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

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

The Prize is an historical fiction. You hear news of the battles that take place, mixed with a nice fictional story. Compared to other Historical fiction I’ve read this one isn’t really for me. I prefer to be more up close to the historical events or at least learn a lot more about the time, place and the people.

The characters were wonderfully made and portrayed though, fitting perfectly in their time, place, and state. The book is in first person, written in Caleb Clark’s point of view, easy to read and simple to comprehend. It gives just the right amount of detail, not too much, not too little. I applaud the author’s ability to paint the mood, scenery and people in the story. The history is good; if you pay attention you can learn a good bit about the war, from a settler’s point of view. To me this book wouldn’t be my first choice of an historical fiction, due to the distance from the setting that most of the historical events take place.   

A new student review of The Glass Gauntlet by Carter Roy

tlang posted a new student review of The Glass Gauntlet by Carter Roy. See the full review.

When I began reading this book, I did not realize it was the second book to the series. However, I was able to understand the storyline without having read the first book.

It was an amazing read filled with action, evil characters who tried to stop the children from finding the Glass Gauntlet, and good characters who helped and trained the children along the way. Each character was likable and had their very own unique personality. I loved how the children outsmarted the grown-ups throughout the story.

A new student review of Losing by Patrick Ness Sophie Mckenzie Mary Hooper Anne Fine Melvin Burgess

mbuonarroti posted a new student review of Losing by Patrick Ness Sophie Mckenzie Mary Hooper Anne Fine Melvin Burgess. See the full review.

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A new student review of The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell

sakurafrost posted a new student review of The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell. See the full review.

I enjoyed reading The Wolf Wilder because of the fairy-tale, anything-can-happen setting, because of Feo's likable and courageous heart and because of the intense adventure thrust upon her. The stakes are so high that if Feo puts one foot wrong, she and thousands of other Russians will die under Rakov's hand. This book was a fun and exciting read, sure to please anyone with a little imagination.

A new student review of The Many Lives of John Stone by Linda Buckley-Archer

jotaf posted a new student review of The Many Lives of John Stone by Linda Buckley-Archer. See the full review.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Many Lives of John Stone.  It had mystery, suspense, and adventure to make it very exciting.  Having read and loved the first book in the Gideon Trilogy, I decided to try this book, as it was written by the same author.  I am really glad that I decided to read this book, because it was fantastic.

The author, Linda Buckley-Archer, has a way with words.  She described the details of this book very well; I could picture Stowney House and the palace at Versailles in my head.  Also, the characters were down-to-earth and believable. 

A part in the book that I relished was when it added the journal entries.  I liked reading the story behind John Stone’s life in the present and in the past.  I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about this book. 

I would recommend this book to anyone ages 11 and up, or to anyone who has read and enjoyed the Gideon Trilogy.

 

A new student review of Violent Ends by Shaun David Hutchinson Neal Shusterman Brendan Shusterman Beth Revis Cynthia Leitich Smith Courtney Summers Kendare Blake Delilah S. Dawson Steve Brezenoff Tom Leveen Hannah Moskowitz Blythe Woolston Trish Doller Mindi Scott Margie Gelbwasser Christine Johnson E. M. Kokie Elisa Nader

JesusFreak posted a new student review of Violent Ends by Shaun David Hutchinson Neal Shusterman Brendan Shusterman Beth Revis Cynthia Leitich Smith Courtney Summers Kendare Blake Delilah S. Dawson Steve Brezenoff Tom Leveen Hannah Moskowitz Blythe Woolston Trish Doller Mindi Scott Margie Gelbwasser Christine Johnson E. M. Kokie Elisa Nader. See the full review.

When I began reading this book, I was curious as to how all the viewpoints from different characters would play into the story. As I read each account, I found myself becoming more and more engrossed in the book. Each author brings a different style of writing and varying characters, which I liked a lot. I found all the characters to be believable and very well-written. The plot moved along swiftly but it didn’t feel rushed, which is always a good thing.

Throughout the book, it truly made me think about what a situation like that could do to a person. How would I react if I was in the shoes of the characters? Would I react as they did, or would I react entirely differently?

