Teens Review It @ Your Library

2006-12-14T12:06:00.000-05:00

Dave Duncan has written yet another amazing work. In this book, Edward Exeter, a wonderful young man, is accused of murder then stolen away by a "stranger." The stranger then takes him to another world, where he finds out that he is a "stranger" in a place known as Nextdoor. After being "born" to Nextdoor, he finds out that he is the person that is named in a series of cryptic prophcies known as the Filoby Testament. It ultimately says that he will bring death to "death". In this world, the "strangers" collect mana, and there are a group of five strangers, called the Pentathon, who portay themselves as gods. That is how they get their mana.

Bave Duncan has also written His Majesty's Blade's series and many other books. This is the link to his website:http://www.daveduncan.com/

Review by:brian
Grade: A
Pages: 953

Temple of the Dragon slayer by Tim Waggoner

2006-12-12T17:02:00.000-05:00

in this volume a young girl, Nearra is awake by three goblins as she runs away in fright she finds her self under the dragon fear of a green dragonnamed Slean she is then rescued or so she thought by a young ranger whos name is Davyn and a wizard named Maddoc.But as there misson to help Nearra regain her meories they run into a kender ,a fallen warrior , and a theft elf . Nearra finds that the one she trust the most will be her greatest down fall as she tries to regain her meories from the wizard thought to be good Maddoc .As a new love for Nearra grows will Davyn betray his father or will be stand next to Nearra?

Grade:A
# of Pages:239
Rreveiwed by: Agnes

The Disunited States of America by Harry Turtledove

2006-12-12T16:31:00.000-05:00

Have you ever thought of alternate universes? Alternates where history didn't go quite right? Maybe one where the United states decided to stay with the Articles of Confederation and then seperated into small state countries? Well, in this book, Harry Turtledove shows what would happen. In 2091, almost all of earth's resources have run out. But, the is a solution. It's called Crosstime traffic. You can't go back in the past or forward either, but you can go sideways. Justin, a high school graduate, is sent with his mother to an alternate where America has dissasembled and the constitution was never ratified. They sell slightly more advanced technology, in small shops all around the world.Then, with the money they have earned, they buy produce and other natural things that have beecome very rare on the home timeline. They then send it home, and it is sold in supermarkets all around the world. In this book, Justin and a home timeline the store owner go to a small rural town to trade coins, which is how they make their money. The man his grandfather has a "cute" grandaughter and Justin begins to have a relationship with her. While they are there, Ohio realeases a deadly mutated virus and Virginia declares war. Justin has to get back to Charleston, so he can see if his mother is okay, but that is where most of the fighting is. He manages to sneak back, but then some other problems occur.

This is the 4th book in the Crosstime traffic series.
By Brian

grade: B+
pages:288

NBA 2K7

2006-12-03T14:28:00.000-05:00

I found NBA 2K7 to be a really neat game. It has a season mode and most of the regular things. The graphics are not the best but it looks pretty lifelike. I found the game very interesting and lots of neat slam dunks make the game awesome. You can play online and challenge your friends and people you do not know. The rosters are updated from August 2006 so things have changed. I give it a 4 out of 5.
From, Jake

Avalon High by Meg Cabot

2006-11-17T20:04:00.000-05:00

Do you believe in reincarnation? Neither does Ellie Harrison, until she moves goes to Avalon High. Its not even the first day of school when she sees the mysterious A. Will Wagner, and knows that she has seen him before, even though it can't be possible. What will happen when a Camelot story comes to life.

Grade:A
Pages: 288

Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

2006-11-17T19:59:00.000-05:00

In this intriguing novel, Heather Wells is stuck trying to figure out who has been killing girls from her dorm (I mean, residence hall). Heather Wells is an ex-pop star. She left that life whe she gained a dress size or 2 and lost all of her money and recording contract. She also lives by the saying that girls do not elevator surf. This mystery is a real page turner.

This book gets an A, and has 345 pages

Not as Crazy as I Seem by George Harrar

2006-11-17T19:53:00.000-05:00

Not as Crazy as I Seem by George Harrar is a novel about Devon Brown, a new student to Baker Academy. He has to have a certain way of doing things like buttoning his shirts from the bottom up and doing things in fours. After going to a shrink, and getting accused of a crime he didn't do, he learns he has a disorder.

This book gets an A+
It has 202 pages

The Division Bell

2006-11-04T15:50:00.000-05:00

Pink Floyd's Last Album has become one of my more recent favorites. Released in 1994 the Division Bell deals with themes of communication and in some ways is David Gilmour's (lead guitarist) counter to the original leader's and bassists (Roger Waters) triumph The Wall. and in some ways Gilmour is reaching out to Waters in songs such as Poles Apart.

the track listing is as follows

1. Cluster One- The Peace and tranquility relayed through this song are unparalled by any song Pink Floyd had released before except for possibly Echoes from Meddle (A 23 and a half minute track and worth the listen) The synthesisers and piano are the best parts of this instrumental piece (thats right no vocals are present) Song rating 10/10

2. What do you Want from Me- The second track is another great song but when compared to the amazing Cluster One I must say the album's quality decreases for a slight moment but not by much as this song introduces the themes of the album in a good way Song rating 8/10

3. Poles Apart- Many people find this to be a reach out to Waters and it is a very unique but forgettable when compared to the next songs in the album 7/10

4. Marooned- Another instrumental piece with a calming yet powerful guitar solo. one of the more memorable high points of the album 10/10

5. A Great Day for Freedom- another memorable piece and was in the Floyd's final concert tour (which can be seen in The Pulse DVD) 8/10

6. Wearing the Inside Out- My favorite track on this album after Cluster One and the Final track Richard Wright the Original keyboardist has his first lead vocal in this song after 25 years.
10/10

7. Take it Back- another song on the concert DVD however its more or less a single for the album even though it was never released as one. If you want a good place to start then this is a good song to listen to on its own to get a feel or the album's themes 9/10

8. Coming Back to Life- The Vocals by David Gilmour are amazing in this song. this is another song that can be found on the Pulse DVD 9/10

9. Keep Talking- Another song that could be considered a single. is on the Pulse DVD and the vocals are a high point on this song

10. Lost for Words- The lyrics in the penultimate song to the Floyd's entire career is clearly aimed at their comrade Roger Waters

"I was spending my time in the doldrums
I was caught in the cauldron of hate
I felt persecuted and paralyzed
I thought that everything else would just wait
While you are wasting your time on your enemies
Engulfed in a fever of spite
Beyond your tunnel vision reality fades
Like shadows into the night"

their is one explicit line near the end of the song with the $*%@ being used and it is distinquishable so I would be aware of this as this is the only time a curse is used in the whole album. The acoustic work is very good as well 9/10

11. High Hopes- The last song Pink Floyd ever created easily can be counted as one of the best songs Floyd wrote w.o the original lyricist Roger Waters. It reaches to their career with Waters to their reunited selves at that point and the lyrics "forever and ever" state the legacy will remain leading into the best slide guitar solo I've ever heard Gilmour perform. The best track on this album by far 10/10

over all this album gets a 9.5/10 and can be considered among the great including Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and the Wall

Z is for Zachariah By: Robert C. O'Brien

2006-10-10T20:36:00.000-04:00

Ann Burden who is sixteen and, as far as she knows, the only person left in the world is the nuclear radiation that has destroyed the rest of the world. Zachariah lives with her family. After the war had ended, all the telephones went dead, her family went to see what was happening. Then she realized that they never came back. My favorite part was when Ann Burden went to the strangers tent and checked what was wrong with him. She found out that he was really sick, so then Ann decided to take him inside the house to her brothers room to take care of him.

