This Is Where the World Ends-- Reviewed by Sarah Roberts

“We knew each other to our fingertips. No, that's not right. We only knew each other in our fingertips, and that was nothing at all, and for a while that was okay. We could have been a love story, a fairy tale, an indie film about high school and selective insanity featuring a boy of angel parts and a girl made of dreaming. We could have been all the best things: bracelets sliding down arms while shots slid down throats, laughter and crashing music in dark and flashing rooms, kisses that started hesitant but didn't stay that way.”  

Do you have a person in your life that you could never separated from? If they disappeared you would go completely insane? That's Janie and Micah.

Janie and Micah are always together. That's the way it's always been since elementary school, when Janie moved next door.  Janie and Micah are total opposites. Where Janie is outgoing, Micah is shy. Micah loves music, and Janie is more into art.

It's a perfect friendship- as long as it's kept a secret.

Everything is perfect. That is until Janie goes missing. Now, as Micah looks for his beloved best friend, things begin to get colored with doubt.

What was once so clear to Micah, now becomes a little blurry. The friendship that was once the realest thing in his life, becomes something to doubt.

I thought this book was wonderful! The characters were amazing. I enjoyed the mystery this book had to offer, and had my attention grabbed in many scenes throughout this book. Although, a little slow in points during the story, I still thought it was a great read. The mystery behind Jill's disappearance I found quite interesting. All in all this was a great book that I would recommend to my friends and family.

Wink Poppy Midnight--Reviewed by Sarah Roberts

 

 

“When you look into the darkness, the darkness looks into you."

We all fall in love with someone at some point in our lives. We obsess over that one person, even if they treat us like we are nothing. That's exactly the case for Midnight.

 Midnight has been in love with Poppy since the first night she climbed through his window. Her jasmine scent filling his mind, capturing his very heart. The thing is, Poppy only uses Midnight for a good time and then she goes back to treating him like dirt.

So when Midnight moves next to Wink, things begin to change. Midnight begins to think less of the girl with perfect hair, and more of the girl with wild curly orange hair. He feels at peace around the girl stuck in the stories of magic, and on edge around the girl in reality.

So when Wink's stories become reality, ending with the disappearance of Poppy, Midnight begins to discover things about Wink and Poppy he never new existed.

Will this story end in violence, or do the characters get their happily ever after?

I love this story! I like how each character has the chance to narrate their own points of view. I think each character was unique in their own special way and it created a wonderful dynamic. I love how the storyline didn't end up like a normal love story. There is adventure, revenge, love, and even some surprising outcomes in this story. All in all these characters were well written and I enjoyed each and every one of them. I would definitely recommend these to my friends and family!

 



Truthwitch--Reviewed by Sarah Roberts

“I hate this. Both the storm and the plan. Why does it have to be ‘we’? Why not just me?"
“Because ‘just me’ isn’t who we are,” Iseult hollered back. “I’ll always follow you, Safi, and you’ll always follow me. Threadsisters to the end.”  

Friends are the people you can always count on. Possibly even risk your own life for. This is the type of bond that Safiya and Iseult and have. They would do anything for each other, be anything for each other, and even die for each other.

In the Witchlands there are many people that each use their own type of magic which may or may not lead them on the path of trouble. Two women know this all too well. Their names...Safiya and Iseult.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, meaning that she is able to know the difference between a truth and a lie. This magical ability is one that almost anyone would kill to have fighting on their side, especially the noble people that Safiya live with. Safiya must keep her abilities a secret, or else she is in danger of being used as pawn in a war between powerful empires.

Iseult is a Threadwitch, meaning that she has the ability to see the invisible ties that tie the entangled lives around her. However, Iseult cannot see the bonds that touch her very own heart. Iseult's friendship with Safiya has taken her from a outcasts to an amazing adventure.

Together these two friends work to free themselves from their own confinement in order to be able to finally live their own lives.

I thought this book was really good! It was exciting and the relationship between Safiya and Iseult was heart warming. You could really feel the strong bond between these two. I also really liked how the author wrote this book, I was really grabbed by every word. The adventure in this book is absolutely amazing and really gives you chills. Though it was a little in some places it still gave me chills.

Need--Reviewed by Sarah Roberts

" A want is a desire to possess or do something. A wish. A need is something required because it is essential. Something very important that you cannot live without."

"What do you need?"

                   Social media is the most important thing to teens these days. So when a social media cite called NEED starts offering to send teens in the small town of Nottawa whatever they need in exchange for small tasks to be carried out, what could be sweeter. At first the tasks are as simple as inviting people to join NEED, and then everything changes. A fellow classmate is the first to die after cookies were "mysteriously" delivered to her containing the one thing that could kill her...peanuts. The culprit is a fellow classmate, and NEED member, who was just following through on the task given to them. As more teens begin to die off, there's only on teen who wants to end NEED for good. Follow Kayla, as she tries to find out who is behind NEED, and hopefully put a stop to them before more classmates meet their untimely deaths.
 

            I became obsessed with this book after the first chapter! This is why I rated the book a five out of five stars. This book will have you begging for more. I thoroughly enjoyed how each chapter was from a different point of view of each character. Just like every person has their own opinions and point of views, so do the characters. You really get to experience what goes on in every character's head through the progression of each chapter. The ending of this book will leave you breathless. It was also make you think that this story could possibly happen in real life today.



Rucker Park Setup -- reviewed by Arinze Mgbemena

          This book is an interesting read for those who enjoy basketball and emotional readings. The book talks about these two boys named J.R and Mackey. J.R has known Mackey ever since they were in preschool. They have been through so much together especially when J.R.'s mother died,Mackey was there with him crying with his father by there sides holding them. The boys have dreams of winning a Rucker park tournament, this has been their dream ever since they were little and watching some of the great street ball players play their game on the Rucker Park Court, and they have worked their way into finally getting on a team and into a tournament. But while getting ready and prepared for the tournament, 2 horrible deaths occur first the death of J.R.'s father and then the murder of J.R., Mackey knows J.R's murderer and the murderer knows that Mackey is well aware of what he did to his friend J.R. With those deaths happening Mackey is forced to go through life and the tournament without of the two most important people in his life, and to also keep clear of J.R.'s killer who is watching Mackey's every move while he is playing in the tournament. 
          I really enjoyed this book because it talked about two friends that were following their dreams until one of them left which made things difficult for one, but also inspired him to work hard and win it for his loved ones. It also talks about loneliness and having no one with you when you're following and leaving your dream while at the same time it talks about fear of someone watching you and making sure you keep quiet or they will hurt you. This book is a very great book to read if you're searching for a book to read about achievements in memory of those who have passed away.

Red Rising reviewed by: Portia Rockers

 

Red Rising is about a guy named Darrow who is a Helldiver and a Red. A Helldiver is a person who lives in a cave under the surface of Mars, there are about a thousand people who are Helldivers. In this society it is a color coded caste system, red being the lowest. Many generations of Helldivers have worked in the mines all their lives for precious minerals that will allow the planet to be transformed. For the mine workers knowing the planet will some day be habitual is enough for there sacrifice. The Earth is dying out, and Mars is the only hope the human race has left. But when Darrow finds out that Mars has been inhabited for generations, by a group called the Golds. They think of the Helldivers as slave labor, and don't realize all the good that they do. The Helldivers have a rebellion, and disguise Darrow as a Gold and goes to there school, planning to be the eyes on the inside. The command school is basically a battle field, and no one can really be trusted.

I gave Red Rising five stars because this book really deserves it. Every page made me want to find out more about the book. The story had some gruesome aspects to it, but I think they were really important to the story. A lot of story was high stakes, and the way the society was set up reminded me of the Hunger games without totally copying it. I did like that the author did not try and squeeze a love triangle in the book like so many authors do. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story. If you like this book you would also like The Hunger Games and The Enders Game. Red Rising is also part of a trilogy, the second book is called The Rising Son and the third is not out yet, but I cant wait to read the second.           

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. 



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.

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. ^ ^

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.



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!

The Forest of Hands and Teeth reviewed by Molly Varney

By: Carrie Ryan *****

Mary's world is simple; she follows the Sisterhood's rules and knows that if she stays away from the fences the Guardians would protect her from the Unconsecrated. When Mary's mother is bitten she is forced to join the Sisterhood after being thrown out by her brother, Jed. While she's learning under one of the Sisters, she finds out that Travis, who she secretly loved, was in the Chapel. Soon she starts going into his room to pray for him and they fall in love, even though Travis was betrothed to Cass, Mary's best friend. As she learns more about the Sisterhood, Mary finds out all of the secrets they are hiding from the village. She finds herself wanting to leave and search the world for the ocean her mother always told her about. Soon enough, the fences were breached and Mary had to choose between her love or her life.

I gave this five stars because the book was a great read. It was full of action and excitement throughout the whole book. I'm really starting to like books about zombies and the end of the world and this one was probably my favorite. At first it was hard to know what time it was in because they sometimes talked different and they didn't have things like electricity and their clothes seemed old fashioned. I really liked the ending even though it was kind of sad.

Bright Young Things - a review by George Morejon

Bright Young Things

by Anna Godbersen

**** stars

Bright Young Things takes place during the 'roaring 20's', following the story of three girls. The first character is Cordelia. The book starts just an hour before her wedding to a boy she met and fell for the earlier summer. But it's not all it seems, as it's a forced marriage her aunt arranged. She needs someone to help her. The second girl, Letty, is just the person to do that. Letty's a petite girl who's been Cordelia's best friend since they were both little. They decide that day to finally run away from their podunk Ohio town to the city of dreams, New York City. Almost missing the 6;52 train, they make it and find a women's tenant house to stay at. But the first night, they get drunk at an easyspeak and evicted when they get back home. With Letty's dream of becoming a star seemingly crushed, this causes a fallout between Letty and Cordelia, who go their separate ways.

Cordelia goes on to look for her father (the real reason she came to New York) by crashing a party at the house of Darius Grey, who has the same last name as her. She's called out by someone for party crashing, but the third girl, Astrid, takes Cordelia under her wing and protects her. When Cordelia is able to have the chance, she tells Darius she's his daughter. The party fall's silent, and finally he says how glad he is to see her, to her relief. Astrid and Cordelia become best friends, and share more than secrets and romances. All the while while Letty is learning the hard way that breaks don't come easy in New York, and it isn't easy becoming a star.

I thought this was an okay book. The 20's were something I had just learned about in history class, so that's why I picked it. I thought the characters were interesting, and the way it switched perspectives in between chapter was really smooth. Letty's story seemed the most interesting. She had the hardest time and wasn't always out at rich people parties. I think her story showed what it was really like trying to move to New York. (I don't remember how long it took me to read the book. Oops)

Where the Heart Is-- A reviewby Sarah Gnefkow

Where the Heart Is

By Billie Letts

**** 1/2

Novalee Nation is a hardworking, yet unlucky, girl. She finds herself in a bind every time she is associated with the number seven. Ever since her seventh birthday, when her mom ran away, she knew that seven was her unlucky number. Novalee seventeen and seven months pregnant was traveling with her boyfriend to California when she needed to stop in a Wal-Mart. As she was leaving she went to the the cashregister and her change was $7.77, immediately she knew that meant something bad. As she ran outside she noticed her boyfriend had left her and she was stranded in a place where she knew no one. Novalee thinks that her life is over at this point and she has no idea what is going to happen with her or her baby. What she doesn't expect is that she will meet people who will care about her and love her to the greatest extent.

I loved this book so much. Just like the movie it was unforgettable and moving. I gave it four and a half stars because number one it was amazing but also it got slow at some parts. The thing I like about it is it keeps you on your toes for the most part. If you like stories with characters who seem to have a serious of unfortunate events, with happy endings, you will love this book! I recommend this to anyone who likes drama and a lot of stuff going on.

Payback -- A review by Ian Zig.

Payback

by Andy McNab and Robert Rigby

****

Danny and Fergus Watts are back and ready as ever! They've been on the run from the British government for six months now, and "It's time to stop running." Danny has grown tired of his grandfather's ever-present routines to avoid discovery, and nearly gets killed when he deviates from the routine while staying in Spain. So once again, they're on the run. But Marcie Devoureux still has plans for the two, and contacts them with a deal and a way back to Britain. Elena, Danny's best friend, is still helping them as much as she can, but Marcie knows who she is and has included Elena in her fiendish plan. Will Danny and Fergus finally find evidence of Fergus's opperation as a K? Will they once again fool Fincham before he or his SAS team kills them?... You'll have to read it to find out!

I quite liked this book, it is definitely my type of fiction! I gave it four stars because I felt it was dragging slightly at points. I love the detail put into it, and how the authors incorporated all of the military lingo. If you like lots of action and military precision and detail, you will certainly like this book. I recommend this to anyone who leans towards action- packed thrill rides for this is certainly in that catagory!

The Earth My Butt and Other Big Round Things - A review by Sarah Gnefkow

The Earth My Butt and Other Big Round Things

By Carolyn Mackler

4 Stars

The Earth My Butt and Other Big Round Things is a really good book. I started reading it and just couldn't put it down. I wish that i would have taken time to read it because it was one of those things that I just didn't want it to end. This book is definately one that I would recommend if you're looking for a fun, rebellious, but kind of out of the ordinary read. 

It is about a girl named Virginia Shreves who is a larger than average girl. Her favorite things to do are eat, make lists, email her best friend that moved to Walla Walla, and hook up with a boy named Froggy. Virginia (Gin for short) feels that no guy would ever want to be with her in public so she decides to follow the "Fat Girl Code of Conduct". Virginias family would be considered the 'perfect' family. Her mother is a popular therapist, her father a top executive, her sister Anais is in the Peace Corps, and her brother Byron is a god. Everyone looks the same in the Shreves family they are all tall, beautiful, blonde, and skinny, except for Virginia. Gin's mother pushes her to go on diets and be a skinny Shreve just like the rest of the family. But when a tragedy happens to her family involving Byron, Virginia rebels. 

