Teen Book Reviews @ Your MHLS Library

TEEN CYBERBULLYING INVESTIGATED by Tom Jacobs

2011-06-24T11:56:00.001-04:00

This book is full of 16 plus cases all about cyberbullying talking about where your rights end and where legal action begins. This book covers cases from political expression to hacking, including an explanation of why the court ruled either or against what the school/college said. It also includes in every chapter a "how would you decide this case" which asks you how you feel about this case and if you would agree/disagree with the verdict.

I learned so much about cyber laws and how you should really be careful about what you post/say.

Yes I would recommend this book, I learned a lot of important information about where your freedom of speech ends and it becomes more serious.

Recommended for grades 9-12 and adults.

KH in Greenville

BAIT by Alex Sanchez

2011-06-08T09:54:00.001-04:00

Bait was about a boy named Diego who was suffering with a horrible secret. The secret was he was raped and abused when he was younger by his stepfather. This caused him to worry he'd be gay or even turn gay. Than one day a boy at school who was gay was staring at Diego, Diego told him to stop and he wouldn't so Diego punched him in the face. This is when he met his PO (Parole Officer) Mr. Vidas. As he began to open up with Mr. Vidas we found out that Diego had tried to tell his mom that this was happening but when he brought it up she slapped him across the face, she wouldn't listen to him. Diego started to feel more and more comfortable with Mr. Vidas but once this happened he felt like he was being taken away because Mr. Vidas decided against having him be on Parole. Diego felt betrayed and worried Mr. Vidas was the only male figure Diego had in his life and he wasn't about to lose that. So Diego requested to have probation so he could talk more to Mr. Vidas. Mr. Vidas had no idea Diego was cutting him self and soon found out. After this, all Diego's secrets began spilling out eventually leading to Mr. Vidas' secret also being found out. Mr. Vidas is gay. Diego immediately felt betrayed and decided he was going into the ocean to fight the shark that appeared in his dreams so often. After almost drowning Diego made it back to shore and decided to talk to Mr. Vidas about what he had learned. Mr. Vidas confirmed to him that he was in fact gay and told Diego that he'd never hurt him, and Diego soon trusted him again. Eventually Mr. Vidas sent up a meeting with Diego's mom & himself and Diego told her about the abuse. Soon after opening up their relationship got better, and Mr. V tried an activity asking Diego to imagine that he could say what he always wanted to say to his stepfather (Mac). After this activity Diego began to feel like a weight was lifted off his shoulders, everything from then on out got much better.

I learned a lot about the struggle people go through when their abused and how it can really effect their lives if they don't talk about it. Also i learned how much impact not having a father figure in someones life can be.

An excellent book really draws you in and you can feel the pain Diego is suffering. And how desperate he is for a male figure in his life.

Recommended for grades 9-12 and adults

KH in Greenville

RESPONSE by Paul Volponi

2011-06-03T13:03:00.001-04:00

This Book is about a young African American male named Noah who is 17 yrs old and lives in the time when things were a bit hectic about racism. He was a teen father of a daughter named Destiny and loved her severely. One night him and his friends decided they needed money so they decided to go into the white town to steal a car and instead got caught up in and beaten. His friends ran off and he tripped and got severely jumped by the white gang and got a bat struck on the side of his head which went to his skull. This accident changed his life. He had the trouble of going through the court because they considered it a hate crime because the boys just jumped him because he was black. He realized then that if anything worse could have happened his daughter would not have a dad anymore and it made him feel even worse. In the end he figured out what he had to do to change his life and become a man and he did it successfully.

This book was probably one of the books I loved. Reading this book just was such an inspiration because it's all true facts on how the world really is. It shows hatred amongst others and social impact on racism. It hits you a lot when reading this book. What I gained from it is that even though you might hate someone so badly with your heart and mind that in the end you shouldn't react on your anger because it will get you nowhere. Instead take the time to relax, let your mind wonder and do the right thing by forgiving the one who did wrong, because in the end the person who did you wrong is the one who wants the anger back at them. That's what makes them keep going. Show them that you are stronger than you think and you can rise above and be a better person.

Just read it because honestly it will change you. It will show you how much brighter your future will be without being so angry.

Recommended for grades 11-12.

AH in Howland

BREATHING UNDERWATER by Alexandra Flinn

2011-05-30T14:42:00.001-04:00

Nick is popular and wealthy and claims to be in love with Caitlin. The relationship they share is fine in the first few months, but then Nick begins to display his true colors. He becomes controlling and jealous and tries to run Caitlin's life, such as telling her to not sing in the talent show because she is a terrible singer. He treats his girlfriend inappropriately and when things get out of hand, Caitlin gets a restraining order and Nick is forced by the court to attend anger management. For the first time he sees that he has become his father, and he eventually realizes the seriousness of his actions and how much he hurt Caitlin.

Breathing Underwater teaches that not all relationships are healthy and how serious abuse really is. A person's home life could determine the potential they have to be an abuser, just as Nick's home life. Also, that there are consequences for all your actions.

I would recommend this book because of the valuable lessons it contains about teenage dating and abuse.

Recommended for all teens.

VG in Howland

EVERYTHING IS FINE by Ann Dee Ellis

2011-05-19T14:31:00.001-04:00

Independent and stubborn, Mazzy lives in a quiet house where her mother refuses to get out of bed. Her father is miles away working for a T.V. channel - neglecting his young daughter and depressed wife. She feels she is losing everything - she has already lost too much - and continues to push away the people who love her most (her father, her BFF, her friendly neighbor) in the subconscious effort to find herself. Analyzing her world in her creative, quirky way, Mazzy tells her touching yet sometimes humorous story of discovering herself and searching for her family.

Covering such topics as grief, depression, loss, growing up, and the search for identity, this book made me more fully aware of the difficulties teens face. The whole story and the presentation of these problems were very believable and touching - I felt I was able to understand Mazzy's experiences and tribulations.

I felt pulled into a story mixed with the humor of a creative, unique teen and the difficult, bitter realities she bravely faced. The references to recognizable television shows and people, such as Oprah and Bill Gates, grabbed my attention and made me more able to relate to the main character, Mazzy. The characters were also well developed, likable, and innovative and were an essential part of the story. However, the book's ending seemed abrupt; the story was finished before I felt satisfied with how the characters' lives would play out.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

SA in Greenville

DEADVILLE by Ron Koertge

2011-05-10T14:46:00.001-04:00

Ryan has been spending his life getting baked with his friend Andy and listening to music ever since his sister Molly died. But than Charlotte Silano falls off her horse and lands herself into a coma. Ryan begins to drift away from Andy and feels himself drawn to Charlotte's hospital bed. He spends his days now visiting Charlotte in the hospital talking to her asking her to get up. One of the times there he meets a girl named Betty who was Charlotte's volleyball teammate. Something sparks and a relationship grows between them. They go to the hospital now on a very regular basis and as he goes to the hospital he begins to face memories of Molly (who died from cancer) which he struggles to cope with throughout the book. At the hospital Ryan meets a little boy named Thad who tells him about a place named Deadville. Thad describes Deadville as a place where people who have been in horrible accidents or operations can somewhat float outside there bodies and look down on them, almost like an out of body experience. Ryan struggles to believe him until one day Ryan has a dream were Charlotte comes to his bed and says "I'm on my way back, Ryan come to the hospital. I want you there." Then he rushes to the hospital to Charlotte's room were Charlotte begins coughing and wakes up! As days go by her body still needs rehab but her personality still goes back to the same old Charlotte. Ryan has finally coped with Molly's death and begins moving on through his life.

I learned that dealing with tough things in life might take awhile but you can do it.

Excellent book, has you wondering will Charlotte wake up? Will Ryan ever cope with Molly's death? Will Ryan and Charlotte become a couple? Keeps you guessing till the very end.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

KH in Greenville

YOU DON'T KNOW ME by David Klass

2011-04-27T12:52:00.001-04:00

John goes through his life thinking noone truly knows him. He calls everyone he knows by different names because he thinks that truly they don't know him. John never met his real father (which he calls the man who named him after a toilet) but the man his mother brought into his house, (the man who is not my father) beats him. John doesn't have many friends but when hanging out with Billy Breezer he gets the idea to ask out a girl he calls Glory Hallelujia to the basketball game. Glory says yes and they go to the game, then back to her house. She invites him in the basement and practically makes him take off his shoes and shirt once this happens her father tries to get into the basement which is locked. Her father starts freaking out and screaming, telling Glory she better be alone she yells at him to bust down the door you. He does just that he busts down the door forcing John to find an escape route, and quick. He eventually leaves but now he is hated by anyone he ever knew. Once John gets home he gets beaten, and when he goes back to school he gets suspended for calling his teacher Mrs. Moonface. One of the days John was suspended, a girl from school called Violent Hayes shows up at John's door she eventually asks him to the Semiformal and he ends up going. But when John gets home he gets beaten worse than he's ever been beaten before. He tries to fight back, and he stabs his father in the cheek but this doesn't faze him. His stepfather then punches him in the mouth breaking teeth and cutting his lip. Then they both collide causing them to land outside where his not father punches him in the nose breaking it but just when John thinks he's going to die, Mr. Steenwilly appears and breaks it up. John is now safe and this is were John's mother finds out what's really going on and John realizes his mother really knows him after all.

I learned that there's always help when your getting abused, Mr. Steenwilly suspected something was wrong from day one and he stuck with it, saving John's life. Abuse is a very serious issue and you can help keeping it from happening or help someone who is being abused get help.

