Why I picked up the book: The first time I read it, I was drawn in by the cover which has the pattern of rose petals and by the fact that I love the n...moreWhy I picked up the book: The first time I read it, I was drawn in by the cover which has the pattern of rose petals and by the fact that I love the name Schuyler.
Why I finished the book: I'd prefer not to say. Kidding.
I'd recommend it to: readers looking for a nice, clean story and something that makes you think about what you believe in.(less)
Why I picked up the book: I love John Green and I've read his first two books, "Looking for Alaska" and "The Abundance of Katherines"...moreWhy I picked up the book: I love John Green and I've read his first two books, "Looking for Alaska" and "The Abundance of Katherines". I think he is one of the best voices in literary YA.
Why I finished it: While the topic is heavy (teens with terminal cancer), the author injects humor, quirkiness, and fun into the novel. I've heard other reviewers say they don't think real teenagers talk the way the Green's characters do but I think that is part of tje author's genius. He writes the above average intelligence character and appeals to the more literary readers.
I'd give it to: John Green fans, who will definitely not be disappointed.
Julia Song hates being Korean. She hates kimchee, Korean pickled cabbage made with garlic, green onions, and hot red peppers. She hates the taste of ...moreJulia Song hates being Korean. She hates kimchee, Korean pickled cabbage made with garlic, green onions, and hot red peppers. She hates the taste of kimchee, she hates the sight of kimchee, and most of all, Julia hates the smell of kimchee and the way it permeates the house almost immediately after it’s made or a jar of it is opened. Julia and her best friend Patrick have joined the Wiggle Club (Work-Grow-Give-Live!), which is like 4-H. They want to pick the perfect project and win at the state fair, but the problem is they both live in apartments in residential neighborhoods and can’t have pets. After much investigation, Julia’s mom suggests that they raise silkworms, like she did when she was a child in Korea. Patrick thinks it’s a great idea because then they can enter two categories: Animal Husbandry (raising the worms) and Domestic Arts (creating a craft project using the silk). Julia, of course, hates the idea because it sounds too Korean, but she doesn’t want to hurt Patrick’s feelings so she reluctantly decides to go along with it, all the while looking for a way to sabotage the project. Thankfully the first snag comes along not because of Julia but in response to the dietary needs of the silkworms. Silkworms must eat mulberry tree leaves and there don’t seem to be any of those around Plainfield, Illinois. So Julia and Patrick must first find the essential mulberry tree in order to facilitate their silkworm project. What makes this book unique is the story that happens between each chapter. Ms. Park shares the inside story of how Project Mulberry was written through dialogue with Julia. (less)
How do you imagine the "City of the Future"? For me, it is a place where we've figured out how to stop harming ourselves, our environment, a...moreHow do you imagine the "City of the Future"? For me, it is a place where we've figured out how to stop harming ourselves, our environment, and each other. But knowing how far technology has come in such a short time and how it has dominated all our lives, it isn't hard to imagine a world like Satellite City, a super city of 25 million. The Satellite controls everything from news, traffic, to rotating the location of buildings. But the Satellite is going haywire and creating chaos.
In this future world, orphans, known as no-sponsors, are taken in by places like the Clarissa Frayne Institute for the Parentally Challenged. In order to keep its doors open, the Institute must make money by any means necessary including risking the lives of the no-sponsors, who don't normally live past age 15, due to all the food and drug testing they undergo. Cosmo Hill is a no-sponsor who doesn't want to die at Clarissa Frayne, so he is always on the lookout for an escape.
When a Satellite malfunction provides Cosmo with an opportunity, he takes it. But his escape is less than perfect and as Cosmo lays dying, he sees a mysterious blue creature land on his chest and begin to suck the life from him.
Before he blacks out, three teenagers appear with weapons pointed straight at him. Cosmo later awakens in their warehouse and learns that this group, who call themselves the Supernaturalists, can see these blue creatures and are trying to destroy the Parasites.
