What's Abigail Reading? Dork Diaries

Okay, Abigail's back to tell us about her latest read. This time it's Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell. Let's see what she thought of it.

Here's what Abigail says the book is about.

In the book Dork Diaries the characters are Nikki and her BFF’s Chloe and Zoey.  Nikki’s BFF’s and Nikki were playing truth or dare and Nikki picked dare and then Zoey dared Nikki to toilet paper Mackenzie’s house. When they were doing that they didn’t notice that Mackenzie herself was watching them toilet paper her own house.  First, Nikki joins the newspaper to see what Mackenzie her enemy is writing and doing. Her newspaper job turns out to be good because Nikki gets her own column in the newspaper. Now Nikki’s advice column is a big hit and she also gets a new fake name. Nikki’s new fake name is Miss-know-it-all. 

Next, Nikki and her BFF’s think they are in trouble because Mackenzie knew that they toilet papered her house.  Then, Nikki gets invited to Brandon’s birthday party and now Mackenzie is jealous that she didn’t get and invitation.  If Nikki didn’t get an invitation for Mackenzie and her BFF Jessica for Brandon’s birthday party Mackenzie would tell that Nikki and her friends egged her house and made Nikki and her friends get kicked out of school. 

When Nikki and her friends got called down to the principal’s office they thought they were in trouble but when Marcy, Nikki’s other friend was interviewing Mackenzie for TV. Just then the principal came out and Mackenzie got all desperate for something to say because she didn’t want to tell what happened to her house on TV. Mackenzie didn’t get an invitation to Brandon’s party and Nikki and her friends didn’t get in trouble either. 

Finally, Nikki had fun at Brandon’s party and so Nikki didn’t want to be seen in her dad’s roach car in front of Brandon but then Nikki got a text from Brandon that says he really wanted to ride in Nikki’s dad’s roach car.  Now Nikki doesn’t have to hide the car from Brandon. 

So, how did Abigail rate Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell?

She gave it five out of five dolphins.

What's Abigail Reading? Jouanah A Hmong Cinderella

This week Abigail is reading a book based in her home country of China. It's Jouanah A Hmong Cinderella, by Jewell Reinhart Coburn and Tzexa Cherta Lee. It's a story about a Chinese Cinderella. Let's see what she has to say about it.

Here's what Abigail says the book is about.

 Jouanah a Hmong Cinderella is a book about Jouanah, a beautiful girl who wants to go to the festival but her stepmother does not want her to go.  The characters are Jouanah, the stepmother, and her stepsister. In the beginning Jouanah’s mother got turned into a cow for food and drink. Her father foolishly married another women and Jouanah’s real mom died of a broken heart.  

Next, her stepmother made Jouanah do all of the chores.  When the New Year festival came around her stepmother made her do a long list of chores and told her she could not go to the festival.   Jouanah got to the festival but with a piece of cowhide and found a basket filled with clothes. When she went to the festival no one knew who she was and after all the play at the festival she met a boy named Shee-Nang. When Jouanah went running home so that her stepmother won’t notice that she had been gone, one of the slippers that she was wearing fell off.  

Finally Shee-Nang found the slipper and went to every house to find his love.  Shee-Nang found Jouanah, the love that he wanted, and married Jouanah and lived HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!

So, Abigail, what's the theme of the story?

Theme: Always be wise and not foolish because when Jouanah’s father married another woman, that is when the trouble started happening and if he didn’t marry the women the whole problem wouldn’t happen.

Hmmm, interesting. So, how did Abigail rate Jouanah A Hmong Cinderella, by Jewell Reinhart Coburn and Tzexa Cherta LeeI?

She gave it five out of five dolphins!

What's Abigail Reading? The Deliverers: Sharky & the Jewel

With the release of the latest book in The Deliverers Series, The Golden Dragon of Ang, my children wanted to mark the event by sharing their thoughts on the books. At first I was reluctant, but they really wanted to and finally managed to convince me. Today is Abigail's turn. She's going to tell us a little about the first book in the series, Sharky & the Jewel. Christian will stop by on Wednesday to share his thoughts on The Golden Dragon of Ang. 

Here's what Abigail says the book is about.

