HPL Teen Space Reviews

Wake by Lisa McMann

2011-08-20T16:21:00.000-04:00

During this book I thought of who I would want to be. While I was thinking about that it really helped me understand what some of the characters are going through. I would like to be Janie because she can into other people’s dreams if someone is dreaming close by her and she can help people fix their dreams into something happy and not scary. Some of the bad things about her ability are she can’t drive because if she does and someone is sleeping in a close to her she could fall into the dream and that could cause an accident, also sometimes the nightmares are really bad and if she falls into it there is no way to wake her up and she could hurt herself because she does not know what she is doing. Another reason I would want to be her is because she is kind and her best friend is helpful but the downside to all of this is that because of her gift she will soon be blind and her hands will not work anymore also her mom is a drunk and s he doesn’t know who her dad is because he left before she was born and he never knew that he had a kid.

~ Avani J, Stoney Creek

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

2011-08-20T12:18:00.000-04:00

The Luxe, by Anna Godberson, was amazing. I loved it. The historically accurate details set the tone for the plot line filled with backstabbing friends, scandalous rumours, and forbidden love. The characters were so loveable, I loved it all.

~ Sydney G, Locke

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

2011-08-19T16:16:00.000-04:00

I saw that this book was one of the teen reads for the summer, so I picked it up. The general idea of the book sounded good, but I didn't expect much. I ended up finishig this book in a day. I LOVED it. It's the prequel to the Mortal Insteuments series, so now I want to read those! The story gets your attention form the beginning. I loved how Tessa was such a strong independant charchetr, yet Will was always saving her from the dangers of Downworlders. The love triangle was really good too, and the fact that Tessa can change into sombody else was also so cool. the book was a bit confusing at parts, and some minor plotlines were confusing. Ther fact that the book is set in a different century is really cool, because it gives you a new perspective. the end left me a bit confused; the conversation between Tessa and Will. But it left be hooked for more. Will Tessa and Will get together or will it be Jem? I'm SO glad I ended reading this book!!

~ Kirsten F, Valley Park

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

2011-08-19T12:14:00.000-04:00

Shiver is a romantic, adventurous, breathtaking book about the love between Grace and Sam. Though loving each other so much, they could not be together because of Sam being a wolf. For years Sam would stare out of the forest at Grace, wanting to be with her. Sam would change to human every year, making it able for them to meet, yet Sam never met Grace. This is Sam's last year to change human, and his last chance to be with Grace. A suspenseful, page turner that will keep your eyes locked in the book. Read in one sitting. Can not wait to get the sequel- Linger. A great read!

~ Chantelle P, Waterdown

King Lear by William Shakespeare

2011-08-18T16:11:00.000-04:00

The melancholic tale of a fallen king explores many fascinating and deep themes. Learning the true qualities of Lear's eldest daughers as well as the innocence of the pure Cordelia, Shakespeare reveals the disraught of parents due to the evil intentions of their children. The fabulously written play by Shakespeare can be considered one of my favourites and a classic that everyone should enjoy at least once.

~ Lexy Z, Terryberry

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

2011-08-18T12:07:00.001-04:00

I loved this book! It was amazing. I was really eager to read it after finishing the Darkest Powers trilogy. I love how the author kind of tied in parts of the the plot from the Darkest Powers books, while still letting this book have a stand alone plot that anyone can enjoy. I am really looking forward to the next books, and I cannot wait to see how it all ends. I also loved how mysterious Rafe is, and how his character slowly unravels. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal books.

~ Kristen W, Waterdown

Unbelievable by Sara Shepard

2011-08-17T16:04:00.000-04:00

AWESOME! If you've been reading the PLL (pretty little liars) novels, as I am don't miss Unbelievable by Sara Shepard. Defenitely the best book in the series (in my opinon) In this book we uncover, finally, the truth of the mysterious identity of 'A'. The stalker-like person haunting the four main characters (Emily, Spencer, Aria and Hanna). I truely think this series is amazing, it desplays the common day to day things that ever girl will go through, first love, annoying siblings, family issues (etc) but with the twist; What would your life be like if your best friend just vanished? What if someone knew the horrors of your past? And what if said person decided they wanted to make your life a living He(double hockey sticks)? I highly recomend this book/series to anyone who longs for some summer, or anytime, excitment. Or who likes to uncover the truth........ HAPPY READING!

~ Dylan C, Concession

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black

2011-08-17T12:03:00.000-04:00

This book was amazingly written and was filled with somewhat gritty action and problems coming from all sides of the main character Dana’s life. It all starts when her mom comes to her recital drunk and that pushes her to run away to the fae father she has never met. When she gets to Avalon (the only place where Faerie and the mortal world overlap and can live together) where her father lives, she is taken prisoner by her ruthless aunt and pulled into a political battle because of her faeriewalker abilities. I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes their paranormal grounded; at least a little.

~ Dana N, Carlisle

Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

2011-08-16T16:02:00.000-04:00

I read this book for my summer school English class. It is pretty straight forward. The narrator of the book, Charlie, has gone through a pretty tough childhood that causes him to have trouble fitting in with other teenagers. As he enter highschool, he begins to make friends and explore many new experiences, both good and bad. He does not explain what his tough childhood is until the very end of the book. Nothing major really happened until near the end. I think, for a book for English class, it is quite an okay book.

~ Lydia L, Terryberry

Leftovers by Laura Wiess

2011-08-16T15:59:00.000-04:00

This book was not at all what I expected...in a good way! It was about two teenaged girls who go through some pretty unexpected stuff. It was mainly about family issues, guys problems and the struggles of just being a girl. The two girls are best friends so their stories intertwine. Parts of it were sad and some not so sad. I think it was very well written and it really showed me not to judge a book by its cover (which I do a lot).

~ Katy M, Saltfleet

Matched by Ally Condie

2011-08-10T14:29:00.001-04:00

This book was great!! I loved how it was set in the future. I also liked that it was not an ideal world, everything was planned for the citizens in this time. Another thing I appreciated about this book was that the author always left some things unsaid at the end of each chapter, causing you to want to read the next one. I loved how alot of the characters in the book were in rebellion. Some you didn't notice until the end, and some were always there but in small acts. I can't believe this book got voted out, since I LOVED it!!! Highly recommended.

~Alainna C, Ancaster

Wanted by Sara Shepard

2011-08-10T12:24:00.000-04:00

I love the Pretty Little Liars Series by Sara Shepard for its roller coaster plot. The four girls, Aria, Emily, Spencer, and Hanna, try to find out who killed there best friend, Ali, years ago. They also have to find out who is texting them all their secrets and signing as ~A. I've learned to never believe them when they think they have found the killer because A always leads them in the wrong direction. But in the eighth book in the series, the entire storyline is flipped upside down and everything you thought you knew about Ali and the girls lives is not true at all. Or maybe it is with A's misleading clues.

~Magdalena K, Saltfleet

Positively by Courtney Sheinmel

2011-08-09T14:21:00.000-04:00

This was a great book. Emmy's mother is diagnosed with AIDS and dies shortly after. Emmy is HIV positive and thinks her life is over because of it - everything is ruined. She feels left out, alone, and depressed. Emmy is sent to a HIV-positive summer camp where she is surrounded with girls just like her. Slowly, she begins to see the light in life again and rediscover who she really is.

~ Sarah B, Sherwood

Passion by Lauren Kate

2011-08-09T12:18:00.000-04:00

Passion is the third book in the FALLEN series and I thought it was going to be awesome, but, really I thought it could have been better. It was like going through history class. I mean it was a good book and I can't wait for the fourth book Rapture to come out, but it really could have been better.

