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My Own Copy by Charlotte Cundiff
Last week when I handed out the Scholastic order forms to my fourth grade class for the month, I noticed Charlotte’s wide smile as her eyes lingered over one of the pages.
“See something you’re interested in?” I asked. Charlotte is an avid reader with a strong sense of her own reading preferences.
“I already know what I’m going to order,” she said with a satisfied sigh. “Eight Keys.”
Thinking back to some of our reading conferences, I wondered aloud, “But you already read that.”
“Yes, but I just have to have my own copy!”
Smiling to myself, thinking this is one of the highest compliments you can pay a book, I suggested, “Well, you definitely need to write a review for that book, then.”
Eight Keys
By Suzanne LaFleur
Reviewed by Charlotte
Unlock, unlock, unlock, unlock…
There were eight locked doors upstairs in the barn. Eight of them!
Could those be for me?
I checked Dad’s letter again: “Discover and unlock when you are ready.”
Eight Keys is a story about a young girl named Elise.
She is starting middle school while having to handle multiple responsibilities including a mean bully, a friendship that is tearing apart, and a mystery dedicated to eight keys with eight matching doors. Left by her father before his tragic death, they each have messages locked inside that are weighing down on her like dropped stones. And even though Elise has a lot on her hands that seems that it could never be helped, she finds each key one-by-one and unlocks a new door. She also unlocks a new wad of advice and a message left behind by her father, concealed within a room!
I certainly LOVED Eight Keys because of the exciting mystery that lassoed your mind and pulled you in. I also loved how it kept you wondering what was going to be in the next room, waiting to be discovered. I adored the fact that the book sort of took you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, like you could feel what Elise was feeling. I even cried at some parts that were both beautiful and a little sad at the same time! And I enjoyed the fact that the book was sort of directed toward friendship and love, as Elise learns even more about those during the story.
I’d truly recommend Eight Keys for people who love a heartwarming, mysterious, and excellent book about a girl who goes from independent and slightly irresponsible to increasingly complete, as each door is unlocked along the way.
Charlotte Cundiff is a student in Jennifer Brittin’s fourth grade class. She has enjoyed many books this year such as Cynthia Lord’s Rules, Holly Black’s Doll Bones, and DiCamillo’s Flora and Ulysses. She is also an aspiring author, having written many short stories about friendship and informational articles about sharks.
It’s quite clear that Charlotte is a writer. “Lassoed your mind…” Nice!!
I loved this line, too! Charlotte, thank you for this review. I’m going to look for a copy of this, too!
Charlotte, you just convinced me to order this book for myself! Thanks!
Congrats, Charlotte! You are a fabulous writer and I am so proud of you.
A wonderful review, Charlotte! You made me want to read the book!
Thank you for your kind words. You are one of Charlotte’s favorite authors and this meant so much to her.
This sounds excellent! I’m off to find this book:>)
Charlotte, this review is so great! You give away just enough about the plot to make us want to read more.
I will recommend to my students and my fifth grade daughter. Your review made me NEED to find this book and start reading! Well done! 🙂
What a great writer you are Charlotte. I am ordering this book from Scholastic in my next book order and am going to share your review with my fifth graders. I know they will all want to read it.
Can’t wait to read this, as you make it sound suspenseful!
This is everything a book review should be! I can’t wait to read this book.
You did a wonderful job. You are a smart cookie if you can write a fantastic review!.
You did a very good job on this great review. I like all your similies.
Charlotte, Thank YOU for taking the time to write this captivating review. Can’t wait to read it!
You put a lot of similes in this wonderful review. I want to read this book today.
You did a very good gob on this review. I like all of your similies.
What a beautiful book review. Can’t believe Charlotte is a fourth grader. She’s on her way to being a writer in whatever she chooses to do.
What a treat to get a book review by a student reader! Charlotte, we read Eight Keys in my class as a small group around the theme topic FAMILY. My students really liked it, too. You are an excellent reviewer! I loved this line: “…the exciting mystery that lassoed your mind and pulled you in.”
My, oh my! Charlotte, you have a way with words! Thank you for this review. I’m ordering two copies right now, one for myself and the other for my 4th grade daughter.
Charlotte, this is an amazing review i love it!!!
Great review, Charlotte! I LOVE it when books lasso my mind! Your articulate and thoughtful review makes me wish I could read some of YOUR short stories. Let us all know when you are a published author – can’t wait to read your work!
Thanks for a great review, Charlotte. I will show this to my 4th graders next week when they come. I also loved this book. I’m sure your review will guarantee a check out!!
Charlotte-
Your review is captivating and perfectly persuasive to entice anyone to want to read this book. You describe what seems to be an intriguing adventure through a teenager’s life and the symbolic doors which open to provide opportunity or challenge, and ultimately growth.
Well done!
Mr. Long
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Thank you for such a wonderful review. I have had this on my to be read list forever, and I am definitely moving it to the top because of your review.
Jen
Just put Eight Keys on my to-read list. Great review!
Great job Charlotte ! Now I want to read the book myself !