Story Thieves by James Riley

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In January I decided to read a book called Story Thieves. Story Thieves is about a boy named Owen who meets a girl named Bethany, who can travel into books. Using Bethany’s power, these two travel between the real world and different fictional worlds. While traveling between worlds, they cause many problems and meet characters that can both help and stop them from fixing problems. While reading this story I found that it had unique and interesting characters and a good plot.

At the start of the book, Owen discovers that Bethany can jump into books by watching her come out of a book in the library. Soon after, the two travel into a book called Keil Gnomenfoot and the End of Everything. In the book, Owen breaks one of the few rules of traveling through books, which is not to interfere with important characters. Because of this, a character named the Magister becomes aware that his entire world is fiction. Later, the Magister travels from his book to the real world. As the book continues, Owen is disguised as a character in a book and continues its story. In the real world, Bethany is trying to send the Magister back to his book.

Story Thieves wasn’t one of my favorite books, but it doesn’t mean it’s bad. The book demonstrates great character development with how we can see Owen mature. I like how he grew to understand Bethany better throughout the book. The story also included an engaging plot with a variety of conflicts, like Owen’s. He ran into many conflicts that were interesting and intense while stuck in books. I was also impressed by how well the book conveys the emotions of the characters by showing how much they regret, sadness, or anger through attentive dialogue. However, while reading the story I was given the impression that its main demographic is kids in elementary school. Since I was a kid in middle school reading this, I didn’t enjoy it much. But if a child from the fifth grade were to read this, I’m sure they would like it very much.

Overall, the novel has some well-written points such as its fun characters and the conflicts. It also had a plot that was unique and intriguing which surprised me while I was reading through it. I found the book too childlike for me to fully enjoy the novel. I do recommend the book to children who are attending elementary school or people who want to have a fun time.

-Matthew R.

Story Thieves by James Riley is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

AI video and art generator Pros and Cons

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When I was in sixth grade I discovered AI art and I thought it was awesome. My history teacher in seventh grade showed me some amazing AI tools to use.

Leonardo AI Pros:

Makes really cool art. Allows you to make animations. Has different styles of art you can use. Has the ability to generate really good random prompts and improve the given prompt with great imagery. You can delete unwanted or failed image generations. You can use other images as references.

Leonardo AI Cons:

Makes you use tokens. If you generate an image of the same person multiple times every single person looks like the first person you generated.

Adobe Firefly AI Pros:

There is no tokens necessary. Generative fill and expand is available. You can use other images as references. Can remove unwanted objects from images. Always is getting updated. Suggestions when you type.

Adobe Firefly AI Cons:

You can’t see your past generations. Not very smart so you have to be very specific with what you want.

OTHER AI TOOLS:

Runway: Generates videos really well.

Pika: Allows an image to look like it’s talking, but it looks weird.

Temp Mail: Gives a temporary email address that can be used.

Pixa Motion: Lets you add motion to images

D-ID: Makes a person image look like it’s talking. Has a water mark though.

Microsoft AI: It’s a really good image generator but you can’t use it with a school account or on a school issued computer.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

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My final book of the school semester was Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Coming into this final stretch, I just wanted to get it over with. For years, I thought I knew the story of Frankenstein and that this unit would be a breeze since I knew the basics. I was immediately proven wrong when I learned that the Creation didn’t even have a name and the name Frankenstein was actually the name of his creator. 

The story of Frankenstein follows the telling of Victor Frankenstein’s life. The novel switches between three different narrators, Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the Creation. It begins with letters by Robert Walton who comes across Victor as he travels. Victor then tells his tale to Robert. Victor goes through his childhood and life, the making of his Creation and why Victor is so obsessed with following and capturing his Creation. Throughout the novel he talks about his tragedies and failures. Most importantly, he laments his mistakes in bringing this Creation into the world and putting mankind in danger. 

As the novel was based on Romantic ideals (written during the Romanticism period), much of the novel involves life and nature. Shelley’s Frankenstein was one of the biggest works that reflected the romantic period through the idea of creating, love (or lack thereof) and the effect society has on life. I enjoyed the idea that Shelley formed that nature was alive and a being not to be altered or tested. Especially how nature messed with Victor as its own warning or revenge against him for trying to defy its laws.

