Even though seventeen-year-old Sofi Mendoza was born in Mexico, she's lived in California for most of her life. But on a spring break trip to Tijuana with her friends, Sofi gets an unexpected crash course in local culture. Then, on their way back, their car gets stopped at the border and Sofi is shocked to learn that she's not a U.S. citizen so she isn't allowed back into the country. Fortunately, there are relatives Sofi can stay with while her green-card situation is sorted out. Unfortunately, her cousins live on a ranch with no indoor plumbing. Confused and abandoned, Sofi is forced to adapt to her surroundings, but as she faces--and overcomes--her challenges, she comes to appreciate her place on both sides of the border.
One Way Ticket was an awesome read. You could definitely say this book was a page turner, because I stayed up all night finishing it. I thought this book was great because it was based on a true story. It was very interesting to read about the problems Sofi dealt with and then realize that real people have had the same experiences. Reading this book made me appreciate my life and see how lucky I am. This book has a great plot, filled with humor, drama, romance, and sorrow. The characters were very likeable and realistic. I also liked that this book had some Spanish in it and that there was even a "Spanish Survival Guide" in the back that translated what the characters had said into English. The ending was also good, because I wasn't left hanging. I think all young adult readers would love reading One Way Ticket!
Content: This book contained underage drinking, profanity, and sexual comments.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leopold, Missouri USA
Sunday, July 29, 2007
The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps to His Death by Mary Hershey
In this novel by Mary Hershey, you’ll meet Alastair, an amputee who is forced to visit his ex-father in California. While living with his dad, Alastair tries to come up with a plan to make his father regret leaving his family. Alastair also meets his step mom, a double amputee who tries the best she can to be a great step, but Alastair is determined to find a way to get back home. Alastair (or Stump) meets Jesse, who encourages him to enter in an athletic race. Since he has only one leg, and he likes Jesse, he goes through intensive swimming training with Coach, the local high school swim coach. When Stump discovers that Jesse’s “secret” boyfriend is on their team for he race, it suddenly becomes more than just a race. The story ends with a tragic death, and Alastair forgiving his dad.
The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps To His Death and Lands In California was probably the best book I have ever read. With the main character’s sarcasm, this book was hysterical! I couldn’t put it down at all, especially at the end. The event was completely unexpected and made me cry. The plot was fantastic with its twists and surprise. I’d have to recommend this novel to anyone who likes adventuress love stories.
Content: It contained many rude words and critcism
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Coatesville, Pennyslavania U.S.A.
The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps To His Death and Lands In California was probably the best book I have ever read. With the main character’s sarcasm, this book was hysterical! I couldn’t put it down at all, especially at the end. The event was completely unexpected and made me cry. The plot was fantastic with its twists and surprise. I’d have to recommend this novel to anyone who likes adventuress love stories.
Content: It contained many rude words and critcism
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Coatesville, Pennyslavania U.S.A.
An Unexpected Aprentice by Jody Lynn Nye
Orphan Tildi Summerbee's family is working when her brothers are kidnapped by thriks, giant bird-looking creatures. On the same day of Tildi's loss, the town decides that Tildi must marry to keep the family land. They decide that she must marry someone she hates, so Tildi decides to run away. Disguised as one of her dead brothers, Tildi runs to a wizard named Olen. She takes up an apprentinceshp with him and pretends to be her dead brother for three months. During that time, she learns about runes: markings that every object in existance has. All runes are kept in a book called the Great Book. At the end of three months, she tells Olen she's a girl and finds that the Great Book has been stolen. She is requested to go on a quest with others to find the Great Book and return it to Olen. Once they find the Great Book and its kidnapper, Tildi and the kidnapper, a man named Nemeth, magically fight for the book. Tildi wins and at the end of the book has to return the Great Book to Olen.
The book reminds me of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, except that the main character is a girl. I liked the book, though I think the book could extend its action scenes. Out of all the characters, I would have to say that I liked Nemeth and Tildi best of all. Tildi showed that women CAN be the heros of the story, though her town decides that women aren't capable of taking care of themselves. I like Nemeth because he shows loyalty to his master. I think the ending was good, though the author could have extended it. I think it was a good book for it showed women in a different light; as heroines.
Content: The beginning of the book contains a lot of death.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Pottstown, PA United States
The book reminds me of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, except that the main character is a girl. I liked the book, though I think the book could extend its action scenes. Out of all the characters, I would have to say that I liked Nemeth and Tildi best of all. Tildi showed that women CAN be the heros of the story, though her town decides that women aren't capable of taking care of themselves. I like Nemeth because he shows loyalty to his master. I think the ending was good, though the author could have extended it. I think it was a good book for it showed women in a different light; as heroines.
Content: The beginning of the book contains a lot of death.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Pottstown, PA United States
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Head Case by Sarah Aronson
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)