Follett Destiny
Finally, the most exciting news of all! Our web-based browser, Follett Destiny, is right here at your fingertips. Login with your username and password, then search our library catalog, create a "must read" list, check out an e-book, or find great websites for tons of different topics with the Webpath Express feature. Best of all, it's web based, so you can access Follett Destiny from any device with internet access - at school, at home, or even on vacation. All holds are now going through Follett Destiny so please go here to put books on hold or to see if a book is in before coming down!
CHECK OUT THESE REVIEWS BY THE CLASS OF 2016!
Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur (2011) Realistic Fiction
Although the themes present in Eight Keys are loss and separation the reader will get lifted by seeing how the character stays positive and overcomes these problems.
As Elise begins middle school, she has to overcome bullying. She feels as if Franklin, the only friend she has, is an embarrassment. When Elise goes back to school she gets a lot of homework, and feels as if she won’t ever catch up. Elise lives with her Aunt Bessie and Uncle Hugh because her dad passed away when she was little and her mom passed away when she was giving birth to Elise. Elise never really knew about her life with her dad. One day Elise finds a key to a locked room in the family’s barn, one of eight locked rooms her father put together to teach Elise the things he would not be there to tell her himself. As she finds the keys, maybe what she finds in those rooms will help her make sense of her life.
Suzanne LaFleur the author of Eight Keys always had a passion for writing. Suzanne always dreamed of becoming a kids writer, and everyone always doubted her and her dream. But she always remained positive, and in the end, she accomplished her dream. All of her stories connect to her in some sort of way; for example, in Eight Keys she was working with a group of 6th graders and she would see them be upset for different reasons everyday, and that’s what inspired her. I believe that any teen should read this because it shows how even throughout any bad time in your life you should stay positive. (Reviewed by Andrea Salazar, Class of 2016)
As Elise begins middle school, she has to overcome bullying. She feels as if Franklin, the only friend she has, is an embarrassment. When Elise goes back to school she gets a lot of homework, and feels as if she won’t ever catch up. Elise lives with her Aunt Bessie and Uncle Hugh because her dad passed away when she was little and her mom passed away when she was giving birth to Elise. Elise never really knew about her life with her dad. One day Elise finds a key to a locked room in the family’s barn, one of eight locked rooms her father put together to teach Elise the things he would not be there to tell her himself. As she finds the keys, maybe what she finds in those rooms will help her make sense of her life.
Suzanne LaFleur the author of Eight Keys always had a passion for writing. Suzanne always dreamed of becoming a kids writer, and everyone always doubted her and her dream. But she always remained positive, and in the end, she accomplished her dream. All of her stories connect to her in some sort of way; for example, in Eight Keys she was working with a group of 6th graders and she would see them be upset for different reasons everyday, and that’s what inspired her. I believe that any teen should read this because it shows how even throughout any bad time in your life you should stay positive. (Reviewed by Andrea Salazar, Class of 2016)
Where She Went by Gayle Forman (2011) Realistic Fiction
New York Times bestselling author, Gayle Forman comes out with yet another amazing novel, Where She Went. This story is a sequel to to If I Stay, a tragic story of teen love and disaster. Where She Went is a continuation of the extraordinary first book, and it will keep you the edge of your seat. The story emphasizes the theme of “If you love something, let it go.” It shows how powerful lost love can be and the importance of always holding on.
The story opens up three years after the terrible accident that destroyed Mia’s family forever. Mia is now living in New York and studying at Juilliard. Her life before the crash is now in the past. After being dumped by Mia, Adam turned into a rock star, now living a luxurious life in L.A. with his celebrity girlfriend. Though Adam and Mia have moved on to bigger and better things, they both still feel that part of them is missing. They haven’t seen each other for three years, until one night, they get the chance to spend the night together. They discover the beautiful city of New York, which Mia now calls home. Secrets are revealed, and we see the baggage that both characters have had to carry for the past three years. Will Adam and Mia fall in love again, or break each others hearts once again? Find out in this heartbreaking novel, Where She Went.
I would definitely recommend this novel to teens of any gender who like realistic fiction, contemporary, or romance novels. Forman’s complex sentences and interesting word choice make this a good pick for a higher level reader. The book’s romantic aspect would definitely appeal to girls rather than boys, but the action in the first book and the boy narrator in the second book would pull boys in. It does deal with some controversial topics such as the meaning of life and death. It also deals with some very mature content which includes profane language and sexual references. Readers who can handle these mature topics will fall in love with this book immediately, but due to the sophisticated topics, I recommend this book to readers age thirteen or older. (Reviewed by Abigail Subach, Class of 2016)
The story opens up three years after the terrible accident that destroyed Mia’s family forever. Mia is now living in New York and studying at Juilliard. Her life before the crash is now in the past. After being dumped by Mia, Adam turned into a rock star, now living a luxurious life in L.A. with his celebrity girlfriend. Though Adam and Mia have moved on to bigger and better things, they both still feel that part of them is missing. They haven’t seen each other for three years, until one night, they get the chance to spend the night together. They discover the beautiful city of New York, which Mia now calls home. Secrets are revealed, and we see the baggage that both characters have had to carry for the past three years. Will Adam and Mia fall in love again, or break each others hearts once again? Find out in this heartbreaking novel, Where She Went.
I would definitely recommend this novel to teens of any gender who like realistic fiction, contemporary, or romance novels. Forman’s complex sentences and interesting word choice make this a good pick for a higher level reader. The book’s romantic aspect would definitely appeal to girls rather than boys, but the action in the first book and the boy narrator in the second book would pull boys in. It does deal with some controversial topics such as the meaning of life and death. It also deals with some very mature content which includes profane language and sexual references. Readers who can handle these mature topics will fall in love with this book immediately, but due to the sophisticated topics, I recommend this book to readers age thirteen or older. (Reviewed by Abigail Subach, Class of 2016)
What World is Left by Monique Polak (2008) Historical Fiction
This heartbreaking story describes the horrors and sacrifices a young girl and her family must make in order to survive. What World is Left is a quick story that gets to the point and beautifully describes the scenery in which the story takes places.
The story is told from the perspective of a teenage girl, Anneke, who is sent with her family to Theresienstadt concentration camp in Czechoslovakia. She has her mother, her younger brother, Theo, and her father, who is a famous painter. Anneke is fighting to keep her family and herself from being separated to different camps. She has to constantly work to make sure no one in her family makes it onto the transport list. Anneke longs for someone besides her own family. She wants a friend. While Anneke is working she meets a girl named Hannelore. She and Hannelore become very good friends. Anneke also develops a crush on a boy in the camp. They begin to fall for one another, but something happens to him. In the camp the prisoners are told to remodel the camp for a “film” that is being made to show how the prisoners “have a good life” in the camp. The prisoners take matters into their own hands, using art as a way to show the world what life is really like in the camp.
Monique Polak describes the life of the prisoners in What World is Left with such detail that you can picture the camp yourself. What World is Left won the 2009 Quebec Writers’ Federation Prize for Children’s and YA Literature. It starts off a little slowly at first, but right away it gets into the struggles of the characters. The characters are described very well and you can get a clear view of how the characters really are. In the nature of the story there is some occasional strong language. The story can get graphic and have situations in which you might feel uncomfortable. The book itself gives a great insight into the life of a Jewish prisoner. This book would be suitable for readers who are more mature. (Reviewed by Tiffany Rivera, Class of 2016)
The story is told from the perspective of a teenage girl, Anneke, who is sent with her family to Theresienstadt concentration camp in Czechoslovakia. She has her mother, her younger brother, Theo, and her father, who is a famous painter. Anneke is fighting to keep her family and herself from being separated to different camps. She has to constantly work to make sure no one in her family makes it onto the transport list. Anneke longs for someone besides her own family. She wants a friend. While Anneke is working she meets a girl named Hannelore. She and Hannelore become very good friends. Anneke also develops a crush on a boy in the camp. They begin to fall for one another, but something happens to him. In the camp the prisoners are told to remodel the camp for a “film” that is being made to show how the prisoners “have a good life” in the camp. The prisoners take matters into their own hands, using art as a way to show the world what life is really like in the camp.
Monique Polak describes the life of the prisoners in What World is Left with such detail that you can picture the camp yourself. What World is Left won the 2009 Quebec Writers’ Federation Prize for Children’s and YA Literature. It starts off a little slowly at first, but right away it gets into the struggles of the characters. The characters are described very well and you can get a clear view of how the characters really are. In the nature of the story there is some occasional strong language. The story can get graphic and have situations in which you might feel uncomfortable. The book itself gives a great insight into the life of a Jewish prisoner. This book would be suitable for readers who are more mature. (Reviewed by Tiffany Rivera, Class of 2016)
Flyte by Angie Sage (2006) Fantasy
Flyte picks up the story of Septimus Heap a year after the first book of the series, Magyk, ends. It's really Jenna's story, too, as we learn more about the Princess. In this one, Simon Heap (Septimus's older brother) is the villain as he kidnaps Jenna, attacks the Dragon Boat and tries to bring back Domdaniel, the evil Extraordinary Wizard. Septimus’s stone also hatches into a dragon. The ending of this book isn’t a complete shocker since the book mainly revolves around characters building and growing.
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one, maybe even a little bit more. I loved getting to know all the characters better, and being able to learn more about the world Angie Sage has created. I once again fell in love with her writing, and I particularly noticed, and loved, how she gave everything a "voice". Even the stove and coffee pot in the ExtraOrdinary Wizard's kitchen had minds of their own. It was very fun to read those passages in particular.
The only thing that could be a negative was that this book did feel a little superfluous to me. Nothing really seemed to happen plot-wise. A lot of the book was filled up with growing the characters. Not a lot happened concerning the plot. Nonetheless, this book is still very “magykal.” (Reviewed by Damian Szejda, Class of 2016)
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one, maybe even a little bit more. I loved getting to know all the characters better, and being able to learn more about the world Angie Sage has created. I once again fell in love with her writing, and I particularly noticed, and loved, how she gave everything a "voice". Even the stove and coffee pot in the ExtraOrdinary Wizard's kitchen had minds of their own. It was very fun to read those passages in particular.
The only thing that could be a negative was that this book did feel a little superfluous to me. Nothing really seemed to happen plot-wise. A lot of the book was filled up with growing the characters. Not a lot happened concerning the plot. Nonetheless, this book is still very “magykal.” (Reviewed by Damian Szejda, Class of 2016)
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (1999) Realistic Fiction
he Perks Of Being A Wallflower offers the voice of a a high school freshman in the form of anonymously touching letters. Becoming a published author in 1999, Stephen Chbosky has achieved overwhelming success, provoked discussion and has adapted his story into a major motion picture.
The novel revolves around Charlie, an emotionally unstable, tortured wallflower who simply needs someone to hear him. After Charlie’s aunt died and his best friend committed suicide his whole world crumbled. As high school commences he thinks about how endless a single day can seem when all you do is suffer in your own thoughts. Fortunately, there comes a time in everyone’s life where the need to feel infinite swells. He meets seniors and step-siblings Sam and Patrick at a homecoming football game. They introduce him to a world where drugs, mixtapes and being young is most important.
Chbosky’s character is caught between living his life and running away from it, causing Charlie’s letters to be blunt and emotionally sporadic. The way Charlie writes, is the way he speaks. With Sam and Patrick being special and hallucinatory characters, Charlie finds himself in a constant state of denial about how they will be gone the next year. The way the characters communicate is unromanticized and vivid. Within their last months of high school, a lifetime connection is built.
The book creates Charlie in a way that makes you believe words can change the world. In his letters Charlie is written honestly and profoundly, with a perspective only seen from those who have been Charlie. As he experiences his first sip of alcohol, or his first kiss with a person he loves, the character is consistent. Consistency in writing is something that affects the whole story. He is plagued by a traumatic event that happened when he was younger, which explains the hesitation between every word he speaks and every breath that fills his lungs. I believe that Charlie is a character that can be found in all of us. Stephen Chbosky has created a masterpiece in the form of words. Considering that the book contains topics such as depression, sexuality and drugs, mature teenagers are suggested to read this book. (Review By Malien Tingpalpong,
Class of 2016)
***This book is not currently available in our LMC collection. Check it out at the Wood Dale Public Library.
The novel revolves around Charlie, an emotionally unstable, tortured wallflower who simply needs someone to hear him. After Charlie’s aunt died and his best friend committed suicide his whole world crumbled. As high school commences he thinks about how endless a single day can seem when all you do is suffer in your own thoughts. Fortunately, there comes a time in everyone’s life where the need to feel infinite swells. He meets seniors and step-siblings Sam and Patrick at a homecoming football game. They introduce him to a world where drugs, mixtapes and being young is most important.
Chbosky’s character is caught between living his life and running away from it, causing Charlie’s letters to be blunt and emotionally sporadic. The way Charlie writes, is the way he speaks. With Sam and Patrick being special and hallucinatory characters, Charlie finds himself in a constant state of denial about how they will be gone the next year. The way the characters communicate is unromanticized and vivid. Within their last months of high school, a lifetime connection is built.
The book creates Charlie in a way that makes you believe words can change the world. In his letters Charlie is written honestly and profoundly, with a perspective only seen from those who have been Charlie. As he experiences his first sip of alcohol, or his first kiss with a person he loves, the character is consistent. Consistency in writing is something that affects the whole story. He is plagued by a traumatic event that happened when he was younger, which explains the hesitation between every word he speaks and every breath that fills his lungs. I believe that Charlie is a character that can be found in all of us. Stephen Chbosky has created a masterpiece in the form of words. Considering that the book contains topics such as depression, sexuality and drugs, mature teenagers are suggested to read this book. (Review By Malien Tingpalpong,
Class of 2016)
***This book is not currently available in our LMC collection. Check it out at the Wood Dale Public Library.
I’ll Give You The Sun By Jandy Nelson (2014) Realistic Fiction
Being awarded with Booklist Editor’s Choice Book of the Year, Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of the Year, the prestigious Stonewall Honor Award and even more, Jandy Nelson’s second novel has received acclaimed success. I’ll Give You The Sun concentrates on non-identical twins Jude and Noah Sweetwine. The story is told between alternating, imaginative, vibrant characters. Each voice battles to be louder than the other, making every page shout.
Early in life the twins are NoahandJude. Inseparable. But a cataclysmic event shook their world. At 13, Jude is rebellious, bitter towards her more artistically talented brother, and loves cliff-diving. Now at 16, Jude is haunted by her dead mother, superstitious, stupefied by but avoiding a charismatic British boy, and mentored by a modern Michelangelo. 13 year old Noah is perpetually painting everything, fixated on a boy who is fixated on the stars, and secretly drawing nude models outside of the CSA building. At 16, Noah is mournful, withdrawn, and needs to jump off cliffs in order to feel his mother’s apparitional presence.
This book has completely altered my literary experience. I have never read a story singularly driven by it’s character’s uncertainty and drive. By replacing inner dialogue with Noah’s portraits, as well as excerpts from Jude’s grandmother’s Bible, we go into the mind of these characters and immerse ourselves in it’s richness. Noah is a character that speaks through brush strokes. To write a character that is so brilliantly in his own head is hard to put into words. Jude is high-strung, delicate and hypersensitive. Finding comfort in believing everything in her grandmother’s “hogwash” bible, “boycotting” every romantic relationship she falls into and creating a sculpture to rejoin the twins demonstrates how whimsical the character persists. Seeing how these characters coalesce into one “NoahandJude” shows how consistently imaginative each of the characters behave. Although the characters are mightily different, they are somehow written as one unit, and need to be one unit.
Jandy Nelson has easily become my favorite author. I believe that writing is something that anyone can do; however, Nelson’s writing is something that takes the reader to another world. She pulls apart her characters, shattering them, then putting them back together in a mad and ingenious mosaic. She takes you to a world where your deceased mother is smashing your art projects, and a world where twins divide the world in an attempt to conquer it all. Jandy Nelson has written a piece of art that will ceaselessly run through my mind, and all of it’s readers. I would recommend this book to mature teenagers, as it puts emphasis on mortality, anxiety and sexuality. (Review By Malien Tingpalpong, Class of 2016)
***This book is not currently in our LMC collection. Check it out at the Wood Dale Public Library.
Early in life the twins are NoahandJude. Inseparable. But a cataclysmic event shook their world. At 13, Jude is rebellious, bitter towards her more artistically talented brother, and loves cliff-diving. Now at 16, Jude is haunted by her dead mother, superstitious, stupefied by but avoiding a charismatic British boy, and mentored by a modern Michelangelo. 13 year old Noah is perpetually painting everything, fixated on a boy who is fixated on the stars, and secretly drawing nude models outside of the CSA building. At 16, Noah is mournful, withdrawn, and needs to jump off cliffs in order to feel his mother’s apparitional presence.
This book has completely altered my literary experience. I have never read a story singularly driven by it’s character’s uncertainty and drive. By replacing inner dialogue with Noah’s portraits, as well as excerpts from Jude’s grandmother’s Bible, we go into the mind of these characters and immerse ourselves in it’s richness. Noah is a character that speaks through brush strokes. To write a character that is so brilliantly in his own head is hard to put into words. Jude is high-strung, delicate and hypersensitive. Finding comfort in believing everything in her grandmother’s “hogwash” bible, “boycotting” every romantic relationship she falls into and creating a sculpture to rejoin the twins demonstrates how whimsical the character persists. Seeing how these characters coalesce into one “NoahandJude” shows how consistently imaginative each of the characters behave. Although the characters are mightily different, they are somehow written as one unit, and need to be one unit.
Jandy Nelson has easily become my favorite author. I believe that writing is something that anyone can do; however, Nelson’s writing is something that takes the reader to another world. She pulls apart her characters, shattering them, then putting them back together in a mad and ingenious mosaic. She takes you to a world where your deceased mother is smashing your art projects, and a world where twins divide the world in an attempt to conquer it all. Jandy Nelson has written a piece of art that will ceaselessly run through my mind, and all of it’s readers. I would recommend this book to mature teenagers, as it puts emphasis on mortality, anxiety and sexuality. (Review By Malien Tingpalpong, Class of 2016)
***This book is not currently in our LMC collection. Check it out at the Wood Dale Public Library.
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (2006) Fantasy and Romance
Breaking Dawn, a “ Teen Choice Book of the Year” winner and a British Book Award recipient for “ Children’s Book of the year”, written by Stephenie Meyer, an “ Author of the Year” award winner, brings you deeper into the world of supernatural than ever before. Breaking Dawn is the fourth book in the Twilight Saga. It is also divided into 3 parts and adapted into two films: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (2011) and Breaking Dawn Part 2 (2012). Unlike the first three books, Breaking Dawn is told from two points of view. The first and third part of the book are told by lovestruck Bella (Isabella Swan) and the second part of the book is told from werewolf, Jacob Black’s perspective. Stephenie Meyer’s words flow across the page of the book and bring the reader into another world.
It has been a year and a couple months since ordinary Bella moved to Forks, Washington to live with her dad. After all they have gone through Bella chose Edward and now wants to be a vampire, but Edward’s one condition to change her is marriage. Bella agrees with this big step and gets married, but before anyone can turn Bella something impossible makes her want to wait. What could possibly make Bella want to stay human for a little longer after everything that has happened? Will Jacob move on from Bella and finally imprint? Will Bella finally get her happy ending as a vampire? The Cullens, the werewolves, and their vampire friends must unite to fight for what they think is right. The Cullens will fight to the death if they have to because family always comes first for them. Will they succeed or will the Volturi finally take out the Cullens? Read this book to find out; every detail will captivate you, and you won’t want to stop.
I recommend this book for young adults or mature readers because of the teen sexuality. I would also recomend this book for girls because there is a lot of romance. (Reviewed by Emily Trzmielewski, Class of 2016)
***This book is not currently in our LMC collection. Check it out at the Wood Dale Public Library.
It has been a year and a couple months since ordinary Bella moved to Forks, Washington to live with her dad. After all they have gone through Bella chose Edward and now wants to be a vampire, but Edward’s one condition to change her is marriage. Bella agrees with this big step and gets married, but before anyone can turn Bella something impossible makes her want to wait. What could possibly make Bella want to stay human for a little longer after everything that has happened? Will Jacob move on from Bella and finally imprint? Will Bella finally get her happy ending as a vampire? The Cullens, the werewolves, and their vampire friends must unite to fight for what they think is right. The Cullens will fight to the death if they have to because family always comes first for them. Will they succeed or will the Volturi finally take out the Cullens? Read this book to find out; every detail will captivate you, and you won’t want to stop.
I recommend this book for young adults or mature readers because of the teen sexuality. I would also recomend this book for girls because there is a lot of romance. (Reviewed by Emily Trzmielewski, Class of 2016)
***This book is not currently in our LMC collection. Check it out at the Wood Dale Public Library.
Vendetta By Catherine Doyle (2015) Romance
Sophie Gracewell is having an uneventful summer, but that all changes when a new family appears in town. To her surprise they move into the abandoned Priestly mansion, and they fill it with five alluring Italian boys. She seems to always bump into them and after a while she can't seem to keep from building a relationship with the valiant and dignified Nicoli. They soon find that their love would have more secrets and would be harder to maintain than they ever imagined. Secrets would be revealed and blood would be shed.
Catherine Doyle studied in her native country in the National University of Ireland. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master’s degree in English. Vendetta was Catherine Doyle’s first novel, revealing that she is a fairly new author and I believe that she is on the right track in her writing. I look forward to reading her future books and seeing where her stories take her. I would recommend this for teenagers who appreciate a good suspenseful romance novel. There is some strong language and some Italian expressions, so I would keep that in mind for younger readers. I truly enjoyed this book and it served as a great way to take some time to relax and read. (Reviewed by Karolina Zawitkowska, Class of 2016)
Catherine Doyle studied in her native country in the National University of Ireland. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master’s degree in English. Vendetta was Catherine Doyle’s first novel, revealing that she is a fairly new author and I believe that she is on the right track in her writing. I look forward to reading her future books and seeing where her stories take her. I would recommend this for teenagers who appreciate a good suspenseful romance novel. There is some strong language and some Italian expressions, so I would keep that in mind for younger readers. I truly enjoyed this book and it served as a great way to take some time to relax and read. (Reviewed by Karolina Zawitkowska, Class of 2016)
World War II: The Right Fight by Chris Lynch (2014) Historical Fiction
Roman, a typical high schooler who loves baseball, and his future wife, Hannah, take on the challenges of World War II. Roman has always been considered the captain of the team due to his skills and passion for the sport. He has just finished the championship of his high school career. At the the end of the baseball season, he decides to join the army to help his beloved country. What journey will Roman embark on as a soldier in the Allied army? As the novel progresses and the war rages on, Roman starts to believe that he is unstoppable because he hasn’t lost a battle; however, Hannah knows that Roman is beatable and implores him to stop. Roman and two army scouts go on an adventure to a plane wreckage site. While scavenging for useful materials, a disguised enemy comes out of hiding and shoots Roman. Will Roman survive to battle another day, or will he perish with the other two scouts trying to help his tank crew?
Chris Lynch was nominated for the Michael L. Printz Award, the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award, and the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. He has been compared to Chris Crutcher, Will Weaver, and KL Going. He has had many chances at awards for his 30+ books. His writing style makes for easy reading; however, the font style of the letters in the novel may be difficult to understand. Mr. Lynch writes using very simple dialogue. No real confusing speech is said throughout the book. For example, “Of course I am proud of her. Holy cats, am I proud of her, although she does not have a better arm than me. In a lot of ways we are still getting to know each other and rather than that being a scary thought, I find it exciting, because every new thing I learn makes me feel even more certain.”
Does Social Science fit you, and are you around the age of 10-12? If so, this book will most likely suit you. Just a minor note, this book doesn't show extreme violence except for one event that is short, so if you are easily grossed out do not fear. (Reviewed by Adam Kashif, Class of 2016)
Chris Lynch was nominated for the Michael L. Printz Award, the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award, and the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. He has been compared to Chris Crutcher, Will Weaver, and KL Going. He has had many chances at awards for his 30+ books. His writing style makes for easy reading; however, the font style of the letters in the novel may be difficult to understand. Mr. Lynch writes using very simple dialogue. No real confusing speech is said throughout the book. For example, “Of course I am proud of her. Holy cats, am I proud of her, although she does not have a better arm than me. In a lot of ways we are still getting to know each other and rather than that being a scary thought, I find it exciting, because every new thing I learn makes me feel even more certain.”
Does Social Science fit you, and are you around the age of 10-12? If so, this book will most likely suit you. Just a minor note, this book doesn't show extreme violence except for one event that is short, so if you are easily grossed out do not fear. (Reviewed by Adam Kashif, Class of 2016)
The Angel Experiment by James Patterson (2005) Science Fiction
n the first installment of the Maximum Ride Series of eight books, “The flock” ( Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy, and Angel) are on the run. They are currently being hunted by Erasers and are fighting for their lives. Not those things you use to help fix your writing mistakes. Erasers are something much worse. The Erasers come from a place called the “school”, where they were created. Where the flock has been experimented on for most of their lives. The flock thinks that none of them have parents and that they were all created in test tubes. Each member of the flock were given two percent avian DNA that changed them drastically. They all have wings, and on top of that they have special abilities that are constantly showing up out of nowhere.
Though this book is a fairly long, it goes by fast due to the author's fast paced writing. Short sentences and chapters make the book fly by. The author throws in many descriptive and suspense details that make it easy to visualize the characters and different settings around the world. Even though this book moves fast the author makes sure to teach you some lessons about family along the way. Trusting your family, and taking care of others before yourself are the two main themes and lessons in this story. Overall I think this book was written well and I loved it.
After reading this book by James Patterson, it is easy to understand why he won the Edgar Award for best first novel by an American and best first mystery. He also holds the Guinness world record for the first person to have sold one million ebooks. James Paterson writes many books for kids in middle school, but due to the descriptive fighting and (some) swearing, I would mostly recommend this to girls and boys in eighth grade or older. Also recommended for people who like a quick easy read and a lot of action because let me tell you....there is a LOT of action in this book and you will never be bored. (Reviewed by Kaitlyn Brucci, Class of 2016)
Though this book is a fairly long, it goes by fast due to the author's fast paced writing. Short sentences and chapters make the book fly by. The author throws in many descriptive and suspense details that make it easy to visualize the characters and different settings around the world. Even though this book moves fast the author makes sure to teach you some lessons about family along the way. Trusting your family, and taking care of others before yourself are the two main themes and lessons in this story. Overall I think this book was written well and I loved it.
After reading this book by James Patterson, it is easy to understand why he won the Edgar Award for best first novel by an American and best first mystery. He also holds the Guinness world record for the first person to have sold one million ebooks. James Paterson writes many books for kids in middle school, but due to the descriptive fighting and (some) swearing, I would mostly recommend this to girls and boys in eighth grade or older. Also recommended for people who like a quick easy read and a lot of action because let me tell you....there is a LOT of action in this book and you will never be bored. (Reviewed by Kaitlyn Brucci, Class of 2016)
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (1895) Science Fiction
The Time Traveller has a dinner party and demonstrates his new invention, a time machine. Many of his guests leave the party skeptical. The narrator returns for a second party with a few different guests. The Time Traveller returns home late and, after cleaning up and eating, he meets his guests in a different room. He tells them a story about his travels to the future and his adventures there. After the long story his guests leave, still skeptical. The narrator returns the next day to speak with the Time Traveller, his friend, but unfortunately the Time Traveller has to leave. The theme is that knowing the future isn’t always beneficial, but it may be able to bring peace of mind.
This, for me, was a very enjoyable book and an interesting read. While I was reading the book I found myself comparing H.G. Wells’s version of the future to our own present day life. I found some intriguing similarities. The author’s writing style was unique and I can’t accurately compare it to any other book I’ve read. H.G. Wells (born 1866, died 1946) was nominated for the Nobel Prize in LIterature four times. He also won the Retro Hugo for Best Dramatic Presentation for War of the Worlds and The Time Machine. In his writing I found a lot of description and vivid imagery. The majority of this book is a monologue from the Time Traveller, but this is being recounted by the narrator. There is also suspense and mystery present in this book.
This book would most likely be enjoyed by a more mature group of people because of the high reading level (1070 lexile). People that enjoy thinking and theorizing about the future would also like this book. The reason for this is that the majority of the book is set in the future in a peaceful, but fearful, society. This book probably isn’t very popular because of how old it is, being a classic. I still believe, however, despite the age of it, this book will be enjoyed by most who venture to read it. (Reviewed by Caitlin Beutell, Class of 2016)
This, for me, was a very enjoyable book and an interesting read. While I was reading the book I found myself comparing H.G. Wells’s version of the future to our own present day life. I found some intriguing similarities. The author’s writing style was unique and I can’t accurately compare it to any other book I’ve read. H.G. Wells (born 1866, died 1946) was nominated for the Nobel Prize in LIterature four times. He also won the Retro Hugo for Best Dramatic Presentation for War of the Worlds and The Time Machine. In his writing I found a lot of description and vivid imagery. The majority of this book is a monologue from the Time Traveller, but this is being recounted by the narrator. There is also suspense and mystery present in this book.
This book would most likely be enjoyed by a more mature group of people because of the high reading level (1070 lexile). People that enjoy thinking and theorizing about the future would also like this book. The reason for this is that the majority of the book is set in the future in a peaceful, but fearful, society. This book probably isn’t very popular because of how old it is, being a classic. I still believe, however, despite the age of it, this book will be enjoyed by most who venture to read it. (Reviewed by Caitlin Beutell, Class of 2016)
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) Realistic Fiction
To Kill A Mockingbird is a piece of literature that has stood the test of time and is still an essential part of every student’s education. Follow the adventures of young Scout and her brother Jem as they find out more about how unfair the world can truly be. It’s a book filled with details that allow you to visualize the daily predicaments they go through. This story will capture and keep your attention if you delve deep enough and invest yourself in it.
The book is starts with an older Scout looking back upon the events that take place over the course of the story. Scout then talks of how her father, Atticus Finch, came to Maycomb, Alabama and started a family here. Time goes back to the beginning of the story where Scout and her brother play with Dill, a friend from a distant town who comes to visit every summer. Atticus serves as a reality check and a caring father they can always come back to, as well as Calpurnia, the family cook who is always there for both children. Scout eventually learns of her father’s involvement in a court case where he is defending an African American man accused of rape. It’s very easy to see how the book promotes equality with the actions of the Finch family. Throughout the story, the family is constantly discriminated against by the less cultured members of the town for Atticus defending a black man. The mature theme of the book shows through when the family is barraged by racial slurs. As the case goes on, Atticus has less time to look after his children, so he asks his sister, Alexandra, to come and serve as a mother figure for them. Near the end of the book Scout and Jem stealthily enter the courtroom to watch their father defend his client, Tom Robinson. The case ends with an unexpected conclusion that you will have to read to find out!
To Kill A Mockingbird has received awards such as the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 as well as being recognized as a classic piece of American literature. The story never disappoints with its figurative language that paints a vivid image of each event. Its mature themes involve violence, sexuality, and the most prominent theme, racial discrimination. They are shown numerous times throughout the story through the actions of Bob Ewell and the Finch’s other neighbors. This book would be most popular with more mature readers in high school and beyond. It might not be as popular to younger students because of the complicated language and themes. (Reviewed by Jacob Z., Class of 2016)
The book is starts with an older Scout looking back upon the events that take place over the course of the story. Scout then talks of how her father, Atticus Finch, came to Maycomb, Alabama and started a family here. Time goes back to the beginning of the story where Scout and her brother play with Dill, a friend from a distant town who comes to visit every summer. Atticus serves as a reality check and a caring father they can always come back to, as well as Calpurnia, the family cook who is always there for both children. Scout eventually learns of her father’s involvement in a court case where he is defending an African American man accused of rape. It’s very easy to see how the book promotes equality with the actions of the Finch family. Throughout the story, the family is constantly discriminated against by the less cultured members of the town for Atticus defending a black man. The mature theme of the book shows through when the family is barraged by racial slurs. As the case goes on, Atticus has less time to look after his children, so he asks his sister, Alexandra, to come and serve as a mother figure for them. Near the end of the book Scout and Jem stealthily enter the courtroom to watch their father defend his client, Tom Robinson. The case ends with an unexpected conclusion that you will have to read to find out!
