At LitPick, we review books from a variety of genres, as well as enjoy promoting reading and writing worldwide among adults and students. We also like connecting authors and publishers with readers.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Goal: Glory Days by Robert Rigby
This book is a great book for young sportative teens, such as myself. As I did like the book, I do whish the author made the book setting more visial. At times I could not picture the setting. I would recommend the book to my friends, and I have done so allready. My most favortive part of the book is how the author wrote the book. I love the writing style of the book. I learned something from reading the book. No matter if your rich or poor, if you fellow your dreams you will be big.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Germantown, Tennessee USA
The Red Umbrella by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
Will Lucia's and Frankie's new family, even if only temporary, be a good one? And will she and her brother ever see their parents again? Gonzalez's realistic characters come to life in this intriguing story and show how amazingly brave two people can be through the hardest of times.
The Red Umbrella is well written and full of twists and turns. However, if I were to read it again, which I am sure that I will, I would hope for a more exciting and gratifying ending. The vocabulary is very age appropriate and while reading this book, I learned quite a few Spanish words. Throughout The Red Umbrella, there are short phrases and words that are listed in the glossary in the back of the book. In this moving and entertaining story, I feel the realistic characters are easy to relate to. It is also easy to imagine them as real people which is why this is such an amazing story. I highly recommend this book to all pre-teen readers interested in dramatic novels.
Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Akron, Ohio United States of America
A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner
I found it very difficult to become "hooked" on the book. Although I loved the story I found it difficult to come back to it. Losing a friend is difficult, and I enjoyed how the author portrayed a group of teens coping with it. Hanging on to their friend in any way they could. What I disliked was the love story aspect. It did not seem to fit with the other parts of the plot. It was awkward and it didn't seem right to have such a basic plot with such an original one. Until the end, I did not like reading about the developing love, because it seemed so misplaced. In all honesty though the author did an amazing job of portraying human nature. Particularly human nature of teenagers. Few adult authors are capable of this. She also wrote about the reactions people have to death with great accuracy. I just wish some of the plot had not been as basic.
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Minnetonka, Minnesota United States
Kid vs. Squid by Greg Van Eekhout
Kid Vs. Squid is a well written book that is easy to follow with no bad language, a bit of suspense, and a lot of funny parts. It also has a hint of mythology. It's a great action adventure book that is appropriate for ages 9-13. Greg Van Eekhout also did such a good job of the details that I could clearly see everything in my mind. The author's voice seemed real, like Thatcher could be my friend, in sort of the same style that Percy Jackson was written. If someone were to ask me if I were to recommend the book I would say yes because the book was really a great book that I greatly enjoyed.
Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Dickinson, Texas U.S.A.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Thomas and the Dragon Queen by Shutta Crum
Thomas and the Dragon Queen was an amazing story. The setting was quite warm and cheerful throughout the book, and it was easy to imagine fighting the lake monster, playing with the dragonlets, and even cowering before Bridgoltha. I especially loved the way the dragons ended their storys As was the way, it was done. I enjoyed how behind her fierceness Bridgoltha was really very kind. I thought it amazing how a fierce dragon queen and a knight set out to kill her could become friends in such a short time. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dragons, knights, princesses, adventure, and swords with hilts made out of the teeth of ancient monsters!
Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Lake City, IA USA
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Deception by Lee Nichols
Deception was an unusually decent book. It was written well enough to keep me reading and I was overjoyed by the fact that there were absolutely no vampires. While fairly predictable, the plot was still pretty original, a welcome change from other paranormal books. Though not a masterpiece, Deception was a nice light read and had enough suspense to keep the reader occupied. Emma and her feelings of confusion concerning her ghostly capabilities were well-described and plausible. I’d recommend this book to readers looking for a quick read with substance.
Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Charleston, SC USA
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Halloween Night Fever: End of the Long Walk by Dan Graffeo
Halloween Night Fever: End of the Long Walk was a good book, although it did not live up to my expectations. The first half is not very exciting and slightly repetitive; Willy is just training and he learns a bunch of necessary skills. The rest of the book has more action and overall has an interesting plot. Except for the last three chapters, which seemed like a drawn-out epilogue, the book leads up to a good ending. If you choose to read this book, don’t stop mid-way; read it all the way through.
