A new student review of Denton Little's Deathdate

tlang posted a new student review of Denton Little's Deathdate . See the full review.

Words cannot describe how funny and entertaining this book is. I was mesmerized in the storyline in the very beginning of Chapter One and still loved it all the way through Chapter 37. The book is funny. Denton's personality is that, even when death is right around the corner, he is still a funny guy who loves life and loves to make people laugh. All the characters are fully developed and each has a grand personality. The entertainment in this book...well, how can a gun shootoff not be entertaining?

A new student review of Akarnae by Lynette Noni

sakurafrost posted a new student review of Akarnae by Lynette Noni. See the full review.

I really liked this book. Akarnae was an adventure from cover to cover, a book I'd read again and again. The characters are fun-loving and felt very real to me, they didn't have unrealistic traits (besides the fact that practically all of the guys Alex meets are described as hot) or anything like that. Also, Alex, Jordan and Bear's friendship never turns into a weird love triangle, which was nice because it kept the focus on the plot.

A new student review of Mind Over Bullies - A MOB Forms by D.K. Smith

Star360 posted a new student review of Mind Over Bullies - A MOB Forms by D.K. Smith. See the full review.

Bullying is a topic that every school seems to talk about, but few people actually do something about. Mind Over Bullies: A MOB Forms tackled this difficult topic by spinning it into an intriguing mystery.

 

There were two major plots. The first was the anti-bullying campaign, which was very creative. The MOB members had an impressive mastery of technology that is outside of the ordinary teen’s skill set, adding an amusing touch reminiscent of James Bond. I find it interesting to read about teens who are trying to really make a difference, not just deciding who to go out with. The second plot was the counterfeiting ring. It added an extra dimension of suspense and helped tie in different characters to the bullying theme. The quick access that Margo had to the police was highly unusual, but was necessary to keep the two plots connected.

 

Margo’s transition from queen bee to social outcast was vividly portrayed. I liked how it provided readers with insight into both the “cool kids” zone and the average high schooler’s arena. She was clearly the main character, but the other students and characters were also important. Her fellow MOB members each had a unique personality, and readers are sure to find a kindred spirit in one of the high schoolers. I felt that Kat may have been a tad overdramatized, but felt the character development was realistic overall.

 

A downside of the book for me was its length. Now, I don’t shy away from long books. My favorite novel is Gone With the Wind, which is over a thousand pages long. However, I feel that Mind Over Bullies could have been cut down a bit. The counterfeiting plot was heavy on details and new people popping in for a few devious scenes, which could distract readers from the main theme of bullying. Of course, the money-making scheme served its purpose and did not spoil the book at all.

 

On a final note: the cover of the book is really cool! It fits the exact description of the MOB logo in the book. Judging by the title and the dramatic ending, Smith will probably write another MOB book. I’ll be keeping my eye out for it!

A new student review of Mind Over Bullies - A MOB Forms by D.K. Smith

Anjel posted a new student review of Mind Over Bullies - A MOB Forms by D.K. Smith. See the full review.

This was an amazing book! It hit a soft spot in my heart. The author really captured what happens when someone is being bullied. Adding the counterfeiting plot was an ingenious idea. 

 

My favorite part was when the girls were all still friends at the start of the book. My least favorite part was when one of the girls died, even though I didn't like her character very much. She had a pretty hard life, and I felt for her. 

 

I hope there will be a second book. I recommend this book to pre-teens, teens, and adults. Anyone would enjoy it because it is an awesome book. 

A new student review of Feral Pride

MezokaCapturer65 posted a new student review of Feral Pride . See the full review.

A lot of this book hinges on things being accepted as soon as they are stated, as in many things are suddenly introduced and then suddenly removed from the story.  It gets hard to keep track of who everyone is and where everyone is throughout the action, or even when things are calmer.  This book has about an equal amount of romance as the previous books in the series; not much to say about that.  While I did find this book mildly entertaining, I don't think it's anything I'd pick up to read for a second time.  If you don't like elements that were in the previous books, then this book will probably do nothing to redeem the series in your eyes, so I'd only recommend this to people who like teen romance and supernatural creatures. 

A new student review of Enter the Realm of Flesh by A.N. Sinner

JesusFreak posted a new student review of Enter the Realm of Flesh by A.N. Sinner. See the full review.

When I began reading this book, I was pleasantly surprised by how fast it started off. It grabbed me from the very beginning of the book.

