Getting Away with Murder?

Today we have a guest review from teen reader, Bridget Magness.

TITLE: Confessions of a Murder Suspect

AUTHOR: James Patterson

REVIEWED BY: Bridget Magness

BRIEF SUMMARY: When Malcolm and Maud Angel are murdered, their daughter Tandy and her brothers are the only suspects. While questioning if her brothers have the motive to kill, she begins to have flashes of disturbing past events that lead her to believe that she herself may be the killer. Even so, she is determined to solve the mystery.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: James Patterson is my favorite author, and I knew it wouldn't disappoint.

WHY I FINISHED IT: The characters are very interesting and the story has lots of shocking surprises that keep you guessing until the end.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Someone who enjoys well-written murder and crime books.


Thanks, Bridget! 

Want to see your review here?  Pick up a review form in the YA section, fill it out, and return it to Miss Jo!

See you at the library!

The Last of Zafón's YA Novels...

TITLE: Marina

AUTHOR: Carlos Ruiz Zafón

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: When Fifteen-year-old Oscar Drai suddenly vanishes from his boarding school in Barcelona, no one knows his whereabouts for seven days and seven nights.

His story begins when he meets the strange Marina while he's exploring an old quarter of the city. She leads Oscar to a cemetery, where they watch a macabre ritual that occurs on the last Sunday of each month. At exactly ten o'clock in the morning, a woman shrouded in a black velvet cloak descends from her carriage to place a single rose on an unmarked grave.

When Oscar and Marina decide to follow her, they begin a journey that transports them to a forgotten postwar Barcelona -- a world of aristocrats and actresses, inventors and tycoons -- an reveals a dark secret that lies waiting in the mysterious labyrinth beneath the city streets.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: I am a big fan of Carlos Ruiz Zafón, and I have been waiting for Marina to be translated into English ever since I first read The Shadow of the Wind almost ten years ago.

WHY I FINISHED IT: After a slow start (it took me a few tries to get past the prologue and into the first chapter), it took hold of me and I just had to finish it. It literally became difficult to find a place to stop so I could put the book down and do other things. Like The Watcher in the Shadows, this book was scary, exciting, and just a bit disturbing -- with a hint of romance.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes scary stories, horror or dark mysteries. This book has you covered on all fronts.

OTHER NOTES: A few minor obscenities and some violence. Also, this book is very dark -- you can tell that Zafón was reaching the end of his YA career and was ready to write for adults. After this, he started his Cemetery of Forgotten Books series. which propelled him to worldwide acclaim.

See you at the library!

A "Star" in the making...

TITLE: Stargirl

AUTHOR: Jerry Spinelli

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first.

Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: Jerry Spinelli wrote some of my favorite books when I was growing up. I wanted to see what he was up to now, and this won several awards.

WHY I FINISHED IT: Spinelli still creates compelling characters. I absolutely loved the character of Stargirl, and Leo was a good narrator. The story kept me interested, even though I knew what was coming based on the blurb on the book jacket.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes good, heartfelt stories and generally true-to-life characters.

OTHER NOTES: Notice how I said "generally" true-to-life characters?

Yeah. There's a reason for that.

A lot of Stargirl's awkwardness and unusual behavior is blamed on her having been homeschooled. The excuse is made that she doesn't know how to behave around other kids because of her lack of social interaction.

*Rolls eyes*

Oh, please.

I know plenty of homeschooled kids. My nephews are homeschooled. They get plenty of social interaction. And believe me when I say that they don't act that way. They wouldn't act that way. Not even ten years ago when this was published, before homeschooling really moved into the mainstream as a viable alternative to public school education.

Stargirl may be eccentric. Her parents might have (probably did) encourage her individuality and urge her to express herself creatively. But let's not blame it on homeschooling.

Stargirl is a good character. But this whole aspect of the story really didn't sit well with me.

Still, though. A good read if you overlook all that.

(The library has the sequel, Love, Stargirl, if you are interested in reading more of Stargirl's story.)

See you at the library!

Teen Read Week Winners (Part Two)...

