THE BROKER

Joel Backman, who was once the face of Washington as a major broker, landed himself in a federal prison for holding secrets vital for world peace. The President, who has lost favor from most sources, grants Backman a full pardon in Italy. What no one is aware of however, is that once Joel is comfortably settled into his new life in the suburbs of Italy, the CIA will reveal where he is hiding to all the countries that could possibly be involved. In a race to find out what happened to the most advanced satellite devices, assassins from all over the world are closing in. After finding out who has killed the former broker, the CIA will know who has created the satellite, and whether the country poses a threat.

Why I picked this book: I enjoy the law/mystery books, and John Grisham is one of my favorite authors.

Why I finished the book: The book kept building up the plot, and I had to finish it.

I'd give this book to: anyone who is at all interested in a fantastic book about law and mystery.

Also, anyone who just wants an exciting book.

My Rating: ***** One of the best books

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

Teen pregnancy is again front and center in the news. Many movies and books are being delivered to audiences following the 2008 pregnancy pact scandal in a Gloucester, Massachusetts high school. So far, 2010 has brought us the Lifetime movie "The Pregnancy Pact", http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/the-pregnancy-pact and this book Not My Daughter.

The three girls making the pregnancy pact are bright, successful young women (high school seniors) and one of those girls, Lily, is the daughter of the high school principal, Susan. Ironically (or maybe not), Susan was a single teenage mother herself, though her pregnancy with Lily was definitely not planned and Susan is having a tough time accepting Lily's news.

Their small town of Zaganack, Maine is also shocked by the news of these three girls choosing to become pregnant and wants someone to blame. Will Susan's career as principal survive? Are Susan and the other mother's responsible for their daughter's decision-making? What does it really mean to be a good mother? A good parent?

Why I picked this book: I have been reading a lot of YA books about teen pregnancy and I wanted to know how it would be handled in adult fiction. I had also just watched "The Pregnancy Pact" and wanted to see another angle.

Why I finished the book: It was a fast, easy read. I wish the author would have spent more time focused on the other girls in the pact, although I understand why Susan & Lily were front and center.

I'd give this book to: mothers, daughters, and educators. Readers who like Jodi Picoult but are looking for something a bit shorter.

My rating: 3 stars-Liked It

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Drawing in the Dust by Zoë Klein

Page Brookstone is a respectable archaeologist and has a deep passion for her work. However, she begins to feel that something in her life is lacking so when a young Arab couple confront her about ghosts haunting their home Page is intrigued. Naima and Ibrahim Barakat are convinced that the ghosts of two lovers live along side them and they ask Page to excavate under the home. Page puts her career and reputation on the line and follows her heart on a captivating journey that will lead her to the discovery of a lifetime: the remains Jeremiah the prophet locked in a passionate embrace with a mysterious prophetess by the name of Anatiya. This discovery will change Page Brookstone's life forever. It will cause her to put her own life in danger, fall in a forbidden romance of her own, and question the lifestyle she has felt safe with for so long. A captivating and beautifully written romance and adventures for the ages, this book is filled to the brim of poetic language and page turning events. It will leave the reader sad to have finished it.

Why I picked up this book: I was searching for a new read at the bookstore so I picked this up read the leaf and was immediately excited to read it. The fact that it was almost a female Indiana Jones story caught my attention.

I finished this book because: It was impossible to put down. Simple as that.

I'd give this book to: Anyone interested in a poetic and exciting romantic read. It is also enticing for anyone who has ever studied the Bible weather from a religious or a literature stand point.

My Rating: ***** Adored it

Spook

Serina

Grade 12

Book Title: Spook

Author: Steve Vance

There's a girl in the woods, a girl that the whole town avoids. That is, except for the occasional rowdy teenager that wishes to get a glimpse of the monster. MaryAnn Nelson, nicknamed Spook, lives alone with her mother and the savage dogs that are meant to warn away trespassers. MaryAnn hasn't been to school a day in her life, and the few people that have glimpsed her say she runs barefoot in the woods around her house and always wears a cloak to hide her face. The townsfolk say she is not to be bothered, or horrible things could happen. However, as Spook approaches sixteen, the unspoken pact of solitude is broken. The school administrator from Georgia will have none of the rumors about the girl and believes that MaryAnn deserves a chance to live a normal life, away from her oppressive mother who has convinced herself that her daughter is the spawn of the Devil. But in this case, the people from the town have reason to fear MaryAnn. Unlike the common tale of a misunderstood beast, MaryAnn really is quite horrifying, and seems to have no conscience about killing anyone or anything that comes onto her land. She does not know right from wrong, and for those who try to pry their way into her life, it may be one of their worst decisions, and possibly their last...

