Werewolf Dreams is a book about a teenage werewolf, named Seamus Sullivan, who spends his life dedicated to the New City police force. Seamus takes many risks as a police officer, seeing as he's really a werewolf and not just your every day cop. But all is not well, Someone is onto Seamus and his furry little secret. Lyman Newlin a previously famous reporter for the New City Chronicle has written an article about Seamus questioning how he can time and time again escape from danger unharmed. This leads Seamus's Captain to put him on the night shift, just until things cool down and this reporter forgets about everthing, that is. Little does the Captain know that by doing this he may have set Seamus up for his...well shall we just say that Seamus is going to have a little run in with destiny and it might just bite back.
Werewolf Dreams stands well against the many supernatural books that are out there to be read. I have read many werewolf themed books but this one gave new life to the Genre, there is pretty much everything in Werewolf dreams; action, romance, comedy and just a little bit of the unknown.
While reading this book I became drawn into the world that Maria Anderson has created, she not only gave life to unique characters, but she created a whole new world in which they live in.
This book is fairly easy to read, and you will have no trouble fallowing the plot. Although there is action and a touch a violence in this book, it is all written very well and there was never a point where I found it to be overwelming.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about werewolves, finding romance, destiny, and of course some fighting scenes.
Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: North Oaks, Minnesota USA
Friday, January 01, 2010
Saved by the Music by Selene Castrovilla
Saved by the music was about a fifteen year old girl named
Willow. Her mom kicks her out of the house for the summer,
so she has to go live with her aunt. Her aunt is making an
ugly coffee boat into a chamber music concert hall. And so
it begins. Willows struggle to lose weight, to find
friends, to live. She thinks it's impossible. The only
good thing about this place is Axel, the tall, sad
Shakespeare loving (and dare I say very very handsome) boy
who lives in a boat near Willow's. She tries to flirt
with him in her straight forward way on the first day she
meets him. When it doesn't work out with him, however, she
turns to Craig, the leery, stupid, piggy construction
worker whom her aunt hired to help her on the boat. As her
and Axel's relationship grows, so does her need for a
friend. When something awful happens to Willow, will Axel
stand by her? Find this out and more in Saved By The
Music.
I loved this book. It was the kind of read that
makes you laugh and cry out loud. I felt as though I was
part of the story as I read this 280 page book in one
sitting. Towards the end of the book, Axel does something
really stupid and I sobbed my heart out. When Willow
finally becomes happy I felt touched in the soul. This
book made all the emotions of the characters flow to you,
and I guarantee you won't be able to put it down.
Sexual Content, including rape
Crude Language
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State
and Country: Exeter, NH USA
Willow. Her mom kicks her out of the house for the summer,
so she has to go live with her aunt. Her aunt is making an
ugly coffee boat into a chamber music concert hall. And so
it begins. Willows struggle to lose weight, to find
friends, to live. She thinks it's impossible. The only
good thing about this place is Axel, the tall, sad
Shakespeare loving (and dare I say very very handsome) boy
who lives in a boat near Willow's. She tries to flirt
with him in her straight forward way on the first day she
meets him. When it doesn't work out with him, however, she
turns to Craig, the leery, stupid, piggy construction
worker whom her aunt hired to help her on the boat. As her
and Axel's relationship grows, so does her need for a
friend. When something awful happens to Willow, will Axel
stand by her? Find this out and more in Saved By The
Music.
I loved this book. It was the kind of read that
makes you laugh and cry out loud. I felt as though I was
part of the story as I read this 280 page book in one
sitting. Towards the end of the book, Axel does something
really stupid and I sobbed my heart out. When Willow
finally becomes happy I felt touched in the soul. This
book made all the emotions of the characters flow to you,
and I guarantee you won't be able to put it down.
Sexual Content, including rape
Crude Language
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State
and Country: Exeter, NH USA
Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia by Christopher Paolini
Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia is difficult to summarize, proving not so much a novel with a distinct storyline as a compilation of information on Alagaesia, catalogued by Christopher Paolini through the nom de plume of Eragon Shadeslayer. The encyclopedia is divided into several main parts, each of which is further subdivided. For example, Alagaesia is divided into Landscape, Natural History, and History. Excluding these, an abundance of pages is devoted to the predominant and exclusive races of the continent, namely the Dragons, Elves, Humans, and Dwarves. The most important cities of each race are also highlighted, detailed, and pictured through beautifully penciled maps and vistas. The author also includes a variety of interesting, divergent information, such as notable plants and cultural characteristics, all presented through the same flowing script and excellent illustrations.
As Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia proves not a distinct, plot-driven addition to the Eragon compendium, but rather an anthology of its various characteristics, the preponderance of this review will focus on the quality of the medium, and the multiplicity of the information provided. Unforunately, much of the information provided in the collection has already been represented in the Eragon novels, and there is very little information to discern for an experienced reader. However, for a reader who chanced upon the novels, found their lengthy prefaces insufficient in intricacy, and thirsted for the finer minutiae of the Eragon universe, Eragon's Guide to Alaga￫sia would serve as an excellent tool of reference. Furthermore, for all but the most hard-core of Paolini followers, Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia is an excellent compression of the cultural and historical frameworks of the previous novels between two covers, a useful volume to refresh one's memory while awaiting a new book, and an interesting reserve of wordage upon which to salivate while eyeing the main course. The quality of the presentation is, if possible, of even higher standards than Paolini's writing, consisting of a hardcover, textured manuscript and a plethora of subtle touches that together comprise an excellent addition to Paolini's authorial catalogue. Clearly, Paolini had no expense spared, as gorgeous ink illustrations, three-dimensional projections, and well-crafted commentary coalesce to flesh out the world of Alagaesia with all of its vivid, glorious perturbations and points of inflection. Indeed, after extensive perusal only one minor area of improvement could be identified, and concerned the rendering of a single map of Alagaesia, in which areas of blotchiness were identified. However, this might have been a deliberate technique by the artist to contrast draw distances and emphasize the height and size of various monuments. Overall, Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia serves as an excellent archetype of the key constituents necessary in molding a well-crafted, high quality supplement to a series while retaining its edge of interest and appeal.
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Shrewsbury, MA USA
As Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia proves not a distinct, plot-driven addition to the Eragon compendium, but rather an anthology of its various characteristics, the preponderance of this review will focus on the quality of the medium, and the multiplicity of the information provided. Unforunately, much of the information provided in the collection has already been represented in the Eragon novels, and there is very little information to discern for an experienced reader. However, for a reader who chanced upon the novels, found their lengthy prefaces insufficient in intricacy, and thirsted for the finer minutiae of the Eragon universe, Eragon's Guide to Alaga￫sia would serve as an excellent tool of reference. Furthermore, for all but the most hard-core of Paolini followers, Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia is an excellent compression of the cultural and historical frameworks of the previous novels between two covers, a useful volume to refresh one's memory while awaiting a new book, and an interesting reserve of wordage upon which to salivate while eyeing the main course. The quality of the presentation is, if possible, of even higher standards than Paolini's writing, consisting of a hardcover, textured manuscript and a plethora of subtle touches that together comprise an excellent addition to Paolini's authorial catalogue. Clearly, Paolini had no expense spared, as gorgeous ink illustrations, three-dimensional projections, and well-crafted commentary coalesce to flesh out the world of Alagaesia with all of its vivid, glorious perturbations and points of inflection. Indeed, after extensive perusal only one minor area of improvement could be identified, and concerned the rendering of a single map of Alagaesia, in which areas of blotchiness were identified. However, this might have been a deliberate technique by the artist to contrast draw distances and emphasize the height and size of various monuments. Overall, Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia serves as an excellent archetype of the key constituents necessary in molding a well-crafted, high quality supplement to a series while retaining its edge of interest and appeal.
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Shrewsbury, MA USA
Melonhead by Katy Kelly
Melonhead is a story about a ten year old boy named Adam Melon, who can't help himself from getting into mischief. It is a book full of adventures with Adam and his best friend Sam. The two friends decide to enter the Challenge America invention contest together at school. While they are trying to create the best invention, they manage to get into a little trouble along the way.
Adam and Sam learned a very important lesson in Melonhead. They learned you should not keep secrets from your parents because it just leads to trouble, like when Adam hid a pet snake in his bedroom and it got loose in the house!
Melonhead was funny. I laughed outloud when I was reading it. If you want a good laugh, read Melonhead, for sure.
I liked Melonhead. I thought it was funny, but not the funniest book I have ever read. Alvin Ho was the funniest.
It did remind me that keeping secrets from your parents is not a good thing. And you should always ask before bringing pets into the house.
I liked reading about all of the inventions. I learned that I could reinvent things also.
I liked the ending because after all their hard work and ideas, they made something really useful and won the contest.
Reviewer Age:7
Reviewer City, State and Country: Phoenix, MD United States
Adam and Sam learned a very important lesson in Melonhead. They learned you should not keep secrets from your parents because it just leads to trouble, like when Adam hid a pet snake in his bedroom and it got loose in the house!
Melonhead was funny. I laughed outloud when I was reading it. If you want a good laugh, read Melonhead, for sure.
