This is the final week to send in book reviews in order to be eligible for the drawing for movie theater tickets. If you want to be included in the drawing, please send your reviews by Sunday evening for posting on Monday morning. The drawing will be held on Monday, August 24. Remember, each branch of the library has a drawing, so four people will win tickets!
The blog will remain online after summer reading ends and reviews will continue to be posted as they are received, so you may still send reviews but there will be no prize drawing. Thank-you to all who participated this summer!
For news of teen events at the library, please visit the teen blog on the library web site. Also, if you have ideas for programs at the library, let us know what you would like to do.
August 19, 2009
August 17, 2009
Romania, by Terri Willis
Reviewed by Jack W
In this non-fiction guide to the basic political, military and economic history of Romania, you will get an idea about how hard it has been for the citizens of Romania throughout the centuries. First, they had to deal with the Ottoman Turks, who sought to conquer their country and make Islam the national religion. During World War 2, Nazis and fascists rounded up Jews and other minorities and shipped them to Romanian concentration camps. After World War 2, it became a communist satellite, and a military dicatator named Nicolae Ceausescu took control. Finally, now that he has been overthrown, peace and stability are beginning to return to Romania, although it is still poor and behind on science because of Ceausescu. This book is definitely worh reading if you want to learn about Romania.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Jack W
In this non-fiction guide to the basic political, military and economic history of Romania, you will get an idea about how hard it has been for the citizens of Romania throughout the centuries. First, they had to deal with the Ottoman Turks, who sought to conquer their country and make Islam the national religion. During World War 2, Nazis and fascists rounded up Jews and other minorities and shipped them to Romanian concentration camps. After World War 2, it became a communist satellite, and a military dicatator named Nicolae Ceausescu took control. Finally, now that he has been overthrown, peace and stability are beginning to return to Romania, although it is still poor and behind on science because of Ceausescu. This book is definitely worh reading if you want to learn about Romania.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
August 11, 2009
The Sands of Mars, by Arthur C. Clarke
Reviewed by Jack W.
In this book, which is my favorite Arthur C. Clarke book so far (I read 2001: A Space Odyssey before), a rather pompous and spoiled author travels to Mars to find out about things that, in the past, he could only write about. When he gets there, however, he is amazed by the rough frontier of Mars and the settlers who have created a landscape where they can live, mainly using biospheres. But something is slightly wrong on Mars, and the settlers seem suspiciously cagey. When he stumbles upon a strange research station in the middle of the Martian wilderness, he knows something is going on. Determined to find out what, he puts all his skills to the test, but as he lives and works with the people of the settlement, he comes to admire their ingenuity, hard work and resourcefulness. He finds himself coming out of his bitter, lazy shell and starting to become a real member of the community. Will he retun to earth after all?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Jack W.
In this book, which is my favorite Arthur C. Clarke book so far (I read 2001: A Space Odyssey before), a rather pompous and spoiled author travels to Mars to find out about things that, in the past, he could only write about. When he gets there, however, he is amazed by the rough frontier of Mars and the settlers who have created a landscape where they can live, mainly using biospheres. But something is slightly wrong on Mars, and the settlers seem suspiciously cagey. When he stumbles upon a strange research station in the middle of the Martian wilderness, he knows something is going on. Determined to find out what, he puts all his skills to the test, but as he lives and works with the people of the settlement, he comes to admire their ingenuity, hard work and resourcefulness. He finds himself coming out of his bitter, lazy shell and starting to become a real member of the community. Will he retun to earth after all?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
The 39 Clues: Beyond the Grave, by Jude Watson
Reviewed by Jack W.
In the fourth book of the 39 clues series, Amy and Dan have been betrayed by their uncle once again, and all of their relatives seem intent on putting them out of the race to find the 39 clues, permanently. After a close call with a rather insane Russian spy, they manage to escape but have no idea where to go next. Using their uncle's card, they book a place at his hotel, and end up being captured by his uncle, the infamous Bae Oh, who wants to know where his nephew is. Also, they discover several nasty things about their family while they are there. Whey they escape, they follow a lead that their grandmother planted before she died, and begin to figure out where the next clue is. But can they trust anyone, even their grandmother?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Jack W.
In the fourth book of the 39 clues series, Amy and Dan have been betrayed by their uncle once again, and all of their relatives seem intent on putting them out of the race to find the 39 clues, permanently. After a close call with a rather insane Russian spy, they manage to escape but have no idea where to go next. Using their uncle's card, they book a place at his hotel, and end up being captured by his uncle, the infamous Bae Oh, who wants to know where his nephew is. Also, they discover several nasty things about their family while they are there. Whey they escape, they follow a lead that their grandmother planted before she died, and begin to figure out where the next clue is. But can they trust anyone, even their grandmother?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by Jack W.
In the fifth book of the Harry Potter series, all is not well at Hogwarts. A power-hungry, paranoid minister of magic has placed Delores Umbridge in the school to be a spy for him. Harry is ridiculed in the newspapers as an attention seeking liar. All of this is happening because the wizard government refuses to believe that Voldemort, the greatest dark wizard ever known, has returned from the dead. And that's just what Voldemort wants. While he sows discord and the ministry refuses to believe he has retuned, he is searching for a weapon, something that he didn't have last time, that will allow him to return to full power. Meanwhile, things go from bad to worse at the school, as the minister gives Umbridge more and more power, which you can bet she abuses. Teachers are fired, Hagrid is attacked, Dumbledore is on the run and Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, is in the clutches of Lord Voldemort. Harry, unsure about what to do but worried for his godfather, decides to travel to the ministry of magic and save him. But is that what Voldemort wanted him to do all along?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Jack W.
