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Scar Island, by Dan Gemeinhart is a book about boys being sent to a rocky island for doing horrible things. On this rocky island, there is a school called Slabhenge that takes these kids in. But there is a new boy, Jonathan Grisby, who is sent by his parents for a reason he does not want to say. He is sent through the gates of the "school" and joins the headmaster in a room where he must write his first letter to his parents. The other kids there have been forced to stay for weeks, months, or even years, writing letters to their parents and hoping to get a response back from them. The children are forced to make food for the people that lead the place, and don't get any for themselves. But one day, when the kids go off for their duties in a storm, the headmaster is struck by lightning and dies. The children are now in charge of the island, and they start calling their group the “Scars”.

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Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim (Arina)

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Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim (Arina)

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The book, Six Crimson Cranes, was gifted to me by my family friends. It's a modified version of the folk tale, "The Six Swans", by the Brothers Grimm. Throughout the book, the main character, Shiori, journeys through vast lands in search of her brothers and uncovers a dark conspiracy to seize the throne.

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Gardel is a biography of popular Argentine tango singer Carlos Gardel by the historian and author Felipe Pigna. This biography is set in the time period of the singer's life, from 1890 to his death in 1935. However, it also tells the story of how the musical genre of Tango was developing alongside Gardel and Argentina. The book starts with Carlos Gardel's death, and then tells the story of his life chronologically, from his birth in Toulouse, France, to his migration to Buenos Aires, Argentina, his musical debut, his collaborations, international tours, and eventual death. I found the book fascinating mostly because of its deep insight into the details of his life, while also showing the larger context - that being the musical genre and the country of Argentina. It is also interesting to see the parallels between Gardel, Tango, and Argentina, as when Gardel was born, the musical genre was something new, small, and localised within the nation, whereas at the peak of the singer's musical career, Tango was important and famous internationally, and Argentina had developed into a rich and influential nation. Carlos Gardel's fatal plane crash in Colombia coincided with a fall in Tango's importance and with a period of political and economic instability in Argentina known as the "Infamous Decade".

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Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (Yuki)

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Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (Yuki)

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Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro discusses the themes of love, humanity, and the impact of technology on society. The story is set in a dystopian future where artificial intelligence has become integrated into daily life. The protagonist, Klara, is an artificial friend (AF) who provides companionship to a young girl named Josie. As Klara spends more time with Josie, she develops a deep bond with her and learns about human emotions and desires. The novel delves into questions about the nature of consciousness, the ethics of AI, and the longing for connection in a technologically advanced world. Although there were many aspects of this book that captivated me, I think the portrayal of Klara's human-like emotion was the best part.

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The book Atomic Habits, written by James Clear talks about the nature of habits and the art of starting good habits and breaking bad habits. He explains in his book that “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” He emphasizes the importance of implementing systems into ones life rather than just setting goals, because as he mentions, “The purpose of setting goals is to win the game. The purpose of building systems is to continue playing the game. True long-term thinking is goal-less thinking. It’s not about any single accomplishment. It is about the cycle of endless refinement and continuous improvement." The book gives different methods that one can use to either create or break a habit, discussing this in detail. One of my biggest takeaways from the book is that if you want create a habit, the hardest thing isn't doing the thing, rather it's showing up. In the book, Clear further explains how to make showing up so easy that it becomes embedded in you (habit created), and he often mentions real-life experiences of his 'customers' to make it easier to understand and implement his advice. I believe that this book is like a guide; a person won't benefit from it unless he implements the things mentioned in it. This is a book where there are parts that you come across where you really need to think for a while and maybe write something down before moving on. All in all, this is a book that I plan to revisit every third month, or so, to see what the takeaways are from each chapter.

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The Hate U Give

The Hate You Give is a book that mainly focuses on racism and marginalisation. It starts with Starr, who lives in a very unsafe part of her town known as "the hood". She goes to a party where a shooting takes place. Luckily, her friend, Khalil, is at the party and takes her from there in his car. Later on that night, though, a police officer stops Khalil, requests his license, and asks Starr and him to step out of the car. When Khalil goes to grab his comb from his car, the officer thinks he is reaching for a gun, and he fatally shoots him. Starr goes to the police to try to get justice for Khalil, but the officer lies and characterises Khalil as a drug dealer, so the public will hate him. Starr perseveres, however, and succeeds in getting justice for Khalil in the end.

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The Woods are Always Watching by Stephanie Perkins (Gasper)

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The Woods are Always Watching by Stephanie Perkins (Gasper)

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The Woods are Always Watching is set in the far woods of Kentucky. The story follows two sisters, Ruby and May, as they go camping with their childhood friends. However, their peaceful vacation takes an unexpected turn when they are followed by a mysterious presence lurking in the forest. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, the group must confront their fears in order to survive the woods. Perkins combines tension and mystery in this story of survival and betrayal to keep the reader engaged. For me, tension is mainly the result of how Perkins describes the setting of the woods.

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Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (Ruby)

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Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (Ruby)

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Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is about a magical time traveling café in Japan. There are many rules to time traveling in this café, but the most important rule is that you have a time limit in the past. You have to return to the café before your cup of coffee gets cold. The characters are very mysterious and complex. They are all different ages and have different stories and personalities. I think it's a great book that everyone would enjoy.

