Stray is about a 16 year old girl named natalie who has been under her mothers claws ever since her father left them for another woman. To get away from her mom she spends most of her time with her dogs at home and at her job at her moms veterinary clinic. To make matters worse her mom has invited her friends son, Carver to stay with them for the summer, and she has given the room over the garage to him as well. Even after her mom promised it to her. expects the worst summer of her life little does she know Carver and her have a little bit more in commmon than she thought.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a very cute story that mainly is about how a 16 year old teenager deals with her overbearing mother. Natalie has to make a lot of hard decisions throughout the book, and most of them are against her mother's decisions. I really think by reading this book you realize how a mother should and shouldn't act towards a teenager. Sometimes being overbearing doesn't always work out.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Dundee, Oregon USA
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Starnge Relations by Sonia Levitin
Strange Relations is a book of faith and believing in yourself. Marne’s parents are going away for the summer and Marne has no where to go. Then she remembers her mysterious Aunt Carol in Hawaii. What Marne finds there is not what she expected. Everything is different, the girls wear long skirts and long sleeved shirts, they have way too many kids, and the are very religious. When an accident happens Marne finally learns what it is like to have faith.
This book for me was especially interesting because I was born and lived in Hawaii for a short period of time. And so it is fun for me to read about Hawaiian religion. But it wasn’t what I expected. It was good but I don’t think the author really thought about other things like all the characters feelings etc. I just had a feeling that the author rushed into things.
Content: fatih-based
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 5
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Minooka, IL
This book for me was especially interesting because I was born and lived in Hawaii for a short period of time. And so it is fun for me to read about Hawaiian religion. But it wasn’t what I expected. It was good but I don’t think the author really thought about other things like all the characters feelings etc. I just had a feeling that the author rushed into things.
Content: fatih-based
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 5
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Minooka, IL
One Way Ticket by Malin Alegria
Even though seventeen-year-old Sofi Mendoza was born in Mexico, she's lived in California for most of her life. But on a spring break trip to Tijuana with her friends, Sofi gets an unexpected crash course in local culture. Then, on their way back, their car gets stopped at the border and Sofi is shocked to learn that she's not a U.S. citizen so she isn't allowed back into the country. Fortunately, there are relatives Sofi can stay with while her green-card situation is sorted out. Unfortunately, her cousins live on a ranch with no indoor plumbing. Confused and abandoned, Sofi is forced to adapt to her surroundings, but as she faces--and overcomes--her challenges, she comes to appreciate her place on both sides of the border.
One Way Ticket was an awesome read. You could definitely say this book was a page turner, because I stayed up all night finishing it. I thought this book was great because it was based on a true story. It was very interesting to read about the problems Sofi dealt with and then realize that real people have had the same experiences. Reading this book made me appreciate my life and see how lucky I am. This book has a great plot, filled with humor, drama, romance, and sorrow. The characters were very likeable and realistic. I also liked that this book had some Spanish in it and that there was even a "Spanish Survival Guide" in the back that translated what the characters had said into English. The ending was also good, because I wasn't left hanging. I think all young adult readers would love reading One Way Ticket!
Content: This book contained underage drinking, profanity, and sexual comments.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leopold, Missouri USA
One Way Ticket was an awesome read. You could definitely say this book was a page turner, because I stayed up all night finishing it. I thought this book was great because it was based on a true story. It was very interesting to read about the problems Sofi dealt with and then realize that real people have had the same experiences. Reading this book made me appreciate my life and see how lucky I am. This book has a great plot, filled with humor, drama, romance, and sorrow. The characters were very likeable and realistic. I also liked that this book had some Spanish in it and that there was even a "Spanish Survival Guide" in the back that translated what the characters had said into English. The ending was also good, because I wasn't left hanging. I think all young adult readers would love reading One Way Ticket!
