Books

What third-graders read

A lot of kids read books. Some kids in third grade at Nixon School read books called "The Littles," "Hardy Boys," "Babysitter's Club" and "Boxcar Children." The most popular book with boys is "Goosebumps," and the most popular book with girls is "Babysitter's Club." The reason they like these books is that they have very exciting parts. They read them in school and in the afternoon. We interviewed 56 third-graders to find out their favorite books.

--Eleanor Boothroyd and Krysta Heffner, Grade 3

Books for boys and girls

Goosebumps by R.L. Stine is very popular with boys. Goosebumps books are about tales that make your spine tingle and make goose bumps run down your back, especially at night. I would recommend them if you like these things.

Babysitter's Club books, by Ann M. Martin: are popular with the girls. They are about some girls who have adventures with babysitting. You might have heard of the movie B.S.C., that's an abbreviation for Babysitter's Club. The movie is good too.

--Alex Ochoa, Grade 3

Getting out of a mess

Valentine's Day Can Be Murder is very good. It's about Roger Friday's Valentine's Day. "Puh-leaze!" is what Roger, class clown, says. It all starts when Roger accidentally puts a mushy poem in his archenemy Marsha's Valentine's box. Read it to find out how he gets out of this mess. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a good chapter book.

--Maggie Thompson, Grade 3

A humorous story

Big Friendly Giant By Roald Dahl I really like the book. It has some humor in it, and it is also pretty silly. The BFG is about a little girl, Sofie, and a big giant, the BFG himself. Little Sofie gets taken from her bed at an orphanage when the BFG finds her watching him. He won't leave her there because he is afraid that she will tell people what she saw. They will catch the giant and put him in the zoo. I won't tell you the rest of it, but if this book sounds like one you will like, the author is Roald Dahl. He has also written other big hits like Matilda and The Witches.

--Kathryn Basiji, Grade 5

Finding her place

The Midwife's Apprentice is a charming story about a young girl. The girl knows no name but Brat. She is rescued by the village midwife, who takes Brat in as an apprentice and renames her Beetle. Despite the midwife's greedy efforts to keep her knowledge to herself, Beetle learns in spite of herself. Then one day, Beetle names herself Alyce. After failing at a task, she runs in fear of the midwife. She believes she is too stupid to be of use to anyone. Is she really Brat, the beautiful midwife's apprentice? I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read the beautifully written story of a young girl, trying to find her place in the world.

--Stephanie Wilson, Grade 5

New series by Applegate

Animorphs by K. A. Applegate The author has created a great new series. The Animorph books are about 5 kids Jake, Marco, Tobias, Rachel and Cassie. They were walking home from the mall one day when suddenly they came upon a dying alien that warned them of a serious threat. The evil slug-like Yeerks are alien parasites that take over the minds of people and other aliens. To combat this menace, the alien, known as an Andalite, gifted them with the ability to morph into any animal they touch. This turns out to be a great power, and a great curse. So if you want to find out what happens to Jake, Marco and the rest of the gang, read Animorphs. Also, check out the Animorph web site at http://scholastic.com/animorphs.

--Andy Ball, Grade 5

Adventure in Narnia

A Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis Shasta is a poor boy who thinks he's the son of a fisherman. But Shasta is in for a lot of surprises! First, a talking horse from a place called Narnia whisks Shasta away from the fisherman's home. During the first night, Shasta falls off so many times that he can barely get up in the morning! During the second night, Shasta and Bree (the horse) are chased by lions. Also, they meet up with a girl and another talking horse from Narnia. The girl is called Aravis, and her horse is called Hwin. All of them are trying to reach the same place, Narnia. The four of them travel together, but don't always get along. Well, the horses are like old friends, but the children always quarrel. I recommend this book to people who like adventure. The author is C.S. Lewis, and he has also written other books like "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "The Silver Chair."

--Fiona Graham, Grade 5

Darwin's life

Darwin and the Enchanted Isles by Irwin Shapiro The book that I am reviewing is called Darwin and the Enchanted Isles by Irwin Shapiro and illustrated by Christopher Spollen. The book is about the life of Charles Darwin. This book gives you a great overview of Darwin's life. When he was a young boy, Darwin loved to hunt. Then, when he got older, Darwin stopped hunting and started to study animals. After many years, a ship was looking for a naturalist to go to the Galapagos Islands with them. One of Darwin's friends recommended him. In the Galapagos, Darwin found 13 different finches and he wondered why. After the finches, he found giant armadillo skeletons. He thought that the armadillos today came from giant armadillos. He based his theory of evolution on this discovery. After Darwin discovered evolution, there was a trial about it. Some people were offended by evolution and thought Darwin was questioning the Bible. If you want to find out what happens, read the book. Overall, this book is a great book for people who like to read about scientists. I highly recommend it.

--James Kraemer, Grade 5

Wonderful book

Matilda by Roald Dahl A wonderful book filled with surprises and excitement. It takes place in a quiet town in England. Matilda lives with her parents and her brother. Matilda has a brilliant mind. Unfortunately, her parents don't pay much attention to her and so she starts school late. Matilda's parents would not have noticed if she came into the house practically dead! They wouldn't care! Until Matilda's teacher came along, Matilda had no hope of expanding her mind. Matilda's parents are so wrapped up with themselves. Matilda takes revenge.

--Kalena Masching, Grade 5

Spectacular sad story

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell This is a spectacular Newbery Award winning book for kids of many ages. If you like sad stories, you'll like this one. This book was written by Scott O'Dell, an author of many Newbery books. He is very expressive and knows what he's talking about! I recommend you read this book soon.

--Zachary Klapholz-Brown, Grade 4

A bored kid

The Phantom Tollbooth is about a boy named Milo. Milo is a very bored kid. He comes home from school and does his homework and then just sits there. Then a rather peculiar thing happens. A package comes addressed to him, and his whole life changes.

--Kate Kosco, Grade 4

A wild book

Matilda by Roald Dahl I would really recommend this book to people who enjoy wild books. If you do, then "Matilda" was made for you. Matilda is about a very smart girl who isn't wanted by her parents. By the time she is 5, she can go to school. But the principal is the meanest, biggest principal of all. Find out how she solves this huge problem with her dear friend Miss Honey, and what happens next.

--Lauren Blanche, Grade 4