The main character, Michael, was a very interesting character. In the beginning of the book I didn’t like him that much. However, as the story progressed, I found that I liked his character more and more. Nya, one of the side characters, seemed likable to me from the very beginning. I loved her attitude and overall personality.

The only complaint I have is that it seemed to lag at some points in the book, causing me to lose interest. However, the writing always picked up shortly after and I was able to get re-engaged.

Overall, this is a great dark paranormal novel for older teens and young adults.

A new student review of The Prize: Tales from a Revolution by Lars D. H. Hedbor

Zane3 posted a new student review of The Prize: Tales from a Revolution by Lars D. H. Hedbor. See the full review.

The Prize: Tales from a Revolution is just the kind of book I would want for historical fiction. It is very exciting and suspenseful, but also has plenty of character and plot development. It is a well balanced book, except that there was quite a lot of romance for historical fiction. There were a couple things that I did not like: It was definitely wordy, which was annoying, and at times the romance became too much of a focus. There were also several things that I did like: There was a good amount of action (but not so much that it overwhelmed the story), and the story ended very nicely. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, but who also likes romance.

A new student review of Dime by E. R. Frank

Katiedid.Break posted a new student review of Dime by E. R. Frank. See the full review.

First, I'd like to say that when I read the description of this book I thought it said "Danny," not "Daddy." So I didn't realize what it was about, and I thought it was a kidnapping/runaway mystery. I would not usually pick this type of book; I am a fantasy nut.

Even so, it was actually pretty good, though it’s not a favorite at all. However, the characters are incredibly described and well thought out. The author truly made them come to life, and not many other authors can do so.

I liked how the author repeated the first chapter later in the book and used it as a sort of second prologue to the book. I also like how the ending was left open. What happens to Dime? Will the baby be okay? What about Lollipop, Brandy, and L.A.?

I wouldn't recommend this book to my friends because of its subject matter. To people who like this book I would recommend "The Death of Bees" by Lisa O'Donnell. It has a similar plot, but prostitution isn't included. Instead, there’s murder and drugs. It's not quite as harsh and shocking a situation as the one Dime finds herself in.

A new student review of Enter the Realm of Flesh by A.N. Sinner

snehayamsani posted a new student review of Enter the Realm of Flesh by A.N. Sinner. See the full review.

“For a split second, a certain word sprang to Michael’s mind: Destiny.”

A.N. Sinner creates an intriguing world for the minds of young readers, using monsters, the mafia, and ancient mythology in Enter the Realm of Flesh.

Sinner does an excellent job with Michael's character development. At the beginning of this novel, readers see Michael as a typical teenager going through the motions of high school. But after his parents' death, he matures drastically from a boy to a strong man. The writing techniques Sinner uses to convey the development allows readers to witness Michael’s growth, creating a classic coming of age novel.

The plot was interesting as it explored the theory of there being more than one realm and the existence of monsters. In fact, I felt Michael Phoenix, in this novel, was the equivalent of Thor.

Although the plot was interesting, at times certain details were lost because there are so many things happening at once. There were moments I felt the writing could have been better developed, but it was generally quite enjoyable and easily understood. This story also serves to be a quick read for those who do not enjoy long reading material. I finished it in two days!

A new student review of Challenger Deep

Star360 posted a new student review of Challenger Deep . See the full review.

Books about sick children tend to make me nervous. The Fault in Our Stars seems to be unceasingly loved by everyone except me, who failed to be impressed by the plot’s stale ingredients of illness, questionable romance, and overwrought metaphors. That being said, Challenger Deep is not TFIOS. But even if you adored John Green’s magnum opus, hold on. Challenger Deep has a lot to offer.

 

Schizophrenia is a difficult topic to write about with wit, realism, and sympathy, but Shusterman accomplished all three of those checkpoints. He explains in the author’s note that his son Brendan, who had a mental illness, was a great inspiration. In fact, Brendan’s artwork from when he was “in the depths” is featured in the novel. I appreciated how the simple illustrations added valuable insight into the struggle of schizophrenia. 

 

The novel is told in short chapters that rotate between Caden’s real-world experiences and his dives into the imaginary world of the ship Challenger Deep. If that sounds weird, don’t worry. It took me a little while to get used to the switches, but as you get into the story it becomes easier to keep up with the parallel storylines. I found the glimpses into Caden’s chaotic mind to be fascinating and creative. The parts in real life were just as important, since they let the reader understand what was really going on.

