V.B. Rose, Volume 2

V.B. Rose, Vol. 2

By: Banri Hidaka
Reviewed by: Annabelle L., 15
Rating: Really liked it


A dream to come to a close....?

Ageha loved working under the wayward and strange tutelage of Arisaka Yukari and Kuromine Mitsuya, to help with her sister's wedding. But, now that that's coming to a close, will she still be needed in Velvet Blue Rose? What's happening in Kuromine's family life?

I thought the second volume was pretty sweet; a little short, but it was filled with some differences you could find here in the real life, and left to see what's to happen in the next volume.

*note* My asterisk signifys that I put the names in the Japanese way (last name then first name) rahter than the usual way we might be accustomed to.


Recommended to: people enjoying light-hearted manga novels

Twilight (The Movie)

Twilight


Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke
Reviewed by: Lynna, 17
Rating: It was alright...


all me crazy, but I just watched the movie on DVD. :P

Anyway, compared to the book - I would rather spend hours and hours reading the book than watch the two-hour movie. I mean, the movie wasn't bad, but the book will never disappoint me as much as the movie did. I think the casting of Edward and Bella could be better, but I guess the movie really planted the images of Bella and Edward to Kristen and Rob in many Twilight fans' minds. I pictured a more vivid, if not a little more energized, Bella; and as for Edward, someone less awkward, if you get my drift...

The movie seemed so rushed compared to the book, and many scenes were hastily reenacted to the point where I just sat there with my jaw opened - dismayed that these scenes are the portrayal, or supposedly, of scenes from the book. But I guess movies can't last too long (or people would be sitting in the theatres a little TOO long), and this movie especially. I just hope the sequel movies are more interesting. I love reading the Twilight series, and watching it wasn't half as addicting or fun, but I enjoyed some of it. There are awkward, funny scenes... if you haven't watched it, which I truly doubt since almost everyone has already - and more than once, even. Once is enough for me, however. :)


Recommended to: Teens, Twilight Fans

17 Again

17 Again


Directed by: Burr Steers
Reviewed by: Lynna, 17
Rating: Really liked it


This was a really nicely-written movie, although I was a little confused in the beginning with Mike and his girlfriend and all that, but I now know it's because she was pregnant...

Anyway, I really liked this movie, and not wholly because Zac was in it, as most of my friends went to watch it for, but because the trailers and whole idea was unique and seemed like a good watch. I liked how the ending and beginning was tied together, and there was a lot of funny parts - I especially laughed when Mike's daughter felled for him - his 17-year-old self. Now THAT was awkward, but it was hilarious, nevertheless.

I didn't really think the pairing of Zac Efron and Matthew Perry as one person was believable since they look absolutely NOTHING alike, but all in all, still two great actors in a great movie. Zac has a nice smile, I might add... just, if you're looking forward to seeing the movie, then you can look forward to more of that. :P


Recommended to: Mostly, Teens

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side


By: Beth Fantaskey
Reviewed by: Lynna, 17
Rating: It was amazing!


Holy simoly! This book really got me hooked. If you're up for addicting, then lo' behold- Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side awaits you!

Alright... so in the beginning I was like, "This is sooo Twilight..." but then, I thought to myself, that's stupid. Not everything should be related, directly or indirectly (although I don't see the difference, it's totally subjective on both terms), Twilight. And seriously, I'm getting annoyed by having romance be cliched with vampires and Cullens of Twilight. People shouldn't make everything and perceive everything as scenes from Twilight. It's ridiculous.

Well, anyway, I initially thought that way, and I told myself to stop and just enjoy the story. And I did. Seriously, really, really did. It was amusing, and the further I got in reading into it, the more difficult it was for me to get away from it. I took it with me grocery shopping (mainly because I was never an avid grocery shopper in the first place and well, this book was entrancing), on the car rides between shopping, and while doing chores. Yeah - I was really into it. And I finished it in half a day.

