STUDENT REVIEW - Candy Bomber by Michael O. Tunnell

Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift's "Chocolate Pilot"

By Michael O. Tunnell

Published by Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc., 2010

110 pages (paperback)

World War II was over, and Berlin was in ruins. US Air Force pilot Gail Halvorsen wanted to bring some happiness to the children of the city-but what could one man in one plane do? (from barnesandnoble.com)

I like how Gail and the people who donated candy to people in Berlin. Nothing [could be improved]. The book was really good overall. Yes [I would recommend this book], because it could show the worth of this candy.

--Alejandro C.

STUDENT REVIEW - A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

A Tale Dark and Grimm

By Adam Gidwitz

Published by Penguin Group, Inc., 2011 

256 pages (paperback)

Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm (and Grimm-inspired) fairy tales. An irreverent, witty narrator leads us through encounters with witches, warlocks, dragons, and the devil himself. As the siblings roam a forest brimming with menacing foes, they learn the true story behind the famous tales, as well as how to take charge of their destinies and create their own happily ever after. Because once upon a time, fairy tales were awesome. (from barnesandnoble.com)

I was never bored and it was extremely interesting. It was perfect. Yes [I would recommend this to a middle schooler] because it’s imaginative (but it wouldn’t be good for a little sister or brother!).

--Rachel G.

It was scary and really cool. Nothing [could be improved] except it should be more scary. It was good so yes [I would recommend it] because it was awesome.

--Isabelle G.

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Top Ten Books I'd Recommend to My Mom & Her Friends

 Top 10 Tuesday is hosted at The Broke and the Bookish. Today’s topic is the Top Ten Books I'd Recommend to my Mom and her Friends.

My Mom is a retired elementary teacher in a small town. Many of her teacher friends (some of whom are my former teachers as well) also happen to be the parents of my friends and/or the grandparents of preschoolers my son spends time with every now and then. That means I keep in touch with my Mom’s friends and they do contact me from time to time asking for book recommendations. Below are the top 10 books I have recommended or would recommend to my Mom & her friends.

  

Divergent by Veronica Roth

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Code Talkers by Joseph Bruchac

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl