My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Book Review by Jennifer Capparelli

Needles, gloves, monitors, and masks. A constant beeping that never leaves when trapped in a sterile jail. Anna Fitzgerald is a girl that has been accustomed to blending in with this unappealing environment. She’s not the one with Promyelocytic Leukemia though. She’s been designed to save her sister Kate. Her parents went to a specialist to put Anna’s DNA and body set up together so she would be able to provide life for her sister. My Sister’s Keeper is a beautiful 423 paged novel by the New York Times bestselling author, Jodi Picoult. This amazing realistic fiction novel will keep you captivated if you enjoy suspense and a good heartbreaker. The cliff hangers and surprises will keep you hooked.

The main character in this book is Anna Fitzgerald. This book is really about her gaining medical freedom from her parents to make her own choices with her body. No one ever once thinks that she will bring the law into it. Anna has to watch the drastic decision she makes take its toll on the mental and physical stability of her family, and put her sister’s like in jeopardy. She doesn’t know that suing her parents will lead to such trouble.

Overall I would give this book a ten! Its beautiful language really draws you and makes you connect to the wonderfully developed characters. The way it pulls at your heart will make you want to cry. This book will leave its mark in your top ten!

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Book Review by Caroline Tomsik

“There is nothing perfect,” August said from the doorway. “There is only life (Kidd, 256).” This quote teaches an important lesson in The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. It is one of the most powerful books today; it tells a story of mothers, daughters, and the undeniable power of love. Set in 1964 in South Carolina, Lily Owens is still haunted by the day her mother was killed. Dealing with this loss and with a harsh and abusive father, Lily’s life is growing hard to bear. Then Rosaleen, Lily’s outspoken nanny, is thrown into jail after standing up to three of the most extreme racists in town. Lily sees her chance to escape her father and to help her “stand-in mother.” The two run away to Tiburon, South Carolina, where Lily will discover her mother’s secret past.

Lily and Rosaleen are soon taken in by May, June, and August, three African-American, beekeeping sisters. Lily is welcomed into the world of bees and honey, where she is introduced to the Black Madonna, a figure the three sisters worship. Not only will Lily discover the meaning of true family, she will find herself along the way.

The Secret Life of Bees is suited for mature readers looking for a classic story of love and family. This book is well-deserving of a nine out of ten rating. 302 pages of captivating historical fiction, this book will have you relishing every page.

I'd Tell You I Love You but Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

Book Review by Ashley Keizer

She can hack into computers, tap phone lines, and track people down. But when Cammie Morgan is on the verge of having a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her, will she succeed? Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy For Exceptional Young Women. It is a school for geniuses, technically, but everyone in the building knows what is really going on. The girls attending this school are getting trained for becoming spies. Now, it is very easy to figure out what they're meant to do; they study breaking codes and martial arts. When they become sophomores (like Cammie and her friends), they begin covert operations. It is not every school that has an alert system which, when visitors come, hides every trace of what the students do every day and turns it into a normal boarding school. People in the surrounding town think that the Gallagher Academy is for rich girls. Cammie meets a boy named Josh on a Cove Ops mission. They soon like each other, but Cammie realizes that he can’t know anything about her going to Gallagher Academy or what she does there. Can she and Josh be together, despite all of the obstacles in their way?

Ally Carter’s 284 page book, I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You, is a quick and funny read that lives up to expectations. I would rate this book a ten out of ten. It has well described and interesting characters and an exciting plot. Find out if Cammie will succeed her task of getting her dream boy Josh.

Shattering Glass by Gail Giles

Book Review by Matt Farrelly

Awe, slowly turning to anger, anger turning to fury, fury quickly turning to the unforgivable act: murder. Shattering Glass is the story of a stereotypical nerd who goes through a transformation in a very non-stereotypical manner. The story revolves around a high school in-crowd: kind, intelligent Young, “dumb” future athlete, Coop, ladies-man Bob, and beguiling new kid, Rob. When the four kids see super-geek Simon Glass being picked on before school, Rob forms a plan. Over the next few weeks, they begin molding bumbling Glass into a popular kid by trying to get him to win “Class Favorite” for the senior class. Along the way, the foursome begins to learn more about one another, perhaps too much. Although the first paragraph reveals the ending, it is still shocking, and will leave the reader dumbstruck with grief. This 215 page book is a quick read, but it has an incredibly clear, fast-moving plot. I would recommend Shattering Glass to students in eighth to twelfth grade, with a rating of a nine point five out of ten. The details are good, and not too complicated. The story is very serious throughout, and I had a constant nervous feeling as I read it. Shattering Glass is impossible to put down, and I will guarantee that you don’t sleep soundly the night you finish it.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Book Review by Pat Keenan

Crash. Famished. Scared. Dehydrated. Divorce. These are all words to describe the excellent writing of Gary Paulsen in Hatchet. This book is categorized as an adventurous book and is short, having only 181 pages; however, and anyone enjoys it, especially those looking for an easy holiday book. The protagonist, Brian, has to face a dreadfully horrible situation of surviving in the wilderness in northern Canada completely alone. He is forced to deal with problems such a starvation, pneumonia, and others aspects like those. He is always having thoughts about his parents’ divorce through the whole book, and occasionally ponders about “The Secret” as he calls it. This book would be worth reading for its good moving plot and its way of connecting to the reader. I would rate this book a seven out of ten because of its fast moving plot. Gary Paulsen is amazing and his book Hatchet is simply phenomenal.

Don’t Look Behind You by Lois Duncan

179 pages Just Right Mystery/Suspense

With her trendy clothes, tennis skills, and handsome boyfriend, April Corrigan has the life every girl dreams of. However, this glamorous life is threatened when April finds out her father is a member of the FBI, and the Corrigan family is being threatened because he testifies against a drug dealer who is now seeking revenge. To stay out of danger, the Corrigan family is sent to live in Florida. April now has to start over as Valerie Weber, a girl who has short hair and plays no sports. Although things seem safe, one question remains: will her father’s decisions destroy the Corrigan family? With suspense and a plotline that will have your heart racing, Don’t Look Behind You is a must read. For example, my heart nearly skipped a beat when I read the suspenseful ending. If someone needs a thrilling read, this is the book for them.

Kira Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

Book Review by Paige Kuchy

Glitter. Shine. Alive. This defines the words Kira Kira, the title of the 256 page touching, heartwarming, realistic fiction novel by Cynthia Kadohata. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy an easy, exhilarating, and inspiring story of a struggling Japanese family. The older sister, Katie, is very close with her younger sister, Lynn. Once Katie hits her teenage years, she starts to drift away from her sister and their friendship. When the family decides to do their most favorite thing in the world, camping, Katie decides to bring her new friend; however, her friend seems to take the place of Lynn. When this happens, Lynn realizes she’s losing a huge part of her life, considering Katie doesn’t pay much attention to her. This isn’t the only change in Lynn’s life; she also discovers she has lymphoma which is attacking her body. This tragic disease causes Lynn and her family to become stronger and braver because they know tough times lie ahead. This demonstrates the family’s strength and courage, while dealing with poverty and relationships. Also, it shows readers to never forget the ones you love and to remember the important people in life like how Katie thought of Lynn in the beginning of the novel. Kira Kira is worth reading; it’s extremely touching and conveys a strong moral lesson to the readers. In my opinion, I would rate this book a nine for its virtuous visualization, dominating details, and its pleasant plot. The novel Kira Kira proves to any reader to be thankful for what you have, and that family and friendship should always hold a special place in ones heart.

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Book review by Rachel Pfeffer

"In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn; color your hair; watch a third of a hockey game. In nineteen minutes, you can bake scones or get a tooth filled by a dentist; you can fold laundry for a family of five. In nineteen minutes, you can stop the world; or you can just jump off it” (Picoult, 1). This is the gist of the realistic fiction, New York Times Bestseller, Nineteen Minutes. This book is 455 pages of suspense and action, peppered with romance. It’s a great book for any girl thirteen or over. I give it a ten for its suspenseful plot, well-rounded characters, and fast-moving storyline. I thoroughly enjoy how the dialogue was realistic, and I loved how the conflicts faced were very intense; they hit close to home.

Josie is popular – pretty, sweet, and not-so-innocent with a hockey-superstar boyfriend whom she is too in love with. Peter is not – undeveloped and quirky with sensitive personality and eyes hidden behind thick glasses. When a crushing act of violence occurs at the sleepy high-school of Sterling, New Hampshire, citizens of the town are sent into a frenzy to begin the painful heal. Suddenly, even the people not affected are on the frantic search to seek justice; however, they do not realize that to seek justice, they first must confront the events that sparked the tragedy – and the people behind them. When Peter gets convicted, Picoult forces us to ask one question; “fighting – or fighting back?”(Picoult, 271). All in all, Nineteen Minutes is an invigorating novel that you won’t want to put down.

Laguna Cove by Alyson Noël

Book Review by Paige Murphy

It’s a hot summer day in Laguna Cove, perfect for the Surf Fest, an annual surfing competition. The waves are smooth and energetic; the hot summer sun glistens over all the surfers, anxious to compete. However, this day is not so perfect for Ellie, a teenage girl competing against the first time competitor and new girl in town, Anne. Ever since Anne has lived in Laguna Cove, she has managed to steal Ellie’s crush and friends, and now she is trying to take the title of the Surf Fest winner. Will Anne get all the attention today, or will things go back to how they used to be before Anne arrived? The book Laguna Cove by Alyson Noël is an exciting realistic fiction novel with 216 pages. Someone would greatly enjoy this book if reading about real teenagers and the drama that makes up their everyday lives pleases them. On a scale of one to ten, this book would be a ten because the plot moves at a good pace, there is never ending drama, and teenage girls can easily relate this book to their personal lives. This book is definitely worth reading because it accurately captures what it is like to be a teenage girl and always keeps the reader interested. In conclusion, I strongly recommend this book to any teenage girl who is ready to read a fun, intriguing story.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by: Mark Haddon

Book review by Michael Murray

Sling! Cling! Slam. This quote reveals the action that is happening when Christopher found Wellington dead, (8, Mark Haddon). “I pulled the fork out of the dog and lifted him into my arms and hugged him. He was leaking blood from the fork holes.” The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a 226 page, mystery novel. I believe this book is appropriate for grade seven to ten because of murderous detail and language. I rate this mysterious novel a nine out of ten. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a story about a fifteen year old boy named Christopher John Francis Boone, who is born with autism. Christopher is stuck in a dreadful life with his lonesome dad, Ed Boone, and his so called dead mother, Judy Boone. Christopher is outside his house late one night when he discovers a pitchfork implanted into his neighbor’s poodle, Wellington. This is only one of the troubling incidents in the novel, Christopher Boone will face. This book is worth reading because of its mysterious themes and will make any reader keep thinking; this book will make a connection with the reader and will make even the strongest readers guessing throughout.

