Tag Archives: contemporary

Book Review: All-American Girl, by Meg Cabot

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Top 10 reasons why people would love to read All-American Girl:
10. Samantha Madison, the main character, always does a “Top 10 reasons” explanation every couple chapters, which explain Sam’s problems in a clear and easy to read way.
9.Smart people and fans of National Geographic would like Rebecca, Sam’s twelve year-old genius sister, who has watched every episode of National Geographic.
8. Fashion lovers would want more of Lucy, Sam’s popular seventeen year-old sister.
7. Art lovers would adore Sam’s art school, friends who enjoy art, and the art competition Sam has to judge.
6. Girls looking for a romantic comedy would laugh and enjoy the romance story between Sam and a very comical yet attractive boy named David.
5. Teenagers with sibling problems would understand the crazy problems that Sam has to deal with because of Lucy and Rebecca.
4. Fans of the band No Doubt and Gwen Stefani would be thrilled that Sam is a fellow fan, too.
3. Citizens of America who are fans of the White House would be dazzled by the little-seen places of the President’s home.
2. Readers would love the comedy that Sam uses. For example, she gets invited to the White House for dinner and flushed her whole dinner down the toilet because she was a picky eater. Later, she ended up thinking that the next day’s headline would say something like this: MOST FAMOUS GIRL OF THE CENTURY CAUSES WHITE
HOUSE PLUMBING TO BLOW BY STUFFING ENTIRE DINNER DOWN TOILET.
1. Meg Cabot, the author, teaches a very important lesson that’s true for everyone.
What else would readers like about the realistic fiction book All-American Girl? Well, they would like Sam because:
  • She saves the President’s life, fascinating Americans with her loyalty and bravery
  • She teaches an important lesson that we should learn. Earlier, Sam always thought that it would great to be someone else, such as her favorite singer, Gwen Stefani, but she’s says in the end that “the number one reason I’m glad I’m not Gwen Stefani: 1. Because then I won’t be me” (Cabot 398).
Boys should be warned that since the main character is a fifteen-year-old girl born between two more girls, Sam isn’t aware that boys might read her story and openly talks about girl stuff, such as a girl’s private areas. Also readers should not do everything Sam does because she’s in love with her sister’s boyfriend and doesn’t pay attention in German class.
However, she proves that anybody can be a hero can be a hero, even a girl who mourns for the generation by wearing black and draws celebrity pictures in German class.
-Megan V., 8th grade

Book Review: Broadway Lights, by Jen Calonita

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broadway_lights_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

EXTRA! EXTRA! Are LAVA and SKAT at it again? I have never been in the hustle and bustle of New York’s show business but author Jen Calonita, winner of the young reader award in 2009, made me feel as if I was starring in a Broadway show in 2004. Broadway Lights about how a famous movie star’s career on the big screen ends corruptly and is cast in the new biggest broadways show as the lead. She is faced with challenges even some regarding her boyfriend three thousand miles away. This is a story about love, self-confidence, friendships, and deceit.

From the secret romance between Dylan and Kaitlin to the public spat about LAVA and SKAT, you will not be able to put this book down. Every time I picked up this book, I lost track of time and felt in a different world. Kaitlin is one of the reasons that I truly love this book. Herself-confidence shined on stage and off. Jealous snobs, just looking for some trouble, pick on Kaitlin, but she fights them off by being strong and kind. Broadway Lights is set in both Malibu and New York. Paparazzi at her new movie premiere interview on the red carpet, “right now I am standing on the red carpet at Westwood’s Mann Village Theatre in Los Angeles, where my movie, Pretty Young Assassins, is premiering on this warm May night”, swarm Kaitlin. (4)

When Kaitlin’s TV drama “Family Affairs” gets canceled, Kaitlin is forced to be the lead in a Broadway show, featuring a teen horror story…. high school.  As Kaitlin enters the world of Broadway many people help her along the way, including her rival Sky.  Soon, Kaitlin gets suspicious of her boyfriend, Austin’s sneaky behavior and is scared he is cheating on her. As Kaitlin’s Broadway debut ends she realizes how much she loves acting and gets to follow her dream even further. But during the story Kaitlin overcomes many challenges and is a true inspiration to me.

