Fly Little Bird, Fly

Fly Little Bird, Fly chronicles the life of Oliver and his younger brother, Edward, when they become orphans in New York City. After living in an orphanage and being separated from each other for a year, the two brothers are chosen to travel on the orphan train together. This train brought orphans from New York City across the country to find them homes in the Western United States. In Kansas, Oliver and Edward are chosen to live in the home of two farmers. Unfortunately, their new foster home is less than exemplary; the boys are forced to do farm chores and are given no affection. After a few years at this home, Oliver and Edward are once again sent away on the orphan train, since their current foster family could no longer care for them. The brothers arrive in a new town, only to be split up into different families. The two brothers now rest all their hopes on seeing each other again.

Fly Little Bird, Fly was an average book. The plotline certainly had potential: the story of the Orphan Trains that raced across the United States in the late 1800s is a fascinating part of history. Unfortunately, I felt that the author did not live up to this plotline. The writing in this book was tolerable, but nothing special. I felt that the author was not able to put herself in the mind of a young boy very well. Many of the thoughts of Oliver didn't seem very accurate; he often seemed too naive for his age. Some of the events also seemed rather improbable that they would actually happen. I would recommend reading other books about the orphan train before you read this one- they would probably be a better use of your time.

Reviewer Age:15

Reviewer City, State and Country: Urbana, IL USA

Mixed Bags by Melody Carlson

Mix six teenage girls and one 60's fashion icon (retired, of course) in an old Victorian-era boarding home. Add boys and dating, a little high-school angst, and throw in a Kate Spade bag or two...and you've got The Carter House Girls, Melody Carlson's new chick lit series for young adults! When her mom died, DJ had to move in with her grandmother, internationally famous '60s fashion model Katherine Carter. Now Mrs. Carter has opened a boarding home for young ladies, and DJ--who would rather wear her basketball team uniform than haute couture--is just sure they'll all be unbearable fashion snobs. One by one, the girls arrive and begin to figure out how to fit into this new family, getting to know each other and forming friendships. Sure, there's an aspiring diva or two, but before long the Carter House girls are dating, fighting, laughing, shopping, and sharing clothes, purses, shoes...and their deepest secrets.

Reading Mixed Bags gave me mixed feelings. I enjoyed reading about all of the unique characters, but the plot seemed unoriginal, just like everything I'd read before. Not only that, some of the events weren't very realistic, yet I could easily relate to the characters. Also, many times I knew exactly what was going to happen, but there were also times when things totally unexpected occurred. All in all, I have to give credit to Melody Carlson because, her writing keeps me interested and wanting to read more. I thought Mixed Bags was a pretty good book, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

This book contained underage drinking and sexual references. It could also be considered a faith-based book because of the many references to God.

Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leopold, MO 63760

The Rhyme Killer by Judy Gooden & Naomi Helterbran

A serial killer is on the loose in Philadelphia. When Detective Katie Knight, Philadelphia's top serial killer investigator, gets involved, she doesn't know what she was in for. Katie is not prepared for the wild goose chase that ends with a cold trail. When Katie finds the unusual signature of the monster, she realizes she has a problem on her hands. On top of this, the Chief of Detectives, who wants her to leave the homicide division, is hanging over her head. So she and her partner, Avis Rent, set out to find the killer. But when women that look just like Katie start disappearing, she knows she’s in for the most thrilling (and dangerous) time of her life.

Overall, The Rhyme Killers is a well written and a mind-capturing book. The authors, Judy Gooden and Naomi Helterbran, developed the characters so no one was boring. I think a mistrusting and evil mood developed as the plot was set in motion, which was totally appropriate based on the malevolent characteristics of the characters. The killers were given an unfavorable aura which made you want them captured by the desperate police. These characters were the master piece of the book, and they added extra spice to the novel. The only unfavorable aspect of this book was the constant high level of profanity. At first, this profanity seemed totally unnecessary, but I later realized that it shaped the characters and gave them one aspect of true killers.

I think the authors succeeded in displaying the unfolding trauma in a desperate light, but I did not feel as if the writing flowed. I almost felt as if the story jumped from one scene to another too quickly and suddenly. The profanity, as I mentioned earlier, was unnecessary in some parts of the novel. Despite this, The Rhyme Killers plot was definitely well thought out and intricate, and the content of the book shows this. The Rhyme Killers was very different from many other science fiction books that I have read, in that it had a high level of violence and cruelty. Altogether, The Rhyme Killers was a very interesting book. However, even though there is some degree of suspense in the book, I think the author could have infused more. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read an out-of-the-ordinary novel.

There is not only profanity, but also some of the things the characters do are for mature readers.

Reviewer Age:11

Reviewer City, State and Country: Baltimore, Maryland United States of America

Blue Like Friday

Olivia and Hal are best friends despite their differences. But one thing has always bothered Hal; his almost stepfather Alec. In order to get rid of him once and for all, Hal comes up with a plan and carries it out with the help of Olivia. But the plan backfires, and instead of Alec leaving, Hal's mother vanishes. Things begin to get complicated after she doesn't show up for a few days. Hal gets worried, but while she's gone he finally learns how to patch up his relationship with Alec. So, does Hal's mother show up, or is she gone for good? And where does that leave Hal and Alec's relationship?

I found this book to be a fun, quick read for all ages. It highlights the most important things about life and relationships, like friends and family. Although short, the book had two especially strong and powerful messages: friends are always there for you and people aren't always the way they seem. Reading this book, I found it interesting. Everything flowed well and came together in the end, which made the ending perfect. At first glance, this book looks like a fun and sweet story about a couple of kids, but if you look closer you realize that it teaches you about much much more.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Champaign, Illinois USA

Rating: 7

Content: 1

The Kingdom of Strange by Shula Klinger

Thisbe's English class is assigned to work with a student from another school. She decides to post stories on an internet chat room to get reviews and critiques from other teen writers. At first no one seems interested in her cause, until one day Iphis starts posting back. Together they form a friendship online finding that they have much in common. Apart from her online friend, Thisbe's social life isn't going as she pictured.
Together, Iphis and Thisbe must try to make sense of love, life, the transformation of friendships and simply growing up in this hectic world.