I really liked how I became invested in the book. I don’t think I could have been more infuriated with a character more than the main character, the main storyteller; Victor Frankenstein. This was one character that really made my blood boil. Victor Frankenstein is the kind of guy who only thinks about himself, pays no attention to how his actions could affect those around him, and is one to pin the blame on anyone except himself. I found myself rooting for the Creation despite him also committing major acts of violence. 

That was something I also found interesting. It was hard to pick sides. Both Victor and his Creation could be considered monsters to humanity. Victor for ignoring his entire family to fulfill a goal he ended up scrapping, being so inhumane to his own Creation and not giving his Creation a chance to have a life to enjoy; the Creation for the various crimes he had committed onto humanity such as murder and arson. While I’m obviously biased, others can look at their stories in a completely different way and disagree with my interpretation. A great part of Shelley’s novel is the idea of perspectives and how it is told. She makes this a much more conflicting story due to the different perspectives she created in her characters and their own reasonings and actions.

Overall, Frankenstein was a good book to end the year on. It was an easy, quick read that still was interesting in both its themes and characters. Shelley is a fantastic writer to create such emotion inducing characters. I feel like I could do a character study and discussion for hours from what she has written. I would definitely recommend Frankenstein to others. Despite being such a well known story, there is still much to read and learn from it.

-Nicole R.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Romeo and Juliet Play Review

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Personally, I enjoyed reading the play very much, especially since we were able to read some scenes in class. Even though at one point the Shakespearian language may be difficult to read at first, I thoroughly appreciated the language later. The grammar of the Elizabethan English was kind of confusing, but eventually it made sense. (My class called it “Yoda talk” because of the different orderings of phrases for the verbs and subjects)

Another way I was able to view the play was through the lens of West Side Story. I watched the 1950’s version, and I thought it was amazing how the ideas and themes of Shakespeare’s stories can be just as applicable in different times and settings. Through the dynamics between Maria and Tony, so many parallels can be made between the movie and the play.

Overall I would rate Romeo and Juliet a 8.5/10 for its amazing storytelling and descriptions and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good story, and also push themselves with this challenging piece of literature. When watching the whole play. One point about the writing that I really enjoyed was the extended metaphors, and also Shakespeare’s wit in how he included double meanings in many of the things he writes, for both comedic and dramatic purposes.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Forest- A Short Story

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I was 10 years old when I got lost in the forest. My brother, George, and I were at the park after school running around with the other kids we met that day. I was it and I was chasing one of the other girls in the group, I don’t quite remember her name but I’m pretty sure it was Jade. Anyways, I was chasing her and she kept on running without looking back.

The park we were at was surrounded by forest with not a single house in sight. Usually, we would run until the trees and turn around, risking getting tagged but at least we wouldn’t be lost in the woods. Instead of turning around like Jade was supposed to, she kept running. I tried to tell her, “Jade! Turn back we’re gonna get lost!” but she kept on running. I was getting tired and the sun was going down so it was our signal for George and me to get home.

When I stopped running, I looked around to see if Jade might’ve stopped too, but she was nowhere to be seen. I felt a sense of panic come across me as I loudly yelled her name hoping I would hear a response. Silence. I realized that not only had I lost Jade, but I was lost too. The logical thing for 10-year-old me to do was turn back and try to trace my steps but instead, I kept walking. Still panicked, I kept looking around with the very little sunlight I had left. I knew there was no way anyone was going to be able to find me so I lost hope in trying to call for help. If I found Jade then at least we could survive the night together.

Many urban legends go along with this forest since it’s the biggest one in our state. It’s said that there is an old man who lives in the center of the forest and traps people who are lost. I know better and I choose not to believe the lies but a part of me always wonders “what if?”.

As the sun goes down and the moon shows its face, it’s getting colder and colder and I’m only dressed in a bright pink t-shirt and leggings. The deeper I go into the forest, the more I cry out for her name “Jade! Can you hear me?”. All of a sudden I hear a crunch, assuming it’s my foot stepping onto a branch, I carry on without a second thought. By this point, it’s at least 2 in the morning and I’m starting to get dizzy and I can hear my stomach growling.

