Another chapter has ended as we leave behind an eventful year that was 2021. Every week, our very own Middle School students would present book reviews of their favorite stories or reads.
Picking books from the MS and HS library, they share their thoughts and insights on the book of their choice. Here is a summary of their book reviews for October, November, and December 2021!
ISKL Book Review No. 1 by Grace C., Grade 8 student
Title: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Author: JK Rowling
Genre: Fantasy
“I love the Harry Potter series, and this is my favorite book in the series. However, if you’re new to the series then I would recommend you start from the beginning because it might not make all that much sense.
‘But if you like to talk about rebellion, and maybe wizards, and magic and a fantasy world, then I think you would really like the Harry Potter series.”
ISKL Book Review No. 2 by Michaela U., Grade 8 student
Title: Ender’s Game
Author: Orson Scott Card
Genre: Science Fiction
“”In my opinion, one of the greatest sci-fi series of all time. I love it because it has an extremely complex storyline and an extremely complex character!”
ISKL Book Review No. 3 by Eshani G., Grade 7 student
Title: Genius: The Game
Author: Leopoldo Gout
Genre: Science Fiction
“Genius” is a fictional book with some sci-fi dystopian elements, and tells the story of an international competition known as “Genius”, in which prodigies world-wide use their skills to compete for recognition and opportunity. The reason why I think this story promotes inclusivity is because of the wide array of characters. The story features children of all sorts of backgrounds who are of different ethnicity, who come from all over the world and who have different occupations, identities, and struggles, but still are able to bond over the competition and their similarities despite what would seem like huge differences.
‘And that is what I personally adore about this book; the characters, how diverse and unique every one of them were. My favorite character is one of the protagonists, a youthful girl leading a double life. At home she is an obedient young Asian girl who exceeds in school, but when nobody’s watching, she’s a powerful activist who puts her life in danger to expose unethical behavior amongst the higher power using the internet.
‘This book addresses the topic of identity and inclusion in such an incredible, interesting way beneath its main plot. And though it ended on a cliffhanger with nothing to follow (that I’m aware), I still consider it to be one of the unexpectedly best books I have read recently. I highly recommend it for anyone who is trying to find out what their talents are and where they fit in, or just enjoys a good, nerdy thriller. ”
ISKL Book Review No. 4 and No. 5 by Gregorio S., and Tommy P., Grade 8 students
Title: I Am Malala
Author: Malala Yousafzai and Christine Lamb
Genre: Biography
Cover photo by Antonio Olmos | Property of Little, Brown, and Co.
“It is amazing how Malala developed through time as at the beginning of her life she was afraid to go to school. But she then started to understand that all genders were the same, and so she started speaking out about the problem and got shot. Luckily she survived and moved to England after winning the Nobel Peace Prize.” – Gregorio S.
“I think that this is a very inclusive book because it talks about a girl in Pakistan and it is a story that talks about speaking out against things that aren’t correct and will never be.” – Tommy P.
ISKL Book Review No. 6 by Gizane N., Grade 7 student
Title: The Wild Robot
Author: Peter Brown
Genre: Graphic Book
Cover art by Peter Brown | Property of Little, Brown, and Co.
“What I like most about the book is that the main character, Roz, gets stuck on an island due to a shipwreck. The thing that is most special and inclusive about this book is that she is a robot! Even though she is a robot and is different, she still learns to love, care, appreciate, and protect with her life.”
ISKL Book Review No. 7 by Amaani J., Grade 7 student
Title: The Running Dream
Author: Wendelin Van Draanen
Genre: Realistic Fiction
“I find Jessica being an amputee, about to join the track team again, very inclusive. The team is willing to do as much as possible for Jessica, which proves no matter what, if you are an amputee or anything, you can be whoever you want.”
ISKL Book Review No. 8 by Chong Yong H., Grade 6 student
Title: Maus
Author: Art Spiegelman
Genre: Graphic Book
“This book taught me some valuable lessons, such as the consequences of racial segregation and what will happen if one race oppresses another, as well as the value of inclusion. I strongly suggest reading this book – it should not be missed!”
ISKL Book Review No. 9 by Tee T., Grade 8 student
Title: Land of Stories
Author: Chris Colfer
Genre: Fantasy
“Many different age groups can enjoy the series. It has humor, as well as mild romance, sad moments, and happy moments.”
ISKL Book Review No. 10 by Sarah S., Grade 6 student
Title: Wonder
Author: R. J. Palacio
Genre: Realistic Fiction
“I find the message of this story quite accurate because often, even the best of us tend to judge someone based on their appearance rather than what is in their heart. Assuming things about others never does get you very far, and this story showed that.”
Thank you to all our Middle School students for sharing their book reviews. If any of the books piqued your interest, do be sure to check them out at the MS/HS library!
