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.

ARC Review: The Beautiful Lost

Short Summary: The Beautiful Lost is about two teenagers, Maia a girl who’s gone through depression and almost committed suicide, and Billy, a boy who’s had a hard time going through foster care. Maia sets off to visit her mother in Canada. At the last minute Billy, her crush, goes with her. The two go on a road trip and both learn secrets about each other they never thought they would tell. Over time, the two realize that they might be more than friends.

Additional Information: I have a favorite character, and I really like this one! She has problems just like rest of us, and she’s human. The author didn’t make someone who has everything going her way. My favorite character’s name is Maia. She’s not perfect, which is what makes her relatable. She’s gone through a lot: her mom left, she attempted suicide, and is coping with depression. I know others who read this book will be able say that’s how they felt if they can connect with any characters. Maia wants to see her mom again, and she doesn’t like her stepmother. Maia’s struggles with life and is by far my favorite character and helped me enjoy the book even more.

Author’s Website: http://www.luannerice.net

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to seventh grade and up. I really enjoyed the book because I enjoy seeing the two people become more than friends throughout time. I also like that Luanne Rice created two flawed main characters. Both of them, not just one. She also made them go through real life experiences, such as foster care, divorce, a parent leaving and not communicating a lot, and depression. I give the book 5/5 stars because it is such an amazing book for all these reasons. You’ll want to keep reading and reading, and will be sad when it’s over.   

Disclaimer: *Our class received an ARC of this book to read and review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

Title: The Beautiful Lost

Author: Luanne Rice

Published By: Scholastic

Released On: June 27, 2017

Review by Mariela C.

The Hundred Lies of LIzzie Lovett

by Chelsea Sedoti

The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett is one of those books that are impossible to put down! Hawthorn Creely is probably one of the most unpopular kids in her high school. However, once Lizzie Lovett, the most popular alumni of Hawthorn's school goes missing everyone freaks out. Everyone is frantic, but after a month everyone doesn't care anymore, except Hawthorn. Hawthorn throws herself into Lizzie's life, taking herself on a mission to get the bottom of Lizzie's disappearance.

Almost everyone in Hawthorn's life has said or done something to doubt her. Hawthorn feels like nobody understands her and she is the only one who is still searching for the things less ordinary. My favorite quote from Sedoti's book is after Hawthorn is doubted, "I felt very alone. I lived in a world practical people, like Emily and Rush and my parents, people who had stopped believing in the impossible a long time ago. Where were the other people like me? Locked up probably. Getting called crazy and delusional." Hawthorn is never praised, liked, or honored. She can accept she isn't popular, but she never quits. 

My favorite character would have to be Connor. Connor is always by Hawthorn's side and never stabs her in the back. He is there when Hawthorn is down, and he is there to comfort her. Connor is the kind of person that is rare to find in a world of people that just want to be popular. While Sedoti provides the reader with an incredible story, she also teaches us to never quit, just as Hawthorn never did. I highly recommend The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett to anyone who loves a good mystery and likes a little laugh.

Find out more on http://www.chelseasedoti.com/

*Our class received an ARC of this book to read/review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review

Title: The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett

Author: Chelsea Sedoti

Published by: Sourcebooks

Released on: January 2017

Review by: Kristina K.

New To Our Shelves: Scythe

Scythe 

by Neal Shusterman

Not even the future of the human race is safe in the new novel Scythe. The book Scythe by Neal Shusterman is a futuristic fiction novel. It takes place in the future of “MidMerica” when humans have finally conquered death and disease. The “Scythes” are the artificial grim reapers created to control the population. The main characters Citra and Rowan get the chance to become one of these bringers of death, and never have to worry about death or their families again. 

One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Human nature is both predictable and mysterious; prone to great sudden advances, yet still mired in despicable self-interest.” A quote like this  intrigues me because it makes me truly think about the way humans act. It’s as if humans will always be prone to care about themselves first being predictable, but every once in a while someone will do something great and bring everyone closer together. 