As promised, here are the reviews submitted by our runners-up, sisters Maddy & Abbigail Mathis.

12-year-old Abbigail reviewed Lauren Oliver's Delirium:

TITLE: Delirium

AUTHOR: Lauren Oliver

REVIEWED BY: Abbigail Mathis

BRIEF SUMMARY: Love is a disease. The only way to escape it is the cure. But some people don't see it as a disease, so they attempt an escape to the wilds.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: It sounded interesting.

WHY I FINISHED IT: It was a suspenseful book that I couldn't put down.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: My best friend, Emma.


17-year-old Maddy reviewed Thomas E. Ricks's Making the Corps:

TITLE: Making the Corps

AUTHOR: Thomas E. Ricks

REVIEWED BY: Maddy Mathis

BRIEF SUMMARY: A Marine tells about his journey through boot camp the trials everyone has to overcome and get past in order for them to come together as one.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: I am joining the Marines.

WHY I FINISHED IT: I wanted to know everything he went through.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: My other friends who plan on joining the Marines as well.


Thanks, Abbigail and Maddy! And -- Semper Fi!

See you at the library!

The "Shadow" knows...

TITLE: The Watcher in the Shadows

AUTHOR: Carlos Ruiz Zafón

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: When fourteen-year-old Irene Sauvelle moves with her family to Cape House on the coast of Normandy, she's immediately taken by the beauty of the place -- its expansive cliffs, coasts, and harbors. There, she meets a local boy named Ismael, and the two soon fall in love. But a dark mystery is about to unfold, involving a reclusive toymaker who lives in a gigantic mansion filled with mechanical beings and shadows of the past.

As strange lights shine through the fog surrounding a small, barren island, Irene's younger brother dreams of a dark creature hidden deep in the forest. And when a young girl is found murdered, her body at the end of a path torn through the woods by a monstrous, inhuman force, Irene and Ismael wonder -- has a demonic presence been unleashed on the inhabitants of Cape House? Together, they'll have to survive the most terrifying summer of their lives, as they try to piece together the many mysteries and secrets hidden in a town torn apart by tragedy, amidst a labyrinth of lights and shadows.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: Carlos Ruiz Zafón is one of my favorite authors. I picked up this book hoping it would be better than his last YA book, The Midnight Palace, which left me a little disappointed.

I wasn't disappointed this time. Zafón is back in top form here.

WHY I FINISHED IT: The book was fun, frightening, and kept you interested. This is good old scare-your-pants-off stuff -- no vampires, no werewolves, just creepy houses, looming shadows, and deadly secrets. This is the kind of stuff I really like.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes scary stories, suspense, and well-written books in general. If you liked the movie of The Woman in Black, this is right up your alley.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: A few minor obscenities, but that's all.

See you at the library!

Do you DOGO?

Looking for something to read? Want to rave about the book you just read? You can always submit a review to be published here.

But you might also consider giving DOGOBooks a try.

What is DOGOBooks? We'll let them explain.

DOGObooks is where kids discover, review and rate books. Our goal is to provide a fun, safe and interactive environment...to share their reactions, thoughts and opinions about books. All book selections and reviews are moderated prior to being published.

All books, ages K-12, are covered. Simply click on "Reading Level" on the right-hand side of the screen to limit book reviews to your age range. Set up a free account (with your parent's permission, of course) and submit your own reviews!

And right now, they're having an online Summer Reading Club! Simply read and review three books, and you can choose a free book from their list (while supplies last; limit five books per person).

Discovering new books? Encouraging other teens to read the books you loved? AND earning free books? You can't beat that!

Check it out.

A couple of quickies...

Hey, there! It's Miss Jo with a couple of quick reviews for you:

TITLE: Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff That Made Me Famous

AUTHOR: Kathryn Williams

BRIEF SUMMARY: Sixteen-year-old Sophie Nicolaides was practically raised in the kitchen of her family’s Italian-Greek restaurant, Taverna Ristorante. When her best friend, Alex, tries to persuade her to audition for a new reality show, Teen Test Kitchen, Sophie is reluctant. But the prize includes a full scholarship to one of America’s finest culinary schools and a summer in Napa, California, not to mention fame. Once on set, Sophie immediately finds herself in the thick of the drama—including a secret burn book, cutthroat celebrity judges, and a very cute French chef. Sophie must figure out a way to survive all the heat and still stay true to herself.

