Book Reviews - YA Fiction

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Twisted
Title: Twisted
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Book Category/Genre: Mystery
Summary: Twisted is the story about a high school senior named Tyler Miller. Tyler is going through typical teenage issues such as school, parents, grades, friends and girls. Tyler wanted to be known as a hero in his school, and he was but for all the wrong reasons. Tyler spray painted crude remarks about his principal on the walls of his school, which got him arrested, and he had to do six months of mandatory community service. Overall, Twisted is a great book and a must read for all high school age teenagers.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: A. D., student
The Young Traveler
Title:  The Young Traveler's Gift
Author:  Andy Andrews
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction
Summary:  A boy named Michael finds himself in a big hole. Things are going very badly in his life, and he has to make huge decisions. He goes on a journey through history to meet heroic figures who will question him, inspire him, guide him, and give him a chance change his life.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  R. W., student
The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.
go ask alice Title: Go Ask Alice
Author: Anonymous
Book Category/Genre: Fiction
Summary: Go Ask Alice is a great book for teenagers. It provides a lifelike story of a teenage girl who struggles with drugs and fitting in with friends. In some way, almost every teenager can relate to this book.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: A. B., student
Rich Girls
Title:  Rich Girls : Confessions of a Teen Nanny
Author:  Victoria Ashton
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Humor, Relationships, Romance
Summary:  The story takes place in New York City, where Adrianne Lewis is a nanny for the Warner family, a rich family that is well known.  Adrianne is responsible to watch their 8 year old daughter, Emma; and also has problems with Emma"s older sister, Cameron, who is the same age as Adrianne.  Adrianne"s best friend, Liz Parker is getting into a relationship with Parker Devlin, who is a rich and handsome friend of Cameron.  Conflicts tend to occur when Cameron tries to sweep Adrianne"s own boyfriend off his feet while buying him over.  This story deals with the relationship problems with both the boys of the city and the friends.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  D. K., student
Crispin
Title: Crispin: The Cross of Lead
Author: Avi
Book Category/Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Suspense/Thriller
Summary: A thirteen-year-old boy is accused of a crime he didn"t commit and is being pursued across medieval England. All he has to guide him is his dead mother"s lead cross and his heart.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read
Reviewer: P. B., student
Forever... Title:  Forever...
Author:  Judy Blume
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Romance
Summary:  The book Forever... is a novel of love and the first time. Two teenagers, Katherine and Michael, meet at a New Year"s party and fall in love instanly. They live in different towns and meet each other every weekend. Their relationship grows, and they are faced with decisions about how far they should go.
Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer:  S. F., student
Life As It Comes

Title:  Life As It Comes

Author:  Anne-Laure Bondoux

Book Category/Genre:  Fiction

Summary:  This book shows the true sisterhood of two sisters, Mado and Patty, who are totally different. When a huge challenge is thrown their way, they have no choice to work together to solve it especially since they lost their parents.  While on vacation they have little challenges thrown at them.  Their biggest challenge arrives and help is not available when it is needed the most, and this is when their ability to work together is put to the test.

Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.

Reviewer:  L. C., student

Forever in Blue
Title: Forever in Blue:The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood
Author: Ann Brashares
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Relationships, Romance
Summary: The book describes the good and bad parts of the lives of 4 friends: Carmen, Briget, Lena,and Tibby. We follow the girls and their travels and triumps over their first summer of college.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: S. M., student
A Great and Terrible Beauty Title:  A Great And Terrible Beauty
Author:  Libba Bray
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Adventure, Relationships, Mystery
Summary:  Gemma Doyle just suffered a tragedy, and now she is sent to a far away school where she encounters a plethora of problems. She meets new friends, and they form a powerful group called The Order. The more you read this book the more you will find it interesting.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  A. P., student
Rebel Angels Title:  Rebel Angels
Author:  Libba Bray
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Adventure, Relationships, Mystery
Summary:  This is the sequel to the book A Great And Terrible Beauty. In this book Gemma is faced with many confusing decisions, and she encounters terrible beasts as she continues in her search for Circe. The more that she looks, the deeper she gets in finding what she is looking for. A spectacular book that will take your breath away when you find out what happens.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  A. P., student
Rebel Angels Title: Rebel Angels
Author: Libba Bray
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, passion/terror
Summary: The book is mainly about an English girl who has powers to the realms and has to find away to defeat her enemy Cicre and bind magic together so Cicre does not come in contact with it.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: I. C., student
The Sweet Far Thing Title:  The Sweet Far Thing
Author:  Libba Bray
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Adventure, Relationships, Romance, Mystery
Summary:  Gemma is back in Spence Academy, and she realizes that her nemesis has not died.  She must go back into the realms to defeat Circe, and a new mystery awaits her. She is torn between her loyalty to her friends and her new love Kartick. This is a thrilling tale about more mysteries and friendship. You will want to read it.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  A. P., student
Lucky T Title: Lucky T
Author: Kate Brian
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Relationships
Summary: Carrie Fitzgerald is the luckiest girl in her school. Carrie is a sophomore and is on varsity basketball team, and Carrie has the cutest boyfriend in school. Carrie has this lucky T-shirt that gives her a lot of good luck, but the luck starts to run outwhen her mom gave it to India to help the poor. Carrie, being a teenager, she goes to India because she is determined to get her luck back. Read the book to find out what happens in India and about Carrie"s journey.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: G. P., student
Candy Title:  Candy
Author:  Kevin Brooks
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Relationships
Summary:  A teenage boy named Joe falls in love with a girl named Candy. He later finds out the she is a drug addict prostitute, with a controlling pimp. They go through really hard times together.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  M. B., student
The Nature of Jade
Title:  The Nature of Jade
Author:  Deb Caletti
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction
Summary:  This book is about a girl named Jade. With her anxiety attacks, her dad pressuring her brother Oliver to play sports, and her mom cheating on her dad, she tries to find ways to keep herself busy so that she doesn"t have to deal with the craziness at home. Jade starts working at the zoo next door to her house and meets a boy named Sabastian.  She later finds out that he has some secrets that can cause some problems if anyone finds out.
Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer:  D. S., student
The Nature of Jade

