Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Puppy Love, by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm


Baby Mouse Puppy Love is a comic book. It is about a mouse named Baby Mouse. She is a funny and a irresponsible mouse because she can not care for her pets. Baby Mouse is looking for the perfect pet, but her mom does not see her care for each pet she gets. Each day she gets a pet and she loses them in a way that is not possible. One day, while walking home she finds a lost dog. Her mom lets her keep the dog, but she knows Baby Mouse will lose the dog eventually. During the time she struggles taking care of the dog and handling all the responsibility. She finally finds the perfect dog and names him Buddy, but something goes wrong.

Baby Mouse Puppy Love, by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm, is one of my favorite comics. I like how its funny and all her crazy adventures.Who doesn't like comics, at some point everyone reads them. Baby Mouse is wild and outrageous character and it is all about her. During the story the narrator interacts with the mouse. I recommend it to children, teens, and adults. I thought the books were funny and adorable. I love them and I read their other books to today and as I was younger. Read them!




Monday, December 29, 2014

100% Official Justin Bieber : First Step 2 Forever, My Story, by Justin Bieber

There is a 15 year old boy who is very talented named Justin Bieber. His dream is for everyone to see his true talent. He sings and plays instruments;like guitar,piano and drums. He is a Canadian boy who lives a some what normal life. He is just very poor and is living a hard life, only being raised by a single mother. He lives with his grandparents,who he truly admires and loves. To accomplish his dream he would sing everywhere, like at church, special events, home or even in streets hustling (making money). He also worked hard making YouTube videos, he wanted the world to see him and one day his dream came true. The artist became big ,all thanks to YouTube. He posted a video of him and people saw how wonderful he is,so some people wanted to work with him and manage him.he became a YouTube; internet sensation,at a very young age (age 12). Everything he ever wanted came true and his life started becoming better all thanks to his fans and his manager Scooter. Hopefully Justin continues with what he has and doesn't become something bad.

100% Official Justin Bieber : First Step 2 Forever, My Story, by Justin Bieber,
was a really great book. Personally, I was not such a big fan of him.Yes, I did like his music and I thought he was a big deal ,but I was not a fan girl. I just did not really like him and I did not know where he came from and how he used live. So if you do not know anything about Justin Bieber I recommend you read it and get to know him and you can see how you may relate to him. I recommend it to all his fan's and to people who like to read biographies of others. I like how he talked about his personal like and how he shared his strength and weaknesses to us. It made feel a little shock and surprised because I did not know some things about him and I got to see his past.

Reviewed by Andy, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library



Saturday, December 27, 2014

Stunning, by Sara Shepard

As the girls secrets get bigger and better, so does the knew A's. It knows what happened during summer in Jamaica and it knows a little bit of dirt from each of the four girls lives. Hanna also goes through some tough situations trying to get back an old boyfriend of hers, while helping out with her dads campaigning. Emily has a huge secret she has kept from everyone except her four friends, and possibly A? Spencer is having some trouble fitting in to the knew Princeton life, and Aria is having an internal conflict about if whether or not she should spill a secret about the family of her boyfriend. But as the girls think they are outsmarting A, A is actually outsmarting them.

I honestly think that Stunning, by Sara Shepard, was the best book she has written in the Pretty Little Liars series. It is very addicting and it doesn't allow you to put the book down. You do not know what will happen next and you can never figure out who is A. The most outrageous problems occur in these four girls' lives that you never even see it coming.But I love yet hate the fact that the girls manage to get through all their hard situations until A manages to get them back because it was part of his/her plan all along. Even though it seems like the girls outsmart A, its just a part of A's plan. Nothing that the girls do, is something that A doesn't see coming, he/she plans every possible movement the girls can take, and is able to cause he/she thinks outside the box throughout every circumstance.