In the book the main characters are Kate, Eric, Stig and Hallo. They go through secret doors to different places to save the lands. This book is mainly about trying to defeat Sharky the pirate.

First, Eric had a bad dream about losing his dad. He heard an owl talking that night and the owl was named Stig. He lead Eric to a secret door. When they went through the door they were on an island. Next, Kate--a girl who lived there--went looking for Eric and Stig. Kate was planning to meet them there. When they met she told them about Sharky, the person who came to their island and ordered them around.

Then they had to think about a way to get rid of Sharky and his crew. Finally they thought of a plan and met a new friend named Hallo. Hallo helped with the plan, too. When Sharky came to the island they were waiting for him. They got the gem from Sharky.

They used the ring they got from the Guardian a twirled it in the air to get the ring from Sharky. After that, Eric and Stig had to go back home. hey said goodbye to everyone from Calendria, even Hallo and Kate their best friends, and left. There are still more trips to come!

So, how did Abigail rate The Deliverers: Sharky & the Jewel, by--um--me?

She gave it four and a half out of five dolphins.

What's Abigail Reading? Who Was Queen Elizabeth

One thing I've learned about Abigail's reading preferences lately is that she likes biographies. In fact, she just finished reading one, Who Was Queen Elizabeth?, by June Eding. Let's see what she's got to say about it.

Queen Elizabeth was a kind ruler of England. Elizabeth was born on September 7, 1533.  Elizabeth had an interesting life .  She also struggled with many things.  Elizabeth had a little bit of schooling but learned a lot.  Elizabeth also had a rough family. 

Elizabeth had a big family who she cared about. Elizabeth had a big family because she had a lot of mothers.  Elizabeth had a dad named King Henry the Eighth, a sister named Mary, and a brother named Edward. Many of her moms were executed or beheaded.  Elizabeth was born to Queen Anne. 

In the meantime, Elizabeth had private schooling. Elizabeth had a private teacher named Roger Ascham.  Roger Ascham also was an important person in her life. Roger taught her to read, write, and more. Elizabeth was a good student. Elizabeth had a governess named Cat who made sure she had everything she needed like pencils, books, and other things.

Later on, Elizabeth struggled with many things in her life.  Elizabeth struggled with smallpox when she was older and recovered. Elizabeth recovered from smallpox because she was wrapped in red carpet next to the fire. Later Elizabeth was unhappy to kill her cousin Mary Stuart. Elizabeth was unhappy to kill Mary because she had been protecting Mary for almost 20 years and Mary was Elizabeth’s cousin.  One other thing she struggled with is she fought against her sister Mary who put Elizabeth in jail.

As you can see Elizabeth had a big important family which who she loved.  She was also kind and caring to others. She had private schooling and an important teacher, Roger Ascham. She struggled with many things she didn’t like or bad diseases.  

How did Abigail rate Who Was Queen Elizabeth?, by June Eding?

She gave it four out of five dolphins.

What's Abigail Reading? Frozen

Abigail wrote a short book report for school and she wanted me to post it as the latest installment of the Reading Crew. So, here's her take on Frozen. Let's see what she had to say about it.

Here's what Abigail says the book is about.

The book is about a family who rules a kingdom called Arendalle. First, Elsa's sister Anna asked, "Do you want to build a snowman?" Elsa got up from bed and raced her sister down the hall. When they were building slippery slides, Anna got hit by Elsa's magic powers.

Next, as Elsa's powers grow stronger, she asks her parents to stay away. When her parents go away on a ship they end up dying. Now Elsa's the new queen and they finally open up the gates. Then, Elsa runs away because everyone knows her secret now. Everyone tries to stop her but no one does.

After that, Anna goes on a journey to find her sister and to bring back summer. Anna finds some new friends on the way. With their help, Anna s
aves her sister from a bad guy who is trying to kill Elsa, and jn Arendalle summer is back.

The theme is--to help others because if someone you love or care about is getting hurt then he/she will need the help.

So how did Abby rate the book version of Frozen?

She gave it four out of five dolphins.

