Thr3e by Ted Dekker

“You have 3 minutes to confess your sin. If you don’t, I’ll blow your car to smithereens.” This was not the phone call Kevin, a first year seminary student, was expecting to hear as he drove home from class. Kevin has no idea who this person that calls himself Slater is but decides to take him seriously. Kevin barely has time to get the car off the freeway and into a parking lot before it goes up in flames. The phone calls continue and Slater’s demands escalate. Kevin must either admit his sin or solve a riddle in order to save innocent lives. Who is Slater and what is his obsession with the number Thr3e? And what sin has Kevin committed that could trigger a game such as this?

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt

“Step right up and get a peek at the fattest boy in the world. That’s right, folks, 643 pounds. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity right here in Antler, Texas.”
It was the hot summer of 1971 in the small town of Antler, Texas. The summer that 13 year old Toby will never forget. The summer he learns about truth about love, life, war, and death. The summer that begins with a stop at the Dairy Maid parking lot to witness the sideshow attraction in a white pull-type camper trailer, billed as “The Fattest Boy in the World”. The summer When Zachary Beaver Came to Town.

Jessica's Review: Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie

The book Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie is a book about secrets, cheating husbands, and finding what fits in life. The main character is a fiery redhead who has recently been divorced but has found new life in a rundown old PI building. She completely revamps the place stepping on toes the entire way. Little does she know that sooner or later someone has to crash and burn and they aren't going down alone. Murder, intrigue, mystery, false love, and true love, are scattered throughout the book. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who's into a nice little mystery and can sit out in the sun and read on any summer day. It kept me guessing but was believable at the same time.
Rating: 4Q, 4P

Dane's Review: Junky by William S Burroughs

So yeah, it's been tough cause a whole bunch of drug based novels were pushed on me right B4 the end o' school. I mean each one was interesting, but time is always an issue. TBH (to be honest), this book caught me at first but couldn't keep me, about 1/2 - 3/5 through I had to set it down because even the great metaphors couldn't make rereading most paragraphs, because they are so hard to follow, worth it.
The basic plot is about a drug abuser, named Josh or James?, (can't really remember). He was doing some pretty hardcore drugs to begin with, but honestly he doesn't seem like he's going anywhere in the end. He ends up traveling and mostly the book is about his endeavors but it just got tiring, TBH.
I really would only recommend it if you have the time to kill and can stomach hard to read literature, as all William Burrough's writing is pretty tough to read.
Rating: 2Q, 3P

Emily's Review: Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl

Okay. I admit to being a pretentious jerk and only picking up this book first because A.) it reminded me of Donna Tartt's Secret History and B.) someone said Pessl wrote line Nabokou. I am still a pretentious jerk because I thought it wouldn't deliver on either point, and it did, but I still set out to hate it on principle.

I am now redeemed, because I freaking LOVE this book. It's just -Oh, man! So trippy! So well-written! SO AWESOME! And Marisha Pessl is too pretty for her own good. Seriously, Google her. GORGEOUS.

Okay: so Blue van Meer, a super-intellectual high school senior, travels the nation with her witty (sometimes nasty) college professor father. At her new high school, she falls in with a vicious clique and the mysterious teacher who leads them. Did I mention the teacher is dead by the first chapter? The rest of the book explores Blue's relations with her new "friends", and what happened-well, what seemed to have happened-that lead to Hannah Schneider's death, and its consequences. Political science, terrorists, AP classes and art: it's an unexpected mix. I definitely recommend Special Topics in Calamity Physics.

Rating: 5Q, 4P

Mary's Review: X/1999 by Clamp (Manga)

Put aside for a minute the fact that 1999 has come and gone and the apocalyspe has yet to come down upon mankind. That tidbit will serve no good here. Since Clamp began their odyssey in 1992 the possibility was quite plausible. Knowledge in hand, the plot goes as follows: Kamui Shiro, age 15, has returned to Tokyo following the death of his mother. There he is united (despite his best efforts) with childhood friends Fuma and Kotori, the brother and sister living in a local shine. Kamni's reluctance is quickly explained: bad things seem to happen to those involved with him: Kamni's mother died in a fire, and both of Fuma and Kotori's parents met their respective gruesome deaths; their mother when Kamni lived there as a child, and their father upon his return. Kamui, it seems, has two potential destinies: either he can save the world and preserve humanity's existence; or he can bring about change, resulting in humanity's dowfall but the salvation of nature. A nice, eco-friendly message there. That's what it all comes down to here, as well as some musings on destiny. Good things first: X/1999 has beautiful art, detailed and grim (though some volumes also have beautifully detailed death scenes not suited to the less iron willed gut), and compelling characters, a few of which have come in from other manga (readers of Clamp School Detectives and Tokyo Babylon will be pleased). There's even a little romance through it all, from plain romance, to is-it-hate? type relationships. But...there are also the expected smattering of problems. Although most of the time the year ceases to matter, the first volume of "X" seems particularly dated. A bad idea to afix dates to anything unless the date is long past. Also, after the initial look "X" takes 5 long volumes to set itself up. Lots of exposition for the patient reader before there's much action to speak of, and then begins the deaths. Lastly, "X" just seems to...stop after 18 volumes, with no conclusion to speak of, though one gets the feeling that with two more volumes things might have wrapped up. Alas, it was not to be, and two years have passed with nary a word. But in some ways the journey is worth it for its own sake. And there's always that small, small hope...
Final Verdict: 3Q, 3P

**This title is available through InterLibrary Loan**

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

Ever heard of Dolly, the 1st cloned sheep. Well, in the future, she’s not the only one. Imagine a future where you could be live forever, or at least into your mid 100’s, all courtesy of your clone. Don’t worry about heart, lung or liver failure because you’ll be able to get a new one, a perfect match. That’s right. Your clone is created for the sole purpose of keeping you alive. When it is born, or rather harvested from the womb of a special cow, its intelligence is destroyed leaving the clone to be viewed as an animal rather than human. It sounds harsh but that’s the price for eternal life. There is one clone who has been saved. Matteo Alacran (Matt) is the clone of the El Patron, the leader of a country called Opium, a strip of poppy growing fields wedged between the US and the former country of Mexico. El Patron wasn’t always a rich, powerful drug lord. He lived a miserable life of poverty and that is why he has always given his clones a happy, healthy childhood. So happy in fact, that Matt has no clue that he is a clone, until the 148 year old El Patron needs him for more than just company. Now Matt will find out what it really means to be part of the House of the Scorpion.

