Have I got a book review for you!

Winter 2024 Writing Contest

My name is Mr. S and do I have a challenge for you! Inspired by such great book reviewers as Harold Bloom, Emily May on Goodreads and @aymansbooks on TikTok, this month BASA challenges you to create a book review that persuades. Take a book you love and convince your audience to give it a try! Take a book you loathe and convince the audience to give it a pass! Make up a book and review the completely fictitious elements that you yourself created! The possibilities are endless!

Now you might be thinking, “Wait a moment. This sounds too good to be true. I can write a review of any book, real or imagined and all I need to do is: provide some context to the book, give a brief summary, include some analysis and evaluation of the themes, issues and writing style, add in your own personal optionion with relevant examples and give an overall recommendation? There must be a catch!”

All right, there is a catch. You can only submit a maximum of ONE BOOK REVIEW. I know, I know, many of you will want to send in three or four or even five but this contest is limited to only 1 entry per student. BUT THAT IS THE ONLY CATCH! Other than that, you can write whatever you want! Talk to your teacher about how to submit!

Examples:

Title: Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction, Spy Adventure

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stuart Gibbs' "Spy School" is an exhilarating middle-grade novel that seamlessly blends elements of adventure, humor, and espionage. The story follows the misadventures of twelve-year-old Ben Ripley, an unsuspecting student who unexpectedly finds himself recruited into a top-secret spy school.

The narrative kicks off with an unexpected encounter, thrusting Ben into a world of covert operations and danger. As he navigates the challenges of Spy School, readers are treated to a rollercoaster of espionage, clever gadgets, and unexpected twists. Gibbs crafts a plot that keeps young readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover the next thrilling development.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Ben Ripley is a relatable protagonist, blending intelligence with a healthy dose of humor. The supporting cast, including fellow spy school recruits and instructors, adds depth and diversity to the story. The camaraderie and banter between characters inject a lighthearted charm into the otherwise high-stakes world of espionage.

Gibbs' writing style is engaging and accessible, making "Spy School" an ideal read for its target audience. The author successfully captures the imagination of middle-grade readers with a perfect balance of action and humor. Additionally, Gibbs introduces elements of problem-solving and critical thinking, empowering young readers to think like spies alongside the protagonist.

While the novel predominantly caters to a younger audience, its witty dialogue and clever plot twists can be entertaining for readers of various ages. "Spy School" stands out as a captivating and enjoyable adventure, promising young readers an enthralling introduction to the world of spies, secrets, and unexpected friendships. Stuart Gibbs' ability to merge suspense with humor makes this book a delightful addition to the middle-grade fiction genre.

Title: "Chronicles of Ephemeral Realms" (completely made up book)

Author: Lila Evergreen

Genre: Fantasy Adventure

Summary:

In "Chronicles of Ephemeral Realms," author Lila Evergreen weaves a mesmerizing tale that transports readers to a magical world brimming with wonder and danger. The story revolves around the unlikely hero, Elara Mistwood, a young sorceress with latent powers that could either save or doom her realm.

Set in the mystical land of Eldoria, the narrative unfolds as Elara discovers a long-lost artifact, the Key of Lumina, that holds the key to unlocking ancient portals between dimensions. As she embarks on a quest to prevent an impending catastrophe, Elara is joined by a diverse group of companions - a wise elf scholar, a rogueish gnome thief, and a valiant warrior with a mysterious past.

The plot takes unexpected turns as the group encounters mythical creatures, cryptic puzzles, and malevolent forces that seek to exploit the Key of Lumina for nefarious purposes. Along the way, Elara must confront her own fears and insecurities, learning to harness her magical abilities to overcome the challenges that stand in their path.

The world-building in "Chronicles of Ephemeral Realms" is rich and immersive, with vivid descriptions of enchanted forests, ancient ruins, and otherworldly landscapes. Evergreen's prose is both lyrical and evocative, capturing the essence of Eldoria and its magical inhabitants.

As the stakes escalate, friendships are tested, alliances forged, and secrets revealed. The climax builds to a crescendo as Elara confronts the ultimate adversary, testing the limits of her newfound powers. The resolution leaves readers with a satisfying conclusion while hinting at the potential for future adventures in Eldoria.

"Chronicles of Ephemeral Realms" is a captivating fantasy adventure that will appeal to readers of all ages, offering a blend of magic, mystery, and the enduring power of friendship. Lila Evergreen's debut novel establishes her as a promising voice in the realm of fantasy literature.

Title: "Have I Got a Book for You!”

Author: Melanie Watt

Genre: Fiction

Summary:

Children with a taste for TV infomercials now have a literary equivalent to savor any time. Watt, creator of Scaredy Squirrel, dishes up toothy, toupee-topped super-hawker Al Foxword who, fresh from selling iceboxes to penguins and umbrellas to fish (“Al’s the best! The AQUA UMBRELLA changed my life!” exclaims a finned customer), delivers a high-pressure sales pitch for this very title—his “#1 BESTSELLER!” Are you a tough sell? Al is willing to work for your dollars, offering personal compliments, compelling rationales (“Say GOOD-BYE to boring books. You know the ones I’m talking about…”), an enticing premium, even ideas for what to do with multiple copies. And if all that doesn’t reel you in, he has one final trick up his sleeve. Looking like some sort of rodent and dressed in loud plaids, Al projects a personality as big as the emphatic exhortations plastered across the simply drawn, brightly colored scenes. Driven by a particularly artful use of page turns, this makes compelling reading. Have your credit card ready.

battle of the books

From January to mid-April!

Students can start adding books they read to the "Students" board beside the TV, and teachers to the "Teachers" board. There are star-shaped sticky notes at the front desk, or you can use your own stickies, index cards, etc.

The list of recommended books can be found through the following link: BASA Battle of the Books Recommended Reads!

Ask your teacher if you have any questions or want to participate!