MSMS Library

Cleopatra Rules! is a biography of Cleopatra, the last of the mighty line of pharaoh’s. This book states the truth about her life and what she stood for. As it turns out much of what we know about her is a lie and came from the Romans who hated her. She is portrayed as a power hungry seductress, dripping in jewels, when in reality she was average looking, had only two relationships in her life, and was a fiercely intelligent woman who only wanted to make sure her country survived. What was known about her and her life all came from the Romans until recently, scientists have discovered that it was all propaganda to dehumanize her and give the Romans someone to blame for their trouble.

The book “Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio” by Peg Kahret is about her childhood when she was diagnosed with polio. Peg was put in a long term hospital room with five other victims of polio. She there became friends with these young girls and learned how to overcome her disability. During Peg's struggle with polio, she finds out she will never be able to walk normally ever again. This is hard for her to comprehend and causes her to stop trying to over come this disease. If I were to rate this book I would give it a four out of five because I liked the detail at some parts but her time in the hospital was only around four years and this part of her book seemed to go on longer than needed. Reviewed by Molly, 8th grade

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is about a Harvard symbologist, Robert Langdon. Robert is in Paris for a business conference. He is awakened in the night by the Direction Centrale Police Judiciaire, the Judicial Police, it is like the US's FBI. Robert is the main suspect in the murder of Jacques Saunière, the curator of the Louvre. Although, Jacques's granddaughter Sophie, a cryptographer for the DCPJ believes that Langdon is innocent. Langdon is brought to the scene of the murder by the captain, Bezu Fache, to extract a confession. This is thwarted by Sophie's quick thinking. But they soon learn more. Sophie's grandfather was part of the secret organization, the Priory of Sion. The two of them quickly figure out what her grandfather was trying to tell her. The holy grail is real. The two of them quest for the grail but not without challenges. One of the conflicts is between Sophie & Langdon and The DCPJ, the Judicial Police can limit all of their money and resource...

Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer, is about a trip to Mount Everest that a journalist took. It turned out to be the deadliest season in Mount Everest history. In one big storm, nine people were killed, and three more people were killed before the month was over. It is a very sad story, and it made me appreciate being alive. I also made a connection while reading this book, which was text to self. I remember our Winter Festival unit, in which we learned some basic survival skills. I'm not sure it would've helped at 29,600 feet, but it might've helped some. In short, it is a great book and I would give it a 5 out of 5. Review by Jonah, 8th Grade