In the fifth book of the Harry Potter series, all is not well at Hogwarts. A power-hungry, paranoid minister of magic has placed Delores Umbridge in the school to be a spy for him. Harry is ridiculed in the newspapers as an attention seeking liar. All of this is happening because the wizard government refuses to believe that Voldemort, the greatest dark wizard ever known, has returned from the dead. And that's just what Voldemort wants. While he sows discord and the ministry refuses to believe he has retuned, he is searching for a weapon, something that he didn't have last time, that will allow him to return to full power. Meanwhile, things go from bad to worse at the school, as the minister gives Umbridge more and more power, which you can bet she abuses. Teachers are fired, Hagrid is attacked, Dumbledore is on the run and Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, is in the clutches of Lord Voldemort. Harry, unsure about what to do but worried for his godfather, decides to travel to the ministry of magic and save him. But is that what Voldemort wanted him to do all along?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
August 10, 2009
Dennis the Menace: Volume 1, by Hank Ketcham
Reviewed by Betelgeuse
This has been my fourth time reading this, yet I do not grow tired of Dennis the Menace. His spunky, brave, and rarely obedient charisma intermingles with his cute, innocent side, making a character that everybody loves. Even those hard-hearted ones will soften like butter on a summer day when they see his impish grin. I mean, who doesn't love comics? This book focuses on Dennis throughout the months, and each comic (which is one panel per page) has to do with a different topic. They vary from Dennis painting his father's expensive leather shoes black with paint, to him giving a girl his mother's engagement ring. These will have you bursting with laughter, inside andout. Hats off to Mr. Ketcham, who died in 2001 at nine-one years old.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Betelgeuse
This has been my fourth time reading this, yet I do not grow tired of Dennis the Menace. His spunky, brave, and rarely obedient charisma intermingles with his cute, innocent side, making a character that everybody loves. Even those hard-hearted ones will soften like butter on a summer day when they see his impish grin. I mean, who doesn't love comics? This book focuses on Dennis throughout the months, and each comic (which is one panel per page) has to do with a different topic. They vary from Dennis painting his father's expensive leather shoes black with paint, to him giving a girl his mother's engagement ring. These will have you bursting with laughter, inside andout. Hats off to Mr. Ketcham, who died in 2001 at nine-one years old.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
August 7, 2009
The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan
Reviewed by Betelgeuse
This is a great book for anybody that can read fluently. My brother, who hated reading books bigger than eighty pages, went through this 377 page book in four days. It's cool to me because I can make references from background, because it's based on Greek myths. Percy Jackson, a young boy in New York, has his life completely changed after he kills his math teacher, who is really a monster. He eventually is informed that his biological father (whom he thought had been lost at sea) was the god of the sea, Poseidon, along with the knowledge of his best friend, Grover, being a satyr and his history teacher a centaur. He is launched into an unknown world that is disguised from humans, where he goes to a camp where others are like him, spawn of other Greek gods, such as Ares, Aphrodite, or Hermes. Ironically, he and a spawn of Athena (who is sworn enemy to Poseidon) have to put aside their differences to go on a quest with Grover, to find the most powerful weapon ever, Zeus's lightning bolt. Along with The Helm of Darkness, an invisibility hat that belongs to King of the Underworld, Hades. He has to slay monster after monster, including Medusa and the Minotaur, using the power to control water and his new sword, Riptide. If he doesn't find that lightning bolt in ten days, the suspect, Poseidon, and the king of the sky, Zeus, will start an apocalyptic battle against each other. This is a great fictional book.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Betelgeuse
This is a great book for anybody that can read fluently. My brother, who hated reading books bigger than eighty pages, went through this 377 page book in four days. It's cool to me because I can make references from background, because it's based on Greek myths. Percy Jackson, a young boy in New York, has his life completely changed after he kills his math teacher, who is really a monster. He eventually is informed that his biological father (whom he thought had been lost at sea) was the god of the sea, Poseidon, along with the knowledge of his best friend, Grover, being a satyr and his history teacher a centaur. He is launched into an unknown world that is disguised from humans, where he goes to a camp where others are like him, spawn of other Greek gods, such as Ares, Aphrodite, or Hermes. Ironically, he and a spawn of Athena (who is sworn enemy to Poseidon) have to put aside their differences to go on a quest with Grover, to find the most powerful weapon ever, Zeus's lightning bolt. Along with The Helm of Darkness, an invisibility hat that belongs to King of the Underworld, Hades. He has to slay monster after monster, including Medusa and the Minotaur, using the power to control water and his new sword, Riptide. If he doesn't find that lightning bolt in ten days, the suspect, Poseidon, and the king of the sky, Zeus, will start an apocalyptic battle against each other. This is a great fictional book.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by Betelgeuse
