Thursday, September 24, 2015

A new student review of The Many Lives of John Stone by Linda Buckley-Archer

jotaf posted a new student review of The Many Lives of John Stone by Linda Buckley-Archer. See the full review.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Many Lives of John Stone.  It had mystery, suspense, and adventure to make it very exciting.  Having read and loved the first book in the Gideon Trilogy, I decided to try this book, as it was written by the same author.  I am really glad that I decided to read this book, because it was fantastic.

The author, Linda Buckley-Archer, has a way with words.  She described the details of this book very well; I could picture Stowney House and the palace at Versailles in my head.  Also, the characters were down-to-earth and believable. 

A part in the book that I relished was when it added the journal entries.  I liked reading the story behind John Stone’s life in the present and in the past.  I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about this book. 

I would recommend this book to anyone ages 11 and up, or to anyone who has read and enjoyed the Gideon Trilogy.

 

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

A new student review of Violent Ends by Shaun David Hutchinson Neal Shusterman Brendan Shusterman Beth Revis Cynthia Leitich Smith Courtney Summers Kendare Blake Delilah S. Dawson Steve Brezenoff Tom Leveen Hannah Moskowitz Blythe Woolston Trish Doller Mindi Scott Margie Gelbwasser Christine Johnson E. M. Kokie Elisa Nader

JesusFreak posted a new student review of Violent Ends by Shaun David Hutchinson Neal Shusterman Brendan Shusterman Beth Revis Cynthia Leitich Smith Courtney Summers Kendare Blake Delilah S. Dawson Steve Brezenoff Tom Leveen Hannah Moskowitz Blythe Woolston Trish Doller Mindi Scott Margie Gelbwasser Christine Johnson E. M. Kokie Elisa Nader. See the full review.

When I began reading this book, I was curious as to how all the viewpoints from different characters would play into the story. As I read each account, I found myself becoming more and more engrossed in the book. Each author brings a different style of writing and varying characters, which I liked a lot. I found all the characters to be believable and very well-written. The plot moved along swiftly but it didn’t feel rushed, which is always a good thing.

Throughout the book, it truly made me think about what a situation like that could do to a person. How would I react if I was in the shoes of the characters? Would I react as they did, or would I react entirely differently?

With awe-inspiring point of views from various authors, this book is incredible. Violent Ends is sure to amaze.

Monday, September 21, 2015

A new student review of Penny's War by Anne Dearle

leonardo posted a new student review of Penny's War by Anne Dearle. See the full review.

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A new student review of The Betrayal of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell

Benflash1 posted a new student review of The Betrayal of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell. See the full review.

This book has a fast paced plot that a reader can really get into. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading about characters who display bravery and courage, or just admire heroes in general. I particularly enjoyed reading about Damien's grandfather, as he is trying to stand up for what he believes to be right. Although he is portrayed more of as a "bad guy" in this novel, from a different perspective, he could have been the heroic main character of the novel. I did think however, that the book was not discriptive enough about the distinction between heroes and villains. Altogether, I beleive this book is a thrilling read with powerful characters.

A new student review of Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

JesusFreak posted a new student review of Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon. See the full review.

Reading this book is like stepping into a life. The story is written so life-like that I felt as if I was in the story right alongside Madeline when reading it. The author crafts the story in a way that is light-hearted yet heavy at the same time. Her characters are believable and enjoyable. Madeline’s struggles are brought to attention more than once, but not in a way that is annoying. Her relationship with Olly is loving and beautiful. I enjoyed every second of it.
Another one of my favorite things about this book is the gorgeous cover art. Kudos to the artist for creating such a stunning masterpiece.

 

This book is a great read for teens+. This heartwarming yet heart-wrenching story is sure to leave you awed.

 

Sunday, September 20, 2015

A new student review of My Diary from the Edge of the World by Jodi Lynn Anderson

nictaf posted a new student review of My Diary from the Edge of the World by Jodi Lynn Anderson. See the full review.

Jodi Lynn Anderson wrote a great book filled with fantasy and adventure!  My Diary from the Edge of the World had twists and turns so you can't tell what will happen until it does.  One part I especially liked was a description of a witch’s house.  Anderson wrote, "It was an astonishing sight-resting on enormous boulders at the peak of the mountain, made of dark logs and planks of wood, and lit up brightly inside with firelight. It looked half wild and half civilized, sort of crooked to one side, old and breathtaking, with attachments and additions veering off this way and that and poking over the sides of boulders and low cliffs."  Gracie was well described and I think she would be a normal, everyday person if she was real.  The book had a very unique plot, and I would have liked to be part of the characters' quest.  If you are a fan of adventure and fantasy, then you need to read this amazing book!  I would love to read a second book if there is one.  I would recommend this book to ages 8 and up!

A new student review of The Great Good Summer by Liz Garton Scanlon

muffin posted a new student review of The Great Good Summer by Liz Garton Scanlon. See the full review.

I had a difficult time deciding if I liked this book.  I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and the setting.  The one part that bothered me was one small element.  The book has a very religious tone.  God is referred to, spoken about and discussed multiple times. In the end I decided that I did like the book, it was just that the religious piece was unexpected and I had to adjust.  The book has a good message, that nobody really gets their ideal happy ever after.  The book discusses the consequences of running away and takes a very realistic look at mother-daughter relationships.   I also enjoyed watching Ivy and Paul's friendship grow because Paul doesn't really believe in God and Ivy had been raised in a very religious family and town.  

Saturday, September 19, 2015

A new student review of The Fog of Forgetting by Genevieve Morgan

Inferna101 posted a new student review of The Fog of Forgetting by Genevieve Morgan. See the full review.

Overall The Fog of Forgetting was a very pleasant read. Perhaps not the best book ever, but good enough to make me want to read the sequel. There are many moments where you make sense of clues dropped by the author. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy when you pick up on those subtle hints. You understand why specific events occured. I also really like the twist put into this story. The only thing I really didn't like was how many questions were left unanswered. Of course that's to make sure you read the sequel, so it isn't actually a bad thing.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

A new student review of The Fire Chronicle (Books of Beginning) by John Stephens

muffin posted a new student review of The Fire Chronicle (Books of Beginning) by John Stephens. See the full review.

This book was really good and I can't wait for the next one to come out! I would go so far as to say it was better than the first book in this series.  I liked how it bounced back and forth between Kate and Michael. It keeps the energy of the book up and the reader interested.  The book is filled with action, humor, and excellent writing! You can definitely see Michael's character growth in this book, from being petty and immature to being grown up and responsible. I have no bad comments for this book and give it an easy 5 stars.  Adventure readers won’t be disappointed and, although it is a chunky book, it will be over before you know it.  

 

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

A new student review of Chasing Secrets by Gennifer Choldenko

moseso posted a new student review of Chasing Secrets by Gennifer Choldenko. See the full review.

Chasing Secrets is a well written book that captures the reader’s attention from beginning to end. Lizzie Kennedy, who is the main character, is a determined young girl who never gives up. Although not entirely historically accurate, this book is full of suspense and surprises around every corner. The author does a beautiful job of wrapping everything up in the end, and exercises the imagination by leaving the reader dreaming about what might happen next. Chasing Secrets is a book every bookshelf should hold! 10-13 year old girls would best enjoy this adventure.