Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Divergent

By Veronica Roth
AR
RL 4.8
PTS 16.0

     Five factions.  Five ways of life.  One choice.  Everybody at the age of 16 chooses a faction to live in for their entire life.  Tris's family is Abnegation, the selfless.  Caught up in her personal struggles, she chooses Dauntless.  But trouble looms on the horizon.  Erudite, the intelligent, hate Abnegation, and it comes to a spearhead when the Erudite bring something virtually unseen--war.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the Hunger Games or Uglies, as they all share dystopian themes.

Reviewer: Jared Foster

Veronica Roth

The Future of Us

By Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
AR
RL 4.4
PTS 10.0

     "The Future of Us" is a book about two students from Lake Forest High who haven't gone through Facebook and have to figure out things about their future.  I recommend this book to students who love reading fiction and about the future of others.

Reviewer: Carolina Reyna

Jay Asher: My Blog

Carolyn Mackler

Wild Things

By Clay Carmichael
AR
RL 5.3
PTS 9.0

     A mentally-ill mother and her many boyfriends don't pass as a family.  So, technically, Zoe's never had one.  Having to depend on only herself for her whole life, she's learned that no one is trustworthy.  And when her mother tragically dies and she's sent to her uncle, she doesn't expect anything nice from him.  But with the help of a cat, wild boy, and a few others, she might just change her mind.  I recommend this book to anyone, since it's entertaining and well written.

Reviewer: Bria Rodriguez

Clay Carmichael


Brain Jack

By Brian Falkner
AR 
RL 5.6
PTS 12.0

    In a high-tech world filled with neurological devices and super computers, the actions of one teen hacker can bring all of America to its knees.  Chosen for his supreme and clever hacking skills, Sam Wilson goes from a correctional facility to U.S. cyber-defense.  Can he live up to their standards?  Can he save the day, or die a random teenage hacker?  I would recommend Brain Jack to anyone who enjoyed "Insignia," as the books share a nearly identical plot.  Sci-fi lovers would also enjoy this book.

Reviewer: Jared Foster

Brian Falkner Writes

A Child Called It

By Dave Pelzer
AR
RL 5.8
PTS 5.0

     "A Child Called It" is about a child's struggle to survive.  His mom is abusive, always hurting him with cruel punishments.  He has other brothers, but he's the only one that gets punished.  All he wants is to be loved.  I could not put down this book!  I enjoyed it.  He tries to stay positive, no matter what.  It is sad, but it's worth the read.

Reviewer: Nora Guerrero

Dave Pelzer: The Official Website

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw

By Jeff Kinney
AR
RL 5.4
PTS 3.0

     This book is about a kid named Greg who's dad makes him play soccer even though he doesn't want to.  His dad Frank wants him to "toughen up" but doesn't say anything to his brother Roderick.  Greg's dad threatens to send him to a military academy!  Greg realizes he has to shape up, or get shipped out!  I would recommend this to people who like funny books and who like wimpy kids.

Reviewer: Jennifer Fernandez

Wimpy Kid: The Official Website

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Last Olympian

By Rick Riordan
AR
Reading Level: 4.3
Points: 13.0

     Ever since Luke was discovered to be the lightning thief, all of Camp Half-Blood found out about Kronos' planned resurrection.  They've been waiting for the day that Kronos will declare war. . . and it's finally begun.  As Percy and the other young half-bloods battle to save Olympus and the world, Kronos uses his gained recruits and power to keep the gods helpless.  Percy's battle skills are strong, but will that be enough to save Olympus and the world, or will Percy's efforts be futile?

Reviewer: Raquel Carey

Welcome to the Online World of Rick Riordan

The Titan's Curse

By Rick Riordan
AR
Reading Level: 4.2
Points: 10.0

     When Percy receives a distress call from Grover, he knows it's probably going to involve another monster-filled battle!  But he isn't prepared for finding two half-bloods.  Yet, the monsters have also found the half-bloods and they're also keeping tabs on Percy.  Though when the new half-bloods parents are revealed, it brings a twist to the plot.

Reviewer: Raquel Carey

Welcome to the Online World of Rick Riordan

The Battle of the Labyrinth

By Rick Riordan
AR 
Reading Level: 4.1
Points: 12.0

     Percy's life hasn't been normal since the minute he was born, and now it's about to get even weirder!  While Kronos is planning his final attack, Percy is trying to stop him.  On his adventure, he finds out about the labyrinth.  Camp Half-Blood is growing weaker and Percy must find a way to save it, even if it means taking a suicide mission into the labyrinth itself!

Reviewer: Raquel Carey

Welcome to the Online World of Rick Riordan

Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: 9th Grade Slays

By Heather Brewer
AR
Reading Level: 5.3
Points: 9.0

     This book is about a boy named Vlad and he is a vampire.  He tries to lead an ordinary teenage life, that is with one exception--drinking blood.  His best friend's cousin comes to town and ends up being a vampire slayer.  Will this end just fine, or will Vlad be in a rut?  Read to find out!  I recommend this book because it is nice and short.  It's also a fun book to read!

Reviewer: Alex Rohlmeier

Heather Brewer: Young Adult Author

Among the Hidden

By Margaret Peterson Haddix
AR
Reading Level: 4.8
Point: 5.0

     Among the Hidden is a book about hundreds of third children, a.k.a. Shadow Children, that want to show themselves and fight for their freedom in a society where it's against the law to have more than two children.  If you like books with happy endings, with freedom and justice for people, well, this isn't a book for you!  This books has many Shadow Children who aren't even supposed to exist because of the Population Police.  They are hunted throughout the entire series!

Reviewer: Carolina Reyna

Margaret Peterson Haddix
 

The Lost Hero

By Rick Riordan
AR
Reading Level: 4.5
Points: 19.0

     This book is about demigods who try to free Hera.  To do this the gods and demigods have to work together.  If you like Greek and Roman mythology, then you should read The Lost Hero.  You would also like this book if you like action and adventure.

Reviewer: Isea Rios

Welcome to the Online World of Rick Riordan

Marked

By P.C. Cast
Ar
Reading Level: 5.4
Points: 13.0

     Zoey Redbird used to be a human but she has been "marked" by the Tracker.  Zoey's new life will start in "The House of Night," and she will have to face many challenges.  This book is amazing!  Whoever likes supernatural thrillers should read this book.

Reviewer: Daisy Carreon

P.C. Cast

Fire

By Kristin Cashore

AR
Reading Level: 6.2
Points: 18.0

     In the world of this book, there are monsters.  The main character, Fire, is a human monster.  Fire is the last of her kind.  She is beautiful and she has powers that further into the story she learns how to use.  She meets a prince named Brigan and learns how it feels to fall in love.  I recommend this book to people who like action, adventure, and romance.

Reviewer: Massiel Rivera

This is My Secret


Beautiful Creatures

By Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
AR
Reading Level: 4.5
Points: 21.0

     This book starts out with a boy named Ethan Waite.  Ethan has a dream about the same girl all summer.  On the first day of school, there is a new girl in his class, and it's the girl from his dream!  He tries to be her friend--her name is Lena Duchannes.  He soon finds out that she is not like other girls!  I recommend this book to people who like adventure and romance.

Reviewer: Massiel Rivera

Beautiful Creatures Authors

Shadow and Bone

By Leigh Bardugo
AR 
Reading Level 5.3
Points 12.0

     Shadow and Bone is a book about an orphan girl named Alina with unknown powers, which means she will have to face challenges throughout training and attacks.  I would recommend this book for people that like to read fantasy fiction.

Reviewer: Carolina Reyna

Leigh Bardugo: Author of the The Grisha Trilogy