 

The cast of characters is relatively small, and some of the most important ones exist only in Caden’s head. The ship’s crew allows Shusterman to show off his unique talent for whimsy and wonder that made me think of Alice in Wonderland (the book, not the watered-down Disney movie!). Caden himself is neither directly likable or dislikable. Since he is struggling with schizophrenia, it was difficult to see who the real Caden was like. But by the end, I was cheering him on and wanted him to have a happy ending.

 

What really pleased me about this book was what was not there – romance. Sometimes, YA authors throw in a random love interest in an attempt to appeal to audiences, only to have the couple flounder in a poorly written relationship. Shusterman keeps readers focused on the real dilemma of mental illness. Caden only has a sort of crush on one girl, but it definitely does not interfere with the main plot. Phew!

 

Whether you usually go for tales of teen illnesses or not, please try Challenger Deep. It’s a poignant, well-written novel that will change your perspective on mental illness. I know that Caden will stay in my thoughts for a long time.

A new student review of Wild Boy and the Black Terror

Pikachu posted a new student review of Wild Boy and the Black Terror . See the full review.

Wild Boy and the Black Terror has become one of my favorite books. I liked the characters Wild Boy and Clarissa because of Wild Boy's detective skills and Clarissa's acrobatic skills. I liked the setting, because it made me feel like I was there.   I was able to read the book without getting lost, but I think it would have been better if I had started with the first book. It was an exciting book but it seemed to drag on in some spots. I recommend this book to people who like mysteries.

 

A new student review of Supernova (The Star-Crossed Saga Book 2) by Braxton A. Cosby

JesusFreak posted a new student review of Supernova (The Star-Crossed Saga Book 2) by Braxton A. Cosby. See the full review.

When I began reading Supernova, I found that I was slightly disappointed. This sequel to Protostar did not live up to my expectations. It started off slowly and took a while to get into the action, and Sydney became even more unlikable in this book than in the first one. Her constant mood swings annoyed me and her romanticism was nonexistent. In various points of the book, I felt that William did everything he could to please Sydney, and in return she treated him horribly.

Something that I didn’t find enjoyable while reading this book was the author’s writing style. There were various times where it felt as if the characters dialogue was verbose or did not flow naturally.

Although the beginning started off slow, when the plot began to get interesting it was easier to read. About halfway through is when the storyline truly became engaging.

Unfortunately, this sequel just didn’t live up to the first book.

A new student review of Protostar by Braxton A. Cosby

jotaf posted a new student review of Protostar by Braxton A. Cosby. See the full review.

Romance books aren’t typically my thing. However, if I am basing my opinion just on the story and not on its romance aspects, this book was a good read. I especially liked all the cool gadgets that were added. For example, the hydrogen blasters were very creative. I liked that the author, Braxton A. Cosby, gave the characters a fairly solid background. The action sequences in this book were enjoyable and thrilling. Something about this book that I didn’t enjoy as much was that it lost my attention in certain spots.

If you like sci-fi and romance, this book is for you.

A new student review of Molly McDougal Montgomery McGrath and Other Stories by George Cooper

moseso posted a new student review of Molly McDougal Montgomery McGrath and Other Stories by George Cooper. See the full review.

This book is well written and seems to be geared toward 5-8 year olds. However, even as a 12-year-old reader, it still made me laugh. There are four stories total, and each one rhymes impeccably. With the exception of the first story, the main characters are hard to distinguish; I felt the author could have said their names or stated their genders. Beautiful artwork helps the reader vividly imagine every detail of the book. Molly McDougal Montgomery McGrath and Other Stories to Make You Laugh certainly lives up to its title. If you’re looking for a funny, quick and easy read, this book is the one for you!   

A new student review of The Nightsiders: The Orphan Army

nictaf posted a new student review of The Nightsiders: The Orphan Army . See the full review.

The Nightsiders: The Orphan Army was an extremely well-described book, filled with action and adventure.  An example is when “Milo adjusted his grip on the next one and pitched it with a split-fingered fastball. The rock burned past the flailing pincer and hit the Stinger in the mouth.”  Jonathan Maberry wrote a wonderful book and I can’t wait for book two.  I would recommend this book to ages 10 and up.

A new student review of Forever Ruby by Claire Merchant

Lucy posted a new student review of Forever Ruby by Claire Merchant. See the full review.

