Sylvie and the Songman

All of London is growing quiet, animals are losing their voices. Then Sylvie's dad, a songwriter, mysteriously disappears. Sylvie, her best friend, George, and her dog, Mr. Jackson set out on an adventure to solve the mystery. Along the way they encounter animals of all shapes and sizes, who help them in their search. All the while running from the mysterious songman and the woodpecker man. Together they attempt to save the world from silence.

Sylvie and the Songman took a while to get into, the beginning of the plot was slow. But once the adventure got underway I couldn't stop reading. Overall the book was interesting, it makes you think and ponder the ideas of animal-human interaction and the power of voice. I think this book is like "indie" music, it's unique and interesting but it most likely will not be a mainstream hit. The text of the book was inter-woven with illustrations. These illustrations showed the setting but still let me imagine. The illustrations are in black and white, and beautifully add another element to the book. The author does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. I felt like I was on the adventure with them. The ending wrapped up the story well, except it didn't fully explain the teachers whereabouts. Reading this book makes you think, it is beautifully powerful and exciting at the same time. I would recommend this book to people who like to wonder, but I would tell them it takes time to get into.

I would recommend adult guidance for this book because it can be scary at times. There was some graphic descriptions that are slightly disturbing but very important to the plot.

Reviewer Age:16

Reviewer City, State and Country: Amherst, MA USA

Buggy Crenshaw and the Deadwood Principle: Evolution

Buggy Crenshaw and the Deadwood Principle: Evolution begins exactly where Buggy Crenshaw and the Bungler’s Paradox ended. In The Bungler’s Paradox, Buggy defeats the first of five Dark Lords of the Underworld. In this next installment, Buggy is exhausted after fighting off Evil. When she goes into her room, she is met by an unexpected visitor, the Rebel Phoenix Alabaster. He guards one of the doors to the Nexus, (a place where good and evil meet). The Deadwood brothers, Cypress and Cedar, have a theory that if one of the doors to the Nexus is destroyed, like in The Bungler’s Paradox, the world would become unbalanced and fall into cosmic chaos. Guided by a mysterious message given to her by the Rebel Phoenix, Buggy and her friends find themselves thrown into another adventure. Will they be able to save the world?

To understand Buggy Crenshaw and the Deadwood Principle: Evolution, you really have to read the first book Buggy Crenshaw and the Bunglers Paradox. I thought there were still a few confusing parts, but I think if you keep reading, you’ll figure them out. Buggy Crenshaw and the Deadwood Principle: Evolution was interesting and action-packed from beginning to end. It was a fun book to read and there were a lot of twists in the plot. I thought it was even better than the first book! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure, but read The Bungler’s Paradox first. Just watch out because Buggy has an addiction to adventure. Happy reading!

Content: 1
Rating: 9
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Harleysville, PA USA

Elissa's Quest by Erica Verrillo

Thirteen-year-old Elissa has a very special gift: she can speak with animals. She doesn't think much of her unique ability but keeps it a secret as her nana advised. Not knowing who her real parents are, she stays with an all-knowing healer in the quietly pleasant valley of High Crossing. News arrives of a royal guest coming and Elissa is invited to the royal banquet. There she meets a mysterious nobleman named Lord Falk who says that he has come for her. Having no choice but to go with him, Elissa leaves her beloved home to travel across the desert to the Citadel many miles away. After learning that she is a bargaining tool for Lord Falk's kingdom, she is held captive by a devious Khan who wants her hand in marriage. She meets and makes friends with a very unusual servant girl and together they run away to try to find their way home. Along the way Elissa learns of her fate from the wise Blue People and the Healers. Will Elissa be able to take on her destined duty or will she choose to go home while the chance still exists?

