Little Women
By Louisa May Alcott
4.5 Stars
Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are four ambitious women with not quite enough money to satisfy them. Their father is in the war and their mother is struggling to keep them happy, to help those less fortunate around her, and to prevent her worrying about her dear husband. The girls fight boldly with their jealously of richer girls and with their silly wishes, determined to follow their strong mother’s lead in the world. Jo meets a kind boy next door with a great family, and the girls & Laurie and many others have many glorious adventures you can’t stop reading about.
One of the sweetest classics, Jo’s adventures and her family’s love is always pleasing and fun to read and reread. With amazingly real-like characters and hard situations they admirably defeat, this classic is always a must-read for everyone.
1When You Reach Me
By Rebecca Stead
4 Stars
“Book, bag, pocket, shoe.”
It all started when Sal got punched in the face for seemingly no reason. Then Sal starts ignoring Miranda and she doesn’t know why. And she finally has to walk by the crazy, laughing man under the mailbox all alone. Suddenly, the hidden spare key to her apartment is stolen, and she starts receiving strange notes. They are urgent, telling her that a life is in mortal danger. But who’s life? And can Miranda really save a life before it’s too late?
Wow. Yes, I’m starting this review again with wow. This is another fabulous book, with a detailed plot and woven thread of mystery. This author is incredible. The time traveling concepts and world concepts are amazing. I loved this book, and highly recommend it to every reader out there, boy or girl, kid or adult.
1Call of the Wild
By Jack London
3 3/4 Stars
Buck lives with a nice owner, in a warm place. Then the gold rush starts, and a huge demand for strong dogs arrives. So Buck is stolen from his home and thrown into the primitive world. And as Buck slowly adapts to his surroundings the cold Yukon seems familiar. Strange instincts return to him. Buck is fighting a war of mind against his tamer, dog side, and his past, a wild wolf.
The Call of the Wild is written amazingly well. I didn’t particularly like it, even though I love dogs. Everything was described well, and the characters were all pretty great, though some were stereotyped. Like I said, I didn’t love it. This is because Buck would finally have a victory, or a place he loved and belonged, then something would happen, and he would go ridiculously wild again. What I loved was that Buck didn’t die at the end! All the dogs die at the end of famous dog books, right? Well not in this book! Thank you, Jack London.
0The Perks of Being a Wallflower
By Stephen Chbosky
4 1/2 Stars
Charlie isn’t special. He blends in with the scenery, watches and thinks. Until one day he steps out of his comfort zone and up to Sam and Patrick. And just like that, Charlie has friends, and he is being challenged in ways he didn’t think possible. Inside, he is fighting a mental battle started when a family member hurt him beyond repair. This story is told with letters to an unknown person, and the story is the story of high school. Of the battle we face, alone, and together.
Now a movie, this New York Times Bestseller is a heart wrenching, addicting story I read with passion and curiosity. The characters were full and developed, and walked right off the page. When I was reading, I couldn’t help but feel their emotions and wonder at their questions. I highly recommend it to mature audiences.
2The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Book 1 of the Sisterhood Series
By Ann Brasheres
4 1/2 Stars
Four girls-four best friends, are parting for the first time in summer. They are in their sophomore year. They met when their mother’s met, at a pregnancy aerobics class. Even before their birth, they were best friends. Carmen found The Pants at a thrift store, and is about to throw them away on the night of her friends’ separation, until Tibby spots them. Lena determines that everyone, including “curvy” Carmen should try them on. The pants fit everyone perfectly, and the girls agree on the rules of The Pants. Then they are off for the summer. Reliable but sometimes hot tempered Carmen is visiting her (divorced) father and is dismayed to find out he has been dating another woman..and expects her to be in his wedding. This summer. Beautiful and kind, but quiet Lena is off to Greece to visit relatives, and finds her first feelings of love. Outgoing, athletic Bridget is heading to a soccer camp, and with her great yellow hair flying behind her, she’s prepared to steal the off-limits soccer coach as easily as a soccer ball. And poor, rebellious Tibby is stuck at home, working at a lowly grocery store, when she finds an unlikely friend and a sharp wake-up call. Nobody could ever predict where the Traveling Pants would lead them..but The Pants know where they are going and exactly what to do.
This is a truly amazing book for all women over the age of 13 or so. The girls are real and true, and by no means perfect. I highly recommend this well crafted book to any women.