Content: 1
Rating: 6
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Santa Fe, TX USA
Friday, August 20, 2010
Poser by Sue Wyshynski
Overall, I thought Poser was well-written. There was just the right amount of description; enough to visualize the setting but not become bored reading it. The author creates a loveable personality for Talluah that everyone can sympathize with. Although there was a small lull in the action toward the beginning of the book, I could hardly put the book down. Some situations seemed unrealistic, but the majority of the book was believable. I especially liked how Talluah always would learn important rules of friendship, even if she had to learn them the hard way.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Milwaukee, WI USA
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Behind Green Glass by Amanda Von Hoffman
Behind Green Glass is a book that will forever keep you on your toes; there was never a moment when I wanted to put it down. Even though other YA books have used faeries in their stories, Von Hoffman has added a twist to the basics of fay lore, the Forgotten Ones. This book has definitely made it to the top of my list for fantasy novels. The story was wonderful, but it lacked an appropriate ending for a novel. It kept me hanging, wanting more, something I personally loathe in a novel. Other than that, I can’t wait to read it again.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fresno, California USA
Friday, August 13, 2010
Blood Prophecy by Stefan Petrucha
Blood Prophecy is a unique take on the traditional fantasy story that involves exciting glimpses of history and is told from a monster's perspective. Petrucha manages to make the reader feel like he is part of the story and really witnessing history along with Jeremiah. The novel is clearly well researched and is fast-paced to read. I felt very engaged in the story the whole time, although the beginning of the novel was slower and did not lead the reader to expect the fantastic story that followed the introduction. I thought Jeremiah was a realistic seeming character and the reader could relate to him, even if he is a monster. Also, that the protagonist was a monster gave the novel an interesting twist. I did not really dislike any aspect of this novel although the romance plotline did feel weak at times. I thought the Petrucha's descriptions were always well incorporated into the story and created vivid images for the reader without dragging on or taking away from the story. I would highly recommend it to others as a distinctive read that stands out from many other fantasy novels I have read.
Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: San Diego, CA USA
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Fairy Godmother Academy by Jan Bozarth
This book is action-packed and exciting. As Kerka is a Fairy-Godmother-In-The-Making everything is explained well for someone who hasn’t read the first book (I would know). The author did a great job describing this book. I can feel the ice slide beneath my feet and see the ribbon of wind that carried Kerka. I would recommend this to any fantasy lover looking for an original book.
Reviewer Age:10
Reviewer City, State and Country: Rockwell City, IA USA
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Blank Confession
This book is an insightful, witty, gripping look into a drug riddled high school and two boy's fight to stop the drugs from flowing through the high school. Hautman uses authentic voices to tell his story, and the narration is clear and focused. Mikey's voice is witty, and Shayne's voice is dark and serious. I could always picture the setting, and I was always right there with the characters. This book is very moving, with a great twist at the end, and I always wanted to read just one more chapter. I learned about integrity from this book, and so will you. I would only recommend it to mature readers because there is some violence and drug usage. I give this book a complete A+.
This book includes drug use.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Evansville, Indiana USA
Monday, August 09, 2010
The Perfect Family
against homosexuals. Jamie, a sophomore in high school,
has been struggling with the idea that he might not be
attracted to women. He is very timid at first, but soon
finds he is not the only one. Luke, a classic sophomore
jock, has also been struggling with this problem, and they
find relief in each other. When they come out to public
with this idea things aren't as great as what they would
like them to be. Luke's parents blame it on Jamie, and
hate everything about Luke's homosexual feelings. Jamie is
having a lot of the same problems with his family. His
brother Brian is struggling immensely at school because of
it. Jamie's father struggles with questions about
religion. And his mother struggles to keep it all together.
I really enjoyed this book. I don't really enjoy the
topic, but this book was a page turner. I couldn't put it
down. And I would recommend it to anyone interested in the
topic. It pointed out many pros and cons.
The Perfect Family is a book of modern discrimination
against homosexuals. Jamie, a sophomore in high school,
has been struggling with the idea that he might not be
attracted to women. He is very timid at first, but soon
finds he is not the only one. Luke, a classic sophomore
jock, has also been struggling with this problem, and they
find relief in each other. When they come out to public
with this idea things aren't as great as what they would
like them to be. Luke's parents blame it on Jamie, and
hate everything about Luke's homosexual feelings. Jamie is
having a lot of the same problems with his family. His
brother Brian is struggling immensely at school because of
it. Jamie's father struggles with questions about
religion. And his mother struggles to keep it all together.
I really enjoyed this book. I don't really enjoy the
topic, but this book was a page turner. I couldn't put it
down. And I would recommend it to anyone interested in the
topic. It pointed out many pros and cons.
There is a little bit of sensuality, and homosexual
thoughts, and some adult language
Reviewer
Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Dorr, Michigan
USA
Thursday, August 05, 2010
black Dust Mambo by Adrian Phoenix
This book was not one of my favorites. The characters were well developed and realistic, but the story just kind of dragged on. It was kind of confusing at parts because I don't know a lot about hoodoo magic and that is mainly what this book was about. There were a couple sex scenes that were kind of unnecessary and I wish had not been included. This is a book for mature readers.
