Posts
Ever wonder what other teens are reading? Check out these hot reads!
Title of the Book: Take the Reins
Author: Jessica Burkhart
Name of Reviewer: Kylie Dickinson
Description: The book Take the Reins, is without a doubt one of my favorite books, in fact the entire Canterwood Crest series is wonderful. In the beginning, Sasha is sent to a private boarding school because it has an amazing horseback riding program as well as excellent educational classes. Her horse, Charm, is practically her only friends in the beginning besides her roommate Paige. She starts out on a bad foot because Charm ran away on her first day at Canterwood and also caused the "queen's" horse Aristocrat to run away. So, almost automatically, Sasha is hated by Heather (the queen). Life is very challenging and dramatic as Heather tries to get Sahsa kicked off of the riding team and despised by everybody at school.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: The Facts behind the Helsinki Roccamatios
Author: Yann Martel
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
Description: The book includes 4 stories written by the author of Life of Pi, Yann Martel, when he was a growing writer. The title story is about two young friends who weave the story of the Roccamatios when one friend, Paul, is ailed with AIDs. Paul quickly deteriorates under his condition, but continues to help tell the story with his friend. His friend, the narrator, notices how their lives are blackened as Paul slowly dies. While the writing in these stories show signs that Martel was only starting to write, the stories reveal sophisticated ideologies about humanity. Each story is touching in its own unique way and shows a different type of writing style. The stories are short but keep the reader thinking about them long after.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Treasure Island
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Name of Reviewer: Purnaesh
Description: Sailing the high seas and finding treasure is a dream every boy has, and young Jim Hawkins is no exception. He finds the key to wealth and the terrible Captain Flint’s treasure. Joining him are some other honest treasure seekers, and of course, no treasure hunt is complete without pirates. And to get to the gold, he’s got pirates, death, and a fight for survival. But he endures through many attempted murders, musket fights and cutlasses. In the end, many lives are lost, but the Gold is safe, and every living man present gets a share.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Cindy Ella
Author: Robin Palmer
Name of Reviewer: Archana
Description: Cindy Ella is such a humor filled booked. I have laughed countless times throughout it. It’s really interesting to see how the main character, Cindy, despises prom. And it is inspiring how she never changes her opinion about it even when her two best friends and her sisters are going to prom. Cindy keeps her head tall even though no one can believe that it is possible to hate prom. All the embarrassing events that happen to Cindy made me laugh but at the same time I wondered how she would get through these events without cracking. This book is like a modern fairy tale. Just like Cinderella, Cindy has a stepmom and two stepsisters. Reading this book showed me that you should always stay strong of your opinion because it could pay off later.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Author: C. S. Lewis
Name of Reviewer: Bisma
Description: If you enjoyed the movie, you will certainly enjoy this novel by C. S. Lewis. In brief, the story is about four children named Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy who are sent to live in another home due to the air raids. While they stay there, the youngest sibling, Lucy, discovers a wardrobe. Inside, she finds the wintery land of Narnia. She meets a faun named Mr. Tumnus who tells her about the evil witch who rules Narnia. However, Edmund, her brother, falls under the witch’s spell and starts to help her. Will Lucy and her siblings be able to save Narnia and their brother Edmund?
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Author: J.K. Rowling
Name of Reviewer: Joy
Description: The final installment in the internationally famed Harry Potter series succeeds in giving an outstanding ending Harry’s long journey. Like the previous books, Harry Potter once again must valiantly fight against the evil forces as the wizard world collapses into war. Voldemort, perhaps the evilest and vilest wizard to live, continues to spread his malevolent reign in his quest for tyranny and complete power. Harry now adventures out on a dangerous journey to find the key to Voldemort’s defeat using a collection of clues left behind by Dumbledore. Of course, Harry is accompanied by his two best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger; their friendship is tested by the many strains of evading capture. The book is rather long but worth the read. It is a thrilling coming of age story as Harry must use all his strength to fight against the growing evil.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Beacon Street girls crush alert (#14)
Author: Annie Bryant
Name of Reviewer: Alisha
Description: Beacon street girls is my favorite book of the year.It is about 5 friends who are going to the dance. There is a bit of a twist that they don't have anyone to go with. It get's complicated when love triangles form and the dance is so close. Will all the girls be able to go to the dance with who they wanted to? Beacon Street Girls is an awesome book about 5 friends. Once you start reading it you will want to continue reading to the last page.
