Teen Reviews - Summer, 2009

Article Index
Teen Reviews - Summer, 2009
Part II
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Soto, Gary. The Afterlife. 2003. (YA Fiction Soto.G)

When seventeen years old Chuy was killed in a nightclub in Fresno, he found himself in a life after death. While in the afterlife, Chuy was able to see things that he's never seen before, and hear things he's never heard before. He met a girl that he knew when he was little and falls in love with her. Together they experienced the afterlife. Chuy visited his family regularly. He spent lots of time around them, watching and listening to them. He also visited many other people that he knew when he was alive. Chuy was able to find out that people cared for him and loved him. (Rools)

Myers, Walter Dean. Monster. 1999. (YA Fiction Myers.W)

Sixteen years old Steve Harmon, the main character of monster, is on trial for murder. On December 22nd, three men, James King, Richard "Bobo" Evans and Osvaldo Cruz robbed a convenient store which ended up with the murder of the storeowner, Alguinaldo Nesbitt. Though Steve was not part of the robbery, he was falsely accused of being a lookout. He was arrested and sent to jail for a crime that he did not commit. While on trial Steve found himself writing a moviescript about the whole experience. At the end of the trail, Steve was found not guilty, and was set free. As for James King and Richard "Bobo" Evan, they were both sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Somehow Olsvaldo cruz didn't serve any time in jail. (Rools Henry J.)

Thompson, Kate. Highway Robbery. 2009. (J Thomp.K)

This stranger leaves his horse to this boy he's never even met before. He offers to pay the boy he never met before. Then soliders demand and ask where the owner of the horse went to. The soliders ask to use the horse so they can find the horse's owner, but they couldn't find him.(Britanny S.)

Verne, Jules. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. 2000. (J Verne.J)

In this classic book the world has had many boats destroyed by a strange creature. Professer Aronnax says that it's a giant narwhal and goes on the U.S. vessel The Abraham Lincon to see the creature. Accompanied by his friend Conseil they meet famous harpooner Ned Land. When an accident with the narwhal occurs it is revealed that it is in fact a submarine commanded by Captain Nemo, who has a mysterious past. Since the captain will not let them off the ship the 3 must stay onboard as the captain travels the world. What wonders will they see? (Dylan)

Reaves, Michael. Star Wars, Coruscant nights I : Jedi twilight. 2008. (Science Fiction Reave.M)

Taking place after Revenge of the Sith the book follows a jedi Jax Paven on his quest to fulfill his master's dying request. With the help of a fellow Jedi Laranth Tarak they search for a droid with vital information on it. At the same time Den Dhur and a droid I-5YQ search for Jax as the droid claims to have known his father. What complications will the group encounter when a crime syndicate, Black Sun, and the Empire get involved with the mess?(Dylan)

Myers, Walter Dean. Sunrise Over Fallujah. 2008. (YA Fiction Myers.W)

In "Sunrise Over Fallujah," the main character Robin "Birdy" Perry and his friends, Jonesy, Ahmed and Marla, are sent to the war in Iraq in order to help bring security and peace to the country. While fighting in Iraq, they learn about how hard and dangerous it is to fight in the war there. They were attacked many times by the Iraqis while on patrol. One day, as Birdy and his troupe were on a mission, the Iraqis started shooting at them, they fired back at the Iraqis while trying to get to safety. Jonesy was shot while trying to save a young blind boy standing in the middle of the firering. Birdy prayed for his friend jonesy to survive, but unfortunaltly he died. Birdy felt terribly sad that his friend was dead while he survived with only wounds on one of his leg. When the mission was over the rest of the troupe went back miserably to the safety of their camp. Then, later on, Birdy is sent to Germany to have his wounded leg taken care of and to be reassigned. (Rools Henry J.)

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. 2008. (YA Science Fiction Colli.S)

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins is set in a futuristic society following a failed revolution. The country is split into districts, some very poor, some very rich. Annually, the over-controlling government forces two teenagers from each of the twelve districts to fight to the death in a "sporting event" dubbed the "Hunger Games" (sharing the same title as the novel itself). The event is held for the sole purpose of striking fresh fear into the hearts of the citizens, showing the power that the government holds over them by forcing the civility and humanity out of them, successfully keeping them under control. The main character, Katniss, takes her sister's place in the event and the reader follows her through the challenges and trials, observes the horrors she and the others are forced to face as pawns for the government. Katniss finds ways to keep her conscience and rebel throughout the tournament. The setting of the novel "The Hunger Games" is crucial to the story and by extension the world because it is essentially a warning for us, set in over exaggerated circumstances, to never let hunger for power and fear control us. (Laura G.)

Picoult, Jodi. My Sister's Keeper : A Novel. 2004. (YA Fiction Picou.J & Fiction Picou.J)

Jesse Fitzgerald is the oldest child in the Fitzgerald family. He has two younger sisters: Kate who has terminal leukemia and Anna who was born for the sole purpose of being Kate's organ donor and prolonging her life. Jesse has always been the trouble-maker of the family. He feels guilty for having not been able to help Kate (he wasn't a perfect genetic match). Everyone thinks he doesn't care about what the family is going through at all. In a scene when his mother accuses him of doing drugs (he had bruises on the inside of his elbows) he reveals that he has been donating blood to his sister three times a week for a long time. In my opinion this scene explains two very important things about Jesse. One, that he is willing to go to great lengths to help those that he loves (donating blood is quite painful). And two, that he doesn't want to be a hero; he just wants to do the right thing (he did not admit to what he was doing until pressed). (Laura G.)

Miller, Karen. Do No Harm. 2008. (Pbk Science Fiction M)

If you are a big fan of the show "Stargate SG-1" then you will love this book. When Stargate Command teams are being killed, Washington pressures General Hammond to find something of worth to make up for the loss. The Pentagon sends a team to fill in the holes and one Colonel Dave Dixon is assigned to SG-1. Unfortunatly Dixon wants answers from the team leader Colonel Jack O'Neill about a friend who died at Stargate Command and O'Neill would much rather not talk and the 2 conflict. During which they discover Adjo which is a planet filled with naquadah which is a mineral vital to earth. Team member Teal'c advises against going because of Jaffa legends but Washington disregards the warning and sends SG-1 plus Dixon to investigate. What horrors await on Adjo? (Dylan W.)