Content: This book contained underage drinking, profanity, and sexual comments.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leopold, Missouri USA
The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps to His Death by Mary Hershey
In this novel by Mary Hershey, you’ll meet Alastair, an amputee who is forced to visit his ex-father in California. While living with his dad, Alastair tries to come up with a plan to make his father regret leaving his family. Alastair also meets his step mom, a double amputee who tries the best she can to be a great step, but Alastair is determined to find a way to get back home. Alastair (or Stump) meets Jesse, who encourages him to enter in an athletic race. Since he has only one leg, and he likes Jesse, he goes through intensive swimming training with Coach, the local high school swim coach. When Stump discovers that Jesse’s “secret” boyfriend is on their team for he race, it suddenly becomes more than just a race. The story ends with a tragic death, and Alastair forgiving his dad.
The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps To His Death and Lands In California was probably the best book I have ever read. With the main character’s sarcasm, this book was hysterical! I couldn’t put it down at all, especially at the end. The event was completely unexpected and made me cry. The plot was fantastic with its twists and surprise. I’d have to recommend this novel to anyone who likes adventuress love stories.
Content: It contained many rude words and critcism
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Coatesville, Pennyslavania U.S.A.
The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps To His Death and Lands In California was probably the best book I have ever read. With the main character’s sarcasm, this book was hysterical! I couldn’t put it down at all, especially at the end. The event was completely unexpected and made me cry. The plot was fantastic with its twists and surprise. I’d have to recommend this novel to anyone who likes adventuress love stories.
Content: It contained many rude words and critcism
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Coatesville, Pennyslavania U.S.A.
An Unexpected Aprentice by Jody Lynn Nye
Orphan Tildi Summerbee's family is working when her brothers are kidnapped by thriks, giant bird-looking creatures. On the same day of Tildi's loss, the town decides that Tildi must marry to keep the family land. They decide that she must marry someone she hates, so Tildi decides to run away. Disguised as one of her dead brothers, Tildi runs to a wizard named Olen. She takes up an apprentinceshp with him and pretends to be her dead brother for three months. During that time, she learns about runes: markings that every object in existance has. All runes are kept in a book called the Great Book. At the end of three months, she tells Olen she's a girl and finds that the Great Book has been stolen. She is requested to go on a quest with others to find the Great Book and return it to Olen. Once they find the Great Book and its kidnapper, Tildi and the kidnapper, a man named Nemeth, magically fight for the book. Tildi wins and at the end of the book has to return the Great Book to Olen.
The book reminds me of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, except that the main character is a girl. I liked the book, though I think the book could extend its action scenes. Out of all the characters, I would have to say that I liked Nemeth and Tildi best of all. Tildi showed that women CAN be the heros of the story, though her town decides that women aren't capable of taking care of themselves. I like Nemeth because he shows loyalty to his master. I think the ending was good, though the author could have extended it. I think it was a good book for it showed women in a different light; as heroines.
Content: The beginning of the book contains a lot of death.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Pottstown, PA United States
The book reminds me of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, except that the main character is a girl. I liked the book, though I think the book could extend its action scenes. Out of all the characters, I would have to say that I liked Nemeth and Tildi best of all. Tildi showed that women CAN be the heros of the story, though her town decides that women aren't capable of taking care of themselves. I like Nemeth because he shows loyalty to his master. I think the ending was good, though the author could have extended it. I think it was a good book for it showed women in a different light; as heroines.
Content: The beginning of the book contains a lot of death.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Pottstown, PA United States
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Head Case by Sarah Aronson
One mistake. One bad night. One too many drinks. Frank Marder is a head, paralyzed from the neck down, and it's his fault. He was drinking. He was driving. Now Frank can't walk, he can't move, he can't feel his skin. He needs someone to feed him, to wash him, to move his body. When you're a head, do you ever feel like a whole person? Will Frank ever get to forgive himself? But if you ask most of the people who are posting on www.quadkingonthenet.com, he hasn't been adequately punished. Two people are dead because of him. Frank should go to jail. Only "Anonymous" disagrees.
