Teen Speak @ Glendale Public Library

Party by Tom Leveen

2012-01-31T18:47:00.000-08:00

In Party by Tom Leveen,eleven different characters give their take of the biggest party of the year. It's just another Saturday night in Santa Barbara and everyone has plans to make an arrival to the end of the year party where most ezpect to let loose and have fun. Little did they know that it's going to be more complicated than that. For these teens their reason for being there differs and varies. As the story continues, their entire perspective and stories tie together to give you one crazy night that you and the characters will never forget.

I honestly loved this book. It had me laughing and turning pages so quickly as secrets were revealed and the drama continued. All the characters are unique and relatable. No two characters were alike and the whole story felt real. It's going to have you feeling as if you were at this party along with them. It's now one of my favorite books. Trust me , as the story progresses; you won't want to stop until you finish the book!

D.R., grade 9

Brothers in Arms by Paul Langan

2012-01-31T18:26:00.000-08:00

In Brothers in Arms by Paul Langan , Martin Luna is a high school student who got in trouble. His little brother got shot by a bullet which wasn't planned for him. Martin was full of revenge. His mom did everything to her son in the right path, but the choice was Martin's. He can either be a good son and brother or pull the trigger and take his revenge.

So far this is the most interesting book I have ever read. This kept my interest from the beginning to the very end. I felt I was a witness in the story, like I was inside it. This book didn't bore me or make me feel like I was wasting my time. Eventually, I am very confident to recommend this book to everyone.

Alis B, grade 10

Crossed by Ally Condie

2012-01-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

In Crossed by Ally Condie which is a sequel to the greatly reviewed novel Matched, Crossed begins with Cassie starting her journey to find Ky in the Outer Provinces. The novel is told through both Cassie and Ky's perspective. Cassie's perspective provides a viewpoint of her journey to find Ky, while Ky's perspective provides a viewpoint on his life away from Society and more importantly away from Cassia. Once they find each other, they meet new people who help them to find a new world that they both thought were make believe. When all seems well, we find out Ky has a secret he is keeping from Cassie, and they are separated yet again.

A more action packed novel then the first, Crossed answered all the questions I had regarding the first book. I enjoyed the omniscient perspective and I'm sure other readers will too. Cassie and Ky's journey will keep you on your feet. This novel is filled with mystery adn secrets as well as love and action. I look forward to the last novel in this trilogy.

Justine, grade 9

Matched by Ally Condie

2012-01-30T19:14:00.000-08:00

In Matched by Ally Condie, Cassie lives in the "Society," a society where everything is decided for you, everything from who you love to when you die. When Cassie sees her best friend Xander is her match she is thrilled, but everything quickly goes wrong when she see another face on her match screen, a face that is not Xander's. Cassie begins to question the Society. She begins to question everthing she believes in and realizes that maybe the Society doesn't know what is best for you and that you do have a choice.

An empowering novel, Cassie is a lone voice in a conformist society. I immensely enjoyed the theme of making a choice in this novel because choices are what we must make everyday in our lives. Along witht that, the novel also makes you think about the choices you should make. The novel creates a scene of hope when all things seem dire. This dystopian novel is a must read for all book lovers.

Justine, grade 12

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

2012-01-30T18:23:00.000-08:00

In Delirium by Lauren Oliver, a teenage girl named Lena Haloway was raised to believe that love, otherwise known as amor deliria nervosa was a disease. At the age of 18, all citizens are 'cured', that is , all feelings of love are expelled by a surgery. Lena had always looked forward to the day that she would be cured, she didn't want to feel the pain that her mother and sister felt. She always felt that a life without love is life without pain until she unexpectedly falls for a cured boy, or so she thought... Now Lena must fight for what she thinks is right against a world where there is no mercy.

Like all dystopian novels, Lena is brave and willing to fight for what she believes in. I admire the self-empowerment she has in the book. This book is for dystopian novel lovers. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. This novel had everything a reader would want: love and action. Oliver reinvents the real meaning of love in this novel.

Justine, grade 12.

It's Not Summer Without You, by Jenny Han

2011-12-27T14:47:00.000-08:00

In It's Not Summer Without You, by Jenny Han, Belly was counting the days until summer when she would go back to Cousins Beach with her cousins Jeremiah and Conrad. But not this year. Not after her aunt, Susannah, got sick again and Conrad stopped caring. Everything had fallen apart, leaving Belly wishing that summer would never come. But when Jeremiah calls Belly, saying Conrad had disappeared, Belly knows exactly what she should do to make things better. So she Goes to the beach house and finds him there. Everything can be alright at the end with the three of them together, the way things used to be before Susannah died.

I really enjoyed this book. It has a great story plot about family, boys, and how so much can change so quickly, this book has what every girl wants in summer. It was very descriptive. I can inhale the ocean air and take long walks at the beach.

-Reviewed by A.A., grade 12.

Desires of the Dead, by Kimberly Derting

2011-12-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

Desires of the Dead, by Kimberly Derting, is the sequel of the captivating The Body Finder. We now learn that Violet (the main character) is now not only looking for a complete stranger, but is now coming to find out that the killer just might be someone she knew. The plot is completely different from The Body Finder and will keep you wondering until the end.

I had both tears of laughter and tears of sadness running down my eyes when reading this book. With mixed emotions. and very strategically written paragraphs, I just couldn't figure out the ending. Overall, I give this book a nine out of ten because it was simply one of the best books I have read. You will just keep flipping and flipping until the end.

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-Reviewed by A.A., grade 12.

A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

2011-12-19T15:06:00.000-08:00

In A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Scrooge is a greedy businessman who feels no kindness towards others. However, on Christmas Eve, he is transformed when the ghost of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future visit him at night. Christmas Past makes him regret his actions and what could have been, Christmas Present makes him realize how he actually is and how others are happier even if they are not as rich as he, and Christmas Future shows him his lonely and forgotten self that he will become if he does not change his ways. After the three ghosts visit him, Scrooge wakes up and it is Christmas Day. He has changed his ways and is kind, joyful, and loving. He celebrates Christmas with his nephews family and all ends well.

This is really a good novel. It is a classic, and if you do not have time to read it, then at least watch the movie. The the story of a person becoming an absolutely new man overnight, was not only interesting, but also very fun to read. It is a good book to read and fit for all ages. I recommend it to anyone looking for something to read.

-Reviewed by Manuk, grade 9.

Vanishing Acts, Jodi Picoult

2011-12-15T14:49:00.000-08:00

In Vanishing Acts, Jodi Picoult writes the story of a daughter named Delia Hopkins who finds out that her father, Andrew Hopkins, kidnapped her at the age of four. Delia is emotionally torn because as a mother herself, she can't see how her father could have just stolen her away from her mother. On the other hand, she also knows that her childhood was happy and that her father's decision may have been justified. Through the course of Andrew's trial, the novel goes through the changes that Delia and her two childhood best friends, Eric (also her fiance) and Fitz have to confront. Delia is also forced to face her childhood memories that bring up information on her past, while trying to find inner peace.

This is the third Jodi Picoult book I've read and so far this is my favorite. As usual, Picoult lets the reader have a first person point of view on each character, which gives the characters many ending than her others. Most importantly, I like the debate the novel presented; that maybe some things are better if never found out.
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-Reviewed by Anonymous, grade 12.

Devoured, by Amanda Marrone

2011-12-13T14:42:00.000-08:00

In Devoured, by Amanda Marrone, Megan is being visited by the ghost of her twin sister Remy who died when they were both in second grade in a tragic car accident. Her father, who was also in the car accident, survived, but has not woken up for ten years, and is being fed through a feeding tube in a home. Throughout the years after the accident, Remy's ghost has visited Megan time to time, but lately her visits have been much more frequent and scary. With phrases like "Hurry, Megan" and "she is going to die," haunting her every step of the way, Megan is determined to put the pieces together and solve the mystery before it's too late.

A hint of romance, ongoing suspense, and never ending goosebumps, this book will take you into its world and you will be almost deaf to any other ideas, noises, or words outside of it. As captivating as it sounds, it is even more than that. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something mind blowing, and mysterious to end a long day with. Halloween is right around the corner, so this would be a great thriller for your fall season!
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-Reviewed by A.A., grade 12.

Twisted, by Laurie Halse Anderson

2011-12-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

The novel Twisted, by Laurie Halse Anderson, is about a teenager named Tyler Miller who seeks acceptance by his classmates in High School. He starts dating the popular girl in school, who is also the daughter of his workaholic dad's boss, and the sister of his enemy. Things turn out "twisted" when everything goes wrong and his life turns worse than before.

I really enjoyed this book because it was both entertaining and didactic. It was a complete page turner and I would recommend it to all teens who can relate to Tyler. When I finished it, I realized that many kids out there have worse lives than me, and that people should be tolerant and kind to everybody. This book also taught me that when you try to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one.

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-Reviewed by Anush, grade 11.

The Last Good Place of Lily Odilon, by Sara Beitia

2011-12-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

In The Last Good Place of Lily Odilon, by Sara Beitia, when Lily Odilon goes missing, like every other book, idea, theme, or plot, the people of the story will suspect the one person closest to her. In this case, her boyfriend Albert becomes the main suspect. The love that these two share it is no surprise when Albert himself goes on a quest to find his missing love. His determination draws him to her finding, and he will stop at no where. Knowing he might need help along the way, he asks Lily's younger sister to help him on this journey. Read the book to find out the adventures they take and the obstacles they come across.

Two thumbs up! This book is so amazingly written that you can almost see the images of them as they take steps into finding Lily. For movie lovers, I highly recommend this book. It sets the mood of adventure, mystery, romance, and friendship. I found that determination was the theme of this story. Lessons were taught that determination will get you where you want to go. Read this book, and I promise you will be drawn to every page until the very end!

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-Reviewed by A.A., grade 12.

She's So Dead to Us, by Kieran Scott

2011-12-06T14:39:00.000-08:00

When I checked out She's So Dead to Us, by Kieran Scott, I was hoping for some little girl drama. As crazy as it sounds, I needed to read about someone else's drama and forget about mine. That's exactly what I got! I dived into the book after the first sentence. Extremely captivating. The idea was based on reality, possibility, and truth. Ally Ryan lives the "perfect" life with everything included, until one day everything is lost. Her and her friend's father lose millions of dollars in investments and it all goes downhill from there. Her father leaves her and her mother alone, and a couple years later she is forced to the town she grew up in. Her fear of her old friends accepting her once more takes over her mind.

I highly recommend this to teenagers. I would specify what kinds of people this book will relate to because I know that many different people will refer to it in different ways. That's why I loved this book. My friend and I both read it, and I learned different things as to what she learned. The book is amazingly written and emotions are bluntly expressed. This is not just another story about teen drama, this is reality!

-Reviewed by A.A., grade 12.

Afterlife, by Gary Soto

2011-11-29T14:35:00.000-08:00

Everyone wonders where they will go and what will happen after they die. Gary Soto's The Afterlife, takes us on an adventure filled, tearful, yet enlightening journey with a Latino boy named Chuy. The story begins with Chuy getting killed in a club bathroom by a man waring yellow shoes. As we flip the pages and read more and more of this amazing book, we are driven into journeys with him, almost anticipating where we're going next. Chuy realizes he is now a ghost, and has to deal with both the fear and excitement of his powers, and abilities. He learns he can walk through walls, and be anywhere without anyone knowing. Throughout his journey, he visits family members, and sees them mourning his death, realizing that he really did have people who cared about him. He goes on a quest to find his murderer "yellow shoes" and meets a homeless ghost who terrorizes him. Of course, what would a story be without a little romance? The love that creates between him and this beautiful ghost named Crystal follows through the story. This comedic, dramatic, romantic, and almost theatrical book is the perfect entertainment for teenagers. Read it to find out more!

To me, the Afterlife was very captivating. I felt as if I were Chuy. The story is written in first person, so the narrator was Chuy himself. I was able to know exactly what was going on in his head, and in front of him, and Soto's idea of using first person for this story was perfect. I would recommend this book for many different reasons. One of them being that it teaches you lessons of life. It teaches you the importance of life, family, love, and just all those things that you come across on a daily basis that you think don't matter. It is greatly entertaining and will grasp the reader's attention in an instant. The Afterlife is also very grammatically written, yet easy and fun to read. Make sure to check-out a copy today from your nearest library and put your walking shoes on, because you're about to be taken on a long and fun journey!
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-Reviewed by A.A., grade 12.

