Sarah's Young Adult Book Blog

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

2009-02-11T13:45:00.002-05:00

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabethe George Speare

A classic YA novel and winner of the Newbery Medal, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, is a work of wonderful historic fiction. It is the story of Katherine "Kit" Tyler, an orphaned girl from Barbados who journeys to Connecticut in 1687. A forward thinking young woman who is thrust into the Puritan society of her aunt and uncle.

Kit is an outsider in the strict community, likened to a tropical bird, she feels isolated and alone. That is until she meets a kindly old woman who has been labeled a witch by the local townspeople. In reality she is not a witch, but a Quaker who is considered to be just as bad by Puritan society.

Not only is this a story of prejudice and isolation, it is a love story. Kit is courted by a local wealthy young man, while having friendships also with a young sailor and a minister-in-training. All of this makes for an interesting love triangle of sorts that has a predictable but happy ending.

Modern teens will be able to identify with Kit's feelings of being an outsider. Most teens will probably not even notice that this book dates from the 1950s since it has such a contemporary feel. I recommend it to all.

Alcatraz versus The Scrivener's Bones

2009-01-06T15:44:00.003-05:00

Alcatraz versus The Scrivener's Bones by Brandon Sanderson

Alcatraz Smedry is back!!! For those of you who read my post on Alcatraz versus The Evil Librarians, you know what a huge Alcatraz Smedry fan I am and how I have stated that this is one of the best books I have ever read, well the sequel to this awesome book did not disappoint.

Picking up a few months after the last book left off, Alcatraz continues his autobiography (published here in the Hushlands as a work of fiction by the author Brandon Sanderson because somebody needs to take the fall if the librarians find out). Alcatraz is without his beloved Grandpa Smedry, who has traveled to the library of Alexandria to fin Alcatraz's father. Alcatraz being a good grandson heads off with a band of relatives and friends to rescue his grandfather from the perilous clutches of a new form of librarian (soul sucking curators), while also being chased by a yet another form of librarian, Scrivener's Bones.

On his side, Alcatraz has flying glass dragon piloted by his cousin Australia (sister to the last book's Sing), his friend and former protector Bastille, Bastille's mother (a knight), and his uncle. Once again, Alcatraz and his group get into some wild and hilarious adventures in a library. This book will leave readers impatiently waiting for the next installment.

I recommend this book to everyone!!

The Hobbit

2009-01-06T15:08:00.003-05:00

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

When talking about classic young adult literature, one must discuss The Hobbit. Published back in 1937, Tolkien originally wrote this fantasy tale for his three sons. It has since went on to touch the hearts and lives of both children and adults alike.

I recently was coerced into reading this book by my husband, a fantasy and Tolkien fan. Knowing its history as a great young adult book, I decided I must read it. I must say that The Hobbit is certainly different from much of the young adult fantasy novels today.

It is the slow-paced tale of Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit who sets out with a group of dwarves and a wizard in search of a dragon's horde. Baggins at the beginning of the story is a reluctant member and only joins the quest on the suggestion of Gandalf the Grey (a real wizard's wizard). You see Hobbits don't do adventures and it is only because of his ancestor, Old Took, that he really has any adventure in him.

Family lines are important to the story and Tolkien does a good job of incorporating them. As any reader of his Lord of the Rings trilogy can attest (The Hobbit is the prequel/companion novel to this set), Tolkien is all about the history and culture of his world. A known linguist, Tolkien even wrote a language for the books, but I am getting off point now.

Back to The Hobbit, the quest for the dragon's horde ends up being a minor part of this book. The real story takes place on the journey to the dragon. This is probably why the subtitle of this book is: There and Back Again. Through the group's journey readers are introduced to the world of Middle Earth, and important aspect of the book for anyone wanting to read The Lord of the Rings.

Overall, I have to say that this book is definitely finer literature than most young adults are use to. It is very slow-placed, but the characters are wonderful and enduring. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read The Lord of the Rings or who enjoys in depth description in their fantasy novels.

Ink Exchange

2008-12-17T11:01:00.004-05:00

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

In this sequel to Marr's daring fairy tale, Wicked Lovely, the reader follows the life of one of Aislinn's friends, Leslie. Leslie, a minor character in the first book, is a troubled seventeen-year-old girl whose life has been turned upside down. Her mother has abandoned the family; her father is an alcoholic, and her brother is a drug addict who has even sold Leslie for drugs.

Leslie keeps her dark life secret from Aislinn, who has become more distant now that she is the Summer Queen (Leslie does not know this). Leslie believes that her way to free herself from her past is to get a tattoo. She feels that the marking of her skin will truly make her belong to her. However, Leslie is unaware that the Dark Court has been using the tattoo parlor she frequents to suck the emotions from mortals and that the Dark King himself has taken an interest in her.

Along with Leslie, the reader is given more background on Niall, another minor character from the first book. Niall is a former member of the Dark Court who possesses an unusual and dangerous talent. He also has a history with the Dark King, Irial.

Irial is the third main character of this book. In him, the reader sees not only the darkside, but the good trying to come through in some small way. We learn that being a king is not all that it is cracked up to be.

I found this book to be much more fast paced than the first one and actually even better than its predecessor. I highly recommend it to readers of the first book; it will not disappoint.

Warning: Contains drug and alcohol use, sexual references, references to rape, and foul language.

The Sea of Monsters

2008-10-27T15:14:00.003-04:00

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

A little note of disclaimer on this book, it is the second in a series and I just realized I never reviewed the first book, The Lightening Thief. The first book is awesome and a great read for middle schoolers on up. I especially like to recommend it to my boys who are a little reluctant to read.

This book picks up about a year after the last one. Percy Jackson, our hero, is a demigod or hero (the son of Poseidon and a mortal woman). Percy spent the first twelve years of his life not knowing his true identity, that is until a centaur and a satyr found him and brought him to Camp Half-blood, a summer camp for demigods.

In the first book, Percy goes on a quest with his satyr pal Grover and another half-blood named Annabeth to retrieve the lightening bolt of Zeus. Now, Percy must save his beloved camp as well as his best satyr friend. With the help of Annabeth and a baby cyclops, Percy journeys into the Sea of Monsters to save Grover and bring back the one thing that will save the camp.

Deterring Percy on his quest is the new activities director for the camp, Tantalus, and an evil half-blood named Luke. Percy also faces his normal disadvantages, such as being unlucky and dyslexic, not to mention being one of the least favorite person of some of the gods. Did I also mention all the monsters he will have to face along the way? Hey, it is all in a day's work for a thirteen-year-old hero.

I really enjoyed this book. I find Percy to be an every man's hero and a good role model to kids who may feel like they don't fit in or who struggle academically/socially. I once again recommend this book to middle schoolers on up (upper elementary would probably enjoy it as well).

Private

2008-10-24T13:10:00.003-04:00

Private by Kate Brian

Never have I read a novel so lacking in any kind of moral fiber or general humanity as this book. Private is all about Reed Brennan a fifteen-year-old girl from small town America who has just received a scholarship to attend a prestigious private boarding school. Reed brings to this wealthy school little money and a lot of baggage.

At Easton, her new school, Reed meets the Billings Girls, a group of rich girls who live in the best dorm on campus. Reed learns from them to forget about herself and do what the others want with little or no consequence for their actions. I was sickened by how Reed went from a girl who didn't care if she was popular to a girl who only went to this new school to be popular.

The characters seemed very one-dimensional filling in stereotypes found so commonly in young adult literature (I use the term literature very loosely here). There was no moral growth of any kind from the characters and in the end Reed succumbs to the pressures of the cool girls and does whatever they say with little to no resistance.

Unless you are dying to read a vapid, shallow read with nothing to it, I suggest you stay far away from this book.

Note: Sexual situations, Foul language, Drinking and Drug use

Gregor the Overlander

2008-10-18T12:23:00.003-04:00

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

I just finished listening to Gregor the Overlander. This is a fantasy story about an eleven-year-old boy (Gregor) and his two-year-old sister (Boots) who fall down a shaft in their New York City laundry room into an underground world. In this world, humans live side-by-side with giant bats and cockroaches.

Gregor, whose father disappeared two years ago, learns that his falling into the Underland was prophesied centuries ago. He is the one who will be the "warrior;" the one who will defeat the evil giant rats and bring light to the Underland. Gregor doesn't see himself as a warrior, just as a kid who is trying to get him and his sister home.

Gregor, much like Frodo Baggins of Lord of the Rings fame, is sent on a quest with several inhabitants of the Underland, including two members of the human royal family and two cockroaches. Along the way the group encounters mental and physical challenges that tests the group's strength and resilience. An action-packed adventure reminiscent of Lord of the Rings or The Lightening Thief, young readers will enjoy the story of Gregor, an unusual hero of extraordinary talents.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and look forward to the next installment, I did not care much for the reader on the audiobook version. I highly recommend this book, especially for middle schoolers, but suggest maybe skipping the audio version.

Vampire Kisses

2008-10-08T11:48:00.002-04:00

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber

Have you ever been the odd man out? Have you ever felt like an outcast? Well, if you have you are in the same boat as Raven Madison. Raven is the goth chic at her all preppie school. Her town is so boringly suburbia that she has nicknamed it Dullsville.

Live in Dullsville is pretty horrible for Raven. She is constantly being bullied by soccer snob Trevor. She only has one friend, a farm girl named Becky, and her once cool hippie parents have fallen under Dullsville's spell. Raven feels all alone, until one day when she sees a mysterious figure standing in the attic window of the abandoned mansion in town.

