You by Charles Benoit

It didn't have to be like this. Thinking back, you could have made different choices and avoided this.

You used to care about school and grades. You used to have real friends, not just the "hoodies", the group of guys you hang with, that wear the uniform of black shirt, pants, and of course the black hoodie. The group who no one expects anything from but trouble.

You could have ignored the new guy, who you never would have met it hadn't been for the suspension.

You could have had the girl, if you had only spoken up.

You can look back now and see it, and the way it should have been. But realize, it is all because of YOU.

Why I picked up the book: I was looking for something different, for myself and for our high school book club. This definitely fit the bill and it was a quick read.

Why I finished it: The 2nd person narration instantly draws you in as well as the fact that the initial section gives away part of the ending but has you guessing how it get there (LOTS OF BLOOD). I love guessing, especially when I don't see it coming.

I'd give it to: boys, teens who feel misunderstood, reluctant readers, someone looking for a short book that will draw them in, teachers and parents--anyone who works with or will be raising a teenager.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Everlost (Skinjacker, #1) by Neal Shusterman

Nick & Allie never knew each other in life but literally ran into each other in death. When the cars they were riding in hit head-on, both Nick & Allie were ejected. Nick was in the middle seat which lacked a seatbelt and Allie had just taken hers off to adjust her shirt. They both remember seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and then feeling something (or in this case someone) bump them off course.

When they awaken after a dreamless nine month sleep, Nick and Allie discover they are in a place called Everlost. Only children and teenagers find themselves in Everlost, as adults always seem to get where they were going. The dead world of Everlost exists parallel to the living world. The Afterlights, the name for those souls in Everlost, can see the living world but can't touch it. In fact they can sink into the living earth and become trapped for eternity.

Certain places also exist in Everlost. Those that were truly loved will cross over, like the World Trade Center. Nick & Allie eventually find their way to New York City and meet the Queen of Lost Souls. Mary Hightower has created a community in the World Trade Centers, where children are able to spend their time and do what they love.

But Allie isn't willing to let go of life so easily. She wants to find a way out of Everlost at any cost.

Why I picked up the book: Lots of teens had been recommending it to me.

Why I finished it: Very compelling. While the characters are dead, it isn't that grim of a story.

I'd give it to: Neal Shusterman fans. Readers who like realistic fiction but with a twist of fantasy and sci-fi.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Book review: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Name: Alex Trimble

Grade: 12

Author: Ron Hansen

This book goes beyond just telling the story of the western gangster Jesse James and his death at the hands of the infamous Bob Ford. It reveals aspects of James most people probably don't know, nor expect. It draws you in to getting to know both Jesse and Bob, and by the end of it, you are stuck trying to decide who was the good guy and who was the bad guy. This is another novel I read after seeing the film, and much as with Atonement, it's one of the most spot-on adaptations I've ever seen/read. This story is written in a way that makes it appealing both to fans of westerns and those who aren't (I'm of the latter group, and still love this novel). It's not about cowboys and robberies, persay. It's about an unstable man(James) who rose to fame for his violence and intelligence, and the young man(Ford) who goes from ardent admirer to murderer. As with the film, this book captures all the characters and their stories and emotions wonderfully, while simultaneously rooting you in the plot and surroundings of the story. I've seldom read a novel with so many lines I've wanted to write down, purely because they're so gorgeously written, I want to keep them around. I find The Assassination of Jesse James is a bit difficult to describe or summarize well, although it should be a fairly straight-forward story - but all the reasons to read it are locked in the writing itself, with the characters and situations and dialogue. I ask only that you take my word that it is a beautiful book, and one that pulls you from admiring of Jesse to repulsed by him, and tugs you back and forth from sympathetic for Bob and spiteful. Brilliantly written - and although fictional, more of it is actually rooted in truth than you would think. Hansen did his homework before he wrote, and all that's really made up is some of the conversations. It's beautiful.

