Wednesday, December 31, 2014

A new student review of The Trap by Andrew Fukuda

MezokaCapturer65 posted a new student review of The Trap by Andrew Fukuda. See the full review.

 

This book, like its forerunners, was intense.  For readers who like action and plots that are not fully realized until the end of the story, this series is a good one to pick up.  The majority of this book is action scenes that require the characters to do some quick thinking.  The continuity is kept up nicely and is patched up in some places where I had questions left over from the previous books.  The ending was the kind that I enjoy the most, one which makes the reader reconsider the whole series and rethink everything that was stated about the world.  The ending reveals that the roles of the two primary species of the series, the duskers and the humans, are, in fact, completely reversed from what the characters and the audience believed.  It also reveals the time period in which the story takes place.  I recommend this book to those who enjoyed the previous installments in the series, as well as anyone who enjoys action-packed and suspenseful series.  The only thing which I think could have been explained better was the taking of dusker technology by the future human inhabitants of the world.  The end of the book makes it sound as if Gene and Sissy can recreate what they saw in the metropolis and palace, but we are never given any evidence that they have this capability.  We are also not given an explanation for why it took so long for the human race to develop these technologies, long after Gene and Sissy would be dead.  I would also have liked a more definite end to the story arc of Gene’s father.  It is hinted at the end that he committed suicide after learning about the secret of what he had discovered about his species, but we are never given anything factual.  However, these issues with the story’s credibility did not impede my enjoyment of the book.  The intensity of everything happening and the ability of the writer to make me care about these characters made it very enjoyable.

A new student review of The Mourning Emporium by michelle Lovric

jotaf posted a new student review of The Mourning Emporium by michelle Lovric. See the full review.

I thought The Mourning Emporium was a good book filled with adventure and magic.  The characters were well-developed and almost seemed like they could be real.  One thing I liked about this book was that it started with a quick half-page summary of book one. For those who hadn't read it, it also explained other parts from book one when needed during book two.  A part I liked in the book was when, after the ice flood, Lorenzo knew that he wouldn’t be able to get flowers for his mother’s funeral.  Instead, he carved and painted wooden violets to use.  The author, Michelle Lovric, kept the action going throughout the book, and I didn‘t want to put it down.  I would recommend The Mourning Emporium to ages eleven through sixteen.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

A new student review of Trailing Tennessee by Cory Wheeler Mimms

muffin posted a new student review of Trailing Tennessee by Cory Wheeler Mimms. See the full review.

While reading this book I learned a great deal about the Appalachian mountains.  The hiking is difficult and dangerous.  Mother nature tries to stop Eli with lightning, rain, landslides and more.  The book moves at a fast pace with many action scenes that leave you anxious to find out if he makes it out alive.  Mimms does a good job creating a connection between Eli's character and the reader.  Eli’s determination to live up to the Sutton legacy is admirable.  You can’t help but root for him to complete his quest.         

 

Monday, December 22, 2014

A new student review of River of Peril by Susan K. Marlow

moseso posted a new student review of River of Peril by Susan K. Marlow. See the full review.

River of Peril is attention grabbing and it’s hard to put the book down! The author does an excellent job of describing events. She makes if feel as if you were in the book, living the adventure for yourself. Jem and Ellie are the main characters. Jem is Ellie’s older brother. It is easy to imagine them as real characters because of the vivid pictures the author creates. This book would be most enjoyed by nine to twelve year olds. Even though it is a historical book, it does not yield much information about the time period it is set in. However, the plot is simple to understand and makes it a page turner. River of Peril is one book you should read! 

Friday, December 19, 2014

A new student review of The Lucky Ones: A Bright Young Things Novel by Anna Godbersen

123evae123 posted a new student review of The Lucky Ones: A Bright Young Things Novel by Anna Godbersen. See the full review.

This book was so good. With a great undercurrent of danger and suspense and romance this book was a perfect historical fiction novel in my opinion. Using two small town girls from Ohio as some of the main characters was such a glorious way to write this fairytale of a story. These girls traveled to New York, and gained fame and fortune, but not without hardships and downfalls. The author uses the glitz and glamour of New York in the 1920's to create a story full of intrigue and mystery. These girls are a romantisized version of a fantasy that has been written time and time again, with something that sets them apart from the rest of the books about the 20's. The way that you were drawn into their lives and their stories made me never want to put this book down, I wanted it to never end, and that's why I think it deserves a five star rating, because even though I was disappointed it ended, I could not have been happier with the way it ended, or the way it began, or everything in between.

A new student review of Break Out

AnimeLover posted a new student review of Break Out . See the full review.

 This book is for people who are new to romance novels. If you want a book with more romance than action this book is for you.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

A new student review of The Beast of Seabourne by Rhys A. Jones

nictaf posted a new student review of The Beast of Seabourne by Rhys A. Jones. See the full review.

The Beast of Seabourne was an amazing read, just as exciting as the first book.  One of the reasons this was such an amazing read was because the author’s descriptions were so clear.  For example, the author, Rhys A. Jones, wrote “Oz felt his scalp contract at remembering when he’d last been in this room...”  The characters felt both well written and believable, and the characters were realistic.  I would recommend reading book one first, but unlike some stories, if you haven’t read book one, you would have a smaller chance of being lost.  This book is for all ages, so enjoy the story.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

A new student review of The Obsidian Pebble by Rhys A. Jones

nictaf posted a new student review of The Obsidian Pebble by Rhys A. Jones. See the full review.

Rhys A. Jones did a wonderful job on The Obsidian Pebble.  The book was well written and very believable.  The characters were realistic.  For example, Oz hates math, but would rather do double math for a year than move from his house. The author is British, so a small word list was included for translations, for words like 'hoovering', and 'chemist shop'.  This story uses an 11 year old perspective, which made me feel like I was a part of the story.   This book was so good that I am highly anticipating book two.  It was an unforgettable experience.  I would recommend this book for kids who love mysteries and humor.  
 

Monday, December 15, 2014

A new student review of Life, Love, and Surviving High School by Ann Herrick

Alyssakb99 posted a new student review of Life, Love, and Surviving High School by Ann Herrick. See the full review.

I think this book is good. It has grammatical errors, and I was confused on some parts through the story. I feel that the author needed to plan it out a little better so the reader is not so confused. But overall, it's a good book that can be relatable to high school girls.

A new student review of Cheesie Mack Is Sort Of Freaked Out by Steve Cotler

LegoLover posted a new student review of Cheesie Mack Is Sort Of Freaked Out by Steve Cotler. See the full review.

In Cheesie Mack is Sort of Freaked Out, Cheesie is getting ready for Halloween, and a massive Halloween prank called Plan It, you can find out what it’s going to be about.  With a friend of Cheesie’s brags about the candy he thinks he’ll collect.  His bragging soon leads to an all-out Candy Collecting Contest, with several tricks and tons of treats.  One of them is that a giant reptile, possibly the missing Galapagos Turtle of the science teacher, is roaming the streets.  This book is easily one of Cheesie’s best and is filled with his silly twists on reality!

A new student review of Eyes Wide Open: Going Behind Environmental Headlines

VBat posted a new student review of Eyes Wide Open: Going Behind Environmental Headlines . See the full review.

I wanted to like this book— environmental problems are relevant to many modern social discussions, and I think Fleischman’s insights into our social systems are spot on. Unfortunately, the good information and ideas provided by Eyes Wide Open are hard to follow and understand, due to the unconventional organization of the book. Rather than grouping the information into the type of environmental problem, say, “fracking” and “GMO’s,” Fleischman addresses multiple issues in each chapter, some in three sentence paragraphs. These blurbs do not provide enough explanation of the topic or statistical evidence to be valuable to the reader. He does not elaborate on each topic enough to connect the situation to his main point, which leaves the reader to either figure out the connection themselves, or simply give up reading. 
 
