Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Keep Reading
While no more book reviews will be coming in until the start of the new year, please make sure to take advantage of the reviews that are already present and do some reading this summer!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Over Sea, under Stone
Title: Over Sea, Under Stone
Author: Susan Cooper
Genre: Mystery/Adventure
Reviewer: Patrick
This is a story that is centered upon a mythical treasure and a map that the three Drew children find in an attic while on vacation. Simon, Jane and Barney are staying in the Gray House which is the home of their Uncle Merry Lyon. They find an old map that leads to a grail that can fight the forces of evil. There is the struggle of good versus evil throughout the book! The Dark is even an entity in itself! The house has the required secret passages and the feeling of being haunted. Their uncle has a mysterious vibe about him and the best is that even King Arthur comes into the picture during the last struggle and battle in this book!
This book is part of a series of five books and has the Newberry Honor award. I am amazed that they were written starting in 1965. That is 43 years ago!! They are great and I love the adventure and mystery. They are much like the Harry Potter or Dark Knight type of book that can keep your attention and you can’t wait for the next book. I would recommend this book and the complete series! I love battles, action and the mystery. I also like when kids are part of the solution! The next in this series is The Dark is Rising and I can’t wait to start this one.
Author: Susan Cooper
Genre: Mystery/Adventure
Reviewer: Patrick
This is a story that is centered upon a mythical treasure and a map that the three Drew children find in an attic while on vacation. Simon, Jane and Barney are staying in the Gray House which is the home of their Uncle Merry Lyon. They find an old map that leads to a grail that can fight the forces of evil. There is the struggle of good versus evil throughout the book! The Dark is even an entity in itself! The house has the required secret passages and the feeling of being haunted. Their uncle has a mysterious vibe about him and the best is that even King Arthur comes into the picture during the last struggle and battle in this book!
This book is part of a series of five books and has the Newberry Honor award. I am amazed that they were written starting in 1965. That is 43 years ago!! They are great and I love the adventure and mystery. They are much like the Harry Potter or Dark Knight type of book that can keep your attention and you can’t wait for the next book. I would recommend this book and the complete series! I love battles, action and the mystery. I also like when kids are part of the solution! The next in this series is The Dark is Rising and I can’t wait to start this one.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The House of the Scorpion
Title: The House of the Scorpion
Author: Nancy Farmer
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewer: Dan
In the science fiction thriller, The House of the Scorpion, young Matteo realizes that he is not like everyone else. Matteo Alacran is a clone. He doesn’t quite know exactly what that is, but he does know that he is treated in a very different way than anyone else. Everyone around him looks at him as if he were a savage beast, but no one would dare to hurt him physically, for he is the clone, or identical copy, of El Patron. El Patron is the leader of the small country, Opium, which consists only of opium fields. He is the drug lord of all drug lords and is feared by all. Matt secures El Patron’s future health, or does he? In this story of adventure, excitement, and courage, Matt endures several instances that would kill anyone else, literally. Can Matt find anyone to protect him in this world of danger and uncertainty about his future?
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good ending and an even better story. In addition to a good story, the book looks at the issues of slavery, the morality of cloning for the purpose of body parts, whether a clone is nothing more than an animal and many more. Anyone who loves adventure stories that teach good morals and ethics at the same time should definitely read this science fiction novel.
Author: Nancy Farmer
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewer: Dan
In the science fiction thriller, The House of the Scorpion, young Matteo realizes that he is not like everyone else. Matteo Alacran is a clone. He doesn’t quite know exactly what that is, but he does know that he is treated in a very different way than anyone else. Everyone around him looks at him as if he were a savage beast, but no one would dare to hurt him physically, for he is the clone, or identical copy, of El Patron. El Patron is the leader of the small country, Opium, which consists only of opium fields. He is the drug lord of all drug lords and is feared by all. Matt secures El Patron’s future health, or does he? In this story of adventure, excitement, and courage, Matt endures several instances that would kill anyone else, literally. Can Matt find anyone to protect him in this world of danger and uncertainty about his future?