Why I picked up the book: Loved the movie

Why I finished it: It was beautiful and compelling

I'd give this book to: Any fan of westerns, or any admirer of brilliant writing

Rating: *****

Review: Star Wars Fate of the Jedi: Ascension

Name: Eric Morales

Grade: 12

Author: Christie Golden

For fans of the brand, Ascension is one of the better Star Wars books out there. The second to last book in the acclaimed Fate of the Jedi series, Ascension continues the tale of Luke Skywalker and his Jedi on the search for a mysterious ancient being, while dealing with a hidden tribe of evil Sith. Coups, conspiracies, and shadowy motives create a darker setting for this novel, something that is not often seen in the Star Wars series of novels. The galaxy is about to hit a climax point, culturally, politically, and in war, and Ascension captures this tense feeling perfectly. Author Christie Golden is a master of suspense and action, and rarely leaves the reader bored. Her character development should also be praised, as she continues to build upon already set in stone characters, creating new twists and turns that surprise even veteran readers. The book is not without its faults of course; while her writing is good, one does not pick up the book with the intention of finding a unique and world changing read. Above all else, its intention is to further the Star Wars story, and should not be taken too seriously. I highly recommend it for any veteran readers of Star Wars novels, and I look forward to its sequel, Apocalypse.

Why I picked up this book: I’m a huge fan of the series, and I had yet to read this one.

Why I finished it: The amount of suspense and surprises that Golden delivers made me want to see just how it all ended.

I’d give this book to: any Star Wars fan or fan of Sci-Fi

Rating: ****

Americus by MK Reed

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12+

Title: Americus

Author: MK Reed, illustrated by Jonothan Hill

Imagine for a second that you are obsessed with a series of books. Now imagine that in your small town, a group of people want to ban that book because it promotes witch craft and the occult. Sound like anything you've heard before? This is the plot behind MK Reed's graphic novel Americus, which stars a young boy, the twon bookworm, as he tries to survive high school, figure out life, and save his favorite book series, called "The Chronicles of Apathea Ravenchilde." The book was wonderfully truthful and emotional and illustrated beautifully.
Americus is your typical, tiny town. Everyone knows everyone and everyone is gissipy- unfortunately, the townspeople of Americus are also very easy to rise up against something that they don't seem to understand. In this case, it's Neil Barton's favorite series starring Apathea Ravenchilde. As Neil stumbles through his freshman year of high school, he has to learn to find his voice and make it heard to save the series he sees as his only salvation from the crazy people who live in Americus.
The book is all about why books shouldn't be banned. It covers so many different issues along with that, however, including problems with money, divorce, and even how people react towards the gay community. Americus is a story that deserves to be read for all of it;s messages, but it also deserves to be read because it's seriously captivating. I was surprised at how good it actually turned out to be. I loved characters, I hated characters and I really started to with that the Apathea book series was real just so I could understand what all the hype was about. I seriously enjoyed this book to the point that I'm forcing my friends to read it and buying a copy of my own.

Actually, upon googling this title, I found that there's actually a really cool website promoting the book and it's message. Regardless of if you've readhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif the book or not, I suggest you check it out because it's pretty awesome.

http://saveapathea.com/

Why I picked up this book: It looked like an interesting graphic novel.

Why I finished it: I seriously didn't put it down for the 2 hours or however long it took me to read it.

I'd give this book to: Anyone and everyone.

My Rating: *****

Diary of a Wimpy Kid #6: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney

Some people love the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, full of holiday cheer and fun family times. Not Greg. Greg doesn't enjoy family time or the threats that come with not being on your best behavior. Who really wants to find out if Santa has a "Naughty List"?

Whatever happened to the good ole days when parents gave you money to buy gifts, which meant low priced gifts for them and a few fun treats for yourself? Why does being an 8th grader mean you have to earn your own money? How many jobs, especially during the cold snowy season, are available for teens?