Reviewed by Mary A., Grade 9
Glendale Central Library




Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Emma, by Jane Austen

Emma, a novel by Jane Austen, is the story of Emma Woodhouse and her meddlesome matchmaking habits. Emma believes she is an amazing matchmaker, and takes credit for the marriage of her governess. Her mother had died at an early age, therefore her governess Miss Taylor was her replacement and much like a sister also. Her marriage meant her moving away and leaving Emma on her own. That is when Emma, desperate for a friend or something to do, takes on the "task" of Harriet Smith. Harriet is of the lower class, yet she is beautiful which appeals to Emma. She makes it her duty to teach Harriet her ways and find her a husband. Love triangles emerge, feelings are wrongly interpreted, and hearts are crushed. We follow Emma through the trials she presents for herself, and eventually discover Emma loves someone who we, or just me personally, were quite fond of from the beginning.

In all honesty, Emma sounds like an interesting and gossip filled romance novel, which it is, except for the interesting part. It is rather boring, I found myself wanting to read the newspaper instead of the this terribly uninteresting novel. There are some interesting aspects but not enough to make you want to constantly read it. It is slightly difficult to understand, simply because it has an older style of writing and talking. I was also a bit confused with several of the words Austen used because they were words we do not use today. I give this book a five out of ten and do not recommend it as an interesting read.
Reviewed by Kristine K., Grade 11
Casa Verdugo Library

Monday, December 22, 2014

Pandora Hearts, by Jun Mochizuki

Pandora Hearts, by  Jun Mochizuki, is a Japanese manga about a young heir to a rich nobles family who gets sent to an alternate dimension known as the Abyss over which monsters called chains rule over. There, the heir, named Oz meets a chain named Alice in the form of a girl. She had lost her memories of her before life and wishes to get them back, so to escape the Abyss the two form a contract to escape to help Alice return her memories and help Oz return to his original world, while authorities and underground associations chase after them to hide a secret conspiracy that happened 100 years ago.

The overall part of Pandora Hearts is just a very twisted story with new plot changes and surprises every volume that comes out. Also the author with his fascinating imagination of his drawings would pull the reader in due to its scary yet cute illustrations designed to make the chains resemble old toys of a young child. Those who like action, mystery, and twists would very much like Pandora Hearts for its deep plot line that makes the reader fall deeper and deeper into its fantasy. Although Pandora Hearts is an underground manga, is well written/drawn and is a good choice for first time readers of manga.

Reviewed by Teagan H., grade 9
Montrose Crescenta Branch

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Evil Star, by Anthony Horowitz

Evil Star is the sequel to the book called Raven's Gate. This story is about the same teen Matt who needs to solve another problem of another gate that's about to open. He knows that he has to go to Peru because that's where it is, but other than that they don't know where else to go. He then finds a boy named Pedro who helps him solve this mystery.

Evil Star by, Anthony Horowitz, was even better than the first one! I like how in this book compared to the first one, Matt isn't always alone and he has friends who help. Its still an amazing thriller though. I would recommend this book to all teens.

Reviewed by Brendan A., grade 9
Montrose Crescenta Branch

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Raven's Gate, by Anthony Horowitz

The book, Raven's Gate, by Anthony Horowitz, is about a teenager named Matt who gets arrested for braking into a warehouse. He then gets sent to a foster home which turns out to be a witches house. He tries to find out what's going on that the witch is doing, and he finds out that she's trying to open a gate which would let these evil creatures out. He then has to try to stop them.

This was a great story. I love the mystery that Matt has to solve to figure out what's going on. I would recommend this to anyone who likes thrillers and partly horror stories.

Reviewed by Brendan A., grade 9
Montrose Crescenta Branch

Monday, December 15, 2014

Breathe, by Sarah Crossan

The world has no air. If you want to survive, you pay to breathe. But what if you can't? And what if you think everything could be different? Three teens will leave everything they know behind in Sarah Crossan's gripping and original teen novel of danger, longing, and glimmering hope. Ever since the Switch, when the oxygen levels plummeted and most of humanity died, the survivors have been protected in glass domes full of manufactured air. Protected . . . or trapped? Or controlled? Alina's a revolutionary who believes we can save the environment. Quinn's a Premium who's never had to worry about having enough air. His best friend, Bea, is an Auxiliary who's never worried about anything but having enough air. When the three cross paths, they will change everything. Sarah Crossan's thrilling and provocative novel is about passion, about yearning for something better, and about breaking free for the very first time.

