Kaitlin
11th
Keeper
By: Mal Peet
Paul Faustino is interviewing El Gato about his World Cup win. As he tells him about this life, he starts with his father's life as a logger and how he was always supposed to follow in his footsteps. When Faustino asks about how El Gato got involved in soccer, he tells Faustino the story of "The Keeper".  He explains that he was wandering through the rain forest and found a clearing when he was a teenager, and at the end of the clearing was a soccer goal. And out steps a man who is to be know to El Gato as "The Keeper". This story tells about the mystery that is "The Keeper"and El Gato. I picked up this book because my soccer coach recommended it to me, and I finished it because I  wanted to learn the truth of it all. I would give this book to any young athlete out there looking for some inspiration and fellowship. I would give this book 4 stars! ****

The Hobbit

Name: Serina

Grade: 12+

Title: The Hobbit

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

Hobbits are about the least likely people to ever do anything extraordinary. They live their lives full of comfortable things like their warm homes, smoking pipes, and second suppers. But the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins is destined for an adventure, whether he wants anything to do with one or not, when a wandering wizard by the name of Gandalf quite suddenly arrives at his door one fine morning. Not much after, Bilbo soon finds his house brimming with dwarves, who demand he accompany them on their journey to make their unlucky number of thirteen people into the lucky number fourteen. The Dwarves tell Bilbo of the perils their ancestors had suffered at the hands of a dragon named Smaug and of the large hoard of gold that he had stolen from them. Their ultimate quest to take back what is theirs, or die trying. They dub the reluctant Hobbit their 'Burglar,' or as he prefers, 'an expert treasure hunter.' A part of Bilbo actually longs for adventure, though he would never admit it as it is very un-hobbit-like, and he decides to join the dwarves and the wizard Gandalf for the long and dangerous journey, one he stands gain everything on, or lose everything, in which they deal with trolls, goblins, dragons, and a mysterious ring of power that can turn its wearer invisible.

I picked this book up because I loved The Lord of the Rings

I finished this book because it was easy to read as well as entertaining.

I'd give this book to any Middle Earth fan.

Rating: **** Really liked it

Escape from memory

Reader's Name: Michelle Sherwin
Grade 12+
Book Title: Escape From Memory
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Hypnosis seemed like a very harmless way for Kira and her friends to pass the time late one night at a slumber party, but when she wakes up from the hypnosis her friends begin to question her about a different language that she is speaking and why she was talking about a different country she had lived in as an infant. It did not make sense to her at all, because as far as she had known she had lived in California prior to her moving. Things get stranger when her mother who refuses to drive a car or own a computer also refuses to answer any of her questions and only says she is thankful that there was not more that she remembered. Kira begins to decide that she needs to find out for herself what her mother refuses to tell her. Kira comes up empty handed except for a safety deposit key until her mother does not come home one day from work and takes a moths leave without letting Kira know anything. Still puzzled and furious at her mother for keeping things from her she finds a note telling her to take the car that hasn't been driven in 13 years and go live with her friend until her mother gets back in a house that is left in total disaray. In a mix of confusion, defiance, lack of trust in herself and the old car, and a want to know more about her mother she decides not to do it. She is then visited by a woman who will only identify herself as Aunt Memory. This Aunt Memory is a peculiar person who tells Kira of a strange land hidden in California. She also explains that her parents have both passed away and that the person she calls mother is really not her mother at all. She insists Kira must give a speech begging them to release the person she has been calling mom for 13 years. She does not know  anything of this culture or the way that it works beyond what her Aunt Memory has told her, but she is told that her mother and father were great people in this land and the mere sound of her name will make everyone in the country respect her. She is given her old room and all the best things she can ask for in a day. Kira doubted this very much and refused to go through with it partially by the advice of her friend who had come along for the ride when she sensed Kira was in danger. Furious Aunt Memory throws her in prison.  Now Kira, her mother and her friend all find themselves in a prison cell in the middle of a ruined country not even known by the rest of the world. Will they make it out of this prison and live to tell the tale? Will Kira be able to find her true self in the midst of all the lies and broken pieces of memory that she has? Will any of them ever be the same again? Follow Kira and the others through it all in Escape from Memory.

I liked this book because of the style and form of it. There was never a dull moment in the book where I considered not finishing it. I found that every time I tried to predict something about the book my predictions would be turned upside down. I also found this book questioned the way memory worked and what truly makes us who we are. I had the same problem with this book as I have with many other of Haddix's books. The ending does not wrap itself up in a neat little bow like other books. It leaves the reader questioning what might happen next and what road the characters will take from there. Haddix always does a wonderful job of leaving the reader wanting more or imagining what might happen next.

I was drawn to this book for a few reasons. First of all since it was a Haddix book I had a feeling I would like it since I have loved so many of her other works. I also saw when I first picked it up that it was going to have an interesting story line simply because of the title and the cover.

I finished the book because from the very first page that the story was going to be interesting and carry me along. I also found that once I picked the book up I could hardly put it down because it was thrilling and brought me right into the story.