This is a truly magnificent book. The beginning was boring as it started describing Ruby's life, and it didn’t seem really interesting until she meets a new character, Cole Frost, who’s mysterious in every way. The story includes death and romance and the supernatural. Many death scenes occur and the story also involves some characters drinking alcohol, but it’s nothing extreme. The story also has vampires and some other supernatural beings. I love this book, I love the characters and how many of them seem so mysterious, and I really like the relationship between Cole and Ruby; I found them loving and magnificent. 

A new student review of The Switch Sisters by Gwen Li

sharon posted a new student review of The Switch Sisters by Gwen Li. See the full review.

I applaud Gwen Li for bring minorities into the light of young adult fiction. The fact that the Switches struggle to fit in, due to their unique backgrounds, raises many important questions about the way we treat others, especially those who have different backgrounds, within society. Too often, the differences that exist among people create unnecessary fear and prejudice—an issue that the book clearly addresses. In addition, through its characters, the book also brings up the concept of identity, and how identity fluctuates depending on the surrounding environment. Each of the Switch sisters, as well as the mother, bring a distinct personality to the table that contribute to the progression of the story. Furthermore, Li does a great job of portraying the sticky nature of mother-daughter relationships—the way a mother’s good intentions may get in the way of her daughters’ potentials.

I found the end of the book satisfying. However, I found that many of the secondary characters that seem to have lacked originality, or weren’t given enough time to develop within the book. Nevertheless, I was entertained by the numerous plot twists that consistently appeared throughout the book. More importantly, I enjoyed that through her storytelling of a fictional family and town, Li subtly presents real-world issues that we all need to think about more often.

A new student review of Bridge Through Time by Scott Spotson

Sweetfable posted a new student review of Bridge Through Time by Scott Spotson. See the full review.

This book was quite good in my opinion. I had not read the first novel in the series, nor did I have any knowledge of the storyline going into this book. So when things quickly switched to Kyle’s point of view, I had little idea what was going on. It took me a little while to get the characters and situations straight, but when I did it was quite rewarding. Although this was the second novel, much of the information that was in the first novel was explained in this one, making it easier for me to comprehend things like Dr. Time and the Time Weaver. It was confusing for me as a reader when the abrupt switch to Kyle's point of view from Max’s perspective occurred. I was just beginning to comprehend how Kyle grew up, when all of a sudden he became the main character and his father faded into the background. Occasionally other perspectives were thrown in to showcase other characters' inner thoughts, but at times this made for jarring transitions.

I liked how there was an optimistic view of the future, especially in Life I. Even in Life II, where things were much more advanced because of the Darsian’s influence, the new inventions that were explained in detail were very interesting. I connected with many of the characters, especially Kyle and his girlfriend Eva. I liked how the dates were shown at the beginning of every chapter, making it much easier for me to follow exactly when and where events were happening. Kyle and his brother were essentially my age because of the years they were born in, which helped me to make another connection. 

The pace of the novel flowed quite well at most points, and held my attention. I enjoyed the inclusion of some real life physics in the book. For example, the Casimir effect is mentioned, which I just learned about a couple of weeks prior to reading! I enjoyed this read for how realistic it remained even though it is science fiction. I would read more books by this author in the future.

A new student review of Crown of Three

jotaf posted a new student review of Crown of Three . See the full review.

I thought Crown of Three was an enjoyable book filled with action, suspense, and adventure.  The author, J. D. Blackthorn, did a good job making the characters come alive.  He made the world in which the book takes place very interesting, also.  I really liked when each of the triplets discovered their powers.  My favorite character was Tarlan, because he is resourceful and can think his way out of a tough situation.  I can't think of anything I didn't like about this book.  This is a great book for anyone who loves fantasy mixed with adventure.  I would recommend this book to ages eleven and up.

A new student review of The Accidental Siren by Jake Vander Ark

swalia posted a new student review of The Accidental Siren by Jake Vander Ark. See the full review.

