A new student review of Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Boomer123 posted a new student review of Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson. See the full review.

I liked reading about roller derby.  I didn't know what roller derby was and now I am thinking I might even want to try it myself.  I could understand Astrid when she and Nicole had problems.  She is upset that Nicole chose Rachel over her.  If you liked "Smile and Sisters" you will like this book as well. It is a graphic novel about a character going through hard times.  Readers should know that there is a bit of bullying. Nicole teases Astrid about her name.  There are a lot of middle school friendship problems.

A new student review of Beautiful Americans by Lucy Silag

KMeng posted a new student review of Beautiful Americans by Lucy Silag. See the full review.

As a fan of books like Gossip Girl and the like, this plot of this book interested me right away. The plot of Beautiful Americans isnt a new one, but the way the story was written was attention grabbing and the Parisian background added a whole new level to the novel. The drama behind the 4 teens is interesting to read and the further I got into the story, the more I wanted to know about them. Beautiful Americans is a great summer read. The great news about this Beautiful Americans is that this is book number 1 in a series and there are 2 other books out. So for a taste of teen drama and adventure, give the Beautiful American series a try!

A new student review of The Anatomy of Curiosity by Brenna Yovanoff Tessa Gratton Maggie Stiefvater

Star360 posted a new student review of The Anatomy of Curiosity by Brenna Yovanoff Tessa Gratton Maggie Stiefvater. See the full review.

Many readers have wondered how their favorite YA authors go about writing a novel. With The Anatomy of Curiosity, their questions can be answered in a clever, unforgettable way.

 

The beauty of this book was how fun it was to read it! I’ve read articles about how to write a book and seen videos of authors talking about their journey to publication. Those are good resources, but this book took it a step up and showed readers how it’s done. Fantasy authors Steifvater, Gratton, and Yovanoff each wrote a novella and explained to readers how they decided on the climax, the setting, a certain phrase, and all the other fidgety little details that make up a fine story.

 

Reading those notes is like watching a movie with the director’s comments on – you’re enjoying the plot, but you also get valuable insight into the making of the work. People can choose to ignore the notes completely and simply enjoy the story, which is a good idea for those who don’t want even the slightest hint of a spoiler. But I highly recommend that readers at least skim the notes, because there’s a lot to learn from the three talented women.

 

The novellas themselves were each unique and memorable. Steifvater’s was about a shy girl who reads poems for an elegant yet strange old lady; Gratton’s was about a boy at war whose love hides a great secret; Yovanoff’s was about the haunting qualities of drowning. My personal favorite was Steifvater’s ‘Ladylike,’ but all three will have an appeal for a diverse audience.

 

The Anatomy of Curiosity should be on the to-read list of anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a novel.

A new student review of Iron Rails, Iron Men, and the Race to Link the Nation: The Story of the Transcontinental Railroad by Martin W. Sandler

moseso posted a new student review of Iron Rails, Iron Men, and the Race to Link the Nation: The Story of the Transcontinental Railroad by Martin W. Sandler. See the full review.

This book is full of lots of important and valuable information on the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. It is slightly confusing in the beginning, but eventually, all is explained and the reader can read without any more confusion. For anyone who is looking to write a report or just to learn about this awesome railroad, this is a great resource book. Some of the information could have been arranged in a different way so that it would be more easily understood. Kids 12 and up would best understand this book. Overall, this book is a great read for anyone interested in the Transcontinental Railroad!  

A new student review of Flying Mutant Zombie Rats by Kat de Falla

jotaf posted a new student review of Flying Mutant Zombie Rats by Kat de Falla. See the full review.

I thought Flying Mutant Zombie Rats was an enjoyable and humorous book, one with a funny plot line. 

It was hilarious that the portal to another dimension opened while Pea was doing a back-flip on his BMX bike. Another part in the book I enjoyed was when a cat named Maximillian started talking; it was funny when Pea was surprised by it. 