Number of Pages: 249

Reviewed By: Sabrina

Lego star wars 2

2006-09-19T19:24:00.000-04:00

I liked lego star wars two because there is so much excitement. It is fun because you get to use so many different characters like Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca. There are new things to to and great missions and I reccomend it because you can make your own characters and vehicles which is really fun.

-Jake

Chroma by Cartel

2006-09-19T19:16:00.000-04:00

This CD is the best! With meaningful lyrics to songs like "Honestly" and "Settle Down" this CD is a no-brainer to get. It is a great CD with songs that everyone will like.

12 tracks

The Land of Fair Play By: Geoffrey Parsons

2006-08-03T12:40:00.000-04:00

The Land of Fair Play is a civics book geared toward 8th graders. It tells about several things, such as laws, taxation, what the state and nation do for us, courts and trials and even the making of the Constitution.

I liked that it is easy to understand, and it is written in an interesting form. Since it is a text book, there are many questions at the end of each chapter. As assigned reading, I do not like having to answer the questions.

Those who are interested in history and citizenship would like this book. Even those with less interest may learn a few things.

Grade: B Number of Pages: 181

Reviewed By: Kelsey

The Bronze Bow By: Elizabeth George Speare

2006-08-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

The Jews want freedom from the Romans. Daniel can't wait to win and fight the Romans, but when Jesus starts preaching around, attitudes change. Instead of fighting and hatred, love supports his soul. He makes miracles and Daniel finally sees through his heart.

My favorite part is the end when Daniel invites the Roman soldier into his house to see his sister, Leah.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 254

Reviewed By: Domenique

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe By: C.S.

2006-08-02T09:47:00.000-04:00

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis, is about four children who defeat evil in the land of Narnia. They meet lot of new friends on the way and fight in a battle against the horrible white witch, who makes it always winter and can turn living things into stone! My favorite part was probably when the king of Narnia, the lion, Aslan, restores everyone who was stone back into a living being. I did not like the violent parts.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 189

Reviewed By: Kelsey

Love Hina Volume 1 By: Ken Akamatsu

2006-08-02T09:45:00.000-04:00

The story of 19yr old Keitaro Urashima begins with this wonderful first novel of the award winning manga series Love Hina.

It tells the tale of Keitaro as he tries to get into Tokyo University for the second time.He has been kicked out of his parents house, but fortunately for him, his grandmother owns the Hinata House and Keitaro is to be the landlord. What he doesnt know is that the Hinata House is actually a girls dormitory with he being the only guy around.

The girls:Naru- 17 yr old who is also trying to get into Tokyo University
Motoko- 15 yr old Samurai girl
Kaolla Su- 13 yr old girl from another country
Shinobu- shy 12 yr old girl Kitsune- 19 yr old crazed writer this is the first chapter of the craziness that ensues inside the Hinata House

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 185

Reviewed By: Sean

Kingdom Hearts Volume 1 By: Shiro Amano

2006-08-02T09:38:00.000-04:00

The beginning of the Kingdom Hearts story begins.Based off of the Video Game, Sora is on a quest to find his friends Riku and Kairi after they are seperated from each other by a storm created by the Heartless. He obtains the Keyblade (a weapon of great power that chooses its master) and teams up with Court Wizard Donald Duck and Royal Knight Goofy to save the many Disney worlds.

The story is well portrayed in this novel, but the reason it gets such a low score is because of the horrible fight scenes that barely last even a page.

All in all I suggest you play the video game instead, but this gives nice details about the story if you can't play the game.

Grade: C+ Number of Pages: 138

Reviewed By: Sean

Kingdom Hearts Volume 2 By: Shiro Amano

2006-08-02T09:36:00.000-04:00

This Volume chronicles Sora, Donald, and Goofy's travel to Agrabah as they team up with Aladdin to vanquish Jafar. Afterwards they continue their quest by going to help Hercules and a climactic battle from the game will end the novel. Overall I'd say they did a better job with this novel compared to the first.

Grade: B Number of Pages: 135

Reviewed By: Sean

Kingdom Hearts Volume 3 By: Shiro Amano

2006-08-02T09:16:00.000-04:00

Now this is much better compared to the other two volumes. Sora Donald and Goofy continue their Search for Riku, Kairi and King Mickey as they travel to help Pinnochio, Ariel and Peter Pan. The fights are much more fun to read and this volume was overall much funnier. Hopefully the 4th and final Volume in this part of the series will be betterI havent read it yet though.

Grade: A- Number of Pages: 170

Reviewed By: Sean

Elsewhere By: Gabrielle Zevin

2006-08-02T09:12:00.000-04:00

Considering this book actually held my interest might make you actually want to read it.It tells the tale of a girl named Liz who is dead. However she is taken to a place called Elsewhere, where she must try to forget her old life and live a new backwards life until she is ready to return to earth. A very unique and interesting read.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 277

Reviewed By: Sean

A Great and Terrible Beauty By: Libba Bray

2006-07-31T17:42:00.000-04:00

Gemma Doyle isn't like other girls.Girls with impeccable manners,who speak when spoken to,who remember their station,who dance with grace,and who will lie back and think of England when it's required of them.No,16year old Gemma is an island unto herself,sent to the Spence Academy in London after tragedy strikes her family in India. Lonley,guilt-ridded,and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habbit of coming true,Gemma finds her reception a chilly one.She's not completely alone though...she's been folowed by a mysterious young man,sent to warn her to close her mind against her visions.Foe it's at Spence that Gemma's power to attract the supernatural unfolds; there she becomes entangled with the schools most powerful girls and discovers her mother's connection to a shadowy,timeless group called the Order.It's there that her destiny waits...if only Gemma can belive it.

I didn't like that it took so long for me to get into the book.

For girls over 15

Grade: B+ Number of Pages: 403

Reviewed By: Megan

Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood By: Ann Brashares

2006-07-27T17:00:00.000-04:00

It is the last summer before Bridget, Lena, Tibby, and Carmen split up and go to different colleges. Carmen is babysitting Lena's cranky grandmother. Lena is working at a restaurant and going to art class. Tibby is spending her summer worrying about her sister and thinking about Brian (the guy). Bridget is going to soccer camp where she works with Eric. Through the summer the pants keep them together.

My favorite part is when the girls stayed at the beach house at the end of the summer and watched Tibby's movie.

Grade: A # of Pages: 338

Reviewed By: Danielle

Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism By: Georgia Byng

2006-07-27T16:57:00.000-04:00

Molly Moon is an orphan at Hardwick House when she stumbles on an hypnotism book she realized she has a gift. She then hypnotizes to win a talent show and uses the money to find her friend Rocky. She doesn't know however, that professor Nockman is following her to get that book.

My favorite part is when Molly stays at a hotel in New York and gets the best room there.

Grade: B # of Pages: 371

Reviewed By: Danielle

Starry Starry Night By: Lurlene McDaniel

2006-07-27T16:53:00.000-04:00

There were 3 short stories in this book. The first was about Melenie whose sister was born premature and now she's very sick near Christmas: Brenda is working at an ice cream shop and she meets a guy she really likes. but, she has a guy that likes her that is sick and doesn't have much time left. Which will she go to the dance with? Ellie thinks Kathy has a great life (rich) but Kathy's life isn't so perfect - the little boy she babysits is her son!

My favorite part is when Brenda decides to go to the dance with the dying crush Doug instead of Matt.

Grade: B # of Pages: 255

Reviewed By: Danielle

In Cold Blood: A true account of multiple murder and its By: Truman Capote

2006-07-27T14:56:00.000-04:00

In the small Kansas town of Holcomb four members of a prominant wheat-farming family, the Clutters, are mysteriously murdered. "In Cold Blood" details the effects of these murders on the town and its citizens as well as the persuance of the murderers. The book takes the reader from the discovery of the Clutters' bodies to the capture and conviction of those responsible.