Raven starts to investigate and even breaks into the mansion to discover the secrets of the new family who has recently taken up residence. Her snooping leads her to Alexander, the seventeen-year-old, home schooled only child of the family. Alexander is the man of Raven's dreams. A goth guy who sleeps all day and is as misunderstood as Raven.

Tension rises between Raven and her new beau Alexander when Trevor begins to spread rumors that Alexander and his family are vampires. Could this be true? It would mean the answer to Raven's biggest wish, to be a vampire, but is she ready for eternity?

Although this book is in the vampire genre, it is all about acceptance and being different. Teens who love books like Twilight will enjoy this tale of young love, but so will those teens who have ever felt like an outcast. It is also a nice quick read; I read it in a day. This book is the first in a series, so those who enjoyed this first book can get more of Raven and Alexander.

Warning: Contains sexual situations and inappropriate language

Doomed Queen Anne

2008-10-04T10:08:00.002-04:00

Doomed Queen Anne by Carolyn Meyer

Another book in the Young Royals series (see Beware, Princess Elizabeth), this book follows the life of Anne Boleyn, second wife to King Henry VIII and mother to Queen Elizabeth I. Readers are introduced to Anne at thirteen when she is in France and reuniting with her older sister Mary, mistress to the King. We are then taken back to when she was just six years-old and sent away for the first time.

The most intriguing parts of this book start when Anne leaves France to join the court of King Henry VIII. Anne starts off as a sweet girl who is trying to over come her deformities (a sixth finger on one hand and a large mole) and her dominating older sister. As the years go by, Anne is turned from a sweet young girl into a manipulative woman bent on becoming queen, even though there is already one.

Anne plays a complicated game of cat and mouse as she lures the King to her. It is interesting to see how the King at first loves her and then discards her for another. It would be fascinating to read his side of this story, but alas at over forty in this book, he does not qualify as a "young royal."

Once again, I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction or who want to learn more about Anne Boleyn. It is a quick read that would be perfect for a rainy weekend.

Beware, Princess Elizabeth

2008-10-04T09:50:00.004-04:00

Beware, Princess Elizabeth by Carolyn Meyer

Beware, Princess Elizabeth follows the life of England's Queen Elizabeth I, from her father's death to her coronation. Meyer does an excellent job of introducing teen readers to the life of someone they have no doubt heard of, but know little about. Even this adult reader learned a lot from this book, but I'm not sure how much is fact versus fiction.

Told from the perspective of Elizabeth, the story spans eleven years. Readers will be intrigued by Elizabeth's patience as she first lives through her nine-year-old brother's reign as king (a mere six years), where she watched as her brother was controlled like a puppet by his two maternal uncles. Then, Elizabeth must suffer through the rule of her sister, Mary, as she burns Protestants at the stake and imprisons Elizabeth.

The book not only gives readers a look at Elizabeth's life, but also but what life was like for the ruling class in 16th century England. Courtly manners are observed as well as strange customs, such as Elizabeth being required to attend the birth of the next heir to the throne. There is also some political material as we learn of the two Seymour brothers (Elizabeth's brother Edward's uncles) and there goal of seizing power for themselves, and the use of marriage to gain power.

Overall, this book does a wonderful job of introducing readers to Elizabeth and proves to be a quick read. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially fans of the Dear America: Royal Diaries books. This book too is part of a series, Young Royals, other women such as Anne Boleyn, Bloody Mary, Catherine of Aragon and more are the subject of the others in this series.

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch

2008-10-04T09:20:00.004-04:00

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney

This is the first book in a fantasy series that follows the trial and tribulations of thirteen-year-old Thomas Ward. Tom, born the seventh son to a seventh son, is starting his apprenticeship, but instead of being a farmer or a blacksmith, Tom is going to be a Spook. Spooks protect the people of the county from the supernatural: witches, ghosts, boggards, etc. Each county has a Spook and it is a thankless but important task.

Spooks are almost as feared as the creatures they hunt. Old Gregory, Tom's mentor, has had 29 apprentices, some who have lived, some who have fled, and some who have died. Tom, it is prophesied, will be Gregory last apprentice and he has a lot to learn about his trade. One thing he needs to learn, never trust a girl with pointy shoes.

As we follow Tom through his first few months of training, we are given the basic understanding of what a Spook is and how Tom isn't ready to be one. As young heroes are apt to do, Tom messes up in a big way, but is determined to clean-up his own mistake. At times his naivete is frustrating, but the reader is compelled to keep reading.

Young readers will enjoy the adventure as well as the fantasy aspects of this story. While older readers will want to delve further into Tom and Gregory's world. I found this book quite enjoyable and I look forward to reading the sequel. I not only recommend this book to middle school and up, but I also recommend the audiobook which is done quite nicely as well.

Pretties

2008-09-02T13:04:00.003-04:00

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

In this sequel to Uglies, readers are taken from the "ugly-side" of Tally Youngblood's teenage life to the "pretty-side." It is a few months after the pretty operation and Tally has fallen in with a popular clique of teens, The Crims. The Crims are made-up of past uglies who use to pull pranks and other tricks. Tally is a legend among them since she use to actually live in the Smoke, with *gasp* ugly adults.

Tally no longer remembers her mission, to distribute the cure to the bubbleheaded pretties. She is just interested in staying "bubbly" and hanging out with the leader of The Crims, Zane. David is just a distant memory, thanks in part to the operation and memory modification by the evil Dr. Cable, but things change in Tally's life when someone from her past resurfaces.

Tally then must fight, fight the pretties, fight the specials, and fight her best friend Shay. She must also find a way out of her gilded cage, a cage she might not want to leave. Readers of the previous book will find this a nice continuation of the storyline and the cliffhanger ending will leave you wanting more (the third book is entitled Specials).

Just like Uglies, Pretties is a great book for those who like light sci-fi stories. There is something in it for everyone: action, adventure, cool technology, romance, and teens fighting the system. It is also a great series for those looking for a series of books to read. I recommend it to all.

Warning: Contains teenage alcohol use and mentions sex.

When I Crossed No-Bob

2008-08-21T13:30:00.002-04:00

When I Crossed No-Bob by Margaret McMullan

Set against the backdrop of 1875 Mississippi, When I Crossed No-Bob is the story of twelve-year-old Addy O'Donnell. Addy's pappy ran away a few years ago leaving Addy and her momma to try to eek out a life in post-Civil War rural Mississippi. Life is proving to hard for Addy's momma so she leaves Addy behind and strikes off for Texas and Addy's pappy.

Left by herself at the wedding of two strangers Addy is taken in by the newlyweds, Frank and Irene Russell. It is with great trepidation that Frank (star of McMullan's How I Found the Strong) takes Addy in, after all she is a no-good O'Donnell. O'Donnells are known for two things, being the meanest people to ever walk this earth and living in the swamp of No-Bob.

Addy tries to prove her worth to the Russells as she deals with not only her own misfortunes but those of a state and a county trying to come back from a war that literally tore our country apart. Topics such as poverty, independent rule and most importantly racism are dealt with by Addy and in the end she will have to decide if she is her own person or if she is nothing more than an O'Donnell.

Readers will find Addy endearing and many readers will be able to connect with Addy on a personal level. Whether you have had a hard life, grown-up in a rural area, had a family reputation that wasn't so good, been abandoned by your parents, or just felt like an outsider where ever you went, you will see yourself in Addy. And through her struggles, maybe you will find out a little about yourself as well.

I think that it is important to note her that McMullan does an excellent job of dealing with the topic of racism and that children today could benefit from the lessons taught in this book. There are however terms that were common in the time period (1875) that might offend some readers. However, it is this realism that makes the book that much more realistic and powerful.

Fabulous Terrible: The Adventures of You

2008-07-24T15:47:00.002-04:00

Fabulous Terrible: The Adventures of You by Sophie Talbot

I just finished reading a new book, Fabulous Terrible: The Adventures of You. This fantasy novel that revolves around a foster kid who goes to boarding school is different than any book I have ever read; it may even be the first of its kind on the market. What makes this book different is the main character, it is you.

The book is published by Chooseco, who is famous for their Choose Your Own Adventure line of books. I know as a kid I was an avid reader of them. Remember: dying in the books doesn’t count if you still have you hand on the previous page. Similar to those books you are the main character, however you do not have to choose any paths in this one it is straightforward story.
I must admit that I wasn’t too into the main character being me, because I know I’m not that person and I just couldn’t feel like it was me. However, I must admit that once I got past the “you look around” stuff, I found an actually really good fantasy chick-lit book.

As I mentioned already, the story takes place at a boarding school and you are a foster kid who has just received a full scholarship to the elite private school. You are different from the rest of the kids, not only because you do not have parents or money, but because you also have the power to see the future. A secret you are vehemently hiding.

Things do not go well for you at your new school as you are trying to hide your secret and being plagued by someone out to get you, perhaps the rich girl you ticked off the first day of school. There are definitely some twists and turns in this book, enough to make you want the sequel, Fabulous Terrible: The Adventures of You: Chloe to come out sooner than October. I definitely recommend this book to those out there who love chick-lit with a fantasy twist or those looking for a good light read.

Warning: Contains bad language.

Confessions of a Teen Nanny: Rich Girls

2008-07-17T17:20:00.002-04:00

Confessions of a Teen Nanny: Rich Girls by Victoria Ashton

If you have read previous entries in this blog, then you know at least one thing, I am a sucker for sequels. I can't get enough of them. If it was me every book would have at least one. That is the reason I completely devoured this book after reading Confessions of a Teen Nanny.

SPOILER ALERT: DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST BOOK OR DO NOT WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS

This book takes place one week after the previous book ended and we once again find Adrienne and Liz babysitting the same spoiled kids. This book evolves around Adrienne trying to win her boyfriend back and Cameron trying to win Deb of the Year. To top it all off Liz, is worried that something is going on with Parker behind her back.

