Powerless--Reveiewed by Alexandra Lopez

Powerless

Author: Matthew Cody

Daniel just your average kid moves into a town, where its said to the 'safest'. The people are nice and so are his classmates. However he did notice a few acting a bit weird, but thought nothing of it. Then notices something off and starts to follow them home. The group notices and pills him to the side and reveal their secret. Their pals, the best of friends, except when one of his friends says could he stay with him for the night. They tell him another secret of theirs they forgot to mention. At thirteen you become powerless and lose your memories of ever having them. Being the good friend he is, he stays with him. Daniel is pulled into the towns big mystery and soon his friends rely heavily on him to solve the mystery of the thing that keeps stealing memories and powers. Can Daniel help his friends? Or will he die because of it?

I loved the book, mainly for the concept of these kids able to have superpowers. The book grabbed my attention when I read it was about super power heroes. How cool would it be to fly or have super strength? I loved each character and their little quirks it made them feel real. However I didn't like the story, it was good, just I didn't like how he focused on the fact that your special without superpowers. Your special regardless, a person can do things, others can't. This book is childish it is meant for preteens, because Daniels friends have super powers but fear of losing them when they turn thirteen.  I wouldn't dismiss this from my opinion alone, it's a great book to read, it's just wasn't my cup of tea.

New Books!

Come by the library and check out one of the new books. You may have been waiting for the exciting next installments in these series!


Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick -- the end of the Hush, Hush Saga -- book #4

UnWholly by Neal Shusterman -- Book 2 in the Unwind Trilogy

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor -- Sequel to Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Reached by Ally Condie -- #3 and conclusion to the Matched Trilogy


Ms C.

Stravaganza City Of Masks--Reviewed by Alexandra Lopez

Stravaganza City Of Masks

Author: Mary Hoffman

Reviewed: Alexandra Lopez

   Lucien is seriously ill with cancer, only able to stay in bed and uses a notebook to pass the time. He discovers this notebook has magical properties. Every time he sleeps he always dreams of this world. He soon realizes it isn't just a dream, when he sleeps the notebook transport him to this other world. He is soon caught up in the danger that surrounds the city. He will have to protect the city he has come to love. But will he able to before he dies?

   I recommended those that love mystery, romance, science, history or drama to read this book. I could not put it down, I enjoyed the concept for the other world he entered. It seemed like he went back in time because the other world seemed similar to Italy, but it's not. It's one heck of ride, check it.

New Ellen Hopkins - pass on this one!

stars   Collateral by Ellen Hopkins   As many other authors are doing, Ellen Hopkins wrote Collateral for adults though her usual target audience is teens. I gave it 3.0 out of 5 stars because of the way it is written: free verse leaves too many important details from the story for my need as a reader.   This novel, about a college girl who falls in love with a Marine posted to active duty, seemed incomplete without the many details that develop a narrative into a full story that will ring true. As is typical of an EH book, the whole tone is actually quite depressing and the reader can feel another bad ending coming a mile away. A pet peeve of mine is that she alternates points of view and goes back and forth in time. Interspersed between those kinks in the flow are poems written by Ashley and Cole. I didn't really develop any great feeling for the characters and the events that happen to some in the book seemed overdone to prove the point that the deployment of a soldier causes "collateral" damage on everyone connected to him or her. Although I understand that was the theme and point of the story, the negative was relentless. This is definitely NOT a book I would recommend to any man or woman whose loved one was going off to war or joining the military. The ending seemed to come out of nowhere and I was just left disappointed in how the author handled a very important topic. I've read all the previous YA the author has written, and I know teens gobble it up, but this foray into general adult fiction seemed incomplete and was not fulfilling for me. I had way too many questions at the end.   Ms C.

Runemarks by Joanne Harris--reviewed by Alexandra Lopez

Runemarks

Author: Joanne Harris

Revieiwed: Alexandra Lopez

The main character, Maddy Smith, who is an outcast in a small rural town, Malbry is unhappy. The mark makes her an outcast, the people and even her family wants nothing to do with her. Malbry does all it can to ignore the mythical creatures that try to stir up trouble, because it’s unholy. Maddy believes they shouldn't forget the old ways, especially when they’re the ones causing trouble.  A good friend, One-Eye, believes the same and asks her to come along on a journey with him. Of course Maddy Smith joins her friend. The journey is long and dangerous, will she survive be able to survive it?

Reading Runemark has been very magical. I give this lovely book, four out of five stars. The book revolves around Norse mythology, so a lot of characters or creatures come from those stories.  The characters were fully developed even the minor characters Maddy met along her journey. I also enjoyed that the book, that around every corner was something new that Maddy discovered. I believe those that enjoy fantasy or mythology enthusiast and like to read in depth tales, this is a book for you. Come check it out, read and enjoy.