The Stranger, by Albert Camus

2011-11-22T14:34:00.000-08:00

The Stranger, a novel by Albert Camus, is a philosophical take on the key ideas of twentieth century, including absurdism, determinism, nihilism, naturalism, and stoicism. All these -isms may get a little confusing, but you will understand the novel without understanding a word about philosophy. Divided into two parts, the novel explores the before and after parts of the life of the protagonist, Meursault. The reader will immediately see the unconventionality of the novel when he/she sees Meursault's noncommittal reaction to his mother's death. He is aware of the loss of a loved one, but not actually affected by it, almost bored by the proceedings of the funeral just smoking and sitting the entire time. However, everybody around him seems to enjoy his company, especially his girlfriend, Marie, who is set on a marriage few days into their romance. Meursault's life and ultimate downfall can be credited to his friend Raymond Sintes, so intent on taking revenge on his own Moorish girlfriend that he hurts everyone in his life. There are elements dispersed in the novel for it to be a great movie such as courtroom proceedings, a dismal heated surrounding, subtle violence, and even murder. But there is a small disadvantage to reading this novel: the incredibly slow pace. Because the main character Meursault is so emotionless, it is hard to find anything pleasant while reading. The good elements are spread out far apart, such that the reader is left with a wistful want of an interesting event to occur. Provided enough patience and respect, you can enjoy this novel but the mature context can throw you off.
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-Reviewed by S.M., grade 12.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery

2011-11-21T16:55:00.000-08:00

The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery, is a book that, although I picked up because it sounded intriguing (a twelve year old genius who is already so disgusted with society that she plans to kill herself on her thirteenth birthday?), I kept reading it because I think it helped enrich my mind. Renee is an old widowed concierge of a high-class apartment building, who adores art, literature, and all cultural things. She feels the need to hide this side of her from the world to fit the stereotypical concierge mold. Meanwhile, Paloma (the suicidal twelve year old) writes philosophical haiku that both ridicule modern life and describe her own spiritual growth as she tries to achieve her greatest heights before the deadline of her birthday. Their lives both change when a Japanese man name Ozu moves into the building. This book was translated from French. I am so overwhelmed by this book that I cannot simply go on and ruin the ending for the readers. I would give this book ten stars!

For someone like me, who is intrigued with philosophy, and loves books that will captivate my mind and give me something to think about, this book was perfect! I recommend this book to intelligent people who are willing to spend a lot of time thinking philosophically. I would also recommend it to those who wish to further their mind and think outside the box.

-Reviewed by A.A, grade 12.

Eldest, by Christopher Paolini

2011-11-15T15:22:00.000-08:00

Eldest is the second book of Inheritance, by Christopher Paolini. You have to read Eragon to understand this book. The story starts when Ajihad (leader of the Varden), Murtagh (friend of Eragon), the twins (twin magicians), and others are hunting for the remainder of the Urgals in the tunnels of Tronjheim, a large dwarf city in the Beor Mountains. As Ajihad is returning from the hunt, he and his soldiers are ambushed by a surviving group of Urgals. The onslaught occurs in front of the entire Varden (a rebel group living with the dwarves in Trinjheim), but no one realizes what is happening before the ambush is over. As Saphira (a dragon), and Eragon (Saphira's Rider) approach, they realize there are no survivors, and that the beloved leader of the Varden was dead. However, he also finds that Murtagh and the twins are missing from the dead pile. He asks Arya, and elf friend, to go after the Urgals and rescue the kidnapped. She returns later with bloodied clothes, proving that Murtagh and the Twins were dead. A meeting of the Council of Elders is called, along with Eragon, Saphira, and Arya, to decide whom the new leader of the Varden should be. The Council of Elfers basically force Eragon, Saphira, and Arya to agree with the Council that Nasuada, Ajihad's daughter, should follow Ajuhad. The Council tells Nasuada, and she agrees. After the meeting, Eragon swears his fealty to her, becoming her first vassal. now, Eragon, Saphira, Arya, and Orik, a dwarf, must travel to Ellesmera (the capital of the elves' country) in DuWelden Varden (a forest where the elves live) so Eragon and Saphira can continue to train in magic and combat under the elves command. Before they leave, Hrothgar, the king of all dwarves, offers Eragon to join his clan (there are thirteen dwarf clans) and Eragon accepts after he realizes it was a great privilege. They first travel to Narga, another dwarf city in the Beor Mountains. There, Eragon is confronted by dwarves from the Az Sweldn rak Anhuin clan. They are enraged to learn that Eragon is a member of Hrothgar's clan, Durgrimst Ingeitum, and swear that in time, they will kill Eragon. The group then travels to Ellesmera uneventfully. Meanwhile, in carvahall, where Eragon grew up, Eragon's cousin, Roran, learned that Eragon was responsible for his father's death and the destruction of their farm. He is working to rebuild his life and farm so he can face his love's father. He is in love with Katrina, Sloan the Butcher's daughter. However, there is another problem, the Ra'zac, the inhuman creatures that are really responsible for killing Roran's father, are back to arrest Roran now. Roran flees into the Spine to hide for a while. The Ra'zac and their soldiers stay in Carvahall to wait for Roran. After the soldiers set fire to the town, and the Ra'zac killed and ate someone in Carvahall, the town decides to fight back. They succeed in holding off the soldiers for a while. Roran proposes to Katrina without the consent from Sloan after a battle, and Sloan finds out. He tries to get Katrina back, but Katrina is loyal to Roran, so Sloan secretly goes to the Ra'zac and makes a bargain with them. Late that night, the Ra'zac came into Roran's room and tries ti kill him, but he manages to fend off the soldiers and becomes unstoppable with his weapon: a simple hammer. The Ra'zac give up and just kidnap Katrina, much to the dismay and anger of Roran. He tries to stop the Ra'zac, but they run away too fast. The town then learns that reinforcements are coming, and Roran convinces everyone to leave and head for Narda, a city over the Spine. Meanwhile, Eragon learns his new teachers are another dragon and Rider. His is shocked because until then, he thought he was the only Rider outside of Galbatorix's reach. The Rider's name is Oromis and the dragon's name is glaedr. Oromis and Glaedr teach Eragon and Saphira many new things about magic, battling, and other topics. Switching to the Barde, Nasuada has successfully moved the Varden from the Beor Mountains to Surda, a country that lives outside of the Empire's reach. (See the map at the very beginning of the book.) She plans turn the tide on the Empire and go onto the offensive. She moves the Varden to Aroughs to get ready for their first attack on the Empire. In the meantime, Roran and all of Carvahall have made it to Narda and have successfully rented barges to take them to Teirm. They reach Teirm and find a man named Jeod, a sailor and secret agent of the Varden. He helps the villagers commander a large enough ship to hold all the people from Carvahall. They set sail for Surda. Back in Ellesmera, Eragon attends the Blood Oath Ceremony of the elves. During the ceremony, two elves do a dance and, during a dance, an image of a dragon appears and heals Eragon of his horrible back wound that he gained at the last battle in Tronjheim. After this, Eragon now looks like an elf, and has the physical strength of one too. Soon he learns that the Varden are about to go to battle against the Empire. He finds his dwarf friend Orik, and they fly Saphira to Aroughs to join the Varden. The next day, a group of about one hundred Kull, a large species of Urgals, offer their assistance against the Empire to Nusuada, who agrees despite advice not to. The next day, the battle is on! In the middle of the battle, Roran and Carvahall come up a river to aid the Varden. Also, the Twins reappear on the Empire's side, slaughtering the Varden. To add to the situation, another Dragon Rider comes and is on the Empire's side. Eragon and Saphira must face this new threat. But they are tired from battle already! Will Eragon and Saphira have enough energy to defeat the new Rider? Can the Varden overcome the Twins and the Empire? Find out!

Personally, I think this was the perfect sequel to Eragon. The story was exciting, suspenseful, and full of surprises. I recommend this book for teens, and also any one who likes fiction or fantasy.

-K.C., grade 9.

Delirium, by Lauren Oliver

2011-11-14T14:36:00.000-08:00

Dystopian romance caught my attention. Of course, the title, Delirium, by Lauren Oliver, and cover of the book had a lot to do with me picking out this book, but I came to realize that was behind that cover was the best part. The title of the book is derived from the book's main focus, a disease called amor delitia nervosa, which people once thought was a disease, but is now widely agreed as one of the worst illnesses. In this society, upon reaching the age eighteen, every citizen is required to be "cured" of this disease. The cure is a surgery involving brain which will eradicate the deliria and furthermore remove the emotion and ability to feel love, and promote a better living for the citizen. Our main character, Lena, seems calm and strong, living under her Aunt Carol's rules and taking care of her two younger cousins. She anticipates the day where she will be cured. Behind this calm, smart, and very obedient Lena, darkness unfolds, and secrets untold lurk in her mind, one being her mother's suicide. She is ridiculed by her strange past. Lena's idea of the society completely changes when she meets a boy, with amber brown eyes. Both characters are well developed and Lena isn't one of those main characters you usually read about who are "perfect."

I am greatly anticipating the release of the sequel to Delirium. Unlike many futuristic and fictional stories published, this one gives a sense of reality and possibility between the idea, and the characters. I would highly recommend this book to those who love fiction, science, and romance all in one. Aside from reading mysterious ideas, and dystopian theories, Lauren Oliver delivers and idea that captivates the minds of teenagers and young adults, based on everyday things they feel. I would even say this book has a psychological twist, and will keep you on your toes until the very last word.

-Reviewed by A.A., grade 12.

Out of the Dust, by Karen Hesse

2011-11-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

In Out of the Dust, by Karen Hesse, a girl, ironically called Billy Jo, struggles to survive the Dust Bowl. During these harsh years, she encounters dust storms, fires, grasshopper attacks, and other natural disasters. She is also faced with tragedies, like losing her mother as well as her two hands. However, she never loses hope. Will she be able to survive and live to tell the tale? This was one of my favorite books because it showed me to never give up and keep moving forward. I greatly recommend this book to people who are depressed or in sadness.

-Reviewed by JunHyung, grade 7.

Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo

2011-11-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo, is about the convict Valjean who is released from prison after serving 19 years in France for stealing a loaf of bread. Once free, he asks around for shelter, but no one except the kindly bishop gives him shelter. Valjean steals the bishop's silverware and runs away, but is caught by the police. However, the bishop pretends he had given the silverware as a gift. In return for saving him from more prison, Valjean promises to be an honest man from then on. He moves to another town under a new name. Here he invents a new manufacturing method, bringing prosperity to the town and himself, eventually becoming the town mayor. Here he lives happily until his old prison guard, Javert, recognizes him and retakes him to jail. He soon escapes, and moves to Paris with Cosette, a girl of whom Valjean had promised to take care of her mother before she died. Here, Cosette and Marius, a revolutionary leader, fall in love, but Valjean tries to prevent them from meeting in order to protect themselves. Then a revolutionary uprising and barricading begins in Paris. Javert, working now as a spy, is discovered among the revolutionaries and is tied up. Meanwhile, on the streets of Paris, the French army launches its first wave against the uprising, during which Marius is wounded and sends a letter to Cosette, but Valjean intercepts the letter and goes out to save Marius because Cosette loves him. When Valjean arrives at the barricades, he recognizes Javert and secretly sets him free, and then tries to take the wounded Marius through the sewers to his grandfather's home. But when they get out of the sewers they are spotted and arrested by Javert. Javert, not knowing whether to do his duty or repay Valjean for saving his life lets Valjean and Marius go but then, still confused, jumps into a river and drowns. Marius gets better and marries Marius, and Valjean confesses his past. Then Valjean falls ill and dies.

This story was not only entertaining and fun to read, but also very deep and emotional. Though it was not based on a true story, it was historically accurate in depicting the setting and times, as well as in depicting the uprising. It also explored deeply human emotions, and also law vs. grace. In addition, this book was page-turning and is a must read. I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for something interesting to read.
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-Reviewed by Manuk, grade 9.

The Musician's Daughter, by Susanne Dunlap

2011-11-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

The Musician's Daughter, by Susanne Dunlap, is a beautifully written historical fiction novel by Susanne Dunlap that describes the adventures of the daughter of a prestigious violinist. Set in Vienna, Austria during the time of Franz Joseph Haydn, a 15-year-old girl named Theresa Maria discovers her father to be dead on Christmas Eve and with his violin missing. She is determined to solve the mystery because she can hardly believe anyone would kill her beloved father. With her adventures, she discovers a secret life her father is leading. He is aiding to the cause of freeing the Hungarian Serfs and he, along with many other fellow musicians and friends must deliver important documents showing the mistreatment of serfs by their masters and any nobles to the Emperor. Theresa also gets affiliated with the outcast Gypsy's who help her along the way. Her aristocratic, mischievous uncle and his involvement add tension as to whether Theresa's father's mission will ever be reached.

This novel does not only radiate suspense, but also offers romance. I am a musician at my school and I was attracted to this book for its musical subject as well as history. One who lacks any classical musical instruction may find some parts difficult to understand for it refers a lot to musical terms. Nonetheless, this book was very captivating and is a valuable source in European history. I think anyone who enjoys danger, music, romance, and suspense will find this book very exhilarating to read. I recommend this book to youthful ages below twenty-five.-
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-Reviewed by Maryann, grade 11.

In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote

2011-11-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote, Dick and Perry were friends from prison out on parole. However, they are soon sent back to prison, this time on a death row. The Clutter family is respected and prosperous. And Mr. Clutter is prominent figures in the Holcomb, Kansas community, while Mrs. Clutter is ill. Nancy Clutter (16) and Kenyon Clutter (15) are intelligent, well brought up, and popular children. However, the Clutter family is buried in 1959 after being murdered. The investigators and detectives are unable to discover the culprits and are about to give up. Meanwhile, Dick and Perry drive across the US and even go to Mexico. After a former prisoner-friend of Dick informs the officials that Dick was behind the murder, they search for them and eventually find them in Las Vegas.

This non-fiction story is a must read and a page turner. It was interesting and deeply analysed the emotions and thoughts of the murderers, the Clutter family, and the members of the Holcomb community. I recommend it to everyone looking for something interesting to read.
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-Reviewed by Manuk, grade 9.