I picked this book up after reading the inside flap. It sounded creepy, strange, and right of my ally.

I finished this book because it had mystery spilled on every page. The author really made me want to continue reading the story.

I'd give this book to any teen who's sick of the feel good fairy tales and wants a more twisted read.

**** Really liked this book!

So Not Happening

Shelby

12th grade

So Not Happening: First Novel in Charmed Life Series written by Jenny B. Jones

"Last week I was living in Manhattan in a two-story apartment between Sarah Jessica Parker and Katie Couric. I could hop a train to Macy's and Bloomie's. My friends and I could eat at Tao and see who could count the most celebs. I had Broadway in my backyard and Daddy's MasterCard in my wallet. Then my mom got married. And I got a new life"

Bella Kirkwood had it all- the most pristine friends, a father who is a plastic surgeon, and everything else that falls in between. Life seemed perfect, that is until her father traded her mother in for a newer woman, and her mother magically fell in love with another man she'd never met- SHE MET HIM ONLINE! and in less than a few years things go from perfect to insane for Bella. But the shock factor finally sets in when her mother is down the isle speaking the vows that end in "till death do we part". Bella had to get out- before everything set in, but failed miserably. She is forced to move to poduc city in Oklahoma along with some extra packages-- two new step brothers. Instantly, Bella goes from being rich A-list, to a nobody who cannot keep her head above water in Oklahoma; with farms, factories and everything else. Traveling with Bella- things are harder to adjust than it seems, meeting new friends, and saying goodbye to all that she once held so dear. Only reality and new bonds come close to helping her realize that life is more than it seems- and she has potential in the places she would never realize.

Why I picked up this book: I really enjoy reading as many new books that can come my way, and the back of the book, and it's cover looked really confusing questionable.

Why I finished it: I believe if you start a book you should finish it, and that's exactly what I did when I was on my vacation. This novel was not just filled with fashion, boys, and shock of a new life- but it had a twist of a mystery involved which made me anxious to read the next book.

I'd Give this book to: Any girl who enjoys reading, and likes a new story. this novel is not filled just filled with fashion, gossip, and suspense.. it also was a little bit of a mystery, and reminded me somewhat of a modern day Nancy Drew; except this one is for teens. I'd also recommend this to girls who enjoy reading stories about faith and being active with God.

My Rating for this book:

Really liked it!

Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

Once upon a time, Nan worked for the Xes and cared for their son, Grayer. After being fired, she ranted her frustrations to the teddy bear nanny-cam. Fast forward twelve years. Nan has married the Harvard Hottie and after living in third world countries, they have returned to NYC in pursuit of the American dream. Home ownership isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when renovations don't happen according to schedule and living conditions are worse than in aforementioned countries. But the worst is yet to come. One night Nan opens the door and is face-to-face with her past. Will she ever be able to close the door?

Why I picked this book up: I enjoyed reading The Nanny Diaries and wanted to know what happened next.

Why I finished it: I had to know if the X boys were going to be alright. I also couldn't believe all the shenanigans that the X parents and the other affluent parents pulled.

I'd give this book to: anyone who had read or watched The Nanny Diaries, teens who babysit, and fans of Sophie Kinsella.

My rating: 4 stars

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When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

The year is 1979 and Miranda is a sixth grader living in New York City. She absolutely loves the book A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. Her mother is going to be a contestant on the game show The $20,000 Pyramid and they practice together every night. Miranda's best friend Sal stopped speaking to her the day he got jumped on their walk home from school, and since then she's made a few new friends.

But when Miranda receives four mysterious notes, each showing up in a random place, the strange things in life are hard to ignore. Where did the crazy laughing man on the corner come from? What's up with Marcus, the boy who punched Sal for no reason, and is it just a coincidence that he also knows a lot about A Wrinkle in Time? Who is sending the notes, and better yet, when? Will Miranda put the pieces of the puzzle together and finally understand when you reach me?

Why I picked up this book: Other librarians were saying great things about it and then it won the 2010 Newbery Award.

Why I finished it: It was really short chapters with cool titles (categories from the $20,000 pyramid).