This book was a new kind of book for me. I have never read a book quite like this one; adventure, friendship, and tongue-in-cheek humor made it interesting. I felt that the storyline slowed in some parts, although it wasn't that often. At times weird, at times gripping, this book would appeal to many boys. I would have given this book five stars, but I didn't appreciate some of the gross humor. I would recommend this book to students ages nine through fourteen, or to anyone that enjoys books where kids overcome impossible odds. 

A new student review of Flying Mutant Zombie Rats by Kat de Falla

nictaf posted a new student review of Flying Mutant Zombie Rats by Kat de Falla. See the full review.

Flying Mutant Zombie Rats was an exciting book full of adventure and fun. Kat de Falla created a wonderful story! The characters were very funny and well described. For example, she wrote "Paco stood by the gate with his sparkling, almost all chrome, GT bike. He had a habit of constantly shoveling food in his mouth, but in spite of that he was wiry--and someone good to have on your side in a fight."

Pea was a funny, nice kid. He was very likable. I felt this book was too short; I wanted it to keep going because it was so enjoyable. I’d love to read the second book! This book is great for ages 9 and up.
 

A new student review of Symphony for the City of the Dead by M.T. Anderson

Gwendolyn posted a new student review of Symphony for the City of the Dead by M.T. Anderson. See the full review.

The first aspect of Symphony for the City of the Dead that captured my attention was the cover art. With its eye-catching uses of color, the cover of this non-fiction novel reminds me of propaganda posters seen during World War ll and the Cold War. It perfectly fits the atmosphere of this book. Although I tend to discourage judging a book by its cover, if I had seen M.T. Anderson's new work in a book store, I am certain that the cover art would have immediately drawn me in and motivated me to pick it up.

 

I was naturally drawn to this book both as a musician and as an appreciator of music, but also because I have a passion for modernist music, particularly by Igor Stravinsky and Dmitri Shostakovich. It was an interesting experience for me to learn about Dmitri Shostakovich's life in such detail, because, despite the fact that I love Shostakovich's work, I had hardly any knowledge of his life or the impact that he had, prior to reading this non-fiction novel. Reading his story gave me an even deeper appreciation for Shostakovich's compositions. 

 

After reading the official summary for Symphony for the City of the Dead, I was unaware that it covers more historical events than the Siege of Leningrad. It begins with chronicling Dmitri Shostakovich's childhood during the Russian Revolution, and then indicates issues with communist Russia and Joesph Stalin's leadership, and Shostakovich's impact on and experiences with these times. I love that this non-fiction novel utilizes a not so well-known perspective on well-known historical events. While reading this book, I was given the opportunity to better understand a point of view disparate from the American perspective that I am more familiar with.

 

One thing is for certain, this book is packed full of information. It is clear that M.T. Anderson did his research. This is one of those books that I might not re-read in its entirety any time soon, but I am certain that I will continue to refer to for the useful information that can be found in its pages. It would be perfect to use for reference in a history class that covers these topics, because it shares such an in-depth perspective on some of the biggest moments in Russian history. 

 

The only drawback that I could think of with this book was that the way the author chose to narrate in certain areas. These areas feel a little unfocused. This isn't a necessarily bad thing, and once I adjusted to the atmosphere I was able to enjoy it. In order to tell Shotakovich's story, you have to understand what was happening in the world around him, therefore the information the author includes makes sense and proves useful in fully experiencing the book as a whole.

 

In conclusion, M.T. Anderson's Symphony for the City of the Dead is a slow-paced yet informative tome that I feel would be better enjoyed gradually and leisurely, but a well-written and well-researched historical compilation nonetheless. I highly recommend this non-fiction novel to those interested in Russian history and creative arts during the 20th century.

 

A new student review of Symphony for the City of the Dead by M.T. Anderson

Gwendolyn posted a new student review of Symphony for the City of the Dead by M.T. Anderson. See the full review.

