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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling was about a young wizard named Harry. He is at his 4th year at Hogwarts and is famous for constantly avoiding getting killed by a Dark wizard who is widely referred to as You-Know-Who. He gets put in the
Triwizard Tournament with dragons and mermaids as the 4th champion. He is pulled to the Dark Lord’s graveyard, they duel:
Expelliarmus vs the Killing Curse. The other Hogwarts champion is dead and one of his teachers is a secret Death Eater. The genre of this book is fantasy.
Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes
Rick Riordan
So this is a mix of fiction and non-fiction. This book tells the beliefs of the Ancient Greeks. Famous Greek heroes, some whom you may know, are written about in this book. It’s written in 1st person, from “Percy Jackson’s” perspective. You should read Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods first because if you don’t, it can get a bit confusing. Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes is a funny book telling the life story of people like Hercules or Atalanta. Cyrene and Jason. Perseus and Otrera. Theseus and–
Well, you get the idea. So, yeah. I recommend it.
Beach Party Surf Monkey
Chris Grabenstein
This book is part of the mystery genre because there are two kids who are working together to solve a mystery. There are two movie stars coming to the hotel but suddenly a monkey goes missing and this threatens the good name of the Wonderland so P.T. and Gloria have to save the wonderland.
The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelly Pearsall
The book is about a thirteen year old boy named Arthur Owens who is a juvenile delinquent because he threw a brick at an old man’s shoulder. For his punishment, he has to work 140 hours for the old man also known as the Junk Man. Arthur realizes that things in the world aren’t always what they look like. This story is a realistic fiction book.
“The People of Sparks”
by Jeanne Duprau
Science Fiction
This is the amazing second book in the City of Ember book series! “The People of Sparks” picks up at the end of the first book “The City of Ember”. Lina and Doon escaped the dying city of Ember, along with most of the population of Emberites. After days of wandering, they have finally found a safe haven in the small village of Sparks. At first, everything is going smoothly, but as the food supply starts to decrease, tensions arise between the hungry people of Sparks and the struggling Emberites. Once again, Lina and Doon will have to work together to avoid a disaster and find peace between the two groups.
Title – Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
Author – J.K Rowling
Genre – Mystery
Summary – This book is about young Harry Potter going through his first year at Hogwarts. His interactions with the one and only Dark Lord have left him shocked and soon figures why his parents are dead. The story has so many plot turns and is a great read for middle schoolers. Rating – 5 Stars
Title – Harry Potter and the order of Phoenix
Author – J.K Rowling
Genre – Mystery
Summary – This book is about young Harry Potter going through his fifth year at Hogwarts. He meets his god – father, a person set in the prison Azkaban and said to have commited Murderer. The story has so many plot turns and is a great read for middle schoolers. Rating – 5 Stars
Title – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author – J.K Rowling
Genre – Mystery
Summary – This book is about Harry Potter experiencing dementors from the one and only prison, Azkaban. He has to find a way to get out of the mess and to find who Sirius Back is really. This book was really exciting and I suggest it to many readers!
American Street
by Ibi Zoboi
Realistic Fiction
This book was so good! Fabiola and her mother just immigrated to Detroit from Haiti. They had been dreaming of the good lives awaiting them and how happy they would be living with Fabiola’s aunt and her daughters. But after Fabiola’s mother is detained by U.S. immigration, Fabiola finds herself navigating her new life with her loud cousins, a new high school, and new friendships in the tough and gritty west side of Detroit.
Spy School Goes South. I like this book because it’s about spying and the CIA. The book is about this kid named Ben and he and his spy school friends Zoe, Erica, and Warren go to a tropicial resort in Mexico where their next mission is. They have to stop SPYDER (an evil organization) from trying to take over the world. I’d rate this a five star!
Harry Potter and the Prisonerof Azkaban by J.K. Rowling. This book is about Harry and his friends on yet another adventure. They have to learn about Sirius Black, a supposed murderer and and shady new Defense Against Dark Arts teacher, Professer Lupin. Harry also struggles with Hermoine acting odd and rude classmates that will stop at nothing to get him in trouble. This book is a fantasy fiction.
This is my favorite Harry Potter book!
Title – Spy School
Author – Stuart Gibbs
Genre – Mystery
Summary – This book is all about the CIA and spying. I love the twists and turns and how the book is just SO interesting! The book is all about a cold and talented girl and a boy who just entered the CIA by his amazing math skills. I would suggest this book to all!
Title – FunJungle – Poached
Author – Stuart Gibbs
Genre – Mystery
Summary – This book is about how Teddy is framed for a kidnapping of a .. KOALA! He is framed and yet under the pressure, Teddy had found the real culprit, his one and only bully. This is a really interesting book that made me want to reread it so many times, I would suggest this book to any Middle Schooler!
Bendy And The Ink Machine: Dreams Come To Life
Adrienne Kress
Mystery/Thriller/Horror
Buddy is a 17 year old kid working as a delivery person in the poor part of New York City. He wants to be an artist, but he knew he couldn’t achieve it because of how poor he is. But when he finds a job working for Joey Drew, an owner of an animation studio, he knew he could work there and eventually become an artist. But when he finally gets to work there, he finds a few secrets and oddities of a black ink trail around the studio. He teams up with his co-worker friend dot to find out what has been causing all of this!
Believe: The Victorious Story of Eric Legrand
By Eric LeGrand and Mike Yorkey
I would actually rate this 4.5 stars. I took off 0.5 because non-fiction is not my favorite. It was so awesome, though, to have a look inside Eric’s eyes. He was born and raised in NJ, like most of us. And he came to St. Barnabas Hospital, in LIVINGSTON. It is one amazing story about how you have to believe your way back up to the top.
Title: They Called Us Enemy
Author: George Takei, Justen Eisinger, Steven Scott
Genre: Non-fiction, biography, autobiography
Summary: This is the story of how a boy had to overcome hatred and racism during World War II. He was Japanese. A Jap (how I hate words that label and group someone as their culture). I didn’t like it much as there was 1-2 MIND YOUR LANGUAGE stuff, and it was just a tad confusing. But still, you should read it. It was not the book for me, but maybe you’ll like it.
Title: Sunny Side Up
Author: Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
Genre: Autobiography
Summary: Sunny faces many problems in her life. This is based on a true story! Her older brother doesn’t set an example, she’s in Florida with her grandpa when she’s supposed to be at the boardwalk. This is a pretty good book with 2 books after it. It is a graphic novel, so most kids will like it.
Title: The Darkdeep
Author: Allie Condie & Brendan Reichs
Genre: Horror/Sci-fi
Summary: 5 kids come together in unimaginable ways. They are joined by a force greater than them. They don’t know it, but it is alive. It senses your thoughts. It conjures up nightmares. It will conquer the world… and it’s up to these kids to save it.
Title: Restart
Author: Gordon Korman
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: Chase is your ordinary bully. He is a star athlete…until an accident. Now Chase has a chance to change his life, but will he take it?
Title: Scythe
Author: Neal Shusterman
Genre: Sci-fi
Summary: I rated this a 4/5 because there is a bit of part I don’t like, and it is bland-ish in the very beginning. All in all, good book, but I don’t want to read the sequel–it’s not the best to the point where I want to read the sequel BADLY. Anyways, you may not get what I’m trying to say but: a good book recommended. Boom. So anyways, Rowan and Citra live in a world where gleaning, AKA killing of people (mandated for some reason), is a thing. They live in the FUTURE, so yeah. I’m not doing an amazing job explaining, but go ahead and read the book
Title – Harry Potter and the Half – Blood Prince
Author – J.K Rowling
Genre – Mystery
Summary – This book is about young Harry Potter going through his sixth year at Hogwarts. It is not my favorite but it is very exciting. I would highly recommend it to middle schoolers!
Title – The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
Author – Stacy McAnulty
Genre – Realistic Fiction
Summary – This book is my favorite of ALL time. It relates SO much to regular middle school if you are different. I think this book is a MUST READ . All about bullies and dogs, this book can be a favorite to many!
Title: Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Author: Katie DiCamillio
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: The little doll that is a rabbit is passed down to many owners. Each owner loves the doll so much but, Edward love his first owner. Will they ever meet again?
Rating – 5 stars!
Title – FunJungle – Belly Up
Author – Stuart Gibbs
Genre – Mystery
Summary – This book is about how Teddy solves his first case, who called a HIPPO! HE finds out why and the secret stash of ___ inside the Hippo’s belly. Yet, this item had attracted one employ to commit murderer.
The Thing About Jellyfish
Ali Benjamin
Realistic Fiction
A girl and her best friend split, but when her best friend dies by an unknown cause, she feels remorse and guilt…and she is DETERMINED to find out WHAT REALLY HAPPENED.
Title – FunJungle – Big Game
Author – Stuart Gibbs
Genre – Mystery
Summary – This book is about how Teddy finds out the result to another case. This time, Rhino Horns have been stolen. These bones on rhinos are worth MILLIONS. Now, Teddy has to find the culprit and run away from a stampede of.. elephants?!
Title – FunJungle – Lion Down
Author – Stuart Gibbs
Genre – Mystery
Summary – This book is about how Teddy is stuck with a new panther found in Fun Jungle. It has escaped, leaving many visitors and neighbors of the park shocked and scared. Now, it is up to Teddy to stop this!
Rating – 5 STARS!
Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods
Rick Riordan
Yes, this book comes before Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes. It really helps people to understand Greek Mythology in layman’s terms. It is also humorous to those who already understand this mythology. Rick Riordan? You can’t go wrong there!
It’s Mythology, so maybe it’s fantasy? I don’t know
Towers Falling
Jewell Parker Rhodes
Ah, another Jewell Parker Rhodes. It’s realistic fiction.
It’s about a girl who lives several years after 9/11 but is still being shook by its events. AWESOME BOOKS by Jewell Parker Rhodes who writes captivating novels about problems in the world.
5 stars
Book Name- Fun Jungle – Tyrannosaurus Wrecks
Author – Stuart Gibbs
Genre – Mystery
Summary – This book is about a T- Rex that got kidnapped… WAIT WHAT! This book is really funny. This is the most recent book in the series but most likely my favorite. What about an illegal snake seller? Sound like a good read to you?
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable
Dan Gutman
OK, amazing book alert! This is a hilarious book by Dan Gutman. These kids are twins. Coke and Pep. During the last day of school, their detention is not the same. Action-packed, humorous, AND by Dan Gutman? You can’t get better than this.
Realistic Fiction/Sci-fi/Mystery (PARTS OF IT ARE THESE GENRES, but I know it IS fiction)
Jake and Lily
Jerry Spinelli
These twins are more than twins. They’re a part of each other. But what happens when one begins to diverge from the other? Jake and Lily is SUCH AN AMAZING book. Read it.
Sci-fi/Realistic (definitely fiction)
Crash
Jerry Spinelli
Crash is the typical bully. But this football player must reform after something goes too far.
READ IT.
