|
Winter 2006 Authors and Titles
 |
Fame, Glory, and
Other Things on my To Do List Janette Rallison Walker and Company © 2005 |
This book is about Jessica, a girl in high school. She is very dreamy, and dreams of becoming an actor someday. One day, while in the Walmart parking lot, she has a little mix up. During this mix up, she meets a hot guy named Jordan, who just moved to the town and will be going to Jessica's school. They talk for a while, and become friends. But Jordan has a secret that he doesn't want anyone to know. Not even her. But when she finds out his secret, she is so stunned, that she forgets her promise to keep the secret and tells her drama teacher. She did this to save the school play, but now can she save their friendship? This book is a whole bunch of unfortunate events, that turn out to equal one very fortunate one. This is a story about friends, love, and the worst of all...betrayal.
I thought this was a great book - one of the best I've ever read. It was very entertaining, and had no mistakes. It has to do with a lot of real issues like friends, love, drama, and betrayal of friends. It has a lot of different feelings and emotions that everyone can relate to. The girl in this story is also like any other normal girl, who has her share of troubles and forgets things often. I can relate a lot to this book, and I really enjoyed reading it.
~ Lindsay Basile, grade 8, Boardman Center Middle School
 |
Birdwing Rafe Martin Scholastic, Inc. © 2005 |
Birdwing is an adventure story with romance, animals, war, and a swan wing. Prince Ardwin, son of King Lugh and the youngest of seven brothers, has a swan wing left over from a curse he got from his step-mother when he was young. With his wing, Ardwin can communicate with humans and some animals. Ardwin never fit into society because of the ridicule from people and some swans. He wanted to escape back to the swans to hopefully be accepted and to not have to accept a golden arm from King Ulfius. Most of the people and creatures he meets on his journey are likable and interesting, some not until the end. The curse is explained so well that I thought it could actually happen. Ardwin is strong and adjusts well to being different eventually. Even if he didn’t have the wing, he would be very interesting because of his strength and ability for a young man. His friends are close to him and always try to help him even when he finds out their secret. I especially enjoyed that Ardwin learned of a curse that was really a gift and how everything that seemed horrible eventually seemed blessed. He is a wise young man with such great wisdom that no one can teach him lessons; he must learn them for himself. Birdwing is a fantastic book for girls and boys from ages twelve and up. It appeals to almost every taste.
~ Lydia Slivka, grade 8, Boardman Center Middle School
 |
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie Jorden Sonnenblick Scholastic, Inc. © 2005 |
Steven Alper is perfectly content with his average life, until his “average life” turns upside when his little five year-old brother Jeffery is diagnosed with Leukemia. Now, his father does not talk to him, his mother and brother are constantly in Philadelphia getting treatments, and his grades are slowly down spiraling, along with his social life. And as if that is not enough, the Alper’s cannot afford the expensive treatments that poor little Jeffery is bravely under-going. Can Steven keep up? Will he find a way to pay for Jeffery’s cancer treatments? Will Jeffery be ok? Those are a few of the many questions answered in this book.
This book is very believable, in the way that it could really happen. Many children have to see a sibling suffer from Leukemia, and this book reminds you of that.
The characters in this story are very likable. Steven is a real trooper, trying his best, to deal with his life. Not to mention Jeffery, calmly undergoing whatever it takes to get better. This book is by far, one of the most touching books I have ever read. Its problems are just so realistic, and to be truly honest, I was weeping my eyes out by the end of this touching book. I would recommend this book to 7th or 8th grade as far as reading skills go, but I think people of absolutely any age would love this fantastic story of one family’s fight against cancer.
~ Shoshannah Diehl, grade 8, Boardman Center Middle School
 |
Red Palms Cara Haycak Random House Children's Books © 2004 |
This book is very believable. The characters are also very likeable. Although the main character, Benita, does not quite know her purpose in life in the beginning, as the story goes on, she builds a good strong character. I think this is a great book. It is very well written and full of well thought-up adventures, although I was slightly disappointed in the end. I am a stickler for happy endings, and this book left me feeling empty and depressed. Although the run of events in the end was depressing, it had a deeper meaning where Benita has found herself and is like a new person after her Paita experiences.
~ Shoshannah Diehl, grade 8, Boardman Center Middle School
 |
Barry, Boyhound Andy Spearman Alfred A. Knopf © 2005 |
~ Michael McMaster, grade 8, Boardman Center Middle School
 |
Gifts Ursula K. LeGuin Harcourt Children's Books © 2004 |
This is a book that would suit kids grades 9-12. It is a strange book one that left me a little surprised and confused. The back of the book and the cover flap led me to believe that this kid had done something wrong and would never again see the light of day. Instead, the story gave me a brief history about his childhood and his problems right now. This is totally different form what I was expecting. The ending comes quickly and by the time you have gotten there, you have already figured out what is going to happen. A little disappointing but all the same it was a well-written book. I enjoyed how she crafted the story and led you along all the while placing a sub-plat that is just as intriguing as the confrontation that is out in the open. All in all I found this book entertaining and enjoyable, one that is a little confusing but good at the same time
~ Vincent Calautti, grade 10, Boardman High School
 |
The Seven Wonders of
Sassafras Springs Betty G. Birney Simon and Schuster Children's © 2005 |
This book is about a boy named Eben McAllister, who lives in a simple, quiet town called Sassafras Springs. Nothing exciting ever happens there. Life is boring and predictable. Until one day, while Eben is reading a book about the Seven Wonders of the World, his dad challenges him to try and find seven wonders right here in Sassafras Springs. And if he can find seven, he gets what he has been dreaming about . . . a trip to Colorado! He starts right away... going to neighbors' houses and asking around for Wonders. He doesn't realize it at first, but all along his journey, he learns more and more about his neighbors, and even becomes better friends with his old enemies. It started out with a boy trying to find a Wonder or two, and ended up being a fun learning experience for a few lucky boys.
I
thought this book was OK. It had a few interesting things and stories in it,
but other then that it was pretty boring. There were some points in the book
where I was just going to stop reading it. Yes, it did teach a valuable
lesson, about being happy with what you have, but it was just so boring. I
would recommend this book to maybe a fifth grader, but even they might find it
a bit boring. Overall, it was an OK book, not one of the best I've read, and
I definitely wouldn't recommend this book very highly.
~ Lindsay Basile, 8th Grade, Boardman Center Middle School
 |
Faking 19 Alyson Noel St. Martin's Press © 2005 |
~ Darla Conti, grade 10, Struthers High School
 |
Children of the
Lamp: The Blue Djinn of Babylon P. B. Kerr Scholastic, Inc. © 2006 |
Children of the Lamp: The Blue Djinn of Babylon is best suited for readers from ages eight to fourteen. The lower level vocabulary makes the book easier to read for a younger audience so that they can appreciate the novel as well. Lots of action makes the sequel comparable to the first book in the series and keeps readers on their toes. The dangers that the characters have to face are unpredictable and very imaginative. Furthermore, even though the odds are incredibly high, the main characters like John and Philippa always manage to find a way to solve their dilemmas. The book is an excellent source of imagination for younger readers; however, I do not find some of the situations very realistic such as John’s journey through the Iraqi desert. A few of the ideas such as the whirlwind are cool but hard to imagine. Overall, the fast pace makes the novel enjoyable and entertaining.
~Rebecca Theophanous, Boardman High School, Grade 11
 |
Black
Mirror Nancy Werlin Dial © 2001 |
I read the book Black Mirror written by Nancy Werlin. This book is about a sixteen year old girl named Frances whose brother Daniel dies due to a drug overdose. For months to come Frances mourned the death of her brother who belonged to the school charitable organization called Unity. Frances tries to join the organization but multiple obstacles stand in her way. But once she finally gets in, mysteries unfold about the organization and her brother's death. All the questions she ever had will FINALLY be answered.
This book was probably the BEST book I have ever read. If I were to give it a letter grade I would have to give it an A+!! This book is very believable because it is so true and it could happen to anybody at any given time. The characters in the book are very easy to relate to because they deal with the same issues that a teenager now a day would face in high school. I would recommend this book to any student between the grades of nine and twelve. Also, its storyline is very attention grabbing which makes it next to impossible to set the book down. I would read the book all over again and it was definitely worth my time!
~ Valerie Lytle, grade 12, Trumbull Career and Technical Center
 |
Sharing Sam Katherine Applegate Random House Books for Young Readers © 2004 |
She convinces herself and Sam to put aside their love for each other so Izzy can live her last days happier than she's ever been. But what if making Izzy happy for a few days means throwing away the realest thing Alison has ever felt?
Sharing Sam is a believable book. It's real life. The events in the book are relatable. However, I got the feeling that the book took place in the mid 90's and we're in 2006.
Alison, being the main character, I thought could of been more interesting. She seemed to have a monotone the whole book. Izzy sort of bugged me because she took things to lightly. I got the feel that they were the stereotypical nerds at their school, but Izzy just acted like she was the best thing to grace the Earth, and bless her soul she had cancer but I don't think her character fit the position Katherine Applegate put her in. Sam was my absolutely favorite! He had trouble at home and he seemed so real.
