Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Boris and Bella

By: Carolyn Crimi
Reviewed by:  Alexy B; 14
Rating:  Really liked it

This story is about Boris and Bella, who are extremely different from each other as Boris is the monster who loves to be tidy while Bella is the monster who loves to be messy. This is a really good book, enjoyed reading during halloween time.

Recommended to: Teens & Adults

Coraline

By: Neil GaimanReviewed by:  Alexy B; 14
Rating:  It was amazing!

I loved this book and movie. This is a creepy little story. Coraline and her parents live in a house that they share with some eccentric neighbors. Coraline gets bored pretty quickly with the new place. Her parents are always too busy to spend time with her, so she takes to exploring.


Recommended to: Teens

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

By: Alvin Schwartz
Reviewed by:  Alexy B; 14
Rating:  It was amazing!

This book is really good. I read it when I was younger, and I still love it. The illustrations were the really scary part of these books. Spooky stuff to read in the dark

 Recommended to: Teens

The melancholy death of Oyster Boy & other stories

By: Tim Burton
Reviewed by:  Alexy B; 14
Rating:  It was amazing!

I love Tim Burton! This book is about misunderstood outcasts who struggle to find love and belonging in their cruel, cruel world


Recommended to: Teens

Creepy Susie and 13 Other Tragic Tales for Troubled Children

By: Angus Oblong
Reviewed by:  Alexy B; 14
Rating:  It was amazing!

This book is definitely not for children. It's offbeat and funny, but more in an offensive South Park way. Full of twisted tales...may not be for everyone.

Recommended to: Teens


Matilda

By: Roald Dahl
Reviewed by:  Alexy B; 14
Rating:  It was amazing!

I loved this book so much. It has the best characters! I loved little Matildas way of seeing life and how smart she was!


Recommended to: Kids, Teens and Adults!


I Luv Halloween: Ultimate Twisted Edition

By: Keith Giffen, Ben Roman
Reviewed by:  Alexy B; 14
Rating:  Really liked it.

This book follows a group of kids as they trick or treat there way through various Halloween messes. If you like Invader Zim(LOVE IT), family guy, or other over the top gross out animated series and also enjoy Halloween I would recommend this book.


Recommended to: Teens


Friday, October 26, 2012

The Story of a Childhood

By: Marjane Satrapi, Mattias Ripa
Reviewed by:  Alexy B; 14
Rating:  Really liked it!

A graphic novel about Marjane Satrapi’s memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. She spent her growing up years in Iran, as the daughter of wealthy middle class parents. The black and white graphics were really good and really illustrated the story in a profound way. As I first started reading this book, I didn't think I would like it, but it is well written from a child's perspective.

Recommended to: Teens



Thursday, October 25, 2012

Walking Dead: Vol.1

By: Robert Kirkman
Reviewed by:  Jyvontay J.; 13
Rating:  It was amazing!

Really good book. very scary.  Its about this cow dieseas that every body gots except this group of them.They goal is to go to washington becuase it was the safes place where no zombies.They got to the town and its was zombies everywhere.So theyfollow this dude to a camp where they got walls no zombie could get in there.so they live there for a little bit.





To Kill A Mockingbird

By: Harper Lee
Reviewed by:  Sergio E.; 18
Rating:  It was amazing!!

I didn't know what to expect at first when my 12th grade teacher assigned the class to read To Kill A Mockingbird. I didn't think a book with a tree and a bird on the cover would be interesting. Oh how I was wrong. This book was amazing. You're introduced to lovable characters and you get to see how the world looks through the eyes of a child, Scout. Scout is a girl and she lives a very fascinating life in the late 20's in Maycomb county, Alabama. Her life takes her to adventures and the pursuit of liberating her neighbor, Boo Radley, Boo Radley is a simple and innocent man that no one really understands just because of his religious differences. I really liked the way Scout talks about her father, Atticus Finch. Atticus is a great Character to idolized, he's fair, just, and generous. He's a good lawyer and it makes me think about becoming a Lawyer myself. The book also goes on to deal with the way Black people and White people behaved with each other back then. I'd learned a lot from this book especially the consequences of injustice just because of the color of your skin. Which makes me wonder how I'd been treated in the south back then since I'm Mexican and all. All together I strongly recommend that you read this book it's definite a classic and I'm glad my teacher made me read it, I'd learned that even though I'm old enough to vote now I'm still old enough to be innocent and see life through the eyes of a child. Happy Reading Everyone!

