Sophomore Switch

Name: Shelby

Grade:12+

Book Title: Sophomore Switch

Author: Abby McDonald

Review:

A semester abroad isn't always what it's expected to be. Take Emily a brain smart Brit girl from Oxford, working her whole life studying in order to become someone her father can be proud of who was suppose to be at Harvard, not UCSB, and the exact opposite Natasha a California born babe who's used to the guys, and umlimited sunshine. When each of the girls gets involved in switching it up for their Fall semester of their College Sophomore year- the trip itself is anything but expected. Both girls complete opposites are asking for advice from each other in order to fit in to make their semester abroad better than the first couple of days or even weeks of being outcasted and made fun of. Through emails, text messages, phone calls, and any form of communication each girl gives advice for the other in the areas of fashion, boys, and studies. While this newly found discovery is great and fortunate for both, each girl walks away with more than just a new friendship, and new styles, but a deeper sense of self, and purpose.

Why I picked up this book: I seem to always go for the attractive covers, and sophomore switch, just the title caught me questioning whether it were college or tenth grade in high school. I happened to be very fortunate to have it be about college :) which made me excited to read it on my thanksgiving vacation.

Why I finished it:

It was great, Abby does a great job developing both characters and having them live seperate lives, but communicate thoroughly. while this novel was cute, it was also a moral for development of who you are, and knowing what you are doing with your life. Abby also, did a great job of every other chapter writing from Emily's point of view, and then writing from Natasha's point of view keeping me focused and reading most of the time ;)

I'd give this book to:

Anyone who wants to read about the chaos of having a real life as a college student, and it's easily relatable to the lifestyle of what happens when your in a new place away from home, and the purpose of life. :)

Ratings ****

Five Flavors of Dumb - Antony John

Name: Krystiana Graham

Grade Level: Senior

Book Title: Five Flavors of Dumb

Author: Antony John

Review: Five Flavors of Dumb is not the usual sort of book, I myself; would read based on title. My mom saw it while processing it; showed me the cover, and I decided to look inside it. Five Flavors of Dumb is titled the way it is, because it is about a band called Dumb, with five different members with their own unique flair. What the book starts out with, is the main character, a girl outside the group of Dumb, is living in her own world, keeping separated from others in the school. But when she starts to insult Dumb, she tells them that they are doing everything wrong, and she could easily not only make them a big name, but getting them paying gigs. That is when the lead of the band decided to challenge her to that - with an ulterior motive no one else knew about. Of course, the challenge was- she had to get them a paying gig by the end of the month. As if it wasn't hard enough already, you also had to count in the fact that Piper, the main character... is, well, deaf.

The book starts off with Piper not getting along with anyone in the group, at this point in time there are only three members. You have Josh, who is in charge of the band, you have Tasha, who plays guitar, and Josh's twin brother plays bass. The fourth member comes when Piper asks her friend, Ed, to come watch the band play - because she can't hear, and she needs someone who can to come in and help. Ed startles them all when he starts beating out a beat for the band to follow - when he discovers how off sync they are, and as they all break lose to really play, he dazzles them on his make believe drum set. At that point in time, despite Josh's displeasure at letting a 'freak' like Ed into the band, Ed becomes the new drummer, and helps the band get ready to really show what they have.

The next member is Kallie, the prom queen, who Josh has a crush on. Josh only offered Piper the job of manager, in hopes of getting Kallie into the band, so that he could get her to date him. Of course, Kallie gets into the band, but she refuses Josh's advances, and... to every one's disgust, Kallie can't play her guitar very well. So, Piper does the only thing she can think off, she brings her brother in, Finn, who has been playing guitar since he was little, and has him help get both Kallie and Tasha to play better... The story continues, showing Kallie becoming part of the band, Tasha welcoming and forming a bond with both Kallie and Piper, as well as other twists. All and all, it is an excellently written book, featuring a deaf main character - which made everything flow extremely well.


Why I picked this book: I picked this book, because I like the books where the main character is expected to fail, or has complications that might limit her winning the challenge put before her. I find them more interesting, and I've never read a book with a deaf person as the main character, so I really wanted to try it out.

Why I finished it: I finished the book in one day, in a few hours in fact. Why, you may ask? Well, partially because I had no desire to be part of my family's thanksgiving with so many people there. And also, because, I couldn't put it down. it was one of the few books, that while reading, I couldn't figure out what was going on, so I had to keep going. And going, and going.

I'd give this book to: Anyone who wants to see the heroine beat the odds, as well as anyone just looking for a good book.

My rating for this book: ****

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12

Book: The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

A glass castle; a majestic, towering structure made entirely of glass. For Jeanette Walls, this was one of the amazing dreams her father provided for her growing up. Together, she and her father would build the glass castle.

While her father did inspire her with brilliant stories and knowledge, the life that he provided for her and her siblings was less than average. The whole Walls family was always on the run; from the police, from people that want their money. For Jeanette, this life was wonderful-at first. As the book opens, Jeanette is only five and loves her father and his ideas very much. As the book progresses, however, as she tries to remain loyal to her father, everyone around her begins to lose hope.

Jeanette's father is wonderful-- when he's sober. On the nights that he drinks, though, he is violent and oppressive. When he spends the money he gets from odd jobs on alcohol, the children go without food. Unfortunately, their poverty and unsettled lifestyle grows. As his alcoholism grows, the family grows further and further apart, and the dreams of the glass castle start to fade for dreams of moving to New York.

