The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima 458 Pages****

The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima is a fantasy book about magic. In this book, there are normal people and normal societies, but there are also people in the four magical guilds. They are wizards, enchanters, warriors, seers, and sorcerers. They have magic crystals in their hearts giving them special powers. Jack, a sixteen year old boy, notices that he is super strong and powerful one day when he didn’t take his medicine. As a baby, he had a crystal implanted in him when he lost his own. He was a wizard, but his wizard doctor, Dr. Longbranch, implanted a warrior’s crystal. There are not many warriors left, and a tournament that is held needs warriors to fight for the two opposing houses, the White Rose and the Red Rose. Jack is manifesting and getting all his powers. He finds a magic sword that was his aunts, and that’s when the race to get to Jack turns on. Both houses want Jack to fight for them. Then, a new girl comes to his school named Ellen Stephenson. She and Jack become friends, but there is something different about her. She never asks questions about Jack’s whereabouts, and she is very easygoing. Also, a new assistant principle comes to Jack’s school. His name is Mr. Hastings, and he is a wizard. He starts to train Jack to be a warrior. Then, Jack realizes that his town is swarming with wizards, evil and good. It is now no longer a safe haven. When Jack goes on a trip to England, he is forced to go to the tournament. It is a fight to the death, so who will he be fighting? Who will he fight for? It’s up to you to find out!

Rating Erik P.
****

The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima 458 Pages****

Fantasy

The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima follows The Warrior Heir in this series. This book starts when a 16-year-old wizard, Seph McCauly, sets fire to a warehouse by accident because his powers get out of control. In his past he had been moved around for various problems. Seph knows he is a wizard, but doesn’t know how to diffuse his power. If he doesn’t learn how to do that soon, the manifesting wizard will self destruct. Seph’s lawyer/guardian sends him to a school in Maine run by Dr. Leicester, a wizard. When other wizards go there, he links to them and basically makes them his slaves that enhance his magic. When Seph refuses to link to Dr. Leicester, he starts sending Seph nightmares and traps him in the school grounds. Then he meets Jason Haley, who can somehow survive these nightmares. Also, he wants to help the dragon, an anonymous name for the person who is fighting the Roses. Jason helps Seph survive until he sends a message to his lawyer to get him. Linda Downey, Jack’s Aunt comes, and they escape. Seph did not know her, but the family in Ohio takes Seph in. He has to stay in the town because it is a sanctuary where Leicester’s wizard links can’t get him back. All is well for the next few weeks. But one day Jack, Ellen, and Madison, Seph’s friend, are sailing. A wizard created storm blows Seph and Ellen to and island where the wizard council is being held. Seph is taken prisoner and tortured by Leicester. The wizard council is actually a trap for the people in Trinity, Ohio. Leicester forms another different plan for the guilds and forces everybody in the council to fight including Jack and Ellen. How will Seph get out of his execution, and who will dry to stop Leicester? Will the Dragon die once and for all? Read this suspenseful book!
Erik P

Crocodile Tears by Anthony Horowitz***** 408 pages

Crocodile Tears, by Anthony Horowitz, starts when Alex Rider is spending New Year’s with his friend Sabina Pleasure. He goes to a party hosted by Desmond McCain, the founder of First Aid. As they drive home, a sniper shoots their car and sends them flying into a loch. Alex knows something is seriously wrong when MI6 requests him for yet another dangerous mission. There is this genetic altering facility that experiments on plants. Alex then finds out that First Aid is setting up disasters and makes boatloads of money by getting to the scene first. His mission is to infiltrate the genetic plant and figure out what evil disaster First Aid is setting up next. Desmond McCain’s plan is to release a poison on the wheat in Africa, made by this facility. Many will die. Alex just makes it out of this hazardous facility alive only to be captured by McCain and flown to Kenya. He releases the poison, and it is activated on one field that will spread. Alex is left to die hanging over crocodiles when a spy from India saves him. He is injured, and Alex is left to stop the poison with a bomb and native guards chasing him. How will Alex save Kenya? Will he even survive himself? Is he going to stop Desmond McCain once and for all? Read and find out.