The first aspect of Symphony for the City of the Dead that captured my attention was the cover art. With its eye-catching uses of color, the cover of this non-fiction novel reminds me of propaganda posters seen during World War ll and the Cold War. It perfectly fits the atmosphere of this book. Although I tend to discourage judging a book by its cover, if I had seen M.T. Anderson's new work in a book store, I am certain that the cover art would have immediately drawn me in and motivated me to pick it up.

 

I was naturally drawn to this book both as a musician and as an appreciator of music, but also because I have a passion for modernist music, particularly by Igor Stravinsky and Dmitri Shostakovich. It was an interesting experience for me to learn about Dmitri Shostakovich's life in such detail, because, despite the fact that I love Shostakovich's work, I had hardly any knowledge of his life or the impact that he had, prior to reading this non-fiction novel. Reading his story gave me an even deeper appreciation for Shostakovich's compositions. 

 

After reading the official summary for Symphony for the City of the Dead, I was unaware that it covers more historical events than the Siege of Leningrad. It begins with chronicling Dmitri Shostakovich's childhood during the Russian Revolution, and then indicates issues with communist Russia and Joesph Stalin's leadership, and Shostakovich's impact on and experiences with these times. I love that this non-fiction novel utilizes a not so well-known perspective on well-known historical events. While reading this book, I was given the opportunity to better understand a point of view disparate from the American perspective that I am more familiar with.

 

One thing is for certain, this book is packed full of information. It is clear that M.T. Anderson did his research. This is one of those books that I might not re-read in its entirety any time soon, but I am certain that I will continue to refer to for the useful information that can be found in its pages. It would be perfect to use for reference in a history class that covers these topics, because it shares such an in-depth perspective on some of the biggest moments in Russian history. 

 

The only drawback that I could think of with this book was that the way the author chose to narrate in certain areas. These areas feel a little unfocused. This isn't a necessarily bad thing, and once I adjusted to the atmosphere I was able to enjoy it. In order to tell Shotakovich's story, you have to understand what was happening in the world around him, therefore the information the author includes makes sense and proves useful in fully experiencing the book as a whole.

 

In conclusion, M.T. Anderson's Symphony for the City of the Dead is a slow-paced yet informative tome that I feel would be better enjoyed gradually and leisurely, but a well-written and well-researched historical compilation nonetheless. I highly recommend this non-fiction novel to those interested in Russian history and creative arts during the 20th century.

 

A new student review of Book of the Sky God (Volume 2) by Laura Markowitz

Site Admin posted a new student review of Book of the Sky God (Volume 2) by Laura Markowitz. See the full review.

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A new student review of The Green Teen Cookbook by Pam McElroy

ClarissaAdeleMorgenstern posted a new student review of The Green Teen Cookbook by Pam McElroy. See the full review.

This cookbook was well organized, and appealing photos add color to the recipes.  I tested several of the recipes.  Some of my favorites were the energy bars and the Caesar salad.  I made the apple chips but I had to shorten the cooking time because they started burning.  A few of the recipes’ directions could have been more specific (For example, multiple recipes didn’t specify which size baking dish to use.), but overall the instructions had enough detail for an amateur cook who doesn’t know many fancy cooking techniques.  Because different teens contributed each recipe, a wide variety of cuisines and diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) is included, which makes this book useful to practically anyone—and not only teens.  I would recommend this book to anyone, young or old, who wants to eat a little healthier and reduce their carbon footprint.

A new student review of Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

Boomer123 posted a new student review of Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley. See the full review.

I am almost 10 years old and this book was difficult for me to read.  My mom had to help me, there were a lot of words I didn’t know.  We read most of the book together.  I like books like the Land of Stories and I thought this was going to be like that but it was very different.  It was a little slow and I expected there would be many big adventures.  My favorite parts were the stories about Circus Mirandus, I wished there were more of them.  

I did like all the characters. Micah is very nice and finds a great friend in Jenny.  Grandpa Ephraim is interesting with all his wonderful stories, he’s a pretty great grandfather.  Aunt Gertrudis is not nice.  She doesn’t believe in magic and thinks Micah and his grandfather is foolish for believing in it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy books about believing in magic.      

