Student Book Reviews

The following reviews were written by students who participate in the Let's Talk Books Student Book Discussion Groups.

101 Ways to Bug Your Parents by Lee Wardlaw

"If you like funny stories, read this book. It is about a boy called 'Sneeze' who wants to go to the Invention Convention. When his parents cancel the trip, he tries to earn money by selling a book he plans to write, called 101 Ways to Bug Your Parents. He ends up getting himself, his friends and his teacher in trouble." The Scene Stealers Group, 4th & 5th graders.

2095 by Jon Scieszka

"It had some great ideas about what life might be like 100 years from now. We liked the sellbots and when the boys met their great-granddaughters and thought they were killers! Check it out - this is a funny book!" The Book Capers Group, 2nd & 3rd graders.

The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

"It's really funny! The flip-o-rama is cool. We liked the parts where they hypnotize the principal, and where they get the football team to change it's name. This is the weirdest and funniest book we've ever read! This book was so good, we read it twice. Our friends at school like the doo-doo part. If you don't like to read, you'll still love this book - so read it!" The Book Capers Group, 2nd & 3rd graders.

The Battle for the Castle by Elizabeth Winthrop

"Everybody in the middle ages thought that a bicycle was a 'metal horse'! But the best part is when they're trapped in the castle by the rats. This is a cool book that is heavy on fantasy and full of adventure. Check it out - and hang in there - the real adventure doesn't get started until the middle of the book." The Scene Stealers Group, 4th & 5th graders.

Fourth Grade Rats by Jerry Spinelli

"The book's message is not to be cool! I like this book because I memorized the little poem: First grade Babies, Second grade Cats, Third grade Angels, Fourth grade Rats." Monica, age 9.

Frindle by Andrew Clements

"As part of our book discussion, we made up our own words for a few everyday objects."

The Scene Stealers Group, 4th & 5th graders.

"key=fuble" Jennifer, age 10

"tape=scotchoe" Christy, age 10

"rubberband=roubledo" Claudia, age 10

"pencil=princel" Adrianne, age 9

"paperclip=donetnin46" Taylor, age 11

The Invisible Dog by Dick King-Smith

"The message of this book is don't be afraid to use your imagination. If you believe in something hard enough, it could come true. We liked this book because the parents were really nice, and they made her wish come true. If you like dogs, or like to use your imagination, you should read this book - there's a real twist in the tail/tale." The Book Capers Group, 2nd & 3rd graders.

My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet

"Elmer Elevator goes to Wild Island to save a baby dragon. To do this, he uses items he's packed in his backpack to trick the animals who are trying to stop him. We liked the book because it is funny. Elmer is brave and he knows how to outsmart the mean animals. We liked the baby dragon, too. It makes you want to read the other books about Elmer: Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland." The Book Capers Group, 2nd & 3rd graders.

Nekomah Creek by Linda Crew

"I liked that this book was funny but it was also serious at times. This is a very good book and funny. I recommend it to both boys and girls." Jennifer, age 10.

Regarding the Fountain by Kate Klise

"Dry Creek Middle School needs a new water fountain because the old one leaks and the principal keeps falling on the wet floor. They ask Florence Waters to work on the project. As she works, the 5th grade class uncovers a mystery about the town and the leaky fountain.

"We like the names of the characters in the book - Goldie Fisch, Sally Mander - and the way the book was written, in letters and memoirs instead of chapters. We also like how Florence Waters asks for and includes the ideas of the 5th grade class in the fountain." The Scene Stealers Group, 4th & 5th graders.

The Richest Kids in Town by Peg Kehret

"This book is a good book to have a good laugh with. It's about two boys that try to make some big money! In recommending this book to friends I would say that it's a really good book and a fun read when you want to laugh a little." Stephanie, age 10.

"Was fun and was about boys who get in lots of trouble. It's very funny and I recommend this book to both boys and girls." Jennifer, age 10.

"I liked the book because Peter kept writing to Tomie." Christy, age 10