As soon as I show up to my new Beverly Hills school, photos of students with celebrities start disappearing faster then the new Gucci bag. But I'm totally innocent. I'm too busy helping Eva land a "real" role, because she's tired of those non-serious movies she always gets offered parts in. And I'm also helping Jeremy look out for an old friend. But it doesn't take a detective like me to know where the finger's pointing. Now I have to add proving I'm not a kleptomaniac to the list of things I have to do. But is it possible the real thief is taking it too far...? To the point where it becomes deadly?
I enjoyed Star Quality. It was a good and entertaining read, while also having a great plot that didn't get too confusing. Mary Wilcox does an excellent job portraying how hard high school can be, and how everyone can be a nice person if you know how to get them to show it. I could easily relate to the characters in the book, because of how the author did a great job of describing each character. An excellent summer read, The Hollywood Sisters: Star Quality should definitely be on your summer reading list.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Casa Grande, Arizona USA
Monday, April 28, 2008
Bloggrls: Book One by Cheryl Dellasega
This book is about a girl whose family is hanging on by a thread. She is trying to recuperate after moving into a new house and starting at a new school. While trying to make new friends and holding on to the old ones, she finds a guy she likes. She tries to ignore the bad things about him. Can she feel unconditional love for a guy with a bad reputation?
I think this book was very interesting and shows the audience love can be tough. I also think this book shows the reader that talking online can be safe and you can communicate with friends in a positive way. I thought the ending was very entertaining because to tell on someone you love and get them into trouble with the law takes a lot of courage, but Sadie stayed strong and got through it all. I also liked how I had a picture of Sadie's gothic sister in my head because the author described her so well. I would recommend this book to people who like to read realistic fiction. I would recommend this book to them because they talk about real life problems teens have.
Rating:8
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: St Paul, Minnesota, Untied States of America
Sunday, April 27, 2008
One Hundred Young Americans by Michael Franzini
One Hundred Young Americans is a compilation reflecting todays youth in America. With ages ranging from 13 to 20, a diverse group of individuals is presented to readers. Every state and nearly every clique is represented by this group as readers will see each individual's story through pictures and writing from author Michael Franzini. The stories from these young people show the width that the American cultural spectrum has stretched. Readers will meet avid skateboarders, high profile athletes, farmers, and even a vampire. Though the youth depicted in the book may present the extremes in our society, they share many things in common. Their generation has been immersed in an era of mass communication. What makes them different is what each person has done with that power.
My initial reaction when I finished this book was: We have come a long way in our cultural development. I really liked how the author gathered an extremely unique group of young people and still managed to tie them all together. Though they may seem to have little in common, readers will be able to see how they all have been affected in a generation of mass communication. My one reservation I have with the book is its validity. Some of the stories from these youth often made me hesitate and think, Is this really how he/she is? It is very difficult to have a complete understanding of each person from the short text regarding each individual, but Franzini's photography definitely enhances the stories. I really hope the book presents these youth as they see themselves and as they wish to be seen. Despite this concern, readers will be able to connect with certain individuals from the reader's own experiences at a certain part in his/her life. This makes each reader's experience different and special in its own right. That said, I recommend this book for readers who will relate to these young people, not to draw conclusions and personal judgments.
Sexual and Drug references
Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Eden Prairie, Minnesota United States
My initial reaction when I finished this book was: We have come a long way in our cultural development. I really liked how the author gathered an extremely unique group of young people and still managed to tie them all together. Though they may seem to have little in common, readers will be able to see how they all have been affected in a generation of mass communication. My one reservation I have with the book is its validity. Some of the stories from these youth often made me hesitate and think, Is this really how he/she is? It is very difficult to have a complete understanding of each person from the short text regarding each individual, but Franzini's photography definitely enhances the stories. I really hope the book presents these youth as they see themselves and as they wish to be seen. Despite this concern, readers will be able to connect with certain individuals from the reader's own experiences at a certain part in his/her life. This makes each reader's experience different and special in its own right. That said, I recommend this book for readers who will relate to these young people, not to draw conclusions and personal judgments.