REVIEW: This was a fun book to read! If you like reality TV and cooking, you will like this book. There is drama, cooking, and a little romance all thrown into the pot. There are also some great recipes stuck between the pages.

TITLE: A Soldier's Secret : the Incredible True Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero

AUTHOR: Marissa Moss

SUMMARY & REVIEW: Two thumbs up! What an exciting and sad book. If you like history, and the Civil War in particular, then you will like this fast-moving book.

The main character is a young girl names Sarah Edmonds. Sarah lives on a farm and is mistreated by her father. She isn't happy, and when her father says that he is going to marry her off to the old man on the farm next to them, she has to make a quick decision: stay and be miserable or run away. Sarah throws away her girl clothes, cuts her hair, and runs away from home, pretending to be a young boy. She found a job selling books, but what she really wants is to join the Union Army and fight in the Civil War to help end slavery.

Pick up this book and see what happens to Sarah. Did she pull off the deception, or did it all backfire on her? Based on a true story, this is a moving tale of courage.

Don't Stop the Revolution....

TITLE: Lemonade Mouth

AUTHOR: Mark Peter Hughes

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: Poets. Geniuses. Revolutionaries. The members of the legendary band Lemonade Mouth have been called all these things. But until now, nobody's known the inside story of how this powerhouse band came to be -- how five high-school outcasts found each other, found the music, and went on to change both rock and roll and high school as we know them. It all started at that fateful detention where they found inspiration from a dentist's jingle, a teacher's coughing fit, and a beat-up ukulele. Of course no one knew back then, that this was the start of the Lemonade Mouth revolution.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: I saw the Disney Channel Original Movie and enjoyed it, but I heard that it was substantially different than the book. When the sequel came out, I decided I needed to go back and read the original book.

WHY I FINISHED IT: While it IS very different than the movie, it's a very entertaining book. Told by all five members in alternating chapters (plus a few other people), you get to see all sides to the story.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes stories about music, books about high school, and underdogs. People who enjoyed Five Flavors of Dumb or Bandslam.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: As I noted, the book is very different from the movie -- it is clearly aimed at older YA readers (similar to Five Flavors of Dumb). Moderate language warning, and some sexual references (especially in regards to Wen's story).

A sequel, Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up, is available that continues the story. 

Wen also appears as a character in I Am the Wallpaper, which is set before the events in Lemonade Mouth.  While a companion piece of sorts, each book stands alone.

While there is actually an adapted movie tie-in edition available for this title that tones things down for tweens, the library does not have a copy in its collection. You can request it on Interlibrary Loan if you wish.

See you at the library!

"When you spend your whole life living in a hole, the only way you can go is up."

TITLE(S): Holes / Small Steps

AUTHOR: Louis Sachar

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY:  

Holes: Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnats. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the warden makes the boys "build character" by spending all day, every day, digging holes: five feet wide and five feet deep. It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment -- and redemption.  

Small Steps: Two years after being released from Camp Green Lake, Armpit is home in Austin, Texas, trying to turn his life around. But it's hard when you have a record, and everyone expects the worst from you. The only person who believes in him is Ginny, his 10-year old disabled neighbor. Together, they are learning to take small steps. And he seems to be on the right path, until X-Ray, a buddy from Camp Green Lake, comes up with a get-rich-quick scheme. This leads to a chance encounter with teen pop sensation, Kaira DeLeon, and suddenly his life spins out of control, with only one thing for certain: he'll never be the same again.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: I first read Holes several years ago. I had watched the movie and felt compelled to read the book. I enjoyed it and left it at that for several years. This past year, I decided to read the sequel, Small Steps, which focuses on Armpit, one of the other Camp Green Lake boys.

