IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Meet the new kids in Al’s Book Club

From their ages to their favorite books and future plans, get to know the kids in Al's Book Club.
/ Source: TODAY

Name: Samara McCallumAge: 11Favorite subject: My favorite subject is math/pre-algebra. Math is my favorite subject because it is easy to understand. If you know what you're doing there is no way you can fail. Plus it is always fun to try and trump my dad with a math problem.
Favorite book: 
“Runaway Twin” by Peg Kehret. This book it is about a girl named Star who is an adopted child. She has been to many foster homes and was starting to like this one. One day while walking on a path Star finds a bag full of lots and lots of money. She posts an ad around town to look for the person whose money it is. After no one claims it truthfully she decides to keep it. She wanted to use it to find her long lost twin sister Sunny. She hoped and dreamed of Sunny and her reuniting after the death of her parents when she was around the age of 2. After finding an abandoned dog and making it through a tornado by hiding behind a tree, Star finally finds her twin sister. She then finally has to face the music.........Favorite character:  My favorite character is Star from the book “Runaway Twin.” She is my favorite character because she is determined. She doesn't give up on her quest to find her twin sister Sunny. Even when she is hit by a tornado. Nothing could stop her. Star reminds me a lot of myself, I am very determined and strong-minded.Hobbies: I love to read any book I can find. I enjoy camping in the summer. I love to travel, we are always looking for a great excuse for a road trip. I love quality time with my sister and two brothers and of course my parents . I really enjoy surfing the net and of course talking or should I say texting on the phone. Future plans: When I grow up I want to be an author. This is because I have always enjoyed writing and reading. When I was in second grade we published books that we wrote and my sister illustrated the book for me. When I read I get lost in the book and always hope for a sequel. I want people to read my writing and feel the same way I do when I read. I want them to feel like they are a character in the book. I always get lost in a book.

Name: Sydney RoblesAge: 12Favorite subject: My favorite subjects in school are English and Social Studies because I love reading and writing and find the true stories of history fascinating. Favorite book: My favorite book is “Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters.” The book references ancient Greek myths which I find extremely interesting. The characters have great senses of humor and very realistic traits, such as Annabeth's quick wit and snappy attitude, this makes them easy to relate to.Favorite character: My favorite book character is Hermione from “Harry Potter” because I can easily relate to her obsession with getting good grades, following the rules (most of the time) and her love of learning and gaining knowledge. I am inspired by her courage, determination and loyalty to her friends.Hobbies: My hobbies and interests include reading and writing, playing tennis and golf, swimming, traveling the world, learning about mythology and astronomy and I absolutely love music, singing and theater.Future plans: When I grow up, I hope to be able to use my love for reading, writing and current events and study journalism and someday become a Today show news anchor. I am also interested in the law, especially civil rights, and would love to become an attorney. Who knows which way I will go.

Name:  Jack TownsendAge: 10Favorite subject: My favorite subject is history. I also like writing. Favorite book: My favorite book series is the “Kingdom Keepers” by Ridley Pearson. I have read the first three and am looking forward to reading the fourth book in the series.Favorite character: My favorite character is Finn from the “Kingdom Keepers” series. I like him because he is close to my age, so I can relate to him, and because he is adventurous and brave. He is also a strong leader and loyal to his friends. He is the kind of person you would love to be or to have as a friend. Hobbies: I love to play lacrosse and read. I enjoy playing the piano and building Legos (especially “Star Wars” Legos and “Harry Potter” Legos). I also love history and enjoy traveling around with my family to see different historical places. Last summer we had a chance to visit Pearl Harbor and this year we are going to travel to Gettysburg and Richmond to visit Civil War sites. Future plans: I would like to be a professional lacrosse player when I grow up. I figure I better have a back-up plan, so if that does not work out for me, then I would like to go law school.