By Simon Mason.
Martha has big responsibility’s at only the age of eleven. Already she looks after her family, including her brother Tug, and her father, who is a forgetful man. Martha manages to do all of this as well as the things eleven year old girls should do... when she gets the time. When Martha starts finding alcohol bottles all around the place, she realises that some thing isn't right with her dad. Martha has to take control. But it isn't as easy as she thought it would be.
I really loved this book as I thought the characters were amazing and so 'down to Earth' and realistic. I loved Martha and her continual need to help people. It opened your eyes as you could really connect and understand the way children must feel in these circumstances. I really loved Tug, he is the mischievous brother that everyone needs!
I thought this had a really interesting plot that it actually believable! The way in which Mason has told the story really gets through to you and makes you want to constantly read on! Mason has put the right mix of everything in the book, humour, sadness, and adventure.
Overall a fantastic novel!
Jess year 9.
Showing posts with label Guardian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Guardian. Show all posts
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Friday, 23 September 2011
Return to Ribblestrope.
By Andy Mulligan.
From the start trouble is on it's way for Millie and her friends. Before the book really starts, Millie had already hitch hiked, set fire to a hotel, lived through a car crash and who knows what else! During the book, the children in the so-called boarding school, learn about the history of Ribbletrope and what is hidden inside. This is certainly one of the most action packed, mad books I have every read!
I love this book and was immediately hooked with the opening page, even paragraph! The way it starts and the type of language makes it un-put-downable! The characters are so intriguing and quire they make you want to read just so you find out more about them. The book flowed beautifully and at the right pace so you fully understood what was going on but didn't get board. Someone looking over my shoulder reading a random page may say the book was boring and had a obvious plot, but is couldn't think they were more wrong! The book is like one of those woodland paths you go on, with the continual twisting and turning!
Overall, one of the funniest, mad, unexpected books I have come across!
Jess Year 9
From the start trouble is on it's way for Millie and her friends. Before the book really starts, Millie had already hitch hiked, set fire to a hotel, lived through a car crash and who knows what else! During the book, the children in the so-called boarding school, learn about the history of Ribbletrope and what is hidden inside. This is certainly one of the most action packed, mad books I have every read!
I love this book and was immediately hooked with the opening page, even paragraph! The way it starts and the type of language makes it un-put-downable! The characters are so intriguing and quire they make you want to read just so you find out more about them. The book flowed beautifully and at the right pace so you fully understood what was going on but didn't get board. Someone looking over my shoulder reading a random page may say the book was boring and had a obvious plot, but is couldn't think they were more wrong! The book is like one of those woodland paths you go on, with the continual twisting and turning!
Overall, one of the funniest, mad, unexpected books I have come across!
Jess Year 9
Monday, 19 September 2011
My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece.
By Annabel Pitcher.
In September, five years ago, Jamie’s sister, Rose age 10, was killed by terrorist Muslim bombers. Jaime try’s to grieve but he never really understands why. He was too young and couldn’t remember Rose. When Jaime’s mum walks out on, him, his dad and Roses twin sister Jas, they all move to the north to start a new live. But they can’t leave Rose behind. When they get there everyone bullies Jamie, except one, Sunya, the only Muslim girl in the school. Torn between a live of mourning with his family and a happy life with Sunya, Jamie doesn’t know what to do or think.
I loved this book and the characters. Although, my favourite character is Jas, Jamie’s older sister as she is so kind and dose everything to help Jamie and make him feel better about their family situation.
I thought this book was really smooth and an easy read. Pitcher had really thought about the individual characters and they all have such unique personalities. The actual story line was moving and realistic.
Overall I thought it was a beautiful book that has so much depth and warmth through the story line as well as the fantastic characters.
By Jess year 9
In September, five years ago, Jamie’s sister, Rose age 10, was killed by terrorist Muslim bombers. Jaime try’s to grieve but he never really understands why. He was too young and couldn’t remember Rose. When Jaime’s mum walks out on, him, his dad and Roses twin sister Jas, they all move to the north to start a new live. But they can’t leave Rose behind. When they get there everyone bullies Jamie, except one, Sunya, the only Muslim girl in the school. Torn between a live of mourning with his family and a happy life with Sunya, Jamie doesn’t know what to do or think.
I loved this book and the characters. Although, my favourite character is Jas, Jamie’s older sister as she is so kind and dose everything to help Jamie and make him feel better about their family situation.
I thought this book was really smooth and an easy read. Pitcher had really thought about the individual characters and they all have such unique personalities. The actual story line was moving and realistic.
Overall I thought it was a beautiful book that has so much depth and warmth through the story line as well as the fantastic characters.
By Jess year 9
My Name is Mina
By David Almond
‘My name is Mina’ is about a creative little girl called Mina. She constantly writes in her diary up her favourite tree which she shares with a family of birds. Thought out the book we learn about Mina’s thoughts and dreams as well as her past life where Mina gets up to all sorts.
I think this is a truly beautiful book what with the birds, inside thoughts and the way Mina turned words in a notebook into a fantastic piece of art. The way Almond has laid out the book is amazing. The way the fonts change and the page layout is done to full effect and makes the diary seem more realistic.
Mina is an amazing character which I think David Almond has done to her full potential. Her crazy little stories and they way she looks at life can only make you smile. Mina is so lively and feisty, and yet when she spills her emotions onto a page she seems so vulnerable and hopeless. Perhaps she would put it as she is a little egg in a nest that has no one to go to.
Overall, a fabulous, touching book, unlike one I have ever read!
By Jess year 9.
‘My name is Mina’ is about a creative little girl called Mina. She constantly writes in her diary up her favourite tree which she shares with a family of birds. Thought out the book we learn about Mina’s thoughts and dreams as well as her past life where Mina gets up to all sorts.
I think this is a truly beautiful book what with the birds, inside thoughts and the way Mina turned words in a notebook into a fantastic piece of art. The way Almond has laid out the book is amazing. The way the fonts change and the page layout is done to full effect and makes the diary seem more realistic.
Mina is an amazing character which I think David Almond has done to her full potential. Her crazy little stories and they way she looks at life can only make you smile. Mina is so lively and feisty, and yet when she spills her emotions onto a page she seems so vulnerable and hopeless. Perhaps she would put it as she is a little egg in a nest that has no one to go to.
Overall, a fabulous, touching book, unlike one I have ever read!
By Jess year 9.
Monday, 5 September 2011
Twilight Robbery.
By Frances Hardinge.
Frances Hardinge’s novel, ‘Twilight Robbery’ is about, a ‘black-eyed’ orphan girl, Mosca Mye and Eponymous Clent who are both down to there last straw of luck. During the book they find themselves beginning to be tempted by a huge amount of money that that can earn for completing a risky kidnapping plan. While staying at a toll city a trapped Mosca needs to rescue a girl she detests with only a midwife, deadly goose and a knight to help her!
Despite the first fifth of the book being more difficult to understand, from that point onwards the book is possibly one of the best fantasy/action books I have read. The tension and constant roll of action makes the book ‘un-put-down-able!’
Mosca is a strong fearless, independent women who’s logic mange’s to resolve problems throughout the book. However, my favourite character has to be the goose, Saracen who, in my opinion, the ‘mystery solver’ in the book!
Hardinge, has created two separate worlds within the same town. It has been portrayed so well in this book that when two worlds combined it can cause mayhem.
With the crazy characters, thickening plot, it is overall a fantastic, gripping book!
Jess year 8.
Frances Hardinge’s novel, ‘Twilight Robbery’ is about, a ‘black-eyed’ orphan girl, Mosca Mye and Eponymous Clent who are both down to there last straw of luck. During the book they find themselves beginning to be tempted by a huge amount of money that that can earn for completing a risky kidnapping plan. While staying at a toll city a trapped Mosca needs to rescue a girl she detests with only a midwife, deadly goose and a knight to help her!
Despite the first fifth of the book being more difficult to understand, from that point onwards the book is possibly one of the best fantasy/action books I have read. The tension and constant roll of action makes the book ‘un-put-down-able!’
Mosca is a strong fearless, independent women who’s logic mange’s to resolve problems throughout the book. However, my favourite character has to be the goose, Saracen who, in my opinion, the ‘mystery solver’ in the book!
Hardinge, has created two separate worlds within the same town. It has been portrayed so well in this book that when two worlds combined it can cause mayhem.
With the crazy characters, thickening plot, it is overall a fantastic, gripping book!
Jess year 8.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Momentum
By Saci Lloyd.
During this book, Momentum, two main characters, Hunter and Uma are brought together by unusual circumstances, together they fight to protect everything they know, love and care about. This book is set in the near future where supplies are scarce. Hunter is very energetic and he lives in an upper-class society. However Uma has the opposite life, spending her time running from soldiers and living in the slums.
I think Lloyd has done particularly well joining these characters together as they both have so extreme backgrounds. The way the characters both have such different characteristics, yet still work together when everyone is in danger is done amazingly.
I think the book has a great plot, although it takes a while to pick up. However from that initial stage, the action keeps coming and you don’t want to put it down! Personally, I feel that Lloyd has added an extra section to the book. This is about the situation London may be in a few years’ time. This you have to read deeper into the book as it is an ‘extra’ to the book rather that the main plot. This insight has been done incredibly. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Jess, year 8.
