Chance Fortune and The Outlaws by Shane Berryhill

Superheroes are people that protect the weak from villains, injustice and other evil things. That is exactly what 14-year-old Joshua Blevins wanted to be. His only problem was that he didn’t have any superpowers. After being denied entry to the “Burlington Academy for the Superhuman” he gave up all hope. Then he used his mentors help, Captain Fearless, to give Joshua a new identity and a false superpower. Now, posing as Chance Fortune, he enters the Academy. He rises in social status and in combat teams, becoming his team’s captain. But then an evil enters the Academy and threatens to take over the universe! Can Chance and his team, the Outlaws, defeat this evil, and stay alive themselves?

I enjoyed this book, although I feel it is appropriate for a young age group. It was very suspenseful and exciting. I always wanted to know what happened next. Chance Fortune was a fun read, and I look forward to the next one.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Denair , California U.S.A.

Firegirl by Tony Abbott

Tom had a plain, normal, boring life consisting of going to school and to his friend’s house, but one day all of that changed. That day was the day a new girl named Jessica showed up in his class. Jessica isn’t your average schoolgirl because when she was younger, she got severely burned in a fire and is still suffering from its aftereffects. No one likes her, no one talks to her, and they barely even look at Jessica for they are afraid of her and how she looks. A few weeks after arriving, Jessica left school early and the teacher forgot to give her her homework assignments. Lucky Tom was the one who got asked to take them to her since she was his neighbor. Will Tom accept the teacher’s request to take Jessica’s homework to her house or will he turn her down and possibly lose a new friend?

I think Firegirl is an awesome book that teaches you that no matter what someone looks like they have feelings so you should be nice to them. In my opinion this book would make a great book to have a sequel to because the ending leaves you with so many different possibilities for the characters’ futures. Firegirl is an interesting book that keeps your attention until the very end. This book is different from most books I have read and it is very realistic. I recommend this somewhat sad but enjoyable fiction read to ages 8-12.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States

My Not-So-Terrible Time at the Hippie Hotel by Rosemary Graham

The summer has arrived in New York and Tracy's divorced father decides to take the family up to Cape Cod to a hotel for divorced people and their kids. The owner of the hotel, who herself is divorced with a son, has planned activities for the three families sharing an awkward vacation. Tracy, very unhappy about her situation, has taken to eating as a solace. At the Hippie Hotel, she meets Beka, another teenager near her age but nothing like her. The owner's son works for his mom and tries to befriend their guests. Tracy, after going on trips with the group, meets Kevin. Kevin, a skateboarder, appeals to Tracy, especially as she had given up her music. At the end of the summer, the owner requires that everyone take part in a talent show. This presents a challenge for Tracy, can she bring out her true self and her talent once again?

Rosemary Graham presents an emotional situation (the divorce of their parents) that kids can relate to through the media if not real life. The book is positive in the sense that Tracy finally overcomes the stress she was put under emotionally with the divorce of her parents. This book seems to be aimed at pre-teens and Graham does a good job telling the story from a teen-ager's perspective. It's a quick read that doesn't have a complex plot.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Kansas City, MO USA

Laguna Cove by Allyson Noel

Anne is a city girl moving to a laid back west coast area. She's left her friends and her boyfriend, to move to Laguna Beach to live with her dad. At first she doesn't fit in and she doesn't know why but she meets some girls that help her through it, and her dad's paid male helper also gives her some tips while pushing her to try surfing. Finally Anne gives in and she finds that Surfing is really what pulls people together on the West Coast.

I really didn't think I was going to like this book because I don't really like the types of books that are about snobby rich girls in mini skirts and driving BMW's. This book has a way different angle on their life style and it shows them as human beings and not rich witches. I really enjoyed Laguna Cove and I would recommend it to any girl who was interested in a book about a girl moving away from her comfort zone.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Dundee, Oregon USA

Soccer Dreams by Leah Lauber

The book Soccer Dreams is about a 12 year old girl who loves soccer. It tells about her soccer years on a select team and how much fun she had with her friends. When Leah was 10 her friend found out about a compotation to become a member of the X-press. That was a local newspaper that was having kids be reporters. So Leah went to all kinds of events and she met so many people. When she went to women’s world cup twice and some other soccer games, she got to go down on the field and interview the players. She got a cool pass too. In 1999 the women’s World Cup was happening so she when, and saw Mia Hamm’s last game. She also broke the world record. Then the U.S. won it all.

