This book told how the Roman legions were trained and how they fought. It also showed their armor and the weaponry they used. I thought this book was very informative. I love Roman history. Roman legions are very complex and are the heart of the Roman army. The Roman legion was designed to fight forward, but could easily be defeated at the flanks. [BABA]
Roman Legions on the March
May 3, 2012 — falconmediaCleopatra Confesses
May 3, 2012 — falconmediaAfter her father comes back from his trip, Tryphaena and Berenike decide to rule. Soon after, they both die and Cleopatra becomes the new queen. She is very loyal and true to her people. So far, she is the greatest Pharoah that Egypt has ever had. This was a good book. I never knew that jealousy could go so far as to kill. I really enjoyed reading this book. [Cleo]
New Adventure – 2012 March
March 9, 2012 — falconmediaWhat’s it about? Is it in? Click the book cover!
The Brooklyn Nine
March 1, 2012 — falconmediaA boy named Scott from England loves to play baseball with his friends. He wears special shoes that are made by his father for him to pray. My favorite part was where it described Scott’s job. It was very a very sad story about what he does. [cheese 12345]
Daughter of Xanadu
February 1, 2012 — falconmediaThink Mulan. Emmajin, granddaughter of the great Genghis Khan, can out-fight her brothers. More than anything she wants to join the army, but it’s forbidden for women. The Khan gives her a more important assignment – to gather information from Marco Polo, a merchant from Italy, so the Mongols can learn what they need to know to conquer Europe. But Marco Polo is a handsome sweet talker, and things get steamy! Can Emmajin betray the man she’s falling in love with? Can she betray her Khan?
I read this book because the Mongols were a fierce war machine, and I wanted lots of action. Yes, there’s blood and body parts … but I didn’t expect Emmajin to spend so much time wondering how it would feel to stroke her fingers across Marco’s hairy chest. Bleuch, too much for me, you might like it if you’re into that sort of thing. At least the war scene near the end in was intense. Emmajin is vicious! [Free Pizza]
Crossing to Paradise
February 1, 2012 — falconmediaEveryone has left Gatty. Even Arthur has left to the Crusades. Then she is sent with Lady Gwyneth to a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. On the way she deals with angry fakers, thieves, and – yes – boys. Then finally she gets back in 1 or 2 pieces. I enjoyed this book! Though I liked the Arthur series better, I still needed to know what happened to her and Arthur. [Cheese!]
Eyewitness Knight
January 9, 2012 — falconmediaThis book is about feudal societies and what it would be like to live in a time when castles dotted the landscape. It describes knights, lords, kings and more! It was very informative about the Middle Ages, easy to understand and an easy read for all ages. [No12345]
New Survival – 2012 January
January 3, 2012 — falconmedia
What’s it about? Is it in? Click the cover!
New Historical – 2012 January
January 3, 2012 — falconmediaWhat’s it about? Is it in? Click the cover!
New Adventure – 2012 January
January 2, 2012 — falconmedia
What’s it about? Is it in? Click the book cover!
Last of the Mohicans
December 22, 2011 — falconmedia
This story takes place in North America during the French and Indian War and follows the journey of a scout named Hawkeye and the daughters of General Munro, Cora and Alice. Hawkeye is traveling with a party of two Native Americans, Chingachgook and his son Uncas. They are the last surviving members of the Mohican tribe. Their lives are put in even more danger when Cora and Alice are kidnapped by the deceiving Huron, Magua. It’s now up to Hawkeye and his allies to save the two before it’s too late.
