Hidden Talents by David Lubar

Talent, noun: a special often athletic, creative, or artistic aptitude OR a general intelligence or mental power: ability.

When you think of talents, your mind probably jumps to someone who is a gifted poet, artist, musician, chef, or carpenter; maybe someone who plays a school sport or an extreme sport (skateboarding, motocross, etc.); or perhaps someone who has the ability to work with children or animals.

What if your talent wasn’t so widely accepted or recognized? What if your talent was construed as misbehavior, a problem so big that you were sent away to a last resort for the most dangerous and rebellious teenagers?

Martin Anderson has been assigned to Edgeview Alternative School, after being expelled from every junior high he’s attended. I guess you could say he’s been expelled from his family as well, all due to his lack of respect for authority mixed with his inability to restrain himself from speaking his mind. Call him a smart-aleck or worse, but it’s like a disease he can’t control. He finds your weakness and uses it to verbally insult you.

When Martin gets off the bus at Edgeview, he walks into a world full of students deemed out of control. A world with a bully named Bloodbath, who lives up to his name, and teachers who either try too hard or scream too loud and a principal with a taste for electric shock therapy.

Not everyone at Edgeview is bad. There are a select group of students that Martin becomes friends with. Students, like Martin, who seem to misbehave but really have Hidden Talents. Torchie has a flair for fire, starting them; Cheater can hear other’s thoughts; Lucky has a gift for finding lost objects; Flinch possesses the ability to see what’s coming; and Trash has the capacity to move objects with his mind. Once Martin discovers they all have psychic abilities, he realizes that what once was bad can be used for good. But will it really be so easy? What would you do with your Hidden Talents?

Taken By Storm By: Angela Morrison

When two teenage lives collide the results could be fatal. For Leesie Hunt life had been simple, down to rules infact. She knew what she was wrong, and what was right in her life. Her dreams were tied to her salvation, and everything she had ever needed was provided-- that is until Michael Walden had came to town. Michael, a deep sea scuba diver, lost his parents in a tragic accident in a hurricane, is sent to live with his grandmother and he is far beyond fighting a battle. He's expecting someone to save him, like he was saved from the huricane, but he doesn't expect Leesie to be the one to do it. The last thing they both expect is to fall for each other. Two extremely different dreams one tied to the deep sea, and the other with salvation above must figure out what is important for their lives- the desires of their heart, or their beliefs. Angela Morrison uses a unique way of writing in this novel, switching points of view from Michael to Leesie. Leesie's chapters are written in poetry, and im's and Michaels from his diving blog, and feelings, which also adds significant emotion to this novel making it a suspensful book to enjoy. :)

Ratings:

4Q-Better than most

3P-Some teen appeal

A dangerous Love by:Bertrice Small

Adair Radcliffe. who was orphaned at a young age, has had many instances of betrayal, including that of her half sister and sire, became a captive, and lastly, grew into a young woman, full of spirit, and pride. A Dangerous Love is a novel about a loyal, and very driven young woman who will not back down, or make compensations for anyone; at least that is what she has believed through her less-than-twenty-years of life.

At the blossoming age of twenty, Adair is taken as a captive and given to a Scottish family, who have thrown away every sense of mannerism upon a death in the family. Adair and her nurse are therefore forced to take on the role of maids, cooks, and even pleasure partners.
As the story unfolds it, becomes clear to the reader that love is possible, even in the most bizarre circumstances.
I would recommend this book highly because of the historical content, and the many emotions that are involved in reading this book.

Why this book was memorable: There was love in a historical setting, which flowed extraordinary well

Ratings:

4Q

3P

Flame of Recca by Nobuyuki Anzai

Flame of Recca is a shonen manga that any anime fan can easily find a favorite in. Although it has a rather typical boy's manga style and plot, the characters are still amusing and the storyline is different enough to where it's not quite overused. The setting takes place in everyday hectic Japan and during the life of the main character, Recca Hanabishi. An eccentric and highly confident character, Recca is a soul model of what most every young boy wants to be. Recca has an uncanny skill for combat, and prides himself to become an actual urban Ninja of his time. But if you have read Naruto, this kind of ninja is much different.

After meeting a girl with the unique ability to heal wounds, Recca announces his plans to have her be his master and states that he will always protect her. Yet Yanagi's power also attracts much less noble motives from other characters, and Recca finds he may have chosen an unpleasant full time job. But because of Recca's positive and upbeat attitude, no foe can really get him down, nor to stay down! Along the way, Recca and Yanagi come across more odd and quirky characters to join his fighting force, including the tomboyish Fuko, the gorilla like Domon, the feminine and fan service oriented Tokiya, and then the newest addition, the deceptively powerful (as well as extremely short) Koaru. As a team of fight hungry teenagers, they all join in the fun and potential danger of the battling world. At this point, it is hard to ignore the seeming influence of another popular series, "Yu Yu Hakasho," but it does not deter a manga fan from enjoying the series.

Nobuyuki Anzai's plot, creative characters, and stunning art all combine to make Flame of Recca. So if you are a fan of Shonen Jump, or manga period, this series is an entertaining read.