With the same poor girls in a rich girl world theme of the last book, this book leaves New York City for the snowy slopes of Aspen. It also introduces the new character of Grumpus, an imaginary friend with way too much power. The book also leaves the reader hanging at the end, prompting them to go out and read the third book in this series, Confessions of a Teen Nanny: Juicy Secrets. I can assure you that in the near future you will see a review of this third book on this blog.

I have really enjoyed this series so far, except for one thing. I keep wondering why these rich families are hiring teenage (high school) girls to watch their kids instead of college students or professionals. It is explained that the Warners can't get anyone, but I can't believe they scraped the bottom of the barrel yet. It leaves me to believe that this book might have been written just to be sold to the YA market; I hope that this is not the case.

Warning: Contains teenage alcohol and drug use.

Confessions of a Teen Nanny

2008-07-11T13:34:00.002-04:00

Confessions of a Teen Nanny by Victoria Ashton

I was recently in my local dollar store when I came across a book I had been wanting to read, Confessions of a Teen Nanny. I was so excited to find this book and for only a $1 too. I recently went on a vacation and began the book on the long car trip home. It was such a good book I read it in one day (it is pretty short at around 200 pages).

This is the story of Adrienne Lewis, a junior in high school, who attends the most prestigious public school in New York City and who has just started a nanny position for one of New York's richest families. Unfortunately for Adrienne, with this new high paying job comes a bratty genius kid, an overbearing never there mother, and a seventeen-year-old wild child rich witch who is out to steal Adrienne's boyfriend.

A Nanny Diaries for teenagers, readers are introduced to the hideous side of New York's wealthy upper society. Ashton, who in her bio reports to be an elite private school alum who has socialized with the upper class, is probably a socialite in disguise, however she does not curb any of her punches thrown towards the fictional families in this book.

Betrayal is an underlying theme of this book as Adrienne learns that the rich teen queen, Cameron is not really her friend, and that boyfriends and jobs are not forever. Adrienne's best friend and fellow nanny, Liz, also learns some lessons of her own as the story flashes from one girl's experiences to the other. Overall this book is great for lovers of chick-lit or books about the upper class.

This is the first in a series of books.

Warning: This book contains underage alcohol and drug consumption, as well as descriptions of sexual situations.

Incantation

2008-06-24T16:49:00.002-04:00

Incantation by Alice Hoffman

For those readers who are looking for a quick read that is well-written and touches on a serious topic, Incantation is the book for you. Today most people believe that the only time that the Jewish people have been persecuted was during the Holocaust; Hoffman's book sheds light on a different time period of hatred and genocide.

It is the dawn of the 16th century and Estrella is a sixteen-year-old girl living in Spain. Estrella thinks of nothing but getting married and always living next door to her best friend. However, her world is suddenly turned to darkness when the evil monster of hatred shows its face in her small town.

The Jews, who have been either forced to convert to Catholicism or live in a ghetto, are facing more and more persecution. Now, as in Nazi Germany, neighbor has turned against neighbor, turning in Jews who were pretending to be Catholic. The bodies and books are burning as Estrella's life and her family are changed for ever.

This book touches on a serious topic through the eyes of a teenager. A quick read for those who enjoy historical fiction. I recommend it to all.

Mob Princess: For Money and Love

2008-06-23T15:46:00.003-04:00

Mob Princess: For Money and Love by Todd Strasser

I have to start out by saying that it took me less than a day to read this awesome book!! I first heard of the Mob Princess series about a month and half ago when I attended a conference where Todd Strasser was speaking. Strasser is known for his wonderful serious young adult fiction such as, Give a Boy a Gun. However, he has actually written over 120 books including some that might be known as guilty pleasure reads. When speaking about his books, Strasser made the comment that after he writes a serious book he likes to write a fun one, the Mob Princess is considered one of his "fun books."

I must say that I was a little skeptical about reading a book about a teenage girl written by a middle-aged man. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well Strasser wrote the character of Kate. She seems more than girl; she is a human being.

Kate, is the sixteen-year-old daughter of Sonny Blessing (head of the Blessing Organization), and as the title implies her father's business is a mafia-type organization. On the day that Kate breaks-up with her boyfriend, everything in her world falls apart. A rival organization is trying to take over her dad's territory, her mom is leaving her dad, her dad is cheating yet again on her mom, and her thirteen-year-old brother is as clueless as always.

With Kate's father having to deal with her mother and his girlfriend, Kate is left to help run the family business. This leads to her enlisting the help of her extremely loose best friend, Randi, in an armored car robbery and meeting with the son of the rival family's boss.

Kate is trying to be a normal teenager, but is that even possible in her family, especially when she has gone and complicated things further by falling for Nick Blatteria, her father's enemy's son? This is a trilogy, so Kate has at least three books to fix everything. I recommend this book to lovers of chick mafia books or just chick-lit in general.

Warning: Contains alcohol usage and sexual content.

Masquerade

2008-06-23T15:19:00.002-04:00

Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz

This sequel to Blue Bloods picks up a few weeks after the last book ended. Schulyer's grandmother has just completed her cycle, thanks to an attack by a Silver Blood, and Schulyer has traveled to Venice to find the only person who can help her, her grandfather.

Schulyer's grandfather, Lawrence, has been separated from the family for centuries now, but he is the foremost expert on Silver Bloods. While dealing with the past attacks, which have thankfully stopped, Schulyer must deal with her loss of family, her mother's coma, and her feelings about two different boys, not to mention the fact that she is a half-vampire. The book really goes into Schulyer's new relationships both with Jack, the cute vampire who is promised to his twin sister, and Oliver, her Human Conduit.

Schulyer is torn between the two boys, just as she is torn between her two halves. Her blood is literally battling it out for control of her and she is starting to feel the need to feed. Double identities seems to be a theme throughout this book, hence the name Masquerade. No one knows who the Silver Bloods are, people are falling in love with the wrong people, and the true revelations have begun with the 400 ball (where the true name or angel name of each teen is revealed).

For those teens or adults who loved the first book this book is not a disappointment, in fact I found it better than the first reading it in a mere two days. In a world where vampire fiction is ruling the best seller lists, this book only furthers readers love for the blood drinking romancers who walk the night. A must read for those who love elitism fiction or vampire fiction.

Warning: This book contains foul language, alcohol usage, and graphic sexual content.

Wicked Lovely

2008-06-20T17:52:00.002-04:00

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

This is not your typical fairy story. If you go into this book thinking it will be a happy-go-lucky sweet tale, you might as well put the book down before you even open it. This is a tale of the dark side of the fairy world, a side known to few humans. Only those humans gifted with “the sight” can see the fairies and the dastardly deeds they get up to, only those like Aislinn.

Aislinn has always been able to see the fairies; a fact that she has to keep hidden or they might blind or kill her. It is a gift she inherited from her mother and grandmother. The only way Aislinn can keep herself safe is to follow the rules. Rule #1 Don’t let the fairies know you can see them, Rule #2 Fairies are hurt by holy people and holy symbols, and Rule #3 Fairies cannot go near steel.

Aislinn is lucky enough to have a best friend who happens to live in an old train car, made of steel. His home is one of her few fairy free areas, but not even the train car can protect her from her feelings about the new fairy in town. Torn between her love for her best friend and her loathing/infatuation with the fairies, Aislinn is placed into a world that few authors have explored.

I found the premise of this book extremely interesting. Aislinn is not your typical fantasy hero, her best friend has tattoos and lives life more on the dangerous side, while she frequently thinks about sex and stays out late on school nights. Those older teens who are a little bit of a rebel with feel a connection to Aislinn while traditional fantasy fans will find the world of the fairies darker and more intriguing than most. I look forward to reading the sequel, Ink Exchange.

Warning: This book contains alcohol usage, sexual content, foul language, and general adult situations.

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy

2008-06-20T15:39:00.004-04:00

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

I found this sequel of I’d Tell You I Love, but Then I’d Have to Kill You actually better than the first book. Readers are brought back to Gallagher Academy, in this book about teenage girl spies, a few weeks after the last book ended. Cammie “the Chameleon” Morgan is dealing with the aftermath of her ill-fated romance with normal townie Josh and the fact that something is going on at Gallagher that she has not been informed about.

This time Cammie is facing not only a broken heart, but a secret that could change Gallagher Academy and its girls forever. Cammie and her friends will have to once again put their spy skills to the test as they figure out what the headmistress, Cammie’s mother, is hiding. I don’t want to give it away, but the secret is sure to thrill loyal female readers and have them begging for yet another book in this series.

On the relationship front, Cammie will have to use all of her girl skills, as lacking as they are, to deal with the fact that she can no longer see Josh (government order). Let’s just say that becomes harder than she thinks it will be. Once again, female readers will enjoy seeing the typical teenage girl side of Cammie, but without the amount of angst that was in the previous book.

I highly recommend this book to girls of all ages, just make sure you read the first book first or you may be completely lost.

An Abundance of Katherines

2008-05-03T11:05:00.003-04:00

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

After reading Green's Looking for Alaska and hearing the author speak, I was really excited to read An Abundance of Katherines. I had originally shied away from the book thinking it would be yet another whiny book about a boy being dumped; I was wrong. I dare say, this book was better than Looking for Alaska, in fact it is probably the best buddy road trip book I have ever read.

