A new student review of Ship of Dolls

underwood_bcl posted a new student review of Ship of Dolls . See the full review.

As soon as I picked up this book I could not put it down. It is wonderful and surprising. Every thing that I thought would happen never happened. There was always a twist I never saw coming. I want to read more  books by this author to see if her all her books are as magical as this one.

A new student review of The Fire Wish by Amber Lough

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

The Fire Wish was a really great book.  Before I requested The Fire Wish I hadn't realized it was a romance, but to me it didn't feel like a romance.  Instead, it felt like an action book.  The author, Amber Lough, did a really good job with the unique descriptions.  For example, she described one of the character’s voices as being like sandpaper on another‘s nerves.  It almost felt like the author was taking me on a journey, even though the descriptions got overly wordy at times.  The characters were so well developed that I couldn‘t choose just one favorite.  Something I didn’t like about the book, though, was at the beginning, it felt like I was thrown into the story and there was a little bit missing.  Granted, it did explain it eventually, but it took a while to clarify the background.  I would recommend this book to girls ages twelve through sixteen because there is some blood, death, a little bit of romance.  Boys willing to look past the little bit of romance that the book has, or don't mind it, would probably enjoy the action, also.  Be warned -- this is a series, and it will leave you hanging at the end!

A new student review of London Eye (Toxic City Book 1) by Tim Lebbon

EpicReviewer posted a new student review of London Eye (Toxic City Book 1) by Tim Lebbon. See the full review.

This book is overall a good book. I wish that it had a little bit more action. It also was slightly odd, but I still thought of it as good. I would think that people that like postapocalyptic and ficiton books would like this book.

A new student review of The Mountain's Depths by Snnaky Sword

Jane0915 posted a new student review of The Mountain's Depths by Snnaky Sword. See the full review.

I enjoyed the story of this book, but there are two things I did not like about it. For one, I found it hard to follow at many parts of the story, especially the beginning, as the author kept starting and restarting. I think this was more for effect, but the author went a little overboard. I think he could have toned it down a bit and it would have had a better effect. Also, I found that the author did not take the time to introduce the characters carefully to keep the reader straight on who is who. Despite this, I did enjoy reading this book; it had an intriguing storyline that kept me entertained. I would recommend this book to fans of adventure novels, or anyone who is looking to get into the action/adventure/fantasy genre.

A new student review of Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley

masha posted a new student review of Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley. See the full review.

I didn't like this book because it was boring and slow. The characters didn't have very developed personalities, and they failed to interest me. Throughout the book I always knew what was going to happen and I didn't think that there was an exciting climax. I would not recommend this book because it was not an interesting or fun read. 

A new student review of My Own Revolution by Carolyn Marsden

tkh2002 posted a new student review of My Own Revolution by Carolyn Marsden. See the full review.

I thought this book was wonderful. By the end of the first chapter, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not. But it started to pick up right away, and I instantly fell in love. The description was absoutely fantastic, and the characters were really well developed. And by the end I felt for Patrik and all the drama, confusion, and fear that he was experiencing. Although this is mainly a book about the revolution in Czechoslovakia, I also felt that it was a beautiful story about growing up and finding out who you want to be and what you want to do with your life. A round of appluase to Carolyn Marsden.

A new student review of Cameo by Tanille Edwards

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

When I first picked this book up, I was excited to see chicklit cover the inner workings of high school. I definitely had high expectations for this book, but I was disappointed due to the following reasons below.

 

As I started to read, I was struck by how poorly written the novel was. Instead of enjoying the story, I was trying to keep up with all the mumbo jumbo the author had written. There was just so much slang like “dope” and “fly” that it made my head hurt. Don’t get me wrong, I know slang is used everyday, but I don’t think an excessive amount is necessary for a novel. The second thing I noticed was the very cheesy and confusing plot of the story. The novel takes has too many loops and turns that the plot almost surpasses itself. Almost. The characters, probably one of the only things that could save a book, were not even that interesting. They were underdeveloped and just as confusing as the plot.

I’m a very easy person to please, so when I tell you this book was not good, I mean it. There were so many times I wanted to just drop the book and pick up a different novel, yet I powered through. Maybe I didn’t like the book because it wasn’t young adult fiction, maybe not. I honestly have no idea; but if you do read this book, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

A new student review of Crash Into You by Katie McGarry

iamabooklion posted a new student review of Crash Into You by Katie McGarry. See the full review.

This book was beautifully written! I was so drawn to the way Katie McGarry wrote this book, and the plot was just amazing. The author did such a good job in writing these characters. Rachel, the main character, was so well written. She has so much depth to her character, her anxiety problem was so relatable. Isaiah was really loving and cute. Their interactions were so adorable. I couldn't put this book down at all. I'm so excited for the fourth book in the series!

A new student review of Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects by Sophie Maletsky

burkekat97 posted a new student review of Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects by Sophie Maletsky. See the full review.

Sticky Fingers by Sophie Maletsky, is one of the best instructive crafts book that I have read. The way she uses pictures and descriptive words makes it very easy to follow the directions and not skip steps. Before I wrote this, I chose to complete a project from every difficulty level to see how easy it was to follow along while creating. I have truly enjoyed doing the different projects and I would most definitely suggest this book to people who are looking for fun crafts. 

