I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

Ally Carter

Hyperion 2006

Summary

Cammie Morgan is a spy in training--and she likes it. Until one day she meets an ordinary boy and falls head over heels. Except there's only one problem, she isn't an ordinary girl, she's a super genius, knows fourteen different languages, can kill a man seven different ways with her bare hands, and is pretty much everything this boy isn't. The question is, how does she keep up a relationship with this guy, keep it from the teachers at school, and pass all her classes? Cammie has to decide that one for herself, and she learns a lot along the way.

Personal Review

I finished this book in two days. This was a very cute book that really dove into the teenage girl life, and the things that every girl has to go through, like relationships, mother/daughter relationships, friendships, really cute teachers that don't want you to pass the class, and just growing up. Although I was a little confused sometimes as to what was happening, but other than that it was a really cute book that any teenage girl would enjoy. I also really liked how clean it was. And it was pretty funny too.

Cautionary Notes

There a few swear words in the book.

Uglies

Uglies

Scott Westerfeld

Scholastic 2005

Summary

Ever since Peris turned, Tally has been counting the days when she turns sixteen. See in the city where Tally lives once you turn sixteen you have an operation that makes you pretty. And Tally is tired of being an Ugly. She wants to go with Peris and all their friends in Pretty Town. But then Tally meets Shay. Shay has different ideas about becoming a Pretty. So when one night Shay disappears the government comes in and tells Tally that unless she wants to be turned pretty she's gonna have to track down her friend and bring her back. Tally has to decide between her friend or staying ugly forever--until there's an even bigger decision to make.

Personal Review

This is one of my new favorite books! Holy cow, it was soooooooo good! Before I started to read it I thought that I wouldn't like it, but I was wrong! Once I started reading I couldn't stop. Not only is the story line good, but the message is outstanding! I loved how Westerfeld got the message of being beautiful isn't everything you think it is, out there by using an amazing story that would entertain anyone.

Cautionary Notes

There are a couple swear words, and there is some violence and threats.

Godless

Godless

Pete Hautman

Simon Pulse 2004

Summary

Jason Bock doesn't believe in God. He doesn't believe in anything, until one day Henry "knocks" some sense into him, literally. Flat on his back, Jason stares up at the underbelly of the water tower and realizes that it's god. He then forms his own religion with a couple kids from around town who are bored that summer. But soon things start getting out of hand when Jason realizes that he can't control all his members, and some of them might want to do things that aren't authorized in their "commandments."

Personal Review

This book was a quick read. However, I didn't like it too much. For some reason it didn't hold my interested, and just seemed like the storyline wasn't really going anywhere and Jason wasn't really learning anything too important. Although I will give it this, this book was extremely funny at some parts.

Cautionary Notes

This book deals with questioning religion, so anyone that has a problem with that shouldn't read this. There is also bullying, slight nudity, and a few swear words.

Schooled

Schooled

Gordon Korman

Scholastic 2007

Summary

Capricorn Anderson is a weird name, but that's not the only thing that's weird about him. He wears tie-dyed shirts, has never had a hair cut, knows all about the 60s, doesn't know how to open a locker, has never watched TV, and has never seen a fight, when he sets foot for the first time in the 'real world'. To top it all off he was nominated for 8th grade president at C Average Middle School. When he gets elected he doesn't know what to do. Lucky he's made some "friends" to help him along the way. With each chapter told from a different point of view, this book is filled with Cap's, and 1100 other student's adventures at C Average Middle School.

Personal Review

First of all, I laughed through pretty much this whole book! Second of all, I didn't want to put this book down, it was so good! I loved the whole message of the book, even though I'm not exactly sure what it was. It might be that even though we don't live in the 60s, we should still uphold their values of peace and what not. Actually friendship and acceptance was a huge theme in this book, and that really touched me. What I also thought was so cool was how Cap, a kid stuck in the 60s, was able to influence so many people for the better and really change their lives around. This is a great book for middle school kids, that is light, funny, and has an awesome message in it!

Cautionary Notes

There is bullying and a little violence as well as pranks and practical jokes.