I know what you are thinking, "Sarah, didn't you just say this was about a boy getting dumped?", yes it is, but it is also about a road trip. The main character Colin, a child prodigy that feels washed-up at age 17, has been dumped by his 19th Katherine. You see, he only dates girls named Katherine, K-A-T-H-E-R-I-N-E, no C Catherines, Katies, Kates, or Kathys need apply. Now his Muslim American best friend, Hassan, wants to take him on a road trip to get him out of his dump funk.

The book centers around the boys journey to Gutshot, Tennessee (for all of you anagramers out there like Colin, this turns into: See Teens Not Thugs), where they meet Lindsey Lee Wells and her mom. It is here that Colin begins to theorize about dumpers and dumpees and how you can break a relationship down into a mathematical equation.

It is an interesting premise for a book. Two boys, one a prodigy the other a hilarious Muslim American, go on a road trip and discover friendship and mathematical equations along the way. I really recommend it to anyone looking for a great novel that isn't your typical YA fare.

Note: This book does contain graphic language, alcohol use and sexual situations.

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians

2008-04-05T12:36:00.002-04:00

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson

I just got done reading one of the best books ever!!! I don’t usually give books a five star rating, but this one I had to, maybe because I myself am a librarian (but not an evil one I am undercover bringing down the evil librarians here in Hushland). This book has it all, action, adventure, cool gadgets, magic, and best of all lots of humor.
The book is told as if it is the true story of Alcatraz Smeadry, hero of the Free Kingdoms. Alcatraz is a thirteen-year-old kid who has never known his real parents and who has been shuffled from foster home to foster home because of his tendency to break things. Alcatraz in the book defines himself as not a nice person and is out to dispel the myth that he is some great hero.

Everything in Alcatraz’s life changes on his thirteenth birthday when he receives his inheritance from his parents, a bag of sand. From there he meets his eccentric grandpa, Leavenworth Smeadry, a famous occulator who tells Alcatraz about the Free Kingdoms and the evil librarians, who have stolen his bag of sand. There are more Smeadrys and other interesting characters in this novel, including a thirteen-year-old female knight, a 6’5” anthropologist weapons’ lover named Sing, and a babbling Quentin Smeadry. The Smeadrys are out to save the Free Kingdoms and stop the evil librarians.

I would love to tell you more about this book, but some of my fellow librarians are coming my way. All I can say is if you can find this book read it!!! I will be back with more Smeadry updates as soon as the sequel has been smuggled here into the Hushland.

Skulduggery Pleasant

2008-03-27T13:42:00.002-04:00

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

Yet another wonderful fantasy novel from an Irish author! Maybe it is the reach history of fairies and leprechauns that comes from Ireland that makes its authors so good at telling original fantasy stories for kids. This time author Landy invites readers to the magical world of skeleton detective Skulduggery Pleasant.

Along with Stephanie, a young girl who has just inherited her late uncle's estate, we are introduced to a world of magic most mortals know nothing about. Skulduggery, a snappy dresser not to mention a hysterically funny elemental mage, is our guide into this world. Formerly human, but now a magical skeleton, Skulduggery is out to stop the evil Serpentine from stealing the scepter of the ancients. Stephanie is the key to it all and it his job to protect her and also take her under his wing.

Now, I must admit that this whole story is of course fantasy, but I did find it hard to believe that an immortal skeleton detective would pick a twelve-year-old girl to be his new partner, even if her uncle was his friend. Besides this little bit, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it for upper elementary to adults. I especially enjoyed the audio version which includes an interview with Skulduggery himself at the end. Can't wait for Landy's next installment in this good versus evil series.

Looking for Alaska

2008-03-19T12:09:00.002-04:00

Looking for Alaska by John Green

When I first picked up this book I assumed it would take place in Alaska, boy was I wrong. It turns out that Alaska is the name of a girl. Alaska is the new friend of Miles Halter. Miles is the main character, but the story is about both of them.

You see Miles has just started his junior year at a new boarding school in Alabama. Miles doesn't have a lot of friends at his public school in Florida and hopes things will be different as he searches for his "great perhaps."

Every character in this book as a certain quirk that doesn't necessarily define them, but more accentuates their personality. Miles is obsessed with last words. Alaska collects books and plans on someday reading most of them. Miles' roommate, Chip, is a genius who memories the capitals of countries for fun. There is even a Japanese rapper in their eccentric group.

Together the four struggle to find their place in this world and to solve the last words of one man, "how will I ever escape this labyrinth?" If you are looking for a touching coming of age story with some edge and depth to it, this book is for you. I found this book to be different than anything I had read before. It is a great book for older teens and adults alike.

Note: There is graphic language, sexual descriptions, alcohol, drug, and tobacco use in this book.

Memoirs of a Teeange Amnesiac

2008-03-01T11:55:00.002-05:00

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

Imagine forgetting the past four years of your life. That’s what has happened to sixteen-year-old Naomi. Due to an accident, Naomi has forgotten all about her parents’ divorce, her mother’s new family, her dad’s fiancée, her boyfriend, her best friend, how to drive, and much more. For Naomi, it is like waking up in the life of a different person.

With the help of the new boy at school, James, and her best friend Will, Naomi begins to put her life back together and tear it down again. Naomi does not like the life the girl she was had picked for herself, so Naomi begins to change it. This confuses those around her who liked the old popular and cool Naomi to the new one.

This book really is a deep read. There are several difficult topics that Naomi must deal with including: sex, her adoption, and her mother’s affair. After finding out about Naomi’s life, it is no wonder her brain has decided to forget it.

Adding to the mix of Naomi’s life is the self-destructive James. James is the one who discovers Naomi after her accident and she is immediately in love with her. However, James has problems of his own, problems he wishes he could forget like Naomi did. This relationship along with Naomi’s relationship to Will and her boyfriend, Ace, all add to the depth of this book.

I really recommend this book to older teens and adults. It is a different take on the typical amnesiac storyline and it has enough emotion, depth, and heart to really affect the reader.

The Will of the Empress

2008-03-01T11:29:00.004-05:00

The Will of the Empress by Tamora Pierce

A surprise addition to Pierce’s two magic circle series (The Magic Circle and The Circle Opens), this book rejoins Tris, Daja, Sandry, and Briar as they meet up once again. The four are now eighteen and have seen a lot in their short lives. Their magical connection has been closed, much to the dismay of Sandry, due to the others wanting to keep their now adult thoughts to themselves.

In a bit of a road trip book, the four travel to Namorn, Sandry’s mother’s homeland, to inspect Sandry’s lands there. As always, trouble follows the magical siblings. This time an evil empress named Berenene dor Ocmore wants to keep Sandry in Namorn in order to keep her money there, she also wants the four as powerful mages. Being strong willed the four will play by nobody’s rules but their own.

Now that the four are grown-up, the book is more grown-up too. Issues of love, rape, murder, and kidnapping are all prevalent throughout the book. Pierce also delivers on her promise to include more homosexual characters into her books as one of the main characters discovers their true sexuality.

Fans of Pierce’s work will not be disappointed as she weaves together (just like Sandry) magic, adventure, love, and friendship. This book has it all and will keep you wanting more. I only hope for another unexpected sequel about four of my favorite fantasy characters.
As a side note, this book is available in a full cast audio version. The audio version is narrated by the author herself and is done extremely well. The music and cast fit the story perfectly and add to this wonderful novel.

Rebel Angels

2008-02-07T14:21:00.000-05:00

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

The sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty.

This story picks up a few months after the last book ended (warning there are spoilers to book one in this review so if you haven't read the first book stop reading now!!!!). Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are about to celebrate Christmas, but they don't want to seperate for the holidays.

Together the three concoct a story about Ann being Russian noblity in order for her to stay with Felicity. They just have to be together so that they can continue to enter the realms and search for the mysterious Temple, the only thing that can bind the magic now that Gemma has destroyed the runes. They also have to discuss a new mysterious teacher who has arrived at Spence.

As the girls journey into the realms, they meet new and old friends and enemies. Pippa is still in the realms, but this is worrisome since it is only a matter of time before she will turn evil. There are also new people in the realms such as the Gorgon and the Untouchables.

Back in the real world, the girls are dealing with family issues. Ann's cousins want her to be their governess, Gemma is falling in love and dealing with her father's addiction, and Felicity has a new sister and an old dark secret. Not to mention the fact that they still haven't found Circe!!!

For anyone who has read the first book, this is a must read. For anyone who hasn't read the first book, what are you waiting for!!!! I can't wait to read the final book in this triliogy.

The Death Collector

2008-02-02T11:49:00.001-05:00

The Death Collector by Justin Richards

I found this mystery a little unusual. I don't know if I would clasify it as science fiction, fantasy, or both. Throw in the fact that it takes place in 19th century London, and you have one super cross-genre book.

This is the story of a pickpocket, an industrialist millionaire, a vicar's daughter, a knight of the Brititsh Empire, and a lowly museum clerk. The story begins when a young pickpocket named Eddie picks the wrong pocket.

The pocket that Eddie picks belongs to George who works at the British Museum. Two of George's collegues have just been murdered over some journals belonging to a scientist. George has in his possession the last surviving page of the final journal.

I don't want to go into too much detail, but the book does involve mechanical men and dinosaurs. To discover what else happens to Eddie, George, and the rest, you will just have to read The Death Collector by Justin Richards.

A Great and Terrible Beauty

2008-01-30T16:59:00.000-05:00

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Let me just start off by saying that this was an awesome fantasy novel. I couldn't wait to read the second book in this trilogy.

A Great and Terrible Beauty is the story of Gemma Doyle, an English sixteen-year-old. Gemma has spent her whole life in India, but has recently been sent to an English finishing school. Strange things start to happen to Gemma and she discovers that she is the last member of a secret magical group called "The Order."