I found that this book cannot compare to Twilight, even thought it involves vampires and romances and suspense. I actually enjoyed Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side a lot more, particularly because it was much more realistic and practical than Twilight. Twilight's was all fantasy and flawlessness, in my opinion. I enjoyed Twilight because it was an amusing read. I enjoyed Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side because it was based on something solid, real. There were flaws in the characters, and I might even like Lucius than Edward, as I have already with Jessica/Antanasia over Bella. Alright... enough with the comparisons. :P

You'll understand when you lay your hands on this book. Incredibly amazing, and I'm sad I'm done with it already. The ending was simple and a little disappointing as I want to know more, like the epilogue, but I really liked it. Good read, fantastic details based upon real history of Romania, wonderful set of characters, and awesome first book. Kudos to the author... if there was a movie made from this, I truly don't think I'd ever like it as much as having the joy of actually reading it on pages. When I'm into a book, it's hard to pry my fingers off of it - and this, surely, is one of those books!


Recommended to: Twilight Fans, take a look at this (:

Twilight

Twilight


By: Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by: Cady, 15
Rating: It was amazing!

Recommended to: those who enjoy a light-hearted, but still realistic-type manga and is into the shojou-like (more girly) drawings

V.B. Rose, Volune 1

V.B. Rose, Vol 1.


By: Banri Hidaka
Reviewed by: Annabelle L., 15
Rating: Really liked it


Weddings gives us the dream of reality....

Shiroi Ageha*, the main protangonist and probably anti-hero, loves fashion- being the infamous creator of the Ageha series- especially that concerning the beauty of weddings. She also loves her sister just as dearly- having a slight sister complex-, but she's soon getting married to this no-name-and-boring guy- and pregnant!! What's a girl to do? Well, help out of course!

Stumbling upon the slightly more touch-and-feel persona of Kuromine Mitsuya*, and the stoic, grumpy Arisaka Yukari*- both young and dashing looking men- who co-run a bridal business, she ends up becoming their part-timer for the bridal dresses- especially with the task of helping create her sister's own wedding gown!

Will Ageha try to sabotage her sister's dream wedding? Or shall she become enraptured by the loveliness of wedding dresses and beauty- enough to accept her sister's decisions? After she's all done with her sister wedding though, will she stay on as part of the V.B. Rose crew?

This lovely first volume of V.B. Rose (Velvet Blue, as I have come to discovered the words behind the initials) enticed me, especially being in tune with fantasys, dreams, and the like (inwardly). Ageha is a strong, persistent character that learns as she goes on, though most of the time she causes the mischief. Plus, Hidaka's exquisite drawings of the characters and their unique and stylish outfits are a wonder to look at. It may be a bit cliche of a manga, but it still relates to reality and overcoming events that could hold you back. A very enjoyable read.


Recommended to: those who enjoy a light-hearted, but still realistic-type manga and is into the shojou-like (more girly) drawings

Ones

Ones

By: Selena
Reviewed by: Lizzie, 17
Rating: It was amazing!


Selena-Ones is a CD with all of Selena's #1 hits.

I have been a HUGE fan of Selena since I was in my diapers! When I listen to Selena-Ones, I get goosebumps! My favorite songs on there [hard to choose!]

Baila Esta Cumbia [from Ven Conmigo]
No Debes Jugar [from Selena Live!]
La Llamada [from Selena Live!]


If you just heard about Selena [pssh who wouldn't know Selena?!] then this CD is perfect, so that you can get a good insight of a Mexican-American artist, who's life was cut short.


Recommended to: Anyone

Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing


Directed by: Emile Ardolino
Reviewed by: Lizzie, 17
Rating: Hated it!


In the summer of 1963, Baby meets Johnny, and soon becomes his partner in dancing and in love.

I never watched it before, because I felt I was not old enough to watch it. Goodness, where do I even start? This movie bothered me so much, in many ways. So let's start.

In the movie, so called "Baby" is only 17 years old, and the dude "Johnny" is like around his twenties, or early thirties? CNN anyone? That disgusts me, so much. Now, supposbly "Baby" goes from naiive to becoming a women. Okay, so sleeping around with an older dude, and doing the conga [insert sarcasm here] is considered becoming a woman?

The name "Baby" is so annoying. Who calls someone baby, just like a regular name? What I think should have been done, is "Baby's" father should have given her a good spanking.


So...the main moral of the story here is, do some "Dirty Dancing" and you will find your true self, and fall in love? Give me a break, of a Kit Kat bar!