I found this book to be very interesting and I liked the character Violent Hayes.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

KH in Greenville

WISH YOU WERE DEAD by Todd Strasser

2011-04-18T10:01:00.001-04:00

Lucy had just gotten dropped off by the Safe Rides Crew, refusing to go into her house so she can smoke. Suddenly a person puts a rag with halothane over her face and she isdragged away. This all happened the day after the blogger Str-S-d wished Lucy would just die, IaMnEmEsIs kept hinting perhaps it would come true and now Lucy was gone and things didn't end there. After Lucy's disappearance Str-S-d typed another blog this one wishing Adam would die the same type of comments came from IaMnEmEsIs. The Safe Rides office gets a call Adam's drunk and he needs a ride home but when they get there he's not there. Adam had the same rag put over his mouth and was dragged away. Now things were getting even worse, everyone Str-S-d wishes would die was now gone. Next wishing Courtney would die and than Courtney mysteriously vanishes. IaMnEmEsIs starts talking to Str-S-d (Who was actually Maura) now telling her you're involved and to see what they've done for her she refuses, and the next day they all see what they've done. Lucy's body was found at the school with her eyes gouged out, everyone was in panic. The next day after the Lucy accident Madison was left home alone and a man named Ethan broke into Madison's house telling her he wrote the napkin notes telling her he knew what was going on but she just had to trust him, she did and Ethan (with directions from Maura) led her to who was doing all of these murders. It was Ms. Skelling who seemed insane, she was having conversations with herself and had dog shock collars around Courtney and Adam's necks. Ethan and Madison tried being heros trying to save Courtney and Adam but only ended up being attacked by Ms. Skelling and now locked in the kennels themselves. But then Tyler was brought, Ms. Skelling had caught him too and he had a plan. He kicked and kicked until Madison's gate could be opened, almost causing his life because Ms. S shocked him every time she heard. Madison finally broke out and ran, and Ms. S's hayfork came so close to killing her but realizing she couldn't do it. Ms. S told her it was okay and she wouldn't hurt them but she ended up turning against her and ended up with a hay fork in her stomach. Madison called 911 and broke everyone out... but Adam had died. Madison eventually figured out that Tyler wasn't really who he said he was, he graduated 2 years ago and was out to get Ethan because he thought he was the one who killed his sister Megan, but really it was Ms Skelling.

Scary but true, be careful what you wish for.

The story really sucks you in, makes you wonder whose next and whose doing it. Read this book in one sitting couldn't put it down.

Recommended for grades 9-12 and adults.

KH in Greenville

INSIDE OUT by Terry Trueman

2011-04-06T15:13:00.001-04:00

Zach was misunderstood. He was attacked by many voices in his head, he had schizophrenia. Zach was just waiting in the coffee shop like he does everyday for his Mom to meet him and give him his medicine. But today was different, 2 robbers came in and had Zach and everyone at the coffee shop hostage. Alan and Joey (the robbers, also called Frosty and Stormy) don't want to hurt anyone but Zach, who's going through problems without his medication is losing time. The situation at the coffee shop gets worse, and cops and tanks arrive. Zach says he really needs his medicine and tells Alan and Joey that Dr. Curt helps him. Joey and Alan are trying to steal this money to pay for their Mom's hospital bills since she has cancer. They come up with a plan to have Dr. Curt come and read the agreement the police made with Alan and Joey. All goes well and they give up the hostages but Zach volunteers to stay behind until Dr. Curt arrives. They realize there is a back door and try to escape but it ends up failing and causes Alan to get shot. Dr. Curt arrives and they give up. Alan and Joey now face 9 months in Juvy and 2 years probation and Zach ended up committing suicide.

I learned how schizophrenia messes up your brain & effects your life.

I found the ending to be a let down, I didn't want Zach to die.

Recommended for grades 11-12.

KH in Greenville.

DRUNK DRIVING by Stefan Kiesbye

2011-03-24T16:35:00.001-04:00

In Drunk Driving there are 3 chapters all about stories of people who have been injured by drunk drivers or have been a drunk driver themselves. This book talks about how drunk driving accidents truly effect your lives and people's lives around you. Also if you choose to drive drunk that is your choice and you have to take any consequences that come because of it. In Chapter 1 there are five separate stories about how drunk driving has effected these five people and how their sons, daughters, idols, friends, and stepfathers have all been taken away. For example Joyce Bries describes how her daughter was killed in a car accident. In chapter 2 drunk drivers talk about how they felt and talk about when they drove under the influence and why they did it. In chapter 3 it talks about how we can prevent drunk driving and what the judicial system can do for example, ignition interlock systems, and a probation officer. Overall this book covers all perspectives and clearly talks about the effects of drunk driving.

I gained a massive amount of knowledge on drunk driving and how a real perspective on how it effects people. I learned also a lot of facts and also what the thought process of a drunk driver is.

One of the best books I have read about drunk driving, gives information from all different view points and contains true life stories of the effects of drunk drivers.

Recommended for all teens and adults.

KH in Greenville

EIGHT STORIES UP by Lezine A. DeQuincy, with David Brent.

2011-03-15T09:40:00.001-04:00

Eight Stories Up is about DeQuiney Lezine, who as a teen thought the only way to escape his pain was to commit suicide. DeQuiney struggled during and childhood with feelings of hopelessness. As he went through college he fought with the urge to kill himself, eventually leading him to attempt suicide. He tried laying across train tracks, wandering around bad streets at night and finally he decided he'd jump. He was going to throw himself off a building ending his life right there. So than he began to write his friends his goodbyes. What he didn't know was that they kept him chatting until the 2 police officers and counselors showed up, saving his life. This book talks all about suicide, giving hope to people who may think they're alone , or who are asking questions about suicide. This book gives you the facts like how many think about suicide (1 in 10 people), how many act on suicide, what qualifies as suicide, how many die by suicide (4.599 ages 10-24 in 2004) etc. This book contains everything you should know about suicide, knowing that you're not alone, and how to tell if someone is suicidal. This book lets you know there is hope and there is recovery as shown by Lezine's story.

I learned so much, what the warning signs of suicide are, what qualifies as a suicide attempt, how many die and how to overcome these feelings and more. This book is a life saver for anyone who is suicidal or contemplating suicide.

Absolutely recommend! This book is an extremely helpful tool and I recommend everyone reads this so they know how to help and what to look for.

Recommended for grades 9-12 and adults.

KH in Greenville

WHERE I WANT TO BE by Adele Griffin

2011-03-09T10:49:00.001-05:00

Jane and Lily were sisters. Jane was the big sister and Lily was the littler sister. Jane taught Lily how to play make believe. Jane, who had an extraordinary imagination, would create games her sister Lily would love. But than Lily wanted to stop playing make believe and grow up, she began making friends and even got her 1st boyfriend. But Jane got stuck and wanted to hold on in her make believe world forever. But than their family realizes that Jane is actually mentally ill and is put on anti-psychotic medicine. Jane realizes she'll never be normal like her younger sister Lily. But than an accident happens killing Jane, and the story continues. But now it's being told from Jane's prospective who is now dead, and also Lily's prospective who is still alive. After Jane dies she decides to return to her favorite place, which is her grandparent's home and makes it so she seems still alive. Lily, now coming to terms with her sister's death and mental illness, also must face the fact that her boyfriend has graduated high school and she must return without him.

I gained that you should just live your life to the fullest and live in the present.

Great book although at first it was confusing switching back and for between alive Lily and dead Jane, but than finally I got it.

Recommended for all teens.

KH in Greenville

WHEN SHE HOLLERS by Cynthia Voigt

2011-02-25T15:04:00.002-05:00

Tish is hiding a secret, a secret that is running her life and making her ashamed. Tish is being raped by her stepfather (sometimes called her father). Tish's stepfather taunts her and her mother just blocks it out. Tish finally gets fed up and gets a survival knife, the only thing that makes her feel safe. She threatens her stepfather with the knife but he just laughs it off. Finally after battling with her stepfather she heads off to school where all the talk is about the girl named Miranda (they call her Randy) who committed suicide. Miranda was 6 months pregnant. After Tish and her friends talk about this she heads off to gym, with the survival knife still in her Docs. Her coach tells her she'll have to take off her Docs and she refuses, this means she'll have to give up her protection. She refuses which leads into the coach trying to take off Tish's shoes causing Tish to scream and freak out scaring her entire gym class. Also it sends her to the nurse & eventually to the office. This is where she gets told her stepfather is on his way to get her, she can't have this. She asks to go the the bathroom and runs, fighting off Chrissie & Kipper, and ending up in Chrissie's fathers office (he is a lawyer). She ends up telling him what he did to her and he tells her he'll testify and he'll protect her. Tish now goes home and must face her stepfather Tonnie, but she still has her protection, her knife.

There is always help & you don't need to face these types of things alone, all Tish needed was Chrissie's Dad's help.

I wouldn't really recommend this book. Tish had me really confused all throughout the book. I wasn't sure what was going on most of the time. Half the time it had me thinking that Tish was pregnant herself, plus the ending didn't really explain much, it had you wanting more.

Recommended for all teens.

KH in Greenville

CLIQUES, CRUSHES & TRUE FRIENDS: DEVELOPING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS by Ashley Rae Harris

2011-02-16T15:16:00.001-05:00

This talks about the different types of friendships (the follower, the best boyfriend, the gossip girl, the cling on, the dumper, the loner, the boy crazy girl, the rebel and the hot date). In each chapter they talk about the different types, featuring stories from girls pertaining to the topics. Then at the end of the chapter there is an ask Dr. Vicki section which reviews the girls' stories and explains healthy ways to handle it. For example in the chapter 3 it was Courtney's story, she was the gossip girl until her best friend Susan spilled her secret about her father dating her math teacher. Courtney now knew how it felt to be gossiped about and began to choose not to. This book takes on peer pressure, judging, gossip and rumors, healthy and unhealthy friendships and mean girls. Overall it's about girls trying to fit in and get through life with happy and healthy relationships.

I learned that keeping your social life in control wont be easy. Everyone will face pressures in life but you can get through it and you can make and keep healthy relationships.

Every girl has gone through at least one or more of the topics in the book and will learn how to handle the situations better.

Recommended for grades 6-10.

KH in Greenville

IS IT STILL CHEATING IF I DON'T GET CAUGHT? by Bruce Weinstein

2011-02-04T11:15:00.001-05:00

"Is it still cheating if I don't get caught?" is all about ethics and the five life principles (Do no harm, make things better, respect others, be fair and be loving). Each chapter tackles a subject or a variety of subjects, and answers questions using the system of ethics. For example Chapter 1 is "Bff!" Part 1: Trash talk, Promises, and Cookies that, Um, Don't taste so good." This chapter along with the other chapters are loaded with questions that question your ethics. After each story it also has a what do you think with 3 different options to choose from. Overall this book is about your morals and do you think these situations are right yes or no and how do the five life principles apply.