*******************************************************************************
Title of Book:- Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Author:- Richard Bach
Name of reviewer:- Nidhi
Description:- This book is one of my favorite read. On its surface it is a story about Jonathan, a seagull who tries to give new definition to his life apart from being just a normal seagull who fly for its being designed to do so Jonathan believes that its not only about flying for the sake of doing it but for him flying is a completely different and unique adventure which he wants to learn in all aspects and to its greatest depths and a way to reach something called perfection. So with this prospective story continues and tells us what he does to achieve it and what hurdles he crosses for it but the most interesting and irresistible part of the story is that when read line to line it has more meaning to give to the mankind by creating a analogy with the thoughts a seagull to that of the humans. This book is a ocean of thoughts following through its 127 pages which could lead a person to a completely unique and different way of thinking towards life and make it much more meaningful to live.
************************************************************************
Title of the Book: Soul Surfer
Author: Bethany Hamilton
Name of Reviewer: Maria
Description: Soul Surfer is a true story about Bethany Hamilton; she has a strong passion for surfing. This is a story of a determined and strong-willed girl. While surfing in Kauai, Hawaii on Halloween morning, Bethany Hamilton went through something that would change her life forever. She was attacked by a shark and lost her arm because of it. In her story, she explains her experience, the thoughts that went through her mind, and how, not even the loss of her arm could part her from her beloved surfboard. This book will inspire you and show you the true meaning of determination and faith. I recommend this book to boys or girls of any age over twelve. This is a great story for those who share Bethany’s love for surfing and the ocean, or those who merely enjoy a good survival story.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Review Roundup: 7/23/10
Check out what other teens are reading with these fab reviews!
Title of Book: The Devil in the White City
Author: Erik Larson
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
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: A Boy No More
Author: Harry Mazer
Name of Reviewer: Purnaesh
Description: Fifteen year old Adam Pelko, his mother and little sister move from Hawaii to California after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona had sunk, with his father aboard. Facing a new school and new surroundings is hard enough without his father, but then he gets a letter from his friend from Hawaii, Davi Mori. His father had been arrested for being Japanese American, which their whole family is. And Davi wants him to deliver a message to his father, who had now been moved to the States for extra protection, how could Adam say no? After doing a lot of investigating and traveling, will Adam find Mr. Mori, or will Adam ignore the call for help of a friend?
******************************************************************************
Title of Book: Turnabout
Author: Margret Peterson Haddix
Name of Reviewer: Riya
Description: Melly Hazelwood and Anny Beth Flix are part of a secret scientific project. It's the year 2085. Melly is 16 and Anny Beth is 18. But, in the year 2000, they were both in their hundreds. Thanks to Project Turnabout, they were given a chance to grow younger, along with fifty other men and women in her nursing home. But, when they signed up, they had no idea of the problems that would face them. How do you save yourself when you are literally running out of time?
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Geek Magnet
Author: Kieran Scott
Name of Reviewer: Kylie Dickinson
Description: This book, by far is one of my most favorites. KJ is the main character and she absolutely hates how all of the dorks are attracted to her. But, as she goes through the school year, she becomes friends with a different group of people, and gets more and more popular until she is rude to the dorks and people who she used to be friends with. Her adventures are so easy to relate to that anybody would love the book. Many teenage girls have the same experiences as her and that makes the book so much more entertaining. Lastly, the book is rather long, but because of the way it is set up by scenes and short chunks, it is very easy to read.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Beanball
Author: Gene Fehler
Name of Reviewer: Vlad
Description: According to Nielson TV ratings, baseball is the #2 mostpopular sport in the USA. In this book, Luke “Wizard” Wallace, apopular jock, is up to bat, which the bases loaded at the bottom ofthe 9th inning. The coach runs up to his ace pitcher, Kyle Dawkins,and tells him to throw inside to back him off of the plate. Recently,MLB scouts came to check him out, but they said he needed more controlover the ball. Dawkins was wild sometimes, but he has an arm of aprofessional pitcher. So Dawkins does exactly what his coach says, heattempts to throw inside, but this time he was wild and the ball samesouring, headed towards “Wizards” head. “Wizard” could not dodge it.He was hit straight in the head. “It’s the worst sound I’ve everheard, in all my years of umping. Oh, I’ve heard plenty of pitches hita helmet. But this… this fastball, up and in. This one hit bone, rightin the face. Not even a scream or grunt from the kid. He went downlike he was shot” (Fehler 20). This is what the umpire that saw it allsaid. Wizard had blood all over his face. Would he survive? If he did,would he continue to play baseball? Well, those questions I’m going toleave to you. Just go to the library and get a copy of Beanball today!