Can the Supernaturalists be able to defeat the Parasites and continue to evade capture from the government? Is anything really what it seems to be?
Why I picked up the book: I'm rereading it for my middle school book club. I read it once about five years ago.
Why I finished it: I kept wondering if this really what the city of the future will be like and hoping it won't. I also really wanted to know what these Parasites really were all about.
I'd give the book to: anyone, especially fans of adventure or futuristic/dystopian sci-fi.(less)
Katrina wasn't looking for a reward or even a pat on the back. She just did the right thing, a random act of kindness. While emptying the trash on a c...moreKatrina wasn't looking for a reward or even a pat on the back. She just did the right thing, a random act of kindness. While emptying the trash on a cold morning outside her grandmother's coffee shop, Anna's Old World Scandinavian Coffeehouse, Katrina sees a homeless man curled up in the alley asleep. So she places a hot cup of coffee, day old pastries, and a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans on the doorstep for him. What happens next isn't so ordinary. The man shows up at Katrina's school, during an assembly and announces to the whole school that he must reward her generosity and selflessness. Not only is Katrina embarrassed but she refuses to accept the reward.
It turns out the man, Malcolm, is a messenger angel. He is between missions and can not/will not be able to leave until Katrina lets him grant her wish and give her the thing she most desires. Is this guy for real? Would you be able to refuse the charms of a cute "Coffeehouse Angel"?
Why I picked up this book: I love books about coffee and the cover grabbed me as well. This has been on my to-read list for a long time. I've probably checked it out a dozen times and never had a chance to read it. Started it this time because I was looking for something fun, easy, and light. Fits the bill and might work into a great book club.
Why I finished it: It is a sweet story about friendship, family, and forgiveness.
I'd give it to: fans of light romance, teens and adults. (less)
"Imagine this:
You're in your favorite bookstore, scanning the shelves. You get to the section where a favorite author's books reside, and...more"Imagine this:
You're in your favorite bookstore, scanning the shelves. You get to the section where a favorite author's books reside, and there, nestled in comfortably between the incredibly familiar spines, sits a red notebook.
What do you do?
The choice, I think, is obvious:
You take down the red notebook and open it.
And then you do whatever it tells you to do." (page 1)
Lily left the aforementioned red notebook next to Salinger's "Franny and Zooey" in the Strand, a hip used book store in New York City. It was discovered by Dash. Dash decides to follow the literary clues and then leave one of his own for the mysterious Lily, thus beginning a city-wide "treasure hunt", passing the notebook back and forth yet never meeting. Dash and Lily employ friends and family in the quirky and often hilarious dares, sharing their thoughts and feelings along the way. Is it possible to start a friendship or even a relationship when you have never laid eyes on the each other? I dare you to pick up this book and find out.
Why I picked up the book: I like author Rachel Cohn and have seen the movie based on their book "Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist". Dash & Lily was the next book for CY's Teachers as Readers book club so it gave me a good reason to finally read it.
Why I finished it: It was a fun and festive holiday book and a nice change from supernatural, undead fiction. Lily reminded me a bit of Mia from Meg Cabot's series "The Princess Diaries". I think it was her quirkiness but could have been the NYC setting. Dash, on the other hand, was very verbose and a bit quirky in his own way. Snarly, as other characters referred to him.
I'd give it to: readers looking for a little holiday cheer. Probably high school and up, because there is some mild language, a small reference to drinking, and some kissing.(less)
Josh and Emma have been neighbors for as long as they can remember and up until the incident last November they were best friends. Now it is May 1996 ...moreJosh and Emma have been neighbors for as long as they can remember and up until the incident last November they were best friends. Now it is May 1996 and they haven't been in each other's houses in six months. Emma just received a computer from her father and so Josh brings over an AOL CD-ROM that she can download to get 100 hours of free Internet. What she didn't expect was to get access to a strange website called Facebook. Sure, you know what Facebook is, but did you know it wasn't actually launched until 2004?