Realistic Fiction
Stargirl
Jerry Spinelli
Stargirl isn’t a normal girl. I mean, who’s name is STARGIRL?! Leo is an ordinary kid. But their fates intertwine and things won’t be the same for either of them after this book.
Realistic Fiction
WARNING: not the best book (in my opinion) because of some stuff, but you might like it
Love, Stargirl
Jerry Spinelli
The sequel for Stargirl is here. Find out Stargirl’s point of view. Find out what happens next in the world of Stargirl.
Realistic
I accidentally clicked 5 stars when I meant 3.5. Oops!
Book Name- Ugly
Author – Robert Hoge
Genre – Auto Biography
Summary – This book is an auto biography. In general, I do not like biographies but this was pretty good! I recommend it but it was not my favorite! This book is about how he was born different and the struggles he went through bc of it.
Book Name- The One and Only Ivan
Author – Katherine Applegate
Genre – Lititure
Summary – This book is about gorilla named Ivan. He is put up in a mall to attract shoppers. He has to find friends in his small space, this book is really good and i recommend it!
Title: Wishtree
Author: Katherine Applegate
Genre: Fantasy (because who heard of a talking tree?)
Summary: This tree is special. There’s something about it. There are ribbons tied on this tree, making a wish, hoping it will come true. This is an amazing story, from the perspective of this tree. READ IT. Actually…
I wish you read it
Wonder
R.J. Palacio
Okay, this book needs no introduction. This is probably the most popular book of all time. Auggie is not normal; he knows that. But when he goes to middle school, can he face the challenges that await him.
Realistic Fiction
Title: Auggie & Me
Author: R.J. Palacio
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: Before you get the facts wrong, this is a companion book. It shows inside Julian’s mind, inside an old friend (of Auggie)’s mind, and the girl’s side through Charlotte’s mind. It’s pretty good.
ATTENTION! MAYBE A SPOILER ALERT FOR WONDER! (‘Maybe’ because I tried to not make it obvious, but very subtle. I’m still putting this warning.)
Title: 365 Days of Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio
Genre: Realistic Fiction (story)/Non-Fiction (Quotes)
Summary: Now we hear from Mr. Browne. R.J. Palacio’s way of writing is so good, it feels like Mr. Browne is a real person. It does have quotes for every day, yes, but between the months of the year (in the book), a new short story is shown. You may recognize things from Auggie & Me and Wonder. MAYBE SPOILER ALERT FOR WONDER: This book also has the answer to “Who told Mr. Tushman and caused Julian to get in trouble?” I don’t want to say it exactly, because *cough, MAYBE SPOILER ALERT*, you know? Anyways, it’s pretty good.
Title: Invisible Emmie
Author: Terri Libenson
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: This is about two girls–one who feels ignored all her life and keeps quiet, and one who is spontaneous and popular. They are polar opposites, but in this book, their lives intersect in ways they would’ve never imagined possible.
Title: Positively Izzy
Author: Terri Libenson
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: Brianna is super-smart–that’s her thing! Izzy is imaginative–that’s HER thing! But when these two girls step out of their comfort zone, things go…awry, let’s just say that. In the end, the VERY END, their lives merge together in one storyline you never would’ve guessed.
Book Name- Moon Alpha – Spaced Out
Author – Stuart Gibbs
Genre – Mystery
Summary – This book is about a family that got to go live on the moon. Of course, there were some downsides. Maybe murderer, bad food.. and you gotta read it!
Title: Just Jaime
Author: Terri Libenson
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: A girl named Jaime is best friends with a girl named Maya. Lately, though, they’ve been falling apart. Can they reconcile their friendship before it’s too late? Jaime and Maya interact with several characters you may remember from other books in the Emmie & Friends series, and you may remember them mentioned earlier in the series (Invisible Emmie; Katie’s friends).
Book Name – Spy School – British Invasion
Author – Stuart Gibbs
Genre – Mystery
Summary – This book is the most recent Spy school book. Will Ben and Erica get to track down mysterious Mrs – wait no.. MR. E?
Highly recommended, a GREAT read!
Book Name- Spy School Goes South
Author – Stuart Gibbs
Genre – Mystery
Summary – This book is about Ben and his friends going down to Mexico. Hey, SPYDER does try to destroy Antartica. Will Ben get to thwart their plans again? Or is it the end?
Title: Becoming Brianna
Author: Terri Libenson
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: This book centers solely around Brianna. It is told in PAST and PRESENT, unlike any other book in the series. Bri has to prepare for her bat mitzvah. But is she prepared for everything else?
SO, yeah. Super good. Yay.
Title: The Lightning Thief
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: In the Percy Jackson series, Percy finds out who he REALLY is. He discovers why he has ADHD and dyslexia. It’s always been hard for him to do schoolwork, but when it comes to the real world, can he handle it?
Title: The Sea of Monsters
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: Percy returns to his camp with calamities. His friend Grover is missing, and Percy must save him and retrieve a sacred object. Can he do it?
FUN FACTS:
This was the 2nd and last movie in the Percy Jackson film series, but thankfully, there won’t be any more horrendous renditions of the book series (hopefully, and NO SHADE to anyone who likes the movies, I just didn’t like them).
I named myself HAPPY BIRTHDAY PERCY JACKSON SERIES!!!! for The Lightning Thief’s 15th anniversary on June 28, 2020.
Title: The Titan’s Curse
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: Something strange happens back at camp at the end of the 2nd book. Now, it’s winter. Percy is on the lookout for two powerful kids and is ambushed. The kids are not kidnapped, nor is Percy, but Percy’s friend has vanished. What happened to her? What will happen? Read the book to find out.
Title: The Battle of the Labyrinth
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: Percy must go on a dangerous quest, the most dangerous one yet. So far in the series, we’ve encountered death, death, and more death, so there should be something exciting in this book. Will you survive the Battle of the Labyrinth? You may… only if you read the book.
Title: The Blood of Olympus
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: The final book in the series, Percy Jackson is on the absolute most DANGEROUS quest ever. His life is at stake. Will the evil guys get what they want, or will Percy win? Find out now.
Title: The Lost Hero
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: A new series. The Heroes of Olympus. Jason wakes up on a bus… except he can’t remember who he is. He can’t remember anything at all, actually! What are the plans for Jason, and is he meant to survive? 3 new demigods introduced, Rick Riordan is creating not just a series of novels, but a masterpiece!
Title: The Son of Neptune
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: WHERE’S PERCY? WHERE’S PERCY?! Oh, there he is. The son of a god finds himself in a new territory, a new land. He shouldn’t be here, he knows that. Wait, what IS that in the distance? MONSTERS?! Well, somehow, Percy knows how to wield a sword. He knows these monsters aren’t staying dead. Also, they’re not staying dead long enough. He knows he’s the son of a god (but the monsters told him that). WHAT, exactly, does Percy have to do with this? What does Percy have to do with ANYTHING?
[Percy:] HEY!
Whatever. What is Percy’s role in all of this? Here lies a master plot, greater than the gods.
Title: The Mark of Athena
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: Ah, a reunion. Uh-oh. Something’s gone HORRIBLY wrong. Now the Romans think they (and the Greeks) are enemies. What can they do to restore peace?
Title: The House of Hades
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: After Percy and Annabeth take a bit of a dive, the rest of their crew must move forward to stop only a fraction of the biggest problem. It’s not the end for these people (YET).
Title: The Blood of Olympus
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: The final book. The final battle in the final war of the Heroes of Olympus. Will they make it? Will they win? Who will die? These are all answered in The Blood of Olympus.
Title: The Hidden Oracle
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: Apollo is cast down from a god. Again. He must complete a bunch of labors to become a god again. Specifically, 5 things… AKA quests. Ugh. Puny mortals. Bleh. Apollo must complete his first quest… under a RUNTY DEMIGOD?! No way. But it’s the only way to return to normal. Follow Apollo in his special trials.
Title: The Dark Prophecy
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: Apollo is taken on his second trial, and we see a familiar face who you know from Heroes of Olympus. Apollo and Meg have yet another quest.
Title: The Burning Maze
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: Another couple of Heroes of Olympus appear in this. Apollo and Meg are questing again. And a famous emperor from history shows up. (Hint: Little Boots.)
Title: The Tyrant’s Tomb
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
Summary: Apollo and Meg met a new friend along the way to Camp J. I’m not going to elaborate because… spoilers. So yeah, they are questing again. It came out September 2019, pretty recent in book time, so go get a copy and read it now.
Yup a secret friend with pink hair NO SPOILERS EVERYONE =))))))
Title: Breakout
Author: Kate Messner
Genre: Realistic/Mystery
Summary: Nora and Lizzie are friends. This end-of-year and summer are supposed to be normal. All that turns upside down when two inmates (previously MURDERERS) from a correctional facility go missing. Elidee faces a bunch of racial struggles as she moves to Wolf Creek (the inmate escapee town with Nora and Lizzie) for the last couple of days of school after having a brother in jail and being rejected from a prestigious private school. Told in text, letters, audio transcripts, and newspapers, Breakout is a story you won’t forget, but a story you’ll love.
Title: Waste of Space
Author: Stuart Gibbs
Genre: Sci-fi
Summary: The oxygen levels are depleting, and the MBA needs to evacuate. Suddenly, Lars Sjoberg is poisoned. Who did it? Who’s next?
This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab
Genre: Paranormal/Fiction/Fantasy/SciFi
Would recommend ages 13+ or maybe 14+
AMAZING BOOK
In Verity, the world full of monsters, there’s Kate Harker, daughter of Callum Harker who is the leader of half of Verity. He’s cruel, evil, cunning and malicious. Everyone knows this, including Kate. Though it’s not one of those stories where the good girl tries to take down the evil father, no, instead Kate wants to be just like her dad, to finally prove to him that she’s tough inside and out.
On the other half of Verity there’s August Flynn. Adoptive son of Henry Flynn, who is the ruler of the other half of Verity. Kind, caring, compassionate, August looks up to Henry. August wants to make a great change to the world for the better. But one small problem, August is a monster. Able to take away a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises and August is able to spy on Kate, their enemy, he jumps at it. But when Kate finds his secret out, and after a failed mysterious assassination, they must both flee for their lives together.
It was super bloody and it had some language. But the book was so well written! It was beautiful and amazing. If you liked the first book, it is a duology – Our Dark Duet. The author did an amazing job with the setting too, it was AMAZING.
The Shadow Queen by CJ Redwine
Genre: Fantasy/Fiction/Romance/Retelling
Would recommend for ages 12+
A really fun retelling of snow white but twisted.
Lorelai Diedrich, aka the rightful heir to the throne, had to flee her home at the age of around 8 and coming back at 16 to overthrow the queen with something they both have in common, magic. But who’s stronger? Irina with her whole life of practice yet having to force the land to do her will, or Lorelai, having little years to practice yet being able to conjure the spirit of the land.
In the neighboring kingdom, Eldr. Kol, the troublemaker at school is abruptly put on the throne after losing his older brother and both parents to the ogre war. Seeking help, Kol turns to Queen Irina, when they strike a deal, the queen will help him if he brings back something for her, Lorelai’s heart.
