Posts
Our teen book reviewers have spoken! See what they have to say about the books teens like you are reading!
Title of Book: The Sea of Monsters
Author: Rick Riordan
Name of Reviewer: Bisma Baloch
Description: Seventh-grade for Percy Jackson has been going pretty smoothly…too smoothly. However, everything changes when Percy has to play dodgeball against giant cannibals in gym class! And things just start to get worse when Percy finds out that Camp-Half Blood isn’t safe anymore because its magical borders have been harmed. It’s up to Percy and his friends plus his long lost half-brother, a Cyclops named Tyson, to journey into the Sea of Monsters to save their camp.
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Title of Book: Things Not Seen
Author: Andrew Clements
Name of Reviewer: Purnaesh
Description: As an average 15-year-old boy, Bobby Philips leads a completely normal life. Until he disappears, no not running away or getting kidnapped. Bobby just plain disappeared. He can be heard and be felt, but he cannot be seen. Even his dad the theorizing physicist can’t figure it out. In Bobby’s head, this means HE is left with no life, no school, and no friends. That is, until he meets Alicia, a blind girl he meets at the library. She’s blind so Bobby can’t help but trust her after so long only talking to his parents, who aren’t really much to talk to. He tells her about his condition, and soon, people want to know where Bobby is. And if his invisibility became public, there would be dire consequences, and they only have a couple days. A story full of parent child bonding, friendship and a whole lot of excitement, that everyone will love.
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Title of Book: 1984
Author: George Orwell
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: This 1949 classic is about the dystopian society occurring in the year 1984. The novel serves as a warning of a potential totalitarian government in the future. The novel details the life of Winston Smith, a citizen of one of the three world superpowers Oceania. The society which Winston lives in is ruled by the omnipotent Big Brother. Every individual is carefully monitored and dictated on what their thoughts should be. Winston quietly begins to rebel against this society as he sees the hypocrisies created by the government. This novel is chilling and intellectual. While the year 1984 has passed without the government depicted in the novel, one cannot help but draw disturbing parallels between some instances in the novel with modern society. One should definitely read this novel. Not only is it referred to often in our society’s media, the novel is also fun intellectually and will leave the reader thinking for hours after the depressing yet realistic ending.
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Title of Book: Dune
Author: Frank Herbert
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: Dune, often labeled as science fiction’s best-selling novel, is about Paul Atreides, the son of Duke Leto. The Atreides clan has just lost their home planet in favor of the desert planet Arrakis. Conspirators against the Atreides plan to gain control of Arrakis (and later, the universe) and its invaluable resource of spice. Meanwhile, Paul begins to discover new powers as he starts to resemble what an ancient prophesy embodies as a superhuman. This novel, despite its acclaim, is disappointing. The novel is excessively long and predictable. The characters lack depth. Transitions between attitudes, in particular with Paul’s attitudes, are unrealistic and shallow. Relationships, even between close relatives or loved ones, are distant and unfulfilling. Perhaps my negativity stems from my small dislike of science fiction overall, but the ending is as unsatisfying as the rest of the novel.
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Title of Book: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Author: Mark Twain
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: This novel is the sequel to The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and is narrated by Tom’s friend, Huckleberry Finn. Huck is a young boy who has recently acquired a fortune and is living with Widow Douglass and her sister Miss Watson. The two try to civilize Huck, but Huck resists and only decides against running away when Tom Sawyer announces he is going to make a gang of robbers. Huck is taken away from the widow when his father appears. His father brings him to the outskirts of town and beats him daily. Huck decides to fake his death and with Miss Watson’s slave, Jim, sails down the Mississippi River. Twain wrote this novel to satirize the antebellum South and does so by writing completely in the vernacular of the time and by exaggerating Southern behavior as it is encountered in the novel. He incorporates racism very casually, which both shocks the reader and makes the reader understand how societal norms were at the time. Because it is written as if Huck was the one directly telling the story, the novel is a bit difficult to read. However, this Great American Novel is worth the patience and deserves to be read.
