ARC Review: City of Ghosts

 

ARC Review: City of Ghosts 

 I read the book City Of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab. A teenage girl who usually spends the majority of her summer break at the beach in New York City, ends up having her plans changed by her parents. The family decides to take their trip to Scotland. Cass’s parents are filming a documentary about ghosts in Edinburgh, Scotland. The history and mystery of Edinburgh is haunting. Literally.
Cass has a best friend who is a ghost. His name is Jacob and Cass is the only one who can actually see him. Cass has a veil that can separate the living from the dead when she pulls it over her face. When Cass pulls the veil down over her face, she can enter the spirit world. Cass encounters many obstacles along her trip to Scotland. One of her many challenges is when she becomes trapped in the spirit world for a period of time.

I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially those who like paranormal activity and mystery.

Title: City of Ghosts
Author: Victoria Schwab
Publisher: Scholastic
Reviewed By: Joseph T. 

ARC Review: Grenade

ARC Review: Grenade 

The book Grenade by Alan Gratz is arguably the best book he has written so far, two hundred eighty eight pages of pure excitement and thrilling history of both Japan and America. Hideki, an Okinawan student was just forced to fight the battle of his life. As bombs explode on his school as he is only in fourth grade Hideki has to fight the battle of his life. In the middle of WWII, on the small island of Okinawa American naval ships are bombing anything they could on the island. Back then there were no rules of engagement so if an American saw a Japanese soldier they could shoot them. The Americans knew that there were not allied forces on the island so they had the green light to bomb it. That is exactly what they did. As the bombs were falling, Hideki graduated early into “The Blood and Iron Student Corps”. Their Sargent gave them to grenades, “one to kill an American soldier, and the other to kill yourself” Gratz added. Hideki was responsible to kill someone. Hideki did not know if he could do it, but at the same time, he did not want to lose his family, country, and most importantly his dignity during the war. “For every ten Americans is one Japanese soldier” their Sargent screamed as he sent them to fight.
Ray, is a rookie American soldier. This is his first battle, and very well could be his last. He did not know much, but he knew he would either live protecting his country, his childhood, his life or die to trying. Ray faces many challenges along the way but none compares to the biggest one of his life. As Ray and Hideki unknowingly cross paths, they realize they have a lot in common, and eventually run into a dangerous situation where both of their lives are at risk. One will perish and the other will rise and overcome other challenges they may face. Read the book to find out what will happen and how Ray and Hideki unknowingly form an unbreakable bond.

Title: Grenade
Author:Alan Gratz
Publisher: Scholastic
Reviewed By: Patrick M.

ARC Review: More Than We Can Tell

ARC Review: More Than We Can Tell

More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer brings the reader along for a crazy peek into the two characters lives: Emma Blue, and Reverend Fletcher. Emma Blue, a girl-gamer, has created her own online video game. She has many players, most of whom were very supportive of what she was doing, some of them were not. Nightmare, a not-so-friendly player, has started sending Emma harassing messages on the game. On top of this, Emma’s parents are constantly fighting. Emma’s only escape is to her game, until Nightmare takes her only safe place. When out one day, Emma meets Reverand Fletcher, who could turn out to be her new safe place to talk to. Reverend was adopted into a nice family, away from his abusive father. Until one day, when Reverend receives a letter from his birth father, who he hasn’t seen in a very long time. When Reverand and Emma meet, they are each other’s only support system. But as things start to pull them away from each other, will they be able to find their way back? Or will they veer off the path, and land in a lot of trouble? I would rate this book a 5 out of 5, because the author really engages you as the reader, and makes you feel as if you are with Emma or Reverend during the story. You can really see the real-life connection throughout this story. If you enjoy realistic fiction and interesting turns-of-events, you should definitely read this book!

