Nonfiction and Plays
The Commandos: The Inside Story of America's Secret Soldiers
Author: Douglas C. Waller
Reviewer's Age: Grade 8
This book is about the training of different kinds of commandos. It has information about the training of Navy SEALS, Green Berets, helicopter pilots, and Delta Force operatives. It also has information about what commandos did in Operation Desert Storm a.k.a. the Persian Gulf War. I liked this book a lot because it showed how hard it is to become a commando. Navy SEALS go through what is called "Hell Week" where for five days they have intense physical tests and get only 4 hours total sleep for all five days. The reason that there is all this information is that the author actually observed their training.
Raise the Roof
Author: Pat Summit
Reviewer's Age: Grade 9
This book tells the story of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team's winning season which takes them to an NCAA championship. This story is written by the coach (Pat Summit) who tells about her amazing players and her whole team as they get to a championship. This book us an excellent nonfiction book written by a very good coach. It is interesting to hear the stories of the players and I think that all athletes would be interested in reading this book.
Brighton Beach Memoirs
Author: Neil Simon
Reviewer's Age: Grade 10
This play is definitely one of the most funny and entertaining plays I've ever read. One of the funniest parts in this play involves the little boy Eugene. Eugene is about eight years old. All other interesting parts include the taking place of World War II, the running away of one of the sons, and the perverted brother who is always trying to get a glance of the female body. This is a play for people who like a good laugh once in a while, and for people who like to be entertained the entire time they read. Comedies are always my favorite.
Last Man Down
Author: Richard Picciotto with Daniel Paisner
Reviewer's Age: Grade 12
The book Last Man Down is about a New York City firefighter's way of survival and escape from the World Trade Center on September 11th 2001. The story has made me think of the vast amount of change which has occurred in our country since this national tragedy. America has undergone change far beyond the physical aspects of life. We have changed as a nation by wars, such as Civil, World War, War On Terrorism, and also by way of Revolutionary War. In all of these wars we have proven to be the top military, which no one has yet been able to defeat. America is a country that is primed on toughness, bravery, and the ability for one to sacrifice him or herself for the good of their country; that is what makes America what it is today. Ever since September 11th, I have gained tremendous respect and admiration for those men and woman who risk their lives day in and day out defending our freedom, and keeping Americans free. September 11th also made me realize what a strong country we are, and how we are willing to do anything that is in the best benefit of our country.
Nolan Ryan
Author: Lois P. Nicholson
Reviewer's Age: Grade 10
The book Nolan Ryan by Lois P. Nicholson is a great biography because it provides great details about his career. No other book focuses on his life from when he was born until he retires more than this one does, just read the title Nolan Ryan. It tells you how he was feeling during his career providing actual quotes from the man himself. For example, after he has elbow surgery, he talks about how he goes from being a dominating pitcher to a pitcher that batters can't wait to face. The book also gives his career stats, like how many innings he pitches, earned runs, strikeouts, and the year and the team he does it with. The biography Nolan Ryan by Lois P. Nicholson is a well-done book since it shows his career in great detail.
All My Sons
Author: Arthur Miller
Reviewer's Age: Grade 10
This summer I read All My Sons by Arthur Miller. I really enjoyed this book for many reasons. When I first looked at the book, I thought what a title this book has. It could possibly be about brothers, and most likely a parent. Coming from a family of all girls I was intrigued by it. As I started reading I realized it wasn't just about brothers. This is one of the main reasons I enjoyed it. I found all the characters to be interesting, and I liked how all of them had such different personalities. They ranged from a mother who couldn't get a grip on her life to a son falling in love, and telling his grieving, dysfunctional family. Even though this book is a tragedy, it caught my attention and reeled me in. You too will greatly enjoy this book.
Angela's Ashes
Author: Frank McCourt
Reviewer's Age: Grade 10
The novel Angela's Ashes, by Frank McCourt, is easily one of the best books that I have ever read. It is about the life of a little Irish boy and the hardships that he faces throughout his life. Young Frank McCourt was born in Brooklyn. His parents had a hard time getting by and it was extremely difficult for the Irish to find jobs. Even when his father did he would somehow manage to drink his wages away. After the death of his baby sister Mary, Frankie's parents decided that it would be best to move back to Ireland. In moving back to Limerick the McCourts were probably only one of a very few families to say good bye to the Statue of Liberty. Frankie's father continued to have trouble finding work, because he was from Northern Ireland, and people from Northern Ireland and from Ireland don't like each other. Over all this book is packed with misfortunes for this young man. I recommend it to anyone with ancestors from Ireland.
