Literature
Book Review of One by Sarah Crossan
Reviewed by Kate Valentine
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be a conjoined twin? If you did, you probably realized how different it would be. How many things you’d have to do in a particular way. The book One by Sarah Crossan, will give you a look inside the life a conjoined twin. Even more than that, you will learn how something you lived your whole life with seems normal to you but strange to others.
Grace and Tippi, the twins, have their own torsos and heads but share a pair of legs. They are used to being stared at by strangers, and gawked at whenever they leave their house. The twins have been homeschooled for all of elementary school and middle school, but now, their parents are sending them to public school- high school. And besides that, weird things are happening to them, especially Grace. Things that might indicate medical problems. But Grace and Tippi don’t want to face that- because it might mean separation, a big change, and a risky one. The book is written in verse from Grace’s point of view.
This book was really interesting. And, in some places, sad. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. If you’re interested in what it’s like living as a conjoined twin, you will love this book. Even if you aren’t, it’s still a great story about the struggles of being the weird one in high school, and having siblings. The only thing I would change would be the ending. Not how it ended but when. I feel the author should have written at least another chapter. It was still a beautifully written and organized book, and reading it is an excellent idea.
Reviewed by Kate Valentine
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be a conjoined twin? If you did, you probably realized how different it would be. How many things you’d have to do in a particular way. The book One by Sarah Crossan, will give you a look inside the life a conjoined twin. Even more than that, you will learn how something you lived your whole life with seems normal to you but strange to others.
Grace and Tippi, the twins, have their own torsos and heads but share a pair of legs. They are used to being stared at by strangers, and gawked at whenever they leave their house. The twins have been homeschooled for all of elementary school and middle school, but now, their parents are sending them to public school- high school. And besides that, weird things are happening to them, especially Grace. Things that might indicate medical problems. But Grace and Tippi don’t want to face that- because it might mean separation, a big change, and a risky one. The book is written in verse from Grace’s point of view.
This book was really interesting. And, in some places, sad. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. If you’re interested in what it’s like living as a conjoined twin, you will love this book. Even if you aren’t, it’s still a great story about the struggles of being the weird one in high school, and having siblings. The only thing I would change would be the ending. Not how it ended but when. I feel the author should have written at least another chapter. It was still a beautifully written and organized book, and reading it is an excellent idea.
Book Summaries and Reviews
Written By Kalina Sloat
Beautiful Creatures:
Summary
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.
Review
When I first read the summary I was skeptical about this read, as it was seemingly boring and uninteresting. For some reason I decided to read it, and I was hooked! This book is well developed,and not as dull as it may seem. There is a magic factor, and a lot of suspense and mystery, which is a huge plus. I almost cried when it was over, because I really wanted the story to keep going… No matter how old you are, or what gender, you will love, love, love this book.
City of Bones:
Summary
When Clary Fray goes to the Pandemonium Club she hardly expects to witness a murder- committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary is suddenly pulled into the Shadowhunter world, when demons attack her and her mother. But why do demons care about Clary’s family?
Review
City of Bones is an intricately plotted book about mythology coming to life. I recently read it for the first time and I was shocked. I had heard positive reviews about it, but I have never read a book written so beautifully and with just enough detail to weave pictures into your head and still allow for imagination. It is perfect for people who love fantasy, mythological creatures, powerful heroines (and heroes) and of course, magic. This book is best suited for fifth grade and up, considering that it has some violence and romance. It is not a short book for a young reader, at 512 pages and it has some challenging vocabulary, like “ruminative” and “insouciant”. The story is well developed and there is nothing that could be improved. That’s how City of Bones made it’s way up in my favorite book list.
Tiger's Curse:
Summary
Passion. Fate. Loyalty.
Would you risk it all to change your destiny?
The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.
Tiger’s Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Review
Tiger’s Curse is one of those unique books that makes you never want to put it down. It is written intriguingly, about a topic rarely touched upon, Hindu mythology. Knowing very little about Indian culture, I feel that reading this has exposed me to a whole new world had never heard of. But among all of this new information, Kelsey is still a girl who seems reasonable, and Ren and Kishan show the bond between brothers that anybody can relate to. The story is intriguing for the romance fans, the weapon fans and of course, the fantasy fans. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a new favorite read, but not for anyone 9 and under. Read and enjoy!
Written By Kalina Sloat
Beautiful Creatures:
Summary
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.