Throughout the book, it's impossible not to feel outraged or sympathetic for Jeanette and the Walls family. There were times when all I wanted was for Jeanette to punch her father in the face, or otherwise cause physical harm. The characters and story of their lives make for a fascinating, emotional, and wonderful book. This story gave me a whole new perspective about life and what it could be like. I ended up rooting for the Walls family the entire time.

Why I picked up the book: I had a recommendation from a teacher, and I also really loved the cover.

Why I finished it: I couldn't even think of abandoning the Walls family.


I'd give this book to: Anyone that wants to feel better about their lives, root for the main characters, or anyone just looking for an amazing read.

My Rating for this book: *****

Lullaby by Chuck Palahinuk

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12

Book: Lullaby

Author: Chuck Palahinuk

Have you ever heard a culling song?

Chances are, you haven't. If you had ever heard one, reading this would be difficult...because you would be dead. A culling song is spell used in ancient Africa to relieve dying people from their pain, or, in modern application, untraceably kill those around you. It is also the basis of Lullaby by Chuck Palahinuk.

In Lullaby, we are introduced to Carl Streator, a run-of-the-mill, middle-aged journalist living alone. Streator is on a mission- to figure our why Sudden Infant Death Syndrome occurs so randomly in so many homes. On this routine investigation, Streator uncovers an ancient African poem called "The Culling Song."

Though this poem is only a few lines of text on a page, it's also the world's deadliest weapon. Stretor soon finds himself using the Culling song to his advantage. Fed up with all the noiseophobes and quietoholics, he kills several people in his apartment building, people that run into him on the street and people that generally annoy him- like his boss. He soon realizes what he has become and teams up with Helen Hoover Boyle, a real estate agent, her razed assistant, and her crazed assistant's eco-terrorist boyfriend on a quest to destroy all copies of the culling song.

On this adventure, they seek the original book the Culling song comes from; but at the same time, both Helen and Streator have a constant struggle not to kill their passengers-- or each other.

Palahinuk uses repeated sentences, awful characters, and bleak situations to demonstrate his lack of hope for humanity. It's twisted, dark, disturbing, and at times left me feeling claustrophobic. However, the idea of simple words being so devastating, a single poem wreaking so much destruction, became almost and obsession for me as I read on in the novel. This books was an amazing piece of fiction that spans so many different topics and ideas. IT left me sitting up long into the night pondering exactly what was happening to not only the people in the book, but also everyone in the real world as well.

Why I picked up this book: I loved Fight Club, and wanted to try another one of his novels.

Why I finished it: I literally could not put it down.

I'd give this book to: Anyone up for a dark, disturbing, amazing read.

I wouldn't give this book to: Noiseaholics, Quietophobes, or anyone opposed to the darker, bleaker, more twisted view of the real world.

My Rating for this book: *****

Dead Witch Walking

Name: Krystiana Graham

Grade: Senior

Book Title: Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows; #1)

Author: Kim Harrison

Summary: As the title suggests, the story Dead Witch Walking is about a young woman named Rachel Morgan, who after being stuck at a job she despised, decided to quit. Ah, you're probably wondering what this has in common with the title right?W ell, what if I told you that she was a Witch? And not just any witch, but a witch runner. You see, in the book, a runner is someone who is sent after a member of the 'Hollows' who has abusing their powers. Vampires forcing themselves upon victims, for blood. Weres causing chaos. Black Witches.... You're probably staring now right, Vampires, Weres, Witchs; the likes (and then some) all exist in the Hollows. You see, when a outbreak of some sort of poison fell upon the human world it was only humans (and elves who had bred into the human world) who were affected, and began to die off. And between you and me, the poison was carried in tomatoes. But, as it, when the humans began dying out, all the others realized here was their chance to take back the world. After a full on war, in some descriptions, and a retreat in others, the humans welcomed the 'others' as long as they stayed in the Hollows, and didn't bother them. So, to keep this peace, Runners, who were part of a group called the I.S. But, they don't allow you to quit. It's basically a 'you join up' you're in till you die... which, happens a lot.

So, Rachel Morgan decided to quit. Of course, this would have been okay if it was only her leaving - seeing how they wanted her to leave. But in the act of leaving, she took their best runner with her. Causing such an intense stir of emotions, that because they couldn't put money on the other girls' head (because she paid her contract off) they put out a hit on her. The entire story consists of Rachel running into some sort of trouble, here or there. Being thrown into a rat fight, as a small mink. Being caught in a bad guys house.... Things like this... Oh, that bad guy? Hmm, well, you see. When she realized the one way to get them off her back was to bring Trent in. Trent was a man who no one could pin any crimes on, though they all knew he was guilty. So she has to go through catching him, arresting him, avoiding certain death - all while dealing with an annoyed vampire she manages to keep turning on by accident, a man who she has no idea what to do, a demon she owes a favor too, and a pixy who thinks he's always right. All in all, the book is full of twist, turns, ups, downs, and the always favored cliff hanger.... But it's up to you if you want to keep reading.

Why I picked the book up: A few years back I had the misfortune of falling in love with this series, but because I could never get ahold of the first book, I resorted to reading the next one. Curiosity finally forced me to come back, read the series over again, this time starting with the first book in the series - I wasn't prepared for what I had missed.

Why I finished it: Honestly, it was impossible to put down. i was reading it in English, before Class, during Lunch, during Astronomy. My friends repeatedly kept asking what I was reading - I kept telling them... It was just impossible to not read.

