Mr. Roger's Review: Witch Child by Celia Rees

Set in England and the New England colonies during the 1650s, Witch Child is a book that explores how superstition, prejudice and fear can overwhelm people and cause them to react with terrifying results. Mary, the narrator, struggles with several blows to her young life: the death of beloved relatives and friends; new friendships discouraged because "they" don't belong; personal rejection and mistreatment as an outsider who is begrudgingly allowed into the community and, in a tense ending, confronting the person who caused the whole chain of events as he tries to finish the job he attempted in England: Kill her as a suspected witch. Filled with facts as to the everyday life of the time (food, herbal lore, social customs, etc.) I was hooked on this book as soon as I read the first paragraph.

Luna by Julie Anne Peters

Secrets. We’ve all had them. Some are small and insignificant. Some are gigantic and life-changing. Some you share with others and some you hold close to you as your own.

Regan has a secret, a secret she is keeping her for her brother Liam. She has always accepted the secret and Liam, but now it feels like it is about to break her apart. You see, Liam is transgendered. He was born a boy but has always been a girl inside. Now Liam, or Luna as he would rather be called, wants to be a girl inside and out. He wants to go to the mall and school dressed as a girl and really wants to have a sexual reassignment surgery. But is Luna really ready to meet the real world? How will it affect Regan and Luna, both at home and at school? Is Regan ready to release Liam’s secret and allow the rest of the world to know the truth?

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Kristina
The perfect student
Happy life

A second chance
To reconnect with
Absent father.

Rather
Than the reunion
Hoped for

Dad on drugs
Dirty apartment
Empty fridge

Adam/Buddy
A new reality
Chance to experiment

New discoveries
The monster
And Bree.

Return home
New person
Bad habits

The monster’s
Hold
Won’t let go.

No longer Kristina
Bree will do
anything

For a taste of
The monster:
Crank.

Sequel: Glass

Crank is a 2008-2009 Soaring Eagle nominee

Serina's Review: Carrie by Stephen King

It is easy to say that the book Carrie covers a vast amount of genres. While it mostly focuses on supernatural touches, it also delves into the life of an average high school girl, minus her ability to move things with her mind. Carrie is one of the many people that are outcast out of the popular society as well as the brunt of the school jokes. When the final and most terrible joke is played, Carrie takes things into her own hands on a parade of horror and utter destruction that will make people remember the school prom for years to come, and not in a good way.

Rating: 4Q, 3P

Rachel's Review: Witch Child by Celia Rees

Go back in time to the Salem Witch Trials. Mary Newbury lives with her grandmother and her grandma gets hung for being a witch. Mary is forced to act as a Puritan and go acrose the sea to America. Mary meets Martha, an herbal healer who is also a strong Puritan. Mary has to be able to fool the Reverend, and stay alive on the ship to America. People are sick, and having a baby is very dangerous, so when one person is sick and ready to have a child, people turn to Mary and Martha to deliver it safely. Can Mary stay hidden with every prying eye staring at her to fall?

Rating: 4Q, 3P

Shelby's Review: Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

For the month of October I chose to read a novel by Elizabeth Scott called Perfect You. Primarily in this novel Elizabeth Scott focuses on a character named Kate, who is miserable with her life. Scott works her way behind the scenes into the world of Kate including her troubles, hopes, and fears in life. To begin the story Kate's dad quits his job to sell vitamins at the mall. As a result her family is having money problems and the only solution is for her grandmother to come live with them. As if things couldn't get any worse Anna, Kate's best friend, leaves her for the popular crew at school, and acts like she has never known Kate. Just when things seem to get better again Kate's life is placed on a roller coaster and which causes Kate to have a hard time to tell which way is up. The only person who appears to be her friend is Will, and even at that Kate is afraid to let Will be her friend. As the story progresses Elizabeth works her way into your shoes, and makes you relate to Kate. After reading this book I felt really touched by Elizabeth Scott's writing, it's nice to know that in stories as well as in real life that we have ups and downs, but hope can keep us moving even with troubling situations present. I would recommend this book to girls out there with everyday troubles that want love, and friendship in life. The only thing that I disliked about the book was the beginning, it was so sad. I couldn't believe that Scott was able to write about a character that had so much going on with her life, and that things weren't getting better for her. As I continued reading things got better, and happier. In conclusion, if I were to rate this book I would probably give the quality a 3- readable. The popularity of this book I believe appeals to a broad general teen appeal, and I think any girl would enjoy reading this novel.

