First Boy

First Boy by Gary D. Schmidt

Read by Jesse Berns; An Unbridged Production
 
Summary: After the death of his grandfather, his only guardian, Cooper has all responsibility thrust on him. With no one to help him Cooper must run the dairy farm. Soon a politician comes into town and ask Cooper to be part of his campaign. Cooper has his responsibility at the farm, but the politician seems bound and determined to have Cooper on his campaign, but why?

Personal Review: This was my first time listening to an audio book. I am not going to lie I had a hard time staying focused. I really thought the story was good, and the plot was interesting. I just wish the narrator would have had a more exciting voice.

WARNING: If you have ADD stay away. Boring voice might put you to sleep. 

Bound

Bound by Donna Jo Napoli
Published by Simon Pulse

Summary: Bound is the retelling of the Cinderella story, only in China. Xing Xing's father has died and she must put up with her stepmother and her daughter. She is always talked down to and treated like dirt. Her only happiness is the white carp, that Xing Xing thinks is her mother. When the stepmother kills the carp, Xing Xing recovers the bones and hides them. She then discovers a gown and slippers from her mother. Will Xing Xing find her prince?

Personal Review: This book was so good. I loved this story better than the original Cinderella story. The setting in the China, the binding of the feet, the prince...I loved it all! This book comes highly recommended from me. Read it!

WARNING: Foot binding, evil stepmother

Inexcusable

Inexcusable by Chris Lynch

Published by Ginee Seo Books

Summary: Keir is a highschooler that thinks he is a good guy. Everyone thinks he is the good guy, but is he? Did he really do what Gigi said he did? There is no way he would have done such a thing. Keir goes through his whole senior year, coming up with evidence in his defense of being a good guy. Is Keir really who he thinks he is, or do his actions speak louder than words?

Personal Review: I really enjoyed this book. At first I was too sure about it, but once it got going I could not put it down. I thought the writing was brilliant. I really got into this book.

WARNING: Rape, Language, Drinking and Partying

Love Changes Everything

Love Changes Everything Arlynn Presser
Published by Bantam Books

Summary: Gigi has always dreamed of having Jack Chandler in her life. Ethan has always wanted Gigi, secretly. Gigi is bound and determined to be with Jack. Once they are together it isn't quite like she thought it would be. Gigi must try and deal with the conflicting ideas of love and lust. She has to do some soul searching to find out what she really wants, and what will really make her happy.

Personal Review: This book was interesting. It is the typical story of a girl who falls for the bad guy when there is the good guy right there in front of her. This book was pretty predictable, but it provided me with some laughter.

WARNING: Mushy mushy love story.

Princess Diaries

Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Published by Harper Trophy

Summary: Mia Thermopolis is just an ordinary teen living an ordinary life. She has a huge crush on the hottest guy in school, and she is just trying to pass Algebra. Suddenly her father comes and reveals to her that he isn't just a politician but a prince of a small country, Genovia. Now Mia has to take lessons from her crazy grandma, "Grandmere" on how to be a princess.

Personal Review: I personally loved this book. It was pretty funny. Mia is so comical, and reminds me of myself sometimes. Although this book is really fluffy and girly, it kept me entertained the whole time. I would highly recommend this to all.

WARNING: Mild language, sexual humor

Cherry Ames: Army Nurse

Cherry Ames: Army Nurse by Helen Wells
Published by Springer Publishing Company

 Summary: Cherry Ames is at is again! She is just graduating and now she has a big decision to make. Should she stay home and practice her nursing, or should she enlist in the military. After analyzing every option Cherry enlists in the army without knowing where she will be sent. After some very intense training Cherry is shipped off to Panama City, where many new and wonderful adventures await her!

Personal Review: I am not going to lie, I had a hard time staying focused on this book. It was very humorous, and I know it was not intended to be. It was interesting to read and it made me be more appreciative of the talent writers have today. I would not recommend this book to people with ADD.

WARNING: Exclamation marks!!!!!!!!!!!

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Published by Scholastic Press

Summary: In a place called Panem there are twelve districts. In each of these districts one boy and one girl are chosen to participate in the "Hunger Games." In the games each tribute must fight one another to the death, the last tribute standing wins fame and food. After taking the place of her sister, Katniss becomes one of those tributes. Also from her district is Peeta, the boy who saved her life. A rule change comes into effect and if gives Katniss and Peeta the opportunity to win together, but first they have to survive the games and the others that are after their lives.

