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TEEN BOOK REVIEWS |
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If you are interested in reviewing a book
yourself, use
this form and either print it and return it to the
library in person or
E-mail it. We are always looking for
reviewers.
The following book reviews
were submitted by participants in our 2008 and 2010* Young Adult
Summer Reading Programs.
Reviews are in order by the
last name of the books' authors. Use the links below
to jump to reviews of books whose authors' last names begin
with:
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A
Fire Engines Up Close by
Andra Serlin Abramson
reviewed by James
This is a very good book. It
helped me with my career choice.
Watership Down
by Richard Adams
reviewed by Mary
Watership Down is an
exciting fantasy story about a group of rabbits who leave
their home warren because one of them, Fiver, feels that
something bad is coming. The rabbits encounter many dangers
on their way to their new warren, which they call Watership
Down. On their way to Watership Down, the rabbits come upon
a warren full of rabbits who have a huge warren and seem to
have plenty of food, but are unhappy. They find out why
later on when they discover that a nearby farmer is feeding
the rabbits but is laying traps for them.
Once the little band of rabbits
finds and establishes a warren at Watership Down, they soon
realize that they have a problem: they don't have any does!
The rabbits send Kehaar, an injured bird that they
befriended, to search for any other warrens nearby where
they could find some does. One warren that is found is
Efrafa, ruled by the ruthless General Woundwort. Efrafa is
very powerful, and its officers rule over many unhappy
prisoners. All of the Efrafan rabbits are carefully guarded
so they cannot escape. The rabbits at Watership Down make
several attempts to try to get some does peacefully, but
eventually must make a plan to trick General Woundwort and
his officers, involving a daring escape down a river in a
boat.
I liked this book because it
taught me a lot about the hardships wild rabbits face and
about how wild animals live and see the world. It also
includes some interesting facts about rabbits that you learn
as you read and are interwoven into the story. Above all,
this was a very exciting adventure story that I would highly
recommend to any animal lover.
Tales from Watership Down
by Richard Adams
reviewed by Mary
This book is a sequel to
Watership Down. Parts one and two tell stories of El-ahrairah,
the rabbit's folk hero, which are popular among all rabbits.
Part three continues the story of the warren at Watership
down, including how a new warren was started in between
Watership and Efrafa (another waren) when they both got
overcrowded. It also tells stories of funny, unusual, and
exciting things that happened among the familiar Watership
rabbits, one of the new Efrafan rabbits, and the occasional
hlessi (wandering, nomadic rabbit) that they happen to come
across. I liked this book very much because I enjoyed
Watership Down. The stories will make a lot more sense
if you have read
Watership Down first.
The Death of Jayson Porter
by Jaime Adoff
reviewed by Alanna J.
Extremely well written and very
realistic of the thoughts and feelings.
The Divine Comedy: Hell by
Dante Alighieri
reviewed by Rachel
It's an excellent allegory that
forces the reader to take a deeper look at him or herself.
The Divine Comedy: Purgatory
by Dante Alighieri
reviewed by Rachel
As different sins are exposed,
more and more soul-searching is necessary.
The Divine Comedy: Paradise
by Dante Alighieri
reviewed by Rachel
It worked many church fathers in
effectively as it expounded Catholic doctrine.
Gilda Joyce: The Ladies of
the Lake by Jennifer Allison
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This book was a good mystery.
It was a real page-turner.
Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse
Anderson
reviewed by Katie
This book was amazing--funny,
exciting, and a few times sad.
The Poison Apples by Lily
Archer
reviewed by Alanna J.
I loved it! I love fairy
tales and this was one with a a major twist.
Robots of Dawn by Isaac
Asimov
reviewed by Jerry
Classic Asimov, good mystery.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane
Austen
reviewed by Lydia B.
AMAZING!
Sense and Sensibility by
Jane Austen
reviewed by Rachel
A romance that reminds me of all
the politicking connected with "love."
Midnight Magic by Avi
reviewed by Katie
It's a good book for rainy days,
since it's set in old castles and houses.
B
Because Your Vampire Said So
by Michelle Bardsley
reviewed by Alanna J.
A great continuation of the
series.
The Squad: Perfect Cover by
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
reviewed by Alanna J.
A well-written Charlie's Angels
classic that she made her own with a huge twist.
The Broxton Brothers: The Case of the Case of
Mistaken Identity by Mac Barnett*
reviewed by Anonymous
A very funny book!
Escape from Carnivale by
Dave Barry
reviewed by Jerry
Disappointing, juvenile
Peter and the Secret of Rundoon
by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
reviewed by Lydia B.
Good ending to the trilogy.
Peter and the Shadow Thieves
by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
reviewed by Katie
The authors had better do more
like this.
The Door Within by Wayne
Tomas Batson
reviewed by Alanna J.
A little slow at first, but I
like how the main character is more relatable.
Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz
by L. Frank Baum
reviewed by A New Ulm Reader
Always interesting.
American Courts by Lawrence
Baum
reviewed by Rachel
The material itself is very
interesting by the style makes it rather dry and not an easy
read.
Queen of Angels by Greg
Bear
reviewed by Jerry
Eon by Greg Bear
reviewed by Jerry
Intricate science (fiction)
Eternity by Greg Bear
reviewed by Jerry
OK
She Said Yes by Misty
Bernall
reviewed by Allison
Birds Without Wings by
Louis de Bernières
reviewed by Stephanie
One of the best books I've ever
read. A fascinating historical account filled with
unique, captivating characters. There's something
almost magical about this book.
The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
by Jeanne Birdsall
reviewed by Katie
This book is hilarious and very
true to the way sisters act towards each other (especially
the arguments and threats. I know). It makes a good summer
read.
Tangerine by Edward Bloor
reviewed by Jerry
Good story
Fires of War by Larry Bond
reviewed by James
Soul of the Assassin by
Larry Bond
reviewed by James
Cosmic
by Frank Cottrell Boyce*
reviewed by Anonymous
A great book, lots of adventure and laughs. You can’t stop
reading until it’s done, and then you wish there’s more.
Plan B 3.0 by Lester R.
Brown
reviewed by Jerry
Renewed hope for humanity
Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan
Boys by Kate Brian
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This is a very good book. Kate
Brian is a very good writer.
The New Adventures of the Mad
Scientist Club by Bertrand R. Brinley
reviewed by Katie
It's as good as the first one!
Jane Eyre by Charlotte
Brontë
reviewed by Lydia B.
Very long, but definitely worth
the read!
Magic Kindom for Sale--Sold!
by Terry Brooks
reviewed by Rachel
It's an entertaining, fast-paced
fantasy novel--a good read.
New Ideas from Dead Economists
by Todd Buchholz
reviewed by Kristin
I normally don't read
non-fiction books but this, although written for adults, is
a humorous book for those economically inclined.
A Thief in the Theater by
Sarah Masters Buckey
reviewed by Kristi
This book was a well-written
suspense mystery.
The Sharing Knife: Passage
by Lois McMaster Bujold
reviewed by Kristin
Good book, it's in a series so
be sure to read the others first. Slightly gruesome in
parts, not for the squeamish.
Earthly Powers by Michael
Burleigh
reviewed by Jerry
I now know and understand the
meaning behind "separation of church and state"
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Avalon High by Meg Cabot
reviewed by Rachel Reader
I like this book & it puts a new
perspective on the King Arthur story.
Party Princess by Meg Cabot
reviewed by Abby
Funny, but kind of like all the
other Meg Cabot books.
The King's Arrow by Michael
Cadnum
reviewed by James
Bad Connection by Melody
Carlson
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This book is full of suspense.
You don't know what will happen.
Total Constant Order by
Crissa-Jean Chappell
reviewed by Katie
Very informational.
Feels Like Home by e. E.
Charlton-Trujillo
reviewed by Rachel
Guide to Paying for College
by B. A. Cheap
reviewed by Jerry
Renewed confidence in financing
The Bestiary by Nicholas
Christopher
reviewed by Kristin
A quest for a mysterious book by
a boy that fought in Vietnam with a seafaring father who was
never around. Historic novel even if you don't notice
it. Wonderful.