Title: The Nature of Jade
Author: Deb Caletti
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Relationships, Romance
Summary: The Nature of Jade is a story about a teenage girl, Jade, who deals with anxiety. During her senior year in high school, Jade begins to volunteer at a local zoo to help take care of the elephants. During that time, she takes interest in a young man visiting the zoo often with a toddler. Upon meeting this boy, Sebastian, they immediately feel a connection, and he lets Jade into his life. Jade learns that Sebastian is a single dad raising his son Bo with his grandmother. As the story progresses, Jade begins to feel what unconditional love truly means through Sebastian and his family, Jade's family, and her friends from school. The Nature of Jade is a great book for anyone who enjoys reading about the complicated accessories of love.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: M. R., student

sleepaway girls Title: Sleepaway Girls
Author: Jen Calonita
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Relationships, Romance
Summary: This novel follows Sam Montgomery, a sixteen year old girl, who applies as a counselor-in-training at the Whispering Pines camp.  Sam, having never been at summer camp before, finds out that isn't all about making s'mores or singing songs by the campfire.  Ashley, the alpha of Whispering Pines, has it out for Sam and tries to make Sam's life as miserable as she can.  Ashley hates how Sam has effortlessly "taken" her "spotlight", since Sam was in a popular commercial and has already managed to capture the attention of Hunter, the camp heartthrob. However, Sam (although she likes to help others and get involved) doesn't like being the center of attention; she never had the intention of being enemies with Ashley. 
Sam becomes fast friends with 3 other girls; together, they form the "Sleepaway Girls".  She also forms a friendship with easygoing Cole, who constantly teases her.
This unforgettable summer story includes a lot of action and excitement, from Color War to camp pranks to food fights!
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: P. J., student
Cheating Lessons Title: Cheating Lessons
Author: Nan Willard Cappo
Book Category/Genre: Fiction
Summary: Bernadette and her friend Nadine of Wickham are two of the best debaters in Michigan. In order to reach the NCS Bowl (the superbowl for debaters), Wickham has to beat their best competitors, Pinehurst. They have never defeated Pinehurst in anything. Wickham ends up winning, and Bernadette wants to find out how they did.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: B. G., student
Things Not Seen

Title:  Things Not Seen

Author:  Andrew Clements

Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Problem Novel, Relationships, Mystery

Summary:  Bobby Phillips never fit in. Then one morning he wakes up and can't see himself in the mirror. Not blind, not dreaming, Bobby is just plain invisible. Even his dad the physicist can't figure out what is wrong with Bobby. For Bobby that means no school, no friends, no life. He's a missing person. Then he meets Alicia. She's blind, and Bobby can't resist talking to her and trusting her. But people are starting to wonder where Bobby is. Bobby knows that his invisibility has prompted the school to start an investigation against his family and could potentially put his parents in jail. With the help of Alicia, Bobby needs to find out what is wrong with him before it is too late.

Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.

Reviewer:  T. O., student

The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.

Half Moon Investigations
Title:  Half Moon Investigations
Author:  Eoin Colfer
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction
Summary:  This book is about an amateur investigator named Fletcher who has always been solving small investgations in his town of Locke. Like any investigator, he has enemies and not too many friends. In his case, none. Now he has to solve the most important mystery of his life. He is forced to team up with his arch enemy, Red Sharkey, to prove both their innocence. The two of them have just 12 hours to find the wrong doers, or they are the guilty party.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  M.K., student
The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.
catching fire

Title: Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins

Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Science Fiction, Relationships, Suspense/Thriller
Summary: Building on the suspense of the first book, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have just won the 74th annual Hunger Games. Never before have there been two victors, but Katniss Everdeen, a poor rebellious teen from District 12, changes all that. In an act that embarrasses the Capital, Katniss has done more than just save her friend, Peeta. In Catching  Fire, as Peeta and Katniss are getting ready for the annual Victory Tour, exactly six months between the last hunger games and the next one, whispers of another rebellion are spreading, and all because of Katniss. This year's Hunger Games is a Quarter Quell, a special anniversary of the games that occur every twenty-five years, but with an extra twist. Now that Katniss is a victor, she is also a mentor for the next tributes from District 12. How will she do? Will she be punished by the capital for embarrassing them in front of all Panem? Can the Districts unite, to defeat the capital, and can they survive if they do. What about District 13, what happened to it? What happens to Katniss and Peeta?  Learn the answers to all of these questions in the amazing, suspense builder Catching Fire, the second book in the Hunger Games Trilogy.  AND MAY THE ODDS FOREVER BE IN YOUR FAVOR!!!
Warning, be advised: Read book one, The Hunger Games, first.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: S. S., student

children of the river Title: Children of the River
Author: Linda Crew
Book Category/Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: A teenage girl, Sundara, escapes with her aunt and uncle from Cambodia after the Khmer Rouge begin to attack.  In her new American school, she feels isolated and very different until she meets Jonathan.  She desperately wants to be with him but knows that it is extremely risky.  If her aunt ever found out she was talking to an American boy alone, she might throw Sundara out of the house.  All the while, Sundara is plagued by nightmares about her parents and siblings who were left behind in Cambodia.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: S. B., student
along for the ride

Title: Along for the Ride
Author: Sarah Dessen
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Relationships, Romance
Summary: The story begins with Auden West, an incredibly gifted recent high school graduate who decides to leave her overbearing, divorcée mother to live with her college professor father.  Her father, Robert, his new wife, Heidi, and their even newer baby Thisbe are living in Colby, North Carolina.  Denied many childhood rites of passage because of her parents then-impending divorce, insomniac Auden searches for the typical teenage life, while resurrecting feelings about her parents separation.  Along the way, Auden meets Eli Stock, a fellow insomniac. The two explore Colby's nightlife while overcoming traumatic events that happened in their pasts.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.