I liked Melonhead. I thought it was funny, but not the funniest book I have ever read. Alvin Ho was the funniest.
It did remind me that keeping secrets from your parents is not a good thing. And you should always ask before bringing pets into the house.
I liked reading about all of the inventions. I learned that I could reinvent things also.
I liked the ending because after all their hard work and ideas, they made something really useful and won the contest.
Reviewer Age:7
Reviewer City, State and Country: Phoenix, MD United States
A Real Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Science, to many school-aged children, seems boring and difficult. Most do not realize how extremely important and amazing it really is. Bryson explored many different topics ranging from the birth of the universe to dinosaurs and many others. From his point of view, the Big Bang was the start of the universe, and it only took one ten-millionth of a trillionth of a trillionth of a trillionth of a second to happen. Another explored topic was Newton and his laws of motion. Incorporating silly cartoon pictures and stories, Bill Bryson gives a rather detailed but short history of the science of the world.
My favorite subject to study is science. I am always asking "why" and "how." For any science lover, A Really Short History of Nearly Everything is perfect. Bryson writes in a humorous manner, but he is extremely informative. I love the book's organization and how there are countless pictures and extra pieces of information on the sides of pages. The vocabulary fits perfectly with the subject matter, and unfamiliar terms are defined finely. The book covers many different aspects of science and does so fluently. The only thing that I would improve about the book is making it longer or having "part-two"!
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America
My favorite subject to study is science. I am always asking "why" and "how." For any science lover, A Really Short History of Nearly Everything is perfect. Bryson writes in a humorous manner, but he is extremely informative. I love the book's organization and how there are countless pictures and extra pieces of information on the sides of pages. The vocabulary fits perfectly with the subject matter, and unfamiliar terms are defined finely. The book covers many different aspects of science and does so fluently. The only thing that I would improve about the book is making it longer or having "part-two"!
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America
Band of Acadians by John Skelton
Nola is about to embark on a journey along with about fifty other boys and girls. The young teenagers and children were given a plan to follow from their parents; they must escape Grand Pr￩ and make their way to Fort Louisbourg. The British are invading Acadia during the Seven Years' War and are determined to bring down any Acadians who support the French. Nola and the others must face hostile weather and conditions while trying to survive. Is the group going to succeed in escaping from the British and ensuring the survival of Grand Pr￩ Acadians?
I have just taken AP European History, and the course made me interested in the plot of Band of Acadians. I already knew the history of the Seven Years' War, and this book expanded my knowledge. Though the story is fictional, the behaviors of the British and Acadians are accurate. As soon as I began the book, however, I noticed that the dialogue was unrealistic. People don't speak the way that the dialogue was written, but that was the books only drawback. It was a quick and decent book to read. I recommend Band of Acadians to any reader interested in European or Canadian history.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America
I have just taken AP European History, and the course made me interested in the plot of Band of Acadians. I already knew the history of the Seven Years' War, and this book expanded my knowledge. Though the story is fictional, the behaviors of the British and Acadians are accurate. As soon as I began the book, however, I noticed that the dialogue was unrealistic. People don't speak the way that the dialogue was written, but that was the books only drawback. It was a quick and decent book to read. I recommend Band of Acadians to any reader interested in European or Canadian history.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Demon Inside by Stacia Kane
Ever hear a voice whispering in your ear, telling you to do something that you know is wrong? The little voice is a demon, something that everyone has; everyone but psychologist Megan Chase: she killed hers when she was 16. Years later, Megan is now in charge of her own group of demons, though things start becoming horribly wrong when her demons start to explode, along with demons from other families. Megan also discovers a horrifying secret that links her present to a problem in the past. To top it all off, Megan's demon boyfriend, Greyson Dante, is driving her wild, but will not share what he knows about the issue with Megan's past. Can Megan sort everything out and still emerge from the ordeal unscathed?
I thought the novel was enjoyable. Even though most of the main characters were demons, they were still easy to relate with. Also, the author describes the settings as scenarios throughout the novel in great detail, which makes it easier for the reader to understand what is going on and to "see" what is going on in their head. The main plot line is original, and the added touch of romance between Megan and Greyson adds depth to the novel. The story was somewhat confusing at the beginning because it is a sequel; however, within the first 1 or 2 chapters, the author explains what happened in the first novel, which makes the novel much easier to understand and to follow.
Violent scenes and sexual situations.
