Warm Bodies

Name: Serina

Grade: 12+

Title: Warm Bodies

Author: Isaac Marion

R is a zombie. He wears an old, blood covered suit, he ambles along with the other walking dead, and he doesn't remember anything about who he was in his previous life. R lives with the other zombies at the abandoned airport, where he joins them on their hunts for warm flesh and has almost conversations with his best friend, M. But R feels a little different from the other undead. He has an interest in the living world and even has dreams. On one trip into the city, R eats the brain of an unfortunate young man and also consumes some of his memories. In them, he sees a beautiful girl full of sunshine and life named Julie. Julie also happens to be hiding in the corner of the room R and his friends have infiltrated. R feels a connection to the girl after eating her boyfriend's brain, and decides to save her by smearing her with the blood of a fallen zombie. He then takes her to the airport where he keeps her hidden in his home, an old jet. Julie is terrified at first, but her terror turns to fascination when she finds out that R can speak, even if he can't form complete sentences. She is also surprised to find that he likes music and has an old record player that he listens to often. Julie wants to leave and go back to the stadium, the safe haven for the few people who remain alive, but she also feels a connection to R, not knowing that he is the one who killed her boyfriend. R shows Julie bits of his world, feeling more alive just by being around her. Something in him is changing, and it is slowly spreading to the other zombies as well. When Julie finally leaves without saying goodbye, R is determined to see her again, even if it means his second death.

I picked this book up because I wanted to see if the plot was different from what the movie seems to be about. It was.

I finished the book because it was very interesting and full of fresh ideas, even though the plot circles around rotting corpses.

I'd give this book to any fan of romance and zombies.

Rating: *** Liked it.

Leslee
Grade 11
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
By:  Mitch Albom

This novel tells the story of a man named Eddie.  He works at Ruby Pier maintaining the rides, keeping everyone safe.  The story begins with Eddie's death on his 83rd birthday at this amusement park when one of the rides breaks down and he tries to save a little girl from a falling cart.  At the last second, he feels two small hands in his and wakes up in Heaven.  Eddie realizes heaven is not a beautiful paradise, but rather a place where you are reaquainted with five people who had an impact on your life.  Some of these people are strangers, while some have played more of a noticable role.  Each time Eddie meets a person, a lesson about life is explained to him.  Throughout the series of trials with all five people, his purpose and the meaning of his life are explained to him.  Throughout the entire novel, Eddie desperately searches for answers and redemption for his mistakes. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt strongly about anything or anyone.  It is truly incredible and much can be learned from it.  It has the power to make you realize that everything you do matters and no act goes unnoticed. 

I picked this book up because I had heard it was amazing and my parents gave it to me for Christmas.  I finished it because I could not put it down- I read it in about a day.  It is an amazing story and an easy read. 

I would give this book a 5***** rating.

Fullmetal Alchemist

Name: Serina

Grade: 12+

Title: Fullmetal Alchemist

Author/Artist: Hiromu Arakawa

"Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange."

Alchemy is a complex system of science that includes changing matter from one thing into something else of equal value, and only certain skilled people are able to master it. These people are called Alchemists. Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric mastered Alchemy at a young age, and thinking they were performing equivalent exchange, tried to bring their dead mother back to life through Human Transmutation, the one thing that is totally forbidden to Alchemists. The result was a terrible failure, and the boys paid the price. Alphonse's entire body disappeared, and Edward lost his left leg. Thinking quickly, Edward managed to seal his brother's soul into a suit of armor in the room where they had performed their treachery, but had to give up his right arm in return. Fast forward some years, and Edward is now one of the youngest and most highly esteemed State Alchemists. Because of his automail arm and leg he is known as the Fullmetal Alchemist. Even though Edward works for the government, he and his brother are given lots of leeway, which they use to gather information about Alchemy's largest legend, the Philosopher's Stone. Ed and Al believe that the stone will allow them to break the rules of equivalent exchange so that they can get back their complete bodies. However, the Philosopher's Stone is considered to be a myth. and even if it isn't, its secrets are well guarded and possibly deadly.

I picked this manga up because it had an interesting concept.

I finished the whole series because it was amazing! No character is insignificant (an amazing feat considering how many there are) and the plot is enthralling as well as brilliant.

I'd give this book to any anime fan! It has a little something for everyone.

Rating: ***** It was amazing!

Between Shades of Gray One book One School NCHS

Name: Michelle Sherwin
Grade: 12+
Book Title: Between Shades of Grey
Author: Ruta Sepetys

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live as a prisoner during the times of WWII? Between Shades of Grey gives an account of what it was like to be a child prisoner during those times. This fictional account is given in first person from the point of view of Lina a 15 year old Lithuanian whose father had been taken earlier. They ended up in some very miserable conditions going to Siberia. The flash backs that are set in throughout the book help to show the life that this family had prior to being taken captive and their father being taken captive. Along the way Lina and her family meet new people and watch people die. They hope for home and think that they will never make it there. Will this family make it home in one piece alive and well and is it really better for them if they do or don't?