Elissa's Quest is a unique fantasy full of talking animals and rivalry that will surely appeal to young readers. I think that the author did a very good job at being descriptive and unfolding the scenes. It was hard for me to get into the story at first and I found it somewhat boring and slow-paced since I am of an older age. I thought that a lot had occurred throughout the story but it felt like not much had really happened because the events only lasted a few pages at most and there wasn't a lot involved with each event. I think that the idea for this trilogy was pretty very different and Elissa being able to talk to animals made it more interesting. There wasn't enough action during each scene and the setbacks were solved too quickly and simply but she did add some very silly parts, which added a good laugh to the read. The wording was well-chosen for the reading age suggested, which was 9-12. Overall, I recommend this story to younger children who are looking for a fun and amusing read.

Reviewer Age:15

Reviewer City, State and Country: Upper Strasburg, Pennsylvania United States

Alein Feast by Michael Simmons

In this science fiction, William comes home one day to find his parents eaten by aliens. All that is left of his parents are their feet. Planet Earth has been invaded and the aliens are destroying the human race. Sophie, one of Williams's friends, is also shocked to find her parents gone. They were not eaten though; Sophie's parents were kidnapped by the aliens. William and Sophie, with the help of Uncle Maynard, worked together to find Sophie's parents and save the world from disaster.

I found the storyline to be a little slow. This book is definitely for basic readers. A young reader might be okay with the plot. However, I think anyone over nine will find the book boring. I felt the writing to be unimaginative and lacking detailed descriptions.

Reviewer Age:16

Reviewer City, State and Country: Lemoore, CA 93245

Falling in the Garden by Walter G. Klimczak

Meet Michael Sullivan and Ashley Haddow. Just two average American teenagers that meet on a summer break. There's just one thing separating them: 53 years. The book begins with Michael's best friend Joe moving away. He lives in a fairly secluded area surrounded by a forest with his mother. Carrying on with the explorations and adventures he and his best friend had in the forests, Michael discovers that he when he is in a certain place, he can speak to Ashley Haddow. They are the same age, but the year is 1946 according to Ashley, not 1999. Because they can only speak, Michael tries to find out more about who Ashley is. Ashley can't help him much, because her father has sworn her to secrecy regarding their location. The story continues and as their friendship grows, so too does the mystery of how and why they can communicate with each other.

The novel is a romance with a twist that makes their relationship very unique and interesting. Although the book starts off a bit slowly, it provides a good look at Michael's life before the events and definitely sets the scene for the story. Once the two main characters meet, the book picks up pace and I couldn't stop reading. I really loved how Walter Klimczak used such brilliant descriptive language throughout the whole book, allowing readers to imagine a very beautiful, detailed setting. Also, the characters were easily likable and are very believable. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it especially to anybody who enjoys a nice, descriptive, romantic novel with a bit of mystery added to it.

Reviewer Age:16

Reviewer City, State and Country: Brisbane, Queensland Australia

Episodes: My Life in Syndication by Blaze Ginsberg

Blaze Ginsberg is a high functioning autistic teenager. In his book, Episodes: My Life in Syndication, he lets you into his world of celebrity crushes, Thanksgiving dinners, freshman through senior year of high school and his many trios of friends. The book is set up like T.V. episodes, giving you the cast, a summary of the "episode", air date, soundtrack listings and much more. Episodes starts off at Blazes freshman year at a new school for autistic kids. Throughout the book, Blaze travels to games with the schools sports teams, crushes on Hilary Duff and Sara Paxton, attends Vista View College, works at a grocery store and much more.

I thought the book was a little boring. The idea of it is interesting, but the plot does not have a hook that brings you in and makes you wonder what will happen next. While I was reading this, I thought it needed more to keep the readers attention. Through each "series" (chapter) Blaze tells you about his days and what happens. I found that it was dull and boring. I wouldn't recommend this to others if they want a book with action or an exciting plot.

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Finksburg, MD USA

The Calligrapher's Daughter by Eugenia Kim

This story takes place in Korea in the twentieth century. Najin Kan is a spirited young woman with great potential in education. Her mother thrives to see her succeed, but her father, being a traditional Korean, is reluctant about the idea of a young girl going to school. Then he decides her education is well, he wants to marry her to an aristocratic family. Her mother is so against it, she sends Najin away to be an companion to a young princess. But shortly after, the king is murdered, and the princess has to leave. When she returns home she pursues her education, and does something she never expected, finds love, but after just one day after her marriage, a declined passport separates them for years. Will Najin ever be able to find her love again?