Recommended to:  Everyone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

By: J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by:  Trina N; 12
Rating:  It was amazing!!

This story is about a young, orphaned, ordinary boy who goes on an adventure to Hogwarts. Hogwarts is a magical school for young wizards and witches. But the same evil who killed Harry Potter's parents comes back, burning with desire to kill Harry.


Recommended to:  Preteens and Teens Everyone



Starters

By: Lissa Price
Reviewed by:  Elisabeth D; 12
Rating:  It was amazing!!

This book is very well written. It is about a girl named Callie whose parents are dead and she must take care of her little brother. But, kids aren't allowed to work, so she rents out her body to old people, but it turns out to be more than she expected. Very good book, can't wait for the sequal!

Recommended to:  Everyone


The Evolution of Calpurina Tate

View full imageThe Evolution of Calpurina Tate
By: Jacqueline Kelly
Reviewed by:  Trina N; 12
Rating:  It was amazing!!

Calpurnia Tate is the only girl out of seven brothers in Texas. She is forced to do chores women would do, but she hates it. Calpurnia would rather learn about science. Can you imagine a worst situation?
Recommended to:  Preteens and Teens Everyone

Monday, October 22, 2012

Coraline

By: Neil Gaiman
Reviewed by:  Elisabeth D; 12
Rating:  Really liked it!

This book is about a young girl who finds a mysterious door in her new house. Her mysterious neighbors give her warnings not go in there but she ignores them. When she goes in it is just like her house but the other mother wants to keep her there forever!
Recommended to:  Everyone



The Martian Chronicles

View full imageThe Martian Chronicles
By: Ray BradburyReviewed by:  Caleb D; 12
Rating:  Really liked it!

This book was very well written and plotted. Although it had some language, it also had lots of action and adventure.
                     
Recommended to:  Teens and older.

The Hunger Games

By: Suzanne Collins
Reviewed by:  Elisabeth D; 12
Rating:  It was amazing!!

I love this book. It is about a teen age girl who is put in the Hunger Games and has to fight  to the death. A twist of action and romance.

Recommended to:  Teen and older


Sunday, October 21, 2012

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
By: J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

Harry Potter and the Chamber is secrets is the 2nd book in the Harry Potter Series. When Harry can't get onto Platform 9 3/4 he knows something is up. Ron and Harry finally manage to get to Hogwarts by their own means, but when the words: The Chamber of secrets has been opened appears on the wall, what is Harry going to do? Great book! All of the Harry Potter books are great! The book has a lot of stuff going on all the time, and the ability to draw readers in like a magnet.

Recommended to: Everyone

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
By: J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

Sirius Black has escaped from prison. His target: Harry Potter... Great book with an unsuspected plot. One minute, I'm hating a certain character, and they next minute I love them! Must read, if you like good books!

Recommended to: Everyone

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
By: J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

This year at Hogwarts Harry is chosen to play in the Triwizard Tournament; however the tournament won't go exactly as planned... Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (book 4) is my favorite book out of the Harry Potter series. What happens is completely unexpected and this book has such an interesting and unique storyline that I never could have thought of.

Recommended to: Everyone

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
By: J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (book 5), there is a new sheriff in town at Hogwarts: Dolores Umbridge. Umbridge doesn't believe Harry when he tells her that Voldemort has come back, and when Umbridge takes a high place of authority, makes Harry's life miserable. Also Harry and his friend's come up with a group of their own. D.A-Dumbledore's Army. Fantastic book with fun ideas. It is interesting to see how Harry is maturing into an adult wizard, and how he learns to control his incredible power.

Recommended to: Everyone

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
By: J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is book 6 in the Harry Potter series. In this book, Harry learns some important things about Voldemort's past. Will this help Harry finally defeat him? Although this book is not my favorite out of the series, it is most definitely they most unpredictable. Just when you think you are at the end of the book and nothing else can happen, something happens...

