Let’s Read

Let’s Read Let’s Read Let’s Read

These book reviews were written by Christine Laffler’s 4th grade students at Manzano Day school.

Long Distance

Author & Illustrator: Whitney Gardner Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ages: 9 years and older This is a great book if you are the kind of reader who likes graphic novels, preteen drama and stories that will keep you entertained. This story is a true hit to people like me who love books just like this -- and even some people who wrote other reviews. Someone from The New York Times Book Review wrote, “Her delightful tale juxtaposed a preteen crush, a tranquil neighborhood in the Pacific Northwest and vampires. It’s the kind of story that connects so well with its intended audience -- so well that my 11-year-old son pilfered my review copy and refused to return it until he was done.” This is a wonderful story about 9-year-old Vega, who just moved to Seattle from Portland and has to make friends at a creepy camp. Though it’s a tiny bit creepy, I think it’s a great read for ages 9 and up! Read on, little star!

By Leah J., 9

The Ghostly Tales of Albuquerque

Author: Jessa Dean Publisher: Arcadia Children’s Books Ages: 8 to 12 years Hello there! Do you like shreeks, eeks and ghost stories? If you said yes, then this is the book for you! This book has seven chapters of spooky stories about Albuquerque. There are lots of stories about the ghosts of Old Town. There is a creepy story about High Noon restaurant and another one that happens at Church Street Café. Make sure to check out this chapter book about our spooky city. By the way, this is one of a book series, so if you like this one, you can read other “Spooky America” tales.

By Harlow P., 9

Albuquerque

Have You Seen Gordon?

Author: Adam Jay Epstein Illustrator: Ruth Chan Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ages: 4 to 8 years This book has a lot of vibrant and dizzying pictures and words. Follow the narrator as he plays hide and seek. Try to find the main character, Gordon, while he tries to find a sneaky construction worker, Jane. This book is hilarious and interac-

tive. It takes place in a “monster land.” I’d rate this book with 5 stars because it is funny and children who are 4 years old and older would love this book. My favorite character is Gordon because he’s fairly silly when he tries to hide from the reader. I’d like to be able to print copies of this book and send it to every single person on Earth. It’s that good! I think Adam Jay Epstein is now one of my favorite authors.

By Eren Z., 10

Geraldine Pu and Her Lunchbox, Too!

Author: Maggie P. Chang Publisher: Simon Spotlight Ages: 6 to 8 years This book is about a girl named Geraldine Pu (and her lunchbox, too)! She calls her lunchbox Biandang. She pronounces it BEE-enDONG. Geraldine loves her family, her things and going to school, but her favorite part of school is lunch. When she gets to lunch, she sits down and opens her lunch box. Her grandma makes her special lunches every day and she loves them. That is, until one day when something happens. I can't tell you any more about this book, but I can tell you that it is amazing, and I would recommend it for all ages!

By Daphne E., 10

Glow

Author: Ruth Forman Illustrator: Geneva Bowers Publisher: Little Simon Ages: 2 years and older This beautifully illustrated book is a beautiful poetry book for everyone, but it is especially good for kids with darker skin. It is absolutely one of the best illustrated children's books I have seen! Glow is a board book poem about a boy who celebrates his dark skin after a great day. There are not a lot of words, but the words that are there have a lot of meaning. The illustrations also help you understand the importance of loving yourself and your beautiful skin.

By Lachan B., 10

Illi, 6