101 Things You Need to Know...and Some Things You Don't by Richar and Tracey Turner

Have you ever wondered why we dream? Or maybe why cockroaches can live for weeks without its head? These are just 2 of the 101 things you need to know (and some you don’t) in this book. Every single entry in this book is true, and will mostly be liked by younger kids. This book is very interactive, and there is a “form” to fill in after each of the 101 things discussed in this book. If you complete a form, you can take a star sticker from the back of the book, and put it on that page! A very colorful book, each page asks a question, which is answered in a few brief paragraphs below. The questions touch many different subjects and ideas, and therefore, you are bound to come across interesting facts you have never heard about before. Amaze your friends! Quiz your parents! Most importantly, have fun!

Even though there are many amusing items I had no idea about before, I believe that the authors did not target the older audience. Throughout this book, the mood of the book seemed to be appropriate for kids from 10-12. It is a bit complicated for most people younger and too relaxed for those that are older. The forms make the book very interactive. Even though I did not complete the forms, it would take much longer to complete it than to read the short paragraph descriptions right beside it. Therefore, in my opinion, the balance in this book is questioned. Furthermore, the facts are presented in random page numbers even though they are categorized, which makes the flow of this book more complicated to grasp. All and all, this book is colorful, interactive, and fun. It gets the general ideas across, which you can use to amuse and quiz your friends and families.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Urbana, IL USA

The Education of T.C. Mits by Lillian R. Lieber

T.C Mits stands for The Celebrated Man In The Street, so this book applies to people with minimal knowlage of math. This book is writen in freeverse poetry and is written in two parts. The first part talks about the old way of math: algebra,geometry, calculus, and trig, so if you haven't studied these branches of math yet, you might not get the book. The second part talks about integrating math into the real world. The second portion of the book explains how math can fit into politics and other subjects of that nature.

I was confused most of the entire way. I do not believe that the boook was writen for young adults because, unless you have taken Calculus before, you are lost on page one. One positive thing about the book was the fact that there was a math problem at almost every chapter, so it kept you interested and wanting to find out the answers. Unfortunatly for the readers, the book was written a long time ago, so there might be some issues currently with the computation of the math. This book does go into detail about math and how math applies to politics, so I would not recomend this book for anyone who dislikes math OR has never taken any kind of math besides Algebra 2.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 3

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Pottstown, PA United States

Betwixt by Tara Bray Smith

There are three seventeen-year-olds that are not so normal. A mystery has always been with them while sleeping and when awake. Paintings with butterflies always seem to be alive under Ondine Mason's gaze. Another problem is her violet colored eyes. Morgan D'Amici is a beautiful girl who wakes up in her trailerpark home with blood and dirt under her fingernails. Runaway Nix Saint-Michael sees halos of light around people that are about to die. The brighter the ring, the closer it is to their death. Lastly, they seem to never get sick. When they go to a summer party, they learn all about their origins and their linked destinies.

Betwixt was a great book for young adults. It showed a little bit of fantasy that was enough to make me happy. I really only had one trouble while reading this book. That was that in the beginning when Tara Smith was introducing all of the characters, there were too many brought in at once so I quicky forgot who was who and what they were all about. If you read slowly and twice over those parts then you can understand a little bit better. Something I loved was how there were three main characters who were extemely unique and had their own personalities. Overall, the book was a wonderful debut novel for her.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America

Big Slick by Eric Luper

Big Slick begins with Andrew Lang stealing money from his dad’s dry cleaning company. After he loses that money in a Texas Hold’em game, Andrew steals more in the hopes of winning it back in another poker game. Andrew digs himself in deeper when he finds some “crack” and tries to sell it on the street. This causes Andrew even more trouble and he ends up selling it back to the drug dealer. With his new stash of cash, Andrew takes off to another casino to try to make enough to payback his dad. Andrew wins at the tables and returns home only to find out he’s too late. His Dad already discovered the missing money and punishes Andrew.

Big Slick started slow with details of each poker hand he played. The book gets going then has a few unexpected twists and turns. The book has some questionable content. There are drugs, drinking, gambling, and bad choices. Besides the bad content, the author provides an interesting storyline.

Content: Between drugs and questonable choies this book is for mature readers.

Rating (0 - 10 scale):

Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Hamilton, OH USA

Drama Club: The Big Production by Peter Lerangis

Drama Club is getting ready for another big production Grease! Everyone is frantic, auditions are going crazy, things are going wrong with the props, and Brianna, Drama Club co president is feeling the pressure. What with auditions swamped, actors going crazy, will Brianna finally burst, and will the show go on despite all this madness?

Drama Club was definitely interesting. I kind of missed out due to it being a series and not reading the previous books but I caught on quick. I enjoyed the drama Drama Club had to go through, ironically enough. I caught myself being caught up in the emotions of everyone. I had lots of fun reading about friendship, hardship, and drama.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Minooka, IL

Foundling by D. M. Cornish

This book is about an intelligent boy who is (unfornunately)named Rosamund. Teased by his fellow orphans at Madam Opera's Estimable Marine Society for Foundling Boys and Girls Rosamund is an outcast who dreams of leaving the Society for good. He gets his chance when a mysterious man named Mister Sebastipole offers him a job as a lamplighter (a person who goes out and lights the lamp that connect the highways). But Rosamund's world is fraught with danger and before long he finds himself in situations he could have never imagined with people that possess powers most of us can only dream of.

This book was excellent. Containing strange places and fantastic creatures this book is worth reading. The characters are a perfect blend of the extraordinary and human. It is exciting and fast paced with lot of interesting plot twists. It was exceptional and the illastrations are amazing. I would reccomend it of fans of fantasy.

Content: There is mild violence.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA

Real Princesses by Valerie Wilding

“What is a princess? It’s a favorite dream of many girls to be a beautiful princess, to live in a fairy-tale palace, to wear diamond tiaras, and to dress in fabulous clothes.”

Not quite. Princesses have lots of rules, requirements and expectations burdened on them. They are constantly being watched and judged by the public and they usually don’t get exactly what they want. Most people think princesses are girls who don’t have a care in the world, but that’s not true, they have their problems and things to deal with just like you and I. But, there are also fun aspects of being a “princess”. They usually have opportunities to pursue their interests, sometimes even professionally because they usually have unlimited resources. Some examples in the book include modeling, acting, professional horseback riding, bee keeping, and even the military.

This bright pink and purple non-fiction princess guide was a blast to read! I learned lots about the lifestyles of princesses all around the world. It’s amazing how different African princesses are compared to British princesses. Please don’t let the terms “princess” or “pink” scare you away, once you read this book you’ll realize that they have to deal with a lot and aren’t just frilly pink cover girls. Well, maybe one or two are…

Content:0Rating (0 - 10 scale): 5

Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: , North Carolina USA

Choices by Deborah Lynn Jacobs

Kathleen has lost her older brother Nick in a car accident. He was on his way to pick her up from a party that her best friend convinced her to go to. The guilty person in the accident is named Mark, and he walks away with no injuries. At Nick’s funeral, Kathleen meets a mysterious boy named Luke. As Kathleen tries to cope with the loss of her brother, Luke tries to comfort her and also warns her of a so called “shift of universes.” Nick knows of these shifts because he is a fellow shifter, and has been for years. As Kathleen “shifts” through four different universes, usually changing during the night, she is trying to find her real self, and her brother. Through all this, she runs into many obstacles that change her life drastically. Kathleen also has many questions, with answers that no one can give her; she has to find them on her own. Perhaps the biggest questions are: Who is Luke? Whatever happened to Mark? And will the “shifts” help Kathleen find Nick?


