A new student review of Calixte: A Novel by Rosella Eleanor LaFevre

detectiveginger posted a new student review of Calixte: A Novel by Rosella Eleanor LaFevre. See the full review.

The setting was vividly decribed and allowed the reader to totally immerse themselves into the world of Calixte. The voice of the book gave a very authentic feel to the narration of the story and felt typical to modern teenagers. However, the characters in the book are at times unrealistic and dislikeable. While this may have been deliberate characterisation, it seems as if the characters needed more depth and more relateability. However, this book is a good start for author's first novel.

A new student review of Midnight Frost by Jennifer Estep

kfc1997 posted a new student review of Midnight Frost by Jennifer Estep. See the full review.

Jennifer Estep shows her brilliance once again in Midnight Frost: A Mythos Academy Novel. Estep further develops the character of Gypsy girl, Gwen Frost, in a novel that is both mystifying and alluring. The storyline was very well written; however, Gwen’s character begins to lack the spunk and courage she had in the first four books of the series. There was the focus on the search for the antidote, but it seemed as though the story plot mainly focused on the absence of Logan, Gwen’s boyfriend. It did pick up in the middle, and the focus once again returned to defeating the Reapers. It is still an amazing book, and though it is not as good as the first four, it has it’s own unique voice. I cannot wait to see where Estep takes Gwen in the next book in the series. This is recommended to girls and to mythology lovers ages 13 and up.

A new student review of Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes

dancechicka posted a new student review of Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes . See the full review.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book, to be honest.  Nonfiction isn’t really my forte—I read so much of it at school that I have no desire to read it at home.  A week ago, as I was browsing through the booklist, I happened upon it and was so intrigued by its witty description and unique air that I decided to give the whole nonfiction genre a shot.  What a load on this book’s shoulders, correct?  Fortunately, I am happy to report that this manuscript flourished under the pressure and my critical eye.  I found it humorous, entertaining, and educational, which is what every nonfiction book should be if it wants to attract younger readers.  It moved at a brisk pace through fifty different historical figures known for their beauty (or simply their big bank account) that seemingly had it all--appeal, influence, aim, and in some cases, a defining attitude.  Organized into small, three page sections dedicated to each person, I felt that the book moved along at a quick enough pace to avoid being boring yet giving me enough information that I felt that I learned something.  All in all, it is great nonfiction read that I believe would be wonderful for anyone who is looking to mix up their winter reading.

I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up, since there are frequent mentions of sex, affairs, and violence, along with a minimal amount of swearing.  There are also some mentions of homosexuality and bisexuality, so if it bothers you or your child, it may not be the book for you.

So, are you looking for a unique twist on history and the people who shaped it?  What about looking for your next celebrity crush?  If so, be sure to check out Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes by Kelly Murphy!

A new student review of Coaltown Jesus

Isaac posted a new student review of Coaltown Jesus . See the full review.

I personally liked this book because I believe in God. It shows good values to have in  life, and shows us that we have to let go of the past. What's done is done, and there's nothing you can do now to change it. Oh, and the best part I got from this book was, "Be the miracle."

A new student review of Modern Cartooning by Christopher Hart

Gwendolyn posted a new student review of Modern Cartooning by Christopher Hart. See the full review.

Throughout this book the author gives examples of various methods on how to customize your cartoon character. I find it fascinating that by merely changing the direction or position of the mouth or eyebrows one can completely change the character’s reaction and expression. I like how the author provides examples of the posture and stance of the character, which enables the reader to determine how the cartoon is feeling. I found his tutorials helpful because I sometimes have issues with transferring how I want my character to act from my mind to the paper. I learned several tactics from this book, despite the fact that I have been drawing for most of my life and I’m not exactley a beginner. I think that the methods taught can be applied to all artists at any level. Once I had made direct copies of the characters within the book, I was able to use his advice to successfully create sketches of my characters in my own artistic style! Although I enjoy sketching quite often, prior to reading this book, most of my drawings stood motionless and inactive. Modern Cartooning definitely helped me to make my art stand out and essentially pop to the viewer! The step-by-step instructions provided me with the knowledge to make my cartoons appear to interact and come alive on the paper. This book is well written, informative, and entertaining to read. I am certain that I will use this book as a reference whenever I am having difficulties with my artwork in the future. It is a quirky, hilarious, easy to follow and straight forward read that contains valuable instructions. Overall I highly enjoyed Christopher Hart’s  Modern Cartooning: Essential Techniques for Drawing Today’s Popular Cartoons. 

 

A new student review of Too Cool For This School

Tenaya posted a new student review of Too Cool For This School . See the full review.

Too Cool For This School is a book that kids all over the world will enjoy. The story line is one that many will relate to. Its moral is sweet, and it's a great read. The book hooked me  immediately, and I feel like I've know the characters forever. I'd recommend it to kids of ages of about 10 to 12.

A new student review of Glamorous Illusions: A Novel (Grand Tour Series) by Lisa T. Bergren

EmilyFredricks posted a new student review of Glamorous Illusions: A Novel (Grand Tour Series) by Lisa T. Bergren. See the full review.

I enjoyed the first bit of the book, then afer that I did not enjoy reading it anymore. I got bored and I had to force myself to keep reading some days. Because of all the stopping and starting, it took me a long time to read and it did not keep my attention like many other books I have read in the past. I have read books off of websites that were not published that I enjoyed more then this book. 

A new student review of The Break-Up Artist

Juggles1414 posted a new student review of The Break-Up Artist . See the full review.

I enjoyed the novel immensely. I would definitely recommend it to others because it was a page turner filled with teenage drama. The main characters were well thought-out and you could relate to what they were doing and why. The writing is humorous at times because the author gave the main character a sarcastic attitude about love. It was well done. The ending was the part I really liked because it wasn't what I was expecting. With some novels like this about teenage love and whatnot, it's easy to figure out how it'll end, but this one surprised me. It was a good surprise. Others will get a kick out of reading it.

A new student review of Falcon in the Glass

nowhereman posted a new student review of Falcon in the Glass . See the full review.

Falcon in the Glass was an amazing historical fiction action book. It swept you right into Victorian London from its very first pages with its vivid descriptions of Venice, Italy. The book also does a great job of describing glassblowing which makes it very interesting because you are able to glean information from the book while getting an enjoyable action and adventure read. This book reminds me a lot of The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke because it is set in Venice and it is also about a group of kids overcoming challenges on the street.  I recommend this book for kids 10 and older. 

A new student review of Wizard by Paula Paul

ash42818 posted a new student review of Wizard by Paula Paul. See the full review.

Wizard by Paula Paul is an amazing story full of mischief and fun. Meghan’s viewpoint into the modern world is funny at times when she tries to understand things that are new to her and as she tries to use magic to control situations that don't turn out as they should. Dating current day boys also brings interest to the mix. I loved reading this story of a teen’s struggle to find herself as she gives up the past to begin a new future. I recomend this to all young adults! Paula Paul did an amazing job writing this book about bringing a girl from the past into the present to live..