The Martian By Andy Weir Reviewed by Aaron Sheoran

During a mission to Mars, NASA astronaut Mark Watney finds himself stranded on Mars after a fierce storm. With only a limited supply of resources and no means of communication with NASA, he must somehow make it off this barren planet. Meanwhile, NASA discovers he’s alive through satellite images. NASA and Watney’s crewmates work tirelessly to bring him home. 
I think the pillar that the protagonist developed the most throughout the book was courage. Even though he was totally and utterly stranded with no chance of getting off, he still persevered the whole time. Courage was also displayed by NASA and Watney’s crewmates. They never stopped trying to bring him home.
 I would rate this book ⅘ stars. Most of the book was exciting and interesting, but sometimes the story could be a bit hard to follow. A book I have read that is similar to this is The Maze Runner by James Dashner. 

To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han Reviewed by Nicola Bevington

 I chose this book because I needed a book to read for summer reading and this is also a movie that I want to watch, but I thought I should read the book first.

Plot

1. In the beginning of the story, Lara Jean talks about how her mom died when she was little. Margot breaks up with Josh and leaves for college, so Lara Jean has to take care of her little sister Katherine aka kitty. Lara Jean’s dad is doing spring cleaning and donated her hat box! little did he know, Lara jean writes love letters to every boy she's ever loved, and they were all in that hat box!

2. In the middle of the story, Lara Jean has to deal with the hat box situation when she realizes they were sent out to the people she wrote them for! Josh got a letter and so did Peter kavinsky. Lara Jean is embarrassed because Josh now knows that he liked him so she lies and says that she dating Peter. Peter recently broke up with a girl he had been dating since middle school and wanted to make her jealous, so Lara Jean and Peter started fake dating. Things happened and Josh kissed Lara Jean!

3. In the end, Margot comes back from college and finds out that Josh kissed Lara Jean, and gets really mad. Lara Jean and Peter “break up” , josh and Lara jean are still friends and Margot and Lara Jean are also friends again.

Conclusion:

I would definitely recommend this book to a friend because it is funny, sad, romantic, and it keeps you reading!

Matty's 48 Book Reading Challenge is Complete!!

 

Tribe Reviewed by Deristhi

 

A Spy in the House Reviewed by Deristhi

 

The Rule of Three Reviewed by Deristhi

 

Lion Reviewed by Deristhi

 

Hero Reviewed by Deristhi

 

Drama Reviewed by Deristhi

 

A Monster Calls Reviewed by Deristhi

 

Boy: Tales of Childhood Reviewed by Deristhi

 

I Want To Go Home By Gordon Korman Reviewed by Rory D

I Want To Go Home is a funny book about two boys on a campsite, wanting to go home. The two boys’ names are: Ruby Miller and Mike Webster. In the first place, Ruby never wanted to go to this camp, and the camp leaders were warned ahead of time about his horrible attitude. Mike Webster sees Ruby as his idol and follows him everywhere. The two boys do anything they can to get out of this horrible camp, but the camp leaders just keep catching them. Meanwhile, a beaver is planning a very big secret. The two boys keep having to do work as their punishment for getting caught running away, until one day everything changes, because of one chess game… Will they escape, will the beaver complete his master plan? Find out by reading the tremendous book, I Want To Go Home, by Gordan Korman. There are no other books that I read that can relate to this book. Four out of five stars. Ruby is an example of courage, and Michael is also an example of courage.

Orbiting Jupiter By Gary D. Schmidt Reviewed by Taya S

Joseph Brook looks like an average eighth-grader at Eastham Middle School, but he’s not. He became a father at age 13, spent time in juvie, and has an abusive father. Living with Jack’s family on their Maine farm could mean a normal life for him, but he is obsessed with finding Jupiter, the daughter he’s not allowed to see. He finds love within Jack’s family and support from some teachers at school who appreciate his skills in math and gymnastics, but one teacher warns Jack of Joseph’s bad influence, and other students call Joseph “psycho.” Jack’s family does their best to show him kindness, support, and love. He slowly starts to come out of his shell, eventually filling them in on the events prior to him coming to their house. Jack tells him he has his back, no matter what. Although, things with Joseph’s father are happening in the background. And Joseph is always thinking of his daughter, Jupiter, and desperately wishing he could see her. His new life may be starting to look like it might be okay, but his old life is constantly pulling him backwards.

