Tag Archives: book review

Book Review: Divergent, by Veronica Roth

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divergent_coverAbsent from reality and consumed by the pages, Divergent introduces you to a dystopian world, where society is separated into five Factions. The five Factions are: Candor (the honest), Erudite (the intelligent), Abnegation (the selfless), Amity (the peaceful), and lastly, Dauntless (the brave). One on special day of the year, all 16-year olds must choose which faction they will devote the rest of their lives to.

Beatrice Prior, our main character, has grown up in the Abnegation faction. Yet, as the time arrives for her to choose her faction, which she must dedicate her life to, she is torn over her what her final decision may be. Most importantly, Beatrice fears the outcome if she chooses to stay or abandon her faction and how her family will react to her decision. From this point in the novel, the rest is left for the reader to find out.

Book reviewers such as BookPage and Publishers Weekly state “You’ll be up all night with Divergent…” and call it “A memorable, unpredictable journey…” I agree to no end that Divergent is a brilliant novel about making choices that will transform you, defining your beliefs, and determining who your loyalties are. Of course, like any good novel, a secretive romance reveals itself throughout the novel, creating an appeal for the readers who seek a thrill novel along with their hidden passion for some, ah… amour.

Blatantly speaking, Divergent has overthrown The Hunger Games due to its twists, unpredictability, and especially the way the characters are brought out. Props to Veronica Roth for writing an incredible novel, captivating the hearts and minds of all Divergent readers!

-Michaela B., 11th grade

Book Review: The False Prince

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false_prince_coverThis is my first time writing a blog. Enjoy!

The False Prince, by Jennifer A. Nielsen is a good book for people of all ages. It is a book that quite nicely combines fantasy and mystery, with an added element of suspense that always keeps you hooked.

You, as the reader, discover secrets that would never have even crossed your mind. The False Prince is the kind of book that you’d never want to put down. An excellent book that you wouldn’t want to miss out on, it is the kind of book that just makes you want to read it as often as you can.

At the beginning, our protagonist, Sage, lives in Mrs. Turbeldy’s orphanage for boys. However, one day, a nobleman named Conner comes to the orphanage and buys Sage. Sage meets three other orphan boys: Roden, Tobias, and Latamer. Connor takes the four of them away, and gives hints to what his plan would be: to choose one of the four boys, and have him take the throne that belonged to lost Prince Jaron of Carthya! The reader also learns that whoever isn’t chosen would be killed to protect the secret!

A fantastic book that you wouldn’t want to miss, The False Prince is a book that I highly recommend reading. The False Prince is only the first in the Ascendance trilogy. The second book, The Runaway King, the second book in the series, is just as great. I also recommend reading that one as well.

-Linna C., 6th grade

Book Review: Phantom, by L.J. Smith

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phantom_coverRecently I’ve read the book Phantom which is part of the Vampire Diaries series. L.J. Smith is one of my favorite authors so I definitely suggest you read her books!

I think that teens would like to read this book because there is that tiny little factor… what if it happened to you? I feel that fantasy books are that tiny hope inside, that 1% chance that the book is real and the stories within it as well.

Phantom is about a 17 year old girl named Elena who is destined never to be normal. Apart from her two vampire boyfriends, Elena has been chosen to be a mortal Gaurdian. Elena and her freinds have battled vampires (bad ones, not her boyfriends!), saved their city from evil spirits, and traveled through the Dark Dimension, but nothing has prepared them for this: a battle of feelings.

A phantom haunts Elena and her friends, making them jealous of each other. Somehow, things straighten themselves out and they defeat the phantom by casting out thier negetive energy. But by the end of the story, a lesson is learned: don’t be jealous of someone else… because it is what it is.

-Annika C., 6th grade

Book Review: Travis & Freddy’s Adventure in Vegas by Henry Johnson and Paul Hoppe

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travis_freddy_coverTravis & Freddy’s Adventures in Vegas, by Henry Johnson and Paul Hoppe, is a humorous book about Travis, with the million-dollar smile, and Freddy, who has the million-dollar brain. They are opposite of each other, but are best friends. Travis and Freddy were born on the exact same day and time. Just a few days from their thirteenth birthday, Travis’ father accidently gambled his house away.

Determined to get $250,000 to save the house, Travis and Freddy make a plan to go to Vegas. They sneak on a plane and manage to make it there. Freddy uses his newest invention, a pair of glasses connected to a computer program to always win at blackjack. Using this technology, and with the help of their cabby driver friend, Sam, they manage to win the money. After discovering their “winnings,” Johnny Large, a Vegas gangster wants their money. Read the rest of the book to see if they escape Johnny Large, make it back home, and if they are able to save Travis’ father’s house.

I loved this book! It is very entertaining and funny. Paul Hoppe and Henry Johnson did a very good job writing this book. I would give this book five stars. It is not disappointing at all. Travis & Freddy’s Adventures in Vegas is a great book for middle-schoolers because the characters are the same age and middle-school students can relate to them. 