The Accidental Siren was not my type of book. The story line dragged on, the characters were unbelievable, and the plot line was unrealistic. The book was hard to finish and lacked many components that I enjoy in a good story, like a clear conflict and likeable characters. Although I did not like this book, I thought the setting was well-described, and I could picture what the woods and the house would look like. I also liked the little twist at the end concerning Whit. The author did a good job of depicting the racism of the time period, but some events concerning Livy were unrealistic, confusing, and hard to believe or picture. I felt that James and Whit seemed younger than twelve years old, and that the story would have been better if they were ten years old. I disliked Mara’s character the most because it was the most unrealistic, and she lacked a personality that could have set her apart from every other story about a seemingly perfect girl. Overall, I did not enjoy reading this book and found it extremely unrealistic and slow. I would not recommend this book to others because it was very hard to finish.

A new student review of Dinosaur Eggs and Blue Ribbons: Science Fairs Inside and Out by Barnas Monteith

nictaf posted a new student review of Dinosaur Eggs and Blue Ribbons: Science Fairs Inside and Out by Barnas Monteith. See the full review.

This was not the book I thought it would be.  I was hoping it would be suggestions for different science fair projects and tips for how to make boards and themes ‘pop‘ for judges.  Instead, it was a monologue about Barney’s experiences.  I did not find it interesting, especially when it was difficult to know which age he was during each description; it did not seem to go chronologically.  The farther into the book I got, the more confusing it was to try to figure out if he was in high school, college, or working as an adult.  It sounded more like a brag book than a science fair book.  If I were to give him any tips to make this better, I would suggest that it be written more chronologically, more kid-friendly (talking to a twelve-year-old, not a high-schooler), and make it more interesting, not just about his one project over and over.
 

A new student review of Wheels of Change by Darlene Beck Jacobson

Sweetfable posted a new student review of Wheels of Change by Darlene Beck Jacobson. See the full review.

I really enjoyed this book, from start to finish. I found myself swept up by the plethora of compelling characters, the interesting yet believable setting, and a story line I couldn’t resist. I especially loved how relatable the main character, Emily, is. She is passionate about fighting for justice, but doesn't alienate others in the process.

The historical morsels layered into the story make it all the more interesting. One of my favorite parts is the introduction of corn flakes to Emily’s life. It is interesting to see how this new food is a relief for Emily’s mother as this cereal has an advantage of not needing to be heated up to be enjoyable.

Both girls and boys will relate to this coming-of-age story set in the final days of Theodore Roosevelt's presidency. Along the way, children will learn many things about the way life used to be, and they will have a great time doing so.

A new student review of We Are All Made of Molecules

sakurafrost posted a new student review of We Are All Made of Molecules . See the full review.

I think this book handled controversial topics very well. The story is narrated by both Stewart and Ashley, so the reader gets to see their different perspectives on the events that take place. For example, Ashley is opposed to same-sex couples, Stewart is more open minded. For this reason, I did not find the book offensive or biased in any way. 

We Are All Made of Molecules adresses many topics that are very relevant in today's world, such as bullying, same-sex relationships, abusive boyfriends/girlfriends, divorce and popularity

A new student review of River Runs Deep

emmasnyder posted a new student review of River Runs Deep . See the full review.

This is an excellent book. I would recommend it for fourth through sixth graders. The characters' choices and the adventure in this book's plot kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. One of my favorite parts was when Nick and Elias were hiding behind a rock at Smiley Pit trying to fight off a band of pirates. Nick and Elias made all the Pirates throw their weapons into a huge pit. 

This is a great book for readers of any age who wants to learn more about history and who love adventure and suspense. The stories and situations are historically appropriate and interesting.  Thank you Jennifer Bradbury for writing an excellent book for young readers!

A new student review of Autumn of Elves by Joanne Vruno

S.Ehlers posted a new student review of Autumn of Elves by Joanne Vruno. See the full review.

Autumn of Elves

A new student review of Spinner by Michael Bowler

Lucy posted a new student review of Spinner by Michael Bowler. See the full review.

I really liked this book; I found it interesting and engaging. I didn't want to put it down, as I was completely absorbed in what would happen next. For this reason, I finished this book quickly. I liked the mystery surrounding Alex's powers. I found his powers very exciting. I felt bad that he didn't have any friends and was bullied all the time. In addition, the fact that his wheelchair had limited many things in his life didn't seem fair. I would highly recommend this book to my friends. I found it to be an amazing read. The only thing that I had disliked was the inclusion of some offensive language. Overall, I loved this book.

A new student review of The Hired Girl

Hannah472 posted a new student review of The Hired Girl . See the full review.

