Author Archives: Anmol K.

Earth Girl by Janet Edwards

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earthgirl_janetedwardsEarth Girl is a dystopian novel set centuries in the future. Eight hundred years into the future, humans are able to travel through portals. These portals allow them to conquer the furthest stars. Unfortunately, not all of humanity gets to experience traveling in a portal. A fraction of humans have a genetic defect, which prohibits them from interplanetary travel, and are forced to live their lives on Earth. Jarra, the main heroine of the story, is one of them. After finding out about their child’s defect, most parents abandon their children who are often referred to as “throwbacks.”

Despite her limitations, she does not get discouraged of pursuing her dream. Creating a feigned military background story, Jarra joined a group of students from all over the galaxy in a practical Earth study class. Jarra plans to prove to “normal” people that “throwbacks” are capable of completing complicated tasks. She wants to surprise her classmates by revealing her identity as a “throwback.”

In this class, the students excavate remains from Earth’s ancient, abandoned cities. Jarra’s skills are tested when an unstable, ancient skyscraper traps another research team under it. Having practiced excavating rocks (called “tagging” in the novel), Jarra is the hero of the day when she helps dig out the team. Her rescue has put her into the limelight of her classmates, which is not something she needed for her plan. To see if her plan of tricking her classmates worked, I suggest reading this unique book.

I picked up this book because I found the plot intriguing. Interested in how Jarra would trick her classmates, I also thought that it would be cool how her classmates would eventually react. The setting was another aspect of the story that I enjoyed. Even though the story takes place on earth, the explanation of how their world was built is amazing. The only aspect of the book I did not like was were the class excavations because the author went a bit to deep with the history and science of the process. Well wrapped at the end, I cannot wait to start the second one and see what Jarra has in store for her life.

-Anmol K.

Earth Girl is available for check out from the Mission Viejo Public Library.

Book Review: The Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls

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summer_monkeysThe Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls is a novel about an inquisitive boy of 14 years named Jay Berry who lives on his family farm in Oklahoma. Jay Berry has a twin sister who has special needs due to her crippled leg. His parents and grandparents are trying to save enough money for the treatment of her leg. One day, Jay Berry discovers a group of monkeys at the river bottoms while in search of the family cow; he then informs his grandfather about his discovery. His grandfather explains to him that the monkeys had escaped from a circus truck after it was in an accident.

Seeking to earn the award for capturing the monkeys, Jay Berry has his eyes set on the $100 monkey, and will also get $2 each for the smaller ones; with the money, he hopes to buy a .22 gun and a pony. Devising numerous methods to abduct the monkeys, Jay Berry has great trouble trying to do so, because the most valuable monkey, named Jimbo, acts as though he is human; Jimbo protects the other smaller monkeys like a mother protecting her babies, which makes Jay’s mission much harder. To find out what happens to Jay Berry and the monkeys, read this amusing novel.

I enjoyed this book, with mixed feelings about it. Set in rural Oklahoma, I liked the book because of the way the author described in detail the attempt of apprehending the monkeys. Jay Berry’s character was interesting, and I loved his perseverance and how he was not discouraged from capturing the monkeys. Although the book had an intriguing plot, the execution could have been improved. Recommended for 8 year-olds and above, I might have liked this adventurous book better if had read it in Elementary school. Overall, a great, quick read for somebody looking for a simple, heartwarming story.

-Anmol K., 8th grade

Book Review: MAX: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson

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maxMAX: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson is a science-fiction book telling the story of the bold Maximum Ride and her daring flock rescuing Max’s biological mother. Max and her flock are 98% human and 2% bird, giving them the ability to fly. The entire flock has had many adventures together and because of their unique abilities they have been hunted by a numerous amount of enemies.

In this book, a man named Mr. Chu takes Max’s mother, Dr. Martinez. The reason for kidnapping her is that the CSM can cease to exist; CSM stands for the Coalition to Stop the Madness and its purpose is to spread global awareness on pollution. Joining the U.S. Navy in the search for Dr. Martinez, the courageous flock believes that she is being held off the coast of Hawaii. Is Dr. Martinez alive? Do they rescue her? Do they get rid of Dr. Chu? Read the book to find the answers to these puzzling questions.

I loved this book! It was fast-paced and very enjoyable to read. Liking how the book was in first person, I thoroughly loved Max’s wittiness and sharpness.The ending could have used a little improvement, but the book was great overall.This is my first Maximum Ride novel and now I want to read all of them after reading this one. I would advise this book for eight grade and above. Before starting this book, I would recommend clearing your schedule because you will not be able to put it down until the end!

-Anmol K., 8th grade

Book Review: The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney

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face_milk_cartonHow would you react if you found out that you were kidnapped because there is a picture of you as a toddler on an ordinary, everyday milk carton? 15-year-old Janie Johnson recognizes her photograph on the “Missing Child” side of a milk carton in the young-adult novel, The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney.

