Kennan
BOOK NAME: Code Orange
AUTHOR: Caroline B. Cooney
A historic killer will possibly ravage New York City. This weapon of mass destruction is so small that it is undetected by the naked eye. It takes a microscope to see it. Who or what could wreak havoc on the city and the people who live there? It’s a virus known as Variola major, or smallpox. Throughout history smallpox killed thousands of people until its eradication a century ago. That is, it was believed to be eradicated.
For his biology course, Mitty has to do a report on an infectious disease. Mitty, a known slacker, would rather talk and goof off. As the due date for the report nears, Mitty knows he must begin his report. In a hunt for his topic, Mitty discovers several old books about smallpox. Not only that, he discovers actual smallpox scabs in an envelope lodged in one of the books. Since Mitty has not researched the virus and is unaware of the infectious risk, he unknowingly handles the scabs. Unwittingly, Mitty Blake might become the first smallpox case in over 100 years. Soon after handling the scabs, he begins to show peculiar signs and symptoms. To make matters worse, Mitty lives in one of the most heavily populated cities in the United States, New York City. New York City has been the target for terrorists, including bioterrorists, who could use Mitty’s find to cause a human catastrophe in this great city. Smallpox, one of the most deadly diseases of all time, could possibly infect everyone. What will be the fate of Mitty and New York City?
This book was actually quite tense. The most intriguing thing about this story is that a smallpox outbreak could quite possibly happen if the virus managed to stay alive over time. If a scientist could store and contain infected tissue in which a virus managed to survive, who knows what would be the consequences. The descriptions of the oozing pox or pustules and other symptoms of smallpox made my skin crawl. I actually pictured the horrible disease in my mind, almost like I was seeing it with my own eyes. I enjoyed the constant suspense. Almost every chapter ended with a time line of how long it had been since Mitty had touched the scabs and made me uncertain what would happen next. If you like fiction that seems realistic, and have a strong stomach, this is the book for you!
BOOK NAME: The Web of Fire
AUTHOR: Steve Voake
A few years ago, an unsung hero named Sam Palmer, the Dreamwalker’s Child, saved the Earth from a group of aliens intent on destroying mankind. He ventured into the remarkable world of Aurobon, where humanoid aliens piloted giant insects. Now Sam and his best friend Skipper have returned to Aurobon. Old enemies have risen once again, and the same group of aliens is still trying to destroy mankind, this time with mind-controlling parasites. They are definitely more powerful and have taken over Aurobon, attempting to crush all resistance. Only a few rebels remain, but they are terribly outnumbered. Sam and Skipper are once again thrown into a seemingly impossible mission to save mankind and maintain balance on Earth and Aurobon. The fate of both worlds rest on a few determined rebels, some double agents, and a brand new bug. All the while, a new conflict rages in Sam’s mind. His essence is once again in Aurobon, but something is different this time…
If you already have read the book The Dreamwalker’s Child that I blogged on earlier and found it thrilling, you will enjoy this sequel even more! Much like The Dreamwalker’s Child, this book was well written and included phenomenal detail. Being inspired by art, one thing that caught my eye were the amazing illustrations. In this book, the pictures of bugs are extremely realistic looking, down to the last hair on the leg of a flea or the wing vein of a hornet. I was fascinated with the descriptions of the weapons and insects. I also liked the touch of humor in this book. In the dialog, sarcasm was often used by Skipper and Sam, and two other soldiers, Mump and Zip. This book also included a great deal of interesting science. The idea of parasitic mind control was especially interesting. The author described the parasite replacing the host’s brain, commands and actions, with its own. In this way, the parasite was able to control the host’s body. If you controlled the parasite, you controlled the host too. Just think of the uses for this, especially in the military and spy fields. I hope there are more books in the series. If so, I can’t wait to read them!
BOOK NAME: The Dreamwalker’s Child
AUTHOR: Steve Voake
If you think tiny mosquitoes, and horseflies are annoying, imagine what it would be like if you met a mosquito or horsefly the size of a fighter jet!