I loved Kathleen. She is a perfect example of someone who has fallen on her behind only to get back up again. I tried to put myself in her position of losing one of my siblings, and could not even imagine it. This book helps me appreciate each one of my siblings so much more. Kathleen is a very strong character and I admire her so much. And then there is Luke. I really like Luke, too. He started off a friendship with a lie, but only to protect the other person. He knew how to take control of his problems, and always tried his best to fix them. I did not like Kathleen’s friend Jen—she was rude, very judgmental, and did not give Kathleen’s other friends a chance—however, she was an essential part in understanding Kathleen’s “shifts.” All in all, the book is very good. The author’s choice of writing style may make it difficult for some to keep track of all the characters, but for advanced readers, it is definitely well worth reading.

Stdent reviewer state: Ohio

The Hand That Bears the Sword by George Bryan Polivka

Packer and Panna Throme are interrupted in the middle of their "honey month" by the king's urgent order that Packer must set sail on the Trophy Chase. Three lone ships that are left of the navy fleet go out to sea in an attempt to delay the attack on Nearing Vast from the kingdom of Drammun. Meanwhile, Panna is left behind in the hands of the lustful Prince Mather, who plots to steal her love. As Packer helps to fight the ferocious Drammun Armada, his faith is tested to the limit. He is forced to make the difficult decision to glorify himself or the one who gave him that glory in the first place. Back in Nearing Vast, Panna learns to lay everything down and trust God to show her a way to escape from the evil prince. Through it all, Packer and Panna's examples show others that true power comes from humbling yourself and trusting God to the end.

The Hand That Bears the Sword is the second book in the Trophy Chase Trilogy. It is filled from the first page to the last with action, adventure, and a beautiful portrait of God's perfect love. Some parts are a little bit gory, but other than that it is probobly a most valuable read for teens 12 and up. The plot was laid out very well, using third person, but switching points of view almost every chapter. I enjoyed that because you were able to get to know each character personally. I would highly recommend this book to all fantasy lovers.

Content: faith-based

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA United States

Demon Envy by Erin Lynn

In this book, a girl named Kenzie accidentally spills some of her acne cream down her bathtub drain. She accidentally opens a demon portal, and a demon, Levi, shows up in her bathroom. He starts helping her to close the portal, and he slips right into an average teenage life. Meanwhile, Kenzie has to deal with him living at her house, and juggle her day to day life, without letting it slip that Levi is really a demon. At the end of the book, she figures out how to close the portal. The only way for her to do that, that she could see, was to drive her parents' mini-van into the kitchen wall. She gets grounded, and the portal is closed.

This book was TOTALLY AWSOME! I liked Levi, because he was always acting as though Kenzie was a little kid and protecting her. I loved the ending because Kenzie drove the car into kitchen wall. This book compared really well to other books I've read, but I don't think it'll be the Harry Potter. I didn't really learn anything from this book, but it was still an awsome read. The vocabulary was appropriate for the ages it was written for. This author's style is awsome, and she tied up all the loose ends and answered all my questions at the end of the book. I don't think this book could have been improved.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Highland, MI USA

Queen Ferris by S.C. Butler

Months after Reiffen was saved from the clutches of the three Wizards, he returns to them. But this time he does it of his own free will, so that he can try and outsmart the Wizards. However, as Reiffen learns more magic, he is forced to do terrible things. When evidence of his deeds emerge, Reiffen’s best friends, Avender and Ferris, begin to wonder if the Wizards have “turned” him. As the countries are destroyed by war with the Wizards, Avender is forced to choose his loyalty. And Ferris struggles between the part of her that still believes Reiffen is good, and the part of her that wants to leave him behind.

At first I couldn’t really get into the book because it was a sequel and I had never read the first one. However, once I started getting deeper into it, I thought the book was really good. I really liked how S.C. Butler switched from Ferris’ point of view, to Avender’s to Reiffen’s. It added to the suspense and kept the book moving. Overall I thought it was a great book, and it is perfect for anyone who enjoys fantasy and magic.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Erlanger, Kentucky United States

Paper Hearts by Deborah Williamson

Imagine having no home, no family members, and only 22 dollars in your pocket. 15 year old Chancy Deel knows exactly how that feels. Chancy hitched here way from Pittspurgh, Pennsylvania to Wenonah, Oklahoma just to find a better life. When she arrives in Wenonah she is surprised by the kindsness of 1 sweet waitress, Corliss, a kind old man whose name is Max, with a dog, and a nice woman in a super market. Chancy doesn't realize it at first but she touched their lives just as much as they touched hers. With just a few simple acts Chancy feels like she has found her home in Wenonah, Oklahoma. Chancy happens to find a nice home with just the right numbers. She sneaks into the garage for a warm quiet night. Come morning Chancy finds that she has stumbled into none other than Max's garage. Max who planned on commiting suicide that day decides to give life a try one last time for a young homeless girl who captures his heart.

When I first started reading Paper Hearts I was expecting a tough girl who would spend the whole book defying everyone, and making enemies in every person she came in contact with. Instead I was completely taken back by the sweet generocity of Chancy Deel. She truly felt bad when she had to steal or lie to someone to make her way in the world. If she had to steal food from a store she would leave little paper hearts with the person who she stole from. I believe while reading this book that you tend to think about the person you are and the person that you are becoming, and it is because of the excellent protagonist that Deborah Williamson has created.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewer Age: 18
Reviewer City, State and Country: dundee, Oregon USA

Kissing the Bee by Kathy Koja

Senior year is going by faster than anyone can imagine and Dana, her best friend Avra, and Avra's boyfriend Emil are going into a long windy journey that is going to change their lives forever. Dana is working on a project about bees that has her very interested and enthralled. Dana has a full scholarship and is planning to use it. Avra on the other hand has no plan whatsoever except shes leaving and Emil is going along with her. Prom is coming up and tension is starting to build for certain people. But why? Dana has a secret that has her slightly confused and even a little crazy. Will she be able to hold it in?

Wow, this was a really good book! I read it in one night because it kept my attention starting from the first page to the end. It had so many great descriptive details that it made me feel like I was actually there! The author just has such a great unique style of writing that anybody would enjoy this book. The author has a style that just automatically clicks with the reader. My favorite character was Emil. He just had a really sweet personality and he just was really creative and always went with the flow.I did but yet did not like the ending. The author definitely brought the story to a close I just personally thought it would have been somewhat.....different. There is still a piece of information that you want to know thats missing at the end.