This book failed to grasp my attention. However, I could relate to some of the things Thisbe was going through. Almost any reader in my opinion would be able to see a little bit of Thisbe in themselves. Many pre-teens and teenagers alike know what if feels like to lose friends or have things surprise them for the worse. Shula Klinger did do a nice job making this book believable and capturing the drama of school and teen life. Even though I personally thought the book was anti-climactic, a younger audience may find this better suited for them.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Seaside, OR. USA

The Squad: Killer Spirit by Jennifer Lynne Barnes

The Squad: Killer Spirit is the second edition in The Squad Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, a series of books about secret agent cheerleaders. Unlikely cheerleader Toby Klein is preparing for homecoming where she might be actually become the first 10th grade homecoming queen. Oddly, she is more afraid of that than she is of the dangerous mission that the squad is faced with. But when things go wrong, the squad has to make some tough decisions. Can they do it, or will it be a flop?

I thought The Squad: Killer Spirit was a great novel that had a good mix of two things you would never think went together, Spying and Cheerleading. The author did a great job intertwining the two, without making it seem as she was trying hard to not make the squad's cover blow. I loved the book so much that now I have to read the first one, The Squad: Perfect Cover, to see how it all started. The characters are all very interesting and the adventure in the book was captivating. Definetely a page turner for everyone. I am really looking forward to reading other books by Jennifer Lynne Barnes!

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: East Islip, New York United States

The Hollywood Sisters: Star Quality by Mary Wilcox

As soon as I show up to my new Beverly Hills school, photos of students with celebrities start disappearing faster then the new Gucci bag. But I'm totally innocent. I'm too busy helping Eva land a "real" role, because she's tired of those non-serious movies she always gets offered parts in. And I'm also helping Jeremy look out for an old friend. But it doesn't take a detective like me to know where the finger's pointing. Now I have to add proving I'm not a kleptomaniac to the list of things I have to do. But is it possible the real thief is taking it too far...? To the point where it becomes deadly?

I enjoyed Star Quality. It was a good and entertaining read, while also having a great plot that didn't get too confusing. Mary Wilcox does an excellent job portraying how hard high school can be, and how everyone can be a nice person if you know how to get them to show it. I could easily relate to the characters in the book, because of how the author did a great job of describing each character. An excellent summer read, The Hollywood Sisters: Star Quality should definitely be on your summer reading list.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Casa Grande, Arizona USA

Bloggrls: Book One by Cheryl Dellasega

This book is about a girl whose family is hanging on by a thread. She is trying to recuperate after moving into a new house and starting at a new school. While trying to make new friends and holding on to the old ones, she finds a guy she likes. She tries to ignore the bad things about him. Can she feel unconditional love for a guy with a bad reputation?

I think this book was very interesting and shows the audience love can be tough. I also think this book shows the reader that talking online can be safe and you can communicate with friends in a positive way. I thought the ending was very entertaining because to tell on someone you love and get them into trouble with the law takes a lot of courage, but Sadie stayed strong and got through it all. I also liked how I had a picture of Sadie's gothic sister in my head because the author described her so well. I would recommend this book to people who like to read realistic fiction. I would recommend this book to them because they talk about real life problems teens have.

Rating:8

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: St Paul, Minnesota, Untied States of America

One Hundred Young Americans by Michael Franzini

One Hundred Young Americans is a compilation reflecting todays youth in America. With ages ranging from 13 to 20, a diverse group of individuals is presented to readers. Every state and nearly every clique is represented by this group as readers will see each individual's story through pictures and writing from author Michael Franzini. The stories from these young people show the width that the American cultural spectrum has stretched. Readers will meet avid skateboarders, high profile athletes, farmers, and even a vampire. Though the youth depicted in the book may present the extremes in our society, they share many things in common. Their generation has been immersed in an era of mass communication. What makes them different is what each person has done with that power.

My initial reaction when I finished this book was: We have come a long way in our cultural development. I really liked how the author gathered an extremely unique group of young people and still managed to tie them all together. Though they may seem to have little in common, readers will be able to see how they all have been affected in a generation of mass communication. My one reservation I have with the book is its validity. Some of the stories from these youth often made me hesitate and think, Is this really how he/she is? It is very difficult to have a complete understanding of each person from the short text regarding each individual, but Franzini's photography definitely enhances the stories. I really hope the book presents these youth as they see themselves and as they wish to be seen. Despite this concern, readers will be able to connect with certain individuals from the reader's own experiences at a certain part in his/her life. This makes each reader's experience different and special in its own right. That said, I recommend this book for readers who will relate to these young people, not to draw conclusions and personal judgments.

Sexual and Drug references

Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Eden Prairie, Minnesota United States

Gospel of the Guns by Sean Chandler

This novel is a western with a little bit of religion. Its purpose is to entertain. In the beginning of the novel, Jeremaih Irons is called Judas in the Disciple Gang, led by the crazed Lucif R. Shadows. Each of the members is named after one of the disciples, and they travel the west spreading fear. Jeremiah is then suspected of stealing money from the gang. He must flee for his life after delivering what he thought was a fatal wound to Lucif. While on the run, he must evade the other members of the gang that are bent on revenge. Jeremiah ends up traveling with a preacher to start a new life in Wewoka. On the way, the preacher is shot and Jeremiah pretends to be him. In the town, Jeremiah learns that he has a natural ability to preach, and he meets the love of his life, Hope West. However, ghosts of his past, including Lucif, trace his to Wewoka and threaten to destroy his new life.

I enjoyed reading the novel. There were a few internal conflicts between Jeremiah's instincts and conscience, but it was mainly a western outlaw novel. There was both action and romance. The idea of a gang of outlaws naming themselves after disciples is unique and entertaining without making fun of religion. The plot also had enough twists to keep the story interesting. The ending left room for a sequel, but concluded most of the plot. All in all, the story was fun and action-packed.