To Kill A Mockingbird has received awards such as the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 as well as being recognized as a classic piece of American literature. The story never disappoints with its figurative language that paints a vivid image of each event. Its mature themes involve violence, sexuality, and the most prominent theme, racial discrimination. They are shown numerous times throughout the story through the actions of Bob Ewell and the Finch’s other neighbors. This book would be most popular with more mature readers in high school and beyond. It might not be as popular to younger students because of the complicated language and themes. (Reviewed by Jacob Z., Class of 2016)
MORE GREAT TITLES!
ORBITING JUPITER by Gary D. Schmidt (2015) Realistic Fiction
Once again, Gary D. Schmidt gives us a compelling, bittersweet story of heartbreaking adversity, steadfast friendship, and the unconditional love of family. A thin volume that reads quickly, Orbiting Jupiter will grab you from the very start and won’t let go.
A father at 13, Joseph Brook has endured an abusive home life followed by time in juvenile detention, where he suffers yet more mistreatment. His one and only wish is to finally see his baby daughter, Jupiter, and his much loved girlfriend, Maddie. Thanks to an insightful and caring social worker, the emotionally damaged Joseph is placed with a carefully chosen foster family, where the weight of his past is lifted gradually but surely from his shoulders. His younger foster brother, Jack, narrates the story, as Joseph assimilates into the peaceful life on their family farm, and the not so smooth start at his new middle school. As Jack and Joseph gradually form a mutual admiration society, each boy undergoes their own changes. Thanks to the gentle and wise care of his adoptive family and the faith of a few dedicated teachers, Joseph begins to overcome the cruelties of his past to see the possibilities for his future, one he still dreams will include Maddie and Jupiter. And, though younger, Jack begins to see himself as Joseph’s defender, honing his own sense of right and wrong.
As with The Wednesday Wars and OK for Now, Schmidt’s low key, matter of fact writing style is perfect for this story, incorporating the relaxed rhythms of farm life into Joseph’s gradual healing process. His gift for character development extends even to the secondary players. The last third of the book is an emotional roller coaster, with an ending that will feel like a punch to the gut before allowing you to catch your breath one last time. Although the premise of the book is based on a teen pregnancy, the subject is handled lovingly, making it an appropriate choice for middle schoolers. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
A father at 13, Joseph Brook has endured an abusive home life followed by time in juvenile detention, where he suffers yet more mistreatment. His one and only wish is to finally see his baby daughter, Jupiter, and his much loved girlfriend, Maddie. Thanks to an insightful and caring social worker, the emotionally damaged Joseph is placed with a carefully chosen foster family, where the weight of his past is lifted gradually but surely from his shoulders. His younger foster brother, Jack, narrates the story, as Joseph assimilates into the peaceful life on their family farm, and the not so smooth start at his new middle school. As Jack and Joseph gradually form a mutual admiration society, each boy undergoes their own changes. Thanks to the gentle and wise care of his adoptive family and the faith of a few dedicated teachers, Joseph begins to overcome the cruelties of his past to see the possibilities for his future, one he still dreams will include Maddie and Jupiter. And, though younger, Jack begins to see himself as Joseph’s defender, honing his own sense of right and wrong.
As with The Wednesday Wars and OK for Now, Schmidt’s low key, matter of fact writing style is perfect for this story, incorporating the relaxed rhythms of farm life into Joseph’s gradual healing process. His gift for character development extends even to the secondary players. The last third of the book is an emotional roller coaster, with an ending that will feel like a punch to the gut before allowing you to catch your breath one last time. Although the premise of the book is based on a teen pregnancy, the subject is handled lovingly, making it an appropriate choice for middle schoolers. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
CARTWHEELING IN THUNDERSTORMS by Katherine Rundell (2014) Realistic Fiction
'Wilhelmina (Will) Silver lives an idyllic life on a farm "in the hottest corner of Zimbabwe," where her father works as a foreman for Captain Browne, who owns the land. The free spirited Will loves nothing better than spending time with her best friend, Simon, one of the stable boys - running, riding, and exploring the dusty African plains on her horse, Shumba, and with her monkey clinging to her neck. The beauty and freedom of the farm suits her, and she can imagine living no other place or life.
But Will's life is turned upside down when her widowed father takes ill, and a nurse from town, Cynthia Vincy, turns out to be less an angel of mercy, and more a conniving gold-digger. As her father's condition worsens, Will worries as Cynthia worms her way into the daily life on the farm, and soon into the heart of Captain Browne. Now, with the Captain and the new Mrs. Browne as her guardians, Will is horrified when Cynthia arranges for Will to attend boarding school thousands of miles away in her native London. How will she survive the cold, soggy weather, the suffocating rules, and the British "mean girls" who belittle her every move? Well, if she can live for days in the African outback, she can certainly try to make a go of things in urban London. But Will is in for a much wilder ride than she ever anticipated. It is only the kindness of strangers that gives Will hope that she just might survive in this place after all.
Katherine Rundell, author of the magical Parisian adventure Rooftoppers (see review below) takes on an entirely different place and time in this lovely book. The descriptions of the farm and its wild African surroundings, and the rhythmic mix of English and tribal Shona dialect leaves no question as to why Will loves her life so much. And Rundell's characters are well defined - the devious, controlling Cynthia and the manipulated, henpecked Captain Browne in particular. But it is Will's kind, eccentric, feisty spirit that ultimately helps her overcome her many hurdles. These sweet, life affirming adventures, Rooftoppers and Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms, are not to be missed. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
But Will's life is turned upside down when her widowed father takes ill, and a nurse from town, Cynthia Vincy, turns out to be less an angel of mercy, and more a conniving gold-digger. As her father's condition worsens, Will worries as Cynthia worms her way into the daily life on the farm, and soon into the heart of Captain Browne. Now, with the Captain and the new Mrs. Browne as her guardians, Will is horrified when Cynthia arranges for Will to attend boarding school thousands of miles away in her native London. How will she survive the cold, soggy weather, the suffocating rules, and the British "mean girls" who belittle her every move? Well, if she can live for days in the African outback, she can certainly try to make a go of things in urban London. But Will is in for a much wilder ride than she ever anticipated. It is only the kindness of strangers that gives Will hope that she just might survive in this place after all.
Katherine Rundell, author of the magical Parisian adventure Rooftoppers (see review below) takes on an entirely different place and time in this lovely book. The descriptions of the farm and its wild African surroundings, and the rhythmic mix of English and tribal Shona dialect leaves no question as to why Will loves her life so much. And Rundell's characters are well defined - the devious, controlling Cynthia and the manipulated, henpecked Captain Browne in particular. But it is Will's kind, eccentric, feisty spirit that ultimately helps her overcome her many hurdles. These sweet, life affirming adventures, Rooftoppers and Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms, are not to be missed. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
SUPER SUMMER READS!
COUNTING BY 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan (2013) Realistic Fiction
This heartwarming story follows one young girl’s journey back to normalcy (at least her version of normalcy) after she suffers an unspeakable loss. It’s also about the quirky cast of characters who help her along with her recovery, even though they each have their own fair share of roadblocks to overcome.
Willow Chance is a much loved adoptee about to begin middle school. She is a genius whose favorite pastimes are researching unusual medical conditions, and studying the ebb and flow of Mother Nature in her expansive backyard garden. Her devoted parents encourage her interests and embrace her oddball personality. At her new school, however, her teachers find her behavior a little unsettling, and are sure she must be cheating when she aces all of her standardized tests. They send her to the incompetent but (sort of) well meaning school counselor, Dell Duke. It is there that she meets Mai and Quang-Ha, a sister and brother team who, along with their mom Patti, reluctantly take Willow under their wings when her world is turned upside down. The effect that Willow has on their lives as they help her rebuild hers is a testament to the human spirit and the power of love.
The short chapters and snappy writing style move the story along at a fast clip. The chapters alternate their focus between the various characters so that the reader gradually gets to know and love them, until they all play a role in the satisfying and uplifting finale. This book is a glowing example of how life’s small moments, shared with caring friends, can turn into minor miracles. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Willow Chance is a much loved adoptee about to begin middle school. She is a genius whose favorite pastimes are researching unusual medical conditions, and studying the ebb and flow of Mother Nature in her expansive backyard garden. Her devoted parents encourage her interests and embrace her oddball personality. At her new school, however, her teachers find her behavior a little unsettling, and are sure she must be cheating when she aces all of her standardized tests. They send her to the incompetent but (sort of) well meaning school counselor, Dell Duke. It is there that she meets Mai and Quang-Ha, a sister and brother team who, along with their mom Patti, reluctantly take Willow under their wings when her world is turned upside down. The effect that Willow has on their lives as they help her rebuild hers is a testament to the human spirit and the power of love.
The short chapters and snappy writing style move the story along at a fast clip. The chapters alternate their focus between the various characters so that the reader gradually gets to know and love them, until they all play a role in the satisfying and uplifting finale. This book is a glowing example of how life’s small moments, shared with caring friends, can turn into minor miracles. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
UnDivided by Neal Shusterman (2014) Dystopian Fiction
UnDivided is the fourth and final installment of Neal Shusterman’s popular Unwind series, and as the title implies, it dares to imagine a society in which the horror of unwinding could become a thing of the past. But it won’t be without the strife and sacrifice that has been the trademark of the previous books. All of the major players are back. Connor Lassiter (the Akron AWOL), and fellow AWOLs Risa Ward and Grace Skinner, have returned to their first hiding place – Sonia’s antique shop turned AWOL underground railroad stop, where the old woman is hiding a piece of technology that could change the future, if only they can get it into the right hands. Lev Calder is still living among the Arapache Chancefolk tribe, hoping to convince the tribal council to offer asylum to AWOLS, safe from the grasp of the Juvenile Authority. Meanwhile, power hungry “stork” Michael Starkey grows more and more violent in his attacks on the harvest camps, giving rise to the possibility of a mutiny among his troops. Rewind Cam Comprix is still under the thumb of Proactive Citizenry, the villainous company who is behind the practice of unwinding, and will do anything to allow it to continue. Unscrupulous parts pirates Nelson and Argent are bent on revenge, wanting nothing more than to recapture the most famous AWOLS. For a price, they would turn the AWOLs over to a new character, the charming but soulless black market parts dealer Divan Umarov.
As in the previous volumes, Shusterman deftly weaves together all of the stories, allowing for plenty of shiver inducing twists and turns, to bring the series to its thought provoking yet hopeful conclusion. The concept behind these books is much more compelling (and a more realistic possibility) than either Hunger Games or Divergent. If you have followed the series, this final book is obviously a must read. If you are a fan of dystopian fiction, but have somehow missed this series, you should pick up Unwind, and start reading NOW! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
As in the previous volumes, Shusterman deftly weaves together all of the stories, allowing for plenty of shiver inducing twists and turns, to bring the series to its thought provoking yet hopeful conclusion. The concept behind these books is much more compelling (and a more realistic possibility) than either Hunger Games or Divergent. If you have followed the series, this final book is obviously a must read. If you are a fan of dystopian fiction, but have somehow missed this series, you should pick up Unwind, and start reading NOW! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
H2O by Virginia Bergin (2014) Sci-Fi / Apocalypse Fiction
This end-of-the-world diary opens with the same scenario as the blockbuster film “Armageddon.” An oversized asteroid is hurtling towards Earth, and a crack team of scientists launches a rocket meant to blast the space rock to smithereens. The mission is a success - crisis averted. Or is it?
Fast forward. The asteroid incident is a faint memory for Ruby Morris. Just shy of her 15th birthday, Ruby is an annoyingly self-centered member of the “in-crowd”, partying with her friends and figuring out the best way to approach a mega-kiss with the current love of her life. When the host’s parents return unexpectedly and frantically herd the teens into the house, they selfishly whine that their fun has been spoiled. Little do they know that a new chapter in Earth’s history is about to begin, and only a very few will survive.
This is Ruby’s story, and the book’s title, H2O, refers to the cause of the crisis. Deadly space microbes released by the destruction of the asteroid have finally reached earth, carried by rain drops. While family, friends, and strangers meet their gruesome fate, Ruby struggles to leave her self-absorbed past behind, constantly weighing her every move in order to keep herself alive.
Ruby’s terror filled journey to London to find her father is chronicled in her own words, and includes an unlikely cast of random survivors. The character of Ruby is snobby, smart-alecky, and more than a little unlikeable when the story begins. Despite a few lapses, watching her slow but steady emotional growth as she deals with her day by day survival gradually ups her likeability quotient. Her interactions with fellow survivors, especially her straight arrow step father and a nerdy classmate named Spratt, help Ruby on her way to her uncertain future. If you liked Beth Pfeffer’s Life as We Knew It, or Meg Rosoff’s How I Live Now, you will definitely enjoy this book, which similarly leaves the door open for the sequel, Storm, which is due out this fall. H2O is a good, fast paced summer read. Make yourself a glass of lemonade and enjoy the drama. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Fast forward. The asteroid incident is a faint memory for Ruby Morris. Just shy of her 15th birthday, Ruby is an annoyingly self-centered member of the “in-crowd”, partying with her friends and figuring out the best way to approach a mega-kiss with the current love of her life. When the host’s parents return unexpectedly and frantically herd the teens into the house, they selfishly whine that their fun has been spoiled. Little do they know that a new chapter in Earth’s history is about to begin, and only a very few will survive.
This is Ruby’s story, and the book’s title, H2O, refers to the cause of the crisis. Deadly space microbes released by the destruction of the asteroid have finally reached earth, carried by rain drops. While family, friends, and strangers meet their gruesome fate, Ruby struggles to leave her self-absorbed past behind, constantly weighing her every move in order to keep herself alive.
Ruby’s terror filled journey to London to find her father is chronicled in her own words, and includes an unlikely cast of random survivors. The character of Ruby is snobby, smart-alecky, and more than a little unlikeable when the story begins. Despite a few lapses, watching her slow but steady emotional growth as she deals with her day by day survival gradually ups her likeability quotient. Her interactions with fellow survivors, especially her straight arrow step father and a nerdy classmate named Spratt, help Ruby on her way to her uncertain future. If you liked Beth Pfeffer’s Life as We Knew It, or Meg Rosoff’s How I Live Now, you will definitely enjoy this book, which similarly leaves the door open for the sequel, Storm, which is due out this fall. H2O is a good, fast paced summer read. Make yourself a glass of lemonade and enjoy the drama. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
STUPID FAST by Geoff Herbach (2011) Realistic Fiction
Felton Reinstein is a self-proclaimed dork, a misfit, a squirrel nut, and he’s been OK with that. He has one friend, Gus, in his small college town of Bluffton, Wisconsin. But Gus and his family are headed to Venezuela to spend the summer with his ailing Grandmother, which leaves Felton to deal with the local farmers (poop stinkers) and the townies (honkies) on his own. On top of that, Felton is going through a massive growth spurt that may elevate him from loser to top jock, if he can only tame his own discomfort with these physical changes.
Felton begins his surreal summer by reluctantly taking over Gus’s paper route. He stumbles across his first major crush when he meets the beautiful and talented Aleah, the daughter of the professor who is renting Gus’s house for the summer. To top it all off, Felton’s newly acquired size and speed have his local high school’s football coach desperate to recruit him for the team. When Felton begins to train with the team, he sees that the same guys who’ve given him grief his whole life may not be as bad as he once thought.
His summer goes off the rails when his mom, Jerri, already an unpredictable free spirit, begins to show signs of a serious depression, leaving Felton and his kid brother Andrew to figure things out for themselves. When things become too overwhelming, the boys seek out an unlikely ally to help them get their screwed up lives back on track.
Felton’s first person account of his crazy summer is both hilarious and heartbreaking, as he struggles to reconcile his past with his present, sort out his friends from his foes, and help his utterly dysfunctional family find their way back to each other. The other characters are well defined and earn our empathy, especially Jerri and Andrew. And Felton’s awkward attempts at navigating first love are sweet and believable. Felton is a teenaged everyman, and will certainly appeal to the guys, but girls will be caught up in the teen and family drama, and the relationship between Felton and Aleah. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy – Nothing Special and I’m With Stupid, over the summer. I recommend this series for mature readers because of strong language and serious themes. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Felton begins his surreal summer by reluctantly taking over Gus’s paper route. He stumbles across his first major crush when he meets the beautiful and talented Aleah, the daughter of the professor who is renting Gus’s house for the summer. To top it all off, Felton’s newly acquired size and speed have his local high school’s football coach desperate to recruit him for the team. When Felton begins to train with the team, he sees that the same guys who’ve given him grief his whole life may not be as bad as he once thought.
His summer goes off the rails when his mom, Jerri, already an unpredictable free spirit, begins to show signs of a serious depression, leaving Felton and his kid brother Andrew to figure things out for themselves. When things become too overwhelming, the boys seek out an unlikely ally to help them get their screwed up lives back on track.
Felton’s first person account of his crazy summer is both hilarious and heartbreaking, as he struggles to reconcile his past with his present, sort out his friends from his foes, and help his utterly dysfunctional family find their way back to each other. The other characters are well defined and earn our empathy, especially Jerri and Andrew. And Felton’s awkward attempts at navigating first love are sweet and believable. Felton is a teenaged everyman, and will certainly appeal to the guys, but girls will be caught up in the teen and family drama, and the relationship between Felton and Aleah. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy – Nothing Special and I’m With Stupid, over the summer. I recommend this series for mature readers because of strong language and serious themes. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Always on the lookout for a good book? Check out these book reviews by some of our 8th grade LA students.
THE BOXER AND THE SPY by Robert B. Parker (2008) Mystery
Robert B. Parker, winner of several awards, is the author of The Boxer and the Spy (2008). It is a mystery novel that takes place in New England. The main character in the story is Terry Novak; Terry has two hobbies, boxing and talking his best friend Abby into kissing him. The more Abby helps Terry with this case, the more he falls in love with her. Terry and Abby seem to be the only ones who care if Jason Green actually took steroids and then committed suicide by jumping off a bridge. This story is not only written in first person, but in “skycam” point of view. It gives you an insight of others plots that are going on in the story. Threats go around the school for Terry and Abby to back off and let it go, but the threats just encourage them to get even more into the quest which is to uncover the real truth.
Robert B. Parker writes many mystery novels for adults. One of his awards included the Edgar Allan Poe Award. He was considered the father of mystery novels. His most famous books are the Spenser book series. The book The Boxer and the Spy was Robert B. Parker’s third attempt to transition teens from child books to young adult, I believe he was successful.
Readers of all skill levels will find that the short chapters and the quirky dialogue make this a fast and easy read. Reluctant readers that are not into reading should read one of Robert B. Parker’s books; they will quickly fall in love with this author. This book is for anyone who is into murder, romance, boxing, and a mystery wrapped into one. (Reviewed by Adrian M.)
Robert B. Parker, winner of several awards, is the author of The Boxer and the Spy (2008). It is a mystery novel that takes place in New England. The main character in the story is Terry Novak; Terry has two hobbies, boxing and talking his best friend Abby into kissing him. The more Abby helps Terry with this case, the more he falls in love with her. Terry and Abby seem to be the only ones who care if Jason Green actually took steroids and then committed suicide by jumping off a bridge. This story is not only written in first person, but in “skycam” point of view. It gives you an insight of others plots that are going on in the story. Threats go around the school for Terry and Abby to back off and let it go, but the threats just encourage them to get even more into the quest which is to uncover the real truth.
Robert B. Parker writes many mystery novels for adults. One of his awards included the Edgar Allan Poe Award. He was considered the father of mystery novels. His most famous books are the Spenser book series. The book The Boxer and the Spy was Robert B. Parker’s third attempt to transition teens from child books to young adult, I believe he was successful.
Readers of all skill levels will find that the short chapters and the quirky dialogue make this a fast and easy read. Reluctant readers that are not into reading should read one of Robert B. Parker’s books; they will quickly fall in love with this author. This book is for anyone who is into murder, romance, boxing, and a mystery wrapped into one. (Reviewed by Adrian M.)
I'D TELL YOU THAT I LOVE YOU, BUT THEN I'D HAVE TO KILL YOU by Ally Carter (2006) Spy Thriller/Teen Romance
I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have To Kill You (2006) by Ally Carter is the first novel of the popular series, The Gallagher Academy. Cameron, better known as Cammie Morgan, is a student at The Gallagher Academy. The academy claims to be a school for exceptional young women, but in reality, it is a school for spies. Cammie’s mother is the headmistress of the school and her father mysteriously disappeared while on a mission. Cammie is capable of speaking fourteen different languages and killing a man seven different ways with her bare hands. When Cammie is on a mission for one of her classes, she bumps into a boy named Josh. Josh is the first person to ever have noticed Cammie, which makes Cammie ecstatic. With the help from her best friends Bex and Liz, along with the new girl, Macey McHenry who understands the language of boys, Cammie begins a relationship with Josh. She has to learn how to talk to a normal boy and act like a normal girl. She must also learn how to keep her cover, even when she just wants to tell the truth to Josh. The book is from Cammie’s perspective. Themes of this book could be learning to be yourself or the value of friendship--which are both very important themes for young adult readers.
Often in the book, Cammie considers herself as a nobody. Her nickname is “the chameleon”. She says she is not the type of girl that boys like, and she mentions that she is very plain looking. Many tween and teen girls face similar examples of low self esteem, which is why I recommend this book to tween/teen girls who can relate. I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have To KIll You belongs to the realistic fiction genre, so I would also reccomend this book to girls who enjoy realistic fiction. This book features casual dialogue in first person point of view, from a 15 year old girl. The writing style and dialogue make this book an easy and fun read for girls. There is not much controversial material in this book, other than girls helping another girl sneak out to meet a boy. I believe it is appropriate for advanced-younger readers as well. I think this book is appropriate for girls ages 11+.
The Gallagher Academy series was optioned for film by Walt Disney Pictures. (Reviewed by Mackenzie M.)
Often in the book, Cammie considers herself as a nobody. Her nickname is “the chameleon”. She says she is not the type of girl that boys like, and she mentions that she is very plain looking. Many tween and teen girls face similar examples of low self esteem, which is why I recommend this book to tween/teen girls who can relate. I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have To KIll You belongs to the realistic fiction genre, so I would also reccomend this book to girls who enjoy realistic fiction. This book features casual dialogue in first person point of view, from a 15 year old girl. The writing style and dialogue make this book an easy and fun read for girls. There is not much controversial material in this book, other than girls helping another girl sneak out to meet a boy. I believe it is appropriate for advanced-younger readers as well. I think this book is appropriate for girls ages 11+.
The Gallagher Academy series was optioned for film by Walt Disney Pictures. (Reviewed by Mackenzie M.)
ONLY THE GOOD SPY YOUNG Ally Carter (2010) Mystery
In the fourth book of the Gallagher Series, now Junior, Cammie Morgan is fighting for her life. New York Times Best Seller writer Ally Carter puts Cammie on a journey to find out about her father’s death, and why there are people after her. Cammie finds herself stuck between believing that her teacher is a good guy, but her mom and teachers tell her that he is the reason her father is dead. Cammie is on a long path to find the truth about her father, her teacher, and herself. She doesn’t know who she can trust and how much she is putting her life on the line for the ones she loves. Her best friends, Bex, Liz, and Macey help her through anything, even if she doesn’t ask, or even if she thinks they don’t know what predicament she is in. The series is written in first person and the book is about Cammie, her friends, and other girls who go to a school for exceptional young women; most people think it’s just a private school for rich girls but it’s not what it seems. The girls are training to become official government spies. The YALSA Teens Top 10 Finalist writes about real teen girl feelings about school, boys, and family. The use of a different font in the book signifies a spy mission, making the book more entertaining when you know that they are ready for another secret mission. The book, as well as the series, is the book to read for teen girls who love mysteries and a little romance. This page turner will keep you on the edge of your seat, every time Cammie and her friends go on a secret mission to find out the truth about Cammie and her family’s past. (Reviewed by Amber A.)
Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg (2013) Realistic Fiction
Openly Straight, the winner of YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults 2014, is Bill Konisberg’s second novel. Seamus Rafael Goldberg lives in Boulder, Colorado, is an only child and is gay. To Seamus, who goes by Rafe, this is normal. His vegan, colorful, hippie parents are more than okay with this fact. Rafe has been out since eighth grade and he was never teased. So far being openly gay has been easy for him, until Rafe decides to leave his family, his best friend, quirky Claire Olivia, and his accepting town, for a boarding school 3,000 miles away in Massachusetts. Natick Boys Academy is a new, scary, possibly homophobic all boys school that Rafe has decided to attend. Wanting to no longer be “the gay Goldberg kid” he decides to be “openly straight”. Rafe will not be openly gay but he won’t be straight either. He finds out that he should have just been truthful all along. Rafe learns that honesty is the best policy when it comes to sexuality. Openly Straight chronicles Rafe’s times at Natick, including a very hairy butt, a game of Spinner and a most unexpected love story.
Konisberg’s witty and clever style of writing helps the reader see Rafe’s real personality. Bill Konisberg’s witty one liners and philosophical references show the characters’ depth and helps grow their personalities over the course of this novel. Konisberg successfully makes the story believable by using realistic dialogue. I felt like Rafe’s friend throughout the novel, hearing his most personal thoughts, problems and feelings. All of the characters, down to Rafe’s first “boyfriend” Clay, are highly developed and interesting to follow. Bill Konisberg’s fast-paced writing style keeps you reading till the very last word.
Openly Straight is told by a gay teenage boy, hiding his sexuality. Rafe describes sequences that some tweens and younger teens would not be able to handle. I would recommend this book to older teens who enjoy realistic fiction novels. (Reviewed by Karsen Idelman)
***This book is not currently available in our LMC collection. Check it out at Wood Dale Public Library.
Konisberg’s witty and clever style of writing helps the reader see Rafe’s real personality. Bill Konisberg’s witty one liners and philosophical references show the characters’ depth and helps grow their personalities over the course of this novel. Konisberg successfully makes the story believable by using realistic dialogue. I felt like Rafe’s friend throughout the novel, hearing his most personal thoughts, problems and feelings. All of the characters, down to Rafe’s first “boyfriend” Clay, are highly developed and interesting to follow. Bill Konisberg’s fast-paced writing style keeps you reading till the very last word.
Openly Straight is told by a gay teenage boy, hiding his sexuality. Rafe describes sequences that some tweens and younger teens would not be able to handle. I would recommend this book to older teens who enjoy realistic fiction novels. (Reviewed by Karsen Idelman)
***This book is not currently available in our LMC collection. Check it out at Wood Dale Public Library.
THE SON OF NEPTUNE by Rick Riordan (2011) Fantasy/Mythology
The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan, a Goodreads Choice Awards winner, is the second book of the fantasy series The Heroes of Olympus which was published in 2011. In this thrilling, hard to put down book, readers will be ecstatic to know that our favorite sassy, funny, teenaged boy known as Percy Jackson will be brought back. Unlike the other series this book is told from three different points of view, Percy, Hazel, and Frank. Percy has lost his memory and only remembers a single name, Annabeth. He is trying to take down a Titan in Alaska with the help of his new friends, Hazel, daughter of Pluto and Frank, son of Mars. The trio faces multiple obstacles trying to kill the Titan on time so they can help their friends save Camp Jupiter, which is where demigods are trained to be prepared to kill monsters. On their journey they will have to make sacrifices but they will also make new friends. This book shows readers that even though you might go through rough obstacles to get to your goal, you should never give up.
Rick Riordan has that special talent to create characters that teens can relate to in all of his young adult books. Besides writing young adult books, Mr. Riordan also writes books for adults such as Big Red Tequila, Cold Springs, South Town, and Mission Road.
The Heroes of Olympus is good for both boys and girls to read because there is enough action, romance, and laughs for everyone, even adults. This book contains violence to an extent but, nothing gory. If you want a cheap vacation, grab one of Rick Riordan’s book. (Reviewed by Natalie H.)
Rick Riordan has that special talent to create characters that teens can relate to in all of his young adult books. Besides writing young adult books, Mr. Riordan also writes books for adults such as Big Red Tequila, Cold Springs, South Town, and Mission Road.
The Heroes of Olympus is good for both boys and girls to read because there is enough action, romance, and laughs for everyone, even adults. This book contains violence to an extent but, nothing gory. If you want a cheap vacation, grab one of Rick Riordan’s book. (Reviewed by Natalie H.)
MAGYK by Angie Sage (2005) Fantasy
Magyk (2005) is a book by Angie Sage. It’s part one of a seven part (or more if there’s more published in the future) series. She’s also the author of the Araminta Spook series. The theme of Magyk is to not give up because of inconveniences. Magyk is a fantasy book about keeping a future heir safe from assassination. It also just happens that the future heir is associated with a wizard family that knows Magykal powers (whenever the books mention a spell or something related to it as well, that’s how they let you know). When the assassin comes to kill the future heir, they encounter many challenges and interesting characters. For instance, there is a character that is named Boy 412 whose identity is not revealed until the very shocking end. Also, after the end of the book, the fate is revealed to some of the characters that you might have forgotten about. This is a great way to wrap up book one if you want closure before you read the next book.
Angie Sage’s third person omniscient view makes this book sometimes confusing, but you get used to it. It doesn’t stray from the main plot, it just has a different perspective for about a half of a page. For instance, when some of the main characters are making potions that transform bugs, it briefly goes into the bug’s point of view. Sage also writes children’s books. There are also illustrations at the beginning of each chapter that are done by the author. She’s been nominated for Goodreads Choice Awards Best Middle Grade & Children's. I would recommend this book to both teen boys and girls who enjoy fantasy. One warning though, the book is quite lengthy and would take some time to read, but it’s worth every page.
(Reviewed by George T.)
Angie Sage’s third person omniscient view makes this book sometimes confusing, but you get used to it. It doesn’t stray from the main plot, it just has a different perspective for about a half of a page. For instance, when some of the main characters are making potions that transform bugs, it briefly goes into the bug’s point of view. Sage also writes children’s books. There are also illustrations at the beginning of each chapter that are done by the author. She’s been nominated for Goodreads Choice Awards Best Middle Grade & Children's. I would recommend this book to both teen boys and girls who enjoy fantasy. One warning though, the book is quite lengthy and would take some time to read, but it’s worth every page.
(Reviewed by George T.)
A MANGO SHAPED SPACE by Wendy Mass (2003) Realistic Fiction
“Of course numbers had colors. Were they also going to tell me that letters and sounds didn’t have colors? Was I the only one who lived in a world full of color?” Wendy Mass, New York Times bestselling author of 15 novels, takes a turn on her first published novel, about a young teenager who has Synesthesia, a harmless condition that causes people to see colors of words, tastes, and/or sounds. Mia Winchell was only eight years old when she found out that seeing colors, wasn’t exactly a normal thing and that she was the only one who could see them. She even named her cat Mango, not for his orange eyes, but because of the orange clouds he lets out when he meows. After being mortified in front of her class for trying to use the right colors for a math problem, Mia hid her secret her whole life, that is, until she was thirteen years old. For the first time, Mia had met someone else who could see colors, a five year old named Billy. After figuring out she wasn’t the only one, she told her parents who, as expected, thought she was crazy, even asking if she was doing drugs. The story follows Mia in her colorful world, struggling in school and overcoming obstacles that will lead her to an event that will change her life forever.