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City,
State and Country: Brownsburg, Indiana, United States of
America
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines by Beverly S. McClure
This book is mediocre at best. The one thing I really did like about this book is the protagonist, Elizabeth. She would be a very good, rounded, and dynamic character if the author was more skilled at writing. However, her spunk and defiance against the sexist practices during this time period gives the book a very feminist outlook.
The plot was a little like a badly written soap drama; there was no real development in the events, and all of them were pretty predictable. Also, the plot was not very compelling; I was counting down the chapters until I finished the book.
Some of the moments in this book were truly touching and well written, but most of the time the writing was laden with cliché phrases like, “I had found a beautiful friendship to treasure” (McClure, 101). The historical accuracy isn’t bad, but the voice of the novel sometimes slips and sounds modern. If you’re looking for a good historical fiction read, don’t bother with this one.
There are plenty of other well-written books about the American Civil War.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Hinsdale, IL USA
Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley
intercepts the call from Scarlet. Forced to find another way to get to Charlotte, Scarlett enters the afterlife world herself to find Charlotte. When she finds her, they go on a search for Petula's holding room . Along the way, Maddy tries to lead them astray (because she is trying to
steal Petula’s life for herself). In the end, Petula is saved
and crowned Homecoming Queen.
I enjoyed this book because the author made me feel like I was there. The characters were great and worked together well, like best friends or sisters. The author’s voice also changed throughout out the book to what every mood they were in at the moment (funny, serious.). She gave great detail and I was never left wondering what was happening. I found this book to be entertaining and interesting. I think the ending was great because I like happy endings. I would recommend this book to others.
Content: 1
Rating: 9
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State
and Country: Mineola , Texas USA
"Noah's Castle" by John Rowe Townsend
In this well-woven story, Barry is faced with choices that could change his life forever. Townsend's characters seem to come alive in this breathtaking story and reveal how truly terrifying life can sometimes be. While reading Noah's Castle, I found myself on the edge of my seat and turning each page quickly.I think this story will intrigue many pre-teen readers interested in historical fiction with a suspenseful twist. There was a good balance of detailed information in Noah's Castle. When I closed my eyes, I could easily imagine the setting and characters. The characters act and speak so realistically that they seem alive, and the setting, time, and place appear very accurate. However, this book is characterized by an unrealistic chain of events. At times, it seems like too many things are happening, one after the other. Also, I hoped for a more captivating ending.
Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Akron, Ohio United States of America
Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell
Little Blog on the Prairie was a funny, and somewhat of an entertaining book. I will be honest-it was not my favorite, but it was still a good read. I would think that girls would enjoy this book. If you guys like a little drama, farms, and a big twist, you might also enjoy it.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Winslow, AR USA
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Invisible City, by M.G. Harris
I loved this book! It was very intense at times, such as during the car chases and when the main characters were getting shot at and being driven into a lake, and heartbreaking when you experience the internal debate in Josh when he has to decide to save himself and leave his sister behind to drown in the rapidly sinking car. Times like those I wanted to cry as if I were Josh. The author made me feel as if Joshua's struggles and my own were one, just as I could find myself running through beautiful Central American jungles and journeying through the forgotten city Ek Naab. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves action-packed books with great storylines. This book has a bit of everything in it; action, deceit, heartbreak, betrayal, and a tiny spark of romance.
Rating: 9
Content: 1
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Garden Ridge, Texas USA
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Awakening on Orbis 4 by PJ Haarsma
Awakening on Orbis 4 was a well-written, emotional, and powerful novel. The futuristic setting developed in the mind of the author is both creative and descriptive, perhaps one of the most intriguing I have ever encountered. The book also contains small, yet effective romance scenes that have a huge effect on the overall feel of the book and the layout of the plot. It is because of these very realistic human emotions such as love, fear, and desperation that the characters seem very real and true to themselves. The voice of this novel isn't very strong, as it uses much dialogue to tell the story. But when there is no dialogue, the narration is rather matter-of-fact. However, this fault does not impede on the quality of the story, as it is not very apparent.
Having read the prequel, I found this book to be everything I expected it to be, and much more. I felt the emotions of the characters, as they experienced pain, love, and confusion. This was perhaps the greatest strength of the book. Another strength was that the vocabulary was age appropriate, and so was the content of the book. A minor weakness was the book slightly confused me at the beginning, because the settings were very intricate and complex. However, the complexity of the book also adds a dimension that was very intriguing. Compared to other books in the Sci-Fi category, it was one of the best, even better than its prequel. I found the book very interesting and moving, and am eager for the next book to be published. The ending was excellent, setting the scene for many more stories to come. I would definitely recommend Awakening on Orbis 4 to anybody who has read the previous books in the series, and wants a phenomenal book to read.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Baltimore, MD United States