While despising this series first, I have come to enjoy this book after watching the movie. Not many bad words, but it is sort of creepy for kids maybe under eleven. It is hard to believe that I have ignored the first book of the Twilight series for over four years. I think that this is a great book. Meyer sure adds a twist to this novel about vampires, making most of these immortal creatures "vegetarian" vampires, who feast on the blood of animals instead of humans. This fact brings one human, Isabella Marie Swan, who has recently moved from sunny Phoenix to the small town of Forks, really close to a "veggie vampire." The vampire, Edward Cullen, looks like your average seventeen year-old teenager, but he is actually a bit older than a century. He was immortalized by his foster parent, Carlisle Cullen in 1918, while he was dying of Spanish Influenza. Carlisle, who is about four hundred years old, has also bitten (which is how they become vampires), but not sucked the blood out of, Esme, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper, and Alice Cullen. Some of them have powers; Jasper can control the emotions of surrounding people, Alice can see the future, and Edward can read minds. While they are foster-siblings, Rosalie and Emmett, and Jasper and Alice are couples. They have to constantly move, because they aren't getting older, and the kids have to repeat high school over and over. When Edward meets Bella in Forks, her blood smells very yummy, so he has to be really rude to her so she stays away. But it has the opposite effect to her, and she is very interested in him, and when she knows his secret, they are completely infatuated with each other. But trouble brews when three non-vegetarian vampires, James, Laurent, and Victoria find out about Bella's mortality, and James, who is a hunter of extreme expertise, is obsessed with murdering Isabella. You'll have to read the end to find out if Bella dies, along with a secretive secret about Alice. Like many people say, this sure is a good book to sink your teeth in.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Betelgeuse
While despising this series first, I have come to enjoy this book after watching the movie. Not many bad words, but it is sort of creepy for kids maybe under eleven. It is hard to believe that I have ignored the first book of the Twilight series for over four years. I think that this is a great book. Meyer sure adds a twist to this novel about vampires, making most of these immortal creatures "vegetarian" vampires, who feast on the blood of animals instead of humans. This fact brings one human, Isabella Marie Swan, who has recently moved from sunny Phoenix to the small town of Forks, really close to a "veggie vampire." The vampire, Edward Cullen, looks like your average seventeen year-old teenager, but he is actually a bit older than a century. He was immortalized by his foster parent, Carlisle Cullen in 1918, while he was dying of Spanish Influenza. Carlisle, who is about four hundred years old, has also bitten (which is how they become vampires), but not sucked the blood out of, Esme, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper, and Alice Cullen. Some of them have powers; Jasper can control the emotions of surrounding people, Alice can see the future, and Edward can read minds. While they are foster-siblings, Rosalie and Emmett, and Jasper and Alice are couples. They have to constantly move, because they aren't getting older, and the kids have to repeat high school over and over. When Edward meets Bella in Forks, her blood smells very yummy, so he has to be really rude to her so she stays away. But it has the opposite effect to her, and she is very interested in him, and when she knows his secret, they are completely infatuated with each other. But trouble brews when three non-vegetarian vampires, James, Laurent, and Victoria find out about Bella's mortality, and James, who is a hunter of extreme expertise, is obsessed with murdering Isabella. You'll have to read the end to find out if Bella dies, along with a secretive secret about Alice. Like many people say, this sure is a good book to sink your teeth in.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw, by Jeff Kinney
Reviewed by Jack W.
In this funny book which reads like an illustrated diary, a boy named Greg bumbles through life, messing up nearly everything and generating a lot of laughs (I think Charlie Brown worked on the same principal). In this book, which has adventure, action, romance and . . . soap carving?, Greg tries to learn to dance, works out a way to get even with his classmates on valentines day, and buries a time capsue. His life is a lot of fun, but when his dad meets a former juvenile delinquent who is now a perfect gentleman, thanks to military school, he tells Greg he is going to send him to Spag Union, which will make a man out of him. Trying to find a way to get out of this horrible fate, Greg joins the boy scouts and tries to convince his dad that he is already manly enough. Will it work?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Jack W.
In this funny book which reads like an illustrated diary, a boy named Greg bumbles through life, messing up nearly everything and generating a lot of laughs (I think Charlie Brown worked on the same principal). In this book, which has adventure, action, romance and . . . soap carving?, Greg tries to learn to dance, works out a way to get even with his classmates on valentines day, and buries a time capsue. His life is a lot of fun, but when his dad meets a former juvenile delinquent who is now a perfect gentleman, thanks to military school, he tells Greg he is going to send him to Spag Union, which will make a man out of him. Trying to find a way to get out of this horrible fate, Greg joins the boy scouts and tries to convince his dad that he is already manly enough. Will it work?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
July 27, 2009
Area 51: The Reply, by Robert Doherty
Reviewed by Jack W.
In this action packed alien contact story, a strange alien computer has been discovered under Easter Island, placed there by an alien named Aspasia, leader of the Arlia. When the guardian computer, as it is called, contacts Aspasia, he wakes up from a several-century-long sleep and contacts earth, telling the world that he now believes they are ready to accept his message of peace. But is Aspasia the peace-loving being he claims he is? Is there more to his return than he is saying? And what happened to the rogue aliens who escaped the old Arlia base? All will be revealed as the alien ships make their return to planet earth, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Jack W.
In this action packed alien contact story, a strange alien computer has been discovered under Easter Island, placed there by an alien named Aspasia, leader of the Arlia. When the guardian computer, as it is called, contacts Aspasia, he wakes up from a several-century-long sleep and contacts earth, telling the world that he now believes they are ready to accept his message of peace. But is Aspasia the peace-loving being he claims he is? Is there more to his return than he is saying? And what happened to the rogue aliens who escaped the old Arlia base? All will be revealed as the alien ships make their return to planet earth, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
July 21, 2009
Colt in the Cave, by Ben M. Bagilo
Reviewed by Katherine D.
