Teen Book Review: My Life with the Walter Boys by Ali Novak

My Life with the Walter Boys by Ali Novak was a book that you definitely have to be a teen to read. This story was very predictable, but still a nice read if you're looking for something light and fast. The main character, Jackie Howard, is a girl who any teenager would be jealous of. She lives in a house with eleven boys and two of them seem to fancy her. This character is unrealistic. She doesn't seem to mourn her parents loss; she is more focused on guys then her parents death. This detail mildly bugged me, but was not enough to make me put down the book. I would recommend to anyone under the age of 16.

 

(Reviewed by Gingerbread637, 14, Western High School)

Teen Book Review: The Fill-in Boyfriend by Kasie West

This book was an absolutely hilarious read. I think it's fair to say that it was a stroke of genius for West. Although it was a little predictable once it got to the last few chapters, it was still very well written. It was very easy to fall in love with the characters. Hayden, a.k.a replacement-Bradley, of course was very likable. Although he's fictional, he never once failed to make me laugh. Gia on the other hand was very sassy and manipulative, she vaguely reminded me of Rose from Titanic. Although very full of herself in the beginning, she soon revealed her true self. This book would be a very good read for any teen, because it lets you know that no matter how desperate you are you shouldn't lie to your friends. I look forward to reading more from this author. 4/5 stars

(Reviewed by Gingerbread637, 14, Western High School)

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Teen Book Review: Dear Killer by Katherine Ewell

Dear Killer was as close as you can get to perfect. I loved it! Katherine Ewell definitely made this one very unique and exciting. From the first page to the acknowledgments, you don't want to stop reading. I have never read anything like it, it was very original. Often times while you read a book, you see a pattern similar to another book. This one was entirely outside the box. Even though it was pretty amazing, I would not recommend this to anyone who is sickened by the thought of death. It wasn't too gruesome though. But it would be more of a pg-13 rated book, considering that is does contain quite a few cuss words, and murders throughout the story. The only misleading comment was on the book cover where the author said "I belong to no one but the grim reaper herself" which led me to believe that the grim reaper would actually be in it. However, she wasn't mentioned more than once... But if you can get past those extra little things it was very well written. Be warned though, it does leave you on a bit of a cliffhanger! 4/5 stars

(Reviewed by Gingerbread637, 14, Western High School)

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Double Take (A Teen Review and Librarian Review): The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

Teen Review

The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller was a funny, but predictable book. It started out with Madelyne Summers, a seventeen year-old cheerleader with an embarrassing secret. She’s a nerd! And no one knows except Logan an employee at the local comic book store. Together, through the summer, they go through comic conventions, role playing, and video games, but in secret of course. No one can know she is a nerd with a passion for comic books. But while they have fun, Madelyne’s life becomes more and more of a lie-filled mess. With jealous ‘friends’ trying to figure out where she is spending her summer, and rude fairies trying to tear her and Logan apart, her secret is close to becoming uncovered, but maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing... This book shows what it’s like to be pressured into being someone you’re not. Which is what almost every human in the world is going through right now. Even though the story line was a little predictable at times, it had relatable characters and all the goblins and mythical creatures that you could handle, which made it very fun and exciting. This book gets a 4/5 stars in my opinion.     

(Reviewed by Gingerbread637, 13, Western Middle School)

Librarian Review

Summary:
Maddie is a cheerleader, dating the star football player, pretty, popular, and so afraid that people will find out the truth…she is really a nerd. She loves comic books and even keeps a comic book journal, but she is terrified that her friends will find out and then shun her. Then she meets Logan, the son of the owner of the local comic shop. As she gets to know him, and share her inner geek, she wants more. If her friends find out they will reject her. Her only choice is to keep her love of comics and Logan a secret, and lead a double life.

Review:
This is the perfect summer read; light, entertaining, and funny. Maddie struggles with the age old problem of accepting herself. She is so worried about what other people think that she forgets to be true to herself. Although her dilemmas and escapades are quite predictable, you can’t help but enjoy the journey. 

Maddie is a likable, though somewhat frustrating character. I say frustrating because you spend the entire novel yelling at her to be herself. Realistically, being yourself isn’t always easy, as Maddie finds out as she tries to juggle her two lives. Despite this, I did find Maddie likable.