Wendy Mass is an author who won the American Library Association Award and writes books for Young Adults. Her in-depth writing style draws you into becoming the character and leaves you wondering, “What if?”. A Mango-Shaped Space and many of her other books, such as the Willow Falls Series, are hard to put down books and are books that you’d want to read more than one time. You’ll fall in love with the characters and the story plot. I highly recommend reading her books, but be careful, you’ll be up for a while! (Reviewed by Vanesa O.)
Wendy Mass is an author who won the American Library Association Award and writes books for Young Adults. Her in-depth writing style draws you into becoming the character and leaves you wondering, “What if?”. A Mango-Shaped Space and many of her other books, such as the Willow Falls Series, are hard to put down books and are books that you’d want to read more than one time. You’ll fall in love with the characters and the story plot. I highly recommend reading her books, but be careful, you’ll be up for a while! (Reviewed by Vanesa O.)
TOUCH by Francine Prose (2009) Realistic Fiction Young Adult
Francine Prose is a New York Times bestselling author and a National Book Award Finalist. In her book Touch, Maisie, a 9th grade girl, moves away from her dad, her evil stepmom, her darling stepbrother, and her 3 best friends, Shakes, Kevin, and Chris. When Maisie comes back after a year, she’s grown up and grown “out”. Boys being boys, they start to look at her in a different way. From that day on, no matter how hard Maisie tries, things just aren’t the same. One day, on the bus, a joke goes too far. In that moment, Maisie may have made the biggest mistake, she detached herself from the moment completely. When all four teens go back to school, the boys start making up rumors. They spread lies to everyone just to make Maisie have a harder time than she already has. As revenge Maisie lies about what happened also, or did she? When stepmom Joan chimes in and tries to sue the school, things get even more complicated. From then on, Maisie just can’t clearly remember what happened.
Touch, like many of Francine Prose’s books, has a very mature theme. This book emphasizes the fact that there are three sides to every story. With Touch, it’s theirs, hers, and the truth. Everyone is a little to blame in this book, so in reality no one is. Touch twists and turns the reader’s emotions with its believable and sincere look into a transitioning teenage girl’s life.
In Touch, the whole book revolves around teen sexuality and uses some strong language. This would make the book more intended for mature audiences. Readers who enjoy realistic fiction that is more authentic to what goes on in this world, would enjoy reading Touch. (Reviewed by Keondrea V.)
Touch, like many of Francine Prose’s books, has a very mature theme. This book emphasizes the fact that there are three sides to every story. With Touch, it’s theirs, hers, and the truth. Everyone is a little to blame in this book, so in reality no one is. Touch twists and turns the reader’s emotions with its believable and sincere look into a transitioning teenage girl’s life.
In Touch, the whole book revolves around teen sexuality and uses some strong language. This would make the book more intended for mature audiences. Readers who enjoy realistic fiction that is more authentic to what goes on in this world, would enjoy reading Touch. (Reviewed by Keondrea V.)
IF YOU COME SOFTLY by Jacqueline Woodson (1998) Romance
Three-Time Newbery Honor Author, Jacqueline Woodson, is the author of this romantic novel that follows a young couple who has to face racial prejudice and discrimination.
Elisha (Ellie) Eisen and Jeremiah (Miah) Roselind, both freshman at Percy Academy, fall in love at first sight. Being that they both don’t fit in that well, they connect in a way that is almost magical. Like any good love story, there is an obstacle that they need to face in order to be together. In this case, it’s the fact that Ellie is white and Miah is black.
Ellie, hushed and aloof, lives with her mother and busy father. Her family asserts that they have nothing against African Americans, but after a heated conversation with her homosexual sister, Ellie believes otherwise. Miah on the other hand, charismatic and robust, switches between his famous divorced parents’ houses. His father, being a movie producer, was used to being around very diverse groups of people, but always warned Miah about his actions in a white neighborhood. The two of them have to adjust to the disheartening stares of onlookers throughout their captivating relationship.
The story takes a heartbreaking twist that will either make or break the book for you. The addition of alternating narrators gives you the whole gripping story between the couple and the different perspectives on interracial relationships. As the story grows, Ellie and Miah will pull on your heartstrings and have you rooting for them until the end. I recommend this book to those who enjoy sappy love stories and relationships that beat the odds that are stacked against them. (Reviewed by Danielle S.)
Elisha (Ellie) Eisen and Jeremiah (Miah) Roselind, both freshman at Percy Academy, fall in love at first sight. Being that they both don’t fit in that well, they connect in a way that is almost magical. Like any good love story, there is an obstacle that they need to face in order to be together. In this case, it’s the fact that Ellie is white and Miah is black.
Ellie, hushed and aloof, lives with her mother and busy father. Her family asserts that they have nothing against African Americans, but after a heated conversation with her homosexual sister, Ellie believes otherwise. Miah on the other hand, charismatic and robust, switches between his famous divorced parents’ houses. His father, being a movie producer, was used to being around very diverse groups of people, but always warned Miah about his actions in a white neighborhood. The two of them have to adjust to the disheartening stares of onlookers throughout their captivating relationship.
The story takes a heartbreaking twist that will either make or break the book for you. The addition of alternating narrators gives you the whole gripping story between the couple and the different perspectives on interracial relationships. As the story grows, Ellie and Miah will pull on your heartstrings and have you rooting for them until the end. I recommend this book to those who enjoy sappy love stories and relationships that beat the odds that are stacked against them. (Reviewed by Danielle S.)
RULES OF ATTRACTION by Simone Elkeles (2010) Realistic Fiction
Simone Elkeles’s book Rules Of Attraction, a New York Times Bestseller, and a USA Today bestseller, is full of action and romance. Carlos, a seventeen year who has lived in Chicago, Mexico, and now Colorado, lives with his brother Alex. Both of the brothers had lives that revolved around gangs; both had witnessed murder. Carlos believes life revolves around taking drugs, drinking and partying. But after he meets Kiara, the daughter of Alex’s professor, his whole perspective on life changes. He realizes that he is afraid of letting people in and of being trusted by people in his life. Kiara and Carlos start off as enemies but eventually realize they’re perfect for each other.
Simone Elkeles does an amazing job of developing her characters. Similarly, in her previous novel, Perfect Chemistry she described the main character Alex and his girlfriend adequately and thoroughly. Even in Rules of Attraction she really shows how Carlos develops as not only a fictional character, but also as a person.
The mere mention of gangs frightens people beyond belief, but in this novel you get to see the other side of gangs. The side that treats each other like family and always counts on each other. Through descriptions and different points of views you realize that some people are born into the gang life and can’t help joining one.
Carlos becomes more involved in school, but the gangs still catch up with him. Throughout this novel Carlos goes through many ordeals that are stressful, or dangerous. At one point he is beaten up by a drug leader and his gang. Even though he was badly beaten, Carlos was still determined to go to homecoming with Kiara.
Rules Of Attraction is recommended for mature teens because of the frequent mention of drugs and gangs. Even though this book touches base on many serious subjects, it also incorporates comedic one liners and really makes you think about how lucky you may be compared to others. (Reviewed by Milijana V.)
***This book is not currently available in our LMC collection. Check it out at Wood Dale Public Library.
Simone Elkeles does an amazing job of developing her characters. Similarly, in her previous novel, Perfect Chemistry she described the main character Alex and his girlfriend adequately and thoroughly. Even in Rules of Attraction she really shows how Carlos develops as not only a fictional character, but also as a person.
The mere mention of gangs frightens people beyond belief, but in this novel you get to see the other side of gangs. The side that treats each other like family and always counts on each other. Through descriptions and different points of views you realize that some people are born into the gang life and can’t help joining one.
Carlos becomes more involved in school, but the gangs still catch up with him. Throughout this novel Carlos goes through many ordeals that are stressful, or dangerous. At one point he is beaten up by a drug leader and his gang. Even though he was badly beaten, Carlos was still determined to go to homecoming with Kiara.
Rules Of Attraction is recommended for mature teens because of the frequent mention of drugs and gangs. Even though this book touches base on many serious subjects, it also incorporates comedic one liners and really makes you think about how lucky you may be compared to others. (Reviewed by Milijana V.)
***This book is not currently available in our LMC collection. Check it out at Wood Dale Public Library.
THE SHADOW SOCIETY by Marie Rutkoski (2012) Science Fiction
Written by Marie Rutkoski, author of other young adult novels, including The Kronos Chronicles, lies The Shadow Society. This mysterious and winding story starts off with Darcy Jones. She was named that after she was taken into an adoption center at the age of five. Darcy had been isolated in the freezing sidewalk in front of a Chicago firehouse after an attack. As to what caused the attack, she is unsure, having no memory what happened anytime before that either.
Darcy now lives in a foster home, which has only been one of many. She had been moved around ever since she was young, once she had been returned to the adoption center because she had electrocuted herself in an outlet. However, this doesn’t stop Darcy from enjoying her time at school. It was there at her high school where she had met her few friends. All remains the same in this mysterious little town, until a new student arrives in Darcy’s class.
For a while, everything seems normal, until a teacher assigns a project. The new, unknown boy asked Darcy to be his partner. From there Darcy begins to open up to him. Shortly after, she learns his name is Conn. As they both agree to see each other after school, their bond begins to strengthen. Soon her mind starts to wander more and more. Darcy also begins to skip classes to be with Conn.
Their friendship ends abruptly one evening when they were in Darcy’s bedroom. The two had been talking when things started to pick up pace. After they share a kiss, Darcy hears a click and something burning her wrists. To her own surprise, she finds she had been handcuffed, though the handcuffs were made of glass. Determined to break free and escape from the enemy, Darcy smashes the glass handcuffs.
Shortly after she awakens not knowing what had happened before, she finds herself in the IBI center, which stands for The Interdimensional Bureau of Investigation. To her own dismay, Darcy learns she is in fact, not human but a shade. Darcy is forced to work for the IBI as a spy on her own people. There she meets Orion, another shade. Shades have an ability which turns them into a sort of ghost. In that state, they don’t age, need only water, and can go through objects. Darcy is faced with a predicament, shall she stay as a spy or live as a shade.
This young adult novel is aimed more for female readers who are interested in a strange balance of science-fiction and fantasy. There is no foul language in the book, or mature topics. There are certain parts that seem repeated or dull. (Reviewed by: Cristina R.)
Darcy now lives in a foster home, which has only been one of many. She had been moved around ever since she was young, once she had been returned to the adoption center because she had electrocuted herself in an outlet. However, this doesn’t stop Darcy from enjoying her time at school. It was there at her high school where she had met her few friends. All remains the same in this mysterious little town, until a new student arrives in Darcy’s class.
For a while, everything seems normal, until a teacher assigns a project. The new, unknown boy asked Darcy to be his partner. From there Darcy begins to open up to him. Shortly after, she learns his name is Conn. As they both agree to see each other after school, their bond begins to strengthen. Soon her mind starts to wander more and more. Darcy also begins to skip classes to be with Conn.
Their friendship ends abruptly one evening when they were in Darcy’s bedroom. The two had been talking when things started to pick up pace. After they share a kiss, Darcy hears a click and something burning her wrists. To her own surprise, she finds she had been handcuffed, though the handcuffs were made of glass. Determined to break free and escape from the enemy, Darcy smashes the glass handcuffs.
Shortly after she awakens not knowing what had happened before, she finds herself in the IBI center, which stands for The Interdimensional Bureau of Investigation. To her own dismay, Darcy learns she is in fact, not human but a shade. Darcy is forced to work for the IBI as a spy on her own people. There she meets Orion, another shade. Shades have an ability which turns them into a sort of ghost. In that state, they don’t age, need only water, and can go through objects. Darcy is faced with a predicament, shall she stay as a spy or live as a shade.
This young adult novel is aimed more for female readers who are interested in a strange balance of science-fiction and fantasy. There is no foul language in the book, or mature topics. There are certain parts that seem repeated or dull. (Reviewed by: Cristina R.)
CONFESSIONS: THE PARIS MYSTERIES by James Patterson (2014) Mystery
In this suspenseful sequel to James Patterson’s Confessions of a Murder Suspect, and Confessions: the Private School Murders, teen sleuth Tandy Angel, her brothers, and their legal guardian Uncle Jacob, have moved to their Grandma’s house in Paris. There, they find out that she has left them a fortune. Lots of things happen throughout the novel. James, the love of Tandy’s life returns, then leaves the next day. Why? Yet, Tandy has more important things to worry about. Her sister Katherine is dead. Everyone tells her a story she just doesn’t seem to buy. Tandy searches for answers on her own and finds lots of surprises along the way. In the beautiful city of Paris, everything and everyone are not what they seem.
The story is full of mystery, suspense, trust, intelligence, romance and betrayal. Author of the #1 bestselling Confessions series, James Patterson does a phenomenal job. What better setting than Paris, France to bring this book to life. After reading the first chapter you’re going to desperately want to skip to the end. To anyone who loves mystery with a little romance and suspense, this book is a perfect fit. This is better for mature readers because of violence and issues with the characters breaking the law. (Reviewed by Giovanna Cisneros)
The story is full of mystery, suspense, trust, intelligence, romance and betrayal. Author of the #1 bestselling Confessions series, James Patterson does a phenomenal job. What better setting than Paris, France to bring this book to life. After reading the first chapter you’re going to desperately want to skip to the end. To anyone who loves mystery with a little romance and suspense, this book is a perfect fit. This is better for mature readers because of violence and issues with the characters breaking the law. (Reviewed by Giovanna Cisneros)
THE RULES OF SURVIVAL by Nancy Werlin (2006) Realistic Fiction
- Sometimes, the people who mean you harm are the ones who say they love you.
- Fear is your friend. When you feel it, act.
- Protect the little ones.
- If you’ve coped before, you can cope now.
- Always remember: In the end, the survivor gets to tell the story.
It all started when Matt and Callie traveled to a convenience store in hopes to buy two popsicles to cool off on a warm August night. There they see a man-- a cowardly father-- who is shaking his scared little son. The boy had taken a package of Reese’s Pieces and was found guilty from his father. “I’ll teach you to take things without permission! Spend my money without asking!” the father screams. In disappointment and fear, the little kid starts crying and wailing. The father prepares to slap the kid when suddenly he gets swept up from a man. Matt has always tried to protect his little sisters in the best possible way he can. He realizes that the man from the convenient store is his way out.
The Rules of Survival is a finalist for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. I strongly recommend this book to everybody, but especially those who love dramatic plots. It is told in first person by Matt. He writes it to his youngest sister Emmy who has been confused and traumatized throughout the years. I believe the five rules that you learn in the book are morals to take with you in life. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you wonder “What if..?” (Reviewed by Alyssa S.)
PAY THE PIPER by Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple (2005) Fantasy
In this novel, Jane Yolen, author of the books, Lost Boy, Elsie’s Bird, All Star!, Foiled Again, Last Laughs and the 2005 Book of the Week: Pay the Piper, brings a fairy tale to real life. On the night before Halloween, Callie McCallan’s favorite band, Brass Rat, is coming to play a concert in her town. She can’t believe that she is going to an interview with the band and will get to write the story for the school newspaper. When she went back to the band’s dressing room after the concert to ask them one last question, she overhears Gringas and Alabas, two of the band members (an exiled Prince and his best friend), talking about something she shouldn’t have heard.
When Halloween night comes around, Callie stayed home so she could write about her interview with the band, her parents went to a Halloween party, and her younger brother, Nicky, went trick-or-treating with the neighbors. Callie realized that her brother wasn’t home on time and it was already very late. She decides to go look for him and the other children that have suddenly disappeared too. On the way to find the kids, Callie runs into Scott, the guitarist from Brass Rat and her crush, and once Callie explains what she thinks is going on and what she heard Gringas and Alabas talking about, Scott decides to help her find the kids. When they finally find them up on an old hill, they are captured and taken to a fairy tale world called Faerie. They are taken to Faerie as a payment to the king so Gringas and Alabas can remain immortal for seven more years. However, to conclude the story, Callie finds a loophole that would help free her, the captured children, and the kids that were imprisoned in Faerie many years ago. Gringas and Alabas were finally allowed to return home.
This author decided to use flashback to describe the former life of Gringas, one of the main characters and the second eldest prince of Faerie, and to show why he and Alabas, his best friend, were exiled from Faerie. However, the author also switches the main character to a normal, American teenage girl named Callie. All in all, I recommend this book for junior high students; it has fast paced, non realistic events in the story and the character changes in every other chapter. (Reviewed By: Hanna M.)
When Halloween night comes around, Callie stayed home so she could write about her interview with the band, her parents went to a Halloween party, and her younger brother, Nicky, went trick-or-treating with the neighbors. Callie realized that her brother wasn’t home on time and it was already very late. She decides to go look for him and the other children that have suddenly disappeared too. On the way to find the kids, Callie runs into Scott, the guitarist from Brass Rat and her crush, and once Callie explains what she thinks is going on and what she heard Gringas and Alabas talking about, Scott decides to help her find the kids. When they finally find them up on an old hill, they are captured and taken to a fairy tale world called Faerie. They are taken to Faerie as a payment to the king so Gringas and Alabas can remain immortal for seven more years. However, to conclude the story, Callie finds a loophole that would help free her, the captured children, and the kids that were imprisoned in Faerie many years ago. Gringas and Alabas were finally allowed to return home.
This author decided to use flashback to describe the former life of Gringas, one of the main characters and the second eldest prince of Faerie, and to show why he and Alabas, his best friend, were exiled from Faerie. However, the author also switches the main character to a normal, American teenage girl named Callie. All in all, I recommend this book for junior high students; it has fast paced, non realistic events in the story and the character changes in every other chapter. (Reviewed By: Hanna M.)
WINTER BOOK REVIEWS 2015
BEYOND: A Ghost Story by Graham McNamee (2012) Horror
Jane has cheated death since the day she was born, when she was revived by doctors after her delivery. But something sinister came back with her that day, and has been stalking her ever since. Now 17, Jane has survived a number of near death “accidents”, which outsiders believe to be Jane’s own doing. But Jane knows better. Her menacing, ghostly shadow has driven her to the brink once too often. After the most recent incident, Jane calls on her best friend Lexi, her “creep sister”, to help discover the root of the evil that she lives with every day. When a dead body is discovered in the aftermath of a mudslide, the pieces of this horrific puzzle begin to fall into place. Can Jane rid herself of her shadowy tormenter before he is finally successful in taking her to the Other Side?
Graham McNamee, author of Bonechiller and the Edgar Award winning Acceleration, has created a heart pounding ghost story that will constantly leave you on the edge of your seat. Jane and Lexi are believable and likable characters who always have each other’s backs, especially when things seem most out of control. And Jane’s loving parents do their best to protect their only child, even as she keeps them out of the loop regarding the real but unbelievable reason for her life threatening mishaps. Ryan is Jane’s smart, easy going crush, who gives Jane reason to hope that someday she could lead a normal life. And the chilly, rainy town of Edgewood, set on Canada’s western coast, is the perfect setting for this disturbing, psychological ghost story. Better read it with the lights on! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Graham McNamee, author of Bonechiller and the Edgar Award winning Acceleration, has created a heart pounding ghost story that will constantly leave you on the edge of your seat. Jane and Lexi are believable and likable characters who always have each other’s backs, especially when things seem most out of control. And Jane’s loving parents do their best to protect their only child, even as she keeps them out of the loop regarding the real but unbelievable reason for her life threatening mishaps. Ryan is Jane’s smart, easy going crush, who gives Jane reason to hope that someday she could lead a normal life. And the chilly, rainy town of Edgewood, set on Canada’s western coast, is the perfect setting for this disturbing, psychological ghost story. Better read it with the lights on! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING GLOGSTERS CREATED BY 8TH GRADE STUDENTS FOR AN AUTHOR STUDY PROJECT. STUDENTS HAD TO ANSWER HOW AUTHORS' EXPERIENCES IMPACT THEIR WRITING. SEE WHAT THEY CAME UP WITH. (Use BACK ARROW to return to Book Reviews Page.)
Amber A. - What Happened to Good-Bye Sarah Dessen
http://aa1415.edu.glogster.com/what-happened-to-goodbye
Agata K. - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone J. K. Rowling
http://ak1415.edu.glogster.com/harry-potter-author-study
Adrian M. - God Save the Child Robert B. Parker
http://am1001179.edu.glogster.com/robert-b-parker
Austin A. - Skullduggery Pleasant Derek Landy
http://ama1415.edu.glogster.com/derek-landy
Alyssa S. - An Abundance of Katherines John Green
http://as1415.edu.glogster.com/john-green-an-abundance-of-katherines
Alexis V. - Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil John Berendt
http://av1415.edu.glogster.com/john-berendt
Bart B. - Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Douglas Adams
http://bb1415.edu.glogster.com/douglas-adams-author-study
Cristina R. - Legend Marie Lu
http://cr1415.edu.glogster.com/legend
Danielle S. - The Lying Game Series Sara Shepard
http://ds1415.edu.glogster.com/lying-game
Giovanna C. - Jennifer E. Smith
http://gc1415.edu.glogster.com/author-project
Grace K. - Suzanne Collins
http://gk1415.edu.glogster.com/suzanne-collins-author-study
George T. - Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Douglas Adams
http://gt1415.edu.glogster.com/george-t-author-study
Hanna M. - Percy Jackson and the Olympians Rick Riordan
http://hsm1415.edu.glogster.com/rick-riordan
Isabelle S. - Margaret Peterson Haddix
http://is1415.edu.glogster.com/haddix
Jeff A. - Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain
http://ja1415.edu.glogster.com/mark-twain
Joy B. - Margaret Peterson Haddix
http://jb1415.edu.glogster.com/margaret-peterson-haddix
Kacper G. - Sea of Monsters Rick Riordan
http://kg1415.edu.glogster.com/percy-jackson
Karsen I. - E. Lockart
http://ki1415.edu.glogster.com/e-lockhart
Kamila K. - Jenny Han
http://kk1415.edu.glogster.com/jenny-han
Keondrea v. - Gabrielle Zevin
http://knv1415.edu.glogster.com/gabrielle-zevin
Mackenzie M. - Sarah Dessen
http://mlm1415.edu.glogster.com/sarah-dessen
Manal M. - The Lightning Thief Rick Riordan
http://mm1415.edu.glogster.com/percy-jackson
Marilyn M. - Looking for Alaska John Green
http://mrm1415.edu.glogster.com/blank-2075
Mitch T. - George Orwell
http://mt1415.edu.glogster.com/blank-4965
Milijana V. - Cassandra Clare
http://mv1415.edu.glogster.com/cassandra-clare
Natalie H. - Jennifer E. Smith
http://nh1415.edu.glogster.com/blank-8236
Nataly R. - Marlene Perez
http://nr1415.edu.glogster.com/blank-1908
Ruth K. - Beauty and the Beast Wendy Mass
http://rk1415.edu.glogster.com/beauty-and-the-beast
Serena N. - John Green
http://sln1415.edu.glogster.com/john-green
Sammen N. - Sara Shepard
http://sn1415.edu.glogster.com/author-study-project
Vanessa S. - Gayle Forman
http://vs1415.edu.glogster.com/gayle-forman-author-study
Mrs. Cline - J. K. Rowling
http://wdjhlmc.edu.glogster.com/j-k-rowling/
http://aa1415.edu.glogster.com/what-happened-to-goodbye
Agata K. - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone J. K. Rowling
http://ak1415.edu.glogster.com/harry-potter-author-study
Adrian M. - God Save the Child Robert B. Parker
http://am1001179.edu.glogster.com/robert-b-parker
Austin A. - Skullduggery Pleasant Derek Landy
http://ama1415.edu.glogster.com/derek-landy
Alyssa S. - An Abundance of Katherines John Green
http://as1415.edu.glogster.com/john-green-an-abundance-of-katherines
Alexis V. - Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil John Berendt
http://av1415.edu.glogster.com/john-berendt
Bart B. - Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Douglas Adams
http://bb1415.edu.glogster.com/douglas-adams-author-study
Cristina R. - Legend Marie Lu
http://cr1415.edu.glogster.com/legend
Danielle S. - The Lying Game Series Sara Shepard
http://ds1415.edu.glogster.com/lying-game
Giovanna C. - Jennifer E. Smith
http://gc1415.edu.glogster.com/author-project
Grace K. - Suzanne Collins
http://gk1415.edu.glogster.com/suzanne-collins-author-study
George T. - Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Douglas Adams
http://gt1415.edu.glogster.com/george-t-author-study
Hanna M. - Percy Jackson and the Olympians Rick Riordan
http://hsm1415.edu.glogster.com/rick-riordan
Isabelle S. - Margaret Peterson Haddix
http://is1415.edu.glogster.com/haddix
Jeff A. - Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain
http://ja1415.edu.glogster.com/mark-twain
Joy B. - Margaret Peterson Haddix
http://jb1415.edu.glogster.com/margaret-peterson-haddix
Kacper G. - Sea of Monsters Rick Riordan
http://kg1415.edu.glogster.com/percy-jackson
Karsen I. - E. Lockart
http://ki1415.edu.glogster.com/e-lockhart
Kamila K. - Jenny Han
http://kk1415.edu.glogster.com/jenny-han
Keondrea v. - Gabrielle Zevin
http://knv1415.edu.glogster.com/gabrielle-zevin
Mackenzie M. - Sarah Dessen
http://mlm1415.edu.glogster.com/sarah-dessen
Manal M. - The Lightning Thief Rick Riordan
http://mm1415.edu.glogster.com/percy-jackson
Marilyn M. - Looking for Alaska John Green
http://mrm1415.edu.glogster.com/blank-2075
Mitch T. - George Orwell
http://mt1415.edu.glogster.com/blank-4965
Milijana V. - Cassandra Clare
http://mv1415.edu.glogster.com/cassandra-clare
Natalie H. - Jennifer E. Smith
http://nh1415.edu.glogster.com/blank-8236
Nataly R. - Marlene Perez
http://nr1415.edu.glogster.com/blank-1908
Ruth K. - Beauty and the Beast Wendy Mass
http://rk1415.edu.glogster.com/beauty-and-the-beast
Serena N. - John Green
http://sln1415.edu.glogster.com/john-green
Sammen N. - Sara Shepard
http://sn1415.edu.glogster.com/author-study-project
Vanessa S. - Gayle Forman
http://vs1415.edu.glogster.com/gayle-forman-author-study
Mrs. Cline - J. K. Rowling
http://wdjhlmc.edu.glogster.com/j-k-rowling/
Fall 2014 Book Reviews
THE SIXTY-EIGHT ROOMS Marianne Malone (2010) Fantasy
The first book of Marianne Malone’s Sixty-Eight Rooms series is a sweet, clever story of friendship, and the need for a little magic in everyone’s life. Ruthie and her best friend Jack are sixth grade students at a private school in Chicago. Tired of her ho-hum existence, Ruthie dreams of a little excitement in her life. While visiting the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago on a field trip, Ruthie and Jack can’t get enough of the famous Thorne Room exhibit, a collection of 68 miniature rooms, amazing for their authenticity, historical accuracy, and attention to detail. When Mr. Bell, a museum security guard, gives Jack and Ruthie the chance to see the tiny rooms from behind the scenes, it begins an adventure they never could have imagined. A beautiful key discovered by Jack shrinks the children down to a size that allows them to explore the incredible Thorne Rooms from the inside out. They return several times, making friends from the distant past, finding treasured objects that may help explain the magic, and deciding when and how to share their unbelievable story.
If you’ve never seen the Thorne Rooms, it is definitely worth a trip to the Art Institute. It is easy to see how Ruthie and Jack are drawn in by their magical miniature world. The adult characters are likable, and the historical eras that the children stumble into, via the magical rooms, provide just the right amount of danger. Fans of Blue Balliett’s Chasing Vermeer and The Wright Three, and Elise Broach’s Shakespeare’s Secret, will enjoy this book. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
If you’ve never seen the Thorne Rooms, it is definitely worth a trip to the Art Institute. It is easy to see how Ruthie and Jack are drawn in by their magical miniature world. The adult characters are likable, and the historical eras that the children stumble into, via the magical rooms, provide just the right amount of danger. Fans of Blue Balliett’s Chasing Vermeer and The Wright Three, and Elise Broach’s Shakespeare’s Secret, will enjoy this book. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
View the slide show of the Thorne Rooms.
WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart (2014) Realistic Fiction
In her newest novel, E. Lockhart, author of National Book Award finalist, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks, creates a tragically stunning portrait of the Sinclair family – outwardly wealthy, influential, and beautiful, but psychologically lost and broken. The story centers around Cadence “Cady” Sinclair Eastman, her beloved cousins Mirren and Johnny, and Gat, the extended family member with whom Cady falls deeply in love. They refer to themselves as “The Liars” and spend every glorious summer on their Grandparents’ private island off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, along with their mothers and younger cousins. The Liars are inseparable, until summer fifteen, when Cady suffers a mysterious accident. Recovering at home in Vermont, she is plagued by debilitating migraines and memory loss -- poked, prodded and medicated by countless doctors and psychiatrists. When she finally returns to the island for summer seventeen, Cady’s memories begin to return in bits and pieces, revealing a potent and tragic secret that shakes the Sinclair family to its powerful roots.
Lockhart’s simple sentence structure makes this a fast paced read, and the back and forth of Cady’s sporadic memories will keep you guessing. The characters are memorable and complex, from the loving but flawed family patriarch, to the greedy, status conscious aunts, to the cousins themselves. Cady’s complicated romance with Gat, a brilliant, socially aware boy who struggles with his place in the Sinclair family, is both honest and heartbreaking. Your jaw will drop at the haunting, “I didn’t see THAT coming” ending, and you’ll re-run the story in your head wondering how you could have missed the clues. This is a book that you will be talking about for a long time to come. Recommended for mature readers for subject matter and occasional strong language. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Lockhart’s simple sentence structure makes this a fast paced read, and the back and forth of Cady’s sporadic memories will keep you guessing. The characters are memorable and complex, from the loving but flawed family patriarch, to the greedy, status conscious aunts, to the cousins themselves. Cady’s complicated romance with Gat, a brilliant, socially aware boy who struggles with his place in the Sinclair family, is both honest and heartbreaking. Your jaw will drop at the haunting, “I didn’t see THAT coming” ending, and you’ll re-run the story in your head wondering how you could have missed the clues. This is a book that you will be talking about for a long time to come. Recommended for mature readers for subject matter and occasional strong language. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
TEN MILES PAST NORMAL by Francis O’Rourke Dowell (2011) Realistic Fiction
When Janie Gorman was 9, she begged her parents to move the family to a farm, and was more than a little surprised when they took her up on it. Seemed like a good idea at the time. But now that she’s a high school freshman, the country life is losing its charm.
All Janie wants is to be normal, to fit in. Hard to do with goat poop on your shoes. People end up remembering you for all the wrong reasons.
Things begin to look up when Janie and her best friend Sarah join the Friday afternoon Jam Band, and come up with an unbeatable project for their Women’s Studies class. With the help of Sarah’s sister Emma, an unlikely crush named “Monster”, and a pair of octogenarian civil rights pioneers, Janie makes some new friends, helps to re-open a ground breaking school, learns the real meaning of the word “gentleman”, and finds out that being a little different isn’t so bad. Maybe Janie will survive high school after all.
Francis O’Rourke Dowell is the author of the popular Secret Language of Girls series, Chicken Boy, and Shooting the Moon. Like those books, the young characters are interesting and well defined, and most of them you would be happy to call your friend. There are strong themes of family, friendship, and doing what’s right. This is a quick, feel good read with plenty of teen appeal. Pick it up today! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
All Janie wants is to be normal, to fit in. Hard to do with goat poop on your shoes. People end up remembering you for all the wrong reasons.
Things begin to look up when Janie and her best friend Sarah join the Friday afternoon Jam Band, and come up with an unbeatable project for their Women’s Studies class. With the help of Sarah’s sister Emma, an unlikely crush named “Monster”, and a pair of octogenarian civil rights pioneers, Janie makes some new friends, helps to re-open a ground breaking school, learns the real meaning of the word “gentleman”, and finds out that being a little different isn’t so bad. Maybe Janie will survive high school after all.