This book was great! If you like soccer you will love this book. It tells a lot about the U.S. women’s soccer team. It is an easy book to read but it is filled with information. I like soccer so I enjoyed this book a lot. I would read this book any day.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, Pennsylvania United States

Out of Patience by Brian Meehl

Jake Waters has a hard life. He lives in the small town of Patience, Kansas. His father is crazy with the idea creating the ATM (American Toilet Museum). He’s working hard to win the World Series of Workup. Plus, he has to save his small town from complete destruction! All the trouble began when Jeremiah Waters (the founder of Patience) made the first plunger to unclog his Dolphin Deluge Washdown Water Closet (indoor toilet). A very religious man named Andars Cass didn’t like the idea at all, and then trouble followed. Cass was banned from Patience, not before he placed a curse on the town: ‘The day the Scepter of Satan (a.k.a. the Plunger of Destiny) returns, the final destruction will begin!’ Now that the Plunger of Destiny has returned, Jake and his friends are trying to save Patience and everyone in it. Will they succeed?

I found that it was a bit hard to stay focused during the beginning of the book. This book may be a little confusing to readers who don’t understand much about baseball, but the author does explain about the competition called the World Series of Workup. The book began to gain interest as I read on. The plot was very good. There were many exciting parts that leave you wondering what will happen next. I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy thrillers and those who understand a bit about baseball.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg , Pennsylvania United States of America

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Child prodigy Colin Singleton has only ever dated girls named Katherine. No Catherines or Katrinas or any other name; only Katherines. Nineteen of them, to be exact. When K-19, the one he really loved, breaks his heart, he and his best (and only) friend, Hassan, set out on a road trip, and end up in, of all places, Gutshot Tennessee, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand is supposedly buried. In Gutshot, Hassan and Colin meet some interesting people, but Colin has other things to worry about as well. He's always wanted to have a Eureka moment, and now he's had one. Colin thinks he can come up with an equation to predict how a relationship between two people will go. People are, after all, predictable.

As a fan of John Green's first novel, Looking For Alaska, I had high expectations for this book, and I was not disappointed. While very different from the more emotional (not to say this book is never emotional, but it's also quite amusing), it's a fabulous book, with very funny, well-written, and unique characters, not to mention a very creative and interesting plot. After all, how many books do you read where a guy thinks he can predict romance using math? Perhaps there's another one out there, but I haven't read it. Every aspect of this entertaning novel is funny (but without being stupid); it's a real page-turner!

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA

The Judgement by Clem Martini

In The Judgment, the final installment of Clem Martini’s trilogy of “Feather and Bone: the Crow Chronicles,” Kyp Kym, Kaf, Kata and the others continue their trials through the world of crows. The group struggles with questions of community and responsibility. Traveling to avoid being destroyed by a massive group of crows called The Collection, Kyp’s crows hone both their fighting and negotiating skills while learning the importance of fear putting “extra wind under your wings.” The world is turned upside down as the crows confront human and other enemies. The search for a haven involves many miles and much loss of crow life. Readers who have not read the other segments will still be enthralled with the story.

Clem Martini’s clear language invites readers into the world of the crows. To see our human world from the crows’ perspective is a treat. Cars become “moving boxes.” A rabbit probably ate shooting stars and pooped lightning to become so fast. Now there’s a vivid image. The challenges of the escape invite and destroy the fragile community of the flock. This story will appeal to those who like animal stories, fantasy, and quest tales. Its message of courage and cooperation offers life lessons for readers. Recommended for middle schoolers.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 59
Reviewer City, State and Country: Timonium, MD US

Dial L For Loser by Lisi Harrison

After being expelled from OCD, the pretty committee, or Massie, Alicia, Dylan, Kristen and Claire, have to find something to do. Luckily, the girls manage to score backstage tickets to meet two of the most popular teen actresses. When one the of the actresses quits, Alicia, Massie and Claire fly to Hollywood to audition for the part. When Claire ends up with the lead, Massie's world is turned upside down and it's all about revenge from then on. It's finally Claire's turn to be the center of attention and she loves it.

