Reviews of Teen Books

Mafi, Tahereh
2 stars = Meh
Review:

"Shatter Me" is a wonderful example of the most cliché teen romance "novel" that anyone has ever read up. The summaries promised it to be an epic dystopian fiction, but as the story progressed Juliette, the main character became more interested in the idea of choosing between two men. Aaron, who captures her to conduct experiments with her power, or Adam, the boy she met when she was ten. Her options are not exactly out of the ordinary for a supposedly "Dystopian" fiction. The only real difference I see between this and the other books I've read in this past year is the gut wrenching number of similes and metaphors, some of which have absolutely no context to this story whatsoever. Though it was well written, this book could be mightily improved.

Reviewer's Name: Maia
Kontis, Alethea
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

Personally loved this book, I adored the main character and the setting was wonderfully done. I think that Saturday Woodcutter was a great character. When she decided that she was done trying to act like someone else, she went on an adventure. This book kept me thoroughly interested for a little over a week. The conclusion was mostly thrilling and made sense with the context of the book.

Reviewer's Name: Maia
Blakley-Cartwright, Sarah
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

I liked the fact that this was not a traditional retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Valerie is an intelligent individual who's goal is to capture the wolf. In this version the wolf lives inside a villager. This novel also touches on the corrupt church of the medieval time period and the cruelness that can be mankind. This story was a stunning mix of honesty and a fairy tale.

Reviewer's Name: Maia
Purcell, Kim
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

This was a really good book. Although it is considered teen fiction, it didn't really read that way. I was very impressed by the narrative. The protagonist is from Moldova and her voice is very authentic. The author obviously did her homework, particularly involving the different customs and dialects of the former Soviet Union and Moldova in particular. Crazy that stuff like this still happens in real life.

Reviewer's Name: vfranklyn
Riggs, Ransom
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

I liked this book better than book 1 (Mrs. Peregrine's School for Peculiar Children). It felt to me like book 1 was a prequel to this one. I'm glad there was some resolution with the main character's parents. I'll probably read the next installment. Definitely a cool idea to make a story out of found strange photos.

Reviewer's Name: vfranklyn
Stewart, Trenton Lee
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

Yes, some might think this is only a children's book, but I am a teen and I loved it! This book is the predecessor to The Mysterious Benedict Society series, but you could read it by itself and still understand what is going on. Maybe that is why I loved it so much.

Basically, the story is about the life of the creator of the Mysterious Benedict Society, Nicholas Benedict, but when he was nine (which makes him all the cuter) and his troubles in an orphanage from bullies to friendships.
In between all of this, he also tries to figure out the mystery behind the orphanage he lives in. The downside: he had a chronic sleeping disorder that makes him fall asleep anytime, anyplace. The upside: he's a downright genius.

I think this is a lovely, well written book that will charm people of all ages. Don't give a second thought about reading it!

Reviewer's Name: Margaret
Cabot, Meg
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

I loved this book. I love how meg cabot was able to get the teen feeling in to this book. I also love how she was able to get the president and everything like that in to this book. I recommend this book to people who like teen books.

Reviewer's Name: Sam
Genres:
Palacio, R. J.
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

This was a sweet book. I loved Auggie's voice and how different parts of the book were narrated by different characters. I also loved the message, which was to always be kinder than necessary. A feel-good, quick read.

Reviewer's Name: vfranklyn
Yousafzai, Malala
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

A powerful look at a young girl's fight for education in Pakistan. Malala starts by filling us in on her country's history, from before colonization by the British through the Taliban takeover. All the while she and her father fight for girls' education. It's hard not to despair for her as she is fighting against such great odds, but her positive attitude reminds us that good can overcome evil. She wants every person in the world to be educated. Amen to that!

Reviewer's Name: vfranklyn
Green, John
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

I could say so many things about this book, but what I most want to say is that you should read it. Even when you're crying and want to put it down, you're laughing through your tears a few paragraphs later. Beautiful and memorable.

Reviewer's Name: Evan
Sheinkin, Steve
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

Everything they probably taught you in middle school, but WAY more entertaining and fascinating! Steve Sheinkin wrote textbooks and then vowed to make it up to us with engaging narratives of history. The espionage, the intrigue, the science, and the implications of it all kept me returning to this Newbery Honor book. The many facts with which Sheinkin presents the reader are accessible as well as interesting, and the use of original photographs puts faces to names and gives perspective to the devastation caused by the weapons. Excellently cited, Sheinkin paves the way for researchers and history buffs young and old to continue their reading on this fascinating time in our nation's past.

Reviewer's Name: Evan
Smith, Andrew
3 stars = Pretty Good
Review:

It was o.k. I felt like there was just not much of a plot until the very end, and then it just... ended. If the end (those of you who have read it know the "end" I'm talking about) would have been more toward the middle of the story, I think the book would have been more interesting.

Otherwise, it was a book about a teenager who is overly cocky to hide his insecurity. Nothing really new. Funny in parts, and not unreadable, just o.k.

Reviewer's Name: Krista
Genres:
Zusak, Markus
2 stars = Meh
Review:

This book was too long and the author tried too hard to make it deep and poetic. But I read the whole thing, so it wasn't bad. I liked hearing about Hitler's reign from a German non-Jew perspective. Death as a narrator was okay, I guess. I don't know, it just didn't really work for me. Also, although it's technically a teen book, I think it's more suited for adults.

Reviewer's Name: vfranklyn
Riggs, Ransom
4 stars = Really Good
Review:

This was a really neat book. I really enjoyed the photos and the way they were woven together to make a fascinating story. I can imagine the author collecting odd photos and then constructing a story to link them all together. I wonder if there will be a sequel?

Reviewer's Name: vfranklyn
Roth, Veronica
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

Oh my gosh! This book was absolutely AWESOME! The storyboard was amazing! There is always something happening in this book whether it's action, adventure, romance, or sacrifice. I LOVED this book. I think I read it in one day! This is the book dystopian fiction lovers!

Reviewer's Name: Caroline
Davis, Bryan
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

Wow! This is one of my favorite books ever! It is engaging, interesting, and super WOW! I love that the dragons come to life off of the page, and they seam to make you feel like you could see one flying around if you looked closely! :) It also has values that promote good thoughts, and birth wonderful new ideas! This is one of my ultimate all time favorite book!
:)

Reviewer's Name: Emma
Castle, Richard
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

Only one word could possibly describe this book....awesome. It was full of action and had a great balance of seriousness and humor. It had many twists and that were sometimes unexpected. I also thought it had a great, happy ending.

Reviewer's Name: Caitlyn
Genres:
Riordan, Rick
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief is maybe the most strange novel I have ever read. I started reading by the recommendation of a friend. She told me it was about the Greek gods in the modern world, and I was skeptical, yet it turned out to be one of the best books I've read. This story is fascinating and strung with believable characters, voice, intriguing plot and even villains that you care for. This story is a must-read!

Reviewer's Name: Hannah
Genres:
Davis, Bryan
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

Do you like fantasy? If you like fantasy weaved into every day life, you will love Raising Dragons and the rest of the Dragons in our Midst series. The book starts out with Billy Bannister who figures out he is the son of a dragon. Now, if you think this sounds strange and unrealistic, you will be surprised. Bryan Davis writes in such a convincing way that makes you almost wonder if there might be dragons in our midst.

Reviewer's Name: Hannah
Collins, Suzanne
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review:

This was one of the best books i have ever read. The passion and romance was perfectly portrade. The Capital could not have been shamed in a more perfect way. I love you Pita. Go Team Pita.

Reviewer's Name: Jorie