A new student review of Take Me On by Katie McGarry

NgelicMystery posted a new student review of Take Me On by Katie McGarry. See the full review.

The author has done a very good job. The characters were well-developed.

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

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

I overall enjoyed Winter Falls. It was well-written, engaging, and with an intriguing premise, I couldn’t put it down. I could relate to the main character, Alessia, and liked her overall as a character. Sure, she made some brash decisions, but I rooted for her throughout the book. Additionally, Alessia and her best friend, Jenny, were hilarious. I loved their interactions and banter. Jonah was also quite a good love interest. Jonah seems attractive, sweet,  and has just the right amount of mystery, I enjoyed watching his and Alessia’s relationship develop. However, their relationship was one of the things I had a problem with in the book. He began to consume a lot of her time, and I would have liked more on Alessia’s friendships and the Benandanti instead.

In that same vein, my main issue with this book was that I wanted more on the Benandanti and some of the characters. The Benandanti and its workings are still pretty unknown to Alessia by the end of Winter Falls, and a good portion of Alessia’s training wasn’t shown in the book. However, as this is going to be a trilogy, I hope that the Benandanti’s secrets will be revealed as the series continues. In terms of characters, I would have also liked more information on Alessia’s father and on Jonah’s twin sister. However, like the Benandanti, I bet there will be more on them later in the series. The ending was also somewhat abrupt, but again, it’s the first book. The plot twist at the end just makes me want to read on.

In summary, Winter Falls is a solid beginning to the Twin Willows trilogy, introducing an intriguing plot and relatable characters. I genuinely liked Alessia, Jenny, and Jonah. Also, the fact that the Benandanti was actually a real organization adds even more awesomeness to the book. I would recommend Winter Falls to any paranormal fan, and those who enjoy a good romance. 

A new student review of Take Me On by Katie McGarry

ReaperTheGenius posted a new student review of Take Me On by Katie McGarry. See the full review.

We all know some characters are just way too perfect in books, this book does not have that problem. This book actually has it backwards, the characters all have faults, lots of them. That's okay though because this book show the growth of the characters and how they overcome the faults they have. This book really felt good to read because of that.

Katie McGarry has crafted a novel that will stick with me for a lifetime. This novel isn't perfection, but it's still beautiful and that's what I love about it. It's still so raw and I can just dive so deep into it. This is an amazing book that everyone should read. It's just a book to make you feel like change it okay and that even if things aren't okay then will be in time.

A new student review of The Shadow Lantern by Teresa Flavin

Lucy posted a new student review of The Shadow Lantern by Teresa Flavin. See the full review.

An interesting book that I would recommend to many other readers that are into the supernatural. Although it would be best to read the 1^st and 2^nd book of the series. Not knowing it was a series made the story a bit confusing. Although after reading farther into the story, you could understand many of the things that are going on. I believe it was an amazing book, I just wish the series would continue on. 

A new student review of Mistry by Moonlight by Claire Merchant

lunarwolf posted a new student review of Mistry by Moonlight by Claire Merchant. See the full review.

I truely enjoyed MIstry By Moonlight. It had an amazing plot, and i couldn't put the book down. It was an addictive read, as well as a life lesson. It showed how she changed herself because she didn't like her past self, but wasn't happy with the person she changed into. She turned mistrustful of people's motivations toward her and how people who she thought were friends never were. I say anyone who enjoys action and romance would enjoy this read.

A new student review of Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects by Sophie Maletsky

Queen_Ri posted a new student review of Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects by Sophie Maletsky. See the full review.

"Sticky Fingers DIY Duct Tape Projects" is a great book with great DIY projects. I loved the bow and recommend it to beginners. On some instructions I was a little confused but understood after a while. If you're interested in reviewing this book, you should get about 3 or 4 rolls of big tape and 3 or 4 of little tape because some projects use a lot of big and little tape. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to make stuff or would like to make duct tape crafts with a family member of any age.

A new student review of Quantum Spirit - Apocalypse by Sallie Haws

GraceK posted a new student review of Quantum Spirit - Apocalypse by Sallie Haws. See the full review.

Quantum Spirit is a fascinating book, giving you second thoughts as to whether the reality you know is the only one. Though a wonderfully written book, it has content that I would not consider appropriate for younger children ( ten or below.)  It has a fast moving plot line that keeps you reading. I would recomend this to teenagers interested in the paranormal.

A new student review of The Secret Ingredient by Stewart Lewis

Eowyn7 posted a new student review of The Secret Ingredient by Stewart Lewis. See the full review.

This book comes alive from the pages. It captures the absolute best of our humanity. Olivia seems so real. She isn't perfect, but she's so full of hope and possibility that it seems there is nowhere to go but up. Olivia's journey sucks you in and you find yourself looking for the secret ingredient as hard as Olivia is. Around every corner is a surprise that brings you one step closer to your prize; life's secret ingredient. I would recommend this book to any young adult reader, but especially to those with an interest in food.

