Teen Book Reviews

Ashley turned in a few book reviews for summer reading club, and they were all so thoughtful and worth sharing. If you're looking for a good book to sink into, try one of these out. All links go to our catalog, so you can request the book from home.

Early to Death, Early to Rise by Kim Harrison: This was a fun read, especially if you liked the first book in the trilogy. It picks up right where the previous book left off and builds on the world Harrison crafted. My one criticism was the way too obvious red herring. You know from the start that it's a red herring, but the main characters fail to realize this until the end.

It still had the charm of the first book and Marison's quest to change the world one innocent at a time is admirable. It saddens me that there's only one book left in this series, as I adore both Harrison's writing style and the way she crafts her main characters.

This book's writing style reminded me how Kim writes her other series, as she did some of the same central themes of right/wrong. I would recommend this books to fans of urban fantasy, angels, and the war between good and evil or fate vs choice.

The Anti-Prom by Abby McDonald: All three of the main characters were different from each other, but I never felt connected or like I could relate to any of them. I did enjoy their whack predictable story, though. Having alternating points of view was a little confusing, especially when you stop reading in the middle of a chapter. But all in all, it was a cute read. Nothing serious, just pure fun.

This book's plot was like a plot from a summer chick flick, but I can't think of a specific example. I would recommend to this book to impatient prom goers and lovers of chick flicks.

White Cat by Holly Black: Once you get a feel for the characters and what kind of a world they live in, I thought it was a really good mystery/fantasy book. The story was fast paced but we got to get into Cassel's head and see what kind of person he was, even thought he didn't know what kind of a person he was, which I liked. I also liked that there were some good plot twists worked in with the occasional predictability and that it ended with most of its strings wrapped up so you could stop reading the series if you wanted to (which I don't). But the loose ends don't give away too much plot for the sequel. I'm certainly interested in seeing how this series plays out.

This book reminded me of books that involve witch craft but nothing specific. Maybe a little bit like The Demon's Lexicon. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes magic, mystery, and complicated main characters.

Teen Book Reviews

Ready for more book recommendations from fellow teens? Check out these titles! Remember, you have your book reviews posted here, too, by either filling out a book review form in the teen area and turning it in or by emailing us at aramteens [[[@]]] aramlibrary.org. Just remove the brackets.

Pretty Little Devils by Nancy Holder

It was an awesome book. I loved how it was suspensful and was something that could happen to anyone. Recommended to anyone who likes suspense.-Brianna

Break By Hannah Moskowitz

This book was scary/sad. I kind of disliked this book because of what went on in it. I thought it was scary because this guy tried hurting himself to cover up the pain of his family. 3 stars-Kylie

Before I Fall By Lauren Oliver

This book about a girl who thinks she has it all...boy was she wrong! She has to live the same day over and over again till she gets it right, but will it cost her life? I love this book and recommend it.-Carlie

What YOU'RE saying...

On the back of the reading logs are a bunch of fun (and non-required) questions about what you like to read, where you read, and more. I love reading this stuff and thought I'd share some of the fun responses from the sheets that have come up so far this summer!

Name some books you've read this summer

Kissing Doorknobs by Terry Spencer Hesser
Pretty Little Devils by Nancy Holder
I Am Number Four by Pitticus Lore
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by AS King
Break by Hannah Moskowitz
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (every volume, in fact!)
Why I Fight by J Adams Oakes
Split by Swati Avasthi
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Willow by Julia Hoben

What book should be made into a movie

Split by Swati Avasthi
The Cold, Cold Shoulder
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Pretty Little Devils by Nancy Holder

What are some of your favorite books

Twilight saga (by more than one person!)
Warriors saga
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margie Stohl
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
The Cay by Theodore Taylor
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Thristy by MT Anderson
Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen
Blood Thirsty by Flynn Meaney
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Willow by Julia Hoben
Dragon Ball Z

When and where do you like to read

I read in my room or outside and I read when I don't have anything to do.
Any time, any where!
Outside
Home
At night in my bed

What's your favorite tv show

"Two and a Half Men"
"Criminal Minds"
"Raising Hope"
"The Middle"
"Modern Family"
"Ghost Whispers"
"Extreme Couponing"
"Say Yes to the Dress"
"What Not to Wear"
"George Avila"
"Dragon Ball Z"
"My Wife and Kids"

Keep reading throughout the rest of summer (and after!) to see some of the other fun books and shows your friends are enjoying.