Trouble

Trouble
Gary D. Schmit
Houghton Mifflin 2008

Summary
Henry's brother, Franklin, is struck by a car one night, and is mortally injured. The driver of the car is a Cambodian refugee, Chay, who attends the same high school as Franklin. Instantly Henry's family starts to fall a part, and people in their small town in Massachusetts start to harass Chay and his family. That's when Henry decides to climb Mt. Katahdin. He and Franklin had been planning on climbing it, so why should Henry stop just because Franklin can't come anymore? Along the way he meets up with Chay who has problems of his own. This story is about love, acceptance, forgiveness and facing the truth.

Personal Review
I LOVED this book! It was very well written and kept me turning pages until I got to the end. Schmit is a vivid writer, and I felt some of the relationships that were severed and made in this book. Although one thing I felt was missing was really getting to know Henry. I felt that Schmidt didn't let us into his mind enough. Although this could have been done so readers focused on the emotions more, or other things in the book. Overall it was an excellent book with an excellent message.

Cautionary Notes
I don't think there are any swear words, but I could be wrong. There is violence and harassment as well as a family dealing with a tragedy.

Everytime a Rainbow Dies

Everytime a Rainbow Dies
Rita Williams-Garcia

Summary
Thulani doesn't like to interact with people. His friends and life are is doves which he keeps on his roof. Until one day when he sees a girl being raped in the ally below. After saving her he looks for her, seeks her out. He's fascinated by her. She draws him away from his doves and out into the streets of Brooklyn. At first she rejects him, but soon she starts to accept him. But their lives are leading them into different directions. Will Thulani have the strength to let go?

Personal Review

This book was okay. It was a great story, and I loved the characters. The growing up and changing that Thulani did was very well done as well. However, I didn't like the content of the story. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, and I wouldn't read it again.

Cautionary Notes
There is some language in this book, as with a lot of sexual content.

Freewill

Freewill

Chris Lynch

Summary

Told through the inner dialog of Will, a seventeen-year-old boy who is going through trauma because of his parents death, this story is very confusing. Will is going to a school designed for kids that have been through traumatic experiences. He is put in a woodworking class, although he insists that he should be a polite. He none-the-less carves what his teacher tells him to carve. But soon he starts to car totem poles, which end up at the sight where mysterious teen deaths occur. Will soon starts to believe that he is somehow responsible for these deaths.

Personal Review

I didn't like this book at all. I couldn't follow it very well. I didn't understand exactly what was happening, or even how it ended. I felt that the ending didn't come. It just ended with nothing. I felt that Will was a very unreliable narrator, especially as it got closer and closer to the end, and I believe that in itself was why it was so confusing, because Will didn't seem to know what was going on.

Cautionary Notes

This book deals with death, and also has swearing in it.

Touching Spirit Bear

Touching Spirit Bear

Ben Mikaelsen

Harper Trophy 2001

Summary

Cole Matthews is the bully in his hometown. He's been causing havoc for years. It goes too far one day when he beats another kids up so badly that the kid has to be hospitalized. Cole is then, by choice, exiled to an island in Alaska. Cole doesn't want to deal with his anger, and in consequence is mauled by a mysterious white Spirit Bear. After he nearly dies he has two choices: 1) continue to be angry with the world 2) change. But the question is, will he be given a second chance?

Personal Review

I personally really liked this book. It has a great message in it about anger management. Sometimes it's not worth it to become angry. I also love the message about how other people in your life can influence you for the good or bad. In this book it shows both, and it's really neat to see Cole realize this and watch him choose who he will listen to. I love the battle he has with fighting his anger, because you can apply that to any bad habit anyone has. This is a really great book that I think every teenager should read.

Cautionary Notes

There is violence, teens with bad attitudes, bullying to the extent of beating someone up, and there are a couple swear words.

Nicola and the Viscount

Nicola and the Viscount

Meg Cabot

Avon 2002

Summary

Nicola, an orphan growing up in Brittan in the early 1800's, is "blown like a thistle in the wind." At first she likes it, because well, let's face it, she's somehow caught the attention of the most handsome and rich bachelor in the world, Lord Sebastian Bartholomew. She doesn't know how she did it, but she did, and is looking forward to a life of eternal bliss, until one day her best friend's brother, Nathaniel, casts doubt on Lord Sebastian's character. The question is does Nicola believe what Nathaniel says about her beloved Lord Sebastian, and if she does, what is she going to do about it?