A new student review of Controlled by Patrick Jones

LaRayne posted a new student review of Controlled by Patrick Jones. See the full review.

This is one of the best books I have read. I thought that I got a good feel of the story but wish it was longer. Controlled is a great book for teens 12 and up. Patrick Jones does an amazing job of talking about touchy topics. This is also definitely an awesome car book. Jones succeeded in making you feel like the characters are real. I would recommend it to my friends. Controlled makes you want to read her other books and I hope in the future Jones will write longer books so the readers will get the whole story not just the overlay. 

A new student review of Penny Hike by Bobby S. Richardson

nictaf posted a new student review of Penny Hike by Bobby S. Richardson. See the full review.

Penny Hike was a sad story with funny parts mixed in. One thing I liked was how the author described the characters, making them feel very real to the reader. One thing I did not like was the spelling of words like "doctah" for doctor and "yahd" for yard, but it was understandable.  Bobby S. Richardson fashioned a sad, but exciting story. I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up because of the nature of the story, with violence and bad words included.  

A new student review of The True Tale of the Monster Billy Dean by David Almond

tbrayton posted a new student review of The True Tale of the Monster Billy Dean by David Almond. See the full review.

This book can only be titled as a work of pure genius.  Although its phonetically spelled words and horrific grammar might be enough to drive some away, the rewards of reading it entirely are vastly nourishing.  Not only is David Almond a master storyteller, but a true craftsman of fiction.  Only he could write something that at face value looks completely illogical but actually chronicles the immense growth and progression in a child’s life.  It is ingenious that with every passing chapter the spelling and grammar improve.  It shows how Billy Dean grows and learns as a human being, while still reminding us of the completely flawed world in which he lives.  We see him change and grow stronger through his writing, which as the story progresses improves.  Another noteworthy part of this book is the point of view.  Since a child narrates the book, we read it and imagine it as a child would.  But what is so amazing about this is the way we are able to see so many evil and traumatic events unravel in this boy’s life.  We, as more developed people, expect the same point of view that we would have if it were we living through these happenings.  It’s as if we forget it’s a child narrating the story.  But we are constantly reminded by David Almond’s brilliant writing of the natural innocence and trust that children have.  And it is this trust and innocence that in some ways distorts what our point of view might have been in any of these situations.  The book is a truly entertaining tale that can be simultaneously horrifying, mind-boggling, and tearful.  Hats off to David Almond for this wonderful book.

A new student review of The Garden of Darkness by Gillian Murray Kendall

Star360 posted a new student review of The Garden of Darkness by Gillian Murray Kendall. See the full review.

Simply put, The Garden of Darkness is the best book that I have read in a long time. It takes a familiar idea--what if there was a huge, deadly pandemic?--and takes it down a fascinating route. Most of the book is about Clare and Jem’s group, but every few chapters are devoted to Master, which I thought was very clever. It helped the plot move along faster, and also gives a deliciously nasty sense of foreboding to the story. The plot is relatively straightforward--get to Master and don’t die along the way. However, a series of unexpected occurrences and new members to the pack make sure that they reader never becomes bored. The characters are incredibly realistic, not clichéd; for example, Clare loves to read. I almost wished that I was on the journey with them! While there was a romance, it did not overwhelm the really important parts of the story; rather, it served as a foil to all of the horrors around them. A post-apocalyptic novel with dramatic twists and intriguing ideas, The Garden of Darkness is bound to be popular among those who wonder about the borders between life, death, and insanity.

A new student review of Allergic to Babies, Burglars, and Other Bumps in the Night by Lenore Look

cowboys1 posted a new student review of Allergic to Babies, Burglars, and Other Bumps in the Night by Lenore Look. See the full review.

This book is perfect for anyone who has read the other Alvin Ho books but even a first time reader would enjoy it.  The story is really funny and I love Alvin's character!  I think reluctant readers and boys would really like this book.

A new student review of Knock Out Games by G. Neri

Dsun_ posted a new student review of Knock Out Games by G. Neri. See the full review.

I was immediately interested in this book the second I started reading it. The characters were described incredibly well. I could picture each character and their personalities. The setting was accurately described as well. I had a fun time learning about the Knockout Game and overall a fantastic book.

A new student review of The Strange Maid by Tessa Gratton

Shay-Ainahs posted a new student review of The Strange Maid by Tessa Gratton. See the full review.

Skimmed the book, read the poetry, smashed it into the wall a few times after Ned died (though you get that vague suspicion that he'll miraciously survive again, 'cause books defy reality--sometimes.). It's a pretty good book, though. I really enjoyed it. Perhaps I'll read something by the same author in the future.

A new student review of Roman Diary by Richard Platt

ALex1x1 posted a new student review of Roman Diary by Richard Platt. See the full review.

Roman Diary is a great adventure story that tells about the ancient Romans and their culture. I love how the book has a glossary and goes into detail about event, gladiators and battles. I also enjoyed the pictures. The only negative things about it that I could think of was that it didn't tell the definitions of some of the words right way. It wasn't until the end of the book do you find out. I would highly recommend this book to people who like historical fiction books and who are interested in how the Romans slaves lived.