Head Case was a really, really good book. I mostly liked reading this book because it taught a lesson about drinking and driving. While reading, I was drawn into the plot immediately. I felt connected with Frank because he was like a real person. The only thing I really didn't like about the book was the ending, because we don't find out what happens to Frank. I think the author could have improved the story by giving readers the point of view of the Stein family, whose daughter was killed in the accident. All-in-all, this book was wonderful. Every teenager should read it because it has such a strong message.
Content: This book had sexual content and profanity.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leopold, Missouri USA
Head Case was a really, really good book. I mostly liked reading this book because it taught a lesson about drinking and driving. While reading, I was drawn into the plot immediately. I felt connected with Frank because he was like a real person. The only thing I really didn't like about the book was the ending, because we don't find out what happens to Frank. I think the author could have improved the story by giving readers the point of view of the Stein family, whose daughter was killed in the accident. All-in-all, this book was wonderful. Every teenager should read it because it has such a strong message.
Content: This book had sexual content and profanity.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leopold, Missouri USA
Miracle Wimp by Erik P. Kraft
Thomas Mayo is your everyday nerd. With a last name like Mayo, he was bound to be made fun of, and so of course, Mayo’s clever fellow classmates dubbed him Miracle Wimp (Get it, It’s like Miracle Whip, except they say Wimp instead!). This is a book about him. Together him and his two good friends embark on lame but enjoyable adventures. Some of these adventures are for Mayo alone. For instance he is forced to take wood Shop with a bunch of donkeys and Mr. Boort--the bouillon cube eating teacher who wears Lucky star designer Jeans. Come to think about it, Wimp encounters more than one problem involving pants. I won't give it all away though, you will just have to read the book to find out more about donkeys, pants, girls, Mr. Boort, funky dancing and all those other fun things that come when you're growing up as "Miracle Wimp."
I think what I liked most about this book was that the chapters were short, as too not overwhelm, and most of his thoughts are short, sweet and to the point. Instead of dragging on in detail about each day Mayo only mentions completely random or somewhat interesting parts of his day. It’s easy to relate to Mayo because we’ve all gone through similar embarrassments and problems. I love Kraft’s ideas and perspective, he really makes you want to root for the “Hero” he’s created, otherwise known as Thomas Mayo. Though--like many books--it goes through the motions of high school, Kraft uses a unique writing style and a likeable main character, to produce a simple yet delightful tale of a boy named after a sweet sandwich spread and/or salad dressing.
Content: It's a book set in High School, need i say more? Well there's references to smoking, and i think there's a little swearing.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: sandy, Oregon United States
I think what I liked most about this book was that the chapters were short, as too not overwhelm, and most of his thoughts are short, sweet and to the point. Instead of dragging on in detail about each day Mayo only mentions completely random or somewhat interesting parts of his day. It’s easy to relate to Mayo because we’ve all gone through similar embarrassments and problems. I love Kraft’s ideas and perspective, he really makes you want to root for the “Hero” he’s created, otherwise known as Thomas Mayo. Though--like many books--it goes through the motions of high school, Kraft uses a unique writing style and a likeable main character, to produce a simple yet delightful tale of a boy named after a sweet sandwich spread and/or salad dressing.
Content: It's a book set in High School, need i say more? Well there's references to smoking, and i think there's a little swearing.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: sandy, Oregon United States
Tasting the Sky by Ibtisam Barakat
The book is a story of a young girl growing up during the Six-Day War in the Middle East. She talks about the trouble her family went through. They sacrificed a lot to keep their family alive and well, even if it meant the separation of the family. Ibtisam Barakat describes how the events effected her life and made her become who she is today. She talks about soldier being stationed outside of her home, about her brothers' and their adventures, and about learning to care for her little sister. Ibtisam Barakat is a gifted writer.