Personal Review: My new favorite book!!! Need I say more? This book kept me on the edge of my bed the whole night. I could not put it down. I even cried in this book. The whole night I dreamt of fighting for my life. This book is really intense and everyone should have to read this!

WARNING: Killing, Violence, Graphic images in a mind like mine.

Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Published by Disney-Hyperion

Summary: At age twelve, Artemis is a criminal mastermind. Artemis and his two accomplices in crime deceive a plan to steal the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. They plan to steal one of the fairies and hold her ransom for the pot of gold. Little does he know that the other fairies, dwarfs, and trolls are not going to give up without a fight.

Personal Review: I really enjoyed this book. It had be laughing the whole time. I really loved all of the characters. I especially liked the Butler. I thought this story should be read by everyone. It is a quick read, and full of adventure and fun.

Warning: You might start devising evil plots of your own.

Godless

Godless by Pete Hautman
Published by Simon Pulse

Summary: Jason Bock decides that his parents religion is a bunch of bogus and that he doesn't believe in it. Searching for something to believe in Jason turns to the town water tower and makes it his new god. Jason starts gathering some worshippers and they start their own church. The new god starts out as just something to believe in, but with the new followers and new ideas things start to change. The harmless water tower god, begins to be a dangerous game.

Personal Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. I could really relate to these kids. I could even imagine me coming up with some new religion. (Don't worry I'm not going to.) I thought it was interesting the whole theme of faith in the book. It really made me think about my faith and where it is. I would recommend this book to everyone.

WARNING: Dangerous stunts, and you might question your own faith.

Touching Spirit Bear

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
Published by Harper Trophy

Summary: Cole is a teen with some serious anger problems.After he gets tattled on for a robbery, Cole beats up the kid that told, Peter. He gets the option of going to prison or the Native American Circle Justice. Not wanting to go to prison, Cole chooses the Native American Circle Justice. Cole finds out that he will be spending a year in isolation on an island in Alaska. Cole is determined to show up all those that "don't care" about him. A few days into his stay he is attacked by a bear and almost dies. The near death experience gives Cole the desire to live and to change his life.

Personal Review: I thought this book was very good. I was so mad at this kid and I just wanted him to get what he deserved. I found that after he got attacked by the bear I kind of felt sorry for him. As I watched him make a total change of heart I was so happy. I thought this was an excellent book. I would highly recommend this book! I especially think that young adult boys would find interest in this book.

WARNING: Violence

Bird

Bird by Angela Johnson

Published by Puffin

Summary: This is the story of three young teens; Bird, Jay and Ethan. Bird starts out leaving her home in search of her dad. Someone her life gets tangled up with Jay and Ethan. Jay and Ethan are also connected in a weird way. It is the story of their journey to come to turns with the ghosts in their lives.

Personal Review: This book had the most beautiful language! I loved reading it. It felt like one huge poem. I loved how all the characters lives were interwoven in such interesting ways. I really liked how I was able to journey with the characters as they were able to learn from each other and to grow on their own.

WARNING: You might fall into the story, with no way out!

War Is...

War Is… by Marc Aronson and Patty Campbell

 Published by Candlewick

Summary: This is a compilation of essays, newspapers, plays, and interviews of soldiers and their opinions on war. It ranges from people who are totally against war, to those men and women who plead for our support and prayers. There are also warnings to those who want to join up.

Personal Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. At first it was hard to get into, but once I got going I really liked it. I liked how there were different views of war. It really touched me the letters from the troops and their feelings towards war and what goes on. It was also interesting to read about the lives of women in war.

WARNING: Cussing. War scenes. Violence.

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief by Rick

Published by Miramax

Summary: Percy Jackson is a boy with ADD and dyslexia, and is always getting in trouble in school. He finds out that he is a demigod, son of Poseidon. He must go on a journey to find Zeus’s lightning bolt that has been stolen. He faces many monsters and troubles. The story is Percy’s journey to try and find who he is while trying to please his God father.

Personal Review: Being as I love Greek mythology I had to read this book. I was not disappointed! I loved the book. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books. I love that Rick Riordan took a boy with ADD and dyslexia and turned him into a hero. I would recommend this to young adults and adults!