I'd give it to: middle school students, anyone assigned to read a Newbery award winner, someone who liked A Wrinkle in Time.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Echo by Kate Morgenroth

Review by: Serina

Book Title: Echo

Author: Kate Morgenroth

Justin Thomas has just experienced the worst day of his life, one that shattered his world for nearly a year after. That was the day his brother died. Justin hadn't know the gun was loaded when his younger brother Mark put the barrel to his own head when Justin would not hand over the T.V remote. If he had known, he might have done everything in his power to keep him from pulling the trigger. Apparently, Mark hadn't known it was loaded, either. Since his brother's death, Justin just hasn't been right. Everyone avoids him at school, his best friend bullies him, and his girlfriend never says a word to him anymore. On top of all that, he's also hearing a voice inside his head. The voice never gives him much advice, only making the occaisonal comment that Justin could really do without. When things couldn't seem to get any worse, on the anniversary of Mark's death, Justin gets way in over his head and may be in for some serious trouble. Yet as the agonizing day finally draws to a close, he wakes up only to find he has to live the same day over and over again. However, each time the story changes. Words he had heard clearly the first time around become entirely different. Was the first version he had seen the reality? Or was he getting closer and closer to the truth as he went along? Justin will just to come along with the ride to find out, as will the readers.

I picked this book up because it had the most interesting cover, as well as an interesting first paragraph.

I finished this book because I just could not put it down! The farther I read, the more intense it became.

I'd give this book to anyone who has a hard time coping with reality, or anyone who just wants a quick read.

**** Really liked it!

Ruby Unscripted Written by: Cindy Martinusen- Coloma

Shelby

12th grade

Title: Ruby Unscripted- Life is what happens when you lose the script

Author: Cindy Martinusen- Coloma

Imagine moving the year that almost everything seems to be going right, welcoming friends, a good looking and handsome boy that wants to take you to the prom, family that supports you- even when it's not wanted. That was life for small town Ruby Madden. Her family has made a decision to move to the most pristine place in California... or so it seems. Marin County California; a place where everyone has what they want- when they want it, high dollar homes, and nice cars and the best of the best for green envioronmental friendly living. Ruby learns instantly that everything is not what it seems when girls are wearing shoes that cost her entire paycheck, bags- that she would have to save years for, even at her new job at the Underground Coffeehouse & theater. Ruby feels her old life pulling out from under her, and a new life full of change, worldly people and values that totally differentiate from her own. Travel with Ruby as she discovers that life isn't what it seems- that it's not just a script of a movie, and that a new life means new responsibilty, the ability to cope with stress, and opportunities to meet new friends and people who are more than skin deep. And last but definately not least... the one guy she's been keeping her eyes away from for a while God that is seems to have other plans for her life than she's making them, and he's taking her to a new level of understanding of who she is.

The thing I loved about Cindy's novel and Ruby is that she is relatable to me, and i'm sure other young women my age who know what it's like to go through change, to have a love for film and coffee, and especially a good plot ;)

Why I picked this book up: I love good Christian fiction as a reader myself and it looked like a great book from the start especially from the cover.

Why I finished it: One of my biggest rules of reading is to finish a novel that I start! :) I really enjoyed the suspense and the decisions that Ruby had to make towards the last section of the novel, it definately was an attention grabber that left me wanting to read more.

I'd give this book to: Anyone and everyone (particularly girls) who want a good read that deals with a little bit of Christianity, girls who love filming and coffee and a book that will leave people happy most of all.

My Rating for the Book:

Really Like it! =D =D

Just After Sunset by Stephen King

Reader's Name: Carrie

Grade: 12th

Book Title: Just After Sunset

Author: Stephen King

From the demented and remarkable author responsible for horror masterpieces such as The Shining, Christine, IT, 1408, The Dark Tower Series, The Green Mile and many more comes one of his newest compilations of short stories. The stories in this book have been described as "powerful" , "provocative" "delirious", "wicked", "scary", and "brilliant". I would say these descriptions pretty much some up the quality of the short stories. Ranging from stories which themes span anywhere from entrapment to pure survival, this book is sure to provide something memorable from one of his 13 stories. It also includes exciting and unexpected plot twists that only the King of horror could think of himself. One story even takes place in our beloved (and in this case eeire) home state of Wyoming.

Why I picked up this book? Because I am a diehard Stephen King fan and my film teacher recommended it for me.

Why I finished it: Every story was too exciting for me to be able to find a stopping point and set it down.

