Gentle's Holler by Kerry Madden

Livy Two Weems (named after her older sister Livy One who died at birth) lives with her family of ten in their holler in Maggie Valley. Eleven if you count Grandma Horace’s surprise visit. Livy Two has to deal with lots, including all her siblings, her Daddy’s guitar songs that aren’t selling, and her sister Gentle’s bad eyes. When money starts getting real bad, her Dad signs her up for a musical competition in town. Livy Two has a good voice and is very good on the guitar, but she doesn’t know if she can sing in front of all those people. Strangers. Her songs came from the Holler and they should stay there. She must sing though, she thinks, for her family at least!

A wonderful story of survival and family love! Kerry Madden’s first book in her Maggie Valley trilogy made me laugh and cry. I didn’t think it possible to interact with a book and its characters the way I did. I now wish I could go and visit the places that were in the book. Highly Recommend!

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: , Idaho USA

Hitler's Canary by Sandi Toksvig

Hitler's Canary is the story of the invasion of Denmark by the Nazis in World War II. Bamse's family is a quiet, peaceable family, but when the Nazis arrive, everything changes. His brother Orlando starts doing dangerous work for the resistance while his father believes they should sit the war out. But Bamse's friend Anton is a Jew, and soon working against the Nazis is no longer an option but a necessity.

This book was a fresh and interesting look at the traditional Nazi/Jew story. My favorite parts were the ones that talked about Bamse's mother's eccentric thespian ways, and their life surrounding the theater. I could definitely relate to this quote:
"We lived in a make-believe world and it was hard for me to imagine doing anything else with my life."
The writing was perhaps a little lacking, but the book is still worth reading. If a somewhat simple story, Hitler's Canary was still quite interesting and the characters' heroism inspiring.

Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Moscow, ID USA

Chandlefort by David Randall

Randall's sequel to Clovermead combine's elements of fantasy and history with good storytelling. Cerelune Cindertallow, the heir of a matriarchal family, has the unusual ability to turn into a bear. The story continues from the point where Clovermead, as Cerelune likes to be called, has settled into Chandlefort with her mother Lady Melisande Cindertallow. She has recently returned because she was taken as a baby by Waxmelt and removed to another town. Since meeting with her mother, their relationship has been strained and it really comes under stress when their enemy, evil Lord Ursus, attacks Chandlefort. Past relationships become significant again as Clovermead struggles to save her wounded mother. Above all, Clovermead matures as a young woman and learns about herself.

Chandlefort is an interesting read as it has elements of medieval Europe with a transformed view. For instance, instead of the usual male-dominated society we associate with with history, Chandlefort has a matriarchal society with a Lady as a god-like spirit. This is definitely a fantasy with Clovermead's ability to turn into a bear and other unbelievable aspects. I enjoyed the mystery and Clovermead's growth as a person, but I do not think everyone will enjoy this book. I found myself getting lost at times with character relationships and origins. I recommend it to people who have a basic knowledge of medieval European history because it will make Clovermead easier to understand and follow.

Reviewer Age:19
Reviewer City, State and Country: Kansas City, MO USA

Grief Girl by Erin Vincent

Can thinking something make it happen? That is the question roaring in Erin Vincent’s mind on October 23, 1983. She wished that her parents would die, and a week later, they do. This true story based on the real Erin Vincent’s life is a true heartbreaker. Unable to cope with losing he mother and father, Erin turns to her teacher for solace, since her sister Tracy can’t relate to what Erin feels and goes through. But when they take the teacher away, who will Erin turn to? Will she make it having to rely on only herself? And will they find out that they are being robbed?

I loved reading this book immensely. Page after page is full of shocking turns and twists that take you through the teenage years of Erin Vincent. I was shocked at how other people reacted to Erin’s situation. But her telling the true story of her pain and suffering makes it a perfect summer read. If you love reading diary, or true stories, this is the perfect book for you. Although if you just want a good read, just give Grief Girl a shot.