I'd give this book to: Well, if you live in Cincinnati, this will probably be a survival guide, so I would defiantly recommend you to read it. Who knows! You might decide that you need to take on saving the world form these people too! Otherwise, I'd recommend this to anyone who likes your fantasy styled action packed, oh so amazing twisted stories. Well, not really twisted, but close enough.

My Rating: ***** , I hate giving anything a five, but after reading what I'd skipped out on the first time around - well, there is no other choice really. it's a five, or nothing xD And I wouldn't give this masterpiece a 0 to save my life!

The Shining

Name: Serina

Grade: 12+

Title: The Shining

Author: Stephen king

Jack Torrance is out of options. His career as an English teacher is down the toilet, his wife is threatening to leave him, and his writing career is also spiraling away; and he owes all his problems to his alcoholic lifestyle. But after becoming painfully sober to try and save himself and his family, Jack has one last chance to make things right. He is given the job to take care of a motel deep in the mountains that closes down in the winter due to the frequent snow storms. With family in tow, Jack heads to the Overlook Hotel with no idea what it will do to them. Once there and completely snowed in, the Torrance's make themselves at home. Jack spends his time working on a screenplay, watching to boiler, and heating the rooms. His wife, Wendy, prepares the meals. His son, Danny, wanders the hotel. Unknown to his parents, Danny has a very strong psychic gift that he calls a 'shine' and he sees a lot more in the hotel than just empty rooms. Evil lurks there, an evil that chases him through his dreams with a roque mallet, an evil that shares an uncanny resemblance to his father. Jack sees things as well and the hotel slowly begins to take over his mind, turning a once loving father into a monster that only seeks to destroy his family. There will be no help coming for Wendy and Danny; the phone lines are out after a rather hideous storm, and there is no way down off the mountain. Also, the Overlook is determined to keep them there in its clutches, because it wants Danny's shine, and it refuses to let them escape from the horrors inside its doors.

This book was slow at moments, but also extremely enthralling. Each chapter seemed to bring the Torrance family closer and closer to their doom, and while Stephen king threw in his general supernatural scenes, the horror was painfully real. As usual, Stephen king has churned out a horrific masterpiece that quickly became a cult classic as well as was adapted into a movie. But trust me, the book is more worth your time.

I picked this book up because I am trying to read everything by Stephen king.

I finished this book because all the seriously exciting and horrifying stuff happened in the last few chapters.

I'd give this book to any Stephen King fan and anyone who is willing to be patient for well written horror.

***** It was amazing!

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak (verb): to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice: talk. To express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally.

We learn to speak as infants, to communicate our needs and feelings to our caretakers. It starts with simple words, then short phrases, and then we learn to speak in sentences, paragraphs, and monologues.

But what if there were no words to describe your feelings? No one willing or able to listen? What if you weren’t even ready to speak to yourself and admit your deepest secret, deepest hurt, deepest fear?

Melinda starts her freshman year of high school with no words, no friends, an outcast even in her own skin. But would she even be able or willing to explain what happened the night of the party? The truth behind why she really called the police? Will Melinda find her voice and be able to Speak?

Why I picked this book up: I read it in 2005 for a Young Adult Lit class. Our teen book club requested we read it so I picked it up again.

Why I finished it: Melinda has so much to say without ever speaking. I keep hoping someone will hear her.

I'd give it to: teens, parents, and adults who work with teens. Anyone who needs reminded that teens face a harsh world and need adults who are willing to listen and let them speak.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Briana

Grade: 12

Title: I Am The Messenger

Author: Markus Zusak

Summary: This book is about a 19 year-old illegal cab driver without much of a future. He stinks at playing cards and is in love with his best friend Audrey, who does not love him back. His life is a peaceful routine until he accidently stops a bank robbery. Since then, Ed has been receiving mysterious cards with names on them. For each name, Ed must do something different, until he begins to ask questions of who is behind these mysterious messages. This book is filled with intense action and heartache. As Ed continues his joury, the reader mental roots for him to succeed.

Why I picked up this book: I was looking for an interesting book with some action involved, and when this book was listed for the Library's Teen book club, I jumped on the chance to read it. This book has suited my interests, involving action, a bit of romance, deceit, and it was just fun to read.

Why I finished the Book: I think it is obvious that I enjoyed this novel, so there was never a question about not finishing it!

I'd give this book to: Anyone really. It is relatable to everyone I think because it is about a guy, but he deals with family and friend issues like us all. I believe that any teen would enjoy this novel!

Punk Rock Etiquette By Travis Nicholes

Let me guess, your young dude/dudette who hates the idea of rapping. You don't want to spend 3 minutes of your life tuning into 104.7 just so you you can listen to, (ca-li- fornia girls are unforgetable), do you? No you want to listen to some dude screaming and actually sing with a hard core band behind him/her. The idea that talking in rhymes with some guy pressing a few buttons to make beats makes you sick. So here is my question for you. Want to fight back. Ya I bet that you play an instrument. What is it, drums, guitar, base, or maybe your a singer. Maybe you and your friends have some killer ideas for a song but don't know how to start. Well this book is the answer. It is the manual for starting a band. It tells you everything from what kind of rocker you are to how to make it big. You will be surprised at how accurate it is too. If you have a question it has an answer. It even has some funny comics in there. I give this book a solid 10 just because is was so darn awesome. I picked it up because just like you I like to rock and this book just screamed rock, and I finished it because it was so witty and funny that even if you don't want to be in a band it's still a good read. So stop reading this, pick up a copy at you local library, (I say that cause my boss is reading this), and start living like a rock star.

