Hold Still, by Nina LaCour

Hold Still by Nina LaCour revolves around Caitlin starting junior year of high school without her best friend Ingrid there with her. Ingrid committed suicide that past summer, and Caitlin is now suffering in life, being unable to have Ingrid there to share joy, art, music, and laughter with. Caitlin is also greatly affected emotionally by her best friend's unexpected death as she becomes more and more isolated from and unhappy with everything and everyone. However, when Caitlin finds Ingrid's journal, she sees a completely different side of Ingrid that she never knew about, and the journal ends up serving as a guide for Caitlin, helping her get through this tough time in life.

I thought this book was truly excellent and well-executed in telling the story of struggling and coping with a close friend's death. However, I must admit that some parts got quite intense and overwhelming. Once all the bits and pieces of the story came together, though, the story turned out to be very enjoyable and successful. I give this book a 10/10 rating and would recommend it to all who would like to read a remarkable story about the journey after a friend's death that includes all aspects of everyday life, particularly in the lives of adolescents.

Reviewed by Emily K., Grade 12

Extras, by Scott Westerfeld

Extras by Scott Westerfeld is the fourth book in the so-called Uglies Trilogy. This time, Aya Fuse is the one taking us through. It's been three years since the cure for bubbleheads came through, also known as the mind-rain, and the world is recovering. This city's economy is a little different; it's based on popularity. Aya's life goal is to become famous by kicking, their word for publishing, a great story on her feed. If you're popular, you have anything you want and won't have to live the "extra" way. While searching for a story, she discovers the Sly Girls, girls thought to be imaginary before. These "Plain Jane" looking girls go on wild mag-lev riding trips and stay far away from feeds and popularity. Aya joins them and find ways to film them and kick one of the most shocking and greatest stories. But she's got it all wrong and is visited by the one and only Tally Youngblood. Her next visitor might not be for her own good, though. But one question: what are they?

I must say I couldn't believe there was another book in the series! Westerfeld has given the word trilogy a whole new meaning. To be honest, I was a bit bored at the beginning of the book, and if it hadn't been for my dedication to the series, I would've stopped reading it. But then the introduction into the new ways of life were done and things got interesting. I was pretty happy with this book but sad that the series is now truly over. I would recommend this book and series to teen girls because it is amazing and they would be interested in the story.

Reviewed by Kristine K., grade 9