The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer

Even if you are a die-hard Twilight fan, it is entirely possible that you have no memory of Bree Tanner. She makes a brief appearance in Eclipse (pg 569-579) as one of the newborn vampires created by Victoria to fight against the Cullens, the only one who survives the attack by surrendering to Carlisle.

This novella, or short story (178 pages), gives you a little insight into the newborn coven and what was going on in Seattle as Victoria was creating her little army. This is the only published story in the Twilight Saga not told through Bella's eyes.

Why I picked up the book: I'm a fan of the Twilight Saga so it seemed natural to read this short story about one of the newborn vampires briefly mentioned in Eclipse.

Why I finished it: I've read all of Meyer's work and wanted to see what surprises she might throw at her readers. I wasn't thrilled with the book, but it should satisfy fans who want more of a Twilight fix.

I'd give it to: Twilight fans, who want a glimpse into the vampire side of things.

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

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The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1) The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

What did you do on your summer vacation? Well, I’d be willing to bet none of you had a summer like mine. My name is Percy Jackson and I’ve always been “the problem maker”. I’ve been kicked out of six schools in six years.

I thought my year at Yancy Academy was going well, until our field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Nancy Bobofit spilled her lunch on my friend Grover’s lap and before I knew it, I was so angry and she was in the fountain. She said I pushed her and Mrs. Dodds, my algebra teacher, took me aside to punish me. I figured she was going to yell and give me detention but instead the weirdest thing happened. “Her eyes began to glow like barbecue coals. Her jacket melted into large, leathery wings. She wasn’t human. She was a shriveled hag with bat wings and claws and a mouth full of yellow fangs, and she was about to slice me to ribbons.” My Latin teacher, Mr. Brunner, throws me a pen which turns into a sword. As Mrs. Dodds screeches, “die honey”, I swing the sword and she vaporizes. That’s not the strangest part. Instead of being angry that I was kicked out of school, my mom decides to take me on a beach getaway. She wants to tell me something but before she can we are chased by a Minotaur, who I'm able to kill just as he kills her. Next thing I know I’m waking up at Camp Half-Blood.

It turns out I’m a half-blood, a demigod, child of a Greek god. Mom was taking me to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for others like me. Surprisingly I meet several familiar faces. Turns out Mr. Brunner is a centaur (half man/half horse), and my friend Grover is a satyr (half man/half goat). I soon discover my father is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Like I told you before, my life is full of trouble so of course it isn’t long before monsters are breaking into camp trying to kill me. It is decided that I will go on a quest, to retrieve Zeus’ lighting rod, which has been stolen. Oh yeah, I am the prime suspect so go figure, the quest to the Underworld to reclaim the lightning rod from Hades is full of adventure and mishap. But I didn’t have to go alone. Grover was there as well as my friend Annabeth, who is the daughter of Athena, Goddess of War.

Wanna find out if I found Zeus’ lightning rod and revealed the true Lightning Thief?
Greek mythology has never been this cool!

Why I picked this book: This book was picked to kick off our middle school book club this summer. It was a great discussion in 2007 and the books have been flying off the shelves since they were written and since the movie came out.

Why I finished it: It is a fast paced adventure that teaches you about Greek Mythology. It is a great guy read.

I'd give it to: guys, fans of Greek Mythology and anyone, young or old, looking for a great series.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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Natalie's Review: Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

Natalie, 8th grade

This is a historical novel that I would recommend to anyone because of how exciting it is. It's about a boy named Johnny Tremain, who wanted to be a silversmith, but had a accident and had to find something else to do. He met a boy named Rad and decided to help at The Observer, a newspaper office. He delivered it to the many people that wanted it. If this sounds like a fascinating story pick it up at the library and enjoy!

Why I picked the book up:: My mom gave me the book.

Why I finished it:: I finished it because it was so exciting.

I'd give this book to:: I'd give this book to anyone.

My rating for this book:: ***** It was amazing!

