Teen Book Review: Monster

July 13, 2012

Monster by Walter Dean Meyers

Review by Fallen D., Northwest Branch

16-year-old African American Steve Harmon is on trial for murder of a drug store owner. The other suspect, James King, is a "thug" Steve knows from from his neighborhood in Harlem, New York who asks Steve to check the drug store for cops. Steve is accused of doing this so King and another man can rob the store. He records the trial as a movie that he feels left out of and chronicles his tough life in jail, surrounded by criminals.
This book was not what I expected it to be. From the description, I thought it would be just Steve describing his life in jail, how he got there, and a little about the trial. But mostly it was his movie of the trail and he sometimes talked about jail. It was little bit hard to follow in parts because of the format, but the book turned out to be okay in the end. Maybe the form it was written in threw me off, or because I was expecting something different. I usually don't read books about crime, but the book was highly acclaimed and if you like books about crime, you will probably like this book.

Teen Book Review: Taran Wanderer

July 10, 2012

Taran Wanderer, by Lloyd Alexander

Review by Fallon D., Northwest Library

Taran Wanderer is the fourth book in the Prydain Chronicles, a series inspired by Welsh myths. With Princess Eilonwy on the Isle of Mona to become a lady, Taran dreams of marrying her. But he feels he should learn his parentage first and sets out with his companion Gurgi. At first, the journey seems straightforward, going to the magical Mirror of Llunet. But on the way, they run into rivaling lords,wizards,old friends,bands of unfriendly warriors, and various craftsman.
This book was not as good as the preceding novels, but it was still a great book! This novel is more of a coming of age book than the other ones in the series, and the agenda of the characters is not as urgent, and that's why it was not my favorite. But I love medieval-style adventure books, and that is just what this book and series is. You may not be a fan if you don't like authors that can be a bit wordy, but if you enjoy books like Christopher Paolini's Inheritance, the Prydain Chronicles are worth reading!

Teen Read Reviews Rincon Valley

July 3, 2012

The Rincon Valley teens are busy reading this summer. Check out what they are saying:

Reviewed by: Mariah, 9^th grade
Title & Author: 7 Souls by Barnabas Miller
Book Description: Mary Shayne is killed and due to a spell must relive the day of her death in 7 people’s bodies.
Why I picked it up: It seemed interesting and I enjoy murder mysteries.
Why I finished it: It’s now my new favorite book! I couldn’t put it down.
I’d recommend it to: People who like a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.
This book rated: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mariah, 9^th grade
Title & Author: White Darkness by Geraldine McCraughrean
Book Description: Sym Wates goes on a trip to Antarctica with her uncle and Titus Oates. It’s a crazy quest to survive until the end.
Why I picked it up: The book summary made me want to read it.
Why I finished it: In every chapter, more and more secrets were revealed.
I’d recommend it to: People who enjoy a good book filled with surprising secrets about each character.
This book rated: 4 stars

Reviewed by: Mariah, 9^th grade
Title & Author: American Born Chinese by Gene Yang
Book Description: In this graphic novel, everyone is not who they seem. It follows the lives of an American born Chinese and a monkey king.
Why I picked it up: The illustrations were very talented and the book was a Printz Award winner.
Why I finished it: It was strange, and had a strange ending. It ended abruptly and I thought there was more.
I’d recommend it to: People who are fans of both suspense and surprise should read this.
This book rated: 2 ½ stars

Reviewed by: James, 12^th grade
Title & Author: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Book Description: This science fiction is a melee of comical events surrounding an everyday character thrust into an unimaginable world.
Why I picked it up: My uncle gave it to me and I finally got around to reading it.
Why I finished it: It wasn’t terribly long, but filled with twists and turns every page.
I’d recommend it to: Anyone who has ever had an interest in scfi, past or present.
This book rated: 3 ½ stars

Reviewed by: James, 12^th grade
Title & Author: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
Book Description: This book analysis the split second decisions we make as humans and how important they are to us as individuals.
Why I picked it up: It was recommended to me from a friend.
Why I finished it: Gladwell is a compelling writer and his discussion of this topic is fascinating.
I’d recommend it to: Anyone interested in how we function, or looking for an intriguing read.
This book rated: 4 stars

Reviewed by: Carolina, 9^th grade
Title & Author: Your Eyes in Stars by M.E. Kerr
Book Description: Jessie’s father is the warden at the local prison. Then comes Elsa from Germany.
Why I picked it up: The title sounded very interesting. I read the summary and found out it took place in the 1930’s.
Why I finished it: I wanted to find out more about Slater, Jessie, and Elsa.I hoped their mom’s would get along.
I’d recommend it to: Anyone who likes a good friendship story without a lot of fluff.
This book rated: 4 stars