I really like how the author has crafted a heartbreaking story about the redemptive power of love and second chances.

Rapunzel, The One with All the Hair By: Wendy Mass Reviewed by Tiffany Lu

 

For one of the books that I wanted to read over the summer holidays, for the Grade Six summer reading program, I chose the book “ Rapunzel, The One with All the Hair,” By Wendy Mass. 

I would give this book a rating of four out of five stars, because while some parts were interesting, some of the parts were deadly dull. 

I think that the main character, Rapunzel, best showed the Middle School pillar courage, because even when she was trapped in a tower by a witch, she was always thinking of ways to get out, even with the witch on her back, who could discover her plot any second and then kill her. 

The plot of the book goes like this,

Rapunzel’s parents made a deal with a witch before Rapunzel was born. The deal was this: Rapunzel’s father could have some of the rampion from the witch’s garden, since Rapunzel’s mother wouldn’t eat anything else. In return, the witch would have Rapunzel when she became a maiden. On Rapunzel’s twelfth birthday, the witch comes to Rapunzel’s house and takes Rapunzel away. 

Meanwhile, Prince Benjamin is at the castle, thinking about grand adventures and longing for adventure. Even though he is destined to be king, he dreams of being a knight. 

Rapunzel thinks that she can get out of the tower, but has no luck in finding a way out. Will she ever escape and be reunited with her parents? Or will she stay in the tower until she dies? 

I liked this book because it was full of adventure and suspense. I couldn’t always predicted what would happen next and that kept me reading until the very end! 

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy Reviewed by Willow T

In the town of Clover City, there lives a 16-year-old girl named Willowdean. Will wants to prove that she is more than just the fat daughter of the Miss Teen Bluebonnet winner of 1991, so she enters the pageant herself, hoping to gain a little more respect and to show her town that she deserves to be up there as much as all of the other delicate and charming girls.

 With lots of boy drama and friendships along the way, this book will leave you satisfied, curious, and asking yourself many questions at the end of each chapter.

I would give this book 4/5 stars because the plot was amazing and very well written!  My only con would be that it took a very long time to get into the story. It was very capturing although it did take about 1/3 of the book to get into the main event. I would give this book the pillar of courage. With every twist and turn, Will was able to be herself and stand up for herself. She showed great character development throughout the story.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books about high school dramas, friendship, and humor. 

I am very excited to read the sequel to this book, Puddin!

I am Malala, written by Malala Yousafzai Reviewed by Lachlan Bell

This book is about her story growing up and living in a country that values males more than females. More specifically, it's her story about the struggle and fight for an education for herself and for all girls. Malala and her family met a lot of resistance from political groups trying to silence the public by using fear tactics. Throughout the book, we learn how one girl changed the fate of education for all girls in her country by bringing attention to the issue worldwide.

Malala represents more than one pillar, but if I were to say just one, it would be courage. She shows courage throughout her days living as a female in her country by standing true and tall to her beliefs and never bending to what others tell her to believe or feel. When she was told she could not go to school and that women should just be around to look after the men, she still packed up her books and went to school without fear. No matter what was thrown at her, she would not give up. She faced her biggest obstacle, which was the threat of being killed, by saying she would first want to have a conversation with her killer about the importance of educating all people, before he would shoot her. She put her own life on the line, to show the world what was going on in her country by giving interviews and writing things down in journals for the reporters. This put a target on her and her family, but they all continued on living the life they believe was right and her father continued on with running the school and she continued on learning as long as she could.

I would give this book 4 starts out of 5. It was a good book but not really my genre of choice. I do like to read books based on real stories. 

The Land Of Stories The Wishing Spell By Chris Colfer Reviewed by Yashita

 The Land Of Stories The Wishing Spell

By Chris Colfer 

Reviewed by Yashita 

 When Alex and Conner Bailey attend sixth grade who would've known that they were even related. Alex the smart one. Conner the lazy one. Both had their own struggles though, Alex was smart but lonely, Conner was popular but had many troubles at school. 

On their twelfth birthday, they were given a book from their grandmother, the Land of Stories, a book that had been in their family for ages. That night when Alex put the book in one of her many bookshelves it started humming, and real-life birds started coming out of the book. When she went to look at the book she found out that the book was actually a portal that led to somewhere. 

