A new student review of Sidekicks by Linda Palmer

Sweetfable posted a new student review of Sidekicks by Linda Palmer. See the full review.

I really enjoyed reading this book and was entertained the whole way through. There were many aspects of this novel that were really well done. This includes the relationships, and I was excited to see how each character developed. I connected with Mia, despite our differences, as she is still very relatable. I enjoyed the pacing of the novel, which never felt rushed or too slow. The writing was also fantastic, so I never became bored. I recommend this novel for anyone looking for an amazing, quick read that is full of romance and suspense.

A new student review of The Liberation by Marissa Shrock

JesusFreak posted a new student review of The Liberation by Marissa Shrock. See the full review.

When I started reading this book, I had no idea that it was actually a sequel until I reached the author’s acknowledgements at the end. I was glad to see that even though I didn’t read the first book, the descriptions in the sequel were so informative that I wasn’t confused at all. I was also quite surprised that it was a faith-based book. The majority of young adult novels aren’t faith-based, so this was an interesting and pleasant change of course from most YA books.

The plot was what first got me interested in this book. Any novel that has a dystopian universe grabs my attention, as it is my favorite genre. From start to finish, this story was an exciting, heart-pounding adventure that never lost my interest. It especially ramped things up in the last few chapters, in which I was eager to read word after word until the epic finale.

The protagonist, Vivica, was a very intriguing character to read. The way the author wrote her made her lifelike and believable. I felt her struggles as if I was right alongside her in the novel.

With non-stop action and excellent writing, The Liberation is sure to impress.

A new student review of Cameo by Tanille Edwards

leah0304 posted a new student review of Cameo by Tanille Edwards. See the full review.

This book was hard to follow because so many things were going on at once. Not only did the plot move quickly, but the characters were introduced in a confusing way. In some parts of the book, everybody was talking at once and I couldn't keep up with the fast pace. The storyline of this book was very confusing; therefore, I don’t recommend reading this novel. The author could have done a better job developing the characters, such as Nia. I didn't really feel connected to the book as well as I would have liked.

A new student review of City of the Yeti by Robert Love

moseso posted a new student review of City of the Yeti by Robert Love. See the full review.

This book was a wonderful tale about ancient, not-so-human creatures. The beginning of the book started off a bit slow without much action, but this allowed room for introducing the characters. Although the main character, Danny, was 14, the author made him come across as younger and naive. A strong secondary character was Danny’s sister, Rachel. The book never says how old she was, but her character was developed extraordinarily well, and she came across as being close to Danny’s age.

 

Once the plot got moving, the author kept my attention with one exciting twist after another. Though slightly predicable, the climax of the story was excellent and wrapped up the story well. 

 

I really enjoyed how the author threw in a "family feud" scenario. This book had several surprises that were enjoyable to read. Overall, the story was well written and kept my attention all the way through.

A new student review of Sinners, Survivors and Saints by N.D. Richman

nictaf posted a new student review of Sinners, Survivors and Saints by N.D. Richman. See the full review.

N.D. Richman has done it again. He has expertly crafted this novel and exceeded my high expectations set by book one! The plot was very fast-paced throughout. This series is getting better book by book; I cannot wait for the third installment!

One exceptional aspect of the story was that the boys were willing to face death to save their friend.

The characters were extremely well-developed, had great expressions, were very passionate about what they were doing, and had great courage in the face of danger. I would recommend this book to ages 12 and up because it includes some death and killing.

A new student review of Brothers, Bullies and Bad Guys by N.D. Richman

nictaf posted a new student review of Brothers, Bullies and Bad Guys by N.D. Richman. See the full review.

I think N.D. Richman wrote an excellent book; it was full of twists and turns. Throughout the book I didn't know what was going to happen, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the way N.D. Richman worked the themes of family and friendship into the story. I would love to read additional titles from him. The characters were highly-developed, and the plot was well-described. I absolutely loved this book!

One of the best described parts of ​Brothers, Bullies and Bad Guys was this section: “Chris's brain felt like an ice pack, and his muscles and bones ached with cold. If he moved, they would snap in two, like a Popsicle slammed into a counter.”

I can't think of anything that could make this book any better! I would recommend it to students ages 12 and up because there is some death.

A new student review of After Me by Joyce Scarbrough

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

After reading the first chapter, I knew that I would fall in love with this story. I was right. This book is filled with action: Jada breaking the arm of the school's best football player, Jada fighting against a group of boys from the school bus with her bare arms, and Jada helping her new friend, Annalee, escape from her mom's horrifying boy friend.

I enjoyed Jada's relationship with her new foster family (they treated her way better than Jada's old mother ever treated her) and Jada's new relationships with the friends she made.

This book has a cute storyline and enough twists and plots which makes it into a young adult book.

A new student review of The Dragon Round by Stephen S. Power

jotaf posted a new student review of The Dragon Round by Stephen S. Power. See the full review.

I thought this book was great.  It had me hooked from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until the epic conclusion.  Even then, it left me wanting more, and I hope that there will be another book.  The author, Stephen S. Power, gave the characters very realistic traits.  One of the most prevailing traits in some of the characters was revenge, which you can easily associate with some people’s natures (although not to this degree).  I must admit, when I first saw the description of the book, I had thought it a wild combination, but the author makes it all work together perfectly.  This book will appeal to many readers as it has the aspects of a murder mystery, a swashbuckling adventure, and a vengeance story all rolled into one that make it an amazing read.

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.