Reviewer: M. F., student
just listen
Title: Just Listen
Author: Sarah Dessen
Book Category/Genre: Fiction
Summary: Annabelle Greene's life is far from perfect, although she portrays it very well in her modeling shoots. Her friendship with Sophie ended very badly, and her older sister's eating disorder is greatly affecting her family. Isolated and embarrassed at school, Annabelle goes into silent acceptance. Then she meets Owen. With his guidance, he teaches Annabelle to listen to herself, and she gains the courage to speak the truth about her life.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: A. E., student

lock and key

 

Title: Lock and Key

Author: Sarah Dessen
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Problem Novel, Relationships, Romance
Summary: This novel, by Sarah Dessen is great for teenage girls. The main characters are Ruby, Cora (Ruby's sister), Jamie (Cora's husband), and Nate (their neighbor). Ruby used to live with her mother and was constantly moving and struggling to made ends meet. Then one day, her mother left her. A few weeks pass, and Ruby is found out and forced to live with her sister, Cora, who had moved away to go to college awhile ago and is married now. There, she meets Nate. Right off the bat, he is friendly but she acts nasty towards him. Ruby usually fends for herself, and so at Cora's, where everything is handed to her like its nothing, Ruby is determined to make it on her own. Being reluctant is an understatement. Throughout this novel, Ruby learns about accepting help and helping others, and she also learns lessons about romance and love. I highly recommend this novel.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.

Reviewer: J. B., student

this lullaby Title: This Lullaby
Author: Sarah Dessen
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Relationships, Romance
Summary: Remy Starr has never believed in true love, considering her mother has been married five times.  She has been from one boyfriend to the next, but this time it was different.  She was looking for a summer boyfriend who she could dump as soon as she went to college, but with this boyfriend she broke many of the rules on her "list."  She broke the rule of dating a musician.  Remy's mother also disregarded this rule when she married Remy's father, who died before Remy was born.  Her father also wrote a song for Remy which is woven throughout the book.  The new summer boyfriend finds out that he will be dumped, and they eventually break up.  Through the help of many friends, Remy's mom, and discovering that her own brother found true love, Remy makes a decision that she has never made before.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: J. M., student
The Truth about Forever

Title:  The Truth about Forever

Author:  Sarah Dessen

Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Relationships

Summary:  The Truth About Forever is a wonderful book about Macy, a young girl who suffers from the loss of her father. She spends her summer writing emails to her boyfriend Jason who is away at camp, working at the library, and studying for school. This all changes when she starts working at the catering company "Wish". Here she meets so many people, makes great friends, and falls head over heels for Wes. He helps her recognize the truth about life and about herself. This is a great book that you just can't put down.
Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.

Reviewer:  B. M., student

The Truth about Forever

Title:  The Truth about Forever

Author:  Sarah Dessen

Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Relationships, Romance

Summary:  The book is about Macy's crazy summer that turned her life upside down.  Macy is a teenager girl whose father dies.  Macy's summer goes from boring to exciting because many unexpected things happen.  She lands a job at Wish, a catering company, and her sister decides to renovate their old beach house.  Macy also meets Wes, a guy with amazing talent and a fun person to be around.  With so many unexpected twists and turns in the plot, this book is a must read!

Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.

Reviewer:  K. B., student

on the devils court Title: On the Devil's Court
Author: Carl Deuker
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Sports, Suspense/Thriller
Summary: Joe Faust Jr. has always been an average student. His father, Joe Faust Sr., is a genius. Joe Jr. has always been unable to live up to his father's expectations, but there is one area where he totally beats his father. Joe is amazing at basketball. He has always been a star at it. However, lately, Joe has seen his basketball skills diminish. He does everything he can to make the basketball team. But how far will he go for one perfect season of basketball?
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: H. C., student
queens soprano

Title: The Queen's Soprano
Author: Carol Dines
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance
Summary: Following a life laid out by her mother, Angelica Voglia yearns to sing in other places, not just at her window. She is said to have the voice of an angel and has fallen in love with a young French painter. All her mother wants, however, is money and prosperity for her family, using Angelica as a way to gain a noble title within the family. The Queen's Soprano (true to its name) is a very well-written story of a teenage girl in 17th century Italy. It takes place when the pope did not allow women to sing in public, and the only place in Italy that they could was Queen Christina's court. Filled with romance, family tension, and beautiful voices, Carol Dines' The Queen's Soprano is truly great.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: M. F., student