Reviewed by: Cecilia, 9^th grade
Title & Author: Please Read (if at all possible) by Kate Engelbrecht
Book Description: It is a book of pictures that supposedly describe girls but most of the pictures were of girls posing in front of a mirror.
Why I picked it up: The title sounded interesting.
Why I finished it: I was hoping some more meaningful pictures would show up, like a girl playing soccer or an instrument.
I’d recommend it to: I didn’t see anything positive in this book so I wouldn’t recommend it.
This book rated: 3 stars

Reviewed by: Ameelvi, 10^th grade
Title & Author: Feed by M.T. Anderson
Book Description: Set in the future everyone has a feed embedded in their heads that broadcasts sales and ads. It’s basically the internet in your mind. One feed malfunctions and leads to a tragedy.
Why I picked it up: The summary sounded interesting.
Why I finished it: It felt like I was learning about another culture.
I’d recommend it to: Scifi lovers.
This book rated: 4 stars

Reviewed by: Pratiksha, 7^th grade
Title & Author: Into the Woods by Lyn Gardner
Book Description: Storm and Aurora Eden live peacefully at Eden End until their mother dies while having a baby. After, their dad disappears and leaves the Eden sisters on there own. Before the mother dies she gives Storm a flute which has given the Edens trouble. A crazy Dr. is trying to get it and only Storm can save them. The flute has extremely powerful powers that could be the fate of the world.
Why I picked it up: I saw the title and read the summary and I loved it.
Why I finished it: The plot was so good I couldn’t stop reading it.
I’d recommend it to: People who like adventures, sad, and love stories.
This book rated: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Emily, 9^th grade
Title & Author: Every Second Counts by Lance Armstrong with Sally Jenkins
Book Description: Lance’s life after beating cancer and winning his first Tour d’France, up until he won his fourth.
Why I picked it up: My dad recommended it because I had nothing else to read.
Why I finished it: It was very interesting and informative, not at all boring.
I’d recommend it to: Cycling fans.
This book rated: 5 stars

Teen Book Review: The Selection

June 29, 2012

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Review by Anna, Sonoma Valley Branch

It is about 300 years in the future, and America has collapsed, and a nation called Illéa has taken its place. Among many changes from America, Illéa has a lottery. Thirty-five girls, only thirty-five, will be chosen at random from the entire country, and sent to the kingdom to live in. One of these girls will be chosen to marry Illéa’s prince, Maxon. Seventeen-year-old America Singer is one of these girls, but she wants nothing to do with the prince or the crown. But, the longer she stays away from home, the more confused she becomes about which future she wants.

I loved this book. It is by far my favorite book that I’ve reviewed. This book combines The Bachelor TV show and fairytales, a combination that I love but others might not. The Selection is also a little bit like the Matched series, but I enjoyed this book much more. I would recommend the book to anyone that likes modernized fairytales, or anything I compared it to above. This book is an easy read, though, so don’t choose this book if you want something challenging.

Book Spotlight: My Boyfriend is a Monster: I Love Him to Pieces

June 22, 2012

My Boyfriend is a Monster: I Love Him to Pieces by Evonne Tsang

Review by Tiffany, Sebastopol Branch

Dicey, a jock, and Jack, a nerd, have to work together to keep an egg alive for a school project. In the middle of their project, they start to have feelings for each other and decide to go out on a first date. One their first date, a zombie apocalypse breaks out in their town (don’t you just hate it when that happens?!?). Will the two make it out of the city alive?

Why I picked it up: I’m in the middle of reading 25 out of the 80 “Best of the Best” YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) books. This book is listed as one of the top ten graphic novels for teens.

Why I’d finished it: I’m not normally into graphic novels, but this one was somewhat endearing. I really liked the two characters, Dicey and Jack. Plus it only took me about ½ hour to read.

Who I would recommend it to: Anyone who wants a quick, fast, fun read with zombies. I had fun reading something different than what I usually pick up.

Teen Book Review: Remarkable

June 10, 2012

Remarkable by Lizzie Foley

Review by Anna, Sonoma Valley Branch

In a fictional town called Remarkable, everyone is extremely talented. This town has the world’s nest architect, artist, writer, the best in any job. The only person who isn’t remarkable or very talented is Jane. But before she knows it, she finds herself in the biggest mystery and adventure the town of Remarkable has ever seen. And despite not being terribly remarkable, Jane comes to the rescue in her own special way.

