The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Ponyboy is a Greaser. Greaser=poor East Side neighborhood and less opportunities, while Soc=privileged West Sider. Ponyboy isn't your average Greaser. He's smart, likes to read, and his older brother will do whatever it takes to make sure he finishes high school.

When Ponyboy and his friends Johnny and Dally sneak into a drive-in movie, they set into motion a series of events that will change the lives of every Greaser and Soc they know. The guys sit behind a group of beautiful Soc girls, who befriend Ponyboy and Johnny and allow the guys to walk them home. The boyfriends of these Soc girls aren't the least bit happy about this. The Socs jump Ponyboy and Johnny later that night and someone becomes the first casualty in a long line of lives cut too short too soon. How can you stay golden when the world seems to be against you?

Why I picked this book up: Several teens in the Afternoon (7th-8th grade) Book Club suggested we read it.

Why I finished it: The book is timeless. It was written in the late 60s, I read it for the first time in the 90s and teens are still reading it today. Sadly in 40+ years, we haven't progressed much from the greasers and socs, regardless of what groups/gangs call themselves.

I'd give it to: any teen, especially boys. The book is timeless and really speaks to what it's like being a teenager. It's also on several required reading lists, so teens can read a book they might like and fulfill a school requirement.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

When Clay Jensen returns home from school and finds a package addressed to him he is excited. He opens the box to find seven tapes numbered 1-13. Upon listening to the tape he hears the voice of Hannah Baker, the girl who took her own life only two short weeks before. On the tapes are a list of 13 reasons and 13 people that led Hannah to the decision to commit suicide. These tapes are slowly making these ways to each person on the list reveling the not so flattering sides of the people Clay goes to school with each day, including himself. 13 Reasons Why is captivating due to the powerful voice of Hannah's narrative tale. This is a quick and intense read that will make you think differently about how you treat your schoolmates.

Why I picked up this book: I saw it on the Soaring Eagle's list and read the back. It sounded captivating.

Why I finished: It was impossible to put down once again. It is not easy to pause in the middle of Hannah's tale.

I'd give this book to: Anyone interested in a short fascinating read and a completely unique story line.

**** Really liked it.

Can You Keep A Secret

Shelby

Can You Keep A Secret written by Sophie Kinsella

Life for 20 year old Emma Corrigan from Britain could not get any better. She has the perfect boyfriend, an ideal job, good friends by her side- almost everything a woman her age could hope for going right... but doesn't everyone have a secret? or secrets? She's keeping tons! From the start of her teenage years, to the start of her career, from her boyfriend, her parents, and even her best friend. Secrets that have been kept so dear, until a frightful flight on a plane that is. Emma has been assigned to go visit a company for work on the plane, and after a long eventful day of meetings without the best results she begins her story by flying back home. Emma has always been afraid of planes, and thinking that the plane is just some huge hunk of metal flying in the sky... there's nothing wrong with that is there? That is until the plane starts to crash. Out of fear Emma begins spewing all of her life secrets to the good looking man sitting next to her, who was in even great shock. After spewing all of her secrets, believe it or not she finds herself landed in the airport hyperventilating with the plane attendant on one side, and the bewildered man on the other. At least things couldn't get any worse... after Emma had clearly spread her secrets to the stranger. That is until Monday morning comes around. Clearly Emma has forgotten all about her near death incident, and resumed her life in all areas- until she gets to work. Upon arriving to work she discovers that the stranger on the plane wasn't really a stranger at all. He's the American CEO of the company she works for, and he is visiting her office for the week. Even worse, he knows EVERYTHING about her, and she can't do anything about it. How will Emma ever keep him from keeping her secrets, and how will she get over it. I suggest you read to find out!

Why I picked up this book: I had read the Confession of A Shopaholic novels, and I wanted to see what Sophie Kinsella had in store for individual novels.

Why I finished it: I believe if you start a book you should finish it, and that's exactly what I did. This novel was not just filled with hilarious coincidences, trust, and valuable interest; it had a twist of comic romance, and food for thought info. from the novel.

I'd Give this book to: Any girl who would enjoy reading it and any fan of the confession of the shopaholic series. I really enjoyed laughing and placing myself in the story to figure out what would happen and I think that any girl would enjoy that too :)

My Rating for this book:

Really liked it!

