BHS is a YALSA Library this year! The students of the Book Club are reading Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) of books before they are available for sale! Then OUR students will review these books and help select the top 10 Young Adult Books of the year! We are one of 15 clubs in the country and the ONLY high school in Illinois reviewing for YALSA!
I Love My Librarians!!!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Lovi's Classes Make Their Recommendations!
What do you think of these books!
For some tips on GREAT books to read, checkout the books that Ms. Lovi's classes are recommending!
Simply click on "comment" and then give us your feedback!
11 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Adventure, Betrayal, Action, and Wars, these and many more elements are what may be found in the book, People of Sparks. In the Book, The People of Sparks, we meet up with our old characters from the City of Ember, Lina and Doon. Lina is a 26 yr old girl, with the brains of a 30 yr old. She has an amazing instinct for defining the right action to take from the wrong action to take, most of the time. We also join one of my favorite characters from the first book, Doon. Doon is a 15 year old boy who loves to explore the boundaries of his mind, and everyday he finds a way to expand those boundaries. Apart from Lina and Doon, the author also introduces 2 new characters to the book; we meet Torren, who is a young 10 year old boy that often keeps to himself most of the time. He is always trying to not be noticed. Another character that we bump into is Tick. Now Nick is a special fella, He is the person that thinks he is the king of the world, and he is always right, no matter what. He also hates when other human beings get more attention than him; then again, he also likes to see anybody get into arguments, which later will result in a fight. We Kick off the story of The People of the sparks when the City of ember, Also known as Emberites, come up from underground, and walk their way on ground they had never seen before, since they had never lived on actual ground level. The city of Ember had lived Underground for centuries, so this is a huge step for them, it’s a whole new ballgame. When the City of Ember finally bumped in to a city, they meet the City of Sparks. After a while talking to each other, the City of Sparks let The city of Ember stay in their city for about 6 weeks, or until the City of Ember can manage to live on their own above ground. Though at first, the City of Sparks believed that the City of Ember actually came from underground, doubt began to spread through the city about if in fact it is possible to live underground. Meanwhile, Tick managed to take advantage of this doubt, and decided to have some fun. He managed to spread the word to the city of sparks that the Emberites were just here to get free food and shelter. While at the same time, he went to the Emberites and told them that the city Of Sparks were spreading horrible rumors about them, therefore gaining their trust. After a while he managed to make both cities start getting verbally violence, which led to extreme violence. All of this was going on while Tick watched as his master plan went on, and he will not stop until he is completely satisfied. Jeanne Duprau, the author, managed to integrate adventure and excitement, while still being able to keep the book simple and easy to read. In every page, the reader will enjoy the easiness and the fun they will have reading a great adventure book The people of Sparks. I felt as though the author made me feel that I was actually in the book, without adding so much description in the pages. I read the book, and I enjoyed every moment of it. I believe that the book, The people of Sparks, Is a book that anybody should read. It integrates fun and adventure, with action and wars. You will see what the characters will see and feel what they feel. Anytime you feel like reading and don’t know what to read, pick up the exciting book of People of Sparks.
Jodi Picoult has written many young adult novels that have made an impression of how life can be while growing up. The Tenth Circle is a journey that can happen to any ordinary teenage girl. In this case, it was fifteen-year-old Trixie Stone, who lives in Boston. She is dating and in love with her first high school boyfriend, Jason. Trixie is very close to her father, Daniel Stone, but as she grows up, they also grow apart. Trixe and Jason break up and everything starts to go downhill from there. She is devastated by the break up and begins to physically harm herself with pieces of glass and shattered mirrors. In an act to attempt to make Jason jealous, a tragedy occurs that scars Trixie for life. Picoult’s way of writing The Tenth Circle is unique and unlike the way many writers write today. All throughout the book, it is written from 2 view points but both are entirely in third person. One point of view is focused on the feelings and actions of Trixie while the other is focused on the feelings and actions of Daniel. Although, there are very few chapters that consist of many pages. The novel is full of description so the reader can imagine what is going on in the story. Reading this novel can and will change your thoughts on teenage life and make you aware of what can happen in a bad situation. All people should read this book because it involves a life changing experience. Also, it will help you realize what the good decisions are in many situations.