WARNING: Violence. Addicting book!

Disreputable History of Frankie-Landau Banks

Disreputable History of Frankie-Landau Banks by E. Lockhart

Published by Hyperion Book

Summary: Frankie is the main character in this story. She is sent to this school, the same school her father went to. She grew up on his stories of the school and his secret club. She is very interested in this club. She starts dating a member of the club and she starts picking up hints about the club. Since it is a boy’s only club she isn’t allowed into it and be a part of the secret society. The story is about Frankie and her trying to live up to her father’s expectations while trying to find the secrets of the society.

Personal Review: This is another one of my favorite books. I really enjoyed this book. Frankie is one of my all time heroes. I love how she takes charge of her own destiny and does what she wants and breaks all barriers. It is also very funny, and I laughed throughout the whole book.

WARNING: Sensuality. Partying.

Keturah and Lord Death

Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt

Published by Front Street

Summary: Keturah gets lost in the forest and comes face to face with Death. She makes a deal with death that if she can find her true love by the next day he will let her live. She goes on a journey to find her true love and if she doesn’t she will have to marry Death. It is a story of love, journey, inspiration and Death.

Personal Review: This is one of my very favorite books! I love it! Obviously I would recommend it to everyone. It is a quick read, and the ending will totally take you by surprise. I don’t cry in a lot of books and I cried like a baby at the end of this book. I really enjoyed this book, every single page!

WARNING: You might fall in love with Death.

Along for the Ride

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Published by Viking Juvenile 

Summary: This is a story about a young girl that is confused after her parents divorce. She decides to go visit her dad and her stepmother at their beach house with their new baby. She ends up taking a job from her stepmother, and there she learns more about herself. Having not been able to sleep since she was young her nightlife becomes a journey with her new friend Eli. Will she change during or the summer or stay the same boring person she was when she came to the town.

Personal Review: I really liked this book.  I liked how she grew and changed throughout the book. I really liked how I was able to be drawn into the story and follow her on her journey to becoming a better person. I would recommend this story to every young adult.

WARNING: Sensuality. Minor cussing. Partying.

La Linea

La Linea by Anna Jarmillo

Published by Square Fish

Summary: This book is about two Mexican teens that are trying to cross the border into America. It takes you through their lives and the hardships that they have to face to make it to the country where their parents are. They are also going because they see their dreams across the border. Will they be able to make it across the border?

Personal Review: I really liked this book. At first it was hard for me to get into, but once I did I was hooked. It gave me a totally new perspective on their life and what they go through to get here. It really made me think. I loved this book and I think everyone should read it.

WARNING: Dead people. People run over by trains.

Splendor

Splendor by Anna Godbersen

Harper Books

**Spoiler Alert**

Summary: This is the last book in the Luxe  series. It is still written from the five main character’s perspectives. By this time Elizabeth is married and about to have a baby. She is finds out new things about her first husband. Diana and Henry unite in Cuba, but are sent home and have to figure out to try and be together. Penelope’s eye is now set on a prince. Carolina is in love with Leland and awaits a proposal. How will the story end?

Personal Review: I loved this book!!! I was so happy to see how it finally all worked out. I was a bit sad to have to leave these characters. This is one of my favorite series. It was way entertaining and it kept me guessing the whole time. I was totally surprised by the ending, but I loved it!

WARNING: More scandalous affairs. Smoking and drinking. Tons of drama.

Rumors

Rumors by Anna Godberson 

Harper Books

 

**Spoiler Alert**

Summary: The drama continues in the sequel to The Luxe. The story still transitions between the five different perspectives. Elizabeth dies leaving Penelope to try and catch Henry. Diana is still trying to get Henry and try to uphold the family name. Henry is trying to find a way to be with Diana, while avoiding Penelope’s advances. Lina is finding that money can bring happiness.

Personal Review: I really love this book. As the sequel it answered questions from the last book and posed new questions that kept me waiting in anticipation for the third book. Again the writing takes you to another place and time. The drama is intense and it keeps you drawn in. I would recommend this book to everyone!!

WARNING: More drama. More scandalous affairs. Occasional smoking and drinking.

