A new student review of Autumn of Elves by Joanne Vruno

moseso posted a new student review of Autumn of Elves by Joanne Vruno. See the full review.

This book is incredibly exciting and difficult to put down. Joanne Vruno does an astounding job painting vivid descriptive images throughout the book. Her descriptive words help the reader picture scenes from the book, making it seem as if they are a part of the book. The plot is developed well from the beginning. Vruno keeps the reader on the edge of their seat while still finding time for character development. The climax leaves the reader wondering what will happen next and anxious to read more. I would recommend this book for students aged 10-12. Autumn of Elves is a perfect read for those who enjoy magic and adventure.

A new student review of Autumn of Elves by Joanne Vruno

jotaf posted a new student review of Autumn of Elves by Joanne Vruno. See the full review.

I thought Autumn of Elves was another great read from Joanne Vruno. It was filled with magic, adventure, and suspense. I loved that the author put a new twist into the story; I would never have expected that Emily would be able to see the magical creatures too. The book kept me interested and engaged. I wasn't able to guess what would happen next; it was unpredictable. 

A part in the book that I really liked was when Emily first saw a troll. It was so funny how the troll tried to get the attention of Aly’s family. Time and again it failed, and it finally walked away in defeat. I can't think of any part in the book that I didn't like. It was fantastic from start to finish. I think this book would be great for anyone who read and loved the first book. I also recommend it for anyone who likes magic and adventure. 

A new student review of The Serpent's Curse

cbill6 posted a new student review of The Serpent's Curse . See the full review.

This book by Tony Abbot is a good read for ages 8-13. I found this book enjoyable for me as an action, adventure, and mystery fan because it includes all three. I think you should read the first book so you can understand the history of the story, although the author gives a brief overview at the beginning. It has some rough parts, like in the beginning after the car chase, Becca stabs a "goon" because he had Lily over the edge of a bridge. So if you're interested in a wild adventurous story involving mystery I recommend this book to you.

A new student review of Azalea, Unschooled by Liza Kleinman

GlowElm posted a new student review of Azalea, Unschooled by Liza Kleinman. See the full review.

Though this was a really fun read, I really wasn't expecting it to be about a girl doing detective work. From the summary provided, you would guess it would be more about her experience as an unschooler, and her internal and external struggles with moving so much and feeling constantly uprooted. Written in first person, this book clearly represents Azalea's feelings, and it is easy to vizualize her situation and her friends and family.

I reccomend this novel for readers between 8-12 who enjoy books centered around a female character, who like detective work and a fun plot, or who simply want to find out more about unschooling.

 

A new student review of Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott

Lucy posted a new student review of Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott. See the full review.

I LOVE Heartbeat, it’s an amazing book. I found the book really touching and loving. Emma’s life was something I could relate to, along with many of the other characters. I thought this book had some familar stories that happen in everyday life--like her relationship with her parents, how she hates her father, and how her mother is no longer with her. I found nothing bad about the book, and I would recommended it to any one of my friends. It was truly an awesome book. There wasn't that much romance, but it was more based on Emma and her family problems than her love life.

A new student review of Nooks & Crannies

WeasleysWizardWheezes posted a new student review of Nooks & Crannies . See the full review.

In this book you never know what will happen. It is full of secrets and things you can never expect. It is one of the best books I have ever read. When you first start you first think that this is a cheesy "Mary sue" type book with a boring main character. After you get a few chapters in you relize that this book has more to it then you initiallly think. There is a riviting mystery laying under a otherwise pretty innocent plot line. It is a fantasically written book with a great mystery.

A new student review of Canyon of Danger (Goldtown Adventures) by Susan Marlow

moseso posted a new student review of Canyon of Danger (Goldtown Adventures) by Susan Marlow. See the full review.

Set in 1864, Goldtown, California, Jem Coulter, who is the main character, displays determination, bravery, and stubbornness in the ever suspenseful book of Canyon Danger. This novel keeps the reader wondering what will happen until the end. Action, suspense, and mystery make this book hard to put down! The climax unfortunately suffers from an abrupt end; it could have been drawn out more by the author. Canyon of Danger is a fascinating and thrilling book filled with one surprising event after another that all will enjoy. It is most appropriate for 9-12 year olds. 

A new student review of Gray Zone by Veronica R. Tabares

Lucy posted a new student review of Gray Zone by Veronica R. Tabares. See the full review.

I really enjoyed Gray Zone; it showed the effects of bullying on students and the factors that can lead to it. The book gave the reader many reasons to stand up for others who are being bullied. It showed how difficult life can be for those experiencing cyberbullying. I recommend that readers interested in the impact of bullying or anyone experiencing bullying themselves read this book. 

 

I appreciated the story’s message of strength for those experiencing bullying.

 

A new student review of Love Spell by Mia Kerick

VBat posted a new student review of Love Spell by Mia Kerick. See the full review.

Love Spell is a fast read that covers meaningful lessons on the importance of individuality, the value of quality friendships, and the necessity of putting hard work into relationships. Chance and Jazz have complicated family backstories and individual quirks that make them relatable and likable characters, and the inclusion of Chance’s struggle with gender identity allows the book to separate itself from typical high school romances. Love Spell is written just as flamboyantly as Chance is portrayed, and the stylistic choices make the book memorable.

However, I feel there is a disconnect between the content of the book and the audience the book is trying to reach. The consistent use of pop culture slang, including the term “cray-cray,” and the use of hashtags in sentences seem more suited to younger, middle-school aged readers, but the sexual references and language are definitely meant for an older demographic. Chance’s behavior and thoughts would also be much more at home in a middle school, rather than a high school, setting. 

I would recommend Love Spell to mature middle schoolers with parental approval, who enjoy quirky realistic fiction and teen romances.

 

A new student review of End of Days (Penryn & the End of Days Series)

JesusFreak posted a new student review of End of Days (Penryn & the End of Days Series) . See the full review.

The first word that comes to mind when I think about this book: WOW

This book is the perfect finale to the series. It is fast-paced throughout the entire book, and I never once got bored. Penryn becomes even more badass than before, and her monologue is entertaining to read. One of the things that I love about this book is how the author describes the apocalyptic creatures. They sound creepy and amazing, and I could picture them in my head perfectly.

My favorite characters were Raffe and Penryn. Their relationship was beautifully written and I loved reading the scenes that they were in together.

The only complaint I have is that the end of the book seemed rushed. If the book had been maybe two or three chapters longer, I think it would have flowed a bit better.

Susan Ee really outdid herself in this final book. If she ever writes any other books, I will definitely check them out.