In Passion, Luce goes into the past and is looking for a way to break her curse. While on her journey she witnesses firsthand her love for Daniel over and over again, and every time, she sees herself die. Everyone is looking for Luce. Cam and the legions of angels and the Outcasts. Everyone is desperate but not as desperate as Daniel. He follows her through their past, terrified of what might happen if Luce rewrites history, because if she does... Their romance from the past will be gone... forever.

~ Krystal C, Terryberry

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

2011-08-08T14:00:00.000-04:00

The Gathering, by Kelley Armstrong, was extremely boring. It's plot was boring and slow, and the characters were annoying, and there was nothing different about them. I would not recommend this.

~ Sydney G, Locke

Charmed and Dangerous: The Rise of the Pretty Committee by Lisi Harrison

2011-08-08T12:15:00.000-04:00

This is the prequel to The Clique series. This is the book before all the girls got together. Massie was a beta, Alicia was having dance troubles, Dylan didn't feel or look fat, Kristen was just another geek of the street, and Claire was sneaking out of her house. Massie was waiting for five pieces to come together at midnight at a New Year's Yves party while trying to get away from the group she never wanted to be with. In the end it leaves you thinking on how the Pretty Committee got together.

~ Emma H, Sherwood

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

2011-08-07T14:12:00.001-04:00

Before this book I had never read anything by Sara Dessen, who as I learned after reading Along for the Ride is an author of many other books. Her characters were well thought through each with a different story to tell. I would recomend this book to anyone who enjoys reading anything that has that 'summer love' feeling to it. Basicly in this book we discover what it feels like if you've grown up with out a childhood, go to live with your father who has recently been remarried and already has a newborn and discover yourself, and love for the first time. Honestly I didn't think it had what I like to call a 'tug' meaning there wasn't anything that made me think 'I HAVE to keep reading!!!' which for me, made the read a little longer and slightly less interesting. Although it was a good book, it might not be something I woud consider in any Top Ten or anything.

~ Dylan C, Concession

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

2011-08-07T12:09:00.001-04:00

This is my favourite book I've read all summer (so far)! It was about a spaceship that was sent out in search of a new planet, Centauri-Earth, for humans and animals to prosper on. Godspeed is full of people that are all monoethnic. It is divided into three levels - the Keeper Level (for the leader and the successor), the Shipper level (for the engineers and scientists and the engine), and the Feeder Level (for the general population) - and has been operating flawlessly for the past few generations.
Elder, a sixteen-year-old boy, is destined to be the ships new leader as he is the oldest of his generation. The ship's current leader, Eldest, is doing extra work by leading the ship's people and teaching Elder his duties. This happened because the Eldest who should be ruling now mysteriously died years before Elder was born. Elder has always been a free-thinker and does not agree with a lot of Eldest's methods.
Seventeen-year-old Amy is a passenger on the ship along with her parents. But they are frozen cargo below the feet of the 3,000 residents of Godspeed.
One day, when Elder accidentally learns about this fourth level - the Cryo Level - he becomes overwhelmingly curious to find out what's there and sneaks in to take a peak. He discovers Amy's chamber and is intrigued by her fire-red hair and pale skin. Later that day, Amy's chamber is opened in an attempt to murder her but she is found in time and survives. With Amy's knowledge of Sol-Earth (where we live) and her strong opinions, she and Elder discover the hidden secrets of the ship and all the lies Elder was taught to believe.
Also, Elder and Amy start to fall in love since they are the only two people on the ship their age.
Like I said, this book was amazing!! It was full of action, suspense and unexpected twists. It is a great read for anyone who loves sci-fi and mystery. It is quite long and I actually stayed up all night to read it. I couldn't put it down!!

~ Katy M, Saltfleet

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

2011-08-06T14:08:00.002-04:00

“Wintergirls” in a dark novel, full with the inner struggles of teenagers. Lia, who suffers from anorexia nervosa, lost her former best friend, Cassie, to bulimia. They made an oath sealed in blood that they would be the skinniest girls in the school. The book follows Lia and her battle within. It brings light to those who do not understand the fight those with eating disorders are going through.

However, I cannot say the book was amazing. It did not bring tears to my eyes as I had thought a novel of such topic would. I must stress, Laurie Halse Anderson uses far too many metaphors and her writing isn’t stunning enough to accompany it. Plus, the metaphors were not always the most brilliant. It was slightly confusing at points. It felt as if Anderson had taken out lines in the beginning of the chapter and had not bothered to fix the rest. She did not fully explain Lia’s feelings. Lastly, the book finished with some loose ends.

Still, I would recommended it to others. The book wasn’t amazing, though it was good none the less. To those who know one with an eating disorder, the book might help one understand what they are going through. For those with or recovering from eating disorders, it may provide comfort. And for those looking for a darker novel, Wintergirls is satisfying.

In the end, I rate Wintergirls a three star out of five.

X-Isle by Steve Augarde

2011-08-06T12:06:00.001-04:00

This book was very interesting. The world in this book is damaged, and there are no resources for the people, they have to strive for food. It was mainly about a boy named Baz who was chosen to go to the island, X-Isle, on a boat. Only a 2-3 people are chosen every month, and they have to be boys, small and skinny. He met more boys like him on the island who had to work for the Preacher and his 3 old sons, work like building and fixing. It was really hard for them and they were treated like servants. Over-all, i recommend this book to all ages. It shows how hard life can be when disaster strikes the world.

~ Huda M, Red Hill

Falling in Love with English Boys by Melissa Jensen

2011-08-05T18:32:00.000-04:00

Cat is stuck in London for the summer while her researches someone who's been dead for hundreds of years. Fun huh? One day Cat's mom gives her the diary of one of her research subjects to read. There are some surprising parellels to Cat's own life. Can she gather insight from someone who lived in a time when a girl's only task was to find a rich husband? Cat and Katherine's lives are more similar than you would think.

~Kristen W, Waterdown

Northern Exposures by Eric Walters

2011-08-05T15:30:00.001-04:00

This is the best Eric Walters bokk I have read so far! I liked that it was about nature taking risks to defend itself against the hunters and other humans. My favourite part was when Kevin tried to fight the native id and beat him up. Five- star book and a must-read. Go Eric Walters!!!!

~Zack M, Sherwood

Scorch Trials by James Dashner

2011-08-05T13:02:00.000-04:00

This book was completely action packed. It took off right from where The Maze Runner ended and through in variables when you least expected them as Groups A and B make their way across the scorch and to a safe haven. I love how creative the groups were when trying to figure out how to make their way, like when Thomas got Brenda and Jorge to join and help them cross the city without too many run-ins with Gone cranks. I can’t wait for everything to finally play out with hopefully everyone left getting the cure.

~ Dana N, Carlisle

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

2011-08-05T11:53:00.003-04:00

This book is great because of all the detail and effort she puts into the book. The book is about Earth being invaded by unseen enemies from other planets. Humans become the host for these invaders, their minds take over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives unchanged. Wanderer, the invading soul who has been given Melanie’s body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human. There was one difficulty that Wanderer didn’t except: the former soul of the body was refusing to let Wanderer take control over her mind. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie allies, they set off to find the man they both love.
This book is probably my favourite book because of the story line and how the book draws you in so you literally can’t put the book down. I find this book very unique because I have never heard of another book with a storyline like this. In the beginning the story is a little slow but as the book goes on it just gets better and better. The book is a little confusing at times but later on in the book it is very good. This book is startling and addictive it’s an epic story of love, family, and loyalty.