Who's Sorry Now? by Jill
Churchill
reviewed by Rachel
Another good mystery in the
Grace & Favor series.
In the Still of the Night
by Jill Churchill
reviewed by Rachel
It is an entertaining, clean
mystery with an interesting setting.
Love for Sale by Jill
Churchill
reviewed by Rachel
It's another mystery with a good
setting to educate.
Someone to Watch Over Me by
Jill Churchill
reviewed by Rachel
It's a good mystery with
well-done historical facts worked in.
It Had to be You by Jill
Churchill
reviewed by Rachel
It's an interesting mystery
again with an interesting use of setting.
Where Are You Now? by Mary
Higgins Clark
reviewed by Jerry
OK but not creative.
The Naked Roommate: and 107 Other
Issues You Might Run Into in College by Harlan Cohen
reviewed by Jerry
Instructive
Shadows on Society Hill by
Evelyn Coleman
reviewed by Kristi
I really like the history of the
spies of the Union which was entwined into the mystery!
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
reviewed by Rachel
The poem never seems to explain
why he shot the albatross--was he just that cruel-hearted?
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
reviewed by R.A.
Good book. Keeps you wanting to
read more.
Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Encounter
by Eoin Colfer
reviewed by R.A.
Good book. Keeps you wanting to
read more.
Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code
by Eoin Colfer
reviewed by R.A.
Good book. Keeps you wanting to
read more.
Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception
by Eoin Colfer
reviewed by R.A.
This one was not as good as the
three before it. I hope the next one is better.
Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony
by Eoin Colfer
reviewed by R.A.
Very good. Full of adventure.
Great ending to an amazing series.
The Language of God by
Francis S. Collins
reviewed by Jerry
Unorthodox
Two Steps Forward by Rachel
Conn
reviewed by Rachel Reader
Heroes by Robert Cormier
reviewed by Jerry
Another twisted Cormier tale.
Foundling by D.M. Cornish
reviewed by Alanna J.
Starts slow and gets better.
Lamplighter by D.M. Cornish
reviewed by Jerry
The plot thickens.
Next by Michael Crichton
reviewed by Rachel
It's a very modern book that
reminds me of how fast the world is changing and of the
corruption of modern science and the media.
Timeline by Michael
Crichton
reviewed by James
Plague Ship by Clive
Cussler
reviewed by Jerry
Now I understand
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D
P.S. Longer Letter Later by
Paula Danziger and Ann M. Martin
reviewed by Rachel Reader
Just Another Day in My Insanely Real Life
by Barbara Dee*
reviewed by Anonymous
You can really see this girl’s life. It’s so real, it’s as
if you can feel her emotions. A great book for teens to
relate to.
Saint by Ted Dekker
reviewed by James
Invincible by Troy Denning
reviewed by James
Lock and Key by Sarah
Dessen
reviewed by Jenna
This was a very good book for
teenage girls! Sarah Dessen is a very good author.
Lavender Morning
by Jude Deveraux*
reviewed by Bridgette
Amazing book. For once I didn’t really predict the ending.
Blade Runner by Philip K.
Dick
reviewed by Jerry
Confusing
In Milton Lumkpin Territory
by Philip K. Dick
reviewed by Jerry
Confusing
A Scanner Darkly by Philip
K. Dick
reviewed by Jerry
Sad
The Sloppy Copy Slip-Up by
DyAnne DiSalvo
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This is a quick read because you
really get into the story.
Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles,
Book 1: The Nixie's Song by Tony Diterlizzi and
Holly Black
reviewed by Gabrielle
I loved this book! Very
descriptive. I felt like I was there!
E
The Outlandish Adventures of Liberty Aimes
by Kelly Easton*
reviewed by Anonymous
A wonderful adventure with a girl living up to her name,
“Liberty.”
America's Cheapest Family
by Steve and Annette Economides
reviewed by Jerry
Instructive
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering
Genius by Dave Eggers
reviewed by Jerry
How is this good writing?
How to Ruin My Teenage Life
by Simone Elkeles
reviewed by Alanna J.
The beginning was kind of slow,
but it becomes hilarious.
Invisible Man by Ralph
Ellison
reviewed by Rachel
It was very depressing but also
instructive. It made me think about my own importance
(or lack thereof).
Midnight in Lonesome Hollow
by Kathleen Ernst
reviewed by Kristi
It was interesting to think of
times back during the Depression.
Expert's Guide to 100 Things
Everyone Should Know How to Do by Samantha Ettus
reviewed by Jerry
Eh, not that great.
Make Lemonade
by Virginia Euwer Wolff*
reviewed by Allie
I loved this book. I think everyone should read this book! I
was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
F
The Black Stallion Challenged!
by Walter Farley
reviewed by Mary
This book is about a red
stallion named Flame and his young owner and jockey, Steve,
who are determined to win enough money to buy a Caribbean
island for their close friend, who is an archeologist.
Steve and Flame easily win the money they need from their
first race, but the media thinks that they are coming to the
racing world to stay and start pressing Steve to enter a
race with the Black. The Black wins by just a fraction
of an inch, but Steve wins the second-place winners' money
and has a lot more than he would ever need for the island.
At the end of the book, Steve and the Black's owner, Alec,
are friends. Steve goes off with Flame and his
archeologist friend to buy the island, and Alec and Steve
promise to keep in touch by writing.
Do Not Open by John
Farnadon
reviewed by Jerry
Very interesting facts
The Road of Bones by Anne
Fine
reviewed by Jerry
A sad, beautiful tale of
Communist Russia.
How to Write Your Life Story
by Ralph Fletcher
reviewed by Jerry
OK but dull
The Rise of the Creative Class
by Richard Florida
reviewed by Jerry
I know what I want to be
now...Do you?
Who's Your City by Richard
Florida
reviewed by Jerry
Makes you think
The Fire of Ares by Michael
Ford
reviewed by James
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young
Girl by Anne Frank
reviewed by Miriam
It was a sad story and it taught
you to appreciate what you do have and a lot more.
The Voyage of Patience Goodspeed
by Heather Vogel Frederick
reviewed by Katie
A good book for summer reading.
The Education of Patience Goodspeed
by Heather Vogel Frederick
reviewed by Katie
The second book in the Patience
Goodspeed series is just as good as the first.
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Mirrormask by Neil Gaiman
reviewed by Jerry
Fragmented like a dream
The Opposite of Invisible
by Liz Gallagher
reviewed by Alanna J.
A book we can all relate to…only
complaint--perfect ending. You could guess it from the
beginning.
The Best American Science Writing
2006 edited by Atul Gawande
reviewed by Jerry
Enlightening
The Fire Bug Connection: An
Ecological Mystery by Jean Craighead George
reviewed by Mary
This book is about a 12-year old
girl who is spending her summer in a field biology lab. She
loves bugs and likes to spend her time watching spiders and
wasps. She also is keeping an eye on a pair of bat mothers
and their babies that live right outside her room. Her
parents are both scientists; her mother studies soils
(dendrologist) and her father studies plants (botanist). The
girl's (Maggie) mother invites an entomologist (a scientist
who studies insects) to the field biology lab to help her
with a research project on how the combination of acid rain
and insects affects trees. The entomologist, Capek, gives
Maggie some fire bugs for her birthday and promises that
they will soon surprise her by metamorphosing into adults.
Maggie is disappointed that only a couple of the fire bugs
metamorphose. She asks Mitch, the son of one of the
scientists at the lab, to help her find out what is killing
the fire bugs. They set up a series of experiments to find
out. There are many things that could have killed the fire
bugs, including ravens, global warming, and the paper in
their jars.
I enjoyed this book because I
like learning about nature and science. This book taught me
a lot about bugs and how to set up an experiment. It also
helps teach respect for nature and the environment and
informs readers about dangers to the environment today, such
as pollution and habitat destruction. The author, Jean
Craighead George, has written many other nature books for
children.
