In Runaway, by Meg Cabot, Emerson Watts is living the life of Nikki Howard, running around doing all her work from school, family, friends, and even herself. She finds out the secret of multi-millionaire model Nikki Howard, and is confused with what to do with her life. She asks for help from her friend and love, Christopher, Em hopes that her plan works to destroy her employer and that Christopher will actually avoid his personal life for just a while and help her with her plan. Will it work?
I liked this book because it ended the series really well! It was filled with many surprises and secrets. I would definitely recommend the Airhead series to all teenage girls, so they could enjoy the books as much as I did!
Reviewed by A.S., grade 9.
Montrose Library
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Identical, by Ellen Hopkins
Kaeleigh
and Raeanne are two sixteen year old girls who are also identical twins. Their
mom is a politician and their dad is a district court judge. Kaeleigh is the
apple of her fathers eye, shes been the center of her fathers affection since
she was nine years old, when he started sexually abusing her. Kaeleigh cuts
herself and binges on alcohol to mask the pain of her all too abnormal life,
that she makes to seem perfect on the outside. Raeanne is the rebelious twin,
she uses drugs and sex to compensate for not being daddy's favorite. The books
follows the lives of the twins as they try to figure out how to be 'normal'.
Identical is one of my favorites by Ellen Hopkins. I loved how almost every scene is told from both sides of the twins. It gives the book an almost two sided feel, as if your reading two different books being told two different ways, but with the same over all plot and story line. The book will throw you through an emotion rollercoaster as you become connected to the twins. This book, in my opinion is for not only teens but adults. The book is obviously pointed towards teens, but the way its written will connect to anyone. The ending especially makes this book worthy of rereading over and over again.
Reviewed by Jaz, grade 12
Montrose Library
Identical is one of my favorites by Ellen Hopkins. I loved how almost every scene is told from both sides of the twins. It gives the book an almost two sided feel, as if your reading two different books being told two different ways, but with the same over all plot and story line. The book will throw you through an emotion rollercoaster as you become connected to the twins. This book, in my opinion is for not only teens but adults. The book is obviously pointed towards teens, but the way its written will connect to anyone. The ending especially makes this book worthy of rereading over and over again.
Reviewed by Jaz, grade 12
Montrose Library
When It Happens, by Susane Colasanti
In When it Happens by Susane Colasanti, Sara is starting senior year of high school and only wishes to get into a good college and experience true love. There is a boy named Tobey who is starting senior year as well, and he only wants to win a band competition and to make Sara fall in love with him. However, another boy named Dave interacts with Sara first, which is what Sara had originally wanted. On the other hand, Sara and Tobey come to be much more alike and understanding of one another, Sara is stuck between the two boys to choose the truest and most suited one of the two for her.
This book is put together exceptionally, and it deeply explains the story of high school seniors' search for happiness and true love. The story is also quite exciting and entertaining. All in all, it is very captivating and urges one to continue reading until the end. I would especially recommend this book to high school students because I think that it will be very fascinating and relatable for them.
Reviewed by Emily K., grade 12
Montrose Library
This book is put together exceptionally, and it deeply explains the story of high school seniors' search for happiness and true love. The story is also quite exciting and entertaining. All in all, it is very captivating and urges one to continue reading until the end. I would especially recommend this book to high school students because I think that it will be very fascinating and relatable for them.
Reviewed by Emily K., grade 12
Montrose Library
The Secret Circle: The Initiation and the Captive, Part 1, by L.J. Smith
When Cassie, a beautiful and younge sixteen-year-old girl, moves to the small town of New Salem, New England, she finds herself becoming friends with the "in-crowd" at school. But something seems off about this group of friends. Soon she finds that they're a dangerous coven of witches...and she's one of them! From the start, Diana, the leader of the coven, befirends Cassie and soon they are fast friends, While Cassie is making friends, she also gains an enemy along the way: Faye. She soon learns that Faye has a goal to become the new leader of the coven! While gaining control of her powers anf alling in love isn't complicated enough, the wicked Faye wants to use her powers for evil! Now Cassie and the rest of the clan have to stop Faye before she destroys everything!
The Secret Circle by L. J. Smith, is an amazing and exciting book that will make you never want to stop reading it! THis novel is beautifully written sometimes I feel as though I'm in the book and that I really know all of the characters. I'd recommend this book to the teens out there that are interesting in action-adventure and fantasy. This book is one of my favorite books of all time! I hope you love this book as much as I did!
Reviewed by D.M., grade 9.
Montrose Library
The Secret Circle by L. J. Smith, is an amazing and exciting book that will make you never want to stop reading it! THis novel is beautifully written sometimes I feel as though I'm in the book and that I really know all of the characters. I'd recommend this book to the teens out there that are interesting in action-adventure and fantasy. This book is one of my favorite books of all time! I hope you love this book as much as I did!
