Hawksong

Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes [YA Fiction]

by Jeana, 9th grader

At the ripe old age of 19, Atwater-Rhodes is already a huge success, being a very capable writer- and she keeps improving. Hawksong offers a fresh, original idea. Well, maybe not the most “original” idea, but she applies her own concepts and twists. The two races of of Shapeshifters (Avian and Serpiente) have their own cultural characteristics, and so, not only is it interesting to read about the complications between the two main characters, but the background information and actual story is very intriguing. I recommend it to anyone who wants a quick interesting read.

Perfect Match

Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult  [Adult Fiction]

by Shreya, 8th grader

Nina Frost is a hotshot prosecutor lawyer who deals with sexual abuse cases every day. Being a mother and being a lawyer had always been two equal parts of her life, but when her own five-year-old son is affected by a sexual assault, her world turns upside down. Suddenly, being the victim instead of the lawyer has Nina frustrated and very confused. Jodi Picoult develops realistic characters and shows how hard some decisions can be when it comes to your duty or your family.

That Summer

That Summer by Sarah Dessen  [YA Fiction]

by Trisha, 7th grader

The book That Summer by Sarah Dessen is the story of a sixteen-year-old girl named Haven who is going through many emotional changes. First, her dad, recently divorced from her mom, gets married to Lorna, the Weather Lady at the dad’s TV station. The girl’s sister is getting married and leaving Haven and her mom, changing their home from a family of four to a family of two. I love how Haven becomes free from all the stresses and pressures of her life at last. This book is funny, sad, and inspiring. I recommend this book!

The Shakespeare Stealer

The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood  [YA Fiction]

by Jessica, 6th grader

I really liked this book. There were a lot of surprises. The Shakespeare Stealer was mainly about a boy named Widge who is bought by a scary man and is supposed to steal Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”, but he does not want to. Widge has made friends and does not want to betray them, but if he doesn’t get the play, his master has threatened to slit his throat. What will he do? You’ll have to find out by reading it yourself!

Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin [Adult Fiction]

by Hanna, age 17

This is my favorite Jane Austin novel so far, there is amazing character development and so many individual plots in this book. However, they are interwoven beautifully and the way each character deals with their own individual problems reveals so much about them. As always, Jane Austin fills the pages with wonderful wit and sarcasm as a commentary on 19th century English society.

The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963

The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis [J Fiction]

by Aziza, 6th grader

This fun, wild, and exciting book will grab your attention the first time you look at it. Read all about the crazy and wacky situations the Watson family are put in, in this lovable and funny story. This book will keep you wondering and laughing even after you finish it. So, if you love getting a good laugh from a book, then this is the book for you.

Boy Toy

Boy Toy by Barry Lyga

by Marina, 9th grader

Boy Toy is about a very confused boy who is a senior in High School. His life been going down the toilet since he was twelve. His worst nightmare was released early from prison, so the girl from his past is back to haunt him. What is he to do? A really awesome book but definitely only for much older teens.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde  [Adult Fiction]

by Wendy, 12th grader

Is it better to grow old and “ugly”, or to stay young and beautiful forever? In the haunting narration of a “Prince” who is truly a beast within, Oscar Wilde explores the themes of vanity, artistic expression, human growth and inner beauty. Recommended for high school age and up.

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson  [YA fiction]

by Meghan, age 12

“Do not put this book down. I’m dead serious- your life could depend on it. I’m risking everything by telling you- but you need to know. -Max”  Her full name is Maximum Ride. She’s 98% human. The other 2%? Bird. Yes, bird. And she can fly. After escaping a horrible “school”, she and the rest of her gang, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, the Gasman, and Angel settled in a small house in the mountains. What is the “School”? It’s a secret facility in Arizona. Scientists, or “whitecoats” as Max calls them, mix human and animal genes to make half animal half human freaks. Max and the gang lived there all their lives- stuck in cages, no parents, and always being tested- that is, until they escaped. Now back in the school, captured by fierce Erasers (half wolf, half human), that’s when Max finds her destiny- she has to save the world.

Good Enough

Good Enough by Paula Yoo [YA Fiction]

by Wendy, 12th grader

The author, Paula Yoo is an incredibly funny person (I had the pleasure of emailing her and she wrote back!). Her character Patti Yoon is a perfect Korean-American honor student slated for the big three: HARVARD/PRINCETON/YALE, but senior year changes everything. With sharp, intelligent and witty observations, Patti learns about what it’s like to be her own person. If readers are looking for trite, sappy teenage romance, then this is not the novel for you. Through recipes, jokes, and even SAT word spoofs, Paula Yoo delivers the truth about growing up, being happy, and moving on.