A Child Called "it": One Child's Courage to Survive

"I really liked this book. It was the best book I have ever read!" ~ Reviewed by Claudia

This autobiographical account charts the abuse of a young boy as his alcoholic mother first isolates him from the rest of the family; then torments him; and finally nearly kills him through starvation, poisoning, and one dramatic stabbing. Pelzer's portrayal of domestic tyranny and eventual escape is unforgettable ~ School Library Journal

Things Not Seen, By Andrew Clements

Ever wondered what it would really be like to be invisible? What would you do? In Andrew Clements novel "Things Not Seen" 15 year old Bobby wakes up one morning to discover he has indeed turned invisible. His parent tell him not to tell anyone, but soon he decides to brave the world and seek his own answers to this dilemma. Unobserved he heads (naked!) down to the local public library, where he meets & befriends Alicia, a blind teenager, and together they try to unravel the mystery behind his very unique predicament! ~ Reviewed by Robbie

"This book deserves more than five stars!" Reviewed by Haejin

The Plays of Shakespeare

Rachel, a wonderful Hemphill teen reader, has given us her own reviews of three of William Shakespeare's popular plays!

Taming of the Shrew: "This was the only Shakespearian play that I really enjoyed, as it was a comedy. If you're going to read Shakespeare, read this play!"

Macbeth: "It wasn't all that interesting for me because it wasn't something I wanted to read. It was schoolwork."

The Tempest: "It was OK after Mom explained the Greek mythology. But it wasn't exactly my style!"

Do you have problems understanding Shakespeare's plays? Don't feel bad, the English language has changed dramatically from what was spoken over 400 years ago, when William was alive and writing, not to mention our society! And yet The Bard (as he is commonly called) penned many powerful plays that are well worth diving into - IF you have the patience to tackle them! Write us with your thoughts about Shakespeare and his works!

Jarhead, by Anthony Swofford

"I don't this this book is all that good because it only talks about one person's point of view. There is way too much unneeded nonsense. But it speaks the truth in many statements." Reviewed by Nick, a Hemphill Branch reader.

Anthony Swofford recounts the time he served in the 1991 Gulf War as a Marine sniper. Dissappointed over how he was received when he returned home, Swofford became depressed and angry. Like in many tales told after a big event, some elements of this account may stray from the facts, but still it still makes a good read.

In the Forests of the Night, by Amelia Alwater-Rhodes

"I give this book five stars (out of 5) becaust it had a good plot. I liked how the storyline was laid out. Reviewed by Nyssa, Hemphill Branch Teen Reader!

Yes, it's another tale about vampires! Three hundred year old Risika is prowling the night in New York City looking for fresh blood, and revenge for her slain brother. What makes this story really interesting is that the author was only 13 when she wrote it! Sorry, but our library does not have it yet.

Born to Rock, by Gordon Korman

Conservative high school student Leo Carraway, head of his school's Young Republican club, learns a shocking truth - his biological father is really King Maggot (real name Marion McMurphy), head of the hard rock group Purge! After he loses his college scholarship Leo decides to track down McMurphy and demand the tuition money from him. But McMurphy first demands a DNA test, and offers Leo a summer job working as a roadie for the band while they wait for the results - NOT Leo's idea of the perfect summer job!

"I think this book was pretty good because it was funny and interesting. I would recommend this book to anybody!" Reviewed by Asha

Leo's journey to punk-rock appreciation is a sharply observed, original take on the tired "outsider looking in" cliche - Booklist