This book had lots of violence both explicit and implied. There were some religious references as well, but a non-Christian could still enjoy the story.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Royersford, PA United States

Mia the Melodramatic by Eileen Boggess

In this second Mia Fullerton book written by Eileen Boggess, Mia is just starting off her summer vacation when her mother comes into her bedroom and tells her that she now has a job working at the Little Tyke's Theater of the Arts. Her whole summer and her plans are totally ruined by this and the fact that both her best friend and her boyfriend are going away for the entire summer. She starts her job soon after and realizes how crazy this summer is really going to be. The tyrant toddlers, along with her coworkers which include a punk goth girl with fifteen facial piercings named Zoey, a total hunk named Eric that Mia somewhat knew once upon a time, and this weird vegetarian, caffeine-addicted guy named Henry, help her job to be much more complicated than she had ever expected. Mia and her boyfriend, Tim, get in a fight and he loses all her trust and she then starts to realize how hot Eric really is. But when Tim comes home for the summer Mia is torn between whom to love. Tim, her neighbor who she has shared many memories with, or easy-going Eric who is easy to love and seems to always be there for her. So, the only question floating inside her mind is, which one to choose?

Mia the Melodramatic is the fantastic sequel to Mia the Meek. I enjoyed how this book was totally unique compared to the first novel in the Mia Fullerton Series. It was very interesting and it had me guessing what would happen next, right from the start. There was a lot of different events that took place throughout the story that kept the plot very enjoyable. I thought it was funny how she had to be playhouse pal and take care of the bratty children at her job and solve all the problems that occurred from their mischievous acts. I liked how they author made all of them characters have very unique personalities from one another and showed how they would interact with one another. I also enjoyed how the author wrote about the common pranks that each set of siblings tend to pull on one another; it kept the plot fresh. Mia the Melodramatic is a laugh-out-loud read that I recommend to young teens around middle school age.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States

The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein

On June 21st, 1958, a Greyhound bus collided with a Thunderbird convertible, killing all the bus passengers, the driver of the car, and a motorcycle cop on the scene. This event happened on a road in Connecticut, where County Route 13 meets State Highway 31. Also known as the Crossroads.

Fifty years later, eleven year old Zack Jennings moves into the house nearest the Crossroads. Even though his mother died a few years earlier, and he lives in fear that her ghost will come back to haunt him, Zack feels that things are starting to get better for him. He has a nice new step-mom, a new dog, and a new, hopefully happy, life.

Unfortunately for Zack, there is a tree by his house, with a white cross and twelve white roses next to it. This tree just happens to be haunted by the spirit of the man responsible for the fatal bus crash . When the tree is struck by lightning, he is released back into the world, where he can kill people again. And it just so happens young kids (like Zack) are his new targets.

If you're looking for a book that's slightly scary, but also has a light, humorous side, I'd recommend that you read The Crossroads. It had enough scary ghost stuff to make you feel like you're being watched, but also plenty of funny moments. It was just a little bit mysterious, so it keeps you thinking about what's going to happen next (what else would you expect from an author whose last name means gravestone in German!) It had an exciting plot, and plenty of unique characters. It wasn't like any other book I've ever read.

I do have to add that all the characters made the storyline a bit confusing. It was a little overwhelming for me to keep track of all those characters, but all their stories come together by the ending.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Tarpon Springs, Florida United States

Death by Bikini by Linda Gerber

Aphra Connolly seems like the luckiest girl in the world. She lives on a beautiful island resort where she gets to spend her time in the company of the rich and famous. Although, living on an island leaves few opportunities for her to meet people her own age. So when the cute Adam Smith and his family arrive, Aphra is beyond excited. The thing is, the day after the Smith's check-in, a girl is found dead on the beach, with the strings of her bikini top tied around her neck. Is this too much of a coincidence? Could Adam and his family be responsible for the murder? Aphra will have to discover the truth before it's too late.

I thought that this was a really refreshing read. It has been a long time since I read a mystery, and this was the perfect book. It has the right amount of intrigue, suspense, humor and romance. The characters, especially Aphra, are believable and relatable. Aphra is a clever heroine who uses her wit and cunning to find out clues and ultimately save the day. My only qualm with this book is that it needs more plot points. The climax occurred fairly quickly for a mystery. However, there is a sequel, Death By Latte, which should satisfy readers' appetites after this delicious story.

Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, Pennsylvania United States

Shooting The Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell

12-year-old Jamie has lived her whole life being told that the Army is the best way. Yet when her brother T.J. enlists in the Medical Corps, her father acts as if he does not want him to join. He constantly tries to get him to change his mind, but to no avail. T.J. is soon shipped out to Vietnam. While working at her summer job at the local rec center, Jamie hears many stories about the horrors of war, but nothing can influence her enough to change her opinion of it. Until one day, T.J. sends her a roll of film from the battlefield. As she develops it in the dark room she starts to see that the Army is not all she thought it was. When a devastating tragedy strikes her family, Jamie's eyes are opened to the terrible truth.


I thought that Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell was very well-written. As war is a rather sensitive subject these days, she did an excellent job making the mood of the book neither pro-war nor anti-war. She just told the truth. I also thought it was a smart choice for her to put the story in first person. It made the book easier to relate to, and you could understand better what the main character's feelings were. I would recommend this book to everyone in upper elementary and older. There are a couple spots of brief, mild profanity. However, it is a very valuable read.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA USA

A Rose By Any Other Name by Maureen McCarthy

The only thing Rose has on her mind is a long road trip -
with her mom? She is all geared up and ready for the
drive, when her mother climbs into the car, obviously
wanting to go along. Rose doesn't want anything else but
to get away form her messed up life. Her mom, her weird,
overly emotional sisters, and her parent's divorce; so
when her mother asks to go along for the ride, Rose is
utterly confused. But after seeing her mother staring
intently at her, she just couldn't say no. So they embark
on a long, emotional, and very frustrating journey filled
with love, lies, secrets, hate, death, romance, and
recovery. This is gonna be one heck of a ride, so buckle
up and get ready for the most controversial time of your
life!

I enjoyed just about everything to do with the
book, Rose By Any Other Name. I loved how the author
wrote little pieces throughout the story beginning with,
Don'tcha just hate... They were very intriguing and full
of emotion. They stole my attention and just pulled me
right in. I didn't overly enjoy the book at first and it
was hard to understand the setup of the novel. However,
after reading for a while, I caught on and the story began
to unfold and spark my interest. I became involved with
the book and couldn't put it down. The main thing I, as a
Christian, didn't enjoy was the over-excessive cuss words
used throughout the entire novel. But the thought-
provoking and tragedy-filled plot made up for the vile
words. The author, Maureen McCarthy, did a great job at
writing this amazing story. She switched back and forth
from Rose being in the present to her (Rose) describing
all that had happened in the past year while actually
being at the location of what is happening. I highly
recommend, Rose By Any Other Name, to young adults who
want a totally different kind of read like no other.

