Demon Princess: Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowen

Nikki Donovan’s life is perfect. She’s popular, just turned sixteen and Chris Sanders, the hottest guy at school, has just asked her out. Then Michael shows up, he seems to be stalking Nikki, trying to convince her that her long-lost father is really DemonKing in another dimension. She ignores him but takes the note that is “from her father” and convinces herself that it’s just one of Chris’s friends messing with her. If that’s the case then why does Michael know her father’s name: something she’s never told anyone and why is there a large man with a knife trying to kill her while calling her “Princess”? On top of all that why does she feel strangely drawn to Michael and now unsure about Chris?
It turns our Michael is telling the truth. Nikki’s father is a demon, but not the stereotypical one. He’s loving and compassionate just like any good father. He’s dying and Nikki is his only heir. Now Nikki must choose between becoming the Demon Queen or drinking a potion and turning back into a regular human. Pretty easy choice right? Well if she chooses the human route then she’ll forget everything and everyone related to the Demon world including her dragon-tear bracelet, her father and Michael. What will Nikki do? To find out the answer to these questions and more read Demon Princess: Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowan.
This book was one of the best books I’ve read in a while. I’d give it a perfect 5 out of 5. The characters were interesting and easy to relate to and the plot was unpredictable and kept me reading until the last page. Rowan has created a unique read that has something in it for everyone: monsters, mystery and even a little romance. It’s a sensational novel.

The Trials of Kate Hope by Wick Downing

Kate Hope, a fourteen year old lawyer works at her family office, Hope and Hope, with her grandfather. When her grandfather falls ill she has to take care of the business including two cases that she needs to take to court. A poor dog named Herman needs to be saved from death because he's all his owner Miss Willow has. Meanwhile she has to help a poor man named Mr. Alvarez who has been accused of murder. How will she be able to do this and still be friends with Mike her sort-of boyfriend?

Review by JF

Works Cited
"The Trials of Kate Hope Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 4 June 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/5204455

Every Soul A Star by Wendy Mass

Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass is a great novel about astronomy, family, and most of all friendship. It’s a great book because it is really interesting, and there is a lot going on.

Jack, Ally, and Bree are three totally different teenagers. Jack is a pudgy, kind of lazy boy that would rather sit in the back of the classroom drawing aliens than learn or hang out with friends. Also, he is not very smart, and usually fails a few classes. But, under special circumstances everybody gets along. Right?

Ally is a smart girl that loves astronomy. She lives in a place called the Moon Shadow, where they have the best view of the moon and stars. She has never been to a place with more than fifty people, and she always thought she would grow up here in the Moon Shadow and take it over one day with her brother Kenny.

Bree is a beautiful, outgoing teen that loves to shop, hang out with friends and party. She really wants to be a model someday. To her life seems perfect, and she just knows she will be taken for the modelling class. Until she hears the news from the science geeks that called her parents.

Then, everything changes. Jack’s science teacher calls (which is a class he happened to fail) and invites Jack to come see the eclipse at the Moon Shadow with him, while leading a tour and working on a project. Jack doesn’t really want to go until he hears that would get him out of summer school. No summer school? Oh, sure I’ll come Mr. Silver! Jack says. Anything to get out of school while your supposed to be home having fun. So he goes on the trip. Ally suddenly figures out that she will have to move to a crowded area around Chicago. Leave the Moon Shadow? Go where the stars are pretty much covered with pollution? NO WAY! But, her parents have decided, and the Moon Shadow is already getting new owners. Bree is terrified! A place without malls? Without civilization? Are they kidding me? These are the first thoughts that go through Bree’s head when she finds out she is moving to a lonely place called the Moon Shadow. What is she supposed to do with stars? She needs clothes!

But, with everything happening so fast, the three teenagers become friends and start planning how to go back to where they belong. Lots of events happen, and in the end.... read for yourself! This is a great book, which you won't want to put down.