If you can get through the confusing organization, the book does make some good points. The most helpful section of the book is tucked away in the back, almost in the glossary— a section on “How to Weigh Information.” This chapter looks at different sources of information, like documentaries and newspapers, and gives pointers on how to find quality information amongst all of the bad information. This section is more detailed than the rest of the book, and is very applicable to real-world situations.
 
Overall, Eyes Wide Open made for a very unsatisfying reading experience. There are limited facts and explanations for any of the problems or solutions that Fleischman covers in his book, and he fails to present the information in a clear, motivating way. There are a lot of great environmental examples that are briefly brought up within the text, but, without context and a clear direction, it is difficult for the reader to see the overall message of Eyes Wide Open.
 
I would not recommend this book to most readers. Instead, I would suggest reading something like the Sustainable World Sourcebook, compiled by Sustainable World Coalition. Like Eyes Wide Open, this text urges readers to “examine unquestioned assumptions,” but also provides context, statistics, and specific calls to action for the reader. Written with a similar reader-focused style and including fascinating color photographs, the sourcebook is a great alternative to Eyes Wide Open.

A new student review of The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell

joythean posted a new student review of The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell. See the full review.

I really liked how the romance was subtle but at the same time, an important deciding factor in the story. The relationship that Damien and his ex-girlfriend Kat has is awkward in the beginning but the smooth writing develops it into something really sweet. The characters' personalities are interesting and funny to read, especially Damien's. I love him because he is sarcastic, a smooth talker, and full of humor. All of these qualities are expertly described in Chelsea M. Campbell's writing, which really adds to the reading experience. It's also really amazing how unpredictable the characters and plot line are; I wasn't bored a single time throughout the novel. My only complaint would be that it was a little too cheesy in some areas the story.

Saturday, December 13, 2014

A new student review of The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett Jory John

sisto8 posted a new student review of The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett Jory John. See the full review.

I think that this book was pretty good.  I liked the characters and the setting because they were realistic as well as an important part of the book.  Some books I’ve read seemed to me that the authors randomly chose where the story takes place.  The illustrations went well with the parts of the story being told.   The book was funny because it had lots of unexpected twists and turns.  I recommend this book for kids who are 8-13.

Friday, December 12, 2014

A new student review of The Bodies We Wear by Jeyn Roberts

thudson36 posted a new student review of The Bodies We Wear by Jeyn Roberts. See the full review.

I thought The Bodies We Wear was an overall great book. The plot was well thought out and executed.  The world Faye lives in was explained in a way that was easy to understand, and you can’t help but be pulled in to it. Faye’s character greatly developed throughout the story and as you read, you see the way she learns and matures. I loved the relationship between Faye and Christian and didn’t think it was unrealistic, like some couples in novels. I also felt this novel nicely touched on subjects in today’s society, like drugs and substance abuse. I would not recommend this novel to anyone who dislikes dystopian or action novels. Overall, I thought this was a excellent novel and would recommend it to others.

A new student review of The Goddess Inheritance by Aimée Carter

pavannah posted a new student review of The Goddess Inheritance by Aimée Carter. See the full review.

When I first picked up this book I was afraid it was going to be another Percy Jackson series, but I was gladly mistaken, because this was an entirely new and refreshing take on mythology and the Gods and Goddesses that ring throughout Greek mythology.  Although it needed more character development, and the story dragged a bit, it was still a page turner that kept me up all night!  I would recommend this book for anyone looking for an easy and quick read to fill some time.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A new student review of Reborn by C. C. Hunter

Soul2580 posted a new student review of Reborn by C. C. Hunter. See the full review.

It's a good book if you like the types of paranormal characters like vampires, shapeshifters, mediums, and other things. It has a bit of mystery in it, and some suspense and a little romance. I liked reading the book because it had the different types of the paranormal species, and I could learn more about them and the abilities they had.

Monday, December 08, 2014

A new student review of The Terminals

jotaf posted a new student review of The Terminals . See the full review.

In his young adult thriller, The Terminals, Royce Buckingham has written an exciting smash hit. This is the first book in his new series.  I really thought that The Terminals was an amazingly written book.  It included a whole bunch of the things I enjoy in a book, like action and mystery, but in a more appealing way.  One of the unique parts that I really liked was when Cam’s friend, Mason, left Cam a secret message using the game Stratego.  The one thing I didn’t like about the book was that the ending was a little confusing. It was hard to know exactly who, if any, of his friends died at the end.  I would recommend this book to anyone over age 13 who likes books with action, mystery, and suspense.

Friday, December 05, 2014

A new student review of The Long Haul: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Lucy posted a new student review of The Long Haul: Diary of a Wimpy Kid . See the full review.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Long Haul is a great book. It was really funny and involved different events that don’t usually happen on a family road trip. Some more humorous events included getting locked outside of the car, a boat that wasn’t even used in the water, cinnamon rolls exploding and a whole lot more that will keep you reading.

A new student review of Paper Things

ALex1x1 posted a new student review of Paper Things . See the full review.

Paper Things was a very heart felt book. There was not much I didn't like about it. From the writing style to the story itself, it was enjoyable. The characters are built up to show how they have grown and others are able to empathize with some of the characters. But it's not just the characters, the story shows how struggling it is to be homeless and how they are treated by the people around them.
 
One thing I didn't like about it was how I couldn't identify with the school since I've never been to a school where one needed to have a leadership role.
 
I would defiantly recommend this story to others for how it gives insight to the hardships of being homeless.

A new student review of Lark Rising by Sandra Waugh

Anjel posted a new student review of Lark Rising by Sandra Waugh. See the full review.

I loved this book! It has definitely earned a place on my favorites shelf. As I read this book, it made me feel the characters and see through their eyes. One of my favorite parts is when Lark takes the orb and feels it shimmer and shine with radiance because her heart is pure. When Lark misinterprets that Gharian, her supporter, was to be with Evie, her cousin, I felt sad right along with her. I did not like all the pain and suffering. I can't wait to find out what happens next. The next book is about Evie and I hope it is as good as Lark Rising. I recommend this book to 13+ who enjoy fantasy, and especially for fans of Brandon Mull's "Fablehaven."

Wednesday, December 03, 2014

A new student review of It's NOT Just A Dog! by Pam Torres

blackbeauty posted a new student review of It's NOT Just A Dog! by Pam Torres. See the full review.

This book was very interesting. It was a little slow getting to the point, but other than that I thought it was great. I liked it better when the adventure began. It was exciting and dangerous all at the same time.  Madison was both determined and courageous.  She decided to find her dog even though there was danger involved.  She was also caring.  When she got hurt, she only thought of her dog and getting her back.  I thought it was such a good book, that now I want to get the entire series.

A new student review of The Crazy Things Girls Do For Love by Dyan Sheldon

Peace8747 posted a new student review of The Crazy Things Girls Do For Love by Dyan Sheldon. See the full review.

I thought this book was very good. It was a very appropiate book for middle schoolers. I loved how it made you want to keep reading. Suspense was created very nicely by the author.  This book has very few inappropiate parts. I would reccomend this book to people in grades 7-9. I also loved how there was a lot of describing words and details in it.  

Tuesday, December 02, 2014

A new student review of Thrall: A Daughters Of Lilith Novel (Vol 1) by Jennifer Quintenz

erintaylor215 posted a new student review of Thrall: A Daughters Of Lilith Novel (Vol 1) by Jennifer Quintenz. See the full review.

My opinion the book Thrall is that this is a great story. It has all the perfect ingredients for a great story. It has action and romance.  The author included drama that also happens in some teenage girls lives, which gave it a hint of real life scenario. She had a great pair of friends to help her with her problems. Overall, this story had an great plot.

A new student review of Lord Savage

123evae123 posted a new student review of Lord Savage . See the full review.