I haven't been keeping up with the Clique series for a while now, but while reading this, I was able to pick up on what I missed. From the first page, the story captured my attention. I couldn't stop reading it. The only thing I don't like about the book is the age of the characters. I can't believe that these girls are only in middle school. Other than that, these books are the perfect summer reads. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 19
Reviewer City, State and Country: Philadelphia, PA USA

The Queen Geek Social Club by Laura Prebble

Shelby Chapelle, a dork, is one of a kind. Until Becca Gallagher comes into the picture. Together, Shelby and Becca create a club, The Queen Geek Social Club, to unite others of their kind. As more and more girls join, they begin a campaign to feed the models (to help girls realize that they don't have to be skinny to be pretty) and create National Boy Invisible Day (to show that girls can have fun without guys). Shelby has her doubts throughout the campaign, and it is made worse by the fact that a jock, Fletcher Berkowitz, seems to have taken an interest in her and the club.

I thought that this was a really cute book. I think all girls can relate to Shelby and Becca in certain ways. The book was also unique and modern in that Shelby's father created a robot to live in the house. That was a nice touch and it did make the story interesting. There was nothing I didn't like about this book. Once I picked it up, I couldn't stop reading. I'm definately looking forward to the next book that Laura Preble writes!

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10
Reviewer Age: 19
Reviewer City, State and Country: Philadelphia, PA USA

Devilish by Maureen Johnson

It all started with a cupcake. It was a normal, everyday cupcake, but it changed Jane’s life forever. Her best friend suddenly gets a Little, or freshman tag-along, because she threw up on someone after eating the cupcake. Weird. Ally shows up at school the next day with dyed, cropped hair and a major personality change. Jane can’t figure out what is going on, until Ally confides that a demon has control of her soul. Jane is determined to save her friend, but she might have to give up her own soul in the process. Can she save her friend? She has to try.
This story paints a portrait of the perfect friend: loyal, trustworthy, and willing to do anything to help when trouble comes your way. Maureen Johnson builds off of the mystifying beginning to create a world of demons, angels, and lost souls. Devilish is perfect for the young adult crowd looking for a girl power book with emphasis on the supernatural.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA United States

Good Girls by Laura Ruby

Audrey is the perfect girl, smart, has friends, and is in a friends-with-benefits relationship with one of the hottest guys in school. But just as she breaks the relationship off, she is caught in a compromising situation. When a picture is spread around the school, and even sent to her parents, Audrey's life changes. She starts to lose friends, her parents can't talk to her, her teachers are disappointed in her. But as time goes on, Audrey learns about true friendship and see how things can become just right in the end.

From the minute I read the description of the book, I wanted to read it. I can relate to Audrey very much, and she was a good character to read about. The story just got better and better as I read along. The ending was such a pleasant surprise and I was very happy with how it ended. I'm looking forward to reading more by Laura Ruby.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 19
Reviewer City, State and Country: Philadelphia, PA USA

Jennifer Scales and the Messenger of Light by MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi

When she was 14 years old, Jennifer Scales discovered that she was a weredragon - as is her father, as is her grandfather. She is able to change form from human girl to a beautiful dragon. Not only that, but she is the Ancient Furnace, an extremely special dragon fifty generations down the line. Furthermore, her very existence shocks both sides of her lineage, because her mother is one of the beaststalkers, sworn enemies of weredragons.

Her parents' generation is made up of various wereanimals and beaststalkers who populated a small town in Minnesota, where life is otherwise normal.

Many of the adults are riddled with venom and cruel intentions which they have passed on to their children, who grew up together. They go through the motions - school, work, and home - for the sake of all of the "normal" people who also live there.

Jennifer celebrates her fifteenth birthday early in this book, cake and all. Shortly thereafter, her family tree gets shaken up. A horrid beast is attacking those near and dear to her father. It's up to the Scales to figure out who it is and how to stop it. When they discover the truth, they are struck close to home. Jennifer and her family must re-evaluate their senses of tradition and loyalty.

