Cirque du Freak (the movie)

Cirque du Freak


Directed By: Paul Weitz
Reviewed by: Missy, 16
Rating: Hated it!


*SPOILER ALERT!!*
I have read the series of cirque du freak, more than 3 times. And I knew, from watching just the trailers to this movie, that it was going to be terrible.. but not this bad...

Now, this may be my opinion, but i think its pretty bad being shocked that they had a few scenes from the book... Like, the changing of him into a vampire...

But others were just completly terrible.. now, here is a list that i found disapointing with this movies from worst to better.... but the better is still not good.. TT_TT thier is no better in this movie..

1. They made one of the charecters a female in the movie, while in the book, she was in fact a MALE... I mean, common, is it seriosly that hard to find an actor who is a male?
2. The wolf man... WHAT THE HELLL!!!! I was sitting in my seat, all excited and expecting for this hidious man with these big canines and loads of hair... and then this thing comes out... I mean, what the hell... The instant you see it, you know it is completly fake....
3. What the hell is with the spider?! She was susposed to be terrifing looking, making you shiver the first time you see her.... But no, they make her into this big fluffy teddy bear like creater with big adorable eyes.... TT_TT It was so hard for me not to yell at this....
4. What the hell is with Mr. Tiny?! He doesnt even look like the one in the book.. And he did NOT meet Steve and Darren in person and help Steve.. He did not choose a side what so ever....
5. Whats with the vamaneze?! What, no one thier knows how to paint? wait, of cource they know how to, look at evra... But nooooooo, lets make mr. Vampaneze all normal looking..... In the book, he is susposed to have purplish skin and red fingernails and eyes...
6. Do they not want to add one sad scene to this movie? What happened to sam?! hello?!?!?! what, you just want to skip book 2 completly?!? And what the hell is with him drinking from that Monkey girl?! And from the neck!! That is SOOO not how they drink... Please, follow some of the book... just a little.... THEY TOOK THAT FROM BLADE!!
7. What is with bringing in the parents at the end?! The parents NEVER saw him again after he died, and Annie, his little sister, saw him after she was what, 30??? Ok, so lets skip book two, and add some things from book 11 and 12!!! YAY!!!! ...... *glares* 8. what the hell is with all this fighting? What, to make a good movie it has to hav3e fighting in it?! The same exact thing happened with twilight.. Lets skip everything thing about the movie and go STRAIGHT to the FIGHTING!
8. What happened to RV?! He is an IMPORTANT charecter of this book series.... read the dang series!!
9. what the heck is with Steve and Darren meeting in the end after Steve turns?! They are NOT susposed to meet until WAY later, till book 8... and yes, it IS important that Darren does not think of steve as an enemy...
10. And what the heck is with Steve killing the teacher? didnt happen... and kidnappign the parents? didnt happen...
11. Why is Gavner thier at the begining?? He wasnt susposed to be thier until way on in the movie since it is of all three movies....

now, the good things of this movie...
1. they.. wait no, that was screwed up... hmm.... thier has got to be atleast one good thing.... ummm.... hold on.. ill think of somthing..
aw screw it, i cant think of anything.... thier was not good things abotu the horrid movie...
you can go ahead and watch it if you want. but i sudjest reading the books first....


Recommended to: no one

Kiss & Tell

Kiss & Tell

By: Selena Gomez & the Scene
Reviewed by: Lizzie, 17
Rating: Hated it!


Gomez introduces her first album, called "Kiss and Tell".

Oh. my. goodness. Where do I even start? This is such a horrible CD, that it made my head hurt. It should be called, "Diss and Yell". Okay seriously though, she can't sing.

It's obvious that her voice is computerized, and edited. The sounds are like a wannabe "rock' mixed with "pop". The lyrics are so made up, that it's boring just hearing them. What the heck is "Scene" anyway? Some sort of sterotypical label...? It seems, that this CD shows how hard she tries, to be some rockish singer.

Why does Disney have to make everyone sing? Come on.


Recommended to: Nobody

The Execution

The Execution


By: Hugo Wilcken
Reviewed by: Shaquia, 17
Rating: It was amazing!


This book was very interesting from the very beginning. I opened the front cover and it grabbed me by surprise. I hadn't expected to pick up such a good book. The main character is very humorous so I enjoyed reading the story from his point of view. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense.


Recommended to: anyone who likes suspense

I Left My Back Door Open

I Left My Back Door Open


By: April Sinclair
Reviewed by: Shaquia, 17
Rating: It was amazing!


This is the second novel that April Sinclair has written. It follows the daily life of forty-year-old radio disc jockey Dee Dee. Dee Dee is a single woman with no children and a pet cat. Dee Dee is satisfied with everything in her life except she finds herself lonely. This is a good motivational book.