Oh but hello! Johnny lifted Baby up into the air in the end! What a big accomplishment! I don't see the hype of this movie, at all.


Recommended to: Out of the question

King of the Screwups

King of the Screwups


By: K.L. Going
Reviewed by: Lynna, 17
Rating: Really liked it


King of the Screwups is definitely a must-read if you're looking for a sensual and humorous book to read. It's basically about a boy named Liam Geller who goes through many ups and downs in which he cannot truly discover himself. With a mom ex-supermodel and a business-oriented and a dictatorship of a father, Liam has troubles. Serious troubles. After screwing up after a series of many times, Liam goes off to stay with his Uncle. More known as Aunt Pete, as he is gay. Living in a trailer in the middle of somewhere, if not nowhere. Liam tries to please his father at his new school and tries to be unpopular, but since he was born as Mr. Popularity, he was destined to be no matter what. No matter what he did, with the good looks he got from his father and fun-contagious personality, he only becomes the most popular in school and even ends up being Homecoming King. Deep inside, however, he's a good kid who is just trying to please everyone. In actuality, he's a true people-pleaser. In the end, he reveals that he's always wanted to be a supermodel and his true, good ole self - which still strikes him as Mr. Popularity.

This story was a really amusing read told through Liam's own perspective. Great to read, outside or inside your car.


Recommended to: Everyone!

These is my Words

These is my Words


By: Nancy E. Turner
Reviewed by: Elizabeth, 15
Rating: Really liked it


This book is a realistic fiction novel based on life in the Arizona territories in the late 1800s to early 1900s. These is my Words is written in the form of a journal by young Sara Agnes Prine as she faces daily challenges,and the threats of nearby Indian tribes, while also falling for Captain Jack Elliot.


Recommended to: teens who enjoyed Little House on the Prairie as kids!

Hatchet

Hatchet


By: Gary Paulsen
Reviewed by: Kristin S., 13
Rating: Really liked it


If anyone loves wilderness-survival, they're going to love this book. Gary Paulsen's much admired Hatchet opened eyes to the intensity of the need for survival.

Brian was going to Canada to spend the summer with his dad who had just been divorced. When his pilot dies of a heart-attack and dies, his plane crashes. Brian managed to get out, though, and found himself in the Canadian wilderness.

Over the next fifty-three days, Brian learns the laws of the wilderness, and struggles with the Secret; the Secret which was the reason his mom had divorced his dad.

I turned pages in this book very quickly. If I could tell the author to do something differently, it'd be to make the story go slower...because I wanted to keep reading this book for a very long time!



Recommended to: Anyone 9+ who likes the classic scenario of wilderness survival.

Blue is for Nightmares

Blue is for Nightmares


By: Jessica Day George
Reviewed by: Annabelle L., 15
Rating: Really liked it


"I know your secret..." -phrase from BifN

Stacey Brown, sixteen-year-old, inherited pyshic, and has many secrets... But, when she starts having the same nightmare about her best friend and roommate, Drea, being chased by some mysterious and psychotic stalker those secrets have to come out. Everyone's secrets as well. But, can she handle that when she's pining after Drea's on-off boyfriend, Chad, dealing with her own secrets, and trying to keep atop her grades?

The characters- from serious, down-to-earth Stacey; dramatic Drea; and flirty Amber- can relate to reality, to a real teenager's point of view, that you can not helped but be mesmerized by the plot and turn each page.

The plot itself has a mystical feel with Stacey's magical spells to help her friends- and enemies, in a way- and uncover who the stalker is. Not only does it mix with magic, but it contains the teenagers' point of view of the world and how underestimated we feel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this first book of the quartet. It was a bit different from what I usually read- fantasies- but boardening your horizons right? It was entirely enjoyable and kept me in such a suspenseful hook, that I couldn't put it down. I hope anyone else who reads this will enjoy it as I have.


Recommended to: teens above fourteen (14) years of age, and those who enjoy a good suspenseful mystery with a mix of high school life

The Last Olympian

The Last Olympian


By: Rick Riordan
Reviewed by: Rahul, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


The Last Olympian is the final installment in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Percy has to get all the kids at Camp Half-Blood together to defeat the Titan lord, Kronos. This book is full of high drama and suspense, and the moment you pick it up, you wont want to put it down!


