Two reviews from our second guest blogger - Ella H.!

Flygirl by Sherri Smith: This book starts a mile up in the air and doesn't stop climbing (the main character is a pilot). I love really good books, and this one is one of my favorites. If you are tired of princesses and magic, but absolutely dislike non-fiction , try this. Sherri L. Smith does a fabulous job of writing realistic fiction set during World War II. This is definitely one of my recommendations.

The Maximum Ride Series: Hurry up, the train is leaving! Or should I say flight!? James Patterson is one of my favorite authors and his Maximum Ride series are at the top of my list. These are the kind of books you won't want to put down. This series is packed with adventure, suspense, risk taking and maybe some romance. Whenever I read a book in this series I always feel like I'm flying along with the characters (they have real wings!) Don't miss this adventure!

Our First Guest Blog - by Sophie K.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly is set in the turn of the century, 1899. Calpurnia Virginia Tate, aka Callie Vee II, tells the story. Callie is raised in a wealthy family with six brothers. She discovers that her grandfather is a great scientist, and soon realizes that she would rather be the next Marie Curie than a proper housewife. This exciting book set in Texas, tells you everything an 11 year old would think in 1899 - from wondering if the world really will end when the 20th century starts, to discovering a species of plant. Once you pick this book up, you'll never put it down, and you'll realize how much times have changed!

Caudills 2010 - adventure story

Will Hobbs, writer of over 20 adventure stories, brings you a modern, fast paced piece of gritty realism with "Crossing the Wire". Be prepared to experience 15 year old Victor Flores' attempts to better the life of his family in rural Mexico. Set in 2004, Victor comes to the conclusion that only in the United States will he be able to find paid work that will permit his family from falling into complete poverty. Armed only with his intelligence, faith and good intentions, he sets off to attempt to cross the border into Arizona without the help of "Coyotes". "Coyotes" are the smugglers who make a business of smuggling people over the border for very high prices. Danger meets Victor at every turn but he never gives up, as help comes from unexpected places. You can learn more about Will Hobbs and his great novels at http://www.willhobbsauthor.com

Coming Soon-Yippee!!

As orientation in the LTC continues, we are hoping to bring you guest bloggers/podcasters to LeBrisary. 5th - 8th graders are being invited to submit reviews as blogs or podcasts to LeBrisary to spread the word on great reads!!

A great Caudill choice!

Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate (of Animorphs fame) does an incredible job of bringing you an insider view of a modern outsider. 5th grader Kek is a Sudanese refugee who arrives in Minnesota in winter to live with his aunt and his high school age cousin. Written in free verse, Kek tells his story of trying to adjust to a world very far from his native Africa. Having witnessed the death of his father and brother and separated from his mom in a refugee camp escaping the local violence, Kek is determined to learn his mother's fate. His first year, in Minn. is punctuated by failures and victories as he learns English, attends school and makes friends. One of these new friends turns out to be an older woman farmer and her cow that live on the outskirts of his town. They affect each others lives in ways they never expected. This story is full of wonderful images and words that will carry you along on Kek's journey of discovery. You may develop a whole new appreciation of cows. One not to miss!!