What's Abigail Reading? The Power of Un

This week's Reading Crew column is a little late. Abigail spent last evening furiously reading the end of this week's books, so we delayed things so she could give us a report. So, without further ado here she is to tell us about The Power of Un, by Nancy Etchemendy.

Here's what Abigail says the book is about.

This book is about a boy named Gib Finney. It takes place in the country.  First, Gib shot  spitball in class and it landed on Lorraine Frongner’s head.   Then Lorraine got in trouble for shooting the spitball but it was really Gib.  Now, Lorraine is really mad at Gib.  Next, Gib runs away from Lorraine and runs into the forest and meets an old man.  

The old man tells Gib about a device called the “unner”.  Before it is too late, Gib has to find out how to work it by himself.  Next, Gib meets Ash at the carnival and they go on rides.  They were supposed to watch out for Gib’s little sister Roxie and when they wanted to go on the devil’s elevator, they told Roxie to stay put.  Roxie did not do as she was told.  Instead she ran after a stray dog.  

After the ride, Gib and Ash ran after Roxie and before they knew it, Roxie was run over by a truck.   After that, Roxie was in a coma and the doctor said that she might not come out of the coma.  Gib used the unner and went backwards in time to fix the accident.  When he went back in time, he was at the carnival again and they were going on the devil’s elevator again and he spotted Roxie and Lorraine getting off a pony.  When the ride stopped they tried to catch up to Roxie and Lorraine.  They met up and went to get Roxie a candy apple and the stray dog came along again.  Roxie went after it and Gib, Ash, and Lorraine chased her.  Lorraine and Ash pulled her away and Gib ended up having a broken leg instead.

The theme is perseverance and always be nice and helpful. 

So, how did Abigail rate The Power of Un, by Nancy Etchemendy?

She gave it four out of five dolphins.

What's Abigail Reading? Forever Amber Brown

Abigail has been spending some time with an old friend this week, Amber Brown. She told us about another book in this series earlier this year. This time, she's been reading Forever Amber Brown, by Paula Danziger. Let's see what she has to say.

Here's what Abigail says the book is about.

This book is about Amber Brown who is in fourth grade. The characters are Amber Brown, her best friend, Justin, her mother, and Max. The setting is Justin's house.

First, Amber Brown, her mom, and Max were going bowling. Max helped Amber with her bowling skills. In the first game, Amber got a 42. When Amber was about to throw the ball, she saw a little girl fall down as she approached the lane.

Then, her teacher Mrs. Holt asked Amber to stay after class so she could talk to her. Her teacher told her that since she did not turn in her book report on time, Mrs. Holt would have to give her a low grade. Amber felt unhappy.

Next, Amber and her friend Brandi were waiting for their moms to pick them up. When Amber's mom finally came, she got in the car. Her mom told her that Max had proposed to her. Then they went to the airport to visit Amber's friend, Justin, in Alabama. While they were there, Amber's mom thought and made a decision about whether or not to accept Max's proposal.

Finally, Amber's mom decided to marry Max!

So, Abigail, what do you think the main theme of the book is?

I think the theme is that sometimes things will change and not everything will be the same.

How many dolphins does Abigail give Forever Amber Brown, by Paula Danziger?

She gave it four out of five dolphins!

What's Abigail Reading? Little Women

Abigail has been spending her time reading a classic. As is often the case, Abby became interested in this week's book when she saw the film version. Sometimes the movie version is a good way to get a child interested in a classic book. That was true in the case of Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott. Let's see what Abigail had to say about it.

Here's what Abigail says the book is about.

This book is about four sisters named Beth, Jo, Meg and Amy. In the beginning the four girls were lying around before Christmas day and thought about presents to get for themselves. They realize that instead of worrying about presents for themselves, they should buy presents for their mother (Marmee). Beth bought handkerchiefs, Amy bought perfume, Jo bought slippers and Meg bought gloves.

Then Jo and Amy went to Sallie Gardener's to go to a ball. Meg and Jo got there and at first Meg was scared, but then just got going by talking to people. Jo was scared at first, too, then saw a redheaded boy looking at her and trying to catch up to her. Then Jo slipped into a room and almost sat on a boy named Laurie.