This book would appeal to middle school and high school girls. It's touching and sad and moving. But I don't see boys getting into it. Sharing Sam had an original theme and conflict. Overall it was a good book.
~ Sara Ross, grade 11, Trumbull Career and Technical Center
 |
Godless Pete Hautman Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing © 2005 |
~ Darla Conti, grade 10, Struthers High School
 |
Buttermilk Hill Ruth White Farrar, Straus, and Giroux © 2006 |
~ Lauren DiCola, grade 8, Boardman Center Middle School
 |
The
Keys to the Kingdom: Sir Thursday
Garth Nix Scholastic, Inc. © 2006 |
~ Jacob Chevlen, grade 8, Montessori School of the Mahoning Valley
 |
Quicksilver
Stephanie Spinner Random House Children's Books © 2005 |
Hermes is known to be one of Zeus's many children. In
this book, there are a few of his adventures as the messenger. During
one of Hermes messenger duties, he must enter the underworld and bring back
Demeter's daughter, Kore. While in Hades domain, Hermes must walk past the giant
Tityus, who's being eaten alive by two vultures. Then he goes past Tantalus. His
eternal punishment is hunger. He hangs above a huge banquet table, longing for
all the food. He also has to trudge past Sisyphus who has to roll a huge boulder
up a steep ramp, just to watch it go back down. He gets past all this in order
to save Kore. All of that, almost for nothing.
Then there's another story about how Hermes
helps Perseus slay Medusa. Hermes borrows the Adamantine Sickle from Ares.
Perseus uses this and Hermes winged sandals to kill Medusa and return home.
Hermes also goes after Pegasus and rides him while Perseus uses the winged
sandals. Perseus rescues Andromeda from the sea monster, and then they are
married.
There are also a few other Greek myths that
include Hermes. These include a brief tale of Odysseus and the Trojan War.
I thought this book was a good,
entertaining read. I read it in a couple hours on a Saturday afternoon. I know
several Greek myths and legends, but being able to read it from Hermes point of
view made it even more fun. It's a good book for middle school and high school
students who enjoy mythology and want to read it from the point of view of a
character who played the small part of messenger to the Greek gods.
~ Kayla Aldan, 10th grade, Boardman High School
 |
Candy
Kevin Brooks Scholastic, Inc. © 2005 |
Joe's life was ordinary, like any other adolescent boy.
All of that changes the day he meets Candy. He was just walking out of King's
Cross Station in London and was on his way to the doctor's to get treatment for
a lump on his wrist. He's just standing among all the people not really knowing
where to go when this girl asks him if he'll make up his mind already. Joe
thought that she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Since he couldn't
think straight, he had no idea what he was supposed to do, so he just continued
to stand there and look like an idiot. Then she tells him that he has a nice hat
and walks off. He had wanted to say something, maybe ask her to lunch, but all
he managed to say was "Uh...yeah." Some thanks for a compliment.
He was early for his appointment, and his
father had given him some money to get something to eat. Joe decides to go into
McDonald's for a quick lunch. As he's standing in line, the girl from the
station is standing behind him. He gets her a Coke, and they sit down together.
The girl tells Joe that her name is Candy. Unfortunately, they don't talk much
because their time is cut short by this big black man Candy knows as Iggy.
Before he gets to the table, Candy tells Joe just to play along. When Iggy
arrives, he keeps asking if Joe had paid her. After a brief argument between the
two, Iggy pulls Candy away from that little table at McDonald's and leaves.
Joe gets to the doctor's and gets the lump
treated right there. He leaves with only the image of it ever being there. As
he's sitting on the train going home, all he can think about is Candy and Iggy.
He feels a little blue because he's pretty positive that he'll never see Candy
again. When he finally gets home, he sits up most of the night and writes a song
about her. He's a helpless romantic whose stupid brain keeps telling him that
he'll never see her again, but his heart proves his mind wrong.
Joe will end up seeing her again and
learning all about her life; it won't be too pretty. She lives a life of
prostitution and is addicted to heroin. Joe will try to save her from everything
and let her start her life over, but will Iggy get in the way?
I thought Candy
was a very wonderful novel. It shows how an ordinary kid like Joe meets what he
thinks is an amazing girl. She has a beautiful body, her skin's so soft, and all
the other qualities guys pick out at first glance. He ends up becoming the
intervention Candy needs to try and get away from the dangerous life she lives.
The book was full of different emotions. I was happy, sad, frightened, worried,
and so many other emotions that I can't even list all of them! In my opinion,
high school and even some college students would enjoy this book.