Jackass 3D (Rated R)

Hi I'm Esteban Mena and the Jackass 3D!! If your a fan of the original Jackass series than believe me the guys don't get any better than this. I went to the movies opening night and believe me I was lucky to get a ticket. But what do you expect from the movie that gained the most most money in October movie History. Every second of the movie is filled with extreme, over the top and might I say very stupid and idiotic stunts. But be warned, if you do go to see this movie come prepared with an empty stomach and a barf bag because you will see some pretty sick things. So if you have the stomach to see a the whole Jackass Crew, and a ton of midgets (haha), duke it out on their greatest movie than go grab a 20 and head to the theater to get your ticket for the funniest movie of your life.

Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12

Title: Fight Club

Author: Chuck Palahniuk

There are times in everyone's life when you just want to punch someone in the face. It's unavoidable- especially when you have insomnia so bad that the only way to get a good night's sleep is to delve into the world of the terminally ill. In Fight Club, this is exactly how the narrator's life plays out. Our narrator, who is sometimes referred to as "Joe," but is otherwise unnamed, has been having trouble getting to sleep lately. Joe finds that the only nights he can fall asleep are the nights when he attends his testicular cancer meetings. Fortunately for Joe, he doesn't have testicular cancer; the only way he can fall asleep is if he encounters people who's lives are even less significant than his own. At one of his cancer meetings, he meets the twisted, dark, Marla. Along with Marla comes Tyler. Tyler is everything Joe wishes he was. Tyler has Marla, Tyler knows how to make soap, nitroglycerin, bombs, and how to lead a crowd.

Joe's world warps and changes as Tyler shapes and forms a club- a Fight Club. They meet in the basements of bars. The rules are short, simple, and not to be broken. Two men at a time fight in silence. The fight will not stop until one of the competitors asks or goes limp. The number one rule of Fight Club is not to talk about fight club.

As Fight Club's popularity spreads, Joe's sense of reality and society are warped and twisted until there is no path in front of him. Every day is ruled by Tyler, but Tyler is never around. Joe still has insomnia and everything around him is crumbling. That is what Fight Club can do.

Fight Club was an amazing novel. Palahniuk writes like he's in a movie. It's action-packed, ironic and so very twisted. The twists left me shocked and the ending left me feeling melancholy, but at the same time was perfect.

I picked this book up because I've heard amazing things about Palahinuk and everyone is always teasing me about never having seen Fight Club. Now I can tease them because they haven't read it.

I finished it because I couldn't put it down.

I'd give this book to anyone that loves books written in different ways or fast-paced plots with fascinating characters. Or, anyone that likes reading about cults causing havoc in society. :)

Just remember, kids. The first rule of Fight Club is: Don't talk about Fight Club.

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin

Name: Krystiana Graham

Grade: 12th

Title: Low Red Moon

Author: Ivy Devlin

Werewolves, murder, romance; who can’t help but pick up this type of book? Avery Hood is a teenage girl living in a small town utterly surrounded by woods. Having recently lost her parents in a murder which left their hacked into pieces leaves her with no memory of that night, except flashes of silver. Now forced to live with a grandmother she barely knows, she feels lost in a world she can’t control, and has no desire to be a part of. She goes back to school only to have whispers following her around. And when she wakes up one morning, with a part of her hair suddenly blood red, word gets about that she’s cursed.

Cue entrance of Ben, the new kid in town. And despite all the gossip circulating about Avery, he goes to her, and tries to talk to her. You soon see a sort of relationship developing between Avery and Ben, as they tell each other more about what they’re like, what they’ve been through. Everything is going fine, until another family, who lived deep in the woods like Avery and her parents did, were murdered. Once again the blood red streak showed up in Avery’s hair, and Ben’s uncle sees it, and realizes what Avery is.

After discovering that she has a connection to the forest, Avery soon starts attempting to put two and two together to figure out who her parents were murdered by. However, the conclusion she comes too couldn’t be farther from the truth, and when the real murderer steps forward, it’ll take all Avery has just to survive.

Ivy Devlin has created a masterpiece that takes you on a journey into a world of mystery, of danger, murder, love, and that always constant connection of the supernatural. It's an excellent example of a book that leaves you frozen in your seat. With a conclusion that keeps you guessing, and yet completely satisfied, you can't help but find yourself wishing, and hoping for a sequel. Ivy Devlin-defiantly an author worth reading.

I picked up this book because: It was a book my mother had found for me, and brought home for me. Always one for a good crime/supernatural story, I couldn’t wait to start it.

I finished this book because: Ivy Devlin managed to produce a book that not only caught me hook, line, and sinker, but a book that left me yearning to read more. I’m only surprised I didn’t manage to finish it sooner, considering I’m sure I didn’t even put it down in my sleep.

I'd give this book to: Anyone who loves to read about either the supernatural, crime, or romance stories.