Recommended to: all teens

Twilight

Twilight


By: Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by: Aya, 14
Rating: It was amazing!


Twilight written by Stephanie Meyer, is a spectacular story about young love, passion, and the thirll to stay alive.
In the story, Bella Swan a young, shy, average 17 year old girl moves back to the small, dull, rainy town of Forks, Washington, to live with her distant father Charlie. When Bella starts her first year in Forks High School, she meets Edward Cullen, an extremely attractive yet beautiful person. Bella soon figures out that Edward is...a vampire. Bella seems schocked at first, but doesn't care, as long as she can be with him. But Edward warns her that he is dangerous, and could harm her. As the story goes along, Bella and Edward fall in love, but great danger lies ahead of them. Will they risk their lives for love? or will fight to stay alive? Twilight is a great non-fictional story, that will keep you turning pages!


Recommended to: Teens

Blue Bloods

Blue Bloods


By: Melissa De La Cruz
Reviewed by: Tina R., 13
Rating: Didn't like it


I didn't really enjoy reading this book. It didn't really keep me interested and it kind of left me hanging at the end. This book has a lot of readers and followers but I just didn't enjoy it. I wouldnt read this book anytime soon. :(


Recommended to: No Twilight fans...

Eragon

Eragon


By: Christopher Paolini
Reviewed by: Aya, 14
Rating: Really liked it


The setting of this story starts out as a young, hardworking, but poor farmer boy named Eragon. While trying to hunt in the woods at night, Eragon discovers a mysterious, blue stone. Though he thinks it is something he can sell for some food, he is terribly mistaken. He soon realizes that it is a dragon's egg. Ergaon attempts to keep it a secret, but Brom the old story teller, knows exactly what it is. He explains to Eragon that once the egg hatches, the rider and the dragon are united as one. Eragon, Saphira, and Brom set off to fight the evil dictator, King Galbatorix, in hopes of defeating him. Although this book is quite lengthy, it is definetly worth the time to read, because of its suspenseful plot and up-rising events. Enjoy!:)


Recommended to: Fictional Fans like myself! :P

Isabel of the Whales

Isabel of the Whales


By: Hester Velmans
Reviewed by: Kristin S., 13
Rating: Really liked it


Hester Velmens's book, Isabel of the Whales, is a story about finding the inner you.

When Isabel's whale watching trip is turned upside down by the boat seeing a "congregation" of whales, Isabel is knocked off the boat, and into the Atlantic. There, she discovers she can talk to whales.

But, there's a catch to that. She was turned into a whale! Onijonah, her teacher, tells her that she's a mermaid, one who can turn from human to whale to human again.

Throughout the story, Isabel is learning new things about herself and others. Along the way, she finds herself in love with a whale named Jessaloup. When she gets badly injured by a bunch of sharks, the leader, a blue whale, says she has to return to land. Jessaloup confesses he loves her and needs her to stay. But, she has to get to the advanced medical care of doctors. So, she beaches herself and turns back into a human after a year of being a whale. She never forgot Jessaloup.

I think it was great, though it could've used a little more romance between Jessaloup and Isabel. But then again, I ask for a lot in books. In spite of that, I've read it seven times. Isabel of the Whales is a kind of book you'll want to read.


Recommended to: Anyone 11+ who loves a great sea tale with a twist.

Summer of the Monkeys

Summer of the Monkeys


By: Wilson Rawls
Reviewed by: Kenny C., 13
Rating: It was alright...


The novel Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls is about a boy named Jay Berry trying to catch monkeys. Jay Berry lives in the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. His sister Daisy has a twisted up leg, and their family is saving up to pay for her operation.

There were thirty monkeys in all. Each monkey found is worth 2 dollars each, and one specific monkey was worth 100. At first, Jay Berry wanted to use the money to buy a pony and a .22 caliber gun, but he reconsiders and uses the money for his sister's operation.

I think it could use a little more excitement. The book itself was a little funny. It gets a little repetitive when he's trying to catch the monkey though. Overall i think it was an okay book.


