Green Angel

Green Angel

This book was a tragic book. It was an annotation on September 11, 2001. Green is a fifteen year old teenager who was angry with her family when they left for town, she didn't speak to any of them when they left. All of a sudden she's alone because her family was killed in a tragic fire. She becomes depressed and cuts off her hair, tattoos herself, and renames herself Ash. By the middle of the book Green is in the darkest of places and the saddest of sorrows. As the story goes further, she takes care of an old high school friend, Heather, who is forgetting about everything before the fire. She takes in and takes care of a dog, Diamond (a boy she met), and her next door neighbor. Her neighbor helps her to realize that time heals wounds and Ash is slowly becoming Green again. In the end, she is healed and changed forever.

This book was written by Alice Hoffman in 2003. THERE IS A LINK TO HER OFFICIAL WEBSITE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

CAUTION: There is violence, depression, be prepared to feel sad throughout most of the book.

Taking of Room 114

The Taking of Room 114

This book was very intriguing and did not take me long to read. It is told in the point of view of many different people such as the students, teachers, principles, police, parents, bystanders. There are many different characters such as the artist who wants to go to Paris, the athlete, the fat kid, the many kids who ditched, the drop out, etc. I liked this book just for that reason because the author, Mel Glenn, really understands the different characters and circumstances that teenagers come from. I really enjoyed reading their thoughts and reactions. It started off with them waiting in line for their yearbook, and then all of a sudden the history teacher takes the senior class hostage. Then it shows their points of view from freshman year to the current moment. I really enjoyed this poetry book, it was awesome and unlike anything that I have ever read before.
CAUTION: There is some language, violence, and sexual content.

Say Hello to the Hit Man

Say Hello to the Hit Man

Okay, I apologize I couldn't find any image for the book cover of Say Hello to the Hit Man, so I found a picture of Al Capone instead. This book is about the son of a mobster who wants nothing to do with his father's lifestyle. He refuses to see his father. I found this book in the young adult section. I believe he was eighteen, but it never actually said. Frank Morgan receives a phone call from the "Hit Man" stating that he wanted Frank to suffer and that eventually he would kill Frank, but it would take time.
This was a short book, but also very intriguing. I enjoyed reading this book for my young adult class. This book was written by Jay Bennett in 1976.
CAUTION: There is violence and language.

Inexcusable

Inexcusable

Keir thinks that he is a pretty good guy. In the beginning of the book, it shows from his point of view that he is raping a girl. He doesn't think of it as rape, he thinks she loves him and he her. Keir continues to tell his side of the story throughout the book. He proceeds by telling of some other bad things he's done, but he justifies everything he has done. The narrator is not reliable at all. Chris Lynch wrote this book in the point of view of a rapist, and even in the end his character has not learned his lesson.

CAUTION: There is a couple of rape scenes as well as language, it is also a bit confusing because he jumps from past to present without being obvious about it, so pay attention when reading.

Alice I Think

Alice I Think

This book is about Alice and her eccentric experiences in life. First, her mother is an ex-hippie and adores the new age therapies. Her father, is a little technologically handicapped, and Alice is handicapped in social areas. This book is a self identity book. She goes through many stages and she is convinced that she is actually the one helping her counselor instead of the other way around. There are a few life goals that she has set and throughout the book she tries to accomplish them.
She experiences dating, but she doesn't want to count that one because she spent most of their dating trying to avoid him. In the end, she seems to know who she is a little bit more, but there is a lot more to discover.

CAUTION: There is some language and a sex scene.

Impossible

Impossible

This is a story that coincides love and fantasy elements. Lucy is seventeen years old and for as long as she can remember her own mother has been insane. Apparently her mother, Melinda, went insane after giving birth to Lucy. Now seventeen years later, she wants nothing to do with her mother. Melinda keeps singing "The Scarborough Fair" which holds three tasks that Lucy must accomplish in order to break the family curse. This book deals with many issues that teenagers deal with such as: rape, teenage pregnancy, and young love.

Zach, is her childhood friend, and they end up falling in love. He becomes her sort of hero in the story as he helps her accomplish these tasks in one way or another. This book is definitely a chick book, but it is a great one. Impossible was written by Nancy Werlin in 2008.

CAUTION: There is a rape scene and mild language.