Troy Title:  Troy
Author:  Adele Geras
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Historical Fiction, Relationships, Romance, Suspense/Thriller
Summary:  Just when you think men can"t get any shallower, you are faced with the War of Troy--a war started over the beauty of a single, unmarried, woman. And just when you think it can"t get any worse, this war is riddled with betrayal, mistaken loyalties, and love affairs all coinciding with the beauty of Helen of Troy.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  P. B., student
The Perks of Being a Wallflower Title:  The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Author:  Stephen Chbosky
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction
Summary:  This book is about what it"s like to grow up in high school. The subjects that they mention and explain are very similar to what high school students study today. We go through things like sex, drugs, and making new friends through Charlie"s experiences. Charlie writes these letters where he describes his life and his experiences. We don"t exactly know who he"s writing to or where Charlie lives but I think that Charlie is easily relatable.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  N. C., student
Born Confused Title: Born Confused
Author: Tanuja Desai Hidier
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Romance
Summary: An Indian girl struggles to find herself looking to what race she is, Indian, American or both. She is too little Indian to her parents but too little American for her friends and has a best friend that is very manipulitive. Read about a girl who struggles to find her place in reality. Really good and will have you pulled in for more reading.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: A. P., student
The Truth about Forever Title: The Truth About Forever
Author: Sarah Dessen
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Romance
Summary: The Truth About Forever is about a teenage girl named Macy. She had the perfect life, perfect grades, and a perfect boyfriend. There comes a time in her life when her boyfriend goes away to summer camp, her father dies, and Macy is trying to take her mind off of all that is going on. She meets a guy named Wes, and it was love at first sight. Wes is very talented at art and teaches Macy about the more important things in life.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: A. S., student
Before I Die Title:  Before I Die
Author:  Jenny Downham
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Problem Novel, Relationships
Summary:  Tessa is a typical sixteen-year-old girl, going to school and hanging out with friends, but there"s one thing that"s different about her. She only has a few months to live.  Frantic to live life to the fullest, she makes a list of things that she wants to do. After a while, she realizes that the things that she really wanted weren"t achievable and simple like the list that she had originally made.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  M. J., student
Crunch Time Title:  Crunch Time
Author:  Mariah Fredericks
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction
Summary:  Four students, Leo, Jane, Daisy. and Max have decided to leave their SAT prep class and form their own study group. After the SATs, the school has announced that someone has cheated. Is it Jane, the daughter of a famous movie star who has lots of money, Max, who is always being pressured by his dad to do well, Leo, who wants a 2400 and will do almost anything to get it, or Daisy, a student who does not care about school, has very little money and thinks that the SAT"s are a joke?
Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer:  R. L., student
Impulse Title: Impulse
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Problem Novel, Relationships, Romance, Suspense/Thriller
Summary: Impulse is about three different people, all with different problems, trying to figure out how to get their lives back on track in a rehabilitation center.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: A. H., student
The Year of My Miraculous Reappearance Title:  The Year of My Miraculous Reappearance
Author:  Catherine Ryan Hyde
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Relationships
Summary:  Cynnie is a teenage girl that was taking care of herself and her little brother, Billy, who had down-syndrome. There was nobody to turn to because she had no father, and her mother was an alcoholic. After Billy is taken away from her, Cynnie tries to get him back, not succeeding.  She then learns what"s the best for her and slowly builds her life back.
Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer:  M. J., student
The Call of the Wild

Title:  The Call of the Wild

Author:  Jack London

Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Adventure

Summary:  The book is set during the Alaskan-Canadian Gold Rush where many gold miners needed dogs, and dogs were in high demand.  Buck, a dog living as a pet to a judge in California, is kidnapped by a gardener and sold away for money.  He begins by living with no survival skills.  He is taken care of by many people on the judge's manor. From here he gets beaten by dog trainers, miners, mail carriers, and more.  He needs to learn to adapt to living in the wild, from experiencing snow to hunting and killing.  The story is the emotional following of the life of Buck.  What will happen in an unexpected plot? It is a must-read for those interested in a classical story.

Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.

Reviewer:  P. X., student

Big Slick

Title:  Big Slick
Author:  Eric Luper
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction
Summary:  Andrew Lang, a 16-year-old boy who works at the dry cleaners with his father, gets hooked on poker.  He ends up losing a lot of money, and he then steals from his father by taking money out of the cash register at work.  Andrew is losing his mind, and he also loses his best friend, Scott.  He has to get his life back, but he has to go through many obstacles.  While trying to fix his problem, he runs into to a girl, Jasmine, who he ends up going out with.  Jasmine helps Andrew with fixing what he had done.  They end up taking a lot of risks and decisions to do what they have to do.
Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer:  J. F., student

summer ball

Title: Summer Ball

Author: Mike Lupica
Book Category/Genre:
Fiction, Sports
Summary:
Danny Walker travels to Maine over the summer to compete against the best of the best at an elite basketball camp.  Along the way he will have to deal with a problematic coach and a star player whom Danny has a previous fight with.  Danny must test his skills once again to prove to himself and everyone else that he is a great basketball player.
Rating:
Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer:
J. C., student

The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.

Boy Toy Title:  Boy Toy
Author:  Barry Lyga
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Relationships, Romance
Summary:  This is a story about a boy named Josh who is abused by a teacher, and he didn"t even know it. Five years later a drastic thing happened that changed everything including his feelings. This book is filled with honesty and sensitivity. Barry Lyga has written a spectacular book that draws the mind into a deep vortex of the book.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  A. P., student
Inexcusable Title: Inexcusable
Author: Chris Lynch
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Humor, Relationships
Summary: Inexcusable is the story about a kid who has had a life long crush on the girl of his dreams. They had always been best friends until senior prom when their relationship was taken to the next level. When Keir finds out that his sisters(who were in college) can"t come to his graduation ceremony, he decides to take Gigi with him to the college both his sisters attended. When they arrive, Keir was shocked and angry with what his sisters decided to do instead of attending his graduation. From there on is for you to read yourself. In conclusion, I recommend this book to all students that enjoy humorous fiction books.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: D. R., student
poseur

Title: Poseur: The Good, the Fab, and the Ugly
Author: Rachel Maude
Book Category/Genre: Fiction
Summary: Poseur is a story about four girls and their journey in high school. These four girls share a love of fashion and start a fashion label called POSEUR.  POSEUR wants to introduce a new handbag for Halloween, but the girls have one problem. Whose design is best?  This story is all about revenge, love, hate, and conflict. It is a perfect teen drama book.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: L. K., student

The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.

