reads4teens

Deceived / Paul S. Kemp

2011-08-20T15:27:00.003-05:00

New York: Del Ray/Ballantine. c. 2011. ISBN 9780345511386

REVIEW BY: JO

3 1/2 stars out of five

First of all, there are several unspecific cases of swearing and two dangerous phrases with H- words. Besides that, there are many occasions with blood and bodies covering the floor.

The book itself is very interesting. It takes place at a time when the Sith are in uncountable numbers. But I will stop here so I will not give the story away and I'll say it is addicting.

The Girlfriend Project / Robin Friedman

2011-08-12T17:07:00.003-05:00

New York: Walker & Co. c. 2007. ISBN 9780802796240

REVIEW BY: SG

5 stars out of five

This was a great book because it grabbed me into it and I could picture it in my mind. I also could see this actually happening to a real person. It would be a teenager and some friends.

What it was about was this 17 year old and he had never had a girlfriend. Well his friends thought they would find him a girlfriend, so they started this project called "The Girlfriend Project" so he went along with it. At the end he found a girlfriend. So that is why I thought it was a good book.

The total tragedy of a girl named Hamlet / Erin Dionne.

2011-08-11T12:24:00.002-05:00

New York: Dial Books. c. 2010. ISBN 9780803732988

REVIEW BY: LEXI

4.5 stars out of five.

This book was really good. It's about a normal teen girl going into 8th grade. She may seem like a very shy average girl, but only her few close friends know what her home life is like: Shakespeare obsessed parents. The book is very appealing to people about the age of Hamlet. It was kind of strange how there was so much Shakespeare played a part in the book. It's definitely not the best book I've read, but it was surely worth my time.

Star wars : the force unleashed / Sean Williams ; based on a story by Haden Blackman.

2011-08-11T11:31:00.003-05:00

New York: Ballantine Books. c. 2008. ISBN 9780345499028

REVIEW BY: DZ

4 stars out of five.

This is an action filled book. I'll give it that much, but the story bounced between Star Killer and Juno. The books I read, if they bounce between characters, they should have at least 3 or more. Some of the fights happen at the middle or end, so you don't know what happened or how. Then again, some fights go all the way through.

Amazing Grace / Megan Shull.

2011-07-09T17:28:00.002-05:00

Hyperion Paperbacks. 2006 ISBN 0786856912

REVIEW BY: HD

4 stars out of five.

I feel this way, because it's generally a good book. If it wasn't, I wouldn't of finished it so quickly.

Basically, it was about a girl, Grace "Ace" Kincaid, who lived in fame. With all the pressure of being a pro-athlete at age 15, and enormous amounts of paparazzi watching her every move, she decides to give it all up and be a normal teenager.

She moves to Medicine Hat, Alaska far, far away from any paparazzi. She learns to love the smallest of things and not to take them for granted.

Grace has to take on a whole different identity. That way she won't be found. Will she survive the harsh conditions or thrive in them?

Child abuse / Sydney Newton and Julie Gerrits.

2011-07-07T18:53:00.002-05:00

Crabtree Publishing Co. 2011. 9780778721345

REVIEW BY: BK

5 stars out of five.

It gives lots of information. For any question you have, they already answer them.

Child abuse can be caused by parents on drugs or alcohol, parents who have lots of stress on their minds or mental health issues, or parents always fighting.

There's help out there if you are being abused. Tell someone. Don't keep it a secret.

Cutting and self-injury / Rachel Eagen

2011-07-07T18:39:00.003-05:00

Crabtree Publishing Co. 2011. ISBN 9780778721376

REVIEW BY: BK

5 stars out of five.

It shows examples and it has great explanations. I can understand it very well.

Cutting, self-injury: Self-injury is hurting yourself on purpose. Most of the time it happens over and over again. Doctors say piercings and tattoos are a form of self-injury.

Sister Slam and the poetic motormouth roadtrip / Linda Oatman High

2011-07-07T18:15:00.004-05:00

Bloomsbury. 2004. ISBN 1582349487.

REVIEW BY: BK

3 stars out of five.

I chose 3 stars because I hated the rhyming in the book. WAY TOO MUCH RHYMING. Otherwise it was good.

Her name is Laura Rose Crapper and she isn't popular. She drives her mom's old car to school. She says she's chubby, then she says she's fat.

Laura's mom died when Laura was nine. Her mom was thirty five when she died. She died in July.

Laura changed her name to Sister Slam. She wears lots of vests. She thinks vests are the best.

Twig is Laura's friend. She and Twig get to go to the Slam.

Out of my mind / Sharon M. Draper.

2011-07-01T12:26:00.004-05:00

New York: Athenium Books for Young Readers. 2010. ISBN 9781416971702.

REVIEW BY: JM

5 stars out of five.

I feel that it is a 5 star book because it tells you about a girl with a disorder that won't let her talk or walk. She can barely do any normal functions. She can't feed herself, clothe herself, go to the bathroom by herself, and she can barely even talk with her communication board. Even though she has difficulties, she is a very bright and happy 5th grader. Even though she is different, she still has problems that any normal person has. It all works out in the end even though there might be a few bumps in the road.

Naruto / story and art by Masashi Kishimoto

2011-07-01T12:09:00.003-05:00

VIZ Media LLC. 2008. ISBN 1421519429.

REVIEW BY: CC

I give this book 2 stars out of five, because it has good action, but it is not the most exciting book I have read. It is although, real about trying to help a friend and destroy an evil gang. Try reading the first 29 books first. It makes it a lot easier to understand.

The Dark City / Catherine Fisher

2011-05-02T10:33:00.003-05:00

New York: Dial Books. May 2011. ISBN 9780803736733

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: RC

Galen and Raffi are from an old order that kept peace with people. While the watchman destroyed what the order used to do. Carys is part of the watch and she joined Galen and Raffi on their trip to Tasceron to find the crow that might help Galen get his powers back. He lost his abilities due to an explosion that happened sometime in his past with Raffi. The Sekio are a little group of storytellers that take treasures and hide them somewhere no one knows but them. The Sekio are known to remember things from the past that no one else but the order might remember. The watch want to destroy the order and keep the relics that have certain abilities that can do some magic.

I'd recommend The Dark City because it has many twists and turns.

Foxy Lady : Volume 2 by Ayun Tachibana

2011-03-21T16:03:00.002-05:00

Tokyopop. 2010. ISBN: 9781595325532

REVIEW BY: MM

This series is about a half-human, half-demon girl named Kogane who goes to the human world to become human, but the only way to do that is to "hook up" with a human. She targets Jin Mikasa, heir to the Mikasa shrine and priest in training to be that human. This story is about them and their friends. I really enjoyed the book and would suggest it to romance / fantasy lovers.

4 stars out of five.

Bizenghast : Volume 7 by M. Alice LeGrow

2011-03-21T15:43:00.002-05:00

Tokyopop. 2010. ISBN: 9781427817662

REVIEW BY: SD

This book is about a young woman named Dinah who tries to defend a world from evil forces. Dinah and her friends Edrean, Edaniel, and Bali-Lali find a way to stop an evil spirit that wants to enslave man-kind. This spirit appears as an angel when in reality it is a spirit that with one touch can make you her slave. Dinah must ask for help from the dead when her friends have succumbed to the spirit's power.

I think this would be a good series for the library because it keeps you focused on what will happen next and keeps people entertained. Also if you love fantasy and action, this is the book series you want to get.

StarCraft Ghost Academy : Volume 3 by David Gerrold and Fernando Heinz Furukawa

2011-03-21T15:07:00.002-05:00

Tokyopop. March 2011. ISBN: 9781427816146

REVIEW BY: VF

Ghost are the Dominion's ultimate weapon. They have special powers like reading thoughts, being invisible and many others. Emperor Mengsk is training these ghost to bring their world where they no longer fear the world.

Nova and her team are down with training exercise and now on their first real mission. They pick up a distress signal from a nearby planet and head that way. On the planet she finds people from her past. But even if the ghost-in-training escape from the Zerg-ridden planet, will the Dominion allow Nova and her team mates to keep their memories?

I really like this book and hate how it ends. It leaves you questioning what's going to happen next. It's filled with action with a small romance twist. To this generation you wonder will this be what we do in the future or not. I highly recommend this book to people who hate waiting and love action.

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

2011-03-16T17:57:00.003-05:00

Little, Brown and Co. June 2010. ISBN 9780316068680

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: NIX

In Sisters Red, Jackson Pearce reinvents the infamous story of Little Red Riding Hood. After the brutal murder of their grandmother, Scarlett and Rosie March live to destroy the Fenris, the werewolves that prey on females, and Grandma March's murderers. These two sisters, opposite in appearance and demeanor, are so close to each other that they sometimes wonder if they are two halves of the same person. Scarlett's sole purpose in life is to hunt, but Rosie begins to desire so much more out of her existence.

When Silas, a childhood friend and neighbor, returns from college, Rosie begins to see him in a whole new light and is introduced to a world of possibilities. But, as the Fenris grow more dangerous and begin to venture into cities, will Rosie be able to balance her new life and her old one? And how long can Rosie hide it from Scarlett before it all falls apart? Find out in this exciting retelling of a world-renowned fairytale. Sisters Red earns 4 out of 5 stars.

Close to Famous by Joan Bauer

2011-01-28T15:08:00.003-06:00

Viking. Feb. 2011. ISBN 9780670012824

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: KTC

Foster is one of the most unique twelve-year-olds you will ever get to know. She bakes under the watchful eye of an escaped convict, learns to read from the hands of an actress, and she and her mother are fleeing from a psychotic Elvis impersonator. So obviously, childhood isn't exactly average for her, but she cooks her little heart out in every muffin and cupcake, believing with every inch of herself that she will one day educate the world with her own cooking show, Cooking With Foster, like her role model, Sonny Kroll, an ex-soldier-turned-cook. And with each cupcake eaten, the people of small-town Culpepper believe she belongs to the world.

