Inu-Yasha Series

the Inu-Yasha manga series

by Rumiko Takahashi [YA manga series]

by Junior, 10th grader

A series about a modern-day Japanese high school girl who discovers a well in her backyard that allows her to travel back in time to meet an ancient-like dog demon named inu-yasha. She learns that she is the reincarnation of an ancient priest named kikyo. With the help of inu-yasha and friends she learns that she must kill a demon. If you like ancient Japanese mythology, these are the books for you.

Vampire Kisses

Vampire Kisses, by Ellen Schreiber [YA Fiction]

by Marina, 9th grader

Vampire Kisses is obviously a vampire book. But it’s a different kind of vampire book. Instead of having your normal, everyday girl falling for the dark and mysterious vampire, you have Raven. An awesome Goth girl that doesn’t take crap from anybody and knows how to get revenge. The book holds many surprises and leaves it for you to decide. Is Alexander Sterling a vampire, or not? An excellent book that everyone should read.

Heavy Metal and You

Heavy Metal and You, by Christopher Krovatin [YA Fiction]

by Marina, 9th grader

Sam Markus is a metal head. He is obsessed with heavy metal, death metal, hardcore, etc., etc. He lives and breaths it along with his friends, Brent and Irish. Then he meets a girl. She is the complete opposite, yet he is head-over-heels in love with her. He introduces her to his music, his friends, and his way of life. She isn’t impressed. His friends don’t like her, she doesn’t like his friends. The book gets very interesting as it goes on. How does Sammy decide between the goddess of his life, and his music and friends? I’m somewhat disgusted with his girlfriend. She’s a horrible person but is portrayed as good. Otherwise the book is really great. A great read for anyone.

Eclipse

Eclipse, by Stephenie Meyer [YA Fiction]

by Marina, 9th grader

As the third book in the Twilight series, Eclipse is the best yet. Back to her old self, Bella has to play peacekeeper between the vampires and the werewolves. She also has to decide between her best friend and the love of her existence. While dealing with werewolves and vampires at each other’s throats, she also has to deal with a pack of vampires bigger than the Cullens that are thirsting for her blood. It is the perfect balance between romance and action. Stephenie Meyer has outdone herself. It is completely worth the wait.

by Jeana, 9th grader

The last installment in the Twilight series, in my opinion, the strongest yet. Whilst Twilight and New Moon were almost completely romance-based, Eclipse seems to have more plot to it. The Edward-Bella-Jacob love triangle is a lot more interesting than Edward-Bella-Mike Newell. Even the romance is a lot less tedious. Overall, Meyer steps it up in all aspects in Eclipse. It’s definitely a major improvement on New Moon (which kinda made me wanna slap Bella. Hard.). I’m glad Meyer redeemed herself. I look forward to Midnight Sun!

The House on the Gulf

The House on the Gulf, by Margaret Peterson Haddix [YA Fiction]

by Reni, age 15

This book was a well-written suspense by Haddix. Britt, Bran, and their mother are living paycheck to paycheck while their mother tries to go to night college. Suddenly, Bran surprises his family with the news that the elderly couple whose lawn he mows has invited him and his family to house sit for them over the summer. Everyone is overjoyed and excited at the prospect of finally staying in a decent house. However, once they move in, Britt notices that Bran is acting really weird about the house and its belongings. The truth she finds out though, is illegal as well as incorrect. By the end of the
story, the house-sitting has turned into something else and only a neighbor can help them through it.

The Only Alien on the Planet

The Only Alien on the Planet, by Kirsten D. Randle [YA Fiction]

by Loan, 10th grader

I picked this book because I saw the cover — and I’m glad. This book deals with abuse and a special relationship between two friends. Even though Cheshire Public Library no longer carries this (something I was deeply disappointed about), go and read it. You won’t regret it!

Note from Sarah, teen librarian: We can get this book for you from another library, no problem. Just stop by, give a call, or drop me an e-mail (smorgan at cheshirelibrary dot org) — and we’ll take care of you!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling [J Fiction]

by Loan, 10th grader

The seventh installment in the Harry Potter series was a great way to end the adventure/fantasy series. J.K. Rowling allowed us to follow Harry, Ron, and Hermione on their quest to find the Horcruxes and added drama, twists, and romance along the way. There was never a dull moment as J.K.’s words enchanted the readers. There were many moments where I was at the edge of my seat, left in suspense until I turned the page. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows may have ended one of the most-beloved series, but it wasn’t the last book for nothing!

by Reni, age 15

This seventh and final installation in J.K. Rowling’s best-selling series was fast-paced, exciting, and everything I could ever want from a book. The deaths that everyone expected occurred within the first sixty pages. By the end, at least six of the minor characters had died and one of the Weasley twins was missing a bit of himself. Hallows also had its adventurous parts, with Harry’s quest for the three deathly hallows, one of which was already in his possession. Overall, the 759 page book was worth every cent I paid for it.

Jude

Jude, by Kate Morgenroth [we don't own, but we will soon]

by Loan, 10th grader

I read Jude when I was entering eighth grade and I consider it as one of my favorite books. The author realistically creates Jude, a boy who lived around crime all of his life. Suddenly, in a blink of an eye, Jude’s life changes and he finds himself in an entirely different world. Things go well but soon his life comes crashing down and Jude faces many obstacles. I enjoyed how Morgenroth used her details so well. The whole book was like a movie in my head and that’s a good sign. The ending was certainly satisfying but in order for you to read it, you must go see (read!) it for yourself.

New Moon

New Moon, by Stephenie Meyer [YA Fiction]

by Kristen, 8th grader

New Moon is the sequel to Twilight. Edward has left and Bella is unhappy. Many months pass by and she never talks to her friends and is depressed. But soon Bella visits Jacob, becoming reckless. She tries riding motorcycles. She even cliffdives. Edward then believes she’s dead and tries to kill himself. Bella must save the Cullens and herself before it is too late. Although Twilight was better, this book was still great and definitely worth reading.

by Marina, 8th grader

Although I’m a big fan of Twilight, New Moon was disappointing. As soon as Edward leaves, Bella turns emo. (No offense to emo’s) She tries to give up life and becomes very boring. Then her time with Jacob is even more boring. You have to read it if you’ve read Twilight, but it’s not very exciting.

Tuesdays with Morrie

Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom [adult nonfiction]

by Kristen, 8th grader

Tuesdays with Morrie is an inspiring story about a dying college professor and his old student. Although Morrie has a crippling disease and won’t live much longer, he is able to teach his old student many more lessons. Throughout this story, you will learn many life lessons and will learn, like Mitch, what is really important in life.