Whitefish Community Library

The Ugly One by Leanne Statland Ellis reviewed by Kaya Naumovich, grade 6, Whitefish Middle School

I am reviewing the book, The Ugly One by Leanne Statland Ellis. I rate it a 9.5 out of 10. I think the book is for 4-6th graders. In the book, a girls with an ugly scar gets nicknamed the Ugly One because of the scar.

Then, one day a stranger from the jungle comes into their camp and sold some things to the town. Micay protects a bird from some rude children and a boy who is basically her enemy. That bird becomes her pet and best friend for the whole story. My favorite character is the bird because even though the bird gets bullied the bird is a great friend and companion.

I think that this book is a moving book full of adventure and friendship The story kept me guessing what was going to happen to Micay or the Ugly One. I would really recommend this book for many reasons.

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar reviewed by Jaylynn Johnson, Grade 6, Whitefish Middle School.

This fantasy book takes place at a mysterious school, Wayside School. It’s very intriguing and fun to read but it has a bunch of twists that you wouldn’t expect.

My favorite character in this book is Mrs. Gorf. She is what her students call “The worst teacher of them all,” which I agreed with once I started the book. What’s so bad about Mrs. Gorf is in her classroom if her students misbehave or do something she doesn’t like she will wiggle both of her pointy ears, stick out her long giraffe tongue and will morph her students into apples and perch them on her desk as a warning.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to people who don’t like very long and serious books.

Note: this review was published in the Whitefish Pilot on 11/16/2022. Read it here.

Knight Owl written & illustrated by Christopher Denise

Reviewed by Tessa Rands, Homeschool

My thoughts about the book: The greatest owl knight in the world! The Dragon with pizza is funny! My fave page is the last one when the owl is perched on a big horse.

It was: cool

My star rating: 5

Also rated “Excellent”

Grandfather Tang’s Story written by Ann Tompert

Reviewed by Tessa Rands, Homeschool

My thoughts about the book:

I love the fairy foxes! They are so magical

It was: magical

My star rating: 5 out of 5

Also rated: Excellent

The First Dog written by Jan Brett

Reviewed by Tessa Rands, Homeschool

My thoughts about the book: It goes so far back in history. It is a good love story.

It was: loving, sweet, cute.

My star rating: 5 out of 5

Also rated: Excellent

The Green Ember by S. D. Smith, illustrated by Zach Franzen

Reviewed by Brielle Carr, homeschooled.

This animal fantasy book, written by S.D. Smith and illustrated by Zach Franzen, is my all-time favorite book for its relatable characters and suspenseful scenes. It’s a perfect intro to the Green Ember series. To really get a feel for the theme and plot I highly recommend reading the whole series and guarantee a satisfying ending. I would suggest this book to both young and old readers.

The main characters Heather and Picket are thrown into the roller coaster of life when the world they know goes up in flames. I personally formed a bond with Picket because I can relate to some of his feelings, but all of the characters in this story feel relatable in some way as you plunge into this beautiful and heartwarming book.

My favorite part will always be a tie between meeting the comical character Heyward and the book’s shocking conclusion. However, my favorite character is not mystery. Jo Shanks. The loyal, selfless, skilled archer who is only briefly mentioned in this book, but plays a more prominent role in the following books.

This enthralling story will capture the hearts of many and was the book that inspired me to pursue becoming an author.

Guts – written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier. Reviewed by Ruby Richards, Whitefish Middle School.

Genre: Graphic novel

Where does the story take place?

Home and school.

Describe your favorite character:

Raina is shy and has very bad tummy troubles.

Tell about one of your favorite parts of the story in a few words:

My favorite part of the book is unpickable. I like the whole story because tells a story all together and if I pick one part it is not as good. So my favorite part is the book and all.

Would you recommend this book? To whom?

My friend and anyone who likes graphic novels.

Rate this book:

5 stars

Wings of Fire book 1, The Dragonet Prophecy written by Tui T. Sutherland

Reviewed by Lucia Binder, Whitefish Middle School

Genre:

Wings of Fire is a fantasy series.

Where does the story take place?

At first it starts in a cave, then outside.

Describe your favorite character:

My favorite character would be Tsunami or Glory, but Glory is a little mean.

Tell about one of your favorite parts of the story in a few words:

I don’t want to spoil it, but I like the part where the dragonets of destiny escape from being trapped up high.

Would you recommend this book? To whom?

I do recommend this book. A little violent, but really good and will get you wanting to keep reading until it ends. I recommend this to good readers.

Rate this book:

4 and a half stars