During this book, Momentum, two main characters, Hunter and Uma are brought together by unusual circumstances, together they fight to protect everything they know, love and care about. This book is set in the near future where supplies are scarce. Hunter is very energetic and he lives in an upper-class society. However Uma has the opposite life, spending her time running from soldiers and living in the slums.
I think Lloyd has done particularly well joining these characters together as they both have so extreme backgrounds. The way the characters both have such different characteristics, yet still work together when everyone is in danger is done amazingly.
I think the book has a great plot, although it takes a while to pick up. However from that initial stage, the action keeps coming and you don’t want to put it down! Personally, I feel that Lloyd has added an extra section to the book. This is about the situation London may be in a few years’ time. This you have to read deeper into the book as it is an ‘extra’ to the book rather that the main plot. This insight has been done incredibly. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Jess, year 8.
Friday, 22 July 2011
Last Day of Term!
It's finally here! Six weeks of reading time!
Hopefully by now you've all got your summer loans sorted out (Jenna, I'm genuinely worried that I'm going to run out of books for you...) and you're all set to go. Don't neglect your public library if you get stuck! Even if there's not much at Harpenden, the St Albans collection is pretty good and they have downloadable ebooks and audiobooks too.
Keep your reviews for the Guardian prize coming in, we've had some great ones already and they're a lot easier to write than the Carnegie ones! Sign up on the forums so that you can organise books exchanges and stay in contact. Remember, I'm off to play with the hobbits from 11th August, so I probably won't be able to authorise new accounts after that - make sure you sign up before then, just in case!
Have a gorgeous break everyone, will miss you :)
Hopefully by now you've all got your summer loans sorted out (Jenna, I'm genuinely worried that I'm going to run out of books for you...) and you're all set to go. Don't neglect your public library if you get stuck! Even if there's not much at Harpenden, the St Albans collection is pretty good and they have downloadable ebooks and audiobooks too.
Keep your reviews for the Guardian prize coming in, we've had some great ones already and they're a lot easier to write than the Carnegie ones! Sign up on the forums so that you can organise books exchanges and stay in contact. Remember, I'm off to play with the hobbits from 11th August, so I probably won't be able to authorise new accounts after that - make sure you sign up before then, just in case!
Have a gorgeous break everyone, will miss you :)
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Twilight Robbery
By Frances Hardinge
Midwives, jewels, dead horses, geese, luck, heroes, and one extremely brave heroine! Toll is split in two, to which side do you belong?
This novel is the story of Mosca Mye and her friends. When debt and work problems send them to the strange town of Toll, Mosca, Clent and their remarkable goose Saracen are drawn into a thrilling plot that threatens to completely destroy the town- handing power to the locksmiths.
Hardinge has invented a whole new world that is believable yet totally crazy. It draws you in and you find it hard to put the book down! Hardinge has created two sides to the story as when the night town emerges a whole new set of characters take the lead. The plot is constantly twisting and turning and it entrances you straight away.
Mosca is a superb character who definitely has initiative and a mind of her own. Her antics seem absurd but they solve the problem in the end. Hardinge describes her so well and lifts her spirit right off the page. I also fell in love with Saracen who it seems was the answer to the whole mystery! Amazing ending, absurd characters, an absolutely awesome book!
Eleanor, Year 8
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Mr. Gum and the Secret Hide Out.
By Andy Stanton.
Mr. Gum is a series about a ‘mischievous’ man, his friend Billy the butcher, as well as a little girl called Polly, a rather unusual man called Friday, and of course a talking gingerbread! (Who could have a child’s book without one?!) they all live in Lamonic Bibber
These characters get up to many adventures. However, this particular book, is about Mr. Gum and Billy trying to pollute Lamonic Bibber by burning all the meat from the town! As usual, Polly and Friday device a plan to stop this bad behaviour!
I have read all series in the past, so in a way, it was like reading about an old friend! I again had a few childish giggles and loved the way the chapters were laid out. However, I feel that this series of books is very repetitive, so I did not enjoy it as much as perhaps, I should have, if I had not read the rest of the series. Although, despite this problem I still thoroughly enjoyed this book although am unsure if others of my age group would (I have incredibly childish humour!) but I would certainly recommend it to anyone in the age range of 5-10!
Jess year 8
Mr. Gum is a series about a ‘mischievous’ man, his friend Billy the butcher, as well as a little girl called Polly, a rather unusual man called Friday, and of course a talking gingerbread! (Who could have a child’s book without one?!) they all live in Lamonic Bibber
These characters get up to many adventures. However, this particular book, is about Mr. Gum and Billy trying to pollute Lamonic Bibber by burning all the meat from the town! As usual, Polly and Friday device a plan to stop this bad behaviour!