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Michael Morpurgo's book, Shadow, is about a boy called Aman who escapes from Afghanistan because it is too dangerous to stay there with the Taliban in control. Together, Aman, his mother, and their dog, Shadow, bravely make the journey from Afghanistan to England. I really recommend this book.

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The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (Zofia)

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The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (Zofia)

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The Picture of Dorian Gray is a brilliant exploration of vanity,

morality, and the pursuit of pleasure in Victorian England. Oscar Wilde's exquisite prose and sharp wit bring to life the

captivating story of Dorian Gray, whose pact for eternal youth leads to moral decay and tragic consequences. The novel's

enduring relevance and thought-provoking themes make it a

timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its rich characters and haunting narrative.

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How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan (James)

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How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan (James)

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Published in 2018, journalist and writer Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind forms a captivating modern consideration of psychedelic substances and their place in our societies.

Pollan examines modern movements in the United States, such as the Psilocybin Cancer Trials at John Hopkins or New York University, as well as the investigations of DMT and consciousness at the Imperial College in London.

Carefully wielding historical fact, personal experience and neuroscience, Pollan creates a compelling argument for the significance of changing one’s perspective in order to change one’s consciousness.

Starting with a delve into the history of psychedelic, or ‘mind-manifesting’ substances, Pollan illuminates a dark corner of history involving the colonial conquest of the Americas, and harsh oppression towards native beliefs and rituals.

Pollan then traces the discovery of the ‘classic psychedelics’ to the counterculture movement in 1960s America, showcasing the powerful and almost unbelievable clinical results that emerged from psychiatric studies in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Pollan debates consciousness, its physical basis in the brain, and the concept of ego, positing through an accounting of his personal experiences following research into the book’s topic as to why, how, and if people should consider psychedelic substances to have spiritual value, clinical value, or no value at all.

In a hopeful culmination following the modern renaissance in psychedelic research to treat a variety of mental conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and addiction, Pollan marks the traces of the counterculture movement, the worries of modern researchers, and the societal reception to the past-demonized ‘drugs’ forming an arsenal of potential tools in therapeutic research.

As someone interested in neuroscience, this book held me captive, and did not let go. Pollan forms an exquisite and fascinating dive into elements of history, science, journalism and philosophy as he navigates the complexities of mind-manifesting substances, and without the use of any mushrooms or pieces of paper, teaches the reader to refresh their brain, and open themselves up to new experiences that prevent ‘grooves’ of thinking to be formed.

In Pollan’s words, “If you need to be reminded how completely mental habit blinds us to experience, just take a trip to an unfamiliar country. Suddenly you wake up!”.

To anyone interested in the philosophy of consciousness, neurochemistry, or a history of one of the most hotly debated topics in psychiatry, Pollan offers a masterclass, touching upon every aspect, and destigmatizing treatments that are showing resounding results in the treatment of alcoholism, depression, existential crises, and more.

In today’s society, it's important to address how past attitudes influence modern problems, and Pollan makes a compelling argument for the reintroduction of psychedelics as a spiritual and therapeutic tool to assist in addressing the mental health crisis experienced by so many in today’s world.

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Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko tells the story of Tarisai who longs for the familial love that her mysterious and absent mother has deprived her of. One day, her mother (The Lady) sends Tarisai to the capital of the global empire of the Aritsar where she must compete with other children to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince's Council of 11. If picked, Tarisai can become part of a group and belong - something she has always wished for. However, The Lady wants to interfere with this and make Tarisai part of her own plan. Ultimately, Tarisai must decide if she's strong enough to defy The Lady and forge her path.

Raybearer is a great book for anyone who loves fantasy or adventure. It has curses, magic, betrayal, and twists and turns that make it an irresistible read. Ifueko builds a world centered around West African folklore, providing a refreshing break from the usual knights and dragons of European fantasy novels.

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I love any book that whisks me away and captures my heart and thoughts, leaving a lingering impact on me long after I've finished the book's final pages. Such books inspire me to delve deeper into learning more about facts surrounding the characters I become intimate with while experiencing their journey. This is precisely what The Women, an historical fiction novel by Kristin Hannah, provoked in me. This novel is a dedication to the women who served their country during the Vietnam War and for their heroism while tending to the wounded.

The narrative follows Frankie McGrath's twenty-year journey, recounting her courageous tours of duty in the mid-1960s as a member of the Army Nurse Corps. Amid harsh conditions and gruelling hours in military field hospitals, Frankie not only saves lives but also provides vital comfort to soldiers facing the grim reality of never returning home from Vietnam. However, her return home is marred by the scorn and hostility directed toward Vietnam veterans, leaving her to grapple alone with the traumas of war and severe PTSD. Despite these challenges, Frankie embarks on a long road to recovery, eventually reclaiming control of her life and finding meaning to help others once more. Her triumph over her war demons culminates in her recognition on November 11, 1993, when the Vietnam Women's Memorial is dedicated to honor the unacknowledged military service and courage of women like her on the battlegrounds of Vietnam.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book and give it a five-star rating. However, it's worth noting that this book is more suited for an adult audience due to its mature content. Nevertheless, the author beautifully pays tribute to these forgotten brave women, shedding light on their remarkable contributions during a tumultuous time in history. It's a powerful and poignant read that offers a profound perspective on the experiences of women serving in Vietnam, and it deserves recognition for bringing their stories to light.