When Conner found out that the book was a portal his only fear was that Alex would want to go through it. One day during Conner’s detention Alex decided she wanted to test out the portal but when Conner entered screaming ALEXX! She fell straight through the book and Conner went in right after her. When they landed on the ground they figured out that the portal led right into the fairytale world. They didn’t even know if they could go back home. 

Read this book to figure out if they reach their home! 

If I had to choose one middle school pillar that Alex and Conner developed over time it would be RESPECT because they had to learn and respect the different people, places, and ways of living in the fairytale world. 

I would rate this book 5/5 stars and if you liked this book then a good read-alike would be The Story Thieves by James Riley. 

Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell Reviewed by Anna Beaudry

Alex and Conner are twins and their dad passed away and ever since the family hasn’t been the same. They had to move, they had to sell their dad’s bookshop where Alex and Conner had some of their best memories and they were home alone a lot more than usual because their mom is a nurse and has late shifts. Their grandma came on Alex and Conner’s birthday and they got one of their grandma’s most prized possessions and from there the adventure unfolded.  

Alex and Conner developed Courage to keep going and Service for each other.

If you liked ‘Escape Mr. Lemoncello's Library’  you would also like ‘Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell.’

I give this book a ⅘ star rating.

STARGIRL BY JERRY SPINELLI Reviewed by Anna Beaudry

 

Stargirl is about a girl named Stargirl who has been homeschooled and is starting real school.  She is different from the other kids and doesn’t fit in.  For example, she is in 11th grade and doesn’t have a cell phone and she sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to you if it’s your birthday. After she did something nice the whole school turned against her, except for one person, Leo Borlock. 

Stargirl develops all 4 pillars in the book, but she especially develops Courage and Honesty because she stays true to who she is and she always tells the truth.

I read ‘Wonder’ which I found relatable to this book.

I give this book a 4.5/5 star rating.

WONDER BY R.J. PALACIO Reviewed by Anna Beaudry

August (Auggie) Pullman is a 10 year old boy who has had twenty-seven face surgeries because he was born with a condition that affected his face. Auggie has been homeschooled until the time period in which the book begins. The book is about him starting school at Beecher Prep and his experience making friends and dealing with bullies. Auggie’s life changing adventure has ups and downs, but the biggest down is the way people treat him.

The pillar Auggie develops the most is Courage because he has to learn to handle the mean things kids at school say about him.  

I read ‘Stargirl’ which I found relatable to Wonder.

I give this book a 5/5 star rating.

Spy School Reviewed by Anna Beaudry

 

Benjamin Ripley is a normal kid until he finds a spy in his house when he gets home from school one day. The spy said that he was just accepted into the CIA Academy of Espionage, a spy school. Spy school is not exactly like what Benjamin had imagined - it’s a lot more dangerous and scary, and right away he realizes that there is a mole in the school and he needs to figure out who it is. 

Benjamin developed Service to help people solve a case and Courage to not give up at such a hard school.

I haven’t read any books like Spy School.

I give this book a 4/5 star rating.

The Wild Robot Reviewed by Anna Beaudry

Roz (Rozzum Unit 7134) is a robot that got washed away on shore because of a Cargo Ship that sank because of a hurricane. Roz makes friends and learns how to survive in nature. Three of the other robot’s that survived went looking for Roz planning to take her back to the city. All of the animals in the forest try to protect her but are they strong enough?

Roz developed all of 4 pillars (Courage, Honesty, Respect and Service.)

I haven’t read any books like The Wild Robot.

I give this book a 4/5 star rating.

Under the Egg Reviewed by Anna Beaudry

 

Theodora is very poor and her grandfather sadly passed away in front of her. Theodora’s last conversation with Jack (her grandfather) was very mysterious:

Jack: “It’s under the egg, look under the egg!”

Theodora: “What is it Jack? What’s under the egg?”

Jack: “There’s . . .a letter. And a treasure. Before it’s too late!”

Theodora meets a friend named Bodhi who is very different from her, and together they try to solve the mystery of what Jack’s words meant.

In this book, Theodora develops courage. She develops the courage to keep going and to not give up.

I haven’t read any books like this one but I absolutely loved it so everyone should read it.

