teen reviews

The Adoration of Jenna Fox, Mary Pearson
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Grace, 9th grader
Review: Set in the future, this book is about 17 year old Jenna Fox, who has just woken up from a coma that she has been in for a year. Things are weird, her Grandmother is treating her like a stranger, her parents are making her keep the secret of her accident and not telling her why, and her memory is almost completely gone. The Adoration of Jenna Fox had me enthralled from cover to cover (I read it in one day.) If you're looking for a quick read that makes you reconsider what you know about ethics and humanity, this book is perfect. However, it is a tiny bit sci-fi, but I dislike most sci-fi books and loved this. (January 2009)

Al Capone Does My Shirts, Gennifer Choldenko
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Rebecca, 7th grader
Review: I thought it was good because I like the sort of mysterious side of the book. I don't give it an excellent because I think that it could have used some more explanations of some things in the book.  (July 2008)

The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Solomon, 9th grader
Review: The interesting tale of a boy, Santiago, who goes from traveling as a shepherd to becoming a man in search of his personal legend. (August 2008)

Anne of Avonlea, Lucy Maud Montgomery
Reviewed by: Rachel, 7th grader
Review: Anne is becoming to be a very elegant young woman. As the teacher at Avonlea, Anne finds many of her students to be "kindred spirits." Anne also finds out that one of her "kindred spirits" father is the old lover of a very peculiar woman. They are united, and they all lived happily ever after. (July 2008)

Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery
Reviewed by: Rachel, 7th grader
Review: Anne Shirley is a little orphan girl adopted by Marilla nd Matthew Cuthbert. Sent tot hem by mistake, Marilla and Matthew become to love the little girl. She is very imaginative and always getting into scrapes, but soon their little girl turns into an ambitious young woman.  (July 2008)

Artemis Fowl Series, Eoin Colfer
Reviewed by: Bobby, 12th grader
Review: In the age where Harry Potter is the quintessential book in the magic/fantasy category, Artemis Fowl gives us a much needed break from the norm. With an interesting plot from book one to book six, you are sure to keep interested. The story starts with a young genius and his realization that a secret race of fairies is living underground. He ends up kidnapping one of these fairies and holding her ransom for gold. After the end of the first book (spoiler alert), Holly (the fairy) is free and Artemis has a ton of gold. In the second book, the fairies come for Artemis. He helps them and makes a permanent impression on Holly. The following stories follow the two as they go on several adventures. There are many reasons for everyone to check out this series. In some of the books there is hieroglyphic style writing on the bottom that can be translated. This not only adds a fun twist to the format of the book, but another story altogether seeing that it is the fairy bible, a recurring theme in all the books. While some have qualms with these stories, I found them as a refreshing breathe of air from the Harry Potter books. These stories introduce and focus on more description of the different fairy races. The Good: I really enjoyed the character development that continued from story to story. I also thought the gnomish on the bottom of the books added an interesting twist. The Bad: As with any series, you need to read the books in order to fully understand each story.  The Series in Order: Artemis Fowl, Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident, Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code, Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception, Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony, Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox.

A Billion for Boris, Mary Rodgers
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Molly, 6th grader
Review: I think that A Billion for Boris was a very good book. It's the story of three kids who found a magical TV that predicts the future. The plot has many surprising twists and turns. You won't want to put it down! (July 2008)

Black and White, Paul Volponi
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Ryan, 8th grader
Review: This a about 2 best friends. Eddie (white) and Marcus (black) ruin their lives by robbing people and shooting, ruining their basketball careers and sending their lives into a nose dive. (July 2008)

The Calder Game, Blue Balliett
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Lemlem, 7th grader
Review: The book that I read is called The Calder Game, and it's the third book from the series. The main characters in the story are Calder, Tommy, and Petra. And so, it's about how Calder goes to England with his dad and how he goes missing along with a famous painting made by Alexander Calder. As soon as Tommy and Petra find out, they fly to England and help Mr. Pillay (Calders dad) find Calder. But it's harder then it seems, there's more to it then a missing sculpture and boy, there are a lot of twists and turns that make the story even better to read! I would recommed this book because it's a great book with lots of twists and turns that mae it truly enjoyable. And for those who like to read mysterious,adventourous,humourous,and puzzling books, then this is the one for you. It's a puzzle that you just have to solve! (Sep 2008)