1Dreamsleeves
By Coleen Murtagh Paratore
4 99/100 Stars
Aislinn, “A”, is a girl with a lot of dreams. But due to family issues caused mainly by her alcoholic dad, there is a lot blocking those dreams. Since it’s summer, A should be out hanging out with her friends, but instead she is practically held hostage at home, watching her many young siblings. One night, A comes up with any idea. Why, she thinks, do people hide their dreams away from the world? Someone might be able to help their dreams come true. She decides people should show their dreams, display them right on their sleeves. What starts as a cry for help turns into a massive production of hope, love, and human kindness. You will never know what could happen with your dreams until you post them right on your sleeve.
Dreamsleeves was surprisingly powerful, heart wrenching, and very inspiring. I highly recommend it to everyone out there who has dreams, hopes, and passions.
1Flipped
By Wendelin Van Draanen
4 1/2 Stars
Julianna, Juli, Baker falls fast and falls hard for Bryce, the new kid on the block when they were seven years old. Those shimmering blue eyes and nice smile! Juli was sure they would be the best of friends. Bryce immediately disliked the dirty girl who bounded into their moving van, messing things up and getting mud everywhere. When he had tried to escape, his hand was held in hers in a death grip. Ever since, “weird” Juli has been freaking him out. Now it’s eighth grade, and Juli’s world starts to change. With eggs in the trash can and a tree that was chopped down, Juli is lost. Then Bryce’s grandfather goes over and helps her. Talking to her. And suddenly the world flips, and Bryce discovers that the girl next door is the most beautiful one of all.
This was a great book with real life issues. Bryce and Juli were both very believable characters, and the book had an excellent storyline. I loved the author’s descriptive words. I highly recommend it to middle schoolers, and those entering high school.
4Warriors: Power of Three: The Sight
Book 1 of the third Warriors series, The Power of Three
In Firestar’s Quest, Firestar received a prophecy. “There will be three, kin of your kin, who hold the power of the stars in their paws.” Firestar realizes that the kits of Squirrelflight, his daughter, must be the ones of the prophecy. In the beginning, Jaykit, Lionkit, and Hollykit, all want to train to become warriors, even though Jaykit is blind. As time goes by, Hollykit decides she wants to help heal warriors. When the three become apprentices, Hollypaw is Leafpool’s apprentice, the medicine cat, Lionpaw is paired with Ashfur, and Jaypaw is with Brightheart. Jaypaw is upset that the other cats see his blindness as a weakness, but he has always been blind. They pity him and paired him with a one-eyed cat. Hollypaw decides she isn’t up to being a medicine cat, because she hates blood and herbs. In a battle, Jaypaw can barely distinguish enemy from friend, so he and Hollypaw trade roles. Jaypaw, Hollypaw, and Lionpaw find themselves acting differently from the rest of the clan and don’t know why. Will they discover their true destiny before it’s too late?
Another amazing edition to the Warriors series’, Power of Three is a great series, but not my favorite. It is interesting to see the cats grow up and change names. I love it and recommend it.
2Warriors: The New Prophecy: Midnight
Book 1 of the second Warriors series, The New Prophecy
By Erin Hunter
3 1/2 Stars
Sixth months have passed since the last book in the original Warriors series, The Darkest Hour. Tigerstar’s son, Bramblepaw, has received his warrior name, Brambleclaw, and Firestar has had two kits with Sandstorm, Squirrelpaw and Leafpaw. Leafpaw is training to become a medicine cat with Cinderpelt, and Squirrelpaw is training to become a warrior with Dustpelt. In a dream, StarClan tells Brambleclaw, Graystripe’s daughter Feathertail, Crowpaw, and Tigerstar’s daughter Tawnypelt, to listen to what Midnight has to say. Eventually, the cats begin a journey toward the setting sun along with Feathertail’s brother Stormfur and Squirrelpaw. Back in the forest, the Clans are frantic to find their lost cats and save the forest.
This was an incredible beginning to the next Warriors series, The New Prophecy, that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the original Warriors series, or anyone who loves adventure, excitement, mystery, or cats.
0Logan’s Story: A BSC Extra Book
By Ann M. Martin
4 Stars
Logan Bruno is a football player, and a babysitter. Yes, he is a guy. In Logan’s point of view, he relates how hard it is to be a boy babysitter. Through teasing, joking around, and jibes from his football team and his own father, Logan doesn’t know what to do. Will Logan quit the BSC?
This was an extremely excellent book. Logan was a well crafted character, and the author told the story magnificently. I highly recommend it to girls and boys.