The supporting cast of characters are a lot of fun as well including Logan’s best friend Dan. I love how these characters complimented the story and made things more interesting—or in Dan’s case, bluntly told Maddie what he thought she was messing up.

Overall:
This light fun read is entertaining and enjoyable. While the reader will figure out the solution to Maddie’s problems long before she does, they will still enjoy Maddie’s journey.

Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
Sex: None
Drugs: None
Alcohol: None
Violence: None
Profanity: Mild. Dan’s vocabulary tends to be a bit vulgar, and he is periodically reminded to watch his language. The language does not offend or affect the reader’s enjoyment of the novel.
 
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Teen Book Review: My Best Friend Maybe by Caela Carter

My Best Friend Maybe, by Caela Carter, is one of my all-time favorite books. Colette, or ‘Coley’ has just been invited, or ahem, begged to go on her ex-best friends, Sadie’s, summer trip. But previous scenarios make Coley want to say no. Even though she said yes, she still doesn’t realize what she’s gotten herself into. With a summer full of surprises and secrets, there’s not a boring page in this book. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

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Librarian Review: All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Summary:
Theodore Finch, aka Theodore Freak, is obsessed with death. Violet Markey blames herself for the death of her sister Eleanor. They meet in the school bell tower, one becomes the hero who saved the other, but no one knows the real truth about who saved whom. Suddenly assigned to be partners in a “Wander Indiana” project for their class, they discover who they really are, and both begin to see beneath the surface.

Review:
This isn’t an easy book to read or review. This is a book that tackles the serious subjects of suicide and mental disorders. Nothing about that is easy, and I suspect it wasn’t an easy subject for the author either.

Theodore Finch is a remarkable young man, yet he doesn’t see it himself. Smart, witty, thoughtful, loving, but ultimately suffering in silence. Violet Markey is suffering herself. She hasn’t been the same since the auto accident that spared her and took her sister. She has lost interest in her passion of writing, and doesn’t care about school anymore. Both of these characters are so thoughtfully and carefully depicted in this story. You could know these kids, walk the school halls with them, sit beside them in class…

This is a story that begs to be read, and told and discussed. I believe that a lot could come from sitting down with someone and discussing this novel. It discusses labels and how easy it is to write someone off because of their label, and fail to see the beating human heart beneath the label.

Audiobook Review:
The audiobook is produced by Listening Library and read by Kirby Heyborne and Ariadne Meyers. Both readers do an amazing job making you believe that these are the voices of these two characters. Their narration draws you into the story and will keep you listening. The book on CD has nine discs and is 11 hours and 4 minutes long. The production is well done, and definitely a good way to get through this novel.


Overall:
This book is one that will leave you thinking. While at times the pacing may slow a trifle, the author does a superb job of keeping the reader invested in the lives of these two individuals. You will know these teens and they will become your friends, and with them you will share their sorrow and pain. This is a book that should be read, reread, and discussed.


Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
Drugs: Mild references to prescription medications not being used being used as directed.
Alcohol: Mild references
Sex: Yes
Explicit Language: Some
Violence: Some abuse.

Book Review: If I Grow Up by Todd Strasser

If I Grow Up by Todd Strasser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Growing up in the projects leaves a person with very few options. DeShawn, an intelligent young man knows this very well as he watches the young people around him join gangs, drop out of school, and fall between the cracks of society. The educational system fails them, and society fails them, leaving boys like DeShawn struggling to make ends meet in a world that doesn’t care if he grows up.



There is no doubting Strasser’s talent for getting a reader into the lives and minds of the characters. Strasser took a young man whose intelligence and street smarts attract the reader and shows how he develops over a period of several years. Looking closely at how a smart young man can become a gang member.

I’ll admit, this isn’t my usual type of book. It isn’t one that I would have willingly picked up on my own, but it is one that I am glad I read because it is remarkable. The characterizations are beautifully done. Gang members, who in other hands would have been superficial stereotypes, are wonderfully developed into people you can believe exist. The pacing is perfect. I literally flew through this novel in on sitting—rare for me because I am such a slow reader. Strasser hooks you with the gunshots at the beginning and propels you to the end at breakneck pace. You won’t believe where this novel will take you.