Rating Erik P.
***** Period 7

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins ***390 pages

Mockingjay, by Susanne Collins the third in the epic series of the Hunger Games, comes to a screeching halt of disappointment. Throughout the book, characters get distorted and their personalities change. It all starts when the Capital firebombs District 12. Many die because district 12 distributes coal which is very flammable. The remaining survivors travel to the elusive District 13, which was not even existent after the Capitol bombed them. Now they have built an underground community that is safe and unknown about in the Capitol. One thing is missing. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol in the breakout and is being tortured to break Katniss. In thirteen, they want to form a rebellion, with Katniss as the Mockingjay to be their figurehead. She gets cool weapons and an awesome battle suit. She performs a lot of propos to show that she is alive and well. The only bad thing is that Peeta and some of the other tributes are still in the capitol. They get them out but it was a very risky plan. Peeta is delusional and messed up because of the hijacking the capitol did to him. The Capitol is starting a war and the Mockingjay has to do something. A group of soldiers including Katniss, Gale, Boggs, Finnick, Peeta who has somewhat recovered, and some other people get sent to assassinate President Snow. Then they realize something. The Capitol’s streets are set up with traps called pods. This is the Games. You could step forward to release a spray of bullets, or a barbwire net that kills you either way. They finally reach Snow’s mansion where many Capitol kids were huddled. A hovercraft appeared and dropped care packages attached to parachutes for the kids. That’s when they get blown to bits by the bombs in the care packages. Everybody comes rushing to help, but then the next set of bombs goes off killing more people. This is Gale’s design of a weapon. He has become a coldhearted soldier. Katniss becomes calculating and heartless. Peeta becomes deranged. Will any of them make it by the time Katniss gets to Snow’s mansion? Will Katniss even make it to kill him? This is the Games and it is real for everybody. There are only two options. Kill, or die.

Rating Erik P.
*** Period 7

Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley***328 Pages

Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley is a story about a girl, Charlotte Usher, who has trouble fitting in but is eager to be a part of the popular crowd. She would die for popularity, and she does. After being paired up with the most popular boy in school for class, she chokes on a gummy bear. With no one around, she tragically passes on. However, in her afterlife, she becomes a ghost and must attend Dead Ed – a school for kids who have died. The goal of Dead Ed is to make sure the kids accept their death. Only then will they really be at rest. The kids must also work together to save their ghost home, an old house on the market and ready for demolition. However, Charlotte is too preoccupied with using her new powers to become “alive” again to pay attention to the class. To become “alive," she can transport herself into others, controlling the person she has taken over. By doing this she can communicate with others as if she was still living. The kids at Dead Ed have just about had it with Charlotte. Her lack of understanding the importance of saving the house irritates them. Oddly enough, the most popular girl, Petula, has a younger sister, Scarlet, who can see Charlotte. Charlotte uses Scarlet’s body to carry out her plan to fix her mistakes. Why not host the dance in the house so people can really see how cool the house is? Maybe it will be saved. Prue, the meanest girl at Dead Ed, is jealous that Charlotte is able to do this. Most of the kids in the living world and Dead Ed seem to think hosting the party in the house is a really good idea. Charlotte thinks that to accept her death, she must finish what she started, which was to kiss the popular boy, Damen, at the dance. Although Scarlet is a little reluctant to let Charlotte use her body to do that, it is Charlotte’s only hope.