Myers, Walter Dean. Fallen Angels. 1988. (YA Fiction Myers.W)

"Fallen Angels" is a story about a young man named Richie Perry who joined the army in order to go to college. When the Vietnam War started he and his best friends, Duncan and Peewee, were sent in Vietnam to fight in the war. While fighting there Perry saw many people die. Many of his friends were injured or killed. When his best friend Duncun was killed, Perry was very affected. Later in the war, Perry was shot in the hip, and his best friend Peewee was wounded in the thigh during an ambush as they were fighting -- luckily they both survived. They were sent to be treated at the hospital in their base in Vietnam; then when they recovered they returned home to complete their task. (Rools Henry J.)

Smith, Roland. Jack's Run. 2005. (J Smith.R)

Jack's run is about a teenager named Jack Osborne who is in the witness security program because his father worked in a drug cartel as a pilot. So he gets caught by the man that his father worked for and goes on big huge adventure (I guess you could call it that). His father was an ex SEAL (navy seal) and when he hears from his son's captors and they tell him what to do, he doesn't listen to him and his wife and him decide to take some friends that could help them and go rescue their son and daughter. (Christopher)

Brashares, Ann. Girls In Pants : The Third Summer Of The Sisterhood. 2006. (YA Fiction Brash.A 2006)

"The image stayed on the screen and we all watched it, even when it went still. Back then was exactly the same as now. To brave the undertow, we had learned to hold hands." Girl in Pants is the third book in the Traveling Pants series, it is full of yet again each girls unique story of how she spends her summer having fun, but most importantly, learning about herself. Carmen's mother gets remarried to David and is now expecting a baby. Carmen learns how to embrace that and allow herself to help her mother prepare for the new addition to the familly. Along the way getting a summer job and meeting a new guy. Bridget, makes another journey to soccer camp, but now comes as a councillor. She sees Eric for the first time in two years, and they becomes friends again, but it will always be more then that between the two of them. Tibby struggles with the loss of her friend Bailly and the new change from friendship to romance between her and Brian. Lena, does her best to forget about Kostos and focuses on her art, attempting to get a scholarship to an art school since her parents will no longer pay. Of coarse at the end,the girls reunite at a summer house to spend some time together before they all head their separate ways.

Simone, Ni-Ni. If I Was Your Girl. 2008. (YA Fiction Simon.N)

This was a fantastic and interesting book! Why I liked it so much was because there was so much drama in it and loving relationships. But anyways; this book is about a girl name Toi McKnight who is seventeen years old and has a baby boy name Noah, the baby daddy Quamir is careless about his son. He never comes to visit and is always messing around with another woman. Besides all that Toi meets a cute, handsome young man name Harlem. They then start to hang out, get a closer relationship and now they go out as a couple. But the thing is Harlem doesn't know that Toi has a son. See what happens next as the drama continues as you read this marvelous book! (Taylor J)

Brashares, Ann. The Second Summer Of The Sisterhood. 2003. (YA Fiction Brash.A 2006)

"The four of them lay on the grass until the sun finished and the stars began. Carmen wondered at the power of silence to create a stronger bond, even, than thousands and thousands of words." The second summer of the sisterhood is a gripping novel about the four sisterhood girls who in this book all deal with deep internal and social struggles. Bridget, experienced a hard year at school after having spent her previous summer at soccer camp. She decides to spend this summer at her grandmother Greta's house, who she had not seen since her mother died. In visiting Greta, Bridget hoped to find herself again with the help of what now is the closest thing she has to a mother. Carmen, endures a difficult summer while she experiences something that she never had to before; her mother's dating life. Carmen's mom gets a serious boyfriend, David and Carmen begins to feel neglected. Lena, all summer long, deals with the hardships of gaining and losing Kostos. While Tibby puts herself in an entire new surrounding at a film camp and trying to figure out what kind of friends she wants to have. The Pants this summer keep the girls together, for the summer where they need each other most.

Sones, Sonya. One Of Those Hideous Books Where The Mother Dies. 2004. (YA Fiction Sones.S)

In this book Ruby's mother dies and she has to go on to her famous father's house and later finds out he is gay. And she breaks up with her boyfriend because he chooses her best friend. Now Sophie is all alone -- what will she do? (Sheila)

Ted Dekker. Chaos. 2009. (YA Fiction Dekke.T)

Chaos is an incredible, fiction story which is the the fourth volume of the Lost Books by Ted Dekker. It is about how a young boy, Johnis retrieves all the Books of History and whose hands it goes into, the right or wrong. One of the main characters in this story is a young seventeen year old, Darsal. Darsal is a young fighter who fights for her creator, Elyon. She is a master at shooting arrows and can get a bulls-eye one-hundred feet away. If you read the last three Lost Books, you must read this great story!(Kagen Q)

Draper, Sharon. Forged By Fire. 1998. (YA Fiction Drape.S)

"Forged by Fire" is about a boy named Gerald who tries to stop his abusive stepfather from beating his mother and stepsister. After spending six years with his aunt Queen while his mom spends time in jail for abusing him, Gerald goes back home to find that his mom has changed but is married to an abusive man named Jordan. Jordan abuses the family almost everyday. Gerald couldn't take it anymore so one day he ends up calling the police. Jordan was arrested, and sent to jail for six years. After six years, Jordan was released from jail, the family finds out that Jordan hasn't changed. One day Gerald and his mom went to work, and Jordan came home really drunk, and he tried to rape his daugther Angel, Gerald's stepsister. Suddenly a fire broke out in the building that they live in. Luckly Grerald came home and saw smoke coming out of a window. He ran into the house to save Angel from the fire, but what he saw was his stepfather trying to rape his stepsister. Gerald got into a fist fight with Jordan to protect Angel, he managed to get out of the house with Angel. Gerald ended up with a broken shin and a cut on his head, but Jordan did not make it out of the building, he died in the fire. (Rools Henry J.)

