Maid Machinegun by Aaliyah

This book was set in Japan and the Japanese world of manga and anime fans. Manga is a style of Japanese graphic novel, and anime is a style of animated shows and movies with a drawing style similar to manga. The main character is a clumsy but excitable girl named Aaliyah. She is earnest in her desire to become the best maid there is. A maid is a waitress dressed as a maid in a restaurant for manga and anime fans. Aaliyah makes friends with her coworkers, but one of them, a new male employee, says he is in love with her. He is a jerk, so this just makes her life complicated. Everywhere she goes, weird things happen, and the other maids become suspicious. This novel is short and written like an online diary, complete with comments by other people.

I disliked this novel. I felt the plot was confusing, jumpy, and underdeveloped. The main character, Aaliyah, and her past made very little sense. When I learned Aaliyah's secrets, I felt that they were suddenly inserted in the story, rather than being developed. I did not even like Aaliyah; I found her annoying. The ending was confusing and did not make sense with the rest of the story. In addition this story should probably only be read by someone interested in the different categories of anime or manga. There is a glossary with terms, but anyone who reads this book should be interested in these genres and have prior knowledge. That being said, I enjoy both anime and manga, but I did not like this story.

There is no real violence, but there is discussion of homosexual and adult mangas and animes. It is not very bad, but, if this offends you, do not read it.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Royersford, PA United States

Six Innings by James Preller

Sam's life is playing baseball with his friends, but now that he has leukemia, he can't play anymore. He is now watching from above as he commentates on the most important game of the season. Meanwhile, his best friend is in the game, but nothing is the same as it was before. Each of them has to suffer their separation from each other. While they both find it difficult to keep things normal under the extraordinary circumstances, in the end, they find a way to rebuild their friendship.

While the premise of the book was well founded, I felt that there was too much description of the actual baseball game. Almost all of each chapter was devoted to an extremely detailed account of the game. These descriptions might be enjoyed by a avid baseball fan, but they seemed overdone, because each and every pitch was detailed. I didn't feel like enough attention was given to Sam's illness and the toll that it takes on his friends and him. The ideas behind this book would have worked much better, I believe, if there had been less time given to the game itself and more given to Sam's illness. I found the plot difficult to get involved with, because it was comprised almost entirely of game description and little of it was about Sam at all. Therefore, I would recommend this to extreme baseball fans who want a full game description, but not to people who want to see how cancer affects relationships.

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Melrose, MA United States

I am Not Joey Pigza by Jack Gantos

In the book, I Am Not Joey Pigza by Jack Gantos, Joey, a troubled boy tries to find his true identity. Joey lives with his mother because his father left the family. While Joey's father is away, he purchases a winning lottery ticket and receives a lot of money. His father thinks he is a new man when he receives the money. He goes back to his family and says he changed and wants to be part of the family again. The mom accepts him but Joey hates the idea. Joey's dad then changes the names of the family members. The mother's name becomes Maria Heinz and Joey's name becomes Freddy Heinz. The father thinks that changing the names will be a new start for the family and they will forget the past experiences. The genre of this book is realistic fiction.

The mood of the book is freewheeling, calm and always changing. The author makes Joey seem like a real character as he describes him vividly. I like the main character, Joey, because he cares about his mother; he also tries to be himself and keep his real identity. The author's voice is descriptive. The story is told in the first person view and it was appropriate. The writing is powerful and the vocabulary was age appropriate. I learned from the book that family is important and that everyone deserves a second chance in life. I would recommend this book to others becasue it tells a good story and is very realistic.

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Thornwood , New York United States

Maiden of the Wolf by Tiffany Trent & Angelika Ranger

When Ilona is transported to a rath controlled by an evil countess where she is ordered to rescue the rathstone for Hallomere, she finds way more then what she bargained for. A countess who takes young girls from their families, tortures them, and bathes in their blood, a werewolf Ilona happens to be falling in love with, and being forced to be a part of the countess’s army, tops the list. And did I mention the army general is a werewolf? How will Ilona get the rathstone without the countess, the general, and the evil Madame Joo finding out who she really is? Read Maiden of the Wolf to find out.