Recommended to:

Eldest

Eldest


By: Christopher Paolini
Reviewed by: Shaquia, 17
Rating: It was amazing!


This book starts off great from the very beginning. The main character Eragon has a dragon named Saphira. Eragon and his dragon have just saved the rebel state from destruction. The state would have been destroyed by the forces of King Galbatprix.


Recommended to: anyone who enjoys fiction books that include a teen hero and a dragon.

Fame

Fame


Directed By: Kevin Tancharoen
Reviewed by: gothiclolitamaiden, 16
Rating: It was alright...


When I went to see this movie, I was skeptical. After seeing it, I’m still skeptical. I’ll make this clear from the outset: this movie was not my first choice, and if I’d had my way I would have seen Half-Blood Prince again, but I saw Fame instead. Nevertheless, my lack of enthusiasm shall not affect my review. Much.

I will sum up Fame in one sentence: It’s just a bunch of pretty girls and boys dancing and singing. Period. To elaborate on that statement, this movie was Hollywood-ized, which made it less believable. I did some research on the original film, which was rated R, and it confirmed my suspicions that the remake had been sugar-coated (with a PG rating) for the tween crowd (who are just now starting to grow out of High School Musical, I might add). The filmmakers sacrificed a realistic portrayal of teen life in inner-city New York (which, I imagine, is R-rated for various reasons) to make a PG-rated High School Musical-esque crowd pleaser.

The movie constantly jumps from character to character, trying to tell each of their stories in about 2 hours, which doesn’t work. The cast of characters is far too large, so large that I don’t remember any of their names (except for Kevin, because my friends and I were yelling “Don’t do it, Kevin!”). You will get attached to some characters (though you may not remember their names), but because of time restraints, and the screenwriter’s refusal to concentrate on a couple of key characters, you never get to know any of the characters. There are too many characters and not enough time, which makes the movie a bit hard to follow at times. My thinking during the movie: Hey, wasn’t that girl going out with that guy? Which pretty boy is that, I got him mixed up with that other pretty boy…. Wait, who’s she? The teachers were all very entertaining to watch, but because no one in the movie really gets any quality screen time, we don’t see much of them.

The acting was mostly average. I kind of like Kay Panabaker (though I can’t remember her character’s name), she’s pretty, but almost has a plain-jane appeal, and her acting was alright in Fame. Malik’s (one of the names I do remember) actor, Collins Pennie, was pretty good too. The other actors, in all honesty, don’t do a lot of acting. They’re either dancing or singing (though they do that well). Naturi Naughton, Denise’s (I looked her name up) actress, was a pretty good actress, but again, not a lot of opportunity for acting.

The music’s really good though, despite all my complaints about everything else. My foot was tapping almost constantly, and there’s something for everyone. Little bit of classical, rock, hip-hop, soul, and just about everything else you can think of. And there is one broadway-esque musical number, for those of you who like that sort of thing.

Fame is a good movie to see with friends, once it’s out on DVD it’ll make a great party movie. But Fame is not the most profound of movies. It scrapes the surface of inner-city life, but it mostly sugar coats that surface for the tweens.

This movie is good for teens, tweens and adults, but not for kids. In one scene, a girl gets drunk (and I’m sure inner city kids do more than get drunk, but I’ll overlook it because I’m tired of ranting about this movie). This may be reminiscent of Disney and its High School Musical (the directors of which I’d like to burn at the stake) spawn, but there is some content, including some moments of pure teen hormones. So no little kiddies at this movie, and no adults and teens who (like me) find sugar-coated movies distasteful. See this movie if you like to drool over hot guys (or girls) or if you like music. If you’re looking for a realistic movie with a great plot, look elsewhere. There are probably better movies out in theaters right now (not that I go too often, I prefer the company of a good book, since a movie plus snacks typically costs more than a good novel).


Recommended to: Older children, teens and adults, as long as you don't mind fluffy movies.

Montmorency

Montmorency


By: Eleanor Updale
Reviewed by: Tabby, 13
Rating: Really liked it


This book was wonderful. It had a sense of adventure when as it became a cat and mouse chase for Momntmorency's mask. Not that anybody was really, literally chasing Montmorency, but that his inner feelings about the world he lived in both his lives. One part in the shadows wishing to be recognized, while the other always on his toes to be alike the rest of the world. It was a really special quality to have a dou personality and have created both on their own feat. The sad thing is tough, we never really knew each side of Montmorency, seeing only one part of him had real control. If the book had shown the side of Montmorency as a another person, another time and another place, it would've made things more exciting. Also, the book had a driving force that had still seemed fresh, not at all concious of the future.