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Title of Book: Inherit the Wind
Author: Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: This play is based on the Scopes “Monkey” Trial. The play is about teacher Bertram Cates who intentionally breaks the law by teaching the theory of evolution to his biology class. He is put on trial with the renowned defense lawyer Henry Drummond. Brady, the prosecuting lawyer, is loved by all and the small town is already against Cates. As the trial moves to a national scale, the trial becomes an argument against the law banning the teaching of evolution. This novel is thrilling with its courtroom battles. Drummond becomes the reader’s favorite as he demonstrates his prowess in the courtroom. Questions of morals rise up and challenge the small town to rethink its values. The play is relatively short and easy to read, but the reader should take his or her time with it due to the depth the plays goes into.
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Title of Book: Teen Idol
Author: Meg Cabot
Name of Reviewer: Riya
Description: Jen Greenley is the "It" girl in all the magazines. Reporters want to know what color she's wearing to the Clayton High School Spring Fling, and whether she's going to wear her hair up or down. Meg Cabot's trademark charming wit and ability to capture Jen's multitude of emotions make this book a delightful read for everyone. Jen's transformation from laid-back listener to instigator of social change, with inspiration from Luke Striker, will have you cheering for everyone touched by Jen's bravery. TEEN IDOL is a story with messages concerning self-image, confidence and friendships, but Cabot always keeps it lighthearted and funny. A perfect read for summer --- or fall, or winter, or spring.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Review Roundup: 8/20/10
Check out what the teen book reviewers are saying about some great new and classic books!
Title of Book: The Contender
Author: Robert Lipsyte
Name of Reviewer: Riya
Description: The Contender is the story of Alfred Brooks, a 17-year-old African-American high school dropout who is torn between the street life of his Harlem neighborhood and his dreams of becoming a champion fighter. Lipsyte's experience as a sports journalist is evident by his gritty depiction of the arduous and difficult training and discipline required of a boxer; this detail lends authenticity to his story and brings the reader into the ring. Alfred struggles to improve himself, even as he doubts himself and his ability. Boxing is a way to prove to himself he has the heart of a contender, even as he is swayed by his ties to a former life. His childhood friend James is involved with a gang and battling a drug addiction and Alfred is caught between two worlds. This novel's strong protagonist and engaging story make it suitable for grades 8-12, although some teachers may even use it with younger students.
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Title of Book: Dr. Franklin’s Island
Author: Ann Halam
Name of Reviewer: Purnaesh
Description: This book is one of the most unusual I have ever read. Semi has just won a winning spot in the in the Planet Savers competition. She is among fifty British Young Conservatives and very shy. After they take off from Miami airport, disaster strikes over the Atlantic and they go down. Semi and two others are the sole survivors of the crash and are now stranded of a deserted island, or so they think. They are being watched by Dr. Franklin, a mad genetic engineer, who is waiting for the right to time to make his horrible visions a reality, starting with Semi. This book is a ticking time bomb full of friendship, sacrifice, and the will to be free.
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Title of Book: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie Kong
Description: The novel takes place in 1939 in Nazi Germany and is narrated by Death. Death tells the story of the book thief, Liesel Meminger. Liesel is given away by her mother to the Hubermanns, a relatively poor old couple living Himmel Street. There, Liesel begins loving relationships with her neighbors, her Papa, and books. However, danger lurks as bombs begin to drop and the Hubermanns take in a Jew. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite novels. Zusak writes darkly, humorously, and bluntly and manages to create the perfect opening to this fantastic novel. Zusak hints at historical references and produces a realistic fear of in the reader similar to the one at that time in Nazi Germany. He creates multidimensional, relatable characters that the reader creates a bond with. The novel is brilliant and deserves to be read multiple times for its ingenuity.
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Title of Book: Fairest
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Name of Reviewer: Bisma Baloch
Description: In the Kingdom of Ayortha, singing and beauty are a person’s most treasured qualities. This story is about a young girl named Aza who has the best voice in the land; in fact, she can “illuse” or “throw” her voice so it seems like it can come from anywhere! However, Aza doesn’t have the second quality; she isn’t pretty. She has to hide from people and stay in her parents’ inn because of her appearance. But everything changes when Aza becomes the new queen’s lady-in-waiting. She asks Aza for a dangerous and risky favor or else people’s lives will be at stake, or even the whole kingdom! It’s up to Aza to save Ayortha as well as herself!
