Loving The Thief Lord

The Thief Lord

Author: Cornelia Funke

Publisher/Date: Scholastic/ 2001

Length: 345 pages

Recommended reading age: 7-11

In Cornelia Funke’s The Thief Lord, the author introduces readers to the spectacular city of Venice, Italy, where magical things happen before your very eyes. This is where two young runaway brothers, Prosper and Bo, embark on an adventure they—and you—will never forget.

The two young orphans run away to Venice when their heinous aunt and uncle limit their freedom to about the size of a dust particle. There, they join a group of other orphaned street kids: Riccio, Mosca, and Hornet.

The street children are led by a mysterious and cunning boy, Scipio, who names himself “The Thief Lord.” However, Scipio hides a shocking truth from his friends, which leds Prosper and Bo through a series of twists and turns, changing their lives forever.

This story is more than an exciting plot. It includes a message hidden between the lines.

Funke focuses on family. Scipio, or the Thief Lord, resembles a father figure in most of this story. He manages to find a home for all his friends and he makes enough money for them to live comfortably.

Additionally, the five other street kids act like siblings to one another. This family love between all six of them makes their bond much stronger.

You’ll also meet other characters that strengthen this bond as well as characters who will try to loosen it. Funke’s message to her readers is that friends and family will always be there for you, no matter how far away they may seem.

The Thief Lord is definitely a novel worth reading and I promise you that you will never regret picking it up.

—Gopa Praturi

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NOTE: What are you reading this summer? Use the blue comment link below to let us know!

The Mystery of the Silver Statue

My dad, an author and teacher, publishes his first book!

The Mystery of the Silver Statue

Author: Raymond C. Perkins Jr.

Publisher/Date: Radiant Hen Publishing/2010

Number of Pages: 96

My dad, Raymond C. Perkins Jr, recently finished writing his first book, The Mystery of the Silver Statue, which was published by Radiant Hen Publishing  in Coventry, Vermont. I’m a former Scholastic Kid Reporter, covering the 2005-2006 publishing year, and wanted to tell everyone about my dad's new book!

The story is set in modern times, but steeped in history. It is about two boys, B.T. Stevens and Jimmy Martin, who try to solve a real-life mystery surrounding Rogers' Rangers, a group of American soldiers who fought for the British during the French and Indian War.

In the fall of 1759, Robert Rogers and his men were ordered to attack and destroy the Native American village of Odanak in Quebec, Canada. The purpose of the attack was to stop Indian raids on English settlements along the Connecticut River.

History has it that during the attack, one of Rogers' men stole a silver statue of the Madonna that was given to the natives by their French allies. To this day, the statue has not been found.

My dad decided to write about Rogers' Rangers because he learned that Rogers' and his men had traveled through Northern New England after the attack on Odanak. He thought writing about local history would make a captivating story. Seeing that he's a middle school social studies teacher, I think that makes sense.

Not only is this book based on a true historical event, but the main characters are based on my two older brothers. B.T., the main character, struggles to overcome a serious disability with the help of his family and his best friend Jimmy. My dad says the story provides a valuable life lesson about battling adversity and believing in yourself—lessons valuable for kids of all ages.

It took my dad several years to write The Mystery of the Silver Statue, but I think it was worth the wait because this book is a good read.

He is currently working on a sequel to this book tentatively entitled Treasure. I think you’ll like his book, which is also available as an e-book through amazon.com.

—Kendra Perkins

PHOTO: Book cover Courtesy Radiant Hen Publishing

The Perfect Summer Romance

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a pretty good summer read

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Author: Jenny Han

Publisher: Simon and Shuster, 2009

No. Of Pages: 276

Reader Age: 12+

A house on the beach, lifelong friends, and a second mom (but cooler)—could life get any better for 15-year-old Belly? Yes!

In The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, Belly replaces her glasses with contacts and finally gets noticed! In Cousins Beach for the summer with her mother, Laurel, her mother’s best friend, Susannah, and Susannah’s two sons, 18-year-old Conrad, and 16-year-old Jeremiah, she becomes more than Steven’s little sister. Belly becomes a pretty girl.