Wither (Chemical Garden) Book 1-- reviewed by Alexandra Lopez

                                     Wither (Chemical Garden) Book 1

Author: Lauren DeStefano

Reviewed: Alexandra Lopez

  The cure for cancer is discovered and is distributed to everyone, the world is cured, life is perfect. At least that's what they believed, until their children started to die young. Scientists discovered that the 'cure', it gave the children a genetic virus that causes men to live longer than women, however both shared the same fate of a short life span. 

  Even though scientists and  doctors work endlessly to find the cure to this virus, the people have turned to a different solution. Many believe there is no cure and in hopes to keep the human race alive, they try to have many children.  Many young girls are kidnapped and sold to wealthy men, who already own several wives. 

  The story begins with a young girl named Rhine who was kidnapped and was forced to marry a man named Linden who claims to love her. Rhine does not feel the same way and wants to escape her prison to find her twin brother. However she needs to gain the trust of Linden and her father in law to appear as good wife to gain certain freedoms. Then she can escape from their clutches and return home.

  I enjoyed reading Wither, it left me wanting more. The story was well paced except when Rhine kept telling herself she would escape. She has many chances to run but never does. If she was so dead set on trying to get home to her brother, who was her only family, why put it off?

  I believe she was suffering from Stockholm Syndrome at the time. She stayed with them long enough to understand their way of life and she started to grown to care for her sister wives Rhine didn't want to leave them behind. The ending was a bit of surprise to me, though. The book was great overall, except about Rhine not having the guts to escape, but I can't really blame her.

   If you too fall for this book it is located in the O'Hara Library. Check out the book in the library, read and enjoy.

Review of Crewel by Jennifer Albin

3.0 out of 5 stars - Dystopian world of time weavers

This is the story of a girl who is basically kidnapped and taken to a fortress where she is to be trained as a "Spinster" -- one who weaves strands of time and life together to create and maintain the new civilization in a future version of Earth. These women are controlled by men who dictate where they work, how they live, and keep them imprisoned away from their previous lives, friends, and families

I read this book because I was scheduled to attend a YA workshop that featured the author as the guest speaker. I wanted to listen to what she had to say about her book (typical teen fare with the requisite love triangle that is soooooo old and actually ruined the story) before I wrote the review. Although the ending is a total cliffhanger, I don't feel very compelled to see what happens next nor do I care what happens to the characters. None of whom I identified with or liked. There are some interesting themes and topics covered that make the book one for more mature teens.

The author said that she was inspired to write the book because she fell into an obsession over the painting by Remedios Varo : Embroidering the Earth's Mantle. The picture is quite interesting and I can see how she imagined the world of Arras and the concept of weavers or "Spinsters" from that work of art.

The book reminded me of Lois Lowry's series that include THE GIVER and GATHERING BLUE. The author said she had not read either. It is the first in a trilogy.

DC

Zan-Gah -- reviewed by Alexandra Lopez

Zan-Gah

Author: Allan Richard Shickman

Reveiwed:Alexandra Lopez

Rated: ***

   Zan-Gah a young boy between boyhood and manhood. He proves himself over time that he has come of age to his people, however he never truly feels like a man. He blames himself for losing his twin, his other half, Dael. He takes a stand and ventures into the prehistoric wild he calls home, to find him, risking his life and maybe the saftey of his people to find his brother.

  The intro of Zan-Gah caught my attention. It jumped right into the story, and was very enjoyable for awhile. The story was good, but not as great as it should have been. I would say this book is more appropriate for children. The flaws would be the pacing, and character depth. Other than that Zan-Gah was one wild ride.

 The pacing was fine in the beginning gave just enough detail to understand where the book was headed. Maybe that's why I loved it, it just dived right into action.  However as the story continued it wasn't as good. The story felt cramped, it took three years for him to find his sibling, some scenes were either muddled or were not detailed enough.

  Another problem was that even though we knew of Zan-Gah, we didn't really know him. Yes he was a hero to his people, but what did he enjoy? Considering the time, which is the Stone Age it wasn't a bad problem. Survival was more important, Zan-Gah mentioned that quite often. However we would have liked a bit more about Zan-Gah other than his bravery.

  Overall I have mixed feelings about this. It had an entertaining story, and great action, without the gory detail. Still I rated 3 out 5 stars. I believe the author was writing for a different audience. Other than that it was enjoyable. If you have the time it's a good book to read.

Book Club

November Book Club -- 

Thinking about reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer. Your thoughts?

Ms C.

New Books -- Come in and check one out today!

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan (#3 in the Heroes of Olympus series)

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (Newbery Medal winner)

The Kill Order by James Dashner (the prequel to the Maze Runner series)

The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone

Caught by Margaret Peterson Haddix (#5 in The Missing series)

New series by John Grisham: Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer and the second, The Abduction

The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riorddan (#3 in the Kane Chronicles series)

The Magiserium by Jeff Hirsch

Keep Holding On by Susane Colansanti

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and her teen daughter, Samantha Van Leer

Changeling: Order of Darkness Book One by Philippa Gregory

October Book Club

The following book has been chosen for the October book club read. I have ordered books from the library system and will let you know when they are available for pick up.

