Kim Sprecher
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If you are looking for a good book for your book report or just one for a leisure time activity, check out what these students recommend.

 

Reading Recommendations

Miss Sprecher’s English 9 Classes

 

Spirit Seekers by Joan Lowery Nixon

"I liked it because you never knew what was coming next" Sarah 

 

Exodus by Leon Uris

"…an inspiring book of the plight and rise of the Jewish people into the independent nation of Israel." Seth 

 

Hunting Whitetails Successfully by Gary Polsen

Casey 

River Thunder

"I liked this book because of the outdoor setting and whitewater rafting. Matt Meier

 

The Chamber by John Grisham

Gabreal 

 

Timeline by Michael Crichton

"A very good book that shows facts about Medieval times. Very suspenseful" John 

 

The Testament by John Grisham

"About an illegitimate heir to $11 billion dollars. The heir is nowhere to be found and there is a long line of people waiting to get a piece of it." John 

 

A Painted House by John Grisham

"Set on a cotton farm in Kansas, full of suspense. A brutal murder takes place and only one person knows who did it." John 

 

Don’t Let Me Die by Diane Hoh

"I liked it because it was realistic and sad" Morgan 

 

The Giver by Lois Lowry

"A good book for people who enjoy books about what may happen or possibly did happen before. Great Adventure Book." Jodi 

 

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

"I chose this book because it has a lot of mystery and suspense." Ryan 

 

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

"I liked it because it really showed in depth what happened during The Great Depression." Cody 

 

Hiroshima by John Hersey

"I would recommend this book because it is interesting to read about what people actually went through. It explains why we should never have a nuclear war." Kaleb 

 

The Obstacle Course by J.F. Freedman

"…it is a book that has many messages within it and it gives us a look at a different lifestyle" Brian 

 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

"I liked it because it had your imagination going." Kelly 

 

The Partner by John Grisham

"It had a lot of twists and turns so you never knew how it was going to end." Andrea 

 

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

"It’s a very dramatic yet romantic book and that’s why I like it." Jill 

 

Left Behind by Tim LaHaye

Kathryn 

 

Op – Center: Acts of War by Tom Clancy

"I would recommend this book because it is a very visual book and is enjoyable to read."

Kevin 

 

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

"I liked how the friends showed compassion to one another through each of their hardships; it showed how friends stick together." Ashley 

 

Wasted by Mary Hornbacher

"It was about an anorexic girl and her struggle through life. It was very real and eye-opening to what girls will do to be pretty." Whitney 

 

The Love of Friends by Nancy Bond

"This was a very good book about two friends who had to overcome many things through a secret journey to Scotland to visit someone." Ashley 

 

Jack’s New Power by Jack Gantos

"I liked it because it was interesting and very good. It made me want to keep reading." Lindsey 

 

Soldiers Heart by Gary Paulson

"This book is very neat if you like to find out more about the Civil War." Chris 

 

Till Death Do Us Part by Lurlene McDaniel

"I liked this book because it is a book about two teenagers that fall in love and it was so sweet." Emily 

 

The Hatchet by Gary Paulson

"…a very good book about a young man in a plane crash and his struggle to survive in the wild." Aaron 

 

Death Be Not Proud by John Gunther

"I like the book because it relates to my life." Brian 

 

The Summons by John Grisham

"…because he writes with great detail and keeps the story line going." Jeff 

 

Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Alden R. Carter

"I liked the book because it had a lot of action." Tom 

 

Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

"It is an interesting book that has a lot of action." Jordan 

 

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

"I thought this was a good book because the thought of bugs as big as humans is funny." Tyler 

 

Soul on Ice by Eldrige Carter

"It was an honest and straight forward book about his opinions." Jared 

 

Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers

"This book tells people how Vietnam was terrible. It is a really good book with lots of detail and it is easy to visualize the action." Monte 

 

Until Angels Close My Eyes by Lurlene McDaniel

"I liked this book because it could really happen." Whitney 

 

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

"I liked this book because it is full of emotion and is just crazy." Sam 

 

Icy Sparks by Gywn Hyman Rubio

"I enjoyed reading this book because of the many good lessons it taught and the many different emotions I went through reading the book." Megan 

 

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

"I liked this book because it was funny and I loved James’ character the best. He was such a sweet boy." Jessica 

 

The Last April Dancers by Jean Thesman

"I enjoyed this book because its theme showed that humans really can conquer all odds and move on after hard times." Michelle 

 

The Pearls of Lutra by Brian Jacques

This book has excellent battle strategy along with fascinating heroism." Jacob 

 

On the Fringe by Donald R. Gallo

"A book full of wonderful short stories about teens and some of their problems." Celine 

 

Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan

"This book is good because of all the action and mystery." Corey 

 

