BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Review by Joshan (3RB)

Matilda is a very clever young girl. She is so clever, she even has “magical” powers. She is famous for reading lots and lots of books and she even runs out of books at her local children’s library! But sadly, her parents don’t understand how important books are to her. Eventually, her parents decide she needs to go to school and this is where she meets the dreaded, strong and mean Miss Trunchbull. 

I didn’t like Matilda’s mean parents. That is what made me feel sorry for Matilda. 

I would recommend this book to any Year 3 or 4.

 

The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q Rauf

Review by Khadija (4ES)

I have chosen The Boy at the Back of the Class to review because it teaches you a lesson about kindness, friendship and the importance of family. A group of nine year olds try to befriend a new boy named Ahmet who they discover is a refugee from Syria and has been separated from his family. The children tried to make him feel welcome and have a lot of empathy for Ahmet when they found out about his heartbreaking experiences. When they discover he lost his family somewhere in Europe, they plan to reunite him with his family. The book teaches people important life lessons. How we should accept people for who they are. You will understand what a refugee is, why they leave their own country and how they feel about their experiences.

I love this story because it is about friendship and kindness and how treating someone with respect can change their lives.

I recommend this book for all ages, young people and adults who love exploring life and would like to understand how it feels to be a refugee as we hear about this a lot in the news. I rate it 5 stars.

 

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart 

Review by Tabitha (4JL)

The Mysterious Benedict Society are back again, travelling to see Mr Benedict when they find out that Mr Benedict and Number two had been kidnapped… Will they get their dear Mr Benedict and Number two back or will Mr Curtain and his evil ten men capture them forever?

I enjoyed this book because Trenton Lee Stewart (the author of this amazing book) really described the characters feelings. I also liked this book because at the end of some chapters there were massive cliffhangers about what would happen next.

I would recommend this book for children that like mysteries. I think that you should be above the age of 6 to read this book because young children might find the ten men a bit too scary.

 

The Girl who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook

Review by Tara (4SB)

Thief. Rebel. Bandit. Hero? Young, sly, mischievous Chaya can talk her way out of almost everything apart from stealing the priceless jewels that belong to the Queen… With the help of friends, Chaya manages to escape the desperate clutches of the evil King’s men. However, they are not giving up that easily! With her blazing determination and eagerness to overthrow the selfish, cruel, fake King, Chaya is on the right track to save her suffering city from the pain and losses they have faced. Setting off with four friends (including the King’s elephant), Chaya faces life-threatening events and has to overcome many obstacles. When they finally reached what they had been waiting for, they have a big shock… Watch Chaya grow, step by step, in maturity, kindness and spirit in this incredibly written novel. 

I liked that even though someone might in a position of wealth and power you should still respect and treat someone – even if they are different from you – how you would want to be respected and treated. 

I recommend this book for 7 – 13 year olds because it is quite complicated and it is not a picture book so young children might find it a bit boring BEWARE – young Chaya will ‘steal’ your heart!

 

Peter Pan by J M Barrie 

Review by Sebastian (4SM)

Three siblings called Wendy, John and Michael Darling are left alone in their bedroom when their parents go out. Peter Pan is a boy that never grew up and he comes to their bedroom window and using pixie dust he whisks them away on an exciting, magical adventure. Would you trust Peter Pan and go with him?

My favourite part of the story was the pirate battle with Captain Hook. This part was very suspenseful. You will have to read the story to find out what happens and if the children made it home safely.

I would recommend this book to people of all ages, both boys and girls who like thrilling stories with lots of different elements.

 

Midnight by Derek Landy

Review by Chloe (5AG)

Valkyrie, the Skeleton detective’s partner, sets off on a quest to retrieve her little sister Alice. When she is snatched from her home, Valkyrie gives up all she has in order to save her. But is it enough? She is greeted with a terrible surprise which almost destroys her. 

I enjoy the fact that Valkyrie is extremely loyal to the people she truly loves, but she puts herself in front of people who deserve her friendship. 

Although it’s the 11th book, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a lot of mystery and action. If you’re 7 or above, and have read the rest of the books, this is perfect!