Andrea's Review: "Babymouse #1: Queen of the World!" by Jennifer L Holm & Matthew Holm

Andrea, 7th grade

i liked the book because babymouse thought she had nothing but really she had everything she needed to become queen of the world.

Why I picked the book up:: I needed a graphic novel and when this book was given I loved the cover!

Why I finished it:: The book was so good i had to see how it ended!

I'd give this book to:: all my friends

My rating for this book:: ***** It was amazing!

Cujo

Serina

Graduate

Title: Cujo

Author: Stephen King

Cujo was an average 200 pound St. Bernard that belonged to Joe Camber and his family. The enormous dog was friendly and quiet, and was best friends with Joe's son. More than a good companion, Cujo was safe, even though he had an affinity for chasing rabbits. On one of these chases, the rabbit dove down into a large hole and Cujo tried to follow it. However, Cujo was much too big to make it all the way in and got stuck halfway through. Panicked, he started barking, which riled a bunch of bats into flight inside the hidden cave. The bats, also panicked and finding that the entrance was blocked by a barking beast, attacked Cujo, biting him many times in his tender face and on his ears. Cujo managed to pull himself free of the hole and went galloping back to his home, whining in pain. No much later, Cujo became infected with rabies from the bat bites. Rabies, a painful, rage inducing sickness, turned Cujo from a lovable pet dog into a very large monster. In his fogged and red mind, Cujo wandered about in the unbearable heat of the day until he came to the neighbor's house. Gary Pervier, the homes owner, was the first to be mauled and killed by the angry mad dog. Then when Cujo's owner Joe returned to check on his friend, who was late to an event, Joe discovered Gary's body. Alarmed, he made to flee, only to have Cujo, who was still in the home, attack and kill him. For the rest of the book, Cujo continues on his killing rampage and seemingly nothing is able to stop him. Stephen King is a master in tying in different characters, telling their perspectives, and ending things on a shocking conclusion. The author even wrote from the side of poor, diseased Cujo, making it hard for the readers to be angry at the dog even though it killed all those people, which is an amazing feat in itself. Animal lovers, beware, things could get ugly in this book.

I picked this book up because I read practically anything and everything by Stephen King.

I finished this books because I really wanted to know what happened to Cujo at the end.

I'd give this book to any Stephen king fan and anyone who likes a good thrill.

Rating ****

The Case of the Booby-Trapped Pickup by John R. Erickson

Hank the Cowdog is a long running mystery series by John Erickson. Hank is the head of ranch security. In this episode, Slim's truck breaks down and the loaner truck is a fancy new ride with electric locks and windows. Hank (and Drover of course) find themselves in a heap of stale air and trouble due to doughnuts and buttons. If you've never read Hank the Cowdog or if you are a fan, this episode will not disappoint. Be prepared to laugh (and to start reading your own dog's thoughts!)

Why I picked the book up: NCPL hosted John Erickson in May as part of our 100th Anniversary celebration. Erickson read part of this story, when Hank and Drover get locked in the moving truck. It was hilarious and I had to know what happened next.

Why I finished it: The audio is 2 discs, 3 hours long so it is a fast read. The author is the narrator, giving each character a distinct "voice". I also thought the songs (written & performed by Erickson) were a nice touch.

I'd give this book/audio to: tween guys, families, anyone. There were many generations worth of readers at our author program so Hank could be read by anyone.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars I liked it!

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In His Own Write by John Lennon

"There once upon a time was a man who was partly Dave - he had a mission in life. 'I'm partly Dave' he would grownm in the morning which was half the battle." If you have never heard of the late great John Lennon you must have been hiding under an extremely sheltered rock your entire life. Former Beatle, songwriter, artist, author, and peace advocate, John Lennon was arguable one of the greatest men who had ever lived. In his 1964 book of poetry Beatles fans everywhere got a glimpse into his witty and slightly off the wall sense of humor. "I was bored on the 9th of Octover 1940, when I believe, the Nasties were still booming us led by Madalf Heatlump." The book even includes Lennon's original drawings and an introduction by Paul McCartney.