McDonald, Abby. Sophomore Switch. 2009. (YA Fiction Mcdon.A)

This is an interesting book about two different girls. Their names are Emily and Natasha. Natasha is American, while Emily is British. They did an exchange program for various reasons-Tasha to get away from America after "The Hot Tub Incident" and Em to get away from Britian and her ex-boyfriend. After not being able to fit in, Tasha IMs Emily, and they help each other learn how to have fun in the other girl's native country. (Valentia S.)

Doctorow, Cory. Little Brother. 2008. (YA Fiction Docto.C)

The setting of this fictional book, San Francisco, CA, is important because it's where Marcus Yallow, the main character, lives and goes to school. His three best friends, Vanessa, Darryl, and Jose-Luis, or Jolu, live in San Fransisco, too, along with Marcus's girlfriend, Angela, or Ange. But more significantly, San Fransisco is the place where a terrorist attack recently took place. Terrorists blew up the Bay Bridge, killing thousands of people-both on the bridge, and on the BART, or Bay Area Rapid Transit. Without this setting, the plot wouldn't make any sense. (Valentia S.)

Billingsley, ReShonda Tate. Nothing But Drama. 2008. (YA Fiction Billi.R)

This book was awesome!! It’s about four girls -- Camille, Angel, Alexis and Jasmine who each have reasons of why they have to attend the "Good Girlz Club". They learn how to respect each other, their parents/guardians and to respect God. I learned from this book that you shouldn't judge people by their outside, but from their inside; you should try to get to know them first. Instead of always jumping to conclusions. They learned many valuable lessons and became really great friends. I think this was a fascinating book. (Taylor J.)

Pfeffer, Susan Beth. The Dead And The Gone. 2008. (YA Fiction Pfeff.S)

Tragedy strikes Earth. The planet is sinking fast. The moon has moved closer to Earth, and is causing tidal waves, volcanic eruptions, and people to starve to death. How will Alex Morales survive trying to take care of his two little sisters without his parents or his older brother? The Dead and the Gone is a great book. I didn't like it as much as Life as we Knew It, but it was still good. I would recommend it to anyone who likes books about the end of the world, or books about people struggling to survive. It is really sad though, so don't read it if you hate sad books. All in all, it was a good book and I think a lot of people would like it. (Alison S.)

Dekker, Ted. Renegade. 2008. (YA Fiction Dekke.T)

The third, amazing, fiction novel by Ted Dekker, Renegade, is in the series of the Chosen books and tells how a sixteen-year-old, Johnis, must go to retrieve all the Lost Books of History because in the the hands of Teelah, all hope is lost. One of the main characters to this fantastic story is Billos. Billos is a young seventeen year old and is very stubborn. He meets with the Wicked One who calls himself Marsuvees Black. Black shows him around a place called Paradise and they use guns to shoot some people in the village to cause trouble. Later some men surround them and they are trapped. If you want to see what happens, read this great and thrilling story, Renegade. (Kagen Q.)

Klass, David. Firestorm. 2006. (YA Science Fiction Klass.D)

One day your life is normal, the next, big creatures are chasing you with weapons that are way too advanced for your time. They want you dead. You have no idea why they want to kill you, and you have no idea where you are running to. Jack Danielson is on a mission to save the world. He doesn't know what he is looking for, and is starting to believe that he doesn't belong among all the other people. He meets a telepathic dog that looks really strange, and goes on an exciting adventure. This book is very good and is really suspenseful. You think he is going to die, but then next thing you know, he got saved by something. It has a really good message about the environment and tells you what might happen if we don't do something. (Alison S.)

Klass, David. Whirlwind. 2008. (YA Science Fiction Klass.D)

Jack has found Firestorm and thinks he has saved the world's oceans. He goes back home to see P.J, but she is missing. Where is she? And who took her away? He gets in trouble and finds himself on another mission: to save P.J. Before he can really think, hes floating up in the sky, off to the Amazon. This sequel to Firestorm is even more suspenseful, and just as exciting. After I had read Firestorm, I thought, how can there be a sequel? He saved the oceans and now everything is better, right? Boy, was I wrong. I love this book, and I think anyone who likes adventure should read this book. (Alison S.)

Cabot, Meg. Jinx. 2007. (YA Fiction Cabot.M)

"Jinx you owe me a soda," was the first thing I thought of when I picked up this book. For all the witches in training you might like this book. I will not say that I hated it, but there was a strange sort of air about it. If you want modern witches, then read this book, if you want straight Harry Potter, maybe not. I'm somewhere in between. The romance of the book was mostly forced except for the two who really loved each other without witchcraft. This book proved that there are really scary people in the world that take bed time stories WAY to literally, but hey- what can you do. I did love this book for how the main character Jean, or the people who called her Jinx, was just so nice to everyone while there was an exact opposite in her family. So while being quiet about it, bring out your cauldron and cook up a spell to make you read for all eternity, but do be careful, your spell can backfire!!! (Clara L.)

Brashares, Ann. The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants. 2001. (YA Fiction Brash.A 2004)

"They stand for promise we made to one and another, that no matter what happens, we stick together. They stand for challenge too...We promised one another that someday we'd get out in the world and figure some stuff out." The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a touching story of four young girls who spend their first summer apart. Carmen, one of the girls, found The Pants at a second hand store with Lena. Soon after, they became a symbol for the love, friendship, and feelings that the four share. The Pants became a way for the four of them, Lena, Carmen, Tibby, and Bridget, to connect over the summer and allow each of them to carry a part of the others with them no matter how far apart they were. Each girl triumphs over fighting her first battle in The Traveling Pants. The book continues on to tell each personal story of the four girls and how the coarse of their summer plays out until they finally return together at the end.

Cabot, Meg. How To Be Popular. 2006. (YA Fiction Cabot.M)

Popular is a word that all of us have known since we started school. Well, at least I have. I think that everyone wants to be popular at one point or another in their school days. But this book really brings what you have to do to be popular. You have to be someone that you're not. Romance is a large part of being popular, you MUST date a popular person in order to stay popular. So I guess that How To Be Popular is really a book on how to completly dietroy your relationship with everyone else you are friends with. The real moral of the story is: Be yourself and everything will fall into place. (Clara L.)