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, by Barbara Ehrenreich

2011-10-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, by Barbara Ehrenreich, is about a journalist who decides to go undercover to find out what it really is like to be poor. From 1998 to 2000, she gives up her upper-middle class life style and attempts to survive on low wage jobs. She experiments in Florida, working two jobs as a waitress and a hotel maid, she finds the work too much physically demanding. However, in Maine, she does better. As a housekeeper server and a s an aide in a nursing home, she is able to keep up with her rents and eat enough. In the last state, Minnesota, she is unsuccessful. Working at Wal-Mart, she is unable to meet ends. She is also unable to find a vacant apartment and is forced to stay at costly hotels. In the end, she summarizes by saying she could maybe survived in the long run but the work was both physically and mentally challenging. This story was very entertaining and enjoyable. A must read and a page turner. It is a true story and therefore gives valuable insight to the conditions of the poor and low-wage workers. I recommend it to everyone looking for something interesting to read.

-Reviewed by Manuk, grade 9.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, by Frederick Douglass

2011-10-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, by Frederick Douglass, is a book about a black slave, Frederick Douglass, who is brought up on a plantation while still a child. When he grows up, he is sent to Baltimore where he works for his owner's sister, Mrs. Auld, as a house slave. In Baltimore, he gets hope of one day being free and also learns to read and write. Later, he is exchanged between various slave owners until he ends up with Mr. Covey. Through at first Mr. Covey treats Douglass badly, after he stands up to him once, Mr. Covey beats him no more. He is then sent to Baltimore again where he learns to be a caulker in the shipbuilding industry. He is allowed to hold a job, but has to give up all his wages to his current master. He therefore plans to escape and runs away to the north where he became a free man.

This autobiography is not only interesting but also thought provoking to read. It is page turning and gives insight to slavery and the way slaves were treated. It depicts the conditions of slaves how they actually were. I recommend it to everyone looking for something interesting to read.
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-Reviewed by Manuk, grade 9.

Othello, by William Shakespeare

2011-10-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

Combine love, jealousy, hatred, revenge, lust, betrayal, and chaos, and you will come close to describing the masterpiece Othello, by William Shakespeare. When pressed for time for school, it might be tempting to just spark notes the book or just watch many of the movies and play adaptations, but do not let those take away from the experience of reading the actual tragedy. The cast of characters include Othello, a brave soldier who is easily manipulated; Desdemona, the beautiful wife of Othello who receives constant admiration for her elegance; Lago, Othello's trusted companion and advisor who is secretly jealous of all the adulation and success Othello receives; and Emilia, Lago's wife and Desdemona's attendant, a minor character but an important part of the plot. There are other characters that play more minute roles. The plot though exceptionally simple, is equally complex, a great story that can be related to any time. Enjoy a drama-ridden novel and experience Shakespeare's brilliance by reading Othello.

- Reviewed by Anonymous.

The Wordy Shipmates, by Sarah Vowell

2011-10-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Wordy Shipmates, by Sarah Vowell, is an historically accurate story about the Puritan settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It describes their lives and the problems they encountered. It focuses on the governor, Winthrop, and other historically important characters. This book covers everything from the founding of Rhode Island, to the beginnings of Massachusetts Bay Colony, to the wars with the Indians. In addition, it analyzed and comments on the history as well.

This non-fiction story is not only interesting, but also fun to read. It is page turning. It is also valuable as a source to learn early US history. I recommend it to everyone looking for something interesting to read.
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-Reviewed by Manuk, grade 9.

Feathered Dinosaurs of China, by Gregory Wenzel

2011-10-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

The book Feathered Dinosaurs of China, by Gregory Wenzel, is about dinosaurs in China. It explains that in China, there were only flying dinosaurs. There were no T-Rex, no grass-eating creatures, and no hunting other land creatures. The flying ones attacked little and small animals. All the information about China's dinosaurs in this non-fiction book.

I really liked this book because it is informative about prehistoric times and especially because it talked about my favorite animals, dinosaurs. I felt good for having information about them from this book and I therefore recommend this book to my father because he likes dinosaurs more than I do so I think he will enjoy this book and I was also fascinated by the fact that there are only flying dinosaurs in China.

-Reviewed by Norvik, grade 9.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou

2011-10-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

Normally not interested much in biographies myself, the poetic I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou, is a coming-of -age autobiography every girl should read, regardless of her age. Angelou explores topics such as identity, rape, racism, education, motherhood, and more. Beginning with the prologue, the reader is sucked into the mindset of a young girl in a time race, color, and religion mean everything in someones life. A young Maya is unsure of her life, guided mostly by her brother and her grandmother's rules. As she breaks out of her own insecurity, the reader grows as well. Parenthood becomes a matter of circumstance. Each character Maya highlights in her life has a different dimension, notable among them being her grandmother who is a very powerful woman in their community, the only black woman to be acknowledged respectfully by a judge, her mother who is a notable actress renowned for her beauty and many affairs, her father a thorough businessman and an incredibly charming man, and her brother who is loved by all for his looks. While reading the novel, it often becomes difficult to distinguish between Maya the character, and Ms. Angelou the author. By reading this novel, you will be sure to experience real literature, but also enjoy the story, and learn more about what it meant to be a black girl in America.

-Reviewed by S.M., grade 12.

Sea Monsters, by Mike Everhart

2011-10-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

In Sea Monsters, by Mike Everhart, all is about deep oceanic creatures. Someone made a movie out of this book called Oceans of Kansas and it is for those who really want to have an information about what is in the seas or oceans. Both the book and the movie are non-fiction and therefore are very informative.

In my opinion, this book is one of the greatest books for gathering information about seas, oceans, and deep creatures and it's also cool that it has been made into a movie. My little cousin will love reading this book, which I actually got from him and I recommend it back to him. This book made it interesting to learn about creatures living deep in the ocean. I love the book and the movie.
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-Reviewed by Norvik, grade 9.

Falconer, by John Cheever

2011-10-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

In Falconer, by John Cheever, Ezekiel Farragut is a college professor and a heroin addict, a crime adventurer and a killer locked behind the bars of Falconer prison for the death of his brother. He has survived loneliness, brutality, his own fierce anger, and the malice of a beautiful wife. He will discover more hope, more love, more of his own human compassion locked behind the bars of Falconer prison. This book is a fiction book written in the 80's.

In my opinion, This book just was one of the best books that captured my attention after reading the first page, so I really liked to read it and finish it but I couldn't because I returned it to my teacher and I told my friend that how much I loved it by even reading the first page the day that I took the book. I recommend this book to him and this book made me think that how can a book be good by even reading the first page and I felt really good by reading this book because it made my busy and think about the author.
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-Reviewed by Norvik, grade 9.

Pretties, by Scott Westerfeld

2011-10-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

Pretties, by Scott Westerfeld, is a continuation of the book Uglies by the same author. In this book, Tally, the main character, has an enhancement surgery and she lives her life as a Pretty because she is sixteen now. However, she does remember that she was supposed to meet someone whom she befriended from the wilderness on one of her adventures where she escaped the town. She was supposed to meet up with this friend because he had the cure to get rid of the lesions in her brain from the surgery to get desired looks and features. However, because of the lesions, she cannot remember why she wanted to be cured in the first place because life in Pretty town was all about fun and games. In this book, Tally betrays many of her friends and gets herself in trouble many times. She has to somehow figure out how to please everyone and she has to figure out if she wants to stay a pretty or get rid of her lesions.

I really enjoyed this book because Uglies was such a good book and continuing to read about Tally's life was thrilling. You learn that if everything is beautiful in a world, then you start to realize things that are different as ugly. One thing I really like about these books is that when a new part begins in the book, there is a philosophical quote which ties into the story and I always enjoy reading those.
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-Reviewed by V.T., grade 12.

Envy,by Anna Godberson

2011-10-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

Envy, by Anna Godberson, is set in the dawning days of 1900 New York's biggest scandals, socialites, heartbreaks, and marriages are brewing within. Elizabeth Holland is back after months of being "kidnapped." Her mother is expecting her to marry and to have children. But when she finds that she is pregnant with Will Keller's baby, perspectives change. She is forced into wedlock with her fathers old business partner, Snowden Carins. Dianna Holland is at the peak of glamour and beauty. She has fallen helplessly in love with the one man i the city she can't have, Henry Schoonmaker. Henry, being her first love, is a very fragile think for Dianna. But what happens when she sees things she that are not meant for her to see? Penelope Hayes has successfully used blackmail to marry Henry Schoonmaker. She finally got everything she wanted but she won't rest. Henry Schoonmaker is one of the most talked about men in New York. He is currently married to Penelope Hayes but is still head-over-heels in love with Dianna Holland. And he will do anything to have her for himself. And if that means joining the army then he will do it.

Penelope Hayes is a spoiled brat. Envy is the place where things seem to be getting better, but then dissolve into nothing. Elizabeth is back and pregnant with Will Keller's baby. This second to last book in the Luxe series makes you crave the ending. You will want to save each line in a vial of classified information. I send my praise to Anna Godberson for her job on this series.

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-Reviewed by T.A., grade 10.

Inkheart, by Cornelia Funke

2011-10-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Inkheart is the first book of a series written by Cornelia Funke. Meggie lives alone with her dad in Italy. One night, a man named Dustfinger comes to the house and talks with Meggie's dad, Mo. Dustfinger calls Mo Silvertounge because he can read things out of books. He had read Dustfinger, Capricorn, and Basta out of Inkheart, and his wife into Inkheart. Dustfinger tells Mo that Caprocorn is coming to kidnap him. The next day, Mo, Meggie, and Dustfinger leave the house to go to Elinor, Meggie's aunt. Elinor is a book collector who owns a mansion filled with books and an alarm system to protect them. One night, Dustfinger takes Meggie outside during the night to show her what tricks he can do with fire. He asks Elinor to turn off the alarm so he can perform during the night. She does. During the show, a group of men break into the house and kidnap Mo and the book Inkheart. Dustfinger had told them where they were staying, and planned to break-in. He left with the kidnappers. Meggie soon found out that Elinor had swapped Inkheart with another book, and they decided to find Capricorn and swap Mo for Inkheart. Dustfinger returned to the mansion and said he had followed Capricorn's men back to where Capricorn was living. He, Meggie, and Elinor traveled to the village planning to make the swap. They gave Capricorn the book, but Capricorn then took them captive. Except for Dustfinger. Dustfinger is working for Capricorn in hopes that he could return to the world he loves in Inkheart. Capricorn turns on Dustfinger and burns all the remaining copies of Inkheart so Dustfinger cannot return to his world. Mo, Meggie, and Elinor are locked up. The next day, Capricorn has Mo read gold out of a book. Mo succeeds but also accidentally reads a young boy out of a book. He and the boy are locked up again with Meggie and Elinor. That night, Dustfinger rescues them all because he hates Capricorn for destroying the copies of Inkheart. They run to a nearby village and from there, Elinor returns home while Dustfinger, the boy named Farid, Meggie , and Mo look for the author of Inkheart. They find him. His name is Fenoglio. Dustfinger runs away with Farid when Fenoglio tries to talk to him. Mo and Fenoglio try to figure a way to get rid of Capricorn and his men. Mo gets a phone call from Elinor. She says all her books were destroyed by Capricorn's men. Mo goes and picks her up at the airport. While he is gone, Basta, Capricorn's most trusted servant, finds Meggie and takes her back to Capricorn's village, along with Fenoglio. Meanwhile, Dustfinger hid out near the village and found out there was another copy of Inkheart still in the billage. He asks his friend Resa, a maid for Capricorn, to try to find out where the book was hidden. Resa is caught, and so is Dustfinger. Meggie is locked up in a room with Fenoglio. She finds the book Peter Pan in the room and reads aloud to herself at night. She suddenly sees Tinkerbell flying about. Just then, Basta comes in, sees Tinkerbell, catches her, and drags Meggie to Capricorn. Then Capricorn arranges for Meggie to read Shadow out of Inkheart and kill Dustfinger and Resa. The Shadow is a faceless monster that kills anything and cannot be killed. When Fenoglio finds out what Capricorn plans to do, he starts writing an alternate story so that when Meggie reads it, the Shadow will come, but not obey Capricorn. Instead, the Shadow would turn against him and his men. Meanwhile, Mo and Farid plan to infiltrate the village and rescue Meggie, Dustfinger, and Fenoglio. However, Dustfinger already escaped by taunting Basta into coming into his cell and then disarming him and running away. However, Resa didn't escape. Elinor had gone to the police in a nearby village, but when the policeman came to Capricorn's village, he only asked a few questions and left, leaving Elinor to be locked up in the village. However, she is locked up with Resa, who is really Teresa, her niece and Meggie's mom. On the evening that Meggie is suppose to read the Shadow out of Inkheart, Farid and Mo set fire to the village to cause a distraction. Capricorn sends men to put out the fire, but continues with the execution. Just before Meggie starts to read from the book, Fenoglio tries to run away. All eyes turn to him as he hit Capricorn's guards and ran for it. He was caught, but he had given time for Meggie to slip a piece of paper with Fenoglio's alternate story into the book. She started reading the alternate story, but then Capricorn noticed that it wasn't the real story. He ordered his men to cease her, but the Shadow had started to emerge from the ground. Will the Shadow obey Meggie or Capricorn? And will Mo, Meggie, and Teresa be reunited? Find out. I think this is a good book because it is unpredictable. There is a lot of twists in this story. This book is good for readers who enjoy fantasy because there is a lot of make believe things in this book.