A new student review of The Revelation of Gabriel Adam

nowhereman posted a new student review of The Revelation of Gabriel Adam . See the full review.

I really enjoyed reading The Revelation of Gabriel Adam by S.L. Duncan. I really liked the idea of The End of the World being stopped from Archangels. Its straight from The Bible it seems which is pretty cool. Most end of the world stories has to do with zombies or government disaster, and for the most part are pretty similar, This one stood out for sure. Duncan weaves the end of the world thriller with The Bible perfectly, like no one else has done before. I recommend this for teenagers and up.

A new student review of The Tale of Cloran Hastings by Brandon M. Dennis

jotaf posted a new student review of The Tale of Cloran Hastings by Brandon M. Dennis. See the full review.

I really enjoyed The Tale of Cloran Hastings because it was adventurous, exciting, sad, and surprising.  One part I really liked that made it exciting was when Cloran and his crew were attacked by man-wraiths and had to fight their way out of their predicament.  One thing I didn’t enjoy so much was that, even though this was book one, it felt like there was more to the story before this; it just kind of jumped right into the story.  Also, at the end, it left me hanging.  I would be really sad if the author didn’t make a sequel.  Overall though, this book was a real page-turner; I just couldn’t put it down.  I would recommend this book for ages 11 and up because there was some death, blood, and other mature content.

A new student review of Knock Out Games by G. Neri

Dsun_ posted a new student review of Knock Out Games by G. Neri. See the full review.

I was immediately interested in this book the second I started reading it. The characters were described incredibly well. I could picture each character and their personalities. The setting was accurately described as well. I had a fun time learning about the Knockout Game and overall a great book.

A new student review of Family Ties by Gary Paulsen

muffin posted a new student review of Family Ties by Gary Paulsen. See the full review.

I LOVED this book. It is funny, and it's about family. Could it get any better??? This book is very well written, and I have no bad comments about this book. This book is fiction, and I recommend it for all ages. I really like how the author wrote the characters and their unique personalities. I really enjoyed that there were so many characters in this book. There was some bad language in this book, but overall, it was terrific! I think that Gary Paulsen did a wonderful job on this book, and I hope you do too. I give this book five stars!!!

A new student review of Magic Tree House #52: Soccer on Sunday by Mary Pope Osborne

Boomer123 posted a new student review of Magic Tree House #52: Soccer on Sunday by Mary Pope Osborne. See the full review.

When I read this book, I thought that Mary Pope Osborne could have done a better job with the details. This book was not very descriptive. I did like that she wrote about soccer because I love soccer. There were some good parts and some not so good parts. So I think I give this book four stars.

A new student review of Secrets of the Manor - Beth's Story by Adele Whitby

RockinR4 posted a new student review of Secrets of the Manor - Beth's Story by Adele Whitby. See the full review.

This book was amazing! I love how the story is set in England in the same year World War 1 began, the mystery, and the excitement! Adele Whitby made me feel as if I were Beth. I couldn't put the book down.

In fact, I loved it so much that I read it four more times! Thanks, LitPick!

A new student review of The Big Fix (Bareknuckle) by Nathan Sacks

nictaf posted a new student review of The Big Fix (Bareknuckle) by Nathan Sacks. See the full review.

The Big Fix was a good book filled with action and suspense.  I liked The Big Fix, and I think it goes well with the other books in the series.  Nathan Sacks created a book with a fierce story. I would recommend this book to ages 10 and up because of some bad words and bloody descriptions. 

A new student review of The Morning Star by Robin Bridges

Star360 posted a new student review of The Morning Star by Robin Bridges. See the full review.

The Morning Star provides a lush blend of history and fantasy that keeps readers rapidly turning pages, never knowing what creatures await them in the next chapter. The main players– Katiya, George, Danilo, and Konstantin– are deeper and more thought-out than ever. The character arcs that some of those characters go through are fulfilling to read about. I also approved of how Katiya stays firm to her dreams and loyal to her family. An intelligent duchess far ahead of her time, she provides a good role model for girls. The new settings were a treat to read about. Smolny Institute has been left behind, but none of the escapades are lost! Egyptian mythology had been referenced to in the previous books, so it was delightful to read about Katiya’s adventures in the Land of the Nile. One of my favorites things about the series was that many of the royals mentioned were real people. What happens to them in the books is very loosely based on their actual lives. The show-stopping final chapter is the cherry on top. All in all, I believe that readers faithful to Katiya will enjoy the bittersweet, magical finale of The Katerina Trilogy.

A new student review of Bloodwitch

Ravette posted a new student review of Bloodwitch . See the full review.

This was a very engaging, fast-paced story. I absolutely loved the characters. My favourite being Vance, who went through a lot of changes throughout the novel. It was interesting to follow the progression because I was able to see how his eyes opened about the world around him, and how he began to see things differently. In other words, he became a better person for it. It was, in my opinion, really amazing to see this sort of transformation with the character development, even more so when he discovered the world he had always been curious about. Not ony that, but I loved the setting: the basic human dystopia in which something else was the the top of the 'pyramid', so to speak. Long story short, I'd highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

A new student review of Let's Get Lost by Adi Alsaid

Gwendolyn posted a new student review of Let's Get Lost by Adi Alsaid. See the full review.

