In his old town, Renny was one of the stars of the soccer field. In this new town, where no one knows about his skills, he's on the bench. When an important player is injured, Renny finally has a shot at proving himself. His impressive skills catch the attention and temper of Bryce McCormack, center striker of a rival team. When Bryce is friendly, Renny is thrilled...but can he trust Bryce? Could the two best players on rival teams ever become friends?

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 5/13/2011

ISBN-10: 0316134740

ISBN-13: 9780316134743

Check the library catalog

Mr. Magro has put a file on his class' door, asking for SOS stories (times you were in trouble or danger and needed help getting out) for extra credit. Jerry writes about the time he ate 40 chocolate bars that were supposed to be sold for his baseball team and needed to come up with the money for the bars quickly. Liz writes about the time she was caught on an out-of-control go-cart heading straight for a busy street. Gipper writes about the time his favorite hat, a part of him, is accidentally sold at a church sale. More and more stories are told in this exciting collection of student stories. Find out who wrote the last story told by Mr. Magro that didn't receive extra credit!

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 6/29/2009

ISBN-10: 0805068880

ISBN-13: 9780805068887

Check the library catalog

From her very first day there, Stargirl makes quite an impression on Mica High School. As her name suggests, Stargirl is a unique individual, with her own sense of style. She plays her ukulele in the cafeteria, practices random acts of kindness, and even has a pet rat that she carries with her. Her initial popularity quickly fades and the students turn on her. The book really makes you think about popularity versus individuality.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/27/2009

ISBN-10: 0440416779

ISBN-13: 9780440416777

Check the library catalog

Stink Moody is Judy Moody's younger brother. He is afraid he will never grow! In fact, it's possible that he is shrinking. Judy measured him twice in one day, and the second time he was a full 1/4 inch shorter! Stink imagines that the gravity monster got him. He loves to draw comics about his life as the incredible shrinking kid. Everything that happens to Stink ends up in one of his comics. He becomes Newt Boy after he takes the class pet newt home. His favorite President is James Madison, not only because they share a first name (Stink's real name), but because Madison was the shortest President and he wrote the Bill of Rights. Stink is as much fun as his older sister.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 6/15/2009

ISBN-10: 0763620254

ISBN-13: 9780763620257

Check the library catalog

Tommy is a typical 6th grader, trying to understand girls and life. His friend Dwight seems to be oblivious to the struggle. One day, while Tommy is debating how he should respond to another dilemma, Dwight's finger appears with an origami Yoda finger puppet, which seems to be spouting wise advice. Dwight is a master at origami and the puppet looks almost real. The same cannot be said for Dwight's Yoda voice, but his advice sounds odd enough to work, and it does! Soon, sixth, seventh and even eighth graders are lining up to ask Yoda questions. Knowing how clueless Dwight is, Tommy wonders, 'Can Origami Yoda be magic?' Tommy begins a project to investigate whether Origami Yoda is magic. Each of Tommy's schoolmates tells their own story of how Origami Yoda changed their life.

Similar authors: Louis Sachar

Awards nominated: 2013 Rebecca Caudill Nominee

Reviewed by: vfv

Date read: 4/4/2012

ISBN-10: 0810984253

ISBN-13: 9780810984257

Check the library catalog