Reviewed by D.M., grade 9.
Montrose Library
The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is about Hazel Grace Lancaster, a now sixteen-year-old girl who was diagnosed with stage four thyroid cancer at the age of thirteen. Hazel expected to die until a miraculous medical treatment shrunk the tumors in her lungs. She has been taken out of school and does not socialize or interact with others her age much. Due to depression, Hazel joins a support group for children with cancer, where she meets and falls in love with a seventeen-year-old boy named Augustus Waters. The two of them seem to have interest in one another and grow together in their similiar life journeys.
This book would definitely have to be one of the most wonderful yet extremely touching and emotional books I have ever read. The story of Hazel, particularly upon meeting Augustus, is very stirring and moving for the reader. I give this book a 10/10 rating and recommend it to all who would like to read an intense and loving story of young adults and their journeys in difficult times in life.
Reviewed by Emily K., grade 12.
Montrose Library
This book would definitely have to be one of the most wonderful yet extremely touching and emotional books I have ever read. The story of Hazel, particularly upon meeting Augustus, is very stirring and moving for the reader. I give this book a 10/10 rating and recommend it to all who would like to read an intense and loving story of young adults and their journeys in difficult times in life.
Reviewed by Emily K., grade 12.
Montrose Library
Tricks, by Ellen Hopkins
The
book follows the lives of five teenages Eden, Seth, Whitney, Ginger, and Cody.
Eden is sixteen years old and lives in a very sheltered enviroment due to her
father being the local pastor. Seth is seventeen years old and is trying to
figure out his sexuallity. Whitney is fifteen years old and fighting for the
spotlight that shines over her sister. Ginger is sixteen years old and lives
with her five sibling. Cody is dealing with having to take over the role of his
previously deceased dad. Although they all seem different on the surface, dig a
little deeper into their journeys and you will find they all lead to one
miserable fate; tricks.
Tricks is one of my favorite books for a number of reasons. One reason is how connected you feel to the characters as you read the book, which puts you in the center of whatever is going on, whether it be bad or good. Another reason I love this book is because Ellen Hopkins does not hold back, she gives you all the dirty details without hesitation or beating around the bush. Its an in your face type of read. If you decide to read this book you will find yourself in disbelief at what happens to these five teenagers. I think this book is perfect for showing teens exacly what not to do in certain situations. The book has parts that will make you cry as well as situations that you can't help but laugh at. I suggest this book to anyone who's looking for an emotion almost thrilling read. I gaurantee you won't be able to put it down.
-Reviewed by Jaz, grade 12.
Montrose Library
Tricks is one of my favorite books for a number of reasons. One reason is how connected you feel to the characters as you read the book, which puts you in the center of whatever is going on, whether it be bad or good. Another reason I love this book is because Ellen Hopkins does not hold back, she gives you all the dirty details without hesitation or beating around the bush. Its an in your face type of read. If you decide to read this book you will find yourself in disbelief at what happens to these five teenagers. I think this book is perfect for showing teens exacly what not to do in certain situations. The book has parts that will make you cry as well as situations that you can't help but laugh at. I suggest this book to anyone who's looking for an emotion almost thrilling read. I gaurantee you won't be able to put it down.
-Reviewed by Jaz, grade 12.
Montrose Library
Tunnels of Blood
Tunnels of Blood, by Darren Shan, is the fourth amazing book in the Cirque du Freak series. Mr. Crepsley is visited by an old friend, Gavner Purl, and what they talk about Darren (and us!) have to clue of. But Mr. Crepsley announces that they must leave the Cirque, and Darren is not happy. He enjoys life at the cirque and is upset to leave, so Evra, the snake boy, comes along. The two young boys are clueless about what Crepsley does in the city until they see a news report one day. The Report states that six bodies were found drained of blood. Could it have been Mr. Crepsley?
I was in the edge of my seat the entire time I read this book! Darren Shan has a certain Talent for spinning extraordinary tales in each new book! It was interesting to read and learn all of the new things about vampires. I would recommend this book to preteen-teen boys and girls, mainly boys, because they might find Darren's journey more interesting.
Reviewed by Kristine, grade 9.
I was in the edge of my seat the entire time I read this book! Darren Shan has a certain Talent for spinning extraordinary tales in each new book! It was interesting to read and learn all of the new things about vampires. I would recommend this book to preteen-teen boys and girls, mainly boys, because they might find Darren's journey more interesting.
Reviewed by Kristine, grade 9.