Carrie's Review: Ghost Ship by Dietlof Reiche

Twelve year old Vicki plans on spending the majority of her summer as a waitress at her dad's seaside restaurant Ye Olde Seashell Room, featuring seashell covered walls and the two-hundred-and-thirty year old figure head off of the infamous Storm Goddess which was lost at sea. At least, that's what everyone thought. When the ancient figurehead is taken down for restoration Vicki sees a vision of a man being hung on the mast of the Storm Goddess. At that moment the water in the local bay disappears leaving exposed the legendary ship itself. While the mayor seeks to make big bucks using the ship as a tourist attraction and a nosy reporter begins poking around, Vicki's dreams become haunted with ghostly memories still attached to the ship. Knowing there is only one thing left to do, Vicki realizes she must sneak aboard the ship and solve the mystery before the Storm Goddess disappears once and for all. A quick paced and spooky novel sure to delight anyone who enjoys a good ghost story. A perfect read for Halloween.
Rating: P:4 Q:5

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Once upon a time there was a little girl who had a perfect life, with two parents who would never dream of hurting her. That little girl didn’t know how lucky she was. During a field trip to an aquarium she met a man who would change her life, her name, her soul forever. She would become a hollow shell of a person, a Living Dead Girl. Once upon a time that little girl’s name wasn’t Alice and she wasn’t Ray’s little girl. Once upon a time that little girl’s life ended and her worst nightmare began.

Through the Storm: a real story of fame and family in a tabloid world by Lynne Spears

Lynne Spears, the mother of Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears, talks about the real life of one of the most notorious families of the last decade. Why did she allow her girls to venture into show business? Did her marriage to their alcoholic father severely affect the family? How much control does a mother have over her teenage and adult children? Can faith in God pull a family through the worst storms life throws their way? During a time where tabloids report anything and everything, truth and lies, this is a refreshing look at the real life of a celebrity family.

Sucks To Be Me: the all-true confessions of Mina Hamilton, teen vampire maybe by Kimberly Pauley

In this post-Twilight era, we all know that the “rules” of vampires aren’t necessarily what they once seemed to be. Vampires could be living among us and you’d never know it. They can walk in sunlight, with some amazing results, and are creative in their dining preferences.
Mina, yes she was named after the Mina in Dracula, has always known her parents were vampires. But the Northwest Regional Vampire Council never knew about her and there enters the problem. Humans are not to know of the true existence of vampires. So Mina must know make a life changing decision. Will she or won’t she become a vampire? Lucky for her, the Council provides twice weekly classes so she can learn all about the life and times of vampires in order to make an informed decision. The decision would be hard enough to make without the added dramas of life as a teenager. What about the prom, hot guys, and sharing everything your best friend? It sure does suck to be Mina.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

My name is Junior and this is my story. I’m a member of the Spokane Indian Tribe. I’m a traitor and an outsider. I live on the rez but leave everyday to attend a white school over 20 miles away. I’m the son of an alcoholic and the brother of a girl who’d rather live in the basement than follow her dreams. I’m poor but so is everyone on the rez. I was born with water on my brain, wear ugly, thick, black plastic glasses. I’ve been to 42 funerals in my 14 years of life. I play basketball and I draw cartoons, because word are too limited and pictures are something anyone can understand. This is my Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

Carrie's Review: The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E.L. Konigsburg