Truman Capote constructs the town of Holcomb simply and effectively. One is captured by the community's struggle to deal with the murder of four of its citizens and the killers' troubled past. I would reccommend this book to individuals who are interested in crime and its human implications.

Grade: A- Number of Pages: 343

Reviewed By: Brook

Gunslinger Girl By: Yu Aida

2006-07-25T18:44:00.000-04:00

When girls become orphans one witness horrific crimes, a certain group takes them in and repairs their bodies. But now, they are trained assiassins. A "Gunslinger Girl" and her master are murdered, but only certain people know the weakness of a girl. They go into the girls life at the organization, and show christmas time, where some girls get nothing, but others get teddy bears every year. By the way, the girls are the good guys taking out the Italian mafia and other gangs.

Grade: B # of Pages: 186

Reviewed By: Brianna

The Nightmare Room By: R.L. Stine

2006-07-25T18:10:00.000-04:00

A girl Danielle and her brother Peter are left home alone while their parents are on vacation. Danielle has a friend named "Adie." Adie was over there house and Peter was annoying them. So Danielle pretended to hypnotize him. After she did he was acting strange, and forgetting things he should know. The next day at school Danielle and Adie laughs and says "it's a joke to scare you." As much as she wanted to believe that she knew it wasn't true. She doesn't want to tell her mom so she keeps it a secret. After Peter was gone!! She tells Adie and Adie says "I don't know a Peter, what are you talking about?" When Danielle calls her parents they forget Peter. When Danielle enters the nightmare room in her basement everyone forgets her too. Their parents are home from vacation they forget both kids. Danielle enters the house and her parents call the police so shes out to prove somethings wrong, and they have kids.

My favorite part is when Danielle is proving to her parents that she is their kid.

Grade: B # of Pages: 133

Reviewed By: Samantha

Don't Scream By: Joan Lowery Nixon

2006-07-25T18:08:00.000-04:00

This book is about a girl named Jess who is like anyother ordinary girl. She has a job at a burger resteraunt and a great family. Then this boy moves in next-door to her. She introduces herself but is awed by how strange the boy and his family act around her. The boys name is Mark. Just like Mark another new kid comes to her school by the name of Scott. Things move along and things start to get twisted and creepy. Finally Jess does a backround search on the two boys after her cat and her neighbors cat has gone missing forever. She finds that Scott is under fake identity and Mark is totally clean. In the end it turns out that Scott was the good guy and Mark was a phyico-path.

I loved how this book was suspenseful. I didn't like it because Jess's character bugged me with the way she acted.

People who love mysteries would like this book.

Some other books by Joan Lowery Nixon that I have read are...The Dark and Deadly PoolThe Weekend was MurderPlaying for Keeps

Grade: A- Number of Pages: 165

Reviewed By: Taylor

Chasing Redbird By: Sharon Creech

2006-07-24T19:32:00.000-04:00

Zinny Taylor wanted to be someone. Boys used her as a way to meet up with her sister May. No one could remember which Taylor she was. She felt guilty for her Aunt Jessie and cousin Rosie's deaths. So when she finds the start of a trail she decides to fix it up...but not without Jake trying to follow and protect her (aka annoy her). Little does she know that as she uncovers the trail, she would unravel many mysteries and secrets.

Grade: B # of Pages: 257

Reviewed By: Grace

Into The Storm Left Behind: The Kids #11 By: Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye

2006-07-24T19:29:00.000-04:00

Judd is wanted by the GC, so Taylor Grahm helps put him into hiding. Later Judd hears the Stanley's have proof against the GC hidden in their house, and Judd wants to find it. Meanwhile, Lionel is captured, and Vicki is caught distributing the Underground. And then the 5th seal is opened...

Grade: C (Somewhat more boring than the others) # of Pages: 149

Reviewed By: Grace

The Outsiders By: S.E. Hinton

2006-07-24T19:21:00.000-04:00

Ponyboy and the rest of the greasers are always fighting against the socs or the rich kids. Through the book you read about how they may be tough but are still sensitive and try to find their place in society.

My favorite part was when Ponyboy recites Robert Frost's "Nothing Gold Can Stay" poem to Johnny in the church on top of a hill in the country.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 156

Reviewed By: Danielle

The Real High School Handbook By: Susan Abel Lieberman

2006-07-24T19:09:00.000-04:00

The book told me how to take on high school. It tought me to stay focused on my school work because I have 4 years to make friends and only one year of ninth grade. It gave me studying tips, how to manage time better, and understand my grades.

My favorite part was when it taught me to calculate my gpa.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 230

Reviewed By: Danielle

Enthusiasm By: Polly Shulman

2006-07-24T19:08:00.000-04:00

Julie's best friend Ashleigh is an enthusiast.Julie never knows what new obsession will catch Ashleigh's fancy,but she does know she's likely to be drawn into the madness. Ashleigh's latest craze is Julie's own passion,Pride and Prejudice.But Ashleigh can't appreciate it as a great read:she insists on emulating the novel's 19th century heriones,in speech,dress,and most important of all-their quest for True Love.So Julie finds herself with Ashleigh,dressed in vintage frocks,sneeking into a dance at the local all-boys prep school,where they discover some likely candidates.Maybe this obsession of Ashleigh's isn't so bad if it leads to love-but for whom?

I liked just the whole story in general.

Girls over 14 will like this book.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 198

Reviewed By: Megan

Haunted: The Mediator #5 By: Meg Cabot

2006-07-24T19:06:00.000-04:00

Suze is used to trouble,but this time she's in deep:Ghostly Jesse has her heart,but Paul Slater,a real flesh-and-blood guy, is warm for her form.And mediator Paul knows how to send Jesse to the Great Beyond.For good.Paul claims he won't do anything to Jesse as long as Suze will go out with him.Fearing she'll lose Jesse forever Suze agrees.But even if Suze can get Jesse to admit his true feelings for her,what kind of future can she have with a guy who's already dead?

I didn't like not knowing what the people in the book were talking about because it was in the middle of the series.

Girls over 15 will like this book.

Other books by this author are the Princess Diary Series,Mediator Series

Grade: B+ Number of Pages: 163

Reviewed By: Megan

Ranma 1/2 vol.11 By: Rumiko Takahashi

2006-07-24T19:01:00.000-04:00

In this book Shampoo (a girl that can turn in to a cut with cold water) gets water proof soap that can make make it so she will never turn in to a cat again! But the soap slips out of her hands and in to Ryoga's(a boy who turns in to a pet pig of the girl her secretly loves) hands and when he washs with it and Ranma (and young boy that is the fiance of the girl ryoga, there was know as akaneand he can also turn in to a girl) finds out he did he and Shampoo play cuipd with akane and Roga! When Akane gets what their up to she goes out on a date with Ryoga and this makes Ranma jealous the when shampoo get control of Akane and makes her affectly hug Ryoga and when this lonely boy get a taste of this he starts to go after Akane putin her in life threating places! I reamend this book for older teens

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 182

Reviewed By: Agnes

Ranma 1/2 vol.13 By: rumiko takahashi

2006-07-24T18:58:00.000-04:00

With the mark of the gods on Ryga (which looks like a not so well drawn smilely face )he is un defeatable and the mark wont come off in less he is defeated in battle and akane starts seeing the tie between ryoga and her pet pig p-chan then a gambler steals the teno dojo and there house and they have to gamble every thing to get what they lost but will ranma be able to defeat him? I didnt like the gambleing part of the story and would recomed this book for older teens.

