The Swap

The Swap

Reviewed By: Aimee E.
By: Megan Shull
Rating: It was amazing!

This book is hands down the number one book that I have read. The setting of this novel is that Jack and Ellie switch bodies. Before they switched bodies, both of them thought that one had it easier than the other. After the weekend ends, both of them switch back to their original bodies. After a few years have passed, there is an exciting, emotional ending. This is a teen romantic novel. (By the way, I got this book last summer from this website. :) )

I would recommend this to: Anyone that enjoys romantic teen novels.

Christy Miller Series Book #1: Summer Promise

Summer Promise

Reviewed By: Kelsey L.
By:Robin Jones Gunn
Rating: It was amazing!

This novel, is truly a magnificent piece of writing. I first found this book when I was in seventh grade and feeling so...out of place. I didn't know where I belonged or who I could be friends with. It was a really tough time for me, socially speaking. So, I found this book, Summer Promise and fell in love with the characters and author. 

It's about this teenage girl named Christy. She's just a small town girl who gets to spend her summer with some relatives in the sunny beaches of California. During her summer, she begins to develop a sense of who she is and what kind of person she wants to become. Along the way, she meets these peers who accept her for who she is and creates these ever lasting friendships. And, of course, an innocent romance is involved. A certain blond headed, surfer boy catches Christy's attention, and the rest is history. 

 This first book takes you on a whirlwind of emotions that will leave you wanting more, to know what happens next. It was an escape from reality I desperately needed. Gave me the guidance in how to deal with certain social situations. It truly has influenced me in every aspect of my life. 

Now, Christianty is a big part of this story. Along with Christy finding her way and accepting who she is, she also develops an everlasting faith in God. But listen, I'm not an avid Christian and frankly not very well-versed in the religion, so I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. But along with Christy, I learned so much about a religion I knew nothing of really. So go in with an open mind and, who knows, maybe you'll learn a few things. I hope this review is useful to any of those who check out this book. 

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or want to know more. I could talk about this series all day. That's how passionate I am about it. I hope this helps! Enjoy! 

~Kelsey

I would recommend this to: Any teenage girl who needs to know she isn't alone.

Defy

Defy

Reviewed By: Hayley R.
By:Sarah B. Larson
Rating: It was amazing!

I loved this book. A girl named Alexa Hollen is a great fighter, but in her kingdom she has to pretend to be a boy to fight for the king's army or else something even worse might happen. Everything changes when she meets the king's son Damien, and realizes she's helplessly falling in love with him. If you love the Disney movie Mulan, you will love this book.

I would recommend this to: Teens/Adults

Want a free book?

If you've been watching our blog for awhile but haven't yet submitted any book reviews of your own, now is the perfect time to send one in.

In the spirit of Fresno County Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge, we've decided to treat our valued reviewers to a free summer read.

While supplies last, we're giving away one book to each reviewer who posts a new review between today and the last day of summer (one free book per reviewer, not one free book for each review). These books may be of any genre, so if you're an avid reader of science fiction you may not necessarily get a sci fi book. You may participate in this offer even if you have reviewed for us before.

All you need to do to is submit a review of a book you've read, using the form provided in the left-hand sidebar of this site.

However, there are a few rules for this promotion:

• Ages 13-17
• Fresno County library cardholders only.
• If you do not wish to give your address in the form, indicate which library branch you want your free book to be sent to.
• Please put some thought into your reviews. One sentence reviews will not be accepted.
• Keep it clean (ex. no profanity). 

That's all, folks! We look forward to reading your reviews.

Scarlet

Scarlet

Reviewed By: Hayley R.
By:Marissa Meyer
Rating: Really liked it.

Scarlet is not your average red riding hood. Scarlet's grandmother is missing and she is determined to get her back, but has many obstacles in the way when the Lunar queen Levana will stop at nothing to take over Earth. Will Scarlet ever find her grandmother?

I would recommend this to: Teens/Adults

Talon

Talon

Reviewed By: Hayley R.
By:Julie Kagawa
Rating: It was amazing!

Omg this book is amazing. THE DRAGONS OF TALON: Once hunted nearly to extinction, they are now poised to take over the world. THE ORDER OF ST. GEORGE: The legendary dragonslayers will stop at nothing to wipe dragons from the face of the earth. These mortal enemies are locked in secret and deadly combat, with humanity none the wiser.

I would recommend this to: Teens

The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner

Reviewed By: Hayley R.
By:James Dashner
Rating: It was amazing!

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are gone. Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive. Will Thomas and the gladers ever make it out?