A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb

Do you believe in the existence of the afterlife? Where will you go when you die? Heaven or hell? What if you don’t end up in either place? What if you are stuck on Earth, a purgatory of such, where you must haunt people or places but can never touch or talk to anyone? An existence where you can love but no one can love you or even see you. This is Helen’s life. She died 130 years ago but is stuck between Heaven and Hell, right here on Earth, as a Light. She has had many hosts, the current Mr. Brown, whom she cares for deeply but can never touch or communicate with. She has come to accept her reality until one day a boy in Mr. Brown’s English class looks at her and actually sees her. That is because this boy is not your typical teenager. He is really a shell who has been inhabited by one of Helen’s kind, a ghost named James. James unlocked for Helen a world she never thought possible, a world where she might finally be able to touch and communicate with others, a world where she can love, a world that will unveil the answers to how and why she became Light and how she can finally be free.

Emily's Review: The Aeneid by Vergil (and translated by many!)

Okay, I confess. This is a weird choice. I have but one way to defend myself, and that is to mention that I've been translating The Aeneid since last fall. Why, Emily, you ask, would you translate an epic poem from the original Latin? And why, Emily, would you recommend it to us?
Well, as I am a dedicated Latin student, Plus, The Aeneid is a lot more awesome that it sounds.
After the Trojan war, the last few Trojans flee the Greeks, carrying with them the household gods and the memory of their homeland. The prince Aeneas leads the way. They have to find a new homeland and found a race destined to rule the world--the Romans. Because this is like The Odyssey with twice as much action, sex, and gore, the Trojan fleet obviously faces extreme peril on their journey (and even more when they reach their destination). The goddess Juno hates them, they don't know what to do, and their leader is a whiny brat. Characters like Dido, the overly passionate Carthaginian queen who falls for Aeneas, and the vicious warrior Turnus (called a second Achilles) liven the narrative, which is already...well, awesome. Seriously. It may be old, but that doesn't mean it's not exciting. Plus, YOU don't have to read it in the original language (like I did). Pick up one of the more recent translations and you won't regret it.
Rating: 5Q, 5P ---I am SO not exaggerating.

Mary's Review: Lord Loss by Darren Shan

Shan's pulled out all the stops on this one, at least as far as names are concerned. This reviewer happens to believe that any inane soul guilty of naming their child "Grubsitch" should be shot on-sight for the good of mankind, but that is not the point. Grubsitch "Grubbs" Grady is narrator and hero, and so the name serves to be...distinctive, if nothing else. Lord Loss begins with a bang, a very gory bang, as Grubbs witnesses the murder of his older sister and parents by the titular demon's familiars. Shan always has had a talent for colorful descriptions of gore. From there the story becomes rather start-stop interest wise, not choosing to remain on a steady increase of intensity until around midway through the book. Shan's forways into exposition would be more inksome if they failed to pay off later, but after some 16 Shan books this reviewer has yet to see it happen. The lovely thing about Lord Loss, for the casual reader, is that the book does not necessarily require the reading of the rest of the current ongoing story. The plot within wraps up nicely enough, and though another of Shan's Demonata books (Slawter and the upcoming volume as well) feature Grubbs as well (with Demon Thief involving a younger version of Grubb's uncle Dervish) those books could be considered "stand alones" as well. Shan has promised to tie the novels together at a later point, but for now we give Lord Loss: 3Q, 4P.

Jessica's Review: Dave Barry is Not Making This Up by Dave Barry

This book was good although not your typical read. There's not a plot, climax, hero, or villain, at least not in the normal sense. This book is a collection of articles written by the award winning Dave Barry that are based on anything from getting lost in the Bermuda Triangle, to the all time hated elementary school science fair. From the dedication in the beginning to the last word of the last article on the last page, Barry keeps the reader entertained and in fits of hysterical laughter. I'd recommend this book to people interested in a journalist who relates to the readers, even on topics a little out there.
Rating: 4Q, 3P

Dane's Review: Leaving Dirty Jersey by James Salant

Okay, this book is NOT, and I can't emphasize that enough, for any of the following people: anyone who dislikes or disapproves of drugs, drug use, profanity, violence, sex, or anyone who isn't comfortable with graphic descriptive literature or is squimish. I know, not the most "wowing" of intros from yours truly, however I'm sure that many of you are adult enough to handle some more intense reading. Heck, I know 14 year olds that are more mature about sex than people in their twenties. So yeah, it's like this: drugs are bad, nuf said, but I had to read some drug stories for a class, I hope you like reading about me btw, and this book is like James Frey's Million Little Pieces, with maybe less shock. Reminded me of a book called Junky, albeit an easier read.
So Jimmy, "Jim", he's out of rehab or GSL or whatever they call it, and he's staying clean of drugs like a good kid would, has himself a place to stay down in Cali (California). He & Luke & Wendy are doing well, his cohorts are, were, using drugs like him. But like most addicts, when confronted with the choice of using again, don't have as much will as they would like to believe. It's a story of meth and all the side drugs he does, connections he makes, and stories he has. I have a hard time describing the book without some profanity myself. The scary part is that it's all so real, how he and his friends are constantly paranoid, or making or breaking themselves. The sheer nonchalantness and calousness in all of the charaters is frightening. But when Wendy gets sent to prison, Jim has quite the time working his way around the town, borrowing money, cause it's always about the money, from his parents, stealing and living to feed his drug addiction.
It's awfully hardcore reading about his paranoia and loss of his mind. And with all that aside, it's pretty much one of the best books I've read in a long, long time. I recommend it only to those who think they can handle the most lewd of things, because Mr. Salant isn't shy when it comes to this novel.
Rating: 5Q, 2P