-Reviewed by K.C., grade 9,

The Big Sleep, by Raymond Chandler

2011-08-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

In The Big Sleep, by Raymond Chandler, when a dying millionaire hires Philip Marlowe to handle the blackmailer of one of his two troublesome daughters, Marlowe finds himself involved with more than extortion. Kidnapping, seduction, crime, and murder are just a few of the complications he gets caught up in and the date in the story is 1933 and its a fiction story.

I really love this book and I think it's one of my favorite ones I'm still not finished reading it so I can't tell the ending. I recommend this book to my sister and I think she will love to read this book, which made me think and I also understood it. I recommend this book to my friends, too.

-Reviewed by Norvik, grade 9.

The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart

2011-08-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart, is a book that will capture your mind and keep you in suspense. It has a lot of surprising turns and it will keep you captivated. There are found children who are on a mission to save millions of people. It all starts out with an unusual ad in the newspaper calling out to kids for special opportunities. There are four stages of testing, and only four unique kids make it to the last stage. The last stage takes place at the house of Mr. Benedict, who planned out the tests, and also put the ad in the newspaper. In this stage, there are two levels that they must complete. The first is to go across the room without stepping on any blue or black squares. Reynold, a resourceful boy who prefers Reynie, notices that the floor only has rectangles and just walks straight across. Kate, who is skilled, throws a rope and somehow manages to tie it to the doorknob and she walks across on the rope. She has a red basket that she takes everywhere that contains literally everything from marbles to a spyglass disguised as a kaleidoscope. When she is asked to do it again, she removes everything from her bucket; and she leaps onto it to roll it with her feel until she reaches the other side. Once again, when she is asked to do it again, she stands supported only by her hands and slowly crosses the room. Sticky just crawls across the room. The second level is to find the way to the back door by going through a maze of identical rooms. Reynie easily finds it and makes it to the back door by finding squiggly arrows that point to the right door each time. The second time, he is asked to do it, he finishes quicker. Sticky just tries every door and somehow manages to finish the maze. On the second time, he surprisingly memorized the right doors and makes it through faster. Kate finds a heating vent and goes through it until she reaches the back door. Interestingly, she is not asked to do it another time. In the end, all three children pass all the tests. This whole time, they haven't met the last child who also passed all the tests, but they finally do when they're all together in Mr. Benedict's room. Her name is Constance and she is extremely short and has a bad attitude. Actually, she passed none of the tests, but Mr. Benedict still chose her. Mr. Benedict said she might be the key to success on this mission they were going to be told about, so Reynie, Sticky, and Kate keep quiet. What is their mission and will they survive?

In my opinion, this book always keeps you in suspense like I mentioned earlier, and the characters are all so well thought out. You will come to love the characters, and the conflict is really unique. This book may be a little long, but once you start reading this book, you won't be able to put it down until you've finished it. There are two more books after this one, and I am sure you'll like those as well too. Well, I hope that you can read this wonderful book if you have the chance to.

-Reviewed by A.P. grade 8.

Spirit Bound, by Richelle Mead

2011-08-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

Spirit Bound, by Richelle Mead, is the fifth book in the Vampire Academy series. After a long heartbreaking journey to Siberia, Rose has finally returned to St. Vladimir's to take her trials and become a full fledged guardian. She is excited to graduate and go out into the world as Lissa's guardian, but she never forgets that the love of her life is out to destroy her. She sets off on a dangerous assignment to save Dimitri and gets caught up in the political drama of the Moroi Royal Court.

In my opinion, it was an extremely intriguing book. The character's relationships are pushed farther into testy waters - which causes for a more dramatic effect. The book also explores Lissa's character more and the reader's get to see a completely different side of her that they've never seen before. However, I wish that the relationship between Adrian, Rose and Dimitri had been explored further. Also, if the relationship of Rose and Tatiana Ivashkov was explored a little further, it would have made for a more understandable ending. Overall, I believe it was an excellent book. It is well written and once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down!

-Reviewed by Desi, grade 11.

Sundays at Tiffany's, by James Patterson

2011-08-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

Sundays at Tiffany's, by James Patterson, is about an eight year old, Jane Margaux, who has an imaginary friend named Michael. Because she rarely spends time with her mother other than their weekly trips to Tiffany's, Jane spends her time cherishing every moment she can with Michael, but little does she know, Michael plans on leaving her on her ninth birthday. A few years later, Jane is a proper young lady, who works under her mother at the same company. Coincidentally, she meets someone, and it turns out his name is Michael. Could it be fate that brought him back to her? James Patterson's book, Sundays at Tiffany's was a sweet romance that kept me reading. I enjoyed the simplicity of the book and how he incorporated the fantasy of an imaginary friend into the story's plot. I recommend teens to read this book if they are seeking a novel filled with laughter and romance.

-Reviewed by C.L., grade 9.

Beauty Pop Vol.1, by Kiyoko Arai

2011-08-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

The first volume of Beauty Pop, by Kiyoko Arai, is set in Japan where there is a high school girl named Kiri Koshiba. She has a talent, she is a very gifted hairstylist. Her father was a legendary hairstylist long ago. Also, there is another student named Narumi that dreams to be the top beautician in Japan. He has a group named Scissors Project with two friends, Kei Minami, who is in charge of the hall arts in the group, and Kazuniko Ochiai, who has every information and calculations about everything. School is always normal as Narumi shows off, Kei eats snacks, and Ochiai doint researches. No one in the school knows yet that Kiri can give a little magic to someones hair. One day, Narumi meets Kiri and gets all fussy about her and makes a scissors project the next day. A project where they choose a girl and make her up, but at that same day, Kiri gave a little magic to her friend Kanako. Her hair was really beautiful after the haircut. When the S.P. (scissors project) saw that, they were shocked. Narumi thought there was a challenger in the school and so they set up a verse, not knowing who the other person is. Her initial becomes "X." Ochiai finds out before, but not the others so he made the plan of the project. Kiri disagreed at first, but she actually came to the project and was versing Narumi. Only one minute left when the finishes are done, and no one knows who won yet.

This book shows very a very interesting life about Japan hairstyling. This book gave me real interests in hairstyling. I think this book would be a great book to read. I really enjoyed reading this book. This is my opinion.

-Reviewed by Anonymous, grade 9.

Dewey, by Vicki Myron

2011-08-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Dewey, by Vicki Myron, is about a cat, Dewey, with a bad start in the world. On a cold night he was found in a library slot and he decided that the pain of frostbite would not keep him from thanking the librarian that saved him from his past. The Librarian did not save Dewey, Dewey saved the Librarian and the rest of the town as learned throughout the story. Dewey, the Library Cat, changed a run-down town to a place of love and affection. His presence warmed the hearts of the town and the visitors. I truly recommend this read because it warms the hearts of many and teaches readers that animals have an impact on a person's life. a library, and even a town. Once you open this book, your heart will grow for this lovable cat and you will wish you had a Dewey walking out of each character. This book would be good for someone who just wants a heart-felt story that teaches you how an animal can bring out the best in us and teaches us the true values of life.

-Reviewed by Katie, grade 9.

Things Not Seen, by Andrew Clements

2011-08-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

Things Not Seen, by Andrew Clements, is about a boy named Bobby Phillips who is an average 15 year old boy. All of a sudden, out of the blue, Bobby waked up one morning and can't see himself in the mirror. There doesn't seem to be any reason for Bobby's condition and his physicist dad can't even figure it out. Bobby now can't go to school, have friends, and pretty much can't have a life. Then Bobby meets a girl named Alicia after sneaking out of his house. Alicia is blind and Bobby really enjoys talking to her and trusts her with his life. The school and people are trying to find out why Bobby suddenly disappeared, and if he's even still alive. This could lead his family into some serious trouble. Bobby must find out how to be seen again before it's too late.

Things Not Seen, by Andrew Clements, was ultimately a fun read. I thought it was creative and fun. It kept me interested and flipping the pages. You really get to know these characters and their personalities. This book was well put together. I would recommend this to all ages and genders who like a fun read and can tolerate 250 pages. I looked forward to reading this book everyday and I hope you will, too.

-Reviewed by Logan, grade 9.

Alive, by Piers Paul Read

2011-07-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

Alive, by Piers Paul Read, is a true story all about an amateur rugby teams' plane crash on their way to their rugby game. They were traveling through the Andes and a little too close to the mountains. Their plane hit a mountain and the wing broke off. The plane crashed in the cold, hard snow. Some died from the impact of the crash, but 32 survived. The only shelter they have is the plane's shattered fuselage, and their only supplies are a little wine and some bits of candy. To what lengths will this rugby team go to survive, and how long until they're rescued? To find out, read this chilling survival story.

This book is a compelling story of survival. Unfortunately the author uses too many details and information where the tragic feeling of the story is lost in the average teenage reader. Overall, I enjoyed this story, but I found it difficult to read. I am hesitant to recommend this book. If you think you can get through the inordinate amount of details, you may enjoy this true story of survival. I think this story could have been better told in way less pages.

-Reviewed by Logan, grade 9.

House of Scorpion, by Nancy Farmer

2011-07-25T16:26:00.000-07:00

In the House of the Scorpion, by Nancy Farmer; Matteo Alacran, a boy clone, is harvested out of the stomach of a cow. His DNA came from El Patron, lord of a country called Opium. At the age of six, Matt breaks out of the house he was held in to play with some kids. He is soon lead back to the mansion in which El Patron lives. Everybody thinks he is a monster except for El Patron who loves Matt as himself. Throughout the story, Matt is trying to find out his existence. While he is trying to figure out he is threatened by El Patrons power hungry family, and is surrounded by dangerous body guards. An unexpected twist happens and now escaping the mansion is the only chance he has of surviving. Even if he does escape he is never safe because he is marked by his difference.

In my opinion, this book is up there in the best books I have ever read. It's a great science fiction book filled with adventure. This story creates perfect pictures in your mind. It really feels like you know these characters very well and get to know them. Gives a compelling picture of what the future could bring. I would recommend this book to everyone who can read 400 pages with no problem and especially to those who like science fiction. This book has wowed me and I hope it will wow you, too.

-Reviewed by Logan, grade 9.

Full Tilt, by Neal Shusterman

2011-07-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

Full Tilt, by Neal Shusterman, is about a sixteen-year-old named Blake and his brother, Quinn, who are exact opposites. Blake is very responsible and calm; Quinn is fearless and thrill-seeking. Blake always has to keep an eye out for Quinn, but this time it went too far. Quinn decided he wanted to go into a bizarre phantom carnival that traps customers forever. The only way out is for Blake to survive seven deadly rides by dawn, each which represents a personal fear. These rides range from a merry-go-round that goes haywire when its animals turn real to a bumper car ride transforming into a demolition derby. Untimately Blake has to face up to a horrible secret in his past to save him and his brother if their soul aren't taken first.

I really enjoyed Full Tilt, by Neal Shusterman. The storyline was exciting and thrilling, it really made me feel as if I were a part of the action. This book is one of those books that you just can't put down. Perfect as a quick read that will get you to enjoy reading again. I recommend this book to mostly boys, but this book is for anyone who enjoys exciting, thrilling stories. This book put me on the edge of my seat and wanting to read more from this author. I hope it will do the same to you.

-Reviewed by Logan, grade 9.

Nory Ryan's Song, by Patricia Giff

2011-07-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

Nory Ryan's Song, by Patricia Reilly Giff, is a historical fiction book set in the year 1845 that takes place on Maidin Bay, a land located on the west coast of Ireland. The protagonist of the book is a girl named Nory Ryan. Her family raises potatoes as their primary source of food. Her father, Da, sails away on a fishing boat to earn money for Lord Cunningham, the landlord of Maidin Bay. Lord Cunningham tries to make life as difficult as possible for the Irish people so they will immigrate to another place and he will be able to graze sheep over the lands of abandoned homes. Nory Ryan's sister, Maggie Ryan, decides to move to Brooklyn, a city in New York, which is in the United States. The Ryan family hope to move to the United States as well.

In a few weeks, almost every citizen, serf and farmer leave Maidin Bay to go to America forever to avoid bankruptcy. The Ryans start to lose money and Da does not return during the time he usually does every year. A potato blight occurs, which runs the potatoes and start a famine. Will Nory Ryan's family survive?

I highly recommend this book because it has a big appeal that makes people learn of experiencing famines and harsh times when having to work for a landlord.

-Reviewed by E.C., grade 9.

Beastly, by Alex Finn

2011-07-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

Beastly, by Alex Finn, is about Kyle Kingsbury who had it all: the girl, the looks, the money, and he was going to be prom king. And because he had everything, Kyle figured he was everything, that everyone should be crawling on their knees to talk to him, because he was so perfect. But that all changes when Kendara, a witch, decided to teach him a lesson and puts a spell on him, "as ugly on the outside as you are on the inside." Now Kyle is horridly deformed and only the kiss from the girl who can see past the face and into his heart, will save him from being "beastly" forever, and hopefully the two year time limit won't be a problem. When I first read Beastly, as soon as I opened the cover, I didn't close it until I finished. That normally doesn't happen with me and books. What was different with this book and others that I read, I honest couldn't say, but it had me hooked! I loved how Flinn took the classic Beauty and the Beast, and set it in modern day New York, and how he captured the looks plus money equals popularity. And the way Kyle reacted to everything about the change, about being brought down from an egoistical and selfish person, to a caring and humble young man, was perfect, very well thought out and planned. This book made me feel like I was part of the story. I felt like I was in the story standing right next to Kyle Kingsbury while he struggled to get a handle on what he now was and on who he was becoming. I would recommend this book to all my friends who have not already read it. It truly is a one of a kind read.

