Thursday, August 29, 2013

The Jacket by Andrew Clements


The Jacket by Andrew Clements
Reviewed by: Rebecca O.

Rating: 3 (Like it)

The book is about a mistake that happens between a white student and a black student. The two kids do work hard to solve the problem.

There is one thing I liked about the book. I liked that the author actually used a reasonable explanation on how to solve the problem. I disliked the fact that Phillip (one of the boys) thought of himself as something he is not. The way the book is set up and the events that happen make it unique. Also, the way Daniel and Phillip solve the problem make the book unique. It is like a book I have read before because I have read many books that have to do with problems between white and black kids.

I would recommend this book to any kids. I would recommend it to anybody because it teaches a lesson to all children. The lesson is don't judge a book by its cover, give everyone a chance, and the major one, respect.

The Diamond of Drury Lane by Ruby Chicoine


The Diamond of Drury Lane by Ruby Chicoine

Rating: 5 (Amazing)

this wonderful book is about a young girl named Catherine Royal. she was abandoned on the steps of theater royal in London. this is a thrilling tale of mystery, danger, and suspense.

cat or otherwise known as Catherine is a brave redhead who has many friends and many enemies. she is always getting in trouble or saving someones neck with her crafty tongue and amazing acting. what i love about this book is how is describes how people in her day actually lived.

this series is a must read and i found it appropriate for almost anyone over ten. this is such a treat for anyone who likes action and mystery.

Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

Goliath by Scott Westerfeld
Reviewed by: Shawn F.

Rating: 5 (Amazing)

This book was the finale in the three part series. It, like the first two books, Leviathan and Behemoth, contains an amazing plot, as well a hooking story.

This book's plot left me guessing at what could possibly happen next, as well as the constant twists. adding to the amazing plot is how your imagination runs wild as you imagine yourself by one of the creations mentioned. As the book nears its conclusion, it leave a satisfying ending, whitch is why i gave this book a 5.

as with the rest of the series, i strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
Reviewed by: Shawn F.

Rating: 5 (Amazing)

This book continues to follow the story surrounding the Leviathan and Prince Alek.

This book was very good. Its story kept me guessing, and it made me keep guessing what would come next. Since its the sequel of Leviathan, it is necessary to read that novel first, however, it is worth it. this book is the second part in and amazing three part series.

I strongly suggest reading this series to anyone, as it is a great page turning adventure.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Reviewed by: Shawn F.

Rating: 4 (Loved it)

This book is about a parallel universe during world war I. The difference is that it is now Darwinist's vs Clankers. (Fabricated beasts vs Steam engine Contraptions)

the book had an interesting plot, and it kept my eyes glued to the pages. as i read i was certain i knew what would happen next. Yet somehow, the book often took a less predictable, more mysterious path. It is different from most books i have ever read, but still managed to keep me reading, until the end.

I would strongly recommend this book to others. it is a great book that starts the beginning of a great series.

I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore


I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
Reviewed by: Johnna F.

Rating: 5 (Amazing)

A teenage boy, that doesn't have a real name other than Four. He is one of the nine Gardes from his home planet of Lorien, which was destroyed by the Mogadorians. He is now on the run from them because he is the next on their hit list.

I loved practically everything that this gave me. I enjoyed how it was always bringing up new twists that put me on the edge of my chair. I also liked how it had many things that people my age could relate to but also different out of the ordinary things so you always wanted to know what was going to happen next. I didn't dislike anything at all. This book stands out far beyond any other book I have read because the way it ends each chapter with a page turner ending that keeps you wanting to read on. One of my favorite quotes was, “I wouldn't have missed a second of it, kiddo. Not for all of Lorien. Not for the whole world.”
–Pittacus Lore, I Am Number Four

I would defiantly recommend this to all teens that are looking for a new interesting series. I would because even though I haven't found the genre I like, this has parts where all genres come into play.

Phantoms in the Snow by Kathleen Benner Duble


Phantoms in the Snow by Kathleen Benner Duble
Reviewed by: Shawn F.

Rating: 3 (Like it)

The book was about a 15 year old, named Noah, who recently lost his mother and father in a car accident. he is a only 15 but decides to lie about his age so he can join his uncle in the military, rather than going to an orphanage.

I liked the book, as although it was fiction, it paralleled actual WWII events. It was a lot like other fictional war books, with sets of difficulties for the character to overcome. however i found some points to be predicable and wasn't as happy with the ending as i could have been. disregarding this, I still found it a good quick read.

I would recommend this book for people around the ages of 10- 15, but it isn't a bad read for others.

The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore


The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore
Reviewed by: Shawn F.

Rating: 5 (Amazing)

This Book is the third in the Lorien Legacies. It continues the developing plot left by the previous two books.

This book is all around a page turner, and because of this, it is hard to point out one point that I liked. In general, I loved the whole book. whenever the book slowed down to much, a plot twist was always on the next page, brewing new challenges and renewing the urge to keep reading. As i Said in my review of The Power of Six, it is necessary to read I am Number Four, first followed by The Power of Six, then this book.

I recommend this Whole Series strongly to anyone, especially if you are into sci-fi or Fantasy.

Power of Six by Pittacus Lore


Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
Reviewed by: Shawn F.

Rating: 5 (Amazing)

This book was the second book in the Lorien Legacies, the first being I am Number Four. It continues upon the story of the first book, continuing the intense page turning story line.

One of the things i loved about this book was the fact that it made me keep reading until i was done. Even when there appeared to be a lull in the action, i was hooked. It is in this book that the Garde start to assemble and plot against the Mogadorians.

I recommend this book to almost anyone, but you first have to read I am Number four, as this is the second book.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury


Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Reviewed by: Shawn F.

Rating: 2 (It was ok)

The book was written several hundred years in the future, where books have been outlawed.