4Q

3P

Fiela's Child by Dalene Mathee

A moving story of courage, self discovery, and love Fiela's Child is a fascinating story set in South Africa circa the 1800s. The story follows an orphaned white child who becomes adopted by an African family. At the age of nine he is taken away from is parents and forced to live in the Forest (a treacherous jungle) with an inept and lazy white family. As the boy grows up he confronts his own insecurities about where his future and past truly lie. The book is painted with beautiful and descriptive story and the characters have a closly intertwined relationship with the nature that surrounds them. Fiela's Child by Dalene Mathee is a quick and exciting read and the plot twist at the end is a tasteful surprise and a bit of a shock. I would personally recomend the novel for any teenagers and adults who are interested in what will surly be a classic novel.
P:3 Q:5

Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli

Will Tuppence remembers the exact day, hour, and minute that his world tilted, spinning out of control, jumpstarting his fear of the unknown. Saturday, September 25, 10:15am. The day his bratty sister, Tabby, handed him the phone. The day his best friend, Mi-Su, told him to turn the radio to 98.5 FM. The day he heard of the proton’s death. You know the proton, the positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom. The proton, to which Will was introduced at the age of 6, being the smallest piece of matter that was indestructible. Even though you know life comes to an end, it was nice knowing, believing even, that a small part of something would last forever.

Well, now what? Now, everything that Will has ever believed to be true, stable, and normal about his life is being altered. Saturday night pizza and Monopoly with Mi-Su and BT—weird. Not being able to focus on chess—a risk to defending his title as champion. Tabby, younger sister pest extraordinaire, on high definition overdrive. Even his beloved skateboard, Black Viper, can’t bring him peace. Is it ever possible to right yourself after the world turns upside down?

Maximum Ride: School's Out--Forever by James Patterson

When you are a human avian hybrid, it’s hard to know who you can trust. If you are Maximum Ride, the voice in your head giving instructions on saving the world, a talking dog, and a pack of angry mutant wolves (Erasers) ready to eat you for lunch only add to the stress of being the fourteen-year-old leader of a family of six.

Max and the Flock’s adventures continue as they attempt to discover why they were created, who their real parents are, and how Max is supposed to save the world. The Erasers are always close and seem to be able to track them anywhere. They have also been upgraded and can fly. Can you imagine, flying wolf children? Weird!

Following one ferocious fight, Fang is left critically injured and the Flock has to risk their safety in order to save him. Before Max can give the doctors a full explanation, the FBI swoops in. They aren’t that surprised by the Flock and want to know all the details, but the Flock isn’t ready to trust them. Anne Walker, the head of the agents, takes them back to her perfect country home and for the first time, the group is happy, healthy, and feeling at home. She even enrolls them in school!

But there is something fishy about this school and especially the principal. It isn’t long before Max put the pieces together and discovers that even Anne can’t be trusted. Next stop: Florida and a company named Itex. Thanks to Angel’s mind reading abilities, they’re one step closer to fulfilling Max’s destiny.

Sequels: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, The Final Warning, and MAX

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

Maximum Ride, Max for short, and her 5 brothers and sisters are unique. It’s not the fact that they are orphaned and homeless. It isn’t the fact that they don’t know who they can trust or how they will find their next meal. It’s not even the fact that they aren’t all biological siblings.

You see, “The Flock”, Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, the Gasman, and Angel, are special. They look and act like normal humans but they have extraordinary abilities like mind reading, voice imitation, super strength, and raptor vision. That’s right, I said raptor vision, as in they possess excellent and incredible sight from far, high distances. And they are called “The Flock” because while they are human, 98% to be exact, they have been implanted with avian (READ: bird) DNA.

Yes, they have wings and can fly. And while having the ability to soar through the air might be fun, when you are on the run from hungry Erasers, part human part wolf killing machines, you can’t give much thought to anything but survival.

Join Max and the Flock on their first mission, rescuing one of their own, putting themselves in harm’s way, even returning to the School, the awful setting of their creation, all while trying to stay alive. Are you up for a wild ride?

Sequels: School’s Out Forever, Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, The Final Warning, and MAX

Twilight... revisited

You've read the books, you've watched the movie. Now you are patiently (or impatiently) waiting for the November release of the movie version of New Moon. Why don't you grab one of these and see how and why they made certain decisions in the movie!

Fade by Lisa McMann

Janie doesn’t necessarily see her dream catcher skills as a gift. However, Captain Komisky does, making Janie and Cabe partners as undercover agents, as well as undercover friends. Janie is learning to hone her skills in order to jump out of the dreams that don’t have any relevance to her cases but some nightmares are too strong to control. And trying to catch a sexual predator, one of her own teachers, could take more strength, control, and patience than either Janie or Cabel possess. As Janie learns more about her predecessor, Martha Stubin, Janie discovers that while she may have an infinite capacity for growth as a dream catcher, some of her regular dreams may start to fade.