-Reviewed by Bella, grade 10.

The Fire Within, by Chris D'Lacey

2011-07-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

The Fire Within, by Chris D'Lacey, is about a boy named David who becomes a house tenant at the Pennykettle's. When he arrives, he is given a magical clay dragon with fantastic powers. When David is done using the dragon to write books, he puts the dragon away, then the dragon starts dying from the lack of love that David is supposed to supply him with. Read to find out about the dragon and David. This book was very adventurous and interesting. I really liked it because it was a very good book. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fictional books, or for someone who just wants to try something different.

-Reviewed by T.N., grade 9.

Rumble Fish, by S.E. Hinton

2011-07-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Rumble Fish, by S.E. Hinton, is about a young boy named Rusty James who wants to be just like his older brother, Motorcycle Boy. Rusty enjoys fighting and, of course, girls. Rusty fights for his reputation and expects Motorcycle Boy to always be there to assist him of course until the day where Motorcycle Boy isn't there. Read to find out what happens. I really loved this story because there are many people who rely on others for support but you have to learn that they aren't going to always be there for you. It is a very lovely and touching story. I recommend this book to everyone because the moment you pick up the book, you won't want to put it down.

-Reviewed by T.N., grade 9.

That Was Then, This Is Now, by S.E. Hinton

2011-07-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

That Was Then, This Is Now, by S.E. Hinton, is a very sad yet interesting story. It is about two 16 year olds, Mark and Bryon who have been like brothers since childhood. They had been growing up in a rough neighborhood and had gotten into many tragic situations. Now they have grown apart and treat life differently. This story is very touching and emotional. I'll recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books based on true stories. I honestly loved this book and have read it more than once.

-Reviewed by T.N., grade 9.

The Bell Jar, by Sylvia Plath

2011-06-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

The Bell Jar, by Sylvia Plath, is about a young girl named Esther who has a difficult time finding herself while she is away from home with a number of other girls trying to launch a career of some sort. She goes back home and things seem to spiral downward from there. Her depression worsens and she is sent to a psychologist for therapy. I don't want to spoil the book but she does end up receiving rather strong treatment at different facilities and it goes on from there. I picked up this book after reading a few intriguing quotations on a blog; I thought that I would be able to relate to it easily. "I felt very still and very empty, the way the eye of a tornado must feel, moving dully along in the middle of the surrounding hullabaloo." Right at the start, there's a melancholic tone that settles in between the lines and pulls you in and doesn't let go. Halfway through the book, I felt a sense of deja vu creep upon me. I finally figured that this reminded me of The Catcher in the Rye and was not surprised when others agreed. It could be said that this is the female version of that book but I think both books just have a deeper insight into the everyday or not so everyday happenings that occur once you turn 18 and grow on from there. It's a trip inside the minds of two young adults; it touches base with what we are afraid of, it digs down deep. It is extremely depressing so if you don't bounce back fast, I don't recommend it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will probably reread it one day in the future. 5/5.

-Reviewed by L.G., grade 11.

Girl With a Pearl Earring, by Tracy Chevalier

2011-06-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Girl With a Pearl Earring, by Tracy Chevalier, is about how there was strict social order in Holland. It was rich and poor, Catholic and Protestant, master and servant, and everyone knew their place and would not dare get out of line. A sixteen-year-old girl, Griet, becomes a maid at painter Johannes Vermeer's house to help support her family. She thinks that her role as a maid is simple: do the laundry, housework and take care of the six children. She even feels that Vermeer's perceptive mother-in-law is fond of her because she gets him to paint faster. However, that no one expects is that Griet's quiet and shy manner, quick perceptions, and fascination with her master's painting draw her relentlessly into his world. Their growing intimacy starts rumors at the market; and when Vermeer has no choice but to paint her wearing his wife's pearl earrings, the gossip escalates into a scandal that completely changes Griet's life. This book shows how life in Griet's eyes was. From working as a maid to how the choice of marriage was up to her father. This book shows how work in Delft was not the easiest and the poor would have to work hard to get enough money for food on the table. Furthermore, this book describes that life can drastically change at any given time. This book made me realize how hard and different life was back in the days and how easy we have it right now. Girl With a Pearl Earring was an astonishing book that gave me a clear and brief image of Delft. It taught me that the life of a maid was not the easiest and once you become a maid, you have to make sacrifices. I would highly recommend this book to readers to show them how life now is much easier than how it was a couple of centuries ago.

-Reviewed by J.T., grade 9.

Life As We Knew It, by Susan Beth Pfeffer

2011-06-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

Life As We Knew It, by Susan Beth Pfeffer, is told in the eyes of Miranda Evans, the typical 16-year-old. Her father's wife is pregnant; her older brother, Matt, is in college; and she is stuck at home with about a million homework assignments from her teachers. She is a typical 16-year old. But her life does have a complete back flip when a meteor hits the moon. Suddenly, good grades aren't something to worry about anymore. Miranda faces a new era, where humanity's goal is to just survive.

I love this book for so many reasons. The whole situation seems so realistic...it makes you think it could happen to us. Pfeffer found the way to take a living hell and put it in the eyes of an average teenager. And the results were pretty fantastic. Also, Miranda, the main character, seems like a tree dimensional human being. There are books where the main character just feels emotions or says things, but never really has a reason for them. Miranda isn't like that at all, and her character adds to the story's situation. it's a great read, but be prepared for loads of depressing moments.

-Reviewed by anonymous, grade 9.

1001 Cranes, by Naomi Hirahara

2011-06-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

1001 Cranes, by Naomi Hirahara, is a tale about 12-year-old Angela Kato and her parent's divorce. Her parents ship her off to her grandparent's house in Gardena, a town near Los Angeles, to work on her grandparent's 1001 cranes display while they cope with their problems. At first, her disgust toward Los Angeles' environment prevents her from making friends in the neighborhood, but she comes to enjoy her stay and is able to live above troubles at hand.

This wasn't my favorite. It was as if the author was trying to take a boring story and spice up the moments to make it more interesting, but none of it worked. It does have a moral, and you can see how it gets there, but some of the side details leave you thinking "What?". I do like how this book has incorporated Japanese culture, and it makes the story more interesting. This book only gets two-and-a-half stars from me.

-Reviewed by anonymous, grade 9.

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

2011-06-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Red Pyramid, by Rick Riordan, is the first book of the Kane Chronicles. Carter Kane had been living on the road with his Egyptologist father. Sadie Kane had been living with their grandparents. The brother and sister had lived separate lives ever since their mother died, six years ago. On Christmas Eve, the family spent some time together at the British Museum, but not a nice, peaceful, relaxing time. Sadie and Carter's father summons a strange man, who traps their father and destroys everything in room. The two siblings start their quest to search for their father, and discover how many more secrets their parents have hidden them from, about themselves, the world, and the gods of Egypt. What I liked about The Red Pyramid is how it is different from the Percy Jackson series, but still partially linked to it. The book is focused on the Egyptian gods, the House of Life, and the kinds of chaos the monster Apophis can create, but the book also makes references to the Percy Jackson series. In one paragraph, Amos, the Kane kids' uncle, talks about how Manhattan has other gods, how it's best that the magicians and Egyptians gods stay away from them. As he says that, he glares at the Empire State Building. In another part, Thoth discusses how the Greeks confused him with Hermes. He also implies that if you've ever met Hermes, you'd understand why that was offending. This book was also written like a recording, which affected it a little, just enough to make it interesting. If you ever were a fan of Rick Riordan's other books (meaning the Percy Jackson Series,) you probably would like this series as well.

-Reviewed by anonymous, grade 9.

Stepping on the Cracks, Mary Downing Hahn

2011-06-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Stepping on the Cracks, by Mary Downing Hahn is about two young girls, Margaret and Elizabeth, whose brothers have both gone off to fight in World War II. While at school, they experience problems with the school bully, Gordy. One day, they follow him into the woods and discover a secret about him. They jump to conclusions and develop an even greater feeling of hate towards him. After Gordy finds out that Margaret and Elizabeth saw him in the woods, he threatens them and makes them promise not to tell anyone what he has been hiding from the world, family, and most especially, his abusive father. Over time, they learn to like Gordy more because of what they learn through his secret.

This story has changed and questioned my view of war and of the human race so many times throughout the story because of the power and message it sends to the people who read it. It also makes ask yourself about bullies or people in your life and why they do the things they do. I have found there is almost always a reason for their actions. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction or want to read a book that keeps surprising you with every page you turn.

-Reviewed by Ceina, grade 9th.

The Sable Quean, by Redwall Abbey

2011-06-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

The Sable Quean is a book about Redwall Abbey. It is one book among a lot of others by Brian Jacques. Zwilt the shade is a weasel who is an expert at moving swiftly and stealthily. He takes orders from Vilaya the Sable Queen, but he has a command of 200 Ravangers, a group of vermin. Buckler is a young hare who has already mastered swordsmanship. Lord Brang is the Badger lord of Salamandastron, the legendary mountain where fighting hares and badgers alike live. He sends Buckler and his fat friend, Diggs, on a journey to Redwall Abbey to deliver new bell tower ropes that Brang had made. After Buck had made this trip, then he would be allowed to visit his brother who lived near Redwall. On the way to Redwall, they rescue a young shrew made from a couple Ravangers. Her name was Flib, and the fox and stoat were trying to kidnap her on Zwilt's orders. Flib was a shrew and had a younger sister and brother, Midda and Borti. Both who had been kidnapped by Ravangers, however, there were a lot more than just the two of them. Buck, Diggs and Flib continued on the journey to Redwall. They met up with Log a Log Jango and Oakheart, who were shrews as well. However, Oakheart and Log a Log Jango's children were missing and they planned to head to Redwall for assistance in finding their young. Meanwhile, at Redwall, a group of Ravangers waited outside the gates for any kids to come out so they could kidnap them. The group had split into groups to watch the four gates of Redwall. A rat named Globby snuck over the ramparts against orders and stuffed himself in the kitchen until he passed out. In the morning he was discovered by Redwallers, and they kept him to find out how many others like him were around. They cut down the tree that Globby had climbed to get over the walls, and later found that two other Redwall children had been kidnapped. They went to interrogate Globby, but Globby had escaped and was hiding in the dormitories. A squirrel named Tollum went to the attic and swung down into the dormitories and his Globby in the neck. However, Globby had a knife and stabbed Tollum before he died. In the meantime, the captured young ones had been digging a tunnel in the dungeon where they were being kept. Axtel, a warrior mole, was looking for a place to dig. He started digging and suddenly the ground collapsed. He found Flib and a couple of mole babies in the tunnel and got them out, but the tunnel collapsed before he could reach the others. Later, he dug through the rubble and reached the rest of the young ones. He got a few of them out, but then had to retreat because he got wounded in his paw. Buck, Diggs, and the shrew crew had reached Redwall, and Buck found out from Clarinna, his brother's wife, that his brother and nephews had been killed by Zwilt the Shade and a bunch of Ravangers. Buck swore revenge and then organized a search party for the missing children. They found Axtel and the few he had manages to rescue and took them safely back to Redwall. Then they organized another rescue party to get the remaining children from Brockhall (the place they were being held). For the meantime, the rest of the young were relocated to a cave where they couldn't dig. However, one of the kids found a secret tunnel in the cave, and they took a couple lanterns and went down the tunnel while the guards were asleep. They encountered an underground lake and a blind pike. They slowly made their way through the lake and ran down another tunnel because they could hear Ravanges following them. They met crazy hedgehog named Triggut, who helped them escape the Ravangers, but they took them hostage himself! Zwilt, Vilaya, Dirva (Vilaya's assistant), and the Ravanger mob chased after the young, but found that they couldn't hunt them down. Then, Vilaya challenged Zwilt's command. Zwilt killed Dirva first and then faced Vilaya with her poison dagger. Zwilt stabbed Vilaya before she could poison him, and she passed out. Before Zwilt could behead her, a supporter of Vilaya stepped between the body and Zwilt and said she could bury Vilaya. Zwilt then marched toward Redwall planning to take the Abbey by force. Meanwhile, Buck and the rescue party raided Brockhall, but found it deserted. They went outside and found that the Ravangers were heading to Redwall. They went headed toward Redwall with all haste, but accidentally left behind Diggs. Diggs had met up with another badger, Ambrevina they went downstream on a makeshift raft and suddenly found the rest of the young ones and Triggut. They rescued the young ones and left them with a trustworthy water mole, while they headed to Redwall. Zwilt had snuck into Redwall though the back and encountered Diggs (who just got there). Zwilt cut his ear off, but then had to face Buck, who had sworn an oath of vengeance. Who will defeat the other? And will Redwallers be able to defend their home from two hundred Ravangers? Find out. I think this book was very good. It wasn't predictable and had a few twists. This book is for people who like fantasy or adventurous books, or even for people who like animals.

-Reviewed by K.C., grade 9.

H.I.V.E., by Mark Walden

2011-06-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

H.I.V.E., a young adult book by Mark Walden, is about Otto Malpense and friends, who get enrolled into H.I.V.E., or The Higher Institute for Villainous Education, by force and by parent enrollment from all around the world. They are all young "Alpha" prodigies who are being educated in the ways of evil. This is a very interesting story because this follows the "bad guys" as the protagonists. All of the students have some something criminally advanced as children and they get sent to H.I.V.E.. Otto and his new friends arrive and, they feel as if the school is not just a place to learn, but they perceive it more like it is a prison. They learn, have fun, face bullies and suspicious teachers, but all the while the friends plan their departure with great care and secrecy. While the master plan is being built up, the students Otto, Wing, Laura, Shelby, and Nigel bond and find out about each other's past. The headmaster has a secret, his boss has a secret, Wing has a secret, everyone has some secret in the school and every other person is prying to get the secrets out of the unknown.

