"The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary" Reviewed by Kirk

Hey!  This is Kirk and the book I read is "The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary" and it was a really great book.  If you ever heard of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" or saw the movie or something like that, then you'd think this is cool.  It goes behind the scenes for how they made the movie about Greg and Rowley, except this book is about the two boys that play them in the movie.  "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" is fiction but this book is non-fiction.  I really enjoyed this book because he was about how the boys got their parts in the movie, how the filmed everything, and funny stuff they did when they weren't filming.  It even talked about how they made the moldy cheese (you won't know what that means if you didn't see the movie or read the books).  I didn't know all this kind of stuff went in to making movies.  You would like this book if you like "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" or if you want to find out about how to make a movie.                                                          

"Until we Meet Again" Reviewed by Alexis

What's up?  The book I read was "Until we Meet Again."  I chose this book to read because I thought it would be really interesting.  It was the first book I ever read that isn't just about little kid stuff.

This book is about two sisters named Darcy and Jamie.  At the beginning of the book their parents are about to get a divorce but they decide to work it out but they decide to move.  Darcy's boyfriend tells her that his dad has cancer and he has to move all the way to Detroit to help his dad through it.  Darcy is miserable.  After he moves, Darcy tries moving on and getting a new boyfriend and while she's out with him, her grandmother gets rushed to the hospital.  Darcy is really guilty about leaving her sister and her grandmother ends up dying.  The book does have a happy ending but you have to read it to find out what.

I feel like I'm alot like Darcy because if I had a boyfriend who moved I would try to get over him and pick someone else.  I feel like I might have lessons to learn to like Darcy did by leaving her grandmother alone with her little sister.  You should read this book if you have a life like Darcy's, but I think you'll still like it even if you don't.

We've Created Monsters!!!

A new class of BABble Bloggers have cropped up and they're already nose deep into their year of reading.  What happens when it becomes completely awesome to read books and blog about them?  Sigh.  I've already had to give a "stern talking to" to a few students for sneaking in some reading while I'm trying disseminate vital educational information!  What's a teacher to do?  BLOG ON Eagle BABblers!!!  A heap of fresh, new reviews are on their way so check back often! 

"Dark Visions"- Reviewed by Michael

The book Dark Visions is by the author L.J Smith. There are three books all in one. The books are Dark Visions, The Possessed, and The Passion. The book is about a girl who has physic powers. She can tell the future through her drawings. She gets asked to go to a psychic research center with four other psychics. They will be tested on to see how their powers work and as they continue with their everyday lives. They will be living in California and continue to go to school.  They find out that the owner of the research center, Mr. Zetes, is researching them for his own evil purposes. He wants to use them to steal things and take over. The  kids (who are all psychic) find out about these plans and try to stop him, but Mr. Zetes hooks Gabrial (one of the students) up to a giant crystal and it damages him.

            In the second book the kids are trying to find these people that Kaitlin (the girl with the future powers) had a vision of. They think that they might be able to help them. When the crystal came in contact with Gabriel it caused a disturbance with his powers so now he has a dangerous thing he has to do.  But they find out that Mr. Zetes has more psychics and he’s using  them to try and kill the kids. The kids find the people who call themselves The Fellowship. Something bad happens, so the kids have to leave the fellowship. Gabriel leaves the group to work for Mr. Zetes though.

          In the third book the kids are setting out to destroy Mr. Zetes' crystal and stop his evil plan. Kaitlin goes in as a spy behind everyone else’s back, but it works. She gets info on the other psychics and helps Gabriel. I now it sounds straightforward, but like many other books, it doesn't quite end the way you'd think.  You should check it out.

"Remember Me"- Reviewed by Brandie

Sup!  This is Brandie and the book I read (after Mrs. Guillot demanded me to) was Remember Me by Christopher Pike.  This book is about a girl named Shari who goes to a party and the next thing she knows, she's dead!  She goes to her own funeral as a ghost and sees Peter, a boy she went to school with who committed suicide (he's a ghost too).  Peter helps Shari find out who killed her.  Toward the end of the book, Shari is able to to jump into another girl's body to prevent something terrible from happening to her.  The ending is extremely twisted and ironic and you have to keep reading to be able to sort out all the details. 

I loved this book because it's my type of book to read (even though I didn't believe Mrs. Guillot when she demanded).  (Haha).  It's a mystery and you really have to think to figure it out.  I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries too or ghost stories.

