Rock never lets background info bog down the plot, yet Scripted still managed to immerse me in the Blissful Days subculture. Through Island-specific words ("camperf", "fralling") and vivid figurative language ("What if Callen were with me, watching the jellyfish, their transparent, filmy skins undulating through the water like silk scarves fluttering in the air?"), Rock crafts a rich, superbly-developed dystopia while maintaining an engaging, if not exactly breakneck, progression of internal and external conflicts. Although Rock endows nearly every major character with internal, as well as external, plotlines, I would've appreciated more emphasis on Lia's subplot. Lia seems to undergo personal growth, yet her subplot never amounts to the hopeful, satisfying turnaround she and— readers— deserve. Nevertheless, Scripted remains a fresh, gratifying read sure to charm fans of The Truman Show, Lois Lowry's The Giver, or Veronica Roth's Divergent.
Sunday, March 08, 2015
A new student review of Scripted by Maya Rock
Saturday, March 07, 2015
A new student review of Leo's Lion
This is a very good book because of the many adventures Leo and his uncle take, including their buggy ride to Leonardo's house and a meeting with a stone carver. I like how Leo completely changes his mindset in the story; he goes from annoyed at being there to excited at what is to come next. The plot's set up is amazing, the events flow right into each other. You never know what’s going to happen next or what trouble they are going to get into. Uncle Leonardo is a bit unpredictable at times and you never know what’s going to come out of his decisions. I would recommend this book to almost everyone.
A new student review of Orion Poe and the Lost Explorer by William Summerhouse
A reader should be warned that this book has a few derogatory words in it, but not awful enough to downplay the excitement of the plot. They are easy to overlook, but the author could have left out many of them without changing the story. Orion, who is the main character, is forced to be brave and fearless in this whirlwind of adventure. Once the crew is compelled to try and survive on a rough and harsh terrain, it takes every ounce of bravery to stay alive. Mysterious things begin to occur and sadly, a few men meet death. Boys ages 11-13 would enjoy this book most. As a girl, the blood and gore was a distraction to the plot. Setting aside the critical and slightly offensive words, this book will definitely capture your attention with cliff-hangers, action, excitement, and more!
Thursday, March 05, 2015
A new student review of Earth Star by Janet Edwards
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
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
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
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
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.
Wednesday, March 04, 2015
A new student review of Devin Rhodes Is Dead by Jennifer Kam
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.
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
A new student review of Abayomi, The Brazilian Puma: The True Story of an Orphaned Cub by Darcy Pattison
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.