Twisted

Twisted

This book was written by Laurie Halse Anderson in 2006. Tyler Miller was one of the nerd outcasts that no one wanted to know. He had enough of this and decided to do something illegal to the school. He decided to spray paint something vulgar on the walls of the school. This action got him probabation working in construction. All of a sudden he has gained quite a lot of muscle and as school starts he has gained quite a lot more attention. The attention especially coming from Bethany his high school crush. She's popular and always looking for a good time. Tyler attends a party that Bethany has invited him to. She is drunk, but Tyler does not want to take advantage of her. He drives her home along with her brother and an annoying sophomore. The next day there are some revealing pictures of Bethany on the internet and everyone suspects Tyler. Things get to the point where he has suicidal thoughts.

CAUTION: There is some language, graphic sexual content, and violence.

Wintergirls

Wintergirls

Lia has been anorexic for many years. Her former best friend Cassie was bulimic. They both made a pact a long time ago that they would be the skinniest girls in the world. Cassie stopped talking to Lia for a long while, but she called her the night she died. She called Lia 33 times. This trauma triggered Lia's anorexia again, and this book talks about the struggles and mentalities of an anorexic person. It gets to the point where you are frustrated as a reader to see her go through this, and as the time goes on the reader starts to think that she will die in the end.
This book was written by Laurie Halse Anderson, I also posted a video/interview about this book from Ms. Anderson. It is very interesting if you would like to watch it. This book made me aware of some of the things that these two disorders deal with, and it made me appreciate food a lot more.
CAUTION: There is some swearing and detailed scenes concerning some of the content in the book.

Wintergirls, by Laurie Halse Anderson

Witch's Boy

Witch's Boy

Lump was born with a distorted face, he was raised by an old woman, an enchanted cat, a demon, and talking bear. This story has a twist on all of the fairy tales. Lump's story is of his growing up and learning how to like himself for the person that he is instead of the outside appearance. He goes through many stages, he is treated badly often. There are many lessons that Lump has to learn through this book. There were many times I didn't care for Lump's character in general, but in the end I liked him. He had learned all of the things that he was supposed to.
Witch's Boy was written by Michael Gruber. THERE IS A LINK TO HIS WEBSITE IN CASE YOU'RE INTERESTED.

CAUTION: There is some violence throughout the book, sometimes graphic violence.

Nancy Drew: Mystery of the Moss Covered Mansion

Nancy Drew: Mystery of the Moss Covered Mansion

Nancy's father asks for her help when he can't figure out how someone placed explosive oranges in an orchard and framed his client. Nancy and her friends embark on a trip to follow the mystery of the explosive oranges and instead begins to investigate the moss-covered mansion.

This book was written by Carolyn Keene and it was first written in 1941. She was famous for writing many of the Nancy Drew novels. THIS IS A LINK FOR MANY OF THE NANCY DREW NOVELS IN CASE YOU ARE INTERESTED.

CAUTION: Be prepared to laugh a little bit, there is a lot of stating the obvious.

Heaven

Heaven

Marley is a fourteen year old teenager who lives in a town called, "Heaven". She lives in her house with Pop, Moma, and her little brother. She is always writing her Uncle Jack, and she is always wiring money to her. They seem to have a good relationship with each other even though she has never met him. Her life changes forever when she learns the truth about her family. Marley learns the truth and tries to deal with life in general.

Heaven was written by Angela Johnson . THIS IS A LINK TO HER WEBSITE IN CASE YOU'RE INTERESTED.
I thought this book was interesting, it was a short read, and it was very intriguing story.

CAUTION: There is mild language and mild drug use.

Prom

Prom

Ashley is just waiting for graduation, trying to just hang in there until that last moment in high school. She's dating a drop out, TJ, who would rather get her into bed than care about what she's saying. Her senior year is forever changed when her math teacher steals all of the prom money and gambles it away. Her best friend Natalie is very devastated. Natalie has been on the prom committee and now she has no idea what to do.

Ashley has no interest in the prom, she thinks that it is just a dance. However, out of kindness she offers to help Natalie plan a new prom. Ashley works very hard to make this prom happen and she grows in the process.

This book was written by Laurie Halse Anderson. THIS IS A LINK TO HER WEBSITE IN CASE YOU'D LIKE TO LOOK UP MORE INFORMATION.
CAUTION: There is language in the book as well as sexual content.

Running Out of Time

Running Out of Time

Jessie, a thirteen year old, has been raised in a town called Clifton. She thinks it is the year 1840. She is perfectly happy with her lifestyle, until her mother tells her the truth. Clifton is tourist/research site and the year is actually 1996. Clifton's residents are dying from diphtheria and modern medicine is refused to the residents. Her mother asks Jessie to go outside of the world she is so used to and seek help. Throughout the book there are betrayals and intrigues. Jessie even runs for her own life and the lives of others.