Josh's Review: The Black Tattoo by Sam Enthoven

The Black Tattoo by Sam Enthoven is a book that really doesn’t live up to its title. With a title as cool as The Black Tattoo, it is a bit of a downer that the book really doesn’t talk much about a black tattoo. Instead you are pulled into a world of secret societies and a battle with an age old demon, The Scourge. Charlie and Jack are best friends through thick and thin. One minute they are walking down the street and the next they are training in martial arts and learning to fly. One morning Charlie wakes up with a mysterious moving black tattoo and from then on it becomes a struggle for the existence of the universe. Sam Enthoven writes a good beginning to a book but the middle and the end seem to need a bit more developing, a little more explanation than “That is the way it has always been”.
Rating: 2Q, 3P

Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli

**This title is on the nominee list for the 2007-2008 Soaring Eagle book award**

The first thing I remember was running, hugging stolen bread to my chest despite the shouts of "Stop! Thief!" Then another boy was dragging me and running. He was much bigger/older than me. He had been going after the bread too, but I was quicker. His name was Uri. We split the bread and he asked me my name. "Stopthief," I said. He took me to meet the others in a stable. They teased me about my size, and my adopted name. Was I a Jew? they asked. How old was I? I asked what a Jew was and the one-armed boy said a Jew was less than a bug, less than anything. I was a Gypsy, they decided. And laughed and threw food. And then we heard the explosions and the clouds were brown and black and we ran to a small building in an alleyway and into the cellar. It was home, at least as much of a home as I would know for a long time. I didn't understand much of what was going on. The bombing, the hatred of the Jews. When the Jackboots and Flops lined us up and screamed and poked at us, I thought of the stone angel so silent and still. I pretended that I was the stone angel and that I could not move. It was all a game to me. When people ran, I thought it was a race and was determined to win. I was innocent, and young, and small, and quick. I entered the Ghetto in Warsaw because I wanted to. And escaped each night to pillage for food through an opening too small for anyone else. I never got caught. And, I survived in my ignorance and innocence. Unlike so many others. (This booktalk was written by Sam Marsh, Booktalking Colorado).

Josh's Review: Give a Boy a Gun by Todd Strasser

If you are a guy and can't find anything to read or nothing interests you then read this. Give a Boy a Gun is a FICTIONAL book about two sophomore boys who are at the bottom of the food chain when it come to school. Written in a the format of interviews from several people who knew the boys, this book paints an accurate picture of what happens before, during, and after a school shooting. Brendan and Gary are two boys who are the dregs of the school. Ridiculed and laughed at by the jocks, these boys finally get fed up. This book shows what can happen when it all becomes too much and people snap under the strain of having to put up with being the butt of everyone's jokes. This book, while providing excellent reading material, also provides startling facts and phrases taken from various magazines, newspapers, and surveys about guns and guys.

Rating: 4Q, 3P

Josh's Review: Lady Friday by Garth Nix

The latest installment in the Keys of the Kingdom series. Lady Friday once more picks up the story of Arthur Penhaligon and his struggle with the House and the Morrow Days. Lady Friday has sent out a letter to Arthur which is either a cunning trap or a golden opportunity. Meanwhile, Arthur's friend Leaf is being held captive by Lady Friday on her remote mountain in one of the Secondary Realms. Garth Nix once again writes an amazing story. However this book seems to have lost some of the fire that has been in the last four books. With two more books to go in the series is it going to be a downward spiral or is this the low point in a fabulous tale?

Rating: 4Q, 4P

The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty

To: Reader
Special Covert Operation Report
Agents: Emily, Lydia, Cassie –Ashbury
Charlie, Seb, & “Matthew Dunlop” –Brookfield
Operation
Operation Pen Pal Project
Assigned by Mr. Botherit, Ashbury English Teacher

Assignment Description
Your mission, if you chose to accept it, will be to converse with students at the rival high school as part of a mandatory English assignment. What you write is up to you but keep in mind that this assignment is ongoing and will continue through the entire school year. The goal of this assignment is to create self awareness, friendships, and the Joy of the Envelope. No text messages or emails, please.
Warning: Although your letters will be completely confidential, participation will count toward your final grade.

Field Note #1
Although this assignment seems harmless, you never know who your pen pal will turn out to be.

Field Note #2
Pen pals may want to meet. While a face to face meeting is not mandatory, it will change the course of this assignment. Keep in mind that not everyone is who they claim to be.

Field Note #3
While pen pals are not required to do anything for each other, pen pals may choose to participate in certain secret assignments which could lead to such illegal activities as calling in false reports, fire alarms, breaking into and stealing cars, skipping school and other activities which could lead to classes and exams being postponed.

Field Note #4
Pen pals who issue ominous warnings and threats should be watched carefully. Pen pals who receive such letters should take caution when deciding on how to respond to such pen pals. Refer to field note #1 as to whether or not said pen pal is really should be trusted. When in doubt, consult friends as they may be able to plan additional secret assignments to uncover the identity of ominous pen pal and foil their plans.

Field Note #5
Enjoy Operation Pen Pal Project and The Year of Secret Assignments.

Look for The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie the followup novel by Jaclyn Moriarty.