I have never liked Romance novels. Period. And I chose this book believeing it was historical fiction, although the title should have clued me in right away. While it was historical, it was way more romance than I was expecting. To me, all romance novels are the same, with the heroine of the story claiming she is free and independent, only to be enamoured by a man that has uncharacteristically good looks and manages to say the right thing. That was the basis of this entire book, and it was quite difficult to read. Maybe if I liked Romance novels better, my opinion of the book would be higher, but suffice to say, if you are looking for a different, refreshing romance novel, this is not it. 

Monday, December 01, 2014

A new student review of Secrets in Stone by Cecilia Johnson

mail4chase@yahoo.com posted a new student review of Secrets in Stone by Cecilia Johnson. See the full review.

I did not enjoy Secrets in Stone. I feel as though the characters were not explained well. In addition to weak characters, Lily's abilities and powers were never fully explained to me, nor was I told how she gained these powers. I want to know more hows and whys. Also, the evil attacking her dimension was never described, and it didn't seem very pertinent throughout most of the beginning of the book. As I read the book, I was never captured by any of the events and I had to force myself to read. It would help if Cecilia Johnson gave more depth and color to the story, color meaning points of interest. The idea is good, but the execution was lacking.

 

 

A new student review of Savage Cinderella by Paula Sharon

joythean posted a new student review of Savage Cinderella by Paula Sharon. See the full review.

I think the love between Brinn and Justin was really sweet, innocent, and genuine in the way it developed throughout the novel. The action scenes were on point and had me jumping on the edge of my chair in excitement. However, the beginning of the novel had me confused and dispirited, for the author just threw me right into some major scenes without enough prior knowledge. I believe the author should've developed the setting and characters more at the start so that the reader could get a better feel and understanding of the whole story.

A new student review of Lies in the Dust by Jakob Crane

alison_S posted a new student review of Lies in the Dust by Jakob Crane. See the full review.

By presenting Ann’s story as a graphic novel, Crane and Decker reinvent the familiar topic of the Salem Witch Trials. Though this creative format imbues a dreary subject with much-needed accessibility, a conventional novel may have better conveyed Ann’s psychological anguish; because graphic novels rely almost entirely on illustrations and speech bubbles, Ann’s internal strugglethe book’s supposed focusnever emerged as the central plot point. While Lies in the Dust does capture Ann’s experience of the trials with impressive richness and depth, the book lacks a well-defined plot arc. Decker’s artwork, however, brilliantly echo's the book’s themes: the character’s pupiless eyes reflect Salem’s blindness to the trials’ dubious morality, while the homogenous nature of the town's residents symbolizes the mass hysteria and mob mentality that blinded so many to the witch trials’ horrors. Though Lies in the Dust lacks a centralized story arc, the book’s eloquent dialogue and stark illustrations immerse readers in the Salem Witch Trials, and this graphic novel invigorates an infamous topic with an intriguing new perspective.

Friday, November 28, 2014

A new student review of The Fog of Forgetting by Genevieve Morgan

lexyroberts posted a new student review of The Fog of Forgetting by Genevieve Morgan. See the full review.

This book was an adventure book. I like how the author put a lot of detail into it, but some parts were a bit boring. The book was confusing and hard to understand at times. There were a lot of things going on at once in the story, which made it confusing. One thing the author could have done differently is have each conflict happen in one period of time instead of having them happen all at once. Although the book was confusing, I liked the plot of the story.  

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

A new student review of Thomas Jefferson: President and Philosopher by Jon Meacham

Star360 posted a new student review of Thomas Jefferson: President and Philosopher by Jon Meacham. See the full review.

 

Thomas Jefferson: President and Philosopher is a wonderful stepping-stone book for young readers ages 10 and up who have a base in American history. It is told in the classic cradle-to-grave fashion, so there is a lot of material to cover, but there is large print and reasonably sized chapters. The reader is seamlessly guided from Jefferson’s privileged childhood to his dramatic years in politics. Jefferson’s many interests, like his passion for books and archeology, along with his love for the United States, form the backbone of the 320-page book. Kids will enjoy finding such fun facts throughout the book. However, Meacham does not shy away from Jefferson’s problems with married women or the appalling Sally Hemings affair. Readers of all ages will be intrigued by the many photographs, charts, maps, and extra facts about the times that dot the chapters. One of the best parts about the book is that it includes many special features at the end. Among them are excerpts from Jefferson’s notebook, a family tree, a timeline, and a list of places in the U.S. and France that honor him. All of those factors combine to make Thomas Jefferson: President and Philosopher a winning book for curious kids!

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

A new student review of Lies in the Dust by Jakob Crane

MezokaCapturer65 posted a new student review of Lies in the Dust by Jakob Crane. See the full review.

This is a very serious and atmospheric book. When I first saw it I thought I would have a hard time discerning the characters because of the art style, but it was actually easy because the dialogue was clear and there weren’t many characters to keep track of. Ann was a very good character, and in this short graphic novel I found myself loving her. She is exactly the kind of character I like, loyal but knows where her loyalties belong. The way that the images in the book are set up reminded me of an intense historical movie, and it was very engaging. There was never anything excessive here, everything seemed important and was in its appropriate place. The back and forth in the time periods during which the book takes place helped to further develop Ann as a character, showing us the details of what happened in her past and how people in her current time period react to it. 

Another great aspect to this story was the relatability given to a historical event. Even though nobody reading the book has been through what Ann has been through, the writer still does a fantastic job making the audience feel for her plight and remember times in their own lives that were similar but far less dramatic and disastrous, such as submitting to peer pressure. All in all, what was accomplished in this short graphic novel was more memorable and well thought out than most people would expect, and I loved every page. Because of the intensity and serious tone, I would recommend this book to those in 7th grade or above, and to those who love historical fiction. Even if one does not like graphic novels, this is definitely one of the best I’ve ever read.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

A new student review of Out of the Tunnel by Patrick Jones

carverreader posted a new student review of Out of the Tunnel by Patrick Jones. See the full review.

I feel that this is a well writen book with great morals and a strong concept. I think it will appeal to boys because it's about football and also appeal to teens because it is told through a teen's viewpoint.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

A new student review of The Never Girls by Kiki Thorpe

Boomer123 posted a new student review of The Never Girls by Kiki Thorpe. See the full review.

I love how the author added baking treats into this book.  People like to bake delicious treats and sometimes people like to read stories with baking in them.  I also love how four girls travel to a fairy world, through Gabby’s closet.    

I was looking forward to the big block party for the Davidson’s family.  They had so many games and activities to do.  My favorite station that they described at the block party was the game station.  I knew some of the games they wrote about.  My second favorite station was the pet care.  It was fun to read about the big party and it made me feel like I should plan a party too.  If you like fairies and baking you should read this book.     

Friday, November 21, 2014

A new student review of Kate the Great by Suzy Becker

nictaf posted a new student review of Kate the Great by Suzy Becker. See the full review.

Kate the Great is an excellent book and I cannot wait until book two is out.  Suzy Becker outdid herself on this great story.  All the story was very well-described, like when Kate described the students' zombie trance that happens in school.  It's like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, in that it includes cartoon-like pictures and funny comments on the side.  This book is so funny it made me laugh, and it will make you laugh, too.  I would recommend this book for ages eight and up.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

A new student review of Spartanica by Powers Molinar

jotaf posted a new student review of Spartanica by Powers Molinar. See the full review.

Spartanica is an awesome book that is chock-full of suspense and action.  I never wanted to put it down.  It was very creative in a way that was lifelike in parts.  The author, Powers Molinar, made the characters very likable. A part in the book that I really enjoyed was when Ty was dreaming his Aunt Andi was making chocolate crepes and bacon for breakfast when he was actually asleep in the woods.  A part I didn't like about the book was that each chapter switched between the perspectives of three people, which made it confusing.   But it wasn't so confusing that I couldn't understand it; it made me pay more attention to each chapter.  This book was so great it left me eagerly anticipating book two.  I would recommend this book to ages eleven through eighteen. 

A new student review of The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

Lucy posted a new student review of The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa. See the full review.