The Host by Stephanie Meyer

Book Review by Rachel Palumbo

What if the world was taken over by an alien invasion? What if a young woman was turned over to a sole that she became allies with? What if they, together, they set out to find their true love? What happens if you’re discovered by the last of the humans on Earth and seen as a threat? That’s exactly what happened to Melanie Stryder when her body is taken over by a sole named Wanderer.

Through the sharing of memories between the two minds, Melanie and Wanderer become one, and set out to find they’re heart-throb, Jared, only to find that he has become violent and threatening. Now Wanderer, in Melanie’s body, must win the hearts over of all 35 remaining humans, including Jared. Throughout this book of courage, strength, and the unbreakable bond between brother and sister, Wanderer realizes that anything can be done. Through love, bravery, determination, and just a little bit of the thing that counts most, believing in yourself, Wanderer strives to find something deeper. In doing so she soon discovers that the thing you seek most… can be found in the least likely place.

The author describes the hot, deadly, baking desert that Wanderer had to cross to reach Jared. I visualized this in my head, thanks to the “colorful adjectives” described by the book’s author, Stephanie Meyer. Descriptive details were not the only reason I would recommend this sci-fi mystery book. This 619 page book also consists of well developed characters and a strong plot. The main character, Wanderer and the mind of Melanie, make up the protagonist of the story. Another important character in the story is Jamie, Melanie’s brother. Now that Melanie is “gone”, Jamie warms up to Wanderer, and almost treats her as his sister. “’If I asked you something, would you tell me the truth?' asked Jamie… ‘Uncle Jeb thinks that Melanie might still be alive. Inside there with you, I mean. I didn’t know that could happen. Does that happen?’ His voice broke and I could tell he was fighting tears back... 'Does it, Wanda?’ ‘She promised she would come back, didn’t she?’ I murmured... ‘Is everybody like that?’ Jamie whispered long after I thought he’d fallen asleep. ‘No’, I told him sadly. ‘No. Melanie is special’” (Meyer 225). This quote shows the strong bond that Melanie and Jamie had.

I would rate The Host a nine, for the formerly described reasons; well developed characters, descriptive detail, and a strong plot. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading books that have multiple plots with many solutions on top of one overall slow moving plot. This book is also great for people who take interest in futuristic plots. What if the world was taken over by an alien invasion? What if a young woman was turned over to a sole that she became allies with? What if they, together they set out to find their true love? All of these answers can be found in the exhilarating, adventurous story, The Host.

Locked In Time by Lois Duncan

Book Review by Carly Lavender

Exciting, interesting, and intriguing are just some words that explain Locked in Time by Lois Duncan. This book is a great mystery and all 224 pages are riveting. The type of person that would enjoy this story is a reader that likes mysteries and cliff-hangers; the type of person would be a good puzzle solver. The main character, Nore, is a clever investigator, and very smart. This story is about, Nore, a seventeen year old girl living with her father and her new step-mom, step-sister, and step-brother. When Nore finds some old diaries, she makes an amazing discovery about her new family. Her step-sister has been giving her hints about their family secret, but now everything is starting to make sense. In a rating from 1-10, 10 being the highest, I would give this book a 10. This book is worthy of reading because it is a fantastic story and it makes the reader want to read more. This book will paint a picture in your mind that will last a long time.

The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger

Book Review by Jake Nicastro

Howling gales. Raging, hundred foot waves licking the undersides of Coast Guard choppers. “Longliners” being malevolently thrashed about the monstrous North Atlantic. These are all intense scenes that occur in the book The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger. It is a 236 page recall of the disastrous 1991 “storm of the century” that rocked the east coast and the tale of one ill-fated sword-fishing boat, the Andrea Gail, and her crew. The book talks about the life of the Captain Billy Tyne and the rest of the crew, along with fishermen and general, how sword-fishing works, the boats (“longliners”), and a whole assortment of previous events that relate to the upcoming storm. Fishermen can sometimes be stereotyped as if they have no imagination and they’re just a bunch of guys, who sit around bars all day without a care in the world besides fishing and money, etc., but this is very untrue, and this book proves it. The story also reflects on all the events that happened with the ships that encountered danger on the day of the storm superbly well. This book is very, very interesting and is hard to put down for it takes you into the tragic events so deeply. I give this book an 8 out of 10 and I highly recommend it to any reader, no matter what kind of genre you prefer, for this will engulf you in the story of The Perfect Storm.

Cover Up by, John Feinstein

Book Review by John Dillon

Drugs. Teenagers. Blackmail. Super Bowl. Scandal. John Feinstein uses all of these components to write a thrilling 298-page novel called Cover Up. With its twisting plot, well-developed characters, and realistic dialogue, it will keep any reader on the edge of their seat, as they read about how two young teenagers report on one of the biggest Super Bowl scandals in history. Already solving a mysterious kidnapping at the Final Four, everyone knows what happens when Susan Carol and Stevie get wind of a scandal at the Super Bowl. When these adventurous kids get involved with some adult business, they get a taste of just how harsh the world can be. This book is very entertaining and is definitely worth reading if you want an easy book that keeps you guessing throughout. I’d easily give this book a rating of nine out of ten, and I would suggest it to people who like sports, journalism, or just a good mystery.

Rangers Apprentice by John Flanagan

Book Review by Nick Sweeney

Fantasy, Stealth Action

“I’m afraid he’s too small, my lord” said Sir Rodney (Flanagan, 28). Sir Rodney turns Wills dreams of becoming a battle master into a million pieces of shattered glass. Will has always wanted to be a warrior; however, his puny size destroys his goal. John Flanagan uses amazing detail and unbelievable settings in his 242 page story, Rangers Apprentice. This fantasy/stealth-action story is great for anyone who likes to read action stories, or anyone who likes a great story with characters that are easy to connect with. Will, the main character is an orphan who only knows that his mother died in child birth and his father died a hero. Horace is a muscular young adult with a rock solid attitude; however, Will is a puny kid but is strong in heart, and will never give up. These two kids grow up together in the same house, since Horace is the bigger kid he always picks on Will. As Will grows up he becomes bigger and stronger, also he becomes much more courteous and generous. Throughout the book Will and Horace go through many quarrels, but in the end they become strong brothers. In this story Will becomes a known hero around the town for saving his master and the whole community. Horace also becomes known as a hero for killing the biggest boar in a wild boar hunt. On a scale of 1-10 I would give this book a 9. This book is worth reading because it is fun to connect with the characters, and also it has amazing details.

The Once and Future King by T.H. White

Book Review by Ashay Patel

What is the true story of King Arthur and the Round Table? What are the true aspects of the code of Chivalry? What is England like during the Middle and Dark Ages? The Once and Future King by T. H. White answers all these engaging questions in the form of an entertaining novel. This book is a conglomeration of historical fiction, mythology, romance, and fantasy, and contains 638 pages of pure masterpiece. Anyone with a taste for classical literature, fantasy, or even historical fiction would regard this book as one of the finest examples of a true advanced novel. This book is directed towards a generally developed audience and has a large amount of mature content.

The protagonist of this novel is none other than King Arthur. Arthur’s most important facet is his idea of how “Might is Right” is not the right way of thinking. Arthur has a revolutionary idea that no other king of England has ever had before. Kings in the past use power, Might, and use it to wage senseless wars and impose ridiculous laws. Instead, Might should be used to enforce righteousness; therefore, Arthur creates the Round Table. This group of the most agile, skilled, and valiant knights enforces Chivalry, or a philosophy of truth and courage, as law. There are many antagonists in this story, but the major one is Arthur’s own son, the malicious Mordred, who conspires to overthrow him as king.

I rate this book as eight and a half out of ten for two reasons. First, the plot is highly developed and fast-paced. There are minimal times of boredom when reading this epic novel. In addition, the suspense in the novel compels the reader to keep reading until the end of the story. This novel, not only has romance, adventure, and numerous other genres all in one, but also makes a statement about how one individual can change the way an entire civilization thinks.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Book Review by Kathryn McSweeney

Johnny, Katie, Francie, Neely. These characters all make the classic, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith come alive. This 483 page book was a challenge for me to read, because the point a view switched multiple times. The protagonist in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is Francie Nolan. She is extremely hardworking and loves her family very much. Francie shows how much she cares for them by dropping out of school to get a job. This is the ultimate sacrifice for Francie because she enjoys school. The Nolan’s live in Brooklyn, New York. Brooklyn is a very tough place for the Nolan’s. They have trouble bringing money in, because Johnny, Francie’s father does not have a steady job; Johnny is a singing waitress. On top of all this, Johnny has a drinking problem, so he drinks all of his tip money away. Katie, Francie’s mother has to take cleaning and laundry jobs just so her kids can have food in their mouths. If Francie and her brother Neely wish to have spending money, they have to sell scraps. This is hard work, and normally does not amount to much money. The end of the book is very surprising and satisfying. I am giving A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, a nine. This book is definitely worth reading because it reminds people that life wasn’t always as easy as it is now. It also shows that if a family sticks together they can get through anything. Without Johnny, Katie, and Neely, Francie’s life in Brooklyn would not be the same and she would not have as many opportunities.

Don’t Look Behind You by Lois Duncan

Book Review by Meghan Stewart

“Once you give up your life, you can’t get it back,” (Duncan, cover). April Corrigan has everything she could ever ask for. As a junior in high school, she has a steady, loyal, and supportive boyfriend, has a lot of great friends, and is a competitive, skilled tennis player. She is sensible and wise when it comes to dealing with her family’s problems. This sweet, sweet life of hers turns ugly when her father’s job becomes a road block just when she is starting to blossom in her high school life. April’s family is abruptly shoved into an undercover world, like the ones we read about and see in the movies. April, now known as Valerie, is unable to have any connection with the world outside the hotels, and soon becomes separated with everything she once had control of. Her past life in high school, with Steve, and playing tennis is now over. She has to become a new person in order to survive. I think that anyone with a sweet spot for conflict and mystery would really enjoy this. The character development in it is really well put together, and I got a chance to see how each individual character adapted to their new life. I liked this book a lot because of the significance it put to sticking close to your family. I know that a lot of families are going through hard times, especially now, and I think Lois Duncan did a good job of showing how families shouldn’t let a big huge tear rip them apart. Because of its good characterization and mysterious plot, I think this book will definitely be loved by all those who enjoy a well-thought out book.

Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli

Book Review by Vanessa Newsom

“I’m not a Jew, I’m a gypsy,” says the gypsy and the stop thief who nobody can catch. He will snatch bread from any lady on the street. He lives on the streets of Warsaw, usually sticking close by an orphan named Uri. He admires Nazi’s and their shiny, black jackboots and wants to be one someday. However, everything slowly changes; he suddenly sticks to the identity of Misha Pilsudski and he no longer looks at the jackboots the same way. He will no longer be able to roam the streets after curfew and any punishment could be fatal. Moreover, the highly recommended book, Milkweed, by Jerry Spinelli is 224 pages long. This historical fiction tale takes place in the times when the Nazis controlled Warsaw. It is about Misha, the young stop thief gypsy-Jew, who is the protagonist of the story. Misha lives his life with a band of orphan boys and a young girl who is settled into the Warsaw ghetto along with her family. This book is an intense and heartfelt story told from a young orphan, although he makes his unfortunate events humorous because of his stupidity and silliness. I rate this book a seven out of ten and I would recommend experiencing this book for its adventure, humor and its excellent description of the brutal setting. If someone enjoys reading about the Jews and their struggles during the times of the Warsaw ghetto, I strongly encourage reading this book.

End Game by Nancy Garden

Boom Review by Michaela Cunningham

Gray is hidden in a dark storage close, planning. What he is scheming, I do not know. Is it how to confront his bullies, the Jock Pack? Is it how to win back his girlfriend? Is it to convince his mother to stand up to his father, or to tell his father that he is a better person than his father says he is? Or is it something much bigger, much more important, much...deadlier?

Grayson Wilson is an emotionally tortured freshman in high school. He is pushed to illegal actions in this action packed novel by Nancy Garden. Because of its intense climax and steady plot line, this is one of my favorite books of all time. The falling action of the novel is very short, and rather abrupt. The resolution is an intense cliffhanger, and unfortunately there is no sequel. I would rate this book clearly a 10, and strongly recommend this to all middle school and high school students.

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

Book Review by Chris Holmes

An unexplained murder, a boy with no family left, and no clue what is going happening. That is the story of a boy named Alex Rider. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz is an action packed adventure book about a boy named Alex Rider. The book is 240 pages and I recommended it for a boy that likes mystery and adventure books. In the book Alex’s uncle/guardian always had a mysterious job and never talked about it. One day his uncle dies and that is the main base of the book. It is based on Alex finding out his uncles actual job as a spy, Alex’s training, and his mission. As the story goes on, Alex develops by learning new skills and gaining knowledge of the world that he didn’t know before. Anthony Horowitz outdoes himself with the action packed, fast and fluently moving plot, and character development in the story. Overall I give this book an 8 out of 10.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Book review by Stephanie Castro

"I am an Outcast. The kids behind me laugh so loud so I know they're laughing about me. I can't help myself. I turn around. It’s Rachel, surrounded by a bunch of kids wearing clothes that most definitely did not come from the EastSide Mall. Rachel Bruin, my ex-best friend. If there is anyone in the entire galaxy I am trying to tell what happened, it’s Rachel. Her eyes meet mine for a second. ‘I hate you,’ she mouths silently,” (Anderson 4). As intriguing as it may sound, Melinda Sordino, the main character in the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, has the most depressing and silent year transitioning from middle school into her freshmen year, all because of one phone call that she makes. Abandoned by her friends and ignored by her parents, Melinda begins to live her life in silence. The only person that can really see she has a problem is her art teacher, Mr. Freeman. Briefly after she finally tells someone of the atrocity she had lived, she is denied and rejected once more. But what happens when The Beast, Andy Evans, comes back into her life and plans to hurt her once more?

This short story is 197 pages long and is considered young adult fiction. The type of person that would want to read this would be willing to explore the life of a girl moving into high school after a rough summer. I would give this book a nine out of ten because it let me take a glimpse into someone else’s life, while enclosing me with a massive wave of description and details; however it was not overloaded, just right. In addition, I could believe, trust, and felt certain closeness to Melinda, especially when she starts to share what she thinks of herself, like when she says things like, "I am an Outcast." Overall, Speak is a phenomenal story that needs to be told in order for people like us to realize some of the repulsive truths of high school.

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Book Review by: Katie LaBlue

“Wes wants to be with Macy. And Macy, whether she’ll admit it or not, wants to be with Wes. And yet they’re not together, which is not only unjust, but really, when you think about it, tragically,” (Dessen 368). The Truth About Forever, a 374 page chick literature novel by Sarah Dessen, is a compelling story about two young souls destined to be together. From first glance, Macy looks like the average girl: false. Underneath her pretty countenance, and beguiling smile, lies, sadness, trauma, guilt, and regret. You can’t blame the poor girl. She watches helplessly as her father dies of a heart attack right in front of her; her “boyfriend” put their relationship on a “break” for the summer; she and her mom never see eye to eye, and she hates one of her jobs. Oh, I almost forgot one last thing; she spends most of her time with one of the most handsome, creative, ingratiating boys, and she doesn’t even know that she’s madly in love with him, and that he loves her back. I give this book at least a 9 on a scale from 0-10. It portrays a very important message; and girls, if you loved the sad love story The Notebook, you’re bound to love this book as well. So snatch The Truth About Forever up as soon as possible, and remember: “Forever is so many different things, It is always changing, it is what everything is really all about. It is twenty minutes, or a hundred years, or just this instant, or any instant you wish would last and last,” (Dessen 374).

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by: Mitch Albom

Book review by: Victoria Crabtree

“This is a story about a man named Eddie and it begins at the end, with Eddie dying in the sun. It might seem strange to start a story with an ending. But all endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time” (Albom 1). Eddie, a cranky, old war veteran, has spent the majority of his 83 years working the same job as the head of maintenance at Ruby Pier. He is the protagonist in the 196 page book The Five People you Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. Eddie feels as though his life had been a waste. He thinks he has not contributed anything to the world. That is, until he experiences a life changing journey led by the five people he meets in heaven. Eddie’s 83^rd birthday starts out just like many of his other birthdays - a usual day working at Ruby Pier, making sure all the rides are working properly. An accident on one of the rides causes Eddie to lose his life. In heaven Eddie meets five people who have played an important role in his life. Some of the people he meets he has never seen in his life! The best part of the book is when Eddie meets the Blue Man. I like this part so much because Eddie feels like a kid again. This is because when Eddie first meets the Blue Man he is a child. I also like the part where Eddie reunites with his wife Marguerite who passed away thirty five years before Eddie. She teaches him a lesson he will never forget. A surprise ending ties Eddie’s past and his future together in a touching yet upsetting way. The Five People you Meet in Heaven is one of the best books that I have ever read and I would give it a 9.5 rating. I think anyone fifth grade and older would really benefit from reading the emotionally touching book, The Five People you Meet in Heaven.

Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

Review by Carly Sughrue

Another snarl crawls out of the mouth of an angry, anxious vampire waiting for one of the brilliant ruby eyed enemies watching them, to explode. They are equipped to fight, to defend their family. The silence grows and all a person can hear is the heavy breathing of large werewolves, their breath clear to the human eye because of the frosty winter day. The vampires hear the faint heart beating of a small child’s, that is clearly so faint, a human could not hear it with their own ear. This describes one of the most intense scenes in Stephanie Meyer’s book, Breaking Dawn. Breaking Dawn is the last book in Meyer’s series The Twilight Saga. It follows the three other books in the series, with Bella and Edward’s love story. In this book, after Edward and Bella get married, Bella becomes pregnant with a half vampire, half human child, and suddenly it becomes a struggle for her life. This 754 page fantasy book is definitely worth reading; it is filled with suspense, excitement, humor, and love that will keep the reader itching to know what happens next. On a scale from 1 to 10, I would give it about a 9. It’s the perfect book for someone who loves a happily ever after and a love story.

Tangerine By: Edward Bloor

Book Review By: Melissa Shepard

Paul is frightened. The ripping and tearing of the ground beneath him is draining all of the rainwater like someone has pulled the plug of a bathtub drain. Then Paul sees the humongous sinkhole forming under the outdoor math classroom, Portable 19, as it collapses with all of its occupants still inside. Tangerine by Edward Bloor is an exciting book from page 1 to page 294. This book is right for people who can connect to Paul, the protagonist. Paul feels that his brother Erik’s football dream is more important than his dreams since his father is obsessed with Erick’s amazing kicking skills, whereas he hasn’t been to a single one of Paul’s soccer games. This makes Erick seem like the antagonist of the story. An interesting aspect of Paul is his huge glasses. His parents tell him he looked at a solar eclipse for too long and went nearly blind as a little kid. But Paul thinks he is smart to know what the sun can do to your eyes, even when he was five years old. An interesting aspect of Erik is, after one of his teammates on his football team gets electrocuted and dies, he laughs at his corpse and the fact that the lightning “gives him a fro”. This book is worth reading because it’s easy to connect to Paul’s feelings about all of his adventures in Tangerine, Florida. It also has secrets and mysteries that keep the reader interested. I would rate this book nine out ten. Tangerine is an amazing book because it shows that it’s okay to be different, no matter how big your glasses are.

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Book Review by April Witter

“But the moon wasn’t a half moon anymore. It was tilted and wrong and a three-quarter moon and it got larger, way larger, larger like a moon rising on the horizon, only it wasn’t rising. It was smack in the middle of the sky, way too big, way too visible,” (Pfeffer 19). This is how all the problems start in the book Life As We Knew It, by Susan Beth Pfeffer. This book is 337 pages long, and is all about survival. A meteor is predicted to hit the moon, and everyone is anxious and excited for the event. When the meteor hits, life goes downhill; power outages, earthquakes, tidal waves, famines, and volcanic eruptions are just a few atrocities that happen throughout the book.

