Student Voices

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

Today we let TTT be taken over by one of my students as the post she wrote at the end of last year was focused on Christmas, so we held on posting it until now!

 Today’s Topic: Ten Favorite Christmas Books

from Maria N., 7th grade (now 8th grade)

1. Letters from Father Christmas

It is unique because it is written in letters.

2. The Snowman

A traditional book that every kid dreams of hearing.

3. Father Christmas 

Something you would not expect from Santa.

4. A Christmas Carol

A traditional Christmas book.

5. The Polar Express

This is a unique Christmas book that kids love. 

6. One Wintry Night

Betters the Christmas Story.

7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Dr. Seuss!

8. The Christmas Tree

A traditional Christmas book that has a good theme behind it. 

9. 12 Stories of Christmas

This book has different stories in it, and they are all perfect. 

10. The Night Before Christmas

The perfect traditional book that kids love.

Thank you, Maria!
And happy holidays, everyone!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

 Today’s Topic: Ten Books I Love to Read with my Mom

from Sarah H., 7th grade

1. Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene

My mom and I love mysteries and trying to figure out what happened.

2. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

My mom and I loved reading the first one together.

3. Save Me a Seat by Gita Varadarajan and Sarah Weeks

After reading it for Mrs. Moye’s Lunch Book Club, I recommended it to my mom, and we both loved it.

4. Pigeon Books by Mo Willems

I remember my mom reading these to me at bedtime, and we would both say the lines over and over.

5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

After reading it in Kindergarten, my mom and I read it over and over.

6. Pinkalicious and the others in the series by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann

My mom and I still read these–I love her imagination!

7. The Giver by Lois Lowry

I told my mom I was reading The Giver, and we started talking about it (after she reread it).

8. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

My mom and I love the movie, and we wanted to see the differences.

9. Dr. Seuss Books

I still have these in my closet, and we sometimes reread them and look through them.

10. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

My mom and I love all the animals in this book. We read it over and over.

Thank you, Sarah!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

 Today’s Topic: Ten Favorite Quotes from Books

by Habiba F., 8th grade (2016-17) now a 9th grader!

1. “Come quickly. I am tasting the stars.” – The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

This is what Dom Perignon said after inventing champagne. I like this quote because it shows how one’s mind can stretch farther than than the clouds.

2. “She is not just an ape…” – Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby

This quote sows that even if your eye see only an ape, they are more than that.

3. “Even in its darkest passages, the heart is unconquerable. It is important that the body survives, but its more meaningful that the human spirit prevails.” – A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer

This quote shows how Dave, even though he lived in torture with his family and was shown little love, still has hope.

4. “You have to understand that in a person’s life, there are a few precious moments in which decisions, choices that you man now, will affect you for the rest of your life.” – Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer

This quote shows how every move you make affects you later in life.

5. “I loved you when you were 300, 200 pounds. I love you now.” – Skinny by Donna Cooner

I love this quote because it shows true sibling love and that it isn’t about looks, it’s about love.

6. “I could keep running from my battles and live in fear, or I could embrace the fear.” – Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

This shows a courageous girl who faces what she has been avoiding.

7. “As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly then all at once.” – The Fault in our Stars by John Green

This quote shows how true love can be comforting and soothing.

8. “The things we do outlast our morality, the things we do are like monuments that people build to honor heroes after they’ve died. They’re like the pyramids that the Egyptians built to honor the pharoahs. Only instead of being made of stone, they’re out of the memories people have of you.” – Wonder by R.J. Palacio

9. “People are more than they look.” – A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle

This quote gives a reason to not judge someone by looks.

10. “Don’t try to comprehend with your mind. Your minds are very limited.” – A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle

This quote shows that sometimes there will be things you just don’t understand.

What are your favorite quotes? 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

 Today’s Topic: Thirty Male Book Characters We’d Totally Date

by Clara, Kiersten, Amanda, and Ashley, 7th grade (2016-2017) now 8th graders!

Clara A.

1. W.W. Hale the Fifth from Heist Society by Ally Carter

Hale is a combination of bad and sensitive. He is a thief; however, ever since his mom left him, he has been so scared of losing anyone else.

2. Seth Logan from The Lost Heir by Allison Whitmore

Seth is a guitar player who most people hate; however, he never loses sight of those he loves.

3. Alexi from All Fall Down by Ally Carter

Alexi is very protective of those he loves, even when they are over seas. He cares about his friends and always makes sure they are safe.