When the dance begins, everyone is excited. The living kids are having an awesome time, marveling at the spooky house. The Dead Ed kids are happy because they get to make the house even scarier with their powers. Minutes before midnight, Charlotte is dancing with Damen, ecstatic that she is getting her opportunity to kiss him. Unfortunately, Prue becomes angry when she sees Scarlet’s ghostly figure wandering around, realizing that Charlotte is in Scarlet’s body. When Damen is about to kiss Charlotte, Charlotte must transport out of Scarlet’s body and let Scarlet have the kiss. Charlotte didn’t want Prue to hurt Scarlet. Prue thought Charlotte got the kiss, and began to tear the house apart. Walls were shaking, and the Dead Ed kids became visible. At first, the living kids thought everything was a special effect. When they realized it wasn’t, they were scared and afraid. After an all-out battle, Charlotte admitted it was not she who kissed Damen. Prue was shocked that Charlotte would have been so selfless. By doing so, Charlotte had accomplished what she was meant to do. She accepted her death. Prue and Scarlet apologized to each other. With Scarlet and Damen watching, the Dead Ed kids graduated and moved on to be at peace. I would recommend this book to middle school girls. The novel was a little weird because you couldn’t relate to the ghosts. I couldn’t tell how important it was to save the house, and the whole thought of it was creepy. However, the novel was an interesting because it was something different. I would give it three stars for a good story and funny characters.

Alana F. Period 3

The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis****

Realistic Fiction
　
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis is an interesting novel that helped me realize how families must really feel about war in Afghanistan. Parvana, the main character, is a young girl who must dress up as a boy after her father is arrested by the Taliban to make money for her family. In Afghanistan at the time, the Taliban did not allow women to go outside without wearing clothes that cover their entire body and face. Women could also not go out if they were not with a man. However, since Parvana’s father was arrested, her older brother had passed away, and her youngest brother, Ali, was just a toddler, she, her mother, and her sister could not go outside. This was a big problem, since the family now had no source of income. Her mother became depressed and the children began to starve. Luckily, a friendly neighbor Mrs. Weera came over to help the family along. She helped Parvana’s mother get out of her depression and coached the family, treating them like a team. Paravana now had to be the one to make money, no matter what it would take.
One day, Parvana’s sister Nooria was asked for her hand in marriage. The
family needed to move to get to the suitor’s home, but Parvana decided not to go. She stayed with Mrs. Weera. Unfortunately, Parvana soon met an upset girl who had run from the same town her family had just left to meet Nooria’s suitor. The Taliban had destroyed it, and Parvana had no idea if her mother, sister, baby brother, and baby sister were okay. A knock arrived on her door one night, and she was surprised to see it was her father. Two men had helped him get home since he was weak, but the fact that he was home and out of prison cheered Parvana up a lot. She was unsure of her future and family, but by being strong, she was a big help to everyone. Her bravery and curiosity definitely made this novel special.
Alana F.
Period 3

*How to Build a House by Dana Reinhardt*****

*Realistic Fiction*

How to Build a House by Dana Reinhardt is an excellent novel about Harper Evans, a girl who was troubled by her parents’ divorce. She felt trapped in her home of Los Angeles, living only with her dad and occasionally her little brother, Cole. The divorce not only separated her mother from her father, but her stepsister, Tess, from her. Tess had been her best friend growing up. Now, they were almost enemies, blaming each other’s parent for the divorce. Harper felt that she needed to escape the chaos at home and decided to join a teen volunteer program. The program was designed to help a family rebuild their home due to a tornado in Tennessee. Even though Harper didn’t know anything about construction, she knew she could relate to the family. Both of their homes seemed to be ripped away from them in a matter of seconds. She worked with other teens that came from San Francisco, New York City, and Salt Lake City to name a few. The family she helped was very kind, especially their son, Teddy. Harper and Teddy ended up having a summer romance, and Harper didn’t want to leave Tennessee. She occasionally called her dad, knowing he missed her. He in turn said to call Tess. Harper tried, but she couldn’t manage to dial the last number of Tess’ phone, fearing the conversation wouldn’t make anything better. One night, she heard a knock on the door. Harper answered it and was surprised to find Tess standing there in front of her. They talked for a while, and eventually they forgave one another for what happened, realizing it wasn’t either of their faults. Over the next few days, the teens finished up the house while Tess and Harper caught up on everything they had missed out on with each other. When the time came for Harper to leave, she and Teddy promised to keep in touch. Harper felt better about leaving Tennessee, because after all, both she and Teddy now had a good place to call home.
　
Alana F. Period 3