On top of her magical powers, Gemma has to deal with a lot of turmoil in her life. Her family is a complete mess. She is hated by the other girls at school and to top it all off a strange boy keeps following her.

I really recommend this book to any teenage girl who loves fantasy. I do warn you that at times you can't put the book down and at others it is kind of slow. The girls can at times be whiny and there are confusing homosexual undertones even though none of the girls is gay (not stated in book). Overall, I would really recommend this book to a mature reader and especially adults, it is a great crossover novel.

The Seventh Tower: The Fall

2008-01-18T14:26:00.000-05:00

The Seventh Tower: The Fall

By: Garth Nix

Tal lives a really sheltered life. He has never left “the Castle,” home to the seven orders, including his own orange order. The world he lives in is completely dark, the sun is hidden behind a thick mist called the veil, and the only light in the Castle and its seven towers are the lights from sunstones.

Sunstones are one of the most important things in Tal’s world. They give them light, heat, create music, act as weapons, heal people, tell time, and most importantly, they allow entry into the shadow world, Aenir. Aenir is where each of the Choosen must go to when they are thirteen in order to obtain their Shadowspirit. Without a Shadowspirit, a Choosen will become an Underfolk, the people who act as servants and do all of the labor in the Castle.

Unfortunately, in order to enter Aenir, Tal must have a primary sunstone. Tal’s family lost theirs when his father disappeared on a secret mission. Now Tal’s only hope to save his siblings and his gravely ill mother is to climb the tower into the forbidden area and still a sunstone. Doing this leads Tal into a world he never knew existed where shadowspirits harm instead of protect, where the world is covered in ice, and people actually live outside the Castle.

To find out what Tal discovers in this new world and if gets his sunstone, you will have to read The Seventh Tower: The Fall by Gareth Nix. This is the first in the series and I will warn you that the first book is hard to put down and leaves you wanting to read the next one.

The Scarlet Letterman

2007-12-20T18:48:00.000-05:00

The Scarlet Letterman by Cara Lockwood

The opening of the second "Bard Academy Novel" finds Miranda Tate returning to Bard Academy where her boyfriend is he star basketball player and she has a close group of friends. Although her life at Bard should be much better this semester, it has only grown worse.

Miranda is worried about the missing Heathcliff, whose life she is still guarding with the scrap of paper in her locket. There is also the problem of Parker, the witchiest girl in school, who happens to be after Miranda's guy. The situation between Parker and Miranda grows tenser after Parker is attacked by "the sweatshirt stalker" and asks Ryan (Miranda's boyfriend) to be her bodyguard.

Mystery once again surrounds the "part fictional" Miranda, as she is determined to find out who is wearing that sweatshirt. Could this mysterious figure be the missing Heathcliff?

Once again, Lockwood lures teens into the literary world. This novel, as the title implies, discusses The Scarlet Letter and its connections to modern teenage life. A new teacher is introduced in the form of Mr. B, William Blake. I found the literary shout-outs the best part of this series and I can't wait to read the next one just to find these little nuggets. This series is truly a unique YA series.

A Countess Below Stairs

2007-11-16T14:08:00.000-05:00

A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson

If you enjoy historical fiction, especially the kind dealing with royalty, you will enjoy A Countess Below Stairs. The book takes place shortly after World War I in a small village in England. Anna Grazinsky, a Russian countess, finds herself and her family penniless after the recent Russian revolution. Anna's father is dead and she takes it upon herself to become the family's breadwinner.

Jobs are hard to get after the war, especially for women. So, Anna turns to a book she has found on housekeeping. This book leads her into the life a maid in a old estate house. Anna has never worked as a maid before and know little of the life "below stairs." All she knows is that she needs to take care of her family and the new Earl, who she works for at Mersham.

Things only get more difficult for Anna as she begins falling for the Earl. A man who is set to marry for money a most horrible woman. Although it might seem cliche this book is not. There are twists and turns you will not see coming. The characters too are delightful and enough to keep anyone enthralled with their lives.

Girl, Nearly 16 Absolute Torture

2007-11-03T12:54:00.000-04:00

Girl, Nearly 16 Absolute Torture by Sue Limb

Jess Jordan is at it again in Sue Limb’s Girl, Nearly 16 Absolute Torture, the sequel to her previous Girl, 15 Charming but Insane. Jess is now on holiday (vacation for us Americans) with her mom and her granny. They are traveling to St. Ives to visit Jess’s dad and to toss Grandpa’s ashes into the sea.

Jess is torn between wanting to see her father, and finally discover why her parents marriage broke-up, and staying in Cornwall with her new boyfriend, Fred. This being Jess Jordan’s life, hilarity and embarrassment must go with her on the trip, not to mention her cell phone which she uses as a lifeline between her and her friends back home.

This book was a great follow-up to the previous adventure and picked right up where the last one left off. I really recommend this book for girls who loved Limb’s first book. I can’t wait to read the third book in this series.

Hex Education

2007-10-27T12:34:00.001-04:00

Hex Education by Emily Gould & Zareen Jaffery

Sophie Stone's parents have just ruined her life. Her father, a famous horror film director, has decided to move their family from LA to his sleepy hometown of Mythic, Massachusetts. The town, famous for being originally settled by a group of witches, is in dire financial straits. Mysterious storms are eating away at the town and the spirits of the people.

Not only is Mythic a spooky small town, but it is a far cry from Sophie's glam life in LA. She has spent her life distancing herself from her father's horror image, but how can she face Mythic as "Spooky" Stone's daughter? Sophie worries about making friends at her new school, until she meets a group of fashionistas like herself. However, these girls have a magical secret; one that Sophie is about to discover she is apart of. This secret might just be the salvation for the town, or it's destruction.

I found this book to be a really fast read. It does have some teen angst in it, but not enough to detract from the storyline. It's a nice subtle book for girls who enjoy chick-lit with a dash of magic. I really recommend it to junior high and high school-aged girls.

Girl, 15, Charming But Insane

2007-10-19T15:44:00.000-04:00

Girl, 15, Charming But Insane by Sue Limb

I found this book both charming and insane. We are introduced to Jess Jordan, a 15 year-old English girl who has a typically mixed-up social life.

Her parents are divorced and her only constant communication with her dad is through funny text messages. Her mother is always busy protesting a war (any one will do) and her granny has just come to live with them. Her granny by the way is completely obsessed with death.

Jess's friends are no better. Her best friend Flora is an absolute goddess who has all the boys fawning over her. Her best guy friend Fred is way into horror movies and mangy hair. And, to top it all off Jess is crushing hard on a boy named Ben Jones, who just happens to be the best mate of Flora's new boyfriend.

Things in Jess's life get even more crazy when she gets herself involved with some soup and a hidden video camera. Full of laughs and teen angst this book is a sure fire hit with teen girls. There is also a sequel so the Jess Jordan adventures can continue on when you finish with this book. Overall, I give it a 3 out of four stars (counted down for the formulaic teen angst problems).

The House of the Scorpion

2007-10-16T16:28:00.000-04:00

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

Hey guys! I just finished this awesome sci-fi book. It is all about this boy named Matt who is growing-up in the future. He lives in a place called Opium, the country that in Matt's time divides the US from Mexico. Opium is actually a large drug farm ran by El Patron. Matt is El Patron's clone.

Clones in Matt's time usually have their intelligence taken away from them at birth, but El Patron chose to allow Matt to grow-up normally. Matt lives the high life in the lap of luxury. However, not everything is rosy for this clone. First of all, clones are considered cattle and have no rights. Second, El Patron's family hates Matt and he is all alone, except for Celia (the cook) and Tam Lin (his bodyguard).

To top it all off, Matt has no idea what El Patron has planned for him. He also begins to develop a since of self-hatred. People treat him as an animal, so he begins to act like an animal. Plus, there is also the fact that El Patron is an evil man and Matt doesn't know if he will become evil too. He prays to the Virgin Mary that he will stay a good boy, but will it work?

This is a great book if you enjoy sci-fi adventures or books where boys deal with their problems. This book talks about different customs, foods, and traditions in Mexico. I give this book 3 out of 4 stars.

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites

2007-10-03T09:29:00.000-04:00

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

I know what you are thinking, not another teen vampire book! Yes, on the outside this book may seem like that, but it actually has so much more in it. Vladimir Tod, is such a wonderful character that readers will be able to identify with this young boy.

Eighth Grade Bites is actually the first in a series of Vladimir Tod books that I liken to Harry Potter. Yes this boy is a vampire, but he is also an orphan dealing with his parents' deathes. He is also the only vampire he knows of and feels isolated and weird about this. Plus, he is picked on by the school bullies.

Anyone who has gone through junior high can understand Vlad's feelings, especially when it comes to Meridith, the girl he has a crush on. Vlad feels hurt when he finds out that the girl he likes really likes his best friend Henry. Showing everyone exactly why they call them "crushes."

Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of cool vampire stuff in this book too. Vlad lives on blood packs his aunt steals from the hospital and he has some cool vampire powers. There is also a murderous vampire chasing after him, which the reader knows but Vlad doesn't. To top it all off, Vlad's favorite teacher is missing and has been replaced by a strange man in a purple top hat.

A great read for junior high students, boys, girls, vampire lovers, and anyone who has survived the eighth grade. Also, as a note to parents, this book is very tame in language and in "vampire stuff", it was designed for the middle school crowd.

Jinx

2007-09-25T12:20:00.000-04:00

Jinx by Meg Cabot

Jinx is the story of a girl who has left rural Iowa for the big city, New York. Jean "Jinx" Honeychurch has come to live with her aunt and uncle and their three kids. Right away things don't start off well for Jean. I mean, when your nickname is Jinx, how could they?