4. Josh from The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

Josh is always willing to do whatever for his friends such as giving them his sweatshirt on a cold, chilly night.

5. Dodge from The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

Whether he is a revel, knight, or peasant, Dodge never game up on his one true love even if it means dying for her.

6. Luis from Can’t Look Away by Donna Cooner

Luis is both athletic and smart. He plays track and would do anything to help people.

7. Jonas from The Giver by Lois Lowry

Jonas always tries to do what is right. Even if it means breaking the law to save a child’s life.

8. Kyle from The Neptune Project by Polly Holyoke

Kyle’s ability to make decisions quickly makes him a great leader. He made so many sacrifices to save his friends.

9. Dai from The Neptune Project by Polly Holyoke

Dai tries to hide his feelings and act tough; however, he cares for people and hates hurting them.

10. Eli from The Summer I Save the World in 65 Days by Michele Weber Hurwitz

Eli cares for his family, especially his little brother. He doesn’t try and high his feelings but talks to someone about them.

Amanda C. & Kiersten R.

1. Josh from The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

I love Josh’s caring and attentive personality. The fact that he still tried to speak with Emma after 6 months shows how much he really cares for her! -Amanda

2. Alex from Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Alex is a sweet guy who’s very protective over Lena. I love the fact that he’s not afraid to stand out and go against society. -Kiersten

3. Clay from Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Even though he didn’t really show it, Clay loved and wanted to help Hannah. After she died, he didn’t want the same thing to happen to Skye. He wasn’t gonna lose someone else. -Kiersten and Amanda

4. Noah from Paper or Plastic by Vivi Barnes

I love Noah’s serious yet geeky personality. Though he’s quiet, he feels comfortable talking to Lex, and I think it’s so cute how he has a quiet and serious side to him but also a sweet and caring side. -Amanda

5. Xander from Matched by Ally Condie

Xander is super caring and nice to his best friend, Cassie. He’s super protective, and he supports Cassie in everything. Normally, he’s the quiet, obedient type, but he never stops talking to Cassie. -Kiersten

6. Peter from The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle by Janet Fox

We love how Peter has such a friendly personality. He gives off a brave, strong image. He handles emergencies well and doesn’t have much of a temper. We imagine him with a New York accent, too. -Kiersten and Amanda

7. Zander from How to Rock Braces and Glasses by Meg Haston

Zander has this laid-back personality that I absolutely adore. He knows how to stick with the right crowd. Plus, he’s in a bad which I think is awesome. -Amanda

8. Mfumbe Taylor from The Barcode Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn

Mfumbe is a hardworking and perfect-student type of person, but he has ideas that go against the norm of society. He’s very caring and one of the most good-looking guys in his grade. He’s friendly, too. -Kiersten

9. Eli from The Summer I Save the World in 65 Days by Michele Weber Hurwitz

Eli is a very sweet guy, and the gift he gave to Nina is super cute. The first kiss she got from him on the bench was a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e! -Kiersten and Amanda

10. Jaime from Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova

He’s super shy and geeky, but when he’s around Peppy, he can be super adorable. Plus, he’s really intelligent. -Amanda

Ashley F.

1. Harry Potter from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

He is brave, powerful, confident, magical, and cares for others.

2. Tobias aka Four from the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth.

He is athletic, brave, fearless, loving, caring, and strong.

3. Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

He is unique, different, confident, full of spirit, and brave.

4. Peeta Mellark from the Hunter Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins

He’s brave, strong, loving, loyal, and cares for the people he loves.

5. Finnick Odair from the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins

He’s really strong, flirtatious, charming, and works really hard.

6. Evan Walker from The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey

He’s mysterious, super sweet, and seems creepy but isn’t.

7. Thomas from the Maze Runner series by James Dashner

He is strong, brave, courageous, and good looking.

8. Newt from the Maze Runner series by James Dashner

He is muscular, supportive, and smart.

9. Sean from Autumn Falls by 

He’s understanding, caring, really sweet, and almost perfect.

10. J.J. Austin from Autumn Falls by Bella Thorne

He’s kind, sweet, smart, loves video games, and adores fictional things.

Who are your book crushes?

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

 Today’s Topic: Top Ten Antagonists

from Christian U., 7th grade (now 8th grade!!)

1. Queen Wasp from The Nest by Kenneth Oppel

Queen Wasp attempts to convince Steven to kill his own baby for a new one from a series of dreams. Strategic, Queen Wasp really deserves a spot on the list of the best antagonists.

