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By: Pete Doctor

Reviewed by: Yaz, age 18

Rating: It was amazing!

I just watched this movie for the very first time. I love this film. The movie is about an elderly man named Carl Fredericksen and a cute chubby young Wilderness Explorer that goes by the name of "Russell". The whole movie revolves around their adventure to Paradise Falls. The move is extremely appropriate for all ages, and even my parents loved watching it. Although very subtle, life lessons from this movie can be learned like never giving up on your dreams, because if you do, you will always feel unfulfilled.

this is a movie for ALL ages, young and old alike. I enjoyed this movie more than any I've seen in a long time. And I definitely will be watching this again!


I would recommend this to: Literally everyone

What library do you go to?: Woodward Park

Hulk: Misunderstood Monster

Hulk: Misunderstood Monster

By: Paul Benjamin

Reviewed by: Yaz, age 18

Rating: Really liked it!

This is a collection of the stories of the Incredible Hulk. It has four really exciting different stories that tell the life and the ongoing adventures of Bruce Banner a.k.a. the Incredibly Hulk. It starts out with the transformation of Bruce into the Hulk which was an accident in the first place. I like this rendition of the Hulk story because even newbies who are not familiar with the story of Hulk of Marvel Universe will know what's happening!

The stories also introduce several reappearing characters with enough information that the reader will know who they are and what is their relation to Bruce/Hulk. I definitely recommend this to any kid or teen that has an interest in comics.


I would recommend this to: Everyone

What library do you go to?: Woodward Park

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 (Movie)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 (Movie)

By: David Yates

Reviewed by: awesomeVia, age 17

Rating: Really liked it!

I am saying this last every Harry Potter movie is really good so that they don't trample me. Also, I actually did think this movie was pretty good. It was an amazing end to the Harry Potter series.

I can't really explain the plot since I am afraid to spoil this movie for people that have seen it, but all I can say was I left the theater amazed. Also, I am assuming that this movie goes along with the plot of the last Harry Potter book by J.K. Rowling.

The ending is REALLY brilliant, so brilliant I can't even say. The duel scene with Harry versus Voldemort (AKA the man who shall not be named) was phenomenal as well as the friendship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione, it is still going strong after about 10 years.

I am not an avid fan of the Harry Potter series since I have barely read the books but watched all the movies so fans, please don't trample me. I am just writing about how fantastic the last movie is.


I would recommend this to: Anyone who has read all 7 of the Harry Potter books or has watched all 7 of the last movies.

What library do you go to?: Woodward Park

Cat's Cradle

Cat's Cradle

By: Kurt Vonnegut

Reviewed by: Han Wang, age 16

Rating: Really liked it!

Meet Dr. Felix Hoenikker, a misdiagnosed idiot savant. Meet Hoenikker's equally misunderstood offspring; they helped bring out the end of days! In Vonnegut's alternative account of the dawn of the Nuclear Age, science represents chaotic, dangerously merciless truth while religion nurtures lies to those incapable of pursuing happiness.

Most of the book went over my head, but I played along. I allowed my mind to be tangled by Vonnegut's deeply confusing, yet entrancing breed of satire so that I would eventually reach the end of the book and be done with it.

The pages flew by. I do not know what kind of literary magic the author casts, but his decision to divide the book into many chapters had a therapeutic effect on me.

By the time I finished the book, I still couldn't figure out whether the book added to one's pessimistic view of the world or simply sold itself as a silly, somewhat serious wake-up call.

One reader, assuming the latter, scribbled a message to future readers on the back of the book I currently owned: "We've got to get it together."




I would recommend this to: People who like science fiction bundled with philosophy

What library do you go to?: Woodward Park

A Storm of Swords

A Storm of Swords

By: George R. R. Martin

Reviewed by: Han Wang, age 16

Rating: It was amazing!

While tempting, don't think this reviews is hyping the book anymore than it deserves. From the very first pages, the book ensnares the reader and forces him or her to drop whatever he or she was planning to do later and read, be it while standing or sitting.

Fantasy fiction is rarely as exciting or well-written. History buffs will, with glee, identify the author's inspiration for various cities and treacherous events.

Martin spoils his readers with chapters detailing the adventures of the cunning, noble, and delightfully evil characters.

If you've read the first two books in the series, you must read this book. The majority of online fans consider a Storm of Swords the best of the five books written so far.

It is known.



I would recommend this to: Everybody (who has read the first two books)

What library do you go to?: Woodward Park

Portal 2

Portal 2

By: Valve

Reviewed by: Anthony, age 16

Rating: Really liked it!

