Saturday, October 12, 2013

A new student review of The Kingdom of Little Wounds

aschoenfeldt posted a new student review of The Kingdom of Little Wounds . See the full review.

Susann Cokal's historical fiction novel, The Kingdom of Little Wounds, begins with an intriguing plot line but failed to interest me as I read further. The original mystery of the princess's death captured my attention, but the other plot points, such as Ava's background and her dealings with the spy ring, left me confused and disoriented. I did, however, appreciate the narrative format, and how the chapters alternated between Ava and Midi's perspectives. I also enjoyed the placement of the stories that were not directly related to the main plot. I would recommend this book only to lovers of both fantasy and historical fiction who do not mind a complicated plot.

A new student review of Sister Mischief

calicool123 posted a new student review of Sister Mischief . See the full review.

I personally loved the book. It showed how different types of people can come together and form great friendships. It was a book everyone can relate to, especially people who feel like they don't fit in. This is a book you can read cover to cover without putting down. I would recommend this book to everyone who needs a little hope. 

A new student review of Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz

Anjel posted a new student review of Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz. See the full review.

This is a truly unusual book, as I have never read a book like this. I was so excited when I finished the book that I ran out of my room screaming to my brother that he had to read it. I continued to talk about the book forever, and I still am, expanding the audience to my mother and father. I felt as if I were one of the puppets in Grisini’s puppet show and continued to feel the excitement of the adventures happening all around me. If you have never read a book with many stories in one, you should read this one.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

A new student review of Kid Docs

detectiveginger posted a new student review of Kid Docs . See the full review.

The story ‘Kid Docs’ has an interesting concept about a program that teaches young children medicine so that they can become doctors from a young age (about early teens) and become super-doctors. I liked this idea, and especially the use of medical discourse, even if I didn’t understand many of the terms; it's like another language! I think that the medical words used add dimension to the story ‘Kid Docs’, to give a realistic insight into life working as a doctor and working in a hospital.

‘Kid Docs’ is well written with very few errors, for example on page 42, 'but he breathed when Connor asked him too’; it should be ‘to’ rather than ‘too’. And on page 78, it says ‘Cassie looked at Connor grinned.’ Which doesn’t make sense. Also on page 37, ‘Connor watched Timothy leave the ER, in a wheel chair in his mother's arms’ sounds a bit awkward; did Timothy leave in a wheelchair or in his mother’s arms, or does it mean he left in a wheelchair pushed by his mother?

‘Kid Docs’ is a good story for those who want to read about what it is like being a doctor, or those who like watching medical dramas.

A new student review of North of Nowhere

underwood_bcl posted a new student review of North of Nowhere . See the full review.

This book was both science fiction and a mystery that needed to be solved. I liked that I could not figure out the mystery until the author told what happened. It kept me guessing and interested all through the book. I usually figure out the ending after the second clue in most mysteries. This is probably one of the best books I have read in a long time. I wish this book was a series, I would like to read more just like this one. I have read some of the author's other books about Emily Winsnap and I really liked those too.

A new student review of The Secret of Grey Stone Island by Andrea Louise Koehler

moseso posted a new student review of The Secret of Grey Stone Island by Andrea Louise Koehler. See the full review.

The Secret of Grey Stone Island is a mystery book that is a short story and a quick, enjoyable read.  I could picture some parts in the book when I closed my eyes, but on the other hand during some other parts in the book I could imagine what was happening without closing my eyes! My bedroom became Grey Stone Island, and my bed became a kayak. I’d rate this book four out of five stars. Andrea wrote the book in such a fashion that I could believe Maya and Jago to be real. I like the ending of the story; however, I think that if there is not a sequel to this book, a sequel should be written. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for a good, yet, short book.         

A new student review of The Iron Traitor

RavenWing posted a new student review of The Iron Traitor . See the full review.

Megan’s family. Sigh. I think they’re all messed up. It’s like a bad case of selflessness. Ash would die for Megan, Megan would die for Ash. And then comes along Keirran…

Sigh.

Not that I didn’t like it. I loved it. There’s nothing Julie Kagawa could write that wouldn’t leave me interested to the end. I admit, the romance between Ethan and Kenzie is kind of repetitive after Megan and Ash, but it’s a whole new world.

Ethan has an all new thought process, all new morals, all new opinions. It’s like falling in love all over again. I could end my review there, but I won’t. I’ll ramble on about my first love for a little longer.

For everyone new to this series, STOP! You should read the original books first, or, at the very least, the first book in this sub series thing. If you just pick up this book “oh, this sounds good” and start reading it, you are going to be oh so confused. The readers who have followed along Megan’s journey, we know exactly how the plot twisted and turned throughout the years. We know there is no figuring out what’s about to happen, there is no bland spot.

So, back to the review. It’s a romance. It’s a comedy. It’s an action packed book.

The first hint of a grey fluff ball will leave you in hysterics.

Would I recommend this? You’re kidding me, right? This is my first love, my motivation. I’ve been following along this adventure for years, and I’d have a meltdown if Megan and Ash completely left us, but I know they never will. I have dreams of a certain cat, and quote a certain pain-in-the ass.

Let me just say, READ IT! Then come reread this review; it’ll make a lot more sense then.

Sunday, October 06, 2013

A new student review of Fallout

alphatauri posted a new student review of Fallout . See the full review.

I always love the premise of a good "what if?" historical story, from the brutally realistic The Plot Against America by Philip Roth or the far-fetchedness of Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan. The absurdness of Fallout falls somewhere in between (no pun intended) those two works. It is a terrifying scenario, and Todd Strasser tells the story in a unique, alternating the chapters between the present and the past. We see the characters in their broken state, then flash back to when everything was normal, and realise that they have so much to lose. In this way, Strasser makes you care for all the characters--even when their wishes grow darker. The plot passes by in a whirlwind, packed with both humor and suspense. Strasser's language is sparse and simple, yet the sentences are powerful. The best aspect of the book, is that even after it ends, you are still left thinking about that underground shelter, and what you would have done. And you are still left thinking of the big questions--why does war happen? Why can't we learn from our past mistakes? What if our future is like the past described in this novel?

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who doesn't mind the use of simple language to tell a powerful, emotional, and memorable story. I have never read a book quite like this one. 

A new student review of Midnight Frost by Jennifer Estep

DJ_RESH_RESH posted a new student review of Midnight Frost by Jennifer Estep. See the full review.

I loved this book. Jennifer Estep is now one of my favorite authors. She balances the perfect amount of love, action and comedy on every single page. On some pages I found that I could barely see the words through the tears in my eyes and on others I was laughing until I was out of breath. I love the description in the book. I feel like I am actually inside of it. My favorite character has got to be the talking sword. I feel like that made the book unique. I also loved the character development that happened throughout the book. You could see Gwen blossoming into a brave warrior and that made the book incredible. I would definitely recommend this book.

A new student review of Lunch Lady and the Video Game Villian

LegoLover posted a new student review of Lunch Lady and the Video Game Villian . See the full review.

I both liked and disliked the book.  I have enjoyed all of Krosozka’s other Lunch Lady books, and this one is no different when it comes to his amazing story, drawings, and characters.  I liked the competition of the school election, although I was a little surprised by the results.  I didn’t completely like the way Krosozka chose to end this story.  I wonder if he is concluding the series with this book.  I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun graphic novel type book but not interested in getting too deep into a series.