I learned how to question what I think is right or wrong according to the life principles.

I loved the way this book was written with all the pictures, very teen friendly and funny. Also liked the broad range of topics mentioned in the book.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

KH in Greenville

THE BOY BOOK by E. Lockhart

2011-01-25T15:00:00.001-05:00

Ruby now has her license and is ready for her junior year at her school, Tate Prep--but last year's drama isn't over. Nora, Cricket and Kim who used to be her best friends are no longer her best friends. These were the girls she wrote 'the boy book' with. Jackson, who is Ruby's ex-boyfriend, is still seeing Kim (who is far away in Tokyo). Ruby starts getting panic attacks when her life begins getting very hectic. So her parents get her a shrink, Dr Z. Ruby's topless photos leak, and Nora begins finally to talk to Ruby again. Ruby's life is starting to come together. Jackson leaves a note in Ruby's cubby at her job at the zoo which leaves her puzzled. As November week creeps up, her parents finally allow Ruby to choose a more expensive trip. Ruby chooses Canoe island which is conveniently the same island her ex-best friend is going to. Although things between Kim and Ruby stay the same as ex-best friends, Ruby's life begins to come back together with her other best friends coming into her life.

I learned that everything happens for a reason.

Good interesting book from start to finish, great book for teens.

Recommended for grades 6-8.

KH in Greenville

LOCK AND KEY by Sarah Dessen

2011-01-14T10:02:00.001-05:00

Her mother abandoned her. She hasn't seen her father since she was a small girl. She is stuck between her old world of lies and poverty and the new one of questions and unfamiliarity. She can't rely on trusting her old or new friends, her troubled mother, or her loving sister and brother-in-law. Not even charming, sweet Nate Cross who lives behind her elaborate new home. Her hand falls to her old house's, the yellow house's, battered key, which she has strung on its delicate chain as a necklace -her sole comfort in her life of building a new Ruby Cooper.

The book contained a wide range of topics including and focusing on friendship, relationships, abandonment, and discovering oneself as a teen. It familiarized me with these topics and enforced powerful messages throughout the book.

Although about three-quarters through it the book got more engrossing, this book was very slow going and didn't have many strong conflicts - I wasn't exactly sure where it was going until the last few chapters. In some places, the book's messages were a little confusing and unclear, although overall they were powerful and the most beautiful part of the book. All in all, it was an okay book.

Recommended for grades 11-12.

SA in Greenville

TIPS ON HAVING A GAY (EX) BOYFRIEND by Carrie Jones.

2011-01-05T15:56:00.003-05:00

"Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend," is a humorous book on how a teenage girl named Belle has to deal with the fact that her boyfriend broke up with her because he was gay. Also, the book covers the abuse that some people face because they are gay.

I have gained from this book the inspiration to stand up to those who are being abused both emotionally and physically because they are gay, or homosexual.

This book was an easy, humorous read that I found both entertaining and inspiring.

Recommended for all teens.

CS in Town of Esopus

BEFORE I DIE by Jenny Downham

2010-12-27T10:02:00.001-05:00

Before I Die is about a girl named Tessa and she has leukemia. Tessa makes a list of the things she wants to do the most in the world before she dies, things such as, doing something criminal, travel to another country, etc. As she gets closer to her death she falls in love with a boy who loves her just as much back. Days and weeks go by and Tessa just wants to spend time with her family and her boyfriend before she dies. When she finally nears her end she realizes that she has had a good life and she has to accept that she's going to die. Of course Tessa doesn't want to die, she wants to live life and be with her one true love after going back to the right path, but she has to accept her fate. So, Tessa accepts her fate and wants everyone to get along with life without her but to keep her in their memories.

Death is a part of life, it's a constant cycle that no one can stop but that one has to accept. If people lived constantly in fear of death they wouldn't be able to enjoy what life has to offer. If a loved one of yours was about to die wouldn't you want to give him or her the best time of his or hers life before they died? Never let your loved one die with regrets and say what you can before they leave, or else you will regret it.

Before I Die teaches about people with leukemia and how they have to accept death. The book shows that people have to become happy before they can truly move on, to live life with no regrets before they leave. It just goes to show that everyone should do what they have always wanted to do in life before they leave.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

JN in Howland

LITTLE WING by Joanne Horniman

2010-12-22T13:07:00.001-05:00

Little Wing is about a teenage mother, Emily, who tries to find herself after having her child. Emily runs away from her family to her grandmother to try to find herself. While staying at her grandmother's she befriends a househusband and his son. Through spending time with them Emily gradually becomes happier and stable. She was afraid that she couldn't love her daughter but she gradually wants to see her and touch her. In the end she goes back to her, after finding her way back to her original self.

Sometimes to find yourself you need to get away from other people and have new experiences. But sometimes when you're trying to find yourself you might cause other people to be sad and unhappy. Also, every mother loves her child even though she may not know that, just like Emily.

Little Wing is very interesting and realistic. It shows you how a teenage mother copes with herself after having a child whom she thinks she cannot love. It's a good read that I am sure everyone will enjoy.

Recommended for all teens.

JN in Howland

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS by John Boyne.

2010-12-16T11:14:00.001-05:00

The nine-year-old German boy, Bruno, lives in Berlin with an immensely creative imagination. Sometimes he will talk to the family maid, who, he finds out, does have a life beyond serving his family; sometimes he will go up to the top floor and slide down the banister; and always he tries to avoid his sister who is, undoubtedly, a hopeless case. But then he moves from his comfy house. Maybe there will no longer be banisters, maybe there will no longer be five floors. But there will be a camp where thousands of people are trapped behind a fence. On a different side of the fence then him.

This book made you think - about what you know about the Holocaust, about what it would be like to be German or Jewish at that time in history, about how the Germans did it. About prejudice.

This book was one of the best books I have ever read about the Holocaust and was one of my favorite books in general. The story seemed to be geared to all ages, young and old, and is beneficial to them all, especially to people wanting a different type of story of this period in history or a child being introduced to it. Engaging, touching, and thought-provoking, this was an excellent book.

Recommended for all teens.

SA in Greenville

MY ANXIOUS MIND: A TEEN'S GUIDE TO MANAGING ANXIETY AND PANIC by Michael A. Tompkins and and Katherine A. Martinez

2010-12-02T14:22:00.001-05:00

How do you know when anxiety is a problem? What is anxiety? If your feeling anxious or may be worried that anxiety is taking over your life, this book is right for you. This book covers first what anxiety is and asks you questions so you can figure out if your anxiety is excessive or taking over your life. This book teaches you how to face anxiety, when to seek help, even tips and ways to plan your life so you're feeling less anxious. A little anxiety is good for a person but when your anxiety begins to take over your life this book can be the best resource. It's full of easy to understand information and basically maps out ways to help.

I gained many new ways to deal with anxiety and panic and learned about the worry wheel which is made up of your anxious mind, body and actions.

An excellent book which gives you ways to feel less anxious instantly. Doesn't just explain what anxiety is, it takes each thing about anxiety and ways to deal with it and goes from there.

Recommended for all teens and adults.

KH in Greenville

MAD: HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR ANGER AND GET RESPECT by James J. Crist.

2010-11-24T09:27:00.001-05:00

This book shows why many teenagers have anger issues or why they get angry so much. It shows examples of other teens talking about what happens when they get angry. It also gives good tips for teens on how to handle their anger and what to do when they are angry.

I learned a lot of facts on why teens get angry so much. I also learned what being angry does to someone and the people they love. Finally I learned how to control my anger.

Recommended for all teens

SD in Howland

JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL by Jack Gantos

2010-11-11T10:31:00.001-05:00

In the second book in a series by Gantos, a boy named Joey Pigza, who's ADHD requires medication in the form of a patch to keep him acting like a normal kid. Joey has high expectations about meeting his father for the first time in his life. When he arrives for the summer, however, events do not follow as Joey had planned.

I learned a lot about what it's like to be a child living with ADHD from this book.

This book was definitely not intended to be read by someone my age, but I really think that middle schoolers would enjoy this book, as well as the rest of the series.

Recommended for grades 6-8.

RVK in Town of Esopus

LAST NIGHT I SANG TO THE MONSTERS by Benjmin Alire Saenz

2010-10-29T12:42:00.001-04:00

Zach's had an extremely rough life, his father was an alcoholic and his mother was a manic depressive. His brother who always did drugs would often go on angry rages and break things. Zach's mother would try to touch him, his father would drink and drink and his brother would beat him even one time breaking one of his ribs. Zach was surrounded by bad influences, but there was no way he could avoid it. Zach decided to binge drink and almost died, he was taken to the hospital and suffered alcohol withdrawal and was then sent to rehab. Zach's therapist Adam thinks of Zach as a very difficult client, Zach doesn't enjoy talking about his past and some of it he says he can't remember. Zach's only true way to get better is if he talks about what happened. Zach becomes close with his roommates Sharkey and Rafael. Rafael is the only true man he knows. He feels like he can relate to Rafael, because as a teen, Rafael was extremely similar to Zach. After weeks go by he finally decides to give in and realizes that "maybe living is supposed to be more than survival".

Everyone has monsters and you will find ways to face them.

Excellent book from start to finish really touching story.

Recommended for grades 9-12 and adults.

KH in Greenville

BEFORE I DIE by Jenny Downham

2010-09-27T13:30:00.000-04:00

Before I die is about a girl named Tessa who was staring death in the face. Tessa was dieing of cancer, and decided she no longer wanted to be stuck at home dieing. So she made up a list of things she wanted to do before she died. Her list included saying yes for an entire day, sex, doing drugs, becoming famous, breaking the law, falling in love, getting her parents back together and a few other things. She asks her friend Zoey to help her do the list and not let her quit. Zoey begins by taking her out to a club in which she has her 1st experience with drugs and sex. As time went on she began to do one thing after another on her list. One day she goes over to the neighbors house Adam and asks him if she can burn some papers. This turns into a relationship that grows and grows as time goes by, but also as time goes by something special happens between Adam and Tessa. They fall in love but at the worst time, Tessa's body is failing. As Tessa's body slowly fails, she begins to comes to terms with dieing, getting sleepier and sleepier.

