In a Deep Dark Magic Wood by Scott Peters

 

Genre:  Middle Grade, Fantasy

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Wren has lived all her life in the tower of a private school. She has three mentors who feed her and teach her. Every day, she goes to the tower's roof and sits, waiting for the young boy who struggles to walk. He always smiles at her. He seems to be the only one who can see her. 

On her thirteenth birthday, she is whisked away from the school and driven to a place she knows nothing about. She overhears a conversation between her mentor and the woman, who she learns is her grandmother.  She also learns she is to be the Griffen Queen. She follows a chipmunk and is transported into another world. Her grandmother yells something to her as she goes through the portal.

Wren finds herself surrounded by thorny vines with no way out. A young girl with green hair sees her, grabs her and pulls her through. This young girl, named Nessa believes Wren is the Herald who has come to defeat the next ascendant to the throne. Since this is the first friend she has ever made, there is no way she can tell her who she really is.  Now she has two problems. The first is that she has promised, and she meant it, to save Nessa's land. The second problem is that the monsters outside the vines want her to destroy her. How can she accomplish everything she needs when those she has promised to protect find out who she really is?

The way this ended I am hoping there is a sequel. This is an on the edge of your seat, can't put the book down read. I ordered a copy for my classroom shelves because this is such an awesome book.  Great for those who really love fantasy.

Write Like This by Kelly Gallagher

 

Genre: Educationa, Informational

Source: I purchased a copy

If you are a teacher or a homeschooling parent and don't know how to teach your children the important skills of writing based on real-world experiences, then this is the book you need.

Kelly is a wealth of knowledge in this area. His students are taught from the first day that writing is very important in his class. There are nine chapters in this book.  One of my favorites was the chapter called Express and Reflect.  I have been a reflective writer for years. I have had my students reflect on their work. I never considered teaching them the difference between expressive writing and reflective writing.  Throughout the book he makes it clear that you need to demonstrate with the kids what you are trying to teach them. Show them that you too make mistakes in writing and that writing is hard, but reachable.  The book is full of not only his examples, but also student examples. We as a teacher get to see his teaching method throughout the book.  I have read this book at least three times. I learn something new every single time.  I recommend all teachers take a look at this book.

Student Saturday: The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

 

Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
Student Reviewer: Kinsley C.

 

The book "The Summer I Turned Pretty" is a very interesting book about Belly's summer with her mom’s good friends’ kids; Conrad, Jerimiah, and her brother Steven. The story takes place at a nice house on the beach in Cousins Beach, NC.  Where love is all ways twisting. The plot of the story is filled with many crazy turns and surprises. I would recommend this book to people who like you love stories and drama.