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good ending and an even better story. In addition to a good story, the book looks at the issues of slavery, the morality of cloning for the purpose of body parts, whether a clone is nothing more than an animal and many more. Anyone who loves adventure stories that teach good morals and ethics at the same time should definitely read this science fiction novel.
Mattimeo
Title: Mattimeo
Author: Brian Jacques
Genre: Fantasy
Reviewer: Dan
Slagar the Fox sat pondering the very best way to exact revenge on an old enemy. The sinister fox held Matthias of Redwall accountable for several injuries the fox received when he was younger. With a band of evil stoats, weasels, and worst of all, rats, Slagar was ready for his time of vengeance. His action would take Redwall by the heart. Redwallers would be robbed of what they held most dear. Slagar knew that the Sword of Matthias of Redwall had destroyed greater foes than the fox before, so there would be no epic battle to cause Redwall overwhelming pain, just a clever scheme. Would Redwall be able to defend itself against the challenges brought upon it by the sly fox? Or would the fox succeed in bringing Redwall to its final ruin?
I would recommend this book to others because it is an interesting and fun book that will keep you reading. New twists happen in every chapter. I especially enjoy the personification of the animals. The author is expert at bringing out the character we would apply to the different animals. If you do read this book, I suggest that you first read the book, Redwall.
Author: Brian Jacques
Genre: Fantasy
Reviewer: Dan
Slagar the Fox sat pondering the very best way to exact revenge on an old enemy. The sinister fox held Matthias of Redwall accountable for several injuries the fox received when he was younger. With a band of evil stoats, weasels, and worst of all, rats, Slagar was ready for his time of vengeance. His action would take Redwall by the heart. Redwallers would be robbed of what they held most dear. Slagar knew that the Sword of Matthias of Redwall had destroyed greater foes than the fox before, so there would be no epic battle to cause Redwall overwhelming pain, just a clever scheme. Would Redwall be able to defend itself against the challenges brought upon it by the sly fox? Or would the fox succeed in bringing Redwall to its final ruin?
I would recommend this book to others because it is an interesting and fun book that will keep you reading. New twists happen in every chapter. I especially enjoy the personification of the animals. The author is expert at bringing out the character we would apply to the different animals. If you do read this book, I suggest that you first read the book, Redwall.
Angels in Pink: Holly’s story
Title: Angels in Pink: Holly’s story
Author: Lurlene McDaniel
Genre: realistic fiction
Reviewer: Prabhneet
Angels in Pink is a series that tells the story of three best friends that have been there for each other through thick and thin. From Kathleen’s mother relapsing to Raina’s finding out that she has an older sister, Holly has been there for every one of them. She’s got everything she wants except one thing: a boyfriend. Both Kathleen and Raina have had one and it just so happens that Hunter, Holly’s brother is Raina’s boyfriend. That is the only thing lacking in Holly, leaving her feeling empty. Holly then unexpectedly gets emails from “Shy Boy” who really likes her. She starts talking to him and prints his emails out. She eventually created a book and hid it under her bed. One day, her mother walks in her room when she isn’t home and finds the secret stash.
Holly obviously gets in trouble for talking to strangers and is grounded. She has no one to turn to. She wants “Shy Boy” to keep in touch with her but she has no way to. She turns to the last person that she can count on: Hunter. She persuades him to talk to “Shy Boy”. “Shy Boy” shows up at Holly’s house one day, taking the blame for contacting her and addressing himself as Chad. Chad gets the permission to keep in touch with Holly but not right away.
Meanwhile, a tragedy hit the three friends and their families hard. They found out Hunter was involved in a robbery as the victim and was shot. Hunter had died. As the three families suffer through it all, they know that they are not alone and rely on each other. They are each other’s only hope and light to the darkness that had overcome them. Raina had been the one that was hit the hardest. It cost her days of not being at school which eventually backfired on her. Her grades were going downhill and she was hopeless. She turned to Holly to tutor her. Holly was an excellent student with a bright, glowing future ahead of her besides the loss of one of the most important people in her life. It took days, months for everyone to recover. Yet they didn’t recover, they were to live a life without a loved one which is always hard. At least they weren’t alone.
