Briana's Gift, by Lurlene McDaniel

Briana's Gift, by Lurlene McDaniel, was a story about a girl named Susanna. Her father died in December and now her mother has a debilitating arthritis. On top of that her older sister, Briana, ran away with her boyfriend. December is not a good month for Susanna. A couple of months later Briana comes back home pregnant without her boyfriend. Briana and Susanna were becoming closer and things were starting to look better until Brianna became deathly ill. She and her mother have to make impossible decisions. The family finds themselves coming together as their lives falls apart. I really enjoyed reading Briana's Gift. It was especially personal and touching to me because I have a sister and it made me appreciate my family. It also helps you appreciate what you do have and not to take life for granted. I recommend this book to all teens. It's an amazing book that you'll never want to put down.

-Reviewed by SR, grade 9

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Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer, has to be one of the best books written in its time. It centers around three major characters: Artemis Fowl, Butler and Officer Holly Short. Artemis is a scrawny, spoiled son of a prominent and legendary criminal, who wants to restore his family’s fortune and their billionaire status. However, he is no ordinary boy. No, Artemis Fowl is a child prodigy, and his genius will play a big role as the plot takes it’s many twists and turns. Along with his butler, full-time bodyguard, and only friend, Artemis steals precious moments with "The Book," a living code of living for the world of the fairy race. This act begins a war between technologically advanced fairy race versus the intellectually advanced Artemis Fowl and weapons specialist, Butler. Who will win? Eoin Colfer did an amazing job writing this book, which is packed with action, humor, and unexpected twists in the plot. Also, it shows how someone who seems to be cold and hard-hearted, is still capable of compassion. Some of the action can get gory. Teens will eat up this novel, and beg for more. Good thing it’s a series, because there are five more books to enjoy.

-Reviewed by CM, grade 9

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Trigger, by Susan Vaught

Trigger, by Susan Vaught, is about a boy who pulled the trigger on himself and happened to survive. Jersey Hatch leaves the hospital with one blind eye, a limp, a bad arm, and a very highly damaged brain. Jersey also doesn't remember anything from his sophomore year. With the help of his ex-best-friend's grandma, he tries to figure out why he tried to kill himself. During his adventure Jersey faces bullying, love, and trust from the people around him. This book is an outstanding book for teenagers and will somewhat teach them not to judge people by the way they act. Also it's not quite as easy to get sucked into as one might hope, but once readers are sufficiently pulled into the story, they won't be able to put this book down. Susan Vaught does an incredible job with Jersey and his damaged brain. It really helps and puts you in his position. Trigger is a great book, and I think everyone should give it a try.

- Reviewed by Amir, grade 9.

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Impulse, by Ellen Hopkins

Impulse, by Ellen Hopkins, is about three teenagers that are going through difficult times. Tony's painful childhood memories can only be dealt with through drugs and pills, Vanessa has a problem with cutting herself, and Connor is suicidal because of his problems with parents, peers, and himself. If not for the intervention by loved ones, their lives would have been cut short. The three of them are kept in a mental institution so they can be kept safe. They're given a second chance at life. But will they be able to let go of the problems they keep inside for good? I highly recommend this book to anyone because it really gets you thinking and it's touching and shocking how hard some people's lives might be. But it teaches you to appreciate life. I really enjoyed reading this book and I'm sure a lot of people would enjoy it too.

- Reviewed by S., grade 9.


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