Christmas Books

Did anyone receive any books for Christmas? I was really pleased with the ones I was given (see the list below). Now I just need to find the time to read them. If you were lucky enough to get any, why not tell us what you got in the comments box (or if you bought a book for anyone as a present!).

Mr Biddle


My Christmas Books

The Printer's Devil by Paul Bajoria

The Thornthwaite Inheritance by Gareth Jones

A Greyhound Of  A Girl by Roddy Doyle

One Dog And His Boy by Eva Ibbotson

The Passage by Justin Cronin (This is a book for adults. It is set in the future, when the world has been overrun by zombie-vampires. My favourite kind of book!)

Batman: Arkham Asylum (This is a graphic novel and it is very, very scary!)

Billionaire Boy, Mr Stink and Gangsta Granny by David Walliams

I have read all three of these over the last few weeks and I have enjoyed every single one. My favourite was probably Billionaire Boy, because it was absolutely hilarious. Mr Stink and Gangsta Granny were also funny, but had some sad moments in too.

Billionaire Boy is about a boy who's father is (not surprisingly) a billionaire. He became rich by inventing an incredible new type of toilet roll (wet on one side and dry on the other). The boy has absolutely everything he wants in his life, except friends. He is bullied by his classmates at his posh school, so moves to the local school. A new girl soon joins the school and is very keen to become his friend. However, all is not as it seems...I loved the fact that this book makes you think carefully about what is really important in your life- is it having lots of money, or is it being happy with good friends?

Gangsta Granny tells us the story of a boy called Ben, whose life is extremely boring and predictable. Every Friday after school he has to go and visit his granny, who just wants to play Scrabble and make him eat cabbage pie. He hates going and never has anything to say to her. One day he finds out that his granny used to be a famous jewel thief, and together they plan a daring raid to steal the Crown Jewels from the Queen. Unfortunately (and predictably) it all goes horribly wrong. Ben soon realises that his granny is far more interesting than he ever thought and realises how mean he has been to her.

Did anyone watch Mr Stink on TV over Christmas? The book is just as good!

If you haven't yet tried a David Walliams book, I would suggest you get down to the library and get one out NOW. Once you have read one, you'll definitely want to read all the rest! If anyone has read any of these, I would be really interested in hearing what you think in the comments box below.

I'm now about to start reading One Dog And His Boy by Eva Ibbotson. I normally enjoy her books so I am really looking forward to this one. Sadly, it was the last book that she had published while she was still alive.

Mr Biddle

Mud, Sweat And Tears by Bear Grylls

Reviewed by Ben H.

This book is an autobiography of the famous survival expert Bear Grylls. In this book you will learn how Bear Grylls became what he is today. This book is really interesting and it is jampacked full of important survival tips.

I would recommend that you read this book. My favourite part is when he climbs where nobody's climbed before. Then later in his life he joins the SAS, before the big twist in his life. This book is great if you ask me.

For ages 10-15.

The World Of Norm (May Contain Nuts) by Jonathan Meres

The World Of Norm is the funniest book I have ever read! If you like Harry Hill then you would like this book because it is as funny as Harry Hill. This book this book is about a kid called Norm who's life dosen't go too well and to make it worse, his brothers keep annoying him. It is really funny so if you like funny books then I think you would LOVE this book!!!!

Bumageddon by Andy Griffiths

Reviewed by Reece, year 6

This book is amazingly gross. I really loved reading this book so if you're horrible and gross remember to look for this book. The only thing I don't like about this book is that its chapters are very short (often about one page long). This book is all about White bums who try to wipe out the Bum Fighting academy. I do really like this book this is funny and gross, my most favourite things.

Farm Boy by Michael Morpurgo

Reviewed by Laura, Year 6.

Farm Boy

Farm Boy is the sequel to the book War Horse by Michael Morpurgo. It is all about this boy (Albert's son) who visits his grandfather. While he is there his grandfather reveals his shameful secret, which is that he cannot read or write. So, the grandson agrees to dedicate a few months to teaching his grandfather, but he has to learn fast because the boy was planning to go to Australia for a few months. After the few months had gone by he was able to do it thanks to the long hours he put in.