Awesome! Although this book was written over a hundred years ago, it is definitely a book that I couldn’t put down. A few words and phrases made it a bit difficult to understand, but the reader will get used to it. The plot was in such an unusual setting too; it just really interested me. The pictures in the book were so colorful and vivid. It gives the reader a clear picture of the setting. For those who love great adventures and heroes, this book is for you! [Wild Pancake]
Pyramids and Mummies
December 16, 2011 — falconmedia
The Egyptians believed they lived in the best land in the world. They believed the spirit could live forever if the body was mummified. My favorite section was about making a mummy. I also liked how they dressed the dead. The book was interesting because it had a lot of pictures. Someone who likes history would also like this book. Also, one of the most interesting parts of the book was about the animal mummies. [Mexican lover]
A Farm Through Time
December 16, 2011 — falconmediaThis is an informative book about a farm through the years. It shows pictures of the farm from the Middle Ages to the present day. It talks about the roles of different farm workers played, the clothes they wore, and how the surrounding countryside changed. Each page is illustrated with a different part of the farm.
This book was okay. It would have been better if each illustration was of the same part of the farm, instead of different parts. That way I could have seen the little differences over the years. Also, I didn’t like how it dragged out the Middle Ages, but skipped straight from 1900 to 2000 – I’m sure a lot of changes happened then. Overall this would be a good book for someone interested in history. [rkd]
World War II
December 15, 2011 — falconmediaIn this book one can learn everything about World War II. It tells about the Manhattan Project (a.k.a. the making of the atomic bomb) to the German Panzers. I thought it was a good review of World War II. It talked all about the basics of the war in detail. It also had really cool pictures of weapons and other things used in the war. You should definitely check out this book if you want to know more about WWII. [Changes are great]
New Nonfiction – 2011 December
December 2, 2011 — falconmedia
What’s it about? Is it in? Click the book cover!
New Historical Fiction – 2011 December
December 1, 2011 — falconmediaWhat’s it about? Is it in? Click the book cover!
Blood on the River
November 29, 2011 — falconmediaA young orphan named Samuel is taken to be John Smith’s apprentice. He’s taken to Jamestown, learns about the harsh life and faces brutal Indians! I liked the book because it was very interesting. My favorite part was when Samuel was taught by Captain Smith to use armor and a sword. I would recommend it to everyone. [I Lov Queen]
The Well of Sacrifice
April 27, 2011 — falconmediaDuring the ninth century, a girl named Eveningstar Mccaw must save her city from the evil influence of the HIgh Priest, Great Skull Zero. The High Priest has gone against the will of the gods, sacrificing his people and Eveningstar’s kind brother, Smoke Shell. It is up to Eveningstar to save her city from Great Skull Zero’s evil wrath.
This book was AMAZING! It took me forever to put it down. How could I with all of the dramatic twists, turns, and even pictures?! I’d suggest this book to anyone who wants a new kind of adventure in a somewhat unusual setting. The ending surprised me a little. The sneaky twists put in here and there really made it a good book. [Great Pancake Zero]
Anne Frank and the Children of the Holocaust
April 11, 2011 — falconmediaThis is an awesome book about Anne Frank. If you haven’t heard of her, she is a girl about our age (middle school). She lives a pretty normal life, almost similar to ours, with middle school drama, relationship troubles – all 0f that. But then World War II starts to affect her family. Anne and her family, along with another family and a single man, go into hiding in a secret apartment-like wing of Anne’s dads work. She suffers from boredom, sometimes hunger, quarreling with people who live there, in particular, her mom. Then she starts to have a crush on the other family’s son, Peter. They are getting supplies from three people who are Christian and shop for them.
I like this story, but even at happy points, I know they get killed which pretty much sets a grim mood for the whole book. It’s interesting to see World War II from an actual persons point of view, let alone someone my age. It’s much more appealing than just a book full of facts. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially a middle school kid. It really makes you stop and think, “Wow, I’m really blessed in my life.” [bananapeel_42]
Chains
February 7, 2011 — falconmediaA girl named Abigail and her little sister move to Boston during slavery. They are treated terribly. When they take away her sister, Abigail tries to run away.
