The Golden Compass By Phillip Pullman

Review By Caitlin Landau

“It is the alethiometer. It tells the truth. As for how to read it, you’ll have to learn by yourself.” This is what the Master of Jordan College says that starts Lyra’s adventure. She had been told that her parents had died in an airship accident. Then she sees the Master try to poison her uncle Lord Asriel! Lord Asriel shows the Scholars of Jordan College some unordinary pictures that are connected to Dust. Why does the Master want to poison Lord Asriel? What is Dust? Find out the answers to these questions and more.

Warning: For Children In Grades 4 And Up.

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle By Avi

Reveiw by: Emma V.

Charlotte lives in the early 1800s of the United States. With a loving family, a rich life, and luxuries beyond beggars dream’s, she never thought there could be more to a young lady’s life.

At least that’s what she thinks. What she doesn’t know is that when she boards the grim SeaHawk, she will be taking a commitment most Victorian-style 13 year olds will never take. Zachariah, a tattered man is a kind-hearted soul, no what his matter appearance is. Captain Jaggery, supposedly the only gentleman on the grimy ship is not everything he seems. And Keetch, Ewing, Hollybrass, and Cranick, along with all the other crew just might be too. When Charlotte makes the choice to join the crew, she break the thin wall of peace between the crew, and captain. Charlotte faces hurricanes, disgusting meals, mystery and murder. Will Charlotte survive this rough adventure, and find her way back to America, or will death find her first? Even if she does manage to hang along, her life will be changed forever.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane By Kate DiCamillo

Reveiw By Emma V.

Edward is a normal doll, made of porcelain, and loved dearly by his owner. The only problem is-he doesn’t love her. One day, his owner, a little girl decides to bring him on a cruise ship. But, then something disastrous happens, and Edward is tossed overboard. The ocean current carries him across places, he never would have dreamed of. He travels with the homeless, sick girls, and old fishermen. Every time he finds somebody new, he loses somebody old. Is Edward finally learning to love? Can he find home? Will Edward find where he really belongs? This story is a family book, speaking of lost love, and knowing where your heart truly belongs.

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The Ghost of Fossil Glen

By Cynthia DeFelice

Review By Emma V.

Ally loves to collect fossils that come from the glen near where she lives, even if it does get her into a little trouble, scratches, and bloody scabs. She knows the glen can be dangerous; you could get lost, or slightly hurt. But she never imagined it could be that dangerous. Ally’s in for for the ride of her live when she discovers that the glen may be haunted. She tries to tell her friends-Karen, and Pam, but they don’t believe her. Karen says it’s just her overactive imagination. The only person who really believes her is her old friend Dub. But apart from trying to get her friends to believe her, there are other problems in store for Ally. The ghost seems to bring trouble everywhere, from scaring Ally out of her skin, to bringing mysterious stalkers, intent on something dangerous. Can Ally survive this haunted adventure, and get the truth out, or will something worse get to her before she gets the chance?

The Miraculous Adventure of Edward Tulane

By Kate DiCamillo

Review By Emma Vejcik

Edward is a normal doll, made of porcelain, and loved dearly by his owner. The only problem is-he doesn’t love her. One day, his owner, a little girl decides to bring him on a cruise ship. But, then something disastrous happens, and Edward is tossed overboard. The ocean current carries him across places, he never would have dreamed of. He travels with the homeless, sick girls, and old fishermen. Every time he finds somebody new, he loses somebody old. Is Edward finally learning to love? Can he find home? Will Edward find where he really belongs? This story is a family book, speaking of lost love, and knowing where your heart truly belongs.