 

When the boy is on the way to Australia he finds a letter in his bag written by his grandfather. The letter was talking about how he won the tractor. It all started when the grandfather and his son, Albert, were riding on their beloved horses. Stopping them in their tracks was Harry Medlicott, one of the citizens in the town, telling them how useless their horses were and how they should trade them for tractors. Albert, who was very defensive towards his horses, made a bet that if the tractor won in a ploughing race Mr Medlicott would get their best hay, but if he won he would come home with the tractor. Mr Medlicott agreed to this contest as well as find it quite amusing because surely two, old horses could not beat a brand, new tractor.

 

When the day came Albert prepared Joey and Zoey, the two horses, and were off. At first Mr. Medlicott was racing through, but after they had their lunch break Mr Medlicott's tractor would not start. This gave Albert a great advantage. Once he was rows and rows of fields ahead the tractor started again. Despite the delay quite shortly Mr Medlicott was in the lead. Eventually Albert could carry on no longer and his father had to finish the race. Just when were all going to lose hope, the tractor got stuck in mud. Quickly the grandfather (or now father) rushed through as many rows as possible when the judge ordered the race to be stopped. They counted up the rows and Albert and his father won! Just by one row! They went home and had the tractor ever since.

The World Of Norm (May Contain Nuts) by Jonathan Meres

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates, Dork Diaries, and now The World Of Norm. This book by Jonathan Meres has recently been nominated for the Red House Children's Award, alongside Gangsta Granny and Operation Eiffel Tower. The school Book Club have just borrowed six copies of it from West Earlham Library to read over the next few weeks, so I thought I would have a look.

On the first page of the book, Norm is caught trying to use his dad's wardrobe as a toilet, and things go downhill rapidly from there. The family have recently moved house, due to Norm's dad losing his job, and Norm is not coping well with the change. Unfortunately nobody seems to notice, as they are all too worried about Norm's younger brothers.

While performing stunts on his bike, Norm's best friend, Mikey, accidentally breaks a valuable tea set that used to belong to Norm's grandmother. Very generously, Mikey's father gives Norm £100 in order to replace it. However, Norm has a far better plan, and he decides to 'pimp his bike' instead...

This book is funny from the very first line. However, later in the story, Norm becomes quite a sad and lonely figure, being blackmailed by a girl from his street. You almost feel sorry for him, but because he makes such bad decisions, a lot of his problems are self-inflicted. The books is quite long, but is an absolute pleasure to read. Apparently a sequel (The World Of Norm-May Produce Gas) is due very soon!

Mr Biddle

The Boy In The Dress by David Walliams

I was a bit reluctant to read this to start with, as David Walliams is a TV personality, and I think that sometimes famous people have their books published a bit too easily (there once was a pop star called Madonna...). However, because one of his newer books (Gangsta Granny) has been nominated for a prize, I thought I would give it a try. And I'm really glad I did because it's fantastic!!

The story is about a perfectly normal boy who one day, in order to impress a girl, goes to school wearing a dress. Everything is going well, until he falls in the playground...and all is revealed.

I enjoyed this book so much, I actually read it in one evening. It's funny, sad in places and very easy to read. The book is written in a style quite similar to Roald Dahl, with lots of 'Now reader, let's see what happens next...' type comments, but if you are going to base your style on anyone, I suppose Roald Dahl would be the ideal person.

I am now half-way through another David Walliams book, Mr Stink and I am enjoying this one just as much. He has four or five books out now, so I suggest you try and track them down.

Mr Biddle

Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan

Reviewed by Haiden,Year 6

Here's the blurb: I was an ordinary boy, until I visited Cirque Du Freak... until I met Madam Octa...until I came face to face with a creature of the night. That's when my life changed completely. I don't expect you to beleive me completely but everything I describe in this book is absolutely true...

The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson

Reviewed by Shannyn, year 6.

The Suitcase Kid is about a little girl called Andy. Her parents fall out and she has to stay with one of her parents every week.This book is the winner of the Childrens Book award. The chapters are A is for is for Andy, B is for bathroom, C is for Cottage, etc. I though that the book was really good because the chapters are very cool. My favourite part is where Andy kept going to Mulberry Cottage and eating all the mulberrys. My least favourite part is when she loses her purse and gets money of a stranger, because she could have been tricked and it could of been fake. In my opinion the book is very good, and I think you should read it.