Mr. Tucket by Gary Paulson

"It was a great book about early Western civilization." Evan 

 

Torn Thread by Anne Issacs

"I liked this book because it gave an accurate portrayal of World War II and the Holocaust." Sarah 

 

No Survivors by Will Henry

"A powerful saga of the White Sioux." Dan 

 

Yesterday’s Child by Sonia 

"A girl tries to figure out her mother’s past and it turns deadly." Sarah 

 

Many Waters by Madeleine L'engle

"This book is really descriptive and you never know what is going to happen next." Cathy Jo 

 

The Partner by John Grisham

"I liked this book because of different things that happened that were unexpected." Ryan 

 

Demons Don’t Dream by Piers Anthony

"This book was very well fantasized if you love dreaming about other dimensions." Ashley 

 

A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer

"Do what you need to, even if you don’t want to. You’ll go further. I liked this book because it shows me how to handle my frustrations." Kari 

 

My Brother Sam is Dead

"I loved this book because it showed how back in the Civil War days a father and son could fight in different wars. I cried by the time it was over." Rachel 

 

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King

" This book is really a good example of how the character is in conflict with the setting." Allan 

 

Patriot Games by Tom Clancy

"This book keeps moving and is fun to read because it switches between characters." Tim 

 

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

"This book is about a boy named Jim Hawkins who goes on an adventure with a dirty crook pirate, Long John Silver, who is searching for the lost treasure of Captain Smith on an abandoned island. " Rory 

 

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

"This book is an interesting look at World War II from the eyes of the Italians and the British." Sarah 

 

A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer

"The book, A child called it was so good because it kept making me want to read the book and see what happened next. It was so sad because it was based on a true story so thinking what I was reading was true was so emotional." Megan 

 

Brian’s Winter by Gary Paulson

"It was a great book about winter survival." Evan 

 

The Crossing by Gary Paulson

"Pretty good book: very exciting and sad." Corey 

 

A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L’Engle

"As a companion to A Wrinkle in Time, it has lived up to its expectations of being more whimsical." Celine 

 

The Spanish Smile by Scott O’Dell

"I enjoyed this story because it had a good plot and took many interesting turns along the way." Michelle 

 

Butterfly by V.C. Andrews

"I liked this book because it was very adventurous and fast paced." Jessica 

 

Don’t Look Behind You by Lois Duncan

"Lois Duncan wrote this book to be very suspenseful and mysterious. I liked the book because you never knew what was next." Megan 

 

Moon of Two Dark Horses by Sally M. Keehn

"This book is about two friends (white and Indian) that may fall apart." Dan 

 

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

"A girl who doesn’t believe in love starts to fall in love with a boy who doesn’t follow her "guidelines"." Sarah 

 

Hope’s Crossing by Joan Goodman

"This book’s theme is about friendship that is more than skin deep." Cathy Jo 

 

The Two Princesses of Balanor by Gale Carson Lavine

"It was a great book because is shows loyalty to family." Ashley 

 

I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

"Survival and Vampires. I liked this book because it felt as if I were right there." Kari 

 

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

"This story allows my imagination to think about what may happen if we could build a man." Allen 

 

The Andromeda Strain by Michel 

"This is about finding a biological container that has come from the sky." Tim 

 

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

"I like this book because it shows us about how our world is consumer driven and it tries to tell us how not to act. It has good lessons." Megan 

 

Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn

"I liked this book because it says a lot about the boy’s life and how he goes through tough times. It’s dramatic." Megan 

 

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

"The book about Bilbo, a hobbit who lives in the Shire, and travels across the land to the Misty Mountains with nine dwarves and a wizard to help guide him. On the trip they encounter elves, trolls, and goblins who try and capture them. Rory 

 

Frozen Summer by Mary Jane Auch

"You don’t know what is going to happen at the end of this book. Events keep building up." Cathy Jo 

 

Insatiable by Eve Eliot

"This book is exciting and keeps you hooked." Sarah 

 

Katarina by Kathryn Winter

"I enjoyed this book because it reminded me of how strong the human spirit is." Michelle 

 

Hideaway by Dean R. Koontz

This book is good because it’s different from any other book I’ve read. The situational irony keeps you in suspense." Megan 

 

Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher

"Two friends and their twisted lives who are always there for each other." Celine 

 

 

 Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George

I liked this book because Julie runs away from her home and finds herself lost in Alaska.  Jason 

 

 Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

"I liked this book because Maniac Magee’s parents died and he discovered his running and jumping ability and started to help out misfortunate children around him." Jason 

 

King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry

"I liked this book because Agba had a horse named Slam and Slam was stolen and made into a workhorse." Jason 

 

The Kingdom by Robert Lacey

"I liked this book because it tells you how some of the Third World Countries such as Israel and Jordan became how they are today." Jason 