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Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai (Yuke)

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Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai (Yuke)

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I am a person that really likes reading books because they give me wonderful stories and emotional connections. Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai is a book about a young girl named Hà Kim from South Vietnam. She lived in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), and from there she tells her story about all the things that happened there. Inside Out & Back Again is sort of like Hà’s diary, because she writes all sorts of things in it, from big things, like when South Vietnam loses the war to North Vietnam, to small things, like when her brothers annoy her.
A bit after Hà turns ten, South Vietnam loses the war to the North, and she and her mother and three brothers are forced to flee on Navy ships to America. Once there, they start a new life. Hà expects it to be exciting, but instead, people aren’t always nice. Hà regrets and wishes that they had never moved to Alabama.  At school, some children bully Hà simply for the fun of it, and the teacher, Miss Scott, acts like Hà is dumb. Even worse, Hà is powerless to fight back, always trying to be invisible in class. As Hà gets the hang of English, she starts to understand more and more, but cannot face reality and wants to go back to Vietnam. With her two new friends and the help of her brothers, Hà learns to fight back and become strong. For her, this is a time of change.

Overall, this is a story of a Vietnamese girl’s experience leaving her homeland for a foreign country and how she experiences the horrifying events of war and eventually learns to adapt to change. It was a very exciting and thrilling read for me and I hope that you will enjoy it too. It was also a bit of a sad story, because Hà’s father was captured on a Navy mission for Vietnam when she was only one year old. Still, I really liked it and can recommend it to anyone. People both young and old could read it and be fascinated by it. I personally have read this book many times and still find something new every time I read it. I hope that you will enjoy reading Inside Out & Back Again!

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The book Divergent is about a futuristic Chicago with a society divided into five factions, each representing a particular virtue: Abnegation (self-denial), Amity (peace), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intelligence). At sixteen, teenagers take an aptitude test to determine their best fit.

Within the story, we follow the main character named Beatrice. Like everyone else, she has to take this test to find her place, but she later learns that she is “Divergent”, meaning that she has the aptitude of multiple factions, hence the title of the book.

The main reasons why I enjoyed this book relate to the struggles that Beatrice goes through and how she finds a way to overcome them.

Apart from being interesting, I recommend this book because of the many attributes it has in exploring the characters through the story. Its main theme is self-discovery and viewing things from different perspectives.

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Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (Mrs. Mueller)

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Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (Mrs. Mueller)

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Small Things Like These is a short novel about an Irish man living a comfortable life with his wife and daughters in a small town. While the small town he lives in seems quaint, he discovers that it has a secret - the local convent keeps and mistreats unwed young women and their illegitimate babies. Once he realizes what is happening, he must decide to remain silent or take action, risking his family's reputation in the town. Keegan's book offers a compelling story about morality and having the courage to do what is right, even if no one else agrees.

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Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen (Amelie)

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Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen (Amelie)

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The novel Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen was published in 1993 and later made into a movie. The book is Kaysen’s memoir, relaying her experiences as a young woman in an American psychiatric hospital in the 1960s after being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. The novel is a psychological drama that sheds light on one’s experience and treatment in a mental institution at the time.

In the book, Susanna - an eighteen-year-old at the time - admits herself to McLean Hospital, a mental institution specifically for troubled young women. Susannah’s hospitalization lasts nearly two years. In that time, she meets multiple characters who are also undergoing treatment for mental illness. Her friendships with a couple of girls - Georgina, Torch, Daisy, and Lisa - focus on their bonds and struggles. While some characters, like Lisa, never want to get better, Susanna eventually decides that she wants to heal. In the end, Susanna is  discharged from the hospital and looks back on her life and time there, considering her personal growth, her friendships, and the person she became.

The book explores themes such as identity, social expectations, and friendship, and offers an insight into the complexities of mental illness.

In my opinion, Girl, Interrupted has a captivating storyline, the characters are memorable and interesting, and the drama is intense. One should note that - due to the story’s serious nature - it includes some graphic details that are more suited to a mature audience.

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Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (Ella)

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Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (Ella)

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Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson is an interesting novel that teaches us about friendship, imagination, life, and loss. The story is about Jess Aarons, a fifth-grader, who feels left out in a town in Virginia. His life changes when he becomes friends with Leslie Burke, a new girl in school, who is also imaginative and fearless. Together, they create the magical kingdom of Terabithia, a secret place in the woods where they act as king and queen. Terabithia becomes their safe place, a place where they can escape from the struggles of their lives and where their creativity has no bounds. The characters of Jess and Leslie are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their world. The book Bridge to Terabithia is an interesting novel and I give this book a four-star rating.

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The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr (Emilia)

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The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr (Emilia)

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I would like to recommend the book called The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr.

It is an exciting novel about brotherhood and mystery. It tells the story of a boy, Jimmy, and his little brother, Ronnie, who are one of the evacuees from London during WWII in 1939.  School-aged children, pregnant women, and disabled people during this time had to be transported to another place because London became too dangerous and was under attack by the Germans.  They were transported to a small village in Wales and in the valley where Jimmy and his brother now live is totally different from his old house in London. Jimmy feels totally out of place and uncomfortable even though the other children have adapted very easily.  When he finds a hidden skull in a tree in the valley, he suddenly realizes that this may be more frightening than the war. With his new best friend, he rushes to unveil the lost secrets.