Ibtisam Barakat did a wonderful job in this novel. She described everything is vivid detail. I learned so much about the Middle East from this book. I could see everything in my mind like I was actually there during her childhood. She was brutally honest throughout the entire story and she just tells it as it is. This book is a sad tale but definitely an inspiration to all who read it.
Content: The brutal truth may be too much for younger readers. Also, younger readers might not understand the disguised actions of her childhood. An example is when she is almost raped by a neighborhood teenager.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Phoenixville, Pennsylvania U.S.A.
Ibtisam Barakat did a wonderful job in this novel. She described everything is vivid detail. I learned so much about the Middle East from this book. I could see everything in my mind like I was actually there during her childhood. She was brutally honest throughout the entire story and she just tells it as it is. This book is a sad tale but definitely an inspiration to all who read it.
Content: The brutal truth may be too much for younger readers. Also, younger readers might not understand the disguised actions of her childhood. An example is when she is almost raped by a neighborhood teenager.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Phoenixville, Pennsylvania U.S.A.
For Money and Love (Mob Princess) by Todd Strasser
Kate Blessing is just like any other high school student. Except that her family's involved in various sorts of organized crime. It's nothing major--just scams involving knockoffs and pirated DVDs for the most part. But when her father's organization gets into trouble from a rival organization, Kate comes to her father's rescue. For the moment, at least. Before long, though, Kate's dealing with family problems, "business" problems, the SATs, and, of course, guy trouble.
This book was a lot of fun! Kate is a great character, and of course the book's premise--the Sopranos in book form and for teenagers--is an original, interesting one. For Money And Love is, while not unforgettable, definitely a page-turner. I'll be interested to read the next book in the Mob Princess series! It's got romance, fun, and, of course, mobsters.
Content: Some mature content (though not graphic) and the stuff that comes along with a book about mobsters (crime, violence).
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA
This book was a lot of fun! Kate is a great character, and of course the book's premise--the Sopranos in book form and for teenagers--is an original, interesting one. For Money And Love is, while not unforgettable, definitely a page-turner. I'll be interested to read the next book in the Mob Princess series! It's got romance, fun, and, of course, mobsters.
Content: Some mature content (though not graphic) and the stuff that comes along with a book about mobsters (crime, violence).
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA
How Ya Like Me Now by Brendan Halpin
Ever since his dad died, Eddie's mom has been pretty much ignoring him. She spends all her time getting high, and leaves Eddie to take care of himself and the household. When she's arrested and sent to rehab, Eddie goes to live with his aunt, uncle, and cousin in the city. Alex is a little less than thrilled about having to share his room with his cousin Eddie, but he knows that Eddie's had a lot of tough stuff going on in his life, so he'll do his best to make him feel welcome. That's not as easy as it sounds, though. Eddie has to come to terms with his old life while finding his place in his new one, and that's not going to be simple for either of them.
How Ya Like Me Now is an engrossing, interesting book that is short enough to read in one sitting! Halpin's characters are lifelike and very well written (as is the whole book). His story is interesting enough to keep readers turning pages. It's definitely one of the better dysfunctional-parent stories out there, but that's not all it is. Eddie's adjustment to his new environment is just painfully awkward enough to be real, and in the end this is a satisfying story that is well worth reading.
Content: There is drug usage (by Eddie's mother).
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA
How Ya Like Me Now is an engrossing, interesting book that is short enough to read in one sitting! Halpin's characters are lifelike and very well written (as is the whole book). His story is interesting enough to keep readers turning pages. It's definitely one of the better dysfunctional-parent stories out there, but that's not all it is. Eddie's adjustment to his new environment is just painfully awkward enough to be real, and in the end this is a satisfying story that is well worth reading.
Content: There is drug usage (by Eddie's mother).
