Ella Enchanted

 

Michelle Sherwin
Grade: 12+
Title: Ella Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Gifts are supposed to be a goo thing, but when Lucinda the fairy comes to visit things are never as they seem. Lucinda appears at wedding and births to bestow gifts on people. When Lucinda comes to witness the birth of a child by the name of Ella she gives her the gift of obedience. Ella from then on had to obey every command she was given. As she grows up she finds that being obedient to everything anyone commands is not all its cracked up to be. After her mother dies finds out that the cook is also a fairy, but she is a fairy who can not undo the curse that is bestowed upon her. She finds that only Lucinda can undo this. After meeting up and falling in love with the prince she finds that in order to keep herself and her kingdom she must stay away from him. As she struggles to break the curse she must face the difficulties that challenge her in her family and within herself. She was given one command from her mother prior to her death and that is that she must tell no one of the curse. It was interesting to me to think of the aspects of what would happen if I had to be obedient to every command given. How long would you last with the obedience of Ella?

I have always loved the story line behind this and thought the book would be interesting. Although it was much different from the book it still was very interesting. I finished this because it was enjoyable and interesting. I'd give this to anyone who enjoyed mystical fairy tale type things in a modern world.
This book is a *****

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

Name: Serina

Grade: 12+

Title: Don't Be Afraid of the Dark: Blackwood's Guide to Dangerous Fairies

Author: Guillermo Del Toro/ Christopher Golden

One hundred years before the setting of the movie counterpart named Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, Blackwood was a young man, as well as a nature scientist. But in his studies of nature, he learned that sometimes things that come off as scientific are not quite what they seem. Blackwood discovers the existence of fairies, magical creatures that are responsible for some good things, but mostly bad things. Wanting to show his discovery to the world, Blackwood takes it upon himself to record his findings on the more dangerous types of fairies and how to stay safe from them. His book is comprised of scientific notations, clippings from his journal, and beautiful ink illustrations of the dark, magical world that he discovered, which will eventually consume him and those he holds dear...

I picked this book up because I watched the movie and wanted to know more.

I finished this book because I wondered if it ended where the movie started.

I'd give this book to anyone who was scared by the movie.

Rating: ***

Kaitlin
11th
The Dating Game #6: Parallel Parking
By: Natalie Standiford
Sophomores Madison, Holly, and Lina create a Dating Game website for a class that instantly becomes a hit throughout the whole school. They begin to help their peers with dating problems and relationships and find out more then they need to know. It's funny how people always come to you when they have problems, but when you have problems of your own, know one is there to help. I picked up the book because I got it as a gift and it was a good quick read. I would give this book to anyone who wants a good laugh or something fun to read. I would give this book three stars ***
 

Night Road by Kristin Hannah

Lexi knows what it means to experience loss and not to be loved by a parent. Her mom drifted in and out of jail, leaving Lexi bouncing between foster homes. At fourteen, Lexi finally finds a home with her Aunt Eva in Washington after her mother's death. On the first day of school Lexi meets her soul mate/best friend Mia, who has the perfect family complete with a gorgeous twin brother Zach, father, and the perfect mom, Jude.

Senior year rolls around before anyone knows it. Because she can't afford it, Lexi won't be attending the same Ivy League school as Mia & Zach. Zach who she has fallen in love with. Jude isn't happy about this romance, especially when Zach says he wants to stay in Washington with Lexi.

But one night of fun and celebration at a pre-graduation party changes all of their futures forever. Will any of them survive the consequences of that fateful night?

Why I picked up the book: Recommended by my sister, mom, and 16-year-old niece. Possibility for high school book club.

Why I finished it: Only took me a week to read, once I actually got time to sit down and read it. Wow! I couldn't stop crying near the end.

I'd give it to: I'd recommend to high school students, parents, and anyone who works with teens. Fans of Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks, and even Sarah Dessen would probably like this book.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
 
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How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

Mandy meets Jill's mom, Robin, on an adoption website. Robin plans to adopt Mandy's unborn baby and Jill isn't thrilled about this. Jill thinks her mom is only trying to replace Jill's father, who died less than a year ago in a car accident. The father Jill is still grieving. Mandy takes the train from Nebraska to Denver to live with Robin and Jill until the baby is born. Mandy has secrets and her own share of heartbreaks. Jill doesn't want her family to lose anything else. What will happen when two teenage girls, from different backgrounds, find themselves staring at different sides of the same unknown future? 

Why I picked up the book: I am always interested in reading books where adoption is involved.

Why I finished it: Family doesn't necessarily mean the people who created you.

I'd give it to: anyone who has lost someone. 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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Smile by Raina Telgemeier

It seems like most of us aren't lucky enough to make it to adulthood without the help a little orthodontic work. Raina was at the beginning stages of getting braces when an accident accelerated the process. Running home after a girl scout meeting ends with Raina tripping and knocking out her two front teeth. When the doctor is unable to successfully reinsert the teeth, Raina begins the painful process of having her teeth pulled, twisted, and re-spaced, with the hope of the perfect smile. Adolescence is hard enough with having to survive middle and high school without adding the pain and humiliation of braces. Will Raina ever be able to just smile, accept herself, and enjoy her experiences?

Why I picked up the book: I've heard great things about it and was looking for something new for our middle school book club.

Why I finished it: The book made me flashback to having orthodontic work when I was in grade school. I wanted to make sure that Raina survived her own identity struggles as well as her horrible "friends".

I'd give it to: Anyone who grew up in the late 80s/90s, middle schoolers, parents & teachers.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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