Odyssey summer 

reading list

 (Hi Jules)

Reading level is indicated for each book

Witness, by Karen Hesse
A historical novel written in free verse by a well known Vermont author. This book is set in southern Vermont and involves a mystery surrounding the Ku Klux Klan. 5-8

Whirligig, by Paul Fleischman
The travels of Brent Bishop as he travels around the United States, trying to recover the memory of a girl he accidentally killed.  The story weaves in many other people's stories who become connected to Brent's travels.
~ Reviewed by Bailey H. 6-8

Nory Ryan's Song, by Patricia Reilly Giff
A young girl and her family struggle to survive the Irish potato famine of 1845.  As the potatoes diminish, Nory begins to look to New York City to solve her problems. 
~ Reviewed by Bailey H. 5-8

Lilly's Crossing, by Patricia Reilly Giff
This wonderful story takes place near Coney Island in 1942. Lilly goes to the beach for the summer, while WW II is in progress and her father is away. She learns about tolerance and friendship in a beautifully written story. 4-7

Tangerine, by Edward Bloor
A boy struggles to cope with his eye disease, and the move to a new state and school. Soccer is his favorite sport, but he is not allowed to play because of his eyes.  During the story, a dark family secret emerges.
~ Reviewed by Brittany P. 7-9

Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline B. Cooney
Whatever Happened to Janie?  by Caroline Cooney
Face on the Radio, by Caroline Cooney

A three book mystery series about a young girl with a happy life who one day recognizes herself as little girl on a milk carton.  When she finds the family from which she was kidnapped  , she struggles to find a balance between the family who raised her and the family who missed her.  5-7
~Reviewed by Kate G.

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (see Subtle Knife below)

A girl, living in a parallel universe,  comes into possession of an instrument that answers any question you ask it.  When she learns of scientists performing cruel experiments on children, she must leave the life she knows to rescue them.  With the help of the compass and the friends she makes on the way, she goes on a journey to rescue the children. Along the way she comes across the most disturbing secret of all.  Super exciting. 7-9
~Reviewed by Mary B.

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

This book is about Lyra and her new friend Will's journey back and forth through worlds.  Her Lyra learns about her parallel universe.  She learns what her father Lord Asieral and she and her friend Will go to find him.7-9

~Reviewed by Michael G.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

The planet Earth is blown up by some Aliens, and only one earthling is saved. He goes with his friend to other parts of the galaxy, and learns the weird history and cause of earth.    6-9                                                          ~Reviewed by Sarah P.

Mary, Bloody Mary

Young Mary is a stubborn princess who has a lot on her mind. 
Her father, who is also king, is falling in love with another lady and plans to marry her.  Her father wants a son who can rule the kingdom after his death.  Mary is left neglected and had to tend to her baby sister when she is born.  She becomes a servant in her own home, being ordered around and hidden in the shadows of her new life. 6-8
~Reviewed by Emma B. 6-8

Small Steps By Peg Kehret

This is the story a girl's will to live when she is struck with the deadly disease polio.  When she has the support and friendship of her new roommates, she learns to overcome the disease and to  start a normal life.  (This is a wonderful book !! Mr. Wight) 5-8
~Reviewed by Emma B.

This is an incredible book of hope and belief.  I loved this book the most of all the books I've read this year!                                                                                             ~Reviewed by Elena W.

HOLES By Louis Sachar

This is a story about a boy who goes to a punishment camp named Camp Green Lake.  It is a horrible place where boys dig holes all day long that are five feet deep, five feet wide, and five feet long even when it is very hot out side.  Then the main character goes on an exciting adventure.    5-8                                                                                   

 ~Reviewed by Helen A.  

My Louisiana Sky by Kimberly Willis Holt

This is  a story about a girl named Tiger Ann Parker who has to live with her mentally disabled mother and her "slow" father. She must endure the kids at school who taunt her.  She goes through many exciting things that happen after her Aunt asks her to live in Baton Rouge. She is faced with a very difficult decision between the life she knows and the one she thinks she wants.     5-8

~Reviewed by Megan R.

 Belle Prater's Boy  by Ruth White

This story takes place in the mountains of West Virginia. A boy's mother disappears up in the "hollow"  and a young girl his age helps him work through his problems. Great setting, well written with a hint of mystery.   5-8

All Alone in the Universe  by Lynne Rae Perkins

Debbie is having middle school friendship difficulties. When her best friend begins hanging out with ordinary Glenna, Debbie's life is turned around. 5-7

~Reviewed by Abby M.  

 Among the Hidden by Margaret Haddix

(There is now a sequel)

This science fiction story takes place in a future world when only two children were allowed per household. When Luke is the forbidden third child, can he survive in hiding from the government? Are there other third children? Join Luke in his struggles and triumphs from the view of a forbidden one. 6-8

~Reviewed by Abby M.

Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix

This fiction book is about what happens after the fairytale "Cinderella." It's about the main character Ella adjusting to her new life in the castle. But over a while she begins to wonder whether she really loves Prince Charming or wants to be a princess.   5-7

As the Waltz Was Ending by ?

This is a true story that is about a girl named Emma who lives around World War II. Emma takes professional dancing, until her world is destroyed by the Americans and Russians bombing her country.      ~Reviewed by Sarah P. 

Go Ask Alice, By Anonymous

Go Ask Alice is a true diary.  Alice is living in her teen years and is   pressured to do drugs and drink alcohol. She is pressured so much that she actually starts to do drugs and drink. This is an amazing story and what she has to go through is scary. I encourage you to read it! You won't be able to put it down. 7-8

~Reviewed by Chelsea Shepard

Princess Diaries, By Meg Cabot

Princess Diaries is a  not a true story. It is about a girl that is a freshmen in high school. Her mother is going out with her Algebra  teacher. The girl's name is Mia.  Mia's parents were never married. Mia's father is a prince. Mia's grandmother wants Mia to take a Princess class. But Mia got a really bad grade in Algebra . Mia needs to stay after school for a review session everyday. After school she has to take  Princess lesson. She doesn't like going to Princess lesson after school every day. 5-8

Reviewed by Kelly J.

The Secret of Platform 13, By Eva Ibbison

This is not a true story but it is about a make believe Kingdom in another dimension that you can only travel to through an old train station called platform 13.  When a prince and beloved is born his three nurses bring him to the other dimension he gets kidnapped!  The dimension only opens every 10 years so  a team of fairy tale creatures goes to rescue  the prince in the new dimension and have a lot of adventures on the way!

~Reviewed by Leah

The Chronicles of Narnia  By C.S. Lewis

There are seven books in the series, a children's classic.  These books are about four children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy and their friends. They find a wardrobe in the back of the attic in an old house. When they enter they discover a   strange and wonderful fantasy world that opens a series of exciting adventures. 6-8

~Reviewed by Molly F.  

Ella Enchanted  By Gail Carson Levine

This is a "Cinderella story" about a girl named Ella.  She lived with her mother until one day her and her mother became ill. Ella became better, but her mother did not live. Ella's father forced her to go to finishing school with her evil stepsisters! Extraordinary book!
This is an extremely popular middle school book!!  6-8

Bud, Not Buddy By Christopher Paul Curtis

The wonderful adventure of a boy named Bud (Not Buddy) going on a cross country trip to find his dear father who he had never met before. With no food or shelter he finds comfort in friendly people along the way and his suit case with an important flyer.   A lot of humor and a hint of mystery. Newberry Winner. 6-8

~Reviewed by Elena W.                               

The BFG By Roald Dahl

In this book a small girl in an orphanage gets taken by the BFG (the Big Friendly Giant) who takes her to where all giants live.  While she was there she learns all about giants and becomes friends with the BFG.
5-7

~Reviewed by Michael G.

THE LAST MISSION By Harry Mazor

In the book a boy gets into the army by a fake birth certificate and gets to be a middle gunner in a bomber. On his missions he will go through many adventures. Great war book. 6-8

~Reviewed by Chris M.

HATCHET BY Gary Paulson

The book is about a boy who is flying to his dad's and the pilot has a heart attack and crashes in a deserted forest. He makes himself a home and goes through many cool adventures. This is a Newberry winning all time favorite. 5-7

~Reviewed by Chris M.

In the Stone Circle,   Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

This is a mystery that takes place in Wales .  Cristyn, the main character, goes there with her father for the summer. She  struggles in a friendship and  then saves a girl from a  legend with clues from the house where she stays.   6-8

~Reviewed by Alex G

 THE OUTSIDERS BY S.E.HINTON,

The outsiders takes place in New York City.  Pony boy, the main character is a 14 year old kid who is involved in gangs. He is sick of his life and he and his friend Johnny run away. He is found and comes home with his brothers. This book is a long time classic and one of my favorite books.     6-8

     ~Reviewed by Zack L.   

    Where In The World Is The Perfect Family? By Amy Hest

    This story is about a girl who thinks that babies are really stupid because all babies do is cry, whine, and go to the bathroom. Her stepmother had a baby and she got to name it. She named it Amanda. Later on she finds out that babies aren't so bad after all. But, besides having a new baby sister she goes through some terrible time with her friendship. 

    ~Reviewed by Samantha Crocker

Walk Two Moons By Sharon Creech,

    This story is about a young girl who goes on a road trip with her grand parents.  On the way to Idaho Sal tells the story of her friend Phoebe.  The story is told in the first person.  It is filled with adventure and excitement. This is a Newberry Winner and a great book

    ~Reviewed by Dan Healy

Escaping from Alcatraz Island By Eve Bunting

    This story is about a boy who is running from a gang and ends up in the old prison, Alcatraz. The book is exciting and different. If you like thrillers you'll like this one. 5-7

Reviewed by Lukas V.