Review
When I first read the summary I was skeptical about this read, as it was seemingly boring and uninteresting. For some reason I decided to read it, and I was hooked! This book is well developed,and not as dull as it may seem. There is a magic factor, and a lot of suspense and mystery, which is a huge plus. I almost cried when it was over, because I really wanted the story to keep going… No matter how old you are, or what gender, you will love, love, love this book.
City of Bones:
Summary
When Clary Fray goes to the Pandemonium Club she hardly expects to witness a murder- committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary is suddenly pulled into the Shadowhunter world, when demons attack her and her mother. But why do demons care about Clary’s family?
Review
City of Bones is an intricately plotted book about mythology coming to life. I recently read it for the first time and I was shocked. I had heard positive reviews about it, but I have never read a book written so beautifully and with just enough detail to weave pictures into your head and still allow for imagination. It is perfect for people who love fantasy, mythological creatures, powerful heroines (and heroes) and of course, magic. This book is best suited for fifth grade and up, considering that it has some violence and romance. It is not a short book for a young reader, at 512 pages and it has some challenging vocabulary, like “ruminative” and “insouciant”. The story is well developed and there is nothing that could be improved. That’s how City of Bones made it’s way up in my favorite book list.
Tiger's Curse:
Summary
Passion. Fate. Loyalty.
Would you risk it all to change your destiny?
The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.
Tiger’s Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Review
Tiger’s Curse is one of those unique books that makes you never want to put it down. It is written intriguingly, about a topic rarely touched upon, Hindu mythology. Knowing very little about Indian culture, I feel that reading this has exposed me to a whole new world had never heard of. But among all of this new information, Kelsey is still a girl who seems reasonable, and Ren and Kishan show the bond between brothers that anybody can relate to. The story is intriguing for the romance fans, the weapon fans and of course, the fantasy fans. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a new favorite read, but not for anyone 9 and under. Read and enjoy!
Pretenders By Lisi Harrison: Book Review
Reviewed by Kate Valentine
I just finished this book a few days ago and I finished the sequel, License to Spill, yesterday. I fully enjoyed both of them and was left in suspense because the third book hasn’t been written yet. Pretenders is told from the point of view of five freshmen in high school who all have been assigned a journal that must be filled by the time it is turned in, at the end of the year. Sheridan is an aspiring actress who is jealous of her friend Audri’s new friends. (Andrew) Duffy is a basketball player whose family is short on money and who is crushed on by Lily, a former homeschooler and now stalker of Duffy. Vanessa is a smart and beautiful girl whose parents are fighting more and more often. Lastly, Jagger is apparently living in a pet store since his parents are in jail. This was an awesome book that had no closure whatsoever. I fully recommend that you read Pretenders and its sequel, License to Spill.
Reviewed by Kate Valentine
I just finished this book a few days ago and I finished the sequel, License to Spill, yesterday. I fully enjoyed both of them and was left in suspense because the third book hasn’t been written yet. Pretenders is told from the point of view of five freshmen in high school who all have been assigned a journal that must be filled by the time it is turned in, at the end of the year. Sheridan is an aspiring actress who is jealous of her friend Audri’s new friends. (Andrew) Duffy is a basketball player whose family is short on money and who is crushed on by Lily, a former homeschooler and now stalker of Duffy. Vanessa is a smart and beautiful girl whose parents are fighting more and more often. Lastly, Jagger is apparently living in a pet store since his parents are in jail. This was an awesome book that had no closure whatsoever. I fully recommend that you read Pretenders and its sequel, License to Spill.
City of Bones: Book Review
Written By Kalina Sloat
When Clary Fray goes to the Pandemonium Club she hardly expects to witness a murder- committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary is suddenly pulled into the Shadowhunter world, when demons attack her and her mother. But why do demons care about Clary’s family?
City of Bones is an intricately plotted book about mythology coming to life. I recently read it for the first time and I was shocked. I had heard positive reviews about it, but I have never read a book written so beautifully and with just enough detail to weave pictures into your head and still allow for imagination. It is perfect for people who love fantasy, mythological creatures, powerful heroines (and heroes) and of course, magic.
This book is best suited for fifth grade and up, considering that it has some violence and romance. It is not a short book for a young reader, at 512 pages and it has some challenging vocabulary, like “ruminative” and “insouciant”. The story is well developed and there is nothing that could be improved. That’s how City of Bones made it’s way up in my favorite book list.
Written By Kalina Sloat
When Clary Fray goes to the Pandemonium Club she hardly expects to witness a murder- committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary is suddenly pulled into the Shadowhunter world, when demons attack her and her mother. But why do demons care about Clary’s family?