I rate this book 4 out of 5. I recommend this book because it is very exciting and you do not want to put it down. If you are a fan of mystery novels and historical fiction, then I can recommend this book to you! It is perfect for anyone who likes to read a book that is not too short, but also not too long because it only has 297 pages.

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Scorpia Rising by Anthony Horowitz (Maja)

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Scorpia Rising by Anthony Horowitz (Maja)

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Recently, I read a book called Scorpia Rising by Anthony Horowitz. It is a very intense story about a fourteen-year-old spy and about how he has to take on Scorpia again.

The main character in this book is a fourteen-year-old boy called Alex Rider. He comes from England and lives in Chelsea. He has fair hair and brown eyes; he also has the body of an athlete but he gets injured quite often. Alex Rider wants to be a normal teenager but he can't because MI6 won’t leave him alone. They turned him into a spy and they keep on sending him on very dangerous missions. Alex is a very good person and has saved the world multiple times because of his amazing skills and talent.

It all starts off with Scorpia (a very dangerous criminal organization) which plans taking revenge on Alex Rider because Alex has already caused the organization serious problems in the past. A trap is set up because  MI6 thinks that a school in Cairo is in danger. They must send someone young into the school to investigate. Alex is suspicious of the new headmaster and he even eavesdrops on a conversation he had and follows the headmaster to a shop center and that's when the adventure begins.

In my opinion, the book is one of the best books that I have read. I love action-packed thrillers that contain lots of twists and turns. A positive thing about this book is that everything that happens is unexpected so you never know what is going to happen next. The book is so good that you can't stop reading it once you have started. The author also has many clever ideas that make the story very intense. I give this book a 5-star rating.

I would recommend this book to people who like action stories and those aged 10 or above. The reason for this is because there is some murder in the book so younger children might get scared. There are a lot of made-up events in there so if a younger child reads this they might think it’s real and get scared. Otherwise, I think that people who read this book will love it because it’s for ages 10 and above.

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Recently, I read a book called Runt by Craig Silvey. It is a very heartwarming story about friendship and kindness between a girl and a dog. It has a really good message and is very cleverly written. It has won many awards, and I recommend this book. It is an inspiring story where love and kindness ultimately win against greed and evil.

The main character of this book is a little girl named Annie, who is determined and brave. She never backs down from a challenge and she always tries her best. Her dog (but also her best friend), Runt, is always by her side, through thick and thin. They are very interesting characters and they make this book so good.

The plot of the story is about how Annie's village in Upson Downs, (a probably made-up town ) in Australia, is under threat by a very long drought lasting over a year and her parents are forced to contemplate if they should sell their farm since they don't have enough money to pay for bills and there's almost no water for the animals. Annie jumps into action with her dog and enters a dog competition with a grand prize of a quarter of a million dollars, but there is one problem. Runt won't perform if lots of people are watching him. So, will Annie succeed, even with Runt's fear blocking their way to save her farm and even possibly her village?

I really like this book because it shows how it doesn't matter where you are from because it doesn't change who you are and also that you don't have to carry the weight of the world by yourself. It is such an inspirational book and a very good read.

I definitely recommend this book. It is a very heartwarming story of friendship and kindness between a girl and a dog. It has a really good message and is written in a very clever way. I give this book a five-star rating.

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Never Say Die by Anthony Horowitz (Sofia)

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Never Say Die by Anthony Horowitz (Sofia)

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A couple of months ago, I read a really good book called Never Say Die by Anthony Horowitz. The book is the 11th book in the Alex Rider series. The main character’s name is Alex Rider. He is a 15-year-old boy who has reluctantly worked for MI6 special operations on countless occasions and has been extremely successful in saving the world more than once. Alex's future was decided for him before he was even born, and although he only wanted to be a normal teenage boy, he was trained to be a spy starting from the age of six. He learned karate and several different languages.

Recently, however, he moved to San Francisco where his close friend lives. This is because Alex's caretaker, Jack Starbright, appeared to be killed. Alex believes that his friend might still be alive until one day he receives an email from an unknown contact making him think that Jack Starbright might not be dead after all. His adventure starts when he returns to the place where Jack died. Alex desperately tries to gather the few clues left behind in this action-packed adventure.

In my opinion, this is one of the best books I have ever read, and I loved picturing Alex's dangerous and risky trail that was laid out before him. The book was a very thrilling tale and the author's narrative makes it even more so. It's just one of those books where you find yourself not wanting to put it down. The book just keeps getting better with every chapter.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves gripping stories ,and I give the book a five-star rating. This book follows on from another book in the series called Scorpia Rising. I would recommend this book to people who are above the age of ten because there are some gory parts in the book that might frighten younger readers.

Overall, I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves to read.

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Recently, I read a book called Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. It is a very touching story about the life and challenges of a horse named Black Beauty and the several other people and horses he encounters.

The main character is Black Beauty, a noble and gentle horse who narrates the story. Throughout his life, he meets a variety of other horses, such as Ginger, a lively but mistreated character, and Merrylegs, an understanding and reliable pony. The humans in the story range from kind and caring, like his first owner, Farmer Grey, and John Manly, a compassionate groom, to cruel and neglectful, like the stable boy who has a drinking problem and the harsh cab drivers.

