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.

Teen Read Book Reviews!

June 19, 2012

Have you signed up for Teen Read yet? Have you read a great book this summer? For every book you read for the Teen Read, you need to fill out a book review card. If you do, you may see your review up on the blog!

Here are some teen book reviews from the Northwest branch:

Justin Bieber: First step 2 forever by Justin Bieber- 4 Stars

Review by: Araceli, 9th grade

Book description: Justin talks about how his life changed just by putting up a video on Youtube.

I picked this book because I am a fan of his and it counted for the reading bingo. I finished the book because I found it interesting to read and would recommend it to all my friends.

Miles to go by Miley Cyrus ; with Hilary Liftin – 4 stars
Review by: Elena, 7th grade

This biography talks about the life of singer/actress, Miley Cyrus, beginning with her birth and until reaching age 16.

Why I picked it up: …because it seemed interesting;

I finished it: because it was worth reading.

I'd recommend this to a teenage friend.

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.

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!

Teen Book Review: Partials

April 12, 2012

Partials by Dan Wells
Review by Anna, Sonoma Valley Branch

Partials by Dan Wells is a futuristic novel set in 2076, and more than 99% of the human population has been wiped out from a highly infectious virus. The virus was created by the Partials, an evil super human army of fighting machines that act, look, and talk like a human. The people that did survive, however, have a big problem: none of their babies survive, because of the virus. Kira and a small group of her friends decide to travel to Manhattan, where the Partials are hidden. If anyone knows how to rid the world of that virus, it'll be the Partials.

I really liked this book, which is surprising because I usually don't like books set in the future. I thought it was well written, and had a few interesting turns in the plot that I didn't see coming. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially people who like futuristic novels or sci-fi.

Teen Book Review: The Aviary

February 29, 2012

The Aviary by Kathleen O'Dell

Review by Anna, Sonoma Valley Branch

The Aviary is a historical fiction novel about eleven-year-old Clara, and the mystery that revolves around the Glendoveer mansion. Mrs. Glendoveer loves her five pet birds as much as she would with her own children. But it isn't until Clara speaks to the birds, and they speak back, that Clara uncovers a half-century-old mystery. With the help of her newfound friend, Daphne, Clara discovers all the secrets about her and Mrs. Glendoveer's past.

The Aviary's first hundred pages are hard to get through, but the book turns out to be really interesting and full of suspense until the end. I did like this book, although it wasn't my favorite. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries or historical fiction.

Want to be a teen book reviewer? E-mail Tiffany at teenspace@sonoma.lib.ca.us.

Teen Book Review: The Price of Loyalty

February 22, 2012

The Price of Loyalty by Mike Castan

Review by Alex, Sonoma Valley Branch

Manny has just started middle school. His friends and himself call themselves The Conquistadors. Everyone calls the group a gang but Manny doesn't believe it until all his friends buzz their heads and then they start tagging and he buys drugs for them. After two of his friends put two of his old friends in the hospital he must decide whether to tell the truth or keep his friendship.

Why I picked it up: The book sounded interesting because I haven't seen many books about gang.

Why I finished it: The book was really good and there was a lot of excitement.

I'd recommend it to: I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to read an unique book.

Teen Book Review: Those That Wake

February 15, 2012

Those That Wake by Jesse Karp

Review by Alex, Sonoma Valley Branch

Four people are brought together at the lowest point in their lives. Everyone they have ever known can't remember who they are. Together they must find out why no one remembers them. While trying to figure out what has happened, they come across a large mirrored building with hundreds of doors that lead to many different places and a man in a dark suit with no facial expressions that could answer all their questions.

Why I picked it up: The book sounded very interesting and I wanted to find out what happened to the characters.

Why I finished it: The book was very hard to put down and I wanted to find out what happened at the end.

I'd recommend it to: I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a very suspenseful book with lots of mysteries.

Teen Book Review: Demonglass

February 10, 2012

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Review by Anna, Sonoma Valley

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins is the second book in the Hex Hall series. Sophie lives in a world where vampires, witches, werewolves, fairies, and demons, the most powerful mythical creature, exist. Sophie herself is a demon, one of the few in the world. After deciding to spend the summer with her dad in London, multiple assassination attempts were made on Sophie, who decides to do something about the fact that she's a scary and threatening demon.

I enjoyed this book. The book revolves around the teenaged-mythical-creature theme, but it was still fun to read. I would recommend Demonglass to anyone that has liked fantasy fiction before.