This book reminded me of the movie, "The Village", but I enjoyed it. I read it within a day. It is a very intriguing book and I do recommend it. It was written by Margaret Peterson Haddix. THERE IS A LINK TO HER WEBSITE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. This book was written in 1995.

CAUTION: You might get frustrated with many of the adults in the book, like so many they don't listen to a thirteen year old girl.

A Mango Shaped Space By Curtis

A Mango Shaped Space

A Mango-Shaped Space

This book was written in 2005 by Wendy Mass. THIS IS A LINK TO HER WEBSITE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

Mia is a unique individual. Everything she sees and hears she sees a color with. Particular letters or numbers she sees these different colors. Later in the book, it is revealed that this is a condition called synaesthesia. This is a condition not a disease, but as Mia discovers this about herself she goes on a self-identity journey. Mia has hidden this ability from her family and friends all of her life, but now she is having difficulty in school and she must come to terms with telling the truth. She talks to her parents. In the beginning, they think she's lying to get out of a bad grade. Then they think there might be something wrong with her, but in the end they discover her syndrome. Mia has to deal with school as well as friends who don't necessarily understand, siblings who are going through their own changes, she learns that life changes all of the time, and she learns that normal is not what she wants after all.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and I highly recommend it.

CAUTION: You may get irritated with Mia in the middle of the book, but keep pushing through.

Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks

Parker notices something strange is going on and soon as his neighbor, Tara, moves into town. She's mysterious and he's attracted. She's always wearing sunglasses and doesn't apologize for anything that she does. The more she stays in his town the more he realizes that she is changing people around him. Parker knows that she is even changing him. Later, in the book he begins to suspect the impossible that she is Medusa. A Greek mythological character who turns people into stone with one glance of the eye. By the end of the book, Parker realizes that she has turned him into another Medusa. There is a showdown of sorts, and he is trapped for eternity staring into the eyes of Medusa.

Dreadlocks was written by Neil Shusterman. THERE IS A LINK TO HIS WEBSITE IN CASE YOU'RE INTERESTED.

CAUTION: It starts out seeming like a humor book, but ended up with a serious tone. Keep trudging along.

I really did enjoy reading this book. This was an intriguing book, and I would recommend it.

Locked Inside

Locked Inside

Marnie has secluded herself from anyone and everyone that she could even be close to. She spends most of her time playing a computer game; especially with a particular character named Elf. They grow a respect for each other. Marnie's mother Skye was killed in an airplane crash five years ago. Marnie can't let anyone close to her just like her mother. Marnie is later kidnapped, and she has to learn some things about herself as well as secrets about her mother.

Locked Inside was written by Nancy Werlin It was written in 2000. Nancy Werlin did a very good job writing about Marnie's character and the dangers of secluding yourself from others. Not allowing people to get to know the person inside. I really did enjoy this book. It was suspenseful and enjoyable.

CAUTION: There is mild language.

After the First Death

After the First Death

I absolutely loved the way this book was put together. After the First Death was written by Robert Cormier. HERE IS A LINK TO A WEBSITE FOR MORE ABOUT CORMIER.

The book started with the end result and worked its way backwards. It went back and forth between present and past to show the reader how these people got to this particular point. There is a certain mystery to the storyline. It tells the story of many different people who ended up playing a major part in the story. The story talks from different character's points of view.

The story is about the taking hostage of a school bus. The first character is a boy who talks about how he got shot in the chest. It then goes to the point of view of the terrorist. There is a sympathetic young boy. This is his "initiation". He ends up feeling sympathetic for the young bus driver who is his same age. It then talks from the driver's point of view. It continues this progression until it gets to the end. There are many character developments and tragedies that happen in this book. I loved the way this book was written. It was sad, but it was good.

CAUTION: There is language, slight nudity, moments of violence especially near the end and specifically violence towards children.

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac



I thought this book was such an interesting book. I liked Naomi's character after her amnesia; which sounds strange, but the character that she became afterward was much improved.

Before her accident, Naomi was so busy trying to impress everyone else that she didn't take the time to get to know herself. Naomi falls downs the stairs and hits her head, from then on she tries to figure out who she was, is, and should be. Naomi is best friends with Will; however, after her accident she becomes very distant from him. She is drawn to James, the boy who brought her into the hospital. She tries to figure out why she was dating Ace in the first place, and learns some things about herself as well as her family. She and James are drawn to each other because of their own personal tragedies, after they are able to work through these personal trials they realize they no longer have any attraction to one another. Naomi realizes that it was Will, it was always Will. In the end she was able to go through a journey of self-discovery and come out a better person.
Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac was written by Gabrielle Zevin in 2007. THERE IS A LINK TO HER WEBSITE IN CASE YOU WANTED TO VISIT IT.

