and the small footnotes and simple yet haunting artwork (courtesy a la Max) add even more intrigue and heartbreaking detail. It’s an important lesson for all people: This was a work of fiction, but yet so breathtaking in its truthful, human story of surviving during the Holocaust and persevering through Death’s grasp. Coincidentally, the narrator himself is someone that Liesel and her close ones encounter frequently: Death.
Through Death’s insightful storytelling, Liesel, her foster parents, and her friends come alive in a way that only true master authors can accomplish. I recommend this book for any person, adult or teen, to read (I don’t, however, recommend this for younger children). The story will grip you; don’t forget to keep your tissues near… or else.
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Horoscopes
Aquarius – You got a lot of candy for Halloween but don’t go crazy over it. Your stomach can only hold so much. Also watch out money may be coming into your near future.
Taurus – Whenever you get in trouble with your parents they usually let you off easy. This time you won’t be so lucky. You are going to do something really stupid and get into a lot of trouble.
Gemini – Nowadays iTunes is making songs that you want to buy $1.29. This upsets you because you can not live without your music. Just go out and buy a gift card instead of using your parent’s credit card.
Sagittarius – When life hits you hard you fight back. This is usually your motto in life. When you get hit really hard though you may think that it’s time to give up, but keep your head up.
Virgo – When you are around your friends you tease them. Usually this is only to them to everyone else you are a very nice person. Lately though they have been getting fed up with this, so lay off a bit.
Leo – Everyone is always saying how nice you are. Sometimes you hate this, because you don’t always want to be considered nice. Don’t go crazy and do something stupid to prove a point though.
Scorpio – Recently you have been distracted by things. Usually in class you daydream and look out the window. This usually works for you but I think you should change that style of life to something more productive.
Taurus – When winter sports start up you are unsure if you actually want to do one. Relook all your choices and then pick one. This will help you get into shape for all the spring sports.
Pisces – For the rest of the year you are going to try to pull your grades up and get back privileges that you previously lost. Don't throw yourself into it too much or you might forget about your social life.
Aries – Nowadays you like to hang out with your friends all the time. This results in missing homework and missing projects.
Cancer – When you get into trouble with your mom or dad you usually just blow it off and move on. Although your mom wants you to learn your lesson you just think that it was a mistake and no one cares, so you blow it off.
Libra – After all of your project are done for the marking period you want to relax and kick up your feet. This is a bad idea because you will totally forget about one important thing that you have to do. Just rush and try to buy some extra time.
Capricorn – As soon as you get a good report card you will celebrate with your family. Don't ask for much because times are probably difficult and they can't afford expensive stuff in these times.
Aquarius – This month you will run into some trouble. Not big trouble just some trouble. Make sure you face it head on and get the consequences. Then it will be all over. Taurus – Usually you have a lot of responsibilities around your house. Lately though you have been super busy with sports and school that you have been lacking cleanliness around your house. When you get home at night finish everything then take small steps to clean up.
Gemini – You are a very outgoing person, you like to socialize with everyone. This is good for you because you have a lot of friends. Some people are annoyed by you sometimes because you like to talk a lot but just make sure you respect their space.
Sagittarius – When you get upset you don’t talk to people because you want to be alone. This is bad because you should talk to people about your feelings. So you should learn to talk to people better. Virgo – You are a very musically talented person. You can listen to music and memorize words really fast, also you are able to play music really well. Make sure you practice these talents every day because they will get you far in life. Leo – Your life is one big party. Everyday you have a good time with your friends or anyone around you. When there is a party you are there, or you are the one throwing the party. Right now you should step back a little bit and make sure your grades don’t slip too much. Scorpio – Life has never been easy at all for you, but don’t worry it will get easier. Everyone has to work for things but you feel that you have to work harder then everyone else. In the near future though you will get a break from all the pressure in life. Taurus – When you find money on the street in the near future you will rejoice. Good for you because this might start to happen more often. Maybe not finding it on the street, but you will come into some money soon. Pisces – At most times you are very quiet and you tend to keep to yourself. Maybe you should try to put yourself out there more and try to make friends. Most of the time this benefits you. Aries – The world is never fair but to you it is always fair. This is a result of your good luck. In the future this luck might happen to run out and/or be transferred to another person. Don’t go crazy, instead learn to live like this. Cancer – As you get older you will get wiser. Right now people may think you aren’t the smartest person in the world but you always have good advice for someone that will listen. This will help you over time because people will start to look up to you. Libra – You are very good with animals, especially household pets. This includes dogs and cats and even birds. Your parents want you to find a way to make money so you should start a pet sitting business. Capricorn – When you are in a bad mood you usually just sit around and eat ice cream. This doesn’t help because you should be trying to cheer yourself up. Next time maybe go for a jog or even take a bubble bath.