This book has some very good qualities to it. One of the best qualities that it has is the historical accuracy and context. This book seems to follow right  along with what happened during that time, but it is told from the perspective of a person who was involved which makes it much more personal. The facts that would have truly mattered to these people were included, but it also keeps with the fact that no one would really have access to much news or information from loved ones. There are a few important things that are not tied up at the end, but I feel that they should be.

My mom brought this book home because it was the one book one school book for NCHS. It looked like an interesting book so I read it.

I finished this book because it just seemed to suck me in. The emotions that were tied to it and the good writing of the book seemed to bring me right through. There was always something new to look forward to in the next page or the next chapter.

I'd give this book to anyone who enjoys the history of WWII, but wants a more personal look at the concept.

My rating for the book:
*****

Schooled by Gordon Korman

Have you ever been the new kid? Do you remember how hard it was to fit in? Even if you haven't, think about the first day of school? Do you stress about what to wear, if you have the right backpack/shoes/supplies, and who you would sit with at lunch?

For Capricorn (Cap for short) Anderson, his first day might have been torture. But he didn't know any different. You see, even though he is an 8th grader, he has never attended public school, had a teacher other than his grandmother, watched television, or had any friends. Cap has lived his whole life on Garland Farms, a 1960s hippie compound, living off the land with Rain, his grandma. He wears cotton tie-dye clothes, has long flowing blonde hair, and wears natural corn husk shoes. He knows how to drive and can use duct tape to fix anything.

But when Rain falls out of a tree and breaks her hip, his whole world is turned upside down. Rain has to stay in rehab for 8 weeks and Cap can't stay alone. The social worker takes him in because she knows how hard it will be for him to adjust, since she lived at Garland when she was young.

When Cap shows up at Claverage (C Average) Middle School, he can't help but stand out. He doesn't know how to use a locker or even why you'd want to lock away your stuff. The unofficial rule is that the popular kids nominate the biggest nerd for 8th grade class president and spend the year torturing him. Cap immediately becomes their target. Will they break him or will Cap and his innocence loving ways turn the school around?

Why I picked up the book: I love the cover. CY is using it for their Spring One School One Book and it seemed like a good reason to finally pick it up. We will also use it for our middle school book club.

Why I finished it: It is a fast read. Makes you think about what is really useful and wasteful in our society and how we treat others. It took awhile to get used to the multiple narrators.

I'd give it to: anyone, especially middle schoolers.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Kaitlin
Safe Haven
By: Nicholas Sparks
Imagine always running from a past; looking over your shoulder because you feel like someone is watching you, changing your name and what you look like, leave everything behind. That is what Katie had to do, in order to start over, and get over her awful past. Working, fixing up her house, and meeting someone, someone who would change her life forever, help her get through what happened. But you can never escape the past, you just can't beat it. And when Katie tries to beat the past, it only come roaring back. I chose to read this book because I love suspense, and Sparks knows how to keep you hanging on to the edge of your seat until the final pages. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a love story with a twist. I give this book 4 stars. ****

Independence Hall (I.Q., #1) by Roland Smith

Hello Q (thirteen year old Quest Munoz)!

Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
For the next year, you will travel across the country with your family (mother Blaze, new stepfather Roger, and new step-sister Angela, age 15) as your parents kick off a cross-country tour for their band Matched. You will live in and being homeschooled on the tour bus. You will meet new people; learn secrets, including those regarding national security; and gather information about current issues, terrorism, and historical landmarks.

You possess skills that will benefit this mission including:
being sneaky and taking pictures without detection, card tricks, knot and rope tying, and the love of fast food.

First stop: Philadelphia, PA , the City of Brotherly Love.

Determine whether those following you are paparazzi or worse. Discover what family and national secrets lie hidden in the depths of Independence Hall.

Are you ready? 

Why I picked it up: I like Roland Smith. Frontier is using this for their Spring 2013 One School One Book so I thought it might be good to use it for our middle school book club as well.

Why I finished it: It is a really fast paced story. I would have easily finished it in one night if I hadn't started it so late.

I'd give it to: Boys, for sure (although girls will like it to). Readers looking for action, adventure, and mystery.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Pure by Julianna Baggott

Before Pressia lived a normal life, although because she was 6 when the Detonations happened she doesn't remember it. Now what wasn't completely destroyed by the nuclear Detonations has been transformed into something else. Those who survived are called Wretches and they are usually fused with some object, animal (beasts), land (dusts) or each other (groupies). Pressia was holding her doll at the time and now the doll's head is her hand; her grandfather has a handheld fan fused in his throat. Survival is becoming increasingly difficult and if you reach the age of 16, the OSR takes you. Pressia's birthday is just a few days away and grandfather has been helping her prepare to hide and escape.

There are a select few who did survive the blasts without becoming fused. The Pures live under the Dome in a controlled environment, waiting and preparing for the day they can reenter the world. Partridge is a Pure. His father is one of the leaders who helped design the Dome. He has never been close with his father and lately things are getting worse. His brother committed suicide not long ago and his mother died in the blast. But Partridge is starting to suspect that she may have survived and he wants to find away out of the Dome to find her.

