Drums Girls and Dangerous Pie

Author: Jordan Sonnenblick
Copyright: 2004
Pages: 273
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Drums Girls and Dangerous Pie is about Steven Alper, a 13 year old boy, whose life gets turned around when one day he finds out that Jeffery, his younger brother, is diagnosed with a serious illness. Steven lives in Pennsylvania. He is an average boy who goes to middle school and has to deal with his social life, his school life, and most importantly, girls and drumming, his favorite hobby.

In my opinion this book is great and tells the story of an average 13 year old boy in middle school as his life gets turned around by something he wishes never had happened. It’s a book that once you get into it you can’t put down until you have finished.

Spanking Shakespeare

Author: Jake Wizner
Copyright: 2007
Pages: 287
Rating: 9.5/10
Genre: Humorous Realistic Fiction
Reviewer: California Roll

In Spanking Shakespeare, by Jake Wizner, the reader follows the senior high school year of a boy unfortunate enough to be named Shakespeare Shapiro. This story is not just another teen high school story and it is not just because the boy has an unusual name. Jake Wizner takes the reader on a hysterical journey that can relate to the random, crude, rebellious, and perverted mind of the average teenager. This book is perfect for a reader that loves to laugh, whether boy or girl, but may be inappropriate for children younger than 14.

In the book, Shakespeare begins his senior year in high school. He has never been considered popular. He has never had a girlfriend and he only really has two friends, Neil and Katie. Neil is a perverted boy that has a freakish obsession with bowel movements and Katie is a tom-boyish tough girl. Also, Shakespeare’s younger brother is way cooler than him and he fits in more easily. Throughout the book, the reader will see the humorous mishaps that Shakespeare goes through, including a long-time girl crush and prom. I highly recommend this book for anyone around the age of 14. This book is a riot and will keep the reader laughing and interested the entire time.

Nation

By: Terry Pratchett
Pages: 384 pgs.
copyright: 2008
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewer: Spanky McFinnegan

Nation is a relatively new book. The story paints a picture of the man-to-be Mau. He starts off on the journey of becoming a man on a small island called Boys Island. There a boy must survive, and if he does so, his boy soul is exchanged for a man’s soul. After discovering the secret of Boys Island and surviving there, he returns to find that his whole nation has been wiped out completely by an enormous wave. He simply can’t believe it! His whole family and all of his close friends have been wiped off the face of the earth! Throughout this book he tries to fight with the gods and build up the nation with other survivors form local islands.

Terry Pratchett is a very renowned and critically acclaimed author of famous books such as Xanth, and Disc World. His writing in this book is extremely explanatory with impeccable details. Despite the outstanding descriptions, the plot is quite mundane; there are only pieces and bits of the story dedicated to action. Overall, Nation didn’t exactly live up to my expectations, however the book was extremely well written. You could say it was exciting in ways I never would have guessed. This book is great for teens and pre-teens who look for writing more than plot. I really enjoyed this book.

The Social Climbers Guide to High School

Author- Rebecca Schneider
copyright 2007
pages-255
Genre- Self-Help
Reviewer: Twinkie

What if you don’t have all the answers?

I was on vacation and desperate for a good book and by chance I pulled The Social Climbers Guide to High School. It is all about the do’s and don’ts of high school and becoming a social climbing fashionista. This is no ordinary cheesy self-help book, it’s a guide. Rebecca Schneider uses humor and personal experiences to explain her advice and that makes the book more personal. Honestly readers, if you are a bit skeptical about high school, read The Social Climbers Guide to High School!

Wake

Author: Lisa McMann
Copyright: 2008
pgs: 110
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Fantasy
Reviewer: Missy

I was looking through books at Borders. I pulled this one out because I liked the title and what the saying is on the top of the book “YOUR DREAMS ARE NOT YOUR OWN.” When I flipped open the book it started with “NOT ALL DREAMS ARE SWEET” at the beginning, and as I read the description more and more, I got pulled in.
We follow the life of seventeen-year-old Jain. She has a great life all in all, but there is one little…. okay…..large….. problem: she gets caught in other people’s dreams….and it’s getting old. She especially hates the falling dreams, naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. She has seen enough naked bodies to last her a life time. The hard thing is that she can’t tell anyone because they’d never believe her or worse, think she is crazy.