I would surely recommend this book to anybody trying to escape the stereotype and also wants to experience some action, mystery, science fiction, and a bit of comedy. I really enjoyed this story but the writing style was average and the reading level is not too high so if you are looking for a challenge book, look elsewhere. Other than a few quirks here and there, this book was truly fun and it pulled me in until I finished the whole thing. H.I.V.E. is a page-turner you won't want to stop reading.

-Reviewed by M.K., grade 9.

The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

2011-05-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is an excellent mystery. Sherlock Holmes and his trustworthy friend, Dr. Watson, are faced with an appalling murder. A legendary hound known to have haunted the Baskerville family for generations is the prime suspect! Holmes denies that such a supernatural thing could happen, but peasants living near the scene of the crime claim to have seen an enormous hound with blazing eyes. Has the legendary hound genuinely materialized from the dark shadows. Or is it a clever trick from a foe that is almost Holmes's equal?

This book is another astonishing Sherlock Holmes mystery that will take any reader aback. It is a book for mystery readers in for a scare.

-Reviewed by JunHyung, grade 7.

Murder on the Orient Express, by Agatha Christie

2011-05-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Murder on the Orient Express, by Agatha Christie, is a mystery about Hercule Poirot, a Belgian detective, on a crowded Orient Express. While he is on the train, Mr. Ratchett is murdered. The train had previously run into a snow drift, so the murderer was still on board. There are many interesting clues such as a broken watch, a handkerchief, and a button, but the clues seem to lead nowhere. However, Poirot is suddenly struck with a surprising fact: there were multiple murderers, all of whom have a serious gripe against Ratchett.

An impossible murder case, this book will make readers dumbstruck when the mystery is unravelled. It is a wonderful book for people who are up for a challenging mystery.

-Reviewed by JunHyung, grade 7.

Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte

2011-05-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

A Poem for Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte

Darkest novel in literature
Two complete strangers fall in a helpless love
They can't help themselves
Love lies deep - never ending
Parental consent is outnumbered
Torture by paranormal marriage

One is thought gone forever
Life moves on
But coming back is a mistake
Heathcliff
Love lays deep - hereditary
Children follow parents' eerie example
Death is a new beginning

Two souls tortured forever on the scale of hope, dreams
Forbidden romance
Catherine - make up your mind
Two men are at her back and call
Choose the one you love
Don't follow mother's example
Parents aren't always right

Break free
Make mistakes
Learn from them
Wuthering Heights
An older, more romantic version of Twilight
When will it end?

-By T.A., grade 10.

Protector of the Small: First Test, by Tamora Pierce

2011-05-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

An Ode to Protector of the Small, by Tamora Pierce

Denying prejudice
A new law made
All but one prevail
Who will take charge?
Keladry of Mendelian

Bullies, doubts, men, oh my
The palace is not big enough
All under one roof
They tease, mock, and bury
But she fights back in a fury

Page, she is now
Up and up she goes
From page to squire
To knight

The lords and ladies frown
But she raises her head high
No one will break her
For she is the
Protector of the Small

-By T.A., grade 10.

Rumors, by Anna Godbersen

2011-05-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Rumors, by Anna Godberson, is the second book in the Luxe series. With Elizabeth Holland's immature death fresh in the air, all eyes are on her younger sister. She doesn't care about the rules of society that govern New York's elite. Penelope Hayes is also getting whiplash after Elizabeth's death. She wants to take everything that her friend left behind. That, unfortunately, includes her fiance, Henry Schoonmaker. Henry is the elite's most eligible bachelor and is strangeley in love with his late fiance's sister, Dianna Holland. He is not just in love with her, he is head-over-heels in love with her to the point that marriage is on his mind. But the rules of society forbid her from marrying the fiancee. Carolina Broad is also taking up her own position in society with the help of Penelope Hayes and her knowledge of the Holland's financial state. The love triangle continues until someone comes out heartbroken.

Dianna Holland is her own person. The author shows the "bad girl" in her uptight family. This is a book where secrets and rivalries are revealed. Elizabeth is really alive and tormenting Penelope's dreams with the thought that she might come back. The only thing that can make the press wild is a good book with great reviews. This is the book for them. Dianna's unwanted courtship and Penelope's unparalleled ambition make it certain that one person will end up heartbroken.

-Reviewed by T.A., grade 10.

The Luxe, by Anna Godbersen

2011-04-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Luxe, by Anna Godbersen, is a story about Elizabeth Holland, the star of all of New York's society. All eyes are on her arrival from Paris. But little do they know that her family is on the verge of poverty. Her engagement to the most available bachelor, Henry Schoonmaker, is the Holland family's savior.

Elizabeth has enemies within that don't like her engagement proposal. One of her enemies is her maid, Carolina Broad. Both Elizabeth and Carolina had a crush on the late Mr. Holland's valet, Will Keller. Both girls want to live happily ever after with him. Another suspected enemy is her best friend, Penelope Hayes. These days, Penelope's eyes are on Eliazabeth's fiance, Henry. In the midst of all this is Elizabeth's little sister, the beautiful Dianna Holland. Dianna is the complete opposite of her sister. She breaks all of society's rules and does not plan to marry. But when her sister's fiancee falls in love with her, she is stuck in a strange courtship. Elizabeth, on the other hand, will go to extremes to be with Will, even if it means faking her own death.

Elizabeth Holland is her mother's prize. She was groomed since birth to be the perfect debutante. The author brings out the "bad girl" in her that the average person would never see. This is one of those books I have had to read over and over again because it is so good. The rest of the books in this fabulous series continue the story of Elizabeth's strange death, Dianna's unwanted courtship, and Penelope's unparalleled ambition.

-Reviewed by T.A., grade 10.

Alanna: The First Adventure, by Tamora Pierce

2011-04-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Alanna: The First Adventure, by Tamora Pierce, is a great book. The Tredbond twins are off to study their given fields. Eleven-year-old Alanna is off to learn to use her magic in a convent. Her twin brother, Thom, is off to the palace to learn to become a knight. The only problem is they want opposite things. Alanna is the one who wants to become a knight and Thom wants to learn to master his sorcery. The two deviously devise a plan to switch places. Alanna becomes Alan of Tredbond and heads off to the palace. This is her magnificent story.

Alanna is one person who proves that if a person tries hard enough, they can change the stars. She is quick to make a good number of friends and enemies. One of her most trusted friends is the heir to the throne, Prince Jonathan. Another is Myles of Olau. But the only catch is that no one knows her true identity.
When the squires are taken to the Bazhir desert on a fieldtrip, unwanted truths are revealed and a powerful enemy is made.

Tamora Pierce is my favorite author of all time. The books she writes are all down-to-earth and relatable. This book about Alanna is one that most of us can truly relate to. Her strong will and unstoppable mentality give her the strength to stand up to her enemies and protect her friends. Alanna is one person girls all around the world want to relate to. In this world, there are very few people who young girls can look up to and I believe that Alanna is one of those very gifted people.

-Reviewed by T.A., grade 10.

A Single Shard, by Linda Sue Park

2011-04-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

A Single Shard is a novel by Linda Sue Park. As an orphan, Tree-ear had been ignored, neglected, shunned, and cursed at. In 12th century Korea, orphans symbolized bad luck, so Tree-ear's only friend and companion was Crane-man, or the one-legged man who lived with Tree-ear under a bridge. Tree-ear's life only consists of foraging for scraps of food. At least, until the day Tree-ear accidentally breaks some of Min's pottery.

Tree-ear's village was a potter's village and Min was the best of all of them. Tree-ear works for Min to pay off the debt, but later becomes his unofficial apprentice in hopes of learning how to throw pots. After months and months of working under Min, an emissary comes from the King's Court to see which potter should be the royal commission. Min is not picked, but the emissary shows interest in Min's work and tells him to bring some of his flower vases with inlay work to the King's Court. When Min finally does, it is Tree-ear who needs to make the dangerous journey there.

This story depicts many facts about life in this period in Korea. This truly amazing book also shows changes in characters just like the fire changes pots of clay. It is a must-read book for everyone. I think this book is especially for those interested in Korea's past.

-Reviewed by JunHyung, grade 7.

A Lady Raised High: A Novel of Anne Boleyn, by Laurien Gardner

2011-04-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

A Lady Raised High is a novel by Laurien Gardner. Living in the English countryside, Frances Pierce is ready for adventure. But unfortunately the adventures she seeks are high above her place in life. Court is the place that everyone dreams of going. Hidden behind the splendid facade of beautiful dresses, love, and merry-making, court can be a place of murder and intrigue. One day she is struck by luck when the king's progress crosses paths with Frances's home. Thinking quickly, Frances saves the "great lady" Anne Boleyn from a mud war and is invited to court to wait on Anne.

Anne Boleyn is the second most important woman in England, second only to the queen. Frances will soon learn to see through the thin invisible layer that separates the splendid court from the treacherous one. Innocence can only take a person so far. The court of Henry VIII is full of jealousies and one little girl is going in for the biggest plunge of her life.

Frances is the most innocent figure at the court of Henry VIII. Usually the people at court are lying, conniving idiots. Frances is a fresh, clean slate. Her view of the world is so unlike everybody else's. She doesn't look at everything for greed. My favorite part of this book is that it shows how one can be pure in a pool of impurities. This is the perfect book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

-Reviewed by T.A., grade 10.

The Reader, by Bernhard Schlink

2011-04-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Reader, by Bernhard Schlink, is a dark, logistical novel about a man's guilt as he tries to find answers by digging through his past. Written in flashback and told in the strong narrative of Michel Berg, the author raises profound questions and follows them with insightful answers, not denying us the truth. During Michel's brief affair with an older woman, he is taught the possession of love and the trials of a difficult life. Thus, Michel treasures his more preciously and decides to go to law school. As a student, he is allowed to sit in on a trial of six women guards in a Nazi concentration camp, where he meets up again with his lover. As she is tried for war crimes, only he knows the secret that could save her innocence.

I usually praise every book I read, but this book I hold in high regards. It is artistically written and resounding in its honesty. the author has an original voice, one perfect to tell the story of those affected by the Holocaust. This book takes you by the hand and leads you on an intellectual journey to a sensitive conclusion. I recommend this book to anyone who loves history or who is looking for a change of pace from all of those romance vampire stories. A good winter read to snuggle up by the fire and sip from a hot cup of tea. One could also read this book before taking long afternoon walks, perfect to ponder over the moral questions the author raises. I understand that the book was made into a movie in 2009 starring Kate Winslet (and actually won an Oscar) and this is the one occasion where I recommend seeing the movie before reading the book. Because the books is not exactly written in story form, those visual learners might understand the plot better while watching the movie.

-Reviewed by Anonymous, grade 12.

Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2), by Richelle Mead

2011-04-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Frostbite, by Richelle Mead, is the second book in the Vampire Academy series. Rose Hathaway is a guardian-in-training unlike any other. Her best friend (and Moroi princess) Vasalissa Dragomir is going in and coming out of a psychotic state. Her mentor/lover/kick-ass guardian, Dimitri Belikov, has refused to love her since their lust-filled night under the secret spell.

In her head nothing could be worse than her mother coming for a visit, which, to Rose's dislike, actually happens! Jeanie Hathaway is one of the Moroi world's best guardians and has a reputation to protect and is more unlikely to spend hours with her daughter crying over teenage girl things. Most of the time they spend together ends up in mixed feelings and hatred. Rose is positive that her mother hates her, but that is all put on hold when Christian Ozeras' Aunt Tasha comes for the holidays. Dimitri seems to be head-over-heels in love with her. And much to Rose's dismay, Tasha needs a guardian and picks Dimitri. Mason is thirsty to hunt Strigoi, but Rose won't have it. Will she have to suffer the murder of her best friend at the hands of the most evil being out there?

In this second book in the series, many questions are brought up and others solved. Although this was not one of my favorites, it sure had its own meaning. Rose is hassled with many immoral things that we teenagers think impossible. The author really keeps us on our heels through the whole book and in the end we can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

-Reviewed by T.A., grade 10.

Airhead, by Meg Cabot

2011-04-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Airhead, by Meg Cabot, is a book about a girl named Emerson Watts (Em for short). She was never one of the popular kids and was always teased by them. She had an annoying little sister and was in love with her best friend. She was just the average girl. That was, until something terrible happened. One day she woke up in the hospital not feeling like herself. I mean REALLY not feeling like herself. She was literally in someone else's body. But not just anybody's body, she was in Nikki Howard's body. Nikki Howard, the teenaged supermodel, the "face" of the multimillion dollar company, Stark Industries. Not able to speak about who she really is or even talk to her family or best friend in public made life even more complicated in addition to modeling, interviews, paparazzi, and dealing with Nikki Howard's crazy best friend, boyfriend, and many secret lovers. Many mysteries and secrets are hidden in the mysterious world of Nikki Howard and now Em has to deal with all of that. Being in Nikki Howard's body makes Em realize that being famous isn't all it's cut out to be.