*Miss Spitfire by Sarah Miller******208 pages

Miss Spitfire by Sarah Miller
208 pages

Miss Spitfire by Sarah Miller is a biography about Anne Sullivan, the teacher of Helen Keller, educating Helen. Helen could now read, write, and even speak despite her disabilities. Helen was blind, deaf, and a very stubborn child. Anne grew up lonely, sad, and hard-headed. The two eventually made a perfect team, and were inseparable. Anne Sullivan had had a rough childhood, and Helen was her last shot at being successful. She was an orphan, and had no family to care for her. Anne was nervous, since she was an untrained as a teacher, and didn’t want to go back to Perkins School a failure. Perkins School for the Blind was her only home. Growing up Anne had poor eyesight, and Perkins was the only place that could help her. Once with Helen, Anne realized Helen had a temper, Anne knew teaching the child would not be an easy task. The only way she was going to get through to Helen was to bring her away from her home, alone, where her parents couldn’t constantly protect her from Anne’s harsh orders. For example, when Helen didn’t want to use her silverware, there was no dinner for Helen. That’s how it was with Anne around. Day after day, after agonizing lessons and difficult situations, Anne finally broke through to Helen. Helen realized what language was. The world opened up to Helen, and the Keller family was overjoyed. For the next fifty years, Helen and Anne were friends, always together. Helen always called Anne “teacher,” the name Anne had spelled into Helen’s hand from the beginning. They were lifelong pals, only separated when Anne passed away in 1936. Helen passed away thirty-two years later, in 1968, remembered as a miracle to the world. This book was an enjoyable, interesting read. I recommend it to anyone interested in Anne or Helen’s story.

Alana F.
Period 3

Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson****233 pages Realistic Fiction

Catalyst by Laurie is about Kate Malone, an intelligent, young high school girl. She has a confusing, conflicting life as a senior with college decisions, family issues, and friend drama to deal with. Kate feels most comfortable just sitting in chemistry class, learning, instead of being at home with a disagreeable brother, Toby, and a father who is a Reverend, usually out doing church business. When Teri Litch’s house burns down, who comes to the rescue? Reverend Malone,of course. Teri, who is rude, short-tempered and mean, is now rooming with Kate. However, Teri’s son, Mikey, is the exact opposite. Cute, funny, and adorable, he is the only person Teri is ever nice to. Kate not only has to deal with the stress of wondering if she got into the only school she applied for, M.I.T., but now has the burden of having to grant Teri’s every wish. Kate’s friends begin to worry about her, because she no longer has the time to hang out. The Malone family and many other community volunteers start to rebuild a new house for Teri, her mother, and her son. Teri works every day at the house, even skipping school, imagining what things would be perfect for Mikey, such as a playroom. But one day when the work on the house was just about finished for the day, the electricity went out, and Mikey was missing. Everyone scrambles, calling his name, and he is quickly found in what was going to be his room. Unfortunately, he wasn’t found conscious. The ladder of his metal fire truck had gotten stuck in the outlet on the wall, electrocuting him. An ambulance was called to the scene, and he was shipped away to the hospital. What will happen to Teri if Mikey is gone? Will Kate and Teri make up?
Alana F.Period 3

Lush by Natasha Friend ***178 pagesRealistic Fiction

Lush by Natasha Friend is about a family who struggles with an alcoholic father. The main character, Sam, is very conflicted because her life revolves around making sure her little brother, Luke, stays safe. Her mother is into yoga, so much so that the family is almost driven mad by it. Sam dislikes that her mother does yoga to avoid everything else because she pretends nothing is wrong. That is, until one day, when Sam is left to babysit Luke while her dad has a short temper. When Luke starts to hoot and holler on the couch, Sam joins him feeling the need to relieve some stress. Their father, who was trying do work in his office, came storming out. That night, he had too much to drink, and it was downhill from there. He went over to Luke and smashed a bottle over his head. From that point, Luke was traumatized, and wasn’t himself. He usually was very enthusiastic and now was as quiet as a mouse. Sam’s mother then realizes something needs to be done. While the family seeks help, a neighboring family helps out, even though Charlie Parker, an enemy of Sam, is in it. Does Sam find something out from Charlie she didn’t know before? What happens to her dad after his violent behavior?
I thought Lush was something new to read, and it was definitely interesting. At the same time though, I had trouble relating to it since I have never encountered the same problems as Sam.
Rating: ***
Alana F.Period 3