Sequel: Wake and Gone (2010)

Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher (Audiobook)

The day Clay Jensen received the package, a shoebox wrapped in nondescript brown paper with no return address, started like most before it. But after discovering the contents, 7 audio cassette tapes, and hearing what has been recorded on them, Clay will never be the same. The tapes were created by Hannah Baker, the girl he’s had a crush on since she moved to town freshman year, the girl who committed suicide a few weeks ago. The tapes are making their way around town, being sent to 13 people who have played some role in Hannah’s decision. Listen as Clay learns how he contributes to the Th1rteen R3asons Why.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

In a future where humans bodies, “hosts”, are inhabitied by alien “souls”, the few remaining humans are rebels on the run. When Melanie Stryder is captured, the Soul named Wanderer is inserted into her body. But this insertion doesn’t go quite according to plan. You see, Melanie is not giving up so easily and has no intention to leave any time soon. Mel won’t let Wanderer access all of her memories and the few that slip past the stubborn wall have an interesting effect. Wanderer has lived many lives on other planets but has never had a human host. In a world with no hunger, no war, peace, community, and participation, this ninth life is teaching Wanderer about something she’s never encountered before, human emotion. Is it possible that in this life The Host could change the soul?

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Have you ever wished you lived in a different world? A world in which there was no war, no economic problems, no global warming? No rich, no poor, no one dying of hunger? A world where families were simple and complete with a dad, a mom and two children, a boy and a girl?

Welcome to Jonas’s community. It has no apparent problems or struggles and you never have to worry about what comes next because it is all planned out for you. Every year from age one to age twelve, there is a ceremony. The whole community gathers together to celebrate the yearly milestones that bring you ever closer to being an adult and a productive member of society. This year Jonas will be a part of the Ceremony of the Twelves, and will be receiving his assignment. The Committee of Elders has observed every child during recreation and volunteer hours and has decided one the assignment, or job, each child is best suited for. Jonas is worried because while he has volunteered in many places, he hasn’t displayed an aptitude for anything in particular.

During the Ceremony, each child is called up to the stage to receive their assignment from the Chief Elder. Jonas realizes that something is wrong when his number is skipped and not called. The reason for Jonas’ singling out isn’t revealed until the end of the Ceremony. You see, Jonas has been selected for a special job, the most honored in the community. He will be the Receiver of Memory.

Jonas is being trained to replace the current occupant of the job, the man who is now The Giver. Being the Receiver is a lonely, often painful duty, one that may convince you that your wish for perfection isn’t worth what must be left behind in order to achieve it.

Stolen lives, written by Malika Oufker was an account of the trials and joys from the Fakirs, told by Milka, who were used

to a very luxurious lifestyle, until the ruler of Morocco arrested the family because of a threat to

the throne. Malika, her mother, and the many brothers and sisters were imprisoned in a penal colony that was in need of everyday necessities. In 1987, after ten years

of solitary cells, and five years surviving in the desert, Malika and her siblings finally attempted an escape through a tunnel which was dug from their own hands. The delicious taste of freedom lasted for a mere five

days, when the authorities took the Oufkirs back to solitude. in 1996, Malika was allowed to leave her cell after so many years of confinement, and begin her life anew.

THE MOST COMPELLING ASPECT of the book was how she managed to survive and give hope

to her siblings and aging mother in the time of trial.

RECOMMENDATION: I would recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about

learning more on the politics, as well as the more personal side of her life, and the royal court.

Interview with the Vampire

If you are a fan of blood stealing creatures of the night, dangerously gorgeous men, and the famous author, Anne Rice, then "Interview with the Vampire" is a fabulous book to pick up. No true vampire fan has not read this book! The dashingly morbid Louis is the main character of the story, and the readers follow him through his tale of tragedy, joy, and the thrills and chills of being a Vampire. After being changed by the seemingly charming vampire Lestat, Louis finds himself in the entirely different world of night and immortality. Yet as time goes on, he finds Lestat to not be so charming. In fact, the man is selfish, arrogant, and not willing to let Louis go! Helplessly stuck with Lestat, Louis longs to be human again, coming to despise his never ending life and the torturous feelings of being a monster as well as Damned for eternity. With so many twists and turns that will leave the reader nearly sick from the ride, "Interview with the Vampire" is a beautifully written book, with tantalizing characters and heart breaking situations. So sit down and read; Louis would like to tell you his story.

5Q and 4P

Diary of a Teenage Girl: It's a Green Thing By: Melody Carlson

It's a green thing is the second novel by Melody Carlson of her Diary of a teenage girl series written by Maya. This book is written from the aspect of Maya, and is her diary. Within the book are her thoughts on life and her ups and downs just like any teenager has. With Maya's mother locked up in jail for drug addiction Maya has the opportunity to live with her uncle and her cousin, and learn what it is like to have a normal family for once. Maya's father is making a comeback as a singer, so her lack of parental figures is an issue Maya deals with. Chapter by chapter this book goes through the ups and downs of being a teen who for the first time is going to high school, living with a family, and expressing herself through her green actions. This novel is a super quick read, and I fell in love with the character Maya, because she's not a normal teenager, and her take on the world, and going green is different. Something I really enjoyed was at the end of each chapter Maya has a green tip of the day that is a fact about going green, or helping with the green thing. Reading this diary of Maya, is like a roller coaster, and is relatable to our lives because most of us don't know what's coming next. I suggest this novel if you like anything about going green, a diary of a teenage girl, or more than just an average story. I assure you, you will not be let down.