Of course, a book couldn’t be good with good characters. My favorite character in the story is Citra. She is a bold and clever character, always wanting to do the right thing. She cares very much about her family which is an admirable trait to me. I find her very believable and could fit in modern time as well as the future. 

Neal Shusterman wrote this story to entertain and did a spectacular job at it. If you’re interested in finding out more about the author click this link: http://www.storyman.com/ . I would definitely recommend this book for any kind of reader. It has the perfect amount of action and calm that fits most readers. It also has an amazing storyline you definitely will not forget. I would give this book five stars.

Title: Scythe

Author: Neal Shusterman

Published by: Simon and Schuster

Released on: November 22, 2016

Genre: Fantasy/ Fiction

Review by: TJ

Summary: Citra and Rowan are selected to become scythes, and learn to glean or kill. Things get a little hairy as the year of training goes on when politics in the Scythedom start changing. Who will become the scythe, and who will die?

I’d have to say that my favorite characters are either Citra or Scythe Faraday. They just seem like very deep, characters. I would like to see Citra develop, but I want to hear Faraday’s backstory. What he did. What his aspirations were and that is what I want to hear in the second book. Scythe shows what is possible if we achieve peace and immortality. It would still be far from perfect, but what would come from it. 

Overall, I’d give this book a 4.9 out of 5, because it was just that good. I highly recommend this book to people who are into fantasy and YA books, but want to read something else. I am a big fan of fantasy, and this book quenched my thirst enough, while bringing different tastes to the table, like being able to relate, and connect with the characters as there journey presses on. I think that is the key to a story, especially one starting a series.

In conclusion, I love Scythe. It was a fun experience that I had while reading it and it left me hanging on for more. I can't wait for the next installment to the series, Thunderhead, expected to come out in January of 2018.

Neal Shusterman links:http://www.storyman.com/

Title: Scythe

Author: Neal Shusterman

Published by: Simon and Schuster

Released on: November 22, 2016

Genre: Fantasy/ Fiction

Review by: Patrick C.

New to Our Shelves: One of Us Is Lying

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Five people, one detention room, all for the same reason. A cell phone was planted in their backpacks to help enrage a teacher who doesn't like cellphones in his class. The reason for this prank is a mystery. The teacher leaves the room, meanwhile, the students are asked to stay inside and wait for him to come back. The outcast, Simon, drinks a cup of water thinking nothing is wrong with it. The simple drink quickly turns into a twisted event.

As the book progresses, every other student is interrogated about that fateful day in detention. My favorite character throughout the book is Addy, because she always finds a way to get through the rough parts. She is just always an interesting character and her chapters are always the ones I looked forward to reading. 

Which of Simon's friends is lying throughout the whole book? Read to find out!

Here is the author's website to learn more about this best-selling novel: https://www.karenmcmanus.com

I recommend this book for people who love page turners and cliff hangers. Every chapter leaves you with a question the next chapter will answer. With a rating out of five I recommend this book a FIVE.

Title: One of Us is Lying

Author: Karen M. McManus

Published by: Delacorte Press

Released on: May 30th, 2017

Review by: Alaina F.

Genre- mystery, non-fiction

ARC Review: All The Crooked Saints

All The Crooked Saints 

by Maggie Stiefvater

Miracles, the random occurrence of good luck that we hope for in desperate situations, are not always gained by a lucky break. The Soria family have been given the great ability to perform miracles and expel the darkness of other people. In Maggie Stiefvater’s All The Crooked Saints, the Sorias must take care of the pilgrims that stay to finish miracles, which they can't talk to, and they must also take care of themselves in the crazy world.

My favorite quote came from the point when as one of the Saints left because he was corrupted by darkness, his crush came after him, and she stated,  “I had to start somewhere. I can’t imagine him out here alone. And his family can’t help him. I can do something and so I will.”