There was something nostalgic, yet ever so present that I gathered from this book. The writing style is easy to follow and it has realistic characters that seemingly come to life on the page. A truly solid novel, Let's Get Lost is one to remember and always come back to. Each adventure begins with a sense of excitement and hope. They seem to rush by in a flurry, weaving together Leila's experiences with an intriguing continuation. 

 

I found it very clear that this book is written by someone who understands people and can easily put themselves in other people's shoes, and who can perfectly depict personalities, conversations, and experiences that feel realistic to the reader. I was invested in the outcome of each story, and even though they went by in a flash, they didn't feel incomplete or finished in an unsatisfying and forced manner.

 

In the advance uncorrected proof edition of Let's Get Lost which I received, I discovered a page or two dedicated to a Q&A with author Adi Alsaid. On being asked what he hopes his readers will take away from this book, he mentions the "specific feeling of peacefulness you get when you finish a good book," and how when he finishes a truly amazing read, he "looks around seeing the world as a more literary place, amazed that the people around me don't see it, too, that the experience was contained to me." I decided to share this quote because I feel that it explains how I felt after reading Let's Get Lost precisely. These four intertwined adventures capture an intimacy between the reader and text that I have slight difficulty phrasing to my satisfaction. In the simplest of descriptions, it reaches out to its audience. A truly special read, I definitely connected to Alsaid's work as a young individual, but also as an aspiring author and someone who is fascinated by human character. Let's Get Lost is memorable, enthralling, and emotive. Although I will admit that I typically don't always favor today's Young Adult centered literature, Let's Get Lost was thoroughly enjoyable for me and I look forward to reading Alsaid's future work. 

A new student review of The Haunting of Apartment 101 by Megan Atwood

Lucy posted a new student review of The Haunting of Apartment 101 by Megan Atwood. See the full review.

I really liked the book, and was surprised by the ending as to what the apartment was really about, I found it very interesting and want to read the entire series. This is one of the interesting mystery books that I have ever liked (which I rarely liked mystery). I find the book a fascinating story that allowed me to continue reading and finish it in less than 24 hours!

A new student review of Destiny's Flower by Linda Harley

lunarwolf posted a new student review of Destiny's Flower by Linda Harley. See the full review.

To be brutally honest, I hated the book. The story line wasn't appealing and the different people switching point of views was difficult to follow. The story itself wasn't very interesting either. The part of the story I enjoyed was the family mystery behind Lynn's grandmother. The locket was an interesting touch, I admit, but the story gets too slow after she leaves the ship. The story is very hard to get into as well.

A new student review of Greek Mythology's Twelve Labors of Hercules by Brandon Terrell

ALex1x1 posted a new student review of Greek Mythology's Twelve Labors of Hercules by Brandon Terrell. See the full review.

Greek Mythology's Twelve Labors Of Hercules was an entertaining adventure that kept me guessing on the choices I had to make. I was easily able to enjoy this book cause I am a fan of Greek mythology. Some things I enjoyed about it was that it was a 'choose your own path' story. But also how it was easily put into terms that anyone could understand.

 

The only thing that I could see someone getting upset about this book, is if someone wanted more information about the characters.

 

I would defiantly recommend this book to others because it tells the story in a way that's fun for others to read but also doesn't turn it into a novel to make it uninteresting to readers who can't stay still.

A new student review of The Mountain's Depths by Snnaky Sword

sschu5 posted a new student review of The Mountain's Depths by Snnaky Sword. See the full review.

This was an okay book. I liked it, but it was probably in the first 70 of my favorite books. This book has a lot of details and I love that. But the story kind of droned on and on. So I would recommend this to people who want a calm story.

A new student review of reGUARDing GRACE by Karen Leppert

idkpamelaa posted a new student review of reGUARDing GRACE by Karen Leppert. See the full review.

This book was very interesting. I had been looking for a book that experimented with DID in a way that wasn't a research investigation because I wanted a story and somehow I found ReGUARDing Grace .I couldn't be happier over it. The beginnning was very hard to understand due to the use of terms like amalgate and other overall concepts that are not known nor easy to understand. I loved the idea of having special powers in the alters because it made it even more complicated for the host to become one.  I am a psychology freak and this book was great because it showed what it is like to have another personality while keeping it as a fictional piece. 

A new student review of Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout

iamabooklion posted a new student review of Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout. See the full review.

I love this book so much. The way this book was written is absolutely beautiful. I love the action packed adventures that were included in this book that weren't in the previous one. Layla develops so much as a character, she isn't a clingy and jealous character like in the first book. Jennifer is so good at creating such strong characters that I couldn't pick a side. This book was so intense and fun to read at the same time. Jennifer L. Armentrout has done it again and written a masterpiece following her previous one. This is one of my favorite series ever and I'm so excited for the third installment in the series!