A new student review of Our Wild and Precious Lives by A.G. Russo

Sweetfable posted a new student review of Our Wild and Precious Lives by A.G. Russo. See the full review.

I thought this book was a very interesting and engaging read. From the very beginning, I felt immersed in the world the characters were living in, even though I have never lived in a situation anywhere close to the one Tom and Melly found themselves in.

That is the great thing about books like this one. I had the opportunity to feel like I lived in a different time than my own, and felt that I could have easily been in this difficult situation myself. The characters' problems were so realistic. They helped the reader understand that the difficulties the characters endured are universal.

An aspect of the novel I enjoyed was the military terms used; I learned a thing or two from reading the terminology. Although, at times it was a bit difficult for me to keep track of all of these terms. The same thing was true of the characters. They were all very interesting, but it was hard to remember who was who at times. However, I found myself invested emotionally in these characters, and really enjoyed learning about their lives and their struggles.

The one thing that I could really connect to in the novel was the experience of having a sibling that you love. I know exactly what it is like when you rely on your sibling for support and even protection. This is one of the most special feelings in the world. After reading this book, readers with siblings will be able to relate to the incredible bond and trust between siblings. For those who don't have any, the bond will still be understood. 

A new student review of Our Wild and Precious Lives by A.G. Russo

Star360 posted a new student review of Our Wild and Precious Lives by A.G. Russo. See the full review.

It’s rare to find a book that so vividly portrays the strong relationship between a brother and sister. In books for teen girls, the brother is often a hook to meet the cute love interest; in books for teen boys, sisters are usually minor characters. In Our Wild and Precious Lives, Tom and Melly’s love and devotion to each other was a touching storyline that reminded me of Jem and Scout’s bond in To Kill a Mockingbird. Having both young male and female perspectives gave the book an unexpected dimension, though Melly is the main focus.

 

Melly McCarron was a spitfire! She had an enthusiasm for life that could not be contained, and as she grew older, she became a remarkable young woman. But her pro-feminist spirit and quick tongue could not save her from falling into a relationship that was, at best, complicated. Wes, her boyfriend, was certainly not my ideal man. Readers will have strong views on the outcome of her youthful affair.

 

Brother Tom was less willful than Melly; his strength came through endurance and keen observations. In the dysfunctional McCarron family, he served as the reliable one. The few years he had on Melly were evident, since he made far less impulsive decisions and could see beyond a first impression.

 

I was surprised and pleased that in Our Wild and Precious Lives, the parents get to share their story as well. Jim and Lina could have simply been unimportant, irritating parents, but their past is threaded though the story and makes the novel stronger. Jim’s PTSD and Lina’s OCD have heartbreaking causes that trace back to the Second Word War. It was curious to think of how one moment can trigger a chain of events that both create and destroys lives. 

 

The story spans several years in Tom and Melly’s high school careers, so many supporting characters pass through the pages. Each has an important story to tell, and even the most seemingly insignificant person can twist the plot at an unexpected moment, whether it be the Hawaiian librarian or the pompous jock. Some, like sweet Gwen and gentle giant LJ, became my favorite characters.

 

History buffs will be thrilled with the many Cold War and 1960s references dropped in the book. Never fear: the information is not dull, nor does it feel like a duty textbook. There are many German words used, and the local color gives the novel an authentic flavor. Teens and adults can learn something new, whether it be a teen slang phrase or the architecture of an old European castle.

 

It’s helpful to point out that Our Wild and Precious Lives doesn’t have a conventional plot. I’d be hard pressed to find an exact rising or falling action, and there could be several perspectives on which scene is the climax. It reminded me of a TV show – there’s a point to the story, but it flows with the characters’ lives, not a single mystery or issue. 

 

In this dramatic saga of love, family, and hope, the McCarron siblings learn to define themselves during the critical years of the Cold War.

