_______________________________

Roadrunner Reviews
_______________________________


Blast to the Past, Betsy Ross’s Star
By Stacia Deutsch
Aladdin Paperbacks, New York, 2006

This book is called Betsy Ross’s Star because Betsy Ross made the first couple of stars
on the American flag. Betsy is one of the few female role models in early American
history. Betsy Ross had her own sewing shop. She also taught children that sewing was
not hard; it’s what you make it.

I have a lot of interest in this book because it helps me think about how I can help out.

Interest level: 4th-5th grades
Submitted by Micah
Ms. Rueter’s 5th grade class


Blast to the Past, King’s Courage
By Stacia Deutsch
Aladdin Paperbacks, New York, 2006

This book is about a man named Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The challenge is that Martin
has to stop the violence between blacks and whites. Martin’s dream is to get balcks and
whites to come together as one. Jacob, Bo, and Zack go on an adventure back to the past
to encourage Dr. Martin Luther King to accomplish his dream.

The book describes the children traveling through the past. The book describes how
rough it was for Martin.

I recommend this book because the book teaches how history was and how Martin
changed history.

Interest level: 3rd-5th grades
Submitted by Bre’Onna
Ms. Rueter’s 5th grade class

Blast to the Past: Disney’s Dream
By Stacia Deutsch and Rhody Cohon
Aladdin, New York, 2005

This book is about how Walt Disney made his dreams come true with a little help from
four meddling kids. Walt Disney was afraid he wouldn’t be successful. The children
helped him gain self-confidence. To see if he could be successful Walt Disney submitted
a story to the newspaper and asked readers to call if they liked the story.

I think this book makes people want to reach their goals in life and to strive for what they
want.

It helps people learn to believe in themselves and their dreams.

Interest level: 4th & 5th grades
Submitted by Micah
Ms. Rueter’s 5th grade class



The Mystery at Fort Thunderbolt
By Carole Marsh
Gallopade International, Peachtree City, GA, 2007

The story is about a boy and girl named Tim and Telly. They went on adventures to go
find their parents. The kids went on two trips. Ton the first trip they traveled by sea and
on the other one they flew, but they didn’t make it. To find out if they reunited with their
parents read the book.

I liked the part when they go looking for their parents. It showed that they love their
parents.

I would recommend this book because it is a great story. You can find this book in the
Russell library.

Interest level: 3rd-5th grades
Submitted by Nalaysia
Mrs. Thomas’
Cover image

 

 

 

Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 (The Royal Diaries)

By Patricia McKissack

Scholastic, Inc., New York, 2000

 

This story is about a princess who likes to hunt and fight, but there is a war going on between the Portuguese and the Mbundu, her people.  Nsingha must help stop it and since she is coming of age she needs to get married.  To see what happens next you can find this interesting book in the Media Center.

 

I liked how during the time I read the book it looked like it was a diary because it listed specific dates. Also, since the people were religious Nzingha made a necklace that told a story.

 

I recommend this book because it is interesting, not like other books, and is one of the best books I have ever read.

 

Interest level: 5th grade

Submitted by Jose

Mrs. Cobb’s 5th grade class

Chester’s Way
By Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow Books, New York, NY 1988

This book is about two mice friends named Chester and Wilson who liked to do
everything the same. Then when a new mouse moved in she did everything differently.
At first the two friends were afraid, but when the new mouse helped them, things started
to change.
I liked this book because it reminds me of when my new friends moved in next door.
I recommend this book about friendship. It tells about learning new things about others
and yourself.
I think everyone will enjoy this book.

Kinsey
Ms. Hall’s 3rd grade

Shhhh
By: Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow Books, New York, NY 1987

A young girl has a lion, a bear, and a bunny that sleep with her. Her cat sleeps in a box and her
dog sleeps on a rug. The baby sleeps quietly in her crib.
I liked when her baby was asleep in her crib. It had a cute baby.

Interest level: K
Submitted by: Hope

Two Under Par
By: Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow Books, New York, NY 1987

The main character is Wedge. His mother married a king. When wedge was born his father ran
away before Wedge could see him. Wedge does not understand why his stepfather spent his
whole life on a golf course. He was mad when his mom had an idea to take his step brother,
Andrew, camping and leave Wedge with the king so they could get to know each other well.
I like this book because Wedge is funny and has a sense of humor. He does not understand
anything. His mom is weird because Wedge has to call her by her first name which is Sally
because if Wedge called her mom, ma, or mother she would feel old.
I really recommend this book because it has funny characters and the father is embarrassing.