I absolutely loved this book, mostly because it had a lot of history about patriots and slavery. It was interesting to learn how a person was treated well or badly depending their wealth. I loved the cliffhanger at the end. It was so unexpected. I can’t wait to read the second book! [cookiemonster29]
Out of the Dust
November 23, 2010 — falconmediaThis book is about a girl named Billie Jo who lived back in 1934 when the Dust Bowl was occurring. Billie Jo’s mom and brother die. She has to learn how to adjust to living with just her dad. Things can get very quiet between those two.
This was a good book because it had a lot of detail. Also, the book was full of poems. However, I didn’t like that it was so sad. Overall this was a great book! [choochoo567]
The Glory Field
March 4, 2010 — falconmediaThe Glory Field is about the Lewis family, from when they were first kidnapped and forced to work as slaves, to the modern day version of a member in the Lewis family. This historical fiction book shows anyone the struggles the family went through and the history of them all at the Glory Field. [berryice2345]
Elephant Run
February 3, 2010 — falconmedia
This was seriously one of the BEST books I have ever read. It’s about this boy named Nick who is sent to his dad’s plantation after the Japanese blow up their apartment building. His dad owns a Timber Plantation where the elephants do the work. When Nick arrives his dad has a lot of work to do. Nick is not thrilled about that, so he looks around the place. He then gets beaten up by his old playmate Hannibul (an elephant). He went to the plantation to be protected, but the Japanese soon take over and keep almost everyone Nick knows hostage. Will Nick be able to find his dad? [Frogcactus704]
Click
December 10, 2009 — falconmedia
One novel, ten authors. All different stories told by different people. It was quite confusing to read because it was hard to keep up with everyone. The story revolves around one person, Gee, which is short for George Keane. Gee is Maggie’s and Jason’s grandpa (if you read the book, you can find out about them). Overall it was good! [ladybug28]
Hear the Wind Blow
December 7, 2009 — falconmedia
Haswell and his sister Rachel have had a wonderful life so far. But one person changed it all, for all of them. That one person was a deserter, and no one is supposed to let him in to their homes, but Haswell decides he needs to be taken care of. That’s what turns all of their lives down the wrong road: the Yankees come to their house looking for the deserted man, James Marshall. Many bad things happen ever since the Yankees came to their door. [swimchick228866]
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
December 1, 2009 — falconmedia
Hugo Cabret’s father died in a fire. His uncle ran away and died, so now he is taking care of clocks in a train station. He finds a machine and tries to fix it. As the story goes on, Hugo has to put pieces of the past together to figure out the future. This book has pictures and is an easy read. Also you have to figure out what the pictures mean and how they fit with the text. This is one of the most engaging books I have read. [shopcutie517]
The Wednesday Wars
September 16, 2009 — falconmedia
The year is 1947. Holling Hoodhood just entered his first year of 7th grade, and he’s sure his teacher hates him. Because Holling is Presbyterian, he is left with his teacher on Wednesdays while everyone else goes to church. His parents won’t help him because they’re afraid it will hurt the family job. But then Ms. Baker brings out Shakespeare, and he likes it. Holling isn’t sure whether his relationship with Ms. Baker will get better, or even worse. [Lionblaze]
Hattie Big Sky
May 4, 2009 — falconmedia
Hattie, a sixteen year-old orphan, lives with her Uncle Holt and his nasty wife Aunt Ivy in Arlington, Iowa. It is 1919, and her secret crush Charlie has left to join the army. As Aunt Ivy plots on how to get rid of Hattie, the girl prepares herself to be on the move again: to be Hattie Here-and-There, a leaf blown about in the breeze, undeserving of a home of her own.
Then a letter comes from her Uncle Chester, her mother’s only brother. He is dead and gone now, but he has left his claim in Vida, Massachusetts, and wants her to prove up on the claim. Hattie sets out right away, ready, after so many years of being told she was worthless, to have a place to call home.