Personal Review

This book is Meg Cabot for you...full of teenage girl romance-fluff. The language she uses in this book is very romantic. It's the kind of language you might find in a Marcia Lynn McClure book--"Take me in your arms and kiss me!" I personally didn't like it all that much, just because I think it gives girls the wrong idea of what love really is, even though Nicola eventually gets her wits back and realizes what she's gotten herself into, and what love really is. I also think it's a little cheesy and predictable. Overall, it's good for a light, fluffy read, but other than that, there's nothing too deep in it.

Cautionary Notes

There might be a few swear words in the book. Lord Sebastian and his father are also rude to some people.

Wintergirls

Wintergirls
Laurie Halse Anderson

Summary
Lia gets up in the morning, goes to school, sometimes, and pretends to have friends. She also weighs less than 100 pounds. To do this she doesn't eat. She must hide this from her mom, dad and step-mother. She has to act like her life is normal, even though everyone watches her like a hawk. To top it off, she blames herself for Cassie's, her former best friend, death. Everyone around Lia thinks that if she doesn't improve her eating habits then she'll go the same way as Cassie. What's scary is that soon Lia realizes that this is true. Wintergirls is about girls dealing with eating disorders. This book is very real to life, and something that every girl needs to read regardless of if they have serious eating disorders. Because it's not only about eating disorders, but about the way you see yourself. Lia thinks she's ugly, fat, and that no one likes her. She doesn't see what other people see. She doesn't see that she's hurting herself.


Personal Review
I absolutely loved this book. I never really realized what a big deal anorexia was until I read this book. I never realized how easily a friendship could be severed over the littlest things. I think that this book can really speak to those people who are hanging with the wrong friends. Are they dragging you down, or lifting you up? Are they making you think good things about you, or bad things? I really can't express how much I loved this book, and how it really opened my eyes to things that are going on today, things that, until now, I didn't realize how big of a problem they were.

Cautionary Notes
There is swearing, teenage cutting, mention of girl stuff, and brief suggestion of sex. This book is also about anorexia, and bulimia is mentioned as well. This book also deals with death.

What Laurie Halse Anderson has to say about Wintergirls

Love, Football, and Other Contact Sports

Love, Football, and Other Contact Sports

Alden R. Carter

Holiday House 2006

Summary

Everyone at Argyle West High School has a story...well not really a story, more like a personality. Carter portrays high school life, the bad and good, by telling short stories through different kids point of view. Every story is different, but most of them build on each other. Join Kenny, Rollin, Sarah, Don, the Doughnut, Bill, and many others in these humorous tales, as they try to do the right thing as their going through high school, and playing a little football on the sidelines, and falling in love.

Personal Review

This was good, easy read. However, I thought the stories would be a little more interconnected with each other, and I was kind of disappointed that the characters weren't very well developed. Some of the main characters seemed to have similar personalities. Although I loved the humor. If I wasn't in the library I would have been laughing out loud the entire time. I also loved how Carter portrayed some football players as dim witts, but nice at the same time...but hey, I am a dancer. :)

Cautionary Notes

Some swearing, mention of necking, and bullying.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

J.K. Rowling

Random House 2007

Summary

It's Harry's last year at Hogwarts, except he's not going to Hogwarts, he's going to search for Horcurxs with Ron and Hermione. While trying to figure out where the Horcurxs are, he's being searched by Lord Voldemort and half the wizarding community. Along the way he faces challenges and decisions that most seventeen year olds don't have to face. He comes face to face with death a time or two. In the end he has to dig deep for the courage he has to have in order to defeat Lord Voldemort.

Personal Review

I listened to this one CD, and I love Jim Dale, who does the reading. He brings all the characters to life--to even more life then they already are. I loved looking from this book to the last one and see how the characters change and grow. Harry doesn't have a mentor now to answer all his questions about his job, he has to figure it out on his own, and no one else is going to tell him what to do.