2. Luke from The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Luke was strategic, acting as the hero the whole book but was really the villain. With Luke being able to trick Percy into doing his dirty work, he is one of the most hated antagonists.

3. The Warden from Holes by Louis Sachar

The Warden tricks a group of kids to dig holes just for her to try and find a buried suitcase of money. Sneaky, the Warden is one of my top 10 antagonists.

4. Coastal Guard from The Neptune Project by Polly Holyoke

The Coastal Guard tries to fight off the experiments who try to make it to an area with others of their kind. Fearless, the Coastal Guards are actually the enemy.

5. The Animals from Frenzy by Robert Lettrick

The animals of the forest are infected and start to pick off the humans. One by one. Unstoppable, the animals kick everyone out of their way.

6. The Witches from Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy by Nikki Loftin

The witches disguise themselves as school teachers just to eat their students. Strategic (and kinda gross!), the witches are surely evil antagonists.

7. Giant Cyclops from The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

The Giant Cyclops captures Grover and threatens to eat him up. The Giant Cyclops is fearless and will take down anyone in his path.

8. The Government in Bot Wars by J.V. Kade

The U.D. Government tries to take away Trout’s dad because he supports bots (who didn’t do anything wrong). The U.D. Government bombs bot territory and is bad to the good bots.

9. Hitler and the Nazi Party from Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Hitler affected Fredrich’s future in music and sent his dad to prison for him not following the Nazi Party. Hitler is pure evil.

10. The Poacher from Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby

The poacher killed Sukari’s mother which was the reason why Sukari went to Charlie. The poacher caused many of the problems and is a dangerous antagonist.

Thank you, Christian!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

 Today’s Topic: Ten Unbelievable Moments in Books

from Courtney B. and Yasmine P., 8th grade

10. Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

When Meg betrays Apollo. Throughout the book, Meg is the sarcastic and feisty sidekick to Apollo, but at the climax of the story, she betrays him.

9. My Life with Liars by Caela Carter

At the end when all of reality is brought to Zylnn, and it really makes the reader rethink reality and humanity.

8. How to Speak Dolphin by Ginny Rorby

When Nori is realsed back into the wild. Nori had cancer and was miraculously released.

7. Blue Exorcist by Kazue Kato

The most unexpected character is also a pervert and is a double spy for the Illuminati. He also kidnaps his friend.

6. Into White by Randi Pink

When Toya turns Caucasian. It was very unexpected as this is something that can’t happen in real life, and the book seems realistic fiction.

5. Black Butler by Yana Toboso

The backstory of the main character is that he murdered his family and other people, and he has a demon serving him as a butler.

4. Warrior by Erin Hunter

When the unexpectedly dies making Fireheart leader (though she dies later, too!).

3. Haikyuu by Haruichi Furudate

In a match between two high school teams, Karasuno against Nekoma and the tension while reading was unbelievable.

2. The Neptune Project by Polly Holkyoke

When Nere’s mom is shot! Through the frantics of the scene, Nere’s mom is shot and is most likely dead.

1. Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto

At the end of Naruto when there is a literal battle to the death and even though they are all beaten up and their arms are cut off, making a sort of heart shape with blood, they still become best friends again.

Thank you, Courtney and Yasmine!

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

 Today’s Topic: Ten Books I Want to Reread

From Danny J., 6th Grade

1. Legend by Marie Lu

One of my favorite books because it was suspenseful to see if Day would be able to get out. Also, because it was exciting to figure out who killed her family and what secrets the government was hiding.

2. The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen

It was really suspenseful to see who would become the false prince and who would die.

3. The Young Elites by Marie Lu

It was exciting how everyone use their own power and what their plan was and if they would be able to take over.

4. The Ghost of Graylock by Dan Poblocki

It was scary how the author slowly brought out the truth of all the hospital’s events.

5. I, Q by Roland Smith

The action of them working with the government never stopped because there was always a problem to stop.

6. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

The fact that she was graced with fighting/survival was cool because she could survive and fight in most situations.

7. Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby

It was exciting to see what would happen to Sukari after Charlie passed away and Joey’s mom wasn’t fond of Sukari.

8. Mark of the Thief by Jennifer Nielsen

It was exciting to see what would happen to Nic now that so many people are after him because he has the bulla.

9. Variant by Robison Wells

It is very suspenseful to see if Ben and the other kids would make it out of the “school.”

10. Everlost by Neal Shusterman

I liked the story of him finding a way out of Everlost and all the challenges he has to face, like the Mcgill, to get out.

Thank you, Danny!