This book really showed how change could be good! Sometimes people can be scared for change but this book shows it can end up very positive and you may like it more than what you may have been doing before. As Kaitlin is leaving her movie premiere she realized she was leaving, “The words hit me like a bad review. I’m leaving Los Angeles. My home. Next week. And Austin is not coming with me.” (15) I was super excited to read this book because I am a giant Broadway geek and this book seemed perfect for me. I would give this book an A+ because of the unique writing style it entails. Many parts of the book look like magazine clippings you would read in People or USA Today. This book was by far my favorite book I have ever read. If you haven’t read this book it is a must-read.

Overall, Broadway Lights is a very fun and well-written book, which will be loved even if you do not enjoy reading. This is a real page-turner, which will keep you at the edge of your seat.

-Anneka M., 7th grade

Book Review: Ungifted, by Gordon Korman

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ungifted_coverDo you ever feel ungifted? Like everybody else has a special gift or talent except you? Then read this book! Ungifted by Gordon Korman opened my eyes to see that everybody has some sort of talent, whether you can see it or not.

When Donavan Curtis accidentally knocks the globe of an Atlas statue off, he wrecks knows he’s going to get into big trouble. After all, this isn’t the first time he accidentally messed something up. However, a mishap with the superintendent gets him sent to a gifted program instead of getting a huge punishment.

When Donavan receives the news he’s getting sent to a gifted program, he knows it’s a mistake. Still Donavan decides to stick around with the super geniuses to save his parents from paying the bill for the gym. That’s when he starts to realize that those geeks and nerds are very cool in their own way – they just need a little push in the right direction from someone who doesn’t spend all his time stressing about grades or some new science discovery. But his time here won’t last forever, and Donovan knows it’s only a matter of time before the superintendent finds him and takes him back to get an even bigger punishment.

Inside, you’ll find an ongoing experiment with a live human (sister), an unforgettably dramatic middle-school dance, and the most astonishing robot victory ever. Ongoing through all of this craziness, Donovan shows that his gifts might be exactly what the genius students never knew they needed!

I personally love this book because it’s hilarious and takes other people’s point of view. It’s just a great book overall and I highly recommend it!

-Danielle L., 6th grade

Book Review: Close to Famous, by Joan Bauer

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close_to_famous_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

Who would’ve thought that a 12 year old girl would leave her home and belongings to run away from her mother’s crazy ex-boyfriend? Joan Bauer perfectly explains “the story with no destination” in the book Close to Famous. Using events from her past, Ms. Bauer perfectly depicts difficult life situations with both humor and hope. This story is full of suspense, drama, conflict, and of course, a little bit of baking.

Foster McFee and her mother continue to drive as far away from Memphis as possible. The girls end up in the little city of Culpepper, West Virginia, where mama describes it by stating “a little town like this is very sweet” (15). Foster and her mama are greeted by the warm-hearted people of the town, who give them a home and a job. Spunky little Foster uses her baking talents to brighten the wilting town.

The underlying truth with Foster and her mom is that Foster’s father was killed as a loyal soldier in Iraq. Every day, the McFee’s struggle to maintain an income, while coping with their loss. The only way Foster is able to hold on to the last memories of her father are through his items, which she keeps in his favorite pillowcase. But when Foster finds that she has misplaced this infamous pillow case… I guess you will have to read the book to find that out.

I thoroughly enjoyed Foster’s confident personality, which Miss Bauer depicted when she wrote “I got an Easy-Bake oven when I was four and the rest is history” (8). Foster knows she has many issues going on in her life but she prefers to stay positive. I believe that this is a very noble character trait for a 12 year old to embody.

Foster aspires to one day become a well-known baker, including her own TV show. However, her dyslexia does not help her to read those pesky cook-books. Foster is the best example of a character who deals with sorrow and everyday obstacles, much like Sara Crewe in A Little Princess. You will relate to her when you are experiencing days when you just want to stop trying. Foster inspires me to keep on going because the situation WILL get better in the long run.

Miss Bauer explains themes of sorrow, loss, and disabilities in an exquisitely relatable way. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful story that twists and turns at the least expected times. If you want to find out more about what happens to Foster, mama, the pillowcase, the crazy boyfriend, and a guy named Crazy Dave; I would highly recommend this book.