A new student review of Harper Madigan: Junior High Private Eye by Chelsea M. Campbell

sschu5 posted a new student review of Harper Madigan: Junior High Private Eye by Chelsea M. Campbell. See the full review.

I think this book is very good for kids to read for many reasons. First of all, the story has so many twist and turns it will keep you guessing until the very end. Second, the plot flows so smoothly by mysteriously it will seem like that is what was supposed to happen and that you should have seen it coming- but you won’t. Third, it is an exciting tale of adventures and past mistakes that come together to make the emotions real. And last but not least, the author describes it so clearly you can imagine it right in front of your eyes. It was one of the best books I have ever read.

 

A new student review of The Dragon Dreamer by J S Burke

sakurafrost posted a new student review of The Dragon Dreamer by J S Burke. See the full review.

I did not enjoy reading this book. The plot was repetitive; a problem arises, the dragons and octopi work together to solve it, and after a few mistakes, the conflict is resolved with minimal loss. There is little to no suspense, and the book became predictable after a few chapters. The characters were not very well developed, and I did not get attached to them. The Dragon Dreamer would please a younger audience, but I think anyone who is 11 years old and up would be easily bored by this book.

A new student review of Uncertain Glory by Lea Wait

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

This is a fantastic story for anyone who imagines themselves as a writer someday, Joe is an inspiration.  I enjoy historical fiction books and this one did not disappoint.  I moved through the story pretty quickly.  I especially like that the story is based on actual events.  The characters are very believable and keep the reader interested in the story.

A new student review of WhipEye by Geoffrey Saign

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

Whipeye was an amazing book, with vibrant characters, great descriptions, and a great balance of funny scenes and serious scenes. The characters really felt like real people and when they were in danger I felt like I cared about what happened to them. One of my favorite scenes is when Sam first learns how to use Whipeye and she sees how powerful it is. The power of the staff can move, bend, and grow the trees and plants in the forest to trap things, and she uses it numerous times throughout the book. The first time she uses it, it is a great scene because it is suspenseful at first, and then amazing to find out what Whipeye can do. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to kids ages 9 and up, but it is a great book for anyone to read.

 

A new student review of From a Distant Star by Karen McQuestion

swalia posted a new student review of From a Distant Star by Karen McQuestion. See the full review.

From a Distant Star by Karen McQuestion was a very enjoyable book. It kept you interested throughout the whole book and made you want to keep reading. The author did a great job of describing the characters. I especially enjoyed how the author portrayed Lucas, because for the majority of the book, Lucas was not actually “alive”, so we did not get to see what he was like for ourselves. Instead, the author brings the character to life by characterizing him through memories.

I also liked how the author made us question humanity through Scout’s questions. Several times throughout the book, I stopped to think why we did things like judge people before we even meet them.

At some points in the story, I thought that the setting could have been described a bit better, but overall the setting was adequate and didn’t bring down the story.

The tone and theme were both about being hopeful, which I thought fit the story well.

This book was told from 2 different point of views- Emma’s and Scout’s. I liked how we got to see how Emma felt about an alien living in her boyfriend’s body, while also seeing what it was like to experience an unknown planet for the first time.

Overall, I thought this book a good read and that there were no major flaws. I would recommend this book to anybody age 12+.

A new student review of The Way Back From Broken by Amber J. Keyser

Lucy posted a new student review of The Way Back From Broken by Amber J. Keyser. See the full review.

I thought this book was okay. I found the beginning didn't hold my attention; it took a while for the plot to pick up. I didn’t like some of the characters, either. One of the children in the story constantly went to Rakmen, believing he was like some kind of superman. I didn’t like that aspect of the story.

However, I found the ending of the story very sweet and touching. Once I got past the beginning, I found the rest of the story to be powerful and inspirational. The ending was my favorite part. The Way Back From Broken was an amazing story. 

A new student review of The Stars Never Rise

Star360 posted a new student review of The Stars Never Rise . See the full review.