This was a really fun read with it’s darker turn on the fairy tale.
If you liked this book there are 3 other books to the series but you don’t have to read them in any particular order since they all focus on a different fairy tale.
Heartless By Marissa Meyer
Genre: Fantasy/Retellings/Romance
I would recommend ages 12+
AMAZING READ
Not really really retelling, but more of like a prequel, like the broadway, Wicked. It brings Alice In Wonderland and focuses on the Queen of Hearts.
Super, super tragic.
It focuses on this sweet girl named Catherine Pinkerton who loves to bake. Throughout this story you see how this loving girl becomes into this villain with the iconic saying, “Off with their heads!”
It really was so tragic to see her struggles and how it poisoned her. Suddenly everything matches up and it’s so sad.
Marissa Meyer beautifully wrote this book and I was surprised and how much it connected to the real book/movie. All your questions like “Why does she say ‘Off with their heads?” or “Why doesn’t she like white roses?” or “How did the Mad Hatter turn out so… mad?”
With high-expectation parents, Catherine is expected to marry the king of hearts, a bumbling idiot who’s twice her age! When she meets Jest she feels a pull and not wanting to make her parents furious and offend the king, they go into a secret courtship. This book was amazing and you see all your wonderland characters (i mean except for alice) like the Cheshire Cat, the Caterpillar, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, King of Hearts, and so much more! It was also interesting because you had this conscious because you know that Catherine will end up evil, but you don’t know why and then everything pieces up and it’s just amazing as it is tragic. I would highly recommend this book but I wouldn’t read it if you don’t fair well with sad endings.
Ogre Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Genre: Fiction/Fantasy/Romance
Would recommend for ages 11+
I mean I would probably recommend this 3.5 stars, it was pretty slow and very very very predictable. Though it was kinda interesting at some points. This is a prequel to Ella Enchanted. This prequel is about Ella’s (the main character in Ella Enchanted) parents, during their time. It was interesting to see who the characters were when they were teenagers and all the resemblances with Ella Enchanted.
Though I’m a fan of her other books, this book was kinda, meh.
It’s about a healer named Evie, and when this guy proposes to her and she gently rejects him, this fairy named Lucinda shows up and curses her and turns her into an ogre, saying that in 62 days if she did not find someone who would want to marry her, she would stay that way forever.
I mean I would recommend you to try this out and see how it goes.
Aru Shah and the end of time
Roshani Chokshi
I would totally recommend this book because it has a great storyline and you feel like you are a part of it when reading. The book is about a girl named Aru Shah and she is made fun of at school. But this is not your ordinary girl. Read to embark on her adventure.
Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly
SUCH A GOOD BOOK
genre:retelling/romance/fantasy/feminism
A really strong book about this girl who is expected to cook and clean and do whatever women are expected to do instead of being a warrior and being able to voice her opinion.
This is not really a retelling, more like Heartless. But focusing after what happened to the Stepsisters in Cinderella.
When the prince showed up at Isabelle’s doorstep, she didn’t want to cut off her toes just to fit in the shoe, she didn’t even want to marry him! But she would never stand up to her mother.
She didn’t even deserve him anyways, when the world desired beauty and she was plain, when they wanted women in order, she was fire. Cutting pieces of herself trying to fit in with the world that won’t accept her for who she is.
When there’s a chance she could change her destiny from her tragic death she takes it. Trying to prove to the world that beauty isn’t always pretty.
Amazing book about feminism, and inner beauty. It was beautifully written and it had a great message.
I loved this book too! It was one of my favorite books this year. So happy you read it!
😀
Wow, good job! I can’t believe you wrote THIS long, I will read this for sure!
Yay!!!! such an amazing book 😀
Real Friends by Shannon Hale and Leuyen Pham
I love this book and I can really relate to the book.
I would recommend this book to my friends
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
by Rick Riordan
Fantasy and Action/Adventure
Percy has always had a knack for getting in trouble. He has been kicked out of countless boarding schools and lately, things have been getting very strange. First, he finds out the mean math teacher is a crazy monster and his Latin teacher is centaur. Then, Percy finds out he is the son of Poseidon, has apparently stolen Zeus’s master lightning bolt, and will have to go on a quest to catch the real thief and fight the dangerous monsters along the way. This is a great book about friendship, identity, and finding the courage to fight for what is right.
An awesome book–I cannot complain!
Dorothy Must Die #1 by Danielle Paige
Genre: Fantasy/Retellings/Adventure
It was super fun and very captivating.
Would recommend for ages 11+ or maybe 12+
It shows what happened after Dorothy left Oz. Main character, Amy Gumm lives in a trailer, her dad left her when she was a kid, ever since the car accident, her mom stopped caring for her, and she’s called Salvation Amy and bullied at school.
When a tornado comes and sweeps Amy away to Oz. It’s nothing like the movies or the books. Evil and corrupted. Amy learns that Dorothy had come back and the power had rushed into her head. She had taken over and is now ruling. Now no one is safe.
Amy then gets recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked, trained to fight. Now she has one job, to kill Dorothy.
Really really thrilling to see all your favorite characters in this book, evil. The tin woodman, the lion, the scarecrow, even glinda. All evil. It does get a little bloody at some parts, not that bloody. There is some language. But it was such an amazing book.
This is a series, I think 4 books, this is my first time reading this so I have no idea if the rest of the series is just as good as this book, but I’m sure it will be. There is also a prequel series to this book.
In Dorothy’s perspective, when she comes back to Kansas, she finds that maybe home wasn’t so great after all. When she gets a letter and shoes, Dorothy clicks her heels right back to Oz, except the yellow brick road doesn’t have such a great ending this time…
This prequel series is how Dorothy became as awful as she was. (I’m surprised at how Dorothy Must Die #1 made me want Dorothy dead so badly)
I haven’t read the prequels yet, I’m still reading the Dorothy Must Die series at the moment! There was a little teensy bit romance, but it’s more of a side than the main plot.
Very well written and amazing! Highly recommended!
Ooh! Definitely placing this book on hold now!
Yay!!! 😀
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters
by Rick Riordan
Fantasy and Action
I really liked this book. It was just as exciting as the first one and packed with detail and humor. Percy and his friends set off on another quest, this time to find and take the Golden Fleece back to camp so they can heal Thalia’s tree. The tree had been poisoned recently, which means the forcefield around Camp Half-Blood is weaker and monsters can easily attack the campers. Percy also discovers that he has a brother, who happens to be a Cyclops. Once again, Percy and his friends must find the courage to stick up for themselves and for each other, while battling old friends and and countless monsters.
We Beat the Street
by The Three Doctors
Auto-biography
This book is really cool. First, the layout is different from most autobiographies. Drs. Sampson, George, and Rameck tell short memoirs of their childhood, middle school and high school years, college years, and then medical school years. Each chapter of their lives is told in detail and with humor. I loved how all three of their lives intertwine in their later years. Second, their friendship is so strong and inspiring. They managed to all get in the same college, stick with medical school, and push each other to strive for their full potentials throughout the years. They really do help each other be the best people they can be. Lastly, their life stories are simply inspiring. All three doctors were brought up in tough, Newark communities. Each had to learn to overcome the challenges of peer pressure, gang violence, the temptations of drug use and selling, and racism. It was really amazing to see how the boys matured into successful students and then successful doctors. Great book, packed with humor, very inspiring!
The Wicked Will Rise by Danielle Paige
book 2 of Dorothy Must Die
Genre Fantasy/Retellings/Adventure
I would recommend for ages 12+
DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE FIRST BOOK YET
So this was actually super fun to read and really thrilling.
After Amy’s failed attempt to assassinate Dorothy, Dorothy goes into hiding. Amy, in the meantime, has run to the Wingless ones for shelter, she now has the Tin Woodman’s heart and has to get the Lion’s courage and the Scarecrow’s brains. But when she touches dark magic, Amy realizes just how much she is changing, to the point where she might end up just like Dorothy. With Ozma at her side, she ventures to find allies that will help her take Dorothy down once and for all. Though, deep down, Amy wonders that by the time they take Dorothy down, will she have become as evil as Dorothy if not eviler?
Amazing book, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it since the beginning was a teensy bit slow, but that was like maybe the first like 20 pages before you got right back into the land of Oz again.
Little bit of romance again but not really the point of the book.
This was surprisingly very fast to read.
I would highly recommend this series.
Yellow Brick War by Danielle Paige
Book 3 of Dorothy Must Die Series
Genre: Fantasy/Retelling/Action/Romance
DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS
It was amazing. Probably my favorite book in the series so far.
Amy is now trapped in Kansas. With Gert (Who was alive this whole time!) Nox, Mombi and Glamora. Though when they arrive at Kansas with Dorothy, they try to kill her but then fail and she clicks her heels right back into Oz again.
Stuck in Kansas, Amy finds a newspaper long ago, interviewing Dorothy, what she doesn’t understand is why no one knew she was actually real then, unless someone was trying to bury the information, but why?
To find a way back to Oz, she must find the silver slippers that Dorothy had supposedly lost which was now in her school. Though as she ventures to find them, she also finds the Nome King. Plotting something big, something evil, involving her as his pawn.
In Kansas, Amy must also face what had plagued her mind all throughout Oz, her mother.
This book was probably my favorite in the series, it was so action-packed and it was really suspenseful when she met her mother!
It was a very quick read!
I highly, highly recommend these books!
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Becky Albertalli
Romance and Realistic Contemporary
Simon Spier has a secret he is not comfortable sharing with anyone, he’s gay. But one day, someone reads his email, and does something that could change everything for Simon. Read and find out, its a great book!
5/5 stars
Book Name- Becoming
Author – michelle obama
Genre – Autobiography?
Summary – This book is about Michelle Obama and her life as being the first lady before during and after being in the white house. It is an amazing book that I recommend to everyone!
Book Name- The selection
Author – kiera cass
Genre – Romance
Summary – This book is about a girl named America who gets selected to try to become the price’s wife, she has to charm him and show her true self to find who she really loves.
Book Name- The Elite
Author – kiera cass
Genre – Romance
Summary – This book is about a girl named America who gets selected to try to become the price’s wife but now there are only 5 others left to compete against. She has to look inside her heart to find if she really wants to love the prince.
Wow! You are really determined with finishing the series!
Book Name- The One
Author – kiera cass
Genre – Romance
Summary – now there are only 3 other girls left to win Maxon’s hear and America starts to question if she is truly the one to win his heart.
Book Name- The heir
Author – kiera cass
Genre – Romance
Summary – Now a new character has to host a selection but this time it is for boys, evylen now has to choose the one that she will marry. She has to start opening up her heart and letting her walls down if she wants to find the right king.
Book Name- The Crown
Author – kiera cass
Genre – Romance
Summary – Now Evelyn has shortend her selection to only six men but she finds that none of them really are the one she wants to love. Will she be able to find out her true love or will she be stuck with a king who she doesn’t want??
