River Secrets, by Shannon Hale

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the books of Bayern series, where River Secrets was the third book. It's suspicion and thrilling environment surrounded me - and I demanded more! However its excitement came pouring down near the end of the book, with not so much in the beginning."

Reviewed by Haejin, Hemphill Summer Reading program

Secret Identity of Devon Delaney, by Lauren Barnholdt

"When a person starts lying about her "fabulous life and popularity" she cannot stop her sin. This is exactly what happens to middle schooler Devon Delaney. It's unpredictable on what she's planning to do next, and the story builds until the flabergasting climax!"

Reviewed by Haejin, Hemphill Branch Summer Reading Program

The First Part Last, by Angela Johnson

"I felt that this book gets 5 (stars) because it is about how a 16 year old boy named Bobby's life changed when he saw that his girlfriend Nia was pregnant. It shows before and after the baby is born."

Reviewed by Tyrin, Hemphill Summer Reading Program.

Gorilla Doctors, by Pamela Turner

"Learn about gorillas from the veterinarians point of view. And (though) poachers are a threat to the wildlife of Africa, disease must also be addressed. The book has an organization in the back you can contact to help. Great for anyone into great ape conservation!"

Reviewed by Micah, Homeschooled

Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity, by Stephen A. Marshall

"This hefty book undertakes the gigantic task of trying to classify the world's know insect groups. And while this most likely is an impossible task, this book gives it's best shot. The chapter on insect classification is superb. This probably more of a text book, and unless you want to pick through it's probably not best for those of us that want to a quick read." - Reviewed by Micah, Homeschooled.

Dangerous Girls: The Taste of Night, by R.L. Stine

"Livvy Weller wants her twin sister, Destiny, to join her on the darker side as a vampire, but Destiny is determined to restore Livvy to her human condition and bring her back home to their family." - Publisher's review

(This book is terrific) "because it teaches you how you shouldn't run away from home, and how much your family would miss you." - Reviewed by Antonia, Jackson Middle School.

The Crossroads, by Chris Grabenstein

"The book is well written and easy to follow along with. The plot is engaging and the story original. I personally felt connected somehow to the main character and found it easy to relate. Overall this is a well written story."

Reviewed by Derek

Testament of the Dragon, by Margaret Weis

"Justinian, Earl of Stearling, was a happy man until the plague struck England and killed his family. Then he sold his soul to a dragon for the power to become a strange beast called Wyrm, and do his master's evil bidding. But is Justinian human enough to know whether his master is truly good or evilf? The book is interesting with its dragon concept, but the amount of violence makes it less desirable. For that I give it no more than three stars (out of five)."

Reviewed by Micah, Homeschooled

Reviewed by Micah