Sideways Stories From Wayside School

Sideways Stories From Wayside School
By: Louis Sachar
Harper Trophy, 1978

The first installment of Wayside School series is hilarious. Wayside School was accidentally built sideways and it is thirty stories high. However, there is no nineteenth story, there is no Miss Zarves. The children are afraid when Mrs. Jewls comes to teach them because they have never had a nice teacher before. Mrs. Jewls is afraid because she has never taught cute children before. In fact, the children are so cute that Mrs. Jewls thinks they are monkeys! Do monkeys know they are monkeys? Read about all the kids in Mrs. Jewls class. There is Joe who can't count right, Ronnie who is missing her two front teeth, Leslie who almost sells her toes, Nancy who doesn't like his name, and Louis the yard teaches who kicks Terrence over the fence. You may think these stories are silly but when Louis told the kids stories about us they thought we were silly too.

Personal Review: This is one of my favorite books. I choose to read it because I hadn't read it since I was maybe in the fourth grade. These stories are so funny! I read them to my roommates and they were cracking up. Sachar does a great job with puns. He takes real situations with real kids and twist them around so that Wayside School seems to be in another planet! I think this book is great for all ages.
Warning: This book is really silly and you might even think it's weird. Don't be surprised if you just laugh your pants off.
Ages 9-12
124 pages

They made Wayside School into a TV show! Here is the theme song:

Locked Inside

Locked Inside
By: Nancy Werlin
Laurel-Leaf Books, 2000

Marnie Skyedottir is the daughter of a celebrity, well more than a celebrity, her mother practically started her own religion. Marnie is alone. She has no friends, she has given up on school, her mother is dead, and her only hope is the money she will inherit when she is twenty-one. Marnie's only social skills are used in cyberspace. When Marnie becomes obsessed with an on-line game her computer is confiscated and worried about her absence Marnie e-mails another gamer who calls himself the Elf. Meanwhile she studies with her chemistry teacher Ms. Slaight over spring break trying not to flunk out of school. But, when Marnie is kidnapped her on-line gaming leads her guardian, Max, on a false path to find her. Marnie realizes how little her "Sorceress" alias has prepared her for this very real nightmare. However, could her mysterious gaming life save her?

Personal Review: I liked this book but I also thought it was weird. The main character, Marnie, is strange because she is obsessed with on-line gaming. The way relationships are created are also strange yet Werlin makes it sound normal. This book was a good mystery. It had a lot of twists which made it entertaining.
Warning: This book is centered on cyberspace and gaming so if you are not into that you might have a hard time relating to it. There is also a considerable amount of violence in this book.
259 pages

After the Death of Anna Gonzales

After the Death of Anna Gonzales

By: Terri Fields

Henry Holt and Co, 2002

Students hear about Anna's death through a vague announcement over the intercom. Students have different reactions. Most students didn't know her, some try to use her death as an excuse to get out of practice, class, or even homework. Others wish they had talked to her more. Some wish they had talked to her at all. A few students are angry that she would choose to end her life. Didn't Anna realize that when you kill yourself you kill a part of everyone else?

Personal Review: I thought this was a tragically beautiful book written in poems. The poems are an interesting way to show the reaction of different students. Some poems were sad while others were insensitive. I think this book shows the variety of students that exist in high school and is realistic in the reaction of those students when they hear about suicide.

Warning: This book is about suicide, people who can relate to this subject may find this book harsh.

112 pages

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
By: Gary D. Schmidt
Laurel Leaf, 2008

When Turner Buckminster moves to Phippsburg he immediately begins thinking of lighting out for the territories. Baseball isn't the same in Maine, the church isn't the same, the people aren't the same. When Turner begins going down to shore he meets Lizzie Bright, she is the first "negro" he has ever met and is surprised by how much he likes her. As Lizzie and Turner's friendship grows Turner finds out that the people of Phippsburg are running off the people of Malaga Island, Lizzie's people. Turner does the right thing, but doing the right thing doesn't make everything right. Lizzie tells turner that whales only let you touch them if you know what they know, will Turner ever find out what the Whales know?