She
Title:  She"s A Witch Girl
Author:  Kelly McClymer
Book Category/Genre:   Fiction, Fantasy, Sports, Relationships, Romance
Summary:  This book is about a part mortal, part witch Pru Stewart 16, dealing with her life in Agatha"s (a school for witches). It shows how her life changed and how she gets along dealing with new companions and the struggles living in Witch like world when she was basically raised in the Mortal world all her life. It basically shows Pru"s problems, love interets, her ex-best friend Maddy before she moved, and problems with the cheeleading team and how she basically changes over time which was explained more in the last 2 books from the first Salem Witch tryouts.
Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer:  L. K., student
Breathless

Title: Breathless
Author: Lurlene McDaniel
Book Category/Genre: Fiction
Summary: Euthanasia is still one of the most controversial topics in our society today. Would it be considered killing if the person wants to die? To what extent is a personal choice justification for something that goes against important morals and standards that are set in our society? Lurlene McDaniel explores these questions by creating a breathtaking story that will grab your heart and squeeze. The book begins with a kid who had it all, Travis Morrison. Blessed with talent as a diver, popularity, and important people in his life who care about him, he thought he knew what life was. But everything changed when he was diagnosed with cancer. With his dreams shattered and his life turned upside down, he begins the difficult journey toward recovery, except recovery never comes. Struggling with pain and hopelessness, Travis finally asks those who are closest to him to make a choice; kill him or let the cancer kill him. Travis has made his choice, but what will they choose?
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: L. Z., student

Hit and Run Title:  Hit and Run
Author:  Lurlene McDaniel
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Relationships, Romance
Summary:  Analise was a senior in high school who decided to ride back home on her new bike late at night from babysitting. Laurie is a freshmen on a date with Quin, one of the most popular seniors in school. They went to a party where Quin had a lot to drink.  Jeremy is Analise"s devoted boyfriend. Life changed for all four of them that very night. Here is a book that teaches teenagers what life was really about and what was right and wrong.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  M. J., student
Traitor

Title:  Traitor
Author:  Andy McNab and Robert Rigby
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction
Summary:  Danny Watts, who is in training to become a solider, gets his dream shattered when he finds out his grandfather, former SAS hero Fergus Watts, betrayed his country.  Fergus was supposed to be dead, but apparently that is not the case.  Danny is determined to track down Fergus and turn him in.  However, someone has been watching Danny, someone who wants to kill Fergus and then kill Danny too.
Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer:  A. J. R., student
The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.

Zipped Title:  Zipped
Author:  Lauren and Tom McNeal
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Humor, Romance
Summary:  The Book Zipped is about a boy named Mick who unfortunatly discovers that this stepmother is having an affair. Along with this slight problem, Mick"s crush, Lisa, is an amazing field hockey player, but they have yet to talk to each other. Eventually, Mick talks to the girl of his dreams and tracks down the man she is having an affair with.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  S. F., student
Eclipse
Title:  Eclipse
Author:  Stephenie Meyer
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Relationships, Romance, Mystery, Suspense/Thriller
Summary:  Someone"s out to kill in Forks. Thousands of murders are happening, one after the other, and only Edward and his family have found out the connection. There is going to be a war of the elementals, a war of the strongest, a war of the enduring, but most of all, it"s a war for true love.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  P. B., student
New Moon Title:  New Moon
Author:  Stephenie Meyer
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Relationships, Romance, Suspense/Thriller
Summary:  The secret"s out about Edward Cullen and his family. There"s nothing that Isabella or Edward can do about it. But when Isabella"s life is put in danger because of the Cullens, something must be done, and it probably won"t be pretty.
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  P. B., student
Twilight Title:  Twilight
Author:  Stephenie Meyer
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Relationships, Romance, Mystery, Suspense/Thriller
Summary:  Forks, Washington. A city that resides on the north of the Olympic Peninsula of the state, it"s supposedly the most boring city in the entire United States. In fact, Isabelle Swan thinks that nothing ever happens there. She is a high-school girl, looking for love, from both her family and someone special. She finds both of these things, albeit slowly, and then she finds that her love is more than someone special. Edward McCullen is too good to be true--the perfect someone, or is it...the perfect something?
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I"ve read.
Reviewer:  P. B., student
Twilight

Title:  Twilight

Author:  Stephenie Meyer

Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Suspense/Thriller

Summary:  Isabella Swan, lonely and looking for love, moves out to Forks, Washington. She thought it was a plain town with nothing out there to hurt her, but she thought wrong. Bella's world gets flipped upside down when she meets the love of her life, Edward Cullen. Chaos strikes their relationship and the world around them as they vow to be with each other forever and spend every second together. Will their love be disturbed by the fact that Edward is a...?  The suspense keeps you flipping the pages. This is a must-read!

Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.

Reviewer:  C. A., student

fallen angels

Title: Fallen Angels
Author: Walter Dean Myers
Book Category/Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: Perry is a young adult with no plans in life. In an attempt to do something new, he joins the military, and ends up in the swampy jungles of Vietnam. He manages to befriend the other men in his squad, but as time goes on, some men die and some men live. While in Vietnam, Perry realizes a lot about life, friends, and family, all the time waiting for the freedom bird to take them home to the USA.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: D. D., student

december boys

Title: The December Boys
Author: Michael Noonan
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Problem Novel
Summary: The book The December Boys by Michael Noonan is a fictional story about five orphans and their trip to Captain's Folly.  The five orphans, all born in December, go on a vacation to a beach area on the Eastern coast of Australia.  The orphans are very closely knit until they discover that there is a possibility that one and only one of them may be adopted.  This coming of age story shows the change in each of the orphans when they find out that one of them may find a true family.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: J. B., student

The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.