Review by Jessi479

Works Cited
"Every Soul a Star Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 4 June 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/5376233

Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn

Ali is just your average 13-year-old girl looking for some adventure in her summer. When her Aunt Dulcie invites her Gull Cottage by Sycamore Lake, where Dulcie and her mother used to spend summers, to baby sit Emma while Dulcie paints, Ali can’t say yes fast enough. Ali’s mother is not as open to the idea, could it have something to do with the picture Ali found a few weeks of Dulcie, her mom, and the arm of a girl who’s name completely gone except for the letter “T”? Ali tells her mom that there is nothing dangerous about Sycamore Lake. Although her mom seems to be holding something back, she eventually lets Ali go with her aunt and cousin. When they get to lake Ali has no idea how her mother could hate such a gorgeous place.

Emma, who’s 4 years old, is simply ecstatic that she gets to spend the summer here and is almost happy except for one thing, besides her mom Ali is her best and only friend. Then Sissy comes. Sissy is cruel, bratty and Emma’s new best friend. Ali is furious when Emma starts acting exactly like Sissy. Ali is sure that Sissy is just using Emma ,but whenever she brings the topic up Emma becomes furious and Ali gets in trouble with Dulcie. When Sissy starts telling them the rumors about a girl being drowned right in Sycamore Lake, Ali begins to wonder who she can trust and what is and isn’t real.
Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn is a thrilling, quick read that will keep you reading until the very end. I’d give it a 4 out of 5 because at times the plot was quite predictable, other than that Hahn does a wonderful job of making the characters jump off the page and has really created a wonderfully chilling ghost story.

Review by SilentLikeALamb17

Works Cited
"Deep and Dark and Dangerous Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 7 May 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/2338116.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Seldom in the realm of young adult fiction are we placed into the mind of a character such as Katsa. Graceling by Kristin Cashore narrates from the point of view of a young lady who struggles with control over her own life. In the world of Graceling, some individuals are born with proficiency in a certain skill, called a Grace. These “Gracelings” have distinctive eyes that identify them. Some are alienated, while others rise to higher positions. Katsa is discovered to have a Grace that isolates her from other people and Gracelings alike: the Grace of killing. She is exploited by her uncle Randa, a king. Unexpectedly, she meets a mystifying Graceling fighter, Prince Greening, or “Po”, who seems to be able to read her like an open book. He becomes one of her first real friends. A mystery arises as to the kidnapping of Po’s grandfather, and they discover a secret that threatens the destruction of all they know.

Graceling was better than I anticipated, seeing as it was the author’s debut novel. I didn’t completely like the writing style in the beginning, but I did get used to it after the first few chapters. The plot and character development, especially the change in Katsa’s personality, became more absorbing as I read on. The twist at the end especially surprised me. Those who enjoy fiction or fantasy would most likely enjoy this book because of its array of colorful characters.

Review by Bear Xiong

Works Cited
"Graceling Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 17 April 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/5246849

Need by Carrie Jones

Zara, has been sent to her parents’ home state, Maine, months after her father died. When the book starts, Zara is extremely depressed about it. Her mother sends her to live with her Grandma Betty for some time. When she gets there, she goes to a new school and meets the creepy guy. Turns out, the creepy guy is a pixie. This is all I can say if i don't want to spoil the book.

Another cool thing in the book are the fears. Zara names all kinds of funky fears and phobias that no one has ever heard of. There are so many you can't even remember them all. This suspenseful book is packed with action and love. I think it is great for guys and girls even though the main character is a girl.

Review by JG

Works Cited
"Need Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 16 April 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/6025844/

The Last Invisible Boy by Evan Kuhlman

The Last Invisible Boy was a sad and funny book about a boy named Garret who is writing a diary/journal of his life. He had recently lost his dad which he calls "the terrible day that changed everything", and he explains the struggles of his brother, his mom, and himself. During this time he feels like he is “going invisible.” Garret hasn’t gone to school for weeks and goes to the cemetery where his father is buried. Garret has a friend that helps him the whole way through.