Even though Jennifer would like nothing more than to go to the Halloween dance and be a normal tenth-grader, she never denies her destiny nor tries to change her true nature. In fact, she enjoys being a weredragon. It is her love for her parents and grandfather that sees her through the darkness and the battles.

This is the second book in an ongoing series. The first, Jennifer Scales and the Ancient Furnace, was released last year. I always recommend reading series in order, so although Light does recap previous events, I encourage readers to get Furnace first and see if they like it.

The Last Days by Scott Westerfeld

The last days of the world as we know it are here. The world is changing; people are disappearing, angels (according to some) are appearing on the fire escapes of New York City, the water is turning black, and there are rumblings deeper than those of the subways beneath the streets. Those aren't the only things happening, though; for five New York teenagers, music is what matters the most. The nameless band, started by Moz and Zahler, greatly improved by Pearl, and joined by Alana Ray and Minerva, is providing the soundtrack for the end of the world. A vampire lead singer and a drummer whose halucinations might be real only bring the band closer to the apocalypse that began in Scott Westerfeld's book Peeps. Things are changing in the world; what's their place in it

Definitely one that readers will want to purchase as soon as possible; it'll be sold out on bookstore shelves for those that wait too long! While it is a vampire story, you don't need to be a fan of traditional vampire books to appreciate the awesomeness of Scott Westerfeld's novel. You don't need to have read the sequel, Peeps, either (though it's a great book, so why wouldn't you?). The story, told in the alternating points of view of the five band members, is one that will keep readers riveted from the first page right up until the last. The five main characters are well-developed, unique and interesting characters who make this what it is; still, there is plenty of help from minor characters that plays a big part in this story. This is a book not only for fans of vampires or Scott Westerfeld; anyone can (and should) enjoy reading this book!

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, North Carolina United States

Reiffen's Choice by S.C. Butler

A young boy named Reiffen who is the heir to the thrones of two kingdoms is kidnapped by a group of wizards known as The Three. Reiffen's friends in his hometowm of Valing come together and plot a way to rescue the boy from Ussene, a place where no one has ever escaped. During his stay in the dungeons of Ussene, Reiffen discovers the intentions of the three. The wizards wish to teach him magic and use him as a pawn to rule the kingdoms. Reiffen also makes friends with a slave in the castle named Molio, but he is killed from the magic of the three. At the end of the story, a valiant effort by Reiffen's friends is rewarded by rescuing the boy, but Reiffen decides to return to Ussene and learn magic to use against the three, hence the title: Reiffen's Choice.

I really enjoyed this book, it was very interesting and there was always plenty of suspense. Usually in most book series, the first book has to incorporate a lot of information to paint a picture for the reader as far as what this world is like that the characters are living in. This book does that, but is also keeps the story moving in a way that doesn't bore the reader. This world that the author created fascinated me very much. The different kinds of creatures and places were great, and they also were new and oringinal; this book was definitely not another Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings as far as the setting of the story. I found the ending very intriguing, and it was a great way to set up the next book in the series. Overall, Reiffen's Choice and its sequels have great potential to be in the ranks of some of the best fantasy books ever.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Eden Prairie, MN United States

A Scholar of Magics by Caroline Stevermer

Samuel Lambert, an American, is invited to stay on in Glasscastle University which teaches magic when he wins a sharpshooting contest. He was hired to contribute his shooting accuracy to the mysterious Agincourt Project. A Fellow of the University named Fell invited Lambert to share a room with him and Lambert discovered the amazing, peace-giving chants that maintain the University's wards. Then, one day, the Provost's sister, Jane Brailsford, comes to visit. After she arrives, things start happening. Fell disappears and the Agincourt Project develops a sinister side. It will be up to Lambert and Jane to solve the mystery and return things to normal.

