William Allen White Award Book Review: Shakespeare's Secret
Your vote counts! Watch local middle school students review Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach, a Kansas William Allen White Award nominee.
January 25, 2008
January 23, 2008
William Allen White Award Book Review: Princess Academy
Your vote counts! Watch a local middle school student puppeteer review Princess Academy by Shannon Hale, a Kansas William Allen White Award nominee.
January 15, 2008
William Allen White Award Book Review: Naked Mole-Rat Letters
Your vote counts! Watch a local middle school student puppeteer review The Naked Mole-Rat Letters by Mary Amato, a Kansas William Allen White Award nominee.
January 11, 2008
William Allen White Book Reviews Continued . . .
Your vote counts. Watch local middle school students review Kansas William Allen White Award nominees. The Dr. Dyl Show includes interviews about Defiance by Valerie Hobbs and A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray by Anne Martin.
January 08, 2008
YOU did it!
Announcing Youtube William Allen White nominee videos . . .
Wondering which book to read? Take a look at these creative Youtube videos starring Topeka area students as they review some of the William Allen White Award nominee books. Each year Kansas students (YOU) have the opportunity to read and vote for the best book in the 3-5 and 6-8 grade reading range. The nominated books, “the best of the best”, are chosen by a state committee for you to read and vote on through your schools and local librarians.
Leave a comment and let us know what you think!! Should we do more of these? Would you record one? If so which book would you pick? The new list for 2009 will be out soon!
Our first video features: Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach, On Estruscan Time by Tracy Barrett and Out of Order by Betty Hicks.
Stay tuned for Dr. Dyl Part 2 tomorrow . . .
July 10, 2007
Bad Girls by Jacqueline Wilson
Bad Girls by Jacqueline Wilson. 
This book is about a girl name Maddy. Her mom treats her like a baby. She wears baby clothes and her mom only lets her wear her hair in braids. Girls at school make fun of Maddy because she is a baby. When a new girl moves in next door Maddy is considered cool! Tanya is considered another "bad girl" to Maddy's mom. Once Maddy hangs out with Tanya things start turning around. Until... You will have to read to find out. I liked this book alot. I strongly recommend this to any girl.
By Kristen Thiessen
This book is about a girl name Maddy. Her mom treats her like a baby. She wears baby clothes and her mom only lets her wear her hair in braids. Girls at school make fun of Maddy because she is a baby. When a new girl moves in next door Maddy is considered cool! Tanya is considered another "bad girl" to Maddy's mom. Once Maddy hangs out with Tanya things start turning around. Until... You will have to read to find out. I liked this book alot. I strongly recommend this to any girl.
By Kristen Thiessen
May 31, 2007
So B. It
So B. It was the best book I have ever read in my life. I encourage 9-to Adults should read the
book. It's about a girl whose mother is mentally ill and she has to do everything for her mom. She goes to a lot of places to find more about her relatives because her mom's brain isn't so well at remembering things. This book ends sad but it is still an awesome book. READ IT!
Thank you Jesse
May 14, 2007
Monster by Walter Dean Myers
Monster Book Review By: Walter Dean Myers To begin with, this story is about how one guy Steve's life was turned around by a few events and how he might spend the rest of his life behind bars. This book is very interesting! It may interest those whom like reading about real life stories and experiences. This book helps most teens that get into trouble, understand what the consequences can be for just making the wrong choices, or simply hanging with the wrong people. Steve and a group of his friends were up to no good one afternoon, when they had planned to rob a drugstore. They had already planned on what positions each would take. Steve, the boy who gets locked up, was set to be a lookout outside of the store. So they committed the crime, and ended up going too far and into some serious trouble. So then he has to face the judge and stay behind bars until they decide if he's guilty or not. The most exciting part is at the very end, when the judge gives him the answer. My personal opinion about this book is that it really did catch my interest! I really enjoy reading stories based on real life experiences, and this was one of the best books that I have read so far. I like the way they set up every character and what they said, although it was somewhat confusing in the very beginning when you just start to read it, but as soon as you get the hang of it, next thing you know, youre done with the book! I really recommend this book to those who have been in some kind of situation as Steve did. You should take a second to check this book out. Who knows, you might just be looking at your next favorite book!
Thank you Lizette
April 09, 2007
Teen Book Review: Romiette and Julio
Romiette and Julio Author: Sharon M. Draper To begin with, have you ever read a book about love and mystery at the same time? If you havent then you dont know what you are missing out on. You may not be the romantic type, but you will be after you read this book. I never thought that I would like a romantic book, but this has to be one of my favorite books in the world. First, this book is about this boy named Julio and a girl named Romiette. Romiette is this lonely girl that goes to school knowing that nobody really wants to talk to her or be her friend. Romiette though has this one friend named Destiny. Destiny is like a best friend everyone has. If you dont have a friend like Destiny, then you need to find one. Julio on the other hand had plenty of friends, but had to move because of gangs.