Recommended to: Everyone

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
By: J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the last book in the Harry Potter Series, and by far the most dramatic. Voldemort has finally gotten his strength back, and Harry and Voldemort will go head to head in a battle of magic. What will happen? Who will win? Great book! A little predictable, but completely worth it!!!

Recommended to: Everyone

The Lonely Hearts Club

The Lonely Hearts Club
By: Elizabeth Eulberg
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

Penny is sick of boys, so she starts the Lonely Hearts club... which is going great until she meets the perfect boy. Now she must choose to continue on with the club and ignore the perfect guy. Or break her vow to herself and her club and go out with him anyway. What will she choose? Great book. Very cute, and lots of Beatles references for people that like the Beatles.

Recommended to: Girls and Beatles fans

Lock and Key

Lock and Key
By: Sarah Dessen
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: Really liked it

Ruby lives with her sister, and her brother-in-law. That would be great, if Ruby didn't have such a hard time accepting help form other people. So when Nate, her new next-door neighbor starts offering her rides to school, of course she can't accept them... right? Lock and Key is a great book, about learning that even though independence is good, too much is not good. This book has a good lesson about learning to humble yourself and step outside your comfort zone.

Recommended to: Everyone

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
By: Trenton Lee Stewart
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey is the 2nd book in the Mysterious Benedict Society trilogy. In this book, Mr. Benedict is kidnapped by his evil twin, and it is up to Reynie, Kate, Sticky and Constance to help rescue him. I enjoyed this book just because it is so fun. This series is unlike anything I have read before and it is so unique and exciting. Amazing read! 

Recommended to: Everyone!!

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma
By: Trenton Lee Stewart
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma is the third and final book in the Mysterious Benedict Society Trilogy. Reynie, Kate, Sticky, Constance, and the rest of the crew are stuck in Mr. Benedict's house while the search for the whisperer is on. Who will get to it first? Good Benedict or Evil Benedict? Great book! Awesome end to a great trilogy!! A must read for the utter unique brilliance of Trenton Lee Stewart!! 

Recommended to: Everyone!!

Uglies

Uglies
By: Scott Westerfeld
Reviewed by: Chloe B., 13
Rating: Really liked it


This book called the Uglies is a triology. It is about 2-3 centuries from now, and our people are called "Rusties" for how we used so much metal for everything, and were not very conservative. When a teenager turns 16, they go under plastic surgery to turn beautiful, and live in a beatiful city. This happens to EVERYONE. Tally is 15, and all of her friends have undergone the plastic surgery, except for her. She meets a girl named Shaywho doesn't want to become "Pretty", and it all goes crazy from there.
This book is great book, wishing it had continued longer, the author did make 2 more books that have the same idea of it. The book has so much detail, and a keen sense of humor. It is more adventorous then humorous though. Right when you think everything will turn out all right, it goes all goes wild. You never know what will happen next. If you read the first book, you will read right through the rest. All in all... its a great book!


Recommended to: Ages 11-17. It seems a little dry, and boring for ages any older than that.

Great Expectations

Great Expectations
By: Charles Dickens
Reviewed by: Bernadette D., 14
Rating: It was amazing!

For someone who isn't really a big fan of classics, I actually enjoyed this book! Dating back to the Victorian era of London,Great Expectations is the narrative of a young boy as he grows into manhood. This boy, Pip, is a young blacksmith who dreams of becoming a gentleman in order to be worthy enough for his one and only love, Estella. Pip inherits a sum of money and great expectations. Charles Dickens intricately weaves romance and mystery and self-reflection in one outstanding novel. Though in this modern time, the victorian english is difficult to comprehend, that in itself was another puzzle and mystery!

Are you the kind of person who likes to avoid classic books? Well Great Expectations is about to put your fear of classics to rest! Dating back to the Victorian era, a young boy named Pip grows into a gentleman. Great Expectations is the narrative of this boy as he has great expectations. This book is absolutely filled with romance and mystery. For someone who isn't a big fan of old classics, I really enjoyed this novel!

Recommended to: Anyone who enjoys great literature!  Romance and Mystery lovers or just anyone who loves to read.

Darklight

Darklight
By: Lesley Livingston
Reviewed by: Ahtziri, 16
Rating: Really liked it

Darklight is the second book of the Wondrous Strange series. Kelley Winslow has learned that she is the daughter of the Winter king. She also fell in love with Sonny Flannery, a changeling guard. Now dark forces and new enemies are being made in this thrilling and romantic fairy series.