Personal Review: This book is one of the greatest books I have ever read. It is beautifully written. This book touched my heart. I think that everyone should read this because it talks about injustice, Christianity, charity, and kindness. Turner and Lizzie are amazing characters to read about. This book made me cry, when a book makes me cry then I know that it is good.
Warning: This book talks about racism and it might break your heart. Or if you are racist, this could be a rude awakening for you.
240 pages

Cherry Ames Clinic Nurse

Cherry Ames Clinic Nurse

By: Julie Tatham

Grosset & Dunlap, Inc, 1952

Cherry Ames loves working at the Clinic but Doctor Fortune and his assistant Wilk Wilkinson (yes, that's really his name) seem to think she works too hard. When Cherry is kidnapped and held hostage no one believes her, she even begins to doubt her certainty. When Wilk and Cherry begin to notice strange things happening around Jane Smith's Inn. With the help of Wilk and newspaper editor, Sherman Harden Cherry is able to unfold this mystery. But when Cherry attempts to rescue Sherman all by herself will all her hard work be in vain?

Personal Review: This book was really funny although not on purpose. This book was written in the 1950's so some of the things Cherry said and did were quite amusing. For example Cherry cries, "O me! O my!" This book was interesting to read because it was written such a long time ago. These books were written to encourage girls to become nurses. The writer makes Cherry appear like a heroine because she is a nurse. She is also good at everything the traditional house wife should be good at; cooking, cleaning, doing service, etc. I really didn't think this book was that bad. The plot line was entertaining and humorous.

Warning: Beware this book is sexist, it was written in the 50's!

208 pages

Check out the Cherry Ames Website!

http://www.netwrx1.com/CherryAmes/index.html

Your Eyes in Stars

Your Eyes in Stars

By: M.E. Kerr

HarperTeen, 2007

Set in 1934 this book tells the story of Jessie and her new German friend Elisa. When their friendship begins Jessie's mother doubts the motives of Elisa, but she is wrong. Jessie (whom Elisa calls Jessica) and Elisa become best friends. When they hear the trumpet at the prison sound more beautifully then they have ever heard Jessie and Elisa want to know more about the man who plays it. Jessie's father, the prison warden, tells her about the tragic story of the new inmate Slater. the girls become infatuated with the musically talented prisoner until Halloween. Their opinions of Slater change and Elisa and her family return to Germany, only things have changed as Hitler rises in power. Elisa and Jessie continue their friendship through letters but soon Elisa says goodbye. Jessie is left to wonder what happened to her dear friend and finds out things turn out different than they seem.

Personal Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. I chose to read it because I was told it was about the Holocaust. As I first started reading I wondered if this was true, the book had brief references to Hitler and Germany. However at the end the book is about the Holocaust because Elisa returns to Germany during Hitler's reign. This book was interesting, it is not often that teenage girls fall in love with prison mates. Elisa and Jessica's friendship is so strong that they write more then most friends would. I thought the end of the book was beautiful. This book gives the readers a perspective of Nazi Germany from an American Perspective as well as a German one.

Warning: This book has descriptions on crime and prison life. This book also talks about murder.

240 pages

The Looking Glass Wars

The Looking Glass Wars

by: Frank Beddor

Speak, 2007

Lewis Carroll got Alice's tale all wrong! First of all he misspelled her name. At age seven Princess Alyss Heart of Wonderlandia sees things no child should ever have to see. When the Queen of Hearts orders her bodyguard Hatter Madigan to take Alyss through the Pool of Tears and protect her, everything gets mixed up. Hatter and Alyss are separated! While Hatter searches non-stop for the Princess, Alyss is forced to adjust to our world. Does that mean she has to forget her life in Wonderlandia? Meanwhile in Wonderlandia Alyss' aunt Redd, Her Imperial Viciousness, reigns in terror. When Hatter finds Alyss and she returns to Wonderlandia her friends begin to doubt her ability to fight Redd and take her rightful place as Queen. Will living in "reality" too long result in a tragic fate for Alyss and Wonderlandia after all?

Personal Review: This book is amazing! Once you open the book and begin to read it's hard to stop. The story line is fast paced and exciting with imaginative descriptions to match. Beddor creates a completely new world which sounds so real readers will wonder if it really exists. Characters age in this book, the book starts with Alyss at seven years old and at the end she is twenty years old. Although when the characters age they still sound like teenagers it is still incredible interesting to follow their lives. This book has action, fantasy, and of course a little romance too. Girls and boys alike will love it!

Warning: This book is very violent. Many people die very bloody deaths. This book is also filled with monsters. However, the book remains light-hearted through all of this.

400 pages

Book Trailer!

Godless

Godless

By: Pete Hautman

Simon Pulse, 2004



When Jason Bock's parents force him to attend "Teen Power Meetings" sponsored by the Catholic Church he decides to make his own customized religion. He calls it the Church of the Ten-legged God or CTG for short and they worship the water tower He convinces his strange friend Shin and his ordinary friend Dan to join and they call themselves Chutengodians. When Henry's friend from the TPO meetings, Magda, decides to join then Henry Stagg wants to join to. Things go wry when they decide to climb the water tower and get caught among other things. Jason is grounded and his father tries to steer him in the right direction. What exactly is the right direction though?