This book is all about secrets of the mysterious world of entertainment and modeling that all girls want to be a part of someday. I highly recommend this book to girls of all ages. This book also includes a little bit of science fiction, which makes it even more interesting. It's a wonderful romance and mystery!

-Reviewed by Natasha, grade 10.

Into the Gauntlet (39 Clues #10) by Margaret Peterson Haddix

2011-04-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Into the Gauntlet, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, is the final book in the 39 Clues series. All the teams come to Cahill Island, the Madrigal hideout. Isabel Kabra captures them and forces each of them to say their clues by threatening to kill their loved ones. Amy saves them by smashing the serum over her head and knocking Isabel out cold. Amy and Dan are left with a list of everyone's clues in their hands. It is revealed that there is another family like the Cahills called the Vespers. Other things happen but I don't want to spoil the ending!

This is a wonderful ending to the series. I recommend this to anyone who read the books before this book and wants to see the final showdown of the Cahills.

-Reviewed by Daniel S., grade 9.

Storm Warning (39 Clues #9), by Linda Sue Park

2011-04-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Storm Warning, by Linda Sue Park, is the ninth book in the 39 Clues series. Amy and Dan go to Jamaica where they meet a friend of Grace and her nephew, Lester, who helps them and dies. The identity of the Man in Black is revealed in the book. He reveals seven Madrigal Clues.

This book is great since we know who the Man in Black is. I recommend this book to fans of the series.

-Reviewed by Daniel S., grade 9.

The Emperor's Code (39 Clues #8), by Gordon Korman

2011-04-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Emperor's Code, by Gordon Korman, is the eighth book in the 39 Clues series. Amy and Dan arrive in China fresh from the shocking discovery that they are Madrigals. In this book, Dan releases the info that he is a Madrigal to the Wizards. At one point in the book, Dan is kidnapped by the Kabras. They continue to search for clues, though, and find a note written on silk from the Chinese emperor Puyi. They travel to the top of Mout Everest to find the Clue.

This book is full of action and adventure since Dan gets captured. I recommend this to anyone else who likes the other books in the series.

-Reviewed by Daniel S., grade 9.

The Viper's Nest (39 Clues #7), by Peter Lerangis

2011-04-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Viper's Nest, by Peter Lerangis, is the seventh book in the 39 Clues series. Amy and Dan, shaken up by their last encounter with Irina, travel to South Africa with their au pair, Nellie Gomez, after discovering a note in Irina's boat. They seem to not trust Nellie Gomez, but she gets their trust back later on. Their search leads them to a Tomas stronghold in the South African veldt. They find out that their branch is the Madrigals, which is a combination of all the branches.

This book is very interesting and full of adventure. It is good that the characters maintain the lead and keep ahead of everyone. I recommend this book for anyone else who likes the series.

-Reviewed by Daniel S., grade 9.

In Too Deep (39 Clues #6), by Jude Watson

2011-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

In Too Deep, by Jude Watson, is the sixth book in the 39 Clues series. Amy, Dan, and their au pair, Nellie Gomez, arrive in Australia and meet up with their surfer uncle, Shep Trent. Also, Isabel Kabra joins the hunt. Isabel tries to kill Amy and Dan by starting a fire and Irina dies saving them.

This book reveals a lot of information that all the readers have been waiting for. It is action packed and adventurous. This is a really good book in the series. I recommend this book if you have not read this one before.

-Reviewed by Daniel S., grade 9.

The Black Circle (39 Clues #5), by Patrick Carman

2011-04-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Black Circle, by Patrick Carman, is the fifth book in the 39 Clues series. After receiving a telegram from a mysterious person known as "NRR," Amy and Dan travel to Russia. In Russia, Amy and Dan form an alliance with Hamilton Holt. They go through a series of clues that keep leading them to different places and they are being timed.

This book takes the adventure a step further. They are sill in the lead and the clue is there's again. They are very successful and will win if they go at this rate. This will be a great choice for anyone that likes adventure stories.

-Reviewed by Daniel S., grade 9.

Beyond the Grave (39 Clues #4), by Jude Watson

2011-04-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Beyond the Grave, by Jude Watson, is the fourth book in the 39 Clues series. Amy and Dan and their au pair Nellie Gomez go to Egypt on the next step in their quest and meet an old friend of their grandmother's who gives them a hint left for them by Grace before she died. Amy is apparently not over Ian as she often thinks about him.

This book is very mysterious and great since the characters are getting the clues and getting ahead. It is quite interesting how Amy doesn't get over Ian since that can ruin their lead. Everything works out perfectly and they maintain the lead. This book will be great for anyone that likes action and adventure.

-Reviewed by Daniel S., grade 9.

The Sword Thief (39 Clues #3), by Peter Lerangis

2011-04-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Sword Thief, by Peter Lerangis, is the third book in the 39 Clues series. The characters travel to Japan to find the next clue, focusing on swords stolen centuries ago by Japanese warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi. They make an alliance with Alistair Oh and later the Kabras. Amy and Ian start to like each other, but their relationship ends in an unusual way because Ian fails miserably at reading his true feelings.

This book is as good as the first two. It is very interesting and keeps you guessing at the end of each chapter. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action and adventure.

-Reviewed by Daniel S., grade 9.

One False Note (39 Clues #2), by Gordon Korman

2011-04-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

One False Note, by Gordon Korman, is the second book in the 39 Clues series. Amy and Dan and Nellie Gomez (along with their competition) travel to Vienna, Austria to find a clue relating to Mozart and his sister, Maria Anna "Nannerl" Mozart. Following a lead to Venice, Italy, Dan and Amy brush up with the other competitors to secure the lead.

This book continues with the action packed adventure of the first book. The characters may be teenagers, but their minds work quickly to find all the clues. I recommend this book to anyone who likes action and adventure.

-Reviewed by Daniel S., grade 9.

The Maze of Bones (39 Clues #1), by Rick Riordan

2011-04-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Maze of Bones, by Rick Riordan, is the first book in the series 39 clues. Amy and Dan Cahill go to their grandmother's funeral and attend a secret meeting there. William McIntyre, the person holding the meeting, gives them a choice of a million dollars or a quest to find 39 clues and get the hidden answer to be the most powerful people on Earth. There were people who chose the money but Amy and Dan choose the quest which is very dangerous. Amy and Dan Cahill along with their au pair, Nellie Gomez, travel to Paris, France in search of a clue that Benjamin Franklin hid there after their grandmother sets their large family off on the quest. William McIntyre (the person that first told Amy and Dan about the clue hunt) told the seven teams to trust no one. Unfortunately, Amy and Dan didn't do what William had said. While on the journey, they discover that there is more to their family than they were led on to believe.

This first book is very interesting because it makes you think about what you would do if you were the characters. This book is action packed and adventurous. I recommend this book for anyone that likes to read action and adventure books.

-Reviewed by Daniel S., grade 9.

Toad Rage, by Morris Gleitzman

2011-03-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Toad Rage, by Morris Gleitzman, is about Limpy, a cane toad from Australia, and his mission to enlighten the humans on why cane toads really aren't that bad and why they should stop flattening them with their cars. Limpy got his name due to an unfortunate accident. As a tadpole he got his leg flattened by a passing vehicle. Because of that, when he runs he limps while going in circles. But with him always in such a hurry, what's going to stop him from going in circles all day? Well, his brother and sister of course. Will our heroes ever get to show the humans that cane toads have feelings, too, or will they be squished?

This is a delightfully grim tale. It has to be one of the most unique stories you will ever read. How often are your protagonists toxic cane toads? The story is very funny but it has many dark undertones that make you smile without knowing why. Sadly, the plot isn't a very deep one and the story isn't good for those who like a deeper meaning in what they read, but if you like to laugh you will get a kick out of this short novel. I'd say fans of comedy and adventure will get the most bang for their buck with this one.

-Reviewed by Ashot C., grade 9.

Shug, by Jenny Han

2011-03-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

The book Shug, by Jenny Han, is about a twelve-year-old girl named Anne Marie Wilcox (or "Shug") who's having trouble with boys and appreciating her body. Her neighbor is a boy she's known her whole life named Mark. When they started junior high school, she started liking Mark and always worried her body was not pretty enough. She was always compared to her high school sister who is gorgeous and intelligent. Her mom never does anything and always drinks wine. Then, all of a sudden when she started tutoring this bad boy named Jack, she started changing her opinion about her body and about Mark.

This book is a great exaple of pre-teens' lives. This book is great for the girls in sixth grade going to seventh. I read it during the summer and I really got the chance to relate to this book. It has a hint of family trouble and a lot about boys. I love this book. I will have to say this book is my favorite book of the summer. Some places I took it to were the beach and the shopping mall. I hope you have a splendid time reading this book. I recommend it a lot.

-Reviewed by Anonymous, grade 8.

Prince Among Slaves, by Terry Alford

2011-03-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Prince Among Slaves, by Terry Alford, is the remarkable story of ABD Rahman Ibrahima, a west African prince who was sold into slavery at the age of 26 and released nearly 40 year later through the help of U.S President John Adams. This is a true story of an African prince sold into slavery in the American south, so it's a non-fiction story that I think happened in 1762.

I like that it's a non-fiction book because I love stories that are true and actually took place. I recommend this book to my best cousin because he loves books that are about slavery and princes and kings. I felt great for reading this book because it's one of my cousin's favorite books and I can recommend it to him.

-Reviewed by Norvik

High School Debut: Volume 1, by Kazune Kawahara

2011-03-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

High School Debut, by Kazune Kawahara, is a normal book about normal teens. This book deals with relationships and sports with a touch of humor. It is about a girl that meets her old baseball rival from Jr. High School. They have a heated encounter and it is really funny. The second chapter is when the main character tries to set her friend up with a boyfriend.

This book is a book to waste time and to have a laugh. Also, this book is interesting because the main character is one of those people that get into places they shouldn't have been in the first place. I strongly recommend this book to teenage audiences.

-Reviewed by J.P., grade 8.

April Morning, by Howard Fast

2011-03-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

April Morning, by Howard Fast, takes place in the United States military war. The main character is a young boy that uses his brain (probably too much). It explains the American Revolution from a young boy's point of view. The boy's family is very strict but they all love him. The problem is Adam doesn't see it in his dad. His dad thinks his son is too young for the things he is thinking and the boy thinks he is beyond mature. This story takes place in twenty-four hours and has an ending no one will believe.

I didn't really like this book because it was hard to understand. I recommend this book to people that love to read and have a high reading level. This was an OK book.

-Reviewed by JP, grade 8.

Dope Sick, by Walter Dean Myers

2011-03-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dope Sick, by Walter Dean Myers, is about a girl named Kelly who meets a guy named Roger Jones who has shot a police officer. Kelly helps Roger who keeps on pleading that he didn't shoot the officer and that his friend did.

This was a very good book. This book is best for people who love to feel what's happening in the world and to not be bored. Also, this book is interesting because the main character is not the good guy either. They're running from the police. I strongly recommend this book to teenage audiences.

-Reviewed by J.P., grade 8.

Sidekicks: The Transfer Student (Volume 1), by J. Torres, illustrated by Takeshi Miyazawa

2011-03-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sidekicks: The Transfer Student, by J. Torres, is a book about heroes that are sidekicks. This book combines the idea of college and heroes. The students in this book are trying to learn how to control their powers. This book also has the classic concept of a vigilante. The main character is struggling to get used to the school.

This book is interesting because the main character may have some of the issues you are facing, like joining a new school. I strongly recommend this book to teenage audiences.

Adam of the Road, by Elizabeth Janet Gray, illustrated by Robert Lawson

2011-03-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

"A road is home to a minstrel," Adam's father says. But the rough roads of early England were also home to bands of thieves and robber knights. Before their journey has hardly begun, Adam's beloved dog, Nick, is stolen and his father disappears. Adam is 11 years old, but he is determined to travel alone, searching the fairs and market towns for his father and his dog. This is a fictional story.

Adam of the Road, by Elizabeth Janet Gray, is one of my favorite books of all time and I like how it describes each detail in the story. I recommend this book to my mother because she loves detailed books and I think she would really enjoy reading this one. I felt so good when I found this type of detailed book.

-Reviewed by Norvik.

For Whom the Bell Tolls, by Ernest Hemingway

2011-03-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

For Whom the Bell Tolls, by Ernest Hemingway, is a classic. Born in Oak Park, Illinois in 1899, Ernest Hemingway was educated there in the public schools. He became a reporter for the Kansas City Star. Hemingway went to Spain in 1937 to cover the civil war for the North American Newspaper Alliance. From his experiences he wrote this classic story of an American, Robert Jordan, who fought, loved, and died with anti-fascist guerillas in the mountains of Spain.

In my opinion, this is the best book I've read because there is a song made by Metallica with the same name. Now that I've read the book, I love it so much that I can recommend this book to every single one of my friends. Dear author, thanks for this lovely book.

-Reviewed by Norvik

The Faceless Ones (Skulduggery Pleasant #3), by Derek Landy

2011-03-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Faceless Ones, by Derek Landy, is the 3rd of the Skulduggery Pleasant books. Valkyrie Cane, a girl known as Stephanie Edgley to most normal people, is a sorcerer, or to be specific, an Elemental. She can manipulate earth, calm water, push at the air, and throw fireballs. Her companion, Skulduggery Pleasant, a skeleton who told Valkyrie about the world of magic, is also an Elemental and they seek the person who is murdering Teleporters (sorcerers that can magically teleport somewhere).