On Day in the Tropical Rain Forest
by Jean Craighead George
reviewed by Mary
This book is about an Indian boy
name Tepui who is trying to save his rainforest home.
People are going to clear the rainforest away to make room
for farmland. There is a science laboratory stationed
nearby where four natural scientists are studying the native
plants and animals in order to save them. One of them
is Dr. Juan Rivero, a lepidopterist (a person who studies
butterflies). If he can find a nameless butterfly, a
wealthy industrialist will buy the rainforest, name the
butterfly after his daughter, and save the rainforest, and
he wants Tepui to help him. I liked this book because
it talks about the importance of saving rainforests and the
rest of our planet.
Shark Beneath the Reef by
Jean Craighead George
reviewed by Mary
This book is about a Latin
American boy named Tomas who dreams of catching a huge shark
and carrying it proudly into the village. He is facing
the decision of whether to go on to high school or to become
a fisherman like his father and grandfather. Different
members of his family have different opinions about what he
should do. Tomas risks his life to catch the shark,
who is really a lot bigger and more dangerous than he
thought. Tomas' decision about his future is affected
by oficiales from the mainland who want more tourists
to come to the island and are forcing fishermen to pay
expensive rent if they wish to stay on the island. In
the end, Tomas' science teacher, Juan Fuertes, convinces
Tomas to study to become a marine biologist so that he can
help his family and still remain close to the sea that he
loves.
Who Really Killed Cock Robin
by Jean Craighead George
reviewed by Mary
This book is about a famous
robin called Cock Robin and his family. Cock Robin is
a political symbol for the mayor of Saddleboro, a
conservationist who is trying to get rid of pollution and
make the community more ecologically friendly. When
the whole family of robins, except for one baby, dies,
everyone in Saddleboro wants to know who is responsible.
It is up to Tony, Mary Alice, and a scientist named Rob to
find out which pollutants killed Cock Robin so that
Saddleboro will be a cleaner, healthier, and safer place for
wildlife.
Swimming with Sharks by
Twig C. George
reviewed by Mary
This book is about a 10-year-old
girl named Sarah who has been sent to spend the summer with
her grandparents. Sarah's granddad is a retired marine
biologist who specialized in sharks. At first, Sarah
is very unhappy about having to spend the summer away from
her friends, but when her granddad starts teaching her about
sharks, she soon becomes just as enthusiastic about them as
he is. She and her granddad spend the summer exploring
the inlets and reefs and swimming with and studying sharks.
Sarah's new knowledge and understanding of sharks helps her
to care more about them, and she is eager to help when she
and her granddad discover shark poachers while they are out
exploring. The poachers are cutting the fins off live
sharks and throwing the shark's bodies back into the ocean.
Sarah is furious and writes a newspaper article about what
she has seen. She and her granddad also gather
together a group of shark enthusiasts called the Shark
Guard, who help them to identify and track the poaching
ship, called the Slippery Eel. The ship is eventually
caught, and the poachers are arrested by the Coast Guard.
I liked this book because the
author included plenty of shark facts in the story, and I
learned a lot. The author spent a lot of time
researching sharks in order to write this book. the
most important thing that I learned from this book is that
sharks are not the vicious man-eaters that they are depicted
as in movies, and that humans are causing sharks to become
extinct. I would highly recommend this book to anyone
because it teaches the truth about sharks. I am sure
that the sharks would like it, too!
Giants of Philosophy: Aristotle
reviewed by Jerry
OK
Giants of Philosophy: Plato
reviewed by Jerry
Not thorough
Cheaper by the Dozen by
Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
reviewed by Miriam
Cheaper by the Dozen has
to be one of the best books I've read. It is one of
those books that you just can't put down. This book is
funny, sad, and an awesome book all at once. I love
it!
Belles on Their Toes by
Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
reviewed by Miriam
I love this sequel!
Misty and Me by Barbara
Girion
reviewed by Mary
This book is about a girl named
Kim who wants a puppy more than anything. Her Mother has
just taken on a demanding new job, though and has no time to
be worrying about a new puppy. Kim and her brother Willie
secretly visit the pound and place a hold on the next puppy
that comes in. They start saving their money for the puppy,
including money that was supposed to be used for Willie's
school mild, P.T.A. membership fees, and Kim's disco dancing
lessons. Kim and Willie hire Mrs. Mac, an elderly widow who
is living on Social Security, to take care of their puppy,
who they name Misty, until they can save enough money and
convince their parents to let her keep her. Kim, Willie, and
Kim's friends Lisa and Eddie secretly help Mrs. Mac take
care of Misty in their free time. They play with, feed,
bathe, and help housetrain Misty. When Mrs. Mac has a heart
attack, however, the secret is out, and Kim is allowed to
keep Misty. Mrs. Mac's daughter, Charlene, was taking Mrs.
Mac to live with her in Ohio (the story takes place in New
Jersey). When Kim sees how sad Mrs. Mac is to be leaving her
home of many years and how much Mrs. Mac and Misty have
bonded, she decides to let Mrs. Mac take Misty with her to
Ohio.
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
reviewed by Jerry
Understand decision making
The Tipping Point by
Malcolm Gladwell
reviewed by Jerry
Makes you think
An Irreverent Illustrated View of
Nuclear Power by John W. Gofman
reviewed by Rachel
Though this book mostly deals
with the dangers of nuclear power, it also effectively
speaks on civil disobedience and the responsibilities of
citizens.
The Blessing of the Animals
by Philip Gonzalez and Leonore Fleischer
reviewed by Mary
This book is a sequel to The
Dog Who Rescues Cats. It is about a mixed-breed
dog (part schnauzer and part Siberian husky) who loves cats
and has an amazing ability to detect cats in trouble.
She and her owner, Philip Gonzalez, and their friend and
neighbor Sheilah, have rescued and rehomed many cats and
travel to eight stray cat feeding stations in their Long
Island, New York home twice a day. Ginny has performed
many amazing cat rescues, including the Chairman, who was
trapped in a pile of sharp glass; Ms. Hunt, who was found
buried in sod and grass clippings in the bed of a pickup
truck; and Roosevelt, who was caught on a barbed wire fence.
The Blessing of the Animals is a continuation of the
stories of Ginny's cat rescues and the exciting things that
have happened to Ginny, Philip, and Sheilah since the
publishing of their last book.
How to Write a Great Research Paper
by Leland Graham
reviewed by Jerry
Well-organized
The Reluctant Dragon by
Kenneth Grahame
reviewed by Mary
This book is
about a boy and a saint who become friends with a dragon.
The boy’s father discovers the dragon living in a cave one
night. The boy has read many books about dragons and
decides to visit him. The dragon is very friendly and
is in interested in art and poetry. Soon, the boy’s
whole family has befriended the dragon. However, the
villagers are prejudiced against the dragon and call on
Saint George to fight and kill the dragon. The dragon
doesn’t want to fight and Saint George doesn’t really want
to kill the dragon, so the boy, the dragon, and Saint George
arrange a secret meeting in which they will spear the dragon
in his “spare spot” in the skin under his throat where it
will not hurt him. Afterwards, the dragon will come to
the banquet and make some new friends. At the end of
the story, all of the villagers like and respect the dragon
and agree not to make judgments against people or animals
without truly knowing what they are like.