Personal Review: This book is great. It was very easy to read, it didn't get boring. It is very funny, the main character, Jason Bock, who narrates the novel speaks just a fourteen/fifteen year old kid. The concerns Jason has are very realistic. He doesn't believe in God because he can't see God. So why not believe in something that you can see and touch? Jason also doesn't realize that his friends actually listen and believe the things he says until his father points this out. I think that a lot of kids are like Jason, they have questions about religion but he doesn't care enough about figuring it out to put in the effort required to gain understanding. Jason just wants to have fun, he's more interested in girls than in God. This book might raise some questions with a few youth but I think the majority will find this book easy to relate to and entertaining.
Warning: This book does have strong language and can be viewed as blasphemous, beware of this before you start reading the book. and realize that this is written from the point of view of a teenager.
208 pages

Touching Spirit Bear

Touching Spirit Bear
by: Ben Mikaelsen
HarperTeen, 2005

Cole Matthews has so much anger inside of him he can't control it and he doesn't want to. When the abuse he receives at home builds up inside of him he blames everyone else for his problems. When someone at school rat's him out, Cole blames Peter. He beats him up so savagely that Peter suffers brain damage because of the impact. All hope seems lost for Cole, no one thinks he will change except for his parole officer. In an attempt to avoid jail Cole uses the judicial system to involve himself in Circle Justice, thinking that he can find a way out of isolation. When faced with near death, Cole finally begins to change and is allowed back to the Island where he learns out to control his anger. Will Cole be able to function in society again? What about Peter? Will he ever be able to overcome the pain that Cole so brutally forced upon him?

Personal Review: I thought this book was great. It made me really think about the justice system. For youth especially it isn't doing anything to help them. There are lots of kids that are like Cole and they have no hope of becoming a contributing member of society. It is these troubled teens that need help. They need hope. They need someone to help them. I think this book was beautifully written. I was amazed at how the author described Cole's transformation. I found myself liking Cole, the violent teen, over Peter. Cole was an amazing dynamic character to read about.
Warning: This book is about violence and anger. It also describes gruesome images.
320 pages

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief

by: Rick Riordan

Disney-Hyperion, 2006

Twelve year-old Percy Jackson hasn't attended one school for over a year. He is dyslexic and has ADHD, which doesn't help him at all with school work. And to top it off everyone just seems to blame everything on Percy, he just looks like a rebel. After vaporizing his math teacher, over hearing his best friend talk to an adult about him, and narrowly escaping the wrath of his smelly step-dad, a monster attacks Percy, his mother, and his best friend! It turns out Percy isn't really a freak or stupid, he's a hero! Part God and part human but which God is his dad? When his father ends up needing his help will Percy be able to fulfill his quest, fighting monster after, and save his mother too?

Personal Review: I loved this book! I was so entertaining I couldn't put it down. Rick Riordan writes like he has been twelve his whole life, this book is hilarious. I like this book because Percy seems like a troubled teen, but really he is misunderstood. This book will give kids hope, each and every teenager can be a hero, even in a small way. I loved the integration of Greek mythology, it wasn't boring or awkwardly written. Percy Jackson ends up becoming more than a traditional hero. He is a hero because he is a loyal friend and a truly honest kid. I think all kids will love this book.

Warnings: This book describes several encounters with monsters, yet it remains surprisingly light-hearted. It also references adultery, the Greek gods are famous for that. Minor warnings, but things to be aware of.

400 pages

Trailer for the new movie!

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks


By: E. Lockhart


Hyperion Books for Children, 2008

When Frankie enters her sophomore year at Alabaster Preparatory Academy she has a knock-out figure and better hair. In fact, she has changed so much physically that no one seems to remember her. Her good looks, charm, and quick wit earn her a popular and smart senior boyfriend. It doesn't hurt that Matthew Livingston may be the most attractive boy in school. When Matthew starts to ditch her and lie about it she decides to investigate and finds out that her boyfriend is involved in a male secret society; the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds. Frustrated with the way Matthew underestimates her and the fact that he lies, Frankie decides to secretly take over the Loyal Order and plan her own pranks, now that she has the "dogs" to carry out the plans. Students are impressed with the pranks while school administrators are frantically searching for the perpetrators. Frankie Landau-Banks, just your ordinary, underestimated, modern feminist, and criminal mastermind.