Content: In this book there was some language and some adult situations would be better for mature readers only.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, PA United States

Clan Ground by Clare Bell

Thakur is concerned about the Red Tongue's power over the clan. Ratha leads the clan but her position is threatened by a newcomer named Shongshar whose life she spares. Thakur and Ratha grow closer as the clan grows strained and the Red tongue and Shongshar grow more powerful. Thakur learns a new way to tame the Red Tongue, but it is met with hate in the clan. As the clan becomes more violently divided, Ratha and Thakur must decide how to regain control.

This novel was very enjoyable. It is one of the best fantasy novels I have ever read, and probably one of the best novels I have ever read in any genre. It is great for someone who loves animals because the characters are animals, but they still have quasi human personalities. It is a generally well thought out novel. Though it is the second book in a series and I would recommend reading the previous one first, I enjoyed the novel despite the fact I had not read the first one. I am going to go back and read the first novel and then continue the series because I enjoyed it so much.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Royersford, Pa United States

The White Giraffe by Lauren St. John

A girl named Martine parents died in a fire so she had to live with a grandma she never knew about in Africa on a wild life preserve. She hears quiet gossip about a magical white girrafe living there, but no one has claimed to see the giraffe. Her grandma didn't believe it but she had mixed emotions about it. One night Martine see's the white giraffe...

In my opinion, I really liked the book because the plot is creative. The whole concept of being orphaned and having to move to Africa with a grandma she never knew about. I also thought the "white" giraffe is a creative twist in Martines life. In those parts it was hardest to put down because it had suspense and creativeness.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 11

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

Genesis Alpha by Rune Michaels

The book Genesis Alpha was about a boy and his brother who even though they lived away from each other always found time to play an internet game called Genesis Alpha together every night. Then one day the boy realized that his brother had left his computer in the middle of the game without turning it off so he assumed something might have happened. You then find out that his brother was accused of killing a girl that went to his school. The police began to think that he had met her on this Genesis Alpha game and that he was doing this to many other girls. The book is mostly about their family trying to figure out if he is innocent or guilty.

Genesis Alpha was a great book and a really fast read. The story line was interesting, but you expect for there to be a big plot twist in the end but really the story goes in a perfect sequence to the ending. I do not think that this book was a good one for the genre it was placed in, however. The book has a vocabulary of about seventh or eighth grade and a highschooler may become bored with it. But, for the middle school crowd it would be a good book to read. It helps you realize that your judgement of someone, even a family member, may be wrong.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6

Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Nelsonville, Ohio United States

Bad Idea by Todd and Jedd Hafer

Uggh, a road trip! When 18-year-old Griffin Smith has to leave for college, his dad’s fiance’ decides that the whole family and his best friend, Cole, should drive up to his college in Southern California from their home in Kansas. Leaving his long time crush, Amanda Mackenzie, is really hard for him, but he is also eager to meet the mysterious Carrot, a girl he met online who goes to the same college he will be attending. On their way to college they will have to deal with many devastating problems from muggers to family affairs to a young child’s death. Once he arrives at the California college which he is attending on a running scholarship, Griffin quits his longtime addiction of burning himself with lighters and blow dryers with some much-needed help from his dad. This terrible habit started after his mom left when he was very young; he did it to punish himself for all of the horrible things he did that were not very Christian-like. Join Griffin Smith as he faces life’s tragedies and hopefully finds the best solution to solving each of them.

I think the authors, Todd and Jedd Hafer, did an awesome job at writing Bad Idea: A Novel (With Coyotes), because I didn’t think that I would enjoy this story and I ended up loving it! I thought that it was cool how the authors used coyotes as such a big part of the creation of this book, even though they weren’t actually mentioned a whole lot in the story. I didn’t overly care for the fact that there was a lot of misconduct and wrongdoing in this book, but after realizing how messed up his life was, he became a Christian. Overall, though, I thought this composition was well-written and an all-together amazing story. I recommend this wonderful book to young adults ages 12 and up, but mostly to boys who love running since it is a main topic in Bad Idea.

Content: There was drinking of alcoholic beverages, sexual content and references, smoking, burning their flesh (self mutilation),fighting, and suicide.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States

Vampire Island by Adele Griffin

'Vampire Island' tells the story of three siblings - Lexie, Maddy and Hudson. These siblings aren't your normal kids - or, I should say, your normal vampires. They're fruit-bat hybrids, so they only eat fruit. Although Maddy is starting to develop a further taste for protein. . . . Mysterious (and possibly dangerous) neighbors aside, these three are mostly just trying to survive there normal lives. Masking their identity and special-powers at school is harder than you'd think.

I have very mixed feelings on this book. On the one hand, I loved its dark humor - reminiscent of 'Pure Dead Magic' by Debi Gliori. I thought it was very cool to have a teenage heroine who quotes dead poets. Almost immediately I developed a sort of fondness for some of the characters, Maddy in particular. All that aside, this book was not exactly satisfying. It seemed to leave off too suddenly with too many loose threads. Obviously there's going to at least one sequel if not more, but this particular episode of the story didn't feel finished. The writing was not spectacular to begin with, and this leaving-off made me even more disgruntled. It was an OK read. If you're in the mood for an easy-read with slightly-ridiculous Gothic settings and situations (which I was, strange as it sounds) then you'll have fun with this. Just don't go into it expecting something great.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 5

Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Moscow, ID USA

Rahta's Creature by Clare Bell

Ratha is a member of the Named, a tribe of cats that has culture and language. However, when lightning strikes and Ratha tames the Red Tongue, she is made an outcast. She runs in with one of the Un-Named, whom she names Bonechewer. She grows up and learns the way of the hunter from Bonechewer, whom she then mates with. She and Bonechewer then go to a meeting of the Un-Named where she pretends to be mute. Much to her dismay, the Un-Named decide to attack her old clan. She is forced to take part as she cannot rejoin them and be accepted. However, Ratha is recognized and then kept from the fighting. Once the clan has been ousted, she and Bonechewer get a den where they stay for the winter. Come Spring, they returned to Bonechewer's territory where she gave birth. Unfortunately, because Bonechewer, although his mother was a Named, was part Un-Named, so Ratha's children were as dumb as many of the Un-Named. In her disappointment, Ratha attacks here children and Bonechewer, who banishes her. Ratha wanders until she runs into Thakur, one of the Named. Thakur takes her to the clan, where she is once again cast away. When lightning strikes, Thakur finds her and convinces her to defeat Meoran, the leader, with the Red Tongue. Ratha does so and becomes clan leader. Using the Red Tongue, Ratha and the other Named drive off the Un-Named raiders, among whom was Bonechewer. Bonechewer dies, and Ratha grieves for him. Then, Ratha takes full leadership of her clan.

Although at first I didn't believe I would like this book, it was surprisingly good. The way that the author makes the cats understand what cats would understand, and not as much as humans, makes it much more realistic. A little foreshadowing goes a long way to make the book a lot better. Each main character is like a real person, changing with the way the plot moves. Ratha's Creature gets an 8 out of 10 from me.