Book Name- Red Queen
Author – victoria aveyard
Genre – Romance
Summary – This book is about a girl named mer who gets a job in the palace, as a red she is inferior and has to bow down to all silvers. She finds out that she has powers and soon her whole life turns upside down as she navigates though what equality really means.
Book Name- what if its us
Author – Becky albetalli
Genre – Romance
Summary – This book is about two boys who bump into each other at the post office, they soon find out that they like each other and they have to navigate through the rules and expectations of love.
Book Name- The music of what happens
Author – Becky albetalli
Genre – Romance
Summary – This book is about two boys who start working together in a food truck. They fall in love but have to fight the racial standards that try to keep them apart.
Book Name- Openly straight
Author – Bill Konigsberg
Genre – Romance
Summary – This book is about two boys who go to the same boarding school, they both are straight but soon find out that they might have feelings for each other. They have to search their hearts to see the true meaning of their connection.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Becky Albertalli
Romance
Simon has a secret, he’s gay. But one day, someone reads his email, and shares it with the whole world. He has to figure out if he wants to come out or stay in the closet and learn what it truly means to be in love .
Book Name- the westing game
Author – Ellen raskin
Genre – mystery
Summary – The westing mansion is left alone until there is a fire in the fireplace when a bunch of people all has to figure out where the money was kept from the westing legacy.
I read Dragon Slippers, by Jessica Day George
(Fantasy)
when Creel is captured by local dragon, Theoradus, she refuses to wait for her silly aunt to rouse the entire town to come after her. instead she bargains with Theoradus, and wins not only her freedom but a pair of slippers. Creel decides to to go to the big City and find work, but when she arrives, she finds that her mystirius slippers, the dragons, and a horribly spoiled princess are all linked together, although she can’t quite seem to find out why…
5/5 stars
Book Name- Obsessed: A Memoir of My Life with OCD
Author –Allison Britz
Genre – memoir
Summary – This book is about a girl who talks about her struggles in her everyday life dealing with ocd. She talks about every step to getting to be able to live with ocd.
The End of Oz by Danielle Paige
Last book of Dorothy Must Die series!
Genre: Fantasy/Retellings/Romance/Action
Would recommend for 12+ or mayb 13+
DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE FIRST THREE BOOKS
Amy on the run with Nox and now her new friend, Madison, on the Yellow Brick Road running away from the Nome King and Glinda. The road leads them to the Land of Ev. That’s when they get caught and led to the supposedly wicked, cruel, princess Langwidere.
Though, when the time comes, will Amy be able to kill Dorothy without becoming just like her? Or was there another way?
Meanwhile, Dorothy, yes, Dorothy, who was supposed to be dead, was saved from the collapsing palace by the Nome King. Now she plans to get out of the King’s clutches, get her revenge on Amy, and go back to Oz to rule all over again.
And then the question that’s been plaguing you has finally been answered!
Will Dorothy Die?
This was interesting because some of the chapters, you see Dorothy’s perspective and how she saw herself as a ruler, in which she of course thinks she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to Oz.
Action-packed and drama-filled. This was a really really amazing series! Also, it was surprisingly very fast to read this series.
There is again, some language, and some mature romance that I wouldn’t want an elementary schooler to read, but considering this is called the Teen Summer Game it should be fine
This series overall was amazing! I would highly recommend this series to anyone.
Title: Wings of Fire: Darkness of Dragons
Author: Tui T. Sutherland
Genre: Fantasy
Summary: This is a pretty long book, so lots happen in this one. It’s the tenth in the series. Qibli, a sandwing dragon who had a sad childhood but gets better as he grows, found out that Darkstalker, a giant, evil monsterous dragon which lived for over 2000 years had planted a spell on every dragon in Phyrria (the continent which the dragons live on). He and his friends are trying to stop him from destroying all the icewings in Phyrria. Meanwhile, Qibli’s evil grandfather trys to take over the sandwings and become their king. He uses another dragon that has royal blood coming from her father to try to ruin the sandwings. And if you’re thinking that’s a lot, two of his friends are already captured, and all his other friends are still under the spell of Darkstalker. Qibli and his friend Winter (an icewing who was kicked out of the kingdom) have to try to save the entire continent… before time runs out. Out of 5 stars, I’d give this book SIX stars. Who knew you could fit that much in 432 pages?
PS: I just noticed that one of my earlier books had 321 pages… is there SOME SORT OF TIE?? =)
Coma Girl
Stephanie Bond
I loved the story and all the changes, and how every chapter would make you want to read more! I would stay up all night enjoying the thrills of Marigolds journey, every night i felt connected to her, as if i was family. This is a must- read realistic fiction about a normal girl named Marigold, and after a tragic car crash, her world turns upside down, “You can learn a lot when people think you aren’t listening….” is the line that makes you desperately want to read it. I can’t wait to read all the other parts!
I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912
Lauren Tarshis
Historical Fiction
This book is about the main character, George on the Titanic trying to escape the flooding waters with his Aunt Daisy and sister Phoebe. George’s new friends Enzo and Marco also escape with them. As they struggled to find the right ways to go, its up to George to remember where the escape ladder is for the quickest way out of the ship. George must find a way to get to safety to keep him safe, and for the safety of the people he loves.
Crystal Of Time by Soman Chainani
Book 5 of The School For Good and Evil Series!
Genre: Fantasy/Fairy tales/ Romance/Adventure
(Rereading)
I needed a catch-up so I knew what was happening the LAST book – One True King!
DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE FIRST 4 BOOKS
With Rhian’s betrayal. Tedros is sentenced to death, Agatha is on the run, and Sophie is now being forced to marry the False king who sits on the throne. Or is he the false king? Uncovering mysteries Agatha runs to find help while trying to find out how Rhian could have pulled out Excalibur. Sophie, now the queen of Camelot, trying to free her friends from the dungeons. Tedros, trying to find out how this cruel Rhian could be related to him in some sort of twisted way.
Amazing series! Highly recommend!
Six of Crows
by Leigh Bardugo
Fantasy and Adventure
This was such an amazing book! Six characters, each distinct in personality and background, find themselves embarking on a near-impossible heist that could make them rich beyond their dreams. That is if they are successful and alive by the end of the mission! The six individuals must learn to work with each other despite their differences, for nothing is as easy as seems. Not only is the plot intense and captivating, but the dialogue and descriptions are beautifully written. Great book! I totally recommend it! It is a bit lengthy, but it’s. worth it!
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuinston is a romance book that follows the journey of Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales. The book follows their journey from enemies to “friends” and ultimately to lovers. They must hide their relationship while dealing with the politics that comes with both of their positions. It is a captivating book with a lot of humor and great representation. It was a great book!
One True King by Soman Chainani
Last book in School for Good and Evil series!!!
Genre: Fantasy/Fairytales/Romance/Adventure/Mystery
DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE FIRST 5 BOOKS
There are three trials made by King Arthur. Only one can win, the other losing his head. Tedros and Agatha have just discovered the ring that King Arthur had never burned after all. The first test is revealed, Tedros and Japeth running to the finish line. Who will win the trials? Who is Japeth? Is Japeth really the son of Arthur?
This book was amazing, all the loose ends are tied, all the mysteries line up to this crazy plot twist!
I would highly recommend this series!!!
The False Prince
By Jennifer A. Nelson
Fantasy Fiction
This story is a about orphans who are competing against each other to a noble prove who could pretend to be the prince of the kingdom who supposedly died. This story has a lot of good characters and a good story line, I would recommend reading it.
The Runaway King
By Jennifer A. Nielsen
Fantasy Fiction
This book follows the first one, “The False Prince” and is about how King Jaron is forced to secretly leave his kingdom to eliminate the pirates who are bound to start war against them with the help of another Kingdom. Jarod’s plan to defend his kingdom is very risky, but it makes the story interesting. I would recommend reading this if you enjoyed the last one.
They Called Us Enemy
George Takei
Realistic contemporary
This book is about the life of a Japanese person after the Pearl Harbor bombing (World War II) through George Takei’s perspective in a graphic novel format.
5/5 stars
A Reaper At the Gates by Sabaa Tahir
Book 3 of An Ember in the Ashes Series
Genre: Fae/Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Adventure/Romance
DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE FIRST 2 BOOKS
This book was amazing. AMAZING. Super intense and thrilling, and the ending is super dramatic and leaves you on a HUGE cliffhanger.
Helene Aquilla, Blood Shrike, is hunting down Elias and the Commandment, she could not let the Emperor down or else he would hurt the only one she’s got left, her little sister Livia.
Laia of Serra, now freeing the scholars with her brother Darin. Her mission now is to stop the NightBringer from finishing his Star that will free the Jinn and wreak havoc. But in her journey, she finds herself faced with a battle she thought she would never have to face.
Elias Veturia, training to be the Soul Catcher, is now understanding the cost of his vow. Giving up his freedom was one thing, but giving up his connections to the world, his lover, his family, his humanity, is a whole other.
This was such an amazing book, super thrilling, though it was a bit tough keeping up with all the war and who was an ally. It was beautifully written and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series!!!
Rapunzel’s Revenge
Shannon and Dean Hale- Nathan Hale
Adventure
Rapunzel is stuck in her “mother’s” villa. She wants to escape, but when she tries she is caught. Gothel sends her to a tree ‘prison’. When she escapes once again, she find Jack. They together fight side by side. A hero and a heroine.
Percy Jackson : Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Genre: Action/Fantasy/Mythology
So this was actually my first time reading this book. I mean I don’t really read books with mythology so this was kinda a first. It was a good read, kinda in the middle between hating it and loving it, but leaning towards the liking it side.
Percy Jackson has ADHD and Dyslexia, he can’t concentrate at school, he gets in trouble, he gets expelled. He sees strange things all the time, but when his pre-algebra teacher turns into a monster and tries to kill him… that tips him over. Then his mom finally tells Percy the truth and sends him to Camp Half-Blood. (A summer camp for demigods) After learning who his father is and about a stolen item, he goes on a quest together with his friends to the Underworld so the gods don’t break out in a bloody war.
I will probably read this series, I mean I’m not a huuuuge fan, but it’s a nice adventure book. I think maybe my expectations were a little too high considering how much hype this book gets. I did really enjoy the characters though, I think the more I read into it, the more I’ll enjoy the series.
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
Genre Action/Fantasy/Mythology
I enjoyed reading this book, it was action-packed and fun. I think I enjoyed the characters more in this book too, you learn more about them, I also liked the new characters (Tyson) they were fun and brought a uniqueness to the book. Honestly, I think I liked this book more than the first book.
It’s the last day of school when Percy Jackson gets attacked by monster cannibals. He heads back to Camp Half-Blood with Annabeth and his friend Tyson, who he just noticed was a little bit more than a normal quiet kid. The borders at Camp Half-Blood are dying and his friend Grover is kidnapped, Percy must go on a Quest to save the camp and his friend with the help of Annabeth and Tyson.