Cautionary Notes

There is swearing, violence, dark magic, death, and that's about it.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

E. Lockhart

Disney-Hyperion 2008

Summary

Frankie is known as Bunny Rabbit by her family, an innocent little girl starting her Sophomore year at Alabaster. But she's not innocent at all. When she find out about her popular senior boyfriend's secret society for males only, she's determined to put a stop to her innocent self. Soon Matthew, Frankie's boyfriend, isn't the only one who has secrets. Why does Frankie do this? You're going to have to find out on your own.

Personal Review

At first this novel intrigued me. It was thought out, and I loved how a lot of things, like certain kinds of words, were compared to Frankie. It would be really fun to go back and analyze everything in the book. However, it seemed that some parts were a little drawn out, and it didn't exactly end with a bang. It was however a fun read. I liked Frankie's character, although I thought everyone elses, except Alpha's were stock characters. This story was largely about Frankie fighting against society, and I was kind of hoping that it would branch out a bit into other people's characters. However, I'm not the author. The way it was written was very good.

Cautionary Notes

There's mention of the menstrual cycle, birth control, sex, girls underclothing and underage drinking and smoking. There are also numerous pranks that are pulled in this book.

Number the Stars

Number the Stars

Lois Lowry

Laurel-Leaf 1989

Summary

Annemarie Johansen is ten years old, and living in German-occupied Denmark in 1943. Her best friend is a Jew. When the Nazi's start rounding up the Jews Annemarie has to decide whether she can be brave and help save Ellen. She must dig down deep within her to be courageous when she faces danger, and what could turn into death.

Personal Review

This is a very short easy read I would recommend it to younger teens. The characters were very well done, especially Kirisi, Annemarie's little sister. I fell in love with all the characters, and I loved how Lowry did Annemarie. She had courage, but she didn't realize she had it until after she used it. And that's the part I loved the best.

Cautionary Notes

The Lord's name is taken in vain a couple times at the end, and the 'D' word is used. There is also mention of violence that the Nazi's inflict upon people. Nothing is graphic though. Overall the book is very clean.

WAR IS...

WAR IS...

Ed: Marc Aronson and Patty Campbell

Candlewick Press 2008

Summary

War is... is one big story--a story of war in America in the 20th Century. Aronson and Campbell have complied stories, essays and songs from WWI, WWII, Vietnam and The War in Iraq. There are cold facts, opinions and stories. This book will open your eyes to the dangers and stupidity of war, but also make you realize that because Satan is allowed to roam freely here on earth, war is necessary.

Personal Review

I loved War is... It was so powerful and opened my eyes to the horrors of war. Even though it was one long story with one main character, I could hardly put this book down. My favorite parts were the ones with the real stories from WWII, Vietnam and our current war. I would suggest this book to anyone who is even THINKING about joining the armed forces. They have to know what they're getting into.

After reading this book I realized that war is REALLY bad. But I also understand that war is necessary. There has been war since before the world was created, because Satan rebelled, and since then war hasn't stopped. Man has not stopped hating each other. In my opinion it is only right to fight a war when as Captain Moroni stated: "In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, or wives and our children." Only things will "qualify" us to go to war.

Cautionary Notes:
This book is about war, so there are some graphic sense's in it. There is also swearing in some articles, and one story deals with women soldiers and how they handles sexual abuse.

the first part last

the first part last

Angela Johnson

Simon Pulse 2003

Summary

Bobby turns sixteen. His birthday present? He find out he's going to be a father. He doesn't run though, and the doesn't hide. His life stops when he learns that he alone must take care of his daughter, Feather. Bobby's life fades into memories as he takes on the responsibility of being a teenage father. As aablc.com puts it: "With powerful language and keen insight, Johnson tells the story of a young man's struggle to figure out what "the right thing" is and then to do it. The result is a gripping portrayal of a single teenage parenthood from the point of view of a young on the threshold of becoming a man."

Personal Review

I thought that this book was very well written, and it held my interest. If finished this book within about three hours, and I had to force myself to put it down. I love how Johnson shows a young man trying to make the right decisions for him and his little girl, even though he's messed up in the past, and even though he still sometimes slips. I will admit that at some parts I felt a little uncomfortable with some of the language, and the content, but was happy it didn't go too far.