~ Avani J, Stoney Creek

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

2011-08-04T16:27:00.000-04:00

The Hobbit depicted a whole new era of fantasy fiction. Of course the infamous Bilbo Baggins was reluctant at first as he dredged the idea of Gandalf's adventure but soon discovers his capabilities as a Hobbit. Not only was this book captivating, but it shed a new light on literature for generations to come.

The setting was remarkable beyond words, from the mountains to the landscape, it was a genuine original. This book was only the start of the trilogy to come. The Lord of the Rings trilogy has come close to what The Hobbit has accomplished, but only so close. This book alone has changed my standards regarding Sci-fi books, and I can proudly say this has been my most beloved book. Its status quo will always be maintained in my mind as well as many, many others.

I truly will applaud whoever can, if never, defy the standards of J.R.R Tolkien's work.

~Emily W, Stoney Creek

Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima

2011-08-04T13:25:00.000-04:00

An amazing work done by Cinda William Chima that clearly describes the magical world of the seven realms in richness. Every character so different and every secret something new. A book i could never put down, magic adventure and romance all put it in a single book. Can't wait till the next!

~ Akilah A, Central

Room by Emma Donoghue

2011-08-04T11:58:00.001-04:00

This book was like nothing I have ever read before and probably never will. It was a sad, heartfelt, heroic tale of a young mother and her 5 year-old son, who are held captive in 'Room'. When she was only 19, Jack's mother (though not at the time) was kidnapped by Old Nick. She was then forced to live in a small room, which used to be a tool shed. After her first baby died, she has Jack. They live together in Room until Jack escapes and saves his mother. They, especially Jack must get used to the outside after living in Room for all those years. This story is told by Jack and how he sees everything. Jack, since he is only 5 sees everything differently, and puts it into an almost funny and light perspective, even though he and his mother's sitaution is anything but. I really enjoyed this book. It was shockingly real. Somehow the author has made this book beautiful and horrifying at the same. I especially loved how it was told through young Jack 's eyes. A great read. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

~ Alainna C, Ancaster

L. A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

2011-08-04T11:55:00.000-04:00

Jane and Scarlett had absolutely no idea what they were signing up for when they moved to L.A. They thought it would strictly school for Scar, and Fiona Chan's event planning internship for Jane. Little did they know, they would be become the newst, hottest stars and a hip new reality show called L.A. Candy. Jane gets manipulated by one of her fellow starlets, Madison, who also backstabs everyone in her normal days. The novel ends with a cliffhanger ending... Read it to find out!

~ Sarah B, Sherwood

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

2011-07-29T16:50:00.001-04:00

This is not really a teen book, more for 12 or 13 year olds, but interesting all the same. It is the kind of book that makes you want to get up and do something, and the fact that the boy lives inside a tree is very interesting. It is something worth reading.

~ Vanessa V, Turner Park

Yotsuba & ! by Kiyohiko Azuma

2011-07-29T12:43:00.000-04:00

Yotsuba & ! is about a new girl named Yotsuba. Yotsuba and her father just moved in to a new house and Yotsuba doesn't know much. Yotsuba makes friends with the neighbours. Their names are Asagichan, Ayase, and Ena. Yotsuba learns new things, plays with her new friends, and eats some ice cream on the way. Her unlce Jumbo comes over to play with Yotsuba and Ena. Jumbo is super tall and just big. This book is an amazing book. It a book where you have to start from the back and start at that right box and work your way down and to the front. It may look consuming to read but its pretty easy. I recommend this book for all ages.

~ Sarah A, Sherwood

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

2011-07-28T16:39:00.000-04:00

It's about a cheerleader -Isobel Lanley- who has it all, but when she gets paired with Varen Nethers she is completely horrified. Once she starts noticing his strange writing Isobel starts giving him another look. Soon she finds herself making excuses just to go and see Varen and starts pulling away from her other friends and her boyfriend. Isobel finds herself venturing farther and farther into the dream world Varen has created on the pages of his notebook. Isobel finds out sooner than later that dreams can be very powerful, and she finds herself trying to find a way to save Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

Nevermore is a good book, it may take a little to get into it, but overall it was a really good book.

~ Krystal C, Terryberry

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

2011-07-28T12:40:00.000-04:00

I did not think i would enjoy this book as much as i did. The character Belly goes through everday situations that most teens would but with grace and confidence. The author dispays exactly how girls feel about boys, love and life.

~ Brittany T, Westdale

The Dead by Charlie Higson

2011-07-27T11:39:00.000-04:00

I loved The Dead. It was a great twist on the modern day zombie story. The fact that it took place in Britain was so interesting, and I was able to relate to the characters so well. It was a little gory, and extremely scary at points. I would definitely recommend this to everyone.

~ Sydney G, Locke

Scorch Trials by James Dashner

2011-07-27T09:38:00.000-04:00

This book was AMAZING! After reading the first book (Maze Runner), I couldn't get enough. This book was about the second "trial" in the series: surviving the terrible disease that was beginning to take hold and hopefully find the cure to it. In order to do this, the remaining Gladers are sent out into the Scorch, a seemingly abandoned city surrounded by desert and mountains, and must stick together to survive. As they struggle to complete this task, the Gladers are also challenged with betrayal and mystery. Thomas still struggles with his romance from the maze.

The Scorch Trials is a very good book if you are into sci-fi/futuristic/struggling against society type things. Although there is some romance, it is mostly action-packed so I would recommend it to boys and girls. You should really read it ;)

~ Katy M, Saltfleet

Matched by Ally Condie

2011-07-26T14:36:00.001-04:00

In Cassia's world (the future) the Society decides everything for her. What she will eat, what she will drink, when she will die and who she will marry. At her Matched Ceremony she is chosen to marry her best friend Xander, nothing more could be perfect. But when she goes home to learn more about Xander from a microchip, a different boys face pops up. One she has also known her whole life. This mistake causes Cassia to start questioning the world she lives in, to find out more about herself and discover the world of the past that is long forgotten.

Matched is a story with a very interesting idea but in the end is disappointing. I found Matched to be very similar in some ways to the story 1984 by George Orwell and was very upset to find the similarities. Dystopian novels are very difficult to write, I understand that. Trying to think of a new, creative way the future may turn out. But copying another author is not how you write a novel, you can use them for inspiration but you must make your own ideas.

The book was not terrible. Matched is a very interesting idea for the story, I just wish it was original.

~ Sarah O., Bookmobile

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-so-fabulous Life by Rachel Renee Russel

2011-07-26T12:54:00.000-04:00

A nice read with cute drawings! Not my most favourite "diary theme" story, but a fun fast read. I felt so bad for the main charecter Nikki as she experiences friendship failures, and no-so-nice girls. Can't wait to get the second and third books from the library.

~ Chantelle P, Waterdown

Need by Carrie Jones

2011-07-25T14:42:00.002-04:00

I am writing to you about the book Need by Carrie Jones. I like this book because it is a supernatural thriller and I love supernatural books. The characters are interesting, the book has suspense, and the details are amazing. Another reason I have chosen to read this book is because my friend recommended it and it is part of a trilogy. The reviews for this book made me interested in it because one of the reviews said that if Stephan King and Stephanie Meyer were to co-author a book they would come up with need. That made me want to read it more because Stephanie Meyer is my favourite author and Stephan King writes great books.
This book is about.... Zara has been shipped off to Maine to stay with her Step- Grandma Betty during winter. According to her mother Zara hasn’t been herself since her step-dad died. Before Zara has a chance to snap out of depression her attention is drawn elsewhere by a mystery surrounding a local boy’s disappearance. She knew Maine would be a challenge, but she didn’t know she would be running for her life... from evil pixies.
When the pixie element is added the book becomes more exciting and fast paced. When the pixies are introduced I found that I couldn’t put the book done until it finished because at the end of a chapter I always wanted to know what would happen next. Even if the pixies were not introduced in the beginning the book held my attention the whole time until the very end of the book.