With awe-inspiring point of views from various authors, this book is incredible. Violent Ends is sure to amaze.

A new student review of Penny's War by Anne Dearle

leonardo posted a new student review of Penny's War by Anne Dearle. See the full review.

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A new student review of The Betrayal of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell

Benflash1 posted a new student review of The Betrayal of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell. See the full review.

This book has a fast paced plot that a reader can really get into. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading about characters who display bravery and courage, or just admire heroes in general. I particularly enjoyed reading about Damien's grandfather, as he is trying to stand up for what he believes to be right. Although he is portrayed more of as a "bad guy" in this novel, from a different perspective, he could have been the heroic main character of the novel. I did think however, that the book was not discriptive enough about the distinction between heroes and villains. Altogether, I beleive this book is a thrilling read with powerful characters.

A new student review of Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

JesusFreak posted a new student review of Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon. See the full review.

Reading this book is like stepping into a life. The story is written so life-like that I felt as if I was in the story right alongside Madeline when reading it. The author crafts the story in a way that is light-hearted yet heavy at the same time. Her characters are believable and enjoyable. Madeline’s struggles are brought to attention more than once, but not in a way that is annoying. Her relationship with Olly is loving and beautiful. I enjoyed every second of it.
Another one of my favorite things about this book is the gorgeous cover art. Kudos to the artist for creating such a stunning masterpiece.
 

This book is a great read for teens+. This heartwarming yet heart-wrenching story is sure to leave you awed.

 

A new student review of My Diary from the Edge of the World by Jodi Lynn Anderson

nictaf posted a new student review of My Diary from the Edge of the World by Jodi Lynn Anderson. See the full review.

Jodi Lynn Anderson wrote a great book filled with fantasy and adventure!  My Diary from the Edge of the World had twists and turns so you can't tell what will happen until it does.  One part I especially liked was a description of a witch’s house.  Anderson wrote, "It was an astonishing sight-resting on enormous boulders at the peak of the mountain, made of dark logs and planks of wood, and lit up brightly inside with firelight. It looked half wild and half civilized, sort of crooked to one side, old and breathtaking, with attachments and additions veering off this way and that and poking over the sides of boulders and low cliffs."  Gracie was well described and I think she would be a normal, everyday person if she was real.  The book had a very unique plot, and I would have liked to be part of the characters' quest.  If you are a fan of adventure and fantasy, then you need to read this amazing book!  I would love to read a second book if there is one.  I would recommend this book to ages 8 and up!

A new student review of The Great Good Summer by Liz Garton Scanlon

muffin posted a new student review of The Great Good Summer by Liz Garton Scanlon. See the full review.

I had a difficult time deciding if I liked this book.  I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and the setting.  The one part that bothered me was one small element.  The book has a very religious tone.  God is referred to, spoken about and discussed multiple times. In the end I decided that I did like the book, it was just that the religious piece was unexpected and I had to adjust.  The book has a good message, that nobody really gets their ideal happy ever after.  The book discusses the consequences of running away and takes a very realistic look at mother-daughter relationships.   I also enjoyed watching Ivy and Paul's friendship grow because Paul doesn't really believe in God and Ivy had been raised in a very religious family and town.  

A new student review of The Fog of Forgetting by Genevieve Morgan

Inferna101 posted a new student review of The Fog of Forgetting by Genevieve Morgan. See the full review.

Overall The Fog of Forgetting was a very pleasant read. Perhaps not the best book ever, but good enough to make me want to read the sequel. There are many moments where you make sense of clues dropped by the author. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy when you pick up on those subtle hints. You understand why specific events occured. I also really like the twist put into this story. The only thing I really didn't like was how many questions were left unanswered. Of course that's to make sure you read the sequel, so it isn't actually a bad thing.

A new student review of The Fire Chronicle (Books of Beginning) by John Stephens

muffin posted a new student review of The Fire Chronicle (Books of Beginning) by John Stephens. See the full review.