As Emma and Josh begin to investigate this Facebook, they realize what they are seeing is their future selves in 2011, fifteen years in the future. And everytime they log on or refresh Facebook their future is a little different.
If you could see your future, would you like it? Would it make you want to change the present? How would it affect your relationships with others, and most importantly for Josh and Emma, the future of us?
Why I picked up the book: In May 1996, I was a sophomore in high school and did NOT have my own computer until the summer before my junior year of college in 2000! I remember going to my other parents' house to use their computer to type papers and listening to that horrible pinging dial of the Internet when my younger brother would log on. We never used AOL but constantly got the CD-ROMs in the mail. (when did that stop anyway??) I wonder if any of my teens would even remember the sound of dial-up, which I haven't had since 2003.
Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler are rockstar YA authors so of course, I had to read this! Plus it is a change from the dystopian, zombies, and vampires I've been reading lately.
Why I finished it: I'm a sucker for this type of novel. It was like brain candy and just want I needed. Like I mentioned, I kept thinking about myself in high school and would I have been content with where I am today (by the way, I am loving my life right now, but again what would my 16 year old self think?).
I'd give it to: fans of realistic fiction with a small amount of romance (nothing over the top). Teens who like to think about what their future will be like and adults who can look back and remember how they felt at 16 about their future life.
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Imagine waking up in a strange place, not knowing where you are, how you got ther...more"Nice to meet you shank. Welcome to the Glade."
Imagine waking up in a strange place, not knowing where you are, how you got there, or worse yet, how to get out. Not remembering anything about your life except for your name.
Thomas arrives in the Glade, just the same way as everyone before him. Once per month a newbie is delivered through the Box, a strange, dark elevator shaft, through which you can enter but you can't leave.
"Where am I?" Thomas asks. "Nowhere good" is the reply.
The Glade is in the middle of a Maze, and surrounded by huge stone walls that open like clockwork every morning and close tight every night at sunset. The group of boys that live in the Glade have created their own society and are working hard to survive. Every morning, a team of eight Runners enter the Maze in an effort to map every inch and find a way out. They must be back by sunset though because hideous, deadly beasts called Grievers live in the Maze and come out at night.
While Thomas's arrival in the Glade was expected, he is nothing like the normal newbie. Several of the Gladers think they remember him and say he is bad. Thomas also has a strong desire to be a Runner. And the day after he arrives, someone else is sent up through the Box. This time it is a girl, with a message.
After two years, the Gladers are beginning to suspect there may be no way out.
Why I picked up the book: It has been on my to-read pile for quite awhile since it is a Soaring Eagle nominee. It was recommended to me by a guy in my high school book club.
Why I finished it: We were looking for a book to use for our inaugural Teen One Book selection and one of our high school librarians recommended this one. Also I was invited to join CY's Teachers as Readers book club and this was their first book. Besides the obligation, I was sucked in. I wanted to know how they got there and if they would solve the maze. It kept me guessing and now I have to read the sequels (Scorch Trials & Death Cure) and the prequel (The Kill Order, to be released in August 2012)
I'd give it to: fans of Hunger Games, teens (especially boys!) and adults looking for a new series. The author himself called it a mix between "Ender's Game" and "Lord of the Flies".(less)
It didn't have to be like this. Thinking back, you could have made different choices and avoided this.
You used to care about school and gr...moreIt didn't have to be like this. Thinking back, you could have made different choices and avoided this.
You used to care about school and grades. You used to have real friends, not just the "hoodies", the group of guys you hang with, that wear the uniform of black shirt, pants, and of course the black hoodie. The group who no one expects anything from but trouble.
You could have ignored the new guy, who you never would have met it hadn't been for the suspension.
You could have had the girl, if you had only spoken up.
You can look back now and see it, and the way it should have been. But realize, it is all because of YOU.
Why I picked up the book: I was looking for something different, for myself and for our high school book club. This definitely fit the bill and it was a quick read.
Why I finished it: The 2nd person narration instantly draws you in as well as the fact that the initial section gives away part of the ending but has you guessing how it get there (LOTS OF BLOOD). I love guessing, especially when I don't see it coming.
