YRCA
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on May.08, 2015, under Real life, Romance, Student Reviews, Teen Top 10, YRCA
Review by Gracie B.
Who would like this book? People who like romance and when the book goes from past to present It’s for older readers, 12 and above.
The goods on this book: In If I Stay, a teenage girl named Mia and her family get in a car crash and her parents die on the scene. She and her brother Teddy go to the hospital. She is in a weak condition, and he is in stable condition but then becomes unstable. You follow her journey in the hospital as if it is her ghost or her soul. Her boyfriend, Adam, visits and is not allowed in because she is in the ICU, and only immediate family can visit. So, he had a plan to get in. I will not spoil the plan though! The book goes back and forth between past and present. In the past, she talks about getting into Julliard, a college she wants to get into. It is a musician’s dream college. She also talks about her and Adam meeting and how he is a grade above her and a punk, leader of a band, but Mia is into classical music and plays the cello. I really liked the book because I am into these kind of books that are romantic and that go back and forth. It is just super cool to me. So if you like a romantic book READ THIS!!!!!!!!
The details: 2009; 259 pages Review by Gracie B.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Mar.31, 2015, under Grief, Real life, Romance, Student Reviews, Teen Top 10, YRCA
Review by Gracie B.
Who would like this book? Someone 12 and older who likes sad but well-written books and is ready to cry would like this book. Also, if you like romantic or realistic books.
The goods on this book: This book is about a 16-year-old girl named Hazel who is battling cancer in her lungs. Her mom and her doctor make her go to a support group where she meets Augustus Waters and falls madly in love with him. The book follows their journey together. I really liked the book and will most likely read it again. I also think that John Green is a very good writer, and I hope to read another book of his. Although this book is very sad, you should read it. I thought I would be crying for hours. It is not that sad, but you still might cry a little. You should definitely read this if you like romantic, realistic books. So, next time you are looking for a book, read this one!!!
The details: 318 pages; 2012 Review by Gracie B.
Shadow and Bone (Grisha Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Feb.15, 2015, under Fantasy, Romance, Sam's Reviews, War, YRCA
Who would like this book? Fans (grades 7 and up) of dark fantasies with a strong female protagonist will want to take a look at this book.
The goods on this book: Alina, an orphan with no apparent talent or beauty, grows up as best friends with the handsome and talented Mal. Their country, Ravka, is threatened by a horrific darkness that is filled with flesh-eating monsters. When crossing this Shadowfold with Mal and their regiment, Alina manifests a great, special power that has not been seen in ages. This display of power catches the attention of the all-powerful Darkling, and Alina is whisked away to his court to be trained as a Grisha. Here, without her best friend Mal, she must not only learn to use and harness her power, but she must decide who and who not to trust. She is also plagued with the problem of how to get back to Mal. Full of intrigue, action, and just a bit of romance, Shadow and Bone is a book with a satisfying plot and a captivating protagonist. It’s a must-read for fans of dark fantasy.
The details: 358 pages; 2012 Review by Samrarain
The Book Thief by Marcus Zuzak
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Nov.06, 2014, under Historical Fiction, Student Reviews, Teen Top 10, War, Writing, YRCA
Review by Jaden L.
Who would like this book? Anyone who is interested in history, particularly people who like to study the era of World War Two. This book is inspirational and will pull at the heart strings of any readers.
The goods on this book: The time is World War Two. Death, the narrator, has never been busier and will become busier still. He become captivated by a girl known as The Book Thief. Her name is Liesel Meminger. Her world as she knew it has been changed. She finds a book at her brother’s gravesite, before she has to go live with a new family. She soon becomes captivated by books and learns to read with the help of her foster father. She steals books from book burnings and the Mayor’s library. I strongly suggest you read this book.
The details: 552 pages; 2005 Review by Jaden
Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Oct.27, 2014, under Detective/Spy, Real life, Sam's Reviews, YRCA
Review by Samrarian
Who would like this book? Thoughtful readers, grades 5 and up, looking for a well-crafted story about friendship, family, and belonging.