I liked Breathe, by Sarah Crossan, because it's not only entertaining in several ways, but because this is a teenager book, most teens can also enjoy it and get what the characters in the story think about most of the time. The people who would like this book would most likely be interested teenagers, just in general. This dystopian novel gives readers a sense of how it would be to live in a dome with manufactured oxygen. Readers understand being in the lives of three amazing teens with outrageous adventures along with their journey. Bea, Quinn, and Alina all have to face it. My opinion of this book overall, was that it's one of the novels where a reader has to continue it, even just from reading the first page for the first time. I, myself, couldn't put the novel down. When you really get into the context of the story, it keeps nudging you to read, read, read. This book has action, adventure, and even a bit of romance, if you ask me. I recommend any teenager who doesn't have much to read at their age (you're not alone if you do) can at least try out Breathe by Sarah Crossan. This is a great book, so remember to keep reading!
Reviewed by Connor, Grade 9
Montrose Library

Saturday, December 13, 2014

The Death Cure, by James Dashner

The Death Cure, by James Dashner, takes place right after the events of "The Scorch Trials", where Thomas is locked in solitary confinement for three weeks. After Thomas is released, Assistant Director Janson of WICKED, an organization dedicated to curing the Flare, admits to the Gladers that there is no cure for the Flare. However, some people are naturally immune to it. He then offers the Gladers to restore their memories. Everyone but Thomas, Minho, and Newt agree. However, they are forced into being restored also. Luckily, Brenda helps them escape in a Berg, a massive airship, before this can be done. They then fly to Denver to try to find the others and remove the implants in their brains. During this process, they meet with the Right Arm, an organization dedicated to destroying WICKED, and agree to help them.

While "The Death Cure" was very similar to the other two books, it was a disappointing finale. This book still had an interesting plot with lackluster characters like the previous books. However, the lack of answers makes this installment worse in comparison. The final book of a series should always try to explain the mysteries that are brought up as the story progresses. After reading "The Death Cure", the final book of "The Maze Runner" series, I was left more confused than before. Many questions that should have been answered in this book were still left unresolved. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the "The Maze Runner" franchise as a whole and I would recommend "The Death Cure" to those that are curious to what will happen to Thomas and Teresa in the end. However, do not expect to understand the back-story after reading this book.
Reviewed by William J., Grade 9
Montrose Library

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

House of Hades, by Rick Riordan

Percy and Annabeth falls into tartarus and the other demigods are trying their best to reach the other side of the door so they can rescue Percy and Annabeth. Percy and Annabeth faces a lot of challenges, but they work it out together, no matter how much pain they are having. They even made friends in tartarus and have supporters. They struggle and try their best to reach their destination in time to save all the people and they get help from Reyna, the roman leader.

I liked House of Hades, by Rick Riordan, but honestly, it was below my expectations. Because I was so fascinated about the other series of the books, I was overly excited and I was disappointed that the novel ended so quickly, but I enjoyed the book through out. I will recommend this to my friends because this is really fun and includes a lot of actions. Also, they learn how friendships matter to each other. Most importantly, the book is enjoyable for most of the people. I'm looking forward to read the next sequel of this book.
Reviewed by Eura, Grade 9
Montrose Library







Monday, December 8, 2014

The Raven Boys, Maggie Stiefvater

In The Raven Boys, by Maggie Stiefvater the main character, Blue, comes from a large family of clairvoyant women. She's been told since she was a child that she would kill her true love by kissing him. Blue doesn't want to believe this, but she knows that what the women see is real. On St. Mark's Eve Blue and her aunt Neeve go to the cemetery to get the name of all the people who will die in the next 12 months, whose spirits will pass through there that night, although Blue won't be able see them because she isn't clairvoyant. But then she does see one. The only reason a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark's Eve, either you're their true love or you killed them. His name is Gansey.

