Monthly Archives: December 2014

Authors We Love: John Steinbeck

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grapes_of_wrathJohn Steinbeck has become one of my all-time favorite authors, after I was first exposed to his novels in middle school. He is one of the most popular American novelists, whose works have had a lasting effect on American people, even today.

I have recently read The Grapes of Wrath, which is one of Steinbeck’s most renowned works, earning the illustrious Pulitzer Prize. Set during the Great Depression, the novel focuses on the Joads, a poor family of tenant farmers who are driven from their home in Oklahoma  by drought, economic hardship, agricultural changes and bank foreclosures. Trapped in the Dust Bowl with little chance in escaping their unfortunate situation, the Joads set out for California with the hope of new opportunities. The Grapes of Wrath portrays the economic hardships of people during the Great Depression, as well as the American dream of freedom, dignity, and a better future.

In addition to The Grapes of Wrath, I have read The Pearl, Of Mice and Men (one of my all time favorites), Cannery Row, and the East of Eden. Steinbeck’s writing style certainly makes his works intriguing and his use of figurative language, especially imagery, helps the reader to imagine the vivid scenes and time period of his stories. Through characterization, readers are able to relate to his unique characters and feel their burdens and everyday hardships. I especially love Steinbeck’s novels because they urge me to read in between the lines and think more deeply about the true meaning of his stories.

Although his writing may seem simpler and easier to understand than most classics, I have found that each of his novels convey a different theme and underlying motives are hidden throughout his plots. Each time I reread a novel, for instance, I am able to come across new ideas I had never noticed before, making my reading experience more interesting and thrilling. John Steinbeck is certainly an influential author, who is able to transport you to new time periods and places through the power of his words. I definitely recommend his novels to students in middle school searching for a good classic, and urge those above the ages of thirteen to continue to read and appreciate the works of the wonderful John Steinbeck!

-Kaylie W., 10th grade

Author Visit: Tui T. Sutherland

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On Friday, November 7th, author Tui T. Sutherland paid a visit to the Mission Viejo Library. She has written many books under different pen names, and came to talk about them.

Probably the most well-known of all the series she has worked on are Warriors and Seekers, as she is part of the group writing under the Erin Hunter pen name, and for a longer time worked as their editor.

She also has written a series of her own, the Wings of Fire series. Wings of Fire stars five dragonets who are part of a special prophecy. So far, there are five books in the series, and a sixth, Moon Rising, which we got to hear a special preview of, is coming out in late December. It focuses on a dragonet named Moonwatcher, who inherited the power of prophecy, and has received a new prophecy that will change everything.

Tui has also written one book in the Spirit Animals series, Against the Tide. Spirit Animals is a unique series in that the authors receive a plotline and then can take it in whatever direction they like. Other authors that have written in the Spirit Animals series include Brandon Mull, Shannon Hale, and Marie Lu.

Another series of hers was written cooperatively with her sister, Kari Sutherland. The Menagerie is about a secret zoo in Wyoming that is discovered by a boy when six griffin cubs mysteriously escape. There are two other books in the series, Dragon on Trial, the second book, and Krakens and Lies, which is coming out in March 2015.

Many people love the books that Tui T. Sutherland writes, myself included. She has a certain way with writing that entrances you and absorbs you into her world. Many thanks that this amazing author was able to take time out of her day to visit all her fans and talk about her books.

-Linna C.,

Movie Review: Big Hero 6

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Disney_BigHero6_Poster_BaymaxThis past weekend, I got a chance to see Big Hero 6, a Disney movie about a 13 year old robotics prodigy named Hiro, who, after his brother, Tadashi, dies in a freak accident, is left with Tadashi’s health care robot, Baymax. After Hiro’s microbots (little robots) are stolen, and it is discovered that they are being used to do evil, Hiro and Baymax, with the help of Tadashi’s college friends, set out to find the man responsible for Tadashi’s death and the microbots’ evil escapades.

At first, Big Hero 6 may seem like a basic kid’s movie- a battle between good and evil. However, Big Hero 6 carries some more subtle, deeper messages. One of the themes of the movie is the message of the power of friendship. Big Hero 6 shows that by working together, even the biggest of problems can be solved. The movie also leans away from gender bias. Two of Tadashi’s friends are girls, and they are equally important and smart as the boys in the movie. Big Hero 6 also sets up a diverse cast of characters, characters of different races and from different backgrounds.