The Luxe

The Luxe by Anna Godberson

Published by Harper Books

Summary: The book is set in New York 1900’s. It is full of long, elaborate, fancy dresses. In a time when beautiful women, handsome men, huge houses, balls and gossip reigned supreme. The story is told from five different perspectives; Elizabeth, Diana, Carolina, Penelope and Henry. All of their stories are intertwined in a huge mess. In this, the first book, the mess is just beginning. Carolina is a maid to Elizabeth and is fired by her. Elizabeth gets engaged to Henry, who is Penelope’s man. Penelope is the supposed best friend of Elizabeth. Diana is Elizabeth’s sister who is secretly in love with Henry.

Personal Review: This book is full of drama! It will keep you guessing until the very end. I personally loved this book. I could not put it down and it kept me wanting more. The writing is so beautiful and descriptive. I felt like I myself was taken away into a different world. I really enjoyed this book. The drama is around every corner, while not being too overhearing. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

WARNING: A lot of drama. Scandalous affairs. Occasional smoking and drinking.

Cleopatra VII

Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile

Kristiana Gregory; Scolastic

Summary: This is the fictional story of Cleopatra. At twelve years old Cleopatra "writes" this story in her own hand. She starts and twelve and explains all the trials she has to go through throughout her life. She describes her everyday life as a royal daughter and all the duties and tasks she is expected to perform. As her life progresses she must deal with more important things...men. She takes the reader with her on her journey through her entire life.

Personal Review: Personally I have always been a great fan of Cleopatra. I really liked this book because it is a very factual book. I always liked the way it was written from her voice, which added a very nice touch. I liked the fact that is was very descriptive while still covering so much material. I really liked this book, and I would recommend it to any person who wanted to learn while they enjoyed their reading experience.

WARNING: It is a tween book!

An Abundance of Katherines

An Abundance of Katherines
John Green; Penguin Group

Summary: After Colin, a child prodigy, is dumped by his nineteenth Katherine, and doesn't know what to do next in life. Nineteen Katherines later Colin sets out on a journey with his best friend to find some meaning in his life. They end up in a little town in Tennessee, living with Lindsey Lee Wells and her mother Hollis. Will Colin find that Eureka moment he has been searching for?

Personal Review: This book was such a fun read. I laughed throughout the whole book. I found it very clever how John Green wrote the book. I really liked how he would add little explanations at the bottom of the pages. I also liked at the end of the book how he had explanations of the previous diagrams and phrases in the book. This book kept me laughing, and it was very clever.

WARNING: Language

Speak

Speak
Laurie Halse Anderson;Puffin Publication

Summary: Melinda is a high school student that has refused to speak. There is something that has happened in here life that causes her to lose all of her friends. She wanders through school wondering what she is doing and why this major event happened to her. She finds an outlet through art, which really helps her express herself in a way other than words. Further into the book it is revealed that Melinda broke up a party and called the cops, which results in her losing her whole social life. Will she ever get a chance to speak the truth and be heard?

Personal Review: I found this book to be very cleverly written. I liked how the important events of the story are slowly revealed, which keeps you wanting more. I did not want to put this book down in fear that I might miss something important. I could also feel the pain and heartache of Melinda as she goes through life wondering and pondering for help and someone to talk to and truly listen to her. I really liked this book and would recommend it to everyone!

WARNING: Mild language, rape

Living Dead Girl

Living Dead Girl
Elizabeth Scott;Simon Pulse

Summary: Alice is a fifteen year old girl who was stolen by Ray at age ten. After five years of trying to keep her little she is beginning to become to old. She has grown to much, gained too much weight and it is time to move on to a younger girl. Alice's job is to find another "Alice." She knows that after she find this other "Alice" she will be killed, but being dead is much better than being with Ray. She has to decide which little girl will be the best "Alice." Does she really want to have another girl take her place? Does she want another girl to suffer as she has suffered?

Personal Review: Although this book is somewhat disturbing and creepy I really liked it. It deals with some very interesting issues. This is another one of those books that just kept me reading until the very last page. I did not put this book down for one single moment. The way Alice narrates the story and talks about what she used to be and what she has become is chilling. I really liked this book, and I would highly recommend it to many; however, I do think that it should be recommended to a more mature audience.