~ Kayla Aldan, 10th grade, Boardman High School
 |
The
Truth About Sparrows
Marian Hale Henry Holt Books for Young Readers © 2004 |
The book The Truth About Sparrows is about a 12 year old girl named Sadie Wynn who lives Missouri with her mother, father, brothers and sisters. Sadie liked her life in Missouri. She does not want a new one. Her old one suited her just fine but, since her father could not make a living in Missouri during the drought, Sadie has to leave her beloved home for this strange place where even children clean shrimp at canneries to help make ends meet and where people are rude to her disabled father. Also, Sadie does not to leave because she does not want to leave her best friend, Wilma. Wilma's family was moving in with a family in California. When trouble comes to Sadie in this strange new place, it is the kindness of her new neighbors that helps her family get through and no one helps more than Dollie, a girl who Sadie meets in her new neighborhood.
I liked the book The Truth About Sparrows because it really describes a time when living was hard because of the drought and all of the challenges and changes people had to deal with. I thought the characters in the book were very interesting. They each had a very special quality. Sadie's father would never give up and did not like to have any help. Sadie's mother never stopped worrying about her family even while she was pregnant. Sadie just wanted to help out her family by working hard and raising money so they could move back to Missouri. I think that middle school students would like to read this book because it teaches children that they should help out like Sadie did raising money so her family could move back home.
Some of the main problems in the book first started out when Sadie's father could no longer find work because of the drought. Another problem in the story was when a huge hurricane hit Sadie's new neighborhood, flooding it. The worst problem in the story was probably when Sadie, her mother, and Dollie were out gathering pecans at a river and Sadie's mother started to give birth to the baby. With nobody around, Sadie and Dollie had to deliver the baby themselves. When they all took the baby to the doctor, he said that the baby was not very healthy and could die. But in the end, the baby turned out to be very healthy and would live a long life and all the other problems in the book resolved themselves.
~ Alyssa Clark, grade 5, George Washington Intermediate School
 |
Yoss
Odo Hirsch Random House Children's Books © 2004 |
Odo Hirsch, an Australian writer, has made his name as the author of a number of children’s books. Yoss is his first book for young adults. Hirsch spins the tale of a young lad from a small village. Yoss and his friend, Herman, depart the village, as is done with young men every year. Herman turns back, however, after a short time, but Yoss continues into the world to explore the towns and find something to bring back to his village. Yoss meets a variety of different people, and explores life in one of the large towns. Trouble seems to find Yoss at every turn, though the action is a little slow paced. The book has a somewhat relaxed feel, though there are some very exciting scenes within its depths. The book has a strong moral theme that the reader has to find for him or herself. Yoss finds himself as a thief, a beggar, a workman, and a painter. Finally, Yoss returns to his village as an adult, where he left as a child.
 |
Perfect
World
Brian James Scholastic, Inc. © 2005 |
I loved this book; the characters are very real and are relatable on some level. These characters may remind you of yourself or people you have known, but some may be completely new to you. That is the great thing about this book. It's somewhat familiar, but at the same time it is uncharted territory for you. I see this book as a true romantic underdog story. I couldn't put it down. It was one of the best books that I have read and that is a true feat. I plan to read many more books by Brian James, especially the sequel to this book, Dirty Liar. I highly recommend this book at anyone and everyone who enjoys reading.
~ Laura Hunt, grade 11,. Trumbull Career and Technical Center.
 |
The Truth Cookie Fiona Dunbar Orchard Books © 2005 |
The Truth Cookie by Fiona Dunbar is about a young thirteen-year-old girl named Lulu Baker. Lulu lost her mother at age five and now, eight years later, her father has decided to re-marry. Lulu's Dad, Mike, is tricked into marrying the evil, self-absorbed, Varaminta Le Bones with her evil con artist son, Torquil.
Lulu's only hope to expose the Le Bones is with the help of The Apple Star, Lulu's magical New Age cookbook. To do that, she will need the help of her best friend Frenchy and the very mysterious Cassandra. Cassandra knows more about Lulu than Lulu may know about herself.
Why are the Le Bones so evil?
How was Lulu's dad tricked?
Will Lulu be able to save her dad from the dreaded Varaminta?
The only way to know is to read this awesome book and find out!
I found this book to be wonderfully written! It was full of interesting characters that all play a part in the outcome of this book. It also has a great twist of magic, mystery, and humor to it. I found it very enjoyable reading about a young strong hearted girl with a New Age cookbook. Overall, I found this book to be very well written and would recommend it for middle school students.
~ Angela Kaczowka, grade 8, Boardman Center Middle School
 |
Sticky Fingers Niki Burnham Simon & Shuster Adult Publishing Group © 2005 |
The book Sticky Fingers, by Niki Burnham, is a good eye opener for teenagers. It is about a young girl with all her goals set out for her. She is doing great and decides to have some "fun". Having "fun" can prove to be a bad thing for a straight A student who wants to get into collage early. Things only get worse when her boyfriend decides to make things go his way. She quickly learns that she cannot trust him like she thought she could.