 -Natalie M., 7th grade

Book Review: The A Circuit, by Georgina Bloomberg & Catherine Hapka

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a_circuit_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

The book The A Circuit by Georgina Bloomberg and Catherine Hapka is a captivating story filled with friendship, loyalty, and journey to reaching goals. Georgina Bloomberg, daughter of New York City mayor, and Catherine Hapka, are both accomplished riders and lifelong horse lovers. Through teamwork they have created an inside few of the horse show circuit, by letting readers see it from different perspectives.

When it comes to horse shows, the A circuit is the highest and most prestigious of them all. Many travel the circuit all year round. It’s a lifestyle with its own rules, and horses that cost as much as some homes. Tommi, Kate, and Zara are all elite riders competing on the circuit with their trainer Jamie, but they all come from completely different backgrounds.

Tommi is a billionaire heiresss trying to prove that she really does have talent, and that it doesn’t come from her money. Kate comes from a middle class family that doesn’t have the money to support her riding, so instead Kate works constantly at the barn. She earns lessons and the ability to show, through all the stalls she’s mucked out, the tack she’s cleaned, and horses she’s cared for. Kate’s friends have realized that her grueling schedule is not good for her and that she needs time to focus on her own life. And then there’s Zara. She’s the wild child of a famous rock star. The party girl is having trouble changing her ways, but is slowly starting to take riding more seriously.

Competing in the A circuit requires training, experience, and passion. In my view, the phrases ‘riding horses’ and ‘borrowing freedom’ are synonyms. The A Circuit not only is a story on riders lives’, but it also teaches you tips along the way on how to ride, “Always make the horse look good. Always make the ride look easy”(14). The characters in The A Circuit; Tommi, Kate, and Zara have taught me, if my eyes are up and my heels are down I can do anything.

You must hold on to what you love, if it tries to buck you off, hold on even tighter. Throughout this book loyalty, friendship, and journeys to reaching goals are all protrude. The bond between a horse and its rider is like nothing else, they’re inseparable, a team, and forever friends.

Knowing from my own personal experiences, I know that this book really does describe what a young competitive rider’s life would be like. The unique way of telling the story through three perspectives in different situations really intrigued me. This book is really well written with lots of figures of speech, and other ways to describe different aspects of the book. “He was leaning against the rail, his whip-thin body relaxed but buzzing with barely contained energy, like a sports car running in neutral” (17). I recommend this book for teens of all ages, because there is some mature content. Also, the main characters are teenagers, so teens who are reading the book can relate to the characters in various ways. As a horse lover myself, it was extremely easy for me to become engaged in the book, but I do believe that even if you’re not a horse person you will still feel involved in this book, because there is just about anything anyone can relate to.

-Savannah A., 7th grade

Book Review: Rotten, by Michael Northrop

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rotten_coverJD has just gotten back from staying “upstate” with his aunt, so he says, and finds out that his mother has rescued a full grown, untrained, slobbering Rottweiler who JD immediately calls Johnny Rotten.

JD would’ve never guessed that he’d become friends with Johnny but they slowly bond and it looks as if they have a great future together. Yet that idea is ruined when a lowlife, Mars, provokes Johnny and gets himself bitten. Mars and his family are poor and decide to sue JD’s mom for the tiny wound their son got. With barely enough money to support their family, JD’s mom will have to get rid of Johnny. However, JD strongly believes that Johnny was only protecting himself from Mars, and tries to find a way to prove the court that Johnny is innocent and Mars was trespassing and harassing the dog. But how will JD prove to the court that Johnny is innocent with no hard evidence? Read Rotten to see if Johnny is saved and find out what JD was doing “upstate.”

This book was the best book I read since last year. I had so many connections to it since I had an aggressive dog that bit other dogs. It was very fun to read and I recommend this book if feel like you need a relaxing book. Michael Northrop did an excellent job to keep the story flowing and have you wondering what would happen to poor Johnny.

-Marilyn J., 8th grade

Book Review: How To Be A Star, by M. Doty

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how_to_be_a_star_coverThe book How to be a Star is about a girl named Kimi Chen and her brush with Internet fame.