Sam leads a normal life, but lately it has seemed a bit boring. Strangely, insects have started following him around. However, these insects aren’t just flying around him, they’re monitoring him! They are actually insects piloted by human-like creatures from another world, who have come to Earth using trans-dimensional portals. Sam is unaware that he has a significant role to play in their world. Then a mysterious incident occurs. A bicycle accident leaves Sam in a coma. His essence enters a strange, alien world called Aurobon, where small insects on Earth, are the size of planes. Immediately, he runs into trouble. He is captured by a group of people who plan on developing a disease to destroy human kind. They know that he could foil their plans, which is why they imprisoned him. That’s when he meets Skipper, a daredevil girl who pilots wasps. She says she will help him escape the prison. What Sam does not know is that Skipper and her allies know his true identity. He is the Dreamwalker’s Child. According to a prophecy, the Dreamwalker’s Child will rise up against the dark forces in Earth’s most dangerous hour. How can Sam possibly stand up to the enemies who are trying so fiercely to kill him?
I’ll never look at insects the same way again. The author takes normal insect behaviors and transforms them into intricate military maneuvers. For example, a swarm of wasps swooping down across the landscape means that they are actually searching for enemy aircraft. A group of ants dragging away a dead wasp is actually a rescue group retrieving a fallen aircraft. This author wrote the story in vivid detail, and I could picture every event. The illustrations were also unique. They showed the inner workings of the insect aircraft and land forces. For example, the book provides a picture of the cockpit of a wasp right down to the smallest dial. It helped me understand the intricate inner workings of the aircraft. The idea of human-piloted biological creatures is a very unique concept.
BOOK NAME: The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles
AUTHOR: Padraic Colum
Let’s take a journey back in time and encounter Greek gods, heroes, mysterious creatures, and more! Greek mythology is truly interesting and intriguing. When you read The Golden Fleece, the characters and images described are vivid and remarkable.
This is the tale of the hero, Jason, and his quest for the legendary Golden Fleece in Colchis. The legendary, solid gold wool is a fabulous treasure. It takes a powerful warrior to earn and obtain it. Along with his comrades Heracles, Atlanta, Orpheus, and many other warriors, Jason sets out on a long, treacherous voyage aboard a ship known as the Argo. They face many battles, testing both their physical and mental limitations. However, one major obstacle awaits them in their quest to obtain the Golden Fleece. To reach the Golden Fleece, they must first triumph over the magic spells that guard it. Can the heroes ever reach the Golden Fleece and return safely home with their treasure? Along the perilous trek, stories are told of the courageous encounters and battles of Heracles and the Hydra, Theseus and the Minotaur, and Perseus and Medusa.
This book was filled with amazing characters! I particularly was fascinated by Jason’s physical and mental strength. I seldom read books about Greek mythology, but this book captured my interest immediately and makes me want to read more about Greek mythology. I learned a lot about ancient Greek civilization and learned of the gods known as the Olympians and the Titans. The book was well written with elaborate detail. The illustrations were described with such clarity, that I could picture every character and every scene. For example, the author describes the Minotaur as a huge, muscular beast. This creature is half man, half bull, with fangs, a slobbering mouth, thick lips, calloused skin, dragon claws, icy breath, and no blood in its veins. I could definitely picture the true essence of the legendary Minotaur. I enjoy drawing, so I often try to sketch pictures of the creatures based on the author’s brilliant descriptions. Overall, The Golden Fleece was truly a magnificent read!
BOOK NAME: Schoolboy Johnson
AUTHOR: John R. Tunis
“Strike three, batter out!” The Dodgers are second in their league and striving for the pennant. They have many wise veteran players. In the middle of the season, a new rookie nicknamed Schoolboy Johnson joins the team. He has a sizzling fast ball and, unlike most pitchers, loves to bat. This new rookie has a terrible temper. Veteran players such as Speedy Mason and Roy Tucker know that the Schoolboy will never reach his true pitching potential unless he controls his temper, and they try their best to help him control his anger. It seems like a hopeless cause. Schoolboy Johnson throws fits over a missed catch or a tough batter. He is also undisciplined and demonstrates a lack of focus in pitching. Can Schoolboy Johnson ever control his temper, win the pennant, and a girl’s heart?