Content: Graphic descriptions of burning and injuries.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA United States

The Sam Gunn Omnibus by Ben Bova

Sam Gunn, the most notorious bussiness man, womanizer, adventurer, and friend in the universe, has been lost in a black hole. Jane, the young reporter, is going after the story of his amazing life. She feels this strong connection to him, that propels her onward through all her hardships and obstacles, to get the full story. As the story of his life unravels, Jade comes to admire this man, and all the greatness that he has done and not been given credit for. On and on she interviews, and closer and closer to Sam she gets. But how is this possible when Sam is thousands of miles away, sucked into a black hole?

This was a very good and entertaining book. At the begining however, it was a little slow to start. Once it started speeding up I couldn't stop reading. The book was exciting and very suspenseful. I would try to guess what would happen next, and what would happen in the end. When it was finished, i truly appreciated the book and realized how great of an intricate plot it was. The detail was perfect so that I could clearly paint a picture and see exactly what happened in my head. The book was definetly too mature for kids younger then 13. There was lots of inappropriate references. Overall, if your looking for a book that really gets your mind going, this is a great choice.

Content: Bad language, sexual terms, and multiple other more mature topics.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Lutherville, MD USA

Bone by Bone by Bone by Tony Johnston

It’s 1951 in a southern town when young Malcolm and David meet. The boys quickly become comrades, and share countless, unforgettable adventures. Although the boys are as close as brothers, there is one barrier that eternally separates them: race. Malcolm is black; David is white. David’s father immediately forbids the friendship, which continues in secret throughout their adolescence. Even as their camaraderie persevered, run-ins with the Ku Klux Klan (not to mention David’s father) constantly jab at their unique bond. All the while, David is preparing to follow his father’s footsteps into the medical profession. When doubts about family, goals, and core values arise, David must make a life-altering decision, one that will cost him everything he’s ever known.

Bone by Bone is a work of literary art. Tony Johnston’s empathy towards the characters is apparent, and each individual is seemingly brought to life. Needless to say, the characterization is brilliant. I was captivated by her word choice; her voice throughout the book was smooth, truthful, and at times breath-taking. Though the plot may seem rudimentary, Johnston’s style brings the story to life in a whole new light. Bone by Bone is an outstanding contribution to the historical fiction genre. I was hooked by the first sentence, and mesmerized throughout the rest of the book. I would recommend this book to lovers of language, to those who love becoming the characters, and to all who have ever had a best friend.

Content: This book includes racial violence and language inappropriate for young readers.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Tipp City, Ohio USA

The Secret Life of Josephine: Napolean's Bird of Paradise by Carolly Erickson

Everyone knows about Napoleon, the guy who wanted to take over the world and conquer everything. Well, what do people know about his first wife, Josephine? Not much, really. She’s always in the wings; no one ever thinks about her and her past. When Josephine was a girl, her name was Rose. It actually was Rose until she married Napoleon—he changed it because she needed to sound more French. Rose lived in a tropical paradise, moving to Paris when she was a teenager to marry her cousin. Eventually, her husband dies in “The Terror”, with Rose narrowly escaping the guillotine. After the Terror, Rose marries Napoleon, a famous general with a commanding presence. After that, the rest is history.

Carrolly Erickson made history come to life, but in a new way. I have always heard of Napoleon, but not his wife. She really influenced Napoleon in ways I didn’t think of. Carrolly Erickson’s novel made me think of all these things, and I learned much more about the time period. Because Erickson wrote so descriptively, I was never left in the dark how bad things were during “The Terror” and Napoleon’s rule. Erickson has other historical novels about wives of great rulers, and since I enjoyed The Secret Life of Josephine so much, I have ordered copies of her other books.

Content: Josephine slept with a lot of guys in this book, and Erickson described it. There is also crude language.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Boothwyn, PA United States

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

Book of a Thousand Days is a novel based on the fairy tale "Maid Maleen." A lady's maid and mucker (a nomadic peasant with the ability to heal through song), Dashti narrates her story of serving the doomed Lady Saren. Trapped in a tower for seven years unless she agrees to marry Lord Khasar, Saren begins her long imprisonment with Dashti by her side. Dashti writes of the lonliness and desperation she feels as Saren throws herself into silence of sobs or staring blankly at the surrounding brick walls. Visited by the terrible Lord Khasar and the gentle and kind Khan Tegus, Dashti determines that the girls must leave the tower. Book of a Thousand Days is the diary of a young teen who embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.

Shannon Hale writes a beautiful story about a determined young girl. Dashti has mottled features along her face and arms, she is deemed ugly and unlucky. Lady Saren is gorgeous but the spirit of Dashti overpowers Saren's. Based in ancient Mongolia and surrounded by fictional realms, the story of Dashti is a lyrical novel. An adventure that has its readers turing pages with excitement and fear, Book of a Thousand Days is a fantastic fairy tale for teen readers. Twisted with romance and dark fantasy, Shannon Hale writes a story that leaves readers with a slight tingle in their toes.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Concord, Massachusetts United States

They Came From Below by Blake Nelson

Emily and Reese spend their summers in South Point in Cape Cod. Arriving from different areas of the country the two girls can't wait to see each other and spend hours relaxing on the beach and spying on potential boyfriends. When seventeen year old Emily reunites with Reese they begin a summer that is different from any they have ever experienced. Strange occurences prove something eerie is happening in the ocean. When the girls come across two beautiful boys and learn that they are not truly who they say thay are, Emily and Reese's summer turns upside down. Aliens from the depths of the ocean, Steve and Dave have come chasing after a friend that washed up on the beach only recently. Emily and Reese begin to help these strange creatures and what seems like a surreal dream suddenly becomes an effort to save Earth.

They Came from Below is a science fiction/fantasy novel that binds together realistic characters with the strangest of stories. Blake Nelson writes in a rather primitive way, sentences are short and abrupt. There is no feeling of emotion from the novel, just complex and interesting thoughts about life and living. Nelson does a poor job with a female narrator, Emily lacks any real feeling--there is no passion in the novel. Though an interesting storyline and adventure novel, They Came from Below could have used more personality.

Content: Brief mentions of sex and drinking.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6

Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Concord, Massachusetts United States

Home Is East by Many Li

After Amy’s Cambodian mother abandons her, Amy is left with her loving, timid, Cambodian father. Her “Once so wonderful” world has been rearranged. The friends that she had had in St. Petersburg, Florida, were left behind when her dad suddenly decided to move them both to California. He begins to drink, gamble and smoke in a matter of hours after Amy’s mom leaves. Amy feels so scared and confused in the mature world her new life in California sucks her into. She battles her drunken father and settles into her life when she can. Then, her life finally becomes pleasurable.

This book was well-written, but traveled at a slow pace. Many Li put lots of passion into the story, but a few chapters off and on were a bit slow moving. I liked the book, but it didn’t exactly grab my attention and hold it as I would have preferred. I recommend this to anyone who likes a challenge from a book.