Colt in the Cave was exciting, yet suspensful. There was mystery involved and a ghost of an animal that needed help. Read this book, for it will keep your eyes glued to the pages.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Katherine D.
Colt in the Cave was exciting, yet suspensful. There was mystery involved and a ghost of an animal that needed help. Read this book, for it will keep your eyes glued to the pages.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
July 20, 2009
Airborn, by Kenneth Oppel
Reviewed by Jack W.
When Matt Cruse rescues an old man in a hot air balloon while on the airship Aurora, the man, who is dying, speaks of wonderful creatures in the air. It isn't unil two years later that Matt meets his granddaughter, Kate de Vries and wonders if his words were more than just the lunatic ravings of a sick man. Kate says she believes her grandfather actually saw something, and she intends to see it to. While the island her grandfather spoke about is not on any map, she is convinced it's there. What with storms and a meeting with the infamous pirate Szpirglas, she ends up gettering her wish as the Aurora crash lands on the very island her grandfather flew over. There they do find the mysterious creatures her grandfather described, but they also find danger. Can they escape with their lives to tell the rest of the world about their discoveries?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Jack W.
When Matt Cruse rescues an old man in a hot air balloon while on the airship Aurora, the man, who is dying, speaks of wonderful creatures in the air. It isn't unil two years later that Matt meets his granddaughter, Kate de Vries and wonders if his words were more than just the lunatic ravings of a sick man. Kate says she believes her grandfather actually saw something, and she intends to see it to. While the island her grandfather spoke about is not on any map, she is convinced it's there. What with storms and a meeting with the infamous pirate Szpirglas, she ends up gettering her wish as the Aurora crash lands on the very island her grandfather flew over. There they do find the mysterious creatures her grandfather described, but they also find danger. Can they escape with their lives to tell the rest of the world about their discoveries?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling
Reviewed by Jack W.
When the sixth book of the Harry Potter series ended, Harry had lost Dumbledore, his last and greatest protector and teacher, and has begun on the search for Voldemort's horcruxes, the pieces of the Dark Lord's soul that keep him alive. The journey will be long and dangerous, but he knows he will have the support of his friends Ron and Hermione. However, nothing could have prepared him for the shocking facts that are coming out about Dumbledore, and he wonders whether the man really was his friend. The search must go on, but as he and his friends search for the horcruxes and how to destroy them, he wonders about what he has learned. As the last book in the tale of Harry Potter reaches its conclusion, the truth will be revealed about Dumbledore, Snape, Voldemort and many of the other characters in the world of Harry Potter.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Jack W.
When the sixth book of the Harry Potter series ended, Harry had lost Dumbledore, his last and greatest protector and teacher, and has begun on the search for Voldemort's horcruxes, the pieces of the Dark Lord's soul that keep him alive. The journey will be long and dangerous, but he knows he will have the support of his friends Ron and Hermione. However, nothing could have prepared him for the shocking facts that are coming out about Dumbledore, and he wonders whether the man really was his friend. The search must go on, but as he and his friends search for the horcruxes and how to destroy them, he wonders about what he has learned. As the last book in the tale of Harry Potter reaches its conclusion, the truth will be revealed about Dumbledore, Snape, Voldemort and many of the other characters in the world of Harry Potter.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
July 13, 2009
Wake, by Lisa McMann
Reviwed by Betelgeuse
This was only an okay book. First of all, there is cursing like no tomorrow. Many uses of the f-word, s-word, and the b-word, and the other b-word.. Also, there are very, very inappropriate things in here. There are uses of drugs in here, too. I am very sorry I got this book. It's about this girl who gets sucked into dreams that other people have. Okay for adults, but not good for teens. For some reason it was rated on the Top Teen Booklist of 2009 by Young Adults Library Services Associations (YALSA). I didn't like it one bit. But that was just my opinion. :(
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviwed by Betelgeuse
This was only an okay book. First of all, there is cursing like no tomorrow. Many uses of the f-word, s-word, and the b-word, and the other b-word.. Also, there are very, very inappropriate things in here. There are uses of drugs in here, too. I am very sorry I got this book. It's about this girl who gets sucked into dreams that other people have. Okay for adults, but not good for teens. For some reason it was rated on the Top Teen Booklist of 2009 by Young Adults Library Services Associations (YALSA). I didn't like it one bit. But that was just my opinion. :(
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Things Not Seen, by Andrew Clements
Reviewed by Betelgeuse
I'll have to say that this is one of Andrew Clements' best. This is really great. Why it hasn't been rated in the Top Ten of the World yet, I don't know. While most of his books are about people in elementary school, this one is about a fifteen-year old. Bobby Phillips has a normal family. He has a normal school, and normal friends. Bobby is very normal, until he wakes up to find himself gone. Not a trace of him left. Invisible! When his physicist dad and his mom decide to keep quiet, he has to do really crazy things, such as running around stark naked, so nobody can see him. He befriends a blind girl named Alicia, who doesn't know of his secret until later. When the authorities start getting suspicious, Bobby, his parents, and Alicia will have to do anything to dodge them. They better find the cure for Bobby's invisibility fast, or he's in big trouble. This is definitely a book to read.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Betelgeuse