I give this book a 5/5 star rating.

Grenade By Alan Gratz Reviewed by Rory D.

Grenade is a book about World War II, and the battle of America against Japan on the island of Okinawa.

Japan, as you should know, dropped bombs on Pearl Harbour, on the coast of Hawaii. So America declared war on the island.

Grenade is a two-sided story, from the perspective of Ray, a teen who is fighting for America, and Heidiki, a boy from Japan, who is forced to fight against America.

Heidiki and Ray both have very harsh times and both boys think that they won't make it out alive.

Japan seems to be losing the war, so Japan sends out their blood and corpse army, which sadly, Heidiki is in.

Ray is having a rough time too, trying to fight for his life through some intense jungles. His army crew members getting knocked out and killed every 2nd minute.

But just when everything couldn't get worse, both of the boys cross paths. Will one or both boys make it out alive. Or even worse... will they both die?

Find out by reading the ​awesome​ book By Alan Gratz, He makes a ton of cool war books. Books that I recommend are: projekt 1065, and the things they carried.

Four out of five stars. It was good, but there could be a little more action.

Ray is a great example of service, and Heidiki is a great example of courage.

Projekt 1065 By Alan Gratz Doc Reviewed by Rory D.

Projekt 1065 is about how the Irish helped alongside in the war to not only prove themselves useful, but to save everyone too.

The Irish have put some of their own spies into Germany, acting as German citizens. And Michael's parents are one of the spies, so Michael must act undercover. Until one day, a new kid comes to school and gets beat up. Michael just joined the army for Hitler, but doesn’t fight. He already feels bad for this kid, so Michael goes to his house, but as he is looking around, he found something... something so important, that it could change the world forever.

But soon after an allied aircraft comes flying in, and crashes. Being one of the Hitler youth soldiers, Michael is forced to find the pilot, and turn him in to Hitler immediately. But instead he plans to do something more suspicious and scary.

Will Michael be caught, shot, or something worse... be sent to concentration camp? So many things going on at once, can Michael do

both?

Find out by reading the AMAZING book, Projekt 1065 Other recommended books are: Grenade, by Alan Gratz, and The Institute, by Stephen king

Five out of five stars, definitely Michael is a great example of courage

Every Little Thing (By Kenneth Oppel) Reviewed by Chelsea Lee

 

Every Little Thing (By Kenneth Oppel) 

​Somewhere out in the badlands lays the most massive beast anyone could've dreamed of, curled up under millions of years of rock like a sleeping baby. To find the biggest dinosaur ever imagined in the history of mankind would be historical. Everyone would know your name. To Samuel Bolt and his archaeologist father, this is a reality. They set off on their journey to fame and fortune, expecting the best. But they're not the only ones that know about the rex. Professor Cartland and his daughter, Rachel Cartland, are also on the hunt for the rex. This is already catastrophic for the Bolts, but it's even worse because Prof. Cartland and Mr. Bolt are bitter rivals. To make things worse, Samuel and Rachel develop feelings for each other. Who will get to the rex first, and what will happen between Samuel and Rachel? Bury your nose in this page-turner to find out! I recommend this book for ages 14 and up, as there is quite a lot of sex and talk of sexual activity. The reader has to be quite mature. It was a very good book, with exciting plot twists and fast-paced chapters with cliffhangers. This book deserves 4.5/5 stars. It was a very well written book. 

The Apothecary (By Maile Meloy) Reviewed by Chelsea Lee

 The Apothecary (By Maile Meloy) 

The Scott family just moved from Los Angeles to London, to the dismay of fourteen-year-old Janie. As she starts to explore around and goes to a new school, she realizes that nothing in London is how it seems. When Janie meets an apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows, a mysterious boy, she thinks nothing of it. But when the apothecary gets kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must uncover the secrets of a sacred book, the Pharmacopoeia, in order to find him. Doing this is hard enough, but they also must keep it out of the hands of enemies, Russian spies with nuclear weapons. Discovering mind-boggling things, Janie and Benjamin embark on a dangerous journey to find the apothecary, all while racing against the Russians to prevent an impending disaster. I would recommend this book for ages 9 and up. It was exciting and fast-paced, filled with plot twists and evil villains. It kept me hooked until the end, because it was written in an exciting and easy-to-follow way. I give this book 5/5 stars.