0Betsy-Tacy
Book One of the Betsy-Tacy series
By Maud Hart Lovelace
4 stars
Betsy is five years old and is hoping for a girl her age when a new family moves in across the street. Her wish is granted and soon she meets Tacy, a shy but fun girl with pretty ringlets. Betsy and Tacy go on all sorts of adventures and overcome the huge obstacle of school.
This was a small book I actually completely loved!! The girls are adorable and their imagination is endless. I was inspired to read this from “Home for the Holidays.” I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and follow Betsy and Tacy as they grow up. It was a well written, smooth book to read, and hilarious. I recommend for all ages.
0From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs.Basil E. Frankweiler
Claudia (aka Claude) has carefully planned out her running away. She won’t stay away long, just long enough to teach her ungrateful family a lesson, and she won’t run away on instinct with a backpack. Claude knows she won’t last long in discomfort, so she saves her money and invites her brother James (aka Jamie) the richest of her younger brothers and the least annoying. They decide to stay in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and at first it works quite well. But then Jamie and Claude discover a beautiful Angel statue who is supposedly done by Michealangelo, the famous sculptor. Many people are trying to find out whether he sculpted it, and they are determined to find out. Their search leads them to the mysterious old lady, Mrs.Basil E. Frankweiler, who might just have the answer to their questions.
This is a great book I thoroughly enjoyed. It was funny, and written well. I liked how it was a realistic story of running away, and they didn’t have enough money for the casual things we take for granted. I highly recommend this.
3The Son of Neptune
In “The Lost Hero”, the first book of the new “Heroes of Olympus” series, three new demigods named Jason, Piper, and Leo made their first visit to Camp Half- Blood, the camp from the earlier series, “Percy Jackson.” They inherited a strange, dangerous quest to free the kidnapped goddess and return Jason’s memory. Camp Half Blood’s oracle, Rachel Dare believes they are three of the seven mentioned in her “Great Prophecy.” Nobody knows where the other four are.
In “The Son of Neptune”, you meet a full new cast of heroes from a Roman camp, Camp Jupiter. Percy doesn’t know who he is and where he came from and the only person he remembers from his past is a special girl, Annabeth Chase. Join Percy and two new heroes, Hazel and Frank, as they journey to the kingdom of ice, the land beyond the gods, to free Thanatos, also known as Death, so the dead will die again. But in the meantime, Hazel has a secret to hide, Frank’s life burns bright and short, and Percy is discovering some secrets about his own past.
This is an amazing sequel to the Lost Hero, and it catches your interest right away..and holds it! It is thrilling, hilarious, scary, happy, and romantic. This is possibly one of my favorite books of all time.
6Peter and the Starcatchers
A bestselling novel, written by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry, about Peter Pan’s backstory. How did he get to Neverland? Why is he able to fly? And the real question- who is Peter?
Peter and the other orphan boys board a ship to another orphanage. There Peter meets Molly, a young girl who’s father is a Starcatcher. The “Others” are aboard the ship with special starstuff that allows you to fly for a short period of time, makes a bell sound, and makes you completely happy while you are flying. The Others are an evil group of people who abuse starstuff to gain power, and Peter and Molly find themseves sucked into their evil plans. It’s their job to stop the backstabbing ship captain, the attacking “savages” who live on the mysterious island, the infamous “Blackstash” who Peter later names “Captain Hook,” and return to the mysterious starstuff to the heavens.
This is a thrilling, full of adventure, wonderful series. The next books, “Peter and the Shadow Thieves,” “Peter and the Secret of Rundoon,” and “Peter and the Sword of Mercy,” are equally adventurous stories. This series is good for all ages, from a small child, to a teenager, to an adult, to a senior. Great for boys and girls, and it will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. This is definitely one of my all- time favorite books. I highly recommend it.
8The Lost Hero
If you enjoyed the Percy Jackson series, or like Greek gods or heroes (for me- both) I guarantee you’ll love this book. Written by Rick Riordan (same author of Percy Jackson) this book contains new and old heroes. Three 15 year olds are on a regular field trip to the Grand Canyon. Jason, wakes from ‘a nap’ and has no idea who he is and where he is..he doesn’t even remember his girlfriend, Piper or his best friend, Leo. Piper is puzzled by why her boyfriend doesn’t remember her, and is wondering why the football coach is acting so weird. Leo is busy playing with little tools and pipecleaners, as usual. But their life changes as they head off to Camp Half-Blood. What is that??? Piper, Jason and Leo must find their way through an endless maze of puzzles and questions while dealing with personal problems of their own. But the main questions are: Why are the gods so quiet? Who is missing from the Greek gods and goddesses? And who will save them all from the new army of evil Greek ‘mythology?’
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