Open Wounds by Joseph Lunievicz

Growing up in Queens in the 1930s with a drunken abusive father and a strict grandmother, Cid Wymann hasn't had a lot of exposure to the outside world.  This changes when he, one day, sneaks out to follow his grandma to church services.  When he arrives at a movie theatre, he threatens to tell unless she lets him see the show with her.  There, he watches Captain Blood, a dashing swordsman, and his dream of becoming a fencing master is born. Cid eventually becomes friends with two boys as they unite to battle the bullies in their neighborhood.  As Cid grows up and his father goes missing, he is placed in the custody of his cousin, a disfigured war veteran called Lefty.  Cid begins to learn fencing from Nikolai Varvarinski, a Russian sword master, and faces new challenges, develops new relationships, and starts to discover who he truly is.

This book was a sad, but exciting, coming-of-age book that kept my interest until the very end, as well as after I had finished it. It dealt with many different issues such as World War II, culture differences, poverty, and drug reliance in a manner that helped you feel as if you were living in the 1940s with Cid. The setting and mood was mostly dark, but it fit the plot well.  Times were tough, Cid fended for himself, but the overall feel of the book had an edge of hope that made the reader cheer him on as he faced his enemies: some human, some within himself. Cid and all of the characters were all very believable. Cid was violent, he got into fights like teenage boys do, and he acted like you expected him to after getting to know his personality traits. The story is told from Cid's perspective, which fits the style of the book. It is intense, powerful, and very interesting. The author ended the story almost abruptly, but it fit with the plot. I loved the whole book: Cid's confusion and heartbreak, all of his struggles that built his entire character. I felt like I could have been his best friend. I would recommend this book to anyone who would enjoy an intense page-turner.

some language, addictive drug use (opium, morphine)
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Sandy, OR USA

Sirensong by Jenna Black

Dana is a Faeriewalker, a mortal who can travel between the world of humans and Avalon. When she is invited to an enemy queens court, it is impossible to say no, as she is going as a guest or as a prisoner. Needless to say, the guest option is much preferred. At the first meal in the queens court, a bomb explodes, nearly killing the Faerie princess. Naturally, Dana is framed, and she must run to save her life and those of her friends. Will the rules of court master her, or will Dana somehow find a way to rescue everyone?
Full of courtly intrigue with romance and fantasy mixed in, Sirensong really is for fantasy readers. Its rare to read a book in the fantasy genre with so much romance! It was a nice change, and the author utilized humor well. The chick- flick ness of this book does make it a girlie read though. The relationships between the characters is fascinating, from the alcoholic mom to the complicated boyfriend, these characters are not clich￩ and the setting in which they interact is utterly unique. Nonetheless, there was minor sexual content and use of language that was unnecessary, the book would have been even better without it! Overall, I would recommend this book to fantasy and romance readers alike.


A major portion of the book was devoted to the drama of Dana, the main character, being required to lose her virginity to the Erkling to save her boyfriend. Though she never actually loses it, it is a major portion of the plot. Also, there is quite a bit of language used.
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Colleyville, TX U.S.

Rescuing Rover by Raymond Bial

This book is about dogs that need help across the US. They need help because they are abused, not cared for, or are homeless. In this book, there was a couple who found a dog in a brand new pet carrier while they were taking their trash to the dumpster.  The dog had her mouth taped shut. The couple took pity on the poor dog and took her home. According to the book, the dog is now happy and healthy. Although animal shelters can help with these problems, we need everyone to pitch in and help them. The shelters cannot do it alone. The book, also, details a day in a life of an animal shelter worker.  Although the job can be sad and heartbreaking it can also be joyful and pleasant.  The author gives good information about bad breeders and puppy mills.  He informs us about how we can help them. This book starts out sad by telling the tragic story of a dog but ends happy by telling you how you can adopt and help them.
Overall, I thought it was a good book because it informed me about this terrible situation. It also influenced me and made me want to help them. I would recommend this book for children in grades 3rd and up that are not too sensitive.  This is because it had some really sad parts. Though it is sad it is a real problem that needs a real solution.

Reviewer Age:10
Reviewer City, State and Country: Purcellville, VA USA

Thief-Book 2 in the Brides of Alba by Linda Windsor

Thief is an incredibly well-written piece of historical
fiction.  The story begins with a banished mercenary named
Caden and a minstrel and thief named Sorcha.  Through an
unlikely twist of fate the two meet and Caden offers a way
out of a proposal Sorcha has been forced to accept.  They
escape together, but Sorcha soon learns that there is way
more to Cadens past than she could have ever imagined, and
that he might know more about her that she would like.  As
their pasts catch up with them, they must decide if they
will ever be able to trust, or love, each other.
I have
read several of books by Linda Winsor and I have loved every
one, and this is no exception!!  Thief is a great work of
historical fiction that really makes you feel like you are
witnessing the events as they unfold in sixth century
Scotland.  The characters are complex and interesting
without being unreal, and the plot moves along quickly to a
surprising conclusion.  I highly recommend this book to any
teen reader!

Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and
Country: Virginia Beach, VA USA

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Awake at Dawn by C. C. Hunter

Kylie is just starting to feel normal at Shadow Falls camp, where she lives with witches, fae, vampires and, of course, werewolves. Suddenly a ghost comes and tells Kylie that someone she loves is about to die and she is the only one who can stop it. But the ghost won't give any clues to who is about to die. On top of all that Kylie starts gaining odd powers like enjoying blood and superhuman speed and strength. Just as Kylie is about to be with Derek for real, he starts pulling away, and Lucas shows up in her dreams. A weekend away with her mom should help Kylie feel better but she might not even make it back to Shadow Falls alive.

Awake at Dawn was pretty good. I thought it could use more descriptions of the settings but this helped me imagine it how I thought it should be. The characters were descriptive in their thoughts and feelings. I recommend this book to people who like the House of Night series, Hush, hush, Nightshade, Fallen and Hex Hall.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Northglenn, Colorado United States

Departures by Robin Jones Gunn

Departures, by Robin Jones Gunn, consists of two novellas. The first one called, "Now Boarding at Gate 10," is about a girl named Christy Miller. Christy is on her way to Wisconsin for her grandparents' 50th anniversary. There, her childhood crush finally starts noticing her. She likes this guy, but is still thinking of her previous boyfriend, Todd. Christy Miller learns many things in "Now Boarding at Gate 10," and so will you.

Now flipping to the second novella. "In the Event of a Water Landing," involves 15 year old Sierra Jensen and her friend Jana, along with Jana's brother Gregg and his friend Tim. They are on their way to Jana and Gregg's summer cabin for the weekend. Sierra and Jana have always been competitive, but haven't been very interested in guys...until now. Though Sierra and Jana don't announce that they are competing for the same guy, it is apparent throughout the book. The girls decide that although they may like guys, they aren't sure they are "ready to blossom," as Sierra would put it. Sierra decides that one day she'll stop being a tomboy and act like a woman, but not today.

Departures is a well written book, but is kind of a letdown compared to some of Gunn's other books. This book uncovers lies about dating, and I would recommend it to others. This book is short, sweet and clean, therefore I would recommend it for ages 12 and up. Although this book was pretty good, it went a little slow, and I found myself daydreaming at some points. All in all, I think that this book is definitely worth reading, and I would encourage you to give it a try.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Rapid City, SD USA

Viola in the Spotlight by Adriana Trigiani

Viola, a real New Yorker at heart is back and totally ready to hang out! Andrew and Caitlin, her best friends, are growing distant as changes enter their life. She then realizes that she has to make up her mind, is her heart really set on Brooklyn? Does she really have her heart set on Brooklyn? What makes it so different from anywhere else?

Personally, I thought this book was a little bland but a relaxing read. I think that this book compares to Chicks With Sticks (it's a Purl Thing) by Elizabeth Lenhard. I don't think that I would recommend this book because it is not interesting enough for me. I think that the author should improve the quality of the story by adding a bit of adventure. I found it totally predictable.

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Lake Bluff, IL USA

If I Could Fly

This book is about a fifteen year-old girl named Doris.  Her parents are musicians who perform late at night at parties and club, so she is used to being home alone.  However, when her mother leaves her and her father, her father finds a new girlfriend.  An incident occurs when a violent classmate attacks her best friend.  Doris is even more alone, so she seeks company with the pigeons on the roof of the apartment building she lives in. Doris finds what her full potential is and who she really is.