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA
Major Crush by Jennifer Echols
Tired of the beauty-pageant circuit, Virginia Sauter tosses her tiara, pierces her nose, and auditions for the most unlikely of roles--drum major of the high school marching band. Virginia wins, but is forced to share the title with Drew, whose family has held the position for generations. Sure, Drew is hot, but because of his superior attitude, he and Virginia are constantly arguing. That is, until they share more than just their half-time salute... But as the drum majors' heated competition turns to sizzling romance, explosive rumors threaten everything--including the band's success. Love seemed to be a sure hit, but Virginia and Drew may be marching straight into disaster.
I loved reading Major Crush. It was pretty realistic and had many laugh-out-loud moments. The plot was great, but sometimes it seemed kind of predictable. I also thought the characters were great, because they were original and fun to read about. I really liked the author's style of writing. She included just the right amount of detail, drama, humor, and romance to make this book the page turner it was. I really couldn't put this book down. Major Crush is a must-read for all teenage girls.
Content: There were mentions of sex in this book, which may be inappropriate for young readers.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leopold, Missouri USA
I loved reading Major Crush. It was pretty realistic and had many laugh-out-loud moments. The plot was great, but sometimes it seemed kind of predictable. I also thought the characters were great, because they were original and fun to read about. I really liked the author's style of writing. She included just the right amount of detail, drama, humor, and romance to make this book the page turner it was. I really couldn't put this book down. Major Crush is a must-read for all teenage girls.
Content: There were mentions of sex in this book, which may be inappropriate for young readers.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leopold, Missouri USA
Hidden by Dottie Enderle
Fiona's grandmother died,so there family has to clear out the house and sell it. Fiona discovers a card addressed to her grandmother from her grandfather. In the card, it had said that he had hidden something valuable that could change her family's life. Fiona was determined to figure it out, along with her friend, Eugene, who's alittle unusual. She ends up having to leave the house, but decides to take one last trip to her grandmother's house, to look for the hidden item, what happens next puts Fiona in great danger!
I loved the twist and turns the most. One minute Fiona was at her grandmother's house,the next she was in great danger. I love her curiousty. When she found the card, she immidately took intrest. I also loved how the author never lost topic. She always talked about the hidden item. I loved the ending. The author didn't leave you with questions, like other books can. The vocabulary was easy to understand and would really be mature for all readers. The author really made it a children's book.
Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fort Wayne, Indiana U.S.A
I loved the twist and turns the most. One minute Fiona was at her grandmother's house,the next she was in great danger. I love her curiousty. When she found the card, she immidately took intrest. I also loved how the author never lost topic. She always talked about the hidden item. I loved the ending. The author didn't leave you with questions, like other books can. The vocabulary was easy to understand and would really be mature for all readers. The author really made it a children's book.
Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fort Wayne, Indiana U.S.A
Monday, July 23, 2007
November Blues by Sharon M. Draper
November Nelson is your ideal student of the 11th grade. She has a nice, popular boyfriend, Josh, she does really well in school, her mom thinks she is perfect, and she has tons of friends. But she feels as if her life is going through the tubes after Josh dies from a mishap gone wrong. That's not it, she found out something else about herself that will change her life drastically forever. Now she has to make the biggest decision she'll ever face. She only wishes Josh was here to help her get through things... Jericho Prescott is the cousin of Josh. The day Josh died he not only lost his cousin but his best friend too. He feels as if he can't escape feeling sad and depressed. Jericho also feels that he can't go on doing what he used to love to do, playing his trumpet. He feels if as he must do something that makes himself feel complete again. Will that something be football?
I really enjoyed reading this book. Generally this book kept my attention though it was not a page-turner that kept me looking for more. My favorite characters were definitely Olivia and November. Olivia had to deal with a lot of teasing about her weight at school but she still stood strong and did not let what people say affect here. Next, November was one of my favorite characters because she had to go through a lot. I could never imagine being put under the pressure she had to go through. I learned that in life that the decisions you make are crucial, if you make the wrong one you will most likely will regret it.