The plot follows Black Beauty from his picturesque early years on a farm, through various stages of ownership, some more gentle and others harsh. The narrative provides a detailed look into the lives of horses in 19th century England, emphasizing the importance of treating others right. Beauty's experiences reflect the social issues of that time, including the impact of the industrial revolution on both animals and people. The story is a strong call for empathy and better treatment of animals.

I found Black Beauty to be a moving and informative read. The author’s ability to convey the emotions and thoughts of a horse is quite captivating and heart-wrenching. The book is not only an engaging story but also as an important commentary on animal well-being. Anna Sewell’s descriptions of the mistreatment of horses are surprisingly powerful and spark up a strong emotional response.

I highly recommend Black Beauty to readers ages 11 and above because of the language used and the mentioning of alcohol problems. Nevertheless, it is a timeless classic that teaches us valuable lessons in being respectful and caring for others. Though it is generally meant for younger readers, older people can also enjoy its depth and historical background. This book is essential for anyone interested in animal well-being, social history, or just a touching and beautifully written story.

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The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan (Eric)

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The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan (Eric)

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Recently, I read a book called The Battle Of The Labyrinth, by Rick Riordan. It is one of those books that is hard to put down. The book is historical fiction, about Greek gods and their children. These children are called Halfbloods. The book is about a 14-year-old boy named Percy Jackson, who, every summer, would go to a camp named Camp Halfbood. There he would train to fight monsters that are controlled by the Titans (Titans are the gods' parents). The Titans want to rule again, like before the gods cast them down a pit with no bottom. But the Halfbloods that are in the camp would not let this happen. Soon into the book they find something that could end the camp. Percy Jackson and three others, Tyson, Percy’s half brother, Annabeth, a good friend of Percy, and Grover, a satyr and also a good friend of Percy, want to find the lost god of nature called, Pan. They have to go down into a labyrinth to complete the quest. There, they find a ghost- king, a Halfblood that is very dangerous, a sphinx, a few other gods, a traitor, and a Titan, and they have to enter a base in a volcano. This is a great book for kids ten and up, and I would give this book a 5/5.

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Knokkelmanden by Henrik Pontoppidan (Oscar)

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Knokkelmanden by Henrik Pontoppidan (Oscar)

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Star rating - 4.3/5

The novel Knokkelmanden was written in 1884, a moment in Danish history called “The Modern Breakthrough”, and looks more realistically at the grim state of Denmark following an era called “Romanticism” where Danish poets and painters romanticized Denmark and took a blind eye to reality.

The novel by Henrik Pontoppidan is about a loving farming couple who grew up as lower-class orphans and barely survived, moving to the capital's outskirts and starting their new hopeful life. The story continues and the couple's life begins to improve and they even have a daughter. They make it their mission for her to have a brighter upbringing and future than theirs, which makes them work hard. They eventually make enough to pay off their farm and live a free life. Suddenly, the woman falls ill and the local doctor cannot cure the unknown illness. They then decide to go to the capital to find a professor, and he tells the woman that she has an incurable illness and that she will soon get too fatigued to work and will eventually die. The story then progresses as - instead of grieving - they prepare the man to do the woman's work as he has never cooked, cleaned, or cared for a child. At last, the woman cannot do anything but stay in her bed, and she later dies. The story ends at her funeral with the priest saying “Herrens Naade er over al Maade” (The Lord’s grace is beyond measure).

I believe this story excellently illustrates how life, which may seem to be going well, can drastically change in an instant. It underscores the importance of appreciating the moments spent with loved ones, as these moments can unexpectedly come to an end.

I recommend the book as it is an important piece of literature in Danish history. The book shies away from the era before it, which only offered idealized views of the nation. Henrik Pontoppidan illustrated Denmark's grim state perfectly by starting his characters off as lower-class orphans struggling to survive rather than nobles with a loving, wealthy family. While he references the old era with the couples’ love, connection, and happy family, he later destroys this by giving the woman an unexpected and incurable illness, where she is taken by “Knokkelmanden” - old Danish for The Grim Reaper.

Therefore, I recommend this book as it is historically significant, well-rounded, and also yet open, leaving space for discussions about the ending and how it can be interpreted.

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Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption (Cade)

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Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption (Cade)

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Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King is about the life, imprisonment, and escape of Andy Dufresne, an ex-banker wrongfully accused and jailed for the murder of his wife and her lover. The book is told from the perspective of Red, another long-time inmate who befriends Andy. Red describes Andy’s evolution during his time in prison as he uses his cunning and intelligence to earn the respect of the other inmates. Slowly, he improves prison conditions while simultaneously and secretly planning his escape.

I enjoyed how the story was told from the perspective of an inmate who was not Andy despite the story revolving around him. It adds to the mystery of the book and has the reader trying to decipher his character along with the narrator, Red. I also enjoyed how the story flowed chronologically with each page revealing slightly more information as the reader slowly peeled back the layers to Andy. In addition to telling the story of Andy Dufresne, the book also gives context to the topics it describes, for example, highlighting how inmates live in prison and the different roles they play. It also touches on the corruption that plagues the guards. Overall, I enjoyed the story because it tells a compelling story by slowly delivering clues about the characters.

