A new student review of Earth Star by Janet Edwards

tankedman posted a new student review of Earth Star by Janet Edwards. See the full review.

You know when you can't put down a book? When you are so immersed into the words that you aren't even conscious of reading? You feel you are there. I think that this book is one that defines that description. The author was very detailed, and I could picture everything and feel as though I was the characters.

A new student review of The First Principle by Marissa Shrock

Star360 posted a new student review of The First Principle by Marissa Shrock. See the full review.

The YA market is flooded with dystopias and sci-fi worlds, but The First Principle has tackled an issue not found in others: teenage pregnancy. It’s more realistic than child gladiators (The Hunger Games) or giant labyrinths (The Maze Runner). Its female heroine has no bow and arrow, but Vivica – what a delightful name! – fights a frighteningly realistic battle against her controlling government and against herself.  As for her futuristic world, I felt it lacked the exquisite descriptiveness of Harry Potter or Divergent. I was left wondering: What do people dress like? How's the food? What do the buildings look like? Yet it did have the essential information I needed to comprehend Vivica’s plight.

 

Also, I was thankful that there was no instant love between the characters. Ben and Vivica are introduced after they break up, and readers later learn that they were good friends before taking things further. The fact that they don’t get back together after she finds out she’s pregnant raises an interesting question: Should Vivica have to settle with Ben because of the result of one night? There is a possible love interest between Drake and Vivica that would be interesting to read about, but I’m glad that this book focused on her dealing with her pregnancy. As for the Christian message, it is obvious. Ben gives her a Bible, people pray, and Biblical lines are cited in the text. However, I didn’t feel it was overly "preachy." After all, issues like abortion and familial betrayal are universal. The First Principle would be popular among teen girls who love relatable characters and heart-pounding adventures.

A new student review of Rebellion by Karen Sandler

Ronnie posted a new student review of Rebellion by Karen Sandler. See the full review.

This is the third book in a series, and I enjoyed it. However, I did have some problems with the writing style. I found it difficult to connect to the characters and the world. It took me about two weeks to finish the book. However, I did enjoy the action that took place. I also thought Sandler did a wonderful job attacking various issues like social class. It was very thought provoking and forces people to look at our own society. I also found the main characters to be enjoyable despite their faults. This book was a good conclusion for the series. 

A new student review of Truth and Kisses by Laurie B. Friedman

kraghfamily posted a new student review of Truth and Kisses by Laurie B. Friedman. See the full review.

Truth and Kisses was an easy, cute read. It was both quick and entertaining, as well as a good summer book. I recommend this to anyone who wants a fun read!

A new student review of The Chosen of Gaia by M Mariz

Giddieon7 posted a new student review of The Chosen of Gaia by M Mariz. See the full review.

I liked this book because it was very suspenseful and you didn't know what would happen next. You also couldn't tell who were friends or enemies, so it always kept me guessing. I think it could have been a longer book with more storyline.

A new student review of Devin Rhodes Is Dead by Jennifer Kam

Star360 posted a new student review of Devin Rhodes Is Dead by Jennifer Kam. See the full review.

Devin Rhodes is Dead provided a tantalizing puzzle that gripped me from the first page – and no, that wasn’t a hyperbole! As soon as I read about how Devin’s body was being lowered into the ground and how conflicted Cass felt, I ran through the novel. This YA novel is told in alternating “before” and “after” Devin’s death chapters. It is easy to follow, but not predictable. It also has sharp insights into teen girl friendships and abusive relationships. Devin shared a “best friend" necklace with Cass, yet their relationship was toxic. It was filled with manipulation and betrayal. However, Wolf cleverly avoided the trap of making Devin a two-dimensional mean girl by including her weaknesses. Devin desperately needed love and understanding, so she sought affection in the arms of boys who always just wanted a good time. The novel contains a warning to such teens. After all, Devin would have had Cass’s friendship forever if she had been kinder. Cass herself was a fresh new voice. Her insecurities about weight and boys are not exaggerated; instead, they help readers understand the conclusion of the mystery. Girls will be better able to understand the intricacies of female relationships portrayed in Devin Rhodes is Dead, but teen boys might also enjoy the gripping whodunit.

A new student review of Abayomi, The Brazilian Puma: The True Story of an Orphaned Cub by Darcy Pattison

Sweetfable posted a new student review of Abayomi, The Brazilian Puma: The True Story of an Orphaned Cub by Darcy Pattison. See the full review.

This story was beautifully illustrated and had a hopeful ending. There was an environmental message that is good for children to learn at a very young age. Although short, the story had some powerful themes that should interest any young learner and even their parents. I also liked how at the very end of the book there were some facts on pumas, helping people understand just how interesting and vital these animals are.

A new student review of History in the Faking by Andreas Oertel

nictaf posted a new student review of History in the Faking by Andreas Oertel. See the full review.

Andreas Oertel made a very funny, believable, and exciting book!  I can’t wait for book two!  It caught me from page one and wouldn't let go until I finished the book.  The hoax in the book was extremely clever.  The characters were very believable and humorous. I could tell that Erick and Cody were best friends.  One part I really liked was when Rachel says, “The carvings probably said, Goo, goo, goo, Bla, bla, bla.”  I would recommend this book for ages 7 and up.

A new student review of Lowriders in Space by Cathy Camper Raul The Third

O.B. WAN posted a new student review of Lowriders in Space by Cathy Camper Raul The Third. See the full review.

Lowriders in Space was a good book for people who like cars. I liked that it was kind of unpredictable what would happen next or what they would say next. My favorite part was when something unexpected customized their car. It looked cool before, but after, oh man, it was pretty awesome! The book was written in Spanish and English, but there was a glossary and little bubbles on the bottom of the page telling the reader what the Spanish translated to in English. I would recommend this book to people who like cars and want to learn some Spanish.

A new student review of The Option by Herman Brown

Turbo21 posted a new student review of The Option by Herman Brown. See the full review.

It is a good book.  I like how it explains the consequences of drunk driving.