A new student review of Shades of Blue by Joyce Scarbrough

zip1 posted a new student review of Shades of Blue by Joyce Scarbrough. See the full review.

Shades of Blue has one of the best plot sequences I've ever read. As you read the book, you find out more and more about each character and get to know them on a personal level. There is also a lot of conflict within the story. The main-characters come to many heart-wrenching realizations that turn their world upside down. After I read this book I found myself wondering, "What happens to Sam and JoJo now?" IF there was a sequal to this book, I can't even imagine what would happen considering the first book is already filled to the brim with storyline. You won't be wasting your time reading this book.

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

O.B. WAN posted a new student review of The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell. See the full review.

I thought this book was quite good, although there were a few sections that were really mature thrown in there, like underage drinking and sex references. My favorite part was when Damien plays a hero and a villain at once. If the author was trying to make a suspenseful page-turner, I would say they did not succeed. The book was suspenseful, but the interludes like the party scene are just kind of weird and off topic. I would recommend this book to readers who are mature, because of the underage drinking and sex references.

A new student review of The Surrendered by Case Maynard

JesusFreak posted a new student review of The Surrendered by Case Maynard. See the full review.

The first thing that made me want to read this book was the beautiful cover art. I recognized the artist almost immediately as one who makes fan-made edits, as well as book covers. I love the way the girl stands just outside the fence with her back facing the cover. It’s a really great cover.
The first chapter grabbed me right from the start. I was immediately intrigued as to what might happen next, and how the author would grow the world. Unfortunately, I think that the book was just too short for me to really get a sense of the universe. What descriptions of the world I did get were very well put, however I just felt that, had the story been longer, it would have given me more insight as to how the world worked and all the interesting themes about it.
The main character, Vee, was a very stubborn but likeable character. She wasn’t stubborn so as to annoy, but stubborn enough that she didn’t back down easily. I felt that she obeyed only when she absolutely had to, but tried to do what she thought was right at all times.
Overall, this book had an interesting storyline and an amazing protagonist, however I think it should have been longer to fully immerse the reader in the world.
 

A new student review of Heavy Sketches Among Worldly Distractions by Red Rohl

Gwendolyn posted a new student review of Heavy Sketches Among Worldly Distractions by Red Rohl. See the full review.

It’s similar to the humor style of The 13-Story Treehouse series by Andy Griffiths in that it’s likely to amuse younger readers more so than older ones. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t sections of intrigue for readers of all ages, as Rohl seamlessly incorporates autobiographical anecdotes and miscellaneous facts between cartoony doodles.

 

Put together in a scrapbook format with a sketchy style, Rohl’s organization of this book is easygoing and interactive. The only con is that it is sometimes difficult to decipher, making the covered page overwhelming to focus on in a few sections. Horror vacui, meaning the fear of empty spaces (a term used in reference to visual art often when describing an artwork with little to no bare sections) is a fair description of Rohl’s youthful graphic novel. Each reader’s preference for this style will most likely vary.

 

While mainly geared at children from eight to thirteen, some parents might appreciate a content warning, as some of the heavier subjects discussed feel questionable for readers under thirteen. Mentions of meth, even though discouraging its use, might not be considered age-appropriate by some parents.

 

With cut and pasted drawings of pirates, zombies, Vikings, monsters, and Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by playful lettering and casual commentary, this unique memoir is fast-paced, conversational, and creatively compelling.

 

The perfect read for reluctant readers, Heavy Sketches Among Worldly Distractions captures and engages with overflowing pages of subtle educational facts and tidbits of random information, balancing plenty of humorous anecdotes, inspiration and advice for young artists, and somewhat heavier topics in a lighthearted and affable way.

A new student review of This Is Not The End by Jesse Jordan

zip1 posted a new student review of This Is Not The End by Jesse Jordan. See the full review.

My opinion of this story is that it took a long time to really get into the story. It is boring at the beginning as the plot unfolds, but once you learn more about the characters and see some of the action, it gets really interesting. There is also a lot of action in this book, but it isn't gory, which is good because most "action books" feature blood and death, while this book just has a few fist-fights and a lot of debating/arguing. When the main character realizes what his "job" is, the book is a lot more interesting. If you stay with the book though, it has a really good ending and plot twist.

A new student review of Button Nose the Sad Little Bear by Gina LoBiondo

Jowill posted a new student review of Button Nose the Sad Little Bear by Gina LoBiondo. See the full review.

Beautiful illustrations that look like they are drawn with colored pencils, along with real photographs of the bear and children, add charm to this story.

The way the bear was loved, lost, and then loved again reminded me a lot of the movie Toy Story. 

Part of me wanted the characters to have names instead of generic titles like Sad Bear or Little Girl. However, as I got to the end and found out Little Girl's true name, I understood why she wasn't named earlier.

The photographs at the end made the story even more endearing. They were a wonderful addition to the book!

Any child or adult who has had a favorite toy will be touched by this book!

A new student review of Ollie's Odyssey by William Joyce

moseso posted a new student review of Ollie's Odyssey by William Joyce. See the full review.

This unique story and plot line makes a wonderful and captivating book. From the start, Ollie’s Odyssey demands the reader’s attention, instantly relating the characters to real life. The way the author creates and develops Billy and Ollie as actors in the story is amazing. Despite Billy being only six years old and Ollie being a stuffed toy, it is impossible not to grow attached to the characters.

 

The plot of the story is unique and inventive. Never before have I read a book with such interesting details even though it appears to be a children’s book. An evil clown, a wonderful relationship between a boy and his stuffed animal, evil henchmen, unexpected allies, the list goes on! This book is definitely one to read! Ollie’s Odyssey will remind one and all of the wonderful adventures we used to have with our stuffed animals when we were young.    

A new student review of Wraith Queen's Veil by Lou Hoffmann

nictaf posted a new student review of Wraith Queen's Veil by Lou Hoffmann. See the full review.

Lou Hoffman made yet another awesome book filled with fantasy, adventure, action, and thrills around every corner! This book was a great addition to The Sun Child Chronicles, adding more detail to the wonderful world of Ethra! It was chock-full of magic and danger; this is the best book of the series yet!

The author perfectly blended old and new characters in this fantasy series. I think the best parts of the book were when Lucky was being heroic. I can't wait to read book three! This book was not a stand-alone; I would advise reading book one before this one. I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up. If you like fantasy and fiction, you would love this book!

A new student review of Halito Gianna: The Journey Continues (Series) by Becky Villareal

Anjel posted a new student review of Halito Gianna: The Journey Continues (Series) by Becky Villareal. See the full review.

This book was an interesting combination of mystery and history. I am proud to say I learned some Choctow while reading this book. It has a very good plot and a feel-good ending. My favorite part(s) were all the strange coincidences; it was truly surprising. Although this was a good book, I did have trouble imagining the setting. I would recommend this book to 2nd-6th graders and to avid young readers.

A new student review of The Alien Mind by Virginia Jennings

1231713 posted a new student review of The Alien Mind by Virginia Jennings. See the full review.

I really liked this book.  It is a message of hope, of hope for the future, and shows that it will be the younger generations that will lead the way.  The story is riveting, imaginative, and hopeful. I like how the author builds up the scenes as she is going along, rather than trying to give you the whole "concept" in the first few pages.  It sets up the entire story, but lets the story tell itself over the chapters, which is nice because you are not trying to remember every detail from the beginning of the book.  Over all, the friendship of Riv and Dan is what sets up this story to be exceptional.  It's the life long concept of sharing burdens, as in the song "Lean on me" by Bill Withers.  Afterall, life's travels do seem to be better when we share both the burdens and the joys with friends.