Ralston, Aron. Between A Rock And A Hard Place. 2004. (YA 796.5223 Ralst.A & YA 796.5223 Ralst.A)

The main character and narrator of this true story, Aron Ralston, describes the time he was in Blue John Canyon, Utah. He was solo hiking and was going to go on a long bike ride, when he descended a cliff. He was dangling from a ledge, and with the help of his mountain gear, pressed his back againdt the southern wall and his left foot against the northern wall of the canyon. With his right foot, he kicked the chockstone boulder underneath him to see how stuck it eas in the cliff. It was stuck tightly enough to hold Aron's weight-or so he thought. When he gripped it, the boulder quaked and Aron let go of the boulder to drop down on the rocks below, knowing that the moving rock was trouble. The boulder dropped, smashed Aron's left hand against the rock, then pinned Aron's right hand and wrist so his arm disappeared between the canyon wall and the boulder. His right hand and wrist were stuck. He tried to free himself with force, hoping that he would be able to lift the boulder because of adrenaline. He braced the boulder with his thighs and tried to lift the rock to no avail. He drank a third of his water supply, then assesed the situation. Aron's hand was helping hold the boulder off the wall. Aron decided to brainstorm all the ways he could try to get out of the horrible situation. Most options seemed impossible. He considered many things including chipping away the rock that held his wrist. Throughout the length of time in which Aron was pinned against the wall, he remembered all his other near-death experiences, like when he almost drowned, survived an avalanche, fell off a cliff onto a cactus and many other thrilling, daring adventures. By day three, Aron had tried sawing through his right arm to be released. However, the blade was not sharp enough to do much. He videotaped himself trapped. By day four, Aron was all out of food and water, and had resorted to drinking his urine. He tried again to move the rock using his mountain gear and rigging. He also tried again to cut off his wrist. He managed to cut to the bone, but couldn't get through it. He prayed and videotaped himself talking about how he loved his sister and parents. At this time, Aron's friends were getting worried-especially when Aron didn't show up for work, as Aron never missed a day. Aron told the camera his funeral wishes, as he didn't think he would live. But later he had a change of heart and decided that he wouldn't die. Back in Colorado where Aron lived, his friends, manager, and parents were getting very worried. Aron had never gotten lost, so everyone figured he was hurt. In Utah, on day six of Aron's entrapment, the idea came to him that he could snap his arm by pressure and force. After he broke his bone, he sawed through the rest of his arm with his knife, took his pack, and managed to get out of his prison. He was stumbling across the canyon when he met a family of a man, woman, and son, named Eric, Monique, and Andy, from Holland. They saw how weak Aron was, and that he knew exactly what he needed: medical attention. So Monique and Andy ran for a rescue helicopter while Eric gave Aron a couple of Oreos and some water. The helicopter took Aron to a hospital where he was treated for bone infection from the knife and for his amputated arm. After officials with the help of mechanic machines moved the eight-hundred-pound boulder, Aron's hand was retrieved and cremated. Aron watched the news of his recovery on CNN. Aron was trapped by the boulder for six days without much food and water. The fact that he survived and was so brave is amazing. (Valentia S.)

Draper, Sharon. Tears Of A Tiger. 1994. (YA Fiction Drape.S)

This book, "Tears Of A Tiger", was a very interesting yet sad book. It all starts when the Hazelwood High basketball team has won a game, four students agree to celebrate their victory. They decided to have a drink, and ended up in a terrible car crash. Robert Washington, the captain of the basketball team, gets pinned inside the car, then the car explodes and he ends up dead. The other three were able to get out. All three of the friends will never forget this tragic night. The driver, Andrew Jackson, blames the death of Robert on himself since he was the driver. After the accident, Andrew's life changed, he became very depressed. (Rools Henry J.)

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Found. 2008. (J Haddi.M)

This book was so interesting because the prologue is so awesome. It starts off very boring but gets really good at the end. So it starts with a boy that goes to school and just got a friend, both him and his friend are adopted. Then he figure more about himself and then gets himself to a lot of trouble, like going to the FBI. Then he meets up with people from the future who have guns and stuff. This is an awesome book. I haven't read the sequel, but I think it's going to be really good. (Atul K.)

Flake, Sharon. Who Am I Without Him? : Short Stories About Girls And The Boys In Their Lives. 2004. (JrHigh Flake.S)

This book was a great book. Its not an ordinary book; its a book with different life-like stories of relationships. For instance, one story was about a group of church girls that are not allowed to date. They're pretty much on lockdown from seeing boys and wearing provocative clothing. The pastor's daughter is the main leader of this group. She talks everybody into hanging out at the basketball court late at night. They run into trouble with another group of girls who like to fight. The parents of the church girls ended up being called and they were picked up, and they were reprimanded. They learned a valuable lesson from that situation. (Taylor J.)

Stewart, Trenton Lee. The Mysterious Benedict Society. 2007. (YA Fiction Stewa.T)

"The Mysterious Benedict Society" was a great book that truly was mysterious. There were many twists and turns which kept the book very interesting throughout. Reynard Mouldon, an orphan living in the city, was drinking tea with his tutor when an article in the newspaper caught his eye. The advertisement said that they were looking for young talented children. Reynard fit all of those descriptions. That morning Reynard reported to the cathedral like the article instructed. At the cathedral he was given a test. He passed this test with ease and then moved on to the next stage of the test, passing this as well. The third test was not a typical test, however Reynard passed again. Out of the hundreds of kids that started the test, it was only Reynard and three other children who passed all of them. These four kids were very curious by the end of the day as to what these tests were all about. It turns out that these are the only kids fit for a hard, dangerous, but essential mission. I strongly recommend this book in order to experience the suspenseful and exciting mission endured by the children. (John M.)