Grade: A- Number of Pages: 198

Reviewed By: Agnes

My Brother By: Jamaica Kincaid

2006-07-19T17:02:00.000-04:00

Jamaica's life in Antigua is very different the life she lives now in the United States. When Kincaid is young she moves from her poverty stricked country and tries to forget all about her horrible past. When she receives news one day that her thirteen year junior has the HIV virus she is forced to face the reality again. When she reaches her brother he is hanging on to life. Jamaica does anything possible to try to help save her brothers life even though it meant stretching what money she had to the limits. Jamaica has no feelings for her brother because she only knew him for a few years but she still feels the obligation to care for him. Jamaica's hard relationship with her mother did not make things any easier. Her mother rarely showed sypathy and feelings of love towards her children and when she did they had to be ill. My Brother follows Jamaica Kinkaid's life while she experiences not only losing a brother but learning to face the reality of her past.Those who enjoy reading a biography or like to read about the Carribean. Also those interested in learning about the HIV virus. What I did not like about this book is that it did not follow a plot. One moment the author was explaining a time when her brother is alive and next after he passed away. Also sentences could run the whole page which began to iritate me. It was also quite repetitive in many places. But I did like how Jamaica really let out her true feelings even though at times they were blunt.

Grade: D+ Number of Pages: 198

Reviewed By: Chelsi

The Catcher in the Rye By: J. D. Salinger

2006-07-19T16:41:00.000-04:00

The catcher in the rye traces the life of a boy named Holden Caulfield. His father is a lawyer and wants his son to be successful too. Unfortunatly he flunks out of Pencey Prep School. He leaves early and spends two days in New York City. Throughout these two days Holden learns a lot about what he is doing with his life and where it is going. This book was really good because it reminded me a lot of how I felt toward my school. The book was fun to read because it Holden has a sense of humor and is very sarcastic. It is written how a normal teenage boy would write. Those in high school would enjoy this book most.

Grade: A- Number of Pages: 214

Reviewed By: Chelsi

Frogs & French Kisses By: Sarah Mlynowski

2006-07-19T16:36:00.000-04:00

Rachel is an ordinary freshman teen at her high school. Well, sort of. She has a single mom who's a non-practicing witch and a sister who just discovered that she has the witch jean too. Miri, her sister, wants to use the magic to save the world but goes over board while all Rachel wants is for guys to like her by using love spells. Her dad just got remarried and her mom has started dating again. Her mom starts using magic for all sorts of things and also goes overboard. In the end Miri and her mom stop using magic for so many things but there's more in store for Rachel...

I really like how the book is half realistic but half not. I usually dont like fantisy books but in this case it's not total fantisy!

I think readers who like the fantisy books would have a fun time reading these. It's a quick and easy read but it's enjoyable at the same time.

This book is turning into a series...
#1 Bras & Broomsticks
#2 Frogs & French Kisses
#3 Spells & Sleeping Bags (Coming in 2007)

Grade: A Number of Pages: 277

Reviewed By: Taylor

1st To Die By: James Patterson

2006-07-18T19:30:00.000-04:00

Lindsay is given a new partner after a newlywed couple is murdered. The evidence is little and the case challenging, but Claire, Lindsay's friend, and Lindsay find evidence, two more couples are brutally murdered. Lindsay and some girlfriends form a women's club to get the killer. Besides trying to find the killer, Lindsay is trying to fight a life threatening disease and having a relationship with her partner. The killer, they believe is a famous author, however, it is his wife that is disguising as him that is the killer, revealed in a final showdown. She is killed, and Lindsay's partner dies in the struggle.

My favorite part is the epilogue, with the surprise ending.

Grade: B Number of Pages: 462

Reviewed By: Sarah

The Grapes of Wrath By: John Steinbeck

2006-07-18T19:22:00.000-04:00

The Joads leave their home in Oklahoma to travel west, in search of a certain, sure future. The Joads travel by car from town to town, with little money and many mouths to feed in their family. The family makes a little money on the way, along with gaining new friends and forming a caravan for part of the journey. On the way to California, Granma and Granpa die, Noah leaves, and Connie runs away. When the family finally reaches California, they find that it is not as they dreamed. They do what they can, the family together. Rose of Sharon has a stillborn baby, but nurses an old man.

My favorite part was the government camp that the Joads stay at since there is a great feel of the people headed west there.

Grade: B Number of Pages: 455

Reviewed By: Sarah

On The Run: Left Behind-The Kids # 10 By: Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye

2006-07-18T19:16:00.000-04:00

Judd Thompson made friends with some kids in Israel on his last missionary journey, and when he hears they were murdered, he and Ryan go to check it out. Judd meets a boy who got the whole murder on tape, which is given to Judd. So then of course the murderers want to find Judd and destroy him and the tape. Then Ryan gets a call not to trust their air-pilot. Meanwhile, some friends Vicki and Lionel are hiding from the evil GC, run away as to not get Vicki and Lionel in trouble. The kids struggle to survive during WWIII.

Grade: B Number of Pages: 160

Reviewed By: Grace

The Search: Left Behind-The Kids #9 By: Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye

2006-07-18T19:12:00.000-04:00

Ryan gets kidnapped by men working for the Global Community. Judd, Vicki, and Lionel must find him. While they are looking, Ryan is locked in a room with Darrion, a girl who needs Christ. Can they escape?

My favorite part is when Ryan leads Darrion and her family to Christ.

Grade: B Number of Pages: 159

Reviewed By: Grace

The Choice By: Lynne Ewing

2006-07-17T16:44:00.000-04:00

BOOK 9 IN THE DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON SERIS Catty droppes Jimena in the past and she has to battle pixes. I like the character and i disliked that Collin and Jimena broke up. if you like magic and romance, read this book. Read all of the seris!

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 275

Reviewed By: Casey

Goddess Of The Night By: Lynne Ewing

2006-07-17T16:43:00.000-04:00

BOOK 1 IN THE DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON SERIS Vanessa relises that she is a goddes of the moon and must fight the atrox. I liked how Vanessa and Catty gotin a lot of trouble but I didn't like how they made Stanton look like the bad guy. If you like magic read this book. Read all of the series!

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 294

Reviewed By: Casey

Possesion By: Lynne Ewing

2006-07-17T16:41:00.000-04:00

BOOK 8 IN THE DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON Aura takes Serna's body and Serna almost dies. i liked that Stanton still loves Serna and i didn't dislike anything. If you like romance and magic read this book. Read all of the seris!

Grade: A Number of Pages: 275

Reviewed By: Casey

Into The Cold Fire By: Lynne Ewing

2006-07-17T16:39:00.000-04:00

BOOK 2 IN THE DAUGHTERS OFTHE MOON Serna witnesses the cold fire and almost becomes a follower. I liked that stanton and Serna fell in love but I didn't like that serna almost became a follower. Readers who like magic and love should read this book. Read all of the sereis!

Grade: A Number of Pages: 264

Reviewed By: Casey

The Secret Scroll By: L. Ewing

2006-07-17T16:32:00.000-04:00

BOOK 4 IN THE DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON Catty finds out who her berth mother is and recieves a scroll that can destroy evil. If you like suspence and magic read this book. Read all of the seris!

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 268

Reviewed By: Casey

The Sacrifice By: Lynne Ewing

2006-07-17T16:30:00.000-04:00

BOOK 5 IN THE DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON Stanton is willing to risk all to save Serna. I liked that for a little while staton was free, i disliked tha that Lambert had to spoil it all. If you like romance, love and magic read this book. Read all of the series!

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 269

Reviewed By: Casey

Night Shade By: Lynne Ewing

2006-07-17T16:29:00.000-04:00

BOOK 3 IN THE DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON Jimena is haunted by her dead boyfriend and Falls in love with collin. I liked that Jimena finally fell in love with collin. If you like true love and magic read this book. Read all of the seris!

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 275

Reviewed By: Casey

The Lost One By: Lynne Ewing

2006-07-17T16:26:00.000-04:00

BOOK 6 IN THE DUAHGTERS OF THE MOON There is a new daughter in town who saves Catty. If you like friendship, acceptance and magic read this book. Read all of the seris!