I've learned from this book just to live your life to the fullest.

Story really grips onto you, making you cherish life.

Recommended for grades 11-12 and adults.

KH in Greenville

JUMPED by Rita Williams-Garcia

2010-09-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

Jumped is about 3 girls: Trina, Dominique and Leticia. Trina is a very confident about herself. Leticia failed her math final by 13 points, causing her to have to go into school early for an extra help math class. Last but not least Dominique, who loves basketball and gets furious when she finds out her basketball playing time has been cut due to a bad grade in math. Trina crosses path with Dominique and her gang when Dominique is already angry about her basketball dilemma. This causes some angry feelings and now Dominique is out to get Trina, but Trina has no idea. Leticia who skipped out of "zero period" to use her phone heard it all and now struggles with whether to tell Trina or not. Will Trina really get jumped? Only time will tell.

I learned how much of a difference speaking up and not speaking up can be.

I wouldn't recommend this book because I found it confusing jumping from person to person, making it difficult to follow and the girl characters to be obnoxious.

Recommended for grades 9-10.

KH in Greenville

SHATTERING GLASS by Gail Giles

2010-08-24T16:29:00.003-04:00

Shattering Glass was about a boy named Simon Glass. Everyone thought of him as the "text book" geek. Constantly people picked on him especially Lance Ansley. Until Rob (the kid who transferred and is now the new popular kid), decided to take on the challenge of turning Glass (AKA Simon) into a popular kid. As these changes began to happen to Simon: new hair, clothes, friends, something else changed... his attitude. As Simon, Rob, Young, Bobster and Coop began to become closer something happened. Simon began to be not as controlled by Robert and this made him angry. After all this time Robert spent on trying to turn Simon into Senior Class favorite, turning Young against his own girlfriend and rallying up voters. Simon lost Senior Class favorite to Rob and Rob knew Simon had something to do with it. Robert lost it, making Simon spill all of Rob's secrets. Rob had been molested for 5 years and Simon knew where Rob's dad was. Rob then lost it and took a bat, beating Simon dead.

I gained a whole new perspective on the impact of how you treat people.

Highly recommend, the little paragraphs at each chapter starting to reveal hints to the end makes you want to keep reading and to keep puzzling everything together.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

KH in Greenville

THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB by Elizabeth Eulberg

2010-08-24T15:12:00.005-04:00

This book is about a girl named Penny Lane (named after a Beatles' song) that has had some pretty disastrous experiences on the dating market and she decides no more! She starts the Lonely Hearts Club (also named after a Beatles' song), which is a group of girls who vow not to date, not to let their sole focus in life be getting a boyfriend, and to just have fun with each other. Of course, then they have to admit that not all the boys in high school are jerks and everything just gets more and more complicated when Penny tries not to fall in love with one of those non-jerk boys.

What I gained from this book is that you don't need boys to get through life or high school. All you need is yourself and your TRUE friends. When you finally realize that you need to do for yourself and not for others then you can actually realize who matters and who doesn't.

I would recommend this book to teens who are interested in love and really wondering how guys can act. It just shows you there is more to life than dating.

Recommended for grades 11-12.

AH in Beacon

HOW TO RAISE YOUR PARENTS: A TEEN GIRL'S SURVIVAL GUIDE by Sarah O'Leary Burningham

2010-08-19T15:00:00.003-04:00

This book is basically a guide for teens on how to ask your parents questions. For example, how to convince your parents for a later curfew or how to ask to get a tattoo. This book goes chapter by chapter about different questions you might have or ways to ask your parents certain things. Also, it explains what certain phrases your parents use mean and every couple of pages there is comments from parents.

I gained a lot of useful information, for example the art of negotiation, how to get privacy, how to talk curfew, and more. Each chapter basically covers an issue a teen girl will go through in her life with her parents.

Yes I would recommend this book not only is it a good read, but it tells you how to talk to your parents through each one of the issues listed in the chapters. It could be the difference from you getting your license and curfew changes and not getting it.

Recommended for grades 6-10.

KH in Greenville

A FIELD GUIDE TO HIGH SCHOOL by Marissa Walsh

2010-08-19T14:52:00.007-04:00

This book is about a girl named Andie who is going into her freshman year of high school at a private school, named Plumstead, without her best friend. Her sister Claire, who is going into her freshmen year of college, decides to write her a guide all about high school and the school she is going to. Some of the suggestions in the guide are, don't come to your first day of school in your back to school outfit, don't ask for help from an upperclassman, join at least one of Plumstead's activities, and also don't follow this guide, there is no real guide to high school.

You can't just follow a guide, you have to experience it for yourself.

Good read, recommended.

Recommended for grades 9-10.

KH in Greenville

RATS SAW GOD by Rob Thomas

2010-08-19T14:42:00.005-04:00

This was a book about a boy named Steve York who cruises through his high school career smoking pot until his guidance counselor tells him the only way he'll graduate is if he writes a 100 page paper about anything he wants. This book takes you through his high school years. Steve writes about his life, his astronaut dad, the girl he loved (Dub), his sister Sarah, and his mom. Steve talks about his life when he was living in Houston with his astronaut dad, when he meets his best friend Doug and creating a group called GOD (Grace Order of Dadaists), and falling in love with Dub. Then he talks about what happens and how he lost Dub, and how he ended up in San Diego with his mom.

I gained a lot about how pot can affect your life. Steve wasted his years lighting up forcing him to do this assignment for school so he can graduate.

I would recommended this book, although it was confusing because he was writing about his life during both junior and senior year, and I got confused because this book would keep flipping in between both.

Recommended for grades 11-12.

KH in Greenville

OSTRICH BOYS by Keith Gray

2010-08-19T14:33:00.002-04:00

This book is about 3 boys (Sim, Blake and Kenny) who go and decide they want to give their best friend, Ross, the funeral he deserves. They steal his ashes, catch a train, and are now on their way to Ross, in Scotland. On their way they lose the bus tickets and money, go race motor bikes and go bungee jumping. As the book progresses they begin to cope with the loss of their friend and the emotions they've been hiding.

I didn't really gain much from the book. The plot did bother me, I just couldn't get into the book. The information that could be helpful to other teens is that they can get through the loss of a loved one and you can't run and hide from your feelings.

I felt it was a difficult book to get into, and the British language through me off a bit.

Recommended for grades 11-12.

KH in Greenville

LET'S CLEAR THE AIR: 10 REASONS NOT TO START SMOKING

2010-08-19T14:23:00.004-04:00

This book is basically jam packed full of information about smoking and what it does to you also including stories/opinions/facts from several kids. You learn from these kids that there are reasons for not starting smoking. Also some of the pages are full of facts! Like when the 1st study linking smoking to lung cancer , heart disease, and emphysema was released. Also, there weren't always warning on cigarette packs.

The information this book gives you will be the information you need to help you choose to stay away from smoking. This information could also help someone who is smoking just to be "cool" to get the real facts and get them to quit.

Yes I would recommend this book to a friend, because this information needs to be known. It could be the difference between life and death. Also this book could be a great resource for anyone who is a teacher, or just even wants the facts to tell someone to get them to quit.

Recommended for grades 6-12 and adults.

KH in Greenville

BODY DRAMA by Nancy Amanda Redd

2010-08-19T14:17:00.004-04:00

Body drama is all about girls & the body problems they face and the questions they might be scared to ask. It shows real life girls with real life problems and it shows that no matter what shape or size, you're beautiful.

I learned a lot from this book about what's normal about your body and what's not.

Full of important information although the pictures are very graphic. There are female body parts that some may find inappropriate.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

KH in Greenville

CUT by Patricia McCormick

2010-08-19T14:07:00.003-04:00

Cut is about a girl named Callie. She was sent to "sick minds" (Sea Pines) because she was cutting herself. Callie has been hiding a lot about her life but she can't stay quiet much longer. Callie cuts herself and just lets it bleed, but this time she gets worried and goes to see the nurse Ruby. Callie has been hiding the guilt that her brother's sickness is her fault but finally she talks. She talks all about her brother, her mother and her father but avoids talking about herself. She breaks the silence multiple times saying it's her fault but she won't explain why. She gets so worried she breaks out of "sick minds" and runs away, calling her dad to come get her. The silence about the day her brother got sick finally comes out. Her father takes the blame, and Callie knows now that it wasn't her fault after all, and she asks her dad to take her back to Sea Pines.

I learned that you can't run away from your problems and there is always help to whatever problems you face, but cutting isn't the answer.

Yes I would recommend this book to a friend, her story is inspiring and gives hope to people who are cutting themselves to solve their problems.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

KH in Greenville

THE VAST FIELDS OF ORDINARY by Nick Burd

2010-08-19T13:59:00.005-04:00

Dade Hamilton is about to go off to college, but before he escapes his small town, he has to endure the hardest summer of his life. It's hard enough keeping his sexuality secret from his parents (he's a closeted homosexual), but his "boyfriend" treats him like dirt, he has a crappy job at his local super market, and a girl from his town has recently gone missing. It's not all bad though. Throughout the summer, Dade makes friends with Lucy, a girl from Cali who is fun, friendly, and an out-of-the-closet lesbian. And let's not forget Dade's new crush, the handsome Alex Kincaid, who helps Dade get through his summer (far from unscathed, though).

If anything, this book is about finding who you are and accepting that person. The lesson to be learned is to accept yourself as well as others. If you don't, life can crush you.

Despite some grammatical errors, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good read.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

HS in NE-Millerton

BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS I'LL BE DEAD by Julie Ann Peters

2010-08-19T13:51:00.006-04:00

This book is about a girl named Daeyln who was bullied her entire life. After many failed suicide attempts she decides this time will work. She stumbles upon a website, basically a count down to her death, but this all changes when a boy named Santana won't leave her alone.

I gained a new perspective on how one person can really help save someones life. She was set on killing herself and all it took was Santana to not give up on her to make her decide against it. This book was powerful because of her struggle. She was struggling between emotions, she didn't want to feel them. Her stories also made it powerful as well she drank ammonia and bleach to kill herself when Santana was struggling to stay alive.

Very deep story really hits you hard.

Recommended for grades 11-12.

