This sci-fi adventure starts out with a major mystery. Why do three kidnapped siblings halfway across the country have the same names and birthdates as the Greystone kids, Chess, Emma and Finn? And why does their mom suddenly have to go away on business right after hearing news of the kidnapping?

With the help of their new friend Natalie, the Greystones have to use what they know about their mother and the clues she left behind to save their family - and those mysterious strangers with whom they have so much in common.

Reviewed by: Mrs. Bamford

This is a great book about a character who would rather blend in, but learns about the importance of standing up for what she knows is right. Zoey has a lot of responsibility at a young age - taking care of her younger siblings after school and trying to keep them quiet so they don't annoy her mom's boyfriend and his father, who they live with.

When a teacher suggests she join the debate team, Zoey is not excited. But learning the skills needed to present an argument in debate helps Zoey see how she can improve her family's situation and defend a friend who has been falsely accused.

I like how this book presents confidence and self-esteem as skills that can be improved with practice.

Reviewed by: Mrs. Bamford

by Varian Johnson

Staying in Lambert, SC, is not Candice's idea of a good summer, but when she finds a letter left for her by her grandmother, everything changes. Candice is drawn into a quest to solve a puzzle that could result in finding an inheritance tied to a family who lived in Lambert decades before. It could also save her grandmother's legacy.

Candice finds an unexpected friend, fellow book nerd, and ally in quiet Brandon who lives across the street. The two friends deal with discrimination, bullying, and their own personal struggles together as they work to solve riddles that will lead them to the money.

I really enjoyed this book. It is realistic fiction, and I think Candice and Brandon are interesting characters. It helps that they both love to read, too! If you like puzzles, or books about friendship, then I think you'll like it too.

Reviewed by: Mrs. Doepken

by Jarrett Lerner

This will be a 5/6 Battle of the Books book this coming school year, so I thought I'd give it a read now.

If you like stories about robots, nerds, friendship, mayhem, problem solving, and working together, then this is probably a book you'll like.

Ken is part of a group of friends who call themselves EngiNerds. They're regular kids, who just happen to be super smart. Ken discovers a mysterious (and heavy!) box on his porch one day after school and discovers it's a robot! A cool robot that any kid would love to have -- a robot that causes major problems almost from the start.

And, Ken isn't the only one who gets one. Eventually Ken and his fellow EngiNerds have to figure out how to save his town, and possibly the world!

Check out Jarrett's website for cool information and activities!

Reviewed by: Mrs. Doepken

By James Preller

This is a 3/4 2020-21 Battle of the Books book and I really enjoyed it!

Kym and Lizzy visit a bee keeper, and they learn that bees have been disappearing! The girls also learn that bees are incredibly important for our food chain.

This gives their Big Idea Gang a great idea to teach their fellow students about the importance of bees and to encourage their school community to do something positive for bees.

The kids in the story treat each other with respect, even if someone is different or annoying, and they show great problem solving and teamwork skills. I can't wait to read the other two in the series!

Reviewed by: Mrs. Doepken

Jude lives in Syria with her mother, father, and revolution-minded brother. When it becomes too dangerous to remain in her hometown, Jude and her pregnant mother journey to the United States. Jude struggles to balance her two worlds, remaining connected to her home country's culture and language while also trying to fit into the busy American culture.

As Jude navigates a new language, an unsupportive cousin, Islamaphobia, and missing her father and brother, she also finds ways to make friends, grow closer to her aunt and uncle, and even try out for a school musical.

This is a lovely book of sadness and hope, told in verse. I truly enjoyed it and loved reading how Jude managed all of her new experiences and how she dealt with disappointment, homesickness, anger, joy, and pride.

Reviewed by: Mrs. Doepken