I would recommend this book because it's a captivating story that keeps you hooked until the end. The book's gradual reveal of Andy's character and the complexities of prison life make for an engaging read. You should read this book if you enjoy stories of resilience, friendship, and hope against all odds.

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My Sweet Orange Tree by José Mauro de Vasconcelos

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My Sweet Orange Tree by José Mauro de Vasconcelos

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My Sweet Orange Tree by José Mauro de Vasconcelos is about a boy who grows up poor with his sisters. His parents who live quite far away from the boy start a job and end up getting a car so they can travel more frequently to see him.

On one of his trips, the father gives the boy a seed for an orange tree. A couple months later, the parents die in a car crash. The boy cherishes the tree and keeps it alive as if it were his parents themselves.

The story talks about his the boy's life as an orphan and how people try to take advantage of his innocence. The boy later finds out that his parents' car crash was planned and he tries to find the people responsible for it.

I enjoyed how the book effectively showed the boy’s development. The reader basically gets to see the boy grow up and go on a mission to find the killer of his parents.

I recommend the book because it was really interesting, entertaining, and quick to read.

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The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Bhavye)

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The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Bhavye)

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4 out of 5 stars.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of detective stories featuring Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson. Through a series of puzzling cases, Sherlock Holmes uses his observation skills to unravel mysteries that baffle Scotland Yard.

I loved the way Sherlock Holmes thinks. The problems seem impossible, at first, but he explains them with such clarity that they become brilliant solutions. The stories are also fast-paced and full of suspense, keeping me guessing until the very end.

This book is a classic for a reason. It's a great introduction to the world of Sherlock Holmes and detective fiction, in general. The stories are entertaining, and thought-provoking, and will leave you wanting more. Even though my edition of the book has only 7 out of the 12 stories, I still enjoyed reading it a lot.

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Lord of the Flies by William Golding (Dafni)

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Lord of the Flies by William Golding (Dafni)

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Written by the British author William Golding and published in 1954, Lord of the Flies is about a group of boys who, after an airplane crash, find themselves on an unknown island. The boys, aged between 6 to 12, have to survive all by themselves and decide to elect Ralph, one of the oldest, as their leader.

At first, all the boys are collaborative and help each other in the hard situation, but after a while, Jack, another boy belonging to the oldest, wants to take Ralph’s power, and so, creates his own group of hunters. This causes the boys to split into two groups: a group based on reason and democracy and another group based on irrationality and wild and violent instincts (the hunters).

Eventually, the first group loses power and members while the second group - the hunters - becomes more powerful and gains members, either freely or through force and coercion.

The two groups become enemies to the point that the group of the hunters try to kill the boys from the other group. The situation becomes out of control. Two boys from the rational group are killed, and Ralph remains the only boy from this group. Fortunately, right in the moment when Ralph is about to get killed by the savage boys, a group of military men come to the island with their ship and save the boys.

Lord of the Flies” was written a few years after World War II and symbolises how the rationality of people during that time faded away. The author, Golding, took part in WWII as a soldier of the British Navy and quickly noticed how humanity can lose their reason and become irrational and evil during extreme situations.

The boys on the island are a metaphor for humanity, which switches from civilization to savagery, from democracy to violence, from reason to irrationality because it has to manage a hard situation.

A symbol of the novel is the conch shell. The conch shell is used as a symbol of democracy, as the boys who want to speak during the meetings need to hold it. The shell deteriorates throughout the book and eventually breaks into pieces, which symbolises the loss of rational thought and democracy.

I really enjoyed reading this book because it contains a lot of suspense and deep meanings. I found it fascinating how Golding shows how rationality can get lost quickly in particular situations, to the point where innocent people can even be killed without the killers feeling any guilt.

I would rate Lord of the Flies 4.5/5 starts and highly recommend this novel to everyone.

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Daniel, or "El Mochuelo" as his friends called him, is an 11-year old boy who lives in the Spanish countryside. He is used to life there, and detests the idea of living in a city. However, his humble family feels that he must move to the city to pursue his studies in order to succeed in life. Daniel, on the other hand, does not see success as academic proficiency, but rather as becoming a strong man, like the village blacksmith.

Daniel feels a platonic love for Mica, a lady 10 years older than him whom he finds very pretty. One day, on his way to her house to drop off some cheese (his father was a cheese-maker), he meets Mariuca. She asks him why he dressed up so much to drop off mere cheese, and compliments his looks. He brushes her off, saying that she is ugly, while Mica is the most beautiful lady in town.

Later, he finds out that Mica has a boyfriend, and begins to feel a tenderness towards Mariuca, who, like him, must accept her fate.

Towards the end of the year, close to when he is going to leave for the city, his friend Germán has a tragic accident. From this moment, he feels that nothing will ever be the same.

I had quite the adventure reading this book. At first, it seemed as if it was going nowhere, and I gave up on it. My parents encouraged me to read it, as it is a classic piece of Spanish literature. I persevered and read on, and found it to be one of the best stories I'd ever read. While I don't know about the translations, the writing was amazing. It was thoughtful, varied, and had an addictive style. The story hit close to home, seeing as my parent's jobs result in a lot of moving around, and many times leaving friends behind. I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in short fiction novels, and I hope that, if you read this book, you enjoy it as much as I did!