I'd give this book to: Anyone who enjoys an excellent and well thought out plot. Also anyone who loves horror stories, Stephen King, and surprises.

My Rating: **** Really liked it!

The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliot

Readers name: Kaylee

Grade: 11th

Book Title: The Pale Assassin

Author: Patricia Elliot

At the start of the French Revolution, Eugenie live a sheltered, yet lavish life with her brother. As time went on, however, she slowly began to realize that life was more than parties and lovers. Forced into a contract of marriage and with the townsfolk killing aristocrats that are not well-hidden, it becomes apparent that Eugenie must use her wit to get herself, and her brother out of France before the mob, or a pale assassin hunts them down.

I really enjoyed this book mostly because of how the characters were portrayed, and how the book was more about the individual character, and wasn't all about the historical facts alone. The one thing about this book that I did not care for, was it didn't have a distinct ending. I felt it ended at the climax, and that there was much more to be said.

Why I picked this book up: It had an engaging cover, the title looked interesting, and I saw it was set in a different time period.

Why I finished it: The book had a very unique plot, and had strange twists throughout.

I'd give this book to: anyone who is somewhat interested in historical fiction, and who does not care for generic story lines.

My rating for this book: **** Really liked it.

2010 Book Award Winners

And the winners are...

Michael L Printz Award for excellence in literature for young adults
Winner: Going Bovine by Libba Bray


The Printz Honor books are: Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman; The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey; Punkzilla by Adam Rapp; and Tales of the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance, 1973 by John Barnes.

William C. Morris Award honors a book written by a first-time author for young adults
Winner: Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan


The Morris award finalists are: Ash by Malinda Lo; Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl; The Everafter by Amy Huntley; and hold still by Nina LaCour

John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature
Winner: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead


The Newbery Honor books are: Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose; The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly; Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin; and The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick.

Find more information about the ALA literary awards for youth: http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2010/january2010/ymawrap2010.cfm

For awards specific to YA (teen) literature: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/2010winners.cfm

On The Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck

What makes someone a hero? Is it the feats of a mythical figure like Superman, who swoops out the sky to save the day? Is it your favorite sports star who makes the impossible catch to win the game? What about the heroes that are much closer to home? The heroes who put their lives on the line everyday to provide for us and to protect us.

Davy Bowman would tell you that his heroes are his father and his brother Bill. Dad runs the service station but always has time for his boys. Bill is in the Army Air Corp and must fly 25 missions over Europe. The 1940s are tough, with War Rations and mothers working to support the war effort. Take a look at what it must have been like to grow up on the wings of heroes.

Why I picked this book up: It is a part of the We the People "Picturing America" grant and we are using it for an Afternoon Book Club.

Why I finished the book: It was a fast read. I enjoyed the humor which took the edge off of the dismal outlook of war. It made me think about the blinders we are lucky enough to have during childhood. I also thought a lot about how patriotic people were during WWII and how different it is with the two current wars we are fighting.

I'd give this book to: Middle schoolers (especially boys) looking for a fast, easy read with a mixture of comedy and war or anyone looking a World War II historical fiction novel.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson

The future looks bright for Sophie Ramsey. She's a high school senior with aspirations of attending college to study journalism. The job of chief editor of the school paper has her name written all over it. She has a great group of friends that share her love of Christ. But a secret from the summer threatens to make this year anything but normal.

Why I picked this book up: I've been wanting to read something by Melody Carlson and I'm always interested in how authors tackle a novel about teen pregnancy.

Why I finished the book: It is a very fast read. Sophie is a strong character who must face the consequences of the choices she has made. It isn't preachy or judgmental.

I'd give this book to: anyone who likes to read Christian fiction. Also anyone who works with teens (especially teen parents), has been through a teen pregnancy, or just wants a better understanding of the issues.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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The Afterlife by Gary Soto

My name is Chuy and this is not the story of my life, but rather the story of what happened after I was stabbed to death in the dirty bathroom of a nightclub in Fresno. This is the story of my Afterlife.

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The Afterlife is one of three book selections for the 2010 Great Stories CLUB book discussions coming to Roosevelt High School.

Rivers of Blood by Robert Scott

This true crime book is about the 1988 murder of Lisa Marie Kimmell. The murder made headlines nationwide and is memorable because her Montana license plates read "Lil Miss". Lisa was driving from Denver, CO to Billings, MT through Casper on the night of March 25, 1988. She disappeared and her body was discovered in the North Platte River near Old Government Bridge on April 2, 1988. This was a cold case until 2002, when DNA evidence linked Dale Wayne Eaton to the crime. Eaton was convicted of Lisa's murder in 2004 and is currently Wyoming's lone death row inmate. Investigators believe that Eaton may be a serial killer, responsible for a handful of other disappearances and murders.