City of Bones is an intricately plotted book about mythology coming to life. I recently read it for the first time and I was shocked. I had heard positive reviews about it, but I have never read a book written so beautifully and with just enough detail to weave pictures into your head and still allow for imagination. It is perfect for people who love fantasy, mythological creatures, powerful heroines (and heroes) and of course, magic.
This book is best suited for fifth grade and up, considering that it has some violence and romance. It is not a short book for a young reader, at 512 pages and it has some challenging vocabulary, like “ruminative” and “insouciant”. The story is well developed and there is nothing that could be improved. That’s how City of Bones made it’s way up in my favorite book list.
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Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Written by Natalie Chen I read Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard for fun and I really enjoyed this book. The book was really well developed in the beginning and it was suspenseful towards the middle as well. The end was well written but I felt it was a little sharp and sudden and it could have been a little more laid out. Red Queen takes place in a land divided by the color of blood- red, considered a disgrace and silver, the color blood of authority. Silver blood means supernatural abilities used for pleasure and fighting and the ability to look down on the Reds who live in the ghettos of the land. Red blood means a life of poverty and the constant reminding that you are not good enough. Mare Barrow, a girl with red blood, is about to turn eighteen. With no special talent, it is inevitable that she will be drafted into the army with an almost certain death. But as a new rebel alliance is forming and her family loses their only hope of a happy future, Mare finds herself in the royal palace. She finds herself with a strange and special power that will cause her to be whisked into a game of charades where she finds herself among the royals and, yes, Silvers. Throughout the whole story, Mare will be tested as she struggles to figure out her true identity; silver, red, both, or neither? The genre of this book is fantasy, but I would also recommend this book to dystopian fiction lovers as it has a similar theme to a lot of the popular books of that genre. I would recommend this story for boys and girls in middle school through high school because there is some violence, romance, and torture as well as talk about violence. So far, there has only been a sequel written about Mare Barrow called Glass Sword. There is also going to be a Red Queen movie, but there is no release date as of now, but Elizabeth Banks is said to be directing it and Pouya Shahbazian (producer of Divergent) is going to be producing it. The Red Queen will lead you into a whole new world, a mix of The Maze Runner, Divergent, and X-Men, and you will get to experience the thoughts and actions of Mare Barrow. |
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Credits: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1025250.Schooled
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Schooled: Written by Gordon Korman
Written by Natalie Chen I just recently finished reading the book Schooled by Gordon Korman. This story is about “C Average” Middle School and their reaction when an eighth grade hippie who knows nothing about regular modern life transfers to their school when his grandmother is injured and is at a hospital. The new kid, Capricorn Anderson, is immediately crowned eighth grade president, a position in where the popular crew put complete loners in to make a fool of themselves. But as the story unfolds, Capricorn will learn about modern day life as more and more people learn about Capricorn’s life, resulting in conflict throughout all the hallways of “C Average” Middle School. This story was very appealing to me because it was very funny and it was a very interesting book. I would recommend this book to any genders and any ages third grade and up. Schooled is also told in different people’s perspectives, like the teacher, the popular kid, Capricorn, and a lot more people, making the story even more appealing. |
Matched by Ally Condie: Book Review
Written by Kate Valentine
I read this book for the speculative fiction organizer for Ms. Ray when I was in sixth grade and really liked it. I also read the other two that follow it: Crossed, then Reached. I didn’t like them as much as I liked Matched, though, but they were still worth the read. Matched is about a girl named Cassia who, in the beginning of the book, is about to see who her ‘match’, the guy who she will marry, is. When her friend Xander’s face shows on the screen, she trusts the Society in their decision, just as she trusts them to decide what she will read, watch, even believe. But then, for a split second, a new boy named Ky’s face shows up, and then it is gone. Cassia is told to forget about it, that she will be happy with Xander, and that it is a glitch. She tries to, but she finds herself slowly falling in love with Ky. She begins to doubt the society’s infallibility, and realizes she has to make a choice: a safe life with Xander and the Society, or a life with Ky on a path no one else has dared to try. I really enjoyed this book and hope you try it!
