Sam and CY students & staff are reading…

Who would like this book? All fans of Percy Jackson won’t want to miss this exciting book!

The goods on this book: This new Percy Jackson series does not start with Percy, but that’s okay because the three characters that keep the action going are great! Jason wakes up on a bus headed to a wilderness school for unruly kids, and he seems to be in a relationship with Piper. The problem for Jason is that he can’t remember anything, and the problem for Piper is that she’s not sure about Jason’s feelings. Leo rounds out the threesome on the ill-fated bus trip. They soon discover that their demigod status means that they are in for a dangerous quest with serious consequences for mankind as well as the gods. Their quest, received at Camp Half-Blood amid all the usual teen in-fighting, catapults them into non-stop action. Each of the characters brings unique problems and potential into the plot, and it’s great to experience them meeting and overcoming challenges. I especially like Leo and his heartbreaking backstory and formidable talents with dragon-building. When you start this book, be prepared to not want to put it down and to want the next volume immediately!

The details: 557 pages; 2010      Review by Samrarian

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Who would like this book? Readers, grades 5 and up, who are interested in what happened when the Titanic sank.

The goods on this book: To prepare for writing this book, Deborah Hopkinson conducted extensive interviews with survivors and witnesses of the Titanic disaster. Combining the riveting stories of passengers and participants with thoroughly researched information about the ship and its voyage, Hopkinson has written a book that is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the Titanic. The story follows the voyage from its departure to after its sinks from the point of view of a wide variety of 27 people: young and old; crew members; and first, second, and third class passengers. It’s a nonfiction account, so she does not embellish the stories. Her straightforward prose allows the heartbreaking, horrific experiences speak for themselves. The book is not only a riveting story of people meeting death or escaping near death, it is also an excellent presentation of the ship itself and an explanation of the facts of what happened and when. Photographs, a timeline, diagrams, statistics, the official final report from 1912, short biographies of the people in the book, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index make this book a useful tool for research. I learned so much from reading this captivating book and found that I had many misconceptions about what really happened.
This book is an ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2012 nominee and an ORCA 2015 nominee.

The details: 289 pages; 2012 (910.9163 Hop) Review by Samrarian

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Who would like this book? Mature readers, ages 13 and up (language, content), who are looking for a moving story of friendship that explores family relationships and sexual identity.

The goods on this book: It’s 1987 and the summer is a hot one in El Paso, Texas. Ari, 15 and bored, narrates the complex and moving story of his friendship with Dante, a friendship that starts with Dante’s offer to teach Ari to swim and the discovery that Ari’s complete name is Angel Aristotle. Their friendship grows through the summer as they have fun reading old comic books and fooling around as they ride the bus all over town. As Ari’s story unfolds, it’s clear that he is haunted by his own insecurities and by secrets that are being kept by both his mom and his dad. These secrets begin to emerge when a significant event happens. Without wanting to give away too much, I can say that Ari makes discoveries that bring him from boyhood to manhood, from lonely and lost to loved and self-aware. Sáenz’s writing is for patient, mature readers who appreciate clear prose that brings the reader into Ari’s world. It’s a moving exploration of sexual identity and of the power of love in family and friendships.

This book is a Printz Honor Book, 2013, an ALA Best Book 2013 nominee, an ORCA 2015 nominee, and a 2015 Battle of the Book selection at the Senior High level.

The details: 359 pages; 2012     Review by Samrarian

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Review by Nick Y.

Who would like this book?   I recommend this book for children 12 years of age or older because of the mature content.  If you like suspenseful adventure stories, then you would like this book.

The goods on this book: It was the day Mau would become a man, a true man of the Nation. Mau would finally get his tattoos and weapons, or will he not? The Nation was washed away by a tsunami which brought with it a large wooden ship named the Sweet Judy. The only people who survived the tsunami were Mau, the Nation boy, and Daphne, the girl from whatever wealthy empire she came from. These two children must now find a way to communicate with each other, understand each other and know each other. But how?

The details: 367 pages; 2010   Review by Nick Y.

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Review by Carson We.

Who would like this book? Both young adults and adults who like exciting books.

The goods on this book: This is a great book that is very exciting, and keeps you on your toes. The main characters are Peeta and Katniss.  At the beginning of the story both Peeta and Katniss live in Panem, the future America. Every year, 24 kids are chosen for the Hunger Games (a boy and a girl from each district must fight to the death). Both Peeta and Katniss live in District 12, one of the poorest districts. At the beginning of the book, Katniss’ little sister is chosen for the Hunger Games. Automatically, Katniss took her spot, knowing she may be killed. Peeta was also chosen to participate for the Hunger Games. At first Peeta and Katniss don’t really know each other, but soon they become good friends.This book definitely shows that friendship comes from anywhere, from a battle field, to a schoolyard. I think that this book also shows you that you should be thankful for what you have, and not take things for granted.

