Book Beat Reviews

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara Hi, my name is Judah and I like to play soccer, ski and play tennis. The Killer Angels is a great Civil War history novel written by Michael Shara that keeps any reader engaged throughout. This book showcases the lives of Civil War soldiers and captains from the Confederate and Union side. This book mainly follows the characters of Chamberlain and Buford of the Union side and Lee and Longstreet from the Confederate side. The main focus of this book is to … [Read more...] about The Killer Angels

1984 by George Orwell Hi, my name is Judah and I like to play soccer, ski and play tennis. The book 1984, written by George Orwell, is an interesting read about what it would be like to live under an all-powerful government. This book takes place in Oceania and mainly follows the character of Winston Smith. In this place, you are always being watched by telescreens that are hidden all throughout the town and even in his own home! A new language is also invented called “Newspeak” which … [Read more...] about 1984

Animal Farm by George Orwell Hi, my name is Judah and I like to play soccer, ski and play tennis. Animal Farm is an extremely interesting book written by George Orwell. George Orwell wrote this short book to show what the outcome of communism would be through animals on a farm. Specifically, he wrote this book to warn people about Joseph Stalin’s ideals. When the book begins, one pig by the name of “Old Major” tells the animals of the farm about his dream where the animals lived free … [Read more...] about Animal Farm

Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl My name is Bria, I am in 8th grade and in my free time I enjoy skiing. Neverworld Wake is a dark, atmospheric YA novel that blends psychological mystery with a surreal time-loop premise. The story follows Beatrice Hartley and her four estranged friends—Whitley, Cannon, Kipling, and Martha—who reunite at Wincroft, a secluded seaside estate. Following a tragic accident, they find themselves trapped in a strange reality where time resets every night, … [Read more...] about Neverworld Wake

The Lake by Natasha Preston My name is Bria, I am in 8th grade and in my free time I enjoy skiing. Drama, danger, and a mysterious cult—what more could Cassie and the Naturals face? The Naturals find themselves in a very dangerous case when they uncover a deadly cult of serial killers. The team’s trust and skills are put to the test, and every decision could be a matter of life or death as they learn more secrets about the strange small town of Gaither, Oklahoma. I loved how intense and … [Read more...] about The Lake

Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz Hi my name is Kire. I am a 8th grader who loves to read and write book reviews! Max in the House of Spies is a historical fiction novel that is set during World War II and follows a young 11-year-old boy named Max. Before the Nazis take over, Max lives in Berlin, Germany with his Jewish family but as it becomes more dangerous for Jewish people, Max’s parents decide to send Max to live with a family in Britain until it becomes safe for him and his … [Read more...] about Max in the House of Spies