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

Reviewed by Alexander

The Hobbit is an adventure story, which starts when Bilbo Baggins get an unexpected visitor. Soon after, 14 dwarves and a wizard arrive, and take him on an amazing adventure.

Tom Gates by Liz Pichon

Reviewed by Caitlyn, Year 6.

These books are very funny; also if you like Wimpy Kid books, these books are your perfect match. Its range includes: The Brilliant World Of Tom Gates, Excellent Excuses (and other good stuff), Everything’s Amazing (sort of) and Genius Ideas (mostly). All these books will have you in stitches, furthermore they make you very eager to read on.

Year Six Writing Blog

People have been asking if they can share their writing on the blog, which is a great idea. I have started a brand new blog, which now means that you can do just that. If you want to share stories, poems, reviews (or just share what you've been up to at the weekend) then go to http://year6wejs.blogspot.co.uk.

You can log in to write new posts by:

1.Type in www.blogspot.com
2. Where it says Email, type wejsbookblog
3. Where it says Password, type wejsbookblog
4. You can now post on the blog! Have fun.

Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets by JK Rowling

Review by Ben Hallett

The story is about our main character, Harry,  suffering from the dreaded summer holidays with the Dursleys when he arrives at Hogwarts. The heir of Slytherin, Tom Riddle tries to kill him. Read the book to find out if he survives! And to find out who Tom Riddle really is...

I really enjoyed this book because it was exciting to read and I felt nervous all the way through. My favourite character is Harry because he learns how to be a wizard. My favourite part was when Harry ventures into the Chamber Of Secrets.

For ages 9-13.

Charlotte's Web by EB White

Reviewer: Olivia-Grace Richardson

This is a story of a little girl named Fern who loves a little pig named Wilbur. Wilbur's best friend is a large, grey spider that lives in the corner of the barn where Wilbur lives. The spiders name is Charlotte and she is a very clever and wise spider. Charlotte makes Wilbur very famous.

The reason why Fern has Wilbur is because her father was going to kill him because the mother pig could not give milk to Wilbur. His mother did not want him either. Wilbur lived a pretty good life and was treated with care, love, affection and respect.

This book is brilliant and you have to read it. The cover might not look enticing, however once you start reading you can't stop!

Author Anagrams Competition

How many of these can you solve? Post your answers below. There will be a prize for the first person to get them all correct.

Can you come up with your own author anagram? Share it with us and see who gets the answer first.

Example-  LUPA NINGSNEJ is PAUL JENNINGS.

1) HIPLIP NAPMULL
 
2) CLIQUEJEAN NOWLIS

3) MOT LARPEM

4) DINE LOBYTN

5) FFEJ ENKINY

6) NENA NEIF

7) ERKED DANLY

8) IJUAL SADLONDON

9) LOAMIER CALMBANK

10) REDRAN NASH

11) AVE BINBOOTS

12) LACEHIM RUGPROMO

1001 Cool Freaky Facts by Glen SIngleton

Reviewed by Olivia Grace Richardson

The truth is often stranger than fiction. Need proof? In England, in the 1880's, pants was considered a dirty word. Statistically, you are more likely to be attacked by a cow than a shark. They are just a few of the weird and wonderest of the 1001 cool freaky facts!

This book is very interesting for any kid! You might look at the front cover and say this looks boring, however once you start to read you'll find out is was definitely right to buy this book

The Clumsies by Sorrel Anderson

Reviewer: Olivia Grace Richardson

When Howard Armitage finds talking mice under his desk, his life, his belonging and, most of all, his biscuit  packets are turned upside down. The Clumsies do mean well, of course. But although they went to help Howard get out of trouble with his nasty boss, they're only really good for one thing.........and that is MAKING A MESS!

The two mice, which are called Mickey Thompson and Purvis, are the main characters as they get Howard into trouble with his mean boss, Mr Bullerton, and are always causing mischief!

I would rate this book 8 out of 10 stars because I really enjoyed it and it made me laugh a lot! I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who has a good sense of humour!

Yu-Gi-Oh Manga

Reviewed by Haiden.