The book had really surrounded the sense that as it was being written, new ideas were piggy-backed on and then came out to be much more exciting in the end. But when does so much become too much? I had tried to read the third book, but I couyldn't bring myself into doing it. Now that I look back, it must've been I was too scared of the characters growing up too fast. I think that allreaders fear that their favorite characters will grow up too fast and leave them behind.

Being me, I've just scrambled random thoughts all together hoping that you could understand how I felt about this book. Sorry. All in all, this book was absolutly a great adventure.


Recommended to: Teens, people who like adventure, teens who like putting themselves in twisted situations, people who are bored

The Diamond Secret

The Diamond Secret


By: Suzanne Weyn
Reviewed by: JC, 13
Rating: It was amazing!


A retelling of the beloved fairy tale, "Anastasia,", The Diamond Secret is the story of a Nadya, a mischevious kithen girl in twentieth century Russia. Having nearly drowned in the Iset River during the turmoil of the Revolution, she has no memory of her past and longs for a life she cannot remember. Then two young men unexpectedly arrive at the tavern, claiming that Nadya's long-lost grandmother has sent them to find her. Yearning for family and friendship, she agrees to accompany them to Paris in hopes of transforming a faint memory into a reality. Nadya eagerly embarks on her journey, never dreaming it will be one of laughter, love -- and betrayal.


Recommended to: teens who love a good fairy tale gone real

Gone Tomorrow

Gone Tomorrow


By: Lee Child
Reviewed by: Eric L., 17
Rating: It was alright...


Gone Tomorrow is the thirteenth book in the series created by Lee Child.

Short summary: the novel begins in New York City, on the underground subway where protagonist, Jack Reacher, is traveling on. While on the train, he notices a woman wearing a puffy black jacket even though its a very hot day. Immediately his senses buzz and he approaches the woman and as he talks to her, believing her to be suicide bomber. Presenting himself as a policeofficer, he tries to console her in to not blowing up the train which results in the woman taking out a gun and killing herself.

The novel was an interesting read. Occasionally the book lost me because of uninteresting details but overall it is nicely narrated and has a bit of a plot twist in the middle of the book.


Recommended to: 15 and over

One Shot

One Shot


By: Lee Child
Reviewed by: Eric L., 17
Rating: Really liked it


One Shot is the 2005 novel by Lee Child.

The novel is about former military policeman, Jack Reacher, who comes back to help a former fellow military man who is accused of murder. Through Reacher's unique style of investigating and the slow release of new characters, particularly the real villains.

One Shot is a good book, i especially like the character of Jack Reacher and how average but at the same time, strange.


Recommended to: 15 and over

Deception Point

Deception Point


By: Dan Brown
Reviewed by: Eric L., 17
Rating: It was alright...


Deception Point is the 2001 novel written by Dan Brown.

Short summary: Intelligence Analyst Rachel Sexton is in her mid-thirties, is single, and works for the NRO (National Reconnaissance Office). Her father, Senator Sedgewick Sexton, is a presidential candidate who is more popular than incumbent President of the United States Zachary Herney. The President sends her to the Arctic as part of a team of experts to confirm and authenticate findings made by NASA deep within the Milne Ice Shelf. NASA's new Earth Observation System (EOS), a collection of satellites monitoring the globe for signs of large-scale change, has found an extremely dense spot in the Milne Ice Shelf. At this spot NASA discovers a very dense meteorite. In it are fossils of bugs very similar to, but not the same as, species on earth. NASA claims this as proof of extraterrestrial life.

Overall, the novel was very interesting as it dealt with issues like the existence of extraterrestrials.


Recommended to: 13 and over

I Stay Near You

I Stay Near You


By: M.E. Kerr
Reviewed by: Melanie S., 17
Rating: It was amazing!


Really amazing book. Generations of problems finding love in this story sticks out like a sore thumb. Very romantic storyline in a weird way.


Recommended to: teens or anyone who likes romance stories

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid


Directed By: Ron Clements & John Musker
Reviewed by: Lizzie, 17
Rating: Hated it!


The story is about a mermaid named Ariel, who dreams to be part of the human world.

Gah, this movie annoys me. Okay, let's start in order. Ariel. She is (I believe) around 16 years old. All she does is get into mischief, because she loves to explore stuff that are associated with the human world. Yeah sure, we all at one point, love to explore different things. But, she seems like a spolied brat.

Now, what did she learn? She got herself and her friends + family, into trouble all because she fell in LOVE with Prince Eric. She risks her life, just to make the prince fall in love with her. Huh. That for me, is really pathetic. Oh but then, she lives happily ever after. Hence, the fact that it IS a Disney movie.

