Heist Society by Ally Carter

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (February 9, 2010) 
Buy the book:  Amazon

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help. For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history--or at least her family's (very crooked) history.

Heist Society looked like an entertaining book on the outside, and it was even better on the inside! This book was about a family of thieves, that go around stealing valuable things like paintings and statues. They are really good at stealing, and after they come in, steal the paintings, and get out, nobody even knows what happened.

The main character, Katarina Bishop, was really funny. In the first few pages it describes her as a Russian princess, even though she isn't Russian. [She isn't a princess either, but she could definitely pass for one] She's sneaky, cunning, and at a boarding school. Yeah, she tries to give up her life for a more 'good' and 'respectable' life. Her family won't let her do that so easily, and they bring her back. More specifically, W. W. Hale The Third brings her back. He frames her for a crime that she didn't do, and she gets kicked out of school and goes back to Europe.

When she gets back, Hale [nobody knows what the W's stand for so they call him Hale] and Kat's cousin Gabrielle are waiting for her. They lecture her on how she shouldn't have left, that thievery is her life, and she can't just walk away. Soon after that, she is visited by a mysterious, Al Taccone. He accuses Kat's father of stealing his paintings, and he wants Kat to get them back to him. She argues that her father did not steal the paintings, but he insists and Kat accepts. But she can't just do it with however much time she needs. She has a time limit to get them back, before he takes her father away.

I liked that the characters were all thieves, it seems like nobody has really ever stopped to tell their story before. It was cool that stealing was a family business, and they all stuck together no matter what. I thought it was funny how they all kind of knew what the others were thinking, and they seemed really close, like they weren't only family, but best friends. There wasn't really anything that I didn't like, except Taccone seemed to be flirting with Kat at the end, which was just a little awkward since he is a grown man, and she's a teenager.

My favorite characters would have to be the Bagshaws, they are definitely the funniest, and they just go ahead and say what's on their minds, even if it's a totally random and strange comment. My least favorite character was probably... I don't know, they were all so cool!

This is definitely one of my favorite books, and I would read it again and again if I didn't have other books to read and review. I think it could be a good read for all ages, because it didn't have any bad content and it kept me excited. One example; I kept thinking that Gabrielle was going to steal Hale away from Kat. Which, I know she probably wouldn't do, now that I've read the whole book.

The only thing about this book was that Kat's cousins kept commenting on her boobs. It was meant to be funny, and it was, but I know some people out there would be kinda weirded out by that. Other than that there wasn't any awkwardness, language or bad stuff in it at all. It was a really good book and I really enjoyed it.

Balto And The Great Race By Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (December 21, 1999)

• Balto has a quiet life as a sled dog—until tragedy strikes. Dozens of children in Nome become sick with diphtheria. Without antitoxin serum, they will perish—and the closest supply is 650 miles away! The only way to get the serum to Nome is by sled, but can the dogs deliver it in time? Heading bravely into a brutal blizzard, Balto leads the race for life.

This book is about a dog named Balto but that's a bit obvious. I forget a LOT of the people's names!!! In this book tons of people get sick in Nome, Alaska with diphtheria and so it spreads really quickly! The only cure is called antitoxin and the only supply is 650 miles away!! So the people who delivered the mail had a idea to get as many musher's that would come forth to go and it the med's and they'd all go in different places to get the med's and bring it back to Nome.

I didn't like this book very much because it didn't have any detail and it was like someone looking down from above what they saw. Balto is my favorite because the book only has like two people. I also liked him because he had REALLY good senses and because in the middle of a storm when no other dog could find the way he could.  If you like books about history, or dogs, you might like it.

BRANSEN

Plain Girl By Virginia Sorensen

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 168 pages
Publisher: Sandpiper; 1-Simul edition (August 1, 2003)

An Amish girl, Esther feels like "one black bird against the sky" in her plain clothes. So when she's forced to attend public school she's terrified. She fears the new world she must enter, fears the way she sticks out next to other kids, and--most of all--fears she may do what her brother did: run away and join the sinful but great wide world she's only just discovering.

Esther is Amish, and she is forced to go to school for the first time ever.  She didn't know how she felt about that, but her dad got really angry and stopped talking to everybody.  Once she got there, she didn't know how to feel.  The other kids in the class laughed at her, until one day the popular girl in the class talked to her nicely, then everyone stopped laughing at her.

This is my history book so I needed to read it but it was pretty good. My favorite character is Esther because she is strong and willing to help anyone! Then it is Mary, Esther's new friend from school!  I wouldn't want to live in this time period because there are no computers(how would I blog???). But, I think the story was good because everyone always has hope so that is cool!  If you're looking for a good book, that also might teach you something, you should check this one out!