I think I’m beginning to actually enjoy the series, I mean I liked the first book but I was kind of iffy about it, but after the 2nd book, it makes me want to read the third book. The characters are awesome and they all bring a uniqueness to the book that I enjoy a lot! I think if I had read this when I was younger in elementary, I would enjoy this more. I would probably recommend this for 9+ and I would recommend for people to try the series out!
Percy Jackson: Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan
Genre: Action/Fantasy/Mythology
(Forgot to mention this for the 2nd book DON’T READ IF U HAVEN’T READ THE FIRST 2 BOOKS)
This book was fun to read, new characters come out which makes the book more exciting, I think I liked this book better than the first book but I think I liked the second book better than the third book (partly because there was like no annabeth for most of the 3rd book).
Annabeth and the goddess Artemis have been kidnapped, with the help of the Hunters and Thalia, Percy goes on a quest to rescue them, but who would be powerful enough to kidnap a goddess?
Fun read, would recommend for people to try the series out.
The Shadow Throne
By Jennifer A. Nelson
Fantasy Fiction
This is the last book of the False Prince series and is filled with the same action and tricks that keep the book interesting. Kingdom of Carthya is at war and Jaron as to find a way to defend against 3 other kingdoms. This brook was a great way to end the series and I recommend reading it.
Percy Jackson: Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
Genre: Action/Mythology/Fantasy
I enjoyed this book a lot, I think this might have been my favorite book in this series so far! The Labyrinth was really interesting to read about, and Rachel was such a fun character. I mean there was a little romance, but like barely and it was really slow, barely starting.
Percy’s at school when he meets Rachel. The girl who saved him the year before from skeletons. They survive an attack at school from demon cheerleaders on Luke’s side, Percy worried, he goes to camp straightaway with Annabeth. Time is running out as a war between Kronos and the olympians draws nearer.
I loved Nico and Rachel, they played a major role in the book and they were so interesting to read about! I kinda hate how Annabeth is so attached to Luke, it’s kinda annoying. Kinda worried that when the time comes, she’ll stop Percy from killing him and then try to save him, which might fail. But who knows, it might end all happily and then Luke comes back.
I recommend people try this series out!
Percy Jackson: Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
Genre: Action/Fantasy/Mythology
This book was thrilling and action-packed! It was interesting to see how differently the demigods saw from mortals and how differently mortals interpreted situations.
The Half-Bloods must prepare for battle against the titans, though the odds are not in their favor. With the gods busy trying to subdue typhon, Kronos begins to take over New York City, it’s up to Percy to stop Kronos and save the world from crumbling apart.
This book was really fun, and I loved the characters. There were lots of twists and turns you didn’t expect and overall it was a good series!
Title – Trials of Apollo The Tyrant’s Tomb
Author- Rick Riordan
Genre – Action/Fantasy/Mythology
This thrilling, and action-packed adventure is about the former god Apollo, who was turned in a 16-year old boy by the name of Lester by Zeus. Now he must free 5 oracles that have been captured by the evil Turmitavare.
Now Apollo is at Camp Jupiter, and with the help of his friends, must stop an upcoming attack, defeat an undead king, and his undead army, and save the camp.
Can he do it. Find out in Trials of Apollo The Tyrant’s Tomb.
I definately recommend this book to all you readers.
YEAHHHHHH I’m still waiting for the Tower of Nero!!! ARGHHH THE CLIFF HANGERSSSSS
I just re-read the series — still cracks me up.
RIORDAN IS A LITERARY GENIUS
just waiting on Tower of Nero now…
UUUUUUUUUUGH I WANT IT NOW
but I’m also sad–it’s the last book in the last series in the Camp Half-Blood series (includes Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus, and Trials of Apollo)
I’ve already ordered copies for the library, but we must wait until the end of September!
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author: J.K. Rowling
Plot Summary: A young boy named Harry, who finds out he is a wizard, attends a wizarding school for those chosen to study magic. His whole life was drastically changed, from living in a small cupboard to a majestic castle-like building. Throughout his first year at Hogwarts, he experiences new adventures and makes new friends.
Genre: Fantasy
My book was The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill. Genre: Fantasy. It’s a story about a girl, Luna, who, by tradition, was left in the woods for the witch to take. But, the witch, whomst was actually kind contrary to belief, accidentally fed Luna moonlight instead of starlight, causing her to be enmagicked and having to hidden away at the witch’s home, and live with her and her friends. The witch compressed her magic down until her 13th birthday. This story follows her through childhood, as she discovers all but one thing about her world.
Didn’t you love the Teeny Tiny Dragon!?!?!?!
Title: The Running Dream
Author: Wendelin Van Draanen
Plot Summary: Jessica get in an accident that shatters her leg, she has to quit her favorite thing, and sit in a hospital bed. This is a big change for her. Her whole life has changed. Jessica needs to push away bad memories, and find her way back to doing what she was meant to do.
This is one of my favorite books!
Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
Genre: Romance/Realistic-Fiction/Contemporary
Would recommend for ages 14+ or maybe 13+
This book was a romance, I loved the characters, it was quick and adorable. At some parts it does go over mature topics, including traumatic incidents and romance stuff.
It’s summer and Bailey has been crushing on the film geek she only knows online as “Alex” Bailey then moves in with her dad who happens to be living in the same town as Alex. Worrying if he’s a creep or worse, Bailey decides to keep it a secret, and that she’s landed a summer job at a local museum, and that she’s being heckled daily by the security guard, Porter Roth, who was now her enemy. Though as the summer months go by and she’s trying to figure out whatever this feeling for Porter was, she has to choose whether to let go of the fantasy of Alex or take the uncertain risk with Porter. But then the choice is more complicated then she realized, because Porter is hiding his own secret, which is that he is Alex… Approximately.
This book takes a weird turn since you don’t have to guess who Alex is, but Bailey doesn’t know yet! And you see all the connections between Porter and Alex and you just want to go inside the book and tell her. Bailey is such a great character, she’s quirky, she tries to avoid being spot calling herself the “Artful Dodger” she loves old-time films, but she has had a dark incident in her past that she never wants to bring up again.
I think this is my favorite book by Jenn Bennett so far! This was touching and at some parts adorable.
Stepsister
byJennifer Donnelly
Fantasy
This is the story of the fairytale “Cinderella” told from Ella’s stepsister’s point of view. This novel takes most of the basic ideas of the original fairytale, but adds more characters and adventures, so it is really special. I liked this book because it was amazing to see how much Isabelle (Ella’s stepsister) changes and matures throughout the book. She realizes that being pretty is not always a good thing, but that being authentic and courageous and strong makes a girl truly beautiful. This book starts off kind of shocking and gruesome, but it’s really a deep, inspiring story.
This is an amazing book, one of my favorites! Isabelle is such an inspiring character!
Amal Unbound
by Aisha Saeed
Fiction
This book really opened my eyes to the challenges others face. The story is set in Pakistan and is centered on twelve-year-old Amal. Amal has always been a daring, feisty, and bold girl who loves learning and reading more than anything. But her dream of becoming a teacher begins to fade as she is expected to miss school to take care of her siblings when her mother becomes weak after giving birth to Amal’s baby sister. Soon after, Amal finds herself insulting a member of the village’s ruling family when he takes away her pomegranate. Even though it is simply a fruit, Amal can’t help but lash out and defend herself, resulting in a terrible consequence. Suddenly, Amal finds herself as a maidservant in the ruling family’s house. Her life as a student and her home is taken away from her. As a servant in the Khan household, Amal begins to realize the dangerous measures the family is willing to take in order to stay in power. Will Amal be able to find to courage to speak up for what’s right? I really liked this book, Amal is such an inspiring character, she is so brave and wise.
Wish
by Barbara O’Connor
Realistic Fiction
Charlie has had quite a rough past. Brought up in a broken household by unstable parents, Charlie’s always thought that being tough and mean was the only way to get by. But after being sent to live with an uncle and aunt she’s never even known about, meeting a kind-hearted friend, and getting the dog of her dreams, Charlie begins to realize that being loved is an amazing feeling and that family comes in many different forms. This is a great, quick, easy-read. It was really cool to see how much Charlie changes throughout the story and how much the good people around her impact her.
Title: Tyrannosaurus Wrecks
Author: Stuart Gibbs
Teddy Fitzroy is a middle schooler who has solved 4 FBI level crimes and 1 local crime. But this time it is a theft of a dinosaur skull with no evidence left behind, will Teddy and his friend’s be able to solve this very difficult crime?
Genre: mystery
Happily Ever After
Kiera Cass
This is a young adult romance novel. It is the sixth and final book in the Selection series. It is made up of five novellas which give more insight into the lives of some of the supporting characters in the first three books. Specifically the characters are the queen, the prince, the guard, the favorite, and the maid. It also contains a little epilogue to the series and all the novellas do tell the stories of the characters’ ‘happily ever afters,’ hence the title. It is very interesting, but won’t make much sense unless you know the basic story from the earlier books of the Selection. It is a very sweet and heartwarming book so if you have read and enjoyed the Selection, this will be a fun read.
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Author: J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was an intense and exciting sequel. At the beginning, Dobby (a house-elf) warns Harry Potter that there would be many dangers at Hogwarts this year, and goes to many measures to prevent him from going. Harry does make it, however, and experiences new adventures, such as discovering shocking things about himself, hearing voices, and indeed, learning there is a Chamber of Secrets with a monster in it. This book’s genre is fantasy.
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Genre: Retellings/Romance/Mythology
Would recommend for 13+ or 12+
I think I would give this a 4.5/5
This is not your average retelling at all. If you want your retelling to stay almost exact to the story, then I would not recommend this, it has more like bits and pieces of Beauty and the Beast. But it also has some pieces from Rumpelstiltskin. I did not expect there to be mythology in this book but there was! I mean it wasn’t like a huge huge part of the story, but it played a role in the story. I was a bit thrown off with the character. At the start she hated EVERYONE. But then if you think about it, if your sister is favored, if your dad threw you away to marry a demon king that kills everyone and no one cares about you, you would probably hate everyone.
Nyx has spent pretty much her whole life to practice wooing the demon, killing him, and saving Arcadia. When she arrives at the devil’s castle though, he was not what she expected at all. But she can’t let her feelings get in the way, she has to find the way to destroy him, what was she doing, there was no choice, as if she could possibly pick herself over nine hundred years of blood and people calling out for his death. As she searches the castle to find out his secrets, she starts to unravel something bigger. But will it be too late? Will she have to go forth and complete her rightful duty to kill the monster?
The first 30ish pages were useless, I mean you learn more about her family and Nyx’s personality, but other than that they were really, really, really boring. But after it gets way more interesting. This book has a lot of plot twists. At the end it was kinda confusing over who was helping who and how much time passed and who the heck were those people. But it slowly clicked together. Nyx is a really interesting character, she has coped for who knows how long and it has left a bitter thorn in her heart. This book was overall pretty great though!
Would recommend!
