Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Todd Burpo is the pastor of a Wesleyan Church in Nebraska. In 2003 his three-year-old son, Colton, endured a hellish, weeks long illness that nearly claimed his life. Months later Colton began talking to his parents about his trip to heaven that occurred while he was in surgery for an emergency appendectomy. Over the course of several months and then years in the ease and innocence that children possess, Colton revealed to his parents details about Heaven, angels, Jesus, and how much God loves us. He tells of meeting family members and friends and gives details that match Biblical descriptions he has yet to learn. Colton's story is retold by his father.

Why I picked up this book: It had been recommended to me by several friends.

Why I finished the book: It is easy to read and I finished it in a day.

I'd give it to: Christians who want to reaffirm or strengthen their beliefs. Anyone really... especially those who might not believe or who may be confused by the differences in each Christian denomination. Colton shares the idea that people must have Jesus in their heart in order to go to Heaven. Plain & simple.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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F in Exams: The Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers by Richard Benson

F in Exams: The Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers is a fun non-fiction book you will want to share and read aloud with your family and friends. It is a collection of funny, wrong answers to test questions and is divided into subject categories. The book will make you laugh, smack your forehead, and say "duh!" over and over. You may agree with the answers or wonder what is happening to our students.

Why I picked up this book: I found it while doing collection development this summer and knew it would be a funny addition to the teen non-fiction collection.

Why I finished it: I read it aloud to my husband during a road trip. We both were laughing the whole way. It took awhile for my husband to start guessing the "F" answers rather than the correct answers.

I'd give it to: anyone looking for a laugh. Teachers so they can share it with their students and/or realize that they aren't the only ones receiving those kinds of answers on a text.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Gameinformer

Gameinformer is the most popular videogame magazine in the US today. It gives the best info on the latest tech, updates, and of course the best video games to date. I enjoy reading the columns and reviews put in this magazine with all it's wittiness and just funny humor. Reading the ideas of every other nerd as the either rant or praise a game is plain old fun. Not to mention the excitement I get when they write about a new game that everyone is dying to play. I've had a subscription for two months and I have not been disappointed yet. To all gamers out there I highly recommend you read this. 5/5 and still more to come.

Under the Dome

Name: Serina

Grade: College

Title: Under the Dome

Author: Stephen King

It was the usual kind of day that all the residents of Chester's Mill had come to expect at noon in late October; a calm Autumn wind blew through the leafless trees and the townspeople went about their daily business. All except for Dale Barbara, also known as Barbie, a former Army lieutenant who had previously worked as a cook at the Sweetbriar Rose cafe before he got in a scuffle with some rude teenagers in the parking lot. Attempting to leave Chester's mill, Barbie had been two feet away from freedom before the "dome" came down. An airplane flying overhead was unfortunate enough to smash into the side of the invisible barrier and left a large, black smudge that seemed to float in the middle of the sky. Barbie, as well as over a thousand other town members, have been trapped under something that no one can even begin to comprehend. Some believe it is a new terrorist weapon. Others believe that their own government is responsible. There is no knowing what exactly the dome is or where is came from, and slowly the air supply is becoming thinner and more and more polluted. However, one thing is for certain: no one can get in, and no one can get out...

Stephen King is a master at horror, but is also a master at showing the ugly side of humanity, and things get really hideous in Under the Dome.

I picked this book up because it is by Stephen King and it was huge.

I finished this book because I had to know what the heck the dome was and if anyone could possibly survive it.

I'd give this book to any apocalypse fans or anyone who likes Stephen King.

Rating: **** Really liked it.

The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

Name: Krystiana Graham

Grade: 12th grade +

Title: The Throne of Fire

Author: Rick Riordan

Review: Have you ever been interested in the gods of the ancient times? Perhaps you have heard of this author then. Rick Riordan? The famous author of the Percy Jackson series. But, for those of you like myself, who prefer the Egyptian Gods, then, you should check out this man's latest series, called the Kane Chronicles. The stories are written in the point of view of two siblings. Sadie Kane, and her older brother Carter Kane. Now, in the first book you learn many things about the two siblings. The first one being, that until the last year (or the start of book one) the two rarely had contact. The other thing, they were the descendants of two lines of royals. Now, the story then goes to explain that if you are descended from the lines of the Egyptian Pharaohs then you have the potential to become magic users, magicians. Of course, that doesn't quite explain why the rest of the magic world want Sadie and Carter dead, though, now does it.