With magic, romance, and mystery all combined together, this book makes for a good read. It has beautiful and descriptive language that puts you in the scene. The plot is developed very well, however, some parts of it move rather slowly. I felt that some of the events mentioned were not needed and only lengthened the book. There were also a few jumps in the book from present to past to future that were hard to follow. Even so, it is still a great book and I recommend it to older readers because of slightly complicated language.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Tucson, Arizona USA

The Hunter's Moon by O.R. Melling

An expert in the topic of Celtic and Medieval Irish History, O. R. Melling gives young adults a brief lesson in Irish folklore while enticing the imagination in The Hunter’s Moon. This romantic modern day fantasy focuses on an American girl named Gwen visiting her cousin Findabhair in Ireland. Since the girls earliest years they dreamed of visiting the other world of Faerie, the land where the King and his subjects have thrived for thousands of years. Finally at 16 years old the girls decide to set out on their quest to find Faerie. As they make a plan for their mystical tour of Ireland, they decide to leave Tara, a sacred ground of ancient kings, for last. In a twist of fate, and magic, they are closer than they had originally planned and decide to go to Tara first. The girls break many rules in order to sleep one night in an ancient mound, only to find a power far beyond their expectations. In their sleep Finvarra the fairy king comes to take them away, but Findabhair is the only one who will go willingly. Gwen awakes in the morning to find her cousin gone and a strange dream fresh in her mind. In order to find her cousin, Gwen sets off on her own journey throughout the Irish countryside. Gwen is confronted with several tests Finvarra set upon her and is soon forced to be brave and strong in order to get closer to her cousin. Meeting several friends along the way, she learns to trust those with red hair, and falls in love. After many trials and tribulations, Gwen is faced with the ultimate task, one that involves pure evil. The plot moves quickly, which keeps the reader guessing whether Gwen and Findabhair will be stuck in Faerie forever, with all its glamour and beauty or remain mortals in their known world.

While the language of the book may be difficult at times, the page-turning plot will carry readers through the story. There are many Irish words and phrases, which may be confusing at first, but Melling includes a glossary and notes on the Irish language, which are very helpful. The descriptions of the landscape are beautiful and give the reader a clear vision of what the characters see. Some of the themes may be too deep for some pre-teens, but would be great for teenagers to mull over. Life vs. death, good vs. evil, how to be who you truly are, are just a few ideas the characters are constantly dealing with. And the romance mixed in is always good for the hopeless romantic. Love and fairies? Every girls dream. Best suited for those ages 12-17, this novel is sure to please any lover of Celtic lore with a fairy twist whether young or young at heart.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Catonsville, MD United States

Sword Play by Linda Joy Singleton

This book is about Sabine Rose returning to her hometown to reunite with her family, that shunned her when she was blamed for the death of a football player named Kip. So now she is returning hoem to the town of San Jose leaving behind the new life she has grown to love, and bringing with her a quest given to her by the spirit of Kip telling her to "help her." So now she is back in the world that once shunned her, reuniting with people who always cared about her, her old fencing team and fencing teacher for one. She is not happy being back home again, but seeing those who once were close to her brightens the prospect of being home again. Although there are a few dark clouds that present themselves on her return, findingthe person Kip wants her to help, seeing her ex-best friend, her father constantly disappearing,her grandmother's illness she is not able to monitor anymore, and of course the fact that someone is trying to hurt her, Sabine is back home again and she's determine to try and be happy about being back in San Jose.

"Sword Play" was a good book. Although it was a sequal in a series, if you chose to read it without reading any of the other books before it in the series you wouldn't be lost wondering what the characters were talking about. Everything that might have raised a what are you talking about question was fully explained so the reader wasn't left confused. Throughout the book Sabine is trying to help Kip help someone else, but also they include a goal Sabine pursues throughout the series; finding a way to help her grandmother keep her memory. Although it isn't the best seer type of book I've read, it still did a good job of showing you the life of someone with a power to see things from the past, future and dead people's spirits making it an enjoyable book to read.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Tucson, Arizona U.S.A.

Fairest by Gail Carson Levine

Fairest is the story of Aza, the daughter of an inn keeper, who lives in a town where beauty is worshiped, beauty of voice beyond all and though Aza’s voice is beautiful beyond belief her face is hideous. Her beautiful voice and unusual talent to throw her voice, which she calls illusing, lands her a spot next to the vain queen as her lady in waiting who is forcing her to illuse . Find out how Aza turns out in Gail Carson Levine’s Fairest.