Kidnapped

Robert Louis Stevenson
2002
288 Pages
Rating: 4/5

Genre: Adventure, Classic
Reviewer: Numero Uno

Imagine being a very rich boy, getting everything that you could want without lifting a finger, then having to join a group of murderous pirates and thieves to get your inheritance after your father dies. Sounds like fun. This is what happens in the classic adventure book Kidnapped. Kidnapped was written by Robert Louis Stevenson and is one of the greatest adventure books ever.

Cyrano de Bergerac

Author: Edmond Rostand
Copyright: 2003
Rating: 9/10
Pages: 240
Genre: Classic
Reviewer: The Dark Knight

Amongst the many books in the canon of literature, Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac sticks out in my mind. Cyrano de Bergerac is about a brave Frenchman who has a big heart and a big nose. He falls desperately in love with Roxane, but the only problem is, he is afraid to tell her because he fears she won’t get over his disfigurement. There is another who is in love with Roxane, the young Christian. Roxane falls head over heels for Christian and Cyrano agrees to help him win her heart by writing wonderful love letters for Christian and letting Roxane think that Christian is the author.

I think that Cyrano is a great book because it has a little bit of everything for everyone. There are adventurous scenes, romantic scenes, and humorous scenes. Rostand really knew how to combine emotions. If you are looking for a book that has adventure, humor, and romance, then check out Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac!

The Princetta

By Anne Laure Bondoux
Copyright: 2004
Pages: 430
Rating: 10/10
Genre: Fantasy
Reviewer: Waimea

Anne Laure Bondoux takes her readers on a wonderful and thrilling journey through mystical lands. The Princetta escapes her palace and her marriage to an older man while she’s only 15! She decides to go on a ship and travel to different lands that she’s never heard of. She ends up going to a strange world that she didn’t expect. After reading this book about an exhilarating and riveting journey, I highly recommend The Princetta to kids and adults of all ages.

This Lullaby

By Sarah Dessen
Copyright: 2002
Pages: 304
Rating:4/5
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reviewer: Lyra

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen is a captivating book filled with romance, emotion, and humor, and will keep you reading for hours. Remy Starr is a stubborn, hard-headed girl who thinks she knows all there is to know about love. When she runs into Dexter, a live-the-moment guy, he is determined to change her. With her confusion about Dexter and her new step-dad (her fifth!!), Remy might just change her mind about everything she thought she knew about love. This story might just change the readers feelings too! This is a superb book about a real life relationship. This Lullaby is an outstanding story about how love doesnt always appear how you expect it.

The Three Musketeers

Author: Alexander Dumas
Copyright: 1984
Pages: 635
Genre: Classic
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewer: Az Scorpio

Not so long ago I was introduced by a friend to read an excellent book, The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas, and I instantly felt in love with it, for this is a tale for all of time. Putting the heroic d’Artagnan and his noble friends Athos, Porthos, and Aramis against the master of intrigue, Cardinal Richelieu, and the quintessential wicked woman, Lady de Winter, Dumas has created an enchanted France of swordplay, schemes, and assignations. The characters are based on historical fact, but with the glittering romance, and fast-paced action one doesn’t feel the weight of history in this book. I felt that it is extremely interesting to read this book and to see the perspective of life in the 17th century through eyes of a great author. Dumas is truly a genius, who has an incomparable imagination. I think if you like to read stories about knights, King Arthur’s time, and Queen Elizabeth’s reign, then you will also enjoy adventures of great French musketeers.

When It Happens

Author: Susane Colasanti
Copyright: 2006
Pages: 336
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Reviewer: Hey There Delilah

When it came to Sara, it was love at first sight for Tobey. It didn’t matter that they were polar opposites (he’s a rocker and she’s a braniac), or that he had never talked to her before. Tobey walked into his senior year of high school with only one thing on his mind: to make sure Sara fell in love with him. However, there was just one catch; Sara was dating Dave, a popular jock. Nevertheless, the chemistry between Tobey and Sara was undeniable and their love might just be “the real thing”. In any case, this love story makes perfect harmony. One quirk that makes this book extra-special is the alternating narration. Not only do we get inside Tobey’s head, but we know what Sara is thinking, too. When It Happens is the perfect combination of blissful young romance and witty dialogue, and will definitely make the readers fall in love - with this book!

