The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Reviewed by Ellie in Year 9

This book is my favourite book I have ever read. At first I was hesitant as I wasn’t sure what it was about, and I had the idea in my head that it was going to be confusing and hard to read however I can safely say it is not! As it is nicely explained in the blurb: ‘This is a tale of the book thief, as narrated by death, and when death tells a story, you really have to listen. It's a small story really about amongst other things: a girl, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a jewish fist fighter, and a lot of thievery’. However don’t let it deceive you this is not a short book, this is a book that will guide you through a small town in Germany, teach you about love and compassion, whilst showing you the tragedies of war.

This book is a tremendously powerful portrayal of life under the Nazis, especially as it was experienced by a child. The characters suffer cruel fates but also are great examples of the power of personal sacrifice, heroism, friendship and courage. I would recommend it to anyone age 12+ and anyone who loves to be fully immersed in a book- someone who wants a book that they won’t be able to put down (I know I certainly couldn’t!). Words can’t describe how much I loved this book. It made me smile, laugh and even cry. So naturally I would give this book a 11/10.

Haikyu!! Volume 1, Reviewed by Evie in Year 9

My Review:

The book I have chosen to review is Haikyu!! Volume 1.

It is the 1st book in a 45 part manga series (japanese comic)

The book is slightly different to the average comic. You read from the back to the front so to speak. Basically, you start on what would be the last page in a british book and end on what would be the first page in a british book. If that makes sense?

The blurb:

‘Ever since he saw the legendary player known as “the little giant” compete at the national volleyball finals, Shoyo Hinata has been aiming to be the best volleyball player ever! Who says you need to be tall to play volleyball when you can jump higher than anyone else?

After losing his first and last volleyball match against TOBIO KAGEYAMA, “the king of the court,” SHOYO HINATA swears to become his rival after graduating middle school. But what happens when the guy he wants to defeat ends up his teammate?!’

A brief summary what happens:

Hinata sees ‘the little giant’ play at nationals, he instantly becomes interested in the sport because of the little giant’s size. At junior high school/middle school (year 7-9) he joins the boys volleyball team, however he is the only member. So he gets his friends to help him and also gets the girls to help him. When Hinata gets his first proper match he's ecstatic. He doesn’t care about the fact he doesn't have a full team, or his lack of experience. He plays against Kitagawa Daiichi junior high. A highly skilled team with their incredible setter Tobio Kageyama. Kitagawa wiped the floor with Hinata's team. From then on Hinata swears that he will defeat Kageyama in high school and that they are enemies. Hinata arrives at karasuno high school but to his dismay Kageyama is also there…

My thoughts on the book.

In my opinion, the book is really good, it's really funny and is easy to read. It's also an anime, so as i read it i can watch the episode that corresponds to the manga volume. I’d recommend this manga to anyone who likes anime/manga and people who like easy reading. If i could rate this book out of 10 (10 being the best book i've ever read) i would give it a solid 10. It’s so good i can barely describe it. It never failed to make me laugh or smile.

THE LONDON EYE MYSTERY

REVIEWED BY MEGAN IN YEAR 7

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the London Eye Mystery as I found every chapter you just wanted to read on. My favorite part about it was when Kat and Ted became detectives trying to find their cousin, even though they were told to leave it to the Frontline Security (London’s top security guards). I found that it made you feel almost nervous in a way because you don’t know what is going to happen next. I really found that it makes me think and almost worry about whether he is going to die or never come back or maybe they will find him or something much worse . It really drags you into the story making you feel as though you are there in the middle of it all. I would recommend this to anybody from Yr 5 and above and maybe all the way to adults or just anybody who likes a gripping detective story.