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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.
One White Dolphin by Gill Lewis
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Mar.09, 2015, under Adventure, Environment, Grief, Real life, Student Reviews
Review by Sophie U.
Who would like this book? People who would like this book are people who like the ocean and dolphins.
The goods on this book: Kara is a girl who loves the ocean. When she realizes that fishers are going to tear up the her reef, she thinks there is nothing she can do to save it. Then a dolphin washes up on shore, tangled in fish nets. She begins to realize that she can do something. With the help of Felix, a strange new boy, Kara might just be able to save the reef. If Kara can save the reef, she will still feel connected to her mother, who disappeared. This book is very fun and exciting.
The details: 338 pages; 2012
Crossover by Kwame Alexander
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Mar.06, 2015, under Free Verse, Real life, Sam's Reviews, Sports
Who would like this book? People who like basketball and/or love words would like this book. It’s a book for 5th grade and up.
The goods on this book: The words in this novel-in-verse move and flow with whatever action is happening at the time. It might be when Josh, 13, is making seriously great plays on the basketball court. He’s so good, especially with his crossover, that he earns the name “Filthy McNasty.” He’s tight with his twin brother, Jordan, who is also great at basketball. Not surprisingly, their dad had been a professional player when he was younger, until an injury and a refusal to have surgery ended his career. Some significant changes in Josh’s family complicate his life, and following these events and the change in Josh makes for very worthwhile reading. Add in the vibrant poetry and word play, and you’re in for a rich experience!
The details: 237 pages; 2014 Review by Samrarian
A Moment Comes by Jennifer Bradbury
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Feb.15, 2015, under Historical Fiction, Sam's Reviews, War
Who would like this book? People, grades 8 and up, interested in historical fiction and especially about the situation in India and Pakistan n 1947, would like this book. It would also appeal to people who like fiction books that are written from multiple points of view.
The goods on this book: Who has any idea what it would be like to be a young woman in India in 1947? This book brings just such a situation to life. Margaret, a British cartographer’s daughter, has arrived with her mother, escaping an uncomfortable situation at home. Though Margaret is at first sullen about her new home, the influence of Anupreet, a beautiful young Sikh girl who works for Margaret’s family, begins to open Margaret’s eyes to the wonder of the culture. Her forbidden attraction to Tariq, a Muslim teen who also works for her family, adds to this growing interest. The narration shifts between the three very distinct voices of these characters. Following the same events through the lens of their different situations is fascinating, and the tensions between the Sikhs and the Muslims as it affects the lives of Tariq and Anupreet are riveting. This book works on the political level, portraying the violent reaction as Britain divides India and Pakistan. It also works on the personal level as these three young people try to work for their dreams in the face of impossible odds.
The details: 278 pages; 2013 Review by Samrarian
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
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.26, 2015, under Battle of the Books 2011-2012, Detective/Spy, Grief, Mystery, Real life, Student Reviews
Review by Kennedy H.
Who would like this book? I think both genders would enjoy this book very much. Ages 11-13 or 14 would probably like this book the most. Also, people who like action fiction that has some plot twists to it would like this book a lot!
The goods on this book: Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life is a great book! It’s set in present-day New York and is about two best friends, Jeremy Fink and Lizzie Muldoun. Lizzie is an outgoing girl who is willing to do anything to get what she wants. Jeremy likes staying in his comfort zone, staying safe, and collecting candy. They’re searching for the four missing keys to the box Jeremy’s deceased father gave to him. The problem is, he doesn’t know where to look for them. Jeremy and Lizzie search all over New York and meet a lot of new people and do a lot of new things that they had no idea they would do! I think this book was really good and kept me wanting to read more. Wendy Mass is a fantastic author, and this is another one of her great books!
The details: 289 pages; 2006 Review by Kennedy H.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.07, 2015, under Battle of the Books 2014-2015, Bullying, Real life, Student Reviews
Review by Gracie P.
Who would like this book? If you like stories about drama or friendship, you will love this incredible book.
The goods on this book: Wonder is about this kid named August He is 10 years old. August has a face disorder. He has never been to school because he has always been home-schooled. He goes to school for the first time, and you will go through all of his friendships and adventures through school.
The details: 315 pages; 2012 Review by Gracie P.
The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen by Susin Nielsen
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jan.03, 2015, under Bullying, Real life, Sam's Reviews
Who would like this book? Readers grades 6 and up who are looking for books about overcoming unspeakable tragedy would want to read this excellent book.
The goods on this book? Henry K. Larsen, 13, has just moved with his father into a new apartment in a new city. They do not want to be known by IT and they do not speak about IT, but it looms over everything in their lives. Because of IT, Henry’s mother has had to move into a mental institution. The book reveals the event which becomes IT early in the story, but I want to keep it a surprise. The event itself is important, but what makes the book a total stand-out is the quirky combination of neighbors and friends that come into Henry’s life and how he deals with them as he and his family come to terms with IT. His family’s obsession with the Global Wrestling Federation event also adds a lot, including a feature illustration on the cover which might scare away some people who would actually really like the book. This book resonated with me in the same way as John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars in how it handles characters that are facing horrific situations, though it doesn’t include a romance. The subtitle explains a lot about the book: “who is only writing this because his therapist said he had to, which stinks.” Get to know Henry. Read this book!
The details: 243 pages; 2012 Review by Samrarian
Million Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Nov.18, 2014, under Battle of the Books 2014-2015, Real life, Sports, Student Reviews
Review by Jack T.
Who would like this book? I would recommend it to ages 11-15. It’s a great sports fiction book. I recommend it to sport fiction readers.
The goods on this book: Nate Brodie, an eighth grade star quarterback is going through a lot of problems. His golden arm is not so golden anymore. His friend Abby starts to go blind. His dad loses his job and works two times a day. Nate’s mom has to work, and Nate never sees his father much. Nate loses his starting spot at quarterback and plays wide receiver. Nate gets picked to throw a million dollar throw on Thanksgiving at a Patriots game. Now he has a chance to help his family and Abby. He is on the field and Tom Brady gives Nate some last second tips before he throws it. Will he make the throw? Mike Lupica does a great job again.
The details: 244 pages; 2009
Prodigy (Legend Book 2) by Marie Lu
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Nov.12, 2014, under Adventure, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Student Reviews, War
Review by Taylor P.
Who would like this book? I would recommend this book to the people who read the first book Legend. There is a lot of references to Legend in this book. I believe everyone would like it.
The goods on this book: Prodigy starts off with Day, legendary outlaw, and June, miracle prodigy, on a train to Las Vegas. They are in search of Day’s brother Eden, who is being tested on near the border of the Republic and the Colonies. Day needs information, so he goes to the Patriots which are a force working to stop the Republic and bring back freedom. The Patriots agree to give him information if Day will assassinate the new Elector. The trials that Day and June face are crazy! Hope you like it like I did!!!
The details: 374 pages; 2013 Review by Taylor P.
