The Harry Potter Series

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling  [J Fiction]

by Jill, 7th grader

The mythical school Hogwarts just enrolled three new crazy students: Harry, Ron, and Hermione are about to turn this school upside down! These books are some of the best books ever. Quidditch, classes, and so many more exhilarating things take place! Love grows, and people die, but it all comes together in the end somehow. Read these books or you are truly missing out!!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling  [J Fiction]

by Ali, 8th grader

Harry Potter is a boy who has always lived his life in the shadows, never appreciated. But one thing that is hidden in his past will change his life FOREVER!   Harry Potter is a wizard! He has been accepted into The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he will meet two people who will help him overcome a challenge left for him 11 years ago. This EPIC novel will keep you flipping pages furiously.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling  [J Fiction]

by Katherine, 8th grader

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a very interesting book. It is about a magical child named Harry Potter, who is going into his third year at Hogwarts. But a criminal named Sirius Black escaped from Azakaban. Sirius seems to be everywhere- is it safe at Hogwarts?

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

by Jill, 7th grader

The epic conclusion to the thrilling Harry Potter series. Love flies, and death is just a part of life. It’s unexpected, but the ending will keep your heart racing for days!

The 19th Wife

The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff  [Adult Fiction]

by Jeana, 11th grader

Normally, if I heard about a book combining a historical fiction story and a murder mystery, I would be extremely skeptical. But in this book, David Ebershoff pulls it off masterfully, creating likable, relatable characters and two well-paced, intriguing stories. These stories intertwine and connect with one another while still being completely different. Both involve questions of religion, society, relationships, and coming to terms with oneself. I highly recommend this book.

Pretties

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld  [YA Fiction]

by Meghan, 8th grader

Pretties is the second book in the intriguing “Uglies Trilogy” by Scott Westerfeld. I enjoyed this book along with “Uglies”, and am currently reading “Specials”. I highly recommend this trilogy for readers looking for a unique high-tech adventure!

Native Son

Native Son by Richard Wright  [Adult Fiction]

by Jeana, 11th grader

Though definitely not a light or happy read, and a little heavy-handed, this is certainly a compelling and very well-written book. The author’s characterization is fantastic, and the themes are powerful. Richard Wright shows racism and discrimination in a slightly different light, showing the dark effects of oppression and oppressors. It’s an intense book, and once it really starts, it doesn’t stop or slow down until the very end of the book.

Pretty Tough

Pretty Tough by Liz Tigelaar  [YA Fiction]

by Katherine, 7th grade

Pretty Tough is a book about two sisters who are total opposites. Krista is the second most popular girl in school, and obeys her friend Brookes. Then there’s Charlie- a girl who is a surfer, whose best friend abandoned her a couple of years back. The twist is that they both try out for the soccer team- and make it. Is the soccer team big enough for the fighting sisters? I liked this book because it was very interesting and it also was a pretty easy read.

Things Hoped For

Things Hoped For by Andrew Clements  [YA Fiction]

by Ali, 8th grader

Things Hoped For is an intense and suspenseful book about a girl named Gwen who travels all the way from her hometown to New York to fulfill her dream to be a musician. When her grandfather offers Gwen the chance to come study music in New York at one of the best schools in the country, she just can’t refuse. When she is in New York, though, Gwen will meet a guy who has a deep, dark secret that will change her life forever.

Crank

Crank by Ellen Hopkins  [YA Fiction]

by Abby, 8th grader

The Crank series by Ellen Hopkins are very good books. I liked how the books were written in poems, which was a different format for me. The books have a very good concept and I would recommend them for anyone about 13 years old or older.