Content: This book talked a lot about pregnancy that would not be suitable for children under 12.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States
I really enjoyed reading this book. Generally this book kept my attention though it was not a page-turner that kept me looking for more. My favorite characters were definitely Olivia and November. Olivia had to deal with a lot of teasing about her weight at school but she still stood strong and did not let what people say affect here. Next, November was one of my favorite characters because she had to go through a lot. I could never imagine being put under the pressure she had to go through. I learned that in life that the decisions you make are crucial, if you make the wrong one you will most likely will regret it.
Content: This book talked a lot about pregnancy that would not be suitable for children under 12.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States
Cures for Heartbreak by Margo Rabb
Young Mia and her Sister Alex suffer a loss of their mother at only the age of 16. Soon afterwards, their father goes into the hospital from a heart attack. After her sister moves off to college, Mia starts reading her parents' "Health Now" magazines and eating right, dissorders, and, diseases is all she can think about. A few months later, they have a scare with her father landing him in the hospital for a while and he meets up with a women. Wedding Plans... Step=Daughters... Tragedy - OH MY!
This book was great. In the beginning, it was a bit slow but soon the book picked up. Event after event, boy after boy! The auther made sure that you knew every character like they were your own sister or father. She was sure to leave NOTHING out. A little unrealistic at times but was a fantastic read! The title can be a little misleading - this book doesnt have as much romance as it does heartbreak but most of the heartbreak is from family members. dont be mislead!
Content: This book contains some graphic sexual content and brief crude language.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: CL., PA USA
This book was great. In the beginning, it was a bit slow but soon the book picked up. Event after event, boy after boy! The auther made sure that you knew every character like they were your own sister or father. She was sure to leave NOTHING out. A little unrealistic at times but was a fantastic read! The title can be a little misleading - this book doesnt have as much romance as it does heartbreak but most of the heartbreak is from family members. dont be mislead!
Content: This book contains some graphic sexual content and brief crude language.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: CL., PA USA
Fendi, Ferragamo, and Fangs by Julie Kenner, Johanna Edwards, and Sere
Olivia, or Liv, is a seveteen year old girl that is very intelligent. Veronika is a plus-sized model, so some girls pick on her. Lastly, Sydney has the impression of being a bad girl. They have all just won a contest and now are models for Vamp Modeling Inc. in New York City. Shortly after they get there, they are all taken to special parties where they are all bitten and turned into vampires. Finding prey isn't that hard to do when they are all so gorgeous. After a while they all want love. Olivia has a boyfriend back at her old home and she struggles to say with him. Veronika found a super cute boy named Jackson and Sydney fell in love with her body gaurd, Carl. Will the girls stay happy with Vamp? Or will they run away with their loves?
I thought it was a very interesting book. The whole book was spilt into three differet stories, but they all combined together. The three characters were very different and had a variety of ways to add to the story. Also, each different mini-story, had several new characters that played as the person in charge, hairdresser, boyfriend, and so on. That became confusing for a little bit because i had to remember so many names. The only thing I didn't really like, was that the stories all ended the same way pretty much. I do recommend this book to anyone interested in vampires or fashion.
Content: It includes kissing and description of blood.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America
I thought it was a very interesting book. The whole book was spilt into three differet stories, but they all combined together. The three characters were very different and had a variety of ways to add to the story. Also, each different mini-story, had several new characters that played as the person in charge, hairdresser, boyfriend, and so on. That became confusing for a little bit because i had to remember so many names. The only thing I didn't really like, was that the stories all ended the same way pretty much. I do recommend this book to anyone interested in vampires or fashion.