Personal Review: This book was a fun read. I was impressed with Frankie and disappointed that not all the characters were as impressed with her as I was. This book made me think of all the kids out there that probably have minds like Frankie's, I envy them. Frankie is a genius and it was a joy to read about the extensive plans she made in order to make a statement that no one understood. We should all be as ambitious as Frankie. Warning: This book talks about sex and has some pretty strong feminist points.

342 pages

The Giver

The Giver
By: Lois Lowry
Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers, 1993



Jonas and his family live the perfect life. They live in a perfect community. No one gets mad, no one is starving, there are two kids in each family, and everything is great. In his community, when you turn 12 years old you begin training to be integrated into society. When the Elders announce that Jonas is given a special job to be a Receiver of Memory things begin to change. First Jonas realizes that his friends treat him differently, just because he is a Receiver. As Jonas' relationship with The Giver deepens he learns the pain of the past. A pain so deep that he and the Giver realize it is only meant to be shared. Will Jonas and the Giver be able to help their community see how much it is missing and how much it needs to learn? Alone, abandoned, and left with little to no survival skills will Jonas and his baby brother Gabriel survive the journey that is the only hope left of their lives being spared?

Personal Review: This book was incredible. I know most kids read this book in like fourth grade, but my school must have skipped that. Set in a dystopian society this book teaches us about the importance of the past and significance of agency. I think this book is great for kids because it will make them think, though I agree that fourth grade is too young to really discuss the book. Warning: Parents are concerned about this book because it teaches kids to question authority. It may have that affect on some readers. The topics of this book may be too mature for the readers' ages it is recommended for.

180 pages

Freewill

Freewill

By: Chris Lynch

Harper Collins Publishers, 2001

After the death of his parents Will moves in with his grandparents and attends a special school. He is very talented with woodwork yet he is disappointed because he is supposed to be a pilot. Will's woodwork shows up at the scenes for teen suicides and he holds himself responsible for the deaths and soon the police suspect him as well. When Will's woodwork begins to disappear and strangers call believing Will to be a prophet he finds himself even more confused. Does Will even have the will to live? Make the title two words, Free Will, and its whole meaning changes. Will he be able to free himself from his grief or will he continue to believe that he is a carrier pigeon for death?

Personal Review: This book is very strange. The main character, Will, talks to himself throughout the book which made reading it confusing at first because I wasn't sure who he was talking to. As I continued to read the book I realized how much Will's grief consumed him. When I finished the book I had a lot of questions. This book was interesting and I recommend it to anyone who likes strange books! Warning: This book has a lot of swearing and the plot is based on death, specifically suicide.

160 pages

Many Stones

Many Stones



By: Carolyn Coman



Front Street, 2000

The murder of her sister, Laura, changes the lives of Berry's family. Death does that. Berry copes with her grief but piling stones on her chest, floating in the water, and making out with her boyfriend, Josh. A year and a half after her sister's death a memorial is built in South Africa where Laura was murdered. Berry and her father travel to Africa to attended the ceremony. Both Berry and her father are left frustrated as they struggle to communicate, understand, and appreciate each other. Set very soon after the apartheid has ended Berry is able to see a perspective of both the whites and the blacks of South Africa and why her father and sister may have cared so much. Finally Berry opens up, but is it enough? Will the memorial built in honor of her sister heal or harm the wound in her heart?

Personal Review: This book was beautifully written. It was also like a poem. I was able to read it quickly because it flowed. Berry is an interesting and realistic character. This book was interesting because it talked alot about Africa before and after the apartheid. This book does have a few swear words though I felt they were strategically placed and only added to the story. Warning: This book has descriptions of violent acts, profanity, minor sexual topics, and racism.

160 pages

This is one of my favorite quotes from the book:
"I wish I could tell Josh. I wish I could open my mouth and talk-- say how I put the stones on me, one by one, like I am the paper and they are the paerweight and they keep me from flying off, right out the window. Tell him how I have to do it--move them, one by one, from the nightstand onto my body, how they start out light but add up to heavy and how they keep me weighted so I know there's something there to be weighted."

John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth

John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth

A Photographic Biography

By: Elizabeth Partridge

Penguin Group, 2005

In this biography we learn about the life of John Lennon. Starting out with his childhood and ending with The Beatles reaction to John Lennon's unexpected death. We learn about the difficult life John Lennon led largely due to the many people he loved and lost. We learn about how The Beatles began and the crazy life they led, John's drug abuse, difficulty with relationships, and his bond with fellow Beatle band members. When The Beatles break up or as John says "divorce" John is faced with an identity crisis. When John starts to get a hold of his life and identity his life ends suddenly. He leaves a legacy of amazing music and art behind.