I found the characters in this book to be quite amusing, especially how the father acted toward Najin. I also found the ending very interesting, I never would have guessed that it would have taken Calvin and Najin so long to find each other. I was also surprised that she told Calvin all her secrets. Although the ending was well-written I didnt like the beginning, because a lot of times I found myself day dreaming. I also felt that some parts just dragged on. I would recommend this bookﾠ to anyone who likes realistic-fiction about Chinese life, and history in the twentieth-century.ﾠ

sexual situations

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Springfield, Ohio USA

My Name Is Jason. Mine Too. by Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin

My Name Is Jason. Mine Too, is a story about two men who make their way living as artists. Their story is told in a book of poems and paintings. Each poem and painting symbolize a different chapter in their lives. As artists, friends and practically brothers, both Jasons decide to write a book together. This book shows the struggle of how they had to live on their own in a fun, interesting way.

My Name Is Jason. Mine Too, is a great book. I was disappointed when I finished because I wanted there to be more. While reading this book I don't think I put it down once. Every page was different. They were creative, interesting and they were all unique. This book does not compare to any books I have read lately. The books I have read have not been based on art, while this is filled with different types of poetry and paintings. I think the only weakness I found was in one of the poems I didn't understand its concept. Other then that I thought it was interesting and might be one of the only books I have liked all the way up to the end.

Reviewer Age:15

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

The Uninvited by Tim Wynee-Jones

Mimi Shapiro is running. Running away from a disturbing first year at NYU to a small and creepy town in Nowhere, Canada. She hopes that while there for the summer, she can get her first screen play written, while coming to turns with what happened to her in the previous year.

Though nothing can stay perfect for long. When arriving at her father's deserted old summer house she finds that someone else is living there too. Her long lost half brother, a half brother that has been having his own problems, as of lately. Problems that involve a mysterious stalker who has been leaving him presents of dead birds and snake skin.

Can the two of them make it through the summer? Will they get to know each other the way only siblings can? Will they catch the stalker before their lives come to a crashing halt? Well, I guess you'll have to find out for yourself, in The Uninvited by Tim Wayne- Jones.

Only one adjective comes to mind after reading this page turning thriller: Wow! The Uninvited is a book that mixes mystery and getting to know long lost siblings in a fresh and fantastic new way. I was constantly trying to figure out how everything tied together. The characters were my favorite part of this story. They were well developed, likable, and funny. Plus, Tim Wayne-Jones' writing was pretty darn good. I loved how he slowly told the past of the characters and the stalker by reveling their secrets one at a time. Overall, The Uninvited is a definite must read for all teens and adults.

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Mountain Top, PA USA

The Science Fiction Hall of Fame by Ben Bova

The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Volume 2A contains a plethora of novellas establishing the foundation of the science fiction genre, circulating from topics as diverse as the civilization of Jupiter to interpretations of physiological and psychological phenomena. Although the prominence of certain inclusions is incongruent, all of the insertions feature storylines acutely parallel to those found more recently, and all retain a dramatic bearing on the molding of the paranormal artificial genus. Authors including John W. Campbell, Lester del Rey, Henry Kuttner, and H. G. Wells contribute such eminent and illustrious offerings as Call Me Joe, Who Goes There?, Universe, and The Time Machine. Indeed, the quality of the novellas in The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Volume 2A may only be met by the sheer quantity and breadth of them.

