Cat and Mouse in a Haunted House by Geronimo Stilton

Book Review by Julia

Type of Literature: Fantasy

Brief Summary: Geronimo Stilton sets out to visit his Aunt Sweetfur and gets lost on his way. He stops by a castle where scary, mysterious things are going on.

What I Think of This Book: I recommend this hilarious book to readers who like action and comedy. It is part of a series of books that tell of the misadventures of Geronimo Stilton, a very entertaining mouse. My favorite part was when Geronimo's nephew met some new best friends. I hope all of you get a chance to read this wonderful, adventurous book.

The Report Card by Andrew Clements

Book Review by Jason

Brief Summary: In this great book the main characters are Stephen and Nora. They are best friends. Nora is smart, but does not tell anyone. She gets bad grades, too. The big problems come from Nora and Stephen trying to do something to standardized test scores. There could be serious consequences..

What I Think of the Book: I love this book so much that I can hardly explain why. Older kids who worry about grades and test scores will really like it. Nora and Stephen are just like real kids with real problems. It has some really great surprises, too. You won't expect Stephen and Nora to solve their problems the way they do. Nora is such an interesting character because she pretends to be dumb when she is really a genius. That's amazing. People who like good endings will also like this book, but I'm not telling you the end!

Polo's Mother by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Book Review by Tanner

Brief Summary: A few cats get together and try to solve the mysteries of life. Texas Jake is in charge of this "Club of Mysteries". One of many dangers is that Steaknife (a rat) wants to steal their hideout. One of many mysteries is whether or not Polo's mother loves him.

What I Think of This Book: This book is great, especially if you like cats. I really enjoyed how Marco (the cat who could read) and his brother Polo solved the mysteries that Texas Jake gave them. There were some exciting fights, too. Some kids will laugh because they know the answers to the mysteries that the cats find so hard to understand.

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Book Review by Joshua

Brief Summary: The Baudelaire children (Violet, Klaus, and Sunny) have become orphans because a huge fire has burned down their house. Now their guardian is Count Olaf, the villain, who takes the children to his abode where the children are forced to do chore after chore after chore after chore.

What I Think of the Book: It is an on-the-edge, under the covers, mysterious story. This book would be liked by people who like unfortunate happenings told with a sense of humor. My favorite part is when Violet tries to save Sunny from the "tower". Adventurous and mysterious, this book is a great one!

The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket

Book Review by Courtney

Brief Summary: The book is about Violet, Klaus, and Sunny. They are orphans, and they have to live in a place that is not on the map. Their guardian, Count Olaf, is after them and their enormous fortune. The Baudelaire children are forced to work at a lumber mill in Paltryville, and you won't believe how Count Olaf has disguised himself this time! Something terrible happens to Klaus, and, as usual, dreadful things happen during the whole book.

What I Think of This Book: I'd rate this book a ten for excitement. It also teaches me new words and has funny quotes. It has sad, miserable parts, like people dying, but it is so entertaining with its adventure and its words. People who like funny, exciting, yet sad books will like this book.