Recommended to: Teens who love complicated love triangles

Wondrous Strange

Wondrous Strange
By: Lesley Livingston
Reviewed by: Ahtziri, 16
Rating: It was amazing!

Wondrous Strange expresses the fairies as evil bloodthirsty beings who can't lie. Kelly Winslow, 17 year old girl, learns this the hard way after learning of her own secrets with the fey.

Recommended to: Fey fans

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Matched

Matched
By: Ally Condie
Reviewed by: Belle R., Age 15
Rating: Really liked it

 It was really eye opening and fun to read. I also enjoyed it lots. i hope other people  read it  and my friends too.

Recommeded to: All people

Friday, October 19, 2012

Breaking Dawn Part 1 (movie)

Breaking Dawn, Part 1
By: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart
Reviewed by: Cynthia, 14
Rating: It was amazing!

Pt.1 was totally amazing...a little graphic in the sex scene but watevs. All in all i fell in love with that movie minus nasty parts :)

Recommended to: Lucy


Lady Grace Mysteries

Lady Grace Mysteries
By: Grace Cavendish (Patricia Hermes)
Reviewed by: Brandi S., 12
Rating: Really liked it

Delve into the mysteries encountered by Lady Grace Cavendish, Maid of Honor to Queen Elisabeth I, recorded in her daybooke (diary). As the royal palace comes to life, the reader experiences a day in the life of Queen Elisabeth, along with a great mystery!

Recommended to: Mystery Fans

The Bible (King James version)

The Bible
By: God
Reviewed by: Brandi S., 12
Rating: It was amazing

The greatest book in the history of mankind!!! Includes good verses evil, angels, demons, dragons. Stories of romance, war, failure, triumph, loyalty, action, adventure, betrayal, mystery, commitment, danger, everlasting love. The book of ultimate truth. A bestseller. Beautifully written by our wonderful, and merciful Creator.

Recommended to: Everyone!!!

The Seven Sleepers series

The Seven Sleepers series
By: Gilbert Morris
Reviewed by: Brandi S., 12
Rating: Really liked it

Join Josh Adams as he wakes from a 50-year sleep, unites with Goel and the other sleepers, and march with them as they battle against wicked priests, and fight for survival, trusting Goel, their leader to see them through.

Recommended to: Adventure fans

Cooper Kids Adventures

Cooper Kids Adventures
By: Frank E. Peretti
Reviewed by: Brandi S., 12
Rating: Really liked it

Follow 14-year-old Jay and Lila Cooper as they embark on secret missions, solve mysteries, and escape evil, with God on their side.

Recommended to: Adventure and Mystery Fans

Grace Notes

Grace Notes
By: Dandi Daley Mackall
Reviewed by: Brandi S., 12
Rating: Really liked it

Meet 15-year-old invisible, at least in school, Grace Doe. But being "invisible" can have its upsides. Grace invented a blog online called "That's What You Think" by Jane Doe, where she spends her time. But when her site is threatened by an unknown source, she must find the culprit. Cool book, I enjoy the series: Blog On, and I think you will too.  

Recommended to: Anyone

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms
By: Cindy Woodsmall
Reviewed by: Brandi S., 12
Rating: Really liked it

Old Order Mennonite Annie Martin moves in with her grandfather in Apple Ridge after having a arguement with her mother. Spending time with handsome Old Order Mennonite Aden Zook in the cherry orchard makes her wish the differences between their districts weren't so great. Will their love survive? A cute romance, professionally written.

Recommended to: Amish and Romance Fans

Sanctuary

Sanctuary
By: Beverly and David Lewis
Reviewed by: Brandi S., 12
Rating: Really liked it

In order to keep her husband safe, Melissa James must run. Leaving with no explanation, Melissa escapes fearing for both her and her husband's life. Great read, by best selling author. Holding you until the book is over, this book is full of suspence, and you don't even know what's going on until the end, when it all comes into light. I was frustrated that I had no idea of what was going on, then I found out and when I was finished I played the whole book over in my head. A thriller.