This book is good for teenagers in 8 - 12 grade. It would probably only attract females, though it would be good for males to let them know how things can really happen. The book is well written. The characters in the book are believable, likeable, and interesting. I think teenage females would enjoy this book for the same reasons that I did. They would like how it is very believable and interesting, as well as the fact that everything in this book can and actually has happened in real life, though not necessarily in this exact order or to the same person. It takes real things and shows you that they can happen, even to the best of people.
~ Leann Nemes, grade 11, Trumbull Career and Technical Center
 |
Eldest
Christopher Paolini Random House Children's Books ©2005 |
Surpassing his triumphant novel Eragon, Christopher Paolini went above and beyond to write the highly anticipated "Eldest." This story is a classic tale of good and evil told in the classic fantasy landscape. Even though this novel is considered a "classic fantasy story," it is anything but generic.
The story takes place after the events of "Eragon." The land of Alagaesia is still suffering the evil reign of the King Galbatorix, and Eragon, along with his blue dragon Saphira and the daring Riders, try to stop from spreading his evil to the corners of the earth. Eragon and Saphira travel to Ellesmera to study magic with the elves. While in Ellesmera Eragon and Saphira meet the legendary Rider Oromis and his elder dragon, Glaedr. Oromis takes Eragon under his wing, and becomes his "personal trainer," teaching him the art of magic, dragon riding, and the ancient language. In Carvahal, the homeland of Eragon, Roran, Eragon's cousin, is being under attack by the evil Ra'Zac. Roran tries to save the people of Carvahal by leading into the mountains. Both of these stories culminate in a giant battle resulting in Eragon learning about his parentage, and a leaves you hanging while a whole new chapter in the life of Eragon the Dragon Rider continues.
I can only safe one thing about this novel. Amazing. This story is amazingly written. The dialogue is sheer genius. The characterization is flawless. The plot is rock-solid. I have never read a more fulfilling fantasy novel in my life. The novel is a challenge, there's no doubt about that, but in the end it is worth it. The novel is 704 pages so it is not a short read. I recommend this book to everyone, young and old. Believe me it's worth it.
~ James Frohman, grade 12, Lowellville High School
 |
Dusk Susan Gates Penguin Young Readers Group © 2005 |
The book Dusk takes place at a military base where they do experiments on animals and try to find ways to improve their soldiers. The main character is a young girl named Dusk and she is one of the experiments the military scientists happen to be working on. The military where looking for a way to improve their soldiers eye sight by giving them night vision. They where accomplish this by using a small amount of hawk DNA to inject it into the soldiers so there eyes would also have night vision too. They used this experiment first on Dusk and it work but they also failed. Yes she did have night vision but she also inherited other hawk like instincts. She ate mice, clawed at her skin and they had to inject her with chemicals often to clam her down other wise she screamed and screeched until someone gave her what she wanted. One of the workers during a meeting the scientist where having; went in side the lab where Dusk was because he heard the yelling and screaming. This was the first time he ever saw the room and all the experiments they were working on. When he left the room one of the rats got out of his cage and knocked some things over and caused the building to catch fire and burned down. Later in the story Dusk is stuck in a tough decision between saving a young boy or letting him get killed by the dogs. In the end, she did end up helping him. Dusk and Jay (the young boy) became close friends at the end of the story. Jay wanted Dusk to come with him and live with him and his father and they would take care of her but she wanted to be with the hawks. This book isn’t very realistic but it still is a good book for middle school students it really isn’t to interesting for juniors and seniors.
~ Raquel Chadman, grade 12, Trumbull Career and Technical Center
 |
Heart on my Sleeve Ellen Wittlinger Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing © 2005 |
The book’s setting is at a college visit. The main characters are Julian and Chloe. They are both high school seniors at the time. Chloe is really happy that she is going to have a boyfriend in college. But, there is one problem; she doesn’t know how to break the news to her best friend Eli who she is short of dating. I think the quality of the book is good. The characters are very likable and interesting. I think the book is a really good book because it talks about going to college and what college life is really about and dealing with relationships while you are in college. I think high school students and middle school students would enjoy this book, but I think high school students would understand it more just because they are the ones that are getting ready to start college. This is a book that is written in e-mail format. It is a little confusing at times because it is written this way. To me, this book was a really enjoyable book, and I hope you find it as enjoyable as I did. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my review.
