Mrs. Dristle's Book Reviews

4th Grade Book Reviews

Mrs. Dristle's Class

Beyond the Grave

by Jude Watson

Reviewed and illustrated by Alina

The setting of the story is Cairo, Egypt. Amy and Dan Cahill are the most important characters in the story because they are the grandchildren of Grace Cahill and are related to so many legends. Another important character is Grace Cahill because she is a well-planned lady and she is the one who formed this series. A problem begins when Amy and Dan are found by Irena, (former agent of the CIA) in Cairo. So Amy and Dan escaped from Irena, jumped in a taxi and went to a hotel. Next, when the two orphans got into a 5 star hotel, still dazed, they accidentally went in by the name of Oh. So they get their room. That was supposed to have the whole floor. And then Dan, the puzzle solver found a door with an Ekat (Ekaterina) symbol; there was something behind that door. At the end Dan Cahill solves the problem when he found an umbrella. Sounds pretty funny, but that was the key. And then they find all the tombs of their ancestors and golden statues. All left from their very old relative Katherine Cahill. (She is the one who made the Ekaterina branch.) But Dan and Amy didn’t bother to realize that it all came too easily. The most important thing about this book or series is the clues witch is the base line of this series. I would rate this book 4 stars because it really has opened up a totally new world for ordinary things and now I think differently.

The Penderwicks On Gardam Street
By Jeanne Birdsall

Reviewed and illustrated by Kate

The setting of the story is on Gardam Street. Rosalind is one of the most important characters in the story because she is pretty much in charge of their family because their mom died. Another important character is Jane because she writes an amazing story that actually turns into a play. A problem begins when Jane writes a story that turns into a play but her sister gets the lead part but is really not up for it. Next, Jane has help her sister Skye rehearse but at the same time they have to help their dad from marrying someone really awful. The problem is solved by the dad when he marries their really nice, kind, pretty neighbor Iantha. The most important thing about this book is that they end up marrying a very nice lady, Iantha. I would rate this book 5 stars because it has a very happy ending.

James and the Giant Peach
By Roald Dahl

Reviewed and illustrated by Pierce

The setting of the story is Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spikers house. James is the most important character in the story because of how he plants the peach tree and goes on a giant adventure with it after it grows fully. Two other important characters are Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker because of how when James's parents die by a Rhinoceros has to go to there house. Next, he gets to their house and has to sleep at a jail and sell their house. Then, he has to go outside and do all the work for them. The problem is solved by an old man when James is given peach tree seeds that are magical. He has the peach already grown a little too much and has a great adventure riding on it. The most important thing about this book is that James finally gets what he deserves. I would rate this book 4 stars because this book has great vocabulary and characters.

Where the Red Fern Grows
By Wilson Rawls

Reviewed and illustrated by Will

The setting of the story is in the Ozark Mountains. Billy is the most important character in the story because he is the narrator and the main character. The other main characters are the dogs Old Dan and Little Ann because they are the dogs Billy worked so hard to get and they are his coons hunting dogs. A problem begins when Billy doesn't have enough money for the dogs he wants to buy. Next, Billy has an idea; he will work and get paid by the people he works for. Then he starts his work. The problem is solved when Billy makes enough money to buy the dogs. The most important thing about this book is when Billy enters the coon hunting challenge. I would rate this book 5 stars because it is a well-written story and I love good books.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
By J.K. Rowling

Reviewed and illustrated by Matt

The setting of the story is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry Potter is the most important character in the story because he is the main character in the whole series and the book is technically about him. Other important characters are Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger because they're Harry's best friends. A problem begins when Harry is chosen to compete in a deadly wizard competition. Next, Harry Potter faces a dragon for the first task in the tournament, and wins that task! Then, Harry is tied with Cedrick Diggory in first after the second challenge (saving Ron from monstrous mermaids). The next challenge is a big maze. At the end, the problem is solved by Harry Potter when he wins the competition and is teleported to a mysterious graveyard. The solution to one problem is the beginning of another...