After identifying her picture on a milk carton at lunch, Janie is consumed by the notions of her kidnapping. As the story unravels, Janie discovers that “her parents” are actually her grandparents and her Mother was part of a cult when Janie was born. Temporarily relieved, Janie is still curious as to why her name on the milk carton said “Jennie Spring.”

Slowly unraveling the mystery of her past, Janie discovers that she was kidnapped by her “Mother” as a young girl and finds out that her real parents are in New Jersey. The end of the book leaves you with Janie talking to her real Mother. Does Janie leave her “adoptive” parents? Does she actually meet her biological parents? Does she ever find the women who abducted her? To find the answers to all these questions, one must read this book and the entire Janie Johnson series.

Reading this book for English, I was interested that it wasn’t mainstream like some other classical works. The storyline of the book is great, in my opinion. The execution could have been slightly improved. I liked how the first book ended in a cliffhanger and then you would have to read the next one and then the next one to find out what becomes of Janie. The last book did not have a very conclusive ending, but it was satisfactory enough. If you are interested in the mystery genre, then the Janie Johnson series is for you.

-Anmol K.,

Book Review: The Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

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hitchhikers_guideThe Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams is the first, out of five, novels depicting the intergalactic adventure of an Earthling, Arthur Dent, and an extraterrestrial, Ford Perfect (his name on Earth).

In the beginning of the story, Arthur Dent is lying in the mud in front of his house to protect it from the contractors who want to destroy it so a bypass could be built there. A little while later, Ford Perfect comes and convinces Arthur to go to a pub with him. At the pub, Arthur thinks that Ford is crazy because he warns that the Earth is going to be destroyed by the alien race, Vogons. Turning out to be true, they manage to get on the Vogon’s ship.

Aboard the ship, Arthur and Ford are discovered and, as a punishment, are mandated to listen to the Vogon’s poetry, the third worst in the Galaxy. Then they are placed into an airlock where would be released into space. The President of the Galaxy, Zaphod Beeblebrox, who is aboard the ship called Heart of Gold, rescues them. Zaphod is a cousin of Ford; a miserable robot named Marvin and a woman named Trillian also join them. Follow Arthur and Ford through their interplanetary journey by reading The Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy.

Picking up this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect in the story. But I am glad I choose it. Despite its intimidating size, I read it and I thought that it was an awesome science-fiction story. At certain points in the book, the author goes off describing a new Alien race or new planet, but it eventually connects back to the story. If you enjoy the first novella, then I suggest reading the rest of the novels.

-Anmol K., 8th grade

Book Review: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

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and_there_were_noneIf you were to receive a vague letter that enticed you to an island for a pretext, would you still go? Such is the situation in the thrilling page-turner, And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, ten people from different walks of life each receive a letter for a different purpose to go to Indian Island. But all of them have one thing in common: they all are indirectly involved with a person’s death.

In their rooms, at the mansion, each person has a framed copy of the poem: “Ten Little Soldiers.” After having dinner the first night, they all are in the living room when a gramophone announces each person’s name and whom they indirectly murdered. On the same night, Anthony Marston takes a sip from his drink and starts choking, an eventually dies. One by one each guest is murdered, and the guests who are still alive realize that the murderer is amongst them.

I thought this book was awesome. It was a real page-turner and I did not want to put it down. If you are looking for a great mystery-murder novel, then this book is recommended for you. As you read the book, you try to figure out who is the murderer. After you suspect one person, they turn out to be the next victim. This aspect of the book was fascinating to me. I won’t give much of the ending away, but the way the person executed their actions was improbable. Advised for anybody who loves suspense, read And Then There Were None.

-Anmol K., 8th grade

Book Review: The Watcher, by Joan Hiatt Harlow

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watcherThe Watcher by Joan Hiatt Harlow is a historical-fiction novel describing how Wendy, an American, is forced to repudiate her former life and is obligated to become the perfect German daughter by her real mother, a passionate Nazi named Adrie.

In Germany, Wendy is forced to support a cause she does not support and is forced to speak a language she has never known. Amongst the dangers of the Germany, her real mother is kind to her, but sometimes is taken aback about Wendy’s beliefs in the war.

Wendy befriends a blind boy named Barret, who has a guide dog. Formulating a daring plan of escape, Wendy wants to go back to the people who raised her, even though her “mother” was her aunt. I do not want to unveil if Wendy makes it to America; you would need to find out yourself!

Overall the book is average. Wendy, the main character, had a great personality. It might have been better if the plot was not as uneventful as it was for the majority of the book. Only when Wendy formulates a plan of escape does the action pick up. The ending was great and very suspenseful. I would recommend this book for somebody looking for a great read set in the era of World War II.

This review is based on an advance reader copy; The Watcher will be published on November 4th.