Title: More Than We Can Tell
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Reviewed By: Eliazabeth Morgan

ARC Review: The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

ARC Review: The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

In the late 1700s, Elizabeth Lavenza is an orphan being abused by her caregiver. One day she meets Victor Frankenstein and his family. Victor is troubled by his past and seems not to understand how to conduct himself in society, so his mother buys Elizabeth so that she can teach him. In Elizabeth’s present day, Victor has gone off to university leaving her alone with the remaining Frankensteins. He stopped sending letters and no longer made an effort to contact her or his family. Without Victor, Elizabeth is useless, so what’s to prevent the Frankensteins from selling her? Elizabeth takes an emergency trip to Ingolstadt to bring her love back, but what will happen when she starts to uncover what Victor was truly doing there?

The author is Kiersten White and it is a shorter novel compared to others I’ve read at 304 pages. I would recommend it to any Middle Grade or above reader who is interested in that time period and had read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This book is a retelling of Mary Shellys Frankenstein so having that information before heading into the book would be helpful. I give this book a rating of ⅘ stars. The plot is sound, and the writing is superb.

Title: The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Reviewed By: Isabella L.

ARC Review: Lenny's Book of Everything

ARC Review: Lenny's Book of Everything

In my book, “Lenny's Book of Everything,” by Karen Foxlee, Lenny Spink and her little brother face many challenges in their own heads. Her brother, Davey, has a rare form of gigantism, and they are bullied because of it. To avoid the pain of others, they escape to the monthly installment of, “Build-It-at-Home Encyclopedia,” and soon find themselves lost in the fantasy. They adapt to this environment and it sounds become their life. For instance, Lenny vowed to become a beetle expert, and Davey wants to run away to Canada and build a log cabin. They start to pull themselves back to reality as Davey's disease gets worse. The story is about two very young children, leaving behind the real world, for an extremely imagined world, and using their bonds of siblingship, they escape the world, and grow up. 

I personally believe this is one of best books I have ever read, not only does it show, the true unbreakable bond between them, it inspired me to be more caring towards my sister. She is by no means the best sister at all, and I will not lie I am a bad brother, but I have been trying to be nicer. I view this try, as a priceless asset I have gained from this read, it is extremely important to be loving towards your sibling, and if you have the same problem as me, I consider reading this book. The plot is absolutely astonishing, as it unfolds you get to know Lenny and Davey, and it is too the point where you start to want to help them. You watch them detach themselves from society, and actually start to believe that these fantasy stories are real. It is kind of crazy to imagine people actually doing this, but they were still children and they grew up. Whilst you may see this as a goofball book with a goofball plot, the words cut deeper than a knife, and I truly believe this book is a masterpiece. I seriously recommend you read this, it tells of them fighting Davey's disease as it worsens, and how the hard truth is sometimes too hard to face, and therefore they turned to a fake believe world.

In conclusion, “Lenny's Book of Everything,” is an absolutely astonishing book, with an amazing plot, and a very well worded one too. It really teaches the read lessons whilst sharing a great story. In my opinion, the undying love between Lenny and Davey, make the book one of my favorites of all time and have taught me what I need to know to become a better person. Ultimately, you should definitely invest in the book, or check it out from your local library because this book is absolutely beautiful.  

Title: Lenny's Book of Everything

Author: Karen Foxlee

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Reviewed By: John L.

ARC Review: Watch You Burn

ARC Review: Watch You Burn

Watch You Burn by Amanda Searcy is about a young girl named Jenny. After a childhood tragedy, Jenny develops an obsession and a fear of fire. Jenny moves out of her home with her mom and her sister to move in with her father, to start her life over. Once she arrives, she gains four friends- Roe, Kara, Ben, and a stalker. Jenny’s stalker’s identity remains hidden as the deepest, darkest secrets from her past rise to the surface. After Kara’s murder, it is up to Jenny to uncover the identity of her stalker before she is killed next. 

My favorite part of this book is the ending because there is an unexpected, shocking twist that sums up the entire novel. My favorite character is Roe. She is one of the most well-written characters, with new layers of herself discovered as the book continues on. I believe that people, around our age (thirteen), both boys and girls, would like this book. This book is great for readers who enjoy suspense or thriller novels. 