Every day in the cafeteria during lunch, Kimi always sits with the nerds, Amir, Dex, and Kevin. There is also a center table of the cheerleading team, Maria, Shannon, Lindsay, Amanda, and Nicole. The team is very popular at this school. Emily, who is a best friend to Kimi and a super-star swimmer, eats at the center table with the other girls. Kimi has wanted to sit at the center table.

Kevin suggests that Kimi sing a song and post it on YouTube because he has a cousin who’s a producer. She thinks it over and agrees, going to the studio and signing an original song written by Kevin’s cousin. The next day, she finds the video on YouTube with only seven views.

A week later she checks the song again and discovers over 50,000 views and lots of comments. Maria, the group leader, finally invites Kimi over to the center table for the first time at lunch. Kimi is shocked and walks over. Maria asks Kimi if she wants to go to the mall with her after school.

But are the cheerleaders her real friends?

-Samantha S., 7th grade

Book Review: Can I Play?, by J. Dillard

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can_i_play_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

Would you change everything for the chance?  In Can I Play?,  that is exactly what Keli Stennes does when she moves from small town girl to big time reality.

J. Dillard created Keli with a rare desire for volleyball, meaning she will do anything she can to reach her goal: a volleyball scholarship. This novel captures Keli’s journey as she meets decisions and bumps into problems, that involve people surrounding her in her life.

I have never read a more inspiring and motivational book. Not only has it taught me more about volleyball, but the desire and motivation from Keli, the main character, is unreal.

This story takes place near the Cascade Mountains, where there are school rivalries between small towns and big cities. Two schools, the Falls City Mountaineers and Dallas Dragons are rivalries in almost all sports. Falls City is the small town in which Keli exchanges for the Dallas school. Keli still lives in Falls City, but drives to Dallas everyday for school. This new city is a big step up for a small town girl.

Keli Stennes is a whole-hearted girl who has volleyball written all over her. She is the Queen of the Jumps, meaning she can jump higher than anyone else on blocking. She is an aggressive 5’11” outside hitter who can hammer the ball almost straight down during games. “She fed her the ball every moment she could with the same results… kill after kill”(pg.191). She is a loving girl who supports her single mother and grandfather since her father’s death. Keli also has respect for everyone around her. She is very friendly to her old and new classmates and teammates. Keli’s mom, Cindy, helps her make the right decisions to guide her life in the right direction. Cindy is always right by Keli’s side with love and support as she goes through her journey, becoming a fonomanal volleyball player. Growing up in Falls City, Cindy is used to the “tight population of 800” (9),  but when Keli changes schools, it opens a whole new world she’s never been in, pushing her to meet new people. Being a widow, Cindy tended to feel lonely at times but started to find love again after reuniting with an old friend.

Ashley is the best setter in the state, and also Keli’s best friend. Ashley faces some difficulties of her own and thankfully has Keli to catch her when she falls. Like Keli, one of Ashleys parents pasted away when she was a little girl. But her dad and Keli’s mom oddly enough became an item. Ashley has always been a Dallas Dragon. When she and Keli met each other at summer camp, they instantly became close and she is the one who convinced Keli to change schools. All is well when they both get on varsity until Ashley’s cousin becomes very sick and ill due to bad decisions with dangerous people.

Back at Falls City, Kelli was the celebrity star of the team. After being convinced by her best friend to change schools, her “old” friends turn on her and she makes new ones. But then she is stuck with the terrifying decision to choose between two boys,  one “she knew her whole life (and) a true real friend”? (242). As Keli makes her way onto the Dallas varsity team she goes to  the coaches office every day after school to receive advice and knowledge to improve her game. She also even takes instruction from Ashley, her best friend who is the setter on the varsity team as well. Suddenly Ashley’s cousin Greta becomes sick due to fooling around with a boy she was forbidden to see. But after she heals, all is good, there is peace between schools, but now there is a new problem. A BIG one.

Through my eyes, the theme of the story was to never be afraid of failure. I think this an important theme because a lot of us are always afraid to either be ourselves, put ourselves out there, or take risks because we don’t know what the outcome will be. Life is about being yourself and letting others put themselves out there and not to judge them back. This captures the story through my perspective.