 

My brother brought Yu-Gi-Oh Volume 1 and The Record Of A Fallen Vampire home from City Academy and he told me to do a review of them on the WEJS bookblog. I started to read a few pages of it, at first I thought it would be a boring manga book, but I was completely wrong. It was an amazing story of Yu-Gi-Oh. After that he showed me The Record Of A Fallen Vampire, I thought the same as the Yu-Gi-Oh book, but I was wrong yet again! It was magnificent once you got into it and hooked into the story.
 

 

Red House Children's Book Award

The three finalists for this prize (Young Readers) were announced today. They are:

Gangsta Granny by David Walliams

The World Of Norm by Jonathan Meres

Operation Eiffel Tower by Elen Caldicott

Have you read any of them? Why not see if they are in the library and read one over half-term? If you read all three, you can then vote for your favourite and help to decide which one wins the award.

Find out more on the competition website, http://www.redhousechildrensbookaward.co.uk/

Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Reviewed by Mr Biddle.

I got about 40 pages into this before I realised that I had already seen the film, directed by Danny Boyle (who did the Olympics opening ceremony). The film is fine, the book is fantastic.

It is about two brothers, Damian and Anthony, who live with their father. Their mother has died and they have just moved house.  If they are ever in an awkward situation with anyone, one of them simply says "My mum's died." This usually leads to the person feeling sorry for them and giving them a chocolate biscuit.

The younger brother, Damian, is obsessed with saints and sainthood, often trying to imitate the behaviour of saints he admires (at one point he stuffs his school shirt fully of prickly holly leaves). Anthony wants to be a property developer, and make his fortune from buying and selling houses.

One night, an enormous bag of money appears (I won't tell you how). However, the boys have only a few days to spend it all before it all becomes worthless. They try buying junk objects from their friends at £10 per item which very quickly leads to every child in the school having a wad of money. The brothers then realise that they need to spend the money faster- much faster!

At school,  the boys meet a character called Dorothy who works for Water Aid. This is a charity that provides clean and safe water for countries around the world. She becomes a very important character in their lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's easy to read and there are some really funny incidents. The style is quite unusual, but the relationship between the two brothers is very real. Highly recommended.

Dead Ball by Tom Palmer

Reviewed by Reece.

This is a great book! I have read it, and the first one which was called Dead Ball. They are really interesting and fun to read. I would definitely recommend this book to you. If you like lots of kidnapping, you will certainly love this book. Tom Palmer is a brilliant author and his books are always exciting. So why not try them out over half-term?

Horrible Histories

Reviewed by Alex.

Horrible Histories is a book of histories. Its motto is 'History with the nasty bits left in'. There's Smashing Saxons, Woeful 2nd World War and lots more, so if you watch the series, read the books!

Kings were thrown out and the people ruled themselves-that's called a 'republic. But the Romans decided one strong leader was better for smashing other people, a fact from Ruthless Romans!

Horrid Henry Rocks by Francesca Simon

Reviewed by Alex

Horrid Henry Rocks is an awesome book filled with laughter and horridness. Horrid Henry wants to be a rock star but his parents won't let him. He sneaks off to the opening for the Killer Boys Rats, a new  band. Then they notice he's a kid, but they let him be the drummer. Read it then if you like it, it's also the author of the month in the West Earlham library.
 

Book reviewer profiles

We have now recruited a team of six keen book reviewers. Learn a little more about them here!

Also, keep your eyes open for the amazing author anagram quiz, which will appear just before half-term.

Name: Haiden
Favourite author: Michael Morpurgo
Favourite book: Cirque Du Freak
Favourite book when little:Winnie The Pooh
If I was a book character, I would be: Mr Crepsley from Cirque Du Freak
I love reading because: It helps me be imaginative.

Name: Reece
Favourite author: Darren Shan
Favourite book: Cirque Du Freak
Favourite book when little: Dinosaur pop-ups
If I was a book character, I would be: Mr Crepsley from Cirque Du Freak
I love reading because: It relaxes and calms me.

Name: Caitlyn
Favourite author: Derek Landy
Favourite book: The Spooks books
Favourite book when little: Barney The Dinosaur
If I was a book character, I would be: Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit
I love reading because: It's a way to explore and have fun!

Name: Laura
Favourite author: Joseph Delaney
Favourite book: The Spooks books
Favourite book when little: Winnie The Pooh
If I was a book character, I would be: Piglet
I love reading because: You don't know what is going to happen in a story.