I would recommend this to: Teens/Adults

The Vast Fields Of Ordinary

The Vast Fields Of Ordinary

Reviewed By: Sarah M.
By:Nick Burd
Rating: Really liked it

"The Vast Fields Of Ordinary" written by Nick Burd had a real plot twist for me and was not what I expected, but it wasn't anywhere near disappointing, but instead realistic and sad, but beautiful. It's about a boy Dade whose father is having an affair and he has no friends really. He's also a jock's dirty secret, until he meets a fellow a future fellow friend and the possible love of his life. Careful, despite it's cliche introduction it is actually much more!

I would recommend this to: Anyone

Suicide Notes

Suicide Notes

Reviewed By: Sarah M.
By:Michael Thomas Ford
Rating: Really liked it

Ever heard of don't judge a book by it's cover? Please don't judge this book by it's cover! This book isn't depressing..at least not as depressing as you believe! This book's about Jeff a guy whom attempts to kill himself and ends up in the 'crazy' section of a hospital for 45 days convinced that he's not crazy at all that he was bored and that he just tried to killed himself and failed and that he was over it, but it's something else, completely! (I know shocker) The story is told in first person by a very sarcastic, Jeff.

I would recommend this to: anyone wanting a laugh

We Are the Ants

We Are the Ants

Reviewed By: Sarah M.
By:Shaun David Hutchinson
Rating: Really liked it

I really like this book, but it was alright...It was about well obviously some main character who was a male who was given the choice of either letting some aliens end the world, Earth by not clicking a button on their spaceship or clicking it and keeping life on Earth going. Some people they think well my life sucks, but the world should keep going and click the darn button, but he actually to take a moment to contemplate whether the world should keep going. Cheesy book, but fantastic, will the loss of his boyfriends suicide be to much for him? This book is painfully realistic and there won't be much too happy or too sad. I tossed this book across the room.

I would recommend this to: Cheesy people

Sunshine and Buttercups

Sunshine and Buttercups

Reviewed By: Sarah M.
By:Danni Keane
Rating: It was amazing!

"Sunshine and Buttercups" is not well, Sunshine and Buttercups. It's about a teen boy loosing his father to cancer and luckily having the comfort of his friend who he loves more than his friend.

I would recommend this to: anyone who likes short stories

Ranger's Apprentice (The Early Years) : The Tournament at Gorlan

Ranger's Apprentice (The Early Years): The Tournament at Gorlan

Reviewed By: Amanda S.
By:John Flanagan
Rating: It was amazing!

As an avid reader of the Ranger's Apprentice series, I think I can fairly say that this prequel was just as incredible as the rest of the books. This book is basically Halt's origin story if you will, explaining his introduction to the Rangers and the escapades leading up to it. It's well-written, containing humor and beautifully described action scenes equal in quality to the rest of Flanagan's writings. If you've read all the originals (or even if you haven't), this book is a definite must-read.

I would recommend this to: Anyone

Peace, Love, and Cupcakes: The Cupcake Club #1

Peace, Love, and Cupcakes: The Cupcake Club #1

Reviewed By: Aimee E.
By: Sheryl Berk and Carrie Berk
Rating: It was amazing!

Kylie will never survive fourth grade in her new school without friends. And starting a cupcake club seems the perfect way to meet other girls. But getting the club up and running is not easy- especially with trouble spelled M-e-r-e-d-i-t-h trying to ruin them. In taking on the class mean girl, Kylie and her new friends may have just bitten off more than they can chew.

I would recommend this to: Anyone who likes characters who are brave and strong

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Reviewed By: Ofelia F.
By: Ransom Riggs
Rating: It was alright...

When growing up Grandpa Abe would tell Jacob stories of his childhood especially about the peculiar children who were housed in Miss. Peregrine's home. Before his death Grandpa Abe told Jacob to look for the bird at the island that he(Grandpa Abe) grew up in. When Jacob arrives at the island he visits the house were his grandfather and the peculiar children stayed. Soon enough Jacob discovers that his grandfather's stories weren't just fairy tails but real stories that occurred. What if the peculiar children still exist? Will Jacob ever find that bird that his grandfather refers to? This book is one thriller mystery that you have to read.

I would recommend this to: Anyone

Cinder

Cinder

Reviewed By: Ofelia F.
By: Marissa Meyer
Rating: Really liked it

This book is not your classical fairy tail. This book combines a fairy tail with a dystopian and science fiction genre. Cinder is suppose to portray Cinderella who lives with her stepmother and her two stepsisters. However Cinder isn't your typical Cinderella instead she is a cyborg whose a mechanic. Cinder faces many challenges such as her stepmother, the disease that is affecting her whole city and the Lunar Queen who wants to reign Earth. Cinder happens to be the one who can save her city. While working along side with Prince Kai and Dr. Erland, Cinder starts to question her true identity. She doesn't remember her biological parents or the tragic accident that led her to become a cyborg. So what is Cinder's true identity?

I would recommend this to: Teens/Adults