Monday, October 27, 2008

Daniel X : Alien Hunters by James Patterson




I enjoyed reading this book. The illustrations were very detailed and told a story of their own. Also, the words went perfectly and made for a good read.

Reviewed by Dylan.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.

Seaborn by Craig Moodie




I read the book Seaborn by Craig Moodie. The book follows a young boy and his father as they take a trip on their small family ship, Piper. After the main character, Luke's, mother walks out of the house for good, Luke and his father set out on a trip in their boat. When caught in a storm, Luke finds himself alone on the now damaged boat, wishing that he and his father had gotten along better. Will Luke survive?

I thought this was a pretty good book, except for some of the parts where there were some/many nautical terms.

Reviewed by Colleen, 14.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.

Grimpow by Rafael Abalos



Grimpow is a very intriguing book with mystery, action, melancholy, and alchemy. While I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and give the book an "A", the story could use more action. What I enjoyed about this book is that I felt sealed in the chamber while sand pours from the wall and that I am there with Salieti fighting the ignorant French and Barons' armies. This book is written for people from thirteen to eighteen years of age, and I am definitely going to recommend this book to all of my friends with this advance readers copy!!!!!!!!!!!! :) P.S. (to the author - I think this would be a good book to write a sequel to!)

Reviewed by David, 13.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.

The Comet's Curse: A Galahad Book by Dom Testa



This book was alright. A comet is caught in earth's orbit and the debris landing on earth is found to cause a disease that is thoroughly tormenting mankind. Dr. Zimmer is a renowned scientist who makes a spaceship to house 251 kids that are 16 or younger. Individuals 18 years of age or older are capable of carrying the disease. The lifeboat to carry mankind to a fresh start is impeded by a stranger who threatens all of their lives and the future of mankind. Slow paced but exciting at times. I give this 7 out of 10 stars.

Reviewed by Ethan.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.

Chance Fortune in the Shadow Zone by Shane Berryhill



I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy based book that takes place in a school setting. It is about a group of super powered teens who, while getting transported back to their school, are lost in the shadow zone. The shadow zone is an alternate dimension where the shadow prince reigns supreme, taking members from small gangs and turning them into his army of goons. Fast paced and not for the faint of heart. I give this 9 out of 10 stars.

Reviewed by Ethan.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.

The Mouse Hunter by Alex Milway

I enjoyed this book. It is about a girl who lives in an alternate reality where hundreds of kinds of mice are considered either valuable or disposable. She is a simple mouse keeper who is asked to go on a voyage as one of the crew's mouse keepers. The crew's job is to capture the infamous pirate Mousebeard. The adventure has a sudden and exciting plot twist. I give this 8 out of 10 stars.

Reviewed by Ethan.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.

Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle



Persephone and Penelope Leland are noble girls in 1847. But they aren't your average nobles. They study magic in secret with their mistress, Ally. They are at the age that it is suitable to begin looking for a husband. Penelope is extremely excited about all of the upcoming parties, balls, and other events, but Persephone would much rather stay home and continue her magical studies with Ally. When Ally mysteriously disappears, Penelope and Persephone must uncover what happened and save their mistress before it's too late. That is if they can find time between parties.

I really enjoyed this book. It is action packed and fun, and even if you don't enjoy fantasy books you should try it, because it is not all that involved with things generally associated with fantasy books.

Reviewed by Dorothy.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

If You're Reading This, It's Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch



From the first three lines, this book will have you laughing on the hilarious adventure over the next 350 pages. This is a great book for any age group, and I recommend it to all people with a sense of humor. Two teens, Cass and Max-Ernest, must find a 500 year old man that was created in a jar by a mad scientist on their quest to enter the Terces (secret spelled backwards) Society.

Reviewed by Nick.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.

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This book reminded me very much of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events but, in my opinion, a more developed story line. Bosch has a great story line and actually reveals most of the information in the end, and doesn't leave the reader hanging, unlike Lemony Snicket. This book has such random events; one cannot help laughing or smiling to themselves. Bosch's writing puts an interesting twist on the story that definitely makes reading it worthwhile.