There was alcohol use, excessive foul language, and
some sexual scenes.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City,
State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States

The Fold by An Na

Can one line (fold) make all the difference? When Joyce's
aunt wins the lottery, she decides to give Joyce a
makeover. This is what Joyce has always wanted, until she
realizes that to get the beautiful Asian eyelid fold
would mean a painful surgery. Joyce has second thoughts
about whether or not one fold will change her looks enough
to get John Ford Kang (JFK) to notice her. Also whether,
thanks to the fold, she would ever be as gorgeous as her
older sister, Helen. Is she willing to risk possible
complications of the surgery just to impress people that
should already love her for who she really is?

I think
that The Fold was an okay book, but that the whole plot of
the story was kind of weird and didn't really make a lot
of sense. I don't see why anyone would have such an issue
about whether or not to get a fold on her eyelids. I also
didn't like how the author wrote about the older daughter
being a lesbian because as a Christian it made me
personally feel uncomfortable reading about it. I liked
how the author had a constant rivalry going between the
two sisters. I just didn't like how Joyce always thought
that everyone had a better life than her and how she was
always complaining about her sister and how muchbetter"
she was. Overall, The Fold was a decent book that I
recommend to teenage girls wanting a different kind of
summer read.

This book does have a character with an alternative
lifestyle.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and
Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States

Secret of the Sirens - The Companions Quartet, Book One

Connie Lionheart is sent to live with her eccentric aunt who is in a secret society. She makes friends with a classmate, named Col, who is in the society, as well. Connie discovers the society deals with creatures and their human companions. Since she always had a good relationship with animals, Connie tries to become a member of the society. The society and Connie deal with Kullervo, a terrible creature who wants to destroy humanity, as well as a new oil company, singing sirens, and much more. It is up to the society to bond with all possible creatures to prevent evil from taking over.

Julia Golding did an absolutely wonderful job incorporating environmental issues into a fantasy book! While it does not make my best book list, Secret of the Sirens is the most unique book I have ever read. The cooperation between mythological creatures and humans, and the actual environmental problems are outstanding. The beginning of the book was kind of slow, but afterwards it gets increasingly suspenseful. The dramatic scenes were definitely more than enough to keep anyone's attention. I also enjoyed how there was an equal portion of human and animal characters with significant roles. The vocabulary was perfect for a young adult age group. I recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America

Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt

For as long as Henry can remember, his life has been overshadowed by his seemingly flawless older brother, Franklin. All that changes when Trouble strikes and Henry’s family is stressed to the breaking point. So, Henry throws himself into an adventure, one that he had planned to take with Franklin long before the accident. The thing is Franklin won’t be coming with him; Henry is determined to go alone. So with a pack of supplies, a ragged dog, and ambition to spare, Henry sets out to climb the notorious Mt. Katahdin and escape the Trouble that bombarded his home. What he doesn’t know, though, is that Trouble could be around every bend, and Henry can’t face his future until he’s faced his past.

This sharp, real novel will take your breath away. From riveting action that will have you on the edge of your seat, to the comfortable friendships that develop along the way, Trouble is a terrific novel definitely worth reading. Even though I found the first few chapters a bit boring (and somewhat confusing), the story quickly picked up its pace and swept me away. I loved that I couldn’t tell what was coming. The surprises in the plot caught me completely off guard and, once I was into the book, I couldn’t put it down. This story will appeal to both boys and girls, and I recommend it to anybody who has ever had an encounter with Trouble. For an interesting look at perspective and knowing the whole story, pick up Trouble today!

Rating:8

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Tipp City, OH USA

The Secret Diary of Adrian Cat

Adrian is a typical curious, condescending house cat. He loves finding new cats to talk to, mice to torment, and dogs to taunt (and run away from). Then Adrian's life becomes complicated by females, and his experiences laughably mirror humans' struggles in relationships. First there’s a snub-nosed female cat. Next, a nomad cat that’s mysterious and knowledgeable in herbs. Adrian’s friend, Lucky, finds a mate sooner than he does. This pushes Adrian to decide between the two cats sooner than he can handle.

Stuart and Linda Macfarlane achieved a great mantra in writing this fictional diary: life is full of surprises. Whether it is finding a friend in the most unusual place or discovering lessons through relationships, their character Adrian follows in humans' footsteps very closely. I disagreed with the punctuation of the writing style, but the full meaning and storyline were very enjoyable. Adrian's day-to-day diary entries made each chapter interesting and surprising. The comfortable narration frequently made me forget that it was a diary. The irony of the similarities between a cat's life and a human's life were amazing. These two authors did a wonderful job in working together on their story.

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Eagle Creek, Oregon U.S.A.
Rating: 7
Content: 1

A Time To Tell by Maria Savva

We all complain about our family.The noisy aunt and half-deaf grandfather. The games you are forced to play with your cousins and football blaring on the living room T.V. Family. They can be a hassel, but we still love them. But in the A Time To Tell family, everyone is caught in a web of secrets and lies that threaten to do serious damage if not taken care of. Abusive husbands are just the start of the family drama, and since Cara now is elderly, all she can do is sit, watch, and turn up the volume on the T.V. when the yelling gets too loud. There is so much she wishes she could go back and change, but one thing A Time To Tell says is that the past is definite. You can't change what you've already done, no matter how much you want to believe otherwise.

It was challenging for me to review A Time To Tell because while it is captivating and very well-written, it also has a complicated plot that maded it hard to give a full summary of the book. But I loved reading it and hope I gave the story justice. It was just a joy to read, and I got in trouble a lot in class because I couldn't put it down. I think a lot of people will like this book, but if you have a short attention span maybe you should choose a different book, because it may leave you lost. But for those who are looking for a good, exciting book to read, this is the one for you.

Content: abusive relationships

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Casa Grande, Arizona USA

Storm: The Infinity Code

Will Knight is your average child prodigy - a genius. He creates gadgets that even the marines haven't come up with yet. A girl in his class, Gaia, sees him testing one of his inventions and asks him to join a secret organization called STORM, or Science and Technology to Over-Rule Misery. This organization was set up by a boy computer genius, and millionaire, named Andrew. At first, Will doesn't believe that STORM, a group of four kids, could do anything to help the world. He is proven wrong when STORM teams up to stop an evil plot, created by a madman, to take out a space hotel.

