A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin

A Corner of the Universe taught me that some people may be different from us in many ways but they are still important and share qualities with us that are very alike.  Hattie Owens just ended the sixth grade and was expecting this summer to be just like all the others.  She would spend her day helping Cookie make meals for the other boarders, serve Ms. Hagerty her breakfast tray, and, of course, end the day with a glass of refreshing lemonade on her porch.  This is how every summer had gone until now but this is the summer Hattie’s uncle arrived.  Nobody had ever spoken of this uncle, but now that his school for the mentally disabled is closing, Uncle Adam must come home.  Hattie’s parents are forced to tell her about Adam’s disability before he arrives.  At first Hattie is surprised, but after she gets to know her uncle she finds Adam to be a very nice friend.  Hattie and Adam have many fun times together and become very close.  This book sends Hattie and her family on a very big adventure that includes many close friendships, a carnival coming to Middleton, and a different way of thinking of the world.

Review by Abigal in 6th grade

The Red Umbrella by Christina Diaz Gonzalez

The Red Umbrella by Christina Diaz Gonzalez is an amazing story about hope, family, and history! It is a fictional story with bits of real history threaded into it. Lucia is a 14 year old girl whose small town in Cuba has been invaded by soldiers trying to change opinions of people against the revolution. The revolution is messing everything up. Schools are closing, people are being hurt for saying what they believe, and people can’t even go outside for the fear of coming face-to-face with a soldier. Lucia however, doesn’t know about the revolution and is excited about spending the days off school by shopping and hanging out with her best friend. Those plans though are erased when her parents make the heart-wrenching decision to send Lucia and her little brother Frankie to America by themselves in hope that they will be safer there. The brother and sister get split up in separate children’s homes, and they don’t know if they will be able to see each other again, or their parents. The revolution is splitting everyone up. Siblings, parents, and even friends are turning their backs on people with different beliefs. It is a great example of how you need to always do what you think is right, don’t go with the crowd. The Red Umbrella is a great story for teens ages 11 to 14. I think that it’s great for everybody. It is a great story about hope, love, family, and doing what is right. I loved this book, and it definitely made my top three!! 

Review by Anna in 6th grade

Scumble by Ingrid Law

 Ledger Kale’s family has always been special. They have “savvies” or talents. Ledger’s is destroying things. His family sends him to his uncle’s farm after a terrible accident, hoping that he would learn to control his savvy. However when a family artifact is stolen he finds himself hand and hand with an unexpected friend, uncovering mysteries along the way to get back his family heirloom. Scumble is a fun read to pass time on a long trip. Its intriguing twists and turns will keep you wanting to read more. It also does a good job of explaining the companion of it, Savvy. 5^th graders and above should read this book. It is an enjoyable read. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars, It was so good!

Review by Sydney in 6th grade

Ida B by Katherine Hannigan

"Ida B is incredible and inspiring young girl who take you into her family owned apple farm where she is homeschooled and where she grows up. She always needs time for fun like going to the brook or to swing on the vines. When her mom gets diagnosed with cancer, so Ida B has to go to school where people just call her plain old Ida. Ida B has a hard time letting go of things she won't be able to do any more like playing by the brook of playing on her favorite piece of land that her parents are selling to pay the bills. Will Ida B be able to travel through the long hard storm to be able to help her imagination and her family without causing too much ruckus? 6th and 7th grader's would love this, because it is inspiring and it brings you into the book. "

Review by Sydney in 6th grade