The Cay, by Theodore Taylor

The story "The Cay", written by Theodore Taylor, is about an 11 year old boy named Phillip who survives a fatal shipwreck and Timothy, and older black man, rescues him onto a raft. Phillip is really mean and disrespectful towards Timothy because of the his racist thoughts he learned from his mother. After a few weeks, Phillip an Timothy start to get along with each other and go through many adventures together. However, Timothy dies while saving Phillip during a severe hurricane, and Phillip uses his skills he learned from Timothy to survive, and Phillip is rescued and is returned home by the US Marines.

This book was really spontaneous and I really enjoyed reading it. The book kept me turning the pages one after another without stopping. It was really adventures and it teaches people many morals about prejudice and etc. Also the story cold change peoples view of being racist. I hope all the other readers enjoy this story as much as I did.

-Reviewed by anonymous.

Hero, by S.L. Rottman

Hero, by S.L. Rottman, is about a young boy from the ghetto. Is abused by his mother and never sees his father. Suffers from lack of love and care. When caught for curfew, James is sentenced to community service on a farm. There he learns many important virtues of life. He discovers him to turn his lofe around. He is adopted to a nicer family. Also, takes a bullet for a couple who he helped give birth to. He becomes a better person.

The book "Hero", is an ok book. The book wasn't my favorite but it is better than most of the books I read, but it gives good advice to following life. There is lots of drama and action. Also, there are many situations that are tense. Overall, I say it is ok. A pretty good book to read.

-Reviewed by Nate, grade 9.

Bloody Jack, by L.A. Meyer

In Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer, a thirteen year old girl named Mary "Jacky" Faber goes from homeless on the streets of London to becoming a sailor of the ocean. It's a great life for a boy but the only problem is Jacky is a girl. Jacky has to disguise herself as a boy and trick the captain into letting her on the ship. Being a teenage girl pretending to be a boy (named Jack) brings many challenges fro Jacky which she often has to face alone along with the help of a few towns people. Like most girls, Jacky has a crush on a boy named Jaimy. Jaimy and Jacky work side by side on the ship and even have to share the same hammock at night. Jaimy suspects nothing and that is how Jack would like to keep it. The book continues to follow the adventures of Jacky and Jaimy as their friendship grows throughout their travels. In my opinion I really enjoyed the book. It was full of adventure and action and even a little romance. I could really connect with the main character because I know what she is going through. I would definitely recommend the book for any teen who loves a good quick read. -Reviewed by anonymous, grade 9.