Book review: The O'Reilly Factor for kids by Bill O'Reilly

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: HarperEntertainment (September 28, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780060544249
ISBN-13: 978-0060544249
Buy the book: Amazon
Visit the site: Bill O'Reilly

*We are giving this book away on SecondHand Saturday: ReadingTeen < GO sign up!

The bestselling author ofThe O'Reilly Factor, The No Spin Zone, and Who's Looking Out for You? talks straight to kids this time. He is as demanding, direct, and wry asever—but he's also more revealing too, sharing candid snapshots of his own childhood throughout.

Bill O'Reilly, a former schoolteacher, now an award-winning broadcast news journalist, husband, and father of two, joins forces with an experienced educator to bring you, America's youth, a code of ethics by which to live. In this latest book, Bill takes to task bullies, cheaters, advertisers who target you irresponsibly, and parents who fight for their children to win undeserved honors instead of earning them on their own merit.

He lays bare the unvarnished truths about sex, money, smoking, drugs, alcohol, and friends. What he has to say about these issues may very well surprise you. He offers coping devices for those enduring a divorce, struggling with teacher, parent, or sibling relationships, and planning their futures. He also shares wisdom on such subjects as death, politics, and God.

Whether you take the tests he's provided, take the advice he doles out, or just take a cue from the personal stories he shares, you're bound to make smarter choices in your life, and that's all Bill asks for.

Drew's Review:
I learned a LOT of great information from reading this book, This book was very enjoyable from start to finish. I liked how in every chapter of the book, He wrote his own "My Story" to tell you how he dealt with things in his teen life, And how he doesn't make him-self sound all old and boring. I like how Mr. O'Reilly puts a lot of great humor here and there so that his readers don't put the book down and read something that they they think is good for their age group. I'm twelve and I did NOT get bored of reading a book from a guy that mostly just writes books about politics, And grown-up stuff with lots of long words!

You should get this book, because it will help you, ALOT!

*A note from the big brother:
This book in no way forces Mr. O'Reilly's political or religious views upon readers. Mr. O'Reilly writes chapters on religion and politics but he specifically says that though they are both important parts of life for him, they are based on beliefs and in no way is he telling the readers of this book what to believe. He is merely stating the fact that for a lot of people, these areas are filled with doubt and/or disagreement with others and that we shouldn't just believe what people tell us to based off of nothing. We need to actually believe in something because that is what we think is right.

I am always searching for great books for guys. Although this book is written for teens in general, it is mainly focused on a boy's point of view, and best read by boys. There is no way a boy could read this book without walking away with new knowledge and wisdom. There are many scenes of boyish tomfoolery. Also, some minor curse words and crude humor. ~ austin

The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (October 1, 2010)
Author's Website:   http://matthewjkirby.com/kirbside/
Buy the book:  Audio, Hardcover

Three ordinary children are brought together by extraordinary events. . .

Giuseppe is an orphaned street musician from Italy, who was sold by his uncle to work as a slave for an evil padrone in the U.S. But when a mysterious green violin enters his life he begins to imagine a life of freedom.

Hannah is a soft-hearted, strong-willed girl from the tenements, who supports her family as a hotel maid when tragedy strikes and her father can no longer work.

She learns about a hidden treasure, which she knows will save her family -- if she can find it.

And Frederick, the talented and intense clockmaker's apprentice, seeks to learn the truth about his mother while trying to forget the nightmares of the orphanage where she left him. He is determined to build an automaton and enter the clockmakers guild -- if only he can create a working head.

Together, the three discover they have phenomenal power when they team up as friends, and that they can overcome even the darkest of fears.

This is one of the BEST book trailers I've ever seen!

This book was sitting on our shelves for months and months. Our copy is an uncorrected advanced reader copy and the cover only shows the clockwork man, without the kids, and it just didn't look that interesting. It was eventually this interview that made us decide to read the book.

We ended up requesting that our library order the audio cd so that we could listen to it together. Luckily our library is AWESOME, and they bought it.

Bransen's Thoughts:

I really loved this book.  I thought it had a LOT of adventure and activity.  My favorite character was Giuseppe.  I liked how the author sort of got this book off of real history.  I liked how Giuseppe ran away from his padrone, Stephano, and that he didn't care how badly he got punished, he just kept going.  I liked how he had good friends that would help him.

