Great Stone Face Book Reviews

This summer Mrs. Brown, Mrs. MacBride, Mrs. Monsell, Mrs. Rushia, Mrs. Cantone, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Woods, Mrs. Ritter and Mrs. Smeltzer will be reading and reviewing Great Stone Face books here.  This year, you can join us in our mission to review these books!  Just send your GSF book review to Mrs. Smeltzer's email (csmeltzer@sau16.org) and she will add it here.  
1 star = Not worth reading
2 stars = OK
3 stars = Good
4 stars = Very good
5 stars = Awesome


4 stars - Mrs. Smeltzer
There are 3 things I loved about this book:
1. The characters act like real middle school kids (and teachers).
2. The Art Club and Science Club kids are rebels.
3. The author/illustrator details her creative process at the end of the book.
If you love graphic novels, this is a must read!

4 stars - Mrs. Ritter
Charlie Cobb’s world falls apart when a massive solar flare knocks out the power and every spark of electricity in the world vanishes – no generators, flashlights, phones, or cars. The folks in his small town look after each other and share resources, but soon one dangerous family threatens to take over and people start choosing sides. When Charlie’s mother becomes seriously ill, he leaves town on a risky mission to find the medicine that will save her life. This is a terrific story that makes you think about kindness, tolerance, courage, and responsibility.


4 stars - Mrs. Smeltzer
Christopher is a dedicated, as well as mischievous, apothecary's apprentice. Highly trusted by his master, Christopher becomes the owner of a secret that the Cult of the Archangels is after. After the murder of Master Blackthorn, the chase is on to decode and protect the secret and bring the Cult to justice. This is the first book in this action packed series, and I have a feeling that the library will need to have copies of the second book ready!


4 and a half stars - Mrs. Woods
Molly arrives at Castle Hangnail with a few secrets but she is determined to get the job of wicked witch, master of the castle. The minions who serve the castle desperately want a new master so the castle will stay open, but Molly is only 12 years old and does not look very wicked, well except for her boots (she has some serious black boots).   Molly has been given a list of wicked tasks to be completed before the castle is officially hers.  Majordomo, one of the minions, is constantly watching her every move because he does not believe her.  Will Molly be able to perform the wicked tasks required, will she keep her secrets, will the minions accept her?  Read the fantasy fiction book,Castle Hangnail to find out!

4 stars - Mrs. Wilson
If you like to read spy novels then this book is for you! 
The Double Cross is about a 12 year old boy named Hale who is going to spy school.  He is made fun of by his classmates for not being thin enough or fast enough and his teacher doesn't think he has what it takes to become a junior agent.  When his spy parents disappear Hale tries to rescue them. With the help of his little sister and friends he  uncovers a secret about his spy organization and becomes a double agent.   Who can Hale trust?  He proves he has what it takes to be a junior spy but  will Hale rescue his parents?  Read this fast paced book to find out.

3 and a half stars - Mrs. Smeltzer
Whenever I read a book about animals in a barn, I can't help but compare it to Charlotte's Web.  Burdock, the one-eyed barn cat, discovers that something is going to happen to the barn, and the farm animals may not survive.  Figgy the pig and Nanny the goat are this story's version of Wilbur and Charlotte.  A story of friendship, courage, determination, and loyalty.


2 and a half stars - Mrs. Rushia
Can you imagine living on Earth, at a time when humans must live above the clouds, on the highest mountains, because a deadly white mist which can kill humans lies just above the surface? This is the setting for The Fog DiverThe Fog Diver is the story of four orphans, one of whom has the special ability to spend time in the fog, Chess. The evil Lord Koboc is on the hunt for Chess, to use him as a slave to gain power, as Chess and his friends race to save Mrs. E, the woman who took in and saved all four kids. Read this first story in a new series to discover Chess's fate. 


3 and a half stars - Mrs. Brown
Lost in the Sun, is really a book about true friendship and second chances.  I think it is important because we all could use more of both!  Lisa Graff's characters, Trent and Fallon, are both dealing with difficulties from their past.   Each needs a good friend and they find it in one another.  Throughout the book their friendship develops and Trent learns some very important lessons.  This is a great book for the beach or the lake.  Pick it up!  Give it a read! 

5 stars - Mrs. Brown
An amazing historical fiction novel about a family separated from one another when the Berlin Wall is erected suddenly overnight in Germany.  Gerta, the main character, is a twelve-year-old girl who is trapped in her own city, following WWII, and longs for the freedom of the West.  With her father and brother on the other side of the wall, Gerta must find a way to reunite her family.  However, time is not on her side and the Stasi's are watching.  This book is written by Jennifer Nielsen, who also wrote a favorite of mine, The False Prince.  A great book that you won't want to put down!










3 Stars - Mrs. Monsell

Follow the journey of Pax and Peter as they attempt to find their way back to each other after being separated by a split second decision. The narrative voices switched back and forth from Peter to Pax, which I found somewhat distracting. I am not a fan of animal books and this did nothing to change my mind.









4 stars - Mrs. Smeltzer
Argggh! This is the perfect book for "Talk like a Pirate Day" on September 19th. Lonely Lewis gets a cool new bedroom in the tower of his departed grandfather's mansion, but it comes with a dangerous secret - seven dead pirates have taken up residence there! Although they can be dangerous, they are mostly hilarious, and are relying on Lewis to get them back to where they belong. If you enjoy pirate movies, you have to read this book!


4 and a half stars - Mrs. Rushia
Jeremiah has two loves in life- baseball and eagles. He is a 12 year old boy who has much in life he could complain about- he was abandoned as a baby and had a heart transplant after a virus damaged his heart- but you won't hear complaints from him. Jeremiah looks on the bright side of life. When he and his dad temporarily move to Hillcrest, Ohio, he is thrilled to discover Hillcrest is a town known for its love of baseball. A tragedy threatens the future of school baseball teams, and Jeremiah works to keep the middle school team going, despite the fact he cannot play. Will he be able to return the love to the town who has turned its back on baseball?


5 stars - Mrs. Monsell

Some Kind of Courage is a historical fiction book about love, loss, friendship and grit.  Joseph, a reluctant hero who has lost everything, sets out to reclaim his horse. Ride along with Joseph on his exciting and suspenseful journey to reclaim his beloved horse Sarah.  I read this book one evening, I could not put it down!


4 stars - Mrs. Ritter
Teddy will do anything to make it into The Guinness Book of World Records, including cracking eggs on his head and cleaning up pigeon poop. Along the way he’s repeatedly thwarted by his annoying younger brother (The Destructor) and supported by his loyal best friends. This funny book is the first in a new series, and I’m looking forward to reading more!

4 stars - Mrs. Woods
In this story, set in 1911 Denmark, you meet Inge Maria Jensen.  She is a high spirited, fun loving girl who has just suffered a great loss.  Inge is sent to live on a tiny island with her grandmother.  The island people are the opposite of Inge Maria and she has a tough time fitting in no matter how hard she tries.  Will the islanders crush her spirit or will Inge Maria find her place in the world?









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