Recommended to: people that want a serious, but funny book.

The Host

The Host


By: Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by: Briana, 13
Rating: Really liked it


The Host weaved a paranormal romance into a creative and imginative world, pleasing Twilight fans and Sci-Fi readers. Once again, Stephanie Meyer puts lifes on the line, while at the same time, forms intricate love triangles between aliens and humans.

When parasite, Wanderer, attempts to invade and take over Melanie's mind, she isn't going down without a fight. Sharing Melanie's body, Wanderer explores the depths of her mind, and discovers the mystery of love. Intrigued, Wanderer agrees to set off with Melanie to go find her loved ones, and falls in lve with Melanie's boyfriend during the process.

This may be a bit confusing at first, since the world that Stephanie Meyer created was so different and unexpected, but it is definitely another one of her really good creations.

Recommended to: Teen Girls

Breaking Dawn

Breaking Dawn


By: Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by: Briana, 13
Rating: Really liked it


The twisted plot line of Stephanie Meyer's latest edition to the Twilight series, Breaking Dawn, will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Bella Swan is now happily married to her fiance, Edward Cullen. They go on their romantic honeymoon, only to discover a big suprise. Suddenly, the Cullens are once again in danger. Now, Jake and his werewolfs must work together with the Cullen coven once again to protect Bella at all costs.

When I first started reading the last book in the Twilight trilogy, I couldn't put the book down. The ending had a nice finality to it, and I think most Twilight fans would be pleased. Breaking Dawn will surely keep you turning the pages.


Recommended to: Teen Girls

Eclipse

Eclipse


By: Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by: Briana, 13
Rating: Really liked it


In Eclipse, more of Stephanie Meyer's complicated love-triangle is revealed. The plot is simple and sweet. Jake, Bella Swan's werewolf friend, has fallen head-over-heels in love with her and is pursuing her with a renewed vigilance. Edward, Bella's current boyfriend, is carrying a burden of guilt for leaving Bella, and is trying to make it up to her all the while trying to protect her from the Vulturi, an elite coven of vampires.

Although the book is very predictable, it is still worth a read if you're a rapid Twilight fanirl, like myself.


Recommended to: Teen Girls

New Moon

New Moon


By: Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by: Briana, 13
Rating: Really liked it


In the sequel of Twilight, Bella Swann has recovered from the vampire attack that hospitalized her in the conclusion of Twilight. Things are heating up between her and her vampire boyfriend, Edward Cullen, and after an apparent mishap at Bella's eighteenth birthday party, it sends the Cullens packing. Bella goes through a depression, but along the way meets someone who would patch her up in the end

This book had a bitter-sweet ending, but I liked it almost as much as the first book.


Recommended to: Teen Girls

Twilight

Twilight


By: Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by: Briana, 13
Rating: Really liked it


When Bella Swann declines moving to Florida with her ditzy, lovable mother and her new boyfriend, she relunctantly accepts moving in with her dad in the dreary, rainy town of Forks, Washington. She soon becomes intrigued with the handsome, mysterious Edward Cullen, and love starts to blossom... But, not everything is as it seems.

I loved this book, but I think that there was more hype than what it was worth. Nevertheless, this book would still be a good read.


Recommended to: Teen Girls

Wintergirls

Wintergirls


By: Laurie Halse Anderson
Reviewed by: Briana, 13
Rating: It was alright...


Have you ever wondered what was behind the mind of a girl diagnosed with anorexia?

When Lia was a "real girl", she was perfect. She got good grades, she had good friends, and she was into sports. Then, Cassie came along and changed Lia's life forever. Suddenly, Lia is catapulted into a whirlwind of depression. Her parents divorce, and her dad gets a girlfriend. Her mom moves out, and her dad's new girlfriend moves in, bringing Lia a tiny ray of sunshine. Emma, Lia's stepsister, is Lia's only excuse for living. Lia's grandparents die, and her family falls apart. All the while, her weight keeps slipping, 90 to 85 to 80... Her parents are disgustingly easy to dupe, and it doesn't stop there. Lia's grades drop, she loses all her friends, and she's kicked off of the sports team she was in because she can't keep up, anymore. Cassie, Lia's competitive friend, dies of bullemia, but that doesn't stop Lia from her anorexia. All she wants to do is disappear, and by not eating, she feels that she can acheive that.