Cautionary Notes

This book is largely about teen pregnancy, and the responsibility that must be dealt with being a teen parent. It does have kissing scenes in it, and it suggests that they do more. It also has a lot of swearing.

Up a Road Slowly

Up a Road Slowly

Irene Hunt

Follett Publishing 1966

Summary

Julie Trelling is seven when her mom dies and she is sent to live with her strict Aunt Cordelia. At first Julie finds it hard to live under her aunts care. Julie describes her as "inflexible" one time, and in an ever changing world, sometimes "inflexible" isn't the way to go, according to Julie. She learns however, that her aunt isn't a bad person, and within the course of ten years of living under her watchful eye, Julie might learn a few things from Aunt Cordelia. Things like cleaning, promptness, and even love.

Personal Review

It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did I absolutely loved it. I love how Hunt can take a simple character with a simple life, and make it a grand story. Hunt leads us carefully through Julie's life. We experience Julie's sorrow's and happiness, her wrong doings, and her triumphs. That is probably one thing I love most about this book, is that her character's are real. Each one of them have faults, faults that they must learn to overcome and learn from.

Cautionary Notes

There might have been a couple swear words.

The Lottery Rose

The Lottery Rose

Irene Hunt

Summary

Georgie lives in the slums of Tampa, Florida. His mother's lover beats him regularly, which turns Georgie into a bully. At school his teacher is mean to him, and he isn't permitted to show what he can really do. Then one day he wins a rose bush at a raffle, and everything changes. He is shipped off to Catholic school where he meets new friends, and blossoms like a rose bush. The only problem is Molly Harper, the mean lady across the street who at first won't let him plant his beautiful rose bush in her garden. Georgie's new problem isn't escaping an abusive man, but instead learning to love and forgive.

Personal Review

The Lottery Rose really touched me. I fell in love with the characters, and I could feel what Georgie was feeling--the hatred, being scared, and the feeling of love that comes to him from the Sisters, his friend Timothy, and his 'little brother' Robin. This book showed me that love really can change a life--it can show people that they can succeed, if they're just loved and allowed to shine.

Cautionary Notes

This book deals with child abuse at the beginning, and it has a few swear words. There is also alcohol in it.

La Linea

La Linea

Ann Jaramillo

Square Fish 2006

Summary

Fifteen-year-old Miguel is finally going north--north to California. There is nothing for him in Mexico, and he wants to reunite with his Papa, Mama and twin sisters whom he's never met before. So he starts his journey north, with the money that Papa sent him. He's not even a day into his journey when he meets complications. First his younger sister, Elena shows up and wants to come with him, then they're almost deported to Guatemala, then robbed, and nearly suffer death multiple times. Miguel realizes that it's his strength that must pull them through--that will get them to California safely.

Personal Review

I believe that this book was printed to make us sympathetic to illegal aliens. I personally do not believe that they should be permitted to stay in America, and this could be one discussion the book arouses. This in itself is a tricky subject, because we are all God's children, so should be helping each other, so should we allow aliens to stay in America because of this? Or is there other ways to help them? By letting them stay here are we giving them a fish, or teaching them how to fish?

However, despite this argument this was a well written book, and opened my eyes to some of the things that people have to go through in order to come to America. I did feel at the end that it kind of lost me in the message it was trying to get across.

Cautionary Notes

There is some violence, and Miguel and Elena do fight some--brother and sister fights.

Locomotion

Locomotion

Jacqueline Woodson

Scholastic 2003

Summary

Eleven-year-old Lonnie Motion writes his thoughts and feelings in poem form. His teacher, Ms.Marcus has her students write poems in class, and Lonnie is a naturalists. It's how he deals with the tragedies in his past, and what's going in his life in the present. It's not easy being on orphan in New York. Locomotion is a book of poems, Lonnie's poems.

Personal Review

This was such a cute book. I loved getting to know Lonnie, and his little sister Lili, and their past; how they cooped with it and how they're getting on with life now. I think that it portrays 5th grade very well, and also how it deals with African Americans, and kids from other nationalities; how kids get along with other kids, and also elementary school crushes. It's just a fun book.