As Valkyrie and Skulduggery search, they find the last remaining Teleporter, Fletcher Renn. They also figure out that a person with the name Batu is looking for him. Batu hopes to use Fletcher to open the gateway that brings the horrible gods, the Faceless Ones, into this world, effectively taking over the world and also ending it. Valkyrie and Skulduggery both try to stop them, but to make things even worse they're declared fugitives. Will they succeed in the impossible mission to stop the Faceless Ones from coming back?

The Faceless Ones tests the limits of imagination as Valkyrie and Skulduggery venture on into things of impossibility. It is funny, quickly animated, and for the first time has a twist in the end. It is highly recommended for readers who hunt for magic.

-Reviewed by JunHyung, grade 7.

Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins

2011-03-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins, is the final book in the Hunger Games Trilogy. Katniss Everdeen, "the girl on fire," survivor of the grueling Hunger Games and the Quarter Quell, lost her home, reunited with Gale, had Peeta slip beyond her grasp, and discovered that District 13 exists all in the same day. The revolution is brewing against the Capital and the rebels need Katniss to be their Mockingjay. Katniss consents to this, and that is where the trouble begins.

Peeta, captured by the Capital, suddenly appears on the screen, urging Katniss to hold back the rebellion. However, Katniss, the spark of an uncontrollable forest fire, is unable to do so. So instead, she sends a rescue team and brings back Peeta. But Peeta is already out of reach. He has been hijacked, his memory tampered with. Now, Peeta is convinced that Katniss murdered his family, District 2 shows motives of siding with the Capital, and the Capital still seems impenetrable. Will Katniss and the rebels sucessfully deal with these tasks?

The finale of the series, Mockingjay wraps up the adventure of Katniss, Peeta, and Gale. The inevitable fight between the Capital and the Districts draws closer. Action-packed with humor, thrills, and suspense at every twist and turn, this book is for every teen on Earth.

-Reviewed by JunHyung, grade 7.

Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins

2011-03-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins, is the 2nd book in the Hunger Games Trilogy. Katniss Everdeen has survived the 74th Hunger Games with, for the first time, another victor. Katniss and Peeta Mellark have returned, victorious, to District 12, but at the price of 22 other kids' lives. While the haunts of the Hunger Games swirl around Katniss, she goes on the Victory Tour where she visits all twelve districts and the Capital. As she goes on these half-forced visits, she realizes that she might've started a rebellion.

A rebellion was exactly what led to the Hunger Games. However, there seems to be no way to stop it from happening. On top of that, President Snow makes a horrifying announcement. For the 75th Hunger Games, better known as the Quarter Quell, victors from the other Games will be chosen to participate. That means that Katniss and Peeta are going into a bloodbath of countless lives. Again.

Just as exciting as the first book in the series, Catching Fire tests Katniss and Peeta's abilities even further. Not against a bunch of scared kids, but a few handfuls of trained killers. It is recommended to anyone into action and science fiction.

-Reviewed by JunHyung, grade 7.

Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex, by Eoin Colfer

2011-03-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex, by Eoin Colfer, is the 7th book in the Artemis Fowl series. Artemis Fowl, age 15, has recently developed a strange obsession with the number five. As a juvenile mastermind, he is somewhat horrified by his superstition but does not worry much of it. He proceeds with a project to save the world's glaciers when one of his fairy allies, Captain Short, notifies Artemis of his symptoms of Atlantis Complex, a psychosis where the patient shows obsessions, paranoia, and multiple personalities.

Not long after Artemis is informed of this, a space probe is found pummelling straight toward Atlantis and its unsuspecting fairy inhabitants. While Artemis is the only person able to inform and help the fairy population of this danger, a different personality has taken control of his actions. Will Artemis succeed in returning to his old self in time to save Atlantis?

The Atlantis Complex creates a situation where every option seems futile. While the time left for Atlantis ticks away, Artemis is confined inside his own brain by his complete opposite, Orion, who is a simple-minded, jolly fellow. Fast-paced, hilarious, and thrilling, The Atlantis Complex is a book for every teen being (and perhaps other creatures with human intelligence) alive.

-Reviewed by JunHyung, grade 7.

The Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux

2011-03-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux , takes place at the Paris Opera House. The situation: the Opera Ghost has taken the singer Christine Daae! Our hero is Viscount Raoul de Chagny, the childhood friend of our missing singer and, now, her lover. Petrified at the disappearance of his love, he starts what will be an arduous adventure in order to find her, but little does he know what terrible things he will face as he enters the depths of the Opera, where few men go.

This is a fantastic book, subject of many plays and several movies; it is a true classic by all definitions of the word. It is full to the brim with Action, Drama, Romance, and Terror. This is what would be a soap opera in book form, but better for this writer wastes no time in turning love into dismay, happiness into horror, and he does it all very well. I would highly recommend this book if you find the above fascinating and I would say a good trifle of vocabulary (or a good dictionary) may be needed to fully enjoy this book. So if you would like a classic love story or an action-packed thriller or even a book to engage your mind in thought, you need not look any further than this.

-Reviewed by Ashot C., grade 9.

The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

2011-03-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

In The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ed Malone, an average journalist of no particular honor, takes on one of the most exciting adventures of his life when he decides to interview one of the most controversial characters in science, Professor Challenger. What he didn't expect of this violent man was to accompany him on what most would call an insane journey in search of fantasy. Little did he know that Challenger's stories of his previous venture towards a mysterious plateau and his pterodactyl sighting were only the precursor to an adventure into a land of the long forgotten, the land of Dinosaurs!

This story has adventure, mystery, and more action than a decade of summer films. Written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, better known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes, this book is on par with all those books you know of only by name just because they've become intertwined in today's society (you don't have to be a Sherlock to know that!). The book itself has many adventures. In this epic, you'll read about things you've never thought possible that can only be realized with the power of the pen, paper, and a master writer. This book I'll recommend to whoever likes action, adventure, mystery, or realistic science fiction (no beam guns here). This book shouldn't be overlooked by even the most novice reader or by you.

-Reviewed by Ashot C., grade 9.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne

2011-03-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne, begins in the year 1866. Three men have one cause: ridding the world of a massive monster thought to be the cause of many recent ship sinkings. Professor Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and Ned Land, a Canadian harpoon man of great glory, are our protagonists. Little did they know that the "monster" they persued was actually a submarine of which no one had seen and which not even the best inventor could dream up. And with that our heroes begin on their fantastic voyage with their new captain, Captain Nemo.

This is only the first few pages of, in my opinion, one of the best classic books of all time. This book is sci-fi as of 130 years ago and now is only a mild stretch of the imagination. This book will fascinate, amaze, and enlighten you to the fantastic story only a true classic book can deliver. This book is one that has been enjoyed by all people all over the world. Even both of my grandfathers have enjoyed this epic story and told me of how they remember this one book after countless years. This book is one I would highly recommend to almost anyone and I do know that if you are in the e-book market, this is one of the many free-to-all books you can get. Read at your own risk, you may not come out into reality for the duration of your trip.

-Reviewed by Ashot C., grade 9.

Powerfully Fit, by Brian Chichester, Jack Croft, and the Editors of Men's Health Books

2011-03-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

The fitness book called Powerfully Fit: Dozens of Ways to Boost Strength, Increase Endurance, and Chisel Your Body, by Brian Chichester, Jack Croft, and the editors of Men's Health Books, discusses how one could build themselves a powerful body for both athleticism and for everyday life. Backed by research conducted by universities, this book tells how to gain muscle and strength for each part of your body. The book also tells of specific exercises that one should do for different sports such as for basketball and tennis. Other than that, this book features athletes who talk about their fitness achievements and how and why they started training.

As someone who is into fitness, I really enjoyed this book. It tells about what you should do to better your athleticism chapter by chapter. Being skeptical at first, I knew about false claims other fitness books and magazines make, and after reading this book I was assured that this book was backed by solid facts, guaranteed to show anyone the right way to build a functional and more powerful body. Before reading this book, I already knew a lot of fitness facts and the right way to train, but after reading this book I overall became even more knowledegable about physical fitness. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a teen or older, looking forward to improving their mental and physical wellness.

-Reviewed by Allen, grade 9.

Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck

2011-03-02T15:46:00.000-08:00

Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, is about two best friends who are on wild adventures and who are constantly getting into trouble. George Milton is the person who we can say has the brains and Lennie Smalls is the person who doesn't. These two friends just can't be separated. George finds himself always having to bail Lennie out because at every new job that they get he is always getting into trouble. The story starts in a range which George found that they could work. Everything was going alright, but the problem was that Lennie could mess up at any moment. So George threatens Lennie with something that made him go soft. When the boss's wife gets into the picture, things start to get complicated because she targets Lennie with major flirting. George knows that she is going to be the cause of something that would cause Lennie to snap. Lennie does end up doing something but you have to read in order to find out.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an adventure and thriller novel. I could read this book four times and I wouldn't get bored of it. Yeah, it's that good. I like the story because it makes you think. Sometimes you have to read a paragraph twice in order to understand it completely. I really enjoyed this book.

-Reviewed by L.u, grade 9.

The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak

2011-03-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, takes place in Nazi Germany. Liesel Meminger's life changed in one single day when her brother died, her mother left her, she stole a book, and her new faster parents adopted her. In her new alien world, the book she stole, The Grave Digger's Handbook, is her only line to her past family and her dead brother. Slowly, she gets used to her foster family, the Hubermanns, and learns to call them Mama and Papa. When things finally seem to settle down, there's another jarring incident in her life.

A Jew, Max Vandenburg, had come to her house, begging to let him hide in their house. It was not a very good time to hide a Jew in one's house, but Liesel's foster parents do so. With the new stranger in the house, Liesel's life is turned upside down. At the same time, her love of words grows, propelling her to acquire books anywhere she can. She shares some of the books with Max in the cold basement and Max fills the spot of her brother that had been empty for a long time. However, as the Allies get the upper hand, life gets harder, and reoccuring bombings make it almost impossible to hide Max. Will they manage to keep Max hidden?

The Book Thief is narrated from an unusual perspective. The narrator is death, who is tired from gathering souls all over the world. From this one-of-a-kind perspective, there is unexpected humor and vivid descriptions. This book is the perfect match for someone who is tired of everyday boring narratives.

-Reviewed by JunHyung, grade 7.

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean, by Justin Somper

2011-03-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean, by Justin Somper, is about twins Connor and Grace who lost their father at the age of 14. Their father was an unusual lighthouse keeper. He had been the perfect lighthouse keeper in that sense, but he often sang of Vampirates (demons of the ocean), which somehow soothed the twins. However, with their father gone they are destitute and they decide to set off in a boat (which legally wasn't their's) and explore what lies beyond. Too bad that was the day a storm struck.

Shipwrecked, the twins are separated from each other. While Connor is saved by pirates, Grace wakes up to find herself on a mystery ship. As a rookie pirate, Connor learns how to sword fight and even goes on a raid, but he never forgets about his lost sister. Grace, on the other hand, finds out that she's on a Vampirate ship and is in terrible danger. With barely the slightest chance of even seeing each other, will the twins be able to be reunited?

This amazing book successfully combines two different worlds together. One world is full with pirate life and all the strings attached, and the other is a world where you can be killed anytime in the night if just one person loses control. This exciting, mysterious, and suspenseful book is to be read by anyone who is interested in pirates.

-Reviewed by JunHyung, grade 7.

Lord of the Flies, by William Golding

2011-02-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, takes place during World War II when a plane crashes on an island, stranding many British schoolboys. They rejoice that no adult is there to order them around and they do whatever they want. They elect Ralph, who blew on a conch shell to gather them, as chief and a few older children (or "bigguns" as Ralph calls them) are chosen as hunters. With help from each other and a bit more from the glasses of Piggy, the "smart" one of the boys, they manage to create a system of order. But alas, this fragile balance is broken by the talk of a beast on the island.

With no adults to seem strong and say that no such beast exists, everything collapses on itself. Jack, the leader of the hunters, creates his own tribe against Ralph. Many bigguns and "littluns" join Jack. Ralph is only left with Piggy, Sam, Eric, and a few littluns. The hope of being rescued is very far off as the "beast" starts a reign of terror. With perfect British Schoolboys turning into savages of a tribe, staying sane is difficult, let alone rescue. What will happen to the boys?

Lord of the Flies is one of those books where there is some, if not a lot, of violence. It is not recommended to anyone who can not stand much violence. I only think that people who are interested in reading about survival should try this book. Remember: this book might be too violent for you.

-Reviewed by JunHyung, grade 7.

Seeing Redd (The Looking Glass Wars #2), by Frank Beddor

2011-02-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

As the 2nd book in the Looking Glass Wars series, Seeing Redd, by Frank Beddor, is another story where Queen Alyss Heart struggles against her resurrected aunt, Redd. After thwarting Redd and her regime, Alyss finally understood the meaning of being a queen. As Alyss tries to finish up to transition from tyranny to peaceful harmony in her queendom, she is also in love with Dodge, a guardsman who had been her childhood playmate, further complicating her busy life. However, as Wonderland is slowly rebuilding, Redd strikes again, after terrorizing Earth. White Imagination and Alyss's life are again threatened as the war emerges again.

This book is actually a little more complicated than the first book. Conspiracy is also now added to the plot, as the Parliament is starting to plot against Alyss and her government. A great read overall, Seeing Redd may even surpass the first book in excitement. This is a great book for teens and young adults, much like The Looking Glass Wars.

-Reviewed by Jonathan, grade 9.