Through Violet Eyes

Serina

12th Grade

Title: Through Violet Eyes

Author: Stephen Woodworth

In an alternative present-day world, murderers are being caught in their tracks. While the murders cannot be prevented beforehand, there exists a way to catch the killers with no evidence whatsoever. Some very select people are born with violet irises, giving them the name the Violet Eyes. These Violets have a special gift, and that is to link with the minds of the dead. This means they can allow the victims to momentarily take over their bodies to say who their killer was. Seeing the potential of these beings, the government took it upon itself to find them and use them to catch killers, sometimes against the Violets will. Of course, the murderers are finding it harder and harder to get away with their crimes, then one in particular starts targeting the Violets themselves. When known Violets start turning up dead, Dan Atwater is put on the case. However, he is given a partner who is a Violet to help him. Natalie Lindstrom is able to channel the dead Violets, all of whom describe the attack of a faceless man. They also have a suspicion that this killer has somehow been working with someone on the 'other side'. A sci-fi Esq thriller, Through Violet Eyes was an intuitive, detailed story, with interesting characters and a intense plot. While murder mysteries among books usually aren't in my interests, I found I really enjoyed this book.

I picked this book up because my mother had owned it for some time and the cover looked interesting.

I finished this book because I really wanted to find out who the killer was.

I'd give this book to anyone who liked the book/movie Minority Report, or to someone who likes suspense.

****Really liked it

Gone by Lisa McMann

Janie knows what her future holds, or does she? Since discovering she is a dream catcher, Janie has learned how to cope with being sucked into the dreams of others. What she hasn't dealt with is how this gift really affects her life, both physically and mentally, and the lives of those she loves. Janie is determined not to become a burden, especially to Cabel. While she loves him, she knows she must disappear and keep his newest nightmare from coming true. But life throws her a twist she never expected, a twist that leaves her questioning everything she thought she knew. What will she decide when the luxury of time is gone?

Why I picked up the book: I'd read the first two books in the series and wanted to know how it all worked out.

Why I finished the book: I like to finish books I start. This one was hard to finish because I didn't connect with it or enjoy it as much as the first two.

I'd give it to: Fans of Wake & Fade and die-hard series fans.

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

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Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Think back to your memories of 9-11. Were you afraid? Were you confused? Did you wonder if Wyoming may become a target? While you may have been too young to be fearful, you may remember your parents' reactions. But whether or not you remember that day, imagine a terrorist attack happening now. Would you want our government to act immediately? Would you be willing to give up some of your personal freedoms and privacy in order to be safe? Think airport security measures, computer monitoring, etc.

What if you were detained as a possible suspect, just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Now how likely would you be to allow those freedoms to be taken from you? I know what you are thinking. That could never happen to us, right? We are Americans, with unalienable rights, like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Constitution provides protections like rights of the accused, due process, protection from unreasonable search and seizure. Besides we are just teenagers.

You might be surprised with the lengths our government will go in the name of national security. Follow Marcus, a teenage hacker otherwise known as W1n5t0n or M1k3y, on his fight against an out of control US government.

Why I picked this book: Our teen book club read Orwell's "1984" and Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" so it seemed like a good choice to bring those ideas into the 21st century.

Why I finished the book: I couldn't put it down. Even though it was a work of fiction, I kept wondering how much of it was based on fact. It's one of those scary-real stories.

I'd give this book to: fans of 1984 & Fahrenheit 451, teens and adults alike. Anyone who likes to question authority and even those who believe that our government can do no wrong.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Penny Lane Bloom was born into Beatles mania. Her parents met the night John Lennon was shot and named their three daughters accordingly: Lucy, Rita, & Penny Lane (who was born on the anniversary of the Beatles arriving in the U.S.A.).

After being humiliated by her first love, Penny is done with boys. John, Paul, George, & Ringo are the only ones who've never let her down and now they are the answer to ending Penny's heart break and misery. The Lonely Hearts Club is not a group of soured and scorn teen girls. Instead it is a meeting of the minds, sorta like Girl Power central. Rather than spend your precious high school years pining for an imaginary prince (or being the fool on the hill), why not swear off dating (let it be), come together, and have fun with a little help from your friends?

