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Credits go to
Burghley Teachers:
Miss Amanda Loh
Miss Susan Tan
Mrs Judy Tan
Miss Rachel Chng
Burghley students:
Clarissa Koh 3A3
Nurul Syifa 3A3
Sreeraj 3E1
Gau Wei 3E1
Alicia Lim 3E1
Ang Yang Ting 3E1
Bok Juai 3E1
Navaneshvaren 3E1
Ng Yun Ling 3E1
Baarath 2E1
Nasya Alyssa 2E1
Pang Hui Yu 2E1
Chan Minh 2E2
Joy Chan 2E2
Jacylin Tham 1E2
:: Go BurghLey GoO000oOOo!! ::
6:35 PM
Mystery Stories (Smart Ice Cream)
By Helen Cresswell
Publisher: Kingfisher
Book No: 3510 013109
Date & Place of publication: 1996, London
Summary
The main character is this boy who is too smart in school, who gets full marks for English and Math. He wins a lot of prizes every year. Some says he is too advanced for his age, others hated him. One day, another boy Jerome topped the class for Math. This was very unexpected for the boy and he decided to investigate on Jerome. Everyday after school, there would be an old man, Mr Peppi, an ice-cream man who stands outside the school with his ice-cream van, selling all kinds of flavours. Mr Peppi doesn’t like this boy as he likes to show-off by being smart. Mr Peppi gives free ice-cream to poor children but not this boy, who has to pay for the ice-cream. Once, Mr Peppi gave Peterson a big scoop of ice-cream. Peterson had a lot of pimples on his face, but the next day, they disappeared. One night, the smart boy sneaks to Mr Peppi’s house, into his van, and shone his torch. He discovered, on huge bottles, it said: “Curing pimples Ice-cream” and even “Smart Ice-cream”! This greedy boy ate a whole lot of the Smart Ice-cream and went home. He had eaten overly much, and the adverse effect? He no longer could top the class nor receive any prizes.
Thoughts:
This book has short stories which are highly recommended. It has unexpected stories. I really like this story because of the characters. The “smart boy” was in the “I” perspective so the name is not mentioned. The story has a nice suspense of what is in the van and what happened to him in the end. The way his brain thinks is stated in the end amusingly. To me, the boy seems a bit of a show-off too. One should not pray that the others get lower marks than himself. Overall, I like the book because of the attitude of the boy.
Written by Sreeraj, 3E1
6:27 PM
Marker
By Robin Cook
Publisher: G.P. Putam’s Sons
Book No: 3509 033559
Date & Place of publication: 2005, Great Britain
Summary
This book is about healthy people who died in sudden death with no illness or over dosage of medication or poison. Medical examiners such as Dr Laurie Mongomery and Dr Jack Stampleton confronted the problems and discovered that someone was using some substances to stop the heart of the victims from pumping. In the end, the victims died a miserable death. The substances were not present in autopsies and lab tests. After a successful treatment in the hospitals, they were still found dead. At the end of the story, Dr Montgomery found out that the person who killed these victims was sent by a secret group. Actually, the person was paid for every man he killed.
Thoughts:
I feel that this book is very addictive. When I started reading this book, I felt very excited as I was going to reach the climax of the story. I could not leave the book and stop reading all day long. In my reading journey, I felt eerie as many people started to die without any reasons. It was a mystery. After approaching the end of the story, I would get the link of the mystery. For instance, I will get the idea why people died. From this book, I would also try to relate the mystery to the human world and story world. Finally, I would like to give this book 10/10 and recommend to my friends, teachers and parents. I guarantee readers will feel energetic and thrilled as they glance through the book. Take a look, you’ll love it!
Written by Gau Wei, 3E1
6:25 PM
The Joy Luck Club
By Amy Tan
Book no: 3509 023241
Summary:
It tells the stories of four mothers and their daughters, and although it is set in San Francisco, it moves backwards and forwards between here and China. The Joy Luck Club itself is a weekly gathering of Chinese women play mah-jong together. The story starts when Jing-mei Woo (June), the 36 year old principal story teller, is asked to join the club to replace her mother, Su Yuan Woo, who has recently died. Jing Mei tells the story of her induction to the club: a story that takes us back to the founding of a similar club by Suyuan during the Japanese occupation of China in the 1940s.