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Title of Book: The Devil in the White City
Author: Erik Larson
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie Kong
Description: This novel tells the story of the construction and execution of the infamous 1893 World Fair held in Chicago. The novel is centered on two individuals: Daniel Hudson Burnham, the chief architect of the Fair and H. H. Holmes, a serial killer who amazingly remains under the radar throughout the 6 month Fair. Burnham constructs the White City for the Fair despite seemingly impossible conditions and for extremely important reasons. Holmes harvests a fortune through deceit and charm, while luring unsuspecting women into his castle. While the novel is entirely nonfiction, it reads as an entertaining narrative due to Larson’s style of narration and the incredible nature of the events unfolding in the novel. The novel transports the reader to Chicago in the late 19th century and teaches the reader while entertaining him or her. While the tale of the World Fair is not usually known, the events of the Fair are shocking and absorbing.
Title of Book: The Contender
Author: Robert Lipsyte
Name of Reviewer: Riya
Description: The Contender is the story of Alfred Brooks, a 17-year-old African-American high school dropout who is torn between the street life of his Harlem neighborhood and his dreams of becoming a champion fighter. Lipsyte's experience as a sports journalist is evident by his gritty depiction of the arduous and difficult training and discipline required of a boxer; this detail lends authenticity to his story and brings the reader into the ring. Alfred struggles to improve himself, even as he doubts himself and his ability. Boxing is a way to prove to himself he has the heart of a contender, even as he is swayed by his ties to a former life. His childhood friend James is involved with a gang and battling a drug addiction and Alfred is caught between two worlds. This novel's strong protagonist and engaging story make it suitable for grades 8-12, although some teachers may even use it with younger students.
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Title of Book: Dr. Franklin’s Island
Author: Ann Halam
Name of Reviewer: Purnaesh
Description: This book is one of the most unusual I have ever read. Semi has just won a winning spot in the in the Planet Savers competition. She is among fifty British Young Conservatives and very shy. After they take off from Miami airport, disaster strikes over the Atlantic and they go down. Semi and two others are the sole survivors of the crash and are now stranded of a deserted island, or so they think. They are being watched by Dr. Franklin, a mad genetic engineer, who is waiting for the right to time to make his horrible visions a reality, starting with Semi. This book is a ticking time bomb full of friendship, sacrifice, and the will to be free.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie Kong
Description: The novel takes place in 1939 in Nazi Germany and is narrated by Death. Death tells the story of the book thief, Liesel Meminger. Liesel is given away by her mother to the Hubermanns, a relatively poor old couple living Himmel Street. There, Liesel begins loving relationships with her neighbors, her Papa, and books. However, danger lurks as bombs begin to drop and the Hubermanns take in a Jew. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite novels. Zusak writes darkly, humorously, and bluntly and manages to create the perfect opening to this fantastic novel. Zusak hints at historical references and produces a realistic fear of in the reader similar to the one at that time in Nazi Germany. He creates multidimensional, relatable characters that the reader creates a bond with. The novel is brilliant and deserves to be read multiple times for its ingenuity.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Fairest
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Name of Reviewer: Bisma Baloch
Description: In the Kingdom of Ayortha, singing and beauty are a person’s most treasured qualities. This story is about a young girl named Aza who has the best voice in the land; in fact, she can “illuse” or “throw” her voice so it seems like it can come from anywhere! However, Aza doesn’t have the second quality; she isn’t pretty. She has to hide from people and stay in her parents’ inn because of her appearance. But everything changes when Aza becomes the new queen’s lady-in-waiting. She asks Aza for a dangerous and risky favor or else people’s lives will be at stake, or even the whole kingdom! It’s up to Aza to save Ayortha as well as herself!