Listening to hints as to where Jade might be, all I hear are owl hoots and the leaves of the trees rustling. I turn the corner and all of a sudden I see a figure moving. I thought it was my vision tricking me since I left my glasses at home and was kind of blind at the moment. That also could be why I lost Jade, I couldn’t see her from the beginning.

As more time passes, I stumble upon a shed, I think ” Oh no maybe the legend is true”, but since I was already headed for disaster I opened the door . When the door was opened, I felt a sense of relief. I guess I won the game, I found her huddled next to a fire, shivering. I slowly walked over trying not to scare her. I whisper to her, “Jade? Are you ok?” She was startled but when she realized it was me, she burst into tears. Sobbing she said, “Julie! I’m so happy it’s you. I thought I was going to die here alone”. I hugged her and asked her to explain everything that happened while I was lost in the forest. Although we were both starving and exhausted, the sky was slowly getting brighter and I knew everything was going to be alright. 

P1Harmony Music Review

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I wanted to discuss the K-pop boy group, P1Harmony, and their newest album Killin’ It released in February 2024, as well as them as a group! P1Harmony is a boy band consisting of six members, Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul, and Jongseob. Their music is a mix of hip-hop and R&B which is both lively and calm depending on the songs.

In their most recent album, their title track, “Killin’ It,” is fun and upbeat. The rapping parts in this song are so prominent and truly make the song lively and fun to listen to. Their other song, “Late Night Calls,” is on the calmer side, relating more towards R&B. I would say this is my favorite song in the entire album, as its meaning is sweet and the melody is mellow and is perfect for a night drive. Lastly, I like “Countdown to Love” as it is also upbeat and uplifting. I listened to this song while studying for my AP United States History exam that I actually took today, May 10th. The beat is so much fun and really wakes me up! Overall, the album is one of their best, and I’m looking forward to seeing them on June 16th when they come to LA!

I also love watching them perform as well as viewing their content as they are very down-to-earth people who are close to me in terms of age. I find it easy to relate to them and fun to watch as most of them are fluent in English! Although I understand and speak Korean, it’s always exciting to see K-pop idols learn and speak English, especially Keeho who is from Canada and speaks fluently. I personally like Jiung the most, as he quiet and more reserved. He is also known to be smart and more logical which I relate to the most. Keeho and Theo are also fun to watch as I find them funny and they never fail to make me laugh. Ultimately, P1Harmony is such a talented and exciting group to listen to and watch, and I would recommend their music to anyone who is willing to give K-pop a listen!

Kaiya T.

Exploring Arizona’s hiking trails.

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Image from https://horseshoebend.com/horseshoe-bend-the-initmate-grand-canyon-experience/

During my winter break, I went on a road trip to Arizona with my sister, her two Frenchies, and her cat; it was a fun and exciting experience. Arizona is a unique and intriguing destination, with many trails and landmarks that provide an unforgettable experience. However, if you plan on visiting Arizona in the winter, pack layers and warm clothes. Arizona can be surprisingly chilly, with temperatures often hovering around forty to fifty degrees.

The most popular thing to do in Arizona is hit the trails for hiking adventures. I’ve explored various hikes, and let me tell you, it’s not a walk in the park, especially when I’m carrying my sister’s British English cat on my back. Koda, the cat, is bigger than the typical cat, making those uphill treks a bit more of a challenging workout.


One trail that stood out was Horseshoe Bend. The hike was surprisingly not too hard, and the top payoff was worth the effort. The view? Absolutely stunning. The only downside was that it was freezing up there, and my skin felt extremely dry. I would pack some lotion next time I go to Arizona. The hike back down was a lot easier, and the slope helped lighten some of the load on my back.


Then, there was the Soldier Pass Trail. Supposedly a leisurely hike, but it turned out to be more of a medium-level challenge. We aimed for the Seven Sacred Pools, a hidden gem with seven water pools that attract hikers and tourists alike. The uphill part of this hike was a bit more demanding, but the way down was a breeze. Remember to stick to the trail – nobody wants to get lost in the wild! So, if you want to up your hiking game, the Soldier Pass might just be the ticket.


The last four days of our trip, we wanted to change it up and explore other places. For a change of scenery, we headed to the West Fork Trail in Sedona, surrounded by towering red rock formations. This trail meanders along Oak Creek, crossing crystal-clear streams and offering glimpses of vibrant fall foliage. It’s a relatively easy hike, perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without breaking too much sweat. It’s a relief since I’m still hiking with my sister’s cat.