Dane's Review: Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo

Now I know a great deal of you like the graphic novels and such, but a book/graphic novel that you absolutely must read whether you like them or not is Akira. The drawing skill its done with is definitely a retro style with some "corny" realism, but none-the-less good. The story itself takes place in some new-age future -yet not too future- Tokyo. A rockin' cycle gang (I'm not a motorcycle kinda guy, but boy, they kicked) is kind of composed of the "outcast" hardknocks of the school. While out riding to the "point of impact" or some such explosion destination crater, quarantined as off limits, one of the cyclists, (bear with me as I'm bad with Japanese names) Tustendo, gets in a wreck because some little child that looks like he's a bazillion years old was standing in the road. As he dissipates into thin air, an "ambulance" arrives to haul Tustendo. Queue crazy plot, awesome action scenes and bizarre children with mind powers on drugs. Tustendo is locked up and going crazy in some science lab of a hospital while his pals are trying to find him. I know, a-freaking-mazing. Seriously read this, once you're done, there's even a movie. It's stellar, too.
I know you're ALL about the great graphic novels, so I recommend this, or Watchmen, also good BTW. Just don't let all awesomeness make your head explode.
Rating: 4Q, 4P

**This book is availble throught InterLibrary Loan.**

Emily's Review: Blankets by Craig Thompson

Blankets is the story of the author's childhood and his first love told in visual format -a 600-page graphic novel, featuring lively black-and-white work with brush and ink (incidentally, I would willingly kill a man to have Thompson's skill with line and form). He grew up in a suffocatingly conservative family, and the book makes skillful use of his Christian teachings. No fear: Thompson is anything but preachy. (I strongly dislike the person who protests at the first mention of religion in a book.) The true power of Blankets, though, lies in the story of Raina: Raina meets Craig at church camp, and the two quickly become friends, before Craig begins -slowly- to love her. It sounds trite at my word, but then I have trouble describing the things that truly wow me. I've read a few books that pick you up, fly you in loops, over peaks and through valleys, and at last drop you, so you end a pile of flesh and bone, it's simply so shattering to turn the last page. This is one of them.

Rating: 5Q, 4P

Jessica's Review: Fiela's Child by Dalene Matthee

Fiela's Child is a story of loss, learning, and searching. There is the loss of a child by two different women and the foundings of hope in one boy. In this same boy is the loss of identity, of who is he and who he is supposed to be. At one point, both meanings are lost to him. He learns to adjust to different environments relying on himself when no one else is around. This is Benjamin Kamoetie, the source of turmoil and rejoicing for Feila Komoetie, and Lukas van Rooyan, son of Barta van Rooyan and for her, he has died and come back to life. There is racial between the two families, one black and one white and a tug of war for superiority between the families themselves. I thought this was a great book filled with deeper meaning about identity as well as common issues existing in the region of South America, where this takes place. I would recommend it to others, but on special interest alone. It's not your everyday Harry Potter.
Rating: 4Q, 2P

**This book is available through InterLibrary Loan.**

Josh's Review: Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

Richard Cypher is a woods guide in Westland. While he is up in the mountains near the Boundary he is bitten by a vine, sees a red spec in the sky which he thinks is a dragon, and meets the most beautiful woman he has ever seen dressed as if she were attending a formal party. Trouble comes in threes. Right? Well if that is the case then Richard is in for a killer of a day as it turns out. Four killers in fact. From then on, Richard is ripped from his world and thrust into making life changing decisions in a world that he has never set foot into, that threatens not only himself and his friends but the entire world. Richard must sift throught the web of lies and seek the truth about himself and of those around him.
Terry Goodkind is a master story teller, weaving words together so well it is a flawless canvas. This book and those that follow it are full of drakness and the will to prevail as well as plenty of blood, gore, and magic.
Rating: 5Q, 4P

Josh's review: Mister Monday by Garth Nix

Garth Nix strikes again. With the Abhorsen trilogy and the Seventh Tower series already under his belt as well as a collection of short stories, The Keys to the Kingdom series is just icing on an already fabulous cake. Arthur is a sickly asthmatic boy who is supposed to die. However, when a strange man appears out of thin air next to the dying Arthur and gives him what looks like the little hand of a giant clock, his entire life is transformed. Suddenly Arthur is seeing things. Things that shouldn't be able to exist. Horrible winged creatures and a house that couldn't possibly be real are showing up and following him around. He finds himself immersed and struggling to survive in a place full of paper and strange people stuck in the early 1900's as well as trying to stop a plague affecting the rest of his world. Garth Nix's Mister Monday captures and draws you into a fascinating world while weaving the story around you.

Rating: 4Q, 3P

Josh's Review: Sabriel by Garth Nix

The Old Kingdom is overrun and across the Wall. The existence of magic is denied. Sabriel must travel to the Old Kingdom a place that she can't remember and assume a name that is spoken in only whispers and is feared by the dead. ABHORSEN. With her father missing and the Old Kingdom sinking further into disarray, she must come to terms with the past and future that awaits her. In a place where the dead stalk the living and the river of Death is never far away she must fight an evil so old that no one can remember when it came to be. Garth Nix takes the world of magic and turns it upside down and backwards, weaving a story that is totally original.

Rating: 4Q, 4P

Mary's Review: Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Ms. Anderson, famous for her acclaimed book Speak, seems to be rather at a loss for words. Twisted has a somewhat meandering plot, and the novel suffers for it. Things happen of course-the narrator is framed for photographing the girl of his dreams naked and unconscious at a party, battles it out with his workaholic father, and contemplates committing suicide. But the question about it all seems to be "So what?" Surely the audience is supposed to care that all of this is happening, but by the time enough sympathy is darned for them to actually do so the novel is practically over. It's doubtful that many readers will make it for enough to begin to care. "This book is not suitable for children" the fly page boldly states. And yet as grown up as this novel tries to be, it never quite stops handling the issues with kid gloves.
Final Verdict: 2Q, 3P

Tangerine by Edward Bloor

Welcome to Tangerine, Florida where you aren’t likely to find its namesake fruit and housing developments rise from the graveyards of citrus trees. Where it pours rain daily and lightning always strikes more than once. Where schools disappear into sinkholes but sports must go on. Tangerine, where there are more questions and secrets than answers.

