Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A Higher Geometry by Sharelle Byars Moranville

Anna Conway, a 16-year-old girl, has lots of talent when it comes to math. Her dream is to go to college, but her parents have other plans in mind. This book is amazing and great for those who love math, as well as a good book. This read is perfect for ages 12 and up.

Symona S., grade 8

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

The main idea in the book is that Kat, Hale Simon, Gabrielle Hamish, and Angus are all teenagers who are professional thieves who are going to steal the "cursed" Cleopatra Emerald for what they think is a good cause. The positive elements in the book is that you learn a little bit of art history. I recommend this book to teens.

Sammy P., grade 6

White Fang by Jack London

This is the story of White Fang, a wolf dog who is forced to learn and obey the harsh laws of the Alaskan wilderness. In the end, though, White Fang wins the game of life, not by being the toughest or most ruthless, but by learning to love. The The most interesting part of the book is the way White Fang's thinking is described. I have always wondered how animals think. Do they "think" like we do, forming connections and theories? I am sure research has been conducted along these lines, but Jack London has described animal's internal life in a poetic way. While White Fang's thoughts are less acute and more strictly focused than ours, he definitely thinks. White Fang strategizes, figures out relationships and most importantly, deduces rules and even simple philosophies from his experiences. This view of a dog's mind seems to apply to every dog. I know, so Jack London must have hit upon some truth. Well, maybe I'm wrong. I don't even own a dog. You should read White Fang and decide for yourself.

Raymond G., grade 8

Hold Still by Nina LaCour

Hold Still is a great book about friendship and loss. When Caitlin's best friend Ingrid dies, she has to deal with life a whole different way. No one understands her. Then one night, she finds Ingrid's diary and it guides her through new friendships, love, and letting go, and most importantly, the truth behind the pain the person Caitlin knew best.

It is an engrossing, original, and aching read. Read this book by Nina LaCour! Recommended for everyone eleven and up.

Hayden C., grade 6

Angel : A Maximum Ride Adventure by James Patterson

The theme of this book is that the dooms day group is trying to eliminate mankind and Max tries to stop it. It is good because it pulls you in and keeps you on your feet. I recommend it to Maximum Ride lovers and teens.

Jack P., grade 8

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Gemma, a naive teenager, is kidnapped by Ty and is taken to the middle of nowhere. As Gemma is isolated and trapped, she has to learn more about her kidnapper in order to escape. This book is exciting in many ways and is the least bit predictable. This book is great for ages 12 and up.

Symona S., grade 8

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

This book is about a 15-year old alien named Daniel Jones from the planet Lorien. He and his guardian, Henri, ran away from the Mogadorians, another race of aliens who are trying to hunt down Daniel and other Loriens, who make the Garde. The Garde all have special powers. I would recommend this book to kids who like science fiction. I think that ages 11 and up would enjoy this book.

Cade O., grade 6

Looking for JJ by Anne Cassidy

The main idea in this story is Alice is a girl who is abandoned by her mom. She is put in a correctional facility for murdering a ten-year-old girl and then gets put on trial and stays at the correctional facility. Six years after, she is released. The positive element in this book is that the chapters shift off from past and present. I think people of all ages should read this book.

Sammy P., grade 6

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

Terra has a port-wine birthmark on her cheek. She has taken many surgeries that failed to remove it. When she almost gets into a car accident, Terra and Jacob, a Chinese boy she almost runs over becomes her good friend. Jacob teaches her to enjoy the way she looks. As they grow closer together, there is one problem. How is she going to explain to Erik, her boyfriend. I recommend this for teens.

Rachel B., grade 8

Only the Good Spy Young (The Gallagher Girls series)by Ally Carter

This book is very good! It's about these girls who go to an all girls spy school. When Cammie comes back to school after the summer where she found out that many people are after her, things aren't the same. Everything is very different, including her teacher. Throughout the story Cammie and her friends figure out who their teacher really is. Mr. Solomon is a double-agent! During the story many secrets are unraveled including the truth about Cammie's father. Is Joe Solomon a double-agent or is he innocent? This book is a page turner! I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery. Ages 10-14.

Chloe L., grade 6

Rash by Pete Hautman

The theme is to learn from your environment. In this book, a boy named Bo was sent to prison. While there, he learned that life is not fair and that sometimes people make you do things that you don't want to do. I liked this book a lot because it was interesting and funny. I also liked the layout of the story. I would recommend this book to 7th and 8th graders.

Emily D., grade 6

Magic Can Be Murder by Vivan Vande Velde

This book is about a girl named Nola. She is no witch, but she has some spells up her sleeve. She travels with her crazy mother when Nola witness someone's death and is framed for the crime. I thought this book had an interesting theme to it since I love studying about the Salem Witch Trials. It also had a great main idea that appealed to me, but it was a little slow and predictable. I recommend this book to anyone who likes action and fantasy.

Hayden C., grade 6

Audrey, Wait by Robin Benway

Audrey's life is suddenly turned upside down just because of one song. Being famous isn't always a good thing. She has papparatzi hiding in her yard and everything she does somehow appears on the front cover of a magazine.

Fiona B., grade 8

Mystery of the Pirate's Map (Boxcar Children series) by Gerturde Chandler Warner

The youngest of the Alden kids, Benny, finds the fourth piece of a long lost map. The Aldens go through lots of trouble to discover the other parts of the maps from the owner of the other three pieces, Mr. Walker. When they finally find the treasure, they discover the true treasure is to take back all the obsession in finding this treasure. I recommend this book for ages 7 to 11.