Review by cecx2

Works Cited
"The Last Invisibile Boy Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 6 April 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/5175838

The Door of No Return by Sarah Mussi

Zac Baxter is just a teenager when his grandfather is brutally murdered and their apartment ransacked. Suddenly caught in a deadly conspiracy where every move could bring a deadly checkmate, Zac has no one to trust and everything to lose. Zac moves to Ghana in a thrilling conclusion that can uncover the truth…and a treasure of gold. This fast paced book boasts an exciting plot, tons of intriguing foreshadows, and every new clue in the mystery completely throws you for a loop. Also, the reader will enjoy the Zac’s amusing thoughts like this portion of the book.
“‘Why do you think I was so ready to help you?’
‘Because of my stunning good looks,’ I suggested.
‘Dummy,’ said Mina.”

Unfortunately, sometimes the book moves a little too quickly and the foreshadows can ruin the suspense of sections of the book. However all in all the book was an amusing and novel that compelled you to keep reading.

Review by Septimus Demosthenes

Works Cited
"The Door of No Return Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 26 March 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/5233082

The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas

The Magic Thief is about a poor gutter boy named Connwaer who steals a stone from a stranger. Little does he know that the stone is actually a locus magicalicus, a stone on which a wizard focuses his or her magic. At first, he thinks the man is ordinary and not so special, but then he realizes that the man is anything but ordinary and has gotten himself in something involving forces even greater than his own. Wellmet is a city teeming with magic. But as the magic level drops in Wellmet, can Conn save it from the hands of disaster?

I rate this book 5 stars because of the action and the power of friendship woven throughout this novel.

Review by Diana

Works Cited
"The Magic Thief Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 13 March 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/book/43032502

GemX by Nicky Singer

This science fiction novel takes place in a futuristic society where people are either extremely poor or wasteful and rich. A genetically modified “GemX” child, Maxo Strang lives the life of a snotty brat, until one day, when he sees a girl on a TropScreen who he instantly falls in love with. As he finds out who she is and learns her story, both of their lives are changed. This story is somewhat innovate and creative, but is somewhat too unrealistic at times. The author’s naming of ProperNouns is also somewhat distracting. If you like romance novels and reading about dystopian societies, then this is the book for you.

Review by I. Kanreed

Works Cited
"GemX Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 13 March 2009

The Possibilities of Sainthood by Donna Freitas

Most girls enjoy reading teen romance novels. Unfortunately, it seems that most love stories targeted toward our age group all have the same plot lines and are very limited. Each of these stories only seems to be a variation on a theme. For this reason, I was pleasantly surprised when I read The Possibilities of Sainthood by Donna Freitas, which really stood out from other novels in this genre.

This book is about Antonia Lucia Bella, an Italian American teenager with big dreams and hopes of finding love. Since she was a child, Antonia has dreamed of becoming a saint. She has sent the Pope tons of letters suggesting all kinds of saints — from patron saint of the fig tree to saint of quick thinking. She has always recommended herself for the job. But now she needs a certain saint more than anything else- the patron saint of kissing. Antonia is desperate for her first kiss. Only, she may be looking for a relationship with the wrong guy, when her perfect match is right before her.

Through a few miracles, humorous events, and sweet moments, Antonia learns about herself and love. Most of all, she sees that she is wonderful the way she is.

This novel is laced with the humor and struggles of dealing with family, boys, and discovering yourself. It is a fun read that I would recommend to girls looking for an entertaining coming-of-age book.