Dear Reader,
You had told me that you seem to lose things a lot, and this bad habit is frustrating you. Well first of all if your bedroom is very messy that might be a cause of losing things constantly. When you have a messy environment it's hard to keep track of your things. First of all clean up your room and organize everything so that you can find it easier. This will make mornings easy and also will keep you from losing your favorite pieces of clothing and all the other things. Then at school make sure you keep track of all your assignments in your agenda. This includes homework, test, quizzes, and projects that are due. Doing this will keep track of your papers too because you can keep them in your agenda. Also make sure that your locker is clean and organized so you can keep track of all your things which will keep you from losing things.
~ Kayley :)
Book review 1
There are multiple books in this series but this review is going to be about the first fantastic book in this sequence. The first book is called The Fairy-Tale Detectives. In this first tale, two sisters, Sabrina and Daphne are sent to live with their grandmother, Relda Grimm whom they have never met before. They are sent to live with her in Ferryport Landing after their parents mysteriously disappear.
During their first day, they learn their deep and dark family secret. They are actually descendents of the famous of the Brothers Grimm. And all of the people who live in Ferryport Landing are in fact the characters from all of the fairytales that the Brothers Grimm have written. But not shortly after they arrive, all heck breaks lose and they have to stop it.
I absolutely loved this book and the series it is in. There is suspense, mystery, and I highly suggest getting the whole series. Even though there are seven books, the story continues incredibly through all of the stories. So what are you waiting for, go get reading!!
Book Review 2
In this mystery tale by Robert Liparulo, the King family moves to a new house that will change their lives forever. Nearly invisible from the road, their new house is right next to the woods and is a bit rundown. But Xander’s, David’s and Victoria’s parents approve. However, when weird things start happening once they move in, the three kids get spooked.
In the dust, there are footprints of giant feet and sounds come from the mistaken direction all over the house. There is also a closet that transports David to locker 119 at the new school. Events get even more outlandish when Victoria finds a hallway that had doors that lead to portals to random lands. The kids start to think that this hallway is really cool until their worst nightmare happens…
This is the first book in the Dream House King series and it starts off this exciting sequence. Filled with secrecy, suspense, and scariness, this book is impossible to put down! When I finished the first book, I just had to get the others and see what was going to happen. Go out and get this book!
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Book Review
This first of five books starts off this out of space series by Douglas Adams. In this comedy science fiction novel, Arthur Dent’s house is about to be demolished in order to make way for a bypass. Luckily, his friend Ford Prefect warns him that the Earth is about to be destroyed and they escape catching a lift on the ship of the people who are going to obliterate Earth, the Vogons. However, when they are found, the two get thrown into space.
Fortunately, Arthur and Ford are picked up by the president of the galaxy, Zaphod Beeblebrox. Also on this ship are Trillian, who was picked up by Zaphod when he visited Earth and Marvin, a deeply depressed robot. From there, most adventure begins. Zaphod wants is looking for the famous and legendary planet, Magrathea.
I began to read this story when my brother had to read it over the summer. He had read it and said it was an amazing book. After he said that, I just had to read The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. This book is full of humor and exciting adventure and I truly enjoyed it. I am already on the second book, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe and it is just as good as the first story.
Eighth Grade Bites Book Review
Eighth grade, a challenge for most of us so far. But compared to Vladimir Tod, we’re the lucky ones. He has to keep his secret of him being a vampire while dodge the bullies and watch out for the principal that hates him. Only his best friend Henry and his aunt Nelly know his huge secret. His mother and father were killed in a fire when he was a little kid. But when one of Vlad’s favorite teachers goes missing, a suspicious substitute takes his place, Mr. Otis Otis. With Mr. Otis teaching about mythical creatures, Vlad is afraid that his new sub could expose his secret to the whole school. Then there is another man looking for Vlad. More like hunting for Vlad. He wants to find him, and he wants him dead. Eighth grade couldn’t get any more difficult for Vladimir Tod.
This is the first of The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series by Heather Brewer. It tells a tale of this half vampire boy who has to deal with his secret without being killed, like his poor mom and dad were when he was a kid. I suggest this book to all, if you like fiction or are in love with vampires. You also get to read it from a perspective of a kid your age, so you can relate very well to some of Vlad’s problems.
I have just finished reading the second and third book in this series and can’t wait for the fourth book, which comes out in February 2010. I couldn’t put this book down while reading it. If I was in the middle of watching TV, I would get this book and would read that instead. That was how much I wanted to get through this series. I extremely suggest this book and its companions.
Witch and Wizard Book Review(7)
In his newest children’s book, James Patterson (with the help from Gabrielle Charbonnet) writes another fascinating tale. In the middle of the night, siblings Whit and Wisty are kidnapped by people who are working for the One Who Is the One (the new man who is now in control of their country). He then accuses the brother and sister of being a witch and wizard.
Before being separated from their parents, Whit receives a small journal from their father and Wisty got a drumstick from their mother. On the children’s way to jail, the two objects they got from their parents unlock many secrets and many questions unfold. With help from the magic-like items from their mom and dad, they help the two teens try to escape from jail and reunite with their parents again.
I personally thought this was a good book and a quick read. The beginning was suspenseful, the middle filled with mystery, and the ending filled with surprises. Other books by James Patterson have been phenomenal and this story was almost as good. I can not wait for the sequel of Witch and Wizard to come out in December.
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