KH in Greenville

CRANK by Ellen Hopkins

2010-08-19T13:46:00.003-04:00

Crank is about a girl named Kristina struggling with her meth addiction, "crank" or "monster." This is when Bree comes out and everything changes from then on out. Kristina battles with her other side (Bree) and ends up failing. Then Bree takes over, and her life begins to revolve around meth and a boy who ended up breaking her heart.

I gained a lot from reading this book, meth is a very powerful drug. Meth takes over your mind, you become addicted, needing it more and more. It also alters your state of mind making you do things you wouldn't normally do, in Kristina's case, sex.

Highly recommended although a little confusing at times.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

KH in Greenville

THE LUCKIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD by Steven Levenkron

2010-08-17T15:49:00.007-04:00

This book is about a young girl named Katie who is involved in figure skating while maintaining an A+ average in a private school. She faces troubles with her mother because not only does her mother expect more from her all the time, she also puts so much pressure on her because she wants her to do better when this isn't what Katie wants, it is what her mother Katherine wants. Katie has no friends and does not socialize with anybody at all. Her father is not involved in her life at all because he walked out on them. Katie finally had it when she started cutting herself because it felt good to release the pain she had. She finally got caught when it was getting worse and she finally blew up. She got herself help and started counseling and was finally able to tell her mother how she felt and how this wasn't her dream, it was her mother's, and she wants to go to public school and she wants to have a normal life. Getting caught cutting herself and getting the proper help she needed changed her life in such brilliant ways.

From this book I gained courage and I learned that holding in your feelings can lead you to very bad places. Not only did Katie have the courage to open up to the Counselor and say what she said to her mother she was able to stop cutting herself because she wanted to get help before she got emotionally sicker.

I believe that if you are seriously hurting yourself emotionally and physically it might feel like you're going to just destroy yourself and you're never going to get better but in all reality this book shows you that there are ways to come out from that hole that you're in to see in the sunshine. There are ways to come about your problems. And that it is going to be okay.

Recommended for all teens.

AH in Howland

BEYOND BRUISES: THE TRUTH ABOUT TEENS AND ABUSE by Sherri Mabry Gordon

2010-08-17T14:46:00.005-04:00

This book explains all about abuse. It lists the many different kinds of abuse and what to look for if you think you're being abused, or if you think someone is being abused. It explains the many kinds of abuse (Physically, Sexually, Verbally, and Emotionally). This book also features a story about 15 year old Melanie who was being abused which leads into an explanation about what abuse is and what to do to help.

I gained a lot of knowledge from this book including what abuse is, how you cope with it, how you can tell someone is being abused, the effects of abuse and your options to help stop someone who is abusing you or someone you know.

This book is helpful to anyone including someone who is being abused, and someone who knows someone who is an abuser. It gives information on what to do and how to help, and can be a great resource for anyone.

Recommended for grades 9-12 and adults.

KDH in Greenville

IN LOVE AND IN DANGER, A TEEN'S GUIDE TO BREAKING FREE OF ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS by Barrie Levy

2010-08-17T14:38:00.004-04:00

This book is very helpful and has very good advice for all teens no matter what age. The book shows the signs of an abusive relationship. It show girls and guys that they are not alone when it comes to abusive relationships.

I learned that many girls and guys are in abusive relationships. Also i learned ways how to help anyone who is in an abusive relationship. I couldn't put the book this book down when I started to read it.

I would recommend this book because it is something that will help teens, and show them that they are not alone when it comes to abusive relationships.

Recommended for all teens.

SD in Howland

STREET LOVE by Walter Dean Myers

2010-08-17T14:28:00.006-04:00

This book is about two teenagers who fall in love, and even though the parents of both teenagers don't approve of their love they find a way to be happy.

I learned that even though this book is fiction, true love happens everywhere no matter who you are, what you look like, or what your ethnic background is.

I would recommend this book because it is something kids can relate to.

Recommended for grades 9-10.

SD in Howland

SPLIT IN TWO: KEEPING IT TOGETHER WHEN YOUR PARENTS LIVE APART by Karen Buscemi

2010-08-17T14:15:00.007-04:00

This book is all about how to help kids of any age deal with their parents getting or are divorced. The ideas the book gives the reader are very easy to do, and the child and parents will be able to do them together, even thought they live apart.

I gained helpful advice about how I would handle being organized, how I would be able to make both my homes feel like home, how to pack better when I go house to house and other helpful things.

I would recommended this book because it is very helpful to kids who have parents that are divorced.

Recommended for all teens.

SD in Howland

IF I STAY by Gayle Forman

2010-08-17T14:08:00.005-04:00

"If I Stay" is a truly inspiring novel that captures the interest of its reader through its suspenseful chapters, and its page turning experience.

This book has inspired me to appreciate life to its fullest and to not take anything for granted.

In this book I learned a series of medical terms and surgeries and also the importance of life and death, and how they affect others. I think it is a novel that teens should definitely read.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

CS in Town of Esopus

THE PATRON SAINT OF BUTTERFLIES by Cecilia Galante

2010-08-17T13:55:00.006-04:00

Agnes and Honey are best friends who live in a strict religious community called Mount Blessing, under the leadership of Emmanuel, the perfect, sinless founder of "the Believers." The two friends were always two peas in a pod--until Agnes became more interested in religion than being a regular kid. When tragedy strikes Agnes' family, the girls must leave the commune and face the real world, where they must also come to terms with their differences.

From this novel, I learned a little bit about the power of brainwashing from the way Agnes was utterly obsessed with living a sinless life.

The Patron Saint of Butterflies is a great fictional piece, but should not necessarily be taken as a serious portrayal of modern religious community life.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

RVK in Town of Esopus

THREE LITTLE WORDS by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

2010-08-17T13:48:00.005-04:00

In Three Little Words, Ashley Rhodes-Courter retells the horrors of her childhood in the foster care system in Florida. Her story, though a heartbreaking one, eventually morphs into one of hope.

From reading this book, I learned from one girl's story that it is possible, through hard work and determination, to make something good out of bad circumstances. It also gives an eye opening insight into the American foster care system.

Rhodes-Courter writes in an excellent and enjoyable style.

Recommended for grades 11-12 and adults.

RVK in Town of Esopus

SHUT UP by Marilyn Reynolds

2010-08-17T13:40:00.002-04:00

SHUT UP is about a boy named Mario and what he and his family goes through. First his mother gets shipped off to Iraq and Mario and his little brother Eddie stays at their Aunt Carmen's house. Now, Aunt Carmen has a boyfriend named Denton whom she thinks is the most perfect man in the world, but he has a secret. Denton is a pedophile and he is after Eddie. So, Mario protects Eddie, as he had promised his mother, but he ends up losing what was once importance to him, including a girl but turns out she wasn't all that. In the end, Mario becomes more aware of what he wants to do in life instead of being a firefighter and knows what's really important besides parties.

You should take action if you know any information about someone getting hurt. People should not just think about themselves, they need to help their friends and people that they know who are in trouble. People can not just stand by the sidelines when they know someone is getting hurt.

SHUT UP is a really good read. It really makes you more aware about the world and how people really treat one another when they are in trouble. SHUT UP will make you annoyed and angry at the characters, but nevertheless it is a fantastic book. It does have inappropriate content, so be aware of that.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

JN in Howland

WTF by Peter Lerangis

2010-08-12T16:23:00.004-04:00

"One plan, two parties, six players." This book is about about a group of six kids; Jimmy, Cam, Byron, Waits, Reina, and MC, all kids looking for a good time until all of their plans start to slide. Cam is your classic jock who looks for fun anywhere & any time and just tries to keep his group happy. When he goes to Waits for the drugs, Waits turns him down because he owes money...so Cam gets Jimmy in on the plan to get more money and then get Byron to drive. After that there is the accident and that's where all plans fail and everything changes....

I have learned that getting involved with drugs has no upside to it. There are many outcomes and some are not very nice, so staying away from them all together would be the best choice. This book is very interesting and kept me captivated the whole time I was reading it.

Recommended for all teens.

HE in Philmont

ASK COSMO GIRL ABOUT NUTRITION & FITNESS

2010-08-12T15:49:00.005-04:00

This book is all about things having to do with nutrition and fitness. It has questions asked by cosmo girl readers and even 4 chapters on a healthy diet, work it out, love your body and weighty issues.

I learned some important information from this book. For example skipping breakfast will make you gain weight instead of losing weight. Also, after 1 hour of exercise chocolate milk would be better than just drinking plain water!

This book answers any question you can think of. It's full of information everyone wonders about when trying to get healthier.

Recommended for all teens and adults.

KH in Greenville

EXPOSED by Susan Vaught

2010-08-12T14:30:00.003-04:00

Exposed is about a girl named Chandra, she is smart, average (or so she thinks) and a baton twirler. Her father has had a heart attack and won't stop eating and her mother and sister are driving her crazy. She has also had troubles with an ex-boyfriend and now the whole school (except for a few people) look at her in a bad light. Chandra knows that she will never find love in her school after what happened between her and her ex-boyfriend, so she goes online to find one. When Chandra finds Paul she thinks she is in love until she finds out that he is talking to her little sister too. In the end Chandra learns that no matter how safe you are being on the internet you are never too safe.

The internet is dangerous and filled with dangerous people. One can never be too safe in protecting oneself on the internet.

EXPOSED shows what can happen to people who aren't safe on the internet and the consequences of not being safe.

Recommended for grades 9-10.

JN in Howland

THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher

2010-08-12T14:24:00.004-04:00

This book is about a girl named Hannah who made a set of tapes before she committed suicide. Now the set of tapes is being sent around, finally arriving at Clay's door. These tapes explain the 13 reasons why she killed herself. The 13 reasons happen to be 13 people who are mentioned on these tapes, Clay being one of them. Clay now must listen to all the tapes following Hannah's journey and what she went through leading up to her death.

You really gain a perspective about what you do can really hurt someone. In this case 13 people's actions lead to Hannah committing suicide. It shows you that words & how you treat people really effects them.