I'd give it to: boys, teens who feel misunderstood, reluctant readers, someone looking for a short book that will draw them in, teachers and parents--anyone who works with or will be raising a teenager.(less)
Some people love the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, full of holiday cheer and fun family times. Not Greg. Greg doesn't enjoy family time or ...moreSome people love the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, full of holiday cheer and fun family times. Not Greg. Greg doesn't enjoy family time or the threats that come with not being on your best behavior. Who really wants to find out if Santa has a "Naughty List"?
Whatever happened to the good ole days when parents gave you money to buy gifts, which meant low priced gifts for them and a few fun treats for yourself? Why does being an 8th grader mean you have to earn your own money? How many jobs, especially during the cold snowy season, are available for teens?
Greg is about to discover the "joys" and misfortunes of snow removal, complete with a lawn mower and water hose. Not to mention how much more exciting the holiday season can become when a blizzard traps the family, minus Dad who is stuck at work, indoors with a dwindling supply of food. Can anyone say "Cabin Fever"?
Why I picked up the book: I've read the others in the series and love them. Greg reminds me of my brother at that age. Also two of my nephews are reading the series. One is a 5th grader and loves to read. The other is in 8th grade and is a reluctant reader (he would rather be hunting). Both pre-ordered the book and I wanted to make sure I read it before seeing them at Christmas.
Why I finished it: It is funny and hard to put down. I would have finished it in one sitting, less than an hour, except I started it at 10pm and was super tired.
I'd give it to: fans of the series. Boys who like comic books and humor. Junior high teachers and parents--anyone who knows or once knew a teen boy.(less)
Amy and Dan Cahill (age 14 and 11) are returning to their beloved grandmother's estate for one last time, for her funeral and the reading of her will....moreAmy and Dan Cahill (age 14 and 11) are returning to their beloved grandmother's estate for one last time, for her funeral and the reading of her will. For Amy & Dan, this day isn't about how much money they will inherit. It is another painful reminder that they are all alone now, without their beloved Grace, whom they spent wonderful weekends with. Their parents died seven years ago in a fire and since then, they have been living under the guardianship of their awful Aunt Beatrice who hires, and just as quickly fires, au pairs to watch over them.
But what Amy, Dan, and about 40 other select relatives learn will change everything. You see, minutes before her death, Grace changed her will. Those invited to the reading have a choice. Take a check for $1,000,000, your share of the inheritance, OR accept the challenge and forfeit the money. However there can only be one winner. Those who choose to accept and join the quest may work alone or in teams. Each team will receive the first of thirty-nine clues. The clues are scattered around the globe and will lead to a secret that will make the winner(s) the most powerful and influential humans on the planet. They will discover that many of the great people of the past were Cahills.
Amy and Dan are tempted to take the money until a conversation with Aunt Beatrice changes their minds. The first clue sends the seven participating teams off on a race to Philadelphia and Paris, a race against time and each other, complete with a fire, bombs, collapsing ground, and more. You see, the other teams believe that Grace gave Amy and Dan inside information and therefore want to eliminate them. So Amy and Dan are all alone, unable to trust anyone.
Will Amy and Dan survive the quest for the 39 Clues? And who is the man in the black suit watching their every move?
Why I picked it up: Our middle school book club was interested in reading it.
Why I finished the book: It is a super fast read. Lots of action, adventure, and mystery. Although my book was used and didn't have the cards, I think it might be fun for tween & teen readers to participate in the online, interactive quest. If I had time, I would definitely pick up the 2nd book and read through the whole series.
I'd give it to: fans of mystery series and those who like interactive books. The symbols, clues, and fast pace reminds me of Dan Brown but for a younger set.(less)
Junior high is hard enough for a "normal" teenager. But what if you had a massive secret that involved the death of your parents three years...moreJunior high is hard enough for a "normal" teenager. But what if you had a massive secret that involved the death of your parents three years ago and the disappearance of your teacher. A secret so dark it could get you beat up or worse, killed?