I personally thought the book was very slow paced and confusing at times.   It had an interesting plot,but it was somewhat slow moving.The book would have been much better if it moved at a faster pace.Ms. Cofer had a lot of Spanish phrases and words in the book.It would have been helpful if she had put some sort of glossary or had defined them in the story because I could not understand those words.Overall though, it had interesting characters and an interesting plot.
Reviewer Age:13: Uxbridge, MA USA

Concrete Savior by Yvonne Navarro

Concrete Savior is the second novel in the Dark Redemption series. The book continues the story of Brynna Malak, a fallen angel who is trying to gain a second chance at Heaven through good deeds done on Earth. Amidst her budding relationship with Eran Redmond, a Detective in the Chicago Police Force, and the ever-present fear of attack from Lucifer's Hunters, Brynna begins to uncover the truth lurking behind a series of daring rescues. Although the anonymous hero is preventing the deaths of citizens, there are still disastrous consequences of each saved life. Brynna suspects the dark trickery of demons is involved as she digs deeper and deeper into the mystery in this fast-paced and intense read.
I found this novel to be fascinating, full of action, romance, and well-developed characters. Each individual is very realistic, containing unique flaws and talents with a very clear mindset and personality and I particularly enjoyed how you find yourself reading from the point of view of the majority of the characters, including both the heroes and the villains. This way I felt I had a better grasp on the reasons behind everyone's actions and the many different parts of the overarching plot. I also appreciated the distinctive complexities of the plot, as fantastical creatures and superhuman elements are interwoven in the typical drudgery of city life and human existence. The writing itself was not particularly powerful or complex, but it was effective in recounting the thoughts and conversations of the different characters and fairly adept at describing the scenery. Overall, I found the book to be extremely suspenseful and definitely a page-turner, with an intricate plot and deep exploration of the characters.
There was some intense violence and mature language.
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Needham, MA USA

Dead on the Delta by Stacey Jay

Dead on the Delta is about a girl named Annabelle Lee. She is one of the few people immune to fairy bites in the entire city of Donaldsonville.  When a murder comes up, it's up to Annabelle to save the day. She becomes entangled in an ongoing investigation about a drug (aka breeze house) ring and when a lover from her past comes up, things get downright complicated. What Annabelle finds out in her own investigation puts everyone under suspicion, and the identity of the murderer is so surprising, you'll have to read the book to find out.
The author who wrote Dead on the Delta is a genius. With an exciting plot and surprises around every corner, this is a great murder mystery. The characters are so vivid, you get sucked into a world where fairies are real and romance runs rampant. I could hardly put the book down! The only flaw I found in the book was the excessive swearing, which distracted me from the story line. Overall, Dead on the Delta was a great book, and I would gladly recommend it to those who like mysteries, adventure, and romance.
I gave this book a content rating of 2 because there was a lot of swearing, alcohol, a drug ring, and mentions of sexual activities.
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Rockford, Michigan U.S.A.

Education World: Facebook Joins Team to Banish Bullying

Education World: Facebook Joins Team to Banish Bullying

Miles From Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams

Miles From Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams

RE: Color Struck

You're welcome:) Thanks for the nice email, and good luck with your writing!

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RE: A Caper in Fabel

I noticed that the trolls (who were second-class citizens much like the Native Americans & African Americans) were from a land called "Low Sneeran." In the story, the "wall" Humpty Dumpty sat on was actually a dam. When the "wall" fell, Low Sneeran flooded. I later realized Low Sneeran is an anagram for New Orleans. I think he was referencing Katrina.

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The Adventures of Hood and Fudd by J. Bradford Lawler

The year is 1888 and Jedediah Hood, a Half-Breed (half Cherokee, half Irish) was driven out of his home with his mother and sister when his father was murdered by a group of outlaws and their leader Emmett Stone. They then fled to the Cherokee tribe. Now, coming back to his homeland to claim his father’s land, he finds an unlikely friend in Ruben Fudd. His hometown of Iron Gate has had many attacks from a man-eating mountain lion. Also, a mysterious stranger has been confronting Emmett Stone and his group of outlaws. Hood will stop at nothing until justice and safety are restored in Iron Gate.

This is a good book worth reading. It is on the shorter side but the number of pages is just right for the amount of story in the book. The author puts you on your toes just waiting for the next page and the ending is phenomenal.

Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Philadelphia, PA United States

Hastur Lord by Marion Zimmer Bradley

The book Hastur Lord is about Regis Hastur and his brother Rinaldo. Read as they embark on a mission to stop from being a part of a growing empire, and bring their land back to the way it was before the years of chaos. Will they be able to withstand all the empire throws at them? Can they trust the people they are around? Can they trust each other? Most important, can they save their planet from being just another toy in the empire's hands?

The book is very serious and sad. But the story was told great, and the characters were painted perfectly. The only thing I could have wished more out of the book is that it had more fun times in it. But I think it would be a better book for a higher age lever.

Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Olympia, Washington United States

Soppy vampire books

Soppy vampire books really... Grrrr... they really destroy all admiration I held for all those novels beforehand which portrayed the deathly horror of good old fashoined vamps. Yes, I am one of those who recoils in desgust at the books plastered in stupid people posing about thinking 'look at me I'm so cool - I'm in love with this vampire dude, and, and, he's just soo deep'... grrrr (again). Look guys, I've got nothing against those who like this genre (if it can be classed as one), but who here has the decency to agree with me? P.S. as my little brother stands over me whatching every word I type, I feel obliguied to add that he said "Soppy vampire books really pop my spine" - which in all fairness doesn't make much sense but he gets the jist. (ah, lil bro, you so crazy!) I apolagised if I sounded cruel and unsavoury, I really am... but can you convinse me that there's even one good vampire book out these days?

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RE: Fast Readers

Unfortuneatly, I have to slightly dissapoint you. I am one to savour each and every word written, I am a one to hate in the slow reading department, however I usually get to finish a book within a week. But the novel to face ratio is emmensly high and somewhat constant. You can see me doing not much else. If I were one of those to pick up a book and skimm through its pages I would find myself not becoming one with the story, becoming part of it... and plus deslexia runs through my blood - however I do not believe I posess it, no matter how confusing things are to me, all I think is - I shall become senile oh too quick!

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RE: need more reads!

I have to appologise by the fact that recomending books is not really my forte. However, I have read many which are good, but they may come across to seem weird and obscure. Or others a bit heavy (know what I mean?). And sometimes I can find myself at a loose end - reading material is short in my household, and I am afraid to say that biding by the facts of me living here - in the united Kingdom, I cannot reveiw like yourself. But, I do find solice in reading the novels which distant relitives and friends recommend for me. No matter the contents.

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RE: The Hunger Games

i loved hunger games... people were saying they didnt like mockingjay because of how catniss and all the other characters turned out but i think it shows how u are changed by every little thing... imageine if the one u loved turned against u, if your family would die if u made 1 mistake, so what i mean (not giving away any spoilers) is even though we saw 2 different catnisses i think it was VERY important for the plot.

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A Caper in Fabel

Great mystery novel for kids AND adults. Most people do not recognize the metaphors & social commentary in this book. It is a cross between Animal Farm, Sherlock Holmes & Shrek. I give it a 10!!!

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RE: Fast Readers

ive got the same problem, people always think i only skin the page, and in class when peole read aloud argh so painful

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Wonderland by Joanna Nadin

Grabbing the envelope containing the precious application for drama school, Jude knows that once again her self-doubt will get in the way of her mailing it.  So when she brings the letter back home and places it back in her drawer, her mind begins to wander back to earlier days; back to the outgoing childhood friend, named Stella, that she used to have. Stella had come during those sorrow-filled days after her mother had passed away when she was only eight, and had encouraged Jude and was there for her when her mother no longer could be. She realizes that if Stella were still here then she would mail the letter for her, because Stella was always the brave one, the one who was never afraid of anything.  Not long after that, to Jude’s surprise and overjoyed happiness, Stella arrives, the picture of perfection and ready and willing to turn Jude into that glowing, standout actress that she longs to be.  Jude has always dreamed of moving to London and getting away from her boring, lonely, unremarkable Churchtown life where she lives unhappily with her pathetic dad and younger brother above the local post office owned by her father.  She sees drama school and Stella as that glimmer of hope for her life; but when Stella begins to take things too far, will Jude embrace her new identity or take back what is rightfully hers: herself?

I enjoyed Wonderland, by Joanna Nadin, and I think that she did a very good job at writing and planning the plotline for this story.  She wrote in short fragments a lot of the time, which kind of represented how people sometimes think, and I thought that was pretty unique and made the pages fly by quicker.  I enjoyed the characters; Ed seemed like he would be the perfect boyfriend, Jude was extremely easy to relate to, and Stella’s outgoing personality made for an interesting read. The conclusion definitely was surprising. I was not expecting what had happened at all; I would have never guessed that it would, but in a way, it definitely did make sense, and I enjoyed how the story came together in the end.  Wonderland is a great, quick summer read and I am looking forward to seeing what else Joanna Nadin writes in the future.

There was a lot of alcohol substance, sex and sexual suggestions and such, foul language, smoking, illegal drugs, and unruly behavior, rebellion, and disobedience.

Reviewer Age:17

Reviewer City, State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA USA

I So Don't Do Famous by Barrie Summy

Since seventh-grade Sherry (short for Sherlock) Holmes Baldwin has an eighth-grade boyfriend, she is sort of a celebrity at her middle school. On top of that, she is a very well-known detective in the spirit world for solving mysteries with her spirit mother. In "I So Don't Do Famous," Sherry gets to work on her biggest case yet-in Hollywood, California! People have been committing burglaries in the houses of young celebrities, and it's up to Sherry to discover who's hosting the heists. Also, she's got to convince the Beverly Hills Police Department that she can solve this mystery.