With a title borrowed from Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting poem Annabel Lee, you can expect plenty of creepy, creative imagery and unexpected twists from Rachel Vincent’s The Stars Never Rise. Dystopia? Or horror? It’s a mix of both, with romance and action peppered in for good measure.

 

A trademark of dystopias is a twisted government that controls much of their citizens’ lives. Here, said cruel organization is the Church. I was first surprised that a church was being portrayed in such a horrible light, especially with thinly veiled references to nuns, Catholic school uniforms, and the like. However, it soon became clear that the novel was not actually anti-religion; it was anti-power. The highest levels of the fictional Church are corrupt, while the lower ones remain innocent.

 

Nina’s world is based on a familiar creature – demons. Thankfully, the fantasy and myth surrounding the creature comes from so many fountains that it’s hard to find two stories that treat the vile beings the same way. Vincent went into detail with the exorcists, everything from what they wore to how they spoke. There is room for more information later in the series, but there were enough details for the reader to become engrossed in the dark tale.

 

As for the plot, it was fast-paced and smoothly written. Besides the aforementioned Finn dilemma, I caught on to all other aspects of world-building quickly. Vincent deserves a shout-out for the clever way that she gave readers the base of Nina’s world. Nina quizzes Mellie for a history test, and their conversation was both natural and informative. It was much better than a narrator reading off a list of essential facts, a pitfall that can quickly lose a reader’s attention.

 

Like all gripping characters, Nina is a mixed bag. She’s no goody-two-shoes,  but she’s responsible and has a strong sense of family. Her family life seems like something plucked out of a contemporary novel until her mother’s revelation turns her world around and really gets the story running. Mellie was sweet, but she wasn’t present for enough of the novel for me to really like her. Hopefully, she’ll have a bigger role in future books. The dystopian sisters reminded me of The Hunger Games’ Katniss and Prim, but their setting is very different from Panem, so it didn’t feel like a knockoff.

 

Finn, the love interest, is definitely a curiosity. I don’t want to spoil it, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll have to read the pages that explain his little situation a few times to really understand what was going on. Sparkling boyfriends have nothing on this guy, that’s for sure.

 

The Stars Never Rise is a solid match for older teens that are looking for an unconventional tale of suspense, romance, and paranormal activity.

A new student review of WhipEye by Geoffrey Saign

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

I thought this book was good.  It was so exciting and was bursting with adventure.  The pace is very fast which keeps the reader interested.  The author goes to great lengths to describe KiraKu in a way that makes you feel as though you can reach out and touch it. The best part about this book is the character Charlie.  

At times the books moves too fast and I had trouble keeping pace.  This book might be best for super fantasy fans who are over 12.  

 

A new student review of Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve

Boomer123 posted a new student review of Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve. See the full review.

I laughed out loud a lot during this book.  The characters were silly and ended up in ridiculous situations.  The illustrations were perfect for the story, a bit wacky and crazy.  This book moved very quickly and was a fast read. It did not take me long to finish at all.  

 

A new student review of Chantarelle by Genevieve Morgan

jotaf posted a new student review of Chantarelle by Genevieve Morgan. See the full review.

Chantarelle was a very good book filled with action, adventure, and thrills on every page. I liked that the author, G.A. Morgan, was able to make the book believable in its own unique way.  

I also enjoyed the details and rich descriptions in this book. For example, one line says, “Moss hung like beards along the limbs of the lifeless trees.”  A part in the book that I liked was when Chase suddenly remembered about Ayda. It happened in a very memorable and slightly funny way.

The author kept the same characters as in book one, and introduced a few new ones. I enjoyed everything about this book. I would recommend this book to ages 11 and up, or to anyone who loved The Fog of Forgetting.

A new student review of The Beast of Seabourne by Rhys A. Jones

dancechicka posted a new student review of The Beast of Seabourne by Rhys A. Jones. See the full review.