Eldest
Title: Eldest
Author: Christopher Paolini
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Suspense/Thriller
Summary: A sequel to Eragon, we further follow the journey of the boy and his dragon. Trials and tribulations riddle the path which they follow and it seems that a single stroke will rid them of the enemy that follows them, forever.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: P. B., student

Eragon Title: Eragon
Author: Christopher Paolini
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Suspense/Thriller
Summary: A young boy named Eragon stumbles upon what seemingly is an ordinary rock, but instead is a dragon egg and it is this object, seemingly nothing at first, that throws Eragon, a young teenager, into a world that he never knew existed and on a quest that he never thought he would get.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: P. B., student
Maximum Ride The Angel Experiment
Title: Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment
Author: James Patterson
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Suspense/Thriller
Summary: Maximum Ride is a fourteen-year-old girl who is the result of some experiments at a secret lab to inject bird genes into human embryos. Max is the oldest of the six members of her family, or as they refer to themselves, the flock. The others are Fang (14), Iggy (14), Nudge (10), Gasman (8), and Angel (6). After they escaped from the lab, or the School, Erasers (wolf/human) have been chasing them down to test their might, then kill them. The flock"s missions: rescue the kidnapped Angel, infiltrate the School to find the flock"s missing parents, get revenge on a traitor, and save the world. If there"s time. This is a great book and I recommend it to anyone that likes action and a whole lot of screw-ups! This book will keep you reading it until it"s over.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: R. D., student
maximum ride saving the world

Title: Maximum Ride:Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports
Author: James Patterson
Book Category/Genre: Science Fiction
Summary: This book was about 6 kids running away from an evil group that is trying to destroy the world.  The catch is these kids have bird DNA along with human DNA which allows them to be agiile and fly. While these kids are running away, they must make important decisions that can mean saving their lives even if it means splitting up their group that has been together since the beginning of their lives.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: P. S., student

Keeping You a Secret Title: Keeping You a Secret
Author: Julie Anne Peters
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Problem Novel, Relationships, Romance
Summary: Holland thinks she has everything going for her - she"s popular, has a great boyfriend, is on the swim team, and is class President - but everything changes when she meets a new student, Cece, and falls in love. A chilling rendition of love, hardships, and following your dreams, experienced in a homophobic school.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: A. C., student
chloe doe

Title: Chloe Doe
Author: Suzanne Phillips
Book Category/Genre: Fiction
Summary: Seventeen year old Chloe is put on the streets at an early age and expected by others to fend for herself.  Her life is turned upside down.  This book follows her journey back into normal society.  In the Madeline Parker Institute for Girls, Chloe speaks about her painful past about her abusive step-father, murdered sister, and mother who watched it all happen.  Chloe finds the strength within herself to overcome her past and move on to a better future for herself.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: L. P., student

The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.

Golden Compass
Title: The Golden Compass
Author: Philip Pullman
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction, Suspense/Thriller
Summary: Philip Pullman tells us a tale of a young girl, who, with her demon, is fighting to find her true purpose. Searching far and wide, the teenage mischief-maker has met her match. The Dust. As soon as she"s heard of the Dust she"s thrust into a struggle where she finds great and terrible majesties, thrusting her into a world of stolen children, holes, and many more situations and challenges.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: P. B., student
How to Take the Ex out of Ex-boyfriend
Title:  How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-boyfriend
Author:  Janette Rallison
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Relationships
Summary:  Giovanna, a so-so girl in her high school, has the perfect boyfriend that any girl would have loved to have. Unfortunately, she also has a twin brother who decides to run for student body president which is something that he probably won"t achieve.  Her boyfriend, Jesse, decided to be the campaign manager for the most popular guy in school, Wilson.  After breaking up with Jesse, Giovanna realized that life wasn"t the way it was supposed to be.  Will she get Jesse back and not lose Dante's trust?
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I"ve read.
Reviewer:  M. J., student
battle of the labyrinth

Title: The Battle of the Labyrinth
Author: Rick Riordan
Book Category/Genre:  Adventure, Fantasy
Summary: The fourth book of the Percy Jackson series continues with Percy, a half-blood (half human and half god) who journeys with his friends to uncover the secrets and passageway of the underground labyrinth designed by Daedalus. With his help they may just be able to save their camp of half-bloods from attack, but the obstacles that await could ruin their fate to keep the world of Greek gods against their greatest fear, the invasion of the Titans.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: S. X., student

The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.

Under the Baseball Moon

Title:  Under the Baseball Moon

Author:  John H. Ritter

Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Sports, Relationships

Summary:  Andy Ramos is a musician with ambition.  Andy has determined that this is his breakout summer, the summer to launch his musical career.  He has spent every minute he could on the rooftop, on the pier, and on his skateboard playing his trumpet. When his old friend Gloria returns with Olympic softball dreams of her own, his whole world is turned upside down.  When these two discover that their unique talents can help bring each other to the next level.  Over time they realize what effect they have on each other, and Gloria realizes she needs Andy's trumpet riffs at her games to pitch effectively. He needs her to be present at his performances for him to play better. When a strange man in black promises fame and fortune, you will find out if the two risk it all for what they think they want or will they stay true to themselves.

Rating:   Good book, I enjoyed reading it.