Ghost Hawk (By Susan Cooper) Reviewed by Chelsea Lee

 Ghost Hawk (By Susan Cooper) 

On a wintery day, Little Hawk is sent into the woods with nothing but his tomahawk, bow and arrow and knife. If he survives three moons by himself, he will become a man. John Wakely is only 10 as he watches his father die, but he has already felt the love and warmth from the nearby tribes. One slight problem -- his fellow colonists don't feel the same warmth towards the tribes. As relations between the two cultures deteriorate, Little Hawk and John's friendship will put both of them in extreme danger. I recommend this book for ages 10 and up, because it is quite sad. I loved this book, with its huge plot twist and sad ending. I'm not normally one for sad books, but this book just blew me off of my feet. I rate this book 5/5 stars, and I'd give it more if I could. 

Lily and Dunkin (By Donna Gephart) Reviewed by Chelsea Lee

 

Lily and Dunkin (By Donna Gephart) 

Lily Jo McGrother, born Timothy McGrother, is a girl inside a boy's body. That's not so easy, especially because she's in the 8th grade. To add to her worries, her father doesn't approve of her becoming a girl. Dunkin Dorfman, born Norbert Dorfman, deals with bipolar disorder, and has just moved from New Jersey. That would be bad enough, but he is also carrying around a dark secret about his past. One day, Lily and Dunkin meet, and their lives become intertwined. Will Dunkin be able to move on, and will Lily ever truly become a girl with her dad's consent? I recommend this book for ages 11 and up. Readers need to be mature enough to understand some of the content in this book. I loved this book, as it was heartfelt and moving. I give it 4.5/5 stars. 

The Flip Side (By Shawn Johnson) Reviewed by Chelsea Lee

 The Flip Side (By Shawn Johnson) 

Charlie Ryland is keeping a big secret. In school, she is Charlotte Ryland, an unpopular smart girl that seems to melt in with the scenery. After school, she is Charlie Ryland, who spends every one of her waking hours training to become an Olympic Gold Medalist. With the Olympic Trials coming up, Charlie doesn't know if she can keep her talent a secret any longer -- even her best friend doesn't know. But when a very handsome guy comes into her life, it just might be enough to throw her whole world off balance. Will she be able to keep a secret, or will it all come crashing down around her? 

I recommend this book for ages 9 and up. It was an exciting book, and you never knew what was coming next. I liked the plot, as it seemed very real and down-to-earth most of the time. I would rate this book 4.5/5 stars. 

Hamish X and the Cheese Pirates (By Seán Cullen) Reviewed by Chelsea Lee

 

Hamish X and the Cheese Pirates (By Seán Cullen) 

Hamish X has been put into too many orphanages to count, because he escapes every single one of them. Soon enough, he has escaped every orphanage except the Windcity Orphanage, which is known to put the children to work making stinky blue cheese. Instantly upon arriving, Hamish X befriends Parveen and Mimi, and together they plan their escape. Everything is going smoothly until Windcity gets attacked by a ferocious gang of pirates, led by Cheesebeard of Snow Monkey Island. In order to save themselves and the other orphans, Hamish X, Parveen and Mimi must embark on a treacherous journey to free themselves and start a new life. Will they survive? Or will they perish in the journey?

I recommend this book for ages 7 and up. It can be a bit childish sometimes, with potty humour and farts galore, but it can also be super serious and even a bit gory at times. I liked the main characters, and the massive plot twist right at the end. I would rate this book 4/5 stars. 

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger Reviewed by Owen Lam

 One day Dwight comes to school with a origami Yoda. This Yoda is special because it can talk and answer questions. Dwight shows it to Tommy, Kellan and Harvey. 

Harvey thinks it’s fake and that it’s just one of Dwights jokes. But Tommy and Kellan believes the magic is real. One day, when Kellan was in the washroom, he accidentally splashes some water onto his pants.  Now it looks like he had peed himself. Embarrassed and worried about what the other kids might think or say, Kellen ask Yoda for advice. Yoda tells him splash more water all over his pants so that it just looked like he had wet pants. It worked and nobody laughed at him, just confused about why his pants are all wet. A few days later, Tommy was in class and accidentally knocked over his teachers’ precious head statue. Worried about getting into trouble, he asks Yoda for advice.  Yoda told him to make his teacher a new one out of Play Doh and give it to him. It worked! The teacher was not mad and loved the new statue! 