Cat in a Red Hot Rage, Carole Nelson Douglas
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Carly, 8th grader
Review: Once again, the one and only Midnight Louie (PI) and Temple Barr (PR) nail another murderer to a wall. While serving justice on a plate to criminals. Midnight Louie provides a series of hilarious riots for all cat/mystery lovers.  (July 2008)

The Christopher Killer, Alane Ferguson
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Courtney, 11th grader
Review: The story was about a girl who wanted to be a forensic pathologist. And when she started to pursue her dream it got her insane mayor in trouble. It can cost her her life.  (August 2008)

Crank, Ellen Hopkins
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Alexis, 8th grader
Review: A girl named Kristina has a split personality. Kristina is the one who who her parents named her to be. Bree is who she wants to be. On one fateful day, her boyfriend asks her if she wants to smoke meth, after that day she becomes hooked and she becomes a person she wanted to be. This person is the worst decision. She ends up in a terrible place that saves her and changes her life forever.  (July 2008)

The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, Dan Brown
Reviewed by: Bobby, 12th grader
Review: Dan Brown's stories The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons are an interesting look at our understanding of science and god. The Da Vinci Code suggest that Jesus was more human than the bible leads us to believe. As our main character, Robert Langdon, finds out the church would prefer not to let us know the truth. In Angels and Demons, Mr. Langdon stumbles upon the discovery that proves there may be a god. A few minutes later they are chasing a crazy group who has left an antimatter bomb planted somewhere within Vatican City. Dan Brown's novels offer an interesting look at religion and how it could be changed. The Good: The prequel was not necessary to understand the 2nd book, which is good because the prequel was released after the original. The Bad: This book uses a fascinating story to mask some rather simple language. Still it is worth the read if you need something to do.

Diary of  Wimpy Kid, Jeff Kinney
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Jordan, 7th grader
Review: It was very interesting. My favorite part was when on Halloween the dad splashed all their candy. The dad thinks Halloween is about dumping a trash can of water on every person who walks by him.  (July 2008)

Drama! The Four Dorothys, Paul Ruditis
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Rebecca, 7th grader
Review: This book is very exciting, especially for a person who loves a great mystery!  This book I would have to put on my favorites list, 5 stars! It is a very interesting book! (July 2008)

Dramarama, e. lockhart
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Rebecca, 7th grader
Review: I give this book an excellent because, personally, I love drama/entertainment books. Also, I am a really girly-girl, and it is a perfect book for any girly-girl, and really, any boy who likes to be entertained while reading a book.  (July 2008)

Ella Enchanted, Gail Carson Levine
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Joann, 8th grader
Review: This was an excellent book, even though it wasn't a book I would have normally read. I really liked this book. It was about a girl named Ella who, when she was a baby, was cursed by a fairy named Lucinoa, who thought she was giving her a the "gift" of obedience. Ella had to be obedient to any order given to her. This caused a huge problem in Ella's life because when someone realized that Ella was always obedient, they would use her to get what they wanted, like money and a super clean house!  (July 2008)

Endwar, Tom Clancy
Rating: 
Reviewed by: Solomon, 9th grader
Review: Canada must choose its side between Russia or the JSF and the EUF as it is the start of the third and final world war. (August 2008)

Feathers, Jacqueline Woodson
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Kyaila, 7th grader
Review: I think this book is excellent because it teaches what a real friend is. And you can't be afraid to move forward. People should read this book! (July 2008)

First Stop, New York, Tracey West
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Kennedy, 6th grader
Review: This book is about 2 rock stars on tour. They have to open for a new girl's rock academy when all the guitars are stolen. While the girls are enjoying New York, they attempt finding the thief of the guitars. They begin to gather clues and sketches in all kinds of places. Will they find the thief before the big concert? Read the book to find out! (July 2008)

Found (Lost, Book 1), Magaret Peterson Haddix
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Erin, 6th grader
Review: I enjoyed this book a lot. Written by my favorite author, it tells the story of two boys seeking out to find their identities and discovering a sci-fi mystery that will change their lives. If you like science fiction, enjoy a mystery or adventure story or are even looking for a good book, I recommend Haddix's Found. (June 2008)