~ Heidi Huff, grade 12, Trumbull County Career and Technical Center
 |
The Kidnapping of Christina
Lattimore Joan Lowery Nixon Harcourt Children's Books © 2004 |
This book has won the Edger Allan Poe for best young adult mystery. As soon as you start reading this book Christina is getting kidnapped by two people. Christina tells you every thing that happened like your living throw it with her when she finally gets out she finds out that everyone believes its her that set up the whole thing. When really their is a third person that keeps quiet and set it up to look like it was Christina if they didn’t get away. No one believes her, not even her best friend. Then Kelly shows a man in college who was their behind a camera then she left the house that she was taken to. He helps her find out the truth. This part of the story is long and drown out I almost lost interest in the book but I pushed threw it. Very happy that I did because I was not expecting who it was. At the end of the story she finds out a lot more than just who the third person is in her kidnapping. She learn a life lesson that has set her on the right track for the rest of her life a lesson that every one needs to learn.
This is a good book for any teen because its not only a mystery story it can teach you some lessons as well. If you love to read in great detail than this book is great, but have some time and no distractions. When you read the back of the book it makes you believe that she was tortured. To be in that situation would hard, but to read about it is just a good mystery. The book spends more time on her finding out who did it than what happened. Mystery seekers get this book solve a mystery and learn a lesson.
~ Marie Flickinger, grade 12, Trumbull County Career and Technical Center/Warren G. Harding
 |
Absolutely, Positively Not David LaRochelle Scholastic, Inc. © 2005 |
This is a great book about finding yourself, especially if you are questioning your own sexuality. The main character, Steven, develops a crush on a male teacher and begins to question and deny his sexual orientation. He tries to date many girls and though they may be very pretty, he cannot find a way to be attracted to them. To avoid an uncomfortable situation with his mother he even lies about a date to a school dance and ends up taking a golden retriever. Steven eventually accepts that he is gay and comes out to his best friend Rachel. Steven didn’t expect her to react as casually as she did. Her parents congratulated him on finding himself and that gave him the confidence he needed. Steven is gay and by the end of this book he is absolutely, positively NOT afraid to admit that.
~ Ashley Senko, grade 12, Trumbull County Career and Technical Center
 |
Light Years Tammar Stein Random House Children's Books © 2005 |
A teenage girl named Maya was born and raised in Israel. After she finishes the year required tour of duty in Israel, and the tragic death of her boyfriend Das, she moved to the States. Maya is moving to the University of Virginia to study astronomy. While in the states Maya makes many new friends. Maya becomes especially close to her roommate, Payton, who is bubbly and always happy. Maya also meets a new guy, Justin. After an injury jogging, she and Justin become even closer.
This book alternates from the events in Virginia back to her past in Israel. The odd number chapters are in Virginia and the even number chapters are in Israel. If you go through and read all the even chapters and then the odds, the book will be in order. I feel this is an extremely well written book, although there are a few typos. This is a must read in my opinion. Light Years shows how other people feel when they come to this country. Stories/Novels written in this way make you feel like you are reading someone’s journal; it’s so realistic, like something that has really happened to someone real.
~ Sarah Bauer, grade 12, Trumbull County Career and Technical Center
 |
Dark Angel David Klass Frances Foster Books © 2005 |
Dark Angel is about a boy who has a girlfriend who’s father is a strict military man and he fears his brother being released from prison to come and live at home. The main character, Brian, is afraid that his brother might pull the same type of crime spree as he did before he went to prison.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I would suggest that middle school kids could read this book, but not a lot of the high school juniors or seniors would want to read very much of this book. This book had some flaws but not all of them were noticeable. The main character is someone who I can relate to because I am somewhat like him.
~ Mat Novak, grade 11, Trumbull County Career and Technical Center
 |
6X: The Uncensored Confessions Nina Malkin Scholastic, Inc. © 2005 |
The book I read was 6X: The Uncensored Confessions. This book was about four very different people who have no idea about each other. They form a band called 6X. Throughout the whole book they show the ups and downs about what it is like to be in a teenage music group filled with kids that have no idea about what it is like to be in a band at such a young age. They experience a lot of things. They go from not knowing what to do to being the new hit music group with the #1 band that has the #1 album.
I really liked this book a lot. It showed the real side of what it could be like to be in a band at such a young age. And when you’re young like that you get introduced to the six, drugs, and money of fame. I would give this book 8 out of 10.