The Lonely Hearts Club seems like the perfect solution, but what will happen when the good guys come along? Can you (or should you) swear off love? Find out if The Lonely Hearts Club is a revolution or the end.

Why I picked up this book: I liked the cover and the fact that the book was Beatles-themed. I also thought the idea of a Lonely Hearts Club was cool. I wish I had spent less of my school experience focused on boys and more time focused on building great & supportive friendships.

Why I finished it: It was a fast read and it kept me hooked.

I'd give it to: any teen girl, especially those who like reading Lauren Myracle or Sarah Dessen. It has a very positive message (girl power, Beatles style). Take care of yourself and your friends. Boyfriends are great to have, but don't lose yourself or your friendships over a relationship. Boyfriends shouldn't control you. Your sense of self-worth and your self-esteem shouldn't be based on having a boyfriend.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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THE BROKER

Joel Backman, who was once the face of Washington as a major broker, landed himself in a federal prison for holding secrets vital for world peace. The President, who has lost favor from most sources, grants Backman a full pardon in Italy. What no one is aware of however, is that once Joel is comfortably settled into his new life in the suburbs of Italy, the CIA will reveal where he is hiding to all the countries that could possibly be involved. In a race to find out what happened to the most advanced satellite devices, assassins from all over the world are closing in. After finding out who has killed the former broker, the CIA will know who has created the satellite, and whether the country poses a threat.

Why I picked this book: I enjoy the law/mystery books, and John Grisham is one of my favorite authors.

Why I finished the book: The book kept building up the plot, and I had to finish it.

I'd give this book to: anyone who is at all interested in a fantastic book about law and mystery.

Also, anyone who just wants an exciting book.

My Rating: ***** One of the best books

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

Teen pregnancy is again front and center in the news. Many movies and books are being delivered to audiences following the 2008 pregnancy pact scandal in a Gloucester, Massachusetts high school. So far, 2010 has brought us the Lifetime movie "The Pregnancy Pact", http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/the-pregnancy-pact and this book Not My Daughter.

The three girls making the pregnancy pact are bright, successful young women (high school seniors) and one of those girls, Lily, is the daughter of the high school principal, Susan. Ironically (or maybe not), Susan was a single teenage mother herself, though her pregnancy with Lily was definitely not planned and Susan is having a tough time accepting Lily's news.

Their small town of Zaganack, Maine is also shocked by the news of these three girls choosing to become pregnant and wants someone to blame. Will Susan's career as principal survive? Are Susan and the other mother's responsible for their daughter's decision-making? What does it really mean to be a good mother? A good parent?

Why I picked this book: I have been reading a lot of YA books about teen pregnancy and I wanted to know how it would be handled in adult fiction. I had also just watched "The Pregnancy Pact" and wanted to see another angle.

Why I finished the book: It was a fast, easy read. I wish the author would have spent more time focused on the other girls in the pact, although I understand why Susan & Lily were front and center.

I'd give this book to: mothers, daughters, and educators. Readers who like Jodi Picoult but are looking for something a bit shorter.

My rating: 3 stars-Liked It

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Drawing in the Dust by Zoë Klein

Page Brookstone is a respectable archaeologist and has a deep passion for her work. However, she begins to feel that something in her life is lacking so when a young Arab couple confront her about ghosts haunting their home Page is intrigued. Naima and Ibrahim Barakat are convinced that the ghosts of two lovers live along side them and they ask Page to excavate under the home. Page puts her career and reputation on the line and follows her heart on a captivating journey that will lead her to the discovery of a lifetime: the remains Jeremiah the prophet locked in a passionate embrace with a mysterious prophetess by the name of Anatiya. This discovery will change Page Brookstone's life forever. It will cause her to put her own life in danger, fall in a forbidden romance of her own, and question the lifestyle she has felt safe with for so long. A captivating and beautifully written romance and adventures for the ages, this book is filled to the brim of poetic language and page turning events. It will leave the reader sad to have finished it.

Why I picked up this book: I was searching for a new read at the bookstore so I picked this up read the leaf and was immediately excited to read it. The fact that it was almost a female Indiana Jones story caught my attention.

I finished this book because: It was impossible to put down. Simple as that.

I'd give this book to: Anyone interested in a poetic and exciting romantic read. It is also enticing for anyone who has ever studied the Bible weather from a religious or a literature stand point.