The details: 374 pages; 2008  Review by Carson We

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Who would like this book? People, ages 11 and up, who like fairytale-like stories in which good overcomes evil after much suspense.

The goods on this book: Liesl, an orphan who misses her sweet father and mother greatly, has been locked in the attic by her evil, conniving stepmother who is set on stealing the family fortune from Liesl. Liesl finds comfort by visits from an understanding and soft-hearted ghost, Po, and his ghostly pet, Bundle. Through Po, Liesl learns of her father’s last wishes, and she must plot an escape so that she can fulfill his wishes. Meanwhile, another orphan, Will, has a rough life working as an apprentice to a selfish, egotistical alchemist. Will’s one delight is to stand beneath Liesl’s window to get a peek at her lovely face. One dark night, Will is on a crucially important errand for the alchemist and mixes up a delivery of boxes that look alike. When Will must escape the wrath of his master, he runs away. His path crosses Liesl’s, and they must somehow evade the wicked adults who are hot on their trail. The book is delightful and exciting, with plenty of suspense and illustrations that complement the story. Liesl & Po is very different from Lauren Oliver’s other books (Before I Fall and Delirium), demonstrating that she has an impressive range as a writer.

The details: 307 pages; 2011   Review by Samrarian

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Review by Keera P..

Who would like this book? This book is more for a girl than for a boy, and also for people who like violence and romance. It is a book for an audience of adults or very mature children.

The goods on this book: The Hunger Games started because the districts tried to overthrow the Capital which rules the districts. The districts lost the battle, and so the capital made sure the districts would never rebel again and so they made the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is a TV show broadcast to the Capital for everyone to watch, but for the districts it was a cruel game. Every year the capital will send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 to 18 from each district to fight to the death until there is only one person left. That person will be given treasures that will last them forever. The story begins with a 12-year-old girl, Primrose, from Distrct 12, who is scared that she will get picked to play a part in the Hunger Games. Her older sister is trying to make her believe there is no chance she could be picked. Will she be picked?

The details:   374 pages; 2008                        Review by Keera P.

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Review by Seth M.

Who would like this book? Anybody who likes action books and can handle a decent-sized book with some people dying would like this book.

The goods on this book: I like how the book changes settings often and has a lot of action. The book is about a time after North America has fallen, and there are 12 standing districts across the land. Every year, each district sends a boy and a girl to compete with 22 other people in a fight to the death. The book is descriptive and holds the reader’s attention really well. The book also takes a lot of twists and turns along the way while the tributes are fighting towards victory. The way it describes the people’s outfits is also different. Katniss faces a lot of trouble with family and survival.

The details:  374 pages; 2008                         Review by Seth M.

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Review by Chloe. H.

Who would like this book?  People who get practical jokes, and who pay close attention in reading and are more mature than your average middle schooler.

The goods on this book: My last book review I did was on Lord of the Flies, about schoolboys trapped on an island. Now, I’m reviewing Nation, another stranded-on-an-island book. I am somehow pulled to survival-on-an-island topics. However, Nation is so much different than Lord of the Flies. This was an awesome book. Terry Pratchett is one of my ALL TIME favorite writers, and he does not disappoint. This book is about Mau, a native to the “Nation” and the only survivor when his village is wiped out by a tsunami wave. And Daphne, the only sole survivor of a shipwreck. These two must survive together on an island despite not speaking the same language, and having different beliefs and culture. More natives from other islands come to survive with Mau and Daphne, while Mau is chief because he was the only one who actually grew up there. It’s a story about rebuilding an entire Nation. They face hardships, like Mau not having a soul (which may or may not come in handy later), raiders, and the fact that the gods are total touchy jerks who won’t stop harassing Mau. This is a fantastic book. You should read it. Really. No, Really. Check it out. Or else.

The details: 367 pp. 2008   Review by Chloe H.

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Who would like this book? Readers, 5^th grade and up, who like entertaining and moving stories told from 1^st person and especially fans of historical fiction from the 1960s would like this book.

Why?  It’s the summer of 1962, and 11-year-old Franny Chapman is dealing with a lot. She has major family problems since her mentally unbalanced uncle lives with her family that also includes a sensitive little brother, an independent older sister, a high-strung mother, and a father who is away most of the time on Air Force business. She also has major problems with friends since her best friend Margie has decided to move up to other, more popular friends. On top of these problems, the Soviet Union has just installed missiles in Cuba, threatening the United States with nuclear attack. As President Kennedy and Krushchev stare each other down, Franny must practice “duck and cover” as she tries to duck trouble but somehow always finds trouble. She tells her story in an authentic voice that brings the daily life of this period alive, and the result is a story that is entertaining, informative, and so moving that it made me cry. The addition of vintage photographs, news items, speeches, song lyrics, and advertisements complements Franny’s story, giving a fuller sense of the time.

The details: 377 pp. 2010   Review by Samrarian

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