A new student review of Backwards by Todd Mitchell

alison_S posted a new student review of Backwards by Todd Mitchell. See the full review.

Although I approached Backwards skeptically, apprehensive of a novel that appeared more gimmick than plot, Mitchell quieted all my misgivings within the book’s first few pages. Backwards doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics such as suicide and teen drinking, nor does it exploit these hardships for the sake of suspense. Rather, Mitchell addresses numerous difficult topics with poignancy and tact. Mitchell depicts the main characters with a rich, endearing complexity, and Backwards proved more of a character study than a pacing novelty. Speaking of pacing, Backwards progresses fairly briskly, and Mitchell’s vivid, lyrical prose mesmerizes readers from the get-go. Though the twist ending initially struck me as incongruous to the rest of the plot, I now realize that it’s sometimes justified to sacrifice plot on the altar of profundity. In conclusion, not only did Todd Mitchell’s Backwards wow me, it also explored the sensitive topic of teen suicide in a respectful— yet wholly engaging— way.

A new student review of Lord and Lady Bunny--Almost Royalty! by Polly Horvath

harmong posted a new student review of Lord and Lady Bunny--Almost Royalty! by Polly Horvath. See the full review.

     I really liked this book!  My mom and I read it together before bed and we thought there were a lot of funny parts.  It was a little confusing at first before we figured out all of the characters in the book.  My favorite character in the story was Mr. Bunny because of his stories.  I also loved that JK Rowling was a surprise guest in the book.  I just watched Harry Potter this summer. 

     I like how Madeline’s parents end up understanding why she wants to go to college.  My parents talk about college all the time so it was funny that they didn’t see why she would want to go!  In the end, Madeline’s dreams do come true…with some help from her friends.  There was a good ending for everyone. 

     It was cool that the setting took place in England since my Mom lived there for a few years.  She showed me some pictures from there and we looked at Google for some more too.  I wondered what the real Queen looks like and she is very old but I like her hats.  I want to go to England someday! Being on a cruise sounds pretty fun too. 

     I have not read the first Mr. and Mrs. Bunny book but I am interested in checking it out since I liked this one so much.  I wonder if there will be another book in this series?  I bet there will be.  And I hope so!

A new student review of The Aftermath by Jen Alexander

dancechicka posted a new student review of The Aftermath by Jen Alexander. See the full review.

This book was far-flung, wild, and irrational--and it was absolutely marvelous. While most books of this genre (dystopian fiction), can sometimes start a little slowly, Alexander jumped right into the plot with abandon.  She had you on the edge of your seat from the get-go.  Though I was a little (okay, a lot) confused at first, with the whole dual-personality thing with Claudia/her gamer, little by little, I began to piece together the intricate puzzle known as The Aftermath—and that, in itself, was part of the fun.  With the intrigue, action, (and yes, a little bit of romance) The Aftermath turned into a perfectly addicting read that I couldn’t put down.  Claudia, though sometimes prone to angst, proved to be a strong main character supported by an equally sturdy minor character assemblage. Though action packed and fast-paced, this book also had a deeper connotation than your average dystopia. I felt Alexander did a wonderful job presenting the moral theme of violence.  Do you treat violence with violence, or treat violence with kindness and peace?  The Aftermath explores both themes, with the interactions between both players and gamers.  In the end, a great read for anyone interested in a good book to start your school year.

                “Shoulders slumped in defeat; I walk to the door and grab the knob.  A sharp jolt of electricity streaks up my arm and through the rest of my body.   I fall to my knees, screaming.”

                I would recommend this book for ages eleven and up, due mostly to the themes of violence and its effects (blood, wounds, etc.)  that are mentioned quite frequently.

                Will the help of the enigmatic Declan, will Claudia be able to find her way out of the game and start anew, with no more blood on her hands?  Or will she soon succumb to her relentless gamer, becoming nothing more than a niggling voice inside her head?  Read The Aftermath by Jen Alexander to find out!

A new student review of Ghost House by Alexandra Adornetto

JesusFreak posted a new student review of Ghost House by Alexandra Adornetto. See the full review.

When I started reading this book, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the story began.  It grabbed me right from the start and kept my interest nearly the entire time.  Chloe was a very likeable and relatable character (besides the whole being-able-to-see-ghosts thing).  Alexander was charming and the type of guy most girls would fall for.

The author did an excellent job on describing the places and events without boring me.  My only complaint is that there were various spelling errors throughout the book.

Overall, it is an exciting, gripping story.  I recommend it to anyone who loves ghost stories and suspense.

A new student review of Disconnected by Lisa Cronkhite

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

First of all, I'd like to preface my review by expressing my sincere admiration for those who, like Ms. Cronkhite, have overcome a mental disorder. The opinions expressed in this review reflect my impression of Milly, not my opinion of those who suffer depression, schizophrenia, or Dissociative Identity Disorder.