Reviewer:  C. L., student

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Title: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Author: J. K. Rowling
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
Summary: In Harry"s final battle against Voldermort we finally see who"s a Death Eater and who"s with Harry and who, doesn"t really know. Everything ends--and begins--anew.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: P. B., student
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Title: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows
Author: J.K. Rowling
Book Category/Genre: Magic, Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Mystery
Summary: This book is about a boy named Hary Potter, and he is on a mission to find Horcrux"s. In the previous book, Dumbledore helps him, but Snape kills him. So now Harry, Ron, and Hermione are off finding the Horcrux"s, but on their way they must battle death eaters and wolfs. They find hidden secrets wherever they go and surrounding whomever they meet. Finally, Voldemort seeks upon Harry, and another battle has begun. See what will happen, who will die, how they die, and who kills them.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: M. M., student
The Dashwood Sisters Title: The Dashwood Sisters" Secrets of Love
Author: Rosie Rushton
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Humor, Relationships, Romance
Summary: Ellie, Abby, and Georgie had everything they could have ever hoped for. They had loads of money, a huge house, and a great future ahead of them, but everything changed when a tradegy struck the family...and they were forced to move to a small, quite town named Norfolk. As much as they didn"t want to be there, Norfolk taught them everything they needed to know about family, friends, and, of course, love.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: R. L., student
Rainbow Boys Title: Rainbow Boys
Author: Alex Sanchez
Book Category/Genre: Life and controversial issues, Relationships, Romance
Summary: Three boys are on a journey throughout their lives in high school. What"s different about them? They"re gay. In this book we have an openly gay, flamboyant character along with his quieter counterpart and finally, the "closet" who doesn"t know what"s in store for his future.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: P. B., student
Killer Cruise
Title:  Killer Cruise
Author:  Jennifer Shaw
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Problem Novel, Mystery, Suspense/Thriller
Summary:  Killer Cruise, by Jennifer Shaw, is an excellent choice for all teen readers. The main character in the story, Ashley, undergoes major events including breaking up with her boyfriend, finding a new boy friend, and escaping multiple life threatening occurrences! This book takes place on a cruise ship getaway planned for Ashley"s sixteenth birthday. As soon as you open the first page, you get transported right alongside Ashley to help her figure out who is the culprit behind all of her near death experiences and who is out to ruin her birthday extravaganza. Read this book, and you"ll enter a crazy world that"s filled with mysterious surprises and shocking conclusions.  After all, this book is called KILLER cruise!
Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer:  A. I., student

The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.

Pretty Little Liars
Title: Pretty Little Liars
Author: Sara Shepard
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Relationships
Summary: The book Pretty Little Liars is about 4 girls; Spencer, Aria, Emily and Hanna. They were all best friends in sixth grade, along with a girl named Alison. Since then they have all grown apart; now as juniors it seems as if Alison has returned to cause some trouble. They have all kept a secret for a long time, and now it seems like "A" may be the one that will spill it. Throughout the book all 4 girls battle the fear that their deepest darkest secret may get out.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: S. J., student
The Afterlife
Title:  The Afterlife
Author:  Gary Soto
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Adventure, Horror, Romance, Suspense/Thriller
Summary:  The Afterlife is about a boy named Chuy who gets murdered at a club. His ghost leaves his body and he begins life as a ghost. He goes around town and watch how it functions as he is dead. While he is a ghost, he also meets another girl that died, and they like each other. They go through problems together but in the end they die in peace together.
Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer:  A. S., student
Milkweed

Title:  Milkweed
Author:  Jerry Spinelli
Book Category/Genre:  Historical Fiction
Summary:  Milkweed is a story about an orphan boy during the Holocaust. He doesn"t know his past, and all he does is steal food. He meets all different kind of people, some to befriend and others to stay away from. Soon he goes to the ghetto and learns that it isn"t all fun and games. Someone could get hurt.
Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer:  E. Z., student

taker

Title: The Taker
Author: J.M. Steele
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Problem Novel
Summary: Carly Biels is the average teenager who has a great future ahead of her. Her boyfriend is captain of the lacrosse team. She is smart, and she is set to go to Princeton University because her family has a history there. When Carly gets her SAT scores back, everything changes. She has never been a great test taker, but she really does not do well. She receives a message from "The Taker" saying that the test could be taken for her guaranteeing a higher score, if she agrees to it. This is exactly what Carly needs. Will she carry on with "The Taker" while also having to deal with all her other problems?
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: A. G., student

The Mysterious Benedict Society

Title:  The Mysterious Benedict Society

Author:  Trenton Lee Stewart

Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Suspense/Thriller

Summary:  Four children, Reynie Muldoon, Sticky Washington, Kate Wetherall, and Constance Contraire, come together as a secret group of spies who need to infiltrate a special school for gifted children in order to stop the headmaster from brainwashing everyone in the world. Chosen by their special talents and their unfortunate home situations, these kids learn how to trust each other and finally understand the true meaning of love and friendship.

Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.

Reviewer:  C. A., student

The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.

Knights of the Hill Country Title: Knights of the Hill Country
Author: Tim Tharp
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Sports
Summary: Hampton, the star football quarterback, goes through life with his friends and the sport. Throughout the book, it tells about Hampton"s relationship with his best friend, Blaine, who introduced him to football when he was younger. After his father abandoned him, he currently resides in a rental building with his mom. His teammates always tell him to focus on the game, but Hampton always ends up conflicting with girls or other kind of unnecessary activity, in the eyes of his teammates.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: A. H., student
Rookie of the Year  

Title:  Rookie of the Year
Author:  John R. Tunis
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Sports, Suspense/Thriller
Summary:  In this book you travel through the exciting twists and turns involved in running a major league baseball team. Spike Russell, the manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, tries to lead his team to the pennant despite a slow start. His star rookies are involved in many altercations which lead to trouble. Spike has to deal with these players and try to lead his team to the pennant, while avoiding losing his job as manager.
Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer:  J. K., student
The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.

