As part of her Girl Scout Silver Award project, Miranda McParlin began gathering book reviews from friends and fellow students earlier this fall. She has created a beautiful display in the Children’s Area of the library featuring the reviews. She rotates them throughout the year, and we encourage you to stop by to view her display in person! Even better, all of these books are included in the library collection and are available to checkout. We have included some of featured books below, along with the student-written reviews.
To view a book in our catalog or to place a hold, click on the book’s title.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
Recommended by: Delaney Newberry
Suggested age range (according to reader): 5 to 8
Why it’s recommended: The Day the Crayons Quit is a fun, enjoyable and easy read book for kids and parents to enjoy together. I personally enjoy hearing all of the crayons share their perspectives on how they feel about being used. What makes this book funny is the personalities that the characters share. Even though the characters all have totally different perspectives, and points that they are trying to get across to Duncan, they are ultimately annoyed at Duncan. The way these characters explain their experiences and the way that they express their feelings makes me laugh inside.
The Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
Recommended by: Bessie Brown
Suggested age range (according to reader): 7 to 10
Why it’s recommended: I loved this series so much when I first learned how to read. Every single book is very entertaining. There is a lot of action. There are two main characters who are kids named Jack and Annie. The pair goes on a ton of adventures together. They have a special hideout, aka their treehouse.
Quinny and Hopper by Adriana Brad Schanen and Greg Swearingen
Recommended by: Lily Haglund
Suggested age range (according to reader): 7 to 12
Why it’s recommended: I like this book because it is very interesting and adventurous. It shows how Quinny and Hopper, the main characters, become best friends. I have read this book many times and it never gets old. It is the perfect story line for kids!
The Doll People by Ann M. Martin and Laura Goodwin
Recommended by: Miranda McParlin
Suggested age range (according to reader): 8 to 11
Why it’s recommended: This mysterious and exciting tale keeps all readers on the edge of their seats. For those who are trying to find an easier but compelling read, this book is for you! The book is tailored to readers who want a surprise at every turn. A family of 100-year-old china dolls never disappoints – especially when eight-year-old Annabelle Doll is trying to figure out what happened to her aunt who disappeared long ago. The only tool she has to solve this mystery is a dusty old notebook. Annabelle must also stay completely still during certain hours of the day…but why?
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Recommended by: Abbie Carrell
Suggested age range (according to reader): 9 to 14
Why it’s recommended: This book is about a ten-year-old boy named Auggie who is not like every other kid. He has had hundreds of surgeries and has never had the chance to live a normal life. When reading this book, you get to see how Auggie navigates friendships and life even through all of the hardships he has had to overcome.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Recommended by: Hannah Birdwell
Suggested age range (according to reader): 9 and up
Why it’s recommended: Number the Stars is an amazing first step to reading historical fiction books. It is a wonderful choice for kids who have an interest in history and how people in WWII were forced to go about their everyday lives. Number the Stars is beautifully written and to this day remains one of my favorite books, and has a lasting impact on how I see that historical time period.
How They Croaked by Georgia Bragg and Kevin O’ Malley
Recommended by: Margaret Taylor
Suggested age range (according to reader): 11 to 14
Why it’s recommended: For those who are into history, this book is for you. It gives an in-depth treatise into the lives of dozens of famous people-and their interesting deaths. The book embraces its gory theme by incorporating images of death, like skulls, throughout the book. However, the book is also very informative as to the lives of who it investigates, not just their deaths. I like the dramatic way it tells the stories of the people, from beginning to end.
The Fire Within by Chris D’ Lacey
Recommended by: Margaret Taylor
Suggested age range (according to reader): 11 to 15
Why it’s recommended: I would recommend this book because of its sense of wonder. This book is mainly about dragons living in the modern world. It has relatable characters and a hint of mystery as well. It has lifelike descriptions that you can see in your mind’s eye as if you are there with the characters. It is a book full of emotion.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Recommended by: Caroline Blankenship
Suggested age range (according to reader): 11 and up
Why it’s recommended: This book is about a society divided into 12 districts where each year two teenagers are chosen to fight to their death. This book is a thriller and leaves you on the edge of your seat. You get the opportunity to really connect with the characters, which helps to enrich the story. Each chapter is a cliffhanger and makes you want to keep reading.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Recommended by: Blaire Taylor
Suggested age range (according to reader): 12 to 15
Why it’s recommended: This is a great book because it correctly uses Greek mythology and seams it perfectly into the story. The characters are great because Percy is funny but Annabeth balances him out with a serious but caring demeanor. Grover just makes it work. He also has a great way of working the whole story into places that actually exist. For example, in the story, Mount Olympus is at the top of the Empire State Building and “Zeus likes that sushi place on 3rd street”. There are many exciting plot twists but no spoilers. This is all waiting for you in this great book. You should check it out, settle into a comfy place, and read it right now.
The Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. To learn more about the Silver Award, visit Girl Scout Silver Award (gscb.org).