Why I picked up this book: I am a huge John Lennon fan.

Why I finished it: Lennon's charming and confusing sense of humor makes it a very quick read.

I'd give this book to: Anyone who loves the Beatles, John Lennon, or who is looking for a laugh.

Rating: *****

Caleb + Kate by: Cindy Martinusen- Coloma

Shelby

Title: Caleb + Kate

Author: Cindy Martinusen-Coloma

"To unpathed waters, undreamed shores" - William Shakespeare

A modern take on Romeo and Juliet minus all the tragedy and death. Kate Monrovi has everything and nothing. She has a rich and pampered life, her family are owners of a five-star hotel empire of Monrovi Inn. Yet her life has no passion. Her shallow friends are focused boys with money, and spending to get what you want. And until Kate had locked eyes with Caleb at the school dance, she had felt the self centered and egotistic as well.

Caleb on the other hand is from Hawaii. He has never had the pristine life, love, or story to tell. His mother recently passed away, and now he is to go work under his grandfathers orders at the Monrovi Inn. When an unexpected event happens at the dance, both Caleb and Kate will become what was forbidden, become friends, and develop a relationship without parents knowing and respecting them for their decisions. Upon entering a relationship with the forbidden opposite person of their family, they are forbidden to see or speak to each other. Kate learns of a fight and dispute of differences between their families, and Caleb on the other hand has known this fight and dispute all his life- keeping secrets from Kate and visa-versa they try to figure a way to make their lives with each other work.

Both will have to learn the plans, and things that God has planned for them, as well as honor and respect the decisions by those in authority.

Why I picked up Caleb and Kate: The cover and the back of the book sparked my interest and made me want to read this book. I love Shakespeare, and I wanted to see what this book could share about a modern take of Romeo and Juliet. I also love the author of Cindy Martinusen- Coloma, and was interested in reading her latest novel.

I finished Caleb and Kate because: I was dragged into the novel. The story depicts a modern take on Shakespeare, the change of point of views from Caleb and Kate, and kept me wondering what would happen in the end.

I'd Give Caleb and Kate to: Both teen boys and girls, who love a change in a modern day tale. Anyone who loves Shakespeare. :) :)

Ratings: **** Really Liked it

P:4 Q:4.5

Alyssa's Review: Raising Dragons by Bryan Davis

Alyssa, 7th grade

This was a fast paced and energetic book that kept the reader on their toes wondering what would happen next. It took me about 3 hours to finish it because I just could not set it down.
I am a Christian and finding literature that is a fast paced fantasy, but appropriate, is hard. This is a book that no one should be afraid to read because it is appropriate and not too scary. While being scary enough to engage an older teen, it could be read by a younger teen, even down into the single digits. It was a lot of fun to read because it wasn't always sword play and fighting but it wasn't always joking around either. Even though this book is fiction, the writer keeps it just real enough that you could believe it was possible.
In "Raising Dragons" a teenage boy finds out the origin of his hot breath: He is half dragon. At school he meets a girl who is also part dragon. Together they must battle an evil slayer who seeks to kill the last of the dragons.

Why I picked the book up:: It was suggested to me by my best friend who read the series and loved them.

Why I finished it:: I couldn't put it down. It was an awesome read.

I'd give this book to:: Anybody who loves to read fiction and enjoys mideaval lore

My rating for this book:: ***** It was amazing!

Destiny's Review: Nightmare Academy by Frank Peretti

Destiny, 8th grade

brother and sister , Elijah and Elisha, are agents for a secretive government agency get wrapped up in a twisted mind came called Nightmoor academy witch turns to be more of a nightmare. this book is the second in a series and will have your head in a twist and a half it had me. i would recommend this book to all teens!