Yoda was now very popular because he always had good advice! Now, there is a girl that Tommy likes. Maybe Yoda can provide some good advice for him? How will things turn out for him? .....

The SMUS middle school pillar that best describes Yoda is Honesty. Yoda is always telling the truth when asked a question, because it is morally the right thing to do. If he didn't tell the truth, things may go bad. 

A book that I would recommend that is similar to this one is The Secret of the Fortune Wookie by Tom Angleberger. The main character Fortune Wookie is very much like Yoda in that they always speak the truth.

If you like weird and funny stories, this is the book for you.

I give The Strange Case of Origami Yoda a 5-star rating.

Boy: Tales of Childhood Reviewed by Roald Dahl

 In addition to the other books I’ve read this summer, I go into the childhood of Roald Dahl in the wondrous bibliography Boy: Tales of Childhood. This book began in the early 20th century where young Dahl’s sister died from a burst appendix, and sadly weeks before his father died. While living in Wales during Roald Dahl’s period of grade school, he came across the utmost horrendous candy saleswomen, where Dahl found it ironic since her job brought peer joy into children’s lives. As in the book, it significantly detailed that her filthy hands would dig deep into the delicious treats the children relished. As Dahl brought up in the book, he constructed the most devious plan to place a dead rat in the gobstopper bowl, so when she often pulled out the candy she would find something else. Yet, later in the week during the school hours, the victim of their act told the principal the boys who did the prank, and each one was belted as the wicked women admired the act which was taking place. Hence why Dahl’s mother decided to send her child to a British boarding school (which was sought by their dead father.) Bringing Dahl to Repton school. 

Yet, Repton academy was not absent-minded to brutal beatings, and even more immoral the only source of contact to-and-from the boarding school was regulated. In addition to the beatings, the teachers at Repton were horrendous and heinous. Such as the Matron who abused her power of being able to send a student down to the headmaster's study and get beat. To elaborate, if in the boarding houses a student was heard by the Matron past curfew they would be disowned and beat by the headmaster. A specific scenario is when Rag sprinkled sugar around the hallway, so they could know when the Matron is near. 

Dahl's family originated from the Netherlands, moreover, during the story, he indicated a time where he visited his homelands. Where his traditions were indicated, such as Skol “cheers," or "good health," defined as a salute or a toast, as to an admired person or group.

After his span at Repton Dahl moved to St. Peters. One of the many scenarios indicated in the story during the span of St Peters, Dhal was accused of cheating where in reality he was asking for a neb. Because of this, Dhal was beaten by the headmaster 10 times through Lectures of wrongdoing, sins, and smoking a pipe. This puzzled Dahl as this man was supposed to be a son of God and made him have doubts about religion. As this man was a chosen salesman of the religion and had the audacity of beating children. Ironically, the schoolmaster became the bishop of Rochester, to then the bishop of London, then archbishop of Canterbury and then lastly crowned by the queen. In addition to this scenario, between 13-18 they would mark candy bars, critiquing Cadbury chocolate. This leads to dhal daydreaming of working in a chocolate company which brought him to write Charlie and the chocolate factory.

Personally, I was quite surprised at how much I enjoyed this book as I was not keen on reading a bibliography. 

Hidden Figures Reviewed by Haven Miller

 

This review is regarding Hidden Figures, written by the brilliant Margot Lee Shetterly. This book grasped the idea of African American women from the 1940s through the 1960s. And how they, during their span at the Langley Research Center, dealt with the white prejudice who perpetuate the segregation of African Americans. To specify, throughout the book they used the term double Vs, each describing the victory of the war and a victory for integration. A campaign that originated through the African-American newspaper Pittsburgh Courier as they said “Let coloured Americans adopt the double VV for a double victory; the first v for victory over our enemies from without, the second v for victory over our enemies within. 