Recommended to: Amish, Mystery, and Romance Fans

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
By: J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: Really liked it

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the first book in a series of 7 books. This book was GREAT! Harry Potter gets introduced to a mystical, magical wizard world, and finds out that he himself is a wizard. J.K. Rowling is such an amazing writer! Before you know it, you will be spending a lot of time day-dreaming about going to the Hogwarts of Magic just like Harry :)

Recommended to: Everyone

Masterpiece

Masterpiece
By: Elise Broach
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: Really liked it

Masterpiece is about a beetle named Marvin who really knows how to draw. Marvin finds and owner, a boy named James, and together they draw. They go to the museum, and the park, and do everything together. At first glance I thought a book about a beetle who could draw would not be worth my time, but like they say, "Don't judge a book by it's cover". I ended up really enjoying this book.

Recommended to: Anyone

Forgotten

Forgotten
By: Cat Patrick
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: Really liked it

Forgotten is about a 16-year-old girl named London Lane. Every night after London goes to sleep, she forgets what happened the day before. She has to rely on notes that she writes to herself every night with things like what she wore the day before and tests that are coming up in school. Everything is going fine for London, until she meets Luke Henry... Forgotten was a great book! Very cute, and interesting to think about living a life without a short-term memory.

Recommended to: Girls

Matched

Matched
By: Ally Condie
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

Matched is the first book in a series of 3. Matched is a dystopian book about a girl named Cassia. When Cassia goes to a matching ceremony, she ends up getting matched to her best guy friend, which has never happened in history. Other weird things start happening as well and Cassia finds out that her "government" has been lying to everyone. Will she be able to uncover the truth before it is too late? Great book!

Recommended to: Everyone!

Artichoke's Heart

Artichoke's Heart
By: Suzanne Supplee
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: Really liked it

Artichoke's Heart is about a girl, Rosemary Goode,who is overweight and does not have much self-confidence. Eventually she finds a friend and a boyfriend who love her just the way she is, and see past her body. Great book/inspiring story! It helped remind me that it doesn't matter what I look like, what matters in on the "inside".

Recommended to: Girls

The Miserable Mill

The Miserable Mill
By: Lemony Snicket
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: Really liked it

The Baudeliare's newest guardian, as of book 4, is "Sir". The children now have to work at a mill in order for "Sir" to agree to keep them safe but Count Olaf, but Olaf has his ways and manages to sneak in to the kids lives once again. The Miserable Mill is a fun story filled with mischief and adventure. Very exciting and entertaining.

Recommended to: Everyone

The Reptile Room

The Reptile Room
By: Lemony Snicket
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

The Baudelaire children go to live with their uncle Monty in the second book in the series of unfortunate events. Everything is going great until he dies..... what happened?? This book is great! No... this whole series is great!! I would definitely purchase this series if you haven't already because these are book you will want to read over and over and over.

Recommended to: Everyone

The Bad Beginning

The Bad Beginning
By: Lemony Snicket
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

The Bad Beginning is the first book in a series of 13, The Series of Unfortunate Events. As you might have guessed, yes, it is a series about a nm=umber of bad things that happen to the 3 Baudelaire siblings: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny. In this book, the Baudeliare's parents die and they are sent off to live with their uncle, "Count Olaf";however, their problems have just begun. Best series I have ever read!! Very well written with a plot I could never dream of thinking up myself.

Recommended to: Everyone

The Vile Village

The Vile Village
By: Lemony Snicket
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

The Vile Village (book 7) is about the Baudelaires going to live in the V.F.D. an add for a village that raises children. They soon find out that there is more to this village than they think, and find it is once again connected to Count Olaf. V.F.D. is also an acronym that stands for something to do with count Olaf. Characters that were met in book 6, come back. Great book! Very mysterious.

Recommended to: Everyone

The Slippery Slope

The Slippery Slope
By: Lemony Snicket
Reviewed by: Emily P., 15
Rating: It was amazing!

The Slippery Slope (book 10) continues form where book 9 left off. Violet and Klaus are able to escape, but Sunny is captured by Count Olaf, and if forced to sleep in a casserole dish and cook their meals. Also, Violet and Klaus get a new lead on the V.F.D. headquarters. What will they find... Great book. Lots of funny stuff, like the fact that Sunny has to sleep in a casserole dish :)

Recommended to: Everyone