Beautiful Creatures
Kami Garcia

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Check out the following about the film adaptation due out 2-13-13.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/beautiful-creatures-trailer-debuts-smells-372552

Ms. C

The Summoning-reviewed by Nallely S.

* * * * * STARS

reviewed by Nallely Saavedra

Chloe Saunders knows she isn't crazy. So why is she put in a center for disturbed teens? Well....for one thing she isn't really "normal". Chloe sees dead people. At Lyle House, Chloe notices there is something off about Lyle House. Chloe only wanted to "recover" and get out of there a.s.a.p. But when her room mate disappears, after confessing her secret, Chloe can't just leave. Chloe, along with her fellow room mates, must uncover the truth, even if it means unveiling her secret.

I gave this book 5 stars because I remember checking it out last summer and I was captivated. Yeah, it might be like any other paranormal series/book yet it's so different. Armstrong's characters captivated me like no other. I felt that unlike other paranormal books, Armstrong didn't make her characters perfect, they had flaws from the very beginning. To me that shows that no one is or will ever be perfect. That's reality. I liked that. Haha. I loved the plot and overall enjoyed reading this book!

-Nallely Saavedra

Sweethearts reviewed by Molly Varney

By: Sara Zarr     * * * * *

Jennifer has never been popular. In fact, she is the most picked on, lonely little girl in her school.  She is quiet and not as skinny as any of the other girls. Her only other friend is Cameron who was also picked on and excluded from everything. They did't mind though and were perfectly happy with each other. There were things Jennifer didn't know about Cameron though. Like when he came to school once with his arm in a cast and wouldn't talk for days then acted like everything was fine. They were best friends forever all the same. Then Cameron didn't show up for school. Jennifer heard from one of the girls at school that Cameron had died. Her mother had comforted her when she got back from school and tried to help her move on.
Now in her junior year of high school, Jennifer, now Jenna, has a totally new life. She has friends, a boyfriend, a new school, and has lost weight. She is happy, or as happy as she can be. Just when things were going fine in her life, everything got turned upside down when Cameron enrolled in her school. Now Jenna has to figure out everything that had happened, keep her life in line, and deal with her mother who didn't know what happened when she and Cameron were little.

I gave Sweethearts five stars because it was a very well written and interesting book. It was full of twists and surprises that made it enjoyable to read and kept you guessing. I thought it was a cool plot and loved reading it. I didn't really like the ending but it made sense. It showed that not everything goes how we want it too.

The Great Gatsby by Kaitlin Kimbrell

The Great Gatsby

by: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Jay Gatsby thought that by changing his whole life and throwing big parties he would end up with the love of his life. Jay started his life in the Midwest with a different name. Jay Gatsby's real name is James Gats, but after he met Daisy he wanted to change his life. He went out and created a life that he knew would win Daisy over. However, life doesn't always turn out as we plan and we cannot recreate the past.

Nick Carraway went to start a new chapter in his life. He moved closer to his cousin Daisy and met Jay Gatsby by happenstance. The two became neighbors and with Nick's help Jay re-meet Daisy. Their lives will forever be changed.

I didn't really enjoy this book because there was too much deception, cheating, and fake people. When we meet Gatsby to me he seems creepy he stares at Daisy's house from a distance and she doesn't know he is there. Then they make Nick help them sneak around Tom (Daisy's husband) so they can see each other. All the while Tom is cheating on Daisy. None of this is okay with me and I really just dislike this book. 



Summer Reading Program at Midcontinent Public Library!

Wanting to keep up with reading this summer? Join the Teen Summer Reading Program at your local Midcontinent Public Library.

The TSRP has greatly changed from summers past.  Students will now be able to earn library “bucks” for submitting online book reviews.  The bucks can be exchanged for ear buds or flash drives, free books, even paying fines. 

Visit your nearby branch today to find out more!

Just like that--reviewed by Nallely S.

by Marsha Qualey

* * * * Stars

Hanna just broke up with her boyfriend, and no one understands why. Stressed and tired, she takes a midnight walk to a lake near by. Depressed, and mad, she sees two teens drive by on a snow mobile. Later she realizes she just witnessed a tragedy. She's convinced she could have prevented it from happening. Soon she finds out she's not the only one involved. Will, a boy she soon develops a relationship with is connected to the tragedy. Hanna finds herself in a turmoil, having been captivated by Will and trapped by the image she can't forget of that night. Follow Hanna and Will in this beautiful tragedy.