Reviewed by Michael.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Alicia by Lisi Harrison



The Alicia summer book is one of the books in the Clique series except it is based on Alicia. She goes to Spain to visit her cousins and wants to win a spot in a Spanish pop star's music video. When she brakes a sacred statue she has to work at a hotel for the summer. Her wonderfully planned summer turns out very unexpected.

Reviewed by Nicole

Prom Kings and Drama Queens by Dorian Cirrone



Emily in Prom Kings and Drama Queens begins junior year wanting to go to prom with her neighbor and crush Brian and getting the editor-in-chief job at her school newspaper. Emily's priorities change when she takes on an alternative prom and falls for her long time enemy.

Reviewed by Nicole.

Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer




Artemis Fowl does it again! In The Time Paradox, Artemis must save his mother from a deadly illness with a cure that his 10-year old self sold into extinction. Witty and clever as always, Eoin Colfer brings Artemis back to life.

Reviewed by Caroline.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

College Girl by Patricia Weitz



Natalie is a senior at UCONN. She has grown up in a family with five older brothers. No one in the family has gone to college or sees the need. This book portrays state university life in the 1990's, complete with classes, frats, parties, and dorm life from Natalie's perspective. Natalie has a lot of growing up to do as she figures out who she is and where she wants to be. This is a coming of age story that may appeal to older teens getting ready for college, even though it is marketed for adults.

Reviewed by Sue, Reference/YA Librarian
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy. Publication date is 1/09.

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A moving novel about a girl whose relationship takes a turn for the worse after she loses her virginity to Patrick. As the girl, Natalie, tries to deal with a depressed roommate, the struggles of college, her familial problems, and her slowly dying relationship, her life spirals out of control. This novel chronicles her journey through with apt and elegant prose. For older readers.

Reviewed by Caroline.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.

Glamour by Louise Bagshawe



Sally, Jane and Helen have created the most exclusive department store in the world. This book is the story of how they met at an exclusive girl's school in L.A. and how they overcame disasters in their personal lives to succeed in the end. Older teens might be interested in this story of three young women who overcome obstacles to become fabulously wealthy and famous. This book is not marketed to teens, but might be interesting for grades 10 and up.

Reviewed by Sue, Reference/YA Librarian
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy. Publication date is 2/24/09

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This novel was really interesting as it followed the lives of three very different girls. As they grew and dealt with the troubles of life you grew to feel as though you knew them. Learning about them made you want everything to turn out alright, but sadly it didn't always. Even though the end was amazing, it left you wanting more.

There were elements that made it clear it was for high school level and up, but I would recommend it to everyone.

Reviewed by Megan.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent



In 1690 Sarah Carrier of Billerica, MA is 9 years old . By 1692, her world will completely change after her town has been enveloped in what will become known as the Salem Witch Trials. Her mother is accused, tried and hung as a witch. This first person account brings history to life as she tells of her friendships, chores, and travel before the trials begin. Sarah sees her town change as people are accused of witchcraft. While this book is not being marketed for teens, I think it might appeal to teens interested in history that occurred nearby.

Reviewed by Sue, Reference/YA Librarian.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.

Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers


This book followed a misguided teen named Johnny. When he ends up in the hospital after a particularly rough night he gets into a big fight with his mom about his bad habits. She sends him to a rehab building. When he returns, he is a new person; he has given up on drinking and has found a new musical artist, Blondie. After another fight with his mom, he ends up being sent away to his uncle's house. Here he meets an amazing girl by the name of Maria who helps him discover his true self. But when his mother finds out, will he become a free bird, or stay caged?
*Note: This book is not for humans under the age of 14.

Reviewed by Colleen, 14.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.

Creepers by Joanne Dahme



I like the book Creepers. It has a good exposition that catches my attention and the characters are believable/realistic. The plot slowly thickens at a good steady pace as the mystery of the vines and prudence are introduced. Very good read.

Reviewed by Ashley, 14.
Reviewed from an advanced reader copy.