Underboss
Author: Peter Maas
Reviewer's Age: Grade 10
Underboss, written by Peter Maas, is about a man named Sammy Gravano. This book takes place during his early years leading up to his mid 30's. The book starts off by taking you through his teenage life and giving you background on how it was at that time of his youth and how the Mafia ruled all in certain parts of the globe. After his early years are over he becomes a made member in one of the biggest organized crime families in American. Sammy then had to make the hardest choice a man could ever make in his life. That choice was to bring down John Gotti, the head of his family, or go to jail for more than 50 years of his life. His choice won't only surprise you it will shock you. This is easily the best book I have ever read in my life. I really don't like to read all that much but once I started to read this I had to finish. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the Mafia or just in reading about someone's life. It truly is an inspiring book.
Black Mass
Author: Dick Lehr
Reviewer's Age: Grade 10
You've heard of the Top Ten Wanted List? Right? Of course you have, it's the ten criminals in the world most wanted by the FBI. Don't you think that one of those criminal's life story, about how they got into all their troubles, how they keep on slipping out of the FBI's grasp, would be interesting? And, in addition to how exciting this criminal's story is, he's from Boston! Whitey Bulger, a native of South Boston, is a notorious underground Irish Mafia boss who is wanted by the FBI for countless murders, assault and batteries, and robberies. This book, Black Mass, by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill, is a thrilling story about Whitey Bulger's crime story and his connections with corrupt FBI agents. So, if you would like to learn about one of the most interesting scandals in the FBI, Black Mass is the book that you should pick up as soon as possible and start reading.
Into the Wild
Author: Jon Krakauer
Reviewer's Age: Grade 7
This is about a man named Chris McCandless who goes into the Alaskan wilderness and dies. It tells about his trip getting there and what he did. It also tells about people like him and the relationship between fathers and sons.
Into Thin Air
Author: Jon Krakauer
Reviewer's Age: Grade 8
This book tells about the disastrous and deadly climb of Mount Everest in 1996. Jon Krakauer, the author and narrator of this book, describes in detail everything that he and his fellow climbers did, and what happened, along with the events that led up to them. I liked this book because it had really great pictures of some of the climbers who died and told about them, and also because it told a lot about Mt. Everest. Into Thin Air is one of those books that has you turning the pages to see what happens next, and keeps you interested.
Rocket Boys
Author: Homer H. Hickam, Jr.
Reviewer's age: Grade 7
This book is about a group of boys that live in a coal mining town in West Virginia where all that matters is coal mining and football. After watching Sputnik go across the sky the author decides to build rockets and succeeds. The movie October Sky is based on this book.
Free Speech for Me -- But Not for Thee
Author: Nat Hentoff
Reviewer's Age: Grade 10
I suggest that people read the book, Free Speech for Me -- But Not for Thee. This book is informative, fascinating, and enjoyable. The book does much to inform readers about things that have happened involving oppression in the United States, and it provides opinions about what causes them, and how they can be prevented. The book interests me because it describes and demonstrates many problems with societal systems that are caused by actions of people, which indicates to me that I may learn how to alleviate them, at least as much as is caused by my existence. Some people may be entertained by reading about what the author chose to write about, especially if they enjoy learning and thinking about such things as a hobby.
A Civil Action
Author: Jonathan Harr
Reviewer's Age: Grade 10
A Civil Action by Jonathan Harr is an excellent read. It was a number one, national bestseller, and it also won the National Book Critic's Circle Award for nonfiction. It was a compelling story showing the many flaws in our legal system in recent years. A young lawyer gives up his entire world in hopes of helping families from Woburn, Massachusetts. These families are merely requesting that justice be served for the people responsible for the water contamination which has caused their children to fall severely ill. Two well-known national corporations are allegedly responsible for the water-well contamination. Based on a true story, this novel is hard to put down. It shocks each and every one who reads it. I highly recommend reading A Civil Action by Jonathan Harr.
Football in Sun and Shadow
Author: Eduardo Galeano
Reviewer's Age: Grade 10
Football in Sun and Shadow, a poetry book by Eduardo Galeano, is one of my favorite books. In the poems Galeano captures how much soccer means to the world. The poems are about people and events from Argentina to Nigeria. He describes the beauty of a goal, and the art of dribbling. He tells the story of how two Mexican reporters were saved in Yugoslavia because the troops' favorite player was Mexican star Hugo Sanches. Everything he wrote flowed together smoothly, it was like music to my ears.
