Book Beat Reviews

Educated by Tara Westover Hi, I am Sarah. I am fourteen years old and an avid reader; it is one of my favorite things to do. Inspired by authors’ creations of magnificent places and surprising havens built by simple letters, I aspire to be an author and, meanwhile, nurture the love to write. The first time Tara Westover set foot in a classroom, she was seventeen and attending Brigham Young University after teaching herself enough math, science, and English to pass the ACT. She spent her … [Read more...] about Educated

The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by Linda Bailey Review by Ella; dreamer, ski racer, writer, and rock climber. Ella lives in SV, Idaho with her mom, dad, cat, dog, gecko, and fish. Eddie, the main character in The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library, is a bug who lives behind a chalkboard in Room 19 at Ferny Creek Elementary school. His Aunt Min suddenly goes missing after taking a trip to the Library. Eddie is very worried and can’t get over the fact that the bug who taught him to … [Read more...] about The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library

Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome My name is Madeline. I am in middle school and enjoy playing the violin, ice skating and reading good books! Swallows and Amazons, by Arthor Ransome, is an exciting, highly imaginative story of the lively escapades of children, who have an island to themselves. When four siblings, John, Sarah, Titty and Roger, spend their summer holiday upon the shore of a large lake, they discover a small island at its end. They decide to spend the rest of their … [Read more...] about Swallows and Amazons

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli I am Elizabeth. I love reading, and my favorite book is My Sister’s Keeper. I am in the 8th grade and enjoy dance. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli is about a girl named Stargirl, as she moves to Mesa, Arizona. The students at her new school think that she is way too weird for them. They try to ignore her and her weird habits. The whole school is mean to her, except for a few select students. One of them is Leo. Leo and Stargirl become good friends, but Leo is … [Read more...] about Stargirl

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen My name is Madeline. I am in middle school and enjoy playing the violin, ice skating and reading good books! Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen is a well written tender tale that transforms the everyday happenings of a ten-year-old girl into an extraordinary adventure. When Marly’s father returns from World War II, he is tired, withdrawn and quiet.  Marly hardly recognizes him anymore. Hoping that the county air will … [Read more...] about Miracles on Maple Hill

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe Victoria is 15 years old and an author of two books. She enjoys traveling, drawing, and surfing. The Giver is, “a powerful and provocative novel,” quotes the New York Times. This book is very different from any other book you will read. Author, Lois Lowry, said it herself. “I was aware that this book was different from the many I had already written.” In The Giver, Jonas is part of Sameness. This is a town where no one can see … [Read more...] about Uncle Tom’s Cabin