Rating: ****

The Saga of Larten Crepsley

Name: Serina

Grade: 12+

Book title: The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Birth of a killer

Author: Darren Shan

Larten Crepsley and his cousin Vur Horsten stuck together like glue. Living in a poor family of many children is difficult, especially due to the time era. Because of their poverty, Larten and vur work as child labourers at a silk making factory. In the factory to tell where each child should be at which job, they die the children's hair. Larten and Vur both ended up with an unnatural shade of orange. While at their job, they are under the watful eye of a brutal man who likes to beat the children for doing anything out of line. On one particular day, he chooses to take his wrath out on Larten's cousin Vur. After holding Vur's head in a vat of water until he drowned, Larten became insane with rage and attacked the brute, slicing his throat clean open with an unknown object he found on the floor. Frightened by his bloody deed and labeled a murderer, Larten fled. He ran until he was no longer able to, and when a heavy rain washed over him in the cold of the night, he took shelter in a nearby cemetery inside a crypt, eating spiderwebs to fill his starving stomach. There, he meets Seba Nile, and elderly man that tells the boy he is a creature of the night, a vampire, and that Larten may join him as his apprentice if he wishes to. That night Larten would have to choose between an immortal life and his humanity. And there is no going back...

By now nearly everyone knows the story of Darren Shan, a young half vampire under the service of master Larten Crepsley. But readers do not know Mr. Crepsley's story. The author Darren Shan fixes this particular problem with his new set of books coming out, the first one being titled, "Birth of a Killer." The book was fast paced, not watered down, and exciting, following in Darren Shan's traditional style of writing. While there is not an incredible amount of action in the first book, the series is looking very promising.

I picked this book up because I read everything by Darren Shan.

I finished this book because it was a quick read and was also a great read!

I'd give this book to any Darren Shan fan or anyone who is a bit bored with pansy vampires.

**** Really liked it!

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

“Loser.” “You suck.” “Goin’ to a funeral, Sister Death?” “What’re you lookin’ at?”

Have you ever been bullied? Or perhaps you have been the bully? I think most of us would probably answer yes but why? Why is our world so full of hate? Why can’t we all just get along? How come some people get all the luck and all the friends and others seem to be magnets for pain? Why is it so easy to tease or taunt someone who is different and so hard to see them as human?

How can you stop the bullying? Do you stand up for yourself or do you retreat into your own private world? Is there a safe way to release your anger?

What if your release became known to the world and viewed as the motivation for another person’s crime? Are you a victim or a murderer?
Valerie and her boyfriend Nick were sick and tired of being picked on. Valerie began channeling her pain by writing the “Hate List”, a list of people and things she hated. On May 2nd Nick came to school with a gun and killed six people, wounded countless others including Valerie, and then committed suicide. Is it just a coincidence that the targets names appeared on the “Hate List”? Was Valerie involved in the shooting? Did she mean to get shot or was she a hero for interfering and saving others? Will Val ever be able to move forward with her life or will she always be the author of the Hate List?

Why I picked up the book: I've had an advanced reader copy sitting on my shelf for over a year but it just kept getting pushed to the bottom of the stack. Then the book was chosen as one of the 2011 Great Stories CLUB titles.

Why I finished it: Valerie. You can understand her pain and hope she will be able to forgive herself, continue on, and realize high school isn't forever. I also had to find out what happened with her family.

I'd give it to: everyone! Parents, teachers, and teens. Anyone who has ever felt like an outcast, been bullied, or been a bully. Nothing in life is black and white. Everyone needs someone to care about them.

Rating: 5 of 5 stars (AMAZING)

Dope Sick by Walter Dean Myers

Have you ever had a really bad day and wished you could just go back and change one thing? Hiding from the police after being an accomplice to a shooting during a drug deal gone wrong, Lil J finds himself squirreled away in an old abandoned crack house with a man who calls himself Kelly. Kelly has a television and remote control that allow him not only to view the scene outside the building, but rewind and fast forward Lil J's life. As Lil J comes face to face with the decisions he's made and potentially ending his life, he must decide if he can change or if being dope sick will ultimately determine his future.

Why I picked the book up: The book is part of the 2011 Great Stories Club Grant. If we are accepted, this is one of the books we will be using next spring for Roosevelt book club.

Why I finished it: The book is short and easy to read. I think it gives readers a lot to think about, especially in terms of who has control over your life and the decisions you make.

I'd give it to: teens and adults. Readers who don't mind the use of street talk and real life situations.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Case Closed

Name: Serina

grade: 12th+

Book: Case Closed series

Author/artist: Gosho Aoyama

Jimmy Kudo is a master detective. He can crack any case placed before him and the police have no choice but to listen intently to his clever deductions, since he is always right. Yes, Jimmy is a brilliant guy. And he is only in high school. After one particular case Jimmy solves dealing with the decapitation of a man in the black tunnel on the roller coaster, he decides to follow two very suspicious men dressed all in black. While listening in on their shady conversation about a murder plan, Jimmy is hit from behind by a lead pipe and knocked unconscious. The two men in black decide to give him an untested poison that is supposed to leave no trace in the human body. Unfortunately for them, and for Jimmy, the drug had a strange side effect; it caused Jimmy's body to shrink back to grade school age. Stuck as a child, Jimmy has to consult the mad scientist next door, Doctor Agasa, for a cure. But the doctor can't do anything until he has a sample of the drug Jimmy was given. So Jimmy is forced to go under the false name Conan Edogawa and live with his childhood friend, Rachel, and her wanna-be-detective father, Richard Moore. Richard is probably one of the worst detectives in business, but he has a knack for always ending up somewhere a murder has taken place. Unable to resist cracking a case, Jimmy/Conan drops hints to the man to help him solve it. Unfortunately, Richard doesn't really want a kid hanging around, so Conan has Doctor Agasa make him some special gadgets. One is a wrist watch stun gun, the other a bowtie voice modulator that can mimic any timbre and tone. Using his spy-like tools, Conan knocks Richard unconscious and sits him in a seated position while he uses the detective's voice to fool the police into thinking that Richard is solving the case. Because he is slumped over and looks like he is sleeping, Richard earns the nickname 'Sleeping Moore.' For some reason, no one seems to notice that Richard's mouth is not moving. With each case he solves, Jimmy hopes to get closer to the men in black so he can get back to the way he was before. But so far in the series, he'll just have to solve all the cases he comes across in the meantime.

