One mistake. One bad night. One too many drinks. Frank Marder is a head, paralyzed from the neck down, and it's his fault. He was drinking. He was driving. Now Frank can't walk, he can't move, he can't feel his skin. He needs someone to feed him, to wash him, to move his body. When you're a head, do you ever feel like a whole person? Will Frank ever get to forgive himself? But if you ask most of the people who are posting on www.quadkingonthenet.com, he hasn't been adequately punished. Two people are dead because of him. Frank should go to jail. Only "Anonymous" disagrees.
Head Case was a really, really good book. I mostly liked reading this book because it taught a lesson about drinking and driving. While reading, I was drawn into the plot immediately. I felt connected with Frank because he was like a real person. The only thing I really didn't like about the book was the ending, because we don't find out what happens to Frank. I think the author could have improved the story by giving readers the point of view of the Stein family, whose daughter was killed in the accident. All-in-all, this book was wonderful. Every teenager should read it because it has such a strong message.
Content: This book had sexual content and profanity.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leopold, Missouri USA
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Miracle Wimp by Erik P. Kraft
Thomas Mayo is your everyday nerd. With a last name like Mayo, he was bound to be made fun of, and so of course, Mayo’s clever fellow classmates dubbed him Miracle Wimp (Get it, It’s like Miracle Whip, except they say Wimp instead!). This is a book about him. Together him and his two good friends embark on lame but enjoyable adventures. Some of these adventures are for Mayo alone. For instance he is forced to take wood Shop with a bunch of donkeys and Mr. Boort--the bouillon cube eating teacher who wears Lucky star designer Jeans. Come to think about it, Wimp encounters more than one problem involving pants. I won't give it all away though, you will just have to read the book to find out more about donkeys, pants, girls, Mr. Boort, funky dancing and all those other fun things that come when you're growing up as "Miracle Wimp."
I think what I liked most about this book was that the chapters were short, as too not overwhelm, and most of his thoughts are short, sweet and to the point. Instead of dragging on in detail about each day Mayo only mentions completely random or somewhat interesting parts of his day. It’s easy to relate to Mayo because we’ve all gone through similar embarrassments and problems. I love Kraft’s ideas and perspective, he really makes you want to root for the “Hero” he’s created, otherwise known as Thomas Mayo. Though--like many books--it goes through the motions of high school, Kraft uses a unique writing style and a likeable main character, to produce a simple yet delightful tale of a boy named after a sweet sandwich spread and/or salad dressing.
Content: It's a book set in High School, need i say more? Well there's references to smoking, and i think there's a little swearing.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: sandy, Oregon United States
I think what I liked most about this book was that the chapters were short, as too not overwhelm, and most of his thoughts are short, sweet and to the point. Instead of dragging on in detail about each day Mayo only mentions completely random or somewhat interesting parts of his day. It’s easy to relate to Mayo because we’ve all gone through similar embarrassments and problems. I love Kraft’s ideas and perspective, he really makes you want to root for the “Hero” he’s created, otherwise known as Thomas Mayo. Though--like many books--it goes through the motions of high school, Kraft uses a unique writing style and a likeable main character, to produce a simple yet delightful tale of a boy named after a sweet sandwich spread and/or salad dressing.
Content: It's a book set in High School, need i say more? Well there's references to smoking, and i think there's a little swearing.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: sandy, Oregon United States
Tasting the Sky by Ibtisam Barakat
The book is a story of a young girl growing up during the Six-Day War in the Middle East. She talks about the trouble her family went through. They sacrificed a lot to keep their family alive and well, even if it meant the separation of the family. Ibtisam Barakat describes how the events effected her life and made her become who she is today. She talks about soldier being stationed outside of her home, about her brothers' and their adventures, and about learning to care for her little sister. Ibtisam Barakat is a gifted writer.
Ibtisam Barakat did a wonderful job in this novel. She described everything is vivid detail. I learned so much about the Middle East from this book. I could see everything in my mind like I was actually there during her childhood. She was brutally honest throughout the entire story and she just tells it as it is. This book is a sad tale but definitely an inspiration to all who read it.
Content: The brutal truth may be too much for younger readers. Also, younger readers might not understand the disguised actions of her childhood. An example is when she is almost raped by a neighborhood teenager.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Phoenixville, Pennsylvania U.S.A.
Ibtisam Barakat did a wonderful job in this novel. She described everything is vivid detail. I learned so much about the Middle East from this book. I could see everything in my mind like I was actually there during her childhood. She was brutally honest throughout the entire story and she just tells it as it is. This book is a sad tale but definitely an inspiration to all who read it.
Content: The brutal truth may be too much for younger readers. Also, younger readers might not understand the disguised actions of her childhood. An example is when she is almost raped by a neighborhood teenager.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Phoenixville, Pennsylvania U.S.A.
For Money and Love (Mob Princess) by Todd Strasser
Kate Blessing is just like any other high school student. Except that her family's involved in various sorts of organized crime. It's nothing major--just scams involving knockoffs and pirated DVDs for the most part. But when her father's organization gets into trouble from a rival organization, Kate comes to her father's rescue. For the moment, at least. Before long, though, Kate's dealing with family problems, "business" problems, the SATs, and, of course, guy trouble.