To be frank, the beginning of this novel was a twisted mess, too many characters were introduced in a short amount of time, and the story seemed to have no direction at all.  Then, around Chapter 15, everything seemed to change.  The plot straightened out instead of going in circles, the characters didn’t seem so undeveloped, and some real progress toward the end result occurred.  I finally felt like the book had a goal.  I was a little confused as to what was going on in the beginning—not reading the first book really stunted my understanding of the story’s focus.  I also found the dialect and slang that the characters used perplexing.  It was like an English/American/Alien vernacular that I found a little tiring and hard to follow until I got used to the characters and their respective personalities.  In conclusion, I felt like the idea and the subject matter of the story was good.  The author just spent too much time on the exposition, laying out needlessly intricate groundwork before the rising action, making reading tedious.  If that problem is fixed, I would have no qualms about giving the upcoming books in this series a try.

“People called Oz many things—adventurous…rebellious…stubborn…buzzard—but the more people told him to stay away from something, the more determined Oz was to do the exact opposite.”

I would recommend this book for ages eleven and up.  There are some violent themes (a given if the title is The Beast of Seabourne), and one or two mild curses are used.  I guess chasing a slippery beast can sometimes be frustrating.

Will Oz and his friends be able to find the remaining artefacts and uncover the identity of The Beast of Seabourne before anyone else is hurt?  Or will one of them be its next victim?  Reading Rhys A. Jones’s new novel, The Beast of Seabourne, is the only way to find out!

Note:  If you are interested in delving into the Artefacts Series and want to learn more about the origin of Soph and the start of Oz’s perilous adventure, be sure to check out the first book in the quintet, The Obsidian Pebble, by Rhys A. Jones!

A new student review of Be Positive! Think Positive! Feel Positive! Surviving Junior High Vol. 2 by Dr. Orly Katz

bygflower posted a new student review of Be Positive! Think Positive! Feel Positive! Surviving Junior High Vol. 2 by Dr. Orly Katz. See the full review.

I really enjoyed this book. I felt it gave tweens/teens a great opportunity to boost their self confidence. The stories about the author's childhood are written in a jolly tone, but also give children something to relate to, as the stories are very realistic. I also enjoyed the quizzes because they led to advice on how to boost your positivity. The overall message is "don't worry, be happy," and Surviving Junior High Vol. 2 was a great energy-boosting read! I would recommend this book to any child aged 10+ who is looking for a self-esteem boost.

A new student review of 77 Things You Absolutely Have to Do Before You Finish College by Halley Bondy

Zack-Is-Swag posted a new student review of 77 Things You Absolutely Have to Do Before You Finish College by Halley Bondy. See the full review.

This is a REALLY good book. I am recommending it to everyone. This book has some content that is not explained effectively at first but as you read on it is made clear. I look forward to doing most of these things when I’m older. Unfortunately, there are a few things I could do now but not many due the fact that I'm not in college yet. A few things I could do are cleaning out my closet and starting a photo album but not many other things. I can’t wait to get a good sound system in my dorm and throw parties. You might have to save up for that and a few other things but most things in the book are free or cheap to do. 

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

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

Mind Over Bullies was a great book and was very exciting! The descriptions of the characters were rich and vivid; for example, one excerpt read, "Margo Rios was pretty, smart, fit, popular, and a firecracker who could be a bit of a jerk sometimes." 

The story had twists and turns that kept me guessing what would happen next. If a second book in the series is written, I would love to read it. I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up, because of some explicit language and the use of more mature themes.

A new student review of Goblins on the Prowl

O.B. WAN posted a new student review of Goblins on the Prowl . See the full review.

Goblins on the Prowl was an excellent book with lots of twists. I think the book was exciting and had lots of action. I liked the variety of creatures that appeared in this book, such as mini-dragons. My favorite part was the secret-revealing with Flegmire the goblin. Flegmire was my favorite character because she was a complete wacko! She invented an instrument that made music by pulling on goblins’ tails. I would recommend this book to readers of the Beyonders series by Brandon Mull or anyone who likes action and twists.