Do You Know the Monkey Man by Dori Hillestad Butler

“Do you know the monkey man, the monkey man, the monkey man? Do you know the monkey man, who lives on Hartman Lane?”

How far would you go in order to uncover a mystery, something about your past that didn’t feel quite right? What if that mystery was finding your dad, whom you haven’t seen in almost a decade? Would you consult a psychic, pay for a private investigator, or dig through old boxes in the basement? Would you call people all around the country with his name in hopes of hearing his voice? The voice you would know anywhere? Would you sneak away from home to check out an address after calling leads you nowhere? Would you go or would you just decide the search was pointless?
What if I told you there was another piece to this mystery, a piece that seemed at first insignificant, but could be the answer to everything? What if I told you that the psychic says your twin sister, who died tragically at the age of three, is alive and well? What would you do?

Marley & Me by John Grogan

Look at that face! Sure, he’s man’s best friend but he might possibly be the worst dog ever.

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

What was the last CD you listened to or song that played on your iPod? Would the person sitting next to you be able to guess what it was? Would they like it, understand it, or ridicule you for listening to it?
What does the music you listen to say about you? Are you a leader or a follower? Do you take the easy road or look for a challenge? Is it an honest portrayal of you or do you hide behind the shadow of others? Is it really you or are you just a player? Does the music you listen to have a deep meaning for you or is it just noise? Would you have the courage to analyze yourself and let others in? Would you be willing to try something different even if at first you dislike it? What if you Just Listen?

This title is also available on CD audiobook.

Dane's Review: The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

Classic, epic, and by no means platitudinous, is the novel, known far and wide, by Ray Bradbury. The Martian Chronicles is a piece of literature, nay a work of art, that boggles the mind with plausibilities, unique fantasy, expert craftsmanship and imagery that is simply superb. The book is a collection of "mini-stories", each building amazing scenery and voice; taking us from the existence and culture of the Martian race, to Earth's own expeditions to the red globe, and even to far beyond, colonization of the planet. Bradbury's incredible mind paints wonderous pictures of Martians that aren't incredulous, but believable. The book will pull any avid lover of the abstract, abnormal, and all that it is SCI-FI, into its clutches.
Wonderful writing and awesome plot join the main peoples of Earth in their pilgrimage to Mars! This book is so much better if you read it by choice rather than in class; so make the best of a great book and do yourself a favor and read this classic.
Rating: 5Q, 3P.

Emily's Review: A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

Are you a fantasy fan searching for something, you know, original? Tired of trudging through nonsense-laden, logic-lacking wrecks (with stereotypical elves and dwarves and I-don't-really-care-what-else)? Then you should read the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin. If you don't, I will probably punch you. (Alternately, I will slay you with the twelve words of death I learned from Knockoff Fantasy #87.)
Inspired by The War of the Roses (a fierce fight over royal succession), the Ice and Fire books are more politically focused than the usual high fantasy plot; they're also entirely character-driven, rather than having to rely on some quest or prophecy for the story's sake. None of the cast are entirely good or evil -yeah, some are twisted and some are saintly, but mostly they're just people. This, if you didn't know, is TOTALLY AWESOME.
I feel I should note that Martin is infamous for the brutal treatment of his characters. In addition to this, the books are graphic -sometimes more than they should be- in all respects (blood and gore, adult situtations, etc.) Drama, violence, and depression. There's nothing you can't love! The series begins with A Game of Thrones and has yet to be finished.
Rating: 5Q, 3P

Jessica's Review: Name Dropping by Jane Heller

Although this particular book carried the same plot as so many television shows, movies, and other novels, it was still enjoyable. What I mean in these similarities is where girl meets guy, pretends to be someone else, falls in love, breaks his heart with her lies, and somehow they still end up together. The twists and turns are predictable for the most part, but its the smaller details that kept my attention, like Fischer Levins and his continuous disruptions and each new level added to the mystery.
Rating: 3Q, 3P

The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

At age 10, Lucky has already lost her mother and been abandoned by her father. The one thing Lucky is sure about is that her backpack survival kit is always packed and ready to go, along with her faithful companion, HMS Beagle. Everything else in Hard Pan, CA., Pop. 43, she’ll have to learn to live without. Lucky is sure that Brigitte, her guardian, is going back to France so Lucky’s gonna have to run so she won’t end up in an orphanage. And it’s really too bad because she’ll miss her best friend Lincoln, although he might not stop tying knots long enough to notice she’s gone, and Miles, although at age 5, he’s young enough to find someone else to share stories and cookies with.
What Lucky will miss the most is eavesdropping on 12-step anonymous meetings and learning how she can find this “Higher Power”.

2007 Newbery Award Winner

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang [Graphic Novel]

American Born Chinese is a collection of three parallel stories of adaptation. The first tale is of the Monkey King, whose only goal is to be part of the dinner party in heaven. After he is shunned for being merely a monkey, the Monkey King decides to continue to master the disciplines of Kung Fu and fight those who won’t accept him.
Jin Wang starts a new school and is introduced as being from China, although he was born in San Francisco. He is a loner and is often bullied. When Wei-Chen, a new student from Taiwan, joins the class, Jin Wang is unsympathetic and tells him to speak English in America. Jin Wang develops a crush on a Caucasian girl but her friend delivers him a harsh message –that he (an ABC) is not good enough for her.
Danny is the All-American white boy. His cousin Chin-Kee comes to visit once a year and Danny is humiliated. Chin-Kee is the ultimate representation of the negative Chinese stereotype and Danny feels Chin-Kee is ruining his life.
When these three stories collide, the reader learns about identity and what it might feel like to be an American Born Chinese.