Vladimir Tod isn't your typical 8th grader. Yeah sure, he is a bit on the skinny side, with pale white skin, and he loves to wear hoodies, t-shirts with witty, sarcastic sayings, and shoes with holes in them. Vlad is quiet, has a crush on a cute girl, and a best friend who is more outgoing but also knows how to keep secrets. It's Vlad's appetite and dietary issues are a bit, shall we say, unique.
You see, Vlad is a vampire, well half-vampire. He must drink blood in order to survive. Luckily his guardian, Aunt Nelly, is a nurse and has a constant supply of blood bags, snack packs, and blood capsules to keep him nourished.
The school bullies have taken an interest in Vlad. But they aren't the only ones. Someone is looking for Vlad and will stop at nothing to find him. Is the new substitute, the pale, top-hat wearing Mr. Otis just a strange character with a keen interest in mythology or is he dark and dangerous?
Even if you aren't a vampire, sometimes Eighth Grade Bites.
Why I picked up the book: It is nominated for the Wyoming Soaring Eagle book award. I have had a lot of boys tell me about it as well as a middle school teacher.
Why I finished it: The book is quick, fast paced and intriguing. It was less about Vlad being a vampire and more about him trying to find his identity, outwit or outrun the bullies, and dealing with the loss of his parents.
I'd recommend it to: boys, fans of series, readers who want vampires but not a lot of blood, gore, romance, etc.(less)
Written by local author Ron Franscell, originally from Casper, this book is a guide to Colorado and Wyoming crimes scenes of the past and present. He ...moreWritten by local author Ron Franscell, originally from Casper, this book is a guide to Colorado and Wyoming crimes scenes of the past and present. He gives GPS coordinates for crime scenes and grave sites. He also refers readers to books and resources that provide more information on particular people and crimes.
Why I picked up the book: The author was here in early October & my husband and I both loved his book "Fall".
Why I finished it: I wish it had more about the some of the crimes, but he does a good job of referring the reader to other books. I learned a lot about crimes in this region. I'm a huge fan of Unsolved Mysteries & Disappeared, even though they still scare me whether I watch them in the light or the dark.
I'd give it to: I would recommend this book to fans of shows like Unsolved Mysteries and Disappeared and especially to readers who like to hear about local crimes, past and present. I would probably recommend it for high school and up, just because some of the crimes are pretty brutal.
What is your worst nightmare? I would be willing to bet that you could never dream of a place as horrible as Furnace. Furnace Penitentiary was built f...moreWhat is your worst nightmare? I would be willing to bet that you could never dream of a place as horrible as Furnace. Furnace Penitentiary was built following the "Summer of Slaughter" when teenage gangs reigned, terrorizing and murdering, sending society into a state of fear and panic. Now it is a state of zero tolerance. You do the crime, you will do hard time, forever. If you are convicted, you are sentenced to life in this underground prison, where horrors beyond your wildest dream exist. Muscular, meat-eating guard dogs. A warden with black eyes like vortexes that seem to suck out your soul. Guards who wheeze due to the gas masks covering their faces, the gas masks that appear to sewn into their skin, the guards that come for you in the dark of night.
In exchange for safety and security, the government and society have turned a blind eye to the prison. If they only knew what was really going on, would they allow the teenagers prisoners, who are children really, to be treated this way? Don't they deserve a second chance, especially if, like Alex, they maintain their innocence?
Welcome to Furnace, where there is no escape. Or is there?
Why I picked up the book: My alternative high school book club picked it. It had been recommended to me before but I'd never made the time to read it.
Why I finished it: I was hooked from the first page as Alex is running up the prison stairs to avoid whatever monstrous thing is chasing him and the other prisoners. I'm underwater claustrophobic so I know the threat of spending my life in an underground prison would do me in. I will definitely be picking up the sequels (will be 5 in the series by 2013).