Personal Review: This book was so interesting. I never got bored reading this book which is what I was worried about reading a biography. One thing I was reminded of while reading this is how much more liberal the U.K. is then us. Warning: This book talks about sex and drugs and is filled with swear words. I do not regret reading this book because it gave me a greater understanding of John Lennon, The Beatles, and the 1960's.

256 pages

Speak

Speak
By: Laurie Halse Anderson
Platinum Edition Published by the Penguin Group, 2006

When 13-year-old Melinda is raped at a high school party her world begins spiraling downward. Her relationships with her friends and her parents begin to fail and her grades follow. She becomes a selective mute to deal with the pain inside her. She finds a creative release in art class as she struggles with the class project to create a tree. When her ex best friend, Rachel, begins dating the rapist she goes into panic mode and attempts to warn her. Just as she feels her attempts are in vain she finds her voice when the rapist attacks her and support from unlikely peers. Will Melinda ever be able to completely open up and move on from her past?

Personal Review: I absolutely loved this book. I practically cried the whole way through. This book was riveting and meaningful. It isn't just about rape it is about depression as well. I like this book because it deals with real life, meaning with real issues that teenagers deal with but are too afraid to think about. Warning: The only warning I can think of for this book is just that it is so sad.

225 pages

Here is a trailer for the movie adapted from this book. The movie is pretty close to the book.

The Mediator Shadowland

The Mediator Shadowland
By: Meg Cabot
Simon Pulse, 2000

Suze Simon is just your average, ordinary teenage girl. Oh, right, except she sees the dead. Suze has been a "mediator" (a liaison between the living and the dead) since before she could talk, though she didn't always know what she saw or why. When Suze moves to northern California with her mom and her step family she's just a bit skeptical. The "new" house is actually centuries old and so is her "new" school. Everything seems to be going great in her new location; she has the beach, a great room, finds out ghosts can have 6 packs, and the boys in California aren't bad either. On the other hand the girls are, especially dead girls. Suze soon finds out she's not the only mediator and maybe her methods aren't the best. When the ghost, Heather, puts the whole school in danger what will Suze do and can she do it on her own? Oh and does she really have a crush on a dead guy?

Personal Review: This book was so fun to read. I wouldn't say it is an amazing piece of literature, but it was entertaining. Meg Cabot is really good at describing adolescent life. It's definitely funny and though about ghosts, not the least bit scary. As I think about it though, maybe it should be more scary. Warning: This book does put to light serious things i.e.; drugs, alcohol, death, and religion. You should also know there is frequent use of the "B" word in this book.

304 pages

War Is... Soldiers, Survivors, and Storytellers Talk About War

War Is... Soldiers, Survivors, and Storytellers Talk About War

Edited By: Marc Aronson and Patty Campbell

Candlewick; Reprint Edition, 2009

This book is a collection of short stories, essays, and well nearly everything there can be about war. This book talks about every part of war, the good, the bad, the ugly, and worse. A section of this book is dedicated to recruitment allowing kids to see the tactics the military uses to get them to join. Another section is dedicated to the Vietnam war. One section is from the viewpoints of women soldiers. There is even a brief script about war and a recently published short story on the subject of war.

Personal Review: I had mixed feeling about this book. It made me feel angry and sad at the same time. I think this book is really good for kids to read because it will provide the information necessary prior to making a decision to join the military, army, navy, or marines. Warning: This book has frequent strong language and very graphic elements. It is not for the faint of heart.
288 pages

Check out the website I made for my English Class on this book

http://www.waris-thenovel.webs.com/

I Know What You Did Last Summer

I Know What You Did Last Summer
By: Lois Duncan
Pocket Books, 1973

You probably identify this book with the teenage slasher film with the same title. The book is very different from the movie.

Julie, Ray, Barry, and Helen. They had all been in the car that night. The night of the fatal hit-and-run accident they were responsible for. They made a pact never to tell anyone what happened that night. But someone knew. When Julie gets a mysterious letter in the mail with no return address and a note with the words "I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER" she must face that horrible memory that haunts her. Someone wants to get even. Will the four friends be able to find out who it is? Will they be able to survive his terrible games? Will they ever break the pact?