This book was absolutely amazing from start to finish, you really find yourself getting into it wanting to know why Clay was on these tapes and why she ended her life.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

KH in Greenville

THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS by Ann Brashares

2010-08-12T14:15:00.006-04:00

Bridget. Carmen. Lena. Tibby. Best Friends Forever. These four teenage girlfriends have shared everything together since babyhood. Yet, this summer they are finding themselves spread all over the USA, and even the world - apart for the first summer of their friendship. However, this summer of boys, grief, new friends, and family heartache won't be an uneventful one. Through frequent letters and a shared pair of magical pants, these close friends vow they won't experience a summer feeling far apart.

The book told a story of four teens in a way impressively relatable to today's life. The conflicts that the teens faced as well as the dialogue were very believable and realistic to today's teen world. However, although these conflicts, including grief, boys, and friendship, were an important part of the book, I didn't epecially gain anything new from the story. The story was more an enjoyable read instead of beneficial. Nevertheless, the messages were strong and clear and a big part of the story.

The book was very absorbing and creatively written. The unique writing style of telling each individual friend's story separately, going back and forth between each girl's summer experiences, was very enjoyable to read.

Recommended for grades 11-12.

SA in Greenville

DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS by C.J. Omololu

2010-08-12T14:07:00.009-04:00

Everyone has a secret or two but Lucy Tompkins, a sixteen year old girl, lives in a life formed around a secret. She just wants to be a normal teenager with a normal life but in her case, that wasn't the way her life is. Lucy tries to make her life as normal as she can but she always knew that she was hiding something from everyone so they never could know the truth. The truth was that her mother's compulsive hoarding turned their life into literally garbage. However, one day something happened that was so unexpected & everything changed in Lucy's life forever. Now, Lucy has to take control & protect her family's secrets, but to what extremes could she go to hide their secrets from being revealed to everyone?

I learned that if someone is a compulsive hoarder they should look for help because it can affect everyone in their life or around them. It can make your life into lies so that no one ever sees what you have become in life. You could have had a normal life at one time, but then something happens that changes your life forever & makes you become something no one ever thought you would become. Compulsive hoarders can be dangerous in some case because their hoarding can cause a lot of negative consequences.

I would recommend this book because it can show the effects of being or living with a compulsive hoarding & it's a great story.

Recommended for all teens.

EJ in Millerton

UNCOOL by Erin Elisabeth Conley

2010-08-12T14:00:00.009-04:00

Uncool is a book about being uncool and how being uncool can be, well, cool. It tells you to break out of your shell of fitting in and being like everyone else so you can be yourself. It also gives you ideas on misfit music, movies etc. This book really shows you that just being you is cool.

I learned that no matter what if you just be you, you will have friends and a good life. You will also be happy. Fitting in is not always the right choice.

This book can really get you to realize you don't need what everyone else has to be cool. Just being you is cool and you will be a lot happier.

Recommended for girl's grade 6-12.

KH in Greenville

BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS I'LL BE DEAD by Julie Ann Peters

2010-08-12T13:47:00.007-04:00

The main focus of Peter's book is bullying, from cyber bullying to things that we see in our schools almost everyday. Daelyn Rice has been picked on and bullied for her whole life, due to everything that's happened to her she believes the best way to stop everyone from hurting her and to make life better for everyone else is to kill herself. Though her first couple attempts have left nothing but failure she's determined to get it right this final time.

This book really opened my eyes to how certain kids feel when they're being bullied. They are literally pushed over the edge and can't even trust their own shadow. It's hard to believe that anybody could feel like Daelyn has felt.

I recommend this book because I think more than one person can relate in someway even if you haven't been bullied or thought about committing suicide.

Recommended for all teens.

EB in Millerton

THINGS YOU EITHER HATE OR LOVE by Brigid Lowry

2010-08-10T11:29:00.004-04:00

This book is about Georgia who is in high school like the rest of us and goes through the same troubles. She tells how she feels she doesn't fit in because she's not the prettiest nor the skinniest, and she feels her life is nothing. She doesn't have a father because she lost him when she was 4. That trouble also makes it a lot harder for her. She has only one really good friend who like in most friendships, finds a boy and their friendship kind of disappears. Like most of us, there's her mother, a women who cares so much but does it in the weirdest ways. Basically Gerogia is just an ordinary teen thinking she is set out for disaster and her world is going to collapse, but she pulls through it. I would call it the high school world.

What I gained from this was learning that you're not the only one who goes through troubles when being a teen. It shows you that you can have nothing and everything all at once. You just can't give up on life because it gets hard. You have to just keep on going with your head up. It also shows that life takes time. It might not all unravel at once but it will.

It is an inspiring book for the teen years and it will definitely give you hope in the future. Great book you can just pick up and read and it has you reading and reading and not wanting to stop.

Recommended for all teens.

AH in Beacon

FREEZE FRAME by Heidi Ayarbe

2010-08-04T11:22:00.005-04:00

Kyle and Jason were the best of friends. You could call them brothers, but one day it all changed. It was an accident, wasn't it? Murderer...murderer..murderer.. Scene 3 kept replaying in Kyles head but he just couldn't get the right ending.

I gained a lot from reading this book--everything can change in a split second.
This book really had you wondering what happens next. It's a real page turner.

Recommended for Grades 9 - 12.

KDH in Greenville.

WTF by Peter Lerangis

2010-08-04T11:13:00.004-04:00

This book is about six people (Waits,Jimmy,Cam,Byron,Reina & Mc). Cam and Byron convince Jimmy to drive them to a party so they can "make up their debt" but on the way there their lives get changed when a deer jumps out making them loose control. The deer goes through the windsheil. Jimmy's alive & so is Bryon but what about Cam?

This book was really interesting & had me turning the pages to figure out what was going to happen next, although it was a little confusing at times.

Recommended for Grades 11 - 12.

KDH in Greenville

LIVING DEAD GIRL by Elizabeth Scott

2010-07-30T11:52:00.004-04:00

This book was about a girl named Kyla who gets turned into an "Alice". Kyla was on at trip to an aquarium with her school, she ends up getting lost and gets help from a nice man with a baseball cap named Ray. He takes her home, rapes her and tells her bad things will happen if she leaves. She's now his property; she's now his "Alice."

This is an absolute page turner from start to finish. You really want to follow her journey to see if she ever escapes.

Recommended for Grades 11 - 12 and Adults.

KH in Greenville

HOW I MADE IT TO EIGHTEEN by Tracy White

2010-07-30T11:38:00.006-04:00

This book was basically a picture book about a girl named Stacy who is going through a lot of struggles in her life: drugs, boy friend problems, eating problems. So, she decides to check herself into a mental hospital. This book shows her journey where she fights the entire way to get better.

I gained so much from this book, learning about her struggles and how she got help and how her friends stuck by her.

This is a page turner. You really won't put this book down until it's over. You want to follow her journey till the end.

Recommended for Grades 9 - 12.

KH in Greenville

LISA BRIGHT AND DARK by John Neufeld

2010-07-29T13:47:00.005-04:00

Lisa Bright, and Dark is a book about a girl named Lisa who knows she's losing her mind and is asking for her parents to get her the help she needs. This book shows the struggle Lisa must go through with her friends who volunteered to help her show her parents that something really is wrong.

I gained a lot from reading this book. It was a real page turner, showing her struggle to get her parents attention to get her help.

Recommended for Grades 9 - 12.

KDH in Greenville

IF YOU COME SOFTLY by Jacqueline Woodson

2010-07-29T09:41:00.005-04:00

His parents are divorced. Her's are just barely together. She is thoughtful and sweet. He lives for basketball. He picks up her dropped books for her, and suddenly they feel so perfect for each other ... they understand each other completely. Yet Ellie's skin color is white; Miah's is black. The world has not accepted them.

This book very clearly expressed the problems of racial issues. Through the individual, personal thoughts of both of the main characters, readers glimpse the struggles of the two teens as they cope with other people's belief's about racism. The use of words conjured up a clear picture and understanding of this deep issue. I felt I was more fully aware with the issue of racism.

I'd recommend this book. The characters were well defined. It portrayed racial issues very clearly, and it was an enjoyable read.

Recommended for all teens.

SA in Greenville

LIKE A THORN by Clara Vidal

2010-07-28T11:37:00.005-04:00

In Like a Thorn, Mélie grows up believing that her mother is two different people, Rosy Mother and Dark Mother. What she doesn't realize is that her mother has a mental disease that she refuses to acknowledge. In order to ward away Dark Mother, Mélie practices a series of obsessive rituals that grow in complexity as she grows older. Over time, Mélie starts to believe that she is the crazy one.

This novel went by very quickly and may appear to be for younger children due to the type size, but the subject matter is for more mature readers. It was fascinating and also heartbreaking to watch how poor mothering can cause mental instability in a young girl.

I've never read anything like this. It was heartbreaking to read, but definitely worth it.

Recommended for Grades 9 - 12

RVK in Esopus

SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson

2010-07-28T11:18:00.005-04:00

Melinda Sordino begins her freshman year at high school ostracized by her fellow classmates and literally alone. She is tormented by memories of her rape that took place over the summer, cannot talk about it, and rather expresses herself by creating trees in art class. With the help of her art teacher and Maya Angelo, Melinda must learn to speak out.

A requirement in most ninth grade English classes, this novel is helpful in understanding the mind of a sexually abused teenage girl.

I have many friends who have enjoyed Speak, but I personally did not find Melinda's head an enjoyable place to be, mainly due to the writing style.

Recommended for Grades 9 - 12

RVK in Esopus

NOTES FROM THE DOG by Gary Paulson

2010-07-28T11:10:00.004-04:00

At the start of summer, Finn declares to speak to only ten people until the start of school. He thinks it will be easy, until he meets Joanna, a college student and cancer patient with an electric personality and a proposition for him--to plant a garden in his own backyard for money!

Notes from the Dog helped me further understand the struggle a person has when fighting cancer, and how important it is for them to have support from friends and family.

The book is definitely intended for a younger age group, so as a high school senior I found it boring.

Recommended for Grades 6 - 10.

RVK in Esopus

THIS IS WHAT I DID by Ann Dee Ellis

2010-07-28T10:57:00.005-04:00

Logan Paloney is starting eighth grade at a new school, at a new house, estranged from his best friend and having to make all new friends. It's all because of a secret that he keeps inside and refuses to talk about. Pressure from the local bully and his posse will eventually help Logan speak out about his problems and reach out to his best friend.