I'd give it to: fans of horror, like Stephen King or Darren Shan. In fact I gave it to my King/Shan fan the minute I saw her. Definitely teen boys, especially those looking for a new series, although I've had girls like it too.(less)
Nick & Allie never knew each other in life but literally ran into each other in death. When the cars they were riding in hit head-on, both Nick & Alli...moreNick & Allie never knew each other in life but literally ran into each other in death. When the cars they were riding in hit head-on, both Nick & Allie were ejected. Nick was in the middle seat which lacked a seatbelt and Allie had just taken hers off to adjust her shirt. They both remember seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and then feeling something (or in this case someone) bump them off course.
When they awaken after a dreamless nine month sleep, Nick and Allie discover they are in a place called Everlost. Only children and teenagers find themselves in Everlost, as adults always seem to get where they were going. The dead world of Everlost exists parallel to the living world. The Afterlights, the name for those souls in Everlost, can see the living world but can't touch it. In fact they can sink into the living earth and become trapped for eternity.
Certain places also exist in Everlost. Those that were truly loved will cross over, like the World Trade Center. Nick & Allie eventually find their way to New York City and meet the Queen of Lost Souls. Mary Hightower has created a community in the World Trade Centers, where children are able to spend their time and do what they love.
But Allie isn't willing to let go of life so easily. She wants to find a way out of Everlost at any cost.
Why I picked up the book: Lots of teens had been recommending it to me.
Why I finished it: Very compelling. While the characters are dead, it isn't that grim of a story.
I'd give it to: Neal Shusterman fans. Readers who like realistic fiction but with a twist of fantasy and sci-fi.(less)
It has been a year since the disease ravaged London, Those over 16 either died or became horrible disgusting monsters. The children and teenagers left...moreIt has been a year since the disease ravaged London, Those over 16 either died or became horrible disgusting monsters. The children and teenagers left behind have found shelter in abandoned buildings and have had to adapt in order to survive. They must hunt and scavenger for food and do whatever it takes to protect themselves.
If it is possible, things are getting worse. While they don't know what caused the disease and why only adults were affected, they have known how to survive up until now. The "Grown-ups", the zombies in human shells, have always been easy to kill but now they appear to be getting stronger, more organized, and even more dangerous.
When a teen named Jester shows up telling the Holloway gang that there is a thriving community living at Buckingham Palace, raising animals and growing food, the group must decide whether to stay in their relatively safe, known environment with dwindling food rations or make their way across the unknown dangerous city to the promise of a better life.
What or who is the real Enemy? Will they be able to survive?
Why I picked up the book: I haven't read any zombie books. My book group at Roosevelt chose this for their first book club.
Why I finished it: I had to know if they were going to survive, especially Small Sam. I think I would have a hard time surviving for a year with limited food and no electricity, so it is amazing to me that teens and children can adapt and try to survive. (Yeah, yeah I know. I'm an adult so the disease would have either killed me or turned me into the feared grown-ups!)
I'd give it to: teenagers, especially boys. Fans of zombies.(less)
Vel' d'Hiv was a horrible stain on French history, so much so that in an effort to forget many Parisian citizens have no idea of what happened.
...moreVel' d'Hiv was a horrible stain on French history, so much so that in an effort to forget many Parisian citizens have no idea of what happened.
In July 1942, Sarah was ten years old when the French police arrested her family along with other Jews, the first step in the horrific journey to Auschwitz. Sarah had no idea what was happening and in an effort to keep her younger brother safe, locked him in the bedroom cupboard and promised to quickly return and rescue him.
Julia is an American journalist who has been living in Paris for 25 years. She is assigned to investigate and write a story on the 60th anniversary of the Vel' d'Hiv. What Julia discovers will change her life forever.
Why I picked up the book: I had heard several librarians in the building raving about it. When a guy in our high school book club recommended we read it, I jumped on the opportunity.
Why I finished the book: This was a different kind of Holocaust novel. I had no idea about the French involvement or the Vel' d'Hiv'. I needed to know what Julia would discover. The interesting thing about reading a novel about the Holocaust is we all know what ultimately happened, but you keep hoping for something different.