Charles Barkley has written another book on race which in his mind “race is the biggest cancer of all time”. In Who’s Afraid of a Large Black Man?, Charles Barkley talks to other people about their feelings on racist issues. He interviews people such as Barack Obama, Tiger Woods, Samuel L. Jackson and Ice Cube and many more. You hear people’s views like Tiger Woods who come from more than one race. Ice Cube says, “So it was black people on it first, then people who were into hip-hop, black, Latino music, and then the white kids got a hold of it.” Charles divides each chapter into a new person, and the persons view on the category of the racism. Each person’s chapter includes their life story and how they have been affected by race issues and what they have accomplished in a lifetime. I laughed numerous times while reading this book too, while most people made jokes. I learned that Tiger Woods got beat up and called numerous times the “N” word his first day of school. The overall impact this has had on me is the outlook I now have on African Americans. This book will put a smile on everyone who reads it. This had deeply changed my output on the world. This book is extremely marvelous. Everyone should read this book. I recommend it to all races, all ages and everyone who just wants to read a good book. For anyone who is struggling with racist problems they need to read this book. I definitely recommend it especially to my dad and any adults who read before they go to bed so they dream of life with out color.
Charles Barkley has written another book on race which in his mind “race is the biggest cancer of all time”. In Who’s Afraid of a Large Black Man?, Charles Barkley talks to other people about their feelings on racist issues. He interviews people such as Barack Obama, Tiger Woods, Samuel L. Jackson and Ice Cube and many more. You hear people’s views like Tiger Woods who come from more than one race. Ice Cube says, “So it was black people on it first, then people who were into hip-hop, black, Latino music, and then the white kids got a hold of it.” Charles divides each chapter into a new person, and the persons view on the category of the racism. Each person’s chapter includes their life story and how they have been affected by race issues and what they have accomplished in a lifetime. I laughed numerous times while reading this book too, while most people made jokes. I learned that Tiger Woods got beat up and called numerous times the “N” word his first day of school. The overall impact this has had on me is the outlook I now have on African Americans. This book will put a smile on everyone who reads it. This had deeply changed my output on the world. This book is extremely marvelous. Everyone should read this book. I recommend it to all races, all ages and everyone who just wants to read a good book. For anyone who is struggling with racist problems they need to read this book. I definitely recommend it especially to my dad and any adults who read before they go to bed so they dream of life with out color.
“I will call people different names or generic names because I don’t want you to find me. I didn’t enclose a return address for the same reason. I mean nothing bad by this.” 15 year old freshman, Charlie, takes you inside his world in the novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. This is the first book written by Stephen Chbosky. Charlie is a boy who is confused with life and feels alone in the small town he lives in. He writes anonymous letters to a mysterious person whom he doesn’t want to figure out who he is. It isn’t until Charlie’s English teacher, Bill, tells him to participate more when he meets Sam and Patrick; a pair of step siblings who takes Charlie to a world outside his own. They help him come to terms with life and be a more outgoing person. Throughout the story, Charlie learns a lot about himself, dealing with love, alienation, depression and mental instability. At the ending of this book he feels changed in many ways and does one important thing; stops writing letters to that unidentified person. An interesting aspect of Chbosky’s novel is that it’s written in journal form. Since the writer of the journal is a 15 year old boy, you actually feel as if the entry is addressed to you personally. You feel more connected to the book which makes you want to be a part of it longer. Chbosky intentionally does this to make the story more intriguing and exciting. His writing definitely made me feel as if the entries were to me. I felt a personal connection to what I was reading. My overall satisfaction of this book would be 10 out of 10. I enjoyed it from beginning till the end. I like how realistic the characters are and how much I feel like I know them. I can honestly say that this book’s only flaw is that it doesn’t have a sequel. I would recommend this book to teenagers around the ages 14 to 19. I’m sure that during a teen’s life they are faced with love, loss, drugs and trying to figure out who they are; the aspects that are focused on in this novel. Younger teens will feel connected while older teens will feel memories. Katie H
Captivating, exciting, and motivating are the only words one could use to describe 1776. David McCullough's 1776 is a book where history and imagination combine, and as a bi-product,... history comes alive. This book will ignite a primal need for patriotism and inspiration for nobility. George Washington a simple Virginia planter and recently elected commander and chief is tasked with defeating the British with make-shift armies and inexperienced generals. From his lack of gun-powder to lack of soldiers this captivating novel depicts the challenges that faced patriots and loyalist alike. As General Washington marches his armies to the front lines he realizes what dire peril the Americans are in and fights to defend his neighbors, his countrymen, his Americans. This novel which takes place primarily in Boston, Massachusetts will take a hold of the minds of youngsters to professors of history alike. Nobody can resist the story of our first commander and chief and his soldiers many of whom paid the ultimate price in pursuit of liberty. David McCullough is one of the great authors of our time. He has a way of combining historical fact, quotes, descriptions, and common sense that creates an amazing novel out of a history textbook. His character descriptions are arguably the best of any author and allow any reader's imagination to picture the characters and the setting allowing this novel to be as seductive as it is accurate. In my personal opinion his writings while long and descriptive, in the end benefit the reader and for this achievement I applaud him. But while this is a marvelous read it is not for those who do not read carefully. Those who read carefully can distinguish the faint plot of this novel. But this plot is not bad, on the contrary it is excellent, but for readers who would like a quick read, this book I would not recommend. So for those who enjoy a captivating, exciting, and motivating book this one should be paramount on your reading list. -Evan B. 7th period.