Content: It includes kissing and description of blood.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America
Sara's Face by Melvin Burgess
Sara's Face is a chilling tale of a seventeen year old girl looking for an escape from the "skin she's in". Sara is a wild and beautiful girl--she is not your typical teenager. She flits from character to character each day, her friends and family never know who or what Sara will become. As injuries and anorexia become aparent in Sara's life she is finally brought to a hospital. There her dream comes true. Jonathan Heat is a glorious superstar, infamous for his constantly changing facial features--cosmetic surgery has been a constant in Heat's life. Sara is lying in a hospital bed when Heat visits and determines that he must take her home. There he gives her everything she would ever need. She could surgically change every part of her body, something Sara has been aspiring to do for years. As Sara's life drastically changes at Heat's home, wonder and horror overtake Sara and the people around her. What will happen to the face Sara so badly wants to rid herself of? What will become of her? Written from the perspective of a novelist searching for clues of Sara's life, interviews and opinions from her family, friends, and even Sara's video diary, Sara's Face is a dramatic novel--a mix between reality and fantasy.
Sara's Face is almost like a horror story in its own way. Chilling, gripping, and sometimes confusing it was certainly a book that readers will have a hard time putting down. Sara was a frustrating character, few will have a hard time relating to her wild antics and lack of love for anyone but herself. However, the characters that surround Sara, her best friend, boyfriend, nurse, and even Heat give the book a fantastic perspective of love and friendship as they attempt to understand a girl who might never be understood. Sara's Face is a tale of drama, horror (ther is a ghost-like presence that surrounds Sara), mystery, and fantasy. It is a quick read that keeps its readers interested and excited.
Content: Sara's Face uses mature language and there are many sexual references. It also has a scare component to it.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Concord, Massachusetts United States
Sara's Face is almost like a horror story in its own way. Chilling, gripping, and sometimes confusing it was certainly a book that readers will have a hard time putting down. Sara was a frustrating character, few will have a hard time relating to her wild antics and lack of love for anyone but herself. However, the characters that surround Sara, her best friend, boyfriend, nurse, and even Heat give the book a fantastic perspective of love and friendship as they attempt to understand a girl who might never be understood. Sara's Face is a tale of drama, horror (ther is a ghost-like presence that surrounds Sara), mystery, and fantasy. It is a quick read that keeps its readers interested and excited.
Content: Sara's Face uses mature language and there are many sexual references. It also has a scare component to it.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Concord, Massachusetts United States
Sunday, July 22, 2007
All-in by Pete Hautman
The book started with Denn Doyle betting his last 16,000 dollars and losing. Denn is a 17 year old boy with a fake ID so he can play no-limit gambling and now he’s broke. Denn works his way up from nothing and meets Artie Kingston the man that set him up to lose all his money. Artie is having a grand opening of his new casino and Denn wants to win his money back. Denn tries to win it all back in a winner take-all Texas holdem tournament but he can't make it.
I think the book was very good. The book is an edge of your seat page turner. I never understood gambling but the author put a glossary in the back of the book that really helped. The author also took turns putting you in a different character’s head every chapter. You have to be careful and read the name at the beginning of the chapter if you want to follow the story. In my opinion I think it makes the book more interesting. The only let down was the ending. I was wondering what happened to the main character.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Hamilton, OH USA
I think the book was very good. The book is an edge of your seat page turner. I never understood gambling but the author put a glossary in the back of the book that really helped. The author also took turns putting you in a different character’s head every chapter. You have to be careful and read the name at the beginning of the chapter if you want to follow the story. In my opinion I think it makes the book more interesting. The only let down was the ending. I was wondering what happened to the main character.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Hamilton, OH USA
Last Kiss by Jon Ripslinger
Last Kiss is a thrilling book that tells the tale of Billy O’Reilly. Billy and Lisa Wells have been seeing each other in secret for weeks. After attending Lisa’s eighteenth birthday party, Billy and Lisa meet up again- much to the displeasure of Billy’s best friend, Windy. The next morning, terrible news hits the town; Lisa Wells was found dead in the family manor. All of the evidence gathered points to Billy committing this horrific crime. His case does not improve when one of the guns that was reported stolen from the Wells’ manor is found in Billy’s possession. Together, Billy and Windy set out to discover the truth behind the murder and robbery. And- in the process- uncover some truly terrible secrets about Lisa and her family.