Q:5
P:3

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is Haruki Murakami's second compilation of 25 fascinating short stories. Included in the vintage edition of the novel is an introduction by Murakami. This is exciting for any fan of his works. Murakami tells readers of the process of his novel and short story writing and also explains how he often finds writing short stories much more exciting than novels: "I find writing novels a challenge, writing stories a joy. If writing novels is like planting a forest, then writing short stories is more like planting a garden". Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is Murakami at his very best. A mixture of romance, horror, comedy and drama these stories are deliciously wound together with a combination of both complex and simple plot lines and undecipherable symbolism. A haunting mirror, romantic getaway, talking monkeys, and reminissing the good old days are some of the stories that can be found. Full of wisdom, passion, and mysticism this novel lives up to the highest of expectations.

Q:5 P:3

Wake by Lisa McMann

Janie was eight the first time it happened; now she’s seventeen and her aptitude has developed, producing some dangerous consequences. You see if Janie is in close proximity to someone who is dreaming, she is sucked into their dreams. It happens during school, while working at a nursing home, and even once while driving Ethel, Janie’s new-to-her car. Janie doesn’t understand why or how she gets sucked into the dreams and so far she’s found no way to stop it. No one, not even her mother, knows about her ability but she can’t hide it forever. Imagine if your worst nightmare happened when you were awake.

Sequels: Fade and forthcoming Gone

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Alex Fuentes and Brittany Ellis. The only thing they seen to have in common is the table they are forced to share in senior chemistry. Alex lives on the south side, is the oldest son of a single mom, and is a member of Latino Blood, the same gang his father belonged to before he was murdered. Brittany is from north side, drives a Beemer, is captain of the pom squad, and appears to be the perfect princess of Fairfield High. Mrs. Peterson’s assignment not only makes them partners in class but also requires them to spend time together outside of school. When the initial disgust wears away, Alex and Brittany realize that they don’t necessarily fit the mold they have been cast. And although their friends, families, and classmates might not approve, it’s hard to fight Perfect Chemistry.

Perfect Chemistry Book Trailer created by the author!

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Twelve year old Moose Flanagan has just moved to Alcatraz, the island prison that housed some of the country’s most notorious and worst prisoners including Al Capone. The year is 1935 and Moose’s father has taken a job as a prison guard and so that his sister Natalie can attend a special school close by in San Francisco. At that time there was not yet a medical diagnosis for her disability, autism, and Moose’s mother has been willing to try just about anything, including lying about Natalie’s age, in order to find a “cure”.

Moose isn’t sure about living on “a twelve-acre rock covered with cement, topped with bird turd and surrounded by water”. It’s hard enough to leave your friends and start a new school. But for Moose, it’s made much worse due to the fact that the warden’s daughter, Piper, is always hatching a scheme, from selling the opportunity to have your skivvies laundered by a famous prisoner, finding and selling prison baseballs, to meeting Al Capone’s mother. If Piper wasn’t bad enough, Moose has to watch Natalie after school and can’t play baseball with his classmate.

Is it possible that Alcatraz and it’s most infamous prisoner could finally be a step in the right direction for Moose and his family? See what happens when Al Capone Does My Shirts.

Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King

In this chillingly delicious book by ultimate horror writer, Stephen King, fans of gore and the moon cycle can get their werewolf fix. While vampires are fun to write about, werewolves get no credit! The story is separated into chapters that follow the months in the year, from January all the way to December. In almost every chapter, the full moon brings out the beast in the least likely suspect that lives in the small town of Tarker's Mills. At first, the killing seems like the work of a homicidal maniac, driven by the power of the full moon, but as the brutal murders escalate each month, the towns people become uncertain. The macabre way the victims were killed seems like it was done by something not quite human... As the story and the murders continue, the readers come to the rather shocking conclusion and learn that even the kindest man can succumb to the beast on the night of the full moon.

Kaylee's Review: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Do you remember your first mystery book? and how it was so thrilling you stayed up until the next day reading it? now, imagine that, but a larger thrill, with suspence, and a twist of demented romance.
Dr. H. H. Holmes and architect Daniel Burnham were both very talented, well spoken, and handsome men. Both were drawn to the White City, in more ways than one. Burnham was the main overseer of the city, and overcame many challenges in this project from malaria to strikes to the marsh-lands. Through Burnham, the Ferris wheel was born, and the city was almost the envy of pairs. Dr. Holmes was a malignant serial killer who used the attraction of the great city, as well as his dark charms to seek out many young and attractive women, who are then brought to his torture palace complete with a life size oven of over 3,000 degrees, a dissection table, a gas chamber, as well as a few more grotesque stations. The most frightening aspect is that this was an actual event that occurred in Chicago, 1895.
"The Devil in the White City" holds this answer, as well as a few more unnerving thoughts and questions.
Rating: 5Q, 4P

Faded Denim: Color Me Trapped by: Melody Carlson

Have you ever felt lost, or trapped inside the world you live in? Like whatever you do or how you do it there's no means of escape? Faded Denim by Melody Carlson is a fictional story that can easily true, and relatable to teenage girls today. Melody Carlson has chosen to take on the hardship of a teenage girl named Emily who struggles to keep the perfect image her friends and family and society around her have created. Emily willing will give up everything she has to keep her body the same size it has been, even if that means fighting Anorexia. As Emily becomes more and more engulfed in a part of life that says "Image is Everything" she must fight herself, and the world in this long battle. Travel with Emily in this novel as she goes from the laughing stock of girls in her school, to having everything, and losing it all again... and wondering if she'll be able to find off Anorexia once and for all.

