Pump by Sharon Jennings

Patrick is your typical, skateboard-loving seventh grader. Although he can be a bit mischievous (like skipping school), he's a good kid (even cooks dinner for his mom).

Unfortunately, his neighbor, Mrs. Harris, doesn't think so. Anytime Pat and his friends are in the street skateboarding, she complains and even calls the cops. This only gets worse when the boys find some old materials to make a launch ramp.

Pat and his friends must stick up for their right to skateboard, even if it means speaking up at a town hall meeting.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves skateboarding! Maybe you could tell me what some of the terms mean - goofyfoot? ollie? acid-drop?

Big Nate: In a class by himself by Lincoln Peirce

This book was definitely written for fans of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Nate is a mess! He can't get up in the morning, doesn't really pay attention in class, has zero organization skills, and always seems to say the wrong things at the wrong time.

Big Nate: In a class by himself follows one day in the life of Nate - a regular sixth grade kid (complete with annoying big sister and mean teachers). The book includes comic strips and sketches to help the reader really understand who Nate and the other characters are.

If you need a laugh, this is a great book for you! I love Nate's carefree attitude and sense of humor, but it sure does get him into trouble.

Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen

Woods Runner is a historical fiction book set during the Revolutionary War. Samuel is 13 years old and lives in the woods of the colony of Pennsylvania. One day, Samuel's village receives word that war has broken out - the colonists are trying to break from England and start their own country! The next day, as he is hunting in the woods, Samuel sees smoke coming from the direction of his village. He hurries back but is too late; the village has been destroyed, many people have been viciously killed, and his parents have been kidnapped. Samuel then sets out to rescue his family.

The format of this book is awesome! Every few pages, Paulsen gives just a bit of background information to help you understand the events in the next chapter. This information proved extremely useful and interesting as I read.

If you like fast-paced books with great characters, this one is for you. If you've never tried a historical fiction book but are interested in reading about a boy fighting for the lives of his himself and his family, check it out!

Confetti Girl by Diana Lopez

Lina is just a regular middle school girl - she likes to hang out with her best friend, thinks her dad is a little "off" sometimes (especially when he has his nose in a book at all times), and is looking forward to her first kiss. She is having a hard time though; her mom died suddenly last year, and Lina doesn't know how to cope with losing someone so important to her.

Things start to go downhill quickly for Lina. She doesn't feel like her best friend, Vanessa, is really listening to her, she stops paying in English class, and finds herself in embarrassing situations.

Lina is a great character! Anyone who has ever lost someone important to them, felt like your best friend just didn't get you anymore, or wished that boys were simpler will be able to connect to Lina.

If you're in the mood for realistic fiction, head over to the New Bookshelf in the Media Center to checkout Confetti Girl!

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, by Wendy Mass

Jeremy Fink is one month from his 13th birthday when he receives a strange box in the mail. This box is a gift from Jeremy's father, who died five years before. With the help of his best friend, Lizzie, Jeremy steps outside of his comfort zone and explores the world around him while trying to solve the mystery of his birthday box. Along the way, he has a brush with the law, meets some very unique characters, and discovers the meaning of life.

This book is perfect for boys and girls alike and is a great example of the power of friendship and determination. A great read, one that I would recommend to any rising 6th grader to start off their year of reading.

See Mr. Tovell or Mrs. Myers for a copy!

Happy Reading :)

The Sisters Grimm: Fairytale Detectives by Michael Buckley

The Sisters Grimm follows the lives of Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, two sisters whose parents' disappearance has led them into one bad foster care situation after another. Out of nowhere, a woman claiming to be their grandmother (who they thought was dead) appears and takes over caring for them. Everything about this woman seems a little different (especially to Sabrina) - she lives in a house whose door requires that you announce that you're home, cooks the strangest foods, and has a locked room with strange noises coming from it.

The girls end up in situations beyond belief as they learn the true history of their family. Before they know it, they're off solving mysteries and trying to save the family they never knew they had.

Calling all Bulldog readers!!!

Welcome to 6th grade! We can't tell you how excited we are about sharing our reading this year. We're hoping to use this space as a place to share books we love. As you grow as a reader, you'll be able to share your favorites as well.

Here's to a great year!
~Mrs. Myers, Ms. Johnson, & Ms. Henchey