Through the eyes of a young boy named Sam, you learn what it was like living in Lexington, Massachusetts during the time of the American Revolution. You learn how Sam, in the middle of the night, must join his father and other minutemen to fight for America's freedom. 'Sam the Minuteman,'perfect for the developing reader, is an interesting, and easily understood historical telling of the Battle of Lexington, which marked the beginning of the American Revolution.

Similar books: Meet Felicity: An American Girl by Valerie Tripp; The Battle for St. Michaels by Emily Arnold McCully; At Home in a New Land by Joan Sanden; Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express by Eleanor Coerr; Dust for Dinner by Ann Warren Turner; The Drinking Gourd: A Story of the Underground Railroad by F.N. Monjo; Prairie Friends by Nancy Smiler

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/6/2009

ISBN-10: 006020480X

ISBN-13: 9780060204808

Check the library catalog

Four teens from different stations in life: Sandry, the noble, Briar, the thief, Daja, the sea merchant, and Tris, who nobody wants, are all chosen to study at Emelan, the community where Mages teach. Although none of the teens believes that he or she has magic powers, each comes to learn about their special talents. Sandry can weave spells into fibers that previously would not obey. Briar can hear plants talking to him. Daja has a true magic while working with metals. Tris can call up earthquakes, and tidal waves. They are all brought to reside in the discipline house, so that they can learn how to control their powers. It is only when a true disaster strikes, however, that they learn just how much good they can do.

Similar books: Animorphs by Katherine Applegate

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/27/2009

ISBN-10: 0590554085

ISBN-13: 9780590554084

Check the library catalog

Author Tamora Pierce is known for her marvelous fantasy stories featuring tales of magic and heroism, usually featuring brave and mighty girls. In 'Sandry's Book' she delivers the first in a quartet of books about a group of remarkable children who each possess a unique magical ability. Each of them is an outcast in their own way, and under the strict guidance of the teachers at the Winding Earth Temple where they have come to live they learn to work their magic. A noble girl, Sandry's magic is in weaving. Street thief Briar can communicate with and influence plants and growing things. Daja, an orphaned Trader, has a magical connection to metal, and the moody, prickly Tris has a relationship with the weather that unsettles even her. When a looming disaster threatens the group, they must learn to overcome their differences and work together in order to save themselves.

Similar books: Alanna by Tamora Pierce; Magic Steps by Tamora Pierce

Reviewed by: lauraf

Date read: 9/27/2012

ISBN-10: 0613179358

ISBN-13: 9780613179355

Check the library catalog

When a bright, talented, Jewish girl moves to the small town of LaMond, Iowa, her presence brings significant changes, and evokes subtle prejudices in the local inhabitants.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/27/2009

ISBN-10: 0689809492

ISBN-13: 9780689809491

Check the library catalog

Scarlett's in trouble at school, AGAIN. Since her parents' divorce 2 years ago, Scarlett Flynn has been expelled from 5 different schools. With black fingernails and dyed ketchup-red hair, Scarlett certainly is not your average 12 year old Londoner. So after Scarlett gets expelled once again for causing a food fight in the cafeteria, her mother decides to send her off to her father's cottage in Ireland. Realizing that she will have to learn Gaelic in a one-room schoolhouse and enduring a new stepmom and younger stepsister is JUST TOO MUCH. So Scarlett climbs out the window and tries to 'walk' back to London. After walking until twilight, she comes across a lough where she meets Kian and his horse, Midnight. Kian alone allows Scarlett to be herself and Scarlett finally finds someone that will accept her for who she is. Can Kian teach Scarlett to let go of the anger she harbors within herself because of her parents' divorce and become the loving child she used to be or will Scarlett continue to put a wall against everyone that she cares for?

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award 2011

Reviewed by: bklyczek

Date read: 5/4/2010

ISBN-10: 0670060682

ISBN-13: 9780670060689

Check the library catalog

Commenter: Hap, grade 8