Fifteen-year-old Cole Matthews has been angry his whole life, and he takes his anger out on everyone around him. When he faces prison time for beating up a fellow student, he sees 'Circle Justice' as a way to beat the system. A Native American tradition, 'Circle Justice' attempts to heal the offender, the victim, and the community. When the Circle decides Cole's punishment will be one year alone on a remote Alaskan island, Cole figures he will simply swim away. He burns his shelter and supplies, is mauled by a large white 'spirit bear', and is nearly killed. When he is finally rescued, he spends 6 months in the hospital. Upon his release, Cole must convince the court and the 'Circle' that he has truly repented. Will Cole take responsibility for his actions? Will he ever return to the island? Can he help the student he beat up?

Similar authors: Gary Paulsen, Will Hobbs

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Nominee 2004

Reviewed by: donna

Date read: 6/28/2011

ISBN-10: 0380977443

ISBN-13: 9780380977444

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The Hardy boys are proud of their famous detective father, and when their best friend's car is stolen, they seize the chance to solve their first case. Then another friend's father is arrested for stealing valuables from his employer, and the boys think the car thief might be the real culprit in the case. Will they solve the mystery in time to clear an innocent man? Will they find the stolen treasure? Readers will enjoy this first book in the Hardy Boys Mystery series for its fast, action-packed pace and its satisfying resolution. The old-fashioned slang is an amusing bonus.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 10/28/2011

ISBN-10: 0448089017

ISBN-13: 9780448089010

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All he wants for Christmas is the all new Traction Man! And there, in a brand-new box, with a gift tag from Mum and Dad, he arrives. Traction Man comes complete with combat boots, dazzle-painted battle pants, and warfare shirt. There is no job he can't handle. When pillow monsters attack the farm animals, Traction Man is there. When the lost sieve needs finding, Traction Man is there. When he is attacked in this deed by the poisonous dishcloth, he is saved by scrubbing brush and makes a friend for life. There is no deed too dangerous or difficult for him to undertake! Then, Granny makes him a special one-piece knitted green romper suit and matching bonnet, and even victims laugh at him. Can he overcome this difficulty? Will he remain a super hero? Only Traction Man knows for sure!

Similar books: Traction Man Meets Turbo Dog

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 6/29/2009

ISBN-10: 0375831916

ISBN-13: 9780375831911

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Michael Wise is a proud slacker who became the class president of J.R. Wilcott Middle School by never achieving beyond a C and encouraging his classmates to have some fun along with their studying. One day while devouring a batch of his mother's delicious brownies, he accidently eats a micro chip that his father was developing. Suddenly, he's able to solve college-level math problems, recite passages in multiple languages, and prepare gourmet meals for his family. Everyone at school now hates him. Michael must get rid of the chip before he's impeached by his classmates.

Reviewed by: rn

Date read: 7/22/2009

ISBN-10: 1554550351

ISBN-13: 9781554550357

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Scott loves football, but all the other kids notice him for is his brains. New in town, he's eager to make friends, but no one pays any attention to him. Then Chris, the best football player in the sixth grade, steps in when another kid is picking on Scott. Chris and Scott become fast friends, and that helps Scott on the football field. But Chris has a secret that could get him kicked off the team. Can Scott help Chris, or will the team lose Chris's talent forever? Will Scott ever succeed on the football field?

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 7/30/2009

ISBN-10: 0399247157

ISBN-13: 9780399247156

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