Holly went to prom with Chad and Kathleen with Carson. Holly learns that Chad was the perfect first boyfriend and realizes that he would be around for a while
I would recommend this book because it is emotional with a touch of suspense and mystery. It really makes you see the wonders in life and the little things that make a big difference. It teaches a lesson of love and to never take one for granted. Life is too short to hold grudges or see the flaws in someone. So live life to the fullest and cherish the moments you have together.
Author: Lurlene McDaniel
Genre: realistic fiction
Reviewer: Prabhneet
Angels in Pink is a series that tells the story of three best friends that have been there for each other through thick and thin. From Kathleen’s mother relapsing to Raina’s finding out that she has an older sister, Holly has been there for every one of them. She’s got everything she wants except one thing: a boyfriend. Both Kathleen and Raina have had one and it just so happens that Hunter, Holly’s brother is Raina’s boyfriend. That is the only thing lacking in Holly, leaving her feeling empty. Holly then unexpectedly gets emails from “Shy Boy” who really likes her. She starts talking to him and prints his emails out. She eventually created a book and hid it under her bed. One day, her mother walks in her room when she isn’t home and finds the secret stash.
Holly obviously gets in trouble for talking to strangers and is grounded. She has no one to turn to. She wants “Shy Boy” to keep in touch with her but she has no way to. She turns to the last person that she can count on: Hunter. She persuades him to talk to “Shy Boy”. “Shy Boy” shows up at Holly’s house one day, taking the blame for contacting her and addressing himself as Chad. Chad gets the permission to keep in touch with Holly but not right away.
Meanwhile, a tragedy hit the three friends and their families hard. They found out Hunter was involved in a robbery as the victim and was shot. Hunter had died. As the three families suffer through it all, they know that they are not alone and rely on each other. They are each other’s only hope and light to the darkness that had overcome them. Raina had been the one that was hit the hardest. It cost her days of not being at school which eventually backfired on her. Her grades were going downhill and she was hopeless. She turned to Holly to tutor her. Holly was an excellent student with a bright, glowing future ahead of her besides the loss of one of the most important people in her life. It took days, months for everyone to recover. Yet they didn’t recover, they were to live a life without a loved one which is always hard. At least they weren’t alone.
Holly went to prom with Chad and Kathleen with Carson. Holly learns that Chad was the perfect first boyfriend and realizes that he would be around for a while
I would recommend this book because it is emotional with a touch of suspense and mystery. It really makes you see the wonders in life and the little things that make a big difference. It teaches a lesson of love and to never take one for granted. Life is too short to hold grudges or see the flaws in someone. So live life to the fullest and cherish the moments you have together.
Angels in Pink: Raina’s Story
Title: Angels in Pink: Raina’s Story
Author: Lurlene McDaniel
Genre: Realistic fiction
Reviewer: Prabhneet
Raina’s story is the second page turning book in the series. It tells a story of a group of three diverse girls. They are juniors in high school and struggle a lot. Raina is the main point of it all. She drags her two best friends, Kathleen and Hollie to come volunteer at the community hospital with her the summer of sophomore year. Kathleen and Hollie eventually agree and tag along to find that it is very rewarding. Kathleen found a boyfriend and Hollie found a new level of comfort trying to console the children with cancer.
Raina is going out with Hollie’s older brother, Hunter. They love each other very much apart from the big fact that Raina does not believe in God and Hunter whole heartedly has faith in Him. Raina’s first day of school is a misery. She ends up seeing her worst enemy, Tony Stoddard. Tony was Raina’s boyfriend in eighth grade. One day Hunter was going to his car from his job at the diner and Tony and his “gang” beat up Hunter and tell him some details about Raina. He comes home to Raina with some cuts and bruises and this astonishes Raina because Hunter is not the type to get into fights. Hunter explains the encounter and asks Raina if all of the “details” about her were true. She hesitated, knowing she couldn’t lie to him and told him the truth. With this running over and over again through his mind, Hunter does not talk to Raina for weeks. Raina becomes desperate and turns over for support from the hospital. She volunteers every second she has out of school. She spends all of her volunteered time with premature babies. She becomes attached to them and feels a connection of them both having no one.