Include the title, author’s name, and a short plot summary with NO SPOILERS! Also include the book’s genre: mystery, thriller, dystopian, romance, adventure, science fiction, realistic contemporary, supernatural, fantasy, sports fiction, or historical fiction. Give the book a star rating too!
Title: Bone: Out From Boneville
Author: Jeff Smith
Plot Summary: 3 cousins from a town known as Boneville are separated and must reunite in a world full of adventure, mystery, and action.
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gilded Ashes by Rosamund Hodge
Genre Romance/Fantasy/Retellings/Mythology
Would recommend for 12+
This was a novella so this was pretty short about 100 pages and a really quick read! This takes place in the same world as Cruel Beauty, if you were to read this novella, I would recommend reading Cruel Beauty first or else the connections are kinda blown over.
A cinderella retelling with a dark twist. Maia is a servant, has two stepsisters and a slap-worthy stepmother. Maia doesn’t see the point in love when all it’s done for her is bring her pain, her mother had made a bargain with the devil himself that she would protect Maia always. And it worked, too well, for even after death Maia’s mother was protecting her all too much. For when someone made Maia cry, upset, or angry. They would be driven mad and suffer all their life. Which is why Maia smiled, all the time, even in the darkness she smiled.
Anax, heir to the duke of sardis, also gave up on love. Ever since his childhood-friend-but-then-more-than-friend had been using him just for his titles. But when the duke pressures him with a ball with their hand-picked choice of suitable girls, he decides it is finally time to pick a wife.
In all the ball’s preparation madness, Anax and Maia’s paths collide, he is intrigued by the girl who doesn’t believe in love, but when feelings get in the way, on both sides, Maia can’t risk it, because if she were to be with him, every single waking moment would throw his life in danger with the deadly bargain her mother had made.
I really enjoyed this story, I think even more than Cruel Beauty, the plot was something that you wouldn’t expect, and it wasn’t insta-lovish like in the original Cinderella.
With her mother’s spirit involved it gave you a whole new perspective of the fairy tale especially if you know the Brother Grimm’s Cinderella. It also had some Cruel Beauty references, this novella was set in the time period while Ignifex still ruled.
I would recommend this book!
Blended
by Sharon M. Draper
Realistic Fiction
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author communicates the issue of racial injustice through the story in a way that I can understand, so I can really empathize for the characters in the story. The book is about a girl named Isabella, who is biracial and eleven years old. She struggles with her racial identity throughout the book, because she always feels like she is simply two halves. Isabella is also greatly affected by her parents, who are divorced and are constantly fighting each other, mostly about Isabella. She feels torn between two sides and cannot seem to find the middle ground where she can just be herself. It was amazing to see how Isabella matures throughout the book and learns to bring out her inner strength and voice.
Agreed, this is such a powerful book. Draper really conveys a lot of meaning in her books, and I love them
With the Fire On High
by Elizabeth Acevedo
Realistic fiction
This book is about Emoni Santiago, who is 17 years old and has more responsibilities than pretty much any high schooler around her. Not only is she taking care of her abuela and their finances, but Emoni has a two-year old daughter to care for. On top of that, she must deal with the stress of being a senior in high school with classwork, homework, and college applications. The only place Emoni can find peace in her chaotic life is in the kitchen, where she can work her magic with food and touch all who taste it. Emoni learns how to follow her dreams while managing her life.
The Night Diary
by Veera Hiranandani
Realistic Fiction/Historical Fiction
This book is set in India 1947, when the country had been newly freed from the British. After becoming independent, leaders of India decide to split the country in two, making Pakistan and India, where Muslims will live in one country and people of other religions will live in the other. Nisha and her family currently live in the new Pakistan region, where Hindus like themselves are being forced out by violence and hatred. So the family packs up and begins a dangerous escape to Jodhpur, where they hope they can find a new home.
Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban
J.K. Rowling
Fantasy
In “Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban”, Harry finds that a crazed criminal escapes from Azkaban, a prison for very crazy criminals. Harry soon finds out that this criminal might have betrayed his parents and helped murder them. He finds out that the criminal may have been breaking into Hogwarts ( a very prestigious wizarding school). He finds his way through the tunnels in Hogwarts and finds that everything isn’t what he thinks it is…
Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge
Genre: Retelling/Fantasy/Romance/adventure/paranormal
would recommend for 13+
Rachelle was good once, I mean before that creepy man came and then ruined her life and then she had to kill her aunt. She was apprenticed under her Aunt’s care to become the next woodwife who would protect the village from dark magic. Rachelle was also reckless. So when the creepy guy showed up, she stood up to him. Only to be marked a bloodbound who had to kill someone within 3 days or die. Fast-forward three years and she’s serving the king by killing deadly creatures, until the king assigns her to protect Armand, the person she hates most. The fraud who said that he had met a forestborn, had been marked a bloodbound, but had never killed and had survived. There was no way out, no one had ever done such a thing, and yet people believed it and said he was a saint! Rachelle forces him to help her find the sword that could save their world from the evil magic brewing, as they become allies they uncover long conspiracies.
This book was actually really interesting! I loved the world she put the book in like wow. I loved the main character, really bold, straight-up assassin. I cannot stop obsessing over the world, so imaginative with the bloodbounds, the forestborns, the woodspawns, the devourer, the endless night. It is a retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood, since the tale is kinda short, it’s like what happened and then after, except the ‘wolf’ doesn’t die. Wow, now that I’m really really really thinking about the book I can see a lot of connections metaphorically written in the book, like the devourer is kinda like how the wolf devours little red in the fairy-tale. This retelling, although super gory, was actually really interesting and fit in with the fairy tale really quite nicely. I liked this more than Cruel Beauty since the plot was more complicated as time went on, and the plot became REALLY interesting! Would highly recommend!
Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige
Fantasy Fiction
Have you ever read the book (or watched that movie) called The Wonderful Land of Oz? Dorothy was a fine little girl in that book… but Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige is completely going against that. With Dorothy eager to get back into Oz, she eventually gets manipulated by the magic and turns evil and power hungry. Sucking out all the magic in Oz, a band of witches come together with a crazy coincidence of a kid: ANOTHER girl from Kansas!!! But this time the new girl wants nothing more than to kill Dorothy (Dorothy must die, anyway.) And with the help of a gang of witches, a monkey, and a mysterious boy (Pete), she must Kill Dorothy. 5 STARS!!!!!! Except the ending could have been a bit better.
I read Dorothy Must Die recently as well, but I don’t think I’ll be reading the rest of the series.
1. It was gory
2. Cusses (moderate)
3. Romance (ew!)
But I did appreciate the plot. I didn’t like the end either, I mean just pure ‘what?’
This book is like Scythe for me. Gory, cusses (light), romance (again, ew!), so I don’t really like books THAT much with those elements. So the book was good, but I won’t be reading the rest of the series.
3.5 stars.
“Dorothy Must Die” by Danielle Paige
Fantasy Fiction
Have you ever read the book (or watched that movie) called The Wonderful Land of Oz? Dorothy was a fine little girl in that book… but Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige is completely going against that. With Dorothy eager to get back into Oz, she eventually gets manipulated by the magic and turns evil and power hungry. Sucking out all the magic in Oz, a band of witches come together with a crazy coincidence of a kid: ANOTHER girl from Kansas!!! But this time the new girl wants nothing more than to kill Dorothy (Dorothy must die, anyway.) And with the help of a gang of witches, a monkey, and a mysterious boy (Pete), she must Kill Dorothy. 5 STARS!!!!!! Except the ending could have been a bit better.
Wait, didn’t you already say that?
Ender’s Game
Orson Scott Card
Science Fiction
With aliens called “buggers” having attacked the earth twice, almost killing the entire human race, the government has made sure that humans will win the next time by making military geniuses and training them at a young age for the war that will come. The early training is made up of games, and smart Ender Wiggin is the best of the best, winning every game he plays. He knows that the time will come where the buggers attack once again, but can he save the world, or will he break down under pressure?
I would really recommend this book, it has many plot twists and an interesting story line. If you are into Sci-Fi you will love this!
Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo
Genre: Non-fiction/Christianity
Would recommend for ages 13+
When Colton Burpo undergoes emergency surgery with little hope of coming back after being diagnosed with appendicitis. He miraculously made it! Then Colton, not even 4 years old, tells his parents how he left his body during the surgery, and visited heaven. He authenticates the story by telling them exactly what they had been doing when he was in surgery. He talks about visiting heaven, meeting his relatives in which he had never met in real life, and all of this with a little child’s innocence.
So this pretty much matters on your opinion. I thought the story was amazing, the writing style was kinda iffy, but overall a really great book! Colton was adorable and the way he explained things, so blunt like the angels were “really really big” and the way he sees situations for example:
Dad: Colton! Wait! You have to wait for me or else you can get hit by a car!
Colton: *Doesn’t understand*
Dad: *Points at a pile of fur in the middle of the road*
Dad: See that bunny wasn’t looking and then he got hit by a car and then he died! That could happen!
Colton: *grins* oh yay! That means I can go back to heaven!
Dad: o_o
honestly I think the only thing that bothered me was the writing skill, I pretty much never read non-fiction books for pleasure reading, I’m all fantasy, so obviously it was going to be different than fiction.
Overall a great book though! Would recommend!
I watched a movie, Miracles From Heaven a couple years ago. It’s a true story! So basically, a girl has a condition that is incurable. She cannot digest food because of it. When she falls several feet into a tree, she goes to heaven. She apparently met Jesus. When she woke, she was in a hospital. People thought she would never get better. But then she shows that she is starting to recover.
I mean, not the best, but pretty inspiring, I suppose.
This movie and that book sounds pretty similar, I wonder if there’s a connection…?
Yeah, probably. They do sound similar. Heaven is For Real is a movie too. The book also connects with another child named Akiane, a child-prodigy who paints amazing pictures. She started having visions about heaven and she painted Jesus, then Colton confirms that it’s exactly how Jesus looked like.
The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase (2nd book)
Wendy Mass
Mystery and Fiction
Logan, Miles, Philip and Daisy had made it through the candy competition. Now what, they each asked themselves. Philip’s brother Andrew came back for the summer, Daisy had a mission at Camp Tumbleweed, Miles missed the afterlife, and Logan well lived in a candy factory so what better thing to do than eat candy. News comes about a surprise and WOW! The surprise is certainly a surprise along with the people that get blended in.
Lost Hero: Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
Genre: Mythology/Adventure/Fantasy
Okay, this book was… I’m not sure. So yeah, the last, VERY last part of the book kinda, KINDA, made up for Percy not being there because I loved that twist in the book. I liked Leo and Piper, wonderful characters, Jason… I’m not sure how I feel about him, I mean I don’t hate him, I’m pretty sure I like him as a character. But I prefer Percy as the main character. At the beginning of the book I was slightly annoyed with all the “oh I need to keep this a secret or else blah blah blah” I mean yeah, Piper had a valid reason, I can accept that. I mean like why did Leo keep his fire a secret at the beginning????? What was the point of that????? He didn’t want to tell his friends because they’re going to think you’re dangerous?????? Isn’t it better you tell them sooner so you can figure out the prophecy altogether?? I just didn’t understand that part with all the “oh i must keep this a secret” That ending though, was awesome.
