The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a novel written by Sherman Alexie. The protagonist of the book is a part-time Indian named Arnold "Junior" Spirit. He is a feeble cartoonist who lives in the Spokane Indian reservation. Arnold faces several problems everyday because of his misfortunate luck and his parents' poverty. Arnold sometimes can't go to school because his parents run out of money to buy gasoline, so he hitchhikes or walks for a long time. His problems deepen when he throws his geometry book unintentionally at his own geometry teacher's face, Mr. P. His geometry teacher doesn't get angry at Arnold, but persuades him to not stay in the same school anymore and move to another school. I appreciated and enjoyed reading this book. My opinions are that this book was written by a very heavily influenced author and this book's fantastic story makes a great fictional diary. This book was also a National Book Award winner, which makes sense because the book was incredible. Sherman Alexie has made chronicles of a teenager who faces difficulties as a part time Indian that lives in America. -Reviewed by Elliott, grade 9.

The Icebound Land, by John Flanagan

The Ranger's Apprentice, by John Flanagan, introduces a third book in its series. Book three: The Icebound Land. Will and Evanlyn have been captured and taken to a new land ruled by Barbarians called Skandians. They are big and cruel, and all prisoners taken there work as slaves. Will ends up being drugged and all his senses are getting lost. The story follows both Will's trip to Skandia, and Halt's trip. Halt and Horace race through the kingdom to save Will, Horace shows his skills as many knights challenge the ranger and his companion. Will Halt save Will in time?

Book three has met my expectations. I enjoyed it a lot. The book has a lot of different adventures since it is following two different people through different challenges. This book is setting the scene for the next book which is filled with a lot of adventures, including a huge war. With each book, I learn many things that I relate to life. From this book, I learned that you should help friends and loved ones no matter what. This book as well as the series, Ranger's Apprentice, will always be one of my favorites, and I recommend this book to anyone.

-Reviewed by Krassi, grade 9.

The Burning Bridge, by John Flanagan

The Ranger's Apprentice, by John Flanagan, introduces a second book in its series. Book two: The Burning Bridge. The story continues to follow Will and his friend Horace through adventure. Will and Horace are on a mission to a neighboring town where they realize the citizens have been killed or captured. Will and Horace find out that an evil lord named Morgarath has returned and he is plotting to invade the Kingdom. It is in the hands of Will and Horace to warn the King, but they encounter trouble along the way. The Kingdom is in Danger, and Will and Horace are the only ones who can save them.

Book two satisfies me as I had expected. The book has even more adventure since Will has matured and is nearly a master being a Ranger. This book definitely deserves five starts for its ability to keep me reading. With each book, I learn many things that I can relate to life. From this book, I learned to be more courageous. This book as well as the series, Ranger's Apprentice, will always be one of my favorites, and I recommend this book to anyone.

-Reviewed by Krassi, grade 9.