Joan Bauer, author of Hope Was Here, tells of a girl who will warm your heart from page one, whose cupcakes make her unforgettable. Just like her story Close to Famous.

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

2011-01-04T13:02:00.005-06:00

Razorbill, 2010. ISBN 9781595143372

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: KTC

Mackie Doyle is strange to say the least. He is allergic to iron and blood...and has to hide it from the town so they don't stamp 'freak' on him and admit the truth: that the town is at mercy to Replacements and the Lady. The Replacements have grown to believe they have to poison themselves so the Lady can be pleased with toys and sacrifices traded out while the town is silently angered towards the Replacements that fill their children's cribs.

Mackie hates himself and his kind. He would make the switch over to be a human if the choice existed; especially when the time comes he falls in love with one. But the House of Mayhem won't let him deny the truth and, being the only Replacement to stay alive for so long in the town, they want his help. But it isn't until the Lady and her precious Cutter threaten the house of the one Mackie loves does he become more than willing to be of assistance.

Brenna Yovanoff, in her first novel, tells of an eerily beautiful story of all things ugly and misplaced. I know that may be a weird way to explain it, but once reading, you'll agree too: The Replacement puts a whole new spin on the possibly unknown and the beauty behind the hatred and hideous way of life.

Spotting for Nellie by Pamela Lowell

2010-11-15T17:39:00.002-06:00

New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2010. ISBN 9780761455837

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: LEXI

This book is about a girl who is 16 years old. Her name is Claire. She and her sister, Nellie, were on their way from a party when they were both in a terrible car accident. Claire was alright, but Nellie was a different story. She was left with a serious brain injury.

During the book, Claire has to struggle with the guilt of the accident and boy troubles. This is a very good book and I recommend it to people ages 7th grade and up.

Sweet 15 by Emily Adler & Alex Echevarria

2010-11-15T17:22:00.002-06:00

New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2010. ISBN 9780761455844

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: SMILE

Sweet 15 was a book that wasn't really my style. I could barely get to the end because it just didn't have much "umph." The characters were well described, but they didn't do much. In this book Destiny, the main character, is just planning her Quinceanera and dealing with Omar, her best friend and skate buddy. There really is not much plot.

Sapphique by Catherine Fisher

2010-10-16T14:42:00.003-05:00

New York: Dial Books, December 2010. ISBN 9780803733978

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: RC

Sapphique is a pretty good book. You'd have to read Incarceron before you read this one. If you do read that one, this one will make sense on what is happening so far.

Sapphique is about a prison that is alive. A couple main characters are Finn, Claudia, the warden, the queen, Jaren, and Kerrio. The prison is actually pretty small; you could crush it and not know that you did that at all.

I would recommend reading this book because of the adventure. Finn is actually Prince Giles, but he doesn't know that until the very ending of the last book, Incarceron. The world Finn is in really looks nice, but it is just holographs that make the world he's in look real; it is actually a run down world like the prison. In the prison it is much better than the other place; you learn how to survive and other required skills. Finn or Giles, which ever you prefer, is always having fits and is always complaining that the life he has now isn't really fun. He thinks the prison would be much better than where he is now.

Matched by Ally Condie

2010-08-27T12:18:00.002-05:00

New York: Dutton Books, November 2010. ISBN 9780525423645

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: KTC

In a world where everything you do is predicted and controlled, everyone is pretty much used to doing exactly what they're told and being okay with it. But with Cassia things are a little more complicated once she sees two faces on her Matched card. Her Matched ceremony, where she finally finds out who her Match is, was always what occupied her dreams until the day actually comes on her seventeenth birthday. After that, her world flips upside down. She begins questioning the Society's decisions, breaks little rules that turn out to become more than just small details in the choices.

Ally Condie, author of Freshman For President, tells of a Society which plays God and a girl who sets them in their place when she's forced to choose, for the first time in her life, between a road that was plowed just for her and one that she was born to take.

The Silver Sea / Julia Golding

2010-08-13T17:28:00.004-05:00

Marshall Cavendish. October 2010. ISBN 9780761457251

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: "NANCY T. DREW'

Julia Golding's latest book, The Silver Sea, continues her well-established tradition of imaginative fantasy and intriguing romance. This time, Golding has set her tale in the Norway of the Vikings, centering around the shy daughter of a powerful Viking and a slave from Africa.

Freydis, a girl beloved by her brother but scorned by her father, is the sole escapee of a pirate raid to her village. Her brother has been captured and she is severely injured when she is rescued by her father's ship. Severly rebuked for her "cowardice," she is given a slave who is known as Blue Man - "a slave who is not a slave." As she journeys north and is left with a friendly tribe while her father pursues her missing brother, Freydis and her unusual slave, whose real name is Enno, develop a strong bond and ultimately discover that their amazing destinies are intertwined.

Like other books by this author, I found this to be a good fantasy and also a fairly harmless read. The setting was unusual, but the author definitely fitted it well to her story. The romance wasn't as captivating as that which was told in Dragonfly, but will probably satisfy most pleasure readers. The ending was fairly well done, although I didn't feel as much for the characters as I have in other books. I give this book three out of five stars.

Tales of the Madman Underground : (an historical romance 1973) / John Barnes.

2010-07-28T23:37:00.003-05:00

New York: Viking. 2009. ISBN 9780670060818

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: NIX

Karl Shoemaker received his first "ticket" in the fourth grade for crying during story time. If anyone had asked, he could have explained that story climaxes and endings make him anxious, but he never got the chance. Instead, he was thrown into the not-so-secret "secret" school therapy group, cleverly coined the "Madman Underground" by his best friend, Paul. Every year since, the teachers have given Karl the "ticket," the slip that declared students unstable and in need of therapy.

But this year, Karl plans to avoid getting the "ticket" altogether. There is just one problem, though; Karl lives a not so "normal" life. How is he supposed to be ordinary when he lives in a world where his morning routine includes searching his entire house for cat poop? Or where his mother is an alcoholic and a pot smoking hippie who believes President Nixon is tied in with aliens? And when being normal may also mean losing all his true but crazy and "unstable" friends? Will Karl be able to avoid his "ticket," or will he give in to the pull of being with the ones he cares about? Find out in John Barnes's exciting and comedic Tales of the Madman Underground!

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

2010-07-21T18:32:00.002-05:00

Philomel Books. October 2010. ISBN 9780399254826

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: KTC

In a world full of werewolves and witches, humans are nearly a time passer, a distraction, an ignored shadow in the distance. But Calla, the female alpha of the Nightshades, didn't expect for one of those weak creatures to be adopted by a great Keeper, one of those all mighty powerful witches, either. Nor did she suspect that in her time of struggle of dealing with the union, the time in which her betrothed, the ever breath-taking Bane Alpha, became her mate, she would stumble upon a dying human, feeling the need to save him despite the forbidden laws. Calla's world tips and turns and sometimes disappears completely from beneath her feet after the first encounter with the unknowingly "special" human.

Andrea Cremer, in her first novel, tells of a young woman/wolf who grew up being told how to walk and talk; of her journey to the right side of fate in which she becomes as vulnerable as a mere weak human being; of the shocking darkness that looms around every corner, threatening to swallow whole; of the white wolf's discovery in the confusing maze of that of the heart.

The devil's arithmetic / by Jane Yolen.

2010-07-20T22:40:00.002-05:00

Scholastic. 2000. ISBN 9780590965781

REVIEW BY: NANCY T. DREW

For middle-school readers looking for a novel on the Holocaust, The Devil's Arithmetic is a good choice. It is the story of Hannah, a modern-day girl who is constantly annoyed by her family's Jewish customs, and doesn't understand her family's efforts to "remember." However, when she is mysteriously transported back in time to Poland, 1942, she is forced to realize the importance of the remembrance she has misunderstood. As she journeys from a small village in the Polish countryside to a concentration camp where nothing else matters but staying alive one day at a time, Hannah dives into the horror of Hitler's extermination of Jews. One day at a time, she endures life in the camp until the book comes to a dramatic close.

Jane Yolen does a wonderful job of laying all the horror of the Holocaust right out for the reader while still presenting it in a venue for younger readers. While the book was different from what I expected, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommend this read.

The burn journals / Brent Runyon.

2010-07-20T22:33:00.001-05:00

New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 2004. ISBN 0375926216

REVIEW BY: BBB

Brent Runyon lit himself on fire because he didn't want to get expelled from school for burning one of the lockers.

He misses a year of school and has to go to a couple of different hospitals. He has therapy and the rehab place. They also have to rub euceran cream on his legs because of the scars!! It is a really sad book. Now his is scared to death of what people will think of him.

He ends up living the rest of his life well, and he lived, which is a miracle!! I would rate this book a billion!!

Flawless : a pretty little liars novel / Sara Shepard.

2010-07-20T22:26:00.002-05:00

New York: HarperTeen. 2007. ISBN 9780060887339

REVIEW BY: LEXI

Flawless is the 2nd book in the Pretty Little Liars series. In this book there are 4 main girls; Aria, Hannah, Emily, and Spencer.

The summer before 7th grade, their other best friend Ali went missing. Now that the girls are in 10th they found out about Ali. Now the girls keep getting texts about their secrets from "A." The girls now have a good idea, but something bad happens and they know that person isn't "A."

Pretty little liars / Sara Shepard.

2010-07-20T22:17:00.002-05:00

New York: Harper Tempest. 2006. ISBN 9780060887308

REVIEW BY: LEXI

When five friends, Alison, Spencer, Emily, Aria, and Hanna, have a sleepover, something goes terribly wrong. Alison goes missing.