WHY I FINISHED IT: Holes is a quick, fun read, and Louis Sachar did a wonderful job of tying together three different stories in three different time periods. Small Steps, while a bit harder to get into, was just as rewarding in the end. You get to see a different side to Armpit than you get in Holes.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes mysteries, adventure stories, humor and good old-fashioned fun. While lessons are certainly taught (and learned), the books aren't preachy, but they do stick with you.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: While Holes is probably suitable for younger readers, Small Steps is definitely aimed at teenagers. There are some mature themes in both books, but while Holes is generally rated PG, Small Steps pushes further into PG-13 territory. Both are worthwhile reads.

See you at the library!

Rock On, Honorable Ones!

TITLE: Perry's Killer Playlist 

AUTHOR: Joe Schreiber

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: When Perry ends up in Venice on a European tour with his band Inchworm, he can’t resist a visit to Harry’s Bar, where Gobi told him she’d meet him someday. The last time he saw Gobi, five people were assassinated one crazy night in New York City. Well... Gobi shows up, and once again Perry is roped into a wild, nonstop thrill ride with a body count. Double crossings, kidnappings, CIA agents, arms dealers, boat chases in Venetian canals, and a shootout in the middle of a Santa Claus convention ensue.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: It's the sequel to Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick. I had to read it.

WHY I FINISHED IT: Once again, the book started with a bang and never let up. It was great to see Perry and Gobi again, and Joe Schreiber did a great job joining the two stories seamlessly.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes action/adventure stories. People with a good sense of humor. Anyone who liked Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick and wanted more.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Like the first book, this one comes with a PG-13 level language warning, and a handful of sexual references (not explicit). Gobi is still an assassin, and people still die in violent ways. Definitely aimed at the older YA reader.

See you at the library!

Hey, where's Perry?

TITLE: Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick

AUTHOR: Joe Schreiber

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: What if the quiet, mousy, mild-mannered foreign exchange student that your family took in turned out to be a cold-blooded assassin?

WHY I PICKED IT UP: Seriously. How can you resist a title like that?

WHY I FINISHED IT: The book started with a bang and never let up until the end. The characters of Perry and Gobi were so well drawn that you connect with them immediately. Yes, Gobi is a trained assassin, but Schreiber takes such great pains to create a fully-realized character that you can't help but love her. This is a very cinematic novel, and I was already trying to cast the characters while reading it.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes action/adventure stories. People with a good sense of humor. The book description on Amazon calls this "Ferris Bueller meets La Femme Nikita", and that's a fair comparison.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: PG-13 level language warning, and a handful of sexual references, although nothing explicit. Also, given that Gobi is an assassin, people do die, often in violent ways. Gobi's back story may be a bit upsetting for some. Definitely aimed at the older YA reader. Still, I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone I felt was mature enough to handle it.

See you at the library!

Jay Asher Two-fer

TITLES: Th1rteen R3asons Why and The Future of Us

AUTHOR: Jay Asher / Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: Th1rteen R3asons Why: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker -- his classmate and crush -- who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself -- a truth he never wanted to face.


The Future of Us: It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future...

By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right -- and wrong -- in the present.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: I grabbed these for the Kindle one day when I wanted something new to read. They both sounded interesting. I read Th1rteen R3asons Why first -- I was so impressed by Jay Asher's writing that as soon as I finished it, I absolutely had to read The Future of Us.

WHY I FINISHED IT: The writing, the story, the characters -- all of them are astounding. I was hooked from the first page of Th1rteen R3asons Why, and I simply had to keep reading.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: People who like true-to-life stories. There is a lot going on here, and not all of it is pretty, but it all rings true.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: These books are strongly, STRONGLY recommended only for mature teens. The subject matter, and the way it is handled, is definitely hard PG-13 area, sometimes venturing over into R-rated territory (moreso in Th1rteen R3asons Why than in The Future of Us). The occasional swear word appears, and sexual matters are discussed, sometimes bluntly.

See you at the library!

May the odds be EVER in your favor...

