Sara's Face by Melvin Burgess

Sara's Face is a chilling tale of a seventeen year old girl looking for an escape from the "skin she's in". Sara is a wild and beautiful girl--she is not your typical teenager. She flits from character to character each day, her friends and family never know who or what Sara will become. As injuries and anorexia become aparent in Sara's life she is finally brought to a hospital. There her dream comes true. Jonathan Heat is a glorious superstar, infamous for his constantly changing facial features--cosmetic surgery has been a constant in Heat's life. Sara is lying in a hospital bed when Heat visits and determines that he must take her home. There he gives her everything she would ever need. She could surgically change every part of her body, something Sara has been aspiring to do for years. As Sara's life drastically changes at Heat's home, wonder and horror overtake Sara and the people around her. What will happen to the face Sara so badly wants to rid herself of? What will become of her? Written from the perspective of a novelist searching for clues of Sara's life, interviews and opinions from her family, friends, and even Sara's video diary, Sara's Face is a dramatic novel--a mix between reality and fantasy.

Sara's Face is almost like a horror story in its own way. Chilling, gripping, and sometimes confusing it was certainly a book that readers will have a hard time putting down. Sara was a frustrating character, few will have a hard time relating to her wild antics and lack of love for anyone but herself. However, the characters that surround Sara, her best friend, boyfriend, nurse, and even Heat give the book a fantastic perspective of love and friendship as they attempt to understand a girl who might never be understood. Sara's Face is a tale of drama, horror (ther is a ghost-like presence that surrounds Sara), mystery, and fantasy. It is a quick read that keeps its readers interested and excited.

Content: Sara's Face uses mature language and there are many sexual references. It also has a scare component to it.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Concord, Massachusetts United States

All-in by Pete Hautman

The book started with Denn Doyle betting his last 16,000 dollars and losing. Denn is a 17 year old boy with a fake ID so he can play no-limit gambling and now he’s broke. Denn works his way up from nothing and meets Artie Kingston the man that set him up to lose all his money. Artie is having a grand opening of his new casino and Denn wants to win his money back. Denn tries to win it all back in a winner take-all Texas holdem tournament but he can't make it.

I think the book was very good. The book is an edge of your seat page turner. I never understood gambling but the author put a glossary in the back of the book that really helped. The author also took turns putting you in a different character’s head every chapter. You have to be careful and read the name at the beginning of the chapter if you want to follow the story. In my opinion I think it makes the book more interesting. The only let down was the ending. I was wondering what happened to the main character.


Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Hamilton, OH USA

Last Kiss by Jon Ripslinger

Last Kiss is a thrilling book that tells the tale of Billy O’Reilly. Billy and Lisa Wells have been seeing each other in secret for weeks. After attending Lisa’s eighteenth birthday party, Billy and Lisa meet up again- much to the displeasure of Billy’s best friend, Windy. The next morning, terrible news hits the town; Lisa Wells was found dead in the family manor. All of the evidence gathered points to Billy committing this horrific crime. His case does not improve when one of the guns that was reported stolen from the Wells’ manor is found in Billy’s possession. Together, Billy and Windy set out to discover the truth behind the murder and robbery. And- in the process- uncover some truly terrible secrets about Lisa and her family.

Last Kiss is a very compelling read. While the sentence structure and vocabulary seemed a little mediocre for this age range, the plot of the book was exceptional. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat during the whole book. But, while this book was fantastic, it had a lot of adult content. I do not recommend it for anyone younger than 14.

Content: This book had some language issues, and some of the scenes should not be read by younger readers.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA USA

Pretty Tough by Liz Tigelaar

Sixteen-year-old Charlie Brown loves surfing, so when the new soccer coach for the high school asks her to try out for the team, she doesn't know if she will or not. Her sister, eighteen-year-old Krista, loves soccer and has been a part of the soccer team for years, so when she gets the news, she doesn't take it very well. Charlie and her sister are mortal enemies who would do anything to get on the other's nerves. So Charlie decides that joining her sister's soccer team would be the perfect opportunity to do exactly that. Both of the girls want to be the MVP on the team and will do anything to be just that, no matter what the consequences. With only four months till the biggest tournament of the year, the two sisters better make peace between them if they want to take home the victory.

Pretty Tough is a wonderful book that proves that before you can win as a team you first have to communicate as a team. This novel had a lot of drama between the two sisters, which added to the overall quality of this great story. Pretty Tough is told in two very different perspectives, one being Charlie Brown's and the other being in her sister, Krista's. I could really relate to Charlie's intriguing personality and I think that she would be a wonderful person to have for a friend. I think Krista's BFF, Brooke, and her boyfriend, Cam, greatly effected Krista's character, which is why she had such a snobby personality that I didn't overly enjoy. I recommend Pretty Tough to young adult girls who love sports.