************************************************************************
Title of Book: The Devil in the White City
Author: Erik Larson
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie Kong
Description: This novel tells the story of the construction and execution of the infamous 1893 World Fair held in Chicago. The novel is centered on two individuals: Daniel Hudson Burnham, the chief architect of the Fair and H. H. Holmes, a serial killer who amazingly remains under the radar throughout the 6 month Fair. Burnham constructs the White City for the Fair despite seemingly impossible conditions and for extremely important reasons. Holmes harvests a fortune through deceit and charm, while luring unsuspecting women into his castle. While the novel is entirely nonfiction, it reads as an entertaining narrative due to Larson’s style of narration and the incredible nature of the events unfolding in the novel. The novel transports the reader to Chicago in the late 19th century and teaches the reader while entertaining him or her. While the tale of the World Fair is not usually known, the events of the Fair are shocking and absorbing.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Review Roundup: 8/13/10
Enjoy the dog days of summer with these great reads reviewed by our teen book reviewers!
Title of Book: Scarlett Letter
Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: Set in Puritan New England, Hester Prynne, a proud, understanding woman, has an illegitimate child and is forced to wear a scarlet A signaling that she is an Adulteress. Her husband witnesses her public shame after two years of separation and is consumed with the idea of revenge against Hester and her lover. Because Hester refuses to name her lover, her husband pretends to be a doctor for the extremely loved minister Dimmesdale while in the search of Hester’s true lover. The novel, published in 1850, has a different vernacular than the one used present day. Hawthorne writes in a rambling fashion and puts emphasis on emotions and scenery. I would recommend this novel. It has a lot of intrigue and teaches the readers of how Puritan New England society ran in terms of moral. Emotions, pride, and reputations are constantly put at risk and the novel is overall enjoyable.
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Title of Book: Treasure Island
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Name of Reviewer: Bisma
Description: This epic classic tells the story of a young boy named Jim Hawkins who goes on a treasure hunt overseas when he finds a treasure map in his parents’ inn. His yearning for adventure sets him aboard the Hispaniola toward Treasure Island. However, all goes well until Jim eavesdrops in on a secret conversation on the ship. While hiding in an apple barrel, he hears the cook, Long John Silver – aka the one-legged pirate, talk to some of the men on crew about teaming up with him and stealing the treasure for themselves. Now it’s up to Jim to see if he can warn the other people on board about Silver’s plan and to save his life.
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Title of Book:- The Ultimate Gift
Author:- Jim Stovall
Name of Reviewer:- Nidhi Thaker
Description:- This a novel which has made me to understand the gifts in my life. This is about Jason Stevens who is greedy on knowing that his uncle Red died and now he would get the massive fortune of his. Along with Jason his other relatives are also greedy.
One by one Red's beneficiaries receive their portions of the multi-billion estate but when its Jason's turn to collect his inheritance, he finds that their is something completely different in his fate. Further, the story continues with Jason's year long journey to get his inheritance and see what ultimate gift he gets out of this. This is a novel of about 154 pages which would captivate the hearts of young and old.
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Title of Book: A Separate Peace
Author: John Knowles
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: A Separate Peace is a coming of age novel about Gene and his stay at Devon’s prep school. It starts in the summer of 1942, in the middle of WWII, in a carefree atmosphere. Gene and his classmates have a year before they are drafted into the war, which provides them with a mixture of excitement and fear. Gene begins to harvest a jealously towards his best friend, Finny, who is impulsive, humble, and the best at sports at Devon. The carefree atmosphere is quickly disrupted as one of them has an accident and the summer session at Devon comes to a close. The novel is similar to Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye with its focus on teenagers and their small revelations of the world, but in my opinion, is much better. There is fantastic use of imagery and foreshadowing and the opening is written wonderfully. Gene is a likable character and thinks rationally and intelligently while often being the victim of common teenage troubles like jealously and fear. The book ends darkly and shockingly. The book was an overall enjoyable experience and deserves more acclaim than it is currently given.
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Title of Book: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Name of Reviewer: Vlad
Description: Ever wondered what a perfect world would be like? No war, poverty, racism, fear, and global warming? Jonas lives in a perfect world that takes place in the future. In this world, no one is different. Everyone is the same. Nobody can make a mistake since it would cause conflict. So that person would have to be released. To be released is the worst possible thing that can happen to you. When you are released you go to Elsewhere. Trust me once you pick up this book, you will not want to put it down.
