Saturday, October 30, 2010

Running Out of Time

Hi everybody, it's Smart Girl again. Yep, tonight I'm doing two posts. (It's Double Smart Girl!) This one is about Running Out of Time by Margret Peterson Haddix. Let's get started!

First, the synopsis. This book is about Jessie, a girl living in Clifton Village in the 1800s. She's lived there as long as she can remember, but strange things as happening. For example, the doctor used to tell people folk remedies and give them pills under the table, pills that worked. Now, though, the pills don't come. Her mom is acting very strangely. One night, Jessie goes with her mom to help a sick person, and when her mom comes out, she tells Jessie that the next day, she has to tell something to Jessie. The next day, Jessie learns most of the truth about Clifton, but she will have to learn some things by herself. All I can say is, Jessie had better hurry, because the clock's always ticking, and she's running out of time...

Now, my opinion. I LOVE this book. I love Margret Peterson Haddix. This book is full of plot twists. I had so much fun reading this and rereading this. The whole story is very vibrant and alive. The characters are human and aren't perfect. The truth really surprised me and the real truth surprised me even more.

Best Read by ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A+

This post is over except for one thing that goes for all books. If you've read the books, please don't give spoilers. That's all for now, Smart Girl.

Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Hi everybody, Smart Girl here. This is an unusual post because it is my first nonfiction review. So, bear with me. This one is going to be about Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson. Let's get started!

First, the synopsis. This book, if you couldn't guess by the title, is about the hunt for John Wilkes Booth, as well as the story of his plans and how they succeeded and failed. It starts before the assassination and ends with John Wilkes Booth's death. It tells how he assassinates, escapes and dies. It also tells the stories of not-so-successful assassination attempts of other people.

Now, my opinion. I really like this book. It's a unique book because it's actually a children's version of Swanson's first book, Manhunt. (Smart Mom says if you want more details, read Manhunt.) I think that it was a great idea to make a children's version of an adult book. I really enjoyed reading this, and I hope that he does it for his new book, Bloody Crimes. (Smart Mom says Bloody Crimes, which is about Lincoln's funeral train, isn't as dramatic as Manhunt.)

Best Read by Ages: 8 to about 14 (Older people would be better off with Manhunt.)
Official Smart Girl Grade: A+

Well, for my first nonfiction, I think it went well. That's all for now, Smart Girl.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

The Lost Hero

Hi everybody, Smart Girl here. I am going to do something amazing. I am going to review a non-Redwall book. Said book is, if you haven't figured it out from the title, Rick Riordan's new book, The Lost Hero.

First, the synopsis. Jason is a demigod, (what a shock!) but he's unique. Not only is he a demigod, he's lost virtually all of his memories. He has two friends, Leo, (demigod) and Piper. (Another demigod.) Then, something amazing happens. We meet an old friend, (hint, Yankees hat!) ... Annabeth! We find out that Leo is a son of Hephaestus, Jason's a son of Zeus (technically Jupiter), and Piper's a daughter of ... .............?! (This was a huge shocker to me, so I'll let you find out yourselves.) Then, oh, by the way, now they're at Camp Half-Blood; they get a quest. (This sounds strangely familiar...) They go an the quest to rescue Hera. (Annabeth does not come.)

Now, my opinion. After that long synopsis, I get to say what I think. I like this book, hilarious, and you will NOT believe who Piper is the daughter of. However, I like Percy Jackson better. I don't like the Roman gods, and Jason isn't as funny as Percy. Piper and Leo are tied with Annabeth and Grover, respectively. I still think it's a good book, and can't wait for the next one.

Best Read by Ages: 8 and up
Official Smart Girl Grade: A

Well, I typed a lot today, but thankfully, that's all for now, Smart Girl.