~ Leena Bowell, grade 12, Trumbull County Career and Technical Center
 |
Horseman Ford Lytle Gilmore Razorbill © 2005 |
I read Horseman which is the first book in The Hollow series. This is a very good book. The only problem is that the adventure is not right from the start. The first few chapters are a little bit confusing so you have to read into it more before you actually begin to understand the story. The main characters, Sean and Aimee Lancaster, move into the peaceful town of Sleepy Hollow from busy Boston with their father after their mother has passed away. Upon entering Sleepy Hollow, strange things begin to happen. It seems as if the whole town has going crazy. Even the sheriff doesn’t believe the people when they call about the strange happenings. Since the sheriff doesn’t want to listen to the townspeople’s complaints, Sean, Aimee and their new friend Stasia investigate all of the complaints. Stasia is known as the ghost expert in town and when anything weird happens, people run to her. All of the strange happenings in town seem to have something to do with Washington Irving’s book Sleepy Hollow. At the end of the book, the teens finally find out what is making everything happen and the problem is resolved. Even though the problem is resolved, there are a bunch of loose ends that still need to be tied up which is an ultimate ending since this book is only the first in the series. This book is a great book for any middle school or high school student. I would recommend this book to any person who likes mystery and adventure stories because this book is full of both.
~ Shannon Issac, grade 12, Trumbull County Career and Technical Center
 |
The Boy Who Saved Baseball John H. Ritter Penguin Group Incorporated © 2005 |
The book I read for was The Boy who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter. The main character of the story is Tom Gallagher. He finds himself in a tight spot. The fate of Dillontown rests on the outcome of one single baseball game, and the winner takes it all, and they are the champions. Some of the problems the main character faces is that at first he cannot find anyone to come and coach the baseball team. Then he does not know if he can rely on the other kids to help him win this game that means so much to them because the winner takes it all. Then he goes and starts to practice with them and they begin to become a very good team. They practiced everyday and got better and better. The coach of the team is Dante DelGato. Then there is a mysterious boy named Cruz de la Cruz who has just rode into Dillontown on horseback and claims to know the secret of hitting the ball. They all grow very close to each other and get along.
I like this book very much because it is about a boy who saved baseball. I can relate to him because I am very good at sports. I play them all the time, everyday of the week and year round.
~ Jonathan Cole, grade 11, Trumbull Career and Technical Center
 |
The Boy from the Basement Susan Shaw Penguin Young Readers Group © 2004 |
The book that I read was called The Boy from the Basement. Some of the main characters are Charlie, Mother, Father, Dr. Leidy, Aaron, Mrs. Harrigan, and Ambrose. The setting takes place in the cold, old basement of their home.
The problem in this book is that Charlie is locked in the basement because his father thinks that he is really bad. He does not get to eat or use the bathroom. All he gets to sleep in is an old pair of shorts and he sleeps on a towel. His mother tries to help but she really can’t. Sometimes at night Father would unlock the basement door. Charlie would get a drink from the facet and eat peanut butter. Then he would have to go outside to use the bathroom. One day the door slammed shut and he couldn’t get back in. He is really sick. Someone found him and took him to the hospital. There he met his new friend Aaron. Aaron taught Charlie about school and soccer. Charlie doesn’t know about anything. Dr. Leidy tries to help Charlie and find out what happened. While Charlie is in the hospital, he goes to a foster home. His foster mother is Mrs. Harrigan, and he even gets a foster brother named Ambrose.
I think this book is believable because things like this could happen sometimes. The characters were very interesting and likable. I really thought this was a good book. I think high school students should read this book.
~ Amber Lockney, grade 12, Trumbull County Career and Technical Center
 |
Rainbow Road Alex Sanchez Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Company © 2005 |
The book is about three gay guys, Nelson, Jason and Kyle, who go on a road trip to California. Jason is traveling to California to speak at an alternative gay/lesbian high school. He lost his basketball scholarship because he “came out” to his basketball team. Kyle is Jason’s boyfriend. Nelson is Kyle’s best friend. Nelson is flamboyant. He has flaming pink hair. Nelson is constantly snapping his fingers and proclaiming “don’t go there girlfriend”. On their road trip they encounter variations of gay/lesbian people such as a s a boy living s a girl, a couple in a long term relationship, and gay bashers. I think this is a very good book because it is honest and fun at the same time. This was one of the best books I have ever read. I think that mature high school students would enjoy reading this book. Again, it was very enjoyable.
~ Andi Taylor, grade 11, Trumbull County Career and Technical Center
 |
Left for Dead: A Young Man's Search for
Justice for the USS Indianapolis Pete Nelson Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers © 2003 |
I read “Left for Dead” by Pete Nelson. The story deals with the survivors of the USS Indianapolis. Most of the people in the story were in WWII. The story begins at a Westing Hotel in Indianapolis on the second floor. In the hotel were display cases lining the walls that all pertained to WWII or Indianapolis. There are also 250 new recruits on their ship.