I'll have to say that this is one of Andrew Clements' best. This is really great. Why it hasn't been rated in the Top Ten of the World yet, I don't know. While most of his books are about people in elementary school, this one is about a fifteen-year old. Bobby Phillips has a normal family. He has a normal school, and normal friends. Bobby is very normal, until he wakes up to find himself gone. Not a trace of him left. Invisible! When his physicist dad and his mom decide to keep quiet, he has to do really crazy things, such as running around stark naked, so nobody can see him. He befriends a blind girl named Alicia, who doesn't know of his secret until later. When the authorities start getting suspicious, Bobby, his parents, and Alicia will have to do anything to dodge them. They better find the cure for Bobby's invisibility fast, or he's in big trouble. This is definitely a book to read.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel, by Eoin Colfer
Reviewed by Betelgeuse
I thought this book was great. I think this was made for kids who don't want to read the first Artemis Fowl book, because of its size. The graphic novel is much shorter but has the same story line, so it is like a dip into the actual novel. I honestly, did not like the illustrations. They were beautifully made, but the characters (except Artemis and his mother) looked nothing like I expected. For example, Butler's body and neck were blown way out of proportion, while his head made his whole entire structure look like a pebble on a boulder. Besides that, this is one perfect book. If you would like to see my summary, go to the previous review of mine. Note from moderator: Betelgeuse's previous review of Artemis Fowl was posted on July 7th. Scroll down to read his review.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Betelgeuse
I thought this book was great. I think this was made for kids who don't want to read the first Artemis Fowl book, because of its size. The graphic novel is much shorter but has the same story line, so it is like a dip into the actual novel. I honestly, did not like the illustrations. They were beautifully made, but the characters (except Artemis and his mother) looked nothing like I expected. For example, Butler's body and neck were blown way out of proportion, while his head made his whole entire structure look like a pebble on a boulder. Besides that, this is one perfect book. If you would like to see my summary, go to the previous review of mine. Note from moderator: Betelgeuse's previous review of Artemis Fowl was posted on July 7th. Scroll down to read his review.
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Dragon Forge, by James Wyatt
Reviewed by Jack W
In the second book of the Draconic Prophecies Trilogy, Gaven travels to the land of the dragons, where he seeks to find out more about the mysterious prophecy, which he is a large part of. There he is once again captured, this time by an ancient dracolich named Malakith. Malakith has signed an alliance with Gaven's old enemies, who seek to create a hideous and blasphemous device, The Dragon Forge. Tapping into the power of a chained demon, Malakith and his compatriots seek nothing less than to rip Gaven's dragonmark off his body, denying him the power of the Storm Dragon and using it for their own ends. Meanwhile, other plots are brewing, and a barbarian chieftain named Kathric Mel inspires his hordes into an all-out assault on the civilized land, believing himself to be the Blasphemer that the prophecy spoke of. Can Gaven escape these nefarious plots?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Jack W
In the second book of the Draconic Prophecies Trilogy, Gaven travels to the land of the dragons, where he seeks to find out more about the mysterious prophecy, which he is a large part of. There he is once again captured, this time by an ancient dracolich named Malakith. Malakith has signed an alliance with Gaven's old enemies, who seek to create a hideous and blasphemous device, The Dragon Forge. Tapping into the power of a chained demon, Malakith and his compatriots seek nothing less than to rip Gaven's dragonmark off his body, denying him the power of the Storm Dragon and using it for their own ends. Meanwhile, other plots are brewing, and a barbarian chieftain named Kathric Mel inspires his hordes into an all-out assault on the civilized land, believing himself to be the Blasphemer that the prophecy spoke of. Can Gaven escape these nefarious plots?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Storm Dragon, by James Wyatt
Reviewed by Jack W
In this action packed fantasy adventure, Gaven has been imprisoned in Dreadhold for the last 26 years, too useful to kill but too dangerous to leave alone. Somewhere in his journeys in the dark caves beneath the ground, he saw or found something that broke his mind, or at least, that is what his captors think. He is obsessed with the Draconic prophecies, that concern a figure known as the Storm Dragon and a coming time of darkness. When Gaven is rescued from Dreadhold by the companions of the general in the cell across from him and a bronze dragon named Vaskar, he realizes he is being used by Vaskar so that the dragon can become the Storm Dragon and ascend to godhood. But Gaven has plans of his own, and knows he has a pivotal place in the prophecy, one that he doesn't want. As he struggles against the prophecy, he comes closer and closer to achieving it. As the Soul Reaver breaks out of its prison, he struggles with a question: Is he the Storm Dragon?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Jack W
In this action packed fantasy adventure, Gaven has been imprisoned in Dreadhold for the last 26 years, too useful to kill but too dangerous to leave alone. Somewhere in his journeys in the dark caves beneath the ground, he saw or found something that broke his mind, or at least, that is what his captors think. He is obsessed with the Draconic prophecies, that concern a figure known as the Storm Dragon and a coming time of darkness. When Gaven is rescued from Dreadhold by the companions of the general in the cell across from him and a bronze dragon named Vaskar, he realizes he is being used by Vaskar so that the dragon can become the Storm Dragon and ascend to godhood. But Gaven has plans of his own, and knows he has a pivotal place in the prophecy, one that he doesn't want. As he struggles against the prophecy, he comes closer and closer to achieving it. As the Soul Reaver breaks out of its prison, he struggles with a question: Is he the Storm Dragon?
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Foal in the Fog, by Ben M. Bagilo
Reviwed by Katherine D
I didn't really understand wahat was going on in the beginning, but then I found out. This book was exciting and a little creeped out. There were some ghost stories in the book and some ghosts were involved. It told about one's past when they had a young foal that died in a bog (swamp) the ghost of the foal kept coming back to the person because it needed her help, but she didn't know that. If you like spooky stories, then this is the right book for you!