The art for this manga (Japanese comic) is a bit different than the usual style, but it still appealing and grows on the readers. While the deductions in the series are usually ridiculous, as well as the stupidity of some of the characters, other than Jimmy, it is still great fun to read!

I picked this book up because it looked fun.

I finished all the series so far because it is a bit addicting.

I'd give this book to anyone who loves mystery and graphic novels.

Rating: ***

Pretty Little Liars written by: Sara Shephard

Name: Shelby

Grade: 12+

Book: Pretty Little #1

Author: Sara Shephard

Five best friends Emily, Aria, Hanna, Spencer, and Alison were inseparable. They did everything together. they had believed that their friendship was based on secrets. They knew that's what made them closer... or did it? That is, until Alison disappeared one evening. For three years later, they still are trying to figure out about what actually happened to Alison, but as far as they were concerned they had all moved on. Emily had become a champion swimmer that lately has been questioning her relationship with her boyfriend is really too good to be true, Aria has returned home from a long trip of living in Iceland- where the real sophisticated life, and the ways of the world are; and has decided that she has feelings for her English teacher. Hanna is the most popular- the queen bee of the school, but is putting too much risk to stay there, and last Spencer is striving hard to make other straight "A" students with 4.0 grade point averages, look average; and in the process winning the heart unintentionally of her sisters boyfriend. They were all going through separate issues, things, until they were brought back together by their once held secrets.

One by one they start receiving mysterious texts signed by someone named A. A knows everything that's going on in their lives, everything that's surrounding them, but they have no idea who it is. Is it really Alison coming back to haunt them? Or is it someone who is a super slick stalker. Work with each of the girls as they discover the secrets of the past, the absolute truth of the secrets that held them together, and who A really is.

I'd give this book to: Any girl who loves a mystery, and action, and is really into fashion, the world, twists, and relationships.

I picked up this book because: I have most recently started watching the series on ABC family, and have wanted to see what the book was like, and I've decided I really enjoy them.

I finished this book because: I wanted to see how it ended, it is the first in many of the series of Pretty Little Liars, and follows the series on television quite well. It is interesting, and while usually I don't like books like this, this book has mystery and questioning/thinking about it that makes it more enjoyable.

Ratings:

4Q

5P

Halo; The Fall of Reach

For all those die hard fans of the Halo games you have probably by now played the game Halo Reach and know the tragic end of Humanity's last hope. You know the heroics of Noble Team as they fight for survival of both them and the entire planet of Reach as the Covenent try to "cleanse" the planet. But the story of Reach goes deeper than that. The spartans of Noble Team weren't the only ones who faught the Covenent on Reach and this story tells the tale of the other brave spartans who died for the planet including Master Chief.

This book is his story and know one else's. And the great thing about it is that it goes deeper into the life of Spartan 117. Where he came from, the crualty and dedication of becoming a spartan, and how Master Chief became the last of a powerfull team. If you thought you knew Master Chief before than prepare yourself for an even bigger experience. Read and follow the story of not just Master Chief but of every spartan to come out of the secret Spartan II Program. The hard trials and decisions made by them as they go from being the most powerful soldiers in the history of the universe to the story of the only one who survived.

If you have the guts to read the book than I recommend it to you. Whether your a science fiction dude or maybe just a gamer, reading this will only make want to read the rest of the series. I picked this book for the game but I finished it because it was a book of suspence, action, heroics, and sadness. Every page will tell you something you never would have known about the Spartans and believe me you will be astonished. To all those die hard fans of halo I say

HOO HAA!!!

Esteban O. Mena

Rating: 9/10

Gimmeacall by: Sarah Mylnowski

Name: Shelby

Grade: 12+

Book: Gimmeacall

Author: Sarah Mylnowski

Have you ever invested so much time or effort into something, and never seen a reward for it. Ever wished you could take something back, or change the course of your life by talking to your younger self. What would you do if you could talk to your fourteen year old self? Tell he/she that the girl or boy wasn't worth your time or effort, give insight on what happens to the friends you have around you, tell them to work hard to get into a good college... the list is endless. Gimmeacall offers reader a female insight to the opportunity into the thoughts and mind of both a younger teenager, and adult to re-do all the times and mess ups, and change the course of the life that your living.

Devi Banks is nearing the end of her senior year in high school, and her boyfriend of three years, Bryan just broke up with her. She feels all the emotions that a high school girl should feel- hurt, confused about where her life is heading... which seems down the drain. How could she have invested her whole LIFE, whole social status, around Bryan just so that he could break up with her three years later. When she accidentally drops her cell phone into a wishing well/fountain at the mall right after wishing that she could go back in time. When she picks up her once beloved phone it seems useless, boring, and lifeless to calling and texting anyone.. that is unless it is her own number, that happens to reach a fourteen year old Devi- three and a half years ago.