Interest level: 5th grade
Submitted by: Faith
Mr. Thoroughman 4th grade

Chester’s Way
By Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow Books, 1988

When I read Chester’s Way, Chester does things the same way everyday. He loved to do many
things. But one day a girl named Lily moved in. But still Chester never changed what he did.
What I like about this book is that Chester eats the same thing everyday. When he swallowed a
seed it tells what he did.
I recommend this book because it is very interesting and also fun.

Interest level: 2nd & 3rd grades
Submitted by: Chu
Mrs. Thomas 3rd grade

Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Circus Clown
By: David A. Adler
Puffin Books, New York, NY 1991

This book is mostly about two kids named Cam and Eric finding two pickpockets who are
stealing wallets, dressing up as clowns, and bumping into people.
I think whoever wrote this book did a fantastic job on it and it looks like it took a long time to
make it creative.
I recommend people read this book if they love mystery books and like creative books. I
promise you that you will like this book.

Interest level: 4th grade
Submitted by: Anna Maria
Mrs. Withers 3rd grade

Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Babe Ruth Baseball
By: David A. Adler
Puffin Books, New York, NY 1982

When I read this book I was surprised to find out that the baseball went missing. Two people
were evil and vicious enough to steal it. One is a woman and the other is a man. I was surprised
to hear who the victim was too. You need to read this book to find out what happens.
I enjoyed this book because the pictures can tell you why and when events happened. Also it
was well-written.
I would recommend it to people who like mystery books.

Interest level: 2nd & 3rd grades
Submitted by: Briana
Mrs. Withers 3rd grade

Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Corn Popper
By: David A. Adler
Viking Press, New York, NY 1986

Someone is stealing shopping bags and returning the things that are in them. Why is she doing
this? Can Cam and Eric figure out who and why?
I like this book because I like mystery stories.
I would recommend this book to people who like mysteries.

Interest level: 2nd & 3rd grades
Submitted by: Julie
Mrs. Withers 3rd grade

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
By Nancy Willard
Blue Sky Press, New York, NY 1993

Sylvia is the new apprentice of Tattibo. Tattibo gives her a task she thinks cannot
be done. The task eventually gets too hard for Sylvia so she tries to use magic to
fix the problem. Read this fictional story with rhyming word and marvelous illustrations.

I like the book because you don’t even have to look at the words because the pictures tell the
story so beautifully.

I would recommend this book to people who like magic and fiction.

Interest Level: 4th grade
Joseph
Mr. Freedman’s 4th Grade Class

Sleepy Bears
By Mem Fox
Harcourt Brace, San Diego, CA 1999

This book is about seven bears who go to sleep for the winter but they go to sleep
one-at-a- time. While they are asleep they become their dreams.

I liked this book because I really like animals and fiction books.

I would recommend this book for someone who likes fiction stories.

Reading level: 3.4
Isaiah
Mr. Freedman’s 4th Grade Class

The Talking Eggs
By Robert D. San Souci
Dial, New York, NY, 1989

The main character of the book is a little girl named Blanche. She is sweet,
kind, and her sister and her mom are bossing her around. She went to the goods
and gave water to an old lady that was going to die of thirst and the old lady told her she’ll be
blessed.

I like the book because it tells you when you do what you’re told and more, you’re blessed by
God. Blanche was sweet and was blessed by the old lady.

I would recommend this book to people who are in bad moods almost everyday.

Interest level: 4th & 5th grades
Alexis
Mr. Freedman’s 4th Grade Class

Thimbleberry Stories
By Cynthia Rylant
Harcourt, Inc., New York, NY, 2000

Nigel Chipmunk lives in a cozy cottage on Thimbleberry Lane. He considers it a
peaceful place in the world. Nigel even has friends in Moon Meadow,
Thimbleberry Lane, Passalong Pond, and Haymaker Hollow. These stories are also perfect to
tell to a sibling before they go to bed.

I was impressed with all of the stories. I was impressed because I never saw such vivid colors as
in the illustrations.

I recommend this book to Cynthia Rylant fans and people who like to read fiction.

Interest level: 3rd & 4th Grades
Christiana
Mr. Freedman’s 4th Grade Class

Happy Birthday to You!
By Dr. Seuss
Random House, New York, NY, 1987

In Katroo when it’s your birthday they come to you. The birds from Katroo wake
you up and take you places. They give you food to eat until you’re stuffed and had
enough. In Katroo you can jump into pools that are as high as mountain tops. And you can sing
as high as you want while drying off. Read this book to find out the ending.

My favorite part of the book was when it said that they could give you the tallest somethings that
cheat and stand on their tiptoes.

I recommend this book to people that like stories about birthdays.