Grade: A- Number of Pages: 274

Reviewed By: Casey

Tithe:A Modern Faerie Tale By: Holly Black

2006-07-17T16:24:00.000-04:00

16 year old Kaye is a modern nomad.Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother's rock band until an ominous attack forces the 16 year old back to her childhood home.There amid the industrial,blue collar New Jersry backdrop,Kayr soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between rival faerie kingdoms-a strugle that could very well mean her death.

I like how the author combines fantasy and reality.

This book is for anybody over 15.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 310

Reviewed By: Megan

Christy By: Catherine Marshall

2006-07-17T16:22:00.000-04:00

Christy is the true story of a 20-year-old girl who decides to teach school in Cutter Gap in 1912. Cutter Gap is a hamlet in the Great Smokies where the traditions and superstitions of the mountain people date back to the late 1700's. Christy's faith is tested to the limits by issues like moonshining, blood feuds and the overall squalor that the people live in. Through many ordeals, she dicovers the true meaning of love, friendship and faith.

I love this book. It is very inspiring and it really makes you ask yourself questions about who you are. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone in high school. A similar title, also one of my favorites, is "One More River" by Lynn Reid Banks

Grade: None Number of Pages: 488

Reviewed By: Elisabeth

A Lantern in Her Hand By: Bess Streeter Aldrich

2006-07-17T16:20:00.000-04:00

A Lantern In Her Hand is the true story of Abbie Mackenzie, a pioneer woman of the 1800's. The daughter of Scotch-Irish immigrants, Abbie Mackenzie tells the story of how her family moved to Iowa after her father's death, how she fell in love with Will Deal, their move to Nebraska, never to see her mother again, of raising five children, the youngest after the death of Will, and the countrie's progress - evident in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As you read about the hardships, the joys, the sorrows and the triumphs of one womans life, you get a very good feel for the everday rigors of not just pioneers lives, but life in general.

One of my absolute favorites, I would reccomend it for any high-schooler. It is similar to the popular "Laura Ingalls Wilder" and the little-known "Ann of the Prairie" series by Kenneth Sollitt. Both of these have been personal favorites since I was very young.

Grade: A- Number of Pages: 251

Reviewed By: Elisabeth

My Side of the Moutain By: Jean Craighead George

2006-07-17T16:17:00.000-04:00

My Side of the Mountain tells the story of young Sam Gribley who runs away from his crowded apartment home in New York to the Catskill Mountains where his grandfather lived years and years ago. He lives off the land for a year, making new friends, both human and animal until his family decides to come to him - since he won't come back to them. A great story of nature, friendship, and family ties.

I love this book because Sam relies entirely on Mother Nature to survive but it is also annoying. There are parts that seem a little too impossible. His living inside a 6 foot wide hemlock tree that he burned out is just one of several such instances. However, if you can overlook these, then you will probably love this book. I would reccomend it for any nature lover in junior high.

I can't think of any books similar to this one - it is very unique - but I would try survival stories of people who got lost in the mountains or woods for weeks before being rescued.

Grade: A- Number of Pages: 181

Reviewed By: Elizabeth

Dear Dumb Diary: Never Do Anything, Ever By: Jim Benton

2006-07-14T16:26:00.000-04:00

Jamie Kelly wants to fit in. This book is all about how she does these charities, just because another "cool girl" is doing them, to impress Jamie's crush, Hudson.

I dunno what my favorite part is. This book is sooo funny. Both genders of all ages would love it!

Grade: A Number of Pages: 131

Reviewed By: Grace

The Fight For Truth: Jedi Apprentice By: Jude Watson

2006-07-14T16:14:00.000-04:00

Siri and Obiwan are two padowans that do not get along. But when they and their masters are sent on a mission to the weird planet of Kegan, they must get along to figure out the mystery of Kegan.

My favorite part was when O-Davi has a bunch of pet animals!

Grade: A Number of Pages: 138

Busted: Left Behind The Kids #7 By: Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye

2006-07-14T16:10:00.000-04:00

The teachers and school workers are figuring out that the kids made "The Underground". Then Vicki gets sent to a detention center. Vicki must get out, and the kids have to escape being proven for writing "The Underground".

I can't say what my favorite part was or it will ruin it. It has to do with coach Handlesman and Shelly.

Grade: A Number of Pages:111

Reviewed By: Grace

Heart of Steele: Pirate Hunter by Brad Strickland and Thomas Fuller

2006-07-14T16:06:00.000-04:00

Through the series, a group of people pretending to be pirates are looking for Jack Steele, an evil pirate, so they can kill him. In this book they almost complete their quest...

My favorite part is the big exciting battle!

Grade: A Number of Pages: 196

Reviewed By: Grace

Death Strike: Left Behind The Kids #8

2006-07-14T16:02:00.000-04:00

By: Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye

Vicki is back at the detention center, until she is 'adopted' by Bruce Barnes; she stays with him until he becomes deathly ill...and Judd wants to do this big God speech at his graduation. Then, Ryan disappears...read the book to see if everything works out.

My favorite part was when Ryan has grown strong in his faith!

Grade: B Number of Pages: 123

Reviewed By: Grace

Series Of Unfortunate Events, Book 6: The Ersatz Elevator

2006-07-14T15:51:00.000-04:00

By: Lemony Snicket

This book is about three orphans named the Baudelaires. The orphans are still running from the evil Count Olaf,and they are put with another guardian. Her name is Esm`e Squalor. She lives with her nice husband Jerome in a huge apartment on the top floor. Since the elevators are broken, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny have to climb 66 flights of stairs to get there. They have to wear suits and go along with other trends that Esm`e likes, as they continue on their jouney to find out more about the organization their parents were involved with before they died.

Personally, I liked the whole book. It's adventurous.

People who like mystery books would like this book. All the other books in the Unfortunente Events series are a lot like this one. I dont know of any other author that writes like Lemony Snicket.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 272

Reviewed By: Will

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

2006-07-14T15:06:00.000-04:00

So Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts for his 6th year with many changes after the death of his Godfather in the Order of The Phoenix

Among them include:

Another new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher (You'll never believe who it is)
as well as new romances between Harry and another main character

Harry also is Quidditch Captain

Full of Betrayal, Hope, and Death this book is easily the best set up for Book 7 Jk Rowling could write

I give it an A- mainly because of how short the story was compared to Book 5

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets By: J.K. Rowling

2006-07-13T16:56:00.000-04:00

Harry returns to Hogwarts in the second enstallment in this series, where a mysterious event makes people believe he is attacking students. He finds Voldemort is behind this and defeats him.

My favorite part was when Ron was puking slugs.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 341

Reviewed By: Ethan

Inuyasha #6 By: Rumiko Takahashi

2006-07-13T10:07:00.000-04:00

This book the first couple of scrolls are continued from book5. In this book kagome forces her soul but in to her and Inuyasha thinks his fight is over but then he sees Kikyo is still moveing. Then he chases after Kikyo when Kikyo falls from a cluiff Inuyasha tries to save her but can not. Upon returning to Kagome who still has not awaken he tells Kikyo's younger sister that Kikyo has died but the true is she servied the fall and is still walk the Kagome wakes up and they start looking for shakon shard agian the meet a young buddhist named Miroku who has a couple of shards steals Kagome's and then Inuyasha finds him and fights him then a young prinesses is be followed by a paint with a shard so all of his paintings come to life and the smell of it is to strong for Inuyasha nose but with Miroku's help the painter is defeat and a new member is added to the group if you are in to 7th grade anime you will love this series you can find up to #25 of the books at your nashua public library!