Sexual and Drug references
Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Eden Prairie, Minnesota United States
Gospel of the Guns by Sean Chandler
This novel is a western with a little bit of religion. Its purpose is to entertain. In the beginning of the novel, Jeremaih Irons is called Judas in the Disciple Gang, led by the crazed Lucif R. Shadows. Each of the members is named after one of the disciples, and they travel the west spreading fear. Jeremiah is then suspected of stealing money from the gang. He must flee for his life after delivering what he thought was a fatal wound to Lucif. While on the run, he must evade the other members of the gang that are bent on revenge. Jeremiah ends up traveling with a preacher to start a new life in Wewoka. On the way, the preacher is shot and Jeremiah pretends to be him. In the town, Jeremiah learns that he has a natural ability to preach, and he meets the love of his life, Hope West. However, ghosts of his past, including Lucif, trace his to Wewoka and threaten to destroy his new life.
I enjoyed reading the novel. There were a few internal conflicts between Jeremiah's instincts and conscience, but it was mainly a western outlaw novel. There was both action and romance. The idea of a gang of outlaws naming themselves after disciples is unique and entertaining without making fun of religion. The plot also had enough twists to keep the story interesting. The ending left room for a sequel, but concluded most of the plot. All in all, the story was fun and action-packed.
This book had lots of violence both explicit and implied. There were some religious references as well, but a non-Christian could still enjoy the story.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Royersford, PA United States
I enjoyed reading the novel. There were a few internal conflicts between Jeremiah's instincts and conscience, but it was mainly a western outlaw novel. There was both action and romance. The idea of a gang of outlaws naming themselves after disciples is unique and entertaining without making fun of religion. The plot also had enough twists to keep the story interesting. The ending left room for a sequel, but concluded most of the plot. All in all, the story was fun and action-packed.
This book had lots of violence both explicit and implied. There were some religious references as well, but a non-Christian could still enjoy the story.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Royersford, PA United States
Mia the Melodramatic by Eileen Boggess
In this second Mia Fullerton book written by Eileen Boggess, Mia is just starting off her summer vacation when her mother comes into her bedroom and tells her that she now has a job working at the Little Tyke's Theater of the Arts. Her whole summer and her plans are totally ruined by this and the fact that both her best friend and her boyfriend are going away for the entire summer. She starts her job soon after and realizes how crazy this summer is really going to be. The tyrant toddlers, along with her coworkers which include a punk goth girl with fifteen facial piercings named Zoey, a total hunk named Eric that Mia somewhat knew once upon a time, and this weird vegetarian, caffeine-addicted guy named Henry, help her job to be much more complicated than she had ever expected. Mia and her boyfriend, Tim, get in a fight and he loses all her trust and she then starts to realize how hot Eric really is. But when Tim comes home for the summer Mia is torn between whom to love. Tim, her neighbor who she has shared many memories with, or easy-going Eric who is easy to love and seems to always be there for her. So, the only question floating inside her mind is, which one to choose?
Mia the Melodramatic is the fantastic sequel to Mia the Meek. I enjoyed how this book was totally unique compared to the first novel in the Mia Fullerton Series. It was very interesting and it had me guessing what would happen next, right from the start. There was a lot of different events that took place throughout the story that kept the plot very enjoyable. I thought it was funny how she had to be playhouse pal and take care of the bratty children at her job and solve all the problems that occurred from their mischievous acts. I liked how they author made all of them characters have very unique personalities from one another and showed how they would interact with one another. I also enjoyed how the author wrote about the common pranks that each set of siblings tend to pull on one another; it kept the plot fresh. Mia the Melodramatic is a laugh-out-loud read that I recommend to young teens around middle school age.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States
Mia the Melodramatic is the fantastic sequel to Mia the Meek. I enjoyed how this book was totally unique compared to the first novel in the Mia Fullerton Series. It was very interesting and it had me guessing what would happen next, right from the start. There was a lot of different events that took place throughout the story that kept the plot very enjoyable. I thought it was funny how she had to be playhouse pal and take care of the bratty children at her job and solve all the problems that occurred from their mischievous acts. I liked how they author made all of them characters have very unique personalities from one another and showed how they would interact with one another. I also enjoyed how the author wrote about the common pranks that each set of siblings tend to pull on one another; it kept the plot fresh. Mia the Melodramatic is a laugh-out-loud read that I recommend to young teens around middle school age.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States
The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein
On June 21st, 1958, a Greyhound bus collided with a Thunderbird convertible, killing all the bus passengers, the driver of the car, and a motorcycle cop on the scene. This event happened on a road in Connecticut, where County Route 13 meets State Highway 31. Also known as the Crossroads.