 

Though peppered by the occasional snippet of breathtaking imagery, Disconnected relies too heavily on clichés when describing setting. Furthermore, although Disconnected centers primarily, around Milly's battle with DID, I struggled to connect with the novel's protagonist. Although I could relate to some of Milly's vulnerabilities, I feel as though Cronkhite devoted too much of the book to Milly's challenges, while largely ignoring Milly's strengths. Additionally, even though Milly manages to, in the course of her book, suppress some of her DID symptoms, Cronkhite seems to gloss over this portion of our protagonist's emotional journey. Because Disconnected focused almost exclusively on Milly's weaknesses, I regarded her love interest's near-instantaneous devotion with a touch of skepticism. That being said, what their relationship lacks in believability it makes up for in heartwarming adorableness. Although, for the most part, Disconnected does benefit from fairly brisk pacing, Cronkhite tries to cram the bulk of her book's climax into a few pages of heartfelt reveals. Had Milly discovered her family secrets gradually, rather than in a final, emotionally-saturated rush of waterworks, I would've better appreciated Disconnected's impressively complex web of clues. Lastly, I wish Milly had played a more active role in the novel's plot; rather than unravel the Norris family mystery herself, Milly simply….asks her aunt.

 

Disconnected held my interest but failed to wow me; Cronkhite's novel offers readers an engaging— albeit poorly executed—  mystery, a too-good-to-be-true romance, and a heartfelt portrait of mental disorders. So if you're hankering for teenage poignancy laced with suspense, Disconnected's probably worth a read. Otherwise, I advise you to look elsewhere for your beach reading.

A new student review of Hearts of Stone by Kathleen Ernst

posted a new student review of Hearts of Stone by Kathleen Ernst. See the full review.

Hearts of Stone is set in the mid 1800's right in the middle of the Civil War. The main character Hannah struggles with difficult decisions throughout the book. She finds herself homeless with 3 other siblings, hungry, and heartbroken. Her father went off to join the union and died, and her mother soon after that dies from stress, and heartache. Hannah faced with no other option decides that the only way she can keep her family together is to travel thousands of miles to Nashville. There they hope to find their only living relative.

I really enjoyed this book. I know a lot about the Civil War, but I didn't know how bad it was for the children. I know the book was fictional but I'm sure children really did pick cigar buds off the street just so they could have a little bit of food to keep them going one more day. I also felt really bad for Hannah, because the Civil War did put friends against friends and family members against family members. And being young, your confused and it was understandable why she cut off all ties with her best friend just because he was a confederate.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 17

Reviewer City, State and Country: Dundee, Oregon USA

A new student review of Hearts of Stone by Kathleen Ernst

posted a new student review of Hearts of Stone by Kathleen Ernst. See the full review.

Hearts of Stone is set in the mid 1800's right in the middle of the Civil War. The main character Hannah struggles with difficult decisions throughout the book. She finds herself homeless with 3 other siblings, hungry, and heartbroken. Her father went off to join the union and died, and her mother soon after that dies from stress, and heartache. Hannah faced with no other option decides that the only way she can keep her family together is to travel thousands of miles to Nashville. There they hope to find their only living relative.

I really enjoyed this book. I know a lot about the Civil War, but I didn't know how bad it was for the children. I know the book was fictional but I'm sure children really did pick cigar buds off the street just so they could have a little bit of food to keep them going one more day. I also felt really bad for Hannah, because the Civil War did put friends against friends and family members against family members. And being young, your confused and it was understandable why she cut off all ties with her best friend just because he was a confederate.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 17

Reviewer City, State and Country: Dundee, Oregon USA

A new student review of Hearts of Stone by Kathleen Ernst

posted a new student review of Hearts of Stone by Kathleen Ernst. See the full review.

Hearts of Stone is set in the mid 1800's right in the middle of the Civil War. The main character Hannah struggles with difficult decisions throughout the book. She finds herself homeless with 3 other siblings, hungry, and heartbroken. Her father went off to join the union and died, and her mother soon after that dies from stress, and heartache. Hannah faced with no other option decides that the only way she can keep her family together is to travel thousands of miles to Nashville. There they hope to find their only living relative.

I really enjoyed this book. I know a lot about the Civil War, but I didn't know how bad it was for the children. I know the book was fictional but I'm sure children really did pick cigar buds off the street just so they could have a little bit of food to keep them going one more day. I also felt really bad for Hannah, because the Civil War did put friends against friends and family members against family members. And being young, your confused and it was understandable why she cut off all ties with her best friend just because he was a confederate.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 17

Reviewer City, State and Country: Dundee, Oregon USA

A new student review of Hearts of Stone by Kathleen Ernst

posted a new student review of Hearts of Stone by Kathleen Ernst. See the full review.

Hearts of Stone is set in the mid 1800's right in the middle of the Civil War. The main character Hannah struggles with difficult decisions throughout the book. She finds herself homeless with 3 other siblings, hungry, and heartbroken. Her father went off to join the union and died, and her mother soon after that dies from stress, and heartache. Hannah faced with no other option decides that the only way she can keep her family together is to travel thousands of miles to Nashville. There they hope to find their only living relative.

