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.