Student Book Reviews

A Wolf Called Fire by Rosanne Parry tells the story of Warm, the smallest and gentlest wolf in his pack, who never feels strong enough to lead. When enemy wolves attack and scatter his family, Warm is left caring for four helpless pups on his own. Together, they face hunger, storms, fire, and dangerous rivals as Warm learns that leadership isn’t about strength—it’s about heart. Kids should read this book to see how kindness, courage, and caring for others can make someone a true leader. 🔥🐾💛

On Thin Ice by Jessica Kim follows Phoebe and Dexter Bae, fraternal twins who both love the ice—Phoebe through figure skating and Dex through hockey. When injuries and team cuts threaten both of their dreams, their mom suggests they skate together as a pairs team. The twins must face grief over their father’s death and work through sibling rivalry to succeed. Kids should read this book for its humor, heart, and message that teamwork and family can help heal tough emotions.
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The Probability of Everything by Sarah Everett centers on Kemi, an eleven‑year‑old who uses probability and science to understand the world. When scientists announce that an asteroid has a high chance of hitting Earth in four days, Kemi believes everything—including her family—might be ending. As she counts down the days and creates a time capsule, Kemi confronts grief, fear, and change in powerful ways. Kids should read this book because it shows that even when the future feels scary, love and connection still matter. 📊☄️💛

Magnitude by Jennifer A. Nielsen takes place during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, following a brave girl named Cora as disaster strikes the city. Trapped in the rubble and surrounded by fires and danger, Cora teams up with new friends to search for their families. As chaos spreads, they must avoid thieves and make life‑or‑death decisions. Kids should read this thrilling historical novel to experience courage, friendship, and survival during one of America’s most powerful natural disasters. 🌍🔥💪 

Ms. Van Santen has read some incredible books in March! Come find them in the library.

"Outside" by Jennifer L. Holm

Razzi has spent her whole life inside a safe compound, warned never to go outside because the world beyond the walls is dangerous. When she begins to question what she’s been told, Razzi must find the courage to uncover the truth for herself in this suspenseful and thought provoking adventure. 🌍🐕‍🦺

"Inside the Park" by Andrea Williams

Pumpsie loves baseball more than anything and his dream comes true when he gets accidentally locked inside a professional baseball stadium overnight! With a dog for a companion and a mystery to solve, this fast paced story is packed with humour, heart, and plenty of baseball fun. ⚾🐶

"Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

It’s picture day, and everything that can go wrong does for Andrew, who struggles with anxiety and OCD. Told with warmth, honesty, and laugh out loud moments, this story shows how pressure can build—like popcorn—until it pops, and how asking for help really matters. 🍿😟❤️

"Octopus Moon" by Bobbie Pyron

Pearl loves the ocean, running, and spending time with friends but as fifth grade begins, heavy feelings make everything harder. Written in beautiful verse, this hopeful story follows Pearl as she learns about depression, support, and how to find light even on the darkest days. 🌙🐙

Ms. Van Santen read some great books during the month of February. 

⭐ War Games by Alan Gratz 

Travel to 1936 Berlin with Evie, a young American gymnast who discovers a dangerous Nazi secret hidden behind all the Olympic excitement. 🏅🕵️‍♀️ Soon she’s pulled into a high‑stakes plan to steal Nazi gold, sneaking through the city’s dark passageways while deciding if she’ll chase her medal dream—or risk everything to do what’s right. 

🍒 A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga 

When a painting vanishes from the museum, Rami’s mom is blamed—but then Rami sees a mysterious floating girl who looks exactly like the missing painting’s subject. 🖼️ With help from his clever classmate Veda—and from Agatha, the turtle who has actually witnessed the crime—Rami follows hidden clues to uncover the truth behind the haunting mystery. 🐢🔍 

❤️ The Bionic Boy by Lynn Plourde 

Benji was born without hands, and even though his family loves him fiercely, he wishes he could be a real hero like the superheroes he admires. After meeting a quadruple‑amputee war veteran who uses prosthetics with confidence and humour, Benji starts to imagine what becoming “bionic” might mean for him—until a scary accident at home proves he already has the courage of a true hero. 🌟 

🕵️‍♂️ Snoop by Gordon Korman 

After breaking both legs in a ski accident, Carter is stuck at home—bored, frustrated, and glued to the live town camera feeds he discovers online. But his curiosity turns into full‑on sleuthing when he spots strange and possibly illegal things happening around town, forcing him to decide how far he’s willing to go…and what happens when the people he’s watching find out. 👀🚨 

🦍 The One and Only Family by Katherine Applegate

Return to the world of Ivan, the gentle gorilla who’s discovered what family and friendship really mean. With heart, humour, and hope, Ivan faces big changes and new responsibilities—perfect for readers who love animal stories about courage, love, and finding home. 💛🌿

❄️ Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen

When the Titanic hits an iceberg, Hazel must use her courage and quick thinking to survive. Packed with danger, bravery, and history, this exciting adventure will keep readers turning pages late into the night! 🧊🚢

🕵️ Ali Cross by James Patterson

Ali Cross is smart, determined, and ready to solve mysteries—especially when his own family is in danger. This fast-paced book is perfect for readers who love suspense, twists, and a clever kid hero. 🔍

🌊 Gracie Under the Waves by Linda Sue Park

Gracie dives into the ocean and discovers a magical underwater world full of surprises. This imaginative story encourages curiosity, bravery, and caring for the environment.🐠🌈

Check out what Ms. Van Santen has been reading over the winter break.

📚Discover the mystery in "Greystone Secrets #1: The Strangers!"

What would you do if three kids who look exactly like you suddenly appear in the news—and they’ve vanished? That’s the shocking twist the Greystone siblings face in Margaret Peterson Haddix’s thrilling book “The Strangers.” Packed with puzzles, secrets, and unexpected turns, this story will keep you guessing until the very end. It’s perfect for readers who love sci-fi, mystery, adventure, and a dash of danger!

📚"Gravebooks" is a spooky adventure full of surprises! Alex thought he was safe after escaping the witch in "Nightbooks," but now she’s back—inside his dreams! With his friend Yasmin, Alex ends up in a creepy story graveyard, where they must write scary tales every night to keep the witch happy. But the stories start to feel real, and Alex wonders if they’ll ever escape. This book is packed with magic, mystery, and just the right amount of chills. 🪦 

📚In "The Last Cuentista” Petra Peña loves stories, just like her abuelita—until Halley’s Comet threatens Earth. She and her family travel on a spaceship to a faraway planet called Sagan, falling asleep for a 380-year journey. She wakes to find everyone’s memories erased by a strange group called the “Collective”. She’s the only one who remembers Earth and all the stories that filled it. Now the last cuentista (storyteller), Petra must use her cuentos to help others remember who they used to be and find hope again. If you love space adventures, courageous kids, and the magic of stories, “The Last Cuentista” is your next favorite read! Dive into a thrilling journey that shows how powerful stories and remembering can be. 🚀🌏