Jinx has nothing but bad luck. When she arrives in New York no one is waiting for her at the airport, she falls down some stairs, and finds out that her cousin hates her! Tori, her cousin, has turned totally goth since she saw her five years ago. Not only does she wear all black, but she does drugs too!

Jean has trouble fitting in, not only because she is a preacher's daughter from Iowa who is stricken with permanent bad luck, but because she also has a secret past. You see, Jean's grandmother has told her and Tori that one of them might be a witch. A prophecy from a great-great-great-great grandmother says that her granddaughter's granddaughter will be a witch.

This book is full of mystery and fun events. It is the perfect read for anyone who has felt like they just didn't fit in. I hope that Cabot creates a sequel.

The Looking Glass Wars

2007-09-18T13:13:00.000-04:00

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

I will admit this right out, I have never read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Being a child of the eighties, I fell into the Disney trap. Why read the book, when you watch the cartoon version? I know, I know, I have changed my ways. I know read the book before I see the movie. That being said, I like the story of Alice even if I had only seen the movie.

Although, I like Alice, I love Alyss, Frank Beddor's main character. Alyss is the true Alyss Heart, the one that Alice in Wonderland is about. When she travelled to our world to escape her evil Aunt Redd, she was mistakenly called "Alice." She was also done the travesty of having her life story changed by Charles Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll).

Mr. Dodgson got everything wrong. The "Mad Hatter" is not a stupid tea drinking man, but a member of the Millinery, the elite squad sworn to protect Princess Alyss. The "Cheshire Cat" is really an assassin who help Redd take over Wonderland and kill Alyss's parents. The "White Rabbit" is not a rabbit at all, but Bibwit Harte, Alyss's tutor.

In this first book of a trilogy, Alyss must return to Wonderland and defeat her evil Aunt Redd in order to save her home and her friends. She must also deal with life as an ordinary human. I suggest this book for everyone, even if you haven't read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Maybe, Disney will turn this into a movie too. :)

The Water Mirror

2007-09-18T13:05:00.000-04:00

The Water Mirror by Kai Meyer

I should start this entry off by saying that I almost didn't post this blog entry. I usually do not like to write about books I did not like, but in the sense of fairness I decided I should. This book is one of the worst YA fantasy books I have ever read!

I found the plot a contrast of Pulman's The Golden Compass and Funke's The Thief Lord, both very well written books in my opinion. This book however, did not live up to the reputation of either book.

The book had an interesting fantasy concept to it, magic mirrors, multiple dimensions, living stone lions, etc. However, the plot was both boring and complicated at the same time. The characters didn't seem very flushed out and the character of the Flowing Queen was more annoying to me than anything else.

So much great potential is lost in this book. Perhaps it is the fact that this was originally a German book, that makes it such a lackluster American read. In any case, I could barely get through it (I found myself falling asleep when I wasn't even tired). I would NOT recommend this book to lovers of good YA fantasy novels.

Ruby Parker Hits the Small Time

2007-09-13T19:26:00.000-04:00

Ruby Parker Hits the Small Time by Rowan Coleman

At age thirteen Ruby Parker is facing unemployment. You see, Ruby is one of the stars of Britain's top soap, Kensington Heights. She plays Angel, a role she has had since she was six!! Now, the producers might be giving her the sack, all because she is going through "an awkward phase."

If that is not bad enough; Ruby's parents are splitting up. She doesn't know what to do. What happens when the role model to thousands of girls, suddenly has to take her own advice?

I found this book hilarious. It was a pretty quick read. The only downside to it is the ending. Everything seems to tie itself up pretty quickly. There is an unrealistic relationship with the school bully and everything seems to suddenly work itself out. However, there is a nice twist ending.

Overall, I would recommend this book to girls in middle school (junior high). I think that they would be able to relate to Ruby and enjoy learning about her life. There is also the added touch of the British theme, which is fun for American readers.

I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You

2007-09-01T12:38:00.000-04:00

I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

So, I've already told you all about teenage spy Alex Rider (Stormbreaker, Point Blank), now I have a new spy to introduce you to, Cammie Morgan. Cammie goes to an elite school for geniuses called Gallagher Academy. Her mother happens to be the headmistress and a former spy.

Cammie’s school is a training ground for future female spies (no boys allowed!!!). The surrounding town folk believe the school is nothing more than a rich girls’ boarding school. Cammie doesn’t care much about what these people think, until a routine training mission goes wrong.

Cammie, the Chameleon, is spotted by a local teenage boy. How did he see her, when no one else can? And, why does Cammie feel so attracted to him?

Now, it is up to Cammie and her friends to pull-off the biggest mission of their careers so far, dating. It will take all of the evapopaper, hacking codes, and listening devices they have to decode the most confusing thing in existence, the teenage boy.

To find out if Cammie and her girlfriends succeed, or if they are caught by her mom and tortured, you will have to read, I’d Tell You I Love You, but Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter.

Teen Idol

2007-08-25T10:03:00.000-04:00

Teen Idol by Meg Cabot

Imagine that you live in small town Indiana, not hard for this blogger since she does. Now, imagine that you have been given the secret task of watching over the most famous teen movie star in the world! Sweet little Jenny Greenlee, everybody's best friend, doesn't have to imagine any of this, because this is her life!

Jenny, a high school junior, has to keep lots of secrets. Not only, can't she tell her friends that Luke Striker, teen heartthrob, is coming to their school in disguise, but she also can't tell them that she is Dear Annie. Annie is the school's advice columnist, the trusted advisor to the entire student body. As Annie, Jenny must not only give out advice, but keep the problems of individual students confidential.

One such student is Kara, a nice girl who wants to be accepted by the popular kids but gets picked on for being overweight. Jenny must daily wipe away Kara's tears as her fellow students moo at her in the cafeteria. The relationship between Jenny and Kara is an emotional one for anyone who was picked on in high school or was friends with someone who was picked on.

Skipping the part about the movie star, Cabot does a terrific job of portraying high school life, from the catwalk in the cafeteria that students must walk down and be judged, to the boredom of the senior prom. I really recommend this book for anyone who is in high school, or has survived it.

Avalon High

2007-08-17T12:24:00.000-04:00

Avalon High by Meg Cabot

Have you ever felt like you have done something before? I'm not talking about deja vu. I mean, do you ever feel like you have lived life before? That you were someone else in a past life?

Well, that is how Will Wagner feels. Even though he is the star quarterback of his high school football team, has the prettiest girl in school, and is a straight A student, he still feels like his life is missing something. The only one he can talk to about his feelings is Ellie, the new girl in town.

Ellie's parents are Medieval history professors. They are completely obsessed with King Arthur and other Medieval stories. Ellie cannot stand this time period, that is until she starts noticing weird coincidences between Will's life and King Arthur's.

Will and Arthur are both leaders. Will's best friend is name Lance (maybe Lancelot); his girlfriend is named Jennifer (a form of Guinevere), and he even has an evil stepbrother named Marco (a form of Mordred). Could Will's feelings be linked to King Arthur?

There is this secret organization called the Order of the Bear, who believe that Arthur will rise again and will finally defeat evil. Ellie of course, does not believe any of this. especially not the part about her being supposedly, Elaine, the lady of Schlott, lover of Lancelot. She can't even stand Lance!

What do all of these coincidences mean? Is Will Arthur? Will evil rise again? To find out you will have to read, Avalon High by Meg Cabot.

Just as a note, Cabot has created a Manga graphic novel off of this book.

Life As We Knew It

2007-08-17T12:03:00.000-04:00

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Not often does a book touch me so much that I can't stop thinking about it. Even less often does a book scare me so much that I can't stop thinking about it. Life As We Knew It is one of those rare books.

This is the story of Miranda, a girl from Pennsylvania, and her family. It is not your typical story about a family and its dysfunctions, but more a story of survival. You see, in Miranda's world the moon has crashed into a closer orbit to the Earth and it has drastically changed the climate of the world.

The moon has caused huge tidal waves, destroying Australia, Hawaii, other islands, and America's coastal states. It has also caused devastating earthquakes and great volcanic eruptions. You may wonder how this all affects someone in Pennsylvania. Well, the ash from the volcanoes has blackened out the sky. This makes it extremely cold (think nuclear winter) and since there is no sunlight, plants can't grow.

Miranda's family has no electricity, no heat, everyone around them is dying, and they are running out of food and water. To find out if Miranda and her family survive, you will have to read this book. I warn you, this book is not for those who get scared thinking about a post-apocalyptic world.

Flirt: Write Here, Right Now

2007-08-10T12:32:00.000-04:00

Flirt: Write Here, Right Now by Nicole Clarke

Sixteen-year-old Melanie "Mel" Henderson loves her granola-eating, free-spirit life in Berkley, California. To everyone around her, she lives a charmed life. A life that has just got better thanks to her winning a prestigious internship at a New York fashion magazine called Flirt. Melanie's dream in life is to be a writer and she sees this internship as a stepping stone to her journalistic career.

However, Melanie is about to slip off that stepping stone. She starts off by coming in late for her first day of work, did I mention that she was a little drunk on champagne as well, to top it all off, it turns out the cute older guy she flirted with (and drank the champagne with) on the plane works at Flirt. Let's just say she doesn't make the best first impression with her new boss, Josephine Bishop.

One of the bright spots in Mel's bad first day is meeting her fellow interns and roommates. You see during this summer long internship Mel and five other girls will live in a loft with a housemother. Her roommates come from all over the world. Olivia is from England, Kiyoko is from Japan, and Alexa is from Argentina. Her other two roommates, Charlotte and Genevieve are from Connecticut, but they aren't exactly friendly to Mel.