The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult is a depressing story that leaves a benefiting impact that emphasizes the difference between a good and bad moral. The novel is about a teenage girl named Trixie who struggles to fit in at her first year in high school. It is a common difficultie which every freshman faces; but the thing that makes her different from everybody else is that she is a rape victim. It all started when her boyfriend named Jason broke up with her. She went to some extreme measures to get him back. But it all turned out to be a complete nightmare. The boy she thought she loved soon became an unbearable face to glaze upon. Just as her recovery began to become more successful, a tragedy happens. This causes Trixie to leave her home in Bethel, Maine and escape to Alaska to live among the Yup’ik people. Picoult is the narrator of this novel. She did a very nice job leaving suspense with the reader. “Her hands were knotted together between them, like a heart that had broken its bounds. ‘Daddy’ she whispered. ‘He raped me’.” After an exciting but suspenseful line like this one, Picoult started a new chapter to leave the reader wanting to read more. It certainly worked for me. However, I feel that she could have added more to the story at the end so it felt more completed. Overall, her writing technique was magnificent. I highly recommend the book The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult for readers who love to read a good mystery book. One who likes suspense and likes books that can not be put down until it is finished. I believe everyone should read this book because it will change the way you think about life. It defiantly grasps the theme of just be yourself and no one else because you can not change who you are inside. -Emily T. 7th period
Kate Thompson has written a novel for our generation of teenagers, its truly a masterpiece of mystery novels that will leave you wondering all the way till the end. The Last of the High Kings is a mix of mystery, suspense, thriller and most of all the bond between a family. Jenny is a kind but yet adventurous eleven year old girl who embarks on the adventure of a life time. Everyday when the bus drops her off at school she runs off somewhere else. But one day she goes up to the top of a mountain to check out this place called the beacon. Its there where she encounters the ghost who has guarded it for the last 600 years. But what really seems weird is that is lookout is actually a goat. But when archeologists start digging and excavating the beacon the ghost gets upset and will do whatever it takes to guard it. But will he be able to stop them from excavating the beacon before its to late. Kate’s expository is created by the love between family and friends and the true insensitivity of humans as a whole. In The Last of the High Kings Kate demonstrates a mix between old times and today’s day and age and blends it together well with a plethora of twists and turns along the way. This book will make the reader feel sure of what’s going to happen then completely shock you with something you didn’t see coming. This book is a must reader for anyone who likes a good adventurous thriller. If you have to chose anything to read, this is the book to chose. AlexI 7th hr.