TITLE: The Hunger Games Trilogy

AUTHOR: Suzanne Collins

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: In a future North America, where the rulers of Panem maintain control through an annual televised survival competition pitting young people from each of the twelve districts against one another, sixteen-year-old Katniss's skills are put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place. Thus begins an intense saga that leads to a stunning finale that will continue to haunt you long after you've finished reading.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: The trailer for the film (http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2402131481/) piqued my interest. By the time I was into the third chapter of the first book, I was hooked.

WHY I FINISHED IT: The story grabs hold of you and won't let go. Katniss is one of the best narrators I've come across, and even though she herself is conflicted sometimes about what's going on and who can be trusted, you won't be lost.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: People who like adventure stories, love stories, war stories -- there's a little bit for everyone.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: This series is very intense, and might not be appropriate for younger readers. When the main battle in the first book involves twenty-four teenagers in a fight to the death, this isn't a fairy tale. But if you're mature enough to handle it, you'll find yourself in for a thrilling time.

See you at the library!

Catch as "Cat" can...

TITLE: Cat Burglar Black

AUTHOR: Richard Sala

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: Trained from an early age as a cat burglar, orphaned teenager K Westree is sent to ramshackle Bellsong Academy by a group known as "The Obtainers," who need to hone her skills so that she can solve a mystery surrounding her past and that of the school.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: I've read several of Richard Sala's other graphic novels and really enjoyed them.

WHY I FINISHED IT: One thing about Sala's books -- the art might not always seem terribly impressive at first glance, but the story gets you. And once the story gets you, you begin to see how the art really plays into the whole feel of it.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: People who like graphic novels, mysteries, or stories where girls are the heroes.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: This book seems unresolved -- there are several plot points that aren't cleared up. However, I believe Sala is intending for this to be the first book in a series, so hopefully they will be picked up in later books. Also, all of Sala's work is a little dark (think Charles Addams or Edward Gorey -- and if you don't know who they are, please take the time to check them out, too), so if you don't like that sort of thing, this might not be for you.

See you at the library!

This book is anything but "DUMB"...

TITLE: Five Flavors of Dumb

AUTHOR: Antony John

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: Piper is a high school senior who has spent most of her school years invisible. During an encounter with the school's resident rock band, Dumb, she has a rare moment of outspokenness, which not only gains their respect, but leads to her becoming their manager... which might be even harder than it would seem, since Piper suffers from moderate-severe hearing loss.

One thing leads to another, and suddenly Dumb goes from a three-piece mess to a hard-rocking quintet. Finally on the verge of breaking through, they're also on the verge of breaking up.

While Piper tries to keep it together, she's also dealing with her family: an unemployed father, a workaholic mother, a brother who's constantly in danger of expulsion, and a baby sister who can either bring them all together again, or tear them completely apart.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: I love books and movies about music and music groups.

WHY I FINISHED IT: It was very well-written and you come to care about the characters. Piper is an amazing character, and everything about the books rings true. Setting it in Seattle also did a lot to enhance the music aspect of the plot.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who loves music and/or books about high school. Anyone who loved Bandslam or Lemonade Mouth.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Moderate language warning (Two PG-13-level outbursts, occasional other milder language).

See you at the library!

Paging Sgt. Pepper...

Hi! This is Miss Jo at the Library. I just finished reading a book that I know the girls can relate to. The book is The Lonely Hearts Club, by Elizabeth Eulberg.

If you have ever dated a boy before, you know how they are. Sometimes they can really hurt you by breaking up with you. Penny Lane, a young high school student, has had one too many dates, and been hurt by one too many bad boys. Declaring "No more," she starts a club with two of her friends -- the "Lonely Hearts Club."

Before she knows it, the club has grown to thirty members, and more want to join. Upon joining the club, the girls make a pact not to date.

You can imagine what the boys think.

Eventually, though, Penny finds herself in a predicament. Her friend, Ryan, wants to be more than friends. And so does Penny. But how can the founder of the Lonely Hearts Club break her oath?

Check this book out and see what happens.