Francis O’Rourke Dowell is the author of the popular Secret Language of Girls series, Chicken Boy, and Shooting the Moon. Like those books, the young characters are interesting and well defined, and most of them you would be happy to call your friend. There are strong themes of family, friendship, and doing what’s right. This is a quick, feel good read with plenty of teen appeal. Pick it up today! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THIRTEEN REASONS WHY: A NOVEL by Jay Asher (2007) Realistic Fiction
High school senior Clay Jenson is psyched when he receives a mysterious package on his front porch, but his excitement turns to panic and despair when he realizes what it is. The package contains a series of cassette tapes recorded by a classmate, Hannah Baker, who committed suicide only a few weeks ago. The tapes are being passed along through a string of Hannah’s classmates, all of whom played a part in her decision to take her own life. As Hannah narrates the various events, some that many people would consider minor, and some with very serious consequences, she builds a story of secrets, rumors, reputations, cruelty, and betrayal that can sadly be a part of teen life.
With Hannah’s words playing through his headphones (italicized throughout the book), Clay follows Hannah’s trail around their small town, returning to the scenes of the events as they play out on the tapes. Clay, who had a quiet crush on Hannah, struggles to keep listening, with his own heartbroken thoughts and responses alternating with Hannah’s words. His anger at his insensitive schoolmates for their mistreatment of Hannah, and at Hannah herself for getting caught up in such unwinnable situations, builds throughout the night as he draws closer to the devastating conclusion.
This book was un-put-down-able. It moves at warp speed, thanks to the author’s clever device of the non-stop back and forth between Hannah’s recorded voice and Clay’s gut-wrenching reactions. Hannah’s prophetic insight that “Everything affects everything” is proven true as the story builds to its tragic climax. This book is recommended for mature readers due to the disturbing subject matter. But it’s a book that every teen should eventually read. It reinforces the reality that we never really know how our words and actions will affect another individual – what we consider to be small and unimportant can be life changing for someone else. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
With Hannah’s words playing through his headphones (italicized throughout the book), Clay follows Hannah’s trail around their small town, returning to the scenes of the events as they play out on the tapes. Clay, who had a quiet crush on Hannah, struggles to keep listening, with his own heartbroken thoughts and responses alternating with Hannah’s words. His anger at his insensitive schoolmates for their mistreatment of Hannah, and at Hannah herself for getting caught up in such unwinnable situations, builds throughout the night as he draws closer to the devastating conclusion.
This book was un-put-down-able. It moves at warp speed, thanks to the author’s clever device of the non-stop back and forth between Hannah’s recorded voice and Clay’s gut-wrenching reactions. Hannah’s prophetic insight that “Everything affects everything” is proven true as the story builds to its tragic climax. This book is recommended for mature readers due to the disturbing subject matter. But it’s a book that every teen should eventually read. It reinforces the reality that we never really know how our words and actions will affect another individual – what we consider to be small and unimportant can be life changing for someone else. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Summer Reading Suggestions
IF I STAY by Gayle Forman (2009) Realistic Fiction
If I Stay, this powerful page turner by Gayle Forman, will surely appeal to fans of John Green’s huge hit, The Fault in Our Stars. It possesses the same sense of quiet urgency, the result of a tender teen romance threatened by an unspeakable tragedy.
Mia is 17, part of a slightly quirky but loving family, including her formerly wild child parents, her boisterous and beloved kid brother Teddy, and an assortment of relatives and family friends. Mia likes hanging out with her best friend Kim, and playing her treasured cello. In fact, her extraordinary talent and passion may just earn her an audition for a coveted spot at Julliard. But mostly, there’s her devoted boyfriend Adam, himself a musician, who plays with a popular local punk band. Though there are the usual teenage uncertainties, Mia has reason to feel that her life is going pretty well.
That all takes a tragic turn one snowy morning when a devastating accident changes the course of Mia’s life forever. Lying comatose in the intensive care unit, Mia’s disembodied self hovers above the action, observing the medical staff tending to her broken body while her friends and relatives come to grips with the situation. As Mia recalls significant moments from her past, she must make the ultimate decision – should she take the easy way out and peacefully slip from this life, or is her life, now altered forever, still worth the effort of living.
Under 200 pages, the story of Mia’s life and death struggle covers the 24 hour time period immediately following the accident, moving the narrative along at a fast pace. The hospital setting is realistically stressful, with its constant bustle of the dedicated, sleep deprived nurses, the frustration of the overextended social worker, and the tension of the surgical team in the OR. The adult characters are highly likable, especially Mia’s punk rocker turned middle school teacher dad and her no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is mom. Most importantly, the gently loving relationship between Mia and Adam, with its insecurities and imperfections, is authentic and compelling. Will their love for each other be enough to turn the tide?
I would recommend this book to mature readers for its young adult themes, mildly disturbing descriptions of medical procedures, and occasional strong language. The sequel, Where She Went, picks up several years later, told from Adam's point of view. NOTE: The film version of If I Stay is due in theaters August 22, 2014. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Mia is 17, part of a slightly quirky but loving family, including her formerly wild child parents, her boisterous and beloved kid brother Teddy, and an assortment of relatives and family friends. Mia likes hanging out with her best friend Kim, and playing her treasured cello. In fact, her extraordinary talent and passion may just earn her an audition for a coveted spot at Julliard. But mostly, there’s her devoted boyfriend Adam, himself a musician, who plays with a popular local punk band. Though there are the usual teenage uncertainties, Mia has reason to feel that her life is going pretty well.
That all takes a tragic turn one snowy morning when a devastating accident changes the course of Mia’s life forever. Lying comatose in the intensive care unit, Mia’s disembodied self hovers above the action, observing the medical staff tending to her broken body while her friends and relatives come to grips with the situation. As Mia recalls significant moments from her past, she must make the ultimate decision – should she take the easy way out and peacefully slip from this life, or is her life, now altered forever, still worth the effort of living.
Under 200 pages, the story of Mia’s life and death struggle covers the 24 hour time period immediately following the accident, moving the narrative along at a fast pace. The hospital setting is realistically stressful, with its constant bustle of the dedicated, sleep deprived nurses, the frustration of the overextended social worker, and the tension of the surgical team in the OR. The adult characters are highly likable, especially Mia’s punk rocker turned middle school teacher dad and her no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is mom. Most importantly, the gently loving relationship between Mia and Adam, with its insecurities and imperfections, is authentic and compelling. Will their love for each other be enough to turn the tide?
I would recommend this book to mature readers for its young adult themes, mildly disturbing descriptions of medical procedures, and occasional strong language. The sequel, Where She Went, picks up several years later, told from Adam's point of view. NOTE: The film version of If I Stay is due in theaters August 22, 2014. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
BOMB: The Race to Build – and Steal – the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin 2012 Historical Non-Fiction
Non-fiction author Steve Sheinkin, possesses a special talent. As he did in the award winning The Notorious Benedict Arnold, Sheinkin creates a fast paced and thrilling narrative about a complicated topic – in this case, the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. It’s a meticulously researched, fact-filled story that artfully intertwines the science, politics, espionage, and sabotage that surrounded this world changing event.
Supported by a large collection of primary sources, Sheinkin creates a clever jig-saw puzzle. A major part of the story focuses on the brilliant physicist Robert Oppenheimer and his team of world class scientists and mathematicians, recruited by the US government to research, assemble, and test the first atomic bomb at the top secret government facility at Los Alamos, New Mexico. As they proceeded with their quest to build “the gadget”, the participants took tremendous pride in the scientific discovery while questioning the morality of creating a weapon of such destructive power. Meanwhile, Nazi Germany was putting together a team to create its own version of the atomic bomb. Brave resistance fighters performing daring acts of sabotage were determined to prevent this potentially disastrous event. And finally, Sheinkin provides a master class in spycraft , as the Soviet Union recruited Communist sympathizers in America to steal our nuclear secrets and pass them along to the KGB (the Soviet equivalent of our CIA). Because although the Soviets were our allies during the war, they were not our friends, and they could not imagine a post-war world where only the US would have the power to annihilate its enemies. Sheinkin skillfully steers the story back and forth between these three scenarios, leading up to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, effectively ending the Second World War, and changing the face of weaponry and warfare forever.
Many black and white photographs appear throughout the book, introducing the major players and supporting story details. BOMB earned a well deserved Newbery Honor as well as the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, and was a National Book Award finalist. If you are a history buff, this book is a must read page turner – real life events that are scarier than fiction. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Supported by a large collection of primary sources, Sheinkin creates a clever jig-saw puzzle. A major part of the story focuses on the brilliant physicist Robert Oppenheimer and his team of world class scientists and mathematicians, recruited by the US government to research, assemble, and test the first atomic bomb at the top secret government facility at Los Alamos, New Mexico. As they proceeded with their quest to build “the gadget”, the participants took tremendous pride in the scientific discovery while questioning the morality of creating a weapon of such destructive power. Meanwhile, Nazi Germany was putting together a team to create its own version of the atomic bomb. Brave resistance fighters performing daring acts of sabotage were determined to prevent this potentially disastrous event. And finally, Sheinkin provides a master class in spycraft , as the Soviet Union recruited Communist sympathizers in America to steal our nuclear secrets and pass them along to the KGB (the Soviet equivalent of our CIA). Because although the Soviets were our allies during the war, they were not our friends, and they could not imagine a post-war world where only the US would have the power to annihilate its enemies. Sheinkin skillfully steers the story back and forth between these three scenarios, leading up to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, effectively ending the Second World War, and changing the face of weaponry and warfare forever.
Many black and white photographs appear throughout the book, introducing the major players and supporting story details. BOMB earned a well deserved Newbery Honor as well as the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, and was a National Book Award finalist. If you are a history buff, this book is a must read page turner – real life events that are scarier than fiction. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE RAVEN BOYS by Maggie Stiefvater (2012) Supernatural Thriller
The Raven Boys is the first mystical volume of a planned four book cycle by Maggie Stiefvater. The author of the mesmerizing The Scorpio Races has again written an ingeniously plotted, character driven story, this time set in the forested hills of modern day Virginia.
In the small town of Henrietta, 16-year-old Blue Sargent lives in a house full of psychics, including her single mother. While Blue herself does not have psychic powers, she plays a role in the family business by using her gift of heightening the psychic abilities of others. She is also haunted by a family prophecy that a kiss with her true love will bring about his death. As she has no boyfriend, this holds little meaning for Blue, but that could change when she meets a group of Raven Boys, the nickname for students from exclusive Aglionby Academy.
Gansey - wealthy, handsome, loyal, and smart - is obsessed with awakening the “ley lines” that are supposedly hidden in the hills surrounding Henrietta. Ley lines, invisible lines of extraordinary energy that connect spiritual places, may be the key in Gansey’s search for Glendower, a mythical Welsh king whom Gansey hopes to release from eternal sleep.
Gansyey’s trusted friends support him in his mission. Adam is a proud, hardworking scholarship student who is drawn to Blue. Smart alecky Ronan is angry and sometimes violent after the death of his father, and Noah is the eerily enigmatic Raven Boy who rounds out the foursome. When Blue reluctantly agrees to help the boys with their supernatural quest, a series of frightening and unexplainable events is set in motion.
Stiefvater is masterful at intertwining various plotlines – the supernatural mystery, the characters’ complicated family situations, and Blue’s conflicted feelings for each of the Raven Boys are seamlessly threaded throughout the story, leading to a satisfying conclusion, but leaving the reader hoping for more. The characters are complex and memorable, and I look forward to seeing them again in the second book of the series, The Dream Thieves. This shiver inducing paranormal series is off to a flying start. Recommended for mature readers for paranormal themes and occasional strong language. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
In the small town of Henrietta, 16-year-old Blue Sargent lives in a house full of psychics, including her single mother. While Blue herself does not have psychic powers, she plays a role in the family business by using her gift of heightening the psychic abilities of others. She is also haunted by a family prophecy that a kiss with her true love will bring about his death. As she has no boyfriend, this holds little meaning for Blue, but that could change when she meets a group of Raven Boys, the nickname for students from exclusive Aglionby Academy.
Gansey - wealthy, handsome, loyal, and smart - is obsessed with awakening the “ley lines” that are supposedly hidden in the hills surrounding Henrietta. Ley lines, invisible lines of extraordinary energy that connect spiritual places, may be the key in Gansey’s search for Glendower, a mythical Welsh king whom Gansey hopes to release from eternal sleep.
Gansyey’s trusted friends support him in his mission. Adam is a proud, hardworking scholarship student who is drawn to Blue. Smart alecky Ronan is angry and sometimes violent after the death of his father, and Noah is the eerily enigmatic Raven Boy who rounds out the foursome. When Blue reluctantly agrees to help the boys with their supernatural quest, a series of frightening and unexplainable events is set in motion.
Stiefvater is masterful at intertwining various plotlines – the supernatural mystery, the characters’ complicated family situations, and Blue’s conflicted feelings for each of the Raven Boys are seamlessly threaded throughout the story, leading to a satisfying conclusion, but leaving the reader hoping for more. The characters are complex and memorable, and I look forward to seeing them again in the second book of the series, The Dream Thieves. This shiver inducing paranormal series is off to a flying start. Recommended for mature readers for paranormal themes and occasional strong language. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
DEAD END IN NORVELT by Jack Gantos (2011) Historical Fiction
Jack Gantos, author of the popular Joey Pigza novels, has come up with another winner with Dead End in Norvelt – literally. This book received the 2012 Newbery Medal, as well as the Scott O’Dell Award for historical fiction.
It’s 1962, and young Jack is looking forward to a summer vacation full of baseball and drive-in movies. But thanks to a few unfortunate mishaps, he instead finds himself “grounded for life.” His only hope of escaping his room is by doing back-breaking chores for his dad, or by helping out his eccentric neighbor, Miss Volker, who writes obituaries for the local newspaper. As she dictates her columns, Jack transcribes and types them, something her arthritic hands are no longer able to do. As it happens, there’s plenty to keep Jack busy, since the elderly founding members of his historical hometown of Norvelt, Pennsylvania are mysteriously dropping like flies.
The screwball story of Jack’s summer involves his mom’s ruined corn crop and his dad’s do-it-yourself airplane, a long ago marriage proposal, the local Girl Scout troop, the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang, the town’s busy undertaker, and Jack’s overly sensitive nose, which spews blood whenever he gets nervous or excited.
This book is similar in spirit to Richard Peck’s funny and endearing novel, A Long Way from Chicago. Jack’s loving but slightly dysfunctional relationship with his parents, and the hilarious friendship that develops between him and the quirky, outspoken Miss Volker keep the story zipping along. I thoroughly enjoyed this terrific summer getaway, and look forward to reading the sequel, From Norvelt to Nowhere. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
It’s 1962, and young Jack is looking forward to a summer vacation full of baseball and drive-in movies. But thanks to a few unfortunate mishaps, he instead finds himself “grounded for life.” His only hope of escaping his room is by doing back-breaking chores for his dad, or by helping out his eccentric neighbor, Miss Volker, who writes obituaries for the local newspaper. As she dictates her columns, Jack transcribes and types them, something her arthritic hands are no longer able to do. As it happens, there’s plenty to keep Jack busy, since the elderly founding members of his historical hometown of Norvelt, Pennsylvania are mysteriously dropping like flies.
The screwball story of Jack’s summer involves his mom’s ruined corn crop and his dad’s do-it-yourself airplane, a long ago marriage proposal, the local Girl Scout troop, the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang, the town’s busy undertaker, and Jack’s overly sensitive nose, which spews blood whenever he gets nervous or excited.
This book is similar in spirit to Richard Peck’s funny and endearing novel, A Long Way from Chicago. Jack’s loving but slightly dysfunctional relationship with his parents, and the hilarious friendship that develops between him and the quirky, outspoken Miss Volker keep the story zipping along. I thoroughly enjoyed this terrific summer getaway, and look forward to reading the sequel, From Norvelt to Nowhere. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN by Katherine Applegate (2012) Animal Fiction/Friendship
Katherine Applegate’s Newbery Award winning story of a small group of animals, captured in the wild but now on display in a run-down shopping mall, is a gentle, heartfelt reminder of the significance and power that true friendship holds.
This book is a Charlotte’s Web for a new generation – told from the point of view of the animal characters at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, in particular a wise and artistic silverback gorilla named Ivan. Ivan and his best friend, a motherly elephant named Stella, have spent most of their lives in glass enclosures, being gawked at over the years by the mall customers. They have all but forgotten their lives in the wild, and have come to accept their fates. But when business begins to slow down, the mall owner brings in a new attraction, a baby elephant named Ruby. Ruby’s childlike sense of wonder and her dependence on the aging Stella and Ivan lead Ivan to the conclusion that Ruby deserves better. He hatches a plan, and with the help of the night custodian George and his daughter Julia, Ivan sets his idea in motion to give Ruby the life she deserves.
Although this book is a work of fiction, it is based on a true story of a real gorilla named Ivan, who, like the fictional Ivan, spent 27 years caged as a shopping mall attraction. The character of Julia is reminiscent of Fern’s character in Charlotte’s Web, and there is even a comical wise guy with a heart of gold Templeton-like character in the form of Bob, a little stray dog who keeps Ivan company in his enclosure. The interactions between the animal friends are genuine and endearing, guiding the reader through a roller coaster of emotional empathy – outrage, grief, and finally hope. Besides the Newbery Award, this extraordinary book landed at the top of many best-book-of-the-year lists, including Kirkus Review, School Library Journal, and Amazon. It should be at the top of your MUST-READ list. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
This book is a Charlotte’s Web for a new generation – told from the point of view of the animal characters at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, in particular a wise and artistic silverback gorilla named Ivan. Ivan and his best friend, a motherly elephant named Stella, have spent most of their lives in glass enclosures, being gawked at over the years by the mall customers. They have all but forgotten their lives in the wild, and have come to accept their fates. But when business begins to slow down, the mall owner brings in a new attraction, a baby elephant named Ruby. Ruby’s childlike sense of wonder and her dependence on the aging Stella and Ivan lead Ivan to the conclusion that Ruby deserves better. He hatches a plan, and with the help of the night custodian George and his daughter Julia, Ivan sets his idea in motion to give Ruby the life she deserves.
Although this book is a work of fiction, it is based on a true story of a real gorilla named Ivan, who, like the fictional Ivan, spent 27 years caged as a shopping mall attraction. The character of Julia is reminiscent of Fern’s character in Charlotte’s Web, and there is even a comical wise guy with a heart of gold Templeton-like character in the form of Bob, a little stray dog who keeps Ivan company in his enclosure. The interactions between the animal friends are genuine and endearing, guiding the reader through a roller coaster of emotional empathy – outrage, grief, and finally hope. Besides the Newbery Award, this extraordinary book landed at the top of many best-book-of-the-year lists, including Kirkus Review, School Library Journal, and Amazon. It should be at the top of your MUST-READ list. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
STARRY NIGHTS by Daisy Whitney (2013) Romance/Fantasy/Art History
The world of impressionist art gets the literary treatment with this modern day romantic fantasy by Daisy Whitney.
Julien Garnier is a French teen who muddles through each school day until he can get to the one place he really feels at home, the famous Musee d’Orsay art museum in Paris, where his mother is the curator. Thanks to his mother’s position, Julien is allowed after hours access, and he spends many nights roaming through the galleries. Julien’s passion for the art, especially the works of Monet, Degas, and Renoir, comes into play when some of the canvases begin to act strangely. At first visible only to Julien during his night-time wanderings, sections of canvases seem to fade overnight, pieces of fruit drop to the floor from still lifes and Degas’ ballerinas leave their canvas to dance through the museum. When a long lost Renoir is purchased by the museum, Julien is overwhelmed by its beauty, especially the beautiful young girl who walks through the painting’s lush flower garden. When she, too, leaves her canvas one evening, Julien instantly loses his heart. He soon learns that he has fallen for not just any ordinary girl, but Clio, one of the nine mythological Muses, who have inspired the great artists throughout the ages. Before long, reports are coming from art museums around the world of paintings behaving badly, and Julien and Clio must unravel the cause. When it becomes evident that their fervent romance could be contributing to the crisis, the pair must decide how to proceed. Enlisting an eclectic group of friends, Julien and Clio devise a complicated plan to save the great works of art that seem to be self destructing.
Art lovers will especially enjoy this book, as it is full of interesting bits of information not just about the actual paintings, but also the temperamental artists, and the “City of Light”, Paris, France. Julien’s loyal and supportive friend’s are willing to accept the events that only he can see, and happily take part in the far-fetched rescue mission. And the over-the-top emotions of first love are sure to please any romance addict. If you need a break from the never ending parade of dystopian violence, this book is the perfect vacation. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Julien Garnier is a French teen who muddles through each school day until he can get to the one place he really feels at home, the famous Musee d’Orsay art museum in Paris, where his mother is the curator. Thanks to his mother’s position, Julien is allowed after hours access, and he spends many nights roaming through the galleries. Julien’s passion for the art, especially the works of Monet, Degas, and Renoir, comes into play when some of the canvases begin to act strangely. At first visible only to Julien during his night-time wanderings, sections of canvases seem to fade overnight, pieces of fruit drop to the floor from still lifes and Degas’ ballerinas leave their canvas to dance through the museum. When a long lost Renoir is purchased by the museum, Julien is overwhelmed by its beauty, especially the beautiful young girl who walks through the painting’s lush flower garden. When she, too, leaves her canvas one evening, Julien instantly loses his heart. He soon learns that he has fallen for not just any ordinary girl, but Clio, one of the nine mythological Muses, who have inspired the great artists throughout the ages. Before long, reports are coming from art museums around the world of paintings behaving badly, and Julien and Clio must unravel the cause. When it becomes evident that their fervent romance could be contributing to the crisis, the pair must decide how to proceed. Enlisting an eclectic group of friends, Julien and Clio devise a complicated plan to save the great works of art that seem to be self destructing.
Art lovers will especially enjoy this book, as it is full of interesting bits of information not just about the actual paintings, but also the temperamental artists, and the “City of Light”, Paris, France. Julien’s loyal and supportive friend’s are willing to accept the events that only he can see, and happily take part in the far-fetched rescue mission. And the over-the-top emotions of first love are sure to please any romance addict. If you need a break from the never ending parade of dystopian violence, this book is the perfect vacation. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
ORIGIN by Jessica Khoury (2012) Science Fiction/Romance
The title of this fast paced book refers to the main character, Pia, a teenaged girl who has been genetically engineered for immortality, the origin of a new breed of humans. Pia is the central focus of a secure research laboratory hidden in the heart of the Amazon rain forest. For five generations, a serum from a rare rain forest plant has been tested and perfected on human subjects, and “perfect” Pia is the result. Now approaching her 17th birthday, the scientists who have raised her subject Pia to rigorous training and testing, preparing her for her destiny as the mother of a race of humans untouched by disease or injury.
Pia has always been treated with the utmost care, and has never been allowed outside the top secret compound where she was raised. That is until Dr. Harriet Fields, a free thinking new researcher, arrives at the lab. Pia’s interactions with Dr. Fields cause her to question her sheltered existence. One night, when she discovers a breech in the electrified fence, Pia uses the opportunity to escape and explore the surrounding rainforest. It is there that she meets Eio, the son of one of the scientists and a woman from a nearby tribal village. Pia continues to secretly leave the compound to spend time with Eio, and as their feelings for each other grow, they begin to unravel the sinister motives behind the frightening experiments.
The cat and mouse tactics keep the action moving along at a fast pace as the scientists desperately try to keep tabs on their prized research subject. Pia’s emotional swings are understandable – she wants to remain loyal to those who have raised her as their own, but wonders if Eio’s warnings about these people could be closer to the truth. The exciting action sequences will appeal to both genders, but girls will especially appreciate the budding romance between Pia and Eio. This book is a great summer escape! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Pia has always been treated with the utmost care, and has never been allowed outside the top secret compound where she was raised. That is until Dr. Harriet Fields, a free thinking new researcher, arrives at the lab. Pia’s interactions with Dr. Fields cause her to question her sheltered existence. One night, when she discovers a breech in the electrified fence, Pia uses the opportunity to escape and explore the surrounding rainforest. It is there that she meets Eio, the son of one of the scientists and a woman from a nearby tribal village. Pia continues to secretly leave the compound to spend time with Eio, and as their feelings for each other grow, they begin to unravel the sinister motives behind the frightening experiments.
The cat and mouse tactics keep the action moving along at a fast pace as the scientists desperately try to keep tabs on their prized research subject. Pia’s emotional swings are understandable – she wants to remain loyal to those who have raised her as their own, but wonders if Eio’s warnings about these people could be closer to the truth. The exciting action sequences will appeal to both genders, but girls will especially appreciate the budding romance between Pia and Eio. This book is a great summer escape! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THIS IS WHAT HAPPY LOOKS LIKE by Jennifer E. Smith (2013) Realistic Fiction/Teen Romance
Jennifer E. Smith is the author of the sweet teen romance, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, and her follow up, This is What Happy Looks Like, is yet another easy reading page turner for those with a romantic streak. This book again brings together two perfect strangers purely by chance, tears them apart, and leaves you hoping against all odds that they can find a happy ending.
An accidentally misspelled e-mail address brings teen Hollywood heartthrob Graham Larkin together with Ellie O’Neill, a small town girl from Maine whose biggest worry is figuring out how she’ll be able to afford to go to a summer poetry camp at Harvard. Unaware of the sender’s identity, Ellie responds to the random e-mail, setting in motion a long distance friendship that is destined to become something more. When Graham arranges for his next movie to be filmed in Ellie’s quiet seaside town, he is determined to meet his e-mail soulmate. But will a case of mistaken identity, and a family secret from Ellie’s past, keep the pair from making a love connection? When the 4th of July finally rolls around, where will the real fireworks be?
The characters of Graham and Ellie are highly relatable, and the roadblocks that author Smith puts in their way seem realistic and frustrating. The adults are likable too – Ellie’s gift shop owner Mom and Graham’s protective manager, Harry, have the kids’ best interests at heart, even when they don’t think this blossoming romance is a great idea. This would make a great summer read – take a relaxing, romantic reading vacation on the shores of Henley, Maine. You won’t ever want to leave. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
An accidentally misspelled e-mail address brings teen Hollywood heartthrob Graham Larkin together with Ellie O’Neill, a small town girl from Maine whose biggest worry is figuring out how she’ll be able to afford to go to a summer poetry camp at Harvard. Unaware of the sender’s identity, Ellie responds to the random e-mail, setting in motion a long distance friendship that is destined to become something more. When Graham arranges for his next movie to be filmed in Ellie’s quiet seaside town, he is determined to meet his e-mail soulmate. But will a case of mistaken identity, and a family secret from Ellie’s past, keep the pair from making a love connection? When the 4th of July finally rolls around, where will the real fireworks be?
The characters of Graham and Ellie are highly relatable, and the roadblocks that author Smith puts in their way seem realistic and frustrating. The adults are likable too – Ellie’s gift shop owner Mom and Graham’s protective manager, Harry, have the kids’ best interests at heart, even when they don’t think this blossoming romance is a great idea. This would make a great summer read – take a relaxing, romantic reading vacation on the shores of Henley, Maine. You won’t ever want to leave. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Check out these Book Reviews by 8th Grade Students!
CONFESSIONS OF A MURDER SUSPECT by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro (2012) (Mystery)
Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson is a book narrated by Tandy Angel, a sixteen year old girl whose life is full of twists. Tandy and her siblings face the death of their parents. Throughout the book, Tandy tries to solve her parents’ murder. She faces many obstacles during her investigation. Not only that, but she finds out she has been drugged her whole life, and is out to find her “long lost prince charming.”
James Patterson is the first author to achieve ten million e-book sales, and he holds the Guinness record for the most #1 New York Times best sellers of any author. He’s a bestselling author in the adult, young adult, and middle grade categories.
I recommend this book to any young adult who likes a good mystery. The author’s choice of using first person point of view enables the reader to solve the mystery along with the main character. Also, the author’s writing style creates a lot of suspense which encourages you to read on. Although the book reveals the murderer, there are other things that are left to the reader’s imagination. To reveal those things, you must read the second book, Confessions: The Private School Murders, which will take you once again on an incredible journey. (Reviewed by Gosia Zalewska)
James Patterson is the first author to achieve ten million e-book sales, and he holds the Guinness record for the most #1 New York Times best sellers of any author. He’s a bestselling author in the adult, young adult, and middle grade categories.
I recommend this book to any young adult who likes a good mystery. The author’s choice of using first person point of view enables the reader to solve the mystery along with the main character. Also, the author’s writing style creates a lot of suspense which encourages you to read on. Although the book reveals the murderer, there are other things that are left to the reader’s imagination. To reveal those things, you must read the second book, Confessions: The Private School Murders, which will take you once again on an incredible journey. (Reviewed by Gosia Zalewska)
THE LAST APPRENTICE by Joseph Delaney (2005) Fantasy/Horror (Series)
The Last Apprentice series by Joseph Delaney is made up of thirteen wonderfully thrilling books. All of them are packed with adventure, suspense, and horror inducing situations. It takes place during older times in a place called County, with rolling green hills and dense forests with tall, elderly trees. The land is plagued with dark creatures such as witches, boggarts, ghasts, and ghosts. There are few who know how to get rid of these creatures – these hunters are known as Spooks.
Tom Ward, a young farmer’s boy with dark hair, is approached by the local Spook, a hooded old man with a wooden staff and a beard of various colors. Tom has to abandon his life as a farm boy and learn how to fight creatures of the dark. He goes through vigorous training, both mental and physical, learning how to bind witches and boggarts, and studying ghosts and ghasts. Tom is the 30th apprentice the Spook has trained – all the previous ones had either run off, made fatal mistakes, or died. The Spook is getting older and needs a future replacement. Tom is the only one left – can he survive his six years of training?
In the first book, this young apprentice accidentally releases one of the most powerful witches, Mother Malkin, and has to figure out how to capture her and rid the County of another troublesome witch. With the Spook gone on other business in the County, Tom is alone. Who can he trust for help? Can he trust Alice, a pretty girl with long black hair and pointy shoes? The Spook has warned Tom to avoid women with pointy shoes, but why? Tom struggles to come out victorious in this battle against the dark.
As the series progresses, Tom Ward strives to be triumphant in his many battles. He must be brave and determined, but that is easier said than done. Once you reach the middle of the series, the real conflict surfaces. The Fiend, also known as the devil, has been summoned by a clan of witches to wreak havoc on the County, and Tom Ward is the only one who can stop him. Tom must figure out a way to bind or destroy the Fiend, keep the County safe, keep his friends alive, and not die in the process. The question is, how? Tom’s mother might have a solution, but can he find out what she knows and have the will to pull off her plan before time runs out?
I think this series is amazing. It’s hard for you to stop reading once you’ve started. Joseph Delaney describes this world perfectly through the writings in Tom Ward’s journal. You will also learn the real meaning of bravery as you read about Tom’s adventures. This series is perfect for people who love horror, suspense, and action packed situations. This book’s heart wrenching scenes and extraordinary characters will always be entertaining. (Reviewed by Ashley Olson)
Tom Ward, a young farmer’s boy with dark hair, is approached by the local Spook, a hooded old man with a wooden staff and a beard of various colors. Tom has to abandon his life as a farm boy and learn how to fight creatures of the dark. He goes through vigorous training, both mental and physical, learning how to bind witches and boggarts, and studying ghosts and ghasts. Tom is the 30th apprentice the Spook has trained – all the previous ones had either run off, made fatal mistakes, or died. The Spook is getting older and needs a future replacement. Tom is the only one left – can he survive his six years of training?