The goods on this book: Georges, a 7th grader in Brooklyn, New York, has a lot to handle. His architect father has lost his job and their family has had to move from their house (and his amazing bedroom) to an apartment. His father is pursuing a new career idea while his mom works double shifts at the hospital. At school, Georges dodges bullies and is ignored by his long-time friend. In his new apartment building, he replies to an ad for a spy club and meets Safer, a home-schooled kid obsessed with spying on a man who lives upstairs from Georges. As Georges navigates this new friendship and his family’s new situation, the reader gets to know him well. Rebecca Stead is so good at developing characters that are complex and building plots that twist in very unexpected ways. Both of these traits are in fine form in Liar and Spy, making this quiet book very worthwhile to read and possibly read again.
The details: 180 pages; 2012 Review by Samrarian
The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus Book 1) by Rick Riordan
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Oct.20, 2014, under Adventure, Battle of the Books 2014-2015, Fantasy, Mythology, ORCA, Sam's Reviews, YRCA
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
Legend by Marie Lu
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Oct.15, 2014, under Battle of the Books 2014-2015, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Student Reviews, Teen Top 10, YRCA
Review by Taylor P.
Who would like this book? This book is good for all action lovers out there. From romance to action, from thriller to heart breaker – this book is good from top to bottom.
The goods on this book: The book starts off in the future Los Angeles. A character named Day, a rebel to the government, finds out his family has the virus, a sickness that tore apart what was once America. Day tries to get the antidote in a hospital facility but barely escapes and is empty handed. He is framed for killing a Captain. The Captain’s younger sister June goes undercover and tries to find Day and turn him in, but she soon finds out he is not what she expects. I hope you like this wonderful book as much as I did. Have fun reading!
The details: 305 pages, 2011 Review by Taylor P.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Sep.28, 2014, under Adventure, Science Fiction, Student Reviews, YRCA
Review by Taylor P.
Who would like this book? Any young reader would enjoy this action-packed thriller from beginning to end.
The goods on this book: This action-packed book starts with Thomas, a teenage boy 15 to 16 years old, who is trapped in a pitch-black shaft going up. Thomas has no memories of his past; he can only remember his name. The shaft stops and the roof opens to find a group of boys from the ages of 13 to 19. Thomas finds himself getting out of the shaft and being in a large area with massive sized walls around it; the other boys seem to call it the Glade. Thomas’s adventures in the Glade are tremendous. Every chapter leaves you hanging. I love this book so much; I love how in every chapter you know as much as Thomas does. I hope you love it, too.
The details: 375 pages; 2009 Review by Taylor P.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Sep.24, 2014, under Adventure, Fantasy, Student Reviews, YRCA
Review by Carsten K.
The goods on this book: Percy has lead a rough life. When we discovers he’s the son of a powerful god he doesn’t knew existed, he is framed for stealing a powerful weapon of another god. If Percy doesn’t find it, a huge war will commence between the gods. He has his friends Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and Grover, the satyr, to help him! It’s mythical fiction set in modern America! I really liked this book!
The details: 375 pages; 2005 Review by Carsten K.
Drama by Raina Telgemeier
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Aug.31, 2014, under Graphic Novels, Real life, Sam's Reviews, YRCA
Who would like this book? If you like real life stories in a graphic novel format and/or liked Smile by this same author, then you’ll probably really like Drama.
The goods on this book: Callie, a 7th grader with purple and pink hair, loves the theater and has found her spot as the set designer. She’s jazzed about her plans for the new production, Moon over Mississippi, but the boy she’s interested in has his heart set on someone else. When twins Justin and Jesse show up to be part of the production, Callie’s life gets more complicated. As she works with her stage crew to bring the set together, trouble with friendships, romances, and the production keep Callie, Jessie, and others on their toes. Their stories deal with issues such as sexual identity in a seamless blend of humor, heartbreak, and happiness. I loved going on this roller coaster ride with Callie and her crew!
This book is a YRCA 2015 nominee.
The details: 233 pages; 2012 Review by Samrarian