Big Hero 6 shows that decisions made in the quest for revenge and in anger are never good. When Hiro tries to get revenge from the man who killed Tadashi by taking out Baymax’s health care chip and leaving in his fighting chip, things go wrong. The movie also supports the idea of innovation and robotics, two things that can help society.
The main message in the movie is that those who are loved can always be remembered. When Tadashi dies, Hiro does not think this way. However, Baymax shows him that loved ones can always be remembered. This causes Hiro to think differently about things.

This movie is great for people of all ages, go see it as soon as possible.

Two series of books that I recommend to those who liked this movie:

  • The Moomintroll series, by Tove Jansson. Although these books may be hard to find, the Moomintrolls have the same kind of cuddly appearance and personality as Baymax.
  • Alex Rider series, by Anthony Horowitz. Just like Big Hero 6, these book are packed full of action and adventure.

-Will R., 10th grade

Book Review: Smells Like Dog by Suzanne Selfors

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smells_like_dogIn the world of literature, there are so many authors out there. But, there are a few dozen authors who will blow your mind, and one of them is Suzanne Selfors. The way Suzanne writes is simply amazing. First, her books are a fusion between comedy and seriousness. Especially in Smells Like Dog.

This is definitely my favorite book written by her. In Smells Like Dog, Homer, who is a farm boy, gets a gift from Uncle Drake– a dog! Except, the dog doesn’t do anything. Really he does nothing. But, Uncle Dranke, before he died, left a dog to Homer, which he called his most treasured possession. So what should he do with it? The dog just doesn’t want to do anything at all.

Until… you’ll have to read the book to know.

Out of 5 I would rate this story a definite 5. Also, out of 5, I would rate the author a 6, because it is very hard to find a great author. Thanks for reading, and please give comments below!

-Satej B., 8th grade

Book Review: Half Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer

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half_moon_investigations_coverHey there Artemis Fowl fans! If you have already read (and reread) the Artemis Fowl series, another great book by Eoin Colfer is Half Moon Investigations.

Though we know Eoin Colfer best for his incredible portrayals in the Artemis Fowl fantasies, his realistic fiction Half Moon Investigations is truly astounding. Based in present day, this is an action-packed mystery you won’t soon forget. In this novel, Fletcher (Half) Moon, a private detective, gets involved in his most dangerous case yet. When Fletcher is employed by April Devereux to investigate the Sharkey family, specifically Red Sharkey, he gets much more than he bargained for. Fletcher is badly injured, accused of a severe crime, and must constantly try to determine where his trust should lie. The twists and turns, vivid descriptions, and intriguing story line of Half Moon Investigations are sure to satisfy any voracious reader’s needs.

One of this adventure’s greatest strengths is its ability to pull you in and not let go. I was completely engaged in Half Moon Investigations, and I felt like I was right there alongside Fletcher every step of the way. With phenomenal details and a spot-on view into the world of Fletcher Moon, this book is nearly impossible to put down. Eoin Colfer made all of the characters in his novel really come to life. It was almost as if you could pick up the phone book, find Fletcher Moon’s number, and have him describe the whole story to you in person.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the Artemis Fowl series or who is looking for a good mystery. What discoveries will Fletcher Moon make? It’s up to you to find out- by reading Half Moon Investigations.

-Alaina K., 6th grade

Book Review: The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale

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merchant_of_deathBobby Pendragon was a popular, athletic 14 year old boy in middle school. He had it all– until one night when his amazing relative, Uncle Press, takes him on a trip he’ll never forget.

They take a motorcycle ride to a closed down subway station and after having a close encounter with an evil, shape-shifting man known by the name Saint Dane, get to a magical gateway that takes people through time, place, and dimensions called a flume. They go through it into a place called Denduron and in the first few minutes get attacked by monstrous beasts called quigs, get Uncle Press captured, and nearly get killed. How fun, right?

He then passes out and wakes up in a small hut to find out that their are two people living in the hut and their names are Loor (the daughter) and Osa (the mother). They explain that he is a traveler and all other travelers (including them) have the life mission of stopping the evil man, Saint Dane, from sending all of Halla (every time, place, person and thing that ever existed) into chaos and taking over. He learns that he will have to find the turning point of each territory (their are 10 in all of Halla) and make sere Saint Dane doesn’t “turn it too far” so to speak. He’s then finally told that the turning point of Denduron is going to happen soon and they need to stop it. They later find the turning point of Denduron and have to go on an amazing adventure to save the territory and Uncle Press before it is too late.