~ Avani J, Stoney Creek

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

2011-07-25T09:45:00.001-04:00

This book was really amazing. I had different emotions through out the entire book: sadness, anger, joy, and finally, love. I really did learn to love this book. It was so realistic and heartbreaking, that i just couldnt put it down. Lennie was still heartbroken after the death of her sister, Bailey, and she though that she was nothing without her. Then came along Bailey's boyfriend,Toby, who was also as broken as she was, and so thats when things got messy. Their pain was the same so they both tried to run away from it. Apart from this, Lennie was taking music classes, and thats where she met Joe, who was totally and unbelievably adorable, not to mention absolutely gorgeous! *sigh* Anyhoo, things took a sweet turn from there. But of course they had some problems. Still, i adored this book...it ended just like i wanted it too. I don't really want to spoil it so i'll just say this: You mustmustmust read this AH-MAZING book, it wa s just so sweet. It's like one of those books you just totally love, that there are NO words to describe it, beyond awesome!

~ Hamna M, Red Hill

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

2011-07-22T16:50:00.002-04:00

This book blew me away. It is so detailed and you can lose yourself in it, almost as if you are the one in the book, not the main character, Tally.

~ Alycia V, Central

Ghost Huntress - The Guidance

2011-07-22T12:45:00.001-04:00

This book is about a girl named Kendall who has physic abilities, she can see and hear ghosts. Kendall and her friends call themselves ghost huntresses. They help people who have ghosts in their homes, and help the ghosts go into the light. In this book Kendall's archnemsis you could call her, Courtney starts pretending to have physic abilities like Kendall. But soon it turns deadly, an angry ghost inhabiates Courtney's body, during a seance. Kendall and her friends must try to help Courtney and the spirit who's in her. This book is similar to the t.v shows you see, like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunter Academy. An interesting book/series by Marley Gibson.

~ Alainna C, Ancaster

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2011-07-21T17:47:00.001-04:00

This book amazed me with it's always twist of events. I cried, screamed at the book, and was happy and sad at the same time. I read this book with my mom and we both thought the same things about all the same places. I think this may have been one of the best books I have ever read, next to Harry Potter of course. I just can't wait to start reading the next book.

~ Emma H, Sherwood

The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty

2011-07-21T16:27:00.001-04:00

I really enjoyed this novel written by Jaclyn Moriarty. This book is about 3 girls writting to there pen pals at a crimnal school. At first it's just kind words but then it starts to be assignments like breaking locks and false alarms. This book is really exciting and hard to put down after you've started. The author uses very desriptive words, which in my opinion makes the book much better. The Year of Secret Assignments is a great book that teens of all ages wil enjoy.

~ Julia R, Valley Park

Divergent by Veronica Roth

2011-07-20T16:26:00.000-04:00

Divergent was a great read, absolute page turner. Story line resembles the hunger games triology but something about the way this author writes the characters story makes it easier for you to relate to the characters. The book was full of adventure, suspence, romance and humor when needed. I would reccomend this book to anyone!

~ Brittany T, Westdale

When it Happens by Susane Colasanti

2011-07-20T16:25:00.000-04:00

Sara thinks she has 'real' love for David... Until he starts acting like a total jerk. When Tobey (her REAL 'real' love) walks into her life however, everything changes. Sara sees what being happy, confident and satisfied in a relationship should truly feel like. Tobey allows her to feel 100% secure and comfortable. Of course, a good amount of drama occurs along the way - but their 'real' love overcomes it. After all, love conquers all.

~ Sarah B, Sherwood

Matched by Ally Condie

2011-07-20T15:44:00.002-04:00

This book was pretty good. The author, Ally Condie, was great at creating a dystopian, futuristic setting that was heavily controlled by the Government. I loved how Cassia, the main character, after being Matched with her best friend at her Matching ceremony, realizes that something is wrong when she sees the flash of another boy, Ky, on the screen, and tests the boundaries by questioning if Ky should be her Match, rather than the one chosen for her. The secret meetings, the forbidden love, and the rebellion kept me interested. This book didn't have as much action or suspense as I would have liked, but it was still a pretty good book.

~ Sydney, Locke

Dust City by Robert Paul Weston

2011-07-18T15:51:00.001-04:00

It’s all about fairydust or some knockoff of it since the fairies disappeared, in this mixed up story of fairy tales and other parts entwined together. It includes elements from little red riding hood, jack and the bean stock, the frog prince, and Rumpelstitlskin, revolving around the character of Henry whelp, the son of the big bad wolf from little red riding hood. I really liked how it had all the animals evolved into more human-like figures with opposable thumbs and being able to stand and talk like us. It had all the magic you could hope for along with great adventure as the dust shows the path of the characters’ destinies.

~ Dana N, Carlisle

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

2011-07-18T15:49:00.000-04:00

Tessa Gray was once an average teenage girl and when her aunt dies she goes to England to meet her brother. But there to pick her up is two women that call themselves the dark sisters. They knew that tessa has powers so they would get tessa to work on her powers for hours and hours. Then one day a boy named will herondale came and saved Tessa and brought her to the institute. The magister doesnt like how Tessa escaped the dark sisters so comes after her but she has to figure out who the magister is. Tessa finds herself falling for two shadowhunter boys, Will and Jem/James. Tessa doesnt know who to choose because Will is charming, witty, dangerous and daring. But Jem is sweet, sensitive and would help her before himself. At the end someone unexpected is working for the magister and turns out her aunt was killed by someone trusted.

~ Jordyn W, Concession

Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith

2011-07-15T09:51:00.002-04:00

It took me a while to get into the book and even then I didn't find it all that great. The story idea is amazing but the actual way it was written, not that good. It was very loose so the story or characters didn't seem real. Instead of feeling like I was in the book or watching what was happening, it felt like I was reading a book. I don't know if it's because I accidently started the second book in the series first but it just wasn't that captivating. Though some parts were good, I rushed through most of the book. The only parts I enjoyed were with Brad in them. Overall an okay book.

~ Alainna C, Ancaster

Wave by Eric Walters

2011-07-14T11:54:00.000-04:00

The first thing I realized when I read Wave by Eric Walters is that the book is based on a true story. This book is about a Tsunami that crashed in Phuket and surrounding areas in Thailand. Over 120,000 people lost their lives. I like how the author made the reader picture what was happening in the book by putting lots of detail and explaining everything well. Also I enjoyed the fact that the book was in two points of view, first the brother's, then the sister's. In the brother's point of view he explained what happened while he was there and what he felt. Then during the sister's point of view they continued the story by saying what she felt when she heard the news and how she looked to see if she could find her mother, father, and her brother. I loved that the author put so much emotion into just 208 pages. He captured an event and put it into something that people won't forget.

~ Avani, Stoney Creek

Breathless by Jessica Warman

2011-07-14T09:49:00.001-04:00

Is a semiautobiographical book about Katie; a girl sent off to boarding school whose only escape from life is swimming. She also has a very messy family coming in the shape of a mentally ill brother who tried to kill himself, their father (an overworked psychiatrist), and succeeded in killing an orderly at a hospital. I really enjoyed this book as it had a really crazy and fun cast of characters with so many problems that it just makes you love them; well everyone but the psycho brother that is. I wish that they hadn’t done a future at the end of the book though; it just opened back up the doors that were happily shut.

