Gone by Michael Grant

In Grant’s novel, everyone aged fourteen and above in the town of Perdido Beach (which, aptly, as you will later see, means Lost Beach) vanishes suddenly, just, poof, dropping whatever they were doing, their suddenly abandoned cars crashing. All of the kids are left alone, and there is almost immediate chaos.

Somehow, after taking control in a dangerous situation, Sam becomes a leader of sorts, though he is challenged by local bullies. Sam, Astrid, Little Pete, Quinn, and Edilio work together to survive inside what they discover is a ten-mile radius around the nuclear power plant that is bounded by a barrier they cannot see any end to, see through, or even touch without feeling quite a bit of pain.

That’s not the only strange thing, though. There are talking coyotes, seagulls with talons, and snakes with wings. Mutants–but not the only mutants around. Some of the kids may not be exactly normal themselves…

After a few days, the rich, troubled kids from Coates, a boarding school outside of town, come in and take control of the situation. At first, Sam might be glad to be relieved of the pressure of being the leader, but something is seriously wrong with the situation, and by the time he comes to realize it, it might be too late to save himself and the rest of the kids–especially if, as the others who turned fourteen have done, he vanishes on his birthday, which is a scant few days away.

It’s a fast paced book that is hard to put down. You really get caught up in it.
(also this is the first in a series of 6 books, coming out each summer-1 every year)

Review by Alaina G. – 8th grade

Bird by Angela Johnson

Bird is 14-year-old girl who is hiding out in a farmhouse shed.  Bird lost most of her family.  She ran away after the breakup between her mom and her stepfather, Cecil.  Bird loved Cecil more then anyone.  That is why she is set out to find him.  Bird takes food from the farmhouse family when they go to church.  That all stopped after she met the farmhouse boy, Ethan.  However, Bird realizes she can’t live like this anymore.  So, she takes off for another place.  All of the sudden, bird runs into an old lady named Mrs. Pritchard.  Mrs. Pritchard is letting Bird stay with her.  Bird has never been happier in her life.  However, she knows that she has to move on…

I think others should read this book because you really get into it.  This is a book where you wonder what crazy thing will happen next.  This book also has chapters where whatever the chapter’s name is, that’s who is talking.  It’s pretty neat!  Anyway, this is a great book, and you should read it!

Review by Brooke V. – 6th grade