homecoming
Title: Homecoming
Author: Cynthia Voigt
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Problem Novel, Relationships
Summary: Dicey has three siblings and she"s the oldest. Abandoned by their mother in a parking lot, she takes it upon herself to keep her younger siblings safe. Traveling by day and sometimes by night without any money or food, Dicey tries to find the missing piece of the puzzle--a place to call home.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: P. B., student
Tempted

Title:  Tempted

Author:  Cecily Von Ziegesar

Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Humor, Relationships, Romance

Summary:  In the beginning of this novel, Callie tries to win Easy, her ex-boyfriend, at the Halloween Ball. The only thing in her way is the fact that Easy doesn't want anything to do with her. Still determined, she dresses up in her finest costume convinced that Easy will surely take her back, since he is her prince charming after all. But when Easy found about Callie and her friend, Tinsley, trying to get Jenny expelled from their exclusive boarding school, Easy doesn't come running back into Callie's arms...

 

Meanwhile, Jenny has become a legend - NO ONE in Waverly has ever escaped being expelled. So there has to be someone who saved her, right? Someone who spent thousands of dollars to make sure that she stayed right where she was, at Waverly? But who could it be...?

 

Tinsley, feels out of place - something unusual for the former It-Girl.  Upset that her plan to get rid of Jenny didn't work, perhaps she'll find a new way to bring little Jenny down? Or will Tinsley be completely off the social radar in her process?

 

Brett, the class perfect, may seem perfect on the outside with her killer grades, but everyone knows that the most well-behaved girls are the least outside of public... Too bad for Brett...her juicy secret gets out.

 

Overall, this book was a good read. It was easy to relate to and has loads of twists and turns.  If you are a fan of any of the IT GIRL books, this book will not disappoint you!!

Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.

Reviewer:  E. C., student

Quad Title:  Quad
Author:  C. G. Watson
Book Category/Genre:  Fiction, Suspense/Thriller
Summary:  Muir High seems to be a typical high school. But it isn"t. Six students, all from different cliques, end up together one day, hiding away from a shooter who"s one of them. What caused this tragedy from happening?  Are school cliques that bad?
Rating:  Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer:  M. J., student
pretties Title: Pretties
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Science Fiction, Romance
Summary: We continue to see the rebel uglies in this book--living on their own in what they call The Smoke. The romance between Tally and David blossoms as time wears on. But when Tally forgets the booby trap that she carries with her, she may have just destroyed her entire, newfound world.
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: P. B., student
uglies
Title: Uglies
Author: Scott Westerfeld

Book Category/Genre: Adventure, Science Fiction, Mystery, Suspense/Thriller
Summary: Ugly people. Who wouldn"t want them around? But in this book, the ugly, called "uglies" are taken to the extreme--maimed and contorted until their faces are no longer recognizable, they await eagerly their sixteenth birthday until they can once again become "pretty." But when a sixteen-year-old is denied this chance, what happens?
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: P. B., student

Uglies Title: Uglies
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Book Category/Genre: Fiction,Relationships
Summary: In a world where you are judged by your appearance, Tally Youngblood is faced with many different obstacles. As she is patiently waiting for her chance to become "pretty", she befriends a quiet rebel named Shay. Pretties are treated like royalty, and it is every little girl"s dream. Tally has been waiting for this chance her whole entire life and to finally be reunited with her friend and secret lover Peris. As she becomes closer with Shay, she realizes how different they are. Shay does not want to become pretty, she wants to stay unique. Tally is torn between two choices, one is to stay and become pretty like everyone else, and two is to run away with Shay and lead a normal "ugly" life. When she learns that the process of becoming "pretty" isn"t so amazing, will she cave into Shay"s persuasion or cave into the life of a "pretty"?
Rating: Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer: C. S., student
The Devil

Title:  The Devil"s Arithmetic
Author:  Jane Yolen
Book Category/Genre:  Historical Fiction
Summary:  The Devil"s Arithmetic is about a girl named Hannah who is almost 13 years old.  She lives in the modern time, and like any teenage, Jewish girl she is tired of remembering and doesn"t want to go to her family"s Passover seder.  When Hannah goes to open the door for Elijah at the seder, she magically gets transported to the past.  When she sees the open field instead of a line of apartment doors, she decides to play along with the game.  But not a long time from then, she realizes she is about to experience the horrors of the Holocaust.
Rating:  Good book, I enjoyed reading it.
Reviewer:  Y. D., student

The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.

Moving Mama to Town
Title: Moving Mama to Town
Author: Ronder Thomas Young
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Problem Novel
Summary: Moving Mama to Town is a great book. Although it has an extremely sad ending, it is well worth reading. Moving Mama to Town is a novel about the struggle of a growing boy and his family that needs help desperately. They were abandoned by their Father. All they have is a mopey mother and a rambunctious brother. Freddie(the main character of the book) knows he has to do something drastic. He decides to move his mom and his little brother into town and abandon their farm. Freddie decides to quit school altogether and get a job. Saloon owner Mr. Calhoun takes him in. Many obstacles await Freddie in the future. His family seems to be coming back together, but as soon as things seem to turn around, something huge happens. Their lives will never be the same again.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: D. C., student
The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.
food girls and other things

Title: Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have
Author: Allen Zadoff
Book Category/Genre: Fiction, Humor, Problem Novel, Relationships, Romance
Summary: Andrew Zansky was fat in freshman year, and now he is fat in sophomore year.  He wishes to change himself to get the girl of his dreams, April, by acting cool, joining the football team, and pretending he is a jock, but it doesn't end well.
Rating: Super book, one of the best books I've read.
Reviewer: J. O., student

The LHS Media Center does not own this book. Please check with the Livingston Public Library/BCCLS to check out this book.

 

 
 
Last Modified on September 7, 2011