The Wind in the Willows by
Kenneth Grahame
reviewed by Mary
The Wind in the Willows
is about the adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger. Mole
leaves his underground burrow during spring cleaning one day
and discovers Rat's riverside hole. Mole and Rat quickly
become friends, and Mole stays to live with Rat for quite
awhile. Meanwhile, there is Toad, who lives in a grand old
house called Toad Hall. Toad is very conceited and has
recently developed an obsession with motorcars, driving them
crazily all over the country and getting into all sorts of
trouble. When Mole and Rat meet Badger, who takes them into
his den and helps them when they are lost in the Wild Woods,
the three of them decide to reform Toad, using force if
necessary. When spring arrives, Badger, Mole, and Rat go to
Toad Hall and try to talk some reason into Toad. When Toad
refuses to listen, the three animals lock in in his bedroom,
but Toad eventually manages to escape. When he goes to a
restaurant, he is overcome by an irresistible urge to steal
a motorcar. The magistrates arrest him and chain him up in a
dungeon deep in a castle. The jailer's daughter helps Toad
escape by disguising him as a washerwoman. When Toad boards
a train, the magistrates find out and pursue the train Toad
is on. Toad hops off the train and wanders though a forest
until he finds a river, where he manages to get on a ship
with a sailor's wife. The woman asks Toad, who is still
disguised as a washerwoman, to wash some clothes. She
notices that Toad can't wash the clothes and laughs at him,
and the get into a fight. Toad steals the woman's horse, who
has been walking alongside the boat, and sells him to a
gypsy for more than he is worth. Toad finds a rod and is
picked up by the same drivers that he stole the motorcar
from! He convinces them to let him drive the car, and ends
up driving them into a pond. Toad escapes, but the
magistrates start chasing him. He jumps into a river and is
carried downstream until he reaches Rat's hold. Toad fins
out that Toad hall has been taken over by stoats and weasels
who thought he would never come back. Mole and Badger were
kicked out of Toad Hall and were observing the house from a
safe distance. The four animals make a secret plan to sneak
into Toad Hall through an underground passageway while the
stoats and weasels are banqueting one night. the take the
stoats and weasels completely by surprise and successfully
drive them all out. At Toad's welcome-home banquet, instead
of giving conceited speeches and singing songs of
self-praise, he is very humble, and his friends are
convinced that he is now a reformed Toad.
The Testament by John
Grisham
reviewed by Katie
Was a very interesting book.
H
Princess Academy by Shannon
Hale
reviewed by Katie
Shannon Hale is a magnificent
storyteller. It's a big improvement over "Cinderella."
Get Well Soon by Julie
Halpern
reviewed by Rachel Reader
Shug by Jenny Han
reviewed by Katie
Now considered my #1 book!
Undercover Economist by Tim
Harford
reviewed by Jerry
Very thorough
Just Grace by Charise
Merkle Harper
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This was a good book.
Runemarks by Joanne Harris
reviewed by Jerry
Norse gods---yeah!
Black Pearls: A Faerie Strand
by Louise Hawes
reviewed by Alanna J.
Good, but not very unique.
Girl Overboard by Justina
Chen Headley
reviewed by Alanna J.
The beginning was slow, got
loads better tho.
Made to Stick by Chip Heath
reviewed by Jerry
Good, how to make good ideas
stay
Starman Jones by Robert A.
Heinlein
reviewed by Jerry
Good story
Bunker 10 by J.A. Henderson
reviewed by Jerry
One of a kind
The Four Million by O.
Henry
reviewed by Rachel
This book of short stories gives
snapshots of life at the turn of the century in NYC.
The Great Wide Sea
by M.H. Herlong*
reviewed by Megan
I liked this book very much. It told of the hardships that 3
brothers faced on a boat without a mother and a lost father.
The Best of James Herriot: The
Favorite Stories of One of the Most Beloved Writers of Our
Time by James Herriot
reviewed by Mary
This book is a collection of
animal stories written by a famous veterinarian in
Yorkshire, England. There are many funny and heart-warming
stories about the animals, farmers, and owners, and the
author’s family. The book also includes historical
information about the Yorkshire Dales, which is where the
stories take place, and interesting facts about the
different kinds and breeds of animals and the veterinary
procedures described in the book. I really liked this book
because it helped me see how much veterinary medicine has
changed since WWII (the time when the stories took place)
and taught me about animal care and farming in this time
period, besides being funny and entertaining.
reviewed by Lydia B.
I read it once every summer and
it's amazing!
James Herriot's Yorkshire
by James Herriot
reviewed by Mary
James Herriot, a famous
veterinarian and author, describes the setting where his
books take place in England. He tells us about
Skeldale House (the veterinary practice that he worked in)
and about the cities he visited while taking his half-day
off with his wife and while on holiday with his family, such
as Staithes, Whitby, and Robin Hood's Bay. He
describes the beauty of the open moors and dales that he has
driven through so many times on his way to veterinary calls.
He also talks about the remains of old castles and
monasteries that he has visited with his children, and also
tells of pubs, hotels, and marketplaces that are well-known
to him and that were described in his books.
The Black Book of Secrets
by F.E. Higgins
reviewed by Jerry
Refreshingly original
Boston Jane: Wilderness Days
by Jennifer Holm
reviewed by Katie
My favorite of the Boston Jane
series. Hilarious!
Middle School is Worse than
Meatloaf by Jennifer L. Holm
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This book is told in a fun and
interesting way.
My Mom's a Vet by Henry
Horenstein
reviewed by Mary
This book is about a 12-year-old
girl who is helping her mom, who is a country vet, for a
week. In the story, the girl helps her mom vaccinate
piglets, dehorn a goat, examine a baby donkey before he is
shipped out of state, calve a cow, treat a horse with an
injured eye, and operate on a prize milk cow with a twisted
stomach. By the end of the week, the girl, Darcie, learns
that being a vet can mean hard work, long hours, and getting
dirty, but it also can be fun, interesting, and rewarding.
Fifth Quarter by Tanya Huff
reviewed by Kristin
Well written, kind of gloomy
plot. Best for mature high schoolers or adults.
Twilight
by Erin Hunter*
reviewed by Mary Schroeder
In this book, the four clans of warrior cats are trying to
settle into their new territories around a lake after being
driven out of their old home by 7 woleys (humans). Two
she-cats in Thunderclan are having serious problems;
Squirrelflight’s best friend Brambleclaw is spending time
with his half-brother Hawkfrost, who is a Riverclan warrior.
Squirrelflight doesn’t trust Hawkfrost, so she and
Brambleclaw quarrel, and their friendship starts to
disintegrate. Meanwhile, Leafpool, a medicine cat
apprentice, is in love with the Windclan warrior
Crowfeather. Medicine cats aren’t allowed to fall in love,
and cats from different clans cannot be together. The clans
are also becoming more hostile toward each other. A
devastating badger attack provides solutions to these
problems. I liked this book because the things that the cats
do are the same things that feral cats do when they are
living without human intervention.
Point of Impact by Stephen
Hunter
reviewed by James
A Time for Dancing by
Davida Wills Hurwin
reviewed by Rachel Reader
A very sad book told in an
interesting way.
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The Lottery and Other Stories
by Shirley Jackson
reviewed by Jerry
Depressing
Mariel of Redwall by Brian
Jacques
reviewed by Mary
This book is
the story of Mariel, a mouse maid, and her father, Joseph
the Bellmaker, and how they defeat a group of searats headed
by Gabool the Wild. Rawnblade, the badger Lord of
Salamandastron, has commissioned a bell to be made for him
by Joseph the Bellmaker. However, Joseph, Mariel, and
the bell are captured by Gabook the Wild. Mariel is
made a servant and Joseph is locked in prison until he
agrees to build a belltower for Gabool. When Mariel
tries to defend herself against the dangerous Gabool, she is
hurled into the sea. Joseph is also thrown into the
sea when he refuses to build a belltower for Gabool.
Mariel is washed ashore and finds her way to Redwall Abbey,
where she is treated kindly and makes many new friends.
She has forgotten who she is when she is washed ashore, but
remembers when she gets to Redwall. Mariel vows to
avenge Gabool for killing her father and stealing Lord
Rawnblade’s bell. She sets off, and her friends Durry
the hedgehog, Tarquin the hare, and another mouse, Dandin,
go with her. Using clues found in a poem, they find
Gabool. Meanwhile, back at Redwall Abbey, a group of
searats who have decided to break free from Gabool are
attacking Redwall, but are eventually driven off by some
hares and squirrels. Rawnblade meets Mariel and her
friends along the way, and together they defeat Gabool and
his searats and free their slaves. Mariel is reunited
with her father, who was actually secretly living in a
system of underground islands on Gabool’s island, Terramort.
The slaves are given a home at Redwall, and Rawnblade orders
the bell to be raised at Redwall.