Now, the characters that I really liked, were King Triton, and that cook dude from Prince Eric's castle. The songs, were cheesy. I didn't like them at all.


Recommended to: Disney fans

Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves

Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves

By: Sucker Punch Productions
Reviewed by: Eric L., 17
Rating: It was amazing!


Honor Among Thieves is the third installment of the Sly Cooper series.

Set one year after the events of Sly 2, the game begins with Sly and an undisclosed band of thieves infiltrating Kaine Island, a safeguarded land mass owned by the mysterious Dr. M. The island is the home to the legendary Cooper Vault, where the Coopers over countless generations have hidden their fortunes pilfered in their lives of crime. According to family legend, only a "true Cooper" can open the Vault, though M has been trying for years to crack the Vault, with no success. After sneaking onto the Island and opening the Vault, the plan goes awry when Dr. M confronts Sly, attacking him while controlling a large, mutated monster. The events leading up to the heist are revealed as Sly's life flashes before his eyes.

The rest of the narrative--a detailed, extensive flashback filled with the majority of the game's gameplay--centers around Sly, Bentley, and Murray bringing together a group of thieves to augment the Cooper Gang for the Cooper Vault job. The different levels or worlds each center on recruiting one more member for the gang. Sly's first target is Murray, his former ally who left the team due to guilt over Bentley's confinement to a wheelchair. After re-recruiting Murray in Italy, the gang sets out on a final series of heists. The gang travels to several locations in their search for new blood, including China, Australia, and a fighter plane competition in Holland.

The game follows exactly where the second one left off, in which the team is reduced to only Sly and Bentley. Also following, the game has similar gameplay as the previous installments but with a stronger cast of characters such as the ever persistent Carmelita Fox and the wise but powerful Guru. The game is just as enjoyable as the previous ones and i would recommend this to anyone who likes snappy dialog, and whimsical gameplay.


Recommended to: fans of the Sly Cooper series

Call of Duty 3

Call of Duty 3

By: Treyarch Corporation
Reviewed by: Eric L., 17
Rating: Really liked it


Call of Duty 3 is a World War II first-person shooter and the third installment in the Call of Duty video game series. The game is unique in that it allows players to play as four different soldiers of four different countries: Canada, Poland, United States, and the United Kingdom.

In the American missions, the player assumes control of Private Nichols, recently arrived in France and eventually attached to the 29th Infantry Division. During the British and French campaign, the player controls Sergeant James Doyle, a returning character from Call of Duty: United Offensive and member of the British Special Air Service. Doyle parachutes into France with a squad led by Major Ingram, also of Call of Duty: United Offensive fame, and meets up with members of the Maquis Resistance. The Canadian aspect of the campaign involves members of the 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division. It is centered on Private Cole, led by World War I veteran Lieutenant Jean-Guy Robichaud. The Polish campaign revolves around Cpl. Bohater, a tank driver in the Polish 1st Armored Division.

Each of the four playable characters are a part of a combined campaign waged on the Germans. Along with the ability to use German guns as well as your own nation's weapons, the firefights are intense and very detailed graphically. Each campaign mission depicts real life battles experienced by the Allied soldiers of WWII.


Recommended to: fans of first person shooters, and WWII buffs.

Rachet: Deadlocked

Rachet: Deadlocked

By: Insomniac Games
Reviewed by: Eric L., 17
Rating: It was amazing!


Deadlocked is the fourth installment in the Rachet & Clank series, once again released by previous Rachet & Clank makers, Insomniac Games studios.

The game's story begins as Ratchet, Clank, and Al are abducted and forced to compete in "Dreadzone", a violent game show in which heroes are forced to kill each other. Ratchet is given a "DeadLock" collar, which will explode if he becomes uncooperative. Ratchet defeats Dreadzone's most successful gladiators, the exterminators, and becomes one of Dreadzone's most popular contestants. The three must find a way to deactivate the collars, and free the other heroes being held prisoner.

Being a fan of the Rachet & Clank series, i played this one with vigor. Immediately i noticed the darker tone Deadlocked had as well as the primarily combat aspect of the game with emphasis on gladiatorial style of fighting. Nonetheless, i still found the game quite enjoyable and gives the thrill of winning despite being ridiculously outnumbered.


Recommended to: people, ages 14-28, or really anyone

Rachet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal

Rachet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal


By: Insomniac Games
Reviewed by: Eric L., 17
Rating: It was amazing!


The third installment in the Rachet & Clank series, Up Your Arsenal is a 3D platformer and fantasy shooter created by the Insomniac Games studio.