Beautifully written, with time and effort Melody Carlson stole my heart and made me look at the world we live in today. Many teenage girls in our society believe that image is everything, and will do anything to have what magazines define as beauty, and what models are suppose to look like. This book questions the true definition of beauty, and how people should define it. I suggest it to anyone who wants to see a different side of the beauty in life. :]

Rating:

4Q-Better than Most

3P-Some Teen Appeal

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E Pearson

Adoration noun the state of being adored

Adore verb to worship or honor as a deity or as divine

In a perfect world we would all have parents that adore us, worship our every thought, word, and deed; parents who would do whatever they could to make us happy and in tandem do whatever was humanly possible to save us from suffering, being hurt, and from all evil. But it isn’t a perfect world. Accidents happen and parents can’t always be there to intervene. How far a parent should go to save their child? Is there a limit to how much we should be adored and in turn adore another? What is it that really makes us human?

The audio CD includes a short interview with the author and gives insight into her inspiration for a novel.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Now a major motion picture, Neil Gaiman's Coraline is surely a book you won't easily forget. After discovering a mysterious door in her house, Coraline passes the threshold to a magical world which parallels her own. It includes parents who look much like her own except that they are a lot more fun and have curious buttons for eyes. In this world, anything is possible and she finds herself not wanting to return to her own home. However, things begin to take a sinister turn for the worse and Coraline soon discovers that escaping from, what is now a nightmare, will not be as easy as going through a door. Full of all the mystical and fantastic elements that make a Neil Gaiman book so incredibal, Coraline will not disappoint. I highly reccomend reading the book before you see the movie. Or, if you have already seen the movie, then read the book. You will love it!
P:4 Q:5

A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce

“Great courage breaks ill luck”. Charlotte Miller is the eldest daughter of the Shearing Millers. She has inherited her family’s woolen mill, following the death of her father. It has long been rumored that a curse surrounds the mill and while the mill has been passed from family to family through the generations no sons have been born or lived to take up the trade. From the minute she takes over, Charlotte and her sister Rosie endure their share of hardships. From freak accidents, to unknown debts, to fierce and bitter competition, Charlotte and the mill seem to be plagued with bad luck. Fortunately Charlotte has a strong head on her shoulders and will not go down without a fight. When bad turns to worse, a strange gentleman, Mr. Jack Spinner, appears to have the solution to each and every dilemma. But will the price of his help be more than Charlotte is willing to pay?

It is clear to see why this novel is the winner of the inaugural offering of the Morris Award, which is given to authors making their YA debut. A Curse Dark As Gold is a smart and inspiring yarn spun from the “Rumplestilskin” motif.

What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell

Do you remember the first time you realized that the world was not what it seemed? The first time that the innocence of childhood disappeared as the smoke screen lifted revealing things you didn't understand about people you thought you knew? The first time the truth wasn’t what you saw with your eyes but what required you to use all your senses to comb through the details and determine what really happened? The first time you had decide whether telling the truth was worth hurting and losing someone you loved?

Evie was fifteen when her father returned from World War II. As life slowly gets back to normal her father Joe decides to take the family to Palm Beach for an overdue family vacation. While it first seems like a great way to ditch the first few weeks of school, Florida isn’t all sunshine and palm trees. The off-season and small hotel clientle allow for new friendships and relationships to blossom but not everyone is who they appear to be. Handsome Peter Coleridge catches Evie’s attention and the stars in her eyes blind her to what others clearly see. As the smoke screen of childhood begins to fade, for the first time she's aware that the world isn't black and white. Her parents have a few secrets of their own and the mindset of bigotry didn’t suddenly vanish with the triumph of victory over Hitler. A natural disaster is the final crack in Evie’s naivete. As Evie copes with the new world around her, you'll discover through Evie’s eyes What I Saw and How I Lied.

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

One mistake can change your life. Like a domino hitting the one beside it, sometimes there is no stopping the momentum triggered by one event. Before you know it, everything that was upright is now in a chaotic mess and the whole thing has crumbled. No matter how hard you try, sometimes you can't regain control. The worst part is that even if you aren’t to blame, if you’ve caused trouble before you are an easy target for blame the next time around.

Tyler Miller was busted for vandalizing school property and spent his summer vacation doing hard labor--through his community service assignment of helping the custodial staff fix the roof and working for a landscaping business. Not only has he learned many lessons but he's gained a buff body in the process. Tyler has always been a nerdy nobody. Most people have either ignored him or mercilessly bullied him. But now people are noticing him for the wrong reasons and he’s being labeled as a troublemaker. But Tyler’s hard physique is just a cover-up. He’s still the same insecure, confused teenager inside and now he’s full of anger; toward his father, who treats him like a criminal and at an unfair, unjust world that can’t seem to look beyond past deeds and see the honor in doing the right thing. How is it that just when it seems like you’re old enough to finally understand the world, it becomes a twisted mess?

2009 Youth Book Awards

The American Library Association announced their 2009 book awards this morning.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman is the winner of the Newbery award, which honors the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.



Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta is the winner of the Printz award, which honors excellence in literature written for young adults. (This book is currently on order.)



A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce is the winner of the Morris award, which honors a book written for young adults by a first-time, previously unpublished author.



