The Book of Dead Days

The Book of Dead Days, by Marcus Sedgwick [YA Fiction]

by Elizabeth, 7th grader

This is an excellent book. Boy has never had any parents and he has never had a name. He is a slave to the magician Valerian. Forced to run dangerous errands, squeeze into small boxes, and face death on several occasions, Boy still remains loyal to his master. Boy meets Willow, a girl who hates her mistress and suddently they are accused of murder. To top this off, they find out that Valerian has only 4 days to live. Boy and Willow set off on a quest to save Valerian. Will they succeed in time?

Heart of Darkness

 

Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad [adult Fiction]

by Monica, 12th grader

I don’t particularly recommend this book. It’s definitely a classic and very famous, but you have to read it slowly to have a chance at liking it. (As soon as you speed up, it gets oddly boring. Very strange.) But it’s short, and it’s not a complete waste of time, so maybe - someday - try it!

Stoner and Spaz

Stoner and Spaz, by Ron Koertge [YA Fiction]

by Marina, 8th grader

Ben has cerebral palsy. He barely lives. He lets it rule his life. All he does it watch T.V. and do as he’s told. Nobody treats him like a human being. His grandmother shows fake affection and barely touches him, like she’s disgusted. He does everything his grandmother says, being a perfect little boy. Then Colleen explodes into his life. Colleen is a loud, obnoxious, rude drug addict. She wears neon miniskirts, tight band tees, and is almost always stoned. But she treats Ben like a person. She shakes up his perfect world. Talking to him like he was just a regular kid, and not pitying him. She touches him and isn’t afraid. She openly admits his disease, calling him Spaz. He laughs and likes the name. He admits he is a spaz. She shows him how to have fun. How to live. This was an awesome book. It’s not like any book I’ve read. It’s a must read!

A Pillar of Iron

A Pillar of Iron, by Taylor Caldwell [adult Fiction: we don't own]

by Monica, 12th grader

Chances are you won’t be able to find this book because it’s old and probably out of print. But in case you do find it, read it! It’s basically a biography of Cicero, a famous orator, statesman, and philosopher from Ancient Rome. The book is interesting and well-written (although long). My only complaint is that the author connects Rome too much to the U.S. government. But if you get a chance, read it anyway!

Halo: Fall of Reach

Halo: Fall of Reach, by Eric Nylund [YA Fiction]

by Jeff, 7th grader

If you ever played Halo, you will love this. The Spartans II were taken at five to train and be like the Spartans. The Spartans II were to fight the covenant. I recommend it if you like games and an action-packed book.

The Truth About Forever

The Truth About Forever, by Sarah Dessen [YA Fiction]

by Jeana, 8th grader

Sarah Dessen’s style of writing is very nice. In all her books, there’s normally a common theme, normally about a troubled teen. This book is no different. The Truth About Forever deals with a teenaged girl who, after her boyfriend goes on a summer vacation, has to learn how to come out of her shell and live life to the fullest. Dessen’s style, as I’ve said, is extremely realistic and deals with the character’s emotions perfectly. I highly recommend this book to any teen who feels self-doubt sometimes (and isn’t that all of us?).

Invisible

Invisible, by Pete Hautman [YA Fiction]

by Ravi, 11th grader

A creepy novel about a kid and his best friend who turns out to be dead. The kid turns out to be schizo. It is a disturbing and well-written book, which has a strange but good message about acceptance.

The Anybodies

The Anybodies, by N.E. Bode [J Fiction]

by Philana, 5th grader

This book is the best book yet. I enjoyed this book a lot. This is about a girl named Fern, she lived with her family then she found out that she was not their child. Read this book to find out what happens next!

Beka Cooper: Two Reviews

Beka Cooper: Terrier, by Tamora Pierce [YA Fiction]

by Matt, 12th grader

This book is good for women’s empowerment. Like in most of Tamora Pierce’s books, Beka Cooper takes a roller coaster of risks and is a great adventure. Although it is longer than some others, it keeps you going all through.

by Marina, 8th grader

Beka is a tough girl who doesn’t take crap from anyone. Her dream is to be a Dog (Police), part of the Provost’s Guard. She goes on an adventure to stop the Shadow Snake find who’s killing the jobless. It’s a real page-turner. I couldn’t put it down. You have to read it.

Companions of the Night

 

Companions of the Night, by Vivian Vande Velde [YA Fiction]

by Marina, 8th grader

The main character travels to the cleaners and is caught between a vampire and the hunters. Then, they think she’s a vampire and the hunters kidnap her family. She teams up with Ethan, the vampire, and tries to get them back. She’s trapped in a world of lies, betrayal, and deadly vampires. You have to read it.