Mattimeo by Brian Jacques
reviewed by Mary
This book is a sequel to
Redwall. A group of woodland creatures (mice,
voles, squirrels, sparrows, moles, weasels, a badger, and a
hedgehog) are having an outdoor feast when five of their
young ones, including Mattimeo, the son of Matthias, the
great Redwall warrior. Slagar the fox is stealing
young, strong woodland creatures to be sold as slaves to
Malkariss the polecat. Malkariss is building a huge
underground kingdom for himself and needs plenty of slaves.
Jube the hedgehog and Auma the badger are also kidnapped.
Matthias and the other parents of the kidnapped creatures
fearlessly pursue Slagar and his band south until they reach
Malkariss' underground kingdom. They encounter many
challenges along the way. Meanwhile, the Abbey
dwellers back at Redwall are under siege by a group
consisting of a crow, a raven, magpies, and rooks. In
the end, good prevails--the birds are defeated, Slagar and
Malkariss' kingdoms are destroyed, the young ones are
reunited with their families, and many of the animals make
it back to Redwall.
Mossflower by Brian Jacques
reviewed by Mary
This book is about the
Mossflower woodlander's fight against Tsarmina, the evil
wildcat queen. Tsarmina's father used to rule over
Mossflower, but she secretly kills him so she can become the
queen. Tsarmina forces the woodlanders to farm the
land and pay taxes to her, threatening them with death if
they don't. Martin the warrior mouse comes upon
Tsarmina's fortress, Kotir, on his travels and is imprisoned
in the dungeon with Tsarmina's kind brother, Gingivere, and
manages to escape with the help of Gonff the mouse thief.
Bella the woodland badger tells them about her father, Boar
the Fighter, who went questing to a mountain called
Salamandastron and could help them in the fight against
Kotir. Martin and Gonff, along with a mole named Dinny
and a shrew named Log-a-Log, travel to Salamandastron,
having many adventures along the way. Meanwhile, back
in Mossflower, the woodlanders are hiding out in a tree
called Brockhall. They have several battles against
Kotir, mostly with bows and arrows. The moles
construct some holes from the nearby river to Kotir that
will flood it. Martin and his friends find
Salamandastron, but Boar the Fighter is killed in a battle
against sea rats. However, Martin and his friends take
over the ship of the defeated sea rats and use it to sail
back to Mossflower and dam up the river to increase the
flooding of Kotir. The woodlanders get the soldiers
out of Kotir and send them far away, and Martin slays
Tsarmina in a fierce battle. At the end of the book,
Redwall Abbey is formed.
Salamandastron by Brian
Jacques
reviewed by Mary
This book is about a badger
named Mara, Samkin the squirrel, Ferahgo the weasel and his
horde, Arula the mole, Thrugg the otter and the baby
dormouse Dumble, along with the other creatures at Redwall
Abbey and the mountain of Salamandastron. Ferahgo and
his army of vermin are trying to conquer Salamandastron and
get at the treasure that they think is inside. The
badger Lord, Urthstripe, is trying to stop them with the
help of his army of hares. Urthstripe's daughter,
Mara, has unintentionally run away from Salamandastron with
two members of Ferahgo's army in disguise. Samkin and
Arula, who live at Redwall Abbey, set out to catch the two
stoats who have stolen the great sword of Martin the
Warrior. Mara eventually rids herself of the evil
vermin and joins up with a band of woodland shrews.
Mara ends up finding her father's long-lost brother,
Urthwyte, on an island. All three parties meet each
other towards the end of the book, all having had many
adventures along the way. Ferahgo's crew is defeated
in the end, along with Lord Urthstripe, so Urthwyte becomes
the new badger Lord of Salamandastron. Mara goes with
Samkin and Arula on their way back to Redwall, since she
realizes that she would be happier there than at
Salamandastrion. She becomes Redwall's new badger
Guardian, whose seat has been vacant for a long time.
Left Behind--The Kids: The Search
by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye
reviewed by K. Lystrom
Love it
Left Behind--The Kids: On the Run
by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye
reviewed by K. Lystrom
Amazing!
Left Behind--The Kids: Death Strike
by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye
reviewed by K. Lystrom
I love this set of books.
Left Behind--The Kids: Into the
Storm by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye
reviewed by K. Lystrom
Awesome
Left Behind--The Kids: Earthquake!
by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye
reviewed by K. Lystrom
Love it!
Left Behind--The Kids: The Perils
of Love
by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye
reviewed by K. Lystrom
Left Behind--The Kids: Heatwave
by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye
reviewed by K. Lystrom
Left Behind--The Kids: Triumphant
Return
by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye
reviewed by K. Lystrom
The Left Behind--The Kids
books are amazing.
Left Behind--The Kids: Ominous
Choices
by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye
reviewed by K. Lystrom
Left Behind--The Kids: The Road to
War
by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye
reviewed by K. Lystrom
97 Things to Do Before You Finish
High School by Steven Jenkins
reviewed by Jerry
Some pretty far out stuff.
House of Many Ways by
Dianna Wynne Jones
reviewed by Jerry
Good sequel
K
Mystery of the Lost Dogs by
Carolyn Keene
reviewed by Mary
This book is about a girl
detective named Nancy Drew and how she breaks apart a
dognapping circle and reunites the dogs with their owners.
Nancy's young friend Tommy loses his beagle, Trixie, first.
He is called by some children who want him to leave ransom
money for Trixie in a tree. When Tommy asks for
further proof that they have his dog, he discovers that they
are just playing a trick on him. Next Nancy's bull
terrier, Togo, and her friend Reddy's Irish Setter, Sir
Gregg, are stolen. Nancy and her friends Bess and
George find a large kennel of dogs that are stolen to fill
"want" ads in the newspaper. Nancy gets the police and
his bloodhound, Master, on the trail, and the owner of the
kennel gets so nervous that she lets the dogs loose.
Trixie and Sir Gregg have already been stolen, but Nancy
manages to find their new "owners" and reunite the dogs with
their masters. Her own dog, Togo, finds his way home
on his own.
The Rhythm of Life by
Matthew Kelly
reviewed by Liz
Very educational. Great quotes.
Lovely book.
Fendi, Ferragamo, and Fangs
by Julie Kenner, Johanna Edwards, and Serena Robar
reviewed by Alanna J.
Overall pretty good, but
somewhat confusing at times.
Undercover by Beth Kephart
reviewed by Katie
Very creative.
Emily Winsnap and the Sea Monster
from the Deep by Liz Kessler
reviewed by A New Ulm Reader
It never really got boring.
Trial by Journal by Kate
Klise
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This is a very interesting book.
It's a mystery all the way through.
Dark Angels by Karleen Koen
reviewed by Kristin
Felt like an average historical
romance. Historically accurate but a slow read.
Side Effects by Amy Goldman
Koss
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This is a very good book. It
really shows what it would feel like to have cancer.
Does She or Doesn't She by
Alisa Kwitney
reviewed by Alanna J.
Takes a typical good book and
adds in tons of twists! Hilarious.
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Flint by Louis L'Amour
reviewed by Kyle
It is my favorite Western book
because I like the characters, and it is different from his
normal plot.
Matagorda by Louis L'Amour
reviewed by Kyle
Tap was a very strong-willed
character.
The Quick and the Dead by
Louis L'Amour
reviewed by Kyle
It wasn't what I thought it
might be, but it was still interesting.
Cheater by Michael Laser
reviewed by Rachel Reader
Cheater is a perplexing
book. You will never know what happens next.
Through a Dog's Ear by
Joshua Leeds & Susan Wagner, DVM, MS
reviewed by Mary
This book is about how dogs
respond to sounds in the average city and home and about how
the often strange and unpredictable noises can cause
behavioral problems in dogs. The book explains that
every time a dog hears a sound and does not understand what
it means, it can create anxiety, confusion, and stress.
It goes on to explain that since dogs are so adaptable and
love their humans so much, they have forced themselves to
live with many of the agitating noises in modern society.