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviwed by Katherine D
I didn't really understand wahat was going on in the beginning, but then I found out. This book was exciting and a little creeped out. There were some ghost stories in the book and some ghosts were involved. It told about one's past when they had a young foal that died in a bog (swamp) the ghost of the foal kept coming back to the person because it needed her help, but she didn't know that. If you like spooky stories, then this is the right book for you!
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Shetland in the Shed, by Ben M. Bagilo
Reviewed by Katherine D.
Shetland in the Shed was a great book. I always wanted to see what happened next. The book was entertaining and informative with horse facts. If you're an animal lover or you like animals, this is a book for you!
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
Reviewed by Katherine D.
Shetland in the Shed was a great book. I always wanted to see what happened next. The book was entertaining and informative with horse facts. If you're an animal lover or you like animals, this is a book for you!
Click here to find this book in the library catalog.
July 8, 2009
Starclimber, by Kenneth Oppel
Reviewed by Jack W.
In this alternate reality space adventure, the world is in the early 1900s and airships, not airplanes, are widely used forms of locomotion. The french are building an enormous tower that they believe will stretch in space and allow an easy docking point for spaceships, but the Babelites, an obscure sect that believes man should not travel into space, are working to stop anyone who wants to reach the heavens. When the main character, Matt Cruse, is asked to join one such expedition to the heavens, he agrees and goes through rigorous training exercises that prepare him for his journey into space. But life on board the Starclimber, as the ship is known, may be far from easy. Kate de Vries, a biologist, who he was going to ask to marry him, has just got engaged to a man Matt considers a creep, and Kate is having a hard time with another naturalist, who refuses to believe that there can be life in the upper atmosphere despite the evidence. And what of the strange moving lights that have been seen in the night sky recently? Could it be asteroids of meteorites? Or is it something far more sinister?
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
Reviewed by Jack W.
In this alternate reality space adventure, the world is in the early 1900s and airships, not airplanes, are widely used forms of locomotion. The french are building an enormous tower that they believe will stretch in space and allow an easy docking point for spaceships, but the Babelites, an obscure sect that believes man should not travel into space, are working to stop anyone who wants to reach the heavens. When the main character, Matt Cruse, is asked to join one such expedition to the heavens, he agrees and goes through rigorous training exercises that prepare him for his journey into space. But life on board the Starclimber, as the ship is known, may be far from easy. Kate de Vries, a biologist, who he was going to ask to marry him, has just got engaged to a man Matt considers a creep, and Kate is having a hard time with another naturalist, who refuses to believe that there can be life in the upper atmosphere despite the evidence. And what of the strange moving lights that have been seen in the night sky recently? Could it be asteroids of meteorites? Or is it something far more sinister?
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
July 7, 2009
Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer
Reviewed by Betelgeuse
For the eighth time, Artemis Fowl , has left me absolutely speechless. Eoin Colfer has woven yet another, beautiful story, filled to the brim with trolls, fairies, a young mastermind, a loyal bodyguard, an insane mother, and more. This book will have you reading it over and over and over again.
When his father goes missing after the ship he is on blows up, Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year old genius will try to find him, no matter what. But his main goal right now is to restore the family fortune, and he will do anything to do that. Even if it means lying to his mother, Evangeline Fowl, who has recently gone crazy. And then, with the help of his only and loyal bodyguard, Butler , they discover a world right beneath their feet. They find out that these civilized people, with goblins, trolls, fairies, sprites, dwarfs, and other mystical creatures, have a hostage fund. Filled to the brim with pure, solid gold. Do anything it takes, Artemis and Butler kidnap a fairy, who is a member of LEP, or Lower Elements Police. Her name is Holly Short, and they hold her hostage to get some gold. After realization, the Commander of the LEP, Julius Root, goes out to save his only female comrade, aided by a carrot-munching paranoid centaur, Foaly, who invents like crazy, and a dwarf named Mulch, who eats dirt and has a wonderful talent of shooting waste out of his rear end. You'll have to read the hilarious twists and turns, and find out what happens when Butler meets a troll. Actually, if you have a weak stomach, don't read that part! No, I'm joking! This book is awesome! You rock, Eoin!!
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
Reviewed by Betelgeuse
For the eighth time, Artemis Fowl , has left me absolutely speechless. Eoin Colfer has woven yet another, beautiful story, filled to the brim with trolls, fairies, a young mastermind, a loyal bodyguard, an insane mother, and more. This book will have you reading it over and over and over again.
When his father goes missing after the ship he is on blows up, Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year old genius will try to find him, no matter what. But his main goal right now is to restore the family fortune, and he will do anything to do that. Even if it means lying to his mother, Evangeline Fowl, who has recently gone crazy. And then, with the help of his only and loyal bodyguard, Butler , they discover a world right beneath their feet. They find out that these civilized people, with goblins, trolls, fairies, sprites, dwarfs, and other mystical creatures, have a hostage fund. Filled to the brim with pure, solid gold. Do anything it takes, Artemis and Butler kidnap a fairy, who is a member of LEP, or Lower Elements Police. Her name is Holly Short, and they hold her hostage to get some gold. After realization, the Commander of the LEP, Julius Root, goes out to save his only female comrade, aided by a carrot-munching paranoid centaur, Foaly, who invents like crazy, and a dwarf named Mulch, who eats dirt and has a wonderful talent of shooting waste out of his rear end. You'll have to read the hilarious twists and turns, and find out what happens when Butler meets a troll. Actually, if you have a weak stomach, don't read that part! No, I'm joking! This book is awesome! You rock, Eoin!!