Book review The Glass Castle The Glass Castle written by Jeannette Walls is an outstanding novel; this memoir of her life is unbelievable. She begins the novel at age three when she was nearly burned alive and continues on until she is around thirty. Jeannette has always had a tough life; her family has always been on the run from tax collectors because their dad can not keep a job to pay for the bills or food. Sometimes she did not have a home to go to and would sleep under the stars in the desert. But sometimes they were lucky enough to stay in some houses for a while, her house in battle mountain, Phoenix, and their house in Welch’s, Virginia. Her house in Battle Mountain was a rented house that they lived in for a year and eventually they had to leave it because of an accident. The Phoenix house was very elegant and big, her mom inherited it from her rich grandmother who died, but they left that house to because they ran out of money. In Welch’s they lived with their other grandmother who was terrible and harassed them, until they bought there own run down house and lived there for eight terrible years. But when ever they did end up staying in a home for a while the first months were alright, until there dad starts drinking and they would not have any money. So they move on and start all over again. But Jeannette, Brian, Lori, and Maureen lived life without restrictions because their mom is a carefree spirit and does not believe in punishments, but she also acts like a child and sometimes they would have to care for themselves. Their dad likes to live life on the edge but he is also a drunk and would sometimes be gone for days, then show up for some more money. Lori (Jeannette’s older sister) like her mother was very into art and sculpting. Brian (Jeannette’s younger brother) is very caring and loves to go on adventures with Jeannette. Maureen (Jeannette’s younger sister) was not really around a lot of the times, she would usually go to friend’s houses to get a good meal and descent nights sleep. Eventually all the kids had to find a way to take care of themselves since their parents would not. Jeanette walls write this novel in a very intriguing way, she writes it in a page turning style. She makes her life sound so on the edge that you can not put it down because it is so captivating. For example she begins of telling her life story by writing that she was burned alive, and that when she was ten years old she pet a Cheetah. Although her childhood is so tragic she writes about the good things. When her parents do not take care of Jeannette she never wrote about how much she hated them, instead she wrote about how much she loved them. This book will want to keep you reading more and I recommend it to readers who like tragic tales with a happy ending. Jeannette’s childhood is unbelievable, some of her memories are sad and heartbreaking, and the others are very happy memories. But it ends in the same fairy tale style, with a happy ever after. Emily. C 8th period
Bottled Up By:Jaye Murray Could the idea of sitting on the other side of the principal’s desk watching him pick up the phone and dial your alcoholic father’s phone number to tell him you are being expelled, be imaginable to you? The book Bottled Up by Jaye Murray allows readers to be put into this position. She writes about a teenage boy who struggles through drug and alcohol abuse. This story takes place in what seems to be a normal suburban town. Inside the town there is an old cemetery and a deli in which, Pip, the main character smokes his marijuana. Mr. Giraldi, Pip’s principle gives Pip a choice to deal with his abuse problems. He tells Pip that he has to attend all of his classes and go to a counselor as many times as she requests. If he does not he will be forced to face the grueling wrath of his father under the influence of alcohol and Pip says that he will get beaten. Pip attempts to break his temptations to spare his life and to become a decent role model for his annoying little brother, bugs. If he can not change he will have to listen to an interesting phone call by his principle to his father. In this story by Jaye Murray, there is an interesting writing style. She writes with a descriptive attitude. However, she uses slang words in which a language that adult and teenage audiences can relate to. She also cuts into her book at certain times to include personal thoughts of Pip that relate to the situation he is currently in at the that moment in time. Murray is a very well thought out writer that uses extravagant words that complement the slang and rude words that she uses for conversation between the characters. It is recommended to read this book if you are a reader who likes internal and external conflicts between a main character. Also, if you like to read books that are inspirational and contain people over coming major obstacles then Bottled Up is a great book to read and enjoy. Erik K. 8th period
Bone Chiller “Don’t look for it on a map. This place is son small it doesn’t even get a dot.” This place is called Harvest Cove and it is in the up most part of Canada. Harvest Cove is the setting of the book Bone Chiller by Graham Mcnamee. In this book, Danny, the main character is running from his past. His mom died from cancer and he is trying to erase the bad memories. He lives on the marina with his dad who also is having trouble with the memories of his wife especially because it is around Christmas time. Danny later realizes that he cant escape his bad memories but also he has ran into to a invincible beast that has been around for over 1000 years. The only person ever to get away from this beast was by running. With the help of Danny’s friends can: Pike, a nut head driven on explosives, Howie, Pikes brother who is scared of everything, and Ash, a native American who never backs down from anything, kill the unkillable. I thought the book was good but not great. I enjoyed that the characters actually acted like kids our age. This book is definitely worth ready and will make you think if running from something you don’t like is the right option. The writing style contained a lot of action through out the book. There was very few boring points, even the beginning was interesting. The writing style also contained a lot of dialogue which was good because it gave the characters there personality. I walked away with the impression that the book ended too fast. There where a lot of unanswered questions that I think would have made the book better. I would recommend this book to people who like a lot of action and suspense. Also to people who are around my age. Again, this book is worth reading and once you start reading you get hooked and cant stop. Ryan E 8th period