I really liked the book although I was missing some of the information because I had began with the 3rd book, not knowing that it was a series. Even if you do start with the 3rd book, I was still able to know what’s going on after reading more into it. It’s a really great book with an amazing ending that was also bittersweet. It had a lot of emotions and sad scenes, and I cried reading the ending. It’s a really touching book for me. 

A new student review of Vic: Mongol by Jerry Gill

Gwendolyn posted a new student review of Vic: Mongol by Jerry Gill. See the full review.

I took an immediate liking to the protagonist of this book, Vic Challenger. Vic is a confident, astute, curious, and resourceful individual. Although she loves pretty dresses, cloche hats, and the color pink, Vic can take care of herself, doesn't mind getting into messy situations, and doesn't conform to the sexist double standards of her era. She has the most amazing sense of adventure and determination. She reminded me of Nancy Drew in a sense, or of a female Indiana Jones. I admit that I see the better parts of myself in Vic Challenger, even though she is highly fictional. However, apart from Vic, the characters and conversations in Vic: Mongol felt somewhat stiff, bland and hard to connect with. Vic: Mongol by Jerry Gill felt like it wanted to be similar to the classic adventure/mystery stories by Jules Verne, Rudyard Kipling, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Agatha Christie that I adore, but unfortunately it hardly lived up to what I wanted it to be. This is why I wish that it could have been a better read, because I see the potential in it. This book felt like a badly written draft. Many of the sentences seem unfinished, oddly phrased, and even missing words. While reading this novel I continually came across grammatical errors. I also came across several run-on sentences, which made it difficult to read without stopping to look over each paragraph a few times. In most cases it felt like either too much unnecessary information was being provided, or the complete opposite where it felt lacking and unfinished. As the author kept adding new adventures, the initial concept of the book became blurrier as it went along. I feel that this book has too much going on at once, to the extent that it lost my interest as a reader. However, I do admire how this novel was definitely unique while still being reminiscent of classic literature. It has a very promising concept and main character, nevertheless I think that Jerry Gill's work could have had alterations before being published. Although a propitious read in theory, I regrettably feel that Vic: Mongol by Jerry Gill is a mediocre novel at best.

A new student review of Seasons of Raina by Milissa Nelson

SarahLou posted a new student review of Seasons of Raina by Milissa Nelson. See the full review.

I really like this book especially when they rented a cabin. It took me a long time to finish it and I’m sorry about that but I did not want to miss anything, there are so many little details. I think that change can be for the best sometimes atleast in this book.  I think that Seasons of Riana is a great book and that there needs to be another one because it kind of was a cliff hanger and because it was a good book.  Season's of Raina encouraged me to try new things and not be shy.            

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

A new student review of The Green Teen Cookbook by Pam McElroy

sisto8 posted a new student review of The Green Teen Cookbook by Pam McElroy. See the full review.

I like this book because there are many recipes I haven’t tried.  My younger siblings and I tried several of the recipes.  We enjoyed most of the recipes we’ve tried.  There are a few that we probably won’t make again.  I think the author did a very nice job with easy instructions.  There are some cookbooks I’ve read that give instructions that aren’t complete enough to understand without help from someone who knows all of the cookbook slang.  I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone, especially teens.

A new student review of Fish in the Sky by Fridrik Erlings

tbrayton posted a new student review of Fish in the Sky by Fridrik Erlings. See the full review.

“Fish in the Sky” perfectly outlines the struggle that comes with being a young adult.  It encompasses many of the issues teens and preteens deal with today such as insecurity and bullying as well as many of the common domestic problems that plague our society.  The novel explores the transformation of a child into a young adult through themes of burgeoning sexuality and new-found independence.  A perfect book for those attempting to deal with problems that co-align with those in the book as well as for older readers trying to remember what it was like before they had hair on their chest.  A worthwhile read with a never-ending supply of lessons and interpretations from which to learn.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

A new student review of Intentions by Deborah Heiligman

mashagoodspeed posted a new student review of Intentions by Deborah Heiligman. See the full review.

This book started out with a great hook. Rachel's world dramatically changes and so there were so many different ways this book could have gone. I feel like this book went downhill after the begining, however, and I started to not like Rachel as much. This book was a nice short read that kept you turning the pages and the ending was cute. It wasn't the best book and I feel like it could have been more elegantly written but overall it was a satisfying read. 

A new student review of SPANKY: A Soldier's Son by Sue LaNeve

sschu5 posted a new student review of SPANKY: A Soldier's Son by Sue LaNeve. See the full review.

I think this is a really good book because it really shows the relationship between a kid and his dad who is in the army. Spanky shows perseverance, which is a very good character trait. It’s hard when you are down about your dad leaving, but taking care of your mom too just makes it worse. It also has a great storyline because there are multiple small climax’s but the best is the big one.

A new student review of Diamonds in the Rough by Michelle Madow

123evae123 posted a new student review of Diamonds in the Rough by Michelle Madow. See the full review.

This book was an easy read, and flowed smoothly. It touched on the struggles of high school girls, adapting to moving to a new town. Some of the details of the story were a bit far-fetched. Madison's hatred for the sisters is a tad extreme, but overall the book was great, and I would definietly read it again.

Monday, November 17, 2014

A new student review of Disconnected by Lisa Cronkhite

lineabean posted a new student review of Disconnected by Lisa Cronkhite. See the full review.

Disconnected by Lisa M. Cronkhite was an okay book. It had a fairly interseting plot, but it was hard to really empathize with all of the characters. Milly was absolutely interesting, and I honestly did not see any of the plot twists coming up. From that perspective, the book was actually pretty good, but parts of the book were predictable. Overall, it wasn't the most horrible book I've ever read, but it certainly wasn't the best. 

Sunday, November 16, 2014

A new student review of Disconnected

DerpyHooves_9 posted a new student review of Disconnected . See the full review.

Dissconnected was an overall okay book. It gripped my attention and I really didn't expect any of the plot turns. It was interesting to visualize Milly struggling against her disorder. I really thought the book was interesting. Anyway this book was super interesting and it was good.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

A new student review of The Taste of Snow by Stephen V. Masse

jotaf posted a new student review of The Taste of Snow by Stephen V. Masse. See the full review.

The Taste of Snow is a light-hearted adventure with a little magic mixed in.  I really liked the overall story along with the characters as individuals.  I also liked how the author, Stephen V. Masse, brought into the book some actual Austrian elements like Krampus, who is the dark companion of St. Nicholas, and Kiachl (KEYuh-kul), a sort of fried bread.  A part in the book that I really liked was when Nicole‘s dad told a story about snow tasting like peppermint, chocolate, etc. depending on where you were in the world.  If you like characters to overcome their problems, this book is for you.  I think that boys and girls ages eleven through seventeen would most enjoy this book.

Friday, November 14, 2014

A new student review of Nature's Confession by JL Morin

VBat posted a new student review of Nature's Confession by JL Morin. See the full review.

Corporate personhood is a very real threat, as companies continue to gain legal rights once reserved only for individuals. Environmental problems are a concern as well—air pollution in Beijing is so serious that government officials often suggest citizens wear face masks while walking outside. Social justice and environmental issues are very relevant today, and Nature’s Confession does a brilliant job of imagining the possible results of today’s social ills.

The dystopian, science fiction novel is written from multiple perspectives, including those of Boy, his mother, his sister Kenza, and even an alien dog. The variety of viewpoints give the reader a more complete view of the world the characters experience, and are a huge asset to the story. The incorporation of future-lingo, like “transp” fashion and “manipulatedfat” people, allows the characters’ language and conversations to act as a reminder of this setting throughout the book.

I loved the universe Morin described. While the world clearly reflected our own Earth, there was plenty of thought and imagination put into “Enslaved Earth.” Whimsical inventions-- like an alarm clock that uploads embarrassing baby pictures to the Internet if one doesn't get out of bed in time—and the inclusion of space travel and alien life ensured that the story was entertaining.