~ Dana, Carlisle

Matched by Ally Condie

2011-07-13T15:45:00.003-04:00

From a first glance at the cover the book (Matched by Ally Condie) it didn't seem like my kind of book, but after seeing it was on the Teen Summer Reading list I thought, 'Why not, it has to at least have some good elements to be put on that list' and so I read it. It reminded me of Lois Lowry's The Giver, which was a very entertaining book (in my opinion). I couldn't help but notice some similarities between both books. For one the Community (or Society ) controls everything that could have an impact on your life. For example: who you marry ( or are matched with ), your job, family, ect... They both have the same story line as in the main caracters; Jonah (The Giver) and Cassia (Matched) struggle when they uncover that the perfect little world that they live in isn't as perfect as they thought it was. By uncovering the truth about what is happening they realize they are soon alone, forced to bring back the old ways, the ways that were 'improv ed' or 'lost' by their Community/Society. By Matched ending the way it did (you'll see if you read it) I can only hope that there is a sequel because if not the whole struggle the main characters went through was for nothing. Compared to The Giver where Jona actually does something about it.

All in all it was a good read, though similar to other books there are parts that are equally unique because of Condie's imagination and creativity. Hopefully this review is helpful to someone.

~ Dylan C, Concession

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

2011-07-13T12:41:00.001-04:00

I fell in love with this book, the minute I started reading. The old age, historical setting drew me in, but the supernatural story line kept me interested. I love how the main character Tessa held her own, and refused to be pushed around by anyone. The author, Cassandra Clare, also wove an intricate, subtle romance between Tessa and her newfound ally, Will, that kept me rooting for them the whole way. This book was definitely packed with acion, mystery, suspense, and romance. I LOVED this book.

~ Sydney G, Locke

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

2011-07-12T15:36:00.001-04:00

I had just finished reading the Darkest Powers trilogy by Kelley Armstrong, then saw she had a new book out so I had to read it. The beginning of the book was a bit slow, but still kept me interested, mostly because I thought Maya and Daniel were going to get together. After Mina Lee, the reporter was killed, things got really good. All the plot points started to unfold, and I couldn't stop reading. I was a bit dissapointed at the ending because it was so abrupt and such a cliffhanger; there are many questions you have left. I guess thats a good thing though, now I'm looking foward to the next book even more! I think that this is a great read for anybody who likes Stephenie Meyer or Kelley Armstrong books.

~ Kirsten F, Valley Park

Scorch Trials by James Dashner

2011-07-12T15:34:00.001-04:00

I really liked this book, it was action packed and you learned a lot more about the world in which they live in this book. I enjoyed it a lot but was slightly confused at times, overall it was awesome!

~ Emily S, Waterdown

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

2011-07-11T14:32:00.001-04:00

This book, written by Susanne Collins, was a great way to tie up the Hunger Games Trilogy. I was a big fan of the Hunger Games, and was excited to read the final one. It had all the suspense and action I was hoping for, and the main character Katniss, finally steps up and takes her place as the Mockingjay, the leader of the Rebellion against the Capitol. I had some problems with this book though. It was darker than the first two Hunger Games books, and extremely confusing at times. I found myself occasionally having to re-read a whole chapter, to figure out what was happening. The ending was sad and left the readers with little, to no hope at all. All in all, a good book, but not a great one.

~ Sydney G, Locke

Hush: An Irish Princess' Tale by Donna Jo Napoli

2011-07-11T14:30:00.000-04:00

I found this book enlightening. The whole story is about the journey of one 15 year old girl named Melkorka, a princess in mediaeval Ireland. While she and her little sister are kidnapped and and taken onto a slave ship. Melkorka must learn how to survive. Her greatest power is being mute. She takes a vow of silence and will not talk to her captors, though there are many who try to get her to speak. This book was slow in the beginning but became more fast paced when she was on the slave ship. All together an exceptional book.

~ Alainna C, Ancaster

I Am Number Four by Pitticus Lore

2011-07-11T14:27:00.001-04:00

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had saw the movie before reading this book, and I now think that wasn't such a good idea. This book was way more better than the movie. There was aaction, suspense, romance, and also sad and touching moments. My favourite parts was when the main character, John Smith or Number Four, was coming into his legacies and also when he starts to remember parts of the battle on his home world. He sees things differently and begins to wonder if another ship left the planet as well. This book is for any one who likes action, SciFi, with just a little bit of romance.

~Kathryn R, Ancaster

The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha

2011-07-09T11:37:00.000-04:00

This book was "AWESOME" I loved how many simple awesome things could make your life seem a whole lot more awesome. I also loved the way Neil Pasricha described it, often telling it with a story of his life or his childhood.

~ Chantelle, Waterdown

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

2011-07-09T09:35:00.006-04:00

In my personal opinon it was a great read. It was a page turner and I felt compelled to keep reading, in a way I felt like if I read fast enough that I would figure out what happend ( I don't want to spoil it for any of you who havn't read it) before any of the caracters did. Silly, huh? I also thought that the author, Sara Shepard, wrote it very well. She made sure us readers would cling to every word, tried to make us feel what her caracters felt. I felt she planned everything out very well. From the flashbacks to the way Shepard ended the chapters to the letters. Over all it was very enjoyable, and I'm so glad it's a series!!! All the more fun during the summer!!! :D

~ Dylan C, Concession

Rumblefish by S. E. Hinton

2011-07-08T09:35:00.000-04:00

The book Rumble Fish is by my favorite author- S.E Hinton. I loved this book, along with all her others. Rumble Fish is about a boy named Rusty-James (played by Matt Dillon in the movie) whose brother is seen as " the pied piper" or a "prince". In other words, his brother can't live down his rep, while Rusty-James can't live up to it. During this story, Rusty-James' girlfriend dumps him, he gets expelled from school, and his brother, his idol, dies. It's an amazing book and I recommend it to anyone who liked S.E Hinton's most popular book, The Outsiders.

~ Cassidy, Kenilworth

Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson

2011-07-08T09:33:00.001-04:00

Ashley Hannigan has to go through hell living at home - whether its between hot dog fights between her brothers and fathers, endless unfinished renovations attempted by her dad, her mother's needy pregnancy, or her barely-there boyfriend's bs. She eventually becomes forced into helping her best friend Nat plan their senior prom... Little did she know, this would become what she needed to get her life in order. It allows her to see the light when it comes to her lame boyfriend, her crazy brothers, etc. Ashley moves into her best friend's house, dumps T.J (the boyfriend), and decides to carry on with school in community college.

~ Sarah B, Sherwood

Cliquetionary by Lisi Harrison

2011-07-07T12:11:00.001-04:00

The Cliquetionary isn't an actual book, it's more of a reference book of the Clique series. In this book it gives you personality quizzes to find out which Clique girl you are. It also has the main characters pages that describe themselves. Some other things that this book has are some of the best quotes form the entire series, all coming from different people. There's also a "Heart Chart" that shows all of the different relationships from the main characters in the book. There's also some poems, but not very many. The book also gives some makeup tips, like what to wear in what time of year and what not to wear. One of my favorite parts is the master packing list for when you go on vacation. I liked that part because I am very organized and I like making sure that I have all of my "essentials" when I go on vacation. But even though I like that part, my absolute favorite parts is the famous comebacks from the series and the actual "Cliquetionar y". The comebacks are when say, Massie would say to Claire, "Claire, are you a midget?" and Claire would reply "No" and Massie would say, "Then get over him!" as telling Claire to get over a guy she likes. The "Cliquetionary" is the part in the book when it tells all the definitions of some of the made up words or abbreviations from the girls in the book. The last part is some of the titles that Lisi Harrison ( the author ) was going to use but they weren't good enough to be a title. This book is the Cliquetionary and I would recommend it to anyone that is a fan of "The Clique" series.