Last Kiss is a very compelling read. While the sentence structure and vocabulary seemed a little mediocre for this age range, the plot of the book was exceptional. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat during the whole book. But, while this book was fantastic, it had a lot of adult content. I do not recommend it for anyone younger than 14.
Content: This book had some language issues, and some of the scenes should not be read by younger readers.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA USA
Last Kiss is a very compelling read. While the sentence structure and vocabulary seemed a little mediocre for this age range, the plot of the book was exceptional. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat during the whole book. But, while this book was fantastic, it had a lot of adult content. I do not recommend it for anyone younger than 14.
Content: This book had some language issues, and some of the scenes should not be read by younger readers.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA USA
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Pretty Tough by Liz Tigelaar
Sixteen-year-old Charlie Brown loves surfing, so when the new soccer coach for the high school asks her to try out for the team, she doesn't know if she will or not. Her sister, eighteen-year-old Krista, loves soccer and has been a part of the soccer team for years, so when she gets the news, she doesn't take it very well. Charlie and her sister are mortal enemies who would do anything to get on the other's nerves. So Charlie decides that joining her sister's soccer team would be the perfect opportunity to do exactly that. Both of the girls want to be the MVP on the team and will do anything to be just that, no matter what the consequences. With only four months till the biggest tournament of the year, the two sisters better make peace between them if they want to take home the victory.
Pretty Tough is a wonderful book that proves that before you can win as a team you first have to communicate as a team. This novel had a lot of drama between the two sisters, which added to the overall quality of this great story. Pretty Tough is told in two very different perspectives, one being Charlie Brown's and the other being in her sister, Krista's. I could really relate to Charlie's intriguing personality and I think that she would be a wonderful person to have for a friend. I think Krista's BFF, Brooke, and her boyfriend, Cam, greatly effected Krista's character, which is why she had such a snobby personality that I didn't overly enjoy. I recommend Pretty Tough to young adult girls who love sports.
There were a few instances where underage drinking and sex were mentioned.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States
Pretty Tough is a wonderful book that proves that before you can win as a team you first have to communicate as a team. This novel had a lot of drama between the two sisters, which added to the overall quality of this great story. Pretty Tough is told in two very different perspectives, one being Charlie Brown's and the other being in her sister, Krista's. I could really relate to Charlie's intriguing personality and I think that she would be a wonderful person to have for a friend. I think Krista's BFF, Brooke, and her boyfriend, Cam, greatly effected Krista's character, which is why she had such a snobby personality that I didn't overly enjoy. I recommend Pretty Tough to young adult girls who love sports.
There were a few instances where underage drinking and sex were mentioned.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA United States
Kiki Strike:Inside the Shadow City by Kirsten Miller
Ananka Fishbein is a normal average girl, until she meets Kiki Strike and the rest of the Irregulars. Then her life changes dramatically. She sets out on a journey to map a city beneath New York, discovered by her mysterious friend Kiki. Only she and her friends know about this and they intend to keep it that way. Obviously this city once thrived, but now its only inhabitants are rats. Well, at least, they think that’s right.
Spying and history are some of my favorite topics to read about. Throw in some action thirsty girls and you’ve got yourself a story. I don’t know how in the world Kristen Miller came up with such an amazing story. Once you start reading you are Kiki, Betty, or Oona and you can’t stop reading about their adventures.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: , North Carolina USA
Spying and history are some of my favorite topics to read about. Throw in some action thirsty girls and you’ve got yourself a story. I don’t know how in the world Kristen Miller came up with such an amazing story. Once you start reading you are Kiki, Betty, or Oona and you can’t stop reading about their adventures.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: , North Carolina USA
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)