Grade: A- Number of Pages: 188

Reviewed By: Agnes

Inuyasha #8 By: Rumiko Takahashi

2006-07-13T10:00:00.000-04:00

In this book Inuyasha is fighting a demoned know as royakan when they find out that he is under the spell of a shard they find out they wish kagome was here. But Inuyasha sent her back in the well to her time and blocked the well then kagome who is on a date can't get her mined off of Inuyasha leaves the date and goes to the well she finds her way back to Inuyasha's time and Inuyasha smelling Kagome's scent runs to the well and then Kagome see's Naraku and then she remove the Shikion shard from the demon's head then when Inuyasha runs to Kikyo and finds her soul shimmer's makeing Kagome mad and then she ends up a sleep when she to Inuyasha if you like 7th grade anime you'll love the whole Inuyasha seiries!

Grade: None Number of Pages: 188

Reviewed By: Agnes

Inuyasha #14 By: Rumiko Takahashi

2006-07-13T09:58:00.000-04:00

In this book the gang meets up with a member of the wolf demon clan named Koga when he finds out kagome can see the shard he kid naps her then he tells her his plan to seal a shard from the harpies king. When Inuyasha finds out Koga's plan to make Kagome his mate he swars to kill Koga but Kagome stops him because Koga is to injured to fight. Then Inuyasha and Kagome get into a fight and ends up with Kagome going back to her time. If you like 7th grade anime you'll love the whole seiries.

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 188

Reviewed By: Agnes

A picture of freedom: The Dairy Of Clotee, A Slave Girl

2006-07-13T09:52:00.000-04:00

By: Patricia C. Mckissack

In this book a young slave girl named clotee learns to read and right thourgh her master and a new teacher comes to the platoin and he finds out that clotee can read and write he comes and is takeing slaves north but the whole time clotee is trieing to learn the meaning of freedom in the end she learns that freedom is more then just a word if your in to are amercian history and in to a book that some timecan couse tears to folo your going to love this book.

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 172

Reviewed By: Agnes

Flood-Med Center By: Diane Hoh

2006-07-11T20:47:00.000-04:00

It's another crisis for Grant, Mass. A massave flood has struck they're town! Accidents have been happening left and right and near-drownding incidents have also been accuring. They have all been brought into Grant's hospital, Med Center, have handled other tragities with ease. This one might not be so smooth. Nurses can't come in because of the flood and people's houses are destroyed so they can't go home. Some of these people's lives are in the hands of the teen volunters.

I really had nothing wrong with this book. I thought it was very well written and I would recomend this book to anyone.

Readers who would like this book would be people who like the show ER and/or Grey's Anatomy.

This is a series so the other books are...
#1 Virus
#2 Flood
#3 Fire
#4 Blast
#5 Blizzard
#6 Poison

Grade: A Number of Pages: 262

Reviewed By: Taylor

Fire-Med Center By: Diane Hoh

2006-07-11T20:44:00.000-04:00

A fire has struck Grant, Mass. Med Center is faced with burn victmes, smoke inhalation victmes, and fire fighters with different problems. On top of all that the hospital, Med Center, has a patinet who is famous. Amber Taylor is a soap star who wants everything and pitches a fit if she doesn't get it. Is Med Center over they're head with this crises?

I really liked this book because it had alot more romace then the other's did. I love all of these books. They're very well written.

Readers who like the show(s) ER and/or Grey's Anatomy would like these books I think.

This Med Center book is part of a series...
#1 Virus#2
Flood#3
Fire#4
Blast#5
Blizzard#6

PoisonDiane Hoh has also written the book The Train.

Grade: None Number of Pages: 248

Reviewed By: Taylor

Dawn's Family Feud By: Ann M. Martin

2006-07-11T20:43:00.000-04:00

This book is about Dawn being pulled by both sides of her family. She misses her brother and father in California, but she doesn't want to leave her mother and new family in Connecticut. Her brother comes to visit and she really finds out how attached she is to her new family.

This is a BSC book.

Grade: B+ Number of Pages: 136

Reviewed By: Allison

Hello, Mallory By: Ann M. Martin

2006-07-11T20:27:00.000-04:00

This book is about Mallory becoming a new member of the BSC. The BSC really challenges her about everything and even give her a test that even they didn't know the answers to. After that Mallory isn't sure if she even wants to be part of the club. I liked the fact how it shows how hard people try to fit in.

Grade: A- Number of Pages: 136

Reviewed By: Allison

The Da Vinci Code By: Dan Brown

2006-07-11T20:22:00.000-04:00

Robert Langdon is a Harvard professor of symbology. He becomes framed for a murder of the Louvre caretaker. To find out who the killer is, and the holy grail, he and the caretaker's granddaughter must solve the puzzle.

This book is very religiously based, and may be hard for some people to understand, aka ME.

People who would like it: EVERYONE!!!!(the book is better than the movie)

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 454

Reviewed By: Allison

Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood

2006-07-11T20:17:00.000-04:00

By: Ann brashares

This is a fun summer book, involving four girls who spend their last summer together before going off to college. Even though the girls go their different direction throughout the summer, they have the special pair of pants to keep them united. Each girl has a different story to tell, that shows how they deal with their challenges.

This was a fantastic book, that was full of challenges, emotions, and adventure that come with life, but there was always their friendship that the girls knew they could depend on.

Grade: B+ Number of Pages: 338

Reviewed By: Casey

Fahrenheit 451 By: Ray Bradbury

2006-07-11T20:14:00.000-04:00

This furturistic novel is about a fireman, who instead of putting out fires starts them. Soon the fireman, Guy Montag, discovers that the world is falling apart by being to caught up in themselves that they don't even think or get to know each other anymore. Montag believes that he can find the answers in the outlawed books.

This is a more serious book that sends a big message. It is a quest to set the world straight again. I thought the ending left you kind of hanging. I wish the author would have continued the story.

Grade: B Number of Pages: 199

Reviewed By: Casey

The Princess Bride By: William Goldman

2006-07-11T20:01:00.000-04:00

This book is about a farm boy who falls in love with a woman named Buttercup. The farm boy leaves for America to earn a living and then he will send for his true love, Buttercup. On day Buttercup's parents tell Buttercup that her love has died at sea. Then, the prince chooses her for his bride. What really happened to Buttercup's love and what is the prince planning to do to Buttercup? Will the two ever meet again? This is a great book for everyone to enjoy.

Grade: B Number of Pages: 308

Reviewed By: Leah

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

2006-07-10T20:28:00.000-04:00

By: Gregory Maguire

The beginning of the book has a prologue, one describing the witch observing Dorothy and friends on their journey. The story then begins, describing Elphaba's (the witch) birth and infanthood. The book then skips ahead to Elphaba's school years with Glinda, the girl later to become the "Good Witch of the North". Elphaba leaves school abandoning her friends and younger sister, Nessarose, to live a life in the Emerald City, an activist for animal rights. Elphaba falls in love with Fiyero, a former classmate. They have a relationship, but Fiyero is killed, Elphaba takes refuge in a chapel, as a mount. Elphaba travels to Kiamo Ko, the palace of her lover, Fiyero, to see forgiveness from his wife for their relationship and his death. Fiyero's wife will not hear out Elphaba and Elphaba stays at the castle, waiting for forgiveness. After she learns of Nessarose's death after a house landed on her, Elphie goes to Munchkinland. Whe she returns, Fiyero's family has been taken away. Elphie lives in the castle with Nanny, a boy of mysterious origin named Liir, and a large amount of animals. At the end of the story, the witch is killed (or saved?) by Dorothy.