Content: Lots of alcoholic drinking. Some adult situations that some may not understand. Some frightening situations.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Osseo, Wisconsin United States

Boot Camp by Todd Strasser

Boot Camp by Todd Strasser is about fifteen-year old Garrett. Garrett is very smart. So smart, in fact, that he can skip school and still make honor roll. He's also dating his teacher, who is eight years older than him. Though these are hardly crimes, Garrett is sent to Lake Harmony, a boot camp designed to teach teenagers to obey their parents. Garrett undergoes physical and psychological abuse every day. The only way to freedom is to escape-but how does one break out of a prison?

I thought that Boot Camp by Todd Strasser was an interesting read. It was an eye-opener, because I had never know about these secret boot camps. It was shocking to see the abuse that goes on behind closed doors. Some of the tactics to train teenagers to obey their parents could be considered torture-laying facedown on the floor for days at a time. The book was very sad and radiated helplessness throughout the story--I had no idea how Garrett was going to make it out alive. The books ends on a semi-good note: Garrett's parents come to take him home. The bad part is, Garrett becomes just as brainwashed as the other kids who walk through Lake Harmony's doors.

Content: This book is only for mature readers because there is physical and psychological abuse throughout the story, which may be unsuitable for younger readers.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6

Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, Pennsylvania United States

The New and Improved Vivien Leigh Reid by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout

Vivien Reid pretty much blew her career away!! She acted like such a diva and ended up losing her job! But now shes back and better than ever! Shes's back to make things right with her career. While managing all of that she's also helping her mom get ready for her wedding along with who she calls her evil to-be stepsisters! Things are not going as well as planned, in her new role in Freak Force the cast consists of all guys who don't really want a girl there. With all this going on will Vivien be able to contain her inner diva?

This book was okay. It was nothing like other books I've read although it was a cute little story. It didn't really keep my interest! Usually if I'm really into a book I will be reading every night and sometimes late into the night but not for this book. The one thing I did like about this book was the ending! It wrapped the book up very well and brought it to a close. The one thing I learned from this book is you need to think before you speak or you may regret it.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, PA United States

Labor of Love by Emily Franklin

As Love Bukowski prepares for her senior year at Hadley Hall, she faces many changes in her life. Love is meeting her mother, Gala, for the first time since she was an infant, she also discovers that she has a half-sister, Sadie, which she then learns is actually her full sister. All through this, Love is dealing with her once-boyfriend Jacob; however, the definition of the relationship in its current state is unclear. Luckily, Love has her friend Chris, who is dealing with his own relationship issues, and her boyfriend who could possibly end up being something more, Charlie, to help her throughout this chaotic time. In the end, Love finds balance and happiness and learns to accept change as just another part of life.

Labor of Love by Emily Franklin is a wonderful novel that explains that although change is inevitable, it does not always have to be for worse. This main idea made the novel very enjoyable. It helped me to realize that if a person learns to accept change; rather than, try to prevent it, coping will be easier. Also, then novel was funny and a definite page-turner. I felt so wrapped up in Love's life that I felt as if I were living it. I look forward to reading not only the next book in the series, but other books by Emily Franklin as well.

Content: I recommend adult guidance for this book because it mentions sex, and this topic may be inappropriate for younger readers.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: East Islip, New York United States

Survival Op: The Fear in the Wilderness by Scott Allen

A runaway boy named Marcus is kidnapped in the dead of night. He is drugged and taken to a top secret government operations base in the Bermuda Triangle. There he is forced to live out in the wilderness for a program called Survival Op. Survival Op. is a branch of the government whose job it is to study the stress levels of how surviving impacts a soldier. Once he begins his journey, Marcus meets a girl his age named Lynn, with her help he begins to adjust to the wilderness. The only problem is, they aren't alone.

The beginning of this book seemed to drag on forever. Once you get to page 80, though, the action begins to pick up. One thing that bothered me was that the main characters were supposed to be about 14, but they didn't talk like people that age really do. They barely used contractions and sometimes it felt like the author was trying too hard to make them seem realistic as teenagers. The ending didn't provide adequate resolution to the problem, because it left the reader wanting more. I felt as though it could have gone a little longer. I would recommend it only to the people who will have enough patience to get through the tedious start.

There is occasional violence which can be graphic.

Reviewer Age:13

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

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

When the twins Sophie and Josh Newman found out they were working in two stores across from each other, Josh in the Fleming's bookstore and Sophie in The Coffee Cup, they were ecstatic. That is, until the fateful day that Dr. John Dee stepped into the bookshop and changed both of their lives forever. After a vicious fight with Dee, the twins find out that Nick Fleming, owner of the bookshop, was really Nicholas Flamel the famous alchemist. The twins also learn about the Book of Abraham, in which exists the power to destroy the world and the secret of eternal life, and the desperate need to keep that information out of the hands of the evil Dr. John Dee, servant to evil Gods that would destroy the human race. Pursued by Dark Elders that they believed could have only existed in myths, Sophie and Josh have to figure out how they fit into a prophecy in the book and find their powers. Guided by Nicholas Flamel, an ancient warrior, and an ancient goddess, the twins are drawn into a war in an attempt to save the world from a dismal fate at the hands of the Dark Elders.

Well-written with beautiful uses of imagery and humor, “The Alchemyst” was most definitely a page-turner. Many goddesses that are very prominent in mythology such as Bastet and Hekate are shown in a whole new light and the detailed description that went with each goddess provokes a very clear picture in your mind. I found many of the characters very endearing as Michael Scott gave each one of them a different and in many cases, lovable, personality. One of the most major things I loved about the main characters was that they weren’t perfect. Sophie and Josh both had their own personal fears and like normal fifteen year olds, they were not immune to making mistakes. This makes them a lot easier to understand and connect with. Also, there is a lot of mythology mentioned in this book, and afterwards, I had an incredible urge to go read some mythology for myself, making this book a good start on becoming interested in mythology. “The Alchemyst” is a fabulous book and I would recommend it as a must read for young adults.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Tucson, Arizona United States

The Rise of Lubchenko by Michael Simmons

The Rise of Lubchenko by Michael Simmons tells the story of an average teenage guy, Evan Macalister. One day, he receives a call regarding strains of the smallpox virus. As far as Evan knows, his father's business partner plans on releasing these to terrorists. Evan must team up with friends Ruben and Erika to save his father's life, not to mention the world as he knows it. All the while, Evan must balance this action-packed part of his life with the need to pass classes so he can avoid being sent to a military academy.

Simmons's book resembles the Alex Rider and Maximum Ride series with a touch of James Bond. Therefore, The Rise of Lubchenko would certainly appeal to teenage boys who typically cannot bring themselves to read. However, even as a female, I enjoyed reading The Rise of Lubchenko and would have to say it surpasses the first in the series. As well, this is a novel that is particularly interesting due to today's political atmosphere. Anyone with an interest in international affairs or espionage would also likely enjoy this book.

Reviewer Age:18

Reviewer City, State and Country: Farmington, CT USA

Little (Grrl) Lost by Charles de Lint

TJ is a fourteen-year-old girl who's having some difficulties fitting in at her new school and adjusting to her new life in the city. TJ's a farm girl, but financial difficulties forced her family to sell the farm and move to a suburb where all the houses are identical. TJ, however, discovers that her typical suburban house, however, is home to something not so typical: a family of Littles. Six-inch-high people who live in the walls. She thinks they're mice at first--but then she meets Elizabeth, a girl a couple of years older than TJ who's running away from her family. Elizabeth and TJ have a lot in common-but Elizabeth is small enough to worry about being hunted by TJ's pet cat!

