Book reviews

We are writing book reviews on books we are reading. We are trying to use inference and show don't tell in our writing so that we don't tell the reader exactly what happens in the book.
Here are some of our reviews:

Reading Pink Balloons makes me sad. After a character in the book found out she has a disability her entire life changes. Skye is like a walking circus, she is full of life, makes jokes and knows how to cheer you up.

Skye’s mother has always taken care of Skye and her disability. Dr Ziegler sees Skye every four weeks so he can examine her. All the nurses in the hospital are kind to Skye. Skye hangs out with her dad a lot when she is not in hospital. Her dad is a grease monkey and Skye is a lot like him.

I thought it was cool how Skye and DR Ziegler got along and just joked around. It is cool how Skye was happy in hospital and got along fine with the other nurses.

The story is mostly set in the hospital because Skye is mostly there.

The author of the book is Beverly McGauran and I think her point of view was to show everyone what AIDS can do to you.

I would recommend Pink Balloons to people who like reading books that are true

By Marius Bornman

‘Rocco’

Reading ‘Rocco’ by Sherryl Jordan makes you really think. After weird dreams Rocco finds himself in a strange world called Anshur. It’s a confusing plot because he is in two parallel worlds: the real world and Anshur.

Rocco Makepeace, the main character, is very stubborn to the people in Anshur, but he is also very brave and courageous. Ilsabeth is the new love for Rocco; she is quiet reserved but friendly at the same time. Jakob is Ilsabeth's brother and an enemy to Rocco; he is stubborn and determined to get rid of Rocco.

I thought this book was very descriptive and well written with both of the two worlds.

I recommend this book to kids aged 10+ that enjoy interesting and challenging books. Sherryl Jordan is showing you what could happen with fear of a nuclear war hitting.

By Maddy

Private Peaceful
Reading Private Peaceful makes you emotional.
It can sometimes be a frightening book which teaches you how brutal the war really is.

Tommo, the main character is like a brick wall, you can’t get through him because of his determination. Charlie is really out there to make the best of life. Big Joe is a kind and friendly person and can get emotional. I liked it when Tommo and Charlie headed off for the WW1 because it got exciting.

It can sometimes get complicated because at the start of each chapter he’s in this trench and most of this story he is having flashbacks but it comes together. This book is realistic because it is not a true story but is based on things that happened in WW1.

I recommend it to older kids because they can understand it more. I reckon the author's purpose for the book is to teach people how brutal the WW1 is. Michael Morpurgo is a great author because he sets the book out well.

I Have To Go Home

By Renée

Reading I Have to Go Home by Renée, at times it makes you feel sad. After an unexpected car incident Sweat Pea is left with a big decision to make. It’s a sad story because it could happen to anyone. Sweet Pea, the main character, is fragile and quiet, but she’s very determined to do what she wants.

Granny Rose loves her own company and hates cooking, but at times she is very helpful at taking care of her pets and garden. Sally (also known as Sal) is Sweat Pea’s best friend, she is a very outgoing girl and isn’t afraid of what others think.

I think the book is a very heartfelt, realistic story that also has its surprises. I Have to Go Home is a really good book I recommend it to anyone that has a decision to make and that has gone through a rough time.

By Jenna

I HAVE TO GO HOME by Georgia

Reading ‘I have to go home’ by Renee a makes you feel sad. After a car accident Sweet Pea is left with her Granny Rose. This could happen to anyone at any time. Sweet Pea the main character is worried, quiet and stressed. Granny Rose does not like to cook but she is very loving and caring. Sal is Sweet Peas best friend in the whole world and outgoing.

I think it’s a good book and it shows how determined Sweet Pea is to get her old life back.

The book is quite moving and a little bit confusing because sometimes it changes subject. Like when it was about Sweet Pea then it changed to about her Granny’s cat and dog.

I think ‘I have to go home’ is a very good book and I recommend the book for kids that like moving and life-changing stories. I think the author wrote this book because it can happen to anyone at anytime but you can move on but still remember them in your heart.