August 24, 2006
Mister Monday - Teen Book Review
A boy named Arthur Penhaligon is given a key that looks like the minute hand of a clock. He has asthma and it saves his life. Because of this key Arthur is thrown into a magical and bizarre world. While uncovering the secrets of the key he shall find his true destiny.
Recommended by Ricky
August 23, 2006
Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors - Teen Book Review
My book report is on Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors. It is about a old man named Ezeikel bringing back to life Queen Bernice in a horse's body. Since the queen was back to life she has protected Charlie and his friend Billy on their trip to the castle where they found a man. They stay at the castle for a little while, then they go to land and meet up with Charlie's Uncle Paton. When they get back from the ocean the man that they brought back from the ocean has run away.
August 22, 2006
Never Mind!: a Twin Novel - Teen Book Review
Never Mind:! a Twin Novel by Avi and Rachel Vail is a story about Edward and Meg, twins who are completely different. So different, that they even go to different schools. At a different school, Meg wants a girl to be her friend and lies about Edward. While Edward is trying to live up to the lie, Meg's just trying to get rid of it, yet neither knows what the other is doing. Never Mind! is on the William Allen White list this year.Recommended by Emily
August 16, 2006
Nancy's Mysterious Letter -- Teen Book Review
Nancy’s Mysterious Letter by Carolyn Keene is a great detective book. When the mail carrier’s bag of letters is stolen, a very important letter for Nancy Drew falls into the wrong hands of someone. Throughout the book, Nancy has help from her friends and family, while being in danger throughout the book. This is an excellent book that I think any girl would love to read!
Recommended by Courtney
August 15, 2006
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - Teen Book Review
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis wrote this book about 56 years ago. It's about four brothers and sisters whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy and how they got into Narnia. Narnia is a land with fauns, dwarfs, centaurs, and dryads and all sorts of animals that talk. It's my favorite book and on a scale of 1 to 10, it definitely would be a 10.
Recommended by Timothy
C.S. Lewis wrote this book about 56 years ago. It's about four brothers and sisters whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy and how they got into Narnia. Narnia is a land with fauns, dwarfs, centaurs, and dryads and all sorts of animals that talk. It's my favorite book and on a scale of 1 to 10, it definitely would be a 10.
Recommended by Timothy
August 09, 2006
Redwall by Brian Jacques
For many years, the mice in Redwall Abbey had lived peacefully, but now Cluny the Scourge, the largest, most vicious sea rat, is coming to attack their tranquil home! Matthias, a resident at Redwall, devises a bold plan to save his Abbey. He can achieve this by finding the ancient sword of a long deceased warrior, but accomplishing this is easier said than done. If he succeeds, he will be the hero, but if his strategy fails, all the inhabitants at the Abbey will either die or be made slaves under the brutal rule of Cluny the Scourge! Redwall is an outstanding, exceptionally well-written book. It keeps you interested and in suspense nearly the entire book! Redwall teaches bravery, courage, common sense, and placing priorities correctly. Brian Jacques is an excellent writer!
Reviewed by Sarah
August 08, 2006
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom is a must-read!! It's about an old fellow named Charlie. He's worked at Ruby Pier for the majority of his life. When he was younger he served in the army. He always wanted to ditch the old town, but never got around to doing it. Then one day, an amusement park ride crashes! At the last second he jumps into the middle of it all to try to save a little girl and dies doing it. Once he's in Heaven he meets five people (some he knew, some he didn't) who all teach him a lesson and, explain to him why he lived. That's all I'm going to say and the rest is for you to find out. Don't miss this GREAT read.Reviewed by Hope
August 07, 2006
Chu Ju's House by Gloria Whelan
Chu Ju's House is about a girl in China whose family can only have 2 children. Since they want a son, but get a 2nd daughter, they plan on shipping off the 2nd daughter to try for a son. Chu Ju doesn't want this to happen, so she leaves her family to start a new life.Recommended by Kelseigh
Revenge of the Shadow King by Derek Benz
I give the story Revenge of the Shadow King a five star rating. It's got suspense, horror, mystery, humor, magic, heroism and all you need to make a great story packed in to one small hardback book.Recommended by John
Redwall by Brian Jacques
This is an action packed book about a mouse named Matthias and his friends who try to stop Cluny, the rat, and his army from taking over Redwall. Redwall is an abbey where the characters who live there are peaceful and don't like fighting. Matthias tries to find the legendary sword of Martin the Warrior in order to try to stop Cluny and his army. This story revolves around the adventure of Matthias trying to locate Martin's sword while his friends at Redwall try to defend the abbey from being taken over.I really like this book because it is full of action and adventure. This is the first book of the Redwall series which I have enjoyed reading many of.
Reviewed by Jevin
August 05, 2006
Nancy Drew Series
The Nancy Drew book series are books I found out that you have to read more than just one chapter to know what the story is about. I really encourage more people to not judge a book by the first or second chapters!!!