Title: Watch You Burn

Author: Amanda Seacry

Publisher: Random House Children's Book
Reviewed By: Emma J. 

ARC Review: #Murdertrending

ARC Review: #Murdertrending

Before we begin I really just need to express my instant attraction and connection with this novel as soon as I began reading. The beginning just draws you in so quickly and makes you hungry for me, I ate this book up faster than I even expected to. The story is so thrilling and exciting that you just can’t wait for what will happen in the next chapter. I highly recommend you snag a copy of this book at any bookstore possible, trust me, you won’t regret it. Here’s just a quick insight on what great story you’ll get in the novel #Murdertrending by Gretchen Mcneil.

Dee is an ordinary girl living in the near future of our world, until she’s not. She’s been convicted of a first-degree murder that she didn’t commit, and now she has to pay. In the future, there’s an app documenting the executions of Alcatraz 2.0, a new prison that’s also, a death camp.
And that’s just where’s Dee is headed.
She wakes up hazed and distraught in a death machine of her own, but she’s not alone. A killer from the Postman is sent to execute her as soon as possible, and she has very little time. She runs off from her killer, defending herself with a small mirror, wearing a cartoonish Cinderella dress that her executioner fit her in.

In a quick turn of events, predator becomes prey.

Her executioner falls on his sword and is pierced through the stomach and bleeds out, quickly dying, all while Dee watches in terror. She quickly becomes trending on the app and is known as the #CinderellaSurvivor, but fame in Alcatraz 2.0 is the worst thing you can have. Soon, Dee will be sought after by almost every furious executioner in the camp and she has no way out...or does she?
Dee, along with her new found friends and partners will try to escape, try to prove their innocence and try to make it out of Alcatraz 2.0, but will they do it, dead or alive?

Title: #MurderTrending
Author: Gretchen Mcneil
Publisher: Freeform
Review By: Ava H.

ARC Review: We Say #Never Again

ARC Review: We Say #NeverAgain

In the novel, We Say #NeverAgain it goes deeper into the story the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The story is told from the point of view of the teachers and the students. After the shooting, the students are told by their teacher to do a report on the vigil that is going to be held for the students and teachers who lost their lives. Once the students start to do their reporting about the school shooting there are other reports are saying that they are only reporting for fame. The students are pushed into the spotlight to tell their story.

My favorite characters in the book are the students. The students are the light at the end of the tunnel. They are using their voices to spread awareness. They are shining the light on things that don’t don’t get that much attention. I also like how it is told from the point of view of the teachers and the students. The students had to be brave in order to share their stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in stories that are told from different point of views. If you are like me and like to read things that are more about a tragedy and how to overcome them then you should read this book.

Title: We Say #NeverAgain

Editors: Melissa Falkowski & Eric Garner

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Review By: Tyaria H.

ARC Review: Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee

ARC Review: Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee

Rayne and Delilah’s Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner brings the characters Josie and Delia to life. Josie and Delia are two best friends who co-host their own TV show called Midnite Matinee. When they record their show, they dress up as their on-screen personas, Rayne and Delilah. The two of them love the aspect of being on TV reviewing super low-budget horror movies, but have to deal with their own problems first. Their school lives are coming to an end, and Josie is torn. Her parents are encouraging her to take an internship to be on TV, but that would mean she would have to leave Delia and the show behind. While Josie is stuck between worlds, Delia is trying to find a lost one. Delia’s dad left her when she was young, and she wants to know why. She hires a private investigator to find her dad, and once she finds word of him, she’s hesitant to look for more.

Rayne and Delilah’s Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner was such a good read, and I give it a rating of five stars. The characters of this book are very easy to relate to and very likable, you’ll fall in love with this book instantly. My favorite character from this book is Josie, and I can relate with her struggle of trying to figure out what to do after high school, or even just trying to figure out the future. I recommend this book to anybody who is looking for a good and interesting read.