Finally, on Raina’s birthday Hunter, Hollie, Kathleen, and her boyfriend Carson through her a surprise party. Hunter reveals that he is going to become a minister and go to a college in Indiana, miles away from their town in Florida. Raina eventually learns to live through it and cherish the moments with him. Through it all, all three girls gave each other support and will conquer the upcoming tragedies they will face.I think this is a good book because it shows you how much your friends can affect your life and how much you should really support them. You should all be there for each other and give each other love and affection. It teaches you a lesson and really changes your prospection of life.
Author: Lurlene McDaniel
Genre: Realistic fiction
Reviewer: Prabhneet
Raina’s story is the second page turning book in the series. It tells a story of a group of three diverse girls. They are juniors in high school and struggle a lot. Raina is the main point of it all. She drags her two best friends, Kathleen and Hollie to come volunteer at the community hospital with her the summer of sophomore year. Kathleen and Hollie eventually agree and tag along to find that it is very rewarding. Kathleen found a boyfriend and Hollie found a new level of comfort trying to console the children with cancer.
Raina is going out with Hollie’s older brother, Hunter. They love each other very much apart from the big fact that Raina does not believe in God and Hunter whole heartedly has faith in Him. Raina’s first day of school is a misery. She ends up seeing her worst enemy, Tony Stoddard. Tony was Raina’s boyfriend in eighth grade. One day Hunter was going to his car from his job at the diner and Tony and his “gang” beat up Hunter and tell him some details about Raina. He comes home to Raina with some cuts and bruises and this astonishes Raina because Hunter is not the type to get into fights. Hunter explains the encounter and asks Raina if all of the “details” about her were true. She hesitated, knowing she couldn’t lie to him and told him the truth. With this running over and over again through his mind, Hunter does not talk to Raina for weeks. Raina becomes desperate and turns over for support from the hospital. She volunteers every second she has out of school. She spends all of her volunteered time with premature babies. She becomes attached to them and feels a connection of them both having no one.
Finally, on Raina’s birthday Hunter, Hollie, Kathleen, and her boyfriend Carson through her a surprise party. Hunter reveals that he is going to become a minister and go to a college in Indiana, miles away from their town in Florida. Raina eventually learns to live through it and cherish the moments with him. Through it all, all three girls gave each other support and will conquer the upcoming tragedies they will face.I think this is a good book because it shows you how much your friends can affect your life and how much you should really support them. You should all be there for each other and give each other love and affection. It teaches you a lesson and really changes your prospection of life.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Vanguard: Book One (Star Trek)
Title: Vanguard: Book One (Star Trek)
Author: David Mack
Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction
Reviewer: George
This book book falls somewhere during the Starship Enterprise’s journey to explore strange new worlds, to seek new life and civilizations, and to boldly go where no man has gone before. It follows the stories of several characters: a FNS News Reporter, a Federation diplomat, the crew of Starship Enterprise, the crew of Starship Bombay, a illegal and stolen goods courier, and several others.
It starts out with a geology lieutenant named Xiong traveling on the Starship Bombay. He has just come from a recent discovery on the planet Ravanar and is headed to Star Base 47 (Vanguard). Vanguard is the newest space station of Starfleet. It also the space station that was completed in the shortest amount of time.
Every one is wondering why it has been built so fast. Is it because of the new discovery on Ravanar? Is it to expand Federation territory into the Taurus Reach past the Klingon Empire? Read the book to find out!!!
Author: David Mack
Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction
Reviewer: George
This book book falls somewhere during the Starship Enterprise’s journey to explore strange new worlds, to seek new life and civilizations, and to boldly go where no man has gone before. It follows the stories of several characters: a FNS News Reporter, a Federation diplomat, the crew of Starship Enterprise, the crew of Starship Bombay, a illegal and stolen goods courier, and several others.
It starts out with a geology lieutenant named Xiong traveling on the Starship Bombay. He has just come from a recent discovery on the planet Ravanar and is headed to Star Base 47 (Vanguard). Vanguard is the newest space station of Starfleet. It also the space station that was completed in the shortest amount of time.
Every one is wondering why it has been built so fast. Is it because of the new discovery on Ravanar? Is it to expand Federation territory into the Taurus Reach past the Klingon Empire? Read the book to find out!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)