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Title: Dark Visions
Author: L.J. Smith
Name of Reviewer: Vanessa
Description: A girl named Kaitlyn finds out that she has a very special psychic gift. A woman named Joyce comes to her school and encourages her to go to a school in California called Zetes Institute to study Kait and a few other people who have gifts like Kait. Their names are Anna, Lewis, Rob, and Gabriel. While trying to figure out what Mr. Zetes is he planning to do with their powers, which are evil, the group gets caught in a psychic link that threatens their sanity and lives. Continuing their journey to stop Mr. Zetes and his Institute, Kaitlyn is torn between Rob and Gabriel, not knowing which to love. This book has three parts to it and is enormous being 731 pages that swiftly fly by.
Title of Book: Scarlett Letter
Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: Set in Puritan New England, Hester Prynne, a proud, understanding woman, has an illegitimate child and is forced to wear a scarlet A signaling that she is an Adulteress. Her husband witnesses her public shame after two years of separation and is consumed with the idea of revenge against Hester and her lover. Because Hester refuses to name her lover, her husband pretends to be a doctor for the extremely loved minister Dimmesdale while in the search of Hester’s true lover. The novel, published in 1850, has a different vernacular than the one used present day. Hawthorne writes in a rambling fashion and puts emphasis on emotions and scenery. I would recommend this novel. It has a lot of intrigue and teaches the readers of how Puritan New England society ran in terms of moral. Emotions, pride, and reputations are constantly put at risk and the novel is overall enjoyable.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Treasure Island
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Name of Reviewer: Bisma
Description: This epic classic tells the story of a young boy named Jim Hawkins who goes on a treasure hunt overseas when he finds a treasure map in his parents’ inn. His yearning for adventure sets him aboard the Hispaniola toward Treasure Island. However, all goes well until Jim eavesdrops in on a secret conversation on the ship. While hiding in an apple barrel, he hears the cook, Long John Silver – aka the one-legged pirate, talk to some of the men on crew about teaming up with him and stealing the treasure for themselves. Now it’s up to Jim to see if he can warn the other people on board about Silver’s plan and to save his life.
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Title of Book:- The Ultimate Gift
Author:- Jim Stovall
Name of Reviewer:- Nidhi Thaker
Description:- This a novel which has made me to understand the gifts in my life. This is about Jason Stevens who is greedy on knowing that his uncle Red died and now he would get the massive fortune of his. Along with Jason his other relatives are also greedy.
One by one Red's beneficiaries receive their portions of the multi-billion estate but when its Jason's turn to collect his inheritance, he finds that their is something completely different in his fate. Further, the story continues with Jason's year long journey to get his inheritance and see what ultimate gift he gets out of this. This is a novel of about 154 pages which would captivate the hearts of young and old.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: A Separate Peace
Author: John Knowles
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: A Separate Peace is a coming of age novel about Gene and his stay at Devon’s prep school. It starts in the summer of 1942, in the middle of WWII, in a carefree atmosphere. Gene and his classmates have a year before they are drafted into the war, which provides them with a mixture of excitement and fear. Gene begins to harvest a jealously towards his best friend, Finny, who is impulsive, humble, and the best at sports at Devon. The carefree atmosphere is quickly disrupted as one of them has an accident and the summer session at Devon comes to a close. The novel is similar to Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye with its focus on teenagers and their small revelations of the world, but in my opinion, is much better. There is fantastic use of imagery and foreshadowing and the opening is written wonderfully. Gene is a likable character and thinks rationally and intelligently while often being the victim of common teenage troubles like jealously and fear. The book ends darkly and shockingly. The book was an overall enjoyable experience and deserves more acclaim than it is currently given.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Name of Reviewer: Vlad
Description: Ever wondered what a perfect world would be like? No war, poverty, racism, fear, and global warming? Jonas lives in a perfect world that takes place in the future. In this world, no one is different. Everyone is the same. Nobody can make a mistake since it would cause conflict. So that person would have to be released. To be released is the worst possible thing that can happen to you. When you are released you go to Elsewhere. Trust me once you pick up this book, you will not want to put it down.