Personal Review: I loved this book. It is a quick read because it is so thrilling. It wasn't really like a horror book but read more like a mystery, which I liked. This book was written in the early 1970's and you can tell. It was actually pretty funny at some points because of the time period it is set in. I thought this was great and a real eye-opener for those of us who think "I'll just see the movie" because the movie was nothing like the book (from what I hear, I never actually saw the movie). In fact the author Lois Duncan was not happy when she saw that her book became a teenage slasher film. Warning: The plot of this book (death, murder) is probably not the best for sensitive readers or even readers who may have lost a loved one. One of the main characters in this book is in college so it does talk drinking and cheating on your girlfriend. Honestly, this book is rather harmless.

Here is one kid's English project for the book.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp
By: Rick Yancey
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2005

Alfred Kropp is just your ordinary 15-year-old kid. Except that he is large, has a big head, and everyone he loves ends up dead, that's not normal is it? Alfred's life changes when he steals a sword only to find out later that it is King Arthur's sword, Excalibur, and now Alfred may be responsible for the end of the world. Perfect. As Alfred joins the last knight, Bernacio on an adventure to recover the sword he finds that he is extraordinary. What will Alfred do once he finds out the truth about himself? Will he choose a life of kicking bad guy's butts or continue to be ordinary Alfred Kropp?

Personal Review: I loved this book. It is fun and exciting and real. I fell in love with Alfred. At first I felt sorry for him because everyone he loved died and he was forced into foster care. Kids made fun of Alfred at school and he had to get a math tutor. I realized that Alfred was just normal, though dealing with things most kids wouldn't even think of. Alfred is a character kids will love because they can identify with him. When Alfred discovers his true self he is able to do great things. I actually listened to this via audio. It was read by Paul Michael and it was really entertaining! It was actually hilarious at some points and I found myself laughing out loud or grinning broadly, even in public.

Warning: This book has some strong language and lots of violence. A lot of people die in this book, if you are sensitive to any of these things you probably shouldn't read this book.

368 pages

La Linea

La Linea
By: Ann Jaramillo
Square Fish; Reprint Edition, 2008


Miguel and his sister Elena have been separated from their parents for years. Their parents, who have moved to California have been struggling to save the money required to bring their children to America. When Miguel's plans to cross "la linea" go wry will he, Elena, and their new friend Javier be able to survive the infamous train known as the "mata gente" (the people killer) and cross the desert that leads them to America? As you read this book you will find that "the line" Miguel and his comrades must cross is more then just literal. Miguel finds that life in America is not what he expected. Join Miguel, Elena, and Javier on an incredible journey that will teach you how difficult it is to cross the border between Mexico and the United States.

Personal Review: This book was a total eye opener for me. I never realized what immigrants had to go through to get to the U.S. Mostly children attempt this journey on their own. Many people die, if not on the train, in the desert. I think this book should be mandatory in all high school curriculum. Because the issue of illegal aliens is so controversial this book will allow youth to realize how hard and yet important it is for Mexicans to come to America. I loved this book because it taught me so much. Warning: This book is about suffering. It talks about robbery, rape, and death in a gruesome manner.

Ages 9-12
144 pages

The Sweet Far Thing

The Sweet Far Thing
by: Libba Bray
Delacorte Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition, 2009

As the third installment to what fans call "The Gemma Doyle Trilogy" you will find again, a world of magic, beauty, and horror. Now that Gemma holds all the magic she is forced to make important choices. Should she save the realms or the futures of her friends, Felicity and Ann? As Gemma begins to understand her visions and other horrors she sees she finds the truth and has little time to save not only the realms, but the mortal world. Find out how Bray ends her trilogy!

"Rose of all Roses, Rose of all the World!
You, too, have come where the dim tides are hurled
Upon the wharves of sorrow, and heard ring
The bell that calls us on; the sweet far thing.
Beauty grown sad with its eternity
Made you of us, and of the dim grey sea.
Our long ships loose thought-woven sails and wait,
For God has bid them share an equal fate;
And when at last, defeated in His wars,
They have gone down under the same white stars,
We shall no longer hear the little cry
Of our sad hearts, that may not live nor die."

"The Rose of Battle"
W.B. Yeats

Personal Review: This is a beautifully written book but I was disappointed in it. I felt this book was a way for Bray to express her own opinions. This book is compelling and exciting just like the two previous books in the trilogy but it did drag on so that the characters could be fully developed, even a little too developed perhaps. This book will definitely spark some discussion. Warning: Topics in this book include: feminism, homosexuality, love, religion.

848 pages
Genres: supernatural, fantasy, love

Other books by Libba Bray:
Going Bovine, Vacations from Hell, A Great and Terrible Beauty, and Rebel Angels

This video is a little creepy...