Also a side note: Locomotion proves that one of the best ways to deal with your thoughts and feelings is by writing them down. Either in poem form, like Lonnie did, story form, like I do, or even in a journal. When it's on a page you can see them, and can better understand how to deal with things. It just makes more sense.

Cautionary Notes

There's a poem in the book that deals with bullying.

After the First Death

After the First Death

Robert Cormier

Laurel-Leaf Books 1979

Summary
Told from six different points of view, this book will keep you turning the pages. It starts off with the hijacking of a bus full of five and six year olds, and their driver, Kate, a teenager in the local town. The hijackers, aiming to regain their homeland, want something, and if they don't get it then things will happen that America doesn't want to happen. They will start killing--killing more than they already have been.

Personal Review

This book was a little disturbing. Although I thought it was well done. It was disturbing because one of the points of view was from the youngest hijacker, Miro. As Miro talks, as he thinks, we as the readers start to feel sympathy for him. We start to connect with him. Then it switches to Kate's point of view, and we start to see Miro as a monster. Then there are chapters that are taking place a year and a half after the hijacking, which really makes you start thinking. The content of some the book was a little inappropriate, in my opinion. I thought that some of the swearing could have been eliminated. But Cormier did a wonderful job of keeping the full truth from the readers. You never really knew what was going to happen, if the hijackers were really going to carry out what they say they're going to do, if Kate's plan will work, if Ben will really do what he says he will do.

Cautionary Notes

There is a lot of swearing, and some violence. There is also sensual suggestions and a sensual scene. This book is about terrorists, so it has terrorists activity scenes in it. I would suggest it for older high school kids, not middle school kids!

The Warrior Heir

The Warrior Heir

Cinda Williams Chima

Hyperion Paperback 2006

Summary

Jackson (Jack) Swift is a regular boy growing up in Trinity, Ohio, until the day he forgets to take his medicine, and nearly blows a boy off the soccer field. That's when he finds out he's a Warrior, and warriors, in this magical society that Jack is now a part of, are supposed to fight other warriors to the death. Jack begins his training, and soon finds out that there is a lot more to this magical world than just swinging a sword around and casting a charm here and there. There's murders, secret plots, running, hiding, enemies, and friends turned enemies, and potential enemies turned friends.

Personal Review

This story was very creative, and Chima made you turn page after page to find out what was going to happen next. There was suspense, action, and a little bit of romance as well. The plot had little twists and turns in it as well, which kept me thinking, and on my toes. Somethings that bugged me however, was that Chima didn't explain things to their fullest sometimes, and I was left confused at parts. Also it seemed that I didn't feel what the characters were feeling. Something big would happen, and there would be no response from the characters, especially Jack, which was odd, since this book was told from his point of view in the third person. I was therefore left to fill in some of the gaps. However, despite this, it was an extremely good book.

Cautionary Warning

There are swear words in this book, as well as slight violence, and sometimes the characters describe graphic images.

Does My Head Look Big In This?

Does My Head Look Big In This?

Randa Abdel-Fattah

Orchard Books 2005

Summary

Amal isn't a regular, blend-in-with-the-crowed teenager--although sometimes she wishes she could be. Her religion and beliefs are what "control" her life, or so that's what some people think. For Amal, her Muslim background is a part of her, it's her choice to where the hijab--a symbol of her religion and devotion to God. In her school it's hard to stand strong, with snobby kids taunting and teasing her every corner she turns. Amal must learn to be strong and to dig deep in order to realize why she's really wearing the hijab.

Personal Review

I personally didn't like this book. It didn't seem to have a strong story line or theme in it. It seemed to jump around from one theme to another, and because there were quite a few different little stories going on, it seemed like we lost the main point and message of the book, and instead got a lot of little messages. The characters didn't seem very well developed, although they were all hilarious, and had me laughing sometimes. I also wouldn't recommend this to young teenagers. One thing that I did like however, was how Amal stood up for what she believed in even when the temptation to do otherwise was so strong.

Cautionary Notes:

There were a lot of swear words in here, as well as references to 'girl things' and 'doing the dirty.' There is also drinking and smoking scenes as well. I was personally surprised how much 'bad' stuff there were in this book.