Thoughts:
I feel that the Joy Luck Club is an interesting novel in which Amy Tan had written about some of her stories. The Joy Luck Club is fictional, but it also draws on family, social and political history. I think it is good that teenagers should read more about other races in other countries and true life stories that happened among is and in other countries such as America and San Francisco too.
Written by: Nasya Alyssa, 2E1
8:37 AM
Artemis Fowl
By Eoin Colfer
Publisher: Penguin Group
Book no: 1129 7924
Summary:
Artemis Fowl is a child prodigy from Ireland who has dedicated his brilliant mind to criminal activities. When he discovers that there is a civilisation living below ground, filled with aimed and dangerous fairies, faring dwarfs and mind-blowing technology, he see it as a golden opportunity to exploit his ingenious schemes. When he kidnaps Captain Holly Short, an elf with the Lower Elements Police, to restore his family fortune, he had almost triggered a cross-species war. Artemis bargained with Holly to get back his mother’s sanity for half the ransom and in the end, Artemis managed to outsmart the fairies and his mother was no longer insane.
Thoughts:
The book is fast-paced, filled with funny jokes and “glues” you till the very last page. The book also offers some lessons about the environmental damage done by humans and is jam packed with wit magic and “high-tech” inventions. The book also teaches us about the pros and cons of criminal activities by a child prodigy. It is a brilliant fantasy story and it can be read like the fastest, “punchiest” comic strip and cinematic adventure we had ever came across.
Written by: Chan Minh, 2E2
8:35 AM
Danger Offshore
By K.M.Peyton
book review:
Corky North and David Shine, known as Shiner, were in the same class at school. Corky was athletic, bright and good at just about everything. Everyone wanted to be his friend, as he was truly nice and not the slightest bit big headed.
However, Shiner had none of Corky’s talents. To put it exactly, he was dull. But they had something in common that no one else in the class had.
They were windsurfers.
While everyone knew Corky was a windsurfer, no one knew Shiner was one too. Corky was one who found out one day accidentally. It was because of this accident that adventure began.
Corky invited Shiner to go to the sea and sail, but Shiner sailed only in the small lake of a farm. All Shiner is worried about is looking at fool in front of Corky, the expert. But something happens during the adventure and now they are surfing for their life.
Written by: Jacylin Tham Jie Yi, 1E2
8:33 AM
The Da Vinci Code
By Dan Brown
Publisher: Bantam Press
Book no: 3509 032890
Date & Place of publication: 2003, Great Britain
Summary:
This fascinating novel is about a renowned Harvard professor, Robert Langdon, uncovering a series of cryptic codes on the body of a brutally murdered curator in a museum. Working alongside and assisting him is an enigma, French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu.
As the mystery deepens and more bizarre clues are broken, Robert and Sophie soon find themselves trapped in a world full of lies, betrayal and deception. Soon, to their disbelief, they find out that the position in which the curator’s body is found leads to the works of Leonardo Da Vinci and the Holy Grail. Robert and Sophie go to Newton’s Tomb and decipher many anagrams to prove the relationship between a prostitute, Mary Magdalene and Jesus.
Thoughts:
I am very intrigued by the way Dan Brown plotted the whole story. Every part is interesting and the story keeps me on the edge of my seat! The most interesting part of the story is at the beginning when Robert Langdon is sleeping cosily in the nestled warmth of his blanket and he is suddenly called to go down to the museum to investigate a hideous murder (where the body of the victim is inticately carved with religious markings). This is the best part as it gets the readers puzzled and tempted to carry on reading the novel.
Robert Langdon is a highly-intelligent person with good critical reading and thinking skills.