I gave this book a 4 because although I did enjoy it, I didn't really feel the plot. I felt that Qualey could've elaborated more. It was a fun read and I loved Will's sisters and Hanna's mom. Hanna rushed things when she shouldn't have! Hanna felt guilty for something she really didn't have power over and that kind of bothered me because although she could have said something to the guy and girl, they wouldn't have really listened to her. Since they were there on there own accord. Overall I liked this book. ^ ^  I really wish there was a sequel but the ending pretty much made me happy! ^ ^

-Nallely <3

Runaway Reviewed by Molly Varney

By: Wendelin Van Draanen * * * *

Holly's life has never been easy. Since she can remember her and her mother had lived in apartments until they got kicked out, in a van, or just on the streets. Since her mothers death she had been living in foster homes and hated all of them. She had run away before but this time she stayed away. The most recent house she lived in was horrible. The Benders posed as loving parents but were heartless people. Holly's plan was to run away and this time it worked. As she writes in the journal her teacher gave her, she writes about her mother that she would never talk about. She writes about her love for dogs, and her dream of becoming a veternarian. Soon though she starts to need a plan. Holly is only a twelve year old girl but is more grown up than most people. Holly needs a plan for her future now that she's away from her horrible past, but how is she going to survive the next six years?

I thought Runaway was a pretty cool book. I had my doubts about it but it turned out to be ok. I liked how she wrote in it because it gave you a really good insight to how she felt all the time. It wasn't my favorite book but it was a very well written book. I loved how she talked about dogs and how she never really gave up. I loved the ending to the book and how she changed her own life by being stubborn and never giving up.

Such a pretty girl--reviewed by Nallely S.

Such a pretty girl by Laura Wiess

* * * * * Stars

"Today my time has run out."-Meredith

For Meredith, that day changed everything. Her father became somthing that constantly haunted her. For three years she was kept safe, because they promised. Except it was suppose to be nine, they only gave her three. At 15years old Meredith was no longer innocent, having been thrown into darkness by none other than her father. Meredith seeks to break free from what happened that day, three years ago. Yet, her nightmare was returning...and he wasn't going to stop.

Follow Meredith in her conquest to finally be free from the pain and darkness.

I gave this book 5 stars because although it's painful to think about..It was a good book. It was straight to the point and it made me realize people..really go through things like this, out there in this small world. It made me sad to think that there are sick people in this world. Yet Meredith's character broke free from her pain and actually did something to stop her father, whom she once loved. She turned her pain into her strength and that takes a lot from someone who went through what she did. ^ ^ A brave person acts, not sit there and wait for someone to take action. I liked this book.

The Rules of Survival reviewed by Molly Varney

By: Nancy Werlin * * * * *

Matthew's rules of survival are 1. Sometimes, the people who mean you harm are the ones who say they love you 2. Fear is your friend. When you feel it, act 3. Protect the little ones 4. If you coped before you can cope now and 5. Always remember: In the end, the survivor gets to tell the story. These are the rules Matthew, Callie, and Emmy have to live by each day. Their mother, Nikki, is crazy they think. She says she loves them then goes and has one of her horrible fits. She'll lock them in their room for hours or dissapear for a couple days. None of them even think about telling someone else. Until one night, when Callie and Matthewsnuck out to get popsicles, they met Murdoch. You wouldn't look twice at him, he was just another man. But when he stood up to a man hurting his son in the store, Matthew felt someting. That was hope. Hope for a future without crazy Nikki, without having to watch what you say and how you say it. Where he could think about talking to girls and not keeping him and his sister out of harms way. Matthew's story begins with meeting a man who gave him hope for a future where he could be normal.

I thought this was a great book. The story was sad and almost scary sometimes but I enjoyed reading it. I liked how it was written, because Matthew was writing it all down after everything had happened and it was really cool. I really liked how all of the characters were portrayed. My favorite character was probably Matthew because he was the oldest and the strongest out of the three siblings. The story was very realistic and it held a very powerful message. It also wasn't very long and took me no time to finish it.

How to Save a Life reviewed by Kaitlin Kimbrell

how to save a life

By Sara Zarr

We all meet each other in different ways. This different way let us know about the person we are meeting. Many people don't like me new people and other's couldn't live without it. Jill and Mandy have had two different ways of seeing each other.

All Jill wanted was her life back to the way it was before her dad died. She loved her dad and thought it was the end of any true connnection she would have with any other person. When Jill found out her mom was planning on adopting a baby she knew that her mom was just trying to start over and begin her own life. Jill felt betrayed when she met Mandy. If Jill would have been picking the girl giving her mom a baby Mandy would have been the last person she ever would have picked.

For Mandy life was different. She didn't feel loved and got pregnant even though she didn't want to be her mother. When Mandy found Jill's mom she was glad to be giving it to a woman who would truly care for her child. However, meeting Jill was a different story. Mandy took one look at Jill and didn't really want anything to do with her. How was she going to manage til the baby was born.

Will this new life change their lives forever?