This book is one I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It was interesting and enjoyable. The author used percise characterization to develop the characters. The pacing of the novel was not too slow nor too fast. I was constantly flipping the pages waiting for Joan's next adventure to begin. Joan went through many difficult situations and events that were very relatable even with the drastic time difference. It was interesting to see what some of her problems were compared to problems in our current time. 

Throughout the novel, I sympathized with Joan, and I laughed with Joan. Joan's dialogue often made me laugh to myself. I found I could easily relate to the events she went through. I could not put this book down until the very last page. I was left wanting to know more. Schlitz should definitely write a sequel to this book,

There were many life lessons in this book that are highlighted through the characters' mistakes and choices. This is novel that should be cherised and reread again and again; I know I will do so. Readers of this book will receive a taste of what life was like a hundred years ago, and will get to grow up with a young girl named Joan. Laura Amy Schlitz did a wonderful job with this book, and I highly recommend it. 

A new student review of Protostar by Braxton A. Cosby

JesusFreak posted a new student review of Protostar by Braxton A. Cosby. See the full review.

The author developed a very interesting concept for this story. It is unlike any book I have read before. One of the main characters, William, was quite likable from the beginning. I enjoyed reading about him; he was my favorite character. Unfortunately, Sydney was not as likable a character for me. She came across as whiny at times and seemed to lack depth. I wished that her character had more feeling and complexity so that I could have cared about her and become invested in what happened to her.

The entire book was very fast-paced in my opinion. It kept me interested throughout the read; I didn’t get bored once.

The only other complaint I have about this book is that at times the wording seemed child-like, as well as forced and unnatural.

Though there were a few things I believed needed some refining, overall the book was a good read that I enjoyed. It is great for sci-fi/romance lovers of all ages.  

 

A new student review of Uncertain Glory by Lea Wait

Anjel posted a new student review of Uncertain Glory by Lea Wait. See the full review.

After reading this book, I have decided to increase the variety of books I read. I learned that I not only have fun reading historical fiction, but I get a look into the past. And it helps that I am studying the Civil War at school as I was reading this book. I was really intrigued when I learned that the printing shop in this book actually did exist. My favorite part was when Nell didn’t have to live with her Uncle anymore, but my least favorite part was when Owen disappeared. Not only because he disappeared, but why he disappeared because it makes me sad to think about living back when not everyone agreed to racial equality. 

A new student review of Spinner by Michael Bowler

Gwendolyn posted a new student review of Spinner by Michael Bowler. See the full review.

This novel certainly does not fail to provide its reader with an overdose of gruesomely described violence and truly unnerving instances that hold the power to be made scarier depending on each reader's imagination. This book was rated for ages 12 and up, but I personally feel that, judging from the subject matter, the instances of gore, and the language and conversations between characters in this book, it would give a fairer warning to those approaching it if this book was rated for mature readers. 

 

Although I cannot say that I necessarily enjoyed the scenes of gore and violence, I admire the author's bluntness in creating a world where the reader does not sense a safety net around the main characters, preventing them from permanent peril. Much like the new film Kingsman: The Secret Service, this book doesn't hold back when creating shocking imagery and unbelievably intense scenarios.  While on the subject of the imagery, I feel that many scenes in this book have a uniquely cinematic vibe, opening up a visual reading experience without there being any actual images in the book. Interestingly enough, in a Q&A with the author in the edition of Spinner that I read from, Bowler states ¨I like to visualize scenes in my head before I ever write anything down...So when I do sit down to the keyboard, I describe scenes as I saw them in my head, almost like a movie.¨

 

Spinner by Michael J. Bowler has a truly absurd story-line, with various intertwining characters and segments that merge together into one mess of craziness. However, despite the absurdity of all the paranormal activity and horrific scenarios, this book is a well-written read with realistic and human characters. The selection of characters in Bowler's story come to life on the page. They drew me into the story as a reader and kept the story interesting.

 

I felt that there were some lulls in the story, usually in scenes of suspense that felt wrongly placed. These suspense scenes were usually in sections of unnecessary pages throughout the book where I wanted it to get to the point, and I became impatient the more it seemed to provide unnecessary descriptions or dialogues. 

 

The gory paranormal horror genre that this book fits into is not one that I would usually delve into. When I began this book I did not know if I would enjoy it or not. On a whole, this was a genuinely entertaining and gripping novel with truly solid characters. I do not think that I will be re-reading Spinner, but I found it to be a worthwhile read.

 

A new student review of Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins?

faithreynolds2002 posted a new student review of Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins? . See the full review.

