Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter

This last year for school my mom wanted me to read "Pollyanna" (I didn't really want to), and she got the first 2 books from the library for me. When she got the second book too I said, "Mom, I won't get to the second book, and I don't really want to." But.... I read the first book and I almost immediately started reading the second book!
If you want to read more about it, here is a wonderful website that summarizes it very well.
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/Pollyanna

I rate this book completely an E for everyone. Nothing in it is bad, in fact there is a whole lot of good messages as the website above tells.

I loved this book, mostly because of the attribute that Pollyanna is famous for. Her unfailing positive attitude. So if you are just a teensy weensy bit too lazy to click on the link, I will now tell you about the Glad game ;). I am telling you about the "glad game" because you simply cannot understand Pollyanna without it. Having no parents, and ending up in several unhappy living situations, you wouldn't think it of this character to find much to be happy for. Still, she remembers a game that her father, a poor minister, had taught her before he died. It's called the glad game; finding happiness in everything, even the sad things. Looking on the sunny side of every aspect of life. When the author continued the series, they gained the nickname of the "glad books"... if that gives you any idea of what type of books these are.

I find it surprising whenever I hear complaints about people with a never ending positive personality, saying "Pollyanna positive" as if it were a derogatory comment. Perhaps this book would change there minds. Pollyanna in the beginning surprised everyone with her glad game. They thought it was a bit odd and annoying at first, but throughout the book you watch as her glowing spirit starts to change the people around her. Again and again she proves how being glad for what you have can do so many wonderful things. It can put a smile on a grump's face, it can be used to teach others, stop arguments, and maybe even heal an old broken relationship of two sweet hearts... you'll just have to find out!

If you do read it I hope you enjoy it as much as I did :)!

The Ranger's Apprentice Book 1 The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

This book was pretty cool. Especially if you enjoy adventure stories peppered with witty jokes, brave fighting, and a small portion of romance. In the times of kings, queens, and Scandinavians, Will feels like he does not belong. A bit scrawny and untalented, the only things he seems to be good at is sneaking around. Who will  he become apprenticed to? Not to the Rangers; no one knew anything about the mysterious band of quiet arrow shooters. People often wondered if they dealt with dark magic. Are the Rangers different than what they seem? You'll have to find out! This book is part of a rather long series, but if you aren't interested,  the first book is not a cliff hanger. You can read it, and be perfectly content with it's ending.

I just finished reading this about a month or so ago. This book should probably be rated somewhere between PG and PG 13 because of violence, scariness, and a little bit of language. If you need more specific information, click on the link below.
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/rangers-apprentice-book-1-the-ruins-of-gorlan

I hope anyone out there looking for a good book will consider this one, happy reading!