As Senior Devi and Freshman Devi come to the realization that they are indeed talking to themselves, Senior Devi gives instructions to Freshman Devi on what to do to save her future- starting with never going out with Bryan. Just as she has avoided the heartache of Bryan all to begin with Devi comes to the realization that she could do more than that with the help of freshman Devi. Devi has the ability to rescue the abandoned friendships, keep her friends from making poor decisions, concentrate more on getting into a better university, and change the world around her. If only Freshman Devi would agree. It seems like she has invested so much time and effort trying new activities, fighting her impulse to have fun and know sweet charming- cute Bryan, and study her life away, and she doesn't see the reward the Devi see. Both Devi's learn a lifelong lesson in the process, that they should focus on living in the present, like each day is your last, and that although things may be a storm- they will come to pass, and reveal into their life day by day.

I'd give this book to: Any girl who has wanted to change things in her life, and someone who wants a fast pace read that's humorous.

I picked up this book because: I'd read the back of the book, and looked at the cover. I never like judging a book by it's cover, but it looked sweet!

I finished this book because: It was difficult not to, I was flipping through the pages waiting anxiously for the ending!

Ratings: 5Q

4P

The author Sarah Mylnowski has written a novel that has altered the way that I think life would be to change the situation, and go back. She has given both Devi's a voice, character development, and kept me on my toes flipping through the pages to know what happens. It gives a new statement to changing and altering the life you live.

The Thin Executioner

Name: Serina

Grade: 12th +

Book: The Thin Executioner

Author: Darren Shan

Jebel Rum is scrawny. He is thin. And in a world where only the burly and strong can make a living, he has no chance to beat his older brothers to their father's title as executioner, the most glorious, noble, profession in Wadi. To become Executioner, Jebel would have to win in a contest based on skill and power, and he has absolutely no way of winning. That is, unless he goes on a grueling quest to ask the fire God to bless him with immortal power. As his only option to gain some honor, Jebel leaves on his quest after enlisting the life of a slave to be sacrificed to the fire God. Tel Hesani is a strong man who only wishes to see his family freed by laying down his own life, which Jebel has promised him. Jebel refuses the see Tel Hasani as more than a slave, but after the man saves him multiple times and shows a depth to his soul that the boy could never have guessed at, Jebel finds that it may be hard to kill the man at the fire mountain when the time comes. Jebel is naive to the world outside Wadi, and Tel Hesani has to try very hard to keep his master out of harm's way. Along their journey, the two come upon cannibals, thievery, and a pair of clever con artists with kind faces and regal manners. It seems that the quest is doomed from the very start, things get increasingly worse for Jebel and his slave, and Jebel begins to think that this may be a journey he would rather not have taken. While he previously held honor above all else, he may have to put survival higher on the list.

A singular, large novel from the talented author of the Cirque du Freak series, Darren Shan, The Thin Executioner is morbid, exciting, and sometimes sickening. Darren Shan set the theme in a world very different from our own, where public beheadings are common family entertainment, and where the justice system is painfully flawed. Selfish, naive, and cruel, Jebel Rum is a main character that is hard to feel bad for, but after just a few chapters, the audience will be miserable with him.

I picked this book up because I read everything by Darren Shan!

I finished this book because it seemed hazardous to my health for me not to.

I'd give this book to any fan of gory detail, or just any fan of Darren Shan in general.

***** It was amazing!

Logan M's review: Left Behind: The Remnant by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins

Logan, 7th grade

The Remnant is the tenth book in a series of books called Left Behind. A man named Nicolae Carpathia says he is God and through his mind control ability, has taken over the world. If you don't worship him and prove your loyalty to him by taking his mark you will be killed. A group of people, called the Tribultion Force, refuse to take his mark or worship him because he is the anti-christ. They believe that by taking his mark you are choosing to follow Satan in a seemingly Godless world, and therefore condemning yourself to eternity in hell. They stand against his regime while continuing to follow the one true God of the Bible. I would recommend this book to people in 6th grade or older who enjoy reading and learning about the Bible. This is a series that leaves you hungry for more, constantly wondering what will come next.

Why I picked the book up:: A friend told me about it.

Why I finished it:: It leaves you hanging until the very end.

I'd give this book to:: Anyone older than 6th grade and that has an interest in things of the Bible.My rating for this book:: ***** It was amazing!

Shannon's Review: A Little Bit Wicked Life, Love, and Faith in Stages by Kristin Chenoweth and Joni Rodgers

Shannon, 8th grade

Growing up in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, singing, dancing, and living life to it's maximum through God, Kristin Chenoweth takes you on a journey through her past. The journey begins in her home town, getting an opera masters, moving to NYC, starring on Broadway, becoming a TV star, and all her concerts. Her family was as she said her biggest support through troubles, boys, being adopted, career ups and downs, or deaths in the family. I laughed and I cried, but I enjoyed every minute of Kristin Chenoweth's story. From learning to "Sing from your Hoo-hoo", to "Defying Gravity", Kristin Chenoweth will make you fall in love with her too.

Why I picked the book up:: I LOVE Kristin Chenoweth!

Why I finished it:: I LOVE Kristin Chenoweth!

I'd give this book to:: Theatre Girls or any Girl with an acting dream.