This book is one of the best spy/kid genius books I have read. Young took the story above and beyond the norm. She described her characters very well and makes sure they all had their place in the story. The plot is thick and filled with humor, suspense, mystery, and intrigue. There is never a dull moment. The thought behind the inventions and the solutions in this book are amazing. I can't figure out how Young came up with everything in this book. This is definitely competition for Artemis Fowl and Alex Rider. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new and exciting read.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Shippensburg, Pennsylvania USA

The Girl Who Could Fly

Piper McLoud is a natural flyer. But when others see her amazing skill at a baseball game, her life is in danger. So, when a mysterious lady comes to take Piper to a special institute for kids with 'special' skills, she has no choice but to accept. However, at I.N.S.A.N.E., Piper soon learns that things are not at all what they seem to be. In the end, it all comes down to this: Will Piper sacrifice what she treasures most of all or will she break the rules to save her new found friends?

The Girl Who Could Fly is an excellent book. The vocabulary is age appropriate and easy to read. I found this book very moving, because of a certain song sung, quite literally, to the end. From reading this book, I learned that everyone has one unique talent at which they excel and should never sacrifice that skill to be normal or accepted. I would recommend this book to others because it was a very moving and an enjoyable read.

Underlying themes of abandonment, family death, and insanity.

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Colleyville, TX USA

Misfit McCabe

When trouble maker Katie McCabe gets caught committing arson, her beloved father, the local sheriff, whisks her off to her Uncle Charlie's. Sarah, Katie's cousin, intends to set her straight. On Katie's second day at the farm, she meets Harvey Junior, her soon-to-be archenemy. Despite Katie's efforts to get along, she ends up hitting Harvey! Later on, she starts to make friends like Tom Pike and his buddies. Tom is the number one football player at school. Katie doesn't realize that life at Uncle Charlie's isn't going to be simple. Her new life contains rattlesnakes, nasty revenge, more archenemies, tears, and mud - lots and lots of mud!

I loved Misfit McCabe! The descriptions were amazing. I was glued to Misfit McCabe like a fly stuck to fly tape. I completely underestimated this book because I figured it would be boring. It turned out to be a very, very exciting book. Don’t underestimate the book's cover. Misfit McCabe is a difficult book to read, so I don't think it should be for 9-12 year olds, it should be labeled for young adults. This is a great book. Gardner-Griffie has outdone herself.

There are a few situations with underage drinking and smoking: also some frightening situations, and language.

Reviewer Age: 11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Osseo, Wisconsin United States
Rating: 9
Content: 3

Side by Side edited by Jan Greenberg

Mythical and real interweave
fantastical figures
spirited unicorns, delicate deer,
flying fleeing flocks, fierce falcons
Nature unbound
an overflowing vista
to hold close.

-Excerpt from The Vision, by Nimah

Ismail Nawwab


So begins one of the dreamy, meandering, thought-provoking poems in this excellent compilation of poems inspired by artwork. Side by Side contains poems from such different countries as Bhutan, Syria, Norway, and Guyana, and the collection shows a well-rounded glimpse of culture from around the world. Each poem is translated into English, but the authentic feel of the poems is kept by also including a copy of the poem written in its original language. The piece of art that each poem is based off is also included, riveting any reader's eyes to, if not the fantastic poems, the colorful and often startling artwork. The poetry offers a surprisingly frank look at life, art, and how the two can so easily become intertwined without meaning to be.

Jan Greenberg, as the editor, did a wonderful job of selecting poems for this collection. I loved flipping the book open to a random page and delving into the poem I found, savoring all the different styles of poetry I could find. From humorous to serious to sad, this book had them all. The book provides biographies of all the authors and translators, as well as a map to locate them all. I recommend this book to anyone who likes art, poetry, world cultures, or simply wants to try something new-it was my first book of poems, and I loved it. It offers a unique look at what art is and can be, and I liked simply gazing at the pages, seeing the poems and paintings as though they were one, which is what this book set out to do and accomplished splendidly.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.

The Compound by S.A. Bodeen

America's worst fear has come true, we are at nuclear war. The fallout from this crisis is the setting for The Compound. Eli, our protagonist, has lived six years in the compound, a multi-billion dollar fallout shelter built by his father, one of the most powerful businessmen in the world. One might think Eli would be the happiest nuclear refugee ever, but his father's wealth is not an escape from his grief over his lost twin brother and his life above the ground. As tensions rise underground and Eli's father's plan begins to crumble, Eli must question everything he believes in to save the family from which he has become so detached. Full of suspense and drama, The Compound is a great book for all thrill-seekers.

Besides the many twists and turns by the plot, I really enjoyed the development of Eli, our far-from-perfect protagonist. Readers are able to examine the real person behind Eli's long hair that often covers his face. Eli's twin brother, Eddy, was an interesting addition to Eli's character. I saw Eddy as an example of everything that Eli is not. Eddy is someone that Eli can become, but he is not capable without the opportunity. The end of the story marks Eli's escape from his own personal Compound as he attempts to save his family from his father's physical compound. I recommend The Compound not only for its suspense, but for the rich transformation of a most-unlikely hero.

Reviewer Age:18

Reviewer City, State and Country: Eden Prairie, Minnesota United States

Violet By Design by Melissa Walker

Violet Greenfield was a skinny and awkward wallflower through high school, up until the point where she was thrusted into the modeling industry; changing her life and even her attitude towards life. She took a trip to New York in "Violet on the Runway" and now she's back to leading a quiet life by the pool, with her best friends Roger and Julie, in "Violet by Design". She loved her break from the modeling industry but she spoke too soon. Her agent, Angela, had soon booked her a show in Brazil where she met a young and quite romantic designer named Paulo. True colors of the modeling world had come into vision, some colors not so pretty. Compared to the Tryst girls in competition with Violet, Paulo had more influence on her than she thought. Living wealthy was something Violet could get used to, but the soon to come heartbreak was a change most unwelcome. Soon Myspace blogs, paparazzi, and dangerous habits overwhelm and threaten her career and even her relationship with friends. A downward spiral of young and beautiful, Carolina raised, Violet Greenfield could make or break her international modeling career forever.