Ghostgirl, Tonya Hurley
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Karla, 7th grader
Review: The main character, Charlotte finds herself dead in about the 4th chapter. All because of a guy and a gummy bear. People who will enjoy this book are the ones who like a perfect mix of romance, action, suspense, and especially ghosts. Charlotte (the main character), has a crush on the most perfect guy in school, Damen, but she's a loser. Also, Damen already has a girlfriend, the most-hated Petula. Charlotte almost dies when herself and Damen get paired up as lab partners in her Physics class. But there's one problem. She dies right after the bell for next period rings. You have to read the book to find out what happens next!  (January 2009)

Gossip Girl: The Carlyles, Cecily Von Ziegesar
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Megan, 10th grader
Review: A new era of Gossip Girl series has begun! Although I was somewhat sad when Cecily changed characters, I was pleasantly surprised with the first installment of the Carlyles series. This book takes a look at the glamorous lives of 3 triplets who just moved to NYC from Nantucket. Although not as addicting as the original Gossip Girl series, this book suited me quite well.  (July 2008)

Halo: The Fall of Reach, Eric Nylund
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Solomon, 9th grader
Review: The interesting story behind the best selling xbox game. It tells how the Master Chief became a Sparten and of how he lost his family but gained a new one. (August  2008)

High Rhulain, Brian Jacques
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Abby, 7th grader
Review: Filled with loveable characters and vivid descriptions of beasts and battles this book is full of action. Stuffed with dialogue there is never a dull moment. This book is also filled with humor and wisecracks. (July 2008)

H.I.V.E., Mark Walden
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Zach, 8th grader
Review: I thought H.I.V.E.  was surprisingly good for a debut novel. Considering every main character but Wing has criminal tendencies, there's always something interesting going on. Otto's sarcastic, dry humor keeps H.I.V.E. from getting too serious. The part where Otto hacks into the Prime Minister's teleprompter was the funniest thing I've read in years. The fight scene where Otto throws the pole to Wing and hits him in the head, knocking him unconscious, is hilarious, and Dr. Nero and his mysterious amulet is a great addition to the plot. This series promises more action, more complex plots, and more humor than most of its competition.  (July 2008)

Huge, Shasha Paley
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Lizzie, 6th grader
Review: April, an overweight teenager girl, has been saving money all year and is totally excited to go to Wellness Canyon, a weight-loss spa. Wil, on the other hand, lives with her rich, fit, gym-owning parents who are embarrassed to have an unhealthy girl. Wil is forced to go to Wellness Canyon, but vows to actually gain weight. The girls start as hateful roommates and end as best friends.  (July 2008)

I Am Not Joey Pigza,  Jack Gantos
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Joanna, 8th grader
Review: This book was a pretty good book. I have read some of the other Joey Pigza books, so I was familiar with the story. I thought this book was good because in the book Joey's dad comes back, after leaving him and his mom. However, Joey is surprised to learn that his father and mother are dating again after their divorce. Then, they have a re-marriage ceremony changing their names, including Joey's, or now he is Freddie. They move to a new house and there is a new baby on the way, and Joey (aka Freddie) doesn't know what to think! Can he forgive his father for not being a read dad? Does he want to be Freddie, or should he be Joey forever? In the end, Freddie's father receives forgiveness, but when the money runs short, Freddie's new dad runs out on them. AGAIN!  (July 2008)

Indian Captive, Lois Lenski
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Karla, 7th grader
Review: This book is about Mary Jemison and how she is captured by Indians. She walks over 2,500 miles to a Seneca village. There she tried to be one with the Indians, and over the course of about 5 or 6 months she is speaking, walking, and looking like a Seneca, clad in deer skin. (July 2008)

Inkheart, Cornelia Funke
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Elizabeth, 6th grader
Review: This book is about a girl named Meggie, and one day her dad reads her a story. From then on, the events and adventures become reality! I would recommend this book! (July 2008)

Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O'Dell
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Melissa, 6th grader
Review: In this story, an Indian girl named Karana is waiting until a ship takes her away. But while she waited, she had to keep herself alive till the ship came to take her to her new home.  (July 2008)

Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O'Dell
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Tabitha, 6th grader
Review: Karana is a native girl and her father dies in a fight. She is left alone on an island. This is an adventure filled book. I recommend it because it is sad and adventure filled.  (July 2008)