Name: Alexander
Favourite author: Francesca Simon
Favourite book: Horrid Henry Rocks
Favourite book when little: Winnie The Witch
If I was a book character, I would be: Perfect Peter
I love reading because: I use my imagination to see a picture when there's no picture.

Name: Olivia
Favourite author: Jacqueline Wilson
Favourite book: Candyfloss
Favourite book when little: Creepy Crawlies
If I was a book character, I would be: Piglet
I love reading because: I love interesting words.

Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo

Reviewed by Alex.

Kensuke's Kingdom is a book full of adventure. Michael sets off on a round the world voyage with his mum, dad and dog Stella. But near Fiji, Michael falls out of the boat. Does he get rescued or will he be stuck on the island forever? And who is the mysterious Kensuke?

Candyfloss by Jacqueline Wilson

Candyfloss

Reviewed by Caitlyn.

Candyfloss is a book with a twist, as it starts with "Happy birthday"

And then the next thing you know she has to pick...Stay with her dad or go to Australia?.

What will she choose ?

Find out in Candyfloss by Jaqueline Wilson.
If seen in a library, PICK IT UP QUICK.

Lily Alone by Jacqueline Wilson

Reviewed by Caitlyn.

Lily Alone is a super and fantastic book... This is a vital book if you enjoy adventures. Also how everything happens at once is just intriguing. Sometimes it repeats itself, however theres always a TWIST. If I were to rate it stars out of 5, I personally would give it 4.8... An absolutely amazing stunning book.

If seen in a library I highly recommend to book it out before anyone can get their fingerprints on it!

Video Rose by Jacqueline Wilson

Reviwed by Laura.
Video Rose is all about a girl who love to watch fantastic videos. Her worst nightmare is about her video breaks down and it actually comes trues. But everything changes because a repairman gives her the power to  rewind and fast-forward her life. She always fast-forward her life and rewind her life, she loves her whole entire life now. In addition to watching video, her mum said she will get square eyes, rose never ever cared . Rose always juggled her videos. Also she watched the video wizard of oz about five hundred times.

Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend by Francesca Simon

Reviewed by Haiden.

If your football fan and a horrid boy, this is the book for you!

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

Reviewed by Olivia.

This book is highly interesting, although is slightly over the top with adjectives. It might suit you though!

The Spooks Stories: Witches by Joseph Delaney

Reviewed by Caitlyn.

A very good book with witches and pits. If you like this kind of theme this book is the one for you.

September book reviews

Thank you to all of the people who showed an interest in becoming a book reviewer. It is great to see that there are so many keen readers about! Please post your reviews here when you can. If you need any help posting them, please come and find me.

Book characters quiz

Can you work out which books these characters come from? There will be a small prize for the person who gets the most right- some are easy but some are very, very tricky! Post your answers below by Friday 28th September to enter.

1. Katniss, Peeta, Effie and Gale.

2. Lucy, Peter, Edmund and Susan.

3. Greg, Rodrick, Manny and Rowley.

4. Tanith Low, Valkyrie Cain, Ghastly Bespoke and China Sorrows.

5. Andrea, Radish, Katie and Aileen.

6. Madame Octa, Mr Tall, Mr Crepsley and Alexander Ribs.

7. Grandpa Joe, Charlie Bucket, Augustus Gloop and Veruca Salt.

8. Joey (a horse), Albert, Emilie and Topthorn.

9. Perfect Peter, Moody Margaret, Lazy Linda and Weepy William.

10. The White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts, Alice and the Mad Hatter.

Back to school

Welcome back. I hope you all had an enjoyable and relaxing summer holiday. Here is your chance to tell us what books you think we should all be reading this year. Are there any new authors that you think everyone should hear about? Is there a book that you have loved that you know other people will love too? We want to know, we need to know...

At the moment, my Top Ten essential books to read in Year Six are:

1. Dragon Keeper- Carole Wilkinson (it will make you cry!)

2. The Spook's Apprentice- Joseph Delaney

3. Mortlock- Jon Mayhew

4. Foul Play- Tom Palmer (there is a series of five of these!)

5. Hacker- Malorie Blackman

6. Out Of The Depths- Cathy Macphail (very spooky!)

7. The Brilliant World Of Tom Gates- Liz Pichon

OK, that seems to be only a top seven. Can you think of three more I could add to the list?