My Rating: ***** Adored it

Spook

Serina

Grade 12

Book Title: Spook

Author: Steve Vance

There's a girl in the woods, a girl that the whole town avoids. That is, except for the occasional rowdy teenager that wishes to get a glimpse of the monster. MaryAnn Nelson, nicknamed Spook, lives alone with her mother and the savage dogs that are meant to warn away trespassers. MaryAnn hasn't been to school a day in her life, and the few people that have glimpsed her say she runs barefoot in the woods around her house and always wears a cloak to hide her face. The townsfolk say she is not to be bothered, or horrible things could happen. However, as Spook approaches sixteen, the unspoken pact of solitude is broken. The school administrator from Georgia will have none of the rumors about the girl and believes that MaryAnn deserves a chance to live a normal life, away from her oppressive mother who has convinced herself that her daughter is the spawn of the Devil. But in this case, the people from the town have reason to fear MaryAnn. Unlike the common tale of a misunderstood beast, MaryAnn really is quite horrifying, and seems to have no conscience about killing anyone or anything that comes onto her land. She does not know right from wrong, and for those who try to pry their way into her life, it may be one of their worst decisions, and possibly their last...

I picked this book up after reading the inside flap. It sounded creepy, strange, and right of my ally.

I finished this book because it had mystery spilled on every page. The author really made me want to continue reading the story.

I'd give this book to any teen who's sick of the feel good fairy tales and wants a more twisted read.

**** Really liked this book!

So Not Happening

Shelby

12th grade

So Not Happening: First Novel in Charmed Life Series written by Jenny B. Jones

"Last week I was living in Manhattan in a two-story apartment between Sarah Jessica Parker and Katie Couric. I could hop a train to Macy's and Bloomie's. My friends and I could eat at Tao and see who could count the most celebs. I had Broadway in my backyard and Daddy's MasterCard in my wallet. Then my mom got married. And I got a new life"

Bella Kirkwood had it all- the most pristine friends, a father who is a plastic surgeon, and everything else that falls in between. Life seemed perfect, that is until her father traded her mother in for a newer woman, and her mother magically fell in love with another man she'd never met- SHE MET HIM ONLINE! and in less than a few years things go from perfect to insane for Bella. But the shock factor finally sets in when her mother is down the isle speaking the vows that end in "till death do we part". Bella had to get out- before everything set in, but failed miserably. She is forced to move to poduc city in Oklahoma along with some extra packages-- two new step brothers. Instantly, Bella goes from being rich A-list, to a nobody who cannot keep her head above water in Oklahoma; with farms, factories and everything else. Traveling with Bella- things are harder to adjust than it seems, meeting new friends, and saying goodbye to all that she once held so dear. Only reality and new bonds come close to helping her realize that life is more than it seems- and she has potential in the places she would never realize.

Why I picked up this book: I really enjoy reading as many new books that can come my way, and the back of the book, and it's cover looked really confusing questionable.

Why I finished it: I believe if you start a book you should finish it, and that's exactly what I did when I was on my vacation. This novel was not just filled with fashion, boys, and shock of a new life- but it had a twist of a mystery involved which made me anxious to read the next book.

I'd Give this book to: Any girl who enjoys reading, and likes a new story. this novel is not filled just filled with fashion, gossip, and suspense.. it also was a little bit of a mystery, and reminded me somewhat of a modern day Nancy Drew; except this one is for teens. I'd also recommend this to girls who enjoy reading stories about faith and being active with God.

My Rating for this book:

Really liked it!

Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

Once upon a time, Nan worked for the Xes and cared for their son, Grayer. After being fired, she ranted her frustrations to the teddy bear nanny-cam. Fast forward twelve years. Nan has married the Harvard Hottie and after living in third world countries, they have returned to NYC in pursuit of the American dream. Home ownership isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when renovations don't happen according to schedule and living conditions are worse than in aforementioned countries. But the worst is yet to come. One night Nan opens the door and is face-to-face with her past. Will she ever be able to close the door?

Why I picked this book up: I enjoyed reading The Nanny Diaries and wanted to know what happened next.

Why I finished it: I had to know if the X boys were going to be alright. I also couldn't believe all the shenanigans that the X parents and the other affluent parents pulled.