The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Volume 2A consists, in the words of the dust jacket, of the greatest science fiction novellas of all time, [as] chosen by the members of the Science Fiction Writers of America. Although similar claims are often featured on a multiplicity of novels and compilations, on this particular anthology the veracity of that statement proves staunch. The sheer quality and the variety of latitude in the insertions proves most impressive. An array of distinct tones, moods, and writing styles are present, proving to allow appeal to all readers, while the wealth of details, settings, and stratagems allows for a diversified and refined experience. The preponderance of the anthology proves profoundly satisfying and rewarding, sure to gratify science-fiction discriminatories and tyros homogeneously. Overall, a pleasure to experience, and a necessity to those whose bookshelf space remains contested.

Contains some violent, frightening, and mature themes.

Reviewer Age:15

Reviewer City, State and Country: Shrewsbury, MA USA

Simply Irresistible by Jennifer Bash

In the world, little girl dream about growing up to be rich, popular, and being on television. In those dreams, the girls they want to be may not have the best lives. The girls they want to be might want to have your lives. Why would that be? The answer lies within Simply Irresistible. Casey McCloy is new kid to the Upper East Side of New York City, and when her and the popular Madison Macallister sign up for a reality TV show, Casey becomes the new IT girl of reality TV. Madison, on the other hand, is not so happy about Casey as she steals her predicted spotlight, and imediatly makes Casey an enemy. When Casey moves in, she steals away Madison's love interest, Drew. As both girls compete for Drew's love, dirty things come up, as they realize what Drew is thinking. Both Phoebe, Casey and Madison's friend, and Drew are thinking about the same thing, their parents affair. When the ties of friendship between Sophie and Phoebe are tested, when Sophie catches Phoebe making out with her brother at her birthday party. As the book switches views between all the friends, can all the obstacles be avoided, or will they trip over them all.

This book written by the view of a teenager that grew up in the Upper East Side, and has seen the ups and downs of the rich and popular. Jennifer Banash has a great background knowledge to write the book. I believe that the book's age to aim for is between thirteen and eighteen year old girls. Girls younger then the aimed age might not understand all the big words and would get easily confused. This book rated from one to ten would be a 6. My reason for a middle rating is that the book does not have one main problem, it has many, and that is way to much. Also, I feel that all the problems aren't solved and the problems just get worse. The ending of the book ends with a brand new problem. If the book does not have a sequel, then the book has a unfinished story. Over all it was an okay book.

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Lake Bluff, Illinois United States

The Charioteer of Delphi by Caroline Lawrence

Nubia, Flavia, Lupus, and Jonathon have returned to Rome to visit Flavia's uncle, Senator Cornix, and to watch the racing at the celebration of the Festival of Jupiter. Just days before leaving for Rome they meet a strange young boy named Scopus. Scopus becomes a stable hand in the stable of the Greens and invites his new friends to Rome. A famous racehorse has suddenly gone missing just days before the races begin and the four friends set out to find him. No sooner have they found the first horse than another one goes missing. Superstitions and other accidents take their tole on the racers and the horses. One disaster follows another and one of the four friends must make a life changing decision.

THE CHARIOTEER OF DELPHI is the twelve story in THE ROMAN MYSTERIES series by CAROLINE LAWRENCE. I really enjoyed reading this book and it has piked my interest in the rest of the series. The plot line is relatively simple in my opinion, but there are some unique twists that you would not have expected. The characters are well-described and easy to relate to. I find Nubia to be my favorite. She's honest, hard-working, brave, and does what's best for those she loves. I think that this story is more suitable to 9-12 year old children, but that's just me. It just seemed a little too simple and straightforward for my taste.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Braintree, Massachusetts United States

Wireless by Charles Stross

This book is a collection of science fiction short stories written by Charles Stross. Some of the stories are only a few pages long, but others are novellas, a category of writing between the lengths of a short story and a novel. Several stories deal with the future of Earth. Others use the Soviet Union as the enemy, even though all the stories were written after the collapse of the USSR. One of the stories uses a character from some of his novels, a demonology and computer expert. Some of the stories are funny or ironic, while others are more serious. All take place on worlds very different from our own. There are a total of nine stories, and many of them are followed by short afterwords by the author.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I love science fiction, so many of the stories and odd settings I found enjoyable, interesting, or even comical. Some of the others were too confusing. The plot twists in these are never adequately explained, and the endings are sometimes unsatisfying. However, overall I enjoyed reading this book. I recommend it to serious science fiction fans only, because the plots and settings would be too confusing and frustrating to anyone who does not genuinely enjoy science fiction.