 

 MobyDick by Herman Melville

"I liked this book because of all the adventures that they encounter while trying to find the the White Whale." Jason 

 

Debt of Honor by Tom Clancy

"I like this book because of all the battles the troops encounter when they are trying to rescue the prisoners of war." Jason 

 

Walking Shadow By Robert B. Parker

"I like this book because of how a man is being stalked until the end where the stalker is killed by fire in a aluminum factory." Jason 

 

The Dark Frigate by Charles Boardman Hawes

"I liked this book because it takes place in the mid 1800s when the pirates owned the water and what they would do to steal money from others." Jason 

 

Brazil by John Updike

"I liked this book because it is about the adventures that a 13 year old boy while living in a highly dense town with a lot of crime." Jason 

 

The Day After Tomorrow by Allan Folsom

"I liked this book because Paul Osborn’s father was murdered in front of him and he moves to Paris to find the man who killed his father." Jason 

 

 

The Rifle by Gary Paulson

"I like hunting and the outdoors and history of old things." Tim 

 

Hatchet by Gary Paulson

"This story is of a kid who had to survive when the airplane went down and the pilot died."  Tim 

 

The Testament by John Grisham

"I liked this book because of all the tricks the old guy pulled with making his will so that the kids thought they were rich when they really were not. " Tim 

 

Eddie Rickenbacker by Eddie Rickenbacker

"This book was interesting because Eddie fought in both world wars." Tim 

 

Rip Tide by George lacksy

"I liked this book because of the great suspense and because of the treasure they find." Tim 

 

Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy

"I liked this book because of the military action and strategy." Tim 

 

Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers

"I liked this book because of what the kid has to deal with in Vietnam." Tim 

 

To Kill the Potemkin by Tom Clancey

"The setting takes place in a submarine. This is a good book because the American sub is against a high tech Russian sub." Tim 

 

Patriot Games by Tom Clancey

"This is a high-tech CIA book and it has plenty of action." Tim 

 

The Ice Limit by Douglas Preston

"This was my favorite book because of it had a lot ships and equipment. They are trying to get a medior out of the ground and into a ship." Tim 

 

Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen

"I liked this book because it’s about someone earning self-respect." Eileen 

 

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

"I liked this book because it talks about believing in love, and life." Eileen 

 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

"I liked this book because it’s about growing up in a segregated world." Eileen 

 

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

"I liked this book because it’s about a girl who gets a miracle." Eileen 

 

Princess in the Spotlight (Princess Diaries, Volume II) by Meg Cabot

"I liked this book because it’s a continual of Princess Diaries, and how a girl adjusts to her life." Eileen 

 

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

"I like this book because it’s about a girl who is being abused and finds a way to turn it around." Eileen 

 

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

"I like this book because it’s a good love story about how a boy deals with his girlfriend’s problem."  Eileen 

 

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

"I like this book because it’s a book about a horse’s life in the nineteenth century." Eileen 

 

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

"I like this book because it shows how people treated you, and how life was like in the depression." Eileen 

 

The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks

"I like this book because it’s about how there is someone out there for you." Eileen 

 

Sabriel by Garth Nix

"Suspense filled all the way to the end, action packed, a new revelation in fantasy books." Jeremiah 

 

Lirial by Garth Nix

"Sequel to Sabriel, produces new problems in the "Old Kingdom", with overlapping conflicts, and stunning new developments to all." Jeremiah 

 

Abhorsen by Garth Nix

"Sequel to Lireal, the great evil has been unleashed, try to find a way to destroy it before it destroys them, keeps you on the edge of your seat, you can't stop reading it." Jeremiah 

 

The Wreckers by Iain Lawrence

"Suspenseful, keeps you wondering until the end, over lapping mysteries and conflicts." Jeremiah 

 

Island by Gordon Korman

"6 kids with totally different personalities shipwrecked on uncharted island where many suprises lie ahead." Jeremiah 

 

Everest by Gordon Korman

"Kids are now summating Everest and are now attempting to break all age records to be the youngest to scale this great mountain." Jeremiah 

 

Dragonwings by Laurence Yep

"Father and son immigrate to the US from China, they are gifted w/ many traits and soon fit in with the rest of the Americans." Jeremiah 

 

Dealing with Dragons by P. Wrede

"Fiction novel, takes place in medieval times, lady is captured by dragon and learns to love them, and learns their exciting ways." Jeremiah 

 

Face on the Milk Carton Series by C. Cooney

"Suspenseful book, never can guess what's ahead, keeps you on the edge of your seat all the time."Jeremiah 

 

Daddy’s Little Girl by Mary Higgins Clark

I liked this book because it keeps you guessing up until the end, a classic mystery story. Sarah 