The end of the story, in which the witch dies, and at the same time seems to be saved, at the hands of Dorothy is a favorite part.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 406

Reviewed By: Sarah

Never Let Me Go By: Kazuo Ishiguro

2006-07-10T19:58:00.000-04:00

Kathy is a "carer", looking after "donors". It is unclear in the beginning what these terms mean. Kathy begins to tell the reader of her childhood, one spent at a boarding school, Hailsham, with her friends Ruth and Tommy. Kathy's tale continues, now beyond Hailsham, to the life already planned for the friends. Kathy stays a carer, a clone who cares for donors, clones who donate their organs (not willingly) to actual people. Ruth and Tommy "complete" (die after giving donations) and Kathy continues her job. She realizes how much her childhood at Hailsham means to her, and how much Hailsham bound the former students together. The story ends in Norfolk, where things go, with Kathy imagining seeing Tommy.

My favorite part was when Kathy and Tommy find Kathy's lost cassette (or one like it) in Norfolk, where the friends believe lost objects (and in the end, people) end up.

Grade: C Number of Pages: 288

Reviewed By: Sarah

Twilight By: Stephenie Meyer

2006-07-10T16:32:00.000-04:00

When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious,alluring Edward Cullen,her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn.With his porcelain skin,golden eyes,mesmerizing voice,and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable.Up until now,he has managed to keep his true identity hidden,but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.What Bella doesn't relize is the closer she gets to him,the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk.And it might be to late to turn back...

I liked how beliveable it was even though you know the situations could never happen in real life.

Anybody over 14, mainly girls would like this.

Reviewed By: Megan

Smoke and Ashes the Story of The Holocauset By: Barbara Rogasky

2006-07-10T16:30:00.000-04:00

Over six million people were murdered during the holocaust. This unimaginable piece of history will forever be remembered. Rogasky does a wonderful job describing the events leading up to and during the Nazi reign. This book covers subjects from kufe at concentration camps to people who tried to help the victims. This non-fiction book has very graphic and haunting pictures but it gave me an even deeper understanding of Hitler's attempt at genocide. this book, I believe, is one that should be read by all teenagers and adults. Those who are interested in World War II would find this book interesting.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 256

Reviewed By: Chelsi

Lucky By: Alice Sebold

2006-07-10T16:26:00.000-04:00

An autobiography of Sebold's life, Lucky tells the story of being a rape victim. On the last day of her freshman year in college at Syracuse University Alice is raped in a tunnel not far from her school. When later the police asked her if she wished to press charges if her rapist was caught she said Yes. In this book the reader will follow Alice's journy as a survivor as she attempts to recieve justice. Cour trials and new reactions from her peers became a constant part of her life. While reading this book I realized the strength a person needs to live through the aftermath of a rape. Alice describes it as having everything being stolen from you. Lucky is a powerful and moving story. Those who enjoyed her novel The Lovely Bones would enjoy this book.

Grade: B+ Number of Pages: 254

Reviewed By: Chelsi

True Notebooks By: Mark Salzman

2006-07-10T16:23:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder what it's like to grow up in a gang infested neighborhood, only to be sent to juvinile hall for murder at age 16? Mark Salzman tells the story of manny boys who did exactly this. While writing a novel about a nun and a boy in juvinile hall, Salzman visits Central, a place where Los Angeles highest risk offenders are locked up. With a little convincing he becomes a volunteer there with the inside out writing program. Mark and the teenage boys share there writing which instantly makes the reader fall in love with these criminals. the book shows the boys grow both in their confidence and intelectually. The program is a way for them to finally recieve praise, believe in themselves, abd have someone they feel care about them, something most of the boys never had. This book is absolutly brilliant. It is funny, sad, and a great read.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 330

Reviewed By: Chelsi

Crank By: Ellen Hopkins

2006-07-10T16:21:00.000-04:00

Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter:gifted high school junior,quiet,never any trouble.But on a trip to visit her absentee father,Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place.Bree is the exact oppsite of Kristina-she's fearless.Through a boy, Bree meets the monster:crank.And what begins as a wild,ecstatic ride turns into a struggle throgh hell for her mind,her soul-her life.

I'm not sure what i liked about it.I still trying to figure the book out.

Anybody over 16(because of subject matter) would like this book.

Grade: B Number of Pages: 537

Reviewed By: Megan

Dear America A Coal Miner's Bride; The Diary of Anetka

2006-07-10T16:18:00.000-04:00

By: Susan Campbell Bartoletti

The Diary of Anetka Kaminska is a story about a 16 year old girl that gets into trouble with the law because she is teaching Polish to other Polish children.when she was little her parents moved to America but left Anetka and her brother, Jozef behind with their grandmother when Anetka's mother dies her father sends for Anetka and her brother, Anetka father also tells her that she would get married to a coal miner .They go through Ellis Island and are into America with a friend and ex-soldier of the Czar.This story is fictional and is an exciting story about a girl and her dreams of having a better life in America.I would say that this book would be read by 6-8 graders and only if they like history.I loved reading this book I could not put it down.There are no similar books writen by this author.

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 214

Reviewed By: Heidi

I am the messenger By: Markus Zusak

2006-07-06T16:42:00.000-04:00

Ed Kennedy is 19-years-old and a cab driver. He decided to skip college since he was too lazy in high school. He has three good friends: Ritchie, who's as lazy as anything and doesn't work; Marv, who has a large account filled with money, but won't spend a dime even to fix up his old car; and Audrey, a beautiful girl who Ed is in love with and who has sex with many guys even though she doesn't care about them. One of their favorite things to do on the weekends is to play cardgames. One day, after being part of a bank robbery, Ed receives the strangest thing in the mail. It's an ace of diamonds with addresses and times written on it. This is the start of a great adventure that truly looks at humans in various lights and forms.

This is a dramatic and mysterious book. The instructions on the card(s) is(are) always confusing but make sense in the end. After reading this I somewhat wish that someone would do a similar thing to me, or to anyone else, just so that some more good would enter the world.

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 357

Reviewed By: Alicia

Facing the Future (Left Behind - The Kids Series #4)

2006-07-05T19:29:00.000-04:00

By: Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye

In this book, the kids help the police capture two murderers. But, that is only part of the plot in this book. It is after the Rapture, and the Bible says an evil man called the antichrist will come. In this book, they think they have found him. This book was sad and scary, so its hard to find a favorite part. I think it is when Mrs. Fogarty accepts Christ.

Grade: B Number of Pages: 147

Reviewed By: Grace

The Guns of Tortuga (Pirate Hunter Series #2)

2006-07-05T19:12:00.000-04:00

By: Brad Strickland

In this story, there is a group of men pretending to be pirates so they can find and kill the pirate Captain Steele. This story was how he eluded the "good pirates" and the evil things he did. My favorite part was when there were two women captured, but they dressed up as boys.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 187

Reviewed By: Grace

Grace By: Jill Paton Walsh

2006-07-05T19:08:00.000-04:00

This story was about a girl named Grace, who lived in England. She spotted a shipwreck, and helped her father rescue the survivors. The rest of the book is how she delt with her fame and fortune.

My favorite part was how Gracie lived in a lighthouse. Totally Awesome!

Grade: B Number of Pages: 255

Reviewed By: Grace

Nicolae High: Left Behind-The Kids Series #5

2006-07-05T18:00:00.000-04:00

By: Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye

This story was further news on who they think is the Antichrist. Also, it talks about the hardships on going back to school for the first time after the Rapture. My favorite part was when Judd and Vicki become closer friends.

Grade: B Number of Pages: 115

Reviewed By: Grace

Shy Boy The Horse That Came In From The Wild

2006-07-05T16:13:00.000-04:00

By: Monty Roberts

This is the story of Monty Roberts and his horse Shy Boy.With one hundred pictures this goes through the first year of Shy Boy and Robert's relationship.It shows how their relationship formed and just how strong it is.

For anybody who's into horses.

The Man Who Listens To Horses.