I thought this book was one of the best books I have ever read! I lead a very busy life and often I was tempted away from reading, but this book somehow made it so I just couldn't resist! The modeling industry is something I have always dreamt about and the real life references in this book made it oh so believable and surreal at the same time! So many parallels in this book were made between the life a model leads and the effect that it has on modern day children growing up; as well as the effect society and the way our expectations effect not only models. The element of surprise was FANTASTIC in this book. Not only did it present a problem but it presented five more! Where ever Violet traveled, she encountered something new and each and every time it resulted in either another problem, or an unexpected solution, each time stunning myself. I applaud Melissa Walker in her attempt and absolute success to write a MASTERPIECE!

Profanity was a large part of this book's dialogue in addition to eating disorders, sexual behavior, drinking, and other adult content.

Reviewer Age:15

Reviewer City, State and Country: , PA USA

Oh. My. God.

Phoebe is a cross-country star. If she can just keep her grades up and keep up her awesome winning streak, she has a guaranteed scholarship to USC. In fact, her two best friends, Nola and Cesca, are planning on going there, too. Everything is great for Phoebe until her mom returns from a family reunion with a fiance, Damian. Phoebe can't believe that, after four years of mourning the death of her father, her mom is engaged to a man she has known for less than a week. Phoebe doesn't think her life could get any worse, but then her mother announces that they're moving to Greece because of Damian's job. Much to her discontent, Phoebe packs a meager three boxes and heads halfway across the world to a new life.

This new life includes a new school, located on a secret island, where the students are anything but normal - they're descendants of the Greek gods! Phoebe seems to be in over her head, but with the aid of some new friends and a gorgeous model-worthy guy, Phoebe learns that she can fit in just about anywhere - even if her new step-sister is a descendant of Hades.

First, I must say that I love Greek mythology and had really high expectations for this book. Wow! This book surpassed all expectations and was just great. The story line was completely original and I loved all of the references to the Greek gods. It was really neat how the author made all the characters have the traits of the gods and goddesses, but also be your everyday teenager. Phoebe's character was also great. She was funny, sweet and very likeable. Many times throughout the story I found myself cheering her on against all the obstacles that she encountered. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. It has every element you might be looking for in a book, romance, suspense, and an amazing storyline. All in all, this was a great book that took high school life and mixed it with a little bit of mythology. I very much look forward to what Tera Lynn Childs has in store for us next!

Reviewer Age:15

Reviewer City, State and Country: Currituck, NC U.S.A.

The Celebutantes: In The Club by Antonio Pagliarulo

The school year’s almost over, and Madison, Park and Lexington Hamilton are ready for the summer. Cleopatra, one of Hamilton Holding’s latest business ventures, is opening and everyone is talking about it. They do not know that it will be the last they see of one of their friends and a fellow classmate. Before the end of the night, the body of Damien Kittle is found with a bloody wound on the top of the head and a murder weapon that takes the case for a turn. The girls do everything they can to solve this dangerous mystery, falling into dangerous traps themselves. Read to find out who the real killer is and the drama that comes along with it!!

The Celebutantes: In the Club was a page-turner book and I could hardly put it down. The main characters are Madison, Park, and Lexington, who go undercover to solve the mysterious death of their friend Damien Kittle. The mystery keeps you pulled into the book and very interested. I love the ending of the book because it was not what I expected. It surprised me! Throughout the whole book I thought the murderer was someone else, but in the end, it wasn’t what I expected. I recommend this book to people who enjoy mystery books!!!

Rating:8

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Cumming, Georgia United States

Stealing Bradford

Stealing Bradford is about a group of girls that have
almost nothing in common. The one thing they do share is
that together they form the Carter House Girls. Living in
an old Victorian boarding house with a "stuck in the past"
grandmother as their guardian, drama erupts when Bradford,
boyfriend of Rhiannon, dumps her for spunky Taylor. As
the school year starts, tensions heat up when the Carter
House Girls start taking sides. Did Taylor try to steal
Bradford from Rhiannon? When mysterious pictures of Taylor
appear on MySpace the Carter House is turned upside down.
By the end of the day the Carter House girls learn a
valuable lesson about family and friendship.

The minute I finished Melody Carlson's second book in The
Carter House Girls series, I raced downstairs to the
computer to look up when her third book would be out.
This book had a lot of surprise twists. It kept me
reading for hours and glued my eyes to the pages. This
book sent an important message of family and friendship to
its readers. I greatly recommend this book.

Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Potomac, Maryland United
States of America
Rating: 0
Content: 1

The Year of Disappearances by Susan Hubbard

Wouldn't you think being a vampire is fun? Sure there is the constant worry about blood, but that may not be all of Ari's problems. In The Year of Disappearances, someone goes missing in Ari's town of Homosassa Springs, and Ari is one of the prime suspects. With the fear of her secret being found out, she flees Homosassa Springs, and while going to college might not have been on her to-do list at age 14, she gets in by lying about her age. While there, another friend from Homosassa comes to visit her. The visit is brought short, though, because she is mysteriously murdered. With all the pressure of being the prime suspect again, she runs from college to try to find out who, or what, did this.

I truly loved this book. Susan Hubbard really made me feel like I was there in Homosassa Springs with Ari, the way she described everything. I thought Ari was a very powerful person and that she was clearly portrayed. I really think that this book could be one of the next Twilight or Harry Potters. I believe that Susan Hubbard did a fantastic job.

There was a fantasy element and some profane language.

Rating:9

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Minooka, Il United States

The Penderwicks on Garden Street by Jeanne Birdsall

This book was the sequel to The Penderwicks. It was about the Penderwick adventures in the "Save Daddy plan". The save daddy plan is the plan to save Mr. Penderwick from ever having to get married by hooking him up on blind dates with horrific women. After just a few of these hilariously weird women Mr. Penderwick finds his own girlfriend, the mysterious Marianne. Meanwhile, a beautiful new neighbor, Iantha moves in with her adorable little boy, Ben. Who will get to hear wedding bells? Find out in this book.

This is an extremely enjoyable book. This book has the potential to become an instant classic. One of the best things about it was the extremes the author went to to make the book funny. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it wasn't quite as good as the first one. The first Penderwick book had a certain magic about it that the second one didn't. I very much enjoyed the ending. The only bad thing about the entire book was that it was EXTREMLY predictable. I would recommend this book to my friends because all of my friends loved the first one.