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
July 6, 2009
The Eye of the Forest, by P B Kerr
Reviewed by Jack W.
When a famous museum loses most of its collection of rare Incan artifacts, along with the mummified body of a dead Aztec king, the police are stumped as to how it occurred, and also to how the dinosaur statue in front of the museum got turned around 180 degrees on its base. But John and Philippa know exactly how it happened. When the two young djinn were visiting the area, John accidentally let the ghost of an ancient Aztec king break free of his bindings, and now they must follow him deep into the Amazon jungle, where a group of foolhardy explorers are preparing to perform a ritual that will most likely destroy the world. Can John and his sister stop them and the ancient, mad ghost?
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
Reviewed by Jack W.
When a famous museum loses most of its collection of rare Incan artifacts, along with the mummified body of a dead Aztec king, the police are stumped as to how it occurred, and also to how the dinosaur statue in front of the museum got turned around 180 degrees on its base. But John and Philippa know exactly how it happened. When the two young djinn were visiting the area, John accidentally let the ghost of an ancient Aztec king break free of his bindings, and now they must follow him deep into the Amazon jungle, where a group of foolhardy explorers are preparing to perform a ritual that will most likely destroy the world. Can John and his sister stop them and the ancient, mad ghost?
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow, by James Rollins
Reviewed by Jack W.
When Jake's parents disappear while on an archeological dig in Mexico, he and his sister, Kate go to live with some family friends. Jake manages to stumble through life and not think about it too much. Slowly, he and his sister begin to recover from the shock. But then, two years later, a letter arrives from the company that sponsored his parent's dig. They have managed to recover the artifacts from the dig from the Mexican government, and are putting on a display to honor their parents. The two are invited. But as soon as they arrive, Jake knows something else is up. When they enter the exhibit alone before everyone else, Jake and Kate trigger a strange reaction that sends them tumbling back in time. In fact, to a place that doesn't seem to exist in time, where different cultures from all times and places have been brought together. This realm would be perfect, if not for the threat posed by the dangerous Kalverum Rex, the Skull King. Can Jake face the Skull King and stop his evil schemes against this nation?
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
Reviewed by Jack W.
When Jake's parents disappear while on an archeological dig in Mexico, he and his sister, Kate go to live with some family friends. Jake manages to stumble through life and not think about it too much. Slowly, he and his sister begin to recover from the shock. But then, two years later, a letter arrives from the company that sponsored his parent's dig. They have managed to recover the artifacts from the dig from the Mexican government, and are putting on a display to honor their parents. The two are invited. But as soon as they arrive, Jake knows something else is up. When they enter the exhibit alone before everyone else, Jake and Kate trigger a strange reaction that sends them tumbling back in time. In fact, to a place that doesn't seem to exist in time, where different cultures from all times and places have been brought together. This realm would be perfect, if not for the threat posed by the dangerous Kalverum Rex, the Skull King. Can Jake face the Skull King and stop his evil schemes against this nation?
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
Good Neighbors: The Floods, Book #1, by Colin Thompson
Reviewed by Jack W.
The Floods are not your normal neighbors. For one thing, they are all wizards, apart from the family dog, who was originally one of the children, they live in a house filled with monsters and go to a special school some several continents away, which they go to and from every day, which would be big problem for anyone who wasn't a wizard! However, despite their strangeness, they are perfectly nice people and would be happy to lend you a hand in anything you needed help with. Their neighbors, however, would not. The Dents are neighbors from hell, and have resisted any attempts made by the rest of the neighborhood to make friends or even peace. They shout at each other and break other people's things, and soon the Floods feel their patience coming to an end. It is time to deal with the Dents once and for all.
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
Reviewed by Jack W.
The Floods are not your normal neighbors. For one thing, they are all wizards, apart from the family dog, who was originally one of the children, they live in a house filled with monsters and go to a special school some several continents away, which they go to and from every day, which would be big problem for anyone who wasn't a wizard! However, despite their strangeness, they are perfectly nice people and would be happy to lend you a hand in anything you needed help with. Their neighbors, however, would not. The Dents are neighbors from hell, and have resisted any attempts made by the rest of the neighborhood to make friends or even peace. They shout at each other and break other people's things, and soon the Floods feel their patience coming to an end. It is time to deal with the Dents once and for all.
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
Sure Fire, by Jack Higgins
Reviewed by Jack W.
A team of two spies breaks into a fuel manufacturing plant in Russia, and takes a sample of a new prototype mixture the Russian company is producing before blowing up the lab. Understandably, the head of the company isn't too pleased, and kind of wants that sample back. Also, the British intelligence service wants the sample for their own. It doesn't look too good for the spies, does it?
One of them has just found another complication. His divorced wife has died, and the children he didn't even know he had are now staying with him. When he is kidnapped by his enemies, his children are left alone with nothing but a cigarette lighter that may have some significance. Soon, trying to figure out where their father has gone, they are drawn into the shadowy world of spies and ruthless businessmen, where nothing is what is seems and nobody tells the whole truth. A great read!
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
Reviewed by Jack W.
A team of two spies breaks into a fuel manufacturing plant in Russia, and takes a sample of a new prototype mixture the Russian company is producing before blowing up the lab. Understandably, the head of the company isn't too pleased, and kind of wants that sample back. Also, the British intelligence service wants the sample for their own. It doesn't look too good for the spies, does it?
