Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater

When Grace was young, she was attacked by a pack of wolves that lingered at the edge of the woods behind her house. She didn't resist the clawing and biting, instead, she laid there. One of the wolves saved her, he brought her to safety. Sam was like any other little boy with loving parents and not a doubt in the world. When he was bit, his whole life was turned around. He is now a werewolf. Sam has watched Grace from outside her backyard window since she's been bitten. As Grace grew, she became more and more entranced by the mysterious wolf that watched her from the edge of the woods. When Sam is in his occasional human form, he finally talks to Grace. From that moment, they fall for each other. Their love becomes strong, but this is Sam's final year as a human. Once he's full wolf, he wont have any trace of Grace. No memories, no feelings, nothing. What will they do to keep their love intact??

The first book of the Shiver trilogy is very captivating. Once I took in the first chapter, I could not put it down. I was gripping the book to find out what would happen next. Maggie Stiefvater's novels do not disappoint. Shiver is a mix of fiction and teen romance. The use of science instead of "magic" was more original in my opinion. As I read, I felt that this element made the book feel more realistic even though it was a fictional novel. Unfortunately, I did not continue to read the rest of this series after the second book, Linger, because it was just not to my liking.

Reviewed by Alyssa P., grade 9.
Montrose Library

Between, by Jessica Warman

In the book Between, by Jessica Warman, Elizabeth Valchar, a pretty, rich popular girl, wakes up in her yacht the morning after her eighteenth birthday surrounded by her friends who were all asleep. When she heard a constant thumping sound, she went out to investigate only to see her own lifeless body in the water hitting against the boat. With no memory of what happened to her, she was left to watch the life of her friends and family after her death. As a spirit, Alex Berg, a quiet boy from her school who had been hit by a car. Together they floated in and out of memories to figure out what exactly happened to them and how Liz's regular life was.

 I personally think this book was beyond amazing. What I really liked about it was that it go you hooked from the very beginning. Usually, the introduction in books are extremely dull and uninteresting, but this book had me eager to know what would happen next from just the first chapter. The plot was compelling with so many different twists and turns that you would hardly expect. I also really liked how some of the characters developed throughout the story. For instance, Liz goes through an inspiring and relatable journey of self-discovery which made her become more caring and selfless.

Reviewed by Ojene B., grade 10.
Library Connection @ Adams Square

The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is about a young teenage girl named Lily Owens who lives with her abusive father. She has been motherless almost her entire life. Lily barely remembers the day her mother was killed. Therefore her African- American nanny, Rosaleen, has filled the absence of her mother. Once Rosaleen gets in a scuffle with white men, Lily and her nanny flee to Tiburon, South Carolina. There, she finds three African-American beekeeping sisters. The sisters take Lily and Rosaleen into their home and give them work. During Lily's stay, she experiences the warmth of family and

I really enjoyed The Secret Life of Bees because it empowered the idea of family. The Boatwright sisters accepting a young, white girl into their home was courageous and inspiring to ignore the status quo. Lily and the sisters go through unbearable challenges and experience the worst. Their culture and past were very fascinating, causing you to grip the book with anticipation. I would definitely suggest this book to those who like analyzing hidden metaphors or the idea of female power. This book is based on how family isn't always based on bloodline, but those that have been with you through thick and thin.

Reviewed by Alyssa, grade 9. Montrose Library

Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer

The story is how a girl, Bella, comes to live with her Dad in a totally different climate than she is used to, because she lived in sunny arizona and is now in rainy washington, in this small town everyone knows everyone and everyone knows that Bella's dad is a police chief. She never felt like she fit in, although she made new friends and several admirers there wasnt anything interesting until she met Edward Cullen, no one likes the Cullen family because they give off a weird vibe but Bella is fixated on edward. turns our he was too but for different reasons than Bella's. their deadly romance takers a dangerous turn and its up to edward to save her

I love this book , i love their romance. i love how mysterious edward was at first and how in love they are. its weird though how nonchalant Bella is about edwards vampirism. Edward is completely enchanted with Bella and his protectiveness is very romantic. Although Bella's life isnt perfect you cant help but envy her situation. i think it could have been better written though. one moment Bella sounds like a Harvard scholar and other moments she sound like a 15 year old school girl, but all in all if you are into romance books with a lot of drama and action this is for you.


Revieweved by Anna, grade 9
Montrose Library

Nights in Rodanthe, by Nicholas Sparks

“Nights in Rodanthe” by Nicholas Sparks is based on the sacrifices people have to make in life for love and the forgiveness that comes with it. This story is about a woman named Adrienne Willis who has to face life’s obstacles alone right after her husband abandons her for a younger woman. She flees to the small coastal town of Rodanthe to look after friend's inn for the weekend and to get away from her heartache. Problem is, a huge storm hits, and Adrienne finds herself spending the weekend at the inn with the only guest Paul Flanner, whom happens to have his own troubled past. Their wounded emotions bring them together, and they find themselves closer than they would have ever expected.

I thought this book was very heartwarming and memorable. I would say, it is a kind of a story that all woman wish to happen to them. I really enjoyed this book because I could understand the great passion there was between the two main characters. While reading, it really opened my eyes to realize that true love isn't just a dream, and that love can come at any age, even when you are old. Sparks' words and detailed description really brought the book alive, making it easy for me to get into the story-line, which made it hard for me to put the book down.

Reviewed by Anonymous, grade 12
Central Library