Review by KM

Works Cited
"The Possibilites of Sainthood Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 17 March 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/5126377

A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban

A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban really reminded me about how the little things can be wonderful. Zoe Elias learns this when she realizes she wants to learn how to play piano and go onto Carnegie Hall. When she asks for a big, white, shiny, new grand piano, all she gets is the Perfectone D-60..an old, wheezy, organ. Throughout the book, Zoe learns that the Perfectone really isn't that bad and discovers that her family and friends love her. She faces many challenges but succeeds in the end. One challange is the annual Perform-O-Rama. Will Zoe take home the gold, or fall flat on her face with the Perfectone D-60? Read A Crooked Kind of Perfect to find out!

Review by FredrickO'Charles

Works Cited
"A Crooked Kind of Perfect cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 4 March 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/book/42485152

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

If you knew that someone you loved was going to die, how far would you go to save them? Mary E. Pearson explores this concept in The Adoration of Jenna Fox. Jenna Fox has just come out of a coma after she was in an unexplained accident. She’s trying to piece together her life while trying to unscramble the mysteries of the present. Why can she remember her baptism when she was an infant but not remember what her best friends were like? Why does her next door neighbor know more about her than she does? Why is she 2 inches shorter than before? Most importantly, who was Jenna Fox and who is Jenna Fox?

On her journey Jenna will have to face obstacles bigger than odd next door neighbors, cute egocentric boys, and kind disabled girls. She’ll have to face herself and what she did that her parents are trying to make her forget. But if she forgets her past, how will she discover her future?

Overall I enjoyed the book. I would give it a 3 out of 5 stars because there were certain parts that I thought were boring and unnecessary and the ending was pathetic for a published writer. Other than that I thought that theme was great and it was an original story that is worth reading.

Review by SilentLikeALamb17

Works Cited
"The Adoration of Jenna Fox Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 4 March 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/4448913/

The Wild Girls by Pat Murphy

The Wild Girls is about Joan, a girl who reluctantly moves to a new neighborhood. In the forest nearby, she discovers an eccentric girl who refers to herself as the “Queen of the Foxes”, or Fox for short. Joan and Fox become fast friends, and spend their time exploring and imagining. As Joan grows closer to Fox, and meets Fox’s father, Gus, she begins to learn more about herself and discovers a love for writing.

I was quick to judge when reading The Wild Girls: within the first two chapters I had already dismissed it as a trivial, juvenile book that wasn’t likely to be remotely unique. I began to find the story interesting and enjoy it a bit more when the girls join a writing program, and when Joan’s conflict with her family was brought more into focus. Altogether, readers of realistic fiction might be inclined to follow the colorful characters of Joan and Fox, but others might find the story somewhat bland. I would rate this story a 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Review by Bear Xiong

Works Cited

"The Wild Girls Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 29 Jan. 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/book/41099428

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Bianca doesn't connect with people well; she's extremely shy. She's deadly afraid of her first day at Evernight academy where her parents are both teachers. She decides to make a statement to her parents and run away from the gloomy castle of Evernight. Before she gets too far away from Evernight she meets Lucas who tackles her thinking she needs protection from something. Lucas is apparently also an Evernight student and Bianca finds it strangely easy to talk to him. Bianca finds Lucas attractive with his rumpled bronze hair and his perfect smile. They depart and Bianca can't wait to go to orientation in hopes of seeing Lucas again.

At Evernight there are two very distinct social groups: the perfect, snobby popular ones and the losers who didn't belong. Bianca, upon arrival realizes she's in the second group. In the main hall where all the students are assembled Lucas is nowhere to be found. Even after the headmistress has dismissed everyone Bianca can't find Lucas and she is disappointed, she thought Lucas and her had really connected, but apparently it was nothing special. In the next few days Bianca is walking to class with Patrice and she sees Lucas. She immediately runs over to talk to him and he acts as though he's never met her before. Bianca is crushed and feels completely alone once again. She tries to forget about Lucas but it seems impossible. What will happen next? Will Bianca and Lucas ever end up together? To find out these answers and more read Evernight by Claudia Gray.