************************************************************************
Title: Dark Visions
Author: L.J. Smith
Name of Reviewer: Vanessa
Description: A girl named Kaitlyn finds out that she has a very special psychic gift. A woman named Joyce comes to her school and encourages her to go to a school in California called Zetes Institute to study Kait and a few other people who have gifts like Kait. Their names are Anna, Lewis, Rob, and Gabriel. While trying to figure out what Mr. Zetes is he planning to do with their powers, which are evil, the group gets caught in a psychic link that threatens their sanity and lives. Continuing their journey to stop Mr. Zetes and his Institute, Kaitlyn is torn between Rob and Gabriel, not knowing which to love. This book has three parts to it and is enormous being 731 pages that swiftly fly by.
Friday, August 06, 2010
Review Roundup: 8/6/10
Need ideas for books this summer? Get some ideas from our teen book reviewers!
Title of Book: The Summoning
Author: Kelly Armstrong
Name of Reviewer: Maria
Description: The Summoning is by far the best book I have read in the year 2010. Throughout the entire book, I felt as though I were standing side by side with each character, sharing their emotions. The Summoning focuses on Chloe Saunders, a completely normal girl, or so she thought. It all began when she started having dreams of speaking to ghosts and then actually sees them in the hallways of her high school. Chloe is sent away to a group home for teens with what some called, “mental illnesses.” As Chloe quickly found out, by mental illness, they meant special abilities. This book will make chills run down your spine with every ghost and will leave you begging for the sequel The Awakening. I recommend this book for those who are not faint of heart and who crave a good thrill.
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Title of Book: Sylvie and the Songman
Author: Time Binding
Name of Reviewer: Kylie Dickinson
Description: The book is definitely one of the most adventurous books that I have ever read. Sylvie and her friends travel everywhere in search of her dad who never returned one day after work. The only thing causing them problems on their journey is the songman, he is trying to capture them and end their quest. Sylvie has so many adventures that the author tends to babble on a bit, but eventually gets back on track and leaves you hanging at the end of several of the large chapters. All in all, I thought this book was very long, but detailed and the author really painted a picture of every scene in your mind.
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Tile of Book: The Looking Glass Wars
Author: Frank Beddor
Name of Reviewer: Vanessa
Description: Alyss is the heir to the throne of Wonderland, until her evil aunt Redd decides to visit again. Killing Alyss’s mother and father, Redd goes after her. The only way to escape Redd alive is for Alyss and her bodyguard Hatter to go through the pool of tears that no one has come out alive in. Hatter and Alyss get separated in the pool, and going to different place in the ‘real world’, our world. As Hatter searches for Alyss all over the world so she can return to Wonderland and battle Redd for her rightful place as Queen, Alyss is in Victorian London where she meets an author who she tells her story to. Will Hatter succeed in bring Alyss back in to Wonderland? Is Alyss able to remember her magical childish self and believe that she is the next heir to Wonderland? Read the 3 part 358-paged book to find out.
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Title of Book: The Last Song
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Name of Reviewer: Riya
Description: #1 bestselling author Nicholas Sparks's new novel is at once a compelling family drama and a heartrending tale of young love. Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alienated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story of love on many levels--first love, love between parents and children -- that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them. Therefore, this book is one of the best books I have read. It is most definitely unforgettable and will leave you deeply touched.
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Title of Book: The Glorious Cause
Author: Jeff Shaara
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: This historical novel is one in a series by Shaara that depict the American Revolution. This novel focuses on the actual fighting and is told through the points of views of various generals and a few others. The Glorious Cause is by no means light reading because of its length and amount of substance. It should be rightfully dreaded if seen on a summer reading list given by the school. However, this novel does teach the American Revolution very well. The novel provides both British and American points of view and insight to the politics of the time. The battles are explained in a vivid and exciting way. The history of the American Revolution is humanized and thus brought to the reader’s understanding. However, it is long and requires dedication to finish it.