This book to me provided an interesting outlook on what society could become without forms of entertainment similar to books. however, to me, it felt like the plot line of the whole book should just be the start of a much bigger adventure. even considering this, i still found the book OK and can see where Ray Bradbury was coming from. it was also interesting how he got the idea for the book.

Even though i don't absolutely love the book, i would still recommend it, as others could very much love the book.

I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

 I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
 Reviewed by: Shawn F.

Rating: 5 (Amazing)

An alien race came to earth to escape certain death and save their race. A charm protects them, so the must be killed in order. The main character is next.

I liked how the book was written, as well as the storyline. I also like many of the twists the author includes that make you want to keep reading. I would find myself beginning one chapter at 10:00 and before i realize it, its 12:00 and the books half finished. It kept me so intrusted, i finished the whole novel in less than 2 days.

i would recommend this book to anyone into fantasy or sci-fi novels. it is an amazing read.

Public Enemy #2 by Anthony Horowitz


Public Enemy #2 by Anthony Horowitz
Reviewed by: Mashkur Z.

Rating: 5 (Amazing)

Nick becomes framed and is put in prison for stealing a diamond that someone put in his pocket. His older brother Herbert A.K.A Tim is the worst private detective in the world must find a way to get him out of prison.

I like how there was action on every page. I don't like how a most wanted kid prisoner named Johnny almost drowns Nick. I don't think there is anything that makes this book unique. The thing that stands out in the book is how Nick blows up the secret hideout of Johnny. I don't have a favorite quote. Yes, this book is like the other books I've read by Anthony Horowitz.

Yes, I would recommend this book to one of my friends.

The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone

The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone
Reviewed by Kathryn S.

Rating: 4 (Loved it)

A young British girl moves in with her uncle Gideon while her parents are away during World War II.

I liked that it was based off historical events. I thought all the quotes were good. My favorite character was Felicity because she was adventurous. Another character I liked was Derek because he was full of mischief.

I hope that anyone who reads this book will fancy it as much as I did.

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakeing by L.J. Smith

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith
Reviewed by: Anna S.
 5 (Amazing)

This book was about a girl named Elena meeting this mysterious boy Stefan then learning hes a vampire.

i Liked that this book had a great story and that it was very exciting. i also liked that the book was a great read and that it was a cliff hanger so it made me want more. What makes this book unique is that its not the traditional vampire book. its different from the other books like twilight. the vampire are different. whats stands out is some of the names of the characters. like the two vampires names: Stefan and Damon. This is a little like twilight because of the nontraditional love and the vampires in a way.

i would recommend this book to anyone who loves twilight or vampire books.
 

Night by Elie Wiesel


Night by Elie Wiesel
Reviewed by: Jason P.

Rating: 3 (Like it)

This is a good book if your going into Sophomore Lit. at Westfield High School. It gets you started on the year to success.

Elie Wiesel was born on September 30, 1928, in Sighet, a small town in Transylvania that was then part of Romania but became part of Hungary in 1940. Wiesel’s Orthodox Jewish family was highly observant of Jewish tradition. His father, Shlomo, a shopkeeper, was very involved with the Jewish community, which was confined to the Jewish section of town, called the shtetl. As a child and teenager, Wiesel distinguished himself in the study of traditional Jewish texts: the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament), the Talmud (codified oral law), and even—unusual for someone so young—the mystical texts of the Cabbala.

Over All good book!

My Boyfriend is a Monster book 1: I Love Him to Pieces by Evonne Tsang


My Boyfriend is a Monster book 1: I Love Him to Pieces by Evonne Tsang
Reviewed by: Molleigh R.

Rating: 5 (Amazing)

This book is about a girl named Dicey who loves a boy named Jack. Will their love survive a zombie apocalypse?

I liked this book because it has lots of action in it. I liked the part when Dicey mixes Gatorade, juice, soda, and milk together and gives it to the school bully (;. The zombies were really well done and so was the rest of the art. The storyboard was drawn well, too . That's why l love this book.

This book should be for ages 11+ because of swear words. There are 5 other books in this series. Enjoy!( or as a zombie would say it 'graaaaaah!)

 

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool


Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
Reviewed by: Emily L.

Rating: 5 (Amazing)

A girl named Abilene is sent away by her father to help an old friend in Manifest, Kansas. It takes place in the beginning of the 20th century, right around the Great Depression. Abilene soon finds out that in Manifest, the town with a bright future, everything isn't as it seems. She soon sets out with her 2 new friends to uncover a mystery that was left unsolved long ago.

I liked how the book could have actually taken place in the past. I also liked how it was one of those books in which adventure gradually built up to the climax of the story, so basically you had to be kind of patient with the story.

I would recommend this book to my friend Catie, because she, like me likes books as complicated as this one was.





Wednesday, August 14, 2013

13 Gifts by Wendy Mass

13 Gifts by Wendy Mass
Reviewed by Emily L.
Rating 4/5 (Loved It)

This book is about a girl named Tara who is 12 years old, and is turning 13 in July, on Friday the 13(which is where the 13 gifts came from). Her mother is very protective, and she's always telling Tara about her friendships and how she should try to make more friends. Apparently, it worked, because Tara tried to steal the principal's pet goat to get in with the "popular" group at her middle school. Her parents are punishing Tara by sending her to stay her 10 year old cousin, Emily, and her family at Willow Falls, where Tara's parents grew up together.

What I like about Wendy Mass's books are that you don't usually read her genre of books that often. Most of her books are based on birthdays, and the book I just read was one of them. The characters were very different, and the story was interesting.  

I would definitely recommend 13 Gifts and the other books that take place in Willow Falls to my cousin Samantha. We both read a lot, and we're starting to like the same kinds of books.