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
By J.K. Rowling

Reviewed and illustrated by Alexis

The setting of the story is at Hogwarts School. The most important character in the book is Harry Potter because the book is about his life. The two other most important characters are Ron and Hermione because they help Harry in life and are his best friends. The problem begins when Harry, Ron, and Hermione find out about Fluffy, Hagrid's three-headed dog. Next, they have to get past Fluffy to get into the chamber. The most important thing about this book is keeping the stone safe from Voldemort. I rate this book five stars because it is a great adventure!

Kidnapped
By Gordon Korman

Reviewed and illustrated by Caroline

The setting of the story is in a cell and in the Falconor home. Meg is the most important character because she helps a guy named Micky. Aidon is another important character because he looks for Meg. The problem begins when Meg gets kidnapped. Next, Aidon tries to look for her with the police. Then, he failed. At the end, The problem is not solved because Meg is not saved. I would rate this book 5 stars because it was good and it is my type because I like the end. I like the end because everything is so interesting like when she is not saved.

Snow Treasure
By Marie McSwigan

Reviewed and illustrated by Olivia

The setting of the story is Norway. Peter Lundstrom is the most important character in the story because he did amazing things. Another important character is Michael Berg because he is one of the oldest. A problem begins when the Nazis come to Norway. Next, the Nazis try to take the gold. Then the kids hid the gold under the snowmen. Peter throwing snowballs at the Nazis solves the problem. At the end the children save the millions of dollars for their country. The most important thing about this book is that I learned about World War II. I would rate this book a 4 star book because it was a good historical fiction book.

The Lightening Thief
By Rick Riordan

Reviewed and illustrated by Kyle

The setting of the story is at Camp Half-blood. The main character is Percy Jackson because he narrates the book. Another important character is Grover because he gets Percy out of the way of monsters. A problem begins when Grover makes Percy run away to a camp and his mother was about to be killed by a minataur. Next he gets to a crazy camp where they convince Percy that Greek mythological stuff is real! Then the titan lord Kronas is coming back there's a traitor at camp! The problem is solved by... WAIT, I WON'T TELL. YOU HAVE TO READ THE BOOK TO SEE HOW THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED!!!!! I rate this book five and a half out of five stars because I like books with action and if you do too then you'll love this book.

Frindle
By Andrew Clements

Reviewed and illustrated by Stephanie

The setting of the story is at Nick's school,Lincoln Elementary. The main character is Nick Allen because he makes up the new word, Findle. A problem begins when Nick's teacher wants Nick to put an end to all the nonsense but it had all ready been spread around and people around the world were learning about the new word.Next, Nicks teachers all get mad him! The problem is solved when...Wait I can't tell you. That would give away what Frindle means and the ending! I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars because it doesn't have a lot of action but a lot of people still love it.

The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

By E.L. Klongisburg

Reviewed and animated by Clara

The setting of the story is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Claudia and Jamie are the most important characters in the story because Jamie and Claudia run away. The second most important character is Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler because she is the one writing the file and she helps Jamie and Claudia find the file they need. A problem begins when the museum doesn't know if Angel was made by Michelangelo. Next, Jamie and Claudia decide to figure out who did it. Then, they find evidence that Michelangelo sculpted the Angel. At the end, their mother and father find them and they discover who made Angel. The most important thing about this book is Claudia and Jamie never gave up hope. It is a good lesson to learn. I give this book 5 stars because it has such a good tale!

A Long Way From Chicago

By Richard Peck

Reviewed and animated by Jared

The setting of the story is Cerro Gordo, Illinois. Grandma Dowdel is the most important character because the whole story revolves around her. A problem begins when a former rival, Mrs. Weidenbach, asked Grandma Dowdel to scrub toilets at a carnival while she enters poetry contests with her family members. The message the author was trying to portray was how small things and changes make prodigious impacts on life. For example, when Grandma Dowdel lies to get into a plane it ended up giving joey the biggest thrill of his life also causing him to join the air force I give this book 5 stars out of 5 because of the new and exquisite humor. For instance at least every chapter contains 1000 humorus situations.

	Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson Reviewed and illustrated by Alina The setting of the story is Cairo, Egypt. Amy and Dan Cahill are the most important characters in the story because they are the grandchildren of Grace Cahill and are related to so many legends. Another important character is Grace Cahill because she is a well-planned lady and she is the one who formed this series. A problem begins when Amy and Dan are found by Irena, (former agent of the CIA) in Cairo. So Amy and Dan escaped from Irena, jumped in a taxi and went to a hotel. Next, when the two orphans got into a 5 star hotel, still dazed, they accidentally went in by the name of Oh. So they get their room. That was supposed to have the whole floor. And then Dan, the puzzle solver found a door with an Ekat (Ekaterina) symbol; there was something behind that door. At the end Dan Cahill solves the problem when he found an umbrella. Sounds pretty funny, but that was the key. And then they find all the tombs of their ancestors and golden statues. All left from their very old relative Katherine Cahill. (She is the one who made the Ekaterina branch.) But Dan and Amy didn’t bother to realize that it all came too easily. The most important thing about this book or series is the clues witch is the base line of this series. I would rate this book 4 stars because it really has opened up a totally new world for ordinary things and now I think differently.
	The Penderwicks On Gardam Street By Jeanne Birdsall Reviewed and illustrated by Kate The setting of the story is on Gardam Street. Rosalind is one of the most important characters in the story because she is pretty much in charge of their family because their mom died. Another important character is Jane because she writes an amazing story that actually turns into a play. A problem begins when Jane writes a story that turns into a play but her sister gets the lead part but is really not up for it. Next, Jane has help her sister Skye rehearse but at the same time they have to help their dad from marrying someone really awful. The problem is solved by the dad when he marries their really nice, kind, pretty neighbor Iantha. The most important thing about this book is that they end up marrying a very nice lady, Iantha. I would rate this book 5 stars because it has a very happy ending.
	James and the Giant Peach By Roald Dahl Reviewed and illustrated by Pierce The setting of the story is Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spikers house. James is the most important character in the story because of how he plants the peach tree and goes on a giant adventure with it after it grows fully. Two other important characters are Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker because of how when James's parents die by a Rhinoceros has to go to there house. Next, he gets to their house and has to sleep at a jail and sell their house. Then, he has to go outside and do all the work for them. The problem is solved by an old man when James is given peach tree seeds that are magical. He has the peach already grown a little too much and has a great adventure riding on it. The most important thing about this book is that James finally gets what he deserves. I would rate this book 4 stars because this book has great vocabulary and characters.
	Where the Red Fern Grows By Wilson Rawls Reviewed and illustrated by Will The setting of the story is in the Ozark Mountains. Billy is the most important character in the story because he is the narrator and the main character. The other main characters are the dogs Old Dan and Little Ann because they are the dogs Billy worked so hard to get and they are his coons hunting dogs. A problem begins when Billy doesn't have enough money for the dogs he wants to buy. Next, Billy has an idea; he will work and get paid by the people he works for. Then he starts his work. The problem is solved when Billy makes enough money to buy the dogs. The most important thing about this book is when Billy enters the coon hunting challenge. I would rate this book 5 stars because it is a well-written story and I love good books.
	Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire By J.K. Rowling Reviewed and illustrated by Matt The setting of the story is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry Potter is the most important character in the story because he is the main character in the whole series and the book is technically about him. Other important characters are Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger because they're Harry's best friends. A problem begins when Harry is chosen to compete in a deadly wizard competition. Next, Harry Potter faces a dragon for the first task in the tournament, and wins that task! Then, Harry is tied with Cedrick Diggory in first after the second challenge (saving Ron from monstrous mermaids). The next challenge is a big maze. At the end, the problem is solved by Harry Potter when he wins the competition and is teleported to a mysterious graveyard. The solution to one problem is the beginning of another...
	Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone By J.K. Rowling Reviewed and illustrated by Alexis The setting of the story is at Hogwarts School. The most important character in the book is Harry Potter because the book is about his life. The two other most important characters are Ron and Hermione because they help Harry in life and are his best friends. The problem begins when Harry, Ron, and Hermione find out about Fluffy, Hagrid's three-headed dog. Next, they have to get past Fluffy to get into the chamber. The most important thing about this book is keeping the stone safe from Voldemort. I rate this book five stars because it is a great adventure!
	Kidnapped By Gordon Korman Reviewed and illustrated by Caroline The setting of the story is in a cell and in the Falconor home. Meg is the most important character because she helps a guy named Micky. Aidon is another important character because he looks for Meg. The problem begins when Meg gets kidnapped. Next, Aidon tries to look for her with the police. Then, he failed. At the end, The problem is not solved because Meg is not saved. I would rate this book 5 stars because it was good and it is my type because I like the end. I like the end because everything is so interesting like when she is not saved.
	Snow Treasure By Marie McSwigan Reviewed and illustrated by Olivia The setting of the story is Norway. Peter Lundstrom is the most important character in the story because he did amazing things. Another important character is Michael Berg because he is one of the oldest. A problem begins when the Nazis come to Norway. Next, the Nazis try to take the gold. Then the kids hid the gold under the snowmen. Peter throwing snowballs at the Nazis solves the problem. At the end the children save the millions of dollars for their country. The most important thing about this book is that I learned about World War II. I would rate this book a 4 star book because it was a good historical fiction book.
	The Lightening Thief By Rick Riordan Reviewed and illustrated by Kyle The setting of the story is at Camp Half-blood. The main character is Percy Jackson because he narrates the book. Another important character is Grover because he gets Percy out of the way of monsters. A problem begins when Grover makes Percy run away to a camp and his mother was about to be killed by a minataur. Next he gets to a crazy camp where they convince Percy that Greek mythological stuff is real! Then the titan lord Kronas is coming back there's a traitor at camp! The problem is solved by... WAIT, I WON'T TELL. YOU HAVE TO READ THE BOOK TO SEE HOW THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED!!!!! I rate this book five and a half out of five stars because I like books with action and if you do too then you'll love this book.
	Frindle By Andrew Clements Reviewed and illustrated by Stephanie The setting of the story is at Nick's school,Lincoln Elementary. The main character is Nick Allen because he makes up the new word, Findle. A problem begins when Nick's teacher wants Nick to put an end to all the nonsense but it had all ready been spread around and people around the world were learning about the new word.Next, Nicks teachers all get mad him! The problem is solved when...Wait I can't tell you. That would give away what Frindle means and the ending! I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars because it doesn't have a lot of action but a lot of people still love it.
	The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler By E.L. Klongisburg Reviewed and animated by Clara The setting of the story is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Claudia and Jamie are the most important characters in the story because Jamie and Claudia run away. The second most important character is Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler because she is the one writing the file and she helps Jamie and Claudia find the file they need. A problem begins when the museum doesn't know if Angel was made by Michelangelo. Next, Jamie and Claudia decide to figure out who did it. Then, they find evidence that Michelangelo sculpted the Angel. At the end, their mother and father find them and they discover who made Angel. The most important thing about this book is Claudia and Jamie never gave up hope. It is a good lesson to learn. I give this book 5 stars because it has such a good tale!
	A Long Way From Chicago By Richard Peck Reviewed and animated by Jared The setting of the story is Cerro Gordo, Illinois. Grandma Dowdel is the most important character because the whole story revolves around her. A problem begins when a former rival, Mrs. Weidenbach, asked Grandma Dowdel to scrub toilets at a carnival while she enters poetry contests with her family members. The message the author was trying to portray was how small things and changes make prodigious impacts on life. For example, when Grandma Dowdel lies to get into a plane it ended up giving joey the biggest thrill of his life also causing him to join the air force I give this book 5 stars out of 5 because of the new and exquisite humor. For instance at least every chapter contains 1000 humorus situations.