Jasen is off to a rocky start, he wakes up in a bus with no idea where he is, who the people in the bus are, and who he is.
They reach Camp-Halfblood and find out Percy and Hera are missing. The gods have closed connection with the demigods. He must go on a quest to save Hera even though his gut is telling him something is very, very, wrong.
I’m not sure what rating to give this… I really liked Leo and Piper as characters, Jason was a meh. I didn’t like reaaally like the plot. But some of the battles were thrilling. I got distracted by other things throughout the book. But the ending was a shocker. I did NOT see that coming at all. I think maybe 4 stars, actually maybe 3.5 or maybe 3.7ish.
Son of Neptune – Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
I think this is probably my favorite book written by him!
Action-packed and really interesting throughout the whole entire book!
Percy is battling gorgons when he finds Camp Jupiter. He can’t recall anything except for Annabeth, his girlfriend. Hazel isn’t supposed to be alive, she died about 70 years ago in fact. And 70 years ago, she didn’t live her life that well helping Gaea. Frank has a secret he keeps close to him, literally. But he doesn’t know who his dad is, maybe Apollo? Archery is the only thing that separates him from worthless but no such luck, no sign, no nothing.
When the three are put together for a quest to free Thanatos who is under the clutches of the enemy, they face obstacles and mysteries along the way.
This book is my favorite so far from the other books I have read from Rick Riordan. Super action-packed, never a boring point! Loved the new characters and their secrets. Highly recommend this book!
Obsessed
by Allison Britz
Memoir
This is probably one of the most interesting books I have read recently, I cannot even begin to imagine myself in Allison’s shoes when her symptoms first appeared. This book is about Allison’s sophomore year of high school, the year she starts hearing scary warnings from a voice inside her head and dreaming about her possibly cancer-filled future. Suddenly she finds herself counting her steps (out loud) and banning herself from essential objects, like clothes and cosmetics, because if she doesn’t do what the voice in her head tells her to, she will get cancer and her parents will die. This book has really opened my eyes to the real-life struggles Allison faced when her OCD first broke out, when she didn’t know how to ask for help. Allison Britz does not sugarcoat her story! I’ve learned a lot about OCD after reading this book, and the truth that everyone really is facing their own battles. This isn’t a light book, but I am really inspired by Allison’s story.
I really want to read this book, I’ve looked practically everywhere online. I don’t like audiobooks, but that’s the only version I could find online for free.
Zen and the Art of Faking It
by Jordan Sonnenblick
Loved this book! It’s just as funny and fresh as other books by this author. San Lee does not have an easy past. He has moved several times and has been the new-kid at several different schools. And at every place he has lived in, he made it his goal to blend in with the town by creating a new character, personality, and wardrobe for himself. So this time, at Harrisonville Middle School in Pennsylvania, San has decided to become the mysterious Zen-kid! He has never been the popular kid at school before, therefore he is surprised to find the whole school almost worshiping him and everyone hanging onto every Zen-thing he says. San finds himself with new friends and actually begins to enjoy practicing Zen. But all good things must come to an end, and suddenly San is rushing to find some wisdom to cover some slip-ups, to patch things up with his family, and to keep the true friend that he’s tried to hard to make.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth
by Rick Riordan
Adventure and Fantasy
This is probably my favorite book of the series! In this adventure, Percy, Grover, Annabeth, and Tyson set out into the Labyrinth in search of Daedalus’ workshop before Kronos’s army finds it. Along the way, they battle countless monsters and discover both new friends and new traitors. Great book!
Mark of Athena – Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
Genre: Mythology/Fantasy/Adventure
The 7 demigods of the prophecy are now together! But when evil sprouts, it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war against Percy and his friends. But Annabeth carries a secret, in her pocket she holds a valuable gift from her mother along with a disturbing message, “Follow the mark of athena, avenge me” With the pressure of finding the doors of death and figuring out what athena was telling her, she’s scared that Percy’s also changed, with his new friends and the Roman ways did he even need her?
So I was really excited to read this book, I mean the 7 demigods are all together! I didn’t really like Jason and Piper at the beginning of this series, but they’re growing on me. I really like the Percy and Annabeth moments, I loved that shocking ending, amazing! I liked how Son of Neptune was really action-packed and there was a lot of bonding. I liked this book because of all the cute moments, I mean there wasn’t as much sibling-bonding as I wanted there to be. I was not expecting that tension between Percy and Jason, that surprised me. I was also surprised with the development of fearing suffocation with Percy, but it added a twist to the book. I enjoyed this book! I would recommend this series, but only after you read the Percy Jackson series. I think I would give this book maybe 4.6 or 4.7 stars, I’m not sure yet how I really feel about this book, but that ending was awesome (I mean bad for the characters it was more shocking-awesome-cliffhanger)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian
by Rick Riordan
Adventure and Fantasy
A great finale for an amazing series! The first half of this book is about meeting new characters, a brave sacrifice, learning about Luke’s past and family, and a close betrayal. And of course, the second half is the intense battle between Percy and the young demigods and Kronos and his army. With the help of his friends, Percy finds the wisdom and courage to lead the demigods, fight the monsters in his path to Kronos, battle against the god of Time, and learn the real meaning of the prophecy. Amazing ending for the series!
Tyrannosaurus Wreaks
by Stuart Gibbs
This realistic fiction book is super cool. Teddy Fitzroy is not only involved with one mystery again, but with two! Teddy has to figure out who is dealing with an illegal reptile trade and who stole a 500 pound tyrannosaurus rex skull. These two mysteries put Teddy in a lot of danger.
The One and Only Bob
by Katherine Applegate
This fiction book tells of how Bob’s life is going when he is living with his new owners, Sara, George, and Julia. But, his life twists when a hurricane, “Gus”, strikes town. He was visiting his friends, Ivan and Ruby when the storm hit. Bob meets his long lost sister, and also saves his nephew. Bob takes risk to save everything he needs.
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author: J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was an exciting, thrilling book. A main feature of this book was that there was a prisoner on the loose from the wizarding world named Sirius Black. He was known for being very close with Lord Voldemort. Secrets are revealed, one being perhaps a traitor in their midst. This book’s genre was fantasy. I definitely recommend it! It’s my favorite out of the first three books in the series.
Zack Delacruz: Me and My Big Mouth
by Jeff Anderson
Fiction
Zack has always been quite a wallflower at his middle school, and that’s just the way he likes it. But after an eye-opening school assembly, an unfortunate typhoon of spit, and a brave scene of standing up to a bully, Zack finds himself in charge of a class fund-raiser. With his newfound voice and inner strength, Zack takes on the responsibility and gives hope to his sixth grade classmates who want to attend the school dance. But does Zack have enough strength and voice to solve the big problem that threatens to keep the sixth-graders from attending the school dance? A short, funny, and clever book to read!
Alex and Eliza
by Melissa De La Cruz
Historical Fiction
5 stars!
As the states are on the brink of the American Revolution, the Schuyler family prepare to host a grand ball in New York, hoping to attract possible suitors for their three eldest daughters. Angelica, with her razor-sharp wit, Peggy, with her young, pretty looks, and Eliza, who just might be more beautiful and clever than her sisters, although she would rather be aiding the colonists’ cause than dressing up for the ball. Still, she cannot contain her excitement when she finds out the mysterious and charming Alexander Hamilton will be at the ball. And when Alex and Eliza meet at the ball, so begins the amazing love story that would take part in American history.
House of Hades – Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
Genre: Mythology/Fantasy/Adventure/Romance
This was my favorite book in this series, cross out Son of Neptune THIS is the one. I mean I’m not sure if it belongs in the romance category, it’s not the main plot but it’s woven into the characters perspectives. This book was so interesting, it had amazing twists and turns, by far my favorite book in this series maybe even my favorite out of all the books I’ve read from him!
Percy and Annabeth are now in Tartarus, separated from the gang, they have to survive and reach the doors of death. But with acid as air, misery as water, and broken glass as land, it doesn’t look too good.
Hazel is at the crossroads, awakening powers inside that she never thought she had, the fate of Argo ll and her group depend on her. They have to stop Camp Jupiter and Camp Half-blood from going to war, but with Octavian rallying up the armies, the odds aren’t on their side. They have to hurry to the doors of death if Percy and Annabeth are going to come out alive, but with all their past enemies coming back to life, is that possible?
I loved the character development! Especially Frank. Jason, who I didn’t really like at the beginning, I mean we never really got that many perspectives of him for the 3rd book, it was mostly through Piper, and Piper saw him as perfect, which automatically made me groan, we don’t need a “perfect” character. But then we got perspectives with Jason in this book without Piper’s praise, and how he really feels about being the “perfect character” and he’s growing on me. I would recommend this series!
Yay! So glad you are liking it now! Anyways, have you read the Blood of Olympus yet? It’s pretty good! Also, after Blood of Olympus, you can read Trials of Apollo. It literally has close to 0 of the previous characters, but Apollo and Meg grow on you. This series is THE LAST SERIES IN THE CAMP HALF-BLOOD SERIES, so NO MORE CAMP HALF-BLOOD FROM RICK RIORDAN AGAIN. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO–anyways, it’s pretty good.
Home Sweet Motel
Chris Grabenstein
This book is part of the thriller genre because it is about a boy named P.T. who lives at the Wonderland motel and he needs to save his motel because it can’t pay the bills anymore. He finds about an old robbery and he uses this as a jumping-off point to find a way to save his home.
Sandapalooza Shake-Up
Chris Grabenstein
This third book in the Welcome to Wonderland series is part of the mystery and thriller genre. P.T. and his friend Gloria start a restaurant in their motel and there is also a contest to see who can build the best sand sculpture but running the restaurant is a huge problem and then a tiara gets stolen and everything is going haywire. They need to solve these problems quickly before their motel is hurt too badly.
Beach Battle Blowout
Chris Grabenstein
This book is part of the thriller genre. In this book, there is a competition to see which part of the beach is the best. No large businesses are allowed, so Wonderland finally has a shot to win. They need to find out who the secret judge is so that they can win. They also need to stop people from sabotaging them.
Max Einstein: The Genius Experiment
Chris Grabenstein
This book is part of the mystery genre. It is about a girl named Max Einstein. She is a genius and there a lot of people after her. She joins up with an organization that does good to the world using modern technology and she has to fight the bad guys at every turn.
Max Einstein: Rebels With a Cause
Chris Grabenstein and James Patterson
This book is part of the mystery genre. In this book, the kids need to help and solve the water crisis in both India and Ireland using creative methods that they have come up with on their own. However, it seems that there is a spy within their institute and they need to find out who quickly.
