Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling

Reviewed by Gillen M.
Grade 6

EXPECTO-PATRONUM!!! When Harry and his cousin are attacked by dementors one night, the Order of the Phoenix decides it is time to bring Harry back to the magical world. Harry finds that
not all is calm. Dumbledore has restarted the secret society known as the Order of the Phoenix to fight "he who must not be named." Meanwhile Harry must attend a hearing at the Ministry of Magic for his use of magic in the muggle world. Later when he returns to Hogwarts, Harry finds that the Ministry of Magic has been exercising its control. From appointing a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to the half dozen "educational decrees," Hogwarts is not what it once was. To deal with the inadequacy of the ministry appointed defense against the dark arts teacher Harry, Ron, and Hermione start Dumbledore's Army, a club designed to teach real defensive magic to anyone (with the exception of the Slytherins) who wants it. But a questionable clue leads Harry into a trap and a battle in the heart of the most secret part of the Ministry of Magic. Will Harry and Sirius survive? Will "He who must not be named" gain a prophecy about Harry? Find out in this explosive novel in the Harry Potter series.

This book's engaging characters, spectacular style and amazing plot ensure that kids of all ages will find this one of the best Harry Potter books yet. Rowling ads engaging twists that nobody would see coming. The end of the story packs a wallop nobody sees coming as well as plenty of action throughout.

I would recommend Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to lovers of the previous four books in the series as well as lovers of fantasy and action. Although action filled, this book is inappropriate for younger readers. This book would be best for older readers such as fifth and sixth graders and is more violent than the other books.

Zach's Lie by Roland Smith

Reviewed by Jake L.
Grade 8

Do you ever think about what would happen if you had to live a lie? If you had to stop your current life, pick up everything and go live someplace else? This has happened to Zach Granger, and his life depends on it. Zach always thought of his father as a good man--not greedy, not mean, or harsh, but his Dad actually helped smuggle drugs as an airplane pilot. While on a trip to South America, a man approached him about making some easy money smuggling drugs across the border in airplanes. Money was tight, and the temptation overcame him. He was a drug smuggler and everything was going well… until it went completely wrong, and turns Zach's life completely upside down.

The author does a great job of developing the plot and the story. He gives you a very clear understanding of what is happening, but doesn't tell you everything which leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat throughout the book. It is very well written.

I would recommend Zach's Lie to anyone who asked for a book. It has it all: a great plot, humor, irony, and a touch of romance. All these elements combine for a very compelling read.

No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman

Reviewed by Gillan M
Grade 6

"Rewrite!" When school football star Wallace Wallace is drafted from football to the school drama clubs's production of "Old Shep, My Pal," due to a rather negative review of the book, nothing goes as planned. Mr. Fogelman intends to convince Wallace that "Old Shep, My Pal" is one of the best books ever written, but instead of rewriting his review, Wallace ends up rewriting most of the play into a modernistic version of the "timeless classic." In attempting to change Wallace's view of the book, Mr. Fogleman ends up mixing up Wallace's whole year. From mopeds to RC cars this will be a play the school won't soon forget!


This book is great because of many things: its amusing plot twists, its interesting characters, and its surprise ending. One thing is for sure, you will be hooked by page two. The plot twists and turns in surprising ways by showing the evolution of the play through the eyes of half of a dozen different people.


I recommend this book to lovers of realistic fiction, humor, and wacky middle school adventures. Further reason to recommend this book lies in the amusing style of the author. He throws in plot twists and unexpected surprises every other chapter. The characters change throughout the story, in some ways evolving with the play as well as the story. NO MORE DEAD DOGS!!!