Why I picked the book up:: i read the first one then this and loved it

Why I finished it:: i couldn't put it down

I'd give this book to:: any teen!

My rating for this book:: ***** It was amazing!

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

Theo Boone dreams of being either a famous trial lawyer or a judge. His parents are both lawyers, as is his uncle Ike, so he was literally born into it. At thirteen, Theo knows more about the law than most adults and he is on a first name basis with almost every lawyer, judge, court clerk, and policeman in town. Theo even has his own "office" in the library at Boone & Boone, and is often asked for legal advice by fellow students.

Theo's connections enable his government class to attend the opening day of a murder trial, one of the most talked about trials in Strattenburg. With little evidence, it appears that a cold-blooded killer may get off scot-free. That is until Theo is handed a piece of evidence that could change the course of the trial. Is it possible that a thirteen year old could possess the information necessary for a conviction? Witness the start of Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer.

Why I picked up this book: John Grisham is one of my favorite authors. When I discovered he had written a legal thriller for a younger audience, I had to check it out.

Why I finished it: Theodore Boone is classic John Grisham for a younger audience. Grisham did a great job of explaining legal concepts at the tween/teen level. Rather than the "cliff-hanger" ending, I wish he would have ended it with Theo going after a new case.

I'd give it to: tweens/teens looking for a new series. Fans of other cross-over authors like James Patterson.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars Really Liked It

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Taya's Review: "Sweep: Book of Shadows" by Cate Tiernan

Taya, 8th grade

This book is about this girl who meets a guy, named Cal, and he is a witch. He invites a whole bunch of people to come to a party. When the party is over he asked if some would like to stay and perform a "ritual" type thing, called a circle. During the circle the girl, named Morgan, is very sesitive to the energy that came during. Cal thinks she is meant to be part of Wicca, the witch group, and would like for her to continue coming to the circles.

Why I picked the book up:: The cover looks cool and interesting.

Why I finished it:: I couldn't stop reading it.

I'd give this book to:: Anybody who likes books about witches

My rating for this book:: ***** It was amazing!

Jessica's Review: The Clone Codes by Patricia, Fredrick, and John Mckissack

Jessica, 7th grade

This book is about an average teenager who leads an ordinary life in the year 2170. In her world cyborgs and clones are treated like machines. Later in the book she dicovers that her own mother is part of a movement called the Liberty bell movement.Her mother is aressted for her part in the movement. Later, after escaping numorous times from bounty hunters, she discovers that she is in fact the first child clone, and is illigal. She was a clone thats DNA was taken from her biological 'sister' Lindsay. Her whole world is turned up-side-down with this stunning fact. She must stand up for clones and cyborgs everywhere, save her parents, and not be caught. The only question is, will she succeed? How about you find out for yourself?

Why I picked the book up:: the cover was interesting.

Why I finished it:: I could not read it fast enough, there is adventure and surprising twists around every corner.

I'd give this book to:: anyone who likes surprises and action.

My rating for this book:: **** Really Liked It

Karli's Review: "Seekers: The Quest Begins" by Erin Hunter

Karli, 8th grade

This book is about 3 different bears who have completely different life-styles. Lusa is a black bear that lives in the zoo (or Bear-Bowl according to her), Toklo is a grizzly bear that lives in the forest by a road (Black-Path according to him), and Kallik is a polar bear that lives on the ice. Tragic events that happen join Lusa, Toklo, and a shape-shifting bear while Kallik is going on her own journey to find her brother. There are 3 books in the series; The Quest Begins, Great Bear Lake, and Smoke Mountain. I recommend this book to everyone that loves bears.

Why I picked the book up:: It looked like a great book

Why I finished it:: It was amazing

I'd give this book to:: Everyone that wants to read

My rating for this book:: ***** It was amazing!