The book was not only a fast-paced, entertaining read—the themes of thinking for one’s self, valuing individuality, and the corrupting power of money are woven throughout Boy’s story. The readers are called to think critically about their own lives, and their own role in enabling the greed of the human race. The author’s ability to combine intense social commentary with a genuinely enjoyable reading experience is impressive.

The futuristic setting, regulated society and space travel plot of Nature's Confession reminded me a lot of A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and the regulated society was reminiscent of the society in A Brave New World. Fans of science fiction and dystopian novels will love Nature’s Confession, and I would recommend the book to teens and young adults interested in a fun, thought-provoking read. 

Thursday, November 13, 2014

A new student review of Remnants of Tomorrow by Kassy Tayler

nictaf posted a new student review of Remnants of Tomorrow by Kassy Tayler. See the full review.

I ordered Remnants of Tomorrow not knowing it was the third book in a series. I wanted to give this two-stars because I was lost in the story. Because it was well-written, though, I am giving it a five-star rating.  Most of the time I did not know what they were talking about. I would recommend reading the first two books in the series first, or you will be lost in this story like I was.

Kassy Tayler, the author, described the characters very well.  For example, Wren has pale skin and shiny eyes because she was born underground.  This is a decent book and very well described in all areas.  It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, a unique read.  I think this book would be appropriate for ages 11 and up if mystery, romance, and adventure are what you like to read.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

A new student review of The Fog of Forgetting by Genevieve Morgan

jotaf posted a new student review of The Fog of Forgetting by Genevieve Morgan. See the full review.

The Fog of Forgetting is a thrilling book with lots of twists and turns.  I really liked how detailed the author, G. A. Morgan, got with the story and the characters.  For example, she gave Teddy a lisp and she gave Chase asthma.  It was a very well-written book.  A part in the book that I really liked was when the kids saw Rysta change into a fish.  My favorite character was Chase because he was always trying to get out of some scrape or another.  I would recommend this book to those who like adventure and are ready to read a book for hours on end.  This is a trilogy, so anyone who doesn’t like to be left hanging may want to wait until the final two books come out to read this one. 

A new student review of Disconnected by Lisa Cronkhite

afarrell posted a new student review of Disconnected by Lisa Cronkhite. See the full review.

I thought this book was very different from most of the books I've read. I very much enjoyed reading this story because you don't know what has happened to her family and you are just as much in the dark as Milly. As Milly grows, you grow. The fact that Milly's worst enemy is literally herslf, makes this book more interesting. You don't see many books where the character has DID (dissociative identity disorder), and it gives you an insight onto what people who have DID go through.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

A new student review of Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo

cowboys1 posted a new student review of Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo. See the full review.

This book had lots of pictures like a comic strip or graphic novel.  This is great for readers who are around 3-5 grade, especially those that don't like to read regular books.

A new student review of Golden Blood: Time Spirit Trilogy (Volume 1) by Melissa Pearl

joythean posted a new student review of Golden Blood: Time Spirit Trilogy (Volume 1) by Melissa Pearl. See the full review.

I loved how sweet and genuine their romance was and how it developed over time without much of the love-at-first-sight concept. The characters were mostly wonderful: Gemma really changed as a person and time-traveler from the start to the end of the book (as did her sister); on the other hand, Harrison was less than perfect - a hopeless romantic all throughout the story. I also really enjoyed the twists and turns Melissa Pearl weaves into her novel. I was constantly interested and didn't feel like she dragged it out for too long. Also, since I usually don't enjoy books that switch POVs, I was a little skeptical after I got to the first switch. But I didn't have to worry for long because the writing smoothed it out and allowed an even better experience for the reader. My main critique would be that it became more and more predictable as I kept reading, and while this didn't lessen my interest in the novel as a whole, I did skim certain parts. 

A new student review of The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

iamabooklion posted a new student review of The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa. See the full review.

Right after the second book, I was worried that this series was going to end badly, but it wasn't the case for this book. Julie Kagawa exceeded my expectations on this book. I was so awed at how she wraped up this series. I was on the edge of my seat while reading the Forever Song - that's how good it was. I experienced tons of emotions while reading this story. I was anxious, nervous, happy, and sad! Allie started out to be a weak character but throughout the series she became a strong and powerful character who can do anything and I loved her for that. Although I love this book, I would change one thing about it. I would make it longer than it is because there are mysteries that haven't been solved yet and I want to get more information about what happens after the story ends.

A new student review of The Blackhope Enigma by Teresa Flavin

Ravette posted a new student review of The Blackhope Enigma by Teresa Flavin. See the full review.

My only regret was not picking up this book sooner. It was enthralling. I absolutely loved all the new and exciting ideas surrounding the mysterious painting. Even more, I loved the concept of using sorcery to paint a real, tangible world in an inner layer beneath the painting - and a paradise at that! It contained all sorts of oddities, mythological creatures and alchemic ideas. It was entirely vivid in detail, the settings were all beautifully described. The character development was quite interesting, and fit very well with the story; it flowed smoothly and tied back to the story splendidly. Personally, I loved Sunni and Blaise. I felt a closer connection to them because of their endless curiousity and interest in art. I also had an admiration for Marin, who was an apprentice to the famous painter centuries before. He had a painful past which made me feel empathy for him. This story as a whole affected me on an emotional level, it made me feel like the characters were, in a sense, real. 

Friday, November 07, 2014

A new student review of The Fog of Forgetting by Genevieve Morgan

MezokaCapturer65 posted a new student review of The Fog of Forgetting by Genevieve Morgan. See the full review.

Although not very challenging contextually, this book was fun and light hearted, but still found good moments of seriousness that kept it from being just a simple book through and through.  This book is very focused on the power of nature and the power of the circle of life with the element of daylights.  I think that the element of daylights added a lot to the story, showing how the children are all similar in some ways, like in their intellect and their emotions, and also how they are different. The concept of magic was well handled in this book, with it being distributed among a few individuals rather than being given out or all over the place, which could make a story like this less believable, within context.  One thing that I thought could use some work was the way that the narrator transitions between the thoughts of each character, sometimes several times per chapter.  It seems somewhat disorganized and can make it difficult in some places to remember which character thinks what because of all the back and forth.  Another thing is that events seem to come and go very quickly in this book.  In some places it adds to the urgency of the situations and makes the story fast paced, but in others it seems like more details should have been added.  An example would be a few of the times that the children are traveling alone, and a few days pass by within a page or less.  It just seems like there should be more to them, since traveling is such a prevalent theme in the story overall.  This book definitely made me feel a few years younger and was good at making me recall my feelings and experiences back in that time. I would recommend this to young adults with a taste for stories involving magic and mystery, and to anyone who wants to feel young again.  

A new student review of Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough

kanati posted a new student review of Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough. See the full review.

Lindsay Barraclough's new book Long Lankin is a thriller novel that keeps you fully engaged for hours at a time. Long Lankin sports a haunting backdrop that only enhances the chilling plot and characters who to leap off the page as you read. The story is written in a darker tone but this very much enhances the plot and helps to keep the reader on the the of their seat until the very last pages. This is also one of the few books I have read in which the author was able to make their book work while constantly change the point of view you read from.  Overall this was a very good book and am excited to see that there already a second book to following this one up and can't wait to see how this story will continue. I greatly recommend this bok to any teenager or young adult looking for an exciting read or even  just a good ghost story.

A new student review of Cameo by Tanille Edwards

123evae123 posted a new student review of Cameo by Tanille Edwards. See the full review.

 This book was one of the most difficult reads of my life. While the cover looks like a book meant for pre-teens or teenagers the perspective of the book changed so many times it was difficult to tell who was talking. Characters would be introduced and then forgotten about until 3 chapters later, and more detail to help me picture the setting of the story would be helpful. Overall, the plot of this book was not bad, it just requires more specificity and details.

A new student review of If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

LaRayne posted a new student review of If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch. See the full review.