This book was really good and I can't wait for the next one to come out! I would go so far as to say it was better than the first book in this series.  I liked how it bounced back and forth between Kate and Michael. It keeps the energy of the book up and the reader interested.  The book is filled with action, humor, and excellent writing! You can definitely see Michael's character growth in this book, from being petty and immature to being grown up and responsible. I have no bad comments for this book and give it an easy 5 stars.  Adventure readers won’t be disappointed and, although it is a chunky book, it will be over before you know it.  

 

A new student review of Chasing Secrets by Gennifer Choldenko

moseso posted a new student review of Chasing Secrets by Gennifer Choldenko. See the full review.

Chasing Secrets is a well written book that captures the reader’s attention from beginning to end. Lizzie Kennedy, who is the main character, is a determined young girl who never gives up. Although not entirely historically accurate, this book is full of suspense and surprises around every corner. The author does a beautiful job of wrapping everything up in the end, and exercises the imagination by leaving the reader dreaming about what might happen next. Chasing Secrets is a book every bookshelf should hold! 10-13 year old girls would best enjoy this adventure.

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 am a fan of graphic novels and this one was absolutely fantastic.  In particular I liked having the chance to read 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 because like those books are graphic novels 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.  I really liked this book and would recommend it to realistic fiction readers and graphic novel readers.   

A new student review of Weird Space: The Baba Yaga by Una McCormack Eric Brown

jotaf posted a new student review of Weird Space: The Baba Yaga by Una McCormack Eric Brown. See the full review.

One of my recipes for a good book is a mix of action, mystery, and adventure.  The Baba Yaga had all of those parts.  I liked that the authors, Eric Brown and Una McCormack, described the characters and the setting of the story thoroughly. I was able to picture the size and appearance of everything.  A part in the book that I particularly liked was when Failt, a Vetch child, snuck on Delia’s ship.  It was generous of Delia to keep Failt safe when the pilot wanted to get rid of him.

One thing I didn’t like about this book, though, was how it ended.  I’m not a fan of sad endings, and I wish it would have ended differently.  I would recommend this book to ages 13 and up, or to anyone who likes sci-fi and doesn’t mind some bad language.

A new student review of Stand-off by Andrew Smith

Raphael posted a new student review of Stand-off by Andrew Smith. See the full review.

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A new student review of Delano in Hollyhook by Cameron Glenn

PASTERSY01 posted a new student review of Delano in Hollyhook by Cameron Glenn. See the full review.

This is a very energetic book told from the perspective of the main character, Delano, and how he sees his friends and the different journies they venture on. I personally really loved this book and think it was very well written, but every now and then there were a few punctuation and spelling errors. The author did a nice job of explaining the different parts of the story. He never rambled on, but gave you just enough details. One of my favorite characters other than Delano was Lenore, because even though she wasn't very positive, she still figured out a lot of the problems in the book.

A new student review of Chopstix by A.T. Raydan

Gwendolyn posted a new student review of Chopstix by A.T. Raydan. See the full review.

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A new student review of Chopstix by A.T. Raydan

JesusFreak posted a new student review of Chopstix by A.T. Raydan. See the full review.

When I opened this book, one of the first things I noticed was how short it was. However, as I began reading, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it grabbed my attention. The main character, Wendy, was extremely likable throughout the book. I felt that she made good, well-thought-out decisions. It was difficult to connect with some of the other characters. 

At times, the action seemed to lag and the dialogue seemed a bit childish for the characters’ ages.

Overall, this book had a great plot and good character development. I would recommend it to anyone ages 12 and above who enjoys action.

A new student review of Knowing Nora by Claire Merchant

Star360 posted a new student review of Knowing Nora by Claire Merchant. See the full review.

An affair between a teacher and a student is one of the most taboo relationships in society. Nevertheless, a news story about such a twisted romance comes up every year. In Knowing Nora, Nora Hadley gives a voice to the young girls who have fallen for the wrong man entirely.

 

The bitter irony of Knowing Nora is that Nora was both the most and least likely to have an affair with Mr. Summers. No one thought that shy, pious Nora would ever have a boyfriend. Even Nora herself thought that she would have to wait until university to find a special someone. On the other hand, readers can observe that Nora is above petty high school drama. Unlike Ainslee, she doesn’t want to get involved with any immature teen. Part of her attraction to William Summers was his maturity and kindness. Those were qualities that she couldn’t get in a boy like Aaron, whose offer she turned down.