But Belly’s desperate attempts to win Conrad’s heart lead her to Cam, a boy she meets at a cook out. He’s cute, single, and intelligent. Perfect! But their summer romance doesn’t last long when Cam sees through Belly and discovers her love for Conrad.

Things get really weird when Susannah reveals some shocking news. Will her news change everything? I'm certainly not giving anything away.

I love novels and when I saw this one, I knew I had to read it because it looked like a great summer romance story. I was right—it swept me away!

I loved this book because I could really relate to Belly’s character, and reading it put me in the world of Cousins Beach, Delaware. I could not put this book down! I know that’s an expression, but it’s true.

Even in all the excitement going on at my summer camp, I sat on my bunk reading. I read every free second I had. My friends got annoyed because every time something interesting happened in the book, I would yell out a comment. By the time I finished, my friends knew every little detail about it because I would tell them everything.

I got really into the book (as you can probably tell). It was very emotional. I laughed and I cried. Those of you looking for a summer romance, this is the way to go! In my opinion, it was perfect!

—Leila Sachner

PHOTOS: (TOP) Book cover courtesy Simon and Shuster. (BOTTOM) At home with her cat, Leila Sachner in her favorite reading spot. (Photo Courtesy Leila Sachner)

The Makings of Maniac Magee

A fun read full of laughs and lessons.

Maniac Magee

Author: Jerry Spinelli

Number of pages: 184

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Age range: 7 years and older

A 1991 Newbery award winner, Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli is on many schools’ summer reading lists. From my point of view, however, this must-read story is an excellent choice for pleasure reading due to its wonderful humor and valuable life lessons.

The story takes place in Two Mills where a 12-year-old orphan named Jeffery Lionel—also known as a legend in the making—wanders around town doing incredible things.

As he grows more and more popular, people begin talking about the crazy things he does. For example, he hits the world’s first “frogball” and scores 49 touchdowns in one football game. That, in fact, is how he gets the nickname Maniac Magee.

Tensions between the races in town confuse poor Jeffery, but the kindness of his heart and his innocence allow him to break the barrier between the white people from the West End and the black people from the East End. Not only does Maniac Magee become a local hero, along the way he gets a new, loving family, and manages to change the lives of all the new people he meets—not to mention his own as well.

This story is one of my favorites because it is a heart warming tale that makes you laugh and cry, while teaching you that anyone can make a difference, even a raggedy orphan.

“Legends are made, not born,” says the author, and he is so right!

—Maria Ordonez

PHOTO: Book Cover Courtesy Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summer Read: What's in a Title?

The title's long and a bit weird, but the story keeps you reading!

Surviving Antarctica Reality TV 2083

Author: Andrea White

Publisher/Date: Scholastic ©2005

Number of Pages: 318

Recommended Reading Age: Young Adult (Grades 6 to 10)

Surviving Antarctica Reality TV 2083. Doesn’t the title alone make you curious? As soon as I picked up the book, the questions started. Who has to survive Antarctica? What does 2083 mean? What about reality TV? What better way to find out the answers than to read the book?

The story takes place in the year 2083. America has changed a bit since 2010. The government is cruel. If you want to go to high school and college, you have to win a game of chance called “Toss” or pay for your education. Alaska is a nuclear waste dump. Most people eat chips flavored as meals unless they can afford real food. Public school doesn’t exist anymore; kids are now taught through TV programs.

The program that teaches history is a reality TV show called "Historical Survivor." For one month, five 14-year-old kids appear on the show and simulate Robert F. Scott’s fatal journey to the south pole in Antarctica in 1914.

Every contestant gets $10,000 for participating. The kid who viewers vote as The Most Valuable Player wins a total of $100,000. That is, if they survive.

I don’t want to give away too much, so you’ll have to read the book to find out the details of what actually happens.

I can tell you that this book isn’t like any other book you’ll read. Instead of one person telling the story, you see events unfold through each of the six main characters’ points of view. This approach helped me understand the characters better and see the story in a different way.