Interest level: 4th Grade
Briyan
Mr. Freedman’s 4th Grade Class

Brave Irene
By William Steig
Farrar, Straus, Giroux, New York, New York, 1986

This story is about a girl named Brave Irene and how she has been through so
much. Her mom made a dress for a princess that lives in a palace. So Irene wanted to deliver
the dress to the Duchess. So to find out more read this amazing book.

I like this book because it shows how Irene never gave up until she got to the palace. Also it
gives a moral lesson.

I recommend this book to someone who wants to try to be brave or stand up to someone.

Reading Level: 3.9-4.5
Maya
Mr. Freedman’s 4th Grade Class

Dear Katie, The Volcano is a Girl
By Jean Craighead George
Hyperion Books for Children, New York, NY 1998

A grandmother and her granddaughter, Katie, take a trip to Hawaii’s volcanoes. Katie’s
grandmother thinks that a volcano is a geophysical phenomenon but Katie knows the
identity of the volcano. It is a girl. Soon, the grandmother and Katie find out both of
their guesses are right.

I liked the part of this book when her grandmother believes in Pale, the goddess of fire, because the grandmother finally believes the true identity of the volcano. Pele…a volcano that is a girl.

I recommend the book because it tells that some stories can come true. I think a lot of  kids will like this book.

Reading level: 3.6
Naomi
Ms. Flowers’ 4th Grade Class
 
 

The Bad Beginning
By Lemony Snicket
Harper Collins, New York, NY 1999

Three children’s parents die and they become orphans. Count Olaf, their new guardian,
makes them do many chores. Count Olaf puts Violet, the 14-year-old girl, in a play about
a wedding (but actually marries her). But her brother, Klaus, saves his sister and his baby
sister Sunny.

I like the part when the lights are out because it gets interesting.

I recommend this book to people who like sad, woeful but sometimes cheerful stories.

I liked this book a lot.

Jose
Mrs. Cobb’s 5th Grade Class

A Hero’s Trail: A Guide for a Heroic Life
Written by: T. A. Barron
New York, Philomel Books. 2002.

In the opening pages of the book the author makes the distinction between a hero and a
celebrity. This book is about heroes. Each chapter begins with a hiking story that illustrates
a heroic quality. Then, Mr. Barron gives examples of real-life people who have done
courageous things in their lives including some pretty amazing children.

I liked that the author talked about some ordinary people doing some extraordinary things. For example, he told of a six-year old boy who organized a bowling competition that raised over $37,000 to help the families of those who died in the bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building. He also told about a boy who saved his brother who was drowning.

As with all of Mr. Barron’s books, I finished the last page and thought to myself, “I can be a better person. I can make good choices and I can help others along the way.” It confirmed my belief that
each of us has the potential to make a difference in this world.

Interest Level: 4th and 5th grades
Submitted by: Mrs. Doolittle

A House Called Awful End
Ardagh, Philip
London, Henry Holt. 2000

This book is about a kid named Eddie Dickens whose parents get really sick so he has to
move to his great aunt and uncle’s house. What he doesn’t know is that they’re
completely mad! The story tells about Eddie’s long, awful humorous trip there with a
twist at the end.

I liked the book because it was funny and amusing. Even when the author used words
that they use in England and I couldn’t understand them. There was a glossary to make things easy. I also like the author’s juvenile fiction style.

I recommend the book to a person that is looking for some laughs or likes Lemony Snicket’s books.

Interest Level: 4th and 5th grades
Submitted by: Bintou
Teacher: Ms. Purdy

Children of the Dust Bowl, The True Story of the School at Weedpatch Camp
Written by Jerry Stanley
New York, Crown Publishers, 1992

I don’t like every book I’ve ever read. So when I started reading this book and learned that its
inspiration came from one of my all time least favorite books I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep
reading. I’m glad I did. The Children of the Dust Bowl is a compassionate, true story that tells
of the trials of the people living in the Panhandle of Oklahoma during the 1930s when rain
stopped and the red dirt never stopped blowing. It tells how those who could, fled Oklahoma
with barely more than a mattress strapped to a run-down jalopy and the shirts on their backs and
headed to California. There they thought would be jobs, food, and education for their children.

For those that made it to California they only found more challenges. Nobody wanted them, not
even their children. Then, along came a man named Leo Hart who made all the difference for
the children and families at Weedpatch Camp. He started a school.

Interest level: 5th grade
Submitted by: Mrs. Arrington

Down A Sunny Dirt Road, An Autobiography
Written by Stan and Jan Berenstain
New York, Random House, 2002

Have you ever struggled to write a beginning, a middle, and an end to a story? You’re in good
company. As Stan and Jan Berenstain were starting out their careers Dr. Seuss told them:
“…you’ve got a good beginning and a good end. But your middle needs work—a lot of work.”