11 comments:
Adventure, Betrayal, Action, and Wars, these and many more elements are what may be found in the book, People of Sparks. In the Book, The People of Sparks, we meet up with our old characters from the City of Ember, Lina and Doon. Lina is a 26 yr old girl, with the brains of a 30 yr old. She has an amazing instinct for defining the right action to take from the wrong action to take, most of the time. We also join one of my favorite characters from the first book, Doon. Doon is a 15 year old boy who loves to explore the boundaries of his mind, and everyday he finds a way to expand those boundaries. Apart from Lina and Doon, the author also introduces 2 new characters to the book; we meet Torren, who is a young 10 year old boy that often keeps to himself most of the time. He is always trying to not be noticed. Another character that we bump into is Tick. Now Nick is a special fella, He is the person that thinks he is the king of the world, and he is always right, no matter what. He also hates when other human beings get more attention than him; then again, he also likes to see anybody get into arguments, which later will result in a fight. We Kick off the story of The People of the sparks when the City of ember, Also known as Emberites, come up from underground, and walk their way on ground they had never seen before, since they had never lived on actual ground level. The city of Ember had lived Underground for centuries, so this is a huge step for them, it’s a whole new ballgame. When the City of Ember finally bumped in to a city, they meet the City of Sparks. After a while talking to each other, the City of Sparks let The city of Ember stay in their city for about 6 weeks, or until the City of Ember can manage to live on their own above ground. Though at first, the City of Sparks believed that the City of Ember actually came from underground, doubt began to spread through the city about if in fact it is possible to live underground. Meanwhile, Tick managed to take advantage of this doubt, and decided to have some fun. He managed to spread the word to the city of sparks that the Emberites were just here to get free food and shelter. While at the same time, he went to the Emberites and told them that the city Of Sparks were spreading horrible rumors about them, therefore gaining their trust. After a while he managed to make both cities start getting verbally violence, which led to extreme violence. All of this was going on while Tick watched as his master plan went on, and he will not stop until he is completely satisfied.
Jeanne Duprau, the author, managed to integrate adventure and excitement, while still being able to keep the book simple and easy to read. In every page, the reader will enjoy the easiness and the fun they will have reading a great adventure book The people of Sparks. I felt as though the author made me feel that I was actually in the book, without adding so much description in the pages. I read the book, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
I believe that the book, The people of Sparks, Is a book that anybody should read. It integrates fun and adventure, with action and wars. You will see what the characters will see and feel what they feel. Anytime you feel like reading and don’t know what to read, pick up the exciting book of People of Sparks.
Alex N. 6th period
Jodi Picoult has written many young adult novels that have made an impression of how life can be while growing up. The Tenth Circle is a journey that can happen to any ordinary teenage girl. In this case, it was fifteen-year-old Trixie Stone, who lives in Boston. She is dating and in love with her first high school boyfriend, Jason. Trixie is very close to her father, Daniel Stone, but as she grows up, they also grow apart. Trixe and Jason break up and everything starts to go downhill from there. She is devastated by the break up and begins to physically harm herself with pieces of glass and shattered mirrors. In an act to attempt to make Jason jealous, a tragedy occurs that scars Trixie for life.
Picoult’s way of writing The Tenth Circle is unique and unlike the way many writers write today. All throughout the book, it is written from 2 view points but both are entirely in third person. One point of view is focused on the feelings and actions of Trixie while the other is focused on the feelings and actions of Daniel. Although, there are very few chapters that consist of many pages. The novel is full of description so the reader can imagine what is going on in the story. Reading this novel can and will change your thoughts on teenage life and make you aware of what can happen in a bad situation.
All people should read this book because it involves a life changing experience. Also, it will help you realize what the good decisions are in many situations.
Kelsey K
6th Period
Who’s Afraid of a Large Black Man?
Charles Barkley has written another book on race which in his mind “race is the biggest cancer of all time”. In Who’s Afraid of a Large Black Man?, Charles Barkley talks to other people about their feelings on racist issues. He interviews people such as Barack Obama, Tiger Woods, Samuel L. Jackson and Ice Cube and many more. You hear people’s views like Tiger Woods who come from more than one race. Ice Cube says, “So it was black people on it first, then people who were into hip-hop, black, Latino music, and then the white kids got a hold of it.”