In the book Ali has been gone 3 years. After her disappearance the other 4 girls stop talking to each other. Aria and her family even move to Iceland. When Aria moves back to Pennsylvania, things go terribly wrong again. Every one of the 4 girls keeps getting IM's and text the secrets only they and Ali knew from someone named "A."

The girls reunite to figure out who "A" is. Could it be Ali? And there is "The Jenna Thing."

The lost boy : a foster child's search for the love of a family / Dave Pelzer.

2010-07-20T22:08:00.003-05:00

Deefield Beach, Fla: Health Communications. 1997. ISBN 1558745157

REVIEW BY: LEXI

This book is about David Pelzer, a boy who was starved, beaten, and neglected by his drunken mother. His father used to stick up for him and still kind of does, but he's become a drunk too.

One night 9 year-old Dave has the choice to stay or run. When he leaves he is shifted around foster homes for the next 9 years. When he leaves his favorite house because they are always fighting, he gets new, young foster parents. Then he chooses to go back to his favorite. When he's almost 18, he has to choose what he wants to do after he's done with foster care. What will he choose?

For keeps / Natasha Friend.

2010-07-07T18:35:00.002-05:00

New York. Viking. 2010. ISBN 9780670011902

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: KTC

Of all the people to see buying shampoo, Paul Tucci's parents were the last to come to mind for Josie Gardner and her mom. Paul, Josie's father, Paul. The same Paul that hasn't been in their lives since Josie's mom became pregnant. 'Course Paul Tucci's dad didn't think that the waitress serving him his sweet sugar affairs would be an offspring of his offspring, let alone the day he has a cardiac arrest, leaving said offspring of offspring in an awkward realization that she even exists. And, of course, it has to occur all when Josie struggles with her best friend's drama and the finding of her first real boyfriend.

Natasha Friend, author of Perfect, tells of a girl's adventure of finding out, slowly and occasionally by herself who she is, who her family is and what they're really made of, flaws and all.

Mississippi Jack : being an account of the further waterborne adventures of Jacky Faber, midshipman, fine lady, and the Lily of the West / L.A. Meyer.

2010-06-28T15:23:00.002-05:00

Harcourt. 2007. ISBN 9780152060039

REVIEW BY: BELLAROE

In this 5th installment of the Bloody Jack Adventures, Jacky Faber, so recently a captive aboard the slave ship Bloodhound, has been captured by the British Navy for piracy. With the help of her loyal crew, Jacky makes her escape and makes her way through the Wild American Frontier to the Mississippi River. On the river, she once again commandeers a ship, Belle of the Golden West, as she makes her way to New Orleans.

This book has many ups and downs, but is still filled with that adventure all Bloody Jack fans love.

Over my dead body / Kate Klise ; illustrated by M. Sarah Klise.

2010-06-28T14:55:00.002-05:00

Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt. 2009. ISBN 9780152057343

REVIEW BY: BBB

Over My Dead Body is about Olive C. Spence, the ghost from the first book, Ignatius B. Grumply, the guy that rented the house on 43 Old Cemetery Road, and Seymour, the kid that lives in the house too.

Ignatius gets taken away because the dictator didn't believe him about his ghost stories, and Seymour gets taken to an orphanage. Olive writes Seymour and Ignatius a note and they figure out a plan to escape!

Every little thing in the world / Nina de Gramont.

2010-06-26T14:45:00.001-05:00

Athenium Books for Young Readers. 2010. ISBN 9781416980131

REVIEW BY: SJJ

Every Little Thing in the World takes place in a modern setting with two main characters. Sydney and Natalia are best friends and they are trouble-makers. After quite a few incidents, Sydney's mother sends her off to her dad's house; her father then sends Sydney off to a wilderness camp where she will canoe for four weeks straight. Sydney has a big secret that only Natalia knows; she is pregnant. This big dilemma has Sydney trying to decide if she wants to keep the baby or have an abortion.

I really enjoyed this book. It is filled with suspense and after the first few chapters I didn't want to put the book down. There are many unexpected events that take place and at one point the life of Sydney and Natalia's group rests solely on Sydney.

Secrets of my Hollywood life : Family Affairs, a novel / by Jen Calonita.

2010-06-26T14:27:00.002-05:00

Little, Brown & Co. 2008. ISBN 9780316117999

REVIEW BY: LEXI

When a hit prime time soap opera gets new cast member Alexis, stars Sky and Kaitlin get jealous. Suddenly Alexis starts spreading rumors and starting fights with the other cast members. When cast enemies Sky and Kaitlin come together to get rid of Alexis, you know there is something up. Read to find out if Alexis gets caught.

Rifles for Watie / by Harold Keith.

2010-06-26T11:09:00.003-05:00

HarperCollins. 1991, 1957. ISBN 0690049072

REVIEW BY: JP

The story takes place mostly around Fort Gibson and Oklahoma in 1861. It starts out with a happy farm boy plowing the fields when he hears the emergency sea horn go off! He knows something is wrong and starts charging to the house to find his father seated on a chair with a gun to his chest. It was two Missourian bushwhackers at their normal business of stealing food, but thanks to Jeff's fast thinking his family makes it through the robbery.

Jeff knew that he and his family couldn't live in peace until the bushwhackers were gone, so with that in mind Jeff joined the army as an infantryman. Soon he ranked up to a cavalryman and them lastly a union spy behind the lines on the other side.

Jeff's incident with the bushwhackers wasn't the end of his worries. He had to be under the service of a mysterious man named Clardy who always seemed to want to make Jeff's life as miserable as possible.

I like this book because it has things in it that are true, but it isn't like a history book either. The author of the book put fictional things in this story to keep a young reader interested but still learning at the same time.

The maze of bones / Rick Riordan.

2010-06-26T10:52:00.002-05:00

Scholastic. 2008. ISBN 9780545060394

REVIEW BY: BBB

Amy and Dan Cahill were going on a dangerous adventure. Grace died and Amy and Dan liked Grace the best out of ALL their relatives. Grace offered them and others listed in her will 1 million dollars or a challenge after she died. Amy and Dan decided to take the challenge. Some of their relatives took the million dollars and some people took the challenge. The challenge could kill them.

Amy and Dan were stuck in a fire, and bomb, and getting caught in Paris in a building when sirens were going off! What more troubles could they go through?

Also, Amy and Dan are getting spied on by this guy in the "black suit. What will he do to them? Will Amy and Dan survive?

Secrets of my Hollywood life : on location : a novel / by Jen Calonita.

2010-06-23T19:37:00.002-05:00

Little, Brown. 2007. ISBN 9780316154390

REVIEW BY: LEXI

This book is about Kaitlin Burke, a tv/movie actress. She is always fighting with her tv costar Sky McKenzie. Sky is her costar and tv sister on Family Affair. In this book Kaitlin, Sky, and Katie's ex, Drew, have to film a movie together, The Untitled Hutch Adam's Project. When Kaitlin has to pretend to be Drew's girlfriend for publicity, Kaitlin's non-famous boyfriend, Austin, gets jealous. Will this affect their relationship? Read to find out.

Dying to meet you / Kate Klise

2010-06-23T19:15:00.004-05:00

Harcourt. 2009. ISBN 9780152057275

REVIEW BY: BBB

Dying to Meet You is about this one guy, Ignatius B. Grumply who is a famous author of children's books. Ignatius is looking for a house to rent because the house he has isn't quiet for him. He moves into 43 Old Cemetery Road.

When he looks through the house, he sees that it isn't as good as he thought. He meets some other people in the house as well; Seymour Hope, an 11-year-old boy and his cat, Shadow. There is also a ghost and they all help Ignatius write his next book. For some reason, Ignatius is as excited as ever!

Will their book get published? You will have to read to find out!

Incarceron / by Catherine Fisher

2010-06-14T15:39:00.005-05:00

Dial Books, February 2010. ISBN 9780803733961

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: NANCY T. DREW

In one world he struggles to survive in a vast prison of cutthroats and thieves, amid forests of metal and cells of grime. In another world she is forced to be a pawn in a struggle for power masquerading as a courtier of elegance and refinement.

Incarceron is a fantasy novel set sometime in a distant future where advanced technology has been banned and only the rich can afford to get their hands on all things non-Era. A plan seemingly made to promote "peace" and "order" had given way to corruption and treachery and in the midst of it all Claudia, the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is being forced to marry the Queen's son. Claudia, a headstrong girl who detests her universe of veiled threats and "strict" Protocol schemes to discover the secret prison Incarceron which the world knows as a perfect world where the inmates are kept healthy and happy.

In reality, Incarceron is a living nightmare. Life is short and cruel. Finn Starseer is constantly reminded of this in his life of ambush and theft. However, Finn is different; he has visions and memories of other times and places which lead him to believe he is from Outside. When he comes upon a crystal key, he is thrust upon an epic journey to escape the prison, no easy task because Incarceron is watching.

I found Incarceron to be a very exciting read. The plot has lots of twists and draws the reader in. However, I did have a few issues with this book. First of all, sometimes the wording of the book was hard to understand; not often, but sometimes.

Also, I had a bit of a moral problem with this book. See, Incarceron is not only alive (sees, talks, kills), but it creates life. Once any living thing dies, human or animal, Incarceron recycles the organic material into a new being. Sometimes the Prison creates halfmen, fusions of metal and flesh, that are hated by the "pure." As a reader with Catholic-Christian beliefs, I felt a bit uncomfortable with this idea.

Overall, Incarceron is a well-written novel although I'm not sure about its moral value. I would be willing to try another book by this author.

Alphas : a novel / by Lisi Harrison.

2010-06-14T15:29:00.001-05:00

New York : Little, Brown, c2009.