This book was very interesting, even though I’m not a big baseball fan. I still thoroughly enjoyed it, and there were many valuable life lessons in this book. Managing your emotions, respecting your elders, and being a team player were all lessons that Schoolboy Johnson had to learn. I liked how this book told the story from several characters’ points of view. It really gave me insight into what each person was thinking. For example, Schoolboy Johnson talks about the veteran players and that he thinks they are “too old for their own good”. Roy Tucker, a veteran player, states that he thinks Schoolboy Johnson is too hot headed. The descriptions of the baseball games were so detailed that I felt I was actually on the field with the players. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a sports novel with a good moral lesson.
BOOK NAME: The Invisible Man
AUTHOR: H. G. Wells
Invisible, twisted, and evil, that’s the Invisible Man! Once a physicist named Griffin, he is now an invisible terror! The problems started when Griffin turned himself invisible during one of his physics experiments, and it was no accident! Once he was invisible, he burned down a house, ransacked, and robbed from several homes and stores. However, major issues did not begin until he arrived in a village known as Iping. During his stay in Iping, he revealed himself to the citizens as an invisible man and mass hysteria began. The Invisible Man physically beat people in Iping and in surrounding villages and towns. He also broke into houses and banks and stole money. That’s not all! The Invisible man hopes to establish a reign of terror! Can he possibly be stopped?
This book was one of the most spine chilling novels I’ve ever read. This book is different from other horror novels because it is believable. Griffin’s explanation of the anatomy of human beings and their potential for transparency seemed possible! It made the idea of an invisible criminal seem achievable! This book was packed with suspense, and I just had to find out what happened on the next page. For example, the Invisible Man mailed a letter to a man named Dr. Kemp that stated that Kemp was to be the first victim of the reign of terror…It really makes you want to find out what happens next, doesn’t it? I also liked the way that the book ended because it left you with questions, but I won’t spoil it for you. Read the book yourself!
BOOK NAME: Incident at Hawk’s Hill
AUTHOR: Allan W. Eckert
Imagine if you were stranded in the prairie and your only hope of survival was a badger! That’s what 6-year old Benjamin MacDonald has to live through! After wandering aimlessly away from his home, he becomes hopelessly lost. He finds the den of a badger, and falls asleep. This begins an unlikely friendship between Ben and the badger. The badger brings Ben food, and lets him sleep in her den. Even with the badger’s help, is it possible for a small boy like Ben to survive on the unforgiving prairie, when the only skill he has is the ability to mimic animals?
Incident at Hawk’s Hill is actually based off of a true story that happened in 1870. The story was so amazing that I actually thought that it was a fictional book! For example, I found it hard to believe that a small boy and a badger could fight a huge ferocious dog and survive! That was also my favorite part of the book. I find it interesting that Ben could mimic animals, like badgers, mice, and birds, so well. I like observing animals too. Only once or twice has one ever responded to my mimicking calls. If I’m astounded by the story today, I can only imagine how people must have felt in 1870!
BOOK NAME: H.I.V.E. Higher Institute of Villainous Education
AUTHOR: Mark Walden
School can definitely be scary, but imagine if your school specialized in training young super villains! That is exactly what H.I.V.E. does! The Higher Institute of Villainous Education (aka H.I.V.E.) trains the criminal masterminds of tomorrow. Just a few of the courses available at H.I.V.E. are Villainy Studies, Stealth and Evasion, and Tactical Education. Otto Malpense, however, isn’t interested in staying at H.I.V.E. for six years of training. Kidnapped and transported to H.I.V.E., Otto simply wants to get out. Easier said than done! No one has ever escaped from H.I.V.E. before. An immense techno-security system, squadron after squadron of armed guards, and a labyrinthine system of passageways are all standing in the way of Otto’s escape. Can he and his friends Wing, Laura, and Shelby beat the odds and escape from H.I.V.E.?
This book was an awesome read! It was one of the best science-fiction books I’ve ever read! One thing I like about this book is that it is mysterious and leaves you with some questions. For example, a dangerous super villain has some sinister intentions for Otto, but the book leaves those intentions a mystery, and it makes you want to read the next book in the series. The book is fast paced, and each page has a new situation. On one page it might be bullies, on another it might be a man-eating plant. Students can somewhat relate to this book because H.I.V.E. has all of the elements of a regular school; classes, homework, grades, tests, and even bullies, but the major difference is that the education provided at H.I.V. E. is strictly for evil purposes only.