Title: Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee

Author: Jeff Zentner

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Review By: Danielle H.

ARC Review: Witch Born

ARC Review: Witch Born

The book Witch Born by Nicholas Bowling follows Alyce, the daughter of a witch, who’s been safely hidden away by her mother. When witch hunters come and kill her money, she is forced to run away from her home, with a letter from her mother that she’s supposed to deliver to a man named John Dee. She gets locked away in an insane asylum temporarily and meets a boy named Solomon while making her escape. He takes her to an inn, where she’s taken care of by the inn’s owner. She learns more about practicing witchcraft while searching for John Dee, along with the quest her mother left her. But she soon finds herself dipping into dangerous magic involving the dead.

My favorite character in this book is Alyce. She handles her situation well and she doesn’t give up on searching for her goal. She’s a mentally strong character, and she has some experience with witchcraft. She has a nice personality and is a relatable character. Though she makes some reckless decisions regarding dangerous witchcraft, she handles her other decisions well and recovers quickly from bad situations.I enjoyed reading this book because it has a great and interesting magic system and involves parts of actual history. The entire world, plot, and magic was very interesting. The author did a great job with the setting, too. It was very well written and it was an exciting read.

Title: Witch Born

Author: Nicholas Bowling

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Review By: Colette H.

      

ARC Review: Summer Bird Blue

ARC Review: Summer Bird Blue

Have you ever imagined losing someone who meant the world to you? In the book Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn  Bowman writes about the reality of Rumi the main character losing her best friend and sister in an unexpected car crash one day. After the crash Rumi was devastated as was her mom, Rumi blamed everything on her mom and decided not to talk to her as she was recovering from the traumatizing news. Rumi had no other parent figure other than her mom because her dad had left the family as soon as Leah, Rumi’s now dead sister was born. As her mom was trying to recover she made a poor choice and sent Rumi off to Hawaii for the summer so she could grieve alone. This idea made Rumi go crazy and the only emotion she ended up having was sadness she became antisocial through expressing these emotions. When Rumi was at Hawaii while her mom was grieving she met a variety of friends that picked her up when she was feeling down and that helped her get her mind off her sister's death. I recommend this book because it's well written realistic fiction story as well as it helps people realize that no one life is perfect. Additionally, every character has their differences and unique ways that their life is difficult for example in today’s society and those difference bring everyone together. Lastly, I recommend this book to everyone because the author does a great way of showing that even the hardest things in your life can be overcome although it may take time and may not be easy you can overcome anything.

Title: Summer Bird Blue

Author: Akemi Dawn Bowman

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Review By: Dana D.

ARC Review: Hey, Kiddo

ARC Review: Hey, Kiddo

Books are a line of communication with story to be told from the year 1345, to the magical lands of Hogwarts. Books have the power to transport you to new and different worlds. But the book Hey, Kiddo, transported me into the point of view of Jarrett Krosoczka. His life as a boy from when he was a kid, to graduation. His family life wasn’t too good either. He grew up up with his grandparents because his mom was a drug addict, in recovery for most of his childhood. This is what makes him grow up with trust issues, and have depression. At the same time the stories getting good it also,  touches upon sensitive topics such as depression and family life. Even though the book is a great read it helps you learn lessons, and learn from the author's mistake. The book illustrates the cause and effect of the people surrounding him to his own life. This book is at the cost of 6 dollars. If you asked me, that's a bargin for your money.