REVIEW BY: NCS

When Skye, Allie, and Charlie get accepted to the exclusive Alpha Academy, they are thrilled. But they learn that being less than perfect is not an option when one friend gets sent home on the first day. These girls have to claw their way to the top among some of the most talented girls in the country. Oh, did I mention that only one will make it all the way?

Startled by his furry shorts : confessions of Georgia Nicolson / Louise Rennison.

2010-06-14T14:49:00.002-05:00

New York : Harper Teen, c2007, c2006

REVIEW BY: SMILE :)

You must read The Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series. Of course it's about Georgia Nicolson who is a teenager living in London. I just finished the 7th book in the series and I loved it! The title is Startled by His Furry Shorts. Georgia is in love with 3 guys, the sex god (Robbie), Masimo (the hot Italian), and Dave (a huge laugh.) Well, Dave the laugh just declared his love for Georgia, oh my. She can't stop thinking about the sex god who is so far away. She asked Masimo if he would be her girlfriend, but Masimo needs 1 week to think about it. Georgia's parents are going all loony again. Her little sister, Libby, is singing songs about butts! And she is mad at wet Lindsay. But on the bright side, she has all of the Ace gang!

P.S. I loathe you : a Clique novel / Lisi Harrison.

2010-06-14T14:41:00.002-05:00

New York : Poppy, c2009.

REVIEW BY: NCS

When the boyfast is over, the Pretty Committee scrambles to get their crushes! Massie is so ready to score Dempsey by cheering for him on the field. Kristen has troubles when two of her friends like the same boy. Dylan is crushing on Massie's ex, a major no-no! Alicia struggles to break free of Massie's grip. Claire just tries to stay out of drama. What will happen? Read to find out!

Bratfest at Tiffany's : a clique novel / by Lisi Harrison.

2010-06-14T13:53:00.003-05:00

New York: Little Brown and Co., c2008

REVIEW BY: NCS

When alpha girl Massie dooms the Pretty Committee (Dylan, Alicia, Kristen, and Claire) to a boyfast, some serious backstabbing goes on. Can Alicia keep her crush on Josh a secret? Will Kristen be able to stay away from Dune? Can Claire try to make Cam jealous without being too obvious?

Dylan is the only safe one, but she has her own problems trying to stay away from food. Read Bratfest at Tiffany's to find out!

Tales From a Not-So-Popular Party Girl by Rachel Renee Russell

2010-05-25T18:26:00.003-05:00

Simon & Schuster : On-sale-date 6/8/10. ISBN 9781416980087

(Cover Photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: SMILES

Dork Diaries, Tales From a Not-So-Popular Party Girl is a great book for girls ages 9-13. It starts off with a girl in middle school named Nikki J. Maxwell. Her life is about ruined. First her locker is right next to Mackenzie Hollister's, the total snob, but everyone adores her! Second her crush Brandon who she will die for might already have a date to the Halloween dance. Third her little sister Brianna is absolutely terrified of the tooth fairy! But on the bright side, she has the best 2 friends ever, Chloe & Zoey! They would give up their trash bag costumes for a little kid party so Nikki will have an awesome time at the dance with Brandon. But is that only in Nikki's dream world or real world?

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

2010-04-28T14:25:00.002-05:00

Razorbill : August 2010.

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: KC

All her life, Haven had visions about a young woman named Constance and her lover Ethan. Only in those visions, she was Constance living a past life in the 1920's. After her father's death, Haven blanked out the visions, until a wealthy celeb's lop-sided grin made the visions all seem to rush back.

She fled New York both to get away from the townsfolk of Snope city, all of whom seemed to be a half second away from grabbing their pitchforks, and to search for Iain who lived as Ethan Evans in his past life. Problems stir as Haven struggles to gather the loose ends toward either a fairy-book happily-ever-after or a tragic love affair gone incredibly wrong.

Kirsten Miller, author of the Kiki Strike books, tells of a confused young adult who struggles like every other girl in search of her own happy ending, only with reincarnation as the twist.

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

2010-03-25T22:37:00.002-05:00

Dial: 09 Mar 2010. ISBN 9780803734951.

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher.)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: NIX

Bailey is drop-dead gorgeous, popular, and a talented actress. Her younger sister, Lennon, is not. Lennon, better known as Lennie, looks up to Bailey and wishes she could be as pretty and popular as her. Bailey tells her little sister everything, watches out for her, and gives her advice on boys, fashion, and life. They have been best friends since childhood. Although they grow to be polar opposites, this friendship has remained intact through years of adolescence. They have the ideal sibling relationship; it is almost perfect.

But one afternoon all that is changed. Seventeen year-old Lennie is thrust into a world of pain and confusion when she loses the one closest to her. While at a community theatre production of Romeo and Juliet, Bailey dies from an arrhythmia, an irregular heart beat. To Lennie, it is "as if someone vacuumed up the horizon while we were looking the other way." It completely devastates her and it takes a month for her to reach a point where she can go back to school.

When she finally gets back, her world is thrown out into even more chaos. As a bookworm and a band geek, Lennie has never had much of an experience with boys. Now she suddenly has two of them competing for her heart. One boy, Joe, is the new kid and French heartthrob. He is a talented musician with an amazing smile. The other is her sister's ex-boyfriend, Toby. When with Joe, she completely forgets her loss and feels as if there is true happiness in the world. With Toby, she is comforted in the midst of grief. Her love for her sister and her want for joy lead her to try to juggle both, but how long can that last?

In her debut book, The Sky is Everywhere, Jandy Nelson explores the meaning of love at a time of loss. It is a novel about love, grief, joy, despair, life, and death. Nelson ventures into the life of a girl with a great loss and taps into the fear of losing a loved one that resides in all of us. An interesting and heart-touching read, The Sky is Everywhere earns a total of four out of five stars. Make sure you get your copy or check it out at your local library, today!

After by Amy Efaw

2010-03-22T15:12:00.003-05:00

Viking Children's, Ages 12 and up years: August 2009. ISBN 9780670011834.

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher.)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: KTC

Devon is a good student, straight A's, the best goalie for soccer, and is more mature than most fifteen, almost sixteen, year old girls are. Is she so perfect and scared to become anything like her mother that she would be capable of ignoring her pregnancy? Not believing that such a thing is occurring to such a state that she actually throws her baby away? The news one morning about a shrieking baby found in an alley trash bin shocks many people, more so when they find out that Devon is the perpetrator. But, truly, it's Devon herself that's most surprised.

Nightmare after nightmare seems to become reality the day the police come to ask residents in the apartment buildings questions of the crime committed. It starts off with pain and blurry vision filled with blood. Next it's a courtroom full of people accusing her of attempted murder when her milk gives way. But worst and possibly most helpful of all is when Devon is cooped up in a juvenile detention center, forced to think, forced to open up. But when she's forced to realize the facts both to herself and to her attorney, Dom, will she choose to do the right thing or to live forever in denial?

Author of BATTLE DRESS, Amy Efaw tells this truly unique story in the point of view that not too many people are open to thinking about. Read about Devon's decisions in this, as the author puts it, "invisible American tragedy, poorly understood, and rarely acknowledged" "dumpster baby" phenomenon, AFTER.

Palace Beautiful by Sarah deFord Williams

2010-03-03T18:59:00.004-06:00

G. P. Putnam's Sons. April 15, 2010. ISBN 9780399252983.

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher.)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: "NANCY T. DREW"

Palace Beautiful is the story of Sadie, a girl from the "Big Dog," her sister Zuzu with her Shirley Temple hair and temper quite typical of nine-year-olds, and their new friend Belladonna Desolation who is dark and mysterious.

Sadie can remember the day she was born which is a good thing since her mother died when she was only four. Sadie hasn't ever completely recovered from the sadness despite her new step-mom Sherrie and the baby that is on the way. She and her family have moved into an elegant old house in Salt Lake City where they meet Bella who dresses in black dresses and believes in ghosts. It is with this new friend that they discover Palace Beautiful, a secret crawlspace in the attic that contains an old picture, a necklace, and a diary with a note saying that the author leaves the diary to whoever finds it. When they open the journal, they meet a new friend who lived during the flu epidemic sixty-seven years before. Together they learn about the descent into tragedy that happened in their very own homes and discover their own insecurities and fears about their own lives.

This is a very sweet and thoughtful book. Throughout the book it is nice to see the characters mature and come to terms and open up about the unhappy events in their own lives. Sadie is an engaging character who is a little more atypical for a thirteen-year-old. Her little sister Zuzu is not a very likeable character, but she does become more thoughtful as the story progresses and readers will smile at what a "normal" little sister she is. Bella was a character I really liked because she was very different. The author did not do the greatest job in presenting her, but she still managed to be even more interesting than the main character. This book will appeal to younger readers but might not be mature enough for older readers.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I believe my younger sister who is reading it thinks the same way. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

Marching For Freedom by Elizabeth Partridge

2010-02-06T11:52:00.002-06:00

Viking Children's. October 2009. ISBN: 9780670011896

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: "NANCY T. DREW"

Marching for Freedom tells the story of the race discrimination protests in Selma, Alabama in the 1960's and how kids helped win African-Americans the right to vote. It is a fairly easy read that provides an educational look at the non-violent commitments of the protesters and the gruesome tactics used by racist law enforcement to subdue them.

The book follows several young people as they participate in the many marches and protests which led to the fifty-four mile march from Selma to Montgomery, a movement in which thirty-thousand protestors took part. Marching for Freedom isn't a biography of certain teenage protestors but uses their eyewitness accounts to make the story of the tragedies and triumphs of the peaceful protests really hit home. Besides the main text, there are also detailed photos which help give the book a more comprehensive feel.