Miranda, the main character that loves her family and friends, is an average teenage girl who has to overcome many unexpected conflicts during the story. Miranda goes from being a selfish girl to a girl that appreciates everything and comes to realize how important her family is. Throughout the story, Miranda and her family try to make it through the tough times, but this turns out harder than they thought as everything gets worse. This is an action packed and emotional story that I give a nine out of ten. The kind of person that will enjoy this book is someone who can handle a long book, and loves getting emotional towards the characters and what goes on. All in all, Life As We Knew It, by Susan Beth Pfeffer is a breathtaking and astonishing book that is a great read.

I Have Lived a Thousand Years

By: Livia Bitton-Jackson

Book Review

By: Kristina Ostby

       “Eight days later another drumbeat, another announcement. The one we have dreaded most.’ All Jews of Somorja are to be removed from the town and concentrated in a ghetto in another town-Nagymagyar, fourteen kilometers from here. In five days every Jewish family in Somorja must stand ready for deportation to the ghetto. ‘GHETTO! I had read about the ghetto, a horrible, horrible place” (Bitton-Jackson 37).

       I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson is a 216 page, auto-biography of a young thirteen year old girl, her mother, and brother who are taken to Auschwitz to endure the long years of the Holocaust. This is a book for those who really feel they need to know what happened to Jews during the Holocaust. This book is also for people who like heartbreaking and astonishing stories that leave a lump in your throat and tears rolling down your cheeks.

Born a Jewish girl in 1931, Livia Bitton-Jackson spends her early years as Elli in Czechoslovakia. She is spent dreaming of becoming a poet. Little by little, World War II begins to make an imprint on her life as Hitler starts to take control. Elli starts to know the fear, humiliation and helplessness that overtook millions of Jews. She describes the emotional turmoil of having to surrender her possessions and her status as a human in Europe. She is first impounded in a ghetto with the other Jewish people in town. Here she endures the piercing pain of separation from her father who is taken away to a labor camp. The ghetto residents are then transported to an unknown destination, which they soon discover is the dreaded Auschwitz. From here on, Livia soon realizes that she will be under Nazis rule each day, and every single one of those days will seem as though she has lived for a thousand years.

I would give this book a rating of a 9 because throughout the book, the strength and determination of how Livia and her mother survive against the unbelievable odds of the Holocaust is awe inspiring. The story is written as though the reader is experiencing every moment with the author. This book is also worth reading because it is the best Holocaust book I’ve ever read. It has great detail and the story Livia has to tell really helps the reader to understand what the holocaust is about and what thousands of people went through each day. I can definitely say it will leave the reader speechless, and this book will have them crying for more.

The Lemonade War

Book Review by Glenn Holland

In The Lemonade War, two siblings battle to determine which one of them can make the most money selling lemonade during the last week of summer vacation. The brother and sister couldn’t be more different. Evan Treski is a social whiz but barely an adequate student; however, his genius sister Jessie is so smart that she is skipping the third grade. It’s when Evan and Jessie learn they’ll be in the same fourth grade classroom that their quarrel gets red hot over who can sell the most ice cold lemonade. In this 173-page book, Jacqueline Davies takes the reader along on a wild ride of relentless competition between brother and sister. Once Evan and Jessie get a taste of success from their lemonade sales, they declare all-out war. The book is written from a marketing perspective with chapters such as “Partnership . . . two or more people pooling their money, skills, and resources to run a business, agreeing to share the profits and losses” and economic tidbits like “Franchise: the right to sell a company’s products and use the company’s name and logo in a certain area.” This book is better than a two for one lemonade special on a hot summer day as the reader is enlightened and entertained by the delicious plot of Evan and Jessie during their business quests. Even the most hesitant of readers will drink in this realistic fiction book with a bombshell ending.

oh my goth by Gena Showalter

book review by SuSu Klein

       Jade is not popular. She's a Barbie hating Goth with dyed black hair, a pierced nose and a corset. Mercedes is popular. She's a perfect, Goth hating Barbie with blonde hair and blue eyes. In the book oh my goth by Gena Showalter, Jade and Mercedes hate each other, but when they cross Principle Hamilton's breaking point the two wake up in a game. Every single person is-gag- Gothic (diva, Asian, Oriental, Kindergoth, cyber, punk, cemetery, Egyptian, Lolita, and dark fairy), except Jade's only friends; they've all become those loathsome Barbie’s that all Goths despise.

       Even though oh my goth is 246 pages long, it has a fast moving plot that makes it impossible to want to put it down. Showalter describes everything extremely well, like Linnie's room. "The walls were painted black- something my dad wouldn't let me do- with bare tree trunks etched throughout. Plastic stars glowed from the ceiling. Her bed's headboard was a simple wood carving with the word RIPS dripping from the center in bright. All around, dried roses spilled from vases" (Showalter 24). The characters are funny and different, too. "Okay. Now I'm officially pissed. 'If you must know, I'm thinking of less painful ways to kill myself that from your boring lesson. Kevin.' "(Showalter 3). For me, this book scores a ten out of ten even though it's an easy read. I'd recommend this (sort of) realistic-fiction book for anyone who thinks outside the norm or just wants a laugh.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Book Review by Olivia Layne

       Anger is rushing through her body as if it is adrenaline; Lily quickly seizes the honey jars and hurls them at the wall and shattered glass spews everywhere. This specific scene is when Lily, the protagonist, finally releases all of her regret and anger, in the novel The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Tiburon and Sylvan, South Carolina in 1964 is where and when this story takes place. The genre of this genuinely written story is realistic fiction. It is three hundred two pages. A person who is struggling with their identity would love to read this, or someone who likes a little romance, a bit of tragedy, drama, and even action.

       The main character, Lily Owens, is a fourteen year old girl who is loving, intelligent, hard working, and loves to write. She loses her mother when she is four, and her only memory of her is the day she died. Lily is left to live with her cruel, harsh father, T. Ray. She eventually gets a nanny, Rosaleen. One day, Lily and Rosaleen leave Sylvan and T. Ray. They travel to Tiburon, South Carolina in hope of finding out about her mother’s past. They stay at the Boatwright sisters’ house. The sisters once knew Deborah Fontanel, Lily’s mother. August Boatwright used to be Deborah’s nanny. She’s able to fill in Lily about everything she wants to know and some pieces of information that makes her hate, love, pity, and admire her mother all at once.

       In Lily’s life the biggest event is her mom dying, which leaves Lily with one heartbreaking memory. She hates her own father; he makes her kneel on grits, sell peaches in the blazing sun and hurts her if she tries reading while doing it. He slaps her, curses, yells, tells dreadful lies for a punishment, and has her get him his food and performs other work like she’s a slave. Moreover, Lily experiences love with Zachary Taylor, who is August’s godson that works with Lily, all the Boatwright sisters, Rosaleen, and practically everyone she meets while in Tiburon.

       This book deserves a ten out of ten. It captures the reader’s interest immediately with the complicated life and relationships Lily Owens has. The dialogue holds the reader’s attention because of dialect; some of the words they say are from south and are not said as much in other places. The ending is completely surprising because of an unbelievable decision that’s made by someone unexpectedly. Lily’s breathtaking, astounding adventure leads her to a few overwhelming surprises, but she’s bound to find some more in her bright future. The Secret Life of Bees is a captivating, heartwarming, ingratiating, and romantic novel that can blow anyone away with its brilliant topic.

Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli
Book Review by Taylor Bernhard

It was the time of the Jackboots and the Jews; Misha wakes up in his stall one day when tons of Jackboots pour in and take all the boys to the ghetto where the rest of the Jews are. Milkweed, written by Jerry Spinelli, is historical fiction book based on the Holocaust; it has 208 pages. If you love books about the Holocaust with lots of suspense, Milkweed is the book for you. Misha is a short skinny Gypsy boy who lives on the streets. He steals food and eventually gets caught and sent to the ghetto. In the ghetto he finds a small hole in the wall through which he can fit; every night he sneaks out of the ghetto to steal food but always comes back before anyone notices he is gone. The book is worth reading because it depicts some of the reality that the Jews and Gypsies face while living in the ghetto during WWII. This book leaves the reader hanging with lots of suspenseful moments. I would give Milkweed a rating of 9 out of 10.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

Book Review by: Samuel Norris

Ever wonder what it’s like in Heaven? Is it a world out of this universe full of peace or the complete opposite? Well, it for Eddie, the main character in The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, it is something totally different. Before Eddie goes to Heaven, he is a short, barrel chested man who uses a cane and is head of maintenance at Ruby Pier. On his eighty-third birthday an atrocity occurs. Eddie hears a scream and rushes over to see the source; a cart from a ride is hanging on one side from very high up and is about to fall. After all the people in the cart are helped off, the wire snaps and the cart drops. However, there is a little girl under the free falling cart, unknowingly smiling and playing with her doll; Eddie jumps to save her and then nothing. White, nothing but blinding whiteness, and that is all; did he save the girl? Once Eddie is in Heaven he meets five people who have affected him in some way. This story is really descriptive, and definitely brings out emotions. I give this book a nine out of ten. I recommend this book because it’s a Just Right book and a fun book to read. It also teaches a lesson. The lesson being that you should enjoy what you have now and respect before you lose it. This book is a 228 page novel. Anyone from ages ten and older would enjoy it. Anyone under ten might not understand the lesson or the plot of the book.

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler

Book Review by Randi Bouffard

       The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things is a 246 page, just right book. It’s written by Carolyn Mackler, and it’s a pretty easy book to read. The book has enough details and description that help you visualize it easier and the characters are well developed. I would recommend this book for any girls in 7^th – 10^th grade. It’s more of a chick-lit, so I recommend that boys do not read it. I rate this book an 8 out of 10. This book is great for anyone who just finished a big, challenging book, and needs a short easy one to read.