If you are looking for a more emotional version of this event, check out "The Murder of Lil Miss", a book written by the victim's mother Sheila Kimmel.

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Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

Nine months. The length of the school year. The amount of time deemed appropriate for a person to learn and grow. The amount of time necessary to grow a person.

Ellie has hooked up with a few guys, the latest being Josh. Corinne, Ellie's best friend, was there to comfort her after Josh walked away. Caleb has been in love with Ellie since they were young and is disappointed in his friend, Josh. Corinne and Caleb strike up a friendship that could become more.

Four teens whose lives are connected and will change drastically this school year. Four teens who wish they could turn back time and return to the moments when life was easy. When the scariest thing you could imagine was jumping off swings.

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From Heaven Lake by Vikram Seth

From Heaven Lake is the fascinating travelogue written by an Indian student (Vikram Seth) studying in China. During the summer of 1981 Seth decides to travel home to Delhi after three years in order to spend the summer holidays with his family. Rather than simply flying out, Seth decides to make the journey of a lifetime through China, into Tibet, through Nepal and finally into India. Along the way the author uses his fluency in Mandarin to make friends and connect with the local peoples of each of the countries. Vikram Seth was originally a poet and his beautiful diction paints a masterpiece of imagery and poetic eloquence throughout the novel. Anyone interested in China, Tibet, Nepal, or India will fine this novel to be utterly fascinating. Not only does one get the sense of geography but it's like experiencing first hand the culture and behaviours of characters who live on the other side of the planet. A compelling and beautiful read From Heaven Lake is a nonfiction piece definitely worth checking out!

P:3 Q:5

The Haunting of Elaizabel Cray, by Chris Wooding

Thaniel is a Wych hunter, and at only seventeen, it's a challenging job. One could even say life threatening. Wychs, strange and warped creatures that live in the Old Quarter of London, threaten the lives of the civil people that live just across the river. When the sun goes down, the Wychs come out to play. And unfortunately, their main source of food are defenseless humans. So of course killing Wychs would be a lucritive job, assuming Thaniel doesn't get killed in the process. On one of his Wych hunting missions in the Old Quarter, Thaniel comes across something he does not expect. Elaizabel Cray, a beautiful, if not crazed and a bit psychotic girl, is found in the ruins of an old house covered in dirt and unkempt. Thaniel, the type of concerned soul that he is, quickly takes her in, but he may be getting more than he bargained for. Elaizabel is possessed by something sinister, a benevolent spirit that attracts everything horrific and evil from the drudgery of London. Thaniel, along with his friend and mentor, Cathaline, has to find the source of Elaizabel's savagery and what has taken hold of her soul.

Chris Wooding is a sensational author, with vivid vocabulary and imaginative storylines. The Haunting of Elaizabel Cray is an amazing read for anyone who longs for a world where not everything is what it seems, and where evil often wins. With a steampunk-like setting in old London, a real place can really feel like an entirely different world.

P4

Q5

Beastly by: Alex Flinn

Not another one of those princess tales that has the classical ending, with the classical twist, and with everything happily ever after. This is not one of those stories. Beastly, written by Alex Flinn is a modern day twist of the classical tale of Beauty and the Beast; however, this novel is written from the beasts point of view, and takes you step by step through the adventure of why the Beast was turned into a beast by the first place.

This beast, which was known as Kyle Kingsbury had everything he had ever wanted before he had transformed... or so he thought. He had the perfect father, the perfect life as a beautiful boy that every girl wanted to date, and every guy wanted to be friends with. The same character Kyle, who is cursed by a witch in modern day New York City, and given two years to find someone (beauty) to reverse the curse which he has.. otherwise he will stay a beast forever. Go with Kyle as he undergoes his trasformation into the beast, and the new things that he learns along the way, totally different from his original beliefs.

This novel written by Alex Flinn is a novel in which I really loved, because of the difference in point of views from the everyday disney princess belle to the beast and why his life is the way it is. I loved how the point of views change from chapter to chapter- and although I thought I knew the traditional ending I really enjoyed reading my all time favorite fairy tale with a different variation.

"I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly"

Ratings:

4P

5Q