I thought this book was GREAT! I also reviewed the third book in this series, "I So Don't Do Makeup," and I liked both books. I could easily picture the setting of the book, since Ms. Summy described it so well. The author's voice was that of a 13-year-old, as it was in first-person narration. I could picture Sherry as a real person because the author did such a good job of sounding like a thirteen-year-old girl. Again, this was a great book, and I would DEFINITELY recommend it to someone who likes mysteries.

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Hopkins, Michigan USA

The Immortal Lost by H.R. Phillips

The Immortal Lost is about a twenty-three year old girl, home to visit after graduating collage, who has always been slightly different. Dylan Black has the ability to see into others minds. What her mother calls a gift, she has learned from a young age to be a curse. A fun pass time that now she tries to avoid, thanks to a strange man who gave her horrible thoughts it seems on purpose. Now he's back to haunt her dreams and her conscious mind. Along with too very real people, one of which is a very good looking younger man, who try to answer her questions, but their answers only lead to more questions.
I thought H.R Phillips book was a bit jumbled. Instead of starting in Dylan and the main male character's past, and jumping forward, it seemed most of the book was made up of flash backs. It made it confusing and hard to understand. He was really descriptive and I could easily picture the environment the characters were in. The tightness of Dylan s family and few friends made me envious. I didn't quite understand the plot but it was an ok, fast read.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Glendale, AZ United States

The Map of Me by Tami Lewis Brown

In The Map of Me by Tami Lewis Brown, Margie goes on a mission to find her Mama who disappeared and left a note on the fridge saying, I HAVE TO GO , but where? She tries to find out and ends up on a HUGE adventure. Margie makes herself promise to find Mama and save the day and to live up to her sister, Peep, who is a genius and is always getting money for good grades. Margie soon finds herself kidnapping her sister while trying to get to a chicken museum in the car they stole from her Dad.  Since Mama is obsessed with chickens and needs only one more to complete her collection, the chicken museum is a reasonable place to search for her.  The whole time Margie wonders, Should I have done this? Can I turn the car around and give up? But she always answers, no , and the search continues.
This book is a little young for me, so that may be why I do not give it such good reviews but to younger people (ages 7-9) it would be perfect. The one thing I did not like about the book is that the ending did not wrap up the story for me like it could have.  It seemed like a sequel may be in the works (if there is that would be great!)

Reviewer Age:10
Reviewer City, State and Country: Rchester, New York U.S.A

Liar, Liar by Gary Paulsen

Fourteen year old Kevin is really good when it comes to getting people to do what he wants. Right now he wants to make a girl like him. To do that, he needs to spend time with her. ﾠ The story takes place mostly at Kevin s school. He tells about having a terrible disease to get Katie to do his school project for him. He gets his teachers to let him out of class. He also convinces his friends to get his class work for him. Everything is going wonderful till people realize he is not telling them the truth. Kevin has to find out some way to turn things around, especially when he is faced with the possibility of losing his family. Can getting a girl to like you be worth it?
ﾠ
ﾠ
Gary Paulsen gives the reader a lot of different reasons why it is not a good idea to lie. The character Kevin, is faced with many decisions to make.  The book keeps you wondering what will happen next . It is a good book for middle school students.
I had to ask my Mom what was meant on page 17, last sentence of the first paragraph.  She wasn't real happy.
Reviewer Age:10
Reviewer City, State and Country: Glenwood, Arkansas USA

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

What would you think if you and your sister touched a handprint in an ancient Tuscan archeological site and suddenly you ended up six hundred years in the past? Well that s what happens to Gabi Betarrini, an American girl who finds herself stuck in fourteenth century Italy. Dressed in medieval gowns, Gabi seems to be having the time of her life, especially when a certain Italian knight is looking her way, but life is not all perfect in the hills of Tuscany. The ongoing battle between the Houses of Forelli and Paratore threaten the safety of both families and it gets extremely personal when Gabi hears that her sister might be a captive of the Paratores. Given a heartbreak ultimatum Gabi must think of how she will save her sister and how she will ever make it back home to her own time.
Gabi Betarrini, the female protagonist, displays a refreshing modern twist to the traditional female lead. Her strong willed personality, obvious intelligence and ability to solve problems without depending on a male counterpart makes her a good role model to young adult readers. The book was well written for the proposed audience and it was obvious that the author put a lot of time into research in order to present historically accurate information. Though the ending was a bit clich￩ and expected I would definitely recommend this novel, the plot twist made it very hard to put down.

Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Reston, Virginia United States of America

Nightspell by Leah Cypess

When Princess Darriniaka goes to Ghostland with her brother Varis, she has only one thought:  I have to rescue Callie, even if it means staying here!  Darri doesn t even consider the fact that her younger sister Callie might not want to leave.  Soon after Darri arrives at the castle, Callie tells her that Prince Kestin, whom Darri had been planning to marry in order to free Callie, has been murdered.  It is only later that Darri learns Callie is also a ghost.  Darri refuses to leave her sister in Ghostland but how can Callie return home if the touch of sunlight will kill her (for real this time!)?
I never thought I d say I liked a ghost story, but Nightspell was amazing.  This book is called a companion story to Mistwood, which I also reviewed (http://www.flamingnet.com/bookreviews/newreviews/newbookreview.cfm?title=Mistwood), but this story was much easier to follow, and seemed to have nothing in common with Mistwood.  It was interesting that ghosts were the result of murder, a chance for the person to get revenge on their killer.  This is a book that I think anyone would like, unless you don t like really gross-sounding things.


Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Lake City, IA USA

In Trouble by Ellen Levine

    Set in the late 1950 s during the McCarthy Era, Jamie and Elaine are best friends and now they are finally juniors in high school. Elaine has a college boyfriend named Neil and Jamie could have a boyfriend, if only she would open her heart up to Paul. During this time, girls who get in trouble are ignored, made fun of and are sometimes even sent away. So what happens when Elaine gets in trouble . Will she be sent away, leaving Jamie without her best friend? Will Elaine and Neil get married? Jamie s head spins with all of these thoughts. Also at this time, Jamie faces her haunting past of what happened that night and also the reunion with her Dad as he comes home from prison. Who knows what will happen to Elaine, but she is one girl of many facing trouble during this time.
   In Trouble was a book that took me back to the 1950 s and gave me the idea of what happens to girls who are facing teen pregnancy. The setting was really important in this book because teen pregnancy in the 1950 s was very unthinkable. Discrimination and being sent away were very likely if you were a pregnant teenager. Jamie, as the main character, was very dynamic, meaning she changed drastically throughout the book.  Throughout the book I felt sympathy for Elaine because she was a pregnant teenager without much support from her family or her boyfriend Neil. However I loved both of the characters, and I think the author did a great job including them in the plot. Also, I thought the author did a great job of explaining what happens to girls who get in trouble and the consequences they must face. I really liked this book and I would recommend it to girls 13 years and above, due to the talk of pregnancy and abortions.
I would advise adult guidance for this book because it does talk about abortions, pregnancy, and rape.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Springfield, Ohio USA

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Calla Tor is a Guardian, and can shapeshift seamlessly from human to wolf whenever she wants, which is helpful when she and her pack must protect the sacred sites for their masters, the Keepers. As the alpha female, Calla must lead her pack and marry the alpha male of a rival pack, Ren. But when she illicitly saves a human boy, Shay, she feels an undeniable attraction to him. When Shay causes Calla to question the Keepers' rules, her impending marriage, and her whole lifestyle, Calla must make the choice to remain dutiful to her pack or follow her heart.
I loved Nightshade and thought that it was a great addition to the paranormal genre. Now that there is a plethora of vampire novels, authors are shifting their books towards werewolves, which is the mythical creature that takes center stage in Nightshade. I liked that Calla and her pack are non-traditional werewolves: they can shapeshift at will and not just at the full moon, and there is a whole pack heirachy with rules and regulations that makes the novel very interesting. An important part of Nightshade is the love triangle between Calla, Ren, and Shay. In the vein of Twilight, I'm sure these two male leads will spark a lot of debate and cause readers to pick the one they like better. I think both options are realistic for Calla but I just hope that the romance debate won't get in the way of Nightshade's actual plot, which is very interesting. Nothing that Calla has been told about the Keepers and the Guardians (which is what the werewolves are called) is true and she must find out the truth in subsequent novels. Overall, I really enjoyed Nightshade and can't wait for the next book!

Reviewer Age:19
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, Pennsylvania United States

RE: Ameca J and the Revenge of Rex-Ultar

The book is now uploaded to our list of available books to review. I look forward to reading the review!

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Ameca J and the Revenge of Rex-Ultar

The second book in the Ameca J series has now been sent to Flamingnet for review, hopefully available in the next couple of days.