Personally, I really enjoyed reading this book. I like how it is about my passion volleyball. Keli is a girl who has an incredibly rare desire for the game. It is truly an inspiration. The way the varsity girls played the game in the novel made me think I can do anything if I set my mind to it! I would recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about volleyball. Reading this book reminded me why I love the game so much.

-Nia M., 7th grade

Book Review: See What I See, by Gloria Whelan

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see_what_i_see_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

The amazing story of endurance and troubled relations, See What I See was so very interesting because of the well thought and creative plot. Gloria Whelan, writer of See What I See, brings a lot of feeling to her story and makes it emotionally appealing to everyone.

I found this book even more intriguing because of my favorite character, Kate Tapert. This young girl creates an even more unpredictable set-up and her reactions alone are what I continue to read for. Kate was accepted into an art majoring college, miles away from her trailer home and she needed a place to stay. Her only choice was nothing but to stay with her long-forgotten, divorced dad for the year. As she continues to pursue her dream to be a famous artist, Kate has the attitude of a pickle jar and a heart of gold.

Dalton Quinn, Kate’s father and a very famous painter, is also one of main problem-makers in Kate’s life. After disappearing and falling seriously ill, Dalton falls deep into his hole of miserableness and loss. He receives numerous letters and paintings from his beloved daughter not bothering to write one back. When Kate moves into his house without notice, he becomes even more stubborn and ill. His personality is stubborn and he repeats to Kate, “I don’t need anyone to do things for me, certainly not an amateur artist…” (Page 43). His illness takes over him and leaves Kate to wonder if it was alright to leave her father home alone during the day or continue to attend art school. His attitude is one that stands out and catches my attention.

Ms. Tapert is the mother of Kate and waitress at a hotel restaurant in Connecticut. After her husband left her and ran to another state, she’s been working everyday as a waitress and collecting tips to pay off the rent on their trailer house. She is as stubborn as Dalton and even replies saying, “I’m not going to move into a house paid with Dalton’s money” (Page 16). Even with a chance to receive some of Dalton’s money, Ms. Tapert is too proud to receive any amount. She’s always reluctant and despised even the idea of her daughter moving into Dalton’s house.

The complicated relationships of all these characters make a vivid scene that greatly impacts each other. Gloria Whelan did a wonderful job creating different situations where opposite personalities and ideas combine to create one. As you read on you can figure out the relationship of the family altogether and how Kate would figure out how to manage her life and dreams at once.

Woven throughout the book, Gloria Whelan has added in the idea of pursuing your own passion and finding your own path to complete it. Staying determined and accepting the many challenges is one of the great lessons that I learned from reading this book. Kate Tapert was used as a great example for this and everyone can find some way to relate to her.

Gloria Whelan did a great job explaining each scene and its story really captivated each moment. Read Gloria Whelan’s See What I See to see if Kate really does stick to what she loves, and what her father truly thinks about Kate and her mother. I encourage everyone to read this because it is truly inspiring and has a strong moral in it. See What I See is a great book to read during your own time and to learn more about what your own passion is and seeking it.

-Alice L., 7th grade

Book Review: My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult

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my_sisters_keeper_cover“In my first memory, I am three years old and I am trying to kill my sister.”

The first sentence of My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult shows how special the book is. The author seems to have a talent on catching the sensitive problems of teenagers. Maybe we should put away all the awards that this book earned first and look at this interesting book itself.

First, the book uses days to separate each chapter, which this book starts on a Monday and ends on a Thursday. In each chapter, different characters tell the story in their prospective and finally connect the whole story. We can see how each character think and change through out the book, which is a very important element of the story. Jodi Picoult didn’t write these characters– she brought them to life and recorded their story.

The main character, Anna, is not born by chance. She is a medicine that is scientifically planned, so she can donate her blood and organs to her sister Kate, who has leukemia. Who is she? The youngest daughter, or just a shadow of Kate?

I think this book is suitable for teenagers around 13 years old and above. I will rate this book 10 out of 10, yes. Every character has their own emotional life that even a single word can touch deeply in your heart, and somehow you will find out that there is a part of you that is similar to them. And together we will see this 13-year-old girl fights her battle for her existence; together we will see how this war ends.

“In the end, though, I did not kill my sister. She did it all on her own.”

“Or at least this is what I tell myself.”

-Wenqing Z., 11th grade