~ Emma, Sherwood

Passion by Lauren Kate

2011-07-07T12:08:00.001-04:00

Although the book is somewhat predictable, I love the use of historical events/cultures in it. As Luce travel through time to find the truth, she enters some very different time periods in different parts of the world and many different ancient cultures are featured. Now that time travelling is over, I can't wait til the final book of the series, Rapture, to come out.

~ Lydia L, Terryberry

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

2010-08-27T12:14:00.002-04:00

At first I thought this book was going to be scary, disturbing and bad...but I was wrong. I figured I would read it and decide then because it was one of the 6 books and I saw alot of good reviews about it so I just decided why not. It was amazing, like Stephanie Myer's Twilight series but also the complete opposite. Not vampires, fallen angels. But they did meet in biology class and something else but I won't say what. It was intriguing, mysterious and exciting. I love the way you think you know what's going to happen but then it's almost the complete opposite. The next book I just ordered and am so excited to read it. By the way I finished the book in one morning. Ya I'm a book worm but still I've never finished a book that long in one morning. I couldn't put it down for more than like 30 mintues. :)

Alainna, age 13, Ancaster

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

2010-08-26T13:50:00.000-04:00

This book was about a 16 year-old teenager named Thomas. The book starts off uniquely with Thomas sitting in the corner of a box, alone, scared, and confused. Then the box comes to an abrupt halt and Thomas is introduced to the life of a "Glader." People explain to him that they have a maze surrounding "the Glade" (where Thomas is living) and that for two years then have attempted to solve the maze but have not yet succeeded. For some reason, a few people despise him even though he has done no harm to them. But when he finally thinks he has settled in, people referred to as "Maze Runners" come running in from the entrances to the maze and they somehow seem familair. The next day, a girl came in from the box. This was unheard of because they only received a new Glader every month and their was never a girl. After she arrives the book takes you on an adventure that, personally, was truly amazing. Thomas discovers new terrible things and has th e Gladers future in his hands. The author came up with fantastic creative ideas and I reccommend this book to everyone.

Filip, age 12, Saltfleet

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

2010-08-26T11:43:00.000-04:00

This book is amazing. I thought that it would be another boring book about some crazy people who discover they can see ghosts but it wasn't. Chloe is sent to a group home where she discovers some seccrets that suggest the kids at the home are there for a reason; that it isn't a coincidence that supernaturals have ended up there. can she figure it out with the help of the others or are they doomed to a life of torture and hardships?

Brooke, age 14, Carlisle

The Carlyles by Cecily Von Ziegesar

2010-08-25T16:49:00.000-04:00

This book is an add on of the series Gossip Girl. I enjoyed those books and I enjoy this series too. I would recommend this book to any teen that liked the Gossip Girl series and like to read about fictional exciting life.

Alanna, age 14, Sherwood

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2010-08-25T16:47:00.000-04:00

This book is Phenomenal. Katniss shows strength, intelligence, and compassion and is a great example of what amazing character development looks like. Written with a fast-pace plot, the romance between Katniss and Peeta and Katniss and Gale makes this book addicting. Impossible to put down which is why "The Hunger Games" series are my favourite books to read. "we are not just beautiful, we are dark and powerful." (-Katniss Everdeen Pg. 212) this line in the book perfectly describes her character and this book.

Elizabeth, age 14, Turner Park

Babymouse: Skater Girl by Jennifer L. Holm

2010-08-25T16:40:00.000-04:00

This book is a must read book. A girl mouse named Babymouse loves to ice skate. At school she noticed that she doesn't have her own trophy. One day, when Babymouse was skating, Coach Bearnakova saw Babymouse skating and said Babymouse has talnet and wants to coach her. When Babymouse starts practices every morning before school and after school and at the end, she wanted to quit. She missed eating cupcakes. She missed hang out with her friends, reading books, and just skating for fun. She didn't need a trophy for that. At the end, her friends made her a trophy for Best Babymouse. This book was awesome.

Sarah, age 13, Sherwood

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

2010-08-25T15:36:00.002-04:00

Micah is a liar. She lies about everything and to everyone. When her kind-of boyfriend is found dead, her lies start to unravel around her. She needs to keep her family's secrets though and to do that, she needs to lie. All she wants to do is tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth..........with a few lies along the way,

Taylor, age 18, Stoney Creek

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

2010-08-25T13:29:00.004-04:00

Aislinn is in her final year of high school. Her life is near perfect, she is planning to go to college, has a great relationship with her grandmother and an even bettter one with Seth. But she has the abillity to see faeries, always has. Her entire life has revolved around following a few simple rules and the fearies leave her alone. But now all the rules have changed and she is being stalked by two very powerful fearies. Everything she has known is changing and she is not sure why. What she does know is that she has to figure out what is happening quickly or she may lose everything and most importantly, Seth, forever.

This was a pretty good book. It was a cute love story, full of faery magic and slight humour. The beginning was off to a slow start and I thought the story was slightly predictable. But over all I liked it and am planning on reading the second

Clarissa, age 16, Terryberry

Heartless

2010-08-24T12:12:00.000-04:00

This installment in the pretty Little Liars series is just like all the other books; filled with secrets, stories and suspicion. The girls just saw Ali, but nobody will believe them. A sends Emily to Langcaster, raises suspicions about Spencer's family, Hannah lands up in a mental institution, and Aria visits a medium, who has another take on Ali's murder. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Kelsey, age 15, Carlisle

The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

2010-08-24T11:49:00.000-04:00

I really enjoyed this book, it was actually quite a relatable story with the way the characters were, especially the best friends. You could almost picture yourself as one of the characters and that's one of the reason's i really like Elizabeth Scott's books because she writes about characters that are easily relatable.

Kayla, age 18, Red Hill

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

2010-08-24T11:47:00.000-04:00

Annabel is a model whose life seems perfect, but after a fight with her best friend she finds herself alone and friendless. Then she meets Owen, also a loner, who is obsessed with music and has his own radio show. Owen is always completely honest, with Annabel and everyone else. As their friendship grows he helps her and encourages her to speak out about what happened to her when she and Sophie had their fight. But Annabel doesn't just have her friendship problems to deal with;she has family issues as well. This book is about learning to be honest and not judging people. It's about friendship, family and love. I definitely enjoyed reading it, as I do all of Sarah Dessen's books.

Sarah, age 15, Terryberry

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

2010-08-24T11:42:00.000-04:00

Once again, the fanatical Darkest Powers Series by the Canadian renowned author Kelley Armstrong has finally put the ending to the series. Was the last book a good way to finish the series. In same ways yes and in others no. First of all,in my opinion, some more action could have happened, I mean there is a good amount, but I craved for me, being the last of the series, however their is an extremely shocking thing that happens in the book that no one, not even the characters, are prepared for. Kelley, the last book was great, but it wasn't exactly what I was expecting

Meaghan, age 16, Bookmobile site

Dark Visions: The Possessed by L.J Smith

2010-08-24T11:41:00.000-04:00

The Possessed is the second book in the Dark Visions series by L.J Smith and much better than the first, The Strange Power.