Review By: Anthony B,

I recently completed an advanced reader copy of Hey, Kiddo. It is an autobiographical graphic novel written and illustrated by Jarrett Krosoczka. Hey, Kiddo follows Jarrett from his birth and right up to his high school graduation. The novel demonstrates how Jarrett is able to overcome and mask the setbacks that were nearly completely out of his control. This novel does an excellent job at discussing very taboo topics such as parental separation and the effects that drug addiction not just has on you but also your family. Hey, Kiddo is more than your average graphic novel, it's more of an experience more akin to that of a major motion picture. With its rich storytelling and oddly creative plot driving Hey, Kiddo stands a novel that young and old can get themselves invested into. As soon as, Jarrett Krosoczka was born, his life was thrown into disarray. Even in his youth he knew that his mother was associating with some very suspicious people. With no father in sight, Jarrett’s mother is forced to raise him all on her own. But Jarrett isn’t her only burden, she was a crippling drug addict and her drugs seemed to control her life. Though soon, the rest of the Krosoczka family began to notice the problematic and dangerous environment young Jarrett was living in. So they take action and Jarrett came to live with his grandparents. Once this living situation change happens, Jarrett’s mother is sent to rehab by the grandparents. In rehab, she stays for a majority of Jarrett’s pre-adult life. But in her absence, he discovers his true passion, art. He loves drawing even at his young age and this passion soon develops into a talent. This talent soon becomes a way for Jarrett to ground himself and try to hide the absurdities of his home life. As Jarret goes through life he uses art to try and normalize himself in a sense. He attends classes and follows his passion as much as he can. But as he as he develops as a person, Jarrett starts to piece the shattered shards of his family together. Yet one thing stands in his way, his mother. To him, her trying to sandwich her way back into his life after never being there when he needed her most is worse than not being there in the first place. Follow Jarrett through his rollercoaster of childhood experience. Hey Kiddo by Jarrett Krosoczka is a 320-page emotional rollercoaster. The gripping storytelling is coupled with excellent illustrations that fit the mood and tone of the entire novel. Personally, I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. After only a few pages you become invested in both the conflicts and characters inside the story. From seeing Jarret evolve as a person as the world around him changes to seeing him.

Review By: Caleb C.

  Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka introduces a boy named Jarrett who is a young boy who has to deal with his mother being a drug addict, a missing father who he doesn't know and two grandparents that are raising him. He is recognized as an artist and he takes this as a good thing and he pursues this and he continues to draw and he visits his mother who is in rehab as he is old enough to drive.

Jarrett Krosoczka has had a rough life with his mom being a drug addict and a missing father and he has lived with his grandparents for most of his life and Jarrett has drawn his whole life from kindergarten to his adult life and he continues to do this as its a hobby he has. Jarrett has always wondered where his father was and when he gets a driver license, he finds his father and he connects with him and he finds out that he has two siblings that are young and he meets them and he eventually loves them. He visits his mom who has overcome her drug addiction and Jarrett realizes that his mom has gotten her life together and she even has a new boyfriend that Jarret likes. Jarrett's life of drawing really helped him get through obstacles that were pretty challenging.

The 322 book by Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a heartbreaking and loveable book that everyone should read. The novel I enjoyed a lot and for that I will give the book a 5/5 rating as this book can help others who have had similar things happen to them and this book is also amazing as it is Jarrett J. Krosoczka actual life.

Review By: Evan G.

Author: Jarrett J. Krosoczka 

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc 

Genre: Autobiography/ Graphic Novel

Release Date: October 9, 2018

ARC Review: I Have Lost My Way

ARC Review: I Have Lost My Way

In the novel I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman, three people find themselves all lost in a different way with their stories somehow intertwined. Freya is a new singer who is ready drop her debut album, but she has lost her voice. Harun just broke up with his boyfriend and his parents are ready to send him back to their native country to find a woman to marry. Nathaniel arrived in New York City with only a bookbag, for he has lost everything he once had.

After seeing something very upsetting, an angered Freya trips and falls off of a small bridge. She happens to land on Nathaniel, with Harun as the only witness. Over the course of one day, they get to know each other and find something that they all really could use. True happiness.

My favorite character in this book would have to be Nathaniel. He did not have a very bright childhood, and only grew up around his wild scatterbrained dad. He always learned from the wild experiments his dad came up with and went with them, even when nothing good actually came from the experience. Nathaniel always kind of went with the flow, which is not something I am really good at.