Steve Jobs: Insanely Great
Jessie Hartland
Biography
This book is about Steve Job’s lifetime from his childhood to his end. It talks about his family, his personality, and all of his accomplishments. The book is fun to read because of its format, and gives a lot of information.
Brotherband Chronicles book 3 The Hunters
By John Flanagan
Fantasy Fiction
This book was a really good read. Hal and his brothers and crew are hunting down a pirate ship called the Raven after they escaped from the battle on Limmat because they stole one of their treasured artifacts. This book has great characters and I would recommend this book.
All Rise For the Honorable Perry T. Cook
Leslie Cook
Perry was born and has lived all his life inside a prison with his mother. He has been able to do this thanks to the kindness of the Warden. However, this is finally stopped and Perry is sent to a foster home. He needs to find out the truth about his mother to save his home.
Brave Like That
Lindsey Stoddard
Cyrus Olson has a hero for a dad. He used to be a football star and now he is a great firefighter. Everyone around him wants him to be like his father but he can’t because he is different. He wants to be his own person and he needs a little help to make that a reality.
Jada Sly, Artist & Spy
Sherri Winston
Jada Sly is an artist and she is also training to be a spy. She loves art but also wants to be a spy and so she practices both. She has come back to New York City after five years and plans to find her supposedly dead mother with the help of some new friends.
Blood of Olympus – Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology/Adventure/Romance
Wow this book did not disappoint!
But I mean was the whole final battle thing rushed? Yeah, like this whole series led up to this battle, and it’s like 1 chapter, but not a boring chapter which was good! At first I was slightly disappointed when I heard there were going to be no Annabeth and Percy perspectives, but the other perspectives totally made up for that! Also you know how during this series they were all like “Oh Percy you’re going to sacrifice something that you won’t be able to” When did that come????? Did the author just forget or….? They made such a huge deal about it, I was like hoping for something really dramatic. Also in House of Hades… Leo and Calypso…. WOW *fireworks in the background*. And we finally, FINALLY get a perspective by Reyna and Nico!!
The 7 demigods are in for the final test, will they stop the Romans and Greeks from fighting each other? Will they stop Gaea from rising? Will they survive????
This was a great series! I certainly liked it more than the Percy Jackson series since this one was more complicated and there were several main characters, but I would still read it before reading Heroes of Olympus since it’s nice to have a connection with your characters. Highly recommend this series!
Spy School
Stuart Gibbs
Ben Ripley is in middle school and he has a pretty normal life until he is recruited to go to a secret spy school by the CIA. He is shocked but this isn’t really the case and he needs to stay safe as there is an evil organization that is trying to get him.
Spy Camp
Stuart Gibbs
Ben Ripley really wants to go home for the summer until he learns that he needs to go to summer school for spies. He needs to go and train in the wilderness. However, SPYDER is back and they need to be stopped immediately.
Evil Spy School
Stuart Gibbs
Ben gets kicked out of spy school after blowing up his principal’s office and it looks like his life is going to be boring again. However, he gets an offer from SPYDER to join their ranks and he joins them. He spies on SPYDER and meets the rest of their evil spy school. Ben needs to figure out what is happening quickly before he gets caught.
Spy Ski School
Stuart Gibbs
Ben Ripley is now going to be going to ski school on a mission to find out more about a mysterious businessman who seems to be involved in shady deals. He needs to befriend Jessica Shang, who is the business man’s daughter. However, this mission is quite dangerous and has quite a few unexpected events.
So this is love by Elizabeth Lim
Genre: Fantasy/Retellings/Romance
I’ve only read two of the “Twisted Fairy Tales” but these books are great! This book was pretty short. They all have a question written on the cover that changes the course of the fairy tale for ex: “What if Wendy first traveled to Neverland with Captain Hook?”
In this book the question is “What if Cinderella never tried on the glass slipper?”
When the Grand Duke comes and Cinderella’s stepmother locks her in her room, Cinderella never makes it out and never gets to prove that she is the runaway princess. After narrowly escaping being shipped halfway across the world, she ends up serving in the palace! But when plots and evil schemes unfold she may be the only one who is able to save the royal family.
This book is pretty corny, but in a good way. It starts with them meeting at the ball and then running away, and then she ends up a servant in the palace. When the Grand Duke corners her, telling her to spy on the Duchess, she isn’t sure who to trust. Along with that, she quickly learns about a mysterious fallout between the Duke, Duchess and the King involving magic. Between Loyalty and love, what will she do??
This was super weird… Since I just read Heroes of Olympus with all the mythology, action, killing, vs what I just read, princesses, ball gowns, monarchy. This is making my mind spin. Two very, VERY different book/series.
This book was a little disappointing, I mean I liked how she was just under the prince’s nose as a servant, but it was slow-paced, there was only one villain so it wasn’t that complicated, and not a lot of action except for like near the end but it wasn’t all that exciting. I really liked the Duchess, lots of attitude. But other than that, it just wasn’t… amazing? Great? Awesome? I mean I didn’t hate the book, but I didn’t really like it either. Compared to the other Cinderella retellings I’ve read, this one was kinda a disappointment, a good book, but meh. I would give this maybe a 3.5? 3.4 stars? I mean it was enjoyable, I just wasn’t all that emotionally attached to the characters. Would recommend though, I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it, but I enjoyed it, not highly but enjoyed it.
Spy School Secret Service
Stuart Gibbs
Ben RIples has had a lot of success as a spy and his newest mission is to prevent the president from being assassinated and he needs to be friends with the president’s son. He gets double-crossed and he needs to find a way to clear his name with the help of his friends.
Spy School Goes South
Stuart Gibbs
Ben Ripley has been cheated by SPYDER several times and needs to tread carefully. This is why it seems truly shocking when Murray Hill offers to give up SPYDER if only Ben and Erica come with them. However, everything goes horribly wrong and they need to come up with a way to save themselves quickly.
The London Eye Mystery
Siobahn Dowd
Mystery
When Ted’s relatives, Aunt Gloria and her son Salim, come over to their house, they go around London to go sightseeing before they move to America. But when they go visit the London Eye, everything goes wrong. Salim mysteriously disappears after going on the Eye by himself. They have theories like that he got kidnapped, or he might not even be alive. The police are even confused from the situation. Ted and his unique thinking , and his sister, Kat, who have a sticky relationship, become detectives to solve the problem. They look for clues and travel all over London to find Salim, while time ticks by.
Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
Genre: Romance/Fantasy/Adventure
This book was AMAZING. Okay at first I enjoyed it a lot, the main character was fierce and bold. I loved the different perspectives. But then the biggest plot twist I’ve ever seen happened and flipped the whole book upside down and then I started LOVING the book!
So Princess Lia, is fierce, bold, and has a sharp-tongue. When she runs away from a forced marriage to the Prince of Dalbrek (who she’s never even seen) she runs away to a quiet village and becomes a maid. But what she doesn’t see when she welcomes two boys into the inn is that one is the jilted prince, and the other, an assassin sent to kill her.
Now as you enter maybe 60% into the book you come across the BIGGEST PLOT TWIST YOU HAVE EVER SEEEEEN!!! At first when you come across the plot-twist-that-you-never-saw-coming is whaaaaaaa….? and then realization and the fireworks come in and then followed along by you staring at the book for an hour, processing all of this, and fangirling SO. HARD. This plot twist flipped this whole story upside down making you want to read the book over and over to see all the pointers you missed in the book. Oh and then this plot becomes part of an even bigger plot which was amazing! HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
Other Words For Home
By Jasmine Warga
Genre – Realistic fiction
This book is so good and interesting to read! Jude, the main character, is such an amazing character to read about. She comes to the US from another county and it is interesting to read about a different point of view of this country. I definitely recommend this book!
Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson
Genre: Romance/Adventure/Fantasy
This book was amazing, with a shocking ending! I loved the different perspectives, Kaden’s perspective was actually really interesting to read with his mixed confusion over where his loyalty lied.
Lia’s life is haywire, starting with Rafe’s lie saying he was a farmer who was actually the Prince of Dalbrek, to the Vendans who she thought were barbarians but maybe not, to Kaden who wasn’t assassinating her for whatever reason?? When Kaden brings Lia to the Komizar saying she has the gift, his interest in her is greater than she thought. With her stolen books and her newfound gift, Lia will have to face tremendous obstacles and must rise up to save those she loves.
This book did not disappoint! At certain times I was a bit confused with the book but then it got more clearer, I love the character development throughout the book and how they’re all in the same place, but they’re all seeing the situation very differently. This book was amazing! Highly recommend this series!
The 5th Wave
Rick Yancey
Sci-Fi
When a series of waves from an alien species almost wipeout Earth causing the population to go from billions to just a few left causes the big beautiful planet to be abandoned, dead, and empty. Cassie, a teen who was able to survive the first 4 waves must try to survive the 5th. She could be the last person on earth. But what is the point of trying? All she has left is her little brother, that she doesn’t even know if he’s alive or not. She can’t trust anyone. The others, the ones killing everyone, can be disguised as anyone. Staying alone was the way, but when she meets Evan Walker, it is her only hope. But is trusting him the right way?
Beauty of Darkness by Mary E Pearson
Genre: Fantasy/Romance/Adventure
Of course the last book just had to end on a cliffhanger… This book was amazing though! I mean the author could have split the book into two books since it was so packed, but it doesn’t matter. I loved the character development, especially Kaden!!! Though his romance seemed a bit forced at first from the author, but it grew on me. The major complaint I have about this book was Lia and Rafe, like WHAT??? You guys like fight 50% of the time and then *cough cough cough* happens, like I feel like they just took a huge step back from the second book! I mean their fights were intense and like they couldn’t go prancing around like a perfect couple because where’s the fun in that, but like stiiilll. I mean this book was awesome though, I just would recommend a few alterations to how this book should have ended instead of just leaving me hanging like that, ugh I mean I was happy for a few things, but that ending just sucked like *spluttering* what???? But other than that last page that ended with a utterly horrifying cliffhanger, the book was great!
Lia barely makes it out of Venda of alive but she does it! With war coming, Lia must find her way to Morrighan to warn them of the traitors lurking. But she finds herself fighting with Rafe and suspicious of Kaden who was hunting her down along with the fear that the Komizar did make it out of the whole bloody scene alive.
Okay
1. Hate that cliffhanger, I feel cheated after reading the series to come to that cliffhanger
2. Hate that *cough cough* didn’t *cough cough* when they had like the whole book
3. I loved Kaden, in this book I found myself shipping him with Lia, I mean I want her to end up with Rafe, but like Kaden and Lia have a special bond and like balance each other out
4. I did like how Kaden turned out
5. UGH THAT CLIFFHANGER NOW I HAVE TO READ THE DANCE OF THIEVES SOON (centers on new characters but in the same world though some time has passed, not too much time though)- this author is crafty
6. I can’t believe *cough* died that was just not okay
Well, some parts I hated, some parts I loved. Okay I will have to tolerate that cliffhanger, and pretending that I didn’t see that cliffhanger, I’m giving this 5 stars! Loved the action, and plot twists!