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FLAWLESS

FLAWLESS is about a high school student named Sarah.  She is completely stunning, except for her enormous nose.   When her peers tease her, Sarah is able to stand up for herself: she is a strong person.   A new student, Rock, arrives in school and his presence changes everything.  Sarah is immediately in love.  If loving Rock wasn’t complicated enough, Sarah’s friend, Kristen, announces she likes Rock too.  Kristen is drop dead gorgeous and Rock falls for her.  Sarah has to hide her feelings for Rock while helping Kristen maintain the relationship.  Sarah knows she has to let the truth come out no matter what the price.
I really enjoyed FLAWLESS.  I was constantly trying to find times during the day so I could read.  I found it really enjoyable and relatable.  I found myself experiencing the same emotions the characters experienced.  It all seemed so real.  I learned that you always need to be true to yourself.  I would definitely recommend this book to others because it was a good plot and I was never bored.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Valparaiso, Indiana USA 

Lunch-Box Dream

The book Lunch-Box Dream is about a young boy named Bobby who is taking a road trip with his family. They are planning to visit various Civil War battle sites. Things don’t go quite according to plan, and after an accident, they are forced to take a bus back home. Here, they see first-hand the horrors of racism and segregation. This work of historical fiction is set in the late 1950s, a time of racial turmoil.

Lunch-Box Dream has a very good setting, and I think the author does a very good job of describing many of the places they went. I didn't really like the writing style of this book. The way it was written didn't keep me interested in the story. I felt it was dull. The viewpoints switched between many different characters, and I often wondered how a certain chapter was relevant to the rest of the story. I didn't feel like I knew the characters very well, and most of them didn't seem to have a unique personality. The ending didn't seem to have a climax, and the book ended rather abruptly. The one main flaw of the book was the changing viewpoints, which often didn't make sense with the rest of the story. I did think the author was very good at describing things that the characters saw throughout the book. It was a nice view into the lives of people during that time period.

Reviewer Age:16

Reviewer City, State and Country: Otsego, MN USA

Calli Be Gold

Hi, Thank you for the nice review on Calli Be Gold! I'm glad the reviewer enjoyed the story. I think it will resonate with any kid who has superstar siblings but hasn't quite found his or her area to shine. I'm working on a companion book, narrated in the voice of Calli's best friend Wanda. --Michele Weber Hurwitz

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The Ameca J Series

Following the Top Choice review of my first book, Ameca J and the Legacy of Menindus, I will be posting the 2nd in the series this week, Ameca J and the Revenge of Rex-Ultar so that my reviewer can read the sequel. So watch this space...

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Bubblegum Psychology by Heidi Kice

Bubblegum Psychology is the story of Brenna Fawn Goldsmith, who is sent to a sanatorium after committing arson. During the sessions in which the sanatorium's doctors try to figure her out, she tells them lies about her crime and her life. All of this changes, however, when she is transferred to Dr. Cannon. He is a young psychologist who catches her lies easily and works to find out what is really going on in Brenna's head, and what exactly she set on fire. Brenna makes many "crazy" friends in the sanatorium, and learns a little about what it means to be sane.

Bubblegum Psychology was a fantastic book. The author created some very memorable characters, from the boy who hated the color brown to the doctor obsessed with having a miracle schizoprhenia case. Brenna herself was very realistic, from the way she reacted to her placement in a sanatorium to the way she treated her new friends. There was just the right amount of humor, as well, which came in the form of the other kids in the sanatorium and Brenna's over-the-top lies during her psychology sessions. The story had plenty of exciting moments, and I held my breath as Brenna made life-altering decisions. I would reccommend Bubblegum Psychology to everyone who likes realistic fiction, and spends time thinking about thoughts.

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: , Pennsylvania USA

SUBJ1

Do u know whats the Hardest Riddle in the world ?

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The Return: Midnight by L.J.Smith

Stefan is trapped in the dark dimension, until Elena and Damon save him that is. Being in the dark dimension hurts Stefan more than noticeable and he needs more blood than Elena can give him. While he is still weak, a mysterious, magical flower has turned Damon into a human. Of course, Damon is not okay with this, and will do anything to be turned into a vampire again. But, what will happen when he accidentally drags Bonnie along with him? Leaving Matt and Meredith alone to save Fell's church from evil spirits, Stefan and Elena hurry to save Bonnie. Will they make it in time? Are Matt and Meredith capable of stopping the evil power taking over their home town?

L.J. Smith is one of my favorite authors. I absolutely adore all of her books. She is a fantastic writer and her novels are always addicting, entertaining, and flat-out amazing. This would have to be one of my favorite series because it is so interesting and fun to read. This book, in particular, I liked, because it seemed so realistic to me, even though it is clearly impossible for anything like this to actually happen. It was dark, exotic, witty, entertaining, romantic, and everything I look for in a good novel.  I love books about vampires and this book takes that to a whole new level.  I recommend this book to any lovers of vampires or supernatural novels.

Content Rating: 1
Rating: 10
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fairborn, Ohio United States

Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs

Tempest has a seemingly perfect life. She has a loving family, the perfect boyfriend and a group of friends surrounding her. But there’s something peculiar about Tempest. Her mother is a mermaid who has left the family to pursue life under the ocean. Tempest will have to make a decision, and quickly. A mermaid’s seventeenth birthday marks the time when she makes life-changing choices. She must choose to either stay as a human or follow in her mother’s footsteps. She finds a desperate craving to give herself to the water, but fights it harder and harder each day. As her seventeenth birthday approaches, Tempest meets Kona, an extremely talented surfer. His amazing abilities on the water hint of non-human powers, but is it a trap for Tempest? Her birthday creeps nearer, and she’s more lost than ever.

This book was a fresh idea made into an enjoyable read. There are lighthearted moments of romance sprinkled through the pages, and deeper moments when Tempest is questioning her morals and the actions of her mother. This book mixes fairy-tale fiction, action, romance, and realistic fiction into a perfect teen novel. There are also several unexpected twists that make the book a page-turner. Finally, a book on supernatural beings that aren’t vampires!

Content: 1
Rating: 8
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leawood, KS United States

The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book by Jeff Kinney

Within this book, there are a variety of fun activities to do, some of which relate to various parts of the Wimpy Kid series. There are things like "Design Your Dream House," "Plan the Ultimate Road Trip," and several quizzes (for instance, "Take a Friendship Compatibility Test," "Personality Test," and "How Well Do You Know Your Friend?"). One of my favorite parts is "What's in Your Brain?" - on one page, it has a brain filled out by Greg, and on the other is a blank brain for you to separate into parts of what is normally on your mind. There's a great comic section near the end, followed by a good amount of space to write your own 'story'.

This Do-it-Yourself book is really funny, creative, and entertaining. I think that other creative Wimpy Kid fans would be delighted to buy and do the activities in this book. However, I do feel that the Predict YOUR Future part was kind of boring and long (except for the one part, the Predict YOUR Future game, which happens to be one of my favorite parts of the book!) I also enjoyed the comics towards the end of the book, which I keep re-reading! This book should keep Wimpy Kid fans busy for awhile!

Reviewer Age:10
Reviewer City, State and Country: Evanston, IL USA

Calli Be Gold by Michele Weber Hurwitz

Calli Be Gold is a book about an eleven year old girl from a family of over achievers. She just wants to be average, but her dad is determined to find an activity in which Calli is absolutely outstanding. Sometimes Calli would feel like she did not even fit in her own family. But when Calli meets a little boy who needs her help but will not admit it, she is determined to help.

The plot was interesting; it kept me wondering about what was coming next. The characters were realistic, and the situations were true to real family issues. As I read the book, I felt like I was a bystander in Calli's life, as she struggled to find her passion. I recommend this book as an interesting, fun diversion.

Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Rockford, MI USA

Author Interview

Flamingnet is proud to introduce author L.L. Helland. Read all about her new book, The Hellandback Kids: Be Careful What You Wish For, at http://www.literature4kids.com/author-interview-l-l-helland!

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RE: need more reads!

I JUST finished reviewing a book called All You Desire which is the second book of the Eternal Ones series. I was stunned by it and it is really focused on love but not to much for me. It is mostly about reincarnation and the love part comes in when soul mates are formed after many lives.

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RE: Gypsy Knights

It was a fun read! Thanks :) I can't wait to read the next one!

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Gypsy Knights

Hi Flamingnet, Just wanted to thank CDi for the kind and thoughtful review of Gypsy Knights. She really hit the mark with her comments, and we're glad that she liked the book! We're hard at work on the second installment in the Gypsy Knights Saga, and are looking forward to sharing it with the Flamingnet community:) All the best, Two Brothers Metz

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Columbus and the State of Ohio

When I was sent my book I requested, I also recieved a factual book about Columbus and the Sate of Ohio by Kate Boehm Jerome. The book is divided into two separate sections. The first section included many interesting things about Columbus, Ohios's state capital. This section is written more for kids to know basic things about the state capital, but still interesting for others to read. Talking about strange facts and things you can hear, see, smell, and explore; it was very fun to read. The second section was about the state of Ohio. Some things I knew, but others I didn't, and some of the facts were quite shocking to read. It almost felt like a traveler's guide; stating museums, attractions, and celebrations. It also talked about Ohio basics, such as the state bird, insect, tree, and others. While reading it, I became more and more interested to learn about the state I've lived in my whole life. I was surprised to realize that I didn't know such obvious things. Such as facts about plains, Lake Erie, canals, wildlife, and monuments. This book was a very fun, interesting, and factual book. Anyone who wants to learn about the state of Ohio should definitely read it.