Little (Grrl) Lost is the second of Charles de Lint's books that I've read. I adored The Blue Girl, so this book had a lot to live up to! While I think that in the end, The Blue Girl was a little better, but this book still did not disappoint. It's a wonderfully creative fantasy adventure, quite fast-paced and enjoyable. I preferred Elizabeth's chapters, but both TJ and Elizabeth, as well as the supporting cast of characters, were fantastic! Little (Grrl) Lost is well worth reading, and is so fast-paced and absorbing that it can be easily read in an afternoon.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA

Al's World: Monday Morning Blitz by Elise Leonard

After being bumped into at the bus stop, Al, a high school student, finds a mysterious flash drive in his pocket. Al goes to John, the smartest kid in school, to discover what's on the flash drive. After being in a bus crash and caught in gun fire, Al's simple life has turned chaotic. The safety of the United States is at risk. Al must somehow avoid the terrorist chasing him and return the vital information to the FBI.

Al's World is a quick easy read. It has a lot of unexpected twists and turns. I wish the author would have expanded on the plot and made it a longer book. In other books I've read, the teenager is related to a knight or a spy so they're destined for adventure. However, in Al's case he's just your everyday kid who winds up in a crazy situation.

Content: A knee injury was bloody and there was some shooting.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Hamilton, OH USA

Blood Brothers by S. A. Harazin

Clay has known Joey just about all his life. When they were young they spit into a coke bottle making themselves official blood brothers because they considered saliva on a par with blood. One night when Clay was visiting Joey he found his friend out of control and obviously drunk or on drugs, this was not like him at all! Now Joey was in the hospital fighting for his life. Clay, having been blamed for Joey’s condition must prove his innocence, keep his job at the hospital, and recount painful memories to find out who ruined his best friend’s life, perhaps permanently.

Blood Brothers is a novel about the painful and gruesome facts and stories of teenage drug and alcohol abuse. This book broadened my view of this tragic and widespread problem. My heart aches for any person struggling with substance abuse. Also, many people don’t consider the pain of parents and friends watching their loved one destroy their lives. This wasn’t a warm, fuzzy, feel-good novel nevertheless I respect the author’s realistic presentation of the grim circumstances surrounding illicit drug use. This story will probable stick with me for the rest of my life.

Content: Unfortunately, this book has offensive language, graphic detail of surgical procedures, and sexual references.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

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

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause

Vivian Gandillon is a sixteen year old werewolf. She loves being one and running under the moonlight. However, she can't seem to get over her father's death, caused by other werewolfs that were being careless. Then, she falls in love with a human named Aiden. He is fascinated by magic. Meanwhile, back in the wolf pack, they are deciding who will become the new leader, since her father was the old one, and which female will become his mate. During the Ordeal to determine the leader, Vivian protects her mother from another woman and becomes the female who will get to be his mate. Vivian then decides she should reveal her true nature to Aiden because he would still love her but know everything about her. Now she can choose her lover. Should she tell Aiden about her true self, or stick with one of her kind?

I really fell in love with Blood and Chocolate as soon as I started reading it. I thought that it was a very creative story that many twists inside of it. Each character is very different but somehow they all fit together as friends, as lovers, or as enemies. I loved how Vivian was faced with different problems the whole story and she kept coming up with creative ways to deal with them. I recommend this book for anyone who likes fantasy or love stories.

Content: This book has a bit of violence, bad language, and sexuality.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Eclipse is the third book in Stephenie Meyer’s outstanding vampire series. Bella was just an average girl, until she met Edward. The vampire Edward has stunning good looks and is most charming, however, his love comes at a huge cost. Now Bella is being hunted by a revenge seeking, crazy vampire, named Victoria. She is also being forced to choose between Edward, her true love, or Jacob, her best friend, who is a werewolf. Bella has to decide on life or death, vampire or human. Which will she choose?

Opinion: This is an excellent book, full of mysterious murders and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Eclipse is a spectacular love saga that is unpredictable and unlike any love story I have every read. From beginning to end, Eclipse will astonish you with every twist and turn. I highly recommend this book.

Content: Eclipse had a lot of make out senses and was slightly gory.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Lemoore, CA USA

The Power of One by Bryce Courteney

Who doesn't know the dramma club? They practically run the school, and are the people everybody wants to be. But Kara doesn't know that. All she sees is an oppurtunity to be someone else. Someone different then who she was in her old town. But somehow she finds herself as stage manager, even though she doesnt even know what she's doing! Then a boy complicates Karas first real friendship in Ridgefield. And on top of all that, memories are coming to haunt Kara. Ones she tried to leave behind when she moved... When a disaster stikes right before opening night, will the show go on? Or will the much anticipated Fall Production never even see opening night.

I enjoyed this book. I started to read it on the first day of school, and it even put me in the mood to try out for my schools drama club! And Peter Lerangis describes perfectly the way real school kids act, so it doeesn't sound at all fake. It flows along smoothly, and isn't one of those books you can tell the author is bad, beacuse you know that this author isn't trying to much to be 'cool.' Easy to read, and a great school story, Drama Club: The Fall Musical takes of without a hitch, and is a joyfuly pleasant trip, right down to the last page.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewer Age: 12

Reviewer City, State and Country: Casa Grande, Arizona Unites States of America

Drama Club: The Fall Musical by Peter Lerangis

Who doesn't know the dramma club? They practically run the school, and are the people everybody wants to be. But Kara doesn't know that. All she sees is an oppurtunity to be someone else. Someone different then who she was in her old town. But somehow she finds herself as stage manager, even though she doesnt even know what she's doing! Then a boy complicates Karas first real friendship in Ridgefield. And on top of all that, memories are coming to haunt Kara. Ones she tried to leave behind when she moved... When a disaster stikes right before opening night, will the show go on? Or will the much anticipated Fall Production never even see opening night.

I enjoyed this book. I started to read it on the first day of school, and it even put me in the mood to try out for my schools drama club! And Peter Lerangis describes perfectly the way real school kids act, so it doeesn't sound at all fake. It flows along smoothly, and isn't one of those books you can tell the author is bad, beacuse you know that this author isn't trying to much to be 'cool.' Easy to read, and a great school story, Drama Club: The Fall Musical takes of without a hitch, and is a joyfuly pleasant trip, right down to the last page.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Casa Grande, Arizona Unites States of America

Muddle Earth by Paul Stewart

A boy named Joe and his dog are transported to Muddle Earth, a magical world, while taking a walk. There, they team up with an incompetent wizard, talkative bird, and dull-witted ogre to make some money for their new allies. To do this, the wizard equips Joe with a warrior costume and hires him out to the Horned Baron, the ruler of the land. The Horned Baron has Joe do tasks for his obnoxious wife. While accomplishing these, Joe realizes that he must rescue the other wizards being held hostage by the evil Dr. Cuddles if he ever wants to return. He and his band set off to try to accomplish this nearly impossible feat. Will they succeed?