Labels:
Cirque Du Freak,
Darren Shan,
Fantasy,
Horror,
Teen Book Reviews,
Tunnels of Blood
Unwind, by Neal Shusterman
Unwind, by Neal Shusterman, is a thrilling novel that takes place in the future United States. We follow three teenagers who went AWOL when it was time for them to be "unwound". In these times, being unwound wasn't unusual and happens from the age of 13 to 18. Being unwound means to have your entire body deconstructed to be used for medical patients who need them. Being unwound was a simple solution to unwanted teenagers, and for some families, a giving of their tithe for religious reasons. Due to his rebellious past, Conner is being unwound by the choice of his parents. For no reason but budget cuts and uselessness, a ward of the state, Risa, is being unwound. And Lev is being unwound for his religion, he is a Tithe. But when destiny throws them into each other's lives, they do whatever they need to survive until their eighteenth birthday, when they can no longer be unwound.
I must admit, I wasn't too thrilled about reading this because of bad reviews it has received before, but they were wrong, for me that is. I loved Unwind, not only because I like utopian/dystopian novels, but because it was such a marvelous story! The idea of being unwound was very unique. I also enjoy Shusterman's writing style. Each chapter is a different character and the story from their vantage point. I enjoyed seeing other people's view on what is happening. I would recommend this book to teens who enjoy dystopian themes and gut wrenching ideas.
Reviewed by Kristine, grade 9.
I must admit, I wasn't too thrilled about reading this because of bad reviews it has received before, but they were wrong, for me that is. I loved Unwind, not only because I like utopian/dystopian novels, but because it was such a marvelous story! The idea of being unwound was very unique. I also enjoy Shusterman's writing style. Each chapter is a different character and the story from their vantage point. I enjoyed seeing other people's view on what is happening. I would recommend this book to teens who enjoy dystopian themes and gut wrenching ideas.
Reviewed by Kristine, grade 9.
Monday, January 28, 2013
The Inferno, by Dante Alighieri
Dante Alighieri was a famous poet living from 1300-1331. His extremely famous story Dante’s Inferno was a poem about the great gate of Hell. In this story, Dante is expressing the reason of Christianity and the sins of life that can be spread for an increasing amount of time. These sins can lead to punishment and slavery forever. The story began when Beatrice the wife of Dante committed suicide for depression and Dante must be guided through the Hell to find the woman he loved and to keep his promise to her that he would stay faithful through the right and wrong of the life.
I think this story is well done in the sense of poetry and many other ways of expressing his feelings for Beatrice. This story kept me enthusiastic to keep reading for a long time because it made me feel engaged with the story; I really enjoyed it. This story has good depth in it because you will be able to feel the hate that is coming from Dante toward the demons that try to hurt Beatrice. The ending of this book is shockingly surprising; an excellent book that will keep the reader engaged with the story and its characters.
Reviewed by E.P., grade 10.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Never Have I Ever, by Sara Shepard
In
her new life impersonating Sutton, Emma is scared to death. Her confidence in
Ethan about her true identity proves to be a plus and their romance is
definitely growing. Against the murderer's orders, Emma digs deeper into the
mystery of Sutton's death. She ignores the threatening messages sent from her
sister's murderer and investigates her current lead: Lily and Gabby. The
Twitter Twins, a nickname given for their obsession with social media, have
several reasons to hate Sutton, one involving a Lying Game prank that resulted
in Gabby having a seizure. Another topic that keeps coming up is Thayer. What
did Sutton have to do with his disappearance?
Being the second book in the series, I think Never Have I Ever, by Sara Shepard, was an okay read. I wasn't as connected to the characters as I was in the first book, but there was a connection. One thing that did annoy me, and Sutton too, was Emma's lack of courage with Ethan! It was too repetitive yet cute at the same time. Sara Shepard continues to deliver her spectacular writing however. The cruelness of the Lying Game and its members is truly frightening. Why would such pampered, happy girls enjoy the misery of others? What kept me on the edge of my seat definitely was the determination the Twitter Twins displayed, especially at the end...I would recommend this book to fans of the television series or previous Sara Shepard fans.
-Reviewed by Kristine K., grade 9.
Casa Verdugo Library
Being the second book in the series, I think Never Have I Ever, by Sara Shepard, was an okay read. I wasn't as connected to the characters as I was in the first book, but there was a connection. One thing that did annoy me, and Sutton too, was Emma's lack of courage with Ethan! It was too repetitive yet cute at the same time. Sara Shepard continues to deliver her spectacular writing however. The cruelness of the Lying Game and its members is truly frightening. Why would such pampered, happy girls enjoy the misery of others? What kept me on the edge of my seat definitely was the determination the Twitter Twins displayed, especially at the end...I would recommend this book to fans of the television series or previous Sara Shepard fans.
-Reviewed by Kristine K., grade 9.