Beast

Beast

by: Donna Jo Napoli

Simon Pulse Paperbacks, 2004

Prince Orasmyn has made a terrible mistake. Now he must suffer as a beast and the only way to break the curse is if someone falls in love with him. But who could love a monster? Orasmyn must fight his new found urges and instincts and remember that he is a prince. He must find a way to break the curse and must do so before he gives up hope.

Personal Review: I love this book, it was truly enchanting. This book is told from the perspective of the Beast and gives us a good twist on the classic "Beauty and the Beast" tale. We get to travel with Orasmyn through Europe, feel his sorrow, loneliness, and joy. The life that Prince Orasmyn had before he was a beast completely contrasts his new life, giving us an interesting emotional and spiritual twist. If you like books about different cultures you will like this book. The cultural and spiritual themes of this book override the fairytale. Warning: When the Prince gets turned into a beast it talks about him mating. That might be disturbing for some readers.

272 pages
Ages: Amazon puts this book at 12 and up but I personally rate it ages 14 and up.

Genres: Iran-fiction, Fairy Tales

After the First Death

After the First Death

by: Robert Cormier

Random House Children's, 1991

When a group of terrorists hijacks a school bus holding 16 children and Kate, the teenage bus driver, hostage what will Kate do? Will she try to be brave? What do children between the ages of 4-6 do in these circumstances?

When Miro under the direction of Artkin hijacks a bus with 16 children and an American female for a bus driver will Miro still be able to carry out his first assignment? How long will Miro be able to stand the children and what will Miro and Artkin decide to do with them? When Ben's father Mark, the General asks him to deliver something to the terrorists will Ben prove faithful? Will Ben please his father? Find out what happens to Kate, Miro, and Ben as they are thrown into situations they never expected. In this page turning suspense novel find out the meaning of bravery, patriotism, and courage. Where would your loyalties lie?

Personal Review: I loved this book because it made me think. It took me a little while to get into it only because I had to figure out what was going on. The book can be confusing but once you understand it and get into it it is very suspenseful and thrilling! It would be a great book for class discussions. Warning: This book is disturbing. It is about terrorists. Many people die in this book. There is violence, brief swearing, and sensual elements in this book.

288pages

Witness

Witness

by: Karen Hesse

Scholastic Paperbacks, 2003

Witness is a book in poems about a town in Vermont dealing with racism. Leanora Sutter and her father are new to the town and also the only African American's in the book. Leanora has a hard time adjusting to the town while faced with persecution from the Ku Klux Klan. Esther Hirsh is a 6 year old Jewish girl who faces her own share of persecution and seems to be the only one to like Leanora. Viola disagrees with her husband Harvey's idea to join the Klan, saying it will bring him more money. Read about Johnny Reeves, the Pastor, Precelle Johnson the town Constable, Iris Weaver, the Rum Runner, and Sara Chickering, the one who cares for Esther through beautiful poetry that puts you back in time and in the shoes of various townspeople.

Personal Review: I really liked this book. This book is really sad and at times touching. It was very interesting to read a book written in poems. Each poem is from the perspective of a different character. You can even see how the characters change as you read the poems. This book taught me a lot about the history of that time period and the extreme racism that existed during that time. Warning: This book does contain violence and descriptions of disturbing images.

168 pages

Poetry

Ages: 9-12

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

by: Jeff Kinney

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2007

Greg Heffley is just your average wimpy 6th grader. Get an inside look at his first year of middle school by reading his diary only it's not a diary, because girls have diaries, not boys. Read about Greg's older brother Rodrick and what a jerk he is. Or how about Greg's little brother, a toddler named Manny and how annoying he can be. As Greg and his best friend Rowley Jefferson strive to climb the social ladder Greg must decide if he will "do the right thing" and remain loyal to his friend. If not, will Greg and Rowley be able to repair their friendship? You will love reading about junior high with weird kids like Fregley and superstitions like "the cheese touch."

Personal Review: This book is hilarious! I loved it. It is a very quick read because it is written like a diary and contains Greg's drawings, which are probably the funniest part of the whole book. I like this book because it is written from the perspective of a boy in junior high. Most books likes this are about pre-teen girls so I was really happy to read it from a different point of view. I think anyone would love this book no matter how old. It is fun to read and you will be laughing the whole way through! No Warnings!