Beast

Beast

Donna Jo Napoli

Simon Pulse 2004

Summary

This unique fairy tale is "Beauty and the Beast" told from the Beast's perspective. It's nothing like Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" though. This story is set in Persia, and because of that the reader learns about Persian customs and beliefs. The beast, himself, is the prince of Persia. After making a foolish choice he is turned into a lion. He must learn to survive as a lion, think as a lion, eat as a lion, behave like a lion. Yet at the same time he knows that this curse can be broken, so he must therefore hang onto his human self as well, thus allowing Belle to fall in love with him. This is his story.

Personal Review

This is a creative story--nothing like I've ever read. I love reading different versions of "Beauty and the Beast" and this is the most different one I've come across. I love how the reader gets to see into the beast's head, think and feel what he's thinking and feeling. The reader comes to find out that the beast isn't as bad as other tales portray him. This tale captivated me entirely.

Cautionary Notes:
There is slight violence when Prince Orasmyn (the beast) must kill animals and eat them.

kira-kira

kira-kira

Cynthia Kadohata
Kadohata 2004

Summary:

Katie, a Japanese-American, has a best friend--Lynn, her sister. Lynn is everything to her. With Lynn, Katie sees the world, differently. It's more beautiful when Lynn is with her. Katie must learn how to coop with life when Lynn makes new friends as school, and doesn't include Katie in everything she does. It becomes even harder to find beauty in the world when Lynn falls ill one day, and doesn't get better.

Personal Review:

For me, kira-kira didn't have a strong story line. It seemed to be telling what life was like for a Japanese-America in Georgia. The story talked about the little things going on the day, and some of it didn't hold my interest. Kadohata, however, did make Katie's and Lynn's friendship very strong. As a reader I couldn't help but feel as if Lynn was my sister, my sister who I loved and didn't want to ever say good-bye to. The characters were very real as well. I believe that this is what made me keep reading; I fell in love with Katie and Lynn.

Cautionary Notes:

There are a few references to "making babies," as well as a few swear words.

she said yes

she said yes
Misty Bernall
Pocketbooks 2000

Summary
Cassie Bernall, daughter, friend, and victim of the Columbine shooting, died on April 20 1999--this is her story. Her mother, Misty Bernall tells of the tragic day Cassie died and what it was like for her, and what it must have been like for Cassie. Misty also tells the world that even though Cassie believed in God and wanted nothing else but to live for him, she had her troubled times as well. A part from listening to bad music, swearing and hanging out with the 'wrong crowd,' Cassie also plotted to kill her parents, run away, and commit suicide. This biography tells of her story from the dark side when she was Satan's grasp, to her coming to the light and uttering her final word, "Yes."

Personal Review
I saw this book on my YA literature teacher's desk, and all I could see of it was the spine, "'she said yes' Misty Bernall." I knew that I wanted that book, even though I didn't know what it was about. When Sister Soper asked who wanted it, I raised my hand. I couldn't put it down. A few days later I was sitting in one of campus buildings when a guy sitting next to me asked me if I was engaged. I was confused and said no. "Oh, I just wondered, since you were reading a book called, "She Said Yes." I laughed and explained what the book was about and how good it was. Not only does Misty Bernall focus on the good girl that Cassie was, but shows that Cassie, like many other teens, had a hard, trouble life, and how she turned that around. This book has left such an impact on me. And like Misty Bernall mentions several times, I ask myself, "What would I do if I was Cassie's position, with a gun pointed to my head?" "Do you believe in God?" they asked her? "Yes."

Cautionary Notes
There is some swearing, mentioning of drugs and a few references to sex. There is also violence as Misty, with the help of others, recounts April 20 1999 and the months that followed. There is also mention of Satanic worship, and lyrics to a violent song. None of the things mentioned, however, are put in a good light.

The Iron Ring

The Iron Ring
Lloyd Alexander
Dutton Children's Books 1997

Summary
Set in India, Tamar, king of Sundari is challenged to game of dice by the powerful kind Jaya. He looses and in payment travel to Jaya's kingdom, Mahapura. On the way he meets the king of the monkey's, Hashkat, who loves to make sport of people and stretches the rules, Mirri, a feisty gopi who helps Tamar in more ways than one and many others who befriend Tamar in his journey. The Iron Ring is filled with humor and bravery as Tamar realizes that caste isn't everything, but what you do with your life and the people you can help along life's journey.