Charles divides each chapter into a new person, and the persons view on the category of the racism. Each person’s chapter includes their life story and how they have been affected by race issues and what they have accomplished in a lifetime. I laughed numerous times while reading this book too, while most people made jokes. I learned that Tiger Woods got beat up and called numerous times the “N” word his first day of school. The overall impact this has had on me is the outlook I now have on African Americans. This book will put a smile on everyone who reads it. This had deeply changed my output on the world. This book is extremely marvelous.
Everyone should read this book. I recommend it to all races, all ages and everyone who just wants to read a good book. For anyone who is struggling with racist problems they need to read this book. I definitely recommend it especially to my dad and any adults who read before they go to bed so they dream of life with out color.
-Sam H
Who’s Afraid of a Large Black Man?
Charles Barkley has written another book on race which in his mind “race is the biggest cancer of all time”. In Who’s Afraid of a Large Black Man?, Charles Barkley talks to other people about their feelings on racist issues. He interviews people such as Barack Obama, Tiger Woods, Samuel L. Jackson and Ice Cube and many more. You hear people’s views like Tiger Woods who come from more than one race. Ice Cube says, “So it was black people on it first, then people who were into hip-hop, black, Latino music, and then the white kids got a hold of it.”
Charles divides each chapter into a new person, and the persons view on the category of the racism. Each person’s chapter includes their life story and how they have been affected by race issues and what they have accomplished in a lifetime. I laughed numerous times while reading this book too, while most people made jokes. I learned that Tiger Woods got beat up and called numerous times the “N” word his first day of school. The overall impact this has had on me is the outlook I now have on African Americans. This book will put a smile on everyone who reads it. This had deeply changed my output on the world. This book is extremely marvelous.
Everyone should read this book. I recommend it to all races, all ages and everyone who just wants to read a good book. For anyone who is struggling with racist problems they need to read this book. I definitely recommend it especially to my dad and any adults who read before they go to bed so they dream of life with out color.
-Sam H
6th hour
“I will call people different names or generic names because I don’t want you to find me. I didn’t enclose a return address for the same reason. I mean nothing bad by this.” 15 year old freshman, Charlie, takes you inside his world in the novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. This is the first book written by Stephen Chbosky. Charlie is a boy who is confused with life and feels alone in the small town he lives in. He writes anonymous letters to a mysterious person whom he doesn’t want to figure out who he is. It isn’t until Charlie’s English teacher, Bill, tells him to participate more when he meets Sam and Patrick; a pair of step siblings who takes Charlie to a world outside his own. They help him come to terms with life and be a more outgoing person. Throughout the story, Charlie learns a lot about himself, dealing with love, alienation, depression and mental instability. At the ending of this book he feels changed in many ways and does one important thing; stops writing letters to that unidentified person.
An interesting aspect of Chbosky’s novel is that it’s written in journal form. Since the writer of the journal is a 15 year old boy, you actually feel as if the entry is addressed to you personally. You feel more connected to the book which makes you want to be a part of it longer. Chbosky intentionally does this to make the story more intriguing and exciting. His writing definitely made me feel as if the entries were to me. I felt a personal connection to what I was reading. My overall satisfaction of this book would be 10 out of 10. I enjoyed it from beginning till the end. I like how realistic the characters are and how much I feel like I know them. I can honestly say that this book’s only flaw is that it doesn’t have a sequel.
I would recommend this book to teenagers around the ages 14 to 19. I’m sure that during a teen’s life they are faced with love, loss, drugs and trying to figure out who they are; the aspects that are focused on in this novel. Younger teens will feel connected while older teens will feel memories. Katie H
1776
Captivating, exciting, and motivating are the only words one could use to describe 1776. David McCullough's 1776 is a book where history and imagination combine, and as a bi-product,... history comes alive. This book will ignite a primal need for patriotism and inspiration for nobility. George Washington a simple Virginia planter and recently elected commander and chief is tasked with defeating the British with make-shift armies and inexperienced generals. From his lack of gun-powder to lack of soldiers this captivating novel depicts the challenges that faced patriots and loyalist alike. As General Washington marches his armies to the front lines he realizes what dire peril the Americans are in and fights to defend his neighbors, his countrymen, his Americans. This novel which takes place primarily in Boston, Massachusetts will take a hold of the minds of youngsters to professors of history alike. Nobody can resist the story of our first commander and chief and his soldiers many of whom paid the ultimate price in pursuit of liberty.