Could someone be incredibly clever and write a Top Ten books for Years Three, Four and Five?? It would be great to put it on the site for everyone to see.

Book reviewers needed

Do you love reading? Do you read books by a variety of authors? Are you in Year Five or Six (or maybe even a bit older)? Would you be happy to share your thoughts and feelings about books with other people?

New people are needed to write reviews of the books they have been reading, and then publish them on the internet. You will be given your own password so you can log in to the site and write your reviews. You will also be taught how to add photos and pictures, and you will be given as much help as you need.

If you are interested or want to find out more, please let me know. Thanks!!

Over the last few weeks I have finished several books- the fourth Alex Rider book, the second book in the Michael Grant 'Gone' series and another book by Cathy MacPhail called Out Of The Depths (which  I absolutely loved). I have just started the first of the Young Bond books by Charlie Higson, which are about the adventures of James Bond as a boy. I really enjoy of the Bond books written by Ian Fleming, so I am looking forward to reading this series.

Enjoy the rest of the holidays.

Summer holiday books

So far this weekend...

Finished 'The Brilliant World Of Tom Gates' by Liz Pichon. Funny, probably better than Wimpy Kid. Will be looking for the sequels. I can see why they were so popular in class

Finished 'Gone' by Michael Grant. Loved this, absolutely brilliant. The next two are already lined up by my bed to read.

Started 'Run Zan Run' by Cathy Macphail. A fast paced and gripping (so far) story about a young girl who is bullied at school. Whilst walking home, she meets a girl called Zan who helps her out with her problems. Without giving too much away, it seems as if Zan has enough issues of her own to deal with.

 

Please share anything exciting that you are reading- or if you've picked up a book and found it to be a real disappointment, let everyone know! With the Olympics coming up, I would be really interested in hearing if anyone has read any great books about sport. I really enjoy the books by Tom Palmer- Foul Play, Dead Ball, Off Side, Killer Pass and Own Goal. Football, kidnapped players, murdered managers...and a fourteen year old detective!

A great place to get books (with a fantastic reading list)

Lots of people already know about the Norfolk Children's Book Centre- but lots of people don't! It is a bookshop where you can find pretty much every children's book currently in print (and they have all been read by Marilyn, the boss, so you can always get a first-hand review).

On the website they have got some great book lists if you are ever stuck for something to read (especially with the long summer holldays coming up). You can visit it here. There is a list for 9-12 year olds, a list of sad and emotional books, a list of action and adventure stories and many others (including suggestions for younger brothers and sisters). There's load more on the site, including lots of stuff for parents, so go and have a look. 

I really have to go and finish reading 'Gone'- things are getting very exciting! Unexpected mutations, gang warfare and children having their hands sealed in blocks of concrete to prevent them using their special powers... Learn more about this great series at http://www.gonebook.co.uk.

Summer Reading Challenge

I've just been reminded about this by the lovely people at the library. Don't forget to sign up- and don't forget to post which books you have read!

Story Lab – The Summer Reading Challenge 2012

It’s not just our Olympic athletes going for gold this summer …

Thousands of families from across Norfolk will be taking part in the UK’s biggest free reading event for children: the Summer Reading Challenge.

Children of all ages and reading abilities can take part at their local library by reading 6 books collecting bronze, silver and gold stickers – as well as their very own medal.

The 2012 theme is Story Lab, a magical celebration of story and the imagination which is linked to the 2012 Olympics and the London 2012 Festival.

Children can choose any books they like: fact books, story books, joke books or picture books.  Audio books and e-books count as well, so long as they borrow them from a library.

Parents and carers love the Summer Reading Challenge because children discover the joy of reading – and children love it because it’s lots of fun.

To sign up, just head to your local library at the beginning of the summer holidays. It’s completely free – and every child who joins will receive a Story Lab pack.

Look out for more details in the library, including special Story Lab themed events. For library opening times visit: www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries

Have a look here to find out more about Story Lab: http://story-lab.org.uk/

First lines quiz

How many of these first lines from famous children's books do you recognise? Post the answer to any that you know. There will be merits for the first person to get each one and a prize for the person who gets the most.