Overall I thought that Evernight had an outstanding cast of characters that keep you reading until the very end. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars because the plot was full of twists and turns and it was one of those books that really makes you laugh, cry, and wish for more. I would highly suggest reading Evernight to all fans of Twilight.

Review by SilentLikeALamb17

Works Cited
"Evernight cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 29 Jan. 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/4511060/book/41099007

Boost by Kathy Mackel

I really enjoyed the book Boost by Kathy Mackel. This book is about sports and how some people turn them into more than just fun. Savvy is a star basketball player and her older sister Callie is a flyer on a cheerleading team. Although their sports are very different, they are both looking to boost their game. When illigal steroids are found in Savvy's gym bag, she says they are not hers but no one seems to belive her. Meanwhile, her sister, Callie, is stuggling to keep her position as the star flyer on the team even after she is told she is getting too heavy and needs to drop some weight. How far will both girls go to stay on top? You'll have to read Boost to find out!

Review by FredrickO'Charles

Works Cited
"Boost Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 23 Jan 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/book/40842502

The Compound by S. A. Bodeen

In a world where supposedly everything has been destroyed from nuclear war, one family survives. When warning of an attack came, Eli Yanakakis and his family escaped to an obscure, underground structure called the Compound, built by Eli's father, a rich and powerful figure. The doors to the outside are locked for 15 years, when nuclear radiation is supposed to dissipate, and can only be opened before with a password that only Eli's father knows. Unfortunately, they are running out of food, and having no choice, Eli's family turn to drastic solutions. It is during this time that Eli finally stumbles into the room meant to be for his twin brother Eddy, who along with his grandmother, did not reach the Compound in time. Eli suddenly notices that Eddy's laptop, which still had an Internet setup, was briefly connected to the Internet. Through a series of events, Eli and his siblings begin to question their father's actions, until they finally realize the horrible truth. This great novel provides constant surprises and twists, and will make you want to finish it in one sitting.

Review by I. Kanreed

Works Cited
"The Compound Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 23 Jan. 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/book/40842054

The Devil's Breath by David Gilman

From the very first sentence, “The killer, like many assassins, came in the night”, to the dramatic conclusion, The Devil's Breath is action packed. And, unlike some popular books, like the Maximum Ride series, this book has a plot too! The only problem with the book is that there is a little too much of the supernatural. When 15-year-old Max Gordon’s father goes missing, Max journeys to South Africa to find him. However, this adventure is made much more difficult by mercenaries, giant sinkholes, and sabotage. This exciting novel deserves 4 1/2 stars.

Review by Demosthenes Pleasant

Works Cited
"The Devil's Breath Cover." Online image. LibraryThing 23 Jan. 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/book/40841701

Quest by Kathleen Benner Duble

Quest is a historical fiction book about the time when the crew of the Discovery try to discover a passage to the east. Different parts of the book are told by one of four people; John Hudson, the son of Henry Hudson Henry who is the captain of the Discovery, Richard Hudson, who was the brother of John, Seth Syms, a boy who was trying to escape from someone and replaced his cousin Nicholas on the Discovery, and Isabella Digges, who has fallen in love with John. I like how this book is told from four different points of view, and it’s not the kind of book that uses sailor terms.
I would give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.

Review by cecx2

Works Cited
"Quest Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 13 Jan. 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/5046595/40437245

Fairy Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley

Fairy Tale Detectives, part of The Sisters Grimm series, is a hilarious novel about two girls, Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, who are orphans. They have theoretically not relatives and have been tossed around to many foster homes. When someone who claims to be their "Grandma Grimm" shows up, the girls are a bit skeptical about following her to her home in Ferryport. But soon Sabrina and Daphne find out that things aren't always what they seem in Ferryport.

I think everyone should read this novel! It's a book that you will never be able to put it down!

Works Cited
"The Sisters Grimm Cover." Online image. LibraryThing. 8 Jan. 2009 http://www.librarything.com/work/book/40236526