I personally learned a lot from this book. Before I read it, I had no idea that kids were actually vital to the protests against racism and I did not know how violent white racists could be. The "Bloody Sunday" incident really struck me and will probably send chills down your spine.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants a simple, easy-to-read look at the marches, protests, songs, and people that helped gain blacks the right to vote.

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

2010-01-25T17:11:00.005-06:00

New York : Little Brown and Company, Hardcover publication August 2009. ISBN 9870316043250

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: SJJ

Let's just say for a moment that your mom died when you were little and now your dad dies. Both die in suspicious ways, and after your father's death, a black mark forms on your wrist and grows more visible each day. That is what happens to Lia Mithorpe. After finding many clues, talking to many people, Lia comes to the conclusion that it is the mark of a very deep prophecy. This prophecy only happens to twins and Lia is a twin with Alice. Every generation back has had twin girls. These girls should work together, but with their minds set on different goals these two sisters become rival enemies.

This is one of those books that you can't put down! I really enjoyed reading it and I would really like to read a sequel to this book. I think everyone who reads this book really will love it!

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

2010-01-25T16:47:00.003-06:00

New York : Philomel Books, April 15, 2010.

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: "NANCY T. DREW"

Mockingbird is the story of a young girl with Asperger's Syndrome whose brother has recently been killed in a school shooting. Through the girl's eyes, we see the impact the tragedy has on the town and her family.

The narrator is an intriguing person, a little girl who has seen so much that is painful and bad, but who still retains a child-like innocence because of her condition. She tells us of how emotion confuses her and how she studies an emotions chart to learn what emotions mean. We see her befriend a little first-grade boy who also has problems due to the death of a loved one. And we watch her search for an elusive word: closure.

I enjoyed this book because of its bittersweet plot, its innocent heroine, and its heartbreaking artistic expression. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a sad and thought-provoking read.

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

2010-01-25T16:19:00.002-06:00

Penguin Young Readers Group, 2009. 9780670011100

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: LBB

A friendship like no other ends after a teen girl named Lia loses her best friend.

The girl was found dead in a hotel room, murdered. When her freind Lia found out, she was devastated. Lia, who thinks it's her fault, punishes herself. Lia soon finds herself stuck in an institution because of it. Will she die or become strong? Read this thrilling book and find out.

A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck

2009-11-04T13:33:00.004-06:00

New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2009. 9780803730823

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: "NANCY T. DREW"

“A Season of Gifts” is a lighthearted portrait of a young boy growing up in a new town in the 1950’s. The main character, ten-year-old Bob, is a shy young boy whose father is the new Methodist preacher in town. Upon their arrival, Bob is promptly abducted by a group of bullies, taken for a swim, and tied up in the outhouse of gruff old Grandma Dowdel, a familiar character from “A Year Down Yonder” and “A Long Way from Chicago.” Not the most promising start to a move, right? However, Bob, his doll-hugging little sister, his Elvis-loving big sister, and his parents discover just how many “gifts” are in store as they get to know Grandma Dowdel and the rest of the town. Plenty of adventures are in store for this family from a funeral for a legendary Kickapoo princess to a Christmas wedding. The residents of the town also provide for some interesting experiences including the town bad-boy, the old lady who hasn’t been seen off her porch in who knows how long, and Grandma Dowdel herself who is “armed and dangerous” but is an unexpected source of kindness.

This has been a pretty short review, but I will give you the basics: it’s funny, heartwarming, and you won’t die from reading it. So do yourself a favor and read this book. I guarantee you’ll think it’s hilarious (or at least readable.)

Willow by Julia Hoban

2009-10-01T14:41:00.003-05:00

New York : Dial Books, March 2009. ISBN 9780803733565

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: EW

Willow was published in April, 2009 by Julia Hoban, in association with Dial Books. The copy I have is a 339 page advance, uncorrected proof.

It is written in third person limited present, which I found to be a very disconcerting and annoying style. That itself put a damper in my already moist enthusiasm for reading this book, and as the story progressed, I became drenched. The title is named after the protagonist, whose point of view we see the story from. Willow could have only improved with a better title.

Simply put, Willow is a story about a girl who punishes herself for her parents’ death by cutting. The cutting itself was extremely well done, I thought. It seemed believable, and the scenes where Willow is slicing herself up with razors are very well written. As is typical in teenage angst stories, however, Willow meets the handsome, sensitive, popular guy named Guy who is determined to help her for no good reason. As if. The rest of the story is essentially their relationship as it grows about as fast as a cactus, and culminates in sex, which gets Willow through all her troubles.

And that is my first gripe with this book. The idea that a teenage girl can only get through trouble with a man’s help, and by losing her virginity to said man, is not the message we need sent to teens. Women are perfectly capable of getting through trials without having sex or leaning on the shoulder of men. This sends a bad message.

Willow herself is an extremely unlikable character, with no redeeming factors except that she’s not afraid to throw around the “f” word. She is whiny, self-absorbed, cruel, vindictive, and condescending. Unfortunately, she doesn’t change much. Guy is also unlikable, although I’m sure that was not Hoban’s intent. Sensitive, empathetic, caring, handsome... Guy is perfect in almost every sense of the word. That is unrealistic and irritating to the extreme. I also found both of their names weird. Seriously? Willow and Guy? What will they name their kids? Hazel and Apple?

The prose itself is neither good nor bad. It’s just blah. As I said before, the point of view is very different, and I found it very hard to get into. Hoban also tends to I tell the reader, not show them. That is not a sign of true writing genius. However, the dialogue seemed to be very natural, and I was glad the author was not afraid to use swear words, like so many are.

Unless you have a fetish for cutting, I wouldn’t recommend this book. It took me forever to get through: I left it for several months about halfway through before eventually picking it back up. Willow is not my cup of tea. I’ll give it 2/5 stars.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya by Nagaru Tanigawa

2009-09-16T19:15:00.003-05:00

Little, Brown and Company. Hatchette Book Group. April 2009. ISBN 9780316039024

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: DNA

This book was okay. It was interesting and got you wondering what was going to happen next. Most of the book is funny like when Haruhi makes the pretty girl in the S.O.S. Brigade, a group searching for aliens, wear a revealing costume to pass out group flyers in front of the whole school.

The thing I didn’t like was how it got kind of dull sometimes, but most of the time it was actually quite good. I would rate this around 7 out of 10. I would recommend it to ages 13 and up.

Give this book a try and see all the interesting things about a girl who is so pretty and beautiful and at the same time does mischievous things and awkward actions.

GEEKTASTIC: Stories From the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci

2009-09-09T14:20:00.002-05:00

Little, Brown and Company. Hatchette Book Group. August 2009. ISBN 9780316008099

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: ROONIL WAZLIB

Imagine you’re searching the shelves of your local library. Maybe it’s something you only do when you have to read a book for school, or maybe it’s something you do on a daily basis. If it’s the latter, you’ve probably nearly exhausted your usual reading material. If this is true, you may be a bit reluctant to pick up something new, especially if the only thing that seems to be left to you is the latest selection of vampire novels. Also, if the second description describes you, you’re probably considered a bit of a geek.

Not to worry, there’s a new book out there for you! Titled Geektastic, Stories from the Nerd Herd, this book is a collection of stories and comics for the geek in everyone. Whether you’re into Star Wars or quiz bowls, theater or Dungeons and Dragons, there’s something in this book that is sure to catch and hold your attention. Not sure what everyone’s geeking out about? Try reading “One of Us” by Tracy Lynn to figure it out.

This book is edited by authors Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci, but if you don’t particularly care for either of their stories, don’t let that turn you away from this amazing book. The stories inside are written by a variety of geeky people who have written some of your favorite books. Read “The Quiet Knight” by Garth Nix (author of Mister Monday), “Definitional Chaos” by Scott Westerfeld (author of Uglies), or “Everyone but You” by Lisa Yee (author of Absolutely Maybe). Every story is engaging in its own way, no matter who it was written by or what the story is about. Never judge a book by its author (or its cover).

I highly recommend this book to everyone, geeky or not. Although a few of the stories do not have the best endings, and you may argue a bit with a comic, Geektastic is thoroughly hilarious. I enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book and did not want to put it down. You may find yourself reverting back to the age when you’d break out a flashlight under the sheets to keep reading past lights-out. I know I did.

Sir John Hargrave's Mischief Maker's Manual by John Hargrave

2009-09-08T12:45:00.002-05:00

Grosset & Dunlap, Publication date: June 2009. ISBN: 9780448449821.

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: SKETCH

I thought this book was very good for the most part. I like the many interesting pranks, of course, as well as the step by step instructions to pulling off the perfect prank, whatever it might be. This book was very descriptive and well written to live up to it's title of being a manual. This book was so good that I had shown it to a few of my friends and they too claimed that they wanted to pull off some of those pranks too. Even a college friend of mine that had an internship with us for awhile looked it over and claimed that she wanted to pull off the "foaming toilet" prank on one of her room mates at college.

The one thing that I didn't like about this book was that it was written for a younger age group. When reading it, you can't help but feel like you are a little kid again, whether that be from a few of the pranks being childish or the way the book talks to you as if you're only six years old. But who really cares, growing old is mandatory but growing up is optional right? For those who haven't read this book, I recommend it with a 4 out of 5 star rating. You'll see why when you read the first chapter on how a group placed a police car with lights flashing on top of a gigantic domed building and left it there. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself.

Thirteen Ways to Sink a Sub by Jamie Gilson

2009-08-03T15:27:00.004-05:00

Tarrytown, NY: First Marshall Cavendish Classics edition, 2009. ISBN 9780761455875.

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: CB

I thought that Thirteen Ways to Sink a Sub was a pretty good book. It was a little hard to get into, but once I got into it, I couldn't stop reading!