1. I disappeared on the night before my twelfth birthday.

2. There was a hand in the darkness and it held a knife.

3. Gordon Edgley's sudden death came as a shock to everyone- not least himself.

4. 'Yes,' said Tom bluntly, on opening the front door. 'What d'you want?'

5. Maths exams! Ugh!

6. First of all, let me get something straight: this is a JOURNAL, not a diary.

7. Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy.

8. When my parents split up they didn't know what to do with me.

9. Dorothy lived in the midst of the great Kansas prairies, with Uncle Henry, who was a farmer, and Aunt Em, who was the farmer's wife.

10. When I wake up the other side of the bed is cold.

GOOD LUCK!

Books to read over the summer holidays

Please add your suggestions to the list- either anything that you've read and really enjoyed, or anything that you're planning to read.

1. The 'Gone' Series- currently Gone, Hunger, Lies, Plague, Fear and Light. Written by Michael Grant. If you liked The Hunger Games, I have a feeling you will absolutely love these!

2. Mortlock by Jon Mayhew- a very dark, exciting and spooky gothic chiller set in Victorian London. With cool black pages! What more could you want from a book?

Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve

I've only just got round to reading this, even though it won all kinds of awards when it was first published a few years ago- and I've also just found out that it is currently being turned into a 3D movie by Peter Jackson (Lord Of The Rings trilogy, King Kong). He's probably going to get The Hobbit out of the way first though.

The book is set on the Earth, several thousand years into the future. The planet has been destroyed by the 'Sixty Minute War' and has lost much of its technology. Cities such as London have been turned into 'traction cities' and must consume other cities in order to survive. The main characters of the book are a fifteen year old boy called Tom Natsworthy, who is an apprentice in the Guild Of Historians, and a orphaned girl called Hester Shaw (whose parents were murdered by the villain of the book).

The two of them have to save the planet from the evil plots of Magnus Crome (and his numerous James Bond style henchmen). On their adventures they are captured by pirates, crushed beneath speeding villages and lost in an enormous maze of tunnels.

It's an incredibly imaginative idea and very well written. There are some very sad moments towards the end when we understand a lot more about the relationships between the main characters. The pace of the story dips slightly in the middle, but overall I really enjoyed it. Some of the wordplay and language is fantastic.

This is the first in a quartet of books that feature the same central characters. The next book is called Predator's Gold and I'll be reviewing it very soon. If you're interested, you can find out about other books by Philip Reeve at http://www.philip-reeve.com. Another book of his, Here Lies Arthur, also looks like it is definitely worth investigating (a new spin on the legend of King Arthur)- so if we've got any volunteers to try it and review it, please let me know...

Most popular books

As we are coming to the end of the year, I've had a quick look at which books have been borrowed and signed out the most often. I'm incredibly impressed with how much you lot read!

The most popular books recently have definitely been the Malorie Blackman books (Hacker, Thief, ANTIDOTE and Pig Heart Boy). Everyone who's read them has loved them!

The Skulduggery Pleasant books by Derek Landy have also been read by lots of people- we've got some real fans of Valkyrie Cain, Tanith Low, Ghastly Bespoke and the rest. My own personal favourite is Verminous Cube...

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins has been another popular one. You really have to concentrate in order to get the most from it- the film is also great BUT read the book first!

Other popular books include anything by Anthony Horowitz, Goodnight Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian (we also watched the DVD of this in Literacy) and 12 Minutes To Midnight by Christopher Edge.

This is a fantastic book about  an orphan called Penelope Tredwell, a girl who writes spooky tales set in Victorian Britain. One day she receives a letter from the governor of the notorious Bedlam madhouse... and things go from bad to worse very quickly!

New books

This week we've had several new books arrive in school that people are desperate to read.

We've had the first three books of The Ranger's Apprentice series. I've not read them but they've sold millions of copies around the world...

Join the mysterious Ranger and his new apprentice, Will, in their quest to prevent the assasination of the king.

The other extremely popular series that we've just picked up are the Tom Gates books by Liz Pichon- similar style to the Wimpy Kid books but a lot funnier! Have a look for yourself at http://tomgatesworld.blogspot.co.uk.