The best character in the story has to be Joaquin because he is a risk taking rebel, and he has an illegal radio station in which he performs the miracle of good radio for everyone listening. He is a believable character because there are people who do bad things, like illegal radio, for the right reasons all the time. I think the author wrote this book to entertain. The very intriguing story and great character development pulled me right in, and I was quickly interested.. The plot can leave you on edge at any time with its depth and drama. The small hint of humor put the final touch on this great story. More info about the author can be found under www.maggiestiefvater.com.

I would recommend this book to people who love a deeper reads with slight bits of fantasy, from the shadowed plot and miracles. There is also a small romantic element between a couple of characters. I give it 4.3 out of 5 stars because of the deep plot and exciting, but short, spouts of adventure. This book is definitely worth a look.

*Our class received an ARC of this book to read/review from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

Title: All The Crooked Saints

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Published by: Scholastic 

Released on: October 10, 2017

Review by: Charlie W.

Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Inspiration On Our Shelves: Philanthroparties!

Philanthroparties! By Lulu Cerone

Do you find yourself seeing problems in your community, but aren’t sure how to make a difference and help others around you? Well, this might be the book you are looking for! It is very inspirational and touching, and has definitely motivated me to give back but in a fun way.

During the 2010 Haiti earthquake, when Lulu was ten, she was deeply affected by news footage and the horrendous conditions and suffering of the Haitian people. Desperate to help in some way she decides to organize a competitive “boys v.s. girls” lemonade stand for her 5th grade class to raise money for Haitian relief. It was a huge success! They ended up raising a total of $4,000 dollars! Lulu and her classmates learned that even they, at such a young age, could make a difference in people’s lives. Lulu was hooked, so she created her own,non profit, LemonAID Warriors,where she spreads her message of giving back and showing others how to have fun while positively impacting the world and local communities.

I found this book quite enjoyable and I liked the way the author goes about telling her story and how she made me feel inspired and positive. The book is not only bright and colorful but it is fun and interesting to read, there are so many crafts and fundraisers I would like to try now thanks to her amazing book! I feel more powerful after reading Lulu’s book and encourage you to read it too!

Written by: Lulu Cerone

Published by: Aladdin/Beyond Words Books

Released on: May 9, 2017

Review by: Lilian B.

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.

New Release! Patina

Patina by Jason Reynolds

Patina by the amazing author, Jason Reynolds, shows the life of a teenage girl struggling with girl drama, supporting her family, helping her mother -who can’t walk- and her self-confidence. Patina, the main character, has experienced so many hardships in her life; something no child should have to go through. Her perseverance and plenty of supporters, keep her going throughout the story. A main point in the story, is her being on an elite track team, something she always thinks to herself when she just wants to quit, is to run for her mom, who can’t run.  

Jason Reynolds, what can I say? Thank you for creating the books that other authors don’t create. A peek inside someone else’s life, showing young readers that the world isn’t just sunshine and daisies, letting them know that you’ll have to face some challenges in life to be successful. Many people just think every day, you wake up and everything goes the way you want it to go; but in real life -and Patina’s life- you have to fight for everything all day, every day, and twice on Sunday. If you like this book, you should check out Jason Reynolds’ other books on his website http://www.jasonwritesbooks.com/menu/.

As the companion book to Ghost, this novel lived up to all the expectations (and more) that I expected after the cliffhanger in the end. My favorite character in Patina has to be, Patina herself. I admire her as a character in the book and as a person in my own life. Unlike other people shown in the story, she has to go home and act like a mother to her younger sister, she has to be more responsible, as a kid, than most middle-aged adults are in there entire life. She is the definition of a self-sufficient person, and that is why she is my favorite character. Not because she runs fast, or because she is good in school, because she is so mature, caring, and a great person all around.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves to travel in someone else’s shoes and see the world in a whole new light. This fairly new, realistic fiction novel deserves all 5 out of 5 stars I am giving it. If you haven’t done so already, read the fantastic novel Patina by Jason Reynolds (just not before Ghost). Also look for Sunny due to be released April 2018!

Written by: Jason Reynolds

Published by: Atheneum Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

Released on: August 29, 2017

Review by: Chloe C.