I'd give it to: readers who aren't afraid to connect with the characters and/or readers who don't mind dual narratives that jump between characters and time periods. I would probably recommend it for high school and up. (less)
If you are looking for a healthy dose of laughter, this might be right up your alley. Brought to you by the authors of the site whenparentstext.com.
...moreIf you are looking for a healthy dose of laughter, this might be right up your alley. Brought to you by the authors of the site whenparentstext.com.
Why I picked up the book: The title of course. I haven't been to their website but I definitely know how confusing texts can be. For the longest time my mother-in-law thought LOL was lots of love so I wondered why she was laughing at the weirdest stuff.
Why I finished it: fast & easy. See how many times you want to read it aloud or share it with the person sitting next to you.
I'd recommend it to: high schoolers and up, just based on some of the content and language.(less)
Carter and Sadie Kane are siblings in a less than perfect relationship and have become almost strangers. When their mother died, Carter traveled the ...moreCarter and Sadie Kane are siblings in a less than perfect relationship and have become almost strangers. When their mother died, Carter traveled the world with their father, a renowned Egyptologist, and after a bitter court battle Sadie lived with their grandparents in London. They have two visits per year. Their Christmas Eve visit alters everything. It started with a strange man appearing and then a trip to the British Museum that unleashed Egyptian Gods and unveiled a family secret that changed the course of Carter and Sadie's lives.
Why I picked up the book: I really liked "The Lightning Thief" and tried to read this when it was first released. At that time there was a huge hold list so I returned the book. Our middle school book club loved Percy as well and wanted more Riordan, so it seemed like a good time to read this.
Why I finished the book: Even though it is long, the author writes a fast paced adventure. It does take awhile to get used to the change in narrators every two chapters.
I'd give it to: fans of Riordan's other series. Readers looking for adventure and fans of mythology, this time it is Egyptian.(less)
You may or may not believe in aliens or that life exists on other planets. But what if I told you there are those living among you that are not of thi...moreYou may or may not believe in aliens or that life exists on other planets. But what if I told you there are those living among you that are not of this world? Unless we told you, you would never know we weren't human. We look just like you, talk just like you, but have amazing superhero powers, which we try to hide. I am one of nine who were sent to Earth from Lorien, in an attempt to save our planet and our people. But they followed us. They have captured and killed number One, Two, and Three.
I Am Number Four.
Why I picked the book up: NCPL is partnering with Kelly Walsh for their One Book One School. They are reading IA#4, and we will be doing a Read It! See It! movie night in December.
Why I finished it: It is a super fast read.
I'd give it to: readers who want lots of action and a book that reads like a movie, especially boys. (less)
The author wrote letters to politicians, companies (like fast food restaurants & breakfast cereal companies), celebrities, and other famous (and scary...moreThe author wrote letters to politicians, companies (like fast food restaurants & breakfast cereal companies), celebrities, and other famous (and scary) individuals using his 3rd grade pseudonym "Billy", under the guise of a class project asking for advice and autographs. The author's sarcastic quips on the responses as well as his obviously liberal biographies of the letter's recipients made me have to read several aloud. Most letters were written in the 90s-early 2000s, but he does include a letter to former Governor Palin.
Why I picked up the book: I found the book on a cart of just returned items and the letters on the front and back cover grabbed my attention.
Why I finished it: The book is easy to read, funny, and a great road trip read. It was fun to see which responses were form letters and which were actual replies to the questions asked. Some of the responses were a bit scary (Charles Manson and the Night Stalker).
I'd give it to: High school students & adults looking for a laugh. Some of the recipients are convicted felons & murderers as well as a few alcohol companies.(less)
Bristol Palin is the eldest daughter of former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin. Even before her mother re...moreBristol Palin is the eldest daughter of former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin. Even before her mother received the nomination, Bristol was a typical teenage girl, a hard working student-athlete, interested in family, the outdoors, and boys. Bristol believed that sex was reserved for marriage. But like many teens, she found herself in a relationship that tested her boundaries and resulted in an unplanned pregnancy during her senior year of high school. Unlike other teen parents, Bristol's pregnancy and baby-daddy woes were broadcast worldwide. This book is her side of the story.