Eagle Strike

Author: Anthony Horowitz
Copyright: 2003
Length: 322 pages
4th in series
Rating: 10/10
Reviewer: Apple Jacks

This book is filled with riveting, heart-pounding action. From trouble in the south of France, to a fight to the death in Air Force One, to a crazed celebrity trying to “save the world,” this is an incredible book for any reader that loves action and adventure. You've got to read this book.

Holes

Author: Louis Sachar
Copyright Date: 1998
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 10/10
Pages: 233
Reviewer: The Noodle

Holes is the story of a boy named Stanley Yelnats. Stanley is under a family curse. His curse causes him to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, and that’s the reason why he was sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center. Flashbacks constantly happen, explaining how the curse started. Holes is my favorite book I’ve read so far. I liked how there were three stories in the book. I also enjoyed how the stories connected to each other. It was especially exciting to find out that every day when Stanley dug a hole five feet wide and deep, the terrible punishment the kids had to do, he wasn’t just building character. He was searching for something the warden of the camp wanted.

Eragon

Author: Christopher Paolini
Published: 2003
Pages: 527
Rating: Excellent
#1 in a series of 4
Reviewer: Bob Three

Eragon is a great book about a young teenage boy named Eragon. He lives in the medieval age in the amazing world of Alagaesea. Eragon was just a mere farm boy when he found the one thing that would someday change his life forever. He found a dragon egg, and would soon enough go on perilous journeys around and out of Alagaesia to seek the one king who took everything that mattered to him. His name was Galbatorix, the insidious mastermind of evil. I recommend this book to anyone who likes fiction and dragons.

Cyrano De Begerac

Author: Edmond Rostand
Copyright: 2003
Pages: 240
Rating: 7/10
Genre: Play, Classic
Reviewer: Egbert

This book is a play that is a love story. It takes place in France and is about a man named Cyrano de Bergerac. He is in love with a woman named Roxanne, thinking that she loves him when she truly loves a cadet named Christian. Christian ends up with Roxanne but dies a tragic death. I would recommend this book to many different people because this book contains humor, (for kids) love, (for girls) and fighting (for boys). This book is appropriate for all ages but reading difficulty would be recommended to 5th graders and above.

Twilight

Author: Stephanie Myer
Copyright: 2005
Rating: 10/10
Number of pages: 544
Genre: Fantasy
Series: 1st in series (out of four)
Reviewer: Blogging Buddha

In 2005, Stephanie Meyer debuted a love story which, unbeknownst to her, was going to be a huge success. Twilight, a young adult book follows Bella, an average mortal 17 year old, through her first year in Forks, Washington at a new school. Within half of her first day at school she saw him; beautiful, immortal, perfect Edward Cullen. Through the book Bella and Edward’s suspicion of one another turned into deep love and admiration. The forbidden love between the mortal human and the immortal vampire captures readers and takes them on entertaining adventures encountering different characters, both good and bad, mortal and immortal. This fantasy is an absolute must read.

Here There be Dragons

Author: James A. Owen
Copyright: 2006
Number of Pages: 200
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 10/10
Series: 1st of two books
Reviewer: Spider

Here There be Dragons is a great book to read at any time for young and old. This book is about three strangers John, Jack, and Charles, who were brought together by the Imaginarium Geographica, an atlas that existed in myth and legend. When the caretaker of the Geographica is murdered, these men know that it is their job to protect the Geographica from the Winter King. The Winter King is an evil conqueror who is gaining strength in the world of imaginary. Read this book to see if John, Jack, and Charles can defeat the Winter King before he creates a dark army that no force on earth can stop.

Twilight

Author: Stephanie Meyer
Copright: 2006
Number of Pages: 544
Rating: 9/10
1st book in Series
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Reviewer: Smackers

Bella, a normal teenage girl, and Edward, a vampire, fall in love and face many dangers while trying to fit into each other’s worlds. Bella and Edward are both 17- year-old seniors in high school in Forks, a small town in Washington. Edward protects Bella from evil vampires that are out to get her and also from evil humans and a car accident. Although Bella is in danger while around vampires, she falls madly in love with Edward and wants to spend the rest of her life with him. The book is romantic, creative, and describes the vampire world in a totally different and unique way.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

Author: J.K. Rowling
Copyright: 2008
Number of Pages: 150
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 8/10
Reviewer: Cassie

This book is a collection of wizard fairy tales with commentary by Dumbledore. The stories were great, but the commentary sort of confused me- on almost every page, there were one or two extra notes, and I couldn't keep straight whether it was J.K. Rowling or Dumbledore who was talking. Other than that, though, everything was organized and it was definitely a good read. I'm extremely glad that J.K. Rowling decided to publish this book.

Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie

Author: Jordan Sonnenblick
Copyright: 2004
Pages: 273
Rating: 9/10
Genre: realistic fiction
Reviewer: Elmo

Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie is a heartwarming story that can teach you many lessons and is very enjoyable. It’s funny, sad, happy, brave, etc. Steven, the main character in this book, tells about how he is dealing with his normal life: family, school, drumming, and girls. On top of that Steven finds out his little brother Jeffery has cancer. Now his whole life revolves around Jeffery’s illness. I guarantee if you read this you’ll never want to put it down. Jordan Sonnenblick did a terrific job with this book.

White Night

Author: Jim Butcher
©2008
Pages: 480
Rating: Excellent
Reviewer: Megabob

The book White Night is an exciting novel of the Harry Dresden Files. In the beginning of the book, Harry Dresden, the detective, is hired for a case of women that have apparently been committing suicide. Later on, he finally figures out that the White Court is behind it all. They have been (indirectly) murdering them and making it look like suicide. After a few days, he figures out the reason behind the White Court’s actions. Some of the White Court’s members are trying to gain a higher status within their organization. In order to do that, they have to prove their resources and strength. Harry Dresden travels to the White Court’s HQ and challenges the murderers to a duel. They fight to the death and after much struggle and cheating, Harry Dresden wins the duel and puts an end to the murders.

I chose this book because it was on my bookshelf. I enjoyed it and would recommend it highly to anyone.

I am not Esther

Author: Fleur Beale
Copyright: 1998
Rating: 10/10
Pages: 250
Reviewer: Bubbles


I am not Esther is literally the best book I’ve ever read. It’s based on a 14 year old girl named Kirby Greenland. She lives happily with her mother until one Christmas day when her life changes forever. Kirby’s mom tells her that she is leaving. Kirby would have to stay with her uncle and his family. No matter how much Kirby begs, her mother’s mind is set. Her uncle and cousin were there to pick her up in the morning. When they arrive at her uncle’s house she is informed that the family is part of a strict religious cult. The girls are to wear long skirts, long sleeved shirts and cover their hair (it kind of reminds me of Orthodox women…). Soon, Kirby takes interest in one of her little cousins, a girl who is obviously not happy with her condition. Kirby takes it upon herself to look after the little girl and find her mother, who has seemingly disappeared.

TTYL

Author: Lauren Myracle
Copyright: 2004
Rating: 9 out of 10
Number of pages: 224
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Series: 1st in series
Reviewer: Hobo Jenkins

TTYL, an excellent book by Lauren Myracle, is a book completely written in IM (instant messaging). This book is about three girls in their sophomore year of high school who go through boy troubles, popularity contests, rumors, and broken hearts together. My friend recommended it to me and the minute I picked up and read the first page, it was almost impossible to put down. I recommend it to any teenage girl because every teen or pre-teen girl can relate to it. It’s also a great example of how teenagers communicate today since the whole book is written in IM. TTYL is a book full of drama and a book that any teen girl will love.

The Giver

Author: Lois Lowry
Copyright: 1993
Number of Pages: 179
Rating: 5 (out of 1-5)
1st book in a series
Genre: Fantasy
Reviewer: Francine

Jonas lives in a perfect world, until the “ceremony." When kids in the community turn twelve they are assigned a job. Not any job, but a job they will be doing for more than half of their life. Sadly, the kids can’t pick their own job. A special committee watches them to see what job in the community they will get and enjoy. Jonas gets the job as the Receiver. The Giver, the previous Receiver, gives Jonas memories of beauty, love and color from the previous world. Unfortunately, in the previous world there weren’t only happy things; instead, he also receives harsh memories of war, blood and injuries. Lois Lowry writes an interesting book with an inspiring moral. Reading this book made me think about where we live today and how different our world is compared to Jonas’s. Different in good ways and different in bad ways. I loved this book because of the differences in their community. As a result, I recommend The Giver to anybody older that 11.

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