David McCullough is one of the great authors of our time. He has a way of combining historical fact, quotes, descriptions, and common sense that creates an amazing novel out of a history textbook. His character descriptions are arguably the best of any author and allow any reader's imagination to picture the characters and the setting allowing this novel to be as seductive as it is accurate. In my personal opinion his writings while long and descriptive, in the end benefit the reader and for this achievement I applaud him.
But while this is a marvelous read it is not for those who do not read carefully. Those who read carefully can distinguish the faint plot of this novel. But this plot is not bad, on the contrary it is excellent, but for readers who would like a quick read, this book I would not recommend. So for those who enjoy a captivating, exciting, and motivating book this one should be paramount on your reading list. -Evan B. 7th period.
The Tenth Circle
The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult is a depressing story that leaves a benefiting impact that emphasizes the difference between a good and bad moral. The novel is about a teenage girl named Trixie who struggles to fit in at her first year in high school. It is a common difficultie which every freshman faces; but the thing that makes her different from everybody else is that she is a rape victim. It all started when her boyfriend named Jason broke up with her. She went to some extreme measures to get him back. But it all turned out to be a complete nightmare. The boy she thought she loved soon became an unbearable face to glaze upon. Just as her recovery began to become more successful, a tragedy happens. This causes Trixie to leave her home in Bethel, Maine and escape to Alaska to live among the Yup’ik people.
Picoult is the narrator of this novel. She did a very nice job leaving suspense with the reader. “Her hands were knotted together between them, like a heart that had broken its bounds. ‘Daddy’ she whispered. ‘He raped me’.” After an exciting but suspenseful line like this one, Picoult started a new chapter to leave the reader wanting to read more. It certainly worked for me. However, I feel that she could have added more to the story at the end so it felt more completed. Overall, her writing technique was magnificent.
I highly recommend the book The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult for readers who love to read a good mystery book. One who likes suspense and likes books that can not be put down until it is finished. I believe everyone should read this book because it will change the way you think about life. It defiantly grasps the theme of just be yourself and no one else because you can not change who you are inside. -Emily T. 7th period
Kate Thompson has written a novel for our generation of teenagers, its truly a masterpiece of mystery novels that will leave you wondering all the way till the end. The Last of the High Kings is a mix of mystery, suspense, thriller and most of all the bond between a family. Jenny is a kind but yet adventurous eleven year old girl who embarks on the adventure of a life time. Everyday when the bus drops her off at school she runs off somewhere else. But one day she goes up to the top of a mountain to check out this place called the beacon. Its there where she encounters the ghost who has guarded it for the last 600 years. But what really seems weird is that is lookout is actually a goat. But when archeologists start digging and excavating the beacon the ghost gets upset and will do whatever it takes to guard it. But will he be able to stop them from excavating the beacon before its to late.
Kate’s expository is created by the love between family and friends and the true insensitivity of humans as a whole. In The Last of the High Kings Kate demonstrates a mix between old times and today’s day and age and blends it together well with a plethora of twists and turns along the way. This book will make the reader feel sure of what’s going to happen then completely shock you with something you didn’t see coming. This book is a must reader for anyone who likes a good adventurous thriller. If you have to chose anything to read, this is the book to chose.
AlexI 7th hr.
Book review The Glass Castle
The Glass Castle written by Jeannette Walls is an outstanding novel; this memoir of her life is unbelievable. She begins the novel at age three when she was nearly burned alive and continues on until she is around thirty. Jeannette has always had a tough life; her family has always been on the run from tax collectors because their dad can not keep a job to pay for the bills or food. Sometimes she did not have a home to go to and would sleep under the stars in the desert. But sometimes they were lucky enough to stay in some houses for a while, her house in battle mountain, Phoenix, and their house in Welch’s, Virginia. Her house in Battle Mountain was a rented house that they lived in for a year and eventually they had to leave it because of an accident. The Phoenix house was very elegant and big, her mom inherited it from her rich grandmother who died, but they left that house to because they ran out of money. In Welch’s they lived with their other grandmother who was terrible and harassed them, until they bought there own run down house and lived there for eight terrible years. But when ever they did end up staying in a home for a while the first months were alright, until there dad starts drinking and they would not have any money. So they move on and start all over again. But Jeannette, Brian, Lori, and Maureen lived life without restrictions because their mom is a carefree spirit and does not believe in punishments, but she also acts like a child and sometimes they would have to care for themselves. Their dad likes to live life on the edge but he is also a drunk and would sometimes be gone for days, then show up for some more money. Lori (Jeannette’s older sister) like her mother was very into art and sculpting. Brian (Jeannette’s younger brother) is very caring and loves to go on adventures with Jeannette. Maureen (Jeannette’s younger sister) was not really around a lot of the times, she would usually go to friend’s houses to get a good meal and descent nights sleep. Eventually all the kids had to find a way to take care of themselves since their parents would not.
