Librarian Book Review: Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Summary:
It happened just like the movie/book said. Dorothy went to Oz and then returned to Kansas only to discover that she wanted to go back to Oz. When she went back, however, something had changed. Dorothy had changed and she was no longer the sweet girl we know her as--she was a magic hungry tyrant. ​Amy Gumm is transported to Oz where she finds a world unlike the one in the story. This world has been slowly destroyed by Dorothy and her desperate desire for more magic. Amy is recruited into the Order of the Wicked with the directive that she is to stop Dorothy's tyranny by any means necessary.

Review:
I love twisted fairy tales, and it was interesting to see how the author would twist this story. She takes Dorothy from the sweet girl from Kansas and turns her into a tyrant. Everyone is afraid of Dorothy and the evil of her minions the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion.

The story is well developed and the characters are interesting. Over and over Amy is told to trust no one, but when you need to trust someone who can you trust. This novel is fast paced and action packed. Amy is constantly stumbling into one deadly situation after another while trying to get her footing in this unusual land. The book is definitely a lead in for the other books in the series. You don't get the a solid conclusion in this novel and much is left up in the air.

Overall:
Overall, this is a fast paced action packed novel for those who love twisted fairy tales. This novel will take you back to Oz--a much more dangerous place than ever before.​

Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
Sex: Some kissing
Language: Mild
Drugs/Alcohol: There might be some drinking at a party.
Violence: Some graphic violence and gore.

Librarian Book Review: Black Dove White Raven by Elizabeth Wein

Summary:
Two teens, children of mothers who were stunt pilots, grow up together as brother and sister even though one is black and the other white. In order to escape the discrimination in the United States, they move to Ethiopia with their mother where they can be treated as equals. There they find themselves at home in the beautiful country, but when the Italians decide to invade Ethiopia, they find themselves in the middle of a war.​

Review:
I love historical fiction, as you can often learn so much about the time period and events taking place in that time. This book is no exception. Prior to reading this book I knew little about Ethiopian history or about their conflict with the Italians, but Wein does a great job with the history in her story. The book even provides an author's note at the end where she provides more details about what was going on. The characters in this novel were very believable and likable. You wish for them to succeed. ​

Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
Sex: None
Drugs/Alcohol: None
Language: None
Violence: Some and some description of the effects of mustard gas.

Librarian Book Review: Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

Summary:
After her father is killed in a fire and she kills a man who attempts to rape her, Chinese American Sammy escapes with the help of Annamae who is a runaway slave. Both girls know that the punishment if they are caught will be death. Together they head west along the Oregon Trail, hoping to find Annamae's brother and Sammy's father's business partner so they can start a new life. Along they way they fall in with a group of young cowboys, who help them survive the dangers of the trail.​

Review:
There aren't many young adult westerns written, so I was very excited to find this one. There have been two other young adult westerns written in the last year (Vengeance Road  by Erin Bowman and Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson), so I am hoping this is a new trend in young adult publishing. This book tells the story of a Chinese American girl who is on the run with a runaway slave after she kills a man who attempts to rape her. Sammy is a likable character and her history and background are well developed. She is a real person, but so often people judge her by the color of her skin. The story is fast paced from the very beginning when Sammy kills the man and doesn't stop moving until the very end.

Overall:
This was one of those books where I finished and I wanted more--it was just so much fun to read. The story has action, adventure, danger, and romance--a great combination.​

Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
Sex: attempted rape
Drugs/Alcohol: some hard cider and other drinks are present in the novel
Language: mild
Violence: yes

Librarian Book Review: Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Summary:
Meira is one of the few free Winterians left after her kingdom was captured when she was a baby 16 years ago. She longs to fight to free the captive people of Winter and to restore their prince to the throne. In a world ruled by magic and politics, Meira begins to realize that she is a pawn in a much larger game, and that her destiny isn't what she thought it would be.​

Review:
​Like many fantasy novels this one has a lot of world building and it takes a while for you to get used to the world Raasch has created. Meira is a fighter. She is strong, determined, and more than a little rash. She longs to prove herself, and free her people. In some ways this novel was predictable--as a saw the ending coming. Still it is a well written and entertaining fantasy for those who love books like Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. 



Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
Violence: Definitely
Sex: Vague references
Language: None
Drugs/Alcohol: Mild

Librarian Book Review: Slasher Girls & Monster Boys stories selected by April Genevieve Tucholke

Summary:
​This short story collection contains a number of horror stories from well known YA authors. From creepy birds to tragic tea parties, this collection has it all.

Review:
Normally, short story collections are hit and miss. You get really great stories, and then some not so great stories. This collection is different. While all the stories are greatly varied, they are all wonderful. Each story is inspired by film or classic horror tales. This is definitely for the horror fan as some of the stories are a bit disturbing, but fantastic. This is one of the best short story collections I have read in a while.​

Cautions for Sensitive Readers:
​This one can be more than a bit disturbing. There are stories of abduction, cutting off body parts, and many other nightmare scenarios. Be warned, this one is amazing, but could be disturbing to the sensitive reader.

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Teen Book Review: Poor Little Dead Girls by Lizzie Friend

Poor Little Dead Girls by Lizzie Friend was bone-chilling. It had the right amount of mystery to leave you hanging on every word. Although you have to be patient at the beginning, but once you get to the plot it makes the waiting worth it. The plot twists are all perfectly placed. It's impossible to put this book down. It keeps you laughing even after you've finished the book. Even though the end leaves you wanting more it doesn't end on a cliff hanger (surprisingly). Which is always great. I do hope that Lizzie decides to write a sequel to this story, I would definitely read it!

(Reviewed by Gingerbread637, 14, Western High School)

Teen Book Review: Sweet by Emmy Laybourne

The book Sweet by Emmy Laybourne was an unexpectedly creepy read. I was expecting a book about ending world obesity and nothing more. I should have had an open-mind when deciding to read this. Prepare to be shocked, but the shock sort of sneaks up on you. This whole story kept me wanting more. I laughed and trembled throughout the entire thing. Emmy had an amazing idea when writing this because, it was original and almost futuristic. Laurel and the rest of the characters are automatically relatable as soon as you crack open this book. Laurel feels comfortable in her own skin. She doesn't want to lose weight in the first place and I feel we could all learn something from her. Society was a very big threat in this book, and was one of the main reasons I decided I loved it. This is definitely one of my new favorites and I can't wait for the next one in the series.

(Reviewed by Gingerbread637, 14, Western High School)

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Teen Book Review: Perfect Cover by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Perfect Cover by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, was hilarious to read. It was as comical as it was clever. Toby Klein, the main character of this book is a phenomenal computer hacker but prefers combat boots to heels. So when a group of cheerleaders recruit her to be on their squad she can't help but laugh. But she realizes that it's not just any group of cheerleaders, it's a group of spies. After she joins the squad it gets even funnier as she's forced to wear skirts and lipstick. I couldn't get enough of this book and am very excited to read the second installment.

(Reviewed by Gingerbread637, 14, Western High School)

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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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Teen Book Review: Between by Jessica Warman

When I came across Between by Jessica Warman the cover instantly caught my eye. And once I had read the synopsis I knew I had to read it. Ghost stories are the best in my opinion, and this particular book was no different. I loved every minute of it all the way to the end. Elizabeth Valchar has everything you could want, the looks, the boyfriend, even the money. But I guess the none of that matter once your dead. She dies on her seventeenth birthday, and she has to figure out who did it before she can pass on from being a ghost. This book was a roller coaster ride filled with plot twists. I loved everything about it, except for the fact that Liz was very vain. But I guess that just comes with being rich and popular. This was one of those books that you want to read again just to see what you missed.
(Reviewed by Gingerbread637, 13, Western High School)

Teen Book Review: Famous Last Words by Katie Alender

Famous Last Words by Katie Alender was a book that kept me up all night trying to finish it. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover. The plot twists were amazing and in all the right places. Right when you think you know what's going on, the entire book flips on you. With creepy ghosts lurking in the corner, a terrible secret haunting the back of your mind, and a Hollywood Killer on the loose, this book is terrifying. But in a good way. This book deserves a five out of five star rating. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

(Reviewed by Gingerbread637, 13, Western Middle School) 

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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