There were a few instances where underage drinking and sex were mentioned.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States

Kiki Strike:Inside the Shadow City by Kirsten Miller

Ananka Fishbein is a normal average girl, until she meets Kiki Strike and the rest of the Irregulars. Then her life changes dramatically. She sets out on a journey to map a city beneath New York, discovered by her mysterious friend Kiki. Only she and her friends know about this and they intend to keep it that way. Obviously this city once thrived, but now its only inhabitants are rats. Well, at least, they think that’s right.

Spying and history are some of my favorite topics to read about. Throw in some action thirsty girls and you’ve got yourself a story. I don’t know how in the world Kristen Miller came up with such an amazing story. Once you start reading you are Kiki, Betty, or Oona and you can’t stop reading about their adventures.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: , North Carolina USA

Kiki Strike:The Empress's Tomb by Kirsten Miller

Oona is acting strange, well stranger than usually. She’s not confiding in anyone and is getting farther and farther away from her friends. When the Irregulars learn that she moved in with her criminal father things go from bad to worse. With more trouble being caused in Shadow City the girls need Oona’s friendship more than ever, but maybe it’s not all Oona’s fault….. The girls must join as one and work together to fix all their problems, but can they do it before it’s too late?

Kiki and her gang are back with a story based around Oona. I have been waiting for this for the longest time ever! I finally got to read it and it was absolutely wonderful! The adventures, romance, spying, and rats are just as good as ever! I hope Kirsten Miller writes more and more, cause I will never be tired of these stories about Kiki and her friends.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: , North Carolina USA

I Is Someone Else by Patrick Cooper

British Stephen dreams of something new. Perhaps even an adventure, but he never expected that he’d be traveling halfway around the world in search of his older brother Rob. This long awaited adventure takes place in 1966, en route to France he takes a long detour through parts of continental Europe, the Middle East, and Southern Asia.. Naturally it was a surprise to find the most beautiful girl in the world telling him that Rob is in Istanbul. Lucky for Stephen, she, Astrid, and Jerry are headed there right now. Stephen is determined not to miss this chance of finding his brother who was thought by his mother to be dead. This leads up to a journey that will not be forgotten. The unveiling of painful past memories, and a battle with his common sense, forces him to make decisions about his sexuality. The path that Stephen chooses to tread is long and filled with danger, whether it be temptation by drugs or hostility from the locals in any of the places he travels. Stephen learns to deal with his past and copes with how he can control his future.

Beginning: Boy goes to study French, forgets France goes for gorgeous girl, ends up in Istanbul. Okay, pretty good. With a feint toward education turns around and votes for the teenage love thing. I’ll face it, I was caught. I soon learned that the boyfriend of Stephen’s beloved crush is a drug dealer. My thoughts turned toward “this is interesting”. I was soon to find out that Jerry’s occupation was not going to be the only reference to drugs, drug dealing, or drug consumption. In fact, it was all the rage in 1966 in the Middle East and Southern Asia. Even parts of Continental Europe had a taste for hashish in the sixties. What disagreed with me the most are the illogical things that Stephen did. There were many moments that I hit my forehead in frustration wondering what would posses anyone to do such a thing. I soon gave up trying to control fictitious characters and chalked up his unwise movements to the drugs. The text is laced with flashbacks to Stephen’s school days. Most of the time these tidbits of background story left me wanting to know what happened next. It wasn’t until the last sixty pages that this thirst was satisfied. For me it also separated the present narrative from the past. That can be both good and a hindrance. Good because it kept things clearly defined and bookmarked your place in either one. This became a bad idea when it was difficult to flow between storylines. I will give Mr. Cooper this: His characters are memorable and this story will not be one that is easily forgotten.

Content: There are many drug references that also include usage my both peripheral and main characters. There are other very intimate scenes of mature content.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Belton, MO USA