       Virginia Shreeves is going through her adolescent years with an eating disorder. Not the typical eating disorder, where she doesn’t eat, but her problem is that she doesn’t stop eating. She spends a great amount of her time on the computer, eats junk food, and obeys the “Fat Girl Code of Conduct.” Everyone else in her family; her mother, her father, her sister, Anais, and her brother, Byron is are all skinny and brilliant, especially her mother. Virginia believes that if she is deleted out of the family, they would be picture perfect. Her mom is a healthy, flourishing, adolescent psychologist, exercise freak who is always criticizing Virginia, saying she should change her eating habits, and see a nutrition doctor. Aside from her eating habits, her family struggles with other problems. Virginia attempts dieting and she’s doing pretty well, until her family receives an unexpected phone call from her brothers’ college. Byron is accused of doing something bad at college, and gets sent home. She cannot stand the stress in her life, and to relieve it, she discontinues her diet and eats whatever she feels, when she feels like it. Besides her family issues, there are more problems in her life including the fact that her best friend moved all the way across the country, her relationship with Froggy Welsh the Fourth doesn’t go so well, and she’s left with no friends, no one to sit at lunch with or to tell everything too. Virginia starts making different choices in her life, and doing things she has never thought she would do. An example of this is that she buys her own plane ticket, to go visit Shannon in Walla Walla, without her parent’s permission. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things is a fast moving, detailed book. I never lost interest as I was reading, and I never wanted to put it down!

Go Ask Alice by: Anonymous

Book Review by: Ashleigh Jensen

A teenage girl named Alice starts a diary about her life. Alice is one of the most popular girls in school, but it all ends and she becomes the opposite, because of a silly high school party, her friends getting involved with drugs and/or alcohol, and her family situations at home. Go Ask Alice is written by an anonymous writer, and is in a non-fiction diary format. The book has 213 pages. It is a quick read, but one of my favorite. It is based in the 1960’s, in the United States, San Francisco.

Alice ends up going to a party and getting a pill in her drink, which makes her life change. She worries about what her crush Roger thinks of her; she thinks of her weight as the biggest problem, and her struggles relating to her parents. Alice goes to her grandparents for a while and that’s when the trouble of the book begins. She comes home and is excited to renew her life with her family. Alice loses consciousness and drifts off into a reverie that she thinks is a flashback, caused by the LSD. Though then she has no idea who to hang out with, either drug users or her old friends. She comments that she no longer needs a diary, for she now has people in her life with whom she can communicate with, though problems seem still appear. The author gives the most sensitive descriptions of each scene. I like that because it really gets you connecting with the book.

Go Ask Alice is probably one of the most realistic books I have ever read. I would rate it a 9.5 out of 10. That is why it is such a good read for 8^th-12^th grade students, because most likely some teens will be introduced to drugs at least once.

The things that you learn about drugs and teens in this book are unbelievable. Alice had had one of the roughest lives and there could be someone whom we know or have at least seen that are going through something like Alice did. Although we don’t know who wrote it, it is like darkness to your heart.

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

Book Review by Kelsey Greene

Imagine waking up one morning dead. It’s certainly not the way to start off the day. This is what happens to fifteen year old Elizabeth Hall when she wakes up on the cruise ship the SS Nile in this 275 page book Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin. At first, Liz thinks that everything is a dream, but then she remembers being in a hit and run accident by a taxi driver. She soon realizes that she’ll never fall in love, never see her family again, or get her driver’s license. She spends her first couple of months in Elsewhere on the observation deck where people can have a five minute look into the lives of their loved ones who are still alive. Because she can’t seem to let go of the life she once had, Liz has a difficult time adjusting to her new life. With every day, everyone in Elsewhere grows younger. It takes Liz’s dead grandmother Betty to show Liz that death is worth living and that it’s possible to have all the things she thought she had lost even if she’s going to have to live her life backwards. Teenagers thirteen and up would enjoy this book because they can relate to some of the problems Liz is going through. The characters in this book are developed in their actions and through natural dialoged. I would most likely rate this book a nine for its great description, relations to everyday life and for the characters who really came to life for me. So will Liz adjust to her new life, or will she spend her fifteen years in Elsewhere at the observation decks, still gripping onto the life she once lived? Find out in this marvelous 275 page book Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin.

Alphas By Lisi Harrison

Book review by Tracy Crosby

While rehearsing a dance at her parent’s studio, a TV news crew swarms in. The lady holding a microphone asks Skye Hamilton how it feels to be accepted to Alpha Academy. This is just one of many interesting happenings in Alphas by Lisi Harrison. This 272 page realistic fiction book is just right for a teenage girl looking for a good book to relate to for different problems they might have. For example Charlie Deery has problems making friends at Alpha Academy, and it shows how she goes about making friends. This book really makes the reader feel like they are at Alpha Academy, with Skye Hamilton, Allie J., Triple Threat, and Charlie Deery, just four of the one hundred hand picked Alpha girls. Skye is a girl who is trying to out-dance Triple Threat, a dancer/model/actress; Skye soon realizes that Triple is a much better dancer than she is. One day while Skye is trying to out-dance Triple she twists her ankle badly and can’t dance, leaving her vulnerable to Triple’s nasty putdowns. Triple Threat tries to make everyone scared of her so no one will try, and so she can be the All Time, All Around Alpha. This book I would give a 10, because it drags the reader in with the right amount description and the believable dialect of the Alpha Girls. The author makes the characters seem to come alive.

Marley and Me by John Grogan

Book review by: Melissa McCarthy

"Dogs are great. Bad dogs, if you can really call them that, are perhaps the greatest of them all."(Grogan) This quote fits with the memoir Marley and Me by John Grogan. This is a heartfelt story with many emotions and feelings. This 289 page novel takes place in Florida, where the young couple Jenny and John are starting to complete their family. But before they have kids, they decided to get Marley.

       Jenny is pregnant, and is afraid that she is not going to be able to take care of the baby, since she can never seem to keep a plant alive. So for practice they decide to get a dog, but when they buy Marley, they do not know what they are in for. The bigger Marley gets the more destruction occurs, and with a screaming baby the Grogan household becomes a zoo. With another baby on the way, Jenny is on bed rest for three months and John has to take care of many things. By the end of the book the happy couple now lives in a new big house due to John’s new job in Philadelphia, with three healthy kids and Marley. But when a loved one is gone, they will be in your heart forever. There are conflicts that occur that you will not expect.

       This book is really for anyone, but if you are a dog lover you might love it, or you might hate it. I would recommend this book for someone in 7^th-12^th grade. I give this book 9 out of 10. This book is worth reading because it is very touching and will keep you interested. This book can be heartbreaking; although, it is a very calming and hard to put down book. Marley and Me is based on a true story and John Grogan makes it seem like you are in the book watching all these scenes happen. This book will blow you away and will make you want to see the movie. Marley and Me is a book that you will read and never forget.

The Big Field By: Mike Lupica

Review By: Jonathan Lilley

In the book The Big Field, by Mike Lupica, baseball is not just a sport to Hutch Hutchinson it is his life. The book is two hundred forty-three pages long, and it is a book for people who enjoy sports and who like facing challenges and going up against the odds. Throughout Hutch’s life he hasn’t had the best relationship with his dad, and throughout the book he is trying to discover why they don’t have such a strong relationship. Hutch is a tan, Hispanic fourteen year old who lives with his mother and father in Florida. His dad was a local little league baseball hero when he was younger, because he led his team to the Little League World Series. Hutch is very social and outgoing in the book, and he want to make sure everyone likes him as a friend. He is also a natural leader both on and off the field. Hutch can be emotional sometimes, and he sometimes lets events drag him down in the book. Hutch is very athletic and very good at sports especially baseball. As a peaceful kid he doesn’t want to start any fights, and he always is looking to end any conflicts or problems. From the tons and tons of dedication that Hutch has, has turned him into an outstanding baseball player.

The splendid writing capability of Mike Lupica helps to create such a fascinating story, and because of that I would give this book an eight and a half. I also enjoy this book because of the cliffhangers used at the end of the chapters. Lupica will end the chapter off with a huge event to create such fantastic suspense in the book. The other reason why I like this book is because of the character development. Lupica describes the characters very well, and it makes it seem as if the characters are your best friend. An example of this is when Hutch talks about what activities he enjoys, what food he enjoys eating, what are his favorite drinks, what his house looks like, and what his parents are like and from that you feel as if you have known him forever. Hutch has a passion for the game of baseball, and he lives and dies by baseball. Even as conflicts arise throughout the story continues to make his journey to not just any field, the big field.

Coffeehouse Angel By Suzanne Selfors

Book Review by Theresa Harvey

Finding a book that seems almost perfect to read can take ages to find. Sometimes a book’s back cover fools the reader into believing it is a great read, when it turns out to be a long and tedious story. Initially the book Coffeehouse Angel seems like a real promising read from its book jacket; then coming upon this particular scene, I realize this 276 page book is actually what I have been searching for. The fog is clearing; the sun is shining through the dewy harbor, yet Katrina, like her best guy friend, Vincent is one of the few Norwegians that are awake to soak in the breathtaking morning. This break of dawn is interrupted by a strange kilt wearing, seventeen-year old guy dozing off on her grandma’s Coffeehouse dumpster. This is the first of many encounters Katrina has with this bizarre teenager in Coffeehouse Angel written by Suzanne Selfors.

The kilt wearing teenager seems to be just another homeless kid, but it turns out that he’s an angel. After Katrina leaves a plate of day old pastries, a cup of coffee, and a few chocolate covered coffee beans for the homeless guy, suddenly, the messenger angel has to grant Katrina’s greatest wish because of her little gift to him. So every time the angel grants her wish, he gives her a coffee been which will make her desire come true once Katrina eats it. Yet, someone close to her eats the beans instead of Katrina, and they receive her wishes. These wishes dramatically change her life for the better and even for the worst.

Description, connection, and visualization are important elements found in this indulging book. The author describes the main characters so vividly that I could really relate and experience their everyday lives. I also felt like I could connect to Katrina’s feelings and thoughts as she solves her problems. For example, will her grandma’s Coffeehouse close due to financial ruin or will Katrina friendship be lost with Vincent, her best guy friend? Often people think of angels as unrealistic or ridiculous beings; however, the author makes me want to meet an angel. The Coffeehouse Angel’s engaging dialogue, relatable high school scenarios, and family problems make this book a nine out of ten in my opinion, as well as, an interesting read for 7th through 10th grader.