Margaret Rose is an extremely artistic and unique teen, and the sources of her talents are not hard to discover. Margaret is thrilled when her two beloved, yet eccentric uncles rescue her from the uptight and stuffy camp in which she is imprisoned in. She is thrilled to be able to stay at her Uncle's home for the summer. Their house is like a treasure trove of old fashioned odds and ends. However, the real heart of the place is the three looming towers that stand in the backyard. Margret's Uncles have been constructing these steel scrap and glass towers for over 45 years and are the essence of her childhood. Unfortunately, this would be the summer that Margaret discovers the city is ordering a demolition of these very towers. Margaret not only bands together with a group of unexpected allies in order to save the towers, but she also discovers who she is and what these structures truly mean to her. E.L. Koingsburg weaves a magnificent tale of friendship, family, and self discovery that I personally recommend for any teen.
Ratin: 5Q, 5P

Rachel's Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Melanie Stryder is a normal human being, and that's the problem. See, in Melanie's time, people are held captive in their minds by "souls". These "souls" take over the people's minds, and control their bodies. Melanie has had a soul inserted into her body, and will not keep quiet. Her soul goes by the name of "Wanderer" and is being followed by a Seeker. This Seeker is trying to find the last of the real humans so they can stop the war. Melanie is protecting their whereabouts, by thinking only of Jared, the man she loves. Can Melanie keep Jared and the others safe from the Seeker and her soul's mind-probing?
Rating: 4Q, 3P

Shelby's Review: Mixed Bags (Carter House Girls #1) by Melody Carlson

The book I chose to read and respond to this month was the book called Mixed Bags by Melody Carlson. Melody Carlson has a style of writing that is different than most authors I have read, and I think that the originality of this story is a 5. The story is about a teenage girl named DJ who is living with her grandmother who enjoys fashion, and keeping up with the latest trends. Her grandmother thinks that fashion is more important than most aspects of teenage girls lives, and with that she invites 6 other girls to live at the house and study fashion. Each one of the girls has a different story to their lives, and together the girls including DJ must live together. The main focus of the book is on DJ and her life as a teenager. I really enjoyed the fact that although DJ was different than all the girls Carlson did a nice job creating a character thant most girls can relate with in their lives. Melody Carlson is one of my favorite authors. Although her books are not all popular, they appeal to certain teenagers that enjoy Christian fiction authors. I would recommend this story to any teenage girl who wants a funny and touching story about a girl who goes through troubles of life just like any other girl out there.
Rating: 4Q, 2.5P

Peak by Roland Smith

Peak Marcello was born into climbing. His parents were rock rats so he comes by it naturally. His mom quit climbing years ago and his father hasn’t stopped. Josh was climbing the day Peak was born (hence the name) and has been absent for most of Peak’s 14 year life. Peak has gone to summer climbing camps and tried the indoor climbing gyms but they don’t provide the rush he desires. So he’s taken to climbing NYC skyscrapers and tagging them with a blue mountain. Unfortunately his latest climbing stunt has left him standing in front of a judge, about to be slapped with hard jail time and a hefty fine, not at all what the 14 year old was looking for. However Josh has returned to save the day and take Peak to Nepal. But it quite isn’t the father son reunion Peak anticipated. Is the experience of a lifetime worth sacrificing the truth? Is it possible that Peak will become the youngest person ever to summit Mount Everest? Talk about the climb of a lifetime.

Peak is a 2008-2009 Soaring Eagle Award Nominee and will be the November selection for Afternoon Book Club.

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

It is 1958 and Landon Carter is beginning his senior year of high school. He is student council president, the son of a weathly Congressman, and getting ready to apply for college at the University of North Carolina. Landon expects this year to be a breeze and has even signed up for drama rather than endure Chemistry-II. What Landon didn’t except was that he would end up inviting Jamie Sullivan to the homecoming dance. Jamie Sullivan, the daughter of a Baptist minister; the girl who wears plaid skirts, a plain brown cardigan sweater, hair pulled up in a bun, and carries an old Bible every single day; the girl who believes that everything is part of God’s plan. Jamie, the girl who will teach Landon that appearances aren’t everything and the love can change us forever. Join Landon on A Walk to Remember.