You see, I have to explain the first book for you to understand the second. In the first book, Sadie and Carter are hosts for the two Egyptian gods. Horus, the god of war, to residence in Carter. While his mother, Isis, wife to Osiris, to residence in Sadie. The entire first book was about them defeating the god Set, and keeping chaos from taking over the world. Simple enough - you'd assume. Until you learn that their Uncle Amos had also been possessed, and that they had to fight him, as well, to save the world. Now, onto the second book - and the real review. The second book continues the story of Sadie and Carter - but this time, it is a year in the future. The entire book spans the distance of six days. The day before Sadie's birthday, the day of her birthday - and when they learn they have four days until Apophis comes out of his cage, and eats the sun, to ensure the world falls into chaos. Sadie and Carter spend the next four days gathering the three pieces of the book of Ra, so they might revive Ra, so that the King of the Gods can help them take over. Along the way they get help form Bastet "Bast" the Feline God, and Ra's right hand god. Bes, the dwarf god, Walt, one of their trainees, and at the end, the mysterious Zia also offers her help.

Carter and Sadie manage to awaken Ra - but trouble begins to brew when it causes their original Host gods, Horus and Isis to be more then a little angry with them. Ra is a bit . . . senile, after his awakening though he once more takes on the ways of the old, continuing his trek across the sky with the sun. But that is as far as I will tell you. If you want to find out if Ra was able to defeat Apophis, or if the snake took over and created chaos, well, you'll have to read the book for yourself. But do it fast - before the entire world begins to fall under the power of chaos. Don't you want to be prepared too?

Why I picked this book up: Ever since I was a girl, Egyptian Mythology has amazed me. It's so creative, and so many other religions sprung from it. Besides, who doesn't like a religion where the gods can have dogs for heads. When I read the first in the Kane society I couldn't get enough. When the second came out - I was super excited - though I had to wait until a few days ago to get my hands on it.

Why I finished it: Who doesn't want to know that Chaos won't or will take over the world. O want to be prepared too you know! So I just had to finish it. Make sure I knew what would be going on . . .

I'd give this book to: For those who follow the path of Ma'at, or even those interested in Egyptian Mythology - this is a book for you. It's enchanting and wonderful, and you can't come across a more exotic book.

Rating: Four out of Five; I would give it a five, but I was a bit put out by the lack of Anubis in the story . . . He's soooo amazing, and I loved his personality from the first one. But regardless, it was an amazing story that anyone would love to read - so my advice, head out to the nearest library and check it out.

Carter Finally Gets It

Will Carter is about to start his freshman year of high school. Nervous and completely lost, he has no idea how to fell about the situation. Carter is a stuttering ADD high school kid who has nothing to stand out. Because of his little speech impediment he also has a hard talking to any girl he meets. I feel that this book is a bit childish in the fact that it does sound like Carter is talking. In other words the book sounds like it was written by an eighth grader. To some it might seem pretty ingenious but I feel that the book could have been written better. On the back of the book it gives readers a warning that the book contains lewd humor. Let me say that I've heard sixth graders say worse things. Throughout the entire story the only lewd humor I read was Carter describing his little crush's boobs. Yes I said boobs deal with it. The entire story is basically Carter freaking out every time he feels pear pressure. Unless you have lived in a cave for all your life or your extremely religious and judgmental then this book is in no way as bad as you might think. Honestly I haven't been more disappointed since Catcher in the Rye. But the book had some great things too. It was high school. If their was any book more realistic to high school life it's this one. Carter deals and thinks like any other high school boy his age. If anything is was extremely relatable. I recommend it to teens around fifteen years old. The only problem I see is that it was written by a man from a completely different age group. Lets face it guys back then this was shocking, but today it's what happens every year. I give this book a solid 4/5. A funny read for young teens but a bit of bore as you get older. Check it out if your interested.

Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12+

Title: Here, There Be Dragons (Book 1 of the Imaginarium Geographica Chronicles)

Author: James A. Owen

I love dragons. That is a simple fact of my life. So, when I picked up Here, There Be Dragons, I was expecting a really good fantasy read chocked full with magic, mythical creatures, and adventure. I'm very happy to say that this did not disappoint in any way.