Greg is about to discover the "joys" and misfortunes of snow removal, complete with a lawn mower and water hose. Not to mention how much more exciting the holiday season can become when a blizzard traps the family, minus Dad who is stuck at work, indoors with a dwindling supply of food. Can anyone say "Cabin Fever"?

Why I picked up the book: I've read the others in the series and love them. Greg reminds me of my brother at that age. Also two of my nephews are reading the series. One is a 5th grader and loves to read. The other is in 8th grade and is a reluctant reader (he would rather be hunting). Both pre-ordered the book and I wanted to make sure I read it before seeing them at Christmas.

Why I finished it: It is funny and hard to put down. I would have finished it in one sitting, less than an hour, except I started it at 10pm and was super tired.

I'd give it to: fans of the series. Boys who like comic books and humor. Junior high teachers and parents--anyone who knows or once knew a teen boy.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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The Kneebone Boy

Name: Serina

Grade: College

Title: The Kneebone Boy

Author: Ellen Potter

Otto Hardscrabble, the oldest of the Hardscrabble children, has not spoken a word since he was eight years old, which was when his mother mysteriously vanished. His siblings easily worked around it, developing a sign language between the three of them that no one else could possibly decipher. But this is certainly not the strangest thing about them. Otto also has a fascination with anything out of the ordinary, especially cats that have more than six fingers on one paw or an extra leg. Lucia, the middle child, has an impeccable vocabulary and the attitude of a cynic, and Max, the youngest, likes to spend his time on the roof of their house. Their father makes a living by traveling abroad and painting the portraits of royal families, often returning to tell his children about his adventures. But the Hardscrabble children want their own adventure, so when their father leaves them with his cousin in London, who happens to be on holiday and is not home, they decide to go to their aunt Haddie's house, which is right next door to a very large and very ominous castle, said to be home to the Kneebone boy, a child that is half human and half beast that has been locked away from the world to hide his deformities. So of course the Hardscrabble children want to have a look at him and possibly save him from his imprisonment. But they may have gotten more of an adventure than they bargained for...

I picked this book up because it had a really awesome cover.

I finished this book because it was so strangely amusing.

I'd give this book to anyone who feels a little out of place.

Rating: **** Really liked it!

The Maze of Bones (39 Clues, #1) by Rick Riordan

Amy and Dan Cahill (age 14 and 11) are returning to their beloved grandmother's estate for one last time, for her funeral and the reading of her will. For Amy & Dan, this day isn't about how much money they will inherit. It is another painful reminder that they are all alone now, without their beloved Grace, whom they spent wonderful weekends with. Their parents died seven years ago in a fire and since then, they have been living under the guardianship of their awful Aunt Beatrice who hires, and just as quickly fires, au pairs to watch over them.

But what Amy, Dan, and about 40 other select relatives learn will change everything. You see, minutes before her death, Grace changed her will. Those invited to the reading have a choice. Take a check for $1,000,000, your share of the inheritance, OR accept the challenge and forfeit the money. However there can only be one winner. Those who choose to accept and join the quest may work alone or in teams. Each team will receive the first of thirty-nine clues. The clues are scattered around the globe and will lead to a secret that will make the winner(s) the most powerful and influential humans on the planet. They will discover that many of the great people of the past were Cahills.

Amy and Dan are tempted to take the money until a conversation with Aunt Beatrice changes their minds. The first clue sends the seven participating teams off on a race to Philadelphia and Paris, a race against time and each other, complete with a fire, bombs, collapsing ground, and more. You see, the other teams believe that Grace gave Amy and Dan inside information and therefore want to eliminate them. So Amy and Dan are all alone, unable to trust anyone.

Will Amy and Dan survive the quest for the 39 Clues? And who is the man in the black suit watching their every move?

Why I picked it up: Our middle school book club was interested in reading it.

Why I finished the book: It is a super fast read. Lots of action, adventure, and mystery. Although my book was used and didn't have the cards, I think it might be fun for tween & teen readers to participate in the online, interactive quest. If I had time, I would definitely pick up the 2nd book and read through the whole series.