I really enjoyed this book. I know a lot about the Civil War, but I didn't know how bad it was for the children. I know the book was fictional but I'm sure children really did pick cigar buds off the street just so they could have a little bit of food to keep them going one more day. I also felt really bad for Hannah, because the Civil War did put friends against friends and family members against family members. And being young, your confused and it was understandable why she cut off all ties with her best friend just because he was a confederate.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 17

Reviewer City, State and Country: Dundee, Oregon USA

A new student review of The Summer I Saved the World . . . in 65 Days by Michele Weber Hurwitz

Peace8747 posted a new student review of The Summer I Saved the World . . . in 65 Days by Michele Weber Hurwitz. See the full review.

I loved this book a lot. It inspired me to get up and do something good. I also liked how realistic the book was. My favorite character was Nina because she was so great at being anonymous. I would recommend it to anyone.

It was a great book! There is no swearing or explicit content, so pretty much anyone can read it.  I would recommend this book to people ages 10-99!

          

A new student review of Boys of Blur by N. D. Wilson

Pikachu posted a new student review of Boys of Blur by N. D. Wilson. See the full review.

I suggest this book to everyone who likes action and adventure. I thought this was a really cool book. It’s exiting. I think it hooks you into the book. My favorite part was when Charlie ran through the football stadium.  

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

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

The book "Life, Love, and Surviving highschool" by Ann Herrick was a humorous, relatable, and compulsive read. 

I enjoyed how Becca was a character that the reader can easily relate to, although she sometimes makes disagreeable mistakes. She is funny, smart, shy, and sometimes insecure. She often gets stuck in dilemas which are very common in high school.

Furthermore, I admired how realistic the conflicts and situations in the story were. Such as having a best friend (Claire), trying to fit in with the rest of the people in school, and boy drama. Becca decides to focus on her school and do her work. But when Colt and Brent come along, things come crashing down. Becca gets distracted and caught up in boy drama and love and forgets about school. This part makes the story come to life and be interesting, since there were many twists and turns. I was reading this constantly and nonstop, so much that I couldn't even put down my tablet/phone!

Overall, I would recommend this book to any current middle schooler or high schooler because there are so many things that are relatable, and I honestly enjoyed this book more than I expected!

A new student review of Guiamo(Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo)Book1 by Marshall Best

shan311 posted a new student review of Guiamo(Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo)Book1 by Marshall Best. See the full review.

This interesting book is a page-turner and made me read the whole book. It made me never want to stop reading. This book is for people who like Ancient History, Roman Mythology, and Adventure. It is interesting and unique.

A new student review of Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer

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

I liked the book a lot! Very well written and it kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! The only thing I wish was a little different about the book was how it kept jumping back between the past and present and how the one character just got the guy. Besides those two minor flaws, the book was very amazing. I would definitely recommend this book to many people! 4 stars!

A new student review of WhipEye by Geoffrey Saign

sschu5 posted a new student review of WhipEye by Geoffrey Saign. See the full review.

The plot really shows how amazing this book is. I love how there were so many details in the story; it really makes you feel as if you are in the story. The story itself is pure genius, because put together a villain, two heros, a savior, magical creatures, and slaved magical creatures and you have an awesome story. It’s the uniqueness of it that makes it worth reading. Both of the main characters are going through hard times, so it puts the story together. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

A new student review of There Will Come A Time by Carrie Arcos

crabby posted a new student review of There Will Come A Time by Carrie Arcos. See the full review.

Mark’s narrative, while a tad clichéd at times, is surprisingly potent. The way he copes with his trauma is grippingly authentic and relatable; he is quite young, and he is still developing his own sense of self even as he tries to understand the sister he lost. Mark’s struggles with grief and guilt mingle realistically with the odd bits of happiness that crop up unexpectedly in his life, like his growing relationship with Grace’s best friend, Hanna, or his family telling stories around the Christmas tree. Mark’s healing process is never portrayed as black and white. It is infinitely messy and complicated, and this complexity makes the story and its characters incredibly genuine. The author manages to tackle a very heavy subject without becoming excessively dark or depressing. This novel has a lot to offer, and without a doubt, other readers will soon become as fond of Mark as I am.

 

A new student review of Mouseheart by Lisa Fiedler

nictaf posted a new student review of Mouseheart by Lisa Fiedler. See the full review.

Mouseheart is an excellent book and I couldn’t put it down.  I cannot wait for the second book.  Lisa Fiedler created a world that is believable with an amount of fantasy which I loved.  Hopper is a mouse that is brave and unselfish in every way, and Pinky, his sister,  is foolhardy and reckless.  I would recommend this book for ages 9 and up because there are some bloody descriptions.  For the most part it is a thrilling book.  I think that everyone who reads this book will like it.  It will keep your attention and not let go!

A new student review of Come August, Come Freedom by Gigi Amateau

AKFeldman posted a new student review of Come August, Come Freedom by Gigi Amateau. See the full review.

I loved reading Come August, Come Freedom. The historical facts are seamlessly intertwined with rich prose that envelopes you into Gabriel's true inspiring tale. Usually, it takes me a while to get engrossed in historical fiction, but Gigi Amateau made it a pleasant reading experience: smooth yet impactful.  I highly suggest this book for hesitant history fans; it is a great pathway to the genre of historical fiction.