In the book, three Oxford scholars are joined together by the mysterious death of Stellan, a mentor to John, one of the men; they are given a book called the Imaginarium Geographica to protect with their lives, as it seems whoever killed Stellan killed him to get their hands on it. The trio find themselves whisked off into a magical land ruled by Mordred, the Winter King; Mordred is creating an army of shadow minions to take over the land of Archipelago...he wants to use the Geographica for his own evil purposes. When the trio learns this, they decide to destroy the Geographica and all of it's power; this leads them on a journey through beautiful, magical and definitely dangerous places as they try to save themselves and the Archipelago.

This book was awesome; it had everything I could have ever wanted from a fantasy adventure book. Magical lands, an evil king, pirates, ancient maps, dragons, and three normal people who have to save the day. Here, There Be Dragons is like every fantasy novel I've ever read crammed into 300 pages and that made it spectacular. If for any moment while you're reading it, you think to yourself "this is familiar," hold out until the final pages. The twist at the end left me surprised and pleased; I hope to continue the series as soon as I possibly can.

Why I picked up the book: It looked like a really good book about dragons. It also had a really cool title.

Why I finished it: It was super spectacular.

I'd give this book to: Anyone looking for a really great, fast, fantasy read.

My Rating for this book: *****

Those Who Went Remain There Still by Cherie Priest

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12+

Book: Those Who Went Remain There Still

Author: Cherie Priest

When I picked up a copy of this little-known, 120 page long book by Cherie Priest, I was expecting a western about a small town fighting off zombies. However, the book had nothing to do with zombies-- instead it's a tale told from the points of view of three main characters, one of which being Daniel Boone, and the other two being the sons of two feuding southern families. The story hooks you at the very beginning with Boone's point of view; apparently there was more to his journey than everyone originally anticipated. Daniel and his crew of men are working their way through Kentucky when strange things start to happen. The animals they kill for food are being found dragged away from their camp and torn apart; to top off that, whatever animal is stealing their food has also started stalking them. Almost a hundred years after Boone left Kentucky cleared, two men from different sides of feuding families have managed to escape their home town and build lives for themselves elsewhere. The death of the distant and rich relative brings them back to their home town and sends them on a horrible mission.
Three men from each of the feuding families are sent into a large cave at the back of their relative's property to retrieve the will; if that wasn't strange enough, the cave seems to be filled with some viciously mean monsters that want to make sure none of them get out alive...
I wasn't expecting this book to be at all as good as it was. I thought it would just be a short story with mediocre plot, but it actually turned out to be a really fast-paced page turner that I couldn't put down. The different points of view, switching between people that can be hundreds of years apart really pushes the story faster. It was also mysterious enough and scary enough to make the story really, really great. The ending was blunt and leaves the reader questioning so many things, which kind of made me say "wait...what?" at some points , but it also really left the story where it needed to be because you're left questioning as much as the characters are.

Why I Picked Up This book: I just grabbed it on a whim.

Why I finished it: I hated putting it down.

I'd give this book to: Anyone looking for a fast-paced, one or two day read. Especially if they like sci-fi and crazy monsters.

My Rating for this book: ****

Sisterhood Everlasting: A Novel by Ann Brashares

How does time and distance affect a friendship (or four)? You are about to find out. It has been years since we last connected with Carmen, Lena, Bridget, & Tibby. For the girls, now women, it has been two years since Tibby moved halfway across the world with Brian to Australia. The lack of contact has left its mark on each of them. Carmen is living in NYC, engaged to a famous actor (but does she love him?), and is the lead actress in a TV drama (complete with highlights and a body created by counting calories and not eating). Lena is still living in Providence, teaching a few art classes, but no longer finding her muse. Bridget is living in San Francisco with Eric, riding a bike covered in flowers all of town, giving away what she doesn't need, and moving them frequently. Tibby's surprise package of tickets to Greece excites them all. Finally they will be back together again. Will their reunion in Greece be everything they are hoping for or will it change them forever? The Septembers will be faced with the reality of a Sisterhood Everlasting.

Why I picked up the book: I've read the other four books in the SOTTP series and loved them so I had to read this one. It is the first book I've purchased in a long time.

Why I finished the book: Reading this was like reconnecting with old friends. You know them but you also learn how adulthood has changed them.

I'd give it to: fans of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. You could read it without having read the other four, but you would be missing a lot.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars (really liked it)

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What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to totally reinvent yourself? Become someone different than the person everyone thinks you are? New wardrobe, new interests?