Fifty years later, eleven year old Zack Jennings moves into the house nearest the Crossroads. Even though his mother died a few years earlier, and he lives in fear that her ghost will come back to haunt him, Zack feels that things are starting to get better for him. He has a nice new step-mom, a new dog, and a new, hopefully happy, life.
Unfortunately for Zack, there is a tree by his house, with a white cross and twelve white roses next to it. This tree just happens to be haunted by the spirit of the man responsible for the fatal bus crash . When the tree is struck by lightning, he is released back into the world, where he can kill people again. And it just so happens young kids (like Zack) are his new targets.
If you're looking for a book that's slightly scary, but also has a light, humorous side, I'd recommend that you read The Crossroads. It had enough scary ghost stuff to make you feel like you're being watched, but also plenty of funny moments. It was just a little bit mysterious, so it keeps you thinking about what's going to happen next (what else would you expect from an author whose last name means gravestone in German!) It had an exciting plot, and plenty of unique characters. It wasn't like any other book I've ever read.
I do have to add that all the characters made the storyline a bit confusing. It was a little overwhelming for me to keep track of all those characters, but all their stories come together by the ending.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Tarpon Springs, Florida United States
Fifty years later, eleven year old Zack Jennings moves into the house nearest the Crossroads. Even though his mother died a few years earlier, and he lives in fear that her ghost will come back to haunt him, Zack feels that things are starting to get better for him. He has a nice new step-mom, a new dog, and a new, hopefully happy, life.
Unfortunately for Zack, there is a tree by his house, with a white cross and twelve white roses next to it. This tree just happens to be haunted by the spirit of the man responsible for the fatal bus crash . When the tree is struck by lightning, he is released back into the world, where he can kill people again. And it just so happens young kids (like Zack) are his new targets.
If you're looking for a book that's slightly scary, but also has a light, humorous side, I'd recommend that you read The Crossroads. It had enough scary ghost stuff to make you feel like you're being watched, but also plenty of funny moments. It was just a little bit mysterious, so it keeps you thinking about what's going to happen next (what else would you expect from an author whose last name means gravestone in German!) It had an exciting plot, and plenty of unique characters. It wasn't like any other book I've ever read.
I do have to add that all the characters made the storyline a bit confusing. It was a little overwhelming for me to keep track of all those characters, but all their stories come together by the ending.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Tarpon Springs, Florida United States
Death by Bikini by Linda Gerber
Aphra Connolly seems like the luckiest girl in the world. She lives on a beautiful island resort where she gets to spend her time in the company of the rich and famous. Although, living on an island leaves few opportunities for her to meet people her own age. So when the cute Adam Smith and his family arrive, Aphra is beyond excited. The thing is, the day after the Smith's check-in, a girl is found dead on the beach, with the strings of her bikini top tied around her neck. Is this too much of a coincidence? Could Adam and his family be responsible for the murder? Aphra will have to discover the truth before it's too late.