Jeanette walls write this novel in a very intriguing way, she writes it in a page turning style. She makes her life sound so on the edge that you can not put it down because it is so captivating. For example she begins of telling her life story by writing that she was burned alive, and that when she was ten years old she pet a Cheetah. Although her childhood is so tragic she writes about the good things. When her parents do not take care of Jeannette she never wrote about how much she hated them, instead she wrote about how much she loved them.
This book will want to keep you reading more and I recommend it to readers who like tragic tales with a happy ending. Jeannette’s childhood is unbelievable, some of her memories are sad and heartbreaking, and the others are very happy memories. But it ends in the same fairy tale style, with a happy ever after.
Emily. C 8th period
Bottled Up
By:Jaye Murray
Could the idea of sitting on the other side of the principal’s desk watching him pick up the phone and dial your alcoholic father’s phone number to tell him you are being expelled, be imaginable to you? The book Bottled Up by Jaye Murray allows readers to be put into this position. She writes about a teenage boy who struggles through drug and alcohol abuse. This story takes place in what seems to be a normal suburban town. Inside the town there is an old cemetery and a deli in which, Pip, the main character smokes his marijuana. Mr. Giraldi, Pip’s principle gives Pip a choice to deal with his abuse problems. He tells Pip that he has to attend all of his classes and go to a counselor as many times as she requests. If he does not he will be forced to face the grueling wrath of his father under the influence of alcohol and Pip says that he will get beaten. Pip attempts to break his temptations to spare his life and to become a decent role model for his annoying little brother, bugs. If he can not change he will have to listen to an interesting phone call by his principle to his father.
In this story by Jaye Murray, there is an interesting writing style. She writes with a descriptive attitude. However, she uses slang words in which a language that adult and teenage audiences can relate to. She also cuts into her book at certain times to include personal thoughts of Pip that relate to the situation he is currently in at the that moment in time. Murray is a very well thought out writer that uses extravagant words that complement the slang and rude words that she uses for conversation between the characters.
It is recommended to read this book if you are a reader who likes internal and external conflicts between a main character. Also, if you like to read books that are inspirational and contain people over coming major obstacles then Bottled Up is a great book to read and enjoy.
Erik K.
8th period
Bone Chiller
“Don’t look for it on a map. This place is son small it doesn’t even get a dot.” This place is called Harvest Cove and it is in the up most part of Canada. Harvest Cove is the setting of the book Bone Chiller by Graham Mcnamee. In this book, Danny, the main character is running from his past. His mom died from cancer and he is trying to erase the bad memories. He lives on the marina with his dad who also is having trouble with the memories of his wife especially because it is around Christmas time. Danny later realizes that he cant escape his bad memories but also he has ran into to a invincible beast that has been around for over 1000 years. The only person ever to get away from this beast was by running. With the help of Danny’s friends can: Pike, a nut head driven on explosives, Howie, Pikes brother who is scared of everything, and Ash, a native American who never backs down from anything, kill the unkillable.
I thought the book was good but not great. I enjoyed that the characters actually acted like kids our age. This book is definitely worth ready and will make you think if running from something you don’t like is the right option. The writing style contained a lot of action through out the book. There was very few boring points, even the beginning was interesting. The writing style also contained a lot of dialogue which was good because it gave the characters there personality. I walked away with the impression that the book ended too fast. There where a lot of unanswered questions that I think would have made the book better.
I would recommend this book to people who like a lot of action and suspense. Also to people who are around my age. Again, this book is worth reading and once you start reading you get hooked and cant stop. Ryan E 8th period
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