Overall this was a remarkable piece of fiction. Not a book I would have picked up on my own, but one that I am glad to have read. It is a fast, interesting read, with superb characters and remarkable writing.

Cautions for sensitive readers: Violence, drugs, sexual references, I don’t recall any explicit language, and language in the quotes at the beginning of the chapters was edited out.

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Book Review: Fat Cat by Robin Brande

Fat Cat by Robin Brande
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cat just wants one thing, to beat Matt McKinney at the science fair to get even for his betrayal four years ago. When the picture she receives as her inspiration for her science project features three naked hominids, man's early ancestor, she is no longer sure what to do for her project. When inspiration or desperation strikes, Cat decides on a project that may change her life forever. For 207 days "Fat Cat" will eat an all natural diet, ignore technology, and start a chain of events that will change her both physically and mentally. Watch out Matt McKinney!

I chose to read this book because it made Indiana's 2011-2012 Eliot Rosewater list. That wasn't the only reason though. I downloaded it as a whim from our Indiana Digital Media (Overdrive) site as a test on my iPod Touch. For whatever reason I originally started this book, it seems like I was meant to read it. From the first chapters displayed on my tiny iPod screen, to the later chapters when I gave up and decided to read it from my nook, and later the book, I can honestly say this book had me hooked. (YIKES! I am rhyming!!!) I don't read a lot of realistic fiction, but I am really glad that fate, or Overdrive, or Eliot Rosewater brought this book to me because I loved it.

The characters in this novel were great! I loved Cat's character. She is a strong young woman who is a good student and determined to do her best. She chooses a project and follows it with all of her heart, and discovers so much about herself along the way. Her best friend Amanda is terrific. If only everyone could have a best friend like her! Amanda's boyfriend Jordan, gives us a nice guy who loves his girlfriend and is willing to help out when necessary.

I loved the idea of the science experiment motivating Cat to change her lifestyle, and I love watching her confidence grow as she began to drop the pounds and discover that there is more to life than holding a grudge. The pacing of this story is superb. You follow Cat through 207 days of her experiment, and discover surprises around every turn.

Overall, this book was a welcome relief from so much of the urban fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction I have been reading lately. It was a light entertaining read and a surprisingly quick one. My only regret is that there wasn't more--I loved the characters so much I wanted the story to keep on going. It was fantastic!

Cautions for sensitive readers: Some kissing and some questions about sex are discussed.

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Book Review: After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick

After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jeffrey Alper has learned to live with cancer. He has passed the 5 year critical mark and now must face the challenges of being a normal 8th grader. Whatever that means? Jeffrey, Lindsey, the new girl in class from California, and Tad, also a cancer survivor, are friends that learn to work together for a common goal. Through their adventures, they learn to stand up for themselves as well as the ones they love. Together they learn to survive and start living again.


After Ever After by Jordan Sonneblick is a delightful book about 8th grader, Jeffrey Alper, a cancer survivor of 5 years, who now must face the challenges of being a normal 8th grader, a new girl in class from California who thinks he is cute and is a big distraction in science class, and a best friend, also a cancer survivor, who is plotting how to help Jeffrey pass the state standardized tests and graduate. Together they keep the reader turning pages to see what kind of mischief they will get into next.


The story is told from the point of view of Jeffrey who is not sure he is up to the challenges of 8th grade. Jeffrey’s older brother, Steven, was important to him as he was going through the challenges of fighting cancer but now has now moved to Africa, to ‘find’ himself. Jeffery often wishes he was around so he could talk to him.


The characters of this story become real as you get into the book. I felt the frustration Jeffrey feels when he has difficulty passing the state standardized tests. I wanted to help him study. However, it was a PE teacher who saw that he had the capability to get the job done that inspired him to keep trying along with his two friends, Lindsey and Tad. Both friends in their own way set out to help Jeffrey pass the state tests.


I enjoyed this book immensely! I would highly recommend it to everyone, young and old. I did not realize until after I had read the book that it is a sequel to Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie. The characters were realistic, loveable and unpredictable. The ending was not what I expected but it was very appropriate for the book. It could not have ended any other way after I thought about it. For a tender and funny story about the challenges of being 8th graders and dealing with friendship, this book is a great read.