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The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (Jackson)

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The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (Jackson)

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The Priory of the Orange Tree is an 800 page novel set in a fantastical world that is akin to the 16th or 17th century. I would compare it to Game of Thrones, as it deals with much of the same political drama, fantastical creatures, and adult themes. However, unlike Game of Thrones, The Priory of the Orange Tree is commonly seen from a female perspective, with few points of view from male characters. It also differs from traditional medieval fantasy by how it places women in places of power. The Priory of the Orange Tree deals with the idea of balance which is expressed through the culture of the East and West, the types of magic in the world, and even the draconic creatures that inhabit it, as some are traditional western dragons and some are traditional eastern dragons. The Priory of the Orange Tree is action-packed with plenty of cliffhangers to keep you wanting to read more. The story is told from the perspective of many different characters as each chapter takes the perspective of a single character. This creates little hints at the overarching story, which the reader can piece together as they read. Even though all 800 pages of The Priory of the Orange Tree are thoroughly enjoyable and will make you want to keep reading, it is a large commitment and I would not recommend this book if you are not an avid reader. However, if you do read it all, you can boast that you have read an 800-page novel.

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It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover (Lucca)

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It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover (Lucca)

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It Ends With Us is a romance novel, written by Colleen Hoover. The story follows a girl named Lily who has just moved and is ready to start her life after college. Lily meets a young man named Ryle who she falls for. As she develops feelings for Ryle, Atlas, her first love, reappears and challenges the relationship between Lily and Ryle. I would recommend this book to those who like love stories and drama in relationships. The reason why I find this book interesting is because you mostly just listen to Lily’s experience and hear how it feels like for her to be trapped in a love dilemma, caught between two men she loves and hates. Watching Lily deal with this and seeing how she ultimately decides for one of them makes the book really interesting.

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Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne (Tanner)

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Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne (Tanner)

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I want to recommend a book that I’ve read before and enjoyed. It’s called the Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne. It is a wonderful story about adventure and friendship. This book is written and ideal for students in Grades 3 and 4. The Magic Tree House is a series about an older brother and younger sister  who find a tree house that is filled with books. Each time they open one of the tree houses, it spins and they get teleported into the book and setting and their real world pauses. Each book has a challenge that the characters need to face. Once they complete the challenges, they get teleported back to their tree house and time resumes. Even though this book is part of a series, it doesn't matter which book you read first. However, you should read the first book first because it explains how the series works.

The characters in the series are Jake and Annie, and a wizard named Merlin who is the one teleporting the children into the books. Each book has a new character that helps them with the challenges that they face.

The setting in the books changes depending on where they are sent. My thought about it is that it is a good series and each book has a new and fun adventure to follow. I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to any 3rd or 4th grader.

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Recently, I read a book called Holes written by Louis Sachar. It is a very Interesting and exciting book about friendship, justice  and hard work in a boys camp called “The Green Lake“’.
The main character of the story is a 14-year-old boy named Stanley Yelnats, nicknamed the Caveman, who - with many other characters such as a warden who is a guardian woman of the camp, like Zero, X-RAY, Armpit , Squid and Zig Zag - are the boys working in the camp with Stanley.

I like the main character, Stanley Yelnats, the best because even though he had bad luck in life, he had a strong and brave character at the end. The boys’ situation at the camp made me quite sad because they were working very hard and they didn't eat enough nor drink enough the entire day. I felt sorry for Stanley because he was sent to a boy’s camp for bad behavior in Green Lake, Texas where he grew up and found himself in a bad situation; he was basically at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Stanley Yelnats is the main character. He lives under harsh conditions and works like a dog at the camp digging holes. There are a couple of other boys who are digging holes with him and some of them become friends with Stanley.

Stanley was suspected of stealing a pair of sneakers from a famous baseball player called Livingston. Stanley finds out the truth about the camp’s dark history and he also discovers his family's hidden secrets.

I like the book because  it is very interesting and tense. My favourite part was when Stanley and Zero discovered the chest of Kate Barlow in a hole and they started to get covered by yellow spotted lizards that were toxic.  If they got bitten by the yellow lizards they could die, that was the scary bit of the story. I learned from this book how friendship is important and that justice will find its way.
This book  is fun to read because it is exciting and an adventurous story about friendship, justice and courage. I give it 4/5 stars.

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Recently, I read a book called Dog Man written by Dav Pilkey. It is a very awesome book about a dog and a human.

This book is about a dog who lost his head in an explosion and a policeman who lost his body trying to defuse a bomb. It exploded and they were injured and taken to the hospital.  While there a doctor operates on the two and tries to save their lives and in the process, he creates a man-dog.

In my opinion this book is an excellent book to read in your free time and I rate this book 4 stars out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to people who like fantasy and comics and are above the age of six. I rate this comic book highly because it made me laugh a lot.

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Welcome to Camp Nightmare by R.L. Stine (Alessandro)

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Welcome to Camp Nightmare by R.L. Stine (Alessandro)

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Welcome to Camp Nightmare by R.L. Stine  is about a boy named Billy who has been sent to a summer camp by his parents. Although everything seemed normal at first, while on the bus going to the camp, he can feel that something was wrong. In the middle of nowhere, the driver stopped the bus suddenly. The bus driver told everyone to get off the bus.  After all the children got out with their bags, the bus driver drove off leaving everyone stranded. The kids were later picked up by an old man in another bus who ends up being the camp director. Once everyone is at camp, Billy and his friends start noticing that this camp is not a normal camp.