I would recommend this book to seventh grade and up.  I really enjoyed the book because I enjoyed when the characters were together, all happy and jovial. It made me feel like I was one of them, so I was happy too. In this book, Gayle Forman wrote about things that could really happen, such as, divorce, a parent or sibling leaving and not communicating a lot, and even rights and the way of life in the LGBTQ+ community. Therefore, I give this a book five out of five-star rating because it is such an amazing book. You will want to keep reading and reading, especially at the end, and experience true happiness along with Freya, Harun, and Nathaniel and will be sad when it’s over.   

Review By: Kellyn HS

I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman follows the lives of three characters named Freya, Harun and Nathaniel. These three characters end up feeling lost in their lives until they meet each other in New York. Together they help each other find themselves again. Along the way, they confront their past that has been holding them back. This all happens in the span of one day. In my opinion this is a good book. I like the factors of friendship and the way that the characters all help each other. The writing style is very interesting in terms of the way it goes through all the characters perspectives and has flashbacks to explain what happened in the characters lives before they met. The way that the story includes all different diverse stories, makes the book very interesting.

Title: I Have Lost My Way

Author: Gayle Forman

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

By: Isabella B.

ARC Review: That's Not What Happened

ARC Review: That’s Not What Happened by Kody Keplinger 

Lee lost her best friend Sarah in their school bathroom the day her school got shot up by a former student, 3 years ago. The Virgil County High School Massacre. But people still don't know the truth about what happened to Sarah. Everyone says that she died proclaiming her faith. But that’s not what happened. Lee and Kelly are the only ones who know what really happened to Sarah that day. Sarah’s parents are writing a book about their daughter and how she died by standing up for what she believes in. This book sparks Lee, to tell the truth on what really happened that day. What really happened to Sarah. Even if it means losing her friends or getting harassed. One of my favorite parts from the book is When they are talking about the victims of the shooting through the survivor's eyes. Another part of the book that I like is when the survivors write about what they think happened that day through their eyes. 

Recommendation: I recommend this book to everyone because I really show you the power of telling the truth. This book shows you the consequences of not telling the truth. This book also shows you the power of friendship. Throughout the book, her friends help her in times of need and also leave her sometimes. Lastly, this book is just overall really good. 

Author’s Website: www.kodykeplinger.com 

My Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2615580237

Title: That’s Not What Happened

Author: Kod Keplinger 

Published by: Scholastic 

Released on: August 28, 2018 

Review by: Danalys A.

 

ARC Review: More Than We Can Tell

More Than We Can Tell
by Brigid Kemmerer

More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer introduces readers to two of her main characters, Rev Fletcher and Emma Blue. Rev is overcoming his tragic, abusive past with the help of his adoptive parents. Everything is going well until he receives a letter from his abusive birth father. All of the recovery that he’s been working through goes down the drain all of because of the contents in this letter. Without telling his new parents, Rev struggles and battles through this life on his alone. At least for the most part.

Emma Blue is a young genius creating and designing video games that thousands of people begin playing. Because she’s a girl playing and making the video game, not all of the boys online are friendly to her. On top of all of the arguing she has to face daily online, she has to be there to see her mom and dad's marriage slowly dissolve into an arguing mess all of the time. They don’t realize it, but their fighting really hurts Emma. When Rev and Emma meet unexpectedly, the both instantly begin to spill their life troubles to each other. It makes the reader feel like they have known each other for years. Their friendship is really tested throughout the novel, seeing if their friendship can overcome the challenging obstacles life is throwing their way.

The 416 page novel by Brigid Kemmerer is an emotional, loveable story to read. Because I enjoyed the novel so much, I am giving it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Kemmerer did a good job of keeping me, the reader, engaged in this well-written story!

Title: More Than We Can Tell
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: March 6, 2018
Review by: Kiley R.