Personal this book to me was very average. I did relate to how the girls felt about each other, but couldn't fully get into the book. I do believe, however, that you should think about reading this book. You might get a different feeling from it.

The Farther You Run reviewed by Molly Varney

By: Davida Wills Hurwin ****

A little over a year ago, Sammie would have been in dance class with her friend Jules. She would have graduated with her and they would have jobs, and boyfriends and would be happy with their lives. Now none of that would happen. Sammie had lost Jules to cancer earlier that year. Without Jules, Sammie didn't have a reason to dance or graduate anymore. Her life seemed worthless and she felt lost without her other half. Since she failed her last year in high school, she had to take summer classes. She wasn't expecting to find a new friend. Mona had problems of her own. She had also failed her last year in high school and had to take summer classes. Her mother was bipolar and she was used to not having friends. Soon enough the two had jobs and had moved in together. Things were going good until the one year anniversary of Jules's death was coming up and things started falling apart all over again. She had to deal with her loss again and try to move on with her new life.

This is the sequel to A Time For Dancing. I thought it was pretty good but I liked the first one better. I thought it was good to have a second book because it told a lot about what happened after Jules died and how it affected her family and Sammie. My favorite part of the whole book was probably the ending. It was one of the sweetest endings I've ever read. Both of the books are sad but are written beautifully and have a very good meaning.

A Time For Dancing reviewed by Molly Varney

By: Davida Wills Hurwin *****

Jules and Sammie are best friends. They couldn’t live without each other and have been that way for more than half of their lives. Jules was there for Sammie when her dad left her and they held each other when they cried. They danced together since they were young. They were friends to the end but sometimes the end is closer than we think. The summer before their senior year in high school Jules got very sick and nothing could have prepared sammie or her family for the cause of it-Jules was diagnosed with cancer. As Sammie tried to be there for Jules, she found it harder than she thought, even though they were so close. Throughout the weeks of treatments and doctors, Jules feels like she’s going on this trip by herself even with her friend and family. As the weeks go on Jules and Sammie both face the fact that the cancer may not go away and have to deal with it their own way.

I really liked this book. The story was really sad but it had a great meaning. I liked that it was from both of the girl’s point of view. I liked both of the main characters a lot but I didn’t like that Jules acted like she was giving up and got upset. Sammie seemed like the stronger out of the two and didn’t let Jules just sit around at home all day. This is a really good book and it’s a bit smaller so it doesn’t take a long time to read.

Out of sight, out of time--reviewed by Nallely S.

by Ally Carter

reviewed by Nallely Saavedra

* * * *

For Cammie Morgan, knowing more than the average girl is well...normal. But then everything in her world has changed. One day Cammie finds herself in an alpine convent only to realize that months has passed. As she tries to recall her memories....she only realizes that there is a black hole where they should be. The only clues to help her are the ones she left behind....the scars on her body and the dirt under her nails.

The last thing Cammie remembers before she abandoned Gallagher Academy was that she had to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan. As she returns to Gallagher Academy, together with her friends and Zach, she must undercover her secrets and the clues she left behind....before the Circle finds her. Because she knows something they would risk everything to make her forget.

Find out more in the 5th installment of the Gallagher Girls.

I rated Out of sight, out of time * * * * stars because, I personally didn't really feel myself get into this book at all. Maybe because I was short on time because of the musical...not the point! I still love Cammie and her personality. I admire her friendship with Bex, Liz, and Macey. Her mother still makes me wish I had a mother like that! Actually I just love the setting and plot of this series. It doesn't just focus on romance, it focuses on friendship and family, and working together to accomplish something bigger. You know? In this book, I felt those the most because they all had to work together and try even harder because of Cammie having lost, or having had her memory stolen. I am planning on re-reading this since I felt that I rushed it. Overall it was pretty good and moved fast. ^ ^

March Book Club

We will meet on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 during SSR in the library to discuss the book (movie ??) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Bring a snack and/or drink if you like.

Ms C.

Cracked up to be review by Kaitlin Kimbrell

cracked up to be

by Courtney Summers

When you're perfect with everything you do people tend to want to be like you. Everybody body has a desire to be perfect, but what is the breaking point?

For Parker Fadley being perfect was all she knew. She was the perfect cheerleader, had the perfect popular boyfriend, the perfect best friend, and the perfect grades. Parker was the most popular girl at St. Peter's High, until that one night. That is when perfect Parker became the perfect mess. Nobody really knew why Parker started to come to school drunk, quit as captain of the cheerleading team, broke up with her boyfriend, and started to hate everyone. What happen to perfect Parker? Did she find her breaking point? Can you just not ever stay perfect like you think?

This book is not in my usual choices, but I really liked it. The struggles that Parker goes through actually shows what many people my age might be going through too. This put me in Parker shoes and made me think 'what would I have done if I would have been her?' I don't know what I would have done and I don't know who I would have wanted on my side, if anyone at all. This book did make me realize though that nobody is as perfect as we think.



