Lizzy's Review: Sailing a Shipwreck...

Six kids board the Phoenix in Guam, but not because they are going on a fancy boating trip. They’re all there for one reason- because they have a lesson to learn. Their parents or the court system has decided that the Charting a New Course program is what they need. A month on the water learning to sail and getting in touch with nature is expected to change all of them. Lyssa and Will are siblings, but JJ, Charla, Ian, and Luke have never met. Getting to know each other is better than any time spent with the first mate, who barks at them all the time and seems angry by everything they do. After a terrible storm sends the captain overboard and the ship starts taking on water the kids realize they are in way over their heads. Waking to find the first mate has taken the life boat and left them stranded makes them rise to the challenge. When an explosion causes the ship to catch fire and sink they must do what they can to survive. Only four of the kids are together and the fate of the other two is unknown. Did they get off the sinking boat in time? Staying afloat on a piece of the shipwreck is more work than the kids would have expected, and the thirst they have is like nothing they've ever known. Landing on what appears to be a deserted island seems like a stroke of good luck, but are they really alone? Do they have the skills to survive? Can the kids can be saved? Don’t wait to find out- go get this series!

What an action packed series! If you like adventure and survival stories, and haven’t read the Island series by Gordon Korman, then I highly recommend it for both boys and girls. There are three books in the series: Shipwreck, Survival, and Escape. The books are perfect for anyone in fourth grade and up. Not only will you learn skills that may help you survive on your own, you will be amazed at the ways the kids learn to believe in themselves. With so many characters, there is sure to be someone readers will connect with, and reading about them makes you see that there's more to people than we think. I was rooting for the kids and felt worried, happy, sad, and scared for them throughout the book. I hope I am never in a situation where I am on a shipwreck, but it was entertaining to read about!

Has anyone else read the Island series? Or have you read another book by Gordon Korman? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Reading!
~L

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Sunk In Deep!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Friday we'll explore a shipwreck for Lizzy's middle grade book review. See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

Far beneath the ocean swell is where I went when I fell. Weather kicked me all around. Captain ran me into ground. Kracken took my wooden planks. Men abandoned noted ranks. Lost in time under the sea, now a clue in history. 

What am I? Answer: Shipwreck! 

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats 

Monday's Riddle: A Sinking Feeling...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme? I love stories on this topic! ; ) ~ F

Far beneath the ocean swell is where I went when I fell. Weather kicked me all around. Captain ran me into ground. Kracken took my wooden planks. Men abandoned noted ranks. Lost in time under the sea, now a clue in history. 

What am I? Stop by Wednesday for the answer!

I gave you a clue! 

Margo's Musings: Hippos are Huge!

In fact, whales- along with dolphins and porpoises- are hippos closest relatives!~ Hippos are Huge!

After seeing a show on television about Fiona, a baby hippoat the Cincinnati Zoo who was born very early, my little sister, Margo, has been obsessed with hippos. She thinks they're cute, and I agree! Of course, when we went to the library she had to pick out a book on her new favorite topic.  

Hippos are Huge! by Jonathan London is chock-full of interesting facts. I thought I had an idea of what these giant animals were like, but I had no clue they are actually the most deadly animal in Africa! They look slow and lazy, but they are a force to be reckoned with for sure! Hippos mouth's can open up to four feet wide. They have some amazing symbiotic relationships with fish and birds (which I don't want to ruin for you). But, without a doubt there was one part that made us laugh out loud. Do you know what to do if you see a hippo and he turns his backside to you, then starts swinging his tail? Run! It may be funny to read about, but in real life it would be gross! 
  

Margo has wanted to read this one over and over again. I think it is awesome that a picture book taught me so much about hippos. Now I hope I never see one in person. I know I can't outrun them and they are very powerful. The bright pictures are filled with details that help spotlight the facts.  This book will put a smile on your face, and you'll want to find out more about these massive animals! 

Has anyone else read Hippos are Huge!? Or have you read another book by Jonathan London? Do you already know a lot about hippos? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy Reading!
~F

Answer to Monday's Riddle: Hungry Hippo!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Friday, Margo says we'll be hanging out with hippos, so stay tuned. See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

A river horse or whale on land; I've four squat legs on which to stand. In water, my eyes skim by, watching out on the sly. When I'm hungry, it's grass I eat, soaking in African heat. Big and bad; fierce, but cute- it's well known that I yawn and toot. 

What am I? Answer: Hippopotamus 

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats 

Monday's Riddle: River Horse Run...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? They are funny and enjoyable to watch in their natural habitat. ; ) ~ F

A river horse or whale on land; I've four squat legs on which to stand. In water, my eyes skim by, watching out on the sly. When I'm hungry, it's grass I eat, soaking in African heat. Big and bad; fierce, but cute- it's well known that I yawn and toot. 

What am I? Stop by for the answer on Wednesday!

I gave you a clue!

Shining the Spotlight on Mysteries

Solving mysteries is always fun! Putting the pieces together in books we read and write can be very satisfying. In honor of Mystery Week on Goodreads, we're sharing a few of our favorite mysteries with you. We look forward to hearing about the stories that kept you guessing!

Stephanie's Favorites

Nancy Drew- What can I say? I devoured these books growing up.  My aunt passed along a few copies she had to me when I was in fifth grade and I fell in love with the stories. I would go to the library and check out eight at a time, reading them all back to back. It didn't take me long to read them all, as I would sometimes read two in a day! I couldn't get enough, and it was a little bittersweet for me when I got to the end of the series.


At the time I had no idea that the books were written by different writers all using the same name. I didn't learn that bit of information until a few years ago. At first, I was a little sad, but then I realized that the books sparked my love for mysteries and I truly enjoyed diving into Nancy's world.

Sammy Keyes- Sammy is spunky and fun! She is a modern day sleuth who stumbles into trouble. Luckily, when she is faced with danger she manages to stay ahead of things!

I read the first book in the series with my first fifth grade class, and I laughed out loud when Sammy waved at a thief she saw through her binoculars. The stories are fast paced and full of action. Sammy's antics help to lighten the mood. Definitely a great series to get into!

Jess's Favorites

Edward Gorey- Yes, the master of mystery always keeps me guessing. I love his writing and illustrations. The twists and turns in his stories and pictures are captivating, and the clues can be anything and anywhere. Recently, Fairday reviewed a book written by John Bellairs and illustrated by Edward Gorey, The House With A Clock in Its Walls. It's a great mystery matched with excellent illustrations. If you want to check it out, click here.

Harriet the Spy- Sometimes, spying can get you into trouble. No one knows that better than Harriet. Imagine losing your notebook with all your secret thoughts, and then having them found by the people who you were writing about. It's important to collect clues, but being careful with your evidence is key. A fun mystery to follow along with!

There are many kinds of mysteries and nothing is better than curling up with one. We've shared some that have kept us turning the pages, and we'd love to hear about the stories you love!