The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler****242 pages Realistic Fiction

The Cupcake Queen is about a fourteen-year-old girl named Penny Lee who has a lot of crazy things going on in her life. Not only are her parents divorcing, but she has to deal with moving all the way from Manhattan to a little town named Hog’s Hollow, where they crown a Hog Queen every fall. She feels that she has no say in what is happening and feels like her parents are completely blocking her out. Her mom owns a new bakery, called The Cupcake Queen, where she helps out and goes to in her spare time. She knows how to decorate the cupcakes and is a very creative girl. One day, when her mom needs help to catering a party, Penny decides to go. Only when they get there does she realize it is for the meanest, most selfish girl in Hog’s Hollow, Charity, who also happens to be in her grade. From there, disaster strikes. Cupcakes fly, ruining the party, but worse, Charity haunts Penny from then on. At school, Penny is bullied by Charity and her friends, leaving Penny to end up being completely aggravated with her life at Hog’s Hollow. Only when she meets some friends, Tally, Blake, and Marcus, do things look up. Penny even enters a contest to create a float for the Hog Queen Parade!
Will Charity ruin her chances at winning? What happens when Penny’s dad offers to let her come back to New York City? Penny is forced to make big decisions, but luckily has her friends by her side. Rating: ****Alana F.

Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani****282 pages Realistic Fiction

Viola in Reel Life is about a girl named Viola who loves making movies. She is used to her life in Brooklyn, but one day her parents decide she is going to attend a school in Indiana, called The Prefect Academy for Young Women, for a year when they are away. At first she dislikes it, doubting her parents’ choice. She misses her home and friends and is confused because everyone seems find the school interesting but her. Viola tends to hide behind her camera, viewing the world from her own perspectives. She is very artistic and creative, which helps her eventually fit in. She even finds someone who has the same interests in film as she does and enters a film competition. After a while, she begins to realize how beautiful Indiana really is and how great her roommates at the school are. Viola learns to become independent and has experiences that would have never happened in Brooklyn. She becomes more open to others and is surprised by what a good year she has.

I would definitely recommend this book to someone who has attended summer camp or has been away from home before because you will really be able to relate to the challenges Viola faces when she is on her own. Rating: ****Alana F.

The Patron Saint of Butterflies by Cecilia Galante****

The Patron Saint of Butterflies by Cecilia Galante****292 pagesRealistic FictionThe Patron Saint of Butterflies by Cecilia Galante is about two girls, Agnes and Honey, who live at a religious commune called Mount Blessing. Everyone at the commune is called a “Believer,” and they follow a man named Emmanuel. Agnes and Honey have been best friends since birth, but as they get older, their friendship fades, too. Honey has always been a little different than everyone else: knowing what the world is like outside of Mount Blessing, breaking rules, and doubting her beliefs in Emmanuel. She doesn’t have much of a family to look after her, for her mother left her at the commune. Agnes, on the other hand, has a family, and strongly believes in the religion, trying to be perfect and become a saint. One day when Nana Pete, Agnes’s grandmother, visits the commune unexpectedly, she finds out Mount Blessing has a dangerous secret. To keep the girls safe, she brings Agnes, her little brother Benny, and Honey back to her house in Texas. On the way, they are startled by the world they’ve never known. Automatic doors, restaurants, and stores thrill Honey, while Agnes is opposed. Her only goal is to concentrate on what is holy and saint-like, hoping to someday return to Mount Blessing. Unfortunately, there is another big secret that Honey discovers soon after about herself and Agnes. What will happen to these girls, their families, and the rest of the “Believers” at Mount Blessing?
Rating: ****Alana F.Period 3