This book was a lot of fun! Kate is a great character, and of course the book's premise--the Sopranos in book form and for teenagers--is an original, interesting one. For Money And Love is, while not unforgettable, definitely a page-turner. I'll be interested to read the next book in the Mob Princess series! It's got romance, fun, and, of course, mobsters.
Content: Some mature content (though not graphic) and the stuff that comes along with a book about mobsters (crime, violence).
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA
This book was a lot of fun! Kate is a great character, and of course the book's premise--the Sopranos in book form and for teenagers--is an original, interesting one. For Money And Love is, while not unforgettable, definitely a page-turner. I'll be interested to read the next book in the Mob Princess series! It's got romance, fun, and, of course, mobsters.
Content: Some mature content (though not graphic) and the stuff that comes along with a book about mobsters (crime, violence).
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA
How Ya Like Me Now by Brendan Halpin
Ever since his dad died, Eddie's mom has been pretty much ignoring him. She spends all her time getting high, and leaves Eddie to take care of himself and the household. When she's arrested and sent to rehab, Eddie goes to live with his aunt, uncle, and cousin in the city. Alex is a little less than thrilled about having to share his room with his cousin Eddie, but he knows that Eddie's had a lot of tough stuff going on in his life, so he'll do his best to make him feel welcome. That's not as easy as it sounds, though. Eddie has to come to terms with his old life while finding his place in his new one, and that's not going to be simple for either of them.
How Ya Like Me Now is an engrossing, interesting book that is short enough to read in one sitting! Halpin's characters are lifelike and very well written (as is the whole book). His story is interesting enough to keep readers turning pages. It's definitely one of the better dysfunctional-parent stories out there, but that's not all it is. Eddie's adjustment to his new environment is just painfully awkward enough to be real, and in the end this is a satisfying story that is well worth reading.
Content: There is drug usage (by Eddie's mother).
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA
How Ya Like Me Now is an engrossing, interesting book that is short enough to read in one sitting! Halpin's characters are lifelike and very well written (as is the whole book). His story is interesting enough to keep readers turning pages. It's definitely one of the better dysfunctional-parent stories out there, but that's not all it is. Eddie's adjustment to his new environment is just painfully awkward enough to be real, and in the end this is a satisfying story that is well worth reading.
Content: There is drug usage (by Eddie's mother).
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA
Major Crush by Jennifer Echols
Tired of the beauty-pageant circuit, Virginia Sauter tosses her tiara, pierces her nose, and auditions for the most unlikely of roles--drum major of the high school marching band. Virginia wins, but is forced to share the title with Drew, whose family has held the position for generations. Sure, Drew is hot, but because of his superior attitude, he and Virginia are constantly arguing. That is, until they share more than just their half-time salute... But as the drum majors' heated competition turns to sizzling romance, explosive rumors threaten everything--including the band's success. Love seemed to be a sure hit, but Virginia and Drew may be marching straight into disaster.
I loved reading Major Crush. It was pretty realistic and had many laugh-out-loud moments. The plot was great, but sometimes it seemed kind of predictable. I also thought the characters were great, because they were original and fun to read about. I really liked the author's style of writing. She included just the right amount of detail, drama, humor, and romance to make this book the page turner it was. I really couldn't put this book down. Major Crush is a must-read for all teenage girls.
Content: There were mentions of sex in this book, which may be inappropriate for young readers.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leopold, Missouri USA
I loved reading Major Crush. It was pretty realistic and had many laugh-out-loud moments. The plot was great, but sometimes it seemed kind of predictable. I also thought the characters were great, because they were original and fun to read about. I really liked the author's style of writing. She included just the right amount of detail, drama, humor, and romance to make this book the page turner it was. I really couldn't put this book down. Major Crush is a must-read for all teenage girls.
Content: There were mentions of sex in this book, which may be inappropriate for young readers.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leopold, Missouri USA
Hidden by Dottie Enderle
Fiona's grandmother died,so there family has to clear out the house and sell it. Fiona discovers a card addressed to her grandmother from her grandfather. In the card, it had said that he had hidden something valuable that could change her family's life. Fiona was determined to figure it out, along with her friend, Eugene, who's alittle unusual. She ends up having to leave the house, but decides to take one last trip to her grandmother's house, to look for the hidden item, what happens next puts Fiona in great danger!
I loved the twist and turns the most. One minute Fiona was at her grandmother's house,the next she was in great danger. I love her curiousty. When she found the card, she immidately took intrest. I also loved how the author never lost topic. She always talked about the hidden item. I loved the ending. The author didn't leave you with questions, like other books can. The vocabulary was easy to understand and would really be mature for all readers. The author really made it a children's book.
Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fort Wayne, Indiana U.S.A
I loved the twist and turns the most. One minute Fiona was at her grandmother's house,the next she was in great danger. I love her curiousty. When she found the card, she immidately took intrest. I also loved how the author never lost topic. She always talked about the hidden item. I loved the ending. The author didn't leave you with questions, like other books can. The vocabulary was easy to understand and would really be mature for all readers. The author really made it a children's book.
Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fort Wayne, Indiana U.S.A
Monday, July 23, 2007
November Blues by Sharon M. Draper
November Nelson is your ideal student of the 11th grade. She has a nice, popular boyfriend, Josh, she does really well in school, her mom thinks she is perfect, and she has tons of friends. But she feels as if her life is going through the tubes after Josh dies from a mishap gone wrong. That's not it, she found out something else about herself that will change her life drastically forever. Now she has to make the biggest decision she'll ever face. She only wishes Josh was here to help her get through things... Jericho Prescott is the cousin of Josh. The day Josh died he not only lost his cousin but his best friend too. He feels as if he can't escape feeling sad and depressed. Jericho also feels that he can't go on doing what he used to love to do, playing his trumpet. He feels if as he must do something that makes himself feel complete again. Will that something be football?
I really enjoyed reading this book. Generally this book kept my attention though it was not a page-turner that kept me looking for more. My favorite characters were definitely Olivia and November. Olivia had to deal with a lot of teasing about her weight at school but she still stood strong and did not let what people say affect here. Next, November was one of my favorite characters because she had to go through a lot. I could never imagine being put under the pressure she had to go through. I learned that in life that the decisions you make are crucial, if you make the wrong one you will most likely will regret it.
Content: This book talked a lot about pregnancy that would not be suitable for children under 12.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States
I really enjoyed reading this book. Generally this book kept my attention though it was not a page-turner that kept me looking for more. My favorite characters were definitely Olivia and November. Olivia had to deal with a lot of teasing about her weight at school but she still stood strong and did not let what people say affect here. Next, November was one of my favorite characters because she had to go through a lot. I could never imagine being put under the pressure she had to go through. I learned that in life that the decisions you make are crucial, if you make the wrong one you will most likely will regret it.
Content: This book talked a lot about pregnancy that would not be suitable for children under 12.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States
Cures for Heartbreak by Margo Rabb
Young Mia and her Sister Alex suffer a loss of their mother at only the age of 16. Soon afterwards, their father goes into the hospital from a heart attack. After her sister moves off to college, Mia starts reading her parents' "Health Now" magazines and eating right, dissorders, and, diseases is all she can think about. A few months later, they have a scare with her father landing him in the hospital for a while and he meets up with a women. Wedding Plans... Step=Daughters... Tragedy - OH MY!
This book was great. In the beginning, it was a bit slow but soon the book picked up. Event after event, boy after boy! The auther made sure that you knew every character like they were your own sister or father. She was sure to leave NOTHING out. A little unrealistic at times but was a fantastic read! The title can be a little misleading - this book doesnt have as much romance as it does heartbreak but most of the heartbreak is from family members. dont be mislead!
Content: This book contains some graphic sexual content and brief crude language.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: CL., PA USA
This book was great. In the beginning, it was a bit slow but soon the book picked up. Event after event, boy after boy! The auther made sure that you knew every character like they were your own sister or father. She was sure to leave NOTHING out. A little unrealistic at times but was a fantastic read! The title can be a little misleading - this book doesnt have as much romance as it does heartbreak but most of the heartbreak is from family members. dont be mislead!
Content: This book contains some graphic sexual content and brief crude language.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: CL., PA USA
Fendi, Ferragamo, and Fangs by Julie Kenner, Johanna Edwards, and Sere
Olivia, or Liv, is a seveteen year old girl that is very intelligent. Veronika is a plus-sized model, so some girls pick on her. Lastly, Sydney has the impression of being a bad girl. They have all just won a contest and now are models for Vamp Modeling Inc. in New York City. Shortly after they get there, they are all taken to special parties where they are all bitten and turned into vampires. Finding prey isn't that hard to do when they are all so gorgeous. After a while they all want love. Olivia has a boyfriend back at her old home and she struggles to say with him. Veronika found a super cute boy named Jackson and Sydney fell in love with her body gaurd, Carl. Will the girls stay happy with Vamp? Or will they run away with their loves?
I thought it was a very interesting book. The whole book was spilt into three differet stories, but they all combined together. The three characters were very different and had a variety of ways to add to the story. Also, each different mini-story, had several new characters that played as the person in charge, hairdresser, boyfriend, and so on. That became confusing for a little bit because i had to remember so many names. The only thing I didn't really like, was that the stories all ended the same way pretty much. I do recommend this book to anyone interested in vampires or fashion.
Content: It includes kissing and description of blood.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America
I thought it was a very interesting book. The whole book was spilt into three differet stories, but they all combined together. The three characters were very different and had a variety of ways to add to the story. Also, each different mini-story, had several new characters that played as the person in charge, hairdresser, boyfriend, and so on. That became confusing for a little bit because i had to remember so many names. The only thing I didn't really like, was that the stories all ended the same way pretty much. I do recommend this book to anyone interested in vampires or fashion.
Content: It includes kissing and description of blood.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America
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