This book was both good and bad. Sometimes the book was very funny and made me laugh out loud. At other points, the humor was stupid and hurt the novel. There were many plot twists, but they were only sometimes exciting or shocking. Other times, they were just plain dumb. The ending was nice, but there was no serious climax. It was a so-so book.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 5

Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Royersford, Pennsylvania United States

One Is One by Barbara Leonie Picard

Stephen de Beauville was from a family of knights, but it seemed he was unfit for this profession. He was afraid of dogs, couldn't stand up for himself, and had a talent for drawing. His father, however, merely stated that he would be a monk. Stephen had no friends, and his siblings tormented him all the time. One day, his father's prize bitch gave birth to a litter of seven pups, but one was small and was to be drowned. Stephen, out of sheer pity, told them he would take it so it wouldn't be drowned. When he receives it, he immediately attempts to abandon it, but ends up rescuing it and keeping it. Naming him Amile, after the friend he never had, Stephen overcame his fear of dogs, and was no longer tormented as Amile was faithful and stood up for him when he was hit. Then, however, his father was going to send him to a monastery, and he couldn't keep Amile. Rather than give him to his cruel, abusive brother, Stephen decided to have Amile put down. At the monastery, he remained reclusive, speaking only when necessary. In his lessons, he often drew on his slate, and after so many beatings, his teacher finally sent him to the scriptorium. Over the next few months, Stephen would go there and be taught to draw by Brother Ernulf, the master of the scriptorium. His talent became so pronounced that he was allowed to draw in the gospels that Brother Ernulf was making, and no one, as yet, had been allowed to draw in it. However, Ernulf was grouchy and rarely complimented anyone, so Stephen never knew how great an artist he really was. Therefore, when his brothers came to make fun of him one day, he had no reason to stay and ran off from the monastery to seek to become a knight. After ten days of begging and working for meager amounts of food, he finally stole a loaf of bread from a woman who promptly called for help. Stephen was thrown onto the ground and beaten. Fortunately, Sir Paine Latourelle, or Sir Pagan, came along and stopped them. Stephen told Sir Pagan of his ambitions and Sir Pagan took him on as his squire. When Sir Pagan joined with another noble to attempt to rescue the king, most of his men were killed, leaving Stephen, Sir Pagan, and Ranulf, a mercenary. Ranulf sold them anonymously, and Sir Pagan managed to save Stephen by blaming him for turning him in. So, Sir Pagan was beheaded in front of a crowd, and Stephen went into a state of depression, unable to talk for many months. Finally, his uncle found him and took him as his squire. Stephen remained with his uncle for many years, going on a pilgrimage with him and continued until he was knighted. Then, on their way to war with the Scots, Stephen's squire's parents died, so his squire had to return to England. Stephen took on a new squire, one with a reputation of misbehaving, Thomas FitzAmory. Thomas was quite sullen for the first few weeks, then, after attempting to anger Stephen by putting salt in his wine and being forced to drink it, he opened up and he and Stephen became close friends. This friendship, however, was once again not to last. After the campaign, as they headed back to England, Thomas was struck with smallpox and died. Stephen, once again without friends, finally realized that he was meant to be an artist. After remembering Sir Pagan's last words to him, "Do not be afraid to do what you want to do," Stephen explained to his uncle that he wished to return the the monastery at Richley, he was welcomed back with open arms, and he was set to work by Ernulf to finish the gospels, as Ernulf was nearly blind. There at the monastery Stephen lived out the rest of his life in happiness.

One is One by Barbara Leonie Picard not only is a great story, but sends a great message. It will make you feel what Stephen is feeling as Picard describes the helpless pup Amile, and how all of Stephen's friends and companions were torn away from him. It was hard to put down at night, and the first thing in my hand in the morning. I've never read a book quite like it. The message it sends from Sir Pagan's quote is wonderful. "Do not be afraid to do what you want to do." This was an outstanding book.

Content: Some slightly gory descriptions

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA United States

Jimmy Coates: Target by Joe Craig

Jimmy Coates is an 11 year old boy in France with his friends and family. He is a cyborg created by NJ7, a secret British agency. His goal in life was to kill. While hiding from them, he learns that he is not the only assassin created by NJ7. This assassin has only one mission: bring Jimmy back to London.

Jimmy Coates: Target, by Joe Craig, is the sequel to the book Jimmy Coates: Assassin. This clever book focuses on the fact that there is a second programmed assassin. This "equal" is after Jimmy in an adventure that will not be forgotten. The new characters brought into this book are phenominal and fit well with the overall storyline. I would recommend this book to any reader over the age of 11 who is looking for an action/adventure worth reading.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, Pennsylvania United States of America

Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull

In this sequel to 'Fablehaven', Kendra and Seth are faced with more magical dilemmas. A goblin appears in Kendra's class, Seth gets bitten by some sort of demon, and they can't get a hold of their grandfather. Soon they are whisked back to Fablehaven - but are they any safer there? Not only do they have enemies wishing to penetrate the preserve, but soon they realize that there is an enemy from within, too.

I was not quite as enchanted by this book as I was by its precursor. I did like the imaginative creatures and situations introduced in it, as well as appearances by some familiar things from the first book. The characters did not seem as fleshed out as in the first, which was disappointing. However, it was still a fun, fresh adventure and I will definitely pick up the third book. A good read, but not great. If you liked the first, you will probably like this one as well.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Moscow, ID USA

Dragon and Judge by Timothy Zahn

Jack Morgan is a fourteen year old orphan with Draycos a K'da poet warrior dragon on his back. If you read any of the previous books there is no need to try to explain that last sentence and if you didn't this probably isn't the review you should be reading first. In the latest Dragonback series book Jack Morgan is trying to find out the mystery of how his parents died. While his friend,that is a girl, Alison Kayna is trying to get away from the group of people that is trying to kill Draycos' people.

Nearing the inevitable end of the Dragonback series, Timothy Zahn uses his new book Dragon and Judge to answer a few ,not so burning, questions and to add some suspense pending the final book(s). If you've been following the series from the beginning you would probably want to read this book but you could do without. This book in my opinion is not the best book in the series, so if you're looking for new Timothy Zahn phenomenal you're not going to find it in Dragon and Judge. As I said before this book is more of a transition book that add a few new characters ,that I assume will be important in the upcoming book(s), and foreshadows a bit but nothing really deeply advancing the series. I have followed the Dragonback series from the beginning and as a long time Timothy Zahn fan I can definitely tell you that the final Dragonback book(s), if they are on par with the other Timothy Zahn book I read, will at worst be very good. I just hope that Timothy Zahn doesn't prove me wrong. Overall I would pass this book and just wait for the upcoming book(s) of the Timothy Zahn Dragonback series.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Starkville, Mississippi United States Of America

Defect by Will Weaver

David isn't like everyone else: he has bug eyes and he can fly. After pulling a prank on some of the mean kids in his school, he is sent to a school for gifted people... people like him. There, he meets a girl named Cheetah, who has epilepsy. Next, he meets a doctor who can make David look like a normal kid and offers his services. While thinking about his decision to go through with the surgery, David meets a boy named Brandon. Brandon has cancer and is going to die soon, so he tells David that he's a participant of the Make a Wish foundation. Brandon's wish is for someone to prove God is really there. David decides to make his wish come true.