I'm readying TWO other books right now, so when I'm done, you'll be hearing from me again.  Later!

"Payback"- Reviewed by Jasmine

This book was reviewed using Easi-Speak Pro audio.     Click here to listen to the audio review for Payback.

"Bluford Series"- Mrs. Samuel

Mrs. Samuel loves to read.  Actually, she read the entire Bluford Series.  Welcome to the blogosphere, Mrs. Samuel!  Click on her video to watch her review the series and discuss a few of her favorites.

"A Boy Called Twister"- Reviewed by Terrica

The book I read was A Boy Called Twister by Anne Schraff.  This book is about a 16 year old boy named Kevin Walker.  His father is a boxer and was charged for second degree murder after a fight.   Even worse, he dies in prison after a horrible riot.  Kevin's mother died from cancer.  After Kevin is left all alone he has to move in with his grandparents and enroll at Tubman High.  He doesn't want anyone feeling sorry for him so he hides the truth about his parents from everyone.

At the new school, this guy named Marco immediately starts trying to bring Kevin down.  Kevin joins the track team and Marco tries to ruin that too after he finds out what a good runner Kevin is.  Marco messes with everyone like this, so Kevin tries to help everyone being bullied by him.  Marco responds by spreading around that Kevin is a bad person because of what his father did.  With help from everyone around him, Kevin won't let Marco get him down and he strives for success.

I relate to Kevin because we both hide alot about ourselves because of what other people might think of us. We both trust just the people we are closest to that won't judge us based on what happened in our past lives.  We both long to be ourselves around people we care for and others, but its up to them to treat us the same or not.

I would recommend this book to anyone who feels left out or who feels they have no place in life.  They need to know that no matter what happens in their life, they need to have faith in themselves and believe anything is possible.  They should keep their head up at all times and never run from their past.

"Killer"- Reviewed by Cortney

( Is it a coincidence that Cortney started wearing makeup around the time she started blogging?  Hmmmmm.... hee hee  Love ya Cortney!)  ******************************************************   HI Everyone!  This time I read the book Killer from  the "Pretty Little Liars" series.    It's about four girls that have a friend who died in the woods months ago.  The girl who died was named Ali.  They had been talking and really felt like her death was extremely suspicious.     Ali was a girl who was very popular but she played alot of games with people.  She didn't deserve to die, but she did have enemies.  So anyway, her four friends start digging around to try to find out what happened.  They're trying to unlock alot of secrets behind lies, but they start finding out a little too much so the killer is now after them!   

Like all of these "Pretty Little Liar" books, I am  nothing like ANY of these characters because I would never lie to my friends.  However, I recommend you read this book because it is GOOD and exciting!!!  I advise everyone to never lie to your friends ever, though, because the truth always comes out.  Don't be a pretty little liar and get yourself killed!    Until next time, Cortney :-)        

    

                  

"City of Glass"- Reviewed by Michael S.

This book was reviewed using Easi-Speak Pro audio.     Click here to listen to the audio review for "City of Glass".

"Lost and Found"- Reviewed by Destine

Hey Guys!  The book I reviewed is called "Lost and Found".  It's about a girl named Darcy Wills, and she has had real tough life situations.  She had problems and situations like with home and school.  Her dad came back into her life after a LONG time, AND she found out alot of things about people at school and had to deal with them, especially the boys.  On top of all that, her sister ran away and Darcy is very hurt by that.  She is also very mad at her sister, and she even feels guilty because she was more worried about a boy she was with when her sister ran away then the situation at hand.

I have some things in common with Darcy like some of the same family problems.  People who have situations like that should definitely talk to someone about them.  I don't have a sister, but I liked the book and it actually showed me that there is always someone you can trust.  You don't have to have a whole lot of friends, just one important one to help get you through everything.  

I would recommend everyone read this book because there is some kind of situation in it for you. The ending brings alot of peace to Darcy.  Everything eventually gets better and works itself out.  I hope you enjoy the book!                                                       

Ahhh... Bookworms

 

I just wanted to post these pictures I took at a tutoring program  afterschool.  These girls saw some of our bloggers reading and immediately came up to me asking to borrow a book and take part in our project.  I can't wait to read their reviews and share them  with the blogosphere!

"Secrets in the Shadows"- Reviewed by Jasmine

Hey Y'all!  The book I read was "Secrets in the Shadows".  This book is about a boy named Roylin who commits a terrible crime against someone close to him.  He didn't mean to, but it happened anyway.  He tries to get it out of his head and put it behind him, but he can't stop feeling the guilt.  In the end, he tries to make it up to the person.