    Nevertheless, this story transpires with Dorthy Vaughan, a math teacher at Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville, VA, and married to Howard Vaughan. Prior to being enrolled in Langley, she worked in a WW2 campsite for temporary pay. Though, by being enrolled as a computer in west computing at NACA (aerodynamics not space research) for Margie Hannah, she was working at “a very, very good job for a black person.” Yet, segregation and racism were not alien to Langley, as there were still segregated workplaces (east computing/white: west computing/black), segregated bathrooms, and a segregated dining hall. Though, Dorthy made a name for herself. As after Winston Blanche (the supervisor at Langley) fell mentally ill in 1949, caused by Schizophrenia drugs Dorothy replaced her. An accomplishment that was dire for her success at Langley and all west computing. Yet, by the year 1958 west computing came to the end as it was believed to be a segregated area. Hence why Dorthy found herself a seat in building 1268 working side by side with east computing. 

In addition to Dorthy, this story brought the span of Marie Jackson at Langley. As the principal with most black people at Langley, Marie originated at west computing. Yet later, with influence from Dorthy, she was promoted to an engineer by her long-lasting supervisor Kaz Czarnecki. In addition to her career in Langley she grew up in Hampton, Virginia, and later began her life with Levi Jackson.

 One of the most memorable aspects of the book was when an employee removed colours only sign in the dining hall, as she was infuriated with the segregation that was a part of Langley.

Lastly, this story brings the period of Katherine Goblem at Langly's research centre. As said throughout this book and the most important building in Langley, Katherine began her participation with NASA in west computing. Initially married to James Goble, till he fell ill with a tumour, she married James Johnson. Nevertheless, after her span in west computing, she was promoted to building 1244, working as a computer among the white supremacists that disowned and discriminated against her. In addition to this, her supervisors were Ted Spekonskity in addition to Henry Pearson. While the space race transpired, against Soviet Russia, she was involved with the process of bringing a man to space and, in fact, did the equations that landed the ship. Yet, even if she was able to pursue her passion as a black woman in America, the double standards were not opposed. As she was unable to be in the room where charts and equations were determined, partially due to being black and a woman.

The Hidden Figures was a brilliant book as it brought insight into segregation during the 1940s through the ’60s.

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy Reviewed by Haven Miller

 For the first week of spring break, I have indulged in the remarkable book “Dumplin’” written by Julie Murphy. This specific book I found brought insight into the insecurities of modern teenage children and the stigmas surrounding beauty pageant contestants. This story resembles the battles which young 16-year-old Willowdean (dumplin’) is accompanied with. Such as the death of her aunt,  as she was near a mother figure to dumplin’. In addition to her insecurities with her above average weight, and the differences that aroused with her best friend Ellen (as she had recently lost her virginity.) As well as the conflict between her friends, such as Bo Larson (her co-worker and partial boyfriend), Mitch (who was also her partial boyfriend), and Ellen (who was disapproved of by Willowdean.) Nevertheless, with a group of “not pageant worthy” (which counted as Millie, Hannah, and Amanda) people, she enrolled herself in a beauty pageant, even though she had to withstand the self-proclaimed criteria. Though I thought the story brought insight into the differences of people, and the prejudice that arises, I found the ending to be minimal and quite frankly bad. The ending seemed to end abruptly, in the case of Willowdean, and the author seemed to give up. As the fictional character, Millie was awarded the first runner up in the pageant,  which was unacknowledged. 

Every Hidden Thing by Kenneth Oppel Reviewed by Haven Miller

This summer I had the burden of reading Every Hidden Thing by Kenneth Oppel. As you may have interpreted, I disliked this book, as I found it unrealistic, bland, and the uttermost irritating book. Nevertheless, this book brings two children, Rachel Cartland, and Samuel Bolt. Both Samuel and Rachel's fathers are competitive rivals, which is quite the contrary compared to Samuels and Rachel's relationship. In addition, both of their fathers are heavily indulged in the archaeologist lifestyle. There is Rachel’s father, Mr Cartland, a professor at Yale with a substantial inheritance. Yet in comparison, Mr Bolt does not have a degree, therefore unable to receive the occupation of professor. Though how do these two contradictory children collide? 

During the span of this book, Mr Bolt received a large rex tooth. This package came from Ned Paskket with an invitation to the excavation site, though he also invited Mr Cartland. Which brought them to collide. Yet, Cartland had an entire army at his toes in addition to a group of yale students. Rather, Mr Bolt had a minimal team of 4 people, counting his son. With the knowledge that Plaskett invited both Bolt and Cartland, it is self-evident that their camps intertwined. With both groups trying to uncover the black beauty (an ancient first nations folk tale) in some presumptuous ways. Samuels father encouraged Samuel to develop his archaeological passion into a profession. Yet, Rachel was heavily encouraged to get married off and have children, opposing her desire to go to university in Ecology (natural sciences.) Yet, was eventually able to go to the excavation site.