I have read all series in the past, so in a way, it was like reading about an old friend! I again had a few childish giggles and loved the way the chapters were laid out. However, I feel that this series of books is very repetitive, so I did not enjoy it as much as perhaps, I should have, if I had not read the rest of the series. Although, despite this problem I still thoroughly enjoyed this book although am unsure if others of my age group would (I have incredibly childish humour!) but I would certainly recommend it to anyone in the age range of 5-10!
Jess year 8
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Well, it's goodbye Carnegie...
But it's hello to the Guardian Children's Fiction prize!
You can get more information here and we'll be working through the shortlist over the summer. There are some key differences with this award and what they're asking for from you.
1. Your reviews should be 200 words or less. (Sorry Jenna!) This is going to be a bit of a challenge for some of you who have got used to writing your absolutely fantastic Carnegie reviews, but I think if you're a bit concise, you'll be fine. Choose your words carefully!
2. You might need to join the Guardian site and submit your reviews directly to them too.
I think. At the moment the link that takes you to the application form is down, so I will chase it up and find out if this will be necessary. My hope is that we'll be able to submit the blog as a whole. I will let you all know!
The shortlist is eight books and should be really fun to read! It looks as though we can only afford to buy two copies of each I'm afraid, but if you'd all be willing to do the 'everyone buys one book' thing, that would really help out.
Here's the list:
There will be more details to follow, and I'll find out about the application. Official launch tomorrow lunchtime! Be there for 1.30pm.
You may have noticed a new look for the blog, which seems only right as we move on to our awesome new projects. There's also a new page, which I'll talk to you all about tomorrow. I though it would be really nice to have a forum so that you can leave each other messages and coordinate your efforts. When the new school VLE comes in, we should be able to have one on there too, but for now, this is where you can start! There are a few concerns about security issues etc so you can't access it yet, but soon...
DFTBA.
You can get more information here and we'll be working through the shortlist over the summer. There are some key differences with this award and what they're asking for from you.
1. Your reviews should be 200 words or less. (Sorry Jenna!) This is going to be a bit of a challenge for some of you who have got used to writing your absolutely fantastic Carnegie reviews, but I think if you're a bit concise, you'll be fine. Choose your words carefully!
2. You might need to join the Guardian site and submit your reviews directly to them too.
I think. At the moment the link that takes you to the application form is down, so I will chase it up and find out if this will be necessary. My hope is that we'll be able to submit the blog as a whole. I will let you all know!
The shortlist is eight books and should be really fun to read! It looks as though we can only afford to buy two copies of each I'm afraid, but if you'd all be willing to do the 'everyone buys one book' thing, that would really help out.
Here's the list:
My Name is Mina by David Almond
Mr Gum and the Secret Hideout by Andy Stanton
Small Change for Stuart by Lissa Evans
Twilight Robbery by Frances Hardinge
Return to Ribblestrop by Andy Mulligan
Moon Pie by Simon Mason
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher
Momentum by Saci Lloyd
There will be more details to follow, and I'll find out about the application. Official launch tomorrow lunchtime! Be there for 1.30pm.
You may have noticed a new look for the blog, which seems only right as we move on to our awesome new projects. There's also a new page, which I'll talk to you all about tomorrow. I though it would be really nice to have a forum so that you can leave each other messages and coordinate your efforts. When the new school VLE comes in, we should be able to have one on there too, but for now, this is where you can start! There are a few concerns about security issues etc so you can't access it yet, but soon...
DFTBA.
My Name is Mina
By David Almond
My Name is Mina is about a small girl called Mina; the book actually doesn’t have much of a plot other than her life. Her life in a way is the plot; her thoughts observations, memories and dreams are the book itself.
My favourite character was probably Steepy, I’m not sure whether I liked Mina much. I liked her more towards the end of the book but I thought she was too reserved and too set in her opinions and observations to see other ideas and less complex ideas that are easier to think about. I thought she was a bit ignorant but that can be expected because of her age. However I do think she had some very interesting thoughts. This book is very thought provoking and although it does not have much plot I did enjoy it. It also makes you think of things far greater than everyday thoughts but the problem was I thought the ideas were too advanced and complex for such a young child to understand. ‘Weird’ children might indeed be that complex but it is not a general theory so I doubt it.
I think this book is quite hard to get into but once you do it as an interesting read. It wasn’t exactly a gripping story; the only thing that motivates you to read on is the interest in Mina’s thoughts. You had to do a lot of guessing and even at the end there are still things you have to guess. But I thought the ending was good; it could easily be cause for a sequel but it still had finality to it.
I think this book could easily be a reflection of the author’s thoughts and observations. If so this book is a very deep insight into is mind. I think in one way it is, after having read a few of his other books they all have similar characters in a way, or at east characters similar in the way their mind thinks; their logic. I would recommend this book to anyone that has insightful/unusual thoughts about anything in life.
Jenna Yr8
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