Frindle by Andrew Clements
Aladdin, Simon and Schuster, 1996
Frindle is the story of a boy named Nick Allen who always slacked off during class and whom teachers dreaded due to the fact that he always caused trouble. But in fifth grade, his language teacher, Ms. Granger, was on the lookout for trouble and Nick knew that he would have a hard time getting anything past her. One day, Nick tried to get no homework for his whole class by asking a complicated question that Ms. Granger would not have enough time to answer before the bell rang and Ms. Granger would have to dismiss the class. Nick asked how words are created, but Ms. Granger, who was familiar with his tactic, used his words against him so he would have to do a report on the subject. Using his knowledge that he discovered from his report, Nick set out to create his own word. Nick and his friends decided to use the word “frindle” instead of pen and they tried very hard to establish this goal. I recommend this inspiring and cleverly written story to anyone who has an idea that they just can’t figure out what to do with.
Troublemaker by Andrew Clements
Atheneum Books, 2011
There was only one word to describe Clay Hensley and that was a “troublemaker.” Clay’s older brother Mitch was always awful when he was in middle school. Years later, when Mitch came home from jail after getting a speeding ticket, Clay decided to impress him by doing something especially dastardly. Clay drew a caricature of his principal as a donkey and when he was sent to the principal’s office, he wandered around school while causing even more trouble. When Mitch came home that night, Clay noticed that there was something different about him. When Clay told him about all of the trouble that he had caused that day, rather than being impressed, Mitch was furious. He told Clay about how awful jail was and how he couldn’t bear it if Clay got sent there too. Clay was inspired by his brother’s change and he strived to do what Mitch made him promise: to try to be the best student that he possibly could. Clay tried as hard as he could to do what Mitch asked him, but was that enough? Troublemaker is the heart-warming and hilarious story of how a boy who had made trouble his main goal aspired to do better to create a happier future for himself.
The Outcasts by John Flanagan
Philomel, 2012
Hal and his mom lived in the fierce land of Skandia in the town of Hallasholm. Hal was an inventive boy and the son of a great warrior who had died in a raid on a different country. Hal had created his own boat that he loved to sail with some of his friends, but he could not stop improving on it. One day, Hal and his friends had to be sorted into different groups called “Brotherbands,” which would compete against each other, and the winner would be honored and would have a better chance at a successful future as the crew of a boat. Hal and his friends, however, were not popular among the other boys and they were not sorted in the Brotherbands, so they created their own group, which they named the Herons after Hal’s boat. The Outcasts is the story of how Hal and his friends strove for acceptance by their peers. One day, a mysterious boat entered Hallasholm harbor. Its passengers claimed to be traders, but Erak, who was the mayor of Hallasholm, knew that they were lying but he didn’t know why. Who were the strangers? Would the Herons succeed in winning the competition? The shocking answers will be answered in The Outcasts.
Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
Philomel, 2005
Will had been found on the steps of Castle Redmont as a baby with a note tied around his neck that read: “His mother died in childbirth. His father died a hero. Please care for him. His name is Will.” Will was soon taken up as a ward of Baron Arald of Redmont. Will and his four wardmates, Jenny, Alyss, George and Horace, were all orphans who were adopted by the Baron. One day, when Will and his friends had reached the age of 15, they had to choose in which way they would serve their kingdom for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, Will’s request to become a knight was denied and he was horrified when he discovered that he would have to work at a farm. Ranger’s Apprentice is the story of how Will attempted to be accepted and recognized for his talents by others. His one chance at escaping a life as a farmer lay in the mysterious Ranger Halt who had handed the Baron a note when Will’s requests were denied. With hopes of a brighter future, Will snuck into the Baron’s office late at night and just when he had reached out to grab the note and then to climb out of a window, Halt caught him and brought him to the Baron. The Baron read the note to Will and he discovered that he was going to be apprenticed to Halt instead of becoming a farmhand. He soon began his apprenticeship in which he learned all about the mysterious ways of the rangers and their duty to protect the kingdom of Araulen from its enemies. After Will started his apprenticeship he and Halt discovered that the kingdom was in danger from the evil Lord Morgarath and they set out to protect it. This story is an incredible read for anyone who loves action-packed adventures that are filled with excitement.
By Josh Stiefel
Josh Stiefel is a fifth grader at Yeshivat Noam. He’s been known to devour books. He also loves brisket.
