Geoffrey Miller

9th Grade

Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

The story is about a teenager who is infected, by a girl named Morgan, with a disease that causes people to become vampires.  After he is infected, he becomes a secret agent for a company called Night Watch, while he continues to look for the girl who gave him this disease.  Will he find her?   Will he find a cure?  You can find out by reading the book.

Strengths: The story has lots of drama, suspense, and mystery.  It's a book that is hard to put down.  Weaknesses:  In my opinion, there are none.

Rating: 5 stars

Mercedes Washington

12th Grade

Jude by Kate Morgenroth

Jude's watches his father who is a drug-dealer die in the kitchen. Now Jude is a suspect in his father's death, a teenager who doesn't know where to go. If you like mystery or hard to solve problems this is the book to read. Everything is dangerous putting Jude in jeopardy. For instance, Jude's classmate overdoses on heroin and his mother decides to prosecute.

Rating: 4 stars

Ashley Marie Patterson

12th Grade

Tending to Grace by Kimberly Newton Fusco

After her mother runs off to Vegas with a boyfriend, Cornelia, a freshman in high school, is left with an eccentric aunt. Cornelia must finally discover herself and her mother. I liked never knowing what was coming next, everything was a secret. I think others might like this book because it deals with a real-life situation. I think that Ms. Fusco could have improved the novel by telling more about the situation toward the end of the book.

Rating: 4 stars

Mercedes Washington

12th Grade

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

Kira, an orphan with a twisted leg, lives in a world where the weak are cast out. She thinks she cannot possibly succeed in the task she is given. This book is very interesting and is a confidence booster if you have little self confidence.

Zachary Dean

11th Grade

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause

In this story Vivian, a teenage werewolf, falls in love with a human a year after her father dies in a fire. Will she migrate away from her new home with her pack, or will she betray them and stay with the one she loves? You have to read the book to find out!
Strengths: I loved this book for its relation of humans and werewolfs and I am happy to finally see that there is a new story with werewolfs that tells more about their background.It has a strong appeal to teens and adults due to its details as well as its relation to the adverage person. Like most good books, it has a little religious controversy in it. I think that anyone who likes teen romance, mysteries, or fantasy books would really like this book.
Weaknesses: I did not see any weaknesses in this novel. Very pleased!

Lucas Carver
11th Grade

Enders Game by Orson Scott Card

In the future the world is under the threat of being destroyed by a alien race called the buggers. The military has started to breed the ultimate leader to defeat the alien threat. Ender is born to save the world. For mankind's sake he better be able.
Strengths: This is the best book I heve ever read! The stories characters are strong and very memorable. I highy suggest it.
Weaknesses: There are none

Des Lee

9th Grade

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Summary: 16 year old ,Gemma Doyle, moves to London after tragedy strikes her family, and is sent to an all girls academy in the 1800s. Gemma, while she is at Spence Academy, consistently has reoccuring visions. Gemma's past and future slowly unravles while she's attending Spence. 

Strengths: This book leans towards fantasy and life in the 1800s. If you are into that era and want a good page turner in general, you ahould read A Great and Terrible Beauty.

Ashley Patterson

10th Grade

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Summary: On a trip to visit her divorcee father, Kristina, a perfect daughter and high school junior, disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of everything Kristina ever was--Bree is fearless. Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. What begins as the best time of her life, soon turns in to a struggle when she is forced to face her family, friends, and Kristina.
Strengths: Recently I read this book. As soon as I put it down, it was on loan to many friends. Since it is written in poems it is a quick read, but do not be deceived, it has something to say. It shows teens everywhere what life can turn into with the the choice of the moment. Crank keeps eyes GLUED to each and every page! The poems take you on an emotional roller coaster that almost makes you cry during some parts, or perhaps just want to scream or yell. This book is on the top of my recommendations list!