CAUTION: There is some mild language, sexual content, and alcoholic content.

The Moves Make the Man

The Moves Make the Man

This book was written in 1984 printed by Harper Trophy. The plot is simple Jerome is a thirteen year old boy who is now telling the story of the events leading up to his friend Bix's running away from home. It begins with Jerome claiming that no one else was able to tell Bix's story except for Jerome. Jerome proceeds to explain to the reader the many events and experiences that Jerome had with Bix. The two of them together had an interesting connection. Bix was an interesting character. In the beginning of Bix's story, Bix refuses to tell a lie, but by the end of the book things have changed. Bix has some serious psychological issues that he needs to work through. The themes in this book is very interesting as well. Bruce Brooks is the author of this book. (There is a link for Mr. Brooks if you are interested).

I did not particularly like this book. I thought it was slow going. It seemed to take quite a while to get to the point of the story. Jerome tells this story from his point-of-view, but instead of really telling Bix's story he told his own story and Bix seemed to just be thrown into it a few times. The last one hundred pages seemed to be the only thing that really showed the progression of Bix's character and the reasons leading upto when he ran away.
CAUTION: Be prepared to lose interest until much later in the book.

Riding Freedom

Riding Freedom

This is set in the 1800s. This book was about a young girl named Charlotte. She is as feisty as they come. At the age of two years old her parents died in an accident and she was found holding on tightly to the reigns. This book is based on a true story about the first women to ever vote. Charlotte disguised herself as a man her entire life because the women were looked down upon during this time; this was the only way she would be allowed to do what she really dreamed of. Charlotte had a lot of courage, and this would help any teenager trying to find the courage to stand up for what they believe in. Riding Freedom was written by Pam Munoz Ryan. This is a tween book, but it is a fantastic book.
Riding Freedom was written in 1998 printed through scholastic. I really did enjoy this book and I hope that you might enjoy Charlotte as her adventures as well. (There is a link to Ms. Ryan's website).

CAUTION: You may not be able to put it down; however, it is such a quick read it really wouldn't matter.

Alida's Song

Alida's Song

This was a very interesting story written about a boy who got a job working with his grandmother on a farm. In the beginning of the book he visits with his grandmother, mentioning how much he thought enlisting in the army was a mistake. He then thinks back to when he was fourteen years old, the time in his life when his grandmother changed him for the better. The boy was having a difficult time in school and at home. His parents were barely there and always drunk and he never socialized with anyone. His grandmother got him a job working with her own employer for the summer. This experience changed his life for the better and it was later that he realized just how much his grandmother really did influence him; he realized the love that she had for him and even when he was older he felt her always guiding him.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The things I found interesting about this book is that the boy didn't have a name, he was always referred to as the boy. The characters in the story had quite a lot of respect for Alida (the grandmother), and it was her love for her grandson that saved him. His life could have gone so differently had he chosen not to work on the farm. This book was written by Gary Paulsen. (There is a link to some information on him). This was written in 1999 in New York. "...he was no longer the man he thought he was, but he was carried back to when he was just fourteen..." (4).

CAUTION: There is mild language in it.

On My Honor

On My Honor

This book was written by Marion Dane Bauer. This is about another boy named Joel. Joel and Tony decide to travel down to the river. Tony is someone who cannot swim as well, but he is the free spirit. He dares Joel to swim in the dirty river. Joel doesn't want to in the beginning, but he ends up daring Tony to swim to the sandbars. They begin to race and then Tony vanishes. This story is about Joel's journey of being honest with himself and with his family.

I honestly liked this book. I thought it was a little bit sad, and the entire time I am thinking "you need to tell the truth, you need to tell the truth." This book was written in 1986 and it was printed in the U.S.

CAUTION: Be prepared to feel a little irritated with Joel. There is mild language.

Return to Labryrinth

Return to Labyrinth, book 1

The story was written by Jake T. Forbes, and the artist was Chris Lie. It was written around the year 2006 and printed in Los Angeles, CA.

This is a graphic novel. This is a continuation of the movie "Labyrinth" This is the story of Toby and how Jareth has chosen Toby to be his heir to his throne. Toby is having difficulties in school, and everytime he wishes for something Jareth allows that wish to come true. Toby and Jareth have a confrontation and Jareth leaves him alone. Later, a goblin steals Toby's homework. Toby chases after the goblin and ends up in the land. Jareth has been planning for this all along.