Candy by Kevin Brooks

Book review by Sofia Kohleisen

In the opening pages of Candy, Joe, the protagonist, muses: "It's hard to imagine life before Candy. Sometimes I sit here for hours, staring into the past, trying to remember what it was like, but I never seem to get very far. I just can't see myself without her. About the best I can manage is the last half hour before we met, the last few moments of my pre-Candy existence, when I was still just a boy. I was innocent then"( Brooks beginning). In the 368-page realistic fiction novel, Joe, a music loving, single parented teenager, meets 16-year-old Candy in the streets of London on his way to a doctor’s appointment. During a meal together at McDonalds shortly afterwards, they encounter Iggy, a bulky and dangerous looking guy. After Iggy forces him to leave the restaurant, Joe finds out that Candy is a prostitute and heroin addict and Iggy is her pimp. Iggy threatens to hurt Joe if he ever sees him with Candy again, but as might be expected, this warning doesn’t keep him away for long. Things take a turn for the bad when Iggy spots Joe again…. Of a rating from 1-10, this book definitely deserves a 10. It has everything that every book needs to be good. Its characters are well developed, the dialogue is written so realistically that one can believe to actually be there, and at the end of the book you want more. Candy is a novel one simply cannot put down, and its pages turn almost by themselves. It is definitely a book worth reading, and even people without a great interest in reading can probably not resist this masterpiece.

Every Soul a Star

By: Wendy Mass

Book Review by Madeleine Young

       Every Soul a Star. Sounds like a pretty cliché title, doesn’t it? Wendy Mass’s Every Soul a Star is everything but cliché. This adventurous book takes readers on a journey into the three unique and incredibly different lives of nature-loving Ally, preppy and popular Bree, and shy, lonely Jack. When Bree finds out that her family is moving from the city to a middle-of-nowhere lame campground, she is devastated. All her dreams of becoming a model and makeup artist are crushed, not to mention leaving her best friend, Claire. Jack is a lonesome, friendless boy who spends his time sketching aliens and hiding in his tree house. His science teacher, Mr. Silver, offers him a once in a lifetime chance to go to a campsite in the middle of the woods, for two weeks, and witness a spectacular eclipse. Jack is sure that Mr. Silver has got the wrong guy. His grades are not very good, and neither is his liking for school in general. What catches Jack’s attention, however, is that he can go on this eclipse tour instead of summer school! Ally, short for Alpha, is the smart, nature loving, outdoorsy girl who loves to get her hands dirty. When she suddenly finds out that her family is moving out of the campground into the city, she’s overwhelmed with shock, fear, and sorrow. The Moon Shadow Campground is where she grows up and all she knows. She can’t leave now, right after the eclipse! When Bree, Jack, and Ally are all finally joined at the Moon Shadow, they’re instantly friends, but are determined to find a way to get Ally and Bree’s parents to change their minds about moving. Will it work, and will everyone be happy again?

       Every Soul a Star is an easy read, perfect for someone who seeks a superior story about friendship, overcoming fears, and finding out who you really are. This realistic fiction book is 322 pages of chapters switching perspectives from Ally, to Bree, then Jack. This book definitely deserves a 10/10. The thought-provoking plot is sculpted with cleverness, and each chapter leaves you hanging. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an easy read filled with brilliant characters that will leave readers in awe. Every soul is truly a star, no matter where they came from, in Wendy Mass’s amazing tale.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

A book review by Lily Talerman

Rich or poor. Slim or large. Tall or short. All of these traits are what control girls’ and women’s lives everywhere in Gemma Doyle’s time. Gemma is a fairly average girl, a bit tall, with red hair, meeting the ‘standard’ of what women should be, but this is only because most people don’t know about her secret. This secret is about a power that was thought to be long gone, the power to wield magic and enter the realms, a power that Gemma has. When Gemma sees a vision of the death of her mother and a mysterious man, she is sent to a boarding school in England, called Spence. As she makes new friends, gains more control of her abilities, and finds a forgotten diary, Gemma learns things she wishes she had never learned. As her school’s, her magic’s, the Order’s, the Rakshana’s, Circe’s, and her own mother’s secrets come into the light, Gemma finds herself stuck trying to decide between power, the mysterious Kartik’s advice, and her mother’s advice. This book is a lengthy read at 403 pages, but it is well worth it. I would recommend A Great and Terrible Beauty to anyone who enjoys fantasy. As soon as someone picks up this book they will be instantly grabbed and by the end they will be craving for more, which is perfect because this book is the first in a series of three.

The Hunger Games

By Suzanne Collins

Book review by David Kelley

Katniss Everdeen runs from her starting spot. She sees the Tributes fighting for supplies. As a boy is stabbed in front of her, she sprints toward the woods. This scene takes place in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This is a fiction book with 374 pages. Someone should read this book if they are looking for an easy book that is filled with action.

The Hunger Games is a story that takes place in the ruins of North America. For the game two Tributes are chosen from each of the twelve districts; the twelve districts belong to the nation of Panem. The Tributes are sent to the capital to be trained for the game. The Tributes are put in a large arena with a forest and lake. They have to fight and kill each other until there is only one tribute alive. The games usually last for many days.

Katniss is a Tribute that is playing in the game. Her sister Prim had originally been chosen, but Katniss volunteered to save her younger sister. Katniss is really skilled when it comes to survival techniques. Since she lives in District 12, which is the poorest district that doesn’t have a lot of food for everyone, Katniss has hunted for food in the forest outside the nation for a long time. She has learned how to survive in a forest. Because of hunting so much, Katniss is also skilled in archery. She will have to put her skills to the test to win the game.

I gave this book a ten rating; it is really worth reading. Suzanne Collins is very descriptive in her writing, and it is easy to visualize all of the scenes. Someone should read this book because it is filled with action and has an intense plot. This is an extraordinary book.

The Dragon Keeper by Carole Wilkinson

Book review by Justin Bennett-Cohen

       The Dragon Keeper raises his axe, and forces it straight down into the dragon’s scaly flesh. The Dragon Keeper by Carole Wilkinson is only 333 pages and is a melancholy and adventurous book about an adopted and stealthy Chinese girl. She tries to save the beautiful dragons from the imperial guards that are owned by her grumpy master who treats her like scum. She and the dragons run off to Huangling Mountain to find the magical paradise where they will all be safe and will live together in happiness. I give this book 9 out of 10 stars because there are some very emotional parts in the story. For example, there was a part in the book where one of the imperial guards stabs the dragon in the heart, which starts to die in Ping’s arms. It also has good personification. “Relief washed over her like hot spring water.” The Dragon Keeper by Carole Wilkinson is a must read book for people who like fantasy and mystery.

Change-Up

Book Review by Matt Lupo

       “Kelleher had answered the question that he had been trying to answer on the train ride back: what was the story they were chasing? Now he knew: the story was about an athlete living a lie- no, more than that, selling a lie” (Feinstein 188). Amazing. Unpredictable. Detailed descriptions. All these words describe the 308-page sports masterpiece, Change-Up, by John Feinstein. Change-Up is like a rollercoaster with excitement, drama, and suspense.

The protagonist in the story, Stevie, is a fourteen year old sports writer for the Washington Post. Stevie obtained this job along with Susan Carol by winning a writing competition for teenagers. He always seems to be in the wrong spot at the wrong time, getting into mischief and finding a way to cause trouble. The World Series has come around and Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson are covering the game along with hundreds of other reporters. When the world is notified that a no-name pitcher, Norbert Doyle, is slated to start game two of the World Series, everyone is asking themselves the same question: who is this guy? Stevie and Susan Carol are among the first people to interview him and find out about the tragic death of Doyle’s wife, many years ago. Everyone is beguiled by his story, but is it the truth? It’s up to Stevie Thomas to investigate what really happened the night Doyle’s wife was killed in a car crash.

I personally love this book and give it a 9.5 out of 10. The fast-moving plot and cliff hangers kept me up all night when I read it. Change-Up is especially a good book for sports lovers. Other books written by John Feinstein well worth reading include Last Shot, Vanishing Act, and Cover-Up. All in all, Change-Up is one of the greatest books I have ever read; it will instantly become a favorite of any reader that picks it up.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S Lewis

Book Review by Olivia Burns

Dark, black, salty waters swish and tumble, swish and tumble onto the sandy shore. Millions of miles from salvation, the dangerous body of water is slopping under the crew in their magnificent boat, The Dawn Treader. Prince Caspian, the prince of Narnia, is the strong leader of the crew and indeed the protagonist. Caspian is tall, has almond colored hair that has magnificent curls, and he never gives up unless he wins. Prince Caspian learns that not only he has to think about what the crew wants, but be more open to ideas brought onto him by the members of the boat. Caspian shoves through many difficulties and challenges brought onto the ship, and he also puts his own life on the line more than once in this story.

C.S Lewis, the author of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, masters many forms of figurative language, descriptive language, and well-developed characters in their book. This book is fantasy, because it contains many mystical creatures and different lands other than Earth. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is an easy read with 214 pages, but is great for people who like adventures and fantasy. I would rate this book an eight out of ten for its magnificent characters, description, and action plot. This fantastic book is part of the series, The Chronicles of Narnia, which is a fast paced book with many different characters. If you like to read for excitement and to go into a different world, then this book is definitely for you.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by: Jenny Han

Book Review by: Lexie Lieberthal

Rolling waves. Sandy bodies. Sunny laughter. I sensed all of these things when I read The Summer I Turned Pretty. This coming of age story of friendship, family, and first love is breathtaking. Belly has been coming to her house on Cousin’s Beach for as long as she can remember. However, all she can seem to remember are her two best buds, Jeremiah and Conrad. Belly spends her months in school dreaming up one enchanting summer scenario after another, never realizing it could actually happen. In this realistic fiction genre, one will get lost in a heartbreakingly real story of how love can conquer all odds. This 288 page novel of enduring friendship offers up just enough summer lovin’ to keep readers drooling for more. Being a weakling for an amazing book myself, this soapy story of summer love is a perfect fit for a hopeless romantic. Belly will charm the socks off any person who dares enthrall themselves in this wonderful love story with her kind, funny, and awkward ways. I’d give this great story a ten. Follow Belly in the most important summer of her life and watch how the people she loves most, help her to become the person she was supposed to be all along. Jenny Han’s astounding novel is one that won’t soon be forgotten.

IT By Stephen King

Book Review by Sean Pazurchek

Fear, pain, horror, suffering, and sadness are all feelings everyone experiences in their life at one time, but for the members of the Losers Club they are felt almost every day during the time that they spend together from their childhood and adulthood. Over the 1090 page adventure that is Stephen King’s IT, the seven members of the Losers Club, Bill, Beverly, Eddie, Richie, Mike, Ben, and Stan are forced to face an evil that has inhabited the Earth since its earliest days. As the story switches between the children’s battle between It during their childhood, and their battle with it twenty seven years later, they start to wonder if they can defeat It before they become it’s next group of victims..