The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight Reviewed by Molly Varney

By: Jennifer E. Smith *****

Hadley never liked close spaces so airports weren't her favorite places to be. This was just another reason she didn't want to go to London. The main reason she didn't want to was because of her father's second marriage. She didn't want to meet his new wife or any of his new friends, and she did not want to walk down the aisle sfter spending hours on a plane. But for some reason her mother had insisted on her going. Things only got worse for Hadley when she got to the airport. So many things could have gone differently that morning, but whatever happened caused her to be four minutes late. Those four minutes would change Hadley's life, she just didn't know it. What she did know was that she had missed her flight and was stuck in an extremely crowded airport for hours by herself. What she didn't expect to find was a British guy named Oliver who was on her flight, just a seat away from her. As the two talk to pass the time, Hadley feels someting in her changing. She forgets about her father's wedding and the fight she had with her mother and thinks only about Oliver. After a long night stuck in a plane, growing closer to a guy she's just met, Hadley wonders if this is what it's like to fall in love. At the end of their flight, she's left with knowing what part of London Oliver is going to and just like that, he's gone. Hadley goes to face her father's wedding and expects the worst, but all her thoughts are on a certain British boy she met on a plane.

I really really liked this book. I thought it was pretty interesting and funny at some parts. Oliver was by far my favorite character because of his joking personality. For me, the book was hard to put down most of the time. It never seemed to get dry or boring and had me laughing at some points. I think my favorite part was near the end and the very end of the book. The ending was a little predictable but I was fine with that because I loved the story.

City of Ember--reviewed by Nallely S.

By Jeanne DuPrau

* * * * * Stars

"It is always night in the city of Ember. But there is no moon, no stars."

In this story, follow Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow as the struggle with dealing with their new lives and trying to save their city from darkness. Lina Mayfleet was just a twelve-year old when she was assigned the task of becoming a messenger. Doon Harrow was just a twelve-year old when he was assigned to being a Pipeworker. Their home, The City of Ember was a last minute project created to protect the human race. Its creators left a message....a message on how to save the city if anything were to happen to its "life" source. The message ended up in Lina's hands. Lina confused and stressed because of her daily life and worried for her grandmothers health, goes to Doon. Together with Doon, Lina must uncover the message, because if they don't The City of Ember will be engulfed in complete darkness.

I gave this book * * * * * Stars because it was simple yet complicated. Actually there is nothing complicated about this book. It's straight to the point and fast. You can't just skip pages because every page has something important that will lead to the future of these people. ^ ^ I thought it was a good read. Although my review is short, this book really is straight to the point, and it shows you that although loss is in the picture, you have to keep moving on. Because your not just living for yourself, we see this through Lina's story. I liked Lina because she was realistic and wasn't falling for the Mayor's lies. Doon also saw through his lies. This lets us know that they aren't followers, they like to be different, and that's totally fine. ^ ^ I disliked that these twelve-year olds were doing something as impossible as this, like seriously what twelve-year olds think like Doon and Lina. The baby was doing too much, Lina is barely a child herself!

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Hunger Games Havoc: Coming to a Library Near You

February 24, 2012
The full trailer has been released. The complete soundtrack list was made available today. The Internet is bursting with craft ideas. And I'm still waiting to receive my copy of the cookbook inspired by the YA phenomenon. That's right. Hunger Games Havoc has hit! We're so excited for the release of the film adaptation of The Hunger Games that we decided to throw a party. Form alliances, test your mettle, come dressed as your favorite character, decorate cupcakes, and more! And did I mention that you can win prizes? No participating branch's agenda will be quite the same, so why not sample a bit of what each has to offer?
The following branches are throwing Hunger Games parties:
Blue Springs North
Lee's Summit
North Independence
Parkville
Red Bridge
Smithville
South Independence
We'll be discussing The Hunger Games in Book Club at the North Independence Branch on Tuesday, March 20th at 6:00 p.m. Stick around for Panemonium @ the Library at 7:00 p.m. We'll have three ways for you to win prizes. Dress up, participate in a trivia contest, and reveal your hidden talent! How would you win the Hunger Games? You decide the victors, so come prepared to vote for your favorite contenders!
Hope to see you there! And...
...May the odds be ever in your favor.
Amanda W.
North Independence Branch

http://www.mymcpl.org/blog/hunger-games-havoc-coming-library-near-you

The Future of Us Reviewed by Molly Varney

By: Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler ****


In 1996, most kids had barely used the internet. Emma just got a new computer from her dad,a guilt gift she thought.Ever since her parents had divorced, Emma had hardly seen her dad and his new wife and daughter. Her best friend and neighbor, Josh, had just brought over a new CD-ROM for her new computer since his mom didn't want it. Things had been awkward between the two ever since Emma had rejected Josh. When Emma logs onto her computer for the first time, she is immediatley logged onto a website for facebook.She logs onto it, only to find that it takes ger 15 years onto the future. At first Josh doesn't believe it. Then he finds out that he's going to marry Sydney Mills, one of the most popular girls at school. As soon as he hears this, he wants it to be true. Emma however, is not too pleased with her future. As the two of them try to shape their perfect futures they find that even the tiniest things can completely change their future. They can view their jobs, relationships, friends, and lives in the future, but is it good or bad? Emma starts to become obsessed with her future while Josh is happy with his own. The two are given a chance to see their futures, but what will they do when they know what's going to happen?