Very similar to another HIP novel, Speak, This is What I Did follows a depressed and mostly silent teenager through his struggles. This book gives an interesting perspective on what can happen when you don't stand up for yourself and rumors spread.

I found this book very frustrating because Logan is constantly alluding to an event that has seemingly ruined his life, but the reader is not trusted with the details of the event until the very end of the book.

Recommended for Grades 6 - 8.

RVK in Esopus

CYCLER by Lauren McLaughlin

2010-07-16T15:15:00.005-04:00

Jill is a pretty normal girl. She has two loving parents, a crazy best friend, good grades, and a crush on the new kid in her math class. The only problem is that for four days every month, Jill transforms into Jack, a hormone-possessed, angst-ridden guy!

In writing Cylcer, McLaughlin took an interesting topic, that could have made a fascinating science fiction title, and wrote it in an extremely shallow manner, as though it were just any YA novel. The ending was not resolved, as McLaughlin plans on writing a sequel.

I would not recommend this book due to its poor execution. Some parts are funny and/or enjoyable, but for the majority it is simply confusing.

Recommended for grades 11 - 12.

2 stars

RVK in Esopus

HANGING ON TO MAX by Margaret Bechard

2010-07-16T15:06:00.003-04:00

17-year-old Sam takes full custody of his infant son, Max, shortly before beginning his senior year at an alternative school. The pressures from his father and his teachers, plus the added responsibility of caring for a baby, make his life extremely stressful. Through the ups and downs of this novel, the question for Sam is whether it is best for both Max and himself to keep Max.

Hanging on to Max showed the flip-side of teenage parenting, one that is not often written or told about. I found it interesting to enter Sam's world and hear about his daily struggles in being a teenage father. This novel does an excellent job at showing the male side of teenage parenting, and is a very interesting, as well as entertaining, read.

Recommended for grades 9 - 12.

RVK in Esopus

HOPE WAS HERE by Joan Bauer

2010-07-16T14:57:00.004-04:00

This book tells the story of Hope, formerly named "Tulip," and her Aunt Addie as they move to Wisconsin to work at a restaurant in a small town called Mulhoney. Their kind-hearted boss, G.T., and the friendly cook, Braverman, along with the others she meets, help Hope feel at home. Hope learns to trust others more willingly and to open herself up more. She also settles unresolved issues regarding the father she never met.

An enjoyable read.

Recommended for all teens.

RVK in Esopus

WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON by John Green and David Levithan

2010-07-15T15:10:00.006-04:00

Will Grayson, Will Grayson follows two teenage boys, both named Will Grayson, struggling with relationships in different ways. Their lives intertwine as they relate to their mutual friend, Tiny Cooper, and deal with sexual identity, friendship, and heartbreak.

This book was written in an interesting style, with the two Will's narrating alternating chapters in unique voices. I enjoyed the story and felt for the characters, until the ending, which was a tad cheesy.

The dual authorship of this book makes it an interesting read, although readers may be unsatisfied with the ending.

Recommended for Grades 11 - 12.

RVK in Esopus

MARIJUANA (At Issue Series) by Arthur Gillard

2010-07-15T14:57:00.006-04:00

This book is basically about an ongoing battle if pot should be legalized and why or why not. This book talks about long term problems associated with marijuana, real life experiences with medical marijuana, how many people who are now doing it and the increased potency of this drug.

The most valuable thing I gained from reading this book was the facts about marijuana including how many people are doing it, long and short term effects of it, etc. Although this book gave interesting facts and many valid arguments I found it to be confusing because it would keep going back and forth to different arguments saying one thing is true, then saying it's not.

Grades 11- 12 & Adult

KH in Greenville

KAYLA CHRONICLES by Sherrie Winston

2010-07-15T14:48:00.003-04:00

Kayla is a feminist, but when she gets involved with the school dance group, the Lady Lions, she begins to wonder if she can be a feminist while still being a normal girl.

I enjoyed reading the book. I believe that people can learn many things, like what it is to be a feminist and how to start a feminist group in your community. I felt like the book was telling people that to be more than one thing was alright and that you don't always have to fit a stereotype. I would recommend it to others who enjoy the same type of book.

Recommended for all teens.

GK in Greenville

CHEW ON THIS: EVERYTHING YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT FAST FOOD by Eric Schlosser

2010-07-14T14:44:00.008-04:00

This book takes you back to the very beginning of the fast food world talking about Ray Kroc and many of the other fast food pioneers who made the fast food world what it is today. This book also talks about certain things that go into your food which you would be shocked about, and the treatment of the animals in slaughter houses. This book also gave true life experiences from people who ate to much fast food.

The most valuable thing I gained from reading this book was all the new knowledge I have on the fast food industry. I now know what's in my beef and poultry and how they treat those animals, also how the fast food world started. For example, I now know that the hamburger was created by a 15 year old boy named Charlie Nagreen.

I would absolutely recommend this book to a friend. This book is jammed packed with interesting and important facts about the food we eat today. It also explains how the animals are treated and what their fed, also who the inventors and pioneers are of the biggest fast food chains we know today. This book was very interesting and I couldn't stop reading it.

Recommended for all teens and adults.

KH in Greenville

DREAMLAND by Sarah Dessen

2010-07-13T10:03:00.007-04:00

Cheerleader Caitlin enters a relationship with the mysterious Rogerson Biscoe, only to find herself being abused by him, both verbally and physically. However, Caitlin's attachment to Rogerson makes it too difficult for her to get herself help.

Dreamland gives fascinating insight into the state-of-mind of a girl in an abusive relationship, especially for someone who has never been involved in a situation like Caitlin's. Every girl should read this book to protect themselves from abusive relationships. Even if it only helps them understand a friend's problem better, this book would be helpful.

Recommended for Grades 9 - 12.

RVK in Town of Esopus

PURGE by Sarah Littman

2010-07-08T14:23:00.005-04:00

Janie Ryman has gotten herself into a recovery clinic. Not only does she have bulimia, but she has tried to kill herself, too. We find out about her life very slowly. Along the way we meet different characters with their own life issues, and those issues end up helping Janie.

This story definitely held my attention. I gained more knowledge about anorexia and bulimia and, although it's about a serious topic, it is also filled with humor, something every book needs.

Recommended
Alex in Esopus

LOVE (AND OTHER USES FOR DUCT TAPE) by Carrie Jones

2010-05-18T11:28:00.001-04:00

Belle is still shaken up after her perfect boyfriend turned gay. Everyone seems to be changing around her, but her new boyfriend, Tom, doesn't seem to be changing his idea about love. And with a pregnant best friend, high school is hard to deal with.

This book examined the struggles of teenage relationships. Belle and her friends are fun to read about, and the book never gets boring or drawn out. Belle deals with the pressure many girls do to have sex while watching her friend deal with her pregnancy.

Outstanding.
Meghan in Esopus

LIVING DEAD GIRL by Musfera Yousaf

2010-05-12T14:37:00.005-04:00

A small girl, about ten years old, is abducted from an aquarium by a man. This man is crazed and sick. He rapes her, beats her and breaks her down. As she gets older he won't allow her to go through puberty -- he starves her and gives her pills to stop her from getting her period. It is a story about how Alice almost gives up hope until she meets a little girl and her big brother. She doesn't care that this little girl will now be abused, she only wants to be free. At the end of the novel, Ray dies (thanks to the older brother) and we have no clue as to whether or not Alice dies as well. All the end says is: "I am free." The reader is left to create their own ending.

This is a memorable book that is sad, but I couldn't put it down. I hope that this situation never happens, but sadly, I know it's not the case. I'll never forget Alice, and anyone else who reads the book won't either. I did learn that Ray, the abuser, also had a troubled childhood (not that it gives him an excuse) and that you should never give up hope.

Recommended.
Alex in Esopus

What a story! Kayla Davis is kidnapped when she is ten years old and forced to live with and serve her abductor, Ray. He says that if she ever does anything wrong he will go and kill her parents (he tricked her into telling him where they lived). Ray decides he wants another person for their family, so he has "Alice" go out and get a girl. In the end, the new girl's brother ends up killing Ray and accidentally kills Kayla.

Let me say it again: What a story! However, I simply hated the ending. That was awful that she died. While entertaining, the story was not very plausible. There were many suggestions that I came up with that explained how she could have gotten out of the situation that she was in .... but it certainly gives the message Do Not Go With Strangers!

Recommended.
Erica in Esopus

Alice was kidnapped when she was ten years old. Now, she is fifteen, and still being abused at the hands of her kidnapper, Ray, who wants to kill her. Ray wants to get a new girl since Alice is now too old for him -- and he wants Alice to choose the new girl he will kidnap and abuse. If she complies, he claims he will release her. But Alice struggles -- will he keep his word or kill her?

This is a good read, but not for anyone who is already depressed. It makes you think that some things aren't worth living for, but some things are.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

HUMAN BODY by Linda Calabresi

2010-05-01T13:08:00.002-04:00

It starts with cells -- cells are made up of all things in the body. Humans have 10 trillion cells. Cell membranes control the movement of substances into and out of cells, the body grows the most in the first two years. As babies grow their reflexes get better such as grasping and movement. Somethings in the body are replaceable, but others aren't (like the brain).

I don't think most people would be interested in this, but I would recommend it to people who are interested in science. It was a bit dry, but I did learn that the body needs food not only for growth but also to renew its cells.

Good.
Musfera in Esopus

HOW TO DO EVERYTHING WITH YOUTUBE by Chad Fahs

2010-04-25T11:46:00.002-04:00

This book tells you everything about youtube -- how to start up youtube, how to put up your own videos, how to use youtube responsibly, how to shoot and use other tools.

It was really good and showed how to blog in a good way if people are interested in youtube and computers.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

LITTLE WING by Joanne Horniman

2010-04-15T14:21:00.002-04:00

This is a story about a boy and a girl who are too young to have a baby. Emily lives with her grandma and during a flashback you see her pregnancy. Her relationship with her mother and father is not good.

