Heat by Mike Lupica

I am glad that this book was recommended to me by a student. I have wanted to read a book by Mike Lupica for awhile, but have never found the time. This is a cute story about a 12 year old super star baseball player (Michael), who is so good that some of the other coaches don't believe he is 12. This causes problems for Michael especially since he is keeping a very big secret. A secret that rip his family apart. This book grabbed me right from the beginning with a purse snatcher and an amazing throw! Any sports fan will like this book!

NORTH

This story was about a boy named Alvin (which made me think of Alvin and the Chipmunks) who decides it's time to go out into the world and explore on his own. I applauded this decision because Alvin's mother was treating him like a little boy and even having him walked to school by an adult! I did find the story of him making it all the way into northern Alaska a little unbelievable. I was looking for some more action packed adventure. Alvin kept talking about a polar bear, so I expected to read about a run in with a polar bear. I also wanted more of a homecoming with what the mother and grandmother thought of this runaway. Interesting book, but I was looking for more!

The boy who couldn't die

Well this just let's me know that there is a book out there for everyone. This book was about a boy scared of death and makes a deal with a voodoo witch to become "invincible". However, the moral of the story of course is be careful what you wish for. Everything has a price. I really like William Sleator (The Elevator, The Beasties), but had a hard time with the ending to this book. William Sleator is known for leaving his books open-ended, but I felt that this was an extreme. There was a lot of information given in the last page and then it just left you. Any one else have any thoughts?

When lightening strikes

I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked instantly. It starts with this girl (Jessi) who is struck by lightening and ends up having dreams about where missing kids are located. I found this plot entertaining to read. However, I did have a problem with some of the language and innuendos from this book. I felt they were unnecessary and even took away from the unique situation of Jessi. What do you thin?

Daughters of the moon

This book reminded me of the television show "Charmed". This book has 4 girls who each have a special power. One can turn invisible, one can read mines, one can go back in time and the last one has premonitions. Each of these girls need to save the world from evil beings. These evil beings are taking all the hope from people. Can you imagine a world without hope? This was a cute book and a very large series. There is at least 12 books in the series. I was thinking that if girls liked the Clique books that they might like the Daughters of the moon books also!

The Haunting

I love Joan Lowery Nixon. I remember reading a lot of her books when I was in middle school. I did not remember reading this book, so was excited when I picked it out of our tin for book of the week. I was a little disappointed that it took so long to get into the haunted house. The characters in the book kept talking about the house being haunted at night, etc. but it wasn't until almost the end of the book when Lia finally goes into the house at night. I would have liked to hear more of the horrors at night from one of the new owners. I love the reference to Edgar Allan Poe...I am a big Poe fan. I kind-of guessed the ending, but had the wrong story. I was thinking "The tell-tale heart". Overall, a fun read.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

This book was fun to read. I thought the illustrations were funny and went along with Greg's diary perfectly. This book only took me a day to read...it was a fast read. I did think that Greg was mean to his friend Rowley and was glad to see that Rowley had his moments of glory at the end. This book did bring me back to middle school. Back to the good parts and the "not so good" parts. What did you think of it?