Wednesday, July 20, 2016

The Survival Kit, by Donna Freitas

The Survival Kit is about Rose, a teenage girl whose mom recently passed away. Rose is stuck in her depression until she finds a survival kit her mom made for her before she died. Her mom was famous for her survival kits for every occasion. Slowly Rose gathers the strength to open the survival kit. Rose also meets Will Doniger, a senior at her school whose father passed away two years back. Soon Will and Rose find love and comfort in each other.

The Survival Kit, by Donna Freitas, was a really cute read! The writing was emotional and the characters were lovable and believable. There were many cute moments between Will and Rose, and Rose's strength was inspiring. I would recommend this book to teens who enjoy romance and inspiring stories and would give it an 8 out of 10.

Reviewed by Rebecca S., Grade 10
Glendale Central Library

Monday, July 18, 2016

The Scorpio Races, by Maggie Stiefvater

Maggie Stiefvater’s The Scorpio Races is a thrilling novel set on a secluded island that is known for their annual horse races. However, the water horses that are in these races are violent and blood-thirsty. One of the main characters, Sean Kendrick, has a knack for training and befriending these dangerous horses. He himself has competed in the Scorpio Races several times and has won each time he has competed. Unfortunately, people still disrespect him due to his financial status and the fact that he is an orphan. Another character, Kate a.k.a. Puck Connolly lives with her two older brothers in their parent’s house. They have taken care of each other ever since their parents were killed by one of the horses that competes in the Scorpio Races. Puck’s older brother, Gabe, wishes to leave the island in order to have a better life on the mainland. She doesn’t want to see her family break apart so she decides to enter the Scorpio Races so she could win the cash reward to keep her brother on the island. However, Puck only has experience with her beloved land horse, Dove, who cannot compete in the race because she is not a water horse. Due to this, Puck must train with a new horse and decides to ask Sean for help. At first, he is reluctant but soon sees how determined and hard working Puck is and agrees to help her. Throughout the novel, the two face many critics and obstacles along the way. Their combined determination, diligence, care for each other, and hard work pushes the two of them through the race and makes a lasting impression in the eyes of the locals and mainlanders.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater was very interesting and captivating. The novel got off to a great start and introduced the characters very well and described their backstories but as the book went on, I started to lose focus and in my opinion, it got a little boring in the middle. As the story went on, it captivated the reader more and had many twists and turns that kept it interesting. 

I found this novel very interesting because I have always liked horses and the way the author described the horses in her novel was very engaging. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horses and adventure.

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 11
Montrose Library