The Diary of Anne Frank
Author: Anne Frank
Reviewer's Age: Grade 10
The Diary of Anne Frank was a book that I read a few years ago for an English assignment, and I really enjoyed it. This is a book about a Jewish family living in Germany in the time of Hitler's rule. It is a diary of a young girl living in a cramped house with another family hiding from the Nazis. I really enjoyed reading this book because this book is based on a true story and it is very informational. This book really taught me a lot about Jewish pride, perseverance, and the history of Jewish people. I would recommend this book to any child in grades 6-12. Although this book is not recommended for any children in grades lower than 6th, it can still be a learning experience for those who can understand the meaning and purpose of the book.
Final Rounds
Author: James Dodson
Reviewer's Age: Grade 10
Final Rounds is a great story about a son and father who waited until the father is on his last days to take the golf journey that they could never find the time to take. The story takes father and son back to Europe where the father was stationed in Worl War II. Father and son play all the courses that the father played while trying to cope with a war that was raging. For once, father and son have time to talk about all the years that had passed and all the lessons in life that can be learned by mastering the game of golf. The story is happy and sad. The happy parts are that father and son are finally together and sharing time and memories. The sad part is that it is very clear that the father will not be on this earth much longer. This is a great book for anyone to read.
Fair Ball
Author: Bob Costas
Reviewer's Age: Grade 11
Fair Ball is a book that talks about the weaknesses of baseball. It is entertaining to those who enjoy and understand baseball outside the playing itself. Starting with the dislikes, the book can get a little too informative; the book might periodicallly seem to slow down, but in the big picture, it is a fast paced book. Now, starting the likes is that the start won't bore you. He has a great analysis of how the game should be changed, and it all makes sense! (If you know the game.) I really enjoyed the book, and recommend it to all avid baseball fans.
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
Author: Maya Angelou
Reviewer's Age: Grade 10
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is an excellent novel that everyone should read. It has a tone that installs pity into the reader for Marguerite, who has a tough life living with her grandparents then alternating between her two separated parents. Most of the events in the story I have not seen in my own life, though I could picture the story in my mind with detail, and feel the same feelings as the characters. It was great to read about something that seemed unreal to me, although I know the story is true.
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
Author: Maya Angelou
Reviewer's Age: Grade 10
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is the most fabulous autobiography ever written. Maya Angelou's story of her childhood is beyond amazing when she looks at her past and writes it all down. Her story is interesting and real. Angelou has a way of explaining all she's seen and done that lets the reader see and feel just as she did. Angelou's voice as an older woman telling the stories of her childhood is magnificent. She has lived a very intriguing life, and has shared her feelings in great detail, but easy for the reader to understand perfectly and is left with many thoughts.
D-Day
Author: Stephen Ambrose
Reviewer's Age:Grade 12
I enjoyed reading the book D-Day by Stephen Ambrose. During World War II the Allies decided to attack the Axis Powers from the Normandy coast. The day that this happened was called D-Day. The book gave me good information about the strategy both sides used that day. Moreover it gives personal experiences of soldiers in the infantry, Navy and Air Force. The book shows how the common man goes to battle and has very shocking experiences and in general the real picture of war. Anyone interested in learning about World War II and specifically about D-Day I recommend that they read this book.
Girl, Interrupted
Author: Susanna Kaysen
Reviewer's Age: Grade 9
In this non-fiction autobiographical memoir, Susanna Kaysen signs herself into McLean, the Belmont mental hospital. She describes the very odd, but insatiably interesting women residing in the institution, the feelings of insanity, and the freedom and confinement one receives from it. Her chapters are short and usually describe one memory, person, place, or thought that she remembered during her stay at McLean. Sometimes, she even recalls what her life was once like, and she remembers the suicide attempts. This book is not a light, summer read, rather, it is a memoir for those interested in reading about the feelings and occurrences in a women’s ward at a mental hospital. I think that the writing is excellent, and the book made me want to keep reading, I was hooked until the end. I also found interesting her observations on the town of Belmont, where I live. The book is set in the sixties, and it is fascinating to see her perspective of that world. It also gives an interesting reflection on the treatment of women, and insane women in that day and age. Sometimes the thoughts and memories get a little depressing, which is why I recommend this book only to certain types of readers. Overall, however I think that it is a terrific novel.