The player character and main protagonist is Ratchet, a Lombax from the planet Veldin. He wields a wrench as a melee weapon and can use a large arsenal of weapons. Clank, Ratchet's robotic sidekick and sometimes co-protagonist, is usually attached to Ratchet's back and uses attachments to help Ratchet's movements. Dr. Nefarious, the main antagonist of the game, is the robotic form of a former organic life form. He has a hatred for organic life and tries to destroy it. At the end of the game, Doctor Nefarious is left stranded on an asteroid, eventually making cameos and reappearances in later titles.

Up Your Arsenal is a good game because of the strong characters, comedic dialog, a vast array of weapons to choose from, and a classic story of evil vs good. The game was a instant hit with me and even now, i still replay the game.


Recommended to: anyone who enjoys a good fantasy shooting game

Break Through the Silence

Break Through the Silence

By: Monty Are I
Reviewed by: Eric L., 17
Rating: It was alright...


"Break Through the Silence" is the fourth studio album release by Rhode Island based alternative rock group, Monty Are I. The album, which was released in late September of 2009 showcases the band's unique approach to alternative rock by using instruments such as a trumpet and trombone. Along with the alternating vocals of the band's two lead singers, the songs go from alternative("break through the silence") to punk rock("one in a million").


Recommended to: fans of alternative rock

First Temple

First Temple

By: Closure in Moscow
Reviewed by: Eric L., 17
Rating: It was amazing!


Since their debut on Australian indie label, Taperjean Records, Closure in Moscow has since signed to American indie label, Equal Vision Records. Their label debut, "First Temple" can all be described by one word: chaos. The band's style can be compared to other progressive and experimental groups such as Circa Survive, Saosin, and The Mars Volta and that which is present in "First Temple"


Recommended to: fans of Saosin, Circa Survive, and other similar alternative/progressive rock groups

In the Unlikely Event

In the Unlikely Event

By: The Fall of Troy
Reviewed by: Eric L., 17
Rating: Really liked it


"In the Unlikely Event", the recently released album by the Mukilteo, Washington three-piece progressive rock group, The Fall of Troy. The album is the fourth album release since their 2003 self-titled debut, "The Fall of Troy".

The first track on the album, "Panic Attack!", is a definite ear-opening song which totally defines the group's progressive rock style as well as the skill of all three members of the group. The rest of the songs on the album are just as creative and chaotic combined with the alternating vocals of both lead singer, Thomas Erak, and bassist, Frank Ene.


Recommended to: fans of progressive rock

Thank You, Sarah: the Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving

Thank You, Sarah: the Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving

By: Laurie Halse Anderson
Reviewed by: Mariah B., 16
Rating: It was alright...


Thank you, Sarah is a small elementary book that I read a while back. It is about a woman and her children trying to save Thanksgiving Day. And it's a good book to read to your child at night.


Recommended to:

Pictures of Hollis Woods

Pictures of Hollis Woods


By: Patricia Reilly Giff
Reviewed by: Mariah B., 16
Rating: Really liked it


Pictures of Hollis Woods is a great middle school book. It's about this girl named Hollis Woods that is going back and forth from a couple of foster homes. I read it in my 7th grade English class.


Recommended to:

Breaking Through

Breaking Through


By: Francisco Jimenez
Reviewed by: Mariah B., 16
Rating: Really liked it


Breaking Through is a great nonfiction book about hard times for an immigration family in California. It's an easy book to read from 6th grade and up. I read it when I was in the 8th grade and then found out it was a sequel to another book that I missed.


Recommended to:

Twilight

Twilight


By: Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by: Mariah B., 16
Rating: It was amazing!


Twlight is a great love story about a vampire and a 17 year old girl. It is a big long book, but once you get into it. It won't take you that long to finish. It took me 7 months to read it and finish it because I don't like reading that much didn't read it everyday. There are people all over the world who read it and loved it enough to have the author produce a movie on it.


Recommended to:

New Moon

New Moon


By: Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by: Mariah B., 16
Rating: It was amazing!


New Moon is the second book to the Twilight series. New Moon is the following book after Twilight. Just like Twilight became a movie, New Moon the movie is getting ready to come out in November. I am reading New Moon right now and I'm enjoying it, but not as much as I did Twilight. And I recommend them both.


Recommended to:

Blood Promise: Vampire Academy

Blood Promise: Vampire Academy


By: Richelle Mead
Reviewed by: Eryn L., 18
Rating: It was amazing!


One of the best series of books. Has everything a girl with a crazy imagination would want to read. Five stars. I can't wait for the new one.


Recommended to: Teenage girls who like to read about vampires, action, magic, and romance

Ark Angels

Ark Angels


By: Sang-Sun Pak
Reviewed by: Ramandeep K., 15
Rating: It was amazing!