I never liked fairy tales with their simple plots and cliche endings so when I picked up Gail Carson Levine’s Fairest I expected nothing more than a 2-bit retelling of Snow White. What I found was something entirely different. Gail Carson Levine takes the story of Snow White to a new high. Female fans of the Ella Enchanted and The Two Sisters of Bamaree will not be disappointed. Each page reminds you why Levine is loved my millions of fans everywhere and this book will only add to her ever-growing list of fans.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Starkville, MS USA

Before I Go by Riley Weston

Before I Go is a sad love story that brings tears to a reader's eyes. The skater and coach were also mother and daughter who have a very deep relationship. At the age of six years-old, Madison meets Jackson Wellington III, who becomes her best and only companion in life. All of her life, Madison had never belonged anywhere because she was a lone wolf, an outcast in other words. Skating was her only passion and reason to live. But things in her life change.

I would enjoy this book forever. Madison seems like a spoiled girl but she was actually under a lot of stress. Madison's relationship with her best pal is really sweet and romantic. The author did leave me wondering what happened to Jackson and Annie in the end. I really enjoyed the last chapter. The last chapter was sad. I was crying so much that my tissue was all wet. I really encourage teens and young adults to read this novel. I learned that you should enjoy life as much as you can. I cannot wait until "Before I Go" comes out so everyone can experience the emotions in this wonderful and tearful novel!

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Norwalk, California United States States

Journey Between Worlds by Sylvia Louise Engdahl

Melinda has her whole life planned out. She is going to marry her boyfriend and live on the beach. When she graduates high school, her father offers to take her to Mars on a long business trip with him. She accepts. On the ship to Mars, she befriends a guy named Alex. She lives on Mars longer than she expected and goes through many different problems. When Alex thinks about more than friendship, Melinda doesn't know what to choose. Who knows what will happen.

This book was excellent. It was a little slow at first but it got interesting quick. I'm not a big fan of science fiction, but this book was pretty good. It was a little confusing at some parts though. Overall it was good and I would recommend it to many people.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 11

Tales of a Hollywood Gossip Queen by Mary Kennedy

When Jessie was flown to California to redo some lines for her small role in the movie, Reckless Summer, she wasn't expexcting to get much out of it. She planned to go to L.A. for a few days, record some lines in the studio, maybe a little shopping, then back to her boring life on the east coast; but that changed dramatically. When Shane Rocket, the hearthrob (yet cheating) co-star, comes to visit her in the studio, she is in awe. Before she knows it, she has an internship for a gossip magazine, Juicy, with her best friend, Tracy, and is starting to fall for Shane once again. When Jessie starts to realize he is hooking up with another teen actress, the Hollywood scene isn't where she wants to be especially when she lands herself on the cover of Juicy...

I loved the book. When I recieved the book, I realized that Tales of a Hollywood Gossip Queen was the sequel to Confessions of an Almost-Movie Star. I had already read the first one but it didn't matter. The second book catches the reader up on the things that were significant in the first book for this one. Personally, I thought this book was good. Compared to the first one, I thought Confessions had more excitement to it but when alone, Tales was great! I would definitely recommend this book to my friends!!

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Villa Hills, Kentucky United States of America

Hit the Road by Caroline B. Cooney

On the first day of Brit's summer vacation, her parents leave for an Alaskan cruise. They entrust Brit's care to Nannie (or rather Nannie's care to Brit). Nannie has recently lost her driver's license and her car because Brit's mother feels Nannie has become senile. Nannie fights back by renting a large van and attempting to take her old college roomates to their 65th reunion. When Nannie discovers her inability to drive the large van, Brit must take over, only having her license for a short time. Along the way, Nannie and Brit must stage a kidnapping of Auriela, Nannie's former roomate being kept in a nursing home against her will by her contrary son Aston the Third.