This is a graphic novel and the 2007 winner of the Printz Award.

Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde

Ever wonder what it would be like to ACTUALLY be a part of the video games you love to play? Be able to really make the slam dunks in NBA Live, go fishing in Runescape, or be a sniper in Halo?
Well—here’s your chance. Rasmussen Enterprises now offers a total immersion video game, where your brain is wired to the computer for the total experience of the game –sounds, smells, etc. You are in the game. And it’s only $50 for a half hour of play. Rasmussen Enterprises newest Total Immersion game is Heir Apparent. In this game, you are a sheepherder and the illegitimate child of the newly deceased king and must return to the kingdom to be crowned Heir Apparent. There are many ways to win but along the way you must… find the magic ring, outwit your 3 half-brothers and the queen, recite poetry to a head chopping statue, save the kingdom from barbarians, find the stolen treasure, chase away a group of pesky ghosts, answer riddles from a lonely dwarf, and steal a crown from a man-eating, gold loving dragon.
Sounds easy, right? And like all video games, if you die, you have to start the game over from the beginning. But there is one catch. The group Citizens to Protect Our Children has broken in and damaged the computer system. So time is limited, not just for your character but for you. If your character loses another life, so could you…
Wanna play?
Rasmussen Enterprises is not responsible for any personal injury occurred on the premises. A small number of users participating in Total Immersion may experience short term effects not limited to but including “light-headedness, decreased appetite, increased heart rate, blurred vision, memory loss, inability to concentrate, and/or loss of motor control.”

Mary's Review: Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K Hamilton

When one is tired out from classics, books that have that frustrating component of thought, there is something to be said for pulp. No meat, all frills novels that you won't remember in the morning, but made for great reading material while it was there. And that's exactly what this is. Ms. Hamilton certainly isn't going to win any awards, but take it for what it is and the book is certainly accessible--enjoyable even. A healthy dose of love for fiction on the mystical side doesn't hurt either. Anita Blake, vampire executioner, lives in a version of America where vampires, necromancers, and lycanthropes not only exist ; they have legal rights too. An interesting idea, and well and believably put into practice here. This first volume of a current fifteen-some book series finds our heroine (and kudos to Ms. Hamilton for creating a heroine not only un -annoying but tough and even likable, even in the eyes of a reviewer with a distate for female progtagonists), who raises the dead for a living by-the-by, investigating a series of vampire murders. This requires not only conquering her hatred of vampires but working with the irresistable, incorrigable Jean-Claude, vampire master, extraordinaire. Sounds pulpy, and really it is. Lots of blood, shootings, and some sexuality thrown in for good measure (it's a vampire book--this almost goes without saying). The later books ratchet up the sordid content a considerable amount, but here we have something not quite but (almost) middle school friendly. Don't forget to rest those brain cells occasionally, children.
Final Verdict: 3Q, 4P

The Freedom Writers Diary & Teach With Your Heart by Erin Gruwell

The Freedom Writers Diary by The Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell

You think you know the story: teens in an intercity school who give their first year teacher a run for her money. Actually that isn’t this story. True, the 150 teens in Ms. G’s class are mostly disciplinary referrals that will probably never finish high school, “the unteachable”. They are more colorful than a box of crayons and most are part of a gang. Nearly all have witnessed a murder and are living below the poverty level. They are only in school because the other options are prison or the grave. This isn’t a story of how a teacher tries to reach her students and fails. The Freedom Writer’s Diary are the narrative accounts of the 150 students that Erin Gruwell believed in. Students that decided to pick up a pen rather than a gun to prove to themselves and the world that anyone can change and rise above their circumstances. Students who opened (and read!) a book and saw themselves in the lives of Anne Frank and Zlata Filipovic. 150 students who walked across the podium to receive their high school diploma and became the first in their families to attend college. Students who have now gone out into the world to make their own differences.

Teach With Your Heart by Erin Gruwell

Teach With Your Heart is Erin’s follow-up to her students’ book The Freedom Writer’s Diary. Erin describes her decision to teach, her struggles in the classroom with both students and fellow teachers, the demise of her marriage, and her determination to make a difference in the lives of 150 “unteachable” students. Erin takes readers along with her to the office of Steven Speilberg, on trips with her students to Washington D.C., New York City, and to Europe to visit Anne Frank’s attic. Erin illustrates how she captivated her students with visits from Miep Gies, the woman who hid Anne Frank’s family, and Zlata Filipovic, a 15-year-old Bosnian refugee. This book is a wonderful selection for current and future teachers. Erin expresses hope to those highly motivated and creative individuals who truly want to make a difference in the classroom.

I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

Ed lived a pretty ordinary, routine life until the day he unintentionally stopped a bank robbery. Little did he know that single act would change his life forever. Soon Ed receives a mysterious message in the mail, a single playing card, the Ace of Diamonds. On that card are 3 addresses. If Ed chooses to play the game, he will have to determine what is located at the addresses and what he must do at each one. Choosing to play, Ed must make his way through town helping (and possibly hurting) others. Only one question remains: Who is sending these messages and why have they chosen Ed to be the messenger?

