Book Review - Hunger Games

Katniss is 16 and takes care of her family. Her father was killed in a mining accident and if she does not hunt and fish, her family will not survive. She is responsible for her mother and younger sister. She is the sole supporter of her family.

Every year there are the Hunger Games. Each district sends one girl and one boy to compete in the Hunger Games. The teens fight to the death and the last one standing is the hero of their district. The winner’s district receives extra food and necessities from the capital. The competitors are chosen with a raffle. Beginning at the age of 12, everyone must put their name in the raffle. Katniss’ younger sister is called – she is only 12. Katniss volunteers to go in her place. So begins the fight for her life and the life of her family.

This book was amazing! It is the 1st book of a trilogy. The competitors are tested beyond the limits and are willing to do anything to survive. This is one of the best books that I have ever read. Highly Recommended!

Book Review - Slob by Ellen Potter

This is a sad, but funny story. There are numerous things that many people will be able to relate to. Owen is the smartest 7th grader in his NYC school. He is really brilliant, but he still has problems. One of the biggest problems is his gym teacher. Owen's gym teacher picks on him and tries to humiliate him at every turn. Owen happens to be the biggest 7th grader. He wasn't always obese; it started two years ago with the death of his parents.

This book was a really great, quick read. Owen has a lot of things going on and he isn't always capable of coping with them.

Assigned Summer Reading

Please remember that you need to read at least three books this summer. You can read anything by the assigned authors (except if otherwise noted). You will need to complete the assignments by the end of September 2009.

• Incoming 6th Graders:
• Patricia Reilly Giff, Dan Gutman, Paula Danziger, and Andrew Clements
  
• Incoming 7th Graders:
• Lois Lowry (except Number the Stars), Jerry Spinelli, Mike Lupica, and Gordon Korman
  
• Incoming 8th Graders:
• Walter Dean Myers (except Bad Boy), Sharon Draper, Robert Cormier, and Gary Soto