Of all the main characters, Bill “Stuttering Bill” Denbrough is the leader and most important member of the gang. What is most interesting about Bill is his ability to lead the Losers Club and stand strong, even when he is faced with horrors that would cause a weaker willed person to give up or go insane because of the terrible horrors they would face. The main antagonist of the story is IT, a monster that lives and feeds in Derry, and that also goes by the names Pennywise the Dancing Clown and Bob Gray. The most insidious trait of It is its ability to shape shift into almost any form it wants to be, which allows it to tap into its victims’ worst fears and arrive at the best time to make its victims easier to kill. It also has a dark sense of humor, as evidenced by "Oh yes, we all float - and when you're down here with us, you'll float too!" (King 16)

This horror book will be most enjoyed by someone who enjoys books that include a large amount of gore and terror in them, but also enjoy elements of adventure and a small amount of comedy. IT receives a nine out of ten, because of its extremely detailed and well developed story, and very lifelike characters. The story is fast paced, loaded with cliffhangers and foreshadowing, and has realistic characters. Because of these traits, readers will want the members of the Losers Club to succeed in their battles against IT. Stephen King’s IT is an exceptional novel that will cause the reader to think about ideas such as friendship, insanity, and evil throughout the book.

Don’t Look Behind You by: Lois Duncan

Book Review By: Kacy Mullen

Terrifying, mysterious, and bloodcurdling are all aspects of the book Don’t Look Behind You by Lois Duncan. This book has fantastic characters that almost seem real. Not only does it have great characters, it also has a remarkable plot. Lois Duncan is famous for her great mystery stories.

The main character in the story is April Corrigan. She is an eleventh grade girl from Virginia. She is known for being the greatest tennis players in her grade. She has a wonderful boyfriend named Steve. Throughout the story she becomes very selfish and doesn’t care what the consequences will be for her actions while her family is in troubled times. Her father works at Southern Skyways, but is also under cover for the government. Working under cover leads to a disaster for the Corrigan family.

The Corrigan family has to head away from a viscous man named Vamp. Vamp is trying to find her father because April’s father is involved in a trial. Vamp doesn’t want him to give any information. April just can’t wait to talk to her boyfriend, so she sends a letter to him thinking it will be ok. What she didn’t know was that Vamp finds out where they are staying. April thinks it is room service at the door, but what she doesn’t know is that it is really Vamp. Luckily he doesn’t get in because Jim, their body guard, comes to the rescue. This is just the beginning of the Corrigan’s tragic adventures.

I would recommend this book to many people, but only if your willing to be frightened. I would give this book a five out of five. It has great description and always keeps you on the edge. You will never want to put this book down. By the end of this book you will feel connected with each and every one of the characters. To find out more go ahead and read Don’t look Behind You by Lois Duncan.

Mercy by Jodi Picoult

Book review by Sarah Gibson

What would you do for someone you loved? Would you lie? Would you leave? Would you kill? These are some of the questions that the characters in Jodi Picoult’s book Mercy face. The book’s fast moving plot and twists and turns capture the reader and take them on a journey through love, passion and regret. In the small town of Wheelock, Massachusetts, Cameron McDonald and his devoted wife, Allie, live peacefully. Allie owns the town’s flower shop and Cam works as a highly respected Police chief. However, their lives are turned upside-down when Cams cousin, Jamie, shows up and confesses to Cam that he has murdered his cancer ridden wife, Maggie. Jamie and Maggie had been married for many years. One day Maggie asked Jamie to kill her in hopes that she did not have to suffer her illness any longer. Jamie granted her last wish.

I greatly enjoyed the many different plots and loved the way the characters came alive. Mercy explores some of today's most highly charged emotional and ethical issues as it draws toward its stunning conclusion. The book was captivating and kept me hanging until the last page. After finishing, I was still thinking of the rich novel and found myself questioning my beliefs toward love and loyalty. Overall, I took great pleasure from reading this book and feel that Jodi Picoult is a magnificent writer full of great stories.

The Curious incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Book review by Adam Strubeck

Red = happiness. Yellow = hatred. These are the views of Christopher Boone, the main character in Mark Haddon’s novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. This book takes place in a small town outside of London, England. At the least, Chris is an interesting kid. He is exceptionally skilled in math, yet he fails to understand human emotions. His father is on a downward spiral after the loss of Christopher’s mother. Christopher is autistic. He wants to love his father but it just doesn’t feel right after what his father did. This book shows the hardest thing Christopher has had to do as he tries to bridge the Gap between him and his father. I recommend this book because of its plot. Just when I thought I had figured it out it twisted and turned. The book is good for many types of people because it includes an adventure, surprises at every corner and a fantastic mystery. I give this book nine out of ten stars for the fantastic figurative language. It is a good read for anybody who loves a good mystery and a heartwarming story.

Friday Night Lights

Book review by Jimmy Boissy

“It was the first official day of practice and it marked the start of a new team, a new year, a new season, with a new rally cry scribbled madly in the backs of yearbooks and on the rear windows of cars: GOIN’ TO STATE IN EIGHTY-EIGHT.” This quote from H. G. Bissinger’s Friday Night Lights, shows the hardcore philosophy of the musty little city of Odessa, Texas. This story is 416 pages in total and is definitely the best sports drama that I have ever read. In this book you’ll find just how important high school football can be in west Texas. Following six star seniors, Mike Winchell, Boobie Miles, Ivory Christian, Jerrod McDougal, Mike Billingsley, and Brian Chavez, the author accounts the 1988 Permian Panther’s season through the eyes of the fans, coaches, students, and players. The author also talks about the town and how it is the “, worst town on Earth,” as said by the Texasville magazine in 1987. An area where the people are segregated, the economy is plummeting, the murder toll can sky rocket, and the school standards are as low as they can be.

       But out of the vast darkness there comes a light. Every Friday night that light shines through as the whole town comes to life with 20,000 fans coming out to see those boys play only the way they can. In the stands, you here the school motto “MOJO, MOJO, MOJO” being screamed out into the warm night air. This story is both thrilling and astoundingly passionate as it shows the lives that all children in Odessa so amazingly crave. I love how the author describes all the hard work that the players and coaches have to go through every season. Several times the team has to reach deep down to pull out a chance of victory through some tough odds, but the flame of Mojo will never go out. I give it and eight to nine on a scale of ten for a perfect book, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a great sports drama about just how far people will go to make their dreams come true.

Flowers in the Attic By: V.C Andrews

Book Review by Lindsay Backlund

Chris, Cathy, Cory, and Carrie thought they had perfect lives, a darling house and anything they wanted at any time of the day. They think nothing could go wrong, until one day when a police officer has come saying that their father has died in a fatal car accident. The mother could no longer support the family. The mother and children are forced to go live with their grandparents, whom they have never heard of before. At their arrival at Fox Worth Hall their mother tells the children that their grandmother considers them “devils span” and that should never have been born. The mother wishes to inherit her father’s large fourtion, so the children are to be hidden away and be seen or heard by nobody. The reason they are to be locked up there is because the mother doesn’t get the money if she has had children in her first marriage, for she has been said to have married her half uncle and the children would have came out demented. The mother said that they would only be up there for the night, but that turns into days and day’s turns into weeks and pretty soon they have three calendars filled out with xs. This story is told by a twelve year old girl named Cathy. The story she tells is about her and her siblings adventures they have while at foxworth hall. The worst of all is the grandmother. She starts with a simple whipping, but then she brings it up to food starvation for over a week. Even their mother starts to not care about the Childers fate, but only her own. Many things happen up in the northern wing of Fox Worth Hall where the four siblings are located. To find out their fate in Fox Worth Hall you’ll to read the mysterious and adventures novel Flowers in the attic. You will feel as if you have known the characters your whole life and will want to continue the series with Petals on the Wind. Enjoy!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Book Review by Zack Perry

“ Harry rose a few more feet, and she let out a roar of exasperation. He was like a fly to her, a fly she was longing to swat; her tail thrashed again, but he was too high to reach. She shot fire, which he dodged. Her jaws opened wide…..” (Rowling 355) This frightening scene is from the enormously famous novel, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Harry Potter is an extremely popular series of books written by J.K. Rowling, who began it by writing on napkins in a restaurant. No one could have guessed that her books would become book-blockbusters. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the fourth installment in the seven part series of the adventures of Harry Potter.

Harry Potter is the main character in the series. Throughout the series, he shows that he’s strong, courageous, and a fierce friend. In the parts before this, he has fought trolls, killer sports balls, a huge snake, and dementors, the soul sucking guards of wizard prison. When he was a baby, he destroyed the most powerful dark wizard ever to walk the Earth. Harry has to be courageous to stand up to all these things. He has practically been put to heck and back. Harry has two best friends, Ron and Herminone that he has put his life in danger to help.

In his fourth year of Hogwarts, the wizard school, a great tournament is being held for wizards seventeen and up. A special item, the Goblet of Fire, is used to pick contestant from the three wizard schools, Hogwarts, Beauxbaton, and Durmstrang. When Harry’s name comes out of the Goblet, he is accused of cheating and nobody supports him. The people who compete have to fight dragons, merpeople, and many other fierce creatures. First, he has to fight a dragon. Then, delve into a lake filled with merpeople. Finally, he has to fight the trophy inside a gigantic maze. What will happen? Will Harry emerge the youngest champion ever? Or will he be dragon chow in a merperson’s stew?

In my opinion, this book gets an eight out of ten from me. It is a real page turner, and very hard to put down. The many descriptive words made visualizing extremely easy. The book also has well-developed characters that make the non action sequences interesting, and not many books are able to do that. At 734 pages, it’s a relatively long novel, but all the amazing elements make it seem too short. In conclusion, this book is a must-read for any person who loves the series or who just wants a good thrill, and even for people who don’t love magic or thrills and chills.