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Name of Reviewer: Archana Chinnappan
Description: Twilight is one of my favorite books of all time. You can read it more than five times and you still would not get sick of it. It’s such a thrilling book filled with action, romance, humor, you name it. And I think that all girls will fall in love with the fictional character, Edward Cullen. This book will have you turning page after page and it is so hard to put the book down. I would recommend this book and the movie to anyone. This story keeps you entertained form the first page to the last, no doubt.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Name of Reviewer: Alyssa
Description: This book has brought me into another world and led me to experience something that no other book could have done. The story is narrated in first person by a 16 year old young woman named Katniss Everdeen, who lives in a poor neighborhood in District 12 with her mother and 12 year old sister Prim. Every year two tributes, ages 12-18, from Districts 1-12 come together to fight and kill in the hunger games until one person becomes victorious. When Katniss hears at the Reaping that Prim is chosen as the girl tribute for District 12 Katniss is shocked, overwhelmed with feelings, and volunteers to take Prim’s place in the games. The boy tribute for the district is Peeta Mellark who is the baker’s son and has had a crush Katniss since they were five. Throughout the games the people refer to them as star–crossed lovers because of their strong and romantic connection towards each other. Katniss is faced with death at every moment when she enters the arena whether it is from the other tributes strong tactics or the Gamemakers challenging obstacles. This story is entertaining and thrilling while making it seem like you’re actually in The Hunger Games. Throughout the book you’ll be rooting for Katniss’s strong-willed and determined character while she makes her way through the battle of death. This book will keep your eyes glued to every page and you’ll never want to put it down because of the fact of knowing if Katniss will survive and make it to the end.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Just Ella
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Name of Reviewer: Bisma Baloch
Description: This interesting twist of the classic fairytale Cinderella is sure to keep anyone reading. In the story, Haddix introduces fifteen-year-old Ella Brown who wins Prince Charming’s heart at the ball without magic or her rumored “Fairy Godmother”. Pretty soon, she’s chosen to marry the Prince. She becomes a princess in training and fails to understand her duties; she has to learn rules in the castle so she feels bored and out of place. Then one day, she meets her new tutor, and soon-to-be best friend, Jed. They begin to talk to each other and Ella learns that Prince Charming isn’t what everyone thinks him to be and the ball was really just a beauty contest. Now Ella is stuck between deciding what is right and wrong; Prince Charming, or Jed? Read on to find out what happens to Ella and what decision she makes.
Title of Book: The Devil in the White City
Author: Erik Larson
Name of Reviewer: Stephanie
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: A Boy No More
Author: Harry Mazer
Name of Reviewer: Purnaesh
Description: Fifteen year old Adam Pelko, his mother and little sister move from Hawaii to California after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona had sunk, with his father aboard. Facing a new school and new surroundings is hard enough without his father, but then he gets a letter from his friend from Hawaii, Davi Mori. His father had been arrested for being Japanese American, which their whole family is. And Davi wants him to deliver a message to his father, who had now been moved to the States for extra protection, how could Adam say no? After doing a lot of investigating and traveling, will Adam find Mr. Mori, or will Adam ignore the call for help of a friend?
******************************************************************************
Title of Book: Turnabout
Author: Margret Peterson Haddix
Name of Reviewer: Riya
Description: Melly Hazelwood and Anny Beth Flix are part of a secret scientific project. It's the year 2085. Melly is 16 and Anny Beth is 18. But, in the year 2000, they were both in their hundreds. Thanks to Project Turnabout, they were given a chance to grow younger, along with fifty other men and women in her nursing home. But, when they signed up, they had no idea of the problems that would face them. How do you save yourself when you are literally running out of time?