Classic love stories can be boring. Maiden of the Wolf? Not so. This awesome book has every thing you want in a good novel. Romance? Check. Action? Check. Suspenseful plot? Check! This book may seem long at a glance, but once you read the first few pages you are so intrigued about Ilona and what will happen, you are pulled into the book and won’t be able to put it down until you have read the very last page. I loved reading this book and have probably read it twice since I finished it the first time. It will never be boring, and you won’t regret reading Maiden of the Wolf.

graphic and not for faint-hearted readers

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Casa Grande, Arizona United States

Future Americas by Edited by John Helfers & Martin H. Greenberg

This collection of short stories about the future includes murder mysteries and descriptions of quaint and peaceful rural homes. But each story makes the reader realize it’s hard to peer into the future, no matter how many clues the present may hold. One of the authors provides a glimpse into the future with travelers who don’t travel into the future, but instead take a step back in time with each year. For instance, travelers step back into the medieval times with its fancy clothing, but the story still has a touch of the future with tour guides and hover cars. Another short story is “Family Photos” by Andrew Swann, which peers into the future where killers and abusers outnumber regular civilians. In “Jesus Runs,” by George Zebrowski, twelve men called “Jesus” run for presidential office; they are considered frauds, but can mysteriously bring the long dead back to life. Overall, most of the stories had one message: the future is not bright.

I thought most of the stories were great, but my favorite was, “Acirema the Rellik,” by Robert Jeschonek. It is a murder mystery. The story I least liked was “The Rotator,” by Pamela Sargent, because I didn’t really get the point of the story. It was kind of confusing. Overall, all of the stories had an important lesson about how we can change the future with the actions we take today.

Rating:8

Reviewer Age:11

Reviewer City, State and Country: Ocala, Florida United States

My Feet Aren't Ugly by Debra Beck

Have you ever felt like you didn't fit in? Do you ever feel self conscious around other people? Have you ever been pressured to do something you don't want to do? In My Feet Aren't Ugly by Debra Beck, helps you with all the following:

-Loving Yourself
-Fears
-Creativity
-Health
-Drugs
-Suicide
-Womanhood
-Sex
-Healing Yourself

The author achieved exactly what she was trying to. After I read this book, I went out to the real world and yelled "Sock it to me! I can do it!" It helped me overcome peer pressure, and I really found myself.

It talks about sex and drugs.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Seaside, Oregon United States

Rating: 8

Content Rating: 2

The Diamond of Drury Lane by Julia Golding

A theater might not be the most normal place to live, but for Cat the Theater Royal is home. She spends her days helping out actors and playing in the London streets, her evenings watching whatever newest production her "family" has put on, and her nights curled up on discarded costumes in the attic of the theater. Life is good, but when a mysterious diamond is hidden somewhere in the theater, everything changes. Suddenly gangs are fighting over Cat and lords and ladies are sneaking into the theater to snoop. Cat knows that she has to protect the diamond, but will her supposed friends, Pedro and Johnny, be helpful or simply doom her mission?

What with the intriguing plot, cover, and play-like way of storytelling, this book promised to be good from the get-go. The characters were fresh and lovable, the theater where most of the story took place was bustling with excitement, and it seemed that the direct, amusing tone that invited readers "brave enough to follow" into Cat's life would continue throughout the novel. Unfortunately, this was not to be. A few chapters into the book it became clear that Ms.Golding has forgotten an elementary rule of creative writing-- to "show" and not just "tell." Throughout her novel, things only happen when they are entirely necessary, and are told so matter-of-factly that this is blatantly clear. This results in a boring and predictable novel that, despite all that it had going for it to begin with, falls brutally flat. Sure, it might be worth a read, but don't expect anything miraculous-- in fact, as Cat herself says, "Be warned."

