The Book of One Hundred Truths

The Book of One Hundred Truths by Julie Schumacher

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Thea is a liar, and so, when she is sent to her grandparents for the summer, her mom gives her a notebook and asks her to write one truth a day. Well, it turns out that Thea wasn't always a liar, but something happened between her and her best friend, and now she is finding it difficult to deal with people.

I picked this book because the setting is the Jersey shore, and it reminded me of my childhood, spending vacations in Seaside Park.

This book has very real characters, and I liked Thea. A good choice for 6th and 7th grade girls.



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Jim Thorpe Original All-American

Jim Thorpe, Original All-American by Joseph Bruchac

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a great book! If you're in to football, Native Americans, history, or just a terrific read about a remarkable real person, this is the book for you. I learned a lot about the early beginnings of football, and all about Pop Warner. I learned about the incredible life of a remarkable all-American, who was not even considered an American citizen, and whose people were not allowed to vote!

The author, Joseph Bruchac is a Native American himself, and he thoroughly researched the life of this young man who even had his Olympic medals taken away. I'm so glad I decided to read this.



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Habibi

Habibi by Naomi Shihab Nye

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is an interesting story for those young people,(especially girls) who may be interested in Jewish-Arab relationships, or for those simply interested in what life is like today in Israel. The main character, Liyana, has the difficult task of learning a new language and making a new life for herself as she starts school in Israel. She is of Arab heritage, and of course, falls for a Jewish boy.

The author, Naomi Shihab Nye, uses some beautifully written prose to let us see Liyana's world of different cultures and values, set against the backdrop of Jerusalem.



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