If You Find Me is a heartbreaking page-turner that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat the entire book. You will find yourself crying when Carey cries and laughing when she laughs. Murdoch is an amazing author thats makes you understand the struggle foster children go through as they move from a bad home to a kind loving one. Carey will inspire you and rip you to pieces all at once with her attitude and certain love for her sister. This is a great book for ages 13+.

Thursday, November 06, 2014

A new student review of Made For You by Melissa Marr

swalia posted a new student review of Made For You by Melissa Marr. See the full review.

I rated Made for You by Melissa Marr a three out of five because this book was very interesting and fast-paced. I finished this book in two days and was immediately pulled into the mystery of this book. The plot twist at the end was very surprising. During most of the book, I thought I knew who the killer was, but I was very surprised when the actual killer was revealed. I think that the actual killer could have been developed better during Eva’s narration, because he was not mentioned very often. This book is told from Eva’s, Judge’s, and Grace’s point of view. Personally, I liked the different point of views, because each person had different personalities and told the story very differently. I felt that the romance in this book, outshined the paranormal ability of premonitions. Her ability to foresee deaths was hidden behind her love for Nate. If this book was less of a romance and focused more on the magical abilities and mystery of the book I would have rated it a four. I would recommend this book to girl age 14 and older, who like romance and murder mysteries.

A new student review of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car by Ian Fleming

AKFeldman posted a new student review of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car by Ian Fleming. See the full review.

I loved this book. I remember watching the movie as a child, and when I saw this book available to review I jumped at the chance to read it. With lucid prose and engaging tales that will enrapture people of all ages, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a must-read for all. 

A new student review of Macadoo of the Maury River by Gigi Amateau

moseso posted a new student review of Macadoo of the Maury River by Gigi Amateau. See the full review.

Macadoo of the Maury River is a fascinating book that will keep readers on the edge of their seat until the end. The only critical observation about the book is the slower middle section in which the book loses excitement. Recovery is made, however, because the ending speeds into a dramatic conclusion. The book is told from Macadoo’s point of view, which makes the story entertaining to read. The age limit for the book should be for nine to twelve year olds. Macadoo of the Maury River is a thrilling book that horse lovers everywhere will adore!         

Tuesday, November 04, 2014

A new student review of Acid

JesusFreak posted a new student review of Acid . See the full review.

This book is one of the best I've read for a while.  With non-stop action and suspense, it had me on edge the entire time I read it.  Jenna Strong is a very likeable, kick-butt character.  Her willingness to fend for herself and take down anyone who got in her way appealed to me.  The lead male character, Max, wasn't the most likeable when the book started.  However, as the book progressed, I began to like him more.  The way he didn't look at Jenna as weak but still cared for her was likeable.

The book cover was also beautifully done.  The effects in the background had amazing quality, and the model on the front matched the description of Jenna brilliantly.

In many books, the description is so long that you begin to lose interest, but this was not the case in ACID.  The author didn't use too much or too little description, just enough so that the reader knew what was going on.

Overall, this book was amazing and I highly suggest it to young adults ages 16+.

Monday, November 03, 2014

A new student review of Winter Falls (Twin Willows Trilogy) by Nicole Maggi

blytheedwards posted a new student review of Winter Falls (Twin Willows Trilogy) by Nicole Maggi. See the full review.

I enjoyed Winter Falls. It kept its thrilling feeling throughout the book. It kept you on the edge, always wondering why or how. It left me wanting more free time to read the book.

A new student review of When the World Ends... by J. J. Marshall

kodystallard posted a new student review of When the World Ends... by J. J. Marshall. See the full review.

Out of 5, I would give this book an 4. The book is sort of slow at the beginning, but it is okay because it has so many details that need to be explained to understand the rest of the book. It also was a tad confusing for me at times, but it was cleared up in the next chapter. One of my favorite things was that you always knew what Alec was thinking, and it was like his emotions were your emotions while reading this book.

Overall, the book was action-packed, thrilling, and it always kept me turning the page even when I didn't know it.

A new student review of Sliding Beneath the Surface:St. Augustine Trilogy,Book I by Doug Dillon

NathanPechacek10 posted a new student review of Sliding Beneath the Surface:St. Augustine Trilogy,Book I by Doug Dillon. See the full review.

Sliding Beneath The Surface was an excellent book. It had everything in it! History, a little humor, and just the right amount of eeriness. The characters seemed so real. You kind of feel like you know them. I was a little confused in the beginning, but after finishing the first part, I couldn’t put the book down. This is the first book in a trilogy, and I can’t wait to read the next book. I would strongly recommend this book for boys ages 12-16. If you are looking for a good book that’s a little scary, and also a page turner, this is the book for you.

Sunday, November 02, 2014

A new student review of The Fire Wish by Amber Lough

alison_S posted a new student review of The Fire Wish by Amber Lough. See the full review.

At first glance, The Fire Wish struck me as little more than the conventional tale of two comically different characters swapping lives. Luckily for me, however, I couldn't have been more wrong; though Zayele and Najwa's trading places unleashes the bulk of our protagonists' problems, Lough's thoughtful, imaginative backstory intensifies this deceivingly simple plot. Though, by alternating between Zayele and Najwa's viewpoints, Lough evokes sympathy for two characters on opposite sides of a decade-long war, she also bogs down the novel's initial chapters. That being said, the book's slow start allowed time for richly developed characters and a vibrant setting. In creating the Jinn's world, Lough blends fantasy and Middle-Eastern culture with finesse. The Fire Wish ends perfectly, treating readers to a conclusion as inevitable as it is unpredictable, though the novel's decidedly optimistic endnote, in some readers' minds, at least, may compromise its authenticity.

Friday, October 31, 2014

A new student review of The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel

iamabooklion posted a new student review of The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel. See the full review.

I absolutely love this book! It was funny and cute and heart warming. I really love Becca as a character as she is relateable and funny. The writing is really beautiful and I love it. It's original and funny. I really like how it was fast-paced and entertaining.  Becca is a really funny character and I can't help but love her! 

Thursday, October 30, 2014

A new student review of Dark Destiny by M.J. Putney

dancechicka posted a new student review of Dark Destiny by M.J. Putney. See the full review.

If I could have one word to describe this book, if would be…..inconsistent.  The first part of the book was, bluntly, abysmal—then, in the second half, it was like somebody flipped a switch.  At the beginning, the sentence structure and dialogue was painfully awkward; the plot jumped from one thing to another, and the characters were horribly annoying.  Then, in the second half, it was like a whole different book--the writing was impeccable, the direction solid, the characterization strong.  I couldn’t put it down!  There was action; there was intrigue; there was desperation and angst, and, most of all, GOOD DIALOGUE!  By the ending, it felt like that author finally got “settled” into the story.  But for a plot as unique as Dark Destiny’s, you really need to capitalize on good writing skills and details that make the reader feel like they’re there—throughout the entire book. Something that I would strongly recommend for those of you interested in reading this book would be to start at the beginning of the series—Dark Destiny is book number three of the Dark Mirror series, and maybe reading the first two will help clear up some confusion. All in all, I think that this series has a lot of potential, but just needs to focus more on the basic concepts of writing and less on an intricate, complicated plot.

“So far, so good.  Tory wondered if the soldiers realized the British and the tiger by the tail.  And she was in no mood to be eaten.”

I would recommend this book for ages eleven and up—the content is mostly clean, except for a little section where the word “strumpet” and its various affiliates are used quite liberally. 

Will Rebecca and the British mages be able to save Lackland—or will they watch in defeat as Napoleon’s Army takes over the city they once loved?  Dark Destiny by M.J. Putney is the only way to find out!

NOTE:  Interested in starting the series?  Dark Mirror is book #1, Dark Passage #2, and the prequel novella (Fallen from Grace) has also been released!  

A new student review of The Eye of Minds by James Dashner

thudson36 posted a new student review of The Eye of Minds by James Dashner. See the full review.

