Student Saturday: The Circus of Stolen Dreams by Lorelei Savaryn

 

Genre: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Mystery, Fantasy
Student Reviewer Olivia S.

In the book “The Circus of Stolen Dreams” Andrea is a 12-year-old girl that has suffered many losses, such as her parents divorcing, but she has always had her little brother to stay by her side and to comfort, until he mysteriously disappears one night. Three years later and they still find no trace of him. Andrea has hardened her heart and has shut herself down for three long years struggling with the loss of her shadow, until she smells sweets and popcorn in the air along with a chance of relief. Andrea is given a chance to go into the magical world of Reverie in exchange for a memory, dream, or nightmare, and she knows exactly what she wants to forget. What Andrea does not know is Reverie is not all that it seems and entering the magical world of Reverie means a chance at finding her brother. Willz Andrea find her brother before it’s too late, or will she fall prey to the trap that is Reverie, like so many children before her?

Andrea is a 12-year-old girl from Ohio who during most of the story feels guilty and sad. Throughout the story, Andrea is shown as brave and resilient. She is not afraid to face her fears to find answers. This book reminds me of “Percy Jackson the lightning thief,” since Percy loses his mother and blames himself, while Andrea loses her brother and blames herself. They both lose their loved ones and go through trials to find them. I would recommend this book to nine-year-olds through fourteen-year-olds since this book does not have many plot twists and you can predict what is going to happen before it happens. This book met my expectations, and even though the book was mostly predictable, it was still nice to see Andrea's healing process throughout the story and to see her love for her brother.

Student Saturday: Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

Genre: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Science Fiction

Student Reviewer:  Susan T.

I was not sure how I would feel about this book since it has a slow-paced climax, but I ended up enjoying it. The characters have great development that really builds the storyline. The setting and language used really emphasizes the point in time and what the setting is like.

Gathering Blue is about an orphan with a twisted leg who gets sent to what is called “The Council of guardians” and that is where she is fostered, she is a talented threader and is looked up to fix the robe. She later reveals the truth behind her home.

While this book was slow-paced, I did really like the plot twists.  It kept the book interesting while still making sense and connecting with the rest of the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who finds interest in a good storyline and more aged literature.

 

Student Saturday: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney

 

Genre: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction
Student Reviewer: Kahlen S.

The book Diary a Wimpy Kid Rodrick Rules is a great read by the author Jeff Kinney. This book is a lot about Greg and Rodrick Heffley also Rowley Jefferson and Holly Hills its surrounded a lot in a pool are and middles school the grade Greg, Rowley, and Holly are in. Greg Heffley has a certain personality that most people would call a follower and wants to be like everyone else. But his friend Rowley Jefferson is not and is his own self does not care what other people think. Then there is Rodrick Heffley which he loves rock music and has his own band called loaded diaper.

Going on there is Holly Hills, which Greg has a huge crush on and can never hangout or ever get her number there is always a blockade. I really liked this book and I think most people do. Its more of a comedy comic book lots of illistration. But its simple but good enough to under stand. This would be a good read for someone that can relate to Greg. Or some of the other characters in the book. 

 I really enjoyed this book. I think I am gonna read farther into the series and can't wait to see whats in the other books. Overall this is a great book by the author Jeff Kinney and can't wait to read more of his content.