-Anmol K., 6th grade

Book Review: Golden, by Jessi Kirby

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golden_coverDo you often find yourself wondering, what if? What if I would have done that instead? What if I would’ve taken the risk?

Jessi Kirby’s latest novel, Golden, which hits bookstores everywhere on May 14, explores these questions and more.

After I read about Parker Frost and her journey to discover not only what happened with the town’s golden couple that died in an accident ten years ago, but also what she truly wants for herself, I felt like I really understood Parker. It amazed me how Jessi Kirby found words to paint such a realistic world. I could visualize everything and really put myself in the situation, almost shedding a tear or two in some instances. And, the connections Kirby creates with Robert Frost and his work throughout the novel was really cool because it made the book more unique and added layers to it.

But maybe, it is because I completely relate to Parker, her goals, and the way she has led her whole life that I really loved this book. The story revolves around a journal that Parker finds that leads her to making choices that she never might have had the courage to make otherwise. Yet there was so much more to the book than a girl breaking out of her shell; I felt that I learned so much from conclusions that Parker makes. Jessi Kirby eloquently states the things that we already know but ignore or are too afraid to state sometimes.

Two of my favorite quotes are:

“People always put their own spin on things, remember what they want to remember, and somewhere in the middle of it all is the truth – the real version – one you could only write yourself if you were willing to.” (p. 33)

“…chance brought them together and choice made them stay.” (p. 108)

The way I was able to get wrapped up in the book made it impossible for me to set aside. I was sad it was over so soon. So, if you are looking for something quick and worthwhile to read, Golden should definitely be on the top of your list! And if you love plot twists as much as I do, the end will definitely catch you off guard. Enjoy!

-Liliana M., 12th grade

Editor’s note:  This review was based on an Advance Readers Copy generously provided by Simon & Schuster.

Don’t miss author Jessi Kirby when she visits Mission Viejo on Saturday, May 18th! As part of the Summer Lovin’ tour, Kirby will speak alongside other popular YA authors, Kimberly Derting, Megan Matson, Shannon Messenger, Sarah Ockler, and Suzanne Young. This exciting event begins at 3:00 pm in the Friends of the Library Storytime Room at 100 Civic Center.

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This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Mission Viejo Library and A Whale of a Tale Bookshoppe. Books will be available for purchase and signing. For more information or to make a reservation contact the Reference Desk at (949) 830-7100, ext. 5105.

Book Review: Middleworld, by J&P Voelkel

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middleworld_coverMiddleworld, the first book in The Jaguar Stones series by J & P Voelkel, is a very interesting and exciting book that many teens would enjoy. However, this book is directed towards boys more than girls. If you like action adventure books, this is for you, as it deals with a 14 year old boy named Max Murphy who lives in Boston.

One day, Max is mysteriously sent on a quest to the South American jungle to rescue his missing archeologist parents. Max has a very difficult time, as his biggest talent is playing video games, and he wants nothing to do with nature. On Max’s journey, he teams up with a witty and clever Mayan girl named Lola, who helps Max rescue his parents from the Mayan underworld.

Middleworld has a story within a story, and can be a little confusing in the beginning, as when Max goes to live with his uncle in South America, who Max thinks is in the banana business, but is really a smuggler. Also, Tiny Jim, the uncle’s right hand, seems to hate Max, but surprises the reader at the end of the book.  As this book draws to a close, all of these events will make sense.

There are many funny and scary moments in this book, making the book hard to put down; such as when Max finally faces the Mayan Lords of Death, and has to outsmart them, or when the Mayan villagers play a practical joke on Max by giving him very spicy stew to eat. This book also provides a lot of interesting background information on the Mayan people, and their relics and pyramids, so if one enjoys history, this book will be especially interesting.

Overall, Middleworld is a very exciting book, and I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.  This book is definitely one that everybody should read, and once they start, I promise that they will not be able to put it down until they are finished.

-Will R., 8th grade

Book Review: The Dork Diaries series, by Rachel Renee Russell

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dork_diaries_coverThe Dork Diaries series is about a fourteen year old, eighth-grade girl, Nikki Maxwell, who moves to a private school because she got a scholarship with her dad’s help and has trouble in the beginning and thoughout the books.

She writes in a diary to tell you about her life at her new school. She does have friends, a crush, a mean school girl, and a lot of trouble ahead of her. The books are illustrated with black-and-white images, and are funny and relatable.

There are five books out right now, plus a “do it yourself” book (How to Dork Your Diary). The sixth book comes out this June. Each book is about 288 pages to 368 pages. I have read the Dork Diaries books and LOVED them! I like every one of them because it’s the same story line but each book is more interesting than the one before.