Casa Verdugo Library
Stolen: A Letter to My Captor, by Lucy Christopher
What
if you were taken from everything you knew? Your family, your home, your
safety? In Stolen: A Letter to My Captor, by Lucy Christopher, sixteen year old British city dweller
Gemma is taken from the life she knew in an airport while on vacation with her
family. Her kidnapper, Ty, takes her to the outbacks of Australia which looks
like a wasteland to the eye of one who has lived in the city their whole life.
But Ty sees an opportunity for a new life, more connected with the earth and
free from the vicious cycle of city life. But Ty is not a stereotype kidnapper,
and soon, Gemma starts to sympathize with him when she sees his true colors. Is
she beggining to realize what Ty's dream is or is this a classic case of
Stockholm Syndrome?
What I like most about this book is that it is not a very common theme that you see in a lot of kidnapping-type novels. This one sort of steps outside the box when it comes to establishing the antagonist because Gemmas captor isn't exactly evil, nor is he good. It is absolutely an intersting read and it really stuck with me after finishing it. I would rate it a 8.5/10 for its unorthodox type of plot and deep character developement. You really see who each character is and the author gives us a lot of insight on their thoughts and reasoning.
Reviewed by Cody W., grade 12.
Montrose Library
What I like most about this book is that it is not a very common theme that you see in a lot of kidnapping-type novels. This one sort of steps outside the box when it comes to establishing the antagonist because Gemmas captor isn't exactly evil, nor is he good. It is absolutely an intersting read and it really stuck with me after finishing it. I would rate it a 8.5/10 for its unorthodox type of plot and deep character developement. You really see who each character is and the author gives us a lot of insight on their thoughts and reasoning.
Reviewed by Cody W., grade 12.
Montrose Library
The Lies of Locke Lamor, by Scott Lynch
The
Lies of Locke Lamora is a fiction/fantasy novel by Scott Lynch which follows
the escapades of a group of bandit thieves called the Gentlemen Ba******. They
are dedicated to stealing from the rich nobles of the city of Camorr. The book
is separated into two different parts with one chapter following the main
character Locke and his gang of fellow thieves and the following chapter giving
insight into the history of Camorr and the Gentlemen Ba******. The Gentlemen
Ba****** run into a problem when a mysterious and shady man named the Grey King
approaches Locke with a task; to impersonate him in a meeting with lord of the
criminal underworld.
This book is a perfect twist on Robin Hood and a grade A spy book. I loved reading this novel about lies, secrets, deception and betrayal. But the non-stop twists in the plot will have anyone wondering what will come next. If you like fantasy books, this will be one that you can not pass up! The cleverly woven story is a pleasure to read and I also like that it explains to the reader the history of Camorr so that we have a deeper understanding of the people who live in this city of corruption and greed, as well as thieves and mercenaries.
- Reviewed by Cody W., grade 12.
Montrose Library
This book is a perfect twist on Robin Hood and a grade A spy book. I loved reading this novel about lies, secrets, deception and betrayal. But the non-stop twists in the plot will have anyone wondering what will come next. If you like fantasy books, this will be one that you can not pass up! The cleverly woven story is a pleasure to read and I also like that it explains to the reader the history of Camorr so that we have a deeper understanding of the people who live in this city of corruption and greed, as well as thieves and mercenaries.
- Reviewed by Cody W., grade 12.
Montrose Library
When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, by Kimberly Willis Holt
The
book When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, by Kimberly Willis Holt, takes place in
a small town where nothing exciting ever happens, until now, when the fattest
boy in the world, Zachary Beaver, arrives. He sits in his trailer all day while
people pay to look at him. Toby, the main character, somewhat becomes Zachary's
friend. Both Zachary and Toby have some life changing experiences that summer,
and when Zachary's visit is over and he has to leave, the whole town,
especially Toby, has forever been changed. He helped them see everything in a
different way, from a different perspective.
I did not really like this book that much. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone really, it was kind of boring. I was really disappointed because when I found out what it was about, I was expecting it to be funny and interesting. It didn't have any suspenseful moments and I didn't really get into it. I didn't really want to keep reading, but I finished it in hopes of it becoming more interesting or having a twist at the end; but sadly there wasn't. I really did not enjoy this book at all and I just wish there was more to it.
Reviewed by Melody N., grade 9.
Central Library
I did not really like this book that much. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone really, it was kind of boring. I was really disappointed because when I found out what it was about, I was expecting it to be funny and interesting. It didn't have any suspenseful moments and I didn't really get into it. I didn't really want to keep reading, but I finished it in hopes of it becoming more interesting or having a twist at the end; but sadly there wasn't. I really did not enjoy this book at all and I just wish there was more to it.
Reviewed by Melody N., grade 9.
Central Library
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