Pat Heinig, Guest Reviewer

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Book Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“I hope you’re ready, because I’m about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you’re listening to these tapes, you’re one of the reasons why.”

When Clay Jenson first receives the unmarked package in the mail he is excited wondering what it is and thinking he might have received something interesting. When he opens it to discover the collection of cassette tapes, he is puzzled, wondering who would send a collection of seven audiotapes labeled 1-13 to him. When he puts the first tape into the cassette player, he discovers that they contain that story of a dead girl. The story of Hannah Baker who committed suicide two weeks before.

As Clay Jenson listens to Hannah’s last words he finds out things that will make his whole world turn upside down. Some secrets are meant to stay secrets, because when they are revealed they have the power to tear you apart.

I don’t know where to start with this book. I have read many really good books lately, but this one was outstanding. I remember reading a review for the book last year and thinking I needed to pick this one up, but I never got around to it until recently. I wish I had read it sooner. This book was fabulous.

I did listen to the audio format of this book, and felt that the format fit the style of the book. You are supposed to be listening to Hannah’s last words and her story, and by listening to the audio you feel like you are listening to her. In the book, Hannah’s words are italicized, but in the audio format we have a female narrator, Deborah Wiseman, being the voice of Hannah Baker. Likewise, Clay Jenson is voiced by Joel Johnstone.

Wiseman’s narration of Hannah is spot on. You can sense the anger in her voice and ultimately the helplessness and her circumstances overwhelm her. Joel Johnstone, does a good job voicing Clay’s confusion at getting the tapes, and his fondness for Hannah.

The story is remarkable no matter what format you choose. It demonstrates how little you can really know the people around you, and the secrets that they keep. This book was all about secrets, and how secrets can hurt you.

Highly recommended.

Cautions for sensitive readers: Obviously one the main characters of this story committed suicide, but the tapes are played to Clay after the fact.

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Book Review: Dirty Little Secrets by C. J. Omololu

Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu



My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“That was the trouble with secrets—the lies you had to tell to keep them hidden almost made you feel worse than telling the truth. Almost” (pg. 14).


Everyone has secrets about their life or their families that they don’t want to share. Things that you keep close and hope that no one ever finds out, for fear they might judge you harshly. Lucy’s secret is one she has been keeping for years. It has kept her from having friends, and from inviting people to her house. From the outside she and her family look normal, but on the inside is a different matter.

Lucy’s mother is a hoarder. She keeps everything and doesn’t clean anything. For years her mother has said that it is Lucy’s fault because she doesn’t pick up after herself, but if Lucy were to touch any of her mother’s precious treasures, Lucy’s mother would be very displeased. When Lucy had the audacity to clean her room so she had her own refuge from the junk infesting the house, Lucy’s mother took it as a personal insult. No one can come in. No one can repair the broken furnace, or the broken water heater. No one can witness their terrible secret. Then the unthinkable happens and Lucy must find a way to keep her secret safe.

This is a fascinating book. It is on a subject that we hear of on the news or from other sources, but it often isn’t a subject that we talk about much. It was interesting to hear the story from the point of view of a teen living in the mess and desperately trying to keep the family secret. She is surrounded by a situation that seems hopeless, though she doesn’t give up trying to protect herself from disaster.

The book is well written. I liked how the chapters, with the exception of the first, mark time from 9:00am the first morning to 5:35 am the next, and as the time passes, you can feel Lucy’s desperation grow. The reader is given a window into Lucy’s life, and the difficulties she has had living with a mother who hoards everything. My one criticism would be that although you are told this story from Lucy’s point of view, it somehow lacked the emotional impact you would think it should have. I felt distanced from Lucy’s emotions, but perhaps that is because she is distanced from them herself. Still I think she should have reacted more strongly than she did to a few of the events in the book.

With the glut of vampire, dating, and fantasy books being published for teens, this book is refreshingly different, tackling a topic that is not often discussed in teen literature. In the Acknowledgements, the author includes a website that will help people who find themselves in Lucy’s situation.

Cautions for sensitive readers: There is no sex, language, or violence in this book although there is a small amount of drinking at a party.

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