This is the first of a series. It ends with Toby and Jareth attending a ball, and Jareth declares Toby the heir to the throne. It was a little abrupt.

I didn't particularly like this book, it was a little corny and it could've been done better. There were many random moments that didn't seem to make sense, and it didn't seem to explain a whole lot. The story got a little bit boring and towards the end it turned into a little bit of a cinderella story instead of an original and imaginative story.

CAUTION: Be prepared to be a little bit bored and a little confused. There is a crude part near the end, which seems completely out of place.

Stuck In Neutral Book Trailer

Stuck In Neutral

Stuck in Neutral was written in the year 2000. It was written by Terry Trueman. Shawn McDaniel's character was based on Terry Trueman's own home situation.

Shawn McDaniel is a fourteen-year-old teenager who thinks that his father might want to kill him. Shawn is an interesting individual, many people said that he is not an intelligent human being, that he is just a "vegetable". This book is written in his point of view.

I cannot completely say that I loved this book; however, I can say that I did like it. Stuck in Neutral made me a little bit more aware of exactly what cerebral palsy is, and it also made me aware of some of the feelings all family members can go through. It explores the possibility of an after-life.
"I have this weird -- I don't know what you'd call it -- ability? Gift? Power? Whatever name you want to give it, the thing is that I can remember everything I ever hear, perfectly, with total recall" (2). Shawn makes it perfectly clear that he does have a brain that functions. So I will not tell you anymore, if you want to find out what happens you read it for yourself.
CAUTION: There is some language in this book and mild descriptions of violence.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox Book Trailer

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

This book was written by Mary E. Pearson (here is a link to her website in case you're interested). The book was copyrighted in 2008 and printed in 2009 in New York.

Let me tell you that this was a fantastic book! It kept my interest until the very last page. The Adoration of Jenna Fox is about Jenna Fox who has just woken up from a supposed coma. She doesn't remember anything her life. She has been told that her name is Jenna, but now she wonders who that really is. Mystery, suspense, and intrigue riddle this book from beginning to end. There is also a little bit of romance mixed into it along with a sci-fi feel. This is just simply a great book!

"Pieces - Isn't that what all of life is anyway? Shards. Bits. Moments. Am I less because I have fewer, or do the few I have mean more? Am I just as full as anyone else? Enough? Pieces." This is found on page 80 of the book, she is just beginning to find out what has been going on for the past two years. "Taste - maybe I don't like hot chocolate. And maybe the three weeks' worth of memories aren't real at all." (63). The more she doubts herself the more intrigue there is in the book. That is all I am going to say about this book, simply because if you haven't read it you should.
CAUTION: There is some slight language is the book; however, it's not too drastic.

The Wednesay Wars

The Wednesday Wars was written by Gary D. Schmidt
This book was written in 2007. The Sandpiper books company published this book. Well, now onto the less boring parts. The Wednesday Wars is a delightful book. The summary of the book is very humorous:

Holling Hoodhood is the main character in this funny little story. He has just entered into 7th grade. He and his family are Protestants; however, everyone that he goes to school with is either Jewish or Catholic. On Wednesdays everyone, except for himself, goes to Hebrew or Catechism school. This leaves him alone with Mrs. Baker. Duh, duh, duuuuhhhh! In the beginning of the book, Holling is convinced that Mrs. Baker is out to get him. There are many funny moments in the book, and what he doesn't realize is that throughout the school year he doesn't seem to realize the influence Mrs. Baker really has on him.

This truly is a coming of age story. "'Mrs. Baker hates my guts,'" (6). I think the funniest part of the beginning, is when he continuously mentions to reader that Mrs. Baker hates him. However, as the story goes on he starts to see that Mrs. Baker is not as bad as she seems. This story also takes place during the Vietnam War, so there are certain incidents during the book that are addressed. Gary Schmidt approaches this topic not in great detail, but enough to educate the reader about the time period. I absolutely loved Holling and his funny and entertaining personality. I loved the fact that Shakespeare was introduced throughout the book. I think that my favorite event in the book was when Holling asked Meryl Lee out for Valentine's Day. "I turned around to look behind me, because someone else must have said what just popped out of my mouth," (136). He had just surprised himself and asked her out; however, I think it was even funnier when it happened again. Puppy love, war, funny moments, coming of age. It's all in this book. It's wonderful!

Caution: YOU MAY JUST END UP LAUGHING THE ENTIRE TIME, AND IF YOU'RE NOT YOU SHOULD BE.

NOTE: THERE IS A LINK TO GARY D. SCHMIDT IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. UNTIL NEXT TIME. KEEP READING!!!!!!!!!!