It Had to Be You: Gossip Girl Prequel, Cecily Von Ziegesar
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Megan, 10th grader
Review: This book gives closure to the Gossip Girl series, answering reader's questions and giving a look at each character's earlier teenage life. Just as the other books in the series were, this book provides for a scandalous, enticing read. I LOVED this book!  (July 2008)

It Only Looks Easy, Pamela Curtis Swallo
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Emma, 6th grader
Review: This book was the best book I have ever read! It's very interesting because it starts out with life "normal" and then takes a turn for the worse, and later in the story the situation turns out fine. Lastly, this book had a surprise ending that'll knock your socks off! (July 2008)

Just Another Day in My Insanely Real Life, Barbara Dee
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Iris, 6th grader
Review: I would highly recommend this book to any middle schooler. It shares the perspective of a teenage girl who's dad is "out of the picture" and her mom works full time, leaving her and her irresponsible older sister Miranda to watch after her little brother. (July 2008)

Just Joking, Andy Griffiths
Rating: Eh!
Reviewed by: Emma, 6th grader
Review: This book had a lot of outrageous things that a 10-year-old could never do, but it was enjoyable because it was very entertaining and funny.  (July 2008)

Keeper, Mal Peet
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Brandon, 8th grader
Review: The book Keeper by Mal Peet was an excellent piece of literature. It was full of similes and a lot of description which made the book a lot more enjoyable to read. Mal Peet does a great job of allowing the reader to keep up with the ever-changing sequence of events. For example, when the main character, El Gato, travels through a winding path to the turf clearing in the forest the author does not just blandly state what is happening. Mal Peet describes the scene and every aspect of his training with the mysterious keeper. When I read the parts of El Gato's training, Mal Peet brought out his emotions and all he could sense. That allowed me to picture myself in El Gato's  position, training to become the world's greatest goal keeper. I also liked how this took place as an interview in the beginning of the story because El Gato, who was a World Cup champion at the interview, turned it into much more than a plain old interview. I am a soccer player also so it was really cool to read a story about a soccer player who thought he couldn't play soccer, and then the next thing he knew he was a World Cup champion. Overall, the book Keeper by Mal Peet, was an excellent story and I recommend it to all kids who are interested in sports and to all kids who think they aren't good at sports. You never know what you could be good at unless you explore the possibilities. (July 2008)

Leon's Story, Leon Walter Tillage
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Alexis, 8th grader
Review: This book shows the terrible side of the 1930's - 40's - 50's of when blacks were treated like nothing. With barely any rights at all, Leon got the respect he wanted for fighting for what he believed in. To think a black could be murdered by a white and then the police be fine about it is disgusting. Leon fought against that and got the rights that all should have. This shows that if you believe in something and set your mind to it, you can do the impossible.  (July 2008)

The Lightning Thief, Rick Riordan
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Maggie, 7th grader
Review: Wow. Just wow. It jumps right into action. You never want to put it down. Imagine being the center of attention of ALL the monsters in Hades cave. They want to kill you, so you get separated from your one dead connection and thrown into the only safe place - Camp Half-Blood. But basically as soon as you get there you are sent on a quest - out into the world of monsters, trying to save your countries life. (July 2008)

Little Lulu: Letters to Santa, John Stanley and Irving Tripp
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Joanna, 8th grader
Review: I love the Little Lulu series because it has pictures for everything, so it's like a comic book but it's a long book. They make me laugh out loud as they tell of tales Lulu and Tubby get into. For example. one story was about when Lulu and Tubby make a bet about who can not talk for the longest to prove who talked too much! But, Tubby's friend Eddie had a deal that if Eddie got Lulu to talk, and Tubby won, that Tubby would split the money they bet on with him. But, when Eddie, while trying to make Lulu crack, falls out of a tree and gets knocked out for a few short seconds, Eddie then begins to beat Tubby up for not yelling for help just to win the bet. Tubby caves on the bet and say's he's had enough and begs Eddie not to punch him! This book is filled with stories like that, that take place back when, for a kid, a dollar was like ten dollars now!  (July 2008)

Little Lulu: Sunday Afternoon, John Stanley and Irving Tripp
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Joanna, 8th grader
Review: I rated this book excellent because inside the book there are lots of small stories. The book is also like a comic, but it's a pretty big book, so it's like a regular book. It's all about Lulu and her friend Tubby, and the adventures and trouble the get into with their friends as well.  (July 2008)