I connected easily with the book and each of the kids, especially because I’m their age. Also, it has something for everyone! Future, fantasy, animals, action, emotion, history, suspense—it has it all.

Surviving Antarctica Reality TV 2083 is definitely one of my favorite reads. Author Andrea White does an astounding job at keeping you on the edge of your seat. It won’t be long until Surviving Antarctica Reality TV 2083 has become one of your favorite reads, too!

—Topanga McBride

PHOTO: (TOP) Book Cover Courtesy Scholastic. (BOTTOM) Kid Reporter Topanga McBride likes to cuddle up in bed with a good book.

Kid Lawyer a Good Read

A new summer classic is born, says this Kid Reporter.

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer

Author: John Grisham

Publisher and date of publication: Penguin Group USA 2010

Number of pages: 288 Hardcover

Recommended ages of readers: Ages 12-15

Theodore “Theo” Boone lives in the small town of Strattenburg. He is your average eighth grader except for one thing: He dispenses legal advice.

Theo comes from a long line of lawyers that includes both of his parents and his uncle. He has taken it upon himself to get to know everyone who works at the courthouse and learn just about everything that has to do with the legal system.

When the biggest trial in town history hits Strattenburg, Theo immerses himself in the case, trying to learn every last detail about the murder of Myra Duffy. But when a classmate comes to Theo for help, he learns of evidence that could change the course of the trial, causing him to become more involved then he could have ever imagined (or wanted).

The book boasts a colorful cast of characters ranging from Omar Cheepe, sleazy private eye, to Ike Boone, disbarred hippie tax lawyer. Theo has to deal with them all to make sure the city he loves remains safe.

Even being caught up in the trial of a lifetime, doesn’t keep Theo from continuing to come to the legal rescue of his fellow citizens. Along the way he helps his best friend, whose parents are going through a rough divorce; a girl whose dog is imprisoned in the pound; and his school’s secretary, whose brother has been arrested for drunk driving.

A best-selling author of adult legal thrillers, John Grisham does a masterful job in his debut novel for young adults. Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer is a fresh idea that combines all the aspects of a great novel with an informative overview of our nation’s legal system.

I found it so suspenseful, I stayed up until 1 a.m. to finish it—reading under the covers with a flashlight.

What's your favorite read this summer? Send in your reading recommendations in the comment section below!

—Andrew Scarafile

PHOTO: (TOP) Book cover Courtesy Penguin Group USA. (BOTTOM) Kid Reporter Andrew Scarafile reads during the daytime—when he doesn't need a flashlight under the covers! (Photo Courtesy Andrew Scarafile)

The Keys to the Kingdom

Garth Nix series a great summer adventure!

There is not a dull moment in any of the books in The Keys to the Kingdom series by Garth Nix.

In the first book, Arthur goes through the front door of The House (the center of the universe), and into the realm of Mister Monday. There he meets Suzy Turquois Blue, who becomes his friend and partner.

Suzy lives in The House and has more experience with magic. They join up with a talking frog who is actually part one of The Will of the Architect. They find Monday in his lair and after a small battle Arthur takes the first key from him.

In book two, Arthur is back in The House and (almost) ready to tackle the faithless trustee, the grim Tuesday. But he’s tougher than Monday, so complications arise. First he must enroll as a worker, and then sneak off past the armed guards to where The Will is being kept. Arthur finds the mariner, one of the architects sons, and they fly off on a Sunship before Tuesday finds them.

On a distant sun, Arthur finds part two of The Will of the Architect. He then goes with the mariner back to grim Tuesday’s place where he must face Tuesday in a contest for the key.

Make sense yet? It will when you read this fascinating series in which Arthur must wrest keys from Mister Monday to Lord Sunday. He is helped on his quest by friends Suzy, Doctor Scamandros, Dame Primus, and Leaf (a human girl he befriended on earth).

Nix is a master of words, with plots so intricately crafted that he almost always has to have more than one screen open at a time, showing both the characters on earth and the ones in the house. I couldn’t pull myself out of the pages.

