The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis [posted by Derrick]

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum [Posted by Donnisha]

Hello, everyone. My name is Donnisha and I’d like to tell you about The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

When I first started to read this book I noticed it wasn’t anything like the movie. It was much better, because as I read each chapter the book became even more interesting and imaginative.

As you may know, this is the story of a farm-girl from Kansas named Dorothy who is swept up by a cyclone (another word for a tornado). At this point, she and her dog Toto begin an incredible adventure. The cyclone drops them in a strange and magical place named Oz. While there, she meets the nice witch of Oz. She tells her that she wants to go home, so the witch tells her to follow the yellow brick road. Along the way, she and Toto meet a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodman, and a Cowardly Lion. All of them need something from the the great Wizard.

As they travel together on the yellow brick road they have many scary and fun adventures. Finally they reach the Wizard's palace. There he tells them that to get what they want they have to do something very cruel and they find out what kind of person the Wizard really is.

Do you think Dorothy and Toto will ever get back to Kansas? Well, you have to read it to find out what happens next . . .trust me you will like it.

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell [Posted by Mr. Carr]

Hello, Pandas! I just wanted to share this great book with everyone.

The name of this book is Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon. It is a wonderful story about a girl who is very different from other children. She's short and clumsy, has buck teeth, and has a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor. Even so, her grandmother has always told her to walk proud, smile big, and sing loud. It's a good thing that she takes her grandmother's advice because soon young Molly moves away to a new city and has to stand up to a school bully! I'll let you read the book for yourself to see if Molly is successful...she may even find a friend you don't expect in the end.

This book is perfect for beginning, independent readers. Although the AR Level is 3.5, I feel that advanced 2nd graders would have no problem understanding and enjoying this book.

Like all of the books on our blog, you can find this jewel in the Brookmeade library. If you read this book, don't forget to post your comments to this blog. Thanks.

Travel Team by Mike Lupica [Posted by Myquinice]

Hello. My name is Myquinice and I’m here to tell you about a great book named Travel Team by Mike Lupica. I read this book at the end of September and found it to be very interesting.

The story is about a boy who really wants to make the basketball team at his school so he goes out for the team and tries very hard to make it. The next day the people who had tried out for the basketball team go to see if they made it. Someone yells out “Yes!” from the crowd around the roster, but that’s enough for now—I don’t want to give away the ending.

For those out there who really love basketball, this is a must-read book. Even for those who don’t like basketball, this book teaches a valuable lesson about courage and determination. I really, really enjoyed Lupica’s writing and the story he tells about overcoming obstacles on the way to success.