Throughout the story, unknown by the fathers, the two children would engage in conversation in addition to canoodling. This leads them to despise their father’s actions, which then brings them to conceive plans of escaping each of their father’s intensive care. Furthermore, planning for Samuel to ask Rachel for her hand in marriage, so their eternal love can go beyond their father’s and they can fulfil their dream to excavate together and find the black beauty. And since they had help from an eccentric millionaire, they would have the ability to make money off their projected find. 

I disliked this story, more accurately how unrealistic the story was, such as the fact that the two young children marry each other, which is extremely ludicrous.

Scythe Reviewed by Jessica Liao

 

This book takes place in this utopian world where humans have eliminated all negative parts of life, such as disease, pain, poverty, and even death. But there's one thing that they haven't conquered, that is keeping the population growth under control. So, they have created this group of people called Scythes who are responsible for the job of Gleaning, in other words, killing people. Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch were completely normal teenagers until they met a scythe. That scythe saw potential in them, that they would be fit to be a good scythe because of their compassion and unwillingness to kill. Afterall if you enjoyed gleaning that would just make you a murderer. After consideration, Citra and Rowan accepted the role of a scythe's apprentice knowing that death would be the consequence of failure.

At first, I didn't like the way the world works in this book, and my mind hasn't changed. The reasons are because the only way to die is to be gleaned by a scythe and scythes are everywhere. Every time you see a scythe on the streets you would scurry away scared you'll offend them. Whereas in the present world, people are constantly risking their lives knowing it could result in their deaths. Another reason that I dislike this utopian world is because emotion and compassion only exists vaguely. The world we live in is far from perfect, but what I dread is us humans overcompensating and creating a world like this book. Where would the genuine emotions be if the society is governed by AI? lastly, humans only experience the shadows of joy because everything is guaranteed, survival, food, and income. Without the threat of suffering, you may only experience bliss but not true joy. 

Although it may seem that I've only said negative comments on how the world in this book works, I've found the overall story to be very fascinating to read. In my opinion where the character is and how their world's systems work isn't as important as how the characters overcame obstacles thrown at them. And the author definitely didn't hesitate to throw in many plot twists where characters had to be fast minded and make difficult decisions. 

The Martian by Andy Weir Reviewed by Chloe Lam

  Astronaut Mark Watney was left behind on planet Mars after a sudden home base evacuation due to a fierce sandstorm. After being impaled with a sharp metal antenna and swept away by the wind, Watney was presumed dead by the rest of his crew members. Angry and distraught, his colleagues had to make the difficult decision to leave and  begin their journey back to Earth. However, little did they know, Watney actually survived the storm and was still alive! Back in Huston, a satellite specialist detects movement on Mars after the spaceship Hermes had already left the planet. Curious, they look into this. Using high tech NASA technology, it was discovered that Watney was not dead! 

Determined to save the stranded astronaut, everyone on the NASA team came together to formulate a plan to save him in the least amount of time. While waiting for his rescue, Watney had to carefully ration out his existing food as well to create a system to grow food and cultivate drinkable water. Now, the real question is, Will NASA be able to save him before time runs out?

SMUS Middle school pillars: Courage, Honesty, Respect and Service

The main character Mark Watney developed and demonstrated all the SMUS pillars in this novel. Watney showed the courage to survive in the harsh climates on Mars. He was honest with himself and his limitations with resources available. He also showed respect  for his crew members' decisions, while knowing that they were not to blame. And finally, Watney provided service to  NASA by being an Astrobotanist.

Star Rating:

 I give this book a 5 star rating for its amazing plot.

Recommendation:

  Title: Ready Player One

Author: Ernest Cline

If you enjoyed the book The Martian, I would recommend you reading Ready Player One.  It is another great science fiction novel that requires the main characters to solve puzzles and endure hardships. You may also be interested to know that Hollywood has made movie adaptations of both these two stories and is worth the watch!

Thanks for reading my book review!