This book tells how one class tries to get the substitute teacher to go to the office crying. The whole class was in on it, boys vs. girls, and whoever lost had to get the kickballs that landed in the "spit pit" for the rest of the year.

Sleepaway Girls by Jen Caolnita

2009-07-22T14:04:00.003-05:00

New York : Hachette Book Group, Little Brown and Company, First Edition: March 2009.

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: KTC

Sam, an experienced babysitter, wasn't quite experienced enough to withstand campers' arrival. She managed to escape the 24/7 Marlomark's, her best friend's and her best friend's boyfriend's, "pookie" comments just to fend off Ashley, the Alpha queen of Whispering Pines, and her raging crush on the camp's serial dater after deciding to be sent two hours away from home to be a sleepaway camp's CIT, counselor-in-training. She survives, though, with the help from Cole, the tease, and her deepening friendship with three other girls--calling themselves the Sleepaway Girls. But before Sam can really want to come back the following summer, she has to reveal her feelings and break out of her people-pleasing shell.

Jen Calonita, author of Secrets of My Hollywood Life, shows us that to really see who you really are, all you need is the ability to speak in front of a camera with potential lifetime friendships sitting right across from you.

Blackbriar by William Sleator

2009-07-08T17:22:00.005-05:00

Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Classics edition, October 1, 2009. ISBN 9780761455851.

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY : GEORGE

Blackbriar takes place in city, London, then moves to a small village. Blackbriar is a cottage in the country.

Danny, an orphan, moves to Blackbriar with Philippa his caregiver. Danny does not want to go at first, but later finds it very interesting. He finds names written on the cellar door from the 1600's. One name, Mary Peachy, does not have a date next to her name.

Danny meets a friend, Lark at the Tumuli. Lark tells Danny some weird thing that happened one time while she was walking home. She saw a huge fire, was hearing a lot of chanting, and can you guess what happened next?

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY : NS

Danny has always been quiet and shy, following others. Then he and his guardian, Philippa, move far out in the country to an old abandoned house, Blackbriar. All the villagers are scared of it.

Strange events start to happen, such as unknown fires, a wooden doll, and strange sightings. Danny wants to unravel the truth with his friend, Lark.

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY : Lexi

Blackbriar is a book about a boy, Danny, who lives with his "guardian" Philippa. They live together in London, but Philippa makes them move to Blackbriar, an old, abandoned cottage. While they are living in Blackbriar, weird things start happening. Danny and his friend, Lark, begin to figure out the mysteries of Blackbriar.

This was an awesome book to read. I think people ages 12-16 years of age would love it.

Dragonfly by Julia Golding

2009-07-07T18:07:00.007-05:00

Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish edition, 2009. ISBN 9780761455820.

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY : "NANCY T. DREW"

Dragonfly by Julia Golding is a rich and colorful tale of love, warfare, mysterious rituals, and heroic bravery. The author, the writer of the Companions Quartet, strikes several high notes with this unique and original tale.

Princess Taoshira is the Fourth Crown Princess of the Blue Crescent Islands. Each day she must perform several sets of rituals that are crucial as part of her duty to her country’s culture. She is expected to never show emotion and to perform impeccable etiquette. However, she is less than pleased when she is selected to marry Prince Ramil of Gerfal to form an alliance.

Things get worse when Princess Taoshira arrives in Gerfal. The Prince is rude, disrespectful and not too fond of her either. However, when they are kidnapped by Fergox Spearthrower, ruler of most of the known world, they are forced to look out for each other as they escape from his grasp and race against time to save their countries, and each other, from utter defeat.

I really enjoyed how well thought out this book was, from the distinct cultures of the countries to the colorful characters. Apart from sexual humor, this book is a great must-read.

Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle

2009-06-27T14:40:00.004-05:00

New York : Dutton Children's Books, 2009.

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: HM

Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks is about a sophomore named Carly who lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Carly is trying to help her younger sister, Anna, be safe in her freshman year. The problem is, Anna isn’t a little girl any more. Also, Anna is tired of Carly always being there for her, even in time of need.

I liked this book a lot cause it shows the many struggles that teens go through today. I highly recommend this book.

Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti

2009-06-17T19:27:00.005-05:00

Penguin Young Readers Group, Publication date: July 2009. ISBN 9780670011308.

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: KTC

When Marisa comes back from camp, she's determined to make sure sophomore year won't be another humiliating repeat of freshman year. Her anxiety disorder still causes her to be slipping back into her depression, but to her, it's all worth the effort when Derek, the popular surf-boy styled Hottie notices her. Everything seems to fall apart though when they finally get together. With Marisa's best friend, Sterling, ignoring the "sisters before misters" rule and with things falling apart with Nash, her childhood friend, it seems the only one she can turn to is Dirty Dirk. But Marisa, or anyone for that matter, doesn't even know who this secretive blogger is.

Author Susane Colasanti tells of a girl who can't seem to find the window to view the contents of her heart and finally see who is truly meant for her.

Ex-Rating by Natalie Standiford

2009-06-17T18:45:00.004-05:00

New York : Little, Brown, 2006. 0316158763

REVIEW BY: LEXI

Ex-Rating is about three 10th graders Madison, Lina, and Holly who are best friends. They started a website called The Dating Game for a project. It included match-making, quizzes, and the new ex-rating. People could rate their exes and tell if they were a good or bad boyfriend/girlfriend. When people complained about the site, the principal threatened to shut it down. When the girls defended the site, things took a turn for the worst.

This book is the 4th in the series. It involves heartaches, crushes, and scandle.

The Adventures of Benny by Steve Shreve

2009-06-09T17:25:00.008-05:00

Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Children, 2009. ISBN 9780761455752.

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: ???

I liked this book, but then again I didn't. The reason I liked it was because it was funny and interesting. The reason I didn't like it was because my 6-year-old sister could read about 80 percent of the words! If the book would have been more challenging it would have been better!

You should read this book which has 5 Benny adventures. I hope they make a second book.

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: "Addison"

This story takes place in a lot of different places; the time is hard to say. The main character is Benny. He goes on 5 adventures and ends up with some nice people or animals and some bad guys. He travels in the woods by his house, to Egypt, to see pirates, and he sees the booger man. Benny is very brave, but when the Booger Man arrives, he wants to eat him. Will he actually eat him? If I were you, I would read this book to see if he does.

I liked this book because of all the adventures Benny went on! The book was okay; it was kind of confusing.

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: BJ

In this book you will read about how Benny goes on 5 adventures. In his first adventure he meets Bigfoot. In his second adventure he goes with his uncle to find a mummy. In his third adventure he and his uncle work for pirates. In his fourth adventure he meets the Booger Man. Lastly he meets an invasion of monkeys. As you can see, all of Benny's adventures are different. I encourage you to read The Adventures of Benny. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: SPITFIRE

This story took place in the woods, the ocean, on an Island, and in Benny's bedroom. The plot is about a kid that goes on a lot of adventures. There were many interesting characters in this book. They include Benny, Bigfoot, a wolf, pirates, and the Booger-Man. There were also monkeys and a ghost.

I would recommend this book to a friend because I think it is a good book to read. I did like the book because I thought it was funny and good. It was a nice book to read.

Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison

2009-06-08T13:26:00.003-05:00

New York: Razorbill, Publication date: March 2009. ISBN 9781595142382.

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: BARBIE

I didn't like the ending of the book because it's implausible. There is just a drop off to the story and it also has an ending that sort ruins the rest of the romance of the novel. This really doesn't make much sense for an actual book. I did like, however, the two different perspectives of both the two main characters. The story line was also a unique story line with Michael's past with his parents. Overall, I would recommend a 4 out of 5 star rating and I would recommend this book to someone too.

The orange houses by Paul Griffin

2009-06-03T14:50:00.004-05:00

New York: Dial Books, Publication date: June 2009. ISBN 9780803733466.

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: AW

I read the advance copy of the Orange Houses by Paul Griffin. It was a quick read that is suited more for older teens because of some of the content.

The book is about a girl who is deaf, a young man who came home from the war, and an illegal immigrant. The book follows these three and their stories as they live their lives trying to avoid danger and problems in general in their west Brooklyn neighborhood by the orange houses. Eventually they find that they can’t always hide from trouble.

At first it was a little hard to get into and a bit confusing because of it switching between the characters all the time, but towards the end it really starts moving along. The Orange Houses is a pretty good book with an even better message at the end.

Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow

2009-06-03T14:41:00.003-05:00

Razorbill, published by Penguin Group. Publication date: June 2009. ISBN 9781595142511.

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: DARK TALENT

As a child of a svetocha, Dru is just on the peek of blooming when her life really begins. Dru meets Goth Boy, Graves, after her father is killed by Sergej, the nosferatu (vampire) that killed her mother.

Searching her dad's old contacts, now with Graves living with her, she finds an oddball number, neither labeled as safe or unsafe. Still, she calls the number but instead of meeting him, she searches for her dad's truck. After finding her dad's old truck, she is attacked by a werwulfen but is protected by her "guardian angel" or so Christophe, a djamphil, calls himself.

Christophe, Graves, and Dru find themselves in many dangerous adventures, including that of Graves getting bitten by a werwulfen, becoming loup-garou himself.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

2009-04-30T12:33:00.005-05:00

Viking, June 16, 2009. ISBN 9780670011940.

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: KTC

with the bottomless books and overpowering mom, Auden decides to escape reality and enter an adventurous and memorable summer. hoping to, for once, live her childhood and live life by the edge. she still manages to play the babysitter role as her baby sister, Thisbe, is born. following the birth and new friendships, Auden's past seems to haunt her behind every closed door, no matter how tightly shut. in the end, Auden opens herself up to Eli, a retired biker, and they're just two insomniacs running away from the problems in their endless nights.