I enjoyed reading this book because it deals with a type of law enforcement which is something I am very interested in. It is a good book because it gives information about history and events that happened long ago. I learned a lot about the USS Indianapolis and all of the recruits who were on board the ship at sea. It has added to my perception of the armed forces as an interest of mine.
~ Josh Gemik, grade 11, Trumbull County Career and Technical Center
 |
Girls for Breakfast David Yoo Random House Children's Books © 2005 |
“Girls for Breakfast” is a book about a boy who is just trying to fit in, and he struggles through it all through his school life. This book was not interesting to me because it is perverted and bounces around too much. I would recommend it to guys more than girls. Still, at the end of the book there is a good meaning.
~ Kat Raschilla, grade 11, Trumbull County Career and Technical Center
 |
Contents
Under Pressure
Lara M. Zeises Random House Children's Books © 2004 |
Lucy and Allison are now the only two best friends left of what used to be the
five best friends. Before it was Kim Talbot, Kim Tate, Tabitha, Ally and Lucy.
Kim Tate always did what Kim Talbot did so Kim Talbot was Kim one and Kim Tate
was Kim two. Tabitha on the other hand was just there. Lucy and Ally were
having their annual get together-sleepover. Lucy told Ally that her brother,
Jack, would be coming home for a visit. When Jack still lived at home every girl
in Lucy's school had a crush on him. To Lucy, Jack was her best friend, and he
was a perfect brother. He always made family game night fun, but now that it was
just Lucy, her parents, and her little brother Brody, it wasn't fun anymore;
family game night usually ended in fights.
At
the sleepover Lucy and Ally had gotten on the subject of the Kim's and Tab. When
the conversation ended going to sleep ended on an awkward note. When Lucy got
home, she had just missed Jack's phone call, but he called later and said he
would be home Friday. Friday came, and sure enough Jack came home, but he
brought someone with him. Hannah was Jack's girlfriend, and Lucy hated her.
Lucy,
Hannah and Jack watched a football game at the high school, and when Lucy
arrived she mistook a Junior from her school for her brother. That boy was Tobin
Scacheri. After talking to her brother and catching up a bit, Lucy spent the
rest of the game far away from her brother and hated girlfriend. That night,
Lucy and Jack had a fight and Jack told Lucy that Hannah would be sleeping in
her room, and she would just have to deal with it. Lucy thought her life
couldn't get any worse, but it got better. She bumped into Tobin in the hall at
school the next day. After bumping into Tobin, everything seemed to get better
for Lucy, until she fought with her best friend Ally because she became friends
with Tab again. Then Lucy found out something she wasn't supposed to. At night,
when Hannah was driving Lucy home from a party, Hannah got morning sickness.
Lucy started getting closer to Hannah, but when she found out Jack had gotten
Hannah pregnant, the two were drawn together even closer.
~ Ashley Aldan, grade 7, Boardman Center Middle School
 |
True
Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet
Lola Douglas Penguin Young Readers Group © 2005 |
Morgan
Carter was sent out of her Hollywood life, to, according to her, "life in
the middle of no where." After almost dying in the Viper Room from an
overload on drugs, Morgan had to become a regular girl that goes to a regular
high school and does regular things. Morgan has to become Claudia Miller. Living
in Fort Wayne is a nightmare for "Claudia," but she makes two friends,
twins Emily and Eli Whitemarsh. Emily and Claudia have a hard time connecting
with each other, but Claudia has to be careful of what she says and does; no one
can find out who she really is or what she's doing there.
She
has a film teacher who hates her, and a portly girl, who is absolutely in love
with Eli, by the name of Debbie, hates her too. When Debbie finds out that Eli
likes Claudia, everything goes down hill from there including Claudia's grades
(which were never good to begin with) and her life back at home. Claudia skipped
school one day because she wasn't feeling well and she decided to call her mom,
but she got a surprise, her mother, who was obsessed with money, had married her
producer. Claudia was furious, and took her anger out on everyone else.
Claudia
continued skipping school, and even went to Chicago when her friend came to see
her from Hollywood. In Chicago, someone snapped "Claudia's" picture
and the tabloids recognized her. Then everyone in Fort Wayne knew who Claudia
Miller really was, she was Hollywood starlet, Morgan Carter, who had to become a
regular teenager for once in her life. Morgan only has one chance to save her
life, and she did it, part of the way.
I
immensely enjoyed this book because it had a completely different plot. I
couldn't predict what would come next. I would recommend this novel for middle
school and high school students. They will have more connections to the
book.
~ Ashley Aldan, grade 7, Boardman Center Middle School
 |
Watching
the Roses
Adele Geras Harcourt Children's Books © 2005 |