I don't have much in common with Roylin.  Some of the decisions he made, I don't think I could do and I do not necessarily agree with them.  I really liked this book because I see why he did what he did, even though I wouldn't do things the same way.

I would recommend this book to people who have secrets that they're keeping or problems in school or at home.  I had fun reading this book so I hope you read it too.

"Chasing Redbird"- Reviewed by Samantha

The book I read is called Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech.  It is about a girl named Zinny Talor.  She discovered an old, overgrown trail that ran through the woods behind her family's house.  Right from the start she said, "It was my trail, mine alone, no one else's."  She knew that trail would be an awesome summer project for her to explore.  Finding this trail raises more questions than she ever imagined. She is going to get all of her questions answered.

Me and Zinnie have alot in common.  She loves to explore new places.  So do I. She loves animals, and I do too.  The most important thing we have in common is that she finds somewhere special and claims it has hers.  I have a special place, too, just like she does!

I would recommend this book for everyone to read because there are no bad things in this book.  Also, if you love to read books that have parts that you don't think will happen, they will sometimes end up in this book.  Thank you for reading my review and please read the book.

"The Bully"- Reviewed by Miracle

I'm almost finished with the entire Bluford Series!  This book was really good.  When Darell Mencer moves to California from Philadelphia, a whole lot about his life changes.  He definitely didn't want to move.  Who would?  He hates that he had absolutely no choice in the matter.  His mom needed a better paying job.  The worst thing, though, is that he starts getting bullied.  

Every single day at school, he spends the day in fear.  Finally he has to make a decision:  keep running from his problems or find a way to deal with them.  You'll have to read the book to find out what he chooses to do and how it changes him.  

I liked reading this story because it tells the story of just one more experience people go through in their lives.  Alot of people get bullied and have to make choices about it.  I liked how Darell dealt with his situation.  The book showed alot of stuff I know like everyone needs love and not hate, and just because you're a certain size or raised a certain way it doesn't mean you have to be bullied or become a bully.                                    

"Payback"- Reviewed by Cortney

The book I reviewed is about a boy that was a bully at Bluford High.  If this sounds familiar, it's because all the stories are connected and you heard of him in another Bluford High book called "The Bully".  He would spend his time basically making other people miserable and forcing them to do what he wanted.

For the first time, this guy actually gets beat up and loses all the respect he bullied people to get.  Respect is very important to him.  He decides to get a gun, hoping that it will solve the problem but he has a huge decision to make.  Pressure is running high and he needs to make the right decision.

I don't relate to any of these characters because I would never in a million years do anything that would hurt my life or get me killed.  Still, I enjoyed reading this book.  Alot of the fun of reading is putting yourself in someone else's shoes.  I recommend you read this book because it will definitely teach you a lesson on making the right decisions and looking at what you're doing before you go down the wrong road or choose the worse thing.

"Someone to Love Me"- Reviewed by Trenesceia

I read Someone to Love Me from the Bluford Series.  Miracle read it too, but I'll review it with a different spin.  This book is about a girl named Cindy Gibson who is having ALOT of problems. 

Cindy's first problem is that she is alone in her apartment all the time because her mom is dating a drug dealer and always running off with him.  She doesn't actually know why her mom is never there till later in the book, so at first she is always worried and wondering where her mom even is.

Her second problem is doesn't start off as a problem.  She starts going out with Bobby Wallace (who just so happens to be the same guy who was abusive to a girlfriend in another book in the Bluford Series).  She really, really lies Bobby but she finds out some pretty bad stuff about him.  I won't tell you what. 

I don't have a whole lot in common with Cindy, but I do feel badly for her and I couldn't wait to find out how her situation turns out.  If you already like reading about the students at Bluford High, this book will not disappoint.

"Someone to Love Me"- Reviewed by Miracle L.

Have you ever loved someone and felt like they are you universe?  Cindy Gibson feels like that about Bobby Wallace.  He is the best thing she's ever laid eyes on.  He acts grown, he's cute, and he's really really nice to everyone.  Cindy is going through alot of drama with her mother and Bobby helps her forget all that.    At first, being in the relationship is easy and fun but things start to get worse at home and Bobby starts acting like a huge jerk.  He starts yelling at her and accusing her of things and things just keep getting worse.  Cindy's mom starts leaving home alot and leaving her behind to take care of herself. 