Kent, Rose. Kimchi & Calamari. 2007. (YA Fiction Kent.R)

"Kimchi and Calamari" is a book about an eighth grader named Joseph who is Korean but was adopted by an Italian family. During the book Joseph and his friend Nash try to look for Joseph's birth mother and when they get so close it turns it that the person they once thought was really not Joseph's birth mother. But even though Joseph did not find his birth mother he made a new friend. (Christopher)

Cabot, Meg. Being Nikki : [an Airhead Novel]. 2009. (YA Fiction Cabot.M)

A turn for the more strange could be a more accurate saying for this sequel to Meg Cabot's first book "Airhead.' Even though it left me wanting more, I did feel while i was reading it, that i really didn't want to be reading it. The best part was when I finished it because I was able to sit on the book and really think about it, and make myself want to read the next book. Now after I read all the other books I have I will go back to the library and get the next book Runaway. Hopefuly I will feel like reading it, and not wanting it to be over already. (Clara L.)

Dekker, Ted. White. 2004. (Fiction Dekke.T)

White is the final and extremley addicting book of Ted Dekker's circle trilogy. Thomas Hunter is running out of time in the present world as the airborn disease spreads from continent to continent. Thomas must find the cure no matter what the cost. In the future world, Thomas is taken prisoner by the Horde and must find a way out. In the meantime, he is helping Chelise, the daughter of Qurong, Teeleh's servant, read the amazingly powerful books of History. He is in a tight spot in both worlds. What wil he do? (Nikko Q.)

Dekker, Ted. Infidel. 2008. (ON ORDER YA)

The second, amazing novel & graphic novel in "The Lost Books" series tells about finding more Books of History. One of the main characters is a young sixteen year old girl whose name is Silvie. Silvie is a sweet and kind girl. She loves fighting, war, and action and is a master at throwing knives. Silvie worships Elyon, the Creator of all and Silvie must bathe in the lakes of Elyon every day so she will not catch a disease called Horde. The Horde makes your skin gray, painful and crack and bleed easily. Silvie and a sixteen year old boy, Johnis go to retrieve all the lost Books of History, for in the wrong hands they can destroy the world. This fantastic book has both romance and betrayal. If you like action stories and swordfighting, you will certainly like this book. (Kagen Q.)

Billingsley, Franny. The Folk Keeper. 1999. (YA Fiction Billi.F)

This book is about a girl named Corinna Stonewall, who pretends to be a boy and calls herself Corin. Her job is Folk Keeper at a manor. As folk keeper, she takes care of the folk there. The folk are fierce, evil creatures that have magical powers. They try to harm Corinna, and she uses many charms to ward them off when she feeds them. Corinna has a few unusual powers. She knows the time no matter what and even without a clock. Her hair grows 2 inches every night, and it helps her navigate, so she can move around a crowded room with her eyes closed, without bumping into anything. She eventually stops pretending to be a boy, and falls in love with somebody. She then inherits the manor, and lives happily ever after. (Vanessa)

Cabot, Meg. Airhead. 2008. (YA Fiction Cabot.M)

When I first read the inside cover for this book, I didn't relize that it whould have anything to do with what actually would happen. Yet the supermodel on the front did suggest that a slight tomboy like me wouldn't want to read it. When I got more into the book, I knew that you REALLY couldn't judge a book by its cover. At first I read about twelve pages, but the next day I couldn't put it down. This book really was everything you wouldn't expect from the cover and the inside cover, but it was the most satifying books I have ever read. Now I can't wait until I can go get the book that came after. Books can eat you up, but this one might just make you an Airhead. (Clara L.)

Han, Jenny. Shug. 2006. (YA Fiction Han.J)

When reading the book Shug, I realized that all normal middle schoolers' lives are really either horrible or the best. Shug shows that there really is a hierarchy at modern day schools. You get separated from your best friends who you thought were your friends when they actually turn out to put you down because you are just enough different that you don't belong. Shug is a book that is mostly for new middle schooler, but reading it when you're going into eighth grade opens your eyes to realize that your life is actually like that, too.

Kinsella, Sophie. Confessions Of A Shopaholic. 2001. (Fiction Kinse.S)

Becky Bloomwood lives in a chic and urban neighborhood in London, where she can do all her shopping - jewelry, clothes, shoes, and accesories - and she thinks she has it all. The bore of her day is her job as a financial advisor, but she's anything but. She finds herself in a mountain of debt, yet she buys the fabulous Denny & George scarf. Becky gets caught up in lies and more debt as she tries to avoid her debt collector as a shopaholic. We liked this book because Becky is like a typical girly girl - she loves to shop and get into the gotta-have new trends. We reccomend this book to any girl who is up for a day of shopping and laughs.

Westerfeld, Scott. Specials. 2006. (YA Fiction Weste.S)

Specials is the third in a series. This series follows Tally, a 16 year old girl who lives in a future version of our earth. Following Uglies and Pretties, this book looks at another segment of her life. It really makes you think about how the government could become. While Tally lives in a world where everyone can be pretty, this causes everyone who has not had The Operation to be called ugly. A good pick for science-fiction fans and maybe also for a person who hasn't really read much science-fiction. My advice, start at the beginning of the series. (Margaret C.)

Dekker, Ted. Chosen. 2008. (YA Fiction Dekke.T)

Chosen by Ted Dekker is a fiction story about the quest of some very important books, one of seven which lays in the hands of one young teen scrapper (the main character) who's name is Johnis. Johnis is a young 16 year old and is very intelligent in fighting strategies. He and three other friends who were also chosen are on a quest to protect their village. Johnis and his friends also are on a secret quest which only they can know about. Their journey is to retrieve all the lost Books of History. In the wrong hands the Books of History can destroy and create a new present and future. The wonderful book Chosen has a lot of brutal action and superior fighting skills . I would recommend this book to the sort of people who like action, fighting and suspense. I would rate this terrific book five stars because it shows many strong characteristics like, teamwork, affection, and fighting for what you believe in. (Kagen Q.)

McNamee, Graham. Bonechiller. 2008. (YA Fiction Mcnam.G)

"Bonechiller," like McNamee's previous book "Acceleration," is a thrilling tale. Bonechiller follows the epic adventure of a boy named Danny and his friends who are battling a monster in the frigid ghost town of Harvest Cove. Danny and his friends are struggling against a century old monster who has perfected the art of killing in the most unique and unstoppable way. Once Danny and his friend are at risk, they will stop at nothing to figure out how to stop the monster, and save their lives. But while they are trying to research how to slay the beast, they realize Harvest Cove has a history of disappearances. All the disappearances have several things in common -->

Simone, Ni-Ni. Shortie Like Mine. 2008. (YA Fiction Simon.N)

In this book, Seven had to make many choices when she dated Josiah. Josiah wanted to have sex with Seven, but Seven refused. She kept thinking of her sister and how she got pregnant. I recommend this book to anyone who likes drama. It's a really great story. (Lexie H.)