Portal 2 is an action packed and story driven physics game that involves the player to place two portals in strategic locations in order to complete the objective and advance into the next "chamber" (or levels) . This game is a unique blend of first-person, puzzle solving, and action/adventure genres. The player takes on the role of Chell, a rather quiet protagonist, whose goal is to escape from Aperture Science's testing chambers, which is controlled by a rogue AI (artificial intelligence) robot GlaDos. for most of the story, the player receives help from a robotic friend named Wheatly, a clumsy, yet oddly charismatic, personality core. The player must make quick-witted decisions to transform and alter objects in the environment to complete the task. In the end, the player must defeat the boss, which is reminiscent of the first installment of the game, Portal. this game has received positive reviews from critics from recognized sources. The only con about this game is the concept does become repetitive for a six hour game, but the story and diverse construction of each level makes the overall game play enjoyable. Portal 2 is full of surprises that will keep the player entertained, but I will have to say the "re-playability" level would probably be 2 or 3 more times. However, this game does feature a cooperative game mode that will add another six hours of game play. The quality of the game holds up to its reviews, so I do recommend most people who enjoy casual gaming and puzzle solving to play Portal 2.

I would recommend this to: Gamers, Physics enthusiasts

What library do you go to?: Woodward Park

Uprising

Uprising

By: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Reviewed by: Tahrima, age 14

Rating: It was amazing!

Uprising is a tale woven from tendrils of smoky memories from times long past and emotions still strong. This novel is a winding puzzle of life and loss, and the heart-wrenching tale of death, sacrifice, and devotion to one's cause.

The theme, "never give up" is found through Uprising in the three main characters' commitment to a cause and their refusal to stop trying, despite dangerous circumstances. Even when death looms, they fight for their rights and the rights of all workers in the shirtwaist factories of the 1900s.

This book was impossible to put down. The prose sucks the reader in, and the story, with flowing details, keeps the reader hypnotized in the amazing tale of three young women caught in the fire that shocked America, changing it forever.

I would recommend this to: I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves history and wished they could have been there to experience it. If you read this book, I guarantee that you'll never look at history the same way again.

What library do you go to?: Woodward Park

The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle

By: Jeanette Walls

Reviewed by: Tahrima, age 14

Rating: It was amazing!

If you're looking for a heartwarming book that will make you count your blessings, then Jeanette Walls' memoir is perfect.

Walls was raised by parents whose unconventional lifestyle provided not only all sorts of dilemmas for their family, but adventures too. Her parents, Rex and Rose Mary, were constantly moving from one place to another. Though they were both adored by their children, they often neglected their parental responsibilities. Rose Mary was a free-spirited woman who believed that children should live without rules, while her spouse, Rex, was a struggling alcoholic who could barely support his family.

Throughout the hardships of her childhood, Walls' loving personality was consistent. Even when her father was having one of his alcohol-induced rampages, Walls still had the astonishing ability to see him as a brilliant father whom she loved.

The Glass Castle is a timeless book that leave you with a marvelous sense of appreciation and will stick with you always.

I would recommend this to:

What library do you go to?: Woodward Park

Playing for Pizza

Playing for Pizza

By: John Grisham

Reviewed by: Tahrima, age 14

Rating: Really liked it!

This could well be one of John Grisham's best. Playing for Pizza is about Rick Dockery, a man who loves football. Because he plays for so many teams, he never really established himself and always seems to do something wrong. The story focuses on a small town in Italy called Parma, where Rick has resurrected his career. He also meets a lot of girls who do not interest him.

This is a very touching story that many can relate to. This book will make you want to read all of Grisham's novels; I know this from experience. It makes you feel as if you are the one telling the story. I like this book because it allows the reader to see how someone who has hit the lowest point can turn their life around and come out on top.

I would recommend this to:

What library do you go to?: Woodward Park

A Child Called "It"

A Child Called "It"

By: Dave Pelzer

Reviewed by: Tahrima, age 14

Rating: It was amazing!

David was renamed "It" by his evil mother. His childhood begins as the life everyone hopes for. He enjoyed visits to the zoo, lake trips with family, and being cuddled by his mother while listening to a great book. David's life drastically changed when he became a first-grader. His mother and father developed drinking problems. It's very hard to read about all the sadistic "games" his mother dreamed up.

When you read some of what happens, you'll wonder how anyone could even think of doing such things to their own child. Pelzer is a strong man to write about his childhood when he was almost beaten to death. This book really makes you wonder how many other children suffer such abuse.

As his teacher and principal, neighbors and even his father stand by and let the abuse happen, it makes you wonder what you would have done. This book is extremely well written. All of the gruesome details help you to visualize what he went through. There are more books in this series, and you'll want to read them all once you begin.


I would recommend this to:

What library do you go to?: Woodward Park