WARNING: Rape, mild language, sensitive sexual material, drugs, violence

After the First Death

After the First Death

Robert Cormier; Puffin Modern Classics

Summary: A school bus full of little children is hijacked and taken hostage to an old abandoned bridge. This is Miro's first mission, to kill someone. The bus driver is his target, but it isn't the man he thought and prepared to kill. Artkin is the ring leader. He makes the orders and expects Miro to follow them to exactness. As the situation escalates a general volunteers his son, Ben to be the innocent go-between. The stakes are high, and the danger even higher.

Personal Review: This book kept me on my toes from beginning to end! I loved it. There were somethings I thought I had all figured out, boy was I wrong. This book keeps you entertained the whole entire time. It is definitely a page turner, I could not put it down. It has depth and substance that I could hardly keep track of. It is a book that begs to be read again and again.

WARNING: Mild language, killing, drugs, torture

Split Image

Split Image

Mel Glenn; HarperTeen

Summary: Laura Li is an immigrant from China. The whole book is in poems and each poem is from a different person somehow involved in Laura Li's life. It goes through the challenges she faces trying to fit in in America. She becomes an assistant to the librarian and gains many friends and some enemies from her position. She is judged by so many and it comes to the point where she cannot take it anymore.

Personal Review: I found this book to be very interesting. It was not one of my favorites, but it was good in a different sense. First of all this is a book I would have never read, but after reading it I feel like I have learned a different perspective of life. It really opened my eyes to a larger more diverse world.

WARNING: Mild language, teen parties, drugs

13 Reasons Why

13 Reasons Why

Jay Asher; Razorbill

Summary: Out of nowhere Clay Jensen receives a set of tapes, tapes from Hannah Baker. Hannah Baker, the girl who he recently fell in love with, the girl who just killed herself. In the tapes Hannah gives the thirteen reasons why she killed herself. For each reason there is a person that someone effected her life. Clay is confused at to why he is on the tapes. He has to listen through all of the tapes to figure out what part he plays in her story and to figure out who the tapes go to next.

Personal Review: I found this book to be a huge page turner. I could not put it down. I actually read this book in one sitting. I was bound and determined to figure out how and why each person fit into the whole scheme of things.

WARNING: I would not recommend this book to everyone. It touches on very sensitive subjects. There is also language.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Jeff Kinney; Amulet Books

Summary: This is a story of middle schooler, Greg Heffley. The story takes place out of his diary. He takes the reader through all of his adventures during middle school. The reader is allowed into his very mind, and life. He takes the reader through his year of ups and downs and heaven forbid...the cheese touch!!

Personal Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was completely hilarious. It took me back to middle school and there were so many things that I could totally relate to. Greg is the most hilarious middle schooler I have ever encountered. The whole book is nonstop comedy. Every person, in middle school or not, should read this book!

WARNING: You might pee your pants!

Stop Pretending

Stop Pretending:What Happened Why My Big Sister Went Crazy

Sonya Sones; HarperTeen

Summary: This is a story about a 13- year old girl who has to deal with her sister going crazy. The book is in all poems. In these poems she describes how she copes with her sister changing and the results of her family changing also. The poems describe her life and how she has to deal with her sister going crazy, yet still loving and accepting her as her sister.

Personal Review: I really liked the way this book was written. I liked how it was written in poems. It was really precise, yet very deep at the same time. Reading this book really gives an insight into her life and how she has to deal with those challenges. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

WARNING: Minor anger tantrums

Wicked Lovely

Wicked Lovely

Melissa Marr; HarperTeen

Summary: A young girl that can see fairies is suddenly being followed by them. She as always been able to see them, but they have never followed her. She has finally got things going good for her. Her best friend is slowing becoming her best friend and she couldn't be happier. Suddenly she finds herself being pursued by the fairy king. He tells her that they must fall in love and she must take an oath to be the fairy queen or all the fairies will die and their world will cease to exist. Can she leave her new life behind and give up her new found love, or will she sacrifice all she has to save a world she has been trying to avoid all her life?

Personal Review: I really liked this book. I found that it was very realistic and could easily be applied to making real life decisions. The whole interweaving of the fairy world with the real world was really intriguing. I found the story as a whole to be very entertaining. I found myself wanting more and more. I am looking forward to the next book!

WARNING: Contains some mild language.