Jessica's Review: Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella is a modern day fairytale based in the wonderful city of London. The narrator is the average, everyday, nothing special girl who believes that someday she'll walk around a corner and her life will change for the better. I enjoyed this book because the main character is someone I can relate to. She has an ordinary job, lives in a flat with her best friend, and is going to move in with her absolutely perfect boyfriend. Sounds just like a fairytale, doesn't it? Enter Jack Harper, multimillionare. It's this man that brings out the best, and worst, in Emma, and it's Jack who will reveal her secrets to the world and change her life forever.
Rating: 4Q, 4P

Mary's Review: Petshop of Horrors by Matsuri Akino [Graphic Novel]

Somewhere in Chinatown is a shop that sells love, hope, and dreams... unless of course you break the contract. Then the owner simply can't be responsible for the repercussions...
Naturally as one could expect from such a premise, Petshop is not a happy little series. Only ten volumes in length, the series is mainly episodic, settling into a series of mini-dramas on the fallibility of human nature. A typical chapter begins with a pet being bought from the shop, where upon the buyer is given a contract containing three seemingly simple conditions. As can be expected it nearly always proves impossible, due to greed or other human fault, to hold to these rules and (often rather bloody, particulary in the early volumes) tragedy occurs. Blessed comedic relief comes in the form of Detective Leon Orcot, a rather crass American police officer obsessed with bringing in the shop's owner, Count D. Of course he's never able to prove anything-who's going to believe that D possess beasts seen only in stories, that often the pets he sells are human in appearance? And is it all a trick brought on by the mysterious incense of the Count's shop, or true magic? Well, much like Leon the reader isn't always satisfied with the answers. But answers aren't really the point here anyway. Mostly they take a backseat to Akino's eerie, beautiful art and the series' odd philosophy on humanity. Not to mention the wonderful love-hate relationship of Leon and D, which strings these seemingly unrelated incidents together and gives the reader something constant to hold to. The ending may not have the answers, but it has something more, something bittersweetly satisfying--possibility.
Final Verdict: 5Q, 3P

Mary's Review: The Phantom of Manhattan by Frederick Forsyth

Blind fan worship can be a very bad thing. In the case of this book, its on the level of eye-searingly bad. Phantom fans beware. Of course one can suspect something's amiss when Mr. Forsyth dedicates an entire introduction to decrying the author of the original Phanton novel, Gaston Leroux, in favor of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical adaptation. If one does not take this as warning sign enough and continues into the body of the novel, prepare to be met with a barrage of bad writing, poor characterization, very loosely tied narratives, and our beloved Erik dressing up as a clown. No, we are not making this up. Apparently Mr. Forsyth was unsatisfied leaving the musical as it was (choosing to completely ignore Erik's death in the original novel) and so decided to publish this little narrative, wherein Erik (the Phantom to you sole Webber-ities) moves to America, works on the pier (hence the clown costume), makes many thousands of dollars, and meets Christine again, whom he somehow mysteriously impregnated during the timeline of the play. When? The author doesn't seem to know either. It's one of many things the reader must simply swallow in order to finish the book. Did we mention that, like most glorified fanfiction, this story entertains the delightful misconception that Christine was passionately in love with Erik, as opposed to say, fearing and pitying him? It is far from true that glorified, published fanfiction can't be done well (read: Susan Kay's Phantom), its just that this piece of loathesome garbage was unable to accomplish it. Try again Mr. Forsyth. Or, don't. Please.
Final Verdict: 1Q, 1P

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

Normal black, plastic yo-yo equipped with a special nylon string that will lift up to 200 pounds and clips securely to your belt. Small tube of zip cream that is harmless to the touch but can burn through metal. Nintendo Game Boy, with 4 game cartridges, each performing an extraordinary function: fax/photocopy, x-ray, bug finder, and smoke bomb.
What do these gadgets have in common and who would possibly need them? Alex Rider, 14-year-old Special Operations Officer for the British Intelligence Agency MI6. Alex Rider, reluctant teenage spy.
His mission? Complete the assignment his uncle Ian (the banker?) had been on before he was killed in car accident. A car accident that mysteriously left his car riddled with bullet holes. An assignment that merely requires Alex to pose as the winner of a contest and test the new super computer, Stormbreaker, which is being given to every school aged child in the country, a gift the government believes is too good to be true.
Will he choose to accept it?
Join us next time… for another Alex Rider adventure.

Kevin K's review: American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang [Graphic Novel]

American Born Chinese is a book about identity and assimilation. Jin Wang is an ABC (American Born Chinese). His parents came from a foreign land and were married after going to graduate school. Jin Wang has to balance the old and new worlds and find an identity as a teenager on his way to high school. Being an American is everything. He is cold towards a boy from Taiwan who does not speak English. Jin Wang tells him, “You’re in America. Speak English.”

There is a parallel story about a monkey king and how he is rejected by a pantheon of human gods. No matter what the king does he can’t fit in. He has power amongst his own kind, even getting his monkey subjects to wear shoes. The monkey king represents Jin Wang and his quest to fit in. Both fail miserably and endure taunts and stereotypes about their cultures.

Jin Wang’s friend, Wei-Chen Sun, and Amelia, the love interest, are dynamic characters that add to the flow of the story. The tale of the monkey king and Jin Wang’s story of angst eventually collide and brings some cohesiveness to the tale. At points, who is who can be confusing.

The art stands out far more then the storyline. The contrast in colors between the characters and the drab backgrounds adds to the appeal of the tale. American Born Chinese is the first graphic novel to win a major publishing award (Printz). For this fact alone, American Born Chinese should be recognized as a literary achievement. However, it can be argued that previous graphic novels are far more deserving of the award.

Dane's Review: Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

The setting is clear from the first page of the book. A fantastic world: everything, no matter how small isn't overlooked and everything hides magic. Richard, a humble woods guide is immediately confronted with magic when he meets Khalan. In dire need of help they both seek Richard's grandfather, the wizard Zedd. The east of Richard's beloved home, Heartland Woods, is under great peril. The eastern cities are falling and being over-run, by a tryant who seeks control through great magical means. Swept up in a current of wonderous places and abysmal creatures, Richard is nigh forced to the eastern palaces to topple the dictator, Darkened Raul, from seizing control of all the lands.

This book contains heavy adult themes: death, blood, gore, sex. Although I found this book and series "The Sword of Truth" novels to be hands down the best book I've read, I don't recommend it to the weak of heart or mind, as it is VERY graphic.