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

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

"This is Manderley, notorious, ridden by evil. Its mistress Rebecca de Winter, has been dead for eight months- drowned in a sailing accident." Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a classic mystery that seems to only get better with time. Published in 1938 it was an instant hit. Today it is compared with other classic works such as Bronte's Jane Eyre. It is up to Max de Winter's second wife, the un-named Mrs. de Winter to discover the secret behind Rebecca's sinister power that continues to captivate the house after her death. Secrets begin to unravel and a shocking revelation is made towards the end of the novel that will change Manderley forever. Rebecca is an incredible mystery and further proof of this is its inspiration for Hitchcock's film adaptation Rebecca released in 1940 that also took away an Academy Award. It's a novel that all classic book and mystery fans would greatly enjoy, not to mention it is extremely well written.

Why I picked this book: I'd seen the movie and my mom recommended the book for me to read.

Why I finished it: The language and story plot kept me interested all the way to the end.

I'd give this book to: Anyone who appreciated classic literature and a well written mystery.

My Rating: ***** Loved it!

Cool Beans a Maya Davis novel written by: Erynn Mangum

Name: Shelby

Title: Cool Beans

Author: Erynn Mangum

Follow in the footsteps of Maya Davis a charismatic young woman in her early twenties. She has everything she could ask for a fantastic job as a coffee barista at the coolest coffee place in town aka Cool Beans, a loving family who supports her... except her long lived rivalry with her older brother for life in general, she's perfectly happy being single, and wonderful roommates and co-workers... that is until one day she wakes up smelling the coffee too much. Could life be to sweet to last. Her roommate Jen begins dating her high school sweetheart, and he doesn't recognize her, her perfect medical doctor brother and sister in law moves back and invades her weekly dinners with her parents. As if that weren't hard enough her dear friend and co-worker, jack, begins showing interest in Maya, and even the daily coffee and ice cream "help save me" have no success. Maya must truly learn to deal with her life as each new event is dished to her each day. Hilarious, and downright true this novel is a must read and hard to put down once you start!


why I picked this book up: it was recommended to me, and the title made me laugh, and was attractive looking & I love coffee!! :)

why I finished it: It was difficult to put down :D

I'd give this book to: Any girl that loves coffee, light humor, and a novel that's an easy read, and hard to put down.

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

The Green Mile

Name: Serina

Grade: Graduate

Title: The Green mile

Author: Stephen King

The green mile is the nickname the hallway in death row has been given, due to the stripe of green paint that leads past the cells and all the way to the electric chair. Paul has worked on the green life for a good amount of his career, but in all his time there, he had never met a man like John Coffey. John Coffey, the largest black man Paul has ever seen, was captured and sent to death row for the gruesome rape and murder of two little twin girls. The troubling part for Paul is that John can only spell his name, seems completely illiterate, and he afraid of the dark. Paul has to wonder how such a shy, seemingly harmless man, could have done such a terrible thing. John Coffey isn't the only person on the green mile that worries Paul. The newest guard, Percy, has a beautiful face but a violent mean streak. He hits the inmates even when they are on their best behavior, even though Paul and his partners have often told the young man that it is not how they handle things on the green mile. And Percy isn't just nasty with the inmates, he drives everyone else crazy as well. After many confrontations, Paul and the other guards are glad to hear that Percy will transfer. The catch is that he will only transfer if he is allowed to be the front man at the next execution. Delacroix, a Cajun/Frenchman was put on death row for burning down a house and killing everyone inside. Timid and deathly afraid of Percy, Delacroix is next in line for the electric chair. Paul and the others are a little nervous about running the show, but they figure that the worst that could happen is that Percy gets his lines wrong. However, things go horribly, horribly wrong. Onlooking spectators and the guards are appalled by the gruesome, agonizing death of the timid Frenchman, which should have been an average execution. After the terrible death of Delacroix, things start to go even more downhill when Paul discovers that John Coffey has the touch of God, and that the enormous man may be on death row for a murder he never committed in the first place.

With an amazing talent for telling touching, horrifying, and even comedic stories, Stephen King's greatest novel by far was The Green Mile. The novel was constantly intense!

I picked this book up because it was something by Stephen King that I had yet to read.

I finished it because I HAD to know what was going to happen next!

I'd give this book to anyone with time on their hands that can handle the things Stephen King dishes out.

*****It was amazing!

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

Briana

12th grade

The Adoration of Jenna Fox, written by Mary E. Pearson

This is a novel set in the future, and is based on a teen girl who goes through an astounding transformation. Jenna Fox was in a (what should have been) fatal car accident. Her body was so badly burned and none of the doctors thought she would live, and yet somehow she does through the work of her father. As Jenna tries to fit into a new community, and a new body, she discovers things that make even herself cringe. Jenna learns who and what she really is, and attemps to bring awareness to those closest to her.

I read this book for the teen book club, but was unable to make the meeting. I also enjoy the style in which Mary E. Pearson writes, and have read a few of her other novels.

This was such a fast read, not just because it was somewhat short, but because the reader can connect with the characters in one way or another. I never wanted to put it down because I needed to know what would happen next.

I would give this book to any teenage, because it is a good book that has suspence, romance, it's a bit sci-fi ish, and it has a little something for everyone.

**** Really Liked it

Michaela's Review: Ashes of Roses by Mary Jane Auch

Michaela, 8th grade

From the second i opened the book i knew it was going to be good. Auch really captured the details and made the story come to life. This book is moving and makes u think how hard it really was in the 1911.

Why I picked the book up:: it was recommended to me

Why I finished it:: It was moving

I'd give this book to:: Anybody interested in the history of america

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

(This book is available through InterLibrary Loan)

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

View all my Goodreads reviews >>

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

View all my Goodreads reviews >>

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!

View all my Goodreads reviews >>

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