Saturday, May 31, 2008

Little Grrl Lost, by Charles De Lint

"I enjoyed all the fantasy in this book. It was a good twist on a coming-of-age story. . . To think of a whole other world right beneath our noses - or rather our feet - is amazing." Reviewed by Adrienne, Southeast High School

"It had so much suspense I am still looking for more pages to turn. I also liked how (the book) switched between characters. That gave (it) a lot more suspense." Reviewed by Terrance, Brown Summit Middle School

"The author, Charles, was scrupulous about the "Littles" and their ways of handling life. This book is caught between fantasy and reality; fantasy - when talking about gnomes, fairies, "Littles," etc., but Reality - when talking about a teenage human being facing courses of her hard & unprepared future." Reviewed by Haejin, Jamestown Middle School

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Quaking, by Kathryn Erskine

"I enjoyed this book from start to finish because it was very realistic . . . . I thank the author for making the first person a "gothic/own personality" character. There are many books that mention these kind of characters . . . but never puts them in the spotlight. (It was) a memorable story." Reviewed by Haejin, Jamestown Middle School

"This book really stirred up my emotions. I was able to feel Matt's battles with herself, bullies, and her past. She wanted to stay invisible . . . The anti-war element in the book adds to its eloquence." Reviewed by Nadia, Southeast High School

"This story was really touching. I think everyone can feel a connection to Matt - the outsider, the different one. . . . (It) had me in tears a few times, the pain was so realistic." Reviewed by Adrienne, Southeast High School

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Something Rotten, a Horatio Wilkes Mystery, by Alan Grantz

"Horatio's character introduces comedy into the book. The author makes it so that you can't quite decide who the murder is. I really enjoyed the book!" Reviewed by Nadia, Southeast High School

"I thought (Something Rotten) was a really good. It kept your suspense level up. Every chapter brought more surprises. I also liked it because it was a book that I could read over and over and never get tired of it." Reviewed by MaKenzie, Homeschooled

"Author Alan Grantz definitely made this book full of suspicion and intensity, making it a great hit for the myster readers. The book was set to an interesting plot and it naturally made the reader wonder and point out suspects. Once you (start reading) Something Rotten you can't stop until the last word . . . . " Reviewed by Haejin, Jamestown Middle School

"I loved the suspense in the book. It was a true page turner. I couldn't wait for what Horatio was going to do next. The book surprised me even more with every page . . . " Reviewed by Terrance, Brown Summit Middle School

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Spud, by John van de Ruit

"This book surprised me. I thought I was going to hate it (it's about guys being mean and playing tricks on each other), but it grew on me. The ending was even a little deep. Reviewed by Adrienne, Southeast High School

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Faeries of Dreamdark: Blackbringer, by Laini Taylor

"The book was suspenseful; it made me want to keep on reading. I didn't want the book to end! I love how the author provides prospectives from both Magpie and Talon. The two faeries seem to be a good match for each other. The descriptions in the book were very vivid." Reviewed by Nadia, Southeast High School

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher

"I did not particularly get into this book . . . I do not like hearing about suicide, even though I know it happens in life. However the book had very descriptive, colorful characters. The book isn't one of my favorites, but I still encourage others to read it." Reviewed by Nadia, Southeast High School

"I enjoyed this book because the author set an intense plot . . . The author did a great job "flip-flopping to both (main) characters, and this definitely . . .will hook the reader" Reviewed by Haejin, Jamestown Middle School

"I liked it because it felt like I was in the book. It had a lot of suspense. . . . . Even at the end of the book I wanted more." Reviewed by Terrance, Brown Summit Middle School

"This book had great suspense . . . I never knew what was going to happen next. The author was very talented to come up with such a great plot based on the suicide of a teenage girl. . . this was a very unique read." Reviewed by Briana, Southeast High School

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Rucker Park Setup, by Paul Volponi

"I liked it because it was about basketball and friendship. I also liked it because it was kind of a motivational book. It showed you how you don't have to be a product of your environment, and you can be anything you set your mind to." Reviewed by MaKenzie, Homeschooled.

"It was very interesting because it had suspense. I was waiting to see who killed J.R.. I took a guess at the beginning and my guess was correct. I also liked how the author expressed emotions. It was a true page turner." Reviewed by Terrance, Brown Summit Middle School.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Slam, by Nick Hornby

"I didn't really expect to like this book. Stories about Tony Hawk fans and teen pregnancies aren't usually my type, but I'll admit it . . . I was won over. Sam was a good character - funny, smart, and imperfect enough to be real. The fast-forwarding into the future helped the storyline too." Reviewed by Adrienne, Southeast High School.

"I thought it was very good . . . It explained the importance and responsibility of parenting." Reviewed by MaKenzie, Homeschooled.


Thursday, May 8, 2008

Useful Fools, by C.A. Schmidt

"This was an excellent book. Even though it is a work of fiction I know that certain events in the book do occur in real life. I wish that the ending had said more. Maybe there could be a sequel that describes how Alonzo worked to become a doctor and then he goes back for Rosa. I do recommend this book to other readers."


Reviewed by Nadia, Southeast High School

"This story was a little shocking to me. It really portrayed both sides of rebellion, without sugarcoating the cruelity and pain that it cost the citizens of Mexico. I was sad while reading this book, but that just made me realize how well-written it was. I think this should be required reading for all of America."

Reviewed by Adrienne, Southeast High School

Friday, May 2, 2008

boy proof, by Cecil Castellucci

Victoria is a straight-A teen living in Los Angeles who only has two goals in her life: becoming class valedictorian and staying eccentric. Loner by choice, Victoria has seen the science fiction movie Terminal Earth 42 times and dresses like the main character ~ shaved head, heavily pierced ears and white cape. She’s even adopted the nickname “Egg.” Nothing would please her more than to be left alone so she could ace her finals and help her dad create special effects for the movies. But then a new classmate, smart & good looking Max Carter, joins her school. Despite herself, Egg becomes friends with Max, even though she tries to keep her distance. But when Max starts dating another girl, Egg’s world turns upside down!