Fingerprints #1: Gifted Touch

Fingerprints #1: Gifted Touch by Melinda Metz  [YA Fiction- We don't own]

by Aziza, 8th grader

Fingerprints #1: Gifted Touch was a very interesting book. The main character, Ray, finds that she can read thoughts by touching people’s fingerprints. But the question is, WHY??? Could it be linked to her mother’s questionable past and placement in a mental institution? What gave her this mysterious gift? And one day when Ray read a murderous thought directed at herself, WHO is behind all of this madness? Read Fingerprints #1: Gifted Touch to find out!

Lock and Key

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen  [YA Fiction]

by Jessica, 8th grader

Ruby doesn’t want to go live with her sister who abandoned her to her drunk mother, but when her mother disappears, she has to live with her. When she arrives, it’s not as bad as she thinks- she makes friends, goes out with her neighbor and new best friend Nate, and finds out things about her past that makes things better with her sister. Unfortunately, Nate is abused by his father and won’t let Ruby help him. Ruby understands Nate’s position because of her mother and knows he’s better off letting her help him, but Nate keeps shutting her out. If he doesn’t get help soon, his dad may go too far, and Ruby will leave him even though they are in love. What will Nate do? This is an awesome book- read it today!!

The Truth About Forever

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen  [YA Fiction]

by Meghan, 8th grader

In this beautifully crafted novel, a young girl named Macy joins the Wish catering crew. She makes many new friends- including artistic, understanding Wes- and learns how to come out of her shell. In this intriguing story of life and love, Macy starts a whole new life, and falls in love along the way… even if she doesn’t realize it until the end of the story.

by Aziza, 8th grader

As any of Sarah Dessen’s books, The Truth About Forever was a great read! After Macy’s father dies, she feels a little lost in life. But when she finds a new job with friends that make her feel safe and free, will she ever be able to go back to living her “normal” life? The Truth About Forever is a great roller-coaster ride, and once you get off, you’ll be craving another ride.

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.