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The Dark Hunters by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Calling themselves The Dark Hunters, a small group of friends live life on the edge as they protect the world from evolved vampires known as Daimons. These "Dark Hunters" have given up their souls to the Goddess Artemis to protect the earth. Some of them enjoy the fighting and living on their toes, some of them don't. And if you don't, quitting the job means getting your soul back, which is easier said than done.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to others! The lighter humor was quite entertaining, and even some of the darker humor. I loved the characters a lot, and felt that they were made quite well. I found the plot interesting, and it kept me up until the early hours of morning until I finished it. As I read the fourth book first, I started out not knowing what was going on, but Sherrylin made it easy to get on track! I do hope that others will enjoy this book as much as I did!

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Chalfont, Pennsylvania United States

Color Struck

Thank you Flamingnet and VBat for taking your precious time to read my debut novel, Color Struck. I am really honored to receive your Top Choice award and thankful that you enjoyed it. My next title, As Fast As Words Could Fly, is a picture book scheduled for release in Fall 2012 by Lee & Low Books. I have also completed a middle-grade novel, Stepping Out of Place, that is awaiting publication. Thanks so much for everything. -- Pamela Tuck

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RE: Reading and Having to stop

Yeah, I know! My mom jokes around that she has to tell me to put down my book and turn on the TV! And I'll admit, I do get in trouble occasionally at school for reading when I'm supposed to be doing my work.

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RE: Fast Readers

me too! I agree with you but I actually seem to understand it better when I read it fast, because when I read things slow, I find it harder to remember things. My English teacher this last year was the one to introduce me to this sight, and she would let me read in the hall so I could read at my own speed and wouldn't have to listen to the other kids slowly reading out loud which KILLS me. I would think there are other kids out there like us, but I have never met one till now, so I really don't know.

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The Violet Flash by Mike Mason

The Violet Flash is the sequel to the book The Blue Umbrella(Which was unexpectedly sent to me along with The Violet Flash). These were written by Mike Mason as his first and second novels. Chesterton "Ches" Cholmondeley is studious boy with a love of weather. He and the other local kids were in 'weather lessons' taught by Sky Porter, the man who controls the weather, when Ches' sister Chelsea is sucked up into the Blue Umbrella! In turns out seconds are disappearing one by one and causing accidents. So who knows about time? Ches' father's old friend Myron Stinchcombe who runs a clock shop. Ches is getting different opinions from eveyone and doesn't know what to do and everyone is leaving it all up to him! Sky thinks that a violet flash at sunset would fix everything but Ches only has a few days before the time thief plans to take a full minuet and violet flashes a are very difficult weather. If Ches does manage to creat a violet flash it could completely stop Chelsea from coming back. So what can Ches do? Either he can save the world or his sister.

The bottom line is that you should read the first book before this sequel, just because it answers alot of questions. I found this summary very hard to write because a lot of things are going on had been introduced in the first book. I found this book to be a bit below my age level but still very interesting and compelling. Often times I found it hard to put down. In the beginning, Ches propels the story along because of the kind of person he is but later in the novel its own momentum carries it. I didn't find the ending very fulfilling but it did answer most questions. Honestly, I found that the first book was better than this sequel, but I think that is because he had more options. In this book, he was confined to the information he had put in the first.

Reviewer Age:16

Reviewer City, State and Country: Sterling Heights, Michigan United States

Gypsy Knights by Two Brothers Metz

After Durriken's parents die in an accident, he makes his home on the rails with Casey, an engineer, as his "mother". Dilia has been living with her parents in jail for a while but still maintains weekly telephone calls with her father. What do these two have in common? A talent for chess, a beautiful yet mysterious chess set, and a need for each others' help as they go on a journey all over America to find something they're not even sure exists.

This book was incredible! The first few chapters were a little difficult to understand however because a lot of the names are Gypsy names and I got confused as to who was who. After those first chapters, I was totally addicted to this book. They visit many cities in America and I learned a bit about each one, I learned a lot about chess, and some about trains too! This book would make a very exciting adventure movie. I have already recommended it to a lot of my friends.

Reviewer Age:17

Reviewer City, State and Country: Gearhart, Oregon United States

Ultraviolet by R. J. Anderson

Is she crazy, or just a killer? From the moment Alison wakes up in a sterile hospital room she struggles to figure out the truth. The line between reality and Alison s memories seem to become more blurred the more she learns about the events that led her to be suspected of killing a classmate. Alison knows that it all somehow connects to her strange abilities, like tasting words and seeing sounds. Along with all this stress, she has to deal with living amongst other unstable teens in a mental health center. Things only get more complicated when a scientist involves Alison in research and helps her unlock some of the secrets of her abilities.

From the first word, Alison s story entices you with its mysterious twists and turns. I loved how this book seemed to combine science fiction and some coming-of-age drama with just a bit of romance. The author had a wonderful way of making you feel as though you were there with Alison in the mental health center, wondering what the truth is. You re right there with Alison as she tries to decipher her memories. This book could have easily been corny and portrayed Alison s abilities like a cheap sci-fi movie, but the words portray Alison s emotion perfectly. You can believe what Alison feels and experiences. Ultraviolet is very suspenseful, I stayed up way too late reading, wanting to know what the next twist would be. The author masterfully creates a great science fiction novel that reads like a murder mystery. The ending ties up all the loose ends, but is still very shocking. My only complaint is that the way the book ends is a bit disconnected from the beginning. However, the conclusion is still satisfying. I think readers of almost any genre will enjoy this book, because it has a little bit of everything. So pick this book up, unless you plan on needing a lot of sleep.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Crescent City, CA USA

Flip by Martyn Bedford

Ever imagine waking up in somebody else's body? Well, for Alex Gray this came true. All he can remember is walking home from a friend's house during Christmas break. And then waking up in a strange bed in a bedroom he'd never seen before, in a totally different part of the country. To make things worse, when he goes to the bathroom to wash his face, a face he's never seen before stares back at him. At the breakfast table Alex is greeted by total strangers. When he looks at the paper the date is June 23. 6 months are missing. Alex is forced to take on the popular life of Philip Garamond, while at the same time struggling to return his psyche back to HIS body.

In my opinion, Flip by Marty Bedford is a real page turner. It hooks you in from the very first page. To me writing a book about waking up in somebody else's body is truly stunning. The author uses a very stong technique of keeping the reader interested. There really isn't a dull moment in the book. If I was to rate the book out of 10 it would definitely be a 10.

I give this book a 3 because at the beginning of the book it makes a reference to the size and hair on his penis. And there is a lot of drinking, smoking, and making out.

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Jackson, Missouri USA

Jack Blank by Matt Myklusch

Twelve-year-old Jack Blank has been living in an unbearable orphanage, where he is persistently picked on by a bully named Rex. The only excitement he can find is in reading comic books. Jack Blank does not have any idea where he came from, where his family might be, and who he truly is. During the morning a killer robot from one of the comic books Jack reads becomes comes to life and tries to kill him. Jazen Knight, an agent from an ambiguous country named Imagine Nation, has arrived for Jack.

Imagine Nation is in perpetual motion and passes through countries of our world, even though the residences are from this nation they come from different places whether real, imaginary, or from outer space. There is a city named Cognito, a place where people go to disappear. The streets do not even have names. Imagine Nation is comprised of all sorts of living creatures, from regular people to androids, aliens, ninjas, sorcerers, kung-fu masters. It almost felt like another version of Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood. The main characters had almost identical identities.

The book is a brilliant mix-up of characters that I have heard of and those that I have only dreamt of. The androids were describe as never before. The ninjas were almost predictable and yet their movements were hard to follow, along with the kung-fu masters and aliens. I could not believe how hard his life was due to him not knowing where his parents were and the life he lived in the orphanage. I had wished it had a better ending for my taste but there was not anything wrong with it.

Reviewer Age:16

Reviewer City, State and Country: Dyess, Arkansas United States of America

Color Struck by Pamela Tuck

Color Struck is the story of Bell, a young African-American woman who runs off to marry Buck Steele in secret because their fathers do not get along. Due to lack of money, the young couple has to live with Silas and Emma Steele, Buck's parents, who are less than thrilled to have Bell in the family. Living with Silas and Emma is hard enough for Bell, but soon she realizes that something about her stirs up a Steele family secret. The book is narrated by Bell herself as she uses her past to teach her granddaughters the lessons she learned because "A deathbed shouldn't be the peacemaker in this family."