This book is amazing! You can really learn something from it; about saving the earth and how important it is; even though it is made-up story, it can really teach people about how precious the animals are if we don't help the planet what would happen. It shows how awesome the earth is.


Recommended to: go-green people, animal people, people who like nature (everyone)

Chibi Vampire, Vol. 1

Chibi Vampire, Vol. 1


By: Yuna Kagesaki
Reviewed by: Ramandeep K., 15
Rating: Really liked it


This book was great. I liked it. It's really funny. I mean you can tell it just by the title "Chibi Vampire". This book is very cute and it has a little love story going on here and there. I mean who doesn't like a little love story between a human and vampire. I recommend you reading all the other volumes. They're great.


Recommended to: Manga/anime people who like vampire comedy

Nightschool: The Weirn Books, Vol. 1

Nightschool: The Weirn Books, Vol. 1


By: Svetlana Chmakova
Reviewed by: Ramandeep K., 15
Rating: Really liked it


I really liked this book because I think it reflects that everyone's the same no matter who they are. This book is also mystery/suspense, but mostly mystery. This book I think tells you that there is more to the world than you know and all you have to do is go and just try it.


Recommended to: manga people, people who like supernatural, vampires, witches, spirits, etc.

Holes

Holes


By: Louis Sachar
Reviewed by: Jasmine Y., 17
Rating: It was amazing!


Holes is one of my favorite books.


Recommended to: anyone and everyone :)

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men


By: John Steinbeck
Reviewed by: Adolfo L., 15
Rating: Really liked it


This is one of my favorite books. It shows the lives of two men traveling together. Their story is filled with a lot of twists and turns. The ending is really sad.


Recommended to: older readers

Balefire: A Chalice of Wind

Balefire: A Chalice of Wind


By: Cate Tiernan
Reviewed by: Alejandra R., 15
Rating: Really liked it


I liked this book a lot because it dealt with how your emotions can take over your life. It demonstrated this by showing that Clio was mad or jealous (depending on point of view) of Thais when she found out that Luc only really cared about her (Thais). This book also centralizes on the ability of Wiccans, and how they (might) use the elements in rituals.


Recommended to: any teenager who likes reading a great fantasy book

Push

Push


By: Sapphire
Reviewed by: Shaquia, 17
Rating: It was amazing!


This book has a very sad beginning and a very happy ending. Our main character is 16 years old, pregnant by her father with a second child. This novel tells of Precious's extreme situations and how she beats the odds and overcomes them. If you like reading stories with happy endings this is a good book. Not for people who do not feel comfortable with touchy subjects.


Recommended to: people who like a happy ending

Diary of a Chav

Diary of a Chav


By: Grace Dent
Reviewed by: Renee D., 15
Rating: Didn't like it


This book was published in 2007. It was basically about a girl named Shiraz Bailey Wood and she wanted to get an iPod for Christmas, but instead her aunt bought her a diary. She didn't know how to write in it, so she pit it in her closet. Finally, her aunt asked her about it and she told her she never wrote in it, so gave it a try and wouldn't stop writing in it.


Recommended to: No, I wouldn't recommend because it's basically about a dairy.

Coffee Will Make You Black

Coffee Will Make You Black


By: April Sinclair
Reviewed by: Shaquia, 17
Rating: It was amazing!


I really enjoyed reading this book. This is April Sinclair's first book and it is very good. This book follows Stevie, our main character, up from grade school to early college. I understand that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are not always accepted in society. Coming out can be very hard. This book explains Stevie's situations.


Recommended to: anyone coming out

Raven's Gate

Raven's Gate


By: Anthony Horowitz
Reviewed by: Ashley M., 13
Rating: It was amazing!


*SPOILER ALERT*

Matt lived with hi aunt because his parents died in a car crash when he was eight. Then him and his friend tried to rob a warehouse and Matt got caught and his friend stabbed the security guard. Then Matt was sent to the L.E.A.F. program with Mrs. Deverill and he found a picture of him when he was small in her room. After a while he found out her plan to kill him for a sacrifice to let out the old ones and they are fighting in some shack with a big pit of acid and Matt's new friend pushes Mrs. Deverill in the acid. They wanted to open Raven's Gate but Matt got away because his powers helped.


Recommended to: people who love action books

A Seperate Peace

A Seperate Peace


By: John Knowles
Reviewed by: Shaquia, 17
Rating: Really liked it


This books is a good read. I picked it up from school and didn't expect it to be as good as it was. It's full of recollections of the main character's past life at Devon's Boarding School. The main character visits his old school and immediately begins to fill up with past memories. I think this books is a memoir.