What are you reading this summer? Use the comment section below to let us know!

—Kaj Lund Olsen

PHOTO: Kaj Olsen has his summer reading piled around him at his home in Washington State. (Photo Courtesy Kaj Lund Olsen)

Summer Reads: To Kill a Mockingbird Turns 50

Three Kid Reporters moved by classic American novel

To Kill A Mockingbird

Author: Harper Lee

Publisher: J.B. Lippincott & Co.

Publishing Date: July 11, 1960

Number of Pages: 323

Recommended Age of Readers: 11 and up

It has been 50 years since Harper Lee’s great novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, was first published. The book became a bestseller and then won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Lee’s story was also been voted “Best Novel of the Century” in a poll by Library Journal.

Over the years, millions of copies have been sold. It has never been out of publication. People have enjoyed this story on every continent, but I may be the biggest fan. I love To Kill a Mockingbird.

I feel a strong attachment to this story because it is beautifully written and it’s told from the perspective of a girl, Scout. The story is set in the 1930s in a town called Maycomb. The dialogue between characters is written in a rural southern style, and it made me feel like I was in Alabama listening to a real conversation.

Scout, who is very smart, observant, and a tomboy, lives with her dad (Atticus) her older brother (Jem), and the family cook (Calpurnia). Her mom died when she was 2 years old.

Scout, who’s full name is Jean Louise Fitch, is not perfect. In fact, she gets into fights and has problems at school.

The story Scout narrates takes place over the course of three years and she learns many important lessons during that time. Maybe the biggest lesson of all is that she learns the importance of tolerance and looking at things from another person’s point of view.

“Climb into his skin and walk around in it,” Atticus tells her.

In this story of good and bad, love and hate, the mockingbird represents all things good. 

“Remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird,” her dad says.

Atticus, a lawyer, teaches Scout that the world can be a better place when people make an effort to understand each other. She learns from her dad to have compassion for those less fortunate. These are timeless lessons, whether you are in Alabama, New York, or Tokyo, which is where I happen to be right now.

The story is still relevant today because love and hate still exist and human nature remains much the same.

—Cecilia Gault

To Kill a Mockingbird Reviewed

When people define a book as a classic, it usually has three important attributes: a fascinating story, an expressive way to portray the story, and an important message. To Kill a Mockingbird is that and much more.

Written by Harper Lee as a simple reflection of her colorful childhood, it was published 50 years ago on July 11, 1960. It went on to be a bestseller.

Along its journey, the book won Lee a Pulitzer Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The book itself is a fine work of art, which shows life through the eyes of a curious young girl who lived during the Great Depression. 

Set in 1935, Atticus Finch, a wise lawyer, lives with his 6-year-old daughter Scout in a little town in Southern Alabama. Scout and her older brother Jem meet a boy named Dill. Together they make a small gang that roams the town looking for something to do.

One thing they become obsessed with is trying to lure the reclusive Arthur “Boo” Radley out of his house. Since he is not often seen, the children’s imaginations are fueled and they believe he is a hideous looking monster. (He is not!)

At the same time, Atticus is working to defend Tom Robinson, a black man who has been charged with a crime he did not commit. If convicted, he could be given the death penalty. The trial is set during a time of racial inequality. Tensions between the black and white communities create a dangerous situation not only for Tom, but also for Atticus and his family.

I recommend this novel because it is very well plotted and written. The suspense grows as the story develops. When you start reading this novel, you will not want to put it down!

To Kill a Mockingbird is simply the best, and after so many years, it is still a completely relevant to read.

—Andrew Liang

A Timeless Classic

To Kill a Mockingbird, a timeless classic and deeply moving novel, turned 50 this week, and still remains a beloved story even after half a century.

The classic novel, originally published on July 11, 1960, was written by American author Nelle Harper Lee. Known more famously as simply Harper Lee, the young writer was a dropout law student from Monroeville, Alabama.