Written by Kate Valentine
I read this book for the speculative fiction organizer for Ms. Ray when I was in sixth grade and really liked it. I also read the other two that follow it: Crossed, then Reached. I didn’t like them as much as I liked Matched, though, but they were still worth the read. Matched is about a girl named Cassia who, in the beginning of the book, is about to see who her ‘match’, the guy who she will marry, is. When her friend Xander’s face shows on the screen, she trusts the Society in their decision, just as she trusts them to decide what she will read, watch, even believe. But then, for a split second, a new boy named Ky’s face shows up, and then it is gone. Cassia is told to forget about it, that she will be happy with Xander, and that it is a glitch. She tries to, but she finds herself slowly falling in love with Ky. She begins to doubt the society’s infallibility, and realizes she has to make a choice: a safe life with Xander and the Society, or a life with Ky on a path no one else has dared to try. I really enjoyed this book and hope you try it!
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Book Review: Legend by Marie Lu
Written by Natalie Chen Legend creates the story of a distopic world where the United States has now been taken over by two battling colonies, the Republic and the Colonies. This trilogy hit me with a mess of awe, emotions, and questions. Legend is narrated by two characters, one the Republic’s prodigy and top student in training, June, and one a legendary enemy and wanted fugitive of the Republic, Day. When June’s older brother, Metias, is killed, and Day is responsible for his murder, June is assigned on a mission to track Day down. What is a story of survival and ultimately, love, June and Day will learn much about each other as they spend times in the streets with each other as June is prepared to carry out a mission. This book fulfilled my expectations of just another dystopian fiction book because the writing is really on point and focused. The ending of the book could have used a little bit more suspense, though. |
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Book Review: The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
Reviewed by Amanda Wu The Great Gilly Hopkins, a Newbery Honor Book perfect for students of all ages, by Katherine Paterson is a praise-worthy book on all fronts. When the unmanageable eleven-year-old Galadriel “Gilly” Hopkins is sent to her third foster home in less than three years, she expects her time there to be just like all the others: short, predictable, and with Gilly in complete control. But this foster family, the strangest family of them all, is different and takes Gilly by surprise. Throughout the book, Gilly faces both physical obstacles, such as fighting a group of other students, and emotional obstacles, such as being forced to stay a “foster child” when she knows her real mother wants her back. Still, after coming to love her foster mother, brother, and neighbor, she learns that family is what matters most of all, and that true family aren’t just those who are related to you through blood. This book delves into some deep concepts about prejudice, love, and courage, and anyone who is interested in adventure and a character’s journey of self-discovery should read The Great Gilly Hopkins. |
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Candor by Pam Bachor
Reviewed by Natalie Chen Candor by Pam Bachorz: “In a town in Florida, parents take their troubled kids to the million dollar homes to teach them discipline and a proper way of life. The children become perfect and godly and do whatever they are told and never to wild or horrible things. Oscar Banks is the model child. His father is the founder of this perfect little town and he models what the definition of good behavior is. There is a catch. Oscar knows how children go from bad to good. His father is feeding them Messages in their brains that will stop them from doing any bad things. When a new girl, Nia, comes, Oscar is immediately smitten with her. He doesn’t want her to become almost dead with the Messages, but he doesn’t want her to run away and never see her again.” This story was a little slow and boring at times and those parts really didn’t appeal to me, but I loved the exciting and suspenseful parts. All throughout the story, I was wondering how the problem would be resolved. I have to say, I almost screamed when the ending came because the ending is not what you would expect to happen. Unfortunately, Pam Bachorz is probably not going to write a sequel. All in all, this story was amazing with the powerful message of all utopian stories: perfection comes with a catch. |
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THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY: BY TRENTON LEE STEWART
Written by Kate Valentine
It’s a long title, and a long name, and a long book to boot. But maybe that’s a good thing- from the moment I read the first sentence I knew this was my new favorite book. I remember the day before I started reading it; my friend had it and I kept peeking at her book to see what it was about, it looked that good. That was in second grade. Since then, I’ve read the whole series at least three times. There’s three main books, plus a prequel about Nicholas Benedict, the guy who’s responsible for bringing the four main characters- Kate, Reynie, Constance, and Sticky (it’s a nickname; read the book to find out why) - together. PLUS a puzzle book that is actually really difficult, but still rocks. I highly recommend this series to everyone. And I mean everyone-this book’s got something for each and every one of our readers- adventure, jokes, villains, heroes (even better, KID HEROES!!) all mashed together in a normal but abnormal world. This book blew my mind. Chances are, it’ll blow yours too!