I enjoyed this book because it helps you learn about life. I gave this book a five star rating because it has parts that just suck you in to keep you reading. This book helped me learn what the true meaning of friendship is, like when Izzy helped Jessica control the disappearing. I would recommend this book to people who love fantasy. My only wish is that the author put more detail in the book of what the characters looked like.

A new student review of Gray Zone by Veronica R. Tabares

thudson36 posted a new student review of Gray Zone by Veronica R. Tabares. See the full review.

I enjoyed reading Gray Zone and appreciated its themes concerning bullying, since it is so common in schools today. I liked how parts of this story were told through Sophie Rose’s diary entries, which allowed you to learn about events through dual perspectives. The events described in this story were realistic, but I don’t think the ways the characters handled the situations were lifelike. It was easy to like the main character, Autumn, as she was very relatable. Overall, I liked this novel and would recommend it to others, especially victims of bullying. This book brings attention to issues that are occurring every day in schools.

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

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

The great parts of this book make up the majority, and Lies in the Dust truly is stunning when looked at critically. The quiet, slow pace of the book creates a striking contrast with its stark, black and white art. It wastes no time dallying on topics which are unneeded, and each chapter has an impact on the reader which, in my experience, has not been paralleled by many works of literature. Putnam's thoughts on the cruelty of these trials are as beautiful and depressing as they had to be. The majority of the book is thought provoking and intriguing. Though the simple art may sometimes be lacking, it still serves its purpose well. It is simple to imagine the characters any way you wish to, which is an important, easy way to help the reader envision their book. Ann's siblings also represent the innocence which is held by children, even in such a horrible, cruel situation. Once more, its contrast with Ann's older wisdom, gained by all her experience, is an amazing, powerful complement to the book. Its simplistic art style only deepens the impact of its meaning. There is no distraction here, whether with narrative or art, which is why I believe it is a great read for anyone. If you are interested in history, as I am, then I believe you will enjoy this book very much.

However, the book is nowhere near perfect. The pacing of it is fairly difficult to keep up with, as it frequently shifts from Ann’s perspective, post-trial, to a flashback of the trials. The art, though simple, is not of the greatest quality, and it is sometimes difficult to tell what drawings are supposed to be what. Those are all the really striking problems I could find with it, though, so the good parts of this book truly outweigh the bad.

Though it has its own issues, as all books do, Lies in the Dust truly is a masterpiece. And as a debut title for Crane, there is surely much to expect from him in the future. Some of its themes could be found inappropriate, with death and depression being the main violations. Beyond that, I would recommend it to seventh graders and up. Though there is some Old English which is difficult to read, it is not too hard beyond that. However, it still is a challenge, so the book’s difficulty is nicely balanced. If you would like to read about the Salem Witch Trials, but don’t believe that you are ready to tackle a book like The Crucible, then this is just what you need. I would give this book a 4 out of 5 rating.

A new student review of Growing Up Dead by Chelsea M. Campbell

baseballal posted a new student review of Growing Up Dead by Chelsea M. Campbell. See the full review.

I did not like the book that much. It was not as funny as the reviews stated and did not appeal to me. I was expecting a kid to be leading a life as a dead kid, zombie like, but this was not the case.  Although it is fiction, I did not find it very amusing or entertaining.  It was very predictable which did not hold my attention.  I am more into action, mysteries and comedies.

I would recommend this book to boys and girls ages 8 and up that like romance and non-scary monster stories.

A new student review of Adam Undercover, The Presidium Files by Aaron Foster

ihatezombies posted a new student review of Adam Undercover, The Presidium Files by Aaron Foster. See the full review.

I loved this book. When I was reading it, I could get a clear image in my mind of the images the author was trying to convey; the details were rich and descriptive. However, I found the details to be a bit too specific at times. The entire story was balanced and moved at an appropriate pace. It progressed very nicely. It was a book that I think anyone could read and enjoy.

A new student review of Stolen: Heart of Dread

selaspatherman posted a new student review of Stolen: Heart of Dread . See the full review.

In the beginning there was a blast of action and the next one-hundred pages were sort of boring. A suggestion is to throw funny parts into scenes that are between the action.  The ending picked up with action and that's when I started flipping those pages.  My favorite character is Wes because he is funny, fearless, and doesn't complain about everything that happens throughout the book.  My favorite part of the book is the beginning with the drone battle.  I would suggest this book for people that like futuristic fantasy.