I thought that this was a really refreshing read. It has been a long time since I read a mystery, and this was the perfect book. It has the right amount of intrigue, suspense, humor and romance. The characters, especially Aphra, are believable and relatable. Aphra is a clever heroine who uses her wit and cunning to find out clues and ultimately save the day. My only qualm with this book is that it needs more plot points. The climax occurred fairly quickly for a mystery. However, there is a sequel, Death By Latte, which should satisfy readers' appetites after this delicious story.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, Pennsylvania United States
I thought that this was a really refreshing read. It has been a long time since I read a mystery, and this was the perfect book. It has the right amount of intrigue, suspense, humor and romance. The characters, especially Aphra, are believable and relatable. Aphra is a clever heroine who uses her wit and cunning to find out clues and ultimately save the day. My only qualm with this book is that it needs more plot points. The climax occurred fairly quickly for a mystery. However, there is a sequel, Death By Latte, which should satisfy readers' appetites after this delicious story.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, Pennsylvania United States
Shooting The Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell
12-year-old Jamie has lived her whole life being told that the Army is the best way. Yet when her brother T.J. enlists in the Medical Corps, her father acts as if he does not want him to join. He constantly tries to get him to change his mind, but to no avail. T.J. is soon shipped out to Vietnam. While working at her summer job at the local rec center, Jamie hears many stories about the horrors of war, but nothing can influence her enough to change her opinion of it. Until one day, T.J. sends her a roll of film from the battlefield. As she develops it in the dark room she starts to see that the Army is not all she thought it was. When a devastating tragedy strikes her family, Jamie's eyes are opened to the terrible truth.
I thought that Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell was very well-written. As war is a rather sensitive subject these days, she did an excellent job making the mood of the book neither pro-war nor anti-war. She just told the truth. I also thought it was a smart choice for her to put the story in first person. It made the book easier to relate to, and you could understand better what the main character's feelings were. I would recommend this book to everyone in upper elementary and older. There are a couple spots of brief, mild profanity. However, it is a very valuable read.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA USA
I thought that Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell was very well-written. As war is a rather sensitive subject these days, she did an excellent job making the mood of the book neither pro-war nor anti-war. She just told the truth. I also thought it was a smart choice for her to put the story in first person. It made the book easier to relate to, and you could understand better what the main character's feelings were. I would recommend this book to everyone in upper elementary and older. There are a couple spots of brief, mild profanity. However, it is a very valuable read.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA USA
Friday, April 25, 2008
A Rose By Any Other Name by Maureen McCarthy
The only thing Rose has on her mind is a long road trip -
with her mom? She is all geared up and ready for the
drive, when her mother climbs into the car, obviously
wanting to go along. Rose doesn't want anything else but
to get away form her messed up life. Her mom, her weird,
overly emotional sisters, and her parent's divorce; so
when her mother asks to go along for the ride, Rose is
utterly confused. But after seeing her mother staring
intently at her, she just couldn't say no. So they embark
on a long, emotional, and very frustrating journey filled
with love, lies, secrets, hate, death, romance, and
recovery. This is gonna be one heck of a ride, so buckle
up and get ready for the most controversial time of your
life!
I enjoyed just about everything to do with the
book, Rose By Any Other Name. I loved how the author
wrote little pieces throughout the story beginning with,
Don'tcha just hate... They were very intriguing and full
of emotion. They stole my attention and just pulled me
right in. I didn't overly enjoy the book at first and it
was hard to understand the setup of the novel. However,
after reading for a while, I caught on and the story began
to unfold and spark my interest. I became involved with
the book and couldn't put it down. The main thing I, as a
Christian, didn't enjoy was the over-excessive cuss words
used throughout the entire novel. But the thought-
provoking and tragedy-filled plot made up for the vile
words. The author, Maureen McCarthy, did a great job at
writing this amazing story. She switched back and forth
from Rose being in the present to her (Rose) describing
all that had happened in the past year while actually
being at the location of what is happening. I highly
recommend, Rose By Any Other Name, to young adults who
want a totally different kind of read like no other.
