Elementary Book Reviews

Red is an oak tree that many animals call home.  The people in the neighborhood call it the Wishtree.  Red has a friend “Bongo” who is a bird who also lives in the tree. Samar’s family has just moved into the little blue house near red.  Next door a boy named Stephen about the same age, lives with his family.  The families stay apart due to the ethnic backgrounds.   This wonderful story told by Red, the oak tree and “Bongo” the bird shares a heartwarming view of our natural world. Each year in May, the people of the neighborhood come out and tie their wishes to Red.  Samar has wished for a friend.  Red is determined to help this lonely girl find a friend and enlists the animals to help him on his quest. This story shares how all people regardless of background have hopes and dreams and how things can change when a community stands together.

Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder Nine orphans on an island caring for each other.  When the boat comes, a new orphan will arrive but only nine can stay so the oldest orphan must get in the boat and leave.  They do not know where they came from originally because they were too young and they do not know where they will be going when they leave.  The stories and responsbilities get passed on.  Jinny is now the oldest and must take the new orphan in her care however; that means she is next in line to leave when the boat arrives again.  Will Jinny be ready to leave the only home she has ever known?  This National Book Award Winner is a fantasy novel that due to a sensitive topic would be suggested for grade 6 & up.

Just read a Middle School book titled “The Initiation” by Chris Babu.  This Dystopian story takes place in New York City.  A superbug has created an epidemic and New York City is closed off.  The city is sectioned in zones and people are placed in zones according to their abilities to be productive and help keep the city running.   Students are encouraged to sign up for this Initiation where they must pass a series of tests mostly near death experiences that would enable them to have a better job and life for their family. This books is the first book in the trilogy.  Adventurous and engaging until the end. The suggested reader would be in the middle grades.