I'd give this book to: anyone who had read or watched The Nanny Diaries, teens who babysit, and fans of Sophie Kinsella.

My rating: 4 stars

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When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

The year is 1979 and Miranda is a sixth grader living in New York City. She absolutely loves the book A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. Her mother is going to be a contestant on the game show The $20,000 Pyramid and they practice together every night. Miranda's best friend Sal stopped speaking to her the day he got jumped on their walk home from school, and since then she's made a few new friends.

But when Miranda receives four mysterious notes, each showing up in a random place, the strange things in life are hard to ignore. Where did the crazy laughing man on the corner come from? What's up with Marcus, the boy who punched Sal for no reason, and is it just a coincidence that he also knows a lot about A Wrinkle in Time? Who is sending the notes, and better yet, when? Will Miranda put the pieces of the puzzle together and finally understand when you reach me?

Why I picked up this book: Other librarians were saying great things about it and then it won the 2010 Newbery Award.

Why I finished it: It was really short chapters with cool titles (categories from the $20,000 pyramid).

I'd give it to: middle school students, anyone assigned to read a Newbery award winner, someone who liked A Wrinkle in Time.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Echo by Kate Morgenroth

Review by: Serina

Book Title: Echo

Author: Kate Morgenroth

Justin Thomas has just experienced the worst day of his life, one that shattered his world for nearly a year after. That was the day his brother died. Justin hadn't know the gun was loaded when his younger brother Mark put the barrel to his own head when Justin would not hand over the T.V remote. If he had known, he might have done everything in his power to keep him from pulling the trigger. Apparently, Mark hadn't known it was loaded, either. Since his brother's death, Justin just hasn't been right. Everyone avoids him at school, his best friend bullies him, and his girlfriend never says a word to him anymore. On top of all that, he's also hearing a voice inside his head. The voice never gives him much advice, only making the occaisonal comment that Justin could really do without. When things couldn't seem to get any worse, on the anniversary of Mark's death, Justin gets way in over his head and may be in for some serious trouble. Yet as the agonizing day finally draws to a close, he wakes up only to find he has to live the same day over and over again. However, each time the story changes. Words he had heard clearly the first time around become entirely different. Was the first version he had seen the reality? Or was he getting closer and closer to the truth as he went along? Justin will just to come along with the ride to find out, as will the readers.

I picked this book up because it had the most interesting cover, as well as an interesting first paragraph.

I finished this book because I just could not put it down! The farther I read, the more intense it became.

I'd give this book to anyone who has a hard time coping with reality, or anyone who just wants a quick read.

**** Really liked it!

Ruby Unscripted Written by: Cindy Martinusen- Coloma

Shelby

12th grade

Title: Ruby Unscripted- Life is what happens when you lose the script

Author: Cindy Martinusen- Coloma

Imagine moving the year that almost everything seems to be going right, welcoming friends, a good looking and handsome boy that wants to take you to the prom, family that supports you- even when it's not wanted. That was life for small town Ruby Madden. Her family has made a decision to move to the most pristine place in California... or so it seems. Marin County California; a place where everyone has what they want- when they want it, high dollar homes, and nice cars and the best of the best for green envioronmental friendly living. Ruby learns instantly that everything is not what it seems when girls are wearing shoes that cost her entire paycheck, bags- that she would have to save years for, even at her new job at the Underground Coffeehouse & theater. Ruby feels her old life pulling out from under her, and a new life full of change, worldly people and values that totally differentiate from her own. Travel with Ruby as she discovers that life isn't what it seems- that it's not just a script of a movie, and that a new life means new responsibilty, the ability to cope with stress, and opportunities to meet new friends and people who are more than skin deep. And last but definately not least... the one guy she's been keeping her eyes away from for a while God that is seems to have other plans for her life than she's making them, and he's taking her to a new level of understanding of who she is.

The thing I loved about Cindy's novel and Ruby is that she is relatable to me, and i'm sure other young women my age who know what it's like to go through change, to have a love for film and coffee, and especially a good plot ;)

Why I picked this book up: I love good Christian fiction as a reader myself and it looked like a great book from the start especially from the cover.

Why I finished it: One of my biggest rules of reading is to finish a novel that I start! :) I really enjoyed the suspense and the decisions that Ruby had to make towards the last section of the novel, it definately was an attention grabber that left me wanting to read more.