I loved how Frederick was so determined to build a clockwork.  Even though he made some bad decisions.  It was hard for him to trust Master Branch because he was brought up in an orphanage and was mistreated by the people in charge.  Hannah was so determined to help her father.  She made some bad decisions too, but she would do anything to help her father.

One of the things I really loved was how all the characters meet up in different parts of the book.  The book was told from all three of them in different chapters, and they would all see or meet each other a different times.  I really liked that.

I thought the audiobook reader was pretty good.  Jim Dale is still the best reader.  The voices he did were pretty good.  There was one part, where the Clockwork speaks that they made this cool sounding voice.  I loved that.

This is one of my top three favorite books.  Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, then this book.  I loved it and I hope there will be a sequel!!  I would suggest this book for anyone! 

Reagan's Thoughts:

I thought this book was pretty awesome because I'm an adventure person and this book was totally adventure.  My favorite character was Giueseppe because he is Italian and he's really tough and awesome.

My second favorite character is Hannah.  She is daring and she's a good "detective" and is willing to risk anything for her family.

I loved how this book was written.  I liked how sometimes Giueseppe and Pietro speak Italian.  There were so many characters I liked.  I also loved the setting.  McCaulley park was my favorite.

The reader was cool, except for Fredricks voice.  It seemed really snotty.  I liked the other voices for everyone else.  He did a really good job.

I would recommend this book to people who like Historical Fiction, Clockworks, and Adventure!

Mom's note:

This book is fantastic, but it does contain some pretty rough treatment of the boys by the Padrone.  There are quite a few times that Giuseppe is beaten, or put in very upsetting situations.  There are also slight paranormal elements. 

You can read my review on Reading Teen.

Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 29, 1995)
• Language: English

Jack and Annie travel back in time to a South American rain forest in searchof the elusive magician Morgan le Fay. Will they find a new clue to her whereabouts before they are trampled by stampeding killer ants? 

In this book Annie and Jack travel through time collecting books, scrolls, and objects from different time periods. In this one, Jack and Annie Travel to the Amazon and find Morgan Le Fay before the night comes and eats them alive! They came upon this magical tree house and now they are working and helping it's owner. This might not be the first book but I started at the tenth book so no worries. Annie can understand animals and can tell when it is time to go to the magic tree house and Jack knows a lot of history and is Annie's big brother and he normally gets where they are supposed to go before Annie gets it. 

I liked the series even though I have not read the first one. I liked Annie more than Jack because I like animals and I would like to understand them like Annie. I like how they could travel through time with just saying "I want to go here!" and pointing to a book cover then the tree house starts to spin then you are there! I liked that they always have the clothes on from that time period instead of people staring at you or having to make money then  buy clothes! It also stops time while they are in the magic tree house instead of being missing for hours and hours! 

If you or your kid needs some really good EASY READS, this series is what you're looking for!  So you should read this book and the others!

Review of Nancy Drew by Leap Frog \ Didj

Item model number: 30684
Manufacturer recommended age: 7 - 10 years

-Team up with Nancy Drew, the famous girl detective, to solve the mystery of the jewel-encrusted Tottlemeyer Teapot.
-Teaches spelling: Consonant and vowel blends, compound words, contractions, plural words.
Library of games featuring favorite characters from SpongeBob SquarePants, Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
-Kids can customize the game online with the spelling words they are studying in school.
Parents connect to the LeapFrog® Learning Path to see what their child is learning.



Welcome to Nancy Drew: Mystery in the Hollywood Hills! Team up with Nancy Drew, the famous girl detective, to solve the mystery of the jewel-encrusted teapot. This treasured teapot has been smashed and someone has taken the jewels leaving clues behind. It's up to you to solve the clues. As the mystery unfolds, you can take breaks from sleuthing to solve mini-mysteries, shop in a glamorous boutiques and text message friends. And, you can customize the game online with subjects you're studying in school


My Review


I think it was a very good game, it had a lot of  mysteries. I beat it three times... What I thought about Nancy Drew, was that I love the game because you got to go shopping and you have to solve a bunch of mysteries. You really get to learn a lot in this game, especially spelling. You had to unlock the places you need to go and you get to go online and choose from more than 10,000 spelling words to match those your studying in school. You also get to go through Nancy Drew's house and her attic, which is fun. What I don't like about it, is that it has OK. graphics and the characters don't look like the ones in the book. They look like the characters in the movie, and I think that the game could be longer. I really did beat it in 3 days. This is a really good game, and you should buy the movie also. I really loved the movie and the books. I read the Nancy Drew books, I thought they were really good. I think I should do a book review on them. I will soon, how about that? :D