Recommended to: boarding school fans

The Last Song

The Last Song


By: Nicholas Sparks
Reviewed by: Sarah H., 15
Rating: It was amazing!


It was one of the best books I've read. It got me started on all of his books.


Recommended to: Any teen

The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray


By: Oscar Wilde
Reviewed by: Chelsea R., 14
Rating: It was amazing!


The overly-criticized Oscar Wilde writes candidly about vanity of men and deterioration of society in The Picture of Dorian Gray. A beautiful young man is corrupted with thoughts of his good looks after having the complements of others imposed upon him. Wilde spoke about the taboo practices of late 19th-century London behind a veil of eloquence, and can be applauded for his unique writing style.


Recommended to: Those with mature reading palates

The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles


By: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Reviewed by: Chelsea R., 14
Rating: It was amazing!


Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles was in my opinion the best story out of the whole Sherlock Holmes series. It best personified the character of Dr. Watson, a seemingly undervalued yet essential character. The story takes you on a whirlwind of excitement and suspense from beginning to end. I really encourage people of all ages to read this timeless classic. It will not disappoint!


Recommended to: Those who enjoy British Literature

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men


By: John Steinbeck
Reviewed by: Chelsea R., 14
Rating: It was alright...


John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is an overrated classic that vividly portrays the prejudices and economic turmoil of the 1930s. With amazing use of indirect characterization, Steinbeck makes his characters seem like old friends of yours. Being a native to California, it becomes even easier to picture the author's descriptive imagery. If you are a fan of American Tragedies then this is the book for you!


Recommended to: Readers who enjoy quick reads

The Catcher in the Rye

Catcher in the Rye


By: J. D. Salinger
Reviewed by: Chelsea R., 14
Rating: It was amazing!


The fictional hero of Salinger's Catcher in the Rye is Holden Caulfield, a young man that most teenagers can relate to. He comes from a wealthy family who can afford to send him to expensive private schools, yet Holden seems completely perplexed by and stuck on life's hang ups. Throughout the story we are to understand workings of Caulfield's complete personality and finally he comes to a magnificent resolution. This book carries a seemingly pessimistic tone but is enjoyed by most.


Recommended to: Anyone from 14 years up!

Catching Fire

Catching Fire


By: Suzanne Collins
Reviewed by: Annabelle L., 15
Rating: Really liked it


It's time for the 75th Quintell Games! Every quarter of a century passes, and the next twenth-fifth is celebrated throughout all of Panem... in the form of a horrified, twisted version of the Hunger Games. This year's theme? Winners, get ready to try your luck again, for the Quintell Games are here! District 12? Let's welcome the winning lovebirds, Katniss and Peeta!!

When the winning team of the 74th annual Hunger Games had arrived back at home to District 12, the usual riches of winners were awarded, yet tension was ridden in the air. Katniss' play on Peeta's feelings, her confusion between Gale and Peeta, and... the rebellions. The contraband of the mockingbird Katniss- who has twarted the Capitol- has spread thoroughout the various Districts... and what's the rumor on District 13? Can she survive another game? What is exactly going on in the rebellion and in the Capitolists' heads? Not one person knows all, yet the story unfolds some more with CATCHING FIRE.

I loved the sequel to THE HUNGER GAMES, though, I felt- like all middle books do- it was more of building characters, their relationships, and bringing in everything for the grand finale, which I cannot WAIT to come out. This books leaves you anticipating for the HIGHLY anticipated ending book of its trilogy. Collins imagery astounds all. Rest assured, those into the romance sense of the previous book, would like this book majorly. A lot of rehash of the past book went into this book as well, but then again, it was the middle book; it had already exceeded my expectations with its suspense and drama.


Recommended to: anyone!

Golden Threads

Golden Threads


By: Kay Hooper
Reviewed by: Annabelle L., 15
Rating: Really liked it


Meet two new people that have come to Pinewood, Lara Callahan and Devon Shane. Each have something to hide, each have a reason to be secretive. Yet as the curtains of the play are about to lift, those veils of the mysteries are unmasked.

From the sly and dark ways of Devon to the light-foot clever fox Lara, the two tango their romance into the greatest finale.... that could cost them their life. Can they make the impossible possible? Can Rapunzel let down her hair? Will her beloved prince save her?

Kay Hooper twists the fairy tale and in it, puts an amazingly easy-to-read yet captivating story of wonderous proportions. It's amazing how the plots changes quickly with suspense and a quirk of humor.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story, though the words were easy, but it was still very enjoyable as a read, and I hope whoever picks up this book enjoys it as well. :) Hooper's imagery and suspense is uncomparable.