Reviewer Age:11

Reviewer City, State and Country: Exeter, NH USA

Season of the Witch

Season of the Witch is a mystery novel unlike any other. Gabriel Blackstone is a "remote viewer," a skill that allows him to tap into someone else's surrounding energy and "relive" their experiences. However, Gabriel had resigned from the craft after an unfortunate and horrifying experience. Or so he thought. Now a thief and hacker living it big in London, Gabriel receives an offer from a very wealthy man. He asks Gabriel to find out what happened to his son, who has been missing for a while. With much pushing and prodding from Gabriel's ex-girlfriend, Frankie (who is the old man's new wife), Gabriel is convinced to help the couple out. Gabriel's search leads him to the Monk sisters, Minnaloushe and Morrighan; unusual names for unusual women. Entranced by the sisters, Gabriel spends almost every waking moment with them. Then the tide turns. Gabriel learns that the Monk sisters have a very dark and mysterious past, one that Gabriel is now trapped in.

Season of the Witch is an amazing novel that I could not put down. Rich with mystery and intrigue, every character has their own fascinating story. The Monk sisters, although dangerous and dark in every way, are so enthralling that readers cannot help but follow Gabriel in his quest to learn more about them. Gabriel has a strong voice in the novel. One that readers will love. In my opinion, Season of the Witch is comparable to the most popular mysteries, Harry Potter, The Da Vinci Code, and the like. Season of the Witch is a fantastic novel. Try it for yourself.

Season of the Witch has mature content such as sensuality and language. The concepts of the novel are also for a more advanced reader.

Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Concord, Massachusetts United States
Rating: 10
Content: 3

Cassandra's Sister by Veronica Bennett

The story of Jane Austen's life is a tale similar to that of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Cassandra's Sister is the journey of young Jane (Jenny) and her experiences that soon become the inspiration for her novels. Jane Austen is an intelligent woman in her early twenties, who, surrounded by family, recognizes love for what it is, beautiful. Her special relationship with her sister Cassandra is lovingly portrayed and the friendship of the sisters binds stronger as their lives continue. Reality and sadness wound the sisters throughout the story, and readers learn that their lives were not perfect--although sometimes filled with balls and handsome men. Cassandra's Sister portrays the beauty of love, friendship, and fighting for what you want.

Cassandra's Sister is a beautifully written novel. The storyline and plot are both fascinating; Jane Austen lived the lives of her characters and Veronica Bennett alludes to fantastic parallels between Jane and her protagonists. However, the character of Jane is rather dull. She mopes about and spends most of her time desiring the life of her elder sister, Cassandra. Thankfully, Cassandra's character is strong enough to pull the story along and the plot flows steadily. Cassandra's Sister is a wonderful introduction into the novels of Jane Austen and any reader hoping to begin an Austen novel may want to read Veronica Bennett's introduction to her prose. With the Masterpiece Theatre series, Jane Austen's audience has grown once again and Cassandra's Sister is a beautiful addition to the literature on Jane herself.

Rating:7

Reviewer Age:16

Reviewer City, State and Country: Concord, Massachusetts United States

Baxter Moon Galactic Scout by John Zahour

Baxter Moon: Galactic Scout is a fun science-fiction novel about a young, ordinary space cadet who is surrounded by an unordinary cast. A boy-genius, a super-strong girl, and a genetically altered chimpanzee complete Baxter Moons shuttle team. The book accounts Baxter's training as a pilot at the Galactic Academy of Scouts, and it also describes Baxter's unlikely first mission. Much like a sinister plot from a James Bond movie (see Tomorrow Never Dies), a group of evil robots called TVTrons attempt to ignite a war between Earth and the planet Aqua. The TVTrons main weapon: a TV signal that leaves victims in a zombie-like state while being addicted to watching TV. In such a perilous situation, Baxter Moon is Earth's only hope to prevent an unnecessary intergalactic conflict. Loaded with action and humor, Baxter Moon: Galactic Scout is a fun and entertaining adventure.

My first reaction when I finished the book was: "That was a lot of fun." For literary readers looking for great universal messages, this probably isn't the book for that. Still, the author subtlety raises some interesting themes. Baxter Moon, the protagonist, is really the only character in the book from "our generation" - the only one not genetically enhanced or influenced by future technology, making it easy for readers to relate to him. By examining the motives of the TVTrons, readers might see some realism in a futuristic setting: in our world of globalization and free trade, our society is bent on consumption and the dollar, just as to the TVTrons, this staged war is all about getting ratings. Maybe there is something to be said about this. The author also pokes fun at politicians in the end of the story saying, "They made more progress on that one-day trip than they had in weeks of negotiating." Thus, in the concerns of today's intellectuals, the author shines a cheerful light on the subjects. What made this work so enjoyable was the author's ability to expand our imaginations of science-fiction while providing an escape from our society's worries about an uncertain future.

Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Eden Prairie, Minnesota United States

The Secret Rites of Social Butterflies by Lizabeth Zindel

When Maggie moves from her home in New Jersey to live in NYC with her mother, her life drastically changes. At her new school, she feels like she doesn't fit in and her only friend is the school's biggest nerd. But she soon finds herself becoming part of the in crowd. While hanging out with Victoria, Lexi and Sydney, she finds herself privy to a very big secret. Thing are starting to look up; she has cool friends, she's found a boy she likes, and her family problems aren't as bad as she first thought. Just when she thinks everything is getting better, the secret is revealed to everyone in her school. Maggie finds herself just as responsible for what has happened and has to find a way to make things better.

This story reminded me a lot of Mean Girls. I thought the idea behind the story was pretty interesting. But it was unrealistic to the point that I couldn't really connect with any of the characters. There was never a point where I wanted to stop reading, but I didn't read this in one sitting. This book is great for teenage girls looking for a fun beach read.

