| Dani |
| The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
A fantastical twist on ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND that actually straightens the story out. I highly recommend this book to any fan of the original work.
|
| Dani |
| The Call of Service by Robert Coles |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
It has a few redeeming moments and a number of deep and probing points; however, it is essentially a glorified diary and I found it egotistical and trying.
|
| Dani |
| Standard Operating Procedure by Philip Gourevitch and Errol Morris |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A book detailing the horrors of the American prison system in Iraq during the war on terror, focusing specifically on Abu Ghraib. Using firsthand interviews and declassified memos, this well-written novel reveals much about the situation that is not commonly known and will make you think long and hard on the definition of morality.
|
| Dani |
| Inkheart by Cornelia Funke |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
A book about a book, I fell in love before I finished the first page. Starring a young girl, her father the bookbinder, and a story by the name of Inkheart, this charming fantasy will keep you entertained until the very end.
|
| Shanik |
| Twilight by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
The Twilight series has recently been popular among teens because of its captivating romance and adventure. Personally, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone because I believe the story drags on way too much. I also believe Bella's activity in the book should have been increased much more and it should have had more action. Overall, its more of a distraction rather than a book to read for pure interest. I really prefer the Harry Potter books more.
|
| Mikay |
| Life of Pi by Yann Matel |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This book is a breath of fresh air to me. It tackles tricky issues like religion in an interesting and tactful way.
|
| Britney |
| City of Bones by Cassandra Clare |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I love the adventure and twists in the story. It's about a secret world unseen to humans. Everyone who reads it would want to believe it to be true :)
|
| Cait |
| North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book is so inspiring. The main character (Terra) is finding out the different meanings of 'beautiful' throughout the whole book as she deals with family problems, boyfriend problems, and the new guy who oddly seems to get her. Going places she's never gone before, she finds out that she really is beautiful.
|
| Hannah Lee |
| Jade Green by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book was wonderful! I couldn't put it down. It's very suspenseful, and there's always something exciting happening. You never want to close it.
|
| Sydney |
| Stargazer by Claudia Gray |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
It is much more fabulous when the girl is the vampire to the human boy!
|
| pixiPassion |
| The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
This is a pretty cool book --- it's your typical fantasy story with supernatural powers and all that. It has the usual werewolves, necromancers, sorcerers, witches, half demons, etc. Plus, there is a sequel called THE AWAKENING.
|
| Diana |
| Breathe My Name by R. A. Nelson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
While a little suggestive in content, this was a realistic and moving novel on the demons in life, how they form, and how to get past them.
The story follows Frances who was almost smothered by her mother but narrowly escaped, although her sisters weren't so fortunate.
Frances is continually haunted by this until she goes on a trip with her boyfriend Nix to confront her Mother and end this once and for all.
Overall, wonderful book and total recommended.
|
| Betty Cao |
| Wicked by Gregory Maguire |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
It's a very nice twist to the well-known story THE WIZARD OF OZ; however, the story gets rather disturbing at parts.
|
| Clarissa |
| Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Best book I have read this year so far. I couldn't put this one down, and got in trouble multiple times for reading during class, but it was so worth it. A must read. SPEAK fans will not be disappointed.
|
| Sharon |
| The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book was absolutely brilliant. At first, I thought I wouldn't enjoy it because it lacks the usual dialogue. However, the prose is beautiful and very touching. It is about an immigrant couple from Calcutta, India who are trying to adjust to life in America without losing their identity as Indians. The couple's children, especially their firstborn son Gogol, wants nothing to do with Indian (specifically Bengali) culture because it is so different from the lives of "normal" Americans. Throughout the book Gogol struggles with living in two worlds, unable to claim one side as his own. This book really spoke to me because I am also an immigrant from India and the issues that concern Gogol are not unlike the issues that I face. Yet, the story talks about the parent's sacrifice to their children --- leaving a country they know to live in a country full of strangers. Reading about this only makes me think about my own parents and what they have sacrificed so that their children can have a better life. This book is great for anyone who can relate to this family's situation and to anyone who would like to learn about a family's struggle to maintain their identity in a land full of diversity.
|
| Em |
| City of Glass by Cassandra Clare |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book was awesome! It's the last book in the Mortal Instruments series
|
| Em |
| Skinned by Robert Wasserman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Great book!