A new student review of My Wizard Buddy: Target Earth (Book Three) by Scott Spotson

sschu5 posted a new student review of My Wizard Buddy: Target Earth (Book Three) by Scott Spotson. See the full review.

I think this is a very good book because of all the adventure that is in it. The whole plot is genius, the fight for power- people or aliens. There are a lot of problems placed on Tyler (take care of the two 6 year olds, leading the group, and of course the decision to rebel or not) and these shows how much he can take and adds emotion through the journey. Overall, this is a great book and I would recommend this book to almost anyone.

 

A new student review of MARTians

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

The first thing about this book that caught my eye was the cover art. While simple, the white shopping cart and title against the red background was nicely done.

As for the actual story, I was not impressed. The main character, Zoë, was not a very likable character.  If the book had been in a different character’s POV I most likely would have liked it more. Zoë was aggravating, didn’t make very good decisions, and her dialogue was annoying to me.

The setting could have been described better. I was not sure if Zoë's world was post-apocalyptic or an alternate universe. I also found myself very confused at certain points in the book due to descriptions that were unclear and difficult to follow.

This book was a disappointing read. Perhaps if the author had explained things more clearly and had chosen a different main character, it would have been more enjoyable for me.

A new student review of Autumn of Elves by Joanne Vruno

moseso posted a new student review of Autumn of Elves by Joanne Vruno. See the full review.

This book is incredibly exciting and difficult to put down. Joanne Vruno does an astounding job painting vivid descriptive images throughout the book. Her descriptive words help the reader picture scenes from the book, making it seem as if they are a part of the book. The plot is developed well from the beginning. Vruno keeps the reader on the edge of their seat while still finding time for character development. The climax leaves the reader wondering what will happen next and anxious to read more. I would recommend this book for students aged 10-12. Autumn of Elves is a perfect read for those who enjoy magic and adventure.

A new student review of Autumn of Elves by Joanne Vruno

jotaf posted a new student review of Autumn of Elves by Joanne Vruno. See the full review.

I thought Autumn of Elves was another great read from Joanne Vruno. It was filled with magic, adventure, and suspense. I loved that the author put a new twist into the story; I would never have expected that Emily would be able to see the magical creatures too. The book kept me interested and engaged. I wasn't able to guess what would happen next; it was unpredictable. 

A part in the book that I really liked was when Emily first saw a troll. It was so funny how the troll tried to get the attention of Aly’s family. Time and again it failed, and it finally walked away in defeat. I can't think of any part in the book that I didn't like. It was fantastic from start to finish. I think this book would be great for anyone who read and loved the first book. I also recommend it for anyone who likes magic and adventure. 

A new student review of The Serpent's Curse

cbill6 posted a new student review of The Serpent's Curse . See the full review.

This book by Tony Abbot is a good read for ages 8-13. I found this book enjoyable for me as an action, adventure, and mystery fan because it includes all three. I think you should read the first book so you can understand the history of the story, although the author gives a brief overview at the beginning. It has some rough parts, like in the beginning after the car chase, Becca stabs a "goon" because he had Lily over the edge of a bridge. So if you're interested in a wild adventurous story involving mystery I recommend this book to you.

A new student review of Azalea, Unschooled by Liza Kleinman

GlowElm posted a new student review of Azalea, Unschooled by Liza Kleinman. See the full review.

Though this was a really fun read, I really wasn't expecting it to be about a girl doing detective work. From the summary provided, you would guess it would be more about her experience as an unschooler, and her internal and external struggles with moving so much and feeling constantly uprooted. Written in first person, this book clearly represents Azalea's feelings, and it is easy to vizualize her situation and her friends and family.

I reccomend this novel for readers between 8-12 who enjoy books centered around a female character, who like detective work and a fun plot, or who simply want to find out more about unschooling.

 

A new student review of Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott

Lucy posted a new student review of Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott. See the full review.

I LOVE Heartbeat, it’s an amazing book. I found the book really touching and loving. Emma’s life was something I could relate to, along with many of the other characters. I thought this book had some familar stories that happen in everyday life--like her relationship with her parents, how she hates her father, and how her mother is no longer with her. I found nothing bad about the book, and I would recommended it to any one of my friends. It was truly an awesome book. There wasn't that much romance, but it was more based on Emma and her family problems than her love life.