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Pottstown, PA United States
Monday, December 28, 2009
Digital Revolutionaries by Steve Lohr
"Digital Revolutionaries: The Men and Women who Brought
Computing To Life" by Steve Lohr is an informative book
about computers for children. It chronicles the history
of computers, from the very large to the very small. Many
facts are given; timelines and newspaper articles are
pasted into the book, too. Biographies of the so-called
revolutionaries are given briefly. Most of the
information is on well-known computer companies and
devices that readers should be somewhat familiar with.
This book reads like a documentary narration, and it is
very simple. Young readers may get excited by it, but
older readers will feel the book is a bit too slow-paced.
Some science behind computers is given, but it is watered-
down to some degree. Overall, this New York Times book
does its job of giving an introduction to the faces behind
the computer revolution. This book would be best suited
for youngsters with no knowledge of computers
whatsoever.
Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State
and Country: Staten Island, NY USA
Computing To Life" by Steve Lohr is an informative book
about computers for children. It chronicles the history
of computers, from the very large to the very small. Many
facts are given; timelines and newspaper articles are
pasted into the book, too. Biographies of the so-called
revolutionaries are given briefly. Most of the
information is on well-known computer companies and
devices that readers should be somewhat familiar with.
This book reads like a documentary narration, and it is
very simple. Young readers may get excited by it, but
older readers will feel the book is a bit too slow-paced.
Some science behind computers is given, but it is watered-
down to some degree. Overall, this New York Times book
does its job of giving an introduction to the faces behind
the computer revolution. This book would be best suited
for youngsters with no knowledge of computers
whatsoever.
Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State
and Country: Staten Island, NY USA
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Amelia Earhart by Lori Van Pelt
"Amelia Earhart: The Sky's No Limit" by Lori Van Pelt is a
biography in the American Heroes series. It chronicles
about ten years of Amelia Earhart's life; other facts
about her life are there, but the majority focuses on her
flying years. The book expounds on Earhart's journey into
the world of flight, her obstacles, her family, her drama,
and, ultimately, her fame. It sheds light on the woman
behind the cockpit that many are so familiar with, and
offers a glimpse into her world. Many quotations are
given directly from primary sources, as well as strikingly
accurate descriptions.
Apart from most biographies, this
book is written in a novel form, reading like a story.
There isn't any dialog or twisting of information to make
it historical fiction. There are just the facts on the
pages that flow with an ease one would not expect.
Additionally, every now and then, there are timelines
inserted to recap flight history. As for the descriptions
of the planes and flight mechanics, Pelt writes these in a
very perfunctory manner without boring the reader, which
is a feat in itself. This historical book will make
readers get lost in the pages, especially those partial to
aeronautics.
Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Staten Island, NY USA
biography in the American Heroes series. It chronicles
about ten years of Amelia Earhart's life; other facts
about her life are there, but the majority focuses on her
flying years. The book expounds on Earhart's journey into
the world of flight, her obstacles, her family, her drama,
and, ultimately, her fame. It sheds light on the woman
behind the cockpit that many are so familiar with, and
offers a glimpse into her world. Many quotations are
given directly from primary sources, as well as strikingly
accurate descriptions.
Apart from most biographies, this
book is written in a novel form, reading like a story.
There isn't any dialog or twisting of information to make
it historical fiction. There are just the facts on the
pages that flow with an ease one would not expect.
Additionally, every now and then, there are timelines
inserted to recap flight history. As for the descriptions
of the planes and flight mechanics, Pelt writes these in a
very perfunctory manner without boring the reader, which
is a feat in itself. This historical book will make
readers get lost in the pages, especially those partial to
aeronautics.
Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Staten Island, NY USA
Friday, December 25, 2009
Kitchen Princess: Search for the Angel Cake by Miyuki Kobayashi
Najika is a teenage girl with an extraordinary talent for baking. While catering for a party for a fellow classmate, she discovers her friend's grandmother was a friend of her deceased parents. Najika's parents, before their tragic accident, promised the grandmother that they would recreate a cake that the woman had tasted in her childhood in another country. Now that Najika's parents are gone, she is determined to find the mysterious cake recipe for the old woman. The only problem is she is left with so little clues.
Kitchen Princess: Search for the Angel Cake is a companion novel to the Manga, Kitchen Princess, so therefore if a person has not read the series, it could be quite hard to understand the story plot. The story is also Japanese, so readers must keep in mind the cultural differences that differ between the East and the West. Getting past that, this was a lighthearted, absorbing read that made me want to jump up onto my feet and start baking. In between chapters, there were easy instructional visual directions on how to make desserts that were prepared in the book, including a scrumptious Angel Food Cake that I made myself! This book would be for a younger age group (9-11) and does not have complicated vocabulary, but it kept me thoroughly interested.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Lake Bluff, Il The United States of America
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