|
| Em |
| Raven by Allison Van Diepen |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
It's not that great. It's almost like every vampire story out there except for the fact that they aren't vampires, but Jiang Shi-a Chinese vampires that eat souls instead of blood. It's a little original, I suppose.
|
| Jessie |
| The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book was great, you have to read it. I know there is a movie, but you have to read the book.
|
| Manny |
| No Shame, No Fear by Ann Turnbull |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I liked the plot of this story. However, I didn't entirely like the decisions made by the characters as they didn't seen very reasonable. It is a story that can't be put down once picked up.
|
| Manny |
| Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristen Cast |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read the next one!
|
| Manny |
| Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
The storyline was okay, but everything seemed repetitive and boring.
|
| Manny |
| Picking Cotton by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino,Ronald Cotton,Erin Torne |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This was an inspirational novel. It is based on a true story. Not a book you should miss!
|
| Carla |
| Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I loved this book. The first two in the series were really good too. I can't wait to read BREAKING DAWN. I think everyone should read this series. They are very dramatic, adventurous, somewhat romantic, and a little comical. I think a wide rage of people can get into the books and feel like they are right there with the characters. Stephanie Meyer is definitely a terrific writer!
|
| Mei |
| Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bront? |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Slow at parts, but totally worth it --- it's a classic for a reason! She's not one of those "quiet" girls that we think of from old books.
|
| Morgan |
| Ninteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book is about a boy, Peter, who goes into his school and shoots several students. The book follows the lives of Peter and others affected by the shooting. It goes into Peter's past, what happened during the shooting, and after. It is a very good book.
|
| Katie |
| Death on Demand by Carolyn G. Hart |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
It's a good read if you like mysteries.
|
| Sarah D |
| Peeled by Joan Bauer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Enjoyable read with a great female character. However, the mystery was a little predictable.
|
| Purplerocks14 |
| The Blue Sword by Robin Mcklnley |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A book that will stay with you long after you have finished.
|
| Tesla |
| City of Bones by Cassandra Clare |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Really good for someone who has read THE ALCHEMYST.
|
| Alex Rider Rocks |
| Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This keeps you at the edge of your seat till the last page!
|
| Doglover123 |
| Mazimum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
A fast-paced, edge-of-your seat book! A great book!
|
| jackieDoglover |
| Wild Magic by Tamora pierce |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I loved this book! i have always wanted to talk to animals, and I love this story!
|
| Sarah Rose |
| The Ninth Key by Meg Cabot |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I really like this series, but my library does not have #3, nor did Barnes and Noble or Borders, so I had to order it. I so excited!!
|
| Samantha |
| So Totally Emily Ebers by Lisa Yee |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I'm about half way through the book, and so far, it's really good. I can't seem to put it down.
|
| Angelique |
| Burned by Ellen Hopkins |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book is written in poetry form about the oldest girl in a religious family. It is her role to take care of six younger girls and stand by as her father brutally beats her mother. Certain events in her life make her father send her out to her aunt, where she meets a boy and realizes that love does exist. This book has a powerful ending that leaves you saying wow! It's an overall great story that you never want to put down.
|
| Angelique |
| Impossible by Nancy Werlin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Lucy is the main character and must deal with her rape at her junior prom; she is just 17 years old. Her adoptive parents are supportive, however her biological mother is crazy, and wants to kill Lucy! When Lucy finds out that the women in her family have a curse, she is determined to break it before she and her unborn baby, are forever under the Scarborough curse. This book is kinda strange but really good :)
|
| Jean |
| Evermore by Alyson Noel |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I thought this book was really good. I couldn't put it down and finished it all in one day.
|
| Bethany |
| Mr. Was by Pete Hautman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Amazing confusing book. Don't usually like sc-fi, but this blew me away. The plot is confusing, but it makes you think, and is amazing.
|
| Hilary |
| Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I like this book because it is a good example of teen fiction today, with the movement of writing and the idea that no one is perfect no matter what you think. It just keeps the gears in your mind turning.
|
| Hilary |
| The City of Glass by Cassandra Clare |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
The Mortal Instruments series is full of witty sarcasm and a wonderful plot line that will make you wish it wasn't just a trilogy. THE CITY OF GLASS is the last in the series and it is absolutely phenomenal. Start the series with CITY OF BONES.