New York Times bestselling author, Sarah Dessen, tells of a world where you don't have to know how to ride a bike or even be a store-goer to feel the adrenaline through life or to simply learn to jump for what you believe in.

Jane in Bloom by Deborah Lytton

2009-04-20T14:15:00.002-05:00

New York : Dutton, March 2009. ISBN 9780525420781

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: CHUNKY MONKEY

Jane in Bloom is a book about family relationships and teenage eating disorders. In this novel there is a family that used to be very close together but have slowly been pulled apart by the oldest daughter's eating disorder. There are four in the family the mom and dad and two daughters. The oldest is considered the best because she is the one with the perfect report card, perfect body, and perfect life; little did they know that she wouldn't eat and then threw up what little food was left in her stomach. This eating problem put her in the hospital, ruined her family's lives, and eventually killed her. Her younger sister Jane was devastated with her sister's behavior.

This book is a heart breaker, if you are close with your family and have a little sister this book applies very much to you. The funny thing about this book is that despite what happened and how angry every one became Lizzie's death actually caused their family to come very close together. I really do recommend this book to anyone and it gives good advice not to mess with eating disorders!

GEEKTASTIC: Stories From the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci

2009-04-08T14:34:00.003-05:00

Little, Brown and Company. Hatchette Book Group. August 2009. ISBN 9780316008099

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: KTC

the actual definition of a geek is someone who is passionate about one or more subject(s). so when you really think aobut it, everyone is a geek at one point or another, even if you won't admit it.

black and castellucci will make it happen when they have Geektastic published. they share stories about geeks, written by geeks for a true inside view on what it's like to be what people stereotype as "geek". from stories about a klingon and a jedi falling into forbidden love to stories about the strong Quiet Knight, Dino Girl, and "i never" games, these stories show you the plus sides of being geeky and help you wear the label proudly.

Plus by Veronica Chambers

2009-04-08T13:58:00.001-05:00

Razorbill, published by Penguin Group. Publication date: April 2009. ISBN 9781595141651.

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: DARK TALENT

Seventeen year old Bee is a freshman in college at Columbia University. Dating a senior in college, she feels ready to loose her virginity. Everything seems to go wrong after she visits Victoria's Secret and gets dumped. But not all is lost. Bee is introduced to a modeling agent after her eating spree and is announced as a plus-size model. Struggling with college and her new modeling job she also juggles tutoring a talented rapper, Kevin, who struggles in Math. Throughout her modeling career, she goes through rough patches but gets through alright and meets a lot of good people along the way.

In this interesting novel, author of The Joy of Doing Things Badly, Chambers tells of a story about a girl just trying to manage life and all its twists and U-turns.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

2009-03-04T13:03:00.007-06:00

Dutton Books, April 2009 (tentative date). ISBN: 9780525421030

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: CHUNKY MONKEY

What would you do if something deadly happened to you and you got to choose whether you wanted to live or die? You would probably choose live but what if I thickened the plot by saying if you live then you will get to see your boyfriend, your best friend, and what's most important to you; or die and be with your mom, dad, and brother? That is exactly what Mia was forced to decide after a nice little drive turned into a deadly collision. What will Mia do? Will she live and go to Julliard to play her cello, or be with her brother who loves her like a mom? Marry her boyfriend and see her best friend or go to be with her parents? These are all some really good questions. However you must read the book to find out. If you like suspense and romance books then this would be a very good book for you. This book is one of those that you can't put down, that you have to finish to get to the conclusion. That is why I think that you should read the book If I Stay.

Because I am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas

2009-02-23T12:43:00.005-06:00

Viking, 16 Apr 2009. ISBN 9780670062980

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

ADVANCE COPY REVIEW BY: KTC

Let's face it: Anke is popular and known, even by the irresistible Kyler, as she takes on the loud "Mine!" calling sport known as Volleyball. But as her team advances to the State Semi-Finals, she takes on a completely different threat at home. People may think she's special but Anke is wrapped around thinking she is a nobody, that she doesn't deserve attention even if that means she's the one that isn't half beaten to death.In this powerful peom-written novel, author Thalia Chaltas tells of a story of a girl who learns to open her eyes to the skin-crawling truth and to warn the world of the monster that lies beneath.

Teen Board Quick Reviews - January 2009

2009-01-19T15:38:00.004-06:00

What have you been reading? How many stars would you give it (out of 5)? Comments?

REVIEWER: "ROBIN HOOD"

THE WARRIOR HEIR / by Cinda Williams Chima. ***** A very powerful book that's full of action and mystery.

CALVIN AND HOBBES / by Bill Watterson. **** Another awesome book on a child with an imagination as big as the outdoors.

GARFIELD SPILLS THE BEANS / by Jim Davis.**** Garfield is the funniest comic ever.

REVIEWER: "BELLA"

REVELATIONS / by Melissa De La Cruz. **** The story of Schuyler, a half-human, half-vampire, in the elite Blue Blood Secret Vampire Society.

REVIEWER: BALLIE

TWILIGHT / by Stephenie Meyer. ***** Very romantic.

REVIEWER: SOUPIE

THE RED NECKLACE / by Sally Gardner. ***** Awesome!

Dramacon by Svetlana Chmakova

2008-12-15T10:38:00.004-06:00

Los Angeles, Calif. : Tokyopop, c2005- 9781598161311 (vol. 3).

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: TEEN LIBRARIAN

This three volume manga series will make you alternate between laughter, tears, and anger, as Christie navigates the zany world of the manga convention. Over the course of three conventions, she handles the good and the bad with an upbeat survivor's attitude. New characters are introduced as you read through the series, but one character is always front and center. Sparks seem to fly between Christie and Matt from the moment they first meet in book one, but something always gets in the way. Will they ever overcome the hurdles of old flames, bad timing, and miscommunication and become a pair? Hmm...

Thanks Katie for recommending this series to me as a good place to start in the world of graphic novels. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Post a comment, please. Thanks.

Twilight the MOVIE versus Twilight the BOOK

2008-11-20T23:40:00.004-06:00

How was TWILIGHT the movie? How did it compare to the book? Which did you like better?
Read comments and leave your own comment below.

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

2008-09-11T17:05:00.004-05:00

New York : Little, Brown, 2007. 9780316160209
(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: NCS

Edward and Bella are reunited! New problems arise when an evil vampire is out to kill Bella and a newborn vampire army is killing people close to home. Plus, Bella has to become a vampire or be killed. How will things turn out?

I had to keep reading it, it was so good!

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

2008-09-11T16:47:00.004-05:00

New York : Little, Brown and Co., 2006. 9780316160193
(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: NCS

Since Bella and Edward's love is dangerous, Edward leaves her, believing it's good for her. It breaks Bella's heart, so she starts to do dangerous things with her BFF Jacob Black. It turns out that he's not who she thought he was. When Bella has to go to Italy to save Edward, problems arise.

You'll laugh and cry and feel with Bella! I loved it!

Scorpia by Anthony Horowitz

2008-08-31T21:39:00.005-05:00

New York : Philomel Books, 2005. 0399241515

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: CC

Alex Rider has to save the world again, but only this time he turns to the bad people.

This time Alex went looking for his father's past only to find out that his father was a contract killer. In the end he finds a secret he wishes he had never found. Throughout the series, Alex has escaped death more than anyone could imagine. This time he was shot and left for dead. Will he survive?

L8r, g8r by Lauren Myracle

2008-08-31T21:28:00.003-05:00

New York, NY : Amulet Books, 2007. 9780810912663

REVIEW BY: LEXI

This book is the last book in the TTYL instant messaging series. It is about Zoe's, Maddie's, and Angela's senior year of high school. They learn to deal with all of them going to different colleges.

I LOVED this series! These books are very good to read. I recommend L8r, G8r to any young adult readers.

Claire : a Clique novel by Lisi Harrison

2008-08-21T15:48:00.003-05:00

New York : Little, Brown, 2008. 9780316027502

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: JESSICA

Claire had just gone back to Florida for the summer to visit her old BFFs. She got a job working for her brother Todd, because she needed money to update her wardrobe. Then she got a text from a friend saying lets go shopping for the Miss Kiss pageant. The reward was $1,000. Claire was all up for it. She had great taste, so they asked her to be judge which also came with cash. She took the offer and was doing great until a surprise guest came from Westchester to visit Claire. This guest didn’t like that Claire was hanging out with LBKs, so she kicked Claire out of the Pretty Committee. Claire still went on with the pageant and you’ll never guess who won!

You should really read this book!!! It was so hard to wait to finish the book because I wanted to know if Claire went back to the Pretty Committee or not. It was a fantastic book.

Kristen : a Clique novel / by Lisi Harrison

2008-08-21T15:28:00.003-05:00

New York : Little, Brown, 2008. 9780316027526

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: JESSICA

Kristen was all alone while her parents were away. A guy named Brice Baxter asked her to tutor his daughter, Ripples. When Kristen said yes, Ripples’ brother Dune became her new crush. Ripples wanted to be like Massie and Kristen wanted to know more about Dune, so they both taught each other what they wanted to learn. Kristen went to the skate park with Dune and his friends to hang out. An alpha in a bikini, from a different school, interrupted their fun. Kristen saw the look in Dune’s eyes and didn’t know if it was a fake look or what, so she tried to win him over by turning into a skater.

This was a really great book because Kristen was a totally new person, not like she is around her BFFS. She was totally herself except for turning into a skater.