Content:2
laungage and sexual reference

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Casa Grande, AZ United States of America

The White Tyger by Paul Park

Miranda Popescu is back and has her friends with her again. Miranda Brancoveanu, the baroness, is still after Miranda. She finally catches her and makes her a prisoner. Miranda is finally reunited with her birth mother, Clara Brancoveanu. The baroness takes the title of white tyger and rules all of Roumania. How can Miranda stop her?

This book is a very complex read. I would suggest that only the most advanced teen reader try it. It was a little confusing because the book kept switching roles and characters, you didn't always know which one you were following. This was a good book, just a little confusing at parts.


There are a few parts were people talk about things maybe some parents will no want their children to read.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Shippensburg, USA

The Ghost in Allie's Pool by Sara Bodi

For as long as Allie could remember, she has been at her best friend, Marissa’s side. But 8th grade is here. Soon Allie finds that she is becoming farther and farther from Marissa. While at the same time, coming closer to her Pilgrim Ancestry. When Dorothy May( the wife of her great-great-great-great grandfather who jumped overboard), appears at Allie’s side, Allie and Dorothy become friends. 8th Grade is hard, what with bullies, no best friend, and a wacky teacher. But Allie finds her way through it all with just a little help from Dorothy. She may even find a potential boyfriend!

This book is really good! I really enjoyed the fact that the author portrayed what really happens in Junior High. No one really knows for sure what it’s like losing a best friend. But it all worked out in the end. Even if there were a few rough bumps in the road. It was also very interesting to see how the Pilgrims were tied into the story. You get a bit of history and modern 8th graders all at the same time. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of history, and life lessons.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: , Illinois U.S.A

Code Orange by Caroline B. Cooney

Mitty Blake's biggest mistake was actually doing his homework. He lives in an apartment in New York City. Mitty attends a private school, St. Raphael's. He started a project on infectious disease for biology class. In one of the old textbooks he used for his research, he found an envelope labeled "Scabs-VM epidemic, 1902, Boston." Inside were scabs from smallpox, which was all but destroyed during the twentieth century. For the next week, Mitty can't concentrate on his project, his best friend, Derek, his girlfriend, Olivia, or his classes. He was worried he would catch the virus after finding out that it was from a dangerous strain, variola major. This strain will kill him. His research gets him more and more worried. Mitty decides to write an email to numerous people and organizations on the internet. After writing back, it seems there is a good chance he might catch smallpox. After nine days have passed since touching the scabs, a woman from the CDC approaches Mitty on the street. As Mitty goes with her, he is hit on the head. When he is missing, his mother calls the police. By this point, the FBI has become involved. They ask both Olivia and Derek where Mitty might be. Olivia and Derek then figure out that the FBI is scared one of the contacts from the internet may have been a terrorist and they abducted Mitty to infect the nation. Meanwhile, Mitty regains consciousness in a locked basement. He figures out that there is almost no hope of escape. However, Mitty tricks them and locks his guards in the basement. A few hours later, Mitty rigs a furnace to poison them all with carbon monoxide gas. The next day, the terrorist group leaders come and are about to take Mitty away when he locks the door on them. Mitty had a few scratches from a fight with his guards, but no smallpox. He has to be treated for his wounds in a hospital. All of the terrorists died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Mitty and his friends and family then went back to their normal lives.


Code Orange, by Caroline B. Cooney, is one of the best books I've ever read. It is definitely a page-turner. I stayed up late in the night reading it, and read it every chance I got. School was worse than normal because I couldn't read my book. The only downside is that it was too short. I liked it so much, I finished it in a day. I read on the bus, during breakfast, even in class! I recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers or suspense. It is very similar to Andrew Clements' Things Not Seen in that both main characters have (or think they have) a special medical condition. This book, however, is far more suspenseful. It always leaves you guessing. It throws you right into the plot and there's never a dull moment. You really get to feel what Mitty and his friends are thinking. Also, the fact that the author uses real places in New York City and real references to books is really interesting, and those that have been to these places can relate to this. When it seems Mitty will die, you are ready to start screaming at the book , but then, all of a sudden, something happens and he narrowly escapes. The fact that it could happen in real life is very scary as well. Lastly, since it has been written post-9/11, and is based in NY, it has references to real events that took place on that day. Ten out of ten in my books.

