Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse -- Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he'll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods, where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon, a mystery unfolds and together with his friends -- one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena -- Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods. This is the first book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series.

Similar books: The Stoneheart Trilogy by Charlie Fletcher

Awards won: Rebecca Caudill Award

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/27/2009

ISBN-10: 064172344X

ISBN-13: 9780786856299

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Commenter: Matt, grade 4

Commenter: St. Charles Reader, grade 0

'Lights Out' by John Himmelman is a MUST read for the novice camper. Counselor Jim is having a difficult time getting the Scouts settled in for the night. The boys can't seem to fall asleep. They keep imagining all kinds of creatures who are just waiting until the lights are turned out to eat them, suck their blood, or make them sick. But never fear, Counselor Jim puts all their fears 'to bed' and the boys turn off the lights and fall fast asleep. The young reader will love the surprise ending that just might get those lights turned right back on!

Similar authors: Alex Harvey; Gwendolyn Hooks

Similar books: Olivia Goes Camping by Alex Harvey; The Noisy Night: A Pet Club Story by Gwendolyn Hooks; Scare a Bear by Kathy-jo Wargin; Camping Day by Patricia Lakin; Camping Catastrophe by Abby Klein; I'm Not Scared by Kirsten Hall

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 8/3/2011

ISBN-10: 081673450X

ISBN-13: 9780816734504

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Lilly makes a joke that her new substitute teacher, Mr. Wulf, is a werewolf, and some of the kids take her seriously. It's not a problem until the class takes an overnight field trip when there's a full moon, and the other kids are scared of the teacher. It's all Lilly's fault! To make matters worse, Lilly's friend, Minna, is mad at her, and she won't say why. Lilly feels guilty about everything. Will she find a way to make things better? This entertaining story is a part of the series called First Novels, books in small sizes with large print for readers new to chapter books.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 9/29/2010

ISBN-10: 0887805892

ISBN-13: 9780887805899

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The cruel ruler of Ashby orders young Lily Quench to kill the dragon that has landed in their town. Lily is only half Quench (dragon slayer). Does she have the courage to slay a dragon? Oddly, the dragon becomes her friend and ally. Together they begin a quest to restore the rightful heir of Ashby to his throne, and free the people from servitude. Who is the lost prince, and where is he hiding? Can Lily save the town, and find happiness for herself? This is the first of seven books in the series.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/27/2009

ISBN-10: 0142400203

ISBN-13: 9780142400203

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Strange goings-on at her great-uncle's summer home in Cape May, New Jersey, draw Lily, and a new friend, into a mystery involving lost treasure, a fake medium, and ghosts of all sizes, shapes, and dispositions.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0060518316

ISBN-13: 9780060518318

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