Kaitlyn and her friends have escaped Zetes Institute and on the run from him. The five teens are looking for a place they have visited in their dreams that seems to be a safe house for them to lodge in. While searching for the house strange occurrences happen such as emotions running wild, a strange coldness and odour and haunting dreams of people without faces.

I absolutely loved The Possessed! It was a little slow at first but become nail biting and suspenseful, even the characters become a little more in depth! If you weren't satisfied with The Strange Power read on in the series! It only gets better!

Sarah, age 16, Bookmobile site

The Declaration by Gemma Malley

2010-08-23T10:23:00.000-04:00

Gemma Malley creates a futuristic world in which the key to immoratality is held with a pill called Longevity. The only catch is that no one is allowed to have children if they are on the drug. Anna has grown up at Grange Hall, taught to hate her parents. She will spend her life being a "valuable asset", living a life of strict rules and serving society, a punishment she must pay for her parents breaking the biggest rule of all and bringing her into the world. But then, Anna meets Peter, a strange boy who causes her to question all that she has been taught to believe. This is a heartwrenching book that warns us of the consequences of chasing eternal life and trying to use science to beat nature.

Hailey, age 16, Ancaster

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

2010-08-23T10:21:00.000-04:00

This book was simply phenominal. There were amazing illustrations and the plot was also very good. The concept of the book was very creative and I definitely enjoyed the book. This book takes place in an alternate world war 1 where there are sophisticated machines able to move and fire guns and cannons. These people are so called 'Clankers'. They are against 'Darwinists'. These people can wield different animals into one using DNA. One of the largest of these animals is a giant ship that can fly. This ship is called the Leviathan. Now, the story revolves around two charecters, Alek and Deryn. Alek's father has been murdered and he now has to survive inside a giant walking tank with his most trusted mentors. Bit by bit he has to survive to Switzerland and once he reaches there, he is faced with more trouble. Deryn is a girl who wants to join the Britsh Air Service but can't because of her gender. She lies her way on and joins the crew of the le viathan. She is also faced with a lot of trouble and when a german attack sends them spiraling down, Alek is close by. The two meet and become good friends. Even then they are faced with hardships. This book is awesome and I would recommend it to everyone.

Dhruv, age 13, Valley Park

Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez

2010-08-23T09:30:00.002-04:00

Really good book. First in the series by Marlene Perez. It's about a teenage girl named Daisy who has a psychic family minus her dad who disappeared. But when her mom needs help on a case Daisy jumps right in. A vampire is sucking the souls out of cheerleaders, who will be next, Daisy who just joined or someone else? To make it even more confusing her best friend and her start dating. Amazing plot! Totally unexpected. Kept me hanging, from beginning to end.

Alainna, age 13, Ancaster

Feral by Bev Cooke

2010-08-22T11:36:00.001-04:00

This is a great book. Filled with unique views of a subway cat's life, and on humans, it tells the story so that you know whats going on, but can also see that the cat doesn't understand everything around her in the same way. It doesn't avoid events that are real to life, and it teaches a lesson that needs to be read, and heard.

Hanna, age 14, Sherwood

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

2010-08-22T10:25:00.003-04:00

Everyone in Uglyville waits until they turn 16 to get the operation that will turn you into a prettier and more popular person, also known as "Pretties." Tally used to be one of these people, until she meets another ugly named Shay- who doesn't want to become pretty. Tally soon figures out that not only does the operation change what you look like, but also how you think. Soon, Shay runs away to the Smoke, a secret village for people 16+ who don't want to become pretty. But as soon as she does, Tally realizes there is more to the world than just uglies and pretties- another group of people called speacials- who want the smoke destroyed. Will Tally follow Shay and risk all of their lives, or choose to turn pretty?

Samna, age 12, Ancaster

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

2010-08-21T11:22:00.003-04:00

This book is awesome. However, it is really creepy. Patch as a character is scary and dangerous, and seems to have an unhealthy interest in Nora. Throughout the story, he becomes endearing, even lovable, but the mystery of who he really is and what he will do is always there. The book contains a lot of Biblical knowledge about the fallen angels of Genesis, and their half-human descendents, the Nephilim. Nora is trying to figure out how everything fits into the equation when her life is threatened from all sides. You are kept guessing about who the "good guys" and "bad guys" really are until the very end. This book is great for fantasy and supernatural fans.

Kristen, age 16, Waterdown

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

2010-08-21T11:18:00.001-04:00

I found that the City of Ember was a very interesting and amazing book. Jeanne DuPrau found a way to grab the audience and make them feel as if the were on the journey trying to discover the new world. It is about a girl named Lina Mayfleet and her Friend Doon Harrow. When Lina's Grandmother is searching through their closet one day she finds an old box with a note inside. Without knowing what it was, she pushed it to the side for Poppy, Lina's younger sister to destroy. After weeks of trying to discover the message, Lina realizes that it is the directions to get back above ground and leave Ember. As the two friends try to escape they find some interesting things like the mayor living in the supply closet, eating everyones food. When LIna and Doon report that to security they find themselves WANTED for telling lies about the mayor (even though it is all true.) Now they have to escape from Ember and make sure that they stay out of the gu ards reach. At the end of the book, Lina, Doon and Poppy find the new world but they can not stop wondering if anyone else will find the escape route or if they will be living alone forever. I really enjoyed reading this novel and I found that once I picked it up i had a very hard time putting it down. I hope to read the sequels to the City of Ember very soon and I hope I will enjloy them as much as I enjoyed this.

Daniela, age 12, Ancaster

Guardians of Ga'Hoole: The war of the ember by Kathryn Lasky

2010-08-21T10:13:00.003-04:00

I love this book! It was absolutly out standing and remarkable! In this book it builds suspence and inticipation on wjat will happen at the end of the war. The questions people would ask them selves are: Will any body from the good owls get hurt? Will the puffins gain all thier intelligence to fight? Will Nyra be defeated with the striga? and maany more in the end it is a really really good series for all age groups and I would recomend this book to people who want a change from vampires!

Also I cant wait for the movie because if it is as good as the books it will be remarkable!

Maggie, age 12, Kenilworth

Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler

2010-08-21T09:19:00.002-04:00

I really liked this book! It was full of love, danger, and mystery! Ivy is a seventeen year old girl, who's world changes dramatically after the death of her highschool lover Tristan, and she has sworn to live a life without believing in angels. Day by day, she goes on, missing everything about him, oblivious that he is watching her and is right by her side. Literally. Tristan is now her guardian angel. He has to protect her, but can't touch her. He has to warn her, but can't talk to her. He has to make her believe in angels once more to save her, but can't convince her. Now that his killer is after her, Ivy is in more danger than ever before. She knows that in the end, she has to let go to what she desires most and welcome new love back in.

Symone, age 13, Bookmobile site

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

2010-08-20T10:12:00.000-04:00

Marcus, a video game addict and hacker, experiences things never expected from his perspective and from a reader's perpective. After a terrorist attack in San Francisco, Marcus is taken to jail and interrogated because he (and his friends) were in the area of the terroist attack at the time. After days of interrogating, he is finally released. He then starts a rebellious group against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) , the people who arrested him on his video game console. It doesn't take long for things to get crazy, and for Marcus to realize that the DHS is doing illegal things. He is forced to try to take down the DHS in an unreal and amazing book.