Lauren's Review: Eleventh Grade Burns by Heather Brewer

Lauren, 7th grade

I started reading the first 3 books and loved them. The book follows this boy Vladimir Tod who happens to be a vampire. Vlad's dad died when he was a boy. He thought he would be generous to turn off his mom and dad's alarm. When he got home from school his house had been burned down. He had to live with his aunt Nelly. Well he has a best friend Henry that he bit when Henry asked him too. That would make Henry Vlad's drudge now. His uncle Otis teachs him all he needs to know about being a vampire. The first book is called Eighth Grade Bites, second book is Ninth Grade Slays, Third book Tenth Grade Bleeds and then Eleventh Grade Burns, The fifth book is going to be Thelfth Grade Kills. I recommend this book to people who like books about vampires.

Why I picked the book up: It looked interesting

Why I finished it: It was just fascinating

I'd give this book to: People who'd want to read it

My Rating: ***** It was amazing!

Benito's Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Benito, 10th grade

This book was just as good as the last. I could not put this book down. I finished it in two days, the pace is fast throughout the book. The actual "games" made it interesting and more fun to read.

Why I picked the book up: I read the Hunger Games.

Why I finished it: I coldn't put it down

I'd give this book to: anyone

My rating: **** Really Liked it

Jeramiah's Review: Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer

Jeramiah, 12th grade

This book is a great book for anyone who likes humor and vampires. It was fun to read about the writers thoughts on the myths regarding vampires and it is a comedic book about a half-vampire going through high school, and everyday life while hiding the fact that he has a thirst for blood.

Why I picked this book up: I read the first one and I was hooked from the first page.

Why I finished it: i wanted to see how Vlad conquered his enemy D'Ablo.

I'd give it to: Anyone who likes a crazy and slightly sadistic type of humor.

My rating: ****Really Liked It

Midnighters #3: Blue Noon

11th grade

Midnighters #3: Blue Noon

By: Scott Westerfeld

The "midnighters", Rex, Melissa, Dess, Jonathon, and Jessica, must once again use everything they know to fight off a new band of darkling creatures threatening the whole midwestern region of the USA. A mysterious "rip" has occurred in the blue time, and with the rip ever growing, midnight can come at any time of the day, for just a few minutes at a time. It isn't clear why the rip is growing or how the darklings are using the rip to their advantage until Rex steals the 50 year old mindcaster's, Madeline's, memories of the past. Rex learns that Jessica, the flame-bringer, is vital to protecting the people, but just how important isn't clear until the rip reaches Bixby. With the whole midwest in danger from the expanding blue time, the 5 midnighters must find a way to protect thousands of people from the darkling's attack on humanity.

I picked this book to read because I really enjoy the way that Scott Westerfeld writes, and I have already read the first and second Midnighter books, and they were fantastic! It was hard to not stay up for hours finishing this book, because it is a very quick read. I would give this book to anyone who enjoyed the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld, or to anyone who likes a bit a sci-fi or suspence novels. I would recommend this novel for teens 13 and up, because it isn't overly long, some words are a bit challenging (lots of them being 13 letters long ;)), and it has just a touch of romance that really makes this a story.

**** Really liked it

The Best and Hardest Thing by Pat Brisson

Molly's always been the good girl.
Smart, studious, loyal, blah.
Ready for a change
with her eyes set on a goal.
New wardrobe, new attitude,
will she score the boy in her sights?

Even good, smart people make mistakes.
How will Molly handle the consequences?
What choice will she make?
Her heart will knows
the best and hardest thing.

Why I picked up this book: I've been reading a lot of books about teen pregnancy and adoption and I was interested in how this author would tackle the subject.

Why I finished the book: It is a novel written in verse and I loved the fact that the author used so many different styles of poetry. The book was fast paced and I think it did a great job with Molly's voice. The novel read like a journal.

I'd give the book to: high school creative writing and health teachers as I could see it working into both curriculum. Any "good" or "smart" teen or adult who can identify with making a bad decision and then having to decide how to respond to the consequences.

Click here to visit the author's website and learn more about the types of poetry she used in the novel.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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