ARC Review: Don't Cosplay With My Heart

 Don't Cosplay With My Heart
by Cecil Castellucci

Don't Cosplay With My Heart is a story about a nerdy teenager named Edan Kupferman who decides to cosplay as Gargantua, her favorite character from the comic Team Tomorrow. When she is Gargantua she can be as loud and angry as she wants. Right now that costume is her sole comfort while her family is slowly falling apart, her best friend is away for the summer and her crush is being very confusing. Edan is trying to find her own Team Tomorrow in this crazy world. She is trying to figure out if she is strong enough to be her own hero or whether she can let others help her through her hardships.

My favorite character has to be Edan. I can identify with her in many ways and I feel a connection between me and what she is going through. Another reason I really like Edan is because of the way she handles situations that put her under stress, she keeps everything organized even if she is in a difficult situation. Edan is a very strong person despite the fact she is going through a lot and that is something that I deeply admire.

I enjoyed reading this book very much! My English teacher gave it to me knowing I am a big nerd for cosplaying and I was overjoyed. I enjoyed the lessons that Edan learned along the way and how she dealt with each situation. I also liked the wide range of emotions that were present during the story and how Edan described them to feel like. Overall I think that this is a great book for teens to read, especially if they are as nerdy as me!

Review by: Lilian B. 

Popular Books: The Hate U Give

The Hate You Give

by Angie Thomas
In the novel The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas, the author describes the story about a teenage girl who not only feels out of place, but also loses one of her closest friends. Starr, the main character, is from the impoverish and tough neighborhood, but attends a very elite, white school. Although this novel takes place in present time where those of all races have equal rights, Starr still has difficulties in both her neighborhood and her school. When she loses one her her closest friends her life is never the same.

Starr and her friend Khalil are at party until a fight broke out. To prevent getting hurt or into any trouble, they drive away from the party and Khalil proceeds to drive Starr home. While driving, a white police man pulls over the two teenagers. The policeman was not very nice to Khalil, therefore Khalil was not kind to the police man in return. Out of nowhere the policeman shoots Khalil, and, just like that,  he is dead. Starr not only cannot believe what had happened that night but also her life is changed forever. The case of Khalil's death seems to be even larger deal because it was a white policeman who shot an African-American person. The case was very difficult to try to solve and causes Starr much stress. Also, intertwined with Khalil’s case is the high school drama Starr has to deal with. Read the book to find out the end result of the case and how Starr spends her life.

My favorite character would have to be Starr, the main character. I can relate to her losing someone she loves and while reading a book it can be more enjoyed able when you relate to the characters. Also, when she is talking to someone I enjoyed how the author includes the rude and humorous remarks  Starr said in her head into the seriousness of the book. One of my favorite comments Starr made in her head was “I’m not telepathic.” This comment is made when a detective is asking Starr questions about Khalil’s case.  I recommend this book to middle school and high school students.  The story can be very serious at times and includes some parts benefiting teenagers. I recommend to anyone looking for a great read.

Author: Angie Thomas

Publisher: Harper Collins

Review by: Erin F.

New to Our Shelves: Turtles All the Way Down

Turtles All the Way Down

by John Green

When the millionaire Russell Pickett goes missing before a trial the town worries and tries to find him.  There is a huge reward for finding Pickett.  Two teenage girls, Aza Holmes and her friend, Daisy are caught in Pickett’s yard trying to take security footage from one of the cameras.  One of Aza’a old friends, Davis Pickett (Russell’s son) saves them from the consequences of breaking and entering.  Davis and Aza’s friendship grows.  They start to discuss things revolving around the topic of Russell’s disappearance.  Davis does not want Aza to cook for him.  As a girl living in poverty, Aza needs the money.  She also needs to keep Davis’s trust.  Should she continue looking for Russell Pickett or should she help Davis by forgetting about his father.

My favorite character is probably Davis because he is calm and he copes well with stress and loss.  I love Davis’s blog.  The quotes he posts are so amazing and helpful.  Davis is a great role model to his younger brother.  He realizes his brother is suffering from their father's disappearance and Davis helps him cope with it.  