There are several fairly explicit sexual references, but nothing too graphic or violent occurs. It is for a teenage or adult audience.

Reviewer Age:15

Reviewer City, State and Country: Royersford, PA United States

Natasha Lands Down Under by Katherine McCaughan

Natasha can no longer live in China because of the communist takeover. Her family decides to move to Australia where a family member is willing to sponsor them. There is one major problem with that: only Natasha's mother can speak English. Natasha, her father, Babushka, and sisters speak Russian. When they move to Australia they are treated harshly by the others. Even in school, Natasha is thought of as an outcast. While learning English and adjusting to their new surroundings, Natasha and her family become integrated with the people and liked by those who accept them. If only that were the end to their problems...

I enjoy learning languages and reading about different cultures. This book was a wonderful example to me of two--if not three--different cultures. Natasha was Russian at home, Australian at school, and missed her Chinese home. The vocabulary was decent and portrayed the character's emotions well. The only slight problem that I found with the book is that Natasha is very young in the story, and she is very mature. Realistically speaking, I think that she was too mature for her age. With her experiences, however, Natasha would be more mature than most children. I recommend this book to people who enjoy cultures or stories of fitting in.

Reviewer Age:16

Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America

Phantom Island by Krissi Dallas

Whitnee's father disappeared when she was eleven. So when Whitnee spots him on a forbidden island while mentoring at a camp, she simply has to go and find him. She sets off with her best friends, Morgan and Caleb, and two uninvited campers and they stumble upon another world. They are caught in the middle of a prophecy and suddenly Whitnee is the island's hero. She must learn all she can about the island in order to bring peace to all of its tribes.

I really liked this book, partially because it has another world in it. The description was also really good. I would definitely recommend this book to others, especially people who like fantasy. The only thing I didn't like was that Whitnee's love life became rather complicated. Overall, it is a great debut novel for Krissi Dallas. I am waiting for the sequel to come out in 2010.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Exeter, New Hampshire USA

The Color of Earth by Kim Dong Hwa

Ehwa is a young girl who lives in a village in rural Korea with her widowed mother. As each year passes, Ehwa blossoms in to a young woman as the spring rains bring a new glow to the landscape. When a new monk comes, he stirs Ehwa's emotions. Love comes to Ehwa's mom too. A mysterious artist becomes the first man to catch her mother's eye since her father died. Will love stay in their lives?

This book was not my kind of book. It was like a comic book. The characters were beleiveable. Some of the elements of the story weren't as believable as others. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy stories of first loves and second chances.

This book had a few things that might not be appropriate for all readers.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Enon, OH USA

Recycler

Jill McTeague is very different from other teenage girls. It's not her fault though. She happens to be a scientific anomaly. Each and every month, she turns into a guy named Jack with all the guy parts. She was able to get through high school, but she had to claim she was getting blood transfusions. Now she doesn't know what to do. Everyone in her hometown is suspicious of her and there is only one thing to do, get out of town. She decides to travel with her best friend to New York where her and Jack will have to figure out relationship problems, career options, and much more. Go along for the ride as Jill and Jack have to deal with everyday problems that each teenager must deal with. For them, it just happens to be a tad more difficult.

Re-cycler is a very different book, but in a good way. I enjoyed every last word that I read. It was very interesting compared to other books. Lauren McLaughlin does an amazing job on all parts of the book. She is very creative and an amazing author. Even though I knew that this plot could never truly happen, it felt real. This book is very entertaining and I recommend it to every young adult reader out there.