 

Sirena by Donna Jo Napoli

I liked this book because it combines mythology and love into a really awesome story. Sarah 

 

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’engle

This book just keeps you on the edge of your seat, I mean what’s more fun than the kids rescuing the parents? Sarah 

 

Many Waters by Madeleine L’engle

This book is interesting because if you’ve read the other books in this series, the eldest daughter and the youngest son are always going on the adventures, and in the book it’s the twins who travel back in time and have the adventure. Sarah 

 

The Raging Quiet by Sherryl Jordan

This book makes you want to keep reading because it’s a [fiction] story about a girl who essentially makes up sign language so that she can communicate with the town idiot, who’s just deaf and no one knows it. Sarah 

 

A Break With Charity by Ann Rinaldi

This book is just really interesting because it puts you in the position of a girl who is prejudiced against during the Salem Witch Trials. Sarah 

 

Beware, Princess Elizabeth by Carolyn Meyer

This is a great book because it puts you in the shoes of Queen Elizabeth, daughter of King Henry the Eighth. It lets you see what it’s like to have everyone around you who you thought cared about you just use you to get to the top. Sarah 

 

On the Brightside, I’m Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God by Louise Rennison

This book is hilariously funny, it portrays exactly how most teenage girls think and feel. Sarah 

 

Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix

If you ever wondered what happened to Cinderella after she married the prince, this is the book for you. Cinderella isn’t the typical fairy tale anymore. Sarah 

 

Daniel’s Story by Carol Matas

This book gives you a detailed look into the life of a Jewish boy during the holocaust. Sarah 

Scribbler of Dreams by Mary E. Pearson

I liked this book because you never knew exactly what was going to happen next. Sarah 

 

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkein

I liked this book because it’s adventurous and you can’t put it down. Sarah 

 

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

This book was good because it told about a sweet girl whose life turns out right in the end. Sarah 

 

Harry Potter and the Socerer’s Stone by JK Rowling

This book was about a young boy who learned a very interesting secret and it was exciting. Sarah 

 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling

This book was good because it was fascinating and had a new twist on every page. Sarah 

 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling

I liked this book because it was engaging and took me by surprise. Sarah 

 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling

I liked this book because it the main character into new and interesting places. Sarah 

 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Lee Harper

I liked this book because it took place back in the depression and it showed how the world really was. Sarah 

 

Little Women by Louise May Alcott

This book was good because it portrayed a struggling family who eventually got through it. Sarah 

 

Yesterday’s Child by Sonia Levinton

I liked this book because it had murder and suspense everywhere you read. Sarah 

 

The Voyage of the Frog by Gary Paulson

I like this book because it was an adventure about a boat on the open seas. Dan 

 

The Hardy Boys, The Tower Treasure by Franklin W. Dixon

I like this book because it is Part one of a six book series and I like the things they do because it reminds me of me. Dan 

 

The Hardy Boys, The House on the Cliff by Franklin W Dixon

I like this book because it is the best book in the series. Dan 

 

The Hardy Boys, The Secret of the Old Mill by Franklin W. Dixon

I like this book because I like the mysteries. Dan 

 

The Hardy Boys, The Missing Chums by Franklin W. Dixon

I like this book because their are searching for their missing chums. Dan 

 

The Hardy Boys, Hunting for Hidden Gold by Franklin W. Dixon

I like this book, I like how they worked together to do something. Dan 

 

 

The Hardy Boys, The Shore Road Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon

I haven’t finished this book yet but from what I have read it is a really good book. Dan 

 

The King of Torts by John Grisham

This book has constant suspense throughout the entire book. Ryan 

 

A Painted House by John Grisham

This is good a good book because you can relate to the characters and the characters are very believable. Ryan 

 

The Firm by John Grisham

This is an excellent book for people who like mystery and suspense. Ryan 

 

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

If you read it around the holidays it really makes you think about the funny things. Ryan 

 

The Summons by John Grisham

This book mixes fantasy with fiction together to make a great book. Ryan 

 

The Street Lawyer by John Grisham

This book raises awareness of our society and homeless people. Ryan 

 

 

The Runaway Jury by John Grisham

I have read a lot of Grisham's books, but this is probably my favorite. This book is suspenseful and has a great ending. Ryan 

 

The Partner by John Grisham

This book was a very exciting and unpredictable book with a great story line. Ryan 

 

The Rainmaker by John Grisham

This book is good because there are lots of behind-the-scene glimpses of courtroom and informative little notes. Ryan 

 

The Pelican Brief by John Grisham

This book was packed with suspense and mystery. Ryan 

 

 

 

 

Copyright August 2003: Kimberly Sprecher
All Rights Reserved

Last Updated: 01/28/2012 07:55 AM