-Anmol K., 8th grade

Book Review: The Giver, by Lois Lowry

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giver_coverAuthor Lois Lowry does an amazing job in the unique, science-fiction novel The Giver. The highly-anticipated movie adaptation just released on August 15. Have you seen it?

In the novel, we are introduced to a boy named Jonas, who lives in a utopian society that has eradicated conflict, poverty, unemployment, divorce, injustice, and inequality. In the annual Ceremony, where every twelve-year-old gets a life assignment prearranged by the Elders, Jonas is selected to inherit the position of “Receiver of Memory.”

When Jonas spends more & more time with the Giver, he learns the power of wisdom. Even though the people in his community have been shielded from life’s many problems, Jonas realizes that they do not know about the things that give life meaning such as sunshine, color, music, and love.

Becoming wiser everyday, Jonas doesn’t want to bear all the memories, both joyful and painful, by himself. He wants to share the many freedoms with his community, even if it means disrupting the safe, current life of innocence and order. Together the Giver and Jonas formulate a plan that will have instant, severe outcome on the entire community, especially on Jonas himself.

Jonas, portrayed by Brenton Thwaites in the movie, is naïve in the story and I like how he matures during the course of the story. One main reason I liked this book is that it is unlike other dystopian novels I have read. The Giver is one of the books that I have read over and over again because it is so well written. This is truly Lois Lowry’s masterpiece and in my opinion she totally deserves the John Newbery Award for it. The ending of The Giver was not the best, but I have not read all the books in the Giver Quartet. It might make more sense in the latter books. I am especially excited to see the movie because I loved the book. It’s been hard waiting for the movie to be released, but I am going to see it for sure.

-Anmol K., 7th grade

Book Review: Ruby’s Slippers, by Tricia Rayburn

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rubys_slippersRuby’s Slippers by Tricia Rayburn is a realistic-fiction novel depicting a girl named Ruby moving all the way from rural Kansas to Florida because of a grandmother she barely knows.

Ruby Lee, who had never heard of Facebook, seen a video on YouTube, or downloaded a song from iTunes, is suddenly thrust into Coconut Cove where her new school is much nicer compared to her old one back in Kansas. The school is about ten times bigger and has a very nice auditorium.
On the first day of school she does not only manage to embarrass herself with a metal lunchbox, but also manages to make enemies with the most popular girl in school, Ava Grand.

Despite the trouble of being the new kid at school, Ruby also has to prepare for the upcoming talent show, Citrus Star, where participation is mandatory. Not having any friends, Ruby is unable to partner up with anybody. Miss Anita, the school’s performance director, helps Ruby join the dancing group Constellation. Ruby is thankful for her help, but her relief is eradicated when she realizes who is in the group- Ava Grand and three of her friends. Going to her first rehearsal, Ruby begins to have fun against all expectations. I do not want to give away the ending, but it has a surprising twist I did not see coming.

Overall, the book was decent. There were both pros and cons in the book, especially with how Ruby handled different situations. For example, I liked how Ruby supported her Mom when she was looking for a job. Although, I did not like how Ruby was completely clueless in some situations in the story, that she could have easily handled. At the same time, I did not like how sometimes in the book, the author took time to describe simple things. On the other hand, I felt like the ending was good and gratifying. This book is great for kids aged 9-12.

-Anmol K., 7th grade

Book Review: The Other Side of the Island, by Allegra Goodman

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other_side_islandThe Other Side of the Island by Allegra Goodman is about a brave girl named Honor, born in the eighth year of Enclosure, living in a society controlled by the Earth Mother and her Corporation. Every family on island 365 lives peacefully and follows the rules– except for Honor’s. They sing songs, ignore curfew, and do not pray to Earth Mother. Families are only allowed to have one child, but Honor also has a younger brother. Despite her great effort, Honor has great trouble trying to fit in with the other girls at her school.

At her school, she befriends a boy named Helix who is very knowledgeable about the island and he reveals to Honor that the people who are not “normal” disappear and never come back. Honor has a constant fear that her parents will be caught and taken, and she and her brother would be orphans forced to live at school– and one day, she discovers that her parents are missing. She is scared and lives alone with her younger brother at her home. Eventually she is discovered and is forced to live at school. The girls in her class no longer accept Honor because of her orphan status.

Honor and Helix, both trying to escape from school, devise a plan to escape during a great storm, which happens every couple of years. After the storm comes, only Honor escapes and she runs away from the school. To see if she makes it to her parents, you  need to read this book with a shocking ending!

I found this book very interesting and unique among other dystopian novels. I really liked the surprise ending and found the whole book really interesting. I finished this book in one day because it was so good and I could not put it down. Recommended for anyone with an interest in dystopian novels, The Other Side of the Island is for ages ten and up.

-Anmol K., 7th grade