The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold

The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold, is different than any other book that I have read because it is about a girl named Susie Salmon. She is the main character, but unlike most books where the character is alive, she is in her own heaven watching the world go on without her living anymore. She talks about her family and her killer, she tries to give hints to her family about who her killer is. She watches and wishes she could see everyone again, she discovers the impact she had on her friends and family. I really wanted to know more about what happened in the book. My predictions were wrong, but that is what made the book very interesting. I recommend this book to any teenager, especially those who have younger siblings, they will realize how much they look up to older siblings. I read the book twice already and will probably read more of Alice's books, since I bought her book "Lucky". -YC, grade 10.

The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin

This book, The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, is a story about 16 people who have been chosen to live in an apartment called the Sunset Tower which is on the shore of Lake Michigan. They all gather to hear the will of Sam Westing; self-made millionare. The will is in a puzzle form which divides the 16 heirs into 8 pairs. Each pair has a different set of clues to solve the mystery of who killed Sam Westing. Whoever solves the mystery inherits Sam Westing's 200 million dollar fortune. This is a great mystery novel and it's an exciting story. Anyone who likes adventure and is a page-turner will enjoy this book.

-Reviewed by Jackie, grade 9

The Freedom Writers Diary, by Erin Gruwell and her freedom writers

The Freedom Writers Diary by Freedom Writers, is a written journal by each and every one of Erin Gruwell's students. Erin Gruwell is a new teacher at Wilson High School in Long Beach, Ca. She was a very perky and happy teacher who didn't know that she was up to teach a bunch of rebellious, gang members. These kids pretty much lived on the streets and were in and out of jail. Ms. Gruwell was their savior; she bought them each a journal. Every each student wrote something. Eventually Ms. G put together their through by teaching them things they were interested in. This journal is entries of each person's life situation. Some of them were abused, harassed, imprisoned, shot, or just poor. These kids were fighting over gang territory and sadly some of them were killed. I loved this journal because it made me realize that so many kids go through a lot of bad luck in life. I can't relate to any of their stories. It was emotional at times and it made me cry. I recommend this story to anyone who likes true story books. -Reviewed by M.P., grade 9.