I would give this book to anyone who has read and enjoyed one of Haddix's books before. I would also give it to someone who likes a thrilling book and has plenty of free time to read it because if they enjoyed it as much as me they would want to read it straight through.

My rating for this book is: *****

Theodore Boone: The Accused (#3) by John Grisham

Have you ever had a bad day and just wished you could have a do-over? Theo's had a bad week and it only seems to be going downhill as the minutes tick by. Monday was supposed to be the first day of the re-trial of Pete Duffy, the man accused of murdering his wife. Theo helped to bring a surprise witness to the court's attention earlier, which resulted in a mistrial. Theo was lucky enough to get excused from school to watch the new trial but Duffy never showed up and is now a fugitive. When Theo returned to school, he noticed that items were missing from his locker and after school he finds his bike tire slashed. The next day his other bike tire falls victim. Before he gets the opportunity to report these incidents, someone throws a rock through the window at his parent's office while he is sitting at the desk.

Wednesday morning Theo is met at school by two detectives. The night before, an electronics store was robbed. Theo was seen in the vicinity on his way home from the shelter where he was volunteering and is now a suspect. The fact that stolen goods are also found in his locker makes him look very guilty. While everyone who knows him says he is innocent, the police don't agree, especially as the evidence mounts and continues to point at Theo.

If Theo didn't do it, who did? And why would someone want Theodore Boone in jail? How far would you go to prove your innocence and no longer be the accused?

Why I picked up the book: I enjoyed the first two in the series and wanted to know if the Duffy trial would ever happen and be resolved.

Why I finished the book: It was a fast read plus it is a great dose of Grisham, while still reading YA. I wanted to know how/if the cops would find the real thief.

I'd give it to: boys, fans of mysteries and those who like Grisham's novels but want them light.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

Nailer is a ship breaker. He lives in the region of the US, formerly the Gulf Coast, and spends his days climbing through the duct work of old ships, scavenging for copper wire and any other scrap that could be sold, and dreaming of one day owning and sailing clipper ships. When a horrible hurricane devastates the beach where Nailer lives, he and friend Pima discover a wrecked clipper ship. This could be the opportunity they have been waiting for. They could make a fortune off of the wreckage. But the discovery of a beautiful, rich, and undead girl leaves Nailer in a bind. Should he attempt to save her, and risk losing the wealth to be made from the materials in the wreckage? 

Why I picked up the book: It won the Printz Award in 2011 so it has been on my to-read-someday list. The teacher book club I participate in is reading it so I have a great reason to read it.

Why I finished it: This isn't my typical reading choice but I was hooked. I wanted to know how, or if, they would survive the horrible weather. I was hoping for answers as to what happened to our world for it to end up this way.

I'd give it to: fans of science-fiction, possibly reads who enjoyed "The Maze Runner" due to the unique language in that world. Fans of dystopian, where characters are struggling to survive and technology is non-existent.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

When Albert's father buys young Joey at an auction, Albert becomes the only human who can tame, lead, and train him. So when Albert's father sells Joey to the army, both Joey and Albert are distraught. Albert promises to find him and bring him home. Will Joey survive the horrors of World War I and find his way back to Albert? Discover the life of a "War Horse".

Why I picked up the book: Afternoon Book Club group wants to read it for either a book club or "read it see it", so I had to preview. In one sitting, I'm halfway through and am liking it. It wouldn't normally be my first choice of reading material, but I will definitely finish it.

Why I finished it: It is a fast read. I found myself forgetting the narrator was a horse. I know very little about World War I and like Joey, I found myself hoping it will end soon and he will make it back to Albert or Emilie.

I'd give it to: middle schoolers, especially those looking for horse stories. I liked the fact that the narrator is the horse, which you don't see very often.  I'd also give it to guys who want a historical fiction/war novel, especially if they want World War I.  I would give it to readers who enjoyed "Cracker: The Best Dog in Vietnam" by Cynthia Kadohata

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Sketchy Behavior by Erynn Mangum

Kate Carter doesn't like to be noticed. She'd rather spend her time at home sketching and trying to finish the Crispix before they get soggy. But a surprise assignment in art class turns Kate's quiet routine world upside down. When Miss Yeager brings in Detective Masterson, the idea was to give her high school students more information about art careers, and this time specifically about becoming a forensic sketch artist. Detective Masterson brings what is assumed to be a sample witness statement of the perpetrator. But Kate's drawing turns out to be spot-on for the fugitive in the state's biggest crime. John X has been killing women in surrounding counties and the only witness says Kate's drawing matches the man. John X is captured but after her identity is leaked to the press, is Kate safe?

Why I picked up the book: I really like the author's adult works, the Maya Davis & Lauren Holbrook trilogies, and really wanted to see how she did with a YA novel.

Why I finished it: It is a fast read and pretty predictable. That said, I wanted to know whether or not Kate would be safe from John X.

I'd give it to: readers who like Meg Cabot (especially All-American girl) and John Grishman (Theodore Boone). The book isn't overly heavy on the Christianity, which might drawn in more readers.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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