Reviewed by Joy
August 04, 2006
Shopaholic by Judy Waite
Taylor, a 14 year old girl, has a hard home life. Her mom has never left the house since Taylor's sister died on the beach and now it seems all she has are her two best friends, Sam and Sophie, who are giving off the idea they would rather not hang around Taylor anymore. So when Kat, an older girl, starts being nice to Taylor; she ditches her old friends and what she knows is right.Recommended by Carissa
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Life of Pi by Yann Martel is a book about a boy whose cargo ship sank in the middle of the Pacific Ocean who survived for over half a year with a tiger. What I found interesting in this book is that he lived without the tiger seriously injuring him or killing him.Recommended by Aurora
August 02, 2006
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell.
I really enjoyed this book. There was sadness, but also parts that made me laugh. I would recommend this book to anyone who hasn't read it yet, even though it is an easy read.
Recommended by Jordon
I really enjoyed this book. There was sadness, but also parts that made me laugh. I would recommend this book to anyone who hasn't read it yet, even though it is an easy read.
Recommended by Jordon
Nancy Drew: Trouble at Lake Tahoe
Mystery books such as Nancy Drew are so suspenseful. Many times you catch yourself reading when you know you would rather be doing something else. The Nancy Drew I just finished was an exciting and very interesting story. Nancy goes and visits Katie with her best friends Bess and George. Katie is excellent at water skiing. She goes into an overall competition against the trainer they just fired. Weird things start happening and Nancy knows that these aren't just accidents. For that last moment something terrible happens that just might change Nancy's perspective on things. Read Nancy Drew: Trouble at Lake Tahoe! You just might figure it out before Nancy but you better hurry, Katie is in trouble.Recommended by Nicole
August 01, 2006
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
My most favorite book is Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. I have read it about five times and listened to it on tape around fifteen times. It begins when Robinson Crusoe is a little over apprentice age, yet has found no place he desires to work, and wishes only to go to sea. His father is strictly against this, and with tears and firm talk, warns him against the dangers and ruin of the sea. Heedless of his father, Robinson runs away to sea with an enticing friend. Days later, the ship's crew find themselves on a coast with their ship floundered in a great storm. After getting some money in his pocket, he finds another ship in which to sail, and is captured by a Moroccan Man o' War. Through much thinking, Robinson escapes and is picked up by a Scottish captain and taken to Brazil. After being a planter a few years, Robinson is taken on a ship as supercargo to go trade for slaves on the coast. But after being through two hurricanes, Robinson and the rest of the crew are shipwrecked on an island and all but Crusoe drowned. After spending a night in a tree, he works to get all possible from the ship before it is blown apart by a storm. How he survives from the ships stores and all his invention and diligence is quite amazing. Be sure to read to the end to discover Robinson Crusoe's fate on this dismal island. I highly recommend this book. For further reading, try the sequel to Robinson Crusoe - The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe.
Reviewed by John
July 28, 2006
Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman
Have you ever in your life heard of a 12 year old running for President of the U.S. Well, Judson Moon is. He is 12 years old and with the help of his best friend Lane Brainard he is running for President. But can he win? He does not even know his first lady that well. And he is just a kid. Will they even let him run? You will have to read the Kid Who Ran for President to find out. This his second book. I personally thought that they were both great.Recommended by Rosetta
Madison Finn Series
The Madison Finn Series
This is a good book series, by Laura Dower, for young women because many of us can really relate. She is a normal teenager living a normal life that is crazy and hectic just like ours. She goes through many of the same things we do and it could actually help readers through there own problems. I would deffinately suggest this series to other readers because I really have enjoyed the series and I know others will to.
Kirsten Snowbound! by Janet Shaw
I read Kristen Snowbound by Janet Shaw. I give it 2 1/2 stars out of 4. It was an interesting book about kids snowbound to their house while their parents were gone. They had troubles through out the story.
Recommended by Braydi
Murder On the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Murder On the Orient Express by Agatha Christie is a thoroughly entertaining mystery novel. The main character is a detective who is traveling by train when an unexplained murder occurs. Through reasonable deduction, interviews of the passengers, and searches he is able to discover who the murderer is.
Reviewed by Ashley
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
I am reviewing the book Al Capone Does My Shirts. It was an AWESOME book!! I really LOVED it! The book was about when a boy and, named Moose and his family: sister, mom, and dad when they moved to Alcatraz and because his dad worked in the jail house. Moose did not like living there at the island because he missed his friends in his old neighborhood. And the story goes on about his adventures on the island. Moose's sister has autism. And Moose has to watch over his sister while the mother is teaching kids piano. This book is very good and I am sure you will like it if you read it!!
Recommended by Katelyn
Premonitions by Jude Watson
Premonitions by Jude Watson was about a girl who had visions. That was the time her friend disappeared and her visions were the only thing that would lead her to her friend.
Recommended by Kelsey