Laurie Halse Anderson is the winner of the Margaret A Edwards Award, which honors an author and a specific work for lifetime contribution in writing books of enduring popularity with teenagers. She is the author of Catalyst, Fever 1793, Speak, and more.


What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell won the 2008 National Book Award for young adults. The National Book Awards honor the best in American literature.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

The Tale of Despereaux, being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread is the story of an unlikely hero and the meaning of courage, love, and hope. Reader, you will soon meet Despereaux Tilling the smallest mouse you’ve ever seen. He was born with his eyes wide open and the most enormous ears ever bestowed upon a mouse. Despereaux doesn’t scurry about and rather than eat bits of paper, he enjoys reading the beautiful stories written upon them. He has fallen in love with Princess Pea. “Reader, you must know that an interesting fate (sometimes involving rats, sometimes not) awaits almost everyone, mouse or man, who does not conform.” The Mouse Council has decided to sentence Despereaux to a horrible fate in the dungeon, where the rats are awaiting a meal. But dear Reader, if you have been paying attention, the story must not end here for what about the soup and the spool of thread? Prepare yourself for the award winning Tale of Despereaux.

Marley: a dog like no other by John Grogan

Look at that face! Sure he’s man’s best friend but he might possibly be the worst-behaved dog ever. This version of the best seller Marley and Me is written for younger children and tweens. It includes most if not all of the funny doggy antics that Grogan shared in the original story.

If you've ever loved an animal, you'll love this book. It's packed full of episodes that will have you laughing and crying.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney

It’s a New Year and Greg isn’t making any resolutions. Why fix yourself when you are just about perfect!?! But he has resolved to help others in their quest for self-improvement. In other less than perfect news, the bus stop has been rezoned so now Greg and Rowley must walk to school. A snack thief is on the loose in the Heffley house and without that extra sugary boost in his lunch (plus the extra exercise from walking to school), Greg keeps falling asleep in class. The new TV lineup as well as an after school nap routine (what teenager isn’t tired after working that hard all day?) leaves no time for homework. Greg has his eye on Holly Hills, but hasn’t figured out a way to get her attention… He’s pretty sure his diminishing wardrobe isn’t helping. (Thanks to Uncle Charlie’s gift of a laundry hoop, Greg is now responsible for washing his own clothing—how many times can you wear something without being referred to the nurse for a lecture on hygiene?) The Last Straw of this less than perfect start to the year would have to be impressing Dad into not making him attend to Spag Union (AKA Military Academy). How far will Greg be willing to go (soccer, Boy Scouts) in order to save a perfect summer vacation?

Those fans of the series will be excited to know that a 4^th and 5^th book are planned.

Three Weeks to Say Goodbye by CJ Box

Jack & Melissa are parents of a nine month old daughter they adopted after being unable to become pregnant on their own. Out of the blue they receive the phone call from the adoption agency; a call that adoptive parents have nightmares about. The birth father didn't sign the relinquishment papers and wants the baby back. To make matters worse, his father is a powerful US District Court judge in Denver. Judge Moreland wants his son to take responsibility for his actions and while Garrett is still in school, he and his wife will raise baby Angelina. Jack and Melissa are devastated and have declined the Judge's offer of helping them find another baby to adopt. The Judge "kindly" gives them Three Weeks to Say Goodbye to their daughter; he has looked into case law and legally they can do nothing to stop him. So in those three weeks, Jack, Melissa, and their close friends are determined to find out what the real story behind Garrett and Judge John Moreland and why these men are determined take a perfectly happy and healthy baby away from her family. It won't be easy doing battle with a top judge and a seemly squeaky kid with ties to the Mexican Mafia. But what else do they have to lose?

The People Magazine review described the book as “Juno with a body count.” This fast paced, easy to read mystery is a stand alone novel from the author of the Joe Pickett mystery series.

Hannibal Rising

If you are a fan of foul play, gruesome deaths, cannibals, and the horrors of World War II, this book should be a high priority on your reading list! Even though it is the most Recent Hannibal(the Cannibal)Lecter book, it is not in the present time of the deviously and deliciously insane doctor that we have been accustomed to. This book delves deep into Hannibal's past, starting at Castle Lecter in Europe, home of Hannibal's father, the duke. After the airbombing begins to become dangerously close to his home, Hannibal and his small sister, Mischa, are taken to the family hunting lodge deep within the woods. This is also where things go horribly, disgustingly wrong. Hannibal is later found wandering about with a heavy chain around his neck, utterly mute to the men that decide to show kindness to him, and suffering from slight memory loss of what had happened at the lodge. He is then taken to live with his father's brother and his beautiful Japanese wife, Lady Murasaki. As he grows with time, so do his deadly ideals. After regaining his memories piece by piece, Hannibal sets out to find the men responsible for the gory and mind warping scenes that plague his thoughts. Using his cunning intellect and smarts, he tracks them down one by one to exact his revenge. And in Hannibal Lecter's case, revenge tastes sweet quite literally.

5Q- Hard to imagine a better book.

3P- Some teen appeal. (Not for the squeamish or pure of mind!)