Constantly hearing the sounds of TVs, people yelling, phones
ringing, computers beeping, and alarm clocks going off can
lead to stress-related behaviors such as separation anxiety.
The book encourages you to try to eliminate as many
agitating noises as possible from your dog's environment and
to mask the sounds that are beyond your control with
psychoacoustically designed music. A CD is included
with the book for this purpose. Studies have proven
that the same simple (not too many instruments playing at
the same time and not too many changes in rhythm or tone)
classical music that slows people's breathing, pulse, and
heart rate also does the same for dogs.
Powers by Ursula K. LeGuin
reviewed by Alanna J.
Hopefully there is more. The
ending leaves you craving more!
Voices by Ursula K. LeGuin
reviewed by Alanna J.
It was realistic, yet still
fantasy. Nice blend of the 2.
Ever by Gail Carson Levine
reviewed by Abby
I didn't really like the whole
theme of deity vengeance.
The Abolition of Man by C.
S. Lewis
reviewed by Jerry
Heavy reading
The Horse and His Boy by
C. S. Lewis
reviewed by Rachel
A story suitable for young and
old alike.
The Last Battle by C. S.
Lewis
reviewed by Rachel
This story is both the saddest
(as an end) and the happiest (when its conclusion is
considered) of the Chronicles.
The Lion, the Witch, and the
Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
reviewed by Rachel
His style of writing makes
reading easy. It's reminiscent of a storyteller.
The Magician's Nephew by
C. S. Lewis
reviewed by Rachel
A timeless story for all ages--a
worthwhile read.
Prince Caspian by C. S.
Lewis
reviewed by Rachel
An entertaining story with a
moral--how often does that happen?
The Silver Chair by C. S.
Lewis
reviewed by Rachel
The continuation of a
thinly-veiled allegory (but still entertaining).
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
by C. S. Lewis
reviewed by Rachel
Quite the fantasy--it takes us
to the end of the world.
The Boyfriend List by E.
Lockhart
reviewed by K. Lystrom
I loved it!
The Wall by Jeff Long
reviewed by Jerry
Not good at all
Picture Perfect by D. Anne
Love
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This is a good book. There Is a
lot of detail in how the book is written.
Betsy and the Great World
by Maud Hart Lovelace
reviewed by Katie
This book must have been written
out of the author's travel experiences.
The Astonishing Adventures of
Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga
reviewed by Alanna J.
Six Degrees by Mark Lynas
reviewed by Jerry
Well-written
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A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of
a Stray by Ann M. Martin
reviewed by Mary
This book is about the life of a
stray dog named Squirrel. Squirrel is born in a shed
on a large property. Her mother and brother, Bone, are
her main companions. After awhile, Bone and the mother
dog leave, and Squirrel follows Bon for companionship.
Bone and Squirrel are separated when they are abandoned.
Squirrel has many adventures in many different places,
including small towns, farms, woods, fields, highway resting
places, and garages. She learns how to find food in
garbage cans and by hunting, to avoid close contact with
humans, and how to find shelter and stay safe. In the
course of her travels, Squirrel makes friends with another
stray named Moon. She and Moon live together until
Moon is killed by a truck. Some of Squirrel's other
adventures include a dog fight, being hit by a truck and
taken to a vet, and being adopted by a family who eventually
forgets about her. As Squirrel becomes older, she
eventually settles into a seasonal pattern of traveling in
the spring, summer, and fall, and hiding at a farm in the
winter. Eventually, when Squirrel is very old and
weak, she finds an old woman name Susan who is lonely and is
kind to Squirrel. Susan gives Squirrel food and
manages to lure her into the house. She gives
Squirrel a warm bed and food, takes her to the vet, and
makes her her best friend. The have lived together for
many years at the end of the story.
Angel of Mercy by Lurlene
McDaniel
reviewed by Katie
Sad yet fascinating!
The Girl Death Left Behind
by Lurlene McDaniel
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This is a very good, but very
sad book.
Od Magic by Patricia A.
McKillip
reviewed by Kristin
An enjoyable read.
Joyfully diverting. Well-written.
Beauty by Robin McKinley
reviewed by A New Ulm Reader
Very good ending!
Breath by Cliff McNish
reviewed by Jerry
OK but not clear
Buddha in Your Backpack: Everyday
Buddhism for Teens by Franz Metcalf
reviewed by Alanna J.
I like how it told about it, and
how to implement it without switching religions.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
reviewed by Lydia B.
Not a big fan of fantasy.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
by Joe Milland
reviewed by James
The Crucible by Arthur
Miller
reviewed by Jerry
Twisted
While I Was Gone by Sue
Miller
reviewed by Stephanie
Involving, beautifully written,
compulsively readable. A haunting and unforgettable
book.
Selections from the Essays
by Montaigne, translated by Donald M. Frame
reviewed by Rachel
It's filled with good thoughts
and advice on how to live one's life well.
Camp Confidential: Jenna's Dilemma
by Melissa J. Morgan
reviewed by Rachel Reader
I enjoy this series because
every book tells someone else's point of view.
Camp Confidential: Natalie's Secret
by Melissa J. Morgan
reviewed by Rachel Reader
Amelia's Book of Notes and Note
Passing by Marissa Moss
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This is a good book. I
always enjoy the Amelia books. They are written so fun
and creatively.
Sepulchre by Kate Mosse
reviewed by Kristin
Starts with multiple
disconnected story lines, comes together at the end even
though different time periods are involved. Historical
yet contemporary.
Candy Shop War by Brandon
Mull
reviewed by Jerry
Original
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
reviewed by Jerry
Yes!!! Finally a good
modern fantasy novel.
Dairy Queen by Catherine
Gilbert Murdock
reviewed by R.A.
Good story with many life
lessons.
The Fashion Disaster that Changed
My Life by Lauren Myracle
reviewed by Rachel Reader
N
Travel Best Bets by Claire
Newel
reviewed by Jerry
Good if you need to travel but
tedious.
Why Don't Penguins' Feet Freeze?
from NewScientist
reviewed by Jerry
So many crazy things I never
thought to question
Does Anything Eat Wasps?
from NewScientist
reviewed by Jerry
Good scientific reasoning
Plastic Angel by Nerissa
Nields
reviewed by Rachel Reader
Lord of the Rose by Douglas
Niles
reviewed by Alanna J.
A little confusing at times.
Midnight for Charlie Bone
by Jenny Nimmo
reviewed by Kristi
I love this book. It is a
lot like Harry Potter except without the witchcraft side of
things.
Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy
by Jenny Nimmo
reviewed by Kristi
I love this book because Billy
(my favorite character) turns good and has a little joy in
his life.
Charlie Bone and the Time Twister
by Jenny Nimmo
reviewed by Kristi
I couldn't set this book down!
I also loved that it had a happy ending.
Charlie Bone and the Castle of
Mirrors by Jenny Nimmo
reviewed by Kristi
I can only dream of how
beautiful the castle would be!
Charlie Bone and the Hidden King
by Jenny Nimmo
reviewed by Kristi
He found his dad!
Send Me Down a Miracle by
Han Nolan
reviewed by K. Lystrom
For the most part I liked it.
His Majesty's Dragon by
Naomi Novik
reviewed by Kristin
Not what I was expecting.
Set in the Napoleonic Wars, it combines historical accuracy
with an enjoyable, mythical tale.
Throne of Jade by Naomi
Novik
reviewed by Kristin
Adventures of a dragon and his
friends in China. Good, once again in a series, read
others first.
Black Powder War by Naomi
Novik
reviewed by Kristin
Adventures of a dragon and his
friends coming back from China and raiding the court of
Turkey. In a series, read others first.
Empire of Ivory by Naomi
Novik
reviewed by Kristin
Awesome. Amazing adventure
in Africa as a mysterious dragon illness is attempted to be
cured. Heroism and risk-taking abound.
O
Agnes Parker: Keeping Cool in
Middle School by Kathleen O'Dell
reviewed by Rachel Reader
White Girl by Sylvia Olsen
reviewed by Alanna J.