Not only is the story well-plotted without any flaw, Dan Brown also uses fantastic and descriptive words and adjectives to put across his ideas to the readers. Hence, I feel that the Da Vinci Code is a must-read book for all as it not only improves your English, but it also keeps you entertained with his baffling contents.
Written by: Alicia Lim, 3E1
8:29 AM
The Twits
By Roald Dahl
Publisher: Clays Ltd, St Ives Pl
Book no: 3509 032088
Date & Place of publication: 1980, England
Summary:
Mr Twit plays tricks on Mrs Twit by putting a frog in her bed, adding thin wooden blocks in her walking stick, then playing a prank on her that she has got the shrinks. Mrs Twit plays tricks on Mr Twit by putting her glass eye into his beer and giving him spaghetti with worms to eat. They own four monkeys and torture them by ordering them to turn upside down for hours. Then, they kill birds to make Bird Pie out of them. The monkeys and birds take revenge by making the Twits stay upside down. In the end, the Twits really get the shrinks and they die.
Thoughts:
I feel that the book is very interesting and quite hilarious. It is a pity that it was quite short for a book. For me, I like to read Roald Dahl’s stories as the way he phrases something is good. His stories are really interesting and has even won awards. It would be good if the stay is longer and more things happen. I will continue to borrow more books he has written like ‘The Witches’ and others. I hear from people that his books are really nice.
Written by: Ang Yang Ting, 3E1
8:27 AM
Ties that Binds, Ties That Break
By Lensey Namioka
Publisher: Penguin Group, Delacorte Press
Book no: 3509 032970
Date & Place of publication: 2003, Great Britain
Summary:
Ailin is a headstrong girl living in China. She rebels from having her feet bound, so her future husband’s family breaks off the engagement because of her big feet. After her studies in the family’s school, Ailin’s father supported her to study in a a MacIntosh school although her Big Uncle is against the idea. Unfortunately, her father dies of lung disease. Her English teacher introduces Ailin to work in Warners. Then, the Warners want to immigrate to America with her. During the journey, Ailin meets James and decides to open a restaurant with him.
Thoughts:
I think this book is a very interesting and special book. This book is not about adventure, mystery or fairy tale or romance. It is about China’s tradition about having a woman’s feet bound. I like this story because a particular girl rebels against the tradition of feet binding. Consequently, she has very few choices in life. After reading this book, I have learnt more about traditions in China and the quality of life of the people. I also admire this girl, Ailin, who is brave enough to talk back to her Big Uncle who is very fierce and traditional.
Written by: Bok Juai, 3E1
8:25 AM
Flour Babies
by Anne Fine
Publisher: Longman
Book no: 3509 032040
Date & Place of publication: 1992, Great Britain
Summary:
Simon Martin is in the worst class in the level in his school. He is a big, clumsy boy who often finds himself in assembly and spends lots of time in detention. The teacher herself has almost given up on him. Yearly, there are Science projects for every class. Simon’s class is to look after flour babies. The flour-bag babies seem to change Simon. He starts to care for the flour baby. He learns about his own childhood and the fact that his father left his family. After 3 weeks, he realises the huge responsibility of looking after another life, but also the pleasure and companionship that go with it. He begins to appreciate what his mother has done for him.
Thoughts:
This book tells about the difficulties of parenting and the fact that it is never too late to turn over a new leaf. After reading the book, I appreciate the fact that I have both my mum and dad, and the fact that they are willing to look after me. Any time and anything can be the turning point in anyone’s life.
Written by: Navaneshvaran s/o Nalusamy, 3E1
8:23 AM
Danny, The Champion of the World
by Roald Dahl
Publisher: Penguine
Book No: 3509 032
Summary:
Danny is a little boy whose mother has died and he lives with his father. Danny spends all day in the workshop helping his father with the cars. Everyday at six o’clock precisely, Danny’s father would always go to search for something which is a secret. Even Danny does not know where his father has gone to. Danny thinks the world of his father but imagine his surprise when he finds out that his father has been breaking the law. Even grown ups bend the rules sometimes. Danny’s father tells Danny the deepest, darkest secret in his life: “Poaching Pheasants”.