In Wintergirls, Laurie Halse Anderson describes the disease with an unfaltering, heart-wretching accuracy that will keep you turning the pages and not wanting to put the book down.


Recommended to: Your anorexic friend

Extras

Extras


By: Scott Westerfeld
Reviewed by: Briana, 13
Rating: Really liked it


It's a few years after rebel Tally Youngblood took down the uglies/pretties/specials regime. Without those strict rules and guidelines, the world is in a complete cultural renaissance. Anything interesting and influential is monitored on camera. The world is like a gigantic game of American Idol. Whoever is getting the most buzz gets the most votes. Popularity rules.
One thing that hasn't really changed though is being underaged, as far as fifteen-year-old Aya Fuse sees it. Her rank of 451,369 is so low, she's a total nobody. An extra. Her only chance to escape is to find a big story to tell the world, something wild and unexpected.

As if granted a wish from the gods, Aya meets a clique of girls who pull crazy tricks, yet are deeply secretive of it. Aya does not understand their need for privacy, and thinks of it as weird. Wanting to get famous, Aya is on the edge of her seat and ready to release her story to the world, but at the same time discovers something different. But, in this case, different can be deadly.
One of the reasons why I read this book was because I thought the unique world that the author, Scott Westerfield, created was very interesting. But, the story wasn't very good. At least, not as good as the three other books that he wrote for the series. In this book, the story is based not on Tally Youngblood, but on Aya Fuse. I thought that was totally random, since she was just a nobody who wanted to get famous by betraying a clique of girls who liked to play tricks. One in a million. She was very desperate and annoying, and would do anything to get famous. There was barely any Tally in this book, and when there was, she wasn't exactly herself. I think the author could have ended the trilogy in a better way, but it was not that bad.


Recommended to: Anyone

Specials

Specials


By: Scott Westerfeld
Reviewed by: Briana, 13
Rating: Really liked it


Tally is finally one of them. A special. A fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid. She thought they were a rumor, but seeing everything crystal clear now, Tally knows she's not dreaming. Tally is now frighteningly beautiful, dangerously strong, and breathtakingly fast. Nobody is getting in her way anymore, not even her ex-boyfriend, David.

In Specials, the story follows Tally throughout her struggles to not be repulsed by anybody that isn't Special. She tries to fight the programming in her head that makes her feel superior over her boyfriend, Zane, but in the end just ends up hurting him. Burdened with the guilt of not being able to look at him in the face, Tally has to make the decision of following her heart or following her head.
This book had a definite finality to it. It is my second favorite out of the series.


Recommended to: Anyone

Pretties

Pretties


By: Scott Westerfeld
Reviewed by: Briana, 13
Rating: Really liked it


Tally is finally pretty. She's accepted into an elite clique, called the Crims, and she's with her beautiful best friends, Shay and Peris. She has a perfect boyfriend, Zane, who is the leader of the Crims. Tally is beautiful and popular. It's everything she ever wanted.

But beneath all the fun, she has a nagging sense that something's wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally's ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what's wrong with the pretty life, and the fun stops cold.
Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life, because the authorites don't intend to let anyone with this information survive.

This is an awesome follow-up sequel to the first book, Uglies. Although, I like all the books in the Uglies series, I think Pretties is the book I liked the least. In the trilogy, Tally is the most annoying in this book. She is vapid and lazy like most pretties act, but remembering in Uglies how independent and rebellious she was, it made me sick to read this. I think most readers who have read this would have to agree that they fell in love with the books, because of Tally's sneaky, sly character. In Pretties, there is no sign of Tally being that way. It was a bit disappointing, but if you are a true fan of this book, then this is a definitely good read.


Recommended to: Anyone

Uglies

Uglies


By: Scott Westerfeld
Reviewed by: Briana, 13
Rating: Really liked it


Have you ever had one of those days where you just want to look like everyone else? You don't want to stand out, and you just feel like you're sticking out like a sore thumb among your friends.