I thought this was a pretty good book. It was a really interesting theme, and I thought it was cool. It was really funny to read this and watch their reactions to Facebook, because we get on it all the time, and they have no idea what it is. I think my favorite character in this was Josh because he didn't get too worked up about seeing his future. Emma was always trying to change hers when she didn't like it while, most of the time, Josh just let things happen and didn't try to mess with it.I loved the ending and thought it was really sweet. This was definitely an interesting story, but I liked it a lot.

Better Than Yesterday reviewed by Kaitlin Kimbrell

better than yesterday

by Robyn Schneider

"Sometimes, when we are not looking for a solution, but rather a different way of viewing the problem, it is permissible, even appropriate, to break the rules." Skylar, Marissa, Blake, and Charley became best friends’ freshman year and had together created a group called the Hell Risers, but much has happened since then. Skylar became known as the dirty girl, Marissa was more of just a nerdy girl, Charley had to please his parents with everything he did, and Blake left Hilliard. Now, however, Blake is back and wants to put the old gang of Hell Risers back together again. Since Blake has been gone though he has changed too much and they are scared that something might happen to him, plus they need to keep a secret from him so he won't hate Skylar. Will they stay best friends? Will they fight for what they believe? Will they just forget about each other and never look back? What will happen? To find out read the book.

This book was good! I enjoyed it and it was a quick read because of how interesting it was. There was such a mix of feelings and everything that happened will make you love each character. I honestly loved this book and am thinking about looking into this author for more books. Love and scandal all in one, what could be better? This book really kept me intrigued the whole time and I am glad I chose it to read.

Cinder--reviewed by Nallely S.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

**** Stars

reviewed by Nallely S.

"A girl. A machine. A freak."- Cinder

After a terrible accident....sixteen-year old Cinder's life changes drastically. Being 36.28% non-human, Cinder is the stepdaughter of Adri Linh, living a cruel life...Cinder has lived through it all, after the death of her stepfather. Cinder is 36.28% cyborg. Knowing people don't accept her for what she is, Cinder tries to live a peaceful life by following everything Adri Linh says. One day while going to the junkyard, Cinder's stepsister Peony insists on going with Cinder and Iko. Earth isn't what it use to be. Filled with a plague that has killed off half the worlds population, Cinder experiences the horror of seeing what the plague does to people. During their trip to the junkyard, unexpected horrors happen....Peony catches the plague.....and Cinder is sold by her stepmother to a crazy scientist.

Cinder gets caught up in two worlds. The world of a cyborg and the world she always dreamed of living in...a girls dream. Meeting Prince Kai only makes matters worse. If only those were her only worries....a terrible secret is discovered....and it seems that Cinder is at the center of everything.......in this new series, Lunar Chronicles, we will see the life of a girl and a cyborg. A life where a girl only struggles to be accepted and to find love, and answers. Cinder let's us see the horror that human society has come to. Set in a futuristic world, we follow the story of a teenage girl and her struggles.

I rated Cinder * * * * stars because although I like Meyer, I felt that in this story she tried to delay a lot of things. I enjoyed reading it and I like Cinder. She's brave and doesn't let anything stop her. She has big dreams and she'll try to get there. This book caught my attention because it's set in Beijing, China, which you don't usually see. I thought that was interesting and the tale of Cinderella turned into Cyborg Cinderella was a interesting idea ^ ^. Hopefully the next installment is a little better and moves a little faster. ^ ^ I didn't like the ending~!! X< Cliff hangers are the worst!! X<

The Scorpio Races--reviewed by Nallely S.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

* * * * * STARS

Reviewed by Nallely Saavedra

"Some race to win. Others race to survive."- Scorpio Races

Kate Connolly, Puck, has never lived a normal life. Living on an island with her surviving family, Gabe and Finn, Puck will do anything to keep her family together. After losing her father and mother, Puck thought that would bring her family closer....yet Gabe has made a decision without her or Finn. Devastated and desperate to keep Gabe in the picture...Puck does the only thing she can do....she enters the Scorpio Races, the first girl to ever enter. The Scorpio Races are annual races where deadly sea horses are used. Literally they are SEA horses. In this world, on this island, these horses come from the ocean...deadly man eating horses. Sean Kendrick, the young man whose feared and known around the island, the only one who is half on soil, half in water. Sean lost his father to the Scorpio Races yet he can't help but love them and Corr, his fire horse.