Recommended to: suspense, mystery, fairy tale hints readers :)

Slipping

Slipping


By: Cathleen Davitt Bell
Reviewed by: Yaz, 16
Rating: Didn't like it


This book is the story of 13 year old Michael who is a very introverted and unpopular boy. This book takes place during a very diffucult part of his life when he is unsuccessfully trying to make his basketball team, has a workaloholic father who he is always struggling to impress, a sister who is to focused on ballet to even notice him, and a best friend who seems to have moved on from video games and on to more popular friends and activities. This book practically jumps right in with no introduction and instead of this being captivating it is confusing and poorly written. Through out the book Michael visits his recently dead grandpa during periods of time where he "slips" into the world of the dead, hence the title. The book on the whole feels rushed and under thought. I felt as though there was no real point and that the book was a waste of time.


Recommended to: No one really.....

Spooner

Spooner


By: Pete Dexter
Reviewed by: Yaz, 16
Rating: It was alright...


The back cover's description of this book was the hook that led me to read it. The story of a troubled adolescent and his kind step-father who embarks on "his lifelong struggle to salvage his stepson, a man he would never understand." If this is a theme that the author wished to portray, he falls dramatically short in doing so. I guess the best way to put it is that I never did get to know the characters, I never did get to think their thoughts, feel their emotions etc. None of the relationships in the book resonated with me. The whole relationship between Spooner and Calmer seemed besides the point and lacked profundity.

The book is terribly uneven in its portrayal of Spooner. As a youth he is a troublemaker and the author leads you to believe Spooner's barely literate. Yet he becomes a journalist. He is also seemingly happily married to his wife. Their chemistry is something we see nothing of. In the end if I ask myself, What kind of person is Spooner? I am left with no coherent answer since the book provides none.

I compliment the author's descriptive writing and prose. Sometimes it is masterful. But it is not enough to make up for the other faults of the novel.


Recommended to: 15+

Red

Red


By: Ted Dekker
Reviewed by: Megan S., 16
Rating: It was amazing!


Red picks up right were Black left off. It's just as good as it's predecessor. With the forest people facing a new challenge and our world on the verge of destruction, this book will keep you wanting more. The Horde is after the forest people and the Rasion vaccine's affects should begin soon. Thomas has to venture back into the Histories to save the Forest and ancient Earth as well. It is a classic Good vs. Evil book but very written and laced with action


Recommended to: Fantasy people

Black

Black


By: Ted Dekker
Reviewed by: Megan S., 16
Rating: Really liked it


Black was a very interesting book the way good and evil actually was displayed a real beings in Tom's so called future. It was fast paced with good action and plot. I loved how the future was helping the past. You would expect it to be the other way.


Recommended to: Fantasy people

Ruined

Ruined


By: Paula Morris
Reviewed by: Lisa R., 15
Rating: Really liked it


Rebecca is sent to New Orleans by her dad to live with her aunt while he travels. There, she feels like she doesnt belong. The popular, powerful girls dont like her but Anton, the mysterious one who hangs around the girls, shows some intrest. While spying on the popular kids at the cemetery, Rebecca meets Lisette. The one thing different about Lisette is she's a ghost. Although being sent to New Orleans, Rebecca never intended to uncovers truths that take her into the past, her families past.....


Recommended to: anyone who likes a lil mystery

The Lost Symbol

The Lost Symbol


By: Dan Brown
Reviewed by: Eric L., 17
Rating: It was alright...


The most recent novel written by Dan Brown.

The story takes place over a period of 12 hours in Washington, D.C., with a focus on Freemasonry.[6] Robert Langdon is summoned to give a lecture in National Statuary Hall at the United States Capitol, with the invitation apparently from his mentor, a 33rd degree Mason named Peter Solomon, who is the head of the Smithsonian Institution. Solomon has also asked him to bring a small package which he had entrusted with Langdon for safekeeping years earlier. When Langdon arrives at the Capitol, however, instead of an audience for his lecture, and after receiving a phone call from the person that he thought was from Solomon's office he hears screams coming from the Capitol Rotunda. Running, he finds the severed right hand of Peter Solomon mounted on a stick, directly in the middle of the room. The hand contains tattoos on each finger, and Langdon recognizes it as the symbolic 'Hand of the Mysteries', which seemingly points straight up to the fresco The Apotheosis of Washington on the inside of the Capitol dome. Noticing Peter's ring on one of the hand's fingers, Langdon realizes that it is the hand of his kidnapped friend, and from messages already received he knows that the kidnapper wants him to find both the Mason's Pyramid, which Masons believe is hidden somewhere underground in Washington D.C., and the Masons' word which will complete the task that the kidnapper has given himself.

The novel is good, i had a hard time putting it down but there are sometimes when i questioned the motives of the characters.


Recommended to: 13 and over