Let It Snow Three Holiday Romances By: John Green, Laureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle

The book of January is none other than Let It Snow. I took the time to pick up this book during Christmas vacation, and I was not let down. Not only is Let it snow both for guys and girls, it has personal stories for those who enjoy a heart warming story around Christmas. The Book Let It Snow begins with the story the Jubilee Express. Jubilee the character in the Jubilee Express finds herself away from home on Christmas stuck with a misfortune and crazy-out of their mind parents. With a little love, as well as holiday spirit things may not be as unfortunate as they seem for Jubilee. Travel on a train, in a suburb, and in a waffle house on the first adventure for the town of Gracetown.

As this short story ended another story began. A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle is the second story of the novel, and is written by John Green. A group of friends staying home for the holidays watching James Bond discovers their latest adventure of love and curiosity awaits them in town. Travel with the group of friends to discover that a storm on Christmas Eve doesn't have the ability to stop the a heart warming desire. The last story of the novel is The Patron Saint of Pigs by Laren Myracle. In the same town of Gracetown another surprise awaits. Addie, who seems to be having issues with relationships devotes all her Christmas spirit as well as humbleness towards her friends. In trying to to be a good friend, and good ex-girlfriend she discovers being herself, and trying her hardest is all she can really do. As she undergoes a transformation of herself during Christmas her values become clear, as the unexpected happens.

The most interesting thing I found out about this book would be that the characters are totally different, the stories are different, yet in the end all the authors have the way of bringing these characters and stories together :)

I suggest this book to anyone and everyone in the mood for Christmas, although it seems to be a long ways away now in January.

I would rate this novel a 3P for some teen appeal, as well as a 4Q that is better than most :]

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown

Before the Da Vinci Code there was Angels and Demons. (Soon also, to be a major motion picture.) The first of Dan Brown's novels to feature the famous synbologist Robert Langdon, I personally find this novel to be much more fast paced and enjoyable than the D Vinci Code. Not to say that the Da Vinci Code wasn't an excellent read. After being called to Switzerland to one of its most famous research sites, Robert Langdon is informed that one of the most powerful bombs known to man is hidden with in the Vatican walls. This is due to an ancient plot of revenge from the legendary Illuminati. In a race against time Robert Langdon teams up in Rome with the beatuifal scientist Vittoria Vetra in order to locate and diffuse the world's most fatal weapon. First however they must get past the cryptic puzzles, abandonned cathedrals, and long lost secrets from the ancient past. In this adventure you are surely not going to be able to stand putting this book down. It is fast paced, puzzling, and incredibly intelligent. It will leave you breathless.

P: 5 Q: 5

Kaylee's Review: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

In the Instan bulcalis, a single murder is committed in a sleeping compartment of a now infamous orient express. conveniently, detective Poiroit is aboard the same train, and is returning from Syria, to his hometown, Stamboat. The detective is prevailed upon by M. Bouc, a railway director, to investigate.
The unfortunate victim was named Ratchett, a rather successful business man in the States. The passengers include a princess, a missionary, a Russian, a maid, and a few other distant-like couples and singles who are not what they portray themselves to be.
As Poiroit is digging further and further into the event, a startling fact is revealed, and the Detective puts forward a final solution which is most audacious.
Rating: 4Q Better than most 4P

Forever Princess (Princess Diaries X) by Meg Cabot

With less than two weeks left until Prom, high school graduation, and the election of the first Prime Minister of Genovia, Prince Phillipe (Dad) vs. cousin René, Mia’s life couldn’t be any crazier. Add to the mix the fact that she was accepted at every college (even Ivy League) that she applied to (although she’s lied about it to her friends) and must decide where she’ll spend the next four years; her 18^th birthday party—a star studded event (the Clintons, Obamas, and Brangelina!) planned by none other than the over-the-top Grandmère (who has learned to text from her Blackberry!); the fact that her senior project (supposedly the history of Genovian olive oil pressing, circa 1254-1650 but is really a 400 page historical romance novel titled Ransom My Heart) has been rejected by every publisher imaginable; and we find Mia finally returning to her trusty journals and upgrading to texting friends rather than just writing notes and IMs. Oh yeah! There is also the fact that a certain someone, who invented the CardioArm, is now a millionaire and is back in Manhattan. If the return of Michael wasn’t enough, J.P. (who Mia claims to be in love with) hasn’t yet asked her to prom and Mia isn’t even sure she really wants to go anyway. Will Mia ever quit telling Big Fat Lies and finally be honest with her friends and especially herself about what she really wants? Even though this is the last volume in the Princess Diaries series, Mia will always be our favorite Forever Princess.

FYI—Ransom My Heart has actually been published and is available at NCPL!

Poison Ivy by Amy Goldman Koss

We've all had one of those class project assignments where you learn through the process rather than just reading a textbook and taking a test. Ms. Gold has decided that rather than have her American Government class merely read about the workings of the judicial system, they will actually participate in a mock civil trial. After poking and prodding to find a complaint, Ms. Gold discovers that Ivy has been the "victim" of bullying for years at the hands of three popular girls. These "mean girls" become the defendants in the case while other students are chosen at random to serve a judge, jury, lawyers, etc. Will justice be served and will Ivy finally receive the apology she deserves and be left alone? Or will the intended lesson be lost on a group of teens who aren't prepared for such a major lesson in compassion and fairness?

