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: 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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