I'd give it to: fans of mystery series and those who like interactive books. The symbols, clues, and fast pace reminds me of Dan Brown but for a younger set.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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The Crime Buff's Guide to the Outlaw Rocky MountainsThe Crime Buff's Guide to the Outlaw Rocky Mountains by Ron Franscell

Written by local author Ron Franscell, originally from Casper, this book is a guide to Colorado and Wyoming crimes scenes of the past and present. He gives GPS coordinates for crime scenes and grave sites. He also refers readers to books and resources that provide more information on particular people and crimes.

Why I picked up the book: The author was here in early October & my husband and I both loved his book "Fall".

Why I finished it: I wish it had more about the some of the crimes, but he does a good job of referring the reader to other books. I learned a lot about crimes in this region. I'm a huge fan of Unsolved Mysteries & Disappeared, even though they still scare me whether I watch them in the light or the dark.

I'd give it to: I would recommend this book to fans of shows like Unsolved Mysteries and Disappeared and especially to readers who like to hear about local crimes, past and present. I would probably recommend it for high school and up, just because some of the crimes are pretty brutal.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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When Parents Text: So Much Said...So Little UnderstoodWhen Parents Text: So Much Said...So Little Understood by Sophia Fraioli

If you are looking for a healthy dose of laughter, this might be right up your alley. Brought to you by the authors of the site whenparentstext.com.

Why I picked up the book: The title of course. I haven't been to their website but I definitely know how confusing texts can be. For the longest time my mother-in-law thought LOL was lots of love so I wondered why she was laughing at the weirdest stuff.

Why I finished it: fast & easy. See how many times you want to read it aloud or share it with the person sitting next to you.

I'd recommend it to: high schoolers and up, just based on some of the content and language.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles #1) by Rick Riordan

Carter and Sadie Kane are siblings in a less than perfect relationship and have become almost strangers. When their mother died, Carter traveled the world with their father, a renowned Egyptologist, and after a bitter court battle Sadie lived with their grandparents in London. They have two visits per year. Their Christmas Eve visit alters everything. It started with a strange man appearing and then a trip to the British Museum that unleashed Egyptian Gods and unveiled a family secret that changed the course of Carter and Sadie's lives.

Why I picked up the book: I really liked "The Lightning Thief" and tried to read this when it was first released. At that time there was a huge hold list so I returned the book. Our middle school book club loved Percy as well and wanted more Riordan, so it seemed like a good time to read this.

Why I finished the book: Even though it is long, the author writes a fast paced adventure. It does take awhile to get used to the change in narrators every two chapters.

I'd give it to: fans of Riordan's other series. Readers looking for adventure and fans of mythology, this time it is Egyptian.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Vel' d'Hiv was a horrible stain on French history, so much so that in an effort to forget many Parisian citizens have no idea of what happened.

In July 1942, Sarah was ten years old when the French police arrested her family along with other Jews, the first step in the horrific journey to Auschwitz. Sarah had no idea what was happening and in an effort to keep her younger brother safe, locked him in the bedroom cupboard and promised to quickly return and rescue him.

Julia is an American journalist who has been living in Paris for 25 years. She is assigned to investigate and write a story on the 60th anniversary of the Vel' d'Hiv. What Julia discovers will change her life forever.

Why I picked up the book: I had heard several librarians in the building raving about it. When a guy in our high school book club recommended we read it, I jumped on the opportunity.

Why I finished the book: This was a different kind of Holocaust novel. I had no idea about the French involvement or the Vel' d'Hiv'. I needed to know what Julia would discover. The interesting thing about reading a novel about the Holocaust is we all know what ultimately happened, but you keep hoping for something different.

I'd give it to: readers who aren't afraid to connect with the characters and/or readers who don't mind dual narratives that jump between characters and time periods. I would probably recommend it for high school and up.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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