Why I picked up the book: I'm almost embarrassed to admit I picked this up and continued reading it. However I was interested for several reasons. Just like when I read her mother's book, I think it is important to learn about some of these so called "celebrities" before so harshly judging them. I also wanted to know more about Bristol's abstinence message.
Why I finished it: Overall, I think the point of the book was good albeit too long and not very well edited.
Bristol was very brave in putting her story out in public, talking openly & honestly about her struggles with teenage pregnancy & motherhood, and trying to see the good in Levi but having to realize she can't fix him. I think a lot of teens struggle with that. I know I did when I was a teen in a similar situation.
I didn't like the fact that Bristol never mentions considering adoption. I don't know if she ever did but too many teens & people in general disregard it, thinking they have two choices, abortion or parenting.
I felt that Bristol spent too much time talking about her mom, although I see that she was trying to show that she wanted a similar childhood and family for her son. (Most teens probably haven't Sarah Palin's book, so it might not be as repetitive.)
I also wish that Bristol would have included more about her future plans in terms of schooling. She talked about wanting to finish high school (which she did) and then learn a trade. But then she became "famous" and it sounds like she doesn't even work at the doctor's office anymore. She may be the exception and be able to support her son on her DWTS winnings, book deal, & other tabloid deals, but it isn't realistic especially if the point of the book was to encourage other teen parents.
I'd give to it: Teen moms or pregnant teens, teen girls (especially those drawn to the "bad guy"), and adults who work with teens.
I think it might be nice for teens to read and have someone to relate to, in terms of saying you want to remain pure until marriage and then making a mistake. It happens to the best of us, and it is important to pick yourself back up, rather than beating yourself up about it.
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Bruno, the nine-year-old son of Nazi officer, comes home from school one afternoon to find the maid packing all of his worldly possessions. His family...moreBruno, the nine-year-old son of Nazi officer, comes home from school one afternoon to find the maid packing all of his worldly possessions. His family is moving from their big house in Berlin to a smaller, less interesting, place called "Out-with". Bruno is not thrilled. He doesn't want to leave his friends, his life, or the house he loves exploring. Bruno doesn't understand what his father does in his job as Commandant and doesn't understand why the "Fury" would send Father here, if he wasn't being punished. One day at Out-with, Bruno sneaks away to explore and follow the fence line, only to discover a boy, his same age, sitting on the other side wearing strange striped pajamas. Bruno's naive curiosity about Out-with, the boy in the striped pajamas, and the puzzling happenings on the other side of the fence will leave readers unsettled and affected.
Why I picked up the book: Many teens in our book club have recommended this book and offered it as a discussion choice. During the month of September, NCPL is hosting a traveling exhibit called "In a Nutshell: The Worlds of Maurice Sendak" as well as several events/programs on the Holocaust. The book seemed like a timely pick for our book club.
Why I finished the book: It is short and a very quick read. Bruno is a naive nine-year-old boy, who happens to be the son of a Commandant in the Nazi military. Like "Milkweed" by Spinelli, this book offers an innocent, child-like look at the Holocaust.
I'd give it to: readers who can handle the horror of the Holocaust or are looking to learn more, especially about those people who blindly stood by and did nothing during the Nazi's reign of terror. (less)
Why I picked up the book: I loved the other two books about the Fuentes brothers (Perfect Chemistry & Rules of Attraction) so it was a given that I'd ...moreWhy I picked up the book: I loved the other two books about the Fuentes brothers (Perfect Chemistry & Rules of Attraction) so it was a given that I'd be reading this one about Luis, the youngest brother.
Why I finished it:
I'd give it to: readers looking for a bit of romance & readers who don't mind dual narrators.(less)
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