Madeleine W., grade 6

Monday, November 21, 2011

Running Dream By Wendelin Van Draanen

In the Running Dream, high-school track star Jessica loses one of her legs and must adjust to her situation. This story seems very real. This is partly because of the detailed moving explanation of the physical recovery process after amputation. The story also seems genuine because Jessica's feelings are understandable and all the characters are believable. The writing is poetic, readable, and engaging. I'd recommend this book to readers who are interested in sports-themed or inspiring books.

Jasmine C., grade 8

River Secrets by Shannon Hale

River Secrets is about a boy who goes to a different land and meets a red-headed girl. The girl, Dasha, secretly knows how to communicate with water and control it. Once they meet, all kinds of trouble is brewing and they save the day! Great for ages 8 and up.

Makena D., grade 6

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

Chloe is sent to live at Lyle House, a house for troubled teens. She can see dead people and two boys at the home tell her she is a necromancer. With the two boys, Simon and Derek, she learns how to communicate with spirits. This book has horror and mystery. It is perfect for teens who like tread about supernaturals.

Rachel B., grade 8

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Bianca is forced by her parents to go to a depressing and creepy school called Evernight. All the kids there treat her differently and when Bianca feels hopeless, she meets a boy named Lucas. He seems nice but things at Evernight are never as they seem....

Fiona B., grade 8

Scorch Trials by James Dashner

Scorch Trials is about Thomas and his friends who have just escaped the maze and are trying to find the cure to a disease they have been given. I really love the humor of his best friend Minho. I would recommend this book for 4th grade and up.

Sarah B., grade 7

New Boy by Julian

Black boy in school! The whole school is aware especially the ferocious gangs. Rob goes to a boarding school and takes on the challenge of being an outcast. He meets a friend, Vincent, who is also very unwanted. They help each other out no matter what the situation is. Vincent gives up and attends special classes with Rob and takes on the challenge. Young adults will enjoy this book.

James S., grade 8

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Department 19 by Will Hill

One day, Jamie's father was shot dead by mysterious men wearing black armor. A few years later, Jamie was attacked by vampires and his mom was captured by Alexandru, the oldest and cruelest vampire in the world. Worried, Jamie was brought to Department 19, the most classified department in the government. With the weapons he needs to kill the vampires and monsters in his way, will he find his mother in time?

I recommend this book to people ages 13 and up who like action and adventure.

Jessica T., grade 8

Freefall by Mindi Scott

This romantic book is a story about a sixteen-year-old boy named Seth. His life has been changed ever since he found his best friend dead. Then he meets Rosetta, but he then learns some of her deepest secrets. This book is recommended for high school students because of certain events that occur and the strong language that is used throughout the book.

Emily S., grade 8

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Heist Society is somewhat like a modern Nancy Drew book. This book is full of detective work, spies, and a big mystery. This book is great for people who love mysteries with a plot twist. This is the first book in Ally Carter's latest series! Read the book!

Caitlyn Y., grade 7

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

Ruby is sent to live with her sister and her sister's husband when her mother disappears. Her life drastically changes as she begins to live a life of luxury. Her neighbor, Nate, helps her fit in but there are problems in his own house that he refuses to deal with. Will it tear them apart? Lock and Key is a fantastic story that will attract teens who love romance novels.

Rachel B., grade 8

Monday, November 07, 2011

Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houch

I recommend this book for its smoothness and perfect flow from one event to another. But this book is not for the light-hearted and young, only teenagers. If you can choke past the gooey romance, this really is a good book featuring two Indian princes and an American girl. One prince is captured and Kelsey and Kishan go on a mission to rescue him and break another part of a very annoying curse. Did I mention both princes are also 300 year old tigers?

Tiffany C., grade 8

Beowoulf : A New Telling by Robert Nye

Hrothgar, King of the Danes, builds a great golden hall, but it is attacked every night by the monster Grendel. All the warriors who fight Grendel are dismembered and eaten. Beowulf hears of Hrothgar's distress and travels to Denmark to fight the monster. Beowulf is a warrior who is not perfect, but he turns the things he knows are limitations (poor eyesight and short stature) into advantages. For instance, to overcome his poor eyesight, he trains himself to be quick and to concentrate. Despite its age, the story of Beowulf has a lesson that is still applicable today : "The truly good man finds good where he can".

Raymond G., grade 8

Just One Wish by Janette Rallison

Annika's brother is getting ready for surgery and she would do anything to fulfill her brother's wish. He wants the actor who plays teen Robin Hood to give him a visit. With an adventure filled with a giant snake, bows and arrows, and many others, will Annika make it back on time? I recommend this book for people who like adventures and those who wish to meet a superstar!

Jessica T., grade 8

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist is about a young boy who is an orphan. In his childhood, he meets many people. After he asks for more food, he must flee to London. Here he meets an artful dodger, who leads him to Faigh and his gang. When a thieving mission goes wrong, Oliver narrowly avoids prison, but Faigh is determined to find him. This book should be read by 6th graders. I don't like how it switches very quickly .

Stephanie E., grade 5

The Warlock by Michael Scott

People who like twisting, turning roller coasters, time travel, action, and mythology will love this story. In book 5 of Nicholas Flamel, Joan, Sathach, Palamides, Marithyn, Shakespeare and Scunt-Germain must destroy Panu Jalis in the past for the modern world to exist. In San Francisco, immortals, Elders and Sophie must put aside their differences and boil Dee's evil plans.


Emily, grade 6

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Mackie Doyle is not human, he is a Replacement- left in a crib of a human infant sixteen years ago and he is slowly dying. He doesn't want it to be this way. He wants to be normal more than anything else. In this story, Mackie must face creatures he thought never existed to find his rightful place in our world.

I liked everything about this book, but it is really expensive. I recommend this book to anyone who likes reading eerie stories after dark.

Hayden, grade 6