One of them has just found another complication. His divorced wife has died, and the children he didn't even know he had are now staying with him. When he is kidnapped by his enemies, his children are left alone with nothing but a cigarette lighter that may have some significance. Soon, trying to figure out where their father has gone, they are drawn into the shadowy world of spies and ruthless businessmen, where nothing is what is seems and nobody tells the whole truth. A great read!
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
The Sorceress by Michael Scott
Reviewed by Jack W.
In this, the third book of the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, Michael Scott shows once again the skill at plot-writing and character depth that made the other books in the series intriguing. In the Sorceress, we once again follow the adventures of Sophie and Josh Newman, who were snatched from their happy, human life as a result of the actions of Dr John Dee, Nicholas Flamel's shadowy nemesis. In this book, they discover danger and deceit at the heart of London, battle the power of the evil Dark Elders and the Wild Hunt, and find the mythical Gilgamesh the King living on the streets in London. They also discover deceit at the heart of the man who they are working with, Nicholas Flamel, who will use any method to achieve his goals and doesn't like it when people stand up to him. It will be interesting to see where this series goes, as the first three books were excellent!
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
Reviewed by Jack W.
In this, the third book of the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, Michael Scott shows once again the skill at plot-writing and character depth that made the other books in the series intriguing. In the Sorceress, we once again follow the adventures of Sophie and Josh Newman, who were snatched from their happy, human life as a result of the actions of Dr John Dee, Nicholas Flamel's shadowy nemesis. In this book, they discover danger and deceit at the heart of London, battle the power of the evil Dark Elders and the Wild Hunt, and find the mythical Gilgamesh the King living on the streets in London. They also discover deceit at the heart of the man who they are working with, Nicholas Flamel, who will use any method to achieve his goals and doesn't like it when people stand up to him. It will be interesting to see where this series goes, as the first three books were excellent!
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
June 22, 2009
The Secret Identity of Devon Delaney, By Lauren Barnholdt
Reviewed By ChristyA., Age 12
5 Stars!!!
This is by far one of the best books I have ever read! As Devon lied to her new best friend Lexi that she is really cool back home Devon discovers that karma always will come back to haunt you. I loved this book so I let all my friends borrow it. We all loved it!!!
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
Reviewed By ChristyA., Age 12
5 Stars!!!
This is by far one of the best books I have ever read! As Devon lied to her new best friend Lexi that she is really cool back home Devon discovers that karma always will come back to haunt you. I loved this book so I let all my friends borrow it. We all loved it!!!
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
Just Another Day in my Insanely Real Life, By Barbara Dee
Reviewed by Christy A., Age 12
4 stars
What I liked about this book was that it was really easy to relate to. Cassie's older sister Miranda seems a lot like my sister. Cassie has to go through a lot to keep her small family together.
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
Reviewed by Christy A., Age 12
4 stars
What I liked about this book was that it was really easy to relate to. Cassie's older sister Miranda seems a lot like my sister. Cassie has to go through a lot to keep her small family together.
Click here to check the library catalog for this book.
June 9, 2009
Rules, by Cynthia Lord
Reviewed by Jess K, age 13
5 stars
This is without "a dought" one of my favorite books now. It is about a girl named Catherine who's little brother (David) is autistic. She makes friends, Kristie, her next door neighbor, and Jason a handicaped boy who Catherine meets at Dave's clinic.
Reviewed by Jess K, age 13
5 stars
This is without "a dought" one of my favorite books now. It is about a girl named Catherine who's little brother (David) is autistic. She makes friends, Kristie, her next door neighbor, and Jason a handicaped boy who Catherine meets at Dave's clinic.
Eragon, by Christopher Paolini
Reviewed by Jared B., age 15
Fantasy
5 stars
The author was very descriptive on the emotions as well as scenery. The characters had a very good background. It was also very accurate. Fighting skills, armor, and weapons were very similar to real objects. The author was not only highly imaginitave, he did his homework too.
Reviewed by Jared B., age 15
Fantasy
5 stars
The author was very descriptive on the emotions as well as scenery. The characters had a very good background. It was also very accurate. Fighting skills, armor, and weapons were very similar to real objects. The author was not only highly imaginitave, he did his homework too.
February 24, 2009
Express Yourself!
Express Yourself by writing a book review! Share your opinions about the books you read so other kids will know whether or not you liked the book. Each time you submit a book review you will receive a raffle ticket for a drawing to be held at the end of the summer reading program. The prize will be a movie theater gift card.
Here's what to do:
- Write a review of a book you have read. Your review can be long or short, it's up to you. For samples, see the reviews posted above this one. These were written during the 2008 summer reading program.
- Include the title of the book, the author's name, and the book's genre. Assign the book a star rating: 5 stars: Awesome Book! Must Read! 4 stars: Good Book. 3 stars: Worth Reading. 2 stars: Could have been better. 1 star: Don't bother.
- Email your review to teenbookreviews@warrenlib.org
- Choose a screen name to include in your review. This can either be your first name and last initial or a made up name. We will use the same screen name for every review you submit. Also tell us the library branch in which you are registered for the summer reading program.
What we will do:
- We will post your review to the blog using your screen name.
- We will not edit or correct your spelling or grammar, but please be aware that if you use inappropriate language that it will be edited.
- Each time you submit a book review, we will enter your name into the raffle.
All book reviews submitted will be posted to this blog for everyone's use. Please visit often to get a reading suggestion. Feel free to comment on the reviews.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)