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 236

Reviewed By: Megan

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp

2006-07-05T16:10:00.000-04:00

By: Rick Yancey

Alfred Kropp is your world-class nobody. He isn't really that special in anyway. He's just your average Joe with a big build who can't play football. One night will change his life forever. Alfred lives with his uncle, and his uncle gets this deal that if Alfred and he retrieve a certain item that they will receive $1 million. His uncle immediately agrees and forces Alfred to do so. The item that they are to "retrieve" is a sword, but what they don't know is how powerful the sword is. What happens next is nothing that Alfred Kropp would even think of.

If you like action and adventure. If you like modern day knights fighting each other using swords, guns, and knives. If you like a slightly complex plot with an interesting ending. And if you ever wished that something remotely different would ever occur to you, read this book.

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 339

Reviewed By: Alicia

Med Center-Virus By: Diane Hoh

2006-07-05T16:07:00.000-04:00

This book is about Grant, Mass getting hit by this unknown virus that is deadly. Teens that help out at the hospital (Med Center) work overload just to try and save these unfortunate people from this desese. Some of the patinets are even they're friends or classmates! The teen volunteers are a few of the only people that can save these people but what is it that's causing these cases?

I loved this book. It was like ER in book form with a bit of Grey's Anatomey hooked in. I thought it was wonderfully written even though these books arn't in print anymore!

People that like the shows ER or Grey's Anatomey would probably really like these books. This is a series and there are six books:#1 Virus#2 Flood#3 Fire#4 Blast#5 Blizzard#6 PoisonGrade:

A+ Number of Pages: 276

Reviewed By: Taylor

Tithe: A Modern Day Faerie Tale By: Holly Black

2006-07-03T15:38:00.000-04:00

Kaye is a messed up teenager who moves place to place because of her mom's job. One day walking home, Kaye meets Roiben who is a dark faerie knight, but though he disappears after she saves his life, she has fallen for him. Kaye then learns from her faerie friends that she herself is a pixie and must help the faeries concerning the tithe. Kaye goes through many emotions on her way to becoming a true pixie and faces challenges in bothe human and faerie worlds. Soon, all is well and she even gets a kiss from Roiben.

My favorite part was when Kaye finally gets her true kiss from Roiben at the end of the book.

Grade: B+ (too much swearing! Loved the story though!) # of pages: 310

Reviewed By: Domenique

So Far From The Bamboo Grove By: Yooko Kawashima Watkins

2006-07-03T15:34:00.000-04:00

This autobiography was written about Yoko's life during and after WWII. Because her father was in the military, Yoko and her family have to overcome many obstacles just to survive, for the korean communists are looking to kill her family. Some hardships include looking for food and water, competing for space, etc. The mother and two girls, Ko and Yoko leave their home in the Bamboo grove and travel to Punam (from Korea to Japan). Their brother, Hideyo has escaped capture and meets the girls in their shelter. Though their mother has died, this family remains strong and their father comes back after six years of being in a Soviet prison camp.

My favorite part was when Yoko wins the essay contest and gains prize money so that her sister and herself may buy food.

Grade: A # of Pages: 183

Reviewed By: Dominique

Angels&Demons By: Dan Brown

2006-07-03T15:23:00.000-04:00

World renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summond to a Swiss research facility to analyze a cryptic symbol seared into the chest of a murdered physicist.What he discovers is unimaginable:a deadly vendetta against the Catholic Church by a centuries-old underground organization-the Illuminati.Desperate to save the Vatican from a powerful time bomb,Langdon joins forces in Rome with the beatuiful and mysterious scientist Vittoria Vettra.Together they embark on a frantic hunt through sealed crypts,dangerous catacombs,deserted cathedrals,and the most secretive vault on earth...the long forgotten Illuminati lair.

I liked all the plot twists and not knowing what's going to happen next.

I recommend this for high school and up.

Other books by this author are: The Da Vinci Code,Deception Point,Digital Fortress

Grade: B+ Number of Pages: 569

Reviewed By: Megan

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

2006-07-03T15:17:00.000-04:00

By: Mark Haddon

Christopher is a very different 15 years 3 months and 2 days old boy. He is autistic. That means that sights and sounds are much more vivid to him, and quite frightening frequently. He also is extremely bright and well versed in math and science courses. One night, Christopher finds a dog killed in a garden of his neighbor's yard with a fork sticking in it. He becomes very curious and decides that he will investigate all that goes on and record it in a book.

This book was quite difficult to read and comprehend. In it, the narrator continuously switches from topic to topic at lightning speed. It definitely gives the reader the perspective of what it must be like to have autism. Hopefully, from reading this book, the reader will have more sympathy and a bit more understanding. A confusing read, though.

Grade: B+ Number of Pages: 226

Reviewed By: Alicia

The Sledding Hill By: Chris Crutcher

2006-07-03T15:15:00.000-04:00

Billy Bartholomew has just died. So has Mr. Proffit. Eddie Proffit is not sure how to react to this pressing news of the deaths of his best friend and father. So he decides to go mute. Billy won't just let Eddie alone, however. Billy decides to help Eddie out with these deaths and to sort through some difficult times ahead with a headstrong religious teacher at the school. Especially when a popular book may be pulled from the school.

It was a good read with the narrator being the dead boy which is a first for myself at least. Billy dresses some issues for which I do not agree with him totally. I exceedingly dislike the portrayal of the religious people in the book because I do not find it accurate in the least way. I know tons of Christians who would not act the way that they were presented. However, it was a good read, and somewhat funny since it talked about banning a book like the book that the reader is currently reading.

Grade: A- Number of Pages: 230

Reviewed By: Alicia

Da Vinci Code By: Dan Brown

2006-07-03T15:10:00.000-04:00

Robert is called to solve a mystery only to find out that he is being framed from Sophia. The two embark on a journy for the holy grail. Il really liked the story line and mysteries but I didn't like lee (one of the characters). Anyone who likes conspirances and a hint of romance schould read this book. Angels And Demons was simular to this book.

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 467

Reviewed By: Casey

Briar Rose By: Jane Yolen

2006-07-03T15:08:00.000-04:00

This story was a retelling of the fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty" On a search to understand her grandmothers story the main character Becca travels to Poland. She finds out the secret past her grandmother never chose to share with her family. A past so haunting Becca, at first, finds it hard to believe.I really liked this book because it was an extremely easy read but it still held an interesting plot. People who like fiction books or are interested in the halocaust would enjoy this book.

Grade: A- Number of Pages: 200

Reviewed By: Chelsi

Outsiders By: S.E Hinton

2006-07-03T15:04:00.000-04:00

Three brothers are forced to live in the east end of a town. Many things happen to the gang members.I liked the characters. I disliked the Socs(rivel gang). I think that Scott Westerfeilds books are simular to this book.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 180

Reviewed By: Casey

Specials By: Scott Westerfeild

2006-07-03T15:02:00.000-04:00

This is the third book in the seris so I can't say to much with out givening to much away. I liked that Tally can still think for herself and I don't like that Shay is rude to Tally. If you liked the Uglies and the Pretties than you need to read this book.

Grade: A+ Number of Pages: 372

Reviewed By: Casey

Book Title: Cinderella (As If You Didn't Already Know The Story)

2006-07-03T14:59:00.000-04:00

By: Barbara Ensor

I know you've heard the story of Cinderella a million timer before.Mean stepmother.Lots of sweeping.Fancy ball.You remember.Or do you?Did you remember that Cinderella was such a nice girl-so cleaver and funny?You probably would've liked her.And that her handsome prince loved Jell-o and was a wonderful dancer?I didn't think so.So maybe you should hear the story one more time.Because it's actually way different then you might have thought...

This book is for anyone over 10 who has heard Cinderella before.

I liked that it gave a new twist to a story everyone already knew.

Grade: A Number of Pages: 111

Reviewed By: Megan