A new student review of All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Melissa32301 posted a new student review of All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. See the full review.

All the Bright Places is a very emotional book. I fell in love with the characters within the first chapter. Niven did a great job describing people with mental illnesses. She made the characters relatable and realistic. At some points in the book I felt like I was with them. Some parts of the book were confusing, which might have been the point. Niven might have wanted the readers to come up with their own ideas, but I didn’t exactly like that. If she would’ve made it more understandable, it would’ve helped make the story better. The confusion within the characters helped to show that even people with mental illnesses don’t know what they have. Overall, it was a great book with relatable characters and new friendships.

A new student review of Certain Poor Shepherds: A Christmas Tale by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas Elizabeth Marshall Thomas

moseso posted a new student review of Certain Poor Shepherds: A Christmas Tale by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas Elizabeth Marshall Thomas. See the full review.

Animal perspectives always make for a interesting sort of tale. The viewpoint that was presented was different and unique in a charming, animal way. Despite being a dog and a goat, the author did a wonderful job of introducing and developing the characters in the story. 

 

One confusing part in the story was when the author introduced angels who seemed to have come from a long journey. They arrived and played with and fed the animals. Angels frequently fill the story, and only the animals can see them. The tale also failed to come across as a nativity story. The only time the nativity story is mentioned is when one of the animals is in the stable, looking down on baby Jesus. 

 

A surprising part in the story, which I enjoyed, was toward the end when Ima and Lila are captured. At the camp, Lila demonstrates friendship and love to another dog by sharing her meals. Lila’s backstory, although sad, is interesting and gives the readers something to ponder.

 

Geared towards younger readers and those with a love for animals, Certain Poor Shepherds is a book partly about the nativity story but mostly about the character’s relationship presented from an animal’s point of view.   

 

A new student review of The Tale of Cloran Hastings by Brandon M. Dennis

Inferna101 posted a new student review of The Tale of Cloran Hastings by Brandon M. Dennis. See the full review.

Overall it is a good story. Worth reading if you're lacking material. However it is very slow and dragging. It took me more than half the book to really get into it. To want to turn the page. The rising action was basically me asking, "Are we there yet?" every time the boat stopped. The ending however, was very well done. I am not an emotional person with books or movies, but the last couple of chapters made my eyes a bit more watery than usual. The ending is worth it If you have nothing else to read, however if you do have something else to read, read the something else first.

A new student review of The Gift by Rebecca J. Hubbard

cowboys1 posted a new student review of The Gift by Rebecca J. Hubbard. See the full review.

I felt this book was well written and would be a good story for anyone under the age of 10.  I am 11 years old and I felt that Pip was really annoying.  She acted much younger than the 11 year olds that I know.  It would have been better if Pip was more around the age of 8 or so.

I really enjoyed the second part of the book though.  Reading about the same experiences but getting an understanding about how the horse perceived the moment was really cool!  The author obviously knows a lot about horses and how they behave.

A new student review of Halfway Home: Drawing My Way Through Japan by Christine Mari Inzer

Balchc posted a new student review of Halfway Home: Drawing My Way Through Japan by Christine Mari Inzer. See the full review.

In my opinion, This book is wonderful but I recommend this book for people older than 12
due to certain topics and words. I loved this book because I actually felt some kind of connection with the author.  I liked how this book had multiple topics - not just just focusing on one theme or subject. This book has something in it for everyone. At sometimes this book can be funny but at other times more serious.

A new student review of After Me by Joyce Scarbrough

schosgej posted a new student review of After Me by Joyce Scarbrough. See the full review.

I really enjoyed this book, it is an amazing escape from reality. Jada’s story pulls you in and won’t let go. This book is great for anyone looking for some humor and a quick getaway. I look forward to reading more books from this author and especially the next chapter in Jada’s story. Scarbrough artfully evokes emotion around every corner. Over all I loved this book.

 

A new student review of The Journey of the Marked (The Miyran Heir Series #1) by Rebecca P. McCray

TrickyCrow posted a new student review of The Journey of the Marked (The Miyran Heir Series #1) by Rebecca P. McCray. See the full review.

I thought that this book was interesting and I can't wait for the second novel. The plot felt rushed but otherwise it was alright. The characters were interesting, but it could stand for a little more diversity in sterotypes. Otherwise, it was and enjoyable and nice read. I liked the twists that were placed in it and the level of mystery kept me interested. 

A new student review of Midnight Mistry (The Mistry Trilogy) by Claire Merchant

TrickyCrow posted a new student review of Midnight Mistry (The Mistry Trilogy) by Claire Merchant. See the full review.

I found this book alright later on but not at the beginning because they focused a lot on the relationship and not a plot line. I felt this is a little too close to a Twilight plotline. However, one character I found saved this book was Salvador (or Sal) who had a sarcastic wit. This book was more about accepting fate rather than overcoming obstacles. This resulted in Taylor accomplishing little to nothing in the book. I would not read this book more than once. 

A new student review of Traveler: The Sequel to Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton

piercelg posted a new student review of Traveler: The Sequel to Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton. See the full review.

Traveler was so wonderful!!! The characters, world building, details and most of the answers I had been wanting were all there. Of course, not all the questions were answered; you have to leave somethings for the last book. Traveler was even better than Seeker as I was waiting at the end of Seeker for these moments, that I finally got in Traveler. I love the journey that Arwen has the characters take and the struggles they have along the way. All of this strengthens them and prepares them for what is to come.

Traveler takes place just after Seeker, only two weeks have passed.  Shinobu is recovering in the hospital from his injuries and Quin is by his side making sure he gets the help he needs. Did I mention Shinobu, swoon!!! I have loved him since Seeker and his first section on his POV. I just will always love him, and will pull for him no matter what! Quin has been given a new athame by Maud also know as (Young Dread). The athame helps her travel to different locations. They need this when her father finds them, and still continues to wage war.

A new student review of Arash the Archer: A Story from Ancient Persia by Shahriar Bourbour

Jonah Ross posted a new student review of Arash the Archer: A Story from Ancient Persia by Shahriar Bourbour. See the full review.

This is a good book for its intended audience of younger/beginning readers. For older audiences I would not recommend. The characters are rather generic as well as the plot. I do like how the book demonstrates traditional Persian culture in a way that is easy for people not familiar with it to understand.