Reviewer Age:21

Reviewer City, State and Country: Philadelphia, PA USA

Lamplighter by D.M. Cornish

D. M. Cornish starts his latest novel in the Monster Blood Tattoo series (a planned trilogy), Lamplighter, where his first book, Monster Blood Tattoo, left off. Lamplighter follows a Foundling (orphan) boy, Rossamond, who has been summoned to train under the military branch of the Lamplighters, soldiers who walk the Empire's monster-plagued streets and light the Great Lamps for the safety of travelers. Rossamnd arrives at the Lamplighters' barracks, Winstermill Manse, and begins his training as a prentice. Not extremely long after his beginning at Winstermill, Rossamnd's military prentice quarto (that is, the group he is assigned to) heads out on a prentice-watch to light and dowse the Great Lamps from Winstermill to the Wellnigh House, along the Wormway, but after the overnight stay at the Wellnigh House, on the way back to Winstermill, a carriage comes racing headlong down the Wormway -- a carriage with vicious horn-ed nickers attacking it! Will Rossamond survive his first theroscade, or monster encounter, as a Lamplighter? Who is in the carriage? Read Lamplighter by D. M. Cornish to find out!

I absolutely loved Lamplighter. I was excited when I saw that D. M. Cornish had come out with a sequel to Monster Blood Tattoo. The book matches, if not outmatches, the creativeness of its predecessor. I thought that the characters all showed their personality well, and you could see Rossamond transform from a weak Foundling boy into a courageous adventurer. Like the first book in this series, the text is filled with words that you would never find in Mr. Webster's dictionary  terms like "gretchen-globe," "enkle," and "slot and drag." But not to fear  both books include their own glossary, and it's a whopper at nearly 100 pages. (By the way, you'll also find a few of Mr. Webster's odder words in there too: "pledgets" and "sillibub" make an appearance.)

I recommend this book to readers who liked Monster Blood Tattoo as well as anyone who enjoys intricate plots and detailed descriptions of the fictional world that a story is set in.

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Saugerties, NY USA

Escape From Castle Cant by K.P. Bath

There's a war going on in Pauline and Lucy's town. Everyone wants gum, but others think otherwise. Loyalists say Pauline is the heiress to the throne, but then the rebels say Lucy Wickwright is the rightful heiress. Lucy and Pauline run away to find gum plants so they can restore peace and stop the war.


Then, a guy name Vladmir Orloff, a postal commissioner for gum chewing, is chasing them around. He wants to put Pauline on the throne because he killed Lucy's family when she was little.


The girls were resting when a swineherd said he will kill Lucy if they didn't come along. He tells them that it really doesn't matter if Pauline tags along, he just really wants Lucy with him. But secretly he is Vladmir Orloff. So they go with him to a swineherd hut. When they arrive at the hut, they They find out that Vladmir is actually Blaise Delegrassi, a guy who works at the castle. Later, Orloff tells Lucy to surrender, so she grabs a sword, and the girls escape, using the stolen horses. Do Lucy and Pauline get killed? Do the girls destroy the Gum Plants? Read this book to find out!

This book was AWESOME. There were suspenseful parts and the whole book was silly in a good way. Like, when they are having a war over gum, it was really funny. The suspensful parts were, for example, when they were running away with the horses. I'd recomend this to anyone because this book is packed with fun.

Reviewer Age:12

Reviewer City, State and Country: Norristown, Pennsylvania USA

Seven Deadly Sins: Sloth by Robin Wasserman

After an accident that left one girl dead and another injured, the seniors at Haven High are shaken and scared. And understandably so: Harper's return to school and Kaia's permanent absence are making everyone uncomfortable. Harper is haunted by nightmares of Kaia and the accident; the events of that night are still foggy and frightening. Beth's determined to make Spirit Week memorable, but she finds herself slipping up. Miranda misses the old Harper; the new one seems to be pulling away from everyone and everything. The boys are stumbling as well: Adam's falling behind in school, Kane's partying, carefree; and Reed's surprised to find Beth leaning on his shoulder.

While each of the characters are plagued by varying degrees of guilt over Kaia's death, the only thing that seems certain any more is that nothing will ever be the same.

In Seven Deadly Sins, no one is blameless, and everyone has something to hide. This series takes the parties, dating, makeups and breakups of TV shows or series such as Gossip Girl, sets it in a small town called Grace where everyone knows everyone, and throws in a murder mystery. If you like the Sevens series by Scott Wallens or the Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard, you'll like Seven Deadly Sins by Robin Wasserman.

Sloth is the fifth in the Seven Deadly Sins series. It is recommended that you read the series in order:

Lust
Envy
Pride
Wrath
Sloth
Gluttony
Greed

Drinking and drug use, and other situations

USA

Misspelled by Julis E. Czerneda

This book of short stories explores the world of magic. It especially shows what can go wrong through a misunderstanding or by a mispronunciation. From various points of views and differing authors, this book illustrates the consequences of mistakes. In the magical world, you have to be perfect, and if you aren’t, this book demonstrates some of the grim consequences together with humorous side effects. From the musical magic to the fairy tale endings this book is full of misspells.

This book is confusing and mediocre compared to most that I have read before. In each of the seventeen stories, you are assaulted with different types of magic, diverse characters and only a few pages per story to become acquainted with each tale. Though some stories illustrate true potential in the writer, most can be distinguished as baffling. I wouldn’t truly recommend this book to most people unless they are prepared for a bumpy ride.

Rating:3

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Richmond, Virginia USA

Mozart's Ghost

Mozart's Ghost by Julia Cameron is about Anna, a "thirtysomething Midwesterner", who moved to New York in search of a chance to fall in love or to become one of the many proud single women living in New York City. Anna works as a substitute teacher by day, but she has a secret talent. By night, Anna works as a medium. By sharing messages from the deceased to their loved ones, Anna pays the rent. Acting like she doesn't need a man, Anna falls hard for Edward, the new pianist who recently moved into her apartment building. Edward constantly practices. At first, Anna finds Edward's music, which is constantly pouring through her window, annoying, but as she falls for him Anna begins to love his music in spite of herself. As their feelings towards each other grows, Anna wonders if she should risk their relationship by telling Edward about her gift.

Mozart's Ghost by Julia Cameron is a very unique book. I have never read a book where science fiction, romance, and culture has been mixed. Julia Cameron weaves the idea of ghosts, love, and classical music all into one book. This unusual combination exists in a book that keeps the reader interested in what might happen next. I found this novel to be new and exciting. It is very different from every other book that I have read. I highly recommend it to mature readers.

This book contains inappropriate material for young readers such as bisexuality and sex.

Reviewer Age:12

Reviewer City, State and Country: Potomac, Maryland United States of America