In the first book, this young apprentice accidentally releases one of the most powerful witches, Mother Malkin, and has to figure out how to capture her and rid the County of another troublesome witch. With the Spook gone on other business in the County, Tom is alone. Who can he trust for help? Can he trust Alice, a pretty girl with long black hair and pointy shoes? The Spook has warned Tom to avoid women with pointy shoes, but why? Tom struggles to come out victorious in this battle against the dark.
As the series progresses, Tom Ward strives to be triumphant in his many battles. He must be brave and determined, but that is easier said than done. Once you reach the middle of the series, the real conflict surfaces. The Fiend, also known as the devil, has been summoned by a clan of witches to wreak havoc on the County, and Tom Ward is the only one who can stop him. Tom must figure out a way to bind or destroy the Fiend, keep the County safe, keep his friends alive, and not die in the process. The question is, how? Tom’s mother might have a solution, but can he find out what she knows and have the will to pull off her plan before time runs out?
I think this series is amazing. It’s hard for you to stop reading once you’ve started. Joseph Delaney describes this world perfectly through the writings in Tom Ward’s journal. You will also learn the real meaning of bravery as you read about Tom’s adventures. This series is perfect for people who love horror, suspense, and action packed situations. This book’s heart wrenching scenes and extraordinary characters will always be entertaining. (Reviewed by Ashley Olson)
WAR GAMES by Audrey and Akila Couloumbis (2009) Historical Fiction
Newbery Honor winning author Audrey Couloumbis, who brought you The Misadventures of Maude March, brings you War Games. Along with her husband, Akila, Couloumbis shares the true story of Akila’s childhood in Greece. The characters portrayed in War Games are based on members of Akila Couloumbis’s family.
Petros, a twelve year old American boy, lives in Greece during 1941. Petros eagerly tries to earn the trust of his older brother, Zola. When the Germans invade Greece, Petros and his family’s life changes from being normal to having only one goal. Survive. Petros is given the chance to prove to Zola and the rest of his family that he can be a brave young man. The Italian army has been peacefully stationed in Greece, causing no harm to their community. But when the German army arrives, people flee to safer areas. In their small village, secrets are kept to protect friends and family. Petros’s cousin Lambros, a resistance fighter, inspires Petros and Zola that they too can make a difference in occupied Greece. Petros and Zola must conceal that they are American and that they can speak English. Many precautions are taken to show that Petros’s family is just an ordinary Greek family. As the war draws closer to their home, the risk of being caught rises for Petros, Zola, and their family. Petros learns that providing for his family is key during 1941 in occupied Greece.
Audrey and Akila Couloumbis chose a perfect writing style for War Games. The authors show what World War 2 was like in Nazi-occupied Greece from a child’s perspective. The ending of War Games is very satisfying for any reader. Readers will develop an emotional attachment to Petros and his family. War Games is truly a great read for anyone that likes historical fiction, World War 2, and action. War Games is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know more. I personally loved this book. (Reviewed by Jeff Jakalski)
Petros, a twelve year old American boy, lives in Greece during 1941. Petros eagerly tries to earn the trust of his older brother, Zola. When the Germans invade Greece, Petros and his family’s life changes from being normal to having only one goal. Survive. Petros is given the chance to prove to Zola and the rest of his family that he can be a brave young man. The Italian army has been peacefully stationed in Greece, causing no harm to their community. But when the German army arrives, people flee to safer areas. In their small village, secrets are kept to protect friends and family. Petros’s cousin Lambros, a resistance fighter, inspires Petros and Zola that they too can make a difference in occupied Greece. Petros and Zola must conceal that they are American and that they can speak English. Many precautions are taken to show that Petros’s family is just an ordinary Greek family. As the war draws closer to their home, the risk of being caught rises for Petros, Zola, and their family. Petros learns that providing for his family is key during 1941 in occupied Greece.
Audrey and Akila Couloumbis chose a perfect writing style for War Games. The authors show what World War 2 was like in Nazi-occupied Greece from a child’s perspective. The ending of War Games is very satisfying for any reader. Readers will develop an emotional attachment to Petros and his family. War Games is truly a great read for anyone that likes historical fiction, World War 2, and action. War Games is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know more. I personally loved this book. (Reviewed by Jeff Jakalski)
THE CROSSROADS by Chris Grabenstein (2008) Ghost Story
Chris Grabenstein is the author of The Crossroads, one of the top ten crime fiction books of 2008. In my opinion, the theme of this book is that not everything is as it seems, although the theme could be interpreted in many ways, depending on the reader.
The Crossroads is a book about Zack Jennings, a twelve year old boy who has a very active imagination. His mother died of cancer when he was eight. Zack is convinced she is out to haunt him and do him wrong. Zack’s father remarries, and the whole family moves to his father’s childhood town in Connecticut. Unexplainable things start happening, like a specific tree causing people to get into car crashes. Zack soon makes a new best friend, a kid his age who lives on a nearby farm, who is hiding something extraordinary from Zack. Meanwhile, Clint Eberhart, a ghost who’s been dead for 50 years, is trying to kill Zack and anyone who gets in his way. Zack, being “the chosen one,” must stop Clint with the help of his new stepmom and his ghostly new friends.
Chris Grabenstein writes books for both adults and teens, most of them thrillers. He has written award winning titles such as Tilt-A-Whirl and The Demon in the Dunes. Most teens will enjoy this book, especially if they like paranormal mysteries. It is not a book for people who are uncomfortable with the paranormal or ghosts. If you decide to read this book, be sure to check out its sequel, The Hanging Hill. (Reviewed by Amanda Rostis)
The Crossroads is a book about Zack Jennings, a twelve year old boy who has a very active imagination. His mother died of cancer when he was eight. Zack is convinced she is out to haunt him and do him wrong. Zack’s father remarries, and the whole family moves to his father’s childhood town in Connecticut. Unexplainable things start happening, like a specific tree causing people to get into car crashes. Zack soon makes a new best friend, a kid his age who lives on a nearby farm, who is hiding something extraordinary from Zack. Meanwhile, Clint Eberhart, a ghost who’s been dead for 50 years, is trying to kill Zack and anyone who gets in his way. Zack, being “the chosen one,” must stop Clint with the help of his new stepmom and his ghostly new friends.
Chris Grabenstein writes books for both adults and teens, most of them thrillers. He has written award winning titles such as Tilt-A-Whirl and The Demon in the Dunes. Most teens will enjoy this book, especially if they like paranormal mysteries. It is not a book for people who are uncomfortable with the paranormal or ghosts. If you decide to read this book, be sure to check out its sequel, The Hanging Hill. (Reviewed by Amanda Rostis)
OUT OF MY MIND by Sharon Draper(2010) Realistic Fiction
Sharon M. Draper’s Out of My Mind is a heartfelt, moving novel and will make you think twice about the things you take for granted every day. 11 year-old Melody struggles to tell her parents and doctors that she can actually understand what’s going on because she has a photographic memory. Even though she is not capable of telling them, she can remember every detail there ever was.
Cerebral Palsy is the disability that has taken over this young girl’s life. Melody is a 5th grader at Spaulding Elementary School, and is sometimes with children who don’t have disabilities, but is placed in a classroom with students who are mentally challenged. She calls all those kids H-Rs, because that’s what their room is called. A condition of her illness is not being able to talk. Melody has learned to communicate through body language and a machine that she uses to type what she wants to say. Mrs. Violet Valencia seems to be the only one who believes in Melody and treats her like everyone else. Mrs. V. (what Melody calls her) is just a neighbor, but works with Melody every day after school. Melody faces many challenges in life, goes through ups and downs, but figures them out along the way. I mean, she is smarter than most adults.
This novel is not only suited for children and teens, because adults will love it too! Sharon Draper is an award winning author, including New York Times Bestseller, two time Corretta Scott-King Award winner, 2012 Jeremiah Ludington Award, and many more. Other novels by this author are the award winning Copper Sun, and The Battle of Jericho. I recommend this book for people who love an inspirational story. Take the journey with Melody and see what it’s truly like to be someone in her position. (Reviewed by Camila Castellanos)
Cerebral Palsy is the disability that has taken over this young girl’s life. Melody is a 5th grader at Spaulding Elementary School, and is sometimes with children who don’t have disabilities, but is placed in a classroom with students who are mentally challenged. She calls all those kids H-Rs, because that’s what their room is called. A condition of her illness is not being able to talk. Melody has learned to communicate through body language and a machine that she uses to type what she wants to say. Mrs. Violet Valencia seems to be the only one who believes in Melody and treats her like everyone else. Mrs. V. (what Melody calls her) is just a neighbor, but works with Melody every day after school. Melody faces many challenges in life, goes through ups and downs, but figures them out along the way. I mean, she is smarter than most adults.
This novel is not only suited for children and teens, because adults will love it too! Sharon Draper is an award winning author, including New York Times Bestseller, two time Corretta Scott-King Award winner, 2012 Jeremiah Ludington Award, and many more. Other novels by this author are the award winning Copper Sun, and The Battle of Jericho. I recommend this book for people who love an inspirational story. Take the journey with Melody and see what it’s truly like to be someone in her position. (Reviewed by Camila Castellanos)
THE DEATH CURE by James Dashner (2011) Science Fiction
Book three of the action packed Maze Runner series has so many twists and turns it will make your head spin. The first book in this series is The Maze Runner. Thomas has his memories taken away and is trapped in a maze with a group of teenage boys, and has to escape. In the second book, The Scorch Trials, Thomas and his friends have to find their way out of a city and find a safe haven. In both of these books, you find out that a sun flare has hit Earth, killing millions of people. There is also a highly contagious and deadly disease that makes the human mind crazy. A department has been formed by the remaining government to try to help find a cure. To do this, they have to do evil and inhumane things to Thomas and others like him – they call themselves W.I.C.K.E.D.
Now that Thomas has seen and been through the evil things that W.I.C.K.E.D. can do, he has made the decision that he will do anything and everything to stop these evil people from performing these unspeakable things any more. The theme of this book would probably be to never give up. Throughout all the hardships that Thomas faces, he never gives up and continues to fight for what he thinks is right.
Throughout reading The Maze Runner series, I have really liked James Dashner’s way of writing. This is because he writes his books with a lot of twists and turns, so you never know what to expect. I also like how he writes about the characters in the books. For example, Thomas, in my opinion, is a very likeable character because he is a very tough, brave, and caring person. Then there are other characters with different personalities that are all unique in their own ways, which makes sure there is always someone to like. I think this series would be especially good for readers who like action and surprise. But before reading, you should know that parts of the book are very descriptive about how the diseased people look, so it is a bit gory. In conclusion, I really liked this book and how it ended. I highly recommend it. (Reviewed by Rafal Guzek)
***(Mrs. Cline’s note: You can also read The Kill Order, the fourth and final book in the series. A film version of The Maze Runner is due out in theaters September, 2014)
Now that Thomas has seen and been through the evil things that W.I.C.K.E.D. can do, he has made the decision that he will do anything and everything to stop these evil people from performing these unspeakable things any more. The theme of this book would probably be to never give up. Throughout all the hardships that Thomas faces, he never gives up and continues to fight for what he thinks is right.
Throughout reading The Maze Runner series, I have really liked James Dashner’s way of writing. This is because he writes his books with a lot of twists and turns, so you never know what to expect. I also like how he writes about the characters in the books. For example, Thomas, in my opinion, is a very likeable character because he is a very tough, brave, and caring person. Then there are other characters with different personalities that are all unique in their own ways, which makes sure there is always someone to like. I think this series would be especially good for readers who like action and surprise. But before reading, you should know that parts of the book are very descriptive about how the diseased people look, so it is a bit gory. In conclusion, I really liked this book and how it ended. I highly recommend it. (Reviewed by Rafal Guzek)
***(Mrs. Cline’s note: You can also read The Kill Order, the fourth and final book in the series. A film version of The Maze Runner is due out in theaters September, 2014)
MISSION (UN)POPULAR by Anna Humphrey (2011) Realistic Fiction
Mission (un)Popular by Anna Humphrey is one the favorite books that I have read this year. I can really relate to the pre-teen/teenage problems that the characters face throughout the story. Mission (un)Popular is a long, suspenseful book that I recommend to many other young teenage readers.
Margot Button is 12 years old going into 7th grade with one main goal… to become POPULAR! However, she has to face a new year at school, mean girls, her crush since 1st grade, and babysitting her 2 year old triplet sisters all without her best friend, Erika. She shows up to school and meets a spunky, new rebellious girl, Em, from New York, but pretty much loses Erika over a misunderstood mistake Margot made. Throughout the story Margot wonders if Em is a good friend, faces extreme drama (ends up with broken bones), and tries to rebuild friendships.
This is a great book! It’s a romance, drama, and comedy all wrapped into one. One of the most relatable books I’ve read in these past couple of years. I recommend this book to other teenage girls who enjoy a girly relatable book with many ups and downs. Many reviewers rated the book 4 out of 5 stars and mentioned that it was a very suspenseful read with many different conflicts that just make you want to keep reading. (Reviewed by Cassidy Kelly)
Margot Button is 12 years old going into 7th grade with one main goal… to become POPULAR! However, she has to face a new year at school, mean girls, her crush since 1st grade, and babysitting her 2 year old triplet sisters all without her best friend, Erika. She shows up to school and meets a spunky, new rebellious girl, Em, from New York, but pretty much loses Erika over a misunderstood mistake Margot made. Throughout the story Margot wonders if Em is a good friend, faces extreme drama (ends up with broken bones), and tries to rebuild friendships.
This is a great book! It’s a romance, drama, and comedy all wrapped into one. One of the most relatable books I’ve read in these past couple of years. I recommend this book to other teenage girls who enjoy a girly relatable book with many ups and downs. Many reviewers rated the book 4 out of 5 stars and mentioned that it was a very suspenseful read with many different conflicts that just make you want to keep reading. (Reviewed by Cassidy Kelly)
LONE SURVIVOR by Marcus Luttrell (2007) History/Non-Fiction
Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell was one of my favorite stories that I’ve read this past year. The book was published in 2007. The story is an eyewitness account of what happened on Operation Red Wings with SEAL Team 10. This story shows great courage and duty that our serving men and women do and the sacrifices they have to make.
Marcus Luttrell, the team medic, describes his childhood and his training to prepare for the Navy SEALs. His trainer, Billy Shelton, had seen Marcus at a young age and saw his potential. After Marcus joins SEAL Team 10, they are assigned with a very important operation known as “Operation Red Wings”. The operation was to try to capture or kill a leading Taliban member thought to be associated with Osama Bin Laden. While on the op, he describes what it was like to be in the mountains of Kunar Province in Afghanistan. They encounter three shepherds, including a young boy. SEAL Team 10 gets caught and has to make a decision that could change the whole op - whether to kill them or let them go. They decide to let them go, and within an hour, hundreds of Taliban storm the mountain and SEAL Team 10 is surrounded. Marcus Luttrell was the only survivor when the op was over. He goes to a village which they had been watching over. It turns out the villagers were in support of the Americans and helps Marcus with his wounds. The Americans get news of it and go rescue him.
This book is an action packed thrill ride, but with a twist of sadness. You also realize what our troops do to protect our country and the sacrifices they have to make. Graphic violence may cause some people to put down the book, but those who have read other first hand accounts of war stories may be more interested than others. A movie based on the book, also called “Lone Survivor” was released in late 2013 and stars Mark Wahlberg. (Reviewed by Jarod Speiden)
*** This book is not available in our LMC collection.
Marcus Luttrell, the team medic, describes his childhood and his training to prepare for the Navy SEALs. His trainer, Billy Shelton, had seen Marcus at a young age and saw his potential. After Marcus joins SEAL Team 10, they are assigned with a very important operation known as “Operation Red Wings”. The operation was to try to capture or kill a leading Taliban member thought to be associated with Osama Bin Laden. While on the op, he describes what it was like to be in the mountains of Kunar Province in Afghanistan. They encounter three shepherds, including a young boy. SEAL Team 10 gets caught and has to make a decision that could change the whole op - whether to kill them or let them go. They decide to let them go, and within an hour, hundreds of Taliban storm the mountain and SEAL Team 10 is surrounded. Marcus Luttrell was the only survivor when the op was over. He goes to a village which they had been watching over. It turns out the villagers were in support of the Americans and helps Marcus with his wounds. The Americans get news of it and go rescue him.
This book is an action packed thrill ride, but with a twist of sadness. You also realize what our troops do to protect our country and the sacrifices they have to make. Graphic violence may cause some people to put down the book, but those who have read other first hand accounts of war stories may be more interested than others. A movie based on the book, also called “Lone Survivor” was released in late 2013 and stars Mark Wahlberg. (Reviewed by Jarod Speiden)
*** This book is not available in our LMC collection.
A DANCE WITH DRAGONS by George R. R. Martin (2011) Fantasy
A Dance with Dragons by George R. R. Martin, the fifth of seven planned epic fantasy novels, was published in 2011. A Dance with Dragons runs parallel with its predecessor, A Feast for Crows. Later in the book, A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons timelines catch up to each other. Sansa, Samwell, Euron, and Areon don’t appear in this volume.
We get to see how Tyrion’s life is affected after killing his father and his concubine, Shae. We visit Jon up on the wall and see the challenges of being Lord Commander. Quentyn Martel and Victarion Greyjoy are both on different paths to finding the queen of Meereen, Daenerys. Daenerys is dealing with murderous gangs called the Sons of the Harpy. Meanwhile, the conquered city of Astopor is facing a bloody flux that may bring Dany and her Meerenese people to their end. Arya Stark is trying to find a place with her many faced god. We see how she deals with her loss of sight, too. Bran Stark is beyond the wall looking for his one-eyed crow. Martin's chapters have a lot of fantasy elements in them. The biggest twist in the beginning is when we find out that Theon is being held as Ramsay Snow’s pet called Reek. His chapters are not for the faint of heart because we find out that after book two he was captured and tortured by Ramsay. His hair has turned white and he is missing some fingers and toes. Cersei lies accused for incest, treason, and fornication in a cell in the Great Sept. Her brother Jamie refuses her plea for help. There is a lot of jumping around geographically in this installment of the series. Seeing these characters after everything went down in the previous books is a big relief.
This book and the whole series is intended for mature audiences. There is a lot of graphic violence, disturbing content, sexual content, and other mature themes. Readers of this series will be blown away with all the twists we find out about! (Reviewed by Victor Vargas)
*** This book is not available in our LMC collection.
We get to see how Tyrion’s life is affected after killing his father and his concubine, Shae. We visit Jon up on the wall and see the challenges of being Lord Commander. Quentyn Martel and Victarion Greyjoy are both on different paths to finding the queen of Meereen, Daenerys. Daenerys is dealing with murderous gangs called the Sons of the Harpy. Meanwhile, the conquered city of Astopor is facing a bloody flux that may bring Dany and her Meerenese people to their end. Arya Stark is trying to find a place with her many faced god. We see how she deals with her loss of sight, too. Bran Stark is beyond the wall looking for his one-eyed crow. Martin's chapters have a lot of fantasy elements in them. The biggest twist in the beginning is when we find out that Theon is being held as Ramsay Snow’s pet called Reek. His chapters are not for the faint of heart because we find out that after book two he was captured and tortured by Ramsay. His hair has turned white and he is missing some fingers and toes. Cersei lies accused for incest, treason, and fornication in a cell in the Great Sept. Her brother Jamie refuses her plea for help. There is a lot of jumping around geographically in this installment of the series. Seeing these characters after everything went down in the previous books is a big relief.
This book and the whole series is intended for mature audiences. There is a lot of graphic violence, disturbing content, sexual content, and other mature themes. Readers of this series will be blown away with all the twists we find out about! (Reviewed by Victor Vargas)
*** This book is not available in our LMC collection.
STARRY NIGHTS by Daisy Whitney (2013) Romance
Starry Nights by Daisy Whitney was one of the greatest books I have read so far this year. It is full of art history and much romance that keeps you turning the page. You just can’t get enough of Whitney’s loving and knowledge filled book. This book has twists and turns that I could never imagine possible.
The story is about a 17 year old boy, Julien, who loves to spend his time in museums. He thinks he is hallucinating, but then realizes that the art does come alive at night, and this is due to a curse. Julien falls in love with a girl, Clio, who has been trapped in one of the paintings. He discovers that their love helps her escape from the painting, but it also causes the curse that destroys many other paintings. They risk their love to save the others, but in the end their love is never lost.
This book is recommended for readers who love art. It is a good book for those who have read The Mockingbirds. This is an art lover’s ultimate fantasy. I believe that everyone will enjoy this book if they understand what art really is. (Reviewed by Alma Quezada)
The story is about a 17 year old boy, Julien, who loves to spend his time in museums. He thinks he is hallucinating, but then realizes that the art does come alive at night, and this is due to a curse. Julien falls in love with a girl, Clio, who has been trapped in one of the paintings. He discovers that their love helps her escape from the painting, but it also causes the curse that destroys many other paintings. They risk their love to save the others, but in the end their love is never lost.
This book is recommended for readers who love art. It is a good book for those who have read The Mockingbirds. This is an art lover’s ultimate fantasy. I believe that everyone will enjoy this book if they understand what art really is. (Reviewed by Alma Quezada)
GLITCH by Heather Anastasiu (2012) Science Fiction
Glitch , by Heather Anastasiu, is part of a series that I know fans of The Giver or any dystopian novels would like. Glitch follows a girl named Zoe as she tries to live in a community that could have her killed. In her community, if anyone is noticed malfunctioning, they could be deactivated. While Zoe’s trying to hide her malfunctions, she learns about more of her classmates malfunctioning. One of those classmates, Adrien, ‘helps’ her get to the old world. During these events, the Chancellor of the community is tracking Zoe down using the help of Adrien and Maximin to do so.
Like The Giver, Glitch gives a sense of urgency and feels like you’re in the main character’s shoes. It also gives really good details on what it would be like to be part of a dystopian community, and to be controlled by someone and free from someone at the same time. Along with the action packed adventure, there’s also romance between Zoe and Adrien. There are also vivid details, making the story seem much more realistic.
It can be expected that anyone who wants to follow a dystopian story would read this. It’s irresistible, and extremely addicting to read. I don’t want to wait to get my hands on the next one. (Reviewed by Amber Krauss)
Like The Giver, Glitch gives a sense of urgency and feels like you’re in the main character’s shoes. It also gives really good details on what it would be like to be part of a dystopian community, and to be controlled by someone and free from someone at the same time. Along with the action packed adventure, there’s also romance between Zoe and Adrien. There are also vivid details, making the story seem much more realistic.
It can be expected that anyone who wants to follow a dystopian story would read this. It’s irresistible, and extremely addicting to read. I don’t want to wait to get my hands on the next one. (Reviewed by Amber Krauss)
LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green (2007) Realistic Fiction
John Green is an amazing author and knows how to fit his words together. I have read two of his books so far, and both were really great . The Fault In Our Stars made me laugh and it made me cry. It is one of the best selling novels all around the world, so you know it’s a good book. The Fault In Our Stars has a movie coming out in June, and John said he is happy with how it is turning out. He has written 6 books and cooperated on 2 of them with other authors. All of his books are bestsellers. He first started out on YouTube with a channel called “vlogbrothers” and the channel was about him and his brother, Hank Green broadcasting a “Brothers 2.0” online show.
The book Looking For Alaska is about a boy named Miles Halter, who has a special talent of remembering people’s last words, the words random people (usually writers) say right before they die. He lived in Florida with his parents, but when he tired of living with his family, he went to a boarding school in Alabama. That’s where he met the girl he fell in love with at first sight, Alaska Young. Miles also met a friend who’s nicknamed “The Colonel” and that’s when Miles gets his new name, “Pudge”. Alaska has many secrets that Pudge doesn't find out about until the end of the book, such as her family troubles and her past and why she smokes and drinks and all that stuff. Alaska has a boyfriend that she is crazy in love with. Eventually she also starts to have feelings for Pudge. She finds him a girl named Lara, from Romania, and Pudge thinks he likes her but he doesn't. He just goes along with all the dates and the relationship so that he doesn't hurt Lara’s feelings. One day, Alaska forgets a very important date, and she storms out of campus, drunk, and something terrible happens that makes all of her friends sad. For a long time. And when it happens, Pudge doesn't find out Alaska's last words.
I really loved this book. John makes it seem like the book is real, but it isn’t. He knows how to play with your emotions and makes you feel a hundred feelings at once. His books are very relatable and understandable. He is just an amazing writer with a lot of imagination and ambition. This book is great for people who are older than 13 or 14, just because some things in this book aren't meant for children, but are understood by teenagers and adults. (Reviewed by Ola Kulasza)
*** This book is not available in our LMC collection.
The book Looking For Alaska is about a boy named Miles Halter, who has a special talent of remembering people’s last words, the words random people (usually writers) say right before they die. He lived in Florida with his parents, but when he tired of living with his family, he went to a boarding school in Alabama. That’s where he met the girl he fell in love with at first sight, Alaska Young. Miles also met a friend who’s nicknamed “The Colonel” and that’s when Miles gets his new name, “Pudge”. Alaska has many secrets that Pudge doesn't find out about until the end of the book, such as her family troubles and her past and why she smokes and drinks and all that stuff. Alaska has a boyfriend that she is crazy in love with. Eventually she also starts to have feelings for Pudge. She finds him a girl named Lara, from Romania, and Pudge thinks he likes her but he doesn't. He just goes along with all the dates and the relationship so that he doesn't hurt Lara’s feelings. One day, Alaska forgets a very important date, and she storms out of campus, drunk, and something terrible happens that makes all of her friends sad. For a long time. And when it happens, Pudge doesn't find out Alaska's last words.
I really loved this book. John makes it seem like the book is real, but it isn’t. He knows how to play with your emotions and makes you feel a hundred feelings at once. His books are very relatable and understandable. He is just an amazing writer with a lot of imagination and ambition. This book is great for people who are older than 13 or 14, just because some things in this book aren't meant for children, but are understood by teenagers and adults. (Reviewed by Ola Kulasza)
*** This book is not available in our LMC collection.
Winter Book Reviews 2013-14
ROOFTOPPERS by Katherine Rundell (2013) Action / Adventure
Charles Maxim, a bookish bachelor in 1890s London, survives the sinking of the Queen Mary, and subsequently finds a fellow survivor – a one year old baby girl floating along in the English Channel in a cello case. Charles names her Sophie, and takes the little girl into his home and his heart. They live a happy and eccentric life – Sophie insists on wearing trousers, they eat their lunches off of books instead of plates, and write each other notes on the wallpaper. Though she loves Charles dearly, Sophie can’t help but believe that it’s possible her mother is still alive – somewhere. And as Charles always says, “Never ignore a possible.”
As Sophie reaches her 12th birthday, snooty Miss Eliot of the National Childcare Agency makes plans to take Sophie from Charles and place her in an orphanage, believing the unconventional bachelor is unfit to raise a teenage girl. A clue inside her cello case leads Sophie to the conclusion that her long lost mother may in fact be alive in Paris. Charles and Sophie make a quick and secretive getaway to the city of lights, and begin the hunt for Sophie’s mother.
When traditional investigation methods prove unsuccessful, help comes in the form of Matteo, an unusual young boy. Unusual, because he lives, travels, and survives entirely on the rooftops of the city of Paris. Matteo, at once infuriating and amusing, teaches Sophie the tricks and skills of a “rooftopper”, climbing, running, and leaping from roof to roof to get around the city. As the search for Sophie’s mother becomes more treacherous, Matteo enlists the aid of his fellow rooftoppers. With Charles’s help, can this band of unlikely adventurers solve the mystery of the missing mother that Sophie so desperately longs for?
Although this book contains no actual magic or fantasy, it reads like a lovely fairy tale. Katherine Rundell’s descriptive language is beautifully visual, and each character is carefully and lovingly developed. The action sequences will have you holding your breath in anticipation. Rooftoppers recently won the Carnegie Medal (Britain’s equivalent of the Newbery Award). It is a well-deserved honor for this enchanting first novel. I will certainly be purchasing her next effort, “Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms” when it comes out in August. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
As Sophie reaches her 12th birthday, snooty Miss Eliot of the National Childcare Agency makes plans to take Sophie from Charles and place her in an orphanage, believing the unconventional bachelor is unfit to raise a teenage girl. A clue inside her cello case leads Sophie to the conclusion that her long lost mother may in fact be alive in Paris. Charles and Sophie make a quick and secretive getaway to the city of lights, and begin the hunt for Sophie’s mother.
When traditional investigation methods prove unsuccessful, help comes in the form of Matteo, an unusual young boy. Unusual, because he lives, travels, and survives entirely on the rooftops of the city of Paris. Matteo, at once infuriating and amusing, teaches Sophie the tricks and skills of a “rooftopper”, climbing, running, and leaping from roof to roof to get around the city. As the search for Sophie’s mother becomes more treacherous, Matteo enlists the aid of his fellow rooftoppers. With Charles’s help, can this band of unlikely adventurers solve the mystery of the missing mother that Sophie so desperately longs for?
Although this book contains no actual magic or fantasy, it reads like a lovely fairy tale. Katherine Rundell’s descriptive language is beautifully visual, and each character is carefully and lovingly developed. The action sequences will have you holding your breath in anticipation. Rooftoppers recently won the Carnegie Medal (Britain’s equivalent of the Newbery Award). It is a well-deserved honor for this enchanting first novel. I will certainly be purchasing her next effort, “Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms” when it comes out in August. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
GUITAR NOTES by Mary Amato (2012) Realistic Fiction
Mary Amato, author of the sweetly heartfelt The Naked Mole-Rat Letters, has crafted another lovely novel, this time about a pair of teens who gravitate toward each other, despite their opposite personalities.
Lyla Marks is a perfectionist, doing her best to meet everyone’s expectations, especially those of her over-protective father, and her equally over-achieving best friend, Annie. Lyla is an exceptionally talented musician who can play her cello on auto-pilot, even as the joy of playing her music drains away with each practice, recital, and audition.
Tripp Broody is still finding his way, after the sudden death of his father, and the gloom that has set in since his best friend moved away. Tripp’s mother, frustrated by his plummeting grades and his refusal to seek out new friends, takes away his one source of comfort – the acoustic guitar that he plays constantly while closed off in his room.
When Lyla and Tripp are assigned alternating days in one of their high school’s practice rooms, “Ms. Even” and “Mr. Odd” strike up an unlikely friendship, first via the snarky and sarcastic notes each leaves behind in the strings of the school’s worn but playable guitar. Soon, each is looking forward to their individual practice days, hoping for a message, or maybe even some song lyrics and guitar chords, from the other. As their friendship grows, Lyla and Tripp are forced to break the rules in order to thwart their parents’ efforts to keep them apart. It takes a life altering event to convince those around them that music truly comes from the heart, and is meant to be shared with those you love.
This book will appeal to teens of both genders, mostly because of the strong central characters. Everyone will recognize the smart girl who feels compelled to be good at everything, and the bright guy who seems content to just skate through life. Many teens will be able to relate to Lyla and Tripp’s caring but frustrating single parents, who constantly express their love for their children in all the wrong ways. Guitar Notes is a quick and satisfying read that will have you rooting for Tripp and Lyla’s musical and romantic partnership to succeed. As a bonus, the lyrics and guitar chords for the songs they compose appear at the end of the book. You won’t want to miss this witty and wise musical journey. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Lyla Marks is a perfectionist, doing her best to meet everyone’s expectations, especially those of her over-protective father, and her equally over-achieving best friend, Annie. Lyla is an exceptionally talented musician who can play her cello on auto-pilot, even as the joy of playing her music drains away with each practice, recital, and audition.
Tripp Broody is still finding his way, after the sudden death of his father, and the gloom that has set in since his best friend moved away. Tripp’s mother, frustrated by his plummeting grades and his refusal to seek out new friends, takes away his one source of comfort – the acoustic guitar that he plays constantly while closed off in his room.
