Thursday, June 23, 2011

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3


By: Disney Pixar
Reviewed by: awesomeVia, 17
Rating: It was amazing!


Many say that sequels usually can't live up to the greatness of the first movie but not in this case. Toy Story 3 maintains the greatness that Toy Story 1 and 2 brought. It has something for everyone of all ages.

The main theme of this movie is betrayal and friendship, different of the last two. And some parts can get pretty scary.Who would've thought a group of toys can teach you so much? But despite the sadness and scariness, there's still some funniness in there. And this movie overall is a great way to end the trilogy. Also worth the best animated feature Oscar.  

I would recommend this to...: Everyone

Eclipse

Eclipse


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


With graduation ahead, and Edward back in her life, Bella feels content with how life is going. When more mysterious killings and people going missing, Bella is again in the mist of having her life come to an end, especially with Victoria, Jame's mate, back in town, seeking revenge for the death of James. As she raises an army of new-born vampires, the Cullens and the werewolves join forces to stop her. Also, in the mist of battle, Bella finds that even though she is in love with Edward, she still has feelings for Jacob.

Mockingjay

Mockingjay


By: Suzanne Collins
Reviewed by: Tahrima, 14
Rating: It was amazing!


Much of the action takes place on a battlefield akin to Iraq — where innocent civilians are murdered to further a cause and each side resorts to unsavory tactics that could lead to a terrorist label. More maudlin than the first two books in the series, "Mockingjay" is also the most violent and bloody and, based on the actions and statements of its characters, its most overtly antiwar — though not so much that it distracts from a series conclusion that is nearly as shocking, and certainly every bit as original and thought provoking, as "The Hunger Games." This book is a must read along with the rest of the series!

Thirteen Reasons Why

Thirteen Reasons Why


By: Jay Asher
Reviewed by: Tahrima, 14
Rating: It was amazing!


This book is honestly amazing. I think the story line is something different from your teenage ‘drama’-crisis. I believe that this is a must read for all teens who want to see how actions can effect people, even, to the point of death.

Speak

Speak


By: Laurie Halse Anderson
Reviewed by: Tahrima, 14

Rating: Really liked it


Speak is powerful. Anderson's use of symbolism is brilliant and fills the pages with many ideas for the reader. The protagonist is fourteen years of age, which suggests that the novel is appropriate for anyone aged 12 and up. Although it is written for a young adult audience, adults should also find this novel unforgettable for its honest portrayal of life in an American high school. Every individual has had to face the reality of cliques. Unfortunately, many adult women can also relate to issues associated with teen rape and violence. It reminds both the young and the not so young that in order to live, everyone needs to have a voice and speak.

The Outsiders

The Outsiders


By: S.E. Hinton
Reviewed by: Tahrima, 14
Rating: Really liked it


Ponyboy Curtis and his gang are tight. From Dally (Dallas) the toughest one, to Johnny, the gang's pet, these pals all have one thing in common; they've all been stereotyped as greasers by the Socs, the rich group. Overall the book was pretty good.

The Hunger Games



By: Suzanne Collins
Reviewed by: Tahrima, 14
Rating: It was amazing!


The story is basically about a teenager who is forced to compete in a 24-man-enter-1-man-leaves event. I don't want to spoil it by saying any more, but if you liked The Running Man, you'll definitely like this!

Over all the book was amazing. Its a must read series!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Holes


By: Louis Sachar
Reviewed by: Szoghi, 17
Rating: It was amazing!
This book, also turned into a movie, is definitely a classic. It is about a boy, Stanley Yelnats, who is sent to a juvenile detention camp for a crime that he did not commit. At this camp, they are under strict orders to build holes in this vast desert. Stanley finds out that they aren't digging holes just to "build character," but rather, to find a treasure that belonged to his great grandfather. However, Stanley and his friend, Hector, escape the camp, only to return a week later in search for the treasure. I highly recommend reading the book first, and then watching the movie, since the book is far more detailed. It is a very heartwarming story, since the kids become successful in the end, and the antagonistic warden goes to jail. This was one of the best books I read in elementary school.



I would recommend this to: Ages 10 and up!

The Hobbit

The Hobbit


By: J.R.R. Tolkien
Reviewed by: Szoghi, 17
Rating: Really liked it


The book is about a dwarf, Bilbo Baggins, who is recruited by the wizard, Gandalf, to return the stolen treasure that belongs to the Dwarves. They encounter many foes, such as trolls, spiders, and yes, Gollum. Bilbo, being left behind by his fellow comrades, finds a golden ring on his way out of the cave. This ring turns him invisible, which is important in the story because it is what he uses to escape from almost every foe in order to save his men. They eventually reach the mountain with the treasure where the great dragon Smaug lives at. One of the archers hears Smaug talk about a weak spot in his armor, which causes his defeat. Although I read this book for the first time in fifth grade, I don't recommend it for that young if you want to try and grasp the concept of the story. Also, there is a video game of this book, which is actually somewhat fun to play. Overall, it was a good book to read.

Recommended for: Age 13 and up!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

New Moon

New Moon
By: Stephenie MeyerReviewed by: Tahrima, 14
Rating: It was amazing!

New Moon is the sequel to Stephenie Meyer’s remarkably good debut novel Twilight. This novel works well enough as a stand alone but I think that you will get a better understanding of the story and maximum enjoyment from reading it if you have read Twilight first.

New Moon is always going to be compared to Twilight and people who are expecting this novel to be essentially the same as Twilight may be disappointed. Twilight had an almost dreamy, fairytale quality to the writing, which this story lacks. The Cullen family of vampires are also absent from a large proportion of New Moon, and vampire fans may keenly feel their absence. Do not let this put you off reading the book however because it is still one of the best books that I have read this year.