I personally didn’t like this novel. I thought it could get very boring and long at points, and found myself not interested in it. I do like the overall idea of the book and think it’s very different and original. I would only recommend this book to someone that was interested in technology and video games, because it may be uninteresting if not. The book does flow and is action-packed. There are many suspenseful parts that caught my attention, but overall I found myself distracted and indifferent while reading this book.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

A new student review of Twisted (Volume 1) by Brittany Hawes

Sweetfable posted a new student review of Twisted (Volume 1) by Brittany Hawes. See the full review.

This book had a lot of elements which I really liked, such as the humor and the main character, Lola. She has a surpirising amount of depth and I really liked how she thought things through before taking big leaps. The plot was really good as well, and the story moved along quite smoothly. As for the not so good parts, I found some of the roles to be sterotypical and there really was not as much action as I hoped there would be. I found I did really like her writing style, although some of it was a bit confusing to read.

I am definitely looking foward to reading the rest of the series and cannot wait to see how this author develops her writing style more.

A new student review of Aesop's Secret by Claudia White

pavannah posted a new student review of Aesop's Secret by Claudia White. See the full review.

Aesops Secret, is a riveting tale for children, that if young enough can capture your attention and excitement.  However, for an older audience, this book lacks substance, it fails to provide a book to get lost in.  I really wanted to like this book, but found myself constantly looking for an excuse to avoid it.  I read it, only by force; which proved arduous, and cumbersome.  The book lacks sufficient details, and the storyline proved weak, in the realization that the authors moves for the characters could be easily guessed from an early point in the story.  This story may prove a valuable read for children looking for a beginners book, but as for me, I would do well to steer clear of any future books of this nature.

 

Monday, October 27, 2014

A new student review of Egg & Spoon

dancechicka posted a new student review of Egg & Spoon . See the full review.

While the plot may seem slightly implausible, I really enjoyed this book.  The design was beautifully worded and very descriptive—the text just tended to flow.  I found the characterization to be very strong and relatable (but still able to invoke sympathy or contempt).  In a many books these days, the protagonist tends to be put on a pedestal—perfect, ideal, unreachable.  With Elena, I didn’t get that feeling at all.  Maguire was skilled at revealing her and other character’s flaws—because, as you know, we, as human beings, find it impossible to be perfect.   The symbolism and folklore was also very prominent in this book, which could sometimes be confusing for those of us who are not up to date on our Russian legends—but, in many situations, it also added to the intrigue and the literary flow that I mentioned earlier.  While slightly dry and rigid at some points, the story was mostly kept fast-paced and energetic.  I also enjoyed the humor that was scattered throughout—the dry wit of some character’s definitely kept the story light and airy.  All in all, a good read that I would recommend for anyone looking for something a little different to add to their reading list.

                “I don’t know what the crisis is…..but have you ever noticed that the world can hardly fail to be beautiful even when it is falling apart?”

                I would recommend this book for all ages, as the fairy-tale impression would appeal to younger readers and the action and suspense appeal to the older.

                Will Elena and Cat find a way to be happy in their own destinies that their circumstances have planned out for them—or will they find a way to make their own fate?  Read Egg and Spoon by Gregory Maguire to find out!

A new student review of This Is Sarah by Ally Malinenko

mashagoodspeed posted a new student review of This Is Sarah by Ally Malinenko. See the full review.

This book was good but not great. This book was not unique and was very predictable. It is a good book to read if you like books that deal with real life events but don't read this expecting something dramatic to happen. This book is very realistic though, as well as very emotional. The trauma that the characters face actually happens to many families. This books spans the time frame of a year and I think that the way the "year after" is depicted is really well done. Overall I think this book is a good read but not a groundbreaking novel. 

Thursday, October 23, 2014

A new student review of Winterspell by Claire Legrand

Star360 posted a new student review of Winterspell by Claire Legrand. See the full review.

I really wanted to adore Winterspell. I love The Nutcracker, and Legrand’s previous book, The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls, was wonderfully creepy. However, I was not able to completely immerse myself in this novel. First off, Winterspell should not be billed as a spinoff of the (Nutcracker) ballet. Besides the Christmastime setting and a few characters’ names, it has a whole life of its own. Also, while I appreciated the time that was put into describing assorted settings or emotions, it caused the book to drag. As for Clara, I understand that Victorian-era girls are not famed for being tough. But since she was put in so many perilous situations, I would have liked to see her be more resilient and clever. Her love interest, Nicholas, was manipulative and often lied to her. The faery queen was not the villain that I expected. To be honest, she seemed like an extremely psychologically imbalanced Princess Elsa of Frozen fame. On a positive note, the magical world of Cane was very thoroughly mapped out. The kingdom’s people were diverse, its cities well-detailed, and its history was explained. The book also included modern social criticism about different hierarchies and lifestyles. Essentially, Winterspell has an interesting skeleton. Readers, likely teen girls, who enjoy their Christmas season with a dash of fantasy will be pleased with the romantic tale.

A new student review of Once Upon a Road Trip by Angela N. Blount

snehayamsani posted a new student review of Once Upon a Road Trip by Angela N. Blount. See the full review.

I loved how Blount used her actual life experiences and journal entries and turned them into a novel. It’s inspiring to know that ideas are everywhere, you just have to know where to look. Every adventure in the book was exciting and very clear to follow. I especially loved the banter between the characters. I was laughing my head off half the time while I was reading.

 

You could also see Angie progress from the beginning to end as she learned more about herself. I admired this personal growth because I felt like Angie was me. I’ve always wanted to take an adventure and reading this novel just spurred me on. I even have a map marked with all the places I want to visit after I graduate!

 

I’d give this novel a 4.5 out of 5. It’s a great book, and I hope you all get a chance to read it.

 

A new student review of Thrones of Bones: Frostborn by Lou Anders

jotaf posted a new student review of Thrones of Bones: Frostborn by Lou Anders. See the full review.

I really liked Thrones and Bones: Frostborn.  It was very thrilling,  adventurous, and funny.  It was also fairly descriptive, like when the author, Lou Anders, described Helltoppr's draug minions as smelly, rotting, undead beings.  One of my favorite parts in the book was where Karn and Thianna faced the dragon, Orm, and they outsmarted him.  This book didn't really feel like it had any bad parts to it, other than a few very minor parts where it confused me a bit.  My favorite character was Karn because he was a boy who always wanted to go adventuring to explore lands near and far.  I would recommend this book to anyone aged eleven through seventeen or to readers who enjoy books with action, suspense, and excitement, yet can also handle a minimal amount of death.

A new student review of The Counterfeit Father by PV Lundqvist

nictaf posted a new student review of The Counterfeit Father by PV Lundqvist. See the full review.

The Counterfeit Father was an extremely good read that was fun and fast-paced.  One great example is when Tony tricked Hawes into letting him visit his cyber friend, Juniper.  Going to visit Juniper was against Tony’s mother’s rules because of Tony’s health. Tony was a very well developed character, but wasn’t very believable in the real world.  One example of this is his owning a pet monkey with an automated cage.  Despite not being believable, I loved this book.  I cannot wait for book two, because this book made me laugh out loud!  I would recommend this book for all ages; everyone will love it.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

A new student review of The Cydonian Pyramid by Pete Hautman

MezokaCapturer65 posted a new student review of The Cydonian Pyramid by Pete Hautman. See the full review.

I found this book to be very enjoyable and a pleasant challenge for readers, as there are many characters and concepts that must be followed in order to understand any of the story.  It also helps if one has read the first book of this series, “The Obsidian Blade,” which further explains some of what is mentioned in this book.  The author put a lot of work into creating distinct worlds in the different timelines that each chapter follows, to the point where it can be difficult to understand the order of events or who each character really is.  The tone and narrative voice change perceptively with each character speaking, from Lah Lia to Tucker and to one other character at the end.