When Lyla and Tripp are assigned alternating days in one of their high school’s practice rooms, “Ms. Even” and “Mr. Odd” strike up an unlikely friendship, first via the snarky and sarcastic notes each leaves behind in the strings of the school’s worn but playable guitar. Soon, each is looking forward to their individual practice days, hoping for a message, or maybe even some song lyrics and guitar chords, from the other. As their friendship grows, Lyla and Tripp are forced to break the rules in order to thwart their parents’ efforts to keep them apart. It takes a life altering event to convince those around them that music truly comes from the heart, and is meant to be shared with those you love.
This book will appeal to teens of both genders, mostly because of the strong central characters. Everyone will recognize the smart girl who feels compelled to be good at everything, and the bright guy who seems content to just skate through life. Many teens will be able to relate to Lyla and Tripp’s caring but frustrating single parents, who constantly express their love for their children in all the wrong ways. Guitar Notes is a quick and satisfying read that will have you rooting for Tripp and Lyla’s musical and romantic partnership to succeed. As a bonus, the lyrics and guitar chords for the songs they compose appear at the end of the book. You won’t want to miss this witty and wise musical journey. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
SEE YOU AT HARRY’S by Jo Knowles (2012) (Realistic Fiction)
With See You at Harry’s, author Jo Knowles tells this story of a family dealing with a heartbreaking tragedy. The compelling protagonist, 12 year old Fern, is a middle child who often feels all but invisible in her mildly dysfunctional family. Her parents own a small town restaurant, and her dad is always trying out new advertising schemes, embarrassing the rest of the family in the process. Mom escapes her day-to-day pressures through solitude and meditation. Snarky, sarcastic older sister Sara is spending her first year after high school helping out at the restaurant, sneaking away with the busboy whenever she gets a chance. Fern’s sensitive older brother Holden is struggling over whether he should come out as gay. The glue that holds them together is 3 year old Charlie, a “surprise” baby who leaves a path of good cheer wherever he goes. With his boisterous, joyful personality and perpetually sticky hands, Charlie manages to endear himself to everyone he’s around.
When an awful and sudden tragedy befalls them, Fern’s family seems to crumble around her. Her best friends, Ran and Cassie, are her lifelines as she deals with her overwhelming feelings of loss and guilt. As each family member deals with their grief in their own way, they struggle to find their way back to each other.
This book is both heartbreaking and life affirming. The characters are well defined and their emotions run deep. There are parts of the story that will have you struggling to hold back tears. Through Fern’s gentle and caring eyes, we see a devastated family begin their road to recovery. As Ran would say, “All will be well.” (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
When an awful and sudden tragedy befalls them, Fern’s family seems to crumble around her. Her best friends, Ran and Cassie, are her lifelines as she deals with her overwhelming feelings of loss and guilt. As each family member deals with their grief in their own way, they struggle to find their way back to each other.
This book is both heartbreaking and life affirming. The characters are well defined and their emotions run deep. There are parts of the story that will have you struggling to hold back tears. Through Fern’s gentle and caring eyes, we see a devastated family begin their road to recovery. As Ran would say, “All will be well.” (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? By Jordan Sonnenblick (2013) Time Travel
Jordan Sonnenblick, author of fan favorites Drums Girls, and Dangerous Pie and Notes from a Midnight Driver, has gone down a different road with his newest book, Are You Experienced? It’s a family crisis of the psychedelic kind, when 15 year old Rich Barber time travels to the Woodstock Music Festival of 1969.
Rich struggles on a daily basis to bond with (or at least understand) his dad, a former teenage hippie who never fully recovered from the tragic loss of his older brother many years ago. After being arrested for playing music at a protest rally, a grounded Rich invades his dad’s home office on the anniversary of his uncle’s death, and he is stunned when he comes across a classic Flying V guitar signed by the legendary Jimi Hendrix. When he strum’s Hendrix’s favorite power chord, Rich is transported to the middle of a country road and struck by a vintage Cadillac carrying none other than his teen aged father, David, his still living Uncle Michael, and Michael’s beautiful flower child girlfriend, Willow, who are headed to Woodstock. They take the injured Rich (who they have nicknamed Gabriel) under their wings to experience the music, mud, drugs, peace, and free love of that fabled weekend in upstate New York. Rich/Gabriel ponders the consequences of altering the past, and in the process, father and son learn more about each other than they could have ever imagined.
Sonnenblick has carefully researched the late ‘60s, especially the Woodstock experience, to give the book an authentic feel, and manages to bring the complicated plot to a satisfying conclusion. Told from Rich’s first person perspective, the story allows us to get caught up in that mellow weekend of life changing music and friendship, and to marvel along with him at the modern day advances we take for granted. Children of the ‘60s will enjoy this book, and present day teens (especially music lovers) will appreciate the references to the young performers who were destined to become musical legends. References to drug usage, teen sexuality, and occasional strong language make this an appropriate choice for more mature readers. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Rich struggles on a daily basis to bond with (or at least understand) his dad, a former teenage hippie who never fully recovered from the tragic loss of his older brother many years ago. After being arrested for playing music at a protest rally, a grounded Rich invades his dad’s home office on the anniversary of his uncle’s death, and he is stunned when he comes across a classic Flying V guitar signed by the legendary Jimi Hendrix. When he strum’s Hendrix’s favorite power chord, Rich is transported to the middle of a country road and struck by a vintage Cadillac carrying none other than his teen aged father, David, his still living Uncle Michael, and Michael’s beautiful flower child girlfriend, Willow, who are headed to Woodstock. They take the injured Rich (who they have nicknamed Gabriel) under their wings to experience the music, mud, drugs, peace, and free love of that fabled weekend in upstate New York. Rich/Gabriel ponders the consequences of altering the past, and in the process, father and son learn more about each other than they could have ever imagined.
Sonnenblick has carefully researched the late ‘60s, especially the Woodstock experience, to give the book an authentic feel, and manages to bring the complicated plot to a satisfying conclusion. Told from Rich’s first person perspective, the story allows us to get caught up in that mellow weekend of life changing music and friendship, and to marvel along with him at the modern day advances we take for granted. Children of the ‘60s will enjoy this book, and present day teens (especially music lovers) will appreciate the references to the young performers who were destined to become musical legends. References to drug usage, teen sexuality, and occasional strong language make this an appropriate choice for more mature readers. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE REVENGE OF THE GIRL WITH THE GREAT PERSONALITY by Elizabeth Eulberg (2013) Realistic Fiction
Lexi is the proverbial girl with the great personality --- smart and funny, but not the kind of glamour girl that the popular boys would date. Not that she couldn’t be if she wanted to. She just sees the silly antics her kid sister Mackenzie goes through, thanks to her single mother’s unhealthy obsession with the beauty pageant circuit. Seeing little girls paraded around as beauty queens has made Lexi determined to have people see her for who she really is. That is until her best friend Benny dares her to doll herself up and see what happens. Can a new hair-do and a little make-up really change Lexi’s life? As it turns out, yes, it can, but not necessarily in the ways she had planned. With the help of her best buds Benny and Cam, Lexi navigates high school with humor and heart, struggling with the confusion of first romance, the disappointment and frustration of a fractured family, and the realization that running with the “cool” kids is not always as satisfying as it’s made out to be. Lexi’s voice is funny, determined, and sometimes heartbreaking. The message of self-acceptance in Eulberg’s novel is a valuable one, the characters are memorable, and the story and dialogue are fast paced and teen friendly. Teen girls especially will enjoy this book. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Fall Book Reviews 2013
CLOSE TO FAMOUS by Joan Bauer (2011) Realistic Fiction
Lots of folks in tiny Culpepper, West Virginia have big dreams. For young Foster McFee, it’s her own cooking show. Her abused mother, Rayka, wants a fresh start and a chance to sing in front of an audience. Foster’s new friend, Macon, wants to shake things up as a documentary filmmaker. And the town’s one celebrity, aging diva Miss Charleena, has her eye on a Hollywood comeback. Though obstacles seem to spring up every step along the way, the good folks of Culpepper have a way of working things out together. This humorous story is filled with quirky characters and lots of heart. It’s a real charmer from the author of Hope Was Here, a quick, feel-good read. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Lots of folks in tiny Culpepper, West Virginia have big dreams. For young Foster McFee, it’s her own cooking show. Her abused mother, Rayka, wants a fresh start and a chance to sing in front of an audience. Foster’s new friend, Macon, wants to shake things up as a documentary filmmaker. And the town’s one celebrity, aging diva Miss Charleena, has her eye on a Hollywood comeback. Though obstacles seem to spring up every step along the way, the good folks of Culpepper have a way of working things out together. This humorous story is filled with quirky characters and lots of heart. It’s a real charmer from the author of Hope Was Here, a quick, feel-good read. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Summer Book Reviews 2013
WONDER by R. J. Palacio (2012) Realistic Fiction
First time novelist R.J. Palacio has woven a wonderful story around a wonderful character. August (Auggie) Pullman is an ordinary 10 year old in many ways – and really extraordinary in just one. Born with extensive facial deformities, the result of rare genetic birth defects, Auggie has undergone countless surgeries and recoveries in his young life, which have improved his ability to function, but still leaves him with a face that renders other kids and adults stunned and speechless. That’s why Auggie, who’s always been home schooled, is more than hesitant when his parents decide he’s ready for middle school. Auggie’s fifth grade year at Beecher Prep is chronicled through the eyes of the main players, including Auggie, his sister Via, and the few classmates with the courage to call him a friend, even when the cruelty and bullying seems to take on a life of its own.
How Auggie manages to navigate his middle school experience is a testament to his own courage and sense of humor, his loving family, some supportive teachers, and the kids who overcome their own apprehension about Auggie’s appearance and end up learning the true meaning of greatness.
The quick, snappy chapters and alternating points of view make this emotional roller coaster of a book a must read page turner. Auggie is a character that will stay with you for a long time, and with any luck, will make you a better person. DO NOT let this wonderful book pass you by! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
How Auggie manages to navigate his middle school experience is a testament to his own courage and sense of humor, his loving family, some supportive teachers, and the kids who overcome their own apprehension about Auggie’s appearance and end up learning the true meaning of greatness.
The quick, snappy chapters and alternating points of view make this emotional roller coaster of a book a must read page turner. Auggie is a character that will stay with you for a long time, and with any luck, will make you a better person. DO NOT let this wonderful book pass you by! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT by Jennifer E. Smith (2012) Realistic Fiction/Teen Romance
This little confection of a romance is an absolute must read for anyone who believes that the person who is meant just for you could be right around the corner. This short and sweet story follows two days in the life of 17 year old Hadley Sullivan, who just misses her flight to London, after a hectic day of preparations topped off by an argument with her Mom. Forced to wait another three hours for the next available flight, Hadley has time to contemplate her trans-Atlantic trip – to see her father marry a woman Hadley’s never met. When Oliver, an attractive, witty college student, keeps her company, helping her with her fear of flying as well as her family issues, Hadley is heartbroken when they are separated at the arrivals gate without even a good bye when their plane lands in London.
Can Hadley find it in her heart to overcome the anger and disappointment of her parents’ divorce, and make room for her new step-mother in her life? And can fate intervene and bring the two young soul mates back together, restoring Hadley’s faith in love and destiny? Anyone with an ounce of romance in their soul will want to read this delightful book. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Can Hadley find it in her heart to overcome the anger and disappointment of her parents’ divorce, and make room for her new step-mother in her life? And can fate intervene and bring the two young soul mates back together, restoring Hadley’s faith in love and destiny? Anyone with an ounce of romance in their soul will want to read this delightful book. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL by Soman Chainani (2013) Fantasy
Have you ever wondered what your favorite princesses, princes, and villains did BEFORE they earned their starring roles in the world’s most famous fairy tales? Chances are they attended the School for Good and Evil. Author Soman Chainani has created the most magical school since J.K. Rowling dreamed up Hogwarts. It is actually two schools, overseen by the mysterious Schoolmaster. “Evil” has charred walls, ragged bed sheets, vile cafeteria food, and educates potential villains in subjects such as Uglification and Death Curses. “Good” has crystal staircases, furniture made of candy, gourmet dining, and values beauty and goodness above all.
When the Schoolmaster steals into the village of Gavaldon, he silently whisks away beautiful, cheerful Sophie and frumpy, gloomy Agatha to take their places as students at his unusual school. But when a stunned Sophie ends up in the School for Evil, and Agatha is enrolled in the School for Good, both girls are certain a terrible mistake has been made. Could it be that Sophie’s beauty is only skin deep, and Agatha’s kindness and beauty are hidden deep within?
At nearly 500 pages, this book takes a L-L-O-O-O-N-G time to explore that possibility, and begins to repeat the same scenarios over and over, pitting the good “Evers” against the villainous “Nevers” in various pranks, school tasks, and contests. Still, the magical capabilities of the school buildings and grounds, not to mention the teachers and students within, manage to keep the pages turning. And teen girls may enjoy watching the drama unfold as princesses jockey for position with their dream princes as the school’s formal ball approaches. Be ready for a commitment if you pick up this book, but if you’re a fan of fairy tales and teen romance, you are sure to enjoy this first book of a potential trilogy. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
When the Schoolmaster steals into the village of Gavaldon, he silently whisks away beautiful, cheerful Sophie and frumpy, gloomy Agatha to take their places as students at his unusual school. But when a stunned Sophie ends up in the School for Evil, and Agatha is enrolled in the School for Good, both girls are certain a terrible mistake has been made. Could it be that Sophie’s beauty is only skin deep, and Agatha’s kindness and beauty are hidden deep within?
At nearly 500 pages, this book takes a L-L-O-O-O-N-G time to explore that possibility, and begins to repeat the same scenarios over and over, pitting the good “Evers” against the villainous “Nevers” in various pranks, school tasks, and contests. Still, the magical capabilities of the school buildings and grounds, not to mention the teachers and students within, manage to keep the pages turning. And teen girls may enjoy watching the drama unfold as princesses jockey for position with their dream princes as the school’s formal ball approaches. Be ready for a commitment if you pick up this book, but if you’re a fan of fairy tales and teen romance, you are sure to enjoy this first book of a potential trilogy. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
I AM NUMBER FOUR by Pittacus Lore (2010) (Science Fiction)
John Smith and his father Henri must pick up and move yet again – it’s happened countless times before – new identity, new town, new house, new school. Never a chance to fit in or make friends, until maybe now. Despite his father’s repeated warnings not to draw attention to himself, John’s first few days in Paradise, Ohio are anything but low key. He develops an immediate attraction to a beautiful classmate, begins a tentative friendship with an oddball alien conspiracy theorist, has a few run-ins with the popular but thuggish football captain, and adopts a lost dog named Bernie Kosar.
Why the constant need for secrecy? Why can’t John just live a normal life? Because he is not what he seems. John (or Four) has been hiding in plain sight, a refugee from the planet Lorien. He is one of nine “Legacies” who escaped to Earth when their home planet was all but destroyed by the hostile Mogodorian race. The Legacies, spread out across the globe, must develop the gifts and talents that will eventually help them to defeat their enemies and return to rebuild Lorien. As John approaches adulthood, and his supernatural Loric gifts begin to manifest themselves, the Mogodorians are more of a threat than ever. When John refuses to leave Paradise, he and Henri must prepare themselves for a battle that will determine not only their futures, but also those of their new friends.
Despite being over 400 pages long, I am Number Four is a lightning fast page turner that incorporates the usual ups and downs of high school life with a compelling, often violent, alien invasion plot. John’s developing feelings for the pretty and sweet natured Sarah are intense and real, his friendship with the nerdy Sam provides John with the perfect sidekick when the going gets tough, and further support comes from the unlikeliest of sources when the struggle reaches the tipping point. This was a terrific summer read that flew by. I will be sure to make time for the sequel – The Power of Six - in the near future. If you get into the series, there is a third book in print with a fourth on the way, and another supporting volume that rounds out the backstories of the nine Lagacies. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Why the constant need for secrecy? Why can’t John just live a normal life? Because he is not what he seems. John (or Four) has been hiding in plain sight, a refugee from the planet Lorien. He is one of nine “Legacies” who escaped to Earth when their home planet was all but destroyed by the hostile Mogodorian race. The Legacies, spread out across the globe, must develop the gifts and talents that will eventually help them to defeat their enemies and return to rebuild Lorien. As John approaches adulthood, and his supernatural Loric gifts begin to manifest themselves, the Mogodorians are more of a threat than ever. When John refuses to leave Paradise, he and Henri must prepare themselves for a battle that will determine not only their futures, but also those of their new friends.
Despite being over 400 pages long, I am Number Four is a lightning fast page turner that incorporates the usual ups and downs of high school life with a compelling, often violent, alien invasion plot. John’s developing feelings for the pretty and sweet natured Sarah are intense and real, his friendship with the nerdy Sam provides John with the perfect sidekick when the going gets tough, and further support comes from the unlikeliest of sources when the struggle reaches the tipping point. This was a terrific summer read that flew by. I will be sure to make time for the sequel – The Power of Six - in the near future. If you get into the series, there is a third book in print with a fourth on the way, and another supporting volume that rounds out the backstories of the nine Lagacies. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE IMMORTAL VON B. by M. Scott Carter (2012) Science Fiction/Teen Romance
The Immortal Von B. is a book that will appeal to many teens – it incorporates likable characters, a reverence for music of all genres, a sci-fi plot line that involves genetic engineering, and a sweet teen romance that spans two centuries.
Teen guitarist Josephine “Josie” Brunswick tells her unlikely story to her garage bandmates, beginning with her family being uprooted from their quiet Oklahoma college town, to the historic and elegant city of Vienna, Austria. Josie’s father, a highly respected genetics researcher, has been offered a chance to head the World Genetics Council (WGC), an international organization which he believes will help him fulfill his dream of curing diseases like AIDS and cancer. Josie’s mom, Anna, a world renowned concert pianist, is thrilled with the news – Vienna is her birthplace, as well as the birthplace of her favorite composer, Ludwig von Beethoven. Only Josie is upset about the move, but she reluctantly settles in at the huge villa that serves as their new home as well as her father’s state of the art laboratory. She manages to find one loyal friend at the international school she attends - a kookie, free-wheeling Brit who calls himself Fa8 (Fate) - and immerses herself in her extensive music collection. When tragedy befalls the family, Josie and her father become virtual strangers, each dealing with their grief in their own ways.
A school field trip to a venerable Viennese music landmark and an impromptu “rave” at Josie’s villa set in motion an improbable accident in her father’s lab – a genetic experiment taken to the extreme. How can Josie explain to her father the sudden presence of the world’s most celebrated musician? Dr. Brunswick’s employer, the WGC, shows its true colors, and soon Josie, Fa8, and their newly created friend, LB, are on the run from the dangerous thugs sent by her dad’s sinister bosses. As the teens struggle to stay one step ahead of their predators, Josie’s feelings for the passionate LB grow. Can a modern girl really find her first love with a young man from another century?
Some elements of the story are a little too “convenient” – Josie has no problem letting a snoopy classmate into her father’s top secret lab, Dr. Brunswick leaves his teenaged daughter home alone for months at a time, the large household staff all manage to be gone from the villa at crucial times, and Josie’s goofball friend Fa8 just happens to be a top notch computer hacker and a black belt in Karate, both skills that serve him well late in the story. Still, the story is fast paced, the three main characters are highly appealing and their developing romantic triangle is sweet and realistic. At the end of the story, a trail of crumbs is left behind that could lead to a possible sequel. I’d be in line to read it if it comes to pass. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Teen guitarist Josephine “Josie” Brunswick tells her unlikely story to her garage bandmates, beginning with her family being uprooted from their quiet Oklahoma college town, to the historic and elegant city of Vienna, Austria. Josie’s father, a highly respected genetics researcher, has been offered a chance to head the World Genetics Council (WGC), an international organization which he believes will help him fulfill his dream of curing diseases like AIDS and cancer. Josie’s mom, Anna, a world renowned concert pianist, is thrilled with the news – Vienna is her birthplace, as well as the birthplace of her favorite composer, Ludwig von Beethoven. Only Josie is upset about the move, but she reluctantly settles in at the huge villa that serves as their new home as well as her father’s state of the art laboratory. She manages to find one loyal friend at the international school she attends - a kookie, free-wheeling Brit who calls himself Fa8 (Fate) - and immerses herself in her extensive music collection. When tragedy befalls the family, Josie and her father become virtual strangers, each dealing with their grief in their own ways.
A school field trip to a venerable Viennese music landmark and an impromptu “rave” at Josie’s villa set in motion an improbable accident in her father’s lab – a genetic experiment taken to the extreme. How can Josie explain to her father the sudden presence of the world’s most celebrated musician? Dr. Brunswick’s employer, the WGC, shows its true colors, and soon Josie, Fa8, and their newly created friend, LB, are on the run from the dangerous thugs sent by her dad’s sinister bosses. As the teens struggle to stay one step ahead of their predators, Josie’s feelings for the passionate LB grow. Can a modern girl really find her first love with a young man from another century?
Some elements of the story are a little too “convenient” – Josie has no problem letting a snoopy classmate into her father’s top secret lab, Dr. Brunswick leaves his teenaged daughter home alone for months at a time, the large household staff all manage to be gone from the villa at crucial times, and Josie’s goofball friend Fa8 just happens to be a top notch computer hacker and a black belt in Karate, both skills that serve him well late in the story. Still, the story is fast paced, the three main characters are highly appealing and their developing romantic triangle is sweet and realistic. At the end of the story, a trail of crumbs is left behind that could lead to a possible sequel. I’d be in line to read it if it comes to pass. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
BOOK REVIEWS SPRING 2013
THE APOTHECARY by Maile Meloy (2001) Historical Fantasy
The Apothecary is a nail biter of a fantasy set against the backdrop of Cold War London in 1952. When Janie Scott’s parents, a pair of Hollywood TV writers, are threatened at home for their liberal beliefs, they make a snap decision to take a new job in London. Far from the sun and surf of southern California, Janie is angry and homesick, and her snobby new school is no help. That is until she meets Benjamin Burrows, the feisty son of the local Apothecary (pharmacist). Benjamin wants to be a spy, and he gets his chance sooner than expected when his father appears to be abducted from his shop by some angry Germans. Armed only with the Pharmacopoeia, the Apothecary’s treasured book of chemistry and potions, Benjamin and Janie are drawn into a life and death struggle to find Benjamin’s father and thwart the enemies that seem to lurk around every corner. Can the amazing potions and a resourceful new friend named Pip help them reunite with the Apothecary? And will they survive the bigger dangers that lie ahead?
I really enjoyed this book, which is told as a flashback in Janie’s voice. The uncertainties of life during the Cold War are graphically described, and the black and gray illustrations by Ian Schoenherr add to the bleakness of the situations that Janie and Benjamin must overcome. The fast pacing, unpredictable plot, and relatable characters will keep you turning the pages. Don’t miss this terrific summer read! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
I really enjoyed this book, which is told as a flashback in Janie’s voice. The uncertainties of life during the Cold War are graphically described, and the black and gray illustrations by Ian Schoenherr add to the bleakness of the situations that Janie and Benjamin must overcome. The fast pacing, unpredictable plot, and relatable characters will keep you turning the pages. Don’t miss this terrific summer read! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE TERRIBLE THING THAT HAPPENED TO BARNABY BROCKET (2012) by John Boyne (Modern Fantasy)
John Boyne, author of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, gives us another thought provoking story that explores what it means to be “normal”, and if being normal is really all it’s cracked up to be.
Little Barnaby Brocket comes into the world with style, stunning his mother and the attending doctors and nurses when he floats to the ceiling of the delivery room. His parents are mortified – how can this odd, floating child be a part of their exceedingly normal family? Too embarrassed to take Barnaby on outings or send him to school with his “normal” siblings, Mr. and Mrs. Brocket hatch a plan to finally rid themselves of their abnormal little boy. As 8 year old Barnaby, frightened and bewildered, floats away from his mother and his beloved home town of Sydney, Australia, he can hardly imagine the adventures he will experience and the people he will meet – each as special as he is, in their own way.
Barnaby’s saga takes us around the world (and beyond), reminding us that everyone has a story to tell, and that our past is what makes each of us special and unique. Boyne infuses the story with humor and pathos, mostly through young Barnaby’s honest assessments of the weird predicaments in which he finds himself, and through the simple pencil drawings of illustrator Oliver Jeffers. This is a sweet and fast paced book about accepting yourself and appreciating the unique qualities of those who surround us, a terrific book for a classroom read aloud. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Little Barnaby Brocket comes into the world with style, stunning his mother and the attending doctors and nurses when he floats to the ceiling of the delivery room. His parents are mortified – how can this odd, floating child be a part of their exceedingly normal family? Too embarrassed to take Barnaby on outings or send him to school with his “normal” siblings, Mr. and Mrs. Brocket hatch a plan to finally rid themselves of their abnormal little boy. As 8 year old Barnaby, frightened and bewildered, floats away from his mother and his beloved home town of Sydney, Australia, he can hardly imagine the adventures he will experience and the people he will meet – each as special as he is, in their own way.
Barnaby’s saga takes us around the world (and beyond), reminding us that everyone has a story to tell, and that our past is what makes each of us special and unique. Boyne infuses the story with humor and pathos, mostly through young Barnaby’s honest assessments of the weird predicaments in which he finds himself, and through the simple pencil drawings of illustrator Oliver Jeffers. This is a sweet and fast paced book about accepting yourself and appreciating the unique qualities of those who surround us, a terrific book for a classroom read aloud. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
PRISONER B-3087 (2013) by Alan Gratz (Historical Fiction – Based on a true story)
This gut wrenching book by Alan Gratz, author of The Brooklyn Nine, chronicles the experiences of Yanek Gruener, a young Polish Jew who lives a comfortable life with his parents in the city of Krakow, Poland. But in 1939, the Nazis invade Poland, constructing a tall brick wall around his neighborhood, imprisoning Yanek’s family and countless other Jews, restricting their jobs, homes, food, and personal freedoms. The Grueners find creative ways to survive, at least for a while. But the worst is yet to come when Yanek’s entire family, and eventually Yanek himself, are snatched and sent away to the rumored Nazi work camps. Yanek begins his odyssey through the camp system, doing his best to go unnoticed by the sadistic Nazi guards, and trying to remain strong enough to do whatever grueling work is assigned to him. If he can still work, he can survive, his only goal as he navigates this living nightmare.
During the six years of World War II, Yanek Gruener served time in TEN different concentration camps, each one more harrowing than the last. Alan Gratz spares no details in this disturbing story, based on one boy’s real life experiences. Yanek (now Jack) Gruener did survive, and somehow managed to emerge from his ordeal with his faith in the human spirit still intact. This book is a must read for anyone with an interest in the Holocaust. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
During the six years of World War II, Yanek Gruener served time in TEN different concentration camps, each one more harrowing than the last. Alan Gratz spares no details in this disturbing story, based on one boy’s real life experiences. Yanek (now Jack) Gruener did survive, and somehow managed to emerge from his ordeal with his faith in the human spirit still intact. This book is a must read for anyone with an interest in the Holocaust. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
DIVERGENT (2011) by Veronica Roth (Dystopian Fiction)
A futuristic Chicago is the setting for Veronica Roth’s debut novel, a dystopian thriller with plenty of action, violence, and romance to go around. This near future society is divided into five factions, based on the human quality that each values most – Abnegation (selflessness), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), Amity (peacefulness), and Erudite (intelligence). Originally meant to compliment each other, forming a complete, well managed society, lately something has begun to feel wrong and out of place.
16 year old Beatrice Prior, born into the kind and giving Abnegation faction, is ready to undergo the aptitude tests that will help her decide which faction she will call home for the rest of her life. Her test results are inconclusive, and she surprises everyone by choosing to live and train among the pierced and tattooed risk takers of the Dauntless faction. Renaming herself Tris, she makes some loyal friends, brutal enemies, and finds her first romance with one of her trainers, named Four, who has some secrets of his own. Tris and Four begin to unravel the evil and deceit that are threatening their society and those they love.
This book is an action packed page turner. Graphic violence may turn off some readers, but those who loved The Hunger Games will flock to this series. Book 2 and 3 are already in print, and a much hyped Divergent movie, filmed in Chicago, is slated for a March 2014 release. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
16 year old Beatrice Prior, born into the kind and giving Abnegation faction, is ready to undergo the aptitude tests that will help her decide which faction she will call home for the rest of her life. Her test results are inconclusive, and she surprises everyone by choosing to live and train among the pierced and tattooed risk takers of the Dauntless faction. Renaming herself Tris, she makes some loyal friends, brutal enemies, and finds her first romance with one of her trainers, named Four, who has some secrets of his own. Tris and Four begin to unravel the evil and deceit that are threatening their society and those they love.
This book is an action packed page turner. Graphic violence may turn off some readers, but those who loved The Hunger Games will flock to this series. Book 2 and 3 are already in print, and a much hyped Divergent movie, filmed in Chicago, is slated for a March 2014 release. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
A TALE DARK AND GRIMM (2010) by Adam Gidwitz (Fairy Tale/Fantasy)
Adam Gidwitz weaves a bone chilling tale built around the beloved characters of Hansel and Gretel. But unlike the famous fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, this story does not end with the witch who tries to bake and eat them. Not even close. In fact the siblings find themselves stumbling into one unbelievably gory situation after another, from being decapitated by their parents, to saving their kingdom from a terrifying dragon. (Yes, it will all make sense in the end.) Though the author warns us to keep small children away as the gruesome story unfolds, we can’t help but want to listen ourselves. Gidwitz somehow takes this hair raising tale to a satisfying conclusion – proving that the old complaint, “But they’re just kids…” isn’t always true. Sometimes kids can surprise you with their wisdom, determination, and courage. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Check out this Dystopian Cornucopia!
Ms. Hasse's 7th Grade LA classes recently read a variety of dystopian novels. They discussed vocabulary, imagery, settings, and other elements unique to the genre, and finished by creating some awesome book trailers. Check out some of the great examples below.
Georgina's book trailer for THE HUNGER GAMES
|
Fernando's book trailer for THE HUNGER GAMES
|
BOOK REVIEWS WINTER 2012
CIRCUS GALACTICUS (2011) by Deva Fagan (Science Fiction)
Deva Fagan’s sci-fi adventure takes headstrong Beatrix (Trix) Ling from the halls of snobby Bleeker Academy to the main stage of the Circus Galacticus, a fantastical space station that travels the galaxies entertaining alien audiences from across the universe. The circus is populated by the descendants of the ancient Tinkers, a group that encourages individuals to follow their dreams and pursue their destinies. For once, Trix finally feels like she fits in, making friends, finding her way around the vast Circus Glacticus, and trying to work out her feelings toward the charismatic Ringmaster.
When a mysterious space rock that was entrusted to Trix by her now dead parents is stolen by Nyl, a member of the Mandate, the intergalactic enemy of the Tinkers, Trix is drawn into a dangerous mission that could spell the end for her new home.
This sci-fi escapade is fast paced and imaginative. Each member of the Circus Galacticus puts their special talents to good use as they try to help Trix defeat the evil Mandate forces and regain what is truly hers. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
When a mysterious space rock that was entrusted to Trix by her now dead parents is stolen by Nyl, a member of the Mandate, the intergalactic enemy of the Tinkers, Trix is drawn into a dangerous mission that could spell the end for her new home.
This sci-fi escapade is fast paced and imaginative. Each member of the Circus Galacticus puts their special talents to good use as they try to help Trix defeat the evil Mandate forces and regain what is truly hers. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
LIAR AND SPY (2012) by Rebecca Stead (Realistic Fiction)
Like her Newbery Award winner, When You Reach Me, this new book by Rebecca Stead combines quirky characters and a twisty plot that keeps you wondering what will happen next.