Is it really possible to escape and survive outside the Dome? What fate awaits Pressia and Partridge? What brings their worlds together? How did society and the world even come to this? Would you be one of the wretched or the Pure?

Why I picked up the book: Our Roosevelt HS book club picked it. The butterflies on the front and back covers are beautiful.

Why I finished it: While I don't normally choose dystopian, I couldn't put it down. I'd find myself reading 80 pages or more in a sitting. Now I want to read Fused and find out what happens next.

I'd give it to: Older teen and adult readers who like science fiction dystopian and apocalyptic stories. Readers who like "The Host", "Hunger Games", "Divergent", or "The Maze Runner".

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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A Letter to My Dog: Notes to Our Best FriendsA Letter to My Dog: Notes to Our Best Friends by Robin Layton

Why I picked up the book: Who doesn't love cute animals? I love my own lab retriever and two cats, who were all my first "children". This book contains letters from celebrities and regular folks (kids & adults) to their best furry friends, expressing love and gratitude.

Why I finished it: It is a super fast read and gives you warm fuzzies. The photography is great. Even though I'm not a fan of tiny dogs, I wanted to cuddle them all. It makes you want to write your own (see mine below)

I'd give it to: dog lovers. Readers looking for an easy, feel-good book.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Here's Jenn's "Letter to My Dog":

Makai (Jenn's dog)

Dear Makai aka Kai, Kai-Kai, Boof, No, My beautiful blonde boy;

I can't believe it has been almost four years since I brought you home from the shelter. I don't know what I was thinking that day, other than the fact that you had the cutest little face and were so cuddly. You were our last furry baby before the real one came along and you helped fill the gap in our lives while we were desperately waiting for him.

I'm still not happy that you decided after three weeks that you didn't want to come back inside. I had almost convinced Daddy that you could sleep on the floor next to me every night (or secretly on the bed when he worked!) and then you ditched me. But those three weeks of getting up with you all night prepared me for having a baby!

Thank you for being our protector and for loving X-man. Even though your barking drives me crazy and used to scare him, I know it is in your nature to protect us and to let us know you need attention. (Just stop barking when we walk out of the room and X is still there. I'm the parent and I didn't leave him!) I wish you wouldn't shred and eat everything with stuffing (toys, blankets) and that you would actually sleep in the two big doghouses we bought you. I'm afraid someone will turn us in when you are sleeping outside when it is 20 below. It is so hard to explain to humans that you choose to do that. I'd love it if you could be inside with us sometimes but your constant shedding is bad for Dad's allergies and you just won't sit down. You turn two circles and want back out again. I'm sorry I told Dad that you sleep in the swing but it was just so cute. Don't worry we aren't mad. At least someone uses it.

We call you the dove and squirrel whisperer. When we moved to our new home, I think they followed you. I just wish you didn't smell like their droppings. We didn't even know that you would secretly let yourself out of the yard and go for walks until we moved and the old neighbor ratted you out. I know you love us though because when the fence at our new house blew down, you could have run off and found a better family, but instead you ran around the block to the front door. Just please don't escape again on the nights when Daddy and X leave town. You are supposed to be here keeping me safe.

I'm sorry we haven't gotten you a doggy sibling. You have finally started calming down and I can't even imagine raising another one of you. Don't get me wrong. I love you but you are all the dog we can handle. (We think the mix in your lab retriever blood might be miniature pony!) Besides if we had two, it would be harder to find pet sitters who love to come play with you and feed you lots of extra kibble. Plus I can only lift one lazy 100 pound dog into the back of the car. (How is it possible you don't know how to jump? Wait, nevermind. Don't learn.)

xoxo, Your crazy mama

Still Lolo: A Spinning Propeller, a Horrific Accident, and a Family's Journey of Hope by Lauren Scruggs

Lauren (Lo) Scruggs was a typical 23-year-old woman. She was finding her place in the world after college and beginning a career in the fashion industry, as a journalist, blogger and founder of the online LoLo Magazine. But one fateful evening in early December 2011 changed everything. On that Sunday evening, Lo was flying in a friend's small prop plane looking at Christmas lights. She stepped out of the plane and the spinning propeller took her left hand and left eye, but not her fighting spirit.

Why I picked up the book: I hadn't heard Lo's story (which is weird since I read People Magazine religiously). However I saw the review for this book and thought it sounded great.

Why I finished it: It has a lot of depth and is well written. I like the fact that her parents and sister also tell the story. I really liked how Lo wasn't all "woe is me". She didn't let the accident take her fight and determination. Their faith was nicely blended in without being overbearing.

I'd give it to: Fans of Bethany Hamilton's book "Soul Surfer". Bethany wrote the foreword to this book. Teens and adults looking for an inspirational story. Lo spends a lot of time talking about the struggles of finding herself and her direction in college and after, which teens and younger adults can definitely identify with.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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