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Peter Houghton is tired of being bullied. It started the first day of Kindergarten when he was tripped walking down the aisle of the bus and a bigger kid threw his Superman lunchbox out the window; it hasn’t stopped since. He’s tried to ignore it but the abuse has continued and escalated. He’s tried to defend himself but ended up being the only one punished. He’s tried to get help from adults, to no avail. He’s even lost his childhood best friend, Josie, who wants a shot at being part of the popular crowd.

Peter has retreated to the world in his computer, where he is in control, where he is smart, popular, and respected for his craft. But one fateful morning he finally snaps. The nineteen minutes he spends doling out his version of revenge to Sterling High School will forever alter the lives of everyone involved.


“In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn, color your hair, watch a third of a hockey game... It’s the length of a sitcom, minus the commercials… In nineteen minutes you can order a pizza and get it delivered… You can walk a mile… In nineteen minutes, you can bring the world to a screeching halt… In nineteen minutes, you can get revenge.”

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney

Greg is back for another year of middle school. He’s decided to continue his journaling, although he has a few secrets that aren’t even safe enough for the journal to keep.

Greg’s family is pretty typical. Mom is a preschool teacher who thinks any problem can be solved by talking it out and drawing pictures. His dad would rather be hiding out in the basement working on his model-size Civil War battle replica than watching chick-flicks with Mom. Greg has two brothers, Rodrick and Manny. Rodrick is in high school and loves to bully Greg. He also knows a secret from the summer that could ruin Greg’s life forever. Manny is 3 and a huge tattle tale.

So what else is new! Well, Greg still has the Cheese Touch from the end of last school year and he’s got to find someone to give it to. His parents decide to leave he and Rodrick alone for the night and Rodrick throws a huge party. Rodrick locks Greg in the basement but then threatens him to secrecy. Will the parents find out and if so, is there any sort of punishment that could make Rodrick finally leave Greg alone? Welcome to another addition of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley's Journal by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley just started middle school and he’d like this year to be different from the past. He’d like to be more popular, right now he’s ranked about 52nd or 53rd; more muscular, so he wouldn’t have to wrestle Fregley—the weirdest and 2nd lightest kid in class; not be embarrassed by his family during the school play, which Mom made him tryout for; and get the new “Twisted Wizard” videogame for Christmas. Will this year be all the Greg imagines it will be or will it be only year in the life of Greg Heffley, the self-proclaimed wimpy kid?

By the way, he specifically told his mom to buy a JOURNAL not a DIARY, so don’t get the wrong idea. This book isn’t about “feelings”. It was his mom’s idea, but will come in handy when he’s older, rich and famous. And it has great cartoon illustrations and a plan for a spectacularly spooky Halloween haunted house.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is an Indian Paintbrush Nominee for 2008-2009.

Tyrell by Coe Booth

Tyrell Green is 15 and ain’t been to school since December cuz someone gots to be out making money. Tyrell, his moms, and 7-year-old brother Troy are livin in a dirty, roach infested motel room cuz they got evicted 2 weeks ago. Moms knows Tyrell could make a killin selling weed but he don’t wanna go down that road. That road leads to jail, the same one where Tyrell’s pops is right now. Tyrell’s got a girl, Novisha, who says she loves him but has been keepin secrets of the worst kind. Tyrell just met a girl, Jasmine, who has a smokin hot body, a nicotine addiction, and don’t have a home either.

Tyrell’s gotta figure something out and fast. He got a plan and one week to make enough money to find a safe place to live. He gotta to find a location, equipment, promote, and host a party. Tyrell knows he gots the skills to DJ but will he be able to pull this off to save himself and his family before it’s too late?