Georges (the S is silent) is a 7th grader who could use some good news in his life. His dad has lost his job and is trying to start his own business, while his mom is working double shifts at the hospital to make ends meet. His best friend has left him behind for a seat at the “cool” lunch table, and the school bully has singled Georges out as a target. After giving up their house for a more affordable apartment, Georges meets 12 year old Safer, a slightly unusual, self-proclaimed spy who draws Georges into his web of deception, so much so that Georges begins to question how far he’s willing to go to hang on to his new friend.
This book has lots of red herrings, foreshadowing, and plot twists that will keep you guessing until the end. A quick, humorous read about friendship and facing your fears.
Georges (the S is silent) is a 7th grader who could use some good news in his life. His dad has lost his job and is trying to start his own business, while his mom is working double shifts at the hospital to make ends meet. His best friend has left him behind for a seat at the “cool” lunch table, and the school bully has singled Georges out as a target. After giving up their house for a more affordable apartment, Georges meets 12 year old Safer, a slightly unusual, self-proclaimed spy who draws Georges into his web of deception, so much so that Georges begins to question how far he’s willing to go to hang on to his new friend.
This book has lots of red herrings, foreshadowing, and plot twists that will keep you guessing until the end. A quick, humorous read about friendship and facing your fears.
THE SCORPIO RACES by Maggie Stiefvater (2011) Fantasy
Every November, the island of Thisby hosts the Scorpio Races, an all or nothing horse race where the stakes are high, and the chances of coming out of it alive are slim. What makes this race so unique? The horses are born of the sea – faster, stronger, and wilder than any of their land born counterparts.
Quiet, serious Sean Kendrick, a four time champion of the Scorpio Races, has a special knack with the horses in his charge, especially his water stallion, Corr. Sean is determined to win the race once more so he can finally buy Corr from Benjamin Malvern, his wealthy, domineering boss, and escape the sadistic bullying of Malvern’s son, Mutt.
Fiery, outspoken Kate (Puck) Connolly needs to win for a different, but equally important reason. Unfortunately, her ordinary but loyal pony, Dove, seems no match for the mighty, malevolent water horses, and the stubborn men on the island seem determined to prevent a woman from entering the race at all.
Adversaries at first, Sean and Puck come to respect each other for their fierce determination and the love and loyalty they display for their horses, their island home, and eventually each other.
Author Maggie Stiefvater weaves a beautiful, frightening, suspenseful story, part reality, part fantasy, introducing us to an assortment of colorful, well defined characters. The island setting of Thisby is almost a character in itself, with its wild beauty, ever changing weather, and the pounding ocean that churns out the dangerous water horses. Don’t wait to read this beautifully written story. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Quiet, serious Sean Kendrick, a four time champion of the Scorpio Races, has a special knack with the horses in his charge, especially his water stallion, Corr. Sean is determined to win the race once more so he can finally buy Corr from Benjamin Malvern, his wealthy, domineering boss, and escape the sadistic bullying of Malvern’s son, Mutt.
Fiery, outspoken Kate (Puck) Connolly needs to win for a different, but equally important reason. Unfortunately, her ordinary but loyal pony, Dove, seems no match for the mighty, malevolent water horses, and the stubborn men on the island seem determined to prevent a woman from entering the race at all.
Adversaries at first, Sean and Puck come to respect each other for their fierce determination and the love and loyalty they display for their horses, their island home, and eventually each other.
Author Maggie Stiefvater weaves a beautiful, frightening, suspenseful story, part reality, part fantasy, introducing us to an assortment of colorful, well defined characters. The island setting of Thisby is almost a character in itself, with its wild beauty, ever changing weather, and the pounding ocean that churns out the dangerous water horses. Don’t wait to read this beautifully written story. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
UNWIND (2007) and UNWHOLLY (2012) by Neal Shusterman
(Dystopian Fiction)
In this compelling series, Shusterman creates a near future society in which abortion is strictly forbidden, but unwanted babies are “storked” (left on a doorstep to be raised by strangers), and fed up parents can sign over their unruly teens to the authorities for “unwinding’, a grisly surgical procedure where their still living body is dissected and every part distributed to the highest bidders. The teens live on, but in a “divided state”.
The first book, Unwind, follows three teens who are slated for unwinding at a harvest camp. Connor is a teen delinquent whose parents have had enough of his anti-social behavior. Risa is an orphan who is taking up valuable space in a state facility and deemed unworthy to stay on. Lev is a tithe, the tenth child in his religious family who was born and raised specifically to be unwound, as an offering to society. A series of events brings the three together and sets them on the road to escape. Aided by their courage, wits, and a modern day underground railroad, their desperate cross-country journey brings the teens to the very brink of their existence.
In UnWholly, the long awaited sequel, Connor and Risa have become instrumental in protecting a colony of AWOLS, escaped teens who have managed to elude the juvie cops, at least for now. Starkey, an angry new AWOL, seeks to challenge Connor's leadership. Lev, in the meantime, has become an unwilling role model for a cult of rescued teens, and a voice of reason for Miracolina, another tithe who is angry that her chance to be unwound has been taken from her. A third new character, Cam, is a human made up completely of the finest unwound parts, created as a “poster boy” for unwinding. While Cam is perfect in many ways, he struggles to find an identity of his own and wonders just how human he really is and what is the true nature of the human soul.
As many members of this society gone bad begin to question the ethics and morality of unwinding, the authorities recognize its huge monetary value, and are desperate to prove that it’s the right way to go. As the authorities close in on the AWOL compound, tensions are mounting and the various sides in the battle are preparing for a revolution.
With almost five years between books one and two, fans are hoping Shusterman can publish the third volume of the trilogy in a more timely manner. In the meantime, read Shusterman’s Everlost series, or Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series.
The first book, Unwind, follows three teens who are slated for unwinding at a harvest camp. Connor is a teen delinquent whose parents have had enough of his anti-social behavior. Risa is an orphan who is taking up valuable space in a state facility and deemed unworthy to stay on. Lev is a tithe, the tenth child in his religious family who was born and raised specifically to be unwound, as an offering to society. A series of events brings the three together and sets them on the road to escape. Aided by their courage, wits, and a modern day underground railroad, their desperate cross-country journey brings the teens to the very brink of their existence.
In UnWholly, the long awaited sequel, Connor and Risa have become instrumental in protecting a colony of AWOLS, escaped teens who have managed to elude the juvie cops, at least for now. Starkey, an angry new AWOL, seeks to challenge Connor's leadership. Lev, in the meantime, has become an unwilling role model for a cult of rescued teens, and a voice of reason for Miracolina, another tithe who is angry that her chance to be unwound has been taken from her. A third new character, Cam, is a human made up completely of the finest unwound parts, created as a “poster boy” for unwinding. While Cam is perfect in many ways, he struggles to find an identity of his own and wonders just how human he really is and what is the true nature of the human soul.
As many members of this society gone bad begin to question the ethics and morality of unwinding, the authorities recognize its huge monetary value, and are desperate to prove that it’s the right way to go. As the authorities close in on the AWOL compound, tensions are mounting and the various sides in the battle are preparing for a revolution.
With almost five years between books one and two, fans are hoping Shusterman can publish the third volume of the trilogy in a more timely manner. In the meantime, read Shusterman’s Everlost series, or Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series.
SIGNAL by Cynthia DeFelice (2011) Realistic Fiction
Since the death of his mom, Owen McGuire feels totally alone. His workaholic dad is still dealing with the loss. They’ve moved to a new neighborhood, but summer means no new friends until school starts. That is until Owen meets Campion, an unusual girl with glittering green eyes. Cam insists that she’s an alien who was mistakenly left behind on Earth, and she gradually convinces Owen to help her build a signal so her parents will return to rescue her. She even tries to convince Owen to come with her and escape his lonely existence. Will Owen take her up on the offer?
This sweet story of two lonely souls believing in the unbelievable is a quick, satisfying read. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
This sweet story of two lonely souls believing in the unbelievable is a quick, satisfying read. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
I AM (NOT) THE WALRUS by Ed Briant (2012) Realistic Fiction
Music is such an important part of most teens’ lives. This book follows a week in the life of 16 year old Toby, a talented bass guitarist who’s set to play his first official gig with his best pal, Zach, as a Beatles cover band called The Nowhere Men. While repairing the bass guitar borrowed from his absentee brother, Toby discovers a note that leads him to believe the instrument is stolen. With the help of an independent and sassy new crush named Michelle, Toby sets out on a sometimes dangerous quest to find the rightful owner. Toby’s close relationship with his single mom, his friendship with Zach, and the budding romance between him and Michelle are genuine and believable. And Briant’s description of the nervousness, stage fright, and ultimate euphoria of the duo’s first stage appearance at a local club is a must read for anyone who’s ever dreamed of being a rock star. This book is set in England, so there is a little bit of British slang, but mostly it’s just a good story about friendship, romance, and doing what’s right, all set to a “soundtrack” by one of the greatest bands in rock and roll history. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
BREAKING STALIN’S NOSE by Eugene Velchin (2011) Historical Fiction
As a ten year old in Soviet Russia, Sasha dreams of becoming one of Josef Stalin’s Young Pioneers. But when his father is suddenly arrested, leaving Sasha homeless, and a mishap at school leaves him sick with fear, Sasha is suddenly not so sure about the powerful Comrade Stalin and the society which he leads. Could everything Sasha knows and believes about his beloved Russia be wrong? This story, which takes place over two days, is a frightening snapshot of what life was like in Communist Russia, where everyone is a suspect and no one can be trusted. The author, himself raised in Russia, gives us a good, quick read with interesting charcoal illustrations to round out the story. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
UNGIFTED by Gordon Korman (2012) Realistic Fiction
Gordon Korman speaks “middle school” better than any author around, and his latest offering is proof positive. Donovan Curtis is the walking poster boy for poor impulse control. After an accidental, but costly mishap at his middle school, Donovan is summoned to the superintendant’s office. Instead of the expected lifetime detention, a paperwork snafu sends Donovan to the school district’s prestigious gifted school. It’s soon obvious to everyone that Donovan is a fish out of water, but he makes every effort to fit in, snagging a spot on the robotics team and helping his classmates fulfill an unusual curriculum requirement with the help of his pregnant older sister. Donovan soon comes to realize that his nerdy, oddball classmates are the best friends he’s ever had, and they in turn realize that “giftedness” is not always determined by IQ. This book is funny and fast paced, with a great premise and likeable, relatable characters. Don’t miss it. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
ROPE BURN by Jan Siebold (1998) Realistic Fiction
When Mr. Best hands out a new writing assignment, asking students to tie a familiar proverb to their personal lives, Richard can’t decide which proverb to choose. Turns out there are quite a few that fit his situation at the moment. His parents are recently divorced, he’s in a new house and new school, and is working on a new best friend. This could be the assignment that finally helps him find his voice as an author. This is a super quick read by the author of Doing Time Online. Richard’s story is funny, realistic and heartfelt. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
SON by Lois Lowry (2012) Dystopian Fantasy
Lois Lowry’s Newbery Award winning classic, The Giver, introduced us to 12 year old Jonas, and the infant Gabriel, whose impending death forced Jonas to make a drastic and dangerous decision. Gathering Blue and The Messenger wove equally compelling tales that loosely tied back to The Giver. Son, the fourth and final book in the series, cleverly wraps up the saga. It follows the story of Claire, one of the “birthmothers” who produced the anonymous “newchildren” introduced in The Giver. Quite by accident, Claire finds out that the newchild, taken away from her at the time of its birth, was a son, and Claire becomes obsessed with discovering his identity. As she reaches adulthood, Claire embarks on a harrowing journey in order to find the son she lost years before.
Just as she does in the previous books, Lowry creates highly imagined societies filled with compelling characters. Son is a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the intriguing story of Jonas and Gabriel that Lowry gave us many years ago. Re-read the series from the beginning to truly savor the masterful plotting and storytelling. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Just as she does in the previous books, Lowry creates highly imagined societies filled with compelling characters. Son is a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the intriguing story of Jonas and Gabriel that Lowry gave us many years ago. Re-read the series from the beginning to truly savor the masterful plotting and storytelling. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
BOOK REVIEWS - FALL 2012
AS EASY AS FALLING OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH by Lynne Rae Perkins (2010) Realistic Fiction
This fast paced book is a kid’s version of “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” with 15 year old Ry traveling by train to an archaeology summer camp in Montana. His parents are on a romantic vacation in the Caribbean, and his grandfather, Lloyd, is dog-sitting back home in Wisconsin. When the train stops, and Ry steps off to call his grandfather, he watches the train, and his summer plans, head off without him. After an exhausting trek on foot, Ry stumbles across Del, a quiet man who likes nothing better than helping people solve their problems, even if it means a cross country road trip. After all, who knows who you’ll meet along the way, or what kind of adventures it will lead to?
Newbery winner Lynne Rae Perkins (Criss Cross) scores again with this funny and sweet natured story about finding family, making new friends, and testing yourself in tough situations. This book is on this year’s Rebecca Caudill list. Don’t forget to read any three and vote in February! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Newbery winner Lynne Rae Perkins (Criss Cross) scores again with this funny and sweet natured story about finding family, making new friends, and testing yourself in tough situations. This book is on this year’s Rebecca Caudill list. Don’t forget to read any three and vote in February! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE AGE OF MIRACLES By Karen Thompson Walker (2012)
Science Fiction/Realistic Fiction
If you likedLife As We Knew It, you will undoubtedly enjoy this book. Julia and her family, along with the rest of the world, discover that the Earth’s rotation has begun to slow. Days and nights grow longer, the rhythm of everyday life is thrown into chaos, the climate and environment change drastically. Just as she is dealing with these frightening new realities, Julia also struggles with an unsettling family secret, splintering friendships, and the ups and downs of first love. Told in Julia’s voice, this book beautifully chronicles her coming of age during a wildly uncertain time. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
INKHEART by Cornelia Funke (2003) Fantasy
Most people I know ask me if I’m talking about the movie if I talk about Inkheart, a very gripping novel by Cornelia Funke. They seem surprised that the movie, starring Brendan Fraser, was based on a book. This is a fantasy story, though I wouldn’t advise reading this to your younger sibling before they go to bed.
There are many characters in this book. The main characters are Mo, his daughter Meggie, her Aunt Elinor, her mother Resa, the fire eater Dustfinger, the author Fenoglio, the evil leader Capricorn, and his knife wielding follower, Basta. A host of secondary characters round out the story, some of them worse than Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, bringing destruction everywhere they go.
Mo is a bookbinder who is looking for a certain book, Inkheart. Meggie is his twelve year old daughter. One night, Dustfinger shows up, and he, along with Mo and Meggie, head south to Elinor’s house. Elinor has many books, and Mo thinks that Inkheart will be safe among them. Dustfinger puts on a show for Meggie, but the show is interrupted, and Mo is taken away.
When Elinor and Meggie head out to get Mo back, they run into Dustfinger, who guides them to the evil Capricorn. They take Capricorn what he wants, but he burns it in front of them. Mo is asked by Capricorn to do something, but he refuses. When Meggie is threatened with a knife, Mo finally gives in. After a daring escape, Dustfinger asks Resa, Capricorn’s maid, to help him with an impossible task, and when they are caught, they are sentenced to be executed by Capricorn.
Meggie is told to “read” the executioner out of the story, thereby saving Dustfinger and Resa. Capricorn meets his end, and Resa, Meggie, and Mo are finally reunited. I wish I could say they all live happily ever after, but the book Mo has searched for disappears along with Dustfinger.
Inkheart has won many awards. It was voted a New York Times, USA Today, and Book Sense best seller. It has won the Phantastik-Preis der Stadt Wetzler Award in Germany. This book has had the honor of being made into a movie.
This book is known as a children’s book, but the violence, references, and some brief, mild language makes it appropriate for 6thgrade or above. This book is really popular, especially since the movie release. More people prefer the book to the movie because they didn’t picture the characters that way.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of action and fantasy in their books. Enjoy reading this thrilling novel! (Reviewed by Samantha Hoffman, Grade 8/ Edited by Mrs. Cline)
There are many characters in this book. The main characters are Mo, his daughter Meggie, her Aunt Elinor, her mother Resa, the fire eater Dustfinger, the author Fenoglio, the evil leader Capricorn, and his knife wielding follower, Basta. A host of secondary characters round out the story, some of them worse than Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, bringing destruction everywhere they go.
Mo is a bookbinder who is looking for a certain book, Inkheart. Meggie is his twelve year old daughter. One night, Dustfinger shows up, and he, along with Mo and Meggie, head south to Elinor’s house. Elinor has many books, and Mo thinks that Inkheart will be safe among them. Dustfinger puts on a show for Meggie, but the show is interrupted, and Mo is taken away.
When Elinor and Meggie head out to get Mo back, they run into Dustfinger, who guides them to the evil Capricorn. They take Capricorn what he wants, but he burns it in front of them. Mo is asked by Capricorn to do something, but he refuses. When Meggie is threatened with a knife, Mo finally gives in. After a daring escape, Dustfinger asks Resa, Capricorn’s maid, to help him with an impossible task, and when they are caught, they are sentenced to be executed by Capricorn.
Meggie is told to “read” the executioner out of the story, thereby saving Dustfinger and Resa. Capricorn meets his end, and Resa, Meggie, and Mo are finally reunited. I wish I could say they all live happily ever after, but the book Mo has searched for disappears along with Dustfinger.
Inkheart has won many awards. It was voted a New York Times, USA Today, and Book Sense best seller. It has won the Phantastik-Preis der Stadt Wetzler Award in Germany. This book has had the honor of being made into a movie.
This book is known as a children’s book, but the violence, references, and some brief, mild language makes it appropriate for 6thgrade or above. This book is really popular, especially since the movie release. More people prefer the book to the movie because they didn’t picture the characters that way.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of action and fantasy in their books. Enjoy reading this thrilling novel! (Reviewed by Samantha Hoffman, Grade 8/ Edited by Mrs. Cline)
OUT OF MY MIND by Sharon M. Draper (2010) Realistic Fiction
Melody is the smartest kid in her school. The problem is, nobody knows it. Melody has Cerebral Palsy. She’s a prisoner in her wheel chair, can only point with her thumb, and worst of all, is unable to speak. The millions of ideas, jokes, songs, and emotions going through her mind are known only to her. While classmates and even some of her teachers assume that her brain is as useless as her body, her loving family and a few supportive friends see who she really is and what she’s capable of. A new computer that helps her communicate finally opens up opportunities she never would have dreamed possible. But the more alike she becomes with her classmates, the more her differences stand out. Told from Melody’s point of view, this heartbreaking and heartwarming story shows that being “special” has more than its share of ups and downs. You won’t want to miss out on Melody’s everyday tragedies and triumphs.
UNDERDOGS by Markus Zusak (1999/2012) Realistic Fiction
Underdogs by Markus Zusak (The Book Thief) was one of my favorite reads this past summer. Originally published in the author’s native Australia, this volume is actually three short books in one, now released for the first time in the U.S. The stories follow the Wolf brothers, a pair of rough and tumble Australian teens. Ruben is tough and crude, Cam is smart and sensitive. Between raucous fights, misguided schemes, and romantic rivalries, the two couldn’t be more different, but are brothers first and always.
I loved this book. It’s hilariously funny and quietly emotional. Never has brotherly love been so entertaining. The best book about growing up I’ve read in a long time. Recommended for mature readers for language and themes. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
I loved this book. It’s hilariously funny and quietly emotional. Never has brotherly love been so entertaining. The best book about growing up I’ve read in a long time. Recommended for mature readers for language and themes. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
BOOK REVIEWS - SUMMER READING 2012
THE SMILE by Donna Jo Napoli (2008) (Historical Fiction)
This book brings to life all the politics, intrigue, art, and romance of Italy during the Italian Renaissance of the late 1400s. Elisabetta is a young girl born into a noble family. Though she loves her family’s country villa, her visits to the opulent city of Florence bring the chance for her first, passionate love, with one of the famously wealthy Medici brothers, no less, and an unusual relationship with the revered artist Leonardo Da Vinci. The twists and turns, tragedies and disappointments, joys and surprises of Elisabetta’s life are played out against the backdrop of this meticulously detailed historical era. Find out how Elisabetta becomes the inspiration for Da Vinci’s most famous work of art. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE BROOKLYN NINE by Alan Gratz (2009) (Historical Fiction)
This cleverly written story follows nine generations of the Schneider family of Brooklyn, from the gritty New York of the mid-1800s to the present day. What binds the generations together is a passion for the game of baseball, and especially for their beloved Brooklyn Dodgers. The author masterfully weaves together the nine stories (or “innings”), each one tied to the ones before by more than just blood. Any true baseball fan will love this book. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner (2010) (Dystopian Fiction)
Thomas is delivered to the Glade via the “lift” (elevator), with no memory of his former life. The Glade is a large parcel of land surrounded by huge stone walls and a confusing maze that’s patrolled by deadly mechanized creatures called Grievers, making escape seemingly impossible. The Glade is populated by a group of teenaged boys who’ve managed to create a society that supplies basic needs but no luxuries. While Thomas joins in the day-to-day workings of the Glade, he seems to run into frustrating road blocks every time he comes close to discovering clues as to why he ended up here and what his ultimate purpose is. When the first ever girl is delivered in the lift, Thomas and his fellow Gladers try to solve the mystery of her presence and what it means for their possible escape. Like many series, the final chapters of this first book are an obvious set up for the second installment. Though the book starts a little slowly, the pace eventually picks up, leading to an exciting cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
BUNKER 10 by J. A. Henderson 2007 (Science Fiction)
This book has it all – spy games, warfare, virtual reality, and time travel. A group of genius teens living and working in a top secret military facility are threatened with imminent death when an experiment goes badly wrong. Can their superior intellect help them out of this disastrous situation? Fast paced and suspenseful for the gamer in all of us. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY by Trenton Lee Stewart 2008 (Mystery/Fantasy)
When Reynie Muldoon answers an unusual ad (Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?) he hopes it will take him from the orphanage in which he lives, even if it means leaving his beloved tutor, Miss Pemural. When Reynie and others qualify for membership in the Mysterious Benedict Society, they are thrown into an adventure that involves spying, brainwashing, and non-stop action. Can they use their special and diverse talents to outsmart Mr. Benedict’s evil and unpredictable twin? (Reviewed by Mrs.Cline)
TOUCHING SPIRIT BEAR by Ben Mikaelsen 2001 (Realistic Fiction/Survival)
Cole Matthews is an angry teen, facing a jail sentence for a violent act against a classmate that has devastated both boys’ lives. Instead of jail time, Cole is accepted to participate in a Native American “circle justice” program, and he is banished for a year to a remote Alaskan island. Can Cole’s harrowing struggle for survival heal his broken spirit? The author’s graphic descriptions of Cole’s year in the wilderness will appeal to adventure fans. If you like the survival stories of Gary Paulsen and Will Hobbs, you will enjoy this book. Also look for the sequel, Ghost of Spirit Bear. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
JOHNNY AND THE BOMB by Terry Pratchett 2007 (Sci-Fi/Time Travel)
Johnny Maxwell and his friends just like to hang out in their little English town. When the local bag lady’s rickety old shopping cart turns out to be a time travel portal, it takes the kids back in time to World War II, bombing raids and all. The situation forces them to decide whether to leave things as they are, or save the 19 towns people who were killed by German bombs back in 1941. What are the consequences of tinkering with history? This book is funny and thought provoking, and written from a delightfully “English” point of view. (Reviewed by Mrs.Cline)
ENDER'S GAME by Orson Scott Card 1994 (Science Fiction)
Andrew (Ender) Wiggin is a “third”. He’s the third child in his family, born specifically to match his siblings’extraordinary intellect, but avoid their weaker traits. He is carefully
monitored until age 6, when he is taken from his home and family to train at Battle School, run by the International Federation. After two disastrous invasions by alien “buggers”, the Federation is desperate for a leader who could successfully lead them to a victory if a third invasion were to occur. Could this brilliant little boy be the answer? Does he have the capacity to lead the armies of earth if the buggers attacked again?
If you are a sci-fi fan, this book is a must read. The characters are well developed, especially Ender, who is so compelling, you’ll feel anger and despair at each of his setbacks and joy at every success. And the settings, first at Battle School and later at Command School, are like being inside a huge video game. You can almost imagine yourself joining the training exercises in the zero gravity chamber. A movie version is in the works for a 2013 release. It will be interesting to see how it stacks up against this powerful, thought provoking modern classic. (Warning: This book is for mature readers - contains some strong language and violence.) (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
monitored until age 6, when he is taken from his home and family to train at Battle School, run by the International Federation. After two disastrous invasions by alien “buggers”, the Federation is desperate for a leader who could successfully lead them to a victory if a third invasion were to occur. Could this brilliant little boy be the answer? Does he have the capacity to lead the armies of earth if the buggers attacked again?
If you are a sci-fi fan, this book is a must read. The characters are well developed, especially Ender, who is so compelling, you’ll feel anger and despair at each of his setbacks and joy at every success. And the settings, first at Battle School and later at Command School, are like being inside a huge video game. You can almost imagine yourself joining the training exercises in the zero gravity chamber. A movie version is in the works for a 2013 release. It will be interesting to see how it stacks up against this powerful, thought provoking modern classic. (Warning: This book is for mature readers - contains some strong language and violence.) (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE BERLIN BOXING CLUB Robert Sharenow 2011 (Historical Fiction)
As the Nazi Party and Hitler’s Third Reich rise to power in 1930s Berlin, Jewish schoolboy Karl Stern watches his family’s comfortable life slowly disintegrate. He and his sister, Hildy, are bullied and eventually ousted from their schools, his father’s once successful art business is gradually crumbling, and his mother’s mood swings are becoming more and more worrisome. Besides his family struggles, it’s becoming more difficult for Karl to hide his budding romance with his neighbor, Greta, who is not Jewish.
But Karl’s life takes an odd twist when he meets German boxing champion Max Schmeling at one of his father’s art gallery shows. Max and the other fighters at his gym, the Berlin Boxing Club, take Karl under their wings and turn him into a contender in the youth boxing leagues around the city. Boxing, along with Karl's passion for cartooning, become outlets for his anger and frustrations as his personal life and his homeland become fractured beyond anything he could have imagined.
As Max travels to America to defend his boxing title, his celebrity status makes him Hitler’s favorite example of German superiority. Max's loyalties come into question, leaving Karl to wonder who he can trust. It seems he's on his own as he tries to help his family survive the nightmare of Nazi Germany.
Of course, the Holocaust is always a compelling topic. But this book also has complex, surprising characters and numerous unexpected plot twists. Karl’s journey to adulthood is terrifying, heartbreaking, and at times triumphant. Because of the themes, this book is for mature readers. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
But Karl’s life takes an odd twist when he meets German boxing champion Max Schmeling at one of his father’s art gallery shows. Max and the other fighters at his gym, the Berlin Boxing Club, take Karl under their wings and turn him into a contender in the youth boxing leagues around the city. Boxing, along with Karl's passion for cartooning, become outlets for his anger and frustrations as his personal life and his homeland become fractured beyond anything he could have imagined.
As Max travels to America to defend his boxing title, his celebrity status makes him Hitler’s favorite example of German superiority. Max's loyalties come into question, leaving Karl to wonder who he can trust. It seems he's on his own as he tries to help his family survive the nightmare of Nazi Germany.
Of course, the Holocaust is always a compelling topic. But this book also has complex, surprising characters and numerous unexpected plot twists. Karl’s journey to adulthood is terrifying, heartbreaking, and at times triumphant. Because of the themes, this book is for mature readers. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
EDENVILLE OWLS by Robert B. Parker 2007 (Historical Fiction)
I’ve read many of Robert B. Parker’s adult crime novels over the years, but this is his first written for young adults. Sadly, he only wrote 3 YA novels before his death a few years ago. But true to his distinctive style, the characters are convincing, the plots are intriguing, and it’s all tied together by Parker’s trademark snappy, rapid fire dialogue.
In Edenville Owls, it’s 1945, just after World War II, and Bobby Murphy and his buddies are trying to put together a competitive basketball team. But they’re also dealing with some new feelings and jealousies, and trying to solve a mystery involving one of their teachers and a new preacher in town. Though this book is not a difficult read, the themes may be mature for some readers. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
In Edenville Owls, it’s 1945, just after World War II, and Bobby Murphy and his buddies are trying to put together a competitive basketball team. But they’re also dealing with some new feelings and jealousies, and trying to solve a mystery involving one of their teachers and a new preacher in town. Though this book is not a difficult read, the themes may be mature for some readers. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
ADAM CANFIELD OF THE SLASH by Michael Winerip 2005
(Realistic Fiction)
Adam Canfield is one busy guy, what with school, band, and sports, and now he’s editor of his school newspaper, The Slash. With his co-editor Jennifer, and cub reporter, Phoebe, Adam uncovers a scandal involving the school’s principal. It’s a story that could blow the lid right off of Harris Elementary/Middle School. The trouble is, the person who’s being investigated is the same one who has final say about what gets printed in The Slash. How will Adam and his friends uncover the truth and get the news out? This book is humorous and fast paced with likable characters. And let’s face it – we all know an Adam in our lives. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan 2005 (Fantasy/Mythology)
Click on the link below to see a great book trailer created by Piotr M. and Michael W.
lightning_thief_pm_and_mw.wmv | |
File Size: | 3123 kb |
File Type: | wmv |
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan 2010 (Fantasy)
Click on the link below to see a Glogster book review created by Nick S.
http://lhasse.edu.glogster.com/the-red-pyramid
http://lhasse.edu.glogster.com/the-red-pyramid
BOOK REVIEWS - FEBRUARY / MARCH 2012
THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins 2008 (Dystopian Fiction)
A ruined United States has been reconfigured as Panem, a country of 12 struggling districts surrounding the glamorous, powerful Capital. Each year, two “tributes”, a boy and girl from each district, are cast into the spotlight as they are chosen to compete in “The Hunger Games,” a fight to the death among the 24 tributes that brings a year’s worth of food, supplies, and glory to the district of the victor.
In order to spare her young, fragile sister, strong and savvy Katniss Everdeen becomes the tribute for District 12, along with her childhood friend Peeta Melark. Though the tributes are initially assigned an entourage and treated to glamorous make-overs, the Games themselves are brutal and barbaric, manipulated by the Capital for maximum dramatic effect. The entire event is televised to Panem’s citizens, as they are forced to watch their tributes struggle for survival. Will Katniss’s superior hunting and tracking skills keep her in the game, or will her confused emotions threaten her chances for survival? This is a real page turner, with plenty of violent cliff hangers, suspenseful plot twists, and romantic moments. The much anticipated movie version comes out in March. Make every effort to read the book first. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
In order to spare her young, fragile sister, strong and savvy Katniss Everdeen becomes the tribute for District 12, along with her childhood friend Peeta Melark. Though the tributes are initially assigned an entourage and treated to glamorous make-overs, the Games themselves are brutal and barbaric, manipulated by the Capital for maximum dramatic effect. The entire event is televised to Panem’s citizens, as they are forced to watch their tributes struggle for survival. Will Katniss’s superior hunting and tracking skills keep her in the game, or will her confused emotions threaten her chances for survival? This is a real page turner, with plenty of violent cliff hangers, suspenseful plot twists, and romantic moments. The much anticipated movie version comes out in March. Make every effort to read the book first. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
HOPE WAS HERE by Joan Bauer 2000 (Realistic Fiction)
This humorous and heartwarming book follows Hope, a teenaged diner waitress, who, along with her Aunt Addie, leaves bustling New York to run a small town restaurant in rural Mulhoney, Wisconsin. It is here that Hope and Addie find the courage to actually put down roots for the first time, making friends, finding romance, and getting involved with some shady local politics when they help run the mayoral campaign for their ailing boss, G.T. Though Hope was abandoned young by her biological parents, her Aunt Addie supplies all the common sense and compassion that Hope needs to make her way in life. Despite the hard knocks, there’s no question that Hope will turn out just fine. A Newbery Honor Book, Hope Was Here is the reading equivalent of tasty comfort food. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM, 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis 1995 (Historical Fiction)
Don’t let February (Black History Month) go by without picking up this terrific Newbery Honor book. 10 year old Kenny Watson of Flint, Michigan, narrates the story of his African American family’s summer road trip to Birmingham, Alabama. It seems older brother Byron is making some bad choices, so Momma and Dad pack up the kids and head south for a dose of Grandma’s good old fashioned tough love. The Watson family’s kooky, rapid fire adventures keep the story fast paced and funny. But the novel takes a serious turn when little sister Joetta is caught in a church bombing, an actual event that occurred during the height of the Civil Rights movement. The uncertainty, fear, and tension of that time in our history are evident as the Watsons frantically search for their missing baby girl. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
THE GARDENER by S.A. Bodeen 2010 (Science Fiction)
A creepy sci-fi concept along with a healthy dose of teen hormones keeps this story zipping along. 15 year old Mason is smart and athletic, but disfiguring scars from a childhood tragedy mar his handsome face. Though loving and protective, his single mom has her own demons, and is keeping secrets from her only son. And the only trace of his mysteriously absent father is an old videotape of a man’s voice reading a children’s book.