All Souls, By: Michael Patrick MacDonald

Review by Sequoia Dooley

Feet pound the pavement. Mothers scream for their children. Chants and jeers come from the rowdy crowd. Rocks shatter vehicle’s windows. Policemen’s merciless clubs collide with people’s skulls. This is a riot scene from a phenomenal memoir, All Souls, by Michael Patrick MacDonald. In this story the narrator gives the world a glimpse of what Southie, a region of Boston, is like from the point of view of an insider. The story begins with Michael as an adult, at a memorial service for all the children that die in the violence, drugs, and suicides, which occur in Southie for a number of years. He then begins to remember his childhood growing up in “the greatest place on Earth,” which is what his mother calls Southie before four of her beloved children die. Michael is the seventh of eleven children born to Helen MacDonald; he is a quiet boy that watches three of his brothers die, is there when one of his sisters goes into a coma, and sees countless others lose loved ones in the tragedy that surrounds Southie. James “Whitey” Bulger, the infamous crime boss, controls the streets of Southie during the time of violence expressed in All Souls. Bulger’s drug trafficking and murders rip apart the resolute community of Irish-Americans, including the MacDonald family.

I would give this heartbreaking novel a 10 because MacDonald made me both chuckle and shed tears by mixing all the painful details and misfortunes with dashes of humor. I could relate to the characters so well I felt like they were my family as well as the author’s. I feel that the characters personalities are those of everyday people that anyone might meet one day, which makes them incredibly realistic. Without a doubt, All Souls is a incredible book; I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a challenge

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Book Review by Alyssa McAuliffe

Panserbjørn, Dust, dæmons, alethiometer, Golden Compass. These words are not seen in an everyday fantasy novel, but they are readily available in Philip Pullman’s 399 page book The Golden Compass. In a universe parallel to our own, a young girl, her dæmon, a clan of gyptians, and a talking polar bear embark on the journey of a lifetime. Each character has a different reason for taking part in this dangerous voyage: for glory, pride, fate, and to rescue the children who were kidnapped by the “Gobblers”. Anyone who enjoys mystery, adventure, and appreciates fantastic imagination should read this book. The Golden Compass will leave any science fiction or fantasy fanatic wanting more.

This book immerses the reader into the life of Lyra Belacqua, a young girl whose love to run wild and insatiable curiosity drives her into the arms of her own destiny. When Lyra’s estranged uncle visits the college at which she resides, she discovers secrets that are beyond comprehension. One of these seemingly well-kept secrets is the existence of Dust. This Dust, supposedly from space, allows each child’s dæmon− one’s soul− to change form, from one animal to the next. When a person reaches adulthood, this Dust settles and their dæmon takes one true form. One woman, Mrs. Coulter, wants to keep this naturally occurring event from happening; she starts a committee called the General Oblation Board and sends out people known as ‘Gobblers’ to kidnap children, cut away each child’s dæmon, and release them back, all to prevent dust from settling. The Golden Compass bases its story on Dust, and follows the remarkable journey of one girl determined to discover the truth about her world, and the frightening existence of others like it.

Lyra Belacqua, the main character in the first book of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, is a sassy, extremely brave, and independent young girl. She alone makes her own decisions and her dæmon Pantalaimon is like her conscience. But the most interesting aspect about Lyra is her ability to read an alethiometer, or a Golden Compass. The alethiometer is a symbol reader that tells the truth with four different needles, three of which are tangible by the owner. The fourth needle moves on its own, powered by Dust, and reveals the truth to the reader. Lyra is one of the only people in her world that can read the alethiometer, which makes her extremely valuable in that respect.

The Golden Compass deserves eight and a half stars out of ten. Its fast moving plot and excellent attention to detail makes every chapter more exciting than the last. The way Philip Pullman delivers this story allowed me to connect to Lyra, and almost feel like I myself had a dæmon-like soul. If you are looking to escape from the troubles of everyday life, look no further than The Golden Compass. It will pull any reader into a magnificent world that is so much like our own in many respects, but is different enough so that the worries of everyday life are soon drowned out in a river of new and foreign conflicts. Although this novel is hailed as a children’s book, any young adult or even adult reader could appreciate the realism of the subjects that are touched on. If you are willing to find out the answer to the following question, I strongly recommend this book: How much would one risk if millions of souls were at stake?

The Hunt for the Red October

Book Review by: Alex Lown

If people thought the movie was good ,wait until they read the book, since it ten times better. This book has deception, murder, betrayal, and the truth. The author Tom Clancy has written an outstanding 387 page book about submarine warfare. This book could be historical fiction or just fiction due to its history of the Cold War. Markus Ramius is the USSR submarine commander who controls the Red October, and he sends a message saying that he is going to defect to America. Now he doesn’t like the Communist party anymore due to the fact that his wife died because a drunken surgeon who didn’t save her. Another great part is when Ramius kills the political officer aboard the Red October. Using his bare hands and the element of surprise he can kill him easily. His age probably varies around the late fifties to the early sixties. Markus kills him by grabbing his neck, and then snapping it. No one heard it, because it was in the officer’s room which is sound proof. He then throws a cup of tea on the ground, and when somebody comes in he claims that the officer slipped on the tea and died. This book is a wonderful read it’s fast paced, has a lot of action, and also has a little drama in it and I give it 9.

Peak by Roland Smith

Book Review by Mark Tyo

“For a climber, saying that you are stopping by Everest is like saying you are saying you are stopping by to see God,”( Smith back cover) This is a quote from the book Peak by Roland Smith. A person who likes adventure books would love this 246 page adventure novel.

A fourteen year old boy scales a skyscraper in New York City and gets caught by S.W.A.T. and the N.Y.P.D. He has to go to court to decide how long he has to go to the Juvenile Detention Center. Peak gets lucky because his divorced parents talk to the judge and they decide that he can live with his dad in Chang Mai, China for two years instead. When Peak and his dad are on their way, Peak finds out that his dad is bringing him to climb Mount Everest. Peak also find out that the only reason his dad takes him on the trip is so he can get a lot of climbing business if Peak makes it to the top. He will get a lot of business if he is successful because Peak would be the youngest person to make it to the summit, and he gets paid for guiding people to the summit.

I would recommend this book because it has a fast moving plot and there are a lot of cliffhangers at the end of chapters. I would rate this book at a nine out of ten because it is well written and full of suspense.

Guardian of the Spirit (Moribito) by Nahoko Uehashi

By Turin Ikbal

To his to his father, he is someone that will bring shame to the throne. To Balsa, he is a way to settle past wrongs. To himself, he is a cursed boy with the burden of carrying the fate of his country on his shoulders. In a short 248 pages, Nahoko Uehashi takes feudal Japan and mixes it enough with fantasy to create a great hit. It is a hit that has traveled over multiple languages and earned a deserving place on American shelves.

While this book is about Chagum, the second prince for his country, New Yogo, its true star is the warrior and bodyguard Balsa. She comes off as slightly cold and uncaring to her newest assignment, Chagum, but over the course of the story she opens her heart to him and the readers and becomes an unforgettable character. In this slow, but captivating process of showing Balsa's caring side little by little, it makes her into a more complex character. This way of characterization has to be one of the book’s strong points; it most likely is the best part of the book. When Balsa tries to calm the raging Chagum by saying “Your heart is so heavy you can hardly bear it. You feel utterly helpless, yet at the same time, you're filled with rage that seems beyond control.” (Uehashi 175) it's evident that over time she has gained maternal feelings for Chagum and is protecting him for more than money. Also, the relationship she has with Chagum is special and well developed. Balsa isn’t his mother, or his sister, and didn’t even have a mentor relationship with him. Their relationship is more than bodyguard and assignment, but less than a mother and her child. Watching this special bond between Chagum and Balsa bloom over the book is one of the most enjoyable parts of this story.

The realistic characterization and the well thought-out plot go hand in hand. Even Chagum could serve as both a foil to Balsa while being the plot device that forwards the story. At the beginning he tells that he carries the moribito, the water spirit. This moribito is considered a water demon and will bring shame to the royal family, so his father order’s his execution. However, Chagum’s mother has other plans and secretly orders Balsa to take care of Chagum the rest of her life. All of this is revealed in the first twenty pages. As the story progresses, new secrets are revealed and the plot makes a 180 as the characters learn that everything they thought they knew is not the truth. The book shows how famous historical figures will change written history to make themselves look better. With this, it adds a natural feel of hierarchy that exists in real life. Put together with wonderful characters whose personalities grow along with the plot, the book has a strong and intricate story to tell that will capture reader.

Out of ten, this book is a seven-point-five. The plot is wonderfully told, but a bit rushed. On the other hand, the characters are the book’s most redeeming factor. This is a quick fantasy book that could be enjoyed by both light readers and hardcore fantasy fans alike. With having been translated into several other languages before, Guardian of the Spirit (Moribito) is a charming book that quickly sucks you in, keeps you hooked, and then leaves you anticipating the release of the next book in the series.

Kiss Me Kill Me by Laurie Henderson

Book Review by Melissa Daigle

“Jump, set, knees to chest and right over myself in a tight little ball, open up and land, back tuck... Front pike, front layout. Easy stuff” (Henderson 114). Scarlett Worthington, skilled gymnast, alleged murderer, main character in Laurie Henderson’s novel Kiss Me Kill Me shows off on a soggy school gym trampoline. Effortless and seemingly weightless, Scarlett can do anything in gymnastics; however, in real life things aren’t so easy. In Henderson’s novel, Scarlett gets a ride on a social rollercoaster.

One minute she’s admiring Plum Saybourne and her glossy rich friends, a nobody. Next thing she knows, she’s invited by the untouchable popular people to a party which turns out to be one of the best and worst nights of her life. Her crush, a popular and dreamy Dan MacAndrew kisses Scarlett and for the first time Scarlett feels like she belongs. But as suddenly as she reaches absolute bliss, he dies unexpectedly. Scarlett’s new “friends” who brought her up to Cloud 9 blame her for Dan’s death, starting her freefall from fame, amidst a downpour of scornful emails and threats. News reporters and paparazzi want a chance to talk to “The Kiss of Death Girl” and are constantly pounding on her foster parents’ door. Plum and her company of snobby girls continue their verbal assault.

Finally, when it’s too much for Scarlett, she’s transferred to another school where her only happiness seems to be when she starts gymnastics again. Will Scarlett ever forgive herself and trust that this won’t happen again?

I would recommend this book to middle school or high school girls. It is an interesting novel and all 260 pages are edged with a little mystery. Laurie Henderson’s characters are very well-developed and unique too. She has a good amount of detail and description chronicling each important step of Scarlett’s road to self-forgiveness. Henderson keeps readers entertained by adding some cliff hangers at the end o chapters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would give it an eight out of ten rating. Overall, I think as amazing as Scarlett is as a gymnast, Laurie Henderson is as equally amazing as a writer.