Kate and Sean's lives collide in a beautiful, passionate story. Both fighting for their dreams. Kate and Sean will have to go through struggles, pain, and passion. Will Kate keep her family together? Will Sean finally let others in? In the Scorpio Races you will experience the true feeling of real friendship, love, and relationships.

I gave Scorpio Races * * * * * stars because...I was completely mesmerized by the characters and with Stiefvater's style. I have never...ever..in my life read a book like this. I felt the love and friendship between Sean and Corr. His need to be with Corr and Corr needing Sean...it was the perfect example of true friendship and understanding, as crazy as that might sound. Kate's personality really caught my attention, although sometimes I wanted to slap her. She didn't give up when every one told her to drop out and that her mere "pony" would get her killed, she believed in her and they understood each other without needing to use words. Simply through body language. I really liked this. The characters were well developed and I absolutely loved it!

I really can't wait for this series to develop even more.....If this is a series, haha.

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 The Scorpio Races

-Nallely Saavedra ^ ^

Dairy Queen reviewed by Kaitlin Kimbrell

DAIRY QUEEN

By: Catherine Gilbert Murdock



For D.J. life is quiet and simple. Get up and work on the farm, do what her father says, go to school, and nothing much else. While this was all until Brian Nelson got into trouble and had to come help on the farm or get kicked off the football team and D.J. decided she wanted to play football like her brothers did. She figured why not, she was just as strong and fast (if not stronger and faster) then most of the guys on the team. D.J. believed that she could do it and lead the team all the way and maybe fall in love along the way. First though, she is going to have to break out of her shell, start talking about what is wrong, and get advice she doesn't want from people she doesn't really like. Will doing just that ruin any chances of her  getting on the team and living her dream? Read and find out!

I really enjoyed this book because it was inspirational and actually taught me a lot about the person I can be. The fact that D.J. was able to achieve all she wanted and even get more then she bargained for lifted my spirits and made me want to try just as hard as she did for what I want. I think that reading this book might inspire you to do something that you never thought you would be able to. Maybe, just maybe you will find your voice just where you have been needing to use it.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone reviewed by Molly Varney

By: Laini Taylor *****

Karou's life, she thought, was simple enough. From her naturally blue hair to her ex-boyfriend who wouldn't leave her alone. Except for her family, which consisted of four Chimaera, monsters people would only think about in stories. In Karou's world, getting called in to go to Paris or a place on the other side of the world to get teeth is normal. She has no idea what Brimstone, the one who raised her, uses them for. She doesn't find it unusual since she was raised by these monsters. She spends most of her time drawing them and showing them to her friends at school who think they are just Karou's wild imagination. If someone asked Karou's friends what they knew about her, they couldn't tell you much since Karou couldn't tell them where she was from. When black hand prints start to show up on doors all around the world, Karou's life is about to be shattered and she is suddenly thrown into another world and its ongoing war. Soon, she'll get all the answers to her questions, but what will happen when she knows the truth?

So I loved this book! It was really different than all other books I've read. It was a pretty big book but it is completely worth reading. It was kind of twisted but it was such a good story. I loved Karou's character because she was funny and very surprising. The book has a lot of twists so it never had a dry moment and was full of action, drama, and over all was completely amazing.

February Book Club

We will meet on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, in the library during SSR. Bring a snack if you like and your copy of the book. See you then!

Ms C

Away--reviewed by Nallely Saavedra

Away by Teri Hall

***** stars

#2

"She risked everything, If only it's not too late."-Away

Rachel has finally left the place she's known all her life. She thought she was prepared for the world she's always ever read about...but she was so wrong. For the sake of getting her father back, Rachel will take the risks...no matter the outcome. Patience is running low for Rachel, finally at the village where she knows they can give her answers, she waits for Malgams recovery, Pathik's father. When Malgam recovers, Pathik's grandfather, Indigo, finally reveals everything they know and knew of Daniel, Rachel's father. Daniel has been taken away by the Roberts. A violent group of people that split from the camp Indigo and the rest live in. They are willing to risk everything to rescue Daniel.

If only that were the problem. Rachel and Pathik can't seem to give in to their feelings with everything going on.

Will this story come to an end? or will if blossom into a beautiful mesmerizing story?

Read Away, #2 in the series...to find out! XP

I rated Away *****stars because I loved the Line. I was completely captivated from the beginning and Away really answers all my questions from The Line. The story of Vivian and Daniel is simply tragic yet so beautiful. It gives hope to those who have lost it. X) The strength and determination that Rachel has simply made me smile. I like the characters, but mostly their strong personalities really grab your attention. Away is just another collection to my favorites. Hopefully it's not the end! Because I have more questions! XD haha. Read it and Love it! X)

-Nallely.