I thought the author portrayed the characters as real-life people, but I had a hard time getting into the book. My favorite character would have to be Cheetah because she enjoys life and lives it to its fullest though she has epilepsy. I liked the ending, but I think it could have been better if the author had made the ending less sad. The book showed me that even if you are different, you still have to power to change someone's life, like David had changed Brandon's. I think the author could have written more of the book and answered the ultimate question in ever reader's mind: Does David get the surgery or not?

Content: The book mentioned God and there was some death in the book.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6

Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Pottstown, PA United States

Birth of the Pack by Petru Popescu

Birth of the Pack is about four sixteen-year-old girls who start a girls' soccer club at their school since it doesn't have an official team for girls. They've been playing together since they were little, and Lily's father christianed them the Weregirls. Of course, that name meant more than they thought. What starts out as a book about soccer has a supernatural twist to it! Soon they're involved in a major battle between good and evil.

Birth of the Pack is, overall, a pretty interesting book. It does drag a little, and the characters can be a little flat, but fans of the supernatural should enjoy it well enough. A little more action and a faster pace would be good, but there are certainly worse books out there! I also enjoyed the soccer, being a soccer fan. Birth of the Pack is a decent book but by no means outstanding.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6

Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA

Everything You Need to Know About the World by Simon Eliot

Everything I Needed To Know About Being A Girl I Learned From Judy Blume is an interesting collection of essays by talented authors about how Judy Blume affected their lives. Even now, years after these amazing writers read Judy Blume, she's still popular. This is something that generations of girls can relate to! Judy Blume, through her writing, teaches about all sorts of things, including friendship, relationships, and, well, life. Everybody who reads her work is affected, and they all take different things away from reading about these universal experiences.

These essays are well worth reading and very interesting. I could definitely relate to these stories--I read Judy Blume's books, too. She taught so many people about life, and reading their personal experiences with her books was great! This is something any fan of Judy Blume's should definitely read. And if you're unfamiliar with Judy Blume, what are you waiting for? Get to the library and check out some of her books, relevant even so many years after they were first written!

Content: As some of the content in Judy Blume's books is for mature readers, so is this book, where things relating to those books are talked about.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA

Sorrel: In the Shadow of the Bear by David Randall

This book is a story about a young girl named Clovermead. It is the second book of a series and I recommend reading the first book, otherwise certain things are a bit confusing. Clovermead has many struggles throughout the book. She has to decide what is most important to her, what is most important to her lands, and what is most important for the world. Her decisions can change everything, as can her powers. Because not only does she have the power to help her nation, she has the power to transform into bear shape, and she alone can free the bear-slaves of the evil dictator, Lord Ursus. She must also face her inner feelings, as she struggles with her friendship with Sorrel, her longtime friend, and what is right and wrong.

I chose this book looking for a good fantasy read, and although I did get that, I felt that it reminded me of other currently popular fantasy books. In this tale, you find a strong, courageous girl who finds love in a sea of turmoil. Amidst war, political expeditions, self-indecision, and family loyalty she manages to conquer evil. But to conquer evil she has to discover her own power and look to friends for help. Many stories contain several of these plot aspects, and the addition of the usual mysterious yet beautiful animals, makes this book seem familiar. But, thankfully this book has a couple of twists, giving it a little bit of excitement. I enjoyed reading this book even though it felt somewhat familiar and although I would have liked to see a bit more of Sorrel himself (the book is named after him after all), I liked what I did see. There is a plentiful helping of character development and many of the settings put pictures in my mind. This book is not my favorite, but it is certainly worth reading.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: South Pasadena, CA U.S.A

The 25 Pains of Kennedy Baines by Dede Crane

This book is about a fifteen years old girl Kennedy Baines. Throughout a summer, Kennedy lists twenty-five things that pain her. Her life is a series of strange events. She is waiting for her boyfriend to finally kiss her and mean it. She wants her best friend to open up to her and tell her what is going on. She is being stalked by a creepy online pervert. And she thinks her mother may have had an affair in the past. When mom brings home an old college friend Judith and her eighteen year old son, Colin, from England, things begin to get interesting. Kennedy experiences a lot of firsts with Colin. But in the end she just wishes life was more like her favorite book, Pride and Prejudice.

I thought that this book was an "okay" book. The book was not challenging for the age group. However, it is a good book for leisure or pleasure reading. The plot moves well and fairly quickly. And, it was a novel that I related to and many other girls could relate to as well. This book talks about a lot of things that teenage girls go through all the time. Dede Crane was creative and interesting in an easy to read novel.

Content: There is socially inappropriate language as well as underage drug and alcohol use and some sexual content.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6

Reviewer Age: 17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Phoenixville, Pennsylvania U.S.A.

Leaving Simplicity by Claire Carmichael

Everyone knows the world is covered in advertisements today—from seeing them on cars, to ones in the mall, and even in the back of books. They’re everywhere, but can you imagine if the advertisements controlled your emotions, and made you want to run out and buy the product right away? In the world that Taylor lives in, New York City set in the future, this is her life. She is so accustomed to the advertisements, and they are normal to her now. But her cousin Barrett has lived in an area where farmers have always lived, and has never grown used to technology today. So when Barrett is forced to live with his Aunt and Cousin, he finds this new world strange and wrong. His aunt takes advantage of his naiveté, which angers Barrett. Together, Barrett and Taylor team up to fight against advertisements and what they stand for.

Claire Carmichael does a superb job creating the world that is Barrett and Taylor’s. Even though it is supposedly set in the future, it seems very real and even scary. It makes you think…. Will this happen? Or something like it? What can we do to prevent it? Leaving Simplicity is an excellent book, which I have already recommended to my friends.


Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Boothwyn, PA United States

Dawn and Dusk by Alice Mead

Dawn and Dusk, by Alice Mead, is an emotional story about a young boy, Azad, whose life is torn by war. His parents are divorced but he doesn't know why and everyone thinks he's too young to know. His town, Sardasht, is located in the Islamic Republic of Iran which has been at war with Iraq for a very long time. One day, Saddam bombs Sardasht with chemical bombs taht destroys Azad's life forever. His mom wants to run away to another town or even country but his dad, who has connections to the secret police, wants to stay. What should Azad do, stay or flee? This is a book about growing up and learning the truth.

I thought that the book was very well written and an easy, short read. Mead did a fantastic job of keeping the reader hooked on to the book. The book made me realize how much one incident can change a person's life forever. Even though I enjoyed the book a lot I felt that it could be more elaborated. In some places, like why Azad's parents divorced, Mead could have provided more details. But overall it was a wonderful book that is very exciting and intense.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7

Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Champaign, IL USA