Percy Jackson? Severus Snape? Dustfinger? Maximum Ride? Huckleberry Finn? Are you desperately trying to find a book that is right for you? Emily Morgan to the rescue! I interviewed three student readers, and who knows, maybe one of their suggestions will include your future favorite character!
Let’s start with a suggestion from Harleigh White, a seventh grader who gives Among the Brave by Margaret Peterson a 5/5 star rating! ”The book is out of the ordinary,” and keeps readers on the edge of their seats!” The main character is cowardly, adventurous, caring rule-breaking Luke. Asked to pick a well-known actor for whom she would cast as the main character in the movie, Harleigh chose Logan Lerman. (aka Percy Jackson!) According to Harleigh, Logan would be the perfect actor because he “draws people to like his character,” just like Luke. Harleigh believes boys and girls would like Among the Brave because it is action-packed, believable and mildly violent. Most readers can relate to the book because if a friend was in grave danger, they would try to help in someway, as Luke does.
Eighth grader Daniel Moton was the second to be interviewed. He is an avid reader who likes fantasy and mystery. His most recent book is the fast-paced Gifts by Ursula Le Guin. Gifts Is action-packed, mystical and suspenseful. Also, Daniel says, “most readers could probably connect with the events because it is about a blind kid who has to overcome his difficulties; I think just about everyone has had or will have to overcome some difficulty in their life.” The main character is Orrec, an adventurous and short-tempered person who is willing to accept any challenges that come his way. Daniel rates this book at 4/5 stars. He believes someone could definitely turn this spellbinding book into a thrilling movie. Daniel recommends reading this book when you are not reading other books because of the complex vocabulary, intricate plot and setup.
Last, but not least, I interviewed 8th grader Ambriel Hurst, who is reading The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Ambriel says the author talks with deep southern roots. The Secret Life of Bees is already a movie,that made around $39 million. Many read the book before seeing the movie; but, Ambriel saw the movie first, and wanted to read the book because the movie was so good.
So, do you think one of these “entrancing” stories might include your next favorite character? Check them out at your local or school library.
8th grader Emily Morgan, Windy Hill Middle School, Calvert County, loves math and likes to play basketball.