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Fairborn, Ohio USA

Winter Song by Jean-Claude Mourlevat

Winter Song by Jean-Claude Mourlevat is a fast pace novel of loss, courage and strength. Four orphaned teenagers become outlaws after fleeing the hellish boarding school that had detained them for fifteen years, but only three make it safely out. After their friend fails to escape, it becomes the three teen’s plight to rise up against the oppressing Phalage government; trying to save their friend and avenge the death of their parents. Escaping vicious hunting dog-men set out to kill them, the trio joins a secret resistance group. Throughout their suspenseful journey they learn whom it is wise to trust and that the strength of friendship and that of a single voice in a crowd can withstand masses.

This was a very well written but unusual book as it would fit into many genres. It was a mixture of pumping adventure, startling action, subtle fantasy and budding romance that made Winter Song interesting. It was an enthralling read, with action and adventure themes and scenes similar to those that Australia’s John Marsden portrays. Jean-Claude Mourlevat weaves a thick web of questions that are gradually answered throughout the book. He also creates a world that has such realism you are left questioning our own humanity. This was definitely a book that teenage readers would relish because they are able to closely relate to the characters, but I wouldn’t restrict Winter Song for any age group to enjoy.

Violent Scenes

Reviewer Age:15

Reviewer City, State and Country: Melbourne , Victoria Australia

The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley

Kat was never satisfied with her life. She couldn't see herself staying with her guardian, Grace and Grace's daughter, Anna. She couldn't see herself spending day after day embroidering for the beautiful London ladies she would never see. And she couldn't see herself settling down with the local pear farmer no matter how handsome and sweet. She wanted something grander and most importantly, she needed to find answers to her true identity.

When a strange guest arrives at her small cottage, Kat learns some clues into the mystery of her past and decides to run away to London to uncover her true identity. But London is a wild place full of dangers and luxury, romance and drama. Kat will definitely cause some commotion; what will happen when she catches the eye of the queen? How will she find her true identity and all the secrets to her past in all the glamour and lies of the London court? What is it Kat really wants to gain from her journey? This Elizabethan tale of self-identity, adventure and romance is sure to capture audiences from beginning to end.

I am a huge fan of Tudor and Elizabethan era novels. Suzanne Crowley's novel, The Stolen One, is one of the best historical fiction novels I have read in a long time. I have such great respect for Crowley's story-telling ability. Her novel is beautifully written, engaging and has such a creative and imaginative story line. She takes the genre "historical fiction" to a new level. It was honestly a wonderful read that was enjoyable from the very beginning. The characters came to life on the pages, and the plot was original and captivating. I anticipated every page turn, and enjoyed every bit from the adventure and journey to find one's identity, to the romance and glamour of the Elizabethan court. Crowley has a genius imagination and I can't wait to read more of her novels!

Reviewer Age: 18

Reviewer City, State and Country: Phoenix, MD United States

Night Hoops by Carl Deuker

Nick Abbott loves basketball. Anytime he can play, he does. Nick is starting tenth grade and high school. His older brother Scott had played on the school's varsity basketball team the year before and dominated their dad's attention. Nick wants to play basketball on the varsity team so he can gain his dad's attention, too. But that summer Nick's dad rips up his mom's roses to put in a basketball court in the backyard and Nick's family life begins to fall apart. Everyone in Nick's family is fighting when Nick's dad finally moves out of the house. Scott decides to give up basketball for music, angering their dad, who begins to pay more attention to Nick. Then Nick begins hanging out with the kid across the street who isn't a great influence. Trent Dawson and Nick have nothing in common until Trent's mom's boyfriend asks if they can play on Nick's court at night. At night, Nick and Trent begin to play with each other and become an intimidating duo on and off the court. But choices have to be made about school, friends and the center of Nick's life: basketball.

I really enjoyed this book. I play basketball and found it very easy to follow and exciting. Even if you don't play or understand basketball you would understand what is happening in this book. Nick and Trent become believable, like they live next door. Once I started reading this I couldn't put it down. I would recommend this to anyone to read. It is a fast-paced, exciting page turner that makes you want to find out what will happen to Nick and Trent.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Finksburg, MD USA