Maggie Stiefvater is amazing and one of my favorite authors. I definitely have to say that the Raven Boys is my favorite book by her. I really enjoyed the unique perspectives given to the story by all of her wonderful but very different characters. Blue is so amazing and strong and eccentric, I think that she's an great character. I also loved Adam, who is so honest and works so hard at everything. My favorite character, by far, is Gansey. Gansey is in a way the perfect, cliche rich boy, but when you really understand him and his heart you realize that he's also the opposite. Gansey is an absolutely extraordinary character, as are all the other characters. I really loved The Raven Boy by Maggie Stiefvater.

Reviewed by Lucy H., Grade 9
Montrose Library

Saturday, December 6, 2014

The One, by Kiera Cass

The third and final book in the Selection series, The One, is just the perfect ending to the slightly suspenseful journey of waiting to know who Prince Maxon will pick. America has finally made her decision to be not only a One by caste but Maxon's "one." However, will her actions change the mind of the Prince who is now having to make the serious decision not based on his feelings but the betterment of his country? Also, will the other girl Kriss get into the mind of Maxon as a better choice as America can't make up her mind between him and Aspen?

Following a not-so-great second book of the series, The One, by  Kiera Cass, is an amazing ending to the much anticipated finale of a wonderful fairytale/dystopian novel. I love how we can experience the ups and downs of the relationship between America and Prince Maxon as they stray to other people, actually understanding how much they continue to love each other when times are toughest. Finally, we come to the conclusion with satisfaction and gratitude to the author for fulfilling our needs of a happy ending.

Reviewed by Alexis K., Grade9
Montrose Library

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

The Selection by Kiera Cass

In the case of The Selection, the saying "don't judge a book by its cover" is false. This series is about a girl, 300 years later, living in a society with castes determining everything. When America Singer is entered by her mother to a completion called the selection, she is dismayed for a few reasons. The competition is a once in a lifetime opportunity when the prince of Ilia becomes of age and is seeking a bride. It is thrilling for all 35 teenage girls chosen to let themselves be sought after by the kind and charming Prince Maxon. But for America, a royal life as a One is unattainable with her personality of a Five. Her sentiments are also confirmed with her feelings for a Six named Aspen, with whom she carries out a very secretive relationship.

Immediately captivated by the blue dress and redheaded princess, I knew I was going to love The Selection by Kiera Cass. The first in its series, Kiera Cass does a superb job for setting the stage to a completion filled with feisty girls, a handsome prince, and a particular rebel that stands out to him above all. As I truly like books that take place in royal settings, this specific one with a hint of the futuristic genre and rebellion in the midst of the society really pleased me. I think any teen girl audience would find this story very exciting and interesting as they witness the ups and downs of feeling between two very unlike people.

Reviewed by Alexis K., Grade 9
Montrose Library

Monday, December 1, 2014

Legend, by Marie Lu

A criminal named Day is the inspiration and an enemy to the republic. His main objective is to hide, protect his family, and to run. He is the master at disguise and dead to his family. June, a girl from and bred in the republic, an excellent student and a military person trying to avenge her dead family member. Given a goal to specifically stop Day. Unknowingly join together, adventures with sadness, depression, disease, and a spark of romance. They go through countless challenges provided by the republic. first, it starts off with misinterpretation of identities, next, betrayal, then fighting side by side. All this to protect and to keep alive the people that are close to them.

In my own opinion, I thought Legend, by Marie Lu, was an amazing thriller of a book. what I really liked about this book was the suspense and a new type of society, a different government, different cultures, and the inspiration that the main characters give off. I believe the people that enjoy adventure, romance, thrillers, and action novels would love to read these types of books. This book really made me think what would happen to me and my family if we were growing up in such unhealthy and depressing conditions. This book made me feel that I should help those that can't help themselves and to take care of our decent community. Also, that one should be thankful of the things that he already has.

Reviewed by Matthew L., Grade 9
Montrose Library