While visiting his mom’s workplace, the local nursing home, Mason plays the tape for a group of catatonic teenagers, and the sound of the voice awakens one of the teens. Mason makes a split second decision to rescue the beautiful young girl from her confinement, only to find her losing strength as their danger filled road trip unfolds. It turns out that she is the subject of frightening genetic experiments conducted by “the Gardener,” who runs the environmentally friendly corporation that controls the town. Unable to survive outside of the facility, Mason reluctantly returns his beautiful new friend “home”, which leads him to find out the disturbing truth about his own family. Fans of James Dashner’s Maze Runner and Neil Shusterman’s Unwind will like this book about science gone bad. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
While visiting his mom’s workplace, the local nursing home, Mason plays the tape for a group of catatonic teenagers, and the sound of the voice awakens one of the teens. Mason makes a split second decision to rescue the beautiful young girl from her confinement, only to find her losing strength as their danger filled road trip unfolds. It turns out that she is the subject of frightening genetic experiments conducted by “the Gardener,” who runs the environmentally friendly corporation that controls the town. Unable to survive outside of the facility, Mason reluctantly returns his beautiful new friend “home”, which leads him to find out the disturbing truth about his own family. Fans of James Dashner’s Maze Runner and Neil Shusterman’s Unwind will like this book about science gone bad. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
OKAY FOR NOW by Gary D. Schmidt 2011 (Realistic/Historical Fiction)
14 year old Doug Swietek, a secondary character in Schmidt’s terrific The Wednesday Wars, takes the lead role in this wonderful companion novel. Doug is uprooted and moved to tiny Marysville, New York when his loudmouthed, abusive dad loses his job. When the family arrives at their new home, which Doug christens “the Dump,” his patient, long suffering mom does her best to help the family feel at home, trying to run interference between her alcoholic husband and her teenage sons.
Doug faces struggles as the new kid at school, finds an unlikely friend in the sharp and spunky Lil Spicer, and as a delivery boy for Lil’s dad, gets to know the quirky town’s people and eventually earn their trust. Doug ends up as an informal art student, when the local librarian introduces him to the subtleties of John Audubon’s famous bird prints. His fascination with these works of art creates connections to Doug’s real life, as his oldest brother returns from Vietnam physically and emotionally scarred, and his middle brother is wrongly accused of some local robberies. So much goes on in this book, but Schmidt does a masterful job weaving together all the divergent plotlines. Doug’s voice is authentic, funny, and heartbreaking all at once. And though the book ends on a melancholy note, Doug is, in fact, okay for now.
Doug faces struggles as the new kid at school, finds an unlikely friend in the sharp and spunky Lil Spicer, and as a delivery boy for Lil’s dad, gets to know the quirky town’s people and eventually earn their trust. Doug ends up as an informal art student, when the local librarian introduces him to the subtleties of John Audubon’s famous bird prints. His fascination with these works of art creates connections to Doug’s real life, as his oldest brother returns from Vietnam physically and emotionally scarred, and his middle brother is wrongly accused of some local robberies. So much goes on in this book, but Schmidt does a masterful job weaving together all the divergent plotlines. Doug’s voice is authentic, funny, and heartbreaking all at once. And though the book ends on a melancholy note, Doug is, in fact, okay for now.
BOOK REVIEWS - DEC. 2011 / JAN. 2012
A SEASON OF GIFTS by Richard Peck (2009) (Historical Fiction/Holiday)
The feisty, no-nonsense character of Grandma Dowdell makes another hilarious appearance in this wonderful, heartwarming book, a companion piece to Peck’s Newbery Honor book A Long Way from Chicago, and Newbery Winner, A Year Down Yonder.
Mrs. Dowdell’s new neighbors, a Methodist minister, his wife, and their three children, are all on the receiving end of her unconventional and often eventful idea of charity. The minister’s son, Bob, tells the story with honesty and wit, leaving no question that Grandma knows best.
This is a quick read, and you’re guaranteed a laugh in every chapter. By the end, you’ll be wishing you had a time machine so you could go back to the good old days of Elvis and sock hops, and visit Grandma Dowdell yourself. A perfect book to snuggle up with during your holiday vacation! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Mrs. Dowdell’s new neighbors, a Methodist minister, his wife, and their three children, are all on the receiving end of her unconventional and often eventful idea of charity. The minister’s son, Bob, tells the story with honesty and wit, leaving no question that Grandma knows best.
This is a quick read, and you’re guaranteed a laugh in every chapter. By the end, you’ll be wishing you had a time machine so you could go back to the good old days of Elvis and sock hops, and visit Grandma Dowdell yourself. A perfect book to snuggle up with during your holiday vacation! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
RED RANGER CAME CALLING by Berkeley Breathed (1994) (Holiday/Picture Book)
Berkeley Breathed, the creator of the syndicated OPUS comic strip, wrote this holiday treasure as a tribute to his dad, who, as a child called himself the Red Ranger, after a popular movie character during the Great Depression. The story is told through the eyes of dad’s childhood self.
Sent to spend the holidays with his Aunt Vy on Vashon Island off the coast of Washington, the cynical, surly little boy wants nothing more than a Buck Tweed Two-Speed Crime-Stopper Star-Hopper bicycle. Of course, such luxuries are few and far between in those years. Sad and disappointed, the Red Ranger decides to investigate the island’s own legend, that Santa Clause himself resides in the dilapidated old lighthouse up on the misty hill by the coast. This mission leads him to meet the not so jolly old man himself. Will Santa regain his “mojo” to grant the Red Ranger’s dearest wish?
The illustrations alone make this book a must read for the holidays. And the surprise ending will leave you wondering, “How’d they do that?” This book could become your new holiday favorite. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Sent to spend the holidays with his Aunt Vy on Vashon Island off the coast of Washington, the cynical, surly little boy wants nothing more than a Buck Tweed Two-Speed Crime-Stopper Star-Hopper bicycle. Of course, such luxuries are few and far between in those years. Sad and disappointed, the Red Ranger decides to investigate the island’s own legend, that Santa Clause himself resides in the dilapidated old lighthouse up on the misty hill by the coast. This mission leads him to meet the not so jolly old man himself. Will Santa regain his “mojo” to grant the Red Ranger’s dearest wish?
The illustrations alone make this book a must read for the holidays. And the surprise ending will leave you wondering, “How’d they do that?” This book could become your new holiday favorite. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
TESTING THE ICE by Sharon Robinson (2009) (Memoir/Picture Book)
This lovely picture book, lushly illustrated by Kadir Nelson, recounts a childhood memory of Sharon Robinson, daughter of the late, great Jackie Robinson.
Towards the end of his playing career, Jackie moved his young family from New York City to a beautiful, secluded home in the Connecticut countryside. Though the property was set on a lake where his children would spend most of their summer, Jackie steadfastly refused to step a toe into the water. But when winter rolled around, Jackie worked up the courage to go out and test the ice to be sure it was safe for the kids to skate. It was only then that Jackie’s daughter, Sharon, realized that he didn’t know how to swim.
Sharon Robinson uses this story from her childhood as a metaphor for her father’s courageous and historic shattering of the color barrier in baseball’s major leagues.
Kadir Nelson’s gorgeous illustrations richly portray Robinson’s tense initiation into the majors, his success as a player and role model, and his happy home life with his wife and children. This story gives us an up close and personal look at a star athlete who shone on and off the field. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Towards the end of his playing career, Jackie moved his young family from New York City to a beautiful, secluded home in the Connecticut countryside. Though the property was set on a lake where his children would spend most of their summer, Jackie steadfastly refused to step a toe into the water. But when winter rolled around, Jackie worked up the courage to go out and test the ice to be sure it was safe for the kids to skate. It was only then that Jackie’s daughter, Sharon, realized that he didn’t know how to swim.
Sharon Robinson uses this story from her childhood as a metaphor for her father’s courageous and historic shattering of the color barrier in baseball’s major leagues.
Kadir Nelson’s gorgeous illustrations richly portray Robinson’s tense initiation into the majors, his success as a player and role model, and his happy home life with his wife and children. This story gives us an up close and personal look at a star athlete who shone on and off the field. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
TRAPPED by Michael Northrop (2011) (Realistic Fiction/Survival)
Sophomore Scotty Weems is bummed when his basketball game is cancelled due to a blizzard – he’s got a shot to play on the varsity team this year. But Scotty and six other students who choose to stay behind after school is dismissed early soon realize they’ve made an awful mistake.
The snow keeps coming, not just for hours, but for days, and little Tattawa High School becomes a place where the students' very survival is in question. With their cell phones useless, and wondering about their families, the kids find inventive ways to meet their survival needs as the lights fade, the cold creeps in, and the pipes freeze. As the snow piles up, the roof begins to groan under the weight of it, and the kids begin to wonder if rescue is even an option. Does anyone even know they’re here?
The group includes a diverse bunch of high school personalities, touching on the theme of not judging a book by its cover, and making for interesting, sometimes volatile interactions. Told in Scotty’s voice, you get a real sense of just how much trouble they’re in, but like typical teens, they don’t want to let on how truly scared they are.
This book is a great concept and very fast paced. It’ll make you think twice about waiting around for the late bus. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
The snow keeps coming, not just for hours, but for days, and little Tattawa High School becomes a place where the students' very survival is in question. With their cell phones useless, and wondering about their families, the kids find inventive ways to meet their survival needs as the lights fade, the cold creeps in, and the pipes freeze. As the snow piles up, the roof begins to groan under the weight of it, and the kids begin to wonder if rescue is even an option. Does anyone even know they’re here?
The group includes a diverse bunch of high school personalities, touching on the theme of not judging a book by its cover, and making for interesting, sometimes volatile interactions. Told in Scotty’s voice, you get a real sense of just how much trouble they’re in, but like typical teens, they don’t want to let on how truly scared they are.
This book is a great concept and very fast paced. It’ll make you think twice about waiting around for the late bus. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Click below to download a book trailer for TRAPPED by Michael Northrop.
trapped_photostory1.wmv | |
File Size: | 3447 kb |
File Type: | wmv |
WOULD YOU LIKE US TO POST YOUR BOOK REVIEW? WRITE A REVIEW THAT INCLUDES A SHORT SUMMARY OF A FAVORITE BOOK AND REASONS OTHER PEOPLE SHOULD READ IT. REVISE AND EDIT BEFORE YOU TURN IT IN TO MRS. CLINE. WELL WRITTEN, APPROPRIATE REVIEWS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION ON THIS WEBSITE.
BOOK REVIEWS - NOVEMBER 2011
The Cardturner by Louis Sachar (2010) (Realistic Fiction)
Louis Sachar continues his streak as a master storyteller with The Cardturner, a wonderfully unique novel.
Alton Richards is a high schooler who is strongly “encouraged” by his mother to begin driving his Great Uncle Lester to his weekend bridge tournaments. Mom’s motives are less than altruistic – Lester’s health and eyesight are failing due to diabetes, and she has high hopes of being included in Lester’s will. Alton ends up as Lester’s cardturner, who tells him his cards at the beginning of each bridge hand and makes plays as Lester instructs him. After a rocky start, a copacetic relationship develops between the snarky teen and the sarcastic, sardonic Lester.
There is lots of bridge-speak, but Alton, as the narrator, forewarns us with a small gray whale embedded into the text, an allusion to Herman Melville’s mind numbing digression into whaling techniques in the otherwise fast paced Moby Dick. We’re given permission to jump past those expository moments, but you’ll find yourself wanting to pick up the bridge lingo as the duo progresses through the tournament ranks.
Just like in Holes, Sachar skillfully interweaves a second story, revealing bits of Lester’s life and loves as a young man. There are other plot threads involving Alton’s ex-girlfriend, his less than loyal best friend, and his sweet natured sister Leslie. There is also a new romantic infatuation that develops along with Alton’s bridge savvy.
No question that there is a lot going on in this book. And bridge may not be the “hook” that most young readers are looking for. But kids familiar with Sachar who are willing to take a chance on this book will be glad they did. The quick witted banter between Alton and Lester reveals the genuine nature of their relationship, and the bridge related passages have a puzzle like feel to them.
Whether you’re a card player or not, this one’s a keeper. I would recommend this to competent middle school readers looking for engaging, dynamic characters and a complex, satisfying plot. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Alton Richards is a high schooler who is strongly “encouraged” by his mother to begin driving his Great Uncle Lester to his weekend bridge tournaments. Mom’s motives are less than altruistic – Lester’s health and eyesight are failing due to diabetes, and she has high hopes of being included in Lester’s will. Alton ends up as Lester’s cardturner, who tells him his cards at the beginning of each bridge hand and makes plays as Lester instructs him. After a rocky start, a copacetic relationship develops between the snarky teen and the sarcastic, sardonic Lester.
There is lots of bridge-speak, but Alton, as the narrator, forewarns us with a small gray whale embedded into the text, an allusion to Herman Melville’s mind numbing digression into whaling techniques in the otherwise fast paced Moby Dick. We’re given permission to jump past those expository moments, but you’ll find yourself wanting to pick up the bridge lingo as the duo progresses through the tournament ranks.
Just like in Holes, Sachar skillfully interweaves a second story, revealing bits of Lester’s life and loves as a young man. There are other plot threads involving Alton’s ex-girlfriend, his less than loyal best friend, and his sweet natured sister Leslie. There is also a new romantic infatuation that develops along with Alton’s bridge savvy.
No question that there is a lot going on in this book. And bridge may not be the “hook” that most young readers are looking for. But kids familiar with Sachar who are willing to take a chance on this book will be glad they did. The quick witted banter between Alton and Lester reveals the genuine nature of their relationship, and the bridge related passages have a puzzle like feel to them.
Whether you’re a card player or not, this one’s a keeper. I would recommend this to competent middle school readers looking for engaging, dynamic characters and a complex, satisfying plot. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Countdown by Deborah Wiles (2010) (Historical Fiction)
Deborah Wiles’s Countdown is a blast from the past for any baby boomer, but Franny Chapman is a character that will resonate with today’s young readers as well. During the turbulent days of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Franny is dealing with the changing allegiance of her former best friend, a possible new crush, a college aged sister who is suddenly gone more than she’s home, and a kid brother who can do no wrong. Then there’s embarrassing Uncle Otts, a veteran with a tenuous grip on reality, who’s digging a bomb shelter in the front yard. Dad’s an officer stationed at nearby Andrews Air Force Base, and Mom is a chain smoking military wife, doing her best to hold them all together as the world watches the possibility of nuclear war unfold on TV.
The design of the book brings home the urgency of the era, as each chapter begins with several pages of relevant ‘60s memorabilia – photos, artifacts, headlines, sound bites, song lyrics, news clippings, and quotations. Franny’s honest, train of thought narrative reveals her pre-teen confusion about what’s happening in her own world and the world at large. Franny’s compelling account of the air raid siren blaring over the playground during recess will not soon be forgotten.
This is the first of a planned ‘60s trilogy. Can’t wait for the next one. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
The design of the book brings home the urgency of the era, as each chapter begins with several pages of relevant ‘60s memorabilia – photos, artifacts, headlines, sound bites, song lyrics, news clippings, and quotations. Franny’s honest, train of thought narrative reveals her pre-teen confusion about what’s happening in her own world and the world at large. Franny’s compelling account of the air raid siren blaring over the playground during recess will not soon be forgotten.
This is the first of a planned ‘60s trilogy. Can’t wait for the next one. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Mirror, Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer (2010)(Poetry)
If you like things upside down, head over heels, and topsy turvy, you will love this book. Mirror, Mirror is poetry with a twist. Each free verse poem is based on a classic fairy tale – Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, Sleeping Beauty – pretty standard fare. But wait. Author Marilyn Singer answers each poem with a “reverso”, the exact same words read exactly in reverse. A few subtle changes in capitalization and punctuation result in the same tale told from an entirely different point of view.
Each pair of poems takes up a single “split screen” page. The facing page is a stylized, jewel tone painting deftly illustrating that there are indeed two sides to every story.
Although at least a passing familiarity with the fairy tales would heighten the enjoyment, most everyone will be intrigued by the reversed verses and imaginative wordplay. This book should be enjoyed as a read aloud, as pauses and inflection are altered because of the punctuation changes. This book invites discussion of the alternative points of view, and how the artwork cleverly incorporates both. An author’s note at the end explains how Singer wrote her first reverso (about her cat) and encourages budding poets to take up the challenge. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Each pair of poems takes up a single “split screen” page. The facing page is a stylized, jewel tone painting deftly illustrating that there are indeed two sides to every story.
Although at least a passing familiarity with the fairy tales would heighten the enjoyment, most everyone will be intrigued by the reversed verses and imaginative wordplay. This book should be enjoyed as a read aloud, as pauses and inflection are altered because of the punctuation changes. This book invites discussion of the alternative points of view, and how the artwork cleverly incorporates both. An author’s note at the end explains how Singer wrote her first reverso (about her cat) and encourages budding poets to take up the challenge. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
BOOK REVIEWS - OCTOBER 2011
Pick up a Rebecca Caudill Nominee so you can vote for your favorite in February!
Here are a few of the books nominated for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award. You must read or listen to at least three of the twenty nominated books to be eligible to vote in February. Caudill Books are on display on the counter in the LMC.
Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass, 2008 (Realistic Fiction)
Every Soul a Star is another charming and heartfelt book by the author of Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life. The story centers around three young people who come together under unusual circumstances, and find out a lot about themselves, each other, and their place in the universe.
Ally has been raised in the country at the Moon Shadow campground, which her parents own. She is independent, homeschooled, and takes pleasure in the simple things. She cannot imagine being anywhere else. Bree is a spoiled city girl with good looks, lots of friends, and expectations to be homecoming queen in a few years. She plans to spend her summer hanging out at the mall with her buds. She cannot imagine being anywhere else. Jack is a pudgy, awkward kid. He’s pretty much given up on school, and wishes everyone would just leave him alone to read his sci-fi and draw. After failing science, he’s stuck in summer school. He can’t imagine being anywhere else.
All three of these memorable characters come together at Moon Shadow Campground to experience a once in a lifetime event – a full solar eclipse. Little do they know that all of their lives are about to change.
Wendy Mass has a knack for writing characters you truly grow to care about. The setting for this book, Moon Shadow, is a perfect get-away, with a peaceful vibe, yet full of life. Don’t miss out on this wonderful book about finding your true self. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass, 2008 (Realistic Fiction)
Every Soul a Star is another charming and heartfelt book by the author of Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life. The story centers around three young people who come together under unusual circumstances, and find out a lot about themselves, each other, and their place in the universe.
Ally has been raised in the country at the Moon Shadow campground, which her parents own. She is independent, homeschooled, and takes pleasure in the simple things. She cannot imagine being anywhere else. Bree is a spoiled city girl with good looks, lots of friends, and expectations to be homecoming queen in a few years. She plans to spend her summer hanging out at the mall with her buds. She cannot imagine being anywhere else. Jack is a pudgy, awkward kid. He’s pretty much given up on school, and wishes everyone would just leave him alone to read his sci-fi and draw. After failing science, he’s stuck in summer school. He can’t imagine being anywhere else.
All three of these memorable characters come together at Moon Shadow Campground to experience a once in a lifetime event – a full solar eclipse. Little do they know that all of their lives are about to change.
Wendy Mass has a knack for writing characters you truly grow to care about. The setting for this book, Moon Shadow, is a perfect get-away, with a peaceful vibe, yet full of life. Don’t miss out on this wonderful book about finding your true self. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Peak by Roland Smith (2007)(Realistic Fiction/Adventure/Survival)
Being raised by two mountain climbers, Peak Marcello showed he had what it takes early on. Problem is, he now lives in New York City with his mom, and instead of mountains, he’s climbing skyscrapers and leaving his graffiti “tag” to prove he was there. When Peak is caught and arrested, his estranged father comes to the courtroom with a plan to keep Peak out of juvie – come back to Tibet with him. His dad plans for Peak to join his next climbing expedition – to the summit of Mt. Everest. If successful, Peak would be the youngest person to make it to the top, and be great advertising for his dad’s mountaineering business.
Told in Peak’s voice, the story blends nail biting action and drama with Peak’s honest and humorous observations. If you didn’t know anything about mountain climbing before, you will by the time you finish this book. The members of the expedition encounter uncooperative Chinese soldiers, extreme cold and wind, rivalries within the group, not to mention the frozen corpses of unsuccessful climbers that litter the mountainside. See if this unbelievable adventure manages to mend the strained bonds between father and son. Don’t miss it. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Told in Peak’s voice, the story blends nail biting action and drama with Peak’s honest and humorous observations. If you didn’t know anything about mountain climbing before, you will by the time you finish this book. The members of the expedition encounter uncooperative Chinese soldiers, extreme cold and wind, rivalries within the group, not to mention the frozen corpses of unsuccessful climbers that litter the mountainside. See if this unbelievable adventure manages to mend the strained bonds between father and son. Don’t miss it. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Knucklehead: Tall Tales & Mostly True Stories about Growing up Scieszka by Jon Scieszka (2008) (Autobiography)
The title of this hilarious memoir by Jon Scieszka, author of The Stinky Cheese Man, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, and the Time Warp Trio series, is derived from his father’s favorite collective nickname for his six sons, as in, “What knucklehead put an army man in the toaster?” Scieszka was born and raised in middle class Flint, Michigan, the second son of Louis (an elementary school principal) and Shirley (a nurse and typical 50’s multi-tasking homemaker). Each chapter details a funny memory from his childhood & teen years during the ‘50s and ‘60s, including parents, brothers (individually and collectively), neighbors, nuns, and pets. My favorite memory involves a family road trip, a pet cat ingesting a discarded Stuckey’s Pecan Roll, and the ensuing emergency roadside stop.
Scieszka raided the family photo albums to illustrate his short, conversational chapters, and the cover features his pre-adolescent face superimposed on a comic book green army guy emerging from a tank (green army guys figure prominently throughout the book).
After reading this memoir, you’ll understand how Scieszka became the humorously creative force he is in the realm of children’s literature, and especially his soft spot for young male readers (and non-readers). Baby boomers will love this nostalgic slice of family life, and today’s teens will come away with a better understanding of how an author’s past experiences can impact their writing style. A quick, FUN read. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Scieszka raided the family photo albums to illustrate his short, conversational chapters, and the cover features his pre-adolescent face superimposed on a comic book green army guy emerging from a tank (green army guys figure prominently throughout the book).
After reading this memoir, you’ll understand how Scieszka became the humorously creative force he is in the realm of children’s literature, and especially his soft spot for young male readers (and non-readers). Baby boomers will love this nostalgic slice of family life, and today’s teens will come away with a better understanding of how an author’s past experiences can impact their writing style. A quick, FUN read. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
BOOK REVIEWS - August/September 2011
MOON OVER MANIFEST by Clare Vanderpool, 2010 (Historical Fiction)
This 2011 Newbery Award Winner is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Moon Over Manifest tells the story of Abilene Tucker, who is sent by her father to his old home town of Manifest, Kansas, a Midwestern mining town, at the tail end of the Great Depression. Placed in the care of Shady, the town’s resident preacher/saloon keeper, Abilene discovers an old cigar box of keepsakes and letters, which fuels her curiosity about Manifest’s past. With the help of an eccentric old woman, an imposing nun, and two new friends, Abilene begins to unravel the story of a boy named Jinx and a mysterious spy called “the Rattler”.
The plotting of this wonderful book is similar to Louis Sachar’s Holes, seamlessly weaving together two stories separated by time, creating a true feel for both eras. Vanderpool’s characters are dynamic and vibrant, and will leave you caring about the outcome for each and every one. Pick up this book and see how Manifest’s past merges with Abilene’s future. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
The plotting of this wonderful book is similar to Louis Sachar’s Holes, seamlessly weaving together two stories separated by time, creating a true feel for both eras. Vanderpool’s characters are dynamic and vibrant, and will leave you caring about the outcome for each and every one. Pick up this book and see how Manifest’s past merges with Abilene’s future. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
MATCHED by Alli Condy, 2010 (Science Fiction)
Alli Condi’s Matched is set in a perfectly imperfect society, very reminiscent of Lois Lowry’s The Giver. Housing (practical), clothing (plain), and food (nutritional and portion controlled) are all provided by the powers that be. Your movements are carefully monitored for your safety. You are assigned your job based on the strengths you display during your formative years. The elderly are treated much the same as in Lowry’s novel. The Society provides for all of your needs, including choosing your life mate.
As the book opens, 17 year old Cassia Reyes nervously anticipates her Matching Banquet. A diaphanous dress and delectable food are wonderful digressions from the everyday sameness, but the real excitement comes from meeting your match, via the banquet hall’s big screen, as candidates are nearly always paired with someone from a distant province. Cassia, however, is matched with Xander - attractive, smart, reliable, funny Xander – her best friend since childhood.
Cassia is provided with a microcard containing all of Xander’s vital statistics, a redundancy, as she already knows him so well. But when she later views the information on her home port, a second face momentarily flashes on the screen – the handsome and enigmatic Ky. This glitch in the system, this mistake by the Society, plants a seed of doubt in Cassia’s mind, setting off a chain of events that will impact her own life, as well as those of her family, neighbors, and both of her potential mates.
This book successfully merges futuristic sci-fi with all the angst and indecision of teen romance. Will Cassia choose her seemingly perfect match in Xander, or defy the omnipotent, manipulative authorities, risking everything she knows and loves for the passionate Ky?
This one flew off the shelves last spring, thanks to good word of mouth. Don’t miss out! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Click on the link below to see a "Matched" book trailer created by Caitlyn D. and Lauren G.
As the book opens, 17 year old Cassia Reyes nervously anticipates her Matching Banquet. A diaphanous dress and delectable food are wonderful digressions from the everyday sameness, but the real excitement comes from meeting your match, via the banquet hall’s big screen, as candidates are nearly always paired with someone from a distant province. Cassia, however, is matched with Xander - attractive, smart, reliable, funny Xander – her best friend since childhood.
Cassia is provided with a microcard containing all of Xander’s vital statistics, a redundancy, as she already knows him so well. But when she later views the information on her home port, a second face momentarily flashes on the screen – the handsome and enigmatic Ky. This glitch in the system, this mistake by the Society, plants a seed of doubt in Cassia’s mind, setting off a chain of events that will impact her own life, as well as those of her family, neighbors, and both of her potential mates.
This book successfully merges futuristic sci-fi with all the angst and indecision of teen romance. Will Cassia choose her seemingly perfect match in Xander, or defy the omnipotent, manipulative authorities, risking everything she knows and loves for the passionate Ky?
This one flew off the shelves last spring, thanks to good word of mouth. Don’t miss out! (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Click on the link below to see a "Matched" book trailer created by Caitlyn D. and Lauren G.
matched_book_tailer_caitlyn_and_lauren_g..wmv | |
File Size: | 1549 kb |
File Type: | wmv |
Candy Bomber: the Story of the Berlin Airlift's "Chocolate Pilot" by Michael O. Tunnell (Non-Fiction)
Our middle school library holds hundreds of books on World War II, on military strategies and the horrors of the Holocaust. This book, Candy Bomber, is a story of the healing that began after the war’s end.
A defeated Germany was split into four sectors, to be occupied by each of the victorious allies. The capital of Berlin was also subdivided, despite being well within the borders of the Soviet sector in the east. To stave off starvation in the bombed out city, allied pilots made continuous airdrops of food and fuel to the grateful citizens.
Lt. Gail Halvorsen was one of those pilots. After sharing his last two sticks of gum with a handful of German children, Halvorsen promised to drop a few candy bars on his next trip. This small gesture mushroomed into Operation Little Vittles, first with Halvorsen’s buddies sharing their candy rations, and eventually bringing in donations from individuals and companies from around the world.
The sweet treats, dropped via handkerchief parachutes, brought joy to the children of Berlin and countless letters and pictures to the pilots involved, especially “Uncle Wiggly Wings” himself, Lt. Halvorsen.
The book goes on to highlight the repercussions of this humanitarian effort even many years later. The narrative is sequential and highly readable, and the text is accompanied by many black and white photos, plus letters and drawings from the grateful children. It illustrates the ripple effect that even the smallest gesture of kindness can have. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
A defeated Germany was split into four sectors, to be occupied by each of the victorious allies. The capital of Berlin was also subdivided, despite being well within the borders of the Soviet sector in the east. To stave off starvation in the bombed out city, allied pilots made continuous airdrops of food and fuel to the grateful citizens.
Lt. Gail Halvorsen was one of those pilots. After sharing his last two sticks of gum with a handful of German children, Halvorsen promised to drop a few candy bars on his next trip. This small gesture mushroomed into Operation Little Vittles, first with Halvorsen’s buddies sharing their candy rations, and eventually bringing in donations from individuals and companies from around the world.
The sweet treats, dropped via handkerchief parachutes, brought joy to the children of Berlin and countless letters and pictures to the pilots involved, especially “Uncle Wiggly Wings” himself, Lt. Halvorsen.
The book goes on to highlight the repercussions of this humanitarian effort even many years later. The narrative is sequential and highly readable, and the text is accompanied by many black and white photos, plus letters and drawings from the grateful children. It illustrates the ripple effect that even the smallest gesture of kindness can have. (Reviewed by Mrs. Cline)
Harry's Still HOT!
One of the biggest movie blockbusters of the summer is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2), and for good reason! You guys weren't even born when the first Harry Potter book was published. If you haven't read the series yet, now might be a good time to start. The movies are great, and do their best to stay true to the books, but they can't come close to matching all the action, humor, quirky characters, clever dialogue, and exceptional plotting that J. K. Rowling packs into her modern classics. Take yourself on a "magical" reading adventure! Pick up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and GET STARTED!
To browse the WDJH Destiny catalog, click here: wd7.follettdestiny.com, then click on the Wood Dale Junior High link.
Check out these websites for book lovers!
www.goodreads.com - Social networking for book lovers! Start and carry on conversations about old favorites or new books that you want to spread the word about. This online book club also allows you to keep track of what you've read and suggests other titles based on your reading preferences.
http://bookshelves.tumblr.com/ - If you've ever dreamed of being surrounded by nothing but books, this website is for you! Check out this photo archive of books stacked in Jenga like piles. Not for the neat-at-heart, but fun just the same.
http://bookshelves.tumblr.com/ - If you've ever dreamed of being surrounded by nothing but books, this website is for you! Check out this photo archive of books stacked in Jenga like piles. Not for the neat-at-heart, but fun just the same.