Looking for Alaska, John Green
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Grace, 9th grader
Review: Miles Halter, a 16 year old guy obsessed with peoples' last words, is going away to boarding school in search of a "Great Perhaps." He becomes friends with "The Colonel" and falls in love with a girl named Alaska. Together they pull pranks and learn about life the hard way. John Green does a fantastic job creating emotions in the book. It made me laugh out loud and cry my eyes out from beginning to end. Looking For Alaska is a book that guys, girls and old people would all enjoy (well, maybe not old people.) (Sep 2008)

Love That Dog, Sharon Creech
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Alexis, 8th grader
Review: A boy named Jack thinks poetry is for girls. He begins to think the poems aren't good. Suddenly, he warms up to poems after he reads a variety of poems. He starts to write poems to his teacher about his yellow dog with his red tongue, and how he came and left Jack's life.  (July 2008)

The Magic Pickle, Scott Morse
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Lindsay, 6th grader
Review: This book was a very humorous book! I really never read comic books, but by reading this one, I found a favorite series! It is about a girl named JoJo who discovers that a super-powered pickle lives in her basement. This book gives you a good laugh when you need some cheering up!  (June 2008)

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment, James Patterson
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Carly, 8th grader
Review: The first book in the Maximum Ride series is extremely enthralling for all teen readers who love a thrilling adventure. It is a nice, quick-read book. I finished it in 2 days. At the end, you feel like you have flown with Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy, and Angel like you'd never had thought. (June 2008)

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment, James Patterson
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Courtney, 11th grader
Review: This story is about 6 bird kids who are being chased by things called Erasers. They want to know who they are and whhere they came from. But they are being stopped at every turn.  (June 2008)

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, James Patterson
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Atlaure, 7th grader
Review: In this totally wicked awesome book Max discovers her destiny, her family that's always been closer than she tought. Can Max out fly these new and improved so-called flyboys? And is Ari really her...BROTHER!?! Read and find out. (July 2008)

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Kate DiCamillo
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Lindsay, 6th grader
Review: This book is one of my favorite books. It is about a porcelain rabbit who learns that everyone needs love in their hearts. This story conveys a powerful message that relates to life and sticks to you. The message in this book helps you understand more about the world. (June 2008)

Pandora's Daughter, Iris Johansen
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Yick, 12th grader
Review: Although this book has fragments that do not flow well throughout the book, it was altogether a good book. There were moments of suspensy, mystery, and foreshadowing, which contributed to the overall thrill of reading it. However, some areas remained dull and still, impinging on the overall strengths of the book.  (July 2008)

Perfect You, Elizabeth Scott
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Megan, 10th grader
Review: Sadly, for Kate, everything is going wrong. Her father sells infomercial vitamins, her best friend pretends she doesn't exist, and she is a social outcast. Luckily, thanks to Will, a true friend, she discovers how to find light in the darkness of her situation. I recommend this book to anyone going through tough times.  (July 2008)

Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Amanda, 9th grader
Review: This action filled book is the third in a series that tells why Peter Pan will never grow up, why he can fly, how Captain Hook lost his hand, and much more. This series is a wonderful read for all teens and is a great prequel to the story of Peter Pan. (July 2008)

Playing With the Boys, Liz Tigelaar
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Mahalia, 6th grader
Review: Playing with the Boys, by Liz Tigelaar, I think, is an excellent book. I think so because it's about a girl who tries out for a boy's football team and makes it!!! It's very inspirational. Also, it's excellent because there's nothing I would change about this book because it was so well written! (July 2008)

Remembering Raquel, Vivian Vande Velde
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Ashton, 7th grader
Review: I enjoyed this book because it really showed that you have to appreciate others differences. Raquel was totally different from others and everyone realized how great she was after a main event.  (July 2008)

Remembering Raquel, Vivian Vande Velde
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Hannah, 7th grader
Review: This book was about how a girl dies and how each person remembers her. This story line almost made me cry because no one liked her until she dies, but the way the author tells the story is great! (July 2008)

Rules, Cynthia Lord
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Joanna, 8th grader
Review: Rules is a great book about a girl's life with an autistic brother. In this book, Catherine shows how she feels and the struggles she goes through while making rules for her brother David to follow. (July 2008)

Rules, Cynthia Lord
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Ashton, 7th grader
Review: I liked this book because it was good for all ages. I also liked it because I thought it taught a good lesson, accept others differences. (July 2008)