I feel that the author was very strong within the areas of grabbing the reader’s attention and making them continue to want to read the book.  Even though there were some pieces that I didn’t understand, they were further explained later and I was still inspired to continue with the book.  This book was exceptionally interesting, with the characters guessing about what was going to happen next, just like the reader.  Each side character, especially Yar Song, entertained me a lot with their wisdom, cruelty, or even just their accent.  It has definitely convinced me to continue with the series.  It may be difficult for younger readers to really understand the events of this book, so I recommend this book to those 14 and up.  

A new student review of Lies in the Dust by Jakob Crane

Star360 posted a new student review of Lies in the Dust by Jakob Crane. See the full review.

Lies in the Dust is a fresh take of the Salem Witch Trials. It was very thought-provoking to read a book that was from the point of view of an accuser years after the trials. Ann Putnam and the other girls did wrong accusing over 200 people of witchcraft, but the true conundrum is why they did it. There are many ideas, some of them scientific, but this book’s hypothesis is on the psychological spectrum. Ann’s struggle is revealed through flashbacks involving herself and her scheming parents. An afterword provides more straightforward information. While Crane’s prose is to the point and easy to understand, it sometimes takes a delightful lyrical quality. Decker only uses pen and ink for his illustrations, but those basic mediums work very well for this graphic novel. The black and white pictures convey both the tedium of Puritan life and the mass hysteria that arose during the trials. Lies in the Dust is also a wonderful resource for teachers whose students can’t read The Crucible just yet! Lies in the Dust is a gripping graphic novel that is accessible and well-crafted.

Monday, October 20, 2014

A new student review of WhipEye by Geoffrey Saign

Lucy posted a new student review of WhipEye by Geoffrey Saign. See the full review.

WhipEye, is an amazing book that I couldn’t stop reading. I finished it in less than a week. I really recommend this book to those who are interested in magical creatures like snakes and parrots. Whipeye is the first in the series, Whipeye Chronicles. I plan on getting the second book very soon.

A new student review of Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer

wallace.madi posted a new student review of Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer. See the full review.

This was a very emotional book to read. Robin's pain was tangible, and the suspense of whether EMily would be okay or not built throughtout the entire book. The way Robin's classmates treated her was relatable for anyone who has felt like an outcast in their own school. This was one of the most powerfully felt books I have ever read. 

A new student review of Anybody Shining by Frances O'Roark Dowell

nictaf posted a new student review of Anybody Shining by Frances O'Roark Dowell. See the full review.

Anybody Shining is not the book that I was expecting.  I was expecting something very funny, happy, and new.  Instead, it is a tale that merges a bunch of letters to Arie Mae‘s cousin with the story itself.  I found this book to be a bit lackluster.  Girls may like this book better than boys. On the other hand, the characters are easy to understand and are believable.  For instance, when Tom must sit out and not play, he writes in his journal instead.  I would recommend this book for ages 9 and up.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

A new student review of The Royal Red Secret by M. K. Nelson

baseballal posted a new student review of The Royal Red Secret by M. K. Nelson. See the full review.

I would not recommend this book for people who are into fast-paced action and comedy.  It is good for young readers that do not like scary stories.  I think this would be good for boys and girls ages 7-8.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

A new student review of Caught Between Two Curses by Margo Dill

McTower posted a new student review of Caught Between Two Curses by Margo Dill. See the full review.

Five stars for Margo Dill! Caught Between Two Curses was awesome! It had the best vocabulary possible for the recommended age. The book pulled you in the second you started to read it. On top of that, it  had a lot of reality blended with the curses on Julie's family. Could this be the best book in the world? It might just be!

Friday, October 17, 2014

A new student review of Alice-Miranda by Jacqueline Harvey

RockinR4 posted a new student review of Alice-Miranda by Jacqueline Harvey. See the full review.

I thought this book was pretty good! I loved the adventure, characters, and storyline. One thing that could have made book so much more interesting, would be more background info. Because of this, some parts of the story became very difficut to understand from the author's point of view. If there were more background, I would have given it 5 stars instead of the three I did give this book.

A new student review of The Dark World by Cara Lynn Shultz

LaRayne posted a new student review of The Dark World by Cara Lynn Shultz. See the full review.

This is an awesome book that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat the entire time. You fall in love with Logan as Paige does, you cry when she cries and you laugh when she laughs. The ending will have you furiously searching the internet for news of another book. You will find yourself laughing throughout the entire book. Cara Lynn Shultz wrote this book so well you are surprised when you look up and aren't sitting on the roof with Logan and Paige. I would suggest this book to tween and teen girls.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

A new student review of Seeing by Joseph Falank

Alyssakb99 posted a new student review of Seeing by Joseph Falank. See the full review.

I liked writing this review. This book taught me a lot of how family can overcome hardships. I would definitely recommend this book to young adult readers; this is a well written story about family and hardships, and how to overcome trials. This book shows people that even when life seems to be against you, real friendships are the ones who get you through anything. 

A new student review of The Fourth Wall by Elizabeth Maria Naranjo

123evae123 posted a new student review of The Fourth Wall by Elizabeth Maria Naranjo. See the full review.

This book, although a fantasy book, did not use fantasy to drive the plot, but rather to keep the plot on track. As Marin is only asleep during certain times of the book, the fantasy aspect could not control the book and was not overwhelming. It did take me a little while to get into the story, and really like the plot, but after the third chapter I could not put this book down. It was a great debut novel for Elizabeth Maria Naranjo.

A new student review of The Blackhope Enigma by Teresa Flavin

alison_S posted a new student review of The Blackhope Enigma by Teresa Flavin. See the full review.

While The Blackhope Enigma focuses primarily on external conflict, for the novel’s first two hundred pages the three main characters struck me as somewhat oversimplified; Flavin establishes each character’s dominating traits early on, and, for the bulk of the novel, her characters conform to these traits with no internal conflict whatsoever. For instance,  though Angus Bellini, the novel’s primary antagonist, exhibits every manifestation of “evil” imaginable (such as greed, pride, violence, and even gluttony) within the first half of the novel, he lacks all but the slightest glimmers of remorse. Similarly, for the book’s initial two-thirds, Dean seems to function more as a plot device than as a nuanced, three-dimensional character. While deciding whether or not to enter The Mariner’s Return to Arcadia, Blaise does wrestle with some ambivalence. Once he arrives, however, this high school freshman faces sea monsters, raging whirlpools, and crumbling ravines with relative bravado. Throughout The Blackhope Enigma, Blaise and Sunni embody all that is brave and virtuous, while Angus personifies malice, greed, and self-centeredness. What dissatisfied me more than these individual traits, however, was each character’s tendency to act﹘ and react﹘ predictably. Thankfully, though The Blackhope Enigma lacks internal conflict, Flavin’s imaginative premise and competent imagery immerse readers in Fausto Corvo’s hideaway of magic and mysticism. Furthermore, Flavin’s dialogue amused me with its humor and charmed me with its sweetness. Though some aspects of The Blackhope Enigma’s fantastical setting felt a tad formulaic, Flavin adorns her novel with fresh, witty details. Because Sunni, Blaise, and Dean spend much of the The Blackhope Enigma wandering through The Mariner’s Return to Arcadia, with only the vague hope of getting home to guide them, this novel’s pacing lacks the purposefulness of more goal-directed works. Then again, who wouldn't treasure every extra moment spent exploring Flavin’s imaginative debut?

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

A new student review of Magic Tree House #3: Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osborne

moseso posted a new student review of Magic Tree House #3: Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osborne. See the full review.

 

This book is a definite page-turner. The plot is very easy to understand and simple to become involved in. Because the plot is straightforward and easy to comprehend, the book should be geared for seven to nine year olds. The way the book is written makes it seem as if you’re really in ancient Egypt with Jack and Annie. Mummies in the Morning is the third book in a series, so there is continuation from the other books. Therefore, it is slightly hard to understand the beginning and end of the book if you have not read the first two books. Aside from that, the book is a superior read and highly recommended.