Marsh Reviews John Stephens's THE EMERALD ATLAS

The Emerald Atlas

(Books of the Beginning #1)

by John Stephens

Book Report by Marsh

         Kate, Michael, and Emma are brother and sisters.  They were left at an orphanage by their parents when they were very young for some unknown reason, so they have moved from orphanage to orphanage. But this one is different.  It is in Cambridge Falls. There are no other kids in this orphanage.  The scenery seems to change.  And the orphanage is much bigger than it appears.

         One day while the kids are exploring the orphanage, they find a book with an emerald green cover.  Michael figures he could use the book as extra storage for his photos, so he places his photo in the book and then he and his sisters are transported back in time to the old Cambridge Falls, where the Countess, an evil witch, is trying to kill all of the kids of Cambridge Falls.  Kate, Michael, and Emma will have to save all the kids.  Can they do it?

         I think this book is very good. I love the big battles between the Countess and her allies and the kids and their allies.  I have the most in common with Michael, because like him, I like learning about mythical creatures and reading.  I enjoyed how Kate was clever and she was always helping her brother and sister.  Emma was really tough and was always ready to kill monsters.  I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. I hope to see where their next adventure takes them.

         I recommend this book for kids who love action and adventure. I give this book 5 monsters!

To read more about this series and the author, please visit- http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/emeraldatlas/

To find a copy of this book check your local library or find it at an independent bookseller-

http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780375868702/john-stephens/emerald-atlas

Or Amazon-

http://www.amazon.com/Emerald-Atlas-Books-Beginning/dp/0375868704/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312060314&sr=8-1

Or Barnes & Noble-

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/emerald-atlas-john-stephens/1100168993?ean=9780375868702&itm=1&usri=emerald%2batlas

Emiline Reviews: Ally Carter's I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

Gallagher Girls

Behind the walls of the Gallagher Academy there is a girl named Cammie (AKA the Chameleon--because she blends in with things, just as good spies do).

Here are some of the characters: Cammie's mother, also the principal; her BFFs: Liz ( AKA Bookworm), Rebeca (AKA BEX).  As you read more, you will discover a new character named Josh, Cammie's secret love.  Surprisingly, he loves her back.  But he could never love her if he knew the truth--that she is a spy.  She's told him lots of lies about her life, her family . . . everything.

On their first date they wanted to go to the movies.  Cammie's friends put two spy movie tickets into her purse.  But, sadly, Cammie snuck out of the Academy a little too late.  So they went to grab a burger.   Dee Dee (the mystery girl), and Dillon (AKA D-Man) rudely squeezed into their booth.

Dillon asks Josh to sneak into the Gallagher Academy.  Josh explains to Cammie that he's been wanting to do it for a long time.  Cammie has to stop Dillon, because she doesn't want any of her friends to get discovered as spies.  Thankfully, Josh says, "no."

Later, Josh takes her to the fall dance. Disturbingly, her mom and COVE OPS. teacher, Mr. Solomon are dancing together.  I mean, her mom's married--well, that's what everyone thinks, but her husband is . . . dead :(

Josh doesn't like Cammie when he knows the truth.  Just like Cammie thought.  Not because she's a Gallagher Girl, because she lied to him.

Well, you'll have to read the book to find out the rest.

I give this book five out of five monsters.  It's a really great book with lots of action.  And it's really kind of funny.

The first line in the book is: "I suppose a lot of teenage girls feel invisible sometimes, like they just disappear.  Well, that's me--Cammie the Chameleon."  This line really gives out the plot of the book.  Because, most of the Gallagher Girls feel invisible.  Some just want to be normal.

Well, all I can say now is: Read the book.  I bet you'll love it.