In fact, Mel is about to learn that life in the New York fashion magazine world is a lot different than Berkley, California. To find out what happens to Mel and her fellow interns, and what backstabbing Genevieve and Charlotte are up to, you will have to read, Flirt: Write Here, Right Now.

Just as a note, this is the first book in a series. It is also a lot like The Devil Wears Prada for teens.

Point Blank

2007-08-06T11:29:00.000-04:00

Point Blank by Anthony Horowitz

This is the second book in the Alex Rider series (see my previous Stormbreaker blog for the first book). Just like the first book, Alex Rider is thrust into another spy mission by MI6. This one takes him to the mountains of France and a boys' school called Point Blanc.

Alex is sent to Point Blanc when the fathers of two of the pupils are murdered. Alex quickly learns that this is not your average Prep School. It only has seven boys enrolled at a time, they are all delinquents, and they are all the children of rich and powerful parents.

Alex is forced to taken on the identity of Alex Friend, the son of a wealthy English noble. However, the fictional Alex Friend is nothing like the real Alex Rider. Alex has to change his entire appearance and attitude to appear the part of a troubled teen.

This book is action-packed and hard to put down. Like any spy book, some of the events are unbelievable, but there is depth in Alex's relationship with MI6, which we begin to explore in this novel. Beware when reading this book that the ending is a little bit of cliffhanger, presumably to be picked up in book three, Skeleton Key. I will do a blog on that book as soon as I have read it. Overall, another great teen spy book.

Wuthering High

2007-08-03T12:54:00.000-04:00

Wuthering High by Cara Lockwood

Oh my gosh, I couldn't put this book down!!! This is one of the best teen books I have read in a while. Sure, it might not be what you would call high quality literature, but it was such a fun book.

Wuthering High is the story of Miranda, a girl who is sent to the remote Bard Academy. It is a school for delinquents, but Miranda doesn't feel that she belongs there. You see, all 15 year-old Miranda did was crash her dad's BMW and max out her stepmom's credit card. No big deal, right?

Well, Miranda is in for more than a strict boarding school. When she gets to Shipwreck Island (where the school is) weird things start happening to her. Her room is haunted, her roommate worships Satan, her teachers all have names like Ms. W and Coach H, and there is this weird boy named Heathcliff that keeps following her around. If all of this isn't enough to stress Miranda out, she finds out her teacher are keeping a big secret and she even has the school bully after her.

If you want to find out what happens to Miranda, you should read this book. I can't wait to read the sequel, The Scarlett Letterman. There is even a third book coming out next year called, Moby Clique.

From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun

2007-07-31T11:53:00.000-04:00

From the Notebooks of Meanin Sun by Jacqueline Woodson

Have you ever had a secret. A secret that you couldn't tell anyone? Well, Melanin's mama has a secret. A secret that she finally decides to reveal to Melanin. That secret is that she is gay.

Melanin is shocked to learn his mother's secret. He is shocked and ashamed. He doesn't know how his friends or the other people in their neighborhood will react. He decides to make his mother's secret his secret.

Melanin has a hard time dealing with his mother's secret. He is just relieved that no one knows about it. That is until Kristen shows up.

I can't tell anymore without giving away the ending of the book. I will say this though, it is a great book for anyone who is struggling with their feelings about homosexuals and homosexuality in general. A well done book for teens and young adults on a very delicate subject.

Dead High Yearbook

2007-07-31T11:36:00.000-04:00

Dead High Yearbook

I haven't done a blog on a graphic novel, so I decided to do one on a new and interesting one entitled, Dead High Yearbook. The neat thing about this graphic novel is that it has a hardback cover, making it look like a yearbook. Inside are a bunch of short horror stories to both frighten and intrigue readers.

Each person featured in the yearbook has the gruesome tale of their death recounted in its pages. These deaths include: vampire attacks, murders, accidents, and other frightful ways you could not imagine. A perfect read for anyone in high school or anyone who loves a good horror story.

Forever in Blue

2007-07-23T15:25:00.000-04:00

Forever in Blue by Ann Brashares

The last book of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. Even though it is sad to see them go, it really was time. However, with that being said, I must say that this book wasn't the best way to say good-bye.

Unlike the previous three books, this book has a definitely more mature theme to it. Young readers be advised. Maybe Brashares was trying to have her books grow in maturity just as its characters did, similar to Harry Potter. Even if that is the case, I didn't want to know as much about the four's sex lives as I learned.

This book was less about the Sisterhood and more about each girl's love life. I believe it is important for young adult books to discuss sex and it is something young girls like to read about, however I don't think that the attitudes in this book matched those of the previous three.

My overall opinion is that the end of the book was a great farewell to a beloved series, the rest of the book was not a part of the series. It should have become a different book. Just as Meg Cabot did with the American Girl duo, I think that Brashares used this book discuss teen sexuality instead of talking about the friendship of four girls.

Mississippi Trial, 1955

2007-07-23T15:14:00.001-04:00

Mississippi Trial, 1955 by Chris Crowe

Hiram loves living with his grandparents in Mississippi. He thinks that there is no better place in the world. He loves riding in his grandfather's pick-up truck, he loves Coca-Cola, he loves fishing, but most of all he loves his grandfather. Hiram's father doesn't get along with his grandfather and when Hiram's grandmother dies, he is forced to go live with his parents in Arizona.

Years pass and Hiram is not allowed to go and visit his grandfather, that is until the summer of 1955. That summer will change Hiram's life forever. It will change his views on Mississippi, his father, his grandfather, and most of all life. And, it is all because of a Chicago boy named Emmett Till.

This book is a great read if you like historical fiction. It deals with the murder of Emmett Till and the subsequent trial. The perfect book for a young person wanting to learn more about this hateful event.

Golden

2007-07-06T11:07:00.001-04:00

Golden by Cameron Dokey

So, you think you know the story of Rapunzel? Well, think again because in Cameron Dokey's book, Golden, the classic story of the maiden with the lovely golden locks has been turned upside down. Rapunzel is now a bald-headed girl and she lives on a farm not in a tower.

Part of the Once Upon a Time series that puts new twists on old fairy tales, Golden is a quick and delightful read. I can't tell you too much about it without giving away its secrets, but I can tell you it is sure to please any young girl who likes this new fairy tale genre.

Stormbreaker

2007-06-22T14:45:00.001-04:00

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

James Bond meets Spy Kids for teens. This book is the first in the Alex Rider series by Horowitz. Alex Rider is a typical fourteen-yar-old British schoolboy, until his Uncle Ian dies mysteriously in a car crash. While looking into his uncle's death, Alex uncovers a secret world espionage. It turns out that his uncle was a top British spy, who was actually murdered! To top it all off, the people his uncle worked for want Alex to be their next agent.

Armed only with a Gameboy, some acne cream, and a yo-yo, all of which are more than they seem to be. Alex is sent off to save his country and possibly the world.

Is Alex the next 007 or the next 00-Nothing?

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp

2007-06-19T12:11:00.001-04:00

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey

This book was awesome! I see it as King Arthur meets Artemis Fowl. This story is all about a boy and a sword. Alfred Kropp is a sixteen-year-old orphan with an enormous head. He lives with his uncle who is a security guard. One day, Alfred's uncle agrees to steal a sword for a mysterious man. Alfred, against his better judgement, helps his uncle. How was he to know that the sword was Excalibur's? How was he to know that the man that he turned it over to was The Dragon, an evil man? Now with the help of a knight named Bernard and a secret organization, Alfred will try to reclaim the sword. Can a sixteen year-old orphan with a big head save the world?

The Thief Lord

2007-06-13T14:48:00.001-04:00

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

I recently finished listening to The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke. You might know this author from the book Inkheart. This book is about a group of orphans and runaways living in an old movie theater in Venice, Italy. The rag-tag group is led by a mysterious boy who calls himself The Thief Lord. Just as his title suggests, he steals things to support his gang.

Everything is going well for this group of kids until, Propero and Bo's (two brothers) aunt comes looking for them. She wants to raise six-year-old Bo as her son and send twelve-year-old Propero to a boarding school. The two brothers must call upon The Thief Lord and all his cunning skill to save them. However, there is a snag, The Thief Lord is harboring a huge secret. One that might lead to the groups' destruction.

This book is a fun mystery to read or listen to. I would recommend it for upper elementary to middle school aged kids. Older teens would probably find it a little juvenile.

Truesight

2007-06-05T09:37:00.000-04:00

Truesight by David Stahler Jr.

This book takes a look at an interesting world of the future. In the city of Harmony, a young boy named Jacob lives. He is a typical thirteen-year-old. He hates school, his parents are always fighting, and he longs to be a musician. The difference between Jacob and other thirteen-year-old is that he is blind. In fact, everyone in Harmony is blind. They are genetically altered to be this way so that they can have Truesight, an ability to see the world by not being able to see anything.

Even though the town is named Harmony, there is a definite lack of Harmony in it. The colony is facing food shortages, the mayor's daughter wants to be able to see and leave Harmony, and to top it all off, Jacob has regained his sight. Jacob keeps the fact that he can see a secret, but unfortunately it is not the only secret in Harmony.

I really recommend this book for anyone who likes Sci-Fi or Utopian society books, such as: The Giver, The Messenger, Uglies, or Rash.

New Moon

2007-06-02T13:06:00.000-04:00

New Moon by Stephanie Meyer

After reading Twilight, I had a lot of unanswered questions about Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. I thought that New Moon might be able to answer these questions. Unfortunately, it left me with even more questions.

