ZLATA'S DIARY by Zlata Filipovic

This is the personal diary of Zlata Filipovic, a girl living in war-torn Bosnia.  She begins her diary just months prior to the war.  She speaks of her school work, music classes, and drama club.  She is a very good student, and she tells Mimmy (her diary’s name) this, but says she doesn’t want to boast.  Mimmy becomes her biggest confidant in the months that follow, as war breaks out and shells are dropped by the minute.  It is an inspiring story about fighting to survive, and going on with life when everything seems like it is against you.  I recommend this book to anybody in 5^th grade and up, as some things are very sad, or as Zlata would say HORRIBLE.

THE BOOK THEIF by Markus Zusack

The Book Thief by Markus Zusack is an action-packed book that really makes you think. The plot has twists and turns almost unimaginable. It is the kind of book that one never wants to end. It is a story of tragedy and hope, and I am so grateful to Zusack for his genius in writing this.


Liesel, a young girl found homeless by the war, has just been taken in to a foster home of sorts on Himmel Street, which is ironically named, considering “Himmel” mean s heaven in German. Yes, Liesel is living in the war-torn land on Nazi Germany at the beginning of World War II, and almost nothing is heavenly. With the death of her brother and loss of her mother, Liesel is confused and sad as she arrives at the Hubermann residence. Her nightmares haunt her each night, and her only comfort is from Hans Hubermann, whom she soon begins to call Papa, and Rosa Hubermann, whom she calls Mama.

As Liesel adjusts to her new home, she makes two great new friends. The first, Rudy Steiner, is her next-door neighbor. Soon, they get into all kinds of mischief together, which mostly consists of stealing. The two friends play soccer with each other, and hold running races, due to Rudy’s undying love of Jesse Owens.

Liesel’s second friend isn’t as open as Rudy. Her second friend comes in the form of a Jewish fist-fighter, Max Vandenberg, who takes refuge in the Hubermanns basement to hide from the atrocities of the war. Ironically, Hitler’s autobiography Mein Kampf helps both save Max from certain arrest, and entertain the frightened Jew as he spends his days in the basement. Max paints over the pages of the terrible book to create a comic book of sorts for Liesel. In the many hours Liesel spends with him, they become the best of friends, sharing dreams and life experiences, and giving each other the most basic of gifts.

Throughout the course of the next year, Liesel continues to steal with Rudy, but instead of food and trinket items, she takes a new focus: books. She scours the small town for books, as her own were burned in celebration of Adolf Hitler’s birthday. The books calm and soothe her scared community during bombings and air raid drills. As she reads the stories to the vast amount of people taking shelter in basements deemed “safe”, she creates a feeling of happiness and hope among her neighbors.

In conclusion, The Book Thief is a staple in any library or bookshelf. The hardships that Liesel must overcome are so realistic, and you find yourself sympathizing with the characters again and again. The narrator’s strange identity gives the book a very interesting point of view. As you read, you recognize bits of yourself in the characters, and they become even more relatable. Zusack really has a good understanding of the human nature, and he has a great way with words.

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS by John Boyne

The Boy in The Striped Pajamas is a book about innocence.  It's a look at the Holocaust through the eyes of a child.  Bruno, the main character in this book, is only nine. When his father's soldier work takes them to Auschwitz (or should I say Out-With?), how could he possibly understand the horrors going on around him?  How could he understand what his new friend Shmuel is going through?  How could he possibly understand the meaning of that fence?

This is one of my favorite Holocaust books.  The innocence is striking, and John Boyne writes so eloquently.  A must-read.

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

The book The Hunger Games is a fantastic book written as the first installment of a three part series. 

The plot line focuses on Katniss Everdeen, a young girl growing up in a place called Panem, District 12, on a continent that used to be called North America.  After political upheaval in previous years, a cruel government named The Capitol has taken over. Every year the Capitol hosts The Hunger Games, a inhumane sporting tournament.  The Hunger Games is basically a fight for survival; two contestants, ages 12-18 are chosen from each district.  Then, all the contestants must try to survive until the end.  Brutal deaths and starvation is the end for most. 

I believe this book is based on the concept that war can turn people into monsters.  Katniss was a villager turned predator, along with everyone else in this competition.  Suzanne Collins really explores the consequences of war in this novel.

I really enjoyed this book, and I hope you enjoy it too!

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Bookworm
xoxoxo

RED SCARF GIRL by Ji-Li Jiang

This memoir of the Cultural revolution in China surprised me.  You can feel the sincerity coming from Ji-Li's book, how she did not understand the dramatic changes happening around her. The book surprised me, because I did not know very much about the Cultural Revolution in China.  I had no idea about all the terrible things that had happened.  The beatings, the hatred, and the utter stupidity of  the Communist party really shocked me.  Chairman Mao was able to brainwash China completely.  Pray that America never reaches that point.

I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.  The story was very touching and thought-provoking.  A fantastic read.

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Bookworm<3

THE ALCHEMYST by Michael Scott

This book is just fantastic.  I enjoyed it so much that I bought the book and borrowed the next book, The Magician, from the library.


The plot line goes as follows.  Sophie and her twin brother Josh lead rather normal lives.  They work for husband and wife Nick and Perry Fleming.  One day, their lives change dramatically. In a whirlwind of events, they find themselves in the middle of a magical battle between Nick and the mysterious Dee. They are told that Nick is actually the immortal Alchemyst Nicholas Flamel, and Dee is Magician John Dee.  The world's fate ends up in the unsuspecting twins hands.  Can they succeed against all the evil?

Well, you are gonna have to read the book to find out!


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Bookworm <3

MARLEY & ME by John Grogan

This book made me laugh... This book made me cry... This book was spectacular!


Marley is a dog that has followed this family through good times and bad. It is a story on top of a story... A double feature so to say! The book starts with Marley, morphs into a family, and ends with Marley. This book is fun and approachable, and is well-written. A funny story for all ages... But get the kid's version or younger folks! I would reccomend this book for any dog-lover, or any owner with an 'impossible' dog, or anyone who likes a good story.



   thanks for reading!