This lively autobiography by two of Russell students’ favorite authors tells how they grew up,
how they met, and how they began their careers as cartoonists and finally found their niche as
authors of The Berenstain Bears. It contains plenty of photographs and, of course, wonderful
illustrations.

Interest level: 4th and 5th grades
Submitted by: Mrs. Arrington

The Unbreakable Code
Written by Sara Hoagland Hunter
Flagstaff, Arizona, Rising Moon, 1996

The book starts with a quote from an 11-year old Navajo boy:
“My shichei (grandfather) was a Navajo code talker. These men are living legends. Kids should
now how they helped win the war and how much pain they went through. My shichei always
has a smile on his face and a joke ready. I would like to say to him, Thank you for helping win
the war for us and for keeping the Navajo tradition alive. Thank you for teaching me so many
things.”

In telling his grandson the story of the Navajo code talkers, a grandfather allays his grandson’s
fears about leaving the reservation for the first time to live with his mother and new stepfather in
Minnesota.

Interest level: 4th and 5th grades
Submitted by: Mrs. Arrington

My Life in Dog Years
Written by Gary Paulsen
New York, Delacorte Press,1998

The author of Hatchet Brian’s Hunt, and Escape from Fire Mountain has written a warm
memoir (what’s that?) about some of the unforgettable dogs he has owned in his lifetime.

“Among them are Snowball, the puppy he owned as a boy in the Philippines; Ike, the mysterious
hunting companion; [and] Dirk, his best friend. This is a must read for dog lovers.

Interest level: 4th and 5th grades
Submitted by: Mrs. Arrington

Dizzy
Written by Jonah Winter
New York, Arthur A. Levine Books, 2006

This story, about a boy who was regularly beaten by his father, tells how he found an escape for
his sorrows in a trumpet given to him by his music teacher. Dizzy Gillespie was a jazz trumpet
player who broke all the rules of music and developed a form a jazz called bebop. With
rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations, Dizzy comes alive.

Interest level: 4th and 5th grades
Submitted by: Mrs. Arrington

Harriet’s Horrible Hair Day
Written by Dawn Leslie Stewart

Have you ever had a problem that a brother or sister thought they could help with but all of their
efforts only made things worse? Harriet had such an experience.

While swinging on a tire swing a curl popped out of Harriet’s braid. It was noticed by her
brother first, and then her sister who suggested a mud bath cure. When that didn’t work they
tried fishing lines, water balloon weights, then a colander from the kitchen, and finally a mixture
of peanut butter, mustard, and molasses. Those efforts failed too. In this colorfully illustrated
book, Harriet finally comes to terms with her curls.

Interest level: K – 3rd grades
Submitted by: Mrs. Arrington

Banjo Granny
Written by Sarah Martin Busse & Jacqueline Briggs Martin

This is the story of how a granny crossed a river, a mountain, and a desert to see her new
grandson, Owen. With laced tennis shoes and an old banjo in hand, Owen’s granny set off to see
him. The cheerful illustrations add to the adventure making Banjo Granny a charming tale.

Interest level: K – 3rd grades
Submitted by: Mrs. Arrington

Hoptoad
Written by Jane Yolen

“How does a toad cross the road? How does a toad cross a very wide road? How does a toad
cross a very wide road in front of a truck with a heavy load? With a little help...” (from the book
cover)

Interest level: K – 3rd grades
Submitted by: Mrs. Arrington

Seeker of Knowledge, The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs
Written by James Rumford

This is the magnificent story of a child who dreamed of one day sailing the Nile River in Egypt
and discovering how to read the ancient writings of the Egyptians. For 20 years Jean- Francois
Champollion worked hard to make his dream come true. In 1822 the people of France sent him
on an expedition to Egypt where his dream was finally realized.

Readers will enjoy the beautiful pictures and the deciphered hieroglyphics that accompany the
text.

Interest level: K – 3rd grades
Submitted by: Mrs. Arrington

Wonder Why Camels Have Humps and Other Questions About Animals
Written by Anita Ganeri
I Wonder Why Romans Wore Togas and Other Questions About Ancient Rome
Written by Fiona Macdonald
I Wonder Why Greeks Built Temples and Other Questions About Ancient Greece
Written by Fiona Macdonald
I Wonder Why Horse Wear Shoes and Other Questions About Horses
Written by Jackie Gaff

This fine collection of books will amaze readers with its facts, amuse them with its quirky
illustrations, and inspire them to ask more questions. Written in a question and answer format,
these books are great fun to read.

Interest level: 3rd – 5th grades
Submitted by: Mrs. Arrington