 

The Wizards of Once: Twice Magic by Cressida Cowell

Review by Reuben (5LN)

This is the second book in the Wizards of Once series. The book is about a boy called Xar and a girl called Wish. Wish is from the Warriors and Xar is from the Wizards. Xar’s Dad is the head of the Wizards and Wish’s mother is the head of the Warriors. The Wizards and Warriors are enemies but Wish and Xar persevere to keep the friendship going despite this. Wizards and Warriors have a common enemy, the Witches. Wish and Xar plot to defeat the witches in the book. Will they succeed? My favourite character is Wish because she has strong magical powers and she is always trying to be happy and cheerful, no matter what the situation. I like that Xar and Wish are still friends even though their tribes are supposed to be enemies, this must be very challenging, even for the best of friends. I think that the author, Cressida Cowell, uses good description to engage you and expand your imagination. 

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy adventure/mystery stories and if you enjoy reading a series of books. I would suggest the recommended age to read this book is 8+ independently or with an adult 7+.

 

The Accidental Prime Minister by Tom McLaughlin

Review by Lana (5NB)

This is book about a boy called Joe Perkins who is a regular school boy (for now). Joe’s mum works at the local park and without her job, the pair wouldn’t be able to afford her ridiculous food for instance her custard with spicy firecracker pasta. One boring day, Joe is walking down the street to school with his best friend, Ajay, when Joe spots the park. A sign says it is due to be torn down and replaced with shiny buildings! Fortunately, the Prime Minister (PM) was visiting Joe’s school that’s day and Joe lost it! Soon, Joe was the most famous person in the world! A couple days later, Joe is invited to the PM’s office for a meeting. But Joe is tricked! Joe becomes the new PM while the old PM chases a career in trains. What will the country think of little Joe? How far will Joe get without getting squashed underfoot?

I like this book because it is REALLY funny and it makes you laugh out loud! My favourite part is when Joe meets the Queen. This particular chapter makes you roll around with laughter! I love everything about this book! I would recommend this brilliant book to any Prep year group. Do not read this book if you like law and order or if you are an adult because the adults are forced to take part in Fancy Dress Fridays That Are On A Thursdays! And the kids have so much more fun than the adults!

 

Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex by Eoin Colfer

Review by Jai (5VF)

Artemis Fowl. Irish prodigy and juvenile mastermind. When Artemis develops a fairy brain condition, similar to the likes of OCD, he must cure his fear of fours and defeat an evil elf. All in a normal day’s work really. 

What I loved about this inspiring novel, packed with twists and turns, is that you never know what is going to happen next. Also, the description of the characters is one of the most detailed I have read. It has a brilliant balance of action, dialogue detail.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a magical mix of fantasy and adventure. I can guarantee that this book will keep you rooted to your seat until the very last word. I would suggest an age rating of about 8 – 13 years old; it is the right type of challenging material for these age groups.

 

Nora and the Map of Mayhem by Joseph Elliott 

Review by Sebastian (5ZS)

I read this book on the recommendation of Austin following his persuasive and glowing review and, I have to say, I couldn’t agree more! This is a charmingly hilarious and adventurous book about a Great Grandmother called Nora who has to take care of the thing that she hates most: CHILDREN. But these children are her Great Grandchildren, who she loves to high heaven. When she gets a note stuck to her door from her arch enemy called Ripclaw asking her to return the ‘Map of Mayhem’, she needs to hide her Great Grandchildren, and quick! When she gets another note on her hiding place, they have to go on an oversea adventure where Nora has to reveal to her Great Grandchildren her secret job of a monster hunter! Can the team return the Map of Mayhem on time, or will their lives be over?

I love this book because it’s full of non-stop comedy and adventure. I do not know what mess I would be without this treasure as it is my favorite book of all time!

I would recommend it to anyone who likes non stop comedy and drama. Keep reading!

 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J K Rowling

Review by Sahib (6JM)

This book is about a boy called Harry Potter. Harry is a wizard and he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is the fourth book in the series and my favourite out of all of them. Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster, announces that the Triwizard Cup (A magical competition held every four years with deathly challenges and puzzling riddles) will be held at Hogwarts. Any pupil that wanted to take part had to write their name on a slip of paper and place it in the Goblet of Fire, but to do that, you had to be over the age of 17. I love that Harry still gets in even though he is not 17 yet. But, will he survive the challenge? 

I like the mystery part of it. Surprising things happen when you are least expecting it. Also, be prepared for murder as it can be thrilling but gory at the same time.

You would love this book if you have read the first three and also if you like magical creatures, competitive activity and the overall structure of the whole story.