In Uglies, by Scott Westerfield, Tally Youngblood cannot wait to turn sixteen. Not for her license, for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sweet sixteen brings an operation that turns you from a repulsive ugly to a gorgeous pretty. Your job in life is only to have a great time, and not to cause trouble...

Too bad Tally Youngblood is a magnet for chaos. Left alone by her older friend, Peris, Tally is restless and alone in Uglyville living for her sixteen birthday. Becoming reckless, Tally seeks out for Peris and crashes a party in New Pretty Town. By doing so, she meets another troublemaker, Shay. Shay and Tally imediately become the best of friends, but with Shay, brings another wave of trouble for Tally. Shay isn't sure if she wants to be pretty, and runs away. Tally learns about a whole, entire new side of the pretty world, and it isn't very pretty. The authorites offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her fried and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. And, that's when Tally finds out, things are about to get very ugly.

I have to admit that I picked this book up from the shelf, because of the interesting title. I mean, who would name a book "Uglies"? Also, I was curious about what the book had to say about beauty, since that's always an interesting subject for teens. And, the girl on the front wasn't even that ugly. But, after reading this book, I started to understand the cover and just loved the book.


Recommended to: Anyone

Hawksong

Hawksong


By: Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Reviewed by: gothiclolitamaiden, 15
Rating: Really liked it


In a land that has been at war so long that no one remembers the reason for fighting, the shapeshifters who rule the two factions agree to marry in the hope of bringing peace, despite deep seated fear and distrust of each other.

Hawksong is a very well written book, but it doesn’t move very fast. Part of the reason that the book began to drag was the incredibly long summary on the back cover that spoiled more than a third of the plot. The summary sort of told me everything, so there was no suspense. However, the personal conflict between Danica and Zane more than makes up for the slow plot. Both main characters are fairly complex, especially when you consider how short the book is.

Amelia Atwater-Rhodes is an excellent world-builder; the descriptions of the different cultures’ clothing, customs and mythology are rich in detail. Her writing is also very expressive and descriptive.

Hawksong’s themes of war and peace relate to the real world, since right now there are cultures, nations and ethnic groups all over the world striving for peace.

I really like Hawksong, so I’m glad that there are more books. When I read the next book in the series, I’ll make sure not to read the summary on the back cover....


Recommended to: 13+ Fans of fantasy, dark fantasy, sci-fi, romance.

Trickster's Queen

Trickster's Queen


By: Tamora Pierce
Reviewed by: kk09, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


When I read this book, I was overcome by all the action and the drama. This is a really good book that tells about one adventurous girl who finds a journey for herself. I really credit Tamora Pierce on how she tries to put you into the main character's shows and see through their eyes. This book is full of imagination and I just loved it.

In this sequel to the Trickster's Choice, Aly of Pirates Swoop uses her talents taught to her by her father to try and help a royal raka and her people. Aly, who is smart and sassy struggles to escape her parent's expectations andd tries to find something that she can do to contribute to the world. As Aly faces many challenges along the way, she works hard and fights. As she struggles to fulfill her wager with the god, Kyprioth, she makes new friends and finds a place where she believes she really belongs.

Trickster's Queen is about the further adventures of Aly and how she tries to find her place in the world. She is a hardworking young girl who accomplishes anything that she puts her mind to. The author really catches your imagination, and wows you with all the talents of such a young girl who is taking on the challenge of being a spymaster.


Recommended to: Everyone

Reckless

Reckless


By: Cecily Von Ziegesar
Reviewed by: Carlee, 15
Rating: Really liked it

Absolutely Maybe

Absolutely Maybe


By: Lisa Yee
Reviewed by: Lynna, 17
Rating: Really liked it


This novel was an amusing read, and the comical relief was nice. It's basically about a girl who tries to find her father in Hollywood with her friends Hollywood and Ted. Lots of interesting things and secrets arised, and this was a good read. If you're in for a lighter and fun read, get this novel, regardless your age or gender!


Recommended to: Everyone

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow


By: Jessica Day George
Reviewed by: Annabelle L., 15
Rating: It was amazing!