Teen Book Reviews!

It's time again to share some of the great reviews we've gotten at the library written by other teens. We're always happy to share a review, whether you loved or didn't love a book, so feel free to turn one in. Forms are in the teen area, or you can always email at aramkids [[[@]]] gmail.com (remove the brackets).

Dragon Ball Z, Volume 1 by Akira Toriyama

It's about one hero of name Son Goku. Son Goku is married, and he has a child,Son Gohan. They got a visit from outer space bearing terrible news for Goku. But Goku has a brother and his name is Raditz. Goku must fight his incredibly strong brother to save his family, especially his son Gohan. And this story keeps going in other volumes. -- Cristal.

Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen

Interesting. Definitely an original story and I love all the unique naming! Overall, a 4.5 star book. It reminded me of the show "Secret Life of the American Teenager" and I'd recommend it for anyone who has a very best friend in the world and would never let them go. -- Grace

Briar Rose by Jane Yolen

I really liked how the book mixed historical with a fantastical tale. I liked that it was told through the grandchild's eyes about the grandmother. 4 Stars -- Katie

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

I think what I didn't like about this book was that it seemed ridiculous. The magic/witch thing seemed promising and the world pack working for witches was interesting, but there wasn't enough of it to keep me interested in finishing -- the protagonist seemed to get more desperate and girly as the story went on and that pretty much stopped me in my reading tracks. Halfway through I realized that the plot was almost exactly the same when you stripped it down to the bones as another book I had just read (Firelight by Sophie Jordan) and that annoyed me. In both, the books deal with magical creatures who are going to be exploited by their clans and they fall in love with an outsider and then run away. 2-3 Stars -- Linnea

Teen Book Reviews!

Looking for a worthwhile read? Try one of these books, backed by other local teens! Links go to the catalog, so you can request the book from home

Why I Fight by J. Adams Oaks: This was really good. The author really went deep into Wyatts mind. It expressed love and affection, as well as pain and hate. Overall, I give it 5 stars. It didn't remind me of any other books or movies because it was so original, and I would recommend this for everyone who likes to get absorbed in a book. -- Grace

Ever by Gail Carson Levine: Ever is an interesting story about a girl (Eki) who is doomed to be sacrificed to a false god, and an immortal (Olus), who wants to save her at any cost. It's a good story, but not as engaging and mature as this author's other book Fairest nor as fun as Ella Enchanted. Overall, 3/5 Stars -- Kelsey

Across the Universe by Beth Revis: I was not disappointed by this book. I thought the author balanced her sci-fi theme well with romance -- and a realistic romance at that! I was worried that, like so many of this type of book right now, this book would be all about the characters madly falling in love with each other and not at all about the problems facing them in space. But, like I said, I wasn't disappointed: the politics and science in this novel were totally within the realms of reality and a possible future. 4.5 stars out of 5. -- Linnea

Crush by Carrie Mac: This book was very different from all of the other books I've read. It wasn't bad, just different. I kinda fell in love with these types of books.* 3/5 Stars -- Kylie.

* These are the Orca Sounding and Orca Current books. They're fast paced and easy to read with quick plots. Look for them by the spine in the teen area.

Teen Book Reviews

We've been getting so many great book reviews from you guys that I have to keep sharing them. Check out any of these if you're looking for a good read!

Split by Swati Avasthi: OMG! This is probably one of the best books I've ever read. Considering that's thousands, it is a really, really good book. It reminded me of an episode of Law and Order SVU and would be a good book for people like me who don't squirm away from rough, violent, and very graphic stories. -- Grace

Bloodthirsty by Flynn Meaney: This was really funny. I liked the part where he turns into a fake vampire to get girls. It was also funny because his name is Finnbar. This book reminded me of Vampire Diaries and The Twilight Saga because of the vampires, and people who have read these books or like funny books would like this one. Four stars -- Grace.

Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger: This book was great. This girl grows up knowing who she thinks she is, then when she finds out her real self, everything in her life changes. 5/5 stars -- Kylie

I was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison: I really liked this book. I thought the love in this book was really strong between Jenny and Captian W. It was really well written. 5/5 Stars -- Keanna

Need Something to Read? Here's Some Ideas

Looking for a book to read? Check out these teen reviews for some ideas of books that might interest you. If you've read/watched/listened to anything this summer you want to tell other teens about, let me know. I'd love to post your reviews here!