I loved "Color Struck." Bell and her granddaughters are lovable and believable, showing realistic emotion and making hard decisions. The other characters, including Buck, Silas, and Emma, were well thought out and described. While their actions were sometimes horrible, they always fit with their personalities perfectly. The storyline itself was almost addicting, and I couldn't wait to find out what horrible thing Emma would do to Bell next. The very best thing about "Color Struck" was the lesson of love and acceptance, a theme that came out in a wonderful resolution that tied up all of my questions and left me feeling full. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes family secrets, strong young women, and realistic fiction.

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Harleysville, Pennsylvania USA

Freshman: Tales of 9th Grade Obsessions, Revelations by Corinne Mucha

Annie is a mess. She's just started high school! Her big brother, a junior in high school, told her that what happens in her freshman year will strongly affect the rest of her life--forever. If what he told Annie is true, then her future's not looking too bright. Annie's lousy at sports, jealous of everyone else, and she has the hots for her best friend's older brother. Finally, Annie gets cast as a crying, whining old lady in the school's play. Annie totally forgets about the rest of her life--she just wants to survive freshman year.

I think this book was all right. I chose it because I am going to be a freshman in the fall, so I thought this would give me some pointers. I was a little dissapointed when they brought up smoking, drinking and being drunk, swearing, and making out. If that were to happen in high school, I would think it would start in sophmore or junior year. Other than that, the book was good. Annie's new best friend helped to bring out the best in her and to be true to herself. And, besides grades, I think that's all that really matters in high school.

I gave this book a 2 because there were a few inapropriate references, such as smoking, drinking/being drunk, swearing, and making out.

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Hopkins, Michigan USA

Flamingnet Recommended Readng

Check out this article by the LA Times. It's a fascinating look at the trend of adults reading young adult fantasy books.

Speaking Out: LGBTQ Youth Stand Up, edited by Steve Berman

This collection of short stories is a look at situations that homosexual youth face in America. Although there are some coming out stories, it focuses more on stories of the finding out for yourself moment, rather than the tell people moment. This is a welcome change from most stories of gay teens, which heavily stress what society thinks of the person rather than what the person thinks of themselves. There are about an equal number of stories about girls and boys, another change from other books about gay youths. Many of the authors are homosexual themselves, which I think makes the writing more realistic, if slightly emotionally stiff. There are so many different stories in this book that it sort of defies placement into a genre but it is almost a romantic adventure, if not in the classic sense.

This book was inspirational, a moderately quick read, and I think it would be for anyone of any sexuality, as long as the reader is open-minded. I doubt that any homophobic people would consider reading this book in the first place, but obviously that would be one audience that this book would not appeal to. Many of the stories had only so-so writing, although the situations were realistic and moving. I really enjoyed the book overall, regardless. It is very different from any other books out there about homosexuality. Some of the stories got a little bit boring because the authors put too much outside information that didn’t have to do with the plot, but for the most part, this wasn’t something that happened. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the struggles of gay teenagers or just more about homosexuality in general.

Some of the stories have sexual material and the content is something not all parents would want their children reading.

Reviewer Age:15

Reviewer City, State and Country: Exeter, NH USA

Rating: 9

Content Rating: 2

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Hannah Baker is dead. She killed herself. So, who sent Clay Jensen the tapes with Hannah’s voice on them? And who is following him to make sure he sends them on? When Clay begins listening to the tapes, he starts hearing the thirteen reasons why Hannah decided to end her own life. He loved Hannah and never got to tell her, he doesn’t want to know what part he played in her death.

Thirteen Reasons Why is a thought-provoking story about love, loss, friendship, high school and tragedy. Clay’s character is one anyone can relate to. He is that person who didn’t say what he wanted to, and then found out that it was too late. Hannah’s voice on the tapes is cryptic, sarcastic and brutally honest. The insight that Asher provides into their lives and brains makes them seem as if they could be your friend, or even you. This book was wonderful and sad with comic relief intermixed in all the right places. This is a book that I would definitely recommend.

Reviewer Age: 18

Reviewer City, State and Country: Leverett, Ma US

Basic Anatomy for the Manga Artist by Christopher Hart

Unlike other Manga drawing books, this tells you about anatomy--the study of the structure of the human body. Most Manga books do not tell you about muscles to show in your drawings. It is divided into 6 chapters. The chapters are, for example: Body Symmetry & Asymmetry, The Foundations of the Body (bones), Topographic Anatomy (muscles), and Putting it All Into Practice.

I found this book very interesting. My personal favorite was Chapter 1 -- Basic Head Elements, like eyes, teeth, nose and ears. All of the pictures were very detailed but easy to take in. I really like how it told you what muscles to include in your drawings. It has cool little paragraphs and pictures to get the full Manga book experience. The author puts it in a way that is easy for children to understand. I recommend this book to anyone.

Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Uxbridge, MA USA

A Traveller in Time by Alison Uttley

"A Traveller in Time " by Allison Uttley, is the story of a little known tale lost to one of the most well known eras of history. The Elizabethan times , also known as the Shakespearean times was a great Golden Age of England with much credit to Queen Elizabeth the wonderful.Yeah, everyone knows that. What people do not know, however , is that she quietly got rid of her cousin , Mary, Queen of Scots , her main opponent.

Penelope Cameron is sent to London to her Aunts farm , Thackers ,which ,in a different era is the place of Queen Mary's escape route and ardently devout supporters.Penelope is caught in a tug of war of time between the 1930's and the Elizabethan age, where she comes to love the era that is not her own.

I think this is an awesome book....for a girl living in the early 1900s. Uttley is an incredibly gifted writer with a knack for comprehensive and eloquent use of lexicon. Honestly, it was the first time I had ever actually seen the word flibbertigibbet used to describe someone. But sadly, the average 2011 child can t handle the vocabulary and would be yawning real soon while reading the overly descriptive writing.

I would not recommend this book to anyone, but if they had spunk and wanted to try anyways ...I will just give this one warning:

THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN IN THE 1900S !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reviewer Age:15

Reviewer City, State and Country: rockland county, new york usa

Punkzilla by Adam Rapp

Punkzilla is a short novel about a young man who travels across the country to see his older brother. It is told through a series of letters between the young Jamie "Punkzilla", his brother, parents, and old friends. There are also journal entries told from Jamie's perspective as he travels. He faces many challenges including being beaten in the bus station, having to lie to people, hitchhiking, and people constantly believing he is a girl. In this somewhat humorous but vibrantly honest novel, Jamie discovers much about himself and his place in this world.

I felt that Punkzilla was an interesting novel, and although it is not my favorite, it shows a dark side to teenage life that many people do not see. Most of the main characters had major flaws to their character, but it only made them more human and easier to believe in. A lot of the time I really liked the characters, but they also made me think about what I believe in when they fell out of my good graces. I had to recognize the motives behind their actions and consider my own moral standpoint, making this an interesting read. One problem I had with the novel was the format it was written in. It was often confusing and out of order and I found myself having to go back and reread. Keeping track of all these people who were flying through time with no organization was difficult and differed from the enjoyment of reading this book.I found this novel very interesting and it revealed a world that is vastly different from my own.

There is a lot of explicit language and some grafic descriptions of violence.

Reviewer Age:16

Reviewer City, State and Country: Minnetonka, Minnesota United States

In the Shadow of the Lamp by Susanne Dunlap

'In the Shadow of the Lamp' is a fufilling, deeply
immersing
story of willpower, truth, and the search for everlasting
love. In 1854, Molly Fraser, a lowly servant working for
an
elegant London household, is wrongly accused of thievery.
She is quite promptly banished from her claim and nearly
thrown out onto the streets. Now, her work and little
money
gone, she is forced to wander the city in search of a new
way of life. So when an opportunity arises for Molly to
possibly go to Crimea with a team of Florence
Nightingale's
nurses, she determinedly sets out for the battlefield. The
work there is exasperating, the hospitals are filthy and
infested with vermin, and young men lay writhing in pain
on
the blood-splattered floor. But Molly, refusing to back
down, does everything within her power to care for the
wounded soldiers. Caring for the young men soon becomes
more
than just that, though, when Molly finds herself falling
deeply in love with one of the doctors working in her
hospital. But all transposes when an old love from home
comes to fight as a soldier in the war, and seeks out
Molly
to tell her that he came just to be near her. One man of
two
will fall prey to the war's deadly guns, and where will
that
leave Molly? Dunlap carefully winds this story through
true
friends, deep love, and the acceptance of death as the
truth
of this story unfolds.

'In the Shadow of the Lamp' is a very lifelike, oldtime
almost-novel exceptionally written with very true
personalities and emotions. I think this book is very well-
done with astounding characters and will create incredible
pictures in readers' minds. Susanne Dunlap could have
lived
in this time herself for the way she deeply wove this
story.

n/a

Reviewer Age:12

Reviewer City, State and
Country: Akron, Ohio United States

The Best Teen Writing of 2010 by Foreword - Davy Rothbart

The Best Teen Writing of 2010 is a collection of essays, poetry, memoirs, and more. All of them are written by teenagers like you and me. The young authors put together a portfolio and then are judged by teachers, authors, and other literally professionals. Though, these writings aren 't your typical class assignment; they are real, and full of both sensitive and rough emotion. These pieces are the best of the best.

I 'll admit I was a little skeptical at first. I thought this book would be some little thin paperback with some essays about family vacations and favorite gifts. Boy was I wrong. Every time I started on new author or a new piece I became more and more engaged. The stories and the stories behind the stories were so real. So different from everything else that I expected. It was very refreshing a real eye-opener. I am most likely going to recommend this book to my friends.

Explicit language and themes

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Hopkins, Michigan United States

Kennedy: Through the Lens by Martin W. Sandler

Born into a highly successful family, John Kennedy endured a competitive childhood, constantly being shadowed by his older brother, Joe Jr. He suffered many childhood illnesses, but managed to overcome them and eventually graduated from Harvard University with a degree in government. As a fighter pilot during World War II, he became a war hero after leading his vessel crewmen to safety. He later rose up the ranks in politics before being elected as the President of the United States. This book not only describes his journey to the presidency, but also offers an inside view of one of the most photogenic presidents in history. His charisma and energy as seen on TV and newspapers inspired millions of Americans. Kennedy launched a new generation in American presidency, one where his public image relates to the everyday citizen: playing with his children, golfing, reading, etc. This biography offers a moderately detailed account of Kennedy's rise to the presidency and the major challenges he faced as president while also attempting to capture the essence of his life that made him so appealing to the American people.

"Kennedy Through the Lens" paints a picture of not only John F. Kennedy as our 35th president, but John F. Kennedy as a person. While the book's purpose is not to offer a detailed account of his life, it does do a fairly decent job of capturing all the important details in his life and presidency. But what makes this book unique is its emphasis on the specific traits and qualities that made John Kennedy one of the most popular presidents of all time: his openness to the camera and to the media. He was the first president to fully take advantage of the new technologies taking presence during this time. Through the carefully-selected images and the accompanying text, readers will have no difficulty learning about the professional and personal life of John F. Kennedy. While I did not live during that time period, reading this book helped me understand why many people considered the Kennedy era the "Camelot years". This book possesses a special component that truly made it interesting to read and different than those traditional, boring biographies. It would be even better if it had more quotes from Kennedy himself, particularly his own reflections.

Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Palo Alto, CA USA

The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton by Connie Nordhielm

The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton by Connie Nordhielm is a fascinating biography that details the famous author s difficult and somewhat scandalous life. A very early reader, Edith Jones was born into a prominent New York family. As a child, she enjoyed voyages overseas to her favorite country, France, and quickly became fluent in English, French, German, and Italian. The next year, she began writing a novel but was criticized by her discouraging mother. She never finished the novel and instead switched to writing poetry. At the age of fifteen, she completed a first novel entitled Fast and Loose, a racy romance; a collection of her poems was published anonymously in 1880 when she was eighteen. After that, her published work increased, and she wrote many famous novels, including Ethan Frome.

The book also details Edith s unfortunate love life, including her unhappy marriage to Edward Wharton in 1885. Furthermore, it touches upon her volunteer work during the first World War, and, as an American, her allegiance to France. However, the title of the book is somewhat misleading. The escape mentioned is not actually an escape at all in the traditional sense. It is a metaphor for Edith s escape from the conventions of from her dysfunctional marriage and New York high society into her becoming a writer and an independent woman.

While this biography detailed some of Edith s creative process, it focused more on her personal life. However, her controversial life story was intriguing and well-written, so it held my attention. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I learned a lot about someone of whom I knew nothing. However, the emphasis on her personal life and relationships - marital and extramarital - was a bit much, and it took away from a full exploration of Edith's work. In all, though, the book was a entertaining overview about a famous author, and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history or literature.

Reviewer Age:16

Reviewer City, State and Country: Chicago, IL United States

Ashfall

Thank you Flamingnet and JK_Panama for spending some of your precious reading time with my debut novel and writing such a thoughtful review. I'm currently working on my second draft of the sequel, ASHEN WINTER, which is scheduled for Fall 2012 release by Tanglewood Press. Thanks again! --Mike

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Ashfall by Mike Mullin

We open on a teenage boy, relaxing in his room; nothing
out of the ordinary. He is home alone, his family is on
vacation. As he takes a minute to think, his world is
changed forever. He is thrown violently around his room,
as he hears screams and terror outside. He manages to
survive the impact, and crawls under the remains of his
furniture to the door. Outside he meets his neighbor, who
is equally unsure of the current events. He soon discovers
that the Yellowstone volcano has erupted. Destruction is
widespread. This book follows Alex as he becomes a hero,
stopping at nothing to save his family. Alex experiences
feelings he's never felt before on his journey. He finds
love...and experiences the death of someone close. Will
Alex overcome his worst nightmare and eventually save his
family?

One word: wow. I was blown away by this book.
It's hard to say which was my favorite part. The eruption
was so detailed, I felt like I was experiencing it. When
Alex cried because of a death, I felt the way he
did. "Ashfall" sucked me in and wouldn't let go until it
was three a.m. and I fell asleep. I literally could not
stop reading, from the moment I started from Chapter One.
Alex and Darla form an impeccable duo, working together to
save their families. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love
with this fine literary work. And what a cliffhanger! I
cannot wait for the sequel. This book is on its way to
stardom.

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Panama City, Florida USA

RE: The Hunger Games

ohmygosh yes! I was so mad with who she ended up with!

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Fast Readers

So....Im a VERY fast reader, and my teachers, parents, everyone says I skip words, but I dont! Then When I try to slow down I end up speeding up without knowing about it! Who Else does this????

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Miles From Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams

Lacey's mother is not well. She is plagued by the demons of years past and wrong decisions she made; because of her illness, she can't support herself or her fourteen-year-old daughter. Needing money to survive, Lacey gets a job at the local library- the same library where her aunt, who abandoned Lacey, worked years ago. She hopes that she can find any trace of the woman who left, the woman who can piece together the broken parts of her mother's mind. Miles From Ordinary chronicles one day in Lacey's life, the one day that changes her life forever.

I thought the book was extremely well-written. The author was able to portray what actually goes on in a normal fourteen-year-old's head- the narrator was not immature nor too mature. However, I was confused about her mother's illness; the words and phrases that the author uses seem to show a woman plagued by actual ghosts instead of a woman who is mentally ill. I thought there would be a supernatural aspect to the novel when I first read the description; however, this book has nothing of the sort. I liked that the novel encompassed only one day of Lacey's life. If the novel had minimized the depth of the descriptions of what happens, the reader would be left confused and wondering what had occured. All in all, Miles From Ordinary was a good read and I would suggest this novel to those who are interested in the life of a fourteen year old with hardships to face that are beyond her years.

Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Pottstown, PA United States

Master and Apprentice by Sonya Bateman

Master and Apprentice is a story about Donatti a distant relative of a djinn, or genie, Ian. But unfortunately Ian is the last djinn of the wolf clan, who were murdered viciously by the snake clan many years ago. Ian has been filled with rage ever since and is determined to hunt down every last member of the snake clan. If he doesn’t kill every last one of them, the curse goes down to the next generations. Ian and Donatti soon get caught up in a life or death adventure when Ian’s wife and then Ian get kidnapped by a group of the snake clan that is led by an evil djinn named Vaelyn who wants to take over the world. Now it’s up to Donatti to save everyone but the only way he can do that is if one of the enemy teaches him how to wield his untapped powers or everyone will pay the ultimate price.

In my opinion this book was written very well. The characters were so well developed that it made this book hard to put down. Master and Apprentice was full of originality with hilarious bits of sarcastic conversation. There were a few things that could have been explained better that were inconsistent. Donatti and Ian also enjoy swearing like sailors on every page or two so if you don’t want to read that sort of language through the whole book don’t read it. Otherwise I would fully recommend this book because the plot and characters were fully described and developed.

The swearing is excessive.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Loves Park, Illinois United States

Star of Stone by P.D. Baccalario

The sequel to 'Ring of Fire' by P.D. Baccalario, 'Star of Stone', involves four kids trying to save the world: Harvey from New York, Elettra from Rome, Mistral from Paris, and Sheng from Shanghai. As they find people who knew the late Alfred Van Der Berger, the professor who started them on their mission to Rome, they realize that their quest isn't over yet. When they find four coded postcards, written by the professor years before, they see their destiny even clearer than before. The kids go all over New York City searching for the Star of Stone, an artifact. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones looking for the Stone. A new bunch of villains will do anything to stop them from reaching their goal.

I was annoyed when I picked up the book and saw it was the second installment in the Century Quartet series. Having not read the first book in the series, it was very confusing to me. Some parts were very exciting and intense, others were somewhat boring and dull. I enjoyed the way P.D. Baccalario wrote the book from different peoples' points of view, but sometimes that confused the story a bit. The ending was a very good cliff-hanger,and I liked that. All in all, it would have made more sense if I had read the first book before reading this one, but in itself, it was a pretty good book.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Tatamy, PA USA

The Summer Of My Fourteenth Year

Check out my two books at: http://www.jamesmeaders-author.com/. My second book just came out: Hitchhikers in Each Other's Mind. Both available on Amazon.com in print and as ebooks. Also available for Nook and Kobo ereaders. Thanks, Jim Meaders

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The Girl in the Steel Corset

I really liked the review. I think Im going to read this book next. Was this your first review? Ive only written 2 so far. :D

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Color Struck

Color Struck, YA Novel What happens when a young girl doesnt measure up to superficial beauty standards, has eyes that stir up trouble from the grave, and holds the key to unleash a forbidden family secret? Authors Pamela & Joel Tuck answer these questions and more in their heartrending novel, Color Struck, told with a southern flair. To read a 1st chapter excerpt, visit http://www.pamelamtuck.com/color-struck-excerpt.php

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Dark Territory

We are thrilled with the Flaming Net review of DARK TERRITORY, the first book in our new YA supernatural romance adventure series. Thank you so much. Theres no feeling like the one a writer gets on learning that his or her words have grabbed the readers attention, entertained them and touched their hearts. Weve just completed the second novel in the series, GHOST CROWN, which our editor thinks is even better than the first (but youll have to wait until January, 2012, to find out).

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Dark Territory

Hey there, Flamingnet! Thanks for the great review of my upcoming book, Dark Territory, book 1 of The Tracks series! Please also look for my teen horror novel The Sleepwalkers coming out in October, check out my website and "like" me on FB! www.jgabrielgates.com Thanks again, and happy reading! ~J

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RE: need more reads!

Try the Septimus Heap series. Here are the books in order: Magyk, Flyte, Physik, Queste, Syren, and Darke. Yes, they are spelled correctly!! The author is Angie Sage.

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SUBJ1

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Flamingnet Facebook Page

Please visit our Facebook Page and tell us which of the Harry Potter books was your least favorite?

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Belladonna by Mary Finn

When Thomas Rose stops at the edge of the road because he sees a mysterious red handkerchief, he has no idea that his life is about to change. Formerly known as the slow and stupid one who lacks the brains for schoolwork and the patience to help his father at home, Thomas finds his whole world shaken apart when he meets the beautiful Helene, known as Ling. Ling tells Thomas magical tales of her life as a performer in France, and especially of her fantastic white horse, Belladonna, who was taken from her. She convinces Thomas to help her find her horse and return it to her. In their efforts to locate Belladonna, the pair meets Mr. Stubbs, an anatomist and painter. He takes Thomas under his wing and offers to teach him the tricks of his trade. Thomas finds his whole world changing as he learns not only to read and write but to understand the way animal and human bodies function. Through Thomas and Ling's journey to find Belladonna, the two learn more about themselves and each other in this touching coming-of-age narrative.
Belladonna, by Mary Finn, is an eloquently written book with imaginative characters and a heart-warming storyline. The characters are very relatable and life-like, and I felt empathy for their struggles and triumphs throughout this book. However, the plot was at times less than exciting and left me struggling to keep reading. Despite this, I enjoyed the encouraging tone this book sets for those struggling to find their place in life, like Thomas. I would recommend this book to historical fiction lovers, but I would caution future readers that it takes some determination to finish the book. Belladonna is by no means exhilarating, but offers a fresh storyline and interesting characters.

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Bayside, WI USA

Everlasting by Alyson Noel

Ever and Damen have finally defeated all their current enemies, and they are going to embark on their final quest, to break the curse that Roman put on them so they can finally be together. Their quest will take them into past lives and mythical places. The strange old lady may actually be the key to survival and not their demise. But will Ever and Damen s relationship survive the challenges?

Everlasting was mediocre. The idea for the story was wonderful but it did not reach its goals. I felt that the challenges were too long. On the other hand Ever and Damen were portrayed perfectly. The description of the setting was perfectly described as well. I recommend this book to people who liked the Mortal Instruments series, House of Night series, Hush, hush books, Fallen series and Beautiful Creatures series.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Northglenn, CO United States

Marked, Soul Guardians Book 1 by Kim Richardson

Kara Nightingale is on her way to an art exhibition when she dies in a bus accident. She wakes up in a new world called Horizon and has a new job as a rookie for the army of Guardian Angels. Kara now has to save the lives and souls of mortals with the help of her cute partner David. When the Legion's power is threatened by demons, it's up to Kara to save them.

I really liked the idea for this story. It was a unique story and I've never read anything like this book. Kara and David were believable characters and their emotions and feelings were very realistic. One of the few things I disliked was how the story was written in third person omniscient. I would rather have the book be focused on one character's personality instead of hearing the thoughts of both Kara and David. Other than that, I really did like the book.

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Brownsburg, Indiana United States of America

Truth from the Shadows (eBook) by Courtney Harvey

Truth from the Shadows is one girl's story of learning to believe in herself and her abilities despite what others think. Alex is a young medium who desperately needs to make sense of her abilities in order to help and rid herself of the young ghost who won't quit till his family knows everything about his suicide. The only problem, Alex's parents ignore her screaming for help. Her mother, a psychiatrist, thinks she is only hallucinating, and decides she's crazy. Her father only tries to keep the peace by siding with her mom. And don't forget the ghost: He is determined to get her to talk with the mysterious new guy, fresh from California who deems her Crazy.

I really enjoyed Courtney Harvey's writing. She managed to take you on the same emotional roller coaster ride as her characters. Between the love, loss, betrayal, and hurt, it kept me wanting to know more. She had a good ending that could make you cry. The beginning was a little slow but picked up about a third of the way in. Overall it made a good summer read.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Glendale, AZ United States

Diary of a Part-Time Ghost by Vered Ehsani

All that 15-year-old Ash wants is to be normal. Then he starts having nightmares. Nightmares of his own death. Ash knows something is up and the arrival of his slightly sane great-aunt Bibi does nothing to ease his worrying. She leaves him a very mysterious birthday present - The Book of History. Ash hates history! He soon discovers that the book is more than just an old, moldy, boring history lesson. It allows him to travel back in time to the American Revolution. Tension is high in the colonies and Ash must stop the evil Kali before it s too late.

Diary of a Part-Time Ghost by Vered Ehsani was a fun, easy, and enjoyable read! Written from the viewpoint 15-year-old Ash, it had the right mix of adventure and humor. As teen myself it was easy to relate to some of the problems that Ash had to deal with like wanting to be accepted by other kids. Diary of a Part-Time Ghost combined the history of the Revolutionary War with a twist of magic. Parts of the plot were dull but for the most part, this book was an entertaining read. I would recommend this book to kids who enjoy reading, history, and magic.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Harleysville, PA USA

Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Gwen Frost is being forced to attend Mythos Academy, an elite school set apart to train kids who just so happen to be descendants of various mythical warriors. Of course, Gwen doesn't believe in any of the supernatural skills her classmates supposedly possess. The only type of magic she actually accepts is her own and that of her own family. When the school's most popular girl, the icy Valkyrie princess Jasmine, is murdered right in the library next to a stolen mythical artifact called the Bowl of Tears, Gwen is determined to get to the bottom of the entire situation. It's never a good idea to poke your head into other people's business, though. So the results? Who else is to blame but yourself?

Touch of Frost belongs to the new batch of paranormal stories that all seem exactly the same, only with different character names and fantastical elements. This novel's back story is a mishmash of tons of various warriors -- from Norse gods to ninjas. While that is certainly a nice idea, it's never really delved into. Except for a few key warrior gods, all the others felt extraneous and were barely mentioned at all.

The characters aren't especially mind-blowing, either. You have the blonde mean girl clique, the quirky and unpopular heroine, and the
hot bad boy who falls in love with the heroine anyways; just the same formula used over and over and over again. The character with an actual personality was Vic, the ancient magical sword, who has a grand total of about five lines in the entire novel. That is just sad. A sword beats out all those other full-fledged human characters? Sad, sad, sad.

Touch of Frost is a quite a cliche, but lovers of stereotypical teen paranormal stories (I know there are a lot of you out there) will devour it with glee.

Sex is mentioned although not graphically described.

Reviewer Age:16

Reviewer City, State and
Country: Palo Alto, CA USA

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Birthday Parties by Lenore Look

This book is about a boy named Alvin who's afraid of everything. He thinks there are monsters under the bed, aliens at the mall, and other crazy things. In addition, Alvin, no matter how hard he tries, has a string of bad luck. One night, he wishes to go to Howard's party, his friend. Instead, he gets an invitation to a girl's party. Now he has to figure out how to impress Howard in order to get an invitation to his party. Will Alvin get to the right party? Then at school, poor Alvin forgot to wear his collar shirt for the class picture. After a crazy shirt switch disaster, Alvin ends up wearing a dress for his class picture. These and other adventures all take place in the town of Concord, Massachusetts. This book is full of humor that will make you laugh.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me laughing because Alvin gets in trouble in a humorous way. The book is written well. It was satisfying because the author put a lot of care into it. I would recommend this book to a friend in second grade or up.

Reviewer Age:10
Reviewer City, State and Country: Purcellville, VA USA