Kerner, Charlotte. Blueprint. 2000. (YA Science Fiction Kerne.C)

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be a clone? Look the same as someone else, talk the same, think in the same way, laugh the same, even move the same? Now picture that person not just as your twin, but your mother too. This is what life was like for Siri Sellin. She was faced with a big problem. That problem was that she couldn't say I. She was a copy, a clone, a blueprint of her twin/mother. She was exactly the same as Iris. She didn't have her own identity. She was just Iris Sellin, but a generation younger. Iris made Siri's life as close to possible as hers. I think this book is very good and i would recommend it to anyone who likes sci-fi and books without a lot of dialogue. (Alison S.)

Dekker, Ted. Black. 2004. (Fiction Dekke.T)

Black is the first book in Ted Dekker's amazing trilogy. It is about a young man of about 20 years old named Thomas Hunter. One day when he falls asleep he ends up in another world that is supposedly many years in to the future of ours. He is told he is in the time when the world is about to end and takes responsibility to save it. He finds out that both worlds are connected and that he can influence certain people by influencing them in the world of his dreams. In both worlds he is fighting to defeat an evil being who has the idea of world domination through evil ways. Read this book to find out how his journey begins and how his life is changed. (Nikko Q.)

Dekker, Ted. Red: The Heroic Rescue. 2004. (Fiction Dekke.T)

Red is the second book in Ted Dekker's exciting and addicting trilogy. Thomas Hunter continues his adventure between our world and another that he enters through his dreams and is supposedly many years into the future. He has grown stronger and more mature in the world of his dreams after the long time he has spent there. He has not been back to the world of the present for a very long time. He has now become a very important person in the future world, is now called Thomas of Hunter, and has to lead his people to victory over Teeleh and his followers th Horde. He also finds out that his wife is connected to someone in the present world that can help stop the virus that will soon end the world. Also, there is a man on the rise in his village named Justin. He is gathering followers and appears to be a traitor because he wants to make make peace with the Horde. Join Thomas of Hunter as he and his loved ones seek to destroy evil for good. (Nikko Q.)

Levithan, David. Boy Meets Boy. 2005. (YA Fiction Levit.D)

"Boy Meets Boy" by David Levithan, is a great book. It is a very well-written story about a Paul, a boy who is very comfortable in his own skin and in his own community, who starts a relationship with the new boy in town, Noah. Not only does this book explore the difficulties of starting a new relationship while dealing with the difficulties of fighting with friends and fending off a suddenly overeager ex-boyfriend, but it also deals with the difficulties of fitting in and the freedom of being yourself. One of the most interesting characters in the book is Infinite Darlene, a transgendered 6′3″ homecoming queen and star quaterback. While almost everyone is accepted for who they are in this town (the town doesn’t have Boy Scouts they have Joy Scouts) they do disscuss the difficulties of fitting in in other parts of America. And Tony, one of Paul’s closest friends, has very religious parents who love him so much that they are trying to turn him straight so that his soul might be saved. This book has many layers but it also has all the ingredients of a very good summer read with comedy and romance. (Zoe E.)

Williams, Carol Lynch. The Chosen One. 2009. (YA Fiction Willi.C)

"The Chosen One" by Carol Lynch Williams manages to be sweet, sad, and disturbing all at once. It tells the story of Kyra, a thirteen-year-old girl who lives in a compound for people who call themselves Chosen Ones, their lives dictated by Prophet Childs. Prophet Childs announces that he has had a vision showing that it is God’s will that Kyra be married to a man who already has six wives, a man who is her very strict and greedy sixty-year-old uncle. Kyra fights the desicion every step of the way and her family backs her, even if there isn’t much they can do about it. Readers will also find themselves rooting for Kyra and hoping that she won’t be stuck in what seems like a bleak future. Kyra is afraid that this is happening to her because she has sinned by meeting with Josh, the boy that she really wants to spend the rest of her life with, and by going to a bookmobile and reading forbidden books. Kyra’s strength is admirable and the topic is thought-provoking. It shows what can happen when people start to think that they are above the laws and know best, and how they can ruin others’ lives. The book is over all well written and an engaging coming of age story. It manages to show a realistic yet harsh reality and give hope. (Zoe E.)

Horowitz, Anthony. Raven's Gate. 2005. (YA Fiction Horow.A)

Raven's Gate was a very good book. The main character, Matt Freeman, is very believable and realistic. In the beginning, Matt lives with his aunt, who he hates. When he breaks into a warehouse with a friend for some quick money, disaster strikes. A security guard catches them and ends up stabbed. Matt finds himself in a foster home. From there he discovers that everyone in his new town, including his foster mom, is evil. They are trying to open a gate, called Raven's Gate, that will - to put it nicely - bring about the end of the world if it is opened. Matt tries to find help, but everyone who tries to help him ends up murdered. In the end, Matt and a journalist friend, Richard, make sure that Raven's Gate stays closed. (Sam F.)

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. 2008. (YA Science Fiction Colli.S)

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins is a fascinating and engaging read. The book follows a 16-year-old girl Katniss who is living in the 12th district of Panem, a country which has risen out of the ashes of North America. Every year they have something called The Hunger Games, where one girl and boy from each district is chosen to fight to the death on live television. The main character, Katniss’s younger sister, is chosen and Katniss volunteers to take her place. This is a riveting book, but it was disappointing that it was the start of a series. A solid ending, rather than a suspenseful one would’ve been more satisfying. There is a lot of brutal violence, but the meaningful relationships that Katniss makes, and the classy way in which the violence is shown in the book, make up for it. Although it is a coming of age story of a girl, I think that boys and girls alike would enjoy this novel. (Zoe E.)