Divergent by Veronica Roth: I loved this book; it is full of action, romance, moral crisis, and character growth. One of the things I loved was how mean Beatrice/Tris was at times. I think it made her character feel more real. It was refreshing to have a narrator who wasn't sympathizing with everyone -- seeing everything in black and white/good and bad. The thing I found myself questioning while reading was what the state of the rest of the world was in (since this particular installment was centered in Chicago). I decided to assume that the reader wouldn't know this information because Tris didn't wand hoped that it would be delved into in future books. 4/5 Stars -- Linnea


Ten Things I Hate About Me by Randa Abdel-Fattah: This girl feels ugly but one day she realizes that being beautiful isn't on the outside, but also comes from within, and she learns to love herself. 4/5 Stars -- Kylie

Laguna Cove by Alyson Noel: This book is about a new girl in town who impresses everyone at first sight. She shows everyone who she really is, unlike how she was at her old city she used to live in. 2/5 Stars -- Kylie

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead: I love this series, since it's very good. I love he way you can relate to the main character Rose and her forbidden love for a teacher. It is a great take on another society within our world. 5/5 Stars -- Dianna

Teen Book Reviews

Looking for a good read? Pick up one of the books your peers are reading. These book reviews come through our Read Off Your Fines program, and they are too good not to share! Links take you to our catalog record so you can put a hold on an item from home.

Have a book review you want to share? We'd love to have yours posted here. You can email the review to aramkids [[@]] aramlibrary [[.]] org. Remove the brackets and spaces.

Werewolf Haiku by Ryan Mecum: This was a different, but very interesting, book. I was shocked that it turned out the way it did. Still, very interesting. 3/5 stars -- Kylie

Itch by Michelle D. Kwasney: I absolutely loved this book! It was so easy to follow and I knew exactly what was going on, which never happens. I would highly recommend this book to any one of my friends. 4/5 stars -- Kylie

Night World volume 1 by LJ Smith: It's a great story about the effects and consequences of the people of the night world falling in love with the day. It has interesting plots and twists, and the playfulness of the night society is really fun. 5/5 stars -- Dianna

I'll Be Seeing You by Lurlene McDaniel (located in the anthology True Love): Carley was a teenager who had a tumor removed from her head, which caused her to have a facial deformity. Carley would hide her feelings by making others around her laugh at the jokes she told. She ended up in the hospital because of a broken leg and then an infection and met Kyle. Kyle had been hurt in a chemistry experiment and he could potentially be blind. Carley and Kyle become close, but Carley is too afraid to let Kyle see her face, so she leaves with no intention of Kyle ever seeing her again. One day, Kyle finds her and they talk, but Kyle ends up leaving then. Another day, Kyle is flying a plane with a message directly to Carley. 4/5 stars -- Rocio.

Teen Book Reviews

Need a good book to read? Why not see what other teens are reading and loving? Here are a few of the great reviews we've received from our Read Off Your Fines program -- and remember, if you have a fine on your library card, you can have $1 taken off for turning in a simple book review of *anything* you've read. But hurry! It won't be around forever.

Shattering Glass by Gail Giles: I LOVED this book! It was so sad, and I actually cried, but I love how this book brought me to tears. It truly is a great book. 4/5 stars -- Kylie


Side Effects by Amy Koss: One of the best books I've ever read. Truly amazing book. This was an inspiring book to know that there is hope out there for people who need help like that. 5/5 stars -- Kylie

The Heart is Not a Size by Beth Kephart: This book was about choosing what's more important: keeping a secret or keeping a life. She had to choose which one she was going to do, which turns out to be surprising and very hard for her. 3/5 stars -- Kylie

Jane by April Lindner: This book was such an inspiration to me because the characters Nico Rathburn and Jane's love relationship was my favorite part of the book. I couldn't put it down. I recommend this book to other teenagers. Highly!!! 5/5 stars -- Amanda

Two teen book reviews

Christy brought three book reviews in to share. Enjoy! Perhaps these will get you thinking about some of the interesting books you can pick up over the summer (which, despite being gray and chilly outside, IS just around the corner!):

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti: I like how the book references real things that happened, and they didn't sugar coat anything. 3/5 stars.

Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick: It was a good book, and I'm proud that Amber stayed herself through the whole book and that the people around her tried to be her friend after what happened. 4/5 stars.

Carrie by Stephen King: I was very confused and had to reread parts. I also like to read books that are happy at the end, and this book did not end happily. 2/5 stars

Teen book reviews

Here's another round of teen book reviews for you to enjoy. All of these books are available at the library and all of these reviews come from Marissa.

Smile by Raina Telegmeier: I liked this book. It is about a girl who falls during Girl Scouts and breaks her tooth. Then she has to get all of these things done to her teeth. She has to wear a big mouth guard when she is sleeping too. I give this book 5/5 stars.

Glass by Ellen Hopkins: This book is about Kristina having to live her life with a new baby to handle. She is also a drug addict. I give this book 5/5 stars.

A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer: I feel really sad that a mother would do this. I wonder how it feels like to be Dave Pelzer? I wonder why his mom treated him like that and not her other kids. I give this 5/5 stars.

Teen Review: Absolute Value of -1 by Steve Brezenoff

Absolute Value of -1 by Steve Brezenoff

I loved the fact that not only did this book have more than one perspective, but each one was told so well and precisely that I could remember nearly each detail in the sitautions, as if I had already lived it. I also really liked the fact that each character was real and authentic when they could have easily been stereotyped. Each character held a strong role and influence on the other and they each had their own point of view on things that intertwined perfectly in the end. I give this book 4 stars. -- Simona

Teen Book Reviews

Laura brings us two more book reviews, both of which she gave 5 stars.



Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelson: I liked this book because I can connect to it and it seems so real! It reminded me also a little bit about the movie "Brother Bear" by being mysical and about getting back to Indian roots.

Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey: I couldn't put this book down at times, but at other times I had to shut it closed. It is interesting enough to read on a rainy or snowy day but with breaks in between.

Teen review: Beautiful by Amy Reed

Simona, one of our teens, has another book review to share. This time, she's talking about Amy Reed's Beautiful:

This book is amazing. I loved how Reed made everything so authentic, vivid, and detailed. I seriously felt as thought I was one of the characters because of how well the book was written. Everything throughout the book was so realistic and down to earth. Beautiful was nearly impossible for me to set down for a fraction of a second. Yes, it was that good. The main character ran into something new each chapter, and sometimes I had hope for her, and other times I didn't. I actually felt for the character in the book. Although I really enjoyed reading this book, I was not a big fan of the ending. But, it deserves 5 stars automatically! :)

Two more teen reviews

Looking for a good book to read? Alex shares two of her recent reads and tells us exactly why we should read these books!

Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison: The story was well-told and highly detailed. The tale makes the reader go through a rollercoaster of emotions and throws in unexpected twists. The only thing I didn't really enjoy was the fact that it wa a little TOO sappy. It was cringe-worthy in some spots. Overall, Morrison did a wonderful job. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Three Rivers Rising by Jame Richards: The main reason why I liked this book was because it had multiple narrators and Richards tied their stories flawlessly. Ricahrds also tells the story in a vivid, simple yet descriptive poetic form. The characters also grow and develop throughout the tale, and they all have to overcome their hardships together. 5 out of 5 stars.

2 Teen Book Reviews

Looking for a good read? Simona, one of our own teens, shares these two books:







Tricks by Ellen Hopkins: I enjoyed reading this book because from the beginning, it was relatable and interesting to me. I like teen books that involve struggle, but it's realistic. It has lots of tough experiences that the characters went through and it showed how they got themselves into those situations. Ellen is really blunt and straightforward, which I liked because she usually got straight to the topic rather than having it wait. I really liked the fact that each character is different yet connected in the end, which was unexpected but great as well. I always recommend this book to friends and I think that this book overall deserves a full 5-star rating.



Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess

This book is so great and also a quick read. I don't think I was bored with the material at any point in the book. It is perfect. I think one of the main reasons it is so good is because the details are ridiculous. I could picture and imagine smells, nearly everything that was described in the book. It attracted every sense and it felt like I was in the book when I would read. Althought it isn't necessarily a happy book in the beginning, I definitely believe it deserves 5 stars.