Rating: 5Q, 4P

Emily's Review: Runaways by Brian K Vaughan [Graphic Novel]

Typical comic-book situation-- a bunch of kids find out their parents have superpowers, and hey! so do they. Only these kids are the Runaways--a strategist, a jock, a goth, a geek, a prep and a girl of only eleven--and their parents are the Pride, a group of dangerous supervillians.
When they witness a murder and realize the truth of their parents' identities, they decide to break away and form a vigilate group to right the wrongs of the Pride. But all's not well: they're framed for murder, the police, their parents, and other superheros are after them, and one of them is feeding information to the Pride.
Runaways features sharp, contemporary dialogue from Vaughan, perfect pacing and character interaction as well as TOTALLY gorgeous art by Adrian Alphona (although the artist who does the inking fails to supplement the awesome art and color--their likes are stiff and rob the art of motion.) Plus, there's an Alphona sketchbook and the original comic pitch from Vaughan at the back of the collected edition.
Runaways, however, appeals more to the geek crowd (characters namedrop Harry Potter and Leeroy Jenkins alongside Josh Whedon), though I recommend it to everyone.
Rating: 5Q, 4P

Jessica's Review: If the Shoe Fits by Stephanie Rowe

If the Shoe Fits, by Stephanie Rowe, is told by Paris Jackson, an aspiring entrepreneur who spends her nights creating the perfect running shoe with her best friends, and her days working a typical 9-5 job where she fantasizes about her new boss. Paris doesn't believe in marriage anymore after her ex-husband left her, but soon finds herself caught between her almost boyfriend, her almost perfect boss, and an ex-husband who wants her back. Her mom, who has always been the backbone to her life suddenly is changing everything the two of them ever believed in and Paris finds herself torn between not only the three men, but her job and her dream as well. Soon though, she will discover that the answer to all of her problems are simply a pair of designer heels. I really enjoyed this book as the words painted pictures of places I wanted to be. I wanted to meet each character and see if they really were as Paris described them. The twists in the plot were believable, but they still caught you by surprise and kept you guessing at what crazy catastrophe was going to happen next. The reader easily comes to love the characters and all their little quirks. It really isn't much of a teen reader selection, but is easily enjoyable.
Rating: 4Q, 3P

Mr. Rogers' Review: Leonardo's Shadow by Christopher Grey

Based upon a servant mentioned in the historical Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks, Giacomo is this book's narrator. Filled with the flavor of an Italian Renaissance household, Leonardo's Shadow has the historical accuracy to make it believable. Revolving around the painting of "The Last Supper," this story offers up action, suspense, and the everyday activities of Giacomo's Milan. Yet, it points out the problems of living within the patron system, compounded by the everchanging interests of a man of genius. I can highly recommend this chronicle of Giacomo's journey to find himself and his path through life.

Mr. Rogers' Review: The Queen's Soprano by Carol Dines

In a world of "haves" and "have-nots", Angelica Voglia's voice offers a way out of her humble beginnings and modest existence. To do so, she must thread a path between the rules of a strict society; her scheming mother, and manipulative men of wealth and power (all factions that attempt to use Angelica for their own purposes.) In this swirl of intrigue, plot and counterplot, another central figure is Christina, the ex-Queen of Sweden. As Angelica's patroness, this strong woman does all she can to protect her. Yet, even the Queen has her own agenda. Concerning two historical women, and filled with factual tidbits, this book makes a great read.

Educating Esmé by Esmé Raji Codell

As students, you know what teachers are like, right!? Well, after reading this diary of an amazing, innovative, creative, enthusiastic, first-year teacher you might change your mind. Did any of your teachers ever build you a time machine, buy classroom books with their own money, or let a trouble student be teacher for a day? Did you ever have classroom subjects such as “Puzzling”, “Mad Scientist Time”, “Time Traveling and World Exploration”, “Art of Language”, and “Free Reading Time”? Ever had a teacher roller skate down the hall or create a fairy tale festival? No? Well, then it’s time you met Madame Esmé, who chronicles her first year of teaching in an inner city Chicago school, where one classroom window is riddled with bullet holes, obscenities often fly from students’ mouths, and parents are known to abuse their children in the halls. If you’ve ever considered teaching, had a great teacher, or just think it’s about time that you met one, then it’s time for you to experience Esmé.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Let me introduce myself. I am Coraline and I’d like to tell you a story but first we have to get something straight. This is not a fairy tale or a ghost story. It all started when we (Mom, Dad, and myself) moved into a new apartment building. My parents work from home and are always busy so I get bored a lot. I had taken to exploring the neighborhood and hanging out with my neighbors, who wouldn’t normally have been my first choice of companions. The old guy upstairs says he is training a mouse circus and the mice have a message for me, “Don’t go through the door”. The two old ladies next door used to be actresses and they want to read my tea leaves, which say I’m in danger. Well, I’m not too inclined to believe anything from these three elderly residents who can’t even get my name right (it’s CORALINE not Caroline!).
So anyway there is one other apartment in the complex and it is empty. Strangely enough there is a door in our dining room that appears to have once led to that apartment. Now it opens only to a brick wall but we still keep it locked. Well, I guess I should say that it usually opens to a brick wall. Once I opened it and it led to a dark hallway. Being bored and inquisitive, I walked down the hallway and emerged into my own apartment. At least it looked like my apartment complete with my mother and father. Except they weren’t really my mother and father. My other mother had paper white skin, long fingers with even longer blood red fingernails and flowing black hair. The most striking difference of all was their eyes, because in place of eyes they had big, black, shiny buttons. My other parents were very nice, feeding me a wonderful dinner and paying extra special attention to me. And they even invited me to stay forever, with one condition. Just one little thing and they promised it wouldn’t hurt a bit. And that’s when I caught a glimpse of the black cotton spool of thread, long silver needle, and two large black buttons my other mother was holding.