Fun Fact: John Green (http://www.johngreenbooks.com/) wrote this book based on himself and his suffering from OCD.  OCD is a disorder that makes you obsess over something, such as folding your trash, or in this case obsessing about a cut on your thumb and infection and c-diff and other diseases.  It may not seem like a big issue, but this thought never leaves the mind of the affected individual.  No matter how hard the person tries to escape this thought, it's nearly impossible.

Turtles all the Way Down is probably the best book I read this entire marking period!  I love it.  I know many people like Aza Holmes who suffer from OCD.  It is interesting following Aza's journey as sh pushes through her hardships and overcomes her fears.  This book teaches the true meaning of friendship.  I recommend this book to everybody!

Title: Turtles All the Way Down

Author: John Green

Published: Dutton Books

Released: October 10, 2017

Reviewed: Abigayle H.

New Releases! Retribution Rails

Retribution Rails by Erin Bowman

Retribution Rails by Erin Bowman is absolutely fantastic. The novel takes the reader back to the days of Wild Wild West. The storyline follows The Rose Kid, Reece Murphy, who doesn't exactly enjoy having the title of being a violent hood. Captured years earlier by a vicious gang The Rose Riders, Reece was forced to become part of the gang and follow along with all of their illegal activities. Reece gets caught up with a ambitious young lady, Charlotte, whose evil uncle makes her long for a change in her life. Though they're nearly enemies, fate might bring an unlikely companionship between the two.

    Bowman does an amazing job with the setting and really grasping the concept of the West during the 1800s. Many a time I've actually felt like I myself was in Jesse and Kate’s kitchen, listening to their conversations. The plot to the story is a rich and well-thought out plot, with meaningful points to the events taking place. The connections between characters take a smooth transition and are overall grand. Bowman makes vivid descriptions of everything! From characters to settings, she's blew me away at the level of greatness that comes along with her writing. Throughout both books, Retribution Rails and Vengeance Road (the companion book) the overall greatness of the novels makes me appreciate the Wild West as a topic and Erin Bowman as an author making wonderful stories, expanding my horizons.

Title: Retribution Rails

Author: Erin Bowman

Published By: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Released On: November 7, 2017

Review by Allison P.

Inspiration on Our Shelf: Life in Motion

Life in Motion by Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland’s, Life in Motion is a novel about Misty Copeland’s life, struggle, and career. Copeland discusses her struggle through life and her rise to the top of the ballet world, despite the odds stacked against her. Misty Copeland shares about her hectic childhood, from moving from home to home and from father to father, without any success in settling down. Until one day when she goes to her local Boys and Girls club and her life is changed forever, after she discovers classical ballet. This book also talks about her struggle, as an African American dancer, which is out of the norm for the world of ballet, she also shares about her injuries and how she overcame them.

Life in Motion was beyond an inspiring novel, to me it showed just how much you can achieve if you are dedicated and hardworking enough. It truly changed my outlook on how I have been living my life, because Misty Copeland had such a crazy childhood, and almost had everything taken away from her that she loved, because of another’s selfish actions, and I feel like sometimes people that are sort of privileged especially of my generation tend to take that from granted. I also loved that you don’t need to be a dancer to appreciate this novel, because although it does talk a lot about dance it’s not just about that, it’s about the endless ups and downs of life, and how you just need to keep moving forwards and overcome life’s challenges. Obviously my all time favorite character was Misty Copeland herself, however if I were to choose someone else it would have to be her teacher, Cynthia Bradley. She was truly the one that introduced Misty to dance, and had it not been for her and her training we may not have the amazing dancer Misty Copeland in our world today. Copeland’s novel brings an awareness to accepting people’s differences and to embracing them for their talents and skills in life, not degrade them because of them. really enjoyed this novel as it was an easy read, and had an amazing purpose and message.

Find out more about Misty Copeland on http://mistycopeland.com/

Written by: Misty Copeland

Published by: Touchstone Books

Released on: December 16, 2014

Review by: Emma K.