Content:2
Some of the descriptions of the smallpox symptoms could be disturbing to younger children.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10
Reviewer Age: 13

Kiera Davis is going through tough times. She thinks her husband is having an affair, her teenage daughter is being rebellious, and Kiera's been having awful migraines, with bright flashes of light preluding them. She wants to think the migraines are normal, but she knows there's more beneath the surface-maybe connected to a haunting event in her past that she'd rather just forget about. Kiera's been living with a dark secret since high school, and feels the time is near for when she will be punished for it. Kiera feels like she's being haunted-by someone from her past, and by her vestigial twin whom she thinks is inside of her. Kiera ponders that her vestigial twin came to her to remind her of her past. When her friends are murdered, she has to face the truth. At each crime scene, witnesses say a woman who looked like Kiera was seen at each murder. But Kiera believes it couldn't have been her, because she was always in a different location than where the murder took place. As Kiera tries to put the pieces of this puzzle together, she tests her sanity, strength, and spirit as she tries to come to a logical decision through all of this.

Unbroken was a very interesting book. It had a lot of unconventional twists and turns in the story, and I must say that after receiving the book to review and reading the back cover, I was very skeptical about if I even wanted to read it. After you get past Unbroken's unusual oddity (the whole vestigial twin thing) and get into the mystery and suspense of "who's killing Kiera's friends?!?," it makes for an interesting, yet quirky, horror book. Sci-fi fans will love it! Unbroken's not for people who are in the mood for reading about characters with good morals. It's not that the characters are bad, but they just aren't faith-centered, so if you're looking for a book like that, this probably isn't for you. Unbroken also has a lot of harsh language in it, so this book is best suited for mature readers, around ages 15 and up.

Because of certain instances in the book, like where Kiera feels haunted and where her teenage daughter, Trista, might be pregnant, and also because of the language, Unbroken is just better for older, mature readers.

Reviewer Age:15

A Fine Night For Dying by Jack Higgins

Harvey Preston is drug to the bottom of the English Channel wrapped in chains. His death brings up suspicion, and becomes linked to a cross channel smuggling ring. Undercover, Paul Chavasse is sent to investigate this matter. He soon learns the real truth, but before it can be revealed he is caught. It is a constant fight for Paul's life, while he attempts to conceal his secrets.

This book is a fast-paced action thriller. It is a tale of suspicion and murder from beginning to end. It follows a smuggling ship's voyage through Europe in 1969.

I believe this book should be for mature readers only, for two reasons. First, this book contained many murders and was gorey. Also, towards the beginning of the book a man named, Jacaud, attempts to rape a young girl.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Lemoore, California U.S.

The Year of My Miraculous Reappearance by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Cynnie is thirteen years old and has taken over the role of her mother. While her mom is sitting one the couch drinking, Cynnie is tending to Bill her 5 year old brother who has Down Syndrome. Cynnie feels as if she is the only one who loves him. This all changes when her mom sends Bill to live with their Grandparents because she feels he is too much of a responsibility. What will happen to Cynnie if she cannot be with her darling Bill? Will the pain of missing him force her to do something she normally wouldn't do?

This book started off a little dull in the beginning, but it became very interesting in the middle and end. This book has a very good moral to it and shows you what the power of addiction can do. This was a very good book and it is very different than any other book I have read. I definatly liked the character Bill because he is such a trooper, he's gone through a lot and he just smiles. I very much enjoyed the ending it keeps you satisfied yet it keeps you wanting more.

I believe this book had some adult content and it had a good amount of language.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States