In her life, Lee only ever completed a single book, but this one story has had an extraordinary and lasting impact on Americans of all ages. Soon after its original publication in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird won the Pulitzer Prize. It went on to become an enormously popular motion picture in 1962.

Both humorous and solemn, heart-warming and heart-wrenching, To Kill A Mockingbird is one of those classic novels that everyone relates to. Although it deals with issues prevalent during the Great Depression in the 1930s, the tensions and moral problems are still relevant today. To Kill a Mockingbird still leaves a deep impact and lasting impression on readers, even in today’s world.

A classic of the 1960s, and a classic today, To Kill a Mockingbird will forever have a place in the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. This novel is a must-read for all!

—Elizabeth Conway 

Summer Read: Here Today

An Ann Martin page turner keeps the action moving.

Here Today

Author: Ann M. Martin

Publisher/ Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2004

Number of pages: 308

Recommended age: Grades 4 - 8

Here Today by Ann M. Martin is about a girl named Ellie Dingman, who lives in Spectacle, New York, in the 1960’s. She lives on Witch Tree Lane, which is named for a tree down the block with knots in the shape of an old witch’s face.

Living on Witch Tree Lane pretty much means you’re an outcast, fitting in only with your neighbors. Ellie’s mother, Doris Day, who is always running off to singing or dancing auditions, leaves Ellie to take care of her sister and brother, Albert and Marie.

Just as life at home is hard, so is life at school. She and her best friend Holly are either shunned or abused by the more popular girls. When Ellie thinks it couldn’t get any worse, sabotage occurs on Witch Tree Lane. Rocks are thrown through windows, mailboxes are glued shut, and the witch tree is painted purple.

Then one day, Doris goes off to an audition, but never returns. Where did she go? Will she ever come home?

Here Today is an-action packed book, with many surprises and twists. It all adds up an awesome page turner, great for summer reading.

I enjoyed it very much, and could relate to the characters. It was very detailed, making me feel as if I was with Ellie on Witch Tree Lane. I never wanted to put it down!

I think many people would like this book because it’s packed with drama. Preteens will especially like this book because the characters experience events that they are likely to encounter themselves.

—Caitlin Wardlow

PHOTOS: (TOP) Book cover for Here Today by Ann Martin. (Image Courtesy Scholastic) (BOTTOM) Caitlin Wardlow's favorite place to read is in a comfortable chair. (Photo Courtesy Caitlin Wardlow)

Summer Read: Shiver

A summer romance that makes you shiver!

Shiver

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Publisher: Scholastic Press, June 2010

No. of Pages: 400

Age Range: Teen

I love a good horror story and I also enjoy a well-written love story. I doubly enjoyed reading Shiver because it’s both!

Shiver is the story of a 17-year-old girl named Grace and a yellow-eyed boy named Sam—who just happens to be a werewolf.

Grace loves the peace and tranquility of the woods behind her home where she gets to see “her wolf” with the yellow eyes every winter. She is sure the wild wolf saved her from an attack by a pack of wolves when she was 9 years old. Over the eight years since, they watch each other from a distance as their interest in each other grows.

When a local teen is killed by a pack of wolves, a hunting party is assembled. Grace discovers a wounded and handsome boy, Sam Roth, shivering on her back porch. When she sees his yellow eyes, she immediately realizes this is her wolf in human form.

Fate has finally brought Sam and Grace together, but only for a short time. Once his wounds heal, the winter cold will turn him back into a wolf.

Sam and Grace’s romance is sweet and wonderful, even as he realizes he could loose the ability to transform back into human form forever.

The story’s narrative unfolds from both Sam’s and Grace’s points of view. Using that narrative style successfully conveys the sense of longing and intensity that the characters feel toward each other.

This book is a must read book for teens who love an intense, romantic, horror story.

—Cecilia Gault

PHOTOS: (TOP)The book cover for Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. (Image Courtesy Scholastic) (BOTTOM) Kid Reporter Cecilia Gault in one of her her favorite reading spots—the New York City subway. (Photo Courtesy Cecilia Gault)