Meyer, Stephenie. Twilight. 2005. (YA Fiction Meyer.S)

Isabella Swan, Bella, is a seventeen-year-old girl from Phoenix, Arizona who moves to Forks, Washington after her mother remarries. Her stepfather, Phil, travels a lot so Bella moves to Forks with her dad so her mother can travel with Phil. Once Bella gets there she finds out that Forks is very small and rainy. That makes it very easy for her to spot the five strange but beautiful Cullens amongst the rest of the high-school students. Bella has one of her classes with Edward Cullen, but they get off on the wrong foot. Or so Bella thinks...Everyone agrees that there is something very odd about the Cullens, and Bella is dying to know their shocking secret. Twilight is a definite page-turner, but has a slow beginning. Don't let the slow beginning stop you, though, it does speed up. I thought that the book and the concept were very interesting and I'm excited about reading the sequel, New Moon. I hope that it is just as shocking as Twilight! (Anu R.)

Kubo, Tite. Bleach. 2004. (YA 741.5952 Kubo.T)

Kurosaki never asked for the ability to see ghosts. But he was born with the gift. When his family was attacked by a hollow, a malevolent lost soul, Ichigo became a soul reaper. (Jamie S.)

Wilkinson, Carole. Garden Of The Purple Dragon. 2007. (J Wilki.C)

When Ping and Kai start off in the mountains, it is Ping's chance to be a good Dragon Keeper and take care of Kai. When the emperor forgives Kai and Ping for staying in the mountains and then allows them to stay there, this should give comfort, but Ping is taking that comfort way into her head. Also she is letting Kai do whatever he wants and that I think that she is not a responsible dragon keeper. When the necromancer attacks at various times, Ping doesn't realize that she has to practice her qi so that she can defeat the necromancer. This book has a sad ending but i'm sure that when the series ends everything will be good. This is an awesome book!! (Pradeep)

Flake, Sharon. The Skin I'm In. 1998. (YA Fiction Flake.S)

This book is about a girl named Maleeka who gets teased by other teens. It gets even worse when Mrs. Sanders comes along. She's kind of a “freakish teacher,” as Maleeka would say. She wears handmade clothes and makes the teasing of Maleeka worse. Char hates the fact that Caleb likes Maleeka. (Sheila S.)

Stanley, Diane. The Mysterious Case Of The Allbright Academy. 2008. (J Stanl.D)

This is a very good book with alot of mysteries. Franny, the main character in the book, is starting to go to Allbright but she thinks the only reason she got in was because of her sister Zoe. (Maya B.)

Brown, Dan. The Da Vinci Code. 2003. (YA Fiction Brown.D)

This book is a wonderful mystery-- it's suspensful, has tons of unexpected twists, and is action-filled, though a little creepy at times. Set mainly in paris, the author describes the setting so well it makes me feel like I've been there. From the Louvre, where the murder occurs, to an opus dei church, the mental images are vivid. Overall it's a great read.

Hale, Shannon. Austenland : A Novel. 2007. (Fiction Hale.S)

When a rich aunt leaves Austen-lover Jane Hayes a trip to an Austen-themed vacation place in her will, Jane sees it as a way to kick her obsession for good. But once she gets there it may not be so easy. At first she feels ridiculous in her empire waist gown and bonnet-- "like an adult playing dressup," but soon she gets into the game. With lively characters and an unexpected ending, this is a great book that's hard to put down. (Emma C.)

Goodman, Allegra. The Other Side Of The Island. 2008. (YA Science Fiction Goodm.A)

This review is about the main character in "The Other Side of the Island," Honor. If she got stuck in a really high tree, how would she get down? I, personally think that she would keep one of those pocket knives with a saw on it, and she would spend the entire day sawing the tree down. I think this because at most times in the book, Honor was always prepared to fight. That is why I think she would keep one of those pocket knives with her. Also the whole story is her rebelling against Mother earth (the authority figure, and also the corrupt government leader that she is resisting), who is obsessed with supporting earth so I think that Honor would be more then happy to cut a tree down. That is why I think that is how she would get down. (Zane T.)

Meyer, Stephenie. Breaking Dawn. 2008. (YA Fiction Meyer.S)

The last book of the Twilight saga was amazing. There were so many different things happening at once that your head feels like spinning out of control. There are so many secrets opening up. (Vanessa J.)

Simone, Ni-Ni. Shortie Like Mine. 2008. (YA Fiction Simon.N)

"Shortie Like Mine" is about a girl named Seven. She is very popular and has lots of friends.Later on in the book she dates Josiah, the hottest baller in school! (Sheila S.)

Wilkinson, Carole. Dragon Moon. 2008. (J Wilki.C)

This is an awesome book and it really represents how Kai and ping are really getting along. When Carole Wilkinson starts off with soldiers attacking the Beibai palace It feels scary but then she has to leave to a dragon hideout. Now it feels weird because why would she go from a lovely place where she is protected and is cared for. Also Kai is taken care of. Well once she found the empeoer it is scary, but it really isn't. Then she finds jun who a company's her all the way to the mountain where secret hideout is. They gotten there because of an old dragon keeper who dies while going there. When they reach they found other dragons who had known Danzi. Once she finds out she is not wanted there it is sad. Then one dragon insults Danzi and then Kai challenges him to a duel where both of them get hurt, but everything works out. Then ping herself decided that she would leave because she knew the other dragons would take care of Kai. It is a sad ending but the book is very thrilling. (Atul K.)

Bell, Ted. Nick Of Time. 2008. (JrHigh Bell.T)

This story is about a boy who love boats and captains. I found the reason why it was called nick of time because nick (which is the boys name) goes back in time. The boy loves this  sailor and whenever he is in trouble he says the sailors prayer. The book is engaging because it is in between world war I and world war II. The cool part about nick is that he can ride a boat when he is 12 years old. I am 12 and i don't even know boat names. This book is very engaging and everyone should read it. Go nick of time!!Atul K.)

Woodson, Jacqueline. Peace, Locomotion. 2009. (J Woods.J)

This book is about a boy who talks about his life, war, and family. The very interesting thing about this book is that it is all in letters that he is sending to his sister. This is very enjoyable book about the Iraq war. He is turning twelve in this book. He and his sister are apart and don't see each other. Also his name is Locomotion and since he starts in the middle of the book to talk about peace i think the book was called Peace Locomotion. Even thought the foster family is trying to get them to see each other it just doesn't work. It is sad how they are separated but happy to see that there are still keeping in touch. I just hope his sister doesn't move because with so many letters i think the person there might think something happened to the postal service! This is a thrilling book even though there are letters only. It is really good and i hope people like it.(Atul K.)