|
| Maja |
| Rogue by Rachel Vincent |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Really good book. I'm still at, it but I'm having problems putting it down. It's the sequel of STRAY, which is also a really good book. They are both some of my favorites.
|
| Manny |
| Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
I really enjoyed this book. It is about two best friends who worry about their body image, though it isn't emphasized why they started starving themselves. They starve themselves into the 'danger' zone, which is about 85-90 lbs. Lia, the main character in this novel, struggles to try to change her habits. At first she doesn't want to, and after a few events, she tries. Not everything goes her way, though. This novel was very well written and I look forward to reading it again.
|
| Jessica |
| Erec Rex: The Monsters of Otherness by Kaza Kingsley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This series is great for teens who liked Harry Potter or Jenny Nimmo's Charlie Bone series. Erec is a boy who grew up in our world, but now finds out that he's destined to be king in a magical one. He has a special dragon eye that helps him to figure out what to do in dangerous situations. Exciting!
|
| Tabitha |
| Privilege by Kate Brian |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the first book of a sister series to the Private novels. It is about the crazy killer from the first of the series breaking out of her institution and running away. It's a great book for anyone who loves mysteries and coming-of-age stories.
|
| Lysha Thompson |
| Charles and Emma the Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a great read detailing the affection between Darwin and his wife with bits of their personal letters thrown in.
|
| Samantha |
| Jason & Kyra by Dana Davidson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
It is about these two teens who you would never expect to be together because they are from two totally different crowds. It is a really good book. I really enjoy reading it.
|
| Shalynn |
| Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This book is really good! In some spots I got a little confused, but it is still really good. It is one big book broken up into 3 stories.
|
| Jac |
| Lirael by Garth Nix |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This was okay --- a lot like Tamora Pierce.
|
| Manny |
| The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
It is based on a true story, which makes this novel more interesting. The details of the past are thoroughly explained without boring the reader. The author writes the book so well that the settings and the characters' statuses are much easier to understand. I felt the pressure that the characters most likely felt back in the past. I really enjoyed this novel and I have been re-reading it quite often!
|
| Rachelle |
| City of Bones by Cassandra Clare |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
At first I thought it would be a decent book. It's not something I would usually pick up to read, though I'm really glad I did. It was an amazing book, although sometimes I had a hard time keeping up with the storyline.
|
| Laken |
| The Anybodies by N. E. Bode |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book takes fantasy, witchcraft, normal everyday life, and even the common aspect of books and turns it into a story everyone can relate to, even if you're not a big reader yourself. N.E Bode's classic tale has an ultimate ending, and the sequel is fantastic.
|
| Akila |
| Anthem by Ayn Rand |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Great book that makes you think in different perspectives.
|
| Sophia |
| The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
It's a classic, but a little confusing.
|
| Jeanne |
| Secrets of My Hollywood Life: Paparazzi Princess by Jen Calonita |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the fourth book of the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series. Every book has been great, but this is definitely the best! A teen actress struggles to relate to her non-acting best friend and make her next career choice. It is funny and hard to put down!
|
| Tirzah |
| A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I have to read this for school (it's like a retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear), but I was surprised at how readable and enjoyable it is --- it's quite good!
|
| Katie |
| The Shape of Water by Anne Spollen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
This book is so deep and moving. The characters view the world in a very unique way that makes you re-examine your everyday assumptions.
|
| Laura Mason |
| White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
Excellent read! I was kept in suspense about the outcome until the end. It peaked my interest in Antarctica and past expeditions.
|
| Savannah |
| Graceling by Kristin Cashore |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
This book was amazing! I read it in one sitting. It is right up there, next to the Twilight Saga, Harry Potter, and The Mortal Instruments books.
|
| Arlette Rodriguez |
| Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale by Holly Black |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
I really enjoyed this book! It was recommended to me by a friend after I read WICKED LOVELY and I am glad it was.
|
| Gaby |
| Snakecharm by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
Second book to HAWKSONG, but now in Zane's perspective. I am loving how protective Zane is over Danica and how much he expresses his love and concern for her in this precarious time of peace.
|
This contest period's winner received a copy of