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Title of Book: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Author: Ann Brashares
Name of Reviewer: Archana
Description: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is such a heart-warming story. This book shows you how true friendship can be. And you realize how much of an unbreakable bond there is between the four best friends, Lena, Bridget, Tibby, and Carmen. It is so interesting to see how much their friendship means and how they help each other overcome obstacles. And it’s very interesting to see how their friendship is based upon a pair of pants that is passed around. And the pants are “magical” and can somehow fit all four of them. There are many laughs and tears that could come from this book. This book leaves you wanting to read the second book in the series.
Title of Book: The Summoning
Author: Kelly Armstrong
Name of Reviewer: Maria
Description: The Summoning is by far the best book I have read in the year 2010. Throughout the entire book, I felt as though I were standing side by side with each character, sharing their emotions. The Summoning focuses on Chloe Saunders, a completely normal girl, or so she thought. It all began when she started having dreams of speaking to ghosts and then actually sees them in the hallways of her high school. Chloe is sent away to a group home for teens with what some called, “mental illnesses.” As Chloe quickly found out, by mental illness, they meant special abilities. This book will make chills run down your spine with every ghost and will leave you begging for the sequel The Awakening. I recommend this book for those who are not faint of heart and who crave a good thrill.
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Title of Book: Sylvie and the Songman
Author: Time Binding
Name of Reviewer: Kylie Dickinson
Description: The book is definitely one of the most adventurous books that I have ever read. Sylvie and her friends travel everywhere in search of her dad who never returned one day after work. The only thing causing them problems on their journey is the songman, he is trying to capture them and end their quest. Sylvie has so many adventures that the author tends to babble on a bit, but eventually gets back on track and leaves you hanging at the end of several of the large chapters. All in all, I thought this book was very long, but detailed and the author really painted a picture of every scene in your mind.
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Tile of Book: The Looking Glass Wars
Author: Frank Beddor
Name of Reviewer: Vanessa
Description: Alyss is the heir to the throne of Wonderland, until her evil aunt Redd decides to visit again. Killing Alyss’s mother and father, Redd goes after her. The only way to escape Redd alive is for Alyss and her bodyguard Hatter to go through the pool of tears that no one has come out alive in. Hatter and Alyss get separated in the pool, and going to different place in the ‘real world’, our world. As Hatter searches for Alyss all over the world so she can return to Wonderland and battle Redd for her rightful place as Queen, Alyss is in Victorian London where she meets an author who she tells her story to. Will Hatter succeed in bring Alyss back in to Wonderland? Is Alyss able to remember her magical childish self and believe that she is the next heir to Wonderland? Read the 3 part 358-paged book to find out.
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Title of Book: The Last Song
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Name of Reviewer: Riya
Description: #1 bestselling author Nicholas Sparks's new novel is at once a compelling family drama and a heartrending tale of young love. Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alienated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story of love on many levels--first love, love between parents and children -- that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them. Therefore, this book is one of the best books I have read. It is most definitely unforgettable and will leave you deeply touched.
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Title of Book: The Glorious Cause
Author: Jeff Shaara
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: This historical novel is one in a series by Shaara that depict the American Revolution. This novel focuses on the actual fighting and is told through the points of views of various generals and a few others. The Glorious Cause is by no means light reading because of its length and amount of substance. It should be rightfully dreaded if seen on a summer reading list given by the school. However, this novel does teach the American Revolution very well. The novel provides both British and American points of view and insight to the politics of the time. The battles are explained in a vivid and exciting way. The history of the American Revolution is humanized and thus brought to the reader’s understanding. However, it is long and requires dedication to finish it.
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Title of Book: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Author: Ann Brashares
Name of Reviewer: Archana
Description: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is such a heart-warming story. This book shows you how true friendship can be. And you realize how much of an unbreakable bond there is between the four best friends, Lena, Bridget, Tibby, and Carmen. It is so interesting to see how much their friendship means and how they help each other overcome obstacles. And it’s very interesting to see how their friendship is based upon a pair of pants that is passed around. And the pants are “magical” and can somehow fit all four of them. There are many laughs and tears that could come from this book. This book leaves you wanting to read the second book in the series.
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