224 pages

New Realism: Friends and Society

Humor/Graphic Novel

Ages 9-12

What I Saw and How I Lied

What I Saw and How I Lied

by: Judy Blundell

Scholastic Press, 2008

When Evie's stepfather, Joe Spooner returns from World War II he decides to take Evie and her mother Bev. on a vacation of Palm Beach, Florida. They are so excited but when they get there they realize it's during the off-season. Despite the circumstances Joe and Bev. make fast friends with the Grayson's, a mysterious upscale couple. Evie begins her own romance with Peter, an army friend of Joe's. Evie is smitten by his "movie star good looks" and all the attention he gives her doesn't hurt. Is Peter giving Evie all the attention? Why is Joe afraid of Peter? Just as things go wry on a beginning business partnership with Mr. Grayson a hurricane hits Palm Beach resulting in a tragic accident that leaves Evie wondering where her loyalties lie. As Evie literally describes "what she saw and how she lied" we see how her trip to Palm Beach leaves Evie mature and able to make decisions even she didn't think possible.

Personal Review: I really liked this book, I was actually impressed with it. It is written for a mature audience even thought it is from the perspective of a 15 year old girl. I loved the time period for this book. It takes place in the 1940's, it is fun to read about the fashions. The historical events that happened during that time are also interesting. This book does include mature elements because the main character, Evie has to deal with things some teenagers would never think of.

Warning: Sexual content and vulgar language.

288 pages

New Realism: Family/Friends and Society

Historical Fiction

The First Part Last

The First Part Last


by: Angela Johnson


Simon Pulse, 2004

Imagine you're 16. Now imagine you're a 16 year old dad. How much would your life change if you had to add being a full-time parent on top of everything else. Like living in inner city New York and attending high school! This is Bobby's story. When he is 16 he finds out his girlfriend, Nia is pregnant. With switches between past and present Johnson takes readers on an emotional roller coaster by telling us the story of Bobby and his baby daughter Feather. With limited help from family and friends can these two make it on their own?

Personal Review: I loved this book. It is beautifully written and even made me cry. It is amazing that Johnson was able to write this book from a teenage boy's perspective even though she is a woman. The writing style makes you think you are right there with Bobby during his whole experience. I think this book will help youth truly think about the choices they make. This book will help kids realize that what they decide to do right now will affect their future.
Warning: Strong language and sexual content.

144 pages

New Realism: Family/Sex-Related

The Misadventures of Maude March

The Misadventures of Maude March

by: Audrey Couloumbis

Yearling, 2005

After tragic events cause them to become orphans, again. Sallie and her older sister Maude are forced into a life they didn't ever want to have. Maude and Sallie set out on an adventure to find their last living (at least they hope) relative. Because of unexpected events along the way Maude is known as "Mad Maude" a wanted villain! Disguising themselves as boys this pair make some unlikely friends throughout their trek like Cleomie and Marion Hardy. Based mostly on the survival skills Sallie learns from reading "dimers" can these two girls make it across the country on their own?

"I tell you all this to make you understand that Maude was an upright young woman who never made mock of the truth or questioned the dark ways of justice until she saw how they could be mangled to make a shape unrecognizable.

To show you how impossible it was for her to do the things everyone claimed that she did. For this is the true story of how my sister, Maude March, came to be known far and wide as a horse thief, a bank robber and a cold-blooded killer."

Personal Review: I loved this book. I honestly didn't think I would like a western but this one was great! This book is very fun, exciting, and even funny! I was actually surprised with what ended up happening with some of the characters. I love the story line of this book. I love the way Couloumbis wrote this book, even the language and bad grammar was impressive. Warning: This book does make light of some pretty serious issues like death and murder.

320 pages

Western/Historical Fiction

Ages 9-12

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by: Mary Pearson

Henry Holt and Co., April 2008

Jenna wonders why she remembers significant points of history but cannot remember her childhood. She had an accident, that is what she has been told. She cannot remember the accident or what happened all she knows are pieces of the puzzle. Jenna must reawaken her memories by watching videos of her life up to now, being 17, and find out what really happened to her. Jenna decides to go to school where she meets Ethan and Alice. Alice opens up Jenna's eyes to prosthetics and Jenna finds that she and Alica have more in common then she may have thought. With the help of friends like Ethan and her neighbor, Mr. Bender Jenna must solve her mystery. She must find out who she really is, but the question is does she really want to?

Personal Review: This book is amazing, I loved it. Each chapter contains free verse poems from Jenna's perspective. Often these poems are about specific words Jenna is contemplating. This book makes you think not only about what is happening today but what will become of us in the future. This book is beautifully written and may even take you by surprise.

Warning: This book is science fiction so many of the things are hypothetical but this book made me think, How do you define human? These kinds of topics may trouble some readers.

288 pages

Genre: Science Fiction/ Mystery