This book is fun to read and it goes by pretty quick. It was definitely one that I have never read anything like it. It was pretty much a good book. I would definitely give this book 4 stars.

Night Hoops--A Review By Bryce Foster

Night Hoops

By: Carl Deuker

*** Stars

Night Hoops, is about two teenage boys. They are both sophomores in high school. They have nothing in common with each other, except basketball. The two are majorly competitive towards each other. Although, the boys are not so different. Nick has to deal with his parents divorce. This is also on top of trying to be a star basketball player on his high school team. Throughout the novel, Nick gets better as the point guard of his team and learns how to be more mature both on and off the court.

Trent, the other boy, is facing a lot at home. He is always angry and aggressive not only on the court but everywhere. He also wants to be a star basketball player on their high school basketball team. Surprisingly, Nick becomes friends with Trent and they start playing basketball in the driveway of Nick house. They continually do this every night. They become very good pals. In my opinion, I believe the book wanted you to grasp the idea of two competitors becoming friends.

I Gave this novel 3 stars because I think highly of this author and the sport books he writes. I think this was an excellent book for someone who enjoys basketball and for anyone who feels like an outsider. This would be a great book for someone who has problems at home or just someone in high school who is looking for an awesome read. I highly recommend this novel because it never gets boring.

Fang -- A review by Ian Zig.

Fang

By James Patters0n

****

Fang is the sixth book of the Maximum Ride Series. The other five books are: The Angel Experiment, School's Out Forever, Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, The Final Warning, and Max. The Entire series was a great story, however I kind of wish that the author would've stopped at the fifth book, Max. The newest book, Fang, was a good book and it takes an odd turn with the Flock, the five human-avian kids group. Fang takes a completely different direction than the other books, because this book is mainly about the Flock breaking down and falling apart... Of course there is still the evil, mad scientists thrown into the mix, but the book doesn't put the same emphasis on them as the previous books have. But this new direction isn't neccessarily a bad thing, I enjoyed it fairly well, just not as much as the previous books. Also the series has the reputation of being an action-packed thrill read, but Fang just didn't seem to have as much energy and commotion. But don't get me wrong, there was definitely some action! I enjoyed this book thoroughly, especially the bitter sweet ending...

All in all Fang was a good read. I gave it four stars because I found the story periodically dragging for short periods. Again though, I really wish the author would have stopped at Max, mainly because it seemed like a proper ending, there's no way to tell the ending unless Patterson is a super-author. To end my spool, this book was a great read, and I recommend it to anyone... BUT, ONLY if you've read the whole series!

Good Enough -- a review by George Morejon

Good Enough

by Paula Yoo

**** stars

Good Enough is a book that tells the story of a first generation Korean girl and her last year of high school as she struggles to choose between following the path of school and life her parents want for her or choosing to do what she wants. To work hard and get accepted into all the Ivy League collages (Harvardyaleprinceton) or to follow her love for music and go to Juillard, the best music school in America.

Good Enough starts off with Patti Yoon's audition for the all-state high school orchestra. When she's suppose to be warming up, she sees someone she's never met but thinks is cute, who she calls Cute Trumpet Guy. She screws up playing in front of the judges, and only gets second chair, a major embarrassment for the 3 year first chair holder. Needless to say, her parents were disappointed greatly in her.

When she starts school, she sits behind the new transfer student from Michigan, who happens to be Cute Trumpet Guy. He introduces himself as Ben Wheeler, and they become great friends fast. Patti's surprised by this, because Ben's a popular jock who was captain of his track team, while she's just a nerdy girl who studies for all her AP classes and takes practice SATs all the time.

Ben teaches Patti over the course their school year to be more outgoing though, encouraging her to listen to rock music artists she's never heard of instead of only classical music, and going to his house to play music with him and jam instead of staying home and studying.

She eventually tells her youth group, who are all competitive Korean students around her age. Amazingly, they help her do the craziest thing yet: escaping from the youth group's lock-in event (all the students each bring a friend and are put in a rec room together, to show everyone that church is cool!) to go out and see a rock concert with Ben, where she tells him how she really feels about him.

And while struggling with these problems, she's trying to think about what to do about playing the violin too! Her parents first had her play it to stand out from other students when applying to Harvardyaleprinceton, but she realises she really likes it and doesn't want to give it up once she goes to collage. Her violin instructor and Ben both see this, and they encourage her to apply to the Juillard music school. But she's worried about what her parents will do if they find her applying to a place not Havardyaleprinceton...