I love the unusual perspective.
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Cindy Ella by Robin Palmer
reviewed by Liz
I LOVED it! One of my new
favorite books!
Eragon by Christopher
Paolini
reviewed by Rachel
This book not only has an
entertaining plot, but also manages to make fully developed
characters and relationships.
Da Brudderhood of Zeeba Zebba Eata
by Stephen Pastis
reviewed by Jerry
Funny
Final Warning by James
Patterson
reviewed by Jerry
OK, but not as good as previous
books.
Influencer by Kerry
Patterson, et al.
reviewed by Jerry
Good for leaders
Lawn Boy by Gary Paulson
reviewed by Miriam
It is an awesome book. It
is adventurous and exciting. It is a type of book that
you can read quickly and enjoy.
A Child Called It
by Dave Pelzer*
reviewed by Allie
Very touching book!
Microtrends by Mark Penn
reviewed by Jerry
Wow!
Hangman's Curse by Frank
Peretti
reviewed by Abby
Not quite as good as its sequel,
but still fun.
Nightmare Academy by Frank
Peretti
reviewed by Abby
This is a really
thought-provoking teen mystery.
Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 by
David Petersen
reviewed by Jerry
Juvenile
A Lady of Hidden Intent by
Tracie Peterson
reviewed by Katie
I love almost anything about
life in the 19th century. And the writer is
pro-life!!!
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi
Picoult
reviewed by Stephanie
Engaging, suspenseful, and
thought-provoking. Some characters are not fully drawn and
subplots undeveloped. Fans of this author will like this
book.
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi
Picoult
reviewed by Jenna
Very good book...couldn't stop
reading!
The Tenth Circle by Jodi
Picoult
reviewed by Stephanie
Not nearly as suspenseful,
involving, and well-written as Picoult's other books.
The story is muddled and not one of the characters is
likable.
First Test by Tamora Pierce
reviewed by Alanna J.
A good addition to a good
series.
Page by Tamora Pierce
reviewed by Alanna J.
Squire by Tamora Pierce
reviewed by Alanna J.
Lady Knight by Tamora
Pierce
reviewed by Alanna J.
Freak by Marcella Pixley
reviewed by Alanna J.
This book makes you question
happiness and bravery. It's an inspiration.
The Last Days of Socrates
by Plato (translated by Hugh Tredennick)
reviewed by Rachel
It gives some examples of the
Socratic Method which are interesting at times but not
always.
Nobody Was Here by Alison
Pollet
reviewed by Rachel Reader
The Pity Party by Alison
Pollet
reviewed by Rachel Reader
Monstrous Regiment by Terry
Pratchett
reviewed by Jerry
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Clovermead: In the Shadow of the
Bear by David Randall
reviewed by Kristin
A typical coming-of-age struggle
between good and evil. Girl turning into a bear adds
interest.
Chandlefort: In the Shadow of the
Bear by David Randall
reviewed by Kristin
Nice struggle between good and
evil represented by the moon-priests and bear-priests.
Amazing female heroine!
Sorrel: In the Shadow of the Bear
by David Randall
reviewed by Kristin
Good ending to the series until
the very end. I suggest skipping the last chapter to
avoid the horrible, sappy ending.
Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal
Snogging by Louise Rennison
reviewed by Rachel Reader
Always Laughing on a Fast Camel
by Louise Rennison
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This series is fun like the
Princess Diaries series.
Dancing in my Nuddy-Pants
by Louise Rennison
reviewed by Rachel Reader
The Georgia Nicholson series is
funny and a good book to read.
Knocked Out by my Nunga-Nungas
by Louise Rennison
reviewed by Rachel Reader
On the Bright Side, I'm Now the
Girlfriend of a Sex God by Louise Rennison
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This is a good sequel to
Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging.
Startled by his Furry Shorts
by Louise Rennison
reviewed by Rachel Reader
Then He Ate My Boy Entrancers
by Louise Rennison
reviewed by Rachel Reader
Battle of the Labyrinth by
Rick Riordan
reviewed by Jerry
OK, wow!
The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones
by Rick Riordan*
reviewed by Anonymous
A great mystery and adventure book. Good cliff-hanging
suspense!
Judas Strains by James
Rollins
reviewed by Jerry
Amazing story
Sandstorm by James Rollins
reviewed by Jerry
Good story
How to Do Just About Everything
by Courtney Rosen
reviewed by Jerry
Long but you learn a lot
Superclass by David
Rothkopf
reviewed by Jerry
Scary
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
by J.K. Rowling*
reviewed by Anne
An absolutely amazing book.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
by J.K. Rowling
reviewed by Kara
This is a good book with a lot
of adventure and mystery mixed in.
Esperanza Rising by Pam
Munoz Ryan
reviewed by Lydia B.
Must-read book!
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The End of Poverty by
Jeffrey Sachs
reviewed by Jerry
Makes me feel more optimistic.
Queste by Angie Sage
reviewed by Jerry
Another marvelous novel.
Biology and Human Behavior: The
Neurological Origin of Individuality by Robert
Sapolsky
reviewed by Jerry
Good author
Chew On This by Eric
Schlosser
reviewed by Jerry
Everything about fast food
Goy Crazy by Melissa Schorr
reviewed by Liz
Loved this book! Would
recommend to friends!
I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader
by Kieran Scott
reviewed by Rachel Reader
The Lovely Bones
by Alice Sebold*
reviewed by Megan
One of the best books I’ve ever read! There were twists to
the story when you least expected it, and the story went
well into the title.
Inside the Zoo Nursery by
Roland Smith
reviewed by Mary
This book explains the process
of hand-raising native and exotic wildlife. It
discusses the process of deciding when it is necessary to
send an animal to the zoo nursery and how the animals are
fed and get used to their new environment. It explains
that the zoo nursery is a necessary rather than an
entertaining part of the zoo, as it means that animals are
not being cared for by their natural mothers, which is the
ideal situation. The book explains how important it is
to keep records on the zoo babies to detect any signs of
illness and to share their experiences with other zoo
nurseries. It also stresses the importance of making
the baby's eating, sleeping, and playing experiences as
similar to that of other animals of their kind as possible.
Keeping the animal's environment clean is also important in
order to prevent the spread of diseases. The book
tells the stories of a bamboo, a chimpanzee, cheetah cubs, a
nyala calf, and a porpoise that are raised in a zoo
nursery to give examples of how these animals are raised.
The ultimate goal of every zoo nursery's program is to
reintroduce the animal back to its own kind as soon as
possible.
Betwixt by Tara Bray Smith
reviewed by Alanna J.
A little confusing at times but
overall a good book….the ending was a cliffhanger though--a
second book possibly?
The Geography of Girlhood
by Kirsten Smith
reviewed by Alanna J.
Easy to relate to, but the plot
was kind of ordinary.
Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean
by Justin Somper
reviewed by Jerry
I've read better, but creative.
First Shot by Walter
Sorrells
reviewed by James
The Mystery of Capital by
Hernando de Soto
reviewed by Jerry
I never looked at it that way.
The Notebook by Nicholas
Sparks
reviewed by Rachel
It's a sweet love story with a
slightly bittersweet ending.
True Believer by Nicholas
Sparks
reviewed by Rachel
It's a sappy but entertaining
novel set in small-town North Carolina--enjoyable.
A Walk to Remember by
Nicholas Sparks
reviewed by Rachel
It's a tragic but adorable story
that shows the influence a single person can have.
The
Edge Chronicles: Freeglader
by Paul Stewart*
reviewed by Danny
In this 7th
entry in the Edge Chronicles series, Rook Barkwater must
help the refugees of old Undertown to spark new lives in the
Free Glades – in addition, the monster cliffhanger will
leave readers biting their nails for the sequel.
The Edge Chronicles: The Winter Knights
by Paul Stewart*
reviewed by Danny
Another great adventure in the Edge Chronicles, this time
starring a new protagonist, Verginix, who must survive his
first year-in-training as a Knight Academic, who with a
group of determined friends, saves the city in which they
live.