Skin Hunger (A Resurrection of Magic) by Kathleen Duey

Skin Hunger is a book with two stories taking place generations apart. One story is about Sadima, a magician whose mother died the day she was born, and the "magician" helping her give birth robbed her family. The other is about Hahp, who is the son of a rich merchant who sent him to a wizard school, knowing he may well die. Sadima is approached at age 14 by a wizard named Franklin, asking her to join him and Somiss, his master, in the port city of Limori, where they are working to restore magic to a world where it is despised and feared, and there are many fraud magicians. Three years later, Sadima does travel to Limori to seek out Franklin. When she finds him, she joins him and Somiss, helping around the house and doing other menial tasks. Somiss's fervor for his mission frightens Sadima, but she has fallen in love with Franklin who cannot leave, as he is Somiss's slave. As she realizes the danger she is in with Somiss, whose father despises him, she attempts to persuade Franklin to run off with her. However, he refuses. Then, Sadima follows Franklin to a cave outside Limori. Inside, she finds some of the orphans from the streets trapped in a cage. She questions Franklin, who admits they are using the children, but refuses to help free them, explaining that Somiss will just get more from the city. She decides that there is nothing she can do. One night, men light Somiss's apartment on fire, hoping to catch him. They manage to escape with their lives. They set off into the caves to find the ancient home of magic. Hahp's story begins as he goes to the wizard academy. He is a roommate with Gerrard, a poor orphan who shouldn't be there. In the academy, Hahp and the other boys are starved until they figure out how to work the magic stone that gives them food. Franklin, their teacher, seems to regret their harsh conditions but fears the headmaster, Somiss. Many of the boys die before they can get food. Then, Hahp realizes he can make things other than food with the stone, and he makes a bar of soap to clean himself. He is then given new, clean robes that mean he has moved on. Gerrard steadfastly refuses help from Hahp, but Hahp gives him the soap so he can figure out how to make it himself. Gerrard makes soap and is given his own new robes. They are set to new tasks that none of the others have to do. Meanwhile, the boys have to memorize songs in a different language and recite them, and until they do, they will starve again. Hahp and Gerrard finally agree to work together to get through all of the tests set before them.

Skin Hunger by Kathleen Duey is a great book for all young adults. It earns an eight out of ten from me. The way the two stories of Hahp and Sadima are woven together makes it far more interesting. It is similar to the book Holes in that one story is about a good boy and a poor orphan who build a friendship to overcome the troubles set before them, and that it has another story in the past that is closely connected to it. It was a bit boring at times, but the interesting parts made up for that. Another way it is set apart from other stories is that the magic is so much different than in any other book.

Content: Frightening, death

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA United States

No Talking by Andrew Clements

Mark and Lyndsey are both fifth graders at the same elementary school. Mark thinks of Lyndsey as a blabber mouth, whos head would blow off if she had to be quiet for five minutes. Lyndsey thinks of Mark as a boy who thinks he is better than all fifth grade girls, but really is the same. One day, Mark decides to imitate Ghandi, and goes to school one day with the goal of not saying one word to anyone, including his friends. The inconveince of this for Lyndsey is that Mark and Lyndsey were partners for a project that had to presented on this very same day. Mark wiggles his way out of giving the presentation, and has done quiet well with achieving his goal untill fifth grade lunch, where he makes Lyndsey a challenge. The challenge is this: Mark and all the fifth grade boys challenge Lyndsey and all the fifth grade girls to two complete days of silence. There were rules however. They were allowed to answer teachers, but with only three words. Also, when the students went home, they had to use the honor system, and honestly report any talking done outside of school. Each word spoke was worth a point. After the two days were up, the gender with the least amount of talking outside the rules won. The signifigance of this was that this specific group of fifth graders were known as the Unshushables. They had a reputation of not knowing when or how to be quiet. As the contest goes on, the teachers and principle become relieved of the noise, but irritated from the short answers and little participation in class. The principle tries to but an end to it, but becomes convenced herself, through Mark, that actually this silence is quiet a good idea.

This book is fabolous for the reading age that it is wrote for. It teaches a great lesson of what some quiet time can actually do for a person. It also teaches the fifth grade girls and the boys in the story, that really, neither one is better than the other. They also learn that although there is such thing as talking to much, that talking really is almost an essential thing for life. Friendships are built, and trust and responsibility are displayed throughout the book.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Athens, Ohio

Spells and Sleeping Bags by Sarah Mlynowski

Rachel Weinstein for what seems like forever, has watched her mom and little sister Miri show off their magic. But now in the third installment of Sarah Mlynowski’s young adult series…………….. Rachel has powers! Plus as an added bonus Rachel and Miri will be going to summer camp, where also Raf will conveniently will be going. But to have the summer of her life, she’ll have to fix some problems.

Have to zap back all of her clothes(little accident, no biggie)

Get out of baby level in swimming

Bathe in mosquito repellent(won’t leave her alone)

And deal with the backstabber in her cabin

Sounds like fun!


I chose this book to review because it is the third book in a series that I love. But with this one, I was a little disappointed. I didn’t have the same style as the first two books had. Rachel wasn’t as sassy and kind as usual. Also the ending was not what I expected would make the story a little better. But I did love how I and the readers found out what really went down between Rachel’s mom and her Aunt Sasha.

Content: innapropriate language

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Minooka, IL