I didn’t particularly like this book. It wasn’t bad, but it was predictable and sometimes boring during situations that were supposed to be action-packed. From the start, I knew this book wasn’t one of my favorites. However, I’m sure it could be someone else’s favorite. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys extreme fiction, with worlds and monsters made up instead of just a story, like most fiction.

Book Spotlight: Ready Player One

May 16, 2012

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Reviewed by: Phil, librarian, Cloverdale Branch

Synopsis: In the not-so-distant future the world flat-out sucks; life is hard for most, including teen Wade Watts, who spends most of his time plugged into the virtual reality multi-verse OASIS. Though most use OASIS to escape the harsh reality of 2044, Wade is an ardent Gunter – a term given to those trying to solve a seemingly unsolvable multi-part puzzle devised by one the creators of OASIS. Whoever solves the puzzle will inherit the entirety of OASIS and become one of the richest people in the world. Some Gunters are strict soloists, while others have banded together to form guilds. These competing factions have toiled for years to solve the puzzle to no avail – that is until Wade happens to solve the first part. Suddenly the quest to solve the puzzle reaches a fever pitch, and the game becomes deadly serious. When Gunters start dying in real life it becomes apparent that a sinister force is willing to go to extremes to reach the prize. Wade knows that he is in serious jeopardy. The question is: Will he solve the puzzle before they get to him?

Why I picked it up: Alex Award (best adult book for teens) winner, and very highly recommended.

Why I finished it: Without a doubt the most fun book that I have read in the past year. It was absolutely impossible to put down.

I'd recommend it to: Gamers, science fiction and adventure tale enthusiasts, as well as 1980’s pop culture fanatics. Even if you don’t generally read in those genres, this book is just plain fun!

Book Spotlight: Ashfall

May 3, 2012

Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Review by Phil, Librarian, Cloverdale Branch

When Alex’s family travels out of town for the weekend he plans on ditching his trigonometry homework and playing World of Warcraft – that is until something crashes through the roof of his house. Then the explosions start and communications go down. Soon ash has blanketed the world in an oppressive grey, and with the ash comes marauding bands and chaos. Adrift and alone Alex decides to hightail it out of town to try and find his family. On the road he encounters escaped convicts and people full of distrust. He also finds companionship and hope, but the question is will he find his family? And what will the post ashfall world be like?

Why I picked it up:

Seemed like an engaging premise, and was recommended to me as a read-a-like to Hunger Games.

Why I finished it:

I had to see what happened. I enjoyed the characters and the pacing, and it was chock full of suspense.

I'd recommend it to:

People who enjoyed Hunger Games, or any other apocalyptic or dystopian fiction.

Teen Book Review: Bumped

April 29, 2012

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Review by Kudra, Sonoma Valley Branch

Bumped is a novel about an alternate worlds where a Virus makes everyone over eighteen infertile, adults pay teens to "bump" with each other and have children for them, placing a high price on the teenage girls. Sixteen-year-old twins Harmony and Melody, separated at birth, and either one knowing about the other, until now. Harmony, a church devoted girl journeys to Melody's home, and chaos strikes. Amongst all this, Melody must also fight the attraction to her best friend Zen, for her conception contract which she worked so hard to get fights against it. When Melody's representative pairs her with Jondoe, the most genetically flawless male bumper, and Harmony is confused for Melody, both lives are changed forever.

This book had me engrossed, and I ended up reading it in two days. It is a fairly easy read, but I wouldn't recommend it if you avoid religious stuff. I would recommend this book to people interested in alternate futures, and thrilling books with many plot twists.

This is Kudra's first teen review! Welcome Kudra to the team of teen book reviewers!

Book Spotlight: Life As We Knew It

April 26, 2012

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Review by Phil, Librarian, Cloverdale Branch

Miranda leads the life of a fairly typical Midwestern teenager, or at least she did until a giant asteroid slammed into the moon. After the collision the moon appears oddly in the sky – somewhat titled, and closer to Earth. The nights are also a little brighter. Though these changes are unnerving there don't seem to be any major consequences- other than not having to go to school or do homework. Then the tsunamis hit, and the communications go down. Grocery stores run out of food, and volcanoes cloud the sky with ash. Winter sets in and blankets the world in unrelenting snow. In other words, life as Miranda and her family knew it will never be the same again.

Why I picked it up: I was intrigued by the concept, and it was highly recommended. I've been on an apocalyptic fiction kick, so this one was right up my alley.

Why I finished it: I enjoyed the subtleties, and I wanted to know what would happen to Miranda and her family. Pfeffer does well to tell this story with a level of realism that many similar stories disregard in favor of sensationalism.

I'd recommend it to: Anyone looking for an apocalyptic novel without the violence.

teenspace

Category Archives: book reviews