Personal Review
I LOVED this book! I honestly couldn't put it down. My 6th grade teacher read it to us, and I was eager to read again. I loved the characters, especially Hashkat. You love him and and shake your head at him at the same time. It's definitely a page turner and worth the read. The part that I enjoyed the most was perhaps when Tamar was taught by the Chandala and everyone else coming to realize that it's not who you were born as, but who you become and what you do with your life that really matters. If you read closely you can find that someone in the book acts a Christ-like figure to some degree.

Cautionary Notes
There is violence, but nothing extremely graphic. (They are fighting a battle). There is also one swear word.

DIARY of a Wimpy Kid

DIARY of a Wimpy Kid
Jeff Kinney
Amulet 2007

Summary
Greg is your average middle school kid, who doesn't exactly fit in with any crowd but his own--which is made up of him and his best friend Rowley, who let's admit, is not completely there and still living in elementary school. Greg tells his story by writing in, not a diary, but a journal. If any of the kids found out that he had a diary they would all make fun of him. DIARY of a Wimpy Kid captures the life of middle school life--the fears that some kids face, the challenges they face and the question of either choosing what's easy, or what's right.

Personal Review
I thought that this book was kinda humerus. It was very well done and extremely creative, with all the little cartoons to illustrate what Greg was experiencing. It probably wasn't my favorite book, but I'd recommend it to middle school kids.

Cautionary Notes
Some of the kids in the book act a little crude and at times slightly violent.

Across Five Aprils

Across Five Aprils
Irene Hunt
Berkley Books 2002

Summary
Jethro is nine years old, living in southern Illinois when the Civil War breaks out. Even as a young boy Jethro understands the significance of the war. Through listening to the adults discuss the war he gains his own opinions about politics and the war. This book covers the entire Civil War, and throughout the book as tragedy and disappointment strike Jethro's family he grows to be a man and comes the realization that life isn't fair, but if he can deal with it then there will be happy times.

Personal Review
I loved this book, although it did read a little differently than most YA books. It was first published in 1965, so the style of it is different than today's style. There is a lot of summary in it, but the Hunt does an excellent job of balancing it out with having the characters tell the readers about what's going on in the book.
The history is extremely accurate as well, and Hunt has some characters believe one thing while others believe another--to balance it all out.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction.

Cautionary Notes
The only thing that I would caution readers about is slightly violent acts and reports of death (although it is the Civil War, what else do you expect?) But some of Jethro's neighbors don't like his father, so they torment him on some occasions, but in my opinion it's nothing to worry about.

Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl
Eoin Colfer
Hyperion 2001

Summary
Artimis Fowl is a genius. Instead of putting his brain to helping the world, however, he uses them to get gain for his own family. After quite awhile of searching, he find a fairy, which most people don't believe in. This book is the key that will unlock the door to riches untold. He soon devises a plan to capture a fairy. He ends up catching Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit--which was probably one of the last fairies he would have wanted to do. Holly's boss, Comander Root goes great leanghts to rescue Holly, which is was Artims Fowl wants. Will Commander Root keep playing into Artimis's hands, or will Artimis fail for the first time?
Eoin does an excelent job in telling this Science Fiction tale from many points of view, capturing all the character's thinking and linking it all together for a big bang ending--literally.

Personal Review
I personally enjoyed this book. It was engaging and the characters were simple--something that middle-school kids could relate to. I instently fell in love with Holly. She's got a rebelious streak in her, and at the same time a willingness to prove herself to Commander Root. Artimis Fowl, on the other hand. I think that his last name pretty much sums him up--Fowl. He's not that bad, but some things he says and does are selfish, and things that I personally don't agree with.
Colfer has an amazing imagination to come up with things that haven't even been invented. His magical creaters are very intersting too, and I saw some things that were perhaps taken from Harry Potter. However for the most part Colfer sticks to creating his own world for Artimis and his 'friends.'

Cautionary Notes
Near the end there are swear words, but no one takes the Lord's name in vain. There is also slight violence near the end as well.