But life in Vida is not easy. The air in winter cuts like a knife. The mud of spring means walking one step forward is walking two steps backward. And the heat of summer bears down on them like the fires of Hades. What’s more, a handsome man named Traft Martin keeps trying to badger her into selling her claim, and she has had little luck with planting. But when the Spanish Influenza claims the life of someone close to her, and her money situation goes from bad to worse, Hattie realizes that she can be a part of someone. Be someone more than Hattie Here-and-There. [Jordan]
New Book Haiku
April 20, 2009 — falconmedia
uniforms, jackboots
patriotism questioned
my world upside down
The Boy Who Dared:
A Novel Based on the True Story of a Hitler Youth
by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Red Moon at Sharpsburg
March 9, 2009 — falconmedia
This book is a story of a girl who lived during the Civil War. She lived in a small village in Virginia, and had a neighbor with an orchard (which became helpful later on). When the war starts her family is scared. Her school teacher died in battle so she was sent to be tutored by their neighbor. She becomes curious with her tutor’s scientific work and is then taught about it. She learns about a cure for a disease that spreads through water. Her dad and tutor are in the war, and her dad gets sick. Can she get there in time to save her dad with the right medicine? If you want to find out how she lived her life after she left her mom to find her dad, read Red Moon at Sharpsburg to find out.
- Catherine
Witch Dreams
March 5, 2009 — falconmedia
Back in the medieval times people would kill witches. Well, that is a problem for sixteen-year-old Nyssa. Nyssa is a witch. She sees people’s dreams while they’re sleeping by putting a lock of hair, their tooth, or any other object that they have touched under her pillow. Six years ago somebody broke into her parents’ woodshop and killed her parents. She saw one man run out after her mom’s scream. Who killed her parents? Is the man responsible? Will the people of Lindenwolde figure out Nyssa is a witch and kill her? Read this medieval times book and find out!
- Sue
Parade of Shadows
February 12, 2009 — falconmedia
Miss Julia Hamilton, of Durham Place, England, is going on an adventure in the Ottoman Empire. Taking place in 1907, this book has adventure and love. While taking a trip with her father, he falls ill. He soon recovers from being poisoned. Julia soon finds out that someone is causing trouble, but who? This book is historical fiction and multicultural.
- Monica
Weedflower
January 15, 2009 — falconmedia
This book is full of adventure and excitement. It takes place in the year of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This young girl named Sumiko lives in America with her brother, aunt, uncle, cousins, and grandad. Her father and mother died in a car crash, and she still has the scars for it. She now lives on a farm, and all she does is tend flower and help her family with everyday needs. Then Japan bombs Pearl Harbor and her family is forced out of their house and into a camp in Arizona. Now they have to face the challenges in the camp.
- Monica
Song of the Sparrow
December 9, 2008 — falconmedia
This book is about a girl named Elaine. Her mother died so she’s with her two brothers and her father. She finds, in the midst of dust and dirt, she’s in love with Lancelot. Lancelot has been her closest friend since she came to the camp when she was about 6 years old. Now, at 16 years old, Elaine tries to get Lancelot to notice her deep love for him. When Lancelot leaves on a quest for King Arthur, Elaine tries to busy herself and not think about him. When he returns with an unexpected guest, a beautiful girl by the name of Guinevere, Elaine finds that the guest has no appreciation for her. When Elaine starts on a quest to follow King Arthur, she finds herself in deep trouble.
- Lily
Doomed Queen Anne
November 25, 2008 — falconmedia
Anyone who has studied Queen Elizabeth the first knows about her “witch” mother, Anne Boleyn. This book tells the story of her rise to power, her love for the king, honesty, lies, and her rapid downfall. Despite the nasty things she does, Caroline Meyer presents her version of what happened in such a way that everyone loves the poor, doomed, Queen Anne.
- Anna
Fever, 1793
November 11, 2008 — falconmedia
This is a very well-constructed story of a young girl living in Philadelphia in 1793 when a stunning epidemic strikes. This book may only sometimes lose the reader.
- Kaitlyn
The Diamond of Drury Lane
February 11, 2000 — falconmedia
bare-knuckle boxers
foes, treasure, rioters
treason, ignorance