Rules, Cynthia Lord
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Jessica, 7th grader
Review: This book was a great book to start off to read in the summer reading program because this book was about a twelve year old girl named Catherine, and her summer. Her brother has autism and making rules is hard for her and her brother, but she finds an acceptance beyond the rules. (July 2008)

Runemarks, Joanne Harris
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Karla, 7th grader
Review: This book was good because it had a lot of suspense. I just wanted to read more and more. This book is for people who like magic.  (July 2008)

Saints of Augustine, P.E. Ryan
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Abby, 7th grader
Review: Charlie and Sam used to be best friends, until Sam mysteriously ended their friendship. Now, one year later, they're thrown together by personal problems. Sam's confused with his attraction to a boy, and Charlie is dealing with a huge debt and a widowed father. This book is filled with humor, and provides a new glimpse into everyday occurrences and the life of the American teenager. It is extremely realistic, and is sure to stick in the minds of readers.  (July 2008)

Sexy, Joyce Carol Oates
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Megan, 10th grader
Review: This book takes the reader into the world of 16 year old Darron Flynn. He struggles to find his true identity in a school full of jocks. On the outside he appears to be a jock with a chiseled swimmer body, but inside he lacks self esteem and confidence. To make matters worse, he goes through a life changing upsetting experience. Read to find out... (July 2008)

The Sign of the Beaver, Elizabeth George Speare
Rating: Eh.
Reviewed by: Matthew, 7th grader
Review: The Sign of the Beaver is an okay book. It is about early pioneering in which a boy's father goes to get the rest of the family and the boy is spotted by Indians. You should read the book and find out what the Indians did to the boy. (June 2008)

The Silmarillion, J.R.R. Tolkien
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Carly, 8th grader
Review: The Silmarillion is a must-have book for all Tolkien enthusiasts. Although it is a difficult book to read, it deeply explains the creation of Middle Earth, the Blessed Lands, and the peoples of Middle Earth. All Tolkien fans will be enthralled with the majestic lore of the Valar and the Elves, as I have. (June 2008)

The Sisters Grimm: Fairy Tale Detectives (#1), Michael Buckley
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Lizzie, 6th grader
Review: The parents of Sabrina and Daphne Grimm were kidnapped. The only clue that was found was a blood red hand print in their abandoned car. The sisters are put in crazy foster homes until their Granny Relda finds them. Their father had always told them that their grandmother had died, so Sabrina suspected that she was an imposter. Granny Relda told crazy stories about the girls being the descendents of the Brothers Grimm. She also said that most fairy tales were actual events done by a secret community of fairy tale creatures called EverAfters. Daphne plays along, but Sabrina gets suspicious until Granny Relda and her companion, Mr. Canis, are carried off by a giant, and the girls are introduced the the family business of solving fairy tale  mysteries. They turn to Jack the Giant Killer for help, but he ends up being a member of the Scarlet Hand, the terrorist group that captured their parents. The girls are destined for a life of adventure and crime solving. (July 2008)

Skin, Adrienne Maria Vrettos
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Megan, 10th grader
Review: Skin was not only a touching, realistic story, but it also opened my eyes. I got to see how dangerous anorexia can be to the patient and the family and friends of that person. For this, I am glad I read this. I learned a lot!  (July 2008)

Skybreaker, Kenneth Oppel
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Matthew, 7th grader
Review: This was an interesting book about a boy who sees a floating airship and sets out on a quest to reach it. I normally wouldn't read a book like this because I normally only read books from various series, but this is just a random book. I am glad I read this book.  (July 2008)

Slam, Nick Hornby
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Chinue, 6th grader
Review: The book is excellent because in the book there is a great couple that love each other. I love books like that. I give this book 5 stars. ***** (July 2008)

The Slippery Map, N.E. Bode
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Katie, 6th grader
Review: The Slippery Map is filled with fun, danger, excitement, and more! The majority of the story is set in another world which Oyster's parents created with their imaginations. The beginning of the story is set in a nunnery in which Oyster tries to be a calm boy, but he does not succeed. I recommend The Slippery Map to readers who love fantasy and dreaming of other worlds. (July 2008)