Perilous Journey by Trenton
Stewart
reviewed by Jerry
Another interesting story
Dracula by Bram Stoker
reviewed by Abby
It's very intriguing, but it
takes a long time to get through. It's fun to read at
night!
Starry Rift by Jonathan
Strahan
reviewed by Jerry
Good stories
Halting State by Charles
Stross
reviewed by Kristin
Near-future sci-fi crime novel.
Totally believable with some pretty neat technology to boot!
The Leap by Jonathan Stroud
reviewed by Jerry
Sad and a little crazy
The Pact by Jennifer
Sturman
reviewed by Alanna J.
It was OK. Very slow and hard to
get into, and very confusing.
Writing With Style: APA Style Made
Easy by Lenore T. Szuchman
reviewed by Jerry
Instructive but droll
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The Shadowmancer by G.P.
Taylor
reviewed by James
Economics by Timothy Taylor
reviewed by Jerry
Good examples
Meet Josefina by Valerie
Tripp
reviewed by A New Ulm Reader
Nellie's Promise by Valerie
Tripp
reviewed by Mary
In this book, Nellie O’Malley
has been rescued from an orphanage by her friend Samantha
and her aunt and uncle. Nellie had promised her dying
mother that she would always keep her little sisters,
Bridget and Jenny, safe, but she is worried that her cruel
uncle will come and take Nellie and her sisters away.
Meanwhile, Nellie is frustrated with the fancy school she is
going to and wants to go to a school where she will learn
useful skills that will help her get a job to support her
sisters. She and Samantha’s aunt start working at a
settlement house for immigrants. Miss Brennan, a teacher at
the settlement house, encourages Nellie to become a teacher,
too. When Nellie tells this to Samantha’s aunt and uncle,
they agree to let her go to a different school. Nellie, who
has worked hard her whole life, is also having trouble
adjusting to a wealthy household. Her uncle comes to
Nellie’s house and signs surrender papers one day, and
Samantha and her aunt and uncle start working on getting
Nellie and her sisters adopted into their family. At the
end of the story, Nellie is adjusting well to her new home.
Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
reviewed by Katie
This is my favorite of Mark
Twain's books; every kid should read it.
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Montmorency: Thief, Liar,
Gentleman? by Eleanor Updale
reviewed by Alanna J.
It was a little hard to get
started because the beginning was slow but it got a lot
better.
V
Smart Dog by Vivian Vande
Velde
reviewed by Mary
This book is the story of an
extremely smart, talking cocker spaniel who runs away from
the researchers who are going to dissect his brain.
The dog's name is F-32 at the lab, but is renamed Sherlock
by Amy, the girl who finds and tries to help him. Amy
goes though many desperate attempts and tells many lies to
convince her parents to let her keep the dog and to protect
him from the researchers who are looking for him.
Eventually, a kind researcher finds Sherlock at Amy's school
and tells Amy and her friends and family that she has fired
the cruel researcher who wanted to dissect Sherlock's brain.
She decides to allow Sherlock to live with Amy and her
family so that he can get experience in the real world.
Amy's family agrees to take Sherlock to the lab once a month
so that they can monitor his progress. This is a very
funny dog book!
Rachel Has a Secret by
Elizabeth Van Steenwyk
reviewed by Rachel Reader
Web of Fire by Steve Voake
reviewed by Jerry
Original but lacking a spark
Armageddon in Retrospect by
Kurt Vonnegut
reviewed by Jerry
Just a few boring life stories
he's told before.
Bluebeard by Kurt Vonnegut
reviewed by Jerry
Not memorable
Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut
reviewed by Jerry
Depressing
God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian
by Kurt Vonnegut
reviewed by Jerry
Classic Vonnegut.
Intricate plot.
Jailbird by Kurt Vonnegut
reviewed by Jerry
OK
Mother Night by Kurt
Vonnegut
reviewed by Jerry
Interesting
Prometheus 5 by Kurt
Vonnegut
reviewed by Jerry
An compendium of Vonnegut
stories
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt
Vonnegut
reviewed by Kristin
The most awesome, disconnected,
non-sensical book that makes sense that I've ever read.
Welcome to the Monkey House
by Kurt Vonnegut
reviewed by Jerry
Good anthology
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Dragon Venom by Lawrence
Watt-Evans
reviewed by Kristin
Many elements of a great
fantasy: dragon slaying, magic, leech gods, and revenge.
Epic. Read the first two books before this one or
you'll be lost.
Listening for Lions by
Gloria Whelan
reviewed by Katie
This is the kind of book you
read over and over and over...
A Dog and a Half by Barbara
Willard
reviewed by Mary
This story is about a girl named
Jill and a boy named Limpet, who are best friends; Jill's
father, who owns a nursery; and a woman named Mrs. Remnant.
When Jill's tortoise dies, Jill decides that she would like
a dog instead. Her father teases her and tells her
that if she can find a dog for the price of a tortoise, she
can have him. Jill takes this seriously and finds
Brandy, Mrs. Remnant's dog, for free. Mrs. Remnant
loves Brandy very much, but she is being forced to move out
of the bus she calls her home and she can't take Brandy with
her. She is looking for a nice country home for him,
which is just what the children can provide. Jill
convinces her parents to let her keep Brandy, and he
gradually becomes a beloved and well-cared-for member of the
family. After awhile, though, Brandy starts to get
into trouble because he misses Mrs. Remnant, so Mrs. Remnant
comes to tea regularly to see Brandy. However, Brandy
hates Donald, one of the workers in Jill's father's
greenhouse. At the end of the book, Donald steals
Jill's father's prized blue pink flowers in his greenhouse,
destroying many other plants and making it look like it was
Brandy's work. Brandy tracks down the bus that Donald
was riding on, and Jill's father gets his blue pink back.
Eventually, Mrs. Remnant, who is living with her nephew and
is looking for a new home, decides to have a trailer built
on the land between Jill and Limpet's houses and to help
Jill's father in his greenhouse, because she knows a lot
about plants. This way, Brandy can be shared between
the three of them and he won't be lonely for Mrs. Remnant
anymore.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Sweet 16:
Getting There by Eliza Willard
reviewed by Ashley
It's a really good book. I
love this book. I love the movie.
Bad Girls by Jacqueline
Wilson
reviewed by Rachel Reader
The Alchemist's Dream by
John Wilson
reviewed by Kristin
Good book, not what I was
expecting from the prologue. Good historical novel for
those who normally don't like them or younger children.
What I Call Life by Jill
Wolfson
reviewed by Rachel Reader
This book is excellent.
The story really ties together.
Make Lemonade by Virginia
Euwer Wolff
reviewed by Rachel Reader
Ships of Merior by Janny
Wurts
reviewed by Kristin
I've never read a book by Janny
Wurts I didn't like. Highly recommended, although
long. In a series, although can be understood without
reading all previous books.
To Ride Hell's Chasm by
Janny Wurts
reviewed by Kristin
Awesome. Quite honestly a
cliff-hanger, literally and figuratively. Brilliantly
written, full of suspense and crazy adventures.
Traitor's Knot by Janny
Wurts
reviewed by Kristin
One of the most amazing books
ever. It comes when I thought this series couldn't get
more amazing--it comes and blows me away again.
Prozac Nation by Elizabeth
Wurtzel
reviewed by Stephanie
Interesting, insightful, even
funny. Can be frustrating to read at times, repetitive, and
self-indulgent, but overall good. This book will help you
understand depression.
X-Z
Brethren by Robyn Young
reviewed by Kristin
One of the best historical
novels I've read. Not appropriate for those not in
high school and best for more mature high schoolers or
adults.
Dragon and Liberator by
Timothy Zahn
reviewed by James
The Post-American World by
Fareed Zakaria
reviewed by Jerry
Explains the inevitable
The Chronicles of Amber by
Roger Zelazny
reviewed by Kristin
Volume 2 in a set. Complex
plot and character development as separate factions emerge
to take the crown.
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Last updated:
Friday, July 16, 2010
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