Catching pheasants is thrilling and is the most daring and dangerous plan ever. Danny and his father catch all the pheasants but they give some to Doc Spencer. Danny knows that his dad is still good, kind and clever and full of exciting ideas even though they break the law. Danny thinks that his father is the most marvellous and exciting father in the world.
Thoughts:
After reading “Danny, The Champion of the World”, I think that Danny is very understanding towards his father. Besides that, he also plays a very clever character in the story. In the story, Danny loves his father very much. Even when he knows about his father’s deepest secret, which is breaking the law, he still goes with his father to achieve the goal. In the story, they have a thrilling adventure as they hope to pull off the most daring and dangerous plan ever.
Written by: Ng Yun Ling, 3E1
8:18 AM
Philip Jeyretnam's Abraham's Promise
by Philip Jeyretnam
Publisher: Times Books International
Book no: 3509 020405
Date & Place of publication: 1995 Times Subang
Summary:
Abraham Isac who is a teacher of Latin philosophy and a father, has, after many years, a young pupil. Teaching pulls him back to his memories of his first love, Rose, his stubborn sister, Meray, and his wife, Rani. When he was a youth, he threw himself into the politics of Singapore in the 50s and 60s. Days when temperance and restraint gave way to action and desire, days when the culture and society of Singapore were defined and moulded, days when he believed he had a valuable role to play as a proud citizen of a new country. But now he is old, and the burden of his years weighs on him heavily. Distanced from a present idealism and with power and cash, he is estranged from his strong, successful son. Going back into the past, he is led from the promise of youth.
Thoughts:
There is so much of feeling in the story as I feel for the story as if it is happening to me. The story is very enjoyable from start to end. This has brought memories to me and my friends who have read it before. There were different feelings, emotions in the story, which made me feel as though I was experiencing it first hand. The author, Philip, who wrote a prize winning story for the Young Artist of the year in 1993 by the National Arts Council for his very first book, has done a great job again for his second book, this book.
Written by: Baarath, 2E1
8:03 AM
More Than A War Heroine- Elizabeth Choy
by Zhou Mei
Publisher: Landmark Books
Book no: 3509 0122220
Date & Place of publication: 1995 Singapore
Summary:
Elizabeth Choy was caught by Japanese soldiers soon after her husband was caught. She was tortured, kicked and interrogated almost everyday in the cell. Being in the cell for 193 days, she learnt sign language by one of her cell mates. Everytime one of her cell mate was brought to interrogation, she would always pray that they would come back fine. As the Japanese was unable to get anymore information from them, they decided to try one last time.
Thoughts:
I feel that Elizabeth Choy is a person that we can follow as her courageous spirit was shown during the Japanese Occupation. She insisted that she was not one of the anti-Japanese and did not say any names, and even refused after the Japanese Occupation, to say a name of the Japanese torturer. I respect her very much. Elizabeth Choy is the bravest woman war hero I have ever read. We should follow her act. She is very strong and “stubborn”.
Written by: Joy Chan Nian En, 2E2
7:50 AM
Tales of a Forth Grade Nothing
By Judy Blume
Publisher: Puffin books
Book No: 35090 33953
Summary:
This is a story of “I” who has a brother whom he hoped that was never borned. He won a turtle in a lucky draw at his friend’s birthday party, and decided to name it “Dribble”.
However, his mother dislikes it. They also had a neighbour who is also a classmate of the author. Her name is Sheila. She often helps people but makes everything “upside−down”. Fudge, the author’s little brother, has three other fiends too, who are Jennie, Ralph and Sam. Fudge always gets into trouble but his brother always tries to save him from it.
Thoughts after reading:
I feel that this book is very interesting. They described the characters very well and i could imagine how they looked like. I feel that the author in this story was very helpful and caring towards his younger brother even though he has the opposite feeling in mind. I would not mind reading this book again!
Written by Pang Hui Yu, 2E1
7:07 AM