S.O.S. Titanic, Eve Bunting
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Alexis, 8th grader
Review: A 15-year-old boy named Barry is forced by his grandparents to go and finally meet his real parents. He boards the RMS Titanic and meets new friends and old enemies. Suddenly, the boat begins to toss and turn. Barry, and all the other passengers start to rethink the word "unsinkable"". (July 2008)

Star Wars: Legacy of the Force -  Fury, Aaron Allston
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Solomon, 9th grader
Review: In depth you get to watch as Jacen walks farther and farther down the path of the dark side.  (August 2008)

Star Wars: Legacy of the Force -  Invincible, Troy Denning
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Solomon, 9th grader
Review: The thrilling and stunning final chapter of the Legacy of the Force series. Watch in intense detail as this story reaches its finale.  (August 2008)

Stargirl, Jerry Spinelli
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Hannah, 6th grader
Review: It tells about a girl, Stargirl, who completely stands out and really doesn't care about what others think about her, but it is told by a boy named Leo. Leo is the kind of kid who really cares about what other kids about him. Leo and stargirl start going out and everyone turns against them. Finally leo learns the true meaning of frendship. I would recommend this book because it shows people the meaning of being different in a fun in a creative way. I feel that the book shows why being like everyone else is not always the best thing and everyone needs a little Stargirl in their life! (Sep 2008)

Strawberry Girl, Lois Lenski
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Karla, 7th grader
Review: This book is about a 10-year-old girl nicknamed "Birdie". Her family moves down to Florida from Carolina to grow strawberries. Their neighbors, the Slaters, develop a feud with them, making their hogs and cows trample the strawberries, clipping fences, and killing work animals. (Spoiler) At the end of the book, Mr. Slater changes and is a nice man, and it is a happy ending.  (July 2008)

Tempted: An It Girl Novel, Cecily Von Ziegesar
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Megan, 10th grader
Review: This exciting book gives the reader a look at boarding school life. Just like the other It Girl books, this book provides the reader with abundant drama, action, and juicy dramatic situations. I was so excited to read this book! I cannot wait until November when the next book in the series is released. (June 2008)

Thunder From the Sea, Joan Hiatt Harlow
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Jessica, 7th grader
Review: A thirteen year old named Tom Cambell has always wanted a real family and a real house with his own dog. It's 1929 when he is sent to live and work with fisherman Enoch and his wife. Tom found a dog and named it Thunder, but with his life upside down, fisherman's wife pregnant, will they want Thunder or not? (July 2008)

The Titan's Curse, Rick Riordan
Rating: Good!
Reviewed by: Matthew, 7th grader
Review: This is a great story about modern day Greek gods and other mythological creatures. Then the demigods (children of 1 god and 1 mortal) went and saved Artemis, but many Olympian gods and goddesses almost killed two of the demigods. (June 2008)

Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Melissa, 6th grader
Review: In this book a family drinks from a magic spring giving them a living forever chance, but complications arise when Winnie is followed by a stranger who wants to make the market spring water for a fortune.  (June 2008)

Twilight, Stephenie Meyer
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Megan, 10th grader
Review: This was honestly one of the best books I have ever read. It was well written, intriguing, and romantic. I loved how the ending left me hanging. I could not wait to get my hands on the sequel! (July 2008)

The Wanderer, Sharon Creech
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Karla, 7th grader
Review: This book is about a teenage girl named Sophie who goes on a sailing trip from Connecticut to England to see her grandfather Bompie. She is going with her 3 uncles, Stew, Mo, and Dock, and her 2 cousins, Brian and Cody. On the way, they encounter dolphins, whales, storms, other ships, and fog. This book is told from two logs, Sophie's and Cody's. The chapters are either from Cody's view or Sophie's view. It is a different book than most. (July 2008)

White Fang, Jack London
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Jackie, 8th grader
Review: It starts out seeming like the main character is Henry, a sledder. Wolves destroy all of his dogs, and this his friend, Bill. But soon the main character is one of the wolf cubs, White Fang. It goes through his life filled with violence and betrayal. In the end, he saves a family from a mad man. His new name is "Blessed Wolf".(July 2008)

You Can Observe a Lot by Watching: What I've Learned About Teamwork from the Yankees and Life, Yogi Berra with Dave Kaplan
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: Ryan, 8th grader
Review: This teaches you how to improve your life. Yogi Berra uses his experience to help your life.  (July 2008)

Nonfiction