The reading level of this series is ages 9 and up. I would recommend it to girls that love stories that are funny and not too long, not too short. It is a girl virsion of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid. If you’re a fan of those books, then you will like this!

– Kate B., 6th grade

Book Review: Ruby Red, by Kerstin Gier

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ruby_red_coverRuby Red is a fictional love story written by Kerstin Gier. Sixteen-year-old Gwen is a typical girl with a rare gift. Her family carries an extraordinary gene that seems to only pass down the female line. Gwen’s cousin, Charlotte, seems to be the gene carrier, and has been specially trained since the age of eight. When Gwen finds out she is the gene carrier, things get a little out of hand.

Gwen must be trained on such a short notice, while Charlotte has been training for years. An unexpected twist happens when Gwen falls in love with a male gene carrier named Gideon. Gideon is mysterious and doesn’t trust Gwen, as she is a new comer and does not know of the secrets of the chronograph. Most of all, Gideon doesn’t trust the fact that Gwen may be involved with Lucy and Paul, the traders of the gene.

At the end of the story Gwen and Gideon have just returned from their latest mission. The story continues in the next book, Sapphire Blue. This story makes you wonder if time travel can ever be possible. In this trilogy, you will find exciting moments, and twists at every corner.

-Annika C., 6th grade

Book Review: In Darkness, by Nick Lake

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in_darkness_coverIn Darkness is a novel written by Nick Lake that recently won the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. This award is the teen literature equivalent of the Newbery award, which honors the most distinguished book written for children each year. Having read this book, I can most certainly testify that this novel is worthy of the award.

This novel is categorized under the genre realistic fiction, but personally, I found it to be more historical fiction. I am not and have never been a fan of historical fiction, but I found myself really touched by this novel. The story follows Shorty, a Haitian boy, trapped underneath a hospital following an earthquake. As he nears death, he ruminates on his life, and all of the things that he has done that he regrets, and all of the things that he will miss if he dies. I found this to be one of the most touching portions of this novel- Shorty is a very relatable character to the teenage audience that Lake writes to. He is angry, passionate, lovable, and honest. He has the same interests most teens have today- music, friendship, family, and school. His life in Haiti is interesting and captivating, and mostly shocking, because it shows the extreme poverty and violence that these Haitians live with.

Shorty’s story is entwined with the story of Toussaint l’Ouverture, the slave who led the rebellion for Haiti’s independence two hundred years prior. Although both of the characters are so different, Lake writes their stories together with shocking ease. Both characters are undergoing a war, l’Ouverture leading Haiti’s independence from France, and Shorty’s involvement in the gang wars. Through their stories, you see how Haiti was shaped, and the similarities between the Haiti of the past, and the Haiti of the present. Many Haitian rituals and phrases are included in the novel, making it seem very authentic and showing Lake’s passion for this subject and his dedication to his novel.

In Darkness was touching and passionate. It took me a while to get used to the switching of the viewpoints from Shorty to l’Ouverture, but I found the exchanging of the viewpoints made me more invested in each story. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen in each of the characters’ lives next. Some readers might find this story desolate and hopeless, but there were various parts of the novel that shined with optimism, most notably Shorty’s angelic lost sister, Marguerite. Other reviewers have said that the novel is inappropriate for younger readers, because of the amount of expletives and violence, but I think that it is truthful and would be a great read for any young adult reader.

I highly recommend this novel overall, and I think it definitely deserves the Michael L. Printz Award.

-Brianna M., 11th grade

Book Review: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain

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tom_sawyer_coverThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a great book to read for anyone who loves classic stories.  It is about a naughty boy named Tom doing a lot of mischievous tricks and risky adventures. He has a brother named Sid and a sister named Mary. Aunt Polly, who takes care of Tom, loves him even though he is a firebrand. Huckberry Finn, whose nickname is Huck, is Tom’s best friend as well as the partner in all of his adventures.

One of Tom’s crazy adventures is when he and his friend were in a graveyard trying to revive a dead person with a dead cat at midnight. Before they begin their process they see three men, Muff Potter, Dr. Robinson, and Injun Joe in the same graveyard. They quickly hide behind the bushes because they do not want to be seen by the three men. Instead, they witnessed Injun Joe murder Dr. Robinson for revenge, and then Injun Joe accuses Muff Potter for the crime. So scared, Tom and Huck run to a shed and complete a blood oath that they will never talk about the crime scene to anyone or they will die and rot.

Besides going on adventures, Tom also likes to tricks the children to do his white washing (putting new coat of paint on his aunt’s fence) and trade his trinkets for the tickets that can be used to trade in for the Bible to impress the new girl, Becky Thatcher– when a student receives a Bible, it shows others that they had been a good student.

I think teenagers today are going to like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Even though this book is a classic, there are still some naughty teenagers and they might want to read about how kids were in the 1800s.

– Samantha S., 6th grade