Filip, age 12, Saltfleet

The Night Dance by Suzanne Weyn

2010-08-20T10:10:00.000-04:00

Rowena and her eleven sisters have been trapped in the castle for years. Their father is afraid they will run away like his wife did. Rowena the youngest finds away to get out and each night her and her sisters dance in the magical forest. When their father sees that there shoes are ruined each night he knows they have been escaping. He posts a challange for all suiters in the kingdom. Whoever find out where they have been going first will get to marry one.

I liked this book but i think it was too much of a fantasy book for me. But for anyone who loves all fantasy books they will love it

Brittney, age 14, Terryberry

Plastic by Sarah N Harvey

2010-08-20T10:08:00.000-04:00

This was one of the Orca Publisher books that i love. it was about a boy named jack who stands up against cosmetic surgeons operating on teens when he finds out his best friend leah is having plastic surgery for her 16th birthday. it was really good and the ending was unexpected.

Katy, age 13, Saltfleet

Ranger's Apprentice Book 7: Erak's Ransom by John Flanagan

2010-08-20T10:05:00.001-04:00

First off Erak's Ransom is not really the seventh book in the series. It's really more of book 4 and a half as its storyline falls into the time when Will is almost at the point when he will become a full fledged ranger of the kingdom. Its's writing and plot are on par with the other books in the series which is to say excellent and the characters still remain fresh and diverse. Rating 9.5/10

Tyler, age 14, Kenilworth

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

2010-08-18T14:35:00.000-04:00

In the final book of the trilogy, the four friends are finally in a house, warm and safe. As they try to figure out there powers and are trained by other supernaturals. As the adults come to realize just how powerful the kids are, they find they need to act fast. As the kids themselves do further investigation, they find that things may not always be as they seem.

Taylor, 18, Stoney Creek

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

2010-08-18T10:26:00.006-04:00

This book was an easy fun read. Although I was not expecting much from this book it actually had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. This is the second book in the Gallagher Girls series. Cammie and her friends are sent on a mission for one of their classes and after that everything changes. The plot is fast paced with many unexpected surprises that leads you to believe that one person is responsible for everything instead of the true culprit. This was a great book that I would recommend to anyone looking for an easy and exciting read.

Brooke, age 14, Carlisle

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

2010-08-18T09:54:00.000-04:00

Kelly Winslow is seventeen and on her own in New York City trying to develope her career in acting. She has the leading role as a fairy queen in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. Unexpectedly she meets Sonny Flannery who slowly, and much to Kelly's despise, tells her that the world of Faeries does exist and that she plays a huge role in it. There is plotting and feelings of destruction coming from the Faerie Kings and Queens, which will heavily impact the human world, in a negative way. Kelly needs to embrace that faeries exist and learn to work with Sonny if she wants to save not only herself but the rest of the human world too.

I really enjoed this book. It was extremely captivating. This one is definitely a page-turner, there are unexpected twists around every corner. A really cute story that leaves me wanting to read the second book at this very moment.

Clarissa, age 16, Terryberry

Thirteen Reasons Why

2010-08-17T10:33:00.001-04:00

I loved this book it was so sad and smart and the whole time he's listening to these tapes you want to find out more and listen to the next one just so you can figure it out and figure out why he's on one of the tapes. It was such a sweet and sad book and it made me feel all types of emotion; sadness, anger, happy but mostly it was a really sad book and if you want a book that will make you cry this is one of 'em.

Kayla, age 18, Red Hill

Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan

2010-08-17T10:26:00.000-04:00

In this fascinating vampire tale a regular boy named Darren Shan goes to a freak show with his best friend ever and later, after a change of events, becomes a half vampire an the vampire assistant to a vampire named mr. Crepsly, the vampire who blooded Darren. Darren now has to learn to cope with his powers and learn to exept them. What will happen to poor Darren, read to find out.

Lyndsey, age 12, Kenilworth

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

2010-08-17T10:23:00.000-04:00

Chloe Saunders just wanted to be a normal teenage girl, but when she starts seeing ghosts, she realizes that would never happens. Ghosts are everywhere, asking for her help. She isn't sure what to do, and when she finally breaks down one day in school, Chloe is sent off to a group home for disturbed kids. When she starts to get to know the other kids there, though, she realizes they don't have your average mental problems, but superpowers. And the group home, named "The Lyle House", have somthing dangerous planned for them all...

Samna, age 12, Ancaster

That Summer by Sarah Dessen

2010-08-17T10:21:00.000-04:00

Everything in Haven's life is changing. Her parents' divorce, her father's new wife, her sister's wedding and her own continued growth (six feet and counting) leave Haven struggling to find out who she is and what her place is in this new life. Then there's her sister Ashley's old boyfriend, Sumner Lee, and Haven can't stop thinking about the summer when everything seemed perfect.

This novel has good characters and the writing is great too, but I was disappointed by it. This was Sarah Dessen's first novel and my least favourite. There was nothing in it that caught my attention and made me want to keep reading. I could have stopped reading this book at any point and I wouldn't have been left wondering about anything, because nothing significant had happened. I would recommend reading Sarah Dessen's other books before this one.
Sarah, 15, Terryberry

Old Magic by Marianne Curley

2010-08-17T10:15:00.000-04:00

Kate is not your normal teenager. Both her and her grandmother, Jillian, have special gifts. In the small town of Ashpeak, Kate is shunned from any kind of social standing. Many are scared and refer to her as a witch, everyone except her best friend Hannah. But she meets Jarrod. Jarrod is unique not only in appearances but Kate believes he also has the gift. The only problem is he is completely unaware of his magic. Kate has to make Jarrod understand about his gift to ensure his and everyone else's saftey and along the way the two of them uncover a secret that will change Jarrod's life forever.

I really liked this book. It had everything a good story needs. Comedy, romance, alittle of the paranormal, action and even time travel. This is definitely a well rounded novel. I really enjoyed reading this, it left me wanting a second book but I don't think there is going to be a sequel. It was still a fantastic read and I highly recommend it.

Clarissa, age 16, Terryberry

Maze Runner by James Dashner

2010-08-17T10:13:00.000-04:00

I thought the book was alright, it wasn't as spectacular as i thought it was going to be. I think this was because i have heard so many people rave about it that i had this idea of how fantastic it would be, only to be disappointed. Then again, maybe it's not my type of book?

Also, I felt that this book was like a preview for the second book; preparing the readers for what is to come. Maybe the second book will be better know that the reader has background knowledge.

Catching Fire is still the best book i've read.

Amanda, age 18, Terryberry

The Cute Book by Aranzi Aronzo

2010-08-15T12:57:00.007-04:00

The Cute Book by Aranzi Aronzo isn't exactly a read. It's actually a pattern book for making these adorable little plush animals. It might sound hard, but it is such a simple book that anyone could do it even children (with the help of an adult of course). This book will never bore you, because even when you're done making the plush animals, there's suggestions on what else you can use them for, like key chains, t-shirts, bags, etc. The materials needed for each project is felt, thread, a needle and creativity! Each animal is simple and cute and perfect to make for any gift. They are so fun to make and adorable to keep. Your friends will all want you to make them one of these cute bundles.

Gabrielle, age 18, Sherwood

Maze Runner by James Dashner

2010-08-11T13:50:00.007-04:00

This was one of the best books I have read in a long time. It is about Thomas, a boy who finds himself in a place called the Glade, and he doesn't remember anything about his past or how he got there. He finds that there is no exit, only a mysterious, ever-changing maze and there are Grievers, dangerous beasts. As Thomas and the other boys search for an exit, the book is filled with surprises and twists that keep you on your toes.

Kelsey, age 15, Carlisle