Written by Kate Valentine
It’s a long title, and a long name, and a long book to boot. But maybe that’s a good thing- from the moment I read the first sentence I knew this was my new favorite book. I remember the day before I started reading it; my friend had it and I kept peeking at her book to see what it was about, it looked that good. That was in second grade. Since then, I’ve read the whole series at least three times. There’s three main books, plus a prequel about Nicholas Benedict, the guy who’s responsible for bringing the four main characters- Kate, Reynie, Constance, and Sticky (it’s a nickname; read the book to find out why) - together. PLUS a puzzle book that is actually really difficult, but still rocks. I highly recommend this series to everyone. And I mean everyone-this book’s got something for each and every one of our readers- adventure, jokes, villains, heroes (even better, KID HEROES!!) all mashed together in a normal but abnormal world. This book blew my mind. Chances are, it’ll blow yours too!
Manga
Written by Bianca Sauro
Have you ever heard of manga? If you have, have you read any? If not, you really should! Essentially, manga is/are graphic novels translated from Japanese to English. Manga also is/has a certain style of drawing. There are all genres of mangas, from fantasy to realistic to horror. The art it BEAUTIFUL and even if you don't normally like cartoons, etc., you should really check manga out! There's quite literally something for everyone! Look for manga in Public libraries and even in the school library! Enjoy!
Written by Bianca Sauro
Have you ever heard of manga? If you have, have you read any? If not, you really should! Essentially, manga is/are graphic novels translated from Japanese to English. Manga also is/has a certain style of drawing. There are all genres of mangas, from fantasy to realistic to horror. The art it BEAUTIFUL and even if you don't normally like cartoons, etc., you should really check manga out! There's quite literally something for everyone! Look for manga in Public libraries and even in the school library! Enjoy!
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Harper Lee, Author of the To Kill A Mockingbird, is Publishing a New Novel After 55 years
Written by Robyn Fohouo To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel, one that we’ve all heard, regardless of age. Fans of this iconic book are in for the surprise of life, because Harper Lee has recently revealed that she is producing a sequel. One that is to be released this summer! Many are speculating as to why it took so long. To Kill A Mockingbird won a Pulitzer Prize and sold over 40 million copies, so it is understandable as to why an author might be skeptical about how the sequel would be received. In addition to this, it turns out the Lee believed the original manuscript of her sequel, titled “Go Set a Watchman”, to be lost! Lee revealed in a statement that Go Set a Watchman had been completed in the mid-1950’s, but she believed that the original manuscript was lost. Tonja Carter, Lee’s lawyer, found the manuscript quite recently, and Lee is reportedly delighted. “I hadn’t realised it had survived, so was surprised and delighted when my dear friend and lawyer Tonja Carter discovered it. After much thought and hesitation I shared it with a handful of people I trust and was pleased to hear that they considered it worthy of publication. I am humbled and amazed that this will now be published after all these years.” - Harper Lee Harper Lee, Author of the Mockingbird, is Publishing a new Novel, after 55 years. |
Eragon Series
Written by Kevin Riley
The Eragon books were great. I would recommend them to any fantasy fan who likes long books/series. It's filled with magic, and it's all about a boy and his dragon. Also a really evil king called Galbatoix, and a huge cast of characters. It's really a must read!
Written by Kevin Riley
The Eragon books were great. I would recommend them to any fantasy fan who likes long books/series. It's filled with magic, and it's all about a boy and his dragon. Also a really evil king called Galbatoix, and a huge cast of characters. It's really a must read!
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White Fang by: Jack London
Written by Bianca Sauro This book is a historical fiction novel about the Alaskan gold rush. It's center changes throughout the book, at first following a sled dog team and then following the life of a newborn wolf pup. I loved this novel and even though it can be challenging to read, it really portrays the beauty and the pain of the wild. This book is not a light read but if you are a serious reader, I think you will enjoy this novel! |
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Falling For Hamlet by Michelle (Mrs.) Ray
Written by Bianca Sauro I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, this book! It’s a Shakespeare rewrite by our very own Mrs. Ray! This book is a modern version of Hamlet where Ophelia doesn’t die! I’ve read it twice and loved it both times but be aware… even the author herself says that this is a “PG-13” level book. There are several references but the plot is great! I suggest this book for mature readers who want something entertaining to read. I simply couldn’t put it down! |
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City of Ember by Jeanne DePreu
Written by Bianca Sauro City of Ember really didn’t appeal to me. It was slow and boring at times. On the other hand, it had great plot twists and a nice plot. Lots of people really liked this book and I can’t really relate it to anything else. I think if you like any dystopian fiction then this novel will entertain you. Enjoy! |
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