I have alot in common with Cindy because I go through stuff with my mom too. I also know what its like to have relationship trouble.    I would recommend this book to anyone who likes this series already and definitely to any girl who thinks love is easy.                                                



"The Bully"- Reviewed by Trenesceia

The Bully was a GREAT book.  It is about a boy named Darell Mercer who lived in Philadelphia but moved to California when his mom got offered a job that paid more money.  While they were in California, Darell starts going to Bluford High and is being severely bullied by Tyray Hobbs.  Tyray makes him miserable and has Darell living in constant fear.  Darell starts taking wrestling lessons to build his confidence and not be scared when he finally stands up for himself.  You'll have to read it to find out what happens!

I don't have anything in common Darell because he handled his bullying differently than I would have.  I probably wouldn't have learned to fight.  I would have told an adult instead.    Even though I don't have anything in common with Darell, I still liked the book and would recommend it to anyone who has been bullied or who just enjoys a great story.

"Until We Meet Again"- Reviewed by Cortney N.

Hey Everyone!  The book I read is called "Until We Meet Again" by Anne Shraff.  This books is about a girl named Darcy.  She is 17 years old.  She has problems with her family.  Alot of problems.  Her grandmother died, she and her boyfriend can't be together anymore, and a boy she just met and thought she could like tried to force himself on her. 

I really liked reading this book because it was very interesting and lively.  I even learned from it.  I lost someone before that I really loved and that helped me relate to Darcy in the beginning.

I recommend this book to anyone.  It's a good book and can show you how to make good decisions in life even if things aren't going like you want them to.

"Brothers in Arms"- Reviewed by Aquwendis

This book was reviewed orally.  Please wait for video to load then hit the play button.

"Blood is Thicker"- Reviewed by Tamara S.

This book was reviewed orally.  Please wait for video to load then hit the play button.

"Secrets in the Shadows"- Reviewed by Miracle L.



Hi!  This is Miracle and the book I reviewed is "Secrets in the Shadows" by Anne Schraff.  This book is part of the Bluford High Series.  This book is about a boy named Roylin Bailey.  He has the hots for this beautiful girl named Korie.  He thinks he's in love with her and even gives her a necklace! BUT he needs money for it and takes it from his old best friend and something bad happens and everything keeps getting worse for Roylin from there.  He didn't mean for things to get out of hand, but they did. 

I really liked this book because it has alot of exciting parts and it gets really dangerous.  Most of all I like that Roylin actually has a way out and can live out his life.  There is always a way out.

"If you Really Loved Me"- Reviewed by Jacobie C.

My name is Jacobie and the book I reviewed is "If You Really Loved Me" by Anne Schraff.  This book is about a girl named Destini and starts off telling about how she has never had a boyfriend.  She thinks she's ugly and feels really badly about herself but she's not really ugly. 

Then she finds out that this boy Tyron likes her and she's excited until he starts abusing her.  Turns out he is an abuser with an anger problem that he can't control and has been going to anger management. She ends up going on a trip with her church to help out a little girl named Amber that is in a foster home and has been suffering abuse from her mother.

I think alot of people might identify with this character, especially in middle school, because sometimes it's hard to see the good in yourself.  I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good book about people going through things you may have gone through or have heard about or never want to go through. 

What is Eagles BABble?

Hello World!

Teachers all over the universe (I'm sure of it) are always trying to figure out ways to get kids to read more.  I won't go on and on about how important reading is (and it IS), rather, I'll tell you about an idea my class had to solve it.  We were trying to figure out a way to get more hesitant readers to read more and give students who love books greater access to them if they can't get them on their own.  The solution:  Eagles BABble (Blog About Books). 

Using the grant we received from the West Baton Rouge Foundation for Academic Excellence in partnership with the Board for Elementary and Secondary Education we got really cool books selected by our students based on their interests.  We have committed to reading at least one book then blogging a review here either written or on video.  From there, anyone else at the school can access our review by searching for titles we've reviewed and borrowing the books from us.

I sincerely hope that this project grows, that we create some life-long readers, and that everyone involved gets to have that incredibly special moment of becoming truly lost in a book. Thanks for stopping by and check back often.  You will be awed and entertained by the reviews these students creates.

Ready... Set... GO!!!!

Within a few minutes of receiving our new books, everyone was eager to sit down and start reading.  The biggest problem the students had was figuring out which book to pick!  Honestly, it's hard to describe the feeling I felt watching these guys getting excited over BOOKS.  Ahh... Sniffle