There was alcohol use, excessive foul language, and
some sexual scenes.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City,
State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States
with her mom? She is all geared up and ready for the
drive, when her mother climbs into the car, obviously
wanting to go along. Rose doesn't want anything else but
to get away form her messed up life. Her mom, her weird,
overly emotional sisters, and her parent's divorce; so
when her mother asks to go along for the ride, Rose is
utterly confused. But after seeing her mother staring
intently at her, she just couldn't say no. So they embark
on a long, emotional, and very frustrating journey filled
with love, lies, secrets, hate, death, romance, and
recovery. This is gonna be one heck of a ride, so buckle
up and get ready for the most controversial time of your
life!
I enjoyed just about everything to do with the
book, Rose By Any Other Name. I loved how the author
wrote little pieces throughout the story beginning with,
Don'tcha just hate... They were very intriguing and full
of emotion. They stole my attention and just pulled me
right in. I didn't overly enjoy the book at first and it
was hard to understand the setup of the novel. However,
after reading for a while, I caught on and the story began
to unfold and spark my interest. I became involved with
the book and couldn't put it down. The main thing I, as a
Christian, didn't enjoy was the over-excessive cuss words
used throughout the entire novel. But the thought-
provoking and tragedy-filled plot made up for the vile
words. The author, Maureen McCarthy, did a great job at
writing this amazing story. She switched back and forth
from Rose being in the present to her (Rose) describing
all that had happened in the past year while actually
being at the location of what is happening. I highly
recommend, Rose By Any Other Name, to young adults who
want a totally different kind of read like no other.
There was alcohol use, excessive foul language, and
some sexual scenes.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City,
State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States
The Fold by An Na
Can one line (fold) make all the difference? When Joyce's
aunt wins the lottery, she decides to give Joyce a
makeover. This is what Joyce has always wanted, until she
realizes that to get the beautiful Asian eyelid fold
would mean a painful surgery. Joyce has second thoughts
about whether or not one fold will change her looks enough
to get John Ford Kang (JFK) to notice her. Also whether,
thanks to the fold, she would ever be as gorgeous as her
older sister, Helen. Is she willing to risk possible
complications of the surgery just to impress people that
should already love her for who she really is?
I think
that The Fold was an okay book, but that the whole plot of
the story was kind of weird and didn't really make a lot
of sense. I don't see why anyone would have such an issue
about whether or not to get a fold on her eyelids. I also
didn't like how the author wrote about the older daughter
being a lesbian because as a Christian it made me
personally feel uncomfortable reading about it. I liked
how the author had a constant rivalry going between the
two sisters. I just didn't like how Joyce always thought
that everyone had a better life than her and how she was
always complaining about her sister and how much better"
she was. Overall, The Fold was a decent book that I
recommend to teenage girls wanting a different kind of
summer read.
This book does have a character with an alternative
lifestyle.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and
Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States
aunt wins the lottery, she decides to give Joyce a
makeover. This is what Joyce has always wanted, until she
realizes that to get the beautiful Asian eyelid fold
would mean a painful surgery. Joyce has second thoughts
about whether or not one fold will change her looks enough
to get John Ford Kang (JFK) to notice her. Also whether,
thanks to the fold, she would ever be as gorgeous as her
older sister, Helen. Is she willing to risk possible
complications of the surgery just to impress people that
should already love her for who she really is?
I think
that The Fold was an okay book, but that the whole plot of
the story was kind of weird and didn't really make a lot
of sense. I don't see why anyone would have such an issue
about whether or not to get a fold on her eyelids. I also
didn't like how the author wrote about the older daughter
being a lesbian because as a Christian it made me
personally feel uncomfortable reading about it. I liked
how the author had a constant rivalry going between the
two sisters. I just didn't like how Joyce always thought
that everyone had a better life than her and how she was
always complaining about her sister and how much better"
she was. Overall, The Fold was a decent book that I
recommend to teenage girls wanting a different kind of
summer read.
This book does have a character with an alternative
lifestyle.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and
Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States
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