The whole series is amazing and I’d definitely recommend all ten books.\

-Solana M., 6th grade

Book Review: Shelter by Harlan Coben

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shelter_coverHave you ever felt like you have been betrayed, and overwhelmed with nothing but lies? In the realistic fictional book Shelter: A Mickey Bolitar Novel, by Harlan Coben, a teenage boy named Mickey Bolitar has to persevere through hardships to save his loved ones. Throughout his journey, Mickey must survive surprising challenges and overcome his fears in order to succeed.

Starting a new life at a different neighborhood and new school, Mickey moves in with his only other relative, his uncle, because his father died in a car accident and his mom moved to rehabilitation. Mickey meets a girl named Ashley who soon becomes his girlfriend. She suspiciously disappears and her permanent record is erased without a trace. Near his house, Mickey meets a person called “Bat Lady,” who turns his life upside down again when she tells him that his father is still alive and well. Confused and anxious, he wants to figure out how and why his loved ones vanished. Thrown into a life-threating mission to solve the crime, Mickey learns that he can’t trust those closest to him, let alone himself.

Harlan Coben, the author of Shelter: A Mickey Bolitar Novel, tells the story in first person, where Mickey is the narrator. I like how he expresses Mickey’s feelings and thoughts, which gives the reader a closer view and helps them relate to Mickey as a teenager. However, even though Mickey is the protagonist, he does seem like the villain sometimes, because he forces his friends to help him, even though their lives are put on the line. I would rate this book a 7 out of 10 because I liked the setting of the mystery, but there wasn’t enough action involved into the story. Suspenseful and fun to read, this book is for young adults who prefer a good mystery to get their minds thinking and plenty of detective work that leads to an unexpected ending.

-Riley W., 7th grade

Book Review: Endgame: The Calling, by James Frey and Nils Johnson-Shelton

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endgame_callingThrilling, suspenseful, page turning. Endgame by James Frey and Nils Johnson-Shelton is all that it promises to be.

If you are younger, do not let the size of the book intimidate you, as this book is almost impossible to put down. Full of action, the novel is written from the perspective of a different “player” every chapter. Even if you are like me, someone who is not a fan of books written in this way, your opinion, like mine, will change with this novel.

Taking place in the present, the book follows the storylines of twelve “players,” those older than thirteen, younger than 20. All are highly trained killers, “as deadly as any soldier on Earth.” Put together, these players represent every trait, from kindness, to stupidity, to evil. These twelve are specially chosen descendants of the twelve ancient lines, and must fight to the death for their people’s survival. Whichever player first finds the three keys, each hidden on a different spot on the Earth, this player earns survival for themselves and the rest of their line when the world comes to an end. Everybody else on Earth will die.

In my opinion, Endgame is the new “Hunger Games” series, so for those who loved Suzanne Collins’ series, the Endgame series is a new must read. Also, for those avid readers out there who want to try Endgame, you should be warned, I was literally not able to put the book down, so before picking up this new novel, make sure you have plenty of time to read. Endgame is definitely worth your time, and I am already looking forward to the second book in this thrilling series.

-Will R., 10th grade

Book Review: The Third Twin by C.J. Omololu

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third_twinLexi and Ava are identical twins, but sometimes… they are triplets.

When they were little, they made up a third twin, Alicia. Alicia was blamed for everything like when things were broken or stolen. Now that they are seniors in high school, their little game has gotten more serious. They pretend to be Alicia when they go out with boys who are hot but not the dating type. The kind of guys they would never consider being with in real life. However, Lexi wants to put an end to Alicia for good when one guy Alicia dated turns up dead. Ava thinks that as long as they follow the rules for Alicia (always wear the diamond pendant; never sleep with any of the guys; and after five dates, they are gone), everything will go back to normal. Before that can happen, another boy is killed, and DNA tests and camera proof reveal that there is only one possible suspect: Alicia. The girl who doesn’t exist. Lexi is on the run, and she has to find the truth before another boy dies. Because either Ava is the real killer…or Alicia is real.

When I first heard about this book, I knew I just had to read it. I even thought the title was interesting. I mean who’s ever heard of a third twin? The story is very compelling and holds so many surprises. The biggest surprise, by far, is who the killer turns out to be. Right away, the story picks up. I just couldn’t stop reading it. This book is meant for ages 12 and up. There is some mature content and language present, but other than that, I suggest you go out and get this book when it comes out on February 24, 2015.

-Sabrina C., 9th grade