For Mclean Sweet, reinvention is her specialty. Her parents are divorced and her decision to live with her father has created much hatred, hurt feelings and tons of lawyer/courtroom drama. Because her father relocates often for his job, each new place they land provides an opportunity for Mclean to be whoever she wants to be: Eliza, Lizbet, Beth. When it is time to move, without a word she leaves that persona behind and becomes someone different in the next place. That is until moving to Lakeview.

Somehow Lakeview is different. Mclean is making a real group of friends, including Dave, the most real guy she’s ever met. But can you trust saying hello to the first place to feel like home in a long time.

What happened to goodbye?

Why I picked up the book: I love Sarah Dessen and this is her newest book. I'm listening to it because I don't have a lot of time to just sit down and read. This way I get to listen to it as I'm driving back and forth to work.

Why I finished it: I felt like I knew Mclean and her friends. My parents divorced when I was a preteen and I could definitely relate to Mclean's struggles with her mom.

I'd give it to: fans of Sarah Dessen, readers looking for great realistic fiction, teens who have moved around a lot.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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April's final YA reviews

Beaudoin, Sean. You Killed Wesley Payne. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2011. 362pp. Grades 9-12.

Scooter-riding, sharp-talking private dick Dalton Rev aims to solve the mystery behind the death of Salt River High student Wesley Payne, who was found duct-taped and hanging from the goalposts on the football field. Dalton transfers to Salt River to take on the case, assisted by a series of unlikely allies. Mole is his wannabe sidekick, Macy is the petite blonde that Dalton can’t stop thinking about, and Cassiopeia Jones is his ex-girlfriend with a new look – thigh-high boots and punk-dyed hair – who leads the ass-kicking girl troupe Foxxes. But as Dalton investigates, he finds that the case has more twists than a king-sized corkscrew. Beaudoin’s vivid writing, snappy dialogue, and slightly askew high school setting make this a great choice for readers bored with too-realistic fiction. The book includes a glossary to define the unique terminology, such as “fish stick” (loser), “splash box” (toilet), and “Thank Bob!” The oft-used “farck” may become teen readers’ favorite new word. Recommended.

Jago, Lucy. The Coven’s Daughter. New York: Hyperion/Disney, 2011. 246pp. Grades 6-8.

May Day in sixteenth-century Montecute, England, means maypoles, dancing, drinking, and lectures from the village parson. For Cecily Perryn, who is about to turn thirteen, May Day is just another day to tend the chickens at the earl’s manor and avoid the scornful looks of the villagers. “Cess” is fatherless and poor, and her only friend is William, who is also scorned because of his clubfoot. But on this May Day, the villagers are distracted by news of boys disappearing from a nearby village. One of the boys’ bodies was found, bruised, broken, and covered in boils – all signs of the “shaking” sickness. When William goes missing, Cess must look within herself for the strength to help him, and to protect the whole kingdom from a growing evil. With the aid of benevolent witches, she learns to control her scrying dreams to see ahead of time, and she is taken in as a daughter of the coven. Jago’s writing is filled with the details of the time period, including pungent smells, well-described clothing, and turns of phrase such as the oath “God’s wounds!” Younger teens will be drawn in to this richly woven tapestry of witches, superstition, and conspiracy, complete with secret tunnels and an evil sorcerer. Highly recommended.

Marchetta, Melina. The Piper’s Son. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2011. 328pp. Grades 9-12.

Thomas Mackee just can’t get it right. He’s still hung up on his one-and-a-half-night stand and former best friend, Tara. He dropped out of university and spent the year after his Uncle Joe died getting wasted, and only occasionally playing guitar. He’s still waiting for his alcoholic father, the charismatic Dominic, to reclaim Tom’s mother and reunite their family. Meanwhile, Tom’s aunt Georgie is pregnant by her ex-husband, who had a son with another woman after a meaningless fling, but none of the family knows what to say about this news. Without his usual role as the piper’s son, Tom is adrift. And everyone is still grieving for Joe, who died in a train bombing in London. In chapters alternating between Tom and Georgie, this follow-up to Saving Francesca (2004) shows the havoc grief and separation can wreak. The Australian setting is not as important as the well-developed relationships, especially among the friends and family who help Tom limp back to the right path. Prepare for tears. Highly recommended.