You definitely get a good understanding of what it's like to be a pregnant teen. The book doesn't tell you that it's wrong, but it does show how hard it is to have a baby -- and it makes you not want to go through a teen pregnancy.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT: DISCOVERING YOUR INNER POWER by Bianca Guerra

2010-04-07T13:23:00.002-04:00

This book explores how some girls get into big problems and then they feel that they are in that relationship or position because it's their own fault and they can't do anything about it -- but you learn that if you talk to people you can find a solution to your problem.

I would recommend this book -- it is very empowering. It shows you that sometimes you are your own answer.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

LIKE A THORN by Clara Vidal

2010-04-02T14:42:00.002-04:00

Melie's mother is sometimes nice, sometimes mean -- and always prone to erratic behavior that Melie does her best to deal with. As a little girl, she invents things to protect herself from her mother's mood swings. When she becomes a teenager, tip-toeing around her own house she becomes depressed. No one understands her, and since her mother is not able to change, she has to do it herself.

It was a nice book that shows you sometimes you have to take it on yourself to do what's best for you.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

THE JUVIE THREE by Gordon Korman

2010-03-30T10:40:00.002-04:00

A story about how three boys ended up in jail, what they did to get there and how they spend their days now. Gecko, Terrence and Arjay are all at a center in New York City where Healy is in charge because he is a former juvie kid like them and has experience with what is happening to them. He wants to make a difference in the lives of the boys because he knows what can happen if they don't change.

This is a good read because it teaches you how to turn even the worst possible thing around, and how one mistake can lead to a horrible life.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

KEYS TO DEVELOPING YOUR CHILD'S SELF-ESTEEM by Carl Pickhardt

2010-03-24T10:06:00.004-04:00

This is a good book for parents to understand how to help their child's self-esteem, and if their child has a self-esteem problem how to deal with your child so that they don't hurt themselves. It discusses moods, successes, failures and many other things that are a key part of a child's self-esteem.

It's a good read for parents and shows the link between self-esteem and depression, and how self-esteem can rise and fall with a child's moods.

Outstanding.
Musfera in Esopus

LIZARD PEOPLE by Charlie Price

2010-03-18T13:13:00.003-04:00

Seventeen-year-old Ben Mander has a particularly OK life. His mother, who has schizophrenia, refuses to take her medication, and when under duress spins outrageous tales of lizard people. Ben's father, divorced from his mother and estranged from his current girlfriend, spends most of his days haunting sleazy bars and crashing in cheap motels. Ben struggles to work with his mother.

This was a good book that shows how sometimes, it's the kids who have to take care of their parents.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

HOLE IN MY LIFE by Jack Gantos

2010-03-16T11:32:00.002-04:00

This story is about the lack of the main character's (author Jack Gantos) plan near then end of high school. It's a common situation and one that my not work out the best without a wake-up call or a degree of good luck. It works out the worst in Gantos's case, inside, however, is a good kid who just wants to make it in life.

I think this story is easy to relate to, and something that can happen to us. I learned that if you want to do something, always plan early.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

FIELD GUIDE TO HIGH SCHOOL by Marissa Walsh

2010-03-11T10:30:00.003-05:00

Not the greatest book. Some parts were OK, but the entire second part just talked about the high school caste system which I felt was unnecessary.

The most important message I got from this book was to enjoy high school while it lasts.

Good.
Emily in Garrison

EXPOSED by Susan Vaught

2010-03-04T16:10:00.003-05:00

Chan Shealy's got most things going right in her life -- she's got straight A's, a shot at the regional majorette championship in baton twirling and best best girlfriend a girl could wish for. But after the football quarterback spreads a vicious lie about her and the whole school decides she's too trashy for words, Chan begins to wonder if the only place she will find love is online. She is careful. She follows all of her parents rules -- mostly. But then a girl has to be on her own at some point, and even though her gut is telling her to be careful she ignores it until it's too late. From the moment Chan gets online and meets Paul, even I knew something bad was going to happen -- the guy she was talking to online almost kidnaps her sister.

This was a really great book that keeps you at the edge of your seat until the very end. It was a romantic book about a girl who just wanted to be loved, but reminded readers that the Internet can be a dangerous place. It also warns us to be careful about what we say because one rumor started for fun can ruin another person's life.

Outstanding.
Musfera in Esopus

GATHER TOGETHER IN MY NAME by Maya Angelou

2010-02-28T10:39:00.002-05:00

Angelou, age sixteen, has just given birth to an illegitimate baby boy. World War II has just ended and African-Americans returning home from the war re-encounter racism -- which is not a temporary aberration. Angelou turns tougher and her remembering evokes an immediacy of long-ago dejection.

This book manages to teach the reader how wrong racism is without being too "teachy". It's an interesting story that shows us not to judge people by where they came from or what skin color they are.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

GENERATION TEXT by Dr. Michael Osit

2010-02-21T10:47:00.002-05:00

This book explores how kids today text too much, how different they are from kids ten years ago or 20 years ago. It talks about how parents don't relate to their kids and how kids use their computers, phones and other electronic devices to manage time.

I learned a lot about myself from reading this book -- mainly to pay attention and keep my mind on one thing.

Outstanding.
Musfera in Esopus

GET WELL SOON by Julie Halpern

2010-02-16T11:10:00.003-05:00

Anna is sent to a mental hospital to work on her panic attacks. Now she must learn to live in the hospital and adjust to her peers and the new rules.

I would recommend this book to a friend because it was a good, entertaining book. It teaches us that it doesn't matter what medication you need, friends will always make you feel the best.

Recommended.
Joe in Esopus

ASPERGER DOWNLOAD: A GUIDE TO HELP TEENAGE MALES ... by Josie and Damian Santomauro

2010-02-09T10:22:00.002-05:00

There were many issues addressed, but mostly it was about problems like bullying, arguments, abuse and acne. It covered the gamut of teenage problems from A to Z.

It had a lot of great definitions and explanations -- I learned that pimples are caused by stress and that it's normal to express anger. Girls will find useful information in this guide, even though it's geared toward boys.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN THE WORLD by Lisa Levchuk

2010-01-18T15:43:00.002-05:00

Edna's mother has cancer, she's not talking much to her dad, and since her mom went to the hospital Edna hasn't gone to visit. To top it all off she is having an affair with a teacher. She loves him and he loves her. Edna doesn't really take anything in her life seriously and jokes around throughout the entire novel. Her mom makes her go see a shrink, which does not make Edna happy. Eventually she breaks down and tells her friend Barbie about her affair with the teacher -- and then her nagging "frenemy" Patty finds out. She and the teacher don't care much until one day Edna has a revelation, goes to visit her mom and ditches her school field trip ... and she even begins to show interest in a boy her own age.

I found myself getting frustrated with the characters -- and unexpectedly feeling sorry for the teacher (isn't that terrible?).

Good.
Alex in Esopus

Edna's mother has cancer and her father seems distant, so she turns to Mr. Howland, her art teacher, for support and attention. Things go farther than she intended and now she must get control of her life.

This book moves very slowly and is not realistic, although it does give the message that family and friends are always there to help if you let them.

Marginal.
Meghan in Esopus

ALCOHOL by Andrea C. Nakaya

2010-01-11T10:13:00.002-05:00

Learn what alcohol does to the body, what it is made of and how you can get obsessed with alcohol because it makes you feel as if you are untouchable.

This is a great book that teaches you how to drink responsibly.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

DIRTY WORK by Julia Bell

2010-01-05T13:00:00.001-05:00

Hope thinks she leads a very boring life. But then she meets Olesana, a Russian girl who has been sold as a sex slave. They both get kidnapped and must work together to escape the brothel they are trapped in.

Dirty Work is riveting and very captivating. The pages go very fast as it covers serious issues -- how easy it is for onlookers to become victims in something as dreadful as human trafficking. It will definitely make you think twice about talking to a stranger. If you're looking for something serious, this is the book for you!

Good.
Erica in Esopus

Dirty Work is about a young woman, Oksana, caught in the world of sex trafficking (where she uses the name Natasha). She once had a family, but is now known as a whore in her hometown because she has been bought and sold across Europe for sexual gratification. Hope doesn't have a mother. Her brother and father are in Russia. Hope, like Natasha, is desperate to get away. The two young women have to work together to get out.

This gives a glimpse into another world, and how young women live in other countries. It teaches the reader that you can have all the money in the world and still not be happy.

Outstanding.
Musfera in Esopus

CHANDA'S WARS by Allan Stratton

2009-12-22T12:03:00.001-05:00

After Chanda's mother died of AIDS, it is her job to care for her brother and sister. After the two kids got captured by the rebels, Chanda has to go and track them down.

This was a good book that teaches us traumatic experiences never really go away.

Recommended.
Joe in Esopus

DISTORTED: HOW A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER UNRAVELED THE TRUTH, THE LIES, AND THE REALITIES OF AN EATING DISORDER by Lorri and Taryn Benson

2009-12-15T15:28:00.001-05:00

Lorri Benson felt blessed that she had such a loving husband with a lucrative job in the financial industry. She had her own career as senior producer for a long running prestigious television show. She had three beautiful daughters and what seemed to be the perfect family life, until the day she walked into her oldest daughter Taryn's bathroom and saw her daughter throwing up. Realizing her daughter had an eating disorder turned her whole world upside down, and she began questioning where she had gone wrong as a mother. She embarks on a difficult journey to save her daughter's life.

This is a really great read that tells a true story, and teaches us that even if a family looks as if it may be perfect, it doesn't mean that it is.

Outstanding.
Musfera in Esopus

ADOPTED: THE ULTIMATE TEEN GUIDE by Suzanne Buckingham

2009-12-08T10:00:00.002-05:00

A good resource for teens who have been adopted, it explores the feeling of emptiness, curiosity about birth parents, sense of rejection and identity issues.

This book has great advice and suggests that you tell a child when they are young that they have been adopted -- or not at all.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

TOTAL CONSTANT ORDER by Crissa-Jean Chappell

2009-12-04T10:30:00.002-05:00

Fin begins to get major Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder after her parents break up after their move to Miami. The only way she can stop is when she hangs with Thayer, who has Attention-Deficit Disorder and is always in trouble.

While the message of the book is empowering -- disorders can be managed with willpower as well as medicine -- overall the book is not strong. Fin's disorder is poorly described and the plot is vague.

Marginal.
Meghan in Esopus