Rowling, J.K.. Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. 2000. (J Rowli.J)

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger enter their fourth year at Hogwarts. Harry awakes at The Burrow before departing with the Weasley family and Hermione for the Quidditch World Cup. After the introduction to the game, there is a temporal jump to that evening, when the camp is attacked by Death Eaters. Harry and the others run away from the scene wherein Harry witnesses the Dark Mark being cast into the sky by an unknown man.Back at Hogwarts Albus Dumbledore announces during the welcoming feast that the school will host the Triwizard Tournament.two names are from hogwarts cedric diggory and harry potter.they go through four absticals.Voldemort summons Death Eaters, and reveals that a servant of his at Hogwarts ensured that Harry would participate in the tournament, win it, and thus be brought to the graveyard. Harry tries to disarm Voldemort with the Expelliarmus spell, at exactly the same time as Voldemort uses the Avada Kedavra. The two curses meet and interlock, causing a bond between the wands that displays the echoes of Voldemort's most recent murdered victims, including Cedric, James and Lily Potter. The "echoes" provide protection to Harry, allowing him to escape with Cedric's body and leaving Voldemort behind in a rage.

Levine, Gail Carson. The Two Princesses Of Bamarre. 2001. (J Levin.G)

This book is about a girl who's sister catches a deadly disease called the Gray Death. Addie then leaves in search of the cure. She faces many adventures while searching. I think Addie is a very brave girl throughout the whole book even though she doesn't know it. The way she gets rid of the ogre and stabs the dragon show that she was very brave.I wish I was as brave as she was. I thought the ending was very stupid. I thought that Addie should find the cure and save her sister not have the fairies turn Mreyl into a fairy because she was to close to death for the cure to work. Turning her into a fairy was her only choice. I thought that was stupid. but other then that I loved the book. I would suggest it to everybody.(Caitlin W.)

Levine, Gail Carson. The Wish. 2000. (YA Fiction Levin.G)

The Wish is about a girl who is very unpopular. Then she met an old lady who, after doing a good deed, gave her a wish. Wilma wished, "I want to be the most popular kid at Clavorford." Then she realized that she would be graduating from Clavorford in a month! the book is about her trying to keep herself popular later. I think Wilma is a kind character. Before the wish she ignored people and pretended like they didn't exist. But, after the wish, she helped a girl like herself, someone who was unpopular, have a friend, by becoming a friend. I loved this book and i would suggest it to everyone.(Caitlin W.)

Gaiman, Neil. Coraline. 2002. (YA Fiction Gaima.N)

This book is about a girl name coraline, and she moves in a new house that has 21 windows and thriteen doors and close, but one of the doors is lock. so coraline unlocked the door and found a small door and she opens the door and it was another flat to her but different it was better food and the toy box was filled with wind-up angles and there dinosaus skulls and there was a new mom and dad they wnated coraline to be there littel girl but they wanted to change her like how they are and would not let her go thet had other kids but there trapped there to and there souls are behind the mirrors but coraline can help them but she has to fight for them to rescue themand she did rescue them and she escape from the land.(Raven B.)

Curtis, Christopher Paul. Bud, Not Buddy. 1999. (J Curti.C)

This book is about a boy named bud. He was an orphan who mother had died and he is trying to find his father. Bud went every where to find him but instead he found his grandfather who he thought was his father in a paper so he try to things out with him and find all the information he needs to know.(Khadya W.)

Pelzer, Dave. A Child Called "it" : One Child's Courage To Survive. 1995. (YA 362.76 Pelze.D)

A young child name Dave who's mother abuses him at a young age. Dave struggles to get away from his abusive,alcoholic mother the only thing that keeping him from running to the police is the fact that he loves her to much.(Amber J.)

Grimes., Nikki. Bronx Masquerade. 2003. (YA Fiction Grime.N)

Its about a teenagers in high school, who goes to a poetry class, and they is expressing there feelings by doing poetry. They poetry they wrote is mostly about love, violent, hatred, and self confidence. (Tara D.)

Applegate, Katherine. Home Of The Brave. 2009. (YA Fiction Apple.K)

This book is about a boy named Kek who come from Africa to here and loves cows. He is about 12 and his dad and brother died and people are searching for his mother. What is funny is that he call tv, a tv machine and relates everything that he has to cattle. His cousin is in America and tells him about things and is a little jealous, because Kek gets all the attention. Soon Kek realizes what are things and starts to find a job. Then what do you know, he finds a job in a farm with cow that is very sad. In the end he finds his mom and tells her about all the different things in America. This is a very funny story and there is a lot of wisdom to. Everyone should read Home of the Brave if they have a sense of mind.(Atul K)

Draper, Sharon M.. Darkness Before Dawn. 2002. (YA Fiction Drape.S 2002)

This is a good book its about a girl who finds her inner self. Her friend's boyfriend just died so she stays behind her friend all the time. Her principle's son just came in she has a little crush on him but really doesn't really like him. Finally, it gets weirder when he starts inviting her every where with him she feels uncomfortable around him(Brittany S)

Brashares, Ann. Forever In Blue : The Fourth Summer Of The Sisterhood. 2007. (YA Fiction Brash.A)

"And so for a long time we sat and watched in silence because the seam was invisible and the color was eternity. And I thought about the color and I realized what blue it was. It was the soft and changeable, essential blue of a well-worn pair of pants." Forever in blue is the fourth and last addition to the Sisterhood series. It all comes to a close when the girls realize that they no longer have a physical home together and that they must learn to visit one another to keep their friendship strong. The pants kept them together over distance and helped them one last time before they were lost. The Pants final gift to Bridget, Carmen, Lena, and Tibby was to bring them all together once again, in Greece. This book is a must-read if you enjoyed the other three in the series, it pulls to a close the wonderful and magical bond that these four girl share. Also giving the reader a satisfying and happy ending!