I found the book incredibly entertaining, but a little cliched and over-the-top. There are several subplots in the book that make it much more interesting and complex. The characters brighten up the story for me, especially the "girls" (Nannie's former college roomates). I think it ended rather abruptly, with many untied ends. Parts of the book were laugh-out-loud funny, while others were a bit overextended. Certainly an entertaining summer read.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Skopje, N/A Macedonia

The Tourmaline by Paul Park

The Tourmaline is the continuation of the story that began with Paul Park's A Princess Of Roumania. In this novel, several characters from our world have been transported to an alternate world. It turns out that Miranda is really not from the familiar world that Peter, who is the first character we meet in this book, was born in. Miranda was, in fact, only sent for her own protection as a baby. Now she's back in this magical world, to save Roumania (or Romania) which is, in this reality, a world power. She has some help, including Peter, who is turning into the Chevalier de Graz, Andromeda, who is currently in the shape of a dog, and several others. Can they do it?

The Tourmaline is a beautifully written book. It has great characters, real enough so that the reader feels real emotion (like or dislike, or stronger) for them, which is a great accomplishment for a writer. The plot is fairly original, too, which is becoming more and more difficult as the number of books written increases, and more and more people struggle to come up with ideas no one else has already written down. This alternate world, wonderfully described, is especially interesting because it is obviously very different from the world we know, but is also similar. This fantasy novel is one that is worth reading, when it seems sometimes that there are too many similar fantasy books around, as it is a popular genre.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA

Out of Focus by Margaret Buffie

When Bernie's great-aunt Charlotte died, she left something behind for her niece. Bernie's mother, Celia, inherited the Black Spruce Lodge. Now they have a place to live, where they won't ever have to leave in the dead of night to avoid paying the overdue rent. Things aren't as easy as one might hope, though. Bernie's angry at her mother, and can't believe Celia could even try to stop drinking, or take some responsibility for her children, Bernie's younger siblings who have been taken care of by their older sister for years. That's the most dominant emotion Bernie feels: anger, specifically at her mother. It makes life out of focus (as the title says). Can Black Spruce Lodge help Bernie get things in focus?

Out Of Focus is one of the best young adult books I've read recently. It was very well-written, with believable, unique characters. The story, told from Bernie's point of view, surpassed any expectations I had of a novel from an author I'd never heard of. Now that I have read a book written by Margaret Buffie, I'll certainly be looking for more from her. The story is interesting and original, rather than the same old books I've been reading lately. Out Of Focus was certainly worth reading.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA

Jennie's War by Bonnie Hinman

Will Jennie ever be able to catch Pietro in the act? Jennie is led to believe that Pietro is a spy trying to find out information about Boeing, a factory that makes airplanes for the war, after she sees him doing some very suspicious things. One day Jennie overhears Pietro talking to a strange man about meeting in the underground, and having no idea where that is, she decides to follow him. While doing so she runs into a small problem along the way and has to seek the help of her brother, Tommy, in order to solve it. Jennie is uncertain of asking for Tommy’s help, for she is afraid he will take control and boss her around when it was her idea in the first place. From growing vegetables in the “Victory Garden” to collecting scrap metal for the war effort, Tommy and Jennie are always making everything a contest between them. Will Jennie ask her brother for help or will she let Pietro get away and possibly risk the lives of the many people who work at Boeing? Find out in this faith-based book called Jennie’s War written by Bonnie Hinman, which is one of the many wonderful books in the Sisters in Time series.

This book is set in 1944 during World War 2. It teaches the reader how the people had to live and about the many different things they had to do to help with the war effort. Jennie’s War also teaches you how working together instead of competing against one another will get you farther in life. I think this is a great book that throws a surprise ending at you. I highly recommend Jennie’s War mainly to girls, ages 9-12.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA US

Harlem Hustle by Janet McDonald

Harlem Hustle is a teenager living in (where else?) Harlem. Hustle, who also goes by "Double H" (real name Eric Samson) may not have much in his life, but he's got big dreams. Hustle wants to be a rap star. He's got the words--he's been writing down his raps for a long time now. He just needs to break into the music business and get his work noticed. Easy, right?

This was a decent book. The characters, while interesting, were not particularly three-dimensional. They didn't exactly step off of the page. The storyline was not particularly original, either. There are tons of people out there with dreams of becoming music stars, and this wasn't a particularly new twist on that. Still, it was moderately interesting, and did keep my attention through most of it. The author's style wasn't remarkable, either. It was a decent read, though, but not one I'd spend my money on; I might, however, check it out from the library. It's worth that.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA