Waiting by Carol Lynch Williams

Zach was London’s best friend and she was closer with him than she was with anyone. They were the ideal brother and sister duo. Zach was only sixteen when he died. Now, London must face her broken family and world on her own. Her mom hasn’t said a word to her since his death, and her friends have all distanced themselves from her. Trying to build herself back up, London struggles with the two boys in her life: her brother’s best friend and the new boy in town.

I really enjoyed this book. Everyone can relate to the idea of coping with loss, and that is a major theme

represented in this book. This book is stylistically different from other realistic-fiction novels; it does not

have chapters. The text is broken into pieces, the longest being four pages, and the shortest being a sentence. This

makes the book different from others because the pieces are just short thoughts or events from her point of view. It

makes you feel closer to London as a reader.

Rating: 8

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Leawood, Kansas United States

My Awesome/Awful Popularity Plan by Seth Rudetsky

My Awesome/Awful Popularity Plan was a very different approach to normal YA literature. The protagonist is a young (and gay) Broadway fan. He is dying to go out with the quarterback of the football team. Unpopular Justin soon gets tangled up into pretending to be going out with Becky, a good friend of his...so she can cover up going out with the quarterback of the football team. A book that will make you laugh out loud and cry, in hopes that Justin will finally get what he wants.

To be very honest with you, I wasn't very sure about this book at first. But Justin is such a lovable character that you end up rooting for him. The ending was very cliche, but it almost made the book even better. As you delve into this novel, I highly suggest getting comfortable; this is a read-in-one-sitting book.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Silver Spring, MD USA

Fated (Soul Seekers Series) by Alyson Noel

Fate has brought together a pure soul and a dark soul in a girl who will change everything. Daire Santos, a daughter of a makeup artist, sees strange things and time stops around her. She feels like she is going insane with all the visions and ends up in Enchantment, New Mexico with her peculiar grandmother she has never met before. In Enchantment, she finds herself surrounded in magic and meets the beautiful boy of her dreams. She also encounters an enemy she is destined to destroy. Does Daire have what it takes to be a Seeker and save her people, or will she run away and leave those she loves perish?
Fated by Alyson Noel takes place in New Mexico with dirt roads and dusky, brown colors that are almost like a desert. I can picture the setting in my head with the mood of lonely and deserted feelings. Yet peace and happiness are there too. As for the main character, Daire Santos, she is a very strong girl with characteristics I wish I had. The author makes me believe Daire is a real person in high school. She argues a lot with people but it is appropriate. I liked the book and after a couple of chapters, I couldn t wait to keep reading. The writing was clear and had emotions that made me feel like I was there in that particular place and time. The end of the book was unsettling and it made me wonder: this is the end? This isn 't bad though since the book will continue as a series. When I finished Fated, I didn't feel the same as when I finished The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Towards the end of Fated, it seemed like everyone was in a hurry to end the scene to go to the next one, and I hoped the author would slow down to fill in all of the details. From the book, I learned to take care of nature and to help those who need it. It also made me think about what home and friends really mean to me in life. I would recommend the book to everyone because it makes people stop and pay attention, wonder what it 's like to find a home, and think about how people are all meant to live with purpose and destiny.

The Life in the Angel Carving by J S Warren

Miranda was carved out of stone long, long ago. For some unknown reason, she has a living soul and a mind that can think. But for many, many years she is trapped inside of the stone carving of an angel. She can only look and think, movement is impossible. The world passes her by. In the middle of a terrible war, Miranda falls from her high perch on the church into a pond down below. Much to her surprise, Miranda falls through a gateway into another world.  And she becomes human.

The story is about Miranda's life on Arbarron, the strange world she came to, and her quest to save the world from an unknown evil.

I thought 'The Life in the Angel Carving' was a good plot idea. It had great potential and I was curious from the beginning. But it took too long to get going. The story was very slow and it seemed as if there was too much unnecessary information, or information that just wasn't brought to life. My attention wasn't caught until the last few pages of the book. I thought the characters were nice, but nothing special. Also, some of the characters weren't described as well as I would have liked. I thought the King was an older man but in truth he wasn't as old as he looked. I thought that was a bit confusing because he spoke of how old he was and yet he didn't appear old.

In the story, there is a massive gateway in space connecting the Artex Galaxy with the Milky Way Galaxy. Earth is in shambles and is falling apart with every horrible thing imaginable. Disease, war, famine, drought, death, greed - the list goes on and on and it was very depressing. It was too much like someone was giving me a lecture on how bad Earth could become if we don't do something. The author portrayed humans as if they were the most detestable creatures alive and it was all their fault. Personally, I don't enjoy being "yelled at” when I'm trying to read an enjoyable book. It was much too heavy and gloomy to drag into the book. If the description had been shorter and not so terribly uncomfortable and preach-y, that would have been fine. But I'm so tired of everyone shouting to save the world while we can, to recycle and save Mother Earth! I find it tedious and not enjoyable to read about.

 Some of the words and phrases the author uses would be too hard for younger children to understand. There were a few curse words here and there that might bother younger children.  Also, the pages and descriptions about a futuristic Earth gone to shambles could be disturbing.

Reviewer Age: 15

Reviewer City, State and Country: Doylestown, PA USA

Faking It by Joseph K. Smith

The Revolutionary War was going on, and Deborah Sampson wanted to fight for her country. Disguised as a man, Deborah became a soldier. Although she experienced many setbacks and close calls, Deborah kept on trying. All through her life, she fought for what she believed in. Deborah gave many speeches and presentations. She inspires many people to be brave and go for their dreams. Deborah is now the official heroine of a state.
Although a wonderful topic, this biography seems to drag. It seems the story could have been more exciting; more of a page-turner. It is more of a narrative about her life than an engaging story. It has no dialog. The timeline was interesting because it showed what was going on in her life during famous historical events. The Introduction, Conclusion, and timeline turned out to be the best parts of the book. Faking It is much shorter than I thought, which could be good or bad depending on the age of the reader. All in all, it is sort of a dull book that I do not highly recommend.

Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Calhoun, GA USA

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

Taylor Dresden is not so sure she made the right move. After lots of drama many years before over her playing baseball, she is about to play again. However, this time she is playing on scholarship at a boy's private school. For a while, Taylor thinks everything is going along okay, but when one of her fellow scholarship classmates gets blamed for something she didn't do, Taylor is not sure what to do. As she struggles to stay at the school and earn her time on the field, she also struggles with mixed emotions for the guy who is trying to get her thrown out of the school. What will Taylor do? Will she last the year, or will she be singled out?

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fresno, California USA

Spirit's Princess (Princesses of Myth) by Esther Friesner

As the daughter of her clan s chief, Himiko and her family knew she was destined for greatness. However, the greatness that finds her is not one that her clan will readily accept. To prove her family wrong, Himiko goes out behind her family's back to try and live her dream.  As she struggles to find her inner self, everything else in her life starts to crumble around her. Can Himiko make everything all right again? Will her will to live her dream ruin her chances of surviving?

Esther Friesner has done an amazing job on her latest book, Spirit 's Princess. Spirit 's Princess is the fifth book in the Princesses of Myth series, and Himiko is the third princess to be written about in the series. Out of all the books so far, Spirit' s Princess is my favorite because of Himiko' s spirit. She is lively and at times wild, but she has a kind and wise soul. Himiko is a character you' d want to be best friends with, and the book is well written that one thinks it is entirely true. I recommend this book to everyone, and especially to those girls who take a chance to make their dreams come true.

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fresno, California USA

Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Kitty Tylney has always been best friends with Catherine Howard, living in the Duchess of Norfolk's manor with other young girls. Kitty and Cat have dreamed of the opulent court of King Henry VIII, but never expected to go. But when Cat is selected to attend to Queen Anne of Cleves, she leaves Kitty behind and begins her ascent. When Cat catches the eye of the king and soon after marries him, she invites Kitty to join her at court. Kitty is excited for the balls, pretty gowns, and expensive jewels, but she isn't expecting the gossip, secrets and power-seeking enemies. Can she protect Cat from those who wish to bring her down?

The Tudors and King Henry VIII is one of my favorite subjects, so I was very excited to read Gilt. I already had some knowledge about Catherine Howard, but it was interesting to read the story from the point-of-view of her best friend, Kitty. From what I can tell, most of the novel is pretty accurate, which is good for history buffs like me. Some parts of the book were a little boring because Kitty isn't at court as long as Catherine, but once she becomes a lady-in-waiting, the plot picks up. I knew what happened to Catherine, but I was looking forward to see how everything would end for Kitty. Fans of history and the Tudors will definitely enjoy Gilt.

Reviewer Age:20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, PA United States

Bloodman by Robert Pobi

FBI Special Agent Jake Cole has the remarkable ability to recreate crime scenes in his mind.  Every detail and every clue is stored in his brain to help him solve the most difficult cases.  However, this skill comes with a price-a delicate and compartmentalized psyche developed in an attempt to forget his broken past.  Jake is forced to revisit this haunted past when he returns home to care for his father, one of the most influential American painters of his era, after an accident caused by his affliction with Alzheimer's puts him in the hospital.  Upon his arrival, Jake is called to investigate a grisly double murder that catapults him into a whirlwind of mystery, violence, and shattered memories.  Jake will have to confront the very things he spent 25 years to avoid in order to find the Bloodman, a cold-blooded killer that won't leave Jake alone.

Bloodman is not an easy read, nor is it an incredibly fast read.  However, Bloodman is certainly a rewarding and enjoyable read.  To fully grasp the essence of the book, one must explore in a manner similar to a painter constructing a masterpiece, a central theme in the book.  In a similar fashion, the pace of the book varies.  The excitement and drama of the beginning and final acts are offset with a slower-paced middle.  This allows for plenty of tension while also providing an opportunity for characters and back-story to develop.  The ending is satisfying and unexpected, although it may be considered during the course of the story.  However, the thrilling plot may not be the landmark of Bloodman.  Instead, it is the character study of Jake Cole that steals the show.  His journey is exhilarating but also difficult to swallow as he ponders what must be done to protect his friends and loved ones from the past and perhaps more importantly, himself.  Robert Pobi has written and outstanding thriller that I recommend to mature readers.    

For language, graphic violence, sexual content, and drug references.

Reviewer Age:22
Reviewer City, State and Country: Eden Prairie, Minnesota United States

Cross My Heart by Sasha Gould

Laura della Scalla has finally adjusted to the monotinous routine of daily life in the convent where her father banished her when news comes that she must come back to her home in Venice. Instead of being able to relish the new freedoms of her old life, Laura reels with the shock of her sister's death and the revulsion of having to marry her sister's hideous old fiancee. Just when she thinks there is no hope left, Laura is approached by a member of the secret sociey of women in Venice, the Segretta. These women have the power to change Laura's fate, but they require one dangerous entry fee - a secret. Laura must balance her new responsibilities of her newfound life, as well as deal with her increasing attraction towards a mysterious painter and the powerful yet dangerous members of the Segretta. Laura struggles to accept her sister's passing as it seems more and more apparent that her death was no accident, reminding her of the danger of meddling with the wrong people in Venice, as well as the power even one secret can have.
Sasha Gould's Cross My Heart was the perfect mixture of romance, mystery, and historical fiction. Laura's character appeals to any audience because of her sweet and naive nature as well as her undaunted courage and bravery. I especially loved the theme of appearance vs. reality prevalent throughout the book as Laura struggles to understand who her friends and enemies really are. I was constantly engaged and the ending proved to be an unexpected surprise as the conditions of Laura's sister's death are revealed. I loved this book, and I would recommend it to any historical fiction enthusiasts, as well as anyone looking for a good book. I am looking forward to any more books by this author!

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

Wild Horses (Sadie's Montana) by Linda Byler

This book is about a girl named Sadie.  She was being driven to her job as a housekeeper, when Sadie and her driver saw a hurt wild mustang in the middle of the road.  Some men were also on their way to work.  They stopped and said they would take the mustang with them to drop off at the vet.  Sadie s boss surprises her by getting the horse back for Sadie.  Sadie had to choose her husband out of her two favorite men.  At the same time, her mom is struggling with mental problems that her father refuses to accept.  Sadie has tough choices to make.  Will they be the right choices?  Or will they not?

I think this book is a really great book.  The literature was very impressive.  It had strong words and good writing.  I liked the way she had to deal with so many struggles, but she kept her head.  I would recommend it for anyone.

Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leesburg, Virginia USA

The Enchantress (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel No. 6) by Michael Scott

The last day of battle, and Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel are in San Francisco with Niten, a warrior from Japan, and Prometheus, an Elder without a Shadowrealm.  These four valiants must save the city from the Dark Elders Bastet and Quetzalcoatl and the horde of monsters stored on Alcatraz. With several unlikely allies and insane courage, the Flamels might just die knowing they've won.  Meanwhile, on the Isle of Danu Talis, ten thousand years ago, Sophie, Josh, Scathach, Palamedes, Joan of Arc, Saint-Germain, William Shakespeare, Virginia Dare, and Dr. John Dee must fight to keep Isis and Osiris from gaining the throne by trickery, rescue Aten, and complete the prophecy that started this whole business.  The gold and silver twins have been found. The two that are one have become the one that is all.  Now one must save the world and one must destroy it.

It is the last book of the series.  It is a good ending.  Not necessarily happy, but good.  The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel is one of my favorite series, so of course I chose this book.  I believe that every character ended this book as something different than they started.  Some objects changed also.  Even the four swords of power, Joyeuse for Earth, Excalibur for Ice, Durendal for Air, and Clarent for Fire, changed their form and were united.  I really liked the idea of a fifth major power, an element, I suppose, a perfect mixture and balance of the other four - Aether. I doubt that any other person has taken traditional mythology and made it into something so different, so accurate, so realistic.  Michael Scott has outdone himself in this marvelous book, the dramatic conclusion to his original mythology series.

About the genre of this book: fantasy is the closest you had, but it's really a mythology book.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Lake City, IA USA

See You at Harry's

In this book Fern faces several conflicts. She finds out shocking things and experiences a tragedy. She also gets embarrassed and aggravated.  Although not everything is a conflict, everything is alright when everyone s happy.. This book may not start out the way you expect, but in the end everything is better.

I enjoyed this book; it was very captivating. Once I started reading, I couldn 't stop. I think this would be a good book for kids 10 and up. My favorite part was when Fern s sister was pull over in the ice cream truck. There is nothing in my opinion that could make this book better.The author must have met her goal of this book. There was no part of this book that was boring.

Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Wray, Georgia United States

The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman

The world's greatest minds have tried to crack the Voynich manuscript, but none have succeeded. That is, until Nora Kane, her friend Chris, and his odd roommate have at it. That is, until Nora's affinity for Latin and her strange connection with Elizabeth Weston, a 400 years dead poet who seemed to have cracked the code back in the 1500's, will make her the closest to finding out its secrets. But then those who wish for the secrets of the Lumen Dei to be kept in the dark are after them, sending her across the ocean, into a city that is still stuck in the past. There is no one Nora can trust, not the stricken Adraine, girlfriend of Chris; nor quiet Max, that odd roommate she had fallen so hard for; and especially not the mysterious distant cousin, Eli.
Beautiful, is the perfect word to describe this book. The language is woven in a complex pattern full of vivid words and deep meaning. It has a completely different feel than any other book I've ever read before, in a very good way. It's realistic, which with all of the Twilight wannabe's out there is an amazing feat. It sucks you in until you've read the last word, and even after that, it keeps you thinking and wondering over each mystery it presents you with. Of all the mystery novels I've read, The Book of Blood and Shadow has been the most surprising and suspenseful. With a little bit of romance, religion, history, and mythology, it has everything. It was not a book I would normally read, but it makes me want to read them, if they're as good as this one.

Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Colorado Springs, Colorado The United States of America

Unbreak My Heart by Melissa Walker

Unbreak My Heart is the story of Clementine, a high school sophomore who sets out with her family to sail along the east coast for the summer. The extended family time isn't as horrible as it normally would be, mostly because Clementine has managed to lose her best friend, Amanda, after flirting with Amanda's boyfriend. Clementine uses the trip to reconnect with her parents and her little sister, as well as to sort out her own feelings about what happened between her and Amanda. As a little bonus to this soul-searching vacation, she meets a friendly boy named James, who is sailing the same route as Clementine's family.

Unbreak My Heart was an interesting story that added a sailing background to the typical teenage drama. The creative setting allowed for a different take on the genre, and limited the repetitiveness I have come to expect from teen girl books. The plot was a little bit slow, focusing a lot of attention on Clementine's thoughts and the mysterious mistake she made that cost her Amanda's friendship. The small amount of action the book had was in the sub-plots, and greatly underplayed. Clementine's character was not developed enough, and I never really felt connected to her. She did not have enough flaws to make her relatable; besides the one mistake that the plot revolves around, Clemintine seemed like a pretty, smart, social girl with everything going for her. All in all, Unbreak My Heart is a quick read perfect for a teen girl relaxing on the beach and looking for something to read. I would recommend it to fans of Sarah Dessen, and those looking for a quick look into the mind of a heartbroken teenage girl.

Reviewer Age:16
 Reviewer City, State and Country: Harleysville, Pennsylvania USA

Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols

Leah Jones has always lived near airports and been fascinated by planes. When she is finally able to afford flying lessons, she goes to the owner of Hall Aviation, a small banner advertising business, to teach her. But when Mr. Hall dies suddenly, Leah fears her flying days are over. Luckily for her, Mr. Hall's two sons decide to restart his flying business, and they want to hire Leah. The only problem is that Mr. Hall's one son, impulsive Grayson, decides to blackmail Leah into dating his brother, and Leah finds herself stuck between the two of them.

I have never read a book by Jennifer Echols, and after reading Such a Rush, I think she is a terrific author. Such a Rush was a lot different than any other book I've read, especially since it involved flying planes. Everything about the planes was well-researched, and reading about Leah up in the air made me want to learn how to fly a plane, too. All the characters were interesting, and throughout the whole book I wanted to know their motivations. The mystery with Grayson and why he's blackmailing Leah was particularly engaging. Speaking of the protagonist, Leah grew up poor with an absent mother, but she was able to overcome her upbringing by the end of the book. Overall, I thought that Such a Rush was a fun read about a very interesting topic.

Reviewer Age:20
 Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, Pennsylvania United States

The End: 50 Apocalyptic Visions from Pop Culture that You Should Know About by Laura Barcella

What do 17 horror movies, 12 bone-chilling books, 4 creepy songs, 4 strange plays, 1 terrorizing radio broadcast, 5 sci-fi TV shows, 3 scary comic book series, and 4 frightening pieces of art have in common?

The end of the world.

In this book, Laura Barcella breaks down 50 of the world's most recognizable visions of the end times. For each vision there is a short summary, famous quotes, unforgettable moments, the impact the vision had on people, and a black and white photo. There is also a Reality Factor, which explains whether or not the vision could really happen or ever come true.

This is a stunningly well-put-together book. Laura Barcella adds her own funny captions to the pictures, and has an upbeat sort of vibe, which makes this book very amusing and easy to read. The only problem is that for some of the plays, movies, books, and comic book series the ending is clearly stated. The upside is that not every single one is spoiled. There are only a couple that are truly given away.

Laura Barcella has taken an impossible challenge and made it her own in a funny and laughable way. I will forever enjoy this book, as it is a welcome edition to anyone's library.

While this is an amazing book, there are quite a few pictures of bloody and gory scenes. There are multiple movies and books where people are killed in very vile ways. The aspects of the world ending are clearly present on every page of this book, so young or squeamish reader might want to steer clear.

Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Yucaipa, CA USA

Vodnik by Bruce Moore

Tomas is a sixteen-year-old born in Slovakia, but due to a near-drowning accident when he was five, he and his parents moved to America-where he was raised. Ever since his accident, Tomas has been deathly afraid of water, and because of the mysterious burn scars he wields, he is constantly the recipient of everyone's jokes. A fire burns down their house, and their insurance is inadequate, so the family has no choice but to move back to Trenin, Slovakia. Befriending his cousin, Katka, Tomas learns that it was no accident that he almost drowned and that a vodnik, a mythological creature in Slovak lore, is trying to steal his soul. Together with Katka, Tomas must find a way to kill the vodnik, and along the way, he has to deal with daily racism against his people the Roma (Gypsies), three bullies who absolutely hate him, bizarre visions sent by a water spirit, and a dark-humored woman in black commonly known as the Zubat￡.
This book was a compelling novel full of suspense, humor of various kinds, and, something I truly enjoy, culture awareness; throughout the book, you learn numerous facts about the Slovakian culture, language, and folklore, along with the eye-opening racism the Roma face every day. At the beginning of each chapter, there is a small segment from a tome mentioned in the book called Death in the Modern Day; each caption has a darkly humorous tone to it, along with interesting information about different things throughout the story. One such caption describes vampires in a never-before-thought-of way: instead of being elegant, beautiful, and aristocratic, in this book, they are "a lazy, slovenly lot, prone to long bouts of diarrhea and cursed with some of the worst body odor on this plane of existence."
Overall, this is a wonderful book that I highly recommend for anyone who loves everything previously mentioned. Tomas is very relatable to those who have major issues making friends-so instead spend their time watching movies or TV, or those who are harassed due to race or differences, or if haunted by any creature from Slovakian lore.

Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Oskaloosa, Iowa USA

BlackGold by Albert Marrin

Black Gold, it controls the world. Also known as crude oil, it shapes our society by being involved with everything we use and do on a daily basis. "Black Gold" explains this process of control. From the very beginning of time when it was created to the present day with our rising gas prices, "Black Gold" covers it all. "Black Gold" makes connections that you'd never even think of. If you're interested in history, any type of social studies, and even math, then you'll definitively enjoy this book. 
I thought this was a well written book. It was just a bit too "textbook-y" for me, I was looking forward to more of the effects that drilling and the oil industry has the personal lives of people all over the world. As I said, it was very informative and I learned a lot, I just wish there was some more personality to it. Overall, I might recommend this book to a friend if the circumstances were appropriate, though probably not just for pleasure reading.

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Hopkins, Michigan United States

Treason's Shore by, Sherwood Smith

After being exiled for ten excruciating years, Inda finally returns home. He finds that his old classmate, Evred, has become the ruler of his homeland and is overjoyed to see his friend again. However, the kingdom he knew has changed. Evred wanted Inda to be his Royal Shield Arm-leader of the military-so that his now famous skills can be put towards defending the kingdom. Inda is a military genius, but his skills lay where the ocean is and is not suited for land. During this, the ancient kingdom of Venn is planning the largest invasion the world has ever known. Can Inda defend his homeland while gaining new responsibilities? Find out in Sherwood Smith's, Treason's Shore.

Treason's Shore was definitely a great, action-packed book. Treason's Shore is bursting at the seams with characters, events, and magic. This story of blocking an invasion kept me riveted to the page as though I were made of iron and it, the magnet. The book was a little slow in the beginning, however. I recommend this book to all those who search for adventure as they enter a library.

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Mineola, Texas America

Attack of the Killer Video: Take 2

Attack of the Killer Video Book: Take 2 is for kids who want to make a movie. It has tips on brainstorming ideas, casting characters, and writing a script. It also has technical tips including lighting, cameras, and sound. It shows different types of camera shots and when to use each of them.  Lastly, it gives ideas to make the movie happen: costumes, props, and special effects. It even shows how to edit your video. It helps people plan a video, and then do it.
This book contains all the information anyone would ever need to know to make a stellar movie. Its humor and easy reading give a light tone; it is good for all ages. It is well organized and gets to the point. It has many variations and possibilities to use depending on the number of people, type of video, and other factors. No one who reads this book will need any other references; it covers the whole process, from the planning to the editing. It is filled with Great Idea boxes with tips for keeping organized, shooting smoothly, and more. It also has several Bloopers telling how to solve or prevent problems you might have. I could not find anything the author could have improved.



Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: calhoun, georgia USA

A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

A Princess of Mars is the first epic tale of John Carter and his adventures on the planet Mars, or as the natives call it, Barsoom.  The story begins with Carter, a former captain in the Confederate army, searching for gold in the deserts of Arizona.  A dangerous encounter with a band of Apaches leads Carter to a mysterious cave that transports him to Mars.  As John Carter becomes assimilated with one of the warring tribes on Mars, he learns of a great threat that could jeopardize all life on the planet.  All the while he is infatuated by a lovely princess, knowing each decision he makes may determine the fate of their romance.  A Princess of Mars is a true science fiction epic combining action, romance, and many other elements that make it an essential part of the science fiction canon.

A Princess of Mars was written nearly 100 years ago, yet it still influences the most prominent science fiction writers and film directors of our era.  Edgar Rice Burroughs has written an epic story with many elements that add to the size and scale of the story.  Readers will become attached to many of the main characters despite their alien origins, and the character studies (especially the romance) is interwoven flawlessly with dramatic scenes of action and adventure.  However, the most intriguing aspect to the story is the personal journey of the protagonist, John Carter.  His combat experience prepares him well for the war-torn planet of Barsoom, but amongst the death and destruction, he finds true love.  Like many stories we know today, he must juggle the roles of soldier and lover as the inhabitants of Mars fight for survival.  Science fiction readers must read A Princess of Mars to truly understand the standard Edgar Rice Burroughs has set for the science fiction genre.  

Reviewer Age:22
Reviewer City, State and Country: Eden Prairie, Minnesota United States

The Age of Amy: Bonehead Bootcamp by Bruce Edwards

When Amy' s family is relocated from her beloved city apartment to a large house in Skankstonville, to say she is upset would be a major understatement. She is constantly fighting with her family, and when her parents are just done with her, they send her off to Bonehead Bootcamp. Greeted by Sergeant Sheep, the ruler of camp with a head of a sheep, she and the other campers, Devon, Jake, and Lydia, begin an obstacle course. After scaling a wall, they all drop into a new universe with their ultimate challenge being to escape. Each camper faces specific challenges engineered to their person, and they must all work together to go back home.

This book didn' t go over very well with me. The flow wasn't great, with an extra-long exposition and rising action, and a tiny climax and falling action crammed at the end. I didn 't understand parts of the book, such as the Sergeant and campers possessing heads of animals. The animal head relates to the personality of the specific person; for example, the wealthy business tycoon changes to the head of a weasel. However, that element just seemed really odd to me. The concept behind the book was a unique and interesting one, but I feel like it really needs some more work.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leawood, Kansas United States

Moon Pie by Simon Mason

Moon Pie is about a girl named Martha caring for her little brother and drunken father.  Martha loves on Tug and mothers him.  She gives him baths and makes his favorite pie for him.  But when Martha s father starts acting strange, like taking them out on a picnic in the middle of the night, she starts getting worried.  When a lady tells Martha that her father could be drinking, she doesn 't waste time to find out.  Martha learns that the Social Services might take her and her little brother away because their father is drinking.  Read this book to find out what Martha does to help her father and little brother.
I think that this story has a few bad ideas for many children.  I would be cautious before giving it to any kid.  It has parts such as drinking parents and being driven by someone drunk.  It is a great book other than the parts that aren' t very nice to think about.  I don' t recommend it for children under 11.
There is drinking to the point of being drunk involved.
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leesburg, Virginia USA

Amos Daragon No. 2 The Key of Braha by Bryan Perro

Amos feels secure in his place as mask wearer in the castle in Berrion.  That is, he feels secure until a mysterious girl and several black panthers arrive and the girl demands he undergo a quest to the land of the dead.  She performs a ceremony that ends the mask wearer's life.  Amos travels to the City of Braha and finds the doors to heaven and hell have been shut, and the city is overflowing with spirits waiting to be judged so they can continue on into the afterlife.  Amos must find the Key of Braha to open the doors, but to do so he must come back to life.  Can he manage it?  And even if he does, what exactly is the Key of Braha?

This book is a great follow-up to the first Amos Daragon, which I also reviewed.  I liked Amos' clever wits when he outsmarted Charon, ferryman of the dead, by promising him double nothing and giving him exactly that - two times nothing!  I enjoyed the intricacies of Braha, how it was the same as an ordinary city; judges, ordinary people, thieves, etc., and how it was different because of the giant pyramid in the center.  I certainly did not expect the Key of Braha to be edible!  Amos is definitely the most clever twelve-year-old I have ever heard of.  Anyone who has read the first Amos Daragon - The Mask Wearer - needs to get ahold of book two - it's spectacular!

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Lake City, IA USA

Beneath the Heavens

Beneath the Heavens


On a train bound for the Everlands, a fabled island that is said to remedy all ailments, many who are said to have incurable diseases wait as they speed toward their salvation in Beneath the Heavens by Christine O Nell. Some are bedridden, some barely conscious, some just slowly wasting away. Saying they are relived when they get there is an understatement barely surviving a vulpiodon attack (the Everland’s only real threat ) was heart-stopping enough. They find their niches quite quickly, and start to settle down into the Everland’s peaceful beauty until something goes horribly wrong. Two murders taking the life of the train’s conductor and a shady magician wreak havoc among the residents of the Everlands. From there, it only gets worse. Another passenger from the Miracle Line goes missing. Pair of natives are found mutilated by vulpiodons,vulpiodons that were supposed to be kept out by the Everland’s protective bulwark until somebody dropped it in the middle of the night. The town’s guiding light, Lazarus, is slowly wasting away. Two men are wrongly condemned for murder only to later escape and find a secret no one was supposed to discover.

Quence heard rapid footsteps behind him. Shifting as best as he could manage, body prickling with fear, he struggled to look behind him while reaching for the knife in his pants.

I really did enjoy this book. The many viewpoints in this novel kept it edgy and interesting,you could connect with at least one character. O’Nell explored the very tip of fantasy, but gave it a suspense-filled vibe, and then added a dollop of romance to create one dynamic manuscript. The only downside I noticed is that I got a little confused at the beginning,there were so many different characters and the setting was a little hard to distinguish,but once you got the hang of all the personalities names, you were set free to kick back and enjoy. O’Nell provided such diversity in this book, from an annoying insomniac to a sweet paralysis patient. Some of the scenes felt like they came right out of CSI; the mystery, the shady suspect, the surprise ending. There was definitely a creative story plot, and the imagination of O’Nell is certainly expansive. In the end, I would give this book a five star review! (Even if it hasn’t been made into a movie--yet.)

Otto stopped to look at Tienan. Before the Everlands was all this, it was a volcano. This is the nowhere that these tunnels don’t lead.

I would recommend this book for ages ten and up, for some of the profanity and sexual references. There was nothing too obscene in the novel, though. I was really impressed with the language for a teens book, it only had one or two real-world curses in it.

So, who is the soul that is slowly killing off the people of the Everlands? What is the mysterious secret that no one was meant to see? Beneath the Heavens has all the answers!



Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leopold, Missouri U.S.A.

The Girl in the Park by Mariah Fredericks

When Rain's once best friend Wendy is discovered dead in Central Park, she is shocked and upset. Though not liked by everyone at their prep school, Wendy was still full of life and fun to be around. But now the newspapers are accusing Wendy of only being a party girl whose actions caused her demise. Rain decides she wants to clear Wendy's name and set the record straight - and the best way she can think of doing that is by exposing her murderer.

I really enjoyed The Girl in the Park. It was short and an extremely quick read, especially for a mystery. However, the book read just like an episode of Law and Order. I was instantly drawn into the murder, and having a great narrator like Rain made the novel that much better. Even though the book is short, the author hits a lot of points and we get backstory on Wendy as well as an array of suspects. Rain realistically looks for clues and questions suspects like Nancy Drew, but it doesn't seem corny or campy. The whole time I was unsure of the culprit, but the ending is very satisfying. All the clues added up, and I was pleased with how everything was resolved. For such a short book, I thought that the author wrote an exciting mystery that everyone can enjoy.

The book portrays the murder of a young girl.

Reviewer Age:20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, PA United States

Ascend (Trylle Trilogy No. 3) by Amanda Hocking

Wendy Everly is willing to do anything for the well-being of her kingdom. Even if "anything" includes marrying someone she doesn't love. But marriage is the least of Wendy's problems. The Vittra are planning an attack that will leave most of her kingdom dead. Will Wendy figure out how to save her people, or will she be too late?

Unlike its two predecessors, this book is action-packed from the beginning. Normally I would have to read half of the book to get to the action; but with this final installment in the trilogy, the action starts on page one.

Wendy has matured into a smart young woman. She understands her actions have consequences, and is focused on saving her people. I am pleased to see how far she's come from the whining and pathetic little girl she was in the first book. Part of this transformation is due to the fact that she no longer obsesses over Finn. I am extremely pleased about that since I've loathed the obsession from day one. Instead of obsessing over a guy she'll never be with, Wendy turns her attention to the people of her kingdom and how she can protect them. She has finally grown into the responsible young woman I was hoping for from the beginning.

Wendy's relationship with her mother has also changed. In the beginning of the series Wendy loathed everything her mother stood for. In this book, however, she realizes that taking time to understand her mother helps their relationship.

For the most part, the plot is original. While there were a couple parts that were predictable, the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat.

Amanda Hocking has redeemed herself in my eyes. She has finally created the original story and compelling characters that she promised in her first book. She has truly created a whole new world.

Wendy has sex, and this book is written from her perspective. There are multiple instances of mild cursing as well.

Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Yucaipa, CA USA

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Glitch takes place in a dystopian future where everyone is connected through controlling computer chips implanted in their brains. Despite the Community's assurance that life is more peaceful and happy while the people are under their control, the "subjects" feel no emotions, and make no decisions. Increasingly frequent, however, are Glitches. Glitches, or Anomalies, are teenagers who develop the ability to escape the Link, and are amazed at the world of color and emotion that surrounds them. Zoel is a 17 year old glitch who also has telekinetic powers, anomalies that she is constantly trying to hide from those that would report her as faulty. Luckily, she soon discovers that she is not alone in her independence when she meets Adrien, part of the Resistance. Adrien, who has the ability to glimpse the future, is positive that Zoe will one day lead this rebellious organization. Telekinetic powers don't make it any easier to figure out who is trustworthy and who is not, however, and Zoe must quickly make the distinction between friend and foe if she ever wants to figure out the secrets from her past, and what she plans to do with her powers in the future.
Glitch was a fast-paced book that I found hard to put down. With a setting that reminded me of the Uglies Series and Revealing Eden, the author twisted the familiar dystopian theme into a new interesting take on freedom and emotion. Zoe was an incredibly likeable character, with well developed thoughts and realistic reactions. Her friends, including the Glitches Adrien and Max, were each unique and added to the intrigue of the plot. Intense action scenes involved high-tech brain control and supernatural powers, and moved the plot smoothly from one idea to the next. The author also played mind games, as allegiances are questioned throughout the book. I enjoyed trying to puzzle my way through the deceit and figuring out what was really going on. The end of the story did not quite tie up all the loose ends, but it is definitely possibilities for a second book. I would recommend Glitch to teenage readers who enjoy futuristic stories and adventure, as well as to those who enjoy Scott Westerfield and Suzanne Collins.
Glitch contained a small amount of cursing and sexual references.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Harleysville, Pennsylvania USA

Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

When three kids skip out on a museum tour their punishment is the scariest thing ever!!!! They have to join their schools mathletes. At first the kids are really bummed, but with the help of Lunch Lady and her sidekick, Betty, they figure out that being mathletes can be a wonderful experience. This book has action, humor, and comic book format. If that intrigues you, Lunch Lady is definitely the book for you.

This book was hilarious!!!! My mom is a lunch lady (she wanted to help out because the other lunch ladies are, in my opinion, evil!) and Lunch Lady reminded me of her. No, my mom is not a crime-fighting spy person but my mom is always willing to lend a hand. This book was so funny even my dad who was on the side while I read it laughed out loud. I would recommend this book to anyone who says they want a book with action and humor.

Reviewer Age:9

Reviewer City, State and Country: Charlotte, NC United States

Oreo by Valerique Williams

In the book Oreo, by Valerique Williams, Jayenia is trying to figure out who she is, because she is too black on the outside to be white, but too white on the inside to be black. She thinks high school will be a great time but does not think that after the first day. Jayenia must try to figure out who she is and who she wants to be. She wants to fit in society, but she feels as if she isn't living up to who a black person should really be.

I would not recommend reading this book for many reasons. First, the writing style seems as if it is being written by a first grader during free time, rushing to get it all down. Secondly, the book doesn't even make much sense. It seems as if she just got tired of writing it at the end and said there she's fine, done, let's get this published. This was not a very good book and it just doesn't make sense. I wouldn't have read past the first chapter if I didn't have to review it.

Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Rochester, New York USA

Rating: 1

Content Rating: 1

Echo's Revenge: The Ultimate Game by Sean Austin

Echo's Revenge: The Ultimate Game by Sean Austin is about the video game Echo's Revenge becoming a reality for its online players. The book is written around two brothers, Reggie and Jeremy, and starts in the small town of Meadowbrooke, Washington, with both of them playing Echo's Revenge. Reggie is one of the top players in the world of Echo's Revenge, and as such, he's able to kill the Echo in the game. However, their real life is not so good, with Reggie and Jeremy living with their absentee mother and their abusive step-father Asa. Reggie, being one of the top, was invited to the top players conference at the AAA Reality Games headquarters, but Asa forbids him to go, throwing the invitational letter into the fireplace. Reggie decides to go anyways, and once there, he meets all the other top gamers. After Reggie gets home from the conference, Asa discovers that he disobeyed him, and both brothers enact Operation: Thunderbolt, their plan to escape Asa and go to their dad's house in Pasadena. However, they encounter many trials along the way and end up facing their greatest fear: a real life Echo. Full of danger, Echo's Revenge: The Ultimate Game is a riveting adventure full of unexpected turns and twists.

Although being varied and having many things going on within it, Echo's Revenge: The Ultimate Game can be evaluated in three ways: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

The Good:
Although the idea of a video game coming to life is not a new concept, Sean Austin explores it in a way previously unseen in a story, making it distinctly unique. Also, it is a relatively short read, so it can easily be read on any schedule.  And finally, it's conclusion leaves it very suspenseful, leaving the reader thirsting for more. I know that I cannot wait for the next book.

The Bad:
Although there are hidden twists and secrets behind the book, the majority of the book is extremely predictable. It can make the book a bore at times and makes it a lower level reading material.

The Ugly:
Although I understand this was an uncorrected advanced readers copy, the book is in desperate need of just a basic grammar and spell check. Mistakes are riddled all throughout the book, which makes the book a confusing read. It is not fit to be published until these mistakes are corrected.

Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Tucson, Arizona U.S.A.

Peaceweaver by Rebecca Barnhouse

Hild is the sister-daughter of King Ragnar of the Shyflings.  She was a favorite of her uncle until the day she ran across a training field, controlled by a strange instinct, to keep her cousin, the heir to the throne, from being assassinated.  In doing so, she killed her cousin's would-be murderer with a borrowed sword without realizing what she was doing until it was over.  To Hild's surprise, her uncle is not pleased to have his heir safe, but instead is furious at her deed.  His adviser, Bragi, goes so far as to say she has been possessed by evil spirits, while others murmur of the gods chosen.  Because of the doubt that this possession is for good purposes, Hild must be exiled.  Ragnar decides to marry her off to the new king of the Geats.  On her journey to the Geats, Hild meets a terrifying monster, loses her maid, and learns that the union is a ploy. Her uncle plans to attack after the wedding, when the Geats feel secure.  Hild know that when he attacks, she will not be spared.  In only a few days, Hild must find a way to be a true peaceweaver between the two kingdoms.

Hope.  That is the feeling I had when I closed this book.  Hope and determination.  Hild was so brave to endure extreme hardships: from being accused of being possessed, to being attacked by a monster and losing her maid on a journey to be a false bargaining tool.  It wasn't her choice to be possessed, and the punishment is unfair, but Hild doesn't complain.  She simply does as she is told, hoping it will all end well.  Then she arrives in the land of the Geats, which has been ravaged by a dragon.  She almost runs from the small kingdom with so little to offer but decides to stay and help the new king rebuild his country and possibly make peace with hers.  Hild must have felt hope, determination and also a certainty that this was her home now.  This story attracted me because it supposedly involved Norse Mythology.  I was disappointed to learn the author only made use of the three most common gods and goddesses, but it was still a great story.  What more can I say?  It was an amazing and extraordinary story, the kind that makes you want to laugh and cry at the same time.  Thank you, Rebecca Barnhouse.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Lake City, IA USA

Emerald Witch

Living with her Grandmother Grace in a small Irish town resides the story’s main character, Amelia. The book follows Amelia as she must abandon her human life to embrace a newfound discovery; she is the last in the line of the Emerald Witches. With her mother deceased, and her father, a dark and infamous wizard, out for her blood to complete a nefarious spell, it is Grace who must help Amelia survive and harness her new powers.  The pair is accompanied by a throng of magical defenders willing to put down their lives in order to save Amelia and stop her wicked father. Together they begin an epic adventure filled with danger, mystery, and malevolence. 

The Emerald Witch begins with Amelia, not knowing about her magical heritage, dealing with mostly normal teenage issues, mixed with strange and unexplainable happenings that become important later on.  It is at these earlier stages of the book that I became acutely aware of the skewed priorities of our heroine. Exploding principals, mysterious disappearances, unsolved murders and in Amelia’s mind, all this pales in comparison to the dreamy way an attractive guy-not the one she is dating, mind you- flips his hair.  I was infinitely grateful when the storyline moved on, and the importance of her love life diminished, replaced with the more significant details of the story. I found myself enjoying the book more and more as it continued on, getting darker and much more interesting every time a key point was revealed. The majority of the characters where unique and had their share of endearing faults, though I could point out a few that where unrealistically perfect. The plot itself seemed very original, while still keeping familiar elements used in the majority of the fantasy genre. In all, the story was enjoyable, and I don’t regret choosing this fascinating book. 

Reviewer Age: 13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Phillipsburg, New Jersey United States

The Mark by Jen Nadol

Cassandra Renfield didn' t know what it meant...until she followed a man and watched him die. She now knows that the strange glow she sees on individuals does not mean she' s crazy . . . it means those people are going to die. Today. Cassie knows that the mark is a remarkable predictor of the inevitable, a warning . . . which is why she feels anxious and panicked when she sees marked people and knows she can 't save them. Or can she? Seeing the mark again and again begs the question: should Cassandra tell the people she knows will die in just hours?  Can she prevent death?
Although it was not the best I' ve read, I liked this book. It has an interesting concept that I haven' t seen before in a story. Cassandra is a believable character, and the dialogue is believable as well. The writing style wasn 't my favorite, but that 's personal preference. Overall, this was a decent book. I wouldn' t recommend it to younger readers, mainly because of harsh language but for more mature readers, give it a try. The Mark is a worthwhile read.

Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Tigard, OR USA

The Princesses of Iowa by M. Molly Backes

Last spring, Paige and her friends were involved in a drunk driving accident; luckily for them, it could have been a lot worse. She returns to her small town in Iowa for her senior year after having been shipped off to Paris for the summer to be an au pair. She's expecting to pick right where she left off, but things have changed. Her boyfriend is distant, her friend walks with a limp now, and Paige feels increasing pressure from her mother to look and be perfect. But when she takes a creative writing class with an inspiring teacher, Paige learns how writing can be therapeutic and uses her new found knowledge to become the person she's always wanted to be.

I really enjoyed The Princesses of Iowa, especially because it addressed a lot of concerns that teenagers have to deal with on a daily basis. This included drunk driving, friendship/boyfriend/family issues, self-image, love interests, popularity, parental/peer pressure, disabilities and gay rights/discrimination. While I was glad to see so many themes, there was almost too much going on in the book for any one point to be fully addressed and discussed.

That being said, I liked that Paige developed like a true dynamic character. She really did change for the better, and it was nice to actually be able to see that. Also, some of the supporting characters were really fun to read about, such as Shanti, Ethan, and Mr. Tremont. Since there is a lot going on, the book is a quick read, and there is never a dull moment. I liked The Princesses of Iowa a lot, but for her next book the author should use a few themes and stick with just them.
Reviewer Age: 20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, Pennsylvania United States

The Secret Circle: The Divide by L. J. Smith

Cassie and the Circle are back, and they are in even more danger than before. The Circle's loved ones and friends are slowly being marked by a witch hunter! Could the hunter be Scarlett, the suspicious new girl in town? Or is the culprit Max, the school's new jock and principal's son? To help save themselves and others, their loyalties and friendships will be tested, lines will be crossed, and lives will be lost. Who is the hunter, and will the Circle be able to stop him or her?

L. J. Smith has created another wonderful addition to The Secret Circle series. This book was filled with action, drama, and romance. This story leaves you on your toes with suspense, and I feel like I can see the book being played out in my head. Even though the story line was amazing, Smith could have cleaned up the end of the story a little better. Most likely there is going to be another in the series, and I cannot wait for it! I recommend this to all girls and lovers of the mystical.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fresno, California USA

Ice Island by Sherry Shahan

Tantum is a young teenage girl that is visiting Santa Ysabel Island (in Alaska) for a week with her mom. She loves dogsled racing and meets and befriends an Eskimo boy named Cole who also likes dogsled racing. They decide to do a trial run, but then a freak blizzard hits leaving them stranded in the middle of nowhere. With half of the dogs exhausted and one dog with newly born pups, one person will have to go for help, leaving the other behind.
Ice Island was a pretty satisfying book. I like do-or-die type of books and this was a good one. The author also does a really good job describing the scenes. An example of this is on page 74 "Cole's team looked like they were swimming down the trail, snow sprayed up from his sled like a wave behind a speed boat". I recommend this for ages 10 and up. If you enjoy it then I recommend books by Gordon Korman, more specifically his Everest and Island trilogies.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Uxbridge, Mass. USA

Erebos by Ursula Poznanski

Nick Dunmore notices strange things happening. He sees a mysterious package that is being passed around at his school. Nicks initially thinks it is only a pirated CD, but after he gets his hands on it, he finds something much better: a computer game called Erebos. He discovers that the game is so addictive that it takes control over the gamers. The game connects with the real world, giving you seemingly mindless tasks to complete in order to level up. The puzzle pieces begin to fit together and Nick now realizes things are far bigger than he imagined, and that Erebos will stop at nothing to reach its goal. This poses a new question. What is Erebos?
I really liked this book. It gave me an inside look on the addictive power of games, and how games can be like a drug: almost impossible to stop. The players couldn't tell the difference between the game and reality. The book depicted the story in explicit detail but still left room for your imagination. It was very mysterious and the conclusion made sense. The author gives us a look inside the game while Nick is playing and shows what it takes to disconnect from Erebos without going completely insane. Although the middle dragged on a bit, the ending was more than satisfying. Now excuse me, I have to get back to my game.


Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leawood, KS United States

Infamous: Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon

In this book, Nick is a half-demon, half-human teenage boy who faces all of the average trouble a kid could face- doubled by the dangers of the demon world he also lives in. With a constant threat around him, he tries to cling to his values and the people he loves while his world threatens to break apart. He knows someone very close to him will betray him eventually, but this doesn't stop him from laying his life on the line for his friends. His mother means the world to him and although he is a very powerful demon, he is as meek as a puppy when her temper rises.
I liked the book as far as content and plot go. The description was vivid and it was a pleasant read. However, one thing I think the writer failed to capture was the true essence of Nick, the main character's personality. I'm not a male myself, so I can't say this with certainty, but I really doubt that an average teenage boy would see things the was Nick does. I was just pulled out of the story whenever she described her version of a typical teenager's thoughts. Although I'm not a boy, I'm around them daily and the two comparisons just didn't match up. For example, at one point Nick's mom is scolding him. He cows like a six-year-old girl and absolutely breaks down emotionally. In my opinion, there was nothing in the scolding that should have made him feel the way he did. I think the author over-dramatized the emotions of the character and it just didn't work for me. The plot was fine, with great descriptions and enough secrecy that the end wasn't a dead giveaway. The end has a cliffhanger, but not one so dramatic that it makes you want to throw the book at the wall in frustration. The only reason I didn't like this book overall was because the author failed to capture the essence of a teenage boy; a feat that I would have thought impossible for a female, non-teenaged author anyways. J.K. Rowling succeeded with Harry Potter because she was not trying to capture every thought that ran through Harry's head; she wasn't aiming to a teenage audience, either. The thoughts Rowling showed could have belonged to anyone, while in this book the author was trying too hard to put the reader right inside a teenage boy's head, not-so-secretly referenced hormonal urges and all.

Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Columbus, Indiana United States

Apocalypse To Go by Katherine Kerr

Apocalypse to Go by Katherine Kerr is an urban fantasy about a young woman named Nola. She is helping a secret agency, the Apocalypse Squad, by using her psychic powers. She is just on the brink of solving a mystery when she finds out that her younger brother is gone. He has gone looking for their missing father. Nola and her partner, Ari Nathan, must find Nola's brother in time to save him from a world more terrifying than either of them imagine.
I did not enjoy Apocalypse to Go. I thought is was not well written at all. The overall concept is a good one, but I feel that the author could have gone so much further with it. I thought the descriptions of things, while vivid in some points, tended to drag on. On the other hand, I think the author did do a good job in establishing the relationships between characters. I really felt as if i understood how Nola felt about everyone in the story.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Tipp City, OH United States

Roland Wright: Brand New Page by Tony Davis

When Roland's father makes a suit of armor that saves the king's life, the king allows 1 of his sons to become a page, which the first step in becoming a knight. But once Roland gets to the castle, he realizes it isn't so great. The queen won't even let Roland's pet mouse stay! And there's a mean older page that hates kids like Roland. Ho will he get through this?
The book was pretty good, but very short. The type face was big, and the book had many pictures, so it was a short story, most likely meant for younger kids. The plot was good though, so I did like it. The story had more detail than you may expect because the book is so short. The author did a great job making a short but thorough novel.

Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Baltimore, Maryland USA

Book Title: The Flying Beaver Brothers and The Evil Penguin Plan by Maxwell Eaton III

This book was about two beavers that helped the island from being a frozen resort. Just before the day of the beaver surfing contest, was when the penguins devised to turn the island into the frozen resort. This machine of the penguins seemed to be invincible, but can the two heroic beavers even be able to solve this problem? The climax is as surprising as the end, and is you to see what happens!
The Flying Beaver Brothers And The Evil Penguin Plan was a book that did not appeal to me. Although I thought it would. So when I read the book I knew it was for someone of younger age. My eight year old brother was amused and enjoyed the book. I would recommend this book for anyone still in elementary school, and I found this book also very predictable.

Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Sterling, Virginia USA

A Smile of Fortune (eBook) by Adam Kisiel

This book is about a bard who is traveling to his family member's funeral and gets caught up in a life or death situation. The Man starts on his way to Romarillan, the city where his uncle's funeral will be held, when he meets a Halfling. This is where his story begins. When they get to the city, the bard gets stuck in a situation where he is in debt to an inn and the only way to pay is through thievery from a friend. The bard steals a ring that turns out to be a powerful wizard artifact, the ring of air. The bard when to a store to sell the ring so he could get money to repay his debt. He got home with all the money he needed, but instead of a debt collector, he found men wreathed in black robes waiting to kidnap him. He is put in a life or death situation in a fight for the rings. The ring is nowhere to be found, so the assailants are struck at by the captured and are forced to flee with he rings they already have, fire, water, and earth. Then the end of the book arrives, where they all the friends are reunited and thieves are on the loose with three rings of immense power.
A Smile of Fortune was a very creative book dealing with lots of interesting characters and a bit of a confusing plot. I didn't understand the moral of the story or why the author created the story. There was little rhyme or pattern to the plot, so the story made little sense. In the beginning, when the bard meets the Halfling and the Halfling gets put in jail, he leaves him there, if they were friends, then why would he leave him there. That made no sense to me. The book had several editing problems and no order to the story.  Personally, I didn't like the book and would rather the story had been explained better, the characters introduced more completely, and the story continued so you could learn what happens to the magic rings stolen by a thief and so the readers could learn more about the characters backgrounds.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: charlotte, North Carolina United States

I, Dwayne Kebler by James Connor

The book I, Dwayne Kebler is about a young boy in high school. Dwayne's mother is pregnant and quit her job, so Dwayne and his brother Reggie have to find jobs to help support the family. One day Dwayne runs into a paperboy who tells him there are plenty of streets open. When Dwayne gets the job, he finds that one street is not enough to fit the budget for the family. Dwayne's father makes Reggie sign up for another street although Dwayne is actually going to deliver to both streets. The 2nd road Dwayne is delivering to was named suicide seventeen by his fellow paperboys. Dwayne soon discovers why because on his second day of delivering, he gets robbed and ends up with a broken tooth. Dwayne's father wants the newspaper to give him an insurance claim since Dwayne got hurt but the company doesn't give him one, so Dwayne quits the job.


One thing I enjoyed about the book was the perspective. Reading the book from Dwayne's perspective was very interesting because his view was very unique and he used slang terms which was very amusing. Although when I read the ending, I felt that it was not very good. In the end, Dwayne's father just tells him to get a new job and the book ends. I also thought that the plot of the whole story was pretty bad because all that happens is Dwayne gets a job, he stops doing his old job, and looks to find a new job. I also think that the vocabulary is not very age appropriate because all of the characters use cuss words very often in the book. Comparing to other realistic fiction books, I think that this book is not very good. I think this because it was very cut and dry and was not as interesting as other realistic fiction books I have read. I think the author could have added more appealing things in the story other than his job, like maybe more details about his family like whether his mother even had a baby, or even if he found a new job. Another thing I did enjoy about the book was it was very realistic. This book was all about Dwayne helping his family survive and to do that he had to earn money. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to other people because I didn't really like the plot of the story and it was not very interesting.
All characters cussed many times throughout the book.
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Champaign, Illinois USA

Alien Proliferation by Gini Koch

In the book, Alien Proliferation, there was action and romance. In the beginning, the main character Kitty, was in a lot of pain. That was because she was having a baby. She is tired of sitting around and doing nothing. So after she has it, she is relieved. She can go on missions! But will the baby restrict her? Read this action and romance novel to find out!

I loved Alien Proliferation. It was dull at some parts, but I adored the rest. The description of everything was amazing. I could see parts of the book very clearly. Gini Koch did an amazing job writing the book. I would recommend this book to any action and/or romance lover.
I gave this book a 3 because there was language that younger kids starting to read novels shouldn t read
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Whitinsville, Masachusetts United States of America