The Warrior's Path -Sister of the Sword By:Maya Snow

Kimi's uncle, Hidehara, comes over for a visit. It appears as if Kimi's father was leaving and her uncle was taking his place as jito. As Kimi and Hana watch the sacred ceremony secretly, they witness their uncle plunge a knife into their father and say that the older brothers did it. After witnessing the struggle, they went and hide in a family shrine. There they find a note from their mother saying that she and Moriyasu, the youngest brother had escaped and that they would some day meet when Moriyasu was old enough to take their house back from Hidehara. This was all in the disguise of a poem.

Kimi and Hana make a plan to disguise themselves as boys and make their way to a famous dojo that had taught all of the men in their family. They are not allowed in at first and meets their cousin, the son of Hidehara, Ken-ichi. Luckily he does not recognize the girls and simply looks down upon them as two poor farm boys. It appears he is not even aware of his father's doings. He challenges Kimi to a sword fight after an accidnetal clash of swords. Even though she loses, her potential catches the attenttion of the master of the dojo, Master Goku. He lets the girls in as servants and allows them to attend classes when they are not working. What will happen next? Will the sisters be able to find their mother? You will have to finish all 3 books in this series to know!

I think this is a special book because it takes place in 1216, Japan, a time and place most stories won't take place in. I strongly recommend this book to people who are interested in fiction novels. Hope you will like it!

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

The book ‘Number the Stars’ by Lois Lowry is about a Danish girl named Annemarie Johansen helping her Jewish friend Ellen Rosen escape from the Nazis to freedom during the World War II. I feel sad and happy after reading this book. I feel sad because of a man named Peter sacrificed his life in the book. I also feel happy because the war ended at last and Annemarie’s transformation from a naïve girl to a mature young lady. What I learned from the story is the people’s compassion and kindness to help others overcome the challenge is stronger than the evil power of Nazi.

After reading this book, I feel sad and happy at the same time. One of the reasons I feel sad is because of Peter’s death. Peter was part of the Resistant force also with Lise. Everyone thanked Peter for helping them. Unfortunately the Germans found him and executed him. The letter he wrote before he died has touched me. He said he wasn’t afraid to die because he is proud about what he had done for the country. Peter is very strong and brave. He wished to be buried with Lise. But the Germans wouldn’t return the body they killed. Another reason that I feel sad is because the world is too cruel. I think the war is unnecessary. Many innocent people were executed by the Nazis. Many Jews was forced to be separated with their family and friends. They also faced food shortage. The foods were stolen to feed the German soldiers. I think Denmark is very innocent and faced this kind of attack to the country. They lost everything but not love from families and friends. I feel very sad for Denmark.

I also feel happy after reading this book because the war ended at last. Everyone felt happy and relieved. The war ended so they can return to their normal lives. They are not living in constant fear anymore. I also feel happy after reading this book because Annemarie has grown a lot out of all these experiences. She changed from a naïve and inexperienced girl to a mature, responsible and clever girl. For example she knows exactly what to do when she sees the soldier in chapter 15. She pretended to be an empty headed silly girl so the soldiers wouldn’t be too suspicious. I also learned a lot too. For example when Uncle Henrik tells Annemarie that it is easier to be brave when you don’t know everything and Annemarie agreed with him because it happens in the story such as Kirsti being brave because she didn’t know how dangerous things were. I agree with Uncle Henrik also because I have a similar experience. My experience is that I wasn’t afraid of anything when I was younger. I wasn’t afraid of ghosts or anything because I thought it was nonsense. But as soon as I grow older and watched more horror movies and reality news of death, I was no longer brave.

What I learned from the book is the people’s compassion and kindness to help others to overcome challenges was stronger than the evil power of Nazi. Everyone including Annemarie’s family and Peter helped the Jews to escape from the Germans. They even helped people they didn’t know. Their determination to help the Jews at all cost was very admirable. And that was something the Germans couldn’t destroy.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

He had a perfect life, a perfect home and a loving family. Everything seemed to be just right. Until the day his father announced his promotion to a higher position, therefore having to move to Auschwitz. He didn't know that his father worked for Hitler and why they had to move. All he cared about was leaving his friends back in Berlin. Bruno is forced to start over, in a place he never heard of.
This book is about the events that led to a terrible tragedy.

Avalon High by Meg Cabot

Although it takes place in the 21st Century in a high school called Avalon High, the book refers to the Aruthurian legend.

Every character seems to have a role in the Arthurian legend: Will, Lance, Jennifer, Marco, Mr.Morton reincarnate respectively King Arthur, Knight Lancelot, Queen Guinevere, Mordred, and Merlin. And the historical legend seems to be repeating itself in this high school.
Ellie, the new girl from Minnestosa, finds herself in this twisted roleplay that's becoming more and more complicated: she appears to be the Lady of Sharlott, who kills herself after being rejected by Knigt Lancelot, while her, Ellie Harrison, has fallen in love with Will.

This book is full of suspense and it is really fast-paced. You wouldn't be able to stop reading it before you know the ending.
One of the many reasons why I like this book a lot is because, while enjoying the story, you can still learn a lot from it: since it is based on the Arthurian legend, you get to know more about the adventures and romances of this great medieval leader.
What I also love about this book is that Ellie seems to be a normal teenage girl in the beginning, but you discover as you keep on reading, that she is actually one of the most important character in the arthurian legend. This makes me think that everything can happen, and keeps me wanting to know what will happen to her next.
If you like fantasy romance, with some historical events in it, you would definitely love this book.
I highly recommend it to you !

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Ponyboy 'Pony' Curtis and his older brothers Sodapop 'Soda' and Darry are part of a poor group of teenager called, Greasers. Ponyboy is a shy and quiet boys and gets good grades in school. His oldest brother Darry takes care of Pony and Soda and is serious. He sometimes yells at Pony to do better in school. Soda is the middle brother. He is happy most of the time and very handsome and likeable. Sometimes Darry and Soda get into fights with each other over Pony's education. The Greaser's gang consist of the three Curtis boys, Johnny, Two-bit, and Dallas Winston.

Then comes the Socs. They are stuck up rich kids that love beating up Greaser's like Ponyboy, his brothers and his friends. One night two drunk Socs jump Pony and Johnny. One event leads to another and soon Johnny and Pony are running away.

This book is filled with action and adventure. It is really an emotional book for young readers.

I highly recomend this book.