While the premise of the book was good, it didn't seem like there was any resolution. I enjoyed the different perspectives and the length would appear to a reluctant reader. However, it just ended after the verdict. There was no follow-up as to what the students had learned about the judicial system and/or how Ivy was treated (or continued to be mistreated) afterward. It also would have been nice to hear the perspective of Ms. Gold, especially since the students didn't appear to have much respect for her and it didn't appear that she prepared them for all that was involved in the assignment.

Summer Promise, Christy Miller Series By: Robin Jones Gunn

In the first book Summer Promise by Robin Jones Gunn's Christy Miller Series. Is about a 14 year old girl named Christy who is stoked for her summer vacation to California with her Aunt and Uncle. Upon arriving to the place of New Port Beach California things appear great, but as time goes by things Christy realizes that she doesn't fit in with the crowd that lives in the town. After tons of embarrasment as well as rejection Christy's Aunt decides that if she undergoes a makeover things will be better. As Christy undergoes her transformation, she thinks that it will help gain the respect of Todd, Spencer, and Alissa who all seem to live different lives than she does. As things progress, and promises are broken. Christy not only realizes that beauty is skin deep, but fitting in is not always the best thing. Although Christy's friends have treated her different, there are still those who are there when you can't see. All promises are meant to be kept, and hopefully Christy will keep her summer promise. The other two books of the Volume inclue A Whisper and a Wish, as well as Yours Forever! I really enjoyed this book, and I hope you shall too!

The rating of this book would be a 4, because I enjoyed it very much.

The popularity of this book would be a 2 because it appeals to some teens, but not all.

Demonata Book 7 By Darren Shan

Ultimate gore master Darren Shan has done it again!

In book seven of his Demonata series, the story is told by, once more, none other than Bec. After being brought back to life by stealing Bill-E's body, Bec is at a loss of how to deal with the new world when her soul has been locked within a cave for thousands of years. After the death of Uncle Dervish's nephew, the man presses Bec harshly for the boy's memories, making her feel very much like a mistreated young girl, but this soon becomes the least of her problems. The notorious miser of misery, Lord Loss, has returned, only to be found working for an even more powerful force that even Beranabus cannot torture information about out of other demons. The only thing they seem to know is that it has been nicknamed, 'The Shadow." After many trials of blood, guts and pus, Bec manages to fight her way, along with her companions, to face off against the new foe. But they may have discovered something more than they ever could have bargained for. Will this finally be the end of humanity as we know it?

*Quality- 4Q (Better than most)

*Popularity- 3P (Some teen appeal, certainly not for the faint of heart)

Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me

Wonderful Tonight, by 60's model Pattie Boyd, is a wonderfully eloquent autobiography about the icon's personal experiences and adventures in the exciting era of the 60's and 70's. Pattie Boyd grew up in Kenya, Africa and after moving to England began a stunning career as a model. She even worked many times with the model legend Twiggy. In 1964 she was offered a small part in the Beatles first movie, A Hard Day's Night as one of many lovestruck school girls. She however, actually got to be in the same scenes as the Beatles. The connection was instant and the chemistry was undeniable George Harrison (the Beatles' guitarist) and Pattie Boyd fell in love. They soon were married, and being married to a Beatle would obviously not be an exactly normal life. However rough times were ahead and George's and Pattie's marriage began to fall apart. Enter: Eric Clapton. One of George's closest friends and hopelessly in love with Pattie. What began then was a confusing triangle which eventually led to the divorce of George and Pattie and the not so great relationship between her and Eric. Wonderful Tonight reads like a fictional love story rather than a biography. It is an excellent and fast paced read that any Beatles fan or 60's and 70's fan is sure to adore. It contains several pages of rare photographs from Pattie Boyd's personal collection and is a fascinating insight into the behind the scenes life of the 60's Rock N' Roll lifestyle. Sure to be a great read for any Rock N' Roll buff.

P:4 Q:5

Black and White by Paul Volponi

What does it mean to be a good friend? Does it mean you look beyond the color of someone’s skin? Does it mean you stick by them through thick and thin? Does it mean risking your life and taking the fall in order to protect them?
Marcus and Eddie are best friends. They do everything together including being the stars of the basketball team and have earned the nicknames “Black and White”, just like the color of their skin. While they have broken stereotypes and claim to have each other’s backs, one bad choice—one mistake—will change the course of their lives and their friendship forever. Can friendship have shades of gray or is everything just Black and White?

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

Charlie Gordon is 32 years old and has an IQ of 68. He holds a job at Donners bakery as a delivery boy and attends Beekman College Center for Retarded Adults, where he is learning to read and write. Charlie has been picked to have a special operation that may allow him to be the first person to their intelligence increased. The researchers have performed this same operation on a special mouse named Algernon and it has been extremely successful. Charlie has always wanted to be smart and this is his chance.

Charlie is asked to document his journey, his thoughts, feelings, and memories as progress reports or journal entries. It isn’t long before Charlie is reading multiple languages and acquiring knowledge that far surpasses that of the doctors responsible for his success. But have they done enough research into the side effects and lasting potential of the experiment? Will Charlie forever be a new man or is he only a flower, which will bloom and then fade away?

Review by Chanda L: Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke

This book is the conclusion to the Inkheart trilogy. It is full of twists, turns, and unsuspected surprises. This would be one of those books that if you have a lot of time on your hands it would be great. Its action packed and very hard to put down believe me.