Alicia : a Clique novel / by Lisi Harrison

2008-08-21T15:22:00.004-05:00

New York : Little, Brown, 2008. 9780316027533

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: JESSICA

Being in Spain had some good and bad things for Alicia. Everyone in Spain looked up to her except Nina (the bad thing.) On the trip, Alicia and Nina had to share a room for the first time. Nina was a clothes thief, so Alicia’s clothes never made it back home. Every time Nina stole something, she had to do things for her sisters. Nina did what they asked, but was really embarrassed because she usually acted tough around Alicia. Then Alicia stole one of Massie’s comebacks but felt so guilty that she and Nina finally “kissed” and made up.

Out of all the Clique summer collection books I have read so far, I like this one the most. It includes drama, love episodes, and much more. You really get into this book and when you are finished, you want more and more.

Dylan : a Clique novel / by Lisi Harrison

2008-08-21T15:06:00.003-05:00

New York, NY : Little, Brown and Co., 2008. 9780316027519

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: JESSICA

Dylan was at tennis camp and missing her friends. She thought hanging out with her mom would be fun, but it wasn’t. Dylan passed up Massie’s invite to spend the summer with her mom. This summer was just to have fun and love herself, but her mom made her wear all white so she could play tennis (which she hated.) Then a cute guy, J.T., came along who was obsessed about tennis. Dylan knew nothing about tennis. As they both really started to like each other, Dylan was lying about everything she said just to be with him. Did he find out about her being a fake? Find out by reading this book.

This book was really fun to read. Each page was becoming more and more fascinating. You should really give it a try.

Massie : a Clique novel / by Lisi Harrison

2008-08-21T14:59:00.003-05:00

New York : Little, Brown and Co., c2008. 9780316027519

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: JESSICA

Where do I begin for Massie?

Well, she just had her best friends go somewhere else on vacation for summer (Dylan, Kristen, Claire, Alicia) and she was stuck doing nothing. So she decided to go try out for horse racing since she had a horse named Brownie. Massie met new friends there. Before the races began, a guy came to each racer with a gift bag which had one thing in there. When he got to Massie, she didn’t care until he said hers was special. Then she opened the bag and found…, well you just need to read the book to find out. The races began and Massie was doing well until she got kicked off her horse. When things didn’t work out, Massie’s parents made her get a job; she did not like that idea!

I liked this book in the Clique summer collection because we got to see who was who and because it wasn’t about all the girls. It was only about one of them which was very exciting.

House party by Eric Walters

2008-08-20T17:44:00.003-05:00

Victoria, B.C. : Orca Book Publishers, 2007. 9781551437415

REVIEW BY: BUTTON P3

First of all, Casey's dad was taking a business trip to their old town for a night. Her mom wanted to go with him, but she didn't want to leave Casey home alone. Casey talked her mom into letting a friend stay at the house with her for one night. They threw a big party and it got late. There were a lot of people at the party when they heard sirens. The door bell rang and ...well, you would have to read this great book to find out the ending.

I hope you read House Party; it's great!

Second helpings by Megan McCafferty

2008-08-20T14:56:00.003-05:00

New York : Three Rivers Press, c2003. 0609807919

REVIEW BY: NCS

(This is the second book in a series)

Jessica Darling is still depressed because her BFF, Hope, moved away. She's trying to stay away from the "Mean Clueless Crew," her ex-BFFs . She starts dating another brainiac, Len Levy, to fill the void left by Marcus Flutie.

I loved this book, and you'll love it too! Be sure to read the first book, Sloppy Firsts!

Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz

2008-08-20T14:36:00.004-05:00

New York : Philomel Books, 2004. 0399239790

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: CC

This time nobody expected a big name celebrity to try to blow up 1/2 of the Earth! In this Alex Rider book, celebrity Damien Cray tries to blow up the Earth using a virtual video game.

This is a really hard mission for Alex because he has no gadgets from Smithers and no MI6. He goes in alone. The only problem is that Sablina is kidnapped and taken hostage.

Will he have to choose her life or his own? Read the book!

Finding Katie the diary of Anonymous, a teenager in foster care edited by Beatrice Sparks

2008-08-07T10:27:00.005-05:00

New York : Avon, 2005. 0060507217

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: NVR

Finding Katie is about a 15-year-old teen who gets kicked out of her home for sneaking out to a party. She thinks she lost herself, but soon she finds out she can help other foster kids.

It takes place in California in 1983.

I liked the book because Katie finds her way through just about anything. Katie also helps others.

Animorphs by K.A. Applegate

2008-08-07T10:16:00.002-05:00

REVIEW BY: FLAME

Hey! Have you read a book called Animorphs? NO! Well then you should read it.

The story is about a group of kids walking across a construction site and an alien lands and gives the kids the power to morph. He also tells them that the world is being controlled by other aliens, so they won't tell anyone where they live or the name of their town.

The main character, Jake, likes to sneak around and gets the group in trouble a lot.

I hope you read it. I really like this book and read it over and over.

Chicken soup for the girl's soul : real stories by real girls about real stuff

2008-08-05T23:44:00.003-05:00

Deerfield Beach, Fl. : Health Communications, c2005. 0757303137

REVIEW BY: LEXI

This "Chicken Soup" book is about the struggles of being a girl. This book is made up of different stories from girls of all ages. It is the real life stories of girls.

I enjoyed reading this book. I recommend this book to any girl who loves to hear real stories.

Chicken soup for the teenage soul : 101 stories of life, love, and learning by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen,and Kimberly Kirberger

2008-08-05T23:30:00.004-05:00

Deerfield Beach, FL : Health Communications, c1997. 1558744630

REVIEW BY: PEANUT

Well this book is called Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul. There are actually lots of characters in this book because there are 101 stories. My favorite story in this book is "Broken Wing" which is about a trouble maker who turns out to be really nice.

I would recommend this book to anyone who's a teen. I loved this book! I'm definitely reading it again.

Chat Room by Kristin Butcher

2008-08-05T13:16:00.003-05:00

Victoria, BC : Orca Book Publishers, c2006. 1551434857

REVIEW BY: LEXI

This Orca Currents book is about when the main character Linda gets hooked on Wellington High's school chat room. She has to exchange her student I.D. and her email for a nickname so that she is anonymous online. She starts off just reading the conversations until a person, Cyrano, starts talking and she has to talk back. Cyrano and Roxanne talk and soon become secret admirers until they meet, or is that really Cyrano?

The end of each chapter of this book is a cliffhanger. I recommend this to mystery fans.

Fake ID by Walter Sorrells

2008-08-03T23:58:00.008-05:00

New York : Dutton Children's Books, 2005. 0525475141

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: BUTTON P3

This is a book about a girl who knows nothing about herself and has 6 days to find out. She doesn't know her real name or anything. Will she find out? Read this book.

This is a mystery book and it's good. I would recommend it to anyone who is 10 and older 'cause there are big words.

Patiently Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

2008-08-03T23:43:00.003-05:00

New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, c2003. 0689826362

REVIEW BY: BC

I just read this great book! It's called Patiently Alice. The story takes place in San Francisco, California in the present time. The main character, Alice, goes through tough times in this book, but she is not alone. She has 2 friends, Karen and Elizabeth. Alice is 15, and she is going into high school. So are her 2 friends.

When Alice gets on the bus, there is a new girl, Penny. She ends up flirting with Alice's boyfriend. Now things are going perfect with her dad and his new girlfriend. Read this book and find out more.

I loved this book. This book has drama and embarrassing moments. It's like Alice is a real person. I love that in a book.

Beware Princess Elizabeth by Carolyn Meyer

2008-08-03T23:16:00.003-05:00

San Diego : Harcourt, 2001. 0152026592
(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: JENIFER

This historical fiction book is about Princess Elizabeth. Her father's name was King Henry VIII and her mother's name was Anne Boleyn.

When Elizabeth was a baby, Anne was put to death because she broke her promise to Henry. After that King Henry had many wives and all of them were killed, but out of one of them came a son. Will Princess Elizabeth every become Queen Elizabeth?

I really enjoyed this book.

TTYL by Lauren Myracle

2008-08-03T22:38:00.004-05:00

New York : Amulet Books, 2004. 0810948214

REVIEW BY: BUTTON P3

Well there is Zoey (funny), Maddie (nice), and Angela (stubborn). They're the best of friends and they talk basically 24/7 even on the internet. That's what this book is about; three friends talking in a chat room.

If you are asking me if I like this story, yes, I love it because I love being on a chat site and talking to friends. Reading their experiences is the best. Now that's a lot of information. If you want more, read the book; it's GREAT!

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

2008-07-21T15:32:00.003-05:00

New York : Philomel Books, 2001. 0399236201

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: CC

Well fasten your seatbelts because here comes Alex Rider!

He started out as a quiet schoolboy until "The Night." Alex is awakened by someone at the door. It turns out that his Uncle, Ian Rider, died. This was pretty hard on Alex because he was already an orphan. Now, Alex learns the truth about his Uncle. He is a spy that works for MI6.

Can he survive this mission? Or will he...

The Dating Game by Natalie Standiford

2008-07-18T15:46:00.006-05:00

New York : Little, Brown, 2005. 031611040X

(Cover photo used with permission of publisher)

REVIEW BY: HAR

Well Friend, I just got done reading this exciting book, The Dating Game. This book is about 3 teenaged girls living in a small town near the ocean. These 3 friends are Madison (Mads), Holly, and Lina. These girls are just like any teenagers now that have problems with boys, like who they like, who to hang around, and stuff like that.

I really liked this book because they started this project about people at their school who take quizzes and see if they're geeky or popular. Also they find people who want to hook up with other people.

REVIEW BY: PEANUT

OK. Well, I just finished The Dating Game. Before I tell you about it, I want to say it was a book I got hooked on!

The main characthers are, Madison, Lina, and Holly. First they are at school in IHD class. Their teacher, Dan, is assigning the class a project. Mads, Lina, and Holly pick "making a website." Well thats all I'm telling you, so read the book and find out what happens.