I'd give this book to: Anyone and everyone (particularly girls) who want a good read that deals with a little bit of Christianity, girls who love filming and coffee and a book that will leave people happy most of all.

My Rating for the Book:

Really Like it! =D =D

Just After Sunset by Stephen King

Reader's Name: Carrie

Grade: 12th

Book Title: Just After Sunset

Author: Stephen King

From the demented and remarkable author responsible for horror masterpieces such as The Shining, Christine, IT, 1408, The Dark Tower Series, The Green Mile and many more comes one of his newest compilations of short stories. The stories in this book have been described as "powerful" , "provocative" "delirious", "wicked", "scary", and "brilliant". I would say these descriptions pretty much some up the quality of the short stories. Ranging from stories which themes span anywhere from entrapment to pure survival, this book is sure to provide something memorable from one of his 13 stories. It also includes exciting and unexpected plot twists that only the King of horror could think of himself. One story even takes place in our beloved (and in this case eeire) home state of Wyoming.

Why I picked up this book? Because I am a diehard Stephen King fan and my film teacher recommended it for me.

Why I finished it: Every story was too exciting for me to be able to find a stopping point and set it down.

I'd give this book to: Anyone who enjoys an excellent and well thought out plot. Also anyone who loves horror stories, Stephen King, and surprises.

My Rating: **** Really liked it!

The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliot

Readers name: Kaylee

Grade: 11th

Book Title: The Pale Assassin

Author: Patricia Elliot

At the start of the French Revolution, Eugenie live a sheltered, yet lavish life with her brother. As time went on, however, she slowly began to realize that life was more than parties and lovers. Forced into a contract of marriage and with the townsfolk killing aristocrats that are not well-hidden, it becomes apparent that Eugenie must use her wit to get herself, and her brother out of France before the mob, or a pale assassin hunts them down.

I really enjoyed this book mostly because of how the characters were portrayed, and how the book was more about the individual character, and wasn't all about the historical facts alone. The one thing about this book that I did not care for, was it didn't have a distinct ending. I felt it ended at the climax, and that there was much more to be said.

Why I picked this book up: It had an engaging cover, the title looked interesting, and I saw it was set in a different time period.

Why I finished it: The book had a very unique plot, and had strange twists throughout.

I'd give this book to: anyone who is somewhat interested in historical fiction, and who does not care for generic story lines.

My rating for this book: **** Really liked it.

2010 Book Award Winners

And the winners are...

Michael L Printz Award for excellence in literature for young adults
Winner: Going Bovine by Libba Bray


The Printz Honor books are: Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman; The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey; Punkzilla by Adam Rapp; and Tales of the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance, 1973 by John Barnes.

William C. Morris Award honors a book written by a first-time author for young adults
Winner: Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan


The Morris award finalists are: Ash by Malinda Lo; Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl; The Everafter by Amy Huntley; and hold still by Nina LaCour

John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature
Winner: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead


The Newbery Honor books are: Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose; The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly; Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin; and The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick.

Find more information about the ALA literary awards for youth: http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2010/january2010/ymawrap2010.cfm

For awards specific to YA (teen) literature: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/2010winners.cfm

On The Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck

What makes someone a hero? Is it the feats of a mythical figure like Superman, who swoops out the sky to save the day? Is it your favorite sports star who makes the impossible catch to win the game? What about the heroes that are much closer to home? The heroes who put their lives on the line everyday to provide for us and to protect us.

Davy Bowman would tell you that his heroes are his father and his brother Bill. Dad runs the service station but always has time for his boys. Bill is in the Army Air Corp and must fly 25 missions over Europe. The 1940s are tough, with War Rations and mothers working to support the war effort. Take a look at what it must have been like to grow up on the wings of heroes.

Why I picked this book up: It is a part of the We the People "Picturing America" grant and we are using it for an Afternoon Book Club.

Why I finished the book: It was a fast read. I enjoyed the humor which took the edge off of the dismal outlook of war. It made me think about the blinders we are lucky enough to have during childhood. I also thought a lot about how patriotic people were during WWII and how different it is with the two current wars we are fighting.

I'd give this book to: Middle schoolers (especially boys) looking for a fast, easy read with a mixture of comedy and war or anyone looking a World War II historical fiction novel.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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