During the last two days, we were eager for more excitement; we tackled the Devil’s Bridge Trail in Sedona, known for its iconic sandstone arch. The hike was a moderate challenge, but the anticipation of standing on the bridge motivated all of us. When I reached the destination, the feeling was nothing short of awe-inspiring, with the natural arch providing a stunning backdrop to the surrounding red rock landscape.


Arizona is an absolute blast for a short vacation, but if you’re considering extending your stay for more than a week, be prepared to face the scorching heat with an arsenal of moisturizers! As my sister drove into the heart of Arizona, we were greeted by many stunning landmarks and sights that left me utterly captivated and speechless. The unforgettable experiences along some out-of-the-box trails made every mile of the journey worthwhile. To all the intrepid souls gearing up to witness Arizona’s winter wonders, brace yourselves for the adventure of a lifetime! Have a safe trip, and soak in every moment!

Happy Hiking!

Bella H.

Band Review: Coldplay

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I have another artist I would like to share with everyone, except this time you’ve probably heard of them! This band is Coldplay!

Coldplay is a British alt rock/pop rock band formed in 1997. They released their first album, Parachutes, in 2000. Parachutes, in my opinion, is their best album to date. It has one of their more well-known songs, Yellow, but also what I consider to be their best songs, like Shiver, Spies, High Speed, and Don’t Panic. I feel like it’s their most unique album and they sort of fell into more poppy music down the line. I really like the feel of the album all the way through, it’s a very chill album and it makes you feel like you’re just aimlessly drifting.

Their second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head,  was released two years later and is my second favorite album by them. This album also has two pretty popular songs by them, Clocks and The Scientist. I like A Rush of Blood to the Head because of its unique instrumentals. This album is noticeably less calm and a little sadder, or at least melancholic, shown with songs like Politik, The Scientist, and Warning Sign.

I’d like to skip forward to their 6th album, A Head Full of Dreams, released in 2015. A Head Full of Dreams is much more of a pop rock album than an alt rock album. This one has a few popular songs like Hymn for the Weekend and Adventure of a Lifetime, which I would actually agree are the best songs on this album. A lot of the other songs are pretty forgettable, but I don’t hate them. The two songs make me feel like I’m flying through some sort of city or some big spectacular scene, and I think it’s really neat how they were able to write music like that that.

Skipping forward again to their 8th and most recent album released in 2021, Music Of The Spheres. Each song from this album is meant to represent a song from each planet in this theoretical solar system, but all of them are pretty poppy. A good portion of them are collaborations with other artists, such as Selena Gomez (in Let Somebody Go) and BTS (in My Universe). I like the idea behind this album, but I feel like it was executed poorly and I don’t really like any of the songs. However, there is one song on this album that breaks that rule: Coloratura. Coloratura is a 10 minute masterpiece that I feel perfectly ends the story they were trying to tell. I would highly recommend skipping the album and just listening to that song.

In conclusion, Coldplay is a talented band that sort of fell off, but their older songs are still very good and worth a listen. That’s not to say all of their newer songs are bad, as there’s still some pretty great ones.

The Splash Brothers

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Steph Curry and Klay Thompson revolutionized the game of basketball by hitting ridiculously long-distance threes consistently.  The second they step past half-court, they are an immediate threat to shoot and score.  Teams have to bring their defense up past the three-point line to ensure that doesn’t happen.  They are the first to have defenses be so frightened of such incredible shooting.  They were given the nickname “The Splash Brothers”.  When a basketball cleanly goes into a hoop, it makes a splash sound.  That is why they are the Splash Brothers because they splash threes consistently and continuously.

When they first began contending for championships, lots of people doubted them because they thought shooting alone couldn’t win championships.  The championship teams before Steph and Klay normally always either have a point guard with a great big man scoring and dunking, or two-way wing players.  For example, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the point guard and big man, or Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen as two-way wing players.   But Steph and Klay completely changed that narrative.  

From 2015-2022, they proved that you can win championships with great shooting alone.  They also had a great playmaker in Draymond Green to find them open to shoot or set screens to get them open to shoot.  They dominate the NBA together, winning four championships in seven years.