This is a young adult book. It's a quick read. If you like the Beatles, or if you've ever had a broken heart, you will definitely like this book. Enjoy!

See you at the Library!

Please help me, I'm "Fall"-ing...

Hi! This is Miss Jo at the Library. I just finished reading a book that I think you will enjoy. It is called Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver.

What if you were one of the popular kids in high school? You know, the ones who don't care how you acted or treated others if they weren't part of your little group.

This story is about Samantha Kingston, who was one of those cool kids. She's at a party where there's drinking, and gets a ride home with her friend -- who swears that no matter how much she drinks, she can't get drunk. So it's safe, right?

Wrong.

There is an accident, and Samantha dies. But death isn't what she expects -- it's more like she's asleep, and she keeps re-living that same day over and over, for seven days. She sees all the changes she should have made in both her behavior and the choices she made. Over the course of seven days, she finally gets it right. But by then, it's too late.

This book should make you stop and think. About drinking, about drunk driving, and about the way you treat others. Because in real life, you don't get seven chances to get it right.

This book is in our young adult section.

See you at the Library!

A will of IRON...

An unnamed mother of some of our young adult readers left us a review of Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

TITLE: The Iron Fey series (Iron King, Iron Daughter, Iron Queen)

AUTHOR: Julie Kagawa

REVIEWED BY: [a mother]

BRIEF SUMMARY: Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school... or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

WHY I PICKED IT UP: It looked like something my girls already read and enjoy

WHY I FINISHED IT: It was a good and interesting book.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: My daughters. They have read books similar to these.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: It was a very enjoyable book to read. Interesting as well as kept you wanting to read more.

Thank you so much for your review. See you at the library!

The people in your "Neighbor"-hood...

TITLE: The Good Neighbors series (Kin, Kith, and Kind)

AUTHOR: Holly Black ; illustrated by Ted Naifeh.

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: Rue is your typical sixteen year old. Except her mother's disappeared. And her father is accused of murdering one of his students. And oh yeah, she sees things that may or may not actually be there. She's starting to see faeries, and what's more, she has reason to believe that her maternal grandfather -- whom she's never met -- might actually be one. Something big is about to happen that could threaten her friends, her father, and her town -- but can she do anything to stop it?

WHY I PICKED IT UP: It was new to the library. It looked interesting to me while I was cataloging it.

WHY I FINISHED IT: Although the Faerie-fantasy books have never really interested me, the story kept me going for the most part. A bit of confusion set in during the second book, and it could have used more explanation.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Young adult (and adult) readers who like the Faerie-fantasy genre.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: This is a graphic novel, so if you don't like those, you'll want to stay away. The art work alternates between stunning and confusing. Distinct character design should easily differentiate the faeries from the humans, but to tell the truth, many of the humans looked "faerie"-like and vice versa. Still, if you like this sort of thing, you will easily look past that.

All in all, I can't help but feel that this one might have worked better as a regular novel first, then a graphic novel adaptation later. The second book got kind of confusing with so many characters and plot lines going simultaneously, but I was able to keep up by going back every once in a while to remind myself who was who and what was going on. Two or three characters appear out of nowhere and are immediately appropriated as important plot points, but you have no idea who they are when they first appear. Again, it would definitely have benefited from more plot and character development if space had allowed.

See you at the library!

Get recruited into the Academy...

TITLE: The Candidates (Book One of the Delacroix Academy series)

AUTHOR: Inara Scott

REVIEWED BY: Miss Jo

BRIEF SUMMARY: Dancia is a young, average girl going to high school in a small town who lives with her grandmother. Why is the elite, private school in her area trying to recruit her to attend? Something is not right with this school. Everyone is above average, why would they want her? Could it be because of her powers? But they couldn't know about her powers -- could they?

WHY I PICKED IT UP: It was new to the library. The cover drew me in.

WHY I FINISHED IT: It kept me wanting more.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Any young adult reader.

Miss Jo adds: "Pick up this book and you won't be disappointed. Great cast of characters. The author is working on a second book -- stay tuned for the continuing story!"

See you at the library!