Laurie was their neighbor. A couple of weeks later, Laurie and his tutor, Mr. Brooke, wanted to take Jo and Meg out to the theater. The youngest girl, Amy, wanted to go too, but Jo and Meg said they had reserved seats and that Amy had a cold. When they came back, Jo found out that her manuscript was burned in the fire because Amy was angry at her.

After that the four girls found out that their father was very ill and Marmee needed to go to him right away. Mr. Brooke asked if he could escort her. Jo cut her hair and got $25 to help. Finally everyone was afraid and worried.

Here's what Abigail liked best about the book.

I liked when Jo was writing her book because I think it would be cool to write a book.

Was there anything about the book that Abigail did not like?

I did not like when Beth got sick. It made me sad.

So, how did Abigail rate Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott?

She gave it five out of five dolphins.

What's Abigail Reading? Starring Jules (as Herself)

Abigail's first book report of fourth grade went over very nicely with her teacher, so I decided it would make the perfect Reading Crew installment. She read Starring Jules (as Herself), by Beth Ain. Let's hear what she had to say.

Here's what Abigail says the book is about.

The book that I read was Starring Jules. It is about a girl named Jules who has a new best friend named Elinor. Jules tried out for a mouthwash commercial. She was waiting for her turn to go and then it was time. When Jules was getting taped she almost threw up, but didn't. Jules' video was good and she was happy.

Jules told her grandma what happened after and she was happy. When they got home Jules found out that she wasn't going to be in the commercial, but that she would be on a TV show!



Here's what Abigail liked best about the book.

That Jules was going to be on a show, which is cool.

Was there anything Abigail did not like about the book?

When she made milk bubbles, because that is disgusting.

So how did Abigail rate Starring Jules, by Beth Ain?

She gave it three and a half out of five dolphins.

What's Abigail Reading? The Kicks: Saving the Team

My daughter Abigail has been devouring a book this week, so I suggested that she share it with you. She proceeded to write the longest description of any book she's shared on this blog. I guess that means she liked it! Here is her take on The Kicks: Saving the Team, by Alex Morgan.

Here's what Abby says the book is about.

This story is about a girl named Devin who is in seventh grade and moved to California from Connecticut. Devin loves to play soccer and some of the best players have played in California and she is afraid that all the players will beat her. But luckily Devin finds two friends named Jessi and Emma and from their soccer story they say the team stinks. That day Jessi, Emma, and Devin tried out for soccer. Devin had worried that Emma and Jessi were right about the team. 

During the tryouts she met a new person named Freida. Freida said she’d rather do acting than soccer but her mom said she had to do soccer to get exercise. Freida pointed out to Devin another girl named Zoe. She had red curly hair and stage fright. After the tryouts they had lunch. Devin sat with Zoe, Emma, and Jessi.  During lunch Freida told to the group that they posted the soccer list. Jessi and Emma hoped that they would all be together and they were. 

Everyone who tried out was on the team because Coach Flores wanted to give everyone a chance. After their first couple of games they lost but they were not going to give up. Then a couple weeks later they had a game with Pinewood. The Pinewood team was fast and blitzed through the Kentville Kangaroo’s defense. The Pinewood Panthers scored a lot of goals. Pinewood won 6-0. When they got back to the school the coach said, ”there is no practice today you can do what you want.” 

Devin went to Coach’s office and talked to her and said, ”Our team wants more help.” Devin talked to Coach for a little more time and then coach said that the Kentville Kangaroos used to be the world champions for two years. Their teams Coach used to be on that team. Coach said, ”When I was a little girl I wanted to have fun but it didn’t happen and so I got unhappy. That is why I became a coach. I wanted other people to have fun."

After the talk Devin left. The next day coach came out and said that they were going to have another game with Pinewood. Then weeks later they had their game with Pinewood. Their team forgot how fast Pinewood was and soon the score was 2-0. They were losing but soon they were tied 2-2. You'll have to read the rest to find out what happened!

What did Abigail like best about the book?

The part I liked most is that the team never gave up, because you should never give up on yourself.

Was there anything that she did not like?

The part I did not like was when the team lost, because that would make me disappointed and sad.

So, how did Abigail rate The Kicks: Saving the Team, by Alex Morgan?

She gave it five out of five smiley faces.