A girl with no name. An everlasting winter. A magical polar bear dubbed isbjorn. A retelling of the Norse fairytale of "West of the Sun, East of the Moon," with a dash of "Beauty and the Beast."
The girl carries no name, yet she is blessed with kindness of the heart and with that attained the ability to speak to all animals. One cold winter day, she receives a visit and request from a strange magical being- an isbjorn. His massive size made him unique from the regular polar bears. His request? That the girl live with him in his palace for a year and a day. She agrees.

As much as she is kind, she is extremely curious. She wants to lift the sadness from her eldest brother, Hans',that appeared in his years away in Christiania. She wants to free her isbjorn from the mysterious curse that she found he could not talk about. She wants to help the mythical creatures that are her servants free from the tyranny of the despicable trolls. She wants to know... who is the stranger that sleeps with her every night? A stranger... or someone familiar?

I thought that this book was enchanting. I imagined myself in a world so connected to this one, yet it was another totally different place. The characters are tangible and you could feel as you know them. The plot followed the known folk tales, but it also had its own twists. I enjoyed the imagery, the slight mystery, and, of course, the happy ending. It was a wonderful book, with an added bonus of learning a few words in Old Norse or Norwegian. It may be a bit of an easy read but it was fantastic all the same.


Recommended to: people who enjoy retellings of fairytales, people who enjoy fairytales, people who are interested in a fantasia adventure with a happy ending

Wintergirls

Wintergirls


By: Laurie Halse Anderson
Reviewed by: Tina R., 13
Rating: It was amazing!


Have you ever wondered what was really behind Anorexia? Or what causes it? THis novel is about one teen in a million that goes through Anorexia and its struggles. This is a very good book that will make you keep turning pages!


Recommended to: Teens

Speak

Speak


By: Laurie Halse Anderson
Reviewed by: gothiclolitamaiden, 15
Rating: It was amazing!


A traumatic event near the end of the summer has a devastating effect on Melinda's freshman year in high school.
This is the kind of book that everyone should read at least once. It’s heartbreaking and disturbing, but it’s realistic. As I read Speak, I found myself rooting for Melinda, helping that she would learn to combat her depression and speak out. It isn’t exactly a page-turner, but keeps you reading because you can put yourself into Melinda’s shoes almost too easily. Speak is not an easy read, it’s the kind of book that makes you think.

Laurie Halse Anderson’s writing style conveys feeling smoothly and there are moments of humor that don’t ruin the overall tone and message of the novel. Anderson’s writing is descriptive, despite the challenge of using a scarred high school student as a narrator without sounding unnatural. None of the characters are ideal, which makes them engrossing.

Speak may be a little too disturbing for some people, but as you read, you have to keep in mind that what happens to Melinda in the novel actually happens to people in real life. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who has ever wondered what could possibly be going on in a rape victim’s mind.


Recommended to: Everyone 14+

Forever Princess

Forever Princess


By: Meg Cabot
Reviewed by: Lizzie, 17
Rating: Didn't like it


Forever Princess is the last book in the series, following Mia's life, and thoughts.

Ugh, I have to be honest about this. I was at the library looking through books. I saw this particular book, and I decided that it looked good. Here's the catch, I didn't know it was a series. Anyhow, I did realize it, when it said "Mia thermapolis". I know a movie was based on one of the books. And, I knew too, that it was the last book in the series. Duh, it says cleary in the pages.

So I decided to read it. When I got through the pages, I was already annoyed. "Mia" kept over going the "OMG" cliche. How annoying can she get? Now, her whole attitude and tone in the book, was so amazingly dumb. You would think that, just because I didn't read the OTHER books, I wouldn't understand what's going on. Oh But I did, alright.

The only reason I continued reading, was because I wanted to know more about this "michael" business. He at least, made me bear the whole book. I thought it was sort of cute (did I just say cute?) about the whole Mia/Michael relationship. Probably the best way to describe her is this: An ignorant bubble head. Sorry to those who like it, but this is how I feel about it.

Maybe the word corny fits this book, too.


Recommended to: Anyone who can turn boredom into excitement.

Elsewhere

Elsewhere


By: Gabrielle Zevin
Reviewed by: Tina R., 13
Rating: It was amazing!


What happens after death? This novel is about a 15 year old girl, Liz who has an unexpected death and her "life" after. This book is strange but very interesting and leaves you thinking! :)


Recommended to: Everyone!