This story’s main protagonist is named Billy. He doesn't have any friends, although later on he meets some new friends who accompany him through this terror story. The first friend Billy makes in the camp is named Mike. Mike is a chubby boy that is scared of pretty much everything and he is very paranoid. Colin, another friend, is an athletic youngster who wants to be popular and cares a lot about his image. Then there is Jay who loves playing pranks on others.

In my opinion this book is very entertaining. It makes the reader want to read more and more to discover what's going to happen.

I give this book 5 stars. I recommend this book because it's engaging and it gets you into the story and it uses a lot of imagery. This story is for an audience of 10 or above because it may cause nightmares .This story is part of a series of tales from the master of fright R.L Stine. I recommend the other books as well.

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I recently read the book A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. It is a book based on real life events.

The book has two parallel stories going on and both take place in South Sudan. The first story is about a young boy named Salva who is one of the ”Lost Boys” and had to flee from his village because of the war between South and North Sudan. He experienced a lot of struggles in his life. After that he becomes brave and overcame many kinds of difficulties like encountering a killer lion and  a hungry crocodile. He is one of the Lost Boys of Sudan traveling through  the African continent on foot in search of his family and safety. He eventually was brought to the USA. The second story in the book is about a young girl named Nya who takes care of her family and she is the niece of the chief of her village. She fetches water for her village and spends 8 hours a day collecting water.

I think this book deserves a 5 star rating and I recommend it to people ages 10 or above. Once you start reading it, you won't stop.

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One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus (Alessia)

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One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus (Alessia)

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One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus is a young adult mystery novel about the lives of four high school students who find themselves in a huge dilemma after their classmate, Simon, dies during detention. Simon, known for his gossip app, was about to expose their deepest secrets. The story is told from the perspectives of the Bronwyn, Cooper, Addy, and Nate. As suspicions and accusations worsen, each character reveals vulnerabilities and hidden truths. They all go through tense investigations and have to cope with their own personal challenges at the same time. Throughout the book, themes of friendship, trust, and the consequences of one's actions are covered. The narrative also describes the complexities of high school dynamics, like social pressures, identity, and personal growth, which made the book easier to connect with. With unexpected twists and turns, One of Us Is Lying kept me guessing until the final reveal, which showed me the impact of rumors and the power of redemption. I loved this book and I am very excited to read the other books in the series!

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One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Andrea)

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One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Andrea)

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The novel One True Loves is about Emma, a girl whose parents own a book store. She meets Jessie in her teens and they fall in love. She marries her high school sweetheart, but after a year of marriage, he tragically dies in a helicopter crash. As she is processing the grief, she runs into Sam, an old friend, and she falls in love again. Emma and Sam move in together and get engaged, but before they get married, Emma finds out Jessie is still alive. She needs to make the impossible choice between her two soulmates, and if she doesn't choose fast enough, she fears she will lose them both. The novel is cleverly written and portrays both the good and the bad sides of being deeply in love.

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We Were Liars by E. Lockhart is a captivating and thought-provoking story filled with mystery, privilege, and the tragic aftermath of an accident. With its unreliable narrator, Cadence, and the enigmatic group of friends known as the Liars, the book keeps readers guessing until the very end. The exploration of themes such as privilege, family, love, and the consequences of secrets resonates with real-life experiences, prompting discussions about fairness, empathy, and the importance of honesty. Personally, the book's scenes of idyllic summers and complex characters have left a lasting impression on me, while also prompting reflections on my own decisions and experiences. The book gives me an understanding of the topic of privilege and the effects of lying.

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The story is about a 14-year-old teenage runaway called “the kid” who goes to the American-Mexican border in the 19th century. The kid falls in with a violent gang of scalp hunters massacring Native Americans for a Mexican bounty. The gang is led by a man called the Judge, who is tall, pale, hairless and dressed in black. As the most unusual and evil person in the group, the Judge seems to be a metaphor for the devil.

My review:

9/10

I loved the story, but be aware that it has heavy and dark themes related to religion, race, morality, and violence.

My favorite character is the kid. He remains anonymous and mysterious  throughout the first-person narrative. We hardly ever hear his own thoughts and opinions. When the gang is committing its atrocities, McCarthy makes it difficult for the reader to tell if the kid participates or not. This ambiguity is just one of the book’s aspects that makes it so intriguing.

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Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura

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Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura

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This is a fiction book published in 2017 by the Japanese author, Mizuki Tsujimura. In summary, the book is about a girl who avoids going to school because she was bullied by her peers. One day, she enters a mirror at her house and arrives at a castle. She meets six other students of different ages who are experiencing similar problems and avoid going to school. They meet a "Wolf Queen", who offers a challenge to find a key hidden within the castle. The first person among the seven to find the key is granted a wish of whatever they need.

I would like to recommend this book because the characters in this story face similar problems which communicates to readers the message that although you might have problems, there are many people who are experiencing similar issues, which can ease these struggles. In addition, this book also encourages people to have the courage to overcome the challenges they face.