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Geek Magnet
Author: Kieran Scott
Name of Reviewer: Kylie Dickinson
Description: This book, by far is one of my most favorites. KJ is the main character and she absolutely hates how all of the dorks are attracted to her. But, as she goes through the school year, she becomes friends with a different group of people, and gets more and more popular until she is rude to the dorks and people who she used to be friends with. Her adventures are so easy to relate to that anybody would love the book. Many teenage girls have the same experiences as her and that makes the book so much more entertaining. Lastly, the book is rather long, but because of the way it is set up by scenes and short chunks, it is very easy to read.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Beanball
Author: Gene Fehler
Name of Reviewer: Vlad
Description: According to Nielson TV ratings, baseball is the #2 mostpopular sport in the USA. In this book, Luke “Wizard” Wallace, apopular jock, is up to bat, which the bases loaded at the bottom ofthe 9th inning. The coach runs up to his ace pitcher, Kyle Dawkins,and tells him to throw inside to back him off of the plate. Recently,MLB scouts came to check him out, but they said he needed more controlover the ball. Dawkins was wild sometimes, but he has an arm of aprofessional pitcher. So Dawkins does exactly what his coach says, heattempts to throw inside, but this time he was wild and the ball samesouring, headed towards “Wizards” head. “Wizard” could not dodge it.He was hit straight in the head. “It’s the worst sound I’ve everheard, in all my years of umping. Oh, I’ve heard plenty of pitches hita helmet. But this… this fastball, up and in. This one hit bone, rightin the face. Not even a scream or grunt from the kid. He went downlike he was shot” (Fehler 20). This is what the umpire that saw it allsaid. Wizard had blood all over his face. Would he survive? If he did,would he continue to play baseball? Well, those questions I’m going toleave to you. Just go to the library and get a copy of Beanball today!
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Name of Reviewer: Archana Chinnappan
Description: Twilight is one of my favorite books of all time. You can read it more than five times and you still would not get sick of it. It’s such a thrilling book filled with action, romance, humor, you name it. And I think that all girls will fall in love with the fictional character, Edward Cullen. This book will have you turning page after page and it is so hard to put the book down. I would recommend this book and the movie to anyone. This story keeps you entertained form the first page to the last, no doubt.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Name of Reviewer: Alyssa
Description: This book has brought me into another world and led me to experience something that no other book could have done. The story is narrated in first person by a 16 year old young woman named Katniss Everdeen, who lives in a poor neighborhood in District 12 with her mother and 12 year old sister Prim. Every year two tributes, ages 12-18, from Districts 1-12 come together to fight and kill in the hunger games until one person becomes victorious. When Katniss hears at the Reaping that Prim is chosen as the girl tribute for District 12 Katniss is shocked, overwhelmed with feelings, and volunteers to take Prim’s place in the games. The boy tribute for the district is Peeta Mellark who is the baker’s son and has had a crush Katniss since they were five. Throughout the games the people refer to them as star–crossed lovers because of their strong and romantic connection towards each other. Katniss is faced with death at every moment when she enters the arena whether it is from the other tributes strong tactics or the Gamemakers challenging obstacles. This story is entertaining and thrilling while making it seem like you’re actually in The Hunger Games. Throughout the book you’ll be rooting for Katniss’s strong-willed and determined character while she makes her way through the battle of death. This book will keep your eyes glued to every page and you’ll never want to put it down because of the fact of knowing if Katniss will survive and make it to the end.
************************************************************************
Title of Book: Just Ella
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Name of Reviewer: Bisma Baloch
Description: This interesting twist of the classic fairytale Cinderella is sure to keep anyone reading. In the story, Haddix introduces fifteen-year-old Ella Brown who wins Prince Charming’s heart at the ball without magic or her rumored “Fairy Godmother”. Pretty soon, she’s chosen to marry the Prince. She becomes a princess in training and fails to understand her duties; she has to learn rules in the castle so she feels bored and out of place. Then one day, she meets her new tutor, and soon-to-be best friend, Jed. They begin to talk to each other and Ella learns that Prince Charming isn’t what everyone thinks him to be and the ball was really just a beauty contest. Now Ella is stuck between deciding what is right and wrong; Prince Charming, or Jed? Read on to find out what happens to Ella and what decision she makes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)