Reviewer Age:16

Reviewer City, State and Country: , Maryland United States

Rating: 6

Content Rating: 1

The Lycan Journal by Chad Long

Gordo Gates, a thirteen-year-old boy, gets into more than he bargained for when his father is scratched by a lyncan (or werewolf) and becomes fatally ill. Gordo learns that there is a cure for his father's sickness, but it is extremely rare and he must act quickly before his father dies. Along the way, he also gains knowlege of a closely guarded secret concerning the history of werewolves and their hidden treasure. Gordo sets off to find this treasure with help from Allie (a girl who is being hunted by the lyncans and holds the key to the treasure), Hank (a pilot who desperately needs cash to save his farm), Dusty (a half-lyncan-half-human boy who lives on the streets), and Vinnie (a shady club owner with less-than-honest intentions). With all the danger surrounding these secrets, will this odd group be able to recover the treasure and save Gordo's dad in time? You'll have to read the book to find out.

This book had a great main storyline and included some very good ideas, however I did not like the author's writing style. There was WAY too much description about insignificant things and not enough movement along the storyline. The author should have emphasized the danger and suspense involved in Gordo's mission to make the story more interesting and make the reader want to find out what happens next. The book was also written in third person which many people (including me) do not like. Third person is not necessarily a bad thing, but it means that the author has to work harder to connect the reader to the story. In this case, it detracted from the story instead of adding to it.

There's one more thing I would like to add. Everything seemed to play out perfectly for the main characters. In my opinion, it would make the conclusion more rewarding if the author included some trial and error in their actions.

Don't get me wrong, this wasn't a bad book. I just think it needs some more revising before being published. Many authors rewrite their entire novels several times before it is even ready to be edited.

Reviewer Age:15

Reviewer City, State and Country: Osseo, Wisconsin United States

Songs From A Teenage Nomad by Kim Culbertson

Calle Smith knows all about first days of school. Whenever things don't work out with her current husband/boyfriend, Calle's Mom flips a coin on a map, and off they go for a new start. Calle finds a new start in the small town of Andreas Bay, California. While there, she becomes part of a group, learns about friendship, and of young love. But more importantly, Calle learns the secret of why her mother feels the need to move from place to place.

I found this book very entertaining. The thing that I loved about this book is that it shows the secret struggles of teens in all social groups. Kim Culbertson did a great job capturing the deeper emotions people hold. Because she showed that not only did Calle just move to a new town, she was starting as a Freshman having no knowledge of the people around her. I recommend this book to girls far and wide because everyone knows what it's like to feel alienated and disconnected to the people around them.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Seaside , OR USA

A World of His Own by Arlette Gaffrey

After escaping the French Revolution, Andre de Javon plans to start fresh in New Orleans. He is intrigued by plantation work and pursues his dream of becoming a successful and wealthy plantation owner. With the help of Jean-Claude Charlevoix and his young daughter Julie, he succeeds. The small Charlevoix family is so helpful but Andre has no idea how much Julie really loves him. This is why Julie is so heartbroken when Andre marries Gabrielle Ste. Claire, a spoiled woman who turns his life into a disaster. Gabrielle's actions are a disgrace and she goes as far as having another man's child. Andre soon realizes his true feelings for Julie and regrets his marriage to Gabrielle. Andre is given the chance to be with Julie when Gabrielle dies in a tragic accident. But will Julie still be interested in him?

A World of His Own is a great historical novel overflowing with emotions. The introduction was a bit slow but once I got into the story, it became impossible to put down. The author's detailed descriptions made the book come alive in my head. The read was somewhat difficult with the numerous characters and French vocabulary, but it is definitely worth reading. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction and romance.

mild sex scenes, some profanity, and many alcohol references.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Richmond, Virginia USA