In this second book, Bella is dumped by Edward shortly after her 18th birthday. She is heartbroken. Her only solace comes from her new friend, Jacob Black. Jacob and her do daredevil stunts, like ride motorcycles. However, their relationship too is torn apart by a secret that Jacob is keeping.

I can't tell you anymore without giving away the story. You will just have to read the book to find out what Jacob's secret is and if Bella and Edward get back together.

Dark Sons

2007-05-29T14:46:00.001-04:00

Dark Sons by Nikki Grimes

This is the story of two sons: Ishmael and Sam. Ishmael, the son of Abraham, is from the Bible. Sam, is a modern day teenager. These two boys have the same problem, a new half brother.

Ishmael is the son of his father's maid, but now his father's wife has given him a son. This leaves Ishmael and his mother out in the cold, since his father only needs one son. Ishmael feels abandoned and upset with his father.

Sam's father has recently remarried. Not only has he remarried, but he married a white woman. Sam feels sorry for his new baby brother who is as he puts it "half and half." Sam is also angry at his father for leaving his mother, remarrying, having another kid, and moving far away.

This book is written in free verse and has an interesting style to it. Readers will find themselves relating to both Ishmael's and Sam's stories. Through their pain, the time period differences vanish and what is left are two sons.

what i believe

2007-05-29T14:35:00.000-04:00

what i believe by Norma Fox Mazer

This book was a bit unusual. It is all about this girl named Vicki whose father loses his job and the economic impact that has on the family as well as the emotional impact. The family has to move, Vicki has to change schools, they have to sell many of their possessions, and they have to take in a boarder. Vicki keeps all of this secret from her new friend, Sara. She wants to pretend there is nothing wrong with her or her family. Her lies continue as she keeps a big secret from her family and friends.

The unusual part of this book was how it was written. The book is broken into short poems, lists, and other types of writing. Somehow all of these poems, lists, letters, etc. all flow together to tell Vicki's story. She is also nice enough to tell the reader what type of poem it is in the title of the poem. If you can get past the changing format, this is an okay book. It is a quick read, good for summer reading.

Peaches

2007-05-22T17:47:00.000-04:00

Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson

I first picked this book up because it was recommend by Ann Brashares (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants). I kept reading it because the three main characters: Birdie, Murphy, and Leeda, were just so cool. These three teenage girls from three different worlds come together one summer on a Georgia peach orchard.

Birdie is the orchard owner's daughter and she is going through a hard time. Her parents are getting divorced and she has been placed in charge of the orchard. Birdie would rather eat Girl Scout cookies and watch VH1 then work in the hot sun.

Murphy is the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. She never knew her dad and her mom is constantly bringing a new boyfriend home. Murphy ends up at the orchard as punishment for breaking the law.

Leeda is the rich girl. She is a distant cousin of Birdie who is guilted into going and helping her cousin for the summer. Leeda has problems of her own. She is unwanted by her parents who feel that they already have the perfect daughter in her older sister, Danay.

These three girls come together for one remarkable and tumultuous summer. If you liked The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, then you will love this book. I can't wait to read the sequel: The Secret of Peaches.

Ready or Not?: An All American Girl Novel

2007-05-21T15:59:00.000-04:00

Ready or Not?: An All American Girl Novel by Meg Cabot

I have to start this blog out by warning my younger readers that this book is full of sexual content. Parents be warned that this book is for a more mature audience.

Being a fan of Meg Cabot's All American Girl, I was sure I was going to love this sequel. Unfortunately, I didn't really like the sequel. In this book, Samantha Madison finds herself contemplating having sex with her boyfriend over Thanksgiving weekend. She goes through all the pros and cons in her own way, gets advice from others, and then makes her decision.

The part of the book that I didn't like was that the story seemed a little too mature for the immature Sam Madison of the previous book. It didn't really fit into the frivolous nature of its predecessor (SAT word meaning the one that came before).

I think that this is a needed book in the YA Chick-Lit genre, but I believe that Cabot should have made it its own book instead of trying to continue on with Samantha's story. The audience of the first book and this one are not in my mind the same audience.

Lovers of Samantha Madison be warned, this book may not be for you.

A Certain Slant of Light

2007-05-21T15:53:00.000-04:00

A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb

This book for me was a much better ghost story than Restless: A Ghost's Story (see previous post). It is the story of Helen and James two ghosts, or Lights, who possess two teenagers bodies and fall in love. This is not only a ghost story or a romance, it is also a mystery. It is a mystery because Helen and James do not remember how they died or why they didn't move on to Heaven.

Besides the story of Helen and James, it is the story of Billy and Jenny, their host bodies. Billy is a drug addict who has left his body. Jenny's overly strict religious parents have forced her spirit to flee its body. I won't tell you what happens with these two couples because that would spoil the mystery of it all.

Restless

2007-05-18T14:20:00.000-04:00

Restless: A Ghost's Story by Rich Wallace

This story was a little weird. It is the story of two brothers, Frank and Herbie. Herbie is a 17 year-old senior who is having a rough year trying to play two sports at the same time. Frank is his dead brother. Frank is a ghost and he is the one telling the story.

If Herbie didn't have a hard enough time with an alocholic father, problems at school, and a dead brother, he now as another ghost haunting him! The ghost's name is Eamon and he died in the 1800s. Eamon has an eerie connection to Herbie and his brother. The connection is really what makes this book weird. I didn't care for the book very much. The ending felt tacked on, but it was a quick read.

Witness

2007-05-18T10:40:00.000-04:00

Witness by Karen Hesse

I found this book to be very moving and very informative. It is all about racism is this small town in the 1920s and how people dealt with it. The Klu Klux Klan has come to these people's town and some people have decided to join it and others are being attacked by them. This book really made me think about racism and why people choose to be racist. It also made me think about why people choose to allow groups like the Klu Klux Klan to hurt others.

The book is written in prose (which is poem-like). It is a fast read and there are pictures of each one of the characters at the beginning to help you identify who they are. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

2007-05-14T10:36:00.000-04:00

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

A human girl falls in love with a handsome vampire, what could make for a better romance story? Bella's parents are divorced and her mom has remarried a traveling baseball player, so Bella decides to go and live with her dad in the cold and dark city of Forks, Washington. There she meets the mysterious Cullen family, including 17 year-old Edward Cullen.

Edward is different than all the other boys who are constantly asking Bella out. For one, he completely ignores her. Then, there is his pale skin and the fact that he and his four siblings are all adopted and living with a doctor who only a few years older than them. Bella also notices how the Cullens never seem to eat at lunch.

Finally, Edward and Bella are thrown together when he saves her life, not once, but twice. They fall in love, but can the love of two people from two different world's survive? Whose world will they choose to live in?

Although, I had a lot of questions while reading this book, they weren't all answered by the end. The one downside to this book is that at times it can be a little slow going. I kept wanting Bella to ask Edward more questions, but she wouldn't. I hope that all my questions and more are answered in the two sequels, New Moon and Eclipse.

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

2007-05-14T10:14:00.000-04:00

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Ok, this book has to be one of the best sci-fi books I have ever read! It is all about this town in the future where when you turn 16 you undergo an operation to make you pretty. Everyone is separated into age/beauty groups, such as Uglies, Littlies, and Pretties. The main character of this book is an about to turn 16 year-old girl named Tally.

Tally wants more than anything to become pretty, just like her friend Peris. When Peris becomes a pretty, Tally finds a new friend named Shay. Shay and Tally share the same birthday and Tally excited that they are going to become pretty together. There is just one problem; Shay does not want to be pretty.

Shay wants to live Uglyville (where they live) and go off into the world. A world where people, gasp, do not become pretty!!! She tries to convince Tally to come along, but she refuses. Shay runs away on her own, but Tally must follow after her. You see, Tally will not be made pretty until she lead the awful Special Circumstances Pretties to Shay's secret location.

I won't tell you what Tally does, but I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read the two sequels: Pretties, and Specials.

Bras and Broomsticks

2007-05-05T12:09:00.000-04:00

Bras and Broomsticks

By Sarah Mylnowski

I recently finished listening to this book. It was awesome! It is all about Rachel, a girl who is trying to survive her freshman year of highschool. Her dad is remarrying. Her bestfriend has abandoned her for the A-List group and her 12 year-old sister is a witch (her mom too!)

Rachel decides to use her sister's magic to HER advantage. However, she quickly learns that magic has consequences. This book has two sequels: Frogs and French Kisses and Spells and Sleeping Bags. If you like books like The Princess Diaries or All-American Girl, you will love this book!

All American Girl

2007-04-24T09:03:00.000-04:00

All American Girl by Meg Cabot

Ok, I just got done listening to Meg Cabot's All American Girl and I absolutely loved it!!! It is about this girl, Sam. She is 15 and an artist, unfortunately her sister just happens to be the most popular girl in school. Sam doesn't want to be anything like her sister, but she is thrust into the spotlight of popularity when she saves the President's life.

This book is a must read for lovers of girlie novels. It is also a must read for any girl whoever felt like she didn't fit in. I myself could really relate to Sam and her status of uncool. If I rated on a star system I would give this book 5 stars!!!

Girls in Pants

2007-04-12T09:53:00.000-04:00

Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares

I recently finished listening to Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood. If you have read the first two books in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants books you will love this third installment. The book finds the girls preparing to go off to college. As always life changing events are in store for all for girls. Bee (Bridget) is off to soccer camp where an old flame (boyfriend) awaits her. Carmen is facing a life changing family event. Lena's grandmother has moved in with her as she prepares to go to art school. Tibby is finding love and fighting it all the way. I don't want to give too much away about this book, but I definitely suggest you read it and the two books that came before it The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and The Second Summer of the Sisterhood both by Ann Brashares.