 

William was a conundrum. He was an excellent literature teacher, and he made sure that there was no bullying in his classroom. Nevertheless, he shouldn’t have started seeing Nora outside of school. Their encounters began at her little brother’s football games, which he could have easily avoided. William may have only been five years older than Nora, but that makes a big difference when she’s sixteen and he’s twenty-one. Nora went along with the affair out of blind love, but William should have been the voice of reason.

 

The most questionable aspect of the book was the exact nature of Nora and William’s romance. If she had been his age, they might have made a great couple. Since that wasn’t the case, it made the affair all the more disturbing. It’s simple math: Teacher + Student + Romance  = Big Trouble. Girls and boys who get involved in such relationships shouldn’t be given a scarlet letter, but should their actions be applauded as an act of true love? Readers are sure to offer a plethora of diverse answers.

 

A creative part of the book was how each chapter was titled the name of a song. Songs like “Chasing Pavements” and “Losing My Religion” accurately set the tone of each stage in Nora’s life.

 

I would warn readers to skip the prologue. Cover it with sticky notes, squeeze your eyes shut as you turn the page – just don’t read it! Some prologues offer a tantalizing glimpse into the characters’ futures; this one just drops a major spoiler that takes the edge off the novel’s building suspense.

 

Knowing Nora offers a unique perspective on the dangerous relationships that can occur between a student and a teacher.

A new student review of Iron and Blood by Larry Martin Gail Z Martin

Lainebarnes posted a new student review of Iron and Blood by Larry Martin Gail Z Martin. See the full review.

My opinion of this book was that it was well thought out and each chapter made a new impact. The book was very interesting, but it was also scary and gruesome. The murder scenes that were described were vivid giving me a feeling of fear or doom. There were homemade "werkman", also known as zombies, who are dead people following orders from Thwaits to kill anyone trying to solve the murders. They had human features but were actually made of cogs and gears that when they were attacked, would spew out blood and dead flesh. Yuck! Other than the gory stuff, I enjoyed the book very much and I would read it again. It was very adventurous, but also made me feel scared at times. I would not recommend this book to anyone under the age of 14 due to its graphic language and images. The scenes are very bloody and could be disturbing to some readers. They do add to the tale but I would caution readers of this book for fear that it may scare them. But overall it was well thought out and maintained a good flow.

A new student review of Off the Page by Samantha van Leer Jodi Picoult

pavannah posted a new student review of Off the Page by Samantha van Leer Jodi Picoult. See the full review.

My basic thoughts on this was it was a great book that would serve as a great companion to the original.  However, I was not aware that it had been a companion book, until receiving the actual book, therefore I hadn’t read the first book before completing this book.Even with that, I was able to thoroughly enjoy reading this book, because being a fantasy fanatic, and well, a lover of books, I found a piece of myself within this book; which made me enjoy it all the more.  There was great character development with Oliver, but was lacking in others, which is a little disappointing, but not the end of the world.  I think the message that love requires sacrifice is a noble one, that shines throughout the book, it is lacking strong backing in this book.  Yes it was clear that it was the message being sent, however it showed that it was more of other characters making sacrifices for Oliver and Delilah, as opposed to they themselves making the sacrifices. So overall, for a sappy romantic fantasy novel is was good, however I will not be reading it again.  

A new student review of Field Trip by Jim Paulsen Gary Paulsen

Boomer123 posted a new student review of Field Trip by Jim Paulsen Gary Paulsen. See the full review.

Gary and Jim Paulsen have yet again delivered another great father and